At the water’s edge
Down on the harbour you’ll find this elegant, light-filled eatery, where the food is just as appealing as the view.
Down on the harbour you’ll find this elegant, light-filled eatery, where the food is just as appealing as the view.
Words Karl Puschmann
You’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere to eat with a more spectacular view than The Restaurant at Trinity Wharf. Perched on three piers that stretch out and over the glistening waters of Tauranga’s harbour, the only way to get any closer to the water would be to jump in.
It’s a view that would improve any meal. But Trinity Wharf’s executive chef Rob Forsman, doesn’t want the food to simply match the gorgeous views, he wants it to exceed them. Rob’s been working in restaurants for close to 25 years. During this time he’s worked as head chef for Aotearoa’s restaurant royalty like Simon Gault, Al Brown and the Bay’s Kitchen Takeover team before moving to Trinity Wharf 18 months ago.
It’s a long way from his humble beginnings. “I started as a kitchen hand,” he says. “It was out of necessity. I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a chef. That would be a really cool story to tell but it’s not the case. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, but it didn’t occur to me as a job until I started washing dishes.”
He spent well over a year in the “dish pit,” picking up knowledge around the kitchen and getting trained in the basics. Soon enough his days of scrubbing pans were over and his passion had been ignited. Not just for the work, but for kitchen culture itself.
“To be in a team of hardworking people who are all single-minded in their vision and all working toward the same goal is an amazing feeling. It epitomises kitchen work.”
He worked his way up the chain of command until he attracted the attention of Simon Gault, who offered him the head chef role at Ponsonby’s acclaimed Jervois Steak House. He was there for three years before accepting the head chef role with Al Brown at the trendy Federal Delicatessen beside Sky City.
“I loved working in these places. AI’s whole vision was to treat customers like friends and treat staff like family. It’s inspirational.”
That’s the mindset he’s instilling in his staff at Trinity Wharf. He wants to inspire and feel that inspiration himself. If the kitchen’s cooking, so to speak, then he reasons the food will take care of itself.
To that end, his first priority was to refresh the menu.
“We now use New Zealand ingredients and try to source as much as we can locally. There’s a lot of great produce and fruit in this part of the country and we want to support local business as well.”
While adapting from the single-focused restaurant business to the multi-faceted role at Trinity Wharf, with its multitude of menus for various occasions, events and the day-to-day, has been a challenge, it’s one he’s embraced.
Looking out over the glistening sea which is right outside the window, he reveals his hopes for The Restaurant at Trinity Wharf.
“We’d love to become a destination for the local population.” He smiles. “We’d absolutely love that.”
ASK THE CHEF
Rob Forsman takes on UNO’s quickfire questions.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
The street food in Southeast Asia. It’s not a polished, plated meal but the flavours are insane. It’s so humble but the love has been put into it. I recently went to Indonesia and ate my way around. I didn’t eat any Western food at all.
What’s your earliest food memory?
Baking bread with my grandmother. I was really little and the process was like magic to me – kneading the dough and seeing how it rises. Her secret was to pop it under the bed to proof.
How can you make everyone’s most disliked vegetable, Brussels sprouts, tasty?
Blanch them in a little bit of salt and sugar to take the bitterness off. Get some bacon nice and crispy, some caramelised onions, some chilli if it takes your fancy, and then toss them all together in the frying pan with some butter until you get a little colour on the Brussels sprouts. Colour is king.
What’s the next big trend in food?
I think people are going to start consuming a lot less meat. It’s become too expensive, and there’s a lot more awareness around the environmental impact. I think meat is on its way out. Slowly. We’ll never get rid of it. It’ll just become more opulent. More special.
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.
Golden touch
This multi-purpose complex has created an amazing community packed full of dining, entertainment, health and retail options for Pāpāmoa East.
This multi-purpose complex has created an amazing community packed full of dining, entertainment, health and retail options for Pāpāmoa East
The ever-growing area that is Golden Sands, in Pāpāmoa East, has fast become a destination for visitors and locals looking for quality stores and services. This is thanks mainly to the Excelsa Centre, the community hub offering a wide range of dining, entertainment, health and retail options.
Situated on the corner of Golden Sands Drive and Pāpāmoa Beach Road, the main area houses everything from a luxury cinema, to a reformer pilates studio and the now-famous contemporary restaurant and bar,
Papa Mo’s. Across the road sits the famous Henry and Ted Café, catering to all ages but especially to families and their extended furry friends.
Read on to discover just what eachone has to offer.
Reform Pilates
Recognised throughout New Zealand as synonymous with high-quality studios, incredible trainers and killer reformer pilates classes, the Reform brand’s mission is to turn traditional pilates on its head. Creating a more upbeat, dynamic and results-driven experience, this studio strives to provide an exciting, unique exercise programme that delivers fast results in a safe and carefully controlled environment. Classes are challenging with options offered to suit all fitness levels and abilities.
Papa Mo’s
Serving up quality food and drink with a focus on local produce, Papa Mo’s has become the place to be in Golden Sands. With live music every Friday and Sunday, along with the Tuesday pub quiz and Happy Hour from 4pm to 6pm seven days a week, it’s the perfect locale to meet up with friends and family. Special meal and drinks deals happen on the daily and the menu covers something for everyone.
Henry and Ted Cafe
The suburban eatery that prides itself on catering for everyone just keeps getting better. With a brand new menu, brunch is tastier than ever. Dishes like Sourdough Crumpets with honey-roasted pear, thyme, and housemade lemon ricotta, are impressing foodie diners, while others, such as the Philly Cheese Steak Sammy, are providing comfort food year round. For caffeine addicts, the Nitro Cold Brew is back on tap and events are always being planned. Keep an eye on their social pages for tickets.
Luxe Cinemas
This luxurious, upmarket cinema is not your average picture theatre. Housing three cinemas showcasing a wide selection of films, the family-run business caters to a range of people, from families to seniors. It's the perfect place for a quiet catch up, and you don’t even have to watch a movie. They offer coffee, wine and snacks and the space is also available to rent for functions, fundraisers and birthday parties. Luxe Cinemas Pāpāmoa is open seven days a week.
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.
Surfing for the soul
Bay farmers are learning to take the beach back to the paddock
Bay farmers are learning to take the beach back to the paddock.
Words Hayley Barnett
It’s fair to say the past few years haven’t been kind to our farming and horticulture community. Economic conditions and labour shortages have really taken their toll on a once-thriving industry. But a small group of people have been working hard to bring a little bit of sunshine back into the lives of the people holding together our country’s backbone, with an initiative called Surfing for Farmers.
The idea is self-explanatory – getting more farmers and orchard workers out onto the beach and into the waves. The free programme runs over the whole of summer and offers surf lessons and an evening out for the whole family to enjoy.
“The theme this year is to take the beach back to the paddock,” says BOP board member Sarah Hickey. “We want to encourage anyone working on a farm or in the horticulture industry to get out there into the surf then take that experience back to work, talk about it with their colleagues, or just feel better in their day-to-day life. We want that ripple effect to happen once you’re off the beach, to spread that good feeling.”
