Keeping Christmas alive

More than a Christmas shop, Angela Thomson’s magical Te Puke store

reflects her lifelong mission to create lasting joy for others.

WORDS Hayley Barnett | PHOTOS Alan Gibson

In the heart of Te Puke sits a little pocket of wonder, a tiny store in which every corner whispers nostalgia. Christmas Magic Makers is one woman’s mission to bring joy and magic back into people’s lives. Angela Thomson, a mother of nine, a grandmother and a woman who has poured every inch of her spirit (and savings) into keeping the magic alive, admits her love affair with Christmas is ingrained.

“My parents split when we were young,” she says. “But Mum always made sure Christmas was magical. We’d wake up to presents and stockings, and then go to be with my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. Everyone was there. We’d pick peas and corn from the garden for Christmas lunch. It was that perfect kind of chaos.”

That sense of magic became something Angela couldn’t let go of, and nor did she want to. With nine children and now five grandchildren of her own, she’s been recreating that spirit every year, passing it on through Christmas rituals.

“Most of the kids say, ‘That’s just Mum’s thing,’” she laughs. “Though one of my daughters has started doing her own version. It’s toned down now, but I can see her growing into it.”

But what many don’t see behind the tinsel is the personal cost. After a failed marriage, and dealing with the challenges of raising a son with severe cerebral palsy, Angela faced depression and health complications. Her rare blood vessel disease, coeliac disease and iron intolerance mean regular infusions that leave her depleted for days.

“Some infusions wipe me out for up to six days,” she says. “I’ll be stuck in bed, aching, puffy-eyed, unable to think straight.”

She opened the shop in 2017 and still runs it alone. “There’s no staff. Just me.”

Despite the physical toll, she presses on. Her second husband, Phil, and one of her older sons, Matthew, who lives on their property in a tiny home, step in to help care for Sam, her son with cerebral palsy.

“Sam can’t walk, talk or eat on his own,” she explains. “Matthew is amazing. He’s said he’ll care for Sam for life. When he walks into the room, Sam just lights up. Their bond is beautiful.”

In many ways, Christmas Magic Makers is Angela’s 10th child, something she nurtures. But times are hard. Last Christmas was her worst sales season yet, and this year she’s using her own retirement savings to keep the lights on. “It panicked me,” she admits. “I’ve got zero in the business account, but I love what I do. If I stopped, what would I be doing?”

She’s not interested in turning the store into a moneymaker. “It was never about money. It’s about making memories.” And she does that, not just through décor and retail, but through unexpected acts of kindness. Like the little boy who walked in last year and fell in love with a toy train. Angela gave it to him. “He was just so happy. It was sitting unused in the back anyway.”

Still, she’s trying to evolve the business to survive. She’s begun stocking general giftware, especially for kids, that can be bought for birthdays, not just Christmas. “I’m making Lucky Dip boxes now,” she says, referring to surprise boxes filled with small treasures. “Kids love them, and it doesn’t take much.”

But the reality of running a seasonal shop in a small town is tough. “Te Puke’s rent is high, and I can’t just move somewhere else. The whole shop is built into this space. If I had to pull it apart, I wouldn’t do it again.

“I know they say not to tell people you’re struggling, but I think people need to know. Once this place is gone, it’s gone. There’s nothing else like it.”

Her store might be filled with toys, but its foundation is built on grit. Angela started her working life in the Air Force, and later found herself raising children with special needs and battling serious health issues. It seems Angela has never chosen the easy path. During this time she even earned a PhD in law, a move she now admits was about trying to please her mother. “But that wasn’t me. I never even practised. I just wanted to make her proud.”

Now, finally, Angela is doing something just for herself. Christmas Magic Makers is her passion project and her gift to the community. Whether it survives past the next lease renewal (in August next year) depends largely on whether the community embraces it.

“People think, ‘Oh, it’s just a Christmas shop,’” she says. “But it’s more than that. It’s a place where kids make memories and where families can come together.”

As we wrap up, Angela’s eyes water. “I’ve spent my life doing what others expected. This shop is for me. I’m not ready to give it up.”

If you’re ever near Te Puke, step inside Christmas Magic Makers. You might walk out with a stocking filler, but more than that, you’ll carry a little piece of the magic Angela’s been creating her whole life.

CHRISTMASMAGICMAKERS.CO.NZ

Blooms with heart

Melissa Cox has opened her lush Pāpāmoa garden, to provide local brides with budget-friendly blooms that are all grown with love.

WORDS JO-MARIE BAKER | PHOTOS KATIE COX

Flowers add a glorious touch to weddings and other special occasions but can often set you back thousands of dollars.

That’s why avid gardener Melissa Cox is now offering an affordable alternative by launching a new business called Pāpāmoa Pick Your Own Flowers. Here you can help yourself to as many blooms and as much greenery as you can carry for just $100.

Dubbed ‘the little garden with a big heart’, Melissa wants to help those who cannot afford traditional florist services.

“I love florists but I remember how stressful it was to not only plan a wedding, but to pay for it. I’m filling a niche for people who don’t have the money in this economy but still want pretty flowers for their wedding, baby shower, birthday, tangi or corporate event.

“I firmly believe in community and helping each other out. I’m already growing flowers in my garden, so if you need them, take them.”

Melissa also goes the extra mile to make flower picking a special experience by playing relaxing music and serving cold drinks and biscuits. “People just need to bring their own buckets. I’ll provide scissors and garden gloves,” she smiles.

Only two bookings per week are available between October and April, to ensure there’s enough flowers to go around. Brides-to-be can bring up to three helpers with them, and have a maxiumum of one hour to pick whatever they like from Melissa’s home garden.

“My favourite are lilies because they’re just like starbursts of happiness. Calla lilies were my wedding flower, and royal lilies are incredibly fragrant. I really love ferns too, so I have several kinds growing here. I love everything that looks whimsical.”

The scent of lavender greets everyone who visits this standard residential-sized garden. But in spring and summer it’s bursting with dahlias, hydrangeas, carpet and long-stemmed roses, gerberas, gladioli, statice (sea lavender), African daisies, flowering herbs and every shade of green foliage imaginable. “I have lots of random wildflowers everywhere too. I never know where they’re going to pop up!”

People are welcome to visit in autumn and winter also, where for a discounted price of $75, they can pick any greenery they like along with long-stem lavender, African daisies, pink camellias and flowering jade.

While most people are happy to assemble their own bouquets, vases or table arrangements at home, Melissa can whip up a bridal bouquet for $50 or a bridesmaid bouquet for $25 if floral arranging isn’t your forte.

“My mum was an interior decorator and a dried flower arranger who ran her own gift shop. On the side she also did fresh flower bouquets to order, so she taught me how to do a good job of arranging a bouquet.”

Melissa can also source affordable supplementary blooms or specific colours that people might require from other local growers. “There is a wonderful dahlia grower in Tauriko who I partner with. For $25 I can have a bunch of high-end dahlias waiting here for you in whatever size or colour you want, depending on the season.”

Melissa developed her garden from scratch during Covid lockdowns after buying her Pāpāmoa home in 2020.

“I garden for therapy. It’s proven to be good for you. Serotonin, your happy hormone, increases when you’re in the sun, in the dirt, and connecting with nature.”

Melissa’s secret is to water regularly and feed the garden heavily with fertiliser. She never uses pesticides, instead spraying plants with neem oil and apple cider vinegar to keep bugs and diseases at bay.

“Unless it’s a drought, things will flower. Because when you cut them back, they want to flower more. I grow a lot from seed and from cuttings from friends. I’m installing new flower beds at the moment because of the interest in this business. I’m planning to put in more hydrangea -really cute little ones that are white. And more wildflowers because they reseed themselves.”

