Ripples of change
The Women’s Fund is a group creating a community dedicated to empowering other women and whānau in the Western Bay of Plenty. Co-founder Hayley Nelson talks to UNO about how it came to be, and how being empowered as a child by the strongest woman she knew led her to where she is today.
The Women’s Fund is a group creating a community dedicated to empowering other women and whānau in the Western Bay of Plenty. Co-founder Hayley Nelson talks to UNO about how it came to be, and how being empowered as a child by the strongest woman she knew led her to where she is today.
WORDS Hayley Barnett
PHOTOS Giselle Brosnahan + Salina Galvan
Clockwise from top left: Hayley Nelson, Avah Smith, Christie McGregor, Anne Pankhurst and Keryn Jarvis.
On the eve of Mother’s Day earlier this year, Hayley Nelson stepped up to the podium to speak at the Western Bay of Plenty Women’s Fund breakfast held in Tauranga. She stunned everyone with her own mother’s tragic story in which she battled mental illness, before succumbing to it by taking her own life.
Hayley became her mother’s primary caregiver at the age of 13, after a car accident left her injured – something Hayley understood as a cry for help. She learned to take care of not just her ill and injured mother, who suffered from bipolar affective disorder and post-natal depression, but also her three brothers and their home, all while attending high school.
Somehow, amidst the chaos of her life, Hayley managed to travel the world at just 16 years old, before returning to study and work for a number of major banks in client-facing and leadership roles. Tragically, her mother committed suicide when Hayley was 24 years old. But despite this, her own resilience, Hayley says, is down to being raised by this “superhero mum” who did all she could with the limited resources she had to hand, while struggling to maintain her mental health.
Today Hayley is the general manager of Craigs Investment Partners in Tauranga, and the co-founder of the WBOP Women’s Fund, made up of influential local women looking to give back to their community by helping other women in need.
“When I think about why I wanted to give back, I reflect on that 13-year-old,” says Hayley. “I wondered how we could look after those children in similar situations, with mothers suffering from something they know nothing about. I think of my brothers, of the trauma they’ve been through, and I feel for the seven-year-old, or that 10-year-old, or that 19-year-old who later lost his mum and didn’t even understand her illness. Kids any age can be really confused by people’s actions.”
It’s a situation that far too many families face, but today the amount of resources and information available is far greater than it was when Hayley was growing up. Her aim is to tap into that and become a connector between charities and those who want to help.
Together with her long-time friend Keryn Jarvis, she started building the Women’s Network as a way to access philanthropic groups and businesses, to raise funds and then give those funds to charities that help women, girls and whānau in need.
“In the beginning, a Giving Circle felt like a good way of achieving that,” explains Hayley. “But then we thought, actually, let’s go bigger. There’s lots of different people doing amazing work and we know that it’s hard to raise funds at the moment. So we thought, hey, let’s utilise our work, our contacts, and boost other organisations in the process. That’s really what it’s about – just helping people to help others.”
Hayley was inspired by the likes of the late Chloe Wright, who built the Bethlehem Birthing Centre and Kids Start. “Something I remember hearing from her was around the importance of maternal wellbeing in mothers,” says Hayley. “She knew something needed to be done and she was trying to do all she could to help in that space. It’s like all these things have been pointing me towards this path, saying, this is something you need to do to give back in some way, whether it’s financial or inspirational.”
It turns out it was both. Hayley and Keryn began talking with the Acorn Foundation, who at the time was represented by Emily Golding. Frances Mole has since taken her position.
“And then I thought, right, anything that happens in this town Anne Pankhurst knows about or wants to be involved in. So I reached out to the Tauranga Business Chamber, who Anne was with at the time.
“Then Anne was keen to have a lawyer on board,” Hayley continues. “Both of us knew Christie McGregor from Copeland Ashcroft Workplace Lawyers quite well and we knew she was involved with the Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support, which focuses on sexual assault awareness. And I wanted to get a youth voice in there as well, which is really important. So I reached out to Priority One, and Avah Smith put her hand up. She was one of the young female leaders in their INSTEP programme. She’s been a delight. It’s such a good group.”
Together the group helps to organise fundraisers through their member’s businesses, as well as getting the word out through their respective contacts and organising their own events throughout the year. Next Mother’s Day, the WBOP Women’s Fund will announce the charities their members have nominated, voted for and donated to. “But we don’t want to become an events company,” cautions Hayley. “Our focus is on connection.”
So how did she come to be such a master connector herself, I ask. “I think my background has something to do with it,” she says. “Changing schools and moving towns, I had to learn to meet people. Now I’m not afraid to talk to anybody, or introduce people because if you don’t, you don’t get to meet anybody and you end up sitting in the corner on your own.”
It seems to be Hayley’s tenacity and resilience which has led her down this path – something she knows she’s lucky to have. But she also knows it takes more than resilience to get through tough times. It also takes support from others. “I remember in the 1980s my grandmother took me to the Schizophrenia Fellowship – it was the only place to get information on mental health and wellbeing – so that I could understand a little bit around what was happening with my mum. That was all that Nana knew she could do. But it was a really helpful thing for me. I became more curious, more compassionate and understanding.”
That’s what Hayley hopes to do for these charities through the Women’s Fund – reach out and do the best she can.
Flex your finances
Brooke Reynolds of Rapson Loans and Finance explains how structuring your home loan to suit your lifestyle could save you thousands in interest and shave years off your mortgage.
Brooke Reynolds of Rapson Loans and Finance explains how structuring your home loan to suit your lifestyle could save you thousands in interest and shave years off your mortgage.
PHOTO Jahl Marshall
Securing the right home-loan structure for your lifestyle is important for achieving your financial goals. This decision requires a thoughtful conversation with your financial adviser, taking into account various factors such as your current and future affordability, interest-rate trends, long-term objectives, potential changes in your financial situation, and your spending habits.
The home-loan market offers a wide range of products designed to accommodate different financial circumstances. Among the most popular options are fixed-rate loans, which provide stability and predictability. These loans lock in an interest rate for a period ranging from six months to five years, allowing you to plan your repayments without worrying about fluctuations. With a fixed-rate loan, you can also make additional payments to build equity more quickly, and some lenders allow lump sum contributions of up to five percent of the loan balance.
Variable loans are excellent to work alongside a fixed loan or on their own to offer you flexibility, rapid repayment and reduction of interest paid. There are three types of variable loans, each offering unique advantages:
Revolving Credit: This is where you have part of your home loan on the floating rate. It acts as a transactional account with a credit limit, where interest is calculated only on the outstanding balance. It’s ideal for those who like easy access to funds and flexible repayments.
Floating-rate loans: These are independent loans that allow you to make lump-sum payments in addition to the minimum required payment at any time. This flexibility helps reduce your interest costs. Some floating-rate loans also offer the option to redraw funds, providing you with even more financial flexibility.
Offset loans: These clever structures link to your transaction and savings accounts, reducing interest by offsetting your loan balance against your account balances. This means that when your account balance matches your loan amount, your repayments contribute directly to the principal.
Your natural financial behaviours should guide your loan-structure choice. If you tend to spend leftover money, a fixed-rate loan with increased payments might help you manage interest more effectively. Savers who dislike frequent account transfers might prefer an offset loan. For those who enjoy actively managing their finances, revolving credit or floating rate options could be ideal. However, be aware that not all floating loans allow withdrawals, so it’s crucial to consult your financial adviser for specific details and recommendations tailored to your situation.
Your financial situation evolves, and so should your loan structure. Regular reviews with your adviser ensure your lending continues to meet your changing needs and goals. Remember, the ideal loan structure adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around. By understanding your options and working closely with a financial expert, you can create a home-loan strategy that supports your goals and secures your financial future.
Utsukushii uchi - a beautiful presence
Zen living finds its essence in this award-winning home that overlooks the lush Ōmokoroa fairways.
Zen living finds its essence in this award-winning home that overlooks the lush Ōmokoroa fairways.
WORDS Jo Ferris
Respected for its courteous etiquette and culture, Japan’s minimalistic approach to architecture is also revered. Bay of Plenty’s Design Builders bowed to that inspiration with this home overlooking Ōmokoroa Golf Course.
Winning a gold award in the 2024 showhome division of Bay of Plenty’s regional Master Builders’ House of the Year, the home exudes an innate Japanese persona. It was a photo of a Japanese garden that stirred Design Builders BOP owner, Sam Perrin’s imagination. The result embodies Japanese serenity and dignified finesse.
While the minimalist style appears simple, it is anything but. Every detail, every nuance is designed to blend and flow; integrate, yet stand out. A bespoke front door welcomes you into a foyer with built-in units – a feature that invites removing shoes as is the Japanese custom.
Open-plan family living maximises space, while streaming natural light from carefully placed glazing and a skylight. The off-white decor is accented gently with the honeyed allure of natural timber in custom cabinetry, autumn hues in furnishings and statement punctuations of brushed bronzed tapware.
Shoji cedar sliding dividers continue the Japanese theme – fibreglass inserts emulating rice paper to infuse filtered light and privacy when needed. This is showcased superbly in the master suite, where its stunning oval bath is the ultimate romantic touch. Backdropping this is a wall of panelled Yakisugi, or shou sugi ban – an ancient Japanese process that preserves wood through charring. Coming in several formats – from low level to jet black; the strongest process here is a dramatic contrast to the muted terracotta tone of the concrete bath – and repeated against the powder room’s statement clay vanity.
Polished concrete flooring is practical and functional. Not only does it harness solar warmth; it boasts zoned hydronic underfloor heating, while luxurious wool carpet massages the toes in bedrooms and media room. This lounge is a subtle departure – thanks to its sunken element, papered walls and intimate vibe. Family living is closely linked with the bespoke kitchen, with its island drawcard and barista alcove, while a beverages’ bar gives dining its personal touch.
Seamless outdoor flow features cantilevered glazing that opens to a vast outdoor area. A sheltered lounge gazes towards the 10th hole, while a superb cafe corner showcases a spectacular barbecue kitchenette, before slipping out to full sun and evening toasts around the fire pit.
A masterpiece in design and execution, this latest offering from Design Builders BOP deserves a bow – low and long.
13 Fairway View Drive, Ōmokoroa
Good as gold
Quality workmanship meets impeccable design for these
Registered Master Builders House of the Year Bay of Plenty
and Central Plateau Award winners
Quality workmanship meets impeccable design for these
Registered Master Builders House of the Year Bay of Plenty
and Central Plateau Award winners.
Beachfront bliss
A stunning renovation has transformed this cute bach into a cosy oceanfront haven.
Built by Reside Construction, this beachfront family bach not only won the overall Supreme Renovation Award, but also the Builders Academy Renovation Award $1-$2 million Category, and Gold. With breathtaking views of Waihi Beach, this impeccable build has been renovated to last.
The original dwelling has undergone complete modernisation, with the addition of a pool, and low-maintenance materials designed to withstand coastal conditions.