This will be the fourth season that Surfing for Farmers has run in Mount Maunganui, but the programme itself has been running since 2018. The founder, Stephen Thomson, who worked in the farming industry himself, started the project after watching a documentary on returned soldiers using surfing as PTSD therapy.
“Something just clicked and he was like, ‘I could do that here for farmers’,” explains Sarah.
A year later, Sarah was sitting with a friend, who had been teaching her how to surf, when they came across a newspaper article about Stephen.
“That’s when I realised that, hey, we could do something here in the Mount,” she says. “It kind of snowballed from there and now we’re running in 28 locations around New Zealand.”
Each region operates slightly differently, but the main aim is the same. In the Bay, friends and family of the team, who surf themselves, volunteer their time to coach, and the boards and wetsuits are borrowed from local surf schools.
“It’s about sharing knowledge and getting everyone out here,” says Sarah. “It’s really fun. We always have a barbecue afterwards, so it turns into quite a community event.”
The feedback, says Sarah, has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’ve definitely had some amazing stories. We've had one guy who was a farmer his whole life but had stopped working. He came along for one session and got hooked on surfing. And that became his way to still be connected to the industry. Now, he's retired and this has become a hobby that himself and his son do together.
“It’s about connections and people. They come along, and then suddenly, three weeks in, they've got this new surfboard and wetsuit and they're grabbing their neighbours and inviting them to come down. Or they're discussing things on the farm and giving each other tips and tricks because it's a real mixture of young and old. We like to get the children involved too.”
And that ripple effect Sarah was talking about earlier comes into play throughout not just the farming community, but the wider community as well.
“Farmers’ families often tell us that their dads have come home much happier,” says Sarah. “We had a daycare sponsor give us some money and we were like, ‘What's a daycare doing sponsoring Surfing for Farmers?’ And they said it was because they notice that the kids are happier. When the dads have been out for a surf, the kids are happier at the daycare. So it's a win-win for everyone.”
But it’s not just the men getting amongst the waves. “It is mainly men but we do get quite a few women. One night we had females outnumber the males, which was a really cool night.”
So far, around 4000 to 5000 farmers are taking part every year, and Sarah says they’d like to increase that number substantially. “Our goal for 2026 is that by the end of summer 2026, we will have moved the needle for 25,000 people.”
To participate, all you need to do is turn up at any session and register. Session times are posted on the website for each region. “Just show up. That's all you need to do. We cover the rest.”
Blended family
Together Mackenzie Elvin and Tompkins Wake signify people, places and professionalism.
Together Mackenzie Elvin and Tompkins Wake signify people, places and professionalism.
Words Nicky Adams | Photos Salina Galvan
If it feels as though Tauranga already has access to some of the best legal representation in the country, then the recent merging of Mackenzie Elvin law firm, a family founded Tauranga-based practice, and Tompkins Wake, one of the largest national New Zealand law firms, has certainly upped the ante.
For Fiona Mackenzie, one of the founding partners of Mackenzie Elvin, the merger was part of a progression plan. Growth was inevitably on the cards, and Tompkins Wake presented at the perfect time. “We are a multi-generational firm and, in considering our future strategy, there were a number of options including continuing to grow as a mid-tier firm with all the pressures and complexities of modern legal practice, or we could look at developing alignments with practices that we respected and who operated according to values that mirrored ours. Tompkins Wake stood out,” says Fiona.
“It’s been an interesting year, an exciting year – we remain in our lovely iconic villa, which is part of our brand, but we are now Tompkins Wake. I view it a little bit like a marriage where you may change your name, but you don’t lose your identity; instead, you become something more than you were before.”
Jon Calder, Tompkins Wake chief executive, agrees that the synergy between the two companies is serendipitous. “We’ve had a presence in Tauranga since 2018 and have always been looking for opportunities to grow – the right, rather than any, opportunity – it became clear very quickly that the two firms had a strong alignment in terms of values,” Jon says.
There was more to the attraction than just culture – within Mackenzie Elvin, Jon identified “Ambition. The company was definitely ambitious to grow and offer a broader range of services to their clients. With the size and scale of Tompkins Wake, that’s something that we’re able to do.”
Indeed, the capacity of the united law firm is now enormous. Together Tompkins Wake is one of the top 10 law firms within New Zealand in terms of size and reputation. Across the board there are 35 partners, 125 lawyers and over 200 staff, with offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Tauranga.
The Family Law team is one close to the hearts of both firms. Fiona considers the practice intrinsic to the identity of the firm, and with the merger Fiona is confident at the breadth offered by the partners that include herself, Stephanie Ambler, Zandra Wackenier and Kate Sullivan. Each of them has not just extensive knowledge and experience, but also offers particular areas of expertise. As Fiona reflects, “Law is always developing and the practitioners I’m now working with are at the cutting edge.”
Fiona Mackenzie
The merger allows Fiona to move into her own space of mediation. “I take difficult relationship property situations, difficult blended family estate situations, and work with them in a mediation setting to explore resolution in a less adversarial but perhaps more enduring way.” With the addition of the other Family Law partners, “that now frees me up to develop mediation as a brand offering for the firm,” Fiona explains.
Stephanie Ambler
Stephanie, who operates from the Hamilton office, is head of Tompkins Wake’s family practice and was part of the inception of Family Law within Tompkins Wake. When Stephanie joined Tompkins Wake it was a different landscape. “I was the first family lawyer at Tompkins Wake. Ten years ago they didn’t have a family law practice when I joined, so it’s pretty phenomenal to see the growth of the family law team and it being embraced by a commercial firm.”
The opportunity to work alongside Fiona and her team is an exciting one, says Stephanie. “I first had dealings with Fiona Mackenzie about 20 years ago when she was on the other side of a file of mine when I was working in Auckland, and she was an impressive woman, so I was quite in awe and intimidated!”
Relationship property, Stephanie says, has been a huge growth area, so from her perspective the opportunity to expand Tompkins Wake’s presence in the Bay of Plenty with the acquisition of Mackenzie Elvin was golden. “It’s been a great fit for us – there was an existing team headed by Fiona, who has a fabulous reputation, and our values and cultures align very closely.”
Zandra Wackenier
Zandra, who is based in the Auckland office, acknowledges the footprint in Tauranga is advantageous. “To have people on the ground with a longstanding history and connection to the area is incredible,” she says. “From a family law perspective, it has grown our team and given us more highly experienced lawyers. It’s great having those different skills and personalities in the team.”
All striving to be experts in the field, the two firms are absolutely on the same page. With an additional unique area of expertise in reproductive law, Zandra gives access to a particularly niche and specialised aspect of family law. Indeed Fiona, Steph and Zandra are all recommended lawyers by the Doyle’s Guide, so referrals come through this way as well as word-of-mouth. However, Zandra explains that there is always careful consideration as to where a client is best suited, dependent on availability, complexity of the case, and capacity – because of the breadth of skill available, from junior solicitors to partners, there’s the ability to allocate clients appropriately.
Kate Sullivan
Kate, who works from Rotorua, echoes both Zandra and Stephanie when she notes that the local, client and market insight that comes from Mackenzie Elvin is essential, and the depth of this and strength of relationships with the community is invaluable. “The clients we have in Tauranga we now have a greater ability to look after because we’ve got the expertise and the local knowledge of Mackenzie Elvin people,” she says. “The partners really know their clients, they have a broad client base, and they know the market so well.”
