UNO Magazine | Issue 66 | Summer 2024 | Lara Henderson

MENODOCTOR

LINDA DEAR

talks HRT and beyond

SHAUN BOUCHER

The Mount’s skateboarding guru

BAY’S DINING DESTINATIONS

Six of the best MIDLIFE WANDERLUST

Winging it in Vietnam

KIRKY MAREE

DONNELLY’S cracking festive cocktails

BOSS EDITION

EXCELLENCE.

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

PLAY

14

What’s hot!

20 Booming business in the Bay

30 Tauranga’s Trolls

34 Shaun Boucher: skater mentor

40 Sala Gallery

42 BOP's eateries to be 47 Garage viticulture

48 Donna Hay recipes

57 Holiday reads

60 Powerlifting after 60

THRIVE

64

Fashion with Nicky Adams

68 Summer glow up

71 Cashmore Clinic: Skin saver

73 Embracing your grey goddess

74 Da Vinci Clinic: Non-surgical face lift

76 Menodoctor Linda Dear

80 Tattooing with heart

LIVE

84 Interiors: Bold choices

88 Oliver Road Luxury Real Estate

95 Wallpaper vs paint 96 Planting for summer

97 No-waste resolutions

99 Biophilic interiors

WORK

102 Living Without Violence 110 Pet Farewells

112 Young barber Spencer McNeil 116 Pukehina’s herbivore butter success 119 She means business 121 Insuring your future

122 Parenting: Work/life balance

124 Gadget guide

EXPLORE

128 East coast eats

132 Places to be for free 134 Hamilton Gardens

138 Plantation Island getaway

142 Vietnam: No itinerary

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

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Stephanie Taylor

SUB-EDITOR

Shiree Schumacher

CONTRIBUTORS

Amber Armitage

Alex Cairns

Lilia Cass

Erin Cave

Katie Cox

Kirky Maree Donnelly

Jess Easton

Jo Ferris

Salina Galvan

Debbie Griffiths

Sue Hoffart

Stacey Jones

Jahl Marshall

Kirsten Matthew

Kathrine McDonald

Graeme Murray

Desiree Osterman

Karl Puschmann

SUBSCRIPTIONS unomagazine.co.nz/shop

PRINTER Webstar

DISTRIBUTOR Are Direct PUBLISHED BY SAO Media Limited

When the UNO team was tasked with finding a few of the most successful businesses to be born in the Bay, we had our work cut out for us. Writer Nicky Adams could only do justice to a few, and over the past five years the Bay has really been living up to its name. There certainly are plenty to choose from.

She landed on three – HotMilk, a maternity lingerie company that has been around for close to 20 years, LawVu, a software startup which has taken off after nine years, and Pure Mama, whose pregnancy skincare line seems to be an overnight success.

Of course, anyone who has been in business for any amount of time knows there’s no such thing as luck, or an ‘overnight success’. The three entrepreneurs who founded these companies are no exception to that rule. They know their product, their audience and their competition well, and worked tirelessly just to get their product to market.

“You need a good business plan and an unwavering belief in yourself,” our cover star, Lara Henderson, founder of Pure Mama, told me during the UNO Summer 2024 covershoot. It might seem like common advice for anyone with a desire to go into business for themselves, but judging by the fact that 63 percent of Kiwi startups fail in the first year, not everyone goes into it with a solid plan. Apparently the top reasons for business failure are poor cashflow management, inadequate budgeting and resource misallocation. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

To find out more about how these three business owners not only beat the odds but soared to great international heights, turn to page 20.

Each has a different story, but one thing they all seem to agree on is that the most important step is to simply take one. To quote one of the biggest, most successful brands in the world, just do it.

Hayley, editor

Pure Mama’s Lara Henderson with her stylists, Lilia Cass and bubs.

Kirky Maree Donnelly

With a passion for creativity in all forms, Kirky loves nothing more than crafting fun, fruity cocktails for every occasion. “Cocktails bring people together, and it’s always a joy to create something that adds to the moment,” she says. Kirky says she loved designing summer cocktails for this issue, on page 52. A proud Mount Maunganui local, Kirky has also been tattooing for around 14 years and co-owns Electric Soul Tattoo Studio.

Alex Cairns

Alex spent more than 10 years in film and TV production in Auckland, working behind the scenes on big productions, local films, and a tonne of TV commercials. He loves a good logistical challenge but has always kept storytelling close to his heart. He returned to Tauranga in 2023 to pursue Visual Journalism and is “stoked” that UNO allows him to photograph amazing people doing great things. Alex sees it as a privilege to bring editorial stories to life, striving to create authentic, entertaining, thought-provoking, and enlightening work.

Debbie Griffiths

Her voice is heard at self-service checkouts around the country but you’re more likely to find freelance voiceover artist, broadcaster and features writer Debbie Griffiths shining the spotlight on others. “The fact I get to chat to and share the stories of our most inspiring locals for UNO isn’t lost on me. It’s a genuine honour and privilege.” In this edition, Deb sat down with a world record-setting powerlifter – “I had to bend down to hug her” – on page 60, as well as the first woman to represent New Zealand in skateboarding on page 38.

What’s hot!

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

Me time

Rituals & Me offers beautifullycrafted natural soy wax candles, fragranced and hand-poured in New Zealand. Thoughtfully designed to awaken the senses and promote mindfulness, they’re perfect for anyone seeking a little extra calm. RRP from $44. RITUALSANDME.CO.NZ

Game on!

Challenge friends and family to some friendly competition this summer with Backyard Games. From Kubb to Giant Connect Four, this high-quality range of outdoor games is sure to keep the fun rolling. RRP from $159. BACKYARDGAMES.CO.NZ

Sustainable style

Designed and made in Tauranga, Hono’s bar leaners and stools offer eco-friendly elegance. Their flat-pack convenience, tool-free interlocking assembly, and timeless design make them perfect for homes, holiday homes, offices, or events. RRP from $379. HONO.NZ

Magic in mushrooms

GO Healthy’s new functional mushroom range blends tradition and science. From immune support to stress relief and focus, these supplements bring centuries-old wellness benefits into your daily routine. RRP from $24. GOHEALTHY.CO.NZ

Swan about

Get ready for the cuteness of the Princess Swan Swim Vest. Made from durable neoprene, it offers buoyancy and warmth. Its secure, comfortable fit helps little ones gain confidence in the water while making a stylish splash. RRP $80. LITTLEWHIMSY.CO.NZ

Counter couture

Show your kitchen some love with the stylish Lemon Myrtle & Honeydew Kitchen Trio in Crisp White. This divinely-scented set combines dishwashing liquid, bench spray, and hand wash in a sleek tray. RRP$102.

ALIVEBODY.CO.NZ

Sip into summer

Pretty plans

Step into 2025 with Father Rabbit ’s Lost in Dahlias diary. This A5 beauty, featuring Gabrielle Gatt ’s art, offers a page per day for your thoughts and plans – the ideal way to organise your year or impress with a thoughtful gift. RRP$59.

CLOVERDESIGNSTORE.CO.NZ

Shade in style

The Amalfi Beach Umbrella in Bistro Pink Stripe blends classic Mediterranean vintage style with modern durability. Offering ample coverage for up to four people, it’s an ideal companion for Kiwi beach days. RRP$329.

PAPERPLANESTORE.COM

Infuse the taste of sunshine with the Summer Spritz Cocktail Jar. Packed with strawberries, cherries, and pomegranate molasses, it’s perfect with gin or a zero-proof fizz – and you’ll get eight servings per jar. RRP$39.90. FLOANDFRANKIE.COM

Retro cool

The Candy Cooler brings vintage vibes to outdoor fun. This 12L insulated beauty keeps drinks frosty from beach to BBQ. With six eye-catching colours and a comfy strap, it ’ll be your coolest investment this summer. RRP$39.

THEWAREHOUSE.CO.NZ

Cotton comfort

Louise Hanes Sleepwear blends luxurious 100 percent organic cotton with ethical design. Their pyjama sets promise lasting comfort that softens with every wash. A perfect choice for those who value quality and sustainability. RRP from $140.

LOUISEHANESSLEEPWEAR.NZ

Wendys Boutique

Wendys Boutique introduced the latest runway looks at Gratitude – a night of inspiring style with purpose on October 12. The event raised money for gynaecological cancer.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Layla Mohamed, Megan De Luca 2. Kori Anderson, Di Lynds 3. Jackie Clark, Grant Winterburb 4. Sarah Davey, Margot Simmonds 5. Katrina Eden, Hannah Watene 6. Prue McCallum, Anna Dixon, Sarah Davey, Margie Mollison, Wendy Riordan, Debbie Oliver 7. Tania Hilliam, Amy Duncan son, Gemma Barker 8. Patti Brown, Lee-Ann Hall, Sandy Pomare 9. Wendy Simister, Trelise Cooper 10. Janis Wyeth, David Burley, Fran Burley

11. Trevor Lee, Toni Lee 12. Sumner Raos, Cheryl Adams 13. Wendy's Models 14. Karyn Johns, Suzanne Beaumont, Adrienne Pierce, Lesley Joblin 15. Donna Crosby, Kim Crosby, Brittany Ivil

16. Kelvin Eden, Adam Ross, Scott Adams 17. Christelle Ibambasi, Alexandria Solly, Charlie Floodsmith-Ryan 18. Michelle Stuart, Leanne Brooks, Linda Lees, Karen White

19. Millie Jackson, Nikki Burley 20. Donna Wiki, Robyn Harrington, Tina Berg

Tauranga Living Without Violence

TLWV brought together key figures in the domestic violence sector to celebrate 40 years in service. Hollie Smith stunned with her powerful voice, and speakers included Karen Chhour, Annah Stretton, Louise Nicholas, and Sam Uffindell.

7.

8.

11.

14.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN 1. Cake 2. Rachael Gemming, Kate BarryPiceno, Julie Sach, Mike Sach 3. Carol Rotarangi, Matthew Rotarangi

4. Soifua Pearson, Lorraine Miller 5. Linda Textor, Sam Uffindell, Robyn Marwick 6. Trudi Waters, Nigel Waters, Dr Moana Tane

Jenny Turnbull, Brooke Peterson, Kayla Laidlaw, Jessica Howes

Marlene Ware, Chris Angus, Merrill Simmons-Hansen 9. Justin Rowe, James Conner 10. Angela Jallaguier, Tamati Tata, Amy Jallaguier

Susie Pankurst, Anne Pankurst 12. Twinette Meyer, Ruth Meyer, Nikki Wade 13. Louise Nicholas, Teresa Conner, Jess Nicholas

Desmond Driver, Lauren Driver. 15. Bronwyn Waters-Bright, Wayne Bright 16. Maia Harris, Benita Harris

Law Collective celebrated their one-year anniversary at Miss Gee’s.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVIN 1. Jonathan Bayliss, Natalie Milne, Marie Cooper 2. Nicola Han, Tony Han, Victoria Han 3. Scott Radley, Michelle Radley, Andy Sutton 4. Andrea Gillanders, Di Tate 5. Oscar Griffiths, Ellie Hulsebosch, Shay Hulsebosch, Katrina Hulsebosch, Cole Hulsebosch 6. James Marshall, Dee Marshall, Shane McConnell 7. Anita O’Connor, Sally Francis, Tracey Dodson 8. Adrian Ford, Larissa Ford 9. Alan Tate, James Croskery, Christine Croskery 10. Bruce Lysaght, Sheree van den Broek, Biddy Robb, Zane Edlin 11. Melissa Boswell, Loretta Sonego, Anita O’Connor 12. Sam Niles, John Oakley 13. Pip Mills, John Mills, Matt Swindlehurst, Brendon Heapy 14. Alistair Dodson, Suzie Cooke 15. Tash Gowthorpe, Mike Hebditch

Sala Gallery exhibition and opening

Sala Gallery’s ‘We are the Earth’ exhibition doubled as its grand opening on November 15, with artist Nigel Banks unveiling his latest works.

Adams Academy Awards 2024

A night of celebration, the Adams Academy Awards showcased remarkable achievements of our local athletes, acknowledging their dedication, talent, and perseverance in reaching the highest levels of sport.

PHOTOS RYAN GOOD 1. Adams team

2. Mitch Zandstra, Scott Adams 3. Scott Adams, Brooke Somerfield 4. Scott Adams, Hayden Wilde

5. Nicky Adams, Scott Adams, Loretta Hogg

6. Megan Williams, Joe McPhee 7. Scott Adams, Mariah Ririnui 8. Speed test

PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL 1. Lisa Gilmour, Simone Anderson

2. Ryan Roberts, Kodi Fairhurst 3. Nigel Banks, Nic Clegg

4. Carol Mowat, Blair Banks 5. Vivien Wanaporn, Lek Ruetima, Inky Nuttalika Netwichian 6. Orasa Banks, Beth Moorcroft, Emma Banks 7. Watini Reantong, Orraya Prombuth and Orasa Banks

Local roots to global rise

The Bay of Plenty is home to some incredible examples of entrepreneurs who have backed themselves and taken a concept or product to global scale. We talk to three local businesses at different stages of their life cycle – one that has been established for nearly 19 years, one nine and one three. All prove without a doubt that the best way to do it is ‘to do it’.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY GRAEME MURRAY HAIR + MAKE-UP DESIREE OSTERMAN STYLING LILIA CASS

Great expectations

Lara Henderson, co-founder of Pure Mama, knew from the outset she wanted her brand to go global. Picking a name for her product that would resonate with customers internationally, and taking the plunge by paying over the odds for a .com domain name, the intent was always to take her Pure Mama brand to New Zealand and beyond.

With products that have taken the pregnancy world by storm since their inception three years ago, meeting Lara very quickly dispels any notion that this was an accidental success. I must admit I was curious how these beauty products had gained such traction. Within three short years they’ve gone from being packed in Lara’s front room to being launched in the holy grail of markets, the United States.

In person Lara is warm, friendly and inspirational in a very matter of fact way. She can systematically break down her strategy, while giving kudos to her team and strong family support, and lets it be known that she is happy to share what she has learnt from her journey with others. Lara came from a corporate background, where after completing a marketing and commercial law degree she had forged a successful career in the advertising and marketing world. She fell pregnant in 2019 and during this time a germ of an idea sprouted. “I went down this journey of looking for new skincare

because there’s a lot of things you need to change when you’re pregnant… I questioned why there wasn’t a product out there for the modern conscious consumer that values high integrity of products but still loves beautiful packaging and refined design.”

The quest continued after the baby was born. “I was looking for something to support my breastfeeding journey – and I couldn’t find anything natural I could use on my skin. I had this idea for a range of products to support women on their pregnancy or post-partum journey. I started doing research and I ran an online survey of about 700 women. The further I dug into it the more I discovered there was an opportunity in the market.”

Ten months post-partum she went for a meeting with an old colleague and mentor. He listened to her idea and saw the potential. “He really gave me the confidence to push go.”

Two years of product development and packaging design research followed before coming to the market in 2021 with three product lines (SKUs): Belly Oil, Bump Scrub and Nipple Butter, and a gift set. I noted it was intriguing how Lara had navigated the world of skincare, when it wasn’t an area she was familiar with. “I didn’t realise but there are amazing manufacturers in New Zealand that can produce skincare, so I pitched my concept to one of the leading laboratories here. For them to take you on as a client they have to believe

in your potential as a business. I took my formulations on what I would like to have in it, which became my core ingredients. I’d researched every single ingredient and every single competitor product, and then worked with an advanced skincare chemist to bring a product to market that has stability for three years and with ingredients that all work together.”

The process of bringing the product to market was a learning curve; there was the science behind the product, as well as the slow and arduous task of getting everything absolutely perfect. Add to this the cost – estimated at about $120,000 to get to this stage, and, Lara points out, “I had to really believe in it.” Lara has a surety about her which gives her real gravitas. Despite her conviction in her product, launch day was, she says, “terrifying”. Here she had experience to draw on though. “Turning on the website was where my digital marketing came in – I understood the consumer journey.”

Going live in May 2021, the minimum order to start manufacturing was around 2,000 units per SKU. Within three months the Belly Oil had sold out, with the other products also performing incredibly well. This, she says, “gave me a clear indication of proof of concept – there was a market need out there and the product was good enough to sell (we haven’t changed our formulation since day dot).”

The first 12 months in New Zealand were really promising, and, says Lara, “I’d looked at New Zealand, Australia, as well as the US and the competitive landscape across all of those markets. And I still felt strongly that we had a positioning in there – that was always my intention – but to get that proof of concept

in a test market like New Zealand is amazing.”

With the success of the product followed a gradual expansion of the team, which now numbers at five. Maggie was first on board in October ‘21 to support with sales and partnerships, Lara’s sister Yasmin who had been integral since the offset during the company conception officially came on board as a partner and full time in September ‘23. With her came high-level expertise in corporate finance. The team are all in accord, with the ability to have honest, frank dialogue and respecting each other’s opinions. Lara believes, “One of our strengths as a team is that we adapt and change really quickly to help optimise us as a business.”

While the original formulation hasn’t changed, the pursuit of perfection continues with constant tweaks to the packaging (which it is obvious Lara is passionate about), and the addition of gift sets and Magnesium Body Rub. Ten new launches are dropping in 2024/5, which the loyal Pure Mama community will all be waiting for expectantly. The social community of 48,000, Lara says, is something she really values, and she personally responds to the direct messages which fly around with questions about quality, performance and general queries. The connection with her people has been loyally rewarded – back in August 2023 word got out that Kourtney Kardashian was looking for recommendations for clean body care recommendations for pregnancy. Lara asked her community to support her, and they did. In addition, “we were able to get products to Kourtney through numerous different channels.” Lara waited in anticipation, but heard nothing. “Then Kourtney had her baby and an article came out around what she packed in her hospital bag, and our Nipple Butter was

“One of our strengths as a team is that we adapt and change really quickly to help optimise us as a business.”

featured – and then another article came out about her pregnancy skincare regime and all three of our other products were there. What I love about Kourtney Kardashian is that she’s so conscious about her skincare. She looks at every ingredient, she checks with everybody about what she puts on her skin – so for all four products to be recommended by her is absolute gold for a business like ours.”

Despite the fleeting euphoria, Lara is a pragmatist.

“It’s a moment in time, and you’ve got to take those wins and go ‘what am I doing next?’ I’m not particularly great at celebrating the achievements. I often look at opportunities it opens and then ask, ‘what's next?’”

It’s very clear though that the wins come down to strategy, rather than lucky breaks. Lara and the team have worked hard at not just producing a premium product, but at ensuring it has exposure to the right audience. Despite over two hundred requests from potential retailers in the first two years, from the outset she had her eyes set on MECCA, a premium beauty retailer with global recognition, and Pure Mama launched with them in July ‘23. Although it was put into a test category, the products have outperformed all expectations.

There are no current plans to vastly diversify, as Lara points out: “We’ve got a consumer for a limited amount of time – we’re very niche but our potential is huge. We want to be the best at what we do and we want to offer

the safest highest grade products for the pregnancy and postpartum journey.”

With business booming Lara is amping up for the next challenge. For the last 12-18 months she has been working her way into the United States, where they’ve secured Macy’s, Nordstrom, Revolve and Erewhon (the cool kids’ upmarket store of choice in California). Manufacturing will continue in New Zealand, and Lara is confident in their ability to upscale. Nevertheless, it’s terrifying and exciting all at once; scale, logistics and funding all have to be considered – production is being upped at a vast rate, and myriad international rules and regulations will be navigated.

Pure Mama’s New Zealand office and warehouse remain in P ā p ā moa, where packages continue to whizz out at lightning speed. They also now have warehousing in Melbourne and California to service international markets. As a final feather in the cap, the clinical trials have just finished in Europe, with amazing results, proving the products work – stretch marks disappear and the skin is deeply hydrated. I wonder again at Lara’s linear path and her unwavering belief in her product, which comes without a trace of arrogance or delusion. Apparently she listened to a lot of podcasts in her downtime.

Says Lara: “When you start thinking about going global and accessing these networks, nothing is impossible and we’ve worked hard to build our business strategy around making sure all of that is within reach.”

Wonder Kidd

Under the careers opportunities section of the LawVu website, potential applicants are asked if they bring the WOO. What is woo, I wonder. But when I meet with co-founder Sam Kidd it becomes pretty clear what kind of WOO you need to join the team.

Sam and co-founder Tim Boyne created LawVu; a software platform that was created to revolutionise the way that in-house legal teams in organisations run their systems. It is, Sam explains, “a productivity and management tool for corporate legal… For us, LawVu is built around how internal legal teams like corporates collaborate with each other, and also with the wider business and how they manage their work product.”

The software platform has made waves on a global scale, placing ninth in Deloitte’s Fast 50 Index of 2022, to date raising about NZ$55million and with a team of around 130 worldwide. Any pre-conceptions about the type of person behind a techy concept are quickly dispelled on meeting Sam, who is gregarious and engaging. Sam, who was born and raised in New Zealand before spending 25 years in Ireland, moved to Tauranga in 2013, where he became interested in the concept of creating something for what he saw as an open space. He had started digging around in the in-house legal arena mainly out of curiosity after having identified a lack of systems and processes. “It was trying to solve a gap, and one thing led to another… It wasn’t like we woke up and saw a massive hole in the market.”

Sam was introduced to Tim via a work colleague. While Sam had a background in online project management, Tim was working in a law firm, but on the business operational side. “We worked solidly together for seven years (Tim moved onto new projects two years ago). The conversations that we had were very quickly aligned on what we wanted to do and we both had the mindset of cracking on and getting stuff done – and it was a partnership that worked incredibly well.”

From inception, the plan was always to go global with the product. “It was a greenfields opportunity when we moved into it,” says Sam. “There were no real products doing what we did, which was both exciting and terrifying. We questioned whether it was just a really bad idea that no one wanted. At the start we were trying to sell the concept of doing things differently to a group of people (lawyers) who haven’t changed the process for 100 odd years. It’s been a journey to become an overnight success – we’re nine years in – the first three years were pretty lonely building the product with a handful of customers and early users. There were always things that kept us going but we didn’t hit the ground and just explode.”

“You don't need the same sort of war chest that you used to because before you had to have people on the ground – an office, a building –all those sorts of barriers have been removed.”

Yet the pair never questioned their ambitions when it came to taking it overseas, with very much an all-in attitude from day one. I wondered why they hadn’t started with a more tentative approach. “If you build things for a New Zealand market thinking, ‘once we get this right, we can go global’, without realising it you can build nuances into your product that really only suit a smaller market. You need to get off the island as fast as possible. And you don’t need the same sort of war chest that you used to because before you had to have people on the ground – an office, a building − all of those sorts of barriers have been removed.”

Sam was undoubtedly forward thinking from the get-go, having previous experience of working remotely stood him in good stead. “When we started LawVu we were doing remote working before it became a thing. We’ve got

Sam Kidd.

“It definitely feels surreal having LawVu folks representing at events all over the world – it’s humbling and exciting.”

customers through Australia, US, UK and Europe. Covid was an unlock – as horrible as that was for the world, I think it’s been a massive net positive for New Zealandbased companies because the whole idea of not having to be in market, or remote selling, has taken off. We were already building that muscle so when Covid hit it didn’t slow us down – it actually accelerated us because people weren’t comparing us to a sales team that could come in and meet them. I think it’s been such a good thing for Kiwi companies because we’ve got such great talent here and the world is getting smaller all the time. So, building product and building it with a global mindset from day one made a huge difference.”

Be under no illusion that the path was paved with gold from the outset – the sweat, toil and dollars were pumped in from the get-go. “A local investor seeded the first $100,000 in and I matched that, which got us going and then he and I funded it – I was five years with no salary. Then we kept putting money in. You don’t want to fail at that stage. I’ve always believed in never having a plan B. Plan A has to work. It keeps you motivated.”

Despite reservations initially that perhaps law was an unfamiliar space, Sam believes in some ways it helped him ask and solve different questions, in different ways. Another aspect of the business he has strived to change is to foster a sense of community and knowledge sharing among the lawyers working away in the corporates, through InView. This is both an online forum, and in magazine form where ‘unsung heroes’ are given space and elevated.

Ultimately, Sam points out, the shift in the very traditional industry of law was one that needed to happen. “The younger generation come in and they’re digital natives... so for them to step into an industry that doesn’t have a platform would be weird.” He emphasised that being a changemaker is not all glamour, in fact it’s very much grind, but the result is gratifying, and Sam intends to carry on growing, expanding and enjoying the satisfaction of making a difference and generally pushing forward. “It definitely feels surreal having LawVu folks representing at events all over the world – it’s humbling and exciting… and it’s hard to believe it started from here. It’s quite cool to see.”

Hot stuff

Lisa Ebbing is very low key when it comes to her hold-on-to-your-seat success. Despite the phenomenal achievements of Hotmilk, the lingerie business she started in 2005 with her husband Roly and business partner at the time Ange Crosby, she is incredibly understated when talking about how far they’ve come. Achievements have been racked up on a global scale, including the dizzying heights of last year being taken on by American lingerie behemoth Victoria’s Secret.

