WildTomato January & February 2021

Nelson Tasman and Marlborough’s magazine /

ISSUE 172 / JANUARY & FEBRUARY 2021 / $8.95

Award-winning

Your January & February

House of the Year builds

HOLIDAY ISSUE Relax, recharge & enjoy the read!

- BEST LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE APAC INSIDER BUSINESS AWARDS 2020 -

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New Year Health & Wellness Sun Care Life at Sea Snapped NMIT Beautician Course Harvest’s Creative Chef Holiday Reading

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We knew we had picked a winner “Debbie was honest, up front, respectful and professional.”

– Denise & Bevan

Debbie Cooper

Jacqui Miller

Wendy Lindbom

021 0252 8294

027 327 3619

03 546 4706

Debbie Cooper Real Estate Ltd (Licensed under the REAA 2008)

ice.

Sale

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Lot 2

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Lot 64

we have a plan.

Montebello $799,000

completed 2020

re ice.

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Mike Greer Homes.

Montebello $929,000

Lot 71

Our team at Mike Greer Homes is here to support our community.

The Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter service has been severely impacted by COVID-19 and we are responding to help them recover lost revenue in the top of the South Island.

Our first project at 33 Huntaway Close will benefit their service directly and support them on their way to recovery. With over 500 missions flown annually, this vital service needs our help and community support to continue to save lives.

Mike Greer Homes has over 25 years of experience building homes that SPOT by design innovation and quality workmanship.

B&W are characterised T he value of our specialist knowledge and attention to detail is evident in every home that we build.

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Hilltopsregion, If you're looking to buy or build a new home in the Nelson Tasman come home to more with Mike Greer Homes.

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Mike Greer Homes offers a great selection of Home and Land packages available throughout the Nelson Tasman and Marlborough region.

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Showhomes Showhome 1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke 1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke Showhomes Rose Manor Drive, Blenheim Open17 daily, 1pm-4pm

1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke 17 Rose Manor Drive, Blenheim

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Homes for Sale Stag Ridge $729,000

Mapua $929,000

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Showhome

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Lot 3

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Emma McCashin 021 682 787 emccashin@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Vanessa Clark 027 733 1409 vclark@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Montebello $789,000

Rose Manor $829,000 Lot 56

Lot 58

Move in April Jordan McConnochie 027 426 7951 jmcconnochie@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Dave Chambers 027 572 1958 dchambers@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

SHOWHOMES: 1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke & 17 Rose Manor Drive, Blenheim

03 544 7873 mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Nelson Tasman and Marlborough’s magazine

Features Issue 172 / January & February 2021

23 NMW House of the Year A spotlight on some of the top builds from the regional finals, compiled

by Lynda Papesch

44 Health and happiness At a time when New Year resolutions abound, Sarah Nottage looks at how long they last and what some alternatives are

23

48 Summer sun care Slipping, slopping and slapping is the name of the game say local health experts, talking to Alistair Hughes about staying safe in the sun

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INTERVIEWS

16 Local Connection Annabella Garwood meets a couple of weathered sailors happy to put into port in Nelson for some time to come

18 Rising Star Farming grapes has led to great success for Marlborough’s FROMM wine company, with one of the key aspects being finding the right homes for the right clones.

Sophie Preece reports

20 Event Showcase Triumph sports cars and their owners will converge on Nelson at the end of February for a fun weekend of activities.

Jon Harrey reports 4

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44

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Columns Issue 172 / January & February 2021

FASHION

51 Chic comfort Casual chic is the name of the game this summer, put together by stylist Amy McLeod and photographer Aimee Jules

LIFE

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70

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60 My Garden Visiting other people’s gardens is inspiring and fascinating … a little peek into someone else’s life, writes Brenda Webb

62 My Wellbeing Advice from nutritionist Emily Hope about fueling our bodies with nutrient-dense foods as often as possible

64 My Education Since she was 11, Petra Pretty dreamed of opening a beauty salon and now thanks to NMIT she has.

Jonathan Carson explains …

66 My Kitchen Salted peanut & caramel semifreddo with cacao nibs is perfect for balmy summer evenings. By Madame Lu’s Kitchen

67 Creative Chef Marlborough’s Harvest Restaurant’s new executive chef Toby Stuart talks to Frank Nelson

68 Top Drops –Wine Sophie Preece catches up with Dave and Chris Macdonald, the driving force behind the Bladen wine company

ACTIVE

70 My Wheels Natalie Moreton backgrounds the world’s EV market which is predicted to peak at $792 billion by 2027 6

71 Torque Talk Spotting his dream Jaguar car in a Toyota sales yard, Paul Proctor pounced on it.

He tells us more …

72 Motoring Morris’ new MGs are better than you expect, given the price point and origin, says reviewer Kyle Cassidy

CULTURE

74 Art Swiss-born Nelson artist Christian Lichtenberg believes the whole universe is our

canvas and he explains to John Du Four that it brings with it great opportunities

76 Books A selection of holiday reading compiled by Renée Lang

REGULARS

8 Editorial 10 Opinion 11 Noticeboard 12 Snapped 77 Galleries 78 Events

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Editor's letter

Editor

L

CEO

et’s celebrate the New Year with a determination to stay positive. Looking back it has not all been doom and gloom although at times it has been hard to see a way through the Covid-19 murk. Rising out of the pandemic quagmire have been many success stories and examples where creative thinking has improved situations.

Summer is such a busy time with so many people heading away, temporarily closing their businesses for much-needed breaks, and just taking the time to smell the coffee, read a good magazine and spend time with family.

To help you wile away the hours we’ve created a super holiday reading issue for January and February combined.

Looking ahead in 2021 and beyond, sinking back into old patterns and habits is not really an option now, and we have all learnt that we can change, so let’s continue in that vein. New Year is a time for making resolutions that invariably are not kept.

Everyone starts out with the best of intentions, yet many fall by the wayside after a few weeks; often because their resolutions were never realistic in the first place.

I don’t make New Year resolutions, having broken too many in the past. I do, however, set goals for the year ahead, making them a mixture of achievable things and goals to strive for. The former bring with them a pleasurable feeling of success when achievement is realised, while the latter provide ongoing challenges to up my game. And yes, I write them down so that in the lead-up to the next year I can review my accomplishments.

Celebrating your own successes is important. My late father regularly reminded me that you have to put money in your own bank rather than rely on someone else to do it for you. He wasn’t talking about cash, although the adage is appropriate there too.

His message was to invest in yourself, to regularly boost your self-confidence and to continually fill up your bank of inner health.

Now is an ideal time to relax and look at how you can make life better and brighter for yourself and those around you. Remember to start with small steps. Go easy on yourself and don’t leap straight into a marathon!

Have a happy and safe holiday season.

LYNDA PAPESCH

Congratulations to Scott Construction

B

etts Apartments, by Nelson Tasman-based Scott Construction, is a National Category Winner (Residential) at 2020 New Zealand Commercial Projects Awards. The awards programme sets the benchmark for commercial construction in New Zealand and celebrates collaboration and innovation across the building industry.

Scott Construction managing director, Justin Candish, says given the significance of the site’s location in Nelson’s historic precinct, the company felt a huge responsibility to develop a building that not only stood the test of time, but reflected the special qualities of the area.

The complex contains 17 apartments, spread over four floors and 1182sqm immediately adjacent to the Nelson Cathedral and Hillside gardens, blending seamlessly into the leafy suburban corner and connecting effortlessly with the central city. Built on land released as part of the SHA initiative in 2015, Betts Apartments represents the highest standard of inner-city residential intensification.

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Lynda Papesch 021 073 2786 lynda@wildtomato.co.nz

Lisa Friis 021 0879 4411 lisa@wildtomato.co.nz

Design & art direction Hester Janssen design@wildtomato.co.nz

Contributors

Jonathan Carson, Kyle Cassidy, Chelsea Chang, Elora Chang, Maureen Dewar, John Du Four, Annabella Garwood, Jon Harrey, Emily Hope, Alistair Hughes, Steve Hussey, Bob Irvine, Aimee Jules, Renée Lang, Michele Lines, Jeremy Matthews, Brent McGilvary, Amy McLeod, Poppy McPhedran, Greg Monaghan, Frank Nelson, Sarah Nottage, Anthony Phelps, Mark Preece, Sophie Preece, Ray Salisbury, Jess Shirley, Brenda Webb, Dominique White

Advertising manager Carrie Frew 021 190 7120 carrie@wildtomato.co.nz

Business development Marlborough Mark Brown 027 438 2388 mark@wildtomato.co.nz

Lead ad designer Patrick Connor production@wildtomato.co.nz

Subscriptions $75 for 12 issues wildtomato.co.nz/subscribe

Publisher

Jack Martin WildTomato Media Ltd The Boiler Room, 204 Hardy St Nelson 7010 PO Box 1901 Nelson 7040 info@wildtomato.co.nz wildtomato.co.nz Read online at wildtomato.co.nz/read WildTomato magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety and its contents may not be reproduced in any form, either wholly or in part, without written permission. The opinions expressed in WildTomato magazine are not necessarily those of WildTomato Media Ltd or its principals.

Cover photography by The Property Pilots of the Jason Gardiner Builders Supreme Renovation award-winning home

WildTomato magazine is printed by Blue Star Group (New Zealand) Limited using, vegetable based inks and environmentally responsible paper. Printed on Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified stocks, papers made of Mixed Source pulp from Responsible Sources.

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Killing five birds with one stone B Y J E R E M Y M AT T H E W S

A

sk any local about Nelson’s waterfront and most will respond with an eye-roll, then a faraway look. It’s the look of great beauty lost, of great potential squandered away. Ask the same question of any tourist walking our clattering waterfront today and their incredulity animates them: “This is unbelievable, what are you people doing?

Any city on earth with a waterfront like this would be all over it!” But ask them what the waterfront might look like without State Highway 6 on it and their eyes light up with that faraway look again, then their dreams for the waterfront pour out.

Differing visions It is always about ‘people’. People strolling, jogging or just idly savouring the foreshore’s lapping romance. People swimming, cycling, cruising or parked up with a picnic. Alfresco dining, bayside festivals, food carts, people in sea pools among the rocks or a large sea pool at the end of Tāhunanui Beach, like they have in Australia. Maybe there’ll be a restored tram on a city-to-surf return loop; Tāhunanui Beach at one end, the city at the other, an amenity trifecta unmatched anywhere in the country.

Love local Welcome to The Cooper Group

R

ecently celebrating three years since she started her own company, Nelson Tasman realtor Debbie Cooper launched The Cooper Group. Its philosophy is simple: Be honest, be genuine and be the agents that people can trust.

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This is what potential looks like, it’s what opportunity and civic responsibility look like because without fail, everyone has a vision of what the waterfront could be, what it should be, what it will be. But right now, they know it can’t be anything while State Highway 6 is there.

And there’s the rub, for there is only one alternative route for State Highway 6. It’s a non-negotiable that this region without a railway relies absolutely on a robust, secure, long-term state highway connecting Port Nelson, the city and the hinterland.

Demographic changes Sixty years ago, the city saw this coming and secured the land for an arterial corridor to carry the future’s new state highway. Longterm ratepayers across the region, yearning for both the waterfront and Tāhunanui’s renaissance, have already invested $7.5m bringing St Vincent St up to motorway standard along the arterial corridor.

But in the last 20 years new arrivals to Victory Square, a suburb which straddles the route, have pushed back at what they fear would be an evisceration of their vibrant multicultural community by the arrival of a new state highway.

Looking at the current state highway, they have every reason to worry. But this project if done beautifully, carries within its orbit both challenge and a truly remarkable five-win scenario.

First Win: Nelson’s remarkable waterfront released as a fabulous bayside amenity for all.

“We will always do more, try harder, work smarter and never give up until we deliver results,” says Debbie, who is joined by fellow realtor Jacqui Miller and office manager Wendy Lindbom in the new real estate company.

Stepping aside from the ’big brand’ model, Debbie Cooper Real Estate Ltd recognised a need for creating an environment that is 100 percent focused on the requirements of the end user. “Your home is your most prized possession and it’s important to make

Jeremy Matthews

Second Win: Tāhunanui Beach released to its future as a buzzing seaside village.

Third Win: A revitalised Nelson city centre, easily accessed by burgeoning numbers of residents calling for central city living.

Fourth Win: Victory Square, redesigned above a fully mitigated ‘cut-and-covered’ new state highway sliding past beneath it, the roof of which is a community-focused plaza. See Wellington’s Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. (State Highway 1 slides invisibly beneath it.)

Fifth Win: Rutherford St and Waimea Rd no longer choked to a standstill, their myriad side streets free at last from rat-runs.

Two birds with one stone? How does five birds with one stone sound?

informed choices in order to achieve your real estate goals,” she says.

Above: From left, Debbie Cooper, Jacqui Miller and Wendy Lindbom

Photo: Dominique White

OPINION

NOTICEBOARD

Jet ski safety courses

M

Work starts on New Zealand Wine Centre

W

ork on the first stage of the New Zealand Wine Centre should begin this month and be completed before the end of next year. Marlborough Research Centre chief executive Gerald Hope says no time is being wasted now that the project has secured $3.79m from the Provincial Growth Fund. The Research Centre has matched the Government’s funding.

Stage one of The New Zealand Wine Centre – Te Pokapū Wāina o Aotearoa – will provide offices, meeting rooms and co-shared space where wine research institutions and the wine industry will

History-making medicinal cannabis planting begins

M

arlborough-based medical cannabis grower Puro has started planting more than 60,000 low-THC cannabis seeds and seedlings at its Kekerengu farm on the Kaikōura coast.

Director Tim Aldridge says the crop is being grown under organic protocols,

collaborate. It is to be built on the NMIT Blenheim campus in Budge St. Nelson architects Jerram Tocker Barron Architects Nelson have produced the forward-looking design in conjunction with Marlborough-based APL Limited and the two companies will jointly manage the project to completion. Key partners in the development are Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, MBIE through the Provincial Growth Fund, New Zealand Winegrowers through the Bragato Research Institute and Te Pūkenga – the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology.

Above: An architect’s view of how the first stage of the New Zealand Wine Centre will look

with Puro currently in the process of organic certification. He adds that the first crop will be harvested in March, and then sold to pharmaceutical companies and extraction partners, enabling the company to become one of the first medical cannabis growers in the country to achieve commercial revenues.

Next year Puro will also seek to make history by becoming New Zealand’s largest indoor grower of medical cannabis at its Waihōpai Valley site.

arlborough’s harbour master Luke Grogan is putting out the call for personal water craft (PWC) users to take advantage of free safety courses this summer.

Run by the Marlborough harbour master and Picton’s Seatech Marine, the one-day courses are designed to improve PWC (commonly referred to as jet ski) users’ knowledge and understanding of maritime rules and regulations so people can enjoy the water safely.

The free courses are funded by Maritime New Zealand as part of an effort to build safer boating cultures across New Zealand. They will run every second Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm at Picton’s Queen Charlotte Yacht Club, through to 28 March.

Course dates are: Sunday 17 & 31 January 2021 Sunday 14 & 28 February 2021 Sunday 28 March 2021 To register contact: harbours@marlborough.govt.nz

Where do you read yours?

Baristas Sam Aish, left, and Gabby de Bazin read their WildTomato while taking a break at Coffee 101 in Nelson.

Send your image to editor@wildtomato.co.nz If your photograph is published, you will receive a 12-month subscription to our print magazine.

ONLY JPG FILES ACCEPTED, MIN 1MB

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Snapped WildTomato goes out on the town‌

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Family-owned & handcrafted wines from the Moutere hills Visit our unique cellar door for tasting, art gallery and popular vineyard walk

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Mistletoe Market, CBD, Blenheim PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY PHELPS

1. Roseanne & Philip Jeffs, Lee & Barbara Thorpe

4. Cheryl Smith & Wendy Adams

2. Janice Kendall, Kaye Bentley & Kathy Williamson

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9 #TGIF THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY! At Quench Bar | your favourite local EVERY FRIDAY THROUGH SUMMER Happy hour from 4pm to 7pm $6 beers | $10 cocktails | $8 glasses of wine Quench is at Chateau Marlborough Hotel, Corner of High and Henry St, Blenheim. Ph: 0800 752 275

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8 COLOURS OF SUMMER

Choose from our collection of gemstones and let us create something specifically for you.

Find our studio & workshop at 238a Queen St, Richmond | Ph 03 544 9293 | Visit www.rocs.co.nz | Follow us on 15

LOCAL CONNECTION

Home are the seasoned sailors

BY ANNABELLA GARWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY DOMINIQUE WHITE

“M

ind your step – it’s a long way down,” Pat Morris calls from the bottom of the ladder. Husband Dick, 76, and Pat, 66, have called Irene home for the past 22 years. She’s their lifetime ticket to sail around the world. Although Covid-19 forced the couple to change tack on their 2020 plans, it cemented one thing – Nelson’s their home away from home.

Dick, dubbed a ‘boataholic’ by his wife, was obsessed from a young age. “Since I was the tiniest kid, I’d try to carve boats out of bits of firewood and things like that before we were anywhere near the water. An early-caught disease.”

“He’s got seawater in his veins,” Pat laughs.

Dick joined the Sea Scouts while still at school in East London. He went on to work as an apprentice engineer while sailing as an instructor at the Essex Council Sailing Centre. He later sailed with the Ocean Youth Club.