Melissa’s goal isn’t to make money from her new business. “The only reason I charge is to help pay for my fertiliser. I hope this garden can help a lot of people.”

PAPAMOA.FLOWERS

A legend lives on

Sir Gordon Tietjens is busy creating a new legacy off the field.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS ALAN GIBSON

“I built my teams based on traditional values, honesty, respect, humility... all the qualities you need in an individual. Then you had to create the culture. You want to pick players that are prepared to roll their sleeves up and work hard. Because that’s the Sevens game.”

While Sir Gordon Tietjens is clearly discussing the attributes needed in an elite sportsperson, there’s a direct alignment with the qualities needed to build a solid business. After an exceptional career spanning 22 years of coaching the All Black Sevens team (while simultaneously working at Bay Engineering Supplies), Sir Gordon left a legacy in this field that most New Zealanders would agree has been unparalleled. He has, however, more recently found his niche in another sports related arena. In 2019 he was approached to become brand ambassador for Legend Sportswear; he jumped at the challenge of this new opportunity but quickly realised that it was something to which he could add not just gravitas, but also his expertise. As with everything he does, rather than being a figure head, this is a ‘boots and all’ role.

Player from Rotorua Primary School wearing Legend Sportswear.

The Legend Sportswear brand had only recently established itself in apparel when Sir Gordon came on board. It had already been successfully operating in garment manufacture since 2004 from its dedicated factory in Shanghai. When Mandy Qi and Looi Tan, the Australian owners, decided to move into sportswear, they first targeted the Pacific market, quickly making firm inroads into the sports circles of Australia and Fiji, securing the apparel supply for the Newcastle Jets in Australia and the Fiji rugby league team to go to the World Cup. Coming on as brand ambassador, Sir Gordon straight away immersed himself in the role — representing, speaking and promoting the brand. However, it wasn’t long before he saw that here was a gap in the New Zealand market, and one that Legend Sportswear could fill.

Australian owners of Legend Sportswear Mandy Qi & Looi Tan.

“I saw a real opportunity to build and grow our brand,” says Sir Gordon. “Two of us started up, my current office manager Amelia Tagica and myself, and straight away we contracted three sports clubs in the Bay of Plenty. It’s just grown from there. We’ve now got an office here, three graphic designers and three administrators.”

Initially concentrating on sportswear, Legend is now the choice for adults and children across multiple sports disciplines, plus school sports and even school uniforms.

For a person with a public persona, becoming the name - and face - of a brand is layered. Of course, the exposure is there from the offset, however, there is a definite responsibility to the public that the product lives up to the endorsement. There is no question in Sir Gordon’s mind that Legend Sportswear is more than worthy of having his name behind it. He knows that Legend’s core values align with his own - trustworthy, affordable, high-quality and exceptional customer service.

“I see more than anything that you need to build relationships, and within that relationship you build trust. That to me is the real key,” he explains. “That’s what it’s all about. If you want to build the brand you build it around being professional and being right up there and competing with the best... Being a new brand we’ve got to prove ourselves. That’s what we’ve been doing, and we’ve seen the growth.”

The quality is, of course, important. Without doubt there are aspects to the construction process that Sir Gordon is very proud - sublimation (a technique where design is transferred onto the fabric) being one. Another is their ability to be flexible and make changes to the stock design, plus a high level of sustainability; something the company stands behind.

Of huge importance too is the process itself. “One of the real benefits is that we provide the opportunity for our customers to come in and sit with our graphics team to do their own designs... You might spend a couple of hours, but your designs are approved and set and away you go.”

Add to this the efficient rollout: “A big positive for us is the delivery. Our times are really good,” he adds. “We’re looking at four weeks, sometimes three, from the confirmation of the artwork being approved and the order being placed.”

I wonder how Sir Gordon’s background and expertise plays into the whole process. “I suppose because I’ve been immersed in sport, coaching the All Black Sevens for 22 years, and I’ve been involved in the different apparel companies. I know the expectations of what an athlete wants and what’s good and what’s not. And I’m putting my name next to a product that excites an athlete, that they really want to wear and

that’s good quality.”

As a home-grown Bay of Plenty native, Sir Gordon holds his authenticity and the value of personal service dear, which is why when the product arrives, it’s in a van being delivered by Sir Gordon himself.

LEGENDSPORTSWEAR.CO.NZ

Two paths, one purpose

How one Tauranga school is helping students thrive in their own way.

PHOTO ALAN GIBSON

ACG students Carl Huppmann and Ruby Jones.

There’s a saying that excellence doesn’t come in one shape. At ACG Tauranga, it’s nurtured in many forms. Just ask Ruby Jones and Carl Huppmann. From early mornings in the pool to international academic accolades, the two senior students have carved very different paths, and yet, their journeys are rooted in the same thing: a fiercely supportive school environment.

For Ruby, sport was always in the picture, having been a competitive swimmer since childhood. But it was ACG that introduced her to the team side of things.

“I wasn’t into netball at all before coming here,” she admits. “But we were such a small school back then, they needed more players. I gave it a go and ended up loving it.”

Today, she juggles netball, volleyball and art, along with her school work, and leads by example.

“Leadership for me is about including everyone. Making sure people feel seen, like they belong.”

Whether it’s younger students running up to say hello or teammates bonding during games, her influence is felt widely. But she’s also candid about her journey not always being smooth.

“I’ve never been an overachiever,” she says. “When I started here, I struggled, especially with the academics. I had to learn how to manage my time, ask for help and actually study.”

She speaks openly about the pressure of juggling schoolwork, training and her creative passions. “I put a lot of time into art. It’s something I’m really proud of.”

Carl’s story is slightly different. A self-proclaimed non- athlete when he first moved from Germany, he found his stride at ACG through the freedom to explore.

“I wasn’t into sport until I came here, but we had PE all the time, and I just gave things a try. One day I walked into the sports office and asked if I could join the hockey team and that was how I got started.”

Since then, Carl’s achievements have soared, topping the world in IGCSE PE and mentoring students through coaching and leadership roles. But he’s quick to credit the culture around him.

“Here, every teacher knows your name. They know how to help you grow.”

That close-knit feel is something both students agree on. Teachers are accessible and students are encouraged to take risks, whether in sport, the arts or academics. “It’s a school that doesn’t box you in,” says Ruby. “They support your passions, whatever they are.”

And for students just starting their ACG journey? “Don’t stress the small stuff,” Ruby says with a smile. “You’re here to learn, and everyone’s got your back.” Carl agrees: “Take every opportunity, because in a place like this, they’re everywhere.”

TAURANGA.ACGEDU.COM

Future served

Young Kiwis are flipping expectations while quietly growing into tomorrow’s leaders.

Jaun Odendaal

Walk into any McDonald’s across the country and you’ll find something remarkable happening behind the counter. Teenagers and young adults are managing teams, solving problems on the fly, training others, and picking up life skills they’ll carry long after they leave.

As one of Aotearoa’s largest youth employers, McDonald’s employs more than 10,000 people across the country, with around 70 percent of them being under 25. While it’s often seen as just a stepping stone, what’s becoming increasingly clear is that Macca’s can be the launchpad for something much bigger.

Seventeen-year-old Hamish Lawes, from McDonald’s Fenton Street Rotorua, is proof of just how far a young person can go when given the tools and encouragement to grow. Having joined the crew a year ago, the John Paul College student and avid musical performer, was drawn to the flexibility Macca’s offered.

“I liked the hours and the team,” he explains. “When I started, I thought I’d come and get the job done, but the more I learned, the more I realised how much opportunity there actually is.”

He’s now assistant shift manager, preparing to take on the shift manager role, and will soon be attending McDonald’s Advancing Your Leadership course.