Under the “family” umbrella there is a separate sub team, which is the estate and litigation team (rather than relationship property and family law), which Kate heads up and is expanding, particularly in the Bay of Plenty region. Kate sees this as a huge growth area across New Zealand: “There are lots of exciting changes happening in that space in the higher courts, lots of interesting decisions coming out, so it’s a great arena to work in and it’s changing, so it’s quite exciting.”
The scale of what is offered by the acquisition is impressive. As Jon Calder reflects, “We’ve got a deep expertise across all areas of practice, meaning we step up to another level. With the size of the firm, and the specialisations our people have, we rarely encounter a situation or a complex problem for a client that we haven’t seen before.” Crucially, “there’s an opportunity to bridge the gap for clients who are seeking expertise they perceive is not provided in the city, so rather than having to leave town it can be dealt with here in Tauranga.”
Moreover, the mechanics in place in terms of systems and technology are also reflective of a business of size – benefits that have not gone unnoticed by Fiona Mackenzie. “The ‘backroom heft’, as I call it, is extraordinary and offers huge benefits to our local community in terms of the quality and capacity of the legal services now available locally.”
Invest in your skin
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore reminds us that beautiful skin requires commitment – not a miracle.
Cashmore Clinic’s
Leanne Cashmore reminds us that beautiful skin requires commitment
– not a miracle.
It surprises me how many people start their skin journey with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers. Often they want a quick fix, the easiest option, with instant results. If you’re willing to invest that money into injectables, you should be willing to invest it into your skin first. Your skin is an investment, not an expense.
There are so many devices, machines, facials and supplements available to enhance our appearance, which also help our botulinum toxin and fillers last longer and look better. Here are just a few that will get your skin in tip top shape.
SKIN PEN NEEDLING
People get put off this procedure as it involves needles, but the depth is controlled so as to not inflict pain that requires anaesthetic, but deep enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It's a slow burner requiring regular treatments to see the long-term results of a firmer, plumper and more hydrated appearance with minimised fine lines, pores and pigmentation. You can buy pre-purchased packages that make it inexpensive and with monthly treatments.
RADIO FREQUENCY NEEDLING
Radio frequency needling is a medical grade needling experience where you get two treatments in one. Needling creates microscopic wounds in the skin which trigger collagen production. Radio frequency technology is emitted through the needles to penetrate deeper layers of the skin, triggering the skin's natural healing process (this treatment includes numbing cream). The heat has a tightening effect on the skin and can help acne by shrinking the sebaceous gland and reducing oil production in the skin. It’s an FDA-approved treatment and considered gently stimulating and minimally invasive.
FACIALS
The list is endless. These treatments are a relaxing, rejuvenating experience that takes an hour or less and does wonders for your skin.
Dermaplaning: Removing the fine hair and dead skin cells to help your skin better absorb products, creating a radiant glow and ensuring flawless makeup.
Peels: These are amazing for gentle exfoliation and personally tailored to
suit your skin, whether it’s acne, pigmentation or just general dullness and lacklustre.
Hydrafacial: This amazing machine deep cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts impurities from pores with a painless gentle suction, hydrating the skin with intense moisturisers. The skin looks incredible afterwards, especially when combining treatments with dermaplaning, creating the perfect facial that is amazing before an event.
SUPPLEMENTS
Collagen powders have proved their worth, having a controversial history but recently backed with reinforcing evidence. During treatments, the addition of collagen supplements will aid the healing of the skin. For premium absorption, look for hydrolysed marine collagen, including extras like zinc, keratin, silica and vitamin C to offer more benefits.
Great skin is in! It takes time and persistence; you will see results and prevent further damage by starting regular tailored treatments.
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.
Coastal charm
Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.
Sun, sand, strolls along the beach… Ōhope is a little slice of paradise with so many options for families, couples, and solo travellers to enjoy this summer.
The beautiful Ōhope, just 6km from Whakatāne, is one of the Bay of Plenty’s hidden gems. With 11km of pristine golden sand, along with picturesque natural beauty, native birds and views of Whakaari/White Island and Moutohorā/Whale Island, it’s been voted
New Zealand’s most-loved beach for a reason.
Ōhope’s new hotspot
Situated at Port Ōhope Wharf, Wharfside is the place to be this season. Bring your family and friends and set off on a harbour cruise, hire SUP, kayaks, and e-scooters for some family fun, or sit and relax with a craft beer and bite to eat while the kids practice their manus off the wharf. This popular spot is open from December 27 through February 5, and select weekends throughout autumn. Visit the pop-up isite Visitor Information Centre to get all the inspo – and booking assistance – you need to
have an epic Eastern Bay summer.
Cruise & shuck
Discover Ōhiwa’s rich history, oyster farming, cultural significance and stunning harbour on an immersive Ōhiwa Tour. Experience the ocean’s bounty through an engaging oyster experience where you’ll learn the art of shucking oysters, followed by a tasting of delicious kaimoana. Tio Ōhiwa is more than just an oyster farm and takeaway shop; it's a community hub and indigenous-owned business that believes in bringing people together through good food and good company.
Get movin’
The calm waters, easy beach access and great scenery make VMAC Rides’ base on Wharfside, Ōhiwa Harbour the perfect place to have a go at stand-up paddleboarding. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned professional, VMAC Rides has the boards for you to get out there and enjoy yourself! Or if you’d rather stay on land, you can explore this little slice of paradise on an eScooter or eBike. Suitable for both adults and children, it’s a great way to have family fun together.
vmacrides.co.nz
Mata Brewery
Mata Brewery Taproom & Eatery is a much-loved family-friendly gathering place for Whakatāne locals and visitors alike. With a selection of 12 taps and several packaged options, there’s a wide variety of beer and cider to satisfy every taste. Try a tasting tray or grab a glass – they have a good selection of wine, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic drinks, too. At Wharfside, they'll have a pop-up brewery with all their favourite beers and ciders, bar snacks and live music. It's a great spot to sit and relax while the kids swim and jump off the wharf.
Must-dos nearby
Surf and turf
Gaze at the stellar harbour views, take in a stellar sunset, and enjoy the beachy vibe from the spacious deck of Fisherman’s Wharf Café. Surf and turf is their speciality, with excellent steaks and sumptuous seafood – try the fish tacos – and there’s a decent beer and wine selection to ease you into another relaxed Ōhope evening. If you’re wanting tasty takeaways, fish and chips are available from the handy window too.
facebook.com/fishermanswharfcafe
Take to the water
With experienced guides who know the local history and environment, KG Kayaks offers tours and freedom hires in a variety of locations around the Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach area. The relaxing, family-friendly Ōhiwa Harbour tours, and trip out to Moutohorā/Whale Island via sailing catamaran are particularly memorable, with regular wildlife encounters and a hot water beach experience making it a day to remember. Novices are welcome, and safety is always first priority – they also offer options for school and corporate days out.