When Lisa and Roly moved to the Bay they had already made the decision to start a business: the product they landed on was almost obscure – indeed, a niche within a niche. Hotmilk is a lingerie line for pregnant, breast-feeding and post-partum women, but with a luxurious fashion-forward focus. The need for underwear that was more than simply functional was a gap in the market that the couple quickly identified after Lisa became pregnant with her first baby and couldn’t find nursing bras. Despite not having a directly relevant skillset, between them they had a solid background in photography, TV and film – and their business partner at the time had also been working in sales. “So we had the sales and marketing expertise to bring to it. We didn’t know anything about lingerie: my husband actually sewed the first few prototypes to see what was possible, so that was a steep learning curve.”

Lisa Ebbing.

Navigating a totally unknown market meant a massive amount of research needed to be done. Lisa reflects on the drive of those early days. “We travelled, studied up on samples, went to China, worked with factories, saw products that we liked, and figured out how we could improve them.” The next step was rolling out the product itself, which meant finding the right people.

“It took quite a while to get the expertise, to find the seamstresses that had the right equipment – then getting prototypes ready and then be big enough to go to China, which probably took a year. And then you really do have access to great technology. It is possible to make them in New Zealand but there are no machinests left here, so our only choice was to work with China, who are experts in lingerie. You can tap into amazing resources and work with some very skilled people… We would have loved to have kept it in New Zealand but there’s not even the equipment to keep it here, sadly.”

Having landed on a product with a limited target market, it was always clear that a global market was going to be necessary, but self-belief gave them the confidence to propel forward, initially starting with four core products of bras and matching underwear.

“We’d done research on the size of the New Zealand market and realised we needed to go overseas quickly. So, it was pretty much within the year we were in Australia and headed to the UK.”

The factories themselves demanded large volume orders (2,000 bras in one colour), which also forced them offshore from the early stages. Luckily the rest of the world had also neglected this corner of the market, underestimating a demand for lovely lingerie during and post pregnancy, so Hot Milk found itself warmly welcomed in all corners of the globe. “There was no competition really. All the big companies had a token nursing bra on the side that they put very little effort into. That was the same globally – it was very beige and grandma’s bra.” Lisa pauses to reflect, and acknowledges, modestly, “I’m still very proud of that – we definitely changed the landscape for nursing lingerie. Now there’s lots of competitors, but we were the first, and we’ve changed the experience for women worldwide now.”

With New Zealand only taking about 10 percent of the market, and Australia around 40 percent, the other 50 percent is global. At one point peaking with as many as 800 retailers, Hot Milk is able to boast the crème de la crème of stores in which its lingerie can be found. From the undisputed underwear queen of Marks and Spencer in the UK, as well as the prestigious John Lewis, there is Bravissimo, David Jones in Australia and now Victoria’s Secret. With this American juggernaut

comes a vast customer base: “They’ve sent emails with our product to 70 million people.” The relationship works both ways though. “Victoria’s Secret really understand what we’re trying to achieve, and the inclusivity and the diversity that our brand offers,” says Lisa. “It’s been really exciting to be chosen for that. While they do their own – they’re really good at a certain size range and style − we fill the gaps of their expertise.”

Diversity is clearly something Lisa is passionate about, and certainly her faith in its value has been validated.

It hasn’t, however, all been smooth sailing. The GFC needed strategic navigation. “Our niche was that we were sexy and beautiful so very fashion forward, then when the GFC hit we realised what happens in a financial crisis is that women can’t afford nice underwear or feel like they shouldn’t treat themselves. But they do know they need the basics so they will buy a black or a nude plain T-shirt bra. We did have to adapt and bring in our essentials range, which is more staples as well, to sit alongside our fashion… You can see it post Covid where people are returning back to the basics. Black and nude and plain are what sells through a financial crisis and when things start to get better people start to treat themselves again.”

Already set up online, Covid wasn’t the disaster it could have been, so while competitors were scrambling, Hotmilk actually had some of its best financial years. Says Lisa: “We found we could adapt between different markets or online or wholesale.”

At this time Lisa brought out her partner and has subsequently entered a refreshed phase, which has led to doubling her team. “Since Covid we’ve decided we’re going to stick with and focus on what we do well,” she continues. “It’s better for our brand to stay close to lingerie… We are still a small team competing against really major players. Nevertheless, we’ve got some exciting things we’re working on that will see us become a bigger player… We’ve definitely got a growth strategy but it’s in its infancy.”

Ultimately, it wasn’t just good fortune that led to this success – quality and the inclusivity factor, which had been hitherto largely forgotten, played a huge part. On a final note, I ask what advice Lisa would offer to others. “In the Bay there are some amazing advisors who want to help − and I probably should have put my hand up earlier and asked for advice, because there’s a lot of trial and error.

“I always used to say − everyone has great business ideas but it’s the people who follow through that actually make it.”

Oyster Tower

Enjoy three-tiers of chef’s selection Clevedon Coast oysters on the water’s edge.

PLAY

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

Shaun Boucher

From global skateboarding champ to local mentor PAGE 34

Sala art gallery

It’s a talking point PAGE 40

Donna Hay

Summer entertaining PAGE 48

Raising the bar

Grandmother, world-class weightlifter PAGE 60

Damian Sutton, one of Aotearoa’s biggest collectors of New Zealand manufactured Trolls.

For whom the bell trolls

Tauranga’s surprising past and present connections to the ever-popular Troll Doll.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN | PHOTOS ALAN GIBSON

Once upon a time, Tauranga was filled with Trolls. Hundreds of thousands of them, in all shapes and sizes, with their outrageously coloured, spikey hair and perpetually cheerful grin. Trolls were everywhere. And then one day, they were not.

This is not a child’s fairytale. This is a cold hard fact. Because despite more than 50 years of sustained popularity, not a lot of people know that Troll Dolls used to be manufactured here in the Bay.

“The New Zealand connection started down at Sulphur Point with the company K. Pasgaard Limited,” says Damian Sutton, Katikati local and one of Aotearoa’s biggest collectors of New Zealand manufactured Trolls. “Kristian Pasgaard, his wife and two children immigrated to New Zealand with their two sons in 1959. In 1960 they got the license from Trolls creator Thomas Dam in Denmark.”

The company was one of only four Troll Doll factories in the world. There was Dam’s original factory in Denmark, one each in America and the UK, and the factory in Tauranga. As well as fulfilling children’s Troll needs here, the company also sent them abroad. Sutton reckons around 80 per cent went to Australia, and there are news reports of shipments weighing two tonnes being shipped as far as Africa.

The ’ 60s and ’ 70s were a boom time for the company. But in the ’ 80s interest in the Trolls began to wane and the local factory pivoted their focus to things like tennis balls and sporting equipment and ending the Bay’s 30-year association with the beloved Trolls.

Sutton says that amongst collectors, the Tauranga-made Trolls are prized.

“There ’s a whole lot of different things that New Zealand did that the other three factories didn ’ t,” he explains. “Due to vinyl shortages, we couldn ’ t always make the ‘normal’ ones, so that’s how the weird and wonderful colours came about. They made them in four colours. We ’re the only

factory in the world that did that. Also, because of our sheep ’s wool we have these gingery colours that the rest of the factories around the world didn ’ t make.”

Another interesting tidbit is that we also didn’t discriminate. Both the male and the female Troll Dolls manufactured here used the exact same mould. The only way to tell them apart was due to the Troll’s clothing.

“We ’re the only one in the world that has done that,” Damian says, explaining that the female moulds used elsewhere had more “feminine ears”.

These weren’t our only innovations. We also created strange and unusual Trolls, which were produced in limited runs and only made here. Things like Yeti Trolls (available in four different colours), Cow, Elephant and Giraffe Trolls and even Trolls that doubled as piggy banks. These have all become hot collector items.

To illustrate, he holds up a Cow Troll from his personal collection of around 1500 Trolls and says, “There ’s about 10 different New Zealand cows. One of these is now $2,000 a pop.”

He puts it down, carefully, and continues. “The locally made Yeti Trolls are worth between $200-$600 depending on colour and condition. And if you ever find a little blue three-inch Troll, they ’re worth $1400.”

These Trolls are so desirable because the factory didn’t make them all year round. Production was seasonal and mostly focused on the lead-up to Christmas.

“The New Zealand Troll has now become the most rare in the world,” Damian says. “Sadly there is not a full set in New Zealand.”

This is something that he wants to fix.

“My mission,” he states with purpose, “is to bring the New Zealand trolls home. To have a full set of New Zealand trolls so that we can see what we had in New Zealand. These are our native trolls! And people can’t see them.”

It’s an admirable pursuit and one that’s seen him connect with Trolls fans and collectors around the globe as he hunts to reunite our long-lost Trolls. His story starts aged eight, when his aunt brought him his first Troll at a craft market in Pokono.

“I still have that one,” he smiles. “Family just continued to buy them for me. They ’d arrive for Christmas or birthdays. Now I ’m probably one of the biggest collectors in New Zealand. But it’s only in the last few years that I found out about the Tauranga factory.”

Despite the Troll’s massive popularity, he says that Aotearoa’s collecting community is relatively small. It mainly centres around the Facebook group, Troll Collectors New Zealand, a welcoming community of fellow Trolls lovers where people come together to share stories, and photos and buy and sell Trolls. As well as being an admin of that group he also puts on the Te Puke Toy Fair with a fellow collector twice a year.

These days, it’s the thrill of the hunt and his mission to reunite the local Trolls that keeps him interested in collecting. But what was it that first attracted him to the Trolls? These little Scandinavian creatures that are often lovingly referred to as “ugly-cute”?

“It was the smiley face and the hair for me,” he says, thinking back. “And the constant happiness of the Troll. That’s what really drew me.”

Discover Tauranga’s Best-Kept Secret

Savor fine wines and exceptional restaurant dining in an ambiance that is truly unmatched. Whether you’re looking to relax with casual teas and coffees in a refined yet welcoming setting or seeking the perfect venue to host intimate meetings or grand celebrations, our meeting spaces and function rooms are designed to impress.

Open Mon - Fri 8.30am till late—or by special arrangement for your convenience—we invite you to wine, dine, and unwind with us.

Ramping up

Shaun Boucher is an internationally acclaimed skateboarding champion who wants to help others become one too. And that includes you.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

PHOTOS KATIE COX

“

You could almost classify it as like a gladiator pit,”

Shaun Boucher smiles.

“There’s big grandstands, the energy ’s high, the crowd ’s cheering, people are clapping and you’re standing at the bottom.”

On this sunny morning at a café in Pāpāmoa, we’re not discussing mortal combat. Instead, Shaun’s describing the electric atmosphere of a skateboarding competition.

“You do your last run, they announce you’ve won and you hold your board up and everyone’s clapping… it ’s hard to describe that feeling and how special it is.”

It may be hard to articulate but it’s a feeling the 31-year-old pro skateboarder knows well. The Mount Maunganui local has been competing at the highest level of skateboarding, both here and internationally, for over a decade. Ask him what competitions he’s won and he struggles to recall them all.

“I’ve won the New Zealand Bowl skateboarding title about six times in a row — potentially maybe seven. I won the New Zealand Park skateboarding championships about two years ago in Gisborne. I’ve won the Australian Bowl Riding championships and the Australian Street Skating championships,” he says.

“Probably the biggest one was the

Dew Tour over in Long Beach in California, about four or five years ago. I’d been meaning to go back, but then COVID hit and the contests shut down.”

Shaun’s journey to become one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated skaters has incredibly humble beginnings. And, funnily enough, doesn’t even start on a skateboard.

“I was actually rollerblading. But my brother, his friends and my close friends were all skateboarding so I felt like I was the black sheep,” he grins. While they didn’t peer pressure him into trading the blades for a deck, they did subtly encourage him to give it a go.

“I’d go down to the Mount skateboard ramp and they slowly but surely brought their spare or old skateboard parts down until I had enough to eventually assemble a skateboard.”

Having cobbled his first skateboard together from these recycled parts he quickly fell in love with the sport and the social aspect it provided.

“The big reason I got into skating was the freedom it gave me. It was a great form of transport and I could get everywhere,” he says. “And, I felt like people could resonate with me. Skateboarding is like an identity as well.”

It soon consumed him. He not only hung up his rollerblades but also his rugby boots, preferring the challenge of constantly improving and bettering his abilities as opposed to competing against rival teams.

“I grew up in the Bayfair Estate area and the skate park was right there. So I used to skate before school, after school, and every weekend religiously,” he says. “I just lived down at the skate park.”

This, he says, is the secret to his success. It’s not supernatural talent or blessed good fortune, just good old-fashioned hard work.

“If you do want to get really good at something, you’ve got to put countless hours in. I wasn’t your naturally talented skateboarder. I struggled early on. However, hard work beats talent at the end of the day, if talent’s not ready to work hard. I channelled that mentality and started to develop my skills and get better and better.”

Now, he’s helping other people develop their skills. When he started skating there wasn’t any way to learn other than by doing. Over the years he’s watched people who had potential gradually lose interest in the sport after becoming discouraged at their lack of progress.

He figured if they had proper guidance and instruction they’d flourish instead of feeling frustrated. So he decided to do something about it.

Having recently returned to the Mount after living in Australia’s Gold Coast for the past seven years he started Mana Skateboarding and began offering private and group skateboard lessons at the Mount Maunganui skate park.

“I found it really profound when I came back. I was like, ‘I'll just start slow,’ and build up my clientele but I got swamped straight away.”

Then he laughs and says, “I was not expecting that.”

Right now he’s teaching kids as young as five through to teenagers. There’s even a bunch of parents reconnecting with their teenage pastime.

“They see their kids doing it and see how much fun they're having and they want to have that fun too. I feel like we're cultivating a community down there.”

“I teach the basics and get them enjoying the pure joys of what skating can bring to your life. It’s creative, builds confidence and gives people a sense of purpose.”

As well as teaching the fundamentals to beginners and pro techniques to more experienced skaters, Shaun also emphasises skating’s wider benefits.

“I teach the basics and get them enjoying the pure joys of what skating can bring to your life. It’s creative, builds confidence and gives people a sense of purpose.”

An unexpected offshoot is that teaching skating is also doing the same for him.

“I definitely feel like I’ve stepped into that ‘teacher’ realm and like I’ve owned it,” he says. “That feeling of helping someone achieve something makes you feel so good. It’s inspiring and makes you want to do a better job the next day and be a better teacher and role model for these kids.”

Then he smiles and says, “I’m really enjoying it. I feel like it’s taking me on a pretty good journey.”

MANASKATEBOARDING

All the world’s a stage

The couple behind Summer Shakespeare promises an accessible take on the great bard’s famous play Romeo and Juliet.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

There ’s a surprising fact about William Shakespeare ’s plays that not everybody knows.

“Shakespeare's full of really bawdy jokes,” Pascal Tibbits grins, before wife Vikki Gorton-Tibbits adds, “It’s quite hilarious. There’s a lot of comedy interjected with the seriousness of it all. Romeo and Juliet isn’t just a tragic love story.”

The couple is behind Tauranga’s increasingly popular annual Summer Shakespeare production, which this year is putting on his most famous play, Romeo and Juliet. Pascal, who is the creative director, says that making the works of the great bard user-friendly for modern audiences is one of their primary goals.

“It’s about the theatre, community, and accessibility for everyone to come and have a good time,” Pascal says. “We make sure our actors are telling a story that anyone can watch and understand. All the themes that were relevant in Shakespeare’s day are relevant now. This is the magic of Shakespeare.”

Vikki, who is the producer, nods and says “You don’t have to be a Shakespeare buff to go to one of these shows.”

Romeo and Juliet is the seventh play that the Summer Shakespeare Tauranga Trust has put on, and sees them transport the great tragedy from the Elizabethan era into the roaring 1930s. Running from February 6 to the 16th at the Te Puna Quarry Park, the beautiful purpose-built amphitheatre is set amongst a stunning natural backdrop.

Food is another passion of the pair, who together won the reality TV cooking show My Kitchen Rules in 2023. Fittingly, they’ve put together a flavourful menu of locally sourced and produced food, wine and beer, including crowd-favourite Pork Belly Bao buns and spiced beef focaccia.

“Our vision is to create an experience where people can enjoy themselves and feel welcomed, without breaking the bank,“ says Pascal. “Tickets are reasonable, the food and wine are priced fairly. We don’t believe in taking advantage of a captive audience. It’s about making the event accessible and enjoyable for everyone.”

Of course, you’re also free to bring your picnic basket. The main thing for the pair is that people enjoy themselves

Rolling with it

The first woman to represent Aotearoa on the international skateboarding scene is throwing her support behind a skateboard collection that will be part of the permanent exhibition at Tauranga Museum opening in 2028.

WORDS DEBBIE GRIFFITHS

PHOTOS CRAIG BROWN

Georgina Matthews started skateboarding around her home in Ōtūmoetai at the age of 13. A year later, she won a national competition and then placed second at an international in Melbourne where she caught the attention of sponsors.

“I was skateboarding and travelling the world from when I was 16 until my 20s,” she says. “I got to skate against the world’s best like Elissa Steamer and I met Tony Hawk a few times. In 2006, I was ranked ninth in the world. They were fun times.”

Skateboarding fits hand in hand with the Bay’s surf culture. In fact, it was the acquisition of an iconic collection of classic Kiwi surfboards and memorabilia from Tauranga businessman Dusty Waddell, along with around 40 of his vintage skateboards, that enabled museum curator Fiona Kean to create the exhibit.

“The Waddell collection came with a skateboard made by ‘Cahoot’ which was a Mount Maunganui brand made in the 1970s. They pioneered the use of urethane wheels,” she says. “In researching the skateboard collection and also with the opening of the Destination Skatepark, one of the things that struck me is that there’s a story to

tell here in Tauranga. Georgina fits so beautifully into that. She reached the top level and she grew up right here in the Bay.”

“Tauranga’s skateparks are amazing,” says Georgina, reminiscing about cheese grater ramps, splinters and rails so hot they burned. “We’ve come a long way from the old skatepark at 17th Avenue by Historic Village. It’s 100 percent easier for kids to get into. I love seeing them at parks that have entry level ramps and easy progressions.”

It’s the next generation of skateboarders who were targeted in a recent competition to ‘design a deck’. Out of more than 260 entries, Georgina picked

“We hope we’ve inspired the kids in some way, to try skateboarding or maybe graphic design. You never know what’s going to spark someone’s future passion.”

Skating legend Georgina Matthews with her own collection of unique decks.

two winners – aged 9 and 13 – who had their images put onto boards.

“The first design reminded me of how important cultural representation was for me on a global stage. My iwi is Ngāpuhi and I’m very proud to be from New Zealand. When I was competing, sometimes I’d wear a Māori band or a Tino t-shirt. I felt that this design was a beautiful reflection of our country and culture, and I loved the composition of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, koru, and ferns contrasting. I could picture this being a cool board for a kiwi athlete in the Olympics someday. It’s what I would choose.”

Georgina loved the vibrant colours, fun characters and creative use of the whole board of the second winning design.

“I imagine that would be a really popular pick in skate stores,” she says.

“We hope we’ve inspired the kids in some way – to try skateboarding or maybe graphic design,” says Fiona.

“You never know what’s going to spark someone’s future passion. Museums are here to enrich our communities and to make people feel that they belong and are part of something bigger. A sense of collective place.”

“I’m very honoured and grateful to be involved in Tauranga Museum and that kids will be able to see more than what’s on YouTube,” says Georgina. “They’ll have an understanding of the history and the evolution of the sport.”

Fiona has been working with the museum collection for nearly 20 years and remains passionate and excited by it.

“We’ve got a history of Tauranga to tell from the 1400s to beyond today. Our plan is that we’re not picking a point in the past and saying ‘we’re doing up to here’; we’re creating contemporary stories so we can show local innovators, diversity and fresh stories and events.”

“It starts with talking with the community and our conversation about the new museum has been a long one,” Fiona continues. “It’s not a one-way conversation. There have been consultations and discussions over the last thirty years but over time you can see the trends coming through and the objects that support the stories we’re being told. Sometimes it’s just magic, like getting the opportunity to purchase the Waddell collection of surfboards and that it came with the wonderful bonus of the skateboards which will now allow us to tell that story as well.”

Today, 37-year-old Georgina still gets on her board and is looking forward to skating and sunbathing through the summer.

“For me skateboarding is amazing for mental health,” she says. “You’re your own boss, you don’t have to skateboard at a certain time or in a certain place. It’s an indescribably beautiful feeling of freedom. I still love it like I did when I was 13. I’ll be skating until I can’t.”

TAURANGAHERITAGECOLLECTION.CO.NZ

Something to talk about

At Sala Art Gallery, the art is an invitation to conversation and connection.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

The thinking behind Tauranga’s newest art gallery can be described as gently radical. There are no price tags or pretension on exhibits at Sala Gallery. Instead, it takes a more holistic approach where the art on display can be considered an invitation to deep thought, reflection and, most importantly, genuine connection.

“I put the gallery together as an excuse to have conversations with people,” Nigel Banks says. “Rather than a focus on showing art or a focus on selling pictures, the focus of the gallery is about having conversations with visitors about the origins of meaning in their lives. The primary purpose of the pictures is as props to support those conversations.”

Nigel is both Sala’s founder and the artist behind its inaugural exhibition We Are The Earth. This series of works meditates on the journey of life and explores larger themes of sense and self. Nigel sees the work as a conduit to conversation, either with oneself or with the artist himself, as he is often to be found nearby.

“It’s been a lifelong obsession, thinking about issues of meaning and where meaning comes from,” Nigel says. “When you touch into those moments, it’s something that feels really worthwhile. Much more so than just the standard social exchange.”

The vibe inside Sala is peaceful and meditative, which is appropriate as it’s nestled beside the popular Thai Touch massage therapy studio in Tauranga’s CBD, which Nigel opened with his wife Orasa in 2023. In fact, there’s an internal entrance to the gallery straight from Thai Touch which allows those holistic vibes, and visitors to the gallery, to flow in. It’s a welcoming space and one that takes off any pressure or intimidation that people can sometimes feel about entering a gallery.

That’s one of the most important aspects of value that I see in the philosophy that’s driving this,” Nigel explains. “Instead of going into a gallery and feeling an obligation to look into the pictures and figure out what they’re about, in this case the whole conversation is about meaning, and the pictures are there to support that conversation. You’re not looking for the meaning in the picture, the pictures are there to support the conversation about the meaning. It takes the pressure off.”

“I put the gallery together as an excuse to have conversations with people, rather than a focus on showing art or a focus on selling pictures.”

This core belief shapes every aspect of Nigel’s work and Sala, right down to the gallery’s carefully selected name.

“It ’s a Thai word, chosen because it ’s soft, because it ’s short, it ’s got a slight repetition in it, but also that it means ‘outdoor meeting room’. A sala in Thai is like a pavilion or a little shrine or temple in somebody ’s garden. People go to a sala, they meet in the sala, and they'll have conversations that are important to them. This is creating a space that is dedicated to that same sort of purpose.”

While Sala only recently opened its doors, the idea for a gallery of this nature has been percolating in Nigel’s mind for 20 years, after a “transformative” experience at an exhibition by the prominent New Zealand artist Melvin ‘Pat’ Day in Wellington.

“I was totally entranced by his artworks, just amazing stuff. I spent two hours there, intimately and repeatedly engaging with every piece. It was like a mental vacuum cleaner, a little bit like meditation. Extraneous thoughts were washed away from me. When you ’ ve got art, you ’ ve got an obvious thing to focus on. By the time you ’ ve done that for a couple of hours you are left in this blissful state of being totally at peace and at one with the pictures.

I was interested in whether this might happen for other people.”

It was his piece ‘Billboard’ that inspired him to make this longheld dream an “audacious” reality. Fittingly, ‘Billboard’ is Sala’s centerpiece. It abstractly depicts the journey of life, the search for meaning and what you leave behind. While working on it he vowed that when finished he’d have a place to hang it. Over the 18 months it took to create ‘Billboard’, he worked on having Sala ready to open.

“When I put this up it felt like a monumental shift inside me,” he says. “It ’s like a perfect life opened out in front of me because I get to have these conversations on a semi-professional basis. Having conversations with people about the stuff that is actually really important to everybody, but most of the time we don't talk about, is a really amazing thing to me. Just casually with people who have stopped by, I ’ ve had amazing conversations about people’s lives and it ’s just really, really neat.”

Then the artist smiles and says, “In Sala’s case I ’m thinking beyond anybody ’s requirement. I don’ t think anybody needs this. But I ’m hoping that some people will really enjoy it.”

SALA.GALLERY

ALPINO

Alpino, founded by Italian-born restaurateur Noel Cimadom and his wife Kim, offers authentic Italian soul food reminiscent of a warm embrace from Nonna. Their goal was to recreate the simple Italian cuisine with great local products they missed from Europe, and this authenticity shines through in every plate. Noel explains, “Alpino is all about the people, the vibe, the sun, and a good plate of pasta.“ Head chef Scott Rowan brings experience from Melbourne ’s Italian restaurants, focusing on simple dishes that highlight the best locally sourced ingredients without unnecessary embellishments. Noel explains, “Scott has a real talent to pull back recipes to only leave on the plate what is really needed. No fancy stuff, garnish, or flowers. Just a slug of the best olive oil giving rise to a menu that is humble, fresh, and seasonal.“

Insider foodie tip: Book ahead as it ’s always rammed and ask for a table outside to enjoy the afternoon sun while sipping prosecco.

