Verve June 2015

Auckland’s Boutique Magazine.

NEW FROM HONDA plus

WELLNESS WARM UP TO WINTER WITH WESTFIELD NEWMARKET PLACES YOU CAN GO and more

June 2015 — FASHION BEAUTY HEALTH HOME ARTS FOOD WINE TRAVEL SOCIETY

Parnell 09 366 0015

Parnell 09 366 0015

The sum of its beautifully detailed parts.

Experience the new 2015 Euro Civic 5 door hatch.

For more information visit your local Honda Agent or www.honda.co.nz. * Euro Civic LN shown with accessory wheel and lower sport front bumper.

Editors’ Note Editors’ Note

The June issue of Verve has focused on the important issue of wellness.

The media overflows with messages like how the foods we purchase from supermarkets are too sugary, too salty, too this, too that; it tells us about the importance of mindfulness and that meditation is the ultimate stress inhibitor.

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND We all know this icon. It is the little sign that encourages us to share whilst online.

Who for instance, can resist sharing Fran Ninow andthose Jude Mitchell best buds, Budweiser puppy commercials, and what about the little lad who stole the show when Pope Francis came to deliver his speech in St Peter’s Square last October? How many times were these clips shared? Billions probably.

But what is really going on here? Why is this simple interaction with other humans so addictive? Possibly because behind the scenes, endorphins and dopamine are released into your bloodstream, making you feel that sense of well-being and relaxation, if only for a millisecond.

COMING UP IN THE JULY ISSUE:

Editors’ Pick

Mindfulness and the practice of being in the moment do not come easily to most as we furiously about what has happened is about to happen rather For manyfret of us, while online-sharing is and what woven into each page of this than issue calmly of breathing the experience, moment. sharing is a relativelyinnew Verve that you have before you. We are proud to share this beautiful October something we have been doing since In putting issue together, have enjoyededition visits towith some serenely beautiful spots: as babies, this we could first sharewe a kiss you. places where basking the ‘now’ and a cuddle, a smile, in a laugh, andwas a irresistible (see page 32). And guess what? It made us happy!

Each timephysiological we stopped, stood still and relished the moment — heart conversation.

Once basic ratessecurity plummeted, and deepened, the mind brightened. We felt alive! and need breathing of life wereslowed met, we needed that rush that came from a sense Webelonging. know that stress is the precursor to so many health problems and a troublesome of lack of sleep (see page 28). A practice of mindfulness and meditation costs nothing yet proven benefi ts areWe vast.

Life is for sharing. at Verve Magazine get to share a whole heap of new stuff Where is thiswith all going, youVerve may ask: more and more we hear from readers who express each month you, the reader. in no uncertain terms just how much they enjoy each issue of Verve; while reading Verve, Products, people, businesses, innovations, they are mindful of the moment, neither stressing about the past nor fretting about the emotional encounters, and fabulous Fran and Jude future. To this makes us We happy prizes, likehear holidays abroad. feeland proud to be able to share Verve with you. We wish you stress-free andto happy times deeply privileged be able to while share flipping through the pages of the June ‘15 issue. these good-news stories with you, each and every month, so our lives could not be better.

FUR FRIENDS, GROWING Collaboration, participation, and UP, TRAVEL FEATURE. togetherness: Just some of the qualities And the Verve team

Editors’ pick

TSE & TSE POISE LAMP

OSMO Seeing that October issue has a focus on the young at heart, we chose Osmo. It is an add-on to the iPad that enables kids aged 6 —12 to play with real toys in front of the The tse & tse Poise lamp is a pleasure to behold. device and then have the iPad incorporate these real world objects into the digital play. It is an awesome game for children that even tech-wary parents will love, and It twirls gracefully on its axes and yet remains obediently still in the chosen position. gets the Verve tick. Pre-order for Christmas online.

It is dressed in a cone of natural aluminium in a most serious mood because it is black. www.playosmo.com It is designed in Paris and made in France.

Next issue, Verve November — RRP: $395.00 and available at www.madderandrouge.co.nz Luxury living; Young at heart; Focus on health

VerveMagazine — VerveMagazine —

Editors-in-chief: Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell Writers: Editors-in-chief: JamieNinow Desplaces and Angus St Clair Brown Fran and Jude Mitchell Layout Design: Writer: J. Parker Jamie Christian Desplaces Contributors: Neil Gussey, Paris Mitchell, Melissa Kachelhoffer, Ryan Design: Renwick, Jackie O’Fee, Jenna Moore, Claire McCall, Billy Aiken, Louise Juliane Kuhnt Richardson Paris Mitchell, Melissa-Anne Smit, Jackie O’Fee, Sarah Contributors: Subscriptions: www.vervemagazine.co.nz/subscribe.html Sparks, Billy Aitken, Caitlin Smith, Susan Grbic, Marc Garrison, Interns: Bex Davis, Jay Yang Doris Mousdale, Chloë Litchfield, Sophie Giron, Elissa Baledrokadroka, Rhianna Osbourne, Jade Lawford-Smith Subscriptions: email intern@vervemagazine.co.nz

VERVE MAGAZINE is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free community/ lifestyle magazine delivered to selected homes, cafés and businesses in the following areas: Parnell, Newmarket, Remuera, Meadowbank, Epsom, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, Herne Bay and Stonefields.

Copies Verve Magazine are alsomonthly available(except from: Parnell Inc., The Vet, Homereadership Ideas Centre, Just Rentals VERVEofMAGAZINE is published in January) and Strand has an estimated of 60,000.

It is –a Meadowbank, LJ Hooker Remuera,delivered Constant Barfootcafés & Thompson Parnell,inQuest Hotels –areas: Parnell, free community/ lifestyle–magazine toCravings, selected homes, and businesses the following Remuera, and Newmarket, Parnell CommunityEpsom, CentreMission and Library, Verve Café, Little Nuffield, Robert Harris Parnell, Newmarket, Remuera, Meadowbank, Bay, Kohimarama, Herne Bay and Stonefi elds. – Remuera, and Level 1, 430are Broadway, Newmarket (above Inc, MiniThe showroom).

Verve is also available popular Copies of Verve Magazine also available from: Parnell Strand Vet, Home Ideas Centre,from Just all Rentals – cafés in its main distribution well as in E-book format.

Meadowbank, Vincent – Nuffiareas eld St.asNewmarket, Constant Cravings, Barfoot & Thompson Parnell, Quest Hotels – Parnell, Remuera, Newmarket, Parnell Community Centre andNoLibrary, Verve Café, Little eld, S’pacific The entire content of thisand publication is protected by copyright.

All rights reserved. part of this publication may beNuffi reproduced or transmitted inand any form or 1, by 430 any means, without prior permission in writing of the copyright owner.

Anyismaterial submittedfrom for all – Devonport, Level Broadway, Newmarket (opposite Mini showroom).

Verve also available publication is at the risk.

Neither Verveareas Magazine Ltd nor its E-book agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although popular cafés in owner’s its main distribution as well as in format. every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept any liability Theinaccuracies entire content thisoccur. publication is protected by copyright.

All rights reserved.

No are partthose of this may be reproduced for thatofmay The views and suggestions expressed in this magazine of publication individual contributors and are not or transmitted in any by form or by any means, permission in writing of the copyright Any material submitted for necessarily supported Verve Magazine Ltd.without Verve isprior printed

by Webstar and distributed

by TOEowner.

Distribution. www.vervemagazine.co.nz publication is at the owner’s risk. Neither Verve Magazine Ltd nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept any liability for inaccuracies that may occur. The views and suggestions expressed in this magazine are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily supported by Verve Magazine Ltd. Verve is printed by Webstar and distributed by TOE Distribution. www.vervemagazine.co.nz

4

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Published by Verve Magazine Ltd.

by VerveNewmarket, Magazine Ltd LevelPublished 1, 430 Broadway, Auckland 1023 Level 1, 430 Broadway, Auckland Newmarket, Auckland 1023 PO Box 99-288, Newmarket, 1149 PO Box 99-288, Newmarket, Auckland 1149 GST: 90 378 074 90 378(Print) 074 ISSN 2253-1319 (Online) ISSN GST: 2253-1300 ISSN 2253-1300 (print) ISSN 2253-1319 (online) Advertising enquiries: P: +64Advertising 9 520 5939enquiries: P: +64 9 520 5939 E: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz, debbie@vervemagazine.co.nz and E: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz and fran@vervemagazine.co.nz fran@vervemagazine.co.nz Editorial enquiries: enquiries: P: +64Editorial 9 520 5939 E: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz, jude@ P: +64 9 520 5939 E: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz vervemagazine.co.nz jude@vervemagazine.co.nz SEPTEMBER COVER: Caroline Lorinet.

Auckland’s Boutique Magazine.

Auckland’s Boutique Magazine.

September Month 2014

— FASHION BEAUTY HEALTH HOME ARTS FOOD WINE TRAVEL SOCIETY

June 2015 — FASHION BEAUTY HEALTH HOME ARTS FOOD WINE TRAVEL SOCIETY

JUNE COVER: CAROLINE LORINET UNIQUE ORGANIC SKINCARE

NEW FROM HONDA plus

WELLNESS WARM UP TO WINTER WITH WESTFIELD NEWMARKET PLACES YOU CAN GO and more

— FASHION WHITE OUT — VIAGGIO LIFESTYLE VACATIONS

Honda

The new Honda Civic 5 door hatch.

EPTS UP FRONT

SWEDISH FURNITURE I K E A PA R A L L E L IMPORTER

NEIL GUSSEY NEIL GUSSEY NEIL GUSSEY NEIL GUSSEY W E D D I N G S • P O R T R A I T S • FA S H I O N W W W . B E L L E P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O . N Z GUSSEY@XTRA.CO.NZ 027 485 1993

77 BROAD WAY N EWMARKET | AUCKLAND 09 523 5232

WWW.SWEDISHFURNITURE.CO.NZ

June 2015

5

10

46

86

74

87

CONTENTS UP FRONT 2

30

10

32

The New Honda

Living and Breathing Wellness

50

Innovative Young People — Mushama & Me

52

Warm Up to Winter

Gaia Retreat & Spa — Laughter for the Soul

_______________

34

Two Generations Embrace Apartment Living

36 38

HEALTH + BEAUTY 17 Why You Need a Stronger Core

18

The Stuff that Weighs Us Down...

20

But I Diet And Exercise and Still Cannot Lose Weight!

22

Dry & Tea

27

Beat Burnout _______________

WELLNESS FEATURE 28 Tired of being Tired?

Tony Robbins Fitness and Health Trends What is a Postural Assessment?

Skateistan

48

Serious About Auckland Housing

96

Seriously Silver

80

Mountains You Can Walk Up

____________

100

HOME + DESIGN 56

ART + ABOUT 85

Jennifer Austin

Wall Talk

86

BUSINESS, EDUCATION + SOCIETY 40

46

A World Apart

75

_______________

FOOD FOR THOUGHT 66

The Nobel Prize

Suede Style

98

_______________

44

JOURNEYS 94

Gandys Flip Flops

______________

Verve’s Press Releases

FASHION 74

Live Love Helsinki

British Food Makeover

67

87

Timothy Jones — Restless

88

Café Green Fingers

Jamie’s World Domination

68

90

Bird’s Nest Soup

Brand Matakana

69

92

Lemony Lentil and Crispy Kale Soup

Box Office

71

Book Shelf

World’s Oldest Cities Exploring East Africa ____________

PETS + GARDENS 94 Growing Citrus in the City

______________

COMPETITIONS 104 Win with Verve!

93

Everest Dine

72

Top Five Food Blogs

Come away with us!

FRANCE & ITALY

NOW BOOKING FOR

2016

Join up to 20 like-minded women on a

fully-escorted, leisurely, three week tour of France & Italy.

It is to be an experience of what women love most – soaking up the sights of history, gourmet food and wine, and the indulgence of theatre and shopping.

And most importantly, this tour will strike a beautiful balance of independence and companionship.

Travelling by private coach or high speed train and staying in well-located 3-4* accommodation, we will begin in Paris then head to the South of France, before meandering onwards and discovering the beauty of Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome.

This tour includes a combination of free time and organised activities, allowing you to take part in as much or as little as you like.

For a detailed itinerary contact your hosts Sandie & Lynette: getaway@travelbydesign.co.nz www.travelbydesign.co.nz 04 234 6955

by

by Chic Tours TRAVELDesign FOR WOMEN

PRICE GUIDE: from $8900 based on 20 travelling

your personal travel specialists

DESIGN F U RN IT U RE

I

I N TE R I OR DE S I G N

I

D R A P ER Y

I

WA L L PA P E R

I

B L I NDS

NEW online store now available 24/7! w w w. t r e n z s e at e r. co m

HONOURABLE M E N T I O N INTERIOR DESIGN REVIEW FINALISTS

2014 & 2 0 1 5

IDA

INTERNATIONAL D E S I G N A W A R D S

TRENZSEATER TRENZSEATER Christchurch I 121 Blenheim Rd, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041. T. (03) 343 0876 TRENZSEATER Auckland I 80 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland 1052. T. (09) 303 4151 Like us on facebook today at www.facebook.com/trenzseater

www.trenzseater.com

DRIVING IS BELIEVING.

Auckland City BMW

Newmarket

INTRODUCING THE BMW 3 SERIES M PERFORMANCE EDITIONS. The iconic BMW 3 Series comes standard with incredible efficiency and performance, exhilarating BMW TwinPower Turbo engines, innovative ConnectedDrive technologies and a design that leaves you breathless.

It’s no wonder the BMW 3 Series is the world’s most popular premium sedan. And now for a limited time the rear-wheel drive sedan and the all-wheel drive Touring have a massive array of complimentary features, including the incredible looking M Performance package. Driving really is believing, so book your test drive today.

STANDARD SPECIFICATION INCLUDES:

COMPLIMENTARY OPTIONS INCLUDE:

• 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

• M PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

• ON-BOARD NAVIGATION

• HEAD-UP DISPLAY

BMD0069_3S_MCM_VM

• FRONT AND REAR PARKING SENSORS • iDRIVE SYSTEM AND SCREEN • CONNECTED DRIVE SERVICES AND APPS

• 19” LIGHT ALLOY WHEELS • ADAPTIVE BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS • HEATED FRONT SEATS • REAR VIEW CAMERA TOTAL VALUE ADDED

PACKAGE OVER

$13,000

RWD SEDAN

* Drive-away from $77,700

or just

277^

$

per week

including all on-road costs

xDRIVE TOURING * Drive-away from $ 87,220 or just

300^

$

All new BMWs now come with an unbeatable 5 year warranty and a 3 year no-cost service plan, for the ultimate peace of mind package. Visit Auckland City BMW today to experience these Ultimate Driving Machines, and find out why BMW New Zealand continues to be the number one selling premium vehicle for 2014 and the most awarded brand by the country’s automotive experts.

per week

including all on-road costs

5 YEAR WARRANTY

Auckland City BMW 7-15 Great South Road, Newmarket. (09) 524 3300. www.aucklandcitybmw.com

Offer based on Drive-Away Price. ^Finance offer based on a 48 month Loan agreement, 10.80% interest rate and a $250 documentation fee with a 20% deposit and with a final balloon payment of $25,641 for the 320i M Performance Sedan, and $31,392 for the 320i M Performance xDrive Touring. Offer expires 30/06/2015 and is subject to BMW Financial Services lending criteria.

*

PLUS 3 YEAR NO-COST SERVICING 5 YEAR ROADSIDE ASSIST

MINI COUNTRYMAN – COOPER. The new leading act with over $14,000* worth of exclusive spec.

DRIVE AWAY FOR ONLY $49,900*

MINI PACEMAN - COOPER S. Dialling up the tempo with over $15,000+ worth of impressive extras.

DRIVE AWAY FOR ONLY $56,900+

MINI COUNTRYMAN - COOPER S. Out of the studio and ready to roll with over $17,000^ worth of exclusive kit.

DRIVE AWAY FOR ONLY $59,900^

ROCK, MEET ROLL. With fresh sounds, wild horsepower and enough style to impress the rock gods themselves, the MINI Rockstar Editions amplify your inner Jagger. Every Rockstar Edition arrives pre-loaded with MINI Navigation, Visual Boost, Bluetooth Handsfree and Harmon Kardon Sounds. Plus these rockstars are backed with MINI’s 3 Year Scheduled Servicing, Warranty Plan and Roadside Assistance.

Head to Auckland MINI Garage today for full details on the MINI Rockstar Editions and how to unleash your inner rockstar.

MID0093_AMG_VM

AUCKLAND MINI GARAGE. 381-383 Broadway, Newmarket. 0800 548 352. MINI.CO.NZ *MINI Stone Edition (Auto) is based on a MINI Countryman Cooper (Drive Away $44,500) with added specifications valued at over $14,000. +MINI Underground Edition (Manual) is based on a MINI Paceman Cooper S (Drive Away $52,500) with added specifications valued at over $15,000. ˆMINI Rockfield Edition (Auto) is based on a MINI Countryman Cooper S (Drive Away $52,500) with added specifications valued at over $17,000. Contact your MINI Garage for full specification details.

WARM UP

TO WINTER NOW AVAILABLE AT WESTFIELD NEWMARKET

Jeans and chunky cream cable sweater from WILD PAIR. White-and-silver shoes from OVERLAND.

Cream top and dark-grey beanie from FOREVER NEW. Fur jacket from DECJUBA. Blue navy pants from COUNTRY ROAD. Black boots from OVERLAND.

Cream coat from VERONIKA MAINE. Black pants from DECJUBA. Cream rib knit top from MEREDITH. Sunglasses from FOREVER NEW.

Off-white sweater dress, white beanie, tan leather bag, all from COUNTRY ROAD.

White jacket with fur trim from ESPRIT. Chunky white sweater from WILD PAIR.

White blouse, black dress, blue coat, black patentleather belt, all from CUE. Black patent leather heels from OVERLAND.

Long, dark-blue cardigan, tan leather belt and tan leather gloves, all from COUNTRY ROAD. Long tan leather boots from OVERLAND.

PHOTOGRAPHY: NEIL GUSSEY MAKE-UP: IMELETA KELLETT MODEL: LOUISE DONALDSON STYLING: VERVE MAGAZINE LOCATION: KINGSIZE STUDIOS, GREY LYNN ALL CLOTHES, SHOES AND ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE AT WESTFIELD NEWMARKET WESTFIELD NEWMARKET 277 BROADWAY, NEWMARKET

White top, cream coat with fur trim from FOREVER NEW; costume jewellery ring from CUE; black boots from OVERLAND; black tights — model’s own.

MARCS ZIERA

KOOKAI MERCHANT

ST YLE TIP Knee-length coats are in this winter, making heading out in style all the easier.

When teaming them with skirts and dresses, just be sure the coat is longer than your outfit.

COUNTRY ROAD

VERONIKA MAINE FOREVER NEW

WARM UP TO WINTER

FOREVER NEW

With layer upon layer of new looks at Westfield, the weather needn’t get you down this winter. Warm up to the cold, wet and windy season with our style tips and top pieces.

MAX DECJUBA MERCHANT

COUNTRY ROAD

SCARPA

COUNTRY ROAD MAX

COUNTRY ROAD KOOKAI

COUNTRY ROAD

TAILOR OUR WARDROBE TO YOU.

To find out how to make the new season style work for you, go to westfield.co.nz and book a Personal Styling Session now.

ST YLE TIP

With trends chopping and changing as quick as the weather, buying winter accessories can be tricky.

Invest in classic styles or opt for cheap and cheerful pieces.

ZIERA

CORE EXERCISES: WHY YOU NEED A STRONGER CORE

TAKE A BOW, CLINIC 42!

You know core exercises are good for you. Here’s why you should include them in your fitness routine.

While it may be good motivation, rocking a beach-worthy body isn’t the only reason for your torso to be in shape. Your core is about more than just your ab muscles — it’s your body’s powerhouse. It facilitates movement and houses your inner organs and central nervous system.

FIVE REASONS FOR A STRONG CORE: 1.

IT IMPROVES YOUR BALANCE AND STABILITY Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability. In fact, most physical activities depend on stable core muscles.

2.

IT HELPS PREVENT INJURIES If your core is strong, your overall fitness will improve, making you less prone to injury. Even though it’s easy to presume that, when you’re moving, your extremities do most of the work, the opposite is true: most movement starts at the centre and moves outward. A rock-solid centre ensures that your movements are strong and pain-free.

3.

IT BANISHES BACK PAIN Back pain is a common side effect of a weak core. “When our abdominals are weak, our back muscles can’t do all the work by themselves.” Back and core muscles need to be in balance to create a strong core for your body.

4.

IT PROTECTS YOUR INNER ORGANS AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Your core is not only where your organs and central nervous system do their busywork, it’s also where your body’s largest veins and arteries are based. Strong core muscles will help ensure everything is protected.

5.

IT DELAYS THE AGING PROCESS “A strong core keeps your body aligned so that you can function properly.”

Strong core muscles make it easier to do everything from swinging a golf club to taking a glass from the top shelf or bending down to tie your shoelaces. Weak core muscles leave you susceptible to poor posture, lower back pain and muscle injuries.

Over the ten years we’ve been publishing Verve magazine, we’ve been honoured to work with some fantastic local businesses and walk beside them as they evolve. One of these businesses is Clinic 42, the boutique specialist skin therapy and cosmetic medicine clinic in Epsom.

Dr Joanna Romanowska and Dr Lynn Theron founded the clinic in 2001 at 134 Manukau Road, Epsom, before moving to the top floor of the 1920s’ villa at 321 Manukau Road, above a GP clinic. The villa has a rich history, having been a residential home before becoming a Catholic monks’ retreat and then a gynaecology practice.

Over time Dr Joanna and Dr Lynn were joined by Dr Michele McVie and Laura Canale, who has greeted the clinic’s clients with her special charm for a decade. Then they were joined by skincare and laser therapist Pia Wilkinson in 2008 (Pia’s currently on maternity leave after the birth of her beautiful baby girl, Sofia Fay Martin) and, more recently, Jess Parker, who also has something to celebrate as, at the time of writing, she’s in Hawaii for her wedding. Dr Ellen Selkon joined the business in 2010 as co-owner. The doctors are all old friends and, while they excel in cutting-edge cosmetic medicine techniques and are ruled by professionalism, this results-driven dedication is tempered with an infectious warmth and nurturing that comes naturally from the (growing) group of multiskilled and down-to-earth women.

Given that, it’s hardly surprising that Clinic 42 has flourished and, with new technology constantly hitting the industry and a subsequent need for more space and team members, they’ve taken over the entire villa recently, given it a makeover, and welcomed Dr Gillian Hawkeley and nutritionist Jessica Campbell to the fold.

The new-look villa is a professional and stylish space with room to invite even more multi-talented individuals to join the group; the goal is to create a centre that can help you look and feel your absolute best in every way. Watch this space!

Verve magazine (and this writer) would love to take this opportunity to congratulate, salute and thank you for inviting us to watch your evolvement, Clinic 42.

Words: Melissa-Anne Smit

CALL NOW FOR A YOUNGER BODY 09 940 7744 WWW.101FITNESS.CO.NZ

16

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

321 MANUKAU ROAD, EPSOM LAURA@CLINIC42.CO.NZ WWW.CLINIC42.CO.NZ 09 638 4242

HEALTH + BEAUTY

FINALLY, A NON-INJECTABLE HYALURON FILLER — THAT LASTS! • • • • • •

Lasts six to eight weeks Instant, visible results Comfortable — no pain Hydrates and plumps No downtime Affordable

BEFORE

AFTER

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

591A REMUERA ROAD, UPLAND ROAD SHOPS (UPSTAIRS, NEXT TO RMVC MEDICAL CENTRE) 09 520 5331 WWW.FINESSEFACEANDBODY.CO.NZ

REBUILD YOUR CORE STRENGTH with our

Have no abs?

Feel your core strength is gone?

12-WEEK PROGRAMME FAB ABS •

Two x 25min personal training session per week.

• PLUS three x 30min massages • Intense – proven results • Private training room

“TRY BEFORE YOU BUY” Verve readers get their Intro to 101 session for FREE *T&Cs apply

Call now for a strong core

09 940 7744

www.101fitness.co.nz

June 2015

17

THE STUFF THAT WEIGHS US DOWN…

“We carry our anger and our sadness. We carry resentment and envy and guilt. All heavy stuff. And confusion. He said confusion is SO heavy it pretty much prevents us from going anywhere. Why carry all this on our voyage?”

Some years back I went to see my beloved George Clooney give a superb performance in the movie Up in the Air. (If you missed it on the circuit, it’s worth finding by whatever means you use.) Without giving away anything important, I can tell you that George’s job entails constantly flying around the world firing people from their jobs.

Apparently there really are companies that do this — if the boss is too scared or timid or whatever himself, he hires someone else to do his dirty work.

Anyway, as a side gig, George is a public speaker. You know the type — a motivational speaker who works the various conferences that are so popular these days. And George’s little twist comes in the form of a backpack. His talk is called ‘What’s in your backpack?’ Basically he suggests that members of the audience imagine themselves wearing backpacks and slowly filling them with all their ‘stuff’ — from clothes and ornaments and books to furniture, cars and houses.

He then asks them to add all the people in their lives. He implores them to feel the weight that they are lugging around, day after day. And suggests that they throw everything out. Empty the backpack.

Shortly after seeing the movie, in that strange, serendipitous fashion in which a specific message is repeated from a completely unrelated source, I happened to catch a talk on TV by an inspiring spiritual teacher by the name of Prem Rawat. He began by saying that each of us is on a voyage — that our body is our vehicle for this voyage — and he asked what the point was of this voyage. What is the point of this life we are all so busy living?

18

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

The point, he says, is to experience ‘the ultimate’. What is the ultimate?

That, he says, cannot be described — but suffice it to say that the same force that moves the universe exists inside of ourselves — right here in our vehicle — and the point of the voyage is to discover and experience that force.

And he spoke of how each of us carries so many things with us on our voyage: so much heavy stuff that weighs us down. We carry our anger and our sadness. We carry resentment and envy and guilt. All heavy stuff. And confusion. He said confusion is SO heavy it pretty much prevents us from going anywhere. Why carry all this on our voyage?

