Wild Tomato February 2016

Nelson and Marlborough’s locally owned magazine / ISSUE

115 / FEB 2016 / $8.95

NZ Festival marks its 30th anniversary with a big line-up Why we must turn Rocks Road into a waterfront to be proud of Fashion: Wild things in edgy evening wear

Community conservation groups tackling pests across the Top of the South 48 hours in Golden Bay

Opera in the Park

Gypsy brewing

Oregano & Walnut Dolmades

Beautiful Surfaces

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Nelson and Marlborough’s magazine

Features Issue 115 / February 2016

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22 22 Foot-soldiers declare war on pests

F

rom vines in Golden Bay to pines in the Marlborough Sounds, a network of community conservation groups is tackling pests across the Top of the South. Sophie Preece meets the frontline troops.

30 A rocky road

T

he big trucks roaring along Nelson’s waterfront are killing its potential as a recreational hub.

By Peter Gilham

36

36 Three decades of stunning

T

he New Zealand Festival marks a big anniversary with a big line-up. Martyn Pepperell talks to artistic director Shelagh Magadza and explores the highlights.

45 Wild Summer fashion

S

tyled by Alesha Pyers and Justine Jamieson Photography by Ishna Jacobs 4

45

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Columns Issue 115 / February 2016

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INTERVIEWS

20 My Big Idea Water for Prosperity is a Nelsonbased charity that installs boreholes in Zimbabwe

82 Up & Coming Matt Brophy talks to Raewyn Laurenson FASHION & BEAUTY

51 Shoe of the Month ‘Go-Walk’ Christmas indulgences off

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52 Beauty Kylie Taikato says beauty is attitude.

By Sadie Beckman LIFE

54 My Home

Clean & green in Pigeon Valley.

By Brenda Webb

60 My Garden

From blank canvas to bush garden.

By Christo Saggers

64 My Kitchen

Nicola Galloway’s Oregano & Walnut Dolmades detimiL gniwerB hcaB 3102 ©

67

65 Dine Out

Maxwell Flint visits Speights Ale House

66 Wine

Phillip Reay says conquer your fears

67 Beer

Bach Brewing is what’s known as a gypsy brewer. By Mark Preece

72 Boating

Steve Thomas says catamarans are the future.

74 Motoring

Geoff Moffett is impressed by the Ford Focus Titanium

ACTIVE

CULTURE

68 Travel

76 Music

Eden Stevenson explores colourful Cambodia

70 Adventure

48 hours in Golden Bay.

By Sophie Preece

6

70

Pete Rainey says get yourselves to Opera in the Park

78 Film

Spotlight is keeping Michael Bortnick awake at night

REGULARS

8 Editorial 10 Where do you read yours?

12 Events 14 Snapped 80 Quiz & Trivia

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Editorial

I

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

know you care about the environment. I do. We all care deeply. Social media is absolutely awash with our collective hand-wringing guilt about what we’ve done to nature. Some of us – for whom sainthood surely awaits – even go so far as to buy eco-friendly cleaning products.

But sadly, signalling your virtue to your friends by liking or re-tweeting a story about the environment and placing eco-cleaning products prominently where guests can see them doesn’t help nature a great deal. As Saint Bernard of Clairvaux said in 1150, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”.

So it is heartening to read Sophie Preece’s story on page 22 about community conservation groups across the Top of the South who have taken the road less travelled by not only caring but actually doing something about improving our small bit of the world.

When Andrew Macalister looked out from his bach in the Marlborough Sounds at the ever-growing ranks of wilding pines advancing across the hillside, he decided to fight back. He formed the Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust, and using techniques developed by DOC, started drilling poison into those pines.

But the most inspiring thing is that the Trust’s example has spread far and wide, with wilding pines now being poisoned by farmers, DOC and other community conservation groups across the Top of the South.

Over in Golden Bay, Chris Rowse and Silvia Schneider started Project De-Vine to attack the banana passionfruit and old man’s beard that take over native bush at an alarming rate. By working closely with TDC and DOC, they have expanded massively so that they now cover around 360 properties and 10,000 hectares, with more being added each year. A staggering 160,000 vines have been cut manually and many more sprayed.

Technology has been a huge boon to these groups. For instance, the Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust would have needed a much larger budget if it wasn’t for GPS allowing them to pinpoint which trees to poison.

And Picton Dawn Chorus (who want to eradicate pest predators in 2000ha surrounding Picton and the new Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary) will use new GIS (Geographic Information System) technology so that any traps and their activity will be coded on a web-based map, with people able to use their smartphones to pinpoint positions.

These new groups don’t replace DOC or any other Government agencies. Rather, they complement them by taking on jobs that DOC doesn’t have the resources to address. The key is that ‘private’ and ‘public’ co-ordinate their efforts to maximum effect.

So why not take your concern for the environment a step further and join one of our local groups who are making a real difference.

JAC K MA RT I N

Editor

Jack Martin 021 844 240 editor@wildtomato.co.nz

Fashion & Beauty Editor Justine Jamieson

Graphic Design Floor van Lierop Klaasz Breukel

Advertising Design

Cover illustration by Jessie Rawcliffe

8

Patrick Connor Phil Houghton Ana Galloway Jessie Rawcliffe

Advertising Executive

Subscriptions

Nelson, Tasman & Blenheim Advertising

$75 for 12 issues 03 546 3384 wildtomato.co.nz/subscribe

Justine Jamieson 027 529 1529 justine@wildtomato.co.nz

Wellington Advertising Vivienne Brown 021 844 290 vivienne@fishhead.co.nz

Readership: 38,000

Source: Nielsen Consumer and Media Insights Survey (Q2 2014 –Q1 2015)

Publisher

Jack Martin WildTomato Media Ltd Bridge St Collective 111 Bridge St Nelson 7010 PO Box 1901 Nelson 7040 03 546 3384 info@wildtomato.co.nz wildtomato.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS

Matt Brophy Up & Coming

Michael Bortnick Film

Patrick Connor Maureen Ad design Dewar Proofreading

Maxwell Flint Dine Out

Ana Galloway Photography, Ad design

Nicola Galloway My Kitchen

Ishna Jacobs Photography

Justine Jamieson Fashion & Beauty

Floor van Lierop Geoff Moffett Design Motoring

Martyn Pepperell Feature

Mark Preece Beer

Sophie Preece Adventure

Alesha Pyers Styling

Jessie Rawcliffe Pete Rainey Music Illustration, Ad design

Phillip Reay Wine

Steve Thomas Boating

Brenda Webb My Home

Sadie Beckman Beauty

Klaas Breukel Design

Phil Houghton Ad esign

Christo Saggers My Garden

9

W H E R E D O YO U R E A D YO U R S

Letters

Where do you read yours?

Dear Jack, Your article Abel Tasman Coastal Track has one small error. While Tasman did bump into New Zealand, he never set foot here, or on any other place he discovered. He was a great seaman but a very poor explorer. Capt. James Cook sailed past Tasman Bay, could not see the bottom of it and did not have time to explore it. Dumont d’Urville, who was a great admirer of Cook, came to New Zealand to fill in and survey the many gaps on Cook’s very comprehensive and accurate charts. Tasman Bay was one of them. Astrolabe was named after his ship, Adele Island after his wife, and of course French Pass was named after him. In his journal he mentions the bare hillside in Torrent Bay. I enjoy your magazine very much.

Regards, Roger Youmans

James Purves reads his WildTomato off Singapore Send your image to info@wildtomato.co.nz ONLY .JPG FILES ACCEPTED, MAX. 1MB

God for a day If I was God for a day I would create an epically good cafe/ restaurant right in the middle of the Tahuna beach sand dunes.

The cafe would be open all day; think a super-cruisy DeVille on the beach. Then at night it morphs into an epic restaurant serving the best that our region can offer. Jack Martin

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Buy Local

Please do support the businesses who advertise in WildTomato. Without them we simply wouldn’t have the dosh to craft this magazine for you every month.

If we don’t buy local we will wake up one morning and find that we live in a region that has lost its mojo.

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WHAT TO DO IN FEBRUARY

EVENTS

Mon 1

Fri 5

Mon 8

Washbourn Gardens Family Fair

Fat Freddy’s Drop at Neudorf Vineyards

International Kai Festival

Set in the beautiful Washbourn Gardens with its unique atmosphere, this fair features a wide variety of stalls and loads of kids’ activities and live entertainment.

Everything is on site – great wine, craft beer, super food, juice and a tank of free iced water. Be early for the best spot! Concert will take place in all weather.

Come see live music and kapa haka performances, alongside arts and crafts stalls and a huge variety of traditional and international foods.

WASHBOURN GARDENS,

NEUDORF VINEYARDS, UPPER

WHAKATU MARAE, NELSON

RICHMOND

MOUTERE

Mon 1 to Wed 10

Sat 6

Bikefest Nelson

Marlborough Artisan Market

A celebration of cycling in the Nelson/Tasman region with over 15 key events and even more fringe events! Suitable for all age ranges and abilities, there’s something for everyone.

FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK AND

Sat 13 Nelson Opera in the Park

VARIOUS VENUES, NELSON AND

WYNEN STREET CAR PARK,

Enjoy some of New Zealand’s best opera singers alongside a stellar line-up of contemporary performers. Bring a picnic and soak up the atmosphere of this wonderful night of music in the open air.

TASMAN

BLENHEIM

TRAFALGAR PARK, NELSON

Sun 7

Sat 13

Sweet Az Sun Festival

The Marlborough Wine and Food Festival

Get out of the house and into this month’s top regional events.

Highlighting the best of Marlborough’s art, crafts, food and produce. Come along and browse over 50 stalls of artisan delights.

Come celebrate Waitangi Weekend Holiday with an awesome line-up of the very best live bands and the youthful dance collective The Street Dance Federation.

LANSDOWNE PARK, BLENHEIM

Sample a unique selection of world-class wines and delicious local cuisine and enjoy day-long entertainment, all in the heart of a picturesque vineyard.

BRANCOTT VINEYARD ESTATE, BLENHEIM

Sun 14 Summer Concert Bring your valentine, gather up the family, round up your friends, bring a picnic, a blanket, relax and enjoy a diverse range of live music in this tranquil setting.

POLLARD PARK, BLENHEIM

Background image: Craig Potton

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Sun 14

Sun 21

Finale Concerts Adam Summer School for Chamber Music

Brightwater Wine & Food Festival (BWFF)

The 2016 Adam Summer School presents two spectacular Finale Concerts, showcasing fine performances from New Zealand’s top young musicians.

OLD ST JOHN’S, NELSON

BWFF celebrates sensational sounds, wine, food and summer.

Hold onto your summer holiday groove, enjoy all-day music and entertainment, fabulous food and award-winning wine and beer.

MIDDLE-EARTH VINEYARDS,

Fri 19

BRIGHTWATER

Crusaders v Hurricanes Rugby

Sat 27

Enjoy great sport and support HeartHelp Blenheim’s fundraising at this rugby match featuring two old rivals!

LANSDOWNE PARK, BLENHEIM

Sat 20 Mike Pero Battle of Trafalgar: Vodafone Warriors vs St. George

Sol3 Mio - On Another Note Tour Showcasing their growth as both performers and people, Sol3 Mio delve deeper into their operatic roots, perfectly balanced by contemporary style and unparalleled talent.

TRAFALGAR PARK, NELSON

Anna Leese

Dave Dobbyn

Jared Holt

Jackie Clarke

NRL is coming to town with the mighty Vodafone Warriors facing off against St George Illawarra Dragons in their preseason match here in sunny Nelson.

TRAFALGAR PARK, NELSON

Sun 21 Summer Concert Whites Bay Marlborough 4 Fun combines with the More FM Sandcastle competition and the infamous beach dig to bring fantastic entertainment and children’s activities, including bouncy castles, pony rides and face painting.

Modern Ma- ori Quartet Jubilation Choir & Orchestra Wellington

WHITES BAY, WAIKAWA

PRICES: EARLY BIRD ADULT $15 (UNTIL 31 JAN), FULL PRICE ADULT $25, CHILD (5 – 15) $5 [PLUS TICKETDIRECT SERVICE FEES], CHILD UNDER 5 FREE. TICKETS: NELSON ISITE, THEATRE ROYAL NELSON, ONLINE AT WWW.TICKETDIRECT.CO.NZ, PH. 03 548 3840 OR 0800 224 224.

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Snapped

WildTomato goes out on the town‌

1

2

Meet and greet at Mahana Mahana P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N A G A L L O WAY

1. Sue Barrett & Tommy Sims 2. Bruce & Kathy Farquhar 3. Paul & Melissa Richards

2

4. Julie Ambrose 5. Jack Martin & Glenn Schaeffer

3

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4

5

S NA P P E D

6 7 6. Catherine & Craig Potton 7. Chandler Parker, Melissa Richards and Sue Barrett 8. Denise Howey, Dave Paynter and Carlton Richards 9. Bruce Farquhar, Richard Russell & Kathy Farquhar

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JTB Architects Christmas party Urban, Nelson P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A N A G A L L O WAY

1.

David Jerram, Marc Barron, John Tocker & Simon Hall

4. Ian Hopkins & Jason Macquet

2. John Tocker, Lily Lo, Katy Pearson & Michael Dillon

5. Janet Turney

3.

