UNO Magazine | Issue 63 | Autumn 2024 | Luuka Jones

WASTE TO WONDER

Special Studio’s revolutionary designs

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Tauranga's new museum

OLYMPIC ODYSSEY

BEYOND RARO

Hidden gem of the Cook Islands

CRUISING KIWIS

One family’s ocean life WINTER ON

WAIHEKE

An easy island getaway

Dr Adam Bialostocki

Cosmetic & Reconstructive

Plastic Surgeon, MBChB FRACS (Plastics)

Dr Brandon Adams

Cosmetic & Reconstructive

Plastic Surgeon, MBChB FRACS (Plastics)

Dr Dan Butler

Cosmetic & Reconstructive

Plastic Surgeon, MBBS FRCS (Plastics)

If you feel that your breasts are not in proportion with your body size and shape, rest assured that you’re not alone. Women of all ages choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery to achieve a fuller bust or an improved contour. However, selecting the appropriate size and shape* can be a daunting task. Given the many options available it’s essential to discuss your desired results with a qualified plastic surgeon who can help you navigate the decision-making process. Our plastic surgeons have a wealth of experience with breast procedures, regularly performing breast surgery under general anaesthetic at Grace Private Hospital. They will provide recommendations for an optimal outcome based on your medical history and goals. Book a consultation to learn more about this often life-changing procedure and find out whether it’s right for you.

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COVER SHOT GRAEME MURRAY HAIR & MAKEUP DESIREE OSTERMAN STYLING

NICKY ADAMS

WORK

28 Special Studio

30 Tenby Powell: Man on a mission

34 Pioneering pathways for women

39 Cassandra Hogan: Mindful money

40 Chocolate for good

45 Surviving the school year

46 Tech testing corner

49 On brand with Jamie Bell

THRIVE

52 Style status

53 Trending now

54 Shop your wardrobe

55 Fashion forward

56 Wendys Boutique

59 Cashmore Clinic: Wedding ready

60 Sam Henry: A cut above the rest

62 Best in beauty

LIVE

68 Resene's white out

72 Oliver Road Luxury Real Estate

76 Landmark Homes

81 Coveted with Kathrine McDonald

83 Waste-free warrior

84 Contemporary charm with DC Build

PLAY

92 Stacey Jones: Kerbside cuisine

93 Wine time with Jess Easton

94 Vanya Insull's year-round flavours

98 Tauranga Museum

101 Art of change

102 Making a splash in Ōmokoroa

106 Awesome autumn gardening

108 Peak performance

109 On our bookshelf

EXPLORE

116 Winter on Waiheke

118 Escape to Aitutaki

122 Adventures in Whangamatā

124 The cruising Kiwis

129 What's on in the Bay

130 Harbourside dining

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

DIRECTOR

Michele Griffin

021 183 4618 michele@unomagazine.co.nz

DIRECTOR

Rebecca Meyer

027 469 6177 rebecca@unomagazine.co.nz

EDITOR

Hayley Barnett hayley@unomagazine.co.nz

FASHION EDITOR

Nicky Adams nickyadams@xtra.co.nz

DESIGNER

Annabelle Rose

ASSISTANT DESIGNER

Hannah Mahon

MEDIA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Stephanie Taylor

SUB-EDITOR

Katherine Granich

CONTRIBUTORS

Amber Armitage

Karen Clarkson

Jess Easton

Jo Ferris

Salina Galvan

Cassandra Hogan

Stacey Jones

Jahl Marshall

Kathrine McDonald

Graeme Murray

Desiree Osterman

Karl Puschmann

Jenny Rudd

Cam Scott

Casey Vassallo

SUBSCRIPTIONS unomagazine.co.nz/shop

PRINTER Kale Print

DISTRIBUTOR Are Direct PUBLISHED BY SAO Media Limited

UNO is a quarterly publication: ISSN 2744-7901 ©

Copyright 2024.

Ilove telling and reading good stories about good people doing good things in the Bay, and this issue is jam packed full of goodies.

There’s former mayor of Tauranga, Tenby Powell, ditching the start of retirement for saving the lives of Ukrainians. Very few people are willing to throw themselves into a war zone when they don’t have to – or so I thought. Tenby informed me that in fact hundreds of Kiwis have come forward, hoping to join him on his quest to provide aid to those stranded inside the war-torn country. Read about Tenby’s pursuit on page 30.

On page 34, local lawyer-turned-speaker Stacey Mareroa-Roberts is empowering wāhine Māori to move into senior management roles in the workplace. She realised early on that there was a need to inspire others to embrace their gifts and leadership.

Another goodie doing good is Cassandra Hogan, a life coach with a mission to improve the mental health of not only her clients but everyone she touches through her foundation 'he'. On page 39, she’s offered some helpful advice on how to stay composed during this current cost of living crisis.

not be

Meanwhile, closer to home, the lovely people at Weave Cacao are changing the way Pacific cacao farmers operate, by providing a business that gives back to them. By exposing the problems farmers still face in the chocolate industry, five Kiwis are combining their skills to create a better tomorrow for the 2.5 million farming families living in poverty (page 40).

And Katikati’s Kate Fenwick is educating Bay residents about changes to the national recycling scheme on page 83. These local legends prove just how great humanity can be when they decide to use their talents, skills and resources for good. Hopefully this issue inspires anyone thinking about doing good in their community and beyond to just jump right in and make it happen. Be the change you want to see in the world, peeps!

Hayley, editor

Our cover star Luuka Jones.

Behind the scenes at McLaren Falls.

CONTRIBUTORS

Meet three of our wise columnists featuring in the Autumn 2024 issue of UNO

LEANNE CASHMORE

Leanne started her own business, Cashmore Clinic, six years ago as she desperately needed a change. “I had to get stuck into something for me,” she explains. “My four kids had grown up and it seemed like the right time.” Leanne has worked in dermatology for more than 20 years. With a vast knowledge and passion for injectables, skincare and devices that can turn back time, she loves sharing her knowledge with UNO readers. “It makes me dive deep into a part of my brain that lies dormant day to day.” Read up on how to get your skin event-ready on page 59.

CASSANDRA HOGAN

Cassandra is a proud Bay of Plenty local and is excited to bring her community-focused enthusiasm to UNO. Recognised for successfully organising the men's mental health event “he.” that was featured in a previous issue of UNO, she's a life and business coach with a strong commitment to mental health. Also serving as a technical writer, Cassandra's versatile skill set adds a dynamic touch to her contributions. Beyond her professional roles, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, spending quality time with family and discovering local cafés. Discover Cassandra’s tips for keeping calm in the current cost of living crisis on page 39.

KATE FENWICK

Kate Fenwick, founder of Waste-Ed with Kate, is an advocate for minimising waste and mainstreaming the discussion about reduction, recycling and everything in between. With more than 18 years experience working on behaviour change programmes, Kate spends the year running educational sessions and courses throughout the country. Kate challenges greenwashing and debunks recycling myths both at her events and through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, where she has a passionate and engaged following. As a renowned speaker, Kate blends humour and emotion, leaving lasting impressions. She is also the resident waste expert on TVNZ’s Eat Well for Less. Turn to Kate’s page on 83 to stay up to date with the latest in waste education.

HOMELY HEIRLOOMS

Created using time-honoured techniques and sustainably sourced, dead-standing timber, Montana Woodworks brings that warmth of handcrafted furniture into your home. Find this unique collection, signed by the artisan, exclusively in New Zealand at Silkwood Living. From RRP$87.50. SILKWOODLIVING.CO.NZ

TAKE ME AWAY

Ensure your luggage is just as exciting as your itinerary with American Tourister’s Curio 2 Range. Your followers will have fomo before you’ve even set foot on the plane, with practical features including a combination lock, premium interior organiser and size expandability. From RRP$299.

STRANDBAGS.CO.NZ

WHAT’S HOT!

We’ve found the latest products for your mind, body and home.

HOT CHOC

These edible works of art from Fruney are a taste of Waikato’s finest, with hand-picked local ingredients incorporated through rich chocolate. The incredible range of flavour combinations are almost impossible to choose from and, if you can bear parting ways these beautiful bars, they make a great gift. RRP$13.80.

FRUNEY.CO.NZ

SCENIC SWEAT

Enjoy the many benefits of sauna anywhere with South’s Retreat Sauna Tent Package, set up in under ten minutes. Reaching temperatures of over 90°C super fast, you’ve got time to begin with a swim and create your own contrast therapy. RRP$3,200. SOUTHICEBATHS.CO.NZ

NO STRINGS ATTACHED

Not only do they keep your earpods safe, the new Miracle Worker case from Status Anxiety is a sleek addition to your handbag essentials. With three colourways to choose from in soft shrunken pebble leather, daily listening just got a whole lot cuter. From RRP$59.95.

PADDINGTONSTORE.COM

SUCKER FOR YOU

Elevate your glassware with the addition of these gorgeous Glass Cocktail Drinking Straws from Sucker. The multicolour pack brings a seriously playful vibe to cocktail hour, plus they’re delightfully durable and dishwasher safe. Ditch the single-use plastics and sip with purpose. RRP$28.

SUCKER.CO.NZ

IN THE MOOD

Switch up your evening sweet treat and promote a good night’s sleep with Moodi Hot Chocolate Functional PM Blend. The absence of refined sugar means it’s a guilt-free cuppa, with ashwagandha, reishi, zinc and magnesium to help you reach the land of nod. RRP$49.90.

MOODIBLENDS.COM

SNUG AS A BUG

With cooler evenings starting to creep in, adopt an extra layer with a beautiful NZ Wool Throw from MM Linen. Large and luxurious for cosying up on the couch, or for adding to the bed end to give your boudoir a classy lift. RRP$169.90.

MMLINEN.COM

WHISKY BUSINESS

Gaining recognition both here and internationally, artisan whisky distillers Thomson Whisky are part of a very exciting resurgence of whisky production in New Zealand. Their smooth, flavourful blends are smoked with native manuka wood, for an indulgent drop that’s brimming with Kiwi innovation. From RRP$89.95.

THOMSONWHISKY.CO.NZ

STAY GROUNDED

Not a want but a need for that coastal home aesthetic, the Malawi Rug is delightfully soft and supple underfoot. Each rug is made by hand from natural and sustainable wool fibres, designed to bloom and blend with time. RRP$2,275.

CLOVERDESIGNSTORE.CO.NZ

FLAVOURS OF PLENTY FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH

Tauranga foodies got together to welcome in the new 2024 programme, packed full of events from the Bay’s best bars and eateries.

6.

8. Maree Cohen, Alan Neben 9. Jewel McGuinness, Jemma-Leigh Baker, Jacqui Keene 10. Danielle Goodall and Catherine McKerras 11. Jolene James, Rose Connor 12. Kristian So’e, Jessica Reid, Patrick Langlois 13. Katja Halbgewachs, Pablo Nieto 14. Mikayla Rooney, Lisa Rooney, Jessica Easton, Annabel Taylor 15. Jill Whalley, Chris Whalley 16. Tim Rosamond, Sean Buchanan 17. Casey Vassallo, Ali Vassallo 18. Annie Hill, Anne Blakeway, Peter Blakeway

PHOTOS KATIE COX 1. Kathrin Chappell, Katy Bain 2. Gareth Wallis, Rae Baker, Jamie Jensen 3. Sadie Headland, Jo Baker 4. James Denyer, Shadrach Rolleston 5. David Stuart, Kirsty Moore, Rae Baker, Jacqui Keene

Melissa Mae, Andrew Klaasen 7. Ashlee Hastings, Sonya Korohina

TAURANGA

FRINGE FESTIVAL

The one-day Tauranga Fringe extravaganza was a whirlwind affair where artistic visionaries showcased their talents, captivating the audience and igniting artistic energies.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY THE INCUBATOR 1. Derek Jacombs

2. Michael Baxter, Corinne Rutherford, Chris Shennen

3. Brutus Powers, Charlotte Ann 4. Olive Anderson-Podmore, Tiana Keno 5. Freelunch Theatre 6. Ciska Vogelzang 7. Ysabell Young

8. Piper Blaster, Phil Hayhoe 9. Simone Anderson, Louise Frutzmacher, Franz Frutzmacher 10. Jan Anderson, Tania Roddwell 11. Pitch Pipe Playboys

12. Chinese Dragon 13. Jason Wu – Facechange 14. Freelunch Theatre

15. Sarah Dyck 16. Piper Blaster, Curves O Plenty 17. Freelunch Theatre

18. Tanya Trass 19. Donkey from Pets Aid Therapy BOP

DAYBREAK FESTIVAL

Priority One and partners held the very bright and colourful DayBreak Festival of Innovation over March 7-8.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Mary Stewart, Puhirake Ihaka, Aroha Kopae 2. Azoora Ali, Linda McWilliam

3. Shane Stuart, Laughton Kora, Melissa Conrad, Belinda Barnes, Helly Parsons, Jill Beedie, Nigel Tutt

4. Colin Baskin, Katie Hungerford 5. Belinda Barnes, Shane Stewart, Awhina Ngātuere, Karl Stevenson

6. Annie Hill, Lisa Gilmour, Mere Kawha, Te Rina McRae-Hape 7. Mel Conrad, Jules Simpson, Karl Stevenson, Clare Swallow 8. Hazel Tutt, Steve Swallow, Midu Chandra 9. Sarah Achilles, Hayley Nelson, Katie Douglas-Clifford, Sofia Clark-Roding 10. Anne Pankhurst, Kristy Hunter, Tanya Drummond, Renee Ball 11. Hayley Nelson, Shane Stuart 12. Julie Chappell, Sonja Motus 13. Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins, Francesca Eggleton 14. Belinda Barnes, Puhirake Ihaka, Helly Parsons, Mel Conrad, Jill Beedie 15. Amy Bourke, Sarah Dyck 16. Sarah Steele, Glenn Dougal, Dan Crothers

LANDMARK HOMES SHOWHOME LAUNCH

Landmark Homes launched their gorgeous new showhome recently at 5 Forstera Way, Palm Springs in Pāpāmoa.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Andy Munn, Mel Clarke 2. Glenn Halls, Jeremy Bloomfield 3. Gina Harris, Leanne Brooks, Hannah Brooks, Hamish Brooks, Donna Phillips 4. Kate Wade, Martin De Barr 5. Haz Clarke, Deane Pervan, Shelley Begg, Gary Woodhouse 6. Carly Stewart, Roselle Blockley, Alison Rowe, Trish Somerfield 7. Pete Wilbur-Smith, Emile Thompson, Cath McKenzie 8. Sam Lepin, Yasmin Lepin 9. Ivan van Heerden, Wesley Ridgway, Dan McLean 10. Lisa McFetridge, Bob Sanders, Jo Sanders 11. Beau Williams, Suzanne Heneghan 12. Summer Stowe, Sapphire James 13. Martin De Barr, Monica Zapater 14. Logan Stewart, Carly Stewart, Lisa McFetridge, Leanne Rich 15. Cath McKenzie, Hannah Brooks 16. Summer Stowe, Trish Somerfield, Richard Somerfield, Valiere Somerfield, Carly Stewart

THE COMEBACK KID

Two years ago kayaker Luuka Jones could barely walk down the street without wheezing. In July she’ll represent New Zealand in K1 and the extreme new Kayak Cross at the Olympic Games and hope to fulfil a long-held dream.

When Luuka Jones was 11 years old, she set a goal that one day she would win an Olympic gold medal. In July, the 35-year-old kayaker will look to fulfil that long-held ambition when she travels to Paris to represent New Zealand in her fifth – yes, fifth – Olympic games.

What makes her young promise so audacious is that back then, she was not a young kayaking prodigy nor was she showing promise of becoming the historymaking athlete that she is now. Heck, she wasn’t even kayaking competitively. She’d barely gotten her feet wet, having only learned how to paddle a year earlier.

“I don't know where that goal came from,” she laughs, thinking back to her humble beginnings on the water. “But I do have a strong memory of setting it. I was babysitting for my neighbours. They had Sky TV so

I was able to watch Sarah Ulmer win her gold medal at the Olympics. It must have inspired me.” Watching Sarah Ulmer whiz over the line at the 2004 games in Athens sparked something in Luuka. Sarah had just given New Zealand its first-ever gold medal in cycling and set a new world record in the process. Witnessing history being made was life-changing for the young Tauranga local watching along on the TV.

Shortly after she remembers entering the Waimarino Intermediate School kayak challenge on the Wairoa River. The event was a multi-stage race that strung various kayaking disciplines together and challenged participants across a wide range of skills.

She says she felt focussed and completely determined.

“I remember the nerves. The other girls were all really good but I was so motivated to try and win that competition. I remember how good it felt when I did,”

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN | PHOTOS GRAEME MURRAY + SUPPLIED STYLING NICKY ADAMS | HAIR & MAKEUP DESIREE OSTERMAN

she smiles, still looking chuffed at the result. “That feeling of winning never gets old. It's a deep satisfaction that you achieved something.”

It will not surprise you at all to learn that Luuka has a fierce competitive streak. It’s something you need to become a world-class athlete competing in two events at the Olympics – K1 slalom racing and the new Kayak Cross event – with all the discipline and training that is required. She guesses it was inherited. Her nana was a competitive tennis player and basketballer and her mum also plays tennis. Her sisters haven't been involved in high-level sport but their blood still pumps with that same fire.

“We played a lot of competitive board games,” she laughs. “We’d play The Game of Life and all be doing whatever it took to win. I've just always had a competitive streak. I guess what’s driven me is that I found a sport that I absolutely loved. I was going to do anything to try and get better at it.” Then she pauses and says, “It’s just been quite a long road.”

That road started on a farm. Before Luuka hit her teens, her grandparents bought some farmland next to the Wairoa River and then, shortly later, her parents moved the family next door. She started swimming lessons at the nearby Waimarino Water and Adventure Park, which is still running today, and then took up kayaking lessons, working at the park in exchange for the lessons.

“Barbara and Barry, who owned the park, were incredible and really supportive of me,” she says. She quickly grew to love recreational kayaking. She would go away on kayak camping trips and learned how to paddle the river’s gnarly whitewater. Her skills quickly improved and before too long she was navigating the entire whitewater section right down to below McLaren Falls.

“It was such a buzz,” she enthuses. “You learn skills that you don’t know you’re learning and get that whitewater confidence. But it’s also the joy of being out on the river with everyone. That camaraderie and friendship. Some of the people I met early on in my recreation career are still my friends today.”

In a few short months, the sport of Kayak Cross will make its Olympic debut. After taking first place at last October’s World Cup in France, Luuka is considered a favourite for the event.

This kayak offshoot is best described as a mix of raw physical strength and chess-like tactics that plays out in real-time among swirling rapids. It is thrilling to watch.

At the start of the race, the kayakers plunge down a steep ramp straight into the frothing waters below. They are frighteningly close to each other and then, suddenly, they’re not as they disappear into a flurry of paddles and shoot along their chosen lines through the whitewater and around the gates that make up the course. From their vantage point at the top of the ramp, the athletes have a split second to see a line that accounts for speed, the churning waters, and take a guess at what their competitors are thinking. Plans can rapidly go out the window. Ramp position, the way the kayak hits the water at the bottom of the ramp, and even a little bit of competitive argy-bargy on the water can sink any Olympic dreams. Kayak Cross is both physically and mentally demanding. And not without its dangers.

“It’s very tactical. Some lines are shorter or faster but people are chasing you or you’re chasing someone and you're having to read the whitewater, navigate the gates, and interpret what other people are doing. You’re under pressure because someone’s going to try and take you out or smash into you. You really need to be aggressive. There’s so much going on. That’s what I love about the event.”

As Luuka explains the physical, aggressive, aspect of Kayak Cross, I can’t help but notice a little glint in her eye. I point this out and she laughs and exclaims, “It’s true!” before elaborating.

“If you’re behind someone, you really do need to come down and smash them out of position.”

We both laugh and then she says, “But it is quite nerve-wracking, sitting up on that ramp,” before explaining what it’s like.

“You have your plan, but when you launch in you have

“ THAT FEELING OF WINNING NEVER GETS OLD. IT'S A DEEP SATISFACTION THAT YOU ACHIEVED SOMETHING. ”

“ IT’S ALSO THE JOY OF BEING OUT ON THE RIVER WITH EVERYONE. THAT CAMARADERIE AND FRIENDSHIP. ”

1. Winning the recent world cup in Paris 2023 (Kayak Cross). 2. Paddling

Anawhenua Falls at 13 years old – Luuka's first waterfall.

3. Luuka and fiancé Brenden in Slovenia. 4. Luuka and Brenden. 5. Luuka at Waimarino (filming for What Now? ). 6. Luuka competing in Australia as part of the NZ Development Team ( photo Ian Mercer). 7. Luuka competing at the Kayak Cross Nationals in Auckland ( photo Rod Hill ). 8. At the Tokyo Olympics ( photo Greenfly).

no idea what’s going to unfold. You all launch at the same time and you want to be fast down the ramp and people are paddling and there’s so much going on that you have to be quite calm and composed in what is an incredibly chaotic situation. You hope that when you land, you’re going to be out in front, but that doesn’t always happen. You could get a paddle to the face.”