The addition of robust aluminium cladding and roofing ensures longevity and the Flashclad Dualboard Vertical Cladding System is a nod to the building’s original board and batten exterior. The addition of spacious decks and louvre roofs were added to allow year-round entertaining.
Revamped spaces include a master suite on the oceanfront elevation, with its own lounge, opening up to the stunning views by an over-wall sliding door, to share as an additional space enjoyed as part of the bedroom.
In additional living spaces, the kitchen/diner and another bedroom flow seamlessly along the oceanfront. And the bunkroom and bathroom off the pool area is the perfect escape for the younger generations.
This is a compact and easy-living bach that has cleverly incorporated everything needed for multiple holidaying families, including many modern home comforts – central heating and air conditioning and a Smart home security system which can be monitored remotely.
Reside Construction also won the Builders Own Home Category and Gold for another entry. Both properties have been selected for the Top 100 House of the Year 2024 National Awards.
Mount marvel
This Valley Road residence not only fits seamlessly into the landscape, but elevates the standard for modern living.
What once stood as a 110m2 relic from the 1950s has now been reborn as
a contemporary marvel on Valley Road. This Gold Award winner not only meets the client’s dream of an open, sun-soaked haven but also stands as a testament to innovative design, overcoming challenges, and the collaborative effort between the clients and the architectural team.
The homeowners actively engaged in the design process, immersing themselves in the old property’s daily rhythms, optimising the new house’s positioning relative to the sun’s movement.
The challenge of building on the sand dunes meant there was a large hump in the site and means the house follows this contour, creating a unique layering that integrates with the land. From the garage up to the living area and down to the pool, each level is meticulously planned.
The commitment to eco-friendly practices extended to the demolition of the 1950s home, with an effort to recycle materials. Reclaimed Sanselmo Clay bricks were chosen for their energy efficiency, sound insulation and organic composition that emits no VOCs. These bricks also facilitate moisture escape, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
The electrical selections reflect a modern approach to energy efficiency, with LED strip lighting triggered by sensors, a zone-controlled heat pump, and infrared heaters in the outdoors. Outdoor lighting is designed for efficiency, triggered by photocells to minimise unnecessary energy consumption. The result is an eco-friendly, functional modern paradise.
landmarkhomes.co.nz
Black beauty
The proof is in the pudding for this functional and spacious Ōpōtiki home. PHOTOS Michael White
Diane and Tony’s stunning home in Ōpōtiki, built by Landmark Homes Eastern Bay of Plenty and Rotorua, boasts incredible craftsmanship, breathtaking views, and personal touches, like cathedral-style windows and a bold red front door.
As the only House of the Year awardee in 2024 for the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Landmark Homes EBOP and Rotorua couldn’t wait to get started on this spacious home which overlooks the rolling hills and the water beyond.
Their clients, Diane and Tony, say their favourite spot is the kitchen. With cathedral-style windows, a high gabled ceiling, and wide opening sliders leading out to the large, covered deck. “It’s a beautiful space,” she says. “I love how functional it is, and the views are breathtaking.” A standout feature is the letterbox window, offering a picture-perfect view and serving as a unique splashback.
Diane and Tony are thrilled with their new home, describing it as everything they dreamed of and more. They’ve created a functional space that they love, and their satisfaction speaks volumes about the quality and craftsmanship of the home. The Regional Gold award was the cherry on top, a wonderful recognition of all the hard work and dedication that went into their home.
landmarkhomes.co.nz
Manner born
Within the gates of this Te Puna country estate lies a sanctuary
of warmth, elegance and luxury.
Within the gates of this Te Puna country estate lies a sanctuary
of warmth, elegance and luxury.
WORDS Jo Ferris
A phrase once coined by William Shakespeare to the ‘manner born’, having acquired genteel tastes by virtue of having been born into a privileged class, aptly embodies this property’s timeless sense of class. Nestled in one of Te Puna’s exclusive ribbons, the serenity embracing this home instils an aura of a country manor. Gated entry and cherished seclusion enhance the sense of nature and rambling space amid stately grounds.
The home’s dignified presence blends architectural influences from English and American estates. While there is a sense of formality in the welcoming drive in, it’s the feeling of ‘home’ that attracted these owners. They didn’t build it, but they have enjoyed 10 wonderful years within this graceful haven.
Interior design is distinguished by split levels and the delicious chocolate tone of solid oak joinery and flooring. The kitchen’s cabinetry – complemented by marble benches and a cook’s stove – gives privacy for cooks, yet connection where it counts. Parquet flooring instils further contrast with the sandstone finish in family living – its ambience heightened by jarrah trusses, cushioned window seating and significant glazing. Cantilevered doors open up patio corners to the east and west, before entertaining glides out to the rambling garden and playground lawns.
Moods change in the formal lounge with its dark-panelled walls, open fireplace and plush drapes – definitely somewhere to cosy up with mulled wine once the drapes are drawn. A handy wine cellar hides beneath the stairwell, while a powder room exudes the luxury of an exclusive club.
Bedroom design caters equally to family convenience or guest privacy – two in their own wing, separated by a bathroom and both opening outdoors to enjoy garden scenery. The main bedroom is five-star opulence – upstairs on its own – and large enough for a lounge setting that opens to a balcony that reigns over the estate.
An office and laundry keep study and housework in their own space – smart design once again highlighting this home’s brilliant approach to function and flow. Nuanced features enhance daily routine, while accentuating its natural presence.
A large, separate shed with a handy toilet, is a multi-purpose escape for hobbyists or car enthusiasts. Beyond that, a garden shed – complete with power – supports an edible garden. This property is a foodie paradise – numerous fruit and citrus trees, vege beds and asparagus patch.
Born from a former kiwifruit orchard in the ‘90s, this property blends timeless heritage with the warmth of a country cottage – all within short drives of Bethlehem’s town centre and schooling on one side and Te Puna’s boutique café and shops on the other.
42 Clarke Road, Te Puna
Art for our sakes
UNO catches up with Deborah McCormick, the newly appointed chair of Tauranga’s Public Art Panel, to find out how our city is about to change for the better.
UNO catches up with Deborah McCormick, the newly appointed chair of Tauranga’s Public Art Panel, to find out how our city is about to change for the better.
WORDS Karl Puschmann
Deborah McCormick.
When you look at Tauranga you see the sparkling glint of the Pacific Ocean, the potential of a city centre revitalising itself, and the excitement afforded by our great outdoors that offers ample activities of escape and recreation to indulge in.
When UNO asks Deborah McCormick what she sees, her answer is simple: “A blank canvas”.
As the recently appointed chair of Tauranga City Council’s new Public Art Panel, hers is an invigorating view. After all, a blank canvas offers only possibility and promise.
So what are we talking about when we say public art? Deborah says the council has developed a “sophisticated” framework that expertly defines
the parameters but, after some light prodding, gives her own explanation.
Fanfare by Neil Dawson.
“My definition is that it’s art in a public space developed with a community. It’s often sculpture or installations, it can be mural or performance,” she explains, noting that public art comes in two flavours, permanent and temporary. Even though the medium and duration can be vastly different, there is a shared commonality.
“All public art comes with a different idea and all start with an artist responding to a site, responding to a brief, and responding to the current issues of the time,” she says. “That’s the exciting part of it.”
Deborah’s worked in the public art space a long time, 25 years by her reckoning. In 1998, aged 23, she co-founded Scape Public Art in Ōtautahi Christchurch after finishing art school. In that time Scape has commissioned over 250 temporary public artworks and 15 permanent artworks, indelibly enhancing the Garden City.
Te Aika by Rachael Rakena and Simon Kaan.
“I want to bring that experience to this role,” she says of her new position as chair. “I want to learn about the local connections and stories and show how a shared vision can be produced when a group of civic people come together with artists to take art out to the public realm.”
These qualities are what the newly appointed panel of six will be looking
for during their three-year tenure as they start envisioning how best to
fill our shared blank canvas.
“It’s one of the first – if not the first – opportunity where a city in New Zealand is wholeheartedly placing art and public art at the centre of a lot of very important civic projects,” Deborah enthuses. “This idea of ‘a per cent for art’ model is brilliant in terms of bringing sustainable funding. It’s a model that’s been implemented to great success overseas, most notably in Australia and in America.”
Two years ago the council realised they needed to rethink how public art was working – or rather not working – in Tauranga. The solution was the Public Art Framework, which includes a ‘Per Cent for Art’ funding model. As the name suggests, this model allocates one per cent of the budget for any above-ground council-led capital project, to a dedicated public art fund. The independent Public Art Panel provides advice to Council on which projects should receive funding. The Council is staging the implementation, starting at 0.25 percent this financial year, and growing to one percent over the next four years.
Stay by Antony Gormley.
“This sits alongside council and development regulations and creates
a whole industry for the arts that sustains itself with jobs, fabricators, consultants and design experts,” Deborah explains. “There’s a wonderful opportunity to build all of that alongside this ‘Per Cent for Art’ model and for Tauranga to become a hub for public art and creativity.”
“People come to cities to see things. That’s why public art is so important.
If we want to build cities that are livable and that people want to explore, spend time and linger in then we need to get that human connection back and provide really exciting public space,” she continues. “With good architecture, good landscape design and public art as the jewel in the crown, Tauranga will become a place that people will want to visit as a destination and come back to. Public art needs to be a layer we build the aspirations and plans of the city upon. Part of my role will be to understand how the public art vision of the group aligns with where the city is going.”
It’s hard not to get caught up in her enthusiasm. It’s fair to call her a passionate evangelist. But that’s exactly the qualities you want in someone who is going to play a key part in steering the look, feel and vibe of our city moving forward.
“There are many purposes to public art, including well-being and connection,” she says. “Public art brings people together. It stimulates learning and thought and connects people to art concepts. It’s about creativity and creates opportunities to push boundaries and challenge perceptions.”
Since being appointed a month back the panel has already met and begun work. While it’s too early for Deborah to share any details or timeframes, she’s itching to get works underway.
Watch this space.
Deborah is joined on the panel by Darcell Apelu, Shea O’Neill, Kereama Taepa, Alice Tyler and Arohanoa Mathews, who represents Te Rangapū Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana.
Moving mountains
Globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute, and in New Zealand, the number of suspected self-inflicted deaths for males is 2.5 times that of women. Ahead of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this November, UNO spoke to four Bay of Plenty locals, leading mental health initiatives to challenge the status quo of men’s health and help Kiwi men live longer, healthier lives.
Globally, on average, one man dies by suicide every minute, and in New Zealand, the number of suspected self-inflicted deaths for males is 2.5 times that of women. Ahead of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month this November, UNO spoke to four Bay of Plenty locals, leading mental health initiatives to challenge the status quo of men’s health and help Kiwi men live longer, healthier lives.
WORDS Karen Clarkson
Rob Dunne, Movember country manager.