7. Katy Pearson

Chris Pyemont

6. Simon Hall

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3

4

6

7

S NA P P E D

8 9 8. Simon Hall, Marc Barron & John Tocker

11. Ben Wisbey

9. Stephan Beconcini

13. Marc & Sally Barron

10. Nick Burn & Karl Vercoe

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12. Qun Zhang

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1

2

Evolve Festival 2016 Founders Park, Nelson PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUZ ZÚÑIGA

1. Brian Shannon & Taragh Casey

5. Hamilton Barnett & Olivia Grace

2. Kattia Wong, Melissa & Viva

6. Henry Talbot & Jen Naper

3. Marti & Beth Beauchamp

7. Shanti Smith

4. Claudia Quiroga

3

5 4

6

7

“Call Justine to be seen!”

Promote your Nelson or Blenheim business in WildTomato

Justine Jamieson FASHION EDITOR NELSON & BLENHEIM ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

027 529 1529 | 03 546 3387 | justine@wildtomato.co.nz

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S NA P P E D

8 9 8. Frank Neikes, Michaela Kreuzer & Verena Mint 9. Tom Wells 10. Damian Cordech & Olivia Craft

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11. Rocco & Csilla Wunderle-Kraty 12. Willian & Eugenie Piozin 13. Emma Crawford & Nishkama James

812

11 Nelson-Tasman 104.8 • Nelson Central City 107.2 • Takaka 95.0 • Blenheim 88.9

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Be a Member

Keep your local, Community Access Radio station healthy and wise.

(Wealthy isn’t in the mix! Healthy and wise we can do!)

Sign up on line:

www.freshfm.net 19

MY BIG IDEA

WATER FOR PROSPERITY

Water for Prosperity Water for Prosperity is a Nelson-based charity that installs boreholes in Zimbabwe, helping impoverished rural communities access their own clean water, crucial for drinking, washing and irrigation.

So what is your big idea in a nutshell?

This year, our Big Idea is for the Nelson Project Team to travel to Zimbabwe, for the fourth time, and install another five boreholes, adding to the 20 already installed in the town from September 2013 up to March 2015.

What is the current situation?

Water for Prosperity’s target town of Torwood, with a population of 35,000 people, is situated in the Midlands of

20

Zimbabwe and is currently experiencing drought conditions. Midlands, Zimbabwe, usually collects three months of rainfall annually, but now, coming to the end of the rainy season there has been very little rain. Residents are facing an incredibly dry and challenging nine months without rain.

Who will benefit?

Water for Prosperity’s aid work in Zimbabwe is crucial to the survival of thousands of precious lives and we are grateful for the generous support of Nelson sponsors and donors in making an astronomical change for good in this beautiful yet impoverished African nation.

How can our region get on board?

Water for Prosperity is hosting a Charity Golf Tournament with special guests

Sir Bob Charles and NZPGA President Susan Farron on Friday January 29 at the beautiful links course at the Nelson Golf Club. All golfers are invited to play in the event and bids are invited to play six holes with Sir Bob and Susan. A complimentary coaching clinic at 11.30 am will precede the 12.30 pm shotgun start for the field.

Following the golf, all entrants are invited upstairs in the clubhouse for drinks, followed by some great auctions and prize-giving. Our auctioneer is Jeff Rackley.

Mayor Richard Kempthorne will be our MC and Sir Bob and Susan will face a Q & A session followed by photo opportunities. waterforprosperity.org David Barnes 03 547 4140 or 021 100 28 60

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21

Community Conservation

Dave Wilson and Bea Wiggenhauser at a rata planting for Project Janszoon in the Abel Tasman National Park, photo: Helen Lindsay

Foot-soldiers declare

WAR ON PESTS

From vines in Golden Bay to pines in the Marlborough Sounds, a network of community conservation groups is tackling pests across the Top of the South.

Sophie Preece meets the frontline troops.

Volunteer Dave Wilson planting trees in the Abel Tasman, photo: Helen Lindsay 22

H

illsides cloaked in banana passionfruit, bush-scapes draped in old man’s beard, ridgelines dominated by wilding pines, and bird numbers slashed by predators.

New Zealand’s most invasive pests thrive through tenacity, and the success of one leads to the creation of countless others.

But community groups throughout the Top of the South are showing great tenacity of their own, working in large or small groups to target pests in their own backyard. And just like their nemeses, the success of one leads to the creation of others. Thus are cloaks of vines cut and pasted, wilding pines drilled and poisoned, and predators killed.

“That’s what excites me – the sense of possibility that we can achieve these things,” says ecological consultant Andrew Macalister. “It just makes the whole of the Top of the South a better place to live.”

Andrew is involved in a number of conservation projects in a professional capacity, including the privately funded Project Janszoon in the Abel Tasman National Park, its partner the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, and other efforts in far-flung places, like the D’Urville Island Stoat Eradication Trust.

He says the Top of the South now has too many “environmental foot-soldiers” to count, and too many groups to list, but each is driven by dedicated locals keen to protect their neck of the woods. And in some cases – such as the Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust that Andrew founded eight years ago – it’s the woods that are the problem.

Wilding pine trees have taken root in the Sounds over the past century, and frequently dominate a skyline that should be regenerating native bush. From his beloved family bach in Blackwood Bay, Andrew had long looked out at the despised pines and thought of ways to kill them. In 2007, he and two others decided to act, motivated by new techniques of drilling and poisoning developed by the Department of Conservation and the Forest Research Institute. The required herbicide had come off patent and was a fraction of its previous price, and GPS technology meant the trees could be mapped and targeted by gangs. “All the stars aligned,” says Andrew.

The trio established a trust, mapped areas, created a plan, sourced funding, talked to landowners and started to send contract gangs in to drill a hole in each tree, then insert poison.

Unlike felled trees, which create the perfect pine seedling nursery when they crash to the ground, the poisoned trees die and defoliate while standing, so that natives can emerge beneath.

The trust has spent more than $1.2 million, including funding from the Marlborough District Council and DOC, corporate sponsors such as New Zealand King Salmon and Marlborough Lines, and contributions from private landowners keen to rid their bays of wilding pines.

The project now extends from Queen Charlotte Sound to D’Urville, Kenepuru Sound and the Outer Pelorus.

Its influence spreads wider, spawning similar programmes like one being run by the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust, and has inspired landowners to act. “When I go out there now I see dead trees and think, ‘We didn’t do those ones’. That sense of making things possible is what really excites me. If one group achieves success, it really does provide inspiration to others in the community.”

These days at the bach, Andrew looks over Blackwood Bay to see green bush emerging beneath the skeletal remains of pines. It’s a phenomenal success story that he calls “reclaiming the skyline”.

Chris Rowse has rallied a community in the battle against invasive banana passionfruit vines in Golden Bay

De-Vine intervention On the other side of the Top of the South, another group with another focus is also reclaiming its landscape. This is a community at war with weeds. Three contract crews of Project De-Vine are helping to rid Golden Bay of the invasive banana passionfruit and old man’s beard that chokes bush and bluff.

They’re trained to find, then ’cut and paste’ vines, and to log their progress by GPS, so maps indicate gaps in coverage and provide markers for follow-up control.

Along with their core work on private land, Project De-Vine’s weed warriors undertake Tasman District Council contracts; work for Land Information New Zealand along riverways; for Janszoon, tackling pest weeds inside and bordering Abel Tasman National Park; and for Fonterra, with free assessments and subsidised weed control on farms to assist successful riparian plantings. It’s a massive operation covering about 360 properties and 10,000 hectares, with more being added each year. More than 160,000 vines have been cut manually and many more sprayed.

And it all began with one couple’s battle against the vines colonising their hillside property at Clifton. When Chris Rowse and Silvia Schneider moved to their slice of paradise 16 years ago, they didn’t see the lush green vines, bold purple flowers and juicy yellow fruit as a risk. But when they cleared some away, only to have 50 new seedlings emerge, they realised they had a problem.

“It was down in the gullies, and dotted all over the place, and it was starting to come in thicker each year,” says Chris.

They could take on their own pest plants, but seed flew in from elsewhere, so they began working with their neighbours.

“That’s how it all started, realising we had to encourage people around us.”

They applied for funding in 2009, and Project De-Vine was born. Since then it has formed close ties with the Council and DOC and has received grants from other funding organisations.

The contractors are paid, but the group running the operation 23

Mark Brignole is a Project De-Vine weed warrior. Photo Frank Henning

are volunteers, working to secure funding, create connections, manage the various contracts and motivate the community to follow suit with weed control.

With so many landowners and organisations involved, Chris was relieved that a successful bid to the 2015 DOC Community Fund allowed the group to employ a project manager in October.

That’s just in time for more expansion, with a companion ‘halo’ project taking off in Riwaka and Marahau. “Groups all over the place are getting active,” says Chris. “They’re realising if we don’t do something, it is only going to get worse.”

Casting a halo James Wilson has spent the past three years as part of a 100-strong group of volunteers eradicating rats, mice, stoats and possums from Picton’s Kaipupu Point Widlife Sanctuary, a peninsula cordoned by a predator-proof fence.

In the early days that included clambering up steeps banks to set and check traps. Now the island has a circular public track – so that people can enjoy bush, views and birdsong – along with multiple trapping tracks to make the volunteers’ job far easier.

The resident population of pests has been destroyed, leaving only

new arrivals – possibly swimming to the peninsula – to target.

That success impressed the powers that be, and in early March the sanctuary will become home to relocated South Island robins. Kaipupu Point chairman Barry Maister says that is “incredibly exciting”, and he hopes it won’t be too long before kiwi join them. This will be perfect reward for the volunteer community who organise, resource, educate and manage Kaipupu’s biodiversity plan.

They’re not about to rest on their trap lines, however. Last year James started worrying about the threats beyond the fence.

“It became clear that a halo operation, to clear the land well beyond Kaipupu, was essential for its ultimate survival as a sanctuary.” Kaipupu Point’s Good Neighbours halo programme was already urging Pictonites to plant bird-friendly plants and deter predators, with the notion that you don’t invite guests to dinner then put them on a menu. But James and former DOC employee Siobain Browning, along with a raft of pest-proofers, wanted to cast their net wider.

On advice from DOC’s Darren Peters, they established Picton Dawn Chorus late last year, with a focus on eradicating pest predators in an area of 2000ha surrounding Picton and Kaipupu Point. “The modern trapping technology is improving so fast that

Stoat-busters on D’Urville When Pip Aplin moved to D’Urville Island more than 30 years ago, kiwi lived in the bush behind his house, and breeding kaka visited. These days they’re seldom seen, but Pip is determined to give the island’s birds a fighting chance. He is part of D’Urville Island Stoat Eradication Charitable Trust, which has spent the past 18 months laying a network of traps along the island’s roads, raising funds and commissioning research into the populations of long-tail bats on D’Urville.

The 150-strong trap line recorded 200 kills last year, but will not eradicate the stoats. It’s a first step in getting a handle on numbers, and the main areas of concern. The trust has just received money for more traps, so will extend the project early this year.

24

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Christmas trees are in short supply in the Marlborough Sounds, thanks to Andrew Macalister’s wilding pines project Tom Horn and Terry Stanbridge doing a Project Janszoon wetland bird survey at Marahau. Photo: Ruth Bollongino Forest and Bird volunteers Annette le Cren and Don Pittham planting at Anchorage Pest trapper James Wilson is one of the Top of the South’s many “environmental foot soldiers” Community groups are helping revive the dawn chorus

‘Ultimately I’d love to see all these patches join up to cover as much of Marlborough as we can.’

S I O BA I N B R OW N I N G , P I C TO N DAW N C H O R U S

25

Kaipupu Point chairman Barry Maister says South Island robin will soon be part of the wildlife sanctuary near Picton

‘If one group achieves success, it really

we feel it’s perfectly feasible to reduce pests to virtually zero,” says James. They will start work at the Snout track and Victoria Domain this year, while also working to rally the community using a webpage, Facebook and a public meeting.

Siobain says community-run groups like Kaipupu and Picton Dawn Chorus are “huge” for the conservation effort.

Central funding will never be enough to protect New Zealand’s environment, so “it relies on everyone doing their bit”. The halo projects take the concept a step further, by asking people to make a difference on their own property. “Even people who don’t feel like tramping to the top of a mountain to pick a dead rat out of a trap can do something in their own garden.”

Like the Restoration Trust and De-Vine, new technology is a vital component of the project. Picton Dawn Chorus will use GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to code any traps and their activity on a web-based map. Siobain hopes the home traps sold by Kaipupu’s Good Neighbours will be on the map too, with people able to use their smartphones to pinpoint positions.

She says the work of countless community groups – from an Endeavour Inlet trapping group to the Pelorus Bridge Bat Recovery Programme – create a conservation network.

“Ultimately I’d love to see all these patches join up to cover as much of Marlborough as we can.”

Barry Maister says there’s great potential for community groups to work together and learn from one another. “We are saying, let’s connect all these dots up here … It screams out for co-operation and partnership.” The proliferation of conservation groups is a coming-of-age in New Zealand, he says. “It reflects the fact there’s a growing realisation that over the past 20 or 30 years we have been heading backwards, and that small groups can make a difference.”