“Alpino is all about the people, the vibe, the sun, and a good plate of pasta.”

PICNICKA

Picnicka, is a bar and grill concept that embodies the essence of a New York steakhouse, offering a menu centred around local produce and seasonal inspirations. The fit out is arguably the Bay’s most glamourous, offering a big-city vibe within Tauranga’s CBD. Executive chef Ryan Allen crafts dishes that highlight the flavours imparted by wood-fire cooking, with most items either grilled over charcoal or served raw to retain the integrity of the food. “The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging a communal dining experience reminiscent of a family gathering,” explains owner Noel Cimadon (can you spot the pattern?). Signature dishes include fish with tamarind, chilli, cucumber, and coriander, and barbecued chicken with lime, guindillas, and yoghurt.

Insider foodie tip: On a budget? Try the $29 worker ’s lunch, a two-course steal available Monday-Friday.

SOLERA

Established nearly four years ago, Solera offers a unique dining experience inspired by open-fire cooking, delivered by head chef David Bryson. Owner Nick Potts explains, “ Coming from Melbourne to the Mount four years ago, my wife and I felt the area was missing a restaurant offering world-class food in a relaxed, casual setting.“ He adds, “ The open fireplace, focusing on hearth-style cooking, is the main driving force behind what we do. But we are also keeping in touch with what is happening around the globe and playing around with new flavour combinations.“ The menu is complemented by an outstanding wine list curated by Nick himself, celebrating Aotearoa’s wine makers, many available by the glass so you can meander through.

Insider foodie tip: the bar to watch the chefs in action; it won't disappoint.

The menu is complemented by an outstanding wine list curated by Nick himself, celebrating Aotearoa's wine makers.

CLARENCE BISTRO

Clarence is a testament to tenacity and perseverance. Situated in the heart of Tauranga, this stunning heritage building – originally an old post office – has undergone numerous foodie transformations over the past seven years and now appears to have found its stride. Clarence’ s latest iteration offers an approachable menu that includes shared plates, pizzas, and handmade pasta, all paired with exceptional wines and hospitality. Executive chef Ryan Allen, with experience in Dubai and Auckland, draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, crafting dishes influenced by the cuisines of Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and the Middle East. Signature offerings include cauliflower with ajo blanco and brown butter vinaigrette, raw beef with capsicum, freekeh, and almonds, and cappelletti pasta with leek, macadamia, and pecorino. Arguably the most beautiful restaurant in the Bay, both inside and out, Clarence features a delightful summer terrace perfect for soaking up the sunshine.

Insider foodie tip: Opt for “Our Choice”, a more casual approach to a tasting menu offering. excellent value at just $85pp.

“...simple, fresh, and unfussy with big flavours.”

FIFE LANE

Fife Lane is dedicated to providing the ultimate steak experience and boy does it deliver. Proudly featured in the World ’ s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, it ranks 69th globally, making it the only New Zealand restaurant on the list and placing The Bay on the international dining map. Owner Kat Dippie explains, “ The menu showcases a blend of locally sourced ingredients, premium meats, and fresh seafood, combined with flavours and techniques inspired by Mediterranean, Asian, and classic European culinary traditions.“ Robbie Webber designs the menus alongside head chef Dylan Burrows, focusing on seasonal produce and delivering simple yet balanced flavours. After five years of playing an A-game with steak, they have recently introduced a Butcher Book, a curated collection of the finest cuts from the Asia-Pacific region, available in limited quantities. “ Once it’s gone, it’s gone,“ explains Kat, turning every dining experience into a unique adventure.

Insider foodie tip: Indulge in the Coconut Chilli Margarita, arguably the best cocktail in the Bay

Proudly featured in the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants... it is the only New Zealand restaurant on the list.

POCO TAPAS & WINE

Considering Rotorua is New Zealand ’ s second-largest tourism destination, restaurants that rise above the ordinary are hard to find. However, Poco Tapas & Wine breaks the mould, offering an intimate, seasonal experience that stands out from the crowd. Drawing inspiration from Spain’ s tapas culture – where “ poco“ means “ a little“ – chef/ owner Jeff Slessor opened Poco in February 2023. With over 30 years global culinary experience, Jeff aimed to create a venue that he and his partner and fellow owner, Catherine Rose, would enjoy themselves. Jeff describes the cuisine as “ simple, fresh, and unfussy with big flavours.“ The menu is crafted for sharing and evolves with the seasons, featuring contemporary tapas and larger plates made from quality, locally sourced ingredients. Guests are encouraged to embrace communal dining, sampling a variety of dishes alongside a curated selection of wines, New Zealand craft beers, and signature cocktails.

Insider foodie tip: If you’re hungry, opt for the four-course chef’s menu for $75 – it’s an absolute steal and full of the best bits.

Foodie finds

Get ready for alfresco feasts and tasty treats, with summer ’s hottest kitchen picks.

Sizzling summer

Ready to up your outdoor cooking game? The award-winning Ziggy BBQ Range sizzles, bakes, and turns heads. From portable to triple-burner models, it ’s perfect for your patio or next camping adventure. Available at Décor Gardenworld. RRP$1098 for twin burner and cart. DECORGARDENWORLD.CO.NZ

Cheese to please

BioCheese lands in New Zealand with six plant-based, allergen-friendly options like mozzarella, feta, and cream cheese. Delicious, ethical, and sustainable, it’s perfect for vegans, the lactose intolerant, or anyone looking to shake up their cheese board. From $9.50, Woolworths.

Our Bay spirit

Born from a hobby gone wild, Armada Spirits is the brainchild of two Kiwi brothers with a knack for crafting top-notch booze. This Bay of Plenty distillery has already scooped awards for its handcrafted vodka and gin, using the best quality ingredients and a unique distillation method. Their mission? To put Kiwi spirits on the global map, one bottle at a time. If you fancy a taste of their liquid gold, it’s available at selected stockists or go online and get it delivered to your door. From RRP$59.99.

ARMADASPIRITS.CO.NZ

Cabin fever

Make Christmas extra sweet with the KitKat Christmas Cabin, bursting with festive treats: KitKat Santas, white choc melts, Smarties, and more. Limited stock for $35 at Woolworths, New World, and The Warehouse.

Dreamy dumplings

Emily Roz ’s The World Is Your Dumpling is a globe-trotting celebration of these beloved morsels. This cookbook caters to all skill levels, from quick-fix dishes to from-scratch creations. Roz offers pro tips for folding and various cooking methods, offering recipes such as Fiery Leek Pockets and sweet Cardamom & Orange Syrup Dumplings. A tasty reminder that good food speaks a universal language. RRP$49.99.

The garage master

Ollie Powrie has long hair and long limbs and occasionally rides a long board. For a long time, he’s also been making wine in his garage, writes UNO wine columnist Jess Easton, and they’re so good you’ll find yourself, well, longing for them.

Ollie Powrie’s party trick is that he makes wine in his garage. His passion, business venture and long-term lifestyle choice, meanwhile, is that he makes really, really good wine in his garage.

There’s a romantic adventurer in Ollie’s viticultural stylings. Together with wife Rebecca, and plenty of help from his two daughters, Ollie has been making wine in his garage since handpicking an abandoned row of Chardonnay more than 20 years ago.

That was a hobby for two decades, while studying viticulture and winemaking in Hawke's Bay, then eventually becoming chief viticulturist for Villa Maria Estate. It morphed into a business when Ollie and his family set up Chateau Garage in 2020, then a full-time gig when he left Villa Maria two years later.

He and his family spent seven months in Italy soon after, exploring a number of intriguing varieties and honing his craft

even further, and those Old World experiences have added depth and character to the wines he conjures out of the back-blocks of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

Barrels of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé and Syrah fill his old brick garage, resplendent with turrets, in Napier, where sampling delicious vintages becomes so much more personal and intimate. Fittingly though, for a free-spirited surfer brave enough to make great wine in his garage, Ollie is also open-minded about exploring varietals.

He’s the reason I'm now a complete Albariño convert; appropriately enough, Ollie was our first anointed ’Saint’ at Saint Wine Bar in Tauranga, where he showcased his latest venture, Albariño Brothers, a collaboration with fellow industry gurus Shaye Bird and Ant Saunders.

If you haven’t tried Albariño, you’re in for a treat. Exceptionally food-friendly, this understated Spanish/Portuguese white

wine is like Kiwi summer in a glass. With all the brightness, light, zest and freshness of your favourite Chardonnay, it also has enough stone-fruit characteristics to appeal to Sav-drinkers, without throwing the whole floral fruit bowl at you.

Just like Albariño, you may be tempted to underestimate Ollie. Serious wine people could dismiss the whole garagewinemaker concept as a novelty ploy. Fair enough, until you learn he spent much of his Villa Maria career alongside Sir George Fistonich, the closest thing to Kiwi winemaking royalty that we have. It was Sir George, in fact, who first planted Albariño vines in the Hawke’s Bay.

And you’ll only underestimate Ollie until you try his wine. If making wine in his garage is a neat party trick, it’s one you’ll want to see repeated, again and again

Jess Easton is a director and owner of Kitchen Takeover and Saint Wine Bar, complementing her career as a Tauranga-based lawyer.

PHOTOS RICHARD BRIMER

Easy does it

Donna Hay shares her simple shortcuts for super easy summer entertaining.

RECIPES + STYLING DONNA HAY PHOTOS CON POULOS

Balsamic tomato chicken parma

Level up the flavour on your chicken parma by baking it with layers of parmesan, creamy mozzarella, oregano and crispy prosciutto. The roast tomatoes and balsamic sauce make the perfect finish.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 tbsp firmly packed brown sugar

sea salt and cracked black pepper

600g cherry tomatoes

4 x 180g chicken breast fillets, trimmed

¾ cup finely grated parmesan

2 x 125g fresh mozzarella, well drained and sliced into 8 pieces

4 oregano sprigs

8 slices prosciutto

METHOD

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

Combine the balsamic vinegar, oil, sugar, salt and pepper.

Place the tomatoes on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and pour over the balsamic mixture. Bake for 15 minutes.

Place the chicken on a board and sprinkle with parmesan and pepper. Top each with 2 slices of the mozzarella and a sprig of oregano. Place 2 slices of prosciutto on top of each, folding them underneath the chicken to enclose.

Place the chicken on top of the tomatoes and drizzle with oil. Cook for 12–15 minutes or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Cook’s note: I’ve used cherry tomatoes on the vine here – however you can use any cherry tomatoes you like. Roma tomatoes cut into quarters also work well. The key is to buy whatever tomato is ripe and sweet.

Risoni and chilli-honey haloumi salad

Every spoonful of this salad is deliciously good. Tender risoni, peppery rocket, sweet pops from currants and toasty almonds… just top with molten chilli-honey haloumi and it’s simply perfect!

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

350g dried risoni

⅓ cup lemon juice

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp dijon mustard

sea salt and cracked black pepper

100g rocket (arugula) leaves

1 cup mint leaves, torn

½ cup toasted almonds, chopped

½ cup currants

Chilli-honey haloumi

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

440g haloumi, cut into chunks

⅓ cup honey

1 tsp dried chilli flakes

METHOD

Cook the risoni in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain the risoni and refresh under cold water. Set aside.

To make the chilli-honey haloumi, heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the oil and haloumi and cook for 3 minutes or until golden. Remove from the heat. Add the honey and chilli and stir to combine. Set aside.

Combine the lemon juice, oil, mustard, salt and pepper.

Place the risoni in a serving bowl. Add the rocket, mint, almond, currants and lemon mixture and toss to combine.

Top with the chilli-honey haloumi and serve.

Cook’s note: The chilli-honey haloumi is best served warm. If you want to get ahead, prepare the salad components and refrigerate. Then, cook the haloumi just before serving for maximum deliciousness!

Lemon, raspberry and almond ricotta cake

If I had to pick the cake

I love to snack on the most, it would have to be this one. It’s my current cake crush –the softness of the ricotta, the crunch of the almonds, the spiky hit of tangy raspberry… seriously, so good!

SERVES 10-12

INGREDIENTS

125g unsalted butter, softened

1 cup caster (superfine) sugar

2 tablespoons finely grated lemon rind

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 large eggs, separated

2 cups almond meal (ground almonds)

1 cup fresh ricotta

125g raspberries

½ cup flaked almonds

thick or double (thick) cream (optional), to serve

METHOD

Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Line a 20cm (8 in) round cake tin with non-stick baking paper.

Place the butter and ⅔ cup (150g/ 5½ oz) of the sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat for 4 minutes or until light and creamy. Add the lemon rind and vanilla and beat until combined.

Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well between each addition.

Fold through the almond meal and ricotta.

In a clean bowl of an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the remaining sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form.

Fold a spoonful of whipped egg white into the almond mixture, then gently

fold in the remaining egg white until combined.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and sprinkle with raspberries and almonds. Bake for 1 hour or until firm and golden around the edges but with a slight jiggle in the middle. Allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.

To serve, place on a cake stand or serving plate. Serve with cream, if desired.

Cook’s note: Don’t be scared by the uncooked appearance of the centre of this cake when it’s just out of the oven. As the cake cools, it will set to the most deliciously moist texture.

Snacking brownie

When you’re craving just a little warm gooey, chocolatey sweet treat, my mini brownie fits the bill exactly. This perfectly molten choc delight is the ideal size for sharing (or not… no judgement!)

INGREDIENTS

½ cup plain (all-purpose) flour

2 tbsp cocoa powder

⅔ cup firmly packed brown sugar

60g unsalted butter, melted

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg

50g dark (70 percent cocoa)

chocolate chunks

vanilla bean ice-cream, to serve

METHOD

Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Line a 12cm (4¾ in) ovenproof skillet or frying pan with non-stick baking paper.

SERVES 1-4

Combine the flour, cocoa, sugar, butter, vanilla and egg in a bowl.

Add the chocolate chunks and stir to combine.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the brownie is set.

Allow the brownie to cool in the pan for 2 minutes. Serve warm with ice-cream or leave to cool completely before serving.

Cook’s note: You can also bake this brownie in a 1-cup (250ml) capacity ramekin or pie tin.

Extracted from Too Easy by Donna Hay. Photography by Con Poulos. RRP$49.99. Published by HarperCollins.

Cool, crisp and crafted

These fun festive cocktails are sure to impress guests this holiday season. Refreshing, delicious and light, they’ll be on rotation all summer long.

COCKTAILS KIRKY DONNELLY PHOTOS ILK PHOTOGRAPHY

Simple syrup recipe

Start with this simple syrup that will add a refreshingly sweet pop to your creations.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup white sugar

1 cup water

METHOD

In a pot, bring water to boil. Once boiling, add the sugar. Reduce the heat to low and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture has a thin syrup consistency.

Remove from heat and let the syrup cool. Pour it into a jar and store it in the refrigerator.

Dark

coconut mojito

Enjoy this crisp cocktail on a hot summer’s afternoon.

MAKES 2 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp simple syrup

10+ fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)

3-4 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

5 cucumber slices

60ml Millenhall Rum

120ml coconut water

Soda water, to top

Garnishes

Fresh mint leaves

Lime wedges

Cucumber ribbons (use a vegetable peeler)

METHOD

Juice the lime, then cut the remaining lime halves into wedges. Set aside half for garnish and half for mixing.

Slice 5 cucumber rounds, and use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of cucumber for garnish.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, cucumber rounds, lime juice, and lime wedges. Gently muddle together to release the flavours.

Add ice to the shaker, then pour in the rum and coconut water. Secure the lid and shake well.

In two tall glasses, add ice, mint leaves, and the leftover lime wedges.

Use the cucumber ribbons to circle around the inside of each glass.

Strain the cocktail mixture into the prepared glasses, stirring gently to combine. Top off with soda water for a refreshing fizz.

Berry gin spritz

This delightful berryinfused cocktail suits festive occasions, but is also great year round.

MAKES 2 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

30ml simple syrup

10-12 fresh or frozen raspberries

1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice

60ml Armada Premium Pink Gin

Tonic water, to top

METHOD

In a cocktail shaker, combine the simple syrup, raspberries, and lime juice. Muddle together to release the raspberry flavours.

Add the pink gin to the shaker, then fill with ice. Shake well.

If the mixture is too thick, remove the lid of the shaker and use a strainer to pour the cocktail into the glasses.

Create a beautiful gradient by pouring the mixture into two chilled glass flutes before adding the ice. Once the ice is in place, top with your choice of tonic water for a refreshing finish.

Garnish with fresh raspberries and a slice of lime.

Vanilla pear gin fizz

Liquid dessert, yes please! For a good-looking tipple, this sweet fizz is super easy to put together.

MAKES 2 cocktails

INGREDIENTS

For the fresh pear juice

1 cup finely chopped ripe pear

⅔ cup cold water

1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

2 tbsp lemon juice

Seeds from 2 vanilla pods

For the cocktail

120ml fresh pear juice

60ml Armada Premium Dry Gin

30ml simple syrup

Prosecco, to top

Garnish

Fresh pear slices

Thyme sprigs

Leftover vanilla pods

METHOD

In a blender, combine the chopped pear, cold water, thyme leaves, lemon juice, and vanilla seeds. Blend until smooth.

Strain the pear purée through a fine mesh strainer to extract the juice. Chill the juice in the refrigerator until ready to use.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the chilled pear juice, simple syrup, and gin. Fill with ice and shake well.

In two glasses, add ice, a slice of pear, thyme sprigs, and your leftover vanilla pods for garnish. Divide the mixture evenly between the glasses and top off with Prosecco.

Sparkling cranberry Christmas

Cheers to Santa’s favourite festive drink.

MAKES 2 baubles

INGREDIENTS

1 cup cranberry juice

60ml Armada Premium Vodka

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Prosecco, to top

Garnishes

2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Frozen cranberries

METHOD

In a carafe filled with ice, combine the cranberry juice, vodka, and lime juice. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.

Using a funnel, pour the mixture into your Christmas baubles, filling them about three-quarters full, depending on the size.

In two glasses, add ice, a handful of frozen cranberries, and a sprig of rosemary for garnish.

When you’re ready to enjoy, pour the contents of the baubles into the prepared glasses and top with Prosecco for a festive fizz.

Follow KIRKYMAREEDONNELLY for more impressive cocktail recipes and inspiration.

Limited Europeandesigned pieces and singular works of art, brought exclusively to New Zealand.

Between the lines

Dive into UNO ’s top picks for great holiday reading.

Charlie and the Christmas Factory

Inspired by Roald Dahl, Penguin

Beating Burnout

By Mike McKinney, Exisle Publishing Clinical

psychologist Mike

McKinney

takes an informed look at the features of burnout, why and how burnout happens, and the signs it might be about to strike. This insightful, practical book is filled with suggestions for positive changes that can be sustained, and offers ways to help you consider a wider (and possibly new) purpose in life, underpinned by ways to enhance resilience.

A magical and hilarious Christmas collection of stories from 13 bestselling storytellers inspired by the great Roald Dahl’s incredible characters. Why is Matilda worried about being on the naughty list? What happens when years after the creation of his original marvellous medicine George’s granddaughter Gigi decides to make her own potion? And how does Charlie plan to celebrate Christmas at the chocolate factory? Perfect for Christmas Eve or a fun, nostalgic Christmas present.

Eden Undone

By Abbott Kahler, HarperCollins

This true story of murder is a strangerthan-fiction account of the search for utopia in the Galápagos set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the march to World War II. With a mystery as alluring and curious as the Galápagos itself, this novel explores the universal and timeless desire to seek utopia – and lays bare the human fallibility that, inevitably, renders such a quest doomed. Part narrative non-fiction, part Agatha Christie murder mystery, Eden Undone will grip you from start to finish.

Unreel

By Diana Wichtel, Penguin

New Zealand writer and reviewer Diana Wichtel shares her hilarious and profound memoir about growing up watching the Golden Age of television. In the 1960s, her family fell apart and they left Canada for Aotearoa, minus a father. Here, she witnessed the rise of television again, this time on the other side of the world. Twenty years later she began working for NZ Listener magazine, where she became a renowned television critic. Her story uncovers family secrets and a search for her father, all lived alongside the magic of television.

Lisa Carrington Chases A Champion

By Dame Lisa Carrington, illustrated by Scott Pearson, Huia Publishers

Eight-year-old Lisa is determined to take part in a big surf competition coming up, but she’s nervous. With encouragement from her coach, family and top paddler Māia, she trains hard. But disaster strikes when her canoe capsizes, shaking her confidence. Lisa goes to the river to compose herself and, with the help of her family and dog Colin, she draws on her strength to prepare for the race.

Gold standard

Singer-songwriter

Ayla Gold recently broke into the Bay’s indie music scene with her first EP Nuance. Her vintage rock style has been influenced by an eclectic mix of artists over the years. Here, she tells UNO about her artistic process and where she sees Tauranga’s music scene headed in the future.

Twenty-five-year-old acoustic engineer Ayla Gold was raised listening to everything from Hayley Westenra to Evermore. Kiwi music was always being played on Dad’s stereo or on the family car’s CD player – tapes in her pre-school years. And it’s still Kiwi artists who are her biggest inspiration.

UNO: How did you get into music?

Ayla: I started piano and guitar lessons in primary school and loved to sing along to anything that was playing,

and still do. You will often catch me singing along or harmonising to whatever’s playing in the supermarket. The teachers I had right through school played a huge part in encouraging me to get up and sing on stage. The support from my high school music teacher, Matt Bodman at Ōtūmoetai College, was huge. He would get me involved with school assembly performances, songwriting competitions, Smoke-free Rockquest, and just playing and writing well in general. We’re still in contact today and he’s always quick to give great feedback on my releases.

Bay of Plenty’s authorised repairer for:

How would you describe your music?

My vocals are always quite strong as I feel it’s the way I can truly express myself. I believe that what you listen to is what your own music becomes, so I would say my music is indie singer/ songwriter, if I were to put it in a box.

Hamish Berkers from Mish Studio based in Kirikiriroa is always enthusiastic when we are in the studio recording, as is my video director and producer Finn Lloyd (Mount Maunganui). Both of these lads are legends in their fields and push me to make my music and visuals the best it can be while keeping all my own flair.

What and who inspires you musically?

I love artists who aren’t afraid to be themselves and be genuine and vulnerable in their lyrics. This inspires me to write the way that I do. In terms of sound, I mostly listen to alternate/ indie rock and more solo artists than bands. I love lots of washy guitar and drums and finger-picking style electric.

I feel most inspired when my emotions or environments feel intense, good or bad. I’m definitely someone who can see through the pain in things and enjoy the creativity of art that flows when things are tough for someone, or how the skill of the artist can portray this. In terms of specific artists, this is always changing as I’m always discovering new music. I’m also someone who loves to be outside

– open spaces help me to develop the ideas that come to mind.

In the last few years, my biggest influences have been Molly Payton, Julia Jacklyn, The Beths, Angie McMahon and Sam Fender. Again, these artists are not afraid to put their lyrics and sound into a raw form that transports you straight into their shoes, or you find their lyrics apply to some struggle of your own. A common theme in music I like is the greater hope that an artist can talk about, or almost talk you through, a form of empathising and knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. They show you’re not the only one who has gone through whatever it is you are experiencing.

What instruments do you play and do you write your own lyrics?

I play rhythm electric and acoustic guitar as well as piano. I write all my own lyrics. All through school I wasn’t much of a reader so I found it hard to write songs. It wasn’t until late high school that my writing started and during my engineering degree, I got right into reading which took my writing to a whole new level. My notes app on my phone is often growing with lyrics or lines that pop into my head in everyday situations. I’ve actually found catching the bus is a great place to write for me.

How do you find the Bay music scene?

How do you see it developing in the coming years?

The scene here is growing and there are a few people that have really invested in their music. The Jam Factory in the historic village and Palace Tavern at the Mount have been great to help support this. I would love to see more small-scale gig venues similar to what you find on Karangahape Road in Auckland, as it would really help to support up-andcoming artists and just bring more of a scene here. We need more of a culture that people can hook into, knowing there is always something on a particular night. I think Tauranga schools have a great arts scene, as well as churches, which are often the catalyst for producing great musicians.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to release more regularly and do a tour of New Zealand at some stage. I’ve had a job in acoustic engineering for three months now with Marshall Day Acoustics. Many of us are musicians, which encourages me to keep at my music and be inspired and supported. I love playing and recording with friends, and I’m excited to meet more people through my music, to see where it takes me. All the creative outlets involved have a chance to develop their skills through me bringing my projects to them and vice versa.

AYLAGOLDMUSIC

Power up

Karen Humphreys threw herself into fitness as she grieved the loss of her son, never imagining she’d one day set a world record by squatting almost double her body weight.

WORDS DEBBIE GRIFFITHS | PHOTOS KATIE COX

“

Did you just say you picked up a washing machine?”

“A front loader, yeah,” laughs the 159cm-tall grandmother, suddenly realising how far from normal that sounds. She explains that you can ‘flick it onto your legs’ to carry it up steps. Same with a small chest freezer; although when helping a friend move house recently, her coach Mike Jones had already called to insist that she refrain from lifting whiteware. It was, after all, the lead up to defending her world powerlifting title.