The most extraordinary part of Luuka’s journey to the 2024 Olympic Games, and what will make it ripe for a movie adaptation if she does indeed win the gold medal, is that less than two years ago she was diagnosed with Long Covid. It well and truly knocked her out. Forget about gold medals, she could barely make it to the letterbox without becoming puffed out of breath and needing to rest.

Her illness forced her to completely drop out of the 2022 season, losing the whole year as she rested and recuperated. For the competitive, world-class athlete, it was devastating and led to many dark days and sleepless soul-searching. During that long, hard year Luuka admits that she often thought about quitting and regularly questioned not just her commitment to kayaking but also her love for it.

“It was a hugely challenging experience,” she sighs. “I realised a lot of my happiness was wrapped up in physical activity. It wasn’t that I just couldn’t compete for a year, it was that I couldn’t do anything physical. Going for a walk was a big deal. I couldn’t feel competitive so I wasn’t excited about coming back to race. I was starting to question,

“ THERE’S SO MUCH GOING ON THAT YOU HAVE TO BE QUITE CALM AND COMPOSED IN WHAT IS AN INCREDIBLY CHAOTIC SITUATION. ”

“ WHEN I REFLECT ON MY JOURNEY I HAVE A LOT OF THINGS TO SHARE, AND IT’S NICE TO MAYBE INSPIRE SOMEONE TO PICK UP A PADDLE OR PURSUE SOMETHING THAT THEY’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT. ”

‘Should I even be doing this?’ or ‘Am I ever going to come back after a year out?’ All these thoughts cross your mind.”

It sounds like there may have been some depression seeping in, understandable given the circumstances, and she nods and heavily says, “Yeah, probably a little bit.”

Luuka talks about installing a hyperbaric chamber in her garage and laying in it for a couple of hours each day to get more oxygen to her lungs and help her body fight the infection.

Her recovery routine started out with three training sessions per week. If she had a recovery week, she never really enjoyed it, as she never felt like she'd earned it.

Eventually, after an incredibly difficult year, the fog lifted and Luuka felt able to race. She entered the Nationals, an action she describes as “a big deal” after her year off. She paddled well but disaster struck when she injured her neck. The injury took her out of contention for another couple of weeks. This set a pattern where she’d return only to hurt her knee or stuff up her arm. It seemed like every time she hit the water, she’d land another injury and be confined back to land.

“It wasn’t all just Covid, it was all these little obstacles along the way to getting back into full-time training,” she explains. “But my philosophy is that there’s an opportunity in everything. So I tried to look for the opportunities.”

One was being able to spend the year in New Zealand with her fiancé and her family instead of being off competing in Europe as she usually would be. But the biggest thing, she says, was that the enforced time off ultimately led to rediscovering her love for the sport.

“Before Covid I’d get so caught up in my mistakes. If I had a bad session, I’d take it home with me and be really pissed off for a long time. Now I’m just grateful for being out on the water, feeling those sensations and being able to paddle again. I’m glad I wrote down in my journal what was going on because I can look back and be like, ‘Oh, yeah, that was tough.’

“But I’m the sort of person who just charges forward and doesn’t really hold on to those things too much,” she continues. “They make you more resilient, or they

teach you something at the time, and then you just have to crack on.”

For someone about to compete in two events against the best athletes in the world at the most prestigious and globally historic sporting competition, Luuka is extremely relaxed. She’s in good spirits and feeling confident.

“I think it’s easy to be relaxed when you’re a few months out from the Games,” she jokes. “But it’s a high-pressure event, for everyone, and we’re all in the same boat, excuse the pun. But I try and put a lot of effort into preparing mentally as well as physically.

It’s a big occasion with a lot of pressure and a lot of distractions. When I visualise the Olympics I feel a bit nervous. But I enjoy this time of year because it’s been a three-year build, and it all starts coming to fruition.”

Luuka’s comeback is nearly complete. She’s mentally and physically prepared. She’s going in as a favourite. And, perhaps most of all, she’s excited.

In her astonishing career, she’s set so many kayak slalom records in New Zealand, brought home so many medals, and competed in those four previous Olympic Games that she’s now the athlete that young babysitters around Aotearoa are watching compete on TV.

“I sometimes forget that maybe I am a role model because I still haven’t achieved what I want to achieve, or I’m not at that level yet,” she says, referencing her decades-old goal.

“But when I reflect on my journey I have a lot of things to share, and it’s nice to maybe inspire someone to pick up a paddle or pursue something that they’re passionate about. That would make me really happy to know that I've helped someone to chase their dream.”

Which circles us back to the start. Luuka got Silver at Rio. Will she get Gold in Paris fulfilling the goal she set for herself all those years ago?

“Hopefully, yeah! I mean, that’s the goal,” she laughs. “My fiancé , my family and my friends will all be there watching. It’s a really special occasion to share with them and then to go out there and see what I can do. And it’s so exciting to represent the Bay.”

Then she smiles warmly and says, “Really, I’m just a small-town girl from Tauranga.”

MAYOR TO MAVERICK

Tenby Powell's caring new venture

PAGE 30

Stories about the everyday passions that drive us.

MONEY MATTERS

Think before you spend

PAGE 39

CHOC TALK

Cocoa that makes a big difference

PAGE 40

PLASTIC FANTASTIC Sustainable homewares

PAGE 28

DISRUPTIVE DESIGN

An outside-the-box creative uses recycled plastic to 3D print aesthetic objects for home.

WORDS CASEY VASSALLO

Based in Tauranga, Special Studio is a design and production studio that fashions intriguing objects from recycled plastics using 3D printers. Located on Durham Street, the space acts as both the workshop and showroom, where each piece comes to life.

It kicked off with the Lulu bin in 2021, named after friend and designer Lulu Jackson (of Lulu Jackson Bridal), who suggested adding a twist to the prototype, literally. “The idea was to make a rubbish bin out of rubbish,” says founder Matt Watkins.

The first sale came through Instagram, and Mount Maunganui’s beloved Paper Plane became their first retailer. The business has since snowballed, and today, it can’t keep up with demand despite making around 100 pieces a week.

The distinct and popular Lulu form has gone on to become a display bowl, funky planter and stool, which remains their bestseller and takes up to 14 hours to print. More recently, they’ve added a bulbous Bubble side table to the repertoire, a stone-looking Monolithic side table, and a collection of mini Lulu stools for the little ones. There’s also a new rock collection, where no two objects turn out the same, and a range of lighting is in production.

Other designs have been born from collaboration, like the Twist side table by designers Daniel Vi Le (who works for the likes of Cult Gaia) and Tanil Raif (ex-Yeezy design architect), and can be found in the Orange County Museum of Art’s Please Do Not Enter concept store

as Special Studio’s first international stockist. Matt has also worked with Warren and Mahoney Architects to engineer an e-waste recycling bin for One NZ’s stores nationwide, featuring the Noise design’s rippled texture and embossed with “recycled devices ”

Matt puts Special Studio’s success down to the unison between the designs and materials, similar to Tesla’s recipe. “Our products could look this great, but if they weren’t made from recycled plastic, they wouldn’t sell as well,” he explains. “If they were all made from recycled plastic, but they didn’t look this good, we wouldn’t sell them.”

Back when Matt bought his first 3D printer in 2018, it didn’t start with what to make, but how. More specifically, mass production’s unsustainable nature spurred him to create his own circularity model.

“The goal for starting the company was to figure out the best way to make stuff, period,” Matt says. “You need to make on demand, and that’s what led to get into additive manufacturing and 3D printing.” That is, 100 machines making 100 objects are more reliable and adaptable than one machine making 100 objects.

Running close to 24/7, Special Studio has a host of small Delta 3D printers and a few custom-made large-format printers of their creation. “We make what we sell, which is incredibly rare,” Matt says. “And because we make the machines that make the products, we have total control over the production process.”

It ’s also Matt’s way of looking at a global issue – plastic waste – and how he can spin it into a solution. “The problem with plastic is behavioural. We have to stop

using plastics for single-use applications, but we shouldn't demonise plastic,” he says. “It’s easier to recycle, easier to process, you can mould plastic, and it requires low energy.”

In its raw form, recycled plastic filament looks like fishing wire. Matt sources the colourful matte material from Netherlands company Reflow, and KiwiFil supply the clear, white, black and amber materials. Computer-operated, the 3D printer draws each design in fine layers using the filament. “The best way to explain it is a hot glue gun on the end of a robot,” Matt says. Close up, you can see the moulded lines that give each piece a textural look.

This isn’t Matt’s first successful venture, either. Off the back of DJing around town, he co-founded SoundSwitch in 2011, a software and hardware system used to synchronise lighting and music performances. He built the business from zero, raised capital, and learned the manufacturing game before selling to American enterprise inMusic in 2018.

Special Studio is soon looking to scale and set up 3D printers overseas (like the US and Australia) to make objects closer to their destination, but the Bay of Plenty will remain home. “If we had a machine in every major market, we could send the print files, and overnight it could be released globally,” Matt says.

Matt has always had a bigger picture in mind, though. “The long-term goal, whether that’s with Special Studio or a secondary company, is to move into functional architecture components,” he says of staircases, boats and homes. “For me it’s about design – being able to create something totally unique and new. That’s the exciting part.”

MAN ON A MISSION

Former Tauranga mayor Tenby Powell has pushed aside a cushy retirement for putting his life on the line, in the quest for a better tomorrow.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

Tenby Powell arrives at a busy Mount Maunganui beachside café for our interview sporting a military-issue patrol pack emblazoned with the letters POWELL, and his A-negative blood type, across the back. As he charges through the crowd wearing his aviators, black Kiwi K.A.R.E T-shirt and hiking boots, I get a much better idea of what it is that drew Tenby to war-torn Ukraine. This is a military man who knows his place in the world, and it’s not sipping lattes on the beach.

That said, he politely insists on buying me a coffee and settles in to explain why exactly he’s so set on putting himself in harm’s way when he could be, well, sipping lattes on the beach.

“I was like many of us watching the television in February 2022, aghast at what was happening,” he says. “The immorality of this war is just extraordinary. I couldn't sit back and do nothing.”

At 63, with more than 30 years of military experience under his belt, Tenby knew what to expect going into a situation like this. He contacted an old colleague in Poland and ended up joining him on an aid mission into Ukraine. But, even as a former colonel, he was surprised at how big a need there was.

“The volume and weight of humanitarian need affected me so much,” explains Tenby. “I wanted to create a Kiwi-led organisation that would be highly effective and respected.”

And so he came up with Kiwi K.A.R.E, which stands for Kiwi Aid and Refugee Evacuation, and headed back into Ukraine later on in 2022.

A few years before this, Tenby had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. One would think a cancer diagnosis would steer a person away from stressful situations. I suppose you could argue that it did. He had stepped down from his mayoral gig here in Tauranga, which lasted just 15 months. But as soon as he’d quit to focus on his health, he just as quickly took off to Ukraine, dodging bullets to provide aid to civilians.

Since 2022, he has spent a total of 13 months there, enough time to “get stuff done”.

Today Tenby, with the help of his team, has delivered many hundreds of tonnes of humanitarian and medical aid to the country, and conducted numerous evacuations for people escaping dangerous areas.

Late last year, seven St John ambulances were imported into Ukraine, with six now working under the control of frontline medical units. The remaining vehicle, named Manaaki (meaning caring), has been retained as their mobile health asset, one of a number

Tenby with Maryna from the Day By Day Foundation, partner of Kiwi K.A.R.E.

Tenby in Balakliya handing out humanitarian aid.

“ ...HUMANITARIAN WORK WILL ALWAYS END UP WITH ONE PERSON, ONE FAMILY. IT WORKS WITH MOST THINGS, YOU START SMALL AND GROW FROM THERE. ”

dedicated to their 'Road of Life' outreach programme.

“We’re a last-mile distributor of medical and humanitarian aid, which is to say we put it directly into the hands of those that need it,” explains Tenby. “We don't put it into aid hubs and then have other people siphoned out from there. We go all the way. We've got incredible relationships today with senior politicians, with senior military commanders, with senior civic and business leaders, and now we’re getting personal letters saying, ‘Please help us.”

One of those letters was from the mayor of a very damaged town asking for help with heating. Winter in Ukraine is harsh, with temperatures dropping to below -20˚C.

From this correspondence, the team recognised a huge need for stoves and heaters, and now Kiwi K.A.R.E is funding and manufacturing wood burning stoves and water heaters, recycled from old electrical boilers. In 2022, as a trial, they distributed 280 units, which were described as “lifesaving” by families who received them. Last year, they had requests for more than 1500, and their main aim is to raise funds to manufacture them at a cost of NZ$160 for the stoves and NZ$260 for the combined stove and water heater. If power and water is cut off due to infrastructure damage, the units keep families alive.

Attached to each stove that Kiwi K.A.R.E makes is a plaque that says “With Love from New Zealand”.

This all started from one family and, in fact, the whole Kiwi K.A.R.E operation started with just one van, which Tenby purchased during his time in Kyiv before venturing into Ukraine's red zones. They now have a fleet of vehicles, including a 12-tonne truck.

“That’s something I learned from my time at the council here,” says Tenby, referring to his stint as Tauranga’s mayor. “I remember Tauranga's police boss telling me that humanitarian work will always end up with one person, one family. It works with most things; you start small and grow from there.”

In this case, Tenby realised he needed to start with a truck and two vans to deliver 500 sleeping bags and mattresses, 40 stoves and water boilers, and that came down to 150 families.

“There'll be two or three of those families that are desperate, they'll have children, they'll be starving, they'll be sick. Our aim is to reach the people that most need it. And mostly we do.”

As a consequence, however, Tenby says he’s learned the hard way that Kiwi K.A.R.E can't be all things to all people. “God knows we tried and failed. I've had humanitarian aid stolen, which is why we're a last-mile deliverer without using third-party

THIS PHOTO: A refugee centre outside L'viv. LEFT: Tenby with a recycled water heater.

Before his first aid visit to Ukraine, Tenby completed a speaking tour around New Zealand at 22 venues and raised $130,000, a significant proportion coming from a Waiheke Island walking group. Made up of some big names like former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry, former chief executive of Bauer Media NZ Paul Dykzeul, and former NZ Rugby and Media Works boss Brent Impey, Tenby explained, “The group said they can solve pretty much every problem in the world walking 10 kilometres around Waiheke Island, but they couldn't solve Ukraine's. So I got a call from Brent and the

Kiwi K.A.R.E is always on the lookout for financial help and has big plans for the coming year, thanks to some generous donations. But Tenby says it’s mostly the fact he’s able to be in face-to-face positions with people on the ground, where the biggest differences are made.

“We cannot move the dial in Ukraine,” admits Tenby. “We don't have the capability to do it. But boy can we move the dial for the people that we touch. We take people from bleak conditions with no hope, to providing lots of hope. And that's worth its weight in gold.”

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PIONEERING PATHWAYS

A Tauranga businesswoman and leadership coach has undergone a transformative journey from teenage mum to commercial lawyer and now an award-winning speaker. This year she embarks on her journey as one of seven female-led businesses to join the Coralus Venture programme. UNO spoke to Stacey Mareroa-Roberts about her inspiring story and her goals for the “ future of female”.

WORDS KAREN CLARKSON

When Stacey MareroaRoberts (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi te Rangi, Ngāti Awa, Whakatohea, and Te Rarawa) reflects on her journey from a young law student to globally revered inspirational speaker and workshop leader, she stops to acknowledge the character and grit it took to overcome the barriers she faced. “I wasn’t thinking about failure, or what happens if I don’t. I had this clear awareness of what the world could look like if things were different.

I was also a teenage mother studying full-time and working part-time trying to make ends meet, so it was needs must,” she recalls.

Her unwavering determination coupled with an inquiring mind was highlighted at age 14, when Stacey was taught a version of local history at school that wasn’t resonating. She reached out to her marae historian at Whakamarama, Te Puna, who shared some unique family treasures and local records.

“I was like a kid in a candy store, poring over court transcripts, archives, and records, interviewing our kaumatua about the treasures I explored. We wrote our own version of local history that reflected stories of our people and our community,” explains Stacey.

From there, the seed was planted to forge a path to create and share a more inclusive

history and stories, she says. The ambitious 18-year old moved to Hamilton to start a double degree in law and social science – the first person from her family to attend university. Halfway through that year, she discovered she was pregnant, expecting a baby boy.

“I wanted to come home to raise my son, so I completed my first year of study and moved back to Tauranga.” At the time, there was no law degree offered in Tauranga, so Stacey pioneered one. “The University of Waikato said they needed a dozen people to join the course to justify a programme here. So I went door-knocking,” she laughs. “And found enough people to study with me.”

From there, Stacey embarked on a challenging journey as a young mother and student, juggling night classes, assessments and work to support herself. She soon realised the lack of support for Māori women like her striving for change. Graduating as the only woman among her peers with a double degree, both achieving international honours, she also received the Top Scholar Prize for History and financial aid of scholarships, acknowledging the crucial role of community and family support.

“As I walked up to receive my degrees, my nan proudly represented my entire family, who were standing close by. It truly takes a village,” she explains.

After achieving a Master of Laws with top honours in Māori governance, Stacey

quickly emerged as a local icon, a dynamic wāhine Māori lawyer driven by purpose in the Bay of Plenty. Specialising in posttreaty settlement business and leadership structuring, she provided invaluable advice to various Māori organisations ranging from informal groups seeking incorporation to multi-level joint ventures balancing commercial goals with their vital role in managing people and stewardship of land resources for the future.

It was during this time that her foray into professional public speaking quickly gained momentum. Within a few years, a passionate side hustle evolved into a part-time career as an inspirational speaker and workshop leader traveling abroad and hosting online workshops.

“While sharing my knowledge and experiences at business conferences, universities and professional development events, I realised that, as I was going through my own transformation, I had the opportunity to inspire others to embrace their gifts and leadership too,” she reflects.

Stacey has now empowered more than 15,000 people through speaking engagements, business development workshops and leadership courses.

Last year, Stacey was named in the Top 100 Global Transformational Coaches Dominating 2023. Her most recent accolade was her selection from nearly 100 applicants across Aotearoa to join the Coralus 2024 Venture cohort – the first recipient from the Bay of Plenty in the

Above: The 2022 Wāhine Summit and Celebration in Tauranga. Right: Stacey wIth her son at her graduation from The University of Waikato.

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organisation’s history. Launched in Canada in 2015, Coralus (formerly SheEO) is a global community of women dedicated to ticking off the world’s to-do list. As a collective, they contribute to a fund that provides vital support and interest-free loans to women-led businesses, like Stacey’s, striving to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

“Our mahi has always been centred on inclusive leadership and high-value enterprise education for social and economic prosperity,” Stacey says. “This alignment with Coralus enables us to champion representation of indigenous people even further and create a sustainable pathway for Māori, especially women, to step into their leadership.”

While Stacey has rubbed shoulders with motivational coaches and speakers including Eric Thomas, Lisa Nichols, and Trent Shelton and worked with clients like Dr Michelle Dickinson (Nanogirl) and Alexia Hibertidou (GirlBoss), she says her heart lies in the roots of her community, developing business leaders at home.

“I reflected ‘Where could I have the most impact?’. And it’s here, supporting women, who are already doing incredible work, to step into their leadership and be given the tools and confidence to ignite their passion and talent.”

Stacey believes we have a real opportunity with initiatives like Coralus to shift the needle permanently. “One day I hope we won’t have strategies to promote and retain women in power, or say we are talking about wāhine leadership, we will just say leadership. There’s room for everybody and I want to help create

a pathway for women to prosper in leadership roles and our rangatahi to see themselves within those leaders; exactly what I was missing as that wide-eyed teenager from Te Puna, hoping to change the world.”

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Stacey’s aspirations for BOP women in business:

• Workplaces recognise women as leaders in business and ensure equal access to professional development opportunities.

• Increase local investment in business capability development workshops for women in leadership by 30 percent.

• Improve funding for semi-formal events that focus on system change, knowledge transfer and parity in enrolment and achievement in high-value qualifications and careers.

• Amplify women-led small businesses as employers and key contributors to the local economy.

• Achieve a 20 percent increase in wāhine Māori representation in senior management.

In the current landscape of economic uncertainty and the relentless rise in the cost of living, financial stress has become an unwelcome companion for many New Zealanders. It's essential to acknowledge that if you find yourself grappling with financial worries, you’re not alone.

The burden of money-related stress is pervasive, triggering emotions such as embarrassment, shame, anger and frustration.

This financial insecurity isn't confined to impacting our wallets alone; it seeps into our physical and mental wellbeing, disrupting essential aspects of our lives. Sleep patterns are interrupted, exercise routines are abandoned, and eating habits are compromised. The toll on mental health is profound, making it crucial to address these challenges with empathy and resilience.

To navigate through this difficult terrain, it's vital to recognise that there are resources available to support you.

MINDFUL ABOUT MONEY

Fontein Coaching’s Cassandra Hogan teaches us to navigate mental wellbeing amid the cost-of-living crisis.

One of the first steps towards managing financial stress is to open up to someone you trust, whether it's a friend, partner or a financial advisor. Sharing your concerns can alleviate the weight on your shoulders and provide a fresh perspective on potential solutions.