Dick says his passion was nurtured by lucky associations with water-based people who were also cash-strapped. “Doing things on a budget is a challenge; doing anything for nothing is a ‘dare’. It was always with worn-out, old boats; torn-out engines that didn’t work. Honestly, it was the finest experience in the world. If something didn’t work, you either put up with it and found a way around it, or you made it work.”

As Dick honed his engineering skills, he found himself working for a company that made nautical instruments. He had soon crafted a sextant to navigate by, and rebuilt a small boat.

Naturally, he wanted to build something bigger and better.

Above: Dick and Pat Morris Opposite page: Irene, shipshape and tucked up in Port Nelson 16

“I imagined we’d go for six months and come back again, but we didn’t.” Pat Morris’s global voyage just evolved Dick rolled up his sleeves and in 1977 he started creating Irene. The gaffrigged ketch, with ferro-cement hull, took eight years to put together. She was built in three different places while Dick rebuilt houses and worked as an engineer. From South Woodham Ferrers to Bicknacre and then North Fambridge, Essex, Irene was finally ready to hit the water in 1985.

Dick named her after his mother, who “never let me down”.

During the launching period he met Pat, who was working as a secretary in London.

Nothing to lose

Sailing wasn’t part of Pat’s childhood. “I just worked with some people who did sailing.” After she hooked up with Dick she was in a rut with her job and handed in her notice – changing her life for good.

The couple used Irene to sail over to the Netherlands and France on weekends, then left Britain for good in 1998. “I imagined we’d go for six months and come back again, but we didn’t,” Pat says.

“We carried on and on and didn’t know where it was going to go.”

The couple had no plan except, as Dick put it, “to stop and smell the roses along the way”. They’ve had their share of unforgettable experiences, including blowing up their engine in the Caribbean, rebuilding it in Chesapeake Bay (Maryland/Virginia), dodging hurricane seasons off the coast of South Carolina and exploring Panama, the Galápagos Islands and Hawaii as well as numerous islands in the Pacific. New Zealand beckoned towards the end of 2001.

“New Zealand sort of turned up like a bright green lettuce.” Dick Morris was smitten at first sight “It was absolutely gorgeous,” Dick recalls of the day they sailed into Opua, in the Bay of Islands. “We sailed gently along, lovely breeze. Clouds swept away like curtains and the dolphins came out and sort of escorted us in, like a welcome. New Zealand sort of turned up like a bright green lettuce.”

Irene needed a refit and following the advice of a Nelson couple they’d met in the Cook Islands, the Morrises sailed south. Pat remembers the couple saying they’d love the South Island. Her first thought was, “How can it keep getting better? Sometime it has got to stop or not get so good?”

With sail-makers and engineering shops on their doorstep at Nelson Marina, the location proved ideal. The city caters to their car-less lifestyle too.

“We cycle everywhere and that keeps us fit,” Pat says. “It’s ideal in Nelson because the centre is fairly flat. I also enjoy doing yoga classes on the beach in the summer.”

Nelson holds the record for being the longest place the couple have stayed in since setting sail on Irene. “Nelson’s a fabulous place,” Dick confirms.

No rest for voyagers

Pat’s former work colleagues thought she was embarking on the ‘dream life’ sailing away from the office, traffic, politics and other land-based woes.

“They used to imagine I’m sitting on deck with a gin-and-tonic all the time. One of them said, ‘You won’t come back as an alcoholic, will you?’ I replied, ‘What makes you think I’m coming back?’”

Actually, when out at sea, the last thing the couple think about is deckchairs and umbrellas. “The boat takes quite a lot of handling,” Dick says.

Someone always has to be awake, so they do shift watches, Pat adds. “You’re pretty tired by the end of it.”

But they still manage to live a healthy lifestyle and Pat says that before every voyage, they make sure they’re well stocked with food. “If you do run out of anything, too bad. You have to make do with something else or go without it.”

At a new destination, ordinary jobs like food shopping become moments to look forward to. “It sounds silly because they’re the most everyday and simplest things to other people, but if you’ve been at sea for three weeks, buying a crisp lettuce, crisp apple, fresh vegetables, fruit or even an ice cream is exciting,” says Pat. While in port, the couple eat like locals. “When we were in Spain and France, the wine was so good. It was cheaper than a cup of tea, coffee or juice so we were drinking a fair bit of wine.”

But at sea again, their treats have to last the distance. “A fair bit of wine meant a glass a night, and not every night at that.”

When Irene’s docked, housework can be a mission. “It’s a bit awkward. You don’t have a car; the shop’s not just around the corner; you can’t always carry everything.”

It’s a small trade-off for the minimalist life they live. No Wi-Fi, television or kitchen appliances. “Our needs are so few and we’re happy with what we’ve got,” Dick says.

The couple are highly skilled with needle and thread. Pat sewed the baggy wrinkles that sleeve the rigging to prevent sail-chafe, and Dick made his denim smock along with the sail and wheel covers.

“I bought the denim material from Trathens when we first arrived in Nelson,” he says.

The year to change tack

At first thought, 2020 may seem like the year to be out at sea, but the Morrises are grateful for their marina berth.

“Although we’ve enjoyed all our years of sailing, I’m glad we’re not sailing now,” Pat says. “The yachties that are out there are kind of stuck because nobody wants them to come in. It would be difficult for them to come in anywhere.”

The couple’s longest sea passage is 38 days so spending a month in the national Covid-19 lockdown wasn’t an issue. Although the pandemic forced Pat to postpone her trip back to England, she says remaining in Nelson prompted them to think about a land base.

“At our age we’d better get on the property ladder before it’s too late.” Their recently purchased house and section in the city are under renovation, with the aim of making both low-maintenance so Pat and Dick can simply lock the door and go sailing.

Irene, lady of the sea

Forget weather and climate as conversation starters, Irene’s baggy wrinkles are a sure-fire winner. “What are those fluffy things – dishmops you have up there?” Dick recalls people asking.

Pat says they’re meeting new faces all the time, and thanks Irene for their popularity.

“Often half a day will go because we’ll invite them in for a cup of tea or drink. It’s the boat that’s made us so many friends.

It’s an old-fashioned design. It stands out.”

The couple describe themselves as wealthy in time and a good life.

“Grab it,” says Dick.

“So many people say, ‘I wish I’d …’ and that to me is failing.

If you haven’t gone around the world, it doesn’t matter. We’ve got away and that’s it.”

Pat says living on the water means doing with less. “We’re minimalistic and you can manage perfectly well. We don’t live in luxury but we don’t live in poverty.”

A small space also puts the best relationship to the test. Pat says, “You must be able to get on well together all the time. You can’t just step out and go for a walk.”

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R I S I N G S TA R

FROMM Marlborough with love

BY SOPHIE PREECE | PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

F

inding the right homes for the right clones is a lifelong journey at FROMM. It began in 1992, when Georg Fromm worked with winemaker Hätsch Kalberer to develop the Marlborough estate, with close-planted rows in a myriad of varieties and clones including sangiovese, Montepulciano, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, syrah, malbec and pinot noir.

It was old-world wine growing in a fresh new-world region, so they planted and watched and tasted, learning which vines and wines could thrive in Marlborough’s cool climate, unique soils and variable terrains.

The sangiovese and Montepulciano struggled to ripen, the cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc were too herbaceous here, Above: Stephan Walliser with syrah grafted on to gewürztraminer Opposite page: FROMM 18

and the merlot, while happy, was a hard sell. The pinot noir, though, was a revelation, and they played to its strength, finessing clones, rootstocks and vineyard management, to produce extraordinary examples from 12 clones and four sites, from the home vineyard on the Wairau Plains to the extraordinary hillside of Clayvin.

Hätsch and his wife Lavinia helped plant that vineyard in 1992, together with Clayvin’s original owners Mike and Jo Eaton. Twenty-eight years on, the winemaker knows the site “like his home garden”, says FROMM co-owner and general manager Stephan Walliser. These days Clayvin is owned by Giesen Wines, but the company allows FROMM to harvest the same rows every year, ensuring a particular mix of clones, soil and aspect. The result is undeniably special, says Stephan. “It’s not just the beautiful minerality you can taste in every Clayvin wine, from every vintage. There is something magic in it. Sometimes it is quite difficult to say, but when you see the grapes – all hand-picked of course – and taste the grapes, you say, ‘yes that is Clayvin’.”

Then there’s the fruit from Churton, a beautiful vineyard with a patchwork of varieties draped across a high and rolling landscape.

Hätsch wanted another mix of clones, though still Dijon, and loved that the fruit was ripened by morning sun, ensuring a slower ripening, says Stephan. “It gives the wine another structure.”

... they planted and watched and tasted, learning which vines and wines could thrive in Marlborough’s cool climate, unique soils and variable terrain.

FROMM also grows sauvignon blanc that stands apart from most in Marlborough, a riesling that has earned a multitude of millennial fans enamoured with the sweeter, elegant and lower-alcohol spätlese style, and a gewürztraminer they harvest late in the season.

And still they plant and watch and taste, learning which varieties are happiest in the soil, and which fruit transfigures to the wine they seek. That includes introducing new French clones for syrah and adapting for the real and present impact of climate change on their growing seasons, with recent years kind to malbec and syrah, ensuring optimal ripeness, while putting pressure on some pinot blocks, which can ripen a little too well.

In 2018 the team regrafted FROMM’s gewürztraminer with syrah, and did the same with a pinot block on the estate vineyard.

FROMM’s pinot is revered among New Zealand’s wine lovers, but the block was “sitting like a sandwich between two syrah blocks, and somehow the pinot noir was not comfortable there”, says Stephan. They harvested their first crop from the repurposed rows this year, and “the Syrah feels very comfortable there,” he says, beaming happily.

Showing the beloved syrah in Europe last year, along with the Clayvin and Churton single-vineyard pinots, Stephan had experts disputing the wines’ provenance. “Especially in Belgium,” he says, “the people said this is not wine from New Zealand.” Some assumed the examples were from Switzerland, like Georg Fromm himself, while others thought the single-vineyard pinots – each wearing the unique character of their site – were from Burgundy. It’s flattering, “But we don’t like this too much,” Stephan says. “We are proud we grow our grapes in New Zealand, and we don’t like to compare … we say, ‘no, it is Marlborough’. We take the benefit of the beautiful nature and soil of New Zealand, and the climate of course.”

Stephan’s picks: FROMM Pinot Noir Cuvée “H”

While FROMM is acclaimed for its single-vineyard ‘terroir-driven wines’, including those from Clayvin and Churton, its Cuvée “H” has become the flagship pinot noir. The wine, which is a blend of its single-vineyard pinot, was launched in 2015 to honour winemaker Hätsch Kalberer’s decades spent perfecting the variety in Marlborough, says Stephan. The blend is balanced yet complex; powerful yet elegant, he says. “We can achieve every year more or less the same quality and that is a comfortable situation, especially for the consumer.”

Showing the beloved syrah in Europe last year, along with the Clayvin and Churton single-vineyard pinots, Stephan had experts disputing the wines’ provenance.

FROMM Syrah

Marlborough is one of the few places in the world where cool climate viticulture can produce extraordinary syrah with characters of pepper and spice, says Stephan. The company’s vineyards are right on the edge of the variety’s growing limits, allowing fruit to reach physiological maturity at relatively low sugar levels, as long as crops are kept low. That’s a package of circumstances (and wines) that makes him very happy. “We have a syrah that ripens beautifully here in the cool climate, and we have great results.”

Activities during summer 2021 8 January until 12 February: Friday night at FROMM Starts at 5pm until 8pm. Enjoy a glass of FROMM wine or a MOA beer. At 6.30pm free finger food offered by FROMM. Every Friday there will be a special guest/ friended winery to make the evening interesting.

Please check the FROMM website to find out more.

Saturday 13 February: “Food and Wine Festival” at FROMM. Please check the website with the latest news about our activities at FROMM Private wine tastings with included vineyard and cellar tours. All the private tasting offers you will find on the FROMM website ‘under ‘visit us’!

19

Photo: Aimee Jules

EVENT SHOWCASE

Triumphs descend on Trafalgar

BY JON HARREY

T

he last weekend of February will see an influx of classic Triumph cars to the streets of Nelson. Over 80 vehicles will start rolling into town on Thursday 25 February in preparation for three days of events and activities centred around Nelson City and the wider region.

The event, known as the National Weekend, is held annually by the TR Register of New Zealand with a new regional location being selected each year. This year the Top of The South group was chosen to host the weekend, themed “TRiumphs at TRafalgar”, following events in recent years based in the Wairarapa, Whangarei, Greymouth, and Napier. Participants will be attending from as far afield as Kerikeri in the north, Mosgiel in the south, and even a couple of regular TR enthusiasts from across the Tasman.

So what exactly are TR’s? Triumph Roadsters are a series of British sports cars built from the 1950s through to the early 1980s. The series began in 1953 with the release of the TR2 Above: Dave North with his restored TR Triumph Opposite page: Clockwise - TR Triumphs during previous rallies 20

Expect to see some stunning examples of the Triumph marque with many vehicles having undergone extensive restoration ... and progressed through to the TR8 which ceased production in 1982. In between were models such as TR3, TR3A, TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR6, and TR7, plus a couple of variants that were produced mainly for the American market such as the TR3B and TR250.

Great opportunity

As the “TRiumphs at TRafalgar” name suggests, the event will have a distinctly naval theme with none other than Lord Nelson himself welcoming attendees prior to the first programme event, the annual concours competition, on Friday morning. This will be held in a designated area next to the Trafalgar Centre in Paru Paru Road. This is a great opportunity for the public to view all the vehicles on display at the one location and the organisers welcome interest and questions from the general public.

Expect to see some stunning examples of the Triumph marque with many vehicles having undergone extensive restoration at great outlay to their owners in terms of both time and money spent. One example of a recently completed restoration is that of a Powder Blue TR4 which took its owner almost eight years to complete and is a reflection of the dedication that many owners put into their cars. The cars will be judged in a range of classes such as Standard, Modified, Master Class and Pride of Ownership with trophies for each class to be presented at the themed dinner on Saturday evening.

Photo: Supplied

Rally schedule

Friday afternoon will see a regional run that will take in some of our region’s beautiful coastline including Mapua, Ruby Bay, Kaiteriteri and Marahau while Saturday morning will showcase some of Nelson’s iconic attractions such as the Nelson Market, Founders Heritage Park and the Classic Car Museum. The Saturday afternoon run will head inland to Lake Rotoiti via Golden Downs with participants returning home in time to get geared up for the “naval themed,” awards presentation dinner.

The farewell brunch on Sunday signifies the official end of the National Weekend after which participants opt to head homeward, stay a little longer in Nelson, or head off on the “After Tour”.

I think people love coming to Nelson, and being local, I love showcasing the region and its many special places, people and attractions.

Various venues

The “After Tour” caters for those who have a little more time and are keen to explore further afield whilst also enjoying the social aspect that always accompanies these tours.

This year’s tour is entitled the “Coast to Coast – A Voyage of Discovery” tour and is scheduled to depart Nelson on Sunday afternoon.

Over several days the tour will take in the sights of the Upper South including Westport, Karamea, Reefton, Hanmer and Kaikoura with some 35 cars expected to take part. It will make for a great sight as the cars pass through, or gather, at various venues along the way.

Photo: Supplied

Photo: Supplied

Give us a wave

Having participated in three of the last four rallies, I am personally looking forward to the start of the event in just a few short weeks. The National Weekend and After Tour are the highlight of the TR Register calendar. They bring together TR enthusiasts from throughout the country.

We are particularly delighted to have received such an outstanding response to the Nelson event which I believe is a record for attendance at any National Weekend. I think people love coming to Nelson, and being local, I love showcasing the region and its many special places, people and attractions.

This event will be the culmination of a year’s work by the organisers and we just hope that we can rely on Nelson to contribute its famous sunshine so everyone can tour the region with tops down and the wind in our hair – at least for those of us who still have hair!.

If you see the cars being driven in and around Nelson give them a friendly wave – I’m sure they will appreciate it.”

21

design build enjoy design build enjoy design build enjoy

Wedesign designand and build build quality homes to We QUALITY an AWARD-WINNING STANDARD We design build winning QUALITY HOMES to and an award standard HOMES to an award winning standard Russell and his team at Inhaus will build you more than just a house - they will build you a home.

Russell and his team at Inhaus will build you more than just a house - they will We cater modest economical houses to luxury holiday homes... There really is build youfor a home. something to suit everyone!

Multi National Award Winner - Russell Campbell We cater for modest economical houses to luxury holiday homes... There really is something to suit everyone!

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Russell and his team at Inhaus will build you more than just ahighest house —that they will build you a home. of the year - Russell Campbell Award Winner Apprentice We realise that building a home is a major financial and emotional investment, Shaun Campbell and that a trusting relationship between builder and client is essential. of the year - Russell Campbell Call Call Russell Call Russell Call Russell on: Russell on: 021 on: 021 756 021 on: 756 755 021 756 755 756 755 Email: 755 Email: Email: russell@inhaus.co.nz russell@inhaus.co.nz Email: russell@inhaus.co.nz russell@inhaus.co.nz Visit Visit us Visit us at:Visit at: us www.inhaus.co.nz at: www.inhaus.co.nz uswww.inhaus.co.nz at: www.inhaus.co Our team work hard to make your building experience enjoyable and we deliver Multi Multi National Multi National Multi National National Award Award Winner Award Winner Award Winner Winner - Russell - Russell Campbell - Russell Campbell -Campbell Russell Campbell

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Call Russell on: 021 756 755 | Email: russell@inhaus.co.nz | Visit us at: www.inhaus.co.nz Call Russell 021 756 755| Email: Email: russell@inhaus.co.nz russell@inhaus.co.nz |Visit usus at:at: www.inhaus.co.nz Call Russell on:on: 021 756 755 Visit www.inhaus.co.nz 22

Photo: The Property Pilots

House of the Year 2020

finest home builds

Nelson Tasman and Marlborough’s

C O M P I L E D B Y LY N D A PA P E S C H

L

ocal Master Builders showed their skills again this year, notching up two supreme titles, nine gold, seven silver and two bronze awards in the 2020 Master Builders House of the Year Nelson Marlborough and West Coast regional competition The Supreme New Home Award went to George Guthrie Construction Limited, along with a gold category award and the Craftsmanship Award for a house that the judges say exudes quality in design and complex construction. The house, featured on the following page, was entered in the New Home $600,000 – $750,000 category.

