History in the making
After a couple of false starts, Tauranga is finally getting its very own museum in 2028. But what will it show and why do we need one
After a couple of false starts, Tauranga is finally getting its very own museum in 2028. But what will it show and why do we need one?
words Karl Puschmann
photos Katie Cox + supplied
The grand opening of the new Tauranga Museum may still be four years away but director Greg McManus’ excitement has already well and truly arrived.
When UNO calls for a chat to catch up on how the project’s going he’s bubbling with enthusiasm and bursting with ideas for how he sees the museum benefitting and adding value to the community.
His energy towards the long-delayed project is infectious and leaves you wishing it was opening as soon as possible.
But alas, the museum doors won’t open until 2028. With construction on its prime inner-city site having recently started, it proves the adage ‘good things come to those who wait’. Greg is a 30 year veteran of museums around New Zealand, including stints as Director at Rotorua Museum and most recently as CEO of Waitangi Treaty Grounds where he oversaw the development of two new museums, and feels strongly about the importance of museums to communities
“I believe every community needs a museum,” he says. “Museums house our collective memory, they store and interpret the history of an area, not just for visitors from out of town or overseas, but also for ourselves. We need museums to help us better understand the stories of the place we live in, and also the stories of others who share the place with us. Museums encourage an understanding of diversity and the interwoven relationships we have as people living together in the same place and they play a huge role in inspiring children and young people to have an interest in art, culture, science and natural history.”
The future Tauranga Civic Whare, Exhibition Gallery and Museum.
Strengthening the connection between people and place is one of Greg’s big passions and is high on the priority list for the museum.
He says that people get a greater understanding and sense of belonging from knowing the history of where they live. Tauranga and its surrounding region is full of unique stories and significant sites that deserve our attention.
“When people drive down Cameron Road, they drive past the Gate Pā battle site,” he cites as an example.
“I suspect a lot of people don't know or don’t give it a second thought, but that battle was a really important event in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, not just Tauranga. There are sites like that all through the region.”
He’s also keen to showcase the many innovations that have occurred here, including the first-ever hot water cylinder to be run off public electricity invented right here in Tauranga in 1915 by Lloyd Mandeno and in the museum’s collection.
In total the museum collection houses more than 33,000 objects in total, with most having never been seen publicly because, until now, there’s been nowhere to display them.
“Obviously, we're not going to have 33,000 objects on display in the museum,” he clarifies with a laugh. “But the permanent exhibitions will be rich with objects from our collection and other collections around the country. It will be a real weaving together of stories, objects and images into a broad, rich experience. Because that’s what museums are: places that tell stories.”
Along with the main, permanent exhibitions, there will also be two large galleries for temporary exhibitions. This, Greg says, will open up Tauranga to world-class exhibitions that we’d usually need to travel to places like Auckland or Wellington to see. He talks about partnering with other museums to bring exhibitions from overseas but also about leading the charge and bringing international exhibitions exclusively to Tauranga. This would enrich our cultural exposure and also encourage people from other parts of New Zealand to visit the region.
“There's a huge circuit of exhibitions travelling around the world all the time,” he says excitedly. “We'll be able to tap into that and bring exhibitions to Tauranga. People love coming to the Bay of Plenty year-round and if we have fantastic exhibitions it will encourage them to stay longer and contribute more to the local economy.”
But all that is secondary to his first objective of telling Tauranga’s stories and encouraging locals to feel a connection with their shared history. He wants residents to have free entry to the core museum experience and, to encourage engagement and a sense of ownership, is starting a Friends of the Museum programme. The idea is to keep people informed about what’s happening as well as provide exciting opportunities and benefits to members.
“It really will make people feel a part of the museum as we build it and make that connection so much stronger,” he smiles.
And that’s what the new Tauranga Museum is going to be all about. Greg says he wants people to come to their museum and see themselves reflected in the stories it tells and perhaps learn a little more about the place they call home and the people they share it with. It's all about providing the opportunity for gaining an understanding of the richness of living in a place.”
He pauses for a second and then laughs and says, “Tauranga’s not just about going to the mall or going to the beach. There's a lot more to it than that and our museum will reflect that!”
A cut above the rest
Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions
Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions.
Words Hayley Barnett | Photos Salina Galvan
Sam Henry knows a thing or two about hair. She’s been in the hairdressing biz for more than 25 years, owns Shine Hair Co in Maungatapu and has just recently opened her gorgeous new salon, Studio May, in Ōmokoroa.
Aimed at the discerning client who likes to keep on top of their hair game when it comes to style and care, Sam says Studio May aims to provide cutting-edge service in a relaxed, modern environment.
Here, Sam sits down with UNO to provide the answers to all those questions you’ve been dying to ask.
UNO: What’s the best way to restore damaged hair?
Sam: Our hair gets a constant beating from the sun’s UV rays, as well as combing and brushing daily, not to mention colouring and the use of heated tools. It’s no wonder 91 percent of Kiwi women have damaged hair! Unlike skin, our hair cannot repair itself. When the outside layer loses its lipids (the natural protective layer) the cuticle (inside the hair) becomes more exposed, resulting in flyaways and fragile locks. This is sometimes why your colour/toner fades quickly. There's nothing left for the colour to hold on to. You need a product that rebuilds the bonds inside the cortex, along with Omega-9 on the outside, to recreate a protective barrier for the cuticle. This is where you see that healthy shine. Ultimate Repair by Wella Professional smoothes hair and reduces frizz for up to 72 hours.
Do you really need to shampoo twice?
Have you ever shampooed your hair and wondered why it’s not lathering
up much? The first shampoo removes surface dust, dirt, styling product
and sweat. The second shampoo gets right into your hair shaft and deeply cleanses, now that all the build-up has been removed. Always follow through with a conditioner. Squeeze out excess water and apply your conditioner to the length only. For best results, leave on for up to three minutes, then rinse. Remember, shampooing without conditioning is like cleansing your face without moisturising. It’s a no from me!
Why is it so important to use heat protection?
In a nutshell, if heat protection is not used, your colour can “shift”, meaning blonde hair will go brassy and grey hair will go yellow. The cuticle becomes damaged and any weak spots in your hair shaft will break. It doesn’t matter if you’re drying your hair straight from the shower or you’re just doing a touch-up with the straightener – heat protection should be used every time. Wella Luxe Oil Serum is great for medium to thick hair and can be used both to protect it and give it shine. For finer hair, Wella Thermal Image is a light spray, protecting hair from up to 220°C heat. For our blonde babes, the Wella Luxblonde Bi-Phase is
a violet-coloured spray which prevents brassiness, as violet counteracts yellow tones.
Does a cold water rinse really make your hair shinier?
Yes and no. The cold water will smooth down the cuticle of your hair, giving it a glossy, sleek look as opposed to a frizzy, flyaway, dull look. However, your hair has no living cells and doesn’t react to cold or heat. Use serums to hydrate and smooth the cuticle and be sure to gently dry hair with a towel rather than vigorously rubbing it.
The comeback kid
Two years ago kayaker Luuka Jones could barely walk down the street without wheezing. In July she’ll represent New Zealand in K1 and the extreme new Kayak Cross at the Olympic Games and hope to fulfil a long-held dream.
Two years ago kayaker Luuka Jones could barely walk down the street without wheezing. In July she’ll represent New Zealand in K1 and the extreme new Kayak Cross at the Olympic Games and hope to fulfil a long-held dream.
Words Karl Puschmann | Photos Graeme Murray + SUPPLIED
Styling Nicky Adams | Hair & Makeup Desiree Osterman
When Luuka Jones was 11 years old, she set a goal that one day she would win an Olympic gold medal. In July, the 35-year-old kayaker will
look to fulfil that long-held ambition when she travels to Paris to represent New Zealand in her fifth – yes, fifth – Olympic games.
What makes her young promise so audacious is that back then, she was not a young kayaking prodigy nor was she showing promise of becoming the history-making athlete that she is now. Heck, she wasn’t even kayaking competitively. She’d barely gotten her feet wet, having only learned how to paddle a year earlier.
“I don't know where that goal came from,” she laughs, thinking back to her humble beginnings on the water. “But I do have a strong memory of setting it. I was babysitting for my neighbours. They had Sky TV so I was able to watch Sarah Ulmer win her gold medal at the Olympics. It must have inspired me.” Watching Sarah Ulmer whiz over the line at the 2004 games in Athens sparked something in Luuka. Sarah had just given New Zealand its first-ever gold medal in cycling and set a new world record in the process. Witnessing history being made was life-changing for the young Tauranga local watching along on the TV.
Shortly after she remembers entering the Waimarino Intermediate School kayak challenge on the Wairoa River. The event was a multi-stage race that strung various kayaking disciplines together and challenged participants across a wide range of skills.
She says she felt focussed and completely determined.
“I remember the nerves. The other girls were all really good but I was so motivated to try and win that competition. I remember how good it felt when I did,” she smiles, still looking chuffed at the result. “That feeling of winning never gets old. It's a deep satisfaction that you achieved something.”
It will not surprise you at all to learn that Luuka has a fierce competitive streak. It’s something you need to become a world-class athlete competing in two events at the Olympics – K1 slalom racing and the new Kayak Cross event – with all the discipline and training that is required. She guesses it was inherited. Her nana was a competitive tennis player and basketballer and her mum also plays tennis. Her sisters haven't been involved in high-level sport but their blood still pumps with that same fire.
“We played a lot of competitive board games,” she laughs. “We’d play The Game of Life and all be doing whatever it took to win. I've just always had a competitive streak. I guess what’s driven me is that I found a sport that I absolutely loved. I was going to do anything to try and get better at it.” Then she pauses and says, “It’s just been quite a long road.”
That road started on a farm. Before Luuka hit her teens, her grandparents bought some farmland next to the Wairoa River and then, shortly later, her parents moved the family next door. She started swimming lessons at the nearby Waimarino Water and Adventure Park, which is still running today, and then took up kayaking lessons, working at the park in exchange for the lessons.
“Barbara and Barry, who owned the park, were incredible and really supportive of me,” she says.
She quickly grew to love recreational kayaking. She would go away on kayak camping trips and learned how to paddle the river’s gnarly whitewater. Her skills quickly improved and before too long she was navigating the entire whitewater section right down to below McLaren Falls.
“It was such a buzz,” she enthuses. “You learn skills that you don’t know you’re learning and get that whitewater confidence. But it’s also the joy of being out on the river with everyone. That camaraderie and friendship. Some of the people I met early on in my recreation career are still my friends today.”
In a few short months, the sport of Kayak Cross will make its Olympic debut. After taking first place at last October’s World Cup in France, Luuka is considered a favourite for the event.
This kayak offshoot is best described as a mix of raw physical strength and chess-like tactics that plays out in real-time among swirling rapids.
It is thrilling to watch.
At the start of the race, the kayakers plunge down a steep ramp straight into the frothing waters below. They are frighteningly close to each other and then, suddenly, they’re not as they disappear into a flurry of paddles and shoot along their chosen lines through the whitewater and around the gates that make up the course. From their vantage point at the top of the ramp, the athletes have a split second to see a line that accounts for speed, the churning waters, and take a guess at what their competitors are thinking. Plans can rapidly go out the window. Ramp position, the way the kayak hits the water at the bottom of the ramp, and even a little bit of competitive argy-bargy on the water can sink any Olympic dreams. Kayak Cross is both physically and mentally demanding. And not without its dangers.
“It’s very tactical. Some lines are shorter or faster but people are chasing you or you’re chasing someone and you're having to read the whitewater, navigate the gates, and interpret what other people are doing. You’re under pressure because someone’s going to try and take you out or smash into you. You really need to be aggressive. There’s so much going on. That’s what I love about the event.”
As Luuka explains the physical, aggressive, aspect of Kayak Cross, I can’t help but notice a little glint in her eye. I point this out and she laughs and exclaims, “It’s true!” before elaborating.
“If you’re behind someone, you really do need to come down and smash them out of position.”
We both laugh and then she says, “But it is quite nerve-wracking, sitting up on that ramp,” before explaining what it’s like.
Luuka competing at the Kayak Cross Nationals in Auckland
(photo Rod Hill).
“You have your plan, but when you launch in you have no idea what’s going to unfold. You all launch at the same time and you want to be fast down the ramp and people are paddling and there’s so much going on that you have to be quite calm and composed in what is an incredibly chaotic situation. You hope that when you land, you’re going to be out in front, but that doesn’t always happen. You could get a paddle to the face.”
The most extraordinary part of Luuka’s journey to the 2024 Olympic Games, and what will make it ripe for a movie adaptation if she does indeed win the gold medal, is that less than two years ago she was diagnosed with Long Covid. It well and truly knocked her out. Forget about gold medals, she could barely make it to the letterbox without becoming puffed out of breath and needing to rest.
