Women in Business 2021

INTRODUCING YOU TO WAIRARAPA

WOMEN IN ALL FACETS OF BUSINESS, LIFE AND PLAY

INSPIRING STORIES OF INVENTION,

STRENGTH AND CREATIVITY

2021

Your locally owned newspaper

2 women IN BUSINESS

3

Wairarapa Women – inspira�onal, moving, s�mula�ng, rousing, and exci�ng The job of interviewing and profiling 100 plus women in Wairarapa has le� me with a sense of awe and excitement, realising that anything is possible. These words also describe every one of these women – dynamos in their own field. Each has her unique story. It would be fair to say that at �mes I was frustrated to realise I had to condense this wonderful individual down to a photograph and a set number of words. Some�mes we have relied on addi�onal photographs to further tell the

story. I hope reading all their stories will mo�vate you to want to go and seek out these women, use their services and/or products to support this marvellous region, Wairarapa.

Many of these women have arrived in Wairarapa and have created jobs for themselves. They have jumped huge hurdles, managed children and households, turned the flicker of an idea or passion into a viable business, and s�ll had �me for community work. The skillsset, educa�on and experience of these women are vast and varied.

There’s a woman who so hated her dog’s experience in a kennel, that she set up her own; there’s another who has counselled many, in �mes of despair and anxiety, and has an interes�ng array of ‘tools’ to cope with life; there’s many tender women who use their hair dressing and beauty therapy skills to make us all feel that bit special; another offers a unique olde-worlde gracious residence as a wedding venue; there’s one whose life’s work to help those struggling with literacy issues; while another takes city folk

way out on a coastal experience riding bikes. I could go on but you get the idea. Many have achieved their goals with the enthusias�c support of husbands, partners, families, and friends. Making a dream come true does not happen alone. It takes a community to foster such an extraordinary array of businesses. Please go forth and support them where you can. It’s our community – the one you live in. Happy reading.

Marlene Ditchfield

PHOTO CREDIT LIZ RIKITI PHOTOGRAPHY

Inside +MORE .............................. 66

First Class Hair Studio ........ 12

A1homes ........................... 17

First Property Legal.............. 5

Married to the Mop........... 46

Aardvark to Zebra Pet Care ............................. 54

Fitness Plus Health Centre. 71

Masterton District Council... 2

Gibson Sheat Lawyers........ 50

McKenzie’s Electrical 2000 . 21

Good Beginnings Whaka�pu Atawhai ........... 56

Milady................................ 44

Alluminus Beauty Therapy... 7

Allure Concept Bou�que ... 59 Aramex Wairarapa ............. 34 Architectural Hair Design and The 540 Lodge .............. 9

Back in Ac�on .................... 39 Baker & Co Realty .............. 45 Bayleys Wairarapa ............. 72

Hadlow Pre-school ............ 62 Harcourts Hamill Realty Ltd ........................... 52 He Pounamu Early Nurture ..................... 31

Masterton Dental .............. 20

Michelle’s Hair Studio ........ 38 Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton . 68 My Ride Masterton............ 33 Natural Therapy Op�ons ... 43 Newbolds ............................ 4

Higgins ............................... 65

NUMB1Z Chartered Accountants....................... 38

Beauty Within Bou�que .... 47

Hot Yoga For You................ 58 jessicas living room............ 41

NZ Travel Brokers Ksenia P�lidi ...................... 18

Blushing Beauty Bou�que .. 50

Jo Parker - Property Brokers Greytown .......................... 31

Osborne Group & Maxim Consul�ng.......................... 63

Belinda Pra� Photography .. 55 Brooks Refrigera�on Services ............................

20 Carter Court Rest Home .... 64 Carterton District Council .. 23 Cat Purr-Fec�on Ca�ery .... 68 Centre Stage Design .......... 25 Changes Medi-spa ............. 42 Country Life Interiors ......... 32 Crystal MediSpa................. 33 dpa Chartered Accountants....................... 14 Davidson Psychotherapy Services ............................. 27 Drake ................................. 30

Joanne O’Brien .................. 29 Lansdowne House ............. 12 Lansdowne Private Childcare & Pre-school ...... 57 Lavish Hair Design ............. 16 Lawson Avery Limited ....... 28 LGE Consul�ng ................... 41 Li� with Ella ....................... 24 Lisa Cumming Ray White Masterton .......... 8

Literacy Aotearoa .............. 67 Li�le Africa ........................ 55

Specsavers Audiology ........ 40 Spellbound Bookbinding ... 54 St Ma�hew’s Collegiate School ................................ 34 Stablehouse Design ........... 35 Straight Flush ..................... 59 Susan Stephen & Co Realty . 11 Take Note Carterton .......... 60 Ten O’clock Cookie Bakery Café ........................ 49 The Local Business Network Wairarapa ........... 60 The Glow Up ...................... 11 The Whole Nine Yards ......... 6

Totalspan Wairarapa .......... 40

Pinfolds Transport (2008) Ltd .......................... 46

Tracy Amos Employment Advocacy ........................... 51

Pres�ge Joinery & Pres�ge Kitchens............ 61

Umbrella Group ................. 61

Piper Homes ...................... 10

Property Brokers................ 36 Pure Bliss Day Spa ............. 22

Trio Accoun�ng.................. 57 Vet Services Wairarapa ...... 35 Wairarapa Dream Clean .... 14

Rahui Coastal Loop ............ 24

Main Street Deli & Café ..... 39

Sellar & Sellar .................... 70

Wild Oats Cafe ................... 44

Māori In Business Wairarapa .......................... 27

Shades Direct Wairarapa ... 15

Workshop Designs ............. 64

Envisage Interiors ................ 8

Fes�val Hire ....................... 16

Professionals Patrick & Sco� ................... 19

Southey Sayer ...................... 4

Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances (2017) Ltd ........ 62

Maid2Clean Wairarapa Limited............................... 22

Farm Focus ........................ 43

Paper Plus ............................ 6

Southern North Island Wood Council .................... 32

Purrfect Paws .................... 48

LJ Hooker Masterton McHa�e Realty LTD ......... 69

Fagan Motors Ltd ............... 29

Pampered Paws ................. 26

Soulful Moment................. 56

Wairarapa Ear Health Clinic Ears to You ......................... 13

Liz Riki� Photography ........ 71

Ducke� Funerals ................ 13 Elyse Childs Photography .. 26

Pain Management Wairarapa .......................... 51

Shine Hair Stylists Greytown ........................... 18

Rachel Clarke Celebrant .... 15 Rosewood Funeral Home .. 67

Wairarapa Wellbeing ......... 48

Serene Beauty Therapy ....... 5

Willa Designs ..................... 47

Publica�on feature writers: Marlene Ditchfield and Erin Kavanagh-Hall.

4 women IN BUSINESS

Southey Sayer

Newbolds

FROM LEFT: FIONA CAMERON, DAYNA SCOTT, REBECCA CONOLE.

FROM LEFT: ALANA RUSSELL, JANET BURGESS, FAY MACDONALD, AND CINDY MARRIOTT.

Accounting firm putting people first, then sorting out their numbers

Locally owned and operated store delivering the ‘extraordinary’

For the Management Team at Southey Sayer – Fiona Cameron, Dayna Scott and Rebecca Conole, it’s the great working environment, employment flexibility, sound tech support, and great bosses, that tick all the boxes. They love their roles and being part of Southey Sayer – an accounting firm which puts people first, then sorts out their numbers.

Newbolds has a solid foundation within the Wairarapa business community and celebrates its 77th year in 2021.

Fiona Cameron is an Accounting Technician having worked in the accountancy world since she left Wairarapa College. She studied extramurally, qualified in 1997 and joined Southey Sayer a year later. Fiona is a keen supporter of Aratoi, a former Friends’ treasurer and now a volunteer. Along with compiling client’s financial reports and managing the taxation compliance for the Southey team, Fiona finds it rewarding helping clients solve their software issues.

She loves accounting and the fact that no one working day is the same. “I guess I’m a ‘cross the tees and dot the eyes’ sort of person, so it suits me well.”

Dayna Scott joined Southey Sayer in 2016 and has since gained her Accounting Technician qualification. She manages the taxation compliance for the Sayer team clients, as well as assisting them on their daily and annual accounting matters

with her in-depth knowledge of various accounting software systems. Dayna and her husband John, lease his family’s dairy farm in South Featherston and it was while handling the financials for the business and raising their children, she realised how much she enjoyed working with numbers.

Employment in a chartered accountants office and extra mural study resulted.

Dayna keeps her hand in the family business by helping in the milking shed and rearing calves when she can.

Rebecca Conole has been Southey Sayer’s Practice Manager since 2011. Raised in Kapiti, she studied in Wellington and moved to Wairarapa 10 years ago. She looks after the team’s needs, IT and keeps the office running smoothly. With a special interest for software and technology, Rebecca helps clients with software set-up and ongoing support. She has a vast payroll knowledge and helps in this sphere. Rebecca enjoys horse riding and provides adoption support for the charity ‘Greyhounds as Pets.’

The team nature ventures beyond the office walls too. The trio are in training for the three-day Tora Coastal Walk in November this year.

There’s Janet Burgess, the office manager, who prides herself on being the ‘go-to’ person within the business. Alana Russell is pivotal in keeping the second-hand sales and service centre running smoothly, Cindy Marriott moved from the world of travel to delivering excellence on the Newbolds showroom floor and there’s Fay MacDonald, a self-confessed home baker, who knows all there is to know about smaller appliances.

Mark Heginbotham took over the business from his father (John) in 2015. Mark sees the staff as an extension of his family and is thrilled to have a committed team, diverse in their skill sets and experience.

It was this locally owned, family atmosphere which attracted Janet to Newbolds. In her own words “as Office Manager I’m always thinking ‘operationally’ across the business, bringing together the Sales, Service and Delivery teams. I like to try and stay one step ahead and have the knowledge or solutions before problems present themselves. I think that’s the Event Manager and Training background in me.

Anyone can be ordinary, but I constantly strive to deliver the extraordinary”.

Alana Russell successfully coordinates second-hand sales and a 10-strong team of technicians, deliverymen and warehousing staff at Worksop Road. Masterton born and bred; Alana is a familiar face that you might recognise from a hospitality management background.

Cindy Marriott brings 17 years of travel consulting experience, building relationships with locals to deliver an outstanding customer journey, that she makes look simply effortless. The store has many repeat customers who value the personalised service and Cindy thrives in this atmosphere.

Fay MacDonald joined the Newbolds team three years ago. Many people would recognise her from several retail roles around town, including in pharmacy and at the ticket office at the Masterton railway station. She’s well known for her baking prowess and so it was a natural fit that she would add knowledge and experience to an appliance retailer.

The one thing that all four women have in common is that desire to deliver ‘above and beyond’ and the belief that buying locally really does give a sense of community, something which they all play their own part in.

Newbolds Chartered

Accountants Leanne Southey BBS, FCA Rebecca Sayer BBS, FCA

We can assist you with modernising your business software solutions.

Contact us for help with cashflow forecasting, budgeting, tax advice and strategic planning for the future.

110 Dixon Street

Masterton 5810

E: ca@sosa.co.nz

P: 06 3700811

www.sosa.co.nz

APPLIANCES & BEDS

146 Queen St Masterton

SECONDS & SERVICE

46 Worksop Rd Masterton

06 378 8699

5

First Property Legal

Serene Beauty Therapy

ANA EDWARDS.

Quiet, peaceful, and professional service a drawcard Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in urban Carterton is Ana Edwards and her beauty therapy studio – Serene Beauty.

MARTA WOJCIKOWSKI, KIRSTY LEWIS, CHARLOTTE ALBAGNAC AND CATHERINE BANNON.

Dream team legal executives help with house purchases and sales If you’ve found a property your next stop is First Property Legal – specialising in residential property transactions.

ANA’S AWARD WINNING PRODUCT. treatments, she provides are the ‘eye trios’ and the DF facials.

“Beauty treatments are so good for our well being. It’s the therapy of being kind to ourselves, as well as up-lifting our spirits,” says Ana.

Environ is an award-winning medical skincare product which Ana uses in her clinic. In early 2021 it was named the top medical skincare line achieving the coveted ‘Decade Award’ in the Aesthetic and Cosmetic Marketing Awards in the USA. With its motto to provide “beautiful skin for a lifetime”, Environ has been a continuous winner and Ana is committed to bringing this high-quality product to her clients.

Ana’s services range from lash extensions, waxing, manicures, pedicures, shellac nails, spray tans, massage, electrolysis, Environ DF facials and Jane Iredale makeup. She has a special interest in skin health and encourages her clients to have regular facials. Among of her favourite beauty

Ana qualified as a beauty therapist in Palmerston North and ran a successful clinic in Geelong, Melbourne for 11 years, before coming home to Wairarapa and family with her two sons, now aged 15 and 12. With partner Richie and stepson, 14, they enjoy a busy family life.

Established seven years ago, Ana has a loyal clientele who adore her peaceful approach to the personal and intimate service she provides. Ana in Te Reo means ‘Serene.’ It was an easy choice to name her business.

service at a competitive price, with no surprises.” Kirsty lives on a farm with her husband, John.

Wanting to buy or sell a house?

Dreaming of that first home?

Considering re-financing?

Charlotte Albagnac moved to New Zealand from São Paulo, Brazil in 2015. She has a law degree and extensive experience in employment law from her home country.

For first-home buyers they can also Outside of work, she is a photographer, help with utilising Kiwisaver funds. The blogger, tramper, reading First Property Legal team know “We offer enthusiast and has created an their stuff inside out. clients a great Instagram account on interior The office in Radio House, is design and gardening. service at a directly opposite Gawith Burridge competitive Marta Wojcikowski is a legal in Church Street, Masterton. executive, she joined the First price, with Legal Executives Kirsty Lewis, no surprises.” Property Legal team in July 2020.

Charlotte Albagnac and She lives with her husband and Marta Wojcikowski are highly two young children in Martinborough. experienced in conveyancing.

A keen sportswoman, she loves tennis, They are supported by Catherine Bannon, netball, and hiking. their PA, who oversees the administration of the service.

Kirsty Lewis is a senior registered legal executive and has been practising conveyancing since 2008 when First Property Legal began.

FrllS � PROPERTY

FrllS � PROPERTY

“We have developed systems and precedents that enable us to complete property transactions quickly and efficiently. We offer clients a great

LEGAL

Catherine Bannon is described by her colleagues as the ‘glue’ who keeps things ticking over. Formerly in the travel industry for 26 years, including time in London, she decided to take a new career path when covid began and joined First Property Legal in February this year.

She lives in Masterton with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Specialists in Kiwisaver and Homestart Fixed fee affordable conveyancing

LEGAL

Fixed Fee Conveyancing Fixed Fee Conveyancing Terms and conditions apply, see website for details

1 TARARUA CRESCENT, CARTERTON. P 06 3799029. M 027 232 889. APPOINTMENTS NECESSARY.

Terms and conditi ons apply, Terms and conditions apply, see website for details see website for details.

First Property Legal, Radio House, Church Street, Masterton. www.propertylegal.co.nz • 06 370 2563

6 women IN BUSINESS

The Whole Nine Yards

Paper Plus – Kids’ Club

JULIE TULLOCH (STANDING), ANDREA JOHNSTON AND SOPHIE MCCOY, (RIGHT).

Treasure trove store which lifts the spirits

KALLI HOOPER WITH ROARY – A HUGE HIT IN THE CHILDREN’S SECTION OF PAPER PLUS.

Fostering early reading in children via a gift which keeps on giving SOPHIE’S CHOICE: CHINESE SIDEBOARD.

‘The Whole Nine Yards’ is a store on Chapel Street in Masterton which is always a joy to visit. It’s light, bright and funky, full of furniture and homewares.

In her forties, Kalli Hooper read ‘The Explorer’ by Katherine Rundell. A plane crash lands in the Amazon, the pilot is killed, and the rest is about survival for the rest of the passengers and crew.

Written primarily for children, age eight and upwards, Kalli was hooked on the magic of children’s books and her role running the Kids’ Club at Masterton’s Paper Plus, is custom made for her.

The contents perfectly reflect the women who created it. Owners, Sophie McCoy, and Julie Tulloch have recently been joined

by Andrea Johnston, who has been around creative art in many forms most of her life.

The trio make a colourful team in personality, dress, and skill sets. Descriptions like ‘visual feast’, a ‘symphony of colour’, ‘eclectic mix’, come to mind, when you wander the store.

Furniture, cushions, arty-ficial flowers, curtain fabrics, clothing, wallpapers, and artwork, appear scattered about, but are carefully arranged by Sophie, who studied at the Wanganui Design School.

JULIE’S CHOICE: SET OF TABLES.

This is where Andrea has been a great help, acting as their ‘Man Friday’ keeping the store running, while buying trips occur.

Yards in 2016. Andrea began working life as a shoe designer and comes from Wellington.

Sophie has a penchant for things pretty and feminine, while Julie prefers things on the wild side. Sophie specialises in the customised couches and chairs which are gaining in popularity, while Julie runs the curtain consultancy service.

Sophie and Julie have each long been in the furnishing industry, opening The Whole Nine

Call in and have some fun. If nothing else, you’ll finish up smiling!

The stock is thoughtfully selected by Sophie and Julie at gift fairs.

beautiful home

Every three months, she selects three books appropriate to the age, gender and interest of a child who has been signed up to the Kids’ Club and it’s posted off to that child.

The children have often been joined by grandparents, parents, or guardians, keen to foster a love of reading in the children they are raising. Many are from out of town, and members report they love the ease of being able to give books as a regular gift, without the angst of trying to find appropriate reading. It costs $199 for a year’s membership which includes 12 books.

Paper Plus cover postage and handling.

Enter Kalli, who keeps abreast of what’s current, what kids are reading, and what’s on the book market. “It’s a job made in heaven,” enthuses Kalli, who says she loves working with the team at Paper Plus. They all work together but have a particular skill,

department, and responsibility within the store. Kalli has been 10 years with Paper Plus. Her husband, Stuart, was the gardener for the previous owner, Russell Carthew, and when Kalli heard there was a job going as the Children’s Books co-ordinator, she enthusiastically applied. Reading has always been her passion. As a young child she grew up in the Australian bush where her father was truck driving. “Reading was all there was to do,” she laughs. When the family moved to Wairarapa, she attended Lansdowne School and Wairarapa College.

She had ideas to become a travel agent, until she realised, she hated planes. Several supervisory roles in Masterton followed until she joined Paper Plus.

The Kids’ Club began three years ago and is the brainchild of Paper Plus Masterton owner Warwick Delmonte. Kalli adores the creative, funky nature that Warwick and Sarah Delmonte bring to the store. The huge tiger which over-shadows the children section is Rory. Great collectors, he was picked up from Auckland Zoo when the Delmontes lived there and is now a popular feature with young readers. So, if you want your child to enter the world of exploration, make-believe, fairies and wizards or the joy of science and discovering dinosaurs, go talk to Kalli. She’ll give you ideas.

Make your home a

 Drapes, blinds & sunscreens  Furnishings & giftware Call in and see us 209 Chapel St, Masterton. P 06 370 8766 www.thewholenineyards.co.nz

Club a year ! s d i K s Kalli’ s four times

is tmas r h C l ike Come in and ask Kalli all about it.

I t’ s

www.paperplus.co.nz

Masterton

7

Latasha Boyce OWNER/DIRECTOR

Begin your tailored skin care journey with Alluminus Latasha founded luxury salon and skin clinic Alluminus Beauty Therapy ten years ago, after seven years working on her path within the skin and beauty industry. As one of Wairarapa’s leading clinics, Alluminus has fast become acclaimed for their bespoke and holistic skin treatments, advanced skin modalities and age-defying skincare.

the past five years. It was once all about products and treatments that felt nice, smelled lovely and looked luxurious. These days, we have the ability to drive real transformation and create younger-looking skin through high-tech treatments such as Dermapen microneedling, LED light therapy and advanced facial peels.

So what is Latasha’s secret to success? Passion, quality products, a skilled team of therapists and ensuring you continue to grow within your industry. If you’re not adapting and growing, you’ll eventually be left behind! The skin and beauty industry has changed dramatically in

Skincare products have come a long way too.

Customers have become educated about the power of skin science, and they demand real results from committing to a quality, active skincare routine.

The skincare brands at Alluminus are always powered by clean, active

conditions. The key to beginning your journey to healthier, younger-looking skin is all about tailored products and treatments for your unique skin.

ingredients – without the “fluff ”. Of course, there’s still a time and a place for some relaxation, but why not have the best of both worlds? The results speak for themselves - just ask their loyal base of clients.

Latasha’s talented and highly skilled team have a huge focus on educating their clients, and helping them achieve their ultimate skin goals. Modern factors such as pollution, stronger sun, harsh chemicals, medication and stress can all impact our delicate skin microbiome, resulting in inflammation, premature signs of ageing (those pesky fine lines and wrinkles), dryness, acne and a myriad of other skin

Alluminus Beauty Therapy is founded on a passion and commitment to skin health and true confidence.

Latasha fell in love with the beauty industry at a young age when she discovered that with improving her appearance, came also an incredible effect on her self-esteem. Add to this the tension of our modern, busy lives, and it’s incredible how a relaxing treatment can soothe our stresses as well as boosting our skin. Alluminus has become a retreat for those

wanting an escape to feel refreshed, renewed and of course confident!

If you’re looking to see some real change in your skin, put down the supermarket moisturiser and drop in to see the team at Alluminus Beauty Therapy, or have a little scroll through their Instagram or Facebook pages for tips, inspiration and skin education to help get you on track to a gorgeous, glowing complexion! www.facebook.com/ alluminusbeautytherapy www.instagram.com/ alluminus_beauty

STOCKISTS OF

Alluminus Beauty Therapy

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136A Main Street Greytown

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info@alluminus.com

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www.alluminus.com

8 women IN BUSINESS

Ray White Masterton – Lisa Cumming

Envisage Interiors

LISA CUMMING AND CHILDREN.

SUE KEENE.

Sue Keene – Interior designer offering to colour your world

Every property has a story and every person an aspiration

Sue Keene’s love of colour has taken her down the interior design path where she helps others translate their dreams into reality in their homes and workspaces.

Her business, Envisage Interiors, has been running for almost two years and the burgeoning interest in Wairarapa home building and renovation has her creative juices flowing.

Real estate is not work to Lisa Cumming it’s a lifestyle in an industry she is absolutely passionate and proud to work in. In fact, most people don’t realise that Lisa has been involved in real estate for 16 years and has literally worked from the ground up.

Lisa’s career started as an administrative assistant with Leaders which is now Ray White. She spent 10 years learning the ropes before taking a full-time leap into helping people buy and sell real estate six years ago.

“I actually got my licence about a year after I started with Leaders and over the next decade, I gained invaluable experience by helping with open homes and learning from more experienced agents.

“Along the way the housing market crashed during the GFC crisis and many agents walked away from the industry. I used that decade of working the front desk to have two beautiful children, learn the trade and build my confidence to take the next step of being totally self-employed as a fully-fledged real estate agent.” Lisa has witnessed many ups and downs in the property market and listed and sold properties in all price brackets. Her first house sold for $360k and she recently listed a property for offers over $1.495m.

“When I first started it was not unusual

She has ‘done up’ many homes of her own and decided to make if official, so she could offer her experience and service, by gaining her Certificate in Interior Design through the Southern Institute of Technology. The study inspired her even more and a friend encouraged her into setting up in business.

Envisage Interiors was created, and she has not looked back. Sue caters for individual clients and works for developers and builders creating show homes, asking her to produce an eye-catching interior.

One of her latest assignments is in a Carterton home which is a two-year progressive project. The clients are slowly working their way through the house updating the interior.

“Working alongside willing people, who are open to suggestions, is so rewarding and exciting. It sometimes pushes peoples’ comfort zones, when I mention introducing

a black wall for example, but often they thank me profusely afterwards, pleased they had had the courage.”

“Many people love living in their homes but don’t have the confidence, or skill, to know what colour goes with what, and how to arrange a room to its best advantage.”

When called upon to help, Sue meets with her client and ascertains their lifestyle and what they want from their home.

“There’s so many styles from formal to bohemian, 50s and 60s ‘old school’ to Victorian classic and the uncluttered warehouse look.” After the discussion and ideas are clarified, Sue sets up a colourboard offering paint hues and textiles and this is what she works with, alongside her client, to establish the final décor. She will give advice on furniture types but will leave clients to that final decision. Sue says she cannot over-state how important colour is to a room. There are many complimentary and contrasting colours which work but then there is the analogous theme using similar shades in a variety of ways, which is currently popular.

So, if your home feels tired and bland, Sue may be just who you are looking for to help colour your life.

Beautiful interiors designed for you • Design and Decor • Colour consultancy • Project management Contact Sue today

ENVISAGE INTERIORS

P 06 379 6983 or 027 393 2134 suekeene77@hotmail.com

for agents to have 10 to 15 listings with properties staying on the market on average for 80 to 90 days.

“In this current market we are seeing much lower listing numbers and those properties selling very quickly in 20 to 30 days on average,” says Lisa. Even in this buoyant market properties do not just sell themselves and with a lot of people looking and prices being hard to predict, an agent needs to be adaptable and empathetic.

“In the early days I would spend a lot of time with the vendors supporting them through the selling journey but now my time can be consumed with helping buyers to navigate and understand this very competitive market so they can put their best offer forward.”

Lisa says people are the reason why she loves being in real estate. “I really value the relationships I get to form. Every property comes with a story and every vendor and buyer has different aspirations - building their trust to sell or buy their biggest asset is so important.”

“Real estate is an exciting industry that can be completely unpredictable but it has afforded me a great lifestyle, time with my children, I’ve met many wonderful people and I have the privilege of being an independent woman in business.”

We share moments with our clients that we’ll never forget and are privileged to be part of ... you’re our number ones.

Lisa Cumming Residential & Lifestyle Property | Ray White Masterton

M 0800 345 778

9

Architectural Hair Design and The 540 Lodge

CATHY DAVYS ARCHITECTURAL HAIR DESIGN.

A hairdressing experience and a romantic hideaway in a magnificent homestead Cathy Davys opened Architectural Hair Design in Masterton just over 18 months ago, and with the support of beautiful Wairarapa women, the journey thus far has been amazing.

Her mantra when with her clients is to take you to another world of relaxation. This is made possible by the gardens surrounding the hairdressing salon and the seclusion of the environment. It ensures your appointment with Cathy is all about you.

Cathy’s forte is looking at your face shape, bone structure, head shape, profile, body shape and lifestyle. From a Master Stylist’s point of view, these features are imperative for excellent hair design, according to Cathy.

“Traditional hair education has told us that the oval is the perfect face shape. Nature does not always make us perfect, some face shapes are round, square, diamond, heart, pear or oblong. Therefore, profiles and shoulder line are all considered when Cathy works with her clients.”

Assessing what one manages at home is equally important. That is where Cathy says its all in the cut. The cut is the foundation, like the foundation when you are building a house which must last, every hair must have its place if it’s going to maintain its

style – this means starting with an in-depth consultation, finding out about you.

With many years in the industry at the top of her game, representing New Zealand nationally and Internationally in competitions, as well as training hairdressers to their best ability at her academy at The 540 Lodge, you are sure to be in safe hands.

THE 540 LODGE As well as running her boutique salon, Cathy along with her husband Ron, operate ‘The 540 Lodge’ nestled in the foothills of the Tararua ranges in picturesque native bush and lush grounds. Purchasing the property over three years ago they both agreed they wanted to share this place with the world.

The property operates as a boutique Airbnb and specialises in events, most recently hosting the notable Peta Mathias for two days of food and fun. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with an open fire and a glass of wine – whether you are after a romantic weekend getaway, a work retreat, or private function, reach out to Cathy and Ron who would be thrilled to assist in envisioning your next escape.

A ROMANTIC ESCAPE AVAILABLE FOR ACCOMMODATION & EVENTS THE 5 4 0 L O D G E .CO M @THE 5 4 0 L O D G E +64 27 220 9621 Bo ok onl i ne: www.a i r bnb.co.nz /room s / 35550629

COLOURFUL FOOD AND TRAVEL WRITER PETA MATHIAS WITH CATHY DAVYS.

10 women IN BUSINESS

Piper Homes

TEGAN KING.

Interior decoration with the practical bent of tidying Is that grubby backroom getting you down?

Maybe it’s the chaotic mess in the back shed?

Or the kitchen pantry where you can’t find the right ingredients, or your wardrobe into which you can’t cram any more clothes? These are some reasons clients have been turning to Tegan King of Piper Homes in Martinborough, asking her for help and advice on how to out sort their environments.

and emotionally. It’s an extremely rewarding service.”

Tegan has returned to Wairarapa, after two years working as a private nanny for a busy family of five in London. She left New Zealand in February 2019 and in hindsight is so thrilled to have done her travelling when she did. Her 21st birthday was celebrated in “I feel a great Croatia, her 22nd in Greece, and She also offers a deceased estate sense of gratitude that’s after travelling through package. This covers whatever after meeting Morocco and Turkey, as well as the client’s needs may be. They all over Europe. She is obviously new clients may want an inventory of the pleased to be home with family in loved one’s possessions or need and working the wake of covid. Now wishing help sorting through everything alongside them. to pursue her passion for design, and deciding on what to do with It assists them creativity, and organisation she everything. aims to help people create stylish practically and Tegan has had a passion for emotionally. It’s and maintainable homes they can organisation and design since enjoy. One client she is working an extremely growing up in Martinborough, with is in a wheelchair and constantly re-decorating her rewarding between them, they are making bedroom and re-organising her service.” life more accessible and tidier mother’s cupboards. She loved to operate within. Tegan prides interior design and had a natural herself in involving her clients throughout bent when, even after training as a nanny, she the entire process, aiming to build a trusting found herself, not only looking after children, relationship and to identify personal needs but helping people organise and declutter and goals. So, if it’s peace of mind, you’re after their homes. “I feel a great sense of gratitude and a calm environment, call Tegan. More after meeting new clients and working details are on her website. alongside them. It assists them practically

CHAOTIC SHELVES BEFORE TEGAN’S TOUCH, AND AFTERWARDS.

11

The Glow Up

Susan Stephen & Co Realty

Spending time and money on feeling good is a great act of self-care Does the idea of having healthy glowing skin excite you?

Do you want to slow and so�en the effects of skin ageing that comes from sun and pollu�on?

Would you like to feel skin confident with or without make-up?

Do you want to embrace and accentuate your beau�ful features?

Are you worth inves�ng �me and money in?

Cosme�c injectables and skin micro-needling are safe and highly effec�ve treatments which can be used to help maintain, and restore a so�er, more radiant, and fresh appearance. They are the cornerstone of a service registered nurse, Kuini de la Mare is offering from ‘The Glow Up’, Perry Street, Masterton. She shares her �me between this and nursing at the Whaiora Medical Centre.

SUSAN STEPHEN (LEFT) AND VERA THIRD.

Boutique Real Estate – Looking after you

Masterton born and bred, Kuini qualified as a nurse 12 years ago and a�er post-graduate study discovered her absolute love of skin - that all-important part of our body, which is o�en neglected. She never thought she’d ever get involved in the beauty industry, but it’s where she finds many clients begin their inner health and wellness journey.

KUINI DE LA MARE.

At ‘The Glow Up’ she offers line so�ening injec�ng which can get rid of frown and forehead lines, and crow lines. Another popular treatment is lip fillers for hydra�ng and plumping lips. Kuini hastens to add she is not a beauty therapist, and her treatments are all about improving people’s confidence by looking good. “My best jobs are where you can’t tell a woman has had any facial work.” Having heard many women’s stories, she finds the common theme is too many priori�es in life, and not enough ‘me �me.’ “We juggle families, careers, study, rela�onships, friendships, health, hobbies, fitness, finances, meal prepping, and on and on. Adding salt into the wound we also get bombarded by perfectly stunning creatures gracing our screens. It’s a wonder we’re not all hiding under a rock!”.

The Group has con�nued to grow with branches in Wellington, Kapi� Coast, Levin, Wairarapa and Marlborough. Each AndCo business is independent and based in the market they are selling in meaning they are specialists in their local area.

Using the extensive database that Susan has built up over 19 years of selling real estate in South Wairarapa and targe�ng marke�ng to connect people and property, Susan is known for building genuine honest rela�onships to get the best results for her clients.

Having called Mar�nborough her home for 21 years, land and homes have always been of special interest to Susan from buying her first rental property in her 20’s to building a new home in 2014. She understands the emo�ons of being the client who is selling or buying the property.

Kuini says women ask her constantly if they’re vain ge�ng injec�ons and spending money on themselves? Her answer is categorically NO! Spending �me and money on feeling good is a great act of self-care. She also offers micro-needling, which encourages the body’s own natural response to healing.

A sterile roller with �ny micro needles makes �ny pin pricks when passed over the skin.

This causes skin cells to make new collagen, which in turn make skin smoother, firmer, and more glowing. What’s not to like?

In her spare �me, Susan is a keen gardener and citrus grower, enjoys playing social bowls at the local Club and loves spending �me with her family which includes 4 gorgeous grandchildren.

With a passion for property, Vera Third joined the business 2 years ago in an

Refer a friend and you both receive $20 off your next product or service.

Offer valid until 31st July 2021 Kuini de la Mare - Registered Nurse Ph. 021 679 730 Isme Permanent Cosmetics, 14 Perry Street, Masterton

Located in Mar�nborough, Susan established her independent business 3 years ago when she joined the successful bou�que real estate company AndCo Realty Group.

theglowup.co.nz the.glow.up_by.kuini/ kuini.theglowup

administra�ve role and has now qualified as a Salesperson. Vera and her husband, Craig and their sons moved to a lifestyle property on the outskirts of Mar�nborough 3 years ago. Vera helps Susan make sure that selling or buying a property with Susan Stephen & Co is easy and stress free for clients.

Giving back to the community where they both reside is something that is important to Susan and Vera. Under the Susan Stephen & Co brand they support several fundraising causes and sports clubs through sponsorship. One cause that they strongly support is Life Flight whereby they sponsor an annual mission in South Wairarapa. They are currently working on a fundraising func�on for Life Flight on Saturday 4th December.

Another cause that they have fervently supported is the Breast Cancer Founda�on.

With Susan and Nick from Medici, they have held 2 very successful fundraising breakfasts, the most recent raising more than $15,500 for the charity.