So now we know that the purpose of the voyage is to discover and experience the universal force, he says, we can put our confusion down and pick up clarity. Feel clarity — how little it weighs, he says. And pick up joy. Feel the weight of joy. It is so light that it makes YOU feel light.

And let us all continue on our voyage of discovery, accompanied by clarity and joy, and let’s see how light we feel.

And let’s not forget George — poor George who, having emptied his backpack, was left with nothing — perhaps someone can tell him what he should be putting into his backpack once everything else has been emptied out.

Words: Susan Grbic

understanding

headaches

headaches affect a lot of people, and can be very debilitating. because headaches are so common, most people think that getting a headache is a normal part of life. This is simply not true. headaches are a sign that something is wrong.

EvEry yEar wE trEat thousands oF pEoplE with hEadachEs. somE oF thE morE common typEs oF hEadachEs that wE sEE arE: migraine headache, cluster headache, cervicogenic (spinal) headache and tension headaches. this articlE will Focus on CERVICOGENIC AND TENSION HEADACHES bEcausE thEy arEthE most common typE oF hEadachEs.

CERVICOGENIC (SPINAL) HEADACHES

TENSION HEADACHES

Tension headaches are caused by muscular tension and contraction involving the muscles of the scalp, shoulders and neck. Often this tension is a result of emotional stress, though injuries can also create chronic muscle spasms. It is normal for muscles to contract when we are threatened, irritated or angry, a reaction known as the fight or flight response. Over time, though, if work or home life creates a constant source of stress from which we can neither fight nor flee, the muscular tension can become chronic.

Today more than ever people are inclined to sit for hours with contracted postural muscles but without substantial physical activity. When muscles contract they burn fuel and produce waste. Among the waste products of muscle contraction are lactic acid, histamine and bradykinins. These waste products are irritants. If they are not efficiently removed from the muscle they can cause muscular inflammation, pain and accumulate into localized tender areas known as “trigger points.”

These waste products should normally be diluted and removed from the muscle tissue by the circulation. This process relies on the normal “contract - relax” cycle in the muscle. When the muscle contracts it creates a high pressure on the fluids inside the muscle and pushes the blood out carrying away muscular waste products. When the muscle relaxes the pressure falls and blood floods back in carrying vital nutrients and fuel.When we sit or stand we are using the many back and neck muscles required to support our body. When these muscles are held contracted for a prolonged time (hours spent sitting or standing), they are producing irritative wastes, but not relaxing and draining themselves of these irritants. Over time these irritants can cause the muscles to lose their natural suppleness and resting length becoming stiffened and shortened. These stiffened and shortened muscles, often accompanied by trigger points can cause reflex pain into the neck and head.

The vertebrae of the spine fit together on moving joints that provide strength to the structure of the spine and maintain the vertebrae in proper working alignment with one another.

The joints of the spine in the neck are richly innervated (supplied) with nerve fibres that can cause pain in the head and neck if the joints are physically strained or injured.

Once the process described above has produced stiffness and shortening of the muscles in the neck, the joints of the spine are no longer properly stabilized or supported. The affected joints of the spine often become subluxated (misaligned).

This causes strain and injury to the joints and supporting ligament tissue. The result of the combined subluxation, ligament strain and joint injury is often neck pain with associated headache.

TREATMENT

A treatment program with a chiropractor can result in dramatic improvements in patients suffering from chronic headaches. Taking analgesics simply removes the symptoms whilst the underlying problem remains and gets worse with time.

Chiropractic care works directly on the site of pain to restore the normal functioning of the spine. Chiropractors look for areas of muscles tension or weakness in the neck and head as sites of headache causes. This may include tight muscles in the base of the neck, at the base of the skull, or in the jaw. Using simple massage and adjustments, Chiropractic can provide headache relief for good, without expensive or dangerous techniques.

Chiropractic for headaches works by releasing the areas of tension around the head and neck, and re-training the spine to prevent further headaches. Removing the causes of spinal stress addresses both the muscle and nerve tension and the resulting headaches.

Advice on posture, ergonomics and sleeping positions may be beneficial to headache sufferers.

ChiRopRACTiC is A simple, non-inTRUsive, And mosT impoRTAnTly A long-lAsTing foRm of heAdAChe Relief ThAT benefiTs All membeRs of The fAmily.

Karen Williams | B.Sc. M.Chiropractic For additional information please call

Three Lamps Chiropractic 09 378 0069 | Suite 6 | 283 Ponsonby Rd | Ponsonby

BUT I DIET AND EXERCISE AND STILL CANNOT LOSE WEIGHT CLIVE PLUCKNETT Naturopath PG Dip Anti Aging Nutritional Medicine PGDip Cancer Nutritional Medicine PG Dip Mental Health Nutrition MBA (Distinction), BA, PG Dip Science

Susan was the CEO of a large company. She was driven, and successful. She was used to achieving her goals and was understandably peeved that she could not reach her ideal weight.

My first contact with Susan was through her PA: not an ideal situation for a naturopath.

THE NATURAL SKINCARE COMPANY

If you struggle to find that one product that is perfect for you and your skin, then you need the Natural Skincare Company.

Nestled in the heart of Parnell, it specialises in custom-made cosmetics, tailored to fit your skin type.

Select a base (facial toner, serum, body cream or body oil), choose up to three active ingredients to help with anti-ageing, moisturising, firming, etc. then top it off with one of the company’s essential oils. Simply wait five to ten minutes and your custom-made product will be ready!

The products not only are incredibly good for your skin but also come at a great price, with an 80ml washable oil cleanser priced at around $30.

The information I needed kept being pushed to the bottom of Susan’s ‘To Do’ list, until a school reunion loomed and suddenly getting into shape assumed a high priority.

When I first met Susan, I would describe her as a woman from a medieval painting: large, but in good proportion. Her first words gave me a hint that she wasn’t a Buddhist. “Look, my time is precious. I need to lose 20 kilos for a school reunion. I have tried every diet with no permanent loss; can you make it happen?”

“I can make you lose 20 kilos in four weeks but you would not like the way you look or feel. Forget weight loss, start thinking about fat loss and a healthy body.”

We ran some tests on Susan. She had an underactive thyroid, high levels of inflammation, high levels of toxicity, low progesterone levels and high stress levels.

I explained to Susan: “Your thyroid is underactive so you are not burning the calories you would if it were functioning normally. So you could eat the same diet as your twin sister was eating and she would lose weight while you would not.

“You have high levels of inflammation. This is coming from the way your body is dealing with daily stress. Your body is too busy preparing for action to deal properly with the food. As a result, it puts it straight into fat.

“You have high levels of toxicity in your lower gut. The body stores toxins in fat so, when it comes to shedding the fat, the body will resist losing its storage depots.”

We went through all the findings of the tests and their impact on Susan’s fat loss. Instead of putting Susan on a fat-loss programme, we addressed her nutrient deficiencies, supported her thyroid, reduced inflammation, supported the body’s stress response and carried out a detox programme.

Susan reached her 20kg weight-loss goal, but what was more important was that it was 20kg of fat that was lost, not muscle.

Retaining muscle is the key to retaining fat loss as muscle cells burn up 30 times more calories than fat cells do.

Read Susan’s full story on our website and see if it rings any bells for you.

730 WHITFORD ROAD WHITFORD VILLAGE, AUCKLAND 09 530 8143 | 021 490 801 BEWELL@CLEAR.NET.NZ WWW.BEWELL.NET.NZ 20

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

“It was easy to put together ingredients to suit my skin and needs. The service was excellent; everything was explained in a clear manner. Heavenly smells from the oils. I loved the idea of putting together what I wanted.”

— Julie, Auckland —

The Natural Skincare Company also stocks a range of organic herbal teas, handmade soaps, massage oils and mineral make-up. All products are completely natural and are made right here in Auckland.

There is also the opportunity to purchase the ingredients and create your very own custom-made products at home. So why not attend one of the handmade cosmetic workshops that take place every second Saturday or Sunday at 11am to get you started?

To find out more, visit www.ringaringa.net/nz or contact thankyou@ringaringa.net for further enquiries.

So, for all things natural and chemical-free, go and see the team at the Natural Skincare Company; your skin will love you for it.

Words: Rhianna Osborne

OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY REAR AREA, 285 PARNELL ROAD, PARNELL THANKYOU@RINGARINGA.NET 09 377 8923 WWW.RINGARINGA.NET/NZ

Want to go barefoot next summer?

Fed up with having to hide your toes?

Laser Nail Clinic can help!

If you have a fungal nail infection (toes or fingers), you are probably like most people who suffer from the affliction: embarrassed by it and afraid to show your toes (or fingers). In this respect women are at a distinct advantage by being able to cover up the offending nails with nail polish. Unfortunately, though, this actually can make the infection worse as sometimes the infection will grow in the nail polish. Also, by hiding your toes in shoes and socks, you are encouraging the infection as fungi like nothing better than a warm, moist and dark environment.

ALL IT TAKES IS THREE EASY ONE-HOUR* APPOINTMENTS! *APPROX

With this infection there is one absolute certainty — if you do nothing, it will only get worse.

Probably, like most people with the infection, you have tried a number of ways to get rid of it, all without success.

Luckily, new technology now provides us with the PinPointe FootLaser. This marvellous piece of equipment offers sufferers something that has not been available before — a treatment option that really works (in clinical trials the success rate was in excess of 80 per cent with just one treatment and the Laser Nail Clinic does three) and all this without pain, pills or side effects.

Before

Before

Before

Before

After having confirmation from your GP or podiatrist that the infection is, in fact, fungal (there are some other conditions that look very similar and the laser will not cure them), the next step is to make sure that the nails are only about 1mm thick. The laser is most effective with nails 1mm thick. This may mean a quick visit to a podiatrist to have them thinned down (the Laser Nail Clinic can recommend a podiatrist to do this if you do not have one already) then all it takes is three easy, approximately one-hour sessions: the second one five weeks after the first and the third a further ten weeks after the second.

The Laser Nail Clinic is a certified PinPointe provider and the therapists are medical professionals who all have attended laser safety training courses and had comprehensive training in the use of the machine so you know you are in safe hands.

So, if you want to show your toes next summer, now is the time to act. Toenails typically grow about 1mm per month so it takes many months for the whole nail to grow out; this means that having the treatment now will give you the best chance of having nice, clear, healthy nails for next summer.

Laser Nail Clinic is situated at 18/326 Sunset Road on the Shore. Email info@lasernailclinic.co.nz or visit www.lasernailclinic.co.nz for more information and bookings.

Phone the LASER NAIL CLINIC on 0800 952 737 (0800 9LASER) or 09 475 5273 www.lasernailclinic.co.nz

HAIR . MAKEUP . EVENTS

Beauty & Delight FLORAL ARTWORK BY PAUL HARTIGAN

BONDI WAVE

THE MILAN

NEW YORK FEMME

THE PARISIAN

Signature Blow Wave $45

Dry & Tea, the award winning Blow Dry Bar & Tea House.

The ultimate destination for express beauty.

Facebook: DRYANDTEA

Instagram: #DRYANDTEA

Pinterest: DRYANDTEA

Book online at www.dryandtea.com NEWM A RKET | CIT Y WORKS DE POT | BRITOM A RT

22

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

RIO CARNIVAL

HEALTH + BEAUTY

WIN with

DRY & TEA

Blow Wave and Bubbles for you and a friend or Cut or Colour with a senior stylist, including Complimentary Valet Parking.

Visit www.vervemagazine.co.nz/competitions to enter!

Dry & Tea Britomart Valet Parking | seven days $15 for three hours (only $6 on Sundays) Enter via Gore Street Dry & Tea is the multiple-award-winning Blow Dry Bar and Tea House, and the ultimate destination for express beauty and affordable luxury. Incredible Blow Waves and Up-do’s, as well as a full-service Cut & Colour menu with world-class stylists, are served with perfectly brewed bespoke teas.

YUJIN LEE

AUBRIE HALL

HANNAH BYLO

CHRISTINE BRENT-JONES

DEZARAE JESSOP

LESLEY JENKINSON

HANNAH OGILVIE

*Conditions: Must be redeemed at Dry & Tea Britomart before 1 July 2015

June 2015

23

SMILE FAST A NEW SMILE IN ONLY 6-9 MONTHS USING CLEAR DISCREET BRACES A beautiful new smile is now yours in only a few short months — thanks to Smilefast Magic Braces.

Forget metal braces and costly treatments that lasts two or three years. Smilefast Magic Braces are designed with adult needs in mind — to have a great smile in the shortest amount of time that wont break the bank.

“

I love my teeth! Magic Braces have empowered me to be a more confident person. I’ve only recently got out of the habit of closing my lips when I smile in an attempt to hide my teeth — no need to anymore!

BRACES

AFTER!

— Madeleine

DR KAREN HARRIS DENTIST AT CITY DENTAL LOUNGE IS A REGISTERED PROVIDER OF SMILEFAST MAGIC BRACES www.thedentist.co.nz reception@citydentallounge.nz Level 12, AMP Centre 29 Customs Street West AUCKLAND

Stop hiding your smile and speak to us today about how we can get you started on your new smile.

CALL US TODAY ON 09 3661322

“ I wish I had asked for help sooner” Everyone’s experience of having a baby is different.

The sooner you start fertility treatment, the better your chances of success.

Take the first step today: · by phone: Book a free nurse consult on 0800 255 522. · in person: Make an appointment with a top NZ fertility specialist. · online: Use our online Biological Clock to work out your chances and when to seek help. t o h av e a b e t t e r u n d e r s ta n d i n g ta l k t o o u r t e a m t o daY

fertilityassociates.co.nz | 0800 255 522* *From land line only

24

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

HEALTH + BEAUTY

HAIR RESTORATION — FOR MEN AND WOMEN —

OFFERING PROVEN MEDICAL THERAPY AND MODERN, FUE SURGICAL TECHNIQUE OPTIONS

Modern follicular unit extraction (FUE) places individual follicle units to achieve a natural-looking hair replacement. This is carried out as a day procedure under local anaesthesia.

AMERICAN TRAINED QUICK RECOVERY NO LARGE SCAR INDIVIDUALISED TREATMENT PLAN

Dr Bellomo will conduct a full medicalconsultation to create a medical and/or surgical treatment plan, which is personalised to meet your individual treatment goals.

PHONE: 06 880 0239 EMAIL: info@belladara.com WEBSITE: www.belladara.com

SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER:

INTRODUCTORY 14 DAYS OF UNLIMITED CLASSES FOR $49.00*

OFF

Experience any 2 classes from *(offer not valid for Pilates reformer classes) timetable for just

TO FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK ONLINE, VISIT:

$20.00

2 CLASSES TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 14 DAYS AND EXCLUDES PIL

Level 7, 5-7 Kingdon Street, Newmarket 09 522 3305 info@studiothree.co.nz www.studiothree.co.nz

IT’SCrescent, DANCE & PILATES AMP L1, 56 Surrey Ponsonby 09 376 8091 Fusing Pilates & Ballet exercises together www.xtendbarre.com/studio/ resistance equipment to give you a chiselle xtend-barre-ponsonby To find out more go online to: www.studiothr

Or call Viv on (09) 522 3305 or 021 2455

L7, 5-7 King Street, New Xtend Barre fuses elements of dance, ballet and Pilates to 09 522 330 create an adrenalin-fuelled workout that strengthens, lengthens and chisels the body.

info@studioth

CLASSES ARE BEGINNER FRIENDLY; NO PREVIOUSE DANCE EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED.

Elstree Pharmacy Come and see us for fantastic gifts for all ages, all your family’s health needs and excellent advice.

Ample Free Parking 145 West Tamaki Road Ph: 09 528 3636 elstreepharmacy@xtra.co.nz STOCKISTS OF INNOXA SKINCARE, STYLI STYLE COSMETICS AND THE SURMANTI RANGE OF PRODUCTS. June 2015

25

Choose BoomerHIT.™ High intensity strength training for baby boomers.

By age 65 inactive adults have lost half their muscle and doubled their fat. But the good news is that these declines in strength and lean body mass can be reversed through properly performed strength training1. In fact, gaining muscle is the holy grail of youthfulness, rejuvenating your entire physiology and overall vitality, and allowing you to live like a 40 year old until you’re 70 and beyond!

BodyTech Gym’s new 8-week BoomerHIT™ high intensity strength training programme for baby boomers combines a mix of supervised and personal training workouts with highly qualified HIT instructors.

Their expertise will ensure you quickly and efficiently regain lean muscle and strength.

Sign up today at www.bodytech.co.nz, visit 8 Nugent St Grafton or call 09 623 3383.

1. Biomarkers by William Evans, PhD, and Irwin H. Rosenberg, MD, Professors of Nutrition and Medicine (Simon & Schuster, 1991).

BEAT BURNOUT

Becoming burnt out is more common than ever as Kiwis burn the candle at both ends. Many people pushing themselves to the max, eventually collapse from sheer exhaustion and fatigue.

HEALTH + BEAUTY

DR KATHLEEN WILLS

LIGHT UP THE ROOM WITH YOUR SMILE

Are you constantly tired, not feeling well and told you’re healthy? What’s going on?

Dr Kathleen Wills is the doctor people turn to when ‘all else has failed’. They’ve been given clean bills of health by their GPs and have normal blood results only to continue feeling tired, rundown, irritable and unwell.

After several years consulting with patients and communicating with the public through lectures and workshops, Dr Wills is now on a mission to beat burnout and educate New Zealanders by using integrative, evidence-based medicine with a whole-person approach designed to treat you, not just your symptoms.

This month Dr Wills released a holistic health guide called Beat Burnout: Dr. Kathleen’s Holistic Guide to Happiness!

DR WILLS SAYS SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT ARE: • • • • • • • •

Struggling to get out of bed in the morning and general fatigue Struggling to get to sleep Brain cloud until you have coffee or energy drinks Low moods or anxious feelings Digestion issues (unpredictable bowel movements, wind and bloating) Frequently being sick (picking up every bug that is going around) Muscle aches Frequently feeling overwhelmed by all the demands on you

“Nutritional or lifestyle deficiencies are often the cause of burnout,” says Dr Wills, adding that everyone should undergo a thorough medical examination by a qualified physician first to rule out any disease or pre-disease condition.

“We need to stop the nonsense of pushing ourselves to the max and feeling completely physically and emotionally drained. This is not OK! “I find it sad when well-meaning people work with all their hearts and souls to provide the best they can for themselves, their families and their friends, then, amidst the pressure to achieve, they suffer from physical and mental burnout,” Dr Wills continues.

“That’s often when a person declares they need to make a change for the better, by cutting back at work, organising help at home, and making dietary and exercise changes.”

DR WILLS’ TOP TIPS FOR BEATING BURNOUT ARE: • • • •

You need a priority list and be sure that YOU are on it.

Throw out one item of junk food from your kitchen pantry and never buy it again.

Go outside in your lunch hour and sit by a tree. If you can’t be outside, find a window through which you can see a tree and face it while you eat.

No smartphone checking during this time.

You will have every reason to smile after a visit to Meadowbank Dental. Our system, Cosmetic 6, focusses on the straightening of the six front teeth only; perfect for those who need only minor adjustments to their front teeth.

Book for your free consultation with Hannah the orthodontic co-ordinator today.

Cosmetic 6 is available from $2900.

Interest free finance options available with Gemvisa.

Meadowbank Dental 93 St Johns Road Meadowbank Auckland 09 528 3146 hannah@meadowbankdental.co.nz WWW.MEADOWBANKDENTAL.CO.NZ

Beat Burnout is available for $29.95 from drwills.com

WIN

OR WIN ONE OF THREE COPIES OF BEAT BURNOUT. FIND OUT MORE ON PAGE 104.

June 2015

27

SKIN INSTITUTE

GIVE YOUR SKIN THE CARE IT DESERVES

Not only is your skin your largest organ, it is also the one that is exposed to the elements and is a visual guide to your health and wellness.

“

Your skin is a visual guide to your health and wellness.�

It is very important to make regular skin examinations part of your plan for overall good health.

Experienced dermatologist Dr Vania Sinovich has joined the Skin Institute Remuera team recently; she can help you look after your skin and develop the right treatment plan for you. Whether you are worried about a mole, acne or another skin condition, Vania and the Remuera team can help.

The Skin Institute Remuera has a full high-tech laboratory suite to enable Mohs or CCPDMA (complete circumferential peripheral and deep margin assessment) surgery to be performed.

Considered the most advanced method of treating skin cancer, it is used mostly on the head and neck area and involves on-site testing of tissue during the procedure.

The Remuera team also includes experienced breast and vein surgeon Mr Stephen Benson, registered nurse Sally Coulam, who heads up the Appearance Medicine side, and plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon Mr Zachary Moaveni. New to the Skin Institute, Mr Moaveni offers a wide array of procedures including nose reshaping, prominent ear surgery, face and neck lifts, abdominoplasty, body contouring and lifts.

The Skin Institute Remuera facility is open from Monday to Friday.

For more information, visit its website www.skininstitute.co.nz or, to book an appointment, phone 09 974 1731.

Skin Institute Remuera Restoring confidence, improving chances, creating smiles, building trust, healing scars, uncovering possibilities.

Level 2, 123 Remuera Road Phone: 974 1731

Skin cancer | Veins | Appearance 28

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

www.skininstitute.co.nz

Susana Tuya Sarmiento is an international celebrity speaker, TV presenter and best-selling author. An energetic and vibrant self-image, style and well-being expert, she became progressively chronically ill and was later diagnosed with ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis)/CFS. She experienced a complete body lock down for a year and was unable to move because of the intensity of muscle and nerve pain. It is her life’s calling to lead and inspire women to look and feel their greatness as she inspires us with her powerful messages of self-love and healthy body image, and her practical tips on how to look and feel fabulous in our skin, mindfulness and how to love fully and celebrate our magnificence.

What are your top tips for a sustainable, healthier life?

LEARN TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Our bodies are constantly communicating with us and letting us know when we are in the flow or out of the flow of life. With our hectic, stressful lives, too many of us are placing too much pressure on ourselves and our bodies are screaming at us to STOP! BREATHE We have forgotten how to breathe properly so our cells are not being replenished. Getting into the habit of taking three big inand-out breaths between tasks will vitalise and ground you. You regain focus and energy. It truly works. I use this between phone calls and emails.

STRETCH AND RELAX YOUR MUSCLES Rejuvenate your body with only five minutes of yoga per day.

Still in my PJs each morning, I will stretch like a cat, breathe and hold poses as I warm up my body for the day. It’s a great mindfulness therapy and evening relaxation technique. I like to burn a scented candle and play some soothing music as I prepare to put my day to rest.

As you teach your body how to relax, your sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) becomes calmer. This is a very practical, easy tool to help you cope with stress in your life.

SHHH... WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE Become conscious of your unconscious thoughts and the words you say to yourself, especially when you look at yourself in the mirror while you dress or undress. We are so hard on ourselves.

Our bodies react to the loving and unloving messages we give ourselves. Treat your body as you would treat your best friend.

DITCH PERFECTION Don’t be hard on yourself. Our constant striving for ‘perfection’ creates so many unrealistic expectations in our lives and the lives of others. This was a difficult one for me as I wrongly believed that demanding more of myself would help me become more successful. Nothing is further from the truth. It is the mad hamster wheel that never stops spinning.

Life is about making perfection out of IMperfection.

LEARN WHEN TO SAY NO! If we don’t make ourselves our No 1 priority, we will always feel tired, depleted and resentful. It is not selfish to make your energy, your body and your happiness No 1. As you fill your cup first, you have more to share with others. Love yourself fully and see how others begin to treat you and relate with you.

SUSANA TUYA SARMIENTO IS AN INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY SPEAKER, TV PRESENTER AND AUTHOR. YOU CAN READ AND WATCH HER MUSINGS AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BEINGSUSANA AND CONTACT HER AT WWW.SUSANATUYASARMIENTO.COM

SLEEPDROPS

STRESSED? NOT SLEEPING? LOOKING FOR AN ALL-NATURAL SLEEP AND STRESS SUPPORT SOLUTION? SleepDrops, New Zealand’s number-one sleep remedy brand, has developed a whole-body and sleep support tonic called ‘Essential Sleep and Stress Nutrients’ and nicknamed ‘SleepDrops Powder’.

SleepDrops powder is an all-inclusive blend of key antioxidants and nutritional co-factors that will support you to sleep all night as well as enhancing other important aspects of your health and well-being: all while you are sleeping!

SleepDrops Powder

by NZ’s #1 Sleep Brand*

3 3

Sleep support Stress support

Support for you to sleep through the night.

Available in health stores, pharmacies and

www.sleepdrops.co.nz A fantastic blend of scientifically proven nutrients to assist with sleep and stress, SleepDrops powder allows you to take all of your daily supplements in one easy-to take powder: Always read the label and take as directed. *New Zealand’s No.1 Sleep Brand Aztec Data Jan 2015

• • • • • •

Vitamins B1, B5 and B6 for nervous and adrenal system support Two forms of magnesium, supporting nervous system function, healthy sleep cycles and muscle, and cardiovascular and digestive function A whopping 3,660mg of vitamin C to support immunesystem function, natural liver detoxification processes, allergic response, stress-hormone maintenance and adrenal wellness Potassium to support your nervous system, muscles and heart health Zinc to assist normal immune function, and support sleep and stress pathways within the body Tart cherry, a well-known antioxidant to support your collagen and anti-wrinkle strategy, and support natural sleep hormones for healthy sleep-pattern support.

Simply take two teaspoons of SleepDrops powder mixed in a glass of water at bedtime to provide support for your body every night as part of your commitment to 24/7 well-being — especially during times of stress, sleeplessness and low immunity. SleepDrops powder is a delicious drink, suitable for the whole family.

Don’t settle for being tired and sick — prioritise your family’s well-being today with SleepDrops powder from New Zealand’s number-one-selling sleep range.

SleepDrops powder is best taken every night for the ultimate natural sleep support for you and your family.

SleepDrops Essential Sleep and Stress Nutrients can be combined with SleepDrops for Adults, SleepDrops for Kids, SleepDrops for Babies and DayDrops for all-natural sleep and stress support.

RRP $35 FOR A TWO-WEEK SUPPLY FREE ONE-ON-ONE NATUROPATHIC PRODUCT ADVICE OFFERED ON 0800 345 999 WWW.SLEEPDROPS.CO.NZ Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.

June 2015 29

WELLNESS FEATURE

TIRED OF BEING TIRED?