Taking control of your finances, even in the face of economic uncertainty, can be empowering. Implementing a household budget or a financial plan allows you to regain a sense of control. If this seems overwhelming, online tools like sorted.org.nz/budgeting-tool can guide you step by step, helping you save as you go. Seeking professional advice from a financial advisor or debt consolidator can provide tailored solutions to your specific situation.

Simplifying and decluttering your life is another powerful strategy. Being mindful of where your money goes and making conscious choices can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Additionally, exploring opportunities to sell unused items online not only helps you declutter but also provides an extra

source of income. You may also consider exploring additional income streams through freelance work or leveraging your skills, such as photography, to supplement your earnings.

Community support is invaluable during challenging times. Connect with your local community to share resources, organise swaps of services for goods, or coordinate work and school commutes to reduce travel costs.

Above all, prioritise your mental health. Physical activity is a potent antidote to stress. In the scenic beauty of New Zealand, taking a walk or engaging in outdoor activities can be a quick pick-me-up and refreshing break.

If you're struggling, consult with your doctor or GP for advice, or call 1737 anytime to connect with a trained counsellor. Remember, in the face of the cost-of-living crisis, there are avenues for support and strategies to enhance your mental wellbeing. You are not alone on this journey.

CHOCOLATE REVOLUTION

Weave Cacao is moving mountains across the Pacific one chocolate drop at a time.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

Oonagh Browne is passionate about two things: Chocolate and change.

After 18 years in the chocolate industry, she’s come to realise that although good things take time, change in her world is now somehow more stagnant than ever.

For the past four years, Oonagh has been working on the ground with farming communities across the Pacific, to help improve the lives of cacao farmers in the region. What she found is 2.5 million lifelong farmers still living in poverty, even with many providing “fairtrade” cacao beans. Some communities have been harvesting beans for more than 100 years without ever trying their own cacao.

“Many farmers in the Pacific have no idea what they're actually growing,” says Oonagh. “They drink Milo – a real treat – without even realising their contribution to it.”

So Oonagh decided to take matters into her own hands by creating Weave Cacao, a business designed to create a paradigm shift in chocolate production that’s centred on empowering these communities.

“We want to show what's possible all the way through, from planting to manufacturing, in providing a volume, ethical chocolate out into the market,” she explains. “For hundreds of years farmers were taught how to grow the beans and how to put the beans in a sack to be shipped, but when a farmer takes their beans down to the wharf to sell, they get a different price depending on the Stock Exchange that day. They are the people who make the least money and we want to change that, not to handhold, but to give them fair pricing and a connection to their crops.”

Right now, New Zealand has a budding craft chocolate industry, but even as it grows most chocolate makers are only using 10 to 15 sacks

Oonagh and Mike with the cacao farmers in Papua New Guinea.

“ WE WANT TO SHOW WHAT'S POSSIBLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH, FROM PLANTING TO MANUFACTURING , IN PROVIDING A VOLUME, ETHICAL CHOCOLATE OUT INTO THE MARKET. ”

of beans per year, not nearly enough to sustain the Pacific’s farming communities.

“I knew that we had to do something very different to be able to make true volume impact, while staying completely authentic in our ethos,” explains Oonagh. Her vision of creating couverture chocolate – a chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter than most chocolate on the market – was starting to come together, but the challenge was in providing the stability, pricing and education needed to uplift the quality required for production.

Lucky for Oonagh, the right people miraculously came together and Weave Cacao took off within a year. “We've moved mountains,” she says.

At the Pacific Cacao and Chocolate Show in Auckland in 2022, Oonagh presented the grim realities of the chocolate industry to the many companies who

attended and pushed the need for change. Within just a few days, Mike and Simone of Raglan Chocolate called her and asked what they could do to help. Together the three created a vision for a couverture chocolate they knew would make a real impact. Then Oonagh asked her friend Donna, a fellow Edmund Hillary Fellowship member, to guide them in forming the company. Donna fell in love with the idea and soon became the fourth member and shareholder of the team.

The problem now was raising enough money to purchase the equipment required to make couverture chocolate from the whole cacao bean. On one of her working trips to Papua New Guinea, Oonagh rang the team and said, “How about we produce here in Port Moresby [the capital] at the Paradise Foods chocolate factory? The equipment is old, but I know with our skills, we can do it.” Everyone agreed, and so Mike and Oonagh got to work on the recipe development.

Mike admires the fruiting cacao trees.

The end result was fluid, flavourful and ready for market. There was just one more step to get through – the branding.

On a visit to Raglan for a team meeting, Donna invited another Edmund Hillary fellow to join them for lunch: Tesh Randall, founder of Raglan Food Co and The Values Trust. Amazingly, Tesh had a dream of being part of a purpose-led chocolate company, and when the conversation turned to branding, sales and marketing – Tesh’s specialty – she jumped at the chance to be involved. And so the fifth member and shareholder was in place, completing the talented team.

They now had a chocolate brand with a difference.

“There wasn’t a premium quality couverture chocolate in the baking aisles at home, so we wanted to really encourage bakers, chefs and cafés to buy more volume quality chocolate,” says Oonagh. “In New Zealand we don't have the tradition of using quality chocolate at home or within the food industry.”

But, though they had a quality product, they needed to make sure their main aim of helping the farmers came to fruition. The team set up a charitable trust called Ū Cacao Trust, which currently owns 26 percent of the social enterprise and aims to take over the business in the coming years. They set this up as a way to ensure profits will always go back into the pockets of the farming communities.

Left: Oonagh and Karina, general manager of production partner Paradise Foods, in Port Moresby.

Above: The Weave founding team – Simone, Oonagh, Mike, Tesh and Donna.

Right: Weave Cacao's newly launched products – 58 percent and 70 percent couverture chocolate drops.

Says Tesh: “The goal is for the trust to buy us out. Over time, the founders will essentially transfer ownership to the farmers, which I think is very unique and really beautiful – the thought of all the profits ending up in their hands. Then we just become an advisory board, helping them to keep it growing.”

It’s a big dream, but the team truly believe they have the power to do it, by inspiring others to do the same.

“We do believe we can change the chocolate industry,” says Oonagh. “Fairtrade is not enough. Our branding is about uplifting and inspiring the consumer. Not to point fingers, but a lot of people don’t realise that some of these big, apparently ‘fairtrade’ companies have been sold off to large corporations.

“With transparency all the way through, we will make a real change for farming communities and show everyone what is truly possible.”

Right now the focus is on Papua New Guinea, with an eye on the rest of the Pacific in the coming years.

“We've been working in the Solomon Islands and just kicked off Vanuatu, so while it’s only Papua New Guinea beans for now, we will be growing,” says Oonagh. Lasting change, she says, is just around the corner.

“Our main aim is to lift cacao farmers out of poverty all over the Pacific.”

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After any school holidays, shifting head space from pyjama days to lunchboxes, homework, and after-school activities can be quite the brain reset, and it’s easy to throw ourselves neck-deep in after-school commitments and unintentionally overload everyone.

I always have good intentions about slowing down the pace and committing to less, but I’m not always the best at implementation. And when I’m overstretched, I’m not thriving, I’m surviving. I get tired and grumpy. Basically, the less attractive side of my personality blossoms (cringey flashback to me storming outside to the car one morning while shouting, “Whether you lot are ready or not, I’m not going to be late to work again, so I’m leaving right now!” with said young “lot” screaming for fear of being left behind. Deep breath). I’m really hoping I’m not alone in this regard.

After a relaxing summer break, this is the perfect time to reflect on the family schedule and be a little bit strategic about the busy-ness. Scaling back gives more breathing space, and a better chance to connect with our kids. Easier said than done? Here are a few thoughts around how this might work.

1. Practise saying no: Saying “I’ll think about that and get back to you” is a great approach when you’re requested to sign up, volunteer, join a club, or take on the netball team

SURVIVING OR THRIVING?

The Parenting Place’s Holly-Jean Brooker gives tips for getting through the busy-ness of the school year.

treasurer role. This gives you time to truly reflect on whether the opportunity is the right fit for your schedule and something you really want to give up your spare time for.

2. Less is more: Be realistic about how many extra-curricular activities your kids can do. Maybe just one extra thing per child, per term is the reasonable (and manageable!) way forward for your family. Our kids can be involved in the decision-making process around what activities or sports to do, so they can practise weighing up options, making wise choices, and following through on commitments. Lifelong learnings right there!

3. Stay local, stay together : Look at ways to streamline activities – choosing the local option to reduce travel time or getting your kids to try the same activity at once (I’ve got both my kids at the same surf school programme and signed them up for soccer on the same day, which knocks it out in the same session! Winning!).

4. Put up some fences: Put some boundaries in place to protect family and home time. Unscheduled time at home to simply hang out as a family unit is gold, so consider how much of this you would ideally like to have as the norm for your family this year, and block it out on the calendar. (It will probably be an ideal goal, and not always achievable depending on circumstances, but something to aim for nonetheless!)

5. Talk about the plan: If busy-ness has been part of your typical family style for some time, talking about expectations will help prevent disappointment. Talk to your whānau about your new plan, so the kids know they’re not going to be out every day after school, that only one playdate a week (or month!) will be happening, and that sleepovers are a special treat and not a regular fixture, for example.

6. Enlist the team: Depending on age and stage, think about what extra household chores your kids can take on this year to help take the load off yourself while also upskilling them and training them to play their part in the family unit and feel good about their contribution. Slowly introduce age-appropriate chores, and you’ll need to lend a hand while they develop the skill. So far my 8- and 12-year-old’s lists include things like unpacking the dishwasher, putting pyjamas away and making beds (very badly), helping fold washing (getting better), making lunches and vacuuming (pretty good). My older child is keen to cook and while I’ll admit it’s a LOT easier and faster when I do it myself, I realise that if I don’t give him the opportunity, how will he learn? So far he’s mastered spaghetti bolognese and homemade pizza, so we’ll work to expand the menu this year. Short-term pain, longterm gain, I keep telling myself. (If you can’t already tell, patience isn’t my top virtue.)

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TECH TESTING CORNER

Karl Puschmann tries out the latest and greatest gadgets.

SAMSUNG S24 ULTRA

The forward-looking S24 Ultra brings AI to your phone. But why would you want that? Well, I’ll get to that in a bit.

Samsung’s flagship phone improves on last year’s impressive S23 in every way. However, this is reflected in its steep price. But your money gets you oodles of computing power and a top-of-the-line, anti-glare, 6.8-inch flatscreen that’s a joy to look at even in direct sunlight. And while it looks like 2001: A Space Odyssey ’s monolith, the subtle curves and rounded edges of its titanium body ensure it’s comfy in your hand despite its size.

The 200-megapixel camera is extraordinary, even before getting to the fun AI features.

These allow you to easily move objects or subjects in your photos around, replace or enhance backgrounds, fill in gaps, and generate fills. It’s like having a Photoshop guru on call. There’s a host of other AI features, like a notes assistant and live translation, but the most essential is Circle to Search. Simply circle anything on your screen – text, landmark, photo, object, etc – and info about it automatically pops up. Brilliant.

Samsung has promised several years of OS updates for the S24, guaranteeing its lifespan, but they’ve also hinted its AI features may become subscription-based next year. It’s the one negative of an otherwise best-in-class phone.

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B-PLUS WIRELESS MECHANICAL KEYBOARD

For years I’ve just banged away on whatever keyboard was in front of me. This is like playing football in jandals. You can run around and kick the ball but you’re not going to have a good time doing so.

After testing the Akko 5075 B-Plus I’ve learned mechanical keyboards are leagues up from standard computer keyboards. They offer an extremely pleasing, tactile feeling and satisfying “thonky” sound while typing, and the springy feedback just feels right. With a range of colours, styles and sizes available and the ability for deep customisation of everything from button switches to aesthetics, mechanical keyboards can be tailored to your liking.

Akko’s 5075 B-Plus is no different. I opted for the Dracula’s Castle model mostly because it comes with a fun set of Gothic-looking key caps with neat little cartoons of bats, ghosts and Dracula himself on them that I could use to replace boring buttons like “ Shift ” , “ Enter ” and “ Escape ”

To maximise battery life and minimise distraction, I turned off the flashy RGB lighting and now get over a month between charges. Bluetooth connectivity is ripper fast and the 5075 B-Plus allows me to switch between three different computers without ever needing to reconnect the Bluetooth. Incredibly handy as I’m often swapping between desktop and laptop.

You probably don’t think much about your keyboard. But a mechanical keyboard is absolutely one of the best upgrades you can make.

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LOGITECH ASTRO A50X

As gaming has become more popular, it’s not unusual to own various gaming devices. It’s these multi-platform gamers that Logitech’s flagship headphones are targeted at.

These are the only headphones that allow you to wirelessly connect to an Xbox, PlayStation and PC all at once. That’s the selling point but it’s not their only trick. The included angular base station pulls double duty as a charging station and an HDMI switcher. Connect the HDMI cable from each console into the back, connect the base station to your TV, and you can flip between devices directly from the headphone’s earcup.

Logitech has been refining the A series for years and this latest iteration is its best yet. The design isn’t radically different, all futuristic angles, but the big spongy ear cups are comfy (and replaceable), the boom mic for game chat has been greatly improved, and the battery life is stellar. I’d call the sound quality upper mid-range, not audiophile quality, but decent for gaming and entertainment. The bass is solid and thumpy and there’s nice detail in the mids.

The Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos clarity are both superb. There’s also an EQ feature so you can dial in your exact preferences.

The A50X may serve a niche audience but they serve it extremely well.

Widely available from $799.95

FUN TECH

Star Wars Darth Vader Mini Bluetooth Speaker

The force is strong with this nifty little Bluetooth speaker. While its 5watt speaker won’t replace our Epic Boom anytime soon, this wireless, iPhone-sized replica Darth Vader speaker is a cool and functional display place for the Star Wars fan in your life.

$179.99 at techoutlet.co.nz

Te Reo Māori Watch

With more people than ever embracing te reo, this is a simple way to aid your immersion. Available in two colours, olive or black, the face features the te reo M ā ori names for numbers. It’s also water resistant up to 10 meters so you don’t have to be too precious with it. Ka pai.

$49.95 at notsocks.co.nz

Ape Basics: Electric Muscle Massage Gun

Shoot any aches, pains and muscle stiffness away with this massage gun. With six different massage heads and various power settings, you’ll be able to target and eliminate the source of any discomfort with ease.

$168 at mightyape.co.nz

Don’t miss our Mindful Moments

Weekend Wellness

Retreat

18-19 May 2024

HISTORIC. THERAPEUTIC. WORLD-FAMOUS.

Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua, lies our iconic and world-famous geothermal spa, featuring 28 hot pools fed by two distinct mineral-rich springs. The sulphate-rich acidic Priest Spring relieves tired muscles, aches, and pains, while the sodium-rich alkaline waters of the Rachel Spring nourish and rejuvenate the skin.

Enhance your experience with the multi-award winning Retreat Day Spa that offers an exceptional range of spa treatments.

Explore wellness further with activities like yoga, meditation, and sound healing, tailored to individual or group preferences.

Good branding gives businesses an unfair advantage to really make their mark in their industry. It's not just about having a visually appealing logo or an eye-catching website; branding is about crafting an identity that resonates with your audience, sets you apart in a sea of sameness, and ultimately drives business opportunity.

At its core, branding is about creating an emotional connection with your people. It's about conveying who you are, what you stand for, and why you matter. In the overwhelm of the 21st Century, a strong brand gives businesses the upper hand – it's the secret sauce that propels them to outperform their competition and make them undeniable to those they want to connect with.

ON BRAND

A good brand doesn’t just look pretty; it’s an HR asset, a reputation and a must, says brand expert Jamie Bell of Paulownia Design Studio.

But what exactly does good branding entail? It's about crafting a cohesive identity that permeates every aspect of your business. It's about the visual elements – the colours, fonts, and imagery – that make up your brand's aesthetic. But it's also about the intangible aspects – the personality of your brand, the tone of voice you use, the key messages you communicate, and the impact statement that defines your higher purpose.

Take, for example, brands like Kowtow. Beyond just selling clothes, Kowtow has embraced activism as a core tenet of its brand. They exist not just to push profits but to make the world a better place. By aligning their brand with a higher purpose, they've cultivated a loyal following of customers who share their values and want to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

But branding isn't just for the big players. Whether you're a solopreneur or a multinational corporation, the principles of branding remain the same. It's about authenticity, consistency, and connecting with the right people. It's about telling your story in a way that makes your business unforgettable. The power of branding lies in transcending trends (not just following them) and delivering a potent, simple message that ignites connection.

As the economy faces uncertainty, rebranding can offer incredible leverage to transform your business and drive your measure of success. So if your branding needs an up level, now is the time. Because having a good brand isn't just an advantage – it's an absolute game-changer.

PAULOWNIA.ORG.NZ

“ AT ITS CORE, BRANDING IS ABOUT CREATING AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH YOUR PEOPLE. ”

NYNE

NYNE DESIGNER STORE

1 / 3 NEWTON STREET MOUNT MAUNGANUI

NYNE.CO.NZ

STYLE STATUS

Break out a new look this autumn.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

CHANGE IT UP

If you have a corporate lifestyle, then a polished power suit is an autumnal investment – in 2024 it’s going to be hard to get away from the 80s banker trend. On the bright side, business style dressing has stepped up the elegance factor which makes it altogether more wearable. If you want to take it from the office to beyond, think about minimalist streamlined silhouettes; if a shirt feels too dressy then a buttoned up cardi is one way of opting into the look. Pinstripes have been glammed up and have lost their uptight vibe and are being used in softer shapes for a more feminine, less androgynous feel. Preppy is very much an autumnal look, not a new one, but slightly reinvented; tiny pleated skirts, open shirt and maybe a sweater – add a tie to bring up to speed. Knitwear is a key part of the season and can be used to really give softness to darker autumnal shades.

1. AUSTRALIAN COTTON SPLIT SLEEVE SHIRT,

WIN! A $500 NYNE VOUCHER

3. KEEP AN EYE ON OUR SOCIALS TO ENTER. UNOMAG_NZ

THROWING SHADES

Blazers continue to be a cornerstone of pretty much every style. An investment you’ll never regret, a blazer really is the ultimate trans seasonal piece. With everything from cotton boucl é to wool, you’ll find it comes in so many variations of fabric, colour, cut and style that you can load up on them knowing it’s an essential that will always be on point. Another never say die look to carry through the seasons is layering. This translates in multiple ways; a dress layered over another dress or trousers (usually wide leg) will be a firm favourite, and another interpretation that ties in with the 90s looks trending is layering a turtleneck. On its own or under anything, a very fine knit in a super soft yarn will look particularly polished matched with a shirt or tailored suit. For a real statement try a colour lift with your outerwear

$199.00; MINI WOOL SKIRT $229; COUNTRYROAD.CO.NZ

2. AMONG THE BRAVE PINSTRIPE PANTS $159.90, CROSS MY HEART JUMPER $139.90; FLOANDFRANKIE.COM

3. ELEMENT GOLD BELT $89, NICOLEREBSTOCK.COM

4. JOLIE PATENT SHOES $339, NICOLEREBSTOCK.COM

1. KATE SYLVESTER CORAL QUINCY COAT $969, MORRIS TROUSERS $449, VIVA SKINNY RIB $349, KATESYLVESTER.CO.NZ

2. NYNE CHARCOAL TIBI DRESS $389 (LAYERED WITH OPAL MERINO DRESS $299), NYNE.CO.NZ

3. ROWE BLAZER $599, NYNE.CO.NZ

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TRENDING NOW

Most wanted this season.

MAXIMUM EFFECT

This season a maxi is a must. A key trend, a full-length skirt or dress has been paired with floor sweeping outerwear for a dramatic and very seasonally appropriate look. Moving on to other more wearable looks off the catwalk that have made their way to the street, the timeline has started to shift from Y2K to the early 2010s, which means peplums, ruffles and high low. If you thought you would never revisit any peplums left in your wardrobe then have another look – it’s a really flattering style with the ability to accentuate the waistline and be forgiving in the stomach area. We’re still loving flower power in the form of embroidery cut outs which really do lend themselves to this textural re-boot; this is a fabulous way to update this classic one-dimensional pattern.

1. STORM CLASSIC TRENCH COAT $429, STORMONLINE.COM

2. JULIETTE

SEASONAL FLARE

The femininity of the Fifties era has been revamped and filtered through for autumn/winter. Oversized petticoats and nipped in waists characterise this aesthetic in most people’s minds, and this period is certainly going to have style notes that infiltrate mainstream. The cropped jacket is one such look, pairing particularly well with a wide leg pair of trousers. Another retro feel is the bow, which will be to this autumn what the rosette is to spring. A strong colour will be a beautiful buttermilk yellow, which is trying its hardest to take precedence over pink, which has reigned supreme for so long. Deep burgundy and plums are shades so well suited to this time of year and tend to be flattering to most skin tones – they also make the perfect foil for brighter contrasts. Watch this space for browns across the spectrum starting to become really big news; while brown can be considered humdrum, it’s coming through as anything but dull, so watch for some chocolate delights.

