LEFTOVER LEGENDS

Waste warrior Kate Fenwick explains how leftovers are the foods we waste most, and what we can do about it.

When you peek in the bin, it’s rarely a dramatic scene. It’s not half a roast lamb, it’s the small, slightly neglected things like the bread crust, a container of rice you meant to eat, the last bit of roast chicken, a bag of saggy spinach, or three bananas that ripened overnight. These everyday foods are the casualties of busy lives and optimistic weekly grocery shops.

Bread is hopeful. We buy it imagining neatly packed sandwiches and weekend toast. By Thursday, it’s firm around the edges. But stale isn’t spoiled. Blitz it into breadcrumbs and freeze them. Cube it, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for crunchy salad toppers. Or dip it in egg and milk for French toast. Suddenly, it’s not “old bread.” It’s brunch.

Rice is slightly high-maintenance. Cool it quickly, store it in the fridge, and eat within 24 hours (ignore this at your peril). Once respected, rice is a superstar. Try it fried with leftover veg and protein for a five-minute fakeaway, or stirred with milk, cinnamon and sugar for a comforting dessert.

Roast chicken deserves more than the back of the fridge. Shred it into wraps, toss it through salads, stir it into pasta, or simmer the bones with veggie scraps for stock. Stretching cooked meat into another meal reduces waste and stretches your grocery budget. That’s a win in any economy.

Vegetables are the most misunderstood leftovers. Things like broccoli stalks, carrot tops and wilted greens are often wasted because they “look past it.” They’re not off; they’re ready for a new role. Roast random veg together for sandwiches or grain bowls. Blend greens into pesto. Stir wilting veg into soups or omelettes. No one notices the slight change in texture and the flavour stays intact.

Bananas are fruit with a short shelf life. Overripe bananas are baking gold: make banana bread, pancakes, smoothies or blitz frozen for instant “nice cream.” Suddenly, browning fruit feels like culinary genius.

In our house, an “Eat Me First” shelf keeps soon-to-expire items front and centre. We label leftovers with the date, freeze portions before we tire of them, and, most importantly, transform rather than reheat. A roast becomes wraps. Rice becomes fried rice. Veggies become soup. Bread becomes brunch. Leftovers don’t need to look like leftovers, they just need a remix.

Waste less food, save money, and feel triumphant every time you turn what would have been rubbish into a meal. That’s forkin’ good. WASTEDKATE.CO.NZ

TRUE TO YOU

Early detection of bowel cancer is a passion project for Dr Clive Price.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Whereas even mentioning bodily functions would have made my grandparents blush, today’s society is far more open and at ease with discussing matters of a personal nature. Which is why, along with general chatter about coffee prices or office politics, talk of the vagaries of bowel movements wouldn’t be unheard of among many friend groups. Rather than just casual chit-chat, these conversations are usually rooted in cause; we are undoubtedly far more aware of our personal well-being (find me someone who hasn’t upped their protein intake), and way more proactive when it comes to safeguarding our health (collagen smoothie anyone?). Despite all these attempts at better diet, fitness and education, the thought of cancer still lurks in the back of many minds.

When Dr Clive Price, a GP at the Pāpāmoa Tara Road Medical Centre, relocated from the UK to New Zealand, he was surprised to find that the age to qualify for the New Zealand government early detection programme is significantly higher here than both the UK and Australia, despite him being under 40, and self-testing annually with a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test), along with his dermatologist wife. The lack of privately purchased tests available shocked him.

“I’ve been a doctor for 12 years, a GP for the last eight years. Part of my training was in a hospice, and one of the things I noticed was the number of young people coming in with cancer. In a six-month placement, we had five or six under 40s come in for the last days of their life, and about three of those were bowel cancer.”

“It led me to think we’re doing things the wrong way round; we’re spending billions on treating things too late. That got my interest in proactive healthcare and screening.”

With the New Zealand public system favouring the 58-74 age bracket, Clive believes, “There’s a huge proportion of the population who could do with being screened, but it’s not available. Most medical guidelines recommend screening from the age of 45 or younger, if you’ve got risk factors”. With the screening age set at 58 in New Zealand, that’s 13 years where earlier detection could potentially make a meaningful difference.”

Seeing a huge gap in the market, Clive felt he needed to introduce this test privately in New Zealand. His research showed there are bowel cancer tests available here in pharmacies (FOB tests), but they use unreliable, outdated technology.

“They work by detecting microscopic bits of hemoglobin in poo, but they cannot distinguish between human hemoglobin and animal, so basically anyone who eats meat tests positive - a huge number of false positives, so they are really inaccurate.”

Conversely, a FIT does distinguish between animal and human hemoglobin. It’s designed to look for tiny traces of blood in your faeces that are too small to see with the naked eye, and which could be a sign of cancer. Made for ease of use, according to Clive; “They also use a much better analysing method, so rather than doing three separate samples, you need only one little poke (in the faeces). It can also distinguish where the blood is coming from, so the number of false positives is much less, and the sensitivity is much better. The studies I’ve looked at suggest that FIT testing, depending on the threshold, picks up to about 90 percent of tumours.”

In a health system that is not currently geared -or resourced - for the concerns of under 50s, GPs will struggle to offer testing to ‘the low risk but not no risk’. The population that would find the FIT test particularly helpful includes two groups: symptomatic patients,

whom a GP would be keen to rule out from bowel cancer, and asymptomatic individuals, whom a GP might want to screen proactively. While candidates would need to be over 18, growing evidence suggests that many people over the age of 45 would benefit from bowel cancer screening. In those with risk factors, or in certain ethnic groups such as Māori, emerging data indicates screening may need to begin earlier, potentially from around 35.

The decision to create the company TrueScreen was one that Clive and his business partner Richard Porter, both took extremely seriously. Richard was attracted to the venture for not only its core value, but also the “fundamental ease and accessibility” it offers to consumers.

As a doctor, Clive reiterates, “I’m duty bound ethically, morally and professionally to make sure this is an evidence-based test - it’s safe and the gold standard.”

Working in partnership with New Zealand’s biggest laboratory (which also runs the government screening) means absolute reliability, accuracy and professionalism. As for the process, it couldn’t be simpler. Once the test has been ordered, it’s sent to the customer, who will then take their own sample. A return mailer is provided and keeps it safe, before being returned to the lab within a 14-day window. The results are confidentially accessed by Clive, who reviews them and then contacts the person being screened.

Clear evidence shows that bowel cancer is “the fastest growing cancer for under 50’s - it’s disproportionately shooting up”. However, Clive points out, “if bowel cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable and often curable.”

The idea of getting on board with a privately funded, annual screening programme is not one that will be unfamiliar to Kiwis; Mole Map, for example, is rolled out on this premise. And when it comes to something that could be life or death, wiggling a stick in a poo sample, in the comfort of your own home, feels like an incredibly low-level commitment. I, for one, will be signing up.

Truescreen FIT Tests are now available via the website.

TRUESCREEN.CO.NZ

UNCORKING NEW RULES

Alice Rule has been defying expectations since she was a schoolgirl growing up in Northland. That determination shines through in her wines, but also makes her an inspiration to be around, as UNO wine columnist Jess Easton writes.

PHOTOS RYAN MCCAULEY PHOTOGRAPHY

Told she didn’t have the smarts to study wine, there’s no small irony that Alice Rule now owns her own international wine business.

‘Encouraged’ to leave school early by sceptical teachers, she now boasts a degree and a Masters’, the latter completed after a dyslexia diagnosis as an adult, just to show she could.

Now, having barely breached her 30s, the founder of boutique Marlborough-based wine label 3Sixty2 holds down a separate fulltime job, is the mother of ridiculously cute toddling twins, takes a mean photo and spends her spare time dreaming of biodiversity and nature-based solutions.

I first met Alice through mutual buddies in 2022 and we’ve since become firm friends — as our wine adventures on page 124 of this edition can attest.

She’s funny and grounded, smart and driven. She also makes delicious wine, using sustainably-sourced grapes and taking a deep, respectful bow to nature in everything she produces.

Her wines exude confidence — they know what they want to be. I really rate her Sauvignon Blanc, which stays true to the Marlborough region but brings in a balanced acidity and structure. Her Chardonnay has soul and her Pinot Noir is made with the passion and precision that only a small-scale producer can attain.

But like any great wine, it’s always the backstory which makes the vintage that much more spectacular.

That undiagnosed dyslexia, in hindsight, was like a giant brake on Alice’s schooling, and it took some time to find the tools to help her shine.

Leaving school at 17, she worked in a café before heading to Hawke’s Bay to study winemaking at CIT. Even then, those first few years were near impossible, but a supportive dean encouraged her to keep trying and she was eventually awarded Esk Valley top viticulture student.

Her first years in local vineyards were also a struggle, as a young female battling to be taken seriously. So, she figured she would go to work for the one person who truly believed in what she was doing — herself — and launched 3Sixty2 in 2016.

In the meantime, she completed the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme, investigating glass recycling in New Zealand, and introduced a range of sustainable measures into her business, like becoming the first New Zealand producer to have a complete climatepositive wine portfolio, certified with CarbonClick.

I asked Alice, ‘where to next?’ and she laughed heartily. Doors which used to slam shut keep springing open, and her next phase is picking which one to venture through.

You get the feeling, as the song goes, she’s only just begun.

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

MAISON DU SOLEIL

A sanctuary of luxury and tranquillity, this beautifully reinvented estate offers breathtaking river views, refined interiors and effortless indoor–outdoor living.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Nestled down a sweeping driveway, overlooking the Wairoa River and hills beyond, this commanding position basks in one of Tauranga’s prized areas. The tranquillity is bliss — sounds of nature for company and grazing for horses or livestock; where friends can enjoy privacy in luxury surroundings; river views always in sight and a reserve to walk the dog with the children near the river below.

Mindful of respecting the home’s original calibre, these owners wove an extraordinary tapestry and warm embrace into its renovation. Exquisite marble tiling and mosaic flooring in bathrooms set the foundation for what now exists. Everything else is new; detail with soft sophistication — underpinned by undeniable expense.

A grand foyer introduces a sweeping stairwell and step-down entries to both the lounge and heart of the home. The soft backdrop is personalised with accents that define each room — plush drapes, Sante Fe shutters and bespoke lighting all statement features. The gourmet kitchen is a star — the emotional and functional heartbeat of family life. Showcasing bespoke American Oak cabinetry and Abu Dhabi porcelain benchtops, oak flooring throughout this living area maintains continuity with the home’s greeting. This is where entertainment begins; before relaxing around the fireplace or stepping into the lounge for a more intimate ambience.

Unquestionable quality throughout highlights the diligence in reinventing this home.