26

Power to theinspiration people to others in the does provide

community.’

The role of the community in delivering conservation has taken off in the A past decade, says ecological consultant N D R EW M A C A L I S T E R , Andrew Macalister.

“Everyone recognises that these WILDING PINE NEMESIS community-driven projects are a real strength and they complement what’s being done through DOC and the Council really well.”

The groups tend to have a single focus and dedicated goal, and are generally driven by trusts made up of people from the private sector who are successful in their own right. “So you end up with this outcome-focused organisation that’s very effective at delivering results.”

People who might be wary of government agencies are often open to a community conservation effort, giving the groups greater reach. “If it’s your neighbour or mate saying, ‘This is a problem’, it can open a gate. Weeds and pests don’t respect property boundaries, so to be successful you need good reach, and community groups very often can deliver that.”

Andrew emphasises that community groups don’t replace the work done by DOC, but seek to fill in the gaps.

“The fact of the matter is that an organisation like DOC will never be able to achieve everything it would like to through the money it gets annually. It’s very much about being complementary.”

All three Councils in the Top of the South are working to co-ordinate the efforts of conservation groups, and more money is available now than ever before, with the Government and other funding agencies realising how important such initiatives can be, says Andrew. “That is part of the success story as well.”

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Creating a modern business landscape

Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe me maunga teitei

Pursue that which is precious, and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty mountain

P HO T O G R A P H Y BY I S H NA JAC OB S

T

op of the South iwi Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō has built strong relationships with accountants RWCA and IT firm BlueBerryIT to carry good old-fashioned values into a dynamic future.

With a rohe (tribal area) that stretches from the Marlborough Sounds to Nelson Lakes, over to the Kawatiri (Buller) and up to Farewell Spit, and business interests that include investment, fishing, aquaculture, property and tourism, the iwi says its ‘office space’ is huge, “and comes with some pretty amazing views”.

The Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust represents the interests of 2800 iwi members, who expect robust 28

and credible financial reporting, effective budget control and clear accountabilities in the management of iwi wealth. Likewise, solid IT infrastructure has enabled the iwi to use the latest technologies and software to improve workplace efficiency and productivity across the board.

Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust’s relationship with RWCA is relatively recent at around 12 months, but the iwi identified with a company whose reputation for excellence and quality of service is founded on trust earned over the course of generations. The nature of those accounting services has changed massively, of course, from pencil and ledger to ‘cloud’ wizardry.

RWCA is a leading Xero Partner and a Gold Partner with CrunchBoards Reporting, both of which save time and money whilst tracking business performance, plus allowing the flexibility to work from anywhere. “The Trust’s operational team has more time to work on projects, whilst entrusting the compliance part of the business to us,” says RWCA. (The accountants, formerly Richards Woodhouse, have their own long links to Nelson, tracing their genealogy way back to Prosser, Alborough and Richards.)

For their part, BlueBerryIT partnered with the Trust last year to upgrade their IT systems. This delivered better productivity, greater security and more flexibility in IT

BUSINESS PROFILE

*No kai moana was taken from this location

“it is important that our business and trading partners embrace our culture and our Maori world view so we can move forward together in a positive, progressive spirit of understanding and mutual respect”.

Left page: Manoli Aerakis (RWCA), Shane Pene(Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō) Right page: Butch Bradley (Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō), Allan Willoughby (BlueBerryIT), Richard Butler (BlueBerryIT), Amy Martin (RWCA)

B U TC H B R A D L EY

services. The Trust now has a solid platform for growth and development, says BlueBerryIT, which also enjoys commercial relationships with many other iwi trusts across the region.

“These relationships have extended to our support of initiatives such as Computers-in-Homes, and driving greater digital adoption and use among all groups in the community.”

BlueBerryIT, with offices in Nelson and Blenheim, specializes in delivering Microsoft Office 365 solutions to commercial clients. They are focused on Cloud based business solutions.The firm has been recognised by the Nelson/Tasman Chamber of Commerce in 2008, 2011 & 2014 with awards for Emerging Business, Service

Excellence and Mid-Size Business.

Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō Trust taps into state-of-the-art technology, but says “it is important that our business and trading partners embrace our culture and our Maori world view so we can move forward together in a positive, progressive spirit of understanding and mutual respect”. The Trust also has a keen sense of place, and is “pleased to be working with, and supporting, locallybased companies committed to providing quality, professional services to an extremely high standard”.

It’s a quiet success story that melds three business entities towards a common goal. The relationship spans not just cultures, but uses the future to preserve the past. Valuable traditions now rest securely on a sound financial base.

Contact BlueBerry IT Nelson Office (03)­548 4923 Blenheim Office (03)­577 9530 blueberryit.co.nz RWCA Level 3, Whitby House, 7 Alma Street, Nelson 03 548 2369 rwcanelson.co.nz Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō 0800 578 900 ngatiapakiterato.iwi.nz 78 Seymour Street, Blenheim

29

Rocks Road

A Rocky Road The big trucks roaring along Nelson’s waterfront are killing its potential as a recreational hub

30

The

sun glints on the sea beside Rocks Rd at midday on an average Tuesday in summer.

School’s out and that holiday vibe is starting to resonate around Nelson. It’s that time of the year when you glance at the young people running round in their short shorts and think for one fleeting second that it might be fun to be that age again.

Whoosh – a passing heavy haulage truck shatters the daydream. Welcome to Nelson’s waterfront.

You could expect the waterfront to be teeming at this time of year. And it is – but not with people walking, cycling or heading for cafes. Instead it’s bumper-to-bumper traffic. During the course of one minute, 22 vehicles pass in one direction, 24 in the other. There’s personal vehicles with one person travelling from A to B, service vans, logging trucks, company cars, campervans, fully laden SUVs – the list goes on – and just one person on a bicycle. No pedestrians. Crossing the road is like playing a real life game of Frogger.

This is fairly typical state highway traffic, because Nelson’s waterfront is home to SH6. The longest single stretch of highway in the country takes traffic from Blenheim, through to Nelson, down the West Coast, over the Haast Pass into Central Otago and Queenstown, and then finishing in Invercargill for the hardy souls who venture that far south.

State highways are owned and maintained by the Government because they are strategically important in enabling goods and people to move nationwide. The Government roading agency, NZTA, is ultra-cautious about allowing other activities to take place on highway routes because they might hinder the free-flow of traffic.

That restriction is frustrating the hell out of Nelson’s political leaders. “It has to be the most under-performing waterfront in New Zealand,’’ says Nelson Mayor Rachel Reese.

“I look at the transformation that has gone on in cities around New Zealand in the last 18 years and we are back-of-thebunch in terms of unlocking our waterfront potential.’’

Rachel says even Oamaru has done a better job of this than Nelson.

“I call it the ‘Nelson syndrome of complacency’. We are blessed with a pretty wonderful environment but we treat our waterfront with a terrible lack of respect.”

The Mayor’s vision is for the waterfront to be a recreational and tourism hub for the region; a place that connects people with the sea and tells the story of our home. For starters, she would like to see the 50km/h speed limit reduced to 40km/h, multiple pedestrian crossings for people to access the water, wider and safer cycle and walkways, the development of more tourism activities, more carparking and restrictions on heavy vehicle use.

“It’s not just about the activities you put down there and the buildings you put around it. I would love for us to be able to have waterfront festivals down there. I’d love for us to be able to close the road more often than we do and be able to put cycle races down there, or have fireworks over the waterfront on New Year’s Eve and things like that. It would be fantastic.’’

In reality, the state highway status puts “major constraints’’ on any waterfront activities or developments, says Rachel.

NZTA “seriously opposed” the Sands Development at the Tahunanui end of Rocks Rd several years ago because they

Rachel Reese

‘It has to be the most under-performing waterfront in New Zealand.’

M AYO R R A C H E L R E E S E

feared the extra people and activity would hinder the efficiency of the highway. Rachel says “that’s their job’’ and she applauds them for it because as an exporting region, our economy relies on efficient highways.

Nelson City Council has progressively bought a group of buildings at the city end of the waterfront. These include the historic Anchor building, the Four Seasons building and the Reliance Engineering shed. The idea is to develop the precinct into a recreation hub that links city and sea.

The Council also owns the landmark powerhouse building further along the waterfront. It has been identified as a potential location for a fisheries museum and marine education centre, but Rachel has other ideas for it as well.

“It sits out over the sea and I would really like to see us develop that space into a public venue space and have boulevard jetties that go right around it. If you’ve ever walked out on the jetty of the Plant & Food building, it’s an amazing feeling. I would love Nelsonians to have that opportunity.’’

The question is, can the Council do these things if the waterfront remains home to a state highway? That’s where the proposed Southern Link comes in.

It would provide a new arterial route running from Port Nelson, along St Vincent St, through Victory and the Railway Reserve to Beatson St and the Annesbrook roundabout, where it would again link with SH6 through to Richmond and beyond.

This potential highway has been on the drawing board since the 31

TOP and LEFT: An artist’s impression of a future Rocks Road RIGHT: The current route of State Highway 6 along Rocks Road and the proposed route of the Southern Link in red

1960s. A deal was done when the Stoke bypass was constructed in 1998 to leave this last section of the road until more money became available in a future budget.

Opponents of the Southern Link argue that Nelson doesn’t need another arterial route, and least of all one that runs through Victory, one of the poorer areas of Nelson. In 2004 the Environment Court ruled against the highway, citing pollution, noise and safety concerns.

More studies were done and new environmental measures have come into force – woodburners banned, tougher vehicle emission standards, programmes to encourage cycling and carpooling. The Southern Link idea never disappeared, as some hoped it might. Public opinion polls consistently find more than 32

60% of respondents want the route to proceed.

Just before the last General Election in 2013, the Government announced the Southern Link would be further investigated as part of the Accelerated Regional Roading Package. In plain English, it was firmly back on the drawing board.

The first stage in that process was completed when NZTA released its Southern Link Investigation Strategic Case late last year, which determined if there was a case for investment.

It found two key problems: peak-hour congestion on Nelson’s existing arterial routes (Rocks Rd and Waimea Rd); and walking and cycling on Rocks Rd are constrained by substandard infrastructure.

Traffic volumes on Rocks Rd have remained relatively agendas.” consistent for the last 10 years. It carries about 20,000 vehicles Tourism NZ Chair Kerry Prendergast, the former Wellington a day. Waimea Rd carries a bit under 25,000 vehicles daily. Its Mayor whose Council was responsible for developing a beach on traffic volumes declined slightly after 2007 but increased again Oriental Parade, is a big fan of waterfront boulevards. last year.

“People love to access the water, not just look at it,’’ she says.

NZTA’s strategic case quantified that addressing congestion “They want to touch it, feel it and smell it. What you have to and accessibility problems on Rocks and Waimea Rds would: make sure is that there are multiple access points and they are reduce journey times (35% benefit), boost regional economic easily accessible, and that once people get there, there are lots of growth and productivity (35%), improve community safety and things to do.’’ wellbeing (15%) and improve tourism and recreation (15%).

Having a vibrant waterfront is a “great quality-of-life factor” This paved the way for NZTA to start looking at the best mix for local residents and an added attraction for tourists – the of alternatives and options for Nelson’s transport network. economic benefit of which Kerry can’t put a figure on.

NZTA agree that the future of the waterfront is intricately “It is part of what I call foundation infrastructure. Most of linked to the Southern Link plans. That’s why the agency’s the costs are borne by the ratepayers and they get most of the Central Region Director, Raewyn Bleakley, won’t be interviewed benefits.’’ about Nelson’s waterfront – she doesn’t want to “enter into Kerry is too politically savvy to be drawn into Nelson’s speculation” pending the outcome of the Southern Link debate over whether the highway needs to shift in order to have investigations. a successful waterfront boulevard. However, she makes the point Asked whether recreational boulevards can that Wellington’s Oriental Parade still operates co-exist with state highways, Raewyn says “this as the alternative state highway route used by depends on the roading environment in question”. trucks, and there are options like boardwalks “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. All and reclamation that enable that all-important roading environments are different and need to connection with the sea. be treated on their merits. There are numerous Most importantly, Kerry says, it takes boulevard-type roading environments but Rocks councillors with “foresight and courage’’ to make Rd needs to be treated individually as it has a these things happen. She recalls when her Council number of distinct characteristics, such as its proposed establishing a beach on Oriental Parade, space constraints and the proximity to cliffs.” opponents were against the cost and claimed that Nelson City Councillor Matt Lawrey, a keen only wealthy waterfront dwellers would benefit. cyclist who is staunchly opposed to the Southern Experience has shown that the beach is enjoyed by Matt Lawrey Link, agrees the waterfront needs to be safer and people from all over Wellington and, if anything, more appealing for people to cycle and walk along. the complaint now is that there aren’t enough He finds it “unfortunate” that its development is carparks for all the people it attracts, she says. being “held up” by the Southern Link investigation.