“At the last worlds, three lifters were injured in the week before,” she laughs. “As we get older, we’re just not as robust as we used to be.”

It’s the only concession to her 61 years that she’ll make.

“I see other people doing what I’m doing and the fact that they’re 40 years younger doesn’t mean anything to me,” she says. “At my daughter’s wedding in Fiji, I wore a dress with shoestring straps. Some young guys wanted to know ‘how’d you get traps like that?’. That felt good.”

Fighting spirit

Karen grew up in ‘middle of nowhere’ Kaihere, aiming for a career as an architect. Back then, technical drawing was only for boys.

because Jono had left home and was working, he was treated as an adult so Karen was told she couldn’t stay with him. Her tenacity kicked in.

“I stood my ground and wouldn’t leave. I think I got guts and determination from my parents.” In August 2013, Jono lost his battle with cancer.

Channelling the grief

By the age of 50, she’d taken up boxing, but after being deemed too old to compete, Karen switched to powerlifting, entering her first competition just six months later.

“I started like anyone else; lifting tiny weights around a tenth of what I lift now,” she says.

“My parents had to go in fighting for me. The school eventually said yes, and I thought ‘right, I want to show these guys’, so each year, I was top of the class.”

Years later, she fought for her own teenager when he fell ill. After three weeks of night sweats and debilitating aching limbs, came the nightmare diagnosis.

“I didn’t even know what leukemia was,” she admits. “Jono looked it up on his computer and said, ‘Mum, I have cancer’. I was dumbfounded.”

Seventeen-year-olds are usually treated at Starship but,

Since then, she’s won multiple national titles, the Commonwealth Championships in 2022 and last year, the World Champs in Mongolia. In October, she attempted to defend her title at the IPF World Masters Powerlifting Champs and the Commonwealth Powerlifting Champs in South Africa. Karen’s deadlifting weight was five kilos off the 155kg to secure the overall win but her best squat of 120.5kg set a new world record.

Ruthless Barbell Club owner Mike Jones says it’s rare to meet someone as dedicated.

“To push our top competitor, a highly accomplished athlete, to their limit made for an exciting and rewarding day on the platform.”

Strong focus

“I close my eyes, blank everyone out and go through all the motions in my mind; going to the bar, doing the lift, racking it up – and then I go and do it. Visualisation is so powerful.”

Karen’s target weights are already scrawled on sticky notes in her car and on her work desk for future international competitions. She’s even eyeing up the next age category that she’ll move into when she’s 69.

“There’s a new set of records to break,” she smiles.

Perimenopause

Dr Linda Dear talks hormones and health

PAGE 76

Look and feel the best version of you.

Pack smart

The suitcase fashion edit PAGE 66

Healing art

The tattoo studio supporting cancer survivors

PAGE 80

Silver vixens

Going grey in style

PAGE 73

Ciao bella

Style status

Everyday upgrades for warmer weather.

WORDS

Hot on the heels of the Italian vibe that emerged for spring, all things European are filling the racks for summer as the latest aspirational trend. Tailored tops, feminine dresses, matching separates (a waistcoat is a must have) and top handled bags. The ultimate accessory is a silky headscarf, which plays very much to the effortless ease theme. Strapless, one shoulder and off the shoulder is never better than in summer. Satisfyingly flattering, the exposed shoulder is magical in its power to look fabulous on every figure. Colour blocking with muted rather than contrasting vibrant shades seems to have gone hand- in-hand with the quiet luxury trend that’s been so big for the last couple of years. However, while the pairing of pales is nothing new, it really is as lovely as ever. All shades of white, creams, pale beige; what could possibly be more on point for summer? Capri pants have come back out from the cold – with less of an American cruise ship vibe and more of an Audrey Hepburn aesthetic. Cast off the sneakers and pair with a pair of pretty sandals for a sophisticated silhouette. The tie front blouse has been acknowledged as the summer break-out – crossing age barriers you’ll find it styled with a false front for the more modest and a gap through the torso for those with a six pack to showcase. Often with a puff sleeve, on the right top or dress this manages to look summery and elegant; but ‘try before you buy’ because too much puff can feel a bit twee.

Summer lovin’

Trending now

Most wanted this season.

Crochet – but not as we know it – has hit the summer landscape. Forget the Woodstock multi-coloured patch ponchos, and imagine delicate colours, beautifully crafted and exquisite three-dimensional beauty. It’s a classic for a reason – it can be styled in so many ways and fit a multitude of looks. Embroidery for detailing is another feature that will take your outfit from the ordinary to the sublime this summer. When it comes to accessories, you’re going to want a raffia/woven/straw bag – if it looks like a horse can eat it, you should be carrying it. Love it or laugh at it, the IT bag for this season is the Loewe tote or Botega Venetta’s basket bag – eye wateringly expensive, if you like the trend it’s really not hard to get the look for less. The Prada crochet tote is also having a moment; again, this is easily recreated. Bold jewellery is making a statement, dare I say ’80s era button earrings – but sophisticated and carefully accessorised. Alongside all the frills, layers and chiffons sit silk and lace, with a vibe that harks back to the elegance of the 1920s. The modern flapper look can be found in various forms, complete with sequins, crystals, fringing and dropped waistlines. Cutouts are still cool and in the form of ‘venting’, which can be everything from simple slices to tear drops at the clavicle or geometric cuts. Puddle pants pooled on the floor have moved off the catwalk and into the high street, however it doesn’t feel like the most practical choice for those of us who want longevity from our outfits – dusty hems and a trip hazard is what I take away from this look. A shorter hem with a slingback is much more the go and will take you to any summer event day or night.

Pack with purpose

Whittle down the excess and pack a punch with your holiday wardrobe.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

Find me someone who doesn’t overpack when they go on holiday. Whether it’s a dilemma over the unknown climate conditions – because let’s face it, there are very few destinations that don’t offer up a mixed weather bag at any time of year – or simply the fear of not being able to find a washing machine, it’s hard to trim down the excess items. Every time I pack a suitcase, multiple dress-up options are required. For those that may be on the kind of trip that requires evening dress, some garments are definitely more suitcase ready than others. It is so much more helpful if something is a noncrease fabric and can be pulled out of your bag and shaken out without much kerfuffle.

So, how best to nail the concept of a capsule wardrobe when it comes to packing for your trip? The most important start point is to step back and look at what kind of holiday you are actually having, as opposed to what you imagine it might be. In short, be realistic – if you’re going on a family beach holiday, are you really going to make it to the hotel gym. If not, ditch those trainers and lycra right now. If your trip is to the tropics, no matter how much you want to shake the dust off those super high heels, are you really going to wobble around in them, or would flats just be more practical? These are the types of questions that should be asked in the first instance. The next step is to look at what your staples should be for the type of trip you are taking. Capsule packing works in much the same way as a capsule wardrobe – although it’s less frightening because it only needs to be restricted for a limited period of time. Day to night dressing is the golden rule of capsule, with the ability to accessorise and jazz up your outfit.

Summer suitcase suggestions

Linen pants, vest top and blousy shirt

Linen is known to be a warm weather must-have. The advantage of long pants is that they will double up to protect you from the sun, or if there’s a chill, provide leg cover. A tight vest top will balance out baggy pants, and then an over shirt worn open will provide both a layer for warmth, or can be easily stripped off for some sunning. Add – a silk cami will match with the linen pants for an evening look, together with wedge espadrilles or low heels.

Basic tee and shorts

Denim shorts are a take-me-anywhere item as long as they’re not super short. Worn with a white tee, the look is on trend and robust for warm weather activities. Add – accessories! Throw on some layered necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Swap out the tee for the silk cami and espadrilles.

Non-crease midi dress

Some countries may be more conservative, so it’s good to have a dress that covers the tops of the arms and falls below the knee. Bring a midi that’s a little on the dressy side, which will suit a smart lunch or evening out. Add – an evening bag and blazer will take you anywhere.

Skirt and top

Either a maxi, midi or mini – whichever style you feel most comfortable in, together with a summer top that will match. The top should also be interchangeable with your shorts and linen pants. Add – a cardigan for chilly days and light coloured/white streetwear sneakers.

Don’t forget essentials – togs, hat, sarong, evening bag and large carry-all tote for beach/ pool/shopping that doubles as your cabin bag.

Get set, go!

Fashion forecast

Keep an eye on the season ahead.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

Shady stuff

Deep burgundy will be elevating outfits everywhere this autumn. Some like it head to toe, others are thoroughly modernising the shade by mixing it up with other tones – a burgundy dress paired with cherry red shoes for example. You’ll see it in everything from leather/faux leather trench coats to accessories such as boots and bags. More versatile than you might think, come autumn it will practically be considered a neutral.

To the manor born

Tracksuits and tailoring may seem incongruous together, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Prioritising comfort, but at the same time giving off an effortlessly cool vibe, the combination of stilettos, trackie pants (specifically Adidas) and a blazer manages to tick multiple boxes. There’s lots of ways to play around with this style – full sports lux accessorised with heels and handbag, or tracksuit jacket and jeans. It’s street style so there are no rules.

Heritage tweed, Herringbone and cosy argyle jumpers combine to create a town and country vibe when the weather cools down. Sweeping woolen coats will take us into winter, but for autumn, chunky sweaters will be the hero of the look. This trend is an example of the ‘real’ trends that designers are sending down the runway, narrowing the gap between the aspirational and inspirational for mainstream fashion followers.

Caped crusader

Boho is back with a bang – all things Chloe have been rapturously received, and the ’70’s look has been reimagined ever so slightly to fit with today’s world. While the cape was synonymous with the ’70s and without a doubt has a relaxed retro vibe, it is something of a chameleon as it can just as easily be styled in a sleek, elegant way that will take an evening look to the next level. Appearing on the runway as something of an autumn essential, its versatile trans-seasonal appeal makes it a must.

Khaite

Emilia Wickstead

TBC

Fendi

Tommy Hilfiger

Tommy Hilfiger

Missoni

Chloe

Summer radiance

Adapt your self-care with the hottest new season essentials.

Real men moisturise

Men’s skin is typically a lot thicker, tougher and more oily than women’s, creating a need for specific skincare. The brand new range from Flint targets common skin concerns men face including sensitivity from shaving, uneven skin texture, and signs of ageing. With a focus on both effectiveness and affordability, it’s the perfect opportunity to dip your toe into self-care, guys. From RRP$35. FLINTSKINCARE.COM

Honey trap

As a natural extension to their stunning sculptural range, RAAIE's new Golden Nectar Mānuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser works harmoniously with their other products as the first, and most essential step, in your skincare routine. With smoothing fruit enzymes and nourishing Mānuka honey it also doubles as a treatment mask, meaning less waste and less packaging from this consciousconsumption brand. RRP$97. RAAIE.CO.NZ

Eye spy

Going beyond the call of duty is the new Lash Boost Tubing Mascara from xoBeauty. Infused with growth serum for longer, nourished lashes, this mascara offers a defined look by encapsulating each lash in tiny tubes. For even more reason to be excited, included is an adjustable wand to target different areas of your lashes more effectively. RRP$38.99.

XOBEAUTYSHOP.COM

Glowing for gold

Velettà have scooped up a new set of awards at the Global Green Beauty Awards 2024, including a gold for their Intensive Hydrating Treatment (the best 100% natural product category). Chocca full of nourishing ingredients to address the common concerns of aging skin and promote a radiant complexion, it’s the perfect night cream. RRP$135.

VELETTASKINCARE.COM

Blurred lines

Combining skincare, sun protection and makeup is Aleph’s latest clean beauty innovation: Smoothing Skin Tint SPF/20. Like a real life skin filter, plant-actives work behind the scenes to smooth, the sheer tint blurs the appearance of imperfections, and SPF protects. Apply between moisturising and foundation and ditch the need for additional serums and sunblock. RRP$92.

ALEPHBEAUTY.COM

Neck minute

The neck can be overlooked when applying moisturiser, serums and sunblock, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the first places that signs of ageing appear. Target crepe-like, sagging skin with BOOST LAB’s award winning Edelweiss Neck Firming Serum that visibly improves skin elasticity and firmness, thanks to the potent benefits of Tef Seed Extract. RRP$44.95. BOOSTLABCO.COM

All that glitters

Adorn yourself for the next special occasion or event with Question Beauty’s super fun makeup range. For a subtle look, apply a touch of sparkling mascara to lash ends, or wow them with holographic eyeshadow and adhesive gems. Getting glam just got exciting! From RRP$10. QUESTIONBEAUTY.COM

Reset, repair, replenish

Get ready for the silly season with a 7-day cleanse that reduces bloating and boosts your energy naturally.

In today’s busy world, it can be hard to keep your health in check. That’s where the 7-Day Colon & Liver Cleanse from 365 Body Reset can come to the rescue – a simple, natural way to give your body the reset it deserves.

This cleanse isn’t just about quick fixes; it’s a carefully crafted blend of organic herbs and botanical enzymes designed to support nutrient absorption, improve gut health, and boost overall vitality. Each sachet contains a formula that’s been fermented for 540 days, ensuring the nutrients are preserved and ready to work their magic while you sleep. The cleanse helps your body detoxify, leaving you feeling lighter and more energised.

The benefits? Better digestion, reduced bloating, enhanced immunity, and even healthier skin. If you’re active, you’ll appreciate the added support for muscle recovery. With improved bowel function, many people also report losing between 2-4kg during the week, although results can vary. Using the cleanse is easy – just drink one sachet before bed each night. As you rest, the formula gently works to remove built-up toxins, while maintaining key minerals and nutrients, without disrupting your daily routine.

It’s free from artificial flavours, gluten, dairy, and sugars, making it suitable for those with dietary sensitivities. To get the most out of your cleanse, make sure to drink at least two litres of water daily. Whether you’re looking to reset after a busy period or simply maintain your wellbeing, this cleanse offers a natural way to feel refreshed and revitalised.

365BODYRESET.COM

FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Future focused

Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic introduces Veloce: The revolutionary light treatment transforming skincare with fewer sessions and remarkable results.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

As someone who’s been in the skincare industry for years, I ’ ve seen countless treatments come and go – but nothing has excited skincare professionals quite like Veloce.

Since introducing this Intense Pulsed Dual Light (IPDL) laser treatment, I’ve seen an enthusiastic response. Many have been impressed by the results they’re achieving, often after fewer sessions than expected.

What sets Veloce apart is its versatility and precision. The treatment can address a wide range of skin concerns with impressive effectiveness from stubborn pigmentation and broken capillaries to generalised redness, photo rejuvenation, fine lines, deeper wrinkles, acne scarring, and even hair removal. It can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, neck, stomach, arms and legs.

Veloce’s dual lamp system produces high-speed light pulses that penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating the body ’s natural rejuvenation processes. Unlike other lasers that might focus primarily on skin tone and texture, Veloce offers a more holistic solution by combining multi-wavelengths to address a broad range of indications. This advanced IPDL technology allows for a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation.

One of the most exciting features of Veloce is the N-Tight treatment. This procedure triggers contraction and remodeling of collagen, resulting in a significant tightening effect that’s immediately noticeable and continues to improve over time. It's a game-changer for those concerned about skin laxity. It also delivers results without requiring a lot of downtime. Thanks to its cooling system, most clients can return to their daily activities immediately after treatment.

The duration of each session typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area and the specific concerns being addressed. After treatment, clients may experience some redness, but this usually subsides within a few hours. While visible results can often be seen after just one treatment, the number of sessions needed varies from person to person.

Whether you’re battling the signs of ageing, struggling with pigmentation, or simply want to give your skin a radiant boost, Veloce offers a tailored solution that delivers real and efficient results. For even more impressive results, double up with the Ultra MD for better skin rejuvenation.

CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

“The N-Tight treatment procedure triggers contraction and remodeling of collagen, resulting in a significant tightening effect thatʼ s immediately noticeable and continues to improve over time.”

Grey expectations

Ready to go au naturel?

Samantha Henry of Shine Hair and Studio May shares her top tips for going gorgeously grey.

The mirror doesn't lie – those silvery strands are multiplying faster than you can say "salon appointment". But before you reach for the bottle (of hair colour, that is), let's chat about embracing the grey with style and confidence.

First things first: emotional preparedness. Are you ready to rock the silver vixen look? Many women find inspiration in others who've made the leap, so start scrolling those #silverandfree hashtags for a confidence boost. After all, why should men have all the fun as "silver foxes"?

Transitioning to your natural grey can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on your hair length. The first few months can be the trickiest, as you'll notice the demarcation line where your coloured hair meets the new growth. But don’t worry – there are clever ways to blend the old with the new.

One option is to switch from all-over colour to highlights or lowlights. This allows your natural hair to peek through while maintaining some bounce and

texture. Another route is to swap permanent colour for semi-permanent, which covers up to 50 percent of grey and blends up to 70 percent (using Wella Colour), giving your overall look a softer appearance. For the adventurous, consider a balayage or ombré service to create a gradual transition from roots to ends.

Regular trims are your best friend during this journey. They'll help remove any lingering coloured ends and keep your hair looking fresh as it grows out. Treat yourself to nourishing conditioning masks to keep your tresses hydrated and prevent breakage.

Lastly, if you do choose to let your grey shine, know you're in good company. From A-list celebs to your next-door neighbour, more women are ditching the colour and rocking their natural grey. It's not about giving up; it's about owning your look and redefining beauty standards. With a bit of patience and the right attitude, you'll be turning heads for all the right reasons. Who knows – you might even inspire others to embrace their own silver lining.

SHINEHAIRCO.CO.NZ | STUDIOMAY.CO.NZ

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED

Samantha Henry.

Face the future

Plastic surgeons, Dr Adam Bialostocki and Dr Brandon Adams from Da Vinci Clinic, talk to UNO about the latest technology in facial skin tightening. The best part? You don’t need to go near an operating room.

PHOTOS ALEX CAIRNS

Inspired by the ideals of Leonardo da Vinci's visionary spirit, which revolutionised aesthetics and science centuries ago, the Da Vinci Clinic is continuing this legacy of innovation, with cutting-edge beauty solutions that are transforming the landscape of appearance medicine. In the world of aesthetic treatments, new technology is making waves – or rather, Sofwaves. This non-invasive procedure offers the latest high-tech method of facial rejuvenation, and a painless alternative to traditional facelifts.

While ultrasound technology isn't entirely new to New Zealand's aesthetic treatments, Sofwave uses high-frequency ultrasound to target the skin's deeper layers with precision. What sets Sofwave apart is its ability to restore youthful elastin content in the skin, a feat unmatched by existing technologies in the country.

And, unlike light-based treatments that rely on specific pigments in the skin to absorb energy, Sofwave's ultrasound technology doesn't depend on skin colour. This means it can safely and consistently treat a wide range of skin tones. From very fair to very dark, it results in noticeable

improvements in skin firmness, reducing wrinkles and fine lines while providing a subtle lifting effect.

The treatment is quick, comfortable, and requires no downtime, making it an attractive alternative to surgery.

Two of Da Vinci Clinic’s plastic surgeons, Adam Bialostocki and Brandon Adams, share their insights on why Sofwave is reshaping the field of aesthetic medicine in New Zealand.

UNO: What is Sofwave?

Adam: Sofwave is a new clinic-based technology utilising ultrasound, which will provide lifting and tightening of facial skin. It is not invasive and does not require any anaesthetic. It is FDA approved for treatment of the neck, face, around the eyelids and the forehead.

UNO: What does it achieve?

Brandon: The standout feature for Sofwave is to increase the elastin component in your skin. No other technology can do that. Restoring youthful elastin content in skin greatly improves skin laxity, so you will expect to see less wrinkles and lines, with a lifting effect of your facial and neck tissues. In addition, the treatment will induce Hyaluronic acid formation, which is an essential dermal component responsible for a youthful skin appearance. i.e. a 'filling' effect is gained.

Who would benefit from using it?

Brandon: If you have signs of early facial ageing in your neck, cheek, eyelids or forehead, then Sofwave may be good option for you. Because the mechanism of action is on the dermal layer of the skin, the thinner skin of advanced age would have less of a result. Sofwave can also be used in addition to facial rejuvenation surgery to improve skin quality before or after structural surgery. There are no limitations on age, sex, weight or skin type.

What are the risks?

Adam: Not many! The results will vary from one person to the next, so it's best to set expectations realistically. There may be a few sites of treatment that are less comfortable than others: A small 'pinching' sensation may be felt, and we use a cold air jet to help with reduction of

“There is an immediate visible change, but the full effect of Sofwave is noticed between 3-6 months later as the skin tightens, lifts and becomes more elastic.”

any discomfort. Sofwave is unique in that it is safe for use on all skin tones without risk of scarring or pigment changes.

Why would you choose this over other similar treatments?

Brandon: Because it is the only FDA-approved technology that increases Elastin, it doesn’t have any competitors. Sofwave is also a very comfortable procedure with rapid recovery compared to laser, thermage or HIFU. This may be an ideal treatment for someone not yet a candidate to undertake a surgical facelift to address facial ageing.

What does the procedure involve?

Adam: This is a clinic-based procedure, and it takes about an hour to do a full-face. A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area and then pulses of energy are delivered to the skin using a handpiece that is applied onto the skin. There is an immediate visible change, but the full effect of Sofwave is noticed between 3-6 months later as the skin tightens, lifts and becomes more elastic.

Do you need to do anything to prep the skin beforehand?

Brandon: No. You just need to be sure not to have any active skin infections, such as acne pimples. It’s best to avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications, before or after the treatment. After the treatment you can exercise, go back to work or out to socialise without any downtime.

What is the cost and how often should you be having it?

Adam: The treatment is a one off. Once the skin has been tightened nothing further needs to be done, although we all keep ageing and gravity continues to take its effect, so an annual top-up may be considered. You can choose to treat specific areas, such as the forehead and the area around your eyes, or to undertake a full-face treatment. Prices start at $1,500 for specific areas, with a full face and neck treatment costing $4,500.

DAVINCICLINIC.CTO.NZ

Hormone hacker

UNO editor Hayley Barnett sits down with leading expert Dr Linda Dear to unpack menopause’s grey zone of symptoms, the buffet of options beyond HRT, and why midlife's uninvited guest is more frenemy than foe.

It’s 3am on a Thursday morning.

I’ve been lying here for the past hour tossing and turning, trying desperately to get back to sleep. What better time than now, I think, to write about my perimenopause woes?

I’ve had the same problem every day for the past week and it’s probably linked to the amount of sugar and caffeine I’ve been consuming as a solution to stay awake during the day. It’s a vicious cycle and, if I’m being honest, has become more of a lifestyle linked to my own vicious cycle, of the menstrual kind.

But, according to Dr Linda Dear, it doesn’t have to be this way. About a year ago, UNO interviewed Linda about the issue of menopause, and women still talk to me about it one year on. Linda is one of the country’s leading menopause experts who just happens to reside in Tauranga and runs her business, Menodoctor, from the Bay. Women come to her from all over New Zealand begging for help with symptoms that are increasingly affecting their professional and personal lives.

“Most women who come to me are having symptoms of perimenopause and it ’s impacting them either at home or at work or both,” says Linda. “A lot of the time, I ’m just confirming what they already know − that it ’s hormone related. But it can be such a grey zone and nobody ’s really sure, including sometimes their own GP. They want to know they're not going mad or that they ’re not ill or sick.”

I sit down with Linda to discuss my symptoms and what might help. I had completed a questionnaire before arriving for our appointment. Hot flushes? No. Sleep problems. Yes. Frequent urination. Yes. Night sweats. Yes. It dawns on me that waking drenched in sweat during a five-degree winter’s night probably isn’t normal.

All these symptoms, though ‘not normal’, are actually very normal for a woman my age and beyond − 40 plus. But again, says Linda, they don’t have to be.

In my case, the contraceptive pill would help with PMS problems, she says, but so would HRT – and actually HRT comes with a lower risk of blood clots and other side effects, as it uses body identical lower dose estrogen. It also helps with insomnia. Sold.

But Linda is quick to point out that HRT is not the only option – and not always the right answer for every woman. Though she sings HRT’s praises, Linda describes herself as more holistic than many doctors in this area. She’s not against HRT and says for some women it’s the only thing that will help. But she also likes to offer natural alternatives.

“There are many things you can try,” she explains. “I like to offer what I call ‘the menopause buffet’. Women should be introduced to the whole table of treatments, and there are many that you can mix and match − and others that you can’t. But everything is optional, even the buffet itself. You don’t need to do anything if you don’t feel like it. You can just sit and enjoy the show if you prefer.”

The options include everything, from herbal supplements, like St John’s Wort, through to the contraceptive pill and SSRIs (antidepressants).

“Lifestyle changes like adding weights sessions to your workout routine make a huge difference for some people,” says Linda. “Or just increasing protein in the diet − that can completely change everything.”

After asking me to take a blood test, Linda prescribes me some HRT with detailed instructions for patches and progesterone pills and suggests buying some iron tablets and ashwagandha for my sleep.