Her illness forced her to completely drop out of the 2022 season, losing the whole year as she rested and recuperated. For the competitive, world-class athlete, it was devastating and led to many dark days and sleepless soul-searching. During that long, hard year Luuka admits that she often thought about quitting and regularly questioned not just her commitment to kayaking but also her love for it.
“It was a hugely challenging experience,” she sighs. “I realised a lot of my happiness was wrapped up in physical activity. It wasn’t that I just couldn’t compete for a year, it was that I couldn’t do anything physical. Going for a walk was a big deal. I couldn’t feel competitive so I wasn’t excited about coming back to race. I was starting to question,
‘Should I even be doing this?’ or ‘Am I ever going to come back after a year out?’ All these thoughts cross your mind.”
It sounds like there may have been some depression seeping in, understandable given the circumstances, and she nods and heavily says, “Yeah, probably a little bit.”
Luuka talks about installing a hyperbaric chamber in her garage and laying in it for a couple of hours each day to get more oxygen to her lungs and help her body fight the infection.
Her recovery routine started out with three training sessions per week. If she had a recovery week, she never really enjoyed it, as she never felt like she'd earned it.
Eventually, after an incredibly difficult year, the fog lifted and Luuka felt able to race. She entered the Nationals, an action she describes as “a big deal” after her year off. She paddled well but disaster struck when she injured her neck. The injury took her out of contention for another couple of weeks. This set a pattern where she’d return only to hurt her knee or stuff up her arm. It seemed like every time she hit the water, she’d land another injury and be confined back to land.
“It wasn’t all just Covid, it was all these little obstacles along the way to getting back into full-time training,” she explains. “But my philosophy is that there’s an opportunity in everything. So I tried to look for the opportunities.”
One was being able to spend the year in New Zealand with her fiancé and her family instead of being off competing in Europe as she usually would be. But the biggest thing, she says, was that the enforced time off ultimately led to rediscovering her love for the sport.
“Before Covid I’d get so caught up in my mistakes. If I had a bad session, I’d take it home with me and be really pissed off for a long time. Now I’m just grateful for being out on the water, feeling those sensations and being able to paddle again. I’m glad I wrote down in my journal what was going on because I can look back and be like, ‘Oh, yeah, that was tough.’
“But I’m the sort of person who just charges forward and doesn’t really hold on to those things too much,” she continues. “They make you more resilient, or they teach you something at the time, and then you just have to crack on.”
For someone about to compete in two events against the best athletes in the world at the most prestigious and globally historic sporting competition, Luuka is extremely relaxed. She’s in good spirits and feeling confident.
“I think it’s easy to be relaxed when you’re a few months out from the Games,” she jokes. “But it’s a high-pressure event, for everyone, and we’re all in the same boat, excuse the pun. But I try and put a lot of effort into preparing mentally as well as physically. It’s a big occasion with a lot of pressure and a lot of distractions. When I visualise the Olympics I feel a bit nervous. But I enjoy this time of year because it’s been a three-year build, and it all starts coming to fruition.”
Luuka’s comeback is nearly complete. She’s mentally and physically prepared. She’s going in as a favourite. And, perhaps most of all, she’s excited.
In her astonishing career, she’s set so many kayak slalom records in New Zealand, brought home so many medals, and competed in those four previous Olympic Games that she’s now the athlete that young babysitters around Aotearoa are watching compete on TV.
“I sometimes forget that maybe I am a role model because I still haven’t achieved what I want to achieve, or I’m not at that level yet,” she says, referencing her decades-old goal.
“But when I reflect on my journey I have a lot of things to share, and it’s nice to maybe inspire someone to pick up a paddle or pursue something that they’re passionate about. That would make me really happy to know that I've helped someone to chase their dream.”
Which circles us back to the start. Luuka got Silver at Rio. Will she get Gold in Paris fulfilling the goal she set for herself all those years ago?
“Hopefully, yeah! I mean, that’s the goal,” she laughs. “My fiancé, my family and my friends will all be there watching. It’s a really special occasion to share with them and then to go out there and see what I can do. And it’s so exciting to represent the Bay.”
Then she smiles warmly and says, “Really, I’m just a small-town girl from Tauranga.”
Contemporary charm
This modern bach not only embraces its beachside surrounds, it’s designed to seamlessly blend with the beautiful vista.
This modern bach not only embraces its beachside surrounds,
it’s designed to seamlessly blend with the beautiful vista.
words Monique Balvert-O’Connor
photos Untitled Studio + Salina Galvan
Mel Riley and his company DC Build may not have had a BOP arm for long, but they certainly secured a fabulous project to sink their teeth into.
Described as a sleek, modern ode to the joy of New Zealand beach life, DC Build and JMAC Architecture completed this contemporary build for Tauranga clients over summer, replacing a much-loved, somewhat dilapidated Pukehina bach.
DC Build’s Mel Riley says working with JMAC director and architectural designer Jason Macdonald and other professionals on the project was a great way to end the 2023 working year. It was an assignment that perfectly suited the “design meets craftsmanship” focus of the company he co-owns with his brother Justin. The beautifully designed home offered opportunities aplenty to showcase his team’s capabilities on the craftsmanship front.
“One of the things we love the most in a building job is beautiful details,” says Mel, adding that the home’s sarked cedar ceilings are a fine example of this, and enabled the DC Build team to put their craftsmanship to work.
The house sits on a generously sized rectangular site that stretches towards the beach. While it appears to hug the sand dunes, it does sit back significantly enough to allow protection from coastal erosion. In line with resource consent (the house must be removable), it has been built on timber piles, which required some significant design and engineering given the need to bore down three to four metres into soft sand without any collapsing.
It’s a beach house that can also boast estuary views. Hence, the pleasing floorplan incorporates two individual living areas maximising views of both bodies of water. Full-height, floor-to-ceiling windows in key areas ensure the vista can be fully embraced.
“Because of the high windows in the living area and master bedroom, the cedar ceilings continue seamlessly from the indoors to the outdoors where there are covered decks facing the ocean,” Mel explains.
Given the panoramic views, bringing the beauty of the outdoors in was always a design intention at this home. The deck’s roofline assists in doing so – it tilts up to bring in more of the views.
Mel appreciates it’s a home that has absolutely nailed the perfect combination of contemporary charm with the everlasting splendour of beachfront tranquillity.
He feels a natural leaning towards such aesthetically pleasing architectural builds. Shortly after becoming a qualified builder, he pursued a two-year national diploma in Architechtural Technology.
“I understand design,” says Mel. “A builder who can speak the architect's language is a valuable thing. Designers work with a builder who understands architectural plans beyond just following them, so any potential problems can be stopped before they arise. It makes it easier to achieve the high standard.”
JMAC’s Jason knows well the advantage of having a sympathetic builder on his projects, one who is a key player in seamlessly bringing his architectural visions to life.
The two say this beachfront build has been a great project to be involved in from start to finish. "The client on this project was really easy to work with, which made the process that much easier and enjoyable," says Mel. The process involved the happy homeowners recently hosting dinner for Mel and Jason’s teams and other consultants involved in the project. Those consultants included Yellowfox interiors and 689 lighting design. Mel says the professionals involved in the build worked together as one team from the get-go. Collaboratively, he says, this was one of those projects that really came together beautifully.
Mel seconds Jason’s thoughts: “To end up making friendships out of what we do is probably the biggest reward. I think that’s a true testament to the success of a build.”
As for the project’s early days, Mel was offered the opportunity to sit around the table with the architectural team and homeowners to discuss the job’s pricing process. This gave DC Build the opportunity to showcase its comprehensive and transparent pricing plan, which includes reports presented at various stages of projects. Those early three-way conversations were invaluable, Mel says, as they also included discussion around product such as the cladding. The clients opted for aluminium Nu Wall cladding (DC Build had worked with this pre-finished product numerous times). Its anti-rust qualities were deemed especially advantageous given the Pukehina home’s coastal location. The home is set to retain its good looks and turn heads for many a year.
Mel says all up, the Pukehina project fulfilled his company’s aim to craft homes that not only bring an architectural vision to the real world, but also make the owner, the architect/architectural designer and the team proud to be part of it.
DC and the BOP
All it took was a few wonderful beach holidays to get Mel Riley thinking seriously about extending his building business to include the BOP.
“We loved the area, loved the vibe, and I managed to secure a section in Pāpāmoa that would become home base.”
Mel and his brother Justin founded DC Build back in 2014. Up until Mel’s BOP epiphany about five years ago, the brothers’ business concentrated solely on residential builds in Auckland. These days the business has a team of six (made up of qualified builders and apprentices at various stages) in the Western Bay of Plenty, and 12 in Auckland. Mel heads the BOP team, ably assisted by Will Salwey as site foreman, while Justin’s at the helm in Auckland, where his team includes long-standing staff member James Poore as project manager.
It’s five years since Mel and family made the move. His first build in the Bay was of personal significance – the construction of a home for himself and family on that Pāpāmoa site. With that out of the way, it was time to focus on the business of building primarily high-end, architecturally designed homes – either new builds or renovations in the Bay of Plenty. Mel's son, Jay, recently started an apprecticeship within the business.
Working life in Auckland is busy for DC Build. “We have established our name there,” Mel says. “Now it’s time to build on what we’ve already achieved over the last few years in the Bay of Plenty. We have capacity and we’re keen and committed to staying in this region.”
It has been an eventful few months for the DC Build team. The Pukehina project was finished in December and since then, Mel has been busy pricing another coastal build and overseeing the company’s rebranding. Up until recently, DC Build was DC Builders.
“We’re armed with a fresh rebrand as of this year,” Mel enthuses. He’s proud of that brand, which he summarises as bringing architectural visions into the real world through creative knowledge meeting technical skill.
“The best projects are the ones that everyone is proud of.”
New beginnings
Summerhill Estate stands above the rest in terms of rural tranquillity and privacy. Nestled within Pāpāmoa Hills, boasting breathtaking views of magical proportions, this home personifies the essence of Summerhill
Summerhill Estate stands above the rest in terms of rural tranquillity and privacy. Nestled within Pāpāmoa Hills, boasting breathtaking views of magical proportions, this home personifies the essence of Summerhill.
Words Jo Ferris | Photos Boundless Vision
Golfers will be familiar with the golf course meandering through the estate. While membership is possible, residents enjoy free green fees. It’s an incentive to appreciate – yet Summerhill’s private privilege offers so much more. Properties here are tightly held.
This home’s views gaze out to the Pacific Ocean – embracing the rolling hills as the sun follows a course around the coastline, to the Mount, Tauranga Harbour and Kaimai sunsets. Immersed in nature, the home’s lofty position takes full advantage of its elevation, while melting into the countryside that surrounds it.
Sympathetic landscaping takes its cue from nature, while going several steps further to introduce home-grown self-sufficiency. The orchard boasts citrus and fruits, including bananas and even two varieties of hops. There’s a fenced vege garden, a berry cage, and a chicken run with a roost for fresh eggs.
The home’s tone is in total harmony with nature, cleverly blending natural materials with texture and colour within the décor. The backdrop balances autumn hues with contemporary accents – a gentle thread of farmhouse influences and elegant finesse.
The T-shape design ensures sun and scenery are integral to this home’s function and flow. Morning sun on one side of family living invites breakfast outside to bask in the ocean view. In the afternoon, living slips out to a vast lounge setting. A patio for sofas, a pergola for shaded dining, and steps down to a stony fire pit to toast sunset as pizzas cook in the pizza oven.
Parents enjoy a private, five-star retreat in their own wing, yet remain close to the afternoon entertainment outside. The remaining bedrooms share a second stylish bathroom, while a powder room offers further convenience when friends come around.
Other features include an office to work from home, a large laundry with mudroom entry, attic storage in the garage, rain water storage and bore access, ample storage inside and parking outside for boats, campers and visitors.
Apart from the golf course, Summerhill has walking tracks to enjoy nature and Pāpāmoa Hills Recreation Park is nearby as well. Seemingly high above the rest of the world, beaches at Pāpāmoa and the Mount are an easy drive. Heaven on earth lives in the hills of this well-kept secret.
1 Summerhill Drive, Summerhill Estate, Pāpāmoa
Art and soul
Visual artist Shona Moller brings artistic diversity and a unique approach to Mount Maunganui's arts scene
Visual artist Shona Moller brings artistic diversity and a unique approach to Mount Maunganui's arts scene.
After more than 20 years of professional practice from her beachfront Kapiti studio gallery, Shona Moller now calls Mount Maunganui home. From her gallery space at 102 Maunganui Road, Shona creates new works within two very different genres that tell stories of heritage and belonging within contemporary artworks, and reflect the unique Bay of Plenty light and energy through lusciously applied oils in representational works of local landscapes and seascapes.
UNO: Tell us about your background. How did you become an artist?
Shona: Perhaps, to some extent, artists are born into it. I was a curious, explorative child, expressing and recording through artworks from an early age. In some respects, then, art is my first language.
How would you explain your art approach now?