HOGAN LUCA DRESS LILAC HAZE $949, JULIETTEHOGAN.COM

3. BOH RUNGA POUNAMU PIWAKAWAKA EARRINGS $459, BOHRUNGA.COM

4. CAMILLA & MARC MELLE DRESS $780, NZ.CAMILLAANDMARC.COM

1. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BAG $3,895, CHRISTIANLOUBOUTIN.COM/NZ_EN

2. HENRIK VIBSKOV FULL BULK DRESS $850, THESHELTERONLINE.COM

3. PUSSYBOW MIDI DRESS $299, COUNTRYROAD.CO.NZ

4. TAYLOR CROPT SUBSTANT COAT $997, TAYLORBOUTIQUE.CO.NZ

5. CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN GINKO PUMP $2,115, CHRISTIANLOUBOUTIN.COM/NZ_EN

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SHOP YOUR WARDROBE

Assess the old before you add the new.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

This phrase is enough to send shivers down the spine of anyone who enjoys the art of bringing their wardrobe up to speed on a seasonal basis. However, the concept of not adding anything new to your collection doesn’t have to mean a veto on all new purchases. What it can imply is simply that by refreshing our memories of what we have, we can better fill the gaps with things we need – or desperately want – but at the same time leaving the way clear to cleverly utilise what we already own.

ORGANISE

Unfortunately, a key part of this process, and one that the more cluttered cupboard owners like myself absolutely dread to be lectured on, is organising your space. Many may remember the world-renowned Japanese queen of clean Marie Kondo, who promoted a frenzied turfing out of anything that didn’t promote ‘joy’ when you looked at it. Incidentally she developed this concept when childless – three kids later she has admitted it’s nigh on impossible to keep to the standards she promoted. Regardless, she does have a point. By going through your wardrobe, you will inevitably find things that are no

longer best fitting, tired or you just don’t really like. By culling the dross, you leave more space for the real gems. It’s a proven fact that when we look at excess in our drawers, we tend to just reach for the same items repeatedly. If possible, divide your wardrobe into clear zones, so have the work shirts / pants / skirts to one side. Other sections could include casual day wear and then eveningwear.

COLLATE YOUR BASICS

Knowing what works for you is not a crime, and it’s not uncommon for people – particularly men – to buy multiple pieces of the same item. Some consider this type of dressing almost like a uniform; Apple billionaire Steve Jobs springs to mind with his simple black turtleneck rolled out on a daily basis. Whilst this is extreme it may be that your own wardrobe is heavily weighted towards a certain style or colour of shirt, T-shirt, and jumper. To have these fundamental pieces will take the stress out of getting dressed, however it’s more than possible to keep this methodology going, but just throw in one other item in a different colour or cut, to pair up with one of the basics that could give the look a completely different feel. This would then potentially give the uniform basics more versatility and the opportunity to move from day to night, or smart to casual.

ELEVATE

By identifying game changing pieces amongst your wardrobe, it’s possible to remind yourself where your personal wow lies. It may be that the item speaks to a certain style (boho, minimalist, loud luxury), but whatever it is will be a pointer as to what your new season purchases should be. If you have found that a tailored velvet jacket has been thrashed to pieces but style wise stood the test of time, then this may be the perfect statement piece to reinvest in. Likewise, a maxi dress that makes you feel amazing, that you now feel comfortable dressing down to wear during the day as well as in the evening. This is process is not just about refamiliarising yourself with what you already have, but about successfully planning the new purchases. A very simple form of crop rotation and re-seeding I like to think.

NERDY CHIC

There’s been murmurings of a tie trend since the end of last year, and it looks as though it’s made it from the catwalk to the mainstream. If you like this vibe but feel that it’s too severe for your taste, then play around with the outfit as a whole. Always styled with a shirt, if it’s too stark with monotone, get creative with colours and textures to lift the look. Off the runway it’s edgy rather than librarian.

GETTING SHORTY

The shortest of shorts are coming our way. When it comes to fashion you can’t reinvent the wheel – but it seems you can walk round in knickers. Over the last couple of years wearing a bra as a top has taken off, so it’s probably no surprise to see knickers having their own moment. Personally, I’m struggling – knickers are knickers are knickers – but this is a catwalk look that A-listers are loving.

FASHION FORECAST

Get ahead with the latest trends.

TIGHTEN UP

If you thought tights were reserved for the royal family, you’ll find they’re about to be everywhere you look. Possibly the reemergence is practical as much as anything; correlating with the power suit trend and the super short look. From velvet to fishnet to bright and statement making, this is a bold move and needs to be styled with the right outfit.

SUGARY SWEET

Cold weather wear in pretty pastels is the ultimate way to shake aside the winter blues. If you do opt for this trend then accessorise accordingly; beige boots or lighter coloured footwear, and tonally tied in bags.

Dior

Billie Ellish

Dolce & Gabbana

Loewe

Gigi Hadid

Hailey Bieber

Givenchy

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

Miu Miu

THE PERFECT FIT

Owner of an iconic Tauranga store, Wendy Simister of Wendys Boutique, celebrates 40 years in fashion.

WORD S NICKY ADAMS PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

Preconceptions are tricky to shake, so when meeting Wendy Simister, with her beaming smile and gentle manner, it’s hard to believe that she’s a businesswoman celebrating 40 years of running her own fashion store, Wendys Boutique. If proof was needed that it’s possible to possess business acumen and the kindest of natures, look no further than Wendy.

The second of four daughters, at just 18 years old Wendy began working in Maison Monique, a local premium ladies' store. With a core value of hard work drilled into her by her parents, it wasn’t long before Wendy thought about owning her own premises. Although young, she had been taught, “With drive and determination you can do anything.”

Wendy outside her store on Eleventh Avenue in Tauranga.

“ I’VE ALWAYS TRIED TO PERSONALISE EVERYTHING. FASHION AND THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT, BUT ABOVE ALL IT’S THE PEOPLE – THE CUSTOMERS, THE STAFF, THE ONES YOU SURROUND YOURSELF WITH. ”

By 21, Wendy had opened her own fashion boutique. With 17-year-old sister Sandy by her side, the doors were opened to the same premises on Eleventh Avenue that Wendys Boutique still operates from today. “We laughed our way through the day, but I remember wondering if we would actually sell anything,” Wendy recalls.

Forty years ago, this area was considered the outskirts of town: “It was all I could afford, but I always thought if people wanted to come shopping they would travel. It was about the experience.”

Wendy was clear on her direction and had always appreciated beautifully made clothes; “I wanted things that were different, but that aligned with what I liked as well,” she explains.

Trawling Auckland for stock, paid for upfront and brought back in the boot of her car, she says, “I tried to get things that weren’t readily available in Tauranga.”

From the get-go Wendy had her finger on the pulse, even down to having the foresight it took to build up a database from the very start. “I used to handwrite newsletters to my customers – you just didn’t have the technology. I’ve always tried to personalise everything. Of course, fashion and the business side of things are very important, but above all it’s the people – the customers, the staff, the ones you surround yourself with. Because they’re your network of support and there’s always a seesaw where you need help, or you give help.

Wendy’s strengths undoubtedly lie in inspiring loyalty and continuity in her team. When sister Sandy left to travel 12 years after the launch of the business, her other sister Sally came to work in the

back office, and stayed as a sounding board, buying buddy, and PA until her passing last year. Wendy remembers the time her now adult children (Matt and Hannah) were young, being busy business ones. “We very quickly grew to quite a big team. At one point it was all-consuming. There were a couple of times I was asked to franchise but I couldn’t see how I could do that. The biggest component is the people factor, and you can’t just duplicate that.”

Wendy’s strong bond extends to suppliers and designers; among too many to mention, Loobie’s Story and Trelise Cooper are labels with whom Wendy shares a long history, that has crossed into friendship with owners/ designers Laurinda and Trelise. Wendy is emphatic: “Both have just done so much for New Zealand fashion.” Laurinda, she says, has amazing vision when she creates her collections, and Trelise “is so incredibly creative, I hold her in such high regard.” Loyalty and support characterise these relationships – “it’s very much a two-way business with suppliers – and a mutual respect for what the other is trying to achieve. When suppliers went online they were effectively in competition, but you could either take it the wrong way or see it as the way of the future.”

With the advent of the internet came the explosion of online shopping and access to global fashion. Wendy is quick to identify changemakers and will adopt new strategies at lightning speed. Always trying to be ahead of the curve has been a deliberate methodology. I wonder if she’s a risk-taker, which she ponders for a moment – “Probably, but not too intensely. At the end of each season,

I evaluate everything. I take notice of others, but I always want to do something original. I’m already thinking about what hasn’t been done before – which sounds crazy now with the internet. I’m forever grateful I knew instinctively that setting up the online store was the right thing to do. And I’m not scared of change.”

One aspect of Wendy's longevity has been accommodating her loyal clientele and their trend-led needs, while simultaneously embracing a new demographic. Her solution was to open Tilda on Mount Main Street in 2015. I wonder why she didn’t just trade on her already successful name and open a second Wendys, but she says, “I thought that it was a good opportunity to bring in new brands and a younger feel.”

I wonder if she would consider whether she has made many mistakes over the years. “I’ve made so many! But experience is knowledge. You don’t learn if you don’t make mistakes. Things might not go as well as you’d hoped, and you must always be prepared for a rainy day. But the great thing about fashion is that you get the chance to start again each season.” While Wendy may give the impression of having sailed along, buoyed by her naturally sunny personality, it’s clear that her keen mind and intelligence, along with a never-ending thirst for knowledge, have been trusty tools in her toolbox. Far from jaded, she seems as passionate as she would have been 40 years ago, with her joy for the industry as undimmed as her smile. As she says with total conviction: “I love people and I love fashion.”

Weddings are a funny thing. For many brides, when the big day finally rolls around, even the calmest of demeanours has withered away and a main character is left in its place, hellbent on criticising everything around her, mainly herself.

I’m not saying it’s right, just accurate. This is where Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic comes in. “The last thing you want to worry about on the big day is your skin,” she says wisely. When I rock up to the clinic to ask what she suggests I have done, a mere month out from my wedding, she looks sympathetic. “You should have come to me over a year ago.”

Great. So what can you do just weeks away from your nuptials, to ensure your skin looks 10 times younger and more rejuvenated than ever, even after the hen’s party? “There’s a few elements you want to focus on,” she replies. “How you would like your skin to look on the day, how you want your makeup to sit, and where your skin is starting from.” Then she analysed my maturing skin and made some suggestions. Behold, 40-something brides! Here is your ultimate bridal beauty plan.

FLAWLESS FINISH

Get wedding-ready with Leanne Cashmore’s ultimate bridal skin plan.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

PHOTO FINISH

This V2 beauty booster is a combination of hyaluronic acid and Botox which is injected into the superficial layers of your skin to smooth fine lines and minimise the appearance of pores. While it’s not the most relaxing treatment by any stretch of the imagination (the stress ball Leanne passed to me apologetically before we’d even started the treatment really had its work cut out for it), in just a couple of weeks I could already see a huge difference in the appearance of my skin. And on my wedding day, when a friend shot me a dirty look while getting ready, asking, “Why don’t you have any wrinkles?”, I knew it was all worth it. The best part is that it lasts up to three months. Small lumps can form after the treatment, but are typically gone by the next day, along with any bruising. Admittedly, I did have a few tiny bruises pop up around my face, but I can say, wholeheartedly, that a few tiny bruises are a small price to pay for photo-ready skin.

DERMAPLANING

Dermaplaning is the miracle treatment that turns your skin into a smooth canvas, ensuring makeup sits and stays for much longer than it normally would. It involves

removing dead skin and that peachy fuzz, or hair, that covers your face in its annoying, wispy sort of way. This is done using a special surgical-grade blade, resulting in a refined, glowing appearance. Typically you would have this done just one day before the wedding, to get the full effects.

HYDRAFACIAL

In addition to the dermaplaning, Leanne suggests having a hydrafacial treatment the day before the nuptials. This is a non-invasive treatment designed to promote healthy skin and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated, giving you a healthy glow for your big day. A little redness and tingling goes down in a couple of hours. This treatment is just the relaxing activity you need right before the wedding and, by including a booster and LED treatment, your skin will be primed and ready to party.

Of course, these are the last-minute options. Ideally, what you would normally do in the case of a wedding is lock in a skin membership (like a gym membership) at least a year prior to your nuptials, giving you monthly treatments to ensure your skin is in tip-top condition.

A CUT ABOVE THE REST

Meet Sam Henry, UNO ’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Sam Henry knows a thing or two about hair. She’s been in the hairdressing biz for more than 25 years, owns Shine Hair Co in Maungatapu and has just recently opened her gorgeous new salon, Studio May, in Ō mokoroa.

Aimed at the discerning client who likes to keep on top of their hair game when it comes to style and care, Sam says Studio May aims to provide cutting-edge service in a relaxed, modern environment. Here, Sam sits down with UNO to provide the answers to all those questions you’ve been dying to ask.

UNO: What’s the best way to restore damaged hair?

Sam: Our hair gets a constant beating from the sun’s UV rays, as well as combing and brushing daily, not to mention colouring and the use of heated tools. It’s no wonder 91 percent of Kiwi women have damaged hair! Unlike skin, our hair cannot repair itself. When the outside layer loses its lipids (the natural protective layer) the cuticle (inside the hair) becomes more exposed, resulting in flyaways and fragile locks. This is sometimes why your colour/toner fades quickly. There's nothing left for the colour to hold on to. You need a product that rebuilds the bonds inside the cortex, along with Omega-9 on the outside, to recreate a protective barrier for the cuticle. This is where you see that healthy shine. Ultimate Repair by Wella Professional smoothes hair and reduces frizz for up to 72 hours.

Sam Henry in her newly opened salon, Studio May, in Ō mokoroa.

Do you really need to shampoo twice?

Have you ever shampooed your hair and wondered why it’s not lathering up much? The first shampoo removes surface dust, dirt, styling product and sweat. The second shampoo gets right into your hair shaft and deeply cleanses, now that all the build-up has been removed. Always follow through with a conditioner. Squeeze out excess water and apply your conditioner to the length only. For best results, leave on for up to three minutes, then rinse. Remember, shampooing without conditioning is like cleansing your face without moisturising. It’s a no from me!

Why is it so important to use heat protection?

In a nutshell, if heat protection is not used, your colour can “ shift ”, meaning blonde hair will go brassy and grey hair will go yellow. The cuticle becomes damaged and any weak spots in your hair shaft will break. It doesn’t matter if you’re drying your hair straight from the shower or you’re just doing a touch-up with

the straightener – heat protection should be used every time. Wella Luxe Oil Serum is great for medium to thick hair and can be used both to protect it and give it shine. For finer hair, Wella Thermal Image is a light spray, protecting hair from up to 220 ° C heat. For our blonde babes, the Wella Luxblonde Bi-Phase is a violet-coloured spray which prevents brassiness, as violet counteracts yellow tones.

Does a cold water rinse really make your hair shinier?

Yes and no. The cold water will smooth down the cuticle of your hair, giving it a glossy, sleek look as opposed to a frizzy, flyaway, dull look. However, your hair has no living cells and doesn’t react to cold or heat. Use serums to hydrate and smooth the cuticle and be sure to gently dry hair with a towel rather than vigorously rubbing it.

SHINEHAIRCO.CO.NZ STUDIOMAY.CO.NZ

EMBRACE THE CHILL

Give your self-care a temperature check as we move into a new season.

Crafted with intention, Abel’s 100 percent natural fragrances are ethically sourced, vegan and cruelty-free. Their scents empower, but never overpower. Notes of magnolia and cardamom make Green Cedar Eau de Parfum the perfect autumn scent. From RRP$140. NZ.ABELFRAGRANCE.COM

NURTURE YOUR NOW

As you age, your skin changes, and so should your skincare. Veletta’s Back to Basics bundle incorporates premium-quality plant oils that work with your skin’s needs, revealing the most beautiful version of you and embracing your skin’s story. From RRP$183. VELETTASKINCARE.COM

A LIFE LESS BAD

With super ingredient Bioactive Totarol™, Bye Bye Bad’s natural formulas target harmful bacteria while nurturing the good kind, keeping your body balanced. Cute packaging never goes astray either, especially when it’s sustainable. From RRP$8. BYEBYEBAD.COM

BREATHE EASY

This innovative Kiwi brand is shaking up olfactory wellness with their unique science-backed aromatherapy inhalers. INXHALE offers targeted naturally derived blends: “Alert” for focus and motivation, and “Calm” for relaxation and emotional wellbeing. A few deep inhales is all it takes. From RRP$95. INXHALEWORLD.COM

BESPOKE BLEND

Unlock a world of customisable looks with just three essential products and two pro tools included in Aleph’s Essentials Edit. Mix, match, layer and blend – every product works solo or together for your personalised beauty canvas. RRP$199.

ALEPHBEAUTY.COM

DAILY RITUALS

EmbodyMe's Nurturing Body Oils are your invitation to slow down and connect inwards. Each oil provides a multi-sensorial experience thanks to nature's finest ingredients, blended beautifully for a self-care moment that goes beyond the surface. RRP$120.

EMBODYMEDAILY.COM

PRESS & IMPRESS

Pressing Nails give you Instaworthy fingertips in minutes. Their professional-grade press-ons feature innovative designs so you can express yourself without sacrificing quality or convenience, and each set lasts 2-3 weeks. RRP$27.50. PRESSINGNAILS.COM

NAILED IT

The secret to nourished nails? A little bit of TNC (total nail care). Kester Black’s bestselling Nail Care Set helps to nourish and strengthen, promoting long, resilient nails that shine naturally. A welcome addition to your self-care Sunday. RRP$118.

KESTERBLACK.CO.NZ

PUT TO THE TEST

Skinara’s revolutionary at-home Skin Testing Kit provides a unique DNA report and skincare recommendations, empowering you to truly know your skin – from sensitivity and hydration levels to collagen production and aging tendencies. From RRP$199. SKINARA.COM

Award Winning Print Solutions

TURNING HEADS

Created by celebrated hairstylist Chloe Zara, this award-winning haircare collection merges clean beauty with the best of science. Each product contains premium ingredients to nourish both scalp and strands. We love Hair & Body Perfume Oil for healthy hair with an irresistible scent. RRP$110.

CHLOEZARA.COM

Tauranga Crossing solect.nz

Introducing_ Alias Mae

WHITE STUFF

Modern luxury

PAGE 68

BATHING BEAUTY

Accessorise in style

PAGE 81

Celebrating the places and spaces we call home.

CHARM OFFENSIVE

Designing with DC Build

PAGE 84

EPITOME OF ELEGANCE

Riverside residence

PAGE 74

Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Designer White and floor painted in Resene Walk-on in Resene Alabaster. Floor vase painted in Resene Spacecote Flat in Resene Alabaster (stylist ’s own). Wavy floor standing mirror, $989 from Danske Mobler Painterly Impressions original painting by Calla Wu-Zheng, $600 from Endemic World

WHITE OUT

Getting your whites right is crucial in creating the right atmosphere for your home.

STYLING AMBER ARMITAGE @ MARIGOLD | PHOTOS WENDY FENWICK @ FLASH STUDIOS WALL COLOURS RESENE PAINTS

STYLIST TIP

The best way to make sure you're choosing the right white is to either order an A4 drawdown paint swatch or paint a testpot in the room you are wanting to paint. Remember to try it in both well-lit and darker areas of the room as it will look very different depending on the light.

Resene Black White (walls) is a calcite grey white, chalky and soft. Resene Alabaster (floor) is a near white with a light blackened edge.

THIS PAGE Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Black White and floor painted in Resene Walk-on in Resene Alabaster. Chair and lamp base painted in Resene Lustacryl Semigloss in Resene Black, vase painted in Resene Spacecote Flat in Resene Alabaster (all stylist ’s own). Malena console table in black, $239.99 from Mocka . Batu Hemp String 47cm floor lamp shade, $129 from Lighting Plus Formation Black 2 framed artwork, $999 from Danske Mobler Dior Catwalkbook, $129.99, and The Art of Kinfolk $194.99, both from A&C Homestore

STYLIST TIP

When you’re decorating, there are a myriad of whites and off-whites from icy bright white, through to clotted creams and delicate ivories, all with varying touches of yellow, green, brown or grey, to turn them into a huge cast of interesting shades. For our living room space we have opted for the warm of Resene Thorndon Cream and accented with deeper warmer reds that work well with the warmth of the wood floor.

Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Thorndon Cream and floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bark. Small (white) vase painted in Resene Spacecote Flat in Resene Alabaster and planter pot (far right) painted in Resene Pioneer Red. Oslo buffet in Clay, $529.99 and Arc Coffee Table, $179.99, both from Mocka . Mackenzie white straw rug, $1,350, Cassia 3 seater leather sofa, $7,299, and Formation Black 2 framed artwork, $999, all from Danske Mobler. Sakura Pear light shade in taupe, $209.90 from Lighting Direct . Studio side table in black, $249.99, and cocktail glass in bronze, $22.99 each, both from A&C Oakmoss and Amber candle (on coffee table), $69.99, Cirque Pillar candles in beige, from $34.99, Lucinda glass vase in amber, $69.99, Verso table vase in terracotta, $329.99, Sorrento throw in copper, $139.99, Cyprian cushion in oatmeal, $159.99, all from A&C Homestore Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone, $65 from Father Rabbit Tessuti Library Issue 01 book, $38 from Tessuti

Resene Thorndon Cream is an understated, urban and sophisticated neutra l.