On the trail
Perfect for cyclists and walkers alike, the Ōhope Harbourside Trail is a gentle amble for all ages and abilities. Winding along the shoreline of one of our most unspoiled and culturally significant estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour, you’ll come across a multitude of birdlife, shellfish and fish species. Traversing esplanade and recreational reserves, the walk has been designed to ensure the least disruption to the natural environment while allowing for stunning views.
Change of art
Tauranga Arts Festival is renowned for bringing the world to the city’s doorstep but for this year’s October 19-29 extravaganza, the new team at the festival’s helm are embracing the moment.
Tauranga Arts Festival is renowned for bringing the world to the city’s doorstep but for this year’s October 19-29 extravaganza, the new team at the festival’s helm are embracing the moment.
Words Sandra Simpson
The Up-Doos - He’s a Rebel
Taking on the mammoth project that is the Tauranga Arts Festival is beyond exciting for the new festival organisers.
“In building this year's programme, we're reflecting a need to provoke joy and belonging for our audiences – as well as undertaking necessary conversations with the vital voices of Aotearoa,” says artistic director Shane Bosher. “We'll be staging some out-of-the-box experiences, including an interactive work for families, which we are super excited about.”
The superb travelling venue, the Carrus Crystal Palace, will be at the southern end of The Strand waterfront for music, a night of comedy and all the fun of a poetry slam, with other performances and events unrolling throughout the city.
Our place on the planet is Oceania, borderless and vast, ranging from the fiery volcanoes of O'ahu to the wild tides of Rakiura. It’s a place rich with story that UPU brings to roaring theatrical life with an all-star line-up of Māori and Pasifika performers who will invigorate the words of Oceanic icons as well as writers transforming Aotearoa today, including Maualaivao Albert Wendt, Briar Grace-Smith, Apirana Taylor, Tayi Tibble,
Selina Tusitala Marsh and Hone Tūwhare.
UPU
Tusiata Avia, whose work features in UPU and is the author of a previous festival hit, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt, is the first female Pasifika poet to win the Ockham Award for poetry. The festival is delighted to feature the ferocious stage adaptation of that award-winning 2021 collection, The Savage Coloniser. Avia’s unapologetic examination of race and racism is full of bold humour and lacerating truths. “This is a red-hot festival ticket that audiences should fear missing out on,” Shane says.
The Haka Party Incident brings the events of a more-recent history – the “last New Zealand war” in 1979 – to the stage in an award-winning production. Resurrected is the eventful day when a group of Auckland University engineering students rehearsing their annual tradition of a mock haka are confronted by the activist group, He Taua. Provocative, resonant and unforgettable, this is a not-to-be-missed theatre event from writer and director Katie Wolfe.
The Haka Party
Laughter is an important component of any Tauranga Arts Festival and, thanks to an evening exploring questionable dating choices and romantic misadventures with Mr Wrong, the Carrus Crystal Palace will be a rollicking place to be. He’s a Rebel is a playful cabaret performed by The Up-Doos, actress-singers Liv Tennet, Esther Stephens and Aria Jones, who feature the music of Dionne Warwick, Shangri-Las and The Chiffons, among others.
Meanwhile, in her new solo show Mean Mums, actress Morgana O’Reilly wants to tell you Stories about my Body, some not-so-funny, but some definitely funny, and with the healthy reminder to be more gentle and kinder to ourselves. Warning: There will be nudity (and you will love it!).
Do you love to sing, but only when no one’s listening? Two of Aotearoa’s musical heavyweights – award-winning musical director Jason Te Mete
and Rutene Spooner, a member of the Modern Māori Quartet – will tempt out your inner star and let you enjoy the thrill of a collective performance. In Battle Chorus, the maestros divvy up their audience and fight it out in a social singalong. With a complimentary drink to loosen the vocal cords, audience members will learn harmonies to great Kiwi hits, then join forces in a fun sing-off.
Tusiata Avia
A rising star with a voice born in the rushing mountain streams and placid green bush of Te Wai Pounamu is singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell, who blends folk, alt-country and Americana into her own captivating style. Just as her songs speak to the family ties that bind, so too does her backing band that includes her identical twin sisters, Maegan and Nicola, accomplished performers in their own right.
Festivals encourage innovative art and Kiwi singer/songwriter Finn Andrews, lead singer of the rock band The Veils, does just that by joining forces with the luscious sounds of violin, cello and piano of NZTrio’s contemporary classical musicians Amalia Hall, Ashley Brown and Somi Kim to perform songs from One Piece at a Time, Andrews' first solo album and previously unreleased material.
Finn Andrews, Amalia Hall, Ashley Brown and Somi Kim
As well as top home-grown talent, the festival is thrilled to welcome Gráda, a five-piece Irish folk band (albeit one with a Kiwi member) that has reunited in 2023 especially for a New Zealand tour. Said to be to its genre what Arcade Fire are to indie (a big compliment), Gráda has appeared multiple times in Ireland’s top 10 music charts.
Thought-provoking conversations are guaranteed with a Speaker Programme that includes novelist Emily Perkins, Jared Savage (Gangland), writer and director Katie Wolfe, comedian and writer Michele A’Court, children’s author Dame Lynley Dodd, and while playwright Nathan Joe, who also performs his Scenes from a Yellow Peril as a spoken-word event.
Another high-impact performer sharing stories from a life that straddles two cultures is Sameena Zehra, an award-winning performer, writer, director and blues singer-songwriter. Before moving to Aotearoa, Sameena lived in Britain where she performed at the National Theatre and toured internationally with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Her show, Tea with the Terrorists, confronts everything, whether sombre or silly, with a light and insightful touch.
Jenny Mitchell
A Seat at the Table is one of the visual art installations in the central city during the festival. Attempting to rebalance the voices at the table of contemporary fine art, this intriguing work asks spectators to move around a large dinner table, with each place occupied by work from a diverse point of view. Pull up a seat and taste a more balanced contemporary art diet. Like the festival itself, everyone’s invited to this party!
Tickets from ticketek.co.nz or the Baycourt box office in Tauranga. See the full Tauranga Arts Festival programme at taurangafestival.co.nz
Superpowered seaweed
Humble and ubiquitous, seaweed has been around since before the dinosaurs, and an enterprising Paeroa family has harnessed its natural benefits for the agricultural industry and beyond.
Humble and ubiquitous, seaweed has been around since before the dinosaurs, and an enterprising Paeroa family has harnessed its natural benefits for the agricultural industry and beyond.
Words Catherine Sylvester
Paeroa, nestled at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula towards the northeast of the Waikato; unofficial antiques capital of the country, geographical originator of the quintessentially Kiwi soft drink L&P, and home to the whānau-founded, owned and operated Agrisea, which specialises in the manufacture and innovation of high-nutrition seaweed products.
If you’ve found yourself traversing north on State Highway 2, emerging from the Karangahake Gorge, you may have spied their factory to the left and wondered exactly what one does with seaweed aside from wrapping sushi rolls with it. The answer, it turns out, is quite a lot.
Tane and Clare Bradley are second generation kaitiaki, or caretakers, of the family business. It was Tane’s parents, Jill and Keith, who saw the potential the marine algae has to make a positive impact on the nutritional and environmental aspects of the food we grow and eat. Almost 30 years ago, a summer spent working on organic farms saw the couple witness firsthand the benefits seaweed nutrients could have on land and crops. Having complete confidence in their discovery, they packed up their family and moved from Tāmaki Makaurau to the more affordable Paeroa to realise their dream of creating organic products to support the home gardener.