If you are considering selling or buying property in Mar�nborough or South Wairarapa, call Susan or Vera or call in to the office at 64 Jellicoe Street, Mar�nborough (behind Peonies Home and Living).

MARTINBOROUGH 0800 787 267 | 027 262 2834 susan@susanstephenandco.nz ANDCO REALTY 6 LIMITED – LICENSED UNDER REA 2008

www.susanstephenandco.nz

12 women IN BUSINESS

Lansdowne House

First Class Hair Studio

OWNER KADIA MERRALLS.

FROM LEFT ERIN PEARCE, CAROLINE PAWSON, STEPHANIE BELCHER AND JORDAN LUFF.

Mansion creates a unique gracious charm to mark that special occasion

Diverse and experienced range of hair stylists at Lansdowne salon

Tucked in leafy Keir Crescent in Masterton is Lansdowne House. The grand dame of an era where gracious dining, and dressing for dinner and dancing, were commonplace.

Think Masterton’s version of Downton Abbey, minus the tribe of servants. Set in manicured grounds featuring trees dating over 100 years old, visiting Lansdowne House is truly a special experience. Let alone having a special event there.

First Class hair Studio has been in Lansdowne for over 20 years and these days has a team of six:

Built in 1924 as a private residence, the three-storey house has been an event for the past 50 years. Kadia and Richard Merralls purchased it 18 years ago and when Richard passed away in 2018, Kadia carried on the fine tradition. Kadia is supported by a loyal team and they are justifiably proud of the part they play in creating events in a unique and magical setting.

There are verandas guests can sit on, to admire the beautiful grounds. In the cooler months six fireplaces create a cosy ambience inside. Superb wooden floors, leadlight windows, and window seats and 12 spectacular chandeliers add to the charm. With the warm red glow of pelmet lighting and the abundance of flickering candles, there’s an atmosphere which can’t be replicated in modern buildings.

When asked what she most enjoys about her work, Kadia answers unequivocally “creating happy memories!” She is renowned for hosting weddings, special birthdays, family reunions and any other events where groups can enjoy total privacy in lavish and historic surroundings.

She is especially proud of the personalised nature of her cuisine – from her famous Norwegian dish, the Gravlax Salmon, to her equally famous raspberry pavlova tower, and the home made icecream selection and self saucing puddings “Diners appreciate the food and we strive to do everything in-house, rather than bring it in.”

Contact host Kadia Merralls • 15 Keir Crescent Masterton E: lansdownehouse@xtra.co.nz www.lansdownehouse.co.nz • 06 378 2097 • 027 220 9874

Keri Mignot is the manager. She had been hairdressing for 33 years, the past six managing the First Class Salon. She and husband Andrew have two children and three grandchildren. Keri loves hairdressing. “There’s a creative edge which I love. No two clients are the same.”

She also likes that the team at First Class Hair are eager to keep up with the latest hair trends and products. They all love ongoing training which exposes them to the latest and wide range of hair fashion trends.

“It keeps the salon alive and vibrant.”

Erin Pearce is a senior stylist with over 40 years of hairdressing experience. She was asked to join First Class Studio five years ago and has enjoyed the team. “We have many amazing people coming into the salon and I love meeting them.” Erin also likes the strong team relationship at First Class.

Caroline Pawson is the salon assistant and receptionist and is the ‘glue’ which keeps First Class Salon running smoothly.

She’s been there for seven years and is the first port call for anyone wanting an appointment. She enjoys her colleagues and team environment. Weekends, she can seen supporting her adult children’s sports of which she’s a great supporter.

Stephanie Belcher believes she is living the dream in a profession which is ever changing. She has always wanted to be a hairdresser. “It is the place where I can release my passion of making people not only look great but feel good.” Stephanie says she has worked with incredible people and loves the team at First Class.

Jordan Luff is in her dream job and heading towards a career in hairdressing which she has always had a yearning for. She has always been fascinated in hair. Manager

KERI MIGNOT. Keri Mignot loved the enthusiasm and passion which Jordan exuded when she came and helped in the salon while still at Makoura College. After leaving school, she joined the team at First Class and in January this year, took on a hairdressing apprenticeship.

“I just love hair,” says Jordan. “I took art at school and I like the creative nature of hairdressing. Some clients let us play around and do things different, and that can be such fun.” As well as working at the busy salon, Jordan also spends time at the Premier Hairdressing College in Lower Hutt, where her theory and practical assessments are held.

First Street, Lansdowne, Masterton 5810 P 06 377 5571

13

Duckett Funerals

Wairarapa Ear Health Clinic - Ears to You

TRIXIE DUCKETT: DIRECTOR.

EAR HEALTH NURSE LIZ KIRKLAND.

Supporting choice and decision-making for families

Waxing lyrical about clean ears and general ear health

Trixie is passionate about providing a friendly and personal service to grieving families.

Liz Kirkland has been doing a lot of listening, and thinking lately, and has made the major leap of faith to not only expand her business but take it on the road. She’s looking for a colleague so she can literally take her service, Ears to You, to the people.

them to make the decisions that are needed; for example, as to whether to have your loved one embalmed or not.

Trixie explains that there is an increasing range of environmentally-friendly options.

Being creative and innovative and helping families to think ‘outside the square’ is an approach whereby Trixie supports families to be in charge.

A Funeral Director for 20 years, Trixie Duckett has followed her dreams; establishing Duckett Funerals in Featherston with a focus on providing service across South Wairarapa – including Featherston, Greytown, Martinborough and all outlying Trixie is areas. You can get in touch with committed to Trixie by popping in to see her giving back to at Duckett Funerals – located in the old Acorn House tucked the community between Cherry Park and of which she is a Featherston’s Own Op shop part and is keen between the hours of 9am – 4pm, Monday to Friday or to teach people giving her a call. She is a that funeral 24-hour service.

planning is not a fits all’.

Farming locally with husband ‘one size Greg in South Featherston, you will see Trixie driving a nononsense 4-wheel drive, and this downto-earth approach carries over to her funeral directing. Trixie wants families to have the style of funeral that fits with the personality and wishes of the deceased.

Her role as a funeral director is to work with families, helping them to understand the myriad of choices available, supporting

Trixie explains the deliberate choice she has made for Duckett Funerals to hold funerals in locations which relate to the person who has died. “A more relaxed approach to the choice of venue and other arrangements allows the funeral to feel very personal and tailored. We’ve been known to do services in the outdoors, at sports clubs, private homes, favourite venues, local pubs – anything is possible.”

Trixie is committed to giving back to the community of which she is a part and is keen to teach people that funeral planning is not a ‘one size fits all’. Trixie is happy to offer talks to service groups, for example, Rotary and Lions; interest groups of any sort and elder-care providers across South Wairarapa.

Locally Owned and Operated Ph: 06 377 0231 Address: 56 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston Email: admin@duckettfunerals.co.nz www.duckettfunerals.co.nz

water involved, and most times no pain or discomfort, just the world suddenly becoming light and airy.

“God created an awesome design with the ear but it’s not perfect. We have small glands which secrete wax and in a perfect world it would all migrate away - but often it doesn’t.

The increasing demand for help from people with altered hearing problems, blocked ears, or a general ear check-up, has meant Liz is spread thinly. She is on the A wax build up can cause many problems ranging from dizziness, pain, itchy ears, to search for another specialised ear nurse a loss of hearing. It can generally make a who can share the workload. This will also person feel grotty and unwell. allow her to create her mobile unit where she can get out and about to While ear problems tend remote areas where transport “Ears are often the to affect older people, Liz’s can be an issue. forgotten organ, but youngest patient has been Liz has been running Ears they are so vital to just four months old, the to You from Masterton eldest 103 years. Liz’s kind, maintaining good Medical’s Wellness Centre for gentle nature is vital when it health. Regular the past five years. She has comes to having to extricate ear checks and many private patients, and items children can get stuck in a Wairarapa DHB contract cleans is all about their ears. which has her working in prevention rather She loves the work in that most Wairarapa towns, than reacting when when she talks with her including at rest homes. patients, they may have come She also services aged care things go wrong.” in with ear problems but facilities in Palmerston North, there may be more going on with their Feilding, through to Taupo. “So, to be fair to myself and my patients, I accept it is health. “I can give the ear a good clean time to expand,” she says. “The biggest and we can talk about diet, exercise and challenge is to ‘find another me’.” She is anything else going on in their life.” passionate about ear health and that is Liz says checking the ears allows her to see why after qualifying as a registered nurse, if there is nothing more sinister going on, she realised how much problem ears and like potential cancer growths. If she detects hearing can have a huge detrimental affect anything serious and needing further on a person’s quality of life. treatment, she can arrange medication “Ears are often the forgotten organ, but via your GP or refer you directly to the they are so vital to maintaining good ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians at health.” Liz believes it can be one of life’s Wairarapa Hospital. simple pleasures having your ears cleaned “Regular ear checks and cleans is all about and she loves to see the joy it brings. The micro-suction method involves a fine metal prevention rather than reacting when vacuum tube sent into the ear. There is no things go wrong.”

Wairarapa Ear Health Clinic To book appt

ph: 06 370 6730

or visit www.ears2you.co.nz

14 women IN BUSINESS

Wairarapa Dream Clean

dpa Chartered Accountants

Cleaning company cares about work/life balance and provides reliable service When Leah Wynne was looking for an income in 2014 which would be conducive with raising a child, she started cleaning.

She enjoyed it and it launched the rapid road to starting her own business in 2017.

Initially it was for friends, then people they knew, and then for businesses. Before she knew it, her service was in demand. These days, Wairarapa Dream Clean cleaning company employs nine staff, including Leah, and she’s trying to step back from the practical to spend more time co-ordinating and putting some of her ideas to grow the business into practice.

Leah works two days a week out of the co-working space in Carterton, 3 Mile. She loves being van or home-based with her work but finds 3-Mile is ideal for total nondistraction and as a place to hold meetings.

She lives in Carterton with partner, Geoff, and eight-year-old daughter. They have been in the town for 10 years, “the longest I’ve been in one house,” she laughs. Her mobile lifestyle began as a child in west Auckland when her traffic officer father moved around a bit with his work. There was a stint in Australia and eventually she landed in Wellington, “nine years in 18 flats!”, and then on to Featherston. She commuted to work in Lower Hutt until her daughter was born.

ANDIE HENSON.

Fresh new face in Wairarapa accounting world OWNER, LEAH WYNNE.

Accountant Andie Henson is heading a fresh new Wairarapa accounting firm.

So impressed with her, when she worked for dpa Chartered Accountants in Taupo, the innovative firm asked if she’d like to open an office in Masterton.

She jumped at the chance and is thrilled at being in control of her own destiny.

Wairarapa Dream Clean’s main business is private house cleaning, although the commercial contracts are picking up. Leah has discovered an American cleaning product she loves so much; she sells it as part of her service. ‘Barkeeper’s Friend’ and ‘Scrub Daddy’ are fantastic to use, and she finds once people have tried them, they are hooked.

In bright new rooms at 32 Perry Street, she sub-leases with two others, Josh McKay from Crediflex and her brother, Tim Beveridge, who runs a contracting business. “It’s a great office hub where we all work independently, but can share resources,” she enthuses.

Andie is excited about starting from scratch and is steadily building her client base. She appreciates that these days clients are looking for more from their accountant than simply preparing financials and tax returns, so forming close business relationships with clients and understanding their unique situations is what helps Andie stand out.

Finding good, reliable staff is a challenge for Leah and she values the ones employed.

What makes a good cleaner? She responds immediately: people willing to work and are motivated, have attention to detail, are physically fit, and do not have many other commitments. With the latter, she adds she likes employing parents who fit in with their children’s requirements. It is why she started the business after all, so she could also spend time with her daughter. “I try to be as flexible as I can with staff because I know how important it is to also be a parent.

Proficient with Xero accounting and Figured training (livestock) systems, she is ready for anything that comes her way.

Andie moved back to Wairarapa in 2017 with her husband, Marcus, a livestock manager for Affco, and her two young children. Martinborough born and bred,

it was a coming home she relished.

Andie discovered her love for numbers in her early 20s and made the move to accountancy and loves the industry, she is also completing her post-graduate study in chartered accounting.

Hankering to try out some of the stateof-the-art, progressive methods, adopted by dpa, she was keen to utilise these in Wairarapa. dpa thinks outside the square and has a strong focus on business advisory. The firm has extensive experience with farm and forestry management as well as working closely with Maori Trusts.

A little known fact is they also have a boutique talent management arm to the business, managing the likes of entertainers the ‘Naked Samoans’, and Oscar Kightley and ex-All Black rugby coach Sir Graham Henry. dpa has its head office in Taupo, an office in Auckland and now Masterton.

Andie has a passion for business facilitation and says some of her newest clients are start-up businesses in Wairarapa needing support and guidance. Others have been attracted by the progressive nature of dpa and others just feel it’s time for a change.

Whatever the reason for seeking out Andie, she’s keen to create a tailor-made total business solution, just for you.

Want to spend quality time with your family?

Let us clean your home or business for you!

Eco-friendly regular or one-off cleaning Stockist of the famous Bar Keepers Friend - an amazing shower cleaner.

ORDER ONLINE TODAY! Phone 020 416 46545

info@wairarapadreamclean.co.nz wairarapadreamclean.co.nz

Andie Henson is a woman in business Get in touch for advice about the right cloud-based accounting software solutions and a fresh perspective on your balance sheet.

Let's team up!

P: 027 554 6463 E: andie@dpa.co.nz W: dpa.co.nz

15

Shades Direct Wairarapa

Rachel Clarke - Funeral Celebrant

CASEY MINTY.

RACHEL CLARKE.

Creating Outdoor Living Solutions

Passionate about sharing life stories

Casey Minty is not one to sit s�ll. When speaking with her about her latest venture, purchasing the Shades Direct Wairarapa, Wellington and Manawatu divisions, she and husband Jake are flat tack. They are such great products … they sell themselves … I’m proud of the Kiwi-owned company.

As a Wairarapa funeral celebrant, Rachel sees her role as guiding and suppor�ng families to say goodbye to their loved one – whether that be a funeral service, memorial service, or celebra�on of life ceremony.

Fresh from selling her cleaning business in Wairarapa which she started from scratch, she and husband Jake wanted to work together and looked around for a business that suited their skill set and one they could genuinely get excited about. Shades Direct is a New Zealand company which �cked all the boxes for them. Casey has strong people and marke�ng skills, and Jake has an engineering background which means he can be involved with the handson installa�on of the products. And, if it’s a bespoke construc�on, Jake can build it based on Shades Direct specifica�ons and with the company guarantee.

Shades Direct offers residen�al and commercial aluminium awnings, screens for privacy or shelter, folding arm awnings, shade sails and in fact, anything you wish to cover or camouflage. They are custom built to suit unique situa�ons.

“New Zealanders are such outdoor people and love their homes, they want to enjoy outdoor living in any weather and condi�ons. Sun, rain or the gusty Wairarapa winds but need that element

those who have passed and their family and friends.”

An experienced celebrant, she is happy to work with all the Funeral Directors across Wairarapa.

Rachel can be contacted by the Funeral Director of your choice or you can contact her directly. Rachel is also happy to talk with people interested in Rachel considers holding a ‘Living Funeral’ or it a privilege ‘Living Memorial’.

Rachel has a real affinity for working with people bringing an empathe�c ear to her role.

ARCHED OUTSIDER ALUMINIUM AWNING. of protec�on,” says Casey, who loves the products which are made from construc�on grade aluminium. They come powder-coated to any colour of your choice. The awnings are 99% UV protected and corrugated polycarbonate comes with a hail guarantee.

Shades Direct is a company that prides itself on having owner-operators in many parts of New Zealand. Casey loves the site visits and dealing with clients to get an idea of exactly what they are trying to achieve, Jake is a master of finding the right solu�ons.

With a warm way of communica�ng, Rachel meets families and individuals to honour the These are held by a person a�er the death of a loved when they are aware that deceased in a one. She understands the death is near due to illness or way that refl ects importance of working old age. It allows that person the very essence alongside families, or �me to celebrate their life with significant others, to family and friends and is a part of that person personalise funeral of the process of closure and and creating ceremonies; listening to life saying goodbye. an appropriate stories about the deceased Rachel is also passionate about - gathering that sense of the farewell. enabling people to share individual, of their character, their life story and, to this end, offers a values, interests, endeavours and service whereby people’s memories can be achievements - to cra� a ceremony that digitally recorded as an audio file. truly reflects them and who they were to their family and friends.

With an informal approach, Rachel encourages people to reminisce Rachel considers it a privilege to honour about their life through an hour-long the deceased in a way that reflects the conversa�on. Repeat sessions may be very essence of that person and crea�ng needed to capture the fullness of a an appropriate farewell. She says, “despite person’s life and experiences. it being a �me of sadness, it can also be a �me of crea�ng special memories while To find out more about this service, contact Rachel directly. building a strong connec�on between

CELEBRANT

Rachel Clarke - Marriage & Funeral Celebrant

027 276 1431 | rachel@lifecelebrancy.co.nz | www.lifecelebrancy.co.nz

16 women IN BUSINESS

Festival Hire

Carla Montgomerie

LAVISH HAIR DESIGN BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR HAIR! The busy salon on Carterton’s High Street is where you will find Carla Montgomerie and her diverse team of talented Hair Stylists.

It has become the “go to” place if you want fabulous hair and they just love making their clients feel amazing!

We are hairdressing experts creating magic with hair every day. Everything from the prettiest ombré/ balayage, icy blondes, vibrant colours, gorgeous brunettes, women’s and men’s cuts to bridal up-dos.

We have a variety of high quality professional products. We are proud stockists of Lust, Angel, De Lorenzo, Nak, Olaplex and Pump, CLOUDNINE & GHD. Taking time out for yourself to restore and rejuvenate is so very important. We can assure you at Lavish with our experienced team, exceptional skills, quality products and modern salon you will leave our doors feeling euphoric.

We have a strong following of established clientele and we warmly welcome any new clients who are after a Lavish experience too.

ALL HANDS ON DECK … SHELLEY MASON WITH THE FESTIVAL HIRE TEAM.

Wairarapa’s ‘treasure box’ of events enjoyed There’s a great festive atmosphere around the company, Festival Hire.

The event hire and decoration company is thriving with several exclusive supplier contracts, and many weddings, able to be held in the region, with minimal covid restriction. Festival Hire ended 2020 on a high, winning best float in the Masterton Christmas Parade and it then slid into 2021 as exclusive suppliers to ‘Wings Over Wairarapa’ and the ‘Harvest Festival.’ It is key sponsor too, to the ever-popular ‘Bride of the Year’ competition in 2021.

“We are so lucky to be living in Wairarapa,” says Shelley Mason, in the fourth year of business with husband, Greg. There was an initial clawing back post-covid lockdown, but now Festival Hire is on a roll. She describes Wairarapa as having a “treasure box” of events and often people are spoiled for choice when it comes to happenings on their own doorstep. She has also noticed covid has fostered a coming together of all manner of businesses and services involved in events … caterers, celebrants, venues … and Festival Hire. All joining together to create amazing events.

With such a solid base, the business is moving forward. Shelley and Greg have several things in the pipeline and all Shelley would utter was “watch this space”.

Shelley and Greg are carrying on the tradition of using local products and

suppliers whenever possible and are busy concentrating on a range of biodegradable, funky and specialty balloons.

Have you checked out the unicorn in the window? What about the bright green fish floating around the showroom? “Once you’ve bought and enjoyed a quality balloon, there’s no going back to the cheap and nasty,” says Shelley. She’s bold enough to describe their balloon creations as ‘trendsetting’.

There’s a great array of children’s products to augment a party and balloons for every age. The wedding regalia and decorations are on display against white draped curtains, champagne and green walls (a current popular trend) and fairy lights. A range of marquee, table and chairs and the settings are also on display.

“All you need to do is ask and we can show you what we can supply.” Shelley and the team like to lead clients from the beginning of an idea to the fantastic end event, guiding them through all the necessary intricacies.

Shelley and Greg agree they could not have done all this without the work of the fine Festival Hire team. “It’s been tough and uncertain at times since Covid-19 rocked the event industry.” Alongside them, the team includes Joanna, Holly, Melanie, Luciano, and Quai-jon.

Where the magic starts ...

FOLLOW US ON ...

Our insta page lavish_hair_design_carterton LIKE Lavish Hair Design Carterton Facebook page

57 High Street North, Carterton Phone 06 379 8306

Marquees | Furniture | Catering Equipment | Creative Displays Helium & Balloonology Displays | Lighting and the rest Contact the friendly team today. hireit@festivalhire.co.nz | 21 Queen Street, Masterton | 378 9537

17

A1homes

Left to right; Nicola, Jess, Anne-Marie, Jeanette, Lesley and Kerrie.

Building Wairarapa wide – Teamwork makes the dream work Jeanette Southey, Lesley Withell, AnneMarie Cutfield, Jess Anderson, Nicola Garrity and Kerrie Maitland are part of A1homes’ Wairarapa 11-member team based in Greytown. Each of these women bring a range of skills, experiences, and strengths to their respective roles with the local and thriving residential building company.

Jeanette Southey is co-owner of A1homes Wairarapa, alongside husband Paul Southey.

Jeanette and Paul started the business 17 years ago when looking to build their own home and found that there was great market potential in Wairarapa for a building franchise – and so A1homes Wairarapa was born. Now with over 700 full-build and kitset homes built within Wairarapa they have never regretted their decision and have relished the new opportunities, community involvement and business skills honed along the way.

“Essentially we are creators. I was able to feed my passion for design and Paul loves working alongside people from all walks of life – something that led him to becoming a Master Builder,” says Jeanette.

The building company has grown from its early beginnings. Now with Wairarapa experiencing an unprecedented building boom the team has grown to meet the demand for well-designed, low maintenance and quality-built homes.

Lesley Withell has been working with

A1homes for four and a half years.

She comes from a background of accounts and finance in the not-forprofit sector. “I love working with figures and making sure everything balances.

I’m process-driven and like the systems and programmes that we use to ensure clients get the house they dream of,” explains Lesley. Her attention to detail and strong communication skills are a huge asset and she has played a significant role in the growth and success of the business.

Anne-Marie Cutfield is the Contracts Manager and heads the construction team. “She’s the one who will always maintain and set the standard and sharing her pool of knowledge” says Jeanette. “She’s the sort of person in a workplace that is appreciated by everyone and looked to for support. Her attention to detail is second-to-none, as is her genuine passion for the job and being there for her team”. Anne-Marie collates all the important information needed for a successful build such as the building consent, contract and build specification and then gets all the information out to the construction team and trades making sure there is a smooth transition from sales to construction. Without her the build would not go ahead.

Jess Anderson is the Construction CoOrdinator. With a background in banking and property management, she has settled well into this newly created role

which is diverse and grown her industry knowledge massively. Her role is multifaceted with project management, scheduling and working alongside A1’s two Project Managers and keeping both the jobs and them in check. Jess’s role also involves making the handover of a brand-new home so special. “Handing the keys over to clients to their new home is the best part - makes it all so worth it.” You can find Jess in the latest Ministry for Women brochure for ‘Growing your trades workforce – attracting women to your jobs’ alongside Paul Southey.

Nicola Garrity is one of our New Homes Specialists and joined the team towards the end of 2020. Nicola has a background in health and most recently the plumbing industry and describes her move to A1homes as “a natural progression and dream job”. Nicola watched her parents build multiple times and with her husband Ryan a local builder, designed and built her own family home so she knows and understands the rollercoaster ride clients can feel throughout the build process. Nicola has seamlessly joined the close-knit team and is embracing her role working alongside clients and assisting with plan design, pricing, and product selections. “I love my job working through dreams to make it a reality.”

The newest member of the team is Kerrie Maitland, New Homes Specialist.

Kerrie made the move over the hill from Wellington and comes from a client-focus based role in the building/ construction industry, so with her already established knowledge of the building process she has hit the ground running. Kerrie brings a lot of passion, enthusiasm, and experience to her role and has been a great addition to the team. Kerrie especially enjoys helping her clients envisage and create their future home.

The Kiwi dream has come a long way since the elusive quarter acre. That is why we are proud to still be able to provide a Kiwi solution for your first home, second home, a home where you need a bit more home, or even your home away from home or investment property.

A1homes offer a range of plans from 60-250 square metres. These can be built straight from the plans, or we can use them as inspiration to create your own Kiwi dream. We can provide a full build service including project managing your build from beginning to end, or a kit set build where we provide the materials and you the project management and coordination of trades. However, you want to approach your build A1homes Wairarapa have a team of experts in every field keen to guide you through the process. We are here to help with design, construction, developments and subdivisions so give this talented team a call.

Showhome and Office

47 Main Street, Greytown Phone 06 3048399

0800 A1homes | A1homes.co.nz

18 women IN BUSINESS

Shine Hair Stylists Greytown

NZ Travel Brokers

Up-in-the-air travel world needs an experienced guide Travel professional with 15 years in the industry, Ksenia Ptilidi, has recently set herself up as a registered travel broker and is keen to meet you.

THE SHINE TEAM FROM LEFT: ANGELA BUSH, BROOKE WEBSTER, MAYSIE PYATT, LAURA THOMPSON AND KERYN EVANS (OWNER).

Senior hairstyling team with huge experience and a community heart Keryn Evans has been at the cutting edge of hairdressing in Wairarapa for 26 years.

She wanted to be a hairdresser since she was a child hanging around her parents’ electrical store in Greytown. She also wanted to own her own hairdressing salon and achieved that goal when she opened Shine Hairstylists in Greytown in 2015.

She trained in Masterton at Rosalind Jenkins hairstylists and continued working at the salon when it was purchased by Christine Brewster and renamed Magie B’s.

When Christine purchased a second salon in Greytown about 15 years ago she moved there. She jumped at the chance to buy the salon from Christine and re-named it Shine Hairstylists. Married to Vaughn, they have two teenage daughters.

“I love all aspects of being a hairdresser, but I enjoy helping clients feel good about themselves and their appearance. We all pride ourselves at Shine in making our salon environment friendly and inviting, as well as producing beautiful work and committed focus on client care.

Our clients often become our friends and the loyalty they show to the salon often makes them feel like family,” says Keryn.

“We are a community focused business, often supporting various clubs and charities with donations and have been lucky enough to volunteer at Camp Quality at their annual camp in recent years.

We are so grateful to our community for supporting our business and like to give back to the community as much as we can.”

Shine has a talented team. There are four qualified senior stylists, including Keryn, and a salon assistant.

Angela Bush (senior stylist) lives in Carterton and is married with three children. She has been hairdressing for around 28 years and trained in Masterton.

She enjoys all aspects of hairdressing and has a loyal clientele, some of whom she has been styling their hair over many years.

Laura Thompson (senior stylist) is married and has four stepchildren and lives in Masterton. She is a proud third generation hairdresser in her family and has been hairdressing for 18 years in salons in Masterton, Carterton and Taupo. She has a wonderful relationship with her clients and is skilled in all aspects of hairdressing.

Laura and Brooke are the wedding specialists.

Brooke Webster (senior stylist) is the Aussie import! Brooke is from Western Australia and has been hairdressing for about 24 years. Brooke is married and has three children and lives just outside of Greytown. She has worked in salons all around the world. She gives her clients a wonderful service and is skilled in all aspects of hairdressing. Along with Laura she does beautiful wedding hair.

Maysie Pyatt is the newest member of the Shine family. Maysie is the ‘Girl Friday’ and PA to the four busy senior stylists. Maysie is a Greytown girl and has spent the past three years studying Creative Technologies in Auckland. She has a particular interest in costume design and is a talented seamstress.

KSENIA PTILIDI.

personal service with experience in helping After moving to Masterton with her family customers across a wide range of travel from Ukraine at the age of 10, Ksenia has products to suit any requirement. “As it’s called Wairarapa home. The trip to New my own business, with my reputation Zealand which lasted several on the line, it is especially days (through Russia, Finland, “I can travel important to me that my Thailand, and Singapore), Wairarapacustomers have satisfaction”, she sparked Ksenia’s passion for wide to meet says. “I can travel Wairarapaseeing the world. A career in you to discuss wide to meet you to discuss the travel was just the ticket for next trip, whether it’s at your that. the next trip, home or at the local café.”

In this time of on-again/off-again whether it’s at covid travel bubbles, Ksenia says your home or at With Australia and the Cook Islands finally back on New it is absolutely the right time the local café.” Zealander’s travel agenda, a for people to seek advice from whole lot of exciting destinations those in the travel know with and experiences is available again. travel arrangements “Whether it’s traversing Australia on one “Online booking has been a favourite of their legendary trains, cruising down the activity in the past, but now travel is Murray River on a houseboat (and no, you more complex and needs the guidance of don’t need a licence!), or just a good-old experts”, she says. “It’s a whole new world winter beach break in Raro, I can help of travel to navigate now.” create unforgettable memories for you and Ksenia prides herself on outstanding your family.”

Without An Agent You’re On Your Own

TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!  I’ll simplify your travel. If your plans change I can re-book as necessary - I’m only ever a phone call or an email away!  I’m a one-stop shop. I can do flights, accommodation, insurance, etc – I can book and manage it all.  I’m your travel troubleshooter. If you run into the unexpected, call me. I’ll get it sorted.

Shine stocks L’Oréal, Redken, Pureology, Moroccan oil, Cloud 9, GHD and Fanola products.

 I’ll come to you. I’m happy to meet you at your premises or after hours to chat about your plans.

Open every day except Sunday, their late night is Thursday.

 I’m a local business. Not an anonymous website or company based halfway around the world.

The Hub, 74 Main Street, Greytown 06 304 9845 hair@shinegreytown.co.nz Open Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9am - 5pm Thurs 9am - 7.30pm | Sat 9am - 1pm

 I’ll provide unbiased information. I work for you, the consumer, not for the airline or any other travel supplier.

If you’d like to discuss what I can do for you, please get in touch. I’m happy to help!

Ksenia Ptilidi | Travel Broker - South Wairarapa NZ Travel Brokers m: +64 21 130 1843 e: ksenia.ptilidi@nztravelbrokers.co.nz

19

Women

Professional

Of Real Estate

Leanne Carlton, Mercy Stevens, Fran Scott, Gina Collings, Jenny Keating, Aliah McDowell, Ksenia Ptilidi, Kristy Williamson, Tess McRae. (left - right)

We are proud – to be standing and working alongside each other, we are incredible women!

We are all mothers, sisters, daughters, wives & kick ass businesswomen.

Every day we celebrate each other’s success and support one another as a proud and strong team that works together for the same common goal – to support you when buying and selling property and to do so with pride, honesty, integrity, knowledge and attention to detail.

A Professional team with reliability and a down to earth approach.

A family business and a family as a whole - supporting local families.

Our aim is to ensure your buying and selling journey is as stress-free as possible and as a group have achieved some phenomenal results. We are privileged to be in the position to be able to give back to local charities and do so via sponsorship of many local events, such as the Castlepoint races, Robert Algie Memorial Trust, Child Cancer Foundation and more! Professionals has been in the Wairarapa community for over 100 years.

We truly are locals who know, live in and love the region.

Our team is comprised of a dedicated team of Licensed Salespeople. We specialise in rural, residential and lifestyle Real Estate sales.

What sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional service - we will go above and beyond to meet our clients’ needs.

If you are considering buying, selling or investing, we look forward to being of service to you.

Contact one of our offices today to experience the Professionals difference!

Masterton

Carterton

Featherston

43 Chapel Street Masterton P: 06 378 2500

100 High Street South Carterton P: 06 379 7080

48 Fitzherbert Street Featherston P: 06 308 6996

E: masterton@patrickandscott.co.nz

E: carterton@patrickandscott.co.nz

E: featherston@patrickandscott.co.nz

20 women IN BUSINESS

Masterton Dental

Brooks Refrigeration Services

All smiles: dentists thriving in Wairarapa Surgical talent, experience with world-class technology, and a passion for preventative care and patient comfort: you and your smile are in good hands with the three female dentists at Masterton Dental. Ishani Sukumaran, originally from Lower Hutt, graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Otago University in 2019.

After graduating, Ishani worked in central Wellington, honing her skills in a range of disciplines: from children’s oral health, to general dental surgeries, to complex cosmetic procedures. “I used to think dentistry was all about braces – just putting metal bars on people’s teeth,” Ishani says.

“But there’s something so artistic about the surgical process, which I love. “It’s all about restoring and putting things back together.

You remove the parts of the tooth that are unhealthy, and can rebuild, re-mould and restore it to its initial shape.” Ishani has been working at Masterton Dental since early last year and has most enjoyed getting to know her patients “as people”.

APPRENTICE REFRIGERATION ENGINEER TAPANGA BROOKS.

She places great importance on helping patients feel relaxed in the dentist’s chair.

DR ISHANI SUKUMARAN AND DR MICHELLE MCSWEENEY.

“A lot of people find going to the dentist nerve-wracking – you’re having a surgical procedure right near your face. “It’s up to us to make it less scary. Part of that is talking them through the procedure, so they know what to expect. “It’s great to hear patients say afterwards ‘oh, that wasn’t that bad’”.

Michelle McSweeney studied dentistry in her native Ireland and worked for three years in London – both in private practice and for the UK’s National Health Service.

While in London, Michelle met her Kiwi partner – who grew up at Riversdale Beach – and the couple settled in Masterton in 2016.

At Masterton Dental, she enjoys helping patients boost their self-esteem by way of innovative cosmetic procedures: such as restoring implants and fitting digitally produced crowns. Masterton Dental uses a CEREC machine: which takes a 3D scan of a patient’s tooth, designs a crown to fit the exact measurements, and mills a permanent crown, all on the same day. While she loves seeing the big transformations, Michelle finds it just as rewarding to help her patients improve their oral health – and avoid future visits to the dentist. “It’s about giving them information and empowering them to make good choices and develop healthy habits.“It’s the little things, like regular brushing and flossing, which can turn a person’s smile around.” Michelle will be going on maternity leave in June but will be back on board in January 2022. Dr Simran Joshi is the newest member of the team – having recently

DR SIMRAN JOSHI. settled in Greytown after nine years in Australia.