In 2004, while living in London, Robert Dunne was introduced to Justin Couglan, one of the original ‘Mo’ Bro’s’ from Movember – the international movement changing the face of men’s health. He grew a moustache and ran Europe’s first event for the leading men’s health charity. Twenty moustaches later, Robert lives in Whakamarāma and works as the country manager helping the organisation tackle the three largest health issues affecting men; mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
“Over the past 21 years, Movember has definitely put men’s health on the map,” explains Robert. “Globally, we fund 1,300 men’s health projects and have attracted seven million supporters since we began.”
Josh Darby, Movember project manager; Russell Wood, FENZ deputy chief executive; Robert Dunne, Movember country manager.
Across the motu, Robert and his team work alongside organisations like the Mental Health Foundation, Fire Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), NZ Rugby, and Māori health providers, funding health programmes to transform health outcomes for Kiwi men. He says in his 14 years as country manager, the most significant shift he has seen is the acknowledgement of suicide and poor mental health as a major health issue.
“Mental health doesn’t discriminate. From teenagers to grandparents,
Pakeha to Pasifika – I have met CEOs, celebrities, athletes and All Blacks all struggling with their mental health. Just like our physical health, we need to prioritise our mental health – and with the right knowledge and support, we can influence the outcomes.”
Of the 45 men’s health partners Movember supports locally, 16 of these are dedicated to improving men’s mental health and suicide prevention. “Navigating the nuances of mental health is difficult, and getting the
right information and support to the right person at the right time is a balance that I don’t believe New Zealand invests enough resources in. While there is an increasing number of programmes available, it is important to note that we’re just at the start of the journey to moving the needle on our statistics.”
He says one important step is to effectively report mental health and suicide, including measuring and linking incidences of depression. In partnership with Otago University, Movember is funding a national men’s health report (to be released in 2025) – a milestone initiative which will present data to showcase the real face of men’s health in Aotearoa and aims to affect change nationally, including within government.
“We need to fully understand why men are struggling, how to support them to overcome their personal challenges, and how government, non-government organisations, iwi and community can work together. The encouraging part is that while we have issues to overcome, there are many wonderful people doing incredible work to create change within our communities.”
Kōrero and cardio
One such organisation is Men Making Miles – a Tauranga men’s mental health support group dedicated to improving mental wellbeing by combining physical activity and meaningful conversations.
Founded in 2021 by Duncan Woonton and Eru Piwari, the not-for-profit
was inspired by Duncan’s martial arts sessions with Eru – a professional mixed martial art (MMA) athlete and combat trainer. As Duncan and Eru both faced their own mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction, their training sessions soon turned into a form of counselling.
Duncan Woonton and Eru Piwari from Men Making Miles.
“Like most New Zealand men, we kept our personal challenges to ourselves, but we realised talking and training turned out to be incredibly supportive,” says Duncan. “This sparked the conversation about the benefits of combining cardio and conversation, creating a supportive space for men to connect, share and train together.”
Men Making Miles runs free fortnightly sessions for men from Eru’s gym, Unleashed Training Academy. Sessions begin with group discussion, where participants take turns discussing their mental health challenges and discuss strategies to incorporate into their daily life. “Then we do a martial arts workout together catered to all shapes, sizes and skill levels,” says Duncan.
The group has attracted men from all backgrounds, most of whom are struggling with depression or anxiety, without the knowledge to tackle it and feeling too ashamed to talk about it. “Creating an environment where other men share helps others open up too. Many Kiwi men were raised with the ‘harden up bro’ attitude, bottling up our feelings and resorting to destructive habits to feel better. We are determined to break the mindset that it’s weak to speak up,” explains Duncan.
Duncan says the response from the community has been incredible. “It gives us the confidence to continue with our goals to work alongside regional counselling services, launch a community outreach programme and ultimately launch Men Making Miles nationwide.”
A boxing class at Men Making Miles.
Creating calm in the chaos
Kristin Borchardt, experienced yoga teacher and owner of the Nook Yoga
and Pilates studio, says in the past 18 years, while building a yoga community in Mount Maunganui, she is encouraged by the increasing number of men seeking out the therapeutic benefits of yoga to support their mental health and wellbeing.
Specialising in stress management, Kristin says living in a fast-paced world operating from a place of stress where our adrenal system suffers, yoga can provide a beautiful way of supporting our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Nook Yoga and Pilates
“Each asana (pose) compresses our muscles and joints, improving circulation and providing a deep internal massage. Returning to our breath and finding stillness offers us the chance to rewire the nervous system, nourish our adrenals and shift us from a state of stress to calm,” says Kristin.
Kristin, who runs yoga retreats in New Zealand and Bali for men and women, and has worked with a number of organisations teaching yoga to
male employees, says the biggest shift alongside the rise in men arriving on the mat is the move away from dynamic practices to slower modalities.
“Slow Flow and Yin are now the first classes to book out on our schedule. These slower practices, where we hold the pose for longer, supported by blankets and props, cultivate a stronger energy flow towards vital organs, where deeper therapeutic benefits can be felt.”
Kristin says for many yoga has changed their life and provides a toolbox to manage stress. “We often live so far out of ourselves, the practice of coming in to feel, to step away from the demands of life, and sense how we really are, is so powerful and so needed for all of us.”
Recreating the village
Choiwee Moon is on a mission to turn around New Zealand’s youth
mental health and suicide statistics. “New Zealand is in a mental health crisis, especially among young tāne,” explains the educator and trauma-informed wellness coach, who has recently launched a rites of passage programme for teenage boys.
Mātua Rautia – The Warrior’s Village is a six-month programme open to young men aged 13-18, with a mission to inspire boys to believe in themselves while gifting them life-long skills designed to enhance their mental, emotional and physical growth.
The Warriors Village team from left: Paul Anthony, Choiwee Moon, Jethro Campbell and Glen Callahan.
With a background in prevention work that has a focus on mental health, suicide, depression, and domestic violence, Choiwee says the stigma and shame around mental health, particularly men’s mental health, is still widespread.
“Many men feel misunderstood, isolated, lonely and unsure even how to get the help they need. We need to go upstream and recreate the sense of tribe that our young men are missing,” she says.
Participants in Mātua Rautia – The Warrior’s Village build and learn resilience, purpose, emotional regulation, and communication skills, while undergoing four rites of passage over six months – breathwork, cold water immersion, a hikoi and a sweat lodge initiation. By facing discomfort in a supportive environment, they develop personally and bond with their peers.
The team of male facilitators or ‘pou’ are all strong, resilient, compassionate, knowledgeable men from different backgrounds, and through their own life experiences, inspire the boys to see potential in their own lives, says Choiwee.
“Every boy is already a fierce, powerful young man. Our job is to provide a space to express themselves, to be fully accepted and support them to develop into well-adjusted, conscientious, grounded men, able to navigate all of life’s challenges.”
Suicide and depression
To get help, phone Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text 4357.
Safe harbour haven
This unique piece of paradise on Tauranga Harbour presents a legacy of idyllic living that’s as quintessentially Aotearoa as it is rich in heritage and grace.
This unique piece of paradise on Tauranga Harbour presents a legacy of idyllic living that’s as quintessentially Aotearoa as it is rich in heritage and grace.
WORDS Jo Ferris
While debate continues about the America’s Cup being defended on the other side of the world, there is no denying this sailing spectacle draws spectators into its magic once racing commences. There is also no better time to focus on nautical magic of another kind – one enriched with its own history in a quiet haven by Tauranga Harbour; and defending a different tradition with similar admiration.
In an ironic twist, it was thanks to a European businessman, nearly a quarter of a century ago, who cast his eyes to this side of the world. Recognising the extraordinary beauty of Tauranga Harbour, with its inlets
and idyllic locations, he developed a characteristic homestead. Nestled in a secluded waterfront spot – complete with an approved geothermal bore – this property has transcended the passage of time. It has retained its heritage while being expanded and modernised over the years into a property of significance.
Immersed within the privacy of native trees, bush and birdsong, views command arguably the most intimate and certainly romantic scenery a harbour could offer. The sprawling residence bathes in all its beauty
– the original homestead, plus a separate yet connecting wing; designed and finished in keeping with the character of its parent. The nautical theme dominates the essence that instils a spellbinding aura in every
aspect of life here. It blends English heritage with American tradition.
Far from being in competition for the honour of victory, however, it is a marriage of perfection; caretakers of an idyllic sanctuary destined to be passed on to future generations.
The homestead follows colonial lines – fully wrapped in verandah extensions that shelter wicker-chair settings to gaze across the harbour scenery. Extending out to sun-drenched decking, this area meets the guest house for evening gatherings around the fire. Steps from here lead down to a lawn ribbon, before weaving through the bush to the waterfront below.
There are four bedrooms in the main wing of the home. The ensuite master and one other bedroom gaze across the harbour; both opening to the verandah. Remaining bedrooms open to the rear verandah and out to the swimming pool. Spacious, open-plan living is entertainment central – a gourmet kitchen, dining and lounge offering access points either side of the wrap-around verandah. This handshake with the guest quarters extends the entertainment value for those grand occasions with family and friends.
However, privacy is also assured for guests with two more bedrooms, a
large open-plan living space supported by a kitchenette, a bathroom and laundry, while a second shower room provides direct access to and from the pool. A generous rumpus lounge in this wing is another meeting point for both homes, while also offering various options. It could be a games’ room for teens, a gym, a workplace – or an intimate venue for small functions.
A private geothermal bore fuels a central heating system via a state-of-the-art heat exchanger, together with areas of hydronic underfloor heating. The pool is year-round enjoyment also, benefitting from the same system. Space is something this property isn’t short of. Budget has never been an issue with its journey through time. While housing the best that money can buy, it has maintained that rare quality of presence in a humble, understated way. True wealth doesn’t flaunt itself. It assumes privilege with grace.
Plummers Point Road is envied for its place within Tauranga Harbour and the properties that share the lifestyle. This property, however, claims that rare distinction that only time brings to the narrative. History brings the heritage of yesterday, while today’s approach can preserve it for future generations.
266C Plummers Point Road
A day of empowerment
This year’s Tauranga Business Chamber BWN Speaker Series was a dynamic gathering of inspirational women who really brought their A game.
This year’s Tauranga Business Chamber BWN Speaker Series was a dynamic gathering of inspirational women who really brought their A game.
PHOTOS Salina Galvan
Chelsea Winter.
There’s something about a room full of talented, like-minded women that can only be described as electric. This past May, Baycourt Theatre was charged with that very energy as nearly 400 attendees gathered for the Business Women’s Network (BWN) Speaker Series, themed ‘Bring Your A Game’.
This year’s event didn’t just meet expectations – it shattered them. From the moment the first speaker took the stage, it was clear that this was no ordinary day of networking and presentations. It was a day of genuine connection, raw honesty, and, above all, empowerment.
Each speaker brought her unique perspective and expertise, touching on topics that resonate deeply with women at every stage of life and career. Niki Bezzant opened up the conversation on menopause with a refreshing candour, providing invaluable insights that were both relatable and practical. Kylie Wilson didn’t just talk about resilience; she had the audience on their feet, proving that mental toughness is just as crucial as physical strength. Chelsea Winter, a beloved figure in the New Zealand culinary world, shared her journey from home cook to national icon, offering a blend of humour and hard-earned wisdom.