“All us kids thought it was just a hobby till they called a family meeting, sold the house, and off we went,” laughs Tane. “We thought they were nuts!”
From humble beginnings selling Ocean Organics seaweed products from the store they rented and lived behind, the business flourished and in 2004 rebranded to become Agrisea, with an expanded focus to include the horticultural and farming climate of the industries the company found itself on the doorstep of.
Clare explains that the Agrisea products are biostimulants, rather than fertilisers.
“Fertilisers work by supplying nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which in overuse have a negative effect on the farm system and environment,” says the company’s CEO. “Biostimulants stimulate natural processes within the plant and soil to enhance growth, efficiency and health. It’s the plant equivalent of the difference between running a well-serviced car, rather than just putting more oil and gas in it.”
The couple met 18 years ago when Clare was forced to return to New Zealand due to a flesh-eating disease she’d picked up while living and volunteering in the Amazon rainforest. They laugh when retelling this story, which is typical of the pair’s positive view on life.
“Tane makes friends wherever he goes,” Clare explains. “That’s how we’ve started some of our latest collaborations.”
Innovation and forward-thinking are keys to the company’s success. As well as three core agricultural products, they’ve found exciting and interesting ways to incorporate seaweed into new offerings as diverse as alcoholic beverages, kombucha and bee nutrition.
“We’ve partnered with Dominion Salt to make New Zealand seaweed and salt blocks for animals, and Roa Kombucha to make a delicious new drink,” elaborates Tane. “We’ve partnered with others to make a seaweed stout, vodka and gin!”
Apiarists and bees alike have fallen in love with the company’s Bee Nutrition that provides the essential amino acids, trace elements and minerals bees need to grow and reproduce, and the company has gone global with the product.
The apple hasn’t fallen far from the proverbial tree with the Bradleys, as they’ve inherited Jill and Keith’s original care and concern for others and the environment.
“Mum always used to say, ‘We’re not here to buy baches, boats and BMWs’,” Tane says. “'We’re here to make a difference.'”
This care comes in the form of research into the potential seaweed has to remove toxins from our coastal waters. Their pilot programme has seen great success with the next step being to figure out how to replicate this on a larger scale.
They’ve also partnered with Our Land and Water to research ways the mana and mauri of soil can be respected, and how a combination of matauranga Māori farming practices and science can create positive change.
So next time you find yourself in Paeroa and spot the Agrisea hub, take a moment to marvel at the wonder and potential of this humble gift from the sea, and all the superpowers seaweed has to offer.
Style status
Spring into action with trans-seasonal pieces
Spring into action with trans-seasonal pieces
Words Nicky Adams
Augustine Ezra Skirt $159.99, Betty Blazer, $199.99, AND Kesha top, $139.99, all from Augustine.co.nz
READ THE ROOM
Again and again the same phrase is being reiterated – timeless rather than trendy; reimagining and repurposing classics with sensitivity to the economic climate. Staples should make up around 70 percent of your wardrobe and be trans-seasonal. If you update with one basic, make it utility wear – a pair of cargo pants, jacket or dress. Rather than the shapeless low-rise trousers of Y2K, this time cargos are tailored, and utility wear boasts well-placed pockets and comes in a range of colours and fabrics. Trousers are a solid staple this season; along with
ultra-baggy styles, straight leg (both jeans and tailored) are a great investment.
Unisex ACW X TBL Hunting Parka, $1,500 from timberland.co.nz
Xander tailored pant, $159 from iloveugly.co.nz
PUMA Cali Court sneakers, $160 from nz.puma.com
RETRO CHIC
Great for the office, casual or event wear is the spring staple of florals, and jewel tones give a fresh perspective. Tweed is strong this season and along with the classic jacket, there are sheath dresses and two-piece combos. Meanwhile the white sneaker trend has morphed into subcategories. Celebs have been seen in Adidas Originals which look great with wide-leg pants. Elevated sports luxe tends to be understated and easy to pair with anything, while the closest to a “trainer” often introduces colour while giving a 90s vibe (the Asics Gel Kayano celebrated its 30th anniversary with a new release). These are best paired with oversized blazers and baggy jeans, not dresses.
Trelise Cooper At A Cinch Dress, $899 from wendysboutique.co.nz
Asics Gel Kayano Legacy, $340 from asics.com/nz/en-nz
Twist detail halterneck jumpsuit, $215 from Cos, Commercial Bay, Auckland
TRENDING NOW
Most wanted this season
BRIGHT, SUNSHINY DAYS
As the weather starts lifting, why not lean into glamour with something elegant or slinky. Corset styles are here to stay, and have been worked into patterned and floral dresses, giving off a vintage rather than bedroom feel. If you gravitate more towards easy to wear, easy to care, then a strapless silhouette is a key look, whether in maxi or mini length. Again, there’s that 90s minimalism prevalent in the aesthetic, but stretch fabrics have come a long way in that time, so comfort is a bonus. Necklines have been a focus for summer styles, with delicate shoulder reveals and halter necklines big news, whether in tops or incorporated into all-in-ones. Spring pastels are a tried and tested seasonal win. While barely there hues of baby pinks, blues, lavender and sunshine-yellow may feel like a cliché, they just look so good as the weather brightens.
Knewe Dakota Dress, $229 from street2surf.co.nz
L’idee Vacances top, $262 & skirt, $239 from superette.co.nz
Venice Shoes, $319 from nicolerebstock.com
Simply Italian Wreath Earrings, $244 from tillyandtiffen.co.nz
FESTVAL FEVER
If concert wear is front and centre, you’ll know that the bigger the star, the more themed the ensemble. While festival fashion has always been a thing (think Coachella, as much a fashion statement as an event, or Glastonbury grunge aesthetic), it seems themed threads have gone mainstream – so much so that some websites (ASOS, One Teaspoon) devote sections to concert looks. Cowboy boots will forever be synonymous with boho, as chic with shorts as with sequins; the Taylor Swift Eras tour has made fringed outerwear a must-have. Check out party dresses that can be paired with sneakers as well as heels – comfort is key! The concert must-have of 2023 is the perspex bag; rather than just another revival of a 90s look, its high visibility ticks all the security boxes.
Self Portrait Gold Sequin Mini Skirt, $589 from superette.co.nz
All Star Hand Embellished Leather Jacket, $780 from oneteaspoon.com.au
Aviator sunglasses, $39.99 from
Golden Emboss Glamour shoes, $219 from minx.co.nz
Celestial Rose Long-sleeved Top, $109 from oneteaspoon.com.au
Mini Slouch handbag, $380 from helenmiller.co.nz
WHAT TO WEAR
How to tackle a dress code.
Event wear dressing goes hand in hand with several “in a perfect world” prerequisites. Ideally, the outfit will be unique enough that you don’t arrive and find you’re twinning with anyone else; the ensemble will be crease-proof – and sweat-proof – enough to survive the day and, of course, it goes without saying that you feel like the very best version of yourself when you rock up to the do.