Resene Designer White is a cool blue white, frosty and austere, styled and smart.

Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Designer White and floor in Resene Walk-on in Resene Alabaster. Lamp (stylist ’s own) painted in Resene Dream Big. Betti Bobbin tallboy in ice blue, $419.99 from Mocka Winter Beach framed print, $899 from Danske Mobler. Thea wide vase medium, $129.99, Lani vase large, $139.99, Little Book of Vivienne Westwood, $29.99, Emu Southbank slippers, $129.99, Stonewash Cotton duvet in white king, $189.99, Stonewash Cotton pillowcase pair in pine mini stripe, $49.99, and white, $49.99, Vittoria Linen Lumbar Cushion in mist, $119.99, Cyprian Cushion in oatmeal, $159.99, and Salina linen throw in thyme, $169.99, all from A&C Homestore. Haven sheer curtain in cloud, from $99.99/pair from Curtain Studio

INTERIORS

Resene Black

Resene Alabaster

Resene Dream Big

Resene Designer White

Resene Thorndon Cream

Resene Black White

Resene Pioneer Red

NESTLED INTO NATURE

Shared family living can heighten the desire to move to the country. Avocados here increase the incentive, but separate living quarters also offer other options.

WORDS JO FERRIS | PHOTOS BOUNDLESS VISION

Whakamarama is sought after within Western Bay of Plenty. It’s far enough from the bustle of Tauranga city, yet near enough for comfort when the need arises. Privacy here is absolute; nestled into the hillside with north-facing panoramic views using nature and landscaping to surround the home.

Looking down to Tauranga Harbour and the city below, Mauao stands majestically in the distance. Postcard imagery frames the harbour entrance and shipping – making gorgeous telescope views from this tranquil hillside location. Outdoor connections are integral to this home’s allure. Two living areas enjoy different settings and moods around the house. There’s a café patio, expansive full-sun decking, and a brick paved dining area around the open fire for barbecues. Fronting it all is a swimming pool; its curved, semi-infinity aspect inviting

a cool dip while basking in the scenery. Some bedrooms also enjoy personal links outdoors.

The décor showcases charming traditional influences with the on-trend appeal of panelled walls. Practical hardwood flooring continues the modern thread, while high-raked ceilings and considered glazing ensure natural light and sun streams inside. Central to family life is a bespoke kitchen, its essential large island bench confirming this gathering point for entertainment. Chic finishings, ample workspace, and a spacious scullery secure a cook’s dream for hosting – particularly the barn door, which gives a butler’s entry into the scullery and out the back door. Barn-door styling also features elsewhere – most notably, a recycled native timber door to the fireside lounge. Bathroom luxury is significant as well. Privacy for the master suite, a second guest ensuite bathroom, plus a lavish family feature everyone will want to

share. Twin vanities disguise the doubleentry, twin walk-in shower, while the oval bath spells total indulgence.

With five bedrooms in the main wing, it’s this home’s second wing that raises the bar. Self-contained living comprises one bedroom, bathroom and comfortable living with a generous modern kitchen. Separate in its own space, the unit connects discreetly with outdoor entertainment. A fully-fenced mature garden invites time outside for the family to explore. Lush landscaping wraps around the home in leafy garden pockets before meandering down into the orchard to check the avos and potter in the sheds.

With ample parking for the boat, campers and visitors, this is a property to share with family, or choose another path with Airbnb, perhaps? Anything is possible.

85 Plummer Road, Whakamarama

OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

NEW BEGINNINGS

Summerhill Estate stands above the rest in terms of rural tranquillity and privacy. Nestled within Pā p ā moa Hills, boasting breathtaking views of magical proportions, this home personifies the essence of Summerhill.

WORDS JO FERRIS | PHOTOS BOUNDLESS VISION

Golfers will be familiar with the golf course meandering through the estate. While membership is possible, residents enjoy free green fees. It’s an incentive to appreciate – yet Summerhill’s private privilege offers so much more. Properties here are tightly held.

This home’s views gaze out to the Pacific Ocean – embracing the rolling hills as the sun follows a course around the coastline, to the Mount, Tauranga Harbour and Kaimai sunsets. Immersed in nature, the home’s lofty position takes full advantage of its elevation, while melting into the countryside that surrounds it.

Sympathetic landscaping takes its cue from nature, while going several steps further to introduce home-grown selfsufficiency. The orchard boasts citrus

and fruits, including bananas and even two varieties of hops. There’s a fenced vege garden, a berry cage, and a chicken run with a roost for fresh eggs.

The home’s tone is in total harmony with nature, cleverly blending natural materials with texture and colour within the décor. The backdrop balances autumn hues with contemporary accents – a gentle thread of farmhouse influences and elegant finesse.

The T-shape design ensures sun and scenery are integral to this home’s function and flow. Morning sun on one side of family living invites breakfast outside to bask in the ocean view. In the afternoon, living slips out to a vast lounge setting. A patio for sofas, a pergola for shaded dining, and steps down to a stony fire pit to toast sunset as pizzas cook in the pizza oven.

Parents enjoy a private, five-star retreat

in their own wing, yet remain close to the afternoon entertainment outside. The remaining bedrooms share a second stylish bathroom, while a powder room offers further convenience when friends come around.

Other features include an office to work from home, a large laundry with mudroom entry, attic storage in the garage, rain water storage and bore access, ample storage inside and parking outside for boats, campers and visitors.

Apart from the golf course, Summerhill has walking tracks to enjoy nature and P ā p ā moa Hills Recreation Park is nearby as well. Seemingly high above the rest of the world, beaches at P ā p ā moa and the Mount are an easy drive. Heaven on earth lives in the hills of this well-kept secret.

1 Summerhill Drive, Summerhill Estate, P ā p ā moa

OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

AFTER THE EPILOGUE

At some point – given the right location, the vision, and the way that vision unfolds – nothing can improve what has been achieved with a property and its story. This property is the epitome of that.

WORDS JO FERRIS | PHOTOS BOUNDLESS VISION

The setting is Tauriko – River Oaks Drive – aptly named, thanks to the leafy ambience its handful of residents share in this prestige enclave. The distinctive aspect of this property isn’t simply the seclusion and dominant position. It’s the size and zoning. The elevated site borders Wairoa River, embracing breathtaking views across the valley to the hills. At around 6.33 hectares, this is one of only two rurally zoned lots in this enclave, complete with grazing and stockyards.

Perfect for farmers looking to downsize while keeping their hand in, this exquisite home looks further into the future. A five-star master retreat upstairs provides luxurious privacy with a bedroom that opens to a grandstand balcony and a bathroom that invites lingering moments gazing at the scenery. Forethought, however, created a second ensuite bedroom downstairs – its poolside connection adding a different perspective on life. With the bathroom doubling as a powder room for the pool, it’s an elegant guest suite in the meantime.

This home is masterfully designed to take full advantage of the scenery, while

landscaping capitalises on the unusual site. In commanding this headland, the home doesn’t try to dominate nature. It honours it – bringing stone and timber together in a layered illusion with balance and harmony.

A soaring atrium and bridge in the foyer draw eyes outdoors to that stunning view. Glancing down, the reflection pool opens the first chapter of this home’s story. Architectural flair and innovative interior design define rooms with colour, tone and texture. Wall features create mood; lighting instils artistry and outdoor flow is integral to the function and flow. There are sheltered places to dine and relax, sun-drenched areas by

the pool and up on the spa stage and bedroom balconies upstairs. Either watching the rising sun or toasting sunset as lights twinkle up and down the valley, this home provides special areas to retreat to and reflect on life in this unique place.

Additional aspects like the superb parking options – covered and open – solar panels, high-tech innovation, and the bonus of a heated swimming pool with swim jets and automated cover, all work to complete this home’s initial story. Headlined by refined city living and livestock on the side, River Oaks is ready for a new chapter.

37 River Oaks Drive, Tauriko, Tauranga OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

BEST IN SHOW

The Landmark Homes Pā p ā moa showhome is designed to dazzle.

WORD S NICKY ADAMS

When you build your own home it’s not just the result that’s unique, but also the experience itself. The ability to pick your very own slice of land and tailor-make the perfect property to match can be a wonderful journey. Like any adventure it’s unlikely to come without its challenges, which is why so many people opt to bring on board a building company – to not only navigate the rocky bits, but also to guide from beginning to end.

Knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming – with ideas flying from every direction – which is why talking to professionals at a building company can clear the wood from the trees. Looking at something concrete is often all that’s needed; for inspiration, the best place to start is undoubtedly a showhome. It not only gives a good gauge of the quality of the build, but also offers a chance to get to know the people behind the brand. The new Landmark Homes showhome at 5 Forstera Way, Palm Springs, P ā p ā moa is a truly special example

that exhibits how the seamless relationship between the client and Carly and Logan Stewart, Landmark Homes' Bay of Plenty owners, can result in a residence that is everything the client dreamed of.

Carly and Logan have been the Landmark Bay of Plenty franchise owners/operators since 2018. With a combination of industry experience and love of a challenge, their approach is very client centric. They enjoy not just the physical build, but also the building of relationships, which, they say, starts from the very first meeting.

The P ā p ā moa showhome was an interesting project, in many ways defining new beginnings for those it was built for. A Hong Kong-based family had found their perfect section, but as they were still in a transitional phase, opted to build their dream home with Landmark Homes who had the ability to lease it back to be used as a showhome until the time the family were ready to move in. This made the project particularly exciting for Carly and Logan; usually with a showhome the building company would have carte blanche. In this instance there was a dual purpose, as the result would not just

have to reflect the Landmark brand, but most importantly be the ultimate home for their client.

As the family were still in Hong Kong, client meetings about everything from floor plans to design inspiration were held with Carly and Logan over Zoom. Despite the distance, bonds were formed. Nutting down on a style was an area of creative free flow – the couple loved the Hamptons style, but were also drawn to a coastal vibe. Merging two quite different feels was a masterclass in design. Cladding was an important element, with James Hardie Linear Weatherboard adding the perfect Hamptons vibe. Clean lines, clever use of natural light, and a neutral/white colour palette lock in the look.

As Carly pointed out “with aspects of the style we did well to drive it in the direction of the Hamptons / coastal aesthetic. The landscaping was an important part of this, and we worked with a local landscaper to get the plantings right – it has quite structured Hamptons styled gardens intertwined with less structured, more natural coastal plantings. To bring those two together and make a story through the landscaping has been a real added feature. When you step onto the deck and walk around the entire house

the landscaping speaks beautifully to the interiors.”

The Design and Build process is an involved one. For the P ā p ā moa showhome: “We started with what the clients wanted. We work with different local architects and designers, picked depending on the client. Some of the styles we can see require certain designers; some might be suited to contemporary versus traditional. Our expertise comes in pairing up the right designer for the right job.” Once the plans had been confirmed, Carly was really thrilled. “It has a wonderful light, bright, warm feel. It’s actually the first single level showhome we’ve built since we brought the business seven years ago. I walked through it when the frame was up; I love airy spaces with natural light and airflow – everyone picks up on it.”

A three-bedroom home, spanning a spacious 261m 2, is a great size. The design is thoughtful with consideration to the family dynamic, the master bedroom is on the opposite side from the children’s bedrooms, and there’s plenty of opportunity for growth. The reaction, Carly says, has been gratifying: “Everyone loves that the P ā p ā moa showhome is set up for entertaining, and with it all being single level it pours out. There are huge glass sliders with great flow

for entertaining and family living. It really does have a special feel – it’s a great place for a party!” Of course, the ultimate opinion lies with the clients themselves. They, Carly said, “were just mouth wide open – they loved it. They were quite overwhelmed and excited and just really looking forward to living in it.” And for Carly and Logan? “It’s a product we’re so, so happy to showcase.”

Looking through the showhome and gathering ideas is without doubt the best way to kickstart the thought process, but once potential customers are at this stage, fizzing with inspiration, where to next? Carly is very clear about the importance of the process for people, which is why a year ago Landmark moved into a purpose-built commercial office space in Matakokiri Drive, Tauriko. “We went into a brand new custom fit out; it’s in a huge warehouse so we can house tiles and product. The main idea was to have a lovely reception and a large selection room. There’s a 3D walkthrough, projected onto an 85-inch TV, where you can walk through the home plans. It’s a fully interactive experience, as well as being in this beautiful room with gorgeous products that people can touch and feel, with mood boards set up. We wanted to have something custom for the clients. It’s important they go through the showhome first – it’s a way for them to see what we do, then we set up a meeting for them to come into the office with the selection room.” Circling back to the emphasis Carly and Logan place on the relationship side of the process, Carly sees

it as an important step. “You get to meet the team and have a sensory experience of the selection room. It helps the process along to reassure them of the kind of company we are and what kind of product we turn out.”

The tight-knit team is a vital component of the dynamic, with Lisa as general manager, and Jeremy as construction operations manager. Together they thrive on the thrill of not just the straightforward jobs, but also the more difficult ones. Carly reflects: “We have got a bit of a name for taking on the more challenging projects – the long skinny sites, the sloping sections; and the building clientele who may have made a big investment in the land – we are then equally invested in helping them realise their dreams.” Ultimately, says Carly, “everyone wants different things. One of the great things about Landmark Homes is that we’re New Zealand owned and we’ve been going for more than 45 years – and Landmark was founded in Tauranga where we still have our national office, which is quite special. A lot of people know it’s a tried and trusted brand. This instils confidence; people know they’re able to utilise our architecturally inspired Ready to Build plan collection, which has over 100 designs they can browse. For us it’s not about numbers – it’s quality over quantity.”

Showhome: 5 Forstera Way, P ā p ā moa LANDMARKHOMES.CO.NZ/FRANCHISE/ TAURANGA-WESTERN-BOP

“

.. . JUST MOUTH WIDE OPEN – THEY LOVED IT. THEY WERE QUITE OVERWHELMED AND EXCITED AND JUST REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO LIVING IN IT ”

Considered one of the most important rooms in the house, the bathroom combines functionality with aesthetics, making it a creative focal point. As a ‘sanctuary’ space, there’s the opportunity to throw open the door and deliver the wow factor. I love a neutral palette, partly because it means there’s so much opportunity for texture to shine through. Wood grain, natural stone, concrete, honed and tumbled finishes all create a story. Within this there’s also plenty of scope to add your own colour splash through changeable elements such as towels, vases or candles. If you really want to push the boat out, think about installing new vessel basins and metallic or coloured tapware.

1. Nimi Round Polished Chrome Mirror by Astro Lighting, $1390, from ECC 2. Apuano Oro Stream Tile, from $101 to $141 per m2, from Tile Space. 3. Loughlin Keys Timber Vanity, $4,499, from The Kitchen Hub. 4. Rockin-ice-stick mosaic, from $22 to $27 per sheet, from Tile Space.5. Addition Studio Hand & Body Oil, $59.99, from A & C Homestore. 6. Tekla hand towel in Kodiak Stripe, $58, from Simon James Design . 7. Matisse ORIGINI Basin mixer in Warm Bronze, $2,040, from Matisse and ORIGINI Matte Origini Basin Mixer in Cipria, $1,743, from Matisse. 8. Striped Aura Wall Sconce, $495, from deborahsweeney.com 9. Salt & Stone Santal & Vetiver Candle, $95, from Paper Plane Store. 10. ANELLO Wall-mounted adjustable showerhead in Copper, $5,433, from Matisse.

A visionary team of design professionals.

Yellowfox will design your interior and exterior colour schemes, design kitchens, bathrooms and a multitude of other elements to bring to life innovative and exciting design solutions. design@yellowfox.co.nz

Pukehina Beach House

CLEARING UP THE TRASH

Kate Fenwick explains how to navigate the national standardising of recycling rules.

As you may have heard, recycling rules have changed, and a new nationally standardised system for kerbside recycling was implemented on February 1. This confused many people, who had no idea changes were coming, what these changes meant, or even why they were implemented in the first place.

So let’s break it down. What is standardised recycling, and how does it affect your household?

A BIT OF BACKGROUND

Until January 31, 2024, some council contractors were only accepting number 1 and 2 plastics, while others were accepting all plastics numbered 1 through 7.

However, just because councils were collecting all these plastics doesn’t mean they were actually being recycled. Some plastics are low-grade, which are not cost-effective nor easy to recycle. Essentially, lots of products were ending up in landfill because there were no other options for them at the end of their useful life.

WHY STANDARDISE RECYCLING?

The simple answer is that all councils nationwide are now expected to collect the same products. This makes it so much simpler for the consumer, because regardless of where you live, if you go on holiday, or if you move house, the rules will all be the same. As a waste-free

educator, I travel all over New Zealand, and in the past, recycling rules could be different for two towns that were right down the road from one another –totally confusing.

Standardisation not only makes the situation less confusing, it also gives businesses and manufacturers more clarity about what will be accepted on a national scale and through our kerbside household recycling bins. This is really important because up until now there has been no influence or pressure on businesses to do the right thing and use plastics that can be more effectively recycled. Standardisation will encourage brands to phase out bad packaging options that can no longer be collected, such as plastics numbered 3, 4, 6, and 7.

The move to standardisation also means that hopefully, more products will be recycled here in New Zealand, and there is less need to send them offshore or landfill them.

SO WHAT’S ACTUALLY ACCEPTED FOR RECYCLING NOW?

Here’s a simplified list of what you can recycle in your kerbside bin, wherever you are in New Zealand.

• Plastics numbered 1, 2 and 5: The basic rule here is a plastic bottle, tray or container that is used once to store food or products for your kitchen bathroom or laundry. Not buckets, Tupperware, or any reusable plastic products like drink bottles or kids’ toys.

• Pizza Boxes are now in: But you need to make sure there is no leftover pizza or excess food or sauce stuck to the box. If there is, then pull the box apart and put the clean part into the recycling bin, and the dirty part into your rubbish bag/bin to go to landfill.

• Paper and cardboard: But no coffee cups, liquid food containers like alternative milk/long-life liquid cartons, chip canisters, paper towels or tissues, shredded paper, or food-contaminated paper like the wrappers from your fish and chips.

• Tin cans and aluminium cans: These should be well rinsed with no food left in them. No tins over 4 litres, no paint cans, no bottle caps, no pots and pans, no aerosols, no aluminium foil.

• Glass bottles and glass jars only: No broken mirrors, windows, lightbulbs, glass bottles or jars used for medicine, glass cookware or drinking glasses etc. These are made from a different type of glass to your standard glass bottle or jar, and cannot be recycled. And please no broken glass at all, for the safety of the workers at the sorting plants.

And the last few guidelines – no lids, nothing smaller than a yogurt pottle (including no yogurt pottles themselves, because they are a number 6 plastic), and all products need to be well rinsed, otherwise they are not going to be accepted as they are foodor liquid-contaminated and then become hazardous.

WASTEDKATE.CO.NZ

CONTEMPORARY CHARM

This modern bach not only embraces its beachside surrounds, it’s designed to seamlessly blend with the beautiful vista.

WORD S MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR PHOTOS UNTITLED STUDIO + SALINA GALVAN

Mel Riley and his company DC Build may not have had a BOP arm for long, but they certainly secured a fabulous project to sink their teeth into.

Described as a sleek, modern ode to the joy of New Zealand beach life, DC Build and JMAC Architecture completed this contemporary build for Tauranga clients over summer, replacing a much-loved, somewhat dilapidated Pukehina bach.

DC Build’s Mel Riley says working with JMAC director and architectural designer Jason Macdonald and other professionals on the project was a great way to end the 2023 working year. It was an assignment that perfectly suited the “design meets craftsmanship” focus of the company he co-owns with his brother Justin. The beautifully designed home offered opportunities aplenty to showcase his team’s capabilities on the craftsmanship front.

“One of the things we love the most in a building job is beautiful details,” says Mel, adding that the home’s sarked cedar ceilings are a fine example of this, and enabled the DC Build team to put their craftsmanship to work.

The house sits on a generously sized rectangular site that stretches towards the beach. While it appears to hug the sand dunes, it does sit back significantly enough to allow protection from coastal erosion. In line with resource consent (the house must be removable), it has been built on timber piles, which required some significant design and engineering given the need to bore down three to four metres into soft sand without any collapsing.

It’s a beach house that can also boast estuary views. Hence, the pleasing floorplan incorporates two individual living areas maximising views of both bodies of water. Full-height, floor-to-ceiling windows in key areas ensure the vista can be fully embraced.

“Because of the high windows in the living area and master bedroom, the cedar ceilings continue seamlessly from the indoors to the outdoors where there are covered decks facing the ocean,” Mel explains.

Given the panoramic views, bringing the beauty of the outdoors in was always a design intention at this home. The deck’s roofline assists in doing so – it tilts up to bring in more of the views.

Mel appreciates it’s a home that has absolutely nailed the perfect combination of contemporary charm with the everlasting splendour of beachfront tranquillity.

He feels a natural leaning towards such aesthetically pleasing architectural builds. Shortly after becoming a qualified builder, he pursued a two-year national diploma in Architechtural Technology.

“I understand design,” says Mel. “A builder who can speak the architect's language is a valuable thing. Designers work with a builder who understands architectural plans beyond just following them, so any potential problems can be stopped before they arise. It makes it easier to achieve the high standard.”