Originally from Auckland, Simran studied dentistry at the University of Melbourne, and worked in clinics throughout Australia: including Byron Bay, Newcastle, Melbourne and rural Victoria. “Australia was awesome – I learned a lot and was exposed to a whole range of techniques,” she says. “But covid got me thinking about life. So, I came back home to be near friends and family.” Simran says she was attracted to Masterton Dental for its innovative approach and cutting-edge technology: custom-designed implants to fill missing teeth, range of sedation techniques, and drills designed to be gentler for nervous patients. “Plus, it’s a great team here – very supportive. And I’m looking forward to seeing more of Wairarapa.”

Your local family dentist new

Dental Implants

new

One-visit dentistry

Masterton

Dental th

It’s a great leap of faith, and confidence in your own expertise, to set up your own business and that’s exactly what Adam Brooks did four years ago.

Cafes and restaurants’ fridge and freezer units often need attention. There’s also repairing automotive air-conditioning systems.

He’s also gone one step further and taken on his eldest daughter, Tapanga, as his apprentice.

Cars, trucks, tractors, and all farm equipment often need re-gassing and leak testing. The list goes on. Anything needing cooling, or given an even temperature control, is where Brooks Refrigeration can help. Tapanga describes their work as the “invisible service”. It’s often only required when things are not working.

Tapanga saw her father establish Brooks Refrigeration in Wairarapa. She grew up around the trade watching her Dad work.

Adam was always looking to improve his service – like providing a mobile chiller trailer, which he’s built for customers who need an instant back-up chilling facility. Tapanga grew keen to learn the refrigeration engineering industry, as a result.

Helping in school holidays has given her great insight. At age 19, she has taken on a Refrigeration Engineer’s apprenticeship.

A refrigeration engineer’s role is vast and varied. Heat pumps and air-conditioning units are a big part of the work. They need regular maintenance and cleaning if they are to work efficiently.

On the farm, the mobile trailer comes into play, often when refrigeration facilities break down or need servicing.

Born and bred in Wairarapa, Tapanga attended Solway Primary, then Chanel College. She has always been interested in things mechanical, almost as much as her football.

She watched her father creating things like the mobile trailer, which has been a real boom to their service.

Tapanga loves that the work varies from day-to-day, and they never know what to expect. “A simple phone call can change all our plans in an instant.”

With winter settling in, Brooks Refrigeration Services offers all the top brands of heat pumps and the team can help ensure you have the right heat pump to fit your home layout and budget.

BROOKS

REFRIGERATION SERVICES

*

0800 18 18 28

e fa m i l y d e n t i s t

50 Perry Street

Keeping things cool and pushing through the glass ceiling

info@mastertondental.co.nz

book online

mastertondental.co.nz

emergency dentistry | orthodontics & invisalign™ dental implants | general dentistry | wisdom teeth removal

• Refrigeration • Air-conditioning

• Heat pumps • Automotive air con

“TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED BETTER”

Loa Chil n avai ler lable

Call Adam today for a no-obligation free quote

Phone 027 505 8225 brooks.refrigeration@gmail.com

Adam Brooks

21

McKenzie’s Electrical 2000

Electrical service with a whole lot of heart McKenzie’s Electrical 2000 is a phenomenally successful electrical firm running out of its Carterton base. Owned by Carrollyn and Russell Keys, they employ 11 staff including themselves. What sets them aside from regular businesses is the innovative way they treat the team like extended family and involve them in decision making. That includes decisions on whom they employ. Most recently, Melissa Napier joined the team as the administrator and Abby Hammersley has been taken on as an apprentice electrician.

When they need a new staff member, that person is interviewed by all the current staff and a consensus must be reached that they will fit into the team. Abby, for instance, was brought in for work experience from school.

Her enthusiasm and rapid ability to learn was reported back and she was hired. “To be a successful business, you all need to get along with each other – it’s better to encourage a tight supportive team,” says Carrollyn. She and Russell recognise that their employees are their biggest asset and need to be cared for. They are proud of the above Living Wage pay rates they offer, the flexible hours granted to staff to fit around family commitments, and the way they recognise them as people, not just workers. Melissa Napier is the Administration manager and she co-ordinates the day-to-day running of the Office. Carrollyn does the financials and oversees the running of the Business generally. Having Melissa come on board has been “heaven sent” according to Carrollyn, who sings Melissa’s praises about her business acumen and ability with Excel spreadsheets. Melissa was attracted to the family atmosphere fostered by the company and comes from 25 years of working for Henergy Eggs. She well knows the machinations of small business. Abby decided,

ABBY HAMMERSLEY (ABOVE), MELISSA NAPIER (BELOW). when considering her career, that university was not for her, as she could see the trades were crying out for qualified people. She chose an electrical apprenticeship and enjoys the precise nature the work requires. She is no stranger to discipline. From the age of seven, she has participated in karate and has achieved her Black Belt. Carrollyn and Russell made a commitment to train apprentices and over the years have stuck to that promise.

They currently have three apprentices, including Abby. McKenzie’s Electrical has a strong commitment to Health and Safety too and are proud to have achieved SiteWise Green status and Avetta Accreditation.

Avetta delivers assurance that your business is working with safe, qualified, and socially responsible contractors and suppliers.

ALL ELECTRICAL & SECURITY INSTALLATIONS SALES • SERVICE • ADVICE Phone 06 379 6433 • Email admin@mckenz2000.co.nz • Website www.mckenz2000.co.nz

22 women IN BUSINESS

Pure Bliss Day Spa

Maid2Clean Wairarapa Limited

JUSTINE GRIFFIN.

DEANNA SUTHERLAND (TEAM MANAGER), KAREN JOINES, CLEANING TECHNICIANS SARAH PAGE, HALEY MORGAN, NATASHIA WEST (ABSENT).

Beauty treatment in a tranquil setting Justine Griffin wanted her day spa to be a place where people would come for a treatment, rest, and stay a while – enjoying the unique environment and privacy of the cottage with its veranda overlooking a stream and occasional passing-by ducks. In a busy world, it is a slice of idyllic tranquillity.

Justine has a gentleness about her, which makes you want to whisper in her presence.

The cottage sits on the grounds of a house in Essex Street owned by a friend’s parents.

She grabbed the opportunity to lease the cottage and opened in 2017. The term ‘pure bliss’ speaks for itself and Justine wanted to add the aura of the ‘day spa’, reminiscent of the resplendent spas in other parts of the world, where people would ‘take the waters’ and seek rest and relaxation, alongside some special pampering. Justine has many loyal and repeat clients who will sometimes bring a friend to chill with and share treatments together. “It can just be a fun girlie day out.”

Justine offers a range of bespoke and special Japanese products - the Adashiko collection.

“The Adashiko Collagen products are divine,” she enthuses. “They are amazing for antiageing, and includes 100% pure peptide

Cleaning spaces, creating happy faces Michele and her team ease people’s burdens. They clean people’s workplaces, homes, bed and breakfasts, homestays – in fact, anywhere that needs a good makeover.

Her and her team love the pleasure it gives people and the smiles it puts on their faces

ADASHIKO PRODUCTS. collagen, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and CoQ10 and elastin.” Aimed to work from the inside out, Adashiko collagen powders aid gut health, body strength and general wellbeing. They can be added to any cold or hot drink or sprinkled on your cereal. Justine has stories from clients that it helps with skin eczema, strengthens nails and makes hair healthier.

Born and raised in Masterton, Justine studied beauty therapy at UCOL in Masterton in 2012 and 2013. Once qualified and working for other clinics, she hankered for her own business. She’s had wonderful support from her family, which makes her feel confident about the future. Her partner Lane, mother Diane, and her late Nana Marjorie, have been the biggest supporters.

“It’s been the best decision to create Pure Bliss Day Spa. I’ve never looked back.”

Michele had created and successfully ran ‘The Cleaning Gals and Hands that Help’ two years ago and in October 2020 took ownership of Maid2Clean, which Casey Minty built and ran.

“We (Casey and I) had always worked alongside each other. I concentrated more on private homes and Casey on commercial premises. We often joked about combining them.”

she has worked as a caregiver at several rest homes.

In 2013, she decided to study nursing, but after two years became a little disillusioned with the academic culture feeling it was taking her away from her core value of working closely with people in need. “You’ve done so much caring, why don’t you turn it into a business,” challenged friends and so she has.

“It’s a busy life but very rewarding helping others”, it’s just what I like.”

Michele turned her years of experience in hotel housekeeping, as a caregiver, and her nursing training, to create a business which offers cleaning and tidying of homes and offering help to those who may need assistance with medication and general household chores.

Raised on a farm at Matarawa, west of Carterton, it’s been a busy life for herself and husband Jason, who went on to farm at Gladstone and Pirinoa. They have raised five children and to help the family coffers, Michele would clean people’s homes.

There was also time working as a head housekeeper at a Martinborough resort and

Michele has in her team of wonderful workers, Team Manager Deanna Sutherland, Cleaning Technicians Sarah Page, Karen Joines, Natashia West and Haley Morgan.

The team clean houses, do specific projects like cleaning cupboards, or hanging washing out, visit sick, frail and the elderly who need help with daily chores and Michele can oversee medication regimes.

They offer package deals which are proving popular too and they will clean at night. This means, there’s a set price for caring for a home and it can be personalised depending on what is required.

Michele co-ordinates not only her business but that of her husband’s fencing service.

“It’s a busy life but very rewarding helping others”, she says. “It’s just what I like.”

Waxing | Pedicures | Manicures Shellac | Massage Detoxifying Body Wraps Facials | Eye Trios Hot Stone Massage Microdermabrasion | Spray Tans Body Exfoliation | Electrolysis Derma Pen | Paraffin Wax Lash Lifts | Peels Phone: (06) 378 8534 23 Essex Street, Masterton pureblissdayspa@xtra.co.nz www.pureblissdayspa.co.nz

Maid2Clean is offering discounted rates to new & existing clients for the remainder of 2021!

• Array of services to suit all needs • Wairarapa wide • Locally owned & operated • Eco-friendly products Book a service today!

Call us at 06 370 2020 | W www.maid2clean.co.nz E hello@maid2clean.co.nz facebook.com/m2cwairarapa/

MAID2CLEAN NZ

WE CLEAN so you don’t have to!

23

Carterton District Council

THE WOMEN OF CDC WHO PUT THEIR HEART AND SOUL INTO THE CARTERTON COMMUNITY.

We’ve got each other’s backs – and the community’s It’s pretty easy to think about your local council and think of a faceless organisation – one that charges you rates, didn’t fix the pothole on your street that’s been bugging you for months, or told you to restrict your water use in summer. The reality is that Carterton District Council is filled with employees who are regular people living in the community and doing everything they can to make Carterton the best place it can be. It’s a pretty thankless job sometimes, which is understandable as many people don’t get to meet the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure you receive all the services you need each day.

When you’ve lost your dog, it’s our animal control officer Karen who cares for it and contacts you to let you know where it is.

When your kids come to our free school holiday programme, it’s Tammy and Sandra who have poured hours into organising fun activities for them and making sure any kids who haven’t been before have

the opportunity to come along. When you’re unable to get to the library, it’s our team of caring librarians who make sure you don’t go without a good read. We have the amazing Sue who looks after our Neighbourhood Support groups and makes sure everyone stays connected and up to date, and Lisa who works across the three councils so we can make sure all the work in our community addresses the needs of our older residents.

experience and are at different ages and stages, which reflects the women living in our Carterton community. Ageing from early 20s to women in their 70s, we have single mums, women buying their first homes, women with babies and others with teenagers, some women just starting their careers through the Youth 2 Work movement and some passing on their wealth of knowledge and experience which we would be lost without.

Of our 74 employees, half are women. We have 9 women in executive management or team leader roles. We also have women in traditionally male roles, because women in business don’t always wear suits. Operations Manager, gardener, chief executive, team leader, climate change adviser, sales and marketing coordinator, senior town planner, revenue officer and building control officer – our women can do it all and smash those stereotypes.

The background of some of our women is pretty entertaining too. You might be surprised to know we used to have an exprison officer on our library staff, and that one of our managers previously studied scuba diving, with the dream of becoming an underwater welder. We have someone who used to be a councillor for another Council, someone who is a trained teacher and someone who is a Land Search and Rescue volunteer, helping with the mapping and logistics of rescue operations.

Our women have a huge variety of life

Day in and day out, our women show up and give it all they’ve got for the Carterton residents, many of them being Carterton residents themselves. We go above and beyond on a daily basis. We helped the lovely lady in her 70s who needed help with a community Facebook page, even if it’s not strictly council related. We brush off those social media comments calling for us to be fired. We visit schools to educate kids about waste and recycling. We help people download their covid tracer app and show them how to use it. We visit businesses in person to help them with unique challenges, such as the boil water notices this year, and operating under covid Alert Level 3 last year.

We help our youth into apprenticeships and work. We support initiatives like our community garden and acknowledge our amazing residents with the Charles Rooking Carter awards.

We put our heart and soul into our work, and our work is our community.

24 women IN BUSINESS

Lift with Ella

Rahui Coastal Loop

Personal trainer with a love for bringing health and ���� o the community You have to be quick to keep up with Ella Hayes. This exercise physiologist-inthe-making has an enthusiasm for life and desire to share with others that’s impressive. Ella has created her own business, Lift with Ella, which essentially is all about teaching how to live and eat healthily.

“I want to promote the importance of being strong”, which is a mindset she finds in many young women. “Image is good, but it has to sit beside being fit and healthy.”

“I wish I had someone like me to guide me through the hard teenage years. It would have been awesome.”

LUCINDA MAUNSELL IN HER COTTAGE, ‘THE SOW’S EAR’.

Ella runs bootcamps in personal training with groups of women. She’s recently celebrated a year in business and is thrilled with the results she sees from the women she’s worked with. Currently completing a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Advanced health and wellness, she already has a Diploma in Exercise Prescription.

Originally from Lower Hutt, she moved with her family to Melbourne at age 11. She loved her early childhood years in New Zealand but thrived on the city experience in Melbourne, especially when she took to stage shows, where she sang and performed. Her family are musical and performance oriented. She has a musician uncle in Wellington and her mother is a designer and decorator.

A unique e-bike adventure biking the wild roads of Castlepoint ELLA HAYES.

Ella went to England to see family and then returned to Wellington for a year of university.

Her interest in health and wellness had grown when caring for herself while travelling.

She arrived in Wairarapa, where her mother was now living, and after working in Wellington for a time, she got work in a Masterton gym. “Lockdown happened and it became a brainstorming time for me. ‘Lift with Ella’ was created. She likes the words reflecting several connotations.

Ella uses rooms at the Redstar Clubrooms for her bootcamps where her partner practises Mixed Marshall Arts (MMA). She has also begun ‘Mums and Bubs’ classes looking at wellbeing and during the winter months she’s the strapping and exercise physiologist for the Eketahuna Rugby team.

See, you have to be quick!

THE CELEBRATION OF AN END OF ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BOOTCAMP.

PERSONAL TRAINER AND FITNESS COACH With a special interest in nutrition and female health and wellness, I provide Bootcamps and Personal Training sessions catering to all fitness levels.

BOOTCAMP

SESSIONS

6am Monday / Wednesday 5.30pm Wednesday 10.15am Thursday Mums & Bubs with childcare!

P 021 342 636 | E liftwithella@gmail.com @liftwithella | Ella Hayes Bootcamps & Personal Training

“What a fab few days. Highlight? The fast downhill from Bill’s hut. Low? The long hill up! But loved the variety and test for someone who doesn’t do much bike riding.

Great fun with girlfriends, food was fab, hostess with the mostest.” Kirsty Godwin Kirsty is one of scores of happy customers who have let themselves loose with Lucinda Maunsell and her out-there adventuresome biking retreat, Rahui Coastal Loop. Accommodation is ‘The Sow’s Ear’, a converted derelict farm building Lucinda and her father Bill saved from demolition.

It’s still rustic, but the stylish fresh white interior, and cosy fire with no television, internet or cell reception has people entranced about living in the wilderness, or at least, experiencing it!

Rahui Gardens is nestled along the winding Tinui Valley Road and was created by Lucinda’s parents, Bill and Jill Maunsell, who for 10 years opened them to the public.

These days it’s home to Lucinda, Quentin and six-year-old daughter, Lilah. Apart from bike riding, guests can simply rest in the whare, feed the ducks on the large pond, wander the beautiful gardens and feed Sheldon, the friendly kunekune pig, who comes grazing along the fence line. There’s also Smudge (the lawn rabbit), Snoopy (the dog), and Nuts and Schnitzel (the cats).

Lucinda offers e-bikes to her guests and they have a choice of a one or three-day bike ride. The route is a 65km loop over tar sealed and gravel roads, coastal cruising, and of course, some hills!

One night is spent at Rahui and the other at the coast. Lucinda’s father helps with the business, transporting the bikers, and offering support for the last slog up to his hut on Day three.

The Maunsell family have a rich history in the area with Tinui Station purchased by Archdeacon Robert Maunsell in 1859. Rahui is the back block of the original 20,000-acre Tinui station. The majestic rock outcrop at Tinui, named Mt Maunsell, boasts the site of the first cross which was erected to commemorate the fallen soldiers of World War I. Lucinda was raised at Rahui and buoyed with a lust for adventure she worked on boats to Pitcairn Island, did van tours in Europe and trekked in Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. A resourceful individual, when she returned to New Zealand “necessity was the mother of invention”, she looked at Rahui farm with fresh eyes …. and could see the potential. She could sprinkle her adventuresome spirit here - The Coastal Loop was born.

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25

We are Brooke and Jannah and together we are Centre Stage Design. We offer a range of home staging and interior design services to suit any situation. With over 20 years of experience in the industry between us, we pride ourselves in having the skills to transform your house for a fast sale at the highest price and a tailored interior design service to turn your house into a home.

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26 women IN BUSINESS

Pampered Paws

Elyse Childs Photography

DIONNE PUGH WITH CUSTOMER ‘SNOOP’ – SHOWING OFF HIS NEW SHINY, SOFT COAT.

Professional dog grooming more than just a pretty look for your dog Dionne Pugh has been grooming dogs from her First Street salon in Lansdowne for 12 years and has been breeding dogs for nearly 30.

She reckons she’s seen just about every size dog, breed, and how owners care for their pets. Dionne is adamant grooming your dog is not just for the show ring, but for your pet’s overall general good health and well-being.

The grooming process begins with a shampoo and condition in a deep bath. The dog’s coat is then dried with a high velocity drier which fluffs up the coat. The brushing which follows, strips all loose hair and the treatment is completed with clipping, if necessary, to give the coat shape.

This care is equally important for short haired dogs, such as Labradors, and those with woolly coats such as Poodles.

She encourages regular twoDionne is assisted by Jesse monthly grooming as optimal “Dogs make us all Morrison, who does the equal. They give care. “Grooming, clipping, or bathing. They care, on stripping is vital for all coat unconditional love. average, for around eight types. If left too long, we There’s never any dogs a day and offer a free must cut the hair too short pick-up and delivery service judgement.” and that is not good for the to Masterton, Carterton and dog, especially in winter.” She Greytown.

She is proud of the professional explains that when a dog gets wet, soggy, range of products they use – all sulphate and smelly after swimming or outdoors and paraben-free. in rain, people bring them inside to the warm, but if the dog’s coat is too long, it can take days for that coat to properly dry, and this can cause skin issues.

Dionne says often owners will not bring their dog in for a groom because of the cold weather. But it can be of great comfort for the dog, as the groom plumps up the coat and gives it more warmth.

Her love of dogs goes way back to when she and her late husband Allen bred show dogs – Cocker Spaniel and St Bernard.

“Dogs make us all equal. They give unconditional love. There’s never any judgement.” Asked what her favourite dog is, she admits she has a soft spot for Poodles.

Pampered Paws Professional Dog Grooming

ELYSE CHILDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE LENS WITH ONE OF HER CLIENT’S CHILDREN, NOAH BRAUSCH.

Affordable memories for Wairarapa families Busy lives with babies and children doesn’t leave much time to think about getting photos taken, let alone of yourself and family groups. This is where photographer Elyse Childs comes into the picture. Elyse is part of ‘Little Annie Monthly Pop-in Portraits’, which was started by Wellington photographer, Anna Cunningham. Now offered throughout New Zealand and Australia, Pop-ins give families regular access to affordable professional photos.

Elyse sets up her mobile studio at Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park in Masterton, the Carterton Community Courthouse and most recently the Waihinga Centre in Martinborough.

Parents book online and come along, once a month, during their baby’s first year of life to capture all of their changes and milestones. Toddlers, young children, and teenagers are welcome too. Throughout the year there are also special events for siblings, families, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas.

Dunedin-born Elyse has lived in many parts of New Zealand and enjoys meeting new people. It is no surprise really that she loves all of the families that she gets to meet through her photography. She has welcomed over 500 families to the Pop-ins since she started them in Wairarapa in late 2017.

Elyse has loved being part of the community and lives in Masterton with her partner, Liam, and his four-year-old son.

“I was always destined to be a photographer and love every aspect of the creative profession,” says Elyse. She has a Diploma in Contemporary Photography and a Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Arts & Design) majoring in photography.

Her degree body of work focused on a subject dear to her heart about her greatgreat-grandmother, Joanna MacKinnon, who was New Zealand’s first Plunket nurse. A year on she was fortunate to visit Joanna’s birthplace in Scotland.

Dog Grooming – It’s What We Do! Call today to book an appointment Orijen and Acana Grain-Free Itch & Scratch NO More!

3 First Street, Lansdowne, Masterton.

P 06 370 1667 M 027 480 2073 E dionne@pamperedpaws.co.nz

Pop-ins and indoor/outdoor private family sessions are now where Elyse puts her heart. Her love of the landscape is also how she spent her early years learning photography.

Elyse is excited to be launching milestone mini sessions as part of the Pop-ins at her new venue in Martinborough and has recently started private mini sessions to continue to bring affordable memory making to Wairarapa families.

elysechildsphotography.com

27

Davidson Psychotherapy Services

Māori In Business Wairarapa

DR KATHY DAVIDSON IN HER MASTERTON ROOMS.

The capacity to heal is within us all – we just need a little help getting there Dr Kathy Davidson is a registered psychotherapist with a PhD in Sociology, specialising in workplace emotion. She began her therapy career in 2014, working both in Wairarapa and Wellington.

After five years of working in an academic setting at both Massey and Victoria universities, she enrolled in the Institute of Psychosynthesis NZ counselling and psychotherapy training.

“I think there is a lot to this life that is a For her, having her own practice is the mystery. I believe that counselling and pinnacle of two decades of extensive study psychotherapy has an important role to play and work. It has been her dream to offer as we unravel that mystery and discover therapy in her own community and she’s a path to living a purposeful life. Regular deeply satisfied with how her practice is therapy can support you as you figure out progressing. “I have a lifelong interest in what it is that is most important to you. It people’s wellbeing, social equity and social can help you understand yourself change. I have a deep desire “I think there is better, to get more out of your to understand the human relationships, and can help experience.” This genuine a lot to this life fascination in people, along with that is a mystery. ensure that your choices are in line with what it is you want for her high-level qualifications, I believe that yourself.” and personal experience, has counselling and Kathy emphasises this is not clients seeking her out. She works with individuals and psychotherapy a journey that need be taken couples and offers supervision to alone. “Most of us, at some point has an important people working as counsellors, in our lives, can benefit from role to play as therapists, and those in support.” leadership positions where we unravel Psychosynthesis is the approach workplace relationships can that mystery that underpins her client be complex. Kathy grew up and discover a work. It is a psychotherapeutic in Vancouver, Canada, where she studied and practised path to living a approach that acknowledges the of body, feelings, journalism. A back packing purposeful life.” importance mind, and spirituality, to mental holiday down under to Australia health and wellbeing. “When and New Zealand had her meet I use the term spirituality, I refer to that her future husband, Duncan Stuart, and difficult-to-describe sense of connection to Wairarapa became home while they raised something bigger than us. For one person, a family of three sons. Davidson is Kathy’s that connection may be found through a birth name. She has chosen to return to spiritual practice, for another, through time it, in honour of her father, who died when spent in nature, for another it may be found she was just six years old. Her ancestors through participation in a social movement, came from Scandinavia to Canada, and it meaningful work, or in the way they care for was a special journey she and husband, friends and family.”

Duncan took in 2019 to Iceland, Norway and Sweden, re-tracing her heritage. Her desire Kathy’s training has given her a variety of to understand life more deeply led her to ways of addressing a client’s goals in therapy university study, graduating with a BA double and together they decide on an appropriate major in psychology and sociology. This direction. She offers short and long-term followed with a BA honours in sociology. She therapy, is ACC registered, and particularly conducted a Participatory Action Research loves her work with couples using project for the Wairarapa Mental Health Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).

Forum focusing on the mental health and wellbeing of Wairarapa youth/rangatahi. She Continuing to develop her therapeutic skills, Kathy is training in Somatic Experiencing, was then awarded a Massey University Vicean approach developed by Peter Levine, an Chancellor’s doctoral scholarship to study American psychotherapist who works with New Zealand parliamentarians and the role trauma and stress-related disorders. of emotion in their work.

Dr Kathy Davidson Psychotherapy and Counselling Services Email: drkldavidson@gmail.com |Phone 027 419 8786

CASEY MINTY AND VERNETTE ROBERTS – TRUSTEES.

A platform to support and empower Māori commercial excellence The owner of a successful outdoor living company, an experienced IT specialist, and the owner of one of Wairarapa’s best-known building firms have teamed up to help their fellow Māori shine in business.

Casey Minty, Vernette Roberts and Paul Southey are the trustees of Māori In Business Wairarapa – a charitable trust to help support, encourage and grow Māoriowned businesses in the region. Though the organisation is brand new, its Facebook group already has over 330 members, and a networking event in November 2020 attracted over 50 local business owners.

MIB Wairarapa was spear-headed in November last year, with Paul, owner of A1 Homes Wairarapa, organising a hui to gauge interest. The three trustees (all of Ngāti Kahungunu descent) hope to run a membership platform with a holistic Te Ao Māori approach providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and funding assistance. Culturally, Casey says, Māori can be reluctant to step forward and ask for support and hopes MIB Wairarapa can provide an environment where Māori can advise and uplift their fellow entrepreneurs.

“Māori can struggle to put their hands up for assistance,” she says.

“For women, it can be especially hard - with running a business, managing the household and nurturing whānau, our kete are so full, and chasing support is just one more thing to add to the already big list.

Maid2Clean, Wingate Lane Bar and Café, and Nanny2u nanny agency in Australia.

Vernette, who has spent the past 25 years in the IT industry, is the founder of Reach Design – specialising in web development and business process automation.

As an entrepreneur, Vernette knows the importance of an encouraging community: when her business was struggling in the aftermath of covid-19, the business support organisation WellingtonNZ helped her secure financial aid. “I didn’t realise that support was available for businesses. There will be a lot of people who have no idea where to go for help,” Vernette says. “We want to make sure Māori business owners have the information they need to make decisions with confidence. And that they realise they don’t have to do it alone.”

In fact, MIB Wairarapa’s first major event was focused on financial support for businesses.

The committee hosted a public gathering at Wingate Lane, which featured speakers from potential funding organisations, including Te Puni Kōkiri, MBIE, Ministry for Primary Industries, WellingtonNZ and Poutama Trust.

The event attracted business owners across a large cross section of industries construction, forestry, agriculture, health and beauty, hospitality and more.

“With Māori In Business, we want to be able to take that load off by fast tracking the journey to success.”

In future, the committee plans to pair business owners with mentors, host focus groups, promote job listings, and run short courses. Casey says she looks forward to organising regular networking events - and encouraging collaboration and bartering for services between members.

Casey and husband Jake are co-owners of the Shades Direct lower North Island franchise.

She has previously owned businesses on both sides of the Tasman, including

At present, the MIB Wairarapa committee would like to hear from anyone interested in volunteering as mentors and voicing new concepts.

WAIRARAPA MAORI IN BUSINESS To support, encourage and grow Maori Business in the Wairarapa

korero@mibwairarapa.nz | 021 624 328

28 women IN BUSINESS

Lawson Avery Limited

LAWSON AVERY LADIES FROM LEFT: CAROL COFFEY, CASEY GOUSMETT, JUDY TAYLOR, JENNIFER MARTIN, JAIMI STEWART AND HEATHER MACDONALD.

Accounting firm with minds set firmly on the future Jennifer Martin means business in her accounting firm Lawson Avery, with a history dating back to 1909.

us to provide financial information in a timely manner.” The practice has around a 60 per cent rural client base.

Jennifer bought into the business in April 2020 and is excited when she talks of what’s been achieved for Lawson Avery in the past year. The firm has transitioned to be a 100% cloud-based practice, timely with covid-19.

They have recently employed three extra accountants, and they are moving into their totally refurbished premises at the commercial end of Cole Street in Masterton shortly.

Lawson Avery’s staff now is one of Lawson The team has recently Jennifer totals 12, including Jennifer.

Avery’s cloud-based specialists established an The new staff are two and is involved with products senior accountants and a updated set of values. such as Xero, Figured, graduate. Most of the staff Hubdoc, Paysauce, Farm Being ‘Professional, are qualified accountants and Focus, Spotlight Reporting, Progressive, Positive, Workflow Max, and MYOB a number have considerable experience in the industry. and having Integrity’, Essentials. She also does some Jennifer gained her BCA in of the Software Training and all with a people Accounting, Economics and Conversions for clients. focus. This is what the Commercial Law at Victoria University and qualified as a team has identified as She believes client software set-up, and training, is vital Chartered Accountant in 2011. being important. in an accountancy practice, Masterton born, she schooled to ensure the client’s data in the town, before heading is correct and meaningful. Because of this, to Wellington to attend University. Good with Lawson Avery offers free set-ups and training numbers, accounting was always in her sights.

After graduating, she worked in Lower Hutt for for the clients. two years and then moved back to Masterton “As well as becoming paperless, Lawson Avery to be closer to family. Jennifer has three has embedded other changes. Employing children, an eight-year-old and seven-year-old three extra staff is part of our new approach

Being paperless is aligned with many of the firm’s goals, another is being a flexible workplace so staff can work from home or offsite if required. Some employees have young children or grandchildren, and they work their hours around family commitments.

“Further, we are increasingly finding clients are keen to use better software so they can focus on working ‘on the business’ rather than ‘in the business’, so using great technology not only saves time and cost, but also enables

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Now your office can be anywhere Log in online, anytime, tablet or phone and see up-to date financials.

Call us on 06 377 5085 11 Cole Street, Masterton PO Box 145, Masterton (Temporarily in the Tranzit building, 316 Queen Street, until mid June 2021)

twins, so the focus on being family-friendly and having a flexible workplace is important to her.

to work. Having extra capacity means we can deliver information to clients in a timely manner and be forward looking, rather than telling clients what they already know!”

The team has recently established an updated set of values. Being ‘Professional, Progressive, Positive, and having Integrity’, all with a people focus. This is what the team has identified as being important. Jennifer says its slogan ‘Moving Forward Together’ encompasses all these values and signifies where it is at as a firm.

The re-purposed building in Cole Street will be a fresh start for the new approach. The building will have a dedicated training space and Jennifer is excited about greeting clients into the new rooms.

Jennifer is one of the seven woman who currently work at Lawson Avery. Working alongside Heather, Susan, Judy, Carol, Casey and Jaimi, they create a dynamic and diverse team and strive to give the best service to their clients.

29

Naturally 4 U

Fagan Motors Ltd

For the love of cars: Justine’s got the drive Justine Algie is one step closer to turning her life-long passion into a career.

Justine, 28, is one of the new faces at Fagan Motors in Masterton – coming on board in January as an apprentice automotive technician in the service department.

Mentored by senior staff, she will be training on the job for the next four years and studying online through MITO. As an automotive technician in training, Justine’s role is a crucial one: ensuring a vehicle’s parts and systems are up to road-worthy standard, and repairing any wear and tear to avoid costly breakdowns.

JOANNE O’BRIEN.

‘Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies’ – Albert Einstein Since returning to Wairarapa two years ago, Joanne O’Brien has established a solid reputation with customers wanting to examine alternate ways of keeping healthy.

A Natural Health Practitioner, initially based in Auckland, she produces a range of products under the name ‘Naturally 4 U’. These have been on display in her shop next door to the Balter Bar, but she’ll soon be on the move to premises she has purchased in Featherston.

“I have liked being in Carterton but the appeal of operating from my own place is exciting.” Joanne is a great people-person with strong intuitive skills and responds keenly to client needs.

A keen fan of Colloidal Silver, Joanne says the ancient Greeks ate from silver utensils, plates, drank from goblets and stored their food in silver containers. The result was that the silver slightly wore off and mixed into their food. “They were rarely sick.

Colloidal Silver has been considered one of the mainstays for fighting bacteria for centuries and a daily dose is like having a second immune system. Perfect for keeping healthy during the winter.” Joanne explains biomedical research has shown no diseasecausing organism, bacteria, virus, or fungus can live for more than a few minutes in the

presence of even a tiny amount of silver.

Among her array of products are Aluminium-Free Deodorant, Collagen Cream, Aches and Pain Rub, Lip and Hair Balms, along with other healing balms and even one to keep insects at bay. Her soaps made from natural products are works of art. Her herb tea range tastes delectable, as do her fruit and vegetable powders for smoothies.

Along with these products, Joanne provides Vitamin Scans, Bach Flower Remedies, and promotes ‘Dr Oxygen’, a portable oxygen unit which can help with Cellular Regeneration, Cancer, Lung conditions and other chronic diseases. Rife Frequency Treatments are also offered and are touted by some, as an effective cancer treatment without the side effects of traditional treatments, plus as a treatment for fibromyalgia, muscle and joint pain, and lots more. Joanne points out that Albert Einstein said: “Future medicine will be the medicine of frequencies,” and she’s committed to this prediction. Wairarapa born, Joanne moved back to the region and says it’s been a good move” Watch this space, there is more to come.

Keep an eye out for her development in Featherston.

No two days at the Fagan’s workshop are the same – with each model in need of an oil change, wheel re-alignment, or engine replacement presenting a new learning opportunity.

“It’s cool – it’s really satisfying for me to pull something apart, and be able to put it back together again,” Justine says.

“I’ve always loved cars, and I love the challenge of figuring out and understanding how each one works – and how I can make it work better.”

Growing up, she regularly attended races at Masterton Motorplex, and has been a keen drag racer since her late teens – a 500 horsepower Nissan Skyline as her vehicle of choice.

JUSTINE ALGIE, APPRENTICE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN. Now Justine has swapped her scrubs and syringes for overalls and a tool belt, she couldn’t be happier.

