Pearl of the Bay

Good food, good coffee and good vibes are top priorities for
the new owners of Pāpāmoa’s award-winning Pearl Kitchen.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor Photos Rachel Hadfield

Nestled in the heart of Coast Boulevard in Pāpāmoa Beach, Pearl Kitchen has become an iconic spot, with an amazing team behind it.

A relaxed place, with an ethos centred on delivering “banging coffee, delicious food and vibrant staff”, it's the perfect place to enjoy hearty food packed with ingredients by local growers and suppliers. And it’s also a “go to” on Friday night, offering drinks, tapas and gourmet pizza, to unwind after the working week.

How good does all that sound? It gets better. Pearl Kitchen is the winner of the most recent Bay Hospitality Awards’ Outstanding Café accolade.

To its many loyal followers, the award was no surprise. Just ask one customer who travels from Whakatāne and back specifically for breakfast Pearl Kitchen style. And, in the words of a local: “Gorgeous and well thought out design and layout, fabulous service, delicious and interesting food, perfect coffee, atmosphere, and diet choice sensitivity from staff.”

It's little wonder that Chanel and Justin Rawiri are immensely proud to now own this winning eatery. They’re quick to assure little will be changing, although, of course, a seasonally appropriate menu will be introduced in late October (with the old faves remaining).

“We couldn’t be more excited to join such a talented team and amazing community,” Justin says.

“The key message from us is that we fell in love with Pearl Kitchen just the way it is, so aren’t planning to make any significant changes. It will be the same great team, relaxing vibe, scrumptious food and delicious coffee."

The whole team remains, led by Nigel Reid and Kirsty Moore. Along with key staff David Stuart and Tanesha Horsburgh, all were instrumental in the café’s award-winning success, and are celebrated members of the Pearl Kitchen team with serious credentials, Justin praises.

Chef Nigel Reid started his career as protégé of top New Zealand chef Simon Gault. After a seven-year stint overseas, Nigel returned to become Simon's right-hand man as group head chef for the Nourish Group. Cooking in London for a group of restaurants (under the Cubitt House umbrella), he had the opportunity to serve some of the world's elite and even some royals. Back in New Zealand he’s played an integral part in setting up top eateries. He includes Pearl Kitchen on that list. 

Nigel, who loves people who love food, can be found front and centre in Pearl's open kitchen warmly welcoming its patrons each day. His recipes are inspired by travel, family and the seasons. 

“Creating and leading with passion, I share my own brand of honest and exciting cookery,” he says.

Front-of-house manager Kirsty Moore hails from Edinburgh, Scotland. Armed with a degree in History of Art and Design and a Master’s degree in marketing, she arrived in New Zealand six years ago seeking a complete lifestyle change after working as a marketing manager. Queenstown beckoned and she managed Mrs Ferg (part of the famous Fergburger empire) there. Tauranga has been home for two years. There’s much to love about working at Pearl Kitchen, she says, such as the great work-life balance, family culture, love for customers, fun environment and delicious food.

David Stuart also hails from Edinburgh and happens to be engaged to Kirsty. David studied Culinary Arts and Food Preparation and worked as a chef in Vietnam, then in Melbourne, and also at an award-winning cocktail bar (with a focus on small bites) in Edinburgh. Add to that five years clocked up as head chef of a Mexican restaurant in Queenstown, before moving to Pearl Kitchen as sous chef. His experience and knowledge of Asian-style dishes influences Pearl Kitchen’s much-enjoyed Friday night tapas menu.

Rosario Ross Murro identified his passion for pizza at an early age – he began work as a pizza chef at 14! From Puglia, Italy (a region known for its great food and beaches), Rosario makes a true Italian-style pizza with hand-stretched sourdough and fresh ingredients, cooked in Pearl Kitchen’s wood-fired oven. He has been in New Zealand for four years, working in Melbourne beforehand.

Love a good cocktail? If yes, then chances are you may already know of Tanesha Horsburgh. This Pāpāmoa local studied Food and Beverage Hotel Management before finding her niche in hospitality. She moved from Auckland to help open Pearl Kitchen, where she now looks after the bar and drinks menu. Her Friday night cocktail specials are a highlight of the week for many customers.

As for new owners, Chanel and Justin, they’re proud to have such an excellent team of 17, and excited to be part of the greater Pearl Kitchen community. The couple moved from Auckland with their young apprentices – Charlotte (4) and Georgia (2.5) – to a region that was already familiar. Justin grew up in Tauranga, and both have family here. 

“We are both foodies and we bought Pearl Kitchen because we love it," says Chanel. "We look forward
to becoming part of such a great community." 

