ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

The seeds of world record-holder Sam Ruthe’s success may have exploded into full bloom recently, but they were sown nearly eight decades ago. Jamie Troughton retraces the remarkable story of a family of runners, which could be culminating in the current generation.

WORDS + PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON + SUPPLIED MAKE-UP DESIRÉE OSTERMAN

If you learn nothing else about Sam Ruthe, just know he’s the type of 17-year-old boy who treasures time with his grandparents.

His ‘Poppa’ and ‘Nan’ are Trevor and Rosemary Wright, who moved to Tauranga 44 years ago. They left behind a life in England, as well as extraordinary athletic careers in their own right.

Sam often pops in during study breaks to see his grandparents at their house in Tauranga’s Avenues, or on his way home from Tauranga Boys’ College, where – almost incongruously – he’s a Year 12 student.

These days, into their late 70s, Trevor and Rosemary are still active. And recently, on a warm autumn day for the umpteenth time in their lives, they were perched on a park bench at Welcome Bay’s Waipuna Park watching cross country. On show was Sam’s younger sister Daisy, and she was putting on an absolute clinic. Not only did she demolish her age group to win the Western Bay under-16 girls title but she cleared home ahead of the entire field of boys, who started at the same time.

“I get more nervous watching the kids and grandkids run than when I used to run myself,” says Trevor. “When I was running, it was down to me and I knew what I was doing, but you can’t control how the kids run their race and you don’t want them to be disappointed.”

Disappointment, however, seems a rare commodity in this family these days. In 1971, Trevor set the world record for the fastest debut marathon, and collected podium medals at the European championships, the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon. His best marathon time would have been enough to finish in the top 40 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the former electrician relished the chance to move to New Zealand in 1982, with Rosemary, four-year-old Emma and two-year-old Jess. Now, the girls have five kids of their own and the Wrights are frequently on the sidelines, offering gentle encouragement but a distinct absence of advice. Their once-powerful flame of ambition, which carried them both to achieve worldwide athletic feats, is now just a gentle warm joy for the next generation.

“They really don't talk about their running that much,” says Sam. “Nan's theory is that you don't really need to do too much to be good at running, and she views it as a simple thing you can get good at by doing quality over quantity. She tells me stories about how she used to hide around the corner and eat chocolate while others trained. It might not be a great tip, but it definitely makes running a lot more casual, having that perspective.”

It turns out that Rosemary grew up in Whakatāne – where she spent the first 14 years of her life – next door to the grandmother of one of Sam’s good mates and training partners, Ronin Dickens. That piece of trivia has absolutely no bearing on anything, other than to provide a comforting reminder that, in this country, we live in merely a large village.

Sam’s village is tight and trustworthy and nourishing; his family is his foundation. He may or may not become the greatest runner New Zealand has ever produced, but he will always know where his feet stand, and who has put him on his journey.

“That’s the really cool thing about having a family full of runners – everyone’s been there and done that, and things like records don’t interest them as much,” says Sam. “They understand everything that’s going on, they don’t see you as ‘a runner’, and it helps build your own identity within your family.”

Fifty-six years later, Rosemary can still hear the pulsing roar of 5000 Edinburgh throats, opening as one. Meadowbank Stadium, newly opened for the 1970 Commonwealth Games, shook on its foundations as the women’s 800m field leaned into the final curve.

Time has blurred out most other details for the long time Tauranga teacher, clad that day in the white and St Andrews blue of her adopted Scotland. Intriguingly, she was also something of a prodigy. Then Rosemary Stirling and still just 22, she was at her second Commonwealth Games after a promising debut in Jamaica four years earlier, where she’d picked up a pair of fourths in the 400m and 800m.

Just eight years after moving back to the UK with her British-born parents, and having overcome injury in the lead-up, she was still only rated an outside chance in the 800m on the final day of the Games.

“I remember [England's] Sheila Carey falling over on the first lap and thinking, ‘That’s good’ because she was the favourite to win,” the now 78-year-old recalls of that 1970 final. “And I can just remember crowds. There were huge crowds shouting and bawling and just screaming. It definitely lifted me.”

After two compelling laps, it all came down to the final few desperate strides, when the Kiwi-born Scot lunged at the line to beat England’s Pat Lowe and Australia's Cheryl Peasley. It was the closest finish of the Games, and Scotland’s first-ever female track gold medal at Commonwealth level. It’s given Rosemary an enduring legacy in Scotland. She made the Olympic final in Munich two years later, and her 800m national record stood in Scotland until 2002. She was invited back to help open the 1986 Games and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow in 2014.

These days, Rosemary downplays her own athletic feats to the point of irrelevance. “It’s only running,” she says. Though dismissive, there’s a glimmer of steel in her tone, well known to the thousands of Tauranga Girls’ College students she’s taught over the years. And there’s also a deeper philosophy embedded in that short truth, one that has become something of a family mantra.

It’s only running. You can see that, later that same autumn day, when Sam starts rekindling his deep, abiding love affair with the sport. On Tauranga Domain’s busy synthetic track, he’s taking the first, slightly tentative steps from a fast walk to a light jog, six weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his fibula during a casual game of backyard football. At 17, it was his first major injury, which has since ruled him out of emulating his grandmother’s Commonwealth Games heroics – this year, at least.

Around him, his village takes note and quietly celebrates. Coach Craig Kirkwood sends his burgeoning training squad on their way, pacing out meticulous laps, alongside Tauranga Boys’ College’s gun running posse, coached by Sam’s uncle, Gareth Hyett. All of them have had front-row seats in the past two years, as a young man in their midst – their buddy, protégé, training mate and schoolmate – burst onto the world stage in the most extraordinary manner.

Sam’s most recent piece of history came at the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University in late January. The mile race featured three Olympians, a world champion, a junior world champion, a US champion and a two-time US college champion – and yet, striding past Belgian Olympian Pieter Sisk in the final 200m, came a 16-year-old from Tauranga, jaw clenched in the final straight, clocking a scarcely believable 3:48.88.

Trevor and Rosemary Wright – aka Poppa and Nan – with Sam and Daisy.

Since New Zealand’s John Walker first broke the three minute 50 second barrier in 1975, only 63 men worldwide have managed it. None were under the age of 18.

As well as breaking the under-18 world mile record – and this is one for the stats lovers – it was also the fastest mile run during the month of January. Ever. But the greatest race of Sam Ruthe’s career – so far – was a curious moment for the Tauranga schoolboy.

“I didn’t really get any sense of satisfaction. Once I finished that race, I thought, ‘I definitely have more to give’. I was just off the plane and know I can definitely go a lot faster than that. At the time, I also didn't really realise how perfect the race went, how even the splits were, the atmosphere at the track and all the factors that played into it.

“But running’s a sport where you’re never satisfied and I don’t even really have goals, so it wasn’t as if it was even a goal for me to run the New Zealand record or the under-18 world record. I guess I was happy about it, but I wasn't satisfied.”

After all, it’s only running. That Boston race was bittersweet for the other Kiwi in the field, who just happens to be another Tauranga prodigy, until recently also coached by Craig, two-time Olympian Sam Tanner. Of course, the 25-year-old has known for a while that his young training partner is something a little bit special. They notably shared the New Zealand 1500m title last year in an enthralling dead heat, and Tanner paced Ruthe on the way to his historic sub-four-minute mile as a 15-year-old weeks later. Things were actually shaping up perfectly for Tanner in Boston, until disaster struck 400m in, with his young training partner tucked in behind.

“I told Sammy before the race, ‘Just turn your brain off and follow me, bro – you’ll be sweet’, and he turned his brain off and followed me. We got in a perfect position, and then the dude who chopped between us clipped my Achilles and I had to pull out. Sam ended up behind him, but then he just went around because that guy was falling off, and then he just followed Peter Sisk, which was perfect.”

Injured, Tanner watched the rest of the race unfold from the sideline, with mixed emotions. “It's not very often that you get a perfect set-up like that for a 3:48 mile. I’ve been waiting five years and I thought it was my chance; often the races that I’ve been part of have had a 3:45 pace or a 3:46 pace and I’m not quite there. You end up blowing up and run 3:50, or 3:49, like I’ve done a couple of times.”

Tanner’s also wise enough to know that a great running career is a thing to build brick by brick, and he piles credits onto Craig for his craftsmanship in that realm.

“Kirky’s just so good at seeing where an athlete’s at, making the best decision and trying to guide them, rather than just thrashing them. He lets the talent speak for itself and just cultivates that. And for Sammy, it just means that a little bit of work goes a really, really long way.

“Sammy and I just got lucky; we can both punish ourselves and enjoy the punishment for the sake of success. And when you've got parents who are good at goal-setting and you look up to them in that sense, it becomes a perfect storm.”

For his sake, young Sam has been exposed to the likes of Tanner, triathlete Hayden Wilde and top Tauranga runner Julian Oakley from the time he started running seriously at 14.

“It's pretty incredible when you can see someone in the training group and you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s the level I need to get to, to make this my career’,” says Sam. “It’s a cool feeling when you’re running with Tanner. Heading off with Ben on the US tour in January, on which Sam broke numerous records. Sam signed with Nike in March 2025. It’s not like, ‘I’m training with an Olympian’ – it’s the feeling of knowing exactly where you need to be to make it. The coolest thing was seeing how close I could get to him, every time I’d run with him, and that brought me to the level I am today.”

Sam has always been polite, quiet, even shy, says Sam’s father, Ben Ruthe. He has a good yarn about his young son at daycare, when a clown came in to make blow-up balloons. Swords, crowns and sausage dogs were being requested and handed out to the other kids, while Sam sat there quietly, as his parents had instructed.