JMAC’s Jason knows well the advantage of having a sympathetic builder on his projects, one who is a key player in seamlessly bringing his architectural visions to life.

The two say this beachfront build has been a great project to be involved in from start to finish. "The client on this project was really easy to work with, which made the process that much easier and enjoyable," says Mel. The process involved the happy homeowners recently hosting dinner for Mel and Jason’s teams and other consultants involved in the project. Those consultants included Yellowfox interiors and 689 lighting design. Mel says the professionals involved in the build worked together as one team from the get-go. Collaboratively, he says, this was one of those projects that really came together beautifully. Mel seconds Jason’s thoughts: “To end up making friendships out of what we do is probably the biggest reward. I think that’s a true testament to the success of a build.”

As for the project’s early days, Mel was offered the opportunity to sit around the table with the architectural team and homeowners to discuss

“ MAKING FRIENDSHIPS OUT OF WHAT WE DO IS PROBABLY THE BIGGEST REWARD... THAT’S A TRUE TESTAMENT TO THE SUCCESS OF A BUILD... ”

the job’s pricing process. This gave DC Build the opportunity to showcase its comprehensive and transparent pricing plan, which includes reports presented at various stages of projects. Those early three-way conversations were invaluable, Mel says, as they also included discussion around product such as the cladding. The clients opted for aluminium Nu Wall cladding (DC Build had worked with this pre-finished product numerous times). Its anti-rust qualities were deemed especially advantageous given the Pukehina home’s coastal location. The home is set to retain its good looks and turn heads for many a year.

Mel says all up, the Pukehina project fulfilled his company’s aim to craft homes that not only bring an architectural vision to the real world, but also make the owner, the architect/architectural designer and the team proud to be part of it.

DCBUILD.CO.NZ

DC AND THE BOP

All it took was a few wonderful beach holidays to get Mel Riley thinking seriously about extending his building business to include the BOP.

“We loved the area, loved the vibe, and I managed to secure a section in Pāpāmoa that would become home base.”

Mel and his brother Justin founded DC Build back in 2014. Up until Mel’s BOP epiphany about five years ago, the brothers’ business concentrated solely on residential builds in Auckland. These days the business has a team of six (made up of qualified builders and apprentices at various stages) in the Western Bay of Plenty, and 12 in Auckland. Mel heads the BOP team, ably assisted by Will Salwey as site foreman, while Justin’s at the helm in Auckland, where his team includes long-standing staff member James Poore as project manager.

It’s five years since Mel and family made the move. His first build in the Bay was of personal significance – the construction of a home for himself and family on that Pāpāmoa site. With that out of the way, it was time to focus on the business of building primarily high-end, architecturally designed homes – either new builds or renovations in the Bay of Plenty. Mel's son, Jay, recently started an apprecticeship within the business.

Working life in Auckland is busy for DC Build. “We have established our name there,” Mel says. “Now it’s time to build on what we’ve already achieved over the last few years in the Bay of Plenty. We have capacity and we’re keen and committed to staying in this region.”

It has been an eventful few months for the DC Build team. The Pukehina project was finished in December and since then, Mel has been busy pricing another coastal build and overseeing the company’s rebranding. Up until recently, DC Build was DC Builders.

“We’re armed with a fresh rebrand as of this year,” Mel enthuses. He’s proud of that brand, which he summarises as bringing architectural visions into the real world through creative knowledge meeting technical skill.

“The best projects are the ones that everyone is proud of.”

The DC Build team from left to right: Jack Hinton, Reid Cooke, Will Salwey, Mel Riley, George Leary, James Buxton and Jay Riley.

Jason MacDonald and Shelley Alderson-Wallace from JMAC out the front of the new Pukehina build.

PLAY

When food, culture and creativity collide to make our region the place to be.

FOOD ON THE MOVE Kerbside cuisine

PAGE 92

SPLASH OUT

Eat and drink at Rising Tide

PAGE 102

ART OF WINE

A visit to the cellar door

PAGE 93

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Tauranga Museum

PAGE 98

KERBSIDE CUISINE

Hit the road to flavour town with these street eats from a selection of popular local food trucks.

WORDS STACEY JONES

Sky-high rents, crazy setup costs, and no staff to run the show – it's tough out there for folks dreaming of turning their love of food into a thriving business. The answer for many is on four, or sometimes even two wheels. From tricked-out trailers to fuelled-up fire trucks, each one is a showcase of the chef’s individuality, bringing their culinary vision to the Bay of Plenty. Back in the day, food trucks were often just a stepping stone to opening a bricks-and-mortar restaurant. Not anymore. These mobile kitchens are stars in their own right, hitting up big events and drawing in the crowds all on their own. When a new one pops up, word travels fast. So below are the trucks I’ve been hearing about the most, each with its own story of a love of food, perseverance and ambition.

BRINGING SICILY TO THE BAY

For Ivanav Lanello of Sicula Pizza, cooking is all about her connection with her childhood memories growing up in Sicily. "If I think about food, the first thing that comes into my mind is

Nonna Concetta," Lanello says. Her truck aims to recreate Sicilian classics combined with New Zealand ingredients. Starting during lockdown, she started to play around with recipes that could bring her uniquely regional Italian cooking to the people of the Bay. And boy, are we glad she did. “All the dishes are things you easily find in all Sicilian bakeries, such as arancini, fried calzones, cannoli, brioches, almond cookies, fried bread, pastries, pizza, cartocci and savoury brioche.” Sicula Pizza can be found weekly in Ō mokoroa.

SICULA_MASSI

AUTHENTICITY ON THE MOVE

At Lek’s Go Thai, authenticity is the key ingredient. This modest food truck, recognisable by the owner Songsak Prasanpoung's face adorning its side, has quickly become a P ā p ā moa favourite for its genuine Thai flavours. "My truck looks very simple, just white box with a picture of my face on it. But what is truly unique is the taste of the food. After nine years cooking and living in New Zealand, I know how Kiwis like to eat," says Songsak. By importing ingredients from Thailand and combining them with local produce, Lek’s Go Thai delivers flavours that pack a punch. For example,

the pad Thai sauce is handmade and the customers love it. The truck can be found at 326 P ā p ā moa Beach Road, 3-8pm, Tuesday to Sunday. LEKSGOTHAI

A GROM’S FOOD TRUCK

Kerry Boylen’s Oshie & G's is the result of a simple yet innovative idea: A food truck that caters specifically for kids. "Let's start a food truck business and cater for the groms!" she proposed, aiming to make her food truck experience a fun and engaging experience for all the family. Named after their children, Ocean and Grayson, Oshie & G's offers more than just food; it's a place where kids can order from their own height, play games, and dive into a colouring activity while waiting for their meals. So what to choose? The cheeseburger sliders and curly fries are a definite hit, alongside the raspberry or lemonade spiders. You can find the truck at Dinner In The Park in Matua, or check out their Instagram for winter locations. OSHIE-GS

SUPPERS BY THE SEA

The Omanu Beach Surf Club has turned into a vibrant meeting place every Friday evening during the summer months, with a different food truck appearing each time. It's a great opportunity to grab a drink on the beach and ease into the weekend with like-minded folk. Among the lineup is Burger Lab, known for crafting burgers from scratch. Owner Morgan Stone explains, “We try to make everything from first principles, and each week we ‘experiment’ in our lab with a new burger alongside the usual suspects.” OMANUBEACH.CO.NZ

Oshie & G's

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

In the back blocks of Hawke’s Bay, surrounded by native plants and sculptures, Tony Prichard of de la terre is turning winemaking into an art form.

WORDS JESS EASTON | PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON/DSCRIBE MEDIA

You won't find Tony Prichard's wines on a supermarket shelf. You won't find his wines before judging panels either, hunting medals or looking for accolades.

Some of his wines, you won't even find on the list at his cellar door at de la terre, the Hawke's Bay winery he runs with wife Kaye and self-appointed winery dog and welcoming committee Gracie.

What you will find, however, when you finally track down one of his wines, is utter deliciousness.

With nearly 40 years in the winemaking business, including stints at Montana and Church Road, he's so adept and confident in crafting intricate and mouth-watering flavours out of grapes that he's more than happy to let his wines do the talking.

And talk they do. His Viognier will verbalise, the Aneis with enunciate and

he’ll get his Chardonnays whispering in tongues of flint and zest. Tony’s Tannat, meanwhile, will sit you down by the fireplace, all gravel and gravitas, and patiently explain why there's more than one great red varietal grown in New Zealand.

It's almost like Tony decided a long time ago that making mediocre Merlots and perfumed Pinot Gris, like so many of his contemporaries, just wasn't that much of a challenge and he was going to test his mettle on exotic wines outside the box.

Even more mainstream wines – like his mind-blowing EVB Chardonnay – are so finely crafted and deliberate that they couldn't possibly be confused for anything else but a de la terre.

Passionate and humble, a patient and engaged teacher, Tony likes to challenge established norms and turn popular opinion on its head. While others chase sales or even perfection, he's after emotion. He encourages each vintage

he makes to tell a story about the soil it grew in, the sun that warmed it and the hands that formed it. And each vintage he strives for refinement at every stage of the winemaking process.

This is winemaking as an art form. Hand-picked and handmade, Tony and Kaye even hand-label and number every bottle that comes out of their winery. “It shows that someone cares,” he explains.

Elsewhere on the premises, Kaye has turned her long food technology background into a thriving café. She laments, with a laugh, that Tony’s other passion – bending and welding steel into wild and spectacular sculptures of swooping eagles and giant dragonflies – is turning the place into a theme park.

If the theme is interestingly delicious, however – it seems like the couple have got it nailed.

Jess Easton is a Tauranga-based lawyer and director and owner of St Amand events venue and Kitchen Takeover.

Sampling the hand-labelled, handnumbered wines at the cellar door.

Tony nurtures every part of the winemaking process with passion and patience, infusing each vintage that de la terre produces with a unique story.

YEAR-ROUND FAVES

Taup ō local Vanya Insull, aka VJ Cooks, shows busy families how easy it is to throw together classic Kiwi recipes that taste as good as they look.

Seed and nut bars

If you’ve ever eaten a sesame snap, you’ll have an idea of how these bars taste. Chewy and crunchy with a subtle honey flavour, they’re a great alternative to muesli bars in school lunchboxes.

Ready in 20 minutes + setting time Makes 16 pieces

INGREDIENTS

½ cup sunflower seeds

¼ cup pumpkin seeds

¼ cup sesame seeds

1 cup desiccated coconut

½ cup rice bubbles

½ cup coarsely chopped

roasted cashews

½ cup coarsely chopped

roasted almonds

100g butter

⅔ cup brown sugar

¼ cup honey

METHOD

Line a 27 x 17cm slice tin with baking paper.

Place the sunflower, pumpkin and sesame seeds in a dry frying pan over a gentle heat and toast for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure they don’t burn.

Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the coconut, rice bubbles, cashews, and almonds. Set aside.

Place the butter, sugar and honey in a small pot on a low heat, until melted and bubbling. Continue to bubble for a further 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Pour over the dry ingredients and quickly mix to combine.

Transfer to the prepared tin and spread out to the edges, pressing down firmly with the back of a spoon.

Chill until set, then cut into 16 bars. Store in an airtight container in the pantry.

Sticky pineapple chicken bowls

These bowls are so fresh and delicious. The combination of the sticky chicken and rice with avocado, radish, and edamame beans is a family favourite.

Ready in 30 minutes | Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 tsp sesame oil

600g boneless chicken thighs, diced

400g can pineapple pieces

3 tbsp low-salt soy sauce

2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

1 tbsp cornflour

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tsp crushed ginger

To serve

2 cups cooked rice

1 cup edamame beans, cooked

2 radishes, finely sliced

Flesh of 1 avocado, sliced

1 spring onion, finely sliced

1 tsp sesame seeds

METHOD

Heat the sesame oil in a non-stick frying pan. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.

Drain the can of pineapple pieces, reserving the juice.

Add 1 cup of pineapple pieces to the frying pan with the chicken and cook for 3 minutes, until the pineapple starts to brown.

To make the sauce, measure 100ml of the reserved pineapple juice into a bowl or jug. Whisk in the soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, cornflour, garlic and ginger.

Make a gap in the centre of the frying pan, add the sauce and cook, stirring,

until the sauce thickens up and the chicken is cooked through.

To serve, divide the cooked rice between 4 serving bowls, then top with the sticky chicken and pineapple. Add some edamame beans and some sliced radish, avocado and spring onion to each bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips and tricks

• Diced pork would also be amazing in this dish.

• I like to give the leftover pineapple pieces to my kids as a snack or save them to use on a pizza.

Meatball subs

The beauty of these subs is that you can either make them from scratch with the meatball recipe below or, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made meatballs from the supermarket.

Ready in 30 minutes | Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

500g lean beef mince

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 small onion, grated

1 egg

2 tbsp barbecue sauce

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried mixed herbs

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp salt

1 tsp oil, for frying

325g tomato pasta sauce

To serve

4 long rolls

1 cup grated cheese

Fresh Italian parsley, chopped

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan grill. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

To make the meatballs, place the mince in a large bowl with the breadcrumbs, onion, egg, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, herbs, garlic powder, and salt.

Mix together with your hands or a wooden spoon.

Shape into 12 large meatballs or 16 smaller meatballs.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the meatballs until nicely browned and cooked through.

Add the pasta sauce and cook, stirring,

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for a few minutes, until heated through. Cut the rolls in half and place them on the prepared tray. Divide the meatballs and sauce between the rolls.

Scatter with the cheese, then place under the grill for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Scatter with parsley and serve immediately.

Tips and tricks

• You can eat these as they are or add your favourite toppings, such as sour cream, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, or fresh salad ingredients.

Chocolate whip

cheesecake cups with berries

These deconstructed cheesecake cups have it all a crumbly cookie base, a creamy chocolate cheesecake centre, and a tart berry sauce. They can be prepared the day before and topped with fresh berries just before serving.

Ready in 30 minutes + chilling time Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

150g plain biscuits

80g butter, melted

2 cups frozen mixed berries

2 tbsp caster sugar

100g milk chocolate

225g cream cheese, softened

½ cup icing sugar

1 cup cream

Sliced fresh strawberries, to serve

METHOD

To make the cookie crumbs, place the biscuits in a food processor and blitz to a fine crumb. Add the butter and blitz again until combined.

To make the berry coulis, combine the berries and sugar in a pot and simmer over a gentle heat until the berries have broken down. Mash any large berries if need be. Set aside to cool, then chill until needed.

To make the chocolate whip, break the chocolate into a microwave-proof bowl and microwave in bursts until melted. Allow to cool slightly.

Place the cream cheese and icing sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk until smooth. With the mixer still running, slowly pour in half the cream. Once combined,

add the remainder of the cream and continue to whip until soft peaks form.

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently pour in the cooled melted chocolate, carefully folding it through to create chocolate swirls. Do not combine completely.

To assemble, divide half the cookie crumbs between 4-6 glass tumblers. Add half the chocolate whip and then half the berry coulis. Repeat with the remaining cookie crumbs, chocolate whip and berry coulis. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight, before serving topped with the strawberries.

Tips and tricks

• You can use super wine biscuits or arrowroot biscuits in this recipe.

Images and recipes from Summer Favourites by Vanya Insull , photography by Melanie Jenkins (Flash Studios), published by Allen & Unwin, RRP $39.99.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

After a couple of false starts, Tauranga is finally getting its very own museum in 2028. But what will it show and why do we need one?

WORD S KARL PUSCHMANN PHOTOS KATIE COX + SUPPLIED

The grand opening of the new Tauranga Museum may still be four years away but director Greg McManus’ excitement has already well and truly arrived.

When UNO calls for a chat to catch up on how the project’s going he’s bubbling with enthusiasm and bursting with ideas for how he sees the museum benefiting and adding value to the community.

His energy towards the long-delayed project is infectious and leaves you wishing it was opening as soon as possible.

But alas, the museum doors won’t open until 2028. With construction on its prime inner-city site having recently started, it proves the adage ‘good things come to those who wait’. Greg is a 30 year veteran of museums around New Zealand, including stints as Director at Rotorua Museum and most recently as CEO of Waitangi Treaty Grounds where he oversaw the development of two new museums, and feels strongly about the importance of museums to communities “I believe every community needs a museum,” he says. “Museums house our collective memory, they store and interpret the history of an area, not just for visitors from out of town or overseas, but also for ourselves. We need museums to help us better understand the stories of the place we live in, and also the stories of

others who share the place with us. Museums encourage an understanding of diversity and the interwoven relationships we have as people living together in the same place and they play a huge role in inspiring children and young people to have an interest in art, culture, science and natural history.”

Strengthening the connection between people and place is one of Greg’s big passions and is high on the priority list for the museum. He says that people get a greater understanding and sense of belonging from knowing the history of where they live. Tauranga and its surrounding region is full of unique stories and significant sites that deserve our attention.

“When people drive down Cameron Road, they drive past the Gate Pā battle site,” he cites as an example. “I suspect a lot of people don't know or don’t give it a second thought, but that battle was a really important event in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, not just Tauranga. There are sites like that all through the region.”

He’s also keen to showcase the many innovations that have occurred here, including the first-ever hot water cylinder to be run off public electricity invented right here in Tauranga in 1915 by Lloyd Mandeno and in the museum’s collection.

In total the museum collection houses more than 33,000 objects in total, with most having never been seen publicly because, until now, there’s been nowhere to display them.

“Obviously, we're not going to have 33,000 objects on display in the museum,” he clarifies with a laugh. “But the permanent exhibitions will be rich with objects from our collection and other collections around the country. It will be a real weaving together of stories, objects and images into a broad, rich experience. Because that’s what museums are: places that tell stories.”

Along with the main permanent exhibitions there will also be two large galleries for temporary exhibitions. This, Greg says, will open up Tauranga to world-class exhibitions that we’d usually need to travel to places like Auckland or Wellington to see. He talks about partnering with other museums to bring exhibitions from overseas but also about leading the charge and bringing international exhibitions exclusively to Tauranga. This would enrich our cultural exposure and also encourage people from other parts of New Zealand to visit the region.

“There's a huge circuit of exhibitions travelling around the world all the time,” he says excitedly. “We'll be able to tap into that and bring exhibitions to Tauranga. People love coming to the Bay of Plenty year-round and if we have fantastic exhibitions it will encourage them to stay longer and contribute more to the local economy.”

But all that is secondary to his first objective of telling Tauranga’s stories and encouraging locals to feel a connection with their shared history. He wants residents to have free entry to the core museum experience and, to encourage engagement and a sense of ownership, is starting a Friends of the Museum programme. The idea is to keep people informed about what’s happening as well as provide exciting opportunities and benefits to members.

“It really will make people feel a part of the museum as we build it and make that connection so much stronger,” he smiles.

And that’s what the new Tauranga Museum is going to be all about. Greg says he wants people to come to their museum and see themselves reflected in the stories it tells and perhaps learn a little more about the place they call home and the people they share it with. It's all about providing the opportunity for gaining an understanding of the richness of living in a place.”

He pauses for a second and then laughs and says, “Tauranga’s not just about going to the mall or going to the beach. There's a lot more to it than that and our museum will reflect that!”

Explore the past, ponder the present, and imagine the future

TAURANGA MUSEUM

ART OF CHANGE

Tauranga Art Gallery’s planned renovation has begun; in the meantime, opportunities for art continue throughout the local community.

WORD S MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR

Although the iconic Tauranga Art Gallery has temporarily shut its doors, there’s more than a silver lining to the closure. What will follow is pure gold, explains excited gallery director Sonya Korohina.

The gallery’s main building is closed for renovations, reopening next summer as a more inclusive and connected facility. Gallery visitors can expect some “wonderful” new inclusions, such as a creativity centre for all ages, a gallery space especially for tamariki, a dedicated retail space for destination shoppers featuring a high proportion of works by Tauranga Moana artists and designers; and a café offering a curated food experience by day, plus a bookable hospitality space by night. Adding immediate wow will be a grand new entrance allowing a “lovely interplay” with Masonic Park, and a view into the gallery.

The gallery’s closure coincides with work beginning on the redevelopment of Masonic Park. The art gallery’s entrance will relocate from Wharf Street to the opposite side of the building, to be part of the new Te Manawataki o Te Papa vibrant community space. The art gallery will open up into this new cultural precinct, kept company by the likes of Baycourt and the new museum and library. The licensed café will be to the side of the gallery entrance.

“The café will enhance the gallery as a social space, offering people a place to gather before or after their gallery experience. A great espresso is a good way to attract new visitors – ones who have been at the café and then decide to venture beyond into the exhibitions,” Sonya explains.

The gallery’s revamp will involve working within the building’s footprint, except for extending to the parameters of the gallery’s land to accommodate the new entrance. Internal spaces will essentially

remain the same, except for the relocation of the foyer, and a reimagining of space in the children’s area. The creativity centre will move to what’s currently the entrance/foyer on Wharf Street, and above (in what’s now a super-high ceiling void) will be a children’s gallery.

“We have to always be looking to the future and creating a world that the next generation can live in and be uplifted by,” Sonya says. The gallery project will fit the bill.