She enjoys the variety of vehicle services: changing tyres, oil and water, checking cooling and lubrication “I was stoked systems, testing batteries, re-tuning engines, installing when I got [the job]. I’m so excited new brake pads, and doing upgrades where needed.

With help from friends, she has worked on repairing and rebuilding her own vehicles and is currently upgrading the engine of her new Nissan Cefiro.

Her apprenticeship comes as a momentous career change for Justine – who originally trained as a veterinary nurse.

“At school, I wanted to work with cars. But I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to get an apprenticeship.

After five years working at South Wairarapa vets, covid-19 inspired her to revaluate her career plans – and, on hearing Fagan’s were advertising for an apprentice, jumped at the chance to apply.

and thankful for the opportunity – especially to do an apprenticeship later in life.

Everyone’s super patient and supportive. If I’m stuck, I can always ask for help.

All the guys have been really welcoming.”

“I was stoked when I got [the job]. I’m so excited and thankful for the opportunity – especially to do an apprenticeship later in life.”

It’s a challenging role – but Justine’s team-mates have her back.

“Everyone’s super patient and supportive. If I’m stuck, I can always ask for help.

“All the guys have been really welcoming.”

Fagan Motors service manager Dean Herrick says Justine has been a “fantastic” addition to the team.

“She’s got a great attitude and work ethic, the motivation to succeed, and a passion for the automotive industry,” Dean says.

“If you have a genuine interest in your industry, it makes the job that much more enjoyable.”

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30 women IN BUSINESS

(06) 378 8059 409 Queen St, Masterton Masterton@nz.drakeintl.com

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31

He Pounamu Early Nurture

Property Property Brokers Brokers Greytown

Heart-led approach to early childhood learning A year on, Lauren Spicer, Manuhautũ of He Pounamu Early Nurture, reflects on the beautiful environment that she says has developed at Dalefield, west of Carterton.

“It really was simply a dream of a place where tamariki and their whānau are nurtured within beautiful relationships with both their kaiako and Papatũānuku.

What happened next, was the team who have found their way here, kaimahi, who have such incredible hearts and passion, that it has just somehow come together this is what is truly awesome”.

Jo Jo Parker Parker - Property Brokers Greytown Greytown

He Pounamu has ducks, turkeys, chickens, goats and ‘Pammie Lambie’, who was hand-raised and loves a snuggle and scratch. The centre is at the foot of the Tararua Ranges, and sits on over three hectares of land.

“I think that we are so blessed to have this space, so close to the maunga with Papatũānuku, so fully present that the tamariki and kaiako can plug into her whenever they want. There is so much learning that comes from te taiao, the natural environment, not just for the tamariki, but for the whānau and kaiako too. We learn together, and this is a beautiful Māori concept called ako, where we are all learners and teachers simultaneously.”

LAUREN SPICER AND FRIEND.

Lauren and her team of kaiako and kaiāwhina have made a commitment to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and to work towards a genuine bicultural curriculum.

Lauren explains this as where Te Ao Māori, a Māori way of being and doing, is real and visible and included equally along with a non-Māori approach.

IIabsolutely absolutely love love working working in in real estate.

IIlove lovepeople, people, II love love homes, homes, and I love loveGreytown.

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talk about your your real real estate estate dreams. dreams.

If we don’t click, click, we we don’t don’t click click(but (butII bet we do!).

IIbring bringvast vastexperience experience and and knowledge to toselling sellingyour your home home –– including including marketing, marketing,communications, communications, psychology and andstrategy. strategy.

Better yet, see see the the advert advert below belowfor foraa brilliant offer to to go go in in to to the the draw drawto to win $15,000 worth worth of of groceries groceriessimply simply for getting a free free (and (and absolutely absolutelyno no obligation) market market appraisal appraisal on onyour your home. Wouldn’t Wouldn’t itit be be interesting interestingto to know what your your home home would wouldfetch fetchin in this market?

You’ll You’lllove loveworking working with with me. me. I do everything everythingII can can to to ensure ensure that that a potentially potentiallystressful stressful experience, experience, is as assmooth, smooth,rewarding, rewarding, and and stressstressfree freeas aspossible. possible. You’ll You’ll especially especially love lovemy myenergy, energy, commitment commitment and professionalism. professionalism.

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“Taku kuru pounamu” is a guiding whakatauki for He Pounamu, it brings the idea of the tamaiti being so precious and loved, within their whānau, and inseparable from their whānau. This connects to the heart-led kaupapa that not only guides He Pounamu but is also reflected within the kaiako and kaiāwhina.

Lauren explains “being heart-led is a relatively new philosophy within early childhood education, which aligns perfectly with a traditional Māori kaupapa, but is also so much about brain development. “The brain is full on firing connections in the early years, and the best environment for optimum brain goodness, is a loving and caring environment, with loving and caring adults.”

To us, this looks like having uninterrupted care routines, small and intimate kai

HE POUNAMU TAMARIKI ENJOYING THEIR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS. rituals, being mindful of allowing their voice to lead us, and lots of play, awhi and aroha, for both our tamariki and their whānau.

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M M 027 027 207 207 6418 6418 P 06 304 7279 E jo.parker@pb.co.nz jo.parker@pb.co.nz Waea | 06 379 5688 Kāinga | 683 Dalefield Road, Carterton Īmera | admin@hepounamu.co.nz www.hepounamu.co.nz

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32 women IN BUSINESS

Country Life Interiors

Southern North Island Wood Council

COUNTRY LIFE TEAM: KATE GARRETT, TONI SCHDROSKI & COURTNEY NORMAN.

Superior interior design specialists furnishings. She loves working with light and When Toni and Carl Schdroski settled into their purpose-built shop in Kuripuni, nearly colour. five years ago, they didn’t anticipate the Courtney Norman is also well-qualified deluge of interest in Wairarapa, let alone a having a Degree in Spatial Design. Together pandemic like Covid-19 hitting the planet. the women make up an experienced and Both events have prompted a dramatic highly qualified team. Carl works out back upsurge of interest in people wanting to and is a master of upholstery. decorate and make beautiful their homes.

Country Life Interiors is the Country Life are proud of the obvious place to head for. It’s a “We like to use fact that they offer mostly New and promote New Zealand-made furniture. haven for classic and modern furniture, as well as offering Zealand-made and “We like to use and promote a quality curtain service and feel it’s important New Zealand-made and feel upholstery business from to support each it’s important to support each within. Toni and Carl have operated Country Life for other in the furnishing industry. other in the 30 years and describes the Buying local is very important furnishing industry. business as ‘humming’. to us.”

Buying local is very Also important, is the service to us”. they provide by refurbishing

“With the building boom important in the region, people are clambering for ideas to decorate and furnish their homes. And, with the uncertainty of Covid, people have looked inward to their surroundings to make them feel happy and secure,” says Toni.

Toni keeps things fine-tuned doing administration and accounts. Kate Garrett visits clients’ homes around the region, offering in-home consultations on curtains ranging from romans to sunscreens, roller and timber blinds, venetians, honeycomb blinds and shutters. With a Bachelor of Interior Design, Kate is well qualified to help with colour schemes, textiles, wallpapers and

sentimental and favourite pieces of furniture.

“There is nothing more rewarding than seeing the delight of a person when we’ve restored grandma’s old chair, or breathed new life into an old couch.”

Toni has seen many furnishing trends over the years, but she says “timeless and classic” are always in vogue, and that is what they specialise in.

If your home needs a fresh new look, visit Country Life Interiors at 431 Queen Street, Kuripuni. They are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.

ERICA KINDER – CEO.

Leading Women in Forestry from cities to towns, and wharves to the forests Erica started her career in forestry at the Zealand do not understand the nature age of 18 when she attended Canterbury of forestry, what our wood products are University and completed a Bachelor of used for or how forestry contributes to our Forestry Science. Having grown up on a communities. farm, she always knew she wanted to work “They only see a log truck driving past but outdoors, but also wanted to get involved in a growing, profitable sector and one that don’t know that those logs are providing direct income into their towns. For provided a wide range of instance, in Gisborne 1 in jobs across New Zealand.

“Often young people 4 people are employed in Over the past 25 years entering our sector forestry, in Hawke’s Bay, she has lived in 5 different 1 in 20 people directly want to know they regions around New benefit from forestry can move around, try Zealand from small towns income. Forestry earns to large cities working in different jobs and skill almost the same amount in forestry-based workplaces sets. In forestry, you can export dollars as sheep and and considers this a great beef do for their products, live in either a small asset for careers. “Often off 83% less land. young people entering town, or large city, from but Forestry land only covers our sector want to know the wharves to the 7% of New Zealand.” they can move around, try different jobs and skill sets. forests and there is no Converting science, In forestry, you can live problem in changing industry statistics, in either a small town, or jobs within a company.” school talks, and sector large city, from the wharves coordination into plain to the forests and there is no problem in language keeps Erica busy all over New changing jobs within a company.”

Zealand. She has recently been talking Now she leads the Southern North Island Wood Council and the Canterbury West Coast Wood Council. “We are here to promote the positive aspects of the forestry sector. Many people in New

to primary schools about forestry and land use and she considers the younger generation of students coming out of schools to be the most open minded and environmentally informed.

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

Free in home consultation free measure & quote

• Wallpaper • Curtains • Blinds • Furniture • Re-upholstery • Decor Phone: 378 6060 Email: carl@countrylife.co.nz | www.countrylife.co.nz Open: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm or by appointment

431 Queen Street, Kuripuni, Masterton

Kate Garrett

sniwoodcouncil@gmail.com

0273 290 498

sniwoodcouncil.co.nz/

33

My Ride Masterton

Crystal MediSpa

DEB ALLEN WITH SOME OF THE ELECTRIC BIKES ON OFFER AT MY RIDE MASTERTON.

JEANNE-LOUISE DRURY, SKIN EXPERT.

Cycling. The new revolution. Serious skin treatments People discovering the in a heritage setting sheer pleasure of biking The jibe “On yer bike” used to be full of negative connotations, but not so these days.

E-Bikes have become extremely popular, and Deb spends important time with customers ensuring they are fully informed and satisfied that their new purchase is going to be the perfect ride for them.

Deb Allen, co-owner of My Ride in Masterton reckons cycling has become the new revolution.

Wairarapa “If there is an upside to the disruption, we all feel from Covid, it’s the opportunity New Zealanders have had to explore their own country.

Lockdown created time for leisure and our family bubbles encouraged us to exercise together.”

‘Little’ customers are a favourite with Deb. She loves helping with that special gift, shopping for birthdays and Christmas. She gets notes and thank you letters and looks forward to catching up with all the kids at the local kids’ tris in February and March.

people, young, middle aged and older are all realising the sheer pleasure of cycling, and Deb’s husband,John, helps at My of the great Ride in his spare time, between health benefits. bike packing trips around the

Deb says bikes became a popular purchase, so much so, that sales went off the scale and stock levels still have not recovered.

Wairarapa people, young, middle aged and older are all realising the sheer pleasure of cycling, and of the great health benefits, and are discovering the myriad of trails throughout New Zealand.

Deb has been in the cycling business for over 10 years and together with business partner Andy Curtis-Cody, they love encouraging cyclists, of all ages and abilities, into the sport.

country and he loves mentoring cyclists planning the Tour Aotearoa and Kopiko Challenge rides.

Full time mechanic John Stevens loves his mountain biking and has lots of tips and hints to give customers too. After school workshop assistants, Sophie and Caleb, join the fun and add to the busy atmosphere Deb is proud of the My Ride team. “All of us ride and we all love the different aspects of cycling we each take part in.”

My Ride, It’s Our Ride and It’s Your Ride, call in and have a chat today.

Skin and appearance medicine expert, Jeanne-Louise Drury brings her extensive knowledge and experience in skin health to Wairarapa, establishing Crystal MediSpa in an historic cottage at the north end of Carterton. The 1870s cottage on Carterton’s High Street North was originally part of the Challis Farm during Carterton’s settlement.

Jeanne-Louise began her training in the mid-80s when she attended the Joyce Blok Institute in Auckland, passing international exams with honours. She opened her first clinic in Petone and a decade later purchased an established business, ‘Beautique’, in Thorndon.

She has also worked for CACI New Zealand, in both Thorndon and Lower Hutt.

Responding to her desire to have her own clinic again, she established ‘Beauti-med’ in Lower Hutt. Her interest in skin medicine developed further. A move to Auckland, saw her training students in the Beauty Therapy industry.

Now living in Wairarapa, Crystal MediSpa is the latest phase in Jeanne-Louise’s life as a beauty therapist. She is also an accomplished artist and sprinkles her social media with favourite poetry “and then, I have nature, art and poetry, and if that is not enough, what is enough?”

- Vincent van Gogh. The beautiful and serene woman’s face she has chosen as

the image for Crystal MediSpa is from a 19th century French painting, La Charité by William-Adolphe Bouguereau.

Naturally, Jeanne-Louise is passionate about encouraging people to look after their skin.

“The earlier you start, the better. It saves on requiring extensive remedial work later.”

Prospective clients are offered a free consultation to discuss their skin care needs. Crystal MediSpa provides a wide range of skin treatments, which JeanneLouise can advise on. She is accompanied

by Robyn Sclater, registered nurse practitioner in appearance medicine, who provides Botox and other cosmetic injectables.

The product used and recommended in Crystal MediSpa is Mesoestetic.

A Spanish range which focuses on medical cosmetics for the skin. It is internationally renowned for treating anti-ageing, acne, hyper-pigmentation, skin tightening and other advanced skin procedures.

So, if it’s lines and wrinkles, lack of skin firmness or puffiness around your eyes, that’s bothering you or, you just want to have a fresher brighter complexion, then Crystal MediSpa is the place to visit.

MediSpa Beauty Therapy & Appearance Enhancement Specialists

E-BIKE SPECIALISTS 47 CHAPEL ST, MASTERTON 5810 P 06-377-7652 MyRideMasterton W myride.co.nz/masterton

Call NOW for your FREE Consultation today!

Tel. 021 240 3373 269 High Street North, Carterton. 5713 reception@crystalmedispa.co.nz www.crystalmedispa.co.nz Your beauty is our reason for being!

34 women IN BUSINESS

St Matthew’s Collegiate School

Aramex Wairarapa

Traditional school moving with the times and making ground-breaking decisions

An essential business delivering the goods

St Matthew’s Collegiate in Masterton is 107 years old. It has managed to reach this age because it has learned lessons along the way, kept abreast of trends, and adapted to changing times.

She is proud of the 100 percent pass rate in NCEA in 2020, especially considering the disruptive year with Covid. Mindful that all St Matthew’s pupils have devices and were able to keep connected for their studies, she saw the outpouring of excitement when the girls were able to return to school. “We were all craving company,” says Kiri. A major decision was made, upon return, that St Matthew’s from 8.10am to 3.10pm (school hours) have no mobile phones on site.

Kiri is looking to implement a programme ‘The Girl of many Colours’, whereby past pupils, who have been away around two years, are asked to outline their transition on to future life and how their school life impacted. “We are always looking for ways to help our girls transition and what better than to ask those who are out there.”

St Matthew’s has a roll of 310, eight per cent are Maori, and six per cent Pacifika. A cultural group, ‘Ngatahi’, combining both St Matthew’s and Rathkeale College pupils has gone from strength to strength. They are proud to be called upon for haka and waiata.

A further move to enforce the increasing cultural nature is through our developing Whanau Ropu; a group of people from staff and community who are committed to the cultural competencies of our school.

Probably, one of the most obvious changes which has happened in 2021 is the re-naming of the school Houses from those of the colonial past - Grey, Fergusson, Wakefield, and Cobham, to significant women’s names – Batten (Jean Batten), Cooper (Dame Whina Cooper), Wake (Nancy Wake) and Sheppard (Kate Sheppard). It was a pivotal and courageous shift for the school, and the Trinity system which governs it, to appoint

As co-owners of Aramex Wairarapa, Hannah and husband Toby, together with their close-knit team, are responsible for the safe and timely delivery of thousands of packages throughout the region.

The Blundells took over ownership of Aramex, formerly known as Fastway Couriers Wairarapa in August 2018, and have taken the business from strength to strength: known from Eketahuna down to Martinborough for its efficient and personable customer service.

This, according to Principal Kiri Gill, is the cornerstone of the school’s success. Since she took up the reins in 2014, there have been several major achievements, groundbreaking decisions, and some controversial moves.

“I wanted to see a solid re-connection with each other, and it has been exciting to see the difference. Everyone is walking around the grounds with their head up, and more importantly, talking to each other.” The move has been supported by both students and parents.

Hannah and Toby Blundell are proud to say they run a tight ship.

And thanks to the online shopping boom, business continues to grow.

Running a freight operation was a significant career change for Hannah and Toby, who had been farming at Gladstone for most of their married life.

In 2018, the couple decided it was time to “take the bull by the horns” and made enquiries into buying their own business.

“It was time to sink our teeth into a new challenge,” Hannah says.

PRINCIPAL KIRI GILL. Kiri as its first Māori principal. She admits her appointment was a ‘significant move’ on Trinity’s part, but she came, not because of her ethnicity, but because she highly values the special character and traditions of the school. St Matthew’s sets the groundwork for personal commitment and encourages independence and self-management and that’s why the girls managed well in times of adversity, like the Covid lockdown. Kiri is mindful that the school’s successes are the combined effort of all who spend time here.

Born in Taupo, Kiri grew up in Matamata.

Her Iwi are Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Rangiwewehi. The eldest of five children, Kiri knew from an early age she wanted to be a teacher.

“I always enjoyed organising and giving instruction, realising that people seemed happy to follow my lead, and that I had influence. I do not take that lightly.” She graduated with a double major in English and History from Waikato University and did her teacher’s training in Auckland. Kiri is pleased she has experienced many types of schooling systems, from co-educational state schools through to decile 10 integrated private schools. She and partner, Lindsay Moore, HOD Technology at Wairarapa College, are proud to call Wairarapa ‘home’.

“Running Aramex was an opportunity for us to do things our way.”

Every day at the depot starts bright and early at 6am: the crew is greeted with a flurry of parcels to be unloaded, sorted according to different areas, and loaded into the drivers’ vans.

HANNAH BLUNDELL: CO-OWNER. Tina Craig joined the crew in April, bringing with her over 20 years of business operational experience – and has already had rave reviews for her organisational skills, friendly manner and efficient service.

Aramex worked as an essential business in last year’s lockdown, delivering Wairarapamade produce to supermarkets - and hasn’t slowed down since.

Packages must be delivered to all six “The freight industry has gone crazy since Wairarapa towns, by day’s end, with drivers covid – especially with so many people also making stops to collect shopping online,” Hannah says.

“Our staff are new parcels. efficient, they work The team are also kept busy It’s an intricate operation, supporting various charities, but the “exceptional” Aramex hard, and support including the Wairarapa Cancer team - seven drivers and two each other. We’re Society and Life Flight. administrators – make it look very fortunate easy.

Leading up to Daffodil Day each to have such a year, Aramex delivers over 800 “We rarely finish a day with bunches of daffodils to 400 dedicated and parcels still on the depot floor,” Hannah, known committed team.” business all over Wairarapa – and clears out space at the affectionately to the team as depot for Cancer Society volunteers to “boss lady”, says. assemble the bunches.

“Our staff are efficient, they work hard, and Every year just prior to Christmas Aramex support each other. We’re very fortunate donates $1 from every over-the-counter to have such a dedicated and committed cash sale to Life Flight. Last year they team.” topped it up and were able to provide One of the areas Hannah and Toby enough for one rescue mission. identified to differentiate their services was Hannah and Toby attribute their success to to employ a dedicated local office worker their knowledge of Wairarapa (both being whom Wairarapa customers can speak to “born and bred” in the region), rapport directly about their deliveries - whether with customers, and positive working it be on the phone, via email, or over the relationship with one another. counter.

St Matthew’s Collegiate School Year 11 Camp

Boarding and Day School for Girls Years 7-13

100% PASS RATE FOR 2020 NCEA LEVELS ONE, TWO AND THREE

Phone 06 370 0067 33 Pownall Street, Masterton | www.stmatts.school.nz

T & H Blundell Ltd T/A Aramex Wairarapa 17 Bentley Street, Masterton 5810 p. 06 378 8331 | aramex.co.nz This business is independently owned

35

Stablehouse Design

Vet Services Wairarapa

FROM LEFT: JANIE MAHUPUKU, LYN EGLINTON, AND SARAH DELMONTE.

The next generation creating gardens that are timeless and enduring Great gardens happen by design. That’s what Lyn has believed all her working life and she has been the architect of many magnificent gardens in both public spaces and private homes across New Zealand.

Sarah and husband, Warwick came to Masterton from Auckland and much overseas travel and purchased the Paper Plus store.

Sarah’s eye for beauty, detail, and quirky decoration, has entertained the shoppers You may have visited many of the private ever since. She has given up a corporate gardens she has designed as they often banking career in marketing and product feature in fundraising open days like the development and has been Pukaha Garden Tour or Alongside the advice studying landscape design at more noticeably the hospital an Auckland institution with and garden plans, gardens (these were her the aim of continuing to learn donation to the Wairarapa plant knowledge too, from her mother and building community). is a huge aspect of the business. their service and Unsurprisingly, Lyn’s Alongside the advice garden surrounding her they buy in their and garden plans, plant house is beautiful, offering own nursery plants knowledge too, is a huge structured garden rooms aspect of their service and with voluptuous planting and focusing on large, they buy in their own nursery unusual, or difficult- plants focusing on large, attention to THE secret of unusual, or difficult-to-find gardening, which is the play to-find specimens. specimens which they then between light and shadow. incorporate in plans, offer on to clients Even the animals in the paddocks beyond or occasionally to the public with nursery seem to stand for maximum effect! open-days.

Now her daughter, Sarah Delmonte, who has spent a lifetime following along with her mother to briefs, work in progress, and plant wholesalers, is now entering her mother’s business.

Completing their dynamic team is Head Gardener Janie Mahupuku who has worked with Lyn for many years and is also a ‘hard landscaper’ for hire with her excellent little digger.

NICOLA HAGLUND WITH BUTTERSCOTCH, ONE OF HER PET RABBITS.

All female vet service which celebrates work flexibility Wairarapa Vet Services is a 24/7 animal health service that cares for animals from your pet guinea pig through to the champion dressage horse, and everything in between. That’s special enough but what’s also interesting is that the 28-strong staff are all women and all work flexible hours based on their life commitments. Nicola Haglund is Manager of the Masterton practice and says the across-the-board flexibility is totally doable and means everyone enjoys their roles and are very productive. There are 10 veterinarians, six vet nurses, two nurse assistants, a rural technician, four admin/retail staff, a groomer and five reception staff.

Nicola has been a veterinarian for 25 years and has seen a lot of changes in the 18 years she has been in Wairarapa, including moving from the previous cramped premises on Chapel Street to the spacious rooms on Lincoln Road. She’s also seen the industry evolve. For instance, there’s a lot more dental work done on animals today. Nicola is concerned about the low retention rate in the veterinary world. “It can be a hard job for many.

There’s a lot of pressure and often life and death decisions to be made, and anxious owners to be consoled. Vets are

often perfectionists and that can be an added stress.”

A genuine love of animals took Nicola down the path of studying veterinary science at Massey University. She spent two following years as a dairy vet in Taranaki and time at a mixed practice in Upper Hutt. Her husband, Nathan, is from Wairarapa and when he and Nicola moved here, Nicola met up with vet Stuart Bruere, who initially had the Chapel Street practice. They worked together until Stuart’s move to a teaching role at Massey and Nicola moved into the full managerial role. She still gets hands-on clinical work three times a week. It’s a toss up between cows and cats, which she likes to treat, but she admits a soft spot for rabbits. Her three children always had pet rats and she’s now seeing more rabbits coming through the clinic.

Continuing education for all the staff is vital to keep them abreast of veterinary trends.

Companion animals make up around 65 per cent of the Masterton clinic’s patients, the rest being on production animals and equine. Vet Services is a Group Practice with five independent clinics in Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay. Nicola is one of the three shareholders along with fellow vet Sarah Wolland and the Hawke’s Bay Vet Services Group.

Companion Animals, Farm Animals and Equine. We cater for all!

Ph 0800 VET NOW (06 3782662) Email: kate@vswai.co.nz

36 women IN BUSINESS

37

Proudly supporting our communities.

Jill Dunscombe Support

Toni Renwick Sales 027 359 2972

Becca Phillips Property Manager 06 377 5780

Pam Theedom Support

Vicki McLeod Support

Jenny Griffin Property Manager 06 379 5904

Deborah Davidson

Donna Dawson

Sales 027 354 9386

Sales 027 243 6775

Jillayne McGregor

Erin Nesdale

Sales Sales 027 226 5155 027 457 9055

At Property Brokers, we value commitment, community, family, and fun, and we’re loyal to where we are.

Our team is passionate about supporting our communities and making a difference, donating their time and money to a wide range of sports, cultural, and charity events, and giving back to the communities they also call home.

Carolyn Collier Sales 027 437 9513

Tamara Reston Support

Jackie Renwick

Jen Bhati

Sales 027 247 0409

Sales 022 516 9053

Karen Dickinson Property Manager 06 370 0704

Lisa Southon Support

Jo Parker Sales 027 207 6418

Nadine Dunbar

Erin Towgood

Anja Van Den Broek

Support

Support

Support

Working together is second nature to the Property Brokers Wairarapa team, whether selling or managing a property or supporting a great cause or business.

To discuss all your real estate needs and experience what our team can do for you, contact one of our team today or visit pb.co.nz/wairarapa

Our business is personal. Not only are Property Brokers your local, award-winning provincial real estate experts, we’re also your neighbours. With a combined total of over 240 years working for the company, they are passionate about giving their clients the absolute best real estate experience. They will always put the best interests of their customers first.

pb.co.nz Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008 PB050255

38 women IN BUSINESS

NUMB1Z Chartered Accountants

Michelle’s Hair Studio

Looking good, feeling great 21 years of gorgeous hair As a hairdresser of almost three decades, Michelle Pike has seen her fair share of trends come and go.

When she opened her salon, Michelle’s Hair Studio, in 2000, solid fringes, zig-zig parts “fashion mullets” were all the rage.

“Those big chunky highlights were very much in fashion – people were literally getting stripes put in their hair,” Michelle says.

“We were doing a lot of perms back then – they were still very popular.”

While the fashion fads of yesteryear may be a distant memory, Michelle’s Hair Studio is still going strong – celebrating its 21st birthday this year.

LEFT TO RIGHT: PADDY, COURTNEY, SUE, MOIRA (WITH MOLLY), ALI, SAM AND SANDRA.

All female accounting firm keeping the profession ‘real’ Moira Robertson-Brown leads a firm of accountants and support staff which all happen to be women. Based in the delightfully retro former county council offices in Belvedere Road, Carterton, the team of seven, plus one dog – a Silky Poodle ‘Molly’, is rounded off with a quirky business title – Numb1z.

Moira created Numb1z in April 2017 after the merging and re-arranging of several accountancy practices. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995 in Wellington and worked corporately for Price Waterhouse and the Ministry for the Environment. Keen on animals, especially horses, she looked to Wairarapa as a place to live and to give space for her horses. She lives with her two daughters, at Gladstone.

In Wairarapa, she worked as the financial controller for the clothing manufacturer, Bouzaid and Ballaben in Greytown. When that closed, she established her first business ‘Robertson Brown’.

A few opportunities followed and include the offer to purchase the practice where Numb1z was born and now housed. Moira says she thrives on autonomy and quick decision-making and it was a bonus bringing her clients and adopting existing ones into a whole new realm.

Moira’s team of accountants and bookkeepers includes Sue Mangin, Paddy Emerson, Ali de Boer, Courtney Lintern, Sandra Kelly, and Sam MacArthur. Moira describes Paddy and Sam as the ‘king pins’ who keep them all organised.

The firm provides a full range of accounting, tax and business services for individuals, sole traders, companies, trusts, and farms. “We aim to arm you with the right information, at the right time and for the right price, in order for you to make the right decisions for your life and business.”

Moira is a true professional yet creates a comfortable and casual approach to her service. “I try hard to keep it real for my clients. It’s so easy to fall into accountingspeak and this is not appreciated by anyone.” This real and earthy approach is appreciated by all, especially her staff who have a wide range of experience and skills.

Moira likes to see the Belvedere offices as the ‘hub’ but not exclusive to work in.

We are looking to make the opportunity to work from home possible and work a variety of hours per week. Being a primarily cloud-based firm, this works well. Being an all-women team leads to some “interesting conversations” laughs Moira. “We like to have fun.”

www.numb z.co.nz Accounting and All Taxation Compliance Organisation Formation and Setup Policy Development and System Support Business Consultancy and Strategic Planning

NUMB1Z Ltd, 9 Belvedere Road, PO Box 13, Carterton 5743 P 06 379 8312 office@numb1z.co.nz

Michelle, a hairdresser since 1995, says hairstyling has evolved massively over the years. But one thing has remained consistent: her commitment to client satisfaction, whether they request a simple bob, flowing extensions, or an ombre colour melt.

“These days, people are not afraid to go for the fun, crazy colours – they want to express their individuality and try something new,” Michelle says.

“My aim has always been to send our clients out the door with an ear-to-ear smile and feeling like they’re walking on air.

“That makes it all worth it. After all this time, I’m still excited to come to work in the morning.”

Michelle started her career with an apprenticeship at The Cutting Crew (then based in Masterton), under former owner Bridget Sowry.

She spent several months hairdressing in Brisbane, before returning to Masterton and buying Design Lines hair studio.

Twenty-one years later, Michelle’s Hair Studio has amassed a devoted clientele, (men, women and children alike), has attracted highly skilled teams of stylists, and is a popular choice for apprentices.

Michelle attributes the salon’s success to honest and supportive client relationships and constantly improving her craft.

A crucial part of the client experience is the consultation, where the hairdresser helps them find the style best suited to their bone structure, personality, and lifestyle.

“Hair is so pivotal to our self-esteem, and the wrong haircut can really lower someone’s confidence.

“We listen to our clients’ ideas – but if something won’t suit them, we come up with an alternative.”

MICHELLE PIKE: SALON OWNER. Upskilling is also important to the business culture, with Michelle and her team regularly attending workshops and courses.

The salon stocks a range of cruelty-free haircare products by Swedish company Keune – which often provides training opportunities for partner salons.

In 2018, Michelle and senior stylist Kirsty Campbell travelled to Brazil, where they upskilled and learnt new techniques at a Keune ambassador salon in Rio de Janeiro.

“In Brazil, it’s all about fashion – wearing your hair as an accessory and making it glamorous and sexy.

“We wanted our clients to have that experience. We want them to leave with strong, healthy, shiny hair – but also feeling gorgeous.”

Michelle says one of her biggest passions is helping people “solve their hair problems”.

“For example, they’ll have a product or styling tool at home that they’ve no idea how to use.

“We can show them what to do and help them achieve that ‘just out of the salon’ look.

“You don’t have to spend an hour doing your hair every morning. With the right products and techniques, you can get it down to 10 minutes.”

39

Back in Action

Main Street Deli Café Greytown

LEFT TO RIGHT: OLIVIA BROWNE (PHYSIOTHERAPIST), CATHERINE PEARCE (MASSAGE THERAPIST), MARYANNE MONASTRA (DIRECTOR), KIRSTIE SIMS (RECEPTION).

Growing a health vision through collaboration “This is a stressful time, it is a challenging time. We cannot change what has happened, nor the restrictions placed on our ability to live in a certain way or make a living. But what we can do is change how we respond by keeping a positive attitude and bringing hope and light for others.”

Inspired by the words of Viktor Frankl (author of Man’s Search For Meaning), Ryan and Maryanne included these words in their newsletter to clients during COVID last year.

Like many other businesses Covid gave Back In Action a shake up, “it made us realise, all the more, what was important to us” said Maryanne. “Coming out of 2020 into a new year we were keen to hold fast to our corporate values and our vision, to keep our team together and bring hope and light into the lives of those we encounter in our work.” Maryanne and husband Ryan, have built up the business over the past 11 years. This year they have seen further growth with the recent addition of two physiotherapists (Molly Moore and Kayne Bettridge), a massage therapist (Catherine Pearce) and two client support staff (Kirstie Sims and Jasmin McKenzie). Maryanne originally trained as a nurse in Wellington. She met and married Ryan, a physiotherapist and they worked in the UK and Australia before returning to New Zealand. Setting up home in Carterton, they purchased Back in Action, operating from Carterton

Medical Centre. Very quickly they could see the need for rehabilitation services and worked hard to be in a position where they could employ staff. They now operate from purpose-built facilities in Masterton’s King Street – The Hubb and operate a satellite service in Carterton. Ryan and Maryanne have partnered with Kevin Rickey, an experienced personal trainer, to establish The Hubb Health Club. Having our two teams working together in one location providing an end-to-end service has been amazing “We’re all passionate about what we do - supporting individuals, clients and businesses to improve their health and well-being and thrive!”, says Maryanne. An example of the way the two teams are creating a safe environment to encourage physical fitness, is “Pack Lite”.

These group training sessions are run by a trainer and physiotherapists Olivia Browne and Megan Blair. “These collaborative sessions encourage those moving out of the treatment phase of care with Back In Action, as well as those with diabetes, heart disease or other existing health concerns, to prioritise their health despite limitations and to feel confident joining in, so they too can thrive!

This seamless service is just one aspect of Back In Action’s service, another exciting new feature is pregnancy massage. But that’s another story. Best call in to Back in Action, and find out for yourself …

MAIN STREET DELI OWNER, ANGE CATES (LEFT) WITH HER MUM, GLORIA BERRIDGE, AND DAUGHTER, ALLY.

Greytown café and accommodation celebrates being a family affair There are many strings to Ange Cates’ bow, and she’s re-invented herself several times.

rewarding. We plan to enclose part of this area in the next few months.”

She’s been a farmer, an Industry Training Officer for Agriculture, and a mother to four adult children. These days, she is the owner of Main Street Deli Café in Greytown, and the venture has become quite a family affair.

Two of her daughters Ally (barista) and Becky (baker) are working alongside her, as is her mum, Gloria Berridge, who is also cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Ange was born in Featherston, she spent time in Melbourne with her grandma and loved the café vibe culture. Back home, after the farming stint, she moved towards town, she headed for Greytown. “The climate is good, and I bought a house here, also on Main Street. There’s a theme going on here.”