While I’m grateful for the help, I wonder about those who can’t pinpoint certain times in the month, but who have similar symptoms. How can you tell if it’s perimenopause and not just dealing with life’s demands, I ask? Let’s face it, our forties are a very demanding time. We’re often dealing with kids, mortgages, careers, relationships, not to mention the possibility of World War III, climate change, the government, that weird rash Google tells you is

“... it's a time of growth. A lot of women get through this and become a better version of themselves eventually. They can feel stronger and more empowered.”

probably fatal? Surely, the doom scrolling has something to do with our highly anxious states and lack of sleep.

“We do need to be careful about blaming perimenopause for everything,” says Linda. “That’s why I don’t want to become an HRT factory. I also don’t want to deny anyone of that either, since we’ve gone far too long without it. We have to go through the symptoms and come up with a plan together. It’s about trial and error, finding out what helps and what doesn’t.”

We talk about my sleep issues and how they’re much worse if I drink even just one glass of wine.

“She loves to ruin our fun,” says Linda, who talks about perimenopause in the third person, referring to this time in a woman’s life as a friend, or more so, a frenemy. ‘She’ apparently is not a fan of alcohol, and neither is Linda. She explains the dangers of alcohol and its link to many different illnesses, one of which is breast cancer. It’s ironic then that it was only a decade or so ago that women were fearful of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for its links to breast cancer.

“We think the breast cancer risk, which is very small – around an extra eight cases out of 10,000 women who take it – only starts after a woman has been taking HRT for at least five years. So taking HRT for less than five years likely carries no risk at all. But taking it for five years or longer means we do have to factor in a small risk of breast cancer. But this needs to balanced against the health benefits that HRT can bring, such as reducing heart disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. Research has also shown that when you start HRT before you turn 60, this leads to a longer lifespan. So these are pretty big benefits to think about.”

Despite there being a range of treatments, potions and lotions, and lifestyle suggestions, Linda is quick to point out that this time shouldn’t necessarily be looked upon as a negative.

“She’s not all bad,” Linda says. “Though there are some negative sides, we also need to see some good in this phase, as it’s a time of growth. A lot of women get through this and become a better version of themselves eventually − they feel more like themselves than they ever have. They can feel stronger and more empowered.”

As a woman, whether you decide to do something about perimenopause, or just ride the wave, there is definitely one thing to look forward to.

“Our periods stop!” smiles Linda. “We all have to admit the idea of that is quite nice.”

Dr Linda Dear is UNO ’s new menopause expert. Look out for her column in the next issue.

Telltale signs you might be in perimenopause:

• Irregular or missed periods

• Hot flushes

• Sleep disturbances

• Memory and cognition issues

• Vaginal atrophy

• Mood swings

• Decreased sex drive

• Weight gain

• Hair, skin and nail changes

• Frequent urination

• Changing cholesterol levels

HYBRID NEW 3008

• New i-Cockpit with 21’’ panoramic display

• Fastback SUV design

• More than 50%* electric driving around town

FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS 3p-WLTP values(1): Fuel consumption of 5.4 in the 3p-WLTP combined cycle (l/100 km) CO2 emissions (combined) 3p-WLTP: 123 (g/km). The homologation values are determined according to the 3p-WLTP mixed cycle on the basis of which new vehicles have been homologated since September 1, 2018, updated from 2 January 2022. The values indicated are for comparison purposes. Fuel consumption and CO₂ emission values may be different and may vary depending on the conditions of use and various factors such as: options, ambient temperature, driving style, speed, total weight , the use of certain equipment (air conditioning, heating, radio, navigation, lights, etc.), the type of tyres , the state of the road, the external climatic conditions, etc.

619

Empowering ink

For the thousands of Kiwis facing the overwhelming effects of cancer, Stacey Peake’s cosmetic tattoo studio, nestled in the heart of Mount Maunganui, offers women the chance to reclaim their confidence in the wake of New Zealand’s leading cause of death.

WORDS KAREN CLARKSON

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

As Stacey prepares for her day in her studio, Beautifully Enhanced, a welcoming, light-filled sanctuary, she reflects on her journey from running a nail bar in Te Puke straight out of high school, to her newfound passion for tattooing lips, brows and areolas. “From the start, I have always loved to help give women a sense of confidence, to feel good in their bodies,” Stacey shares.

At the age of 19, Stacey left the salon in Te Puke and headed for England,

polishing her skills as a nail technician at Selfridges London and later working front-of-house at Michael Van Clarke’s award-winning hair salon.

After 16 years in the financial industry – from branch manager through to a successful career as a wealth coach for one of Australia’s leading banks – she welcomed twin boys, and chose to return to the world of beauty, training as a cosmetic tattooist and running a successful studio in the Gold Coast.

When Stacey returned to the Bay of Plenty in 2020, she was increasingly

surrounded by family and friends navigating the challenges of cancer. Knowing she could make a difference to people suffering hair loss due to sickness, cancer treatments or alopecia, she started tattooing brows at a reduced price, before discovering her clients could receive a subsidy to get the service at no cost.

For many of Stacey’s clients, coming to her studio is a sensitive step in their recovery journey. Her work is transformative, but the results go far beyond the physical, offering a renewed sense of emotional benefits to her clients. “When you lose your brows or your breasts, you lose part of your identity. It can impact your confidence, your sense of self,” she says.

Hearing more and more stories and the impacts of her brow work on her clients, inspired Stacey to gain certification to tattoo areolas for those women who have had reconstruction surgery or mastectomies due to treatment. “Working on intimate areas like the areolas is a highly delicate

practice that requires a deep level of skill, combined with empathy.”

Stacey’s approach combines artistry with precision, spending up to four hours carefully recreating personalised, natural areolas. Using multiple pigments and needle techniques, she customises each tattoo to match skin tones and textures, bringing depth and realism to achieve a natural result. “Areola tattooing isn’t just about applying colour. It’s about mimicking the natural contours and textures – like Montgomery glands and constriction wrinkles – that give realism to the areola.”

One of Stacey’s most memorable experiences is with a close friend diagnosed with cancer. “We tattooed her brows right before she began treatment,” Stacey recalls. “When she started to lose her hair, she was incredibly grateful to still have her eyebrows. It was a small thing, but it meant the world to her.” Kate, another client shared, “Stacey is not just an artist; she’s a friend and a confidante. She listened to my story with such

“When you lose your brows or your breasts, you lose part of your identity. It can impact your confidence, your sense of self.”

empathy, and the results were life-changing. I left with a new sense of self, and I am forever grateful.”

With a deep understanding of the emotional and physical journey her clients are on, Stacey is acutely aware of the sensitive nature of the procedures. Before any treatment, she ensures that her clients have clearance from their oncologists and that sufficient time has passed for scars to heal. “I hope to create a safe space where my clients feel seen, valued, and supported. I spend a lot of time listening to their stories, understanding what they’re hoping to achieve. It’s a collaborative and deeply personal experience,” she explains.

Through her work, she has become an advocate for open conversations around hair loss and body image, breaking down the stigma that can come with these experiences as well as supporting cancer charities within the community, regularly donating her services for fundraising events. “For many families the work that I do is not always financially possible, so as well as the subsidies available for eyebrow tattooing, my areola tattooing services are heavily discounted. I also offer a free non-laser service for removal of radiation dot tattoos – gently lifting pigment to the surface versus pushing pigment into the skin where it can get into lymph nodes.”

For Stacey, the impacts of her work are written in the smiles, the hugs, and the renewed confidence of her clients. “Women enter the studio with feelings of vulnerability, yet leave with a renewed sense of empowerment and a reminder of their own beauty. Being able to offer a solution that helps someone feel complete again; it’s incredibly meaningful.”

Stacey Peake.

Bold and beautiful

A lesson in using bold colour paired with a simple and refined style.

STYLING AMBER ARMITAGE @ MARIGOLD

PHOTOS WENDY FENWICK @ FLASH STUDIOS WALL COLOURS RESENE PAINTS

Main wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Bianca, left wall and cabinet in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Resolution Blue and dining room in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Coral Tree. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Trove Wrap occasional chair, Hayes side table, Hayes dining table 4 seater, Rye dining arm chairs, all from Soren Liv 'Iris In Enamel Jug' by Neil Driver, available from Parnell Gallery. Halo Raffia table lamp from Kayu Studio. Ceramic balloon bowl 05 in Raw White, Verso jug, Crystal soda glass, Otto bowls, ceramic basket, all from Slow Store. Safi rug from Baya

Stylist’s tip

When using a bold statement wall colour keep your furniture and homeware selections aligned with the same aesthetic. Simple bold furniture shapes (such as the curves on the bedside and lamp) work well, as do oversized patterns and block colours that are a tint or tone of the wall colour.

from Slow Store. Natural linen duvet cover from Foxtrot Home

Brick Linen Lodge pillowcases, Cabin wool blanket, Folio cushion cover, oversized carryall bag all from Citta

Wall painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Coral Tree, wall trim in SpaceCote Flat in Resene Prairie Sand. 'Seeing Rainbows' by Greer Clayton available from Parnell Gallery. Fin bedside table by Ellison Studio, Kizu Kable lamp, crystal soda glass,

Block colour

Resene Resolution Blue is a bright bold blue, full of determination and endeavour.

Wall, shelf and cabinet painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Resolution Blue. Hayes side table and Rufus curve bookends from Soren Liv. 'Tide Times' by Greer Clayton available from Parnell Gallery. Halo Raffia table lamp from Kayu Studio. Muse 2 seater and Yoko capsule coffee table by Ellison Studio, bubble glass grape tray, ceramic basket, all from Slow Store. Gene woven cushion from Citta . Safi rug from Baya

Back wallpainted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Blue, front wall and slats in SpaceCote Flat in finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Seville tile side table from Soren Liv. 'Islands On The Edge' by Shona Mackenzie, available from Parnell Gallery. Ceramic basket from

Background finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe

Recliners

Resene Bianca

Resene Resolution Blue

Resene Coral Tree

Resene Prairie Sand

Easy.

Masterful simplicity

Perched above nature, this peaceful home showcases refined minimalism and breathtaking rural vistas.

WORDS JO FERRIS

The serenity of rural seclusion is absolute in this hidden pocket within Western Bay. Nestled at the end of a private lane, the home’s elevated position above a vast lawn makes an immediate impression. It presents the advantage of views, while the backdrop of towering trees instantly suggests prolific birdlife.

As a young home, there is ample potential to develop the grounds into playground pastimes. The owners have already planted numerous fruit trees and sown banks with wildflowers, herbs and lavender. Tiered gardens in front of the house complement its clean lines, while hinting at the style behind its vision.

Mindful of melting into nature, not dominating it, the home's designers have mastered the art of restraint. The simplicity of minimalism actually hides the intricacy behind it. It’s not easy

maintaining that concept, but this home achieves it with respectful appreciation.

It begins at the formal welcome, with a massive pivot front door. The connection between outdoor elements and rooms inside – while unobtrusive – are evident throughout. The horizontal thread of larch on exterior cladding continues on feature walls inside. Full-height glazing ensures nature and views are always in sight, while recessed motorised blinds maintain the clean look of minimalism.

The heart of the home revels in sun and a country outlook. Devoid of any clutter, it adheres to the restrained philosophy with extraordinary skill. The kitchen showcases a bold dark tone of textured cabinetry, negative detail and integrated appliances, while the hidden scullery enjoys the appeal of open shelving.

Banks of stacker doors instil a seamless link with outdoor relaxation. Polished concrete flooring is finished with

a salt-and-pepper tone, putting a new slant on concrete’s functional appeal and capacity to harness solar warmth. Zoned underfloor heating is there if required, however – including in all three bathrooms. The media room has the mood of a flame, with its gas-fire cosy ambience.

The owner's privacy is assured in one wing, which includes an office for work; while an ensuite guest room and remaining bedrooms offer options in the far wing. Every bathroom is fully tiled – similarly designed with dark allure and a no-fuss approach. Except the main bathroom – where the white oval bath is the star; fronting a fullheight window for a garden outlook.

Complex simplicity underpins an extraordinary home. Its promise of privacy – at one with nature – cannot be emphasised enough.

6H Ainsworth Road, Minden OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Legacy in the making

Plant your family tree in this modern homestead, where subtle sophistication meets long-term potential.

WORDS JO FERRIS

With Te Puna’s boutique village around the corner and close proximity to Bethlehem’s town centre; this home captures that wistful ambience of country life and city consciousness.

Boasting more than two and a half hectares of prime, flat land, the property is still in the infancy of a lifelong journey to the maturity that only nature can offer. A small avocado orchard gives the promise of hobby income and the potential for more horticultural pursuits; given the massive implement shed by the rear boundary.

Landscaping is structured and designed around low-maintenance – including abundant edibles. Four Husqvarna robot mowers take care of most of the lawns. As with the avocado orchard, the potential to landscape further is up to personal preference.

Nestled amid it all, this home showcases a thoroughly modern outlook and contemporary mood. Designed by Tauranga’s JMAC Architecture and built by Ultimate Homes, a minimalist theme flows throughout – refined taste highlighting the expense behind its creation.

The design separates bedroom wings – bookending them either side of central living zones. In the master wing, a second room gives flexibility for an office, nursery, another bedroom or a private snug for parents. Three more bedrooms, family bathroom and powder room sit at the far end – two bedrooms opening outside to a sheltered sun trap for private moments. Conversely, parents have their own sheltered corner – with a spa pool enhancing the intimacy to enjoy late summer evenings outside.

And it is outside, where this home focuses its attention on a seamless link with entertainment and leisure. From the formal lounge through to the family hub, this home revels in its connection with the

sheltered decking and various outdoor settings to dine and relax. Stepping out to a lawn and down through tiered garden beds, the heated swimming pool beckons. This is a year-round attraction for exercise and leisure; a thermal cover slipping discreetly into decking. A pool house stores pool equipment and toys, while a shaded setting beside it enhances lounging poolside.

Inside, raked ceilings enhance the space and natural light. Practical, concrete flooring is heated underfoot. Apart from the garage and store room, the entire house boasts hydronic underfloor heating, fed by a heat pump which extends to the pool system as well.

Designed with lifestyle and leisure to the fore; this property has the promise of privilege, understated elegance and regard to the future.

107 Armstrong Road, Te Puna OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Lady Aorangi

An infusion of 1930s charm and modern high-end luxury, this exquisite home balances historic grandeur and inviting warmth.

WORDS JO FERRIS

History blends the sentiment of heritage that no modern interpretation could ever replicate in this unique property. Unique, because it was once home to former Tauranga mayor and prominent businessman; the late Sir Bob Owens.

Relocated from its original Avenues’ address to just outside Bethlehem, ‘Aorangi’ derived its name – cloud in the sky – from the mysticism that Wairoa Valley instils when clouds shroud the river below this home.

The heritage of this 1930s’ native timber residence has remained intact, thanks to a sensitive renovation. Committed to its memory, the owners undertook a significant project that involved sourcing the best money can buy – importing much of the fittings and materials.

It is a tribute to their dedication, that this home retains an extraordinary blend of yesterday, while ensuring today’s comfort and modern heating systems.

Name dropping is no attempt at ostentation in this case. Brands like Perrin and Rowe, Burlington, Hinkley and Ralph Lauren simply highlight the superior quality that enhances the décor here. Italian marble counters in the kitchen, with its Lacanche oven and Gaggenau appliances sit effortlessly beside New Zealand rimu flooring.

No detail has been overlooked – from obvious features that showcase 18th Century William Morris wallpaper recreations, plush drapes or moody tone of wainscoting in the master study to the subtle finish of architraves, lighting and display elements – this home is an inspiration of design appreciation. It attracts casual family living and the habitual desire to congregate around the island bar in the kitchen. It invites formal dining and those grand occasions with crowds; family room comfort and an office area for paperwork. A second lounge and generous reception room expand space for different entertainment and alternative moments.

This is a significant home – two bedrooms and bathroom downstairs; three more upstairs and the private study with its ambience of a gentlemen’s club. It separates two bedrooms and family bathrooms from the master suite. Naturally the largest bedroom, it features four separate closets, a cosy cushioned window seat and private bathroom. Every room is personalised – tone, texture and clever contrast instilled through colour.

Outdoor connections provide different perspectives on the garden and view across Wairoa Valley. The swimming pool is the one token of contemporary context within the property; sitting in a corner of its own, sheltered behind the garage.

Homes of this calibre and history in Tauranga are rare. It’s nice knowing this has survived where others have disappeared. Sir Bob Owens would be proud.

93 Wairoa Road, Wairoa OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Private seclusion

Nestled within the sheltered privacy of a gorgeous garden setting, French Provence whispers its presence. From the design of the home itself – limestone chip paths, landscaped banks and garden corners, to the exotic allure of the swimming pool – this property transports you to another world.

WORDS JO FERRIS

The privacy of this exquisite country home goes far beyond the gated security offered by Te Puna’s elite Tides Reach enclave. One of 29 high-value properties, this home hides from the road – blossoms on the cherry trees lining the long driveway having given way to summer’s leafy welcome.

Pavilion styling divides the home into two distinct wings – connected by a foyer that immediately introduces the garden expanse beyond, thanks to a full-wall picture window.

Living sits to the left; gabled ceilings showcasing sarked lining and exposed beams to enhance the space. The tone is genteel; classically refined like French champagne. Glazing stretches the length of the wing – from dining and family

lounge, through to the lounge. It ensures both the view and outdoor links are captured in every area of this wing.

Sun-drenched decking includes a sheltered outdoor lounge – somewhere to gaze out to the pool and reflect on the beauty all around. Dedicated alfresco dining invites grand occasions outside, while the pool has its own invitation. A shallow ‘chaise longue’ segment for sun lovers; louvred roofing over the ‘pool house’, with its outdoor fire and lounge setting, plus a spa alcove for added luxury. The symmetry between the house, outdoor settings, pool and large garden expanse is captivating. The accommodation wing, while seemingly a stand-alone pavilion is also linked intricately to the garden. The master suite sits at the far end – its romantic bathroom showcasing a clawfoot bath and French-door link

with a screened garden – privacy assured in all aspects and brilliant walk-in shower.

Three more bedrooms share a family bathroom – a bath here as well and a separate powder room for added convenience. Other features include a study, a ‘play room’ for children, hobbies or gym; a dedicated laundry, triple garage with attic storage and an adjoining workshop. Every area in this corner is connected – walk-through access to and fro’, plus double-sided entry to the workshop for the ride-on mower and implements.

With tennis at the shared court at Tides Reach, nature trails to the harbour’s edge, this French-inspired ‘maison élégante’ makes an indelible impression here in Western Bay’s Tides Reach.

41 Te Karaka drive, Te Puna OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Tidy house, tidy mind

Part of successful interior planning is ensuring that everything has a place, and while storage will often be a priority in a build, part of the joy of design is adding extra where needed. There are some amazing storage solutions that combine both form and function, solving a problem while simultaneously enhancing the aesthetic to suit the look of the room. I love mixing materials and textures for impact and finding pieces that add value; a natural woven basket on a smooth wooden floor, a cleverly designed piece of seating with a hidden cubby, or a bedside table that keeps knick-knacks tucked away.

1. Tall colour glass door cabinet by Hay, $5650, from cultdesign.co.nz 2. BROSTE Svante wall shelf in Beige, $349 from maytime.co.nz 3. Pinto storage basket small, $59, large, $129, from cittadesign.com 4. Green kitchen tool box by Eva Solo, $84, from paperplanestore.com (utensils sold separately) 5. Facet low cabinet by Hay, $478, from cultdesign.co.nz 6. Kristina Dam stack storage box, $1,979 from mckenzieandwillis.co.nz 7. Maxi tray top ottoman, $199, from nood.co.nz 8. Bed sheet bands - set of 2, $24.95, from threaddesign.co.nz 9. Tomo side table by Toou, $159, from bauhaus.co.nz 10. Burl side table with doors by Ferm Living, $2150, from slowstore.co.nz

We

You have a choice. Choose Karaka Pines and reap the rewards.

Wonder wall

Margaret Gill from Guthrie Bowron Tauranga looks at the pros and cons of opting for either wallpaper or paint as your decorative wall finish.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED

When designing a space, numerous elements can add character, texture, pattern and colour to your interior.

Wallpaper achieves all of these in unison, giving the illusion of space and depth while offering a focal point to create a layered and well-designed personalised scheme.

Wallpaper also adds to the longevity and durability of your walls with a protective layer that is washable. One major benefit is that wallpaper can hide many imperfections as long as the surface beneath is of a similar and even colour. It is important to be mindful that in damp areas like kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms, wallpaper can warp or peel due to high humidity, especially if placed on bath panelling or near a splashback. However, for a well-ventilated guest powder room that's not the main bathroom, you can make a statement – large botanicals and geometrics are standouts this season.

assisted with technical advances in anti-marring and anti-scuffing properties. This protective finish has come a long way, becoming a practical and beautiful choice for living and sleeping spaces that is easy to keep clean.

Paint appeals to DIYers and is generally perceived as easier to apply than hanging wallpaper. It can be used creatively to add height by including scotias into the wall colour and stripes, or a feature colour to a dining nook, or any space you want to enhance. Tonal variations of the wall colour applied on the ceiling can add interest and elegance to a room.

The Caselio Reliefs collection showcases infinite possibilites with lifelike textured panelling and headboards mimicking wainscoting and moulding in rattan, jute and wood beading.

This stunning design array gives a unique architectural reference to what otherwise could be a flat one-dimensional wall.

In the paint space, matte finishes are becoming popular,

Brushed suede and special metallic-effect type paints now give way to a more gentle sophisticated approach. Stone paint finely applied by large block brush, or subtle limewash can add movement and nuances of tone without being too overt.

There are, of course, areas where only paint can shine such as in a sensational complementary front door – a warm peach/ pink or a sunshine yellow in high gloss can create a welcoming entrance.

For kitchen and bathroom areas there are mould and bacterial resistant formulations specifically designed for optimal performance and worth the investment.

Whichever decorating route you prefer, always consult a professional who will guide you to the correct paint or wallpaper solution, and open up the world of colour for your next project.

GUTHRIEBOWRON.CO.NZ

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In bloom

Décor Gardenworld’s Ginny Clark offers a guide to summer gardens in the Bay.

With summer around the corner, Bay of Plenty gardeners are in for a treat. Our region’s sunny days and mild breezes create the perfect conditions for a vibrant, thriving garden. Whether you’re into stunning blooms or tasty edibles, make the most of your garden space this season.

Flower power

If you’re looking for a garden that explodes with colour, start with Federation Daisies. These cheerful flowers come in white, pink, and even bi-colour varieties, filling any space with charm. They ’re low maintenance and perfect for garden beds or pots, making them a go-to choice for both beginners and pros.

Echinacea is another fabulous addition for a summer garden. Echinacea is not only beautiful but also attracts butterflies and bees, keeping your garden buzzing with life. It’s also drought-tolerant, which is ideal for our warmer months.

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Petunias are a summer classic, loved for their vibrant colours and lovely trailing habit. They’re perfect for hanging baskets, garden beds, or window boxes, and with regular deadheading, they’ll keep flowering all summer long. Pair them with zinnias or marigolds for a dynamic burst of colour that will lighten up your outdoor space.

For something a little different, consider adding sunflowers, which add height and variety. These flowers grow quickly in summer and are a joy to watch as they sway in the breeze. Plus, sunflowers are great for kids who love planting something tall and impressive.

Edible delights

Alongside these beautiful blooms, why not add a few edible plants? Bay of Plenty’s climate is ideal for growing juicy plums, berry fruit, and citrus. Look for dwarf varieties if you’re working with a small space or using pots. Dwarf lemon and lime trees do well on a sunny patio, adding zest to your garden and your cooking.

Berry fruits, like strawberries and raspberries, are also wonderful for a home garden. Plant them in the sunniest spot you have, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet treats throughout summer. Blueberries do particularly well in pots, so they’re a fantastic option for small spaces.

If you’ve got a bit of room, a plum tree could be a wonderful addition. Luisa and Hawera are excellent varieties and are easy to care for and very productive. Just imagine picking fresh, sun-warmed fruit right from your garden!

So, Bay of Plenty, get your gloves on and dive into the magic of summer gardening! With a mix of bright blooms and fresh fruit, you’ll create a garden that’s both a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. Happy planting.

DECORGARDENWORLD.CO.NZ

Lighten up

Reduce holiday waste this summer with these six simple tips.

WORDS KATE FENWICK

Reducing waste this summer doesn’t have to be a chore; it can be an enjoyable and fulfilling part of your routine, or could be the start of a New Year resolution.

By incorporating any of these six tips into your lifestyle, you’ll not only lighten your environmental footprint but also enhance your summer experience. Let’s embrace sustainability together and make this summer a season of positive change.

1. Try solid soap bars

In a world dominated by plastic bottles, solid soap bars are a refreshing alternative. They come with minimal packaging and often last longer than liquid soaps. Opt for natural and organic options, and you’ll not only cut down on plastic waste but also enjoy a more ecofriendly bathing experience. Plus, they’re great for travel – no spills or leaks!

2. BYO vessel/containers

Say goodbye to single-use containers and embrace the BYO (Bring Your Own) movement. Whether you’re heading to the beach, a picnic, or a barbecue, bring your own reusable containers, cups and cutlery. This simple switch will significantly reduce the amount

of single-use plastic waste generated from takeout and disposable items. Get creative and make it a stylish way to show off your personality.