A romantic master suite enjoys privacy downstairs, leaving three bedrooms and luxury bathroom upstairs for family and friends. Skilful interior design instils tender moods; refined in an understated manner, yet revolving around family, relaxation and entertaining. Crowds have cherished gatherings here; ample room to congregate — inside and out. Gazing over the valley, watching rowers on the Wairoa River; or lounging around the solar-heated pool, wafts of the Mediterranean float in the air.

Surprises abound everywhere, from the impressive laundry, incredible storage to a well-positioned office. Nothing beats the sheer awe of the cinema, however. Soundproofed, dark and moody — with a full-wall screen — this is the secret jewel of a residence that continually astounds. Stroll the promenade to the guest house and more surprises await. Fully selfcontained, with its own driveway entrance; this is highly successful guest accommodation — and could continue to be. Choice is the key.

Perfect now, the expanse of land and shedding invites another chapter in this home’s story. Instilling artistry in the five years these owners have lived here, a new project calls out of town. They leave behind a legacy of love and reverence — and an invitation to a wonderful lifestyle.

58 Miles Lane, Tauriko OLIVERROAD.COM

CROWD PLEASERS

The Bay of Plenty is rapidly becoming a hotspot for events. Karl Puschmann talks to the key people behind some of the Bay’s biggest events to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring these events to life, their cultural and economic impact, and discover if this is just the beginning. PHOTOS ROBBIE HUNTER | HAIR + MAKE-UP DESIREE OSTERMAN

Toby Burrows and Mitch Lowe

I’m standing in the heart of Mount Maunganui’s industrial area, in front of a large warehouse, wondering if I’m in the right place. This unlikely, unglamorous spot is where some of the Bay of Plenty’s biggest events are dreamed up, organised and, if all goes to plan, brought to life. I’ve come to talk to Mitch Lowe and Toby Burrows, the two chaps behind the summer’s history-making Fisher concert at the Bay Oval, about the resurgence of events in the Bay of Plenty, what goes into staging them, and the impact, both economically and culturally, that they have on our region.

But first, I need to find the front door.

I walk down the long driveway, and past the side of the building, whose sliding doors have been pulled open on this bright, hot day, affording me a view of the welders inside who are hard at work behind a shower of bright sparks. It’s a far cry from the triumphant firework display that lit up the sky to bring the Fisher concert to a close.

Near the end of the building, there’s a door. I poke my head inside and see a wall covered in framed concert posters, and a top-of-the-range Pioneer DJ set-up in a booth to my left. This is more like what I was expecting. What I don’t see is people.

“Hello?” I offer, walking inside and knocking on the wood of the DJ booth. Toby bounds down the stairs to greet me.

“Hey mate,” he says, shaking my hand. “Can I get you a Red Bull?”

Energy drinks in hand, he leads me up the stairs and into a boardroom, which is also decorated with framed posters, and where Mitch is sitting in front of a laptop, which he closes as we walk in. It’s here, from this office, tacked onto the back of an industrial factory, that the pair plan out over 150 events a year around Aotearoa.

“The Bay’s always been a priority for us,” Mitch says. “Because we’re local, we’re going to push as much as we can into the Bay. It's a really exciting time.”

“The summer’s been pretty busy,” Toby adds.

That feels like something of an understatement. After a barren few years following the COVID pandemic, there’s been an unignorable resurgence of events happening here in the Bay recently. Coupled with the freshly rejuvenated city centre, the upswing in trendy cafés, bars and restaurants popping up and the ongoing suburban growth down the Pāpāmoa coastline, it’s beginning to feel like the region is shedding its old, and somewhat unfair, reputation as a haven for oldies and gaining a name for itself as a spot where there’s always something happening.

“When I moved to Tauranga a decade ago, people used to go, ‘Oh, it’s a retirement village,’” Mitch laughs. “That used to be the general feeling before we started doing big events here and trying to bring a bit of life to it. Now, I know tons of people who have moved here. They think of Tauranga as one of the event capitals of New Zealand. It’s cool to be a part of that.”

The pair have spent decades working in the events industry — Toby for 23 years and Mitch for 16. Before joining forces, Toby was heavily involved in Gisborne’s New Year’s Eve festival, Rhythm & Vines, while Mitch built his career touring DJs and electronic acts and running club nights. Around a decade ago, Mitch moved to the Bay to launch the single-day music festival Bay Dreams, which debuted in 2016 and ran each summer until it was officially placed on hiatus last year.

The pair knew each other from the industry, and decided to work together on the legacy rocker Bryan Adams’ 2019 Aotearoa tour, which took in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch. This was a significant success, leading the partnership to continue and become more formalised, with Toby moving from his home in “Gizzee” to come to the Mount a year or so later.

“I did a lot of humming and hah-ing about it, but committed to the decision. Now I look back and wonder what I was humming and hah-ing about,” Toby laughs. “It has the beaches and the lifestyle, and geographically it’s sort of in the middle of everywhere. It ticked all the boxes.”

“We love it,” Mitch says. “We’re both raising our families here, which is a good indication of our passion for the place.”

The success of Bryan Adams had shown them there was a gap in the market for legacy artists, so the pair naturally doubled down, bringing over legendary acts like Toto, The Jackson 5 and Snoop Dogg, while also creating one-day festivals targeted at different music genres and audiences, like Rock the Bowl, Le Currents and, of course, Bay Dreams. Most did well. But, the pair admit, not all.

“The funniest one was when I asked my dad’ s opinion on a legacy act,” Mitch recalls. He said, ‘Oh, that’s a guaranteed sell. Absolutely. No question’. We booked it, promoted it, went on sale… and it flopped.” Jokingly, he says, “Dad doesn’t get free tickets anymore.”

But that’s the nature of the events biz, he says. Every show is a gamble that could literally see you losing your house. Something, the pair say, has almost happened more than once over the years.

But that was when they were younger, more naive and excited. But there were some growing pains, and Mitch says they had to learn how to run their business properly.

“We’re not taking stupid risks anymore,” Mitch says. “We’ve learnt how to take calculated risks. Now, when we go into things, I’m confident that we’re either going to win or we’re going to lose an amount that we can handle.”

“We manage risk in a way that doesn’t feel too risky,” Toby says, noting that while their gut feeling still plays a role, they also have a stringent process of running the numbers and looking at specific artist metrics that have to add up before they decide to go ahead with an event. “We’re not risking everything if it doesn’t work anymore. Initially, I was brazen and not afraid to lose everything I had, because I had nothing. As I’ve gotten older, you know, I don’t want to lose everything. We say ‘No’ to a lot of things that come to our desk.

It’s got to fit within certain metrics to make sense.”

Which brings us to Fisher. If there was a single moment that announced the Bay’s arrival on the national stage, it was that summer concert at Bay Oval — the first-ever music event held at the iconic stadium. In hindsight, it seems like a guaranteed success. But at the time, it was a bold gamble. And while their homes weren’t literally on the line, a flop would have set their business back years.

They’d invested half a decade securing Bay Oval and were determined to headline the first show with a global name. Still, having toured Fisher the previous year, they worried it might be too soon to bring him back.

“We thought if we brought him to the Mount in the middle of summer, put him on at Bay Oval with the right line-up around him, and marketed it properly, it would work,” Toby says. “We’re entrepreneurs at heart. We’ve lived with risk for so long that we’ve learned to thrive under that pressure.”

Adds Mitch: “We’ve done massive things here in the past, like Bay Dreams, but to promise one of the biggest acts in the world that they could come to this little region and still do the same numbers that they do in Auckland or Christchurch was pretty ballsy. It paid off.

“We were doubting ourselves right up until that moment we went on sale,” Mitch grins. “Within five minutes, we were like, ‘Okay, we’re good.”

“Fisher was a proof of concept. We wanted to show what was possible,” Toby says. “The goal was to prove that the Bay could deliver numbers and production values comparable to the big cities.”

It certainly did. Over 20,000 punters packed into the Oval for the show. But it wasn’t all locals. More than 82 percent of the punters who attended were from out of town, truly making the Mount the hottest place to be in the whole country that weekend.

Tauranga mayor Mahe Drysdale describes the Fisher concert as an “amazing success for our city”.

“It worked really well,” he tells me. “The feedback we’ve had is that it was an awesome venue, and there’s an opportunity there to grow. Bay Oval is a real jewel in our crown. We’ve had some really great cricket events over the summer, which is what it’s set up for, but we’ve said to Bay Oval, we really want to see more music acts and other events there.”

The one-two punch of Fisher, followed a week later by the UB40 with Ali Campbell concert, has proved the Oval works as a “legitimate venue”. Mahe says promoters can now have confidence that the Bay can successfully pull off these sorts of big events.

“Once one person’s done it, it opens up a whole lot more opportunities in the future,” he says. “We’ve identified events as being one of our priorities and one of our strategies to make this a better place. We want events here because of what they do for our region, for the accommodation providers, the local businesses, the hospo businesses, and for the sense of vibrancy that they attract. We can see the economic benefits of what events do for our city.”

He says the council is actively going out and finding ways to accomplish this strategy, pointing to the upcoming World Triathlon Series as an example.

“We’ve got three years of world-class athletes coming to our city to compete,” he says. “There are so many events out there that we can attract. We’re really excited.”

But what is it that’s attracting these events to the region? Why are organisers increasingly choosing to put on events here?

“The Bay is blessed with natural beauty. That’s certainly a big part of why it’s attractive,” he says. “A lot of people want to come here, so when events are on, people jump at the opportunity to come and enjoy the region. It’s a win-win,” he smiles.

“We can share our beautiful city, but also they help drive our economy. They have a significant economic and social benefit.”

One of the best examples of this economic and cultural coming together is the annual AIMS Games. The week-long multi-sport tournament brings together thousands of Year 7 and 8 students from across New Zealand and the Pacific to compete in 27 different sporting codes, generating a tangible excitement as well as some serious cash for the region.

“Last year we had just over 14,000 athletes from 431 schools,” Kelly Schischka, the AIMS Games tournament director, tells UNO. “They compete in sport, make new memories and new friends in f it-for-purpose sports venues across the region. That, for us, is what makes it work so well.”

Add in coaches, managers, officials and supporters, and that number jumps to 29,558, with a whopping 23,425 of those coming in from out of town. This one event alone generated a huge $9,751,958 of tourism expenditure in Tauranga.

“Economically, the AIMS Games makes a big contribution, but more so, it really builds that pride of being hosts. That’s incredibly important,” Kelly says. “You can’t stage an event without the support of the community, and we absolutely have that with the AIMS Games. We’re incredibly lucky.”

The event started here in 2004 and has steadily grown in popularity ever since. The week-long event now takes over 29 different venues around Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.

“The AIMS Games have really helped shape Tauranga’s identity as an event city. There’s nothing quite like being in town when they’re on,” Kelly smiles. “There are 14,000 kids here for a week-long sleepover with their friends. The energy levels are incredibly high. It’s hard not to get caught up in that. It’s a really special thing to be a part of.”

