THE PINNACLE

This home – and its garden – prove dreams can come true; and earn national kudos along the way.

WORDS JO FERRIS

The journey began with a dream to move from living at the bottom of this hill to the top. As the peak site within an elite Welcome Bay estate, it was a constant lure – views from here the main drawcard; apart from the sheer expanse of the site itself.

That’s partly true. The home certainly exudes the magnificence of bygone history. Except for one key point. It was developed in 2009; designed, built and fashioned by an English couple with a vision to recreate American Victorian architecture.

Sun and scenery are headline stars, but this home captivates in ways that honour the vision behind it. The owners had the idea. Auckland architect, Cate Creemers brought it to life - her architectural skill underpinning the design. Like the personal art collection that features throughout, this residence is its own interpretation of artistic brilliance. Built by Tauranga’s Calley Homes, it was the regional supreme winner in 2022’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year, subsequently winning at national level.

Incorporating passive solar design principles, other sustainable attributes include a solar hot water system, warm roof system, along with thermal and acoustic insulation. Externally, Abodo Vulcan cladding is a New Zealand thermally-modified product. Inside, precast concrete panels anchor the home’s core, while enhancing its aesthetics. Timber also features strongly throughout.

Gated entry and an uphill driveway disguise the house initially. The greeting is a contemporary expression, but it’s not until the home unveils its soul that it tugs at the emotions. At around 475 sqm, the layered design sections this home into defined quarters. Family and guests have choice on bedrooms - and views for that matter. The master suite cherishes special seclusion, thanks to its magnificent view, but the bedroom above has a personal outdoor zone that elevates that perspective.

Gatherings gravitate towards the heart of the home - simple in its approach to intimacy and togetherness, yet characterised by the complexity of architectural nuance and building craftmanship. The astonishing panorama in front of this entire living area is heart-stopping. North-facing, it bathes in sun all day. Mauao stands majestically centre stage; views either side stretching from Papamoa to the Kaimais - right up to Coromandel. It is truly breathtaking.

Massive banks of floor-length glazing were the only response to frame its full extent, while 100sqm metres of wrap-around decking provides a seamless connection. Underlying the glazing’s aesthetics however, the sun’s warmth is harnessed, while exposed concrete flooring absorbs it. The open f ire in the ‘library corner’ is merely for mood; snuggled up with a book or watching TV once views fade into twilight and city lights twinkle.

A sunken lounge enhances its height as the raked sarked ceiling brings nature inside. Different timbers also instil texture throughout - from the lustre of Pacific cedar to the honeyed grain of American Oak. The contrast with concrete in key areas highlights how nature can harmonise with a man-made material - if done properly. With surround sound adding mood in the private cinema, this home was born to entertain. Elegant as the kitchen is, with its innovative scullery and unique finish, the outdoor lounge is a revelation. Moody in its dark tone and texture, one can be forgiven for thinking this is simply an outdoor fireside haven. Hiding discreetly behind what appears to be a corrugated iron feature wall however, is a significant barbecue kitchen. Genius. From here, the garden offers its own invitation. Stepping down to lawn, the landscape slopes to the swimming pool and spa before meandering amid a wonderland of trees, grasses and specimens. Completely hand planted by the owners - more than 3000 plants interweave another artistic interpretation that binds this home with the land and nature. Truly a masterpiece - with national kudos to match.

21 Estates Terrace, Welcome Bay OLIVERROAD.COM

CRUISE CONTROL

YOU Travel & Cruise Bethlehem’s Catherine Membery boards Silver Moon to see what sets Silversea apart - and why small-ship cruising continues to win over seasoned travellers.

Catherine Membery and her husband joined Silver Moon in Hobart, midway through a voyage from Auckland to Melbourne. With just 596 guests on board, the scale felt calm and intimate from the outset.

The service was a standout for me,” she says. “The Silversea crew numbers nearly match that of its passengers, and they were unfailingly respectful, friendly and efficient. We loved meeting our butler and truly valued how he personalised our experience; and witnessed our fellow passengers also enjoying their interactions with the attentive crew.”

Many guests on board were seasoned travellers choosing to simplify the way they see the world. Catherine met a woman who, after a lifetime of travel, said cruise life suited her perfectly, allowing her to continue overseas journeys without the usual logistics.

Only unpack once

It’s one of cruising’s simplest luxuries. Settled into their ocean-view suite, Catherine appreciated the ease of unpacking just once and waking somewhere new each day. She explored Hobart independently but recommends organised shore excursions. “That way you always ensure you get back to the ship on time!” she laughs.

Broaden the mind

On-board experiences are varied enough that the ship becomes part of the destination. “So much to do and so many interesting people to meet,” says Catherine. “Meals are magic when dining options are so varied, with a range of included wines, notably regional varieties. Among the restaurants with exceptional cuisine and service, Silver Note was a special treat, an intimate but lively space with pianist and jazz singer. Salt Bar became a regular for cocktails and socialising with other guests. The immersive S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) destination based culinary programme is a feature I enjoyed on Silver Moon.”

Daily activities range from entertainment and lectures linked to ports of call to time in the pool, on deck, at the gym or in the spa.

The world is your oyster

Silversea’s 12 ships sail to more than 900 destinations worldwide, from Northern Europe’s Baltic and the Mediterranean to Asia, Alaska and closer-to-home itineraries around New Zealand and Australia. Expedition voyages to Antarctica and the Arctic add another layer for those seeking something more remote.

“There’s a reason so many overseas tourists cruise New Zealand and Australia,” Catherine points out. “Arriving in Melbourne by sea was spectacular.”

“Experiencing a Silversea cruise for myself exceeded my already high expectations. What a wonderful way to see the world.”

YOUTRAVELBETHLEHEM.CO.NZ

INTO UNCHARTED WATERS

While making Aotearoa’s coastline and seabeds safer for all, Discovery Marine has also taken a novel and highly commendable approach to encouraging young people into the industry. Company CEO Declan Stubbing explains all to UNO.

PHOTOS KATIE COX + SUPPLIED

CEO Declan Stubbing and CCO Kevin Smith.

It’s hard to believe, but as a species, we’ve mapped the surfaces of the moon and Mars in higher resolution than much of our own seafloor. It’s estimated that around 75 percent of the world’s seabed remains a mystery.

But that is changing. Discovery Marine (DML), a company based in Mount Maunganui, is charting and surveying the seabed not just in Aotearoa, but also in Australia and the Pacific, in great detail, using high-definition 3D technology.

“There are a few uncharted areas remaining on the New Zealand coastline,” Declan Subbing says. “The Wairarapa coast is one area that is largely unsurveyed, and we currently have a team down in Moeraki, near Otago mapping an uncharted area.”

Declan is the CEO of DML, whose core business is hydrographic surveying and mapping the seafloor. To perform this technical and demanding work, their boats are equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems that produce 3D data. This data accurately paints a picture of the seafloor, right down to the pebble.

“It essentially visualises the whole seabed,” Declan explains. “We’re able to make sure we’ve got every rock, every pebble, positioned and that everything is mapped accurately.”

This is important information for a range of industries. Part of their work is updating the nautical charts for the New Zealand Hydrographic Authority at Land Information New Zealand. These charts are relied upon by various seafaring businesses. There are some areas that were surveyed over 50 years ago using equipment that Declan describes as “similar to a fish finder”.

The team deploying hydrographic equipment in Western Australia.

“We’re tasked with surveying the high-risk areas where there's a lot of shipping traffic, using our modern 3D multi-beam echo sounders to update those charts,” Declan says. “There are changes to the coastline and rocks or other hazards that might have been missed. That does happen occasionally around New Zealand’s coastline.”

DML is also busy in and around our ports, monitoring the impact of dredging, tracking sandwaves which migrate up and down the harbour, and providing data that ensures critical clearance levels for the massive container ships that visit are maintained.

DML's work gives the ports more confidence on where and when it’s safe to navigate ships.

Sand waves mapped using 3D technology.

“We survey the harbour seabed in 3D, which gets turned into navigation products for pilots,” he adds.

Declan studied hydrography, the name given to the science of underwater surveying at University of Otago.

Shortly before graduating, Greg Cox, the founder of DML, got in touch with the School of Surveying to see if anyone there was interested in a job in hydrography. Declan was keen and became the company’s very first employee. The team now comprises 16.

Excavator lost at sea mapped using 3D technology.

DML faces a number of challenges when recruiting, because of the specialist skills required and graduates being lured overseas. Declan says they identified this as a “risk to the business growing” five years ago. To tackle the problem, they came up with an innovative solution.

“We thought ‘How are we going to be able to encourage people into hydrography?’” He says. “That’s how we came up with the concept of offering a scholarship at the School of Surveying at Otago University.”

With many of their current staff having attended the university, it was a solution that held great appeal.

“We’ve got a really strong connection there,” Declan smiles. “I really like the idea of being able to give back to the institution that gave me a lot.”

Their scholarship covers full course fees for a final year surveying student who is undertaking research connected to hydrography. It also offers them support with their research, an internship at DML, exposure to the industry and opportunities to attend conferences with the DML team. A true kick start into the industry.

Their commitment doesn’t stop there. Employees at DML are encouraged to continue developing and gain certification within the industry.

Early morning hydrographic survey operations.

“We really push the certification angle within our business. We like the idea that you’re always working towards something. It keeps people motivated and it’s great when someone’s awarded a new certification. It’s a real reason to celebrate because it's a recognition of the hard work they’ve put in.”

Just across the ditch, demand for certified hydrographic surveyors is exploding with the Government committing to a 10-year programme of nautical charting work, to which DML was appointed to a panel of suppliers.

He says it’s “enormously satisfying” work, and would encourage people to consider it as a career. “You see where your effort has gone. At the end of the day, you know you’ve contributed to improving coastal navigation and making our coastal communities safer.”

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Hydrographic surveying is Kate’s ticket to the world

SEA OF POSSIBILITIES

Kate Downes, senior hydrographic surveyor at DML, swaps land for ocean depths and discovers a world of adventure.

With her interest in maths and geography, Kate Downes had been drawn to surveying as a career. But when she learned about hydrographic surveying, her plans quickly changed.

“I went along to an open day at Otago University, where they talked about surveying and explained it. I was like, ‘Yep, this is definitely what I want to do’. Then they talked about hydrographic surveying specifically, which hadn’t been well-advertised, and my ears pricked up. It sounded exciting. My family had a boat, so I was familiar with the water. It was right up my alley.”

Realising hydrographic surveying could be a ticket to see the world, Kate dived in. Upon graduating, she moved to Perth to work for one of the biggest survey companies in the world. During her five-year stint, she learned as much as she could from those she worked with and “doubled down on travelling”. She’d be rostered offshore for six weeks at a time, and then have six weeks off to do whatever she wanted. Which was seeing the world.

Eventually, she decided she wanted to come back home and be closer to family.

Since joining DML, she has excelled and is one of only six women across Australasia to earn the highest level of certification in hydrography. Now, as a senior member of the DML team, she leads their major nautical charting projects for the New Zealand and Australian Governments.