Nelson MP Nick Smith is convinced there are The waterfront will always be a very busy “substantial economic benefits” to be gained from stretch of road, regardless of the Southern developing Nelson’s waterfront into a recreational Link, Matt says, citing a 2010 traffic study that boulevard. concluded the new arterial route would reduce “There would be few waterfronts in the waterfront traffic by 20 to 35 percent. world that would match it for natural beauty, and “It’s important that people get their heads I’ve always felt that Nelson needs to do more to around this because it’s largely going to determine enhance it for both residents and visitors.’’ what is possible down there.”

Nick is worried by complaints he hears from Matt admits the waterfront would “be better if Nelson visitors about traffic jams on Rocks Rd. Kerry Prendergast it didn’t have heavy trucks on it”, but he doesn’t see “I know of some people who don’t come any reason why NZTA can’t impose a 40km/h speed anymore purely because of that. Nelson is known as limit. He has reservations about structures extending out from a relaxing, beautiful place to visit. Congestion is the antithesis the present coastline because of the physical impact that would of that. have, but believes a shared pathway – similar to that proposed in “Everywhere else is constantly upgrading facilities and a previous study – could work. infrastructure. What’s good enough in the past isn’t good enough Chris Allison, of lobby group Bicycle Nelson Bays, says the for the future. If we don’t change, we die.’’ existing waterfront footpath is too narrow to accommodate even Nick is a long-time advocate of the Southern Link and a double buggy in some places. Removing the state highway sees it as crucial to developing the waterfront into the type of would provide only an extra metre of carriageway around the recreational boulevard that people desire. “The only practical waterfront. Some sort of physical extension would probably still way that the Southern Link – with a bill in the order of $40m – be required to create sufficient space for walking and cycling in can be funded is with state highway money. I can’t see a scenario places. where the Council could fund that sort of roading infrastructure, “If all you did was pull the state highway off, it’s more than nor should it if its purpose is to be a thoroughfare.’’ just a paint job that’s required.’’

Nick also argues that developing a new arterial route will Although Chris is not a fan of having a new state highway aid the region’s resilience to natural disasters such as storms, constructed in a built-up area, NZTA “may come up with some earthquakes and even climate change. “Sea level rises will, over really good ways of making that work’’, he says. the course of a century, make Rocks Rd more vulnerable. That is “It comes down to what can be afforded. It’s a really less of an issue if it is a visitor and slow route than if it is a vital interesting project – there’s so many conflicting values and arterial.”

33

Photo: Ana Galloway

Nick Smith

‘If we don’t change, we die.’

MP NICK SMITH SEES THE SOUTHERN LINK AS CRUCIAL

The Government announced last year that it was making $3m available for a cycleway to be developed along Rocks Rd. Together with $12.8m from NZTA and $4.5m from Nelson City Council, this creates a total funding pool of $20.3m to develop a waterfront ride linking Nelson city to the popular Tasman Great Taste Trail.

Nick says that money has effectively been ring-fenced pending the outcome of the Southern Link investigation. Asked what would happen to it if the Southern Link doesn’t proceed, he says: “It doesn’t completely kill the proposed cycleway but it generates a bit of a nightmare about how it can be accommodated within the existing corridor. Something has to give. Either buildings like the Boatshed and the Boat House have to move or parking is lost or the road further encroaches on the beach and rocks.

“I’ve got real doubts as to whether it would be viable without the Southern Link.”

Mayor Reese says NZTA has been working on the idea of adding a recreational boulevard to the highway and is yet to inform the Council what the latest costings are. She suspects they will have increased since the last estimate of $12-16m.

“You can do it but in a compromised way. I think it’s time for Nelson to stop compromising and unlock that potential that’s there. This is, from my point of view, the last chance we have to do this right.”

34

Photo: Sam Collins, Eyecloud Aerial Photography Ltd

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La Verita (Photo: Viviana Cangialosi)

NZ Festival

Three decades of stunning The New Zealand Festival marks a big anniversary with a big line-up.

Martyn Pepperell talks to artistic director Shelagh Magadza and explores the highlights.

36

The

New Zealand Festival clocks up three decades this year with a programme as good as they’ve ever had. Since 1986, the biennial event has provided New Zealanders with memorable and affecting encounters between artists and audiences.

Held this time between February 26 and March 20 over 21 venues, the festival is divided into categories that include Family, Theatre, Dance, Music, Writers’ Week and Visual Arts, making for a well-rounded experience. Where else are you going to catch performances from American indie legends Sufjan Stevens and Calexico, watch world-class acrobatics set to a Salvador Dali backdrop, witness writer/film-maker Miranda July in a multimedia conversation, or gaze upon Camille Henrot’s visual history of the universe.

Festival artistic director Shelagh Magadza names her own programme highlights as Tanztheater Wuppertal’s Pina Bausch; jazz musician Wynton Marsalis; composer John Psathas, Jasmine Millet and Matthew Knight’s No Man’s Land; The Flying Nun Dunedin Double Bill; and a rare concert performance from D’Angelo.

WildTomato: This marks the 30th birthday of the New Zealand Festival. Why do you think it is important that we continue to have these festivals?

Shelagh Magadza: That’s a really good question. It’s a 30th anniversary question and one we pondered quite a bit. One of the things someone told me once is that the two best festivals to have jobs at are the New Zealand Festival in Wellington, and the Festival of the Arts in Perth. I would like to make a distinction about what makes these festivals so important – in Wellington and Perth, these festivals really matter.

WT: Why do you think they matter more in these cities than in others?

SM: In the bigger cities, where more happens and there is traffic all year round, the festivals aren’t as vital. We debated the impact of this in the context of whether we should stay biennial or go annual. In the end, we felt the big impact of having the festival every two years made more of a tangible difference to the city, the way people feel about living here, and their view of the arts. We’re keeping the same model, but we’re not going to be complacent about repeating ourselves.

I think it’s still very important that there are live experiences that bring people together physically. I’m someone who grew up with a big extended family within the Catholic Church. I don’t have that around me anymore, but I still feel we need that sense of being gathered together to share collective experiences and make collective memories. This is perhaps more vital than ever right now.

WT: What do you think are the big challenges for the festival moving forward?

SM: The big challenge for institutions like ours is to open themselves up to a greater diversity of voices than is represented currently. This diversity may come in ways we don’t expect as well. We may find we can develop more distinctive local voices through digital or new media, as opposed to traditional media.

We have to not get complacent, and stay endlessly curious.

Curiosity really matters.

It’s also really important that the festival continues to be a space for ideas to be discussed, aired and contested in a good, healthy and beautiful way. Again, it’s a question of diversity, but a diversity of how ideas are presented. You’ve got to make people curious.

‘We need that sense of being gathered together to share collective experiences and make collective memories.’

SHELAG H MAGADZA

WT: What does it take for an overseas artist to be included in the programming?

SM: It’s a balance between aspiration and practicality. There is a well-established network of cultural institutions and festivals that we would like to think promote what we see as leading contemporary arts practices internationally. There is an international recognition of the level of these artists. At the same there is a lot of pragmatics that sit behind this in terms of touring seasons, in particular countries included, and how much we share with Australian or Hong Kong [festival] presenters.

Also what we think audiences will like. It’s a balance of all these things.

The nature of these festivals, particularly the Australians, is they are trying to do something that works for everybody. One of our strengths is that we’re able to attract a mass audience, but that is also a hindrance in that you can’t hone in on one idea or topic. At the same time I hope people cross-pollinate because of that – that they try things from different areas they maybe wouldn’t see otherwise.

WT: What does it take for a local artist to make the line-up?

SM: This being the tough world of the arts, the first thing [they need to do] is to survive as an artist in New Zealand. That’s a big thing for a lot of people, actually establishing that professional life. The second thing is this: what the festival is trying to do with its programming is give New Zealand artists opportunities above and beyond what they do year-round. They should have a track record of being able to execute ambitious ideas. We are also looking for cultural distinctiveness because in the end the festival does become a platform globally. A lot of [overseas] people look to our programmes for stuff to take elsewhere, so it does need to be distinctively New Zealand.

WT: What do you think being included in the festival should represent for a local artist?

37

‘We are very lucky – there are very few of these kinds of festivals in the world.’

SHELAG H MAGADZA

SM: I’m thinking of two artists when I answer this question: [theatre company] Trick of the Light Productions and [dance choreographer] Douglas Wright. For someone like Douglas it is recognition as a senior artist with an international reputation.

Also, as an independent artist he doesn’t have access to the resources of a ballet company or a dance company. It’s a significant opportunity for him to make a work of scale. The independent artists really are the worst off. For him I hope it’s an ongoing endorsement for his work.

At the other end of the spectrum, Trick of the Light have had a great degree of success at the Fringe [festival] level. They sold out Edinburgh Fringe this year, and did really well at the Perth Fringe Festival with their show The Bookbinder. They have been developing a very unique Wellington aesthetic with a handcraft feel. I hope they think this is an opportunity to expose their work to a wider audience. People who come to the festival don’t necessarily go out to much throughout the year. I also hope we provide enough support for them to take another step up in terms of production values and ambition.

WT: Speaking within the context of what you do with the festival and see around you as a result, what is your take on where Wellington is at right now?

SM: I still think that as an artistic environment – and I’m not saying cultural environment – Wellington is a fantastic city, and the people who come here from outside comment on that a lot.

It’s good to be reminded of that when you are crying into your cups of coffee about the little things. I think we are short on a few infrastructure things. Areas like music and film are all thriving, but for the emerging independent sector, times are quite hard – some more than others. It’s hard for people to grow their own professional development or resources around making more substantial work here. That is the endless dilemma in a city this size.

With that being said, it should not be underestimated how much is achieved here. I’m not trying to be a publicity machine here, and I know there are things you can criticise, but our festival is the third best performing festival in our region. The order goes Sydney, Perth and Wellington. We really sell tickets here. That speaks of a really engaged population, and that is a real treasure you’d never want to fuck up. It’s also good to keep challenging yourself.

All of these festivals have evolved over time. The first one started in Perth in the 1950s post-World War II, during the colonial situation, before evolving through the ideas of nationhood we went through in the 1970s, leading to where we are now in the 21st century. That’s the interesting bit for me or whoever comes after me to address: where things go next. We are very lucky – there are very few of these kinds of festivals in the world. The fact that the city has sustained this for 30 years is a real privilege. When you get to places that don’t have them, you can really see the tangible benefits here.

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OUR PICKS FOR THE NZ FESTIVAL LE GRAND CONTINENTAL Fri Feb 26, 8.30pm Civic Square Free entry Orchestrated by French-Canadian choreographer Sylvain Emard, Le Grand Continental is a half-hour mass dance performance extravaganza. Bringing together 150 local amateur dancers between the ages of 10 and 70, this work has previously been performed in Canada, the US, Mexico and Korea, but this will be the first time it has been presented here. Afterwards, attendees are invited to join a giant freestyle dance party with music from Chocolate Box Deluxe.

FOR THE BIRDS March 3-19 (expect Mon), 8-10.15pm; sessions every 15 minutes Otari-Wilton’s Bush Ticketed From the makers of 2014 festival hit Power Plant, For The Birds is a collaboration by a group of New Zealand artists to create a unique walk-though art experience in the native forest of OtariWilton’s Bush. It’s looking to be one of the most family-friendly events on the festival programme, and given the importance of native birds to the Kiwi bush experience, a pretty special time.

DEAD DOG IN A SUITCASE Fri-Sat Feb 26-27, 8pm. Sunday Feb 28, 1.30pm and 7.30pm Monday Feb 29 – Wed Mar 2, 7pm Opera House Ticketed Tony Award-nominated performers Kneehigh are back with a new show, The Beggar’s Opera. Following on from Tristan & Yseult (2006) and The Wild Bride (2012), this time they re-imagine John Gay’s bawdy 18th-century musical satire The Beggar’s Opera.

Retooled with a new score that features Renaissance polyphony, folk, heavy metal, ska, grime and dubstep, it’s looking to be an explosive and energetic event.

THE CONTACT FESTIVAL PLAYGROUND Saturday Feb 27 – Sat Mar 19 (except Mondays), 2-10pm Frank Kitts Park Free entry In celebration of their 30th anniversary, the New Zealand Festival is building a wonderful family fairground for the enjoyment of both the young and the young-at-heart. Running in the afternoons and evenings, the fairground will feature handcranked rides made from recycled materials, an exhibition of Buddhist “prayer flag” inspired flags created by New Zealand schoolchildren, and a selection of food trucks curated by Wellington On a Plate.

RIVER OF FUNDAMENT Saturday Mar 19, 6pm Embassy Theatre Ticketed New York visual artist Matthew Barney’s latest feature film, nearly six hours long, is an adaptation of Norman Mailer’s novel Ancient Evenings, mixing cinematic storytelling with filmed sculpture, theatre and performance. Barney collaborated with composer Jonathan Bepler to re-imagine Mailer’s story of naughty Egyptian gods and the seven stages of reincarnation. Set against the backdrop of the rise and fall of the American car industry, and featuring the likes of Maggie Gyllenhaal and Paul Giamatti, it’s the sort of work that could only be staged locally by the festival.