Along with the AIMS Games, Kelly says there are many events that are now synonymous with Tauranga, making it a vibrant place to live, and encouraging people to visit. There’s the Tauranga Marathon, the Jazz Festival, the Arts Festival, the Flavours of Plenty food festival and the Mount Festival of Multisport, one of the country’s longest-running and most iconic triathlons, to name just a few.

“These are part of the fabric of Tauranga,” Kelly says. “We’ve proven ourselves to be able to host international sporting events and fantastic music events incredibly well. It’s great for those of us who live here to be a part of that, and it’s fantastic to be able to showcase our city to different types of visitors who are here for different types of events.”

Things may feel big now, but it really is just the beginning, as national and international events are increasingly attracted by the region’s stunning backdrop, infrastructure and proven ability to be welcoming hosts for major events.

“It’s an exciting time,” Toby enthuses. “We have agents and artists from all over the world wanting to come down and work with us. There’s a lot of exciting projects in the pipeline right across the country, including here in the Bay.”

“I agree,” Mitch nods. “I have the feeling now that I had when we launched Bay Dreams back in the day. It feels like the start of something big. We literally have the biggest acts in the world asking us to do cool things.”

After the triumph of Fisher, the pair are already working on next summer's show. They know Fisher's a tough act to follow. I cheekily ask who's on their radar and they both grin and say there's some exciting options on the table. Just before I leave, I mention that it's a great time to be living in the Bay.

"It's exciting," Mitch agrees. "And this is just the start."

HACK YOUR HOME LOAN

Brooke Reynolds of Rapson Loans and Finance explains why many of us pay more on our home loan than we need to, and how a simple mortgage check-up could save thousands.

When people first take out a mortgage, the interest rate usually gets most of their attention. If the number looks decent and the payments seem manageable, they just shrug and carry on. But that’s how so many Kiwis end up overpaying their mortgage without even knowing it.

And when I say overpaying, I’m not talking about a few dollars here and there. I’m talking thousands – sometimes tens of thousands – over the life of the loan. All because the structure isn’t working as hard as it should.

Your mortgage isn’t really a “set and forget” arrangement. Life changes, interest rates shift, and banks regularly adjust their offers, but many loans stay exactly the same for years. Without a review, it’s easy to keep paying more than necessary.

One of the biggest culprits is having everything on the wrong fixed term. People lock something in years ago and assume it still makes sense. But what suited you in 2021 might not suit you now. Maybe you’ve had a pay rise, or your kids have left home, or rates have dropped, but your loan hasn’t kept up.

Another way people overpay is by not splitting their lending. Having all your lending on one fixed rate might feel simple, but it also means you're at the mercy of whatever the market is doing the day that rate expires. Splitting your loan across different terms can smooth out the bumps and stop you from getting whacked by big swings.

Then there’s the classic one: not reviewing your mortgage regularly. I review my clients’ loans every 6 to 12 months, because even tiny tweaks can shave years (yes, years) off the mortgage. Most banks don’t ring you up and say, “Hey, we’ve got a better deal for you!”, but that doesn’t mean a better deal isn’t out there. And let’s not forget the cashbacks, discounted rates and competitive offers floating around. Many homeowners just don’t realise they’re there.

If you haven’t reviewed your mortgage in the last year, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than you should. Not because you’ve done anything wrong, just because mortgages need attention, the same way your car or your health does. A quick check‑in could save you thousands.

RAPSONLOANS.CO.NZ

LIFTING THE VEIL ON THE VALE

Adelaide’s abundance of grape-growing greatness is well known, as is the South Australian city’s jewel in the crown, Barossa Valley. If you’re chasing something a little more fresh and a lot more enticing, however, make tracks for McLaren Vale. You won’t regret it.

WORDS + PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON

Hot tip: if you’re going in cold to a new wine region, it really does pay to take a professional with you.

Luckily, the crew we’d assembled for UNO wine columnist Jess Easton’s significant birthday included talented Kiwi winemaker Alice Rule, who arrived in Adelaide armed with the local lowdown and plenty of insider insight.

Forget Barossa, she confirmed. Bypass Adelaide Hills and skip Clare Valley. She’d been hearing great things about a few places in McLaren Vale. We need to go there.

And so, mellowed and content after a long weekend of birthday celebrations, music festivals and a decent crack at Adelaide’s multi-ethnic, over-delivering restaurant scene, we boarded a minibus and hit the highway.

The power of proximity

For such a vast and untamed state, South Australia’s viticultural heritage is packed into a remarkably small area Adelaide Hills, for example, is just 20 minutes out of the city centre. On the way, nestled in the foothills, is the grand old lady of Australian wineries, Penfolds Magill Estate. We’d earlier stopped in for an hour-long tour and ended up enjoying a half-day pilgrimage. The depth of history resonating through the high stone walls and deep cellars is unforgettable.

The history and elegance of Penfolds.

Up into the Hills, you start getting cool-climate wines, like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The Barossa Valley, meanwhile, is one of Australia’s oldest and most famous regions, boasting more than 150 wineries, renowned for its German heritage as much as for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Even the name ‘Barossaʼ has heft — a weighty, punchy moniker matching perfectly to some of the big, bold wines it produces.

Two hours north of the city is Clare Valley, celebrated for premium Riesling and more than 50 cellar doors, featuring charming villages and the Riesling Trail. Kangaroo Island, Eden Valley and Langhorne Creek are other well-known areas for wine lovers to explore.

Our attention, however, turned towards the coast, a short 40-minute trip south to McLaren Vale, possibly the oldest continuously producing wine-growing region in Australia, first planted in 1838.

Long before European colonisation, the area was the traditional home of the Kaurna people, who enjoyed the regionʼs Mediterranean climate for thousands of years. The cooling sea breezes take the sting out of the hottest of South Australian scorchers, with an array of diverse ancient soils helping grow varieties like Fiano, Sangiovese, Vermentino, Barbera, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola and Tempranillo.

McLaren Vale is also the most environmentally sustainable wine grape growing region in Australia, which immediately attracted the attention of our illustrious tour guide Alice.

Kiwi wine guru Alice Rule (left) in her natural habitat.

Hostess with the most-ess

As one of the youngest wine producers in New Zealand, Alice established her boutique wine venture, 3sixty2, in 2018 at just 25. She was the first New Zealand wine producer to introduce carbon offsetting at checkout and her focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability is helping set the gold standard in the industry.

Some of the superb Yangarra Estate line up.

And our first stop, Yangarra Estate, featured biodynamic vineyards surrounding a stunning cellar door, vibrant with Grenache, Shiraz and a treasure trove of alternative varietals.

“I loved their philosophy around biodiversity and loved how interesting their new young wines were, like the unconventional Piquepoul,” Alice said, fresh from a perfectly curated wine tasting experience; textural pottery, Plumm wine glasses, expensive cheese and hand-shaved prosciutto.

“Piquepoul is an ancient French varietal and the name literally means ̔stings the lipsʼ — a reference to the wineʼs characteristically high acidity — but Yangarra wouldn’t do that to you. It was the Jo Malone of white wine, fragrant, delicate and crisp — a unique treasure probably not found very easily.”

Next stop was Dandelion Vineyards, another biodynamic exemplar, where the tasty, innovative wines were elevated to another level by the winemakerʼs mum and her culinary prowess.

Dandelion's Field of Wonders Chardonnay and Lemon Myrtle Spritzer.

Dandelionʼs Elena Brooks grew up in Bulgaria, set amidst the demise of the Soviet Union, as an influx of western winemakers began visiting the region. Her mum Dani Golakova worked for the Soviets as an MiG mechanic, before venturing into marketing at the large and historic winery Vinprom Lyaskovets in their small hometown. As the only one able to speak English, Elena started helping translate for visiting viticulturalists after school. By the age of 12, she was interpreting barrel tastings with the winemakers. By the age of 15, she had the wine knowledge and vocabulary of a veteran, and by 16 she was making her first batches of Chardonnay.

Fast forward a couple of decades and sheʼs now married and settled in McLaren Vale, like Alice, a rising winemaking star, and with mum whipping up sensational plates of Kashkaval Pane, Kyopolou and Baked White Cheese with Honey and Walnuts for her dazzled guests.

Bekker beckons

If the day had a tactical error, it was right there. Did we expect to feast like Bulgarian royalty just before lunch? Nope. Did that stop us hitting the Salopian Inn and ordering up large? Again, nope. To be fair, after our Dandelion feast, we had every intention of a light snack, but the Salopian Innʼs fare was too good to skimp on.

Some of us lighterweights perhaps had visions of a quick snooze, as we wound down the tour at Bekkers Wine, our last winemaker stop. But there’s something about being greeted by the winemaker himself and being welcomed into a makeshift tasting room — amid renovations — that captures attention, not to mention the curious sight of Grenache grapes growing upright as bush vines — not on wire or trellis.

Winemaker Toby Bekkers.

Toby Bekkers is quietly understated, friendly, and someone you instinctively lean in to as you listen. He and his French wife Emmanuelle spend large parts of the year in each otherʼs countries, and their unique styles converge in the glass.

Aliceʼs old Lincoln University mate, Charlie, worked with Emmanuelle during a stint in the state and said Bekkers was a must-visit. After a few sips of a signature Grenache, and a magnificent Syrah, it was easy to see why.

“I’m always really excited when the viticulturist is hosting the tasting because thatʼs where my heart has always been,” Alice said. “And when Toby told us he was going to skip past the sensory descriptions and instead talk about the importance of texture, it really struck a chord. The wines, like Yangarra, are textural, interesting, and though he never mentioned ̔Old Worldʼ, itʼs clear they were made that way, while at the same time respecting the land they grow on, which is inherently New World. Itʼs a careful balance theyʼve gotten right — and I loved how they called their wine Syrah instead of Shiraz. Having a French winemaker wife probably had something to do with this decision, which is a big tick from me!”

And so, we depart, loaded to the gunnels with McLaren Vale vintages. Itʼs been a big tick from all of us.

TUFT LOVE

Irish-born textile artist Leah Creaven explores landscape through richly textured rug-tufted works made with New Zealand wool.

Rug tufting might be having a moment, but for textile artist Leah Creaven it’s a deeply personal way of translating landscape and feeling into form. Here, she talks process, inspiration and why working with wool feels like painting with fibre.

UNO: What first drew you to this medium, and what continues to captivate you about it? Leah: I was drawn to rug tufting a few years after finishing my degree in Textiles and Surface Design in Dublin. I started creating small art with a punch needle and wanted to work on a larger scale, so I guess I started rug tufting out of a desire to explore scale and impact. I’m continuously captivated by the freedom that rug tufting gives you. In my eyes it’s like painting with wool, but with the outcome being both beautiful and tactile. The repetitive rhythm of tufting is also meditative and helps me to shut out the noise (while music blares in my earpods!).