“It wasn’t until right at the end that he went up and asked for a sword, and the clown had run out of balloons,” recalls Ben, clearly still a little mortified. “I thought it might’ve been quite crippling – we'd taught him to be quiet and patient and polite and never demand or ask things, and he’d missed out. I think we spent the next 10 years trying to encourage him to vocalise what he needed!”

From left: Jess, Daisy, Sam and Ben.

These days, Ben has his own semi-permanent air of bemusement about him. He knows a fair bit about running himself, having won the Auckland Marathon in 2008 and New Zealand titles in the 1500m and 5000m.

Sam’s mum Jess, meanwhile, won the Auckland Marathon in 2009 and New Zealand titles in the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m and the 10,000m (twice). Still, they’re amazed by what Sam has achieved so quickly – it’s been far more life-changing for them than their eldest child. While the sub-four-minute mile was staggering, Ben had an inkling things were about to go up a level late last year.

“There were signs in training in November that Sam was in really good shape,” he says. “He was training with Tanner, who couldn’t have been a better training partner, and all of a sudden, instead of a kid trying to keep up with an Olympian, it was, ‘Sam’s starting to hold on here’, and, ‘Sam’s taking his fair share of reps’.”

Sam’s memory is even clearer. He can pinpoint one typical early-Saturday session along Ōtūmoetai’s Beach Road in particular, when he realised he could genuinely foot it with international-class seniors.

“Tanner always makes us share the reps, and when Craig sets us a pace, sometimes I might push it a little bit faster than that, just to test things a bit. I remember one session when everyone else was dropping off and I was thinking, ‘How hard is Tanner puffing right now?’ and I got the feeling that I was nearing his level because he took over and dropped the pace down again. Little moments like that are really cool to look back on.”

Ben points out that Sam’s recent injury has also had the unintended benefit of encouraging him to ask for help, but it also heaps more pressure on the parents of an athlete, when everyday decisions start carrying increasingly larger ramifications.

“We had a debate about suggesting he didn’t go out and play barefoot soccer with his mates. We weighed it up and decided, ‘Nah, we want him to enjoy the best of Kiwi youth’ – and that’s the day he picked up a fibula stress fracture!

“But if I went back in time, I’d still let him go out and play football, because you learn so much from something like this. His mindset now is around strength and conditioning, stretching, core work, cross training. He was a good runner, but now he’s got a much broader view of all of the ingredients he needs.”

Because of that inbuilt, humble mindset, Ben also has no fear that Sam’s international success will cause him to get cocky.

“We really haven't wrapped him up in cotton wool,” says Ben. “We’ve constantly put him in situations where he could test himself, and that comes with risk. He genuinely just enjoys the process and has never wanted fame. He just wants to work hard and work towards results, and any sort of fame is not a motivator for him.”

INTO THE WILD

From Big Five encounters to Cape Winelands and Cape Town’s coast, YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem explores South Africa’s extraordinary richness firsthand.

WORDS LIZ FRENCH

Most travellers to South Africa have wildlife top of mind, then discover so much more in a country of remarkable depth and diversity.

YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem’s Brenda Stephen and Lydia Haydon each visited this big, beautiful country recently. Both returned raving, and not just about their safaris. From vibrant cities to untamed wilderness and world-class wine regions, they got a tantalising taste of the best of South Africa.

Getting to South Africa involves just two international flights. Brenda and Lydia agree that any uneasiness you may anticipate is completely allayed by the hosts of the tours they can organise for you, ensuring you’re wrapped in an exhilarating bubble from the minute you step off the plane.

A LAND REVEALED

Between them, Brenda and Lydia experienced three private game reserves and that being a guest confers pertinent privileges. Thrill at wildlife sightings from the comfort of a purpose built jeep with guides who have an intuitive (aided by technology!) ability to get you up close and personal with elusive and unforgettable beasts in their natural habitat. Game drives typically start before sunrise, with golden light spilling across the savannah, and are repeated from late afternoon for entrancing evening encounters.

Brenda stayed at the Lion Sands River Lodge in the prestigious Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It borders Kruger National Park, a public reserve often congested with traffic. Add the luxury of a suite above the river where wildlife wanders past your deck, and the benefits of a private reserve richly reward your investment.

The luxury continued at Ngala Private Game Reserve with extraordinary encounters with rhino and elephants, and wild dogs on the hunt. The Ngala Treehouse experience where guests spend a night open air under a star spangled sky was described by Brenda as the perfect honeymoon or once in a lifetime stay.

Lion Sands River Lodge

Lydia arrived by air at Phinda Private Game Reserve in the KwaZulu Natal region, an equally amazing private reserve with six luxury lodges spread out over varied habitats and safaris into areas where the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) roam freely. The abundance of wildlife and the proximity of unsoiled coastline and spectacular reefs make Phinda the perfect bush and beach adventure.

CITIES, COASTLINES AND CABERNET

South Africa is much more than the big five. Brenda found Johannesburg (Joburg to the locals) far beyond expectations. Learning of the country’s journey to democracy on a visit to Constitution Hill proved a “poignant eye-opener”, and an inspection of the legendary Rovos Rail (The Pride of Africa Train) encouraged her to recommend this luxury rail journey.

Of all the most lauded hotels Brenda stayed in on her tour, the waterfront Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town was a favourite, perfect for exploring one of the world’s most beautiful coastal cities, where style, culture and cuisine is ever framed by the silhouette of Table Mountain. Excursions to Chapman’s Peak (cited as the most scenic drive in the world), to windswept Cape Point, and to see the penguins at Boulders Beach were among many highlights.

Table Mountain, Capetown.

Lydia relaxed and imbibed happily in the Cape Winelands, staying at the utterly gorgeous Franschhoek Country House and Villas, where vineyard covered valleys meet Cape Dutch architecture. A day trip from Cape Town to the wine country gave Brenda a taste of its charm and vintages.

In just under two weeks, these YOU Travel & Cruise consultants experienced the wonder of wildlife in superior private reserves, cultural richness, scenic beauty and historical significance in the cities, renowned wine regions and culinary experiences – all enhanced by luxury accommodation, each exuding unique character. What’s not to love? Lydia’s well qualified to name South Africa, “one of my top three travel destinations”.

Brenda’s and Lydia’s trips were aimed at achieving a lot more than having a wonderful holiday. Like many others taken by the YOU Travel & Cruise team, their South Africa journeys were all about gaining personal experience they can share with their clients. YOU Travel & Cruise believes that by investing in knowledge, they add genuine value as travel advisors and facilitators, and enhance the enjoyment and satisfaction travel provides – not to mention the peace of mind of having a professional on the job as you plan and embark on much-anticipated adventures worldwide.

Sundowners at Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.

If South Africa is on your radar, the experts at YOU Travel & Cruise in the Bethlehem Town Centre would love to share their first-hand knowledge of what makes this country an extraordinary destination, and to curate an unforgettable holiday for you. YOUTRAVELBETHLEHEM.CO.NZ

MEET YOUR GROCER

Ian Harrison’s rapt to have opened a restaurant all his own, and everyone’s invited. Just don’t call it fine dining though, okay?

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT / PHOTOS ERIN CAVE

As I enter The Grocer through the kitchen, the first thing Ian Harrison does is apologise for swearing. The second thing he does is swear again.

He’s standing in the middle of his new restaurant's kitchen on Tauranga’s Strand, talking about duck fat and why he hates the term ‘fine dining’. He’s also prepping plates of confit duck, mushroom gnocchi and crispy chicken, all updated versions of dishes from his revamped menu.

“This isn’t fine dining,” he says, gesturing toward a duck salad layered with beetroot, orange and walnuts. “If it was fine dining, the orange would be a jelly, there’d be micro herbs everywhere and the sauce would be some over-reduced, complicated bullshit.”

He looks at me, warily.

“I just want to cook really good food.”

For people in Tauranga, Ian Harrison hardly needs an introduction. Over the past decade, he’s become one of the city’s defining hospitality figures. He’s helped shape restaurants including Sugo, Clarence, Alpino and Florence. Ask around local food circles and his name comes up quickly, usually alongside words like ‘perfectionist’, ‘obsessive’ and ‘brilliant’

– sometimes all three.

The Grocer is different because, for the first time, it’s entirely his. After years spent building other people’s visions, this is the place where he finally gets to cook exactly what he wants.

It’s only a few months old, yet Ian has already reworked the menu, tweaking dishes, refining portions and adjusting it based on what people have responded to. Winter is pushing things further toward hearty British gastropub territory, with slow braises, rich sauces, duck fat potatoes, steak and Sunday roasts. Summer, he says, will pull everything back toward lighter seafood and vegetables.

“It’s probably more Pommie than anything,” he laughs. “But then there’s Asian influence, Kiwi influence, Māori influence. If I feel like putting a curry on later in the year, I’ll put a curry on.”

Ian talks about food the way some people talk about architecture or music. He doesn’t like trends, but he does like details.

“If we do eggs benedict here, I want it to be the best eggs benedict someone’s had,” he says. “Not because we’re trying to be fancy – just because we’ve thought about it more.”

Ian’s mentality was moulded long before he arrived in Tauranga. He grew up in England and spent years cooking his way through Europe. He worked in Michelin-starred kitchens where precision ruled everything. He cooked at three Australian Grand Prix without seeing much more than the inside of a kitchen. Eventually, exhausted by the intensity of hospitality, he decided he wanted out altogether.

He planned an enormous trip from Papua New Guinea to London, using boats and buses, working and diving along the way, but after arriving in Auckland in 2011, he stayed.

“I remember thinking, ‘I’m not doing those chef hours anymore’,” he says, “so I went front-of-house instead – because I’m good with people, I can talk.”