Similar to that as a child; explorative, intuitive, although now I work within two diverse genres where each allows me to express myself fully in different ways. Through representational works, which is really just a flash word for an artistic representation of what you can see, I explore my surroundings, my environment, intimately. I sketch, photograph and plan larger works on canvas where it is my intention to capture essence, mood, and resonance as opposed to finer details. My more contemporary urban inspired works tell stories of heritage, English and Maori, employing icons like the London Tube map with New Zealand place names. These speak on a national level as well as a |personal one.
You self represent. Why does this work for you?
I realise how fortunate I am to have my own gallery; I don't take this for granted at all. Self-representation works for me on many levels. First, it frees me to work how I want, at a pace where I can do my best work. I am
not obligated to gallery directors, to create what sells well, to deadlines and timeframes. While I take commissions, I can be selective, and I'm very grateful that my work has commemorated many significant milestones in peoples' lives. Also, being accessible allows for a real connection with those for whom my art resonates.
What inspires you to create?
Too many things! I'm inspired by East Coast sunrises, full unapologetic new beginnings. I'm inspired by (what someone much more articulate than me coined) the DOGS, the Dead Old Guys; Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, Vermeer, Rembrandt. I'm inspired by those artists that had the foresight and the genius to simplify forms when others strove for realism, to leave brushstrokes proud where others blended, to use pure colour where others mixed. I'm inspired by narrative, and the circle of energy created between myself as the artist, a completed artwork, and the viewer.
What is your favourite piece and why?
It sounds very PC to say, but it's always the one I'm working on.
What have been your career highlights?
I have loved every aspect of having my own space. Over and above that, the sell-out London show was an unexpected success. Travel, art tours; I've painted in Renoir's garden, followed Van Gogh's exact footsteps in Arles, sketched where Monet painted his water lilies. I've featured in many media outlets over the years; magazines and Holmes back when that was a thing. Katherine Ryan interviewed me for Radio New Zealand, and most recently 7 Sharp spent a full day with me. The article aired in July, and anyone interested can view it via my website. I think the biggest career highlight though, in all honesty, in no small part because of the amazing support I have received, is that I get to live my art every day. Oh, and UNO, obviously!
UNO: What do you love about living in the Bay?
Let me count the ways. Sunrises, as mentioned. The sense of coming home, evident in the smells of white sand warmed by a spring sun, sea foam, and rock pools. Mynar birds. Tui song alarm 'clocks'. Coffee at café sharing tables. Dappled sunlight through ancient base track pohutukawas. Port lights reflected in the inky sea. Mauao, her moods, her constant grounded reassuring presence in all weathers. 'God rays' through thunder clouds. Whānau. The people! Bay people are good people. I have been so beautifully welcomed into the community here, and from what people are telling me, they're delighted to once again have an organic, authentically artist-run gallery space at The Mount. So, can I just say thank you to everyone for their generosity of spirit. I feel seen, acknowledged, and home.
Athlete’s paradise
Pro triathlete Hannah Berry has had a whirlwind year on the world stage. She’s back in the Bay for summer, and loving the lifestyle of her home base
Pro triathlete Hannah Berry has had a whirlwind year on the world stage. She’s back in the Bay for summer, and loving the lifestyle of her home base.
Words Scott Yeoman | Photos Scott Yeoman + supplied
You can be a full-time professional athlete training and competing on the world stage – jetting off to Australia, Spain, Switzerland, Finland, France, Mexico and Hawaii in the space of six months – and still call this place home.
You can chase your sporting dreams and still spend hot summer afternoons on your favourite Mount Maunganui beach. Swim laps at your local pool, go for picturesque runs around Mauao, and work out in a high-performance gym alongside familiar – and famous – faces.
You can recover from an injury and smash your training goals, and still celebrate at the end of the week by having a glass of wine with your husband at home.
Hannah Berry is proof of all that. She is proof that Mount Maunganui is an athlete’s paradise.
The 33-year-old pro triathlete has had a whirlwind year; from a podium finish at the Ironman Taupō event in March, to a season-stopping stress reaction injury in her femur, to bouncing back and winning gold in Mexico in September, and then a personal best at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in October.
Hannah's home for the summer and has a lot of training ahead of her; the 2024 Ironman Pro Series is firmly in her sights.
So, what does a normal day in the Mount look like for a professional triathlete who wants to be able to swim 3.8km, cycle 180km, and run 42.2km in less than eight hours, 53 minutes, and 45 seconds? Hannah starts her day by swimming laps at Baywave (about five or six kilometres worth). She does that five days a week, starting at 5.50am. She might then head home and do three or four hours on the indoor trainer bike in her garage. She also runs three times a week; her favourite route takes her around Mauao.
Then there’s strength and conditioning and gym work at the University of Waikato Adams Centre for High Performance. Hannah trains there at least a couple of times a week. This state-of-the-art facility is situated on the outskirts of Blake Park and has become a one-stop shop for individual athletes and teams preparing for competition at the highest level. The Netherlands women’s football team trained at the Adams Centre during the FIFA World Cup earlier this year, and other recent visitors include the All Blacks, Wallabies, New Zealand Warriors, and the English cricket team.
The centre is also home to both New Zealand rugby sevens teams, the
Bay of Plenty Steamers and Bay of Plenty Volcanix, as well as North Island-based Black Caps, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, and the Adams Academy – a development programme with around 100 aspiring and established athletes across 27 sporting codes and counting.
Hannah has been a member of the Adams Academy since its inception and recently won Athlete of the Year at its annual awards. “Being surrounded by other high performance athletes is quite unique,” she says. “And it's really cool to see other athletes here training – there’s motivation everywhere.”
The Adams Centre has a team of strength and conditioning coaches onsite, a dietitian and sports psychologist, and a sports science laboratory with a full array of testing equipment, including an environmental chamber (one of only two in the country) which helps athletes like Hannah prepare for international competitions in varying climates and altitudes.
Hannah will be back competing in Ironman pro events all over the world next year. It’s a remarkable achievement, considering she only started long-distance endurance triathlons about 10 years ago. In fact, that’s when she started competing in any kind of triathlon for the first time.
Hannah believes her late entry into the competitive world of triathlon might actually be an advantage. A lot of the top triathletes have been pouring hours into this individual pursuit since they were teenagers, or even younger. Hannah only played team sports like netball, volleyball, and hockey while growing up in Te Puke. Then she went off to university and studied her way towards a PhD in biotech engineering. She is now Dr Hannah Berry. She only decided to pause that career and chase her triathlon dreams full-time in 2019.
Her 11th-place finish at the iconic World Championship event in Kona in October was her fourth full-length Ironman. She’s just getting started. “It's a very demanding, time-consuming sport, so I think the fact that I picked it up later in life is quite good,” Hannah says. “I haven't just been this sort of one-dimensional person my entire life and that means, at the moment, it still feels really fresh and exciting. And I'm seeing improvements all the time. So that I think is good and it keeps me going.”
It keeps her swimming, cycling and running, chasing her sporting dreams all over the globe, 226km at a time, with Mount Maunganui as her home base.
Split decision
Rachael from Rotherham Law knows about divorce, from the legalities to the emotional impact it can have. Here she tells you what you need to do if you’re thinking about saying ‘I don’t’.
Rachael from Rotherham Law knows about divorce, from the legalities to the emotional impact it can have. Here she tells you what you need to do if you’re thinking about saying ‘I don’t’.
For some, separation comes as a shock, and for others it’s a slow burn. It can often be comparable to a partner passing away. You can go through similar stages of grief, fluctuating between shock, denial, anger, depression, bargaining, testing and acceptance.
Family lawyers can assist with legalities, as well as personal matters, that range from contracting out (prenups), separation, childcare, spousal maintenance, child support, family violence, adoption and surrogacy. At the other end of life, they help with enduring Powers of Attorney, Wills and capacity matters like helping family members get orders to make decisions for elderly relatives when they have lost capacity.
Here's a rundown of what to expect in divorce proceedings and advice on how to make it easier for everyone.
Pick your battles
It is possible to separate with dignity, compassion and understanding. It doesn’t have to be The War of the Roses. Most people who hire a lawyer do not go near a courtroom and many choose a collaborative approach. Court is there when you need it, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The starting point is dividing property after all the debts are repaid 50/50. But not always, as sometimes there are circumstances that lead one party to be entitled to more based on their situation. When you come to an agreement without the Court’s intervention it is called a Separation Agreement. It needs to be in writing to be legally binding, and the parties must have had independent legal advice from a lawyer who explained the effects and implications of it.
Know your audience
Make sure when you get legal advice that you are comfortable with the lawyer you are instructing. You need to be able to talk to them and feel listened to. But you also need to feel comfortable and trust them when they tell you something you don’t necessarily want to hear. They are always acting for your interests but what you are entitled to may not necessarily marry up to your expectation (pun intended). You know when you walk into a room and start talking to someone in that first minute if they are the right fit. Go with your gut instinct. We all have the same qualifications but different lawyers have different approaches, so it needs to feel right to you.
Get organised
Go to your meetings prepared so that you make the most of your time. Make a list of what you want to talk about. If you are instructing on a separation, have a list ready of what assets and debts you have so when you get asked this question you have that information. As difficult as it might be, try to remove the emotion so you’re making the most of your time with your lawyer, and they can gather all the necessary details needed the first time.
Don’t sweat the small stuff
As with any breakup, emotions are high and it can be hard to separate yourself from those feelings. But try to think about what is most important, like having somewhere to live and paying the bills, or the children’s care arrangements and what is best for them. I have been that lawyer who wrote a letter about returning the Cirque du Soleil umbrella that held emotional attachment, but was it worth the cost of my time to do it? That’s an individual decision, but my advice is to focus on the big picture. Your emotional wellbeing and moving forward are more important.
A qualified mediator and collaborative family lawyer, Rachael Rotherham spent the majority of her working life in Auckland at a large commercial firm before deciding to move her family out of the city and here to the Bay. Now, Rachael has created a boutique law firm specialising in family law and separations.
Natural elegance
Tauranga Harbour’s spellbinding beauty around a hilltop peninsula is inspiration enough for an exceptional home. But a sensitive deference to nature – blending contemporary brilliance with the landscape that preceded it – underlines this home’s distinctive air.
Tauranga Harbour’s spellbinding beauty around a hilltop peninsula is inspiration enough for an exceptional home. But a sensitive deference to nature – blending contemporary brilliance with the landscape that preceded it – underlines this home’s distinctive air.
Words Jo Ferris
Hidden from the world, the home showcases bold design and precise execution. Deserving a string of awards in the 2019 Master Builders House of the Year, it was named supreme regional winner, and went on to earn national gold reserve status, also winning its category.
Imposing, thanks to its lone presence on this peninsula, the home’s sole focus is on what surrounds it. The views are spectacular – a sweeping panorama that follows Tauranga Harbour and Matakana around to the Kaimais. The home captures nature and how the sun plays with water and trees before dipping behind the hills. Scenery is integral to this home’s design and how it connects with each aspect.
Central to this concept is the swimming pool and how family living mimics similar infinity. The pool is like a separate extension that floats out to space, thanks to the innovative design. It’s heated for year-round exercise, while the built-in spa is a natural companion. Full-height glazing in the family wing ensures a seamless link with the patio and pool, while framing an extensive grasp on scenery.
Genius design in the family lounge, cantilevers it in midair. Glazing wraps around this extension to heighten the floating feeling. Even the unique unit, housing a wall TV and display alcoves, appears to hover within the glass surround. The pool outlook might be centre stage, but a discreet sheltered patio provides a different perspective of nature.
Full-height glazing is a significant feature in this home. It begins with a towering front door, drifts into various rooms and highlights aspects like the oak stair treads – another intriguing element that seems to float up to the master retreat.
This retreat cherishes ultimate privacy. A sumptuous suite, with its “look-out” ambience stretching across the harbour, bespoke dressing-room backdrop and a romantic bathroom. The simple elegance of an oval bath is matched by egg-shaped vanities on a custom dresser.
Oak weaves a story throughout – on flooring, bespoke units in both lounges, kitchen cabinetry and designer vanities in all three bathrooms. With the master retreat relishing penthouse privacy, two more bedrooms share semi-ensuite luxury downstairs, while a guest bedroom has a private bathroom. Sitting in its own corner, this suite opens out to the poolside patio.
This home displays the knowledge that refined class needs no extra flattery. Underfloor heating and a ducted system ensure constant comfort. Drapes disappear into the ceiling, while LED lighting hides in extraordinary ways to infuse soft illumination throughout. As day passes into evening, this home’s mood changes everything about its demeanour.
Other features extend this property’s generous parameters, including an avocado orchard and shed. A secondary, high-stud, three-bay shed houses self-contained accommodation. Lined with plywood and featuring polished concrete flooring, this suite provides a bedroom, bathroom and open-plan living with a wrap-around verandah patio.