Judges commented: “Both inside and out the finishes of natural concrete, painted plasterboard and cedar boarding are faultless. The fitting of all joinery is of the highest standard. It is a truly outstanding building and demonstrates built excellence.”

The Supreme Renovation Award and a gold category award went to Jason Gardiner Builders Limited for an entry in the Renovation Award $500,000 – $1 million category.

Above: Jason Gardiner Builders Supreme Renovation award-winner

Judges say the renovation was a complex one that required a high level of care and skill to carry out.

“The renovation has been so well done that it is hard to see what was existing and what is new. It is a deserving Supreme Renovation Award winner.”

Registered Master Builders House of the Year

This prestigious competition celebrates building excellence in New Zealand. It awards the best homes and builders and the craftsmanship behind them.

All category entrants in each region are judged by the same panel of two judges. Each property is judged against a scorecard of 2000 points (1300 Workmanship and 700 Design, Style and Functionality).

Multi-unit properties are separately judged (1100 Workmanship and 900 Design, Style, Functionality and General Consideration).

Properties are then awarded either gold, silver, bronze or no award depending on points scored. Gold awards are for properties that score 1800 points or more, silver for 1650 to 1799 points, and bronze equates to scores between 1500 and 1649 points.

23

Ain’t that a frame HAWKESBURY, MARLBOROUGH George Guthrie Construction New Home $600,000 to $750,000 Supreme New Home Award, Craftsmanship Award, Gold & Category Awards PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROB DUFF

F

loor-to-ceiling windows in every room of this Marlborough house create inbuilt picture frames to take in the ever-changing scenery of the picturesque Omaka Valley.

Lying low and long on its rural site, the three bedroom, two bathroom house has been built to connect with the great outdoors. Adding to its footprint, the use of horizontal cedar cladding and a monopitch roof in dark grey means that it also blends in to the surrounding countryside.

A central link with large glass panels connects the living and the bedroom wings, while providing easy access to both the front and rear outdoor areas.

The kitchen/dining space features a large island, concrete benchtop, crisp clean black joinery with timber accents, and a butler’s pantry, which provides plenty of extra storage and bench space.

A wall between the kitchen and the second living area creates the illusion of open plan living while still providing an intimate lounge.

The wing for the three bedrooms has large storage cupboards running the length of the hallway, a family room and a large bathroom.

Exceptional workmanship

Judges noted that the workmanship on the house was demanding and truly exceptional. The concrete, steel and timber structure are all accurate, they found, and the installation of the metal roofing, cedar wall cladding, aluminium windows and door joinery “outstanding”.

The judges added that the house “has truly been crafted with skill and care”.

“Both inside and out, the finishes of natural concrete, painted plasterboard and cedar boarding are faultless. The fitting of all joinery is of the highest standard. It is a truly exceptional build.”

This house exudes quality in design and complex construction, judges agreed.

“All was completed to a high standard with excellent attention to detail.”

Judges noted that the workmanship on the house was demanding and truly exceptional.

24

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Tel: 03 577 9278 installation and proud to support Fax: 03 577 9276 Mob: 027Guthrie 218 2329 Construction George Email: plumbingandheating@xtra.co.nz

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CONCEPT TO COMPLETION Congratulations to GEORGE GUTHRIE CONSTRUCTION on winning the supreme and gold awards at the 2020 House of the Year.

Smart Alliances provided the structural engineering for this home. Covering the Top of the South regions, we are a professional interdisciplinary engineering, environmental, resource management and architectural company that can provide innovative and practical solutions for your building needs.

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A S S O C I A T E

JAMES NEAL

ADDITIONAL CHARGES

N/A

APPROVAL

This is not a true representation of the final printed artwork and is intended as a visual only. Please check th carefully as responsibility passes to the client once approval is given. Signing off this proof also signifies acce any additional prepress charges as above. Artwork charges still apply if job does not proceed to print.

JOINERY LTD.

C O M P A N Y

OK to proceed Proceed with alterations Revised proof required

SIGNATURE

structural - general engineering CNR EYRE & STAFFORD ST P

06 323 4249

F

FEILDING 4702

06 323 5433

E

PO BOX 98

DATE

FEILDING 4740

NEW ZEALAND

FREEPHONE

fisherprint@xtra.co.nz

0800 48

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Proud to support George Guthrie Construction When James Neal Joinery designs and custom-makes furniture or interior joinery, clients get to work directly with the maker. James Neal’s joiners provide the personal touch, specialising in top-end joinery for clients around the South Island.

We are proud to work alongside George Guthrie Construction on their award-winning home.

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Grovetown, Blenheim 021 113 6452 jamesandlesleyneal@xtra.co.nz

25

Holiday at Home THE WOOD, NELSON Jason Gardiner Builders Renovation $500,000 to $1 Million Supreme Renovation Award, Gold & Category Awards PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE PROPERTY PILOTS

S

ited on the banks of Nelson’s Maitai River, this 1970s home has been completely transformed.

Taking design cues from the house’s earlier days, a retro colour scheme welcomes guests at the entrance and is used again in the living room, which has a large barn-style door, and in the kitchen.

Although the original structure was in good condition, the layout of the rooms was disjointed. The owners’ brief was for the space to feel like a holiday home, which led to internal walls being reconfigured on both floors to make it more open. Large double-glazed windows have been positioned to capture the views and easy-care polished concrete flooring also adheres to the owners’ design brief.

The swimming pool can be easily accessed from the downstairs living space, and the kitchen/living/dining flows out onto a covered deck area.

The finished result is an improvement in the quality and energy efficiency of the existing home, while providing more natural light, a brighter interior and flexible living spaces.

Judges noted it was a complex renovation that required a high level of care and skill to carry out. “It is a deserving Supreme Renovation Award winner.”

They noted that the attention to detail is evident throughout the renovation, which included prepping the twostorey house for partial demolition and construction of new foundations, floors and walls. New stairs and a new entrance have been seamlessly integrated into the existing building.

“New internal stairs and steel beams were needed to provide support for the upper deck and bracing. Windows are well positioned to maximise the winter sun and make the most of the river views. The renovation has been so well done that it was hard to see what was existing and what is new.”

A new kitchen featuring a large stainless-steel bench was installed along with new bathrooms, new interiors and new furnishings.

The three bedroom, two bathroom and two lounge home is very easy to live in, being modern, simple, easy going and warm, its owners say.

The renovation has been so well done that it was hard to see what was existing and what is new.

26

REGIONAL SUPREME AWARD WINNER

Phone us on 027 246 0870

www.jasongardinerbuilders.co.nz

Proud to work alongside Jason Gardiner Builders on their award-winning home

58A Gladstone Road, Richmond • Phone Mike on 022 500 4787

www.narellanpools.co.nz

27

You Sexy Wing RICHMOND, TASMAN Inhaus New Home $450,000 to $600,000 Gold & Category Awards P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K & OLIVER WEBER

N

ot all clients want sprawling multi-level homes.

Sometimes the brief is for a compact house, but with a sharp focus on excellent design, as was the case with this award-winning home. The brief included taking careful note of design especially in the entertaining spaces.

The result is a 201sqm single-level Richmond home; a stellar example of what can be accomplished.

Wings provide separation

The two wings have been splayed to create an outdoor living area that provides both shelter and privacy. Kwila decking has been laid at floor level to create a seamless indooroutdoor flow. The kitchen, dining and sitting areas open on two sides to decks. The entry is through a glazed link that separates the wings and looks out over the extensive outdoor living area.

With three bedrooms, two bathrooms including a spacious ensuite, and an open-plan living, dining, kitchen space, there is plenty of room for guests without the home losing any of its cosy ambience.

The roof is long-run ColourSteel and the windows are all double-glazed. Vertical cedar cladding has been installed with mitred corners and there has been careful placement of fittings.

The clients are proud of their new home and often invite ‘the boys’ over for a drink and pizzas at the end of the week.

Dual purpose design

The judges say the house has been well designed for both living and entertaining. “This beautifully crafted house is a deserving category winner.

“It has generous outdoor living areas that offer both shelter and privacy.”

The judges added that the Kwila decking had been expertly laid.

They were also full of prise for the vertical cedar cladding, saying it had been installed with great care and attention to detail, especially the mitred corners.

The judges say the house has been well designed for both living and entertaining.

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TERRY WESTLEY D R A I N L A Y E R

L T D

Serving all residential and industrial areas in Richmond.

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Proud to have worked with Inhaus on their award-winning home CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

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Paul Morris: 0274 421 328 Office: 03 544 4052 hello@paulmorris.co.nz $20,000 Workmanship Guarantee

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Watch This Space MOTUEKA, TASMAN R Fry Builders / Fry Homes New Home up to $450,000 Gold & Category Awards P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

M

aximising living space on a compact section was the challenge for the builders tasked with constructing this stylish three bedroom family home in Motueka.

The challenge was accepted, and the result is a beautiful house that also has immediate street appeal, thanks to its strong lines and colour scheme.

Small yet spacious

Inside neutral shades throughout give the home a sense of space that belies its 156sqm. There’s a main bedroom ensuite with white and grey tiles and premium fittings as well as a family bathroom.

On one side the living area opens out onto smart paving and considered landscaping.

The kitchen’s dark statement benchtop echoes the tones of the Rockcote/Linea cladding used for the home’s sharp exterior.

The clever use of recessed lighting makes for an increased feeling of spaciousness and the neutral interior colour palette provides a blank canvas onto which the residents can stamp their personal style.

Great design for small site

The inclusion of a double garage in keeping with the lines of the house is an added bonus.

Judges say the beautiful house has been well designed on a small restricted site and that the compact design makes the most of the northern sun while maintaining privacy and access for outdoor living.

They added that the walls and ceilings have been plastered superbly, and the bathrooms, doors and polished concrete and tiled floors have been excellently finished.

A light interior palette gives the home a spacious airy feel and look, while floor to ceiling sliders help bring the outdoors in and vice versa.

… the compact design makes the most of the northern sun while maintaining privacy and access for outdoor living.

30

Excellence in Windows & Doors

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03 547 5454 | Brilliant Place, Stoke, Nelson nelson@designwindows.co.nz

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Flexible designs that can be customised to suit your every need. We achieve your goal by streamlining your build from concept to completion.

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027 749 6161 | info@fryhomes.co.nz | www.fryhomes.co.nz 31

Sweet Sounds PICTON, MARLBOROUGH Roger Hogg Builders Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 to $1 Million Gold Award, Outdoor Living Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y M AT T C R O A D

T

ucked away on a tree-covered ridge at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound, this three-bedroom home commands uninterrupted views of the surrounding bays.

The clients’ brief was for a beach house that they could retire to. The 288sqm floor plan allows for all living and entertaining to take place on the first floor, which is accessed by a lift from the twin garages below.

Marine theme

Rooms are light and airy, with ceilings in the open-plan living/dining area rising to an impressive 6m in height. The kitchen features an Aga range cooker, a specific request from the clients who love to cook, bake and entertain. A butler’s pantry keeps the main kitchen space tidy.

Décor in the cosy bedroom pavilion has a marine theme, with splashes of colour to delight at every turn. Two bathrooms make it easy for guests to stay in comfort.

Balcony views

Wrapping around the home is extensive decking, anchored by a bold Kwila balustrade. This balcony, with harbour views, has a central nook which is cleverly designed to allow the owners to enclose the space and use it all year round.

Judges commented that the home best integrates indoor and outdoor living. “The enclosed doors and clear roof to the outdoor living make it useable in all weather and it acts as an extension of the indoors. The wrap-around decks make the most of enjoying the outside and soaking in the fantastic harbour views,” they noted.

The enclosed doors and clear roof to the outdoor living make it useable in all weather and it acts as an extension of the indoors.

32

PROUD TO HAVE WON 2 AWARDS AT THE 2020 MASTER BUILDERS HOUSE OF THE YEAR Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 Million

ROGER HOGG BUILDERS Blenheim

•

M: 021 621 128

•

E: info@rogerhogg.co.nz

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Height and Light RICHMOND, TASMAN C Moore Building New Home $450,000 to $600,000 Gold Award, Kitchen Excellence Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

T

he client and builder worked together to achieve outstanding results on this suburban home. Guests are greeted at the covered entrance and drawn into the spacious four-bedroom residence, where the pared-back palette enhances the sense of space.

Over-height ceilings and clerestories throughout the living areas are stand-out features, amplifying light and sky views.

The house is comprised of two wings. One contains the master bedroom with ensuite, three other bedrooms and a bathroom. The other wing is home to two living areas that flow onto the spacious decked alfresco area.

The kitchen and scullery are designed for practicality, storage and style. The walk-through laundry is modern and spacious with ample built-in storage.

The monopitch roof sets the home’s contemporary tone.

Beneath it, aluminium Nu-Wall cladding combined with a plaster exterior and negative detail soffits create a striking black on white effect.

The plan accommodates ample off-street parking between the large double garage and attached carport.

Wow factor

Judges said the bold black kitchen created a wow factor in this suburban home. “It is well designed, highly functional, and stunning to look at. The dark cabinetry is complemented with light wall and ceiling colours and has been superbly installed into the space.”

They added: “The kitchen and scullery are well thought out and offer functionality, style and ample storage. The kitchen flows effortlessly into the alfresco area.”

A light neutral interior colour palette, large windows and doors, and internal window walls add to the feeling of spaciousness.

... the bold black kitchen created a wow factor in this suburban home. It is well designed, highly functional, and stunning to look at.

34

Excellence in Windows & Doors

Proud to be associated with C Moore Building.

Congratulations on the Height and Light home.

03 547 5454 | Brilliant Place, Stoke, Nelson nelson@designwindows.co.nz

www.designwindows.co.nz

NEW BUILDS RENOVATIONS COMMERCIAL

Consistently ensuring the highest standard of build and workmanship ph. 021 229 9440 www.cmoorebuilding.co.nz

35

Stoked to be here STOKE, NELSON Mike Greer Homes GIB Show Home Gold & Category Awards, Show Home Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K & S T O R Y L I N E P I C T U R E S

T

his attractive singe-level home blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

Large windows at the entrance of the building welcome the outdoors in, and a large covered deck area connects the interior’s two living spaces.

An intimate atmosphere is created in the formal lounge with an elegant on-wall gas fireplace. The main family space is more open-plan, comprising the kitchen, living and dining area.

Stylish and functional, the kitchen has a walk-in pantry and the large island bench doubles as a breakfast bar. Timber accents in the cabinetry and lighting add warmth and texture, while skylights let natural light flood in.

A vaulted ceiling in the living/dining area makes the space feel larger than it is. This sense of spaciousness continues throughout the home, thanks to plenty of glazing.

The main bedroom, which also has a vaulted ceiling, includes an ensuite and open walk-in wardrobe.

Exterior vertical cedar cladding and a 35 degree roof pitch give the home impressive street appeal.

High praise

Judges said the design of this house is “special”. “The entry hall has a full wall of windows looking at the garden courtyard and living areas have been positioned to capture the winter sun and access the outdoor spaces.

A covered outdoor courtyard links the living and formal lounge.”

The judges noted it had been a complex build with steel beams, raking ceilings and large sliding doubleglazed doors. “Shutters to the outdoor courtyard have beautifully concealed tracks and the workmanship is of a very high standard,” they concluded.

Shutters to the outdoor courtyard have beautifully concealed tracks and the workmanship is of a very high standard ...

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more award winner! choice.

This Homes year we entered Nelson showhome the and Mike Greer offers aour great selection of into Home Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards and region.

Land packages available throughout the Nelson Tasman we are proud to announce we have won a Gold Award and

Regional Award this 25 stunning Mike Greer Homes hasfor over yearshome. of experience building homes that are characterised by design andcome quality If you haven’t seen our showhome yetinnovation make sure you and seeThe us invalue the New Year.specialist knowledge and workmanship. of our attentionFrom to detail is evident in every home that we the team at Mike Greer Homes we would likebuild. to wish

happy safea holiday season.

If you’re everybody looking toa buy orand build new home in the Nelson Tasman region, come home to more with Mike Greer Homes.