“I just love this inter-generational dynamic.

Family is especially important to me and we work so well together,” enthuses Ange.

She purchased Main Street Deli Café in December 2019, after managing it for a year, and when covid hit a few months later, she used it as an opportunity to do renovations and adapt her ideas.

Adoring the outside courtyard at the rear of the café, she revamped and created a beautiful new area with a rockwall water feature. The secluded area now provides more seating and is popular with customers on a fine day. The tinkling water from the fountain is very therapeutic. “When we had all the fine weather, I would see people just sitting with their food and/or coffee and enjoying the ambience. It’s extremely

Several years ago, she met her childhood sweetheart, Clinton McLaughlin, “we just clicked again.” Clinton is the maintenance man and has been fully involved with the new renovations. “I couldn’t do it without him.” Ange took her father’s advice and purchased not only the business, but the building itself. It comes with an Airbnb upstairs, Apartment 88. This two-bedroom accommodation sleeps six and has two lounges and views over the town and ranges. It’s extremely popular with Wellington people seeking a weekend in Wairarapa.

Main Street Deli is a busy place run with 16 staff seven days a week, 8am – 4pm.

“Ally runs a tight ship as the Manager, she started when she was 16 and soon mastered the skill of the barista. She knows everything about the Deli”.

Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Massage, Workplace Consultancy

ACC or Private Appointments No GP referral required ACC injury claim lodgement Sports performance Sprains, strains, aches & pains Remedial & Pregnancy Massage Workplace assessments and training Vertigo & concussion management Pre and Post-operative care 9 King St Masterton | 14 Lincoln Rd Carterton BOOK ONLINE www.getbackinaction.nz info@getbackinaction.nz 06 377 4422 (extn 1)

Outdoor Area Cabinet Foods Delicatessen Accommodation Serenity Courtyard Menu Options

MAIN STREET DELI, GREYTOWN

Live Music Pet Friendly Licensed Local Wine & Beer OPEN 7 DAYS | 8AM  4PM Rockwall water feature Ange 0273349022 or 063049022 | angemainstdeli@gmail.com

40 women IN BUSINESS

Specsavers Audiology

Totalspan Wairarapa

AUDIOLOGIST, LIA ZAMORA.

Hearing loss?

Wise hints from experienced Audiologist Lia Zamora is an audiologist who has partnered with Specsavers to provide hearing services in Wairarapa. Lia migrated from the Philippines with her husband and son in 2015 and they have made Masterton their home.

Lia holds a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology and a master’s degree in Clinical Audiology from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. She has been practising audiology for 16 years with experience in hospital and commercial settings in Singapore, Philippines, and New Zealand.

Lia says there is a need for audiology services for people of all ages. Undetected hearing loss impairs language development in babies, causes reading and learning delays in school children, reduces work performance in adults, leads to cognitive, balance and memory issues in the elderly.

Studies show that hearing loss increases the risk of dementia. Research also states that hearing loss is the greatest modifiable risk factor to reduce the risk of dementia. Facts that make Lia an advocate for affordable hearing care.

“It is timely that Specsavers Audiology has come to New Zealand. Specsavers has global contracts with leading hearing

aid manufacturers making it possible for technology to be affordable.”

She’s also proud that Specsavers offers a free hearing check with their eye check for people aged 40 and over. A free 15-minute hearing check can also be booked online through Specsavers website.

“Hearing loss is more common than you think. The best way to spot it is by having your hearing checked. Simple.”

Some tips from Lia:

Never use cotton buds in your ears (nothing smaller than your elbow should go into your ears)

Always wear hearing protection

Get regular hearing checks

Keep the volume down when listening on your ear buds

Lia’s last advice. If you experience sudden hearing loss which is rapid, or unexplained loss of hearing, usually in one ear, see your doctor immediately. Receiving timely steroid treatment increases the chance to recover your hearing. Putting off treatment may result to permanent hearing loss in the affected ear.

Sounds like we need to listen to Lia.

FROM LEFT, JANNINE ATKINSON, REBECCA CLARK AND LINDA REED.

Customised buildings flourishing in Wairarapa Rebecca Clark, Linda Reed and Jannine Atkinson are the dynamic Totalspan trio who welcome you to their Totalspan showroom, housed in one of several display buildings on Ngaumutawa Road in Masterton.

From garages and farm sheds through to multi-bay lifestyle and commercial buildings, Totalspan Wairarapa will purpose-build a shed perfect for your needs. Totalspan has long been a reputable and well-known company, creating customised New Zealand steel buildings, so strong there’s no need for internal trusses.

So confident of their product, they come with a 25-year structural guarantee, and if Totalspan builds it for you, a five-year workmanship guarantee as well.

It’s the fifth year in business for Rebecca and her husband, Stew Clark, and they are expanding the business in leaps and bounds, experiencing substantial growth since they started. Last year they took the plunge to employ their own team of builders, one of whom is an experienced Totalspan builder who relocated from another region, and all of whom are doing a fantastic job constructing high quality Totalspan buildings.

Rebecca was a primary school teacher in the UK and met Stew when on her travels through New Zealand. Stew is born and bred in Wairarapa and is a qualified

and licenced builder with 15 years of experience, including the management of commercial and residential projects.

They have two daughters. Rebecca’s strong organisational skills, and eye for detail, has led her to managing the Totalspan Wairarapa office. She is joined by Linda Reed, who has around 30 years’ experience in sales and is Totalspan Wairarapa’s Sales Consultant. Linda says she immediately felt her skills were valued at Totalspan Wairarapa. Jannine Atkinson joined Totalspan in September 2020 to assist with the increasing administration workload.

She is also from the UK and met her Kiwi husband there.

The three women enthuse about the strong team culture at Totalspan Wairarapa, also appreciating the strong family ethos which underpins the workplace. Coincidently, they all live around Carterton.

“We all have family commitments at various levels and it’s a matter of supporting each other when necessary,” says Rebecca.

“While we each have our specific roles, when it comes to work needing to be done, we all just pitch in and help each other.”

So, if you’ve a residential, lifestyle or commercial building in mind, call in on Totalspan Wairarapa at Ngaumutawa Road, and meet the friendly team.

CUSTOMISED SOLUTIONS MADE FOR Now helping you hear, still helping you save Book your free 15-minute hearing check today Specsavers Masterton 227 Queen St Tel 370 1412 Your free 15-minute check is a 15-minute appointment. If further testing is required in a longer appointment, a fee may be incurred.

NZ_90_MAST

YOU

RESIDENTIAL | RURAL | COMMERCIAL 06 377 5956 Cnr Ngaumutawa Rd & Hillcrest St, Masterton www.totalspan.co.nz

41

LGE Consulting Ltd

Michelle Grant – Co-Director and Chartered Professional Engineer All about structure: talented engineer right at home in earthquake-prone NZ Michelle Grant was part of a team that supervised the construction of Sydney’s first electronic tunnel tollway, managed the upgrade of multi-million-dollar hydro-electric dams in Australia, and helped with the delivery of mammoth wastewater treatment plants in the US. And yet, some of her most satisfying work has taken place right here - in provincial, earthquake-prone New Zealand. Michelle is co-director of LGE Consulting Ltd: a Masterton-based structural and civil engineering firm, founded in 2014 by herself and fellow Chartered Professional Engineer Stefan Lanser. LGE Consulting has been involved with the structural design and construction management of residential, commercial and industrial builds throughout Wairarapa: from home renovations, to architecturally-designed dream homes, to the new Moore Wilson’s building. Michelle and her team are responsible for the structural integrity of a building: designing the ‘bones and muscles’ which provides the building’s strength, durability, and ability to withstand the elements. When designing hard-wearing structures, a country like New Zealand (which can experience over 14,000 earthquakes a year) can pose a challenge.

For Michelle, it’s a challenge that’s hugely gratifying.

“After the Christchurch earthquake, I volunteered as an engineer – doing inspections in the Red Zone. That was pretty confronting – I’ve never forgotten it,” she says. “In New Zealand, seismic activity drives the way you design a building – especially in a place like Wairarapa, which has a fault line right down the middle. “It takes a lot of problem solving and, with building standards constantly changing, you’re always learning.

“I’m never bored in this job. It’s very satisfying, especially when you get to see your designs become real in front of you.”

Michelle, born and raised in New South Wales, studied civil engineering at the University of Technology Sydney. She went on to work as a site engineer and project manager for several large-scale projects across Australia, including the Cross City Tunnel and the upgrade of the Jindabyne Dam. She also did a stint in the US, working on infrastructure projects in and around Washington DC. In 2007, Michelle and her Kiwi husband settled in the Wairarapa.

Focusing on structural engineering, Michelle

MICHELLE GRANT. worked on projects such as residential design, seismic assessments, and earthquake strengthening projects.

At LGE Consulting, Michelle still does regular site visits, working closely with builders, architects and designers. “I enjoy working with builders onsite to get the best results possible for the client,” she says.

“It’s great seeing a project right through to the end – and knowing you’ve delivered a quality service.”

Michelle serves as president of the Structural Engineering Society of New Zealand – the first female engineer in the role since the Society’s founding in 1988. Among its many roles, the Society focuses on providing education opportunities for structural engineers, and helping develop engineering standards and codes of practice. Michelle is also a member of Engineering New Zealand - which currently aims to encourage more women into the industry. “At the moment, women make up only seven per cent of Structural Engineering Society members.”

Living with what you love An astute business woman with the love and passion of ‘beautiful things’ has resulted in a store created in the heart of Martinborough, owned by Jessica Jina. Jessica’s passion for beauty and her creative talents from 20 years as a designer florist and decore consultant AND LIVING WITH WHAT YOU LOVE has been the inspiration of jessicas living room. Jessica has such an eye for detail that the store appears choreographed. Customers, when entering the store, take a breath of the beautiful French home fragrances and constantly comment on how unique the products are and how beautiful the shop looks. When visiting jessicas living room you will experience the relaxing ambiance of the dulcet European tunes. Music is another important component. Customers have been known to sing along and more than one enthusiastic couple have been known to strike up a dance. It’s all part of the theatrical ambience Jessica likes to weave in her store. Jessica offers elegance, beauty and a classic style, with an affordable range of unique gifts and home furnishings, homewares such as garden wall art and statues, stunning faux flowers, sculptures, local art works and figurines. Many are exclusive to jessicas living room. She has lived in Martinborough for 10 years and loves the community and its people.

From owning ‘Jessica The Florist’ in Lower Hutt for 22 years and now ‘jessicas living room’, Jessica’s career has focused around style and design, with a unique point of difference of elegance and beauty.

Jessica and her team believe it is important that her customers receive the best service and quality products that they love, and this is achieved with her experience of choosing the right products. This comes with years of experience as a retailer and designer and winning

Jessica Jina with her exquisite ostrich feather capes and shrugs. business awards over her decades in the retail industry. Jessica’s name became synonymous for decades for designing beautiful floral arrangements for governments, corporates, businesses and private homeowners. She was board member of Teleflora NZ, demonstrated and trained at conferences. It was a whirlwind life and she thrived on the creativity and beauty. Born, bred and educated in Wellington with a family history of 100 years in New Zealand, her grandfather was one of the very first settlers who arrived in the early 1900s from Bombay, India.

With a family background of being business entrepreneurs Jessica’s father, Bert Jina, was one of the very first fruit and vegetable hawkers in Wellington in the 1930s. After Jessica raised her three children she wanted to expand working with beautiful things and her interest in homewares to help people create their own beautiful environment grew. “You must live with what you love,” she says. “It is vital to one’s well-being to live within a beautiful environment.”

“As women in a male-dominated profession, it’s up to us to be role models and fill the aspiration gap.”

jessicas living room INSPIRING SOPHISTICATION Residential and Commercial New builds and alterations Seismic assessments and strengthening Phone: 06 377 2541 425 Queen Street, Kuripuni, Masterton www.lgeconsulting.co.nz

Homeware Fashion Gifts 8 Memorial Square, Martinborough 06 306 6000 sales@jessicaslivingoom.co.nz www.jessicaslivingroom.co.nz Open 7 days

42 women IN BUSINESS

CHANGES MEDI-SPA For the ultimate in style and sophistication, Wairarapa’s most desirable day spa is the brainchild of nurse, Katie Winstanley.

Nurse and owner, Katie Winstanley, always dreamed of creating a spa haven, where her guests could escape the pressures of everyday life. A qualified nurse for over 20 years, she had noticed that stress and illness went hand in hand. After purchasing a grand manor house on the Lansdowne hill overlooking Masterton, she and her husband, Paul, set about creating a luxurious retreat away from the busy town centre. Katie believes because women don’t take enough time out for themselves, then when they do get given a spa voucher – shouldn’t it be the most incredible and luxurious experience? You won’t find the words quick, cheap, expressed on the menu for this very reason.

Nurse Katie Winstanley Owner of CHANGES.

CHANGES has grown into a multi award winning spa and accommodation venue.

It now boasts 11 spacious bespoke therapy rooms, a powder room, on-site spa pool, and a couple’s suite.

Photo by Esther Bunning.

Guests enjoy relaxing, after treatments, in the softest of robes in a well-appointed lounge, warmed by a fire and being offered refreshments. There is even a cocktail lounge for overnight guests, who come from around the country to enjoy!

Katie’s main passion is eyebrows, “As a nurse it never sat well with me removing hair with hot wax, especially after working in a burns unit for years! It was just not acceptable to see scalds and damage to this delicate area. After a lot of research, courses and overseas trips, Katie developed her own brand of brows using threading, based on science and nature.

They are called ‘New Definition Brows.’ CHANGES has celebrities and customers travel to come and visit the legendary ‘brow bar’ and the team of passionate highly skilled ‘brow angels.’ Of course, Katie’s vision could not have happened if it weren’t for the team of incredible women around her. Many who have been with her for years. All eight therapists have been handpicked because of their attention to detail, cheerful nature, nurturing and caring personalities. Investing in training is key to Katie, who believes knowledge and experience is what her discerning guests expect. “Our happy team is what makes CHANGES customers keep coming back. From the cheery welcome from Emma at front of house, to the behind the scenes work of our wonderful housekeeper, Teresa, who keeps everything immaculate. The therapists aim to make guests look their absolute best.

All treatments are professionally researched and carefully selected for their proven results.

CHANGES only invests in the best products. Internationally acclaimed Dermalogica, for the best in facials (Platinum award salon), or Pure Fiji products (Platinum award salon) in the Island Room. Or try the designer massaging chairs for a relaxing pedicure, using The Gel bottle.

The medi-spa wing has the best in science led treatments that restore your complexion to glowing health. They also have IPL, anti-aging peels, dermaplaning and are a gold provider of dermapen. They also have an injectables clinic every six weeks with Lift Aesthetics.

If you are reading this thinking it’s got to be expensive! You may be pleasantly surprised.

If you have not been to CHANGES before, jump online, and apply for a $20 discount ‘first visit voucher’, so you can see for yourself, what everyone is talking about.

(Terms & Conditions apply).

Stacey & Paige

15 Titoki Street Masterton

Anna-Lisa

Emma

www.changesmedispa.co.nz

Sara

changesmedispa

Sammie & Jaz

P: 06 370 1971

43

Farm Focus

Natural Therapy Options

SOME OF THE WOMEN OF FARM FOCUS.

Cutting edge tech for stress-free farming When it comes to innovative farm financial management solutions, an IT company from “little old Masterton” is leading the charge.

Farm Focus, formerly CRS Software, has been based in Wairarapa for the past 40 years: helping farmers throughout New Zealand simplify their financial processes, plan ahead and eliminate stress.

Since its founding in 1981, the company has been an early adopter of new technologies, releasing various iterations of its financial management programme in line with new developments.

The most recent version, also called Farm Focus, is a cloud-based application that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

Farm Focus marketing manager Katrina McClelland says the newest version of the software was developed over several years, including an extensive beta testing process with customers.

“We reckon Focus is the most modern, well-engineered, user-friendly financial management application in the world,” Katrina says.

“We’ve just done a nationwide roadshow for the new software – and a lot of people were surprised we were based in Wairarapa.

“You don’t have to live in a big city to create and access world class software.

Little old Masterton can be at the heart of innovation.”

Farm Focus was the brainchild of Wairarapa farmers Ian and Isabel Campbell, together with current CEO Brian Eccles, an awardwinning sheep and beef farmer.

The founders were eager to help fellow farmers reach their financial goals and improve their performance.

The Farm Focus software automates many previously manual tasks - with direct bank feeds, direct GST filing to IRD, invoice scanning and data storage capabilities.

Its farm management platform allows farmers to track their spending, forecast future earnings, and make informed business decisions.

Farm Focus represents the changing face of the IT world, as over 60 per cent of its staff are women.

Women make up a large chunk of the online and telephone tech support staff – many of whom are farmers.

Call 0800 888 080

Breathing your way to a healthier life with ABC – always breathe correctly For 25 years, Natural Health Therapist Janet Williams has been offering massage for the relief of aches and pains, tension and stress.

Over time, her treatment has evolved as she’s learned a wide range of skills including the Bowtech-Bowen Therapy and the Buteyko Breathing Method. Research is revealing how vital it is for us to breathe correctly. Janet holds classes to teach people how to do what we do naturally, BREATHE.

performance, but is important for relieving overall health issues.”

In 2000, Janet began extensive training in Bowen Therapy for acute and chronic conditions.

For the past four years Janet has been holding breathing classes for adults and she’s now opening up these to children (5-16 years). She holds adult classes of 1.5 hours over 4 weeks and 1 hour classes for children, teaching simple exercises and an understanding of why nasal breathing is important. “By the age of 12, much of a person’s face is formed. A lot has to do with the tongue, a strong muscle, and if it rests totally on the floor of the mouth, facial constriction can occur resulting in crooked teeth forming.”

In 2016 she investigated Buteyko Breathing and was trained in Sydney by Patrick McKeown, a world-renowned Buteyko speaker and instructor in the breathing method.

“On the farm, it’s often the women who balance the books – so they’re used to juggling numbers,” Katrina says.

The Buteyko Breathing Method has been proven to help with a myriad of issues like asthma; snoring; sleep apnoea; breathlessness; tightness in the chest; stress; anxiety; poor concentration; fatigue; insomnia; sinusitis and headaches.

“Our team is passionate about farming.

Farming is the backbone of New Zealand society – and we’re here to help it into the future.”

Janet is full of enthusiasm to explain to others how to breathe properly. “It is not only a useful tool in optimising one’s health, for instance in improving sports

Supporting farmers for over 40 years farmfocus.co.nz

NATURAL THERAPIST JANET WILLIAMS IN HER MASTERTON CLINIC.

“People think snoring is funny. It’s not, it can be serious. Strokes and heart problems have been linked to incorrect breathing patterns,” says Janet. “We need to learn to breathe through our nose. Taking in air via the mouth means it goes straight to our lungs and can constrict our airways, making it difficult to breathe and causing many health issues.”

Janet’s spacious premises at Natural Therapy Options allows having other practitioners to join her, providing therapeutic massage, Supervision, Counselling, Hypnotherapy, Reiki and Life Coaching.

BOWEN THERAPY

BUTEYKO BREATHING

A gentle treatment for many conditions, balancing the whole body.

Children’s Courses available

Considered appropriate for all ages.

FEEL FREE TO CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION

STARTING Wed, 9th June, 3.45pm - 4.45pm weekly x4 or on 4 consecutive days in school holidays Adult course: starts Tues, 8th June, 5.15pm - 6.45pm weekly x4

44 women IN BUSINESS

Wild Oats Cafe

Milady’s balancing act

with owner Deb Graham-Karaitiana Perfecting the balancing act. We all strive to do it in our daily lives, and owner/ operator of Wairarapa’s longest running fashion store Milady says it’s the secret to the shop’s success.

If you ask the woman at the helm of Masterton’s longest running clothing store, Milady, what the favourite part of her job is, you’d expect the answer to be “fashion”.

But for Deb Graham-Karaitiana, the answer is “the people”. Deb is passionate about all her customers, young and older. “We’ve got an amazing team serving fabulous customers,” she says.

Milady Fashion first opened its doors in Queen Street, Masterton in the 60s.

Since buying the store 18 years ago Deb has aimed to continue the personalised shopping style of yesteryear and thus begins the balancing act.

“We like to get to know our customers.

After all, it’s a small community and I’ll often buy with a particular woman in mind.

“I know it sounds cliché but for us at Milady it really is about empowering women to look good and feel good in their skin. For us, it is more than just selling fashion items.

“Each woman who walks through the door is important to us. We have a chance to put a smile on her face, to make her feel great.”

Deb says there’s something special about watching a woman leaving the store with a bounce in her step because of the outfit she’s just purchased, or seeing the smile on her face when she emerges from the changing room wearing something we’ve picked for her. The team is complete with Sherryl Turley and Terri Wenham.

Deb hopes that this personalised service will encourage locals to buy local ensuring businesses like hers thrive.

The other half of the balancing act is offering online shopping.

“We launched our online store after last year’s Covid lockdown. We had to,’ says Deb. “But to be honest most people look at our online store or Facebook and then come into the store to try items on. People really enjoy the experience of shopping in person.

“The thing with being instore is the team will help you select styles and colours that suit you, maybe even suggest something you hadn’t considered, and we’ll help you find the right accessories to complement an outfit so you can walk out the door feeling your best.”

The balancing act continues with Milady stocking a carefully selected mix of quality clothing from New Zealand designers, like Cashews, Jellicoe or Noble Wilde, as well as well-known brands like Italian Silks and Linens by Helga May and Vera Tucci.

Milady staff are also trained in the fitting of prosthesis for women having lost their breasts to cancer. This service is a passion for Deb, appreciating the emotional and physical trauma caused by such illness. “Helping women regain their confidence is so important.”

Of course, retail has its challenges and Deb is determined to balance being a woman in business with giving herself and her family the time they deserve.

“Retail is hard, especially nowadays, so getting away in the motorhome with now = retired husband Eddie and our wee dog Nala is good for my mental health” laughs Deb. “We love it”.

To check out the balancing act that is Milady Fashion and Lingerie, or the Milady Outlet just down the road at Ornate Gifts/ Milady Outlet managed by Vaughan and Laura Robertson, visit www.milady.co.nz or call into the store and chat with the team at 164 Queen Street, Masterton.

WILD OATS OWNER, CRYSTAL THOMPSON.

Cafe with a two-decade history of serving Carterton Wild Oats is the cafe on Carterton’s High Street where the town’s founder Charles Rooking Carter presides over from the lawn. Cafe owner Crystal Thompson said it was not her decision, but the Council’s, that chose the prominent site, but she was thrilled to welcome the bronze statue and it has been a huge drawcard for the cafe.

Wild Oats was opened in Carterton in 2000

by Peter Gray and Martin Chait. Peter sadly died in a road accident leaving Martin to carry on and eventually he asked Crystal to be his business partner. When Martin wanted to retire, Crystal had to decide if she wanted to take over the business.

“I had been there from near the beginning, first as the dish washer and cleaner and generally I worked my way around the business till I knew all its foibles,” remembers Crystal.

Six years ago, she took up the challenge and has not looked back. The cafe thrives and she is supported by a staff of 20. “We have no hierarchy, seeing everyone on a level playing field, however I do realise being the owner, when there’s a problem, it’s mine to solve.”

Crystal has great respect from her staff. She stands at four foot 11 inches and her tiny

frame is seen flitting around the cafe. She is hardly visible when behind the counter!

“My father used to call me ‘foghorn’.

I could not be seen but I made up with it in noise.”

Crystal’s mother, Pelilia, was from the Philippines. She met Dennis Thompson while he was working in Papua New Guinea and visiting Manila while on leave.

The couple lived in Papua New Guinea but regularly visited Carterton where Dennis’ mother lived. Crystal is their only child, and she was born in Masterton although spent her early childhood in Papua New Guinea.

When she was 11, the family moved home to Carterton for good. Crystal initially had ideas of working in travel but discovered the desk-bound work not to her liking.

She also briefly considered being an air hostess, but her height put paid to that.

Her progression to Wild Oats was a natural move in the town she loves. The cafe has a friendly, homely feel and Crystal likes the regulars who come in, some at the exact same time each day. “We’re all a bit like family here,” she says.

And the name ‘Wild Oats’? Story has it, the old heritage building was a brothel in one part of Carterton’s history. Peter and Martin thought this hilarious and so-called their cafe.

Empowering women to look good and feel good

moké Livy Trackpant

Wide waistband for extra comfort and reflective stripe detail for visibility

Arnie Reversible Packable Down All Moké packable down jackets are 90% down and come in 4 amazing colours

OPEN: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9.30am-3pm 164 Queen Street, Masterton | Ph: 06 378 7582 info@milady.co.nz | www.milady.co.nz

Open 7 Days 7am - 3pm Fantastic Food, Coffee & Restrooms 127 High Street, Carterton Ph. 06 379 5580 www.wildoatscafe.co.nz

45

Baker & Co Realty

Anita Baker

DIRECTOR/SALES CONSULTANT

Baker & Co Realty – Where it’s all about you!

Welcome to my world ... the world where we help fulfil people’s dreams, help them achieve their goals and aspira�ons of having their own home, an investment property, lifestyle block or business.

I first started in real estate in 2006 and I can tell you there is no other career quite like it! It is both addic�ve and fun!

I get to meet the most amazing people and feel privileged every �me I’m handed the keys to my client’s home when they’ve chosen me to assist them on their real estate journey. I realise there are other real estate agents out there and I always feel honoured when they use me to buy or sell.

Real estate is all about rela�onships, it’s about trust!

I’m very proud to be running our bou�que real estate

I’m very proud to be running our boutique real estate company located in the heart of Kuripuni, Masterton where we strive to deliver results beyond our client’s expectations. company located in the heart of Kuripuni, Masterton where we strive to deliver results beyond our client’s expecta�ons.

I love selling all real estate however my passion is lifestyle blocks.

Having owned many blocks myself and coming from a family of farmers there is nothing be�er than pu�ng

on your gumboots and tro�ng around our beau�ful Wairarapa landscape.

I have been honoured to have received sales awards at a regional and na�onal level reflec�ng my outstanding achievements in the industry.

When you choose Baker & Co Realty we have one objec�ve and that is look a�er you and put you first!

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just want some friendly advice I’m always happy to meet, chat and discuss op�ons – you choose the cafe and I’ll pay for the coffee.

When you get out of bed every day and are excited to be going to work you know you have chosen the right career for you!

46 women IN BUSINESS

Pinfolds Transport (2008) Ltd

Married to the Mop

100-year-old transport company, in third generation hands

Sisters in arms: the whānau that cleans together, stays together

Karen Pinfold never knew much about computers and didn’t care for financial work, but it’s exactly what she’s found herself doing for the family business, Pinfolds Transport.

Two Masterton sisters have combined their respective front of our house skills and “freaky cleaning obsession” to create a successful enterprise – and a future empire for their tamariki.

When husband Steve decided he wanted to take on his father’s business, Karen backed him completely. It’s been a fast and steep learning curve, but she loves challenges and has a love of learning.

Chakani Hemi and Te Aurere Hohepa founded Married To The Mop Wairarapa – a region-wide, whānau-owned cleaning business – in 2020.

Married To The Mop, named after a friend’s exasperated but good-humoured expression (“sometimes I feel like I’m married to the mop!”), provides a range of residential cleaning services: from regular spring cleans, to exit cleans following property sales, to cleans of new home builds.

“If I don’t understand something I will study it” She has recently completed NZQA L4 Small business and project managing, as well as a certificate in money management. She’s also learning Italian as her birth mother was Italian.

Next, she wants to learn Te Reo!” Other interests include photography, gardening, cooking, sewing and travel. “I believe one should never stop learning. I’ve also always wanted to study human psychology.”

Chakani and Te Aurere (Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Rangitāne o Wairarapa) were inspired to start a business after Te Aurere became pregnant with son Te Kaewa.

It’s this innate curiosity which has stood Karen in good stead through several occupations. She moved to Greytown as a child with her family from Days Bay. Educated in South Wairarapa at one stage she owned Greytown Fish Supply, for over eight years she also had Skinny Lynnie’s, now the home of HALL. “We were brought up that you had to work hard to get ahead in life and I’ve never been afraid of hard work, physical or mental.”

Managing the administration for a trucking company has drawn on her skills acquired when working as a Territory Business Manager (twice winning Territory Business Manager of the year both nationally and regionally) and the business contacts she made have been helpful.

Pinfolds started as a horse and cart carrier in Carterton in 1919 when Walter Pinfold returned home from World War I. He had moved off the family farm at Ahiaruhe. Later he purchased Shaw and Cole Livery and in 1922, the first Pinfolds truck hit the Wairarapa roads.

It was a Leyland with solid tyres, a fourcylinder motor, and carbon lights. Walter’s son Podge took to the transport business with great enthusiasm and ran it for over 60 years until his passing in 2008.

Podge’s son Steve drove trucks from a young age and helped run the business. Pinfolds celebrated 101 years in operation in May 2021.

KAREN PINFOLD IN THE ‘ENGINE ROOM’ OF PINFOLDS TRANSPORT. Karen says the trucking industry today, is a tough and highly regulated industry.

“We have strict NZTA obligations regarding driver’s hours, and health and safety aspects to adhere to. Then there’s animal welfare, which is a big one, and which we are highly conscious of.”

There’s a driver shortage too, and stock numbers are declining, due to farms being sold to forestry, and the increasing urban sprawl.

Karen and Steve decided to downsize the business four years ago.

They moved from the Clareville site on SH2 to Woodlands Road, east of Carterton alongside Scott’s Ag Contracting, which is a great fit with our businesses, and we work in well together.

From here they run three truck and trailer units and a couple of smaller feeder vehicles.

Their three drivers and a semi-retired parttimer plus Steve make for a tight, efficient, and loyal team.

Karen would like to see more women in the industry driving livestock trucks and is something she promotes wherever she can.

Transport (2008) Ltd At

diti

f

lit

d

A tradition of quality and dependability since 1920 Celebrating over

100 YEARS

Contact Steve on 06 379 8179 or 0800 4 STOCK

At the time, Te Aurere was working parttime at Kohanga Reo o Wahi Reka– and, to support her young family, she started taking on cleaning jobs, with Chakani pitching in to help.

Eventually, the sisters had several regular customers on their books, so decided it was time to form their own company – with Chakani taking care of customer enquiries, and Te Aurere making good use of her fastidious cleaning abilities.

“When we were growing up, our mum had very high standards on the detailing and presentation of our home – so we were raised to be super neat, tidy and organised,” Chakani says.

“Te Aurere has definitely inherited that obsessiveness – in the best possible way!

She’s always been on top of cleaning and organising for her whanau.

“She wanted to create an empire to support Te Kaewa - And a cleaning business was the perfect choice.”

Before starting Married To The Mop, Te Aurere studied Early Childhood Education, while Chakani has a background in hospitality and front of house management.

Shortly after the sisters launched the business in January 2020, Chakani studied towards a Certificate in Small Business Management from Te Wanaga o Aotearoa – which helped expand her confidence and knowledge of business processes.

Just as the sisters were finding their feet, Covid-19 hit. They were able to resume

CHAKANI HEMI AND TE AURERE HOHEPA, CO-OWNERS. cleans in Level 3 – but with strict precautions in place. “It was intense - we sanitised our shoes, we wore masks and foot coverings, we weren’t able to be in the same room as each other while cleaning,” Te Aurere says.

A year on, married To The Mop has a “huge variety” of clients: from “little old nanas”, to young professional couples, to busy working parents. The sisters say some of their most rewarding work is cleaning newly-built houses before the new occupants arrive.

“They can be a bit of a mess at first – there’s dust everywhere, builders’ fingerprints on the walls and footprints on the carpet, paint spilled on the tiling,” Chakani says.

“It’s very satisfying to see the places all sparkly and clean afterwards.”

Married To The Mop employs three cleaners, affectionately dubbed “the Bellas”.

All the Bellas are mothers – so cleaning jobs are scheduled between 9am and 3pm, allowing them to more easily juggle childcare responsibilities.

“It’s important for me as a business owner to create better job opportunities in Wairarapa that cater to young and new families,” Chakani says.

MarriedToTheMop Wairarapa Your locally owned & operated cleaning company Deep Clean Packages Regular Clean Packages AirBnb Management New House Builds One OFF cleans Exit Cleans Personalised Packages

Phone | 0272509086

47

Beauty Within Boutique

Willa Designs

PHOTO CREDIT - ELYSE CHILDS PHOTOGRAPHY JOELLE MOKE (LEFT) AND CAROLINE PALMER.

Beauty services empower and give confidence layers of the skin. “We design a skincare plan personalised to the clients’ needs and concerns. This is a combination of homecare and salon treatments to achieve real visible results” says Joelle.

It’s been a success story for Joelle Moke since she opened her clinic in Masterton four and a half years ago. For one, Beauty Within Boutique won the Best New Clinic Award at the 2019 Beauty New Zealand Association Awards.

All treatments use skincare ranges derived from nature, scientifically formulated, efficacy tested and certified cruelty free. Beauty Within Boutique stocks Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup and is the exclusive stockist of both Ultraceuticals and Lira Clinical cosmeceutical skincare in Wairarapa.

Joelle has been in the industry both in New Zealand and Australia for 19 years and has recently been joined by Caroline Palmer, a Beauty Therapist with over 15 years’ experience working in England, Australia and New Zealand. Both are trained, experienced and registered beauty professionals, offering a wide range of treatments and an extensive range of products. Joelle took advantage of the lockdown period last year to upskill and complete Level One and Two Papers at the Skin Education International Institute, and both have a commitment to ongoing learning.

Their latest service is the NanoFusion Pro Pen, which utilises microscopic silicone pyramids that temporarily open channels within the layers of the skin to allow an even and deep penetration of corrective serums. There is no downtime or pinpoint bleeding with this treatment and it achieves remarkable results for the treatment of glycation, fine lines & wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The Nanopen treatments start at $170 with optional upgrades available.

When introducing new clients to their skin services, they offer a 45-minute skin consultation where they gather information on overall health, lifestyle choices and current skincare practices.

The focus is on educating their clients on how to achieve healthy skin. Joelle explains, “The more we can inform our clients about key ingredients and how to maintain skin health, the more empowered they become.” The consultation also includes images taken on the Observ skin diagnostic device; used to view the deeper

Their salon is located in ‘The Hubb Health Club’ on King Street, Masterton. It is a collaborative space where Beauty Within Boutique’s services are embellished by the presence of other wellness professionals.