Depending on your relationship with fashion, the chance to go all out for an event, whether it be the races, a wedding or a formal evening, can either get the adrenalin pumping through exhilaration or sheer terror. You may have more than one date in your diary, but lots of events doesn’t have to mean lots of looks. Going to the races calls for something on the classic and conservative side (go easy on the cut-outs, sheer and above-the-knee) as does a wedding, so it’s possible there could be crossover for these events. Equally, for a cocktail or a black-tie event, one outfit could serve both purposes. Change up the accessories, jackets and hair and no-one need know.
If you want to guarantee a unique look then shopping for vintage is fun, but if you’re buying unseen then it’s worth remembering sizing has changed over the years; a dress from the 70s will size smaller than present day. Renting occasionwear is increasingly popular and is a great way to source a label you might not find locally. Australasia has some phenomenal boutique designers; the smaller the run rate, the better your chance of being a standout.
Decoding the invitation
Navigating a dress-code can sometimes feel dicey, but it doesn’t need to be:
Smart/casual – dress up a little and break out that elevated look that’s just a smidge too smart for a dinner date. Preferably not jeans (unless they’re dark denim and you might get away with it) paired with a chic top for women or collared shirt for men rather than a tee, and heels or dress shoes as opposed to trainers.
Cocktail – bring on the satin, silks, velvets... A cocktail dress is traditionally thought of as around knee-length, although maxi is equally on point. For men, suits (with shirt and tie), usually dark in shade but if it’s a daytime event, light colours can be cool.
Black tie – gown or cocktail dress, go big or go home. Elevate your look with accessories, evening bags, jewellery, shoes. Tuxedo for men with bow tie.
White tie – this is top tier, so if you’ve been invited to an event like this, it’s unlikely you need advice! On the off-chance you do, then floor length gown terrain, tails for men – and white gloves all around.
Key looks for event wear spring 2023
Orange has been noted as a number one wedding guest colour this season, while green, brown and navy are also topping colour charts. Along with longer hemlines, cocktail, boho and western looks. High/low hemlines, tulle and ruffles. Elevated fringe.
Inside scoop
For women:
“The biggest trends we’re seeing are lots of bright colours and beautiful prints which Trelise Cooper does so well; we’re also seeing florals coming from our European labels.” The team at Wendy’s Boutique
For men:
“Shades coming through are rich dark greens, with complementary brown/tan buttons and contrasting stitch on jackets. White or black shirts with subtle textures look sharp worn underneath.” Jason Dovey, Bond & Co.
FASHION FORECAST
Get ahead with the latest summer fashion trends.
Seeing Red
For those desperately trying to balance out the shades of pink that are everywhere this spring, then throw in some red. A colour that is not only strong for summer, but one that is dominating the colour wheel for next autumn, it’s being showcased as head to toe rather than just accents. If you want to get ahead of the curve, this is one way to do it.
Wrapped Up
Never far away from the top trends, the bow is back this summer. On skirts, dresses and blouses – whimsical and romantic, for 2023, the bigger the bow the better. Oversized makes for a statement, and whether
on the shoulder as a strap detail, or added as a three-dimensional embellishment, the feminine look is a hit. If this is too much, then the easiest way to wear a bow is a loosely tied pussybow blouse.
Water Works
Summer resort trend is all about the mermaid inspiration – ranging from
a sprinkling of ocean to full- on Ariel under the sea. A body-skimming gown with a fishtail skirt is an obvious interpretation, along with pearl jewellery, crochet separates and sequin column dresses. If sequins feel like they’ve supersized, that’s because they have. Outfits are bedecked with lots of the larger scale-like sequins – paillettes. Sealike shades bring the look into force, with aqua, cerulean and cobalt colourways.
Pep Talk
If you’ve started noticing a resurgence of the peplum trend, you’d be right – and by summer it will be in full force. Generally a more structured look that in itself can be divisive, historically it has played into tailoring; however with its summer ’23 reboot it’s being incorporated not just into dresses but also jackets and tops, while being softened into almost a frill
in some cases.
Inside the mind of Richard O’Brien
Enter the surreal world of actor, writer and musician Richard O’Brien. Residing in Katikati, the Rocky Horror Picture Show creator takes us on a journey through the history of the world-shaking musical he wrote exactly 50 years ago.
Enter the surreal world of actor, writer and musician Richard O’Brien. Residing in Katikati, the Rocky Horror Picture Show creator takes us on a journey through the history of the world-shaking musical he wrote exactly 50 years ago.
Words Karl Puschmann
Photos Graeme Murray + supplied
I feel a slight shiver of anticipation as I approach the front porch of Richard O’Brien’s homestead, which sits between Tauranga and Katikati and overlooks the harbour. As a struggling theatre actor in the 1970s, Richard wrote a musical in order to create himself a job and have something to act in. That musical was an instant phenomenon and would go on to become the very definition of a cult classic, with the BBC hailing it as “the one cult movie to rule them all”.
As a teenager, it blew my mind when I discovered it had been written by a New Zealander. This was something far more impressive to me than any number of Rugby World Cup wins or America’s Cup victories. Richard’s musical was called The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
A sexy, madcap tribute to Richard’s beloved sci-fi and horror B-movies of the 1950s, Rocky Horror revolves around a wholesome, newly engaged couple who seek refuge from a violent storm in the castle of Dr Frank-N-Furter, a lascivious transvestite scientist who is conducting strange experiments in his laboratory. The story follows Frank-N-Furter’s efforts to – depending on your view – either sexually corrupt the couple or sexually liberate them. And then aliens get involved.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat this is not. Rocky Horror is deeply weird, unashamedly sex-crazed and extremely funny. It features some absolutely banging tunes, the most famous of which is “Time Warp”, a spot-on rock n’ roll parody whose infectious lyrics instruct you how to dance to it (It’s just a step to the left / and then a jump to
the right). But songs like “Dammit Janet”, “Sweet Transvestite” and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” are right up there with it in terms of memorability and sing-along catchiness.
On stage, the musical was an instant hit when it debuted in June 1973, in the small upstairs theatre of the Royal Court Theatre in London’s West End. The show became the hottest ticket in town and quickly outgrew the venue, moving to bigger and bigger theatres and collecting awards. Two years later in 1975, the film adaptation was released with most of the original cast reprising their stage roles, including Richard as the hunchbacked butler Riff Raff and Tim Curry in his star-making performance as the fishnet stocking-clad, nymphomaniac Frank-N-Furter. And that’s when things for Richard and Rocky Horror really launched into outer space.
I knock on the door and the shutters, which I presume had been closed so UNO’s photographer could take these stunning portraits of Richard in his open-plan living area, are opened, allowing me and bright rays of light to enter. Having just finished the shoot, Richard, resplendent in black with a sparkling diamond necklace rubbing up against a sheer silky negligee that’s exposed under his open shirt, has taken a seat at the circular dining table. He’s now 81 but exudes an ageless androgynous glam rock cool.
To his left is a gleaming white baby grand piano that’s covered in stacks of books, and beside that is a flamboyantly dressed life-sized mannequin. Behind him is a wall covered from floor to ceiling in currency from around the globe, with the phrase “The root of all evil” painted in the middle.