LIVING and BREATHING WELLNESS IS IT MORE THAN JUST REGULAR EXERCISE AND HEALTHY EATING?

Wellness is neither a one-trick pony nor an easy feat; it is, in fact, a combination of many attributes in our daily lives and our environment. What wellness actually comprises certainly will differ from one person to the next and, realistically, probably doesn’t really matter as long as it includes exercise, activity, eating well and being well, which together create a healthy, happy and holistic lifestyle.

Exercise and activity are also responsible for physical and mental well-being while providing a level of social interaction in many instances. Therefore, if we are regularly active and exercising, we are more than halfway there and, with the release of endorphins creating a psychological gain, exercise and activity start to exhibit prime facets of wellness.

Wellness and well-being are lifestyle factors not fad diets or six-week, quickfix, training challenges. They involve sustainable behavioural, lifelong change in exercise, eating, lifestyle behaviours and patterns. Then how do we manage a lifelong, ideal state of well-being? We should engage in regular, planned and purposeful exercise plus general activity, add in a balanced and healthy diet, and surround ourselves with good energy, whenever possible.

If we slip in the exercise routine and regularity, we often start to slip in the healthy eating, quality sleeping, energy and motivational stakes too. This, in turn, can create a negative effect on our emotional well-being and we sink into habits that are difficult to break.

What we need to focus on is moving beyond getting started and, once we have started, maintaining a lifestyle of activity, exercise, healthy eating and balance.

Do you know what motivates and inspires you to eat well, exercise and be well?

30

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

These environmental and situational factors will ring a bell with us all. By identifying the factors that relate to you, you can avoid possible pitfalls in achieving that ideal state of wellness.

There is the all-too-common excuse of time. Our lifestyles are excessively busy and finding the time to exercise can be almost impossible, yet not totally. You have to make the time; exercise must become part of your daily routine. For exercise adherence to occur and for exercise to be beneficial to health or enhance an individual’s goals, time management is vital: • • •

Plan your training time Set realistic training times Anything is better than nothing.

Exercise and training are investments in your health and prolonged well-being; it’s about prevention not medication.

Research has proven time and again that a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise has numerous beneficial health effects, that you just might find money can’t buy.

You should: • • • •

Invest in a personal trainer to suit your financial situation Purchase in bulk to reduce costs Save on your medical insurance by being active.

The environment and facilities you exercise in play a huge role in your training enjoyment and, consequently, in your continual return to regular exercise. Facilities that provide the latest equipment, knowledgeable, vibrant trainers, clean facilities and helpful staff are important to us as exercise enthusiasts but, most importantly, a facility that provides a warm, welcoming, friendly and personal environment appeals to our needs for comfort and support while working out. It needs:

• • •

A convenient, easy location with car parking Fresh, clean and modern equipment and facilities Friendly supportive environment, staff members and service.

Lack of support, motivation and energy to make a lifestyle change and get moving are excuses often utilised amongst us. These all lead back to motivation; motivation will reap the rewards and the rewards will reap motivation. For example, when we are feeling fit and healthy, we are more likely to exercise as this intrinsically motivates us. Yet we just need some help finding that little bit of motivation in the first instance. It could help to: • • • •

Drop the intensity, if necessary, but don’t waive the session Revitalise the body with exercise and activity Train when your energy levels are at their highest Enlist training support from family and friends.

Don’t look to find excuses not to train well, live well and be well. Put your energy and focus into finding that balance with food, exercise, social time and quiet time, ‘me’ time and family time. Piece it all together to complete the package, wrap it all up and call it wellness: your happy, healthy place and your level of well-being tailored to your current stage of life.

So what’s your excuse now for not living and breathand breathing wellness?

REMUERA RACKETS 17 DILWORTH AVENUE | REMUERA 09 524 8857 WWW.RRC.CO.NZ

BODYWISE PILATES

WHY DO WOMEN NEED STRENGTH AND STRENGTH TRAINING?

WELLNESS TO WELL-BEING

Well-being is defined simply as feeling good and functioning well. It is more than wellness; it is about being fully engaged and enjoying every aspect of life. Improving well-being leads to the prevention of disease and outcomes such as:

In today’s world, sedentary jobs and increased technology are robbing us of our muscles and our strength. Muscles enable you to move and are your metabolic engine, burning calories even when you sleep; they give you shape and energy. When you lose muscle, your body will tend to replace it with fat so the scales may be saying the same thing as they were but the mirror may be telling you something different.

This is because muscle tissue is much denser than fat is, so half a kilogram of fat takes up more space than does half a kilogram of lean muscle.

If strength training conjures up images of sweaty gyms and big weights, think again. Being strong doesn’t mean having big muscles, necessarily. There is no need to push weights in the gym (although that is a great way to grow strength and stay lean). You can achieve great functional strength through body weight work such as Pilates and group exercise.

Functional strength means being strong enough for daily living, lifting your children, climbing stairs, moving furniture and even making the bed.

And with physical strength comes mental strength. If you feel strong and comfortable in your body, your confidence and personal strength will grow.

Words: Jenny Green, Bodywise Pilates at Marua Medical Clinic and Remuera Rackets Club

EIGHT GREAT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD STRENGTH TRAIN: • • • • • • • •

It gives your body shape and tone.

It builds lean tissue which burns more calories than fat tissue can.

It helps prevent and manage chronic disease such as diabetes, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

It can lower blood pressure and improve your cholesterol profile.

It improves balance, preventing falls and injuries.

For rehabilitation, it can speed up recovery from injury and have you back on your feet more quickly.

For athletic performance, it gives you the edge on the field and helps prevent injury.

It is a fun exercise; join a group, find a trainer and make it enjoyable.

BODYWISE PILATES 09 965 3011 027 478 0272 BODYWISE PILATES WWW.BODYWISEPILATES.CO.NZ

• • • • • • • • •

Better physical health Healthier lifestyles Improved recovery from illness Fewer limitations in daily living Higher educational attainment Greater productivity, employment and earning power Better relationships with adults and children Improved social cohesion and engagement Improved quality of life. (Friedli, 2009)

I work with individuals, communities and businesses to give priority to well-being. As a social work practitioner for more than 20 years, I specialised in counselling patients and families, health and social welfare professionals, and communities to develop the skills and attributes associated with well-being.

Well-being coaching includes working on the underlying causes of a problem, not the symptoms. Improving understanding of how attitudes, life experiences, choices, relationships and environmental factors impact on managing challenges and change is critical to achieving well-being.

“As our senses are bombarded with information and workplace demands, and family, financial and time pressures add to daily stress, we need well-being support.”

Wellness has been important to me, always. As a fitness instructor in a rural Central Otago district, I enjoyed home-grown food, clean water, fresh air, and being part of a strong and connected community. Well-being is not a static process; it is a continuum.

It is critical to protecting and enhancing our lives and to being connected with our communities. As our senses are bombarded with information and workplace demands, and family, financial and time pressures add to daily stress, we need well-being support. Changing energy levels, inadequate sleep and lack of downtime can compromise our wellness. Processed foods, chemical and radiation invasion of our environment and our food, and EMF overload all impact on our health.

Awareness of the importance of wellness and well-being services is increasing. As Wellness Services and Development Manager for a private, proactive holistic health provider, I want to help you unlock your well-being. The clinic provides holistic health and well-being assessments to people of all ages. Our goal is to support you to maintain optimal well-being through regular assessments and reviews. If you would like to know more about unlocking your key to personal health and well-being, I’d be delighted to assist you.

Friedli, L. (2009) ‘Mental health, resilience and inequalities’, World Health Organization MAREE MCLEAY WELLNESS SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 021 441 053 June 2015 31

GAIA RETREAT & SPA LAUGHTER FOR THE SOUL

Only a three-hour flight away from Auckland, the Gold Coast-Byron Bay area offers so much more than sea, surf, sand and sun. Close to the magnificent beaches, the lush hills and mountains of the hinterland provide the perfect base for a selection of luxury retreats each offering its own unique mix of ways to relax and rejuvenate — far from the bustle of the city and coast. One in particular, Gaia (spirit of mother earth), is known for providing stretch time for the soul, and the freedom just to stop and be.

Discovered by Olivia Newton-John and her close friend Gregg Cave, the retreat reflects Olivia’s personal style and connection with the environment, something with which she has always had a strong affinity.

They say that, when choosing a health resort, one should look for an experience that will stand the test of time; poised high on a hill overlooking the countryside and out to the ocean, Gaia, with its breathtaking landscapes, undulating vistas, impeccably manicured lawns, tennis courts, intriguing sculptures and comfy day beds at the best vantage points, is unforgettable in every way.

One could not find a more heavenly place to unwind.

You may stay at Gaia for only a few days (five days are recommended) but the effects are lasting. Whether you are grieving, dealing with or recovering from an illness, trying to give up smoking or wishing to consume less alcohol, going 32 www.vervemagazine.co.nz

through a relationship break-up, or simply needing to reboot and rejuvenate, Gaia will embrace and support you in your quest.

The accommodation is flawless, inside and out. Every comfort one could wish for is taken care of, from the infinity plunge pool and private deck with views to die for, to the beautifully appointed living and sleep areas. Your suite will have you feeling a world away from your normal reality. Gaia is centred around Kukura House, an attractive Samoan-style longhouse, with beautifully carved wooden doors and tall ceilings; it is here that guests commune and delicious spa-cuisine-style meals are served.

The entirely organic menu is tantalisingly good, with many of the ingredients coming from Gaia’s impressive vegetable and herb garden. Unless you have any special dietary requirements, the menu is a set one, changing daily. The food is abundant; though not much red meat is served, chicken and seafood are readily available. Although all the dishes served are ridiculously healthy and yummy, breakfasts at Gaia take the cake!! They are true culinary delights, especially after a delicious hour and a half of yoga.

There are activities aplenty. At the end of each day, during the evening meal, each guest is handed a card listing activities available the next day. On your card could be an early-morning yoga session, a cooking class, spa treatments and a corestrengthening workout. It is up to you whether you partake in what is on offer or simply choose to do your own thing – which could be lying by the pool with a book, playing hooky in the nearby artsy-craftsy village of Bangalow or visiting the famous Harvest café in Brooklet for an aromatic flat white.

WELLNESS FEATURE

“Gaia Retreat & Spa gives you the chance to move out of your usual environment, reset your body and mind...”

The spa at Gaia is a dream come true. The setting, the sounds and the sensuous aromas all add to the exquisite sensory experience that is at the heart of the Gaia experience.

Gaia is staffed by some of the finest healers and therapists in Australia, and the team delivers specialised treatments for men and women, which are both grounding and truly restorative.

Choose from a menu of more-ish sounding treatments like the four-hands massage (pure magic) or the intuitive massage (so special). Apart from the usual spa fare, treatments like hypnotherapy and psych-counselling sessions are also on offer.

The comprehensive menu offers a lot of choice and a wide variety of price points.

This slice of paradise gives you the chance to move out of your usual environment, reset your body and mind, and learn how to craft a lifestyle that will support healthy behaviour for years to come. Gaia Retreat & Spa promises lasting memories of lessons learnt, conversations had and a time when all that mattered was you. It truly is one for the bucket list.

Words: F Harrison

GAIA RETREAT & SPA TEL: +61 2 6687 1216 933 FERNLEIGH ROAD BROOKLET, NSW, AUSTRALIA, 2479 WWW.GAIARETREAT.COM.AU

DEFINITELY WORTH IT The food was incredibly healthy, breakfast being my favourite! Home-made muesli, nuts, bee pollen, seeds of all description, fresh salmon, tomatoes and avocado, grainy bread and fresh juices!

(Alcohol was available at dinner on request as was organic coffee at any time during the day.)

I booked in for a deep-tissue massage and was asked if I would like to experience an ‘intuitive massage’. I loved it!

Hot oil running over my back, rubbed in and massaged.

It was soothing and I felt totally at ease and relaxed.

At the end of the massage, the masseuse then told me a little about myself: incredibly ‘intuitive’ words she spoke about me!

My highlight was meeting a very inspirational 38-yearold Australian woman who was at Gaia as a guest — she was there because, sadly, she has Hodgkin’s lymphoma and was trying to work her life out. She was admitting to me and to herself that her work/life balance was and had been totally out of kilter! That’s something we must all listen to. I will stay in touch with her.

The staff was exceptional: remembering your name and making you feel as though you were the only guest at Gaia!

— Jude M —

June 2015 33

TONY ROBBINS I confess to being somewhat star-struck when the world’s most successful life coach and strategist, Anthony Robbins, stormed on to the stage.

140|The Twitter Conference — Tony Robbins. Photo: Brian Solis

The 6’7” Robbins embraced all 1,200 attendees with his beaming smile as he held his hands up clapping to the loud music. Feeling somewhat drunk on adrenalin, I could not help myself and, in an instant, was also on my feet dancing to the music and waving my arms about.

Within a week my husband and I were booked to attend the sixday seminar, Date with Destiny, on the Gold Coast the following April. Gently, when the time was right, I informed him that each day was 14 hours long, adding, “don’t worry, love, you won’t want to sleep, this is Anthony Robbins.”

My husband next to me was happy to stand; however, that was all. Anything else was slightly out of his comfort zone. Laughing, I said to him “you will be clapping by day six.” I was wrong; within hours he, too, was moving as if no one was watching.

The six days were extraordinary to say the least. We delved into many areas: our relationships, our professional lives, our health and wellness, and, most importantly, the relationship with our selves. The content was interesting, the processes were enjoyable, interactive and effective, and, we got to dance.

The atmosphere was electrifying and, in this moment, I understood why I had not been able to wait to see Anthony Robbins in person.

His energy and obviously caring heart were clear demonstrations of why these events are consistently near maximum capacity.

It was last October, during a few days away to write and think, I made the impromptu decision to one day attend a Robbins event. Having just turned 50, I was ready and willing to shift some ‘stuff’ and determined to make this my best decade ever.

Even though I had listened to and read his work for many years, I knew to attend such an event would be life changing and the perfect environment for further personal growth.

34

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Day one was like a big introductory party. Robbins commanded the stage for ten hours straight as he set the tone for the remaining five days and armed us with the tools and knowledge to make this journey a personal success.

His energy and obviously caring heart were clear demonstrations of why these events are consistently near maximum capacity.

Yes, the days were marathons: anywhere between 14 and 18 hours long. In spite of averaging between three and five hours of sleep each night, we were highly charged, motivated and eager to do it all again each following day. This, I discovered, was the magic of Anthony Robbins.

It was on the second day that everything changed for me when I heard Robbins use the word ‘excuse’. Hearing this one simple word during an intervention with a young woman was all it took to trigger my massive personal shift.

In spite of the gentle manner in which he said it, for me it felt as though a torpedo had been launched in my direction. This was why I was here; hence, I embraced the hit. From that moment on, like the snap of my fingers, everything changed.

WELLNESS FEATURE

Similar transformations occurred on a number of occasions for many of the attendees. It was a privilege to observe how Robbins worked, how he coached, how he listened and the questions he asked. If you were open and willing, his techniques were fast and effective.

Statements such as “don’t make your life about ‘someday’. It will lead to a place called nowhere” and “you don’t worry about being ‘enough’ when you are serving” certainly encouraged you to reflect on what was important in life.

“What if the things you regret the most were meant to happen?”

DO YOU HAVE

DRY EYES?

Similarly, the right questions, such as “what if the things you regret the most were meant to happen?” or “what have you blamed yourself for which perhaps needed to happen?” were both examples of how the meaning we placed on life events might be holding us back in some way.

Each day brought memorable moments, however, probably none more than relationship day, all 18 hours of it. By midnight, when many of us were ready for bed, Robbins pulled something out of the bag that electrified the room.

The emotion for the next two hours was like nothing I had ever experienced at such an event. By 2am when the evening came to a close, sleeping was not a priority; most of us were still in awe of what we had just witnessed.

Just as we did, many couples attended together. Not only was it beneficial but also very special. We were placed in separate teams, which allowed each to grow without the distraction of the other. This made coming together as a couple even better as we brought our best selves back to the relationship.

The lessons and experiences during the six days were considerably more than I could have imagined. We explored our personal stories, our limiting beliefs and the meanings we had placed on events in our lives, all of which could be stopping us from reaching our full potential.

We were shown, and some of us experienced, how anything was possible. To be physically and emotionally fit and to have the ability to change was available to us all: to believe that, if we let go of our fears and took the leap, the net would always appear.

Do you suffer from sore, red, burning, itchy, ‘heavy-feeling’ and gritty eyes?

Do you experience discomfort, have a poor wearing time or a dry feeling with your contact lenses?

Now, Vision X in Parnell can offer E-Eye I.P.L. (Intense Pulsed Light) technology to alleviate symptoms.

This is currently the only medically approved I.P.L. device for MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction) treatment. MGD is recognised as the most common cause of dry-eye symptoms.

Most importantly, we were reminded of how precious our lives are and of how, at times, they are too short.

A recent study at The University of Auckland, conducted by Associate Professor Jennifer Craig (Head of the Department of Ophthalmology’s Ocular Surface Laboratory), found that 86 per cent of participants noted reduced dry-eye symptoms after three treatments.

So what next when the time comes for the event to end? You leave this amazing environment and say goodbye to your new friends. The adrenalin slowly wears off when you arrive home to commence the normality of life again.

To start experiencing relief and for further details, phone Vision X on 09 373 4879.

You certainly don’t leave empty handed. In addition to the workbooks, memories, tools and new life strategies, the most valuable gift is that you leave with a new way of thinking.

As Robbins so perfectly summarised, “It is not about the goals and what we achieve in life, it is about who you become in the process.”

You come home with a deep knowing that life will never be the same again.

2 5 9 B PA R N E L L R OA D | PA R N E L L TELEPHONE 09 373 4879 W W W. V I S I O N X PA R N E L L . C O . N Z

Words: Tanya Unkovich

June 2015

35

FITNESS and HEALTH TRENDS

It turns out that all those hours spent pounding away on the treadmill or spinning the stationary bike might have been a big fat waste of time. The latest and unsurprisingly very popular thinking is that all you need is a 20-minute Express Workout at high intensity to achieve more than your average hourlong slog.

36

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

WELLNESS FEATURE

“

“Burn more fat, grow muscle, build a stronger heart AND slow down ageing in 20 minutes.”

Burn more fat, grow muscle, build a stronger heart AND slow down ageing in 20 minutes — the typical High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout involves alternating short, very highintensity intervals of exercise with longer intervals of low-to-moderate exercise for recovery. Not only does this express workout benefit your health and body so much more but, with such a short time commitment, it is psychologically and organisationally easier to fit into your day.

And it can be done anywhere with no weights or machinery necessary.

Bodyweight training, using functional movements like lunges, squats, burpees, push-ups and planks, is on the ascendancy in 2015 and combines nicely with the express philosophy.

“It’s all about making your regime attainable and sustainable,” says Vann Dizon, personal trainer at Les Mills, Takapuna.

“The glory days of personal training are long gone. No longer can trainers charge people huge fees to have a chat about life and count to ten reps.”

These days people are after more, much more. The advent of small group training has a totally new spin; you get the critique and tuition of a good PT session combined with the energy and enthusiasm of any great team environment from your new peers. This ultimately has more longevity than does training for training’s sake.

And it’s more affordable. Trainers like Vann are now offering small group personal training where the session costs the same, no matter how many participants turn up.

“It incorporates accountability into your

training session,” he says. “It’s cheaper — if everyone turns up — and is part of creating a community.”

Digital engagement in exercise, using devices like Fitbit for tracking activity, goal setting, recording workouts and sharing, and apps like Zombies, Run! to motivate, is expected to keep growing in 2015 as ‘fast followers’ come on board.

But it’s not just about the new devices and exercise as we all know. This year will see the continuing rise of ‘mindful eating’: not dieting but eating real food.

“In the nineties and early 2000s, it was all about energy in/energy out and losing weight,” says Gareth O’Donnell, personal trainer and Crossfit coach at Southern Latitude in Newmarket.

“Now we want a nutritional system that gives us vitality and has longevity beyond a six-week challenge or a set date.

Everyone has cottoned on to the fact that the choices we make now will affect how we feel later — be it in two weeks, in two years or two decades later.

“It’s a philosophical approach to nutrition; I choose to eat a certain way because I believe it will give me long-term benefits.”

Put simply, we are choosing (or should be choosing) foods that are products of nature more than they are products of industry: local fruit and veges, organically grown meat, full-fat dairy, nothing processed. Fat, protein and carbs — the good ones — are back on the healthy menu while refined sugar and wheat have been exiled to Siberia, with not much chance of returning.

HOW TO MAKE BULLETPROOF COFFEE: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Take 2½ heaped tablespoons of ‘Bulletproof Coffee’ (or other beans grown at high altitude) and place in a plunger with one cup of just-off-theboil water.

Add one tblsp unsalted butter.

Add one tblsp of coconut oil or ‘Bulletproof Brain Octane’.

Blend for 30 seconds until frothy on top.

Enjoy a sustained energy boost without that mid afternoon droop

The good news is that, apparently, coffee can be a completely guilt-free pleasure now with the arrival of bulletproof coffee or the fat black. In fact, this recent import from America is claiming it actually will sustain your health by providing you with a shot of long-lasting energy (through the addition of butter) and improve brain performance (with a tablespoon of MCT oil — super-strong coconut oil).

With the high fat content, this is definitely a drink geared more towards active people but butter is now firmly in the ‘good fat’ camp, along with coconut oil, avocados, olive oil and most nuts. Hurrah!

Words: Suzy Fraser Image top: New Zealand importer of Bulletproof products and founder of Primal Culture, Trudy Northcott.

WWW.PRIMALCULTURE.CO.NZ

June 2015

37

WHAT IS A POSTURAL ASSESSMENT? Recurring injuries preventing peak sporting performance? ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Achieve long-term, pain free results Increase physical and energetic performance Repair persistent weakness Look and feel better with optimal posture Relieve aching joints, back pain, or injuries Sports specific conditioning Stabilise your core – key to injury prevention Correct muscle imbalance to be pain free GEt tHE rEsuLts yOu dEsErvE

Schedule your...

FrEE

Postural assessment ($100 value)

please mention this ad when booking

MICHELLE OWEN – Postural & Wellness specialist • Postural & Orthopedic assessment & corrective exercise • Individual training • Corporate Wellness Seminars

m. 021 770 153 | www.michelleowen.co.nz In this assessment, I use a postural grid to look at the distortions within the body that could be causing pain and discomfort.

Then a series of muscle length/tension tests will identify which muscles are too weak and need strengthening, which muscles are too tight and need stretching, which joints need mobilising, etc. Spinal curves and pelvic angles are measured to understand holding patterns in static posture. Movement patterns are assessed, also, in varying degrees, depending on your needs. This detailed assessment provides the information necessary to move forward and develop a highly skilled, individual programme to correct your postural imbalance.

This postural assessment takes two hours.

We discuss your pain and discomfort and what you have done previously about it — most of my clients have tried a lot of other methods but have not had the long-term results that they desire.

First, I explore what you are doing currently for exercise, your sporting requirements, your goals, your time and commitment levels, your overall health and abilities, and anything else that is needed. Then there is a full measure-up of the body to find imbalances. It is this high-calibre, unique postural assessment that gives the ability to look at the ‘whole’ picture. This is what sets it apart from many other modalities.

38

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Good practitioners will always assess their clients before working with them. Why? Because if they’re not assessing — they’re guessing.

With the winter ahead of us, I am sure that you are thinking about what you will do to keep fit and healthy through the chillier months. If, like most people, you have some level of discomfort, pain or recurring injury within your body, why not make a physical health plan to correct your posture, muscle imbalance and body structure. In other words instead of just working out, you work intelligently towards a specific long-term goal of a fitter, stronger, and pain-free body.

Posture is one of the most unrevealed, best-kept secrets — poor posture leads to many dysfunctions within the body from back pain, and knee, calf, shoulder, hip and ankle problems to torn hamstrings, painful Archilles tendons and more. These issues can cause general aches and pains through to debilitating pain.

If people corrected their posture, we would have many fewer orthopedic problems and, hence, surgeries. So many people require surgical procedures because of long-term postural issues.

GOOD POSTURE MAKES YOU LOOK TEN YEARS YOUNGER, CREATING OPTIMAL SHAPE, CURVES, FLATNESS AND JOINT POSITION IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES. IT ALSO GIVES YOU THE LOOK OF CONFIDENCE.

These assessments are both proven and comprehensive — to identify the cause not treat the effect — for you to achieve your true potential.

Perfect posture is essential for everyone but even more so for athletes — the more athletic that you are, the more you need good alignment.

How do I know if I need a Postural Assessment?

You might feel as though you have tried everything possible without relief.

You have pain, discomfort, weakness or tight muscles, or feel twisted somehow.

You have recurring injuries. You’re aware of your slouched position. You want to be functional, strong and pain free for life and sport. You’ve been told you need surgery or have had surgery. You’re an athlete wanting to improve your sport performance. You have pain and can’t play your sport. You’re a mum, dad or grandparent wanting to play with your kids as they get older. You’re a busy corporate and want to train intelligently. You want to be functional, pain free and improve with age.

learning to hold body position in sitting and standing is essential. We don’t learn this anywhere. Then you learn highly skilled exercises that are unique to your imbalance. The correct exercises are determined from your assessment.

A varied mixture of myofascial stretching, spinal decompressions, spinal stability and functional movement patterns are taught and evolved over time to make you flexible, mobile, strong and connected to do the things you love without pain and dysfunction.

A postural assessment and correction deals with the underlying issues of structural imbalance and is a long-term approach to being great.

What happens after the assessment?

The training begins. Creating new neural pathways is key. Simple things like

Michelle Owen

BUS / ED + SOCIETY

Ess

Essential Skills.

Empowered Lives.

The prov and seco the

“The Life101 course was highly informative and beneficial, now I’m much more knowledgeable about things I knew little about”

Ven Cou

Ven Cou

Sophie Claridge

Life Skills course for teenagers.

The three-day Life101 course provides young people with essential life and financial skills that are not currently taught in depth in secondary schools, giving your teenager the best chance of succeeding in life!

While there is plenty of good stuff taught in secondary schools, there is also plenty of real-world, practical information missing. Leaving secondary school is a critical time in every young person’s life and the decisions they make and the habits they create now will shape their lives forever.