But it wasn’t just the speakers who made the day unforgettable. The event’s success was also thanks to the support of its sponsors: Principal sponsors, Craigs Investment Partners and Cooney Lees Morgan, as well as Premier sponsors, YRW, KingSt, and Mediaworks. Partner sponsors, including Port of Tauranga, Kale Print, Pillar Consulting, Westpac, and Toi Ohomai, played a crucial role in ensuring the day was one for the books.
As the day came to a close, attendees were ready to bring their A game
to every aspect of their lives. The anticipation for next year’s event is already building, promising another chapter of inspiration, growth and connection.
Beyond the gold rush
As the dust settles on her Paris triumph, Ōhope’s Dame Lisa Carrington contemplates her next chapter. The kayaking legend shares her post-Olympic reflections and the unexpected joys of an unscheduled life.
As the dust settles on her Paris triumph, Ōhope’s Dame Lisa Carrington contemplates her next chapter. The kayaking legend shares her post-Olympic reflections and the unexpected joys of an unscheduled life.
WORDS Karl Puschmann | ART DIRECTOR Annabelle Rose | PHOTOGRAPHY Garth Badger
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT Melissa Brinsden | STYLIST Nicky Adams
HAIR+MAKE-UP Desiree Osterman
Half an hour into UNO’s chat with Dame Lisa Carrington she makes a dramatic and quite unexpected admission.
We’d been talking about her phenomenal success in kayaking. Not just at the recent Paris Olympics where she claimed an awe-inspiring hat trick of gold medals in the K4 500m, K2 500m and K1 500m kayaking events – astoundingly being the second time she’s accomplished the miraculous feat of claiming three golds – but also how she got started in the sport she now thoroughly dominates.
After three consecutive Olympic Games, a total of eight gold medals, numerous records and the national honour of a Damehood for ‘Outstanding Services to Canoe Racing,’ it’s easy to imagine she was born with a paddle in her hand and had a kayak as a cot.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Kayaking was really just a supplement to surf lifesaving,” she admits with a grin. “But I was fairly good, so I kept at it.”
Lisa didn’t come to kayaking until her teenage years. It’s crazy to think that had the elite athlete, now 35, been fractionally better at her beloved sport of surf lifesaving, her life, Aotearoa’s sporting history and the Olympic record books would all look vastly different.
Maybe she would have smashed it in surf lifesaving the same way she dominates kayaking.
She laughs at the idea. “I wasn’t going to make it to the national teams or anything like that,” she says.
Aside from the bleary-eyed die-hards, Aotearoa awoke on August 11th to the huge news from Paris that Lisa had achieved the impossible; a second successive hat trick of Olympic gold medals following a masterclass performance in the final of the K1 500m.
As the defending champion, she went into the race the favourite, but gold was not a sure thing. Her great rival, fellow Kiwi Aimee Fisher, was marked as a potential upsetter.
So it made for alarming viewing for Kiwis who’d stayed up late to cheer New Zealand on when Hungary’s Tamara Csipes shot off like a rocket at the starting gun. At the halfway mark Lisa was trailing by half-a-boat length, which is massive, and Fisher was stuck fighting for position in the middle of the pack.
If Lisa was as worried as the Kiwi supporters watching on, it didn’t show. The camera frequently zoomed in on Lisa and she looked cool, calm and collected. It did not look at all like she was straining to kickstart any dormant energy reserves. Nor did she look rushed. It didn’t even look like she’d cracked a sweat.
Instead, her movements were fluid and hypnotic, as she smoothly glided up to catch Csipes, pass Csipes and then leave Csipes in her dust. Lisa crossed the finish line with no one else in sight and her famous beaming smile radiating pure joy. “Carrington, simply unbeatable!” raved the television commentator. “The GOAT [Greatest Of All Time] just keeps getting greater,” Radio New Zealand gushed. “A sporting immortal,” enthused the New Zealand Herald. “Yessss!” cheered Poppy, my nine-year-old daughter, when we watched the early-morning highlights.
It was Lisa’s final event of the Paris Olympics. She’d already led the K2 and K4 teams to gold but hadn’t been able to join in the post-race celebrations because her focus needed to remain on her upcoming solo K1 race.
“I could finally take it in, be proud and not be preparing for the next thing because there was no more to prepare for,” she says of the moment she crossed the finish line. “It was cool to be able to embrace my teammates and my coach and my family and let it all sink in. I felt amazement and pride that we as a team had won all three events that we’d challenged ourselves to achieve.”
That was the glorious end. But how did she feel, on the water, at the starting line?
“Part of competing at the Olympics is managing pressure and expectation,” she says.
The way she does this is to question herself. As she explains, gold medals and glory are not what’s powering her outstanding career.
“It’s really understanding the balance of what I’m doing it for. Is it just to win? Just to cross the line first?” she says in a way that makes clear the answer to those two questions is a simple ‘no’.
“Or is it because of all these other things that are important to me? I want to be able to cross the line and whether I’m first or last, be really proud of the performance.”
It turns out that the stress of defending your title against the world’s best, at the world’s premium competition, with the whole world watching, is only half of it.
“Pressure also comes from the expectation of thinking you need to win. Thinking that if you don’t win, you’re nothing. What will people think if you don’t perform? I can’t attach my identity to thinking that I’m a winner and if I don’t win then I’m not myself anymore.”
“There’s a lot of awareness and self-awareness around what those medals mean,” she says quietly, before adding. “It’s also about keeping your ego in check.”
Which is another surprising admission. Chatting with Lisa is like talking to an old mate. She’s incredibly friendly, quick to smile and down to earth. And when it comes to discussing her astounding accomplishments she’s almost ego-less, talking of them in a matter-of-fact fashion rather than the awesome achievements they are.
Still, it must be hard to not believe the hype, especially when you’re routinely called the ‘Queen of Kayak’ and have people falling over themselves to congratulate you − this writer no exception having greeted her with a proudly patriotic congratulation.
“It definitely is,” Lisa admits. “It’s about humility. Just because I’ve achieved something doesn’t mean I’m better than anyone else.”
Then, an example springs to mind.
“If I’m lining up in a queue, and I’m hundredth in line, just because I have medals doesn’t mean I get to jump the queue,” she laughs. “Your medal doesn’t define you. It doesn’t make you a better person than anyone else. You don’t have to be a great person to win an Olympic gold medal. You could be a terrible person and win a medal.”
Lisa’s house may now be north of the Bombay Hills, having relocated to Auckland years ago for training, but her home remains in Ōhope, the picturesque beach town that’s just a smidge east of Whakatāne. She, her husband Michael ‘Bucky’ Buck and Colin, their pet cavoodle, regularly pop down to see family and friends. They headed there after her triumphant return from Paris.
“It’s a beautiful place to be,” she smiles. “I reckon this summer I’ll be able to spend a bit more time there.”
It was Ōhope’s endless beach that Lisa credits for birthing her love of the ocean, as she recalls a childhood full of adventure playing with friends on the golden sands and playing in its rolling waves.
“We lived right on the water, right on the beach there. That’s where my affinity for the water came from,” she says. “We would spend quite a bit of time in the water, especially when it was stormy and rainy. We’d go out and have a heap of fun surfing on boogie boards or kayaks.”
Wanting her and her elder brothers, Shaun and Brett, to respect the ocean, her parents enrolled them into the Whakatāne Surf Club’s Nippers programme, where Lisa quickly became enamoured with the sport
of surf lifesaving.
Even at a young age, her focus and determination manifested, and she threw herself into her training, even switching to the Mount Maunganui Surf Club when she was 16 for advanced coaching. Surf lifesaving was everything and she started competing. She was walking the path but it was proving a bumpy road. Then fate intervened.
“My dad heard about a camp that was being held for kayaking. He took me along, just as a supplement to surf lifesaving,” she says of her less than auspicious introduction to the sport.
“From there I raced at a few national champs…” she suddenly cuts herself short. Perhaps worried it sounds like she’s bragging, she almost apologetically says, “There wasn’t too many of us that competed. You
could make a New Zealand team pretty − I mean, you had to be a certain level but there really weren’t many of us competing.”
Satisfied she’s played it down enough, she continues. “And then kayaking just became something I did.”
Another thing she recently did is release her first book. Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion is a beautifully illustrated children’s picture book for kids aged four to nine. The book is fictional but based on her lived experience, and follows eight-year-old Lisa conquering her fears and anxieties around her first big kayak race. Lisa hopes it becomes a book series. She started it three years ago, after being approached by independent publishers Huia. They asked if she’d like to write a book.
“I thought a children’s book would be cool,” she smiles. “I wanted to share the lessons that I’d learned and the lessons I’m still learning. You can be influenced in such great ways at a young age, so having lessons that I’ve learned be woven into what kids are reading at night, or what their parents, grandparents or aunties and uncles are reading them is so cool,” she enthuses. “I’m so proud of the story.”
She’s also proud that Huia are publishing the book in both English and Te Reo, saying “I’m so grateful that we were able to translate it into Māori, it’s really important.”.
She walks with her Māori heritage, especially when overseas competing in high-pressure events like the Olympics.
“It’s something that I draw strength from, particularly when I’m away. Those are the moments I’m leaning on my heritage and whakapapa to give me strength,” she says. “It’s part of me. But I also use it in a way to keep me humble. To remind myself of who was before me.”
As for what the future holds, Lisa’s in no particular rush to find out. Media have been pushing to discover whether the Queen of Kayaks, the GOAT, will paddle out to defend her titles at the 2028 Olympics in
Los Angeles. It’s a tantalising thought; having accomplished the impossible of two gold-medal hat tricks, could she go on to achieve the downright unthinkable and win a hat trick of gold-medal hat tricks? The extreme challenge and monumental difficulty of such a feat is inconceivable. Outrageous. Preposterous. But, then again…
For now, however, Lisa’s “taking a breath”.
“I’m still not 100 percent certain on what I’ll do with sport,” she admits after the year she describes as “massive”.
“People tell me I need to go on holiday,” she laughs.
That, however, would be doing something. Instead, she’s enjoying the possibilities offered by all the hours in an open day free of alarm clocks, training and schedules.
“In sport, there’s always a sense that time’s running out because you’ve got to make the most of every moment,” she explains. “Right now, I’m spending all my time being relaxed and saying ‘Yes’ to things that I normally wouldn’t.”
“You know, staying out late and pushing the boat out…” she grins.
After her unprecedented history-making performance in Paris, no one can begrudge Dame Lisa Carrington a few celebratory late-night drinks followed by some late-morning sleep-ins. Los Angeles 2028 can wait.
Before leaving her to some well-deserved relaxation, I sneak in one final question that may provide a hint about her future plans; Has she been out on the water since she’s been back?
“I’ve been out for a few swims,” she beams, gliding past my trap question with all the effortless grace she displayed in the water at Paris.
“But no paddling.”
Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion is in all good bookstores now.
The secret garden
A whimsical wonderland lies hidden in Hamurana for storybook lovers of all ages to discover. With a story of her own, the creator has found freedom in its magic.