“It’s always been about seeing new places. That’s one of the draw cards,” she smiles. “We’re in remote places, seeing cool things. We see whales offshore all the time. Stuff like that I’m really interested in.”

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Georgia is chasing her dreams without compromising her lifestyle.

MAKING WAVES

Charting hidden coastlines, Georgia Pendred, graduate hydrographic surveyor at DML, discovers adventure and a strong sense of purpose.

It’s a rare day off the boat for Georgia Pendred when UNO calls.

“At the moment, I’m in Dunedin, Moeraki specifically, for a big three-month-ish, maybe longer job we're doing,” she says. “We towed one of our biggest boats down from the Mount, and each day we head out and do our survey.”

It’s not a bad way to spend a summer’s day. Even today, the weather is “a bit stinky”, meaning the team is staying on land. The team rotates out every two weeks, so she’ll be on the water for another week before returning to the office for two weeks, creating the perfect field to office balance.

“Travelling is a big perk, and it’s really fun,” she enthuses. “You get to see some cool locations and remote spots that not many other people would see. Parts of the Moeraki coastline, for example, hasn't been charted before.”

A Tauranga native, Georgia grew up around the water. Her family had a little boat, and they’d go out to Matakana Island for a BBQ or go biscuiting on the lakes. Even still, she didn’t realise her career would see her oceanbound. Instead, her focus was on land.

“I wanted to do environmental management. I love the sustainability side of things and protecting our earth. That's what led me to a Bachelor of Surveying at Otago University,” she explains. “Hydrographic surveying popped up as a paper that you could take as an elective. The lecturer, Emily Tidey, an industry role model, was so passionate about it and really sold it to me. I realised it was still the environment and still looking after our planet. Only on water, not land.”

She took the paper and “fell in love” with the subject. After that, she focused all her energy on hydrographic surveying.

She says it’s an ideal career for people who love the outdoors, because “you’re doing fieldwork all the time.” It would also suit people who enjoy problem-solving, as things pop up every day that need troubleshooting.

As for surveying being a math-heavy career? Georgia is happy to bust that myth.

“I suck at math,” she laughs. “I dropped out in year 11. I love literacy, history, classics and all that stuff. When deciding to do surveying, I knew math was going to be a challenge.”

She says that while the degree does get math-heavy, if you’re determined, you can get through it.

“I put my mind to it, and put my head down. I asked a lot of questions, and because we’re a tight-knit group at the School of Surveying, I had a lot of support from my lecturers and classmates. If you’re motivated, definitely give it a go,” she says. “Don’t be afraid of surveying or scared off because everyone says that it’s math-heavy.

I managed to get through it, and actually came out the other end with the math papers being my highest subjects!”

While at university, Georgia was awarded the DML scholarship for her final year where she completed an Honors research project. This enabled her to gain insight into the industry and complete an internship before accepting a graduate role at DML.

She’s already taking advantage of the opportunities to progress towards certification. “I’m starting to chip away at that,” she says.

Talking with her, it’s clear how passionate she is about her work, and the impact it has on the environment. She’d love to see more women taking it up.

“There aren’t many women in surveying in general, and then it gets even more niche when you go into hydro,” she says. “But it’s definitely changing, and DML is representing that really well. It's really cool to know we’re part of a new generation that's changing things. I'd like to keep that going. DMLSURVEYS.CO.NZ

CUTTING EDGE

For 30 years, ADO Hair Salon in Tauranga has put the luxe into locks.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Everything about Jason and Penny Davies screams creative. The husband-and-wife team and owners of ADO Hair Salon are lively, animated and above all incredibly knowledgeable about the industry. This year they celebrate 30 years together as both salon owners and in marriage, with 2026 looking to be a year filled with new projects and professional goals.

Achieving this kind of longevity as business owners is no mean feat, yet both Penny and Jason fizz with excitement about the journey so far and the road ahead.

They met, Jason tells me, in 1993. By 1996 they were married and had purchased the business from Jason’s previous boss, when they rebranded to ADO.

Even as young professionals they thrived on the energy of Tauranga. “We’ve always loved Tauranga as a base,” says Penny. Adds Jason, “At the time, our main supplier was L’Oreal Professional and so they were able to offer a lot of opportunities - that connection in Paris was really important. Having the infusion of international trends coming through was vital to our business growth.”

By the early 2000s, L’Oreal Professional strengthened the relationship further by recognising the talent of the team, selecting Jason to go to Paris, which was, he says, “a very humbling experience, but one which really opened our eyes up to the possibilities.”

This dynamic was stepped up further when Jason was chosen as an educator (a position he retained for 11 years), meaning he has been instrumental in bringing innovative styles, techniques and technology from the heart of the industry in Europe back to New Zealand.

Despite both being ridiculously creative, Penny and Jason together drill into the different business aspects of the salon. They then come together, constantly inspiring each other with their love of the craft. They are generous with their talents, sharing them with the community. If you’ve ever been to a local event with mind-blowing hair or props, from dance shows to Tarnished Frocks and Divas, you can be sure this couple is behind the scenes.

But the ability to harness the crazy and streamline their trade has been a big part of their 30 years in the industry. As Jason explains, “There’s a symbiotic nature to it, with the artistry supporting the business, but the business simultaneously supporting the creativity.”

With hair one of the most trend-led aspects of an individual’s experience, it’s exciting to know that the salon is not just following but leading with flair. Along with the consumer accessible styles, Jason says, “we can also turn our hand to the zanier looks.”

Penny and Jason have always prided themselves on their fusion of different methodologies; they bring in the cleaner cuts of Vidal Sassoon, but equally will work to the softer textured styles championed by Toni & Guy. This flexibility is something they acknowledge has served them well.

When I ask what they feel their greatest achievement has been over the years, they are in accord. “Penny and I both feel it’s the way we’ve created a salon with a distinctive vision and a leading-edge team that’s endured within the industry. We’ve cultivated a longstanding clientele that’s supported us, and we’ve done it together.”

As for the ‘where to next’, the excitement is palpable. Penny is the first to let the cat out of the bag. “We’re planning a boutique training programme, where we train up new skilled stylists, taking in ten, keeping a couple and the rest will go to other salons”.

With Jason’s background in education and Penny’s passion to nurture talent, this feels like the perfect next chapter. ADO.NZ

TAKING THE REINS

At just 34, Kelly Van Dyk is taking on the male-dominated horse racing industry, and winning. She tells Karl Puschmann all about Prima Park, the world-class facility she heads and the challenges she’s faced to get to the front of the pack. PHOTOS CHRISTINE CORNEGÉ + SUPPLIED

Kelly Van Dyk at Prima Park in Matamata, where she leads the next generation of thoroughbreds.

In the world of horse racing, everyone knows that bloodline is key. A horse’s pedigree reliably indicates what racing traits it will inherit and, most importantly, its champion potential. But, it turns out, you can extrapolate the bloodline theory out to the world of horse training as well.

Kelly Van Dyk is a third-generation horsewoman, a former champion equestrian and New Zealand representative, and now the head of Prima Park, the prominent, family-run thoroughbred farm and equine facility located in Matamata, the heart of New Zealand's racing country.

“My grandfather Brian trained racehorses as a hobby,” Kelly explains. “He’d take my mother, Louise, and her sister for riding lessons and decided he was going to try and train and breed racehorses himself. He was quite successful in doing that, and mum was a very successful rider herself, competing in events at a high level.”

When Kelly came along, Brian wasted no time in introducing his granddaughter to the sport.

“He bought me a pony when I was really young. I rode from when I could walk,” she says.

Brian’s plan worked. “I caught the bug,” she laughs. But, so had her whole family.

Her dad, Leighton, retired from the family business, the popular furniture chain Van Dyks Furniture, in 2010 to focus on the fillies. He bought two weanlings, foals that are six months old, intending to resell them. There was, however, a big problem.

“I was at the height of my dressage career riding in Germany, when dad rang me up and said, ‘I’ve bought these two horses. I don't really know what to do with them. You’d better come home.’”

So, she did. Kelly and her dad took those weanlings to the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, sold them for a profit and then did it again. And again. And again. Eventually, she was able to leave the job she’d taken at Waikato Stud, where she’d been studiously learning the “tricks of the trade”, to work on Prima Park full time.

With Kelly’s sole focus on the business, things started to take off. They outgrew the family farm in Putararu, where they’d been since 1992, and moved to a bigger property in Mystery Creek in 2016. They wouldn’t be there long.

In 2022, Kelly took the reins, so to speak, to head the company. She expanded both Prima Park’s offerings and its premises, moving the company to its world-class 50ha facility in Matamata.

“Mum and dad were getting older and wanted to take a step back. It’s a demanding job, very physical, hands-on work,” Kelly explains. “I felt like I was just getting started. I had that hunger and drive to really sink my teeth into it. I could see the opportunity.”

Prima Park’s business expanded to include the services it offers today, including breaking-in, pre-training, and agistment, all supported by its purpose-built equine facility, which even includes an 800-meter training track allowing specialised preparation for the yearling and Ready to Run bloodstock sales.

The success has been notable. Prima Park has graduated multiple top-tier racehorses, including Beat The Clock, a four-time Group 1 winner and Hong Kong Sprinter of the Year, and Warmonger, the 2024 Group 1 Queensland Derby winner. They’ve also won strong market recognition by consistently producing highvalue sales in the yearlings and Ready-to-Run sales. As well as the local market, Prima Park’s horses are also sold into Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia. At last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock sale, they sold 18 of their 19 horses, making them the second leading vendor by aggregate, a new milestone for the facility, and selling the second highest horse of the sale for a whopping $775,000.

What makes it all the more impressive is that Kelly is the only woman in Australasia running a facility of this scale. Something that she says hasn’t always been easy.

“It’s been hard because I’m dealing with males 24-7 in the industry,” she admits. “But I wanted to prove that women could do this and that we can do anything. I have my own goals of what I want to achieve, and just because I’m a woman, it doesn’t mean that I can’t do it.

It’s just choosing a path you want to go down and sticking to it, really.”

Another challenge is balancing her love of horses with the commercial realities of needing to sell them on. She spends months with these animals and gets to know them and their personalities intimately.

“You’ve got to separate your emotions because you form a bond with them, you love the horse, but we do need to sell them. I wouldn’t say it gets easier. It’s just part of it. But there’s satisfaction in knowing that you’ve installed a lot of groundwork that then becomes results on the track.”

“Ultimately, we want to prepare horses to go on and do great things,” she says. “That’s what we keep our focus on. It’s getting better and better every year. We’ve got some big goals, and we want to keep building and producing quality horses that win big races.”

Then, smiling, she adds, “This is just the beginning.”

PRIMAPARK.CO.NZ

WHAKATĀNE’S LAST TASTE OF SUMMER

Take your pick of these tantalising ways to savour the best food in the Eastern Bay.