Essential Skills. Empowered Lives.

Benefits for your teenager: • Gain essential financial skills to be able to understand and plan their financial future better • Gain ‘worldly’ life skills that will assist and be with them throughout their lives • Understand their personality type better so they can make decisions that suit them better and reach their individual potential • Become aware of the different directions that are available when leaving secondary school • Make a more educated decision when selecting a suitable university degree • Gain a wider understanding of how to make money beyond working for someone else

“

Life101 workshops include: • Psychometric Testing — Personality Profiling • Career Direction • University Direction • Producing a C.V. (Curriculum Vitae) • General“The Health & Fitness Life101 course was highly • Saving informative Money and beneficial, now I’mBudgeting much more knowledgeable • Personal about little about” • Preparing forthings a JobI knew Interview Sophie Claridge • Basic Vehicle Mechanics • Basic DIY Renovations • Basics of Property • Basics of Business • Basics of the Share Market • Self Defence

The three-day Life101 school holiday course provides young people with essential life and financial skills not currently taught in secondary schools, giving your teenager the best chance of succeeding in life.

Venue: Takapuna Boating Club, North Shore Course Starting: Monday 6th July Venue: Parnell Community Centre, Parnell Course Starting: Monday 13th July

Personality Profiling • Career Direction • University Direction Producing a C.V.

Great informative course, very useful and Essential Skills. Empowered Lives. fun. Great, energetic presentation and The three-day Life101 school holiday course useful workshops.” provides young people with essential life — Alheit and Greg financial skills not currently taught in

secondary schools, giving your teenager The next school holiday courses are starting on Monday July inofTakapuna the best6chance succeedingand in life.

Monday 13 July in Parnell. Register your teenager early as numbers are limited!

“The Life101 course was highly Venue: Takapuna Boating Club, North Shore informativeand andto beneficial, For more information register,now please visit www.life101.co.nz and6th join Course Starting: Monday Julyus on I’m much more knowledgeable Facebook ‘LIFE101NZ’ to keep up to date with the latest news and information.

Venue: Parnell Community Centre, Parnell about things I knew little about” Sophie Claridge

Course Starting: Monday 13th July

Preparing for a Job Interview Basic Vehicle Mechanics Saving Money Personal Budgeting Self Defence Basics of the Share Market Basics of Property Basics of Business Basic DIY Renovations General Health & Fitness

June 2015

39

VERVE’S PRESS RELEASES VERVE’S FAVE PRESS RELEASES TRENZSEATER

DRAPERS FABRICS

International interior design award media release.

Trenzseater is proud to announce that its interior design work directed by Ben Lewis has been internationally recognised by an internationally acclaimed judging panel for the International Design Award (IDA) has been distinguished with an Honourable Mention for the residential interior design work that it submitted for this year’s award.

Drapers Fabrics is a local business that provides bestquality and unique dress fabrics for designers, sewers and fabric enthusiasts (we also have great dressmakers we can recommend to you).

All of our fabrics are hand-picked from around the world: from Europe (Italy, France, Spain) to Japan, and our own New Zealand merino wool.

The International Design Awards (IDA) exists to recognise, celebrate and promote legendary design visionaries and to uncover emerging talent in architectural, interior, product, graphic, and fashion design. IDA aspires to draw attention to the iconoclasm of design on a global level, conceptualising and producing great work.

High-quality fabrics: Merino wools: stripes and plain colours; Italian wool suiting: coatings, plain, checks and tweed; Silks: plain and prints.

Trenzseater is privileged and humbled to have received this recognition internationally for its expertise in interior design. To obtain this definitive, quintessential look for whichTrenzseater is renowned for on an international scale, contact Trenzseater today to discuss your next project!

OPENING HOURS ARE: MON TO FRI: 10AM — 5PM | SAT AND SUN: 10AM — 4PM 35 TEED ST | NEWMARKET 09 524 5716

These all sell at really great prices! New designs in store weekly.

WWW.TRENZSEATER.COM

VERDO

101 FITNESS Happy Birthday!!

Auckland’s premiere salon Verdo celebrates its fifth birthday this month.

From the team at Verve to our favourite boutique fitness studio in Newmarket:

The salon has come a long way since its humble beginnings, expanding services to include spray tanning, hair, make-up and a Make-up School.

101 Fitness — turning five in June

Led by Auckland’s widely regarded ‘Queen of Nails’ Amber McIver, Verdo has gained a cult status amongst citizens and celebrities. With week-long waiting lists and media on Amber’s heels for tips and trends, there’s no wonder the one-stop salon has hit the big five.

Check out their NEW ‘Fab Abs’ core-strengthening programme Visit their website: 101FITNESS.CO.NZ

“We’re excited to be celebrating five years in Parnell. I love my job and I’ve come to think of my clients as friends,” says Amber.

09 303 3732 WWW.VERDONAILS.CO.NZ

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

DRESS FOR SUCCESS LAUNCHES RANDOM ACTS OF LIKENESS The global charity Dress for Success launches its Random Act of Likeness campaign in July. The campaign aims to spread messages of positivity and raise funds for the important work the charity does.

Paying someone a simple compliment can have a profound and positive impact on how a person feels. From Sunday 26 July to Saturday 1 August, Random Acts of Likeness will make available on its Facebook page (Facebook. com/RandomActsofLikeness) a ‘Like Card’ for users to share, either on their own News Feed or on their friends’ Walls. And for every LIKE the page gets, corporate partners will donate a dollar to Dress for Success.

The campaign also encourages people to commit real-world random acts of likeness throughout the week. Whether it’s buying an extra cup of coffee for a colleague or saying hi to the person who works in accounts.

“We’re aiming to reach out to as many people as possible so that we can communicate the real value of providing positive encouragement,” says Sue LewisO’Halloran, ANZ Regional Director of Dress for Success Worldwide.

“For every LIKE the page gets, corporate partners will donate a dollar to Dress for Success.“

Dress for Success provides a wraparound, multi-programmed service helping women in need to enter/return to the workforce and support them in their job search.

Once they are employed, Dress for Success equips them with job retention and leadership skills.

“One of the greatest gifts we give these women is the gift of confidence — the first step in transforming their lives and becoming strong role models for their families and their communities,” says Lewis-O’Halloran.

Funds raised from the campaign will enable Dress for Success to operate and assist more than 2,000 women in New Zealand to return to or enter the workforce within the next 12 months.

“We are on a mission to help get people back to the workplace”, says Lewis-O-Halloran. “Every dollar makes a huge difference as we seek to help more women transform their lives!”

FACEBOOK.COM/ RANDOMACTSOFLIKENESS

SQUARE INCH — FORM AND FUNCTION CAN COEXIST Dedicating an entire room for possible visitors feels wasteful. We all have those under-utilised spaces in our homes that could serve us better if we could find that clever solution. Introducing Square Inch functional furniture, which focuses on clever multi-use pieces that allow you to do more with less. Better still, comfort and style are not sacrificed.

The range comes from New York, where style is King but space can be tight. The aesthetic is modern, spare but super-functional. Conversions are effortless and furniture footprints can alter depending on what you need in the moment. Picture chairs that expand for visitors, sofas that convert effortlessly to comfortable, durable beds, modular pieces that can be reconfigured to be side tables, bookcases or stylish storage units.

Square Inch can make spaces work harder for you, whether that be in your home or your bach, or for your young adult kids setting up their first homes. For smart space ideas, visit the online shop www.squareinch.co.nz Deliveries can be made within two days depending on where you live.

09 212 8822 | 021 1147 186 SUSANF@SQUAREINCH.CO.NZ SQUAREINCH.CO.NZ

WINTER IS HERE Winter is here with its icy blasts and cool, damp conditions.

Landlords, are you prepared for this?

Have you had the chimney cleaned? Chimney sweeps are in short supply and all of them are very busy at this time of the year. It is very important to have this done — chimneys can catch alight and some insurance companies insist in their polices that chimneys are swept annually. Do not allow unflued gas heaters as, even though they heat up the room, they put too much moisture in the air and cause condensation and mould!

Think about installing insulation; a well-insulated property gives a more effective delivery of heat and prospective tenants always ask us if the property has insulation. Check curtains; if they are a bit threadbare, replace them with good-quality ones. This helps keep the warmth in — no one regrets buying quality and the curtains will last longer. I would suggest also that any vegetation growing close to the property is cut back, and trees and any branches hanging over the roof are trimmed.

Remember a cosy, warm tenant is a happy tenant and that makes a happy landlord. If you follow any of these suggestions, it will increase the desirability of the property to prospective tenants and, best of all, you will be able to increase the rent!

Keep warm and good renting, Just Rentals Ltd MREINZ

“

Do not allow unflued gas heaters as, even though they heat up the room, they put too much moisture in the air and cause condensation and mould!”

It has been a busy month in Newmarket. There have been quite a few launches and openings of new businesses.

Much like New Zealand’s current immigration situation, we have far more arrivals into the precinct than departures! Commercial and retail vacancy rates are decreasing. Generally, the market feels buoyant. This, in part, is being driven by Newmarket’s burgeoning hospitality sector. Strong growth in our night-time economy is driving increased foot traffic in the evenings, especially throughout the weekends. There will be more exciting developments in the coming months.

Recently, I attended the opening of The University of Auckland’s Newmarket campus. It is a superb facility and one that we can all be proud of; it will, in fact, thrust Auckland to the very forefront of engineering research. The growth of the campus and progressive increase in the student population will have a transformational effect on the area.

“Commercial and retail vacancy rates are decreasing. Generally, the market feels buoyant. This, in part, is being driven by Newmarket’s burgeoning hospitality sector.”

June is Newmarket’s month to reflect and acknowledge our business success stories. We will be celebrating at the annual ANZ Newmarket Business Excellence Awards on 19 June at Auckland War Memorial Museum. Look out for the winners, who will be announced later this month.

The friendly team specialising in home rentals and property management.

On the retail front, FCUK opens shortly in Nuffield Street and Seed Heritage on Broadway at 277, and Nest returns to the precinct with a new fit-out on York Street.

Visit our website at www.justrentals.co.nz

Best regards Mark

40 St Johns Road, Meadowbank Office Phone 09 528 4818 After Hours Phone 09 521 2539 Fax 09 528 4816 Email justrentals@xtra.co.nz

42

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

MARK KNOFF-THOMAS CHIEF EXECUTIVE MARK@NEWMARKET.CO.NZ #NEWMARKETNZ #AUCKLANDSTYLEOFLIVING

PUBLIC TRUST

NOT UPDATING YOUR WILL MEANS YOUR ESTATE MIGHT GO TO YOUR EX EVERYONE NEEDS A WILL.

Life brings little reminders if you are not organised, particularly in the scenario of a separation or divorce.

Have you experienced significant change in your life recently with your relationship or perhaps by buying a new home?

If you are in a relationship, never assume that your estate will go automatically to your partner — if you have been together for a period less than three years and you die without a Will, actually your partner may receive nothing.

Becoming married cancels your old Will automatically yet, if you separate, your Will remains the same.

“It’s worth remembering, also, that every asset can be valuable to people in different ways — the family car, holiday home or dinner service each tell a story. So specify your items now before it’s too late.

“Remember, a Will is more than an inventory transfer of assets, it is an essential ‘road map’ of your last wishes, which easily guides those closest to you during a very sensitive time.”

Words: Sarah Sparks

Becoming married cancels your old Will automatically yet, if you separate, your Will remains the same.

DO YOU HAVE A WILL? DOES IT REFLECT ANY RECENT CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE? IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT MAKING OR UPDATING YOUR WILL, GIVE PUBLIC TRUST A CALL NOW ON 0800 371 471 OR VISIT THEM AT WWW.PUBLICTRUST.CO.NZ

If you are entering into a de facto relationship after a separation or divorce, there is a greater potential for messy estate distribution outcomes if you don’t have an updated Will.

If you die without a Will, your estate will be managed under the Administration Act 1969 and your assets will be distributed to any surviving spouse, children and/ or parents in set proportions — not necessarily in the shares you would have chosen, says Matt Sale, General Manager Retail Customers.

After seeing family members fight over possessions, Sale cannot emphasise enough the importance of taking the time to seek expert advice so your wishes are written up correctly to put your estate all in order.

“Clients come in quite often with a huge degree of apprehension yet they know that they have to get their affairs in order. With a little guidance from us, a huge weight is lifted off their shoulders.”

Each year about five per cent of the Wills that go through probate are contested.

The bulk of these claims involve Wills that leave unequal shares to children or involve second families — with the children of a former marriage claiming against a surviving step-parent.

June 2015

43

THE NOBEL PRIZE Alfred Bernhard Nobel, 19th-century Swedish chemist, engineer and inventor, founded the famed Nobel Prize. The prize is awarded for achievements in scientific, literary and economic fields as well as, perhaps most prestigiously, peace; this is highly ironic considering Nobel was also an arms manufacturer and the inventor of dynamite.

“The fact that the inventor of dynamite had entrusted his money to create a peace prize, among other things, got a lot of people interested in the prize,” Nobel Museum curator Gustav Källstrand tells Wired. The reason that the money was entrusted was because of an erroneous obituary run by a French newspaper in 1888 entitled “The Merchant of Death is Dead.” Mistaking Nobel’s brother’s death for his own, the paper described Alfred as becoming rich by “finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before.” So appalled was Nobel that dynamite was deemed his legacy, he went about rectifying it by leaving his estate to the foundation of an organisation which celebrated mankind’s greatest achievements.

At the prize’s inception, the financial rewards for the winners were massive — around 20 years’ worth of academic salary. The prize raised the profile of the winners with the masses as well as with the educated.

“If you look at the factors that have made the prize important, I think that tradition has now replaced money,” adds Källstrand, “and tradition is based on decisions that have held up throughout the century.

In the past, you had committee members who gave Einstein and Heisenberg the prizes. Today, they have to hold up that responsibility to give away the prize to equally deserving people.”

“If you look at the factors that have made the prize important, I think that tradition has now replaced money...”

That doesn’t always happen. Earlier this year, the chair of the committee of the Nobel peace prize, Thorbjørn Jagland, was given the boot amid concerns that the impartiality of the awards was being compromised by the appointment of former politicians. Jagland, the former prime and foreign minister of Norway, is the first chairman to be ousted in the award’s history. Among his most notable — and controversial — of acts was to award the 2009 Nobel peace prize to President Obama, with the president not even a year into his tenure. Former Norwegian ambassador to the UN, Morten Wetland, described the win as the “most embarrassing day” of his job, with even Obama’s own chief-of-staff accusing Norway of “fawning” and putting the president in a very difficult position. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, James Taranto described Obama’s Nobel crowning as a “staggeringly premature honour” that was the “equivalent of a lifetime-achievement Oscar for a child star.”

Verve takes a look at some more of the most famous — and infamous — of Nobel laureates…

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

44

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

SIR ALEXANDER FLEMING Fleming’s 1945 medicine award, shared with Ernst Chain and Sir Howard Florey for their discovery of penicillin and its use as an antibiotic is perhaps both justified and controversial in equal measure. By the scientists’ own admission, the discovery was a total accident, with fungus found in unattended petri dishes, but it was one that has saved millions upon millions of lives.

Studies as far back as the 19th century noted the bacteria-fighting properties of mould, though Fleming and his team were, without question, the first to isolate and specifically produce penicillin from it.

NELSON MANDELA When Nelson Mandela won his 1993 Nobel peace prize, having unjustly served a 27-year jail term before campaigning for a peaceful end to the apartheid regime and lobbying for greater democracy in South Africa, his work was described as “a shining example for the world that there are ways out of the vicious circle of violence and bitterness.” The award was shared with Frederik Willem de Klerk.

Mandela became president of South Africa the following year.

THE RED CROSS Topping the list of most Nobel wins is the Red Cross, collecting peace prizes in 1917 and 1944 for its work during the world wars and a third in 1963, on the centenary of its founding. During both conflicts, the impartial charity worked with POW camps and civilians of all sides. It was, however, later criticised for withholding knowledge of the persecution of Jews in Nazi-controlled Europe ALBERT EINSTEIN Einstein’s Nobel prize for physics was not, as is often presumed, for his theory of relativity, but “for his services to theoretical physics and, especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect” even though he came up with both in the same year: 1905. His Nobel honour was bestowed in 1921 and given a year later.

The photoelectric effect, which concerns the reasons that light can be converted to electricity, is the science behind today’s solar technology.

MARIE CURIE Marie Curie and her family’s link to the Nobels is extraordinary. Not only is she one of only two people in history to win in two different fields (she won her first in 1903, jointly, with husband Pierre and Henri Becquerel for their discovery of radioactivity and her second in 1911 for chemistry) but her daughter Irene JoliotCurie and husband Frédéric also won the chemistry gong in 1935. If that’s not enough, Marie Curie’s second daughter’s husband, Henry Labouisse, was director of UNICEF when it collected the Nobel Prize for peace in 1965.

WANGARI MAATHAI Described by The New York Times as an “environmentalist, feminist, politician, professor, rabble-rouser and human rights advocate”, Wangari Maathai, in 2004, became the first African woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize for peace.

However, the day before she was due to collect her gong, an African newspaper published a piece which claimed Maathai compared AIDS to a “biological weapon” created by “evil-minded scientists” to control the African population. Maathai retorted that her comments had been taken out of context.

HENRY KISSINGER Widely believed to be the most controversial — some might say farcical — Nobel peace prize ever given was to former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 1973. The gong was technically awarded for his role in bringing a close to the Vietnam War, but his other role in the barbaric carpet-bombing campaigns in neighbouring Cambodia makes a total mockery of it.

June 2015

45

SKATEISTAN Oliver Percovich first came to Afghanistan with his skateboard in tow in 2007 and, caught up in the environment, began to teach local teenagers how to skate. Women and girls in the streets would approach him and beg for money; instead, he would offer his board to the girls, encouraging them to try it out and give skateboarding a go. Many of the girls didn’t know what a skateboard was until they planted their own feet firmly on the wood; “they called it a little car on wheels,” says Awista Ayub, Director of South Asia Programs — Seeds of Peace, in a recorded interview featured on the Skateistan website.

Many women and girls in the country weren’t allowed to participate in sports. “Sports were definitely things that boys could do but girls couldn’t,” says Oliver Percovich of his observation when he first came to Afghanistan. Ayub agrees: “The priority [for girls] is being in the house, attending to chores; to have sports be an added element to that agenda is rare.”

Teaching girls and youth to chase their dreams from the wheels of a skateboard

46

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

But skateboarding was catching on with local youth like wildfire. Before long, what began as toying around with a board and wheels on the streets turned into, with a little help from fund-raising, a busy, thriving and safe environment where youth could find empowerment through skateboarding lessons — Skateistan.

Many of the girls involved in the Skateistan programme, aged from five to 25 years, come from low-income families and have never ridden a bicycle before but they can rock out over jumps and rails with a skateboard. Skateistan has now reached international success and has won awards for its current projects in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa;

between these projects, it teaches more than 1,200 youth each week! In fact, thanks to Skateistan, skateboarding is now the largest sport for girls in Afghanistan.

But why skateboarding? First of all, it defies gender stereotypes. More than 300 girls, not older than 14, are now skilled skateboarders in Afghanistan and have empowered themselves through sport to reach beyond cultural and social standards, and even to start seeking education. “It’s girls lifting other girls up through the avenue of skateboarding,” says professional skateboarder Holly Lyons.

BUS / ED + SOCIETY

“Skateistan is not just about skating. It’s about giving people life skills and hope for their futures,” says Skateistan ambassador and pro skateboarder Tony Hawk and he’s absolutely right.

Skateistan may have begun with just a single skateboard, and Percovich teaching locals to skate for fun, but it has reached so far beyond that now, expanding to meet educational needs for young people.

Skateistan features its own learning sector called Back to School, which helps out-ofschool youth prepare to re-enrol or enrol for the first time in education. It features an accelerated learning programme, where youth are taught skills needed to prepare for exams and academic life, and, when the time comes, Skateistan helps its students to enrol in a government-operated school.

Skateistan has envisioned its own ‘Theory of Change’, co-developed by staff, students and stakeholders, which predicts that, if a safe and consistent environment is offered to youth and girls most in need, where social and educational goals are given a chance to be utilised to their maximum potential, then those youth involved in Skateistan will “participate more fully in a civil society which values their contributions.”

This theory began with the formation of bigger, better plans for Skateistan, which were harnessed through many minds.

Percovich explains, in a recorded interview, that grander ideas began to form for the Skateistan crew and the outcome of these ideas is that people all around the world are starting to see the positive effects that Skateistan is having on youth, and the future changes for which it is paving the way. “There are a whole lot of people just getting behind this idea that: yes, it was important for girls to access education and do sport and that, yes, it was important for the youth to have a hub, a place that would be their own, where they also had a chance to express themselves.”

So, as the slogan goes, Verve is here to help keep Skateistan rolling!

Inspired? Tell your friends. Be involved with Skateistan today. Donate, volunteer or become a sponsor by visiting the Skateistan website at www.skateistan.org or following Skateistan on Twitter at @Skateistan.

Words: Jennifer Sheil

June 2015

47

PAUL GOLDSMITH

RUDY’S PC SERVICE

SERIOUS ABOUT AUCKLAND HOUSING RUDY’S TIPS ’N’ TRICKS By the time you read this, Budget 2015 will have been read, dissected and prodded by everyone from the media to your opinionated extended relative.

I’m pleased that, because of a strong economy and good management, we can invest $790 million to reduce hardship among children living in our poorest families.

Probably the most topical issue in this part of Auckland, however, is the state of the housing market. Auckland is booming, which is good news, but we rightly worry about the affordability of housing in this city.

We’ve consistently said that freeing up more land and building more houses is the most important thing we can do for housing affordability. That’s why we’ve worked hard with the council to set up Special Housing Areas to quicken the supply of new houses.

RMA reforms will help also.

But we need to deal with the demand side too: to dampen demand from speculators. New measures will tighten tax rules around investment properties and overseas buyers of residential property. To make sure everyone pays tax as they should, all nonresidents and New Zealanders buying and selling property for profit must provide an IRD number. Every non-resident will have to provide the equivalent number from their home country and hold a bank account here.

We’re giving IRD the tools it needs to enforce this as well — a further $29 million for property tax compliance.

This isn’t about introducing a new tax but, rather, ensuring that the existing rules are being enforced. Neither is this about targeting your family home. These new rules are aimed squarely at ensuring investors who buy and sell residential property pay their fair share of tax.

These steps to make property tax fairer sit alongside further supply-side measures to improve housing affordability. Budget 2015 provides $52 million to facilitate housing development on Crown-owned land in Auckland. These measures, alongside the Reserve Bank’s moves, are expected to take some heat out of the Auckland property market.

We’re also helping more young New Zealanders into their first homes through our KiwiSaver HomeStart programme, which will benefit 90,000 first-home buyers. This programme allows couples to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to help towards a deposit to buy their first homes.

We know that Auckland’s housing issues are not going to go away overnight. The most sensible thing we can do as the Government is to continue to provide pragmatic, forwardlooking policies that increase housing supply and help people to get on to the property ladder.

We at Rudy’s are always happy to provide a comprehensive service to our customers. If this means an on-site visit to rectify connection issues, or if you physically can’t bring the computer to us, we will come to you.

We have numerous elderly clients, many of whom we have met through various SeniorNet groups or similar institutions.

A number of our mature customers have difficulty seeing the display easily. We can remedy that or at least make things easier by adjusting the screen to display high contrast or just by adjusting the display to be a better fit for the client’s eyesight.

We also have customers with limited sight who require special software. Some software will even read to you. Emails, letters and the desktop/menu items can be vocalised so you know what you are clicking on.

If you think you could benefit from any of these services, please give us a call. Rosemary has been helping a number of people with this for 15 years: keeping them in touch with the wider world and providing new interests for people of all ages and abilities.

I still build PCs to order. This is quite a popular service and I can build a computer precisely to your needs and budget: simple PCs just for light work or more powerful gaming computers. I have built some high-end PCs for media work and graphic design.

“We don’t simply dump your data on the desktop as some ‘experts’ do. We integrate it properly into all the right places.”

We can help you with any major brand you like, give advice on the level of specification you need for your intended use and supply fully set up systems with all your data migrated. We don’t simply dump your data on the desktop as some ‘experts’ do.

We integrate it properly into all the right places.

Call me to discuss your needs and we can tailor a system to suit your requirements.

At Rudy’s PC Services we can help you set up the best solution for your needs. Call us about anything regarding your computer and we will be glad to advise you and fulfil your requirements.

We are all about making long-term relationships with our customers. We give ongoing advice and support.

Often for free!

Rudy's Verve Mag advert.pdf 1 27/09/13 10:13 AM

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK HON PAUL GOLDSMITH MP NATIONAL LIST MP BASED IN EPSOM WWW.PAULGOLDSMITH.CO.NZ PAUL.GOLDSMITH@PARLIAMENT.GOVT.NZ 09 524 4930 48

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

29 ROBERT STREET, ELLERSLIE, AUCKLAND 1051 09 579 7809 INFO@RUDYSPCSERVICES.CO.NZ WWW.RUDYS.CO.NZ

H

i, my name is Jonathan Milne, founder of The Learning Connexion - New Zealand's largest school for art & creativity.

To receive your Art Inspiration Kit for FREE call 0800 278 769 and quote gift code "VM001". Or go online to www.ArtInspirationKit.com .

I've got an exciting GIFT for you - it's an experience of creativity. And this box has everything you need to make your own Coffee-As-Art creations.

Jonathan Milne, The Learning Connexion, (Est. 1988).

We've even added some coffee for drinking to get your creative juices going.

LIMITED STOCK I've only got 55 of these packages in stock. Once they're gone they'll be off the shelves for a week or two - so get yours today.

Step out of your 'busy' or 'boring' or whatever... give yourself a moment.

I'm giving you this valuable package for free.

GUARANTEE If you don’t LOVE this gift for whatever reason, keep it and I’ll refund the postage.

So, what's the catch?

Call 0800 278 769

There is no catch. All I'm asking is for Or Go Online to www.ArtInspirationKit.com & Quote Gift Code "VM001” $9 to keep the Posties in business.

To Receive Your Art Inspiration Kit for FREE.

All the care you need in the comfort of your own home.