His talent earned him hospitality awards and briefly pulled him away from the kitchen entirely. Then he met Krystal, now his wife, and eventually followed life south to Tauranga. Now they have two daughters, Hine Ao Manawanui and Māia, who have become the centre of everything.

“I probably would have left hospitality completely if this place didn’t happen,” he admits. “It was kind of now or never.”

The Grocer occupies a historic building on The Strand that once housed a grocer’s store, among other things, and Ian liked the idea immediately. He wanted to recreate a neighbourhood place filled with essentials, like preserves, sauces, wine, good bread, conversation. He’s already begun bottling house-made condiments to sell, including tomato ketchup, duck fat and preserves made from ingredients used in the kitchen.

“I like the idea that people can take a little bit of the place home with them,” he says.

The restaurant itself feels warm. There are candles at night, heavy plates, proper portions and staff encouraged to read tables rather than recite scripts.

Ian talks as passionately about service as he does food.

“I wanted adults,” he says of his team. “People with personality. People who can actually read the room.”

He speaks openly about the realities of hospitality too, especially in Tauranga, where rising costs and cautious spending have made survival increasingly difficult for restaurants. He jokes about seeing himself less as a restaurateur and more as a “drug dealer”, trying to get customers hooked on the experience before they drift elsewhere. But behind the humour is very real pressure.

“This winter’s going to be rough for a lot of places,” he says. “You’ll see casualties.”

Ian remains optimistic, partly because he believes Tauranga’s dining culture is changing. He intentionally chose this location before major developments around the waterfront are completed, because he still believes people want genuine hospitality.

That’s also why he’s resisting labels like ‘fine dining’, despite his background. He says he doesn’t want hats or awards. “I don’t care about being a celebrity chef – I really don’t.”

Ironically, Tauranga already treats him like one. Customers regularly stop to talk to him. Diners specifically ask whether he’s cooking that night. His social media videos pull strong engagement, despite the fact he openly admits he hates spending time on his phone.

“I’d rather be home with my wife and kids, having a wine, than sitting on Instagram.”

That said, he understands modern hospitality requires visibility, and so he appears in videos; talks to media, like me; and promotes the restaurant, even if reluctantly.

“No one sells the place better than I do,” he says with a shrug.

Really, all The Grocer’s aiming for is good food, generous hospitality and enough warmth to make people want to stay awhile. And while Tauranga’s still figuring out exactly what its dining culture can become, that might be exactly the right recipe.

THEGROCERTGA.CO.NZ

GUIDING GENERATIONS

A global legal career meets a pull back home, as Rebecca Steens brings international expertise to Tauranga’s ever-changing wealth and succession landscape.

WORDS PIP CROMBIE | PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

There’s no place like home, or so the adage goes. It certainly proved true for the most recent female partner to join Holland Beckett, Rebecca Steens. She and her husband, Michael, were feeling quite settled after four years in Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands. The active, outdoorsy lifestyle they enjoyed on the self-governing British Crown Dependency, located around 20km off the French coast, was offset by the rich mix of French and British history and culture on offer. Rebecca loved her rewarding role specialising in trust litigation within an international context, but New Zealand and family tugged them home in late 2019, only a few months before COVID-19 unleashed lockdowns and other restrictions.

“While it was the close of a wonderful part of our lives, the draw of home and all that offers was the right decision in the end,” explains Rebecca.

Nearly seven years on, as a highly regarded succession and estate planning lawyer with more than 12 years’ experience advising clients on trusts, estates, succession planning and asset protection, Rebecca says her life and background have brought focus to her practice.

“My life so far – the diverse travel, living and working overseas, being a daughter, wife, mother, first home buyer, working parent… all have brought a different perspective to me as an estate planning lawyer, and a partner at Holland Beckett.”

Rebecca's husband Michael runs an engineering business specialising in marine welding, giving her an appreciation of the day-to-day workings and challenges faced by small, industry-specific businesses. That said, she feels at ease with a diverse range of locals and large business owners, having grown up during the burgeoning Bay of Plenty growth phase, in an economy driven by orcharding, ocean industries, port expansion and extensive property development. Like others at Holland Beckett, her significant international experience contributes to the comprehensive legal services on offer by the firm.

In late 2019, Rebecca joined Holland Beckett as a senior solicitor in the firm’s litigation team. She transitioned into the Succession, Trusts and Estates team in 2021, where her leadership has been instrumental in shaping its growth and reputation. “We’re living in a time of the biggest intergenerational shift of wealth from the Baby Boomer generation,” she says. “The recipients of the trusts set up by that ageing generation do not always live in New Zealand. There are tax implications, the division of wealth is not as straightforward as people may believe – many don’t even know where their money will go if they don’t have a will. There’s often an assumption it goes to their wife or husband, but this is being challenged in real life as the Administration Act 1969 [which deals with rules on intestacy] is not consistent with the way we live now.”

Rebecca feels driven to ensure her clients have a clear understanding about the value and division of their wealth, no matter what size it is. She says the increase in blended families, relationship disputes, dependents living with disabilities needing life-long care, those with terminal health diagnoses – all manner of life situations – deserve transparency and guidance in ensuring their wishes are met, and not open to dispute by those left behind.

Joining the now 17-strong partnership at one of Bay of Plenty’s largest legal firms felt right to Rebecca. She describes a law partnership as a relationship and in the way of any relationship, had a clear understanding of what she could bring to it.

Rebecca’s happy to report it has been a completely positive move. “It has enriched my life. The support I’ve had from the partnership and my team to get where I am has been so valued. I navigated the added responsibilities through parental leave and two very young children. Having such a strong female presence in the partnership [seven of the 17 partners are women] is something I appreciate, as is the depth and breadth of experience in our partnership.”

Holland Beckett prides itself on its community involvement, with one of its initiatives being free Wills Month in September. Sponsorship of various awards, a diverse range of charities, pro bono work… the firm is engaged in doing its bit. With 50 staff in 2012, the growth to over 160 by 2025 has seen the need to move to larger premises. Rebecca joins the partnership at the start of this exciting next chapter for the firm, now based in a purpose-built, modern space on The Strand in Tauranga – future looking, with room to expand. Now that Rebecca and Michael’s children are three and four, they’re looking forward to returning to adventurous outdoor activities – cycling, hiking and water pursuits – and hopefully as time allows, travelling intrepidly with their young family.

HOBEC.CO.NZ

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

Registered nurse and director of Cashmore Clinic, Leanne Cashmore, says taking a seasonal approach to caring for your skin can make a significant difference to how it looks and feels year-round.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

If you ask me, winter presents the perfect opportunity to reset and repair your skin. Whereas summer is often focused on protection and maintenance, this time of year is all about nourishment, restoration and correction.

During the cooler months, humidity reduces, and cold air outside combined with indoor heating can leave skin feeling tight, dehydrated, flaky and more sensitive than usual. Many people notice increased redness, irritation or dullness, because the skin barrier – the outer layer responsible for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stress – has become compromised.

In the skin industry, winter is widely considered to be ‘treatment season’. Reduced sun exposure and heat mean you’re able to recover more comfortably and effectively from advanced treatments, plus many professional treatments increase sun sensitivity, making winter the safest time to achieve optimal results.

Resurfacing treatments are one of the most popular winter options. They work by exfoliating the skin, encouraging cell turnover, and targeting concerns such as pigmentation, congestion, uneven texture, acne and fine lines. Having such treatments in winter reduces the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

For safety and best results, laser treatments targeting pigmentation, redness, acne scarring, rejuvenation and overall skin correction are also best performed when sun exposure is lower. Laser technology works by creating controlled stimulation within the skin to encourage collagen production and improve imperfections.

The less-sweaty season is an effective time for microneedling too. By creating tiny micro-injuries within the skin, it stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve scarring, texture, enlarged pores and signs of ageing.

You have much to gain from even just a quick reassessment of your skincare routine. Avoid over-exfoliating and, ideally, use active ingredients under the supervision or guidance of a professional. For home care, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and essential fatty acids that will boost hydration and support a stronger, healthier skin barrier. And remember, SPF is still non-negotiable. UV exposure remains one of the leading causes of premature ageing and pigmentation, whatever the weather.

A thoughtful reset can create long- term improvements that are difficult to achieve during sunnier seasons. Rather than viewing winter as a challenging time for your skin, I say see it as an opportunity. CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

Results achieved from Ultra Veloce. One treatment only in conjunction with medical-grade skincare.

BUILDING FREEDOM

UNO’s new columnist, Mount financial adviser Adam Stewart, shares his grounded, practical approach to investing, retirement and financial freedom.

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

At 32, Compound Wealth founder Adam Stewart has already spent more than a decade immersed in the world of investing, KiwiSaver and financial planning. But despite managing more than $170 million in funds under advice and working with clients across New Zealand, his approach to wealth remains surprisingly grounded.

Raised on a dairy farm in Ashburton, Adam says growing up in a hardworking farming family shaped much of how he thinks about money and long-term security. “There’s no such thing as days off on a farm,” he says. “The cows still need milking on Christmas Day.”

His parents’ work ethic left a lasting impression. So too did the realities of farm ownership, with debt, weather dependence and the relentless pressure that can come with running a business tied so closely to the land.

“I saw a lot of toil from my parents,” he says. “I think that got me thinking about how I could do things in a smarter way.”

That curiosity eventually led him to study finance and commercial law at Victoria University in Wellington, where he landed a part-time role at a financial planning firm while still in his teens. It was there, while working on matters related to the relatively new KiwiSaver, that something clicked. “I got really passionate about KiwiSaver because I understood the power of compound interest.”