Pearl Kitchen, 20 Coast Boulevard
Open: Saturday – Thursday 8am–2pm
Friday 8am–8pm (Happy Hour 4pm-6pm)

Pearlkitchen.co.nz

Insta: pearlcafecoast

Perfect match

These scintillating summer pours from Mount Brewing Co. will tantalise your tastebuds and keep you cool on the hot, sunny days to come. Find your favourite and match with our delicious meal suggestions.

Words Hayley Barnett / Photo Emma Galloway

Feijoa GIN & TONIC - Tempting tangy tipple

You can’t go past the sweet-yet-tart taste of the country’s favourite seasonal fruit, the humble feijoa. Meal match with your favourite blue cheese and a drizzle of honey for a complementary kick.

Peach & Apricot GIN & SODA - Fresh and delicate

Two summer stone fruits, muddled with gin and soda, this mix creates a drink that’s perfect for the beach and beyond. When dining at home match with the spicy heat of a rogan josh.

Pink GIN & TONIC - Charm in a can

Crisp premium gin and tonic comes blended with juicy red raspberries, to give it a taste to die for. Pair with lamb kebabs cooked in a berry marinade and, voilà, you have your barbecue menu sorted.

Classic APPLE CIDER - Cool, timeless classic

Traditionally made apple cider is given a makeover by blending it with fresh and juicy apples. Not too sweet, not too dry, apple cider is perfectly matched with a roast pork fillet salad.

Dark n’ Stormy CIDER - Spice up your life

Real ginger, molasses and spices make up this unique and delicious cider. With a medium-sweet cider base, the aroma is familiar, but really kicks off when paired with a spiced ginger pud. 

Strawberry & Lime CIDER - Here comes the sun

Cool down with a fruity thirst-quenching cider. Strawberry and zesty lime offer a medium sweetness and tart finish when matched with a savoury strawberry salad. 

Tart Rhubarb Cider - Sharp yet refreshing

Perfect for spring, this distinctive cider will hit the spot with rhubarb lovers. It’s fun, it’s elegant and it’s particularly delightful when paired with a creamy carbonara.

mountbrewingco.com

Life in harmony

Stan Walker is all grown up – and learning to find the balance between his music and his expanding whānau. 

Words Martyn Pepperell Photos Garth Badger + supplied

On 22 November 2009, a 19-year-old Stan Walker took to the stage at Australia’s storied Sydney Opera House for the grand final of Australian Idol. That night, Stan was crowned the show’s ultimate winner, his debut pop single “Black Box” became available for purchase online, and a star was born. 

Stan has become one of the most celebrated Māori singers of the new millennium in the 13 years since. Along the way, he’s dominated the top 40 music charts in Australia and New Zealand, shared arena stages with American hip-hop and RnB stars like Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Akon, and graced the silver screen as an actor. All the while, he’s carried himself with dignity and humility amid navigating enough tragedy and heartbreak to last several lifetimes.     

In late August, I spoke with Stan for UNO from Sony Music New Zealand's offices in Auckland, where he was conducting press for his seventh studio album, All In. In the weeks beforehand, Stan spent his days at home in Whanganui with his wife Lou Tyson, their son, and their new baby. “My biggest thing I want is to be a present husband and a present father,” he told me. “That’s important for my family, but it’s also important for me. So anything I do has to work around my family or work for us.” 

As we began talking, I asked him how his younger self would have imagined his life at age 31. “It’s a crack-up because there is nothing I’ve wanted more than being a husband and a dad,” he said with a wry grin. “I’m here now, I’ve been that, and I am that. It blows me away because I can’t imagine my life being any other way now. I complain every day about something, but I love the problems I have and the life that I’ve built.” 

Born in Melbourne on 23 October 1990 to Ross and April Walker, Stan grew up between Tamapahore Marae in Tauranga and Byron Bay. Two years ago, he opened up about the early days of his life in his first book, Impossible: My Story, co-written with the ghostwriter Margie Thomson. The stories within Impossible are harrowing and beautiful in equal measure, painting a vivid portrait of a once-in-a-generation talent with an almost limitless capacity for forgiveness. “Doing the book was one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” he said. “I knew I had to be so open and raw for it to achieve what I wanted, which was to help people heal and break cycles, bro. We’re brought up chucking everything under the carpet. I’m like, nah, I’m lifting it up. Let’s look at what’s under there.”

Earlier this year, Stan received one of his biggest nods of recognition when Elton John approved the use of his te reo Māori cover of “Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” in the recent te reo reboot of the Disney animated classic The Lion King. “There’s been a lot of things I’ve done in my life and career that have made me feel like I can die happy, but that has to be at the top of the list,” he enthused. “That’s my favourite movie of all time. To have it redone in our language and get the sign-off from the Elton John for my version, it’s so crazy.” 