Homes for Sale

Homes For Sale Appleby Fields $729,000

Stag Ridge $785,000 Lot 2

Ngāti Rārua St, off Champion Rd $929,000

Lot 159

Montebello $799,000

Lot 57

Reserve Views Emma McCashin 021 682 787 emccashin@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Montebello $979,000 Lot 73 Lot 79 Huntaway Close $859,000

Reserve Views Vanessa Clark 027 733 1409 vclark@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

completed 2020

Rose Manor $879,000 Lot 48 Montebello $929,000 Lot 84

Rural Views Jordan McConnochie 027 426 7951 jmcconnochie@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Lot 14

under construction

Reserve Views

The Hilltops

Dave Chambers 027 572 1958 dchambers@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

03 544 7873 mikegreerhomes.co.nz

03 544 7873 mikegreerhomes.co.nz

MGH/012/NM

Contact us Showhome SHOWHOMES: 1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke & 17 Rose Manor Drive, Blenheim Vanessa Clark 027 733 1409 vclark@mikegreerhomes.co.nz 1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke Emma McCashin 021 682 787 emccashin@mikegreerhomes.co.nz Open daily, 1pm–4pm

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It’s A Wrap RICHMOND, TASMAN Mike Greer Homes Volume Group Housing New Home $450,000 to $750,000 Silver Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

C

leverly designed to maximise estuary and Richmond Range views, this family home also boasts plenty of outdoor space to enjoy all-day sun. Summer living is easy in the landscaped areas, and the wrap-around timber deck is perfect for entertaining guests, reading a book or watching the sun set at the end of a busy day.

Inside, the kitchen/living/dining area is spacious under high ceilings. The floating floor in the entry, kitchen and living areas provides a touch of luxury, while underfloor heating keeps the home warm during the winter months.

The master suite includes a spacious ensuite with a double vanity, creative tiling and a generous shower. A walk-in wardrobe provides all the storage that anyone could ever need. Two additional good-sized bedrooms, a spacious main bathroom and separate toilet provide for the rest of the family.

Gather Around RICHMOND, TASMAN Mike Greer Homes Volume Group Housing New Home up to $450,000 Silver Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

S

ituated opposite a reserve in a quiet residential area, this striking home has serious street appeal, thanks to an eyecatching front door, modern design and lovely landscaping.

Stack-bonded honed block and vertical oblique cladding add texture to the building’s exterior, while enhancing its sleek design.

From the entrance, the space opens out into the living area where a gas fire provides cosy ambience. Timber overlay flooring with underfloor heating makes the home comfortable all year round.

The beautifully appointed kitchen has a walk-in pantry and ample bench space, along with large sliding doors opening onto the exterior decking for indoor/outdoor flow. A LouvreTec roof defines this space.

The main bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe plus generous ensuite with fully tiled shower, while the home’s two additional bedrooms are well catered for by a spacious main bathroom. A walk-in linen cupboard provides plenty of storage.

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DOMINATOR

®

The garage door to suit your style

ale

Mike Greer Homes offers a great selection of Home and Land packages available throughout the Nelson Tasman region.

Mike Greer Homes has over 25 years of experience building homes that are characterised by design innovation and quality workmanship. The value of our specialist knowledge and attention to detail is evident in every home that we build.

Proud to work iwth Mike Greer Homes Montebello $799,000

Lot 79

Paul Morris: 0274 421 328 Office: 03 544 4052 hello@paulmorris.co.nz

If you’re looking to buy or build a new home in the Nelson Tasman region, come home to more with Mike Greer Homes.

t2

000

CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS

completed 2020

Lot 57

$20,000 Workmanship Guarantee

under construction

ROOFING WINDOWS LOUVRETEC®

Montebello $929,000

Lot 84

Congratulations to Mike

Greer Homes in the 2020 House of the Year awards

Showhome

vclark@mikegreerhomes.co.nz 7 emccashin@mikegreerhomes.co.nz

The Hilltops

1 Piwakawaka Drive, Stoke Open daily, 1pm–4pm

MGH/012/NM

e ce.

Proud to have worked with Mike Greer Homes on their award-winning homes

NELSON 41 Venice Place 03 538 0824

BLENHEIM 35 Kinross Street 03 577 7720

.co.nz Agents of

Visit our website for more information

www.contour.co.nz

39

Creature Comforts TASMAN Jennian Homes Nelson Bays Volume Group Housing New Home $450,000 to $750,000 Gold & Category Awards P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

S

et on a rural block, this striking three-bedroom family home is situated to enjoy the sun and amazing views, while being a low-maintenance sanctuary all year round.

The open-plan layout creates connected living areas, with a covered alfresco space accessible through large sliding doors.

Positioned to look out over the rest of the dining/living space, the sleek kitchen features gas cooking and quality appliances. The black island benchtop complements the home’s hardware and lighting fixtures.

Spread over a single level, the home has three bedrooms, with a tiled ensuite and walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom. An entry area, main bathroom, toilet, office space and separate laundry complete the floor plan. Ceiling and underfloor heating are an added bonus.

The exterior comprises Rockcote Graphex cladding with Linea features.

Flair Enough RICHMOND, TASMAN Jennian Homes Nelson Bays GIB Show Home Silver Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

F

rom the street, this home’s trio of gabled structures make a striking impression. Inside the four bedroom, two bathroom home the flair continues with a designer kitchen, quality fittings and excellent craftsmanship.

The kitchen includes a large walk-in scullery with soft touch panels, timber features, a black sink, LED lighting and a TriStone benchtop.

The tiled master bedroom ensuite has underfloor heating, while throughout the rest of the house the heating is via a ducted system and a gas integrated fireplace in one of the two living areas. Floor coverings include laminate timber and carpets, and an automated roller blind system ensures warmth in winter and that the summer sun is kept at bay.

The house is designed for family living inside and out, with two Kwila decks for dining and entertaining. Exterior architectural features include wrapped plaster barges and entry ceilings.

40

Excellence in Windows & Doors

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Stephanie Phillips steph@sparchitect.co.nz sparchitect.co.nz

There’s never been a better time to invest in bricks and mortar.

Jennian Homes Nelson Bays pride themselves on delivering the home you've always wanted, working with you to create a home that reflects your personality and suits your lifestyle. We specialise in Design and Build and continue to set the bar when it comes to custom-design projects for both urban and rural settings.

There’s never been a better time to invest and we have land available right now for you to design and build your dream home.

Visit our stunning, bespoke Display Homes in the Show Home Village in the Richmond West Development, 50 and 52 Berryfield Drive. Open for viewing: Monday to Sunday 1-4pm, or by appointment.

Jennian Homes Nelson Bays 8 Champion Road (The Livibrook Complex), Richmond P 03 544 4390 E nelson@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz

41

Classic Beauty KINA PENINSULA, TASMAN Stonewood Homes Nelson New Homes $600,000 to $750,000 Gold Award, Bathroom Excellence Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

T

his beautiful black and white villa is elevated to capture breathtaking sea and mountain views, and to make the most of its prime location on the Kina peninsula.

Well laid out and very practical, the hub of this four-bedroom home is the kitchen with its large scullery.

Designed by Bays Joinery, its glossy black cabinetry and gold hardware create a wow factor.

To one side of the kitchen is a breakfast nook overlooking the stunning vista. Built-in corner window seating in the living space creates a relaxing area, while bifold doors in the formal lounge open up the indoor/outdoor flow. A fireplace in the formal lounge makes it warm and cosy, with high ceilings adding a sense of grandeur and spaciousness.

Black and white tiles in a striped pattern feature in the master bedroom ensuite complete with free-standing tub and double shower.

Raised Retreat RICHMOND, TASMAN Stonewood Homes Nelson New Home $450,000 to $600,000 Silver Award P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y D AV I D C H A D W I C K

P

erched high in the heart of Richmond, this beautiful three-bedroom family home embraces open-plan living. Past the entrance is a formal lounge with inwall fireplace then a spacious kitchen/dining/living area.

The owner loves entertaining in the designer kitchen with its walk-in pantry.

With stunning mountain and sea views, this open space has plenty of glazing to maximise the outlook and invite the sun in. Large stacker doors open onto a generous deck area that stretches across the full width of the house; ideal for socialising with family and friends.

The main bedroom includes a large ensuite with double vanity, plus a walk-in wardrobe and deck access.

A sense of luxury is created in the main bathroom with a raised free-standing tub. High-end materials and quality workmanship have produced strong street appeal outside and enduring comfort inside.

42

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DAVE TRIGG

NEW HOME CONSULTANT 027 554 2307 dave.trigg@stonewood.co.nz

I understand the home building journey. You can be assured when you build your home with Stonewood Homes, I will be right by your side every step of the way. As your New Home Consultant I will guide you through the entire process with great care and precision.

43

New Year’s Resolutions

A change is gonna come Breaking bad habits can be achieved by making new ones, Sarah Nottage reports.

PHOTOGRAPHY STEVE HUSSEY

O

ne year I made a New Year’s resolution to stop drinking, but I drank so much on New Year’s Eve that I forgot my resolution. I had such a bad hangover on New Year’s Day that I needed a Bloody Mary to recover. The following day I felt so guilty that I had a drink to make me feel better. So I resolved to never make a New Year’s resolution again.

The seasonal oaths date back to Babylonian times, some 4000 years ago. If the locals paid their debts, their gods would bestow favour on them for the coming year. If not, they would fall out of the gods’ favour – basically a guilt-inducing form of social control.

These days, instead of making promises to the gods, we make resolutions to ourselves, and focus purely on self-improvement. Setting resolutions is positive – we have good intentions and a certain level of belief in our ability to change and become the best version of ourselves.

So why do 90 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by the end of January? Why do we often go back to our old ways after gym challenges or 12-week diets? Because change is a gradual process.

It takes time and consistent effort to form and consolidate new habits – and it is hard, especially to begin with. Willpower is a finite resource and will eventually be depleted.

We set grandiose, unrealistic, vague health-and-wellness goals.

We want to get fit, lose weight, be better parents – and we want to achieve it all now. Yet we have no idea of what it takes to achieve these lofty aspirations, so we set ourselves up for failure. And when we fail, we feel guilt, shame and a sense of hopelessness. We make excuses and slip back into our old habits, including self-sabotage.

Our inner critic often needs little encourage to berate us, telling us how weak we are.

Keep at it

No magic time frame (or pill) has been discovered when forming a new habit, but research suggests an average of between 66 and 200 44

days, depending on the individual. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

When it comes to health and wellness, we want a quick fix. We live in a disposable society with everything at our fingertips, so we think getting fit and healthy should be easy too. We tell ourselves that we are time-poor and need to rush. We are addicted to our smartphones. Our cortisol levels are through the roof, so it’s no wonder that we want to numb our minds and escape with unhealthy habits such as alcohol and television. We are not designed for this busy, switched-on, tuned-in (yet sedentary) lifestyle, but we are in it, so we need to work with it.

Marketing companies exploit our desire for rapid health transformation by promising that we can get flat abs just by drinking meal-replacement shakes or planking. That might work but life (and we) wouldn’t be much fun, and although we may see some immediate results, the change wouldn’t be sustainable.

All in the mind

Amazingly, despite what advertisers try to tell us and sell us, achieving sustainable health and wellness isn’t as much to do with diet and exercise as it is about the mind. From the moment we are born, our brains organise our experiences to help us make sense of what will happen next. We unconsciously create a powerful set of assumptions, or ‘mindset’, comprising thoughts and ideas, plus emotional and behavioural patterns that are largely influenced by factors out of our control – such as our upbringing, environment and experiences (otherwise known as ‘baggage’). We then try to fit all our experiences into our mindset, as author Richard O’Connor writes in his book, Rewire.

Our interpretations can be accurate (‘I scored 100 percent on my maths test so I must be good at maths’) or inaccurate (‘The teacher didn’t smile at me; I must have done something wrong’). If

Why do 90 percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by the end of January? one of our assumptions is ‘I’m a failure; no use trying to change’, we may see any change as impossible, rather than appreciate the value of trying things differently. The lens through which we perceive the world and ourselves within that world is all we know – it is hard to visualise what change is like if we have never experienced it.

Creatures of habit

We develop habits – behaviours that we do automatically. These allow us to be more efficient, as we can do more than one thing at once, such as talk and listen to music while we drive. It doesn’t take any effort to perform these habituated behaviours – which comprise 45 percent of an average day. This is why things often go wrong when we are on holiday because our habitual tasks are being performed in different circumstances. When we encounter a new experience, however, such as getting up early to exercise, it comes to our conscious attention, and is difficult to maintain as it isn’t yet an automatic habit. To create new habits, we have to get out of our comfort zone, which is scary and requires us to make short-term sacrifices for long-term health.

With enough deliberate practice, we can gradually rewire our neurological pathways to change our habits and assumptions.

We already have the power within us to take action towards sustainable health and wellness every single day – we just have to learn how to tap into our own potential.

January 1 is not a magical transformation date. In fact, we’ve had a head start in 2020 as many of us re-evaluated our priorities, simplified our lives and created new, positive health habits during the Covid lockdown earlier this year.

Several vital steps are crucial to achieving sustainable, positive lifestyle change. The following advice is from a group of local health and wellness experts: Rebecca Pflaum of Cloud 8, an oasis for yoga, art and contemplation; Steph Pearce, women’s online health and wellness coach; David Egelstaff, gym manager at CityFitness; and Eddie Edwards, personal trainer and owner of Fine Tuned Fitness, for Physical and Cognitive Health.

Connect with your breath

The simple practice of deep breathing changes what is going on physically, mentally and even hormonally, helping us to feel centred enough to take care of ourselves. By becoming aware of your breathing, learning simple breathing exercises and practising regularly, you will be able to make decisions and act on them from a calm place, rather than an erratic, emotional place. When stressed, deep breathing makes you more likely to do something nurturing for yourself – for example, call a friend and go for a walk together – rather than something that may be immediately soothing but detrimental in the long term, such as drinking half a bottle of wine. By using the breath to create space and time between an interaction and your reaction, your relationships will improve – including your relationship with yourself.

Awareness

Acknowledge that your present state is not of the quality you’d like. Choose to take personal responsibility for your health, wellness and your life. Let go of blame (‘I feel the way I do because of someone else or something external to me’) and Above: Rebecca Pflaum of Cloud 8 Opposite page: Paddleboarding for fun and exercise

shame (‘I am not good enough’). Start to focus your attention on creating peace in your inner world, rather than fixing and changing external circumstances. Your inner world can then begin to influence your external reality.

Work out the ‘why’

Your motivation may be external initially, such as wanting to have more energy to play with the kids, or wanting to feel confident taking your shirt off at the beach, but whatever it is, use it to propel you to action. Set SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound). In his book Life Lessons from the Monk, Robin Sharma explains that clearly defined goals ‘clarify our desires and, in doing so, help us to focus on only those activities that will lead us to what we want’. They ‘provide a framework for smarter choices – the actions you take will be based on your life’s mission rather than on your day-to-day moods’. Goal-setting also helps keep you alert to opportunities and commits you to a course of action.

Ask yourself these questions: What does living a healthy and fulfilling life look like? Feel like? When you imagine a life where you are happy, healthy and living a life full of purpose and integrity, what are you doing? Who are you surrounded by? How do you treat yourself and others?

Prioritise yourself and your health needs

Where do your health needs sit on your priority list? Many people (especially mums) don’t put themselves first, so don’t consistently dedicate the time they need to achieve their wellness goals, which often leads to failure. It is impossible to have enough energy to look after others if you don’t look after yourself.

There is always a long list of excuses not to train and eat well, but you need to flip that mindset, come up with a creative plan, then set boundaries around it. For example, if you have to take the children to an after-school activity, try going for a walk during the session. Or ask a friend to look after the children while you go to the gym and train for 40 minutes. After a few times you will start to feel energised, stronger and more confident, making it easier to prioritise yourself rather than making excuses.

45

Audit your life

What you do every hour dictates what you do for the rest of your life. Take stock of where you are now, the direction your life is heading in, and how that compares with your ultimate goals and dreams, because life tends to get in the way of living.

Get out a pen and paper and write down exactly what you do in an hour, day, week, month and year. You think you are busy?

Then break down each hour of every day, including travel and social media time. This may reveal that you have quite a lot of spare time.

Ask yourself if what you are doing with the hours of your day is congruent with what you want to achieve. Which of your behaviours are nourishing you physically, mentally and spiritually? Which are damaging you? During this process, you may identify some selfsabotaging behaviours, such as heading straight for the biscuit tin when you get home from work.

Take ownership and responsibility, even if it feels uncomfortable, but do it without self-judgement or criticism. You will begin to look at your life in a completely different way, which is a starting point of a healthier, happier way of living. As George Bernard Shaw said, “The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them, make them.”

Get support

This can be formal or informal, depending on your goals. People often fail when they try to achieve health and wellness goals on their own because they don’t know how to apply the principles. Having a coach helps you to create and maintain a routine, and achieve your goals more quickly, which boosts motivation. It also helps with accountability, which breaks momentum. For example, if you have made a time to train with your personal trainer, online health coach or friend, you are more likely to show up and work hard than if you are exercising on your own in a cold garage.

Make it fun

Many people say they hate exercise, but there are so many different ways to move. Choose activities that fit with your lifestyle and interests. If you have a high-stress job solving problems all day,

Just because you can hear your negative voice doesn’t mean you have to listen to it.

for instance, do something that allows you to turn your attention inwards, such as yoga or walking/running. Sit under a tree at lunchtime (without your phone). Conversely, if you work from home or live by yourself, exercise with a friend or join a group activity – the social element will double your endorphin hit. If you are a parent, join your child on the see-saw or swing – see who can go the highest.

Keep it small and simple

Beauty and power reside in simplicity. Small, simple actions become habitual more quickly, which helps to build confidence, making you more likely to work towards other wellness habits.

Habits are performed automatically, therefore they do not rely on willpower. Create healthy micro-habits that you can do consistently in the same location using an existing habit/activity.

Apply the framework: ‘When I … I will …’, for example, ‘When I finish my 10:30am meeting, I will go for a 10-minute walk.’ Or, ‘While I wait for the kettle to boil, I will do 30 squats.’