Photo: Robert Torres

Le Grand Continental For The Birds

The Contact Festival Playground

River of Fundament

Photo: Steve Tanner

Dead Dog In A Suitcase

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Both sides now

40 Photo: Rahi Rezvani

The ACB with Honora Lee

Photo: JohnMcDermott

Photo: Rahi Rezvani

Speed of Light

Te Po

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Photo: Rahi Rezvani

41

BUSINESS PROFILE

Local expertise, global reach

BY BOB IRVINE

K

ate Bradley gives her RE/MAX Elite agents a lot of rope. “I don’t expect people to be here at halfpast 8 and leave at half-past 5. This is not that kind of job. Salespeople work hard and are self-motivated.”

Companies do not usually become a global giant in a little over 40 years by adopting such a flexible culture, but that’s exactly what attracted Kate to pick up the Nelson franchise six years ago. RE/MAX does things differently.

“Nobody babysits you – unless you want it.” Since her eight sales agents are self-employed, the result is a remarkable mix of highly personal service within the collective knowledge, marketing expertise and reach of a vast network – 100,000 agents in nearly 100 countries.

Kate can sum up the culture she instils in a word: respect. “That applies to salespeople as well as our clients.

42

With vendors, you are asking people to give you their confidence for at least three months. You need to work as a team with them. The vendor needs to know what’s going to happen from day to day.”

Properties are selling much faster at present, and Kate makes no secret that, like other companies, she would love to have “more listings, more agents and more rental properties – then my life would be perfect”.

The Nelson RE/MAX property management division opened in Bridge St in 2014. After a big renovation and expansion of the main sales office at 7 Haven Rd, the rental division has now joined them. This provides a one-stop property shop. Rental owners can have their asset managed efficiently, and when the time comes, sold just as efficiently.

Kate says having the two divisions

side by side gives a wider perspective.

If a rental house sale is in the offing, the property management team can liaise with the sales team to make the transaction as smooth as possible.

Real estate is a dynamic industry.

When Kate signed on 24 years ago, “we were only just starting to use the fax machine! Now we receive emails from Italy, Spain, Turkey and Britain, among a host of other countries. If an overseas buyer logs on to the global.remax.com website, the currency and language

“I have to tell clients everything I know about a property, by law. It’s all about disclosure.

A private seller doesn’t have to tell you squat.”

BUSINESS PROFILE

used can be converted for the viewer.”

Branches are sprinkled throughout New Zealand, and Kate says cooperation within the total group is excellent. If she is making national or overseas inquiries on behalf of a client who is relocating, she deals with an agent who knows the local territory well. The same applies with incoming queries. Nelson properties now commonly sell to overseas clients who are attracted by the website photos, so a trusted agent on the ground becomes crucial.

With access to DIY internet sales options, why use an agent at all?

Protection, says Kate, who can cite plenty of sobering evidence to back that argument. Firstly, the Real Estate Agents Authority is a watchdog to “make sure people do the job properly, and that’s a good thing”.

Secondly, “I have to tell clients everything I know about a property, by

law. It’s all about disclosure. A private seller doesn’t have to tell you squat.”

In extreme cases, former ‘meth houses’ have been sold – after a fresh coat of paint – with no hint of their shady past for the buyer. “If the property is listed with a licensed agent, then such facts have to be passed on to the buyer. There is no hiding the shonky stuff.

“When you use an agent you have some protection. There is no more ‘Let the buyer beware’.”

As owner-manager of the Nelson franchise, Kate spends most of her time supporting the team. Her specialist area, section sales, remains where her heart lies, and she still gets a buzz driving past an established subdivision and thinking, “Wow, look at this. I helped to do this.” She laughs when conceding that the developer did have the major role.

“The thrill of the chase” – gaining the listing first, and then completing

the sale to the benefit of all concerned – has kept her in the job. Referrals from past clients are a big part of her business. “It’s a special thing to now be selling houses to the grown-up children of former clients.” In nearly a quartercentury in the trade, through the highs and lows of the property market, her passion remains undimmed.

Contact

7 Haven Road, Nelson 03 548 7705 office@remax-elite.co.nz remax.co.nz

43

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50

S HOE OF T H E MON T H

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51

B E AU T Y

Beauty is attitude

BY SADIE BECKMAN P HO T O BY I S H NA JAC OB S HAIR BY CARDELLS MAKEUP BY KO COSMETICS

Kylie Taikato K ylie Taikato believes in putting her best face forward in all areas of her life. The busy real estate agent, mother of three teens and Nelson local enjoys making an effort with her style, yet she says no matter what you wear, true beauty is actually an attitude.

“When I see people who are confident, rocking their own style with individuality and a smile, that’s when I see beauty,” she says.

52

For Kylie, an active lifestyle is as much a part of her beauty routine as any product. A keen mountain-biker, trail runner, volleyball and football player, she relies on the benefits she gains from exercising to reduce stress and keep a sense of balance in her life.

“I play with a women’s football team called the Mapua Cougars,” she laughs.

“They’re a great bunch of ladies and we have a lot of fun, which is really important.

I tend to focus on health, both physical and mental, and exercise is an important part of beauty for me, feeling fit and strong gives me energy.”

Kylie’s real estate role at New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty means she interacts with clients and colleagues throughout her working day, marketing and selling a range of highend and quality properties throughout the Nelson region. Presenting a professional and stylish look is part of the job and something she enjoys.

“I like to dress nicely and get involved with the busy ‘vibe’ in central Nelson, where our office is,” she says.

“In the past I’ve worked as a teacher, and with all the years of being a mother to young children, Playcentre and all of that, it’s nice that now I have a career where I get to create a more polished look for myself.”

It doesn’t have to involve a complex routine though, and Kylie keeps her beauty regimen simple yet effective.

“I always cleanse and moisturise, I avoid products with parabens and toxins, I have a fairly quick routine,” she says.

“I like Olay moisturiser and Bio Oil for body, face or hands. Pretty much everything I use can be bought at a regular supermarket or pharmacy.”

For her naturally curly hair, Kylie uses a scrunch product to maintain her style, but otherwise she embraces what nature gave her.

“I could sit there with the straighteners but it would take so much time and really, it’s about working with what you’ve got,” she says.

And that seems to be the mantra of those who, like Kylie, seem to have the beauty thing worked out. Putting your best face forward is as much about what’s inside you as what’s on the outside, so if you can follow her example, stay active, healthy and happy, as well as take pride in yourself and your appearance, you’ve almost certainly got beauty covered, in its truest sense.

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53

MY HOME

Clean & green in Pigeon Valley 1

BY BRENDA WEBB

With considerable input from owners Peter and Alison Warren, and the expertise of professionals, the construction of a Pigeon Valley house has resulted in an impressive home that embraces passive technology

54

2

1. Clean lines provide a minimalist mood echoed by simple but effective landscaping 2. The pitched overhang allows winter sun in but keeps the house cool in summer 3. Seemingly endless sliding doors and a wide patio provide wonderful outdoor living

“It’s

green without being over the top,” says Peter.

“I did the floor plan myself as I knew what we wanted in so far as layout, then I took it to Jamie Harrington at Hybrid Homes. Our thoughts and ideas fitted perfectly with his, particularly the emphasis on being green.”

The house sits beautifully on a 2.8ha bush and farmland block with the views made all the more enticing through extensive use of sliding doors and windows.

Minimalist in appearance on the exterior and clever use of colour and furnishings inside has resulted in a warm, comfortable and much loved family home.

Originally from Canterbury where they farmed, Peter and Alison moved to Nelson in 1996, buying the block of land in Pigeon Valley and moving into the original two storey homestead that was built in 1887.

“It was old and draughty, the glass in the double hung windows was 3ml thick with a huge gap - it was not very efficient,” says Peter. “We went from one extreme to another with this house.”

The couple had always wanted to build a new house but hadn’t thought too hard about where that would be. It was only when others in the area began subdividing they realised that they had the perfect building site right under their noses.

“We love the valley and so when the chance came up we subdivided and kept a block for ourselves – essentially we built in the back paddock,” says Peter.

Living in a warm and energy efficient house was a primary

3

concern, so untreated Oregon timber frames were used to allow thicker walls. Insulation in the walls and ceilings is double the standard council regulations – in the ceiling two layers of wool batts were used resulting in a 30cm thick pile.

Underfloor insulation comes from a 10cm pad of polystyrene and concrete while external walls are a mix of plaster and fibreboard.

Doors and windows are double glazed with thermal bridging used throughout. An exposed concrete pad runs along inside the front of the house capturing the winter sun and releasing it at night.

The 252sq m house does have a very effective log burner with a wetback and a heat pump, but because of the insulation and passive heating properties, the heat pump is seldom used.

Inside the Warrens kept to a neutral scheme using ‘three shades of grey’ throughout and allowing their colourful art, impressive American white oak parquet floors and treasured antiques to add character.

The mono pitched roof is designed with an overhang to ensure winter sun floods the house but the hot summer sun is kept at bay.

Right along the front of the house is a large exposed aggregate patio which provides plenty of space for outdoor living. Landscaping was kept simple in line with the house’s modern and clean lines with a large rockwall, heavy timbers and tussocks featuring.

“It’s a very comfortable and easy house to live in,” says Peter.

“If we did it all again there is very little we would change.”

55

MY HOME

4 5

6

4. Peter laid the stunning American white oak parquet floor himself 5. The functional kitchen follows the house’s clean lines philosophy 6. Huge sliding doors open up completely to allow true indoor/outdoor flow from the parquet floor dining area to the paved patio outside 7. Double dish drawers, a walk-in pantry and huge island bench add to the kitchen’s charm

7

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MY HOME

8 9

8

8. An antique dresser and a stunning painting of the Warren girls add character and colour 9. A long hallway is used effectively as a photo gallery 10. Parquet floor meets exposed concrete at the entranceway 11. A feature wall and timber cabinetry add texture and colour to the bathroom

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MY GARDEN

From blank canvas to 1

BUSH GARDEN 1

BY CHRISTO SAGGERS

W

hen I was commissioned to design a new garden on a blank canvas by Pam Milne at her new Waikawa home about four years ago, the brief was short – a traditional ordered English garden. What resulted could not have been further from this brief.

The large two-story house stole over half the section leaving me with a little bare land that sloped gently away to the sea. With a natural backdrop of the dense foliage on the snout my aim was to link her garden with this borrowed landscape.

It was not going to be easy as a multitude of multicoloured roofs stood in my way.

Pam, a retired farmer from the Kekerengu coast, changed her mind and wanted a natural bush garden that would keep her ties to the coast alive. The small garden needed to be made as big as possible to recreate the feeling of space that she once had.

I designed a koru shaped, three dimensional Kwila boardwalk from the patio spiraling down to a fire pit, through the ever-changing foliage of the lush bush that dominates the Marlborough Sounds and beyond.

60

There are multiple offshoots from the deck to access various parts of the garden.

Steps cut through swathes of ferns and native broom to reach a sheltered picnic table. Another gravel path leads to the clematis-covered gazebo where Pam finds time to enjoy the tuis that frequent this native paradise.

Gravel paths twist and turn their way through the kowhai, titoki, harakeke, houpara, kapuka and ti kouka. These grand specimens are dwarfed in interest by their lesser known, more interesting cousins that inhabit the lower levels of this regenerating native bush garden.

Scleranthus, Muelhenbeckia, Chatham Island forget-me-nots melee with countless native ground covers and ferns.

This garden surprises on so many levels. It is so small in space yet so large in variety and great in survival.

There must be something special in the soil as a huge variety of native plants thrive. Dry climate broom and Marlborough rock daisies snuggle up to moisture loving dwarf toetoe and Carex secta.

Perhaps the clay clings to the natural

moisture in just the right amounts to allow both these types to thrive or perhaps it’s Darwinism in action?

This is my favourite garden. It is neither the biggest nor the grandest, it is not the smallest nor the meekest but it sits so well with me that I feel at home in it. It is calming and spiritual and there is contrast in colour and form that bedazzles.

The perfume from the cabbage trees is intoxicating.

It achieves much more than a visitor might think possible. It is private but inviting – being home to many birds such as tuis and bellbirds.

The planting combinations were well considered and the results are spectacular – it is a gardener’s garden but strangely without too much upkeep so Pam can spend far more time enjoying it than tending it.

From the upstairs patio one gets to appreciate the compact nature of the garden, as on the ground it feels huge.

There is so much to see and do here that visitors, of which there are plenty, can get lost in their thoughts although not lost in the bush, thankfully.

Pam, a retired farmer from the Kekerengu coast, changed her mind and wanted a natural bush garden that would keep her ties to the coast alive

2 1. An elevated view from the upper terrace offers a bird’s eye perspective on the 3D garden. The hardwood boardwalk curves its way through the native plantings adding structure and order to the wild 2. From the ground the boardwalk vanishes into the illusion of thick bush. From every angle this small garden tricks the eye making the brain feel cut off from civilisation but in reality it is only metres away 3. A haven for birds was a key part of the brief. The variety of native plants attracts Tui’s and Bell Birds year round. Occasionally a Keruru will drop by for lunch. With these plants there is a year round supply of nectar, fruit and insects that allow birds to create breeding nests and a permanent presence 4. In another few years the boundary fences and the neighbours’ roofs will be excluded from the ground view, allowing the abundance of native plants to merge seamlessly with the bush clad hills of the sounds all around - utilising Capability Browns’ mantra of a ‘borrowed landscape’

3

4

61

MY GARDEN

5 5. With an eye for detail all the structural pine used on this job was stained ‘Nero’ - this adds an element of interest and sophistication to an ordinary material. It’s the little things that count!