“I love that no two days are the same,” he adds. “Teaching others different stations keeps things fresh, and the problem-solving skills I’ve gained are things I’ll use forever.”

Hamish Lawes.

Down in Taupō, Jaun Odendaal has had a similar experience. At 23, he’s been at McDonald’s for four years.

“I started while I was still in school, just to make some money,” he says. “I enjoyed the job so much I decided to stay and work up the ranks.”

Now a crew trainer with a hand in kitchen operations and maintenance, Jaun is aiming for a management role.

“It’s not just about flipping burgers,” he says. “For me, being a crew trainer is about understanding people. I like figuring out how they learn and adapting the way I train.” Looking ahead, Jaun adds, “I want to be the best manager I can be for my crew.”

There’s still a tendency to underestimate jobs like these. But, in many ways, what young people learn at Macca’s, including valuable skills like communication, time management and teamwork under pressure, are the same skills that carry them forward in life, no matter what they choose to do.

For Hamish, Jaun and many others, it’s not just a job. It’s where they learned to back themselves.

MCDONALDS.CO.NZ/LEARN/CAREERS

Unstoppable Women

The BWN Speaker Series 2025 lit up Tauranga with some big names, bold stories and infectious energy.

WORDS CARRIE BROWN

Robyn Malcolm.

When actor Robyn Malcolm, global thought leader Cassie Roma, broadcaster Toni Street and fashion designer Kiri Nathan are all on one stage you know something special is about to happen.

This year’s Business Women’s Network (BWN) Speaker Series brought together an extraordinary lineup of inspiring women, each sharing stories of resilience, leadership, creativity and confidence. Held at Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga, the 2025 event was the largest and most dynamic BWN event to date, drawing 450 attendees for a day of insight, empowerment and connection.

Toni Street.

Toni Street opened the programme with a raw and heartfelt talk on navigating personal hardship, and how sharing your story can foster deep human connection. Kiri Nathan followed with her journey of cultural identity and purpose, offering a moving reflection on what it means to lead with authenticity.

Then came the laughs. Robyn Malcolm delivered a sharp, witty and candid talk that had the audience in stitches while also reflecting deeply on the power of living truthfully at every stage of life. Rounding out the speaker sessions, Cassie Roma brought electric energy to the stage with her call for women to lead with kindness and back themselves unapologetically.

Kiri Nathan.

The event theme ‘Unstoppable: Owning Your Story’ pulsed through every talk. Throughout the day, MCs Jase Reeves and Sam Wallace from Coast FM’s Morning Show kept the energy high and the atmosphere light, weaving fun and warmth through the entire experience.

Guests were welcomed with drinks and canapés before exploring the upstairs Connect and Nourish Hub, where a fresh, vibrant lunch was served alongside sponsor activations and tastings from local vendors.

Downstairs in the Style and Sip Lounge, the focus was on fashion, flair and indulgence.

Guests browsed Kiri Nathan’s garments and pounamu designs, enjoyed makeup touch-ups, sipped coffee and wine, and soaked up the relaxed, elegant atmosphere.

This year’s Speaker Series was more than just an event - it was a celebration of women showing up, owning their stories and lifting each other up.

Cassie Roma.

Tauranga Business Chamber offers a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who made it all possible: principal partners Cooney Lees Morgan and Craigs Investment Partners, alongside partners Coast FM, KingSt Design, Hatch Consulting, Kale Print, Port of Tauranga, Rentlink Property Management, Toi Ohomai and Westpac. And to the hundreds of women who attended: thank you for being part of it.

The Business Women’s Network is a part of the Tauranga Business Chamber.

TAURANGA.ORG.NZ

Grounded and growing

Five years on, BCH Law continues to deliver trusted, down-to-earth legal support with a team clients know and rely on.

WORDS JO-MARIE BAKER | PHOTOS QUINN O’CONNELL

From left to right: Jude Spicer, Holly Hawkins, Tom Castle, Nikki Burley and Brittany Ivil.

Walking into a lawyer’s office can often feel daunting. But for many who step out of Burley Castle Hawkins Law in Tauranga or Te Puke, there’s a noticeable sense of relief.

The team at BCH Law are known not just for their legal expertise, but for their calm, grounded approach to often complex and stressful situations. With decades of experience between them, they’ve built a reputation for solving tricky legal problems without losing sight of the human side.

“We are grounded, normal people who live grounded, normal lives,” explains director Nikki Burley. “We want our clients to know everything is under control and they’ve got someone on their side.”

Nikki is one of the most highly-respected and longest- serving lawyers in the Bay, and has been involved in several partnership arrangements during her 35-year career. But her dream was to own a firm that was bigger than just the name on the door.

“I wanted to run a law practice that wasn’t about any one person – a firm that had a good reputation and solid systems in place so every team member can provide excellent service to clients whenever they need help.”

Senior lawyers Tom Castle and Holly Hawkins shared that vision, and went into partnership with Nikki in 2020, followed by senior lawyer Jude Spicer in 2024. BCH is now celebrating its fifth anniversary, and while five years have zipped by, the firm has many decades of legal experience to draw on.

Several of BCH’s 34 staff members have worked together for over 25 years. The firm’s outstanding team of lawyers, legal executives, and support staff, handle business, family, property, trust and estate law along with litigation and mediation. “Our assurance to clients is ‘life is a journey – with you all the way.’ Whether you’re a first home buyer, a property developer, or someone who is in the midst of a complicated employment dispute or messy relationship breakdown, we’re here to support you.”

The four directors, whose ages span four different decades, each specialise in different areas of law and have a close working relationship. They are ably supported by senior associate Brittany Ivil and practice manager Deborah Palmer. “It’s wonderful having such diverse ages and opinions, and collective shared responsibility,” Nikki says. “I feel very lucky to work alongside such wonderful people and to see them grow wise and flourish in their own legal careers.”

While most staff are based in BCH’s Tauranga office in Monmouth Street, the firm also has a Te Puke office in Jellicoe Street. In 2018 Nikki's former partnership bought long-standing Te Puke law firm Manning Gibbs Brown, which now trades under BCH. “We are Te Puke’s only full service law firm and cater for everyone from elderly clients wanting to update a will, to clients needing to be represented in court matters, to multi-million dollar kiwifruit and farming operations,” she says.

“The thing I love most is that every single day is different. Every person and problem is different. You can learn so much from your clients and your staff. Law makes you think objectively and ethically, and many of my

clients have become good friends.”

BCH’s five-year milestone is also an opportunity for Nikki and her colleagues to reflect on where the firm is heading next.

Fellow director Holly Hawkins says stability and longevity are shared goals, and the firm is proud to offer such a wide and diverse range of legal services. “What I love is that we don’t pigeonhole ourselves. Every file is so different.”

It’s also significant that the majority of BCH’s leadership team is female. “There are lots of excellent female lawyers, but not many make partnership. We’ve got three female directors and we genuinely care about our staff and our clients. We provide a lot more flexibility than other law firms do.”

Community connections are also a priority at BCH, with all four directors actively involved in school boards, trusts, sports coaching and many other good causes. Nikki also holds a voluntary position with the NZ Law Society.

While she isn’t retiring anytime soon, BCH will be in good hands when the time is right for Nikki to step back from directorship. “She is well-respected and such a hard worker,” Holly reflects. “She set out to create a firm that serves clients well, where great staff can flourish.” She’s definitely succeeded in that, and we are all proud of the firm BCH has become.”

BCHLAW.CO.NZ

A different kind of calling

A teacher, a doctor, a pilot, a movie star... Becoming a funeral director probably isn’t on many childhood wish lists. But for funeral director, Fergus Keith, it’s his most rewarding job yet.

photo MARK FRUISH @ MATCHING BLACK

With a calm presence and a passion for helping others navigate grief, Fergus Keith shares his insights into the surprising realities of his role, what makes the work so meaningful, and why it’s time we all started talking more openly about death – and life while we’re at it.