Art opportunities continue during the main building’s closure. Check out the TAG POP UP Gallery and learning space on Devonport Road, opposite the library. POP UP Exhibitions include Tauranga Moana Waterscapes: 1800s – Present and Wunderboxes (involving a map and a quest to find captivating, interactive art installations hidden throughout central Tauranga Moana).

ARTGALLERY.ORG.NZ

MAKING A SPLASH

A popular craft brewery and eatery has just expanded into Ōmokoroa. Karl Puschmann checks it out. PHOTOS JAHL

The Rising Tide team

There’s a new bar and eatery that’s been making quite a splash in the seaside village and holiday hotspot of Ōmokoroa. It may have only opened its doors in December but local craft beer enthusiasts and dumpling connoisseurs have been quick to jump into The Rising Tide.

It’s fair to say its reputation preceded it. Ōmokoroa’s Rising Tide is the first expansion for the incredibly popular Mount Maunganui institution of the same name that’s been brewing and serving award-winning craft beers since 2016.

But it’s not just the flavourful and distinctive range of its beer brand Mount Brewing Co., the juicy burgers or famous dumplings, the sun-drenched deck that overlooks the Soper Reserve or the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that’s made it a favourite in the Bay.

Rather, it’s the combination of all of those things along with a much more intangible quality; character. This is especially important to craft beer bars because craft beer lives or dies on its character. That's its whole thing.

“It's been a lot of time planning it all out. We wanted to replicate the Mount and have the same atmosphere,” Ellie Kirk, the general manager of both branches of the Rising Tide, tells me.

We’re sitting out on the bar’s spacious deck in Ōmokoroa, enjoying a couple of their signature Golden Hour hazy’s in the warmth of the midday sun.

“You can sit more than 150 people here, easy,” she smiles, looking around at the breezy space, before detailing plans for a large, fixed, all-weather marquee that will offer shelter from the elements and allow the Rising Tide’s popular live music programme to kick off in this new location.

“We wanted to duplicate what we have at the Mount and bring it to Ōmokoroa because it works so well there,” she says. “There's nothing like this around here.”

“ [CHARACTER] IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO CRAFT BEER BARS BECAUSE CRAFT BEER LIVES OR DIES ON ITS CHARACTER. ”

Getting here has paradoxically been an extremely long journey and also something of a rush. The idea for a new Rising Tide began formulating around three or four years ago, with P ā p ā moa being the chosen location. But then Covid struck, slamming the brakes on those plans. A couple of years later, when the worst of it was over, the Pā p ā moa site that’d been earmarked was no longer available. Undeterred, scouting for a new location began.

“It was so funny. Last May the owners just turned around to me one day and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to open up in Ōmokoroa. I was like, ‘What? This year?’” Ellie laughs, thinking back. “I said, ‘Okay, let’s go for it’.”

She came out to see the new location for the first time, a mere seven months before the planned opening.

“It was so different to how it is now,” she says. “I couldn't envision it. In my head, I was like, ‘This isn't The Rising Tide’.”

The fixtures were all wrong, there was no room for a brewery (something that’d been part of their P ā p ā moa plans) and the vibe just wasn’t there. But the biggest offence was a giant, floor-to-ceiling mirror right behind the bar. Ellie says, that was the first thing that had to go.

“We wanted the same wall as the Mount. Visually, the taps are a big thing, because we are a craft beer bar,” she says. “It’s huge.”

Once the Rising Tide’s signature white tiles and the long row of beer taps went in, Ellie says the bar began to feel more like home. There are a whopping 30 taps

to select from, including taps for Mount Brewing Co.’s special, limited-edition beers and ciders.

“Every limited release we’ll have here. I told them, ‘Don’t leave Ōmokoroa out!’,” she laughs. “Rising Tide in the Mount gets allocated three kegs and we get one keg. So once it’s gone, it's gone. We’re actually tapping on two new beers today.”

Great beer? Check. Cool vibe? Check. But there’s one other thing Rising Tide is known for, its food. Particularly the dumplings from their in-house kitchen, Johney’s Dumpling House. You can go ahead and put a big ol’ check next to that as well.

“There’s a lot of foodie people here,” Ellie says. “The quality of food, the service standards, the presentation are all exactly the same. That's a big thing for us here.”

Then she smiles and says something that will come as a huge relief during the current cost of living crises.

“And the deals are the same! We have the cheap beer, burger and fries deal on a Wednesday, you can come and get dumplings really cheap with a beer every Thursday.”

It’s been a lot of work, and a long time coming, but all the things people love about the original Rising Tide have successfully washed up in Ōmokoroa.

We’ve been sitting out enjoying the deck for about an hour while people have trickled in, eager to take advantage of the hot sun and a cool lunchtime meal and drink deal, and I can’t help but feel tempted to get another pint myself.

THERISINGTIDEMT.COM/OMOKOROA

FAST TRACK / KAI A NUKU

Not a diet, but a way of living

FastTrack includes the fundamentals of eating foods that promote good health and is linked to the health and wellbeing services provided by our whānau at The Centre for Health.

Eating food that comes mostly from plants is good for our bodies and also helps to support Papatūānuku (the earth).

Enjoy weekly meal plans, shopping lists, helpful tips and delicious in season recipes from only $15 p/w

To learn more, contact:

The Centre for Health, 103 Third Ave, Tauranga, Ph 07 578 6624 fasttracknz.co.nz

TAURANGA’S FAVOURITE GARDEN STOP

BLOOM CAFE

Open daily 9-3pm

AWESOME AUTUMN

Ginny Clark from Decor Gardenworld says now is the perfect time to plant.

Autumn is nature’s “natural time to plant”. Planting now will ensure that you get stronger spring growth as the roots will have established once spring arrives. Bigger and better newseason plants are available at this time of the year, especially in the shrub and fruit tree range.

You will need to water less and planting now means you'll have fewer pest and disease problems as many of the bugs around over the hotter period of the year die off in the cooler temperatures. Another bonus of autumn is the colours. Trees such as Maples, Liquid Amber, Crabapples and Cornus will delight with their colours. The first of the Camellias have arrived and you'll see the Sasanqua types beginning to flower. They make a fantastic hedge and are much cheaper than a boring wooden fence.

Remember to keep planting spring flowering bulbs now and right through to the end of autumn. By staggering your bulb plantings like Anemones, Ranunculus, Daffodils, Tulips and the like, you can enjoy spring flowers for many months. Tulips and Daffodils can be planted along with flowering annuals such as Pansies, Violas and Lobelia. That way you have the garden beds covered in colour and the bulbs just pop up between them. It makes for a nice surprise.

AUTUMN TIPS

• Harvest fruit like late apples, pears and summer veggies.

• Clear the veggie garden of the summer crops and plant for winter. Include combos of caulis, broccoli, cabbage, parsley and oak leaf and frilly lettuces. Sow broad beans, carrots and parsnip.

• Select and plant new season Ican fruit trees like citrus, plums, nectarines, peaches and blueberries.

• Clear out spent annuals and replant for winter colour. Cut back and dead head any perennials that have finished flowering.

• Trim any flowering shrubs, except any that are frost tender.

• Feed your gardens and lawns with the appropriate Ican fertilisers.

• Check for bugs and diseases. See our website for expert advice on what to use when.

• Select Spring Flowering Bulbs now and plant out over the next few weeks.

• Give your indoor plants some love by feeding with Ican Indoor Plant Food or Fast Food and repot anything that is struggling.

TWO BROTHERS WITH A MISSION TO HANDCRAFT EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH AND TASTY SPIRITS THAT HAVE YOU COMING BACK FOR MORE.

Scissor

Millenhall Barrel Aged Rum is aged for a minimum of 3 years by the Pāpāmoa coastline, in re-charred ex New Zealand Red Wine Barrels. A delicious blend of molasses and cane sugar, distilled through our copper column still, has produced a unique, sophisticated and smooth tasting rum.

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ARMADASPIRITS

ARMADASPIRITS.CO.NZ

PEAK PERFORMANCE

A 12-year-old from Tauranga is scaling new heights on the big screen, starring in local dramedy The Mountain

INTERVIEW HAYLEY BARNETT

Playing the role of Bronco in the new Kiwi film The Mountain, 12-year-old Terence Daniel (Ngāti Kahungunu, Raukawa ki Wharepūhunga, Kuki Airani – Aitutaki) never imagined he’d end up on the big screen. But he’s fully embracing his newfound talent.

The Tauranga local and pupil at Te Pūwhāriki-Maungatapu School is hoping this will be his stepping stone to swapping the school stage for the bright lights of Hollywood. The Mountain is Kiwi actress Rachel House’s directorial debut. Released in March 2024, the film is a heartfelt dramedy about three children on a mission to find healing under the watchful eye of Taranaki Maunga, and discover friendship in the spirit of adventure. Here UNO asks Terence a few questions about his foray into film.

UNO: How did you get into acting?

Terence: This is my first acting role! My nan found it on Facebook and she told my mum. My mum asked me, and I said, ‘Sure, I’ll give it a go!’ After my first audition, I got a call back from Rachel (House) who rang me on Zoom and told me I’d got the part. I was stunned. It didn’t really sink in until I saw my mum was really happy. Then I ran to tell my neighbours and my nan. My nan was proud as. I had always thought I wanted to play rugby or be a mechanic, but now I think I could actually do acting as a job.

What was it like to act in such a large production?

It was so much different to what I thought it would be like. I do Kapa Haka as part of Te Pūwhariki but that’s in front of a live audience. This had heaps more people. We had a great crew helping us, including the awesome Carrie Green, our acting coach. They all really supported us kids.

What was the highlight?

Being a part of the whole crew and production. That, and getting to be up on the maunga and waking up to the incredible view.

What do you love about acting?

It’s really easy, but also really hard at the same time. Performing on camera is heaps different to Kapa Haka, but I’m used to acting on stage so that definitely helped.

What and/or who inspires you?

Our M ā ori chiefs and our ancestors really inspire me. We have so many amazing stories and I love hearing them.

What is your favourite movie and why?

This movie. And why? Because I’m in it!

The Mountain , rated PG, was released in cinemas nationwide on March 28.

To win tickets to see the movie, keep an eye on our socials!

Bay of Plenty’s authorised repairer for:

BETWEEN THE LINES

UNO ’s top new reads from home and around the world.

Evolving: Finding Health and Happiness As We Age

Judy Bailey

HarperCollins NZ

When beloved “ mother of the nation ” Judy Bailey signed off her final news bulletin for TVNZ in 2005, she had no idea that the next years would be some of the most fulfilling of her life. Evolving is packed with personal stories and scientific insights to guide readers in mid-life through dealing with various aspects of aging, from physical and mental well-being to finances and navigating loss. Bailey emphasises the value of older adults and aims to empower readers to plan for and embrace a fulfilling later life, stressing it's never too late to make positive changes.

The Beauties

Lauren Chater

Simon & Schuster

BodyConfident: A Guide to Raising Happy Eaters

Emma Wright

HarperCollins NZ

In a weightobsessed world with so much pressure on parents, how do we teach our kids to be healthy without giving them a complex?

Body-con fi dence parenting coach Emma Wright shares her thoughtful approach to food, bodies and parenting that will see you exploring a new way forward for your child or teen. With strategies to end power struggles and free yourself from fear and guilt as a parent, Body-Confident draws on groundbreaking evidence to make a powerful case for why – most of the time – doing less is actually more.

If historical fiction is your jam, get set to devour Lauren Chater’s new novel The Beauties. This story is based upon an incredible collection of 10 women’s portraits that hang in London’s Hampton Court Palace, chosen to be immortalised because they were the most alluring and powerful women of their time. In those days, it was the definition of celebrity. Chater explores questions that still hold validity today around beauty, power, and love through intertwined stories of individuals under the reign of King Charles ll.

Approved

To Sing of War

Catherine McKinnon

HarperCollins

From the author of the Miles Franklin Award shortlisted Storyland, comes a rich, layered novel of love, war and friendship. Set in 1944 New Guinea, this is a story of people yearning to belong, yet each fiercely protecting their independence. Secrets, misunderstandings and fears burden them; shame shapes them; hope and imagination lift them up. They are caught in a moment of history, both enthralled and appalled by actions they must undertake. A rich and intricately woven novel, To Sing of War asks how one person can make a difference in a world that is wondrous, thrilling and endangered.

On Call: Stories from My Life As A Surgeon, A Daughter and A Mother

Ineke Meredith

HarperCollins NZ

In On Call, Ineke Meredith intertwines the story of her mother’s diagnosis and treatment of advanced colon cancer with the stories of her own surgical patients. Torn between her roles as a general surgeon, a daughter, and a single working mother, writing as a coping strategy through the difficult days evolved into this extraordinary memoir from Meredith. Filled with bravery and heart, there are unbelievably still moments of laughter amid the utter chaos.

CHOOSE FURNITURE THAT LASTS A LIFETIME.

Silkwood Living is proud to offer quality sustainable choices, which means you can feel great about your purchases.

Manufactured in the USA, the Breezesta and Berlin Gardens collections are constructed from a product called “Poly Lumber” which is made from recycled milk bottles. Renowned for its vast design range and amazing comfort, each piece comes with a lifetime warranty that protects your purchase from fading, cracking, splintering, peeling, rotting, and insect damage.

SILKWOODLIVING.CO.NZ

4 Wilson Road South - Te Puke | Tel: 07 533 1512

Showcase

GOING THE DISTANCE

Sign up for the 100k’s in 30 Days challenge and help raise vital funds for breast cancer support services. Taking place from May 1-30, 2024, participants can choose to complete the 100km distance however they wish across the 30 days of May – be it on foot, on wheels, on water; in big chunks or small; on your own, or as part of a team. For business teams it’s a great bonding activity and you can ask your employer to match your donation, supporting your efforts and the charity at the same time.

100k’s in 30 Days Aotearoa is an annual event that was created by the Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust (BCSST) in 2022 with participation and support across Te-Moana-ā-Toi, the Bay of Plenty. In 2023, the Trust took the challenge nationwide; partnering with breast cancer charities across the motu and raising an impressive $180k.

In 2024, the event returns to its roots, with all funds raised going to support BCSST’s mahi in the local community. Manager Rachel Quin Gilbert says: “The 100k’s in 30 days challenge is our biggest fundraiser of the year and a massive event for our charity. We love seeing the enthusiasm that comes out in participants and really hope our local community gets behind the 2024 challenge. We would love to smash our fundraising target this year!” Event registration is open from March 11.

100KSIN30DAYS.NZ

BREAK THE CYCLE

New Zealand period products maker Organic Initiative (Oi) has introduced an addition to their sustainable lineup of period care products — a Reusable Bikini Brief made with certified organic cotton. The new bikini brief is part of Oi's mission to empower individuals in their menstruation journey to choose products that are better for them and the environment.

Crafted with an outer layer of organic cotton, the Reusable Bikini Brief by Oi ensures breathability and non-irritant comfort throughout the wear. With four layers of absorbent protection and an extended absorbent gusset for an extra layer of reliability, the new underwear is ideal for people with active lifestyles.

The bikini brief will absorb around the equivalent of three regular tampons.

Packed in a home-compostable bag, the cotton brief minimises packaging waste. Committed to reducing the ecological footprint associated with period products, Oi says the design of the brief underscores the company’s dedication to improving sustainable practices. Their eco-conscious approach allows the fabric to biodegrade naturally at the end of its life cycle.

OI4ME.COM

KEEP CALM

Meet Clever Little: the New Zealand, female-owned self-care brand providing a modern solution to an age-old problem. Understanding that no one woman’s needs are the same, Clever Little founder Shara Quin has developed a holistic range encompassing oils for every symptom. The Cycle Care range encompasses three oils, available individually or as a three-piece kit. The Relief Oil is a painrelieving solution for headaches and migraines, typically caused by hormone fluctuations. Peppermint, rosemary and jojoba oil work together to provide pain relief while boosting energy and delivering added skin benefits. Alleviating menstrual cramps and bloating, two of the most common period symptoms, the Comfort Oil supports a more comfortable cycle. Eucalyptus oil reduces bloating and inflammation while wintergreen oil relieves muscle tension. From distressed to de-stressed, the Calm Oil is formulated with sweet orange oil to regulate mood and ylang ylang to help fight anxiety with natural antidepressant properties.

HEYCLEVERLITTLE.COM

What’s for sale. What it’s worth.

Discover thousands of property listings right across the country and estimated values based on the very latest sales figures. Be property prepared with OneRoof.co.nz

Autumn like this?

WINTER ON WAIHEKE

The phrase “on island time” may seem incongruous as wet weather approaches, but Waiheke Island offers the perfect – alas, temporary – escape from winter woes.

WORD S HAYLEY BARNETT

It’s widely known that Waiheke Island is the place to be during the summer months, but many are unaware of the island’s lure during the cooler season.

Over winter Waiheke transforms into a different kind of wonderland, with vineyards displaying stunning autumn colours and fewer crowds, providing visitors with more intimate experiences.

With a bit of help, it’s easy to get around the world-class wineries, and if you can find a good place to hunker down when the weather gets bleak, then you’ve found yourself the ideal winter island getaway.

OMANA LUXURY VILLA

Located at Woodside Bay, Omana Luxury Villa boasts breathtaking panoramic views, a private beach, and offers all the modern amenities required for a luxury hideaway.

Upon entering the spacious apartment, it was immediately apparent that relaxing and unwinding are of the utmost importance here. Within 10 minutes of our arrival I was making use of the oversized bathtub while enjoying the view and precariously balancing a glass of Thomas Estate blanc de gris on the side.

The floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the stunning natural beauty surrounding the apartments. Each villa has been given a name – Serenity, Haven, Surrender, and Joy – to reflect the type of experience the owners hope their guests will have during their stay.

The super king bed is perfect for snuggling up and watching movies, which is just what we did for an entire afternoon and night one rainy day – although watching a storm roll by through the huge windows is entertainment enough.

The dining table and kitchenette containing all the necessary appliances allowed us to stay cooped up in luxury, without the need to leave.

When the sun finally came out the following day, we ate breakfast on the private terrace overlooking the incredible views of the rolling hills and water. Each morning breakfast is delivered to your door and includes an omelette, croissants, granola, and fresh fruit with orange juice. Each apartment is equipped with a coffee machine that takes the finest Waiheke beans, so there’s no need to even venture out for a coffee.

TOUR WAIHEKE

Graeme from Kiwi Connect Tours picked us up right on our doorstep the day after our arrival at Omana. His large-yet-economical and environmentally friendly electric vans make for a comfortable, relaxing journey around the winding hills of Waiheke. And his well-informed chat kept us entertained as he ferried us from vineyard to vineyard. Graeme has been living on Waiheke since 2019, just before the first COVID-19 lockdown decimated his tuktuk business in Auckland. The move to green vehicles was a genius move on Graeme’s part, as much of the island’s population has long been an environmentally conscious community. Since starting the business, Graeme has adapted to island life well, knowing the best places to go and the history behind each winery.

Batch

Next it was on to Batch, where the young, hip vibe was immediately apparent. Three hens’ dos and posters advertising its summer festivals were the first two giveaways. As we were guided through to the cellar door, a young Frenchman gave us a rundown on what makes Batch so unique. His passion and knowledge for wine was impressive and infectious. By the time we swayed unsteadily out towards the restaurant for lunch, we felt we were already well-educated wine connoisseurs and looked forward to critiquing our wine matches with lunch.

Casita Miro

Our first stop is one of the trendiest vineyards – Casito Miro – to indulge in a wine tasting. At 10am it did seem a little early to start on the vino, but I wasn’t complaining. The Spanish-style building immediately transports you to Barcelona with its Gaudi-esque mosaic design. With the vines stretched out below you as you sample each of Casito Miro’s best wines, you’d be forgiven for believing yourself to be somewhere far beyond in the Mediterranean. Though they do make amazing wines here, it’s the tapas that attracts the foodies. The goat’s cheese croqueta and patatas bravas are menu must-tries.

Returning home to our villa in the early afternoon after Cable Bay, sheets of rain swept into our island cove and we spent the rest of the day hunkered down watching movies. Thankfully, it was the rain that saved us from a brutal hangover the next day. We had enough energy reserves to head out to Tantalus Estate before catching our ferry back to the city. The estate prides itself on using local New Zealand ingredients where executive chef Gideon Landman experiments with bold flavours and textures. We were treated to the Tantalus “Trust The Chef” lunch,

Cable Bay

Perched atop a hill overlooking Auckland City is the highly reputable Cable Bay. I have vague, fond memories of spending my 30th here for lunch just over 10 years ago. Not much has changed other than the layout of the restaurant and the menu but, as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Here, we’re treated to a vineyard tour and tasting. The first vineyard was built here in 1998, and today the business has expanded to include the winery, olive groves, organic gardens, two restaurants, event spaces, a cellar door and an expansive outdoor lawn area.

which consists of six courses and what seems to be never-ending welcome snacks (not that we were complaining).

The taste and presentation of each dish was exquisite and we were soon on the edges of our seats waiting for each course to arrive.

We waddled out of there fully satisfied and somewhat surprised that we had just experienced one of the best meals of our lives. Making it back in time for the ferry, we sadly farewelled our temporary island home, right before the rain clouds set back in.

Tantalus Estate Vineyard

PARADISE FOUND

Aitutaki’s crystal-clear waters and relaxed vibe isn’t just for honeymooners. It’s what makes Rarotonga such a must-visit destination for Kiwis.