• • • • • • • •

Facials & Cosmeceutical Peels Microdermabrasion LED Light Therapy NanoFusion Pen Eyelash, Brow tinting Waxing Pedicures & Manicures Spray tanning Registered beauty professionals, internationally trained & award-winning salon.

Exclusive stockist of

THE HUBB | 9 King Street, Masterton Ph 06 377 4422 | 027 471 1202

beautywithinboutiquemasterton@gmail.com Book online - www.beautywithinboutique.co.nz

BeautyWithinBoutiqueMasterton

LEFT TO RIGHT: LINDA MCCARTHY (OWNER), TINA CHEER, LYN SCHAEFER, LISA ISAAC.

Transforming your home: where there’s a Willa, there’s a way Whether you’re making over your living room, needing advice on a sewing project, or hoping to modernise a piece of antique furniture destined for the dump – the team at Willa Designs can lend a crafty pair of hands.

Willa Designs, opened in 2019 by talented seamstress Linda McCarthy, is a treasure trove of furnishings, homewares, and accessories.

From Classic English pottery to Portuguese artisan dishware, from chalk-painted cabinets to vintage lampstands, from luxury French soaps to scented candles made in Carterton: lovers of home decor can find something for every room in the house.

The shop not only reflects Linda’s elegant tastes but her skill with a sewing machine: stocking a range of curtains, cushions, Roman blinds, lampshades and dish covers, handmade on site by Linda and her staff.

Not content with just selling her handcrafted wares, Linda is passionate about helping others create their own statement pieces.

She and her team (Tina Cheer, Lisa Isaac and Lyn Schaefer) - run regular workshops to help customers restore their worn-out furnishings, as well as create décor from scratch.

Linda says she has seen a resurgence in handcrafts since covid-19: with customers emerging from lockdown “more in touch” with their creative side. “People come in wanting to explore new hobbies and be more thrifty and budget-conscious in what they make.“We want to encourage people to upcycle and minimise waste - and give them the tools to do as much as possible at home.

“The workshops are a great way to bring likeminded people together to create.”

As well as some items sourced

internationally, Linda is committed to stocking New Zealand-made products at Willa Designs.

These include plant-based paints from the Artisan Company in Bay of Islands, baby snugs and toys from Me 2 U gifts in Whanganui, candles made by staff member Tina, silk flower arrangements assembled by Lyn, and Linda’s own hand-bound notebooks.

The store now includes a children’s corner, expanded kitchen area, and fabric section – featuring beautiful fabrics from Emporos Greytown, which closed in March.

“I love that I have control of what’s in the shop – it’s filled with everything ‘Linda’”, she says. “I work with wonderful, creative people who add so much value by helping customers find the right products for them. It’s a team effort.”

The Willa Designs team particularly enjoy planning and delivering their craft workshops: including decoupage, re-covering lampshades, making blinds and cushions from pre-loved fabric, and painting and re-upholstering furniture. At the furniture upcycling workshops, Lisa helps people use Artisan Company chalk paints to “breathe life into the old classics” – as well as mixing paint with wax to make new colourways and use moulds to create patterns and appliques.

“We can show them how to turn grandma’s old coffee table, which might otherwise have been discarded, into something fresh and modern,” Lisa says.

“It’s great when people go away knowing they can transform their home – for not a lot of money.”

Willa Designs is planning to run children’s holiday programmes - and would love to hear from people who can offer their skills as tutors in a variety of crafts.

215 Queen Street, Masterton.

P 021 502 962 SHOP OPEN Mon-Fri 10am - 4.30pm.

Sat 9am - 1pm E willadesigns@outlook.com W www.willadesigns.nz

48 women IN BUSINESS

Wairarapa Wellbeing

Purrfect Paws

JODIE WILLIAMS.

HELEN SAMWAYS WITH STONIE.

Healing body and mind to create a fulfilling life

New pet grooming business gaining solid reputation

Living life can be quite an overwhelming experience. For some who experience trauma, physical or mental, it can be an even harder ride.

Helen Samways is a highly experienced animal groomer whose work in this field has spread from the UK, to Australia, and on to New Zealand.

From her clinic in Greytown, Jodie Williams wants to help you unpack your issues, explore them, shuffle them, and hopefully help you come out feeling clearer in your life direction.

Jodie has been offering integrative health services for 10 years and has found herself moving more into mental wellbeing support.

professional experience. She’s had her own share of life struggles. So, it’s from a very empathic base that she works with people.

Jodie’s desire to head into the realm of mental health therapy has partly come from the positive messages she gets from people she has helped: “Jodie has helped me beyond words with my mental health journey.

“Her kind and compassionate methods combined with nutritional advice and bodywork, provide a safe space to heal and move forward.”

As a registered nurse she has cared for many people dealing with major health issues, including “Jodie has helped me cancer, and others battling personal demons. beyond words with In recent times she has found people come to her, seeking ways to manage their anxiety, stress and low mood. “Often a person will end up talking about what’s troubling them. It can vary from an injury that’s getting them down, when dealing with pain or disability, and other times it could be stress they are under at work or home, which affects their mood.

my mental health journey. Her kind and compassionate methods combined with nutritional advice and bodywork, provide a safe space to heal and move forward.”

As well as a bachelors in nursing, Jodie has a Diploma in Health Science, a Diploma in Naturopathy; a Diploma in Clinical hypnotherapy and is a current student of Hakomi Psychotherapy.

She’s excited about utilising all this study and experience in her new direction. She wants to show people how to improve their mood and emotional state. “It could be by changing diet, increasing exercise, or having a few talk sessions to dig deep and unpack issues, which may be hindering personal development.”

The ‘Manage my Mood’ programme which Jodie offers, is described as serotonin for the soul. It’s a personalised programme delivered over 4-6 sessions. “It’s often all people will need to move into that more positive vein of life.

Jodie is coming from more than simply

“I am happy to say that having been to many massage therapists and counsellors over the years, I have never had the experience whereby my body has responded so well since seeing Jodie.

“I have a better understanding of how the trauma and stress I have experienced, has caused me to hold this internally, and which have come out in physical aliment. I am now feeling better physically and emotionally.”

Hakomi body centered psychotherapy also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy aims to help a person understand their feelings and equip them to face new challenges, both in the present and the future. It can be considered similar to counselling and the two can overlap. However, psychotherapy tends to look more deeply, gaining access to our core material/beliefs to enable us to understand why we are the way we are and what drives our responses to the world around us.

I like to think of it as understanding ourselves more so we can choose how we respond to life’s events instead of reacting by default. This can lead to improved relationships with ourselves and those around us and the world in general.

Wairarapa Wellbeing Jodie Williams – 06 304 9977 E: info@wmt.co.nz | W: jodiewilliams.co.nz

Carterton is lucky enough to have her establish her grooming service in High Street, right in the centre of town.

It’s called Purrfect Paws and in just the few months she’s been operating, she has gained a positive reputation attracting pet owners from far and wide.

“Our goal is simple really.

To keep your furry friend happy! As fellow pet owners and lovers, we enjoy seeing pets happy, just as much as you do.”

She also went on to work in the mines as a seismologist and then returned to the UK where she worked as an animal medic and trained as a professional dog groomer.

She eventually had a business there,” Pawsitively Purrfect and Purrfect Paws’ for 10 years and when her electrician husband, Steve, hankered for travel, they packed up and goal is headed for Australia.

“Our simple really. To keep your furry friend happy!

As fellow pet owners and lovers, we enjoy seeing pets happy, just as much as you do.”

On the Gold Coast, she worked for a large corporate pet store, with in-house grooming and vets, whilst managing two salons within in this company, she also become regional grooming instructor.

When Steve got a job offer in Wairarapa and they discovered the region, they both immediately fell in love with the area.

The grooming is done at the rear of the premises with a showroom at front where Stonie, an American Bulldog cross Mastiff will meet and greet you.

He came into Helen’s care as a 16-week-old rescue dog from Tauranga.

Helen was born in south Wales and moved when she was 16 to South Africa with her mother and stepfather, who worked as an electrician in the goldmines.

It was a natural progression for Helen to establish a grooming service.

She grooms both dogs and cats, and suggests owners call in with their pets so they can discuss the animal’s needs.

“Every pet has a different temperament and have different requirements, it’s important they get to know me as well.”

PET GROOMING & PET SHOP

• Internationally qualified groomer with 15 years experience • Any breed or size • Will be offering a collection & delivery service (through Animal Angels)

Purrfect Paws Pet Services 42 High Street North, Carterton Phone Helen Samways 06 2161523 or 021576409

49

TenCC

MANAGEMENT TEAM MEMBERS: FROM LEFT SAMANTHA LEE, MONIQUE KLOEG AND JULIANNA HEMA.

Award winning busy bakery/café managed by a strong team It was 45 years ago that John and Anneke Kloeg brought their baking knowledge and experience from the Netherlands to New Zealand and 33 years since they established in Masterton. Today, that busy bakery/ café, TenCC, is an exciting hive of activity in central Masterton and it’s managed by the Kloeg’s daughter, Monique. She’s one of five siblings and the only girl.

TenCC. Julianna appreciates the loyal staff.

Summer months see the demand for more and she employs students who appreciate the work.

11 years. As Shop Manager, she oversees the staff and ensures the customer experience is totally enjoyable and to everyone’s satisfaction. Her whole working life has been in hospitality. Born and raised in Featherston, she cut her teeth on the industry at McDonalds. At Saluté in Greytown, she learned about table and bar service and these skills she brought on to

One of the famous treats at TenCC is the Dutch Fruit Buns (Krentenbollen).

Samantha Lee is kitchen manager. She has been at TenCC for five and a half years and feels like she’s keeping within her family tradition. Hospitality and cooking are in the blood. An aunt is a hospitality tutor Monique Kloeg grew up, in and around the in Taranaki, her brother trained as a chef bakery, packing buns and doing after-school and her mum is a baker. A former Solway cleaning.

College student, she leapt at the chance of a cooking position in Palmerston North.

At university, she studied finance and She was six years there in several outlets marketing headed overseas in 2007 to do in the city, coming 2nd in the Manawatu some travelling. When she returned, she discovered a busy expanded café and twice chef awards. At TenCC she continues to as busy. Keen to be part of the enjoy the kitchen work. “It’s family business, she joined as “People know it’s a love:hate pressure with lots 2IC and it was only a matter of of adrenalin.” Peak time is time until she became manager. warm inside and 11am - 2.30pm when the café is the café can be usually crowded. “People know It’s been a steep learning curve it’s warm inside and the café very inviting.” but now with an established can be very inviting.” Samantha management team, who all changes the menu monthly and appreciates work well together, she has more time she has the freedom to do so. “If I’m getting for overall assessment and development bored with some dishes, then I suspect the of the business and has time for frontcustomers are too.” TenCC is an awardof-housework, learning about the winning bakery and Samantha adds to her customers who come and enjoy TenCC. personal tally by entering competitions and The management team is made up of Monique, her father John, Julianna Hema has won various medals including at the (shop manager) and Samantha Lee (kitchen Wellington culinary fare brunch and Gate to manager).

Plate Wairarapa, where she was 1st judge’s choice, 1st people’s choice.

Julianna Hema has been with TenCC for

These popular Dutch fruit buns have a long history with TenCC. Hand-made spiced buns, full of succulent fruit, with a twist of lemon, this recipe originated in the Netherlands and was brought over with John and Anneke Kloeg.

180 Queen St, Masterton | P 06 377 4551 | E info@tencc.co.nz TenOclockcookie.co.nz | tenoclockcookiebakerycafe www.tenoclockcookie.co.nz

50 women IN BUSINESS

Blushing Beauty Bou�que

Gibson Sheat Lawyers

LEFT TO RIGHT: JADE MALTON, SHANNON PRINGLE, AND KYLIE PRINGLE.

Putting your best face forward Shannon Pringle is flushed with delight when she reflects on how far her fledgling business, Blushing Beauty, has come in the past two years. She now employs two staff, Jade Malton, and Kylie Pringle, and has bookings for the next 18 months. Wedding make-up has become their mainstay, but they are also called on for hair and makeup for occasions, such as reunions, special birthdays and for individuals who just want a facial treat. Shannon is a qualified make-up ar�st and began her business as an extension of her interest in make-up as an art form. She used to do friends’ make-up for balls, and later weddings, and it was their enthusiasm and encouragement that had Shannon realise her dream. “I s�ll find it hard to believe how fast it has all developed,” she says with a quiet enthusiasm, adding “I’m so proud of my baby”.

Ini�ally calling herself SP Make-up, she immediately a�racted many clients. The chance to set up in her own premises came when she was able to co-share with a beauty therapist, a cute co�age in Essex Street, Masterton. It comes with a babbling stream and ducks who waddle around the sloping lawns. However, as Shannon’s business has grown there is more work off-site now, when the ‘Blushing Beauty’ team head to a wedding venue or loca�on near the event.

“The great part about my job is I get to travel all around, doing what I love, making people feel beau�ful. It gives them a real

li� when they have their make-up done professionally. It is also great that I get to choose my work hours. It’s important I have �me at home with my children, to cherish their early years.” She is mother to Sophia, aged five, and two-year-old Aus�n. Shannon praises the support of her husband, William, who she describes as a ‘real hands-on’ Dad, making it possible to do her job. Shannon has a diploma in make-up ar�stry and cer�ficates in make-up ar�stry, bridal makeup, and highligh�ng/contouring. She is also a qualified brow and lash technician. Her enthusiasm has rubbed off on Kylie Pringle, who has cer�fica�on in hair styling and salon management and cer�fica�on specialising in bridal hair styling. Jade Malton, is a make-up assistant/make-up ar�st in training, as she s�ll a�ends Wairarapa College.

Brides are tending to want a glowing, natural look these days and Shannon says there’s a lot of science around the right make-up for the occasion. “We have to consider air temperature, ensuring its cry proof, and that it enhances their natural appearance, not take it over.” The same goes for hair. Long gone are the coiffured styles stuck together with hair spray. “There’s a real challenge in crea�ng natural,” affirms Shannon. And, if you want more hints from this crea�ve woman, Shannon writes for the ‘NZ Wedding and Honeymoons magazine’ where the do’s and don’ts of bridal make-up and their hair are regularly examined.

QUALIFIED MAKEUP ARTIST AND HAIR STYLING SERVICES IN THE WAIRARAPA. Beauty Services Lash lifts | Brow/Lash tint | Brow shaping Brow Henna | Brow Lamination Makeup & Hair Styling Bridal | School Balls | Special occasion

| Blushing Beauty & Makeup Artistry W | blushingbeautyboutique.business.site E | s.p.makeup.ltd@outlook.co.nz P | 0279143701

JULIE MILLAR AND AIMEE McGOWAN.

Gibson Sheat Lawyers Masterton - Lawyers People Like Imagine mee�ng a lawyer you actually liked. Someone you could understand, who listened to you and shared ideas with you.

as she is in the Tararuas as a member of Wairarapa Search and Rescue. “I don’t muck around with things, clients say that I’m efficient, responsive and I convey things in a way they understand”.

Imagine a lawyer who wanted you to understand your op�ons like they do, someone who you’ll have a chat with at Recently joining Julie and the team in the supermarket wai�ng while they restock Masterton is Aimee McGowan. Having the flour. Someone who knows you, who just moved to Masterton, Aimee is looking you can have a good laugh forward to embracing the “I don’t muck with, and who will take your Wairarapa lifestyle. around with work seriously.

“I love to have a conversa�on, not tell you what to do”. things, clients Imagine having energe�c With a background in family say that I’m Gibson Sheat Partners Julie law, Aimee’s bubbly nature or Aimee on your side. When efficient, brings humour and honesty you have Julie Millar, Aimee into her rela�onship with responsive and McGowan or another one clients, empowering them to I convey things of the team at Gibson Sheat understand their choices.

Lawyers Masterton working in a way they with you, you’ve got a team of understand”.

With exper�se and experience local experts working for the across many aspects of the law, outcomes that you want. both Julie and Aimee specialise in property Be�er yet, with specialists based in issues for their clients, with rela�onship Masterton, Lower Hu� and Wellington, property ma�ers balancing their rural and you can rest assured that the advice succession work. you need is just a colleague away.

Imagine having the Gibson Sheat difference Julie Millar has Wairarapa and its people in your life and business: likeable lawyers in her soul. Having grown up in Masterton that support you in what you do and care and loving the outdoors, she is as about what you want. Don’t imagine comfortable walking the land talking farm sharing a cuppa with us – get in touch, succession and property conveyancing we’d love to see you!

51

Tracy Amos Employment Advocacy

Pain Management Wairarapa

Relieving pain, building strength, changing lives After four decades as a physiotherapist, Julianne O’Donnell still finds running into her past clients in the supermarket one of the most satisfying parts of the job.

“It’s always wonderful to bump into a patient years later, and see they’re doing well. And they’ll thank you again for helping them recover from the injury that was holding them back,” she says.

Julianne is the skilled pair of hands behind Pain Management Wairarapa – her own physiotherapy practice, originally based on Villa Street, now on Boundary Road.

TRACY AMOS.

Teaching solid work ethics and defusing employment issues What is an employee? It’s a person who has agreed to be employed to work for some form of payment under a contract of service.

That payment can be in several different forms – wages, salary, commission, or a negotiated rate. Sounds simple, right?

Tracy Amos has discovered that over the many years of working as an advocate for people messed around by their employers, and sometimes employers having problems with their workers – it’s far from simple. She steps in to act as an independent listener aiming to clarify a problem before it blows up in everyone’s face. Tracy shares her advocacy time with that of running the administration side of the business, Amos Construction.

With husband, Martin, they have seven employees and are mindful of how valuable good staff can be. There’s an apprentice who needs support, an “amazing” roofer, a foreman, three builders and a part-time office person.

Tracy and Martin have six children between them too, aged 13 to 32, so there’s a lot of people skills needed there. So, when Tracy’s daughter had issues with an employment situation, she went to investigate. Horrified when she discovered things being covered up, mediation followed where her daughter eventually settled on a sum being offered.

“It was a huge learning curve and one which

alerted me to how many people, especially the young, needed an advocate, when times get tough. Tracy is quick to point out, it’s not about making money from a troubled situation, but rather helping all sides to understand what has caused the conflict.

“Hopefully, a resolution is where no one has to lose a job, or there’s any residual ill-feeling.” She emphasises the importance of a sound contract. “It’s absolutely crucial.

With all our children, we always check their contract. One thing to look out for too is ‘restraint of trade’, because this can mean people cannot operate in their same neighbourhood, should they wish to leave their job. This has tripped people up ending in them having to leave the district.” She’s also adamant that young people sign up to Kiwisaver and to choose a higher level of saving, not simply the conservative one.

Tracy’s mentor is a lawyer and mediator.

She hopes using an advocate like herself will streamline the process when all that is needed is some clear lines of communication. She’s been doing advocacy work since 2008 and is proud to say she hasn’t lost a case when it has had to go to court. Tracy has three clear messages for those found in a tricky employment situation. Listen, take away any emotion, and acknowledge that everyone makes mistakes.

She has treated people from all walks of life: children with motor difficulties, builders with damaged knees, dancers with pulled ligaments, and older people straining their necks while bent over their morning crossword.

“I’m working with everyone from small kids to people in their 90s,” Julianne says.

“Regardless, the goal is the same: the first step is to ease the pain; the next step is to help them get back to fitness so that the problem doesn’t reoccur.

“The work is hugely rewarding. Relieving pain can really help people turn their lives around.”

Australian-born Julianne studied physiotherapy in Perth and went on to land a job with the Australian Institute of Sport.

There, she worked as a physiotherapist for the Australian national netball and basketball teams and young champion gymnasts, accompanying the athletes to international tournaments.

Julianne and her Kiwi husband eventually settled in New Zealand, where she found work as a physiotherapist in Palmerston North, and later with Hutt Valley DHB’s pain management service.

After several years running her own practice in Masterton, she considered retiring – but her love for physiotherapy called her back to work, and she spent 18 months as a locum.

Last year, she re-established Pain Management Wairarapa in Solway, sharing the premises with fellow physiotherapist Judy Brown.

Julianne says back and neck problems are

JULIANNE O’DONNELL – PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND OWNER. patients’ most common complaints, as are workplace injuries – particularly from uncomfortable workstations and repetitive tasks.

She continues to treat sports injuries but works with just as many strains from sedentary hobbies.

“For example, I’ll see older women with neck pain from looking down at their sewing and knitting. And younger people bent over their devices.”

A key part of Julianne’s practice is helping patients prevent further injuries.

This can include muscle strengthening exercises, correcting posture, adjusting workspaces, reduced screen time – and advice on a better-quality pillow.

“If your pillows are too low, too high, it can lead to neck pain. You need proper support - otherwise your neck is doing all the work while you’re asleep.”

Drawing on her background in pain management, Julianne is also able to guide patients through stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation.

Julianne now works half-days – but still has no plans to retire.

“I just love to help people. If I’m not helping people, I’m in the wrong job.”

Are you living with injuries?

Tracy Amos Director Employment Law Advocate Phone 027 379 5454 Email tracy2000advocate@gmail.com

As a qualified physiotherapist, her work has seen her travel around the world with some of Australia’s top sportspeople, treat life-changing injuries at hospital bedsides, and run workshops for people dealing with debilitating chronic pain.

P.O. Box 127 Carterton WAIRARAPA

Don’t let acute or persisting injuries hold you back!

EXPERIENCED REHABILITATION PHYSIOTHERAPY AVAILABLE CONTACT JULIANNE O’DONNELL

PAIN MANAGEMENT WAIRARAPA 119 Boundary Road (off Ngaumutawa Road) Masterton Phone 021 771 397

52 women IN BUSINESS

53

Hamill Realty Ltd

YOUR n e m o W IN REAL ESTATE

#1 CLIENT SERVICE WELLINGTON REGION 2020 - 2021

Hamill Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

YOUR REAL ESTATE LEADER HAMILL e u Pr Prue Hamill has been the Leader of Harcourts Wairarapa for nearly 24 years. It is a long time in one job, but Prue doesn’t see it as a ‘job’, but as a lifestyle she daily embraces.

She admits she’s never been a ‘9am – 5pm’ type of person. “I get interested in something, and away I go, whatever the time or day of the week. Real Estate is all about people. It’s all about building relationships and the product we sell is the house, property or business.”

Sounds simple and it is, if the enthusiasm is there. Prue lists discipline, focus, honesty, being a team player, hardworking, and being resilient in times of rejection, as some of the many attributes a real estate person must hone.

supportive team around her – 20 of whom are women. “We have a great team culture, and I couldn’t do it without them.”

Prue is Masterton born and like her mother and grandmother all their schooling was completed at St Matthews’ Collegiate School.

In 1974 she was commissioned as an Officer in the New Zealand Army. “The services had a huge impact on me. The continual training and teamwork rubbed off and has influenced ever since. We were challenged, and took personal responsibility, knowing what was expected of us.”

She’s been in real estate 32 years. As a mum with young children, she was looking for her own personal challenge. She had been in the restaurant business with her husband and brother, but she wanted something for herself.

“I sold a property within my first week, I just seemed to suit it, and it suited me!”. Ambitious as she is, she moved towards ownership and became a business partner within a short time until she sold her shares and then looked for her own opportunity. I looked at many different Brands and Franchises but was attracted to the Harcourts Brand. “It seemed to be ahead of its time, it was the largest brand in New Zealand and for the ninth year in a row in recent times, it’s been nominated the most trusted brand.”

Prue purchased the Harcourts Wairarapa Franchise in 1997. These days she has a large

After resigning from the services, Prue owned and operated a café and catering business in Feilding before returning home to Masterton.

She wanted her children to enjoy extended family and the living environment Wairarapa has to offer. “My grandmother was an important part of my life. A strong woman, she had wonderful values and I loved and respected her immensely.”

Community is all-important to Prue and she has sponsored and been involved in many projects and events. There’s the Harcourts Premier Netball team of which she’s extremely proud. She was also part of a steering committee which set up the local Army Cadet Unit and was then appointed the first Commanding Office of that unit. She has served as the area representative of the Real Estate Institute and resided over various REINZ dispute hearings. She is a Masterton Rotarian and former president.

Prue’s eleven of thirteen grandchildren

Prue & Paul

She and husband, Paul are also proud of the Wingate subdivision they developed at Opaki, north of Masterton. It was their first dabble into such development and she says the community that now live there report how much they enjoy it. “They love the proximity to the school, and all keep in touch with a special community Facebook page.”

On the personal home front, she and Paul have six children between them and 13 grandchildren plus one great-granddaughter.

According to Prue, when she began in real estate, Wairarapa was a ‘sleeping giant’. She could see the potential for outside interest and now she’s seeing the results. “Families who have made the move here are now attracting families.” Wellington is the main market, but she’s fascinated how much Wairarapa is being noticed from all over the country. She’s concerned about the over-blown property prices at present and hopes this settles down for the sake of young families trying to get on to the house market.

Prue has been an Auctioneer for over 20 years.

In 2000, she was awarded Harcourts Wellington region champion. Champion she is, in all walks of Real Estate and life.

“It’s all about people. Giving excellent service, understanding people’s needs, communicating well, knowing the market, and being honest.”

That’s Prue Hamill’s philosophy.

Five Generations From left: Prue, Rachel (Prue’s daughter), Briar (Prue’s granddaughter), Riley (Prue’s great grandaughter) & Margaret (Prue’s mother)

54 women IN BUSINESS

Spellbound Bookbinding

Aardvark to Zebra Petcare, Pahiatua

Spellbound Bookbinding – so much more than purely repairing books

Kennels so good, the animals do not want to leave!

Jill Rose uses her book binding skills to create ar�facts to be cherished forever.

Aardvark to Zebra is no tradi�onal boarding kennel. It is Shangri-la for animals lucky enough to stay there. “I think we’ve succeeded, as some animals hide when their owners come to pick them up, as they are having so much fun, they don’t want to leave,” laughs kennel owner, Nikki O’Leary.

Over the years she has repaired or completely re-built books, rescued ta�y photo albums, created boxes to display personal items and created purpose-built books of all sizes and colour, complete with chosen le�ering. From her workshop on Mikimiki Road, north of Masterton, she takes clients on a journey of discovery – opening their choices as to what colour they wish a book to be, what shape, size, and even what technique it is to be bound.

She has established her own kennels at Ngawapurua, north of Pahiatua, a�er being upset at condi�ons at a kennel where she had to leave her own dogs. “The noise and facili�es were not what my dogs were used to. They didn’t want to be there. I hated leaving them but there had been a death in the family, and I had no choice. It was the first and last �me my dogs went to a kennel.”

Specialist binding is currently on her mind as she excitedly considers her entry in the Interna�onal Designers Bookbinders Compe��on held every three years out of the UK. It’s the fourth �me she’s entered, and she loves the opportunity to do something bespoke and crea�ve. The theme is the ‘A Collec�on of Leaves’ explains Jill, who will design a cover, which she thinks she will bradel bind – that’s a separate spine independent of the cover. She has fun le�ng her imagina�on go wild, coming up with a crea�on. With around upwards of 400 entries, it’s the experience she enjoys rather than aiming at the prize. Judging is done by ar�sts, an�quarian book dealers and designer bookbinders – a who’s who in the book world.

JILL ROSE, BOOK BINDER.

“We’ve been asked to look a�er a wide variety of animals. Apart from cats and dogs, there has been horses, lambs, calves, goats, guinea pigs, rabbits and even a Lorikeet.

“I can fix almost anything with pages” she says. “If you give me your precious paperwork, I will give you back a book”.

Bookbinders carefully and methodically s�tch together; some�mes glue the pages of the book; create a cover, turning them into works of art for people to covet, absorb and read, �me and �me again. Her specialist boxes are chosen to match the items they are storing o�en nestled in rich velvet.

NEVE HAVING A COOL DIP.

An added service, Nikki and Madison are developing is looking a�er animals off-site on farms and private homes.” We know how to move an electric fence and move stock, if required.” They also offer dog grooming and doggy daycare.

The cra� needs an amazing range of technical, crea�ve, and ar�s�c skills and Jill enjoys the challenge. “There has always been a high level of design and decora�on on books. In the past, gold tooling, fine bindings in leather and marbled papers within, have resulted in works of art.”

Her fascina�on with the old cra� had her travel to England to work for two and a half years. Her love of books is matched with a love of horses and during this �me overseas she also worked at a riding school to learn stable work. She owned her first horse at

NIKKI O’LEARY.

Encouraged by her local vet, Nikki started offering to look a�er animals when people were hospitalised or had a family emergency. “Pre�y soon she was being contacted by people from as far away as Wellington, who were happy to travel.”

This ancient cra� of book binding has been Jill’s passion for around 40 years and in 2001 she set up her own business, a�er working in the prin�ng world and having trained at Government Print.

The items she creates are only matched by the range of machinery she has collected around her in her rural bindery workshop.

There’s specialist sewing machines with exo�c names, an index cu�er machine, a rounder and a backer, a large-scale guillo�ne, another which creates le�ering on covers and another for logos.

Nikki set about to crea�ng a place where the animals can be housed more akin to their home. A place where dogs can go for daily walks, have large areas to play, and where they can be out of the kennels most of the day. When Covid hit early in 2020 in New Zealand, Nikki’s daughter, Maddison, headed home to Ngawapurua. Her overseas gap year interrupted, she decided to help her mum set up the kennels. The two women rolled up their sleeves and got to it.

Nikki has been working hard to build up the opera�on while working full�me.

Ge�ng the infrastructure in place has been costly, and tradesmen scarce. Nikki’s goal is to be working full�me in the business within five years.

“You have to be passionate about animals.

We work hard to make sure the animals are happy and having fun. We treat them as if they are our own.”

age 14 and taught pony club on the Kapi� coast before moving to Wairarapa with husband, Craig. Alongside her workshop live two miniature ponies ‘Gidget and ‘Flame’ and when it came to crea�ng a logo for her business, it was only natural that a horse be included.

Spellbound Bookbinding Jill Rose 191 Mikimiki Road, RD1 Masterton Ph/fax 06 372 5992 Mob 0274 498 939

MADISON WITH GERI THE CAT.

Aardvark to Zebra BOARDING & GROOMING PETCARE  Dog and cat boarding

 Longer time out of kennels/cages  Smaller numbers boarding - very hands on  Indoor and outdoor dog kennels  Daily dog walks on country roads and farmland  4 acres to roam Ideal for those heading North, located between Pahiatua & Woodville

CALL US TO DISCUSS YOUR PETCARE NEEDS. 021 209 8210

55

Little Africa

Belinda Pratt Photography

ERNA ERASMUS WITH NIECE, TIFFANY ERASMUS SHOWING OFF THEIR DRIED MEATS.

BELINDA PRATT.

Creating a taste of home and celebrating a new life in Wairarapa

Animals and children a winning combination despite the odds

Erna Erasmus believes she has the best of both worlds, having grown up in her birth country, South Africa, and now having adopted New Zealand – Wairarapa to be precise. With husband, Andries (AJ), she moved to New Zealand eight years ago for better education opportunities for their three children. Erna left behind four sisters, a brother, and their families.

If you see a photograph of a sleek horse striding over a jump, or prancing in a show ring in Wairarapa, chances are the photograph will have been taken by Belinda Pratt of Carterton. If you spy a beautiful pet portrait, it’s also probably by Belinda and if it’s a school photo of a child, it will also be by her. The photography passion has ignited to the extent that Belinda has created her own business – Belinda Pratt Photography.

“It was tough, especially now with the covid pandemic keeping them apart, but when we see how our children have thrived, it has been so worth it,” says Erna. Their son is a qualified builder, one daughter is a dental assistant and the other is at university studying biochemistry. “Way before covid, she was interested in developing vaccines!”

Erna and AJ are thrilled with their new life in New Zealand – especially Wairarapa – but the hankering for their homeland was always there. What better, they thought, than to bring the taste of that homeland to their adopted place and that is exactly what they have done in Carterton. The former Salvation Army building next door to the Carterton Fire Station is these days known as ‘Little Africa.’ It opened in October 2020 and sells all manner of food from South Africa. There’s biltong (dried, cured meat), droëwors (dried cured sausage that will change your life) and boerewors (South African sausage) – all are

increasing favourites for their high protein content, especially among sportspeople, hikers, and those wanting a healthy snack.

Erna says they go well amongst cheese platters. Then there are the sweets. Milk tarts, peppermint tarts, rusks and koeksisters – a plaited hot fried doughnut, soaked in a sweet ice-cold syrup. It has to be tasted to be believed! There’s also a South African porridge and a variety of cold drinks. Many visitors are South Africans who have heard of Little Africa and have enthusiastically become regular repeat customers. Others are people curious for new tastes. A purpose-built kitchen at the rear of their shop is where the meat is dried. From opening the interest was phenomenal, and it hasn’t waned. “Some people thought we were crazy opening a new business in the middle of a world pandemic, but it felt the right time for some fun and adventure and bring a little bit of happiness to the community,” says Erna. “While we are celebrating the South African culture, we also have a coffee machine, smoothies, real fruit ice cream on sale and a slushy machine for the children.”Erna admits she felt she lost a piece of herself when leaving Johannesburg but now with a happy family, a thriving business, and a warm welcoming community, it has helped her to embrace the kiwi culture and she loves the life here.

A PIECE OF

SOUTH AFRICA RIGHT HERE IN CARTERTON!

All your favourite South African snacks, groceries. PLUS: Biltong, Droewors and Boewors (SA sausage) made with NZ meat on our premises.

Try our real fruit ice cream, smoothies and coffee 55 HIGH ST SOUTH, CARTERTON (NEXT TO THE FIRE STATION).

P 027 3755 705 OPEN: Mon - Fri 9:30-5:30, Sat 9:30-5:30, Sun 9:30-4:00

Belinda got her first camera around the age of 10 and since then she has always got one on hand. She has a penchant towards Canon and has two which she likes to use. She also owns eight horses, five cats and two dogs and used to ride horses competitively, so it’s from a sound knowledge base that she takes the equestrian photos and the pet shots.

Born and bred on Chester Road, Carterton, she, and husband Jamie and two children still live on the family farm.

Her love of photography is mirrored by her love of animals and it shows in her work.