Be kind to yourself

From top: Clockwise - Enjoy a walk and commune with nature; choose activities that fit with your lifestyle and interests 46

Stop comparing yourself with other people – they are all on their own journey, and have their own internal struggles (we just don’t see them when we are scrolling through Instagram). Stop thinking you aren’t spiritual enough, confident enough, strong enough, good enough – we all have the power to positively change, even just a little bit.

Just because you can hear your negative voice doesn’t mean you have to listen to it. Replace it with positive self-talk: ‘I am strong. I am centred. I am enough.’ If you are struggling, acknowledge it as a normal reaction to change. It doesn’t feel comfortable, but it will pass.

Reach out to others for support – share your experiences.

You may find that you inspire the people around you with your commitment to health and wellness. Few things energise the human spirit more than helping others. You will occasionally stray off-track, but now you have a clear vision of the track you want to be on, and you have the power to re-set quickly and veer back to your commitment to prioritising your own health and wellness.

You are worth it.

STAY WITH US We offer a warm welcome and comfortable accommodation.

Dine on-site at the Beached Whale Restaurant & Bar where you’ll enjoy great food and a lively and fun atmosphere, all only metres from Kaiteriteri Beach.

Sharing the love of sugar-free, gluten-free, grain-free, low carb & keto baking.

Wholesaler and caterer, with our very own store at 5 Montgomery Square, Nelson.

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ACCOMMODATION Pools | Spas | Saunas | Spa treatments Vegetarian restaurant | Conference room

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Nutritionist & Personal Trainer • Online or in studio one-on-one nutrition coaching (free 45min initial consultations for January) • Personal training • Online 4 week KetoFIIT programme

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027 535 7169 • rosie@rosiejames.co.nz

www.rosiejames.co.nz 47

Summer Sun Care

Sting in our summer fling I

n the unenlightened past, each summer would reignite a love affair for Kiwis. This all-consuming passion usually led to abandoned clothing scattered around prostrate, perspiring bodies. A distressing amount of publicly exposed flesh sometimes even involved whole groups of people.

Only when the extreme dangers of a close relationship with the sun became tragically apparent was this toxic love affair re-evaluated. We have now come to terms with the fact that New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma incidences and mortality rates in the world – second only to Australia in 2018, and fully seven times that of Britain.

Thanks to the La Niña weather pattern, a potentially scorching new summer has arrived, and awareness of sun safety is more important than ever. Michelle Hunt, centre manager for Cancer Society Nelson since 2016, says the Top of the South’s allure carries a sting.

“Nelson is New Zealand’s sunshine capital, and that’s why people live and move here. They love the great outdoors and everything Nelson has to offer, but it also means there is a lot of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.”

Michelle and her team cover the entire Nelson/Tasman region and its more than 100,000 people. A small and dedicated team runs numerous support groups, events, health promotion and prevention.

The main part of Michelle’s role is marketing and fundraising.

She also educates people about skin cancer. New Zealand has less atmospheric pollution than many other countries, a recovering ozone layer and the ‘perihelion effect’ which brings our country physically closer to the sun than other parts of the globe during our summer, and the result is a horrifying 82,000 cases of skin cancer every year. An estimated 80,000 Kiwis receive a nonmelanoma skin cancer diagnosis annually, leaving 2000 with a positive melanoma diagnosis; six new cases every day.

“That’s about 535 deaths per year, on average – more than the 320 or so annual road death toll,” says Michelle. “A big part of our role is trying to put that message out there because there are no government-funded prevention programmes or public health 48

campaigns. They advertise road safety, but deaths from skin cancer are actually higher.”

No hat, no play

The Cancer Society places a huge emphasis on prevention, running the SunSmart school accreditation programme, which involves ensuring children wear hats outdoors, use sunscreen and play in the shade.

“Education with children is improving – they can’t play outside during term 1 and term 4 unless they wear a hat, so we’re hoping the next generation will learn from what we didn’t know at their age.”

She also works with city and district councils, providing shade at local playgrounds, and last month, Michelle and her team launched a potentially lifesaving freebie.

“Through our website, cancernelson.org.nz, and thanks to a bequest from a man named David Blunt, we are offering skincancer-check vouchers up to the value of $75 for anybody in the Nelson/Tasman region. This will cover a 30-minute consultation with most GPs. Obviously, there are also more expensive clinics, but the voucher will still be a significant contribution towards removing the cost barrier that prevents people getting checked.”

Cancer Society Nelson is offering 1000 vouchers annually. In the meantime, Michelle’s advice to everyone venturing out into our harsh sun this summer is to apply sunscreen correctly.

“Put two coats of sunscreen on before you go out, like painting a house; undercoat then topcoat. Do this 20 minutes before sun exposure to allow the sunscreen to be absorbed into the skin. Everybody needs to use about one teaspoon for each

“That’s about 535 deaths per year, on average – more than the 320 or so annual road death toll.”

MICHELLE HU NT

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the quality of care offered by those companies.”

D R M A R K F O L EY

limb, and half a teaspoon for the face and neck, and remember to do that every two hours.”

Michelle also emphasises the importance of being more proactive.

“Wear a hat and make sure you sit in the shade during the height of the sun. Sunglasses are important, and clothing, so put on a shirt.

“Our UV levels are 40 percent higher than anywhere else in the world, and visiting tourists have no idea how strong our sun is down here. There’s also the UV Today phone app, and Niwa also has a UV forecast, so check the levels even on a cloudy day.”

Outdoors workers stay safe

Dr Mark Foley is also on the front line of melanoma education and treatment, having run a dedicated skin cancer clinic, The Skin Clinic, in Blenheim since 2003. In that time, the clinic has treated a staggering 14,000 cases of cancer.

“Marlborough has a high rate of skin cancers because of the large elderly population,” he says, “but overall it is not much higher than the rest of New Zealand, which is still considered to be one of the worst in the world.”

Marlborough’s strong focus on primary industry means many people work outside, even during the height of summer. “Overall, the standard of sun protection is excellent,” Mark says.

“We do a lot of work for the wine and marine industries, and so we see many of their employees. I’ve been incredibly impressed with the quality of care offered by those companies, providing sun protection and often paying for employees’ skin checks. We see very few people with severe sunburn. Most are very good at covering up and using sunscreen.”

Even the days of equating sun-darkened skin with healthiness seem to be over, much to Mark’s relief. “Most people now appreciate that a tan is actually sun-damaged skin, and does not provide any protection from skin cancer. In fact, sun-induced tanning actually increases your risk.”

Placing this in perspective, Mark explains that a tan will only provide protection equivalent to a sunblock with an SP factor of 4 – pitifully low.

“I’ll often say to my patients that no tan is a good tan,” because browning skin is actually the body’s response to DNA damage. But Mark believes general SunSmart awareness has become part of the national consciousness, “like putting on a seatbelt”.

“The New Zealand skin cancer rate is still increasing at an alarming rate, but drilling down into the data from the last few years gives us a different picture. When looking at the different age groups – and this varies between studies – the greatest occurrences are actually in men 55 years and over.” Because this group represents such a high number, it is skewing the overall data, he believes.

“If you take them out of the equation, everyone else is actually suffering less skin cancer, not more, and I think that just reinforces that the SunSmart message has been heeded and is now paying off.

When introduced it was known we were going to take two or three decades to reap the benefits, and now that’s actually happening.”

Stay vigilant

However, Mark is naturally concerned at the growing rate of malignancies among middle-aged and older men. In fact, he believes the health profession may not be able to deal with the numbers. The Kiwi male mindset of the past, stripping to the waist at summertime and decrying protective skin lotions as ‘less than manly’, has come back to bite hard. Mark’s own clinic is treating up to 10 people daily suffering cancer.

“Skin cancers and sun damage in the elderly can grow very rapidly, so early treatment is imperative. We’re trying desperately to diagnose early so that surgery won’t be necessary. If we can detect some of these malignancies soon enough, topical treatments and photodynamic therapy can be used relatively successfully.

“If you detect a melanoma particularly early and it’s removed, we consider a lot of those people now cured. And we use that word seriously – it will no longer cause the patient any lifetime problems.”

49

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57

Creating and landscaping stunning swimming pools in the Top of the South B Y A L I S TA I R H U G H E S | P H O T O G R A P H Y PA U L J O N E S

A

nyone flying in or out of Blenheim will quickly become aware of particular features from the air.

The rows of grape vines striping almost every block of land in the Wairau Valley is perhaps the most obvious, but sparkling between the rooftops of Marlborough’s major town is a dense scattering of sapphires. Or at least, that is how the town’s many swimming pools appear from above.

Still regularly topping the rest of the country in sunshine hours (an estimated average of 2243 per year), and with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees in late summer, Blenheim was the natural birthplace of a 55-year-old family-owned swimming pool business.

Aquanort Pools has operated in Blenheim since 1964, and current owner Greg Norton continues a legacy begun by his father over half a century ago. Greg took the business over when he returned from his traditional Kiwi ‘OE’ in 1988, and has kept pace with ever-advancing pool technology since then.

Computerised water analysis and robotic pool cleaners even form part of its many services.

Greg’s own son Tom grew up swimming and diving in the nearby Marlborough Sounds, so it seemed predestined that he would extend his love of the water to his parent’s business.

After being actively involved for a number of years he bought into the business in 2015, ensuring that the family legacy will continue into the next generation.

“When we started, we did a lot of modest family pools and now we see a shift to more of the high-end, larger pool projects which could also include quite extensive landscaping.”

TO M N O RTO N

58

Tom observes that although the company’s basic market hasn’t changed much in that time, the scale of the work has certainly expanded. “A number of our customers are on their second or third pool as they have upscaled properties, and with that, the size of their pool project has increased.”

There have certainly been advances made from the basic freestanding backyard pools, which every Marlborough child in constant search of cooling off craved in the 1970s.

“When we started, we did a lot of modest family pools and now we see a shift to more of the high-end, larger pool projects which could also include quite extensive landscaping.”

Our creative team With fencing becoming a crucial element over the decades, Aquanort’s move to providing a full landscaping service to help integrate its pools was a logical step. Fully qualified pavers and tilers are available, along with outdoor fireplace design and construction, barbecue facilities and even options for ponds and waterfalls.

Now employing 18 staff, Aquanort is well equipped to fulfil its goal of becoming an all-in-one solution for everything pool related. As well as design, construction and installation, it also offers spa pools, existing swimming pool revamps, repairs and painting, a pool valet service, and a range of covering and heating options. Aquanort’s

WT + AQUANORT POOLS

shop also offers a full range of supplies, equipment and advice.

Compass Pools agent Another aspect which has seen some recent development is Aquanort’s market span, which now covers several South Island regions. As well as offering its own customised concrete pools, Aquanort is the authorised dealer for a world-leading range of fibreglass pools.

“Almost six years ago we became the Marlborough/Kaikoura agent for Compass Pools,” explains Tom. “We were really impressed with the quality of these pools and the optional self-cleaning system, which has been very popular with customers. And this year we became their Nelson/West Coast agent, so we now cover the Top of the South.”

The Compass Pool Vantage selfcleaning system has been one of the most significant advances the industry has seen. Circulating a pool’s water from top to bottom, algae and bacteria are eliminated, and so is time and financial expenditure on chemicals and maintenance.

Pool maintenance had been sometimes been an obstacle to pool owners in the past, so Tom has certainly seen the ‘set and forget’ appeal of this feature make a difference. “As an optional addition on installation, the Vantage system has been huge. It cleans the pool

Above: A sparking, alluring Aquanort Pool Opposite page: Team Aquanort

for you and has been very popular with customers who have busy lifestyles.”

Even chemical treatments systems have moved on, meaning swimming pools no longer ever have to carry the faint whiff of chlorine. More subtle processes such as ionisation and oxidation now can be used to sanitise pool water.

“The Naked Pools System is chlorine-free and in high demand,” Tom adds, “especially as people become more environmentally aware. The science behind pool chemicals is also continuously improving and changing. We are a long way from basic liquid chlorine.”

Pool maintenance Aquanort even provides a complimentary computerised testing system called BioLab, where pool water can be analysed from a sample. Customers can then leave with a printout of step-by-step instructions to correct any chemical imbalances that might be detected. Also popular are automated robotic pool cleaners, which happily trundle around underwater keeping the pool floor, sides and waterline pristine.

There is no denying that the Covid-19 pandemic has presented never-imagined challenges to New Zealand businesses, but Tom found that lockdown also presented some unexpected benefits.

“Initially we had a number of projects cancelled or put on hold and it was a very uncertain time for everyone. But it gave us a good chance to reset and think about what we were doing with the business, and change focus.”

In fact, rather than allowing business to stall during this time, Aquanort instead

extended its dealership of Compass Pools across Nelson Tasman and the West Coast.

“Since lockdown we have actually been busier as swimming pools and spa pools seem to have been a popular choice as a replacement for cancelled overseas holidays.”

Of course, in an island nation like ours, having access to a swimming pool is more than just an enjoyable pastime or a property asset. The unfortunate trend for schools to remove their swimming pools due to maintenance costs only emphasises how important young Kiwis’ familiarity with water is.

“The feedback we get from the schools which still have pools is that the kids get a lot out of having access to them,” says Tom. “As a country surrounded by water, and with an alarmingly high drowning rate, swimming is a life skill all children should have access to.

And not just the ones who can afford a pool or swimming lessons.”

Dedicated service As for Aquanort, Tom says the team is excited about the opportunities which have now opened up for it in Nelson Tasman.

“We want to continue to fine-tune what we are already doing, helping customers create their dream swimming pool and not only build it and install it, but help them to look after it and maintain it for years to come.”

Contact 03 578 5928 www.aquanort.co.nz

59

MY GARDEN

Taking time to smell the roses

BY BRENDA WEBB

Above: Lush folliage and flowers set the scene 60

Photo: Supplied

V

isiting other people’s gardens is inspiring and fascinating … a little peek into someone else’s life. During November’s Rapaura Springs Bloom in the Boom, I was lucky enough to visit six very different gardens ranging from rambling cottage style to strictly formal and everything in between.

I came home full of admiration for those gardeners brave enough to let hordes of visitors enter their private sanctuaries.

The work that goes on ahead of time is phenomenal and we were all very aware and in full admiration of the effort these people had put in. How amazing they are to let us wander through with our critical eye.

Standards were set incredibly high on our Wairau tour with Rob and Lynne Hammond’s astonishing Longfield up first. With its Italianate theme it features seemingly acres of manicured lawns, brick walls, fountains, statues, Corinthian columns and mass plantings of roses and lavender behind beautifully clipped box hedging.

Despite its formality, Lynne and Rob are about as down to earth as it comes. As they wander around with us, it’s clear this garden gives them both immense pleasure. They love hosting visitors and the beautiful garden was certainly a great spot for the Saturday night Bloom in the Boom garden party.

Next up is the amazing garden Dave and Sue Monahan lovingly created from a bare paddock. Sue is a real plantswoman and her formal knot garden is a joy to behold with its carefully curated colours and styles. You move from garden room to garden room with a surprise around every corner – the wonderful wildflower meadow under the olive grove is a lovely unabashed nod to fun.

Lucy and Dave Trolove’s Waihōpai home, garden and vineyard were developed from a bare and unforgiving patch of land. It’s a beautifully rambling cottage style garden with some lovely old roses, masses of self-seeding annuals and perennials in herbaceous borders that wrap around the house like a comfy colourful blanket. There’s a gorgeous walk down to the stream and a croquet set lying on the lawn – quickly grabbed by some of the more energetic on our bus.

The work that goes on ahead of time is phenomenal and we were all very aware and in full admiration of the effort these people had put in.

We had lunch here and it was hard to drag people away – they sat on comfy chairs on the veranda, played croquet on the lawn and played with the Trolove dogs. I felt that some of them would happily have moved in!

Burnlea restoration Garry and Sara Neill had a beautiful property in the Awatere Valley before moving to Blenheim and buying Burnlea, a garden established by Ianthe Mason.

Garry and Sara have worked tirelessly to restore this treasure to its former beauty.

It features stately trees and plenty of old-fashioned plants and an intriguing sunken walled garden. The crystal-clear waters of Spring Creek flow through the property making a striking feature.

Feeling exhausted thinking of the work this energetic duo have put into these gardens we moved on to another dynamic duo - mother and daughter Pat Jones and Nic Hocquard.

Their properties are set in the midst of vineyards in the lower Wairau and back on to one another joined by a magnificently mown headland between the vines. Pat tells us that she insisted son-in-law Dave Hocquard take out a row of grapes to make the vista and walkway more appealing

visually and he duly obliged – after some persuasion!

Pat threw herself into her garden after her husband died and it is a tribute to her strong vision and hard work. The pond out front is magnificent as is the circular rose garden, hornbeam trimmed into beautiful shapes and the lovely colourful beds around the house. Pat has a knack for plantings and enjoys nothing more than spending time in her glorious garden that has featured in Garden Marlborough for several years.

After strolling down the aforementioned headland we are greeted by Nic who is quick to tell us she’s not a gardener – a snippet of information her mother has already passed on to us. We don’t believe a word of it. Her garden is gorgeous. It reflects her personality and her house – neat, tidy and stylish with some gorgeous features such as the fountain and garden sculptures.

We have afternoon tea here and it’s a struggle to get back on the bus – it’s such a relaxing and inviting place to linger especially as Nic and her helpers are handing out cups of tea, delicious brownies and shortbread.