There are many reasons why you will love retirement living at Remuera Rise, and one of the most appealing aspects is the fact that we can provide high quality, personalised care into each of our luxury apartments.

Whether you require temporary care a few hours a week or more comprehensive care, the level of support can be tailored for you, depending on your needs.

We recognise how important it is to you to be cared for within the privacy of your own apartment, surrounded by all the things you cherish. If this is the level of support and comfort you have been looking for, then talk to us today!

We have beautiful, one-bedroom apartments available now, priced from only $399,000.

No car, no problem! At Remuera Rise you have public transport and fabulous shopping located at your doorsteep. We are a five minute walk into Newmarket and a six minute train trip to the city.

At Remuera Rise you also have the added reassurance that all of our care is backed up by our boutique 12-bed Care Facility on site. We go out of our way to make you and your family feel welcome and at home — and if you have friends or family visiting from out of town, they can stay in our special luxury guest suite.

Energi J15301 | Remuera Rise is registered under the Retirement Villages Act 2003. Registration number 2557887

S

EE

F GE A L E VIL LIF D R IXE FO

F

BUS / ED + SOCIETY

Find Out How You Can Have This Art Inspiration Kit for FREE

Phone 0800 00 15 85, visit 30 James Cook Crescent, Remuera www.remuerarise.co.nz or view our yadsruhT Waiheke Island village at www.wrv.co.nz

YAD NEPO

.mp4 – ma01 rebmevoN ht02 June 2015

49

INNOVATIVE YOUNG PEOPLE

MUSHAMA & ME

For the past few years, Mushama & Me has been working towards helping people express their individuality in the rain.

I have spent years living in rainy cities from Auckland to Amsterdam. What I have learnt is that one can get down and out about the rain that falls upon us or one can celebrate. Rain comes with rainbows, puddles and raincoats, and, with a Mushama in your life, you have a colourful raincoat with life and character. It was the Dutch weather and lifestyle that inspired me to colour in those endless grey, rainy days and, with that, Mushama & Me was born. That was in 2012 and now I am back in the homeland with Mushama & Me.

VERVE WANTS VERVE WANTS TO TO BE INVOLVED GET INVOLVEDWITH WITH INNOVATIVE YOUNG INNOVATIVE YOUNG PEOPLE STARTING AA PEOPLE STARTING BUSINESS. BUSINESS.

Mushama & Me is an eco-conscious brand producing unique raincoats, made locally and with love in New Zealand from one-off vintage prints. Our fabrics are rescued from local second-hand shops and range from sheets and duvet covers to curtains and more. From there the fabrics go through a technical waterproofing process leaving them 100% windproof and waterproof and perfect for Mushama & Me rainwear.

I am a believer in slow fashion: quality garments made to last.

I aim to inspire people in our community to be a little more conscious of the social and environmental issues around fast fashion and to support quality clothing that isn’t following fastmoving trends. We are doing our best for the environment by hand-choosing used cotton fabrics and giving them new lives: fabrics which otherwise may have ended up in landfill. Socially, we have all our products made locally by Kiwis, each of whom earns the living wage.

All environmental issues aside, the real beauty of using pre-loved fabric is that no two raincoats are the same. There is a Mushama for everyone so enjoy finding yours and have fun in the rain.

Visit mushamaandme.com to see our full range of rainwear.

MUSHAMA & ME WWW.MUSHAMAANDME.COM 022 162 7869 50

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

IF YOU ARE STARTING A BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING SEEMS OUT OF YOUR BUDGET WE WANT TO HELP YOU! EMAIL FRAN@VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ OR JUDE@VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ

BUS / ED + SOCIETY

THE POSITIVE PROPERTY SERVICES

A PACKAGE-DEAL PROPERTY MAKEOVER SERVICE When endeavouring to make over a property, there is nothing worse than struggling to find the right contractors so Nigel Hibberd and his team set out to eradicate these stresses once and for all.

The Positive Property Services Co prides itself on offering proactive solutions for all of your property needs. Since opening in 2012, the company’s aim has always been to provide a costeffective and stress-free service.

“When maintenance is deferred and put into the ‘when we get around to it’ category, it leads to extra costs,” Nigel says.

He has a team of 26 dedicated workers, including a qualified technician for house washing, and often receives compliments on the quality of the work and the friendliness of the staff.

“Attention to detail, quality control and a team that takes pride in its workmanship have led to the growth of our business.”

The Positive Property Services Co tailors its work to both interior and exterior decorating, gib fixing and plastering requirements; it is a handyman service for those little jobs that need attention such as cleaning up grounds and removing waste.

“Attention to detail, quality control, and a team that takes pride in its workmanship have led to the growth of our business.”

Our work seems to be concentrated where there are villa and bungalow restoration makeovers — these can be from Onehunga through to Herne Bay, Ponsonby, Remuera, Parnell and surrounding areas.

So when the ‘too hard’ basket is on the brink of overflowing, rest assured that The Positive Property Services Co has all the guys on hand to help you achieve your property makeover dream.

6-17 July, 2015

At Parnell & Epsom from 7.30am – 6pm

Wild Winter School Holiday Adventures Loads of fun activities every day for 5-14 year olds, from Parnell Trust Haunted House Master Chef Ambury Farm Park Disco Fever Kelly Tarltons Snacking Safari Nerf Wars

Jump!

Weird Science Wheelie Amazing Day Computer Gaming LEGO Mindstorms … and lots more

Sign your kids up for two weeks of totally cool activities and adventures these July holidays, with Parnell Trust.

We’ve got three or more activity options to choose from every day, priced from $55.

CLUB HOUSE Loads of fun on site every day at Epsom and Parnell schools.

ADVENTURE SEEKERS Exhilarating adventures out and about in the Auckland area.

ON THE MOVE High energy activities, mainly offsite.

LEGO MINDSTORMS Extreme LEGO projects!

Full day and 2-day options.

SPECIAL PROJECTS Exciting technical/special challenges and activities for older kids including Computer Game Design, 3D Computer Modelling & Animation and Computer Gaming Challenge days.

Enrol Online NOW at www.parnell.org.nz

THE POSITIVE PROPERTY SERVICES CO LIMITED PHONE: 0508 POSITIVE (0508 767 4848) NIGEL@POSITIVEPROPERTY.CO.NZ WWW.POSITIVEPROPERTY.CO.NZ HOURS: MONDAY—FRIDAY: 08:00 TO 18:00 SAT: 10:00 TO 16:00 READ MORE ABOUT THE POSITIVE PROPERTY SERVICES CO ON PAGE 103.

Choose from two School Holiday Programme locations: • Parnell District School, Gladstone Road, Parnell • Epsom Normal Primary School, 41 The Drive, Epsom See programme details and enrol online at www.parnell.org.nz t 09 555 5194 f 09 379 2091 pfc@parnell.org.nz ParnellTrustSchoolHolidays

June 2015

51

PARNELL INC.

PARNELL SETS RECORD FOR BOUNDARY BALLOT Following several months of engagement with landowners and businesses in the greater Parnell area, the Parnell Business Association achieved a record result in its ballot with over 52 per cent of voters voting and a 75 per cent majority in favour of an expansion of its boundary.

The Parnell Business Association had around 500 members and, up to now, has represented only businesses along Parnell Road, from George Street down to The Strand. Defined as a BID (Business Improvement District), the limited boundary excluded all the businesses in Carlaw Park, along The Strand, in the St Georges Bay Road area and up towards Gladstone Road.

Following a strategic review late in 2013, the association began working on uniting the area under the campaign banner of ‘One Parnell One Precinct’ and illustrating the range of benefits and support that BID membership could provide.

Cheryl Adamson, General Manager of Parnell Inc., sees the importance of policy advocacy as a key support role the association provides. “Advocacy and representation are arguably the most valuable services provided by a businesses association in Auckland. Countless policy documents cross our desk and few companies have the time or resources to deal with them.

Auckland Council and Auckland Transport utilise the BIDs as direct conduits to disseminate policy info, so the majority of businesses located outside BID boundaries are often unaware of impending policy changes. In addition we will be developing a number of other service offerings, such as a crime-prevention and security programme, as well as embarking on an engagement strategy with the whole area to reposition the Parnell brand.

“The last 12 months have seen a massive resurgence in the area with restaurants such as Woodpecker Hill taking centre stage in Parnell Road and Republic setting up shop in the trendy York Street area. Millions more is being invested by Auckland’s major savvy property companies. Award-winning architects are being employed to design and create modern new structures while other companies are choosing to invest in restoring old classics.

From historic roots as the first suburb in Auckland, Parnell has evolved through a quaint and charming development phase that set the tone for a trendy retail district. Today it is a vibrant retail and business precinct that is both eclectic and diverse,” she said.

“But ultimately there is only one Parnell.”

The ballot to extend the area represented by the Parnell BID closed on 19 May with an overwhelming 75.08 per cent majority who voted yes to the proposed Parnell BID Boundary Expansion.

Due process will be followed in the next few weeks to completion for an inception date of 1 July 2015.

Paul Spackman, Chair of the Parnell Inc. Executive Committee, is thrilled by this opportunity to turn a narrowly focused organisation into a much broader one that can address the underlying issues facing the total business precinct and be more sensitive to the requirements of the comprehensive Parnell area. “We would like to extend our grateful thanks to all those companies and landowners who took the time and trouble to vote in the recent ballot. We achieved a record participation response of over 52.3 per cent of eligible voters who returned their votes, which is testimony to terrific stakeholder engagement. This result shows tremendous support for an integrated Parnell Business Association and we look forward to an exciting future together.”

WWW.PARNELL.NET.NZ 52

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

ALEXANDRA PARK

TWO GENERATIONS EMBRACE APARTMENT LIVING David and Joanna Koefoed are looking at their decision to move from house to apartment living as an adventure and with no lawns to mow or garden to take care of, there is an added bonus. They recently bought an apartment at Alexandra Park’s new ‘223 Green Lane West’ urban village development.

With grandchildren in Christchurch, a holiday home in Coromandel, and motherin-law in Thames, they will be able to pack their cases and go; their two-bedroomed apartment gives them a spare room when visitors come.

“Our first impressions on walking in to the Alexandra Park residential suite were WOW”, said David. “There is a superb finish and well-thought-out design, with the use of quality products throughout.”

Having a new village come to life in Epsom has been a factor in their choice of apartment development.

“The things that make Alexandra Park our residential choice are location, the views from the apartments, their design and security and a wish to remain in our familiar neighbourhood, close to friends and amenities,” he said.

David’s father Ross, lives close by. Retirement village life was in his mind as his next step but, instead, he also has purchased a one-bedroomed apartment on the same floor, across the hallway from his son. He is looking forward to independence, security and privacy.

“The closeness is perfect!” said David. “We can be on hand if Dad should need assistance or he can pop over for a cuppa in the evening and tell us about his day. We will no doubt continue our usual Friday night ritual of him coming to us for fish and chips and a roast on Sundays.”

They all enjoy living in Epsom and visiting the cafés and restaurants in the area. They like that they are very central to all areas and to public transport and have easy access to several shopping centres.

The development will also include high-end boutique retailers and cafés and restaurants as well as great public spaces.

For Ross and, more recently, for David, they are never far from the Mt Roskill Rugby Club and the Trotting Club at Alexandra Park, where Ross has been a member for over 30 years, and also a past Steward of the club. It also means for Ross he doesn’t have far to go to see his friends.”

“It’s easier for all of us,” said David. “Buying this early has allowed us to buy apartments on the same level, opposite each other, but still allows us to have our own privacy and be independent.”

For further information, visit www.apliving.co.nz or freephone 0800-275-484.

Image: David, Ross and Joanne Koefoed.

ALEXANDRA PARK WWW.APLIVING.CO.NZ

NOW LEASING 60 Parnell Rd (Dell Building) Showroom / Retail •

Seeking showroom tenant to complement the surrounding textile and furniture offering

•

High exposure & traffic count location

•

Carparks available with 5min parking outside showroom

•

Easy access to port motorway system

• 234.7m2 high profile area

347 Parnell Rd (CIMA Building) Hospitality / Retail • Seeking expressions of interest from innovative Hospitality providers • Complement our existing boutique wine shop • Courtyard - Unique all weather alfresco opportunity with established garden • Ample Basement Carparking • Opportunities from 90m2 up to 400m2

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT GEORGE NATHAN | GEORGE@NATHANGROUP.CO.NZ | OR YOUR PREFERRED LOCAL REAL ESTATE AGENT

021 280 2812

RETIREMENT LIVING at its best!

QUINOVIC VIADUCT NOT ALL TENANTS ARE CREATED EQUAL SO WHY DOES THIS MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR INVESTMENT?

FIRST STAGE OF APARTMENTS NOW COMPLETE Recently completed and available for inspection, Ranfurly Village’s Mt Albert apartments offer the latest in contemporary retirement living.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT TENANT SHOULDN’T BE ABOUT LUCK

APARTMENTS NOW SELLING

Ranfurly Village offers one of central Auckland’s finest retirement lifestyles. Construction is underway on our next stage – the Mt St John Apartments.

Choose from a selection of beautiful, spacious one, two and three bedroom apartments.

“My parents had wonderful retirement years and enjoyed a lifestyle that is very similar to what is now available at Ranfurly Village” Judy Bailey

Quinovic Viaduct has a system for checking all potential tenants as we try to eliminate the risks of placing bad tenants in your investment properties.

When you have a system and follow the steps, you begin to discover discrepancies in a tenant’s story.

These are some of the steps we follow as professional property managers to find the right tenant each time: 1.

2.

CONTACT BEV DYSON FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY:

(09) 625 3420

3.

Sales office located at: Historic Ranfurly House, 539 Mt Albert Road, Auckland

ranfurlyvillage.co.nz

4.

5.

HOMESTAYS WANTED CLOSE TO CENTRAL AUCKLAND

ACG IS A LEADER IN DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND WE ARE LOOKING FOR EXCEPTIONAL HOST FAMILIES FOR OUR NEW STUDENTS ARRIVING SOON.

For an application pack, please call 0508 22 44 66 or email accommodation@acgedu.com

A N INTERN ATIO N AL S T U D E N T N E E D S : • • • •

Their own comfortable bedroom Breakfast and dinner (Monday to Friday); breakfast, lunch and dinner over weekends and public school holidays To be included as part of your family A host family with excellent English ability.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Require three references, none of which should be friends of the tenant.

Require a professional tenancy application form to be completed and signed.

Ask all referees the same questions, check and record the answers.

Ask for photo ID and keep a record. This ensures the person applying for the property is the person we are dealing with.

Carry out professional credit checks via credit companies, and Housing New Zealand, Courts and police checks, if required.

Take a four-week bond.

Request that tenants take out insurance; if they do not, advise them of their liability.

Record all occupants as well as the main tenant on the tenancy agreement.

Ask ourselves the question: is this tenant the best fit for the property?

Consider the following, if you wish to manage your own investment property.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Do you have the time and resolve to maximise the returns and ensure your investment achieves its potential?

Who is your best type of tenant and how do you attract them?

Are you able to turn down a tenancy application and feel comfortable doing so?

Are you in the position to handle tenants’ calls during weekends, evenings or your holidays?

?

Is your investment in property in the right hands?

AC G OFFERS YOU: • • • •

54

A rewarding cultural and financial experience Weekly payments of $265 or $300 Guaranteed fortnightly direct credit into your bank account Ongoing support from the accommodation team, newsletters, 24-hour emergency telephone number.

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

DAVID GRAHAM PRINCIPAL | QUINOVIC VIADUCT 027 299 9122 | 09 302 1998 DAVID@QUINOVIC-VIADUCT.CO.NZ WWW.QUINOVIC-VIADUCT.CO.NZ

QUEST PARNELL

QUEST NEWMARKET

QUEST CARLAW PARK

8 Heather St | Parnell ph 337 0804 reservations@questparnell.co.nz www.questparnell.co.nz

31-39 Davis Cr | Newmarket ph 520 3000 host@questnewmarket.co.nz www.questnewmarket.co.nz

15 Nicholls Lane | Carlaw Park | Parnell ph 304 0521 host@questcarlaw.co.nz www.questcarlawpark.co.nz

QUEST IS SO ACCOMMODATING For family or guests, business or leisure, you can rest easy knowing that Quest can provide you and your loved ones a home away from home. Stay for one night, one week, or longer.

WALL TALK For many people, wallpaper evokes memories of gaudy prints and peeling corners — but that’s all about to change…

Digitally printed wallpaper has been launched by Feathr, a company working with graphic designers and artists to bring bold patterns to life. Feathr’s mantra? ‘More art. Less decoration.’

It was an unfruitful search for wallpaper for their London home that led Tom and Anne Puukko to start a new business. The couple found a large gap in the market between very expensive designer rolls and play-it-safe designs suited for people with interior fatigue. “It’s almost a disease that takes over people’s lives,” says Tom. “They go to Ikea, buy a few framed things and say ‘I’ve done my house now.’”

Inspired by the lack of choice, the pair founded Feathr with Creative Director Oli Green. Originally from Grey Lynn in Auckland, Oli worked with Tom and Anne at an advertising agency in London. The team now collaborates with artists who submit designs for wallpaper for which the public can vote. So far, over 300 artists have submitted more than 750 designs and the first rolls of wallpaper will be delivered worldwide soon.

Images clockwise: Robin Van Wijk — Synchronized Divers, Aoi Yoshizawa — Plato and Peter Judson — Paradise.

56

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

HOME + DESIGN

“Digital printing, however, allows us to work with artists who do quite experimental work, treating wallpaper more as an art form.”

Oli says working with a variety of artists allows people to choose a design that reflects their own style. “People are a bit more playful with how they express themselves these days.

The conversation becomes more about how your home can truly be a reflection of the stage of your life you are in.”

Production dictated by demand also allows artists to play an active role in deciding upcoming trends. “Traditionally, the wallpaper industry had to do print runs of a thousand rolls to make it worthwhile,” says Tom. “They had to play it safe to avoid being left with rolls people didn’t buy. Digital printing, however, allows us to work with artists who do quite experimental work, treating wallpaper more as an art form.”

Methods of applying wallpaper are changing also and the company is exploring new ways of making adhesion and removal easier. “As well as opening the market to renters. it means you can refresh your home every year,” says Tom. “You can think of the four walls in your room as a canvas and life can then be a celebration of independent talent and the amazing stuff in your home.”

A new pool of talent will be explored over the next few months as Feathr opens its doors once again to new design submissions. The team would love to see more New Zealand designers involved, especially those who might offer a Polynesian flavour as an alternative to nondescript walls.

“We want to be the opposite of the background,” says Tom. “We want to be the talking point.”

Words: Melanie Dower

June 2015

57

Quality Sleep Quality sleep can make all the difference to your good health and well being.

We are a family owned business and our focus is on helping you find the best quality sleep possible.

When the time comes for you to update your bed - let us help you find the right one.

every night

Best Prices every day

Do not buy a new bed without seeing us first

BOTANY

NEWMARKET

Crowhurst St Cnr With Khyber Pass Rd 500 Ti Rakau Drive Opp BP Connect Next to Harvey p 520 4337 p 274 3695 www.dreambeds.co.nz

58

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

HOME + DESIGN

SO MUCH TO SEE. ALL FOR FREE.

June 2015

59

Strength by Numbers

Great kitchens don’t just happen... they happen by design.

Kitchens By Design knows what it takes to make a kitchen the multitasking heart of every home. After all, it’s been making it happen since 1987 when it broke the mould of boring standard designs in favour of spaces that incorporated each owner’s personal choices and reflected their lifestyle. Since then its custom-made kitchens have won multiple awards from the industry and accolades from happy clients.

Visit the Newmarket showroom to see top-of-the-line products and talk to the experts. Three qualified design stars (between them they boast 90 years of experience) and their back-up team work with clients throughout the whole project, from concept design to manufacture and installation. They promise to get the job done on time, on budget, with minimum fuss and maximum enjoyment.

Twenty-eight years ago that was a pretty daring idea. Today it’s just what you’d expect from Kitchens By Design.

7 MELROSE STREET, NEWMARKET KITCHENSBYDESIGN.CO.NZ MONDAY—FRIDAY, 9AM—5PM 09 379 3084 60

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

HOME + DESIGN

61

June 2015

F C ree AL 2 L 01 08 5 C 00 a 22 talo 00 gu 15 e

Misura Setting

meet print visit our showroom

auckland 09 368 7694 51-53 the strand, parnell - hamilton 07 854 9495 530 river rd www.forma.co.nz | www.facebook.com/formafurniturenz

62

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

ABIANEE Importer and Designer of Fine Hand-knotted Persian Rugs Est 1986

RUG CLEARANCE SALE

EVERYTHING MUST GO Lease running out

Make an offer!

Let始s talk through a deal!

Enjoy the art of these master weavers and pass it on to future generations.

44 BROADWAY, NEWMARKET (UPSTAIRS) TEL: 09 522 5040 MOB: 021 520 408 EMAIL: MIAB925@YAHOO.COM PARKING AT DOOR

Antique | Vintage | Patchwork | Contemporary | Custom

THE HOUSE OF CLICKS

DRAPERS FA B R I C S

SWEDEN’S DREAM HOME WAS BUILT BY DATA

35 TE E D ST, N E W M A R K E T ( 0 9 ) 524 57 16

The House of Clicks — Sweden’s collective dream home — was designed using big data from the property portal Hemnet.

25% SALE OFF ALL PRINTS silk, cotton, viscose ALSO NEW INSTORE Merino stripes & plains, cotton velvet, faux fur — O P E N 7 D AY S —

June Fragrance of the Month June Fragrance Fragrance of of the the Month Month June June Fragrance of the Month

Sweet Orange & Chilli Pepper Sweet Orange Orange & & Chilli Chilli Pepper Pepper Sweet Warm, spicy and comforting SweetWarm, Orange &comforting Chilli Pepper spicy and Warm, spicy comforting handmade in nz |and www.retreatnz.co.nz Warm, spicy and comforting handmade in nz | www.retreatnz.co.nz

handmade in nz | www.retreatnz.co.nz

163 BROADWAY | RIALTO CENTER (GROUND FLOOR) | NEWMARKET handmadeTEL/FAX: in nz |09www.retreatnz.co.nz 524page 5890 * Pink line represents edge Artwork shown at A4 size * Pink represents This page is line setup on an A3page sheetedge of paper * Pink line represents edge Artwork shown atpage A4 size Artwork shown A4sheet size of paper This page is setup on anatA3 This page is setup on an A3 sheet of paper * Pink line represents page edge IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROOF: This is a low cost proof which is not colour accurate and should be used as a guide only. If colour-matching is required, please speak to your Account Manager.

Artwork shown at A4 size page is setup onYOUR an A3 sheet of paper Ta mmy IMPORTANTThis INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF: Please tick only one box:

APPROved fOR PRINT

Before we proceed to print, please confirm that this proof is correct. We cannot accept

Your proof has been prepared by:

09 273 9365 09 273 9054 Ta mmy Ta09 mmy 273 9365 09273 2739365 9054 09 09 273 9054 Ta mmy

responsibility for any errors not detected at this Please fax back your This is a low cost proof which is not colour accurate and should be used as a guide only. If colour-matching is required, please speak to your Account Manager.

64

approval on:

If anything is unclear, This is a lowPleAse cost proof which is not colour accurate and should be used as a guide only. IfAddress colour-matching is required, please speak to your Account Manager.

AMeNd As INdIcATed Checked Details please call me on:

www.vervemagazine.co.nz amendments (please enter quantity of APPROved PRINTand indicate clearly on changes in boxfOR provided Please tick only one box: (there are Please no amendments) the proof. note: authors amendments may incur additional artwork charges).

APPROved fOR PRINT PleAse AMeNd As INdIcATed (there are no amendments)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PROOF:

00000

2

Y21/EJ/MJ/04-11/R4.0

Your proof has been Before we proceed to print, please confirm prepared by: that this proof is correct.

We Names cannot accept Checked / Logos responsibility for any errors not detected at this Please faxONlY back your OffIce Use Your proof has been Dates /confirm Prices Before we proceed to Checked print, please stage approvalby: on: prepared that this proof is correct.

We cannot accept Design Verification Account Verification Checked Telephone Numbers Checked Spelling / Wording & Validation (If required) responsibility for any errors not detected at this If anything is unclear, Please fax back your Checked Address Details please call stage approval on: me on: This JOB is aNUMBER low cost proof which is(please not colour accurateof and should be usedPRINT as aNAME guide only. IfTelephone colour-matching speak to your Account Manager. amendments enter quantity Checked Numbers is required, please VERSION DATE AUTHOURISED SIGNATURE Checked Names / Logos If anything is unclear, changes in box provided and indicate clearly on PleAse AMeNd As INdIcATed Checked Address please on: OffIcecall Useme ONlY Checked Dates /Details Prices the proof. Please note: authors amendments amendments (please enter quantity of Checked Names / Logos Design Verification Account Verification Please tick only one box: Your proof has been may incur additional artwork charges).

Checked Spelling / Wording Before we proceed to print, please confirm changes in box provided and indicate clearly on & Validation (If required) Please tick only one box:

The architects — Tham and Videgard — ascertained the nation’s preferences by analyzing 200 million clicks and 86,000 listings in order to make The House of Clicks Sweden’s most statistically sought after property. The data informed the measurable properties of the house, such as size, price, and the number of rooms, bathrooms and floors. Tham and Videgard added to this two contrasting Swedish architecture traditions: the red wooden cottage — representing history, local resources and crafts — and the white functionalist box, which stands for modernism and industrial development.

The final result is a 120-square-meter box home painted in Sweden’s traditional Falu red, with a contemporary interior of white walls and grey furniture, a fireplace and a distinct absence of carpet. The biggest room in the house is the double-height kitchen — 57 percent of properties clicked had open plan kitchens — showing that, for Swedish property seekers, the kitchen is now seen as the home’s most important social space.

25% off 25% off 25% off

(there are no amendments) IMPORTANT INFORMATION stage ABOUT YOUR PROOF: Checked Telephone Numbers

Everybody has their own version of a dream home. And whether it’s an isolated, rustic farmhouse or a city-centre warehouse conversion, there are certain features that are generally coveted — natural light, a balcony, or a power shower. Inspired by these shared desires, a pair of famous Swedish architects have designed The House of Clicks — Sweden’s collective dream home — using big data from the property portal Hemnet.