The boat-shed ambience of this unit complements the considerable storage next door. Ideal for the Sealegs, this could be driven down the garden pathway to the private ramp into the harbour. A sandy beach invites launching the kayak at high tide, or packing a picnic to fossick as the water ebbs and flows.
With a lily pond attracting wildlife, amid a garden wonderland and giant guardian pōhutukawa, nature is the eternal winner here – and willing to share it.
Love conquers all
He’s one of Aotearoa’s biggest music stars and she’s working hard to make a difference in our community. Together Rachel Axis Taane Tinorau and Tiki Taane are one of the Bay’s most recognisable couples. Here they talk about their unusual love story, overcoming addiction and ghosts.
He’s one of Aotearoa’s biggest music stars and she’s working hard to make a difference in our community. Together Rachel Axis Taane Tinorau and Tiki Taane are one of the Bay’s most recognisable couples. Here they talk about their unusual love story, overcoming addiction and ghosts.
Words Karl Puschmann | Photos Graeme Murray + Supplied
Styling Nicky Adams | Hair Sam Henry | Make up Desiree Osterman
Moving up to the Bay from Christchurch had been a dream come true for Rachel. But the dream turned into a living nightmare when a ghost showed up. “I had a rough time when I first moved here. There was a weird energy and a spirit,” she tells UNO over a piping hot cup of cinnamon tea. “We nicknamed him Spirit Fingers.”
We’re sitting in the comfy lounge of the Pāpāmoa Beach home she shares with her husband, musician Tiki Taane. It may be a gloriously sunny afternoon but her haunting story and the spirit’s creepy nickname cause a shudder.
It’s fair to say that Spirit Fingers put something of a spooky damper on the excitement the couple had been feeling. They’d spent two years making their long-distance relationship work. Rachel’s move up in 2015 marked the beginning of not just their life together but, as they each had a child, also the beginning of their life as a blended family. The couple couldn’t have been happier.
Until…“I’d wake up with someone standing next to the bed or at the bedroom door,” Rachel continues. “When Tiki was away, walking down the hallway would freak me out. It was creepy. I could feel there was always someone there. It was full-on.”
Tiki, who has planted himself in a huge, comfy beanbag, nods and says, “Where we are there’s a lot of spiritual energy. And a lot of spiritual history as well.”
He explains that the area was used as battlegrounds and that there are urupā (burial sites) underneath the nearby boardwalks that stretch along the beachfront. “That’s why it’s up high,” Tiki explains. “There’s a lot of bones in that area.”
There was something strange in their neighbourhood, but both being spiritual people, they weren’t about to call Ghostbusters. Instead, they wanted to show respect and understanding. They had a karakia (a traditional Māori prayer to invoke spiritual goodwill) written, which they then recited in their home. “It was basically to say to them, ‘You're welcome to be here’,” Rachel says. She laughs, then adds, “But just please don’t interfere with my sleep.”
Looking back now, she thinks it was curiosity, rather than a terrifying Hollywood-style haunting, that was the spirit’s motive.
“Tiki’s been settled here for a while so they were probably like, ‘Who’s this bitch?’” she grins. “They were just sussing me out. Since the karakia, it’s been sweet. There’s definitely still an energy, but not a bad one.”
“This whole area of Pāpāmoa has an energy that I really enjoy,” Tiki says. “I love it here.”
His connection to the area runs deep. He moved here back in 2010 but first visited in 1996, when his former band, the award-winning group Salmonella Dub, played in the Mount.
“The first time I came it blew me away. Then I just loved coming back here,” he says. “It’s always been good vibes.”
When Tiki first laid eyes on Rachel, she wasn’t even there. He was in Auckland getting a tattoo when he saw a photo of his tattooist and her friend. “I was like, ‘Who’s that hottie?’ and she was like, “Oh, my God! I’ll hook you up!’” he laughs.
Rachel of course knew of Tiki, but even with their mutual friend putting in the good word, she wasn’t prepared to rush a meeting with a stranger.
“Rachel was like, ‘This is a red flag’,” Tiki laughs. “She didn't give me her number. She gave me her email. So I started emailing. Then emails led to texting and texting led to phone calls. We'd call each other every night.”
In that regard, it was quite an old-fashioned courtship, with Tiki really trying to impress her. “Yeah. Hard,” he grins.
When Tiki appeared somewhat out of the blue, Rachel was concentrating on being a solo mum to her toddler and not at all about relationships. “I hadn't had very good experiences with men, so I had my boundaries up,” Rachel says. “I was quite weary. But Tiki was really respectful. He wasn't creepy. So when I had trust through the emails, I was like, ‘Okay, here's my number’.”
While the pair hadn’t committed to each other, they were becoming bigger parts of each other’s lives. But they hadn’t yet met and were still, in the words of Rachel, “doing our own thing.”
About six months on from their virtual meeting Rachel entered a radio competition to win a trip to Rarotonga. It was a typical shock-jock style of radio competition, which saw five married men going to the island with five single women and their friends.
“It’s so wrong and looking back now I’d be so anti it,” Rachel admits. “But I entered as one of the single chicks and won. I told Tiki and it turned out the dates I was there he was actually going to be there as well.”
In what can only be described as serendipity – a word Tiki would also use when he wrote a love song to Rachel before proposing on camera during the making of its music video – he was going to be there with the drum ’n’ bass group Shapeshifter.
The pair arranged to meet the night she arrived and he zipped over to her hotel on a scooter. After their six-month courtship, the couple finally met, and embraced, for the first time.
“Then she got on the back of my scooter and that was it,” Tiki beams.
“I pretty much spent the whole time with Tiki,” Rachel smiles. “It was a great first date.”
After the fairytale romance in Rarotonga, the real world hit hard when they returned home. Rachel’s friends were worried she’d get too attached and her mum was concerned her old habits might return.
“My mum was absolutely horrified. I'd been through such an intense time with addiction that she was really scared about the rock-and-roll, party lifestyle. Tiki was not like that at all. But there was an assumption, a stereotype, that the music industry
is all about getting slaughtered and taking drugs all the time. It may be in some groups, but not ours.”
Having finally met Rachel, Tiki wasn’t about to let her go. He already knew she was the one. He emailed her tickets to fly to Auckland that weekend so they could go to a dance party.
“You told me that you loved me and I was like, ‘Ooof. This is a red flag’, because it had only been a week of physically knowing each other. But you asked me that weekend to be your partner. I was like, ‘Yeah!’ and here we are!”
“We both had the same mindset and just really connected, big time,” Tiki says. “We were talking for months and months and months before we actually met in person. So we built our connection that way.”
“Yeah, we had the same values and passions, like advocacy. We both had a kid, they’re only two years apart,” Rachel adds, referring to her daughter Karcia (12) and Tiki’s son Charlie (14). “And a similar life story in a way. Both of us have been through addiction and both came out the other side of that. We're both of a similar vibe.”
Because Rachel’s mentioned it a couple of times, I ask about her addiction.
“I was a meth addict for four or five years, from age 14 to 19,” she replies. “I'd done my work well prior to Tiki coming along. I went to rehab when I was 19.”
Rachel escaped into addiction due to trauma. Her parents separated when she was two years old and Rachel's relationship with her father has had its challenges ever since. She moved schools a lot due to bullying and at just 14 years old she was sexually assaulted in a park after a party. The culmination of all this trauma at such a young age led her to meth.
“I still struggle with PTSD,” she says. “I hate the word addiction. I look at it more as escapism. When people use a lot that's usually because they're trying to numb or hide from something that's either happened or that's going on. But me and Tiki have a really good relationship where if there’s something going on, we both talk about it. We don't need to get wasted to numb anything.”
Those dark days are well and truly behind her. Having turned her own life around, she’s now determined to help others do the same. She does public speaking at events where she shares her journey through trauma, addiction and recovery and is also a qualified social worker who previously worked at Women’s Refuge and now goes into the Bay’s secondary schools to deliver consent education and healthy relationship education.
“As someone who has had sexual trauma, I wish that I’d had this education when I was younger,” she says.
Depending on the situations she encounters and the people she helps, it can sometimes be hard for her to switch off at the end of the day. But she knows Tiki is always ready to support her.
“I listen and I wait till she’s got it all off her mind,” he says. “It’s been a huge education for me as well and made me really become more talkative about sexual harm in the music industry. When you start delving into the subject, this kaupapa, you've got to look at yourself, what you've done and start questioning the behaviours that you've done in the past. Some of it might not be nice. I can't sit here and go ‘this, this, this and this’, I have to look at what I've done and think about that and go, ‘How come that happened?’ or ‘Why does this happen?’. It's a really vulnerable opening you've got to do, and I think a lot of people are scared to do that. For me, I've learned loads from Rachel. Untold amounts of stuff.”
Tiki, in turn, has also been sharing his knowledge with Rachel. Over lockdown, he taught her how to DJ and now she often plays support slots for him at his shows. Because he’s away playing his own shows so much he doesn’t often get to interact with the local music scene here that much.
“This is my home. This is where I live. When I think of doing gigs and stuff, I think outwards. I don't think about playing locally. It’s quite interesting. I don't know why that is.”
As well as touring, Tiki produces artists and bands in his purpose-built home studio and recently released his first feature film, the award-winning concert-documentary Tiki Taane in Session with CSO, which he produced, directed and performed himself. Following rave reviews at the New Zealand International Film Festival, it has since been accepted into numerous festivals around the world and continues to clock up awards.
“It's doing really awesome. It's been a wicked buzz,” Tiki says of the project which took him three years to complete. “I'm so stoked that I rolled the dice on it.”
Spend some time with Rachel and Tiki and it’s easy to see why they work so well together. They’ve both overcome demons and found each other, and then overcame their initial physical distance to connect in a deeper, spiritual way. Their personalities complement each other with Rachel outgoing and Tiki more laid back. And with Spirit Fingers no longer haunting the hallways, their home has a chill vibe and a welcoming atmosphere.
“We definitely made the deal, the commitment,” Tiki says of their relationship. “I knew from the beginning that I’m in this for the long run.”
Then, smiling warmly, he says, “It's been incredible.”
Tiki Taane in Session with CSO is available to rent
at Tiki’s website tikidub.com
Made in the Mount
Meet the women paving the way for a new tech scene in Mount Maunganui.
Meet the women paving the way for a new tech scene in Mount Maunganui.
Words Lucy Bleakley | Photos Katie Charlotte
What do a chemical engineer, graphic designer and teacher have in common? Apart from above-average smarts and creativity, they are part of a burgeoning, female-founded tech scene coming to life from kitchen tables across Mount Maunganui.
Bonnet, Kept and euulo are three locally made apps developed by women who’ve created beautifully designed, “Why didn’t I think of that?” tech. All from home and with small children in tow.
Each app is impressively thoughtful, and perhaps unsurprisingly, they all have one more thing in common – easing the mental load for their users.
Deftly solving specific consumer problems to make everyday life, and in euulo’s case, life’s harder moments easier.
Bonnet, founded by Steph Kennard, houses vehicle admin in one place when over 50 percent of Kiwis are driving on our roads without a WOF or rego. Kept, created by Nic Winslade and Katie Hunter, is a new marketplace for cleaners, allowing users to book a trusted, peer reviewed cleaner and giving cleaners greater independence in an industry rife with unfair wages and hours.
And Kerriden Edmondson, Renaya Lloyd and Sheree van den Broek have developed euulo, a SaaS product for the funeral industry. euulo is image-gathering technology designed to replace the clunky process of curating funeral photo tributes.
“With backgrounds in fashion, design and engineering, the looks on people’s faces when we explain our technology is not lost on us,” muses Renaya Lloyd, co-founder of euulo.
“But, if you’ve been in the difficult position of organising a photo tribute, you will understand the arduous process and we know we can make a real difference. We’ve spent a lot of time speaking to funeral directors and validating our solution to ensure our technology is easing the burden from all sides,” explains Renaya.
Nic Winslade’s career has been all about bringing ideas to life for clients and Kept was an opportunity to explore an idea sparked from managing the mental load of family life.
“The Mount was the perfect place to launch Kept, with so many busy, self-employed households wanting flexibility. And the focus on quality of life here is also the breeding ground for our innovation. Making life easier, better, and more rewarding for independent cleaning professionals as well as busy local homes,” says Nic.
Like euulo and Kept founders, Steph saw an obvious gap in the market and a way to ease life’s admin overload.
“I’ve worked in the car industry and seen time and time again the barriers to keeping up with car admin for families, heavy vehicle operators and fleet managers – many are still using spreadsheets to manage hundreds of car regos and WOFs. There had to be a better way, and after years of development, Bonnet was launched earlier this year,” says Steph.
Steph says it’s amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it from the Mount.
“Research, development and design have all been done from our home office. With remote working taking off, a Zoom with a web developer or writing pitch decks from home with a walk up the Mount in between is completely doable,” says Steph.