A whimsical wonderland lies hidden in Hamurana for storybook lovers of all ages to discover. With a story of her own, the creator has found freedom in its magic.
WORDS Hayley Barnett
If it wasn’t for a giant wooden carving of the majestic lion from Narnia sitting at the entrance to Jenna and Brent Austin’s farmyard property, you’d be convinced you were lost. Hamurana’s Enchanted Storybook Nook is hidden away in the back of what looks to be a rundown greenhouse with a small cabin attached.
“You can see people wondering what they’re in for when they arrive,” laughs Jenna, her long blonde curls contrasting against a black fur coat and bright red lipstick. She teeters on high heels as she walks across the grass to greet us.
It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Jenna has just finished tidying up after a birthday party and is rushing back to the house to put her youngest child – one of four – down to sleep. I assume the get-up is part of a character for the party, but she wasn’t involved. This is simply how she dresses day to day, even on the farm, even with four children. Once you see the hidden garden for yourself, Jenna’s eccentricities suddenly make sense.
Just upon entering the small wooden cabin we’re amazed. Made to feel as if you’re stepping back in time, the beauty is in the details. There’s a reading nook and a secret entrance to the restroom, complete with a faux library wall. The large glass drink dispenser labeled ‘Drink Me’, with a tasty potion inside, is the perfect start to our trip into a literal Wonderland.
“The whole concept began in my mind the second I saw the space,” explains Jenna. “Brent and I discovered a hidden, abandoned shade house when we were viewing the property, before we bought it. I knew instantly it could be transformed into a secret garden. Brent suggested we turn it into a chicken coop, but by that point my imagination had already taken flight and planned the entire thing.”
Brent is a builder and agreed to build the cottage at the beginning of the shade house, which is where you enter the garden through the “Narnia wardrobe” – an antique wardrobe Jenna had bought years ago from Trade Me.
As a child, Jenna was captivated by the movie The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. “Discovering an entire world through an old wardrobe was beyond magical to me,” says Jenna. “I actually purchased that wardrobe with the intent of one day building a secret door behind it that entered into my own secret space whenever we found our forever home.”
Many of the layouts have changed and evolved since its inception but the one thing that remains the same is the yellow brick road which meanders through the entire garden. Fast-forward a few years to its near completion, you can now enter through the wardrobe into a snowy Narnia scene, complete with a lion and lamppost. From there the brick road leads you through all Jenna’s favourite books and movies as a child. Hansel and Gretel, Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz – the list goes on.
“The whole concept really was just for me,” says Jenna. “I never intended it to be for anyone other than myself. Sure, I delighted in the fact that I could take my kids in there to have tea parties and for them to experience their very own wonderland in their backyard but that was by no means my goal. My driving force was my depression and constant need to get reprieve from the emptiness I feel on a daily basis.”
Jenna has suffered from depression and anxiety for most of her life, ever since she was diagnosed with anorexia at age 14. She was hospitalised four times, and although she’s won the battle with her eating disorder, the feelings associated with it have never really left her.
“I notice when I’m creating I’m immersed in the moment, and all the pain and negativity and the screaming chaos in my head almost ceases to exist. Creating a place full of all my favourite childhood books and movies felt so magical.
“It wasn’t that I wanted to escape into a different reality and be a little girl again. I can’t really explain it, so I typed into Google “nostalgia and healing” and this article came up that said ‘actively reminiscing on happy moments or joining in activities that are tied to positive memories can be emotionally soothing’.”
Jenna’s core memories from when she was a child were of tiny tea parties with her grandma, and the happiness she felt when watching her favourite movies. “I was able to revisit a time when life was calm and joyful and happy.”
When Jenna got started on the garden she commissioned her friend, artist Maria Hermans, to paint a storybook-inspired mural. “She went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations,” says Jenna.
Maria also struggles with mental illness and, over time, both Jenna and Maria gained a tremendous amount of positive focus and satisfaction from creating the garden together.
Maria continued to paint more and more, filling up the garden walls as the years went on. Sadly, Jenna’s grandmother, Gloria, passed away recently. In one of the murals, Maria used a photo of Gloria when she was 18 years old to depict her as Glinda, the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz.
For Jenna, turning 40 this year has coincided with opening up the garden
to the public.
“I’m blown away at how something that simply started off as a personal passion project is now fast becoming a special destination for the young and old to visit,” she says. “I’m really starting to enjoy being able to share what is essentially the very essence of who I am, as well as the adversity I have overcome and am still to overcome. It’s not just a garden to me, and the outpouring of messages I’ve received proves it’s not just a
garden to others either. It really touches people and captures the nostalgia of their childhoods.”
Jenna points out there’s still space to extend the garden, but for now she’s content with allowing the public through and hiring out the space for the occasional party.
“I might look at hiring a fairy entertainer, so we can hold fairy parties,” says Jenna, who has hung up her own fairy wings for now. “Maybe I’ll focus on catering to the adults in a coffee cart.”
Book via Facebook Messenger: theenchantedstorybooknook
Serenity in sand
From the depths of personal turmoil to creating a career through artistic expression, Kenrick Smith’s journey is a testament to the healing powers of nature and mindfulness. UNO talks to him about discovering sand art, working for Ed Sheeran and his passion for improving our country’s sobering statistics on mental health.
From the depths of personal turmoil to creating a career through artistic expression, Kenrick Smith’s journey is a testament to the healing powers of nature and mindfulness. UNO talks to him about discovering sand art, working for Ed Sheeran and his passion for improving our country’s sobering statistics on mental health.
WORDS Karen Clarkson | PHOTOS Quinn O’Connell
On a quiet Wednesday morning at home in Pāpāmoa, mental health coach and father of two, Kenrick Smith, tunes in to the soothing sound of the ocean and focuses on his breath during his morning meditation. A newfound daily ritual he has come to rely on. But life hasn’t always been this zen.
In 2020, while living on a lifestyle property in the Kaimai Ranges with his artist-wife Jasmine and new baby, Kenrick’s world was cut off overnight
due to a global pandemic. His successful wedding photography business ground to a halt due to lockdowns and he felt isolated, anxious and navigating personal turmoil. “I had a recent back injury, was recently diagnosed with ADHD and my marriage was struggling – I was in a bad place,” he reflects candidly. “Looking back now, I was on the edge of a major depressive episode.”
On a family trip to the beach during lockdown, he felt inspired by the wide open spaces of his Hawkes Bay rural childhood, found a stick and began drawing. A basic circular design with a piece of driftwood, soon evolved into regular trips to the beach to create large-scale mandalas, using a variety of tools to reflect textures, patterns and shapes in nature. “Sand art became my sanctuary," he shares. “It was where I found peace.”
Over the next year, while attending marriage counselling and researching his own neurodiversity, Kenrick also discovered the benefits of mindfulness and meditation. He started sitting on the sand for five minutes, focussing on the sound of the waves, the feel of the sunshine, listening to the birds, and the wind on his face. “Then I would head to the sand and design. The difference was amazing.”
What started as personal catharsis soon blossomed into a business with a goal to “help others feel this way.” From needing to take annual leave to run his first workshops, Rake Healing now hosts regular corporate groups, schools and private classes – helping hundreds of adults and children to experience the benefits of time reconnecting with nature, exploring your creativity and using sand as your canvas.
He says the change in clear shift in wellbeing from the beginning of a two-hour workshop to the end, still surprises him. “From CEO’s to five-year-olds, getting out in nature and creating something artistic has a profound positive effect for our brains and bodies. For some people meditation and mindfulness can be a scary, unknown thing. In reality, it is about being aware of your surroundings; it’s about putting down your phone and watching your kids at the playground; going for a walk at the beach and listening to the sounds around you, or doing something creative to allow you to focus on the present.”
A phone call from a Warner Music spokesperson last year, culminated in Kenrick’s first international commission – a large sand-art design of a Sycamore tree, designed on the Mount main beach near Moturiki Island. Kenrick was chosen alongside eight other international sand artists to create a design to represent a song on Ed Sheeran’s album Subtract. “Sycamore was chosen for New Zealand; it is a sombre track with heartfelt lyrics of struggle and loss so I felt like it was the perfect collaboration,” explains Kenrick.
Through this and other collaborations with national and international brands and causes, Rake Healing has enabled more conversations around mental health and fuelled a desire for Kenrick to support more New Zealanders navigating mental health challenges.
Yarns With Rick, is his latest venture into mental health coaching and support, where Kenrick channels his experiences into guiding others through life’s tumultuous seas. “Like many Kiwis, depression and anxiety wasn’t discussed in my family, school or community growing up. When you’re in a dark place, it’s critical to let others know what you are going through, and connect with others – both friends and professionals who have been through what you are.”
“I see Yarns With Rick as a compass,” he explains, “to help individuals navigate their inner landscapes and find their true north.” Through retreats, workshops, and online resources, he aims to dismantle stigmas around mental health and empower individuals and communities with practical tools for resilience and self-compassion.
With a passion to help neurodiverse youth and adults thrive in life and be all they can be, Kenrick runs monthly meet-ups for men, regular adventures in nature for guys and girls and is about to launch a series of online courses.
“We need to normalise conversations about mental health,” he urges, “and provide practical tools for facing painful experiences. Nature provides a wonderful environment to allow people to discover a pathway back to themselves. For me, it was everything I needed when I needed it.
From a young Dad, struggling with his own mental health, to getting outside and soaking up the healing power of nature, Kenrick’s goal is to empower more New Zealanders to access the tools they need to harness mindfulness, resilience and self-compassion, so we can all thrive as people, parents and communities.
Kenrick’s top tips for mental health:
Get into nature
Nature is so calming for the body and mind. Put your phone away and walk to the beach, go to a park or walk around the block. Moving your body increases blood flow and reduces stress, so often challenges can be easier to deal with after a good walk.
Acknowledge your emotions
Often we are trying to avoid the negative emotions in our body. If you can actually acknowledge what you are feeling, to yourself outloud, in a journal or to a friend – often clarity, peace and perspective follows.
Turn the problem around
Now you’ve acknowledged what’s going on, turn it around. Taking a previously negative emotion or experience and turning it around can help hugely. If you’re feeling worried, what could be the opposite of those feelings? Concerned can also feel calm, anxious might feel confident and scared could feel secure.
Shop the Avenue
Tauranga's Eleventh Avenue sells an eclectic mix of fashion, food and fabulous finds for any occasion.
Tauranga's Eleventh Avenue sells an eclectic mix of fashion, food and fabulous finds for any occasion.
M.M Linen
Wake up rested and inspired with M.M Linen’s Spring/Summer 24/25 Collection. The Botanica Poplar Bedspread Set, pictured here, offers understated style. Blend plain and patterned layers for a versatile, enduring style.
mmlinen.com | IG mmlinen
Wendys Boutique
In the bustling heart of the plaza, you’ll discover Wendys Boutique, a designer clothing store where women of all ages can truly find their style. With an impressive selection of top brands from New Zealand and beyond, including Zoe Kratzmann, Trelise Cooper, Lolly’s Laundry, and Juliette Hogan, it’s a fashion haven waiting for you to explore.