Long Lunch Italian Style

Autumn in the Eastern Bay of Plenty seems to hold onto summer that much longer. The days are warm and calm, the ocean still inviting, and the coastline feels wide open once the holiday crowds have gone. It’s a great time to plan a trip to Whakatāne and the surrounding coast, especially with plenty happening across the region.

This season, the Eastern Bay is hosting a mix of foodie events, some part of the Bay’s popular Flavours of Plenty festival, that all highlight the region’s produce, fresh seafood and generous hospitality.

FARMING LIKE GRANDAD

April 18 — Te Teko Racecourse

While not all about food, this is one of the most-loved events on the autumn calendar. See the Clydesdale horses, sheep shearing, tractors, and farm machinery (old and new). There are wagon rides, vintage cars, exhibitions by the Axe Men, chainsaw races, farm animals, craft stalls, old-style kids’ games, food and live music - a classic country day out. Please note: due to farm animals, kindly leave dogs at home.

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ŌHIWA OYSTER FESTIVAL

May 16 - Port Ōhope Wharf

Now in its third year, the Ōhiwa Oyster Festival returns with a day celebrating the start of the oyster season. Hosted by Tio Ōhiwa, the festival features freshly shucked oysters, seafood vendors from around Aotearoa, chef demonstrations, live music, markets and competitions, all set against the harbour backdrop at Port Ōhope Wharf. Tickets include entry and access to entertainment, activities and oyster stations throughout the day.

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SHUCKED & POURED: ŌHIWA OYSTERS X MATA BEER

April 17 — Mata Brewery

A guided tasting that pairs freshly shucked Tio Ōhiwa oysters with a curated selection of Mata beers. Explore how different beer styles complement the briny character of the oysters, including a signature “oyster shooter”.

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THE BIG FAT GREEK CYPRIOT LUNCH

April 18 - Awakaponga Community Hall

An instant sell-out in 2025, this lively event returns with a generous Greek Cypriot feast served meze-style, alongside music and plenty of convivial atmosphere.

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SMOKE ON THE WATER

April 19 - Fisherman’s Wharf

Join Fisherman’s Wharf for a spectacular evening celebrating the craft of open-fire cooking. Enjoy a smoky four-course dinner, paired with drinks, and cooked entirely over live flames by renowned chef Paul Patterson.

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SMOKE, FIRE & BBQ

April 25 - The Run 15

Celebrate the fundamentals of flavour with a campfire feast under the stars. Go off-grid for a one-night-only farm dining experience featuring generous barbecue, tips and tricks from the pit, and optional hands-on moments - all enjoyed fireside beneath clear country skies.

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LE REPAS VAGABOND

April 25 — Waingarara Valley

A 12-course wandering meal of chef-led surprises inspired by Spanish, French, and Mediterranean flavours. This roaming feast promises creativity, generous flavour and plenty of surprises along the way. Bon Appétit. Sahten. Buen provecho.

MORE TO TICKLE THE TASTEBUDS MYSTERY FOOD TOUR

April 18 — Whakatāne

ALL YOU CAN EAT TACO NIGHT

April 22 & 29 - Cadera

NOSE TO TAIL BBQ FEAST

May 1 - The Smokin’ Goose

APPRENDRE PIZZA + CROISSANT

May 2 - L’Atelier

LONG LUNCH ITALIAN STYLE

May 2 - Top Shelf

PLATES A PLENTY

In its most ambitious festival yet, Flavours of Plenty continues to champion the freshest and finest of the Bay. From daring flavour pairings to blind cocktail tastings, this year is shaping up to be a standout. WORDS SUE HOFFART

Coastal Bay of Plenty chefs are pushing culinary boundaries with such gusto, they have ensured the biggest Flavours of Plenty Festival yet. Festival director Rae Baker says this year’s eating extravaganza will bring almost 60 food events to the region, beginning in mid-April and running over 18 days. “It’s almost quadrupled in size since we started f ive years ago,” Rae says. “That’s partly because we have all these stunning food products and growers and producers here of course, but it’s our restaurants and cafes and chefs who have really driven the numbers up. So many of them have stepped aside from their everyday offerings and conjured all these exciting new ways to feed us.” Rae says festival events will include contests and workshops, food tours and market days. Some will happen in intriguing venues like a cinema or an art gallery, a community garden, a sculpture park or a marae. However, more than half will unfold inside established eateries and hospitality venues between Ōhope and Waihī Beach. “We just couldn’t do this without our heroic hospo people. Plenty of them have been through tough times in recent years and yet here they are with all this energy and enthusiasm, making edible magic for us.” She says restaurateurs have taken this year’s ‘pushing the palate’ theme to heart and devised experiences that challenge or thrill. Like the Sip Tease offering that invites diners on a blindfolded cocktail adventure in Tauriko. Or the Wings of Fire contest that teams spicy chicken wings with music and a tattoo artist who will create fiery designs.

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GNAM (YUM) CHA AT THE TRADING POST, PAENGAROA

An eight-dish yum cha-style lunch will carry diners from Taiwan to Tuscany.

Italian owner-chef Simone and his international kitchen crew have devised a menu that melds European flavours from his home country with Taiwanese and Singaporean flavours. If Eastern dumplings and Western ravioli had a love affair, it would taste like this, Simone says. He is also promising salads that flirt with spice and an experience that is “deliciously messy in the best way”.

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FINE DINING, DONE DIRTY AT SALTWATER, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Oysters with attitude and cocktails with character are on the menu during this determinedly unpretentious seven-course lunch. High end food and top-shelf Eurovintage drops will be teamed with a “deliciously unfancy fine-dining vibe”. Palate-pushing? Yes. But also cheeky and playful; indulgence without the ego.

Saltwater restaurant will also host the festival’s madly popular Battle of the Snack competition, where hotshot chefs are paired with rising talent to create imaginative canapés. This one always sells out quickly.

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POLARISING PLATES WITH NEIL SAPITULA AT SOLERA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

The restaurant’s award-winning former head chef Neil Sapitula is asking diners to be brave when he returns to Solera for one night only. Neil’s daring five-course dinner is built around his favourite polarising ingredients and techniques. No menu will be revealed until the end, and no dishes will be explained, encouraging diners to approach each plate without bias or expectation. Embrace the unexpected, he advises guests. Optional wine matches feature natural and minimal-intervention wines, equally bold in character. Solera is hosting two other events. A second five-course dinner, Melting Point, stars savoury ice cream in every dish. Shaken by the Sea, Stirred by the Land pairs cocktails with seafood.

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PLANTISSIMO AT GRATITUDE EATERY, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Beloved for its delicious whole food menu and diverse dietary offerings, Gratitude is inviting guests to rethink the classic Italian feast. The usual kitchen team is handing over to Lombardy-born Stefano Raimondi, from Autentico, to offer a six-course vegan experience that will prove “flavour doesn’t need meat, cheese or wine to shine”. The plant-based, alcoholfree dinner will include handmade pasta though, and plenty of Italian-style warmth, generosity and soul. “It will make you rethink what’s truly essential for a happy table,” Stefano says.

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FIVE GO WILD WITH FOOD AT ST AMAND, DOWNTOWN TAURANGA

Five fabulous chefs will each take charge of a course to showcase both their signature style and the region’s best produce. The degustation dinner will also star items chosen from the festival’s Plates of Plenty Challenge box, which challenges eateries to utilise a selection of locally-made artisan products or produce. Naturally, each course will be matched with a small-batch New Zealand wine.

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FIVE BY FIFE AT FIFE LANE KITCHEN AND BAR, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Five courses, each focussed on a single hero ingredient. Fife Lane will of course utilise the f ire-driven style that fills its tables every week but this event is especially intent on delivering bold flavour combinations, elegant presentation, and a dining experience that celebrates craftsmanship at every level. Seating is communal, creativity is a given.

The restaurant will also host guest speakers at a Fuelling Our Future lunch to fundraise for the Kura Kai charity that feeds families in need.

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NOSE TO TAIL BBQ FEAST AT THE SMOKIN' GOOSE, AWAKERI

A sociable long-table banquet featuring both premium and adventurous cuts of beef, from ox tongue and beef cheeks to osso buco and bone marrow. Expect bold BBQ flavours, nibbles on arrival, a three-course feast and a surprise dessert to push your palate. The rustic Western vibe spills over into live music and guests are invited to dust off their boots and dress to impress.

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SMOKE ON THE WATER AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF, ŌHOPE Gregarious chef Paul Patterson will start his event early, cranking up custom-made wood-fired barbecues from 8am. He will utilise local fruit trees and native wood to cook and smoke a selection of beef, venison and pork in front of his harbourside restaurant. Ticketholders will be able to watch the process during the day, then return in the evening for a four-course meal featuring big flavours, bourbon and blues music. Each course will be paired with either small batch bourbon or red wine. FLAVOURSOFPLENTYFESTIVAL.COM

A VISION OF ZEN

Purchased online from England by a couple heading home to the Bay after 26 years abroad, a bush-clad Ōmokoroa site became a home shaped by close collaboration, thoughtful design and a shared vision. WORDS PIP CROMBIE | PHOTOS AMANDA AITKEN

Buying property sight unseen is something we are familiar with in the Bay of Plenty, usually by international buyers who have access to extensive real-estate-supplied images and information. But for a New Zealand couple returning home after 26 years in England, the almost one-hectare Ōmokoroa section they discovered online had few details to recommend it. There was no exact address, limited imagery and little context. Yet something about the site appealed.

Tracey and John’s return to New Zealand was nudged along by Brexit and COVID. The couple both work from home for large pharmaceutical companies, so the move was about transferring home locations and a desire to spend more time with family. The 2020 lockdown prevented an in-person search, so John’s parents visited the site on their behalf, walking the land, carrying out the due diligence and sending through images. On the strength of this, the couple secured the property from abroad. Working remotely from England, Tracey and John began collaborating with Hannah Armstrong-Gardner of Studio H on the design of their new home. With Hannah and her husband Chris, who would later build the house through their company Gardo Group, living just 500 metres up the road, the project naturally became a close collaboration between the four. Through a series of video calls, the design gradually took shape, evolving into a fully documented consent set before the couple had even returned to New Zealand.

It wasn’t until 2022 that Tracey, John and their woolly-coated black pooch Nonu set foot on the site of their new home. The property is gently nestled at the bottom of a winding drive below an urban development, bordered by trees that ensure privacy from the nearby Ōmokoroa coastal cycleway, and has a small stream meandering through the boundary.

Fast forward to 2026 and the approach down that driveway halts me as I descend. The first impression is of a chic bush retreat. From above, the home is two distinct wings — one black, one white — juxtaposed against the lush clearing the dwelling sits within, surrounded by artfully curated native planting. There is a subtle Japanese influence to the design, and as I draw up to the front entrance, a long hardwood decked walkway draws me to the front door, bordered by its custom balustrade repeating a subtle architectural detail that appears throughout the home, protecting full-height openings on the upper level while reinforcing the project’s restrained material palette. To the left is the long, black Shou Sugi Ban charred timber clad wing, housing guest bedrooms, bathroom, office, kitchen and living, to the right is the white rendered plaster two-storey volume featuring two master bedrooms, large ensuite and dressing room, garage, storage and laundry space. Subtle circular water features set on river stone paths, suspended Japanese rain chains and a small red bridge spanning the stream and glimpsed through the feature window in the entrance, all set the scene for the interiors where tone and texture of materials come together in a magnificent blend of warmth, light and high-end luxury.