6. All paths lead to somewhere - smaller gardens need to work harder to be more successful and require condensed focal points - here a small ‘Pacific style’ bure provides shelter and tranquility

6

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63

MY KITCHEN

Dolmades are a true labour of love. They are a summer delicacy and something I always make while the grape leaves are still tender. Select leaves that are about the size of your outstretched hand. Traditionally grape leaves were picked to let more sunlight onto the growing fruit, and dolmades were the clever invention to use up the extra leaves. Genius!

Oregano & walnut dolmades B Y N I C O L A G A L L O WAY

Dolmade filling: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2/3 cup long-grain white rice 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock 1/4 cup shelled walnuts, chopped 1/4 cup raisins, roughly chopped 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt Approx. 30 tender grape leaves (or use marinated leaves) Juice of one lemon Extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt Approx. 1 cup boiling water Method: Preheat oven 160C. Heat olive oil in a heavy-based sauté pan over a low heat.

Sauté the onions for 5 minutes until softened. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute. Add the remaining filling ingredients and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook for 10 minutes until the rice is plump and water absorbed – it won’t be quite cooked.

Prepare the grape leaves. Snip off the stalks as close as possible to the leaf. Pour boiling water into a large shallow saucepan to a depth of 4cm. Keeping the water at a gentle boil, blanch the grape leaves in batches for 1 minute to soften for rolling.

Place blanched leaves in a colander.

To roll the dolmades lay 4 - 5 leaves in a row on the bench.

Place 1 tablespoon of the rice filling at the base of each leaf where the stalk was attached. Roll one at a time by folding in the sides of the leaves to cover the filling and rolling up tightly into a thick cigar shape. Arrange the dolmades seam-side down in a shallow baking tray. Make sure they fit snugly so they don’t unroll during cooking.

Once all the dolmades are rolled pour over the lemon juice and drizzle generously with olive oil. Scatter evenly with the extra salt and pour over enough boiling water to just cover the dolmades. Place another baking tray on top as a weight to keep the dolmades submerged as they cook. Place in the oven and slow bake for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and cool in the tray until warm and ready to serve. Store extra dolmades in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days.

Find more of Nicola’s seasonal recipes on her award-winning food blog Homegrown-Kitchen.co.nz 64

DINE OUT

I was hoping to be proved wrong about franchise restaurants and to provide a sense of assurance to our coaster guests who still think courgette is French for airplane

Speight’s Ale House

BY MAXWELL FLINT

C

hain and franchise restaurants are among the most successful in the world. Take that famous Scottish restaurant McDonalds, for example. They also invariably follow some theme or food type and it’s because of these sometimes restrictive culinary boundaries that I have often found this type of restaurant boring.

I persuaded Mrs F and two friends from the West Coast to visit Speight’s Ale House.

I was hoping to be proved wrong about franchise restaurants and to provide a sense of assurance to our coaster guests who still think courgette is French for airplane.

Situated next to the World of Wearable Art museum, Speight’s Ale House is in a strangely isolated area - at least from other restaurants, that is. It has, however, been carving quite a name for itself and was certainly well patronized when we went there. The aspect of the restaurant was relaxed and pleasing; a high stud with a mezzanine dining area down one end and

a bar dominating the centre. The décor was eclectic with a whiff of southern man.

There is booth seating in a fetching light blue tartan. I didn’t recognize the clan.

The menu is what you expect from an ale house type of restaurant. There is a dizzying selection of bar snacks, light meals, brunch, kids’ menus, starters, entrées, platters, mains, desserts and salads. As a starter Mrs F ordered the crispy pork belly with crispy noodles and I went with kingfish skewers with capsicum and lemon with sriracha (Thai sauce) both $15.90.

It would appear the pig that supplied the pork belly had been to Weight Watchers; three thinly sliced pieces of pork on tasteless crispy noodles. This was a poor dish. My kingfish skewers were flavoursome but unfortunately slightly overcooked. Mains included tarakihi on salmon and whiting fishcakes $30.90 and a Denver venison steak served pink, on crispy polenta cake with beetroot purée,

dark chocolate, green beans and finished with sweet cherry gravy $31.90. Mrs F’s tarakihi was small and overcooked, and the fishcakes could have been made with any fish, as there was no discernable flavour. The sauce accompanying my venison was moreish but unfortunately the venison was not pink but more medium-well done.

I have a theory that if you go to a restaurant, and it is very busy, don’t order the fish. Fish is a tricky thing to get right.

It needs attention and if you take your mind off it, it is easily overcooked. The fish at this restaurant would appear to prove this theory correct.

The atmosphere here is relaxed and enjoyable with very attentive wait staff.

The west coasters ordered what they could pronounce and had lamb shanks and fish and chips, which they both said were fine. This would be a great place to have a drink with friends and enjoy some bar snacks. However, the quality of the food on this occasion did not match the quality or quantity that the prices would suggest.

There is a huge selection of dishes and that in itself is a little worrying. Can a chef really do justice to each of those dishes?

Speight’s Ale House Cost: Starter and main, two glasses of beer and two glasses of wine $131 Value for money: Food: Atmosphere: Service:

Early bird special Wednesday - Saturday

Prego banner – locked spot

Order before 6:30pm and enjoy: any choice of pasta main, any choice of side, and a glass of any wine or beer.

$30

Café and Restaurant Bookings at comida.co.nz or 03 546 7964

65

WINE

Conquer your fears

B Y P H I L L I P R E AY

W

hen I was a boy my mother, in a fit of filial guilt, would decide to visit her brother, my uncle, in Motueka. These family occasions where never a joyous affair and both my brothers and my father would hold our breaths every Sunday and hope my mother wouldn’t utter the words ‘Let’s visit Uncle Jim’. A gloomy entourage would set off from Richmond to the badlands of Motueka. By the time we hit Tasman my brother and I were fighting, my mother was in a state and threatening us with my father, who had by now feigned deafness. Neither of the families ever enjoyed these visits and it was with some relief, on both sides, that a minor argument got out of control and we retreated to our separate districts. We haven’t spoken to each other for over 30 years. The only ensuing psychological scars from this time were a loathing of Sunday drives and a slight unease towards Motueka.

My reticence in going anywhere near Motueka has turned out to be rather a handicap since there is a great little winery in Upper Moutere, renamed Sarau by the parvenus, called Moutere Hills Vineyard and Café. Set off the beaten track on Eggers Road up Sunrise Valley, this wee gem is well worth the minor effort it takes to get there. There is a tasting room, a restaurant with a decent menu and on Friday nights a wine bar that opens catering for locals. The winery

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is boutique and while overall production is not huge they do offer a good range of varieties. I found all the wines to be wellmade and wasn’t surprised to find that Patrick Stowe is the winemaker.

The 2015 Sauvignon Blanc is atypical and is closer to a Marlborough Sav with fresh acidity and gooseberry nature but with an undertone of Nelson tropicalness.

Pinot Gris can be a little overblown, like fruit salad that’s been left too long.

However, the Moutere Hills Pinot Gris 2014 is not one of those. With 13 percent French oak it has weight and texture. It has good acid balance but still retains Pinot Gris floral notes - an excellent wine and one of my favourites.

The modern New Zealand Chardonnay is really coming of age and the Moutere Hills 2014 is a good example of it. Fourteen months in French oak with some malo conversion, it is a fresh, subtle Chardonnay that still manages to highlight some good ripe fruit. The Germanic style Riesling 2014 with 20 grams of residual sugar and low alcohol (9.9 percent) is just the type of Riesling I love. Already displaying a slight kerosene nose, it retains sufficient acid to stop it tasting cloying.

I am not a fan of New Zealand rosé but I have to admit the 2015 Pinot Noir Rosé is not too shabby and remarkably savoury for a single varietal rosé. I wasn’t that enamoured with the Moutere Hills Pinot Noir 2014, a decent enough wine

but lacking body and a bit light in the mid palate. If you want a really good Pinot try their top label Moutere Hills Sarau Reserve Pinot 2013. It is excellent, with great body and fruit yet still young. Well worth it. Their Reserve Chardonnay is also fantastic, but alas they have run out although the Pinot is still available. Make the effort - go for lunch and enjoy some decent wine.

The only ensuing psychological scars from this time were a loathing of Sunday drives and a slight unease towards Motueka

BEER

“My bach is the picture in the label – that’s about as close as I’ll get to it.”

CRAIG COOPER

© 2013 Bach Brewing Limited

Gypsy brewing

BY MARK PREECE

In

2013 Craig Cooper shelved dreams of buying an iconic Kiwi bach, and founded a brewing company instead.

Now his perfect bach - licked by the sea, seared by the sun and partially shadowed by a blooming pohutukawa – graces every bottle of Bach Brewing beer.

“My bach is the picture in the label – that’s about as close as I’ll get to it,” laughs Craig, enjoying the freedom of being his own boss since casting off the shackles of his previous corporate existence. Two and a half years ago, Craig, wife Milena and their two young children returned to New Zealand after 12 of the last 15 years in Australia, Holland and Canada, chasing the lifestyle and to follow his passion of brewing craft style beers. While lying on Waimarama beach, reading his two-yearold son a Kiwi version of ‘Old McDonald’s Farm’, illustrated by Donovan Bixley, Craig realised this man could construct his

perfect place – on paper. Craig contacted Donovan, gave him a detailed description and Donovan made it come to life, adding creative touches of his own.

While Craig was a co-director of Beervana, he spent time working on branding and refining his recipes which culminated in a launch of a pilsner and pale ale in October 2013. Bach Brewing is what’s known as a gypsy brewer, and it brews its beers with Steam Brewing in Auckland.

So for those of us without a bach this summer, we can still get a taste of one.

The range: Kingtide – Pacific India Pale Ale, 7.0% ABV. They say: weaves a balance between the tropical fruit of the NZ hops and the citrus-pine of the US hops. It delivers a multi-layered experience of floral, fruity and charmingly rugged bitterness.

Dusk rider – Red India Pale Ale, 6.0% ABV. They say: brewed with seven

different malts, Cascade, Amarillo, Citra, and Nelson Sauvin hops. The smooth and creamy body has notes of caramel and even a touch of sherbet before a moderately bitter finish.

Witsunday – Blonde India Pale Ale, 5.6% ABV. They say: a thirst- quenching hopped-up Witbier. A cloudy fusion of wheat and pilsner malts, citrus hop aroma and esters of Belgian yeast, with a hint of lemongrass.

Driftwood – Pacific Pale Ale, 5.0% ABV. They say: brewed with Canterbury’s Gladfield malts and featuring Nelson Riwaka hops with a little Amarillo and Citra grapefruit, mango and honeyed malts, this is easy drinking pleasure.

Crayporter – Porter style Ale, 5.6% ABV. They say: brewed with eight malts and forty whole crayfish plunged into the kettle boil, for a subtle fusion of sea and land. Dark with a rich head. Just a hint of crayfish flesh with clean hop bitterness.

Craig Cooper

re o m s y Alwa

. g n i d rewar Ask about New World Clubcard in-store.

67

T R AV E L

Colourful Cambodia

BY EDEN STEVENSON

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Escorted golf tour in Cambodia y-8 August 2016 29 Jul

C

ambodia is a diverse country full of culture, active adventures or relaxation – it can deliver whatever kind of trip you’re looking for.

A typical visit starts in Siem Reap, where you can visit the incredible temples of Angkor. Many travel options are available for exploring the temples but personally, I chose to cycle as you get ‘up close and personal’ to the best sights and buildings.

A few years ago when I visited the region, our small group biked around Wat Athvea, a modern temple built on the grounds of the ruins of an Angkorian temple. We also rode through paddy fields, near Khmer sculptures and more.

If cycling doesn’t interest you, you can always ride in a traditional cow cart. This takes you along a tree-lined dirt road where Cambodian locals go about their daily lives. The people are friendly and no matter the age, they’ll stop to wave and say hello. This guided trip is an easy way to relax and see some of the countryside at the same time.

Angkor Wat, an 800m-long temple complex in Siem Reap that dates back to 1100AD, is a must-see. It’s one of those special places that will blow you away at first look. Be sure to wake up early and catch the sunrise over Angkor Wat for a view you will never forget.

After visiting the temples, take a boat to Tonlé Sap Lake, South-East Asia’s largest freshwater lake. As you float along channels to the main body of water, you will observe the lakeside villages and day-to-day life. The water levels vary depending on the season, so check with your travel agent for the best time to go.

From here, it’s a 50-minute flight to Phnom Penh, where you could catch your breath with a stroll along the waterfront, across the banks of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap Rivers. Simply watching locals and observing the wild traffic is a great way to ease yourself into an exciting time in Phnom Penh – you won’t believe what locals can cram onto their scooters.

While you’re in the region, I encourage you to learn about Cambodia’s turbulent history through a visit to the ‘killing fields’ of Choeung Ek, 17km south of Phnom Penh, where the Khmer Rouge carried out mass executions between 1975 and 1979.