Whether it’s family life, recording and performing or other activities, Stan keeps himself busy. Over the last two years, he’s appeared in The Walkers, a reality television show about his family, collaborated with the fragrance and fashion designer Jakob Carter on an Eau de Toilette fragrance called Human, and was honoured at the Ngā Tohu Toi Mo Ngā Uri Iwi o Te Rohe o Tauranga Moana Matariki Awards 2022 as Creative of the Year. He’s also released Te Arohanui, a collection of his greatest hits re-recorded in te reo Māori, continued to wow audiences, and become actively involved in promoting awareness around a range of social and environmental issues. “We work our asses off, bro,” Stan told me. “We’ve sacrificed so much to live this life we desire, but it doesn’t happen overnight.” 

Thinking back to when he started out in the music industry after Australian Idol, Stan remembered his younger self as “fresh and green”, with a burning desire to take his songs to the world. “I wanted to go to America and be an American artist,” he admitted before continuing with a chuckle. “At the moment, I couldn’t think of anything worse. I love who I am, and I love where I’m at. That’s more important to me than anything else. I love that the audiences I want to reach are in my backyard, and I love that my backyard is the most beautiful and fulfilling place with all the resources to be the best version of myself. If in the future my music does take me to America, mean, but I don’t want to be taken there and stay there. I’m really happy, bro.”

For Stan, a huge part of his current happiness came together over the last half decade, which is also the length of time he spent recording his new album, All In. “Over the last five years, the real testing times in my life happened, and so did the incredible breakthrough times,” he said. When he mentioned testing times, one of the things Stan was alluding to was having stomach removal surgery after he discovered he had gastric cancer in 2017. The cause was CDH1, a hereditary gene mutation which has claimed the lives of over two dozen of his whānau. The surgery was one thing, but recovery complications were another. For months afterwards, Stan was in a fight for his life. As his condition improved, Stan returned to one of the things he does best, making music. The incredible times were just around the corner.

Turning away from the demands of the top 40 charts, he called on a new cast of collaborators from New Zealand’s soul, hip-hop, reggae and electronica music scenes. “Every single person who worked on this album comes from different worlds,” he explained to me. “We made the whole new universe together where we could all do something different.” Within this universe, they help him craft a set of songs that reignited the fire of his youth.  “I told everyone, don’t talk to me about radio. I don’t want to hear nothing about Beyoncé is doing this, or Rihanna is doing that,” he said. “I just wanted to get back to making music that I feel. Not everyone is going to love this or even like it, but I don’t care. I’ve come to the point where if I don’t love it, what’s the point of doing it?”

While reflecting on the recording sessions, he mentioned his producers, Matt Sadgrove from the reggae band Sonz of Zion and Devin Abrams, aka Pacific Heights, a former member of the live drum’n’bass band Shapeshifter. “Bro, it was wicked working with them. Devin is the most crack-up dude ever.” Stan also had high praise for Scribe, the legendary New Zealand hip-hop artist who wrote the early 2000s anthems ‘Not Many’ and ‘Stand Up’. “Having Scribe on the album was probably one of my biggest flexes,” Stan told me. “There’s no else one that has ever been, or ever will be, a Scribe.”

One of the standout songs on All In is “The One You Want (60s Song)”, a bouncy reggae, hip-hop and RnB-tinged collaboration with the exciting Kenyan New Zealand rapper Jess B. Over the last four years, Jess and her close collaborator, the DJ Half Queen, have been the driving forces behind FILTH, an Auckland club night that places an emphasis on celebrating New Zealand’s queer, Indigenous and immigrant communities. 

Stan is a huge supporter of what they’re doing and was honoured to be able to include Jess on his album. “Bro, I reckon it’s mean,” he said. “There’s a big group of people who need to be able to express themselves freely. They need to have their people, their time, their moments, and their nights. It’s so cool to see what they’re doing. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have gotten it, but because of everything I’ve been exposed to, it makes my heart happy. I just love seeing people be free in who they are.”

Something else that makes Stan’s heart happy is spending time in the Bay. “Tauranga is huge for me because that’s where I’m from,” he told me. “That’s where my Whenua is, that’s where I will lie when I die, that’s where my upbringing was. My first inspiration for singing was my nannies while I was growing up on Tamapahore Marae. I grew up in the village. I’m still very much a village kid who is creating his own village. My core values started there, and Tauranga Moana still has my heart.” 

A self-described geek for genealogy or whakapapa, Stan draws a huge amount of strength from his family history. “People always say, remember where you come from, but that’s only one half of it,” he explained to me as we came towards the end of our interview. “The other half is who you come from. Once I found out who I come from, everything changed in a whole new way. I had to be incredible, outrageous and amazing because the people I come from are incredible.” 