3. Love your leftovers

Leftovers often get a bad rap, but they are a fantastic way to reduce waste and save money. Instead of letting that extra food go to waste especially at Christmas, get creative. Transform last night’s dinner into a scrumptious lunch or a new dish. You can even challenge yourself to a post Christmas ‘leftover week,’ where you only cook from what’s in your fridge. It’s a fun way to experiment and minimise food waste.

One of my favourites is leftover pizza. Freeze all the small bits of food that you often put in the fridge (where they usually get lost) and turn them into a pizza – Chicken, Brie and Cranberry pizza anyone?

4. Pack a picnic

Summer is the perfect time for picnics, and what better way to reduce waste than by preparing your own meals?

Ditch the pre-packaged snacks and opt for homemade goodies or leftovers in a sandwich. Use reusable containers, cloth napkins, and real utensils to make your picnic zero-waste. Not only will you enjoy

delicious food, but you'll also create lovely memories with friends and family.

5. Grow some greens

If you have even a tiny space, consider starting a small garden, plant directly into a seedling mix bag or even use a few pots on your balcony. Growing your own lettuce/greens is incredibly rewarding and reduces the need for store-bought produce, which often comes wrapped in single-use plastic. Plus, fresh home-grown veggies taste unbeatable. It’s a fun summer project that brings you closer to nature and encourages healthy eating.

6. Buy what you need and eat what you buy Impulse buying can lead to unnecessary waste, especially when it comes to Christmas time. We often buy like the shops are closed for a week when in reality it is just for a day.

This summer, make a conscious effort to buy only what you need. Create a shopping list, stick to it, and focus on fresh, seasonal produce. Don’t forget, when you bring food home, make sure to eat it all and plan meals around what you’ve purchased to ensure nothing goes to waste.

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Nurturing spaces

Sarah Parry from Testament Interiors talks about the importance of biophilic design in your home.

PHOTO GISELLE BROSNAHAN

Bophilia is a new term that has recently gained popularity in the world of interior design. But what does it mean?

Biophilia forms a connection with nature and living organisms to positively affect your health and wellbeing.

We spend an average of 90 percent of our lifetime indoors, approximately 22 hours a day. It's no wonder we face so many mental health and wellbeing issues in society today.

With changes in urbanisation over the last few decades and the rising cost of land, more people are living on smaller sites or in high-rise apartments, and outdoor green spaces have either shrunk or disappeared completely.

Interior design that incorporates biophilic principles can lead to improvements in personal health, cognitive function, mood, and relationships. With whenua-inspired design, you create an environment that nurtures both body and mind, fostering a sense of wellbeing and harmony in your daily life.

It’s important to determine the biophilic brief from the outset – these could include open-plan living, easy access to a garden or outdoor living space or a play area for children and grandchildren.

There are three main principles of biophilic design – nature of the space, natural analogues and nature within a space.

Sarah’s biophilic top tips

1. Nature of the space – One of the greatest ways to benefit your health and wellbeing is choosing a site or home that has all day sun and harness the sun’s natural heating properties. Other ways include water features and access to whenua through sliding doors onto patios or gardens to enable air movement, wind chimes and bird feeders.

2. Natural analogues – These are man-made items that are designed to mimic nature. Examples include furniture with organic curves and using natural fabrics in earthy tones. Artwork that recreates nature scenes and using lighting solutions can help our circadian clocks to unwind and reset with the use of dimmer switches, timers and daylight bulbs.

3. Nature in the space – This involves the use of natural elements within the interior spaces. Including living walls, house plants, aquariums and the use of natural or recycled materials like wood, stone and organic fibres like wool, cotton and jute in rugs, floor coverings and d é cor. This also includes having pets, so don’t forget to plan spaces for your fur babies.

“Biophilia forms a connection with nature and living organisms to positively affect your health and wellbeing.”

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Breaking the cycle

Taurangaʼs fight against domestic violence

PAGE 102

Why heʼs a cut above

PAGE 112

Herbivore butter

From Pukehina to the world PAGE 116

Balancing act

Navigating work and family during holidays

PAGE 122

CEO of TLWV Dr Moana Tane.

A course for change

Tauranga Living Without Violence is working to end domestic violence from within.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT | PHOTOS ALEX CAIRNS

Forty years ago, five men in Tauranga got together to fight domestic violence. They formed a group called Tauranga Living Without Violence (TLWV). If you haven’t heard of them, you’re not alone − and you’re lucky.

It’s a not-for-profit organisation that works alongside other NGOs and government agencies to support perpetrators and victims of violence. Yes, you read that right – support perpetrators to get the help they need, and often want.

“The group who set this up agreed to a pay deduction to do work in this space,” says Dr Moana Tane, the new CEO of TLWV, who had been in the job for eight months when she sat down with UNO. “They really believed strongly that violence by men towards women was something they didn't want happening on their watch. They wanted to do something about it.”

With the emphasis on men, Moana understands how that might come across to some, but the numbers don’t lie.

Approximately 83 percent of violent crime offenders in New Zealand are male.

“There is a small percentage of women who use violence, but what we see is that they use violence very differently from men. And often it's a form of resistance to violence that has been perpetrated against them. For men, a lot of the time they exert coercive control over their partner.”

While the numbers do lean toward one gender, Moana says that’s where the stereotypes end. “When it comes to tackling this problem it's not about education, it's not about socio-economic status, it's not about ethnicity,” says Moana. “This is a problem for the whole of society.”

Unfortunately, domestic violence in New Zealand has only been getting worse over time. In the year to 2023, NZ Police recorded 177,452 family harm investigations − a 49 percent increase from 2017. And they estimate that roughly 80 percent of incidents go unreported, so in reality this number is much higher.

Part of the reason it’s been getting worse, says Moana, is that it’s becoming increasingly easier to exert control over others thanks to technology.

“What ’s alarming is that many men are monitoring their wives with trackers on their cars and tracking apps on their phones. They’ ve got access to emails, and even monitor them with cameras. This all sounds crazy but it’s happening in Tauranga. I’ ve met women who’ve experienced it themselves and I don’t think a lot is happening about that.”

Sexual violence is also on the rise, something Moana believes has a strong correlation to violent online porn.

“It ’s so readily available,” she says. “We have these men who are consuming large amounts of this rubbish, and then they’re bringing that into their relationships.”

The solution, she says, isn’t to lay blame, but to go to the core of these problems and find out why these situations are happening, then help the perpetrators to recognise what is driving their own behaviour.

“Going into a perpetrator’s background, often there is trauma, there is PTSD, there are a whole range of things that have happened to men that have perhaps influenced their behaviour today in their relationship. And often it ’s because of a completely dysfunctional childhood. Whatever harm they’ve experienced is being worked out now in the context of their marriage.”

Though she hasn’t been in the job long, Moana is acutely aware of how these patterns play out. For 12 years she worked in Australia’s primary healthcare services while studying for her PhD on the denormalisation of smoking, and lived within very remote Aboriginal communities.

“Violence was all around me. There were no social services − we just patched them up as best we could and offered help. The scenario back then was, if a woman had married, often she'd married into the community, so the bloodlines were his. If he perpetrated violence, she really had nowhere to go. If things became bad, she could go into a refuge and stay there to recover and get treatment, but then she’d have to go home with the kids, he'd come back from jail, and the whole cycle would repeat itself.”

Really, says Moana, it was the husband who needed the help in the first place.

After years of feeling helpless, Moana decided she needed to get out. “I got to the point where I was starting to get a bit lala, living and working in very trying circumstances. It just wasn’t sustainable for me.”

After a few years of moving between jobs, from social work to positions in public health, she was eventually offered the job with TLWV here in the Bay. She says while the problems themselves aren’t getting any better, the way the community here works together is inspiring and offers hope in an otherwise bleak statistical nightmare.

TLWV works closely with the Family Court and Corrections, as well as Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support and Women’s Refuge to provide victim support. Their own programmes are designed for perpetrators of violence. Usually the people they help come directly from the court to undertake a mandated course in order to reunite with their family. But there are men who voluntarily take the courses too.

“There are many men who actually want help and want to be good men,” says Moana. “They want to be safe men for their families and often they don't even know what that looks like until they come here.”

TLWV has 17 staff, made up of counsellors and case workers with backgrounds in psychology, social work and education. Their Men’s Non-Violence Programme provides group facilitation and runs for 20 weeks, and their Safety Programme offers support for victims, or survivors. They also have individual programmes for those who feel they need extra help.

“Our Men’s Non-Violence Programme teaches people what a safe relationship looks like, what a safe man looks

like, what are the green flags, as well as the red flags, in terms of having a safe relationship or moving into a new one. In society we see perceptions about violence and victim blaming occurs. People say they can’t understand why a woman would stay in a violent relationship. We understand that there may be love within the relationship, and women want the violence to stop, not that they want to leave their partner or the family. What we know is that for some men who may use violence or control in relationships, they are practised at wooing a woman, putting up a false front, pretending to be the man she admires. But over time, as control, demands and violence increase, the façade slips and women begin to realise they have been fooled. Our victim-survivors are all intelligent, and often educated women who have not gone out seeking violent men. For some men, having no awareness of how to regulate their own emotions or communicate (even from a place of hurt and pain), or who are adhering to masculinity that denies feeling, or self-awareness, violence can be the ‘go-to’ behaviour in conflict.”

With a wait list for their Men’s Non-Violence Programme, TLWV has their work cut out for them. But they’re also in the process of designing a maintenance programme, which will give perpetrators a social link with people who may have experienced similar challenges but have come out the other side. “It ’s a proactive way to maintain resistance to the violence they've used in the past,” says Moana.

While the stats and figures aren’t showing a lot of hope in this space, Moana and the team remain positive. “We love men and we believe in them,” she smiles. “We all have brothers, fathers, and some of us have sons. There are lovely men out there, who are safe and who are kind

From left: Chairman of the TLWV Board Nigel Waters, Dr Moana Tane and resident psychologist Wol Hansen.

“Our Menʼs Non-Violence Programme teaches people what a safe relationship looks like, what a safe man looks like, what are the green flags, as well as the red flags...”

to their families. And they have learned to be that way through experience and support from others. In our service, we seek to break down perceptions and barriers that contribute to the use of violence. In our teams, we encourage male counsellors to work with our female groups and we always have female facilitators in our male programmes, because we want those men to see what a safe, strong woman looks like. It ’s about challenging misconceptions and trying to help people to understand some of the driving root causes of why men might use this violence while offering alternatives to them. And group work is so very important, because it helps men to be accountable to one another for their behaviour.”

Drawing on her background with tobacco control, Moana says the two issues − smoking and domestic violence − can be dealt with in similar ways.

“We were very successful in denormalising smoking over the years but we did that because we threw light on the harms of tobacco and the fact that everybody thought it was normal, but actually it was the most abnormal thing you could do. Some of that same thinking applies to violence. We need to show people not just how harmful it is but what some of the outcomes are going to be over time. With control and violence you’re chasing away this woman you love. But it’s not about blaming. It’s about shifting the focus to the perpetrator and saying, ‘Look bro, we’re not going to judge you. You need help.”

TLWV rely on government funding and donations in order to offer their services. To donate, visit their website. They also welcome self-referrals for victims and perpetrators via their website. There are options for hiding your visit and a large ‘quick exit’ button to exit the site immediately.

“These problems are happening all around us, more than we realise,” says Moana. “It’s important for everyone to speak up whether you’re involved or not. If you see something, say something. It will change people’s lives for the better.”

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Beyond the traditional

One year on, Law Collective is still shaking up Taurangaʼs legal scene with clientcentred, team-driven personalised solutions.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

PHOTOS RACHEL HADFIELD

Unusually for a law firm, the Law Collective is not named after founding partner Katrina Hulsebosch.

Whilst this may seem a subtle point of difference, it is in fact a significant one. In one simple gesture, Kat has surmised the kind of culture she wanted to create in her newly established commercial and property law company – a team of high-level experts all working together and complementing each other, the desire to go above and beyond, and with a vested interest in the client rather than the prestige of the name on the door.

Having just celebrated the Law Collectiveʼs first birthday, Kat is both quietly thrilled about how the year

has played out, and excited for the next stage ahead. Offering everything from company and commercial law to property, wills, trust and estate law, the office sits in a convenient location in Tauranga. When you walk through the door, the lack of formality of the open plan space combines with a warm welcoming vibe, together setting a tone of relaxed efficiency.

A lack of pretension belies the wealth of expertise that is gathered under the Law Collective roof. Kat and the team have decades of industry experience; her personal resume includes formative years across all disciplines in boutique law firms in Hamilton before moving to Tauranga and joining Sharp Tudhope where she specialised, before progressing to Harris Tate. Alongside Kat are legal assistant Pip Mills, legal execs Andrea

Law Collective founding partner, Katrina Hulsebosch.

Lilley and Tash Gowthorpe, admin co-ordinator Melissa Boswell, and office administrator Loretta Sonego. Many of the team have worked together previously, so share an easy rhythm and work ethic. Reflecting on the start point, Kat is clear as to her motivation.

“I wanted to create something I was proud of here, that was truly client centred. All the decisions we made in setting this business up, right down to the legal practice software, were all based around client experience.”

Kat believes that law as an entity is embracing a new era when it comes

to how firms operate: crucially in relation to the client/lawyer dynamic. As a forward-thinking company, Law Collective places significant emphasis on the personal connection with the client. As Kat points out: “ I think you get more out of the relationship with the client, and you can then serve that person better, if theyʼre comfortable with you. So even the fit out of this office has been designed to put people at ease. It lends itself to having a more friendly, relatable relationship with our clients. And you then end up getting a lot more information as you talk. When the client trusts you, theyʼll tell

“I wanted to create something I was proud of here, that was truly client centred. All the decisions we made in setting this business up, right down to the legal practice software, were all based around client experience.”

you stuff that they donʼt even realise is important, and it can often change your advice to them.”

The client/lawyer ‘fitʼ is a concept that Kat returns to repeatedly, emphasising how important it is for the client. Despite having multiple overseas or out-of-town clients, when it comes to a new client Kat makes a point of always trying to meet in person: from there on, the file can be dealt with accordingly, although Kat will always stay involved.

“Clients are often surprised that when they call, when I can, I answer my own phone.” I wonder if the initial high-level interface might feel prohibitive to potential clients, however, Kat assures me that this is in fact a more cost-effective way of operating. “Often, I can get a lot out of a first meeting and from there direct it better, so itʼs more efficient for me to meet with the client in the first instance. I can then make sure theyʼre on the right path. After that, the girls will take over and Iʼll be included as much as they need me to be.” Getting value for money is very important for Kat, “ Weʼre very mindful of costs to clients.”

Clockwise from left: Tash Gowthorpe, Melissa Boswell, Loretta Sonego, Pip Mills and Andrea Lilley.

“Sticking with what we know we’re good at and where we can add value.”

Being across each other’s workload harks back to the basic concept of being a collective team. As Kat explains: “ The staff all operate together –we generally know what’s going on with each other’s files. We also see ourselves as a collective with the client and their other professional advisors, like accountants, bankers, financial advisors and real estate agents. The idea is that we’re all working for the client’s best interests – we’re all on the same page and collaborate together to deliver a better outcome for the client. From the start, I could see the advantage of truly being a wraparound service.” This all-encompassing attitude means that as a boutique firm operating in the commercial and property law space, should a law service outside of this arise, they can seek help from barristers who are the very best for the job from a large pool of external options.

As a team Law Collective is a well-oiled machine, each bringing something unique to the table. Pip, Kat’s legal assistant, ensures smooth communication between the team and clients; legal executives Andrea and Tash bring complementary skills –Andrea is known for being a whizz at complex legal matters, while Tash has a down-to-earth approach, her exceptional guidance making her beloved to clients. Melissa, as administrative co-ordinator, is the backbone of the company, taking charge of day-today operations; office administrator Loretta’s eye for detail and 20 years’ experience in law firms ensures smooth sailing is guaranteed for the whole team.

Kat has no plans to expand into other disciplines, and while the next growth phase will see the addition of more solicitors, she is adamant about staying boutique. “ Sticking with what we know we’re good at and where we can add value.” Equally advantageous to a smaller environment is the ability to streamline processes to make them as efficient as possible. Kat’s motivation was also to create a law firm with a more modern outlook, which, when you look at the processes that have been initiated, from personal to administrative, it feels very like the company has hit its mark. But the most important target is one that has resoundingly been reached – a client-centric ethos – without a doubt, says Kat, “ Clients know when you care.” LAWCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ

Quick fire with Kat

UNO: How would you recommend people choose the right lawyer for their business?

Kat: Choosing the right lawyer for your business starts with understanding your specific needs. Look for a lawyer who specialises in your industry or the particular area of law you need help with. Another key factor is responsiveness. Business moves quickly, so you need someone who can keep up, provide timely advice, and help you seize opportunities. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of a good personality fit. Your lawyer should be someone you feel comfortable working with, who understands your business’s goals and culture, and can explain legal concepts in a way that’s clear and approachable.

When in a business transaction is a good time to engage a lawyer?

The earlier, the better. Engaging a lawyer at the start of a transaction can save you time, money, and stress down the line. A lawyer can help identify potential risks, clarify obligations, ensure the terms align with your goals, and your interests are protected.

What do you think is the right size firm – and is it important to be in the same city?

The ideal size of a law firm really depends on the needs of you or your business. Smaller boutique firms can offer personalised, tailored services, often with a high level of expertise and flexibility. As for location, it’s no longer as critical as it used to be. With modern communication tools, you can still get to know the client personally over regular video conferences.

What added value do you offer?

I believe our point of difference lies in the exceptional client service, efficiency, and genuine care we provide.

Over the rainbow bridge

Pet Farewells brings comfort and closure to pet owners, offering a dignified alternative to traditional backyard burials.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN | PHOTOS CRAIG BROWN

When it comes to our pets, we don’t usually think about the end until it comes. And it wasn’t too long ago that we’d simply grab a shovel, dig a hole in the backyard and then let the kids say a few teary words. However, with shrinking properties, increased urban density, renting being much more common and people moving homes more, a pet’s eternal resting spot can often be disturbed within a few years.

“It used to be accepted as normal, but now people don’t want to bury their cat in the garden,” Gavin Shepherd says. “They want it looked after properly.”

This is something Lyn and husband Gavin pride themselves on. As owners of crematorium Pet Farewells, they’ve been providing a compassionate service to pet owners for 17 years. When they bought their first pet crematorium in Hamilton in 2007, the existing owner considered it a “lifestyle business”. Lyn, a college teacher, and Gavin, a veterinarian, initially thought it would be a good retirement business, but both quickly saw the dormant potential.

Lyn and Gavin in the memorial garden where clients can request their pet ’s ashes to be scattered.

After upgrading the machinery, which is specialist equipment that has to be imported from the States, they began picking up more business. As well as the public they were also servicing all of Hamilton’s vet clinics, the SPCA and Hamilton’s Zoo. Seeing a gap in the market they then expanded to Wellington in 2011 and followed the same playbook.

It was another success. This led them to purchase an existing pet crematorium in Mount Maunganui three years ago that they could see had not reached its full potential. They went through the 18-month process of upgrading the cremator to “the latest and greatest,” and completing the paper trail of necessary consents, and say that business is now beginning to increase.

“We do the work for 60 percent of Tauranga’s vets, the Tauranga City Council and the SPCA Tauranga,” Gavin says.

Most of their work comes via the vets who, after euthanising a pet, will talk to the owner about their options.

“It’s either take it home and bury or cremation,” Gavin says. “We have a number of ways that the ashes can be returned. The cheapest option is a cardboard box but there’s another six or seven vessels that we provide to return pets.”

Usually, someone from the team will then pick up the pet, cremate it and return it to the vet a couple of days later. But people are welcome to bring their pets in themselves.

“That happens more and more. But we can't allow them into the cremation zone. It runs at 900 degrees, so it’s hot and pretty dangerous, so they can’t watch that process. It’s just not possible,” he explains. “The cremation process takes probably six hours from start to finish. It’s not like getting a pizza, ordering it and then going to the other window and picking it up.”

“People regard a pet as part of their family, and weʼ re pleased to be part of it.”

As well as the basic cardboard box, which Lyn says is what most people who scatter the ashes opt for, there’s a range of options, including a variety of beautiful wooden boxes that are all crafted here in New Zealand, for people who want to keep them.

“All of the products that we return the pets in are New Zealand sourced or made,” Gavin says, explaining that supporting other local businesses was something he and Lyn both considered important. “We didn't want to say the vessels that we use come from China.”

As well as the expected cats and dogs, Pet Farewells has also cremated animals as small as goldfish and mice through to chimpanzees for the Zoo and, in one instance, an ostrich.

“That’s my favourite story,” Lyn says. “An ostrich is very big when its wings are outstretched and its head’s right up high so we didn’t know whether it would fit into the cremator. When we got it, it was like a coil of rope, because it had just collapsed into a ball and the neck was sort of swivelled around and compacted down on it, so we could cremate it quite easily.”

“The poor ostrich had died of an obstruction. It had been scavenging around a construction site, and eaten everything shiny, like screws, nails, bolts and nuts. At the end of the cremation, they were all there. We not only had the bones and the stones, but we could also give the owner back everything else!”

The couple say that the death of a pet is an emotional time. For them, Pet Farewells isn’t just about offering a practical solution, it’s about giving people the opportunity to say farewell to their pets in a dignified and compassionate way.

“People regard a pet as part of their family,” Gavin says. “And we’re pleased to be part of it.”

PETFAREWELLS.CO.NZ

Out on top

Spencer McNeil is proof it’s not your past that defines who you are, but rather the lessons you learn and the people you learn them from along the way.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT PHOTOS ALEX CAIRNS

Life was tough for Spencer McNeil 10 years ago. His father suffered from schizophrenia and his mental illness and addictions took a toll on the family. Spence and his two brothers spent time in foster care and their mother, having lost everything, fought a hard battle to regain custody of her children.

Beneath the turbulence, Spencer was holding on to a dream. He wanted more than anything to become a barber and to run his own business, but he was quickly heading down a dark road

– one that was becoming increasingly hard to find his way out of.

“I wasn’ t a bad kid, but I was hanging out with the wrong crowd, doing silly stuff,” the 20-year-old explains. “That’s when I was selected for Project K. They look for kids they see potential in, who aren’t living up to it in school. That was me.”

The first part of the programme was a three-week 'Wilderness Adventure' with other young people selected for Project K, all funded by the Graeme Dingle Foundation.

“It was life changing,” says Spencer. “We spent three weeks out in the wilderness, without a phone or any

of my usual comforts. Just us, embracing that time away from everything.”

Activities involved kayaking along the Coromandel coast, biking from Thames to Waihi, and hiking through the Kaimai Ranges.

“We had three showers over 21 days,” explains Spencer. “It showed me that you've got to be confident, you’ ve got to give everything a go. And it teaches you to be grateful for what you have in life, because it can all be taken away just like that.”

Unlike most other kids his age, Spencer knew what he wanted to do with his life. At just 15, he applied for a year-long barber course and was immediately accepted. It was unusual for a 15-year-old to be accepted but they saw his passion and potential and he became

the youngest student to attend barber school. Ten months later he qualified.

“They could see it was my dream, and it was huge for me. I got through the course and at 16 I was qualified.”

During these years of growth and change, his mother had met Phil, someone who had become a ray of hope for Spencer and his brothers.

“When my stepdad Phil came into our lives, he stepped up as a role model and a best friend,” says Spencer.

Sadly, Phil was diagnosed with cancer just as Spencer was coming of age as a young teen, and he tragically passed away not long after Spencer completed his barber course.

“He got to see me qualify as a barber,” Spencer says. “He knew I wanted to run

“I love helping others. All my staff are young... And I love showing the younger generation that anything's possible for people my age.”

Clockwise from top: Spence and his mum, Debra, inside the barber shop. An apprentice hard at work. Young Spence at 15 cooking for the homeless with Project K.

my own business and, before he passed away, he came into my room one morning and said, ‘You don’t get in life what you want, you get in life who you are’, and that you only fail if you fail to try. I’ll always remember that.”

The loss was another hurdle but Spencer used his suffering as fuel to become motivated and turn his business dreams into reality. Despite being assigned a mentor by Project K, it was Dan Allen-Gordon from the Graeme Dingle Foundation who had the most impact around that time. Dan helped to pull Spencer out of the dark hole he had found himself in.

“Dan is a big reason why I am where I am today,” says Spencer. “His encouragement and motivation really affected me. It really inspired me to succeed.”

Spencer with his barbers Rhymis Ormsby and Lyric Bracken.

After a couple of years working in barbershops, he was itching to get out on his own.

“I was over it,” he confesses. “I didn’ t want to work for people anymore. I gave them my notice, so I set up a chair in my living room at home. It was just a mirror, a chair, and a station. I was happy as.”

As his client numbers grew, he realised he’d need to move into a space that was a little more appropriate.

“I hit up the BP on Ngatai Road and asked if we could put a cabin on their property. They accepted and it instantly went off. I was turning away 10 to 20 people a day. It was crazy.”

Shortly after, Spencer and his mum, Debra, heard about a unit in the Brookfield Shopping Centre coming up for lease.

“I had a couple of thousand dollars in the bank which I used to start the business.