The House of Clicks will sell for 2,774,021 Swedish Krona — approximately NZD 455,380.

WWW.HEMNETHEMMET.SE

e s t .197 8

Bespoke furniture specialists

treesfurniture.co.nz

Full consultation ser vice

Tues — Sat 12 : 0 0 — 5 : 0 0 O r by app t

Clean New Space 99 Nuffield Street / Newmarket

BRITISH FOOD MAKEOVER Borough Market — London’s most renowned food market — is a source of exceptional British and international produce.

British cuisine can be hard to define and is not known for its crowd-pleasing qualities but a visit to London’s Borough Market proves otherwise. Old favourites are given modern lifts in this bustling network of stalls dating back to the 1700s.

“Oysters! Oysters! Freshly shucked oysters!” booms a fishmonger in a white apron and rubber boots above the din of the crowd. A line of customers snakes back from his stall, hugging the counter where Shetland Island scallops and Cornish mussels lie marooned on islands of ice.

Across the way, more punters line up for freshly baked baps filled with deep-fried mackerel swimming in fresh mayonnaise.

It’s lunchtime on Saturday and the crowd at London’s Borough Market is shoulder to shoulder, showing that British food can draw a crowd and for very good reason.

The Borough area of London has been home to markets since the 11th century when vendors gathered to sell their harvests from the land and the sea. When Parliament closed the market in 1755, a group of residents raised £6,000 to buy land nearby and the market reopened one year later. Still located in the same place, Borough Market is now home to more than 100 stalls, providing an intimate link between vendors and buyers.

A panel of experts oversees the market to guarantee the quality and variety of produce on offer. For customers this means newseason potatoes and turnips piled high next to baskets of fresh wild mushrooms of various shapes and colours. Traditional game can be bought, fresh or dried, with venison, hog, partridge and grouse available at several outlets.

At one stall pillows of bread rest beside doughnuts gorged with vanilla-spiked custard and blackberry jam. For those looking for something savoury, salt-beef sandwiches with pickles and English mustard are constructed to a staggering height with borders of dark rye bread.

The rumbling of trains overhead mingles with the squealing of juicers at a stand surrounded by crates of lemons, limes, ginger and apples. Further on there’s ice cream made from goat’s milk on offer as the crowd spills out into the grounds of the neighbouring cathedral.

Although the vendors have changed and the recipes are modern, the spirit of the market holds true to its initial vision of bringing fresh produce to the people. While customers may sip espresso or prosecco nowadays as they shop, it is possible still to see some walking around happily scoffing Scotch eggs as they go — although, these days, they’re made with pulled pork, chorizo or lamb.

Words: Melanie Dower Photos: Borough Market, pictures one and three: John Holdship

66

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

CAFÉ GREEN FINGERS PALMERS GARDEN CENTRE, REMUERA

As soon as we had sat down at a table in Café Green Fingers, it felt as though we had been left out of one of the biggest secrets in town.

The café, located at Palmers Remuera, was packed full of customers on a rainy and dreary Thursday lunchtime. How is it possible we didn’t know about this lovely café sooner? The room is warm and inviting with lots of comfortable seating. The café also features two covered outdoor dining areas. That was a good thing, too, because the customers kept on coming during our visit. Despite the busy day, the atmosphere was relaxed and the acoustics in the café allowed for easy conversation and a quiet read of the paper.

The menu was packed with tempting choices but we opted for the two chef’s specials on offer. We thoroughly enjoyed the lovely salt and pepper calamari with lemon aioli and micro herbs ($17.90) as well as the cauliflower and corn fritters with sweet chilli sauce and sour cream ($17.90). The food came swiftly and the portions were generous. Although we were rather full after our mains, the sweet cabinet was impossible to ignore. After a few minutes of serious debate, we finally opted for the excellent chocolate and raspberry tart which was silky and sinfully delicious.

The café also serves excellent Karajoz coffee and it was so skilfully prepared and promptly served that we actually had to have two, which we almost never do.

The Café Green Fingers team is a cohesive, creative and efficient unit. From Head Chef Medhi, Restaurant Manager, Des, Front of House Manager, Rohit, to host, Delma Harrison, none can be faulted, and were at all times professional, attentive and courteous.

With great food, spot-on coffee, excellent service and comfortable surroundings, Café Green Fingers is a terrific discovery. It is a perfect place to hide away for an hour or two.

We’ll be back!

CAFÉ GREEN FINGERS CORNER SHORE AND ORAKEI ROADS | REMUERA 09 523 1679 OPEN SEVEN DAYS FROM 7AM TO 5PM

BIRD’S NEST SOUP Bird’s nest soup — “the caviar of the East” — is among the most expensive dishes on Earth, costing in excess of US$2,500 per kilo. It is prepared using the saliva of certain southAsian swifts, which they emit to form gelatinous coatings for their nests. The substance is mixed with a broth — usually chicken — along with ingredients such as ham, spring onion and egg white. Also, it can be slow-cooked with rock sugar. In China, it has been considered a delicacy for more than a thousand years.

“The sweet version is delicate,” food writer and broadcaster Ching-He Huang tells the BBC. “It’s like drinking a thick, jelly-like soup. It can be served as a dessert or on its own.”

The bird’s nest is used, also, as an ingredient in other dishes such as congee, rice and egg tarts. Bird’s nest jelly is made by placing the nest into a ceramic container with sweetened or salted water then double-steamed. China, Hong Kong and the United States remain the biggest consumer markets.

A typical nest takes a little over a month to build and it is the male swift which does the crafting. Historically, the nests, which comprise delicately entwined, silk-like laces of saliva, were located in the dark, damp caves of tropical Southeast Asia from where they were harvested by skilled climbers using flimsy bamboo frames. However, as the popularity of bird’s nest soup has soared — along with its value — the swifts have been lured, with the aid of artificial birdsong, into concrete constructions in locations throughout Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Indonesia dominates the market. The nation is home to 80 per cent of the global trade, of which it has been a part since the 17th century.

Traditionally, much of the attraction stems from the dish’s so-called medicinal properties. It is said to be rich in magnesium, iron, calcium and potassium.

Some say it aids digestion; others believe that it relieves asthma and even boosts one’s libido. “Many Chinese women I know have it because the gelatinous texture of the bird’s nest is said to be very good for maintaining youth,” adds Ching-He Huang.

“It’s thought to help collagen production.”

“Edible bird’s nest contains mainly carbohydrates, amino acids and mineral salts,” writes Dr Chan Shun-wan in Review of Scientific Research on Edible Bird’s Nest for The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

68

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

“… Amongst the carbohydrates in edible bird’s nest, sialic acid is the major one.

It was found that exogenous sources of sialic acid may contribute to neurological and intellectual advantages in infants.”

The calcium levels, according to the doctor, are likely to be caused by the location of the nests on limestone cave walls and, therefore, are not applicable to the majority of bird’s nests now found in concrete structures. Further, he stated that there simply has not been enough intensive investigation. It is a sentiment

“The bird’s nest is said to be very good for maintaining youth.”

echoed by Fucui Ma and Daicheng Liu of China’s Shandong Normal University who, in a review published by Food Research International, conclude that the “bioactivities and medicinal value are still open to question as there is not much scientific research.” Manop Lertsuthiruck, president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of Thailand, is far more dismissive. “Bird’s nest, according to Chinese medicine, is not considered that important,” he tells the Bangkok Post. “It’s more of a supplementary diet.”

And a massive money-making one at that.

According to New Scientist, the bird’s nest trade generates an astonishing US$5 billion worldwide per year.

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

METHOD

LEMONY LENTIL AND CRISPY KALE SOUP

Get a large pan on the heat.

Add a little oil and turn the heat to medium. Add the leek and fry for a few minutes, until it has softened and smells sweet, then add the spices and fry for another couple of minutes. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon and stir around to lift all the spices from the bottom of the pan.

A splash of olive or rapeseed oil 1 leek, washed, trimmed and finely sliced 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 2 teaspoons ground cumin

Next, add the lentils, 1.5 litres of water and the stock cube or powder and allow to bubble away for 20–35 minutes, until the lentils are cooked and the soup has thickened.

2 teaspoons black mustard seeds Juice of 2–3 lemons

Turn off the heat and, if you like, you can blitz the whole lot to a thin dhal consistency, then squeeze in the juice of the remaining 2 lemons, tasting as you go to make sure it doesn’t get too lemony. It may seem like a lot, but you really want the lemony tang to come through.

250g split red lentils 1 veg stock cube, or 1 tablespoon veg stock powder 4 handfuls of kale (or other greens), washed, trimmed and shredded To serve (optional) Yoghurt, stirred with a little sea salt

Talking of soups, Verve simply loves this simple soup, which is somewhere between a dhal and a soup – it reminds us of the curry that is served in southern India with dosas. It is a cleansing and clean soup, spiked with turmeric and a lot of lemon.

Turmeric is a great pick-me-up if you are feeling slightly off-colour. Try stirring into hot water and sipping it as a reviving tonic. The vibrant deep saffrongold colour, the clean, sharp, savoury acid note and the hard-to-put-yourfinger-on flavour, is a definite energiser.

It’s a real star on the health front, as it is an anti-inflammatory and has anticarcinogenic properties. What a spice!

Serves 4-6

Just before you’re ready to serve, sauté the kale in a little olive oil until it slightly softens but begins to crisp at the edges. Ladle into bowls and top with the salted yoghurt and the crispy kale.

June 2015

69

SIX TIPS FOR EATING MORE HEALTHILY AT RESTAURANTS We all love to dine out, having that one night off cooking and cleaning duty is bliss, so it’s easy to get too excited and go a little bit crazy with calories. More often than not portion sizes at restaurants are double, sometimes even triple, the suggested serving size, yet it becomes a personal feat to try and eat everything on the plate. However, it is not our appetites or cravings that are to blame, but the design of the menu, so it is important to be mindful when ordering and not let your stomach decide.

1.

BE WARY OF YOUR SIGHT LINE: People typically read menus in a Z formation so the items along this line will tend to be the ones that restaurants believe that you want. Instead, take time to read each item carefully and decide for yourself.

2.

BE WARY OF CERTAIN WORDS: Researchers have found that items described as ‘crispy’ have, on average, 130 more calories than dishes without it.

Isn’t it absurd that words now contain a hidden meaning in the form of a calorie count?

The

WINE R AC K

The days of New Zealand attempting to replicate other winemaking nations in a half-hearted fashion are long gone. We are now one of the most successful winemaking nations in the world, with new wine creations becoming commonplace. As more and more creations are released, so too is the list of heroes that represent the absolute epitome of quality and value.

It’s been a journey of discovery.

One such label is the Te Awa Collection, including Te Awa Single Estate and Kidnapper Cliffs, with its new creation Left Field; this is an assembly of varietals and blends made from grapes from a variety of locations. The unique labelling that adorns the bottles was designed intricately from vintage etchings by renowned Kiwi designer Aaron Pollock and captures the quirky nature of the brand, with stories of creatures, events and innovations.

And what is really exciting is that the new brand has corresponded with two excellent vintages in the bottle, 2013 and 2014, each showing its own respective finesse and character that will more than satisfy serious wine buffs. These are available nationwide.

Verve BEST BUY

“More often than not portion sizes at restaurants are double, sometimes even triple, the suggested serving size, yet it becomes a personal feat to try and eat everything on the plate.”

3.

GUT CHECK: There is one simple trick to help you decide between ordering a bacon burger and a salad. Basically, picture someone whom you consider to be a pillar of health or that one model’s bikini body that you’re dying to have yourself, and I’m sure that will make your decision much easier.

4.

DON’T READ THE MENU: If you don’t have complete confidence in your willpower then simply refrain from picking up the menu. Instead, try asking your waiter what the healthier options are or what the chef would suggest.

5.

WAIT FOR THE MAIN: Try to refrain from ordering that side of garlic bread while you’re waiting. I know, it can be difficult to wait 20 minutes for food when you are surrounded by other people enjoying their meals, but I promise that you will enjoy your main a lot more if it hasn’t been spoilt by several slices of bread moments earlier.

Words: Rihanna Osborne

70

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Left Field Marlborough 2014 sauvignon blanc RRP $17.99 — this double-act vintage is typical of the grapes, which are mainly from Awatere Valley, and all that you would expect from Marlborough. The wine delivers great balance with its pure, fresh and fruity flavours. Excellent value for money.

Left Field Marlborough 2013 pinot noir RRP $17.99 — light but rich, this appealing, bright and earthy pinot is well structured and satisfying, displaying depth and complexity with its fine but persistent tannins. Ready to drink now.

Left Field Hawkes Bay 2014 chardonnay RRP $17.99 — considering the price, this is a surprisingly underrated wine. Well balanced, it has a clean and vibrant freshness that has a crisp but quite dry finish, with classic fruity chardonnay flavours. You won’t find better value than this.

Verve’s Wine Rack column is contributed by Dennis Knill, wine-lover and writer extraordinare!

FOOD 4 THOUGHT

EVEREST DINE Located in the heart of Auckland, Everest Dine provides a fusion of Nepalese and Indian cuisine that is sure to dazzle your taste buds.

Following the success of its award-winning restaurants — Everest Inn and Everest Dining — in the United Kingdom and Japan, Everest Dine is pleased to open its first New Zealand restaurant in Parnell.

Nepal and New Zealand have shared a friendship since 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha, in Nepal. Now, after 62 years, Everest Dine is here to strengthen the historical and unforgettable bond between our two countries by offering true Nepalese hospitality and award-winning cuisine.

Veranda Bar and Grill, a well-known Parnell restaurant that rose to fame in the ’80s, was located in the space that Everest Dine now occupies so, for those of you who happen to remember the iconic VBG, you will know that the restaurant can be difficult to spot from the road. Everest Dine is located off Parnell Road at the top of a walkway but worth the short walk up the bricked courtyard.

Its aim is to create the best Nepalese and Indian flavours with a modern twist on traditional methods.

The dedicated chefs continually refine and develop their recipes to achieve the highest standard.

Everest Dine is passionate and proud of its food and service, and has made every effort to select and combine the very finest ingredients to ensure that its customers enjoy a delicious meal every time.

Come and enjoy top-quality food, exceptional service and outstanding value at the fine dining Nepalese and Indian restaurant, Everest Dine.

Beautifully presented fresh food!

“

Everest Dine is passionate and proud of its food and service, and has made every effort to select and combine the very finest ingredients to ensure that its customers enjoy a delicious meal every time.”

WWW.EVERESTDINE.CO.NZ

HOURS: SUN & MON 5:00 pm till night | TUES TO SAT 11:30 am till night

279 PARNELL ROAD, PARNELL | 09 303 2468 INFO@EVERESTDINE.CO.NZ June 2015

71

TOP FIVE

FOOD BLOGS Who doesn’t love food? And it’s even better when the food is really, really good! This month I delve into the heavily saturated world of online food blogs. Not just for the experienced chef or the retiree with time on his or her hands, these blogs feature a range of quick, easy and delicious recipes designed to be made by even the most novice of chefs, with recipes for the pickiest and most intolerant eaters. Below are some of my favourite food blogs along with some must-tries.

LOVE AND LEMONS www.loveandlemons.com

THE VANILLA BEAN BLOG www.vanillabeanblog.com

Primarily a blog for the vegetarian eater, this blog features recipes from well-travelled couple Jeanine and Jack. As such, their recipes feature food from all over the world and showcase gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options. Broken down by season, meal type, diet and ingredient, this blog was the winner of the Readers’ Choice Saveur Best Cooking Blog 2014. Check out its recipe for BBQ Portobello Sliders.

A blog for the sugar enthusiast, this is for the baker in all of us.

With a strong focus on desserts, chocolate and breakfast options, this blog also features recipes for the dietary restricted including a number of gluten-free options. Author Sarah Kieffer’s recipes have been featured also in a number of publications including The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Food & Wine and Food52 magazines. Be sure to try her Raspberry-Rhubarb Yoghurt Bowls.

I AM A FOOD BLOG www.iamafoodblog.com From Stephanie Le, the author of Easy Gourmet: Awesome Recipes Anyone Can Cook, comes the Saveur Best Cooking Blog and overall 2014 Blog of the Year, I am a Food Blog. Exactly what it says it is, a food blog, it features over 300 recipes, with handy step-by-step images, and also gives the user advice on a range of food-related topics including presentation techniques, a guide to buying the best produce and tips for entertaining. Be sure to try the recipe for Beeramisu: like tiramisu but with beer.

SEVEN SPOONS www.sevenspoons.net From cookbook author Tara O’Brady comes Seven Spoons, a food blog for the everyday cook. Subcategorised by food type and course, this is a no-fuss blog with less focus on presentation and more on good-quality food. It is a blog for the sweet tooth; check out Tara’s recipe for Grapefruit and Lemon Tart with Shortbread Crust. It is a citrus explosion and the perfect way to relive summer. Seven Spoons by Tara O’Brady is available on Amazon in hardback or on Kindle.

72

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

WHAT’S COOKING GOOD LOOKING www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com This blog is more of a lifestyle blog than just simply a cooking website. With an undeniable focus on natural foods and natural cooking, this blog also identifies and explores the connection between health, beauty and the food we consume. Featuring primarily gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan recipes, this blog offers the reader a range of healthy and tasty options for all kinds of entertaining or for a quick snack or a meal prepared with time constraints. Be sure to try the range of vegetarian and gluten-free smoothies.

5.

1.

2.

Zara Campaign Photographer: Jamie Hawkesworth See more suede trends at Zara.com

4.

SUEDE

STYLE

3.

Few things are more luxurious than butter-soft suede pieces. Suede brings a sophisticated twist to retro and adds an understated glamour to any outfit. Play with an extensive suede colour palette and welcome the ‘suede style’ this season.

1. Twiggy Knee Hi Boot Witchery $249.90 2. Suedette Pleated Midi Skirt Topshop $110 3. Suede Embossed Merino Luggage Topshop $175 4. Skirt Boohoo $30 5. Suede Culottes Topshop $330 6. Skirt Boohoo $45

Words: Paris Mitchell

74

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

6.

SERIOUSLY

SILVER Whether you’re making the decision, finally, to embrace your grey hair or simply following the new silver hair phenomenon now desired by younger age groups — Verve investigates top-of-the-range products that enrich the inevitable grey shade.

1.

1. De Lorenzo Silver Shampoo — Grey hair easily absorbs chemicals from the environment that can add a yellow tinge; good grey shampoos and conditioners generally use purple or blue tones to brighten the hair, as well as oils that add volume and gloss. Our favourite selection of Silver Shampoos and Conditioners starts with De Lorenzo.

De Lorenzo Silver Shampoo $26.95 De Lorenzo Silver Conditioner $26.95 2. Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray — Grey hair contains less protein than does other hair, so individual strands are finer and hair can look thin overall.

Adding volume can help combat this; apply Bb Thickening Hairspray — an awardwinning product that works to give fine hair a serious boost.

3. Shooshing Crème — White Hot Hair products are dedicated to grey hair. Their infamous Shooshing Crème gives defintion, style, beautiful fragrance and volume in an instant. whitehothair.co.uk 4. Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo and Conditioner — Davines uses natural, active ingredients that gently clean and protect. Provitamin B5 is added for deep moisturising action and components work together to support anti-yellow action.

Davines Alchemic Silver Shampoo $38 Davines Alchemic Silver Conditioner $39.50 davines.com

5.

3.

2.

5. L’oréal expert Série Silver Shampoo gives clarity and shine for grey and white hair. Amino acids work to maintain the condition of grey and white hair, retaining purity and a natural sheen.

4.

June 2015

75

LEFT TOP: G-STAR ARC 3D TAPERED JEAN, KETZ-KE BASIC TEE, NEUW BERLIN LEATHER JACKET AND CONVERSE SHOES IN WHITE CANVAS. ALL AVAILABLE AT ROUTE 66.

RIGHT BOTTOM: G-STAR MIDGE CODY SKINNY JEAN, NEUW STUDIO DENIM SHIRT, LOOP LEATHER CO. BROWN BELT AND CONVERSE SHOES IN WHITE CANVAS. ALL AVAILABLE AT ROUTE 66.

ROUTE 66, 180 Broadway, Newmarket

LEFT TOP: BLUE DENIM BLOUSE, WHITE JEANS, BROWN LEATHER BELT, DARK-BLUE DENIM JACKET, ALL FROM KIMBERLEYS. WHITEAND-SILVER SHOES FROM OVERLAND. RIGHT BOTTOM: BLUE JEANS, VINTAGE-BLUE WASH JACKET, BOTH FROM KIMBERLEYS. WHITE T-SHIRT FROM ROUTE 66. BLACK LOAFER SHOES FROM OVERLAND.

TRANS-SEASONAL DELIVERY OF OUR ALL-TIME DENIM FAVES IN NEW WASHES AND COLOURS, INCLUDING A NEW VINTAGEBLUE WASH WITH A DISTRESSED FINISH TO MAKE YOUR JEANS AND JACKET FEEL AS THOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN IN YOUR WARDROBE FOR YEARS! Classic jacket… comes in milk white, vintage blue and dark indigo $189.90 Cici jean… all-time favourite skinny 7/8… now in milk white, vintage blue and black $189.90 Marilyn jean… NEW… mid-rise, wider in the thigh and knee… distressed and laid-back… somewhere between a Cici and a boyfriend jean… our new fave in milk white and vintage blue $189.90 Cici zip jean… NEW… Cici skinny leg fit with zip detail at hip and leg… a dressed-up jean in dark black $189.90 MARILYN SEYB’S TIPS ON MAKING YOUR NEW DENIM LOOK CLASSIC…

BUT OH SO CURRENT DO… wear vintage-blue Marilyn jean with a classic navy/white striped top for an on-trend look… classic is back DO team a vintage-blue jacket with black jeans, a white tee and a great scarf DO wear a milk-white jacket over blue or black jeans… add a white or navy/white tee or print shirt DO wear an indigo jacket with Cici black jeans… silk shirt and heels for a current, dressed-up attitude DO… wear your denim jackets over dresses and you can add ankle boots… NO, not too Nashville… sandals are a great option DON’T team vintage-blue jeans with a vintage-blue jacket… (far too ’70s’ trouser-suit revival) DON’T team white jeans and jacket together!… a bit dress-up nurse theme DON’T wear matching blue jeans and jacket… IF you are over a certain age (and, ladies, you can judge this) as it can be… all a bit too ’70s’ trouser suit!

Finally, DON’T wash your jeans too frequently… really… no need!…

Some people don’t wash jeans at all!!… just put them in the freezer to kill bacteria!! but I’m not going this far!!

Words: Marilyn, Owner of Kimberleys

KIMBERLEYS, 399 Remuera Road, Remuera

SILK/WOOL SCARF, OSLO COAT, MIZU SLEEVELESS TUNIC AND KIT PANT, ALL FROM THE CUPBOARD. ANKLE BOOTS FROM OVERLAND.

PHOTOGAPHY: NEIL GUSSEY MAKE-UP: IMELETA KELLETT MODEL: LOUISE DONALDSON STYLING: VERVE MAGAZINE LOCATION: KINGSIZE STUDIOS, GREY LYNN, AUCKLAND

THE CUPBOARD, 417 Parnell Road, Parnell, and 14 St Marys Road, Ponsonby

FASHION

Elegant and stylish garments, footwear and accessories for all occasions, from everyday wear to Mother of the Bride/Groom and made-to-measure garments. We feature exclusive designer pieces from the Diane Burkhardt and Succhi Collection labels, gorgeous handmade knits and stunning winter coats, proudly designed and made in New Zealand.

PONSONBY BOUTIQUE | 14 St Marys Road | 09 378 4770 PARNELL BOUTIQUE | 417 Parnell Road | 09 379 9870 online@thecupboard.co.nz | www.thecupboard.co.nz

G-STAR ARC 3D TAPERED IN STORE TEAM@ROUTE66.CO.NZ | TEL: 5222 819

June 2015

79

Gandys Flip Flops

The Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 took the lives of hundreds of thousands and devastated countless more. But from that most unspeakable of tragedies has risen a tale of hope that has helped rebuild the lives of some of those most affected.

“We’re all about making profit but profit with a purpose.”

80

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

British brothers Rob and Paul Forkan, along with their two younger siblings, Mattie and Rosie, had an unusual and inspirational upbringing. In 2001, their parents, Kevin and Sandra, removed them from school, deciding that travel would be their classroom. “We travelled the world with our parents as they carried out volunteer work,” Rob tells MailOnline.

“They wanted us to quit the rat race to experience other cultures and make a difference. They sold our family home in Croydon and took my brothers and sisters out of school and moved initially to India.” Rob was 13, Paul 11, when they arrived in India. The whole family immersed itself in humanitarian projects.

“We’d go to children’s homes, play sports with the kids, help them out with cooking, teach them stuff; it was really cool,” Paul tells the BBC. “We helped out with fund-raising for local charities as well.

We learned some really good life skills.

Our parents gave us this confidence that we could do anything: that nothing was hard to achieve.” The following year, they moved to Sri Lanka.

The Forkans celebrated Christmas 2004 in Weligama, a small fishing town on Sri Lanka’s south coast. The next morning they were woken by screams as crashing waves flooded their hotel. Rob clambered up the building, grabbed hold of a fixed metal bar with one hand and Paul with the other. Their parents managed to get their two youngest children to the roof before being swept away by the sea. Over the next three days, the four siblings travelled 200km in the back of a truck to the capital, Colombo, from where they were flew, battered and shoeless, back to Britain to be taken in by older sister, Marie.

And so, more than a decade on, a Sri Lankan school has been built by the brothers through their charitable foundation, Orphans for Orphans, funded by their footwear firm Gandys Flip Flops.

“The people of Sri Lanka also helped us reach safety,” they say. “We were only kids at the time so this is why we have returned to open Gandys First Kids Campus.”

The brothers’ dream is to found similar institutions throughout the world.

In 2013, Sir Richard Branson and his London, Geneva and New York Virgin staff donned ‘Tokyo Red’ (now ‘Necker Red’) Gandys for International Flip Flop Day. “Rob and Paul Forkan’s story was very moving and I was humbled by their ability to turn personal tragedy into something so positive,” said the airline boss. “They are inspiring young entrepreneurs, starting out in business but also trying to transform the lives of children in need. We’re happy to be supporting them and I love that Necker Island now has a flip flop named after it!”