The 331m2 home was designed by Hannah ArmstrongGardner, of Studio H, a Tauranga-based design-led practice known for creating homes of quiet distinction. Hannah works closely with her clients from inception to completion, advising them early on that getting to know them well is a key part of her design process. “Where do you put your shoes and your bikes when you come home? What’s ‘your side’ of the basin? My design process is human-centric, not ‘Hannah-centric’," she explains.

Tracey and John arrived with a clear priority: warmth and comfort. Memories of cold New Zealand houses from earlier years abroad meant the thermal performance of their new home was paramount. Instead, the couple and their designer carefully considered the site’s microclimate, including existing tree cover and the natural topography of the driveway ridge. The main living wing therefore faces east, allowing soft morning light to enter the space while avoiding excessive summer heat. To maintain consistent indoor comfort, a hydronic underfloor heating and cooling system runs beneath the home’s light oak flooring, creating an even ambient temperature year-round. The timber floors extend throughout the house, softening the floor-to-ceiling tiling used within the bathrooms and reinforcing the calm material palette. Overhead, 2.7-metre ceilings allow light to move easily through the spaces while housing discreet mechanical systems.

Sustainability was also a key consideration. The property operates with a significant degree of independence through rainwater harvesting, solar generation and efficient systems, while the materials used throughout the home were selected with attention to origin.

The kitchen is dark and seamless, softened by wooden handles in keeping with the subtle Japanese aesthetic, the intentional use of empty space, calming, natural colours and product. With this in mind, the deliberate selection of the Dekton Laurent benchtop - an earthy chocolate shot through with streaks of natural golden hue - bring the whole space, including the offset scullery, together.

From the time the build was completed in March 2024, it has felt like a forever home for Tracey and John - peaceful, sleek, soft and something of a sanctuary. A retreat indeed. STUDIOHDESIGN.CO.NZ

Classic hits

Just a Mum’s Anna Cameron has been cooking up a storm for her new book, featuring an indulgent collection of family-friendly favourites. Here we serve up a few of the hits.

French Apple Cake

A timeless classic, traditionally made with very thin slices of apple in a rum or almond infused batter. My version is quick and easy, perfect for afternoon tea or as a dessert served with yoghurt.

MAKES 12 | PREP TIME 30 MINUTES + COOLING | COOKING TIME 35+ MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

4 large apples, peeled and cored

1 cup plain white flour

1 tsp baking powder

1⁄4 tsp salt

115g butter, at room temperature

2/3 cup white sugar, plus extra

to sprinkle

2 eggs

2 tbsp milk

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 tsp almond essence

Icing sugar to dust (optional)

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 175°C, positioning an oven rack in the centre. Grease the base and sides of a 22 cm-round springform or loose-bottomed cake tin and line it with baking paper.

Cut the apples into 1 cm pieces (you should have about 3 cups) and set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar for 4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions, then beat in the milk, vanilla and almond essence (see notes). The mixture may look a little curdled at this stage.

Gently fold in the flour mixture until no flour is visible then fold the apples into the batter until evenly distributed.

Spoon the thick batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Sprinkle an extra 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the top.

Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top springs back to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If needed, continue to bake, checking every 3–5 minutes, until the cake is fully baked and golden. If the top of the cake is becoming too golden brown, loosely cover in foil until baked through.

Allow to cool in the tin for 20 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack.

Serve warm or cold, dusted with icing sugar if desired — it’s lovely with whipped cream or yoghurt.

This cake can be stored at room temperature, loosely covered with a cake cover or tented foil, for 1–2 days, or in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture for 3–4 days.

Chicken and Bacon Fettuccine

This oh-so indulgent pasta dish is a quick midweek meal to make when you feel like something a little bit fancy.

SERVES 4 | PREP TIME 15 MINUTES | COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

300g fettuccine

45g butter

7 rashers streaky bacon, diced

300g skinless, boneless

chicken breast, thinly sliced

1⁄2 onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

6–8 button mushrooms,

cleaned and sliced

11⁄4 cups cream

1⁄2 cup parmesan, finely grated

1 red capsicum, finely sliced

METHOD

Bring 3 litres of salted water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the fettuccine and cook for 2 minutes less than the packet instructions. Drain, reserving 3⁄4 cup of the cooking water. Set aside.

While the pasta cooks, heat 15g of the butter in a large frying pan. Fry the bacon until crispy, then drain on a paper towel.

In the same pan, sear the chicken slices in the bacon fat for a few minutes on each side until just cooked. Set aside on a plate with the bacon and cover with foil.

Wipe the frying pan with a paper towel, then melt the remaining 30g butter over a medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes until softened and well browned.

Stir in the reserved pasta water and the cream, parmesan and capsicum. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2 minutes.

Add the drained fettuccine to the sauce, using tongs to toss and coat thoroughly. Fold in the bacon and chicken and heat through for a further 2 minutes until the chicken is cooked.

Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with parmesan and parsley if desired.

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Salad

This salad looks stunning on the table. I love the combination of flavours and textures — the crunch of the chickpeas works beautifully with the softly spiced cauliflower. It’s definitely one to try.

SERVES 6+ | PREP TIME 30 MINUTES | COOKING TIME 50 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

1 head cauliflower

420g can chickpeas

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground coriander

1⁄2 tsp paprika

1⁄2 tsp onion powder

1⁄2 tsp garlic powder

1⁄2 tsp salt

1⁄4 tsp pepper

1⁄4 cup olive oil

Dressing:

1⁄4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp honey

1 tbsp lemon zest, finely grated

1⁄2 tsp ground cumin

Pinch salt and pepper

To Serve:

Handful of rocket, torn

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1⁄4 cup slivered almonds

70g feta, crumbled

10–12 fresh mint or coriander

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Lightly spray a large roasting dish with oil.

Cut the cauliflower into small florets — you should have about 5 cups. Place in a large bowl.

Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then pat them dry on a clean tea towel, then add them to the bowl.

Sprinkle in the turmeric, coriander, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper and stir through. Drizzle with the oil and toss to coat evenly.

Spread out on the prepared tray and roast for 20 minutes. Stir, then continue roasting, gently stirring every 10 minutes, for a further 30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crisp and the cauliflower is tender and golden but holding its shape. Set aside to cool slightly.

To make the dressing, whisk together all the ingredients in a small bowl.

To serve, transfer the cooled cauliflower and chickpeas to a large bowl or serving platter. Add the rocket and dressing and toss gently. Fold in the cranberries, almonds, feta and torn mint or coriander leaves.

Enjoy warm or cold. Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Crisp on the outside, soft and chewy in the centre, these cookies are easy to make, and you can freeze the dough for fresh cookies any time you desire. There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly made cookies.

MAKES 26 | PREP TIME 30 MINUTES + CHILLING

+ COOLING | COOK TIME 15–18 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

170g butter

2 cups plain white flour

3⁄4 tsp baking soda

1⁄2 tsp salt

1 packed cup brown sugar

1⁄2 cup white sugar

1 egg

1 egg yolk

1 tbsp vanilla essence

11⁄2 cups milk or dark chocolate

drops, chips or chunks

METHOD

Place the butter in a small bowl, cover and microwave in 30-second bursts until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.

In a bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the melted butter with the brown sugar and white sugar on a medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined. Add the egg, egg yolk and vanilla and beat for 3 minutes until light and creamy.

Add the flour mixture and mix lightly until just combined. Then use a wooden spatula to gently fold in the chocolate.

Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

When ready to bake, let the dough stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Preheat the oven to 165°C fan-forced, positioning one rack in the upper third of the oven and another in the lower third. Line two large baking trays with baking paper.

Roll 2 tbsp-sized scoops of dough into balls and arrange 5cm apart on the prepared trays. You may need to cook 3–4 batches.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are turning golden brown and the tops are mostly set (the larger the cookies, the longer they will take to cook).

Allow to cool completely on the trays — they will firm up as they cool.

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Images and text from Just a Mum’s Kitchen by Anna Cameron, photography by Melanie Jenkins (Flash Studios), published by Allen & Unwin Aotearoa New Zealand. RRP$45.

To botox or not to botox?

Hayley Bath takes a wrinkle-filled stand against the pressure to freeze by embracing her unapologetic laugh lines.

If Hamlet were written in 2025 instead of 1599, the iconic line wouldn’t be “To be or not to be?” It’d be “To Botox or not to Botox?”.

Last month, I found myself at an event surrounded by a sea of unwrinkled, unmoving brows. Scanning the room, I realised only myself and one other woman were left in the natural-forehead resistance. Even some of the guys had it. I felt like the last raisin in a bunch of juicy grapes.

Now I’m a fairly expressive person. My forehead alone could star in its own play, and these wrinkles are starting to take center stage. Even in my 30s, I see them while doing my makeup, in videos, and sometimes I catch myself smoothing my forehead mid-mascara, just to sneak a peek at the alternate Botox universe me. She looks oddly surprised.

As a voice and face on radio and in the media, I’ve been offered free injectables. Twice actually. From real, professional places promising no wax-figure vibes. Yet, I haven’t done it. Can’t do it. Every time I think, “Maybe it’s time,” but some inner part of me screams, “Over my wrinkled forehead!” Blame personal hang ups, a weird sense of loyalty to my wrinkles or just stubbornness.

So why haven’t I joined the Botox parade? Especially when many people look great with it.

First, the niggle at the back of my head whispers ‘what about my daughter?’. She’s a quiet observer, learning from my life. I don’t want her to feel like she’s got to change or alter herself, because she’ll already be swimming in a sea of filtered, curated and perfectly polished faces online.

Secondly, people die young. Yikes. Apologies, that got heavy fast. My late-cousin sadly never got to have wrinkles. These lines are proof I’m still here. Laughing and squinting at emails I don’t fully read. Wrinkles are my life’s receipts. I’m trying to see them that way.

And, of course, there’s always a little fear stopping me. What if the results aren’t great? I don’t want to end up looking like you could crack a walnut on my forehead for six months. Or what if I get the dreaded eyebrow droop? And we’ve all met someone who looks like their upper face missed the memo that their lower face is trying to have a conversation. I like having full facial expressions.

To be clear, this isn’t Botox-bashing. Botox can boost self-confidence, make people feel good about their appearance and even be used for relief from migraines. But for me? This might be the hill I grow old, and wrinkly, on.

I haven’t shouted, “This is my wrinkle revolution!” I want to. But what if, in years from now, I wake up feeling worse for wear and the voice whispers, “Just one little jab...?”. Easy to be bold in your 30s, harder later. Do I have the guts to do nothing? I think so. I hope so.