There’s so much to take in. Everywhere you look there are bright artworks, sculptures, instruments, books or pop culture collectibles. But don’t get the impression that it’s cluttered. Everything has been curated and displayed with an artist's eye.
I take a seat at the table as his wife Sabrina brings out a freshly brewed pot of strong coffee and a plate of chocolate bikkies before disappearing into the house, leaving Richard and I to talk.
Did she pull the curtains again on her way out? I’m not sure. But the day’s bright sun very quickly dissolves into a smeared golden haze, lending our chat an almost dreamlike quality as we veer away from Rocky Horror to discuss everything from the evolution of man, politics and religion, to what awaits us in the afterlife.
It was appropriately surreal. It’d be disappointing if an audience with the creator and star of Rocky Horror was not an intrinsically and pleasingly strange experience. There are also moments of breathtaking performance when he figures the best way to answer a question is to simply demonstrate rather than explain.
A question about writing Rocky Horror’s world-famous songs sees him answer by picking up a guitar and brilliantly performing a tune from his upcoming musical The Kingdom of Bling before joking, “Three chords do go an awfully long way.”
And when I ask about his creativity, Richard says he’s striving to “create a gem of a phrase equal to Oscar Wilde,” before dramatically reciting an astonishing and wondrous poem titled The Fatous Fowl from a collection of children’s poetry he’s currently looking to have published, which consists entirely of sparkling gem-like phrases.
But before all that, we have to start with Rocky Horror which, unbelievably, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
“I really think it's wonderful,” Richard says when asked about the musical hitting this impressive milestone. “It's so nice to meet so many people that love it.”
Then, as a nod to his purpose for writing it in the first place, he adds, “And it's so nice that it has employed so many people over the years.
“Without it intending to be, it’s become a kind of haven for people who feel different sexually. We all know that nobody asks to be born straight or gay. We seem to be going backwards slightly, don't we, on this whole issue. I thought we'd have got over that. I thought we all understood now that people are born gay and people are born transgender. It's not a choice. I thought we'd all agreed on that. But lately, we're becoming confused by the whole subject once again. I prefer a more tolerant society. I'm not sure if I approve of being too tarty in public.”
Then he chuckles softly and says, “Although, I think you should push the boat out occasionally. We don't want to live in a stuffy, staid, deeply evangelical society. It’s unhealthy.”
It’d be easy to think Rocky Horror was Richard purposefully pushing the boat out, ruffling the feathers of stuffy old England while waving the flag for LGBTQIA+ ideology and inclusivity. But that would be wrong.
“Rocky was a piece of adolescent fun. A boys' bedroom musical,” he says. “It has nothing of great import to say. It's not a political piece. It’s just what it is; a piece of nonsense. It’s very entertaining and it’s not a bad yarn. As a piece of storytelling and entertainment, it’s perfectly good and enjoyable, and fun. But for it to have had this longevity… It doesn't make a great deal of sense.”
He sounds almost puzzled by its success. But then, he’s struck by a thought.
“Maybe,” he begins, “that’s all we want? Maybe it’s the fact that Rocky Horror guarantees an evening out. You’re going to enjoy yourself and have a good time. It really could be just as simple as that.”
Perhaps. Rocky Horror is a good time. A whole subculture has grown around the movie, with people dressing up as their favourite characters and singing along with the film, while the stage play is said to be performed somewhere around the world every single night.
But it’s also credited as being a major influence on the counterculture and sexual liberation movements due to it being one of the first popular
and successful musicals to depict fluid sexuality and progressive values.
“It’s become connected by default to transgender issues and gay issues. I understand that and I'm glad that the world became more liberal,” he says. “As I get older, I’d like the world to be much, much more liberal and much more left-wing. I wasn't always that way. I was ‘conservative’ with a small ‘c’ when I was in my 20s.”
A surprising admission after he’d described himself as “a dope-smoking hippie” during the time he was writing Rocky Horror.
“Well, I hated the politics of envy. If people have a nice car and enjoy it, I say f**k it, they’ve earned it. That’s their right. They’re only caretakers anyway. It’s only yours while you’re alive. I don't like resentment,” he explains. “But I really loved the fact that there's a welfare state. I say to look after those who are less well-off, disenfranchised, isolated, or marginalised. It means that we’re civilised. If we start putting some bucks into that, it means we're really civilised. The glorification of wealth by the right-wing is an empty path. It’s really a glorification of greed. And that's shameful.”
Politics is a subject that’s very much on his mind. He especially has a keen interest in the circus of American politics and holds sharp vitriol towards the likes of Donald Trump and those who hide unsavoury, rights-destroying political convictions behind the facade of religion.
“It's odd to me that people prefer fantasy to rationality,” he sighs. “I think as a human race, we've lost the plot. Religion has led us astray. It confused our thinking. It demands that you abandon rationality and believe in an invisible man in the sky.”
It’s ironic, I say, that religion’s promise is on what happens after you’re dead, rather than doing good while you’re alive.
“Well, I do hope there’s something more because what I would like to do – what Sabrina and I want to do – is travel through time and space for eternity. To see how it all started and what went on. To see life on other planets and to look back on our own history. I can't wait to get back to the megalithic period. That’s my favourite. I want to know the answers to everything.”
Despite his age, his curiosity and creativity remain as strong as ever. Far from sitting back and watching the world go by, Richard’s working on a myriad of projects. There’s his art, which is currently going through a pastels phase, and the aforementioned children’s poetry book as well as The Kingdom of Bling, his brand-new musical which he describes as a “satirical fairytale”.
“I have fun working and writing and doing things,” he explains simply.
His slightly posh and proper accent betrays the short decade he spent as a child growing up in the upper-class town of Cheltenham, England before his family immigrated to Tauranga when he was 10 years old, but his affection for this adopted area can’t be overstated.
It’s so strong, in fact, that rather than produce The Kingdom of Bling among the bright lights of Soho, Broadway or closer to home in Auckland
or Wellington, he’s instead chosen to put it on at his old school, Tauranga Boys’ College.
Smiling warmly, he says, “We’re going to have the world premiere of The Kingdom of Bling using pupils from the primary school plus students from the boys’ and the girls’ colleges. What joy.”
He’s a singular presence with a highly theatrical aura. He carries a reputation for being a little prickly at times, but this morning he’s nothing but delightful company, whether slamming close-minded politics, marvelling at the hidden mysteries of the cosmos, recounting minutiae about the creation and legacy of Rocky Horror to an obvious fanboy or enthusing about his latest works.
“I’ve always lived in my head,” he says. “Being transgender and not being able to talk about that and yet wanting to be a young rock-and-roller...
But I enjoyed myself. I never felt that I’d been shortchanged in any way. Life is what it is and you get through each day. I was a dustman. I cleaned people’s houses. I pumped gas. I did a lot of these jobs.”
While he found success in London, he did so with a very Kiwi attitude. He didn’t wait for anything to happen. He made it happen. He knocked on doors. He took any theatre stagehand job he could get just to feel a part of that magic.