UNO: What did you want to be when you grew up?

Fergus: Honestly, a funeral director wasn’t on my radar. Like most people, I didn’t leave school thinking, ‘I’m going to work in the death care industry’. It’s a vocation that found me later in life.

Tell us a little about your work history prior to Legacy Funerals?

Before coming to Legacy Funerals, I spent time working as an ambulance officer and a church pastor, and I’m also a volunteer firefighter. Those roles have given me a deep understanding of how to relate to a wide range of people, especially during crisis and grief. My own personal experiences with loss as a teenager also helped me become more comfortable in that space.

What does a typical day look like for you?

We’re not just dealing with the deceased – we’re working closely with the living. There is a lot of variety within the role, from behind-the-scenes work planning funerals, organising logistics and working with celebrants, to supporting grieving families. It's a careful balance between organisation and event planning, and ceremony, ritual and empathy.

What surprises people most about your job?

It’s not all sad and sombre. There are lighter moments and laughter with families as we work alongside them to keep the stories of their loved ones alive. Funerals are about more than saying goodbye, they are a vital part of the healing process – not because someone has died, but because they have lived. And they’re not just for the front row of mourners. Friends, colleagues and community members also need that moment to reflect and grieve.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

It’s deeply fulfilling to know that by taking the time to craft the funeral experience just right, it helps people grieve well. Helping families feel supported at their darkest moments is a privilege that feels more like a vocation of service rather than a job. Also, Legacy Funerals is owned by a charitable trust, so profits go back into our community.Being part of something bigger adds another layer of meaning to what we do.

Do you have any advice for those considering a career in this field?

In my role I am a guide, a storyteller and above all a listener. There is a certain level of maturity and life experience needed for the job. There is also on-call work – sometimes you're answering the phone at 2am when someone’s world has just fallen apart. But being that trusted person in those moments is incredibly humbling.

Any final thoughts?

As New Zealanders, we often rush grief and avoid talking about the inevitable. I encourage people to talk more openly about death, plan ahead and think about what their family will need when their time comes. At Legacy, we help people pre-plan funerals, not just to make things easier logistically, but to ensure the final farewell is a meaningful experience that enables their loved ones left behind to grieve and heal. After all, funerals aren’t just about death, they’re about taking the time to celebrate and honour life.

LEGACYFUNERALS.CO.NZ

Kind, firm, calm

Could the secret to great parenting be KFC?

Ever find yourself second-guessing the decisions you make as a parent? Wondering if you're being too strict, too soft, too harsh, too lenient?

Good news – there is a simple balance that offers an easy-to-remember parenting posture. It combines warmth and affection, is held in place with gentle leadership, and is delivered calmly knowing that children thrive when the atmosphere is peaceful.

I like to call this KFC – kind, firm, calm. Keeping a balance of these three things is the key to parenting.

Be kind

When we’re communicating with our kids, our tone of voice really matters. We need to stay kind and pleasant. If we are mean, sarcastic or shouty, our children will feel like they need to defend themselves and the issue will get lost in a fight.

Listen to your children and offer them empathy and support. Convey warmth, interest and love so they feel seen and heard by you. A stern look or raised eyebrows can communicate our impatience and irritation. On the other hand, gazing lovingly at your children and showing you are pleased to see them offers a deep feeling of safety and being loved.

Be firm

Children need us to be firm, even though they will do their best to get us to fold. Work out what you’re prepared to stand by and stay the course. Children will be relentless if they find they can sway us, and our job will be much harder. A great motto is, “Say it, mean it, do it.” Remember that children feel safe, loved and protected when the big people set boundaries and stick to them.

Be calm

We need to be a constant source of calm in our families – as if we are set on a thermostat. The weather may change, but we don’t. When storms threaten, instead of losing our cool, yelling and reminding our kids about stuff they already know – we stay calm. Our confidence is conveyed by speaking quietly and bringing our voice down at the end of a sentence. Avoid fighting words that invite a challenge. For example, “There will be no biscuits until you have unpacked your school bag” works better with an invitation to cooperate instead.

“You may have a biscuit as soon as you have unpacked your school bag.” If you find yourself flooded with emotion, find a way to regain your composure. Press pause. Take some deep breaths and a few steps back. Make a cup of tea or go outside and reflect on what just happened.

When you keep your composure, your children look at you and see how it’s done. They see that the big person in their life is not thrown or overwhelmed by their behaviour and it helps them relax and begin their own process of self-regulating.

PARENTINGPLACE.NZ

Extracted from Kind, Firm, Calm – Simple strategies to transform your parenting, by Jenny Hale.

Mishaps and mayhem

Proud farm girl turned radio personality, Hayley Bath’s chaotic life is comedy gold.

Radio host Hayley Bath isn’t just the voice keeping you company from 9 to 3 on The Hits – she’s also the kind of woman who accidentally eats her pet sheep, marries a man after 12 weeks and loses her last baby tooth at 32. (Yes, really.) Here Hayley shares 10 delightfully unfiltered facts about couchsurfing with criminals, misbooking Mandarin bus tours, and raising a son who thinks Santa’s reindeer crashed into their lounge. Warning: you will snort-laugh reading this.

1. I accidentally ate my prize-winning pet sheep.
I’m a country girl who grew up just outside of Pukekohe on a lifestyle block, where we had cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, and even a horse at one point. I earned pocket money by rearing calves and quickly learned that naming a cute piglet ‘Bacon’ helped when the circle of life inevitably came around and it was time to stock the freezer. I always knew that my ribbon-winning sheep, Harry, would eventually be turned into lamb chops but when the time came, I absolutely refused to eat him. Lamb? Fine. Harry? Absolutely not. About a year later, I was reassured over dinner that Harry was long gone from the freezer, so I tucked into a lamb chop without a second thought. Fast forward three years to a heated argument with my sister, when she suddenly screamed: “YOU DID EAT HARRY’S LAST CHOP AND THE WHOLE FAMILY KNEW!”

2. I once had dinner with a drug smuggler and spent the night on the couch of a (ahem, cough) ‘woman of the night’.
My sister and I couchsurfed our way around the world, staying on strangers’ sofas and encountering all sorts of characters, some more colourful than others, as mentioned above. We went to 14 different countries in 90 days, travelling as cheaply as possible, which naturally led us to a few hairy situations. My poor mum was worried sick for us. For that reason we didn’t tell her when we got into a stranger’s van in Cambodia, got driven around the middle of nowhere and then had to give him cash to be let out of the van. Some things are best left unsaid.

3. I accidentally went on a four-daylong, full mandarin-speaking guided bus tour in the US.
In the aforementioned trip, my sister insisted I pull my weight and organise something on the trip for a change. I chose a Grand Canyon bus tour but I left it until the night before to book it. We only found out why it was so cheap the next morning when the bus took off and the tour guide started speaking mandarin – for the entire time – for four long days. By then we were stuck on it. To this day I have no idea of any of the history or even what state we were in.

4. My hubby and I decided to get married just 12 weeks after meeting.
When you know, you know, and I’m still unashamedly smitten with the gorgeous man. It was a whirlwind engagement that left a few people shocked, and more than a few assuming I must be pregnant (I wasn’t). So we decided to lean into the whole “shotgun wedding” narrative. Our ‘save the date’ invites featured me dressed as a pregnant hillbilly, with my wonderfully kooky dad posing behind Chris and me with a shotgun, implying an enforced marriage. We tied the knot just four months later. And now, 10 years on, I can happily say we’re still going strong – and still laughing.