The whole thing was such a huge risk,” says Spencer. And so Barber Spence was born.

“I had no clients in the first week, and then bang! I had enough to pay the lease, pay the boys, and it started building. We somehow got out of that scary moment.”

A large part of Spencer’s motivation was becoming a positive influence that others could look up to and be inspired by. He recently won the Sir Edmund Hillary award at the Graeme Dingle National Excellence Awards.

“I love helping others. All my staff are young – our barbers Rhymis and Lyric are both 20, our barista Kella is 20 and Harmony our tattoo artist is 21. I love showing people that anything’s possible for people my age.” Earlier this year, Spencer expanded his offering by adding Barbarista coffee shop next door.

Online, Barber Spence is gaining a following on social media with the boys’ humorous content, and has even captured the attention of Stan Walker, who commented and ended up giving one of Spencer's special needs customers backstage tickets to his show. “That post really popped off!” laughs Spencer.

Though plans to open in Hamilton and Rotorua are mere thoughts for now, Spencer knows he has the power to make it happen. Right now he’s focused on making his Brookfield business a positive place to be for both his employees and his clients.

“I just like to make everything fun,” he says. “I want to make this the best place it can be for my team. That’s real success to me.”

spot the difference

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Spreading success

An innovative butter substitute, born in Pukehina, is whipping up global demand.

WORDS KIRSTEN MATTHEW

There aren’t many places on the planet that Craig Brown hasn’t seen nor many jobs he hasn’t tried. Mechanic, real estate agent, tech entrepreneur and now butter impresario, he has an affinity for jumping in at the deep end.

“Kicking doors down and climbing the mountain is challenging and stimulating,” Brown says. “I like swinging the bat.”

His latest venture, Herbivore plant-based butter – a business he runs from his rural home in Pukehina – is his most recent challenge. He started it four years ago

with no experience in food production or FMCG.

Raised in the Waikato, Brown left school and trained as a diesel mechanic. At 22, real estate beckoned and in his first year in the business Brown broke sales records for Harcourts.

“It was natural to me,” says Brown of real estate. “In that business, you are sharing really good, life-changing events with your clients and the energy was contagious. I loved that the harder you worked, the better you did.”

After two years Brown took a break, bought a ’67 Dodge and drove across the USA for kicks. He returned to Harcourts for a few years before embarking on another epic trip, hitchhiking overland from New Zealand to the Arctic Circle. The adventure took four years and saw Brown traverse Australia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, and travel south from Cairo to Capetown.

When he returned, Brown joined AutoTV, a local show that promoted cars for sale on terrestrial television. He bought AutoTV in 2009, in the midst of the global financial crisis. As sales got harder, he knew the brand had to adapt, so he took software invented by an acquaintance and morphed it into AutoPlay, an online platform that helps dealers and automakers to sell cars. Brands like Toyota and Kia signed on, and soon Brown was working

with 80 percent of the franchise dealerships selling cars in New Zealand. AutoPlay launched in Australia in 2017 and was acquired by a firm in the United Kingdom the following year. Brown moved to England to run the business for the new owners for a few years, and when he and his wife and family moved back to the Bay of Plenty, he knew he wanted to start something new.

“As individuals, we can control only what we eat, wear and how we get around, and when it comes to sustainability and the environment, we need to be doing whatever we can as individuals,” says Brown, who was determined to create an environmentally friendly product.

He investigated buying disused buildings and starting a business growing pea protein, but then learnt about coconut butter; that it produces a quarter of the emissions of bovine butter, and coconut trees remove carbon from the atmosphere.

“I’m not into telling people what to do, or saying that they have to be vegan for the planet,” says the confirmed carnivore. “But we need more food choices that are better for the planet. It’s about creating a product that adds value and I’m really proud that we are 100 percent plant-based.”

Brown found a farm in the Philippines where Herbivore’s coconuts are sourced and worked with the farmers to create the perfect butter, made from 67 percent coconut oil, water, sunflower oil, coconut milk powder and sea salt. In the early days, there were no retail blocks — now Herbivore can be found in all good supermarkets in the butter aisle — just commercial-sized sheets for cafés, restaurants and bakeries. When Tart Bakery in Auckland won best vegan pie in the country with pastry made with Herbivore, Brown knew the business had legs. Just 10 weeks after diversifying into retail butter, Herbivore won the Foodstuffs Emerge award for new products.

Partners soon came on board to help Brown with the business. He’s still travelling the world, introducing food purveyors, bakers and chefs to Herbivore. It’s exported to Hong Kong and Thailand. Deals with the USA are in the pipeline.

It means Brown, who lives with his wife and three of his four children on a lifestyle block, works strange hours, dealing with the US, UK and Asia early in the morning, and again once his boys are in bed at night. He grows kiwifruit and raises beef on their land, and won’t be giving up meat or bovine butter any time soon.

“I’m a real foodie,” he says. “At home we use Herbivore as our butter 85 percent of the time, but I use cow butter in my mashed potatoes. I think of Herbivore like brown sugar; an alternative that has its place in every kitchen.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop,” he says. “For me, it’s got to be fun. And fun is connecting with people and doing deals.”

She means business

Meet some of the businesses that are part of She Is Unleashed, a local networking group where women support and mentor other women in business.

Moxi Café

Moxi Café is nestled in the heart of New Zealand's best beach – Ō hope. Serving up epic food, epic Allpress coffee and an epic vibe. A beach café that stands out from the rest, it ’s the perfect all-day brunch spot in summer.

MOXICAFE

MarketHer

This innovative platform offers a comprehensive solution for women in business seeking to enhance their brand marketing skills. Combining an app and community, MarketHer provides tools and resources for growth on your own schedule, empowering entrepreneurs to elevate their brands effectively.

MARKETHER.CO.NZ MARKETHER.NZ

Michelle Makeup Coach

Offering a unique makeup experience in the Bay of Plenty, this service specialises in personalised, natural makeup lessons for women over 35. Using pure-mineral, skin-nourishing products, the approach focuses on enhancing individual beauty and boosting confidence through tailored guidance.

Her Tribe Travels

Curating bespoke journeys for women seeking more than just a holiday, Her Tribe Travels crafts tours that prioritise safety and foster a sense of community. These experiences allow travellers to explore the world while forging meaningful connections with like-minded women.

HERTRIBETRAVELS.COM

HER_TRIBE_TRAVELS

HERTRIBETRAVELS

Chelsea Waru – Mortgages

With a tailored, client focussed and stress-free approach, Chelsea Waru is your local Bay of Plenty mortgage advisor ready to simplify home ownership. She focuses on the path to home ownership – whether you ’re a first-time buyer, expanding your property portfolio, or considering refinancing, tailored solutions are offered to suit your needs.

MICHELLEMAKEUPCOACH MICHELLEMAKEUPCOACH.COM

CHELSEAWARU_MORTGAGES

CHELSEA WARU – MORTGAGES

YOUR LOCAL BAY OF PLENTY DAYS

Sam

WEEKDAYS 9AM-3PM

Transform tomorrow

Facing a health scare without any insurance cover in place motivated Diana McIntyre to become an insurance specialist with Rapson Loans & Finance, to help others avoid the same shock.

Life can throw you curveballs. When my brother died suddenly, his foresight in taking out life insurance saved our family from financial heartache on top of grief. But when I faced my own health crisis, I did so as a solo mum and breadwinner, with nothing to protect my financial security.

Many Kiwis insure their homes and vehicles but we are much more reluctant to insure our most valuable asset – ourselves. I now know that health, trauma and income protection insurance can literally save the day.

A good health insurance policy will give you access to non-Pharmac drugs without having to sell your home or beg others for help via Givealittle. And it will ensure you are seen quickly without languishing on public waiting lists while your condition worsens.

According to Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora, 180,000 people were waiting for a first specialist appointment last December – and 68,000 of those had waited longer than the 40-day target.

New Zealand’s health system is overloaded and focused on critical need. But you don’t have to be critically unwell to be debilitated.

I am privileged to work with clients every day to cover their risks while balancing their budget. A solo mum in her late 30s was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. As her household’s only financial

provider, her $100,000 trauma cover financially saved her.

Another local couple in their 40s, with children from previous relationships, took out a joint life insurance policy. Less than 12 months later, he died. But the insurance payout meant his new partner could continue living in their home, and his children received an inheritance.

While no-one likes to think this could happen to them, the reality is it could.

In today’s economy, I can help you sustainably manage your premiums. If you’re under 45, it’s worth taking out some ‘level’ of trauma or life cover which won’t increase each year in line with your age. It will give you more certainty on cost and help you plan for the future. Once you’re over 50, right when you’re likely to need cover, your premiums will be sustainable.

If you’re older, you could consider increasing your health insurance excess if you need to reduce your monthly premium.

My best advice is to sit down with a knowledgeable insurance specialist such as myself. I can take a holistic and pragmatic look at your circumstances and help you strike the right balance between cover and cost. It’s important to set up insurance that meets your needs now, as well as strategically looking ahead to the future.

RAPSON.CO.NZ

“While no-one likes to think this could happen to them, the reality is it could.”

Working in the magic

Balancing career and family shouldn’t be a quest for perfection – it’s about crafting intentional connections.

WORDS ELLIE GWILLIAM FROM PARENTING PLACE

Adisclaimer right up front –all parents work. Paid or otherwise, parents work 24/7. This article is written with the parents in mind who have kids home from school and employment commitments to juggle at the same time. Annual leave only stretches so far and it can feel like the end of school term comes around with alarming frequency. The kids are on holiday, but you're very much not.

School holidays are great, don’t get us wrong. Less rush, more PJs, no school lunchboxes. School holidays can mean a chance for a getaway, an adventure, a road trip or simply checking out local attractions. But, in families where parents have to work right through the break, school holidays can feel a bit tense. Parents may feel thinly spread across work and home, kids may feel bored and disconnected.

There’s no magic pill for this. The work/life balance is a complex thing for families to navigate and some days it all works better than others. Encouragingly, there are huge benefits in making the most of even small moments of

connection. Kids love quality time with their parents and yes, spending entire days together would be wonderful, but the good news is that shorter periods of a parent’s focused attention still do a child a world of good.

If you’re trying to meet the demands of both your boss and your kids and feeling pulled in all directions these holidays, here are five simple ideas for fitting in whānau connection:

1. Make the most of mealtimes

If you’re working from home, schedule long lunch breaks with your kids and take some time-out together. If you’ve got older kids with some kitchen skills, maybe they could even be in charge of preparing your lunch, setting the table and waiting on you (it’s worth a shot anyway). If you’re out at the office all day, aim to make dinner a bit more special than usual. Maybe the kids could plan some menus for the week and decorate the table. You could even have a themed dinner or two, complete with costumes and ‘international’ cuisine (sushi totally counts, as does pizza).

2. Something special in the evenings

Lots of after-school activities are on pause for the holidays, which hopefully means less parental taxi driving and more whānau time in the evenings. Book in some special activities that give everyone something to look forward to at the end of the day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Board game night

• Movie night

• Bowling night

• A post-dinner dessert mission for ice cream sundaes

• Toasting marshmallows under the stars

• Family slumber party in the lounge

• Talent show

• Kahoot quiz night with another family

• Lego Masters challenge

• Paper bag challenge (put a set of craft supplies in a paper bag for each kid and issue them a challenge, e.g. longest paper chain, fastest cardboard car, scrap paper collage self-portrait).

• Reading aloud a chapter book.

3. Go big in the weekends

If at all possible, plan some adventures for the weekends (or your rostered days off) for something fresh to look forward to. And adventures don’t have to be elaborate or expensive – local and simple can be just as memorable.

4. Puzzles and projects

Spread a 5000 piece jigsaw puzzle out on the dining table and chip away at it together over the holidays. Puzzles are a great point for connection, and something you can come and go to as time allows. Likewise, maybe there’s a craft project or kitset model lurking at the back of the cupboard that no one’s had time to get started – something that you can work on together in the evenings without pressure. Creativity is such a great outlet for work stress too, so long as we dial up the fun and dial down the expectations. (Trying to follow pages of tiny instructions and find the corresponding pieces from 1A to 5000B may not be your family’s idea of fun – it’s okay to face facts here!) Outdoor projects can work wonders for connection too. Maybe there’s some gardening or landscaping you could

tackle with your kids after work each evening, or some fence painting to tick off together in the weekend.

5. Start a new tradition

Traditions and rituals offer so much in terms of family connection and speak volumes of our kids’ sense of identity and belonging. You may already have some traditions in place, like visiting out-of-town cousins at certain times of the year or a dinner party with friends to celebrate the end of term. Whatever matters to your family, make a tradition of it and you’ll be surprised the value your kids will place on the fact that “In our family, every holidays we... go to the zoo/buy a new board game/ help Grandad tidy his shed/sort our wardrobes and have a fashion parade/ take a load of things we no longer need to the op shop/bake cookies for the neighbours/do a massive jigsaw/plan our summer camping trip/help at the marae working bee/read a new book together/watch Star Wars/have a themed dinner party/make a stopmotion video/climb our local mountain/ eat ice cream at the beach...“ PARENTINGPLACE.NZ

“The work/life balance is a complex thing for families to navigate and some days it all works better than others. Encouragingly, there are huge benefits in making the most of even small moments of connection.”

Tech testing corner

Karl Puschmann tries out the latest and greatest gadgets.

Ultimate Ears Miniroll

This is a perfect stocking stuffer for anyone wanting a quality portable Bluetooth speaker that’s lightweight, affordable and durable enough to take anywhere.

The latest models from Ultimate Ears have been creeping up in size so it’s great to see the company returning to its portable roots. The carry strap allows you to easily attach it to things like backpacks, bikes, belt loops, pockets or chilly bins for example, and its rugged construction means it’ll survive getting wet, dusty or dropped, crucial in a speaker whose whole raison d'etre is to accompany you everywhere you go. With a battery life that’ll keep the tunes pumping for 10-12 hours, the Miniroll is a great companion for the beach, the hiking trail or summer pool party.

The sound isn’t going to win any audiophile awards, but at this size and price point, that shouldn’t be a surprise.

But what is surprising, however, is just how much this petite speaker cranks. It’s a lot louder than it looks and will happily soundtrack all your summer BBQs, small gatherings and fun outings. Widely available from $129.95.

HoverAir X1 Drone

This palm-sized drone is one of the most fun tech products I’ve come across this year.

The small and lightweight drone is controlled via a phone app and has a selection of automatic flight modes designed to make you the star of the show. These include modes that film or photograph you from behind, in front, or both, as well as modes that orbit around or above you (birds-eye) or cinematically zoom in and out. These can be set to follow from a fixed distance or from various distances and heights. You can also programme a bespoke flight path. Photos and videos can be transferred from its 32GB storage via the app or a USB-C cable to your computer. Due to its diminutive size, its battery life is only around 10 minutes of fly time so it’s worth opting for the combo pack that comes with an extra battery and charger.

Its flexible plastic cage makes it incredibly safe and sturdy and when not in use folds up to the size of a phone. Operation is so simple I had no hesitation in letting my two under-10s play with it at the park.

The HoverAir X1 really is like having your very own personal photographer in the palm of your hand. Widely available from $549.

Tech-loverʼs gift guide

PlayStation 5 Pro

The mid-cycle upgrade supercharges Sony’s already powerful PlayStation 5 game console, offering higher graphical power and fidelity and a whopping 2TB of storage. But big performance equates to a big price, so the Pro should only be on the Santa list of the most hardcore of gamers. For everybody else, the PS5 Slim, a compact refresh of the original PS5, is the recommendation. Widely available. PS5 Pro from $1349, PS5 Slim from $585.

Minipresso NS2

If you’re going away this summer and there’s even the slightest risk of going without a decent morning coffee then this nifty little device should be high up on your Xmas wish list. Cleverly, the lid turns into a cup so just insert your favourite coffee capsule, fill the tank with hot water, and pump it a few times to enjoy a perfect espresso that will make you the envy of the campground.

$99.99 from GIFTMONKEY.CO.NZ

Bluetooth music boxing machine

Turn boring exercise into a fun rhythm game. Stream your favourite workout tunes via Bluetooth to the built-in stereo speakers, and the LED lights on the boxing pads blink in sync with the beats, providing a moving target to strike. Improves cardiovascular health and coordination while relieving stress. Boxing gloves included so there’s no excuse to not work off all that Xmas pudding.

$184.74 from DICKSMITH.CO.NZ

FujiFilm X-M5 Camera

This compact and stylish camera is packed with all the latest tech. The AI-powered autofocus ensures a sharp image while its advanced X-Trans sensor delivers vibrant colours and incredible detail. Weighing just 355 grams, it offers 20 different Film Simulation modes and delivers 26.1-megapixel photos and 6.2K video resolution. Amateur photographers and content creators alike will be overjoyed to unwrap this on Xmas morning. Widely available from $1799.

Picnic Cooler Chair

The cooler chair is such a simple yet genius idea that you have to wonder why it’s taken this long to be invented. It’s a portable chair with an inbuilt, fully insulated cooler bag that folds into a backpack for easy transport. Perfect to take if you’re going anywhere that involves sitting comfortably with a cold beverage or snack this summer.

$69.99 from FUNKYGIFTS.CO.NZ

27 MARCH - 13 APRIL 2025

Prepare to indulge in the Flavours of Plenty Festival, where the rich stories of the Coastal Bay of Plenty come to life. Programme and tickets available from 14 February 2025. Make sure to sign-up for festival news and be the first in line!

EXPLORE

Eastern eats

Whether you’re planning a holiday in the Eastern Bay or thinking of a day trip, you’ll find a range of eateries for all tastes and some notable spots for a drink or two.

Whakatāne’s CBD has come of age in recent years. The attractive and bustling town centre makes it easy to roam with a range of boutique shops and tempting eateries. With many outdoor dining options, it’s easy to soak up Whakatāne’s plentiful sunshine and admire the impressive town gardens. Veer off the main drag and you’ll also find a few hidden gems.

Mata Brewery and Tasting Room

An award-winning family-run business, Mata Brewery offers craft beers and good food. It’s also based at new Ōhope hotspot, Wharfside, over the summer. Check their website for regular live music evenings.

Volk & Co

Volk & Co coffee brew bar is the latest coffee locale in Whakatāne. It specialises in espresso, filter and cold brew coffee, with a changing selection of specialty drinks and hardto-resist cabinet treats.

Cigol

A mouth-watering menu, including slow-cooked pork belly, stone sizzling bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, Japanese yakitori and much more. Wash it down with a good range of Korean beverages and Asahi on tap.

The Comm

The iconic and historic Commercial Hotel has returned to its former glory, with a modern twist. The Comm brings renowned Good George Co. beverages to Whakatāne, along with awesome food and top-notch service.

The Wagon

These guys know good food. The focus here is on damn good burgers washed down with an equally good brew. Great for takeaways too if you feel like an alfresco dinner overlooking the Whakatāne River as the sun sets.

Cigol.

Café Awa

Seriously good coffee and the best cheese scones in town. Often filled with locals who know a good thing. Sit in the sun on the balcony overlooking boats moored along the riverfront.

Gibbo’s on the Wharf

With fish straight off their boats, Gibbo’s serves the best fish and chips in town. Situated right on the wharf, this is the perfect spot for a casual dinner as the sun sets.

Café 4U

Great vibe, great service, great people, and of course, great food. The counter display here is something to behold – sweet treats and epic scones are impossible to resist. Check out the outdoor courtyard out back.

Ōhope

Although it can be hard to drag yourself away from the waves of New Zealand’s most-loved beach, it’s worth taking a pit-stop at Ōhope Village to enjoy the laid-back dining and shopping scene, perfectly aligned with beach life. At Wharfside, Port Ōhope you’ll meet a similarly cruisy vibe with the best sunsets in town.

Fisherman's Wharf

It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of the best spots in the Bay. Situated right on the edge of Ōhiwa Harbour, the evening sunsets are superb. Fresh oysters regularly feature on the menu. Stop for a drink on the deck, or enjoy an entire evening with exceptional food.

Moxi Café

Super funky container fit-out and really good coffee. Always buzzing, Moxi has been loved by locals and visitors since inception.

Cadera

A social dining experience at Ōhope Beach. Serving up delicious food and seriously unmissable margaritas, it’s great for groups of any size with a super relaxed vibe, aligning seamlessly with the Ōhope way of life.

Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm

Enjoy harbour-to-plate oysters with a side of chips overlooking the water.

Other notable mentions

The Smokin' Goose

This American Barbecuestyle restaurant and beer garden, is just a short drive from Whakatāne CBD. This one is a local favourite!

Drift

Whoever said you can only get a good cheese roll in the South Island? You’ll find them here along with superb coffee and a warm welcome to natter away the morning’s news. Loved by Matatā locals and visitors passing through.

Berry Farms

There’s a reason there are so many berry farms in the Eastern Bay – they grow amazing berries of course! Take your pick from Julian’s Berry Farm and Café, Blueberry Corner and R n Bees.

Fisherman's Wharf.

Going wild in Whakatāne

Farmers, artisans, chefs and foodies will come together for one of the region’s biggest and best local food festivals.

WORDS SUE HOFFART

This summer is destined to be wild at Ōhope Beach. The Local Wild Food Festival, at Mahy Reserve on February 22, will pull together foodies and foragers, hunters and conservation groups to celebrate the Whakatāne region’s bountiful kai.

Chefs will work their culinary magic alongside the people who hunt and butcher venison or goat, pork, possum and peacock. Festival-goers can expect

to sample oysters from nearby Ōhiwa Harbour and locally harvested salt, as well as honey, truffles, gin and olive oil. The ticket price includes plenty of demonstrations, live music and free tastings such as watercress and pork sausage, or shots of honey and kawakawa. Foraging experts will show their audience how to utilise wild-grown flowers and berries, or fish pulled out of the ocean that laps the waterfront venue.

“My top tip is to skip breakfast and arrive hungry,” says event manager Kim Fort.

“But it isn’t just about feasting. During the festival, the reserve becomes a kind of outdoor wānanga, a very beautiful place to learn under those magnificent P ō hutukawa trees.”

Eat and learn

Kim says education is a major part of the event, which pulls in about 2600 people and has been running for more than 10 years.

“We’re showing people what’s available in our local rivers, lakes and ocean inlets, and offering them some new skills and hints and recipes to utilise it all.

“We have this incredibly abundant natural environment in the Eastern Bay

of Plenty so, for plenty of people, fishing and diving, hunting and growing and gathering is part of our DNA. We’re bringing in the experts to show us different ways to use what we have in our back yard.”

Notable new guests

This year’s line-up includes several new high profile guest demonstrators, including bushman and Keeping it Wild YouTube star Shay Williamson. Shay has promised to demonstrate his method for breaking down a possum, before cooking it in a camp oven for four hours. He will also show people how to find, identify and prepare foraged berries.

Fellow outdoorsman, conservation worker and Gisborne-based author Sam ‘the trap man’ Gibson is a first timer at the festival, too. His plans include taking a small group of attendees foraging for ingredients that will be used in his Saturday cooking demonstrations.

“The day is about inspiration and information and having plenty of fun,” Kim says. “These guys are hugely knowledgeable and they’re great entertainers as well.”

Beyond the freezer

Tauranga chef and educator James Broad is a festival newcomer with a particular mission in mind. He wants to show hunters they can look beyond the fridge and freezer to keep their catch and share it with wh ā nau.

James will demonstrate traditional meat preservation techniques using salt and discuss the easiest way to make bacon using pork from a teenaged Whakatāne hunter. The chef is an advocate for minimising food waste and will also demonstrate vegetable fermentation methods. Plenty of food trucks are on hand to sate appetites and all of them will have at least one wild food offering.

Firm favourites

Longstanding festival favourite Hamuera (Joe) McLeod will return with his latest take on Māori kai.

The celebrated Ngāi Tūhoe chef, who hails from Te Urewera, is hugely respected for his ability to combine Māori traditions and knowledge with contemporary methods and natural ingredients. Last year, the New Zealand Chefs Hall of Fame inductee prepared bush salad using native ferns, palms, seed and vines he had foraged en route to the festival.

Local celebrant, foodie and former community foundation trustee Rosemary Sloman will show visitors how to make a salad using foraged greens and flowers. Both she and Joe will judge one of the main events of the day, a team-based cooking contest.

Mystery ingredients

The popular mystery box challenge pits teams of three or four people against each other, to concoct a dish using Tio Ohiwa seafood and produce from Fresh Market. This year’s winners will receive a Polynesian Spa package for four people, and Salt Air Surf School lessons.

Paul Patterson, the new owner of Ōhope’s Wharfside Restaurant, is promising to hunt venison and peacock then cook them over an open fire pit. He will also teach the audience how to prepare kūmara mash and cured venison.

Community and environmental groups will promote kiwi conservation, pest control and related activities. Last year, the Department of Conservation stand dished up goat curry and barbequed crickets, to promote sustainability messages.

Great day out

Kim says the event helps to share knowledge and foster a deep connection between people and the land.

“It’s a wonderful platform for aspiring local cooks and food businesses as well as farmers, artisans, chefs and anyone who wants to make sustainable food choices.

“We work really hard to keep ticket prices down and it’s all very familyfriendly, very chill in that garden bar alongside New Zealand’s best beaches.