And when he couldn’t get acting work, he sat down and wrote his own musical, inadvertently creating a show that would resonate with millions of people around the world and become a saucy, fun, fishnet-clad beacon of the LGBTQIA+ community in the process and championed as a progressive cultural landmark. So happy 50th birthday, Rocky Horror, and bravo Richard.
To quote his character Riff Raff in "Time Warp", “It’s astounding.”
Fresh flavours
Stacey Jones introduces us to Tauranga's newest – and supremely talented – chefs.
Stacey Jones introduces us to Tauranga's newest – and supremely talented – chefs.
You know you're having a food moment when, 13 years later, you close your eyes and you can still taste it. That happened when I first stepped into the French Café in Auckland and was treated to a deconstructed lemon meringue pie, perfectly executed by Simon Wright. So imagine my delight when I learned that the very same chef behind the infamous citrus dessert was venturing to Tauranga to head up Clarence Bistro.
Simon Wright of Clarence Bistro
The arrival of new chefs in the Tauranga region is cause for celebration. With the culinary landscape constantly evolving, these talented chefs bring a big dollop of energy, flavours and new ideas.
Simon and his family previously settled in Whangamata after selling the French Café in 2018. A few years down the line, after setting up the renowned Gather & Roam, they felt ready for a new challenge.
Simon explains, “We loved being by the beach, so Tauranga was a lovely, natural transition. It has such a great balance of beach with a cosmopolitan twist.”
“We’re six months in and still finding our feet. We’ve launched a French du jour-style menu in a two- and three-course format to really capture the essence of a bistro. My food philosophy is to use the best of everything. Fish is line-caught, meat is organic or naturally raised, and vegetables are from a collective in Katikati, who are spray-free.”
But it’s not only the CBD that is being treated to some culinary creativity. I was delighted to discover that another passionate chef, Italian Simone Saglia, has taken over the reins of The Trading Post in Paengaroa, together with wife Kylie, who runs the front of the house.
Kylie and Simone Saglia of The Trading Post
“I started cooking and experimenting with food from a very young age,” Simone says. “I would visit my aunt’s house after school, and she would teach me how to cook. Hearing her talk about food, and then tasting how good it was, definitely sparked my interest.”
His journey led him to study at the culinary art school IIS Giolitti Bellisario in Mondovi, honing his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants. Venturing to London, Simone expanded his horizons before an exciting opportunity arose. “One night when working at Harry’s Bar, Neil Perry came into the kitchen and asked if any chefs would like to move to Australia and help him open Rosetta in Melbourne.”
With a culinary style that marries tradition with a modern twist, Simone lets the flavours take centre stage. His standout dishes include must-try lasagna, mouthwatering beef and chamomile ravioli, and exquisite agnolotti del plin with three cheeses.
While we’re on the subject of Italian cooking, meet Stefano Raimondi,
owner of Autentico, another chef who is bringing the essence of Italy to the Bay. He hits the nail on the head when he says, “Italian cooking classes, with a real Italian chef − how could you say no, right?"
Stefano Raimondi of Authentico
Embodying the Mediterranean spirit, his cooking style is a celebration of simplicity and tradition. He explains, “When I'm doing a menu, I usually find a good seasonal product, and my mind starts thinking about possible matching flavours and the best way of treating it. Remembering and mixing dishes learned in almost 20 years of cooking.”
Currently collaborating with Basilico pizzeria making fresh pasta and sauce, owning a food truck called Fritto, and planning pop-up dinners, Stefano has some delicious plans ahead. His classes run most Sunday afternoons and will feature favourites such as mushroom risotto and tiramisu.
Stefano’s Italian cooking classes
Wrapped in aroha
These Māori-designed organic cotton baby blankets and throws blend traditional elements, modern style, and timeless quality.
These Māori-designed organic
cotton baby blankets and throws
blend traditional elements,
modern style, and timeless quality.
Photos Ria rawiri
Tasmyn Roach's idea for organic cotton paraikete (blankets) came from her love of making baby blankets for close friends and whānau. But as she learned more about her own culture and heritage, a passion for te ao Māori blossomed into a fusion of creativity and entrepreneurship – and Awhi was born.
Working alongside her sister Shenaye, partner Lance, and son Kahika, Tasmyn founded Awhi Company – the word “awhi” means “embrace” or “cuddle” – selling unique Māori-designed baby blankets, muslin wraps, and throw blankets that feature traditional Māori designs, patterns, colours, and themes. “I want to normalise Māori culture for the next generation,” Tasmyn says. “Each blanket is designed with an element of te reo Māori or Mātauranga Māori to ensure our pēpi stand strong in their identity from the moment they enter this world.”
With a degree in fashion design, Tasmyn is inspired by her journey learning te reo Māori, by the strength of her Māori heritage, and by a desire to celebrate and treasure Māoritanga. “Awhi encompasses everything I am about – values, focussing on te reo Māori, developing products for pēpi, and normalising te reo from birth,” Tasmyn explains. Here, she tells UNO more about Awhi.
How did Awhi Company come about?
Awhi Company came about from my love for babies. I would make baby blankets for gifts for friends and whānau. My niece was the reason it turned into a business. She was born in Perth and I wanted to make some extra money to visit her. I started selling them on Facebook, auctioning one a night with the highest bidder at 7pm the following night winning the blanket. From there the demand grew, and so did my business. My partner and I eventually took a trip to China to check out manufacturers and ensure they had the same values as us and could create beautiful organic cotton blankets.
What do you love most about it?
I think our pēpi are the most important thing in the world, and it’s our job to nurture and protect them. I feel so grateful that our blankets can play such an important part in their lives, help them settle, feel loved, warm and protected for many years. My niece is six and still has her Awhi Blanket!
What is your career background?
In 2012 I moved to Tauranga Moana and completed a degree in fashion design. I even took a couple of collections to NZ Fashion Week through Miromoda, which was an amazing experience. I then went on to work with our at-risk rangatahi, supporting them with education, employment and helping to remove barriers. On the side I was hard at work growing
Awhi Company organically.
What inspires you?
At the moment I am inspired by the change that is happening around the motu. Te Reo Māori and Māori designs are becoming standardised in everyday situations. I love that we can play a small part of that by creating Māori-designed baby blankets and throws for the whare. What an exciting future for our tamariki here in Aotearoa!
What is most important to you – in work and in life?
When you have a business you are so passionate about, the lines get blurred. Learning te reo Māori, travelling, and spending time with my whānau are important to me. Helping ensure our babies are wrapped in their culture and language from birth. My son is 18 months old now and I feel so lucky to be learning te reo Māori alongside him and for him.
What's been the highlight of your business journey?
We have recently opened a shop at the Historic Village in Tauranga! Before then we were operating out of home. This was such a big moment for us as it opened a door and has enabled us to connect with our customers and community. We get to meet Māmā and pēpi and genuinely check in with people. As a māmā I know how hard the first year can be so creating a safe space for Māmā to come in is really important to us. We have a change table in store and a safe place to feed baby.
What's next for Awhi Company?
Normalising Māori designs is only one part of our business. We are working hard to create intimate te reo Māori play groups for Māmā and pēpi. Helping Māmā on their journey of reclaiming their language for the next generation. We are so lucky and grateful for where we are and look forward to what else we can offer for our people.