Your pieces often blend influences from both Irish landscapes and the land around you in Aotearoa New Zealand. How do these environments shape the stories you tell through your art? Ireland shapes the inner landscape of the pieces with memory and emotion. It’s less about depicting Ireland directly and more about carrying its emotional weight — a way of feeling land as archive and as something storied and tender. Visually, however, my response is grounded in New Zealand where I now live. The land here informs the physical language of the work. In that sense, my work kind of exists between inheritance and observation, emotionally anchored in Ireland and visually shaped by Aotearoa which allows them to hold both memory and presence at the same time.

Can you talk about your creative process, from initial concept to finished piece, and how you decide on colour palettes and forms? My process usually begins with an idea or a feeling that I hash out with my husband or my dad. I’m a big communicator and voicing these ideas helps me make sense of them before they become visual. They’re normally responses to landscape or a memory or a shift in light. I’ll sketch loosely on my iPad, mostly abstract shapes that suggest contour or horizon, but I leave space for the work to evolve once I begin tufting. Colour is often the first concrete decision (and the most exciting one!). I build a palette guided by emotional tone or seasonal shifts. Then I’ll test combinations by tufting colour samples to see which complement or compete with each other. Then it is time to bring my drawing to woolen-life on my canvas.

You consciously choose New Zealand wool for your art. What significance does this material have for you beyond its physical qualities? Choosing New Zealand wool is a conscious way of grounding my work in the place where it is grown. Beyond its durability, wool carries a sense of locality. Using it allows the work to hold a direct relationship to its environment and embeds the landscape quite literally into the surface. Wool also holds warmth. It has clothed, sheltered and comforted people for generations. In my work, it reinforces the themes of grounding and belonging.

Your ‘Land Girl’ exhibition and pieces like ‘Rapa Rising’ have received critical acclaim. Has public response influenced the direction of your work or your confidence as an artist? While the public continues to be supportive and affirming, what I feel matters most is the sense that the work resonates. That the viewers recognise something of their own relationship to land, memory or belonging in it. That particular connection reinforces my belief that textile-based practices can hold conceptual and emotional weight. Public engagement hasn’t really shifted the conceptual foundation of my work but it has deepened my sense of authenticity and to honour the materials and stories I’m working with.

What role do workshops and teaching (like your rug tufting classes) play in your practice? Does interacting with other creatives change the way you think about your own art? Teaching rug tufting workshops is such an important extension of my practice. Rug tufting can at times feel solitary so the workshops help top up my social meter, but also provide a space for creative exchange. I learn so much from the participants! There’s something exciting about watching people encounter a medium for the first time. Participants bring different stories and aesthetics into the space and that diversity expands the conversation around what tufting can be and encourages me to remain open and curious within my own work.

Looking forward, are there new themes, techniques or collaborations you’re excited to explore in your upcoming work? I’m experimenting a lot with layering and texture, which is very exciting to witness and learn from. I just moved to the Bay of Plenty so I’m feeling inspired conceptually and am looking forward to including some local walks and feelings of rejuvenation in my work. I’m really loving my new studio and being amongst the artistic activity at the Historic Village. It has been a wonderful boost in energy, but also in my confidence. It feels like being back at university, where bouncing ideas and learning of art events is an everyday occurrence.

How long have you lived in the Bay and what do you love about it? I moved to Otumoetai in November so we’re pretty fresh but are absolutely loving it. I’m passionate about the outdoors. Being close to the ocean and surrounded by beautiful walks is everything we could have asked for. I also love an evening scene so it’s been great to experience the fantastic restaurants and live music that are available to us too.

LEAHCREAVENTEXTILES.COM

BUILDING A LEGACY

CBC Construction has spent two decades shaping Tauranga’s skyline, earning respect not through fanfare, but through steady delivery and an unwavering commitment to doing things well.

WORDS PIP CROMBIE | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED

From l-r: Drew Beekie, Peter Cooney and Matt Lagerberg.

How does a company achieve a gold standard reputation and stand out above others in a competitive, cost-driven, time-constricted market, one which demands quality, sustainability, longevity and capability with care? The commercial construction business demands all of the above and locally owned and operated Classic Builders Commercial Construction (known as CBC) have proven time and again they have the answers.

With over 220 completed commercial projects in the last 20 years that have contributed a $400 million turnover in the wider community, there is no doubt that CBC has made its’ mark on the landscapes and skylines of New Zealand. As they acknowledge two decades in the commercial construction business, it is without major fanfare and celebration.

Sitting with managing director, Drew Beekie, in the CBC Mount Maunganui office tucked away in the back of the industrial area, there is an overall atmosphere of ‘business as usual’ - projects coming to completion, others in development. That in itself is part of the essence of their success, getting the job done, keeping the customers happy - it has earned an immense amount of respect.

CBC’s knowledge and expertise in the construction industry are the overarching factor in their reputation for delivery of excellence in the commercial building sector. Their work spans compact retail spaces to multi-floor office complexes, industrial warehousing, dedicated health and education buildings, accommodation complexes, hospitality and more. From demolition of existing properties through to f itout, the 20 years CBC has spent in the commercial construction space has cemented their claim that integrity matters deeply to them, that conducting their business honestly and well, at every level, has maintained their impeccable reputation.

The story of how it all began is worth telling. Drew, a Scottish qualified quantity surveyor with 10 years of experience in London, and then Auckland, crossed paths with Peter Cooney when Drew relocated to the Bay of Plenty. It was 2005 and at that time Peter was managing director of residential construction company Classic Builders Ltd (now one of several entities under the Classic Group).

“I approached Peter to build a house for me when I moved to Tauranga,” Drew explains. “The timing was serendipitous. Classic was just beginning to dip its toe into the water with commercial builds, my area of expertise. During the house build, Matt (Lagerberg) and I got chatting about a commercial construction company and by the end of the house build, CBC came to fruition. We turned a three bedroom house on 15th Ave into an office.”

He muses over the changes technology has brought to how the business is operated today. “We used fax machines, typewritten letters, power cuts blew us out, I had my laptop stolen from the office and with no iCloud backup there wasn’t a lot you could do, but start again”.

The first project Drew was involved with was the iconic apartment and boat-stack complex at Sulphur Point, the Nautilus. The build was an Australasian first of its kind, allowing residents to steer their boats right into the garage below. The project was brought together by Peter and sealed by a handshake with the developer. From this first project, Drew, who was and still is “the do-er, the person who puts all the pieces together, to literally get the projects out of the ground”, initiated Classic Builders Commercial (CBC).

Trustpower.

Today, Drew heads CBC as managing director, accompanied by group directors, Matthew Lagerberg and Peter Cooney. Their combined building industry experience and sharp business acumen make them a formidable team, one that with the well-considered selection of project-management teams have seen multiple properties transformed from blank canvases into prime real estate.

Ibex

Further developments followed. The award-winning glass-panelled, louvred office development, 247 Cameron Road (the ANZ Business Centre), opened in 2012 and was deemed a trophy building for Tauranga, the largest commercial office development undertaken in the city for 35 years. CBC’s ability to secure blue chip tenants for the 10,000 m2, four-level build saw the project fly and has been a premise of other successful commercial projects. “We promised it would be ready on September 6, 2012, and that’s the day we handed over the keys,” Drew recalls.

Trustpower’s three-storied central city office, a slick design inside and out, was a two-year project and boasts a positive architectural feature of a redeveloping inner city. Exterior materials were chosen to balance performance, longevity and affordability with a large interior atrium connecting the three floors with a light-filled collaborative space. The building accommodates over 600 staff, and was a two-year, $25 million build. Like other big developments CBC have had, they’ve often had to overcome complexities of factors out of their hands.

“We’ve always had a big project on the go like the Trustpower head office during a recession, the GFC, some kind of world crisis, COVID...” Drew says. “These events have all in some way affected the state of construction today, the limitations. Comparing when we first began in 2006 to 2026, there’s been huge overall cost inflation in construction. Projects require more of everything to get them over the line, the processes and consenting hurdles are more complex and take more time. They’re not insurmountable, but post-COVID we’ve seen around 40 percent inflation in costs.”

Mount Golf Club Driving Range

There is an extensive suite of developments CBC are proud to have brought to fruition. On Tauranga’s city limits in the Tauriko business park are Cubro, SIMS Distribution, Penske, NZ Windows and the awardwinning IBEX lighting building, which brings a modern design aesthetic to what is essentially a warehouse space, with Grade A office facilities. Add to that New Shoots Childcare, Te Wananga O Aotearoa Campus, Fresh Choice Papamoa, Pearl Kitchen, Mount Golf Club Driving Range - the variety of projects is significant.

Mills Reef

Transforming the iconic art-deco-styled Mills Reef winery building into The Vines at Bethlehem Clubhouse, complete with interior fitout including an indoor pool and spa, auditorium, theatre, library, gym and resident spaces contributing to the lifestyle of residents of the associated residential village was a 14-month project. CBC also work within the medical space, with completed developments for the District Health Board, St John’s Operations Facility and others. A recent significant development is the Bay Radiology Building on 17th Avenue, a complex build that required the use of lead windows and three-foot thick concrete walls to contain radiation.

Bay Radiology

While CBC has left its footprint around New Zealand with ventures completed in Auckland and Queenstown, their developments are generally concentrated in the Bay of Plenty region. The current project, 2 Devonport Road, began with the demolition of the existing original downtown Tauranga high-rise. With a finish date of December 2026, it will open as the new location of Craig’s Investment Partners, with other tenants taking up two of the seven storeys.

Over the past 20 years, CBC has enjoyed working with clients more than once. “Our customers have good reason to return, we complete on time and on budget and meet every required quality standard. The way I see it, my name is on the line for every job. If there’s ever an issue, I’ll personally sort it out,” Drew explains.

From management of planning, architecture, construction delivery and after-build care, CBC works on the premise that no job is finished until the customer is content. What more can you ask for?

CBC'S AWARDS

New Shoots Kennedy Ridge – Waikato and Bay of Plenty Architecture Award 2020.

IBEX – Waikato and Bay of Plenty Architecture Award 2024.

Mills Reef/Vines Clubhouse – Award of Excellence in the Naylor Love Heritage and Adaptive Reuses Property Award category at the Property Industry Awards 2023.

TECT/The Kollective – Merit Award and Judge's Choice Award Property Council NZ Awards 2019.

Trustpower – Waikato/Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards 2016.

ANZ/247 Cameron Rd – NZIA Waikato Bay of Plenty Architecture Award 2013 and Award of Excellence in Property Council New Zealand (PCNZ) Property Industry Awards 2013.