The Luxe Club
The Luxe Club is a family-owned boutique offering bespoke jewellery and accessories. Established by Carmen and daughter Hannah, it features high-quality, handpicked pieces from New Zealand brands like Saben, Status Anxiety and more. Customers are welcome to browse and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Popular services include custom designs for weddings and events alongside jewellery repairs.
Synergy Vitality Spa
Synergy Vitality Spa has been established at Eleventh Avenue for well over 20 years. Offering clients a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, the spa’s professional therapists are devoted to their jobs and strive for perfection in all their treatments. These include advanced skin treatments such as IPL for pigmentation and red veins, Black & White permanent hair reduction, as well as anti-aging rejuvenation and PCA peels.
HairStyle
Meet Nic Apaapa and the expert team at HairStyle, Tauranga’s hub for beautiful, healthy hair. With experience at Fashion Weeks, VMAs, and international stages, Nic invites you to elevate your hair journey, offering personalised consultations and professional expertise.
Blanc Flowers & Gifts
Tauranga’s premier florist brings you the finest selection of fresh and dried flowers, elegant bouquets and arrangements. The store also features a range of gifts, from wines and chocolates to candles, puzzles and books, and offer same-day delivery for orders placed by noon to Tauranga, Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.
blanc.co.nz | FB blancflorist | IG _blancflorist
Delicacy and Juz Catering
Delicacy Café has been delighting food lovers since 1998, serving up beautifully crafted dishes and exceptional coffee. With a talented team creating fresh, flavourful meals daily, and their cabinet selection is a feast for the senses – from gourmet pies to delectable slices, there’s something for everyone. Plus, Juz Catering offers home-cooked meals and catering for any occasion.
juzcatering.co.nz | FB juzcatering.co.nz | IG delicacy_juzcatering
Tauranga Knitting Centre
For over 30 years, Tauranga Knitting Centre has been a hub for knitting and crochet enthusiasts. Offering a wide range of quality yarns, needles, patterns, and accessories, the shop caters to all skill levels. With friendly, knowledgeable staff and a warm atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to find inspiration and supplies for your next creative project.
taurangaknitting.co.nz | FB TgaKnitting | IG taurangaknitting
Ōmokoroa’s taste of Italy
Marko Velickovic transforms fresh local ingredients into authentic Italian dishes at the beachside ‘trattoria’ Alma.
Marko Velickovic transforms fresh local ingredients into authentic Italian dishes at the beachside ‘trattoria’ Alma.
WORDS Hayley Barnett
Marko Velickovic comes from a long line of chefs. His family’s restaurant in Serbia has been in business for more than 50 years. And after spending 10 years cutting his teeth at some of Europe’s best Michelin star restaurants, it comes as no surprise that he only accepts the absolute best ingredients for his own eatery here in the Bay.
Ōmokoroa’s Alma offers an Italian-inspired menu specialising in hand-stretched Roman-style pizza and homemade fresh pasta using local ingredients, as well as premium imported products from Italy.
The Serbian with a passion for Italian cuisine made the move to the Bay from Croatia six years ago. “It’s a funny story actually,” Marko smiles. “A friend called me from New Zealand and said, ‘you need to move here. No one knows how to cook!”
On arrival, he was snapped up by Alpino in the Mount and stayed as head chef for two and half years. But he yearned for more life outside the kitchen. "I quit and set out to buy a boat. Then another friend called and said, ‘I’ve found this place that’s perfect for you.’” Back then, the Ōmokoroa site was in dire need of a revamp but, being right on the water, Marko recognised its potential. Together with his business partner, Ewelina Large, they dove straight in.
Suddenly his dream of a work/life balance went up in smoke and he found himself working seven days a week and throwing all his money into the set up. “I’m not sure why I thought that was better than spending my days on a boat,” he jokes. However the worst was yet to come. On opening day the country went into its first Covid lockdown. “It was terrible. But we worked hard on the place during lockdown and then the day we opened again was the day of the tsunami warning.”
Despite the cruel setbacks, Alma eventually opened its doors, drawing attention from Cuisine, who listed them in the Good Food Guide and awarded them the title of Favourite Destination. The restaurant has since won a Judges’ Choice Award in the 2023 Plates of Plenty for its Fagottini con fungi e tartufo. Today Alma is widely known to be one of the best Italian eateries in the region. All Marko’s hard work is paying off. “Foodies recognise the difference when you go the extra mile,” he says.
Heading into summer, Alma is definitely a destination spot to put on the foodie wish-list.
Windows to history
The CBD is getting a much-needed glow up, courtesy of acclaimed artist Sara Hughes, the council and over 250 local children.
The CBD is getting a much-needed glow up, courtesy of acclaimed artist Sara Hughes, the council and over 250 local children.
WORDS Karl Puschmann | PHOTOS Katie Cox
Anyone who’s ever watched a home renovation show knows that a well-chosen artwork hung on an otherwise plain wall will elevate an entire room. Extrapolate that arty truth to encompass the drab vacant storefronts in Tauranga’s city centre and you start to see the genius of the new public art initiative, Reimagine Tauranga.
Envisioned by renowned artist Sara Hughes and created in partnership with the Tauranga City Council, the exhibition has taken over the windows of eight prominent shops in the CBD. These otherwise standard storefronts, transformed by creativity, imagination and generous dollops of Sara’s unique style of vivid colours and embrace of bold patterns, tell the story of Tauranga’s rich history.
“That’s a really important aspect of this project,” Sara says. “I’m fascinated with the history of a place, so I really wanted to bring that in.”
Banish any thoughts of dusty old black and white history lessons. Hughes also reimagined how to bring the past into the present while keeping true to her acclaimed style and the project’s vision of light, colour and creativity. With assistance from Tauranga Museum’s curator Fiona Kean, Sara worked her way through the Tauranga Museum collection, a vast archive of treasured items from our collective past that includes everything from beach balls to surfboards to newspapers.
“It’s a way to celebrate some of the lesser-known objects, but things that particularly relate to the important beach culture of Tauranga,” Sara explains. “Things like beach balls and parasols or a particular swimming tog pattern. It’s to celebrate and draw attention to these special things that are held within the Tauranga Museum collection.”
The idea was to use the patterns and colours of these everyday objects as inspiration. They may be of historical value and from a museum’s curated collection but these artworks encourage you to look at common items in a new way, to find the artistic hidden in things people don’t usually look at twice, to reimagine the every day. Like, for example, the window given over to celebrating the patterns on beach parasols.
Sara also reimagined what this project could be on a fundamental level. She didn’t want it to be all about her, and her take on Tauranga’s history. Instead, she wanted to bring in the community, particularly children, and have them contribute in a tangible and very real way.
After viewing the museum collection with Fiona and selecting the items she then ran a series of art workshops at Tauranga Art Gallery and ran classes in different schools all over Tauranga. Around 250 children of different ages, schools and backgrounds all took part and now find themselves contributors to a major public art project.
“They’ve all come together through art, which was also an important part of this for me. Reimagine Tauranga is less about me – it’s not so much my artworks in the eight windows – instead the children created either the objects or the imagery that will be in the windows,” she explains. “I am running it, and the concept of this project is mine, but it’s not my artwork as such.”
She sees herself more as the curator and exhibitor. In fact, when UNO calls she was getting ready to spend a week in the different window locations, installing, hanging and displaying the eight works. All of which will have a plaque detailing the inspiring piece or item and its historic relevance to the city.
A neat twist is that the art will look different depending on when you see it, with Sara calling on famed lighting designer Richard Bracebridge to illuminate the different works.
“The night aspect of it is very important,” she says. “Because light has such a strong effect in how a city centre looks when it’s lit at nighttime.”
There is one question that’s been niggling; how on earth did they persuade eight shops to give up their window space for an entire year? The short answer is, they didn’t.
“They’re being put into shop fronts that are currently for lease,” she explains. “It’s been great to have the support of the shop owners who believe it’s a good idea to have public art and artworks created by children in the city centre.”
She’s excited about the public finally seeing the project she’s worked on for the past few years. It’s been a massive undertaking, but one that more than lives up to its ambitious title.
“Hopefully it will be something people will be excited to come and see,” Sara says. “I want people to be really intrigued and curious.”
Then she smiles and says, “I think they'll come away feeling joy and excitement, and that will really positively impact their day or evening.”
Still evolving
Judy Bailey reflects on purposeful ageing, what brings her joy, and her feelings of imposter syndrome ahead of her Tauranga literary festival debut.
Judy Bailey reflects on purposeful ageing, what brings her joy, and her feelings of imposter syndrome ahead of her Tauranga literary festival debut.
WORDS Monique Balvert-Connor
A serendipitous call from Harper Collins publishers sparked a new chapter in Judy Bailey’s illustrious career.
New Zealand’s beloved former broadcaster, once affectionately dubbed “Mother of the Nation”, has penned a book that’s now whizzing off bookshop shelves.
This exciting opportunity came after Judy had been contemplating the ageing journey and its challenges. “When the chance to write about it arose, I embraced it wholeheartedly – just as I’ve approached life’s adventures throughout my years.” Her book, Evolving, is set to be a focal point at Tauranga’s literary festival, Escape, where Judy will be speaking later this month. Between engagements, she might even squeeze in a visit with her former TV news anchor colleague, Richard Long, now based in Tauranga.
As for the title, Judy laughingly confesses she “stole” it when tennis great Serena Williams served it up in a quote. “People were constantly asking her how retirement was. She said, ‘I am not retired; I am evolving.’ That’s how I feel about it.”
Retirement is such a hideous word. Look in the dictionary. It means things like ‘to go to bed’. “Evolving is what we are doing – from one stage to another – and that can be equally rewarding and fulfilling, as we still have a contribution to make,” says Judy, who will turn 72 the day she presents at Escape’s morning tea event on October 18.
In a sense, the book has enabled her to champion the cause of the elderly, whom she feels often get “a really bad rap”. “Older people are sometimes dismissed; considered past their use-by date. They shouldn’t be lumped into a universal aged category. The over-60s age group is enormously diverse, and this age group has an enormous amount to offer still. Many remain vibrant and intelligent, contributing members of society with a lot to offer. We need to think proactively about our ageing and not just let it happen to us. It’s not all downhill to the zimmer frame.”
Judy says writing Evolving has been an exploration of her journey and a discovery of how she can live her best life after 65. There’s much that many people will relate to, with learnings aplenty. Personal experiences and science are melded with the subjects tackled including taking care of your body and mind, navigating health scares, dealing with dementia, grieving loved ones, Botox, organising finances, wills, power of attorney, end-of-life care and enjoying the finer things.