The gumption to do something different has paid off for these tech founders. Bonnet launched as the number one app on Google and in just a few months, over 50,000 cars are being monitored by the app. Kept has launched here in Tauranga, and in new markets across Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch, with thousands of cleans booked and several independent cleaning businesses thriving thanks to Kept’s marketplace model.
euulo, the baby of the three start-ups, has recently launched to a waiting list of funeral directors representing almost a third of New Zealand funeral homes, and already have plans to launch in Australia and the UK.
Mount Maunganui has always been a creative haven, but these founders are driving a new type of tech scene forward. One built on empathy, flexibility and bloody hard work.
Steph Kennard, Bonnet
Steph is a digital native through and through, developing Bonnet after working in the car industry with the likes of Jeep and Volkswagen.
Bonnet houses all vehicle management in one place and gives reminders for regos, warrant of fitness, and diesel RUC, using Waka Kotahi data to create seamless reminders. Less than half of New Zealanders remember to do their WOF and registration in time, creating potentially unsafe cars on our roads, and Bonnet aims to change this with a brilliantly simple solution.
Nic Winslade and Katie Hunter, Kept
A housekeeping app that helps local customers find cleaners they trust with an instant booking system.
Cleaners can create their own free online booking platform through Kept, setting their own hourly rates and availability, in a safe, supportive space.
It also changes the game when finding a cleaner for your home. The app enables you to book for your specific needs and offers exit cleans, one-off cleans or regular cleaning. You can also specify which rooms you want cleaned. The booking and payment are completed through the app, so cleaners are guaranteed payment, and peer reviews help regulate the marketplace, encouraging a high-quality service.
Renaya Lloyd, Sheree van den Broek and Kerriden Edmondson, euulo
euulo is a SaaS solution developed to alleviate some of the pressure associated with creating a photo tribute for grieving families and funeral directors. The app features in-built scanning, social media integration, and image editing, giving families the opportunity to gather their photos in their own time and space. For funeral directors, the software gives visibility over the process and specific tools to create beautiful photo tributes with ease.
Technology for the funeral industry is not something any of the euulo team could have foreseen in their future, but here they are, passionately designing a thoughtful way to ease the load for grieving families.
The art of ink
UNO talks to local experts about the transformation of the Bay’s tattoo industry and the healing power of this often misunderstood art form.
UNO talks to local experts about the transformation of the Bay’s tattoo industry and the healing power of this often misunderstood art form.
Words Karen Clarkson
In 2012, when celebrated tā moko artist Julie Paama-Pengelly (Ngāi Te Rangi) set up shop in Mount Maunganui, there were four tattoo studios in the area. Today, the local body-art industry has expanded to nearly 100 artists, operating from Waihi to Te Puke.
“Only a decade ago, the perception of the tattoo industry wasn’t positive. It sat within a genre which was not understood or recognised as mainstream. Aotearoa is now considered in the top five in the world as a destination for body art, and the scene here in the Bay of Plenty is as vibrant as ever,” says Julie, owner of Art + Body Creative Studio, which embraces a range of experienced artists offering contemporary tattoo alongside traditional tā moko and custom Māori design.
Overall, New Zealanders are becoming more discerning, respecting the honoured tradition and its therapeutic benefits, and selecting artists who value authenticity and originality. “For a while there it became a copying profession and people were wanting the same as a friend, or choosing a design straight from the wall. Tattoo is like any fine art form, where originality is what drives and defines what we do, and there is more appreciation for that now,” says Julie, who features in World Atlas of Tattoos, a book showcasing 100 notable artists from around the globe.
Tattoo as therapy
Tattoo artist Veronica de Oliveira, of Black Orchid Collective Studio, moved to New Zealand 20 years ago from Brazil and agrees the perception has changed radically. “When I first got my neck tattoo and walked around, people just stared. There is a renewed appreciation and respect for this form of self-expression, including its transformative power,” she says.
“Tattooing alters your state of consciousness,” she explains. “The chemicals your body produces to manage the discomfort changes the energetic field and transforms your body into a different state. When you alter the vibration, you can heal the cells, make new cellular memories, and create a new state of mind. It's a special, sacred process that can heal people,” Veronica says.
Julie agrees. “In the tā moko space, it is very much a therapy-based practice. Yes, there is execution, care and aesthetics that goes into the marking. But you’re also confronting pain, past trauma, covering scars or claiming a new path, which opens a healing, spiritual and cultural journey for people.”
The COVID-19 pandemic presented an interesting phenomenon for the local tattoo industry, with a huge spike in demand after lockdowns and studios booked out months ahead.
“People were confronted with mortality, loneliness, and disconnection from the world. They had time to research a meaningful piece of art that reflects their story, where they have come from and where they are going. For some, it was a way to mark a critical time in their life or to set a future goal,” Julie explains.
TRENDS
International artists sharing their work online and connecting with people globally have challenged stigmas, resulting in a range of ages and stages getting inked – from Gen-Z first-timers or groups of millenials wanting to memorialise something, to an 80-year-old ticking off their bucket list.
“Larger, colourful pieces seen on heavily tattooed people in Europe or America are gaining momentum here alongside full sleeves, legs, necks and heads. I recently did a project with an older lady, maybe in her 70s, who wanted to fully cover her back. It was a beautiful, vulnerable experience,” says Veronica.
Cover ups or redos are on the rise, too, with Kiwis wanting to reink old tattoos, or cover “regret” and “party” tattoos. “Some people go for years hiding a tattoo that reflects a bad memory or experience in their life. We can take something shameful and create something beautiful together,” says Veronica.
MODERN TECHNOLOGIES
From hand-tattooing to machine-produced designs, new technologies are constantly evolving and opening the doors to a range of clients desiring thinner, more stylised lines, shading, florals, and delicate work.
“The rise of portraiture and realism in the Bay of Plenty mirrors the growth internationally. Micro-tattooing allows portraits across smaller
areas using finer needles, different machines and ink,” says Veronica.
Julie credits the Māori art revival as playing an important role in the changing psyche of New Zealanders and popularity of tattoo. “We are highly regarded for tā moko and the work of Aotearoa tattoo artists is honoured around the world. Indigenous cultures that have embraced this sacred art form have created a pathway for tattoo in general,” she says.
“Tā moko and tattoos are one of the most powerful forms of communication. There's authentic connection and cultural function that is created through this historical practice. When you get a tattoo, you embody that art form, its power and healing, and share that everywhere you go.”
Read on to discover the many tattoo artists around the Bay.
Sacred honour
Veronica de Oliveira brings art and healing together through her collective of creatives.
While the Western world may have adopted tattooing in recent decades, ancient cultures around the world have performed this sacred art form for millennia. One local tattoo artist has set up a creative studio combining body art with holistic healing, products and services, all honouring a theme of healing, transformation and community.
Black Orchid Creative Studio in downtown Mount Maunganui is a collective of artists offering tattoos, hair and barber services, piercing, massage, coffee and healing reiki. Owned by Veronica de Oliveira, tattoo artist and mum of three, she is determined to transform the male-dominated industry, reclaiming its feminine history.
“Ancient cultures used body markings to acknowledge the energy of the divine feminine, and some of the earliest recorded tattoos were found on female Egyptian mummies. Considered gods of birth, Egyptian women were tattooed on the abdomen and upper thighs, to celebrate creation and provide protection over the birth,” she says.
Veronica studied Reiki and is passionate about increasing understanding about the transformative power of tattoos by offering a large range of healing modalities alongside body art. “Tattooing is a historic blood ritual that transforms energy through art to someone's skin. There's an opportunity for more people to be educated on this sacred experience for its ability to heal trauma, overcome shame, provide empowerment and increase body positivity,” says Veronica.
Inspired by her own journey to becoming a body art professional, Veronica believes with the accessibility of Youtube tutorials, and machines easily purchased online, it's important to create opportunities for the next generation to learn all the elements needed to become a professional tattoo artist.
“My goal is to create an educational platform and offer workshops, education and guest speakers so up-and-coming artists can not just hone their artistic talent, but learn about the history of tattoo, its healing powers, how to honour the client, as well as the ins and outs of running your own business,” she says.
Quick questions with Veronica de Oliveira
UNO: How long have you been in the industry?
Veronica: About seven years.
How did you become a tattoo artist?
I’ve always been an artist; I believe you are born like that. I am a self-taught person, and when something interests me, I can’t stop until I master it. Before tattooing, I was working as an interior and events designer and as a florist. I tried a friend’s tattoo machine once and never went back! I was quite good on it to start, which made me buy my own equipment. I’ve offered free tattoos for family and friends until I worked as a volunteer in the Tattoo & Art Extravaganza and met my mentor, Pepa, who gave me my first opportunity to work in a shop. By that time, I had two small children on my own. It was my return to work life, and I knew I was supposed to do something big with my life.
What do you love most about your job?
My job empowers me. Through art, I can transcend reality and bring happiness to people. My studio is my temple, my dream. I love to come to work, meet people, share energy and heal.
Do you have a favourite piece of work?
At the moment I’m working on a collection of star sign goddesses. I’m in love with it! I create large pieces with my clients’ astrology characteristics in a black and grey neo-traditional style.
Who and/or what inspires you?
I could name so many artists that inspire me, but my real inspiration comes from my family and my devotion to women, the Divine Feminine. I think we are so resilient, so powerful and beautiful. Most of my clients are women, and we learn so much from each other.
What do you think makes a good tattoo artist?
Drawing skills, creativity, drive, humility, compassion, cleanliness, good customer service, ethical professional mentality, good communication and understanding, intuitive people reading. Good common and aesthetic sense. Hunger for learning.
What do you think has changed positively in the tattoo industry in the last 10 years?
The increase of women in the industry and the technology. We now can rely on amazing equipment and material. Social media became a great marketing tool for artists to show their work. There is also less discrimination against tattooed people and artists. I also love that we see young and older people getting tattooed in the same room. Tattoo art has also evolved significantly – these days, artists are doing the most incredible art on peoples bodies.
What do you want to see in the future for the tattooing industry?
I would like to see more recognition
of the profession from governmental institutions through more regulations and more educational incentives to apprentices and mentors. At the moment, I’m in the planning phase of an introductory tattoo course and workshops, to be released next winter. I believe that so many people out there are trying to learn on their own and wanting some guidance, support
and the opportunity to succeed
in the profession.
Making her mark
Characterised by openness and support,
this tattoo studio balances the mana of its artists with deep respect for its clients.
Step into Art + Body Creative Studio in Mount Maunganui, and embrace a vibrant, collaborative, light-filled space buzzing with a large team of artists including tā moko and contemporary tattoo artists working alongside eager apprentices. The open-plan workshop, complete with
bus-theming throughout signifying the shared journey between artist and client, is the antithesis of the closed-off, traditional tattoo shop stereotype; a deliberate design by owner Julie Paama-Pengelly.
“When I opened ‘Body’, I wanted to reject the conventional male-led tattoo paradigm; expose the mainstream to the often hidden nature of the industry, while also demystifying tā moko. As a result, we have created an environment where the powerful, intimate and transformational practice of tattoos is shared and celebrated,” explains Julie.
Considered one of New Zealand’s leading tā moko artists, Julie (Ngāi Te Rangi), has played a key role in the revival of Māori arts since the 1980s. With a background as a university lecturer, arts faculty leader and renowned arts advisor, it was natural to combine her experience in education space with her commercial studio, evolving a pathway for apprentices since 2015.
“As client demand for experienced moko artists took off, I knew I had a role to play to support the succession of artists. More female practitioners were also coming to me asking, ‘How do we get access to more knowledge, more learning, more mentors?’, and I was passionate about supporting the rise of Māori women practising tā moko,” she explains.
In the last nine years Julie has trained over 20 artists, with one to two per year graduating to full-time employment at Art + Body Creative Studio or starting their own successful business.
“Our apprentices learn technical skills and hone their artistic niche, but at the forefront of our kaupapa is creating an environment to support the clients' physical, emotional and spiritual transformation. This includes learning protocols, tikanga, health and safety, and coordinating an open and supportive client dialogue - which is less about the purchase and more on creating an honourable, respectful exchange,” she explains.
Julie’s education work also extends beyond the studio, into orchestrating festivals, exchanges and exhibitions working to strengthen and enrich Māori arts and indigenous tattoo around the world. Toi Kiri, the world indigenous arts festival, developed by Julie and the team from Te Tuhi Māreikura Trust, was held in Tauranga last month. The fourth world indigenous tattoo event is held annually in October over 10 days, featuring a symposium, exhibition and public event showcasing 45 tattoo artists and 200 cultural performers from 16 different nations around the world.
“We have worked hard to create a healthy and vibrant tā moko and tattoo community in Tauranga, and as a result of the vision here, New Zealand is at the forefront of an international movement supporting the revitalisation and exhibition of indigenous arts around the world,” says Julie.