Like many people who eventually end up in finance, Adam says he was also drawn to the idea of independence. Reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad at a young age sparked an interest in financial freedom and business ownership, concepts that would later become central to both his career and personal philosophy.

After university, Adam worked for a government-appointed default KiwiSaver provider, eventually moving into a role in which he travelled the country advising financial advisers on investment products and KiwiSaver strategies. The experience exposed him to a huge range of financial businesses – the good, the bad and everything in between.

But it was conversations outside the office that inspired him to launch Compound Wealth. “I’d be at the rugby club or out socially and people would ask me what KiwiSaver fund they should be in,” he says. “I just assumed most people knew what they were doing financially, but they didn’t.”

What shocked him most was not a lack of intelligence, but a lack of guidance. “I was meeting CEOs, lawyers, accountants and people with two or three hundred thousand dollars sitting in the wrong fund.”

At just 24, Adam started Compound Wealth with the simple goal of helping ordinary New Zealanders make better long-term financial decisions. Initially, much of that work centred around KiwiSaver and moving clients into funds that better matched their goals and risk tolerance. Over time, however, the business evolved into retirement planning, investment strategy and helping clients create lives that feel financially secure.

Today, Adam’s typical client is approaching retirement or already retired, often with more than $1 million in investments, property or KiwiSaver assets. “A lot of people have worked extremely hard for decades, but they don’t actually know how to spend their money confidently,” he says.

It is a surprisingly common problem. Adam says many retirees remain overly conservative with their investments, worried they’ll run out of money. Others hold onto wealth purely out of fear.

“Too many people think they need to die with exactly the right amount left over,” he says. “But often they could afford to enjoy life a lot more.”

Instead of simply focusing on investment returns, Adam says much of his work now revolves around helping clients align their money with the lives they actually want to live. That might mean helping someone structure their finances so they can travel more in their 60s and 70s, give money to their children earlier, or feel comfortable spending what they’ve spent decades building.

“If you want to take the family to Fiji and pay for everyone because you can afford to do it, great,” he says. “If you want to help your kids get ahead while you’re still around to see the benefit of it, great.”

Adam’s philosophy around investing itself is notably measured. Rather than chasing hot stock tips or market timing, he advocates for low-cost diversified investing and long-term thinking.

“We’re not trying to pick the needle in the haystack,” he says. “We own the haystack.”

It’s advice he applies to his own life. Adam started Compound Wealth in his mid-20s, while living rent-free back in Ashburton and playing Heartland rugby. The early years were difficult. He admits earning trust as a young adviser came with “a lot of hard knocks”.

“People would think, ‘Who’s this 24-year-old advising me on my finances?’” he laughs.

Still, he kept showing up. Over time, the business grew steadily, helped in part by the digital shift brought on by COVID-19, which accelerated online financial advice across New Zealand.

Now based in Mount Maunganui with his wife and young family, Adam has built both the lifestyle and the business he once imagined for himself. He sponsors local rugby and tennis clubs, and works from a modern Mount office. He says maintaining balance remains important.

“I don’t want to build some huge corporate monster. I enjoy my lifestyle. I try to live the way I teach my clients to live.”

That may be the core philosophy underpinning both Adam Stewart and Compound Wealth. Financial planning is not really about money at all.

“Financial freedom,” he says, “is having the ability to do what you want, when you want, with the people you care about.” COMPOUNDWEALTH.CO.NZ

CULTURAL COUP

Claire Regnault is bringing big ambition and fresh energy to Tauranga Museum.

WORDS JO-MARIE BAKER | PHOTO YOAN JOLLY, TE PAPA

For a city that has waited decades for a museum, the appointment of Claire Regnault is a major coup.

A highly respected curator with more than 30 years’ experience, including 15 years as senior curator New Zealand Histories and Cultures at Te Papa, she will now shape one of the most visible parts of Tauranga’s new museum: its temporary exhibitions and public programmes.

She wasn’t actively looking for a new job, but one look at Tauranga Museum’s plans was all it took to lure her north.

“It was exciting to see something that was ambitious and obviously had momentum. The buildings aren’t just pragmatic, they’re beautiful buildings designed with care and thought.”

For Regnault, it was that sense of pride and forward thinking that stood out. Public infrastructure projects can often feel constrained in New Zealand, -but Tauranga’s willingness to invest in something culturally bold was compelling.

Beyond her curatorial work, Regnault is also one of New Zealand’s leading voices in fashion history. Her book Dressed: Fashionable Dress in Aotearoa New Zealand 1840 to 1910 won the illustrated non-fiction category at the 2022 Ockham New Zealand Book Awards. She plans to quietly work away on a new book while focusing on building an engaging museum programme that will appeal to visitors of all ages.

“The team have their dream list of projects that they would love to do – things from the collection, or ideas that they’ve been sitting on relating to Tauranga. So it’ll be a mix of exhibitions that we develop ourselves, plus exhibitions from the national touring circuit. There’s aspirations to also bring in international shows. We really want the museum to hum.”

That ambition extends beyond exhibitions themselves. Programming will be designed to activate the building and create a sense of energy and connection. “It could be anything from an in-gallery hands-on learning activity to a lecture series, floor talks or film nights.”

At its core, Regnault sees the new museum as a place for enjoyment, reflection, and social connection – a warm, welcoming space where there’s always something on offer, and where visitors can keep returning and engaging in different ways.

“You want some levity and fun, but it will be balanced with opportunities for serious reflection and exhibitions that might be a bit challenging to prompt people to think and create empathy.”

Outside of work, Claire’s already settling into Tauranga, describing the city as gentle and beautiful. Much of her time is spent exploring local parks and walkways with her greyhound, Devo, and connecting with the region’s greyhound community. She’s also looking forward to joining the Tauranga Film Society.

At the museum, work is already well underway on what will be a dynamic programme of exhibitions and experiences. While the doors won’t open until 2028, some exhibitions can take up to two years to develop.

“Our job is to make sure the exhibitions are as spectacular as the building itself, and people feel like they belong, take ownership, and are really stimulated and excited by what’s inside.” LETSTALK.TAURANGA.GOVT.NZ/PROJECTS/TAURANGA-MUSEUM

A WEEK IN MY CHAIR

Shelley Pullar of Salon G reveals this season’s top hair trends, as well as the challenges her clients are up against this winter.

PHOTOS KATIE COX + SUPPLIED

Shelley Pullar.

Winter always brings about a change, not just in the weather, but in how people want to feel. Lately, I’ve noticed a real move toward looks that feel intentional yet effortless.

Short hair is having a moment. I’ve had a run of pixie cuts that are soft, textured and full of personality. Think longer layers, feathered edges and movement that doesn’t feel too “done”. It’s a natural fit for winter, when collars come up and scarves go on. These cuts hold their shape but still feel touchable, which is key.

For those keeping their length, I’ve seen a change in styling. Clients with classic straight bobs are asking for a subtle directional flick – something that gives the hair a bit of attitude without committing to a full restyle. It’s the kind of look that works just as well the next day. It’s a little looser and a little more lived-in.

Colour-wise, warmer tones are leading the way. Rich coppers, ambers and deep cherry shades have been especially popular – bold colours that aren’t too overpowering. At the same time, blondes are leaning softer. The focus is on blended, “lived-in” colour, like buttercream, beige and soft gold tones that melt seamlessly from root to end. Nothing harsh or stripy, just beautifully diffused colour that grows out gracefully.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job, though, has been working with first-time curly clients. Many arrive a little hesitant, often after past experiences that didn’t go well. Curl trauma is real, and it usually comes down to misunderstanding how curls behave, especially with shrinkage.

For me, these appointments are about building trust. I take the time to really listen and understand their hair history, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve disliked most. From there, it becomes a collaborative process. Nothing is rushed, and nothing happens without them feeling comfortable.

Education plays a huge part. I talk them through each step as we go, including how much moisture the hair needs, how to encourage a more even curl pattern, and the difference between air drying and diffusing. The goal is for them to leave not just with great hair, but with the confidence to recreate it at home.

When your hair feels right, everything else falls into place. SALONGRANGE.COM

YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMORROW

The best of the past has been woven into the update of this stately abode, where all the mod cons combine with beautiful bones to usher in a very bright future.

WORDS JO FERRIS

A certain level of grandeur and grace often requires the infusion only time can bestow. This property, in a prominent position on an elevated corner amid Tauranga’s mid-city avenues, is home to all the distinction that yesterday brings to today.

When commissioned to design a major renovation that capitalised on the existing dwelling’s link to the swimming pool and outdoor entertaining area, Tauranga architect Brendon Gordon brought with him his own distinctive style.

Outside, towering, tropical greenery forms the framework for the resort-like feel he’s leaned into at this address. Its soothing, relaxing energy, which can be enhanced when the mood strikes by an in-built sound system, can’t be emphasised enough when describing the home’s presence.

The pool’s tropical ambience is integral to this. A warm-water bore allows year-round use, and upgrades to the pool and pumphouse equipment ensure it will need only standard maintenance for years to come.

The resort vibes provided by the pool underscore the updated living area. Additional to this main living space, a separate snug provides a private retreat for family members of all ages to enjoy their own entertainment, and is linked to the outdoor, fire-warmed loggia.

The kitchen and scullery’s timeless ambience is elevated by the richness of dark-stained rimu flooring, which contrasts impeccably with the rest of the décor’s neutral palette. The contemporary tone of these spaces means this family hub will be able to adapt to any future change of taste in furnishings, artwork and plants.

Upstairs, in a very spacious zone, with a dressing area, study and balcony attached, the main bedroom champions privacy. A second bedroom on this level could double as a private lounge or lend itself to the development of an ensuite.