In a perfect world, everyone would stop cosmetic injectables. Then we’d all be back on an even-aging playing field. But what if we revolted? What if laughter lines became badges of honour and we felt the freedom of not giving a toss? What if looking ‘old’ wasn’t something we avoided?

Until then, I’ll keep stretching my forehead in the mirror, wondering what could be, but probably sticking with what is. Because just like Hamlet, the internal conflict is the biggest battle. Having the courage to leave the sword (or in this case, the needle) could mean surviving all five acts with a face that tells the whole story.

There’s also something bad-ass about letting gravity have a go.

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

As nature intended

Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in wild beauty at Wellington’s lush, predator-free haven.

WORDS LIZ FRENCH | PHOTOS LUCY BROAD, SCOTT LANGDALE + SUPPLIED

Wellington is a thriving metropolis, seat of government and a vibrant capital of corporations, culture and coffee. In complete contrast it also boasts the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary.

You would not expect to find 225 hectares (more than 500 acres) of regenerating forest and rare birdlife within a few minutes’ drive of Wellington’s CBD. This is Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne (The Garden of Tāne Māhuta, the Māori god of the forest).

The idea of protecting Wellington’s biodiversity began in the 1990s with a plan to manage the preservation of the national assets of the city. Its theme, “Bring the Birds Back to Wellington”, was the inspiration for Zealandia, a sanctuary that is doing exactly that.

The decommissioning of the Karori reservoir allowed this ambitious project to begin in the valley it occupied. The reservoir, with its historic dam crossing, is now an attractive feature of Zealandia. Bringing back the birds and other New Zealand native and endemic species required eradicating and preventing entry by the human introduced mammalian predators that have decimated our native flora and fauna over hundreds of years. To restore a valley to its pre-human state does not happen overnight, hence Zealandia’s far sighted vision. The defining feature was the construction, in 1999, of an 8.6 kilometre-long predator exclusion fence completely surrounding the sanctuary.

Thanks to the fence, and to community conservation efforts like Predator Free Wellington, the 500-year project has progressed dramatically in just 25 years.

Wellington is one of the only cities in the world where bird biodiversity is increasing. Tūī and kererū, once rare, are now an everyday sight around the region. Kākā and kārearea (NZ falcon) are now commonly seen in the city and nearby suburbs.

Zealandia’s vision would not be possible without support, funding and sponsorship. Visiting also contributes to the ongoing conservation work.

So, if you are in Wellington, take a break for a walk in the bush where you will hear only birdsong and where you can witness rare native birds like the hihi (stitchbird), tīeke (saddleback), kākāriki (NZ parakeet) and takahē and see prehistoric tuatara sunbathing. If you take a guided night tour, you may spot the kiwi pukupuku (little spotted kiwi), some 200 of which now call Zealandia home.

Free shuttles to Zealandia leave from Wellington’s isite and the top of the cable car.

VISITZEALANDIA.COM

Fire and earth

He’s been a Fett, a Mus and a Ropata, but now Temuera Morrison is stepping out from behind the characters to play his most honest role yet: himself. Earth Oven is a world journey steeped in culture and kai. The Bay’s most globally famous resident explains all to Karl Puschmann. 

Photos Julie Zhu + supplied

The origins of Temuera Morrison’s new TV series sound like a shaggy dog story. To hear him tell it, Earth Oven is the result of an unlikely chain of events that begins on an ordinary morning and then twists and turns to end with an impromptu hāngī at his house with an A-List Hollywood star and a cadre of bikers.

As you might expect from a globally famous actor, Tem’s a terrific storyteller. We’re enjoying the sun in the garden bar of a gastropub in Pāpāmoa, and he’s acting out all of the various roles within his story with the same dedication to his craft that has seen him land lead roles in everything from the Star Wars franchise to Shortland Street over his storied career. However, the real Oscar-worthy moments in this morning’s performance are when he shakes his head in disbelief at the cascading chain of events.

Earth Oven is a hybrid travel/cooking show that sees Tem travelling the globe to learn and experience how other indigenous cultures cook food underground, in the same manner as our hāngī. In the show, he travels from the deserts of Jordan to the oceans of Chiloé and even across the ditch to Australia, amongst many other countries that, surprisingly, utilise this traditional cooking method.

With the show’s focus on food, it’s only fitting that Tem’s story begins after breakfast. He’d finished eating and had gone for a walk along Maketū Beach, where he resides, on a rare day off when he ran into a friend. His mate was about to head off to Newdicks Beach to cater for a Whakaata Māori [Māori Television] film crew who were shooting the documentary series Kairākau there. With nothing on his schedule for the day, Tem offered to give his buddy a hand. 

“So we get there. I’m carrying in all the food, and people are turning around going, “Hey! Who’s that fella?”. I say, “Got a bit of a hāngī for your lunch today, boys, all right?’. Then I start ordering everybody around. ‘Hey, hey, hey! I need some more tables here. Where’s the rubbish bins? Get all those bloody extras out of here!’.”

Temuera in Maketu

He grins and says, “I’m placing everything down the way I see it on the movie sets I’ve been on. My mate’s quite impressed. He goes, ‘This fella knows what he’s doing’. So I’m there, doing the catering and then I find out Jason’s coming down to Rotorua and going to see Cliff.”

From anyone else, this would sound like an epic namedrop moment. But for Tem, Hollywood star Jason Momoa and Rotorua actor Cliff Curtis are pals. The trio have recently worked together on Apple TV’s big-budget Hawaiian historical drama, Chief of War. 

“‘Going to see Cliff?’” he repeats, shaking his head in mock indignation. “‘What the hell? How come I don’t know about this?’. I’m straight on the phone to Jason; ‘Where’s my invite? You better come and see the Chief before you go and see the other fella, okay?’”

He laughs at the memory. “I said to him, ‘Stop in Maketū, and then you can carry on to Rotorua. I’ll put lunch on for you fellas.”

For Tem, eating together is about more than just the meal. It’s about connection and respect, linking his Māori traditions and showing hospitality as a universal value. Indeed, after I arrived for UNO’s interview, the first thing he did was offer to get us whitebait fritters for lunch. So, inviting Jason for lunch was almost an instant reaction. What he didn’t realise, however, was that Jason wasn’t travelling alone.

“I said to him, ‘How many for lunch?’” He pauses a beat before delivering the punchline.

“Twenty-two.”

It turns out Jason was leading a convoy of his motorcycle club, Redrum MC, an indigenous biker group from Los Angeles.

“I turned to the same mate I’m doing the catering with and said, ‘Bro, Jason’s coming to town. We’ve got to do a hāngī. We can’t just put on a barbecue. We got to give him the real deal.’.”

They finished up on the set and rushed over to Tem’s. It was while the pair were putting their day’s second hāngī down that Tem had a flash of inspiration. He and a director friend had been talking about doing a show together based on the ideas of food and cultural connection. This spontaneous lunch turned out to be the perfect chance to not only capture proof-of-concept footage that the idea could work and be entertaining, but also to give the footage some Hollywood star power to help attract funding.

“We filmed the whole day. Jason and all his bikies turned up, we fed them all and we filmed it. It was beautiful.

Then, with satisfaction at a job well done, he beams, “The hāngī came out great, too.”

While Temuera Morrison has played many iconic characters over the years, like Doctor Hone Ropata in Shortland Street, bounty hunters Jango Fett and Boba Fett in the Star Wars franchise, and the terrifying Jake the Muss in Once Were Warriors, he says his role as the host of Earth Oven has been his biggest, scariest challenge. This is because, as the show’s host, he’s playing himself.

Dr Ropata on Shortland Street.

Jake Heke on Once Were Warriors

Jango Fett in the Star Wars film Attack of the Clones.

“There’s no hiding behind a character. It’s my own character, which I normally keep hidden,” he admits. “I’m still coming to terms with it. I’ve had a look at a couple of episodes, but I didn’t know what to think by the end. I’m baring my own personality. It’s a feeling of vulnerability.”

This feeling was fed by his lack of expertise or knowledge when it comes to food and food prep. 

“I’m no cook, I’m no chef,” he says. “I didn’t even know what I was doing. I was a bit naive.”

What troubled him most was his inexperience in discussing food. 

“When you’re doing a cooking show, you need adjectives. You need descriptive words. You need to be able to discuss flavours and textures. I had none of that,” he sighs. “I didn’t have that vocabulary.”

The funny thing is, as a viewer, it’s precisely his lack of expertise that turns out to be the show’s special sauce. You know his reactions are genuine and his comments on the various cooking techniques and new tastes are sincere. It also allows him to act as a stand-in for the audience watching at home. 

“I was outside my comfort zone, so I just played on it a bit. That’s just the clown in all of us. I’ve got a bit of the clown in me, too,” he grins. “It’s in my family. On our Morrison side, we’ve got a few clowns. We’re performers. We’d be on the stage with Uncle Howard. We’d set up the microphones and sing the ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ on some of his big numbers. Then we’d come out and do the haka, and he’d bring us on to do bits and pieces.”

Uncle Howard, of course, being the renowned Kiwi entertainer, Sir Howard Morrison. 

“I saw Uncle Howard work a lot. We were brought up singing. So on the show I was opening myself up a little bit,” he says, before, perhaps, realising he’s opening himself up a little bit again. Instead of continuing along that train of thought, he smiles warmly at his memories and shifts gears, saying, “But it was a warm, warm experience, and very cultural.” 

Yaldad, Chile.

He starts talking about his travels on the show. He speaks of gathering shellfish with an old lady in Chile, South America, who reminded him of gathering mussels with his auntie along the beach, of horse riding with the Mapuche Indian, which saw him, “reliving my childhood on the horse. Trying to stay up and hold on tight,” and of cooking a whole pig in an imu, Hawai’i’s version of a hāngī. 

“The whole pig went in! We put it in at 6pm and cooked it overnight,” then, chuckling, he says, “We couldn’t be bothered having it for breakfast, so we left it in all day.” 

In Jordan, Tem lends a hand preparing the zarb - the Bedouin hāngī equivalent.

He shows me photos on his phone of his time with the Bedouin in Jordan, travelling on a camel into the desert, whose offer of a simple cup of coffee instigated a ritual with strict protocols that are laden with meaning.  “We’re out in the middle of nowhere. It was beautiful. We got there by camel. And then we’re about to have coffee with the Bedouin warrior who’s roasting the beans and everything. There’s quite a cultural significance when you have coffee. It’s a man-on-man business.”

Partaking in and respecting the foreign cultural traditions was something he took extremely seriously. During the coffee ritual, you can see his concentration, to ensure he’s using the correct hand to do things that we don’t give a second thought to, like, for example, holding his cup or how it’s placed when it’s empty. “It’s quite sacred and respected. They only share certain moments with their close ones,” he explains. “Opening your mind to that cultural depth is something I really enjoy.”

It was also something made more challenging by the fact that throughout the series, most of his verbal communication was through an interpreter. However, he quickly found that no matter where in the world he was, words became increasingly less important in communicating. As he was so hands-on in the preparations and because it’s such physical work, he quickly forged bonds with his hosts. “I read once that the ocular dialect needs no translation. So for me, working all day with a guy who doesn’t speak my language, you just know what he wants. You know what he’s talking about. Even though they’re speaking Spanish, Indian or Hawaiian, you don’t actually have to ask what they’re saying. You just have to be present. There’s a natural camaraderie that you build up.