5. I lost my last baby tooth at the age of 32.
I know. Odd, right? Turns out there was never an adult tooth underneath it, so it just stayed put. Eventually, it had to be removed by a periodontist. Having waited nearly 32 years for the tooth fairy to show up, I figured this tooth must have gained some interest on the original two-dollar coin I never received. Surely, by now, it was worth at least a five-dollar note. So, with great hope, I placed my final baby tooth on the windowsill. The stingy tooth fairy, however, left me just one miserable chocolate peanut. A far cry from reimbursing me for the rather expensive dental implant that followed.

6. One of my most prized possessions is a taxidermy stag head hunted by my greatgrandfather in the 1940’s.
I’ve named him Lenny, after my great-grandfather Leonard. He hangs on the wall in our lounge. When my son was three years old, he developed a habit of swearing, completely unaware of what “naughty words” actually were. One day, I overheard him in the lounge, delightfully chatting to the stag and calling it a “f**king reindeer”. I think he believed it was one of Santa's reindeer that had accidentally crashed through the wall and become stuck while trying to land on our roof at Christmas. Now, every December, Lenny gets a red nose.

7. I’m a giant.
Okay, technically I’m only 5 foot 10, but I feel like a giant. I shot up before all the boys at school, which is a crushing blow to any 12-year-old’s self-esteem. At my year eight formal, I finally plucked up the courage to dance with my crush, who, unfortunately, was eye level with my chest. In hindsight, he probably wasn’t too bothered, except that my body seemed to use all its energy growing upwards, leaving other, err, developments for much, much later.

8. I am a grateful recipient of the lifesaving service that is Life Flight.
While I wouldn’t necessarily call this a fun fact, I was flown on a Life Flight Air Ambulance while pregnant with my twins. At the time, there were very few NICU beds available across the country, which placed me in a dangerously overdue situation and threatened the life of one twin in the womb. I was transferred on an emergency flight from Wellington Hospital to Palmerston North Hospital – one of the few places with available NICU beds. I’m now fortunate to have two healthy twin boys, along with their older sister. I’m incredibly thankful for the amazing team at Life Flight and the outstanding medical staff here in New Zealand.

9. I spent a whole heap of money on a largely unused degree.
In high school, I wanted to study radio, but decided it might be too risky career-wise. So instead, I opted to study acting at New Zealand’s leading drama school, Toi Whakaari (I’m not quite sure why I thought that was the safer option). Fast forward three years, and I realised that my favourite part of the intense, and very expensive, degree was actually the small bit of radio voicing I did for a handful of radio plays. So, I then went on to study radio after all. An expensive reminder to always trust your gut!

10. I’m secretly an old soul – a 90-year-old trapped in a 34-year-old’s body.
If I weren’t married, my dating profile would probably read: “Loves reading,

gardening and staying in on a Friday night. Always up for discussing self-pollinating

trees.” Thankfully, I’m not single, because, as my husband once put it, “I’m not sure we would have matched if we’d met on Tinder.” Ouch.

Catch Hayley on The Hits 95FM weekdays from 9am to 3pm.

Cracking the first home code

Buying your first home doesn’t have to be confusing. Brooke Reynolds from Rapson Loans and Finance says there are more loan options available than most people realise. With the right advice, you can find a solution that fits your budget, deposit size, and property goals.

If you're a first-home buyer, you might be surprised by how many loan options are actually available to you. It’s not just one-size-fits-all.

Here are three main types of loans to consider, along with how each one works:

1. First Home Loan (via Kāinga Ora)

Some banks offer First Home Loans in partnership with Kāinga Ora. The bank handles the initial assessment using its own lending policies, and then Kāinga Ora gives final approval for both the loan and the property you're looking to buy.

It’s important to note that just because Kāinga Ora gives the green light doesn’t mean the terms, such as how much you can borrow or the interest rate, will be the same across all banks. These can vary depending on the lender.

The minimum deposit is five percent, and the deposit can come from personal savings, a gift, or proceeds from selling an asset. Not that you’ll need to meet Kāinga Ora’s eligibility criteria, which can be found at kaingaora.govt.nz

2. 10% Deposit Home Loans

These are widely available through all major banks. While banks may pause pre-approvals based on application volumes, you can still proceed by making an offer on a property. Once your offer is accepted, the application becomes a live deal and can be assessed. Some lenders still offer pre-approvals for auction purchases. The minimum deposit is 10 percent, and at least five percent must be from genuine savings (e.g. KiwiSaver, cash savings, investment funds, or sale of an asset).

The remaining five percent can come from a gift or a deed of debt from family. Bank rates vary between lenders, however the rate will be higher than a 20 percent deposit loan. Some banks may offer a $5,000 cash-back for first-home buyers.

3. 5% Deposit Loan (Non–Kāinga Ora)

There’s at least one bank offering five percent deposit loans for borrowers who don’t meet Kāinga Ora’s criteria. This loan requires genuine savings for the full five percent deposit. Pre-approvals are not offered, but live deals (including auction purchases) will be assessed. Availability is subject to bank capacity – some may pause new applications from customers not already with the bank.

Important to note for all loan types

A professional property valuation is required for all three loan types. Make sure your offer includes enough time for both the assessment and valuation. These loans are not available on interest-only terms – you’ll need to make principal and interest repayments from the start. Navigating your first home loan can feel overwhelming, but a trusted mortgage adviser can guide you through the process. Ideally, choose one with access to all lenders, as borrowing limits and interest rates vary significantly between banks.

RAPSON.CO.NZ

Progressive positioning

Coombes Johnston welcomes customers into a new era.

words NICKY ADAMS | photos JAHL MARSHALL

As Coombes Johnston marks 30 years representing the BMW brand in Tauranga, the timing feels fitting for a major transformation. The dealership has just completed a major showroom upgrade, designed to modernise not just the look, but the experience of buying a vehicle. The result is a space that feels less like a traditional showroom and more like an extension of the brand’s identity.

The second location in New Zealand to have undergone the international ‘Retail.Next’ initiative, the new showroom is overarchingly aspirational while reflecting the brand’s emphasis on customer centricity. “We have always had outstanding customer service,” says manager Kevin Pead. “We always had the DNA for that. Now we’ve lifted up the environment to match the level of service that we’ve been offering to our customers in the Bay of Plenty for 30 years.”

BMW has an undisputed reputation as a premium European luxury brand. The freshly renovated showroom, with its stylish interior and multi-functional spaces, is testament to this positioning. As I walk through the doors, the receptionist beams a sunny smile, radiating warmth on a wet winter’s day. Leading me to the inviting seated area, fresh coffee on the table, the feeling is less showroom and more lounge area. Glancing around I notice the stunning feature lights. These, Kevin explains, he initially thought may be overkill, but when they were installed, all was revealed. Without doubt purposeful, the pendants glisten over the seated area where they serve to create a cosy, intimate environment; meanwhile my eyes are drawn to the M wall where a feature white and red longline ceiling element is suspended over the latest highperformance luxury M3 model, the light showcasing the sleek contours of this beautiful vehicle.

The seating, while perfect for meetings, faces a screen which boasts the very latest in technology. The EVE – Emotional Virtual Experience – is an immersive experience that allows customers to digitally design and watch as their dream car comes to life. Even the more old-school customers are on board with this technology, as it helps to bring a real sense of confidence to decision making. “There are so many different makes and models we can’t stock all of them, so if someone wants to bespoke a car this allows them to see what the finished product would look like from the comfort of a lounge type environment.”