Tā moko on display
Julie Paama-Pengelly is one of eight cultural tattoo practitioners selected to take part in a world-first exhibition at the Museum of Vancouver in 2024. Internationally-acclaimed tattoo artist Dion Kaszas is curating “True Tribal: Contemporary Expressions of Ancestral Tattoo Practices”, an exhibition featuring podcasts, documentary, live performances, living portraits and a photographic exhibition; all celebrating the work of contemporary indigenous tattoo artists around the world.
Quick questions with Julie Paama-Pengelly
UNO: What's your background? How did you become a tattoo artist?
Julie: I have a background in design and did an undergraduate degree in anthropology, which gave me a cultural context to Māori ethnography, world view, and also the importance of our historical art objects. This led to an interest in Māori and Pacific Island development and a Masters of Third World Development. I then did a Bachelor and a Masters in Māori Visual Arts and went on to teach at Massey University School of Design, doing tā moko on the weekends. Tā moko is a cultural signifier of identity and pride; in the early days, it was a community practice that happened on marae and in whanau contexts, as part of the ongoing reclamation of health and wellbeing for Māori.
How long have you been in the industry?
I have been applying tā moko for more than 30 years, at times around my other roles as teacher, writer, exhibiting artist, and parent to two children. When I moved to Tauranga to be closer to my tribal base (I’m from Matakana and Matapihi), I saw the contrast between an affluent Western community and the relative position that Māori now occupied in Tauranga after suffering loss of land and capacity during colonisation. In 2011, I decided to open a studio to locate tā moko within other tattoo practices, to clarify the relative differences between tā moko and tattoo, and to engender further acceptance of tā moko – particularly facial markings which had historically faced discrimination in Western tattoo history.
How would you describe your style?
I am a tā moko specialist and since I have been practicing for an extended length of time, this practice has developed quite a bit. I understand that the principles of tā moko design are underpinned by an inherited language vocabulary (Māori didn't have a written language so our arts served a powerful role), and once you know this, its up to the tā moko artist to expand on this and to reflect the changing nature of Māori experiences and society. When non-Māori copy tā moko, they fail to understand the language system, the design meaning as a personalised engagement between the wearer, their community and Māori ancestors, connecting us with our ancestors throughout time.
Do you have a specialty or area of expertise and if so what?
Within tā moko, I now focus most of my attention to doing moko kauae (the chin area) and moko peha (the lower back, buttocks and down the legs) on women. My body doesn't hold up like it used to, so my focus is now on what I can contribute to the ongoing practice of tā moko. As one of the few female practitioners, it is important for me to consider what unique voice I bring and how I can help keep the art form current into the future.
What do you love most about your job?
Tā moko is all about the people, and while this requires energy, it is the most rewarding part of the job. Particularly the therapy that we each share on the journey, what their story is, their hurdles and celebrations, and being able to collaborate to bring forth something that holds the meaning of generations of Māori. With bigger pieces where clients return time after time, they become family and we all feel connected, and this affects our studio too. Some clients will seek out our other artists to get pieces that reflect their specialties, which makes for a really nice working environment.
Tell us about your most memorable experience with a client.
This is a difficult one, but I have had affirmation of the healing power that tā moko can have. One client who received a significant piece (some
60 hours of work) as a moko peha had a significant history of understanding that she couldn't conceive. She went on to have a child four years later, and more recently reflected that the moko peha might have contributed to this.
Do you have a favourite piece of work?
I treasure my large projects the most, as they allow me to build a significant design relationship between the elements as well as a bond with the receiver. My original first full moko peha piece on Jeanette Rata in 2004 still resonates with me, because the work flowed quite spontaneously from session to session, and the image has been widely viewed so I have had plenty of time to be critical of the work. My current moko peha piece on Erena Mikaere represents how my practice has developed over a 20-year period.
What inspires you?
The work of my ancestors, particularly when I see photos and marvel at the expertise of what they executed with tools fashioned from nature. They remind me of why it’s important to continue this practice, not necessarily to replicate their work, but to look at how they responded to the world. If only we had more primary material from artists back then! I am also inspired by everyone that takes on the commitment to wear tā moko. It’s a mark of bravery and a commitment to wear their identity, experiences and journey forever. They are the ultimate muse, creative influence and legacy for our tā moko traditions.
Art with heart
Pepa Heller of Bohemian Tattoo Arts in Tauranga strives to provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in his well-established, legendary parlour, with plenty of talent to choose from.
UNO: How long has Bohemian Tattoo Arts been open?
Pepa: We opened the studio in 2002, so we've been established for more than 20 years now.
Did you have a big party to celebrate the anniversary?
Not quite a party but we wanted to do something special that would also support the wider community, especially those in need of help. We also wanted to express gratitude to our clients and supporters, so we decided to run a mental health awareness fundraising project for I AM HOPE. It took us more than a year in preparation and about four months to execute.
What was the project about?
One of our team members, Jeffrey Robinson, had the idea of coming up with an animation in support of mental health. It consisted of 100 sketches of John Dory fish in support of men's mental health. The storyline is that the fish was absorbing a lot of darkness and negativity and became sad, only to realise that it could speak 'bubble' to become a happy fish once again. This was to represent mental health struggles. Everyone was really excited about this, so we decided to go ahead with it. The task was to tattoo 101 animation frames on 101 people. All profits were donated to I AM HOPE. Tattooing that many people takes a lot of time, so we called for more tattoo aficionados, mostly the ex-Bohemian crew to help us out. By the time we finished, it had taken us four months to complete all 101 tattoos. We are very happy to have fundraised over $15,000 for a great cause.
That's amazing. How many artists worked on the project and how many do you have in the studio?
Fifteen artists took part in completing the John Dory frames. We have eight amazing tattoo artists at the studio at the moment.
Could you elaborate on your artists and their styles?
Our team, from four different continents, consists of incredible talent and covers a broad spectrum of tattoo art styles. I cover large-scale realism/freehand kirituhi, while Julie of Reconnectink has her own unique style that is strongly connected to nature and good energy. We are both from Czech Republic. Grace of Ink_trek (NZ) is a master of fine lines, mandala art and stipple shading. Paul Collier (NZ) is amazing with large-scale colour and black and white realism. Bryn of spookeestuff.tattoo (UK/NZ) specialises in traditional tattoo style with solid lines and fine shading. Matias of Eme_Ese from Argentina is a solid artist on the rise. Sanjay of Swostiktattoo (Nepal) holds a Masters degree in Arts and focuses on oriental style and realism. Last but not least, Aidan Holland (NZ) covers most styles. Just as cherished and important is our shop manager, Aja, along with professional piercer Olive, both hailing from Bohemia, Czech Republic.
What do you think makes a great tattoo?
I believe there must be a great deal of understanding and good communication between the artist and the client. The client needs to be tattooed by an artist whose style aligns with what the client wants. We are very fortunate to be able to cover most styles of tattooing at Bohemian Tattoo Arts. A great tattoo must strike a balance between scale, proportion, and flow while meeting the client's goal.
How do you work with clients to create a custom design?
First, we arrange for a free, no-obligation consultation, during that time we discuss the client's ideas and offer our own professional input. For the best possible result, it is important to come to a mutual understanding regarding the concept. Once we strike that balance, an appointment is determined and we start designing.
What's the most interesting tattoo you've ever done?
My awesome client Brent gave me his full back to do whatever I wanted, so naturally, I reached for a portrait of a majestic horse. During the first session, to my surprise, Brent was keen to make the commitment and come along with me to the Las Vegas Tattoo Convention in only four weeks. At that point, it sounded impossible to finish such a large-scale tattoo, but in the end, that’s exactly what we did. There were a lot of hours squeezed into a short time, but it was well worth it.
What do you love most about your job?
I am the luckiest man in the world to have the job that I do. It is creative and intimate; I get to know my clients very well and I feel privileged to be part of their life and journey. In the end, they will never be the same after they leave my chair.
Do you have a favourite piece of work?
The personality of my client and the project itself go hand in hand to determine my favourite projects, and there are a lot of these. So, if you’re reading this, and have a tattoo in mind, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Body of work
With almost 20 years of history, this tattoo studio is a multi-generational hub of creativity, where originality and custom designs take centre stage.
Originally established in Dunedin in 2004, Visual Intelligence is a boutique-style tattoo studio, which recently moved to Pāpāmoa from the Mount. With three tattoo artists – Aaron, Emily and Kyah – the studio has a combined experience of almost 50 years. Macaela, who paints canvases for the studio gallery, is the manager and what the staff call the “organiser of everyone’s lives”. The studio specialises in all styles of tattooing and offers a friendly, professional and personalised service, together with high-quality artwork, in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
Here UNO asks the team a few burning questions.
UNO: How long have you been in the industry?
Aaron: Visual Intelligence has just celebrated its 19th birthday! I’ve been tattooing for 26 years, Emily for 20 years, and Kyah for two years.
How would you describe your style?
Aaron: We don't box ourselves into one particular style. We specialise in all styles of tattooing, from realism/portraits, to Tā Moko and Polynesian, full-colour, black and grey, illustrative, neo-trad, fineline, and everything in-between. We also custom design almost all of our work because, first and foremost, we are artists.
What is your favourite style of tattooing?
Aaron: I prefer big, bold custom work in black and grey or colour – tattoos that are built to last and will stand the test of time. I also have a large portfolio of Tā Moko/Māori, Polynesian and Japanese-style work.
Emily: I love illustrative and neo-traditional art, but am happy to do all styles of tattooing.
Kyah: I’m Aaron's apprentice and son, so I’m following in Dad's footsteps. I have a passion for tā moko/Māori, Polynesian and Japanese art.
What do you think makes a great tattoo?
Macaela: A customised design which has been skilfully executed, aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and one that both the artist is happy with and the client is proud to wear. It's also important to note that even a perfectly executed tattoo needs to be followed up with a perfectly well-healed tattoo. We provide personalised aftercare advice which is the responsibility of the client. This would include keeping the fresh tattoo clean at all times and out of the sun, sand and surf, using an aftercare product specifically for tattoos, and even once healed, using sunscreen whenever exposed to the outdoors.
How do you work with clients to create a custom design?
Macaela: The client would come to us with an idea or reference images and we then go through a consultation process, with the artist talking through their ideas, what will and won't work, size and placement and whether they're wanting colour or black and grey. Consulting with the client eliminates the need for multiple designs to be done, as a solid tattoo plan is discussed prior to any designing. There also needs to be an element of trust between client and artist. At the end of the day, the client has come to us through either a recommendation or because they've loved the work they've seen, and are happy to wait months in advance for a booking. Some clients like to see a design prior to their booking; however, most trust our process and only see their design on the day of their booking.
What inspired you to become a tattoo artist? What is your background? How did you become a tattoo artist?
Aaron: I’ve been drawing since I could hold a pencil and I’ve been an artist my whole life. Drawing and design led me to becoming a self-taught tattoo artist and eventually Macaela and I opened Visual Intelligence in Dunedin in 2004. I also enjoy digital art and painting in oils and acrylics, and as well as being a tattoo artist, I was an aerosol artist for many years in Dunedin, painting large-scale murals. More recently I’ve been busy with commissions for custom-carved skate decks, inspired by my love for music, art, culture, skating and tattooing.
Emily: I was brought up in West London and, as a teenager, was into the punk scene and also enjoyed designing tattoos for friends to get tattooed by other tattoo artists. I was always stoked to see my own designs as tattoos on my friends and one of them suggested I should look for an apprenticeship. I approached one of the best tattoo studios in West London for an apprenticeship, and that's where it all started! I have since tattooed in London, Perth and Sydney, and then joined the
Visual Intelligence team in 2018. I also enjoy painting in oils, acrylics and watercolours.
Kyah: My parents are Aaron and Macaela and I’ve basically been brought up in a tattoo studio my whole life. I’ve always been surrounded by their art and seeing what my dad could do in the tattoo studio inspired me to focus on my art at college. In my final year, I received the Mana Toi Tāne Award, which is awarded to "the male student who represents their culture through visual arts with perserverance, commitment and pride." I also completed a Certificate in Art & Design at Toi Ohomai and started my tattoo journey in 2021.
What makes your studio unique?
Macaela: Our studio not only produces high-quality, custom work, but also provides our clients with an experience. We have a beautiful new studio in Pāpāmoa and our environment is a professional hub of creativity, artistic flair, with a personalised service created for each individual client. Our clients feel welcomed, listened to and looked after throughout their tattoo journey. The majority of our clients are also repeat customers and are always thinking ahead and discussing with us the next project they wish us to help them undertake, whether that be on skin, canvas or a wall!
Sister act
Katie and Charlotte Mead are laser focused on their new venture together.
Katie and Charlotte Mead are laser focused on their new venture together.
Words Hayley Barnett | Photos Jahl Marshall
Siblings Katie and Charlotte Mead have never been closer – in both spirit and proximity. Now the two have come together in business too, opening their first store together – The Cosmetic Clinic at Tauranga Crossing.