There’s much more to the Cook Islands than Rarotonga, the colourful tropical island which, thanks to its international airport, use of New Zealand currency, and excellent tourist infrastructure, draws most of the Kiwi visitors to this far-flung tropical paradise.

This tiny South Pacific country is actually made up of 15 islands with a total land area of just 240 square kilometres, but scattered over a mind-boggling two million square kilometres of Pacific Ocean – from isolated Penrhyn in the north, to cooler-climate Mangaia in the Southern Group.

Of all the outlying islands, Aitutaki tops the list for visitors wanting to explore

more of what the Cook Islands has to offer. This languid tropical paradise covers an area of just 18.05 square kilometres, but there’s certainly no lack of things to do or see – and plenty of opportunity to abandon your cares and relax on a pristine beach beside one of the world’s most spectacular lagoons.

Some first-time visitors to the Cook Islands organise their flights to catch

WORD S CAMERON SCOTT

a quick connection to Aitutaki shortly after their arrival in Rarotonga. But I’d recommend first spending a couple of days in Rarotonga to get used to the balmy Cook Islands weather and experience a little of the 32km-diameter island’s many cultural and scenic attractions. For a quick taste of Aitutaki, a day trip with Air Rarotonga is also highly recommended and will surely inspire a longer return visit.

“ WHILE IT IS SMALL, YOU’LL FIND NO SHORTAGE OF BEAUTIFUL, PRIVATE BEACHES FRINGED WITH COCONUT TREES. THERE’S ALSO PLENTY OF THINGS TO DO. ”

Home to just 1800 people, Aitutaki is even more relaxed and laid-back than Rarotonga, retaining much of its authentic charm. The low-lying atoll itself has 15 islands (only one is inhabited), and its spectacularly vast and gorgeous lagoon is surrounded by a protective reef.

Aitutaki has an excellent selection of accommodation to suit all budgets and, in general, is warmer and sunnier than

Rarotonga, with a better chance of blue skies. And while it is small, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful, private beaches fringed with coconut trees. There’s also plenty of things to do, most of them naturally involving water activities.

You’ll arrive at Aitutaki Airport, a former WWII airfield located at the triangularshaped island’s northern point. The island’s largest village, Arutanga, is on the west side.

Aitutaki’s lagoon is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the world.

Snorkelling in the pristine waters of Aitutaki lagoon is rewarded by the sight of huge numbers of colourful tropical fish.

Honeymooners love Aitutaki’s secluded beaches.

PLAY

Of all the things to do on Aitutaki, exploring the lagoon and its islets is the best. Go kayaking from a secluded white sand beach or join a boat tour and visit One Foot Island, where you can have your passport stamped at the world’s smallest post office. There’s some of the finest snorkelling you’ll find anywhere, in pristine waters teeming with colourful tropical fish. At night, enjoy an island night cultural show with a traditional umu (the island equivalent of a hangi) feast and Cook Island dancing. It’s also an essential part of the Aitutaki experience to meet some of the friendly, fun-loving locals and visit the oldest church in the Cook Islands, built of coral and limestone in Arutanga village in 1823. A good way to learn the history and culture of the island is to take a guided tour, or simply hire a scooter or bicycle and explore at your leisure.

WET & WILD WATER TOURS

Wet & Wild Water Tours offer boat charters, a water taxi, kite and wake boarding, tube riding, water skiing, fishing and spearfishing, whale-watching, sightseeing and much more. Humpback whales pass near Aitutaki on their migratory path from July to October.

WETNWILD-AITUTAKI.COM

BISHOP’S CRUISES

Famous for its well-organised lagoon cruises, offering a truly memorable experience, Bishop's Cruises also specialise in organising spectacular weddings on One Foot Island. Whatever you want to do, they’ll take care of every detail, making your big day ultra-special.

BISHOPSCRUISES.COM

AITUTAKI BLUE LAGOON FLYFISH

If fishing is your thing, Aitutaki Blue Lagoon Flyfish offers full and half-day guided fly fishing adventures on the Aitutaki lagoon, targeting bonefish and trevally. The bonefish are big, averaging 28 to 30 inches, while the trevally are guaranteed to put up a big fight.

AITUTAKIBLUELAGOONFLYFISH.COM

AITUTAKI DAY TOUR

At the top end of the scale, Island Hopper Vacations offer an exclusive Aitutaki Day Tour which includes return VIP airport transfers on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki, return private jet flights, a private tour of Aitutaki and a private boat charter and lagoon cruise, with a special buffet lunch on an uninhabited motu (island).

ISLANDHOPPERVACATIONS.COM

Pacific Resort Aitutaki has won awards for its luxurious accommodation and superior service.

STAY

PACIFIC RESORT AITUTAKI

The spectacular award-winning Pacific Resort Aitutaki offers 29 luxurious bungalows and villas with wide views across the lagoon. Indulge with a massage at Tiare Spa or grab a kayak or stand-up paddle board to explore the lagoon waters. The only member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in Aitutaki, the resort welcomes guests aged 12-plus.

PACIFICRESORT.COM

TAMANU BEACH RESORT

On the eastern coast of Aitutaki, Tamanu Beach Resort has relaxed Polynesian-style bungalows and is right on the beach in Amuri village. The resort has two wings, one for adults only and the other for families. On Wednesdays and Saturdays from 6.30pm, the resort hosts a special feast featuring delicious local food as well as the island's traditional singing and dancing.

TAMANUBEACH.COM

RINO’S AITUTAKI BEACH APARTMENTS

At the affordable end of the scale and offering all the essentials for a relaxing holiday, Rino's Aitutaki Beach Apartments has a selection of cozy self-catered beach apartments a few steps from the beach.

RINOSAITUTAKI.COM

AITUTAKI BEACH VILLAS

With just four private, self-contained beach bungalows, this tranquil spot is ideal for everything from honeymoons to family getaways. Set beside a safe and beautiful beach, it’s also an easy walk from the island’s larger hotels, restaurants and shops.

AITUTAKIBEACHVILLAS.COM

EAT

TAMANU BEACHFRONT RESTAURANT

Tamanu Beachfront Restaurant offers a true Pacific Island dining experience with delicious foods and friendly, island-style hospitality. Nestled on the beach beside Aitutaki's sensational lagoon, this a la carte restaurant has a good selection of Pacific Island cuisine along with a Western favourites and opens seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

TAMANUBEACH.COM/RESTAURANT-BAR

AVATEA CAFÉ

Boldy staking claim to “the best food in Aitutaki,” the family owned Avatea Café is located in Tautu and is known for its laid-back outdoors atmosphere and friendly service. The well-presented food ranges from crepes and coffee for breakfast, to sashimi pizza and the café’s famous fish curry and homemade naan bread for dinner. After a day exploring the lagoon, their Aitutaki Brewery beer is a must. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner every day except Sunday.

AVATEACAFE.COM

THE BOAT SHED BAR & GRILL

A reliable destination for good drinks and seafood for lunch or dinner, this popular establishment offers wonderful views of the lagoon and beyond. The menu includes Japanese sushi platters, sashimi plates, chicken teriyaki, and local seafood dishes. If you’ve had a successful day’s fishing, the chefs are happy to cook your catch. The children’s playground is a plus – as are the well-priced cocktails

POPOARAOCEANBREEZE.COM

MANGO TAKE AWAY AITUTAKI

If you’re looking for a good meal on the go, you’ve found it right here. Mango Take Away in Amuri is handy to some of Aitutaki’s main resorts and hotels and serves up a delicious selection of pizza, pasta, burgers and Asian dishes, as well as cakes, pastries and desserts. You can tell how good this unassuming little establishment is by the number of locals who visit.

COOKISLANDS.TRAVEL/SUPPLIER/MANGO-TAKE-AWAY

GETTING THERE

Aitutaki is the ideal place to shake off the stresses of modern-day living and escape the chilly depths of a New Zealand winter. Air Rarotonga flies a jet-prop Saab 340B Plus aircraft from Rarotonga to Aitutaki up to five times daily. You can book all the way there on an Air New Zealand itinerary.

The freshest of seafood features on the menus of most Aitutaki restaurants and caf é s.

OUT OF THE SURF

Whangamat ā's biggest attraction might be one of New Zealand’s best beaches, but did you know it’s also the perfect spot for a weekend adventure all year round?

Whether Whangamat ā is your final destination or you’re simply passing through, this seaside town offers more than just the typical Kiwi summer bach-style holiday. There are top-notch restaurants to explore, plenty of bike trails to choose from no matter your experience, and the shopping just keeps getting better. Read on to discover some of Whangamatā’s top attractions on those days when the beach isn’t so appealing.

WHANGAMATĀ RIDGES

Five minutes from the township on State Highway 25, Whangamat ā Ridges is a mountain bike park with a difference. It suits everyone, from beginners to experts, with grade two to five trails. There's a fun single track, plenty of downhills and climbs, and the trails offer incredible views of the ocean and forest, cleared forest terrain and native bush.

WHANGAMATARIDGES.NZ

CAMINA

SALT DISTRICT BREWING

A small idea that started in a garage in Whangamatā a few years ago has quickly gained traction among locals and travellers alike. With everything falling into place, Salt District Brewing now has a cellar door located in town. Open Thursday to Saturday, you can sample the brews, which are all made on site, and transport the suds back home in a Salt District flagon (glass amber growler). You can now find the beer in Whangamatā at over six different cafés and restaurants. The team are passionate about their product, their town and community, and aim to stay hyper-local, hosting regular small events. Keep an eye out for Salt District cans at selected retailers soon.

SALTDISTRICTBREWING.CO.NZ

Camina is a restaurant that honours the ancient bond between humans and fire. A celebration of owners Barend and Rowan's shared passions for food, music and community, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients cooked over the open fire as a way of recreating the experience of sharing stories, warmth and the simplicity of eating together. With a Spanish and North African influence, the menu and wine list is ever-changing with the seasons.

CAMINA.CO.NZ | CAMINA_RESTAURANT

Liam Blunden, founder and head brewer of Salt District Brewing.

PALM PACIFIC RESORT & MOTEL

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Whangamat ā lies Palm Pacific Resort & Motel — a haven of modern two-bedroom apartments amid a tropical oasis, with established facilities for all guests. Experience the convenience of town-centre living, where every amenity, café and golden-sand beach is just a leisurely stroll away. With a children's playground next door, your perfect coastal escape awaits. PALMPACIFICRESORT.COM

BELLA DESIGN

Located on Whangamat ā’s main road, Bella is a gift and homeware store offering a carefully curated selection of quality gifts and homewares catered to a slow beach life and bach aesthetic. From accessories and fashion to gifts, lighting and furniture, Bella is one of those stores that needs to be experienced to be believed.

Declan, Ivan, Rachel and Rob dressed for the Australian beaches.

Rob Hamill and Phil Stubbs in Barbados after winning the inaugural Atlantic Rowing Race in 1997.

Javelot, the Hamills ’ floating home seeing out the day at Queensland’s, Double Island Point.

Finn, Declan, Rob, Rachel and Ivan at Cambodia’s magnificent Angkor Wat.

Kerry with his girlfriend Gail aboard the Foxy Lady with her freshly painted eyes in Phuket, Thailand.

THE CRUISING KIWIS

From personal tragedy was born an incredible oceangoing journey, with this intrepid family following their hearts – and their sense of adventure – circumnavigating the globe.

WORDS LIZ FRENCH | PHOTOS JON NASH , IVAN HAMILL + SV SELKI

Circumnavigating the world on your catamaran is a massive adventure. It has been normal daily life for the Hamill family of five (six counting the cat) for the last five years.

The backstory, and one reason for it, is a devastating event that has been forever woven into the fabric of Rob Hamill’s life.

Whakat ā ne-born Rob was 14 when the family lost contact with his older brother Kerry, known to be sailing in Southeast Asia. In 1978, when Rob was 16, it was confirmed that Kerry’s yacht had been ambushed in Cambodian waters by the Khmer Rouge and that he and a crewmate (the third shot during capture) had been held in the notorious Tuol Sleng prison in Phnom Penh, tortured, forced to sign false confessions, and murdered.

Knowledge that could have stymied Rob Hamill has, if anything, impelled him forward. Rob represented New Zealand in rowing for 16 years, winning a silver medal at the World Rowing Championships. He rowed in the Atlanta Olympics and may be best known for when he and crewmate Phil Stubbs won the 1997 inaugural Atlantic Rowing Race. Rob wrote a book, The Naked Rower, about this. He also

made a documentary, Brother Number One, based on the quest for resolution for Kerry. His magnetism as a raconteur made him a popular fixture on the speakers’ circuit.

While the desire to retrace his brother’s journey was clearly a catalyst to set sail, it’s obvious this is a man with intrepid adventure in his DNA. He’s proud that his wife Rachel and sons, 22-year-old Finn, Declan (19), and Ivan (16), plus the cat, fully embrace it.

They bought Javelot, a 43-foot Fountaine Pajot catamaran, in Whang ā rei in 2014. It had been sailed out from Belgium and required maintenance before the family could make their first foray out of New Zealand. They honed their skills with several months of Pacific Island sailing. Rachel was new to sailing and recalls a particularly gruelling trip to Tonga as the only time she just wanted off.

They departed on their circumnavigation of the globe in October 2018, making it to Darwin where Kerry had originally sailed from in 1977. When COVID-19 kept them in Australia, they discovered a captivating coastline, the Kimberley region in Western Australia a highlight. Being hit by lightning off the Gold Coast was the lowlight with thousands of dollars of electronics decimated.

YOU SEE THE FEARLESS THREE LEAPING OFF THE CATAMARAN, SHIMMYING UP RIGGING, AND SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS.

Right: The Hamills ’ first anchorage in Tonga, 2015.

Watch the Hamill boys on YouTube (“Kiwi Boys”) to see how they are revelling in having the world as their playground and classroom. You see the fearless three leaping off the catamaran, shimmying up rigging, and swimming with whale sharks. Declan, referred to fondly as “EMC” (the Expendable Middle Child,) cutting free a craypot that got stuck around their rudder. Eldest son Finn freediving to near disaster. All exploring wherever they are mooring.

“They react calmly and rationally to every situation and show emotional intelligence way beyond their ages,” says their father, confident the lessons in resilience learned at sea will serve them well.

Finn is off the yacht often in his quest to row in the Paris Olympics this year, having already gained Silver in the Under 23 World Champs and competed in the men’s lightweight single at the World Championships in Serbia.

Their route has so far taken them from Darwin up through Indonesia, including Ende on the island of Flores that Kerry had reported visiting. Then to Malaysia and Thailand. Future fluid plans include sailing up to the Mediterranean and on to the Caribbean before returning to the Pacific via the Panama Canal.

The Hamills have felt the pull of Southeast Asia, where they experienced nothing but friendship and kindness, felt very safe and lapped up the local street food. “It goes against all our accepted food prep rules, yet we ate it for months and never got ill,” says Rob while admitting that drinking dodgy water did him in.

They have also made friends with fellow yachties from all over the world. “The Kiwi flag is a positive thing.”

Javelot anchored in the Anambas Islands, Indonesia.

Warebo Village, located in the remote jungle highlands of Flores Island, Indonesia.

Swimming with whale sharks, the ocean's gentle giants, was a major bucket list item ticked.

The longer passages have proved challenging as they involve overnight sailing. The family takes turns at being on watch and Rob says he is always hyper alert for any natural or man-made threats. Technology is the other challenge, as it is vital for navigation and communication. Lose it or, worse still, your phone (which has happened), and it can take forever to regain all the apps and information on which life at sea and in a myriad of different countries depends.

Because thousands are vicariously voyaging with them via their YouTube channel, “The Cruising Kiwis”, they make a commitment to post an update every Sunday. Rachel spends hours editing and collating the weekly videos of a family living their best (and occasionally worst) lives. Watch them and share what she describes as the privilege of being “strangers in strange lands”.

YOUTUBE.COM/THECRUISINGKIWIS

...THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING “ STRANGERS IN STRANGE LANDS . ”

The Hamills ’ first foray into the South Pacific and Vanuatu’s traditional villages, 2015.

Javelot at Double Island Point, Queensland.

Finn was pulled from the depths by his father and brothers following a free diving blackout (re-enactment).

On What’s

2024 SUPERCARS CHAMPIONSHIP ITM TAUPŌ SUPER400

Friday to Sunday April 19-21

Taupō International Motorsport Park Supercars will race at Taupō International Motorsport Park for the first time in April, marking the third different New Zealand venue to host a championship round after Pukekohe Park raceway and the Hamilton street circuit.

SUPERCARS.COM/EVENTS/ 2024-ITM-TAUPO

WHENUA

Thursday April 4

Baycourt Addison Theatre

Direct from standing ovations in Europe, The New Zealand Dance Company (NZDC) showcases unique creative voices from Aotearoa New Zealand in the stunning doublebill WHENUA . Choreographer Malia Johnston has collaborated with celebrated indigenous artist Rodney Bell (Ng āti Maniapoto) to forge Imprint. This new work will be paired with Eddie Elliott’s (Ng āti Maniapoto) Uku - Behind the Canvas, which premiered to rave reviews in 2022 and will make for a distinct yet complementary programme. Recommended for ages 8+. NZDC.ORG.NZ/STAGE/WORKS/ WHENUA

ROLLER DISCO

Thursday April 11

Mount Sports Centre

Dust off your bell bottoms and your fur coat because Moana Roller Derby is bringing back the 1970s roller disco for one night only. Spot prizes for best dressed plus an awesome raffle and yummy treats. All funds raised will go towards buying new hire skates. Hire gear available for $5 or BYO. MOANAROLLERDERBY

ULTIMATE ATHLETE MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Friday and Saturday April 12-13

Main Beach, Mount Maunganui

The Ultimate Athlete obstacle course event is returning to the beautiful Mount Main Beach. After a sold-out event in 2023, they’ve increased capacity to host even more competitors. 3km, 6km, and 10km distances for teams, individuals, and kids.

EVENTPLUS.NET/UAM24

FLAVOURS OF PLENTY FESTIVAL

Thursday to Sunday April 4-14

It’s time to embark on another foodie adventure as the annual award-winning Flavours of Plenty Festival returns! Get ready to experience the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s best culinary collisions. Savour street food, delectable degustations, mixology classes, gastronomic showdowns, artful dining, long lunches, barbecues, chef collaborations, the wonderful Plates of Plenty Challenge, and so much more.

FLAVOURSOFPLENTYFESTIVAL.COM

MADAGASCAR THE MUSICAL

Friday to Sunday April 26-28

Baycourt Addison Theatre

Based on the smash-hit DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar The Musical follows all your favourite crackalackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Along the way they find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. MYTAURANGA.CO.NZ

THE BEACH BOYS EXPERIENCE

Wednesday May 29

Baycourt Addison Theatre

For nearly 60 years, The Beach Boys have embodied summertime. Sun, surfing, the beach, pretty girls in bikinis, driving with the top down… Pick up some Good Vibrations at this unforgettable celebration dedicated to the music of The Beach Boys.

EVENTFINDA.CO.NZ

TASTE OF TRADITION

One word sums up this Tauranga restaurant: Classic. A classic setting, classic cuisine, and classic vibes make it a local favourite for a reason.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT

Mention Harbourside to a Bay local and you’ll hear nothing but good things.

As the pinnacle of traditional fine dining here, it offers everything you need from a waterfront eatery – stunning views, great food, friendly service, and a refined yet unpretentious vibe.

Having bought the restaurant back in 2011, husband and wife team Peter and Anita Ward know how lucky they are to own such a perfect spot on the Tauranga Harbour. There’s nothing else quite like it. Peter had been managing Harbourside for four years when they jumped at the offer to purchase the restaurant. In that time he’d learned exactly what their clientele expected, mainly because they’d tell him.

“Consistency is key,” says Peter. “Even now, if you take something off the menu we’re nearly run out of town.”

The menu is full of classic dishes with a blend of Kiwiana and South Pacific tastes, as well as time-honoured European fare. Only slight variations are made during the change of menu each season.

“Many people here have traditional values and tastes and they simply want consistent quality,” explains Peter. “We provide that quality and consistency without throwing anything out there that’s too left field. It’s important to meet your market.”

Known for its simple fish and chips, these days other favourites consist of agresto crusted lamb backstrap and the popular Harbourside Seafood Chowder. This isn’t the place to come for an experimental, risky food adventure. Here you know what you’re getting every time.

And most of the staff stay consistent too. These days, it’s a family affair with

Peter and Anita’s son, Cameron, running the kitchen as head chef, Cameron’s wife, Nicole, as maître d', and their son, 18-year-old Taylor, running the bar. Mixing family and business aligns with their ethos of providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere, where they treat their guests like family. It’s a formula that works and owner Peter isn’t about to do anything silly like change it.

“For us when we first arrived in Tauranga, Harbourside became our staple,” says Peter. “We’d get a table outside, order a wine and fish and chips. It was our favourite spot to be.”

That’s exactly what they want to continue offering to diners: a perfect experience in a tranquil setting, where you’re comfortable enough to order the fish and chips.

HARBOURSIDETAURANGA.CO.NZ

It's all in the family for Harbourside, with Peter, Anita, Nicole and Cameron running the show.