We may never leave, I mutter to myself … but the driver toots the horn, we are back on the bus and before we know it back at headquarters enjoying a chilled glass of Rapaura Springs Sauvignon Blanc. A perfect way to wrap up a fantastic day.

photographer

Come and taste our award-winning wines, Cranky Goat cheeses, patĂŠs, salmon and locally cured meats or bring your own picnic to enjoy in our sunny courtyard.

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0800 25 29 25 61

MY WELLBEING

Wholesome summer snacks B Y E M I LY H O P E

S

ummer is here and with it comes the desire for more adventure, exploration and road trips! Our beautiful region is a hub of vibrant activities to keep even the most adventurous busy. However, many people struggle to eat wholesome and satisfying foods, especially snacks, when they are travelling or adventuring. But of course, to allow your body to thrive whether on holiday or taking part in an activity, and to still feel great in the days following, we need to fuel it with nutrient-dense foods as often as possible.

The underlying foundation is, of course, that you need to understand and listen to your body and know what foods you enjoy and feel satisfied by. These are what we call our ‘feel-good foods’. You enjoy them and they make you feel great. Purely because of the need for nutrients in the vast number of processes the body undertakes each day, many ‘feel-good foods’ happen to be wholesome foods too. Think fruits, vegetables, lean meat, seafood, legumes, wholegrains, dairy foods and nuts and seeds for example.

But of course, you can have ‘feel- good foods’ that you eat entirely for pleasure.

This means you don’t eat them because of their nutritional value but because you enjoy them. That is a completely normal and essential part of enjoying food!

During the holidays you may be away with family or friends you don’t normally eat with and so everyone may have different preferences or even cook differently to how you normally do at home. This is okay and totally normal.

The trick is to choose foods to put on your plate that you enjoy as much as you can.

Of course, trying different foods is also part of having a healthy and sustainable relationship with food! Another good tip is to fill around half of your plate with colourful vegetables – offer to prepare the salads or vegetables if this is something that is new to those around you!

If you are heading away on a road trip, day trip or multi-day adventure, be mindful of being prepared and keeping snacks you enjoy at hand. Many convenient places to

Above: Nutritious homemade popsicles 62

stop along the road while travelling such as petrol stations or convenience stores in smaller towns, may have limited availability of fresh foods such as fruit or vegetables.

Try to pack a good variety of foods to take in the car or along with you, such as those that provide colour like fresh fruits and vegetables as well as foods that provide a source of fat and protein to keep you satisfied such as nuts, seeds and bliss balls. During summer, you may need to pack a mini chilly bag that can fit in an ice pack to keep food cool and palatable.

Most snacks can be packed into reusable containers or zip-lock bags.

Some ideas to carry with you that provide a good mix of nutrients include: • Fresh summer berries and handful of walnuts • Nuts, seeds and dried fruit • Apple and peanut butter slug • Grainy sandwich filled with hummus, lettuce and cheese • Bliss balls • Vegetable sticks and hummus • Leftover chunks of cold meat and cheese

DIY treats Homemade popsicles can be a hit for both children and adults while travelling, or at home (or your destination) instead of

buying ice cream or ice blocks on hot days! Many can be made with a mix of wholesome ingredients such as coconut milk, frozen banana, dates, prunes, cocoa powder and pure maple syrup.

Search out a recipe online if you’re not sure. There are also many suppliers of environmentally friendly stainless-steel moulds as shown in the picture above that will stand the test of time and be around for years! Of course, if you choose to purchase an ice cream or ice block, don’t feel guilty about it. The key is to feel like it before you eat it and really, really enjoy it without one ounce of guilt.

Don’t forget water As well as wholesome and satisfying snacks, you also need to be mindful of carrying enough fluid such as water. This is especially so over the summer months and even more so if you are undertaking something physical that causes you to lose fluid via sweat. So, fill up a water bottle to have with you in the car and seek out places to refill it with fresh suitable drinking water along the way.

And of course, fresh air and stretching the legs works wonders, so on long-haul drives make sure you plan time to stop and get out of the car to interrupt your sitting time. This also doubles as a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a new spot and be inspired by something or somewhere you’ve not been before!

Happy adventuring! www.hopenutrition.org.nz

Welcoming Dr Kate Ball Kate is an experienced, Canadian-trained orthopaedic surgeon joining the Nelson Orthopaedic Group. She will be operating at Manuka Street Hospital, the Nelson Tasman region’s only private surgical hospital. Her areas of surgical expertise are foot and ankle reconstruction including bunion management, orthopaedic trauma, hand and wrist surgery and primary hip replacement.

Contact Kate at: Nelson Orthopaedic Group The Collingwood Centre 105 Collingwood St, Nelson Phone: 03 548 3455

www.manukastreet.org.nz 36 Manuka Street, Nelson Phone: 03 548 8566

You can do something good this year.

By supporting Fresh FM you support local media.

We tell local stories and share local news. You can help keep the only local station with studios in Nelson, Motueka and Takaka on air by making a donation.

Donations of volunteer time are also very welcome. It’s a great way to engage with local media, learn new skills and make your own radio show.

Give us a call or pop in and say hello!

Details on: www.freshfm.net

63

M Y E D U C AT I O N

From childhood dream to reality with NMIT B Y J O N AT H A N C A R S O N

Above: Petra Pretty

64

Photo: Jess Shirley

S

ince she was 11, Petra Pretty dreamed of opening a beauty salon. Today, she owns and runs her own business, Pretty Boutique, a successful beauty therapy clinic in Nelson that’s always fully-booked with happy clients.

Petra didn’t have an easy road to ‘living the dream’, but says studying beauty therapy at NMIT was a turning point in her life.

Her first job in the beauty industry was as a make-up artist at a Revlon counter in Richmond Mall. But after the birth of her daughter, Petra decided to study business administration and took a job at the Nelson Suburban Club. Her childhood dream took a back seat to the responsibilities of parenthood.

After getting pregnant with her second child and moving to Australia, Petra says she found herself at a low point in her life.

“For a while I was feeling low, so I went to get my hair done one day, and there was a lady in there doing nails and the care and friendliness lifted me up,” Petra says.

“And I don’t know what happened in that moment, but I was like, ‘Right, that’s what I want to do, I’m going to go and do it.’”

Petra returned to Nelson with her young daughter and eight-month-old son and enrolled in the two-year beauty therapy diploma at NMIT in 2016. The programme Petra took is now delivered as the New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy, Level 4 and Diploma in Beauty Therapy, Level 5.

Inspirational Students are given one-on-one support from expert tutors, work experience in NMIT’s commercial training salon, and the skills, knowledge and qualification to work as a beauty therapist.

Petra says it was inspiring to study alongside other young mothers at NMIT. “I and some of the other mothers all were at the top of the class. It’s a lot to juggle but we women can just do that.”

There is an emphasis on beauty and body science in the diploma programme, which Petra says was “absolutely fascinating”.

Cosmetic companies recommend that beauty therapists have science skills as it helps them to understand how the skin and body works, and how hormones and lifestyle can influence different treatments.

Petra says she formed a special bond with NMIT beauty therapy tutor Chanelle Taylor, who supported her during her studies.

“I honestly felt like Chanelle was the rock. She was so hands-on with everybody and any issues you had you went to her and she was so supportive. She is the best teacher I’ve ever had.”

Happy place It was Chanelle who helped Petra with planning to open her own business after graduating.

Petra says the best part about her job is helping to lift people’s spirits – the same magic she experienced at her low point before she started studying.

“Watching people’s confidence grow as you do each treatment is what makes me so happy.”

65

MY KITCHEN

Salted peanut & caramel semifreddo with cacao nibs Semifreddo is a favourite dessert of ours for balmy summer evenings. It’s nice to have an ice-cold dessert up your sleeve that doesn’t require an ice cream churner.

BY MADAME LU’S KITCHEN

Makes 1 litre of semifreddo Ingredients 2/3 cup caster sugar 50 g butter, cubed 150 ml cream 300 ml thickened cream 1/2 cup roasted salted peanuts, roughly chopped 6 egg yolks 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for garnishing 1/4 cup cacao nibs for garnishing Method:

1. In a medium sized saucepan,

stir 1/3 cup of sugar and 3 tbsp of water over a medium to high heat until the sugar dissolves.

2. Bring to the boil and cook until a medium to dark caramel forms.

3. Add the butter cubes and stir to combine.

4. Add the cream and stir to

combine. Fold through the salted peanuts, leave to cool to room temperature then transfer to the fridge.

5. Using a handheld whisk, whisk

the egg yolks and remaining sugar in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.

Once the sugar has dissolved, continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.

6. Remove from the heat and whisk

until cool, using either a handheld whisk or in the bowl of an electric stand mixer. Once cool, fold through the salted caramel and transfer to a

lined loaf tin, cover with Gladwrap and freeze overnight.

7. To serve, scoop the semifreddo

into bowls or waffle cones and sprinkle over the toasted sesame seeds and cacao nibs. www.madamelus.co.nz

C R E AT I V E C H E F

Firing up those flavours WORDS & PHOTO BY FRANK NELSON

“T

he kiss of fire.” It sounds good, it tastes even better and it’s just one feature that sets Harvest Restaurant apart from every other eatery in Marlborough, according to newly arrived executive chef Toby Stuart.

Shortly after he joined Harvest, located at the upmarket Marlborough Lodge on Rapaura Rd about midway between Blenheim and Renwick, Toby persuaded the owners to buy a $30,000 charcoal oven. He believes the oven, imported from Spain, is the only one in Marlborough and part of an exclusive muster of perhaps just 10 in New Zealand. He also believes it’s adding a whole new dimension to the food at Harvest.

Toby first saw a charcoal oven in action during six weeks he spent working at a restaurant in Uruguay. “We only cooked with fire.” He immediately loved the simple, rustic nature of the cooking that enables the ingredients to speak for themselves.

“It’s not like it gives you, for example, a smoky fish or meat flavour. The high, intense, dry heat just adds a little accentuation and enhances the natural flavours already there.”

Decked out in style Toby came to Harvest in September and at the same time another major change was taking place – the installation of a huge deck for outdoor dining.

“From working at [nearby] Rock Ferry I knew there was a buzzing lunch trade, and we have such consistently good summer weather, why would you want to dine inside?”

Toby spent 18 months at Rock Ferry, where he and his Polish-born wife Sabina, who ran the front-of-house, were considering Above: Executive chef Toby Stuart

“The high, intense, dry heat just adds a little accentuation and enhances the natural flavours already there.”

TO BY S T UA RT

taking over the lease before Covid-19 so drastically intervened.

He is originally from England, born and raised in the east coast county of Suffolk, where he also completed a two-year hospitality management course. As a raw 17-year-old Toby landed work experience in London at Gordon Ramsay’s Aubergine restaurant in Chelsea. That same year, 1997, Aubergine was awarded two Michelin stars.

“That [experience] gave me a taste for the dedication and high-end element of the industry,” he says.

Stars in his eyes In just his second job Toby joined wellknown chef Chris Galvin at Orrery. “I worked there for two years … and was part of the team that achieved a Michelin star.

Working there provided me with a very good foundation.”

Later in his career he was senior sous chef at another Galvin restaurant on the

28th floor of the Park Lane Hilton, where the team included 24 chefs producing, on average, 100 lunches and 150 dinners each day.

Long-term plan Toby also worked at some famous restaurants in France, including a year at La Maison Troisgros, near Lyon, which he says has had three Michelin stars since 1968. “It’s classed as one of the best restaurants in the world.”

When Toby and Sabina decided to move to New Zealand, Marlborough, with its gourmet food and wine, was the obvious place to settle. In the space of a few months they sold their house in London, bought another in Blenheim and moved here in November 2018.

Toby hopes the early changes made so far at Harvest are just the start of a long-term development plan that will see the restaurant become a popular lunch and dinner destination featuring a number of special food events and other attractions.

FREE!

Stay safe on the water this Summer

FREE!

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Keep up-to-date with our maritime environment and go home with the right memories. Pick up a free boating brochure from your local boating shop, boat ramp or coastal service station.

For more information and advice on local conditions visit tasman.govt.nz

ict 2020/2021

in Tasman District 2020/2021

OUT NOW!

Accidents happen fast .

Always wear

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lifejacket and have Accidents forms of commu two happen fast.nication close at hand.

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tion visit: tasman.govt.nz /recreation/boa ting-fishing or scan this QR code with your smartphone >

For more information visit: tasman.govt.nz/recreation/boating-fishing or scan this QR code with your smartphone >

67

TOP DROPS - WINE

Blooming at Bladen

BY SOPHIE PREECE

Above: Dave Macdonald with Vinnie 68

Photo: Deni Macdonald

O

n January 1, 1989, Dave and Chris Macdonald drove out of Wellington with $80,000, a baby son and a wildly romantic plan. Dave was in computer operations and Chris was a hairdresser, but their dream was to plant a vineyard that they’d pass to their children one day.

Three decades on, their wine company Bladen is a boutique, beloved and family-run business in the heart of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. And, despite being sent off to chase their own dreams, their children Blair and Deni – namesakes of the label – are back on the vineyard and ensconced in the family business.

Dave says in 1989 their reconnaissance mission took them north, but they rejected each potential location one by one, before heading south instead.

And it was in Marlborough their plan found its roots, thanks to the hospitality and energy of the locals.

The people were “lovely”, and everyone was “so excited”, says Chris, recalling the feeling of change and opportunity in the region back then. After 10 months, they found eight hectares of bony land at Conders Bend and parked their caravan on a rise. They then began the serious juggle of baby Blair, work in Wellington and the slog of planting vines whenever they could get to Marlborough.

“We got a few friends and family to help but they exited pretty quickly when they saw how hard it was,” laughs Dave.

In 1992, with Chris pregnant with Deni, they moved to Marlborough permanently, and in 1997 established Bladen, resolving to create a small and premium label that would share their story and make the most of their six grape varieties. They soon opened their tiny cellar door and began to give visitors a unique and boutique experience, with the counter only ever staffed by family.

That personal touch is at the heart of Bladen, which jointly won the Wine

The cellar door experience reflects the family’s passion for Bladen and its wines ...

Marlborough Cellar Door of the Year in 2017, when Dave was also named Cellar Door Personality of the Year. Last year Blair followed in his father’s footsteps, taking the personality award, just 11 months after moving home.

The cellar door experience reflects the family’s passion for Bladen and its wines, says Chris, pleased to have their doors open again after being shut down since Covid lockdowns. “What you see here is our heart of hearts.”

Dave and Chris’s wine picks Bladen Pinot Noir Rosé This wine was bottled in June and sold out

by September, so you’ll have to go on the 2021 mailing list to get a taste. Bladen has a small pinot noir parcel and made the call this year to direct it towards rosé, meeting

the burgeoning demand for the style globally and domestically. The Bladen fruit is hand harvested and allowed a few hours in the press for skin contact, ensuring a pale and elegant dry rosé.

Bladen Tilly Vineyard Gewürztraminer Since 2004, the Macdonalds have taken fruit from a tiny gewürztraminer block owned by Keven and Kerry Tilly, who are passionate about the variety. The result is around 250 cases a year and a growing tally of wine awards. The wine is floral and relatively sweet, having been picked at the upper end of ripeness, and has a nice mouth feel, says Dave, clearly smitten with this wine. Chris says the Tillys’ pride in their fruit is key to the success of the gewürztraminer, which is why their name is on the bottle.

Family-owned & handcrafted wines from the Moutere hills

Visit our unique cellar door for tasting, art gallery and popular vineyard walk For opening hours call 027.527.8680 or check our website:

www.flaxmore.co.nz

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Photo: Paceman / Shutterstock.com

MY WHEELS

HEV market to peak at $792 billion by 2027 B Y N ATA L I E M O R E T O N

H

ybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have seen significant growth in sales over recent years, and the HEV market is set to increase in 2020 despite the implications of Covid-19 on the global automotive industry.

HEVs or ‘self-charging hybrids’ (hybrids which do not plug in but have electric-only driving modes), provide for the consumer that wants reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions but isn’t completely convinced by the proposition of plug-in vehicles. This could be due to the increased cost of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or the potential lack of charging capabilities at their residence. Either way, the HEV presents a good opportunity in the short term for these consumers.

The European car market is expected to see a significant drop in sales for 2020 due to Covid-19 related shutdowns. However, the HEV market is expected to continue its strong growth, according to the latest IDTechEx report about HEV markets.

The new report from UK-based IDTechEx provides a breakdown of the HEV market in Japan, Europe, the US, China and South Korea for cars, buses, trucks and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) along with their 70

battery and motor-generator technologies with forecasts for the next 20 years.

HEVs can also aid manufacturers: with CO2 emissions targets becoming stricter worldwide, sales of HEVs can serve to lower the overall CO2 output of a manufacturer’s fleet and help to avoid the related fines. In fact, in Europe, the report finds several automotive manufacturers are not going to meet the emissions targets and will have to either purchase credits from other manufacturers or face large fines. The CO2 reduction benefits of HEVs are nowhere near that of BEV and PHEV drivetrains, but the technology is more mature, making it a potential stopgap to meet these targets in the short term.

Limited market Japan has historically been the strongest market for HEVs, with the likes of Toyota, Honda and Nissan all playing significant roles. However, it was expected that Europe would have overtaken Japan by the end of 2020, even if the majority of HEV sales still come from Japanese manufacturers.

While the report indicates that Europe will remain the largest HEV market for some time, it is an inherently limited one. Several European countries have set out plans or regulations to ban the sales of new ICE

vehicles in the 2030s. Several have not made their stance clear on HEVs and PHEVs, but some have. The UK, for example, is aiming to have no vehicles with combustion engines of any form being sold from 2035. Given that the EU is such a strong market for HEVs, this could drive the trend worldwide.