Food prepped for the zarb - the Bedouin earth oven.

“I respected them, and we became very good friends. Because we’re going, our mission is to cook this. You’re going to teach me, and I’ve got to do as much as I can. I’d get stuck in. By the end of the day, I’d be covered in dirt. By the time we’d put it all down, I’d be ready for a beer.”

“After being around food all day long, you’re very thirsty. But, you’re not that hungry,” then he laughs and says, “Sometimes you don’t even worry about the food. The drinking gets in the way. It’s thirsty work!”

While we’re all familiar with hāngī, it’s fascinating to learn how other cultures, separated by vast oceans, developed similar cooking methods with their own unique spin due to their environments. And while he says he “picked up a few tricks” when it comes to putting on his own hāngīs going forward, for him, Earth Oven is more about that human connection
that sharing a meal with someone creates.

“I think we’ve really got some magical moments. When I’m being hosted, I always feel humble and always get emotional when people take time out of their day to host me and my crew,” he says. “That’s where I’d always get emotional, at those moments when we’ve actually sat down, and finished the food. I always felt a bond and wanted to thank them.”

“There’s a saying, ‘What is the most important thing?
It is people.’ I love that saying. And that’s what I learned on my travels. Travel opens your mind up. I’m getting over to these places, sharing food with these families, right across the world. And yet, there are all these common things: sitting down, conversing. It reminded me of what we used to do growing up, when we all got together in summertime as a family in Hangatiki for Christmas to share in the haymaking.”

Then he smiles warmly and says, “So, it was quite a spiritual journey for me,” before tucking into the whitebait fritters that have just arrived for lunch. 

Earth Oven screens on Sky Open, Neon and Sky Go from November 5, 2025

Keeping Christmas alive

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

reflects her lifelong mission to create lasting joy for others.

WORDS Hayley Barnett | PHOTOS Alan Gibson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CHRISTMASMAGICMAKERS.CO.NZ

Rewriting the rules

The region’s first ADHD clinic brings together leading minds and lived experience, in a place where families feel seen.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

Dr Sarah Moll and Freddie Bennett

It’s hard to pinpoint the most frustrating aspect of believing you have a neurodiverse child with ADHD or autism. It could be the helplessness you experience as a parent as you try to justify behaviour that to others appears anti-social, or the despair of feeling like a failure as the protector of your young one from their overwhelming emotions. Likely it’s the acute anxiety of knowing that you need help to navigate this.

Bay Paediatrics is a private clinic recently set up by leading specialists in the field of neurodiversity, that has been established here in Tauranga. A multi-disciplinary team of paediatricians, psychologists and behavioural change experts (among them co-founder Dr Sarah Moll, herself a paediatric consultant at Tauranga Hospital) will be working together to provide an all-encompassing, world-class service for ADHD, autism, cognitive and learning challenges, and across the neurodiverse spectrum.

Light, bright and spacious, the practice is welcoming - the waiting room is relaxed and comfortable, and there is a separate play area set up for neuro-sensitive children. Freddie Bennett, co-owner and husband of Sarah, shows me around, explaining the reasons behind the decision to set up the practice.

Dr Sarah Moll.

Working as a developmental paediatrician at Tauranga Hospital, Sarah has always wanted to create the best outcome for families, to give them the treatment and guidance they need. However, she was increasingly wishing more could be done. In addition, as parents, Sarah and Freddie have lived experience of the challenges ADHD can present.

As Freddie explains: “We went through a journey with our children, looking at an ADHD diagnosis. At the same time, I’ve come to recognise my own ADHD. Like many parents I looked down the list of symptoms and thought it started to sound familiar. When ADHD came on my radar all the pieces came together. As parents we know what it’s like to navigate ADHD with your children, to feel overwhelmed, confused, to feel like you’re stuck in this holding pattern, waiting and wondering. And there’s a lot of guilt, because you feel like you’re failing as a parent and you should be doing more, but you don’t know what to do.”

Sarah’s role at the hospital made her more than aware of the challenges parents face while trying to get a diagnosis, and as soon as she actively expressed a desire to do more, Freddie was on board. “We thought, what if we tried to create this centre of excellence. We asked, ‘What would I have needed two years ago when we were going on this diagnosis journey? What would I have needed five years ago when I was struggling with my son’s behaviour and I didn’t know what the hell to do? What if we can create the tools, the support, the diagnosis - everything - so other parents don’t have to go through it?’ With Sarah’s skills and talent, we had the platform to help as many children as possible. Now, with the New Zealand Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence - officially opened by New Zealand Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey in August - Bay Paediatrics is going from strength to strength.

Freddie Bennett.

The combination of skillsets of Freddie and Sarah are perfect for a venture such as this. Sarah brings the neurodiversity specialism, while Freddie takes care of business management. As Freddie explains, the beauty of the centre is the idea of it being a one-stop-shop. “We can assess, diagnose and prescribe ADHD medication. But we also thought, ‘For kids with ADHD and autism, let’s give parents some strategies designed for each family that will make a difference at home and school’. ADHD is often not a standalone condition. We have a multi-disciplinary team to provide gold-standard autism assessments, and with cognitive and learning assessments we can also test for and diagnose dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and beyond. So, while we areBay Paediatrics, we call this building the New Zealand Neurodiversity Centre of Excellence. This is about giving every neurodiverse family the freedom to thrive.”

There are multiple points of difference offered by Bay Paediatrics, one being that while they are a private practice, they're extending their service to offer help to those that may just need clarification. Freddie confirms: “We will review a substantial amount of information for every family that comes to our door. Our medical team will review, and we will recommend the best next steps and assessment pathway for every family. We offer that service for free. Only if we see enough traits of ADHD do we then go on to offer them an assessment. We'll gather the information, analyse it and recommend a next step which may include ADHD, autism, cognitive and learning assessment or just consultation with our psychologist.

Freddie and Sarah have personally invested heavily into this venture, excited to be instigating what they consider a gamechanger. Sarah’s credentials are enough to get people to take notice of what they're doing. She was recently the only paediatrician in New Zealand to present at the 2025 ADHD World Congress in Prague. With her expertise comes knowledge on the most up-to-date diagnostic tools and resources available. Indeed, they are the only paediatric clinic in New Zealand to develop the unique 'ADHD Illuminate' assessment. This groundbreaking ADHD assessment utilises digital assessment techniques to provide a truly objective and science-backed diagnosis. Freddie says, "This is a gamechanger for families. No more guessing. No more worrying about teachers not picking up the signs of ADHD. This allows us to move faster, look deeper and go further for every child".

Very much the cherry on the cake with it comes to ADHD assessment, this computer-based diagnostic tool is designed to help evaluate ADHD by objectively measuring core ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity through motion tracking, eye-movements, computer tasks and scientific analysis. It supports a comprehensive diagnosis by helping to more accurately rule in or rule out ADHD, inform treatment decisions and enables the creation of personalised treatment plans.

“Another aspect of the Illuminate ADHD assessment is that you can come in at 9am and by 4pm you’ve got your diagnosis and potentially a prescription. We can give families the three C’s - certainty, clarity and confidence in one day. What we won’t do is tie you into follow-up appointments - there’s no hidden costs.”

Freddie emphasises that the clinic will stop at nothing to give families the support they need. His mission is to establish the Bay of Plenty as the 'Silicon Valley of child neurodiversity' for New Zealand... and eventually the world. He says, "A neurodiversity diagnosis stays with a child for the rest of their life, so nothing is more important than getting it right first time, every time."

Another aspect of the vision for Bay Paediatrics is the commitment to offer families the tools they need to develop confidence in neurodiversity. Freddie is excited about providing help, regardless of whether a parent chooses to come here for an assessment. “We have free resources, and we run the EPIC programme — Extraordinary Parents and Incredible Children. We have free podcasts and workshops; we have free books on our website. We run the EPIC Families events... giving parents the very best guidance. I believe this because as a parent with ADHD who has a child with ADHD, I know what it's like to feel that the world is against me. That's why we're starting what we call the 'neurodiversity revolution'. As a parent, I say revolution happens when a bunch of people turn around and say, ‘We’re not going to be overlooked anymore, we’re not going to be kept quiet and hidden away’.”

The passion from Freddie is palpable, and it’s clear the emotion that drives this clinic is genuine. There’s a deep understanding of what tip-toeing along the path of neurodiversity means for families. As Freddie points out, “Everything we create is for the real world, for real parents who have real struggles. We can give them tools to help them through. Most of all we want to help parents feel seen and understood. We want to be world-class. And we want Bay Paediatrics to lead the charge.”

BAYPAEDIATRICS.COM

Centre stage

Tauranga Arts Festival will come to life with a dazzling circus, bold beats, sharp wit and homegrown brilliance.

WORDS Monique Balvert-O’Connor

Hayley Sproull is The Baroness.

Internationally acclaimed circus performers, musicians, authors, actors and comedians will be amongst those set to thrill at the 2025 Tauranga Arts Festival. Taking to our stages will be the likes of Cirque Bon Bon, Tami Neilson, Hayley Sproull, Rhys Mathewson, Te Radar, Chelsea Winter and Catherine Chidgey to name but some. It’s an impressive line-up that also includes plenty of local talent keen to delight the crowds at their city’s flagship art festival event, kicking off over Labour Weekend.

Tauranga DJ queen Ayesha Kee.

Ayesha Kee doesn’t plan on raising the roof of the Carrus Crystal Palace, but she’s sure hoping she’ll have that glorious tent rocking.

The Tauranga DJ queen can’t wait to “slay the disco way” during the Tauranga Arts Festival where she’ll help fulfil many a dazzling disco dream. Ayesha will team up with powerhouse vocalist Lisa Tomlins to deliver a Queens of Disco event. Expect the most iconic disco anthems ever to hit the dancefloor. Think Diana Ross, some Pointer Sisters, Bee Gees… feel good music, Ayesha says, that’s likely to seduce many, of varying age groups, onto the dancefloor.

By day Ayesha is a community development manager at Kaiwhakahaere Whakawhanake Hapori. By night, well, that’s alter ego time.

“I have always loved music but never learnt an instrument, so I got into deejaying about 20 years ago. I love it so much as there’s the opportunity
to take people on a musical journey, and you just make people happy,” she beams.

Tauranga’s proud to claim her. While Ayesha’s only been Tauranga based for 10 years, Ngāti Ranginui is her iwi and Ngāi Tamarāwaho her hapu.

She will be one of an array of local talent in the spotlight over festival week. 

UNO is proud to be sponsoring what’s expected to be a hugely popular festival event: comedian Hayley Sproull’s show The Baroness. It’s so named as Hayley is The Baroness sky-rocketing towards 40, with a “happily untenanted” womb and a life of love, leisure and lingus. Hayley feels less barren and more Baroness.