And now the brothers have been listed on the prestigious Debrett’s ‘500 Most Influential People in Britain’ list.

“Our parents gave us the attitude that, if you are knocked off your bike, just get back on it,” Paul says. “There are always people worse off than you are.” And what a credit to their parents these brothers are!

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

June 2015

81

FASHION

The idea for Gandys came one morning at a music festival with Rob waking up with “a mouth like Gandhi’s flip flop.”

How fitting, thought the brothers, who had travelled much of the world in flip flops, though they sensibly settled on a slight respelling of the name. Gandys has become a global force. Ethically made from sustainable materials, then ethically transported by sea to minimise the carbon flip flop footprint, the range is named after famous backpacker locations around the world. “We give 10 per cent of our profits back to charity and we have our own foundation,” Paul tells the BBC. “We’re all about making profit but profit with a purpose.”

MAKE-UP ARTIST

BY APPOINTMENT: jemo_kellett@yahoo.co.nz 021 023 45404 09 908 3862

82

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

IMELETA

KELLETT

FASHION

BALM ST NEWMARKET (09) 524 5787 Model wears latest look Charlotte Jacket, Diamond Shirt & Blake Jean

Shop 4, 25 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland www.belloro.co.nz Private appointments available: 09 522 8620 jewellery@belloro.co.nz

w w w.har tleysfashion.co.nz

SUPPORTING

SUPPORTING

NZ DESIGNERS

NEW ZEALAND DESIGNERS

Paula Ryan Loobie’s Story New London Jeans David Pond · Toby Catalyst · Obi · Sills atemgirl · Artstyle Jetblonde · Blackstone Chalet · Meredith

Paula Ryan Loobie’s Story New London Jeans David Pond · Toby Catalyst · Obi · Sills atemgirl · Artstyle Jetblonde · Blackstone Chalet · Meredith

www.sashaboutique.co.nz 114 Main Highway Ellerslie Open Mon – Fri 9.30-5 Sat 10-4 Ph 09 579 3535

www.sashaboutique.co.nz 114 Main Highway, Ellerslie Open Mon to Fri 9.30am—5.00pm Sat 10.00am—4.00pm Ph 09 579 3535

June 2015

83

SIGNATURE STYLE

BREAKING THE RULES We all know the phrase ‘Rules are made to be broken’ and never is this more apt than when working with fashion. Fashion rules change constantly; this is why you’ll seldom hear a true fashionista spouting any. Rules belong in another, more conservative era. There were rules that were plain silly: blue and green should never be seen.

(Why not?) Never wear white shoes after Easter. (What if it’s really hot and you’re still wearing your summer wardrobe?) Don’t wear black and navy. (Who says? It’s a subtle and actually quite unexpectedly lovely pairing.)

You can’t mix spots and stripes. (You can’t? Seriously, this is one of the easiest ways to mix prints creatively.)

In my role as a personal stylist, I share insights into how to dress your body to look your absolute best. I give in-depth guidelines to each of my clients when it comes to dressing their shape — everything from what length of jacket works best, what dress styles enhance you, which necklines work best, what to look for when shopping and what to avoid.

That said, I’m a true believer in challenging a few rules. The thing is, I think you need to know the rules in order to break them — by that I mean, if you know what works best for you and why, then you’ll know how to break that rule and still look great.

An example? I have a long torso and short legs, which means I look best in pants that are full length and have no cuff. Except, for the past couple of seasons ankle grazers and cuffs are totally on trend. What to do? I wear the cuffed ankle-grazer pants but I’ll wear these with a heel (adding length to my leg) and team them with a shorter top and jacket (visually shortening my torso). This means I can wear one of the key trends of the season successfully without looking like an Ewok from Star Wars.

As an aside, I also provide detailed information about the colour palette that suits you best; admittedly, this is an area where I am loathe to break any rules as the colours that suit you best are just so damn flattering I have no desire to stray to hues that make you look tired or old.

If you’d like to know the rules for your shape, plus a few tips on how to break them, be in touch. At Signature Style we can give you all the information you need to ensure you look fabulous every single day, no matter what the dictates of ‘fashion’. More information can be found on our website: signaturestyle.co.nz or call in for a coffee at our 35 Broadway studio.

Words: Jackie O’Fee

SIGNATURE STYLE 09 529 5115 SIGNATURESTYLE.CO.NZ 35 BROADWAY, NEWMARKET INFO@SIGNATURESTYLE.CO.NZ 84

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Mo…aye?

If you’re the kind of person who likes to pair a $42 eye fillet steak with a prestigious bottle of wine, then Moët would be a match made in heaven.

Renowned as the world’s most loved champagne, Moët has been dazzling our taste buds since the 18th century, served everywhere from glamourous red carpet events to the winner’s circle at the most venerated athletic competitions. The question on my lips, however, is the correct way to pronounce the name of this esteemed brew.

What an embarrassment it would be when trying to act in a sophisticated way (and as though I am far wealthier than) to give away my cover by way of mispronunciation. I have always assumed it to be Mo-ay, with a soft ‘t’, simply because it appears French but, according to others, the name originated in Germany and is therefore, Mo-ett.

“ However, Moët is not a French name; it’s Dutch, which is likely to be the reason for the mass confusion. ” By way of consulting the history books, I have delved deep into the past of Moët champagne to uncover the truth once and for all.

It turns out I was correct about one thing, Moët is indeed a French Champagne, founded in 1743; by Claude Moët. However, Moët is not a French name; it’s Dutch, which is likely to be the reason for the mass confusion. It is in fact the commonly disregarded second name of the founder’s family, that tells all.

The name Chandon was added in 1832 after Pierre-Gabriel Chandon’s daughter married into the family, making the official name of the wine Moët-Chandon.

Those who prefer to say Mo-ett, are probably abiding by the following grammatical rule: when a French word is followed by a word starting with a vowel, the ‘t’ is to be pronounced. On the other hand though, proper nouns in French, such as names, don’t follow the general rule and come with a number of exceptions, hence the correct pronunciation is not Mo-ay.

Don’t let anybody tell you that Moët is German either; it arrived in Germany in 1755 but that’s about the only connection there is.

And with that the mystery is solved, the dispute put to bed once and for all. At last, the fear of being corrected promptly by a waiter with a perfectly pressed tie and cufflinks is no more, as you confidently order yourself a bottle of Mo-ay.

Words: Rhianna Osborne

WITH THE AUDIO CONSULTANT

Jennifer Austin’s music is recorded, mixed and mastered on Focal speakers and headphones.

JENNIFER AUSTIN

John Moher catches up with exciting new talent Jennifer Austin on the eve of her debut album’s release.

How enjoyable has it been making the album? “It’s been a massive journey — probably one of the biggest journeys, and chapters, in my life! It’s full on but I love it.”

Has the album exceeded your expectations? “I’m blown away by how it’s all come together with the help of my producer and writer, and the people supporting me on the album.”

Do you think you have challenged yourself with this project? “Yes! Definitely; it’s tested my abilities in terms of finding myself within my music and having the emotion come through. Being a trained singer is quite challenging as you’re always trained on trying to sound a certain way,

Focal Aria

made from flax

so for me it’s about letting go of that and staying me.”

and you have that special bond or connection, that’s what it feels like.”

So what’s your microphone technique like?

“It’s my best friend now. I learned a lot on how to be more mic conscious and how to use the mic to the best of your ability — the mic is like a camera focused right on your voice, and it’s up close and personal — and that’s something that really scares people — but it can really enhance your story and you get to tell an intimate story, which I find really cool.”

How have you found working and collaborating with other people? “This album has become a bigger journey and also a bigger entity in itself and explaining your vision to somebody or trying to take what’s in here (your heart) and put it out in your voice and create a world is really challenging for me. But I’ve had amazing people to help me. So it’s really cool to see it transform from just my vocals or me playing some chords — and seeing it become this whole new world.”

Did you use Melodyne on your vocals?

“No, I did not actually; in this industry, I think that’s something most people do use and it’s hard to know if they have. So no, I have not; it’s almost like Photoshop is for photos but I’m just going to be real and, if real is imperfect, then that’s me and I think that’s what we need. So it’s me; I’m not hiding.”

So what are the stories behind some of the songs on the new album? “’Take Me With You’ is about being far away from your loved one and you know that you can’t be away from them for any longer.

It’s about that struggle of being away from someone you love and then coming together and being together. It’s based on personal experience and I think it’s the most personal and vulnerable song on the album.” “’Butterfly’ is about a woman being the colour in a man’s world that might only be black and white: being that freedom, that colour, and bringing someone to life.

I think when you’re in love with someone

Thoughts on mPHATic as a producer?

“He really pushes me to bring out that vision and the meaning of the song; he has been a massive support and guidance and has been amazing.”

How has creating this album changed you? “I don’t think it has changed me per se; it’s made me stronger in knowing what I want for myself and who I am and what I stand for. And I think that’s really important because you can lose who you are and, if you don’t know who you are, then someone else will make you who you are. But I think as long as you stay true to yourself and go with that then that will show in your music and it’s just trying to not be somebody else and saying ‘this is me, I hope you like it’.”

Jennifer’s album “Take Me With You” can be preordered on iTunes now and will be released on CD on 19 June.

Words: John Moher

23 WILLIAMSON AVENUE | PONSONBY | AUCKLAND | 09 376 6176 56 COMMERCE STREET | FRANKTON | HAMILTON | 07 847 8436

WWW.AUDIOCONSULTANT.CO.NZ

June 2015

85

ART + ABOUT

MUSIC

LIVE LOVE HELSINKI Finnish photographer Matti Keski-Kohtamäki is capturing all kinds of magic using just the camera on his iPhone…

The first time Finnish photographer Matti Keski-Kohtamäki used a camera, it was built into his mobile phone. Designed

by Finnish brand Nokia, it was one of the first camera phones on the market. “It was ten years ago and I just fell in love with taking images,” he recalls. “I used it every day.”

Not long after that, Matti asked his father to buy him a real camera. “He could see how much I was into photography and agreed,” says Matti. “I went everywhere with it.” As well as developing his skills with a camera, Matti stayed faithful to phone photography and, in 2014, helped curate an exhibition of images taken by people on their mobile phones.

Held at The Finnish Museum of Photography, the exhibition, #Phoneography, was a hit. “It had a huge response,” says Matti. “It was something new and had broad appeal as it was something that everyone could do.”

Keeping photography accessible is important to Matti and, daily, he uploads pictures, shot only on his iPhone 6, to Instagram. “I want to show people that you don’t always need to spend a lot of money on an expensive camera,” he says.

One area that Matti loves to capture is the Helsinki suburb of Katajanokka, where he lives and has his own studio. In 2014 he started his own business, Live Love Helsinki, working mainly in fashion and weddings. “I love shooting weddings,” he says. “Everyone is dressed up and happy and I love to capture that.”

“

I want to show people that you don’t always need to spend a lot of money on an expensive camera.”

With the Nordic summer approaching, it’s a busy time for weddings and, also, the days are becoming longer. “I love the light of summer nights,” says Matti. “When the sun hardly sets, I love to work all night as the light is nice and soft.”

The lack of light during winter has its benefits too, however, offering a chance to catch up on indoor work. “During winter there are usually only one or two hours when the light is good enough to work so I go through my photos and edit them,” says Matti. “After I have worked all summer, it’s also a chance to switch off and enjoy other things too. I take the time to catch up on things like TV series on Netflix,” he laughs. “You know, things normal people do.” www.livelovehelsinki.com

Words: Melanie Dower

Follow Matti at: www. instagram.com/ livelovehelsinki

ART + ABOUT

TIMOTHY JONES ‘RESTLESS’

EXHIBITION: 16 – 30 JUNE 2015 PREVIEW: TUE 16 JUNE, 5.30PM Timothy Jones brings a strong show of new work to Parnell Gallery this June.

Jones’ abstract paintings reveal an ongoing investigation of elemental energy. Inspired by our natural surroundings in both colour and form, these bold, flowing works on canvas seem to capture moments in an organic journey. The accomplished paint application respects both the medium and subject, each informing the other as with The Sea and the Sand. Here the rolling horizontal shapes and energetic brush strokes suggest a wild coastline in blue-grey tones, while still allowing the gritty, visceral reality of the paint on canvas. This fine balance can be seen also in Journey Closer where stunning earth tones might almost describe a primordial moment of impact and division into light and dark, the fall-out described in dribbles of paint running freely down the canvas. Others such as Exhale explore closely an exhilarating movement, again allowing all the varying texture of the paint to co-exist and the feeling that we exist within a breaking wave.

This fluid signature style is coupled with a parallel approach combining elements, words and imagery to raise questions about the human condition.

Subtle hues and strong undertones complement each other in these works, which explore emotion and philosophy. Pieces such as Somewhere to Call Home use striking juxtaposition of the light and dark tones of the animal to emphasise anthropomorphic qualities of strength and determination. Others such as Dawn Chorus and Swimming Pool have a more ethereal quality, with lighter washes suggesting the subject and inviting reflection on its nature from the artist and, in turn, from us.

Jones’ affinity with the sea comes through strongly in his art; he spent several years working on yachts and circumnavigating the globe. His art enjoys high-profile placements and is held in private collections throughout the world. In his latest show, Jones’ experience of life and paint provides a spectacular ride and we are invited to join him.

PARNELL GALLERY 263 PARNELL ROAD, AUCKLAND 09 377 3133 WWW.PARNELLGALLERY.CO.NZ

Images clockwise: Exhale, mixed media on canvas, 910 x 1,210mm; Swimming Pool, oil on birch panel, 600 x 800mm; Journey Closer, mixed media on canvas, 910 x 1,220mm; The Sea and the Sand, mixed media on canvas, 600 x 600mm; Somewhere to Call Home, oil on canvas, 910 x 910mm

June 2015

87

JAMIE’S WORLD DOMINATION Jamie Curry, an 18-year-old blogger from Hawke’s Bay, is quite possibly New Zealand’s most famous teenager. She’s quite possibly among New Zealand’s most famous exports, full stop.

88

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

ART + ABOUT

“I started off by just posting videos that I thought were funny… people will come and they will notice if they find something of themselves in you.”

Her Facebook page has more than ten million fans. Even Lorde doesn’t have anywhere near that many. Jamie’s Twitter feed is followed by 360,000 people while 1.3 million viewers subscribe to her YouTube channel. That’s some serious adoration. I ask her if she ever stops to think about that or ever feels overwhelmed.

“If I really think about it, it’s like, wow, that’s really cool,” says the internet sensation. “But most of the time I’m just hanging out at my house or with my friends and it doesn’t really make such a difference to my life. It’s not like I have ten million people actually following me around.”

How do your friends feel about your fame?

“Mostly they all think it’s really cool but, when we’re out and people come up to me for photos, they’re like, ‘Jamie, we can’t hang around with you any more!’ My school was so small, only 300 students, so everyone knew me before so it didn’t really make too much difference to the way that I was treated.”

It has taken Jamie just a couple of years to amass the millions of fans and followers. Her video blogs are inspired by “stuff that happens in real life” with Jamie managing to put a humorous twist on the everyday mundane. She has fans on just about every continent, has appeared in one of Massad’s music videos and, earlier this year, was nominated for ‘Favourite Aussie/Kiwi Internet Sensation’ at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in the United States. I caught up with her upon her return from a South-east Asian tour. When Jamie left, security had to hold back dozens of screaming girls at the airport and she was recognised even on the streets of Bangkok. “It was such a great trip and a whole new experience, which was really cool,” says the teenager. “We saw a lot of tourist attractions and attended a cooking class where I learned to make some traditional curries, which I can’t remember the names of. It was my first time cooking that kind of stuff; I usually just make spag bol or nachos or whatever.” Jamie’s childhood dreams of acting just may be coming into fruition too, her YouTube videos providing the perfect platform.

There are things in the pipeline but they’re “super top secret.”

The key to online success, says Jamie, is always to be yourself. “I started off by just posting videos that I thought were funny,” she adds. “People will come and they will notice if they find something of themselves in you.” But with internet fame comes the inevitable online attacks. “Of course it affects you if people call you ugly or tell you that you suck or whatever,” says Jamie. “But for every negative comment there are 100 positive ones and those are what I focus on.”

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

June 2015

89

Brand MATAKANA

ORGANIC HERBS & SEEDLINGS

MATAKANA SUPERFOODS

Tapping into the twin enthusiasms of growing your own food and eating organic produce, Organic Herbs & Seedlings is the creation of Scottish-born Mandy Purvis and husband Craig.

After 20 years’ working as a health practitioner, including stints in Australia, America and China, Kevin Glucina finally came home in 2000 and founded Matakana SuperFoods, with his wife Christina, six years ago.

Newly arrived from Dundee in 2007, the couple bought five acres near Matakana after falling in love with the area. Keen to use their newly acquired acreage, Mandy took a series of permaculture courses, made friends with other growers and, in 2010, she and Craig set up their own business growing organic herbs and seedlings.

“Everything we sell, we grow on our land. Utilising a shadehouse rather than a glasshouse,” says Mandy, “means all plants are fully acclimatised when they go out to be sold.

“The majority of vegetable seedlings are salad greens and cruciferous vegetables, and we grow culinary and medicinal herbs, microgreens, edible flowers and companion plants.”

With Craig working full time elsewhere, Mandy employs a couple of people to help her out but has no plans to expand. “If I grew bigger, I might lose hold of the reins,” she says. “I want to remain focused on meeting my customers’ demands.”

You can find Organic Herbs & Seedlings outside New World Warkworth and at Matakana Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.

WWW.ORGANICSEEDLINGS.CO.NZ 90

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

“I started researching superfoods eight years ago having been into organic growing since the late ’70s,” says Kevin. Today in his ‘bunker’ in the beautiful Matakana countryside, Kevin still spends much of his time reviewing the scientific literature on these super-nutritious foods, before creating his formulations — SuperShakes, Supergreens Powders and even a super chocolate bar.

“We introduced into New Zealand many of the superfoods — like chia and coconut sugar — that are currently circulating,” says Kevin. “We bring in raw products from around the world — many from the Amazon — and formulate them into products that give people more options for children’s snacks, healthy shakes and even breakfasts: like our latest Acai bowl premix.

“It’s about integrating foods with very high nutritional content into everyday life. It’s a safer, healthier, tastier way of supplementing your diet.”

Kevin and his team have produced a soy sauce substitute called ‘coconut soy sauce’ with one-third of the sodium of other soy sauces and no GM soy, and Kevin is working currently on a healthier version of sweet chilli sauce.

Like so many businesses in the area, Matakana SuperFoods has taken off.

Having outgrown the 600m² bunker, Kevin is about to build a new complex down the road. “I love living in this area. The word Matakana now evokes feelings of quality and desirability, and this rubs off onto our brand.”

You’ll find Matakana SuperFoods at New World Supermarkets, and health and whole food stores.

WWW.MATAKANASUPERFOODS.CO.NZ

Words: Suzy Fraser

MATAKANA SKINCARE Some might struggle to see the connection between working as a high-school art teacher and making skincare products but Paula Friis, founder of Matakana Skincare, has no such problem. “It’s being creative that motivates me.”

And create she does. With product lines including soaps, sunblocks, skin cleansers and face moisturisers — made with essential oils and active botanicals — Paula has at least 20 products on her list at the moment. “I just couldn’t stop creating things. I’ve actually had to cut back a lot.”

After leaving teaching and buying a friend’s soap-making business, Paula spent two or three years obsessively researching, understanding and refining her expanding product line, all the while taking her soaps and creams to market.

“I have a philosophy that I won’t sell in shops as I want everything to be fresh. Oils go off no matter what you do to them so I pretty much make to order.” Overheads are low, ergo prices are low too.

“I make everything in my basement. For example to make a face cream all you need is heat, water, beautiful oils and emulsifier — it’s a bit like making aioli really.”

‘Effective, ethical and exquisite’ reads the website headline. Ethical how?

“I never test on animals. I make all my decisions based on how I would like a product to be. There are no strict regulations in New Zealand around cosmetics so people have to trust you and believe you when you say what is in a product.”

With an ‘even life balance’ now, Paula has decided not to try to take over the world. “I am happier creating fresh products and interacting with people than competing and expanding.”

WWW.MATAKANA-SKINCARE.CO.NZ

June 2015

91

ART + ABOUT

The transformation of Matakana from a sleepy but beautiful backwater to a famously popular tourist destination is a wellknown tale. Part of that story are the people who live and work there — artisans, organic growers and producers, winemakers, foodies and entrepreneurs — who have turned the name Matakana into a byword for good-quality, health-conscious, organic goods.

BOX OFFICE LIVING IS EASY (WITH EYES CLOSED)

MADAME BOVARY

MR. HOLMES

JULY 9

JULY 23

18 JUNE

JULY 16

Adapted from Flaubert’s classic novel, Madame Bovary tells the tragic story of Emma, a young beauty who impulsively marries a small-town doctor to leave her father’s pig farm behind. But, after being introduced to the glamorous world of high society, she soon becomes bored with her stodgy mate and seeks excitement and status outside the bonds of marriage.

Mr. Holmes is a new twist on the world’s most famous detective.

Inspired by true events, writer/director David Trueba’s multi-award-winning Living Is Easy (With Eyes Closed) is a buoyant and heartfelt comedy set in conservative, Franco-era Spain, about a free-spirited English teacher’s quest to meet his idol, John Lennon, and the inspirational effect he has on two young people who share in the journey.

Learning to Drive stars Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson and Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley in a dramatic comedy about an improbable friendship.

This sumptuous period drama features a superb cast including Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), Paul Giamatti (Sideways) and Ezra Miller (The Perks of being a Wallflower).

Flaubert’s classic novel comes to life.

Rating: M – Sex scenes Trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=Q-JttHFKM5k

The year is 1947 and an ageing Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare.

Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with the company only of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger.

Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love — before it’s too late.

Rating: PG Adult Themes Trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=1cXbKU9mrLA

W UP FOR GRABS! Five double passes to Mr. Holmes*

It’s 1966; dedicated schoolteacher Antonio is an obsessive Beatles fan — this passion carries through to his classroom where he uses the lyrics from Help! to teach his pupils English. When he learns that John Lennon is filming Richard Lester’s absurdist comedy How I Won the War on the other side of the country, Antonio drops everything and sets out in his tiny Fiat to find the production’s location, hoping Lennon can help him understand the lyrics to the newly released Revolver LP. En route, Antonio adopts two hitchhiking runaways: Juanjo, a 16-year-old boy fleeing his disciplinarian father, and Belén, 20 years old, single and pregnant, heading home to face her mother. Together the trio travels across the sundrenched Spanish landscape and learns more about each other — and themselves — than any had expected.

Trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=uO1jXG38XbM

*TO ENTER

Visit www.vervemagazine.co.nz/competitions/ 92

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

LEARNING TO DRIVE

Wendy Shields is a book editor from New York facing a marriage crisis while Darwan Singh Tur is a driving instructor from India with an abiding respect for tradition.

When Wendy sets out to reclaim her independence, she hits a unique roadblock — she never learned to drive.

She hires Darwan, a driving instructor and part-time cabdriver, to teach her. They form an unlikely bond that inspires each to embrace the laughter, freedom and strength that come with starting anew.

The film premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival and was voted first runner-up for the People’s Choice Award.

Rating: TBC Trailer: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=HEIlBiSz5Jg

W UP FOR GRABS! Five double passes to Learning to Drive*

BOOK SHELF

EAT. NOURISH. GLOW.

BUDDHISM FOR MOTHERS

STRESS PANDEMIC

AMELIA FREER

SARAH NAPTHALI

PAUL HULJICH

Fed up with dieting and still not feeling well or losing the weight you expected to?

Then you need Eat.Nourish.

Glow by Amelia Freer. Amelia is a nutritional therapist who reveals ten easy-to-follow steps to help you make the right choices for you and your life. Also, she will help you discover why some foods are more addictive than others and which are the ones that leave you feeling sluggish and exhausted. Apart from the good advice and wellresearched information, she also inspires you to go for change by giving you a selection of good recipes, which show you that you don’t have to miss out on treats as you eat yourself well.

This international bestseller has a proven track record for helping mums (and dads) enjoy parenthood to its fullest.

Most parenting books focus on the babies and children but Buddhism for Mothers shows that, if the mother is calm, relaxed and feeling well, then she will be less stressed and more able to cope with the turmoil that having a baby can and does cause. Just a tip here: this is a perfect gift book for a new parent who might be feeling slightly overwhelmed with new responsibilities and sleep deprivation, and caught up in the moment and not able to think past the next pack of nappies.

____ $40

____ $35

MINDFULNESS & THE JOURNEY OF BEREAVEMENT PETER BRIDGEWATER

Paul Huljich is a local author who has had great success in America with his ‘Unique Life-Restyle Solution’ and, in his book Stress Pandemic, he clearly explains why and how stress is such a bad thing. More than that, though, with lots of case histories and his own personal story, Paul shows you how to break the stranglehold that stress has on your life and how you can achieve complete wellness and inner peace in nine natural steps.

____ $30

For 20 years, Peter Bridgewater has devoted his time to volunteering as a Samaritan, prison visitor and bereavement counsellor, and this book is the 18th title in his Mindful Living series. Peter, who lost his own father to suicide, found that there is no plan for grieving and recovering from loss.

Each of us needs to cope in a different way. Going through phases such as anger, denial, depression and acceptance, he is able to offer advice and to help restore hope after a death. This is a remarkable, healing book and, as such, it is a very important one.

____ $25

Words: Doris Mousdale

ARCADIA BOOKSHOP 26 OSBORNE STREET NEWMARKET, AUCKLAND WWW.ARCADIABOOKSHOP.CO.NZ 09 522 5211 June 2015 93

AWAKINO RIVER LODGE

A WORLD APART

Blink and you will miss Awakino — the tiniest of towns (population of eight to ten) located just off SH3 on the peaceful Awakino River. It is the sort of place you may drop in to when driving from Auckland to New Plymouth for a burger and chips or a cup of tea at the local takeaway joint, or to stretch your legs along the river bank prior to hitting the road again.

Back in 2004, Garry Wycherley did just this, when he came across a property for sale. What had caught his attention was an old dilapidated general store building built in 1887. It was on the river and there was something about it that shouted potential so he put in the offer and bought it as the family bach.