Two bedrooms sit separately in another wing, offering the flexibility to accommodate extended family, friends, or paying guests, perhaps? The inclusion of a lounge, kitchenette, bathroom and private entry deliver options aplenty.

As with many of Tauranga’s most distinguished homes, each chapter of this house’s life has brought with it different ideas and changing ways, but here, time has been extraordinarily kind. The house has evolved into a residence of substance and elegance, its significant space throughout and substantial outdoor areas a rare find on a quarter-acre section.

Handy to all of Tauranga’s inner-city drawcards, there’s one particular attraction Oliver Road’s Jason Eves and Ben Hawan say they must mention. Just down the road, Fourteenth Avenue Fish ’n’ Chips is known by locals to offer some of the best takeaways in town. “Everyone on Grace Road knows Eddie.”

Like the prospect of this exceptional home, it’s a tempting thought.

73 Grace Road, Avenues

OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

MIDWINTER MAGIC

It’s tempting to hunker down and hibernate, but let’s not allow the chilly season to pass us by without some memorable moments to show for it. A trip to Whakatāne has all the ingredients to make it a bright spot on your calendar.

The memories we make during our school holidays can last an entire lifetime – a worthy investment, if you think about it. Some are of simple pleasures and rituals experienced at home, while in other instances, travelling even a short distance can provide something new and novel that captures the imagination long after the trip is over.

As the winter term break approaches, so too is Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne, an eye-opening experience right here in our regional neighbourhood. Whether you have holidaying kids in tow or not, it presents a vibrant – and free – antidote to winter’s darker days. From 6pm to 9pm from July 11 to 18, Whakatāne’s town centre and riverfront will be aglow and abuzz with art installations (many interactive), sculptures and digital displays, music and dance.

While you’re planning your trip in this neck of the woods, check out some of the best places to eat, play and stay.

EAT

THE COMM - When you’ve been a local institution since 1894, you must be doing something right. Seven days a week, in a thoughtfully preserved heritage building, The Comm offers a stacked menu complete with kids’ meals, and drinks including beer and cider from Good George Brewing on tap.

THE WAGON - Like its twin eatery in Pāpāmoa, the claim to fame of The Wagon in Whakatāne is gourmet burgers. Those who wish to eat vegan or gluten-free will be pleased to hear the menu does not leave you out in the cold.

OLIVE BRANCH - For a more elevated experience, put on your going-out top to dine at Olive Branch. It’s run by two brothers, whose Mediterranean DNA is woven throughout, a delicious international influence that’s balanced by their focus on local ingredients and suppliers.

PLAY

KIWI WANDERING TRAIL - Due to its close proximity to the bush, kiwi can be heard from the CBD and have been spotted in backyards, earning Whakatāne a name as the Kiwi Capital of the World. Providing cute, free, low-key fun, 10 life-size kiwi statues are dotted on a one-hour (1.6km) trail around town for visitors to spot. Download the guide before you go or pick one up at the i-site or Te Kōputu a Te Whanga a Toi Library and Exhibition Centre.

BIKE TRAILS - There are bike trails and more bike trails around these parts. Challenge yourself to ticking off some or all of the Motu Trails Cycleway, one of the 22 great rides that make up Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail. You might make biking your reason to drive over the hill to roll along the nice, flat, 2.9km Ōhope Harbourside Trail on two wheels, or go further afield to kick into gear at the Onepū Mountain Bike Park, which caters to all ages and abilities.

EASY WALKS - What will you see if you lace up your sneaks for the hour-long Fairbrother Loop Walk? As well as sensational scenery, the downloadable map lists the birds and insects to keep an eye out for. For those in need of a dappled nervous-system reset, the Mokorua Bush Scenic Reserve walk (1-1.5 hours) is a similarly tranquil experience that sees you strolling beneath the canopy of native trees amid tinkling birdsong.

STAY

BEACHPOINT APARTMENTS - Occupying prime waterfront real estate, these upmarket apartments are fully self-contained (including kitchen and laundry) but serviced with linen and towels. Undercover parking, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness room and a BBQ area might see all the boxes ticked for you.

ŌHOPE BEACH RESORT - Go even more high-end here, where you can opt for accommodation that has views of the ocean on one side or the harbour on the other. Choose from two- or four-bedroom apartments, or if you’re feeling a bit swanky, book into a penthouse. All guests gain access to swimming, spa and lap pools, plus a tennis court, gym, sauna, games room and conservatory.

ONE88 ON COMMERCE - A drawcard of this motel for anyone with waterbabies is that it’s within walking distance of the Aquatic & Fitness Centre and its kid’s beach pool, spas and hydroslide. It’s also 10 minutes’ walk from The Strand, home to those eateries we mentioned. If it sounds like a bit of you, you’ll be even happier to hear you’ll end your stay well-rested, courtesy of the one- or two-bedroom units’ super-king beds, flexible layouts and well-appointed bathrooms, some with big spa baths. WHAKATĀNE.COM

SCULPTED SERENITY

Welcome to a chic new Harwood Homes showhome that’s all but unrivalled for the adaptability and opportunity it’s been meticulously designed to provide.

PHOTOS AMANDA AITKEN

The value of a showhome to a home buyer cannot be overstated. Eliminating the need to imagine how a house might look and feel based on plans or an online description, it’s all laid out in front of you, with an open invitation to come on in.

The pros at Harwood Homes know this well. Worth its weight in gold for all involved, one of the latest and greatest embodiments of enviable architecture is their new Palm Vista showhome. Impeccably designed for all kinds, but perhaps especially those who seek to invest once and invest well by catering for their every age and stage, it exemplifies the innovative thinking the company is known for, bringing together fresh ideas, evolving trends and modern ways of living.

In Pāpāmoa East’s upmarket Palm Springs subdivision, Palm Vista is positioned in a cul-de-sac near the Wairakei Reserve, and is one of 11 Harwood Homes planned for this neighbourhood. All reflect Harwood’s focus on thoughtful, distinctive design that achieves a subtle cohesion across the streetscape while imbuing each dwelling with its own character.

Palm Vista is the flagship property among Harwood Homes’ Flexible Living Collection, and is guided by the Flexible Living philosophy centred on flexibility, future-proofing and the creation of homes that move to the rhythm of modern life. It reflects the belief that a home should evolve as you do – supporting changing family structures, working patterns and life stages in spaces designed to respond to your individual needs.

A key source of inspiration for Palm Vista came from an unexpected source. While developing the concept, Harwood’s general manager Trish Hoit drew parallels after observing at New Zealand Fashion Week the way clothing is designed to move with the wearer, adjust to their lifestyle and remain relevant long term. Her insights naturally translated – after all, if fashion can evolve with people, why can’t homes do the same?

First impressions of the possibility-filled showhome reveal a spacious, elegant dwelling, with expansive windows harnessing every opportunity to draw in natural light. The arrival experience is welcoming, ushering you inside as the four-bedroom home reveals itself through a series of carefully considered spaces and layered design elements. As they unfold, the true wealth of possibility becomes apparent.

At the centre is a living hub that reflects the talents of Harwood’s team of suppliers and contractors, whose work helps to define the expert craftsmanship and quality execution Harwood Homes is known for. An entertainer’s dream, the open-plan kitchen brings everything and everyone together. Flanking the central gathering point – the clean, contemporary island with a subtle ‘chain’ pattern inset behind the bar seating – complementary cabinetry leads towards the scullery. Full-height units, floating shelves and integrated lighting add depth and refinement, all with a high-end finish.

From here, you can spread out into the indoor living spaces or outside to the barbecue kitchen, where the showhome’s indoor–outdoor connection comes into its own. Covered for year-round versatility, this external living area expands the entertaining spaces with a barbecue, drinks fridge, sink station, and wood fire that catches the eye with its feature column that echoes the Italian-inspired brick detailing repeated cohesively throughout the house.

Inside, engineered European oak flooring and other oak elements in a soft grey stain and are integral to the material palette, with the flooring’s classic herringbone pattern adding gorgeous visual texture. At night, when the floor-to-ceiling linen drapes are drawn, the atmosphere softens to become intimate and restful. The window coverings’ tone-on-tone colour scheme is designed to blend into the neutral décor, while an inset ceiling track keeps the finish chic and uninterrupted.

Making bedtime more of a luxury than ever, at one end of the home, the master suite anchors a quiet, private zone complete with an ensuite, and a walk-in wardrobe defined by oak cabinetry and bespoke lighting. At the opposite end of the house, two bedrooms live in a separate wing, teamed with a bathroom that can comfortably serve family members or guests.

In another nod to this home’s versatility, an independent guest bedroom demonstrates its flexibility via its own lockable external entry, tea- and-coffee-making facilities, integrated wardrobe storage and bathroom. It’s designed to perform beyond the average bedroom by facilitating a range of scenarios – transforming into a private workspace, shared intergenerational living, a guest suite for family and friends, or a B&B arrangement.

Completing this wing’s layout, a dedicated office sits nearby. The showhome’s well-appointed laundry is inserted between the hallway and garage, optimising the practicality of this utility space by offering easy access for everyday use, without interrupting any of the goings-on in the main living areas.

It’s all part of family-owned Harwood Homes’ vision for the future of housing. In keeping with their longterm thinking, this entire abode is primed to adapt to your needs. Wider passages, generous doorways and level-access showers support ease of movement, and along with the income potential enables the home to remain relevant through every stage of life.

When every dollar counts, you want to be sure your hard-earned money is being spent on a home that’s the perfect fit. The lifestyle-led Palm Vista showhome opens the door to a 3D version of the plans you can try on for size – and the brand’s design and build service throughout the Bay of Plenty means these plans can be adapted to suit sites and requirements region-wide.