Readers are enjoying simple messages and a few surprises in this ‘dip in, dip out’ book, she says. “There are things we instinctively know to do to take care of ourselves – common sense things involving sleep, fresh air and good diet. But there are some helpful tricks along the way. For example, foregoing the sunnies on the morning walk so we can get some UV rays on our eyes. Things like the importance of going to bed and getting up at the same time, even on weekends, to maintain our circadian rhythm. “What I have discovered along the way, really, is the people who should be reading this book are those in their 40s and 50s, as what you are doing then has a huge bearing on how you age.”
One ‘big, big thing’ of concern is alcohol consumption in New Zealand and the fact that it’s increasing among the older population. Many drink as a stress release, but alcohol actually increases stress and is really bad for the heart and brain, Judy informs. Far from sanctimonious, Judy says she’s the first person to enjoy a glass of something. While she keeps herself fit and healthy and eats reasonable food, she does have “a big hankering” for blue cheese and chocolate. Life’s too short to not enjoy those things, she smiles.
In writing Evolving, Judy has referenced Harvard University longitudinal studies and spoken to geriatricians and gerontologists and other academics. It’s reassuring, she says, that they are saying similar things, so the research is robust. She’s heartened by the fact there’s “amazing” research being conducted in New Zealand around ageing and that we have a professor of ageing.
Judy’s own evolving continues to involve some paid work. Since reading her final TV news bulletin in 2005 she’s enjoyed other broadcasting stints, some promotional work and she continues to write about inspirational women and travel. She loves Africa, “with a passion.” Botswana (the Okavango Delta) is one of her favourite places. Paris and Italy also get a mention. A wonderful amount of time is also spent with family – she and her husband Chris have three children and eight grandchildren who all live near their Auckland home. Judy and Chris also
enjoy being at their Flaxmill Bay property.
Anywhere with a good book is also a very happy place, Judy says, citing Where the Crawdads Sing, Lessons in Chemistry, and The Axeman’s Carnival as much-enjoyed reads. Escape will be Judy’s first time presenting at a literary festival. With that comes a massive sense of impostor syndrome, she confesses. She’s not sure she’s sufficiently “literary”. Neither, she says, is she totally comfortable with being called Mother of the Nation. “So many other people would wear that title so
much better than me. I’ve been called it for decades and always feel embarrassed by it.” As for Judy’s own longitudinal, constantly evolving journey, she says she hopes to have “a couple of decades of useful life” left in her.
Judy’s visit to Escape has been sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners.
Members only
The Tauranga Club may be one of the Bay’s oldest institutions, but it’s got a refreshingly modern outlook. Join UNO as we’re invited inside the famous private members club.
The Tauranga Club may be one of the Bay’s oldest institutions, but it’s got a refreshingly modern outlook. Join UNO as we’re invited inside the famous private members club.
WORDS Karl Puschmann | PHOTOS Bryony Alexander
Intrigue and mystique swirl around private member’s clubs. It seems everybody has a different, although no less fanciful, idea of what might be going on behind their closed-to-the-general-public doors.
Some might picture wood-panelled cigar dens where men in suits gather to wheel and deal over whiskey. Others believe them to be the clubrooms of the rich and famous thanks to decades of being the backdrop for celebrity interviews and late-night paparazzi shots snapped outside their doors. The more imaginative conjure up wild scenes of secret handshakes, hooded cloaks and arcane rituals acted out to the menace of foreboding orchestral music.
In fact, there are only two things that people tend to agree on when it comes to private member’s clubs; 1) they’re fancy and 2) they’d love to go themselves.
And so it was for this writer when an invitation was extended to snoop around the prestigious Tauranga Club. It wasn’t worded so colloquially, but that’s what I took from the invite, which I hurriedly accepted.
Disappointingly, I was not given a secret password or for that matter a burgundy velvet cloak. Instead, only simple directions to the Devonport Towers in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD, and the instruction that I’d be buzzed up to the fifth floor.
On this particular Thursday, the Club is a hive of activity. Not of members, conversing in the lounge, enjoying a drink at the bar, reading in the nook, engaging in private discussion in one of the soundproofed meeting rooms or enjoying a meal while luxuriating in the wide-open panoramic views of the sparkling harbour that takes in Welcome Bay right round to the Mount. That will all come.
Instead, builders and craftspeople diligently add the finishing touches to the modern, stylish remodel that saw the Club close its doors for the better part of two years. At the time of UNO’s visit, the grand re-opening is just over a week away.
“Everything’s coming together,” smiles new executive chef, Ian Harrison, who local foodies will instantly recognise as the award-winning chef behind the delectable Sugo Restaurant. As opening day creeps closer, Ian’s busy finalising the fine details on the new menu he’s created for the club − which, in a first, also now includes breakfast.
Right now, however, there’s one critical component on his mind.
“The cocktails I haven’t got to yet,” he smiles. “It’s crucial.”
He describes the new menu as, “unique, but not trying to be clever,” which translated from chef-speak means diners will be presented with a modern, seasonal menu with classic dishes made with as many locally-sourced products as possible.
“With this view, I’ve tried to keep as much seafood on there as possible,” he says, gesturing at the majestic harbour. “It’s not a seafood restaurant, but there’s seafood and Kiwi classics on the menu. The food that everyone wants to eat,” he says, before adding, “but with a high spin on them.”
That phrase also works as a handy summation of The Tauranga Club itself; a Kiwi classic with a high spin on it. As Phil Green says when he greets me at the new brass-plated doors, “The Tauranga Club is 130 years and some months old.”
Phil is the Club’s vice president and the architect behind the ambitious renovation, which was born out of less-than-ideal circumstances. Last
year’s horrifically rainy summer saw water seeping into the building.
“That whole summer it just didn't stop raining,” Club president Tracey Gudsell explains. “It was basically raining through the ceiling, which led to black mould getting into the building. We just had issue after issue after issue.”
They immediately closed down for the safety of staff and members. But rather than be disheartened by the closure and the year of remedial work the building needed, Tracey and Phil instead saw the silver lining of that wet rain cloud.
“It was our opportunity to come back refreshed whilst we were closed sorting those issues,” Tracey says, with Phil adding, “It gave us a chance to reset.”
Their plan was to modernise the Club, not just for 2024 but beyond. This meant a complete reimagining and revamp of the space. Walls were knocked down, rooms added, new furnishings bought in, artwork hung, and splashes of colour tastefully added, new carpets, ceilings, lighting – the list goes on. All in aid of creating an inviting and welcoming space for people to enjoy and want to spend time in. “A modern sanctuary,” as Tracey calls it.
The main area is now a versatile space that can be easily divided to create different-sized spaces, meaning the Club can accommodate conferences, seminars or meetings while still accommodating diners and the recreational needs of its members. But it can also be opened right up to allow for bigger functions like weddings, anniversaries or even, in one instance, a 21st.
“We also have a dance floor we can put down,” Phil grins.
As well as modernising, a big focus of the redesign was to highlight and reinforce the social aspect of belonging to a club. They wanted a place where people could feel comfortable whether working, entertaining or mingling.
“Members get to know members, and you can walk up and say ‘Hello,’ and it’s not weird,” Tracey says. “I don't find it easy to go out on my own, but at the Club I do. I come here and there’s old friendly faces or someone that I can walk up to and say ‘Hi,’ and feel comfortable because I’m in a club environment where you’re all part of that community. You can be as visible or as private as you like.”
Fittingly, The Tauranga Club was started over drinks, most likely a few whiskeys, by a chap named Lieutenant Colonel Roberts. His first name is unknown but the club he masterminded on the night of March 31, 1894, is incredibly well known.
“There was a meeting in the back bar of the Star Hotel, where he decided to get a group of people together, basically a gentleman's club,” longtime member and unofficial Club historian Jock McIntyre says.
“It grew to around 100 members relatively quickly, but it wasn't until about 1912-1914, that a guy named Sharp came on board. He had a couple of shillings in his pocket and bought this piece of land and donated it to the Club.”
He laughs softly and says, “It was a fairly decent thing to do.”
With Sharp’s involvement and a new location, the Club began attracting the professionals that he interacted with every day as a founder of the well-known law firm Sharp Tudhope.
“There were lawyers, accountants, doctors and so on,” Jock says. “Sharp got all the professional people of Tauranga together and got this thing going properly.”
The times may have changed but The Tauranga Club is still the place for like-minded professionals to gather, even 130 years on. Interestingly, it was never officially labelled a “gentleman’s club”, even if that was its original intention, and today Tracey and Phil estimate the gender balance to be evenly split. The member base includes the expected movers and shakers of Tauranga but also young professionals looking for
a place to work, network and relax, right through to older members who have been with the Club for decades.
The pair are rightfully enthused about The Tauranga Club and as they talk I begin to greatly appreciate its appeal. It’s an office away from the office, a place to take potential clients you want to impress and somewhere to make invaluable contacts. But it’s also a place to chill out and not talk shop. Somewhere to meet people for a sophisticated drink or take a special someone for a romantic harbour-lit meal.It really can be whatever you need or want it to be.
“We’ve always maintained we’re the best-kept secret in Tauranga,” Tracey smiles. “We’ve got views no one else does. We have the ambience and the personal service,” Tracey says, her passion obvious. “For members, it’s their space, their lounge, their dining room. A lot of members see it as an extension of their home. You can bring your family and your friends here and it feels quite different to turning up at a restaurant. There’s a real personal touch here. We get to know the members and what they like, and we cater for that.”
Of course, you do have to be a member − or with a member − to enjoy it,
although Phil does point out honourary memberships for one-off visits, like hotel guests enjoying breakfast or people attending an event are allowed.
This leads directly to the big question I’ve been saving up; how exactly does one become a member of one of Tauranga’s oldest and most prestigious institutions?
“That’s a secret,” Phil jokes, before spilling the beans. “No, there’s not
a secret handshake or anything like that. You apply to be a member, that's no problem at all, two committee members review that, and then you’re nominated in. If you’re not known to us, we’ll meet, have a coffee and then nominate you. It's a reasonably easy process.”
With the renovation nearing completion, they’re excited for members to once again enjoy full use of their club. Whether that’s business, pleasure or a bit of both − The Tauranga Club has the versatility to accommodate. It truly is a sanctuary.
“It’s somewhere different, and with a bit of a wow factor,” Phil smiles.
Sitting here, enjoying the comfort, ambience and, of course, those priceless views, it’s impossible to disagree with him.
The gift of thrift
No longer just a budget-friendly option, recycled fashion has transformed into a cultural phenomenon – with celebrities and brands joining in.
No longer just a budget-friendly option, recycled fashion has transformed into a cultural phenomenon – with celebrities and brands joining in.
WORDS Nicky Adams
Historically, ‘thrifting’ or sifting through rails of musty clothes at op shops, was a rite of passage for most teenagers. Driven by a desire for fashion, a general lack of ability to fund this desire, and a love of the individuality that recycled clothes provide, it was always a fun pastime, a social event, and went hand in hand with the euphoria of finding a hidden gem amid the piles of old ladies’ undies.
I think it’s a fair call to say the landscape on this has changed dramatically over the last ten years. The rise of online shopping has produced a generation of consumers who are happy to forgo physically being part of the hunt.