Having been in the beauty industry for 11 years, Katie’s expertise lies mainly in advanced skin and laser technologies. Katie had previously joined The Cosmetic Clinic as a manager in one of the Auckland clinics seven years ago – the first to open in New Zealand.
It wasn’t long before the beach life beckoned and her and partner, Derek, moved down to the Bay where Katie opened her first Cosmetic Clinic in Bayfair, then a second in Rotorua.
Two kids later, her sister, Charlotte, and partner Calvin, decided their children needed to be around their cousins. “After having my two babies 12 months apart, I needed my sister!” laughs Charlotte. “And as I knew Katie was about to embark on her parenthood journey, she would need me also. Cliché, but it does take a village.” So with two under twos, and partner in tow, Charlotte made the journey down to Tauranga.
Both Katie and Charlotte hail from London, England but have spent over half of their lives in New Zealand, both knowing they’d end up living near the other. Now business partners, the sisters are closer than ever.
Charlotte and Katie opened TCC Tauranga Crossing side by side less than six months ago.
“When the opportunity arose for us to make our way down here, we just wanted to be near Katie and Derek, so we made the jump before the business was a sure thing,” says Charlotte. “Since we moved down here I’ve been managing the Bayfair clinic for Katie after she had her first baby, and that's where I discovered my love for beauty. I would never consider myself a girly girl, but I love skin and cosmetic injectables. That’s how Katie and I realised it would work if we opened one together. And here we are!"
Offering treatments from Dysport (a European version of Botox) and fillers, to laser hair removal and pigmentation treatments and peels, TCC targets a wide range of concerns – aging seemingly their clients’ biggest concern of all. But it’s their safety and professionalism that the sisters are most proud of.
“It's really nice having registered nurses on site,” says Katie. “All of our technicians have at least a level four or five Beauty Therapy diploma. Generally speaking, all of our staff are familiar with working under pressure. And then our entire clinic is overseen by doctors. It's a really safe environment with a lot of protocols in place that we have to adhere to.”
Charlotte pushes the importance of finding clinics with a strong safety ethos.
“These days anyone can work out of their garage with a laser machine, and it does happen. We're comfortable offering treatments that are advanced and can get results because everything's been tried and tested.”
The Cosmetic Clinic is an Australian company, whose hygiene and safety protocols are among the most stringent in Australasia. Before any treatment launches at the New Zealand clinics, there is a lengthy process of case studies and market research, to ensure each procedure is safely executed.
“Our point of difference is that we don't sell anything that doesn't work,” says Charlotte. “Everything has an intention. So if it's pigmentation removal that you're
trying to achieve, or hair removal, all of the technology we use is tried and perfected before it's allowed on to the market. So you’re guaranteed a really great result if our clients remain committed.
We also love that our skincare range was created alongside our treatment menu to enhance the results of our treatments. Not to mention they are cruelty free and marine and vegan friendly."
Right now, the sisters are excited about where the industry is heading, with what they call “the clean girl aesthetic” trending across social media.
“The clean movement has got people thinking a bit more about their skin, realising they need to feed and hydrate and care for it,” says Katie. “We were in an era before that, where it was about covering up, whereas now it's about letting your natural skin come through. Of course, you have to take care of your skin if you're going to be comfortable doing that. I just hope it keeps going in that direction.”
Tauranga Crossing
Breaking the brunch rules
Pāpāmoa influencer Makaia Carr is taking on the big business of beverages headfirst.
Pāpāmoa influencer Makaia Carr is taking on the big business of beverages headfirst.
Words Catherine Sylvester | Photos Erin Cave
Known to some as one of the first social media influencers in Aotearoa, and to others as the founder of the charity Kura Kai, Makaia has her sights set on bringing the humble mimosa out of the brunch-only routine and into our lunches, picnics, BBQs and beyond.
“I’m solely responsible for my life now,” the 44-year-old says, referring to her newly single status. “I knew this was the year to create something that will be exciting, enduring, and allow me to leave something for my kids.”
Brainstorming with friends in early January, the genesis of her new venture, Henlee, was born.
“I realised the drinks industry would be a good option,” explains Makaia. “I thought that having a mimosa in a can would be fun, convenient and would reduce wastage.”
By February, meetings with a local bottling plant were underway, and by March the designers were at work. By late August, Henlee went to market and has been gathering momentum since.
“It’s such a strong New Zealand product,” she says. “We use Hawke’s Bay sparkling wine and Gisborne orange juice. It’s low sugar and low calorie and you’re guaranteed the same great blend every time.
Having made Pāpāmoa home since moving from Auckland a few years ago, Makaia was conscious of working and engaging with people and businesses in the region. She worked locally to create the perfect mimosa formula, with it being bottled in and distributed from the Mount. For brand design and packaging, she worked with the
Woods Agency, a local mainstay.
Makaia credits her 20 years of retail experience with giving her the skills necessary to successfully run a business.
“Those were my ‘university’ years,” she says, smiling. “I learned so much from old-school retailers about marketing plans, budgets, managing and leading teams. I was able to firstly apply that to my career in social media, and now to Henlee
and the beverage industry.”
With demand from Australia for the new mimosa in a can, and bars and retailers around the country stocking Henlee, it’s only a matter of time until an international market comes calling.
Makaia acknowledges that New Zealand wine has such great renown overseas but is happy to take things one considered step at a time.
“I’m not going to rush things,” she adds. “For now, it’s all about focusing on making our mark. When people think mimosa, they’ll think Henlee.”
And if her track record and current momentum is anything to go by, it will play out exactly the way she has planned.
On a roll
The Mount’s favourite sushi fusion restaurant and bar, Satori Lounge, has moved across the bridge to bigger, better and far more modern premises on The Strand.
The Mount’s favourite sushi fusion restaurant and bar, Satori Lounge, has moved across the bridge to bigger, better and far more modern premises on The Strand.
Words Hayley Barnett
Lisa Wilson never pictured herself in hospitality, let alone owning and running one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the Bay. She didn’t even like raw fish. But, 13 years ago, that’s exactly what happened, and now she can’t imagine doing anything else.
“It was an accident, really,” says Lisa, gesturing towards her expansive, modern eatery on The Strand in Tauranga, which is right now heaving with the inner-city weekday lunch crowd.
“My ex is Chilean and sushi is huge in South America, so he talked me into giving him some of my savings to start a sushi restaurant in the Mount. Of course, he kept needing more and more money until eventually I didn’t have any savings left. And then we broke up!”
Lisa found herself having to quickly take the reins, all while working her day job in banking to stay afloat.
After one too many reviews stating that the food was great but the service needed some work, Lisa realised she’d have to quit her day job and take on the restaurant full-time – and to stop responding to those reviews with “If you want quick service, head to McDonald’s.”
“It took me a while to learn that the customer is always right,” laughs Lisa.
Today is Tuesday – gluten-free day – at her new premises. It’s always been popular, but now that Satori Lounge has moved across the bridge, every day is popular.
It could be the new office crowds that she’s catering for, but I suggest it might be the fact that Satori Lounge has such a great reputation for fresh (and fast) sushi with a difference.
All the best dishes are still on the menu, like my personal favourites, the Citrus Sushi Roll and the Ceviche Sushi Roll,as well as the Honey Chicken Sushi Roll and, well, everything else.
“I don’t like to change the menu,” explains Lisa. “Chefs have tried but people know our menu and they like it, so why change it?”
It was the Citrus Sushi Roll that was responsible for Lisa’s about-turn on the raw fish front. She added more raw salmon little by little until her tastebuds agreed, and now it’s one of her favourite foods.
Though a change in menu won’t be on the cards, it seems the change in scenery is working to the restaurant’s advantage. Lisa even has plans to landscape the back into a garden area for diners with the help of Blair, her landscaping partner and father to her twin boys.
So, whether you’re a hardcore sushi fan, or just keen to try the Honey Chicken Roll (the most popular dish), you’ll definitely find something to love about Satori Lounge. And say hi to Lisa if you see her fumbling around the bar area.
“I wasn’t cut out for hospitality,” she assures me. “I love talking to people too much!” Which is, funnily enough, what makes a restaurant so hospitable. That could be part of the reason this not-so-new eatery is really hitting the spot.
Rural romance
In the upper hills of Ohauiti, an extraordinary transformation has taken place over the past three years. With the owners on to new adventures, this rural home offers a wonderful opportunity for shared family lifestyle
In the upper hills of Ohauiti, an extraordinary transformation has taken place over the past three years. With the owners on to new adventures, this rural home offers a wonderful opportunity for shared family lifestyle.
Words Jo Ferris
Any renovation involves a vision. But the combined talents of this couple’s experience in building and interior design was key to the double life the home now enjoys. Shared accommodation is growing in this country – from aging parents to adult children raising families of their own.
This home’s size was a great start for what this family wanted to create. It wasn’t simply the house itself; it was the extent of garage space that lent to conversion for separate living quarters. Even then, it still left a high-stud, triple garage with mezzanine storage to boot.
While another builder undertook the actual construction – which involved reconfiguring the layout – these vendors did all the finishing. No mean feat, looking at the complex design. The house had the hint of a country villa initially. It just needed vision to truly take it to the next level.
Private seclusion within this rural enclave is exquisite – a perfect backdrop for what now exists in the rolling landscape. Views gaze down the valley to Tauranga and offshore islands. There’s grazing for horses or livestock, a new shed for farm equipment, a chook house, and ample garden and playground freedom in a natural wonderland introduced by olive trees lining the driveway.
Relaxing within the verandah shelter or looking out from the family living areas, this home embraces everything – best of all from the master retreat above. “Retreat” is an understatement. Like a five-star hotel suite, it encompasses a massive bedroom and personal lounge. A central wall, housing a double-sided fireplace, is the ultimate romantic touch. Until you step into the bathroom. It’s pure indulgence, with a deep bath, bespoke vanity and private shower and toilet areas. A “dressing-room” wardrobe is a fashionista’s dream, while hidden storage highlights discreet design and added features.
Downstairs, bathroom zones all received similar detail. Refined taste in each area accentuates an eye for design and appreciation of how heritage finesse blends with chic styling. Panelled walls, wainscoting features and battened accents flow throughout the home, while instilling individual personality into each zone.
The TV room is a cosy, carpeted snug, yet its French-door connection stays in touch with the vaulted expanse of the family hub. Polished concrete flooring enhances the rustic charm of rural life, while a gourmet kitchen is a tribute to the woman of the home’s past in kitchen design. It blends all the hallmarks of heritage allure, with the practical function that caters to big family occasions. Linked cleverly with a larder-style pantry and equally well-designed laundry, the bespoke finish leaves nothing to chance. There’s a place for everything and everything is in place – even a vast vege and
herb patch just outside to complement cooking.
As the passage weaves past two bedrooms, it enters the second accommodation – part of the home, yet separate to ensure privacy and the added bonus of its own entry. Currently a one-bedroom unit, there’s potential to turn the “hobby” area into a second bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe to mirror the main suite. Spacious open-plan living is enhanced by raked ceilings and kept cosy with a wood burner. A wheelchair-friendly bathroom increases this unit’s convenience, while the spa pool and country verandah outside is enchanting privacy, which brings nature to the door.
The serenity is bliss; just birdsong for company. Tuis divebomb flax bushes, feast on flowers and sing their hearts out. Hawks fly overhead and quails visit in summer evenings – there’s no better enticement.
11F Rowe Road, Upper Ohauiti
Community and commerce collide
Tauranga Crossing has become known as a real retail oasis. But Catherine Sylvester discovers it’s more than just a mall.
Tauranga Crossing has become known as a real retail oasis.
But Catherine Sylvester discovers it’s more than just a mall.
It would be fair to assume that most Bay of Plenty residents would, if asked, say that Tauriko is a traditional te reo Māori placename. The truth, however, is not so straight forward and there’s a little bit more to the story. Long before this suburb was identified predominantly with the region’s newest shopping centre, Tauranga Crossing, it was well-known for the family-owned sawmill that prospered in the area. Not sporting the catchiest of monikers, the Tauranga Rimu Timber Company was shortened to the more euphonic sounding Taurico. And with one small tweak, the word became compatible with the local language, and the rest, as they say, is history.
History holds great significance for the owners of The Crossing, as it’s affectionately known. Throughout the centre you’ll find more than a perfunctory nod to the past. Woven throughout the fibre of its ethos is the pioneering spirit of its predecessors, as the centre’s mission to be “the heart of the community” informs everything they do. From the architecture and design of the centre to the special moments and initiatives offered, Tauranga Crossing aims to stand out from the average mall. In all they do, they aspire to be the place where every part of a guests’ life intersects.
The Millyard dining precinct and the Millwalk opened in late 2016. Strolling through this outdoor area amongst shops and eateries, you’ll discover numerous timber bollards with the history of the suburb etched onto them. Throughout the indoor centre, opened in 2019, the salute to the past continues in the artwork depicted on the walls.