CUBRO - 2016 Tauriko Business Estate Design Award and 2017 Waikato/Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards (Commercial Category)

CBCCONSTRUCTION.CO.NZ

DARE TO DRIFT

Tauranga local Mel Conrad and her family press pause on everyday life to throw caution to the wind and set off on a dream family adventure around the world.

Leaving NZ for a family gap year

When we told friends and family we were packing up our lives to explore the world with our two young daughters, the reactions were mixed. From “wow, that’s incredible!”, to “what about schooling?”, and “have you won Lotto?” - and occasionally, just a simple, “why?” Often there was a look - half admiration, half concern. As if we had casually announced we were slightly crazy.

To be fair, there were days we wondered the same. But the truth wasn’t dramatic. We hadn’t won Lotto or lost our minds. We simply knew our girls were growing quickly, and this was the season to prioritise time and take a family gap year.

So we did. We took the girls out of school, rented our home and bought a one-way ticket to Vietnam. We didn’t really have a real plan, just a sense that time was moving fast and if we didn’t do this now, we might never do it at all.

Bamboo pole fishing in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Before we left, life was good. It was full and predictable. Time together compressed between bath and bedtimes.

Vietnam was our first destination, and on day one we faced our first challenge of crossing the road. Holding hands, wideeyed, terrified and thrilled, we stepped into a hectic stream of scooters and cars. The trick, we learned, was to walk confidently and let the traffic flow around us.

When we made it across, the adrenaline was unforgettable. The girls raced back to the hotel to call family and report how scared Mum had been and how brave they were. We knew then this experience would stretch all of us.

Vietnam brought lost luggage, lantern-lit evenings, perspective, and as we got braver, a food tour by scooter.

Swimming with locals at Blue Grotto, Malta

From there we drifted through Europe. Malta gave us village festas and daily swims. In southern Spain we stayed long enough to be recognised by locals. Ireland charmed us. France fed us croissants. Portugal gave us near-empty beaches in November.

Ice fishing on Kemijoki River in Rovaniemi, Finland.

Finland was magical. Riding a sleigh through a snow-covered forest to find Santa’s cabin is something we’ll never forget. We walked along a snowy path calling “Santa?” until a jolly Nordic man with the longest beard appeared and welcomed us inside.

He knew everything about the girls, our dog Tilly back home and even had the letters they’d sent from Portugal before Christmas. Watching their faces, and feeling unexpectedly emotional ourselves, was unforgettable.

Northern lights in Levi, Finland

Somewhere between Morocco’s colour, the Tube in London with backpacks and tired children, and the heat in Doha, it clicked. It doesn’t matter where we are, what matters is that we are doing it together.

But being together constantly does take adjustment. There were tears and travel fatigue. We’ve grown thicker skins and a few more grey hairs.

Schooling has been part of the learning curve too. My husband is a teacher, which sounds ideal. It turns out teaching your own children, who see you as Dad first, is humbling and hilarious.

Moroccan cooking class — making tagine.

We shifted to worldschooling, blending curriculum with real life, like reading signs, journalling in cafés, counting money in markets. We’ve joined WorldSchool hubs along the way, where travelling families gather for shared learning and experiences.

Not every day is easy. I remember trying to get our eldest to read a resource aligned with her year level in New Zealand. She refused. Tears all round.

That afternoon in Oxford, she found a second-hand Harry Potter book in an Oxfam store. She counted her coins, worked out if she had enough and proudly bought it. From that moment, she became a reader. Watching her confidence grow has been everything.

Wandering in Lagos, Portugal.

Our youngest is doing well too but some days she finds harder than others. She misses her friends and structure. But the gift of time means we can adapt to her needs.

People assume long-term travel must be wildly expensive - but it doesn’t have to be. We budgeted around NZ$1,400 a week for accommodation, food and local transport, with separate savings for flights and experiences. Renting out our home covers the mortgage. We stay in budget accommodation, visit places often in the off-season, and housesit and cook where possible.

There have been trade-offs. We sold our only investment property to make this season possible. One of us secured a sabbatical. The other stepped away from work.

We love exploring each place and living like locals, and sometimes there are days when no one feels like sightseeing.

One of those days was in Seville. Tired after a long drive, the girls resisted: “Another old building?” So instead of going out, we put on a movie, opened a bottle of Spanish wine, made a supermarket tapas platter and sat watching videos about Seville.

We never left the room that day. And it’s one of the memories we laugh about most.

Some still ask if we’re crazy. Maybe we are, but many now ask how they might do this too. You don’t need a perfect plan, you just need intention. If the idea keeps nudging you, maybe that’s a sign.

For us, this season has given us more than we imagined. We had time to connect, to watch one another grow and to be together without the constant hum of rushing.

Arctic Circle, Finland

CONSIDERING A FAMILY GAP YEAR?

• Get clear on your why

Know what you want from this season before you start planning.

• Run the numbers

Build a weekly budget and separate savings for flights and big experiences.

• Consider renting or housesitting Renting your home or housesitting/houseswaps abroad can significantly reduce costs.

• Think differently about schooling

Consider different options and resources - formal homeschool structure, online resources, worldschooling hubs, talk to your child’s school.

• Travel slower than you think

Fewer destinations and longer stays mean less fatigue and less money spent.

• Choose seasons and destinations wisely

Shoulder and off-season travel stretches your budget further.

• You don’t need forever

A term, six months or a year can be enough. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.

IG: FAMILYGAPYEARS

BALANCED BEAUTY

Target what matters and skip what doesn’t. Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic shows us what to do and where to do it, using subtle, considered treatments for a fresher look.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

When it comes to ageing well, the most effective results come from targeting specific concerns rather than overhauling your entire face. Different areas age in different ways. Repetitive movement creates lines, volume loss causes hollowing, muscles pull downward, and skin quality declines.

A tailored plan focuses on what truly needs attention: softening expression lines, restoring structure where support has diminished, relaxing tension in the lower face, and improving overall texture and firmness. The goal isn’t to look different, but to look less tired, less tense, and more refreshed.

Here are the treatments that target all those areas of concern.

JAW / JAW CLENCHING

Concern: Teeth grinding, tension headaches and bulky jaw muscles. Treatment: Masseter Botox to relax overactive muscles, which reduces discomfort and can slim the lower face over time.

JOWLS

Concern: Sagging or heaviness along the lower face.

Treatment: Strategic dermal filler placement to support and lift. A fullface assessment is essential, as this often requires balancing with Botox.

FOREHEAD

Concern: Horizontal lines, creasing and heaviness.

Treatment: Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) to soften dynamic lines and prevent deeper creases. Strategic placement can also create a subtle brow lift.

FROWN LINES (GLABELLAR LINES)

Concern: “11” lines between the brows, resulting in a tired or angry appearance.

Treatment: Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) to relax strong frown muscles, softening the expression while maintaining natural movement and preventing static lines.

CROW’S FEET

Concern: Fine lines around the eyes when smiling.

Treatment: Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) to smooth dynamic lines, brightening the eye area and improving make-up application.

EYE HOLLOWS (TEAR TROUGHS) Concern: Hollowing, shadowing and a tired appearance.

Treatment: Dermal fillers to restore lost volume and brighten the under-eye area. This requires advanced anatomical knowledge and careful assessment.

NECK

Concern: Neck bands, laxity, and fine lines.

Treatment: Neck Botox (Nefertiti-style lift) to relax downward-pulling muscles, or injectable skin boosters to improve texture. Often combined with collagen-stimulating treatments.

OVERALL SKIN TEXTURE

Concern: Dullness, enlarged pores and uneven texture.

Treatment: Skin needling (microneedling) or radiofrequency needling to stimulate collagen. Medical-grade skincare and injectable skin boosters (such as Profhilo or Sunekos) are also highly effective for hydration and refinement.

cashmoreclinic.co.nz

A RARE PRIVILEGE

Every corner of this home tells a story, from entertaining spaces to private upstairs sanctuaries overlooking the valley.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Built 25 years ago as a single storey home where family could grow amid spacious grounds, these owners always knew they would add another level at some point to create a refuge for themselves.

Nestled amid seclusion overlooking the Wairoa Valley, it’s hard to believe this home’s age. It is timeless; a reflection of people who understand longevity and how time enhances a property’s elegance and esteem.

During the extension in 2011, the owners upgraded the kitchen/scullery and made one other change. Flooring in the family hub is recycled rimu, now cleverly stained dark to infuse a greater depth of character; more in tune with the styling of this home.

It is beautiful - elegant in its demeanour, yet firmly focused on family. From the heart of home and formal dining, living steps into a cosy vibe of the second lounge. Earthy tone and texture embrace like a favourite rug and the wood burner invites lingering evenings watching movies.

A swimming pool and sun-drenched patio outside entertain family and friends. Gatherings over the years have hosted upwards of 25 around tables at once, while a morning courtyard off the family hub has a more intimate ambience for few.

The original master bedroom is now an ensuite guest room. Two other bedrooms take their cue from the views outdoors - the garden from one; the pool for the other. With a luxury bathroom and powder room for all to share; another bedroom downstairs offers flexibility for a library office, though there is already a dedicated study here.

Upstairs is a glorious retreat. A five-star master suite overlooks the Wairoa Valley and river. Flowing through to a loft-style rumpus, a kitchenette with integrated fridge enhances this upstairs haven.

Add a bespoke, separate laundry and three-car garaging, including a high-stud section for the boat, this home is complete. Storage throughout is unbelievable - closets and alcoves everywhere - and that’s just inside. Outside there’s a garden shed for the mower and tools, covered storage for firewood, parking for the trailer - all this before you even begin to take in the garden. Colourful flower ribbons, raised beds for herbs and veggies, fruit trees to feast on, playground lawns and a corner for the hammock where tuis flock to feed on the kowhai.

A home that has kept on giving for one family, downsizing is the only reason these owners are leaving this cherished spot. As one of Tauranga’s best, River Oaks Drive is a rare privilege.

14 River Oaks Drive, Tauriko

OLIVERROAD.COM

MAKING FRIENDS

As the collection grows, Tauranga locals are already stepping inside the story of their new museum.

WORDS PIP CROMBIE

Museum Collection Tour

Steadily rising, the Tauranga Museum project, part of the Te Manawataki o Te Papa city centre redevelopment, is well underway and set to open in July 2028. Its steel frame is already complete, with mass timber components to follow, and the roof and external cladding will soon reveal the distinctive shape of Tauranga’s first central city museum. But while the building itself is taking form, the museum is already coming to life, and there are plenty of ways for the community to be part of it now.

Working from the Mount Maunganui Museum warehouses, museum director Greg McManus and his team are full steam ahead expanding staff, planning for the grand opening, securing loans of local taonga from around the world, and coordinating the two major exhibitions that will launch in the galleries. For McManus, the museum is already becoming an active part of Tauranga’s cultural landscape.