The brand concept behind the Retail.Next upgrade is, says Kevin, “to create a warm, embracing, relaxed atmosphere.” The days of the hard sell are long gone. Today’s experience of looking for a new car involves a more consultative approach. BMW considers itself a market leader in more than just its innovative car design and production. After all, Kevin points out, “BMW doesn’t follow, it sets the standard”. The ‘shop floor’ is obviously a part of this. From the moment someone arrives, “You want them to feel as though they want to buy a car; and whether it’s the latest and greatest or it’s an older model, the level of service is the same.” The split for new versus used vehicles is roughly fifty-fifty, but rule of thumb is that “used car buyers will one day become new car buyers.” I question why this is, and Kevin looks amused. “It’s a natural progression – it’s a great audition, isn’t it!”

Car enthusiasts will already be aware that BMW is considered the ultimate driving machine, and Kevin is excited about what’s coming, with product launches for 2025 set to defy expectations further – what’s on the horizon is “younger, fresher, more exciting; and our technology advances with each new model.”

We circle back to the fact that the customer journey is a key focus here at Coombes Johnston. This explains how, for two years running, BMW Tauranga were awarded Excellence in Customer Service nationally from BMW New Zealand. Kevin firmly believes that you have one shot at making a first impression. “The people that come have generally done their homework and are making a comparison. We are here to identify their needs and make sure they find the right vehicle.” Of course, he continues, “people want more from buying a car – they want, and deserve, a premium five-star experience.”

The service is wrapped up in so much more than excellent product knowledge. When dealing with uber high-tech models, to help bring a purchaser up to speed with the technology can often, Kevin says, involve up to five post-sale sessions. His customer handover includes happily giving his mobile number to each client as part of the aftercare. This is indicative of the way these relationships are cultivated and valued. The ability to form firm relationships is something, Kevin says, that is lost when people shop further afield. There is often a belief that if you go to a bigger city, you’ll get a better deal – not the case, Kevin assures me. “As soon as you’re out of the door, you’re just another number – here you will always be a valued customer.” And one which will be looked after as part of the Coombes Johnston family.

The team of 13 share the same passion – Kevin has been with BMW for 10 years, and Simon, the service manager is soon to celebrate 20 years with the company. Longevity relates not just to staff relations but also to customers, with, says Kevin, many of their customers holding longstanding relations. Indeed, when I speak to owner Richard Johnston, he tells me anecdotally that he has been selling to one customer since 1987, starting the relationship when he was a junior salesman. The new look of the premises, he believes, does justice to the BMW brand. “Over the years the showroom has evolved, but this is a massive change – a quantum leap to something truly spectacular for 2025.”

As for being a BMW ambassador, Richard is clearly as passionate as ever about the Group. “They strive for excellence, and they measure us on excellence. There is an understanding at all levels of our team that the execution is at a very high level. The design, innovation, BMW’s ability to pivot quickly – there’s a very strong focus on drivability and the passion and emotional experience that comes with being behind the wheel of one of these cars. That in itself, in my opinion, sets us apart – and as a small family run business it’s a real privilege to represent the brand.”

COOMBESJOHNSTONBMWTAURANGA.CO.NZ

Pacing the planet

The overnight success of fitness app The Conqueror’s Challenge took more than a decade to take off. Co-founder and Bay local Adam El-Agez explains how a treadmill, a paper map and a big idea became an $80 million fitness empire.

words KARL PUSCHMANN

One afternoon, Adam El-Agez’s ex-wife stepped off their treadmill, fetched a paper map of New Zealand, and pinned it to the wall in front of the machine. Then she got back on and kept running. When she finished, she checked her distance and marked it on the map, determined to “run” the length of Aotearoa without ever leaving the house. Intrigued, Adam joined in.

A former PE teacher, he loved the motivation the challenge gave him as he clocked up kilometres and made his way across the motu. But there was one part that constantly bugged him.

“We had a notebook and a calculator, and every time we went for a run on the treadmill, we’d put a line on the map. I found it clunky. I’m not good with pen and paper,” he laughs. “I was like, ‘There must be an app for this.’”

Surprisingly, there wasn’t. Adam searched online forums and discussion groups, but all he found were people like him, using pen and paper to track their running journeys. That’s when the Pāpāmoa entrepreneur realised his running app idea had legs.

“In my early 20’s I left teaching and went down an entrepreneurial pathway,” he says. Over two decades, he reckons he’s started around a dozen different companies, picking up skills in everything from online marketing to coding along the way.

“People call me a generalist. I’ve got no specialist skills, but a lot of knowledge and ability at a low level. I thought the app might be something I could build, so I just went off and built it.”

That app was The Conqueror Challenges, a fitness goal-setting app that’s now one of the world’s most downloaded exercise apps, generating a staggering $80 million per year. At its core, it’s a digital implementation of marking progress on a paper map.

“If I went for a 5km run, on the app I would advance down the length of New Zealand by 5km,” he explains.

While The Conqueror Challenges (TCC) stays true to Adam’s original, lo-fi concept, its popularity is because it makes fitness fun by gamifying exercise with a range of virtual challenges designed to keep you motivated. Sure, you could run the length of Aotearoa, but you could just as easily cycle the Inca Trail, or even follow Frodo’s The Lord of the Rings footsteps and walk from The Shire to Mordor. Along the way, users get virtual postcards packed with trivia, but the real prize is, funnily enough, a real prize. After crossing the finish line, you get sent a desirable physical medal to mark the accomplishment.

“The medals have become a bit collectible,” a chuffed Adam says. The app’s popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed either. In 2025, The Conqueror Challenges won Best Digital Interactive Product at the Licensing International Awards in Las Vegas for its Harry Potter Virtual Challenge series — beating out heavyweight finalists like Minecraft, Lego Duplo, Five Nights at Freddy’s and Roblox. “We’re just a relatively small, scrappy crew — no big machine behind us — yet somehow we’re out here doing global deals, delivering licensed products like clockwork, and getting high-fives for it. Honestly, it still blows my mind,” Adam says.

From the vantage point of 2025, it’s easy to assume TCC was an overnight success. That’s not the case. The journey began way back in 2012.

“It’s been a hell of a slog,” Adam admits. For years, he poured time and money into the app with little to show for it, aside from losses, frustration, and false starts. The traction he was convinced existed never seemed to arrive. But he didn’t quit.

“I was almost too deep in it,” he says. “You can’t sell a failed fitness app. You just turn the servers off and give up.”

A chance meeting online changed everything when Adam connected with a Romanian strategist named Raul Vintila. Raul wasn’t the first marketing expert Adam had brought in, but he was the f irst to truly understand Adam’s vision.

“He smashed it,” Adam smiles. Within a year, the app was out of the starting blocks. Adam was so impressed that he made Raul a co-founder, giving him half the company. Finally, the momentum Adam had believed in for so long had kicked in.

“The success happened super quick after a long, painful, hard, unsuccessful time,” Adam says. Despite the success, “literally the culmination of 20 years of business experience”, it hasn’t stopped him from dreaming up his next move. As an entrepreneur, he can’t help it. His restless drive is part of why he loves the Bay.

“I’m a very active person, and living here allows me to have that amazing quality of life, which helps, when you’re an ‘always-on’ entrepreneur,” he says, listing surfing, fishing, and mountain biking as some of his hobbies. Which lately, he’s had more time to engage with.

“Entrepreneurs don’t belong in mature businesses. I think they’re bad for it unless they bring a strong set of skills to the table. I don’t, so I stepped down as CEO. It’s been great! I’ve been doing heaps of hobbies, travel and spending time with family.”

After years of hardcore hustle, the break has been welcome. “I’ve enjoyed my time, but I know I need to move into something else.” Then, like a true entrepreneur, he grins and says, “I’m just not sure what that is yet.”