Recognised nearly every year in the Master Builders House of the Year awards, Harwood Homes has built a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation and consistency. What began as a small local builder has grown into a dedicated team of architectural and interior designers, builders, suppliers and contractors, yet the philosophy remains unchanged: to work alongside the best in their field. The Palm Vista showhome reflects this collaborative approach, while signalling the direction of future projects.

Visit the showhome at 42 Forstera Way, Palm Springs, Pāpāmoa, Thursday to Monday, 11am to 4pm.

HARWOODHOMES.CO.NZ

GOOD VIBRATIONS

Armed with only buckets and drumsticks, a group of five local teens has become a global sensation. We caught up with the Beat Street Drummers to learn the secret of their success.

WORDS KARL PUSCHMANN / PHOTO ALAN GIBSON

The beat thunders through the Historic Village, its rhythmic pulse grooving and full of joy. Then, as suddenly as it started, it stops – a one-minute blat of head-nodding bounce and skilled exuberance.

The drums were booming out from the village’s iconic live venue, The Jam Factory, but when I enter, there’s not a drum kit, conga, bongo or percussion instrument to be seen. Instead, carefully positioned in two rows, are five bright-orange Mitre 10 buckets.

These humble buckets are the instruments of choice for Elliot (14), Tristan (15), Daniel (17), Lucas (18) and Noah (18), better known as the Beat Street Drummers.

“The buckets are a way for us all to play together at the same time,” explains Elliot.

“And they’re unique,” adds Tristan.

“People like that,” says Lucas. “Once we set up our social media page, it grew real quick.”

It certainly did. The group, who all met through school and drum courses, have been jamming together for just over four years, but only got more serious with the Beat Street name and Instagram page last year.

“We originally started at one of our houses, just jamming and playing along,” recalls Daniel. “Then we created the Beat Street social media accounts on TikTok and Instagram, and people just loved it.”

The young group quickly became a viral sensation thanks to their fun and impressive choreography – lots of stick twirls and big arm raises – their infectious,cacophonous rhythms played at mind-boggling speed, and their decision to play covers of popular chart hits, like 2014’s Changing by Sigma and Paloma Faith.

That video alone clocked up more than 1.4 million views, but it’s far from their only viral hit. Collectively, they have 22 million-plus views and a loyal fan base of more than 700,000 followers.

“It was our improvs that went viral at first,” says Lucas. “People liked the buckets, but it was the small things that caught their attention – the angles, location.”

“We did a video in a shed on a barnyard and there was a tractor in the background,” says Daniel. “It was quite Kiwi New Zealand.”

“Yeah, people just kept commenting things like, ‘I love that backdrop!’,” laughs Noah. “It’s the little things that make it.”

The secret, they reckon, behind their viral success is that they’re just having fun. The videos aren’t big, over- thought affairs or calculated for maximum engagement.

instead, “something that shocked a lot of people was that our biggest video took us about 20 minutes to choreograph and film,” says Daniel. “Filming our videos is quite quick. I think that comes with the chemistry and the length of time we’ve been together. We have similar thought processes and ideas.”

Beat Street Drummers’ online success has now transferred into the real world, with the group starting to travel the country to perform at music festivals in front of thousands of fans. They’d wanted to play live since the beginning, but weren’t quite sure how to go about it.

“It was hard to think how we were going to get to play at bars or club nights or anything because we’re just drums,” says Daniel. “It seemed like a tough sell.”

Now, however, festivals are coming to them, asking them to play. It’s a dream result. When the quintet gets going, it’s a thoroughly unique experience, with the lads knocking out complex polyrhythms and beats at speed in perfect unison. It does beg the question, how many plastic buckets do they go through?

“We haven't broken any yet!” says Elliot. “We've had these since we started.”

“Yeah,” nods Noah. “It’s the sticks, though. They break a lot.”

Having played together for so long, they’re now relaxed and comfortable when they perform.

“Initially, we had to focus on what we were doing, but then as time went on, it was less about that focus and more like having fun,” says Lucas. “Naturally, we got better and better as we played, so it’s just turned into a fun thing that we look forward to doing.”

Noah grins and says, “We don't really put in as much practice and effort as we did in the beginning, because that work’s already been done.”

The group is enjoying the overnight success that has come after five years of work together, and is excited about what the future holds.

“We all love music,” says Daniel. “We’ve grown up in houses with music, and we play music. It’s our passion. And we're really tight friends as well.”

Then, he inadvertently reveals the true secret of their success.

“Lots of bands are just bands,” he says. “We’re friends and family first – then we’re a bandafter that.”

BEATSTREETDRUMMERS

STAYING POWER

Downtown Tauranga had a rough few years, but even in the lean times, these three businesses didn’t leave. Now, as the city’s renaissance gathers pace, their belief is paying off. Turns out, that was the right call.

PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Noel Cimadom at Clarence Bistro.

It’s no secret that Tauranga’s city centre has seen some challenging times. Shops closed and stayed empty, foot traffic dwindled, and many stores retreated to the malls. But despite it all, a group of true believers stayed put. They believed in the city centre and their businesses, knowing that what they offered was good enough to draw people into the city.

Walk downtown today, and people are returning to work, live and play. It’s getting closer to what Noel Cimadom saw when he looked at downtown Tauranga for the first time after arriving from Europe.

"I was always joking in the beginning, saying this can be Miami,” he laughs. “It just showed so much potential.”

With a background in hospitality in Munich, Noel and his wife, Kim Smythe, took the keys to The Old Tauranga Post Office heritage building on Willow Street in 2017, opened Clarence Bistro and Hotel in November 2018, then watched as the city centre grew very quiet indeed.

Instead of retreating, the pair doubled down, opening the acclaimed restaurants Picnika and Stassano in quick succession, built on their faith in the city's bones and Noel’s Miami dream.

“I am a believer," he admits. “There aren’t many cities on the oceanfront that can do what Tauranga could potentially become. I see it as the next future city. There’s no doubt about it. There’s a lot of opportunity here to become something very, very outstanding if we all pull together. I’ve got big hopes for it, for sure.”

They’ve seen and felt the recent change. The vibe is there, the tables are booked, and people are stopping in for after-work drinks, something that hasn’t happened for a long while. “It’s still early days,” he says, “but it’s coming.”

Julie Hammon of Hammon Diamond Jewellery.

Down the road, Julie Hammon is preparing to celebrate 40 years of business on the same city centre site. Hammon Diamond Jewellery arrived on Grey Street in 1986, and has remained ever since. The family jewellery business is also now approaching its 80th birthday.

“It’s amazing,” she smiles. “It's been such a fabulous journey.”

That journey has not been without turbulence. The stock market crash of 1987 hit just a year after she and her late husband opened. Later, the malls began luring customers away, and then the pandemic kept them away.

Through it all, Julie stayed put, even when shopping centre operators dangled attractive offers in front of her to relocate. She sent them on their way.

“I’ve always loved the city centre," she says, "and for us, being in the city is the right place to be."

“We’re a family business, people know where to find us, and they trust us,” she says. “These relationships have gone on for years and years and years. They’re intergenerational. We now have younger members of the same families coming in to use our services. It’s quite incredible.”

Her read on the city’s future is optimistic. “I’m very hopeful that we’re on that incline up,” she says. “For any city to be healthy and vibrant and have a fantastic future, you need a city centre that reflects that. The waterfront has been magnificently enhanced, there are events on downtown, and there are the new apartment blocks. The city centre is a very attractive and exciting place to be.”

Bond & Co’s Jason Dovey.

Up the street, on the main drag of Devonport Road, Jason Dovey has been dressing Tauranga’s stylishly inclined men for more than 30 years. Bond & Co, his boutique menswear store, is a destination in the truest sense. People drive in specifically because there’s nowhere else quite like it.

“I’ve definitely seen the city centre at its lowest, as low as you can go,” he sighs. “But with the rebuild of buildings and facilities and more people living and working back in the city I reckon we’re on the other side, and going up continually."

Even at the city’s quietest point, Jason didn’t think about leaving.

“I never want to go to a suburb and would definitely never go to a mall. We’re a boutique business. The city’s where we want to be. We don't want to be in suburbia.”

Jason says that even within the last year, the change has been notable.

“It’s sort of like the old days,” he says, saying that now, along with the destination shoppers, the increase in foot traffic has people popping in as they walk by.

He agrees that the city centre’s much-needed developments have made a huge difference to business. He’s seeing people bringing their kids or grandkids to the new playground, then stopping for lunch at a café, before dropping in to see him at the store.

“It’s not about going to a cupboard shopping mall. It’s about the other attractions and things to do in the city centre. When the museum, the new library and those other facilities are all open, along with the cafés, restaurants and hospitality, it will be inviting for people to come back to the city centre.”

“There’s an atmosphere,” he smiles, then adds, “and that’ll only get stronger.”

DOWNTOWNTAURANGA.CO.NZ

BORN INTO LEGAL LIMBO

New Zealand’s surrogacy laws belong to another era. Decades on from being written, the families caught up in them are paying an enormous price. WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT

Imagine spending years trying to have a child, enduring miscarriages and failed fertility treatments. Maybe biology just isn't on your side and you spend forever searching for someone to carry your baby to full term. When you finally find a surrogate willing to do so, everyone in the room knows exactly who the parents are. Except the law.

Under New Zealand’s current framework, the intended parents – as in the people who created that embryo, who have longed for that child and will take them home and raise them – are legal strangers to their own baby at birth. The surrogate and her partner are the legal parents, and until a lengthy, costly adoption process plays out over months or years, that’s how it stays.

This is the reality for thousands of New Zealanders who build their families through surrogacy, but according to the experts working alongside them, it doesn't have to be this way.