Pros and cons HEVs not only have to contend with impending regulations but also with competition from other drivetrain technologies. PHEVs present much better fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures (at least under testing standards), but there is also a threat from the rise of 48V hybrid technology, for which some are promising 80 percent of HEV performance for 30 percent of the powertrain cost. All three could potentially be limited by future fossil fuel bans, but PHEVs are certainly looked upon more favourably, and the 48V mild hybrids present an easier integration challenge to improve CO2 emissions and fuel economy quickly.

Several factors could potentially cause a massive growth of the HEV market but also a rapid decline. The new report from IDTechEx considers extensive historic data, analysing trends and looks forwards at the potential for HEVs to help meet emissions targets before the fossil fuel bans are enacted across various regions. IDTechEx created a comprehensive HEV car model database of over 80 HEV models sold between 2015-2019 to determine trends in historic sales, battery capacity, motor-generator power and number, market share and market value.

Photo: Aimee Jules

T O R Q U E TA L K

An enduring love affair Driving home to Hira at the bottom of the Whangamoas is all the better for Paul Proctor thanks to his favourite set of wheels. He explains …

What type of vehicle do you own?

I own a 2015 Jaguar F-Type – it’s the V6S Coupe version.

How did you come to own that particular make and model?

It was a classic ‘impulse purchase’! I fell in love with the F-Type when it was first revealed in 2013 – I thought then, and still think now, that it’s the most beautiful car Above: Paul Proctor with his 2015 Jaguar

ever designed. I’m also a real fan of Ian Callum’s (the designer) other work.

I was driving past the Toyota car yard in Nelson just before Christmas last year and caught it out of the corner of my eye. I did a double take as I couldn’t believe there was my dream car on a yard full of Toyotas!

I snuck in early the next morning to take a look, thinking I’d get there before they opened, but was caught in the act. The rest is history!

take it. I’m not really an attention seeker – I had the windows blacked out to hide myself! – but wherever I go I get lots of questions and photo requests.

What makes it special for you?

How often do you drive it and where?

I’ve always been a Jaguar fan and have owned a few over the years, but never thought I’d be able to afford an F-Type. I don’t even need to drive it for it to put a smile on my face, just standing and admiring the design is an experience! But the driving experience is incredible, definitely something to be enjoyed on long weekend drives.

It always gets a great reaction wherever I

What’s under the bonnet?

It’s a supercharged three litre V6 – about 380hp and 339lb ft torque – more than enough for me. The engine makes the most incredible noise and I love the performance, yet it is also reasonably economic to drive.

It’s my ‘weekend warrior’! I try to drive it every week, but it’s not my daily drive. I’m also a bit of a motorbike fan, so it’s always a toss-up of which one to take out on a nice day. I’ve done a fair bit of the South Island in it, and I love the drive over to Golden Bay. I’m planning a Queenstown trip in the New Year and am heading up to the National Jaguar Rally in New Plymouth at Easter.

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MOTORING

Morris goes electric

BY KYLE CASSIDY

“I

haven’t seen one of those here before,” said the i3 driver waiting patiently for his half hour of free juice at the fast charger. “That’s the fifty grand EV, isn’t it?”

It seemed the converted knew of the MG ZS EV. He also reckoned the ZS was bigger than he thought it might have been, while the cabin quality was better than he expected too.

And that’s how most of our encounters with the brand so far have been. These new MGs are better than you expect, given the price point and origin. And you should see more ZS EVs about as MG has reset the pricing, now at just $48,990.

For those who need to know all the specs, the ZS EV has a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery which powers a 105kW/353Nm motor. MG states the range at 262km, and consumption at 18.6kWh/100km. The company also mentions an urban range of 371km. Why the disparity? Regenerative braking opportunities in urban driving help preserve battery levels while low speed running simply zaps less power.

We didn’t have the ZS EV for the usual week-long test period, but a couple

72

of days gave us the general feel for the machine. People still obsess over an EV’s range and sure, it’s a factor, but if you’re an urban dweller, the type most suited for EV ownership, anything that does 200-250km we’d deem sufficient.

But what about getting to the bach, I hear you ask. Well, you’ll have to join the Musk-eteers and buy a long-range Tesla.

However, for 90 percent of a city commuter’s needs, this will do the job. We fluked a free spot at a 50kW charger, and 27 minutes took the battery from 36 percent to 79 percent.

Range is dependent on many things; how you drive, what road you take and speed especially. Other aspects affect it too; switching the air con off is good for an extra 15km, while the drive mode will also have an influence. In Eco, the distance to done said 149km, but in Sport that instantly changed to 129km. You’ll likely leave it in Normal, the best balance Sport and Eco, and enjoy the smooth, quiet, potent torque delivery. In Sport, the response is quicker and the jolt of twist hastens the acceleration above 50km/h.

The ZS has three levels of regenerative braking: Level 1 is fairly free while Level 3

delivers enough retardation to almost enable one-pedal driving. I’m not usually a fan of high levels of regen, but this is well tuned, and the transition to braking isn’t too snappy when you lift off the accelerator. The ride is okay on town roads but it can crash over potholes.

On the open road, it turns into corners with reasonable vigour and the ride improves but it still thumps over larger bumps.

Practical and priced well The ZS has some neat interior styling and is quite well finished, although some plastics reveal its price point (the ZS range starts at $22,990). There are all the MG Pilot active safety features here too.

The ZS EV is a practical small SUV, with decent accommodation in the rear seat, and the electric bits don’t impinge on the generous load area. There’s the usual split folding too, although there’s no spare wheel.

You pay a premium to go electric but the ZS is the cheapest EV on the market, has a decent range and recharge times, and that it’s a practical small SUV adds to its appeal.

Review supplied by NZAutocar

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ARTS

Artistic possibilities and polarities

BY JOHN DU FOUR | PHOTOGRAPHY DOMINIQUE WHITE

“I

f everything is possible,” says Nelson artist Christian Lichtenberg, “it can be overwhelming.

“But such diversity – the idea that the whole universe is our canvas – brings great opportunities. It invites us to let go of control. And that’s when things start to speak through you.”

Everything does indeed seem possible with Swiss-born Christian, who creates his beautifully considered, highly idiosyncratic work through a variety of media disciplines, including mixed-media, photography, video, audio and installation work.

Christian, with his wife Rebecca Pflaum, moved here from Bali late in 2019 and last year bought land in the Glen, with a 100-yearold-Californian bungalow which they gutted and rebuilt to create a beautiful and tranquil space in which to live and work (see WildTomato November 2020 issue).

Walking with Christian through their gallery-like home as he explains his many Above: Artist Christian Lichtenberg Opposite page: Clockwise: Examples of Christian’s work, in his studio 74

artworks adorning the plaster walls, I’m struck by the sharp intelligence behind his observations.

“I’m a messenger with no message,” he says. “What I create is an empty pot for the viewer to feel whatever is in them, not me. For me, good art always has this dimension. It allows people to bring their own understanding to it.”

Precious old paper With his mixed-media work, Christian often bases it around the special papers he’s collected over many years, discovered in antique stores and flea markets, often covered in fading script, printed or handwritten.

They’re predominantly Asian, from Cambodia, Laos and Japan, but there’s also a precious supply of 500-year-old French paper sourced from a castle in Northern France.

We stop before a striking abstract work where against an assembled background of his prized papers there is a large glowing circle of golden brown/orange.

“I used saffron to get the colour and texture,” he says nonchalantly, as if it were no different than any tube of acrylic paint you’d buy in an art shop.

At another piece featuring a rich, deep brown/black square looming from the printed paper backdrop, Christian simply says, with a smile, “Coffee grounds.”

He adds, “I break all the rules. I don’t care for them. I find this refreshing. It’s what speaks through me that makes things interesting.”

As a former architectural photographer Christian is also more than a little comfortable behind a lens. But for all that, it’s his natural inclination to disturb complacency and challenge the ordinary that drives his art.

We pause before a large print of a startlingly beautiful empty landscape of vast vibrant green escarpments, photographed somewhere in Wales.

Perched near a cliff’s edge is a tiny human figure, inserted by Christian after the fact; a simple act that lends dramatic scale and emotional grandeur to the setting.

“With my photography, like when I capture a landscape, my artist’s heart wants to transport the scene in a way that’s unexpected, that allows an idea to emerge. So I’ll go to the studio and see what I can do with that idea.

“Photography doesn’t fully tell the truth,” Christian says, “it creates its own reality. Sometimes it’s more real than my vision. Sometimes I want to work on it, manipulate it.” He laughs, “I say just don’t trust me.”

“When I take pages out of ancient paper books,they often become a great starting point for ideas.”

What can be trusted are the outcomes he achieves; we are intrigued, mystified, enchanted and amused, such as with a delightful smaller work in which Christian has taken a series of simple line-drawn animals found in the pages of a Japanese manuscript, and added within each dots at the endpoints joined by connecting lines, to create his very own fanciful map of new constellations featuring creatures including elephants, giraffes and ostriches.

“When I take pages out of ancient paper books,” he explains, “they often become a great starting point for ideas.

“I’ll mix acrylics with lacquers and other water-based mediums so they will chemically react in unexpected ways.

I’ll use ash, or sand. The process is the interesting thing, not the result. It’s almost like a therapy, where you often feel you have no choice. You eventually understand that you know nothing.”

A Renaissance man Christian recalls an exhibition he once saw as a young man, where all that was featured was a white room with its contents, everything in it, white. “It provoked me,” he says. “At first, I was so angry. I’d paid good money just to experience that! But I stayed with it, and eventually I got it. I was being gifted space. I was being handed nothing, and therefore, paradoxically, everything!

Now I realise I feel very at home in the paradox. It’s where everything dissolves into ‘I don’t know’” He considers himself something of a Renaissance man. “I admire those

who can focus on one thing, like a dedicated single approach or mastering one particular skill, but I do think that can become all-encompassing, even restrictive. I’m engaged instead by the potential and possibilities of polarity.”

To demonstrate this dichotomy that so often fuels his creativity Christian fetches two books from the pantheon of printed works cataloguing his output.

The first is entitled Echoes from Beyond, from a photographic exhibition he’d held in Switzerland. He manipulated the images using everything from linseed oil, to overlaying them with scratched window glass. “Photography can be so clean, so shiny,” he says. “I’m always wanting to dirty things up.”

The pages feature striking, quietly minimalist scenes, such as temple rooftops through the blur of a snowfall, or a single white cup casting a bold shadow across the top of a grainy wooden box. The effect is harmonious, sensitive, poetic.

In contrast to this purity, Christian next flips open his book Renaissance, a showcase of images he created between the late ’90s and 2010. The manipulated

photographs suggest a hidden symbolism rich with enigmatic narratives, made further puzzling by the artist’s sometimes ironic titles.

“I use the titles not to describe what you already see, but to suggest a polarity,” Christian says. “I don’t seek to answer questions, I’d much rather create mysteries.”

The artist plays with an abundance of Renaissance conventions: the use of perspective, an architectural ‘middle ground’, idealised background landscapes, reflections, the mannerism of postures, dramatic lighting and the drapery of noble garments.

“These images reflect the opposite of my ‘Zen-inspired’ minimalism. They celebrate my love for orgiastic colours, absurdities and storytelling.”

Living the dream Christian has travelled much of his life, from the age of 15. “I particularly remember one time after being in the Sudan, a country so poor, how when I’d returned home to Switzerland, a country so rich, I witnessed none of the joy and happiness I’d experienced with the Sudanese. I realised it was because no one in Switzerland had time, everyone was busy rushing around making money.

“Having time, being in nature, these are the real keys. In my life it’s the only church. I’ve visited many places. I’ve lived 20 years in a farmhouse in France, three years in an artists’ colony I established in a disused hospital in Basel, eight years in Bali. But being in Nelson, here amongst the trees near the sea, feeds me. I’m living the dream.”

It will be fascinating to see the artwork Christian manifests from his dream setting.

Whatever emerges, it will surely captivate, provoke, and ultimately, delight. www.lichtenberg.works

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BOOKS

Holiday reading to suit all tastes

Off the Beaten Track: Hunting Tales from the New Zealand Back Country

COMPILED BY RENÉE LANG

Dave Shaw

T

he summer holiday season is a time for many to relax with a good book and we are spoilt for choice.

From whodunits to recipes, romances to biographies, in the literary world there truly is something for all tastes. Research shows that regularly reading books has a multitude of physical and mental benefits including improved brain connectivity, increased vocabulary and comprehension, stress reduction and lowered blood pressure and heart rate.

Other studies have shown that reading enables better empathy with other people, aids in sleep readiness, helps fight off depression symptoms and prevents cognitive decline as you age.

So what are you waiting for? Read on …

reator of The Red Stag Timber Hunters Club, now a popular TV series in its sixth season, Dave Shaw relishes his back-country hunting adventures (along with offsiders Dre, Anto, Dan, Tim and Sam) in a way that’s respectful to the animals and the environment they inhabit.

Their stories are told with equal measures of heart and humour, and punctuated with stunning location photography.

More Than a Woman

Craig Sisterson

Caitlin Moran

Available now, $28.00 Oldcastle Books

Available now, $35 Penguin Random House

n this, the first comprehensive guide to modern crime writing from ‘Down Under’, leading critic Craig Sisterson showcases key titles from over 250 storytellers, plus screen dramas ranging from Mystery Road to Top of the Lake. Fascinating insights are added through in-depth interviews with some of the prime suspects, including Michael Robotham, Paul Cleave, Emma Viskic, Paul Thomas, Candice Fox and Garry Disher.

T

he best-selling author of How to Be a Woman will soon be 40 and has now discovered a whole new bunch of tough questions that need answering: What are men really thinking? Can feminists have Botox? Why has wine turned against her and, as always, who’s looking after the children? The ultimate guide to growing older while keeping a sense of humour.

Bella: My Life in Food

Doom Creek

Annabel Langbein

Alan Carter

Available now, $49.99 Allen & Unwin

Available now, $38.00 Fremantle Press

f you were given this for Christmas, lucky you! For the first time, popular cookbook author Annabel Langbein writes about her remarkable life and how food has shaped it, as well as highlighting some of the recipes that have resonated most strongly with her over the years. Included are 60 key recipes, created with her signature style and flair and beautifully photographed.

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C

Southern Cross Crime

I

I

Available now, $39.99 Bateman Books

S

ergeant Nick Chester is back in this new thriller that’s once again set in the Marlborough Sounds. This time there’s a new gold rush on the Wakamarina River and with it comes the inevitable greed, desperation and stupidity that affects mankind at a time like this. But that’s not all – Nick also has to deal with the consequences of another kind of rush that’s causing the world to descend into chaos.

GALLERIES

Your local Gallery Showcase Your local Gallery Showcase is sponsored by WildTomato as its way to support and encourage our local artisans and galleries. Contact info@wildtomato.co.nz to be featured.

CRAIG POTTON GALLERY + STORE

MICHELLE BELLAMY BELLAMY GALLERY

JANE SMITH CHOCOLATE DOG STUDIO

255 Hardy Street, Nelson 03 548 9554 | www.craigpottongallery.co.nz

03 548 0139 | www.bellamygallery.co.nz

9 Te Aroha Place, Mapua 027 695 4433 | www.chocolatedog.co.nz

BILL BURKE

RUSSEL PAPWORTH FOREST FUSION

WALL TO WALL ART

15B Ajax Avenue, Nelson 03 546 6793 | www.billburkeartist.com

Coolstore 3 Mapua Wharf, 1 Aranui Road, Mapua 03 540 2961 | www.forestfusion.com

112 Bridge Street, Nelson 03 548 3961 | www.walltowallartnelson.co.nz

SCULPTURE705 LOLLOKIKI

JULIANA TROLOVE RED GALLERY

CENTRE FOR FINE WOODWORKING REFINERY ARTSPACE

705 Abel Tasman Drive Pohara, Clifton, Takaka 027 383 8001 | www.lollokiki.co.nz

1 Bridge Street, Nelson 03 548 2170 | www.redartgallery.com

114 Hardy Street, Nelson 021 204 8474 | www.acn.org.nz

RENATE VON PETERDORFF CERAMICS BY RENATE

HÖGLUND ART GLASS GLASSBLOWING STUDIO

SALIGIA ART GALLERY

810A Queen Charlotte Drive, RD1, Picton 021 124 1779 | www.ceramicsbyrenate.co.nz

52 Lansdowne Road, Appleby, Richmond 03 544 6500 | www.hoglundartglass.com

31 Trafalgar Street, Nelson 021 0824 6111 | www.saligia.org 77

EVENTS

Nelson Tasman

Regular Markets

Friday 1 to Sunday 28 February

Every Saturday morning

Christine Boswijk: Thinking Through My Hands

The Nelson Market 8am to 1pm Photo: Dominique White

In her studio that overlooks the stunning Waimea Estuary, Christine Boswijk has made some of the most impressive ceramics produced in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Thinking Through My Hands brings together work spanning her 40 years as a ceramicist and reveals not only her skill, but her creativity, empathy and philosophy.

THE SUTER ART GALLERY TE ARATOI O WHAKATŪ, NELSON

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

Every Sunday Motueka Market 8am to 1pm DECKS RESERVE CAR PARK

Monty’s Market 8am to 1pm JANUARY Sunday 3 and Monday 4 Paul Ubana Jones Paul Ubana Jones has been the shining light in the New Zealand blues scene for many a year now, crisscrossing the country multiple times. 6pm.