THECONQUEROR.EVENTS

Rebranding the Bay

What makes a place truly unforgettable? Is it the golden beaches, the rolling hills, or the vibrant urban buzz? For Our Tauranga Region, the answer is something deeper. It’s in the stories of the people who live and work there. Now, in a bold move to express the essence of Tauranga and the Western Bay, the team is turning to the community to help define the region’s next big identity.

words HAYLEY BARNETT

After years of watching Tauranga and the Western Bay grow in size and diversity, Our Tauranga Region has embarked on a journey to develop a new brand. In fact, it will be the first brand the region has ever adopted, and they want to make sure it’s one that genuinely reflects the spirit of those who call the Bay home.

“We’ve got this beautiful region, but the way we talk about it hasn’t caught up with who we are now,” explains Haydn Marriner, project lead at Our Tauranga Region. “We didn’t want to slap a logo on a postcard and call it a brand. It has to be a reflection of the people – our mana and values.”

Rather than relying solely on marketers or consultants, Our Tauranga Region is crowdsourcing the heart of the brand from its own community. They’re meeting with iwi, local businesses, artists, and residents to uncover what truly defines the region and its people. Nothing has been decided yet; even the term 'Our Tauranga Region' is a temporary white label identity that will be retired once the new place brand has been delivered.

“Branding is no longer a top-down process,” says Marriner. “It’s about co-creation. We’re not just building something for the community. We’re building it with them.”

One of the key principles guiding the project is authenticity. Our Tauranga Region is working closely with tangata whenua to ensure the brand is grounded in te ao Māori and the unique cultural fabric of the region. As Marriner puts it, “You can’t tell the story of this place without starting with the people who have been here the longest.”

While culture and heritage are central, the brand also aims to represent the region’s evolving identity and its entrepreneurial energy, creative spirit, and laid-back lifestyle.

The process has been anything but conventional. From community hui to online submissions, the brand development has become a dialogue, not a monologue. And it’s working.

“What’s been amazing is how much people care,” Marriner says. “There’s a sense of pride and ownership coming through in every conversation. Whether someone’s been here five minutes or five generations, they’ve got something to say about what makes this place special.”

The branding project is set to roll out over the next few months, with a visual identity and messaging platform expected later this year. But for Our Tauranga Region, the journey has already delivered its own reward, which is a stronger connection between the people and the place they call home.

“If we get this right, if we create something true to us, it'll resonate with locals, with visitors, with businesses – with everyone!” Marriner says. “Because it’s real.”

Have your say at: OURTAURANGAREGION.COM

From prison to purpose

Known for his fierce presence on the rugby field, and for a headline making fall from grace, former rugby league player Russell Packer is now stepping into a very different kind of spotlight. At this year’s He. Event in Tauranga, Russell will share his transformational journey.

words HAYLEY BARNETT

When former New Zealand Warriors prop Russell Packer walked out of prison in 2015, he carried more than just the weight of a criminal conviction. He carried a commitment to change.

After spending a year behind bars for assault following a drunken altercation in Sydney, during which he fractured a man’s eye socket, Russell emerged from incarceration determined to rebuild his life.

Originally sentenced to two years without parole, his term was reduced to one on appeal. That year away from his young family proved to be a turning point.

Upon his release, he returned to professional rugby league, gradually reintegrating into the sport. He was signed by several clubs and played until his retirement in 2021. Since then, Russell has earned an MBA with distinction and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Legal Studies.

But even with his mammoth list of achievements, Russell felt a deeper calling, to become a voice for men who, like him, had once masked their pain with aggression and silence. Now based in Tauranga, he’s preparing to speak at the second He. Event, a community-led initiative focused on men’s mental health andemotional wellbeing.

“I know what it’s like to carry anger like armour, to mask trauma with toughness,” Russell says. “If I can show even one man that seeking help isn’t weakness, it’s survival, then all the pain I went through means something.”

When He. Event organiser Cassandra Hogan approached him to speak, Russell saw it as a chance to give back, not by preaching, but by relating.

“Pretending you’re fine when you’re drowning nearly killed me,” he shares. “Speaking at He. is about cutting through the bullshit and showing men that trust and professional help aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. If one man hears me and decides to get help, that’s a win.”

Russell plans to speak candidly about the lessons prison taught him, the struggle to rebuild from rock bottom, and the emotional tools he now uses to navigate life’s challenges. His story, he says, is one of accountability, humility, and ultimately, healing.

“Prison stripped everything back. You either face yourself or you don’t survive it. I faced my worst, and found my real self on the other side.”

Today, Russell describes himself as being in the best place of his life, not because it’s perfect, but because he finally has the right tools to deal with imperfection.

“Therapy, honesty and letting go of shame are my foundations now,” he says.

Alongside his advocacy, Russell is now building purpose- driven businesses in tech, housing and community development, which, he says, are ventures that align with his new mission: to make an impact that lasts.

“My future plans are to make more impact and less noise,” he says. “I want to use my platform to show that redemption isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.”

For tickets to the He. Event, visit

HE-MENSMENTALHEALTH.NZ

Teens and screens: Finding the balance

Ellie Gwilliam from Parenting Place explains how parents can guide teens back to real-world connections when screen time dominates social interactions.

Technology offers us great ways to stay connected and maintain relationships. Our teens, amongst the first ‘born and bred’ digital natives, are experts at online connection − handy if we ‘older folk’ need tech support. But, how are their social skills playing out in real life?

Are our young people able to connect with others and build relationships in the offline world? Can they be social without the media? Will they ever actually talk to us again, instead of just sending a DM asking what’s for dinner?

If this concerns you, here are three things to consider as you encourage your teenager to put down their device and engage in some face-to-face interactions.

Try to remember what being a teenager is like.

The teenage years are defined by social awkwardness, feeling misunderstood and a desire to assert independence, all while still having to follow rules. So, it isn’t surprising that our teens can find interacting in-person difficult – especially when we insist on them doing so on our terms.

While you might think getting them to show off their ukelele skills at the staff Christmas party is a helpful way to face their social insecurities, it may just reinforce their beliefs that the online world is a much safer and more pleasant place to socialise. Instead, provide low-pressure opportunities for social interaction – perhaps with people familiar to them where they can choose to interact or just observe.

Ask for their suggestions and follow their lead.

The teenage brain thrives on connection with peers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t like connecting with parents. While a teenager’s friends are very important to them, research tells us that the parental relationship remains a strong influence. Our teens want us to show them that we find them interesting, likeable and worthy of our time. One of the best ways to do this is by connecting through their interests and pursuits. This may mean trying to understand online gaming or wading through obscure reels, but it could also mean giving them a lift to the gaming store or skate park, shopping for snacks or trying testers at the makeup shop – all opportunities to develop real-life social skills without them realising!

Model good social skills.

Teenagers are experts at tuning out lectures. While our words may not matter much, teenagers always watch and learn from our actions. So, if we want our teens to get off their devices and use their real-life social skills, we must do the same.

Managing our own device use and getting out and about ourselves can give our teenagers the confidence to do so as well. Be a role model of good conversation and asking good questions. Show them how to treat others with respect and empathy. And even if you’re not that assertive in social situations, make the effort to go outside of your comfort zone and flex all the social muscles you have – after all, that’s what we’re asking our teenagers to do!

PARENTINGPLACE.NZ

Leading from the front

A Tauranga law firm’s huge national win proves that even the smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.

words KARL PUSCHMANN

When Cecilia Burgess heard her name announced as the winner of the prestigious, ‘Law Firm Leader of the Year’ award at the NZ Law Awards last November, there was only one thought rushing through her mind; “Don‘t trip up the stairs.”

“I really didn’t expect to win,” the CEO of Tauranga law firm Cooney Lees Morgan says. “I was blown away. It’s very humbling to get an her, UNO is prepared to take a guess at what made her leadership stand out; her belief in the company’s core values.

It’s quickly apparent that her focus is on creating a supportive environment for her team, and the positive flow-on impact that has for Cooney Lees Morgan’s clients. One small example was a recent offer of free parking to the firm’s staff.