Museum Collection Tour

“We hold regular activities that engage the local community in what we already have on offer,” he says. “History walking tours, public art tours, educational programmes and collection tours that provide a snapshot of the more than 35,000 pieces of history in our care.”

Individuals and groups can sign up for these tours, with one proviso, that you must join the free Friends of Tauranga Museum membership to take part in the events. Once you subscribe, you’ll be joining a growing community of more than 1,420 members. And who couldn’t use a few more friends?

Art and History Tour

Membership also brings a quarterly newsletter to your inbox, featuring upcoming events, snippets of local and international museum news and trends, insights into artefacts that will eventually feature in the museum, and other information reserved for Friends. It’s not an exclusive club. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. The aim is to build a diverse community of museum supporters well before the doors officially open in 2028.

Paul Cuming’s photo competition entry

In September 2025, the museum launched the inaugural Tauranga in the Spring photography competition. Judged by award-winning local photographers Michal Pinkerton and Bob Tulloch, the competition attracted 48 entries in the under-18 category and 54 in the over-18 category.

“The quality of the entries was simply outstanding. We were so impressed,” says marketing and communications manager Nineke Metz. “We’ll be running the competition again this year with a new theme to be announced.”

Excellent prizes will be on offer, and the winning images will be shared publicly. If you’re over 16, sign up as a Friend of Tauranga Museum to be among the first to hear the competition details, and to gain a whole new perspective on what promises to be a rich cultural journey for Tauranga. LETSTALK.TAURANGA.GOVT.NZ/ PROJECTS/TAURANGA-MUSEUM

CARVE DIEM

A trip is what you make it, and though a Ruapehu ski adventure is guaranteed to be a good time, you can always up the ante. UNO editor Hayley Barnett finds the best spots to play, stay and eat during a family road trip.

PLAY WHAKAPAPA SKI FIELD

There’s something about a trip to the mountain in winter that you just can’t beat. Yes, in New Zealand the weather is always a bit of a gamble, but even on the worst days you come away exhilarated, having made the most of a full day on the slopes. On this particular morning, as we headed up the mountain giddy with excitement and anticipation, the snow gods had delivered. We’d been granted a bluebird day, a park near the top and surprisingly short queues. On the advice of friends travelling with us, we left Turangi around 7.45am, making it an easy half-hour drive with barely any traffic.

We’d opted to hire our skis up the mountain, because there’s nothing worse than clomping up the road in giant plastic boots while accidentally taking people out with your skis and poles every time you turn around.

After collecting our passes, we took the lift down to Happy Valley to be fitted for our gear. The fuss-free service was much quicker than expected and we hurried out onto the learner field to get Oscar, our eight-year-old, to his ski lesson.

Of course, a small glitch in the system (also known as me forgetting to confirm the booking) meant Oscar’s name didn’t appear on the list. So I spent the next two hours impressing my husband by skiing down the valley in a backwards wedge as Oscar screamed. While I’d highly recommend confirming your child’s ski lesson before you arrive, it was actually pretty satisfying watching him finally fly down the slope with a huge grin on his face, just as I was about to throw in the towel.

Before lunchtime, my daughter Poppy and I parted with the boys, who were off on their own adventure to discover the sledding zone in Happy Valley, where you can hire toboggans and carve up the dug out tracks for up to an hour. Instead we rode the famous Sky Waka Gondola up the mountain to muck around in the Rock Garden. It wasn’t long before we ran into more friends and ended up on the deck of the Knoll Ridge Chalet, which overlooks most of the ski field and the stunning three peaks of Tongariro.

As we sat there, slightly in awe of the scenery, a skier suddenly appeared over one of the peaks, impressing everyone as he carved down the face of the mountain before stopping right on the edge of a cliff. A collective gasp rippled through the lunchtime crowd as he jumped, then tumbled like a ragdoll down the slope, finally landing motionless in the snow.

Watching the dramatic rescue quickly became one of the highlights of the kids’ day, as they retold the story to friends for weeks afterwards. Thankfully, he was okay in the end, even popping up weeks later on a skiing Facebook page to share the update.

OHAKUNE

The next day, the weather gods weren’t so kind. We’d planned to head to Turoa Ski Field, just under an hour’s drive from Whakapapa, but the wind had picked up considerably, forcing the mountain to close. Though the kids were disappointed they couldn’t ski, we’d heard that Ohakune, the small ski town at the base of Turoa, was the perfect place to spend a day with kids.

Oscar was also strangely fixated on Ohakune’s giant carrot after a recent school project on the town, so we ventured forth. The Ohakune Carrotland Adventure Park is a wonder, and not just because of its 7.5-metre-tall frontman, voted Landmark of the Year in a nationwide poll in 2023. The carrot has a full cast of veggie companions, including a swede, Brussels sprout, potato and parsnip, which only add to the park’s surreal charm. The kids clambered through playgrounds, raced along the flying fox, and tested their stamina on the endurance course.

Photo ops are everywhere, and it’s impossible not to lean into the silliness. The town’s carrot obsession actually stretches back a century, when Chinese settlers first cleared the land and began growing the crop that would make Ohakune famous.

Today, the region still produces around two-thirds of the North Island’s carrots, making the giant vegetable feel surprisingly well deserved.

Since the carrot park hadn’t quite exhausted the kids’ energy, we headed to another quirky stop just 10 minutes away in Raetihi. Dinosaur House is a chaotic prehistoric wonderland, packed with life-sized dinosaur models, fossils and animatronic creatures that roar into life when you least expect it. There are even movie props, including memorabilia from Jurassic Park, much to Oscar’s delight.

STAY

THE QUARTERS

Tucked away in Tūrangi, The Quarters felt like the perfect hideaway. Just a scenic half-hour drive from Whakapapa, it made getting on the slopes early a breeze without having to stay on the mountain itself. Our two-bedroom family apartment had plenty of space for everyone to unwind after a full day carving up the snow, while the kids claimed their corners and quickly made themselves at home. For couples or solo travellers chasing fresh powder, the studios offered a cosy, pared-back alternative that still felt inviting. Friends opted for one of the studios and simply pumped up an airbed for their 10-year-old. Being fully self-contained meant slow, lazy breakfasts before hitting the road, but we also loved that a short stroll brought us straight to Tūrangi’s dining options, making it easy to hang up ski jackets and enjoy a fuss-free dinner after a big day outdoors.

THEQUARTERS.NZ

LAKE TAUPŌ HOLIDAY RESORT

The challenge in travelling with kids is finding somewhere to stay that will keep them off the iPads. Lake Taupō Holiday Resort ticks all the boxes, being less a holiday park and more a family playground. The thermally heated lagoon pool was the obvious star, with its diving grotto, swim-up bar, giant poolside movie screen, and a pair of twisting hydroslides that had the kids racing each other for hours. The water was warm enough to keep them splashing well after we’d unpacked the car, and the heated villas with electric blankets kept us warm after hopping out. Being just over an hour from Whakapapa made it the perfect base for a mountain adventure, while Taupō’s restaurants, shops, and indoor activities meant we were never short of options on slower days.

LAKETAUPORESORT.CO.NZ

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHALETS

These chalets in Ohakune felt like a true home away from home. With the mountain closed, we were perfectly content tucked up inside our cosy retreat. After a full day of adventure, we sank into one of the three on‐site spa pools, letting tired legs soak while the kids laughed and played nearby. Just a five-minute stroll took us to Ohakune’s famous playground, making it effortless to keep the little ones entertained. With Tūroa Ski Field just around the corner and plenty of cafés, bars, and eateries on the doorstep, it proved to be a fantastic base for both exploring the slopes and soaking up the charm of Ohakune.

ROCKYMOUNTAINCHALETS.COM

EAT

JOHNNY NATION’S CHOCOLATE ÉCLAIR SHOP

After an afternoon at the park, we treated the kids to something sweet at Johnny Nation’s Chocolate Éclair Shop in Ohakune, and, as expected, it was a hit. Famous for its world-renowned Ohakune chocolate eclairs, the little shop feels like a treasure trove of treats, offering up decadent cakes and pies sandwiches, and even fresh vegetables for the grown-ups. The eclairs, filled with fresh cream, are a daily ritual for locals and visitors, and it’s easy to see why. The kids were also kept entertained by the myriad of post-it notes left by diners and pressed all over the walls. By the time we’d finished, the sugar rush had everyone smiling, and it was clear that Ohakune’s sweet reputation is very well deserved.

FB: JOHNNYNATIONSCHOCOLATEECLAIRSHOP

DIXIE BROWNS

On more helpful advice from friends, we pulled up to Dixie Browns in the heart of Taupō and instantly understood its reputation as a lakefront favourite for families. The place buzzes with energy and the food options are endless, from juicy, flame-grilled burgers and golden fish and chips to melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked ribs and indulgent milkshakes. The portions are generous and the kids happily dived in while we lingered over our drinks, watching the sun go down behind the lake.

DIXIEBROWNS.CO.NZ

MATTERHORN

When in Ohakune, we made sure to stop for a meal at Matterhorn, and it didn’t disappoint. This cosy alpine-style restaurant, tucked inside the Powderhorn Chalet just above the lively Powderkeg Bar, has a menu to suit everyone, from hearty classics to more elevated dishes. The highlight was watching the mulled wine being gently warmed over the open fire right in front of us. It would be a great way to unwind after a day on (or off) the mountain. It’s wonderfully family‐friendly, with space for the kids to wander, and has plenty of options to keep little diners happy.

POWDERHORN.CO.NZ

GOLDEN CRUST PIZZA

After a day on the slopes, we found ourselves pulling up to Golden Crust Pizza in Tūrangi for dinner. Tucked just off the main road, this family‐friendly pizzeria has earned a reputation locally for its generous, flavour‐packed pizzas and welcoming vibe. The menu is bigger than you might expect. There’s BBQ chicken, peri‐peri and meat‐lover’s pies loaded with toppings, plus burgers, thick shakes and sides for anyone who’s still peckish after a day outdoors. We ordered a few different pizzas and the kids loved picking slices straight off the board. Plenty of locals and visitors were stopping by while we were there, which felt like a good sign, and between rounds of pizza and thick shakes, everyone agreed it was a pit stop worth making before heading back to base.

GOLDENCRUST.CO.NZ

POOLSIDE PERFECTION

Salon G’s Shelley Pullar shares her top tips to revive sun-soaked hair, keeping it glossy and effortlessly stylish well into autumn.

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

If you live in the Bay of Plenty, you already know the sun doesn’t pack up at the end of February. We keep swimming and pretending autumn isn’t creeping in. But while the long afternoons and poolside catch-ups feel great, your hair is probably telling a different story.

After months of UV, saltwater and chlorine, most people head into autumn with colour that looks a little tired and ends that feel a little crispier than they’d like to admit. This is the perfect moment to reset your routine so your hair survives the next round of outdoor fun, and looks better than it did in January.