It was natural that she would begin taking photos at horse events. Her show jumping photos left owners thrilled and these days she’s seen at most equestrian events on North Island’s east coast. Pet owners seek her out too, to record their animals. Her animal portraiture would soften the hardest of hearts.

And it’s not just animals. Belinda has also turned to school portraiture where she takes the individual and class photos. Gone are the days of sitting arms neatly folded at the desk though. Belinda likes to get the children outside in more natural surroundings and parents have been thrilled with the results.

She admits it takes a lot of patience and good luck, but she manages to capture children in delightful poses. “Children and animals never sit still, so we just have to take the time.”

Weddings are another field in her photography repertoire. These are major events, and she enjoys working with the families to record the special day.

Belinda loves her work which takes her all over Wairarapa and sometimes beyond. Her eye for detail is highly praised. Take a look at her work. It speaks for itself.

Phone 027 391 1144 belinda@belindapratt.co.nz www.belindapratt.co.nz

56 women IN BUSINESS

Good Beginnings – Whakatipu Atawhai

OWNER NICOLA BURLING AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE EDUCARE CENTRE IN WORKSOP ROAD.

Quality pre-school education set within a homely environment Good Beginnings is an early childhood centre which is spread between two premises – one on the corner of Worksop Road and Casel Street and the other a few doors down in Casel Street.

Interested in new research that some children can suffer from nature deficit disorder, Nicola is keen to ensure both centres have extensively planted natural environments. Native planting has created pleasant bush-like settings for the children but there are also the exotics for that touch of colour. She contracted a playground designer for the project and is thrilled with the result.

Because of the long tenure of Good Beginnings – it began in the late 80s - Nicola is now seeing the children of children attending. Also, to celebrate her 15 years ownership of the centre, she has established a scholarship valued at $5000, for any child who has attended Good Beginnings from 2006, and wants to do tertiary study. “When our children walk out the door for the last time, I don’t want it to be the end of their Good Beginnings experience,” she says.

BELINDA NOYES IN HER POD.

Using mindfulness products and practices to create space and gain clarity Counsellor Belinda Noyes has an interesting collection in her toolbox to support clients, which she has now turned into a business selling therapeutic products, designed to help with stress, anxiety, grief, and self-care.

Her products have been created as a way to practise mindfulness and navigate the difficult emotional aspects of being human.

Belinda’s intention was to create gifts to give during those tough times in life, whether it be a present for a loved one or someone buying it for themselves.

Nicola Burling worked there as an early childhood teacher in the 1990s and liked it so much when it became available for sale in 2006, she jumped at the chance to purchase it. The initial centre is licensed for 39 older children (3-5 years) and the younger children’s centre has a maximum of 21.

Demand is huge for quality childcare and when a house came up for sale – one Nicola had often admired in Casel Street – she and husband Joe, decided to purchase it and create a separate centre for babies and toddlers. The bungalow style, similar to the older children’s Educare Centre, easily adapted as a childcare facility with the homely feel, small rooms, and pleasant wooden features. Major extensions on the Casel Street property have allowed for a covered outdoor veranda, off street parking, and a grassed enclosed outside play area.

There are eight teachers at Educare and seven caring for the infants and toddlers.

Soulful Moment

FALENE GRIMMER (RIGHT) AND NOLLA GEORGE, TEAM LEADERS IN THE OLDER CHILDREN’S CENTRE.

ALINNA NAGEL (RIGHT) AND ANGE POPE, TEAM LEADERS IN THE INFANTS AND TODDLER’S CENTRE. Nicola is born and bred in Masterton, attending Wairarapa College. She loved dance and studied under Geraldine Inder.

When she began to teach young children dancing, she found working with them extremely enjoyable. It was a natural progression for her to establish her career working with children.

Good Beginnings – Whakatipu Atawhai Worksop Rd and Casel St, Masterton Both centres open 7am to 5.30pm Monday - Friday Phone 06 378 9969 | Email: gbec@xtra.co.nz

Belinda sees clients face-to-face in her delightful timber pod, but she isn’t the typical Counsellor offering one-hour sessions. Most of her work with people is via email which she describes as “taking journaling to the next level - it is like your journal replies to you, asking you questions to help deepen your self awareness and explore your story until a different perspective is found”. She works with people from all over the world, her way of helping people discover how their inner world affects their outer world is proving extremely effective.

There are many different inspirational products available, some of the “Mothers have a hard time looking more unique items include the Stone “Accepting the moment after their emotional needs, they Paper Notebook where you write put themselves on the bottom of down your innermost thoughts and as it is, not the list - but we can’t teach our feelings, regardless of how untrue how you children to self-care, or to manage and crazy they may seem - then want it to difficult emotions if we don’t do it you wipe away the words, re-using for ourselves first. I truly believe the notebook again and again. The be”. that when a mother cares for Water Journal is made from special herself then she has more to give absorbing paper, using water instead of ink her family.” Belinda has a special interest in - a calm feeling is created as you watch your helping women, mothers in particular. words dry and fade.

It has taken 20 years for Belinda to get to Belinda designed these products initially this point in her own personal development. for herself and her teenage daughter to She has taken several opportunities to learn help with anxiety and overwhelm. They from other cultures including Shamans both constantly wear the Soulful Moment in the Amazon and in India looking into Necklace, which you exhale into during Ayuvedic medicine. Born in Upper Hutt, she times of stress or panic attacks. It helps slow moved to Wairarapa with her Veterinarian down the breathing to encourage an inner husband, Tony, and young daughter 15 calm. years ago. They also have a seven-year-old son. During the child rearing years Belinda This may all sound very new age, but they studied for her Degree in Counselling. The are proven tools which Belinda has been family took time out to spend two years using with her counselling clients for some living in England where Belinda also gained years. “They are ways of acknowledging a Diploma in Hypnotherapy. Since settling how you are feeling, what you are thinking, and accepting the moment as it is, not how on their land near Masterton, they have you want it to be. They help to create space, established the pod and a train carriage to to gain clarity, so you can respond to life, work out of, it is a charming setting, and one instead of just reacting to it.” where people immediately feel at peace.

T herapeutic gifts Thoughtful, Mindful & Meaningful Designed to help with stress, anxiety, grief & difficult emotions

www.soulfulmoment.com

57

Lansdowne Private Childcare & Pre School

Martinborough accountant, Nickie Sheehan.

TONI DEVENNY IN THE DAY CARE CAFÉ IN FULL SWING.

Day Care flourishes with fast learning adaptive children and staff Creating a nurturing and loving space where children can play unhurried and learn at their own personal developmental stage, is the primary focus for Toni Devenny and her team at Lansdowne Private Childcare and Pre School.

However, that focus has been in competition with Covid-19 and its myriad of levels and conditions imposed on folk.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride for the staff and parents and most importantly, the children, who have had to get used to doing things a little differently, reflects Toni who speaks highly of her “resilient and supportive staff” who have come together stronger than ever.

difference’. Her centre is registered for 57 children and there is a waiting list. She’s seen a huge change over the years in the clientele. “In the early days, working parents were part-time and we also accommodated rural families, who may come into town for a day and needed child minding. Now, it’s predominately working parents. That is why we want to make it as much like home as possible.

The centre is split into two ages across two houses. Up to two and a half years and from two and a half until they leave for school. In the nursery, it is about nurturing and routine, but for the older children, In the nursery, it their focus is about growing, learning, and preparing for the is about nurturing school years.

One of the biggest changes in routine is that of washing and routine, but hands which is done even Lansdowne Childcare has more frequently and eating for the older 17 staff teaching staff. times for the children now children, their Most hold early childhood work on a rolling system, qualifications and are from a focus is about rather than all coming together at once. growing, learning, range of teaching backgrounds, To cope with this and make it and preparing for including Montessori, Bachelor of Teaching ECE and Diploma of a fun change, innovative staff the school years. Teaching ECE. have come up with the day care Café within the centre Some have been at the Centre for many where children choose a table to sit at. “It’s years. Toni says the older staff bring to their become one of the most popular places in jobs the personal understanding of family the centre,” laughs Toni. dynamics, having raised families of their own.

Toni opened the centre 27 years ago. Back in 1991, Toni’s youngest son was off to The younger staff members bring a youthful school. A trained nurse, she had always vitality which the children love. Toni also had an interest in early childhood. Offering likes the generational aspect she is now quality childcare in Masterton seemed a experiencing, caring for the children of good idea, especially when seeing friends children who initially were at the centre. and colleagues struggle to find quality And there is a wonderful international flair day care. too with staff and children coming from Samoa, Fiji, South Africa, Europe, India, With the belief in keeping things homely UK, and the Philippines, as well as the and relaxed, Toni has created a day care homegrown New Zealanders. with what she proudly calls her ‘point of

Offering High Quality

Offering High Quality Care and Care and Education in a Education in a Nurturing Environment

Nurturing Environment

Vision Statement We have a our specialised nursery for babies andlearn toddlers.

‘To nurture and• support children to grow and • Our Pre School Centre focuses on preparing children to through their preschool years at an unhurried pace’ become lifelong learners.

20 Hours ECECHILDCARE Subsidy for all 3 and 4 year old children.

LANSDOWNE•PRIVATE & PRE-SCHOOL • Spacious indoor/outdoor play areas.

25-27 First Street, Masterton • P 06 377 2448 E admin@lansdowneprivatechildcare.co.nz • www.lansdowneprivatechildcare.co.nz VIsIon statement ‘To nurture and support our children to grow and learn through their preschool years at an unhurried pace’ Full time, part time or casual vacancies – 0 to 5 years.

Registered qualified and experienced teachers.

Inspection welcome.

HELPING WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS THRIVE Martinborough accountant Nickie Sheehan wants to live in a world where her two daughters genuinely have the same opportunities as her son. But according to statistics, that’s not going to happen.

clients to consider their options and move forward with a plan.”

Splitting her time between Martinborough, Carterton and Wellington, Nickie has clients in many parts of New Zealand who like Having read a report on the Global the clarity, focus and confidence she Gender Gap, what stood out to her provides them with, along with handy was, that based on current trends, it hints on financial matters which she would take 107 years provides via social to achieve gender media and regular Working with Nickie parity. That’s in 2126! blogs.

She realised that feels a little like building Trio Accounting is wasn’t going to be in a safety net. We want all about helping her working life, or her to make bold business business owners daughters’, and that decisions and jump high, succeed and flourish, was just the catapult and I have a lot more especially women, which sprung her into confidence doing so, whom Nickie feels action to establish her when I know that safety need that extra boost, own business, Trio net is there to catch us! if the statistics she’d Accounting. read were ever going – Frances Shoemack of Abel “My vision is to to change.

Odor, a natural perfume empower as many company based in Wellington.

Nickie initially studied women as I can to be for a Bachelor of financially secure, in Business Studies, and then went on control of their own destiny through to qualify as a Chartered Accountant owning and running successful small when her children were young. With businesses. The path to gender husband Greg, they were also trying equality is complex, and there is no to build a house. “It was all a bit easy fix. The very fabric of society manic there for a while.” She credits needs to alter.” support from family, friends, and Walking her talk, Nickie has helped colleagues for helping her survive. many businesses through the tough It’s that experience which enables times of Covid. She has found Nickie to provide plenty of helpful clients to be amazingly resilient and advice and support to women resourceful and says it’s a privilege to work alongside them. “There have business owners who are also been a few tough conversations, juggling the demands of business but I try to look for the gift in every and family life. Contact her for a free challenge which made it easier for 15-minute chat.

“

”

58 women IN BUSINESS

Hot Yoga for You

The Yoga Journey Begins Yin and Pins Workshop They may forget what you said – but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Carl W.Buehner Taking time out for ourselves is never an easy task for many reasons, but it’s often the most important aspect of life’s balance.

Yoga, represents an ancient practice and has become increasingly popular in today’s busy society. For many people, Yoga provides a retreat from their chaotic and busy lives.

Through the years of teaching, Shari has observed students wanting to change and be healthy and well.

These two-hour workshops, Yin and Pin, have proven popular, which highlights the importance of WELLBEING and WELLNESS and which people are increasingly seeking. YES, we are Yoga in heat! And the purpose of this is to practise in warm temperatures.

SHARI AND SHANE

Hot Yoga means practising in temperatures of 33-34 degrees Celsius ideal. It’s a carefully monitored heat with a humidity of 60-65%, so it’s a lovely tropical warmth which is soothing and hydrating.

These two components are most important. Shari admits the heat can be a challenge at first, but after the first class people do state...”that was amazing” and the effects do leave you feeling that way. The humidity prevents injury; promotes detoxification; breathing expands to deeper levels, which in turn cleanses and enhances a deeper release within the body.

With its holistic and health enhancing effects, Yoga is hailed as a healthy way of life wherein one attains the perfect equilibrium between body and mind and it’s the BREATH which connects us to being truly present. If you pause and connect to taking five good inhales and exhales, it can reset you to calmness and peace in the moment.

Yoga is often graded down to just an ‘exercise’ and many are not aware of the fact that Yoga is an all-enhancing component in the lives of those who practise it.

From this, she has pulled together (with assistance from acupuncturist Shane Orr), various workshops encompassing: Qigong, Acupuncture, Aligning Yin Yoga with Acupuncture, and the Meridian Pathways.

Yoga to schools There’s a wide range of classes offered at the Kuripuni studio and in recent months, Shari has been taking the Yoga experience to schools. The interruption of Covid and on-going pressure of exams and study has meant teachers have asked for the relaxation techniques to be taught to their students in-house.

HOCKEY STUDENTS PRACTISING YOGA

This includes sport teams. Another growing aspect is Yoga for pregnant women which has been greeted with enthusiasm.

Yoga and the older person Another trend has been older people seeking Yoga to maintain their strength and suppleness.

80-year-old Sid Tatana discovered Yoga, following the encouragement of his daughter, already a regular at Shari’s studio.

From the Far North, Sid has spent his life shearing in many parts of the North Island and eventually settled on land at Whatarangi on the Cape Palliser coast.

SHARI AND SID

He has rubbed shoulders with the shearing greats like Godfrey Bowen and ended up teaching young shearers the art. When he retired from physical work, Sid knew he wanted to keep his body moving and strong. He loves the heat of the Hot Yoga studio, the relaxing atmosphere, and eagerly looks forward to each Wednesday when he comes into town for his class. “For older people it really is the best thing to do,” he enthuses.

The only hot yoga studio in the Wairarapa 445 Queen St, Kuripuni ~ Masterton | Phone: 021 0270 7764 For classes and bookings hotyogaforyouwairarapa.co.nz

59

Allure Concept Boutique

Straight Flush Wairarapa

Success is in the cards for new plumbing service Ngaire Mansfield has a “big hairy audacious goal” for her business, Straight Flush: to have 50 sites around New Zealand within 10 years.

And she is off to a good start. Having run a successful operation in Wellington for over a decade, she opened Straight Flush Wairarapa late last year.

In seven short months, the new branch has already gained praise for its responsiveness, innovative solutions, and excellent customer service.

Ngaire and husband Jeremy, co-directors of Straight Flush, acquired Water-Mart Wairarapa in October 2020, after the company went into liquidation.

YULIA SAVROVA.

‘Style isn’t born, it’s groomed: Paul Mitchell’ Yulia Savrova and her team at Allure Concept Boutique have created a peaceful welcoming environment, right in the heart of Masterton, where giving you a great hairstyle, also comes with individual pampering and an environmentally friendly range of products. The stylish, calm salon puts you immediately at ease and you happily allow yourself to succumb to their expertise. Yulia is an experienced hair stylist, having trained in the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, where she was born and raised. In her Masterton salon, she is joined by Ava Bradley Lee, who is almost fully qualified.

Ava is nicknamed ‘The Blonde Queen’ by her colleagues and she’s well known for her patience in helping clients choose hair colour. She is also an experienced hair extensions technician. Allure also has a beauty spa, managed by senior beauty therapist, Julie Cuming.

A treatment attracting interest is carbon peeling. It helps clear skin, close pores and lessen rosacea (skin reddening).

It was love that brought Yulia to New Zealand and eventually to Wairarapa.

She joined her husband, George, when he studied in Wellington and after the birth of their daughter, they looked towards the Wairarapa region which they have both fallen in love with. This was not before Yulia spent around a decade in Wellington hair salons, not only learning New Zealand hairdressing trends, but

how to speak English. Her job helped immensely being encouraged to chat with her clients. She learned quickly.

Yulia purchased the long-established hair and beauty therapy business, CHE, in January 2019. With a fresh new name, she is proud of the team she has gathered.

She loves the artistic endeavour of hairdressing and enjoys it when a client is keen to experiment with new styles. Yulia has introduced the Paul Mitchell brand of haircare to Wairarapa. With its motto: ‘Style isn’t born, it’s groomed’, she’s proud of the vegan and gluten-free products and of the company which was one of the first to stand up against animal testing.

This has made Paul Mitchell and his business partner John Paul DeJoria, icons in the hair industry. Allure also stocks the award-winning medical skincare range ‘Environ.’ This South African brand is a step up from regular skin care ranges. Yulia points out it is based around Vitamin A, antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid.

It was founded almost 30 years ago by plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes who has done extensive research into refreshing skin through the ageing process. The salon is also home to the beautiful French haircare product Angel En Provence.

The range does not use any of the nasties and is 100% cruelty free, never tested on animals. Call in to experience a great hair experience and be introduced to quality products.

Introducing Environ Top Medical Skin Care Line Book for an Environ Facial and get a free lash tint and brow tidy.

Offer valid from 1 June to 31 August

The couple moved quickly: within five days, they had bought some of Water-Mart’s equipment, reconnected phones, taken over its client database, and employed three staff made redundant by the liquidation process.

Since then, Straight Flush Wairarapa has increased its customer base week by week and employed another tradesperson.

Starting the new branch was a full-circle moment for the Mansfields: in 2017, they put in an offer to buy Water-Mart but decided not to go ahead.

“This time around, the opportunity came up, and we just took it,” Ngaire says.

“It’s fantastic to be able to serve another community – and it’s been exciting watching the Wairarapa branch grow.”

Ngaire and Jeremy, an experienced certifying plumber and gasfitter, founded Straight Flush Plumbing in 2007.

ANITA AND NGAIRE. Brett Czislowski offer a range of emergency and planned maintenance services.

In fact, Straight Flush is one of the only companies in Wairarapa to use a specialist machine for blocked drains: which uses a tool to cut through tree roots, water blaster to flush away debris, and CCTV camera to locate the source of the problem.

“Good customer service is extremely important to us.

I always tell the guys – if an elderly However, they discovered the use of the word ‘Royal’ in customer offers you company names is prohibited a cup of tea, say yes. under New Zealand law.

You might be the “Our lawyer said we’d have to only person they’ve ask the Queen for permission – seen all week.” and we probably wouldn’t like At the time, the couple were living on Royal Street in Berhampore, so their first choice for a name was “Royal Flush”.

her answer!” Ngaire laughs.

“Straight Flush was the next option. It’s stuck really well – people have called us for work because of the name.”

The Wellington branch now employs 17 staff who provide services throughout Wellington, Lower Hutt and Porirua.

In Wairarapa, plumbers (and brothers) Campbell and Matthew Bunny and gasfitter

“People often call in a panic – so it’s nice to be able to have a chat and help them feel at ease,” Anita says.

Ngaire and Jeremy call in to the Wairarapa office every week to check in with their staff – and hope to hire an apprentice by the end of 2021.

YOU'RE IN GOOD HANDS wairarapa@straightflush.co.nz

Phone: (06) 377 0606 • www.allureconcept.co.nz Allure Concept Boutique Corner of Perry and Chapel Streets, Masterton

Booking the jobs is operations coordinator Anita Karaitiana, whose warm and gentle manner rarely fails to settle anxious customers.

“Good customer service is extremely important to us. I always tell the guys – if an elderly customer offers you a cup of tea, say yes. You might be the only person they’ve seen all week.”

Plumbing | Gasfitting | Drainlaying Gas Appliance Servicing Drain Unblocking & CCTV Septic & Grease Trap Servicing IQP Testing | Water Tanks & Filtration

06 370 0006

The team is already renowned for its efficiency, responding to callouts either on the same day or within 24 hours.

60 women IN BUSINESS

The Local Business Network Wairarapa

Take Note Carterton

WAIRARAPA DIRECTOR AND BUSINESS ADVISOR, STEPH GUNDERSEN-REID.

OWNER, KIM JUNO.

Advising Wairarapa business on how to thrive, and grow

Multi-purpose award winning store with great supportive staff

Steph Gundersen-Reid is a breath of fresh air for local businesses who are often busy and thriving, but time-poor when it comes to forward planning, marketing, or simply working on their ideal business. This is where Steph steps in to assist. She works alongside them, learns their dreams and aspirations, and if they want to grow, she works alongside them to do just that.

It’s an all-women team that runs Take Note Carterton. “Not deliberate that we’re all females but it does work well,” says owner, Kim Juno. They are a tight-knit, efficient, loyal, and happy team which offer a multitude of services under one roof in the heart of Carterton’s shopping centre.

space to get her businesses back end sorted.

She has joined the Trusted Adviser Network (TAN) which operates in Australia and New Zealand with a network of over 50 Business Advisers. It offers market leading analytical tools and consulting resources to assist its clients across every industry so Steph feels herself suitably supported. This was one of her latest posts on The Local Business Network Wairarapa Facebook page.

Becoming part of a network of independent business advisers “It’s a no-brainer I have just had a very overdue is the next step in Steph’s own catch up with super star!! really, if you don’t Amanda Sim from Evie May career where she has worked with small to medium businesses buy from local For Shoes!! Evie May For Shoes in several guises. There’s been businesses, they put affordable, unique, quality her work with the Wairarapa on the fabulous eventually won’t footwear and Manawatu Chambers of women of Wairarapa! be there, and all Commerce, Business Central, And gosh, they do it so well!! and Export New Zealand. Earlier we’ll have left is It’s obvious Steph is passionate on in Auckland she owned her the large chain about local businesses thriving own business working in the and she’s keen to get the stores.” entertainment and fashion ‘Buy Local’ message out there. industries. When she first moved “It’s a no-brainer really, if you don’t buy to Wairarapa with three young children, she from local businesses, they eventually joined Go Wairarapa and found her passion won’t be there, and all we’ll have left is for working with our business community. the large chain stores.” Steph says buying Keen to work closer with local business at from a locally owned company has a huge the key grassroots level, she took a leap of ripple effect often helping so many people faith and went out on her own. That was six and community groups with one purchase. weeks before covid lockdown early in 2020.

Thriving local business ensures we all have a It was a challenging time but gave her the strong, thriving community.

The Local Business Network Wairarapa

Steph Gundersen-Reid

Two of the staff have been with Kim for 16 years.

the gorgeous blooms is a pleasant way to begin shopping. Take Note has an extensive range of children’s toys, books and magazines, ink cartridges, stationery, cards, and general gifts which has people coming in from far and wide. They are also agents for Taylor’s Drycleaners.

They are a tightknit, efficient, Kim purchased the long narrow bookshop in central Carterton loyal, and happy team which offer in 2002. It already had a sound reputation as the go-to a multitude of place for all stationery, cards, services under one magazines, and gifts. Adopting roof in the heart the Take Note franchise only helped Kim develop it even of Carterton’s further. It gave her the buying shopping centre. power to be competitive with the larger brand stores. The Carterton shop has been awarded ‘Take Note Store of the Year’ four times and was runner-up once. Outgrowing the space, Kim and her staff moved to larger premises in 2016, and in 2019 took on the town’s postal operation.

It’s been a great move and Take Note is a popular central hub in the town. As well as postal services, ‘Pick a Lily Florist’ operates from the store. Entering past all

Kim loves the business and is always looking for ways to improve. Personal service is what she and her staff strive for and it gives them the point of difference.

Personalised gift wrapping and specialist knowledge of the various departments is much appreciated by customers.

It is all about the people at Take Note Carterton. “It’s not a business without them,” says Kim, who oversees the stationery and gift departments.

Meet the team: Trin Peterson (Books); Julie McGregor (Arts and crafts and toys); Tania Goodall (Manager NZ Post); Jayne Dickson (Pick a Lily Florist); Anna Loader (assistant florist and jack of all trades); Pam Veugelaers (Stationery); and student Ruby Hammond, who helps on Saturdays.

BOOKS, GIFTS, TOYS, STATIONERY, POSTSHOP AND MUCH MORE

Local Director & Business Adviser +6421 783 744 StephGR@tlbn.co.nz tlbn.co/Wairarapa /TLBNWairarapa

80 High Street North, Carterton Phone (06) 379 8231

61

Prestige Joinery and Prestige Kitchens

TRACEY OWEN AND AMANDA MORGAN – DESIGNERS.

A family flair for bespoke, beautiful and functional kitchens The sister-in-law design team duo pride themselves on providing custom kitchens for their clients throughout the Wairarapa and Wellington regions. Whether it’s a sleek, modern kitchen for your new build, or a traditional kitchen for an existing home Tracey and Amanda can bring your ideas to life. “Every client’s requirements are unique.

To create their ideal kitchen, it’s important we take the time to understand their wants and needs.”

They then collaborate with Prestige’s team of craftsmen - who, between them, have over 250 years of experience - to bring their plans to life. “Our joiners, machinists and installers hold a wealth of knowledge and we collaborate with them throughout the process to ensure the kitchen is just right.

“Quality workmanship is important – we don’t rush or cut corners, every detail is thought through. It’s satisfying to know we’ve done a good job,” Tracey says. “When you see a customer years after doing their kitchen and they are still raving about it, it’s very rewarding.”

For both Tracey and Amanda, design is a passion shared with family.

Tracey’s father, Gary Morgan, founded Prestige Joinery while the business is now

run by Greg Morgan: Tracey’s brother and Amanda’s husband. The focus on quality has been a priority right from the start. “We take care to research and use high quality products as we know this ensures a kitchen can stand the test of time – it’s what our customers deserve.”

Over her 18 years as a designer, Tracey has seen the business change, introducing technology to both the design and manufacturing aspects. Growth in the business had Amanda joining the Prestige team last year, something she is relishing.

As designers, both women are passionate about creating efficient kitchens. “There are many innovations that increase the functionality of a kitchen. It’s fun and rewarding to introduce our clients to these.”

Their kitchens on display in their Masterton showroom and the Home Ideas Centre in Petone showcase key features of a modern, highly functional kitchen.

At present, Tracey and Amanda say kitchen trends favour wood accents and black and white colouring. “But our most popular kitchens are traditional painted panel ‘shaker’ style kitchens – they are timeless, and something we specialise in.”

Umbrella Group

ABBY ESLER: FINANCIAL ADVISER.

Abby’s got you covered when it comes to insurance that when bad things happen, her clients will Abby Esler has been a Financial Adviser for just under two years but has a long history be looked after, and money is one less thing with insurance and a clear love for her job. to worry about. Advisers help clients source After working as a Claims Case Manager the insurance plans that suit their needs and then a Team Leader in Superannuation and Umbrella Group have an investment Insurance for a large super fund in and KiwiSaver specialist in-house. “When Melbourne for eight years, Abby has a wealth it comes to insurance, we cover the whole of knowledge from the claims perspective range – house and contents right through to and knows the importance of having the life, income-protection and trauma cover,” right covers in place when things go wrong.

Abby says. “Our aim is to be a one-stop-shop However, the call for home was strong and for insurance and advice.”

Abby had the opportunity to work with Abby says she finds it rewarding to her father in his well-established “Our aim is help people find the right covers insurance business in Masterton.

“It really was an easy decision to to be a one- for them and when making a claim, assisting them through the process. come home” she said. “I get to work stop-shop with my dad, who has a wealth of The Covid-19 lockdown didn’t stop knowledge and experience, be closer for insurance Abby or the other members of to family, and continue to work in an and advice.” Umbrella Group from being there industry that I am passionate about”. for their clients. “It was important Abby’s dad, Craig, has been working as an to us to be available during lockdown – so Insurance Adviser for over 40 years, first as we just took our laptops home and kept part of AMP First Financial Services in Perry going.” Abby had three clients who needed Street and now in the newly re-branded to lodge trauma claims during the four week Umbrella Group offices on Chapel Street. lockdown so she was dropping off forms in people’s letterboxes and picking them up Umbrella Group, re-branded from AMP First once her clients had filled them out to make Financial Services in 2019, is a partnership sure their claim went smoothly. “We always of sole-trader financial advisers, each with hope that nothing happens to our clients, our their own book of clients. “Umbrella Group people, but if something does, we want to was the name we came up with because it help them get back on their feet.” encompasses the importance of insurance, covering you in times of need.”

If you are wanting to review your current insurance covers or discuss taking out Abby is clearly passionate about people insurance cover, give Abby a call. having the right covers in place to ensure

FOR ALL YOUR BESPOKE KITCHEN REQUIREMENTS 140 Perry Street, Masterton Phone 06 377 1331 www.prestigejoinery.co.nz

ABBY ESLER FINANCIAL ADVISER

(W) 06 378 2502 EXTN 5 (M) 021 637 537 (E) ABBY@UMBRELLA-GROUP.CO.NZ

WWW.UMBRELLA-GROUP.CO.NZ

62 women IN BUSINESS WAIRARAPA ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL&&APPLIANCES APPLIANCES(2017) (2017)LTD LTD WAIRARAPA

Hadlow Pre-school

Michelle Wallace in her Carterton showroom

Celebrating their third year in

Michelle Wallace and her team business, Grant and Michelle at Wairarapa Electrical and Wallace of Wairarapa Electrical Appliances are proud to offer and Appliances are proud to everything that the large, bigoffer everything that the large box do - with the added bigstores box stores do - with the touch of touch personalised friendly added of personalised service. friendlyLocally service.owned, Wairarapa Electrical and Appliances may be smallininthe showroom Based centre ofsize but is filled with stock.

If it’s not on the Carterton’s shopping centre, theythey provide floor, canelectrical promptly services get it and andsharp have competitive a small showroom offer prices. with variety of whiteware brands Michelle, Regan and Bianka with pumps. sell allMitsubishi brands ofheat whiteware, small appliances and heat Grant is a qualified electrician. pumps. Everything from fridges Steve works alongside him as a and washing machines, to registered electrician and they headphones, cell phone chargers are supported by apprentice and even vacuum cleaner bags. electrician De’Sharna and Nick Susan themtechnician in the qualifisupports ed appliance

Regan Southey Retail &Steve Service Department 39Manager years’ experience

Bianka Minns Retail & Marty Administration 36 years’ experience Assistant

and apprentice electrician. accounts department.

Based in the centre of Carterton’s As well as general electrical shopping centre, are of a work covering all they aspects friendly team that also provide a house wiring, maintenance and repairs, Grantservice. and hisMichelle’s team also full electrical do renovations, extensions and husband Grant is a qualified new househelping builds. De’Sharna electrician complete her electrical Marty and Sean look after qualifi cation. Other members the appliance servicing and of the electrical team are Sam repairing. Marty is a registered and Nick. They available to electrician andare Sean an do all aspects of houseMichelle, wiring appliance technician.

Regan and Paula sell all brands for renovations, extensions and of whiteware, smallwhile appliances new house builds, Marty and Sean heat pumps, the store and provide in a great back -up from fridges and washing service to the products sold machines, headphones, in store (or to elsewhere) with cell phone chargers and vacuum regular maintenance and repairs cleaner bags. If it’s not in store covering of Wairarapa. they canall order it for you.

Susan August Sean Accounts 25 years’ experience Assistant

De’Sharna Governor-Wiremu Nick Apprentice 3.5 years’ experience Electrician

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL

NIKI LADD, COURTNEY OLSON, ANNA KAVANAGH, DESIREE CRETCHLEY, RENITA PERSICO.

Providing a balanced programme promoting holistic development The team of women who make up the Hadlow Pre-school teaching team love the environment they work in - they believe in providing a respectful and inclusive environment for all, which promotes fun and happiness through energetic engagements.

The team consists of five fully qualified and registered teachers: Niki Ladd, Anna Kavanagh, Renita Persico, Courtney Olson and Annabel Wyeth; as well as a teacher aid, Desiree Cretchley, who works alongside the teachers to support with the day-to-day running of the preschool programme. Authentic, trusting relationships with the children and families are highly valued by the teachers and are formed through open and honest communication. They believe a positive attitude is key in working together as a team.

The teachers provide a safe, calm, and welcoming environment where the children can play and learn in a peaceful and purposeful manner.

The pre-school has been on the grounds of Hadlow School for nearly 40 years; however, two years ago plans to revamp and upgrade the pre-school began and the new, improved and enlarged facilities officially opened on 29 January 2020. The spacious and natural light-infused learning

• Wiring for renovations and new builds • Electrical repair work • Sales and service of most brands of whiteware and electrical goods

& Appliances (2017) Ltd 34-36 High Street South, Carterton

06 379 8930 email: wealtd@xtra.co.nz

The teachers provide a safe, calm, and welcoming environment where the children can play and learn in a peaceful and purposeful manner. Children are provided with a variety of resources and experiences to support their learning and development and to extend their skill sets.

The Pre-school is licensed from 8.30am to 3pm each day with an option for children to finish at 1pm. The Pre-school is closed for all public holidays and primary school holidays and breaks.

They have an open-door policy so if you have any queries or would like some further information about the Pre-school, please feel free to either contact them or pop in during the day between 8.30am and 3pm Monday to Friday.

See u sf your n or e white w ware

Locally owned servicing Wairarapa-wide

Phone:

environment inside creates a perfect indoor-outdoor flow with a wraparound deck which spills out on to a green space filled with native trees and plants, vegetable gardens, a sandpit with water pump, and a tree house, thus stimulating children’s creativity, natural curiosity, and imagination.

A welcoming, calm and caring environment for children aged 3 and 4, delivering a quality education.

CALL IN AND SEE US Hours

8.30am - 1.00pm or 8.30am - 3.00pm Term time

68 High Street, Masterton Phone 06 370 6961 preschool@hadlow.school.nz www.hadlowpreschool.nz

20 HOURS ECE

63

OSBORNE GROUP & MAXIM CONSULTING Accounting, tax, and business counsel with a human touch Osborne Group is an accounting firm in Wairarapa committed to forming close partnerships with clients, enabling a unique understanding of each person’s situation and to customise the assistance to suit personal requirements.

It’s way more than an accounting firm too, helping people crunch the numbers and pay their taxes.