“We have a lot of people who are working mums or dads,” she says, noting that the school run is often a daily pain point for working parents.

“Taking away that stress was a really good thing. A tiny thing to do, but huge ramifications for our people.”

It’s a small showcase of her commitment to the firm’s values, particularly towards “whānau”, or family. Cecilia is also proud of the firm’s Rainbow Tick accreditation, which was a difficult, “soul-searching” process to complete, but important in showcasing their commitment to inclusivity.

“We spent a lot of time challenging ourselves and looking at our documents, asking ourselves, ‘Is this showing an unconscious bias?’,“ she reflects.

As well as values-based improvements, Cecilia has also been steering Cooney Lees Morgan through a significant internal transformation, streamlining and improving their systems and processes behind the scenes.

Although these changes may be unnoticed outside the company, together they contribute to an award-winning performance that has greatly benefited both the firm and its long-time clients, many of which have been loyal for decades.

“I don't think you get to achieve that in this day and age unless you are delivering something beyond the letter of the law,” she smiles. “It's about the whole experience.”

COONEYLEESMORGAN.CO.NZ

Master your mortgage

Brooke Rapson of Rapson Loans explores the many benefits of working with a mortgage adviser.

photo JAHL MARSHALL

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions a person can make. With the variety of banks and mortgage options available, navigating the process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.

A mortgage adviser plays a crucial role in simplifying this journey, offering expert advice and access to a wide range of mortgage products. Here are some key benefits of working with a mortgage adviser.

1. Access to a wider range of mortgage deals

One of the biggest advantages of using a mortgage adviser is the ability to apply to multiple banks and other financial institutions. This is something most people would never have time to do on their own. Unlike going to a bank directly, a good adviser knows all the banks and the products they offer and can target your application to the most suitable institutions. This means they can find deals that best suit your financial situation, potentially saving you thousands over the life of your loan.

2. Expert guidance and market knowledge

Mortgage advisers have extensive knowledge of the mortgage market, interest rates, and lending criteria. They stay updated with changes in regulations, policies, and economic conditions that can impact mortgage approvals. Their expertise helps borrowers understand complex terms and conditions, ensuring they make informed decisions that align with their financial goals.

3. Tailored advice based on your financial situation

Every borrower has unique financial circumstances, from income levels and credit history to employment type and debt obligations. Mortgage advisers assess these factors and recommend mortgage options that match individual needs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, self-employed, or looking to refinance, an adviser can find solutions tailored to your situation, increasing your chances of approval.

4. Time-saving and hassle-free process

Applying for a mortgage involves extensive paperwork, applications, and negotiations with lenders. A mortgage adviser streamlines this process by handling much of the administrative work, from gathering necessary documents to submitting applications on your behalf. This not only saves time but also reduces stress, allowing you to focus on other aspects of buying a home.

5. Support throughout the mortgage process

A mortgage adviser provides ongoing support beyond the initial mortgage application. They help with negotiations, liaise with solicitors and estate agents, and ensure a smooth transaction from start to finish. Even after securing a mortgage, they can advise on refinancing options or future financial planning. In conclusion, working with a mortgage adviser can save time, money, and stress while providing expert guidance tailored to your financial situation. Their access to exclusive deals, in-depth market knowledge, and ability to navigate complex processes make them an invaluable resource for homebuyers.

RAPSON.CO.NZ

Boosting business

A new company to the Bay is ready to help distressed businesses "turn things around".

photo QUINN O’CONNELL

Martin Macdonald is under no illusions about his methods.

“It's a prick of a process to go through,” he admits. “But then, when we’re done, the business is often saved, the people retain their jobs, and it's all going well. That's a fantastic feeling. There’s nothing better in life than doing this.”

Martin is CEO of Whiterock, a business advisory firm that specialises in helping medium and large-sized companies with annual turnovers in the millions navigate out of any tough financial waters they may have drifted into. In corporate lingo, they’re called a ‘distressed business’.

“But distressed businesses or turnarounds don’t necessarily mean failing or at death’s door,” Martin explains. “You can have a business that’s turning over $5 million a year but it’s not making any profit. That’s partially distressed as opposed to heavily distressed.”

Martin, who has over two decades of expertise in the field, likens it to a business losing steam. His job is to go in, identify the problems and come up with a plan to turn things around. Once called in, he’ll go through the business with a fine-toothed comb, talk to its people and also survey the outside world in which the company operates, all to get a thorough understanding of the bigger picture.

“I get a feel for all the different parts of the business and then I report back,” Martin says, before acknowledging that this initial meeting can sometimes be a little awkward.

“It’s a bit like a doctor telling somebody what they need to hear,” he says. “Often, it’s not what they want to hear. But it is what they need to hear.”

This process of stabilising or recovery and on to growth usually involves tough decisions, which are challenging to confront.

“I'm often dealing with the owners of a business. They’ve built it up from scratch and they're very passionate,” Martin says. “So I don't just go in, give turnaround advice and then leave.”

Instead, his approach is hands-on and sees him overseeing the implementation of the recovery plan over a three-to-six-month period. To do this he calls in a large network of specialist contracts, eg HR, health and safety, marketing, etc.

“It can take time,” he says. “But time is an interesting thing. Sometimes you don't have much time, and sometimes you do."

To that end, the best time for a business to get in touch is as it's approaching the cliff, rather than in the precious few seconds before falling off. For example, Whiterock is currently helping a company with a turnover of $220 million return to profitability.

“New Zealand is a country full of medium and large businesses,” Martin says. “And many need a hand. I'm ready to help.”

WHITEROCK ENTERPRISES LTD

Seeds of lasting change

A $20 million milestone proves the Acorn Foundation is igniting powerful change in the BOP, while building a legacy of hope and transformation.

words KARL PUSCHMANN

It’d be easy to say the Acorn Foundation has 20 million reasons to celebrate, but that would only be telling half the story. It’s actually the entire Western Bay of Plenty that has cause to celebrate the charitable foundation’s amazing success.

The community foundation, which was formed in 2003, has just passed the significant milestone of handing out $20 million in distributions to our community. What’s even more impressive is that in the next year or two that figure is projected to hit a whopping $25 million.

“This milestone reflects the collective effort of everyone who has been involved with Acorn over the years,” Lori Luke, the Acorn Foundation’s CEO, tells UNO.

“For many of our donors, they’re very modest, everyday folks. They’re not the uber-wealthy. For them to be able to contribute to something that has such a long-lasting impact on this community is really powerful.”

The Acorn Foundation’s community model is what sets it apart from other types of philanthropy in New Zealand.

While this model is new here, it’s well established overseas, especially in the US and Canada.

“The whole basis of it is that a lot of people participate and identify things that are important to them,” Lori explains. “We collect that money, invest it and distribute a portion of the investment returns each year to where our donors want it to go. The beauty of this model is that there's always money coming in and we build quite lovely relationships with our donors and get to understand what's important to them, to help them meet their giving goals.”

Donors can choose where to direct their funds, either supporting broader fields like arts, animal welfare, or youth development or they can get specific. One example Lori gives is the Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club, which receives around $50,000 a year thanks to one donor who named them as a recipient in her sizeable estate.

“It's been a game changer for them,” Lori smiles. “This particular donor, they’d never heard of her! She just happened to live up the road and liked watching the nippers practise.”

Ultimately, Acorn’s philosophy is about making a tangible difference in the community. As well as aiding and supporting various charities and services, they also provide scholarships and awards.

“It’s about human connection," Lori says. “For those who want to leave a lasting legacy, Acorn offers a powerful way to give back and is creating positive change that will benefit the region for years to come.”

ACORNFOUNDATION.ORG.NZ