Cambodia is so diverse that each time you return it can offer a completely different experience. Whether you want to relax on the beach, get active or immerse yourself in the culture, it’s all there waiting for you.

9 days & flights Golfer from $4685*pp, twin share Non golfers from $3675*pp, twin share Single supplement +$500*pp This tour will be escorted by Owen Perry, mad keen golfer and owner operator of Bay Tours Nelson! Owen has previously lived in Cambodia (for 2 ½ years) so he knows the country really well.

Includes: Return flights from Nelson, tour escort Owen Perry, flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, 18 holes of golf – including green fees, caddy and golf cart at 4 of the finest golf courses in Cambodia (for golfers), hotel accommodation, some meals & transfers by air-conditioned vehicles.

For this and more great tours, contact Tim, Rhonda or Vicky.

Harvey Harvey World Travel World Travel Richmond Richmond 231231 Queen St St Queen Ph:Ph: (03) 544 6640 (03) 544 6640

*Conditions: Sales are valid until sold out. Prices are based on return Cathay Pacific Economy Class flights from Nelson. Pricing is per person twin or double share. Prices are based on a minimum of 10 passengers. GENERAL: All prices are in NZD. Travel agent service fees are not included. Prices are correct as at time of printing & may be subject to change without notice. Prices are based on payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Offers valid for new bookings only. All prices are based on consecutive night stays. Product in this ad is supplied by reputable suppliers with their own terms and conditions, please ask your Harvey World Travel Professional for full terms and conditions.

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69

A DV E N T U R E

48 HOURS IN GOLDEN BAY

BY SOPHIE PREECE

T

he best places in the world tend to be the hardest to get to, which is why Golden Bay sits beyond a windy drive over a lofty hill. I discovered this slice of paradise 20 years ago, via music festivals in remote paddocks and week-long tramps into paradise.

I’m still finding new tracks to explore, beaches to discover, mountain bike trails to dawdle over and cafés to indulge in.

Now with two young children, there’s always something new to discover, or something to discover anew – like the ginger beer at the iconic Mussel Inn, the limestone caves at The Grove in Clifton, the Pirate café aboard an old ship, and the warm water at Ligar Bay. On our way home from a recent Golden Bay weekend, we diverted from the main drag to head to the Riwaka Resurgence. A short walk takes you to a deep pool that is jawdroppingly beautiful, with water emerging from beneath the Takaka Hill. On your way down stop at the second pool, toughen up, strip off and leap from the rocks into crystal clear, chilly water.

Tess James, a visitor information

70

ranger at the Takaka DOC office, has these tips on adventures to be had while weekending in the gorgeous Golden Bay. Wharariki Beach – “A very popular and unique epic landscape,” says Tess.

This beautiful beach, with its craggy rocks and caves, is so gorgeous that it recently made the default settings for the Windows 10 screensaver.

Kaituna Track – Follow the original packhorse track along the Kaituna River to the Kaituna goldfields (20min) and further on to the Forks, (1hr). Tess says it’s a great track for a summer run in the forest shade. Finish off with a stop at the Naked Possum Cafe. Alternatively, fit trampers can take two vehicles, park at either end, and do the 8-9 hour walk over to Knuckle Hill with ‘magnificent specimens of northern rata, pukatea and rimu’. She says to look out for the ferns, orchids, fungi and perching plants, as well as great views of Farewell Spit and Whanganui Inlet. The river crossing at the Forks is impassable when in flood.

Wainui Falls – This has just been upgraded with a new bridge and reworked

track, fixing 2011 storm damage. Tess says the nikau palms, trees and the waterfall are looking gorgeous.

Pupu Hydro Walk – At just under two hours, this loop has variety, views, lovely scenery and a restored working hydro power station with a viewing window. The nearby Te Waikoropupu Springs is a must-see and Golden Bay’s most visited DOC spot.

Parapara Peak – A 9hr return route for advanced trampers with high fitness. Stunning views across the whole of the Bay. Find sustenance at Wild Earth Nature Park, the newly revamped Bencarri animal farm and café.

If you’ve got a little longer, check out the historic Kill Devil Pack Track (Waingaro/Anatoki circuit). This 3-5 day advanced tramp through beautiful beech forest features dramatic gorge scenery and old gold workings. “Along the way check out or stay in the restored historic huts. Waingaro Forks Hut especially has a lot of charm and provides a great night’s accommodation.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: Te Waikoropupu Springs TOP: Wharariki beach BELOW LEFT TO RIGHT: Tess James at Wainui Falls, a view towards Wainui Bay, a section of the Pupu Hydro Walk Photo: Lana Taylor

71

B OAT I N G

Are catamarans the future?

BY STEVE THOMAS

B

eing a classic boat nut I have a tendency to rabbit on a little too much about old boats and characters from days gone by. But what about the latest boating trends?

As a boat broker I get to view and test a range of boats from 18ft runabouts up to 60ft plus luxury yachts and power cruisers. It’s a tough life! The new boat market is undergoing somewhat of a revolution with virtually all larger production built yachts and launches now sourced from foreign shores. Today, only a few custom-built boats are manufactured here in New Zealand, mostly luxury superyachts. Being a small country we Kiwis simply can’t compete on volume and price. Quality yes, but that’s another story.

Of the new sailing variety, or as an old fisherman friend of mine calls them ‘blow boats’, we’re currently witnessing a huge swing towards multihulls, mainly catamarans. I will courageously stick my head out and predict that within the next twenty years every second yacht you see in a marina will be a multihull. Marina developers and managers take note! Big call you say? You just need to experience sailing the new breed of multihull machine and I’m sure you too would agree. Here’s a taste for you.

The Outremer cat (that’s pronounced

72

TOP Seawind 1250 Catamran. Australia’s favourite sailing cat BELOW Outremer 5X Catamaran. French flair, performace with style

‘oot- ra- mare’, not ‘out reemer’) Developed and constructed in France (the French are arguably world leaders in cat design), these machines are designed to sail fast while providing the ultimate in personal comfort. They’re light and very quick, have retractable dagger boards to allow the best performance both upwind and downwind. I had the pleasure of seeing this demonstrated on a recent test sail on the Hauraki Gulf. In close to 30 knots of wind in a moderate sea state we hit speeds of 18 knots on a beam reach – all the while a full cup of tea was sitting on the saloon table without a drop spilt.

I dare you to try that in a monohull! You get the speed with the luxury. The internal and entertainment spaces are amazingly big. Three or four sleeping cabins each with their own en-suite toilet and shower are pretty much standard in the smaller

45ft model. They’re a true bluewater boat designed for world cruising.

The second animal is the Seawind Cat. Originally designed in Australia and now built in Vietnam, these guys have come up with an awesome package. Not as quick as the Outremer but very practical and easy to handle, the Seawind will stand up to the rough stuff. On a recent trip to Sydney I was lucky to take part in the annual Seawind owners’ weekend on Sydney Harbour. There were about 20 Seawinds from the base 10 metre model up to the 12.5 metre flagship taking part in a range of activites both on and off the water. It felt like an extended family Christmas Day without the arguments!

Having now just scratched the surface of the cat world, perhaps I can dare you to stick your paw in the water and join the revolution?

BUSINESS PROFILE

BLINC Catering & McCashin’s Brewery Kitchen and Bar

BY BOB IRVINE

G

ood beer, meet fine food. The dynamic duo behind BLINC Catering, Lincoln and Brigitta Womersley, have partnered with McCashin’s Brewery to engineer a marriage made in heaven. Think Southernstyle pork spare ribs with Pale Ale, or Creamy Seafood Chowder washed down with a craft beer or cider on tap. Think special one-off events, live music, games for the kids ... Stoke nightlife is about to crank up a notch.

The former cafe at the Stoke brewery has been gutted and refurbished in a style that salutes the industrial – open plan and brick walls, with a homely touch provided by centerpiece leather lounge suites. It’s a working brewery, says Lincoln, – an iconic brewery for Nelson – so why ignore that?

Through a window at the new McCashin’s Kitchen and Bar you can watch beer bottles jostling along the production line.

The bar also handles bottle-shop sales, staff can pour you a drop to drink on the premises, and the big espresso beast down the far end will satisfy nonalcoholic tastes, with snack food and more substantial fare available from the kitchen

out the back.

Lincoln and Brigitta, both top-flight chefs, have built a busy catering business in Nelson that ranges from weddings for 100-plus, to large corporate events, fingerfood functions, pre-packaged dinners for Nydia Lodge trampers, sustenance for MarchFest patrons, Richmond horse-racing punters and World Cup cricket fans, players and match officials.

They are also raising a family of three “full-on” youngsters, with invaluable support from Brigitta’s mum Élle in Tapawera. So why take on the new kitchen/bar? Lincoln says they love a challenge, and they couldn’t pass up the chance to partner with McCashin’s wares and proven track-record. (The brewer exports to nine countries.)

That ‘marriage’ defines the kitchen/ bar’s style. Guided brewery tours finish in the cafe for tastings and a nibble. Quiz nights are on the board, and Lincoln has plans for live music and special beer-food pairing events for the public. Throughout the year, family-oriented nights will focus on events in the garden area. Children are

promised hopscotch and swing-ball, with a fort on the building list in the near future.

The kitchen/bar is open from 7am daily (except Sunday from 9am) and closes late at 10pm Wednesday to Saturday, so is ideally positioned to become the social hub of Stoke.

Lincoln loves the fast pace of a busy restaurant service and also the variety of the out-catering business. Wedding parties, for instance, are offered pick-and-choose fare rather than set menus, and the quality of the food soon generates word-of-mouth, keeping the Womersleys very busy.

“I need more time to go hunting and fishing,” Lincoln says – not at all convincingly. The Australian chef met his Kiwi love when they were both working at Ayers Rock Resort. They crossed the ditch to raise a family. Lincoln says that after a few years he became homesick. They sold up, moved back – and within a fortnight he knew he’d made a mistake. Three months later they returned to Nelson, this time for good.

“Plenty of deer in those hills,” Lincoln says. “They needn’t worry for a bit – heaps of exciting challenges to be had first.”

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MOTORING

Loaded Focus

BY GEOFF MOFFETT

H

atchbacks used to be the most popular small car segment in New Zealand, but SUVs - advancing inexorably like the tide with their variation of model types – are eating away their market share.

Smaller SUVs are proving as appealing as their large and mid-size brothers, dealing a sales blow to the likes of the Ford Focus and its rivals. Ford – which has its own small SUV line-up to choose from - has responded with its latest Focus, a new model with a punchy new engine and loaded with goodies.

Ford New Zealand has acknowledged it will be all but impossible to knock the Toyota Corolla off its perch but is aiming at being among the top three in the segment, along with the Mazda3. The Focus offers Trend, Sport and Titanium, a 2 litre ST performance model, and two wagons, a 1.6 litre petrol and a 2 litre diesel.

So how does the Focus stack up? I drove its top-line Titanium, powered by the same 1.5 litre, turbo-charged engine as the Trend and Sport with new 6-speed automatic gearbox. An all-wheel drive RS with a whopping 257kw is due here mid this year, topping the 184kw ST. But the less hard-core hatchback Titanium has all the equipment and performance most people will want.

Starting at $46,840, the Titanium is pitched at the luxury end of the market

74

and Ford has a good story to justify the hefty pricing with the car’s impressive array of equipment. There’s really nothing the small Ford lacks. There’s adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver alert, blind spot monitoring, a city stop function if you’re too close to the car in front and lane departure and collision warning. And the Focus will even park itself. If that’s not enough, there’s a smart key function and an updated voice-activation mode which commands everything from phone calls to audio, navigation and air con.

An eight inch colour screen is one of the clearest you’ll see and there’s even a function which allows you to limit car settings like top speed and audio volume (just the thing when the kids get the keys).

On the road the Focus doesn’t disappoint either, with its satisfyingly direct steering response, a nice growl from the exhaust and a smooth shifting transmission to match snappy acceleration. While it’s a heavier car than most rivals, its 1460kg add to the feeling of solidity on the road and certainly the extra poundage doesn’t compromise its fun-to-drive feel.

Seats are very supportive and the whole cabin feels nicely put together, and with a lot of controls operated from the touch screen or steering wheel controls there’s an absence of multiple dash dials.

At this price, the Titanium is competing with Mazda’s top of the line 3

model, the SP25 Ltd which has a bigger engine (2.5 litre) as well as a diesel option and is similarly equipped. Buyers will take a test drive and decide for themselves.

Neither car, however, looks like taking over number one spot from Corolla. Its top range model, the ZR, is quite a bit cheaper.

The Focus, though, offers a lot for its money as well as an engaging ride, comfort and smart looks.

Tech spec Model reviewed: Ford Focus Titanium Price: Titanium from $46,840 (Trend $35,340, Sport $38,340, 2 litre petrol ST (184kw) $52,840 Power: Four cylinder 1.5 litre turbo charged petrol; 132kw @ 6,000rpm, 240Nm @ 1,6005,000rpm (Ambiente 1.6 litre wagon 92kw @ 6,000rpm; Trend 2 litre diesel wagon 110kw @ 3,750rpm); ST 2 litre petrol, 184kw @ 5,500rpm Fuel economy: 1.5 litre petrol, 6.9l/100km combined cycle; 2 litre petrol, 6.7l/100km; 2 litre diesel 4.4l/100km Vehicle courtesy of MS Ford, Nelson

75

MUSIC

OPERA IN THE PARK

T

he formula of Nelson in Summer, a big outdoor concert with a fifty-piece orchestra accompanying a mix of opera and contemporary singers, has been very successful.