As a Baroness, her focus is on making “martinis, not milk. She changes her mind, not nappies. She wants durries, not diapers.” Tauranga Arts Festival attendees can rest assured she’ll be delivering not a child, but copious amounts of chuckle-worthy moments.

Tauranga Arts Festival general manager Sarah Cotter says this year’s event will be full of fun, magic and vibrancy, with world-class performances, thought-provoking conversations and experiences to stir the senses and soul.

Ozi Ozaa.

Local creatives playing a part in delivering all that wonder include the festival team’s very own content creator Fabio Camera, who, like Aeysha, cannot resist the call of music when his day job is over. Aptly, he’s a musician in a band carrying a name meaning work and happiness - Ozi Ozaa. This Afrofunk band will perform on the Tauranga Waterfront in the Carrus Crystal Palace Spiegeltent.

Still on the music front, local talent will also be showcased during two of the festival’s free events - Opus Pocket Orchestra Concert and Undergrand.
The former is focused on little listeners and will feature 30-minute concerts offering young ones a joyful, interactive introduction to orchestral music. Undergrand, meanwhile, has been dubbed “a piano
in the wild”. Imagine stumbling upon a baby grand piano in the most unexpected places, like Mount Main Beach at Sunrise, Tauranga’s waterfront after dusk, and in a city park by day. This roaming, open-air musical experience will include a line-up of up-and-coming Tauranga students and seasoned pianists playing everything from classical to jazz
to improvised soundscapes.

Battle Chorus.

Playing a key, guiding role in two events is award-winning Tauranga born and raised Jason Te Mete (Ngāti Ranginui, Ngai Te Rangi), a freelance actor, singer, dancer, director, pianist, and playwright/writer. His festival babies are Battle Chorus – where two choirs go to war — and also Waiata Mai, a free-to-all sing-along (watch out for some local legends, like a free-to-all sing-along that closes the festival on Sunday November 2. 

The final days of the festival, in early November, involve Escape, with its focus on the literary. In amongst the major New Zealand fiction writers is Tauranga’s own Anne Tiernan, author of bestselling novel The Last Days of Joy (partially set in Tauranga), and (recently released) The Good Mistress. 

Less joyful, but inarguably good, is the demise of the New Zealand media, and Tauranga’s investigative journalist Jared Savage will speak to this in Media Madness. Jared will join a line-up of journalists in unpacking and debating the media landscape of 2025.

Sarah Ell will also offer learning opportunities. Sarah’s recently published book The Spirit of a Place, is a new history of The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, recognised as one of New Zealand’s most significant heritage sites. Sarah’s talk promises a rare glimpse into Tauranga’s layered past.

This part of the festival will honour the late, great Tauranga writer Sherryl Jordan who wrote beloved novels for children and young adults, including:
Rocco, The Wednesday Wizard, The Juniper Game, and Winter of Fire.

Escape invites people to “sit back, relax and immerse in a suite of scintillating conversations”, says former Tauranga resident Claire Mabey. She would know - she devised the programme. Claire, who is of strong literary pedigree, has strong ties to the festival, having been part of the organising team on previous occasions. Amongst her accomplishments,
Claire is The Spinoff’s book editor, the founder of Wellington’s Verb Festival, and author of The Raven’s Eye Runaways (and its just-completed sequel).

To end with a Z… back by popular demand is Tauranga Zinefest. This popular independent publishing event that celebrates creativity on
the fringe returns.

Undergrand's piano in the wild.

FREE EVENTS

The festival excitement includes a diverse range of family-friendly and free events offering the chance to be wowed, to sing your heart out, get creative and to have a giggle or two, says its proud and excited general manager. 

“This is Tauranga’s festival, and we want to make it as accessible as possible to as many Tauranga people as we can,” Sarah says.

Some of the free events (Undergrand, Zinefest, Opus Pocket Orchestra Concert) are mentioned above. Add to that Waiata  Mai, Obelisk Natura and CAR-A-OKE! 

For show times and tickets, visit taurangafestival.co.nz

Clubbing with the girls

A girls’ golf getaway to Ōhope and Whakatāne serves up the ultimate weekend escape.

Planning a girls' weekend that mixes great golf with good food and a bit of beachside downtime?

Ōhope and Whakatāne deliver the goods, whether you're a near-pro or just tagging along for the eats and views.

Tee off and chill out

This trip starts on the green. You’ve got two standout courses close together, each with its own vibe.

Ōhope Beach Golf Links is the kind of course where your phone camera might get more action than your driver. With views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Ōhiwa Harbour on the other, it’s a classic links course with a relaxed pace, plenty of fresh air and a few playful challenges to keep things lively.

Over and around the hill, Whakatāne Golf Club offers something different. It’s lush, tree-lined and loved for its pristine greens. Ideal if you want a slightly more structured round, or to show off your short game.

Where to stay and slay

Ōhope offers beachside motels, modern apartments and the well-loved Ōhope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, complete with spas and saunas that are perfect after a day of golf or shopping.

In Whakatāne, stay central with chic motels and easy-access apartments, or find a tucked-away spot if you're craving a quiet wine-and-face-mask night.

A little shopping, a little adventure

Got some downtime between tee times? You’ll find it easy to fill. Boutique stores in Ōhope Village and along The Strand in Whakatāne are great for a slow wander, especially if your crew loves homewares, beachwear and little local gems.

For something more active, explore the trails around Ōhiwa Harbour by bike, take a scenic bush walk on the Nga Tapuwae o Toi trail, or soak up some sun along Ōhope Beach. Feeling adventurous? Book a fishing charter or a kayak trip and make some salty memories together.

Bites and bonding

After your round, the real fun begins. Start at Fisherman’s Wharf in Ōhope for cocktails and seafood with a view, or head to Moxi for great coffee and brunch bites. The Ōhope Beach Tavern brings the post-golf pub vibes, with a side of ocean breeze. Whakatāne steps it up after dark. Grab fusion dishes and fizz at Cigol, hearty burgers and beers at The Comm, or something more refined (and wine list–friendly) at Roquette. Craft lovers, don’t miss Mata Brewery for a tasting flight and Smokin’ Goose for next-level BBQ.

The best kind of girls’ trip

A golf getaway with the girls doesn’t have to be all about the game. Whakatāne and Ōhope serve up the perfect blend of swing, sip, shop and soak, all in one sunny, easy-to-reach package. Whether you're lining up birdies or just enjoying the weekend vibes, it’s a trip worth planning.

WHAKATANE.COM

More than skin deep

Katrina Ross teaches us how to glow inside and out.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS KATIE COX

Without a doubt, non-invasive skincare treatments are giving surgical cosmetic procedures a gentle nudge to move aside and share the limelight. As owner/operator of About You Medi Spa, Katrina Ross is a certified aesthetician practitioner with 25 years’ experience. Katrina embodies her work — she is glowing, articulate and clearly knows her stuff.

When Kat began her career in beauty therapy she was always focused on results driven, medically based appearance medicine. After finishing her initial training, she worked alongside renowned doctors both in New Zealand and Australia, ultimately opening About You Medi Spa 10 years ago. Here she offers multiple bespoke treatments, all carefully chosen to complement each other; from laser rejuvenation for sunspots and collagen production, to microneedling and make-up artistry.

We quickly move onto discussing the Cavi Lipo cellulite and fat reduction treatment. This technology has been around for 14 years and was designed in America as an alternative to liposuction, without the risk. Non-invasive, targeted fat reduction for stubborn areas of fat such as abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms can even help define the profile on the double chin. I wonder how it ranks against other types of treatment addressing the same issues. “It’s by far a safer alternative, I believe, to the other forms of body contouring and fat reduction on the market. It’s the most noninvasive, is FDA approved and has shown its effectiveness and results over time.”

Measurable loss is judged by statistics taken at the start and finish of a series of treatments. I’m curious how long the process usually takes. Katrina tells me: “I can normally see skin tightening and how responsive the skin is in the first couple of treatments. Usually around four to six you see measurable weight loss. I say an average of eight treatments is needed for the best shot.” I ask if every time she will see a discernable result, the reply is emphatic. “Yes, that’s why I’m in business!”

Katrina reiterates the value of this treatment combined with self-care and a healthy, active lifestyle. “It’s a very complimentary treatment for people who are motivated to improve themselves, and for those with stubborn areas that they just couldn’t move along with exercise alone.” And is it permanent? “Once the fat cells are reduced, they don’t come back in that area.”

This may sound like the holy grail of fat combat, but Kat emphasises it’s not a quick fix. While aesthetics is a crowded market, Katrina is not jostling for a space. She has invested in the very best equipment, is constantly training, has experience, skill and above all works on a one to one. Her clients are in safe hands; she knows it, and most importantly, they know it.

ABOUTYOUMEDISPA.CO.NZ

Reggae, revolution and red red wine

Karl Puschmann catches up with Ali Campbell, the legendary UB40 frontman, to talk band beginnings, protest and politics, their big hits, and why he can’t wait to bring the band’s reggae vibes back to the Bay.

Ali Campbell is bleary-eyed but upbeat when UNO calls. It’s 8am in the UK, and the UB40 frontman only got home from a European festival tour yesterday.

“It’s all a bit mad here,” he jokes, before settling in for a breezy and candid chat about UB40, the influential reggae band he co-founded in 1978 and led to global success before inner band turbulence saw them splitting into two groups.

But before getting into the past, we need to talk about his future return to Aotearoa to headline music festival Kingston Calling this Waitangi Weekend. The brand new reggae tour, with seven stops across the North Island, also features Katchafire, The Black Seeds and Corrella.

“I’m very, very happy to be coming back. It’s one of my favourite places,” he enthuses. “I’ve got a lot of friends there, a lot of Māori friends, so we always have a great time. It's a beautiful country.”

Then he pauses and says, “There are some weird things happening politically that I'm not too sure of. I've heard about the new Prime Minister... I've got to look at all that.”

You may think it’s unusual that a British music icon would know about or even be interested in our politics, but Ali has a long history with our country. He lived here for months when he was a judge on reality show New Zealand’s Got Talent back in 2012, his current tour manager is Māori and he’s even taken the time to read something that a lot of us haven’t; the Treaty of Waitangi.

“I lived in the middle of Auckland in the Viaduct. I know my way around,” he laughs. “And, of course, we've travelled extensively around both the North and the South Islands.”

Aotearoa’s always had a huge love for UB40. This stretches right back to the band’s cracking debut single, the politically charged deep reggae groove of Food For Thought, which topped our charts in 1980, to give the band their first-ever Number One hit. But when I ask why he thinks the band has resonated with us Kiwis so much, he’s modest, saying, “It’s not UB40 that people love. It's the music. People love reggae music.”

“Reggae is unifying, and it's still cool today,” he continues. “That's the important thing. It's still cool. People like us because we're an accessible reggae band.”

Ali grew up in South Birmingham, “on the wrong side of the tracks,” as he says, surrounded by the colourful sounds of the Caribbean and Asian cultures that were his neighbours. Unlike most of England at that time, it was a true multicultural environment, and one that impacted his world view.