More importantly the explosion of uber cheap fast fashion via Shein and co has meant that the art of op-shopping has essentially re-branded to appeal to a new generation and to hold the interest of the devoted forager. Like anything it’s all in the presentation, and ‘pre-loved’, re-fashion, ‘up-cycled’ and ‘vintage’ have a far greater feel-good factor. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; now thrifting is recognised for what it is, not just cost effective, but a way of recycling and thereby saving at least a little of the impact that disposable fashion has on the environment.
For most people when they think of thrifting the main destination would still be charity shops. A win-win situation, the hope is to come away with goodies while simultaneously helping a worthy cause. These stores (Salvation Army, St Vincent’s, Waipuna Hospice) do still form a big part of the thrifting gold mine, and canny op-shoppers will research both the demographic of the areas where items are donated from and specific shops to find which are likely to hold the most bounty. The adage one man’s trash is another’s treasure is never truer than in a charity shop – so if you’re after designer labels, it’s not uncommon to find incredible pieces that simply would not have stood out to the (possibly less fashion savvy) person pricing the item. A friend once called me in a frenzy after buying a brand-new pair of current season $1,800 boots for $20 – a coup indeed, and whilst this is an extreme example, it’s not uncommon to find top-end labels.
While many still generously donate to charity stores, the trend for regular wardrobe clear outs has meant that recouping some money for pieces has become more popular. The DIY online space has grown dramatically – Trade Me is a generic way of offloading, however specific clothing websites such as Designer Wardrobe, and newly-established Tikiteboo (which aims to connect conscious consumers) have gone from strength to strength; some offering to sell on behalf of vendors. Depop has a global presence and is something of a mecca amongst youth culture for circular fashion. Even celebrities are getting in on the act – Elton John recently put a collection up for auction on Ebay with profits donated to a charity, while the Kardashians run their own website of Kast-offs. Locally there are a number of physical boutiques that specialise in on-selling quality and vintage pieces. Nine Lives at the Mount showcases not just quality labels but also super cool one-off retro items. Recycle Boutique at Bayfair has multiple branches nationwide so will move stock through its various stores –advantageous for both consumer and vendor. For bulk buying, Turning Point Textiles at Historic Village opens the first Thursday and Friday of every month, and you can fill a bin bag for $5.
Along with foraging for high-quality or unique pieces, the concept of thrifting embraces the idea of finding something with the purpose of re-modelling it into something else. Hardly an original concept (previous generations would unravel and re-knit woollen jumpers), it’s certainly a way of extending the life of a garment. Increasingly this is also a strategy that is being looked at by eco-conscious designers. Some, for example, will seek out excess fabrics from textile mills and take that as the design start point, rather than the other way around. Other brands such as ‘Reclaimed Vintage’ (from ASOS) have been established purely on the premise of repurposing and utilising dead stock. This is a clear shift in the way the fashion industry is working, demonstrating it’s not just consumers who are looking to upcycle.
A fast-growing trend that sits along the concept of additional shopping options is clothes rental. With its popularity fuelled by both a tighter economy, a desire for less ‘stuff’ and a generation coming through who place less emphasis on ownership, rental can be the perfect solution not just for event wear, but to simply refresh your wardrobe. Re-framing the idea of borrowing for a one-off black tie or wedding, renting has moved into the space of offering options for all manner of occasions requiring general pieces you just might not be equipped for. Some people use it to tide them through weight fluctuations, or to find pieces for off season holidays. Mostly online, rentals often offer try-ons either at a physical location or by pre-booking the items.
Alternative shopping in whatever form, whether physical or online may take a little more effort. However, before deciding it’s not your jam, weigh up the benefits – our culture of over buying means that there are many, many pieces that still have labels on, that are lightly worn or are totally unique out there being upcycled rather than going to landfill.
Demystifying the terminology
Recycling – process of reuse to prevent the item being wasted
Upcycling – transforming unwanted clothes/materials into something new and often better
Sustainable fashion – responsible use of resources, low environmental impact, fairly treated workers.
Repurpose – changing the function of the initial garment into something better
Fast fashion – on-trend items rolled out at a fast pace
Eco fashion – produced without harming the environment from organic/recycled materials
Eco friendly – low environmental impact, no pesticides, less water etc
Ethical fashion – made according to the labour and human rights laws
Rental: Stealherstyle.rental
Celebrity second-hand: Kardashiankloset.com
Thrifting/deadstock: tikiteboo.co.nz
Plenty under twenty
Craving a night out without breaking the bank? Here’s part one
of Stacey Jones’ guide to the Bay’s tastiest budget bites.
Craving a night out without breaking the bank? Here’s part one
of Stacey Jones’ guide to the Bay’s tastiest budget bites.
WORDS Stacey Jones
Miss Gee's
In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the thrill of finding a cheap meal for under $20 has never been greater. While supermarket prices soar – $6 for a cucumber, $20 for a block of cheese (the world has clearly gone bananas), this only heightens the joy of discovering a tasty ‘cheap eat’.
Restaurants are able to buy in bulk, support local producers, and, best of all, save you the hassle of washing up.
I took to the local Facebook notice boards for our locals’ top spots and
was met with hundreds of suggestions. Clearly, we’re all feeling the pinch and on the hunt for the same thing… So this month, we are diving into the best budget-friendly meals available in the Bay of Plenty for under $20.
Let’s kick things off with a standout deal at Astrolab on Tuesdays. For just $12, you can enjoy a delicious burger paired with a beer or a soft drink. Yes, you read that right – $12! The burger is well-seasoned, the salad is fresh, and it’s a steal. Just remember, the more beers you drink, the less sweet the deal becomes. Arrive early to secure a spot, as it gets busy. For more burger deals, check out Palace on Mondays for $10 cheeseburgers, or Central Coast Takeaway with their burger, fries, and soda combo for $17. They have a small amount of seating too so you can eat in or take out.
Miss Gee's
Next up, Hello Bahn Mi offers Vietnamese yumminess for $14.50. Choose from tofu, pork, or chicken, or indulge in their other favourites like pho and summer rolls. For Thai cuisine, Leks Go Thai in Pāpāmoa serves mains under $20, perfect for sharing. This leaves some change for a bottle of wine! Meanwhile, Hawker House in the Mount offers Asian-inspired dishes for just $15 from Monday to Friday, 12-3pm. The beef rendang roti is top of my list.
Bobby's
Crossing the bridge to Matua, Café Istanbul tempts with Turkish flavours. A chicken or lamb iskender is just $17, offering a fresh, healthy meal. Over at Café Istanbul in the Mount, similar dishes, as well as a not very Turkish lasagna, are priced right at $20 and under. LoLo’s offers a Turkish wrap that's more stuffed than the Harbour Bridge at rush hour for $14, making it a true budget buster.
No article on Kiwi budget meals would be complete without mentioning fish and chips. Although prices have risen with the cost of fish, it remains a worthwhile option. Bobby’s in Greerton and Tauranga CBD serves a piece of fish for $6. Just watch out for the seagulls! Bay Fish Packers also promise value, along with Matua Fish and Chips.
For a budget-friendly lunch, head to Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery with their $15 menu featuring ramen, burgers, hawker rolls, and a green curry salad. Or visit The Barrel Room from 12-4pm for a $15 lunch with salads, burgers, bowls, and pizzas. Speaking of pizza, Basilico got a lot of local votes. The margarita squeaks in at $19.90 and is generously sized – perfect for sharing if you’re not feeling too greedy. For even tighter budgets, Pizza Library offers $10, 10-inch pizzas every Monday.
Next month, we’ll explore Japanese, fried chicken, sandwiches, Indian, and dumplings. In the meantime, visit these budget-friendly spots, support local businesses, and savour every bite.
Bird’s-eye view
Julian Godfery’s unique interpretation of the world is captured in his intricate artworks.
Julian Godfery’s unique interpretation of the world is captured in his intricate artworks.
Artist Julian Godfery happily admits his biggest source of artistic inspiration is his mum.
He has been making art since he was five years old and actually inspired her to begin painting again 20 years after she graduated from art school. His mum is well-known artist Jane Galloway, whose work can be found on greeting cards, paintings and prints in galleries around New Zealand. Her full-time artistic career began 25 years ago after she was inspired by art Julian made for a kindergarten fundraiser. Now their work is displayed together in the same Waikato galleries.
Here, UNO talks to Julian about his passion for art.
UNO: What drew you to your particular style of art?
I like doing detailed drawings in pen and ink. I have been inspired by watching mum do realistic watercolours, which she used to paint on paper stretched over the dining table. She would cover the work with blankets and a plastic sheet whenever we wanted to have a meal. I got to see what she was making up close. I always carry a sketchbook and pens with me when I go to my day base at Enrich Plus in Hamilton.
What’s it like to grow up in an artistic household?
From when I first started school, my parents always worked on a daily diary with me and I got to illustrate the stories of what happened each day. I was obsessed with the Home Alone movie series for a long time, so a lot of my drawings were about designing traps to catch the robbers. I still have most of the diaries 30 years later.
Who or what are your greatest inspirations?
My mum did a series of paintings called “There Is No Planet B”, which showed New Zealand birds flying over motorways and cities. They inspired me to do drawings of towns and birds too. I have done a lot of owl paintings and some of chickens because I like drawing the feathers. My mum’s favourite is called “Midnight Morepork”.
What has been your favourite piece to make and why?
Because I love owls I think “Night Owls” is one I still really like. Also, over the Christmas holiday, I spent weeks drawing a big piece on watercolour paper. It was called “Invisible Magic” and was what you can see in water when you use a microscope. Mum is always getting me to look for new subjects for drawings on my tablet. I entered it in the IHC Art Awards a few years ago and it won the People’s Choice Award. Then I sold it at the auction, which was really exciting.
How long have you been living in the Waikato and what do you love about it?
I lived in Raglan until I was 21. Mum’s house is next to the estuary and harbour so I get to see herons, tui, spoonbills and fantails flying very close by all the time. I moved into supported living in Hamilton but I still come home regularly and I always bring my sketchbook to show mum what I’m working on (and to watch the All Blacks games).
What are your future plans in terms of your art?
I would like to have another exhibition at my Mum’s gallery in Raglan. It’s called Artists at Work and sometimes I go there to draw while she works
in the gallery. At Labour Weekend in October I always take part in the Raglan Arts Weekend where I show my latest drawings. We used to have an open studio at home and heaps of people would come to look at our work but now we can have it at the gallery. I look forward to it every year because I get to talk to people about my art. I’m working on a playlist of music for the weekend but mum says she wants to ok it first.
Where can we find your artwork?
Come and visit me over the Raglan Arts Weekend to see my latest
artworks at the Artists at Work Gallery. My work can also be seen in The Little Gallery, Tairua and Whangamata; Soul Gallery, Hamilton; Heritage Gallery, Cambridge; Artists at Work Studio and Gallery, Raglan.
Raglan Arts Weekend is a self-guided tour of artists’ studios being held from October 26-28, 10am to 5pm daily.
Find prints of Julian’s work at palmprints.co.nz