“The owners constantly ensure we’re reminded of our history and why we’re here,” says centre manager, Janet Vincent. “Everything has been curated with such care.”
A deeper offering
Driving past the centre heading towards the Kaimai Ranges, you cannot fail to notice the bright coral kinetic tree sculptures. Nestled amongst a cosy play area for children, the artwork named 'The Fernery' is designed by artist Phil Price. An indoor play park for those rainy days means littlies are entertained while caregivers can take a pause amid exploring the offerings of over 100 stores. A beautiful parent’s room with private feeding areas, TV, toddlers play area and bottle warmers provides a small oasis from the hustle and bustle of the day.
“We always think about how people feel when they shop with us,” explains marketing manager, Lana Stretton. “We want everyone to have an enjoyable experience, and we actively find ways to surprise and delight them throughout the year.”
During Matariki, management arranged to drop small star cutouts from the top level of the centre. Attached to each star was a gift card.
The centre ensures a Justice of the Peace is available, free of charge to offer advice and services for customers once a week, and the generous Local Legends initiative, that was born out of covid when people were struggling continues with the gifting of $5000 four times yearly to a worthy cause that is voted on by the public.
Even the centre security guards receive positive feedback on their welcoming presence, and in addition to keeping the site safe, function almost as ambassadors for the centre.
Both Janet and Lana feel lucky to work for New Zealand owners who care deeply for their staff, their centre, and their customers. “It’s so important to them that we are connecting with the community and they’re incredibly good to our retailers, too,” says Janet.
With Christmas on our doorstep, thoughts turn to Santa and presents and fun. Tauranga Crossing curates a beautiful space for photos and chats with the man in red himself.
“During the Christmas season, we like to lurk in the stores then pop up when a customer is about to pay for their goods,” smiles Janet. “It’s always amazing to see their reactions when we offer to cover the costs for them.”
With activities for the kids, like cookie decorating classes, kaleidoscope making and scavenger hunts, and everything you’d ever need for the festive season in one place, Tauranga Crossing may just well be at the top of your “nice” list this December and for the entire summer holidays.
Coach Cory
Former world surf lifesaving Ironman champion Cory Hutchings is back in the Bay mentoring youngsters at Omanu Surf Club
Former world surf lifesaving Ironman champion Cory Hutchings is back in the Bay mentoring youngsters at Omanu Surf Club.
Words Karl Puschmann
When UNO arrives at the Omanu Surf Club to interview Cory Hutchings, the former world surf lifesaving Ironman champion is out on the water. It’s a glorious day, with the sun shining brightly on the gentle surf. Out paddling alongside Cory is a handful of kids, all learning the lifesaving ropes from one of New Zealand’s very best.
I wander down to the beach with the club’s general manager Scott Bartlett, to wait for Cory to come ashore at the end of his class. He’s going to sneak in a quick chat before he takes the next class of kids out into the water.
“He's looking after our Ocean Athletes programme, which is for kids under 14. Then he runs our seniors and helps with our masters,” Scott tells me. “As lead sports coordinator, Cory’s job is to coordinate the athletes and the lifeguards going forward. He makes sure they're fit and healthy and keeps them tracking towards any goals they wish to achieve. Whether it be becoming fitter lifeguards, or going down the pathway of competition.”
Having started surf lifesaving at age five and now with a long list of championships under his belt, including multiple wins in the World Surf Lifesaving Ironman Competition and the New Zealand Ironman Competition, you couldn’t hope for a better trainer than Cory. He joined the club in September and has quickly settled in.
“We were really excited because we knew how beneficial his skill set would be for the community,” Scott says. “He's going great. The kids love him. He's a big kid himself. From a technical point of view, he's doing a lot with our lifeguard space as well. So they're going to be fitter and faster on the beach this year. I would say Cory is probably one of the best in New Zealand at doing it.”
Just then there’s a rush of motion as the kids run past us and head towards the clubrooms, all carrying their surf or paddle boards. The lesson’s over and Cory walks over with a big grin. The lesson went well and he’s loving spending the morning in the water.
“The ocean’s my glue. I get anxious if I'm not on the water for an hour a day,” he explains. “It's a big part of my life and has been since I was born. As long as I can remember, I've been at the beach. It’s not even to do with racing. It’s just in my DNA.”
While the club were able to lure him up from his hometown of Gisborne, it’s more of a return for Cory than an initiation.
“I lived in the Mount back in the early 2000s for about three or four years so I know the place,” he says. “I raced here a lot over my career. So I have a lot of friends here and it's familiar to me.”
As the club’s core business is lifeguarding, that’s the main part of his focus. He’s been coaching for 15 years and is passionate about teaching kids ocean skills and giving them the right training to become better lifeguards. He describes himself as “a hands-on coach”, getting down on the beach and into the water with the kids during his sessions.
Of course, being a former world champion he’s also keeping an eye out for any competitive promise he spots amongst his students.
“If there's a kid that really wants to go on and succeed, train hard and reach some pretty big goals, then our club has a pathway for that child. I think that's important because we do get caught up sometimes on pure participation. It's nice that we can provide both, and that there is an elite pathway as well. It's the balance between the two.”
He encourages parents to bring their kids down to the club to try out a class, saying learning lifeguarding builds confidence and gets them fit and healthy.
“Once they start to get the hang of it you see their confidence grow. They change in front of your eyes,” he smiles. “They start making new friends, connect with different groups, and make those connections around the ocean.”
Which is the other big thing for him. He wants kids to get that same buzz from the ocean that he does.
“You can escape into the ocean. It’s like a spiritual place. There are moments that you have in the ocean that are pretty special. Nothing to do with sport, but just sitting out there. It's a pretty awesome place to be.”
He gestures out to the blue sea that’s lapping up at the sand and says, “Especially in this environment. It's no secret how beautiful this place is. The vibe of this place stimulates me. That's what was exciting about coming here.”
Seaside staycation
Tourism and the Bay of Plenty go hand-in-hand this summer, with activities and adventures for everyone – plus plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, and take it all in.
Tourism and the Bay of Plenty go hand-in-hand this summer, with activities and adventures for everyone – plus plenty of opportunities to relax, eat, and take it all in.
Polynesian Spa
An iconic geothermal oasis on Lake Rotorua's shores, Polynesian Spa has been a global wellness destination for 50 years. Its 28 mineral-rich pools provide soothing experiences, from muscle relief in the Priest Spring to skin nourishment in the Rachel Spring. Geothermal marvels create a serene lakeside setting, complemented by diverse spa treatments, yoga, and meditation. Enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals at the café and discover unique gifts.
Luxe Cinemas
Looking for something to do on those rainy days? Luxe Cinemas has recently launched
in Tauranga and Papamoa, showcasing a wide range of films, from art house and documentaries to Hollywood blockbusters. The family-owned boutique cinema chain believes that going to the cinema should be an experience. With a luxurious lounge area, plush couches and beautiful foliage, even arriving at the cinema feels like the ultimate escapism. Sit back with your choice of beverage – perhaps a Mills Reef wine, Fitzpatrick craft beer or Excelso coffee – and snack to enjoy your film in luxury.
Dolphin Seafaris
Encounter wild dolphins on a thrilling adventure with Dolphin Seafaris. Set sail in the beautiful open waters of Tauranga and head out on an unforgettable journey to witness these enchanting creatures in their natural habitat. This is one for the whole family. Book your seats through the website or over the phone.
Flavours of Plenty Festival 2024
Having recently earned two awards at the NZEA New Zealand Event Awards for Best Local Government Event 2023 and Best Lifestyle Event 2023, the Flavours of Plenty Festival is returning again next year. Embark on a gastronomic adventure spanning from Waihī Beach to Ōhope Beach for eleven days, from April
4 to 14, 2024. Explore the coastal wonders of the Bay of Plenty as delectable treats collide in degustations, workshops, dish challenges, cook-offs, long lunches, tours, and so much more. Tickets and the programme will be unveiled in February 2024.
SmallGusta
What happens when you shrink a golf course to 10 percent of its size? You get Smallgusta! Only 15 minutes from the CBD and the Mount is New Zealand’s premium miniature golf course. Perfectly fun for all abilities, Smallgusta is a nine-hole, par 35 putting challenge with epic views, licensed café as well as thermally heated pools.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 9pm.
Marshalls Animal Park
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? Marshalls Animal Park provides a fabulous day out in the country for young and old. Hand feed the friendly animals, check out the eel spring, and play on the flying fox playground. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at the picnic tables, then head off for an easy nature walk, with an option to drive if needing special access. Pony rides available 11.30am to 1.30pm. Located at 140 McLaren Falls Road just outside Tauranga, the farm is open weekends and holidays 10am to 4.30pm, and Wednesdays to Fridays 10am to 2pm.
Mount Surf Academy
Experience the joy of surfing at Mount Maunganui beach this summer. Expert instructors make learning to surf a blast. Mount Surf Academy provides surf therapy, surf for mums, a women's programme, surf and yoga sessions, group packages to Matakana Island, plus many more fun activities.
Healing hands
Achieving balance and harmony is the main aim at Tauranga’s new Thai Touch.
Achieving balance and harmony is the main aim at Tauranga’s new Thai Touch.
Words Nicky Adams / Photos Jahl Marshall
Massage has been increasingly incorporated into the mainstream for both physical and mental wellbeing – a holistic approach to wellness, it is undeniably beneficial. I’ve personally been very slow off the starting block – my last massage was in Fiji many years ago and a virtual pummelling left me too winded to ask the lovely lady to ease off the pressure with her very strong hands; I learned part of the process is communicating what works for you.
Booking into the new Thai Touch in Elizabeth Street was quite a different experience, though. From the outset it was consultative, and having opted for a relaxing massage (rather than the popular injury-orientated targeted therapy) I was quick, when asked, to say that my preference was gentle – very gentle – applied pressure. Arriving at the brand-new studio felt almost like a destination spa experience. High ceilings lend a sense of luxury, the décor is authentic without feeling kitsch, and the hush straight away makes you want to melt into your chair. Moving from reception to the treatment area in fresh new slippers, the sparkling cleanliness is apparent, with the rooms an ambient but adjustable temperature, furnished with fresh towels and sheets, and low-level background music. Wanna, my masseuse, was perfection – friendly but so respectful; I felt totally at ease in her company, bonded by a silence that was golden rather than awkward.
Speaking with the owners, Orasa and Nigel, my experience was exactly what they have set out to achieve across each of their three studios (Mount, Bethlehem, and the latest in Tauranga). Orasa herself trained in Thailand at a massage school that taught an art that is over 2000 years old. Steeped in history, Thai massage is characterised by its energizing and vigorous processes. Drawing on ancient practices, massage and herbs are traditionally used for healing by treating muscle problems while clearing energy blockages and restoring balance. Falling into two different camps, one style of Thai massage concentrates on circulation and pressure points – known as a yoga massage. The other variety incorporates herbs by using a compress (or hot herb ball). At Thai Touch the massages follow a standardised process, apart from with the therapeutic massage where the therapist can address specific needs.
Orasa and Nigel have aimed to incorporate many authentic customs into their studios – from the greeting with rehydrating lemon water, to the herbal tea served afterwards. As Nigel points out, “The element of ritual is a key part, even down to the silent prayer, hands together, said at the start by the therapist unbeknownst to the client.” The therapists themselves are all Thai; Orasa and Nigel travel to Orasa’s homeland to interview experienced therapists with multiple years of commercial experience that they feel will fit into their spa family. The community aspect of this is very strong, with both relatives in, and an emotional attachment to Thailand, Orasa and Nigel love that they get to bridge the gap between the two countries and cultures in a positive and constructive way. With a team of 70 (that will rise to 80 over summer) everyone from the 35-40 therapists to the housekeeping staff that make up the whole team, are able to send money back to help their families – many of whom live in rural Thailand.
With the new salon Nigel believes their previous experience has culminated in what I consider to be exceptional premises. I was particularly struck by the high hygiene levels – always a priority for them, post-pandemic these meet stringent standards. Health concerns are taken very seriously (hence the in-house housekeeping for laundry). Indeed, Nigel mentions Bethlehem and the Mount have sterile air going through the air conditioning unit, while in Elizabeth Street fresh air is continuously vented through the building.
Here at Thai Touch, Nigel notes, “Relax and the healing can happen.” The aim was to achieve “a seamless experience – from walking in the front door into a tranquil oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation, with the whole environment a backdrop to a sense of trust in a place that is going to take care of you and your whole being.” From beginning to end there is an air of timelessness – always efficient, but not hurried. Nigel, himself an artist, has incorporated an art gallery to the side of the reception area, which will become a place where people can simply extend their stay in what he sees as a “conversational space.”
It is this strong alignment with the essence of Thai culture that makes the whole process feel so beautifully authentic, to the point where the treatments, in all their wonderful relaxing glory, feel a part of a wider holistic experience.