“I was very lucky. I had Jamaican, Indian, West Indian and Arabic friends. I grew up amongst this melting pot. I loved it. It gave me a broad outlook on life. I wasn't prejudiced against anybody. Just fascists, I didn't like them. I’d go to a lot of anti-fascist demos and all that stuff. But we'd do it all together.”

Then grinning he adds, “And generally, the police were our enemies. Everybody else was friends.”

Aged 15 he went and saw Bob Marley and the Wailers in concert. It would be a transformative experience.

“It was like seeing the Messiah. I was totally blown away,” he says, a note of awe still resonating in his voice. “The year before that, I'd seen the Jackson 5. And that also blew me away because I was a mad Jackson 5 fan as well. Those two years basically showed my musical future to me. It was life-changing.”

After the show, he decided to form a band. But his plan had two big problems.

“We didn't know how to play. And we didn't have any instruments, so we... acquired our instruments, let's say,” he laughs. “We were on the dole, so we couldn't go and buy them. We had to acquire them.”

With instruments “acquired”, all they had to do next was learn how to play them. To do this, they continually played the 12” version of Gregory Isaacs reggae hit, ‘Mr Know It All’, which features a dub breakdown in the middle, deconstructing each part and slowly working it out by playing along. Eventually, they got to the point where the record stopped and they could continue jamming.

“And that's how we learned to play. Six months later, we'd written our first album, which went on to sell eight million copies. It was ridiculous,” he grins.

That album was Signing Off, a groundbreaking and politically charged album of deep groove reggae whose music and message still resonate today.

“We followed Bob Marley's lead and other reggae artists like Lee Perry, who were political. We felt obliged if we got a platform to write something relevant. And we continue to do so.”

As an example, he cites ‘Burden of Shame’, which, when he sings it live now, has the lyrics “A baby in Gaza dies,” instead of “A boy in Soweto dies”.

“Depressingly, the songs are still as relevant as they were when we wrote them,” he sighs. “I've learned that you don't change anything by singing about it. It's as simple as that. All we're doing is voicing an opinion. It doesn't change anything. Things might have got worse even.”

As well as their political material, UB40 also explored the smoother, pop-leaning side of reggae, with their hugely popular Labour of Love albums, which saw them performing covers of the songs that had influenced them, like ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘The Way You Do the Things You Do’ and ‘Here I Am (Come and Take Me)’.

“We kept getting asked about why we played reggae, so we decided to do those albums,” he says, laughing that they’d been strongly advised against recording a covers album. Labour of Love would top global charts, including here, and go on to sell over 21 million copies.

“They’re the songs we used to hear on jukeboxes in cafés where we used to hang out as kids, playing pinball and running errands for prostitutes. We grew up listening to those songs. We loved them, and we knew that anybody else who got to hear them would love them as well. And we were right.”

After 24 years together, tensions within the band led to a split in 2008, with Ali moving on to front his own group, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, while the remaining members continued under the original name.

“When I left it was sad, but I couldn't carry on with them. They wouldn't let me promote my second solo album, which was called Running Free, ironically enough,” he says. “All I wanted was a month off to promote it, and they were steadfastly telling me I couldn't do it, so I walked. It’s all very silly and a very petty argument. But I was quite happy to leave and I've had a great time since. I've got my new band, who are all seasoned reggae players, and I love them. That's who I'm bringing to New Zealand. I think they’re the best band around.”

Which makes them a fitting choice to headline Kingston Calling, especially as it’s the first-ever concert to be played at The Bay Oval, in the heart of Mount Maunganui.

“I'm a little bit nervous,” Ali admits when asked how it feels to be christening this new venue. “But it's fun being the first to do anything really.”

I confess to taking a sneak peek at some of his recent setlists, which gets a chuckle when I say he’s bringing some absolute bangers that will keep all fans of UB40’s multifaceted career extremely satisfied.

“It's more or less a Greatest Hits set,” he smiles. “We're not self-indulgent. We know what the people want to hear, so that's what we do.”

Purchase tickets to Kingston Calling at

kingstoncalling.co.nz

A new rhythm

After calling the Waikato home all his life, Katchafire frontman Logan Bell recently moved to the Bay.

It was just two short years ago that Logan Bell, the Katchafire frontman, and his family made the move from the Waikato to Tauranga’s Welcome Bay. For his wife, who grew up in the Bay, it was a return to her roots, but for Logan it was a completely new experience. While he’d toured the world many times over with the band, the Waikato was the only place he’d ever called home.

“This is the first time I've moved away,” he admits. “We love it here. It's really awesome for our family. I love my house. I'm a total homebody. I don't go anywhere else”.

Then he laughs and says, “I’m nearly a real local now, bro. I almost don't need Google Maps to get around now.”

Already, he says, the relaxed lifestyle, beachtown vibes and the musical community here in the Bay has begun to influence his music.

“Your environment and your vibe always has a lot to do with what's coming out creatively. This morning I was in the studio with Tiki Taane. The other week, me, Laughton Kora, Fran Kora and Joel from LAB got together and had a bit of a jam. It's just a nice community here and a nice vibe for me.”

Over their almost 30-year-long career, Katachfire has become one of Aotearoa’s most beloved reggae bands, first coming to national attention with their 2003 debut album Revival, before building an international audience through hits like ‘Frisk Me Down’, ‘Giddy Up’ and ‘Get Away’ and going on to tour with legendary reggae acts like The Wailers, Shaggy, Lauryn Hill, and, of course, UB40 who they’re sharing the stage with at Kingston Calling.

“We’re blessed to get the call up,” he smiles. “UB40 has always been a huge inspiration of ours, we kind of modeled our career off them. We’ve followed their example and their path in a lot of ways.”

While music styles come in and out of fashion, reggae’s popularity has never waned, especially here in Aotearoa. This, Logan says, is because

reggae is the “people’s music”.

“It touches on matters of truth. And a lot of it's to do with the underdog truth, the sufferer's truth. We, as a nation, are born of that. We can identify with these stories, and we have our own to tell as well. That's why I think it's so easy for us to feel connected to reggae and feel a part of the music and the messages.”

Perfection

Harbour serenity meets architectural elegance in this elevated Matua masterpiece, where every window frames a postcard-worthy panorama.

WORDS JO FERRIS

Tauranga Harbour’s diverse fascination fuels its magnetism for anyone yearning to savour scenery and the soothing appeal of water. With the added attraction of Fergusson Park on the doorstep, this property benefits from a wider playground — an extension of an already idyllic setting.

Waratah Street’s ridgeline embraces the aura of this rare position, which this home takes full advantage of. North facing, it basks in sun all day. Views stretch across to Matakana Island — Mauao to the right, postcard scenery up the harbour, with the Kaimais behind and Coromandel in the distance. Smart design ensures views are centre stage.

The house was built in the 1970s. Not that you’d think so. A substantial transformation in 2010 elevated it to a house with significant presence. The style is contemporary. It’s timeless and focused on scenery. Full-height glazing combines with pill-box features to serve a dual purpose. Raised ceilings enhance space and light in living areas. Floor-length glazing offers seamless connections with the views, while also harnessing solar warmth. At night, lighting comes into its own, with discreet placement inside and garden features infusing candlelit magic.

This is most noticeable in family living. The kitchen’s sleek lines adopt a futuristic slant, negative detail, refining the clean look. The wall-hung style of the cooking station highlights the bespoke design and allows lighting to hide below the unit for creative effect. Similarly, hidden lighting in the unit above instils further finesse to this kitchen’s individual statement. Cooks will appreciate the scullery and quality appliances. Friends will be drawn to the bar-stool setting. There’s even a dedicated coffee counter for baristas.

Formal dining and family relaxation both have full command of the harbour outlook, while sliding doors open to sheltered decking to enhance the connection. Moods change in the main lounge next door; its vaulted ceiling also enjoying added height and light from pill-box windows. The feature wall housing the gas fire and distinctive cabinetry instil the vibe of a private club, yet eyes turn quickly to the characteristic glass wall. It is another innovative aspect that not only expands the use of natural light; it visually extends this room and introduces the harbour scenery from the foyer.

This grand entrance is also the internal stairwell from the garage below. But the lower level also houses an office, or another lounge, if you prefer. With its own garden courtyard to enjoy time in the sun, there are options for this room’s use.

Three bedrooms sit upstairs, headlined by the master suite, with its direct harbour view. While this bedroom’s deck offers a level of privacy, it handshakes with the larger setting off living rooms next door. The sheltered terrace is the central feature of the various outdoor settings that surround the home — a focal point to enjoy the scenery and toast sunset each evening. Two more bedrooms share a luxury bathroom, which is a similar design to the master’s ensuite, with twin vanities and a glassless, wet shower.

Privacy is an integral element of this home. A remotely operated vehicle gate and digital lock on the pedestrian gate ensure security from the street, while a padlocked, personal access to the sloping green belt offers a direct link with Fergusson Park and harbour walkways below.

Immaculate throughout, with attention to detail adding five-star personality to every room, this home nestles within beautifully-landscaped gardens — lawns, mature trees, a raised kitchen garden and sculpted plant beds. There’s even a putting green. It doesn’t stop there, however. An enviable list of chattels includes two TVs, four heat pumps, inbuilt sound speakers, an ornamental fountain and irrigation, to name a few.

A home of substance, prestige and captivating views - Matua awaits.

145 Waratah Street, Matua

OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM

Changing the glow game

If your skin has lost its spark, Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore has the solution.

In clinic, I often see clients trying to decide between resurfacing or rejuvenation, as though one must come at the expense of the other. But skin changes in tone, texture, firmness and clarity, so why treat it with a one-note solution?

Ultra Veloce, our latest treatment and a new favourite among clients, brings together two of the most advanced technologies in aesthetics, and, as a skin nerd, I’m genuinely excited by what this combination can do.

The first step uses broadband light from the Super Veloce 4800, which is a new arrival to New Zealand and, in my view, a quiet revolution in skin therapy. Think of it as a reset button that targets redness, pigmentation, rosacea, broken capillaries and even hormonal acne. And unlike older IPL machines, it’s surprisingly comfortable.

Then comes the LaseMD UltraTM, a non-ablative fractional laser that works deeper in the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin. This isn’t just about smoothing fine lines or softening scars (although it does that brilliantly). It’s about activating the skin’s own repair mechanisms. One client called it “a wake-up call for my face,” and I loved that.

What makes this combination truly special is that the results are both immediate and progressive. You’ll see a glow within days, yes, but over the weeks, as new collagen forms and old pigmentation fades, the transformation continues. Skin becomes more resistant to future damage.

And it’s not limited to just the face. We’ve used Ultra Veloce to treat sun-damaged chests, ageing hands and scarring on the arms and legs. It’s for anyone wanting to feel confident in their skin, not just in makeup or good lighting.

Ultimately, every skin journey is personal. But if you’ve been looking for something that meets your skin where it’s at, this may be exactly what you need.

CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