“Nobody gets to surrogacy easily,” says Stewart Dalley, a family lawyer who has spent years working on such cases. He was part of the first same-sex de facto couple in New Zealand to jointly adopt their children.

“For a gay couple, you don’t really have any other option than surrogacy because ordinary adoptions are rare as hen’s teeth. But for a heterosexual couple, you’ve probably gone through multiple years of infertility, unexplained infertility, multiple miscarriages, all of those things, which place a massive emotional drain on you. When you get to the point where surrogacy is your only option, then begins the long, bureaucratic road to becoming the parents.”

Under New Zealand law, the woman who gives birth to a child is automatically recognised as its legal mother, regardless of whether she has any genetic connection to that child. Her partner, whether male or female, is recognised as the other legal parent. Legally, the people who may have created the embryo and will raise it from birth don’t have any such status.

“What the law treats mum and dad as is sperm donor and egg donor,” explains Stewart. “Nobody intended this to be the situation. I think it was just short-sighted. The law hasn't kept pace with technology and reality.”

The practical consequence is that intended parents must go through a formal adoption process to be legally recognised as the parents of their own child. It’s a process that Caren August, a counsellor at Fertility Associates, says typically runs for around two and-a-half years from first appointment to completed adoption. But the absurdities don’t stop there.

Christchurch influencer Rebecca Keil became a surrogate in 2019 for Wellington couple Tess Dunford and Dan Stemp after seeing Tess’s plea for a surrogate on Instagram. Tess had suffered a postpartum haemorrhage during the birth of their first child that required an emergency hysterectomy. Although it was devastating, her ovaries were intact, meaning IVF and surrogacy were possible. For Rebecca, the decision to help was straightforward, however, the legal reality that followed was anything but.

“We don’t have surrogacy laws,” she says. “We have ancient adoption laws, which make the process a whole lot harder.”

Because Rebecca was married, her husband Jared was automatically presumed to be the baby’s legal father, despite having no biological connection whatsoever to the child. His name, and his ethnicity, went on the birth certificate.

“He’s a whole-ass fruit salad,” jokes Rebecca. “On this child’s birth certificate, it says his father is Māori and Samoan, and he’s a Pākehā child. It’s so crazy and misogynistic.”

Caren recognises the reaction immediately. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the partner of a surrogate say, ‘But why? I’m not contributing eggs, I’m not contributing sperm, I’m certainly not carrying the pregnancy.’”

Beyond the bureaucratic frustration is genuine fear. Until the legal process is complete, the surrogate and her partner are the child’s legal parents. The intended parents are not. For everyone involved, that ambiguity can be a source of dread.

“The worry of the surrogate is that the intended parents are going to ditch her and she’s going to be stuck with this baby,” says Stewart. “The worry of the intended parents is, what if the surrogate decides to keep the baby?”

Caren sees this play out throughout her counselling sessions. “Even when you know each other really well and have a deep sense of trust, there can still be that thought that comes up occasionally. What if they change their mind? What if I do something that upsets them and they decide to keep the baby?”

She describes it as “a common undercurrent alongside times of excitement and hope”.

Legally, that fear isn’t entirely unfounded. “Surrogacy is not legally enforceable in New Zealand,” explains Caren. “The surrogate or the intending parents could withdraw from it, even once there's a pregnancy.”

Rebecca says the fear never took hold for her personally, because she trusted Tess and Dan completely, and felt no grief at handing their son Ziggy over, but she understands why others might feel differently. “If I was in a scenario where it had maybe gone south, and I knew there were no legalities and nothing to protect me, that definitely would have felt a bit different.”

What she does remember vividly is the chaos of the immediate aftermath. Ziggy was born on a Sunday in the early hours of the morning. Rebecca, who had complications during the birth, found herself sending emails from her hospital bed at 5am to relinquish legal rights.

“Because it was a Sunday, there were issues around getting things sorted,” she says. “There was a point where they weren’t going to let Tess and Dan leave the hospital with the baby, and that came down to the timing of it. If it had been midweek, it probably would have been way easier.”

When the adoption order is finally granted, which is often months later, in a courtroom, Stewart says it’s often profoundly emotional. “I’ve seen judges crying happy tears. It’s a lovely ceremony, but the parents are crying not only because it’s a lovely moment. It’s also, ‘Thank God it’s finally over’. There’s the exhaustion of the whole process, the cost, the emotional drain. That order being granted at the end is just the final, final step.”

For Rebecca, the court appearance came around six months after Ziggy’s birth. “It was just a wildly insane scenario,” she says. “I give birth to someone’s biological child and they have to adopt it off me.”

New Zealand’s surrogacy laws have been overdue for reform for decades. A Member’s Bill incorporating Law Commission recommendations is now sitting before Parliament awaiting its second and third reading, but progress has been glacial.

“It’s Parliament time, basically,” says Stewart, who was one of the expert legal advisors to the review. “Whether it’s going to happen in this term, or roll over into a new political cycle, I honestly don’t know.”

It was former MP Tāmati Coffey, himself a father through surrogacy, who came closest to making it happen. He drafted the original Member’s Bill alongside Louisa Wall and gathered cross-party support, but it stalled on timetabling and, he believes, the cost of implementation. He left Parliament before seeing it over the line.

“I’m sad that we’re still kicking the can down the road. It shouldn’t have taken this long,” he says.

He also points to a glaring inequity where every professional in the process gets paid, except the surrogate.

“As it stands, women who do this need to do it for the love in their heart. But every other professional is clipping the ticket, and clipping big.”

Rebecca echoes this. Surrogates cannot be paid beyond tightly prescribed medical expenses, and costs like physiotherapy and dietary changes aren’t covered.

“Things like your diet changes, your body changes and legally they’re not allowed to reimburse you for any of it.”

It’s a barrier, she says, that deepens New Zealand’s already scarce surrogate pool.

“The law shouldn’t discriminate against children and impose hurdles and barriers because of the accident of their birth,” says Stewart. “Why push people through a court process just to be recognised as the parents of the child? It seems absurd.”

Tāmati wants the issue on party manifestos before the next election. His vision for what better looks like is simple.

“When you’ve got willing parties, the law just needs to fall into line.”

For Rebecca, her mission is to keep talking.

“I would never talk about surrogacy without telling one more person why it’s so messed up,” she says.

For the people who arrive at surrogacy after years of loss and heartbreak, she says it must be the worst of the worst. “And then you've got this. Just another thing.”

HEALTH WITH HEART

Where weight loss and appearance medicine are concerned, you want your goals to be deeply considered. This time, at these clinics, it’s personal.

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

Brenda Newman (left) and Julia Perry

Towards the end of UNO’s interview with Brenda Newman and Julia Perry, who run the Weight Loss Clinic at Fifth Ave Family Practice, I ask Brenda if there’s anything she says to her clients that really resonates. “I tell them, ‘It’s not your fault – it’s not a lack of willpower.’” Does this strike a chord, I wonder? “It’s a very emotive topic,” she replies.

Weight – and losing it – is a topic very much in the public eye. Excitement around drugs such as Wegovy/ Mounjaro (the GLP-1 drugs available in New Zealand) creeps into conversations, and for those with health-impacting weight issues, their use is being heralded as a game-changer. The great thing is that although the GLP-1s are an option offered at this private clinic, it’s far from the only solution. Expertise and wrap-around support is an important component of the service.

The Weight Loss Clinic was established last year because of the impact obesity has on health. Brenda and Julia are both nurse practitioners with a background in the management of long-term conditions, SCOPE (Strategic Centre for Obesity Professional Education) certified by the World Obesity Federation, unflappable, non-judgemental and reassuring. Their service is built on the understanding that a desire to lose weight should be addressed without shame or stigma.

There are a multitude of factors at play when it comes to weight gain or obesity, whether genetic or circumstantial. Having expert guidance and support on what may be a lifelong journey is invaluable.

Brenda’s quick to point out that weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity because they’re a hot topic in the media, but there are criteria and costs attached. There are also several other medications available; some act as appetite suppressants, others are targeted towards reducing cravings.

“A lot of people walk in with preconceived ideas, and that’s when we say, ‘Okay, that’s cool, let’s talk about all the medications that are out there, but let’s also talk about lifestyle.’ There are so many ways to assist,” says Brenda.

“We want to be able to talk about all the options – bariatric surgery, exercise, meal supplements, healthy eating,” adds Julia. “It’s important to be well informed.”

People can self-refer to the clinic whether patients of the practice or not. A thorough questionnaire followed by an appointment then helps to establish an action plan.

What’s essential to recognise, says Julia, is that “obesity is a long-term, complex, chronic condition that’s relapsing”. Ultimately, this sits at the very core of the clinic’s value: because the battle’s not won when the weight is lost, establishing a lifelong shift in mindset is critical. The ability Brenda and Julie have to provide ongoing support as they watch their clients recover their health, improve their self-image and gain confidence is exactly why this clinic was set up.

Dr Sam Mahesh (left) and Dr Kiran Singh.

Contributing to Fifth Ave Family Practice’s holistic approach to health and wellbeing is its Cosmetic Medicine Clinic, run by Dr Kiran Singh and Dr Sam Mahesh. Kiran established the clinic (which he runs alongside his GP work) eight years ago, and Sam joined him last year. Both are heavily invested in the ethical practice around appearance medicine, and we discuss how standards have become less stringent as aesthetic treatments have become more mainstream.

As Kiran points out, “You can potentially be in the hands of someone who has trained through a YouTube video and set up a clinic. Our core business is in medicine. We’re grounded in safe practice and good clinical judgement, as well as cosmetic outcomes.”

Treatments such as Botox are ever more easily accessible, but it’s still important that the practitioner you choose is highly skilled. Says Sam, “Because the substances worked with have become so normalised, people have forgotten how powerful they are.”