This will be the sixteenth musical programme I have put together for Opera in the Park and the Nelson City Council Summer Festival.

Over the years it has been a real treat to work with a host of formidable talent, as well as some great orchestral resources - the Nelson Symphony Orchestra, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and, lately, Orchestra Wellington under the baton of the amazing Marc Taddei.

This year’s show on Saturday February 13 brings together an eclectic mix of New Zealand talent including soprano Anna Leese, baritone Jared Holt, Orchestra Wellington, the Modern Māori Quartet, Jubilation Choir, Jackie Clark and Dave Dobbyn and band.

Billed as the new face of Māori showbands, the acclaimed Modern Māori Quartet are riding a wave of success, having picked up a performance award for the ‘Most Daring and Emotional Performance’ at the 10th Sharq Taronalari International Music Festival in Samarkand on their recent Asian tour to Malaysia, Singapore and Uzbekistan.

The four Toi Whaakari graduates James Tito, Maaka Pohatu, Francis Kora and Matariki Whatarau formed the quartet 76

with the aim of combining their musical talents with their storytelling abilities as actors. (Due to his unavailability Whatarau will be replaced by Shortland St actor Jayden Daniels for this event).

I initially encountered Francis Kora twenty-five years ago at the first ever national final for smokefreerockquest. The four Kora brothers formed a band called Aunty Beatrice and wonthat first final and went on to form the powerhouse band Kora (which Francis now fronts in between MMQ gigs).

This year’s show will also feature Auckland choir Jubilation. I’ve been really keen to bring this exciting choral force to Nelson for years.

Jubilation is a unique beast – an acapella gospel choir with a rock and roll heart.

A thirty-odd member group featuring well-known singers Rick Bryant, Jackie Clarke and Jennifer Ward-Lealand, the choir’s diverse ensemble includes several professional musicians, a psychologist, a builder, a maker of super yachts, a handful of actors and a lecturer in Russian! They have performed all over New Zealand to crowds large and small - from 10,000 plus on the main stage at WOMAD to an intimate 60-something at The Old Cheese Factory near Arrowtown, and they can also be heard singing backing vocals behind Hollie Smith on ‘Bathe In The River’, Don McGlashan’s Silver Scroll award winning hit from the movie ‘Number 2’. Hopefully we can entice Jackie Clarke to sing a

BY PETE RAINEY

couple of solo items as well.

Jubilation will be performing preshow, but will return to the stage to perform with the orchestra during the main show. I know they are looking forward to that!

I’m very excited to be able to include opera stars Anna Leese (soprano) and Jared Holt (baritone) who will perform works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Rossini, Puccini and Delibes.

It’s been ten years since Dave Dobbyn performed with an orchestra in Nelson – the last time was 2006 at Opera in the Park at Saxton Field. This year’s performance will feature a brand new arrangement of his new single ‘Tell the World’ which we will hear for the very first time. Produced

by Samuel Flynn Scott and Luke Buda (of The Phoenix Foundation), ‘Tell the World’ is the first single from Dobbyn’s forthcoming album ‘Harmony House’, due for release in March 2016.

I know it’s going to be a diverse and fun show - a unique and rare treat for the Top of the South – pack your chillybin and head on over to Trafalgar Park on Feb 13 – you won’t regret it.

Available from TicketDirect, tickets from 1 February 2016 are $25 for adults, $5 for children aged 5 – 15, and under 5s are free.

Prices exclude TicketDirect service fees.

Tickets are available at ticketdirect.co.nz and through all TicketDirect outlets (Theatre Royal Nelson, Richmond Mall, Nelson i-SITE).

TM

KALEIDOSCOPES CONCERT SEASON 2016

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77

FILM

Michael Keaton, Liev Schreiber, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Thomas McCarthy and Brian d’Arcy James in Spotlight

Spotlight is spot on

BY MICHAEL BORTNICK

Spotlight Drama, Biography, History Directed by Tom McCarthy Starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Stanley Tucci, Liev Schreiber 128 minutes Rated R

All

the President’s Men was a classic newspaper film which told the story of Richard Nixon’s direct involvement in a break-in at the Watergate Hotel. This was followed by a cover-up which eventually led to his resignation. The heroes of the tale are two journalists, Woodward and Bernstein.

Their work earned the Washington Post the Pulitzer Prize in 1973.

Now a new film has emerged which captures the equivalent flavour and intensity of a journalistic investigation at a big newspaper. Spotlight, directed by Tom McCarthy, does not deal in politics but the Catholic Church and the saintly priests who performed child abuse as often as they heard confession, and frequently at the same time.

It is about The Boston Globe’s 78

‘Spotlight’ team, the oldest continuously operating newspaper investigative unit in the United States, which earned the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for their work on this story.

Spotlight has heaps of big name stars and none of them steals the film, but they work together as a dramatic unit to speak a vital narrative.

Walter Robinson (Michael Keaton) heads the team which includes Mark Ruffalo and Rachel McAdams.

Initially believing that they are following the story of one priest, the Spotlight team begins to uncover a pattern of sexual abuse of children and an ongoing cover-up by nearly 100 Roman Catholic priests in Massachusetts.

The plot is multilayered, devoid of chase scenes or violence and nobody dies. Most scenes are of people sitting in offices or on park benches, meeting, talking or asking questions. There are lots of character’s names tossed about which requires sharp focus from the viewer.

It is definitely a movie that demands your attention, but luckily it’s good enough to earn it.

Spotlight is a superb film and should be required viewing for all adults; Catholics

should view it twice. The significance is the peculiar value put on the predators.

As one of the victims says, “They say it’s just physical abuse but it’s more than that, this was spiritual abuse. You know why I went along with everything? Because priests are supposed to be the good guys.”

Unlike All the President’s Men, Spotlight doesn’t turn its journalists into heroes. It just lets them do their jobs, as tedious and critical as those are, with a realism that grips an audience almost in spite of itself.

In the end, the exposé goes to print with a request for victims of paedophile priests to speak up. The following morning the Spotlight team is inundated with phone calls from victims coming forward to tell their stories.

But that certainly was not the finish.

The closing credits report a disgusting and well-worn path that continues to be trod at present. According to latest figures, one in 50 priests today is a paedophile.

“If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to abuse them. That’s the truth of it.”

Michael Bortnick has left the theatre to high five his rabbi.

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QUIZ

Crossword

Across 1. Most agile 5. Peel 7. Uncouth 8. Walked 9. Go by (of time) 12. Aspiring actress 15. River of ice 19. Grills 21. Wired message 22. Salute 23. Went on horseback 24. Hearing membranes

Sudoku

Wordfind S C G R G U I T A R W J C

Last month’s solutions CROSSWORD

Remember no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: Each of the nine horizontal rows Each of the nine vertical columns Each of the nine 3x3 boxes

Down 1. Hospital workers 2. Paging device sound 3. Follow next 4. Front of neck 5. Big dipper, ... coaster 6. Subtract 10. Vocal solo 11. Sri Lankan robe 12. Male title 13. Type of saxophone 14. Large amounts 15. Roadside channel 16. Dairy product 17. Come into view 18. Biblical prayers 19. More docile 20. Dislike intensely

SUDOKU

T H T R G N I V O L T H I

A A T R C H I P M U N K S

R R N H I S G N O S H W U

E M U Q E O A L V I N N M

C I F N W O T Y K N U F W

N N Y Q E N D C B E M A S

A G K N E L O O L H F M W

S L D L I M L B R F D I E

I I A I E A U I L E L L E

U T M D V O R E V S I Y T

N K Y O R A S B W E W M U

Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or diagonally.

Theme: ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS

E J E T N S D G N I S M Y

ALVIN BRAINY CHARMING CHIPMUNK COMEDY DAVID FAMILY FUN FUNKY TOWN GUITAR LOVING MUSIC NUISANCE SEVILLE SIMON SING SONGS STAR SWEET TALENT THEODORE TRIO TROUBLE WAFFLES WILD

Anagram WORDFIND ANAGRAM Newspaper, magpie, Snoopy, tuxedo, chessboard Mystery word: PANDA

B S E W A T K R H O R S E

R R T L M O N K E Y S S T

E E R I W L I A F M I W S

T K S O G K F T H D A N H

S C T N E H E S E P W T P

A A R S Y N T S R O E O M

M R O W T J H R L E T L K

G C N S U O R C O G G E E

N P G A W H O E I P S I J

I I M S U Y W B D V E R T

R H A F I R E E A T E R H

G W N D P S R E L B M U T

E Z E P A R T G N I Y L F

Unscramble the letters of the phrases to make five words relating to the theme, each starting with the given letter. The letters in the shaded squares will spell out another word relating to the theme. This is the mystery keyword.

ROMAN HAT LOST FLAB WELT RINGS QUIET SNARE HITS GOON

80

M S W E S

Theme: OLYMPIC SPORTS

D I R E C T O RY

118 Bridge Street, Nelson cardells.co.nz • 03 548 1505

graphic design motion graphics & art direction

Kate Donaldson Makeup Artist Now taking bookings for all special occasion makeup.

82 Bridge Street, Nelson 03 548 3996 • jaysandko.co.nz

81

UP & COMING

What can you tell me about your role towards coordinating the counselling degree, and towards the Postgrad Certificate of Professional Supervision?

I am a passionate promoter of the importance of ‘supervision in the workplace’, and not only for those in the caring professions such as counselling, social work and nursing. As coordinator I am responsible for student placements in the community and the pastoral care of our students.

I guide them through the ups and downs and challenges that academic study offers. I also teach on the degree programme.

What should a student expect to find within these courses?

The degree offers opportunities to specialize in ‘addiction work’, endorsed by DAPAANZ. Students will learn about Māori models of health and wellbeing, as well as counselling modalities and counselling skills. The Professional Supervision programme runs differently. It is more about facilitation with colleagues and they attend six twoday workshops throughout the year.

When were you first inspired to enter the world of counselling?

RAEWYN

LAURENSON Raewyn Laurenson is highly experienced in the field of counselling and professional supervision.

Currently she is a coordinator for two courses in NMIT’s branch of social science.

In the 1990s I worked in executive search for one of the top six international executive search firms in Australia and NZ. I worked with some very high level executives who became redundant and lost their self-worth and confidence in the process. I could see these peoples’ identities were so imbedded in work that they forgot who they really were, and I wanted to somehow remind them of this.

I moved to Nelson and started my own business in Workplace Counselling, then joined NMIT, thus taking me back to my original roots of teaching.

Are there many opportunities for the modern counsellor in Nelson?

Our records of past graduates show that over 85% of our students gain work in counselling-related roles within 18 months to two years of graduating.

We also know that stress is seen as the modern epidemic in workplaces and depression is the second biggest drain on health budgets worldwide.

In short, yes, there are jobs out there and there will be more in the future

After all your experience in the field, what are the highlights of the subject?

For me it is working with people, engaging with clients, students or teams, working through issues and facilitating change. This is tremendously rewarding.

What’s next for Raewyn Laurenson, will you stay on as an educator or are there greater ambitions for the future?

B Y M AT T B R O P H Y P H O T O G R A P H Y A N A G A L L O WAY

82

I cannot resist a challenge and have begun to study a PhD. Where that will lead … I don’t know.

It feels as if I am at the beginning of that journey with a lot of challenges ahead. I think I will be here for a while yet!

What’s on at NMIT FEBRUARY Po-whiri Nelson campus

Certificate in Superyacht Crewing

22 FEBRUARY

STARTS 8 FEBRUARY

Semester one begins with the po-whiri followed by a barbecue for new and returning students.

12 weeks fulltime to enable you to work in the global superyacht industry.

Head Zone 2016

Certificate in Te Rito o Te Reo

NMIT’s student hairdressing salon will reopen soon.

Check the website for pricing and availability.

STARTS 22 FEBRUARY

Beauty Zone 2016

Maritime short courses

NMIT’s student Beauty Therapy clinic will reopen soon.

Check the website for pricing and availability.

NMIT’s extensive range of statutory marine certificate programmes and courses run throughout February and the rest of the year.

Free computing programmes

Rata Room 2016

Introductory and intermediate computing programmes are free for domestic students and you can start any time.

Apply online.

NMIT’s training restaurant will be opening soon. Make sure you are on the mailing list so you can book your spot. therataroom@nmit.ac.nz

ENROL NOW for 22 February Start

nmit.ac.nz

Zero fees for domestic students, no prior experience required and available as a night class. Upskill in Te Reo.

Learn more, visit nmit.ac.nz

0800 422 733

Passion and Style in Real Estate “We wouldn’t use anyone else!”

Chris and John Dunn

Kylie Taikato M +64 21 152 8195 kylie.taikato@sothebysrealty.com Level 1, 295 Trafalgar Street, Nelson

Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Browns Real Estate Limited (licensed under the REAA 2008) MREINZ.