Its associate service, Maxim Business Consulting, provides professional consulting services to rural, commercial, and private clients. They advise on structure, management, risk mitigation, growth acceleration and general business counsel. It allows people to set realistic goals reducing the risk of wandering through a business without any clear planning or goals. It was borne out of clients approaching them for help with accounting, but in essence the service they required was more of business mentoring. Happy that people retain their own accountants, Maxim Business Consulting concentrates on mentoring and strategic planning. It aims to help clients have a smooth business ride, relatively stressfree. The firm believes knowing where you are heading and with some idea of the result, is imperative.

There are two offices in Masterton and Greytown.

Managing Director, Jason Osborne, introduces three members of this dynamic team.

Melanie Edwards

Clementine Kumeroa

Jade Williams

Mel is a Chartered Accountant and Associate Director of Osborne Group. With around 13 years’ experience in various accountancy firms, Mel has been with Osborne’s just over seven years and has been building her own client base for the last couple of years. Known amongst her colleagues for her strong people management skills and as the ‘go-to’ person, Mel keeps things running smoothly. She likes to visit clients in their own surroundings, reducing the air of formality that comes from “going to see the accountant.” She enjoys seeing the operational side of her clients business which enables her to focus on their strategic direction and encourage their business growth.

Clem is a Chartered Accountant and joined Osborne Group in July 2020. She is now the resident Senior Accountant overseeing the Greytown office. Originally from Wairarapa, she has gained many years’ experience working in Wellington accountancy firms before deciding to settle in Martinborough with her husband Marc and their one-year-old son.

Jade is a Chartered Accountant and joined Osborne Group in 2019 with several years of experience at a local accounting firm. She grew up in Masterton from the age of six when her family emigrated from Scotland. She was attracted to accounting as a profession when she realised how much it meant to people to understand their business and finances. “Profit and tax are not enough, there’s so much more to sound financial management, and I love helping people understand what’s really driving those numbers and how to positively influence their business performance.” Jade is known as a cloud based specialist and enjoys helping clients utilise their Accounting system to its full potential. Jade is now taking on her own client base at Osborne Group as an Accounting Partner.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

When not working with numbers and helping her clients, she enjoys hanging out on her lifestyle block just outside Masterton with husband Serin, her four-year old daughter and ten-year old stepson.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Clem is now taking on her own client base at Osborne Group as an Accounting Partner. She is passionate about building strong relationships with her clients and understanding how they ‘do business’. As a known problem solver this enables her to identify opportunities for growth and tailor solutions to meet their needs. She has a specific interest in improving business through cloud-based solutions and is excited to be able to support and add value to exceptional local businesses in the community she calls home.

Outside of the office, Jade enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Lance, and their two young children.

WE OFFER  Tax & compliance  Business counsel & advisory  Business structure

 Trust administration services  Book keeping  Debtor assistance

Maxim /’maksim/ noun 1. An astute decision made on the information to hand

MASTERTON

Contact Jason, Melanie, Jade or Clementine

P 0508-OSBORNE 3 Waltons Ave, Kuripuni, Masterton 78 Main St, Greytown

Your business partner Osborne Group

GREYTOWN

www.osbornegroup.co.nz First consultation is free

64 women IN BUSINESS

Carter Court Rest Home

JO MCDONALD (LEFT) WITH RAE ANDREWS.

Caring for Carterton’s elderly and low-cost rentals There’s a changing of the guard at Carter Court in Pembroke Street, Carterton – that impressive facility which supports the elderly.

Rae Andrews, has been at Carter Court for 11 years and manager since 2017. She has recently retired, and the newly appointed manager is Jo McDonald. Most recently, Jo was the manager of Red Cross for Wairarapa.

In her native country of Ireland, she gained a Diploma in Business and Finance before moving to London. She spent the next decade backpacking around the world, including work helping Syrian refugees in Greece. It was in New Zealand that she met her husband to be. Jo was immediately drawn to New Zealand with its similarity to the Irish landscape and people. She and husband, Jason live with their son Rowyn, in Carterton. Jo was drawn to the manager’s job when she researched the history of community care facility. “I’ve been involved in not-for-profits and love the community base that Carter Court has. It really appealed.”

Carter Court is a not-for-profit rest home and owes its existence to Charles Rooking Carter – an enterprising Englishman who developed a strong interest in New Zealand. He emigrated in 1850 and became a prominent settler in Wairarapa and was the founding father of Carterton. On his death in 1896, he left money for a facility in Moreton Road to care for aged poor men, in perpetuity. In the 1960s, the home moved to Pembroke

Street and opened its doors to both men and women. Aged care is still the focus; although there are now 38 extra pensioner units added to its portfolio, gifted by the Carterton District Council in 2015. There is an on-site retirement village developed as the result of a bequest from the late Dulcie Routhan. Construction is under-way at the rest home to build an additional six dual purpose bedrooms. Rae has seen changes in healthcare, the facility has had to adapt and respond to community need.

“With our elderly encouraged and supported to stay in their homes longer, residents are often more compromised with health, mobility and independence when coming into care. It is hugely beneficial to be able to offer both rest home and hospital-level care; residents can stay at Carter Court if their care needs increase.

“We are a community facility, owned and governed by a fully engaged community.

Our 60+ staff are dedicated to the residents.

Thanks to that commitment, expertise and professionalism of our wonderful team we have a kind and caring culture, meeting our philosophy of “just like home”. She is pleased to be leaving Carter Court in such a strong state. Rae, and her husband Eddie are looking forward to travelling within NZ and spending more time with family, however Rae admits she’d also like to do some voluntary community work. Keep an eye out for her!

Workshop Designs

PHOEBE CLINTON-BAKER (LEFT) AND ANNIE KJESTRUP.

Bespoke kitchens and joinery created by a quality team The devil is in the detail... so they say!

Phoebe Clinton-Baker and Annie Kjestrup of Workshop Design love seeking out the detail for designs, which result in eye-catching kitchens and bespoke furniture, that not only look beautiful, but are functional. Phoebe, with husband Will Clinton-Baker began the joinery business five years ago in Masterton and are building a fine team behind them.

It’s ironic that Phoebe is designing kitchens as in a previous life she was an awardwinning chef. She also has a great love of good design, so the marriage of the two interests suits her well.

Annie Kjestrup has a BA in Architecture, specialising in interior design. Her skills and keen eye are a valued resource. She and Phoebe make for a dynamic administration and design hub. In true Wairarapa style, Annie was introduced to Will and Phoebe through a mutual friend. Like-minded people always find each other! Annie is also a qualified dive instructor, having worked on the Great Barrier reef and an underwater photographer. Coming home to family has been important for her, and she is thrilled to team up with Phoebe at Workshop Designs.

The two women oversee the running of the business, meet clients, and develop unique designs offering two or three different variations to the space. There’s lots to consider says Phoebe.

“We are often faced with different spaces, client needs, budget restrictions, and product availability”. Phoebe and Annie provide clients with product specifications and often recommend design in other areas of the home. These include bookshelves, bathroom units, laundries and walk in robes. They enjoy site visits to get a sense of the space they are working with.

All this preparatory work then moves to Phoebe’s husband, Will Clinton-Baker and his joiners, Grant Brewster and Philip Bertram to put into action. Workshop Designs is such an exciting and growing business, that the team is currently looking for another joiner, and a person willing to take on a joinery apprenticeship.

The germ of an idea to run their own business grew from ideas Phoebe and Will mulled over when living in Melbourne. Both had known each other while at school in Masterton. They now have a two sons Ollie (7) and Ted (4). Will, is a qualified builder, and was building in Melbourne when he realised a passion for joinery. The couple began dreaming of having their own business.

Researching and exploring what Melbourne had to offer, and learning about different products, they were exposed to what they describe as “awesome, innovative ideas”.

Keen to try them for themselves in New Zealand, it was a natural progression to start their own business back in their hometown.

Current kitchen trends include black kitchens, or those featuring deep rich timbers and a splash of colour. Textures are popular too in handles, surfaces, and wall linings. Plywood is very much in fashion and can create a point of difference in an otherwise plain cupboard or drawer. “It always come down to the budget, which we establish immediately.

Space is crucial too. Timber finishes are augmented with Osmo oil, a favourite with the team as it retains the wood’s natural beauty.

And, if you’re wondering about the beautifully simple business name?

‘Workshop’ was uttered by young Ollie, who when only four, was asked, “what shall we name Daddy’s business?”

Carterton Community Owned

Carter Court Rest Home PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY CARE, SERVICES AND ACCOMMODATION FOR OLDER PERSONS IN OUR COMMUNITY Providing a range of residential options, including rest home and hospital level care, day activity, respite care, independent living rentals and right-to-occupy retirement units. Enquiries welcome.

95-97 Pembroke Street, Carterton • Phone (06) 379 8075

www.cartercourt.co.nz

Custom kitchens, kitchens, made made well. well.

Custom At Workshop Workshop we we combine At combine unique unique design design with quality quality products products and and workmanship workmanshiptoto with achieve optimal optimal results results for for our achieve our clients clients

Custom kitchens, made well.

At Workshop we combine unique design with quality products and workmanship to achieve optimal results for our clients 841 5005 workshopdesigns.co.nz

027370 2552 | workshopdesigns.co.nz 06

027 841 5005

workshopdesigns.co.nz

65

Making it in a Man's World Flo White is one of Higgins’ highly skilled excavator operators. She’s also a mum, a sister and a daughter.

Growing up in a big family with two sisters and three brothers, she spent many hours playing on a digger.

Fortunately for Flo, her father had a contracting business in Taupo and was able to hone her skills excavating and loading a truck in a wide, open paddock. She then developed further and has the full set of licences to operate rollers, diggers and forklifts along with a licence to drive heavy trucks. Flo realised that having the necessary licences gave her scope for a variety of work, not only in transportation and contracting. Many offers for work allowed her to pick and choose what she wanted.

Having an enjoyable job and consistent income allows Flo to provide for her children. In their younger years, she had the support of her family and still does. They have grown into independent and self-sufficient youngsters having been taught life skills from an early age, following Mum’s good work ethic. They’re accomplished pianists and learning to speak Spanish too. Flo keeps her kids on the go with her spontaneity, often not telling them where they are off to. It usually involves a cooker and a mattress in the back of the ute under the stars and they know to pack five pairs of undies, two pairs of socks and a jumper!

Flo has relished every opportunity that came her way over the last 20 years and has built up great work references which were gained by turning up for work every day and working well.

“You don’t earn respect by sitting back and you’ve got to have the right attitude.”

After working for her father’s contracting business, she branched out and worked for John Leen Plumbing. This involved working in Wellington on commercial building sites installing bathrooms.

The variety has been notable, having also worked on the Wellington wharf. Flo says: “you get to see parts of the wharf that the public never see, it’s exciting”. She worked in a palm kernel factory on the wharf where 60 tonne of crushed palm kernel was offloaded every 5 minutes, 24 hours a day. Working under the pump, Flo operated a 20-tonne digger at the top of the stack, scooping and “flinging” the crushed kernels away as fast as they were being offloaded.

Flo recommends developing your skills from the ground up. The knowledge that is gained by personally being involved in constructing projects, enabled her to manage projects successfully. She instinctively knew how to quantify materials, labour and machinery hours along with ascertaining the right equipment for the project. Jobs like these entitled Flo to a brand new ute for work and personal use.

The scope in contracting broadened for Flo when she was offered a job in Site Civil Survey.

She quickly picked up on what was enjoyable work which she would love to return to one day.

She admits that working alongside an ex-police sergeant who was unprejudiced, gave her confidence. “For those young ladies that are good at trigonometry, this truly is a great career” Flo encourages.

Flo has her ticket for using full breathing apparatus when her work took her in another direction. She needed the training to be able to work in the tunnels in Wellington. To clarify, we’re talking about the myriad of tunnels under the city! She’s found treasures over the years too, from an Edwardian safe which was filled with coins and a very old horse cart.

“I find the work enjoyable and far from stressful.

Some work sites can be challenging especially when around powerlines, underground services and people. Contracting isn’t cut out for everyone” says Flo. “You have to be prepared to get your hands dirty but that’s minimal. Being a woman working in a man’s domain has not been an issue. I’ve built great friendships and have always had a good rapport with my work crew.

They respect that I would like to use clean facilities and are happy that I excuse myself from the site and nip off in the van. That’s why you must have at least a driver’s licence, ladies” she says with a smile.

As James Brown sang: “This is a man's world, this is a man's world But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.”

66 women IN BUSINESS

+MORE Wairarapa, offices now in Masterton and Martinborough +MORE is a business advisory and accountancy firm with offices in Masterton and Martinborough.

“We guide business owners through planning, forecasting and coaching with a suite of tools and strong partner connections to help our clients grow their capability”. +MORE believe every small and medium New Zealand business deserves access to practical business advice, and they are passionate about helping Wairarapa business owners feel supported through their advisory and accountancy expertise.

Lou Davies moved to Wairarapa to live with her husband 10 years ago. She happily traded city living for countryside, community and a dairy farm that has been in her husband’s family for six generations. She couldn’t be happier. “We’re really living the dream. The schools are great, the weather is amazing – I couldn’t think of a better lifestyle,” she says.

It’s part of why Lou is excited to take on her new role as Associate Director of +MORE, an advisory and accountancy firm whose core purpose is to create successful business owners.

+MORE believe every small and medium New Zealand business deserves access to practical business advice, and they are passionate about helping Wairarapa business owners

From left, Liv Aring, Lou Davies and Sara Sutherland.

After the Covid-19 lockdowns, Lou says she realised where her priorities lay.

“I wanted the opportunity to give back as part of my day-to-day work and +MORE is set up to allow me to do that. We have already committed to backing local community events and sports teams.

My values are aligned with the firm’s values – that’s really important for me.”

While Lou has been working in the area since she moved, she sees her role at +MORE as a new and exciting change.

She and the team will have the freedom to deliver the service and attention Wairarapa businesses deserve.

Lou completed her studies in Wellington, then worked at an international firm. In Wairarapa she spent time in-house at a local vineyard before joining a local practice. She says she’ll be drawing on those years of experience to bring

exceptional business advisory and accounting services to help local businesses achieve their goals. Lou is a specialist in agribusiness. With years of experience running her dairy farm and working with local agribusinesses, her insight and knowledge in the industry is invaluable.

“Wairarapa businesses in the Agri industry need someone who knows the ropes and understands all the elements.

That’s where I can add real value,” says Lou. When Lou isn’t at her new office, you’ll find her chasing after her three kids Brooke (9), Olivia (6) and Madison (4), hitting the gym, or spending time on the farm with husband, Wilba.

Liv Aring is a Senior Accountant at +MORE who moved from Wellington to Wairarapa nine years ago. Liv swapped her city life for rural and built her first home in the middle of a Martinborough vineyard with her husband. Liv and her husband

have a small rural lifestyle block in Wairarapa which they use to fatten livestock. Liv was drawn to +MORE and its commitment to small business. Flexible working arrangements means she can raise her two sons and lead a balanced life. Liv also plays hockey competitively for the Dalefield Club.

Sara Sutherland is an Accountant at +MORE. The vision and values of +MORE align with Sara’s own, “they truly care about local business and building solid foundations”. Sara has a real passion for helping make her clients lives easier. She is studying towards a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting, “the support I get from +MORE to help me with my study is amazing”. Sara lives in South Wairarapa with her husband and two children on their Sheep, Beef & Cropping Farm.

122 Queen Street, Masterton 5810 (Next to ANZ, through carpark off Lincoln Road) Smart Hub, 51 Jellicoe Street, Martinborough 5711 www.plusmore.co.nz 06 929 1068

67

Rosewood Funeral Home

FUNERAL DIRECTOR, MAZ CHARLES.

Funeral Director enjoys the pivotal and rewarding role “Funerals can be such a positive celebratory service, helping the grieving to journey forward and cope well with the future. It’s a pivotal point socially,” so says Funeral Director, Maz Charles.

“It’s a time of change when you may become an orphan, a widow, or lose that special friend. That’s why, how, and where the deceased person is farewelled, is so vital to the living.”

believes it is an incredibly privileged position which she does not take lightly.

But being in Maz’s presence is a light and carefree experience. She chats easily and passionately about her work and her longheld desire to want to help others. “It just fits with me.”

Growing up in Manawatu, she initially trained as a beauty therapist. That was when physiology and anatomy interested her. has been four years at “It is often not what She Rosewood, owned by David you say, but how you and Lynette Dew. She also works with Stephen Walker – say it, that enables they are all Funeral Directors. me to achieve the Paul Gadsby completes the best result for all team and is also an embalmer.

Maz believes that farewelling of a loved one is an important moment in people’s lives to be handled gently and compassionately. Each family has different dynamics and co-ordinating individuals and families to achieve a fitting involved. That it is a The face of funerals is farewell can be the challenge service that reflects changing. “Covid-19 has for the funeral director. the deceased but had an impact on how we This does require difficult honours the living.” deliver funerals. The loss of conversations at times. “It is freedom to easily travel has often not what you say, but been a major contributor. Live streaming has how you say it, that enables me to achieve become the norm with funerals and using the best result for all involved. That it is technology to bring families together has a service that reflects the deceased but become another important part of a funeral honours the living.” service.

Maz has been in the funeral industry since Maz is interested in other cultures and the her late thirties, although she admits it was way they say goodbye to loves ones. “I am her ambition from age 21. “I have always always open to people’s needs and will do had empathy and the ability to put myself my best to accommodate all requests from in other’s shoes. This is so important when the families I serve.” helping people who are grieving a loss.” Maz

Literacy Aotearoa

FROM LEFT: JACQUI LOCKYER, CAROL WALD, RENE BABBINGTON AND LISA GRAY.

Flourishing through learning After 18 years in adult education, Carol Wald still gets a buzz from presenting learners with their completion certificates at the end of their course.

As site coordinator for Literacy Aotearoa’s Wairarapa branch, Carol works with over 200 adult learners a year – many of whom are eager to take a second chance on their education.

“It’s a proud moment when we give them their certificates. For some people, it’s the first award they’ve ever received,” she says.

Literacy Aotearoa has 42 delivery sites around the country. They provide accessible literacy, numeracy and computing programmes for learners aged 16 and over – completed by 8000 learners every year.

The organisation primarily caters for people who have left school without qualifications, and who find literary difficulties are holding them back from achieving their life goals.

The Wairarapa branch offers a variety of free courses, allowing learners to work with experienced tutors and gain credits in reading, writing and mathematics, as well as expand their digital knowledge and gain valuable life skills.

Carol has worked with a wide range of learners: from young adults disillusioned by mainstream education, to parents reentering the job market, to older people learning to read for the first time.

Learners usually arrive lacking confidence – and leave with a new lease on life, often going on to pursue higher education and new employment opportunities.

their potential and evolve and flourish as human beings.”

Carol started working in adult education in 2003, as an administrator for the then Wairarapa Adult Learning Centre.

The organisation was re-branded as Literacy Wairarapa and, in 2019, came under the umbrella of the Literacy Aotearoa Charitable Trust.

The Masterton site is part of the Cluster 6 area (from Gisborne to Wairarapa). We were joined by the Cluster Manager – Rene Babbington.

Alongside its literacy and numeracy programmes, Literacy Aotearoa offers courses in financial literacy, CV preparation, tenancy sustainment, and understanding the Road Code.

Literacy Aotearoa also has a workplace literacy programme: helping people improve their reading and communication skills and digital competencies, so they can perform more effectively at work.

“We work with people who are good at their jobs and want to move up to the next level in the company - but don’t feel confident in their literacy or digital skills,” Carol says.

“It is harder to get by in a job these days without some sort of digital platform, or basic computing knowledge.”

We help Adults ...

“People will come in feeling shy, thinking they’re the only one who’s struggling.

“But, by the end of the course, they’ve realised what they’re capable of, and are helping other learners with their work.

“They come to us with so much untapped potential. It’s awesome to see them realise

In Masterton, learners work with trained tutors - including Lisa Gray and Jacqui Lockyer, who both hold the Level 5 New Zealand Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy Education.

“They’re very passionate about adult learning and have a great way with people.

“They’re understanding and compassionate, and don’t mind explaining things multiple times.”

We help Adults ...

YOU GAIN

• Intensive Literacy & Numeracy • Workplace Literacy Programmes

Personal and Caring Service for Funerals and Headstones

• Computers and Digital Devices for Beginners & Beyond • Spelling, Reading & Maths

Literacy Aotearoa Literacy

417 Queen St, Masterton – rosewoodfuneralhome.co.nz

Improved confidence Self belief Skills to help you learn

Aotearoa WE OFFER

Individual Learning Plans 340 Queen Street Masterton 340 Queen Street MastertonSmall group classes Ph: (06) 377 4214 No cost to the learner Ph: (06) 377 4214 • E: info.c6@literacy.org.nz E: info.c6@literacy.org.nz

68 women IN BUSINESS

Cat Purr-Fection Cattery

Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton

KATRINA JORDAN.

MASTER GARDENER, RACHEL SCANLAN, IN HER NATURAL HABITAT.

A love of all things-feline makes for a perfect home away from home

Winning formula leading Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton’s garden centre

Taking your cat to the cattery can be an event, fraught with emotion for all concerned, but somehow when you drive up the gravel drive to Cat Purr-Fection Cattery, amongst the beautiful, manicured gardens, all worries vaporise and Katrina’s greeting seals it, that your moggy will be in good hands. Katrina has been running her cattery on Chester Road, north of Carterton for 15 years and it has been an all-encompassing labour of love. Katrina admits to loving cats since she was a young child, growing up next door on a sprawling property, Awaiti Gardens, formerly owned by her parents, Allan and Jeanette Gates. They moved into town three years ago, but the gardening bug has obviously been inherited by their daughter and son-in-law, which makes the cattery all that more entrancing.

Rachel Scanlan is the Garden Manager at Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton. She comes to the role with impeccable and diverse credentials from the UK. Her Wairarapaborn mum had left New Zealand shores in her late 20s to do her OE and eventually married, Charles, in England.

own pace, and allow them to come to you,” explains Katrina quietly. It varies greatly from cat to cat how long it take for settling. Once settled they roam in an enclosure which has all manner of services from armchairs to lounge in, to climbing frames, and high shelving where they can observe from afar.

Most cats learn to socialise but there are the exception and so Katrina has a room set aside for individual cats who like to be on their own. Katrina has many repeat clients and so she gets to know them, and their pets, very well. She admits to getting quite attached to both and when either the pet or person passes, she feels real sadness.

She talks of cats which are memorable too.

‘Bandit’, a black and white moggy, liked to do yoga stretches; ‘Lucy’ loves to hide, and it will take ages for Katrina to get her to bed at night. ‘Petal’ and ‘Simba’ who are with her for six months, while their owners build their house, both love tummy rubs and according to Katrina are “very talkative”.

Katrina caters for up to 40 cats in the purpose-built building behind her home.

Built by her husband and father, it was a family affair getting it all up and running.

The cosy foyer is where you hand over your cat and from there, Katrina takes them, with reassuring cuddles and words, to a series of rooms with independent cages where the cats get settled into their temporary accommodation.

She has four cats of her own and must “resist temptation” to own more. When asked if she has a favourite type, she admits to loving the strong Maine Coons and ginger-coloured cats.”

“The trick is to allow them to get used to their surroundings, gain confidence at their

But then, I love them all really”, she waves her hand around her full-to-the brim cattery.

“I was blessed with the most wonderful and supportive parents and my upbringing quite idyllic with an education at a private school for girls in Sussex, where I was responsible for looking after the ‘secret garden’. Upon reflection, I do believe that was the deciding factor that made me forsake university for the National Diploma in Horticulture at the renowned Plumpton Agriculture College,” says Rachel. It was a three-year course and Rachel was awarded student of the year in her final term.

She began work with the UK Commonwealth War Graves Commission as Assistant Head Gardener based at the Boxwood Estate in Surrey. From there, she became the youngest Garden Department Manager employed by the Wyevale Garden Centre Group, a national garden nursery company covering the UK. Moving into the private sector, she became Assistant Manager to a family-owned garden nursery operation which also gave her the opportunity to use her landscaping skills.

Five years on, she established her own company in 2012 – Blooming Good Nursery.

She grew a wide variety of plants for retail and trade sectors and helped with garden design and landscaping. The company won awards at many horticultural shows. “All this is due to the extremely hard work of myself and my parents.” In 2019, the family decided to reap the benefit of their success and sold the business, their home, and respond to Rachel’s mother’s call for home – Te Ore Ore, just out of Masterton.

Once settled in Wairarapa, Rachel called into Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton to buy a spade for her Nan and spied a job going in the garden centre. With her background and qualifications, it wasn’t long before she ended up Manager. “I am supported by a dedicated and conscientious team and in the past few months, we have created a fresh new ambience with open and spacious areas for water features, garden sculptures, and stunning displays of colour and quality plants. Mitre 10 MEGA buys its plants from NZ nurseries, many family-owned which Rachel likes. New innovations too are the expanded range of outbuildings and garden sheds and the children’s gardening area where quality pint-sized equipment is available, along with quirky seed mixes to capture young gardening minds.

Planning on travelling, or are you moving house?

Book your cat in to have a holiday with us!

Plus, we are taking bookings for July school holidays and Christmas.

CALL US TODAY 247 Chester Road, Carterton P (06) 379 8568 | M 027 636 1098 E katrina.jordan42@gmail.com

Ngaumutawa Road, Masterton Phone 06 370 6888 OPEN 7 DAYS Monday - Friday: 7am - 6pm Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8am - 6pm

69

LJ HOOKER MASTERTON – McHATTIE REALTY LIMITED MREINZ

Local Women, Committed to Doing Local Business, Well The women of LJ Hooker Masterton are a close-knit, excep�onal troop of talented professionals, commi�ed in their role of helping people and promo�ng our fabulous local region… along with the en�re team at LJH Masterton!

REAL ESTATE: From your first enquiry to purchase, or through conscien�ously appraising your property, lis�ng, marke�ng, and nego�a�ng the ul�mate sale, these women handle each stage with care and considera�on.

Their bespoke service takes into account who you are and what your specific needs may be.

Every ac�on is tailored to ensure a posi�ve experience is achieved for both vendors and purchasers, with communica�on strong at each step.

Whether it’s your personal agent, another salesperson, or the phenomenal administra�on unit, these women are devoted to providing an outstanding service, achieving your sa�sfac�on.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: Likewise, this dynamic team-of-two work superbly in tandem to provide the smoothest landlord experience.

With their dad at the helm, sisters Rachel and Alyshia competently manage enquiries, inspec�ons, goingsin and vaca�ng of tenants, along with handling endless paperwork and arduous compliance issues associated with investment proper�es these days.

Their approachable nature sits easy with their renters, without compromising their efficiency and ability to get the hard gra� done.

The female por�on of LJ Hooker Masterton is a force to be reckoned with: humorous, dedicated, empathe�c, intelligent and hardworking.

This combina�on of admin, sales, and property management women brings a mix of personali�es and vibrancy you’ll appreciate during your associa�on with this office. Come in and meet them!

‘LOCALS, LOOKING AFTER LOCALS’ WAIRARAPA WIDE

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ALEXANDRA KING, TIRA POLLOCK, ALI MCHATTIE, TONYA HARRISON AND KARINA ROSEMERGY

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAM: ALYSHIA AND RACHEL ARCHER

Experienced and equipped to provide Real Estate expertise with passion and pride.

06 378 8666 4 Renall Street Masterton ljhooker.co.nz

70 women IN BUSINESS Down to earth accounting staff from left: Tr udy Hullena, Becca Adams and Clare Jacobson

Wairarapa’s longest standing accountancy business, firmly cemented in this region’s business fabric Sellar & Sellar offers a service way beyond numbers. Sitting alongside our clients, we support them in establishing their business and achieving personal endeavours by encouraging them to grow and flourish.

At the heart of Sellar & Sellar is our collective responsibility to the Wairarapa community and future generations.

We mentor enterprising

individuals who may be studying or entering the workforce by providing advice and tutoring.

Intrinsic to the fabric of Sellar & Sellar is the people.

Complementing the firm’s values of representing the community was the appointment of Clare Jacobson as the firms first female partner in 2019.

Employing Becca Adams,

who is completing a Masters in Resource and Environmental Planning, allows her to gain invaluable work experience and insight into the world of business.

Wrapping around the values and the people is Trudy Hullena who provides guidance and support to both the Sellar & Sellar team and clients.

Sellar and Sellar are proud to partner with remarkable Wairarapa Business Women BUSINESS ADVICE - ACCOUNTING - XERO SUPPORT - BOOKKEEPING & PAYROLL - AGRIBUSINESS - HR SUPPORT 06 377 3199 OR 0800 SELLAR sellar@sellar.co.nz | 81 Queen Street, Masterton

71

Fitness Plus Health Centre

Liz Rikiti Photography

Health is a state of complete mental, social, and physical well-being “Health is a state of complete Mental, Social and Physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

The World Health Organisation (WHO).

This past year has seen Wendy Mouldey and her health and wellness centre, Fitness Plus Health Centre Ltd, encompassing the WHO’s definition of health more and more. “Health is no longer just about one thing or the other thing … it’s a matter of finding an even balance between them all to try and achieve a state of optimal health” says Wendy.

“That’s not as easy as it sounds in a world that at the moment, is full of unknowns, anxiety and turmoil”.

Recent events have seen businesses change the way they are operating, and Fitness Plus is no different. The effects of the continual uncertainty, unpredictable change and stress experienced since the Pandemic began has resulted in a different set of requirements needed by Wendy’s Clients. “Due to the many extraordinary and different factors experienced this past year we have seen illness statistics rise exponentially” says Wendy. “Research clearly shows that our immune system cannot continue to maintain a desirable level of wellness when constant and prolonged distress is experienced - day in and day out. Something starts to give eventually, and that’s usually our health!!!”.

Timing is sometimes everything though as, following hard on the heels of Lock down last year, Wendy was given the opportunity to join a select group of people from around the world. All had gone to Melbourne in 2019 to study with two amazing Doctors: being Dr Perry Nickelston, and Doctor Stewart Gillespie. Both leaders in their fields … one in Lymphatics, and the other in Functional Health Systems (FHS) Medicine and because of their hard work after leaving Melbourne, Wendy and her fellow classmates (only 38 of them worldwide) were invited to become the first generation of Dr Stewart Gillespie’s FHS Medicine education, and to train and become FHS Medicine Practitioners.

Dr Gillespie’s Mentorship is focused on understanding and supporting the innate (or natural born) immune system and teaches the importance of following the pathway, or history of a client’s Systems, not Symptoms.

This means his students learn to uncover and understand the “Why” behind autoimmune dysfunction, and the underlying causes of dysregulation, or malfunctioning of immune and hormonal systems.

LIZ RIKITI.

WENDY MOULDEY. As a Practitioner, Wendy’s new practice has slowly but surely changed the focus of Fitness Plus and although still wearing all of her other, much needed hats for her Clientele, FHS Medicine has been pivotal in helping her re-align her people’s health status and be their “Guide-on-the-side” to wellness … especially for her stressed and anxious people.

“The biggest thing for many is that they are being listened to” says Wendy, “and the realisation that yes … there is an explanation for their state of health that can be mostly addressed”.

With her Centre set up specifically to support many health and wellness needs, Wendy’s study continues and her never-ending desire to learn how to better deliver Health & Wellbeing options to her Clients grows by the day. “Having an understanding of immune system dysfunction that has never before been available to us as practitioners is what I have been looking for in over 35 years of study” she says excitedly. “This is well researched, and well-founded information that can make the world of difference to my Clients … giving them a state of Health that even the WHO would recognise as complete”.

Your wellness

journey starts here • • • •

Health & Wellness Centre Life Coaching Exercise Prescription Functional Health Systems Medicine

All in a private unique setting

FITNESS PLUS HEALTH CENTRE LTD E: wendy@fitplushealth.nz | W: https://fitplushealth.nz

‘Just photograph them – that moment will not come again’ Sometimes you are so caught up in those absolute precious and busy times in your life with children, that you can forget to record it. This is when photographer Liz Rikiti steps in and makes sure special moments are captured. She specialises in photographing the maternity stages, the birth process, newborn babies, and the children and families which envelope them. In the beginning, 10 years ago, Liz was to concentrate purely on new-borns, but as they always came along with parents and often siblings, before she knew it, there were family photos being taken too.

Liz is a self-taught photographer with a gifted eye which has been recognised by many, to the extent that she is in high demand.

The fact that she’s celebrating a decade in business is easy for her to remember, as it’s her 10-year-old daughter Zoe, who was the catalyst for her mother stepping up and making her photography passion a business.

Liz has six children (aged 16 years to two), Zoe being her fourth. Trying to juggle work roles away from home and motherhood was just not working in the busy Rikiti household.

Liz got out her camera and encouraged by family and friends, she was away. She has a studio on-site at her home in Norfolk Road but is leaning more towards outdoor more natural photos these days.

With pregnancy photos, she works with the mother through all the stages, beginning with a pre-consultation to get to know her well. Photographing a new-born can take four to six hours. There’s waiting for the baby to sleep, comforting with feeding, then nappy changing, and so the parents are catered for with food and comfort. Liz and husband Wi moved from Rotorua to Wairarapa 14 years ago, when her father was re-locating and restoring a house on family land. She was familiar with these sorts of projects which her father often did. She and Wi have created a collection of buildings themselves, including their house and the photography studio. In the past, Liz has done wedding photography, but she has found she cannot commit to the extensive and intensive time these events take. She still does the occasional wedding but it’s babies and children where she concentrates her services. One service Liz does not want to relinquish however, is the photographing of stillborn babies. She does this free of charge. “It’s such a humbling feeling that gives grieving families a chance to have their own special moment, before letting go.

These memories help in the healing process.”

She has direct links with the maternity unit at Wairarapa Hospital and with midwives around the region and will do her best to respond as quickly as possible.

Your local Residential and Lifestyle Sales Specialists.

Dani Carrig

Toni Sinclair

Sophie Kittow

Gay Rutherford

Residential & Lifestyle

Residential & Lifestyle

Lifestyle & Residential

Residential

021 026 80900

021 455 211

027 378 3815

021 617 765

dani.carrig@bayleys.co.nz

toni.sinclair@bayleys.co.nz

sophie.kittow@bayleys.co.nz

gay.rutherford@bayleys.co.nz

ALTOGETHER BETTER

Residential/ Commercial/ Rural/ Property Services EASTERN REALTY LTD (WAIRARAPA), BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008