As well as their medical qualifications, Kiran holds a Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine from NZSCM, completed, as Kiran puts it “for service excellence, really, and ensuring you’re the best in what you do”. Sam is currently working towards the same diploma.

Sam’s mantra is “enhance, don’t alter”. Kiran asserts that for the very best results, restraint is key. “It’s our job not just to provide the treatment, but to ask, ‘Is this required and reasonable?’.”

Both Kiran and Sam love the symbiotic relationship between the science of medicine and the art of aesthetics. Says Sam, “When you look at the way mental wellbeing can be tied in with physical appearance, it explains why helping improve people’s confidence is a real privilege.” FIFTHAVENUE.CO.NZ

KEEP AN EYE ON IT

Hindsight may be 20/20, but you’d be better off having an accurate picture of your eye health sooner rather than later. Optometrist Mariam Baissy from Bay Eye Care explains why silent eye diseases often go unnoticed.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

As we age and our eyes change, serious conditions can develop long before we notice anything’s wrong. Helpfully, optometrist Mariam Baissy of Bay Eye Care is here to explain why some eye diseases can go unnoticed and how early detection and preventative measures can protect your vision.

UNO: Mariam, why do eye conditions such as these often go unnoticed until it’s too late? Mariam: Many eye conditions develop gradually and often without obvious symptoms. For example, glaucoma slowly damages the optic nerve, and macular degeneration affects central vision subtly at first. Because early changes are painless and vision loss can be gradual, people may not notice anything until the condition is advanced. If you have a family history, your risk is higher, making regular eye checks especially important, as they can detect these conditions early before noticeable vision loss occurs.

What exactly is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye. It’s called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it often develops slowly with no early symptoms. Peripheral vision is affected first, so many people don’t realise they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has occurred.

How does ageing increase our risk of conditions like this? As we age, the tissues and structures of the eye naturally change, which can increase susceptibility to disease. For glaucoma, the drainage system of the eye may become less efficient, raising eye pressure. In macular degeneration, cumulative damage to the light-sensitive cells in the macula – responsible for sharp, fine-detail vision – affects central vision. Genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking and high blood pressure also contribute, but ageing remains a major driver.

What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration? Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, so early signs can include blurry or distorted sight, difficulty reading or straight lines appearing wavy. Glaucoma can advance silently, whereas macular changes, especially central distortion, may stand out more to the person experiencing them.

How much do lifestyle choices really influence the risk of eye disease? Lifestyle habits do matter for eye health. Diets rich in leafy greens, colourful vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids support retinal health. Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for macular degeneration, and high blood pressure and obesity also increase risk. Even though genetics and age still play a major role, protecting eyes from UV light, staying active, and managing overall health can help slow vision- threatening changes.

What can be done for someone who’s diagnosed with glaucoma or macular degeneration? Early diagnosis is key. Glaucoma can be managed with prescription eye drops, laser treatment or surgery to reduce eye pressure and protect vision. For macular degeneration, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements and in some cases injections or laser therapy can slow progression. For those with a strong family history, genetic testing, such as that offered at Bay Eye Care, can help assess risk and guide monitoring. Although these conditions can’t always be fully reversed, treatment can preserve remaining vision and maintain quality of life.

BAYEYECARE.CO.NZ

NEW HORIZONS

Pip Crombie explores Te Awa Rise, Cambridge’s newest residential subdivision offering elevated living with connected greenways, native landscapes and effortless access to Waikato’s Golden Triangle.

Considering a move? I could be. I recently spent a morning strolling around one of Cambridge’s newest prime residential subdivisions, Te Awa Rise. Situated just minutes from the distinctive charm of the iconic Waikato town, it’s a carefully developed neighbourhood bringing elevated living to those ready to engage.

The unique early morning light the Waikato/Waipā District is known for hangs about the green open spaces, landscaped reserves, natural waterways and distant view to Mount Pirongia, providing exceptional appeal. Spending the morning with CEO of the Sanderson Group, Jared Boronian, and sales manager for the project, Anthony Merrington, afforded me a rare view into their passion for this slice of Godzone, the careful planning that has gone into the 54 lot development, and what it has to offer new residents of all walks of life, ages and stages.

Te Awa Rise sits at the intersection of Cambridge's rapid growth and the Waipā District Council’s ambitions for a more connected, less car-dependent town. The council has been explicit about sustainability in their development plans. New neighbourhoods must provide open spaces and connect new developments through a network of ‘green’ pedestrian and cycleways, while also preserving existing natural areas like river terraces and waterways. Te Awa Rise’s built-in cycle paths and walkways align well with the Waipā 2050 strategy’s vision.

The Sanderson Group worked closely with the council’s principal engineer, Tony Coutts, who was impressed with the developer’s communication, shared vision and commitment to achieving the 2050 regional goals. “Kudos to them for working so closely with us to progress and work to make this cost effective and timely. From the land-acquisition stage through to planning and providing road networks, and the bridge that spans the natural waterway – it’s been a fun and interesting project.”

Perhaps you’re already one of the many people in on the secret of what the Waipā District has on offer. The designated area the district encompasses is in the heart of the Waikato region, south and south-east of Hamilton city. It includes the key towns of Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Ōhaupō and Kihikihi. The fertile land, nurtured by the mighty Waikato River that flows through the region, supports a wide variety of agriculture and outdoor activity, and in recent times has attracted a veritable boom in residents.

The strong rural-urban mix of the Waipā District and a council working closely on developing the region with critical infrastructure is evident. Arterial roads, bridges, amenities, and a key focus on strengthening the Hamilton-Waipā corridor for better transport and economic outcomes, including a 9.8 million-dollar extension at Hamilton Airport, means this area is not only a beautiful location to live in, but also provides streamlined transport systems within the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga).

Just minutes from the delightful town of Cambridge and seamlessly connected to the wider Waikato, Te Awa Rise is a north-facing community offering elevated views across treetops and native bush. The clever design of the Sanderson Group’s latest development address affords new residents an enviable lifestyle, as described by Jared. “The nearly 10-hectare development has been layered across two terraces. This adds incredible character to the ‘aspect’ of most of the properties on offer, the two elevations and the way the individual sections have been sized and arranged. It means they’re north-facing with east-west perspective, open and private. The four original homes add character, as does the historic pā site that will remain, various green spaces and top-notch landscaping.”

The lower level includes a reserve and natural waterway that’s home to a variety of native birds and will be accessible to residents. Significant attention has been paid to landscaping – whole areas planted in native plants already attracting native birds, feature specimen trees that when fully grown will create privacy. Paths are extra wide; envisage yourself (as I did), walking or biking them, doing your daily laps, or connecting to the adjacent neighbourhoods and Cambridge township itself.

“The bridge at the bottom of Te Awa Rise is the perfect example of the outcome of engaging with one of the most progressive councils we’ve worked with,” explains Jared. This pre-built bridge – that was ‘dropped in’ by crane to span the waterway – is now a critical link through the subdivision for both residents and others to connect on to the Te Awa River Ride Cycle Network, touted as 65km of one of the most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand.

Sarah Ulmer, trail manager at Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust says: “It’s so awesome to see Te Awa Rise and Waipā District Council teaming up to make it easier and safer for people to get around town without needing a car. A key walking and cycling link is now complete at Te Awa Rise, meaning you can get safely from Kaipaki all the way up to Cambridge Park.”

So, back to you and your new home – what can you look forward to? With a number of builds underway from the 11 design-and-build options on offer, you can see the calibre of the neighbourhood unfolding. Should you wish to engage your own architect and builder, you can, but with respect to the design guidelines in place. “Our own house and land packages offer architectural perspective – roomy contemporary houses (around 180m2 plus), four-bedroom or three plus an office or workspace, and double garaging,” says Anthony. “In order to protect the value of the buyer’s investment, independent designs need to be in keeping with the overall standard of the quality materials we’ve used.”

So, back to you and your new home – what can you look forward to? With a number of builds underway from the 11 design-and-build options on offer, you can see the calibre of the neighbourhood unfolding. Should you wish to engage your own architect and builder, you can, but with respect to the design guidelines in place. “Our own house and land packages offer architectural perspective – roomy contemporary houses (around 180m2 plus), four-bedroom or three plus an office or workspace, and double garaging,” says Anthony. “In order to protect the value of the buyer’s investment, independent designs need to be in keeping with the overall standard of the quality materials we’ve used.” for, take a moment to explore 6 Awarua Crescent, the three-bedroom option (220m2) with a detached, private flat, plus two-car garaging and a generous section size of 523m2. With a range of other sites available, up to 1,000m2, there really is an option for all. The lots themselves are well considered from an urban design perspective, with a focus on ‘liveable design’.

“We engaged a top-tier urban designer, who has produced a neighbourhood that’s so well connected by the interior roads and pathways to the adjoining arterial roads, landscaping and reserves,” Jared tells me. “Each of the lots is a regular shape, to make sure buyers don’t have wasted space, and do have privacy, light and aspect.”

There are also a number of four-bedroom townhouses being built. Each is designed to be as low maintenance as possible, so you'll spend more time enjoying your home and life. Dual entry provides privacy for shared living, as do the two outdoor living areas.

“Although six properties have already sold or are under contract, there’s still a good range of properties available,” adds Jared. “You just need to get in quick to secure one of the best remaining sites.”

If you’re wondering who you might be living next to, current sales suggest a cross-section of residents, from empty-nesters to young families looking for proximity to schools, as well as professionals enjoying the quick commute to Hamilton, the airport (15 minutes), Waikato Expressway (8 minutes) and Karāpiro (10 minutes). You might even see me.

TEAWARISE.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