First, let’s talk colour care. If your hair has been living its best sun-drenched life, the fastest way to bring it back is to switch to a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner. These formulas keep your colour from fading and help your hair hold onto moisture, something it’s usually desperate for at this time of year.

A new standout in this category is Wella’s Ultimate Colour line. It’s vegan, sulphate-free and has a built-in metal purifier. (Yes, metals in your tap water can actually distort your colour, especially blondes and redheads.) There’s also a leave-in mask with UV protection and a spray-in hair shine that will make your colours more luminous.

If your hair has also been battling frizz, dryness or general moodiness, add a lightweight oil serum into the mix. Wella’s Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil is a great option. It absorbs in about 30 seconds, keeps hair smooth for up to three days, and works as both a heat and UV protector. It’s the kind of product you throw in your bag and end up using for everything.

And because a seasonal reset should feel a little bit luxe, Salon G is running a limited giveaway. The first 20 readers who purchase any two products from the Ultimate Colour range, or book a colour service, will receive a complimentary Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil, worth $88. Consider it your reward for giving your hair the attention it deserves.

Autumn may be arriving, but the outdoor lifestyle isn’t going anywhere. With a refreshed routine, neither is your shine.

SALONGRANGE.COM

WINDS OF CHANGE

There’s an undeniable buzz building in the city. But how did Downtown Tauranga get its groove back? UNO goes in search of answers.

PHOTOS NICK NEWMAN + SALINA GALVAN + BEN PARKINSON @ PABLO CREATIVE

If you’ve visited Downtown Tauranga recently, perhaps to take the kids to the waterfront’s new destination playground, or grab a delicious bite from one of the many new cafes or eateries, or while away an hour or two in the stunning new Toi Tauranga Art Gallery, then you would have noticed that change is in the air.

Walking around, there’s a new buzz and vitality present. There are people and new shops opening everywhere you turn. As a local, it’s exciting to feel a vibe coming back to the downtown area.

Genevieve Whitson, general manager of Downtown Tauranga, says this shift has been gradual but unmistakable.

“It’s been a moving beast for a considerable period of time,” she explains. “It’s taken a lot of major stakeholders working with the businesses, and a variety of different organisations, including the local iwi, to get these developments up and running as part of this massive revitalisation. I would imagine that what the Tauranga City Centre is going through must right now be one of the biggest city centre activations happening across the country.”

The opening or near completion of major projects is really fuelling the sea change. Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the city’s new museum, is scheduled to open in 2028. The architecturally inspiring new library opens later this year. Panorama Towers and the Craig’s Investment Partners building continue to take shape. The large, mixed-use Northern Quarter development is now open and in full operation. These projects all add to the purposeful transformation that has been highly anticipated for years.

Since joining Downtown Tauranga in September 2023, Genevieve has been able to cross items off the city’s hypothetical ‘to do’ list.

“Every year I’ve seen more and more projects get ticked off. There are still more to go, but we’re starting to reap the rewards now.”

Along with the new developments, hospitality has also played a vital and visible part in bringing new energy to the streets. The formerly sleepy Grey Street is beginning to bustle with the arrival of Stassano Deli, which Genevieve credits with helping “zhuzh up the general atmosphere,” while at the other end of the street, The Clubhouse brings a unique experience, pairing a golf simulation and a bar setting.

“We haven’t had anything in the city centre before where you can go and play golf and then enjoy a drink,” she says. “That’s pretty cool.”

Alongside the eateries and bars, shops are coming back as well, many independently owned, giving the city a growing character.

“I think it’s going to have some niche stuff that you can’t get at a mall or sometimes anywhere else,” Genevieve enthuses. “Over the past four months, we’ve seen an increase in businesses choosing to move into the city centre.”

The injection of approximately 700 Tauranga City Council staff into the city centre last year has also supported weekday trade, adding a reliable base of customers for cafés and retailers.

Despite the complexity of construction and on-going change, the prevailing mood is shifting. “If we compare it to two years ago, it’s considerably better and if we compare it to a year ago, it’s definitely better,” she says. “There’s a sense of optimism building.”

The exciting part is that it’s only going to get better as more projects are completed, bringing people in with them.

Genevieve cites the new playground, a Tauranga City Council initiative, as one of the most significant contributors to the renewed energy, calling it “one of the best activations for the city centre.” It allowed families to plan whole days around a visit. With the updated Masonic Park, the waterfront swim access - complete with its popular Manu launchpad, and the Sauna Project, the area encourages people not just to visit, but to hang around.

She also mentions the Tauranga City Council and their 700 staff moving into their new building last May, as another key moment, as it brings increased foot traffic to hospitality and retail.

“The revitalisation of downtown has been a huge task. It takes time,” she explains. “Bringing that energy back is not something that you can change overnight. We've entered a marathon, not a sprint. Now we just have to be patient, because things are changing. We’ve not been without some teething problems, but things are moving in the right direction.” DOWNTOWNTAURANGA.CO.NZ

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Karl Puschmann puts the new Lexus flagship SUV, the RZ 550e F Sport, to the test on an overnight roadtrip through the winding Waikato. But, is the car a refined, luxury cruiser or a performance powerhouse? As it turns out, it’s both.

PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

A trip to Cambridge seemed the perfect excuse to test drive the new flagship EV SUV from Lexus. But really, it was the other way round. The sleek RZ 550e F Sport provided a compelling reason to drop the kids at Nana’s and hit the open road.

As the crown jewel of their EV range, the F Sport is brimming with high-end tech and all the creature comforts Lexus is renowned for. The package is topped off with a stylish, head-turning design and bleeding- edge performance that practically demands to be taken out of the congested city streets and let loose. I was happy to oblige.

As you’d expect, tackling the mountainous Kaimai Range proved no challenge. With a hefty 402-horsepower on tap, we thundered up its steep, winding slope and had more than enough juice to safely pass the lumbering trucks that pulled into the slow vehicle bays on the short corners of the decline.

From there, State Highway 29 is a mostly straightforward journey to Cambridge, which allowed me to get some real-world testing of the car’s driver features. These are bundled under the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 umbrella and include Lane Tracing Assist, which helps keep the car centred in its lane when adaptive cruise control is engaged, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which automatically adjusts acceleration and braking to maintain a safe following distance, and Curve Speed Management, which can reduce speed through bends when cruise control is active.

I found that letting the driver-assist systems shoulder much of the steering, acceleration and braking reduced fatigue, although this would likely be more noticeable on longer trips, with Cambridge only a little over an hour away. With these features engaged, the car can briefly track the lane on its own, though it quickly prompts you to keep your hands on the wheel if it senses you’ve let go.

Setting your speed and engaging the systems is as easy as pressing one of the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering yoke (yes, steering yoke, not steering wheel) once you reach your desired cruising speed. The yoke is the F Sport’s marquee feature, and we’ll get to it in a moment.

From there, you can run adaptive cruise control on its own, or add lane tracing assist for steering support, with the option to have both working together. Their status appears in the heads-up display, projected onto the windscreen directly in the driver’s line of sight.

This may be the sport model, but the ride inside was never anything less than comfortable and whisper-quiet, even on the plentiful stretches of chipseal road. The silence provided the perfect canvas for the impressive 13-speaker Mark Levinson sound system to shine, while the Ultrasuede-trimmed sports seats, with their blue- stitch detailing, proved both comfortable and supportive.

With my phone sitting on the charging pad, it was simple to navigate Apple CarPlay through the Infotainment system’s crisp and bright 14-inch touchscreen display. It was too nice a day to use the heated seats or steering yoke, but pressing a button to switch the Dynamic Sky panoramic roof from opaque to transparent flooded the cabin with natural light and

blue sky, making the spacious interior feel even airier. Much like the seats, the position of the steering yoke can be electronically adjusted for reach and height, with memory settings allowing multiple drivers to quickly return to their preferred seat, steering and mirror positions.

This is a good time to talk about the synthetic leather–clad steering yoke, which replaces the traditional wheel and looks like it’s been transplanted from an F1 car, complete with what Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson dubbed “flappy paddles.” The RZ 550e also ditches the mechanical steering column in favour of a full steer-by- wire system, replacing traditional mechanical linkages with digital precision. It’s easy to oversteer at first, but I quickly acclimated to its responsiveness, with the smallest turn of the wrist producing surgical maneuvers.

Not that I was too worried about precision or scratching the 20-inch alloy wheels, or their aerodynamic resin covers, when I pulled up outside the newly renovated, historic Clements Hotel, our lodgings for the night in the heart of Cambridge. Instead, I happily pushed a button and let the Advanced Park system navigate us into the space. Lexus EVs have had this feature for a couple of years, but it still feels like magic every time, and there’s a satisfying moment seeing the car parked perfectly in the middle of even the tightest spot.

We’d left Tauranga on a full charge and were still sitting above 60 percent on arrival, which was impressive, considering I’d been fiddling with every button I could reach, had the Climate Concierge cranking, and had really been putting the car through its paces.

We cruised all around Cambridge and ventured out to the Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, roughly 20 minutes from town, as well as the Takapoto Estate Winery, which was another 20 minutes in the opposite direction, before bidding farewell to The Clements, packing our two suitcases into the F Sport’s spacious boot, and heading home the next day.

There was one feature I’d purposefully saved for the return trip: the 550e F Sport’s exclusive Manual Mode. This uses the flappy paddles on the yoke to physically simulate an 8-speed manual gearbox, essentially transforming the car from an automatic into a rocket-powered manual, although it must be stressed that in auto, the car is no slouch, capable of throwing you back against your seat as it rockets to 100km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds.

Taking manual control of all that power was a thrill, seeing the rev counter race up to the red and hearing the engine roar as I planted my foot down. But, you may be thinking, this is an EV - I shouldn’t have been hearing any roaring whatsoever out of its battery- powered motor. And you’re right, I shouldn’t have been. But Lexus has very cleverly equipped the F Sport with what they call Active Sound Control, which simulates the sound of a high-performance engine, roaring, rising and falling in perfect sync with every flappy paddle gear shift. It makes for a visceral experience and one that is a heck of a lot of fun.

With an advertised 437 km range on a single charge, I had no battery anxiety at all on our trip, even with how much time we spent in the car and my enthusiastic pushing of the vehicle. In fact, I didn’t charge it at all until we got back to Tauranga, where I gave the car a quick blat from one of the Quick Charge stations at The Crossing while we grabbed a bite to eat.

With its sharp style, racy split rear spoiler, blacked out trim and aerodynamic body kit, the 550e F Sport leaves no doubt that it means business, while the sophistication of its design reinforces its premium luxury roots. This is reflected in its driving experience.

You can cruise in supreme comfort or harness the thrills of its power. Whichever you choose,it doesn’t disappoint.