The transformation was hugely challenging but the results are perfect. The shape and façade of the building remain the same — but everything else speaks of French Provincial country mansion. What was once a basic trading post has been transformed into a luxury lodge.

A few years ago, Garry decided to advertise the property on bookabach and,

since then, a steady stream of guests has been to stay.

I stayed there in late May and found Awakino River Lodge to be special in so many ways. The interior décor is an artwork in itself and the gardens are equally charming. A log fire added winter warmth and that special ambiance, and a dip in the spa pool under a night sky glittered with stars, was unforgettable. Waking up to the birdsong and views across the river made my heart leap for joy.

It is the sort of place where you could be equally happy to have the whole house to yourself or to fill it with family and friends.

There are four double bedrooms, all beautifully appointed, and the living area is very generously proportioned. Awakino River Lodge would be the ideal place for celebrations like big birthdays, or even an intimate wedding.

Jump on to bookabach and be dazzled by choice; so what makes Awakino River Lodge so special? For me the reasons are many… the solitude and serenity, the wild coastline just minutes away, with its black beaches and crashing waves, the closeness

“

Out of every window is a masterpiece.”

— Ray —

to nature, the languid river that runs past the front door, the well-equipped kitchen for those who love to cook and create, the sense of permanence and history, the luxury and comfort, the space.

So, if you truly wish to get away from it all but value your comfort and enjoy a little luxury done in the most tasteful of ways, then I can highly recommend Awakino River Lodge — you won’t be disappointed.

Words: F Harrison

WWW.AWAKINORIVERLODGE.CO.NZ IREDALE QUAY, RD1 MOKAU, TARANAKI 021 775 397 AWAKINOLODGE@GMAIL.COM

Travel in Style, thethe A&K way.

Travel in Style, A&K way.

Travel in Style, the A&K way.

At Abercrombie & Kent, we strive at every turn to redefine At Abercrombie & Kent,onwea holiday. strive at every turn to redefine your idea of what is possible Our approach At Abercrombie &isKent, we strive at every turnapproach to redefine your idea of what possible on a holiday.

Our combines singular service with insider-access opportunities your idea of what is possible on a holiday.

Our approach combines singular service with insider-access opportunities unlike combines any you have experienced before.

Whetheropportunities it’s seeing with insider-access unlike anysingular you haveservice experienced before. Whether it’s seeing Machuunlike Picchu with its former resident archaeologist, you have before.

Whether or it’s or seeing Machuany Picchu with experienced its former resident archaeologist, visitingMachu a local family in Myanmar to hear about their lives, Picchu with its former resident archaeologist, or visiting a local family in Myanmar to hear about their lives, Abercrombie Kent goes above andand beyond thethe visiting a& local family Myanmar togoes hearabove about theirbeyond lives, Abercrombie & consistently Kentinconsistently call of Abercrombie duty to make your holiday perfect. & Kent consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to make your holiday perfect. call of duty to make your holiday perfect.

With A&K, you can a travel stylestyle that that suitssuits youyou - With A&K, youchoose can choose a travel With A&K, you canSmall choose a travel style that suits you perhaps a Luxury Small Group Journey, the finest group perhaps a Luxury Group Journey, the finest group a Luxury the finest group travel perhaps experience in theSmall - limited to a to maximum of just travel experience inworld the Group world -Journey, limited a maximum of just travel in the world - limited to combines a maximum of just 18 guests; a Connections journey, which A&K’s 18 guests; aexperience Connections journey, which combines A&K’s 18 guests; a Connections journey, which combines A&K’s renowned service with unbeatable a private basis, renowned service with unbeatable valuevalue - on-aon private basis, service withawith unbeatable value on guests; a private or as a group journey a maximum of-just 24 guests; or as arenowned group journey with maximum of just 24 orbasis, aor a or as a group journey with aanmaximum of just 24 guests; or a Platinum Private itinerary, independent journey with your Platinum Private itinerary, an independent journey with your Platinum Private itinerary, an independent journey with your own personal and driver throughout, custom designed own personal guideguide and driver throughout, custom designed own personal guide and driver throughout, custom designed just for you. When it comes to discovering the world, the just forjust you. it comes to discovering the the world, thethe forWhen you. When it comes to discovering world, possibilities are endless. possibilities are endless. possibilities are endless.

Making these extraordinary journeys possible are the

Making these these extraordinary journeys possible areare thethe Making extraordinary journeys handpicked experts in our 52 offices possible worldwide, on call around handpicked experts in our 52 offices worldwide, on call around handpicked experts in our 52 are offices on Resident call around the clock. Chief among them our worldwide, resident A&K the clock.

Chief among them are our resident A&K Resident the clock.

Chief among them are our resident A&K Resident Tour Directors and local guides there to provide one on one Tour Directors and local guides therethere to provide oneone on on oneone Tour and throughout. local guides to provide care Directors and attention careattention and attention throughout. care and throughout.

With expertise in not only luxury but culture, wildlife and history

With expertise not luxury only luxury but culture, wildlife history With expertise in notinonly but culture, andand history as well, Abercrombie & Kent reveals yourwildlife destination with an as well, Abercrombie & Kent reveals your destination with as well,authenticity Abercrombie & Kent reveals destination with an an beyond the reach of your any other travel company. authenticity beyond the reach of other any other travel company. authenticity beyond the reach of any travel company.

Please contact the award winning team of travel Please contact the award winning team ofdiscover travel at House ofwinning Travel Remuera Pleasespecialists contact the award team of to travel specialists at House of Travel Remuera to discover more about Abercrombie & Kent and plan your specialists at House of Travel Remuera toto discover moretrip about & Kent and to plan your of aAbercrombie life time.& Kent more own about Abercrombie and to plan your own trip of a life time.

own trip of a life time.

House of Travel Remuera House of TravelRoad Remuera 351 Remuera | 09 524 4112 House ofRemuera Travel Remuera 351 Road | 09 524 4112 remuera@hot.co.nz

351 Remuera Road | 09 524 4112 remuera@hot.co.nz

remuera@hot.co.nz

MOUNTAINS You Can WALK UP “The danger of climbing mountains is part of what makes it a powerful and enriching experience...”

What, exactly, is the attraction of mountain tops? “The danger of climbing mountains is part of what makes it a powerful and enriching experience,” writes mountaineer and author, Conrad Anker, for National Geographic. “…

Beyond the bare essentials — bravery, endurance and teamwork — the recipe for getting to the summit has been tweaked continually… But what has not changed is the principle that climbing a peak is more than just reaching a summit.” Anker concludes his piece with George Mallory’s take on climbing: “What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life.” Mallory was the legendary British mountaineer who succumbed to Everest’s treacherous slopes in 1924.

For those with a head for heights, an adventurous spirit and a decent level of fitness — but who perhaps lack the climbing skills of Sir Ed — Verve brings you a collection of some of the world’s most wondrous peaks whose summits are surmountable on foot.

96

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

MOUNT HUASHAN, CHINA

Britain’s highest point, Ben Nevis, rises 1,344m from Scotland’s Grampian Mountain range. Known locally as ‘The Ben’, this somewhat unusually shaped mountain attracts around 150,000 trekkers each year, with the summit walk, known as the Mountain Track, stretching 16km and taking about eight hours to complete. The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic Beinn Nibheis, which translates as ‘malicious mountain’. Indeed, it suffers some of Scotland’s worst weather conditions and walkers should be well prepared. The north face is also home to a collection of the United Kingdom’s highest cliffs and a mecca for ice climbers. The ruins of an observatory, which closed in 1904, rest at the summit.

Mount Huashan, near the site of China’s legendary Terracotta Warriors, is one of the nation’s five ‘Great Mountains’ and has been of spiritual significance for thousands of years. Many of the trails’ stone steps were carved out by nuns, monks and pilgrims. The mountain splits into five peaks: its southern one stands highest at 2,160m and there is also a ‘skywalk’ — widely considered the world’s most dangerous tourist route — which consists mainly of wooden ledges affixed to one of the mountain’s sheer cliff faces. No exact figures are available but many have died hiking Huashan’s notorious paths with their ominous titles, such as the ‘Thousand-Foot Precipice’, ‘Hundred-Foot Crevice’ and ‘Black Dragon Ridge’, not offering too much in the way of reassurance.

CRADLE MOUNTAIN, AUSTRALIA Few areas better exemplify the rugged wonder of Tasmania than the stunning Lake St Clair National Park, home to the incredible 1.5km-high Cradle Mountain.

Named, obviously, for its resemblance to a crib — babe and all — the summit offers a 360-degree panoramic view of a Jurassic landscape and the park’s glacially formed namesake lake. Allow for an eighthour return trip on the summit track and look out for some alternate route options available on the way back down.

TABLE MOUNTAIN, SOUTH AFRICA There are a staggering 350 differing routes to the summit of the fabled flat-topped South African peak that is Table Mountain and more than 900 if you count the climbs.

The path through Platteklip Gorge is the oldest and most direct one with the summit surmountable in as little as two hours. But it’s a tough slog. The 1,086m mountain is among the world’s most iconic owing to its unique plateau shape; its ‘tabletop’ stretches for an astonishing 3km, edged

by Devil’s Peak to the east and the western Lion’s Head.

MOUNT SINAI, EGYPT Follow in the footsteps of Moses with a hike up the 2,285m Mount Sinai, the site upon which he received the Ten Commandments. Supposedly. Two tracks take trekkers to the top: Siket El Bashait affords a longer, shallower stroll of around two-and-a-half hours while Siket Sayidna Musa provides the steeper ‘steps of penitence’ — 3,750 in total. The ancient Saint Catherine’s Monastery, a Unesco World Heritage Site, rests at the monolith’s base while on top is a functioning Muslim mosque, a Greek Orthodox chapel and the ruins of a church.

MOUNT KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA

MOUNT FUJI, JAPAN

Africa’s highest peak is not for fainthearted hikers; its 5,891m summit means a real risk of serious and potentially fatal altitude sickness throughout this multi-day trek. Kilimanjaro, also the highest freestanding (not part of a range) mountain on Earth, incorporates three volcanic cones, two of which are extinct; the other, its highest, last erupted two centuries ago.

The stunning slopes are home to both rain forest and alpine desert, culminating in a snow-kissed arctic top. The ‘Coca-Cola Route’ is the most popular way up, with mountain huts dotted along its path.

Japan’s highest and most fabled peak, Mount Fuji, is an active volcano which last erupted in 1707 and 1708. Resting 100km south-west of Tokyo, it rises, often through clouds, to 3,776m. This is one of the world’s most beautiful mountains, whose peak season lasts from July until August, when there is little snow and the weather is relatively calm. More-experienced hikers may still be able to scale its summit through to late September but, after then, extreme winds, snow, ice and the risk of avalanches make Mount Fuji a no-go.

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

June 2015

97

JOURNEYS

BEN NEVIS, UNITED KINGDOM

World’s OLDEST CITIES In 1849 British explorer and archaeologist William Loftus discovered the ruins of the world’s very first city: Uruk. The following year at the ancient Mesopotamian site, 250km south of Baghdad, Loftus and his team began excavations. A wealth of pictorial and written clay tablets show such things as seals marking property, the use of ploughs and possibly even wheeled vehicles.

Two major religious centres tell of the worship of a sky god named An and a goddess of both love and war called Inanna. The city sprang up during the fifth millennium BC and remained the world’s largest and among the most powerful for the following 3,000 years, also giving rise to history’s first empire.

While no other ancient city boasts such a heritage, there is an array of storied settlements that still thrive today.

01

JERICHO, PALESTINE Excavations in this ancient West Bank city show Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) hunters made visits to the region 11,000 years ago. By 8,000 BC a series of independent communities had been established, each containing up to 3,000 people; the discovery of wheat and barley implies evidence of agriculture. By the turn of the fourth millennium BC, pottery was introduced to the area, probably from Syria, though it would be another 2,000 years before the region was established properly as a permanent town. There are numerous references to Jericho in the Bible, such as that about the attack by the Joshua-led Israelites and that it was the place where King Herod died.

FAIYUM, EGYPT The site of Faiyum, inhabited since around 4,000 BC, is among the world’s oldest continually settled cities and the oldest in Egypt. It rests 100km to the south-west of Cairo, partly where the ancient town of Crocodilopolis once stood. The town, a religious centre for the worship of Sobek, the crocodile god, was renamed Crocodilopolis, or ‘Crocodile City’ by the Greeks. A sacred crocodile was kept in Lake Moeris. The city was later renamed Arsinoe. Today mounds mark this ancient site to Faiyum’s north.

ALEPPO, SYRIA This ancient settlement sprang from the crossroads of significant trade routes, most significantly upon the Silk Road, and its importance is reflected by its succession of rulers, which included the Assyrians, Arabs, Mongols and Ottomans. Aleppo’s fabled 13th-century Citadel is famed for its array of baths, palaces and mosques. It has been settled since at least the third millennium BC, with tablets found in Mesopotamia mentioning the city’s commercial and military might. Though it is still the largest city in Syria, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 heralded its commercial decline. This, however, has served to preserve much of its heritage and, in 2006, it was named the Islamic Capital of Culture.

02

03

DAMASCUS, SYRIA This iconic town is home to an incredible 125 monuments from different periods of its history — which is in the region of 6,000 years — with one of its finest being the Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, constructed in the eighth century. During the Middle Ages, Damascus blossomed into a craft hub, with different regions specialising in specific trades. Remnants of Roman and Greek history remain in this Islamic city, such as the ruins of the Temple of Jupiter. Other significant monuments include the Citadel and the Azem Palace.

SUSA, IRAN The city of Susa, first inhabited some 6,000 years ago, was among the most important centres of the Elamite, Persian and Parthian empires and is now occupied by the city of Shush. It rests between the biblical rivers Choaspes and Eulaeus, where Daniel received his vision. In the seventh century BC, Assyrian king Ashurbanipal razed the city; it was rebuilt over the following century then conquered by Cyrus the Great, then made capital of the Persian Empire by Darius the Great. Ancient Greek writings comment on the city’s magnificence and, for centuries, it remained a cultural mecca until it was sacked and destroyed by Muslim armies in the seventh century, was rebuilt once more then obliterated by the Mongols in 1218.

PLOVDIV, BULGARIA Europe’s oldest continually inhabited city was established as a Neolithic settlement in 4,000 BC, predating even Athens. The town was, at the time, known as Thracian; it was captured by the Greeks then later the Romans who renamed it Philippopolis after King Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, who claimed it in 342 BC. Like Rome, Plovdiv once had seven hills, but only three of any significance remain due to quarrying.

Now Bulgaria’s second-largest city, the old town is filled with 19th-century architecture, museums and galleries. Its colonial history is still very much evident, most notably with its stunning Roman amphitheatre which is still used for performances.

04

05

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces 01 — Jericho, Palestine — Poco a poco; 02 — Tomb of Daniel, Susa, Iran — Sebastià Giralt; 03 — Regional Ethnographic Museum, Plovdiv, Bulgaria — Klearchos Kapoutsis; 04 — Private sector / Women selling farmed fish on the roadside, Faiyum, Egypt — Samuel Stacey; 05 — Damascus, Syria — Marc Veraart; 06 — Ancient covered souq, Aleppo, Syria — James Gordon

06

WORLD JOURNEYS

EXPLORING EAST AFRICA

As we touched down on a tiny airstrip in the middle of the Serengeti, gazelle scattered left and right into the bush.

I had finally arrived in Africa!

East Africa is my favourite safari destination — the vast herds of wildebeest, leaping Maasai warriors and the soaring slopes of Kilimanjaro will never fail to take my breath away.

I may have a hankering for true wilderness but I do insist on some home comforts. My arrival at the safari ‘camp’ was heralded by a chorus of welcome song from the staff, citrus-scented cold towels and a chilled fruit cocktail. My vast canvas tent was decked out with a proper bed, with a snug duvet, and a teak chair on my ‘deck’ that was perfect for G&Ts at sunset. Definitely not the camping of my childhood!

All that aside, I had come to Africa to see the animals. Each day began with an early wake-up call, hot chocolate and a quick snack before heading out in a 4x4 with an expert guide and tracker. Just as we were rousing ourselves for the day, the animals were making the most of the cool morning air.

The pressure was on to spot ‘The Big Five’ game — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. In the bad old days of hunting, these were the animals most difficult to hunt on foot. Even now they can be elusive but for the expert and instinctive skills of our tracker, whose keen eyes spotted spoor (tracks) and fresh droppings that led us to even the shyest — the leopard. It’s such a thrill to see these beautiful creatures up close in their natural wild environment: indescribable.

We were also lucky enough to experience the annual ‘Great Migration’ in action, with wildebeest and zebra moving in vast herds, almost in single file, to the fresh feeding grounds in the north. This is quite a spectacle and truly one of the wonders of this world.

torches, chanting as they leapt into the air, defying gravity, generated gasps of wonder all round.

Zanzibar is the icing on the East African cake for me, with peppery scents wafting from the spice plantations, delicious seafood at the Old Town’s night market and truly idyllic beaches. All of this is set against the backdrop of remnants of a fascinating Arabic history.

East Africa has it all; from the wildlife safaris to the stunning landscapes and a diversity of culture that will astound, this is my kind of Africa.

Words: Ange Pirie, Director, World Journeys

The Ngorongoro Crater is also a veritable ‘Garden of Eden’ with its prolific wildlife — home to a permanent population of more than 30,000 animals in a mere 260km².

It was here that I had the opportunity to interact with the local Maasai tribe, which is integral in the success of the crater’s ongoing preservation. As I experienced my first Maasai ‘Guard of Honour’ ceremony, more than 50 traditionally dressed Maasai armed with flaming

SMALL GROUP HOSTED TOUR DEPARTING 11 OCT 2015

SERENGETI, ZANZIBAR & THE FALLS 100

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Follow the Great Migration in the Serengeti, safari in the Ngorongoro Crater, and see the vast elephant herds of Chobe National Park. Relax on exotic Zanzibar and witness the awesome spectacle of Victoria Falls.

21 days from $17,490 pp (twin) incl. flights Tipping & travel insurance additional.

Contact your Travel Agent, or World Journeys 09 360 7311 www.worldjourneys.co.nz /worldjourneys

Citrus fruit always caused considerable friction in my house when I was growing up back in Scotland. Whether it was an orange, a mandarin or a lemon, my brother and I would quickly demolish it. But that lovely little child was always quicker off the mark and regularly left me unable to have that sour taste in my mouth.

If only we’d been in New Zealand, we’d have been friends, probably. As, here, it is possible to grow enough citrus, even in small urban sections, to be inundated with fruit.

But to gain the most from your trees, it’s worth taking a bit of time to plan as you don’t want to discover you’ve made a mistake three or four years down the track.

PETS + GARDENS

GROWING CITRUS IN THE CITY

“Last year, Mitch, a bearded collie, was hit by a courier van. His most worrying injury was lung damage.

He spent an entire weekend under the expert care of the Animal Emergency Centre, who, quite literally, saved his life.

We are so grateful and have so much admiration for their professionalism.”

— Don Wilson

WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER SITING Plant in full sun (at least six hours of sun all year round).

DWARF OR FULL SIZE Short of space or want to squish loads in?

Trees grafted onto dwarf rootstock take up less space and can even be grown in pots.

Dwarf trees grow up to 1.5m or 2m. Fullsized trees grow to between 2.5m and 4m.

Leave 2m spacing between dwarf trees or 3m to 4m between full-sized trees.

CHOOSING YOUR VARIETIES There are two main things to consider: what you want and when you want it. This means a bit of a trade-off is sometimes necessary. For example, Tahitian Bearss limes probably taste the best but fruit mainly through winter whereas Kusaie limes or limequats fruit almost all year round.

But for a comprehensive guide to which varieties we have and when they fruit, check

out the Kings website (www.kings.co.nz/ garden-news/growing-citrus-in-the-city).

PLANTING

OPEN WHEN YOUR REGULAR VET IS NOT!

Dig a decent-sized hole (at least twice the height and width of your pot). In heavy clay soils, I often dig a slightly bigger hole.

Backfill with a mix of soil, compost and sheep pellets until you can place your tree (minus the pot) into the hole.

Fill around your tree with a mix of compost, sheep pellets and some of the remaining topsoil, and make sure you press the soil down until it is firm.

In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant into a slight mound.

Mulch to finish.

Words: William Aiken of Kings Garden Centre

(09) 849 2121 97 CARRINGTON ROAD, MT ALBERT WWW.ANIMALEMERGENCY. CO.NZ June 2015

101

MARKET PLACE

Want to get Want to get mortgage free mortgage free Want to get faster? faster? free mortgage Come in for a free free faster?

Come in for a free financial checkup. financial checkup.

Come in for a free financial checkup.

Transforelmf Yours CHRISTMAS New

New Zealand’s foremost personal image and styling consultancy, for that little bit of wardrobe magic.

Look your best – call us NOW! Phone: 09 529 5115 Email: info@signaturestyle.co.nz 35 Broadway, Newmarket

cushions in Instore & Online store and online.

62a Benson Road, Remuera 1 GOODMAN PLACE OPEN 7 DAYS PENROSE www.thebaytree.co.nz OPEN 7 DAYS WWW.LEFORGE.CO.NZ

You don’t don’t have have to tobe beaaKiwibank Kiwibankcustomer customerfor forone oneof ofour our for one of our You Banking Consultants Consultantsto togive giveyou youaafinancial financialcheckup checkup checkup Banking You don’t to beto Kiwibank customer fordebt. one of our and show showhave you how how toareduce reduce your mortgage debt. debt. and you your mortgage Banking Consultants to give you a financial checkup and show you how torates, reduce your mortgage debt.

We can can offer you hot help you choosethe theright right the right We offer you hot help you choose You don’t be arates, Kiwibank customer forhome one ofloan our home loanhave andto repayment planand, and, ifyour your home loan loan home loan and repayment plan if home Banking Consultants to give you a financial checkup We can offer you hot rates, help you choose the right refinancing plan planthat thatcould couldsave save is more than $50,000, a refinancing that could save and show you to reduce your mortgage debt. loan home andhow repayment plan and, if your home you up uploan to $2,000. $2,000. you to is more than $50,000, a refinancing plan that could save We offer you hot rates, help you choose the right youcan up to $2,000. home loan and repayment plan and, if your home loan your local local Banking All it takes is a call to your Banking is more than $50,000, a refinancing plan that could save Consultant Sarena Buchan on 09 5206259 6259 Consultant Sarena Buchan on 09 520 you to $2,000.

All up it takes is a call to your local Banking

Newmarket Branch. at Newmarket Branch.

Consultant Sarena Buchan on 09 520 6259 at Newmarket Branch.

All it takes is a call to your local Banking Consultant Sarena Buchan on 09 520 6259 at Newmarket Branch.

Kiwibank’s Financial Advisers Act Disclosure Statement at kiwibank.co.nz.

Kiwibank’s Get Getaacopy copyof ofKiwibank’s Kiwibank’sFinancial FinancialAdvisers AdvisersAct ActDisclosure DisclosureStatement Statementat atkiwibank.co.nz. kiwibank.co.nz.Kiwibank’s Kiwibank’s criteria, terms and conditions and fees apply. lending lendingcriteria, criteria,terms termsand andconditions conditionsand andfees feesapply. apply.

June15Verve June15Verve June15Verve

Get a copy of Kiwibank’s Financial Advisers Act Disclosure Statement at kiwibank.co.nz. Kiwibank’s lending criteria, terms and conditions and fees apply.

June15Verve

Slip into something comfortable with

Open 7 days till 5pm eachJune15Verve day

Get a copy of Kiwibank’s Financial Advisers Act Disclosure Statement at kiwibank.co.nz. Kiwibank’s lending criteria, terms and conditions and fees apply.

—

REMARKABLE BREAKFASTS AND BRUNCHES

—

·Duvet inners ·Silk sheets ·Bamboo sheets ·Pillowcases ·Pillows w w w. s i l k a n d m o r e . c o . n z Phone 027 804 3626

SUNNY DECK OR INDOOR DINING

—

ALL FOOD MADE ON THE PREMISES

—

AMAZING COFFEE

—

CHILDREN’S MENU

311 Parnell Rd | (09) 379 2860

BATHROOM FURNITURE & BASINS NOW OPEN SATURDAYS 9.00AM - 1.00PM Weekdays Tues - Fri 9.00am - 3.00pm | Ph 09 837 4276 2 Enterprise Drive, Henderson, Auckland

www.stmichel.co.nz

102

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

MARKET PLACE MARKET PLACE

Handmade Jewllery Ruby and diamond collection all handmade on site.

NADU ESPRESSO + JUICE

All work done on premises 26 years experience

99 NUFFIELD STREET NEWMARKET 1023 NADU.CO.NZ Rudy's Verve Mag advert.pdf

1

27/09/13

10:13 AM

NEW PC’S UPGRADES TROUBLE SHOOTING NETWORKING SOFTWARE VIRUS REMOVAL DATA BASE DESIGN

MT EDEN JEWELLERS LTD 416 MT EDEN RD | MT EDEN VILLAGE MTEDENJEWELLERS.CO.NZ | (09) 631 5999

Specialising in

tailor-made

AFRICAN SAFARIS

House of Travel Remuera 351 Remuera Road Christine Wynne-Jones 522 3415 | christinewj@hot.co.nz

09 579 7809 www.rudys.co.nz

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE The Positive Property Service Co Ltd

Visa and MasterCard approved.

0508 767 484 info@positiveproperty.co.nz

HOUSE WASHING Its spring clean time for your house!

26 5 Y A RD ER 201 U T SA EMB T SEP

FREE QUOTES

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

0800 867 486 topgun@positiveproperty.co.nz

June 2015

103

104

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

“My oasis of calm” – just 35 minutes from the CBD

When you live in Orewa’s Kensington Park, you enjoy peaceful, beach-side living, which is an easy drive from Central Auckland. Visit our sales suite and Discover what Kensington Park has to offer. 1 Parkside Drive, Orewa

NE

W HO SH M OW E

Rewa Rewa Apartments – Priced from $599,000 Show home at 4 Rewa Rewa Lane, Orewa

Panorama Views – Priced from $980,000 Show home at 1 Ocean View Terrace, Orewa

128 Landmark Terrace – Priced at $898,000 Show home open

Garden Point Apartments – Priced from $819,000 Show home at 72 Panorama Heights, Orewa