“So hopefully it’s also just a great day out.”

The best things in life are free

No budget? No problem! Here are some fun, free things to do around the Bay this summer.

Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural

Heritage

Regional Park

Affectionally known as ‘Pap Hills’, the former Pa site has become a favourite for walkers and runners thanks to the various tracks it offers to the summit. While most people tackle the 45-minute walk to the top to bask in the stunning panoramic views, there are plenty of other tracks to explore in this 182-hectare park. With seven historic Pa sites to discover and a brand new walking track that has just opened, there are plenty of good reasons to head for the hills.

Ōmokoroa Playground

After its recent million-dollar facelift Ōmokoroa Playground has become a true destination. Sitting right on the beachfront its setting is spectacular, allowing you to sit and enjoy tremendous views of the harbour and back towards Tauranga while the kids make the most of its rejuvenated playground that includes things like megaswings, a human-sized mouse wheel, climbing nets and even musical equipment, amongst many, many others. Like similar parks, there’s a BBQ facility, but if it’s a morning visit there are cafes nearby for those requiring much-needed coffee.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

Pāpāmoa Hills.

Kulim Park

Last month, Tauranga City Council held a public vote to find the public’s favourite play space. Sliding into victory was Ōtūmoetai’s Kulim Park. It was a well-earned result as it boasts plenty of attractions for the whole family. Kids love its boisterous playground, there’s a basketball court for older kids to shoot hoops and there’s a fantastic BBQ area for cooking up lunch or an early evening dinner. There are also walking and biking tracks to enjoy plenty of free parking. Factor in its pristine harbourside location and stunning views back to the Mount and you can see why it was a winner.

Pilot Bay

If you’re after something a little less hectic, check out Pilot Bay. This has become a family favourite as it’s less populated and the water on this side of the maunga is far calmer than its neighbour’s surf-friendly waves meaning you don’t have to worry about a rogue wave wiping out the kids. Add its picnic and BBQ areas, the same easy access to the two walks up or around the Mount itself, and a sensational view of the harbour, it’s an attractive choice for those with young kids.

Memorial Park

If you want to go big this summer, then you need to go to the Memorial Park playground. With two huge playgrounds for kids to explore they’re not going to get bored any time soon. There’s a rocket ship with not one, not two, but three slides shooting off it, a swing bridge, tunnels, and a climbing course along with the expected swings and roundabouts and a giant fountain they can splash about in if they get too hot. There’s so much to play on that you’ll want to bring your book as the kids will be occupied for hours. Along with a BBQ lunch, you’ll also want to pack the skateboards and scooters in case they want to drop into the skate park. This is one place where bringing a few bucks could be a good idea as there’s also mini golf and a mini train operating in summer.

Kaiate Falls

One of the most enjoyable bush walks in the Bay is the one-hour loop that takes in the two sensational waterfalls at Kaiate Falls, which is also known as Te Rerekawau Falls. The well-maintained track contains plenty of maps, pictures and descriptions that allow for appreciation and understanding of the environment. The first section of the walk takes in a ‘3-step’ waterfall, while the second leads you to a classic horsetail waterfall with a plunging 15m drop. The trail is best taken at a leisurely pace and is suitable for all ages. If you’re feeling peckish after the walk, there’s a picnic area to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature before the 30-minute drive back to the city.

Pilot Bay.

Kulim Park.

Kaiate Falls.

Growing places

Four years of work is beginning to bloom at Hamilton Gardens. We find out about what’s sprouted up and the seeds already planted for the future.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN

If you’ve never visited the Hamilton Gardens before, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about. That was certainly true for me when last summer my wife suggested we spend a family afternoon there. An afternoon! It seemed a dubious suggestion. How could a garden possibly hope to hold our children’s interest

Surrealist Garden.

– and if I’m being completely honest, mine as well – for longer than 10 minutes? I voiced my concerns and she just smiled and said, “they’re really good,” and that was that. After lunch we packed the kids in the car and went.

It turns out she had dramatically undersold the place. Walking through the enclosed gardens was a complete delight that enchanted even this naysayer. It felt like walking into a fantastical picture book, where wonder and surprise was planted around every corner and charming detail bloomed all around.

Each of the 18 different themed gardens is thoroughly unique, and represent key moments in world history when there was a shift in civilisation. Some take cues from history, like the Italian Renaissance Garden which shows how man had learnt to tame nature through intricate trellis, grand courtyards and careful manicuring, others highlight different cultures approach to gardens, such as the The Japanese Garden of Contemplation, which offers peace and tranquility amongst its carefully placed stones, while others are full of whimsy and imagination like the Surrealist Garden, where reality twists in oversized and unexpected ways. Weaving throughout, an unmistakable Aotearoa flavour.

It was a fantastic and fantastical afternoon. One that

I thought could not be improved upon. But, again, the Hamilton Gardens has proven me wrong.

Just a couple of months ago Hamilton Gardens unveiled the brand new Entry Precinct to the exquisite Enclosed Gardens. This modernisation of the entrance area can be considered the fertile soil for the future growth of the gardens, the plans of which are already mapped out and designed through to 2050.

“This is the realisation of four years of work and gives us the foundation for moving forward,” Lucy Ryan, the Hamilton Garden’s director says. “We have the new visitor centre, we’ve refreshed the whole pavilion and improved visitor wayfinding. We took the opportunity to better embed the Mana Whenua narrative as well. It was an amazing project to be involved in.”

Lucy explains that the Garden’s popularity was the impetus for the project. As Hamilton’s most popular attraction up to 5000 visitors per day were coming through the doors in peak season. The old facility simply couldn’t cope with the numbers.

The new centre also allowed the Gardens to implement their long-signposted change to instigate an entry fee for those over 16. Hamilton residents can still visit for free after registering for a MyGardens Pass. Lucy says 40,000 Hamiltonians have already signed up for the pass.

Introducing this system may have been the pragmatic reason for the upgrade, but it wasn’t the only one.

“We wanted to ensure the Mana Whenua story and perspective was woven throughout the entry precinct area design,” Lucy explains, saying that was something that was incredibly important to the team and the Gardens itself. “And the other big overarching one, as corny as it sounds, was that we needed a world-class entry to match our world-class gardens. It was all about the visitor experience.”

Now that the Entry Precinct has blossomed, Lucy and her team are now cultivating the seeds that have already been planted for the Garden's next three big expansions. Fortunately, there won’t be another four-year wait for the first of these to bloom.

“The designs and the civil infrastructure have been done. The groundwork and concrete work, all that sort of stuff for all three gardens is in place already,” she says. “Our big focus now is the Medieval Garden. That should be open by this time next year.

“Itʼs beautiful and itʼs gorgeous and itʼs delightful with a huge amount of narrative and stories sitting under each garden, itʼs like a magic carpet ride or a journey through space and time.”

Tudor Garden.

Indian Charbagh Garden.

Medieval Courtyard.

Italian Renaissance Garden.

“And then it’s right onto the Pasifika and Baroque Gardens. The designs are completed, so it's just the build factor.”

Each of these will bring a new chapter to the gardens. The Medieval Garden explores the spread of Christianity and charity, the Pasifika Garden focuses on the navigators who explored the seas and the age of navigation, while the Baroque Garden will be a showy affair that highlights how technological advances led to the spectacle of wealth during that period.

This leads nicely into the wealth of events and activities happening at the Gardens over the summer. Every Sunday from 4pm to 8pm Gourmet in the Gardens on the Rhododendron Lawn sees the Garden’s floral scents complemented with the sizzling aroma of food trucks and the rich bird song is accompanied by live entertainment. The popular audio guides and Highlights tour add richness to the experience, and the night-time Pekapeka tours – bat-spotting – is held on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout November to March. While the bats

can sometimes be shy, Lucy says they’re big chatterboxes that you’ll hear as you walk through the gardens under the stars.

“You have little bat radars to help try and spot them in the zone,” she says, before adding, “And as you walk along the path looking for them, you'll see glow worms all along the river path, which is really cool.”

And, of course, the Hamilton Arts Festival will be running from the end of February through to March, taking over the whole precinct area and putting on shows within the enclosed gardens as well.

It all contributes to making Hamilton Gardens much, much more than you might expect.

“It’s beautiful and it’s gorgeous and it’s delightful with a huge amount of narrative and stories sitting under each garden,” Lucy smiles. “It’s like a magic carpet ride or a journey through space and time.

HAMILTONGARDENS.CO.NZ

Baroque Theatre Garden.

Ancient Egyptian Garden.

Mansfield Garden.

Island bliss

UNO editor Hayley Barnett experiences the ultimate family getaway: Fiji’s Plantation Island Resort, where luxury meets value with endless fun for kids and adults alike.

As a family of four, it can be difficult to find a place to holiday that won’t break the bank and that caters to both parents as well as kids.

Most of the time, you either have to bake in a tent or come up with $700 per night for a cabin in the middle of a campsite. But did you know there’s a gem in the Pacific Ocean that offers everything you could want from a family holiday in a five-star location for a fraction of that cabin price?

Plantation Island Resort has been around for more than 50 years and is still owned and operated by the family who built it − and it shows. Everything here is set up with families in mind. Convenience, comfort, and most importantly fun were obviously all high on the agenda when it came to setting up this island paradise.

We booked five nights in October and by the end of our holiday we could all agree it wasn’t nearly enough. Here’s a rundown of everything we managed to squeeze in between sunbathing and cannonballing around and into all four pools.

DO

Handline fishing

Our seven-year-old, Oscar, often pressures us to organise a fishing trip, but we don’t own a boat and we aren't what you'd call ’boat people’. So the Handline Fishing Tour seemed as good a time as any to tick it off the list and satisfy him for a wee while. It turned out to be the highlight of the whole trip for Oscar. He caught eight fish! Of course, they were of the tropical variety and he had to throw them all back, but he didn’t mind. And Dad was relieved to get the beautifullypatterned creatures back into the water where they belonged.

Hair braiding

For regular vacation goers at Plantation, hair braiding is a bit of a holiday tradition, especially for young girls. It takes around an hour and 40 minutes, during which time you can choose to have your own treatment or simply order a cocktail while gossiping with the staff. My daughter, Poppy, opted for the corn rows over the box braids. She walked away very pleased with her choice and took every opportunity she could to get an unhealthy amount of selfies by the pool.

L gi h t i n g of th

etorcheshappens

every night

atPlantation.

Underwater Museum

One of the best parts of Plantation Island is the most hidden − its reef. It lies so close to the resort that you can simply swim out from the shore, or in our case practically swim out from our bure. Once you get there, a quirky underwater museum awaits snorkellers, full of fish and coral. There are golf buggies, a dining scene with a table and chairs, and various other objects to attract fish to the area. One of the resort’s resident marine biologists, John, swam out with us to make sure we found the museum and the reef itself. We had swum out the day before but had completely missed the reef, so it was great to have a guide show us exactly where to go. John explained that the pieces in the museum were put there to encourage coral conservation and growth. Plantation Island is big on conservation, so much so that they created what is called the ‘Bula Reef’ − a giant man-made coral reef in the shape of the word ‘Bula’, which means ‘hello’ in Fijian. It’s the world’s largest underwater coral display. Although it’s not a public snorkeling site, Dulcinea Tours do once-per-week visits where guests can view the reef from above the water.

Hayley’s family poolside at Plantation.

Resting

Afternoon Delight snorkelling tour

There are a few different privately-owned charter companies offering boat trips around the surrounding islands. We jumped on a trip with Dulcinea and headed out to Castaway Resort’s reef for some more adventurous snorkelling. A short boat ride took us along Malolo Island, giving us a glimpse into island life for those residing on the island as well as other resorts. Our driver pointed out a small island to our left – ‘Google Island’. Apparently, the search engine company owns it. We jumped off the boat close to Castaway’s water park and snorkelled over the coral reef. The reef itself was large and colourful and teeming with tropical fish and marine life. We spent half an hour there then moved on to Funky Fish Surf Resort for some drinks and snacks before heading back to our slice of paradise.

Paddleboarding, kayaking and water park

Most of the water activities and gear is free for guests and can be picked up from the boat shed at the main beach of the resort. We took advantage of the paddleboards and kayaks and journeyed out to the water park with the kids. They would have stayed there all day if they could, but kids under eight need supervision and after a couple of hours it was time for my daily cocktail on the beach. There’s also a new Jungle Water Park which costs FJ$10 per person and consists of two trampolines, a slide and Tarzan swing. My kids could barely handle the bouncy castle water park so we flagged the more extreme version.

Kids’ Club

On arrival we were given a timetable of all the Kids’ Club activities, of which there are many. We highlighted those that the kids were keen on and planned our days around it. There is everything from tie dye t-shirt making to crab hunting, and the staff were very warm and friendly, so we felt good about leaving them in their capable hands.

Lomani Island Resort & Spa

When the all-day fun fests get a little much for parents, it’s nice to know there’s an adults-only sanctuary right next door. Plantation has its own spa with plenty on offer, but Lomani gives you that extra peace and quiet you might need for some time out. We escaped halfway through our trip to experience the couple’s massage right on the beach. The idyllic surroundings and the resort itself was just the calming activity we were looking for. Lomani Island Resort is right now building a brand new spa with four rooms, an ice bath, plunge pool, sauna and relaxation deck − to offer a full wellness experience − which will open in February 2025.

Taking full advantage of the free water equipment.

The inflatable water park is a must for kids.

after a paddleboarding adventure.

EAT

Copra Restaurant

This is the main restaurant that offers a buffet breakfast until 10am every day. It’s also the best restaurant in terms of views. Situated right on the beach, guests can opt for the veranda-style dining room and watch the kids’ activities on the beach at night. It does offer buffet dining every night, however, so if you prefer a la carte, the other restaurants might be more preferable.

BOWL

BOWL only opened in October 2024 and is already one of the most popular eateries on the island. Offering a variety of fresh poke bowls using local fish, tuna and chicken, it’s the perfect poolside meal for adults wanting to break away from the usual family fare of burgers and pizza for lunch.

Black Coral

This is a must-dine at least once on your trip. We ended up there three times, not just for the delicious food, but also for the convenient location. It’s right next to the Kids’ Club and there’s a playground directly in front of the dining area. The steaks (including tuna) are cooked on hot volcanic stone, making this a unique dining experience.

Tavola

Tavola Restaurant and Bar is the newest dine-in restaurant, opening only a few years ago. It’s next to our favourite pool spot and became a santuary for our family to swim and dine. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of different cuisines, from Italian to Thai.

Flame Tree Restaurant

This eatery is located at Lomani Island Resort & Spa next door, the adults-only retreat. It offers a lot of local ingredients and plenty of options. The dinner menu is great for meat lovers, and the cocktails are on point.

TOP TIPS

Join the Facebook page

‘We Love Plantation Island Resort Fiji’ offers advice from guests past and present, and allows you to ask any burning questions you might have before your trip.

Bula Bikes

These are the resort bikes that are suitable for all ages. The kids loved riding around the island on these and it gave them a bit of freedom to get about on their own.

Lookout point

There’s a track behind the resort that winds up to a lookout point, which offers views across the island. It only takes about 15 minutes to get up, but wear good walking shoes as it can get a little slippery on the track.

Water stations

You will be given water bottles on arrival. Save them and fill them up at the clean drinking water stations around the resort. There’s one next to the Coco Hutt which we used each morning.

Liquor store

The resort recently opened its own liquor store so you can stock up and have a wee tipple in your room from time to time.

PLANTATIONISLAND.COM

Copra Restaurant.

Gourmet delights at Black Coral.

No reservations

Reliving the spirit of their 20s, with fewer compromises and more surprises, mid-life travellers

Sue Hoffart and her husband discover the beauty of making it up as they go along.

There is no good reason to leave Tan Son Nhat International Airport the way we do, that Wednesday morning in May. My spousal travel buddy cannot explain his urge to wave away perfectly good buses and taxis in favour of lugging our backpacks 8.5km to downtown Ho Chi Minh. After 22 hours of travel. In 38°C heat. C’mon, my

normally sensible husband insists. It’ll be fun. I’m so shocked – the ill-advised ideas are usually mine –that I agree to mark the untethering of our middle-aged, middle-class lives with that long, hot walk.

When we reach our $50 a night hotel, red-faced and grimy, the sole visible employee is dumbfounded. The man has never heard of anyone walking from the airport. Ever.

Our four-hour schlep is a bewildering, exhausting, outlandishly sweaty and strangely satisfying way to acclimatise to the frenetic rhythm of Vietnam’s largest city. Crowds and wonder slow our steps. A verdant park gives way to a tangle of black power lines and concrete jungle. Our first purchase feels like a medical necessity; hydrating fresh coconut water is urgently guzzled through a straw in an alleyway, flesh scooped from the shell with a plastic spoon. Every road crossing is an act of faith, only slightly less terrifying each time we step into the beeping, unregulated swirl of traffic and trust drivers to veer around us. Motorbike riders wear masks against the pollution while we suck it all in, teetering on the edge of footpaths crowded with yet more motorbikes.

The city is also home to an ornate French Colonial opera house and a deeply sobering war museum. One street is lined with book vendors, while the vast, vibrant flower market is busiest after midnight. At another market, a woman sells dozens of kinds of edible orbs; humble brown hen’s eggs and tiny speckled eggs, preserved eggs, eggs coated in some kind of black crust and eggs wrapped in red and gold.

Saigon – the city’s official Ho Chi Minh moniker hasn’t really caught on with locals – is where we fall back in love with backpacking. Almost three decades have flown since that fat yellow Lonely Planet guide book was hauled through other corners of South East Asia on our backs. In those days, blue Aerogram letters were dispatched with stories from a

“Our four-hour schlep is a bewildering, exhausting, outlandishly sweaty and strangely satisfying way to acclimatise to the frenetic rhythm of Vietnam’s largest city.”

1. Reflecting on the Con River, Phong Nha.

2. Thung chai, or ‘basket boats’, beside the sea in Mui Né.

3. Uniformed guard outside a government building in Hanoi.

4. A riverside ride in the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long.

5. Breakfast fruit at Mekong Pottery Homestay in Vinh Long.

prison visit in Bangkok, hitchhiking in Malaysia, island hopping to see dragons on Komodo.

The in-between years have brought all the trappings of adulthood, from marriage, mortgages and children to appointment diaries and well-planned holidays with wheeled suitcases.

Now that our grown-up lives are on hold, needs have been pared back to overhead locker size, maximum 7kg. No itinerary, no responsibilities, no proper plans for 36 days.

It turns out independent travel has become a whole lot easier since we last attempted it, thanks largely to phones and ubiquitous Wifi. Google Maps gets us to the Hue train station without fuss, and locates the ferry to Cu Lao Cham island.

“We linger for an extra day or three, choosing a new route for exploratory morning cycle rides through surrounding streets or rice paddies, past incense-scented temples and coffee stalls.”

In the mountain town of Da Lat, a translation app helps us discover more about our Russian-speaking hostess. The new travel card leaves old school traveller’s cheques in the dust, with its instant exchange rate calculator and access to automatic teller machines. It also links seamlessly with the same local transport app that Vietnamese city dwellers use. Meanwhile, online booking sites ensure we can always find a bed before arriving in a new town. Sometimes, we change tack and move on quickly. More often, we linger for an extra day or three, choosing a new route for exploratory morning cycle rides through surrounding streets or rice paddies, past incense-scented temples

and coffee stalls. Mostly, we stay in inexpensive small hotels with pool, ensuite, bikes, buffet breakfast and beautiful service.

Because this is very definitely not the “please let there be one clean sheet and no fleas” version of backpacking we knew. It feels a little like cheating, with all the joys of making-it-up-as-yougo travel, and none of the hardships. Our budget has improved but so have the roads; plenty are better than highways back home. On local buses, we meet a Filipino mother teaching English in Vietnam, and a delightful medical student from the provinces. The reclining seats and individually curtained cubicles are a far cry from

4.

Eatery, in Hoi An.

5. Victory Road Villas in Phong Nha.

6. Hanoi.

7. Three local rascals in Phong Nha.

8. Bich Dong Pagoda.

terrifying rides of old, shared with chain smokers and live animals.

In other ways, nothing has changed. Thankfully, my fellow backpacker and I still journey well together and continue to find this type of travel liberating. We both strive for snippets of the language and quiz new friends about politics and religion, history and their family stories.

At mealtimes, we turn to the street to perch on child-sized plastic stools in bustling little shacks. When language fails us, we point to whatever a neighbour is eating. Then the neighbour will show us how to fold herbs and salad leaves into a particular dish, or extract a spicy stuffed snail from its shell.

Travel tips are still traded with fellow travellers. The motorbike street food tour in Saigon is a must-do, we tell our bright young backpacker friends. Vinh Long, in the Mekong Delta, is wonderfully devoid of tourists. It’s worth rising early there, to bike 10km

down a dusty road and watch the sun rise over brick kilns that look like giant terracotta beehives. Quy Nhon is far more popular with Vietnamese tourists than Westerners but it has some fascinating Kiwi links courtesy of medics who have been helping in hospitals since the VietnameseAmerican war. Nha Trang, on the other hand, feels far too much like Las Vegas by the sea.

In the north, Hanoi is a heady mix of lakes and leafy boulevards, Old Quarter tradition, glitzy contemporary shopping

The Wairarapa is calling

Tranzit Tours are now operating out of the Bay of Plenty region. Join us on our first tour from Tauranga heading south to the Wairarapa.

On this five day tour we showcase Wairarapa’s wild coast, iconic stations, gardens and homesteads. We’ll learn about the history, get a good dose of nature, and enjoy great food and local wines. There is much to see in this scenic region with its rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and village charm. This tour has something for everyone.

1. Lâm Đong Province. 2. French Colonial architecture, Saigon.

A silkworm farmer.

Nu

Photo Credit - Jet Productions

Photo Credit - Jet Productions

Saintly passion

The divine inspiration of UNO columnist Jess Easton, Saint Wine Bar pairs an impressive wine selection with delicious share plates for a match made in heaven.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT | PHOTOS ILK PHOTOGRAPHY

As we step into the moody, candlelit lounge, a warm fireplace crackling, it’s clear something special is going on here at Saint Wine Bar. And when we meet sommelier Charles, who smiles and immediately fills our glasses with some Vilaura Bdb Methode Traditionelle, we can see we’re in safe hands. It’s even emblazoned across the back of the staff uniform: ‘In Charles We Trust’.

Owner Jess Easton, known to UNO readers as our wine columnist, has fulfilled a lifelong dream with Saint, located along The Strand in Tauranga. By lifelong she means it. Jess became a wine aficionado at a very young age.

“My dad used to let me try his wine as a kid,” she admits. “We had one of those wine cellars where you’d lift up the door and walk down these dark stairs. One of my first memories of wine is a Penfolds Grange.”

When she was old enough, she would hire a bus every birthday and take her friends out to the wineries surrounding Melbourne, her home town.

“But I still didn’t fully appreciate it until I was in my thirties,” she adds. “I’m right now staring at 200 bottles sitting in my house. It’s got out of hand.”

These days, Jess moonlights as a lawyer and somehow manages to run Kitchen Takeover − the Bay’s popular pop-up foodie experience − at the same time. She says she’s very lucky to have met Charles Leong, and chef

Dan Lockhart, who together have become the glue that holds every piece of Saint together.

“I wanted to create an entire engaging experience and Charles just nails that,” says Jess. “When we met I could tell he understood what I wanted to achieve in that space. It was the same with Dan.”

What she’s created with Charles and Dan is a bar that specialises in fine wines from around New Zealand and offers tantalising share plates to match.

“I travel to Napier and Gisborne a lot for work and often go out for a glass of wine. There are these little bars where you can have a good wine without feeling like you need to order a three-course meal. That’s where the idea came from. I just wanted to make wine accessible.”

After we learn about a few new wine varietals from Charles, and overdo it on the share plates, we come to the conclusion that a wine bar is exactly what Tauranga needs. With dishes like saku tuna, blue swimmer crab crisps, pulled beef croquettes and rib eye steak, you can make a night of it, but as diners come and go, we realise this is a place that has somehow pulled off the casual dining/bar experience in an elegant setting. Here at Saint, you can make it whatever you want.

As the space is also an event venue, Jess encourages diners to check their socials to find out which days they are open to the public. “Now it’s just about getting people into the habit of checking our pages. So far it’s working. People are loving it!”

SAINTWINEBAR

It wasn’t exactly plain sailing this year...

“Extremely satisfied with the professional , straight and honest discussions”

PETER & LYNN | 25 HARVEY STREET

“We can't fault the service that we received from Jason and Ben during the process”

MELISSA & MATT | 1 SUMMERHILL DRIVE

"Financial conditions proved trying but Jason and Ben persevered"

DELL | 50B CROSS ROAD, TAURANGA

"The entire team excel; their integrity and professionalism set them apart"

KERRY & MARK | 22 WAIKARAKA DRIVE WEST

"They approached every task professionally, with precision and expertise"

CLARE & BRENDON | 7E WALTER HENRY DRIVE

"There was no 'hard sell' or 'game playing', we had a straight-up experience”

JEANNIE & ROSS | 79B CRAWFORD ROAD

...but “The wind and the waves favour the ablest of navigators.”