LEXUS.CO.NZ/EN/DEALERS/TAURANGA

FRESH FOCUS

UNO editor Hayley Barnett discovers Cherrywood’s sweet spot, Fikâ.

Around 18 months ago, Shawn and Tracy Kenny took one look at a small Cherrywood neighbourhood bar and decided this must be the place.

Tracy had taken over the day-to-day running of their branding agency business and Shawn was returning to his roots in hospitality, where he first cut his teeth in his family’s Wellington venues.

They set about transforming Fikâ from what was once called Neighbourhood, giving it a fresh, more modern feel, and added a café. A year and a half on, the tidy yet unpretentious space is managing to retain its loyal customer base while drawing in a whole new, younger crowd.

“We’d recently bought an ice cream truck, named Fikâ, named by the former Swedish owner,” explains Shawn. “Fikâ is a Swedish word meaning to take time out and appreciate the good things in life. When I found out what it meant, it just made sense to use it for this space.”

Alongside being a haven for slowing down, Fikâ centres on supporting local and producing good food from quality New Zealand ingredients. Fresh fish arrives daily from East Rock in Gisborne, milk comes straight from the Volcanic Creamery in traditional pails, and the chef grows her own blueberries at Blueberry Hill Farm in Whakamārama. Local bakers Just Breads supply loaves that rival any classic sourdough, while all other baking is made in-house each day.

Shawn lights up when he talks about the craft behind every product that passes across his counter. If he can support small operators, he will, and if the team can make it in-house, they do.

“People really notice when it’s local,” Shawn says. “And they care.”

His team is another big part of what makes Fikâ stand out. Kylie Overton, who previously cooked for a high-end chef in the Lake District in England, returned to the kitchen after raising children. Shawn encouraged her to experiment, and she’s been shaping the flavours ever since. Rebecca Hunt joined shortly after, bringing her own creativity to the in-house baking. Between them, they fill the cabinet with a mix of traditional favourites and new flavours.

Under the new ownership, large-plate dinners have been replaced with shareable options that encourage guests to try a range of dishes without breaking the bank. Classic breakfast items come in small and large sizes; the Smashed Avo and Feta is a standout, and even the smaller serving is generous. The Chicken Bao Buns and Greek Salad with fresh fish are UNO favourites, and few can resist Fikâ’s famous savoury scroll when walking past.

“That’s a crowd favourite,” laughs Shawn.

Evenings bring approachable dishes, drinks, live music on Sundays, quiz nights, and themed events, keeping that neighbourhood energy alive.

Shawn’s simple intention of feeding people well, knowing them by name, and keeping everything as close to home as possible has paid off. The trick, he says, is to keep the focus steady.

“It’s important to be genuine and keep the doors open to everyone in the community,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”

FIKA.NZ

GUIDING THE FUTURE

From graduate to partner, Natalie Berkett’s journey at KPMG Tauranga is one of mentorship, opportunity and building a career full of challenges and rewards.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

She may have recently become a KPMG partner, yet those early days as a graduate are front of mind for Tauranga’s Natalie Berkett.

It’s 20 years since she attended grad camp with a freshly minted double degree (Bachelor of Commerce and Law) under her belt, and early this year she was back.

In what she describes as “a career journey coming full circle” Natalie was back at this year’s camp for new graduates; there to answer questions, join in activities, connect with the graduates, and share her experience. In short, she was ready to mentor the next generation, as is the KPMG way.

Immediately after grad camp, she was back at work to welcome the four new university graduates who have joined the KPMG Tauranga team. Also welcomed were a similar number of students straight from local colleges, who will be supported to study professional or tertiary qualifications part-time. At KPMG, learning is embedded in day-to-day work, not treated as an add-on - as an “exciting and significant” milestone last year highlighted, when 10 of the KPMG Tauranga team achieved chartered accountant status.

Natalie’s workplace journey reflects not only her firm’s long-term investment in people and its commitment to learning at every stage, but its culture of continuity and belonging.

Natalie recalls the time when, upon farewelling her Otago University days, she had the choice of four impressive graduate programmes.

She’d done her homework, choosing KPMG for its reputation of walking the talk when it came to putting people first. Twenty years on and she says she’s never seriously looked at working anywhere else.

KPMG’s Wellington office is where she cut her teeth and during her six years of tenure there she rose to the position of manager. A promotion to senior manager came with her move to Tauranga and then about seven years later she became a director. Natalie’s promotion to partner marks the latest milestone in her career and reinforces the growth of KPMG’s tax practice.

KPMG and tax have been Natalie’s career constants.

“But it doesn’t feel like I’ve had the same job, as I’ve had lots of opportunities to switch things out. Before children, I took a career break and travelled for four months with my husband; I had a short three-month secondment to KPMG Beijing; had two maternity leave stints; and changed office, so there was lots of variety and opportunity and I never feel as if there isn’t another challenge,” Natalie tells.

There was also the opportunity, had she wanted it, to focus on other areas of the business, given KPMG is a fully integrated firm bringing tax, audit and advisory together to support businesses as they grow and evolve. And given KPMG is a global enterprise, the option of further secondments (to places such as The Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Australia and the United Kingdom) is also possible.

“You don’t just start at KPMG; you can grow up here and thrive,” says Natalie, who admires the firm’s culture of progression and the fact it is a “long term talent incubator” (to quote a colleague, Tracy Preston-Lett).

Natalie says there’s plenty to keep her with KPMG.

She enjoys the firm’s diverse client base that ranges from start-ups and entrepreneurs through to large, complex organisations - at her workplace the full spectrum of business is supported. All, regardless of size and stage, get to benefit from the KPMG team’s deep understanding of what it takes to scale, adapt and stay resilient.

Irrespective of needs, KPMG has a valuable service to offer, Natalie explains. The KPMG team can be there from a business’ conceptual, right through to celebratory, stage. KPMG can be a constant in terms of audit and compliance, or it can offer a dipping in and out service - being there as a sounding board and advisory service during a business’ life cycle as its strategies unfold.

Natalie values the people at KPMG. There’s a wide skills base of people always willing to give their time and share their wisdom and knowledge. They work hard and have fun as a team, she says. And Natalie says she feels valued too.

She’s happy to report that “people focus” she identified 20 years ago, when entering the work force, was on the mark. The firm’s purpose of “fuelling prosperity for New Zealand, for all New Zealanders” fits well with her value base.

“Take the grad camp, for example,” she says, citing a fresh-to-mind experience.

“Two days of it were held in Auckland, three at Northland’s Te Aroha Marae. We were intentionally connecting with grass roots New Zealand. We were encouraging our people to think about our KPMG ‘prosperity for all’ purpose. We’re here for all New Zealanders and really do focus on our people, in terms of both staff and clients.”

People, capability and confidence are all key words when it comes to KPMG’s role as trusted advisor to many, says Natalie’s co-worker and private enterprise partner Tracy Preston-Lett.

Like Natalie, Tracy’s carved out a long-standing (just shy of 30 years) career at KPMG and thrives on being part of a multi-generational office. There’s much to be gained from having 17-year-olds on board, through to one valued team member in their early seventies.

“We’re a place where people can start early, stay long, and go far. The different life stages and perspectives are seen not as a challenge, but a strength. Consider things like digital confidence, experience, fresh thinking and institutional memory and you can understand howknowledge transfer works both ways.

“We think our workplace reflects the real world. It’s multigenerational, diverse and is home to people constantly learning,” Tracy says.

It’s also a workplace heavily embedded in the local business ecosystem, developing people, supporting growth, and contributing positively to the region. The latter involves strong examples of pro bono professional assistance over the years to organisations such as Waipuna Hospice, ACORN Foundation, and choosing Merivale Primary School as a partner school.

“When we talk about prosperity for New Zealanders, we are talking business and community too,” Tracy says. Speaking as managing partner of the Tauranga office, Tracy says KPMG Tauranga, with its strong local roots and team of almost 100, can indisputably claim to play a key role in its region’s success stories. After all, well-supported people and well-advised businesses are key to regional prosperity.

“I feel really strongly about this region. It has a bright future. You only have to look at the infrastructure, work in progress, changes emerging and possibilities that are coming to life, albeit sometimes slower than people like.

“We are business advisors to a range of clients and get to see their strategic plans and hear their aspirations around what they intend to do or are contemplating. This really fuels optimism around regional growth. I strongly believe we are building a really great city that we can be incredibly proud of, to work and thrive in.”

She enthuses over the big anchor projects that are starting to reach key milestones in Tauranga’s city centre. There’s plenty to get excited about between now and a 10-year horizon.

“Within our KPMG Private Enterprise team, we have a tag line around ‘make possible happen’ and I like that because if you line up how we can work with people to make their possible happen, then that’s an exciting future.”

KPMG.COM/NZ

DRY SPELL

Bay Eye Care’s Alex Petty on why dry eye is becoming the new norm and how to combat it.

PHOTO KATIE COX

If your eyes feel gritty, irritated or tired by the middle of the afternoon, you’re not alone. One of the most common issues we see in clinic nowadays is dry eye disease, which affects everyone from all walks of life and all ages. What was once a problem of the older population has got a new group of co-conspirators in recent times: our screens, our indoor environments, and, for many women, a change in life chapters.

However, most people don’t know that dry eyes aren’t as simple as not producing enough tears. And, surprisingly, for around 80 percent of people who have this problem, the cause has nothing to do with watery tears. At the edge of your eyelid there is a series of little glands called meibomian glands that secrete healthy oil, similar in consistency and appearance to olive oil, to prevent the tears from evaporating away too quickly.

But modern lifestyles are working against them. When we’re looking at screens, our normal blink rate can drop to as little as one tenth. That means less natural pressure on the glands, poorer oil flow and more rapid tear evaporation. It’s the perfect recipe for stinging, redness, blurry vision and that persistent “sand in the eye” sensation. Hormonal shifts, certain medications, air-conditioning, make-up use and even conditions like rosacea can all further inflame or block these glands.

Left unmanaged, the condition can progress. Using only lubricating drops often provides short-term relief but doesn’t address the root cause. In the last few years, with the help of advanced imaging, we’re seeing more patients whose glands have become permanently atrophied simply from years of untreated dysfunction.

That’s why early care matters. In our clinic, treatment often focuses on restoring natural gland function. In 2017, we pioneered the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for dry eye, a therapy which helps calm inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the lids. More recently, we are the first Tauranga clinic to offer Lipiflow; a gentle thermal in-clinic procedure, that melts and clears thickened oils to 'reset' the glands. The best chance of long-term improvement for many people is to combine the two. Alongside this, recommendations include environmental tactics, targeted eye drops, lid hygiene and omega-3 supplements.

If you’re noticing dryness, irritation or fluctuating vision, a comprehensive assessment can identify the exact cause, and prevent years of discomfort.

Dry eye might be common, but living with it shouldn’t be.

BAYEYECARE.CO.NZ