THE PLAYHOUSE CAFE AND THEATRE, TASMAN

Wednesday 6 to Saturday 6 February Summer Movies Al Fresco Gather a group, a picnic, perhaps put on your favourite onesie and join us to play giant board games, enjoy the park and watch the region’s glorious summer sunsets.

Wrap up warm and please pocket a torch to light your way home. 9pm to 11pm (movies start at dusk).

Wednesday 6 The Love Bug (Herbie) A fun and goofy classic movie starring Herbie, a VW Beetle with a mind of its own! 9pm.

TĀHUNA BEACH HOLIDAY PARK, NELSON

is thrown in the deep end teaching unruly high school students in London’s East End. 9pm. This screening follows the Isel Twilight Market, which starts at 4pm.

surrounding Aotearoa’s founding document, this film uses humour and asides to camera to evoke some of the chaos and motives behind the Treaty. 9pm.

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

ISEL PARK, STOKE

FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK, NELSON

KIRBY LANE

Saturday 16

Thursday 7 Gary McCormick and Hammond Gamble

Every Thursday Isel Twilight Market 4.30pm to 8.30pm

FAIRFIELD PARK, NELSON. THURSDAY 21 ISEL PARK, STOKE

Comedy and blues, the perfect combo. Iconic comedian and scholar Gary McCormick teams up with the legendary blues man Hammond Gamble. 8pm.

Saturday 23

THE PLAYHOUSE CAFE AND THEATRE, TASMAN

2nd Sunday of the month Cars & Coffee 9am to 12pm

The Railway Children A charming and heartwarming adaptation based on the classic novel by Edith Nesbit. 9pm.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople Julian Dennison and Sam Neill star in what quickly became a New Zealand classic from director Taika Waititi. A wonderful mix of heart and hilarity, this one is not to be missed! 9pm.

FAIRFIELD PARK, NELSON

Saturday 6 February What Really Happened: Waitangi Dropping the usual solemnity

Saturday 9 Whale Rider A twelve-year-old Māori girl’s ambition is to become the chief of the tribe while her grandfather believes this is a role reserved for males only. 9pm.

FAIRFIELD PARK, NELSON

Thursday 14 To Sir, with Love Sidney Poitier will blow you away in this powerful and moving performance as a new teacher who 78

Every Wednesday Nelson Farmers’ Market 8.30am to 1.30pm

Saturday 16 Gypsy Pickers – Summer Nights Come enjoy the captivating hot rhythms and feel-good music of this multiinstrument duo known for their engaging live performances. 8.30pm.

THE VIC PUBLIC HOUSE, NELSON

ISEL PARK

CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM CARPARK, CADILLAC WAY, NELSON

Friday 15 and Friday 12 February

Sunday 31

Tāhuna Summer Sounds

The Crooners – Operatunity

Kick back, relax and enjoy the sounds by the beach at this family-friendly festival. Twenty of the region’s top musical acts in one place featuring a wide range of musical genres across two stages, accompanied by great food, games and competitions. 6pm.

Cruise down memory lane and swoon over smooth melodies, love songs and tight harmonies delivered with lots of pizzazz! Starring singers Karl Perigo, Russell Dixon and Sharon Emirali, with a fabulous live band including Grant Winterburn, Lukas Fritsch and Mike Booth. 4pm.

TĀHUNANUI RECREATION RESERVE, NELSON

NELSON CENTRE OF MUSICAL ARTS, NELSON

EVENTS

Regular Markets

Marlborough

Every Saturday Artisan Market 9am to 2pm

Friday 15 Race Day on The Green – Marlborough Harness Racing

QUAYS, BLENHEIM

Every Sunday

Get dressed up and come and enjoy this social event as well as watching some great harness racing on the grass. An exclusive area will feature a gourmet village with great wines and food.

1.30pm.

Marlborough Farmers’ Market 9am to 12pm The Sunday Marlborough Farmers’ Market is based on supporting local, fresh and seasonal produce and products. Everything has been produced and made by the people selling it at the market.

WATERLEA RACEWAY, BLENHEIM

A&P SHOWGROUNDS

JANUARY

some social activities off the water. 9am

Saturday 9

WAIKAWA MARINA, PICTON

King & Queen of the Withers Run or walk this popular 10km hill race in the Wither Hills Farm Park. Great views over the town across to Taylor Pass and a challenging but fun course attract participants of all abilities, from first-timers giving it a go to some of New Zealand’s top runners. 7am.

RIFLE RANGE CAR PARK, BLENHEIM

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 Giesen New Year Regatta Waikawa Boating Club hosts this annual keelboat regatta in the beautiful Marlborough Sounds, catering for everyone from racers to cruisers with a division for trailer sailers as well. With the focus firmly on fun, there are sailing opportunities along with

Friday 15 Looking For Alaska – Light and Shadow Album Release Tour Hamilton indie-folk band Looking For Alaska released their new album Light and Shadow this November. This album has a much more mature, darker sound than anything you’ve heard from LFA before. 8.30pm.

Saturday 16 Summer Sounds Music Festival This festival features Trinity Roots and the debut South Island performance of one of the hottest and most exciting acts to emerge in New Zealand in the last 18 months – White Chapel Jak. Check out the food stalls and cocktail tent. Camp out overnight for free – or catch a bus to and from the venue. 3pm.

THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE TAVERN, LINKWATER

LE CAFE, PICTON

Friday 15 Marlborough Harness Racing – Friday Twilight Meeting

Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 and Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 A Bunch of Amateurs “The combination of the synergy of a struggling group of thespians and their courageous undertaking of King Lear will ultimately be rewarding, fun and hugely satisfying for everyone involved – providing an audience experience which will enhance the local theatre scene immensely.” Peter Meikle (actor and co-director). 8pm. Sun 24, 4pm.

HAVELOCK TOWN HALL, HAVELOCK

Sunday 17 Marlborough Harness Racing

Saturday 30 to Sunday 31

Come along for a great day’s racing with bouncy castles, wining and dining at the gourmet village and various food carts for the public to enjoy. 1.30pm.

This is a family fun day – children’s activities include bouncy castles, face painting and various food options.

Come and enjoy a picnic while watching the racing with the family. 10.30am.

WATERLEA RACEWAY, BLENHEIM

WATERLEA RACEWAY, BLENHEIM

Rainbow – Molesworth Historic Two-day Tour Join the Marlborough Historic Society on a two-day tour of two iconic high-country stations, Rainbow and Molesworth.

You will need a reliable high clearance 4WD, or a seat in one to take part. Bookings essential.

Contact the Marlborough Museum 03 578 1712. 8am.

MOLESWORTH STATION, ACHERON RD, MARLBOROUGH

Friday 22 to Saturday 23 Picton Maritime Trust Festival

PICTON FORESHORE, PICTON

Sunday 31 Photo: Richard Briggs

This very special Picton Maritime Festival runs for two days, celebrating the unique maritime heritage of Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. Friday is the day when locals perform and Saturday is the fun-filled family day where families can meet up and enjoy watching or participating in a wide variety of activities.

Friday 3pm, Saturday 11am.

World Wetland Day Celebration – Grovetown Lagoon Celebrate World Wetland Day by experiencing the community-led wetland restoration project in a walk around the lagoon. Activities for the kids, and dogs on leads welcome. 9am.

WAIRAU ROWING CLUB, GROVETOWN

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EVENTS

Nelson Tasman

Regular Markets

Wednesday 10, 17 & 24

Every Saturday morning

Eddyline 5k Series

The Nelson Market 8am to 1pm

A weekly 5km run/walk event with registration from 5:30pm and safety briefing 6:20pm next to the big tree and picnic table on the reserve outside Eddyline carpark, north end of Champion Rd, on the way into the swimming pool. Walkers will go at 6:30pm and runners 6:40pm, taking a different course each week, on footpaths and trails, with some road crossings.

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

Every Sunday Motueka Market 8am to 1pm DECKS RESERVE CAR PARK

EDDYLINE BREWERY

Monty’s Market 8am to 1pm FEBRUARY

Friday 12

Friday 12

Tahuna Summer Sounds

Thursday 4 to Sunday 7

Kick back, relax and enjoy the sounds by the beach at this family-friendly festival with 20 of the region’s top musical acts in one place. The programme will feature a wide range in musical genres across two stages, one focused on acoustic/community, the other on electric/youth.

Showcasing seasoned as well as debut acts, the music will be accompanied by great food, games and competitions. If wet, the events will be rescheduled to the next day. Starts 6pm.

Asta Rangu & Males Split Single Release Tour

Adam Summer Celebration The best of New Zealand’s chamber musicians with New Zealand String Quartet, NZTrio, pianist Michael Endres, soprano Anna Leese, baritone William King, marimba player Naoto Segawa, pianist Richard Mapp and the 2021 Adam Troubadours, all collaborating in an exciting programme of chamber music the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts. The celebration includes four evening concerts, three afternoon concerts, meet-the-artist sessions and masterclasses, starting with a grand opening on Thursday 4th.

Other highlights include: Friday 5: Afternoon Delight. 2pm; A Bounty of Brahms. 7.30pm.

Saturday 6: Celebrating NZ. 2pm; Romance. 7.30pm.

Sunday 7: Grand Finale 7.30pm.

NELSON CENTRE OF MUSICAL ARTS, NELSON

Saturday 6 Summer Movies al Fresco - What Really Happened: Waitangi This docudrama follows an imaginary news reporter who travels back in time to cover the days leading up to the Treaty of Waitangi’s signing on 6 February 1840. Dropping the usual solemnity surrounding Aotearoa’s founding document, it uses humour and asides to camera to evoke some of the chaos and motives behind the treaty. One screening only; if wet the movie will screen inside the Granary.

9pm to 10:15pm.

FOUNDERS HERITAGE PARK, 87 ATAWHAI DR, NELSON, NELSON / TASMAN

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TAHUNANUI RECREATION RESERVE, BEACH RD.

Friday 12, Saturday 13 NZDC - NZ’s No.1 ACDC Experience NZDC is New Zealand’s premier AC/DC Experience. School-boy suit and all, its offers a mind-blowing resemblance to the legendary AC/DC. Performing songs from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson era. 8pm to 11pm.

THE PLAYHOUSE CAFE AND THEATRE, TASMAN FRIDAY 12 WOODBOURNE TAVERN, RENWICK, SATURDAY 13

Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 TR Triumph National Weekend Rally TRIUMPHS AT TRAFALGAR is the theme of this year’s TR Triumph Club National Weekend in and around Nelson. More than 80 vehicles are registered to attend, from north, south and across the Tasman Sea. See pages 20 & 21.

VARIOUS VENUES, NELSON

Dunedin indie rock bands Asta Rangu and Males are teaming up for a five date tour across Aotearoa, to celebrate the release of their split single I Dream / Clear Lake. Asta Rangu, led by Dunedin musician Richard Ley-Hamilton, will headline the tour.

EAST STREET CAFE & BAR, NELSON10PM TO 11:55PM

Tuesday 16 The Howard Morrison Quartet Take Two Featuring Howard Morrison Jnr, Russell Harrison, Chris Powley and Andre King as they celebrate and recreate the magic of the New Zealand entertainment phenomenon that was the original Howard Morrison Quartet. Starts 7pm.

THEATRE ROYAL NELSON

Saturday 20 Snoring and Sleep Apnoea - The Buteyko Institute Method Nicky Mcleod from The Breathing Clinic is one of the few full-time,

MONTGOMERY SQUARE

Every Wednesday Nelson Farmers’ Market 8.30am to 1.30pm KIRBY LANE

Every Thursday Isel Twilight Market 4.30pm to 8.30pm ISEL PARK

2nd Sunday of the month Cars & Coffee 9am to 12pm CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM CARPARK, CADILLAC WAY, NELSON

registered Buteyko breathing specialists in New Zealand and will share insights into how breathing retraining has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to stop or significantly reduce snoring and even eliminate the need for CPAP. Nicky will teach you what normal breathing is and how yours compares, explain the links between how you breathe and common conditions.

11am to 12.30pm.

NELSON PUBLIC LIBRARY, NELSON

EVENTS

Regular Markets

Marlborough

Every Saturday Artisan Market 9am to 2pm

Friday 12 Wine & Food Festival Market Day

QUAYS, BLENHEIM

Pure Events Marlborough is organising the 2021 Wine & Food Festival Market Day; keeping the Blenheim CBD alive and festive! In addition to a wide variety of local and national arts, craft, produce & clothing stalls, there will a wonderful variety of tasty local food to enhance your experience. Also this year there will be lots of exciting street and main stage entertainment to enjoy! 9am to 5pm.

Every Sunday Marlborough Farmers’ Market 9am to 12pm The Sunday Marlborough Farmers’ Market is based on supporting local, fresh and seasonal produce and products. Everything has been produced and made by the people selling it at the market.

TOWN CENTRE, BLENHEIM

A&P SHOWGROUNDS

FEBRUARY Friday 5 Te Pātaka o Wairau Māori Night Market An evening of Māori kai, arts, products, kapa haka and entertainment. Starting at 4pm. and winding down at 8pm it is an evening for all ages and cultures.

Bring down a blanket and picnic and enjoy our sound stage with non-stop entertainment, and the announcement of our ‘legend’.

Part of Waitangi Day celebrations.

SEYMOUR SQUARE, BLENHEIM

Saturday 6 Marlborough Heritage Day Unique heritage on display with demonstrations of heritage skills including woodwork, blacksmithing, farming, engineering and model boats. Free entry to Marlborough Museum and Archives!

Blenheim Riverside Railway running

all day. Grand parade of vintage farm machinery and other vehicles at 2:30pm. Steampunk dress-up competition entry forms available on Facebook. Children’s passport activity. 10am to 4pm.

BRAYSHAW PARK, BLENHEIM

Friday 12 Nuits Romantiques Started on the occasion of Valentine’s Day, Les Nuits Romantiques at Clos Henri has been its main summer event for the past 11 years. Indulge with a night of French “Seventh Art” and fine wines, with an outdoor film, a sunset glass of wine and delicious food. Ticketed event.

7.30pm to 11pm.

CLOS HENRI VINEYARD, SH63, MARLBOROUGH

Saturday 13 Film + Feast Pack your picnic blanket and cushions and head to Picton’s

natural amphitheatre for a film night with a difference.

Featuring flash mobs, circus performers, music, food, festival lights and of course the films.

It’s free, it’s themed, it’s familyfriendly and there’s a variety of stallholders and food trucks serving up culinary delights.

7.30pm to 10pm.

PICTON FORESHORE, LONDON QUAY, PICTON

Sunday 14 The Howard Morrison Quartet Take Two Featuring Howard Morrison Jnr, Russell Harrison, Chris Powley and Andre King, the quartet entertains with a two hour show to celebrate and recreate the magic of the NZ entertainment phenomenon that was the original Howard Morrison Quartet. Timed to mark the 10 year anniversary of Sir Howard’s passing, this show will bring the old quartet back to life with superb vocals, entertainment, and first hand family stories through

the talents of the next generation led by Howie Jnr. 7.30pm to 10pm ASB THEATRE MARLBOROUGH, BLENHEIM

Sunday 14, Saturday 20 & Saturday 27 Summer Concerts 2021 The Summer Concert Series 2021!

Three free, family-friendly outdoor concerts, held in various locations around the Marlborough region.

The concerts feature entirely local musicians and entertainers, food trucks and vendors. There will plenty for the children to do, with a variety of activities at each concert. Pack a picnic blanket and settle in for a summer evening out. 4pm to 7pm.

POLLARD PARK, PARKER ST, BLENHEIM: SUNDAY 14 RENWICK RUGBY GROUNDS, RENWICK: SATURDAY 20 PICTON FORESHORE, LONDON QUAY, PICTON: SATURDAY 27

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 The Original Gypsy Fair Saturday 27 Marlborough Horticultural Society Late Summer Show The annual Spring Show, also known as the Dahlia Show due to a large number of dahlias on display. There will also be a large number of other flowers, foliage, houseplants, fruits and vegetables entered in the show, alongside sales tables which include plants, produce, arts and crafts. 9am to 3pm.

ST CHRISTOPHER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, BLENHEIM

For more than 30 years in its current format, The Original Gypsy Fair has been travelling New Zealand and will be back in Blenheim for its first South island fair of the 2020/2021 season. A fun-filled day for the whole family with something for everyone and entry is free! An expansive range of handmade products, such as upcycled silver plate cutlery, bead jewellery, sun catchers, spiders, clothing and accessories and much more. Opens 9am.

REDWOODTOWN SCHOOL, BLENHEIM

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FIND THE PERFECT BIKE & CYCLING ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR WHOLE FAMILY NEW STOCK ARRIVING DAILY – COME VISIT US TODAY! 203 Queen Street, Richmond, 7020 | P 03 544 5429 /myriderichmond

W myride.co.nz/richmond E

richmond@myride.co.nz

As far as the eye can see ...

The image above is an actual photo of the view over Tasman Bay from Coastal View Lifestyle Village, opening soon in Nelson's TÄ hunanui Hills - with close access to the city and the beach.

Coastal View will offer independent living and serviced houses, designed by award-winning architects. A range of houses will be available (from February) with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom options, 1 or 2 storeys and 1 or 2 garages ... with a variety of styles and floor plans.

The village will also include a state-of-the-art 60-suite, single storey rest home/hospital care facility (from March) and a separate, standalone 20-unit dementia centre. All care suites are substantially larger than the average care centre room, ranging up to 40m2 in size, and all suites include an ensuite and external access to a private outdoor deck.

Call to find out more on ph: 03 548 8864 or visit www.coastalview.co.nz