Deep in thought, Stan paused for a moment before continuing with a final defining statement about both the place he calls home and his family history. “When I think about Tauranga and who I come from, I wouldn’t be here without their sacrifices. They set the standard. I am their legacy, bro, and I’m doing everything that I should be. They survived all they survived and fought all they fought for us to be incredible. They’re the biggest part, of the core, of who I am.”

Art lovers rejoice

Live music, food, garden-related trade stores, tiny houses, guest speakers and art displays are all part of the fun at Bloom in the Bay.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor Photos supplied

Dubbed a little like a festival within a festival, the Craigs Investment Partners’ Bloom in the Bay event has become a vibrant part of the biennial Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival. And there will certainly be plenty to enthral this year at the 17-20 November family-friendly event, assures festival director Marc Anderson.

Bloom in the Bay will be held at Tauranga Racecourse, where there’s room aplenty for the array of planned activities and stalls. New to the event this year is, for example, the inclusion of 30 garden-related trade stores offering their wares for sale – this exhibition space will be called Bloom Plaza. Also a first, will be an array of tiny houses and cabins that will form a charming wee art village, Marc explains, as there will be an artist set up in each.

Entry to Bloom in the Bay is free to BOP Garden and Art Festival attendees and to children under 14, and will cost adults without festival tickets only $5. The idea is to drop in whenever it suits on the four festival days and enjoy the many wonders of this colourful event, Marc says. It will run from 9.30am to 6pm on the first three festival days, and from 9.30am until 3pm on the Sunday.

The food options will be many, the bar will be open, and the live music lineup will include Kokomo Blues and Caitriona Fallon, for example, as well as emerging talent. There will be a “Make Art Not Waste” Envirohub catwalk event on the Saturday, and a scintillating mix of environment-focused speakers. Discover more about living predator-free, growing microgreens and making seed bombs, find out what endangered species we have living on our beaches, and hear from an award-winning photographer who has been cuddled by a whale
and attacked by an octopus. 

Check the gardenandartfestival.co.nz website in the lead-up to the festival for the timing of the different Bloom in the Bay events and performances.

Meanwhile, tickets are selling fast for the festival’s Long Lunch, with gardening guru (and former NZ Gardener editor) Lynda Hallinan as guest speaker. A three-course meal, glass of bubbles on arrival, live music and entertainment will all be on offer. 

And art lovers, rejoice: The festival includes more artists than ever and an Art Studio Trail, within the main trail, is being introduced. The festival map is marked with these 22 purpose-built art studios (see photos of
some of the art to be found in these studios). 

Festival tickets are $40 for one day, and $65 for multiple days, and are available at Palmers Bethlehem (the festival’s trail sponsors), Décor Garden World, Pacifica Home & Garden Store, i-SITE Tauranga, Te Puke Florist, Katch Katikati information centre, online at Eventfinda (service fees may apply) and on the festival website.

The Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival is sponsored by Bayleys. 

gardenandartfestival.co.nz

For the love of arts

The new artistic director of Tauranga’s flagship Arts Festival
brings passion and experience to the event.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor Photos Jeremy Hooper

Gabrielle Vincent thinks she may have shed a tear or two upon hearing she’d got the job of Tauranga Arts Festival artistic director.

“I love programming live performance and really wanted to get into the festival world, so being given this opportunity was just so very exciting,” is how she explains her happy tears.

Renowned as one of the most exciting art producers in the country, Gabrielle has come to the Tauranga Art Festival job after six years leading Auckland’s Basement Theatre where she commissioned and produced some of New Zealand’s boldest and bravest new talents.

The new position she was so thrilled about came her way at the tail end of 2020. But because the COVID-19 pandemic put paid to the planned 2021 Tauranga Art Festival, and caused a pushing out of this year’s Escape festival (from June to October), there’s a sense among Tauranga’s art community that Gabrielle has yet to be properly introduced. The October 12 to 16 Escape – little festival with big ideas – event is about to change that. 

“This will be the first festival I actually get to deliver. We did a lot of work and came up with an exciting programme for the 2021 festival – it was heartbreaking having to call that off. Now it’s really wonderful to be able to deliver something.”

While she has years of experience programming, Escape will offer Gabrielle (34) her first opportunity to programme a writers’ festival. And what an exciting journey it has already been, says this woman with great ideas and vision.

There’s much on offer to thrill, and Gabrielle selects News, News, News as an example – a television news show, made by children for adults, recorded in front of a studio audience and broadcast live from Baycourt. Children from Mount Maunganui primary will be involved, guided by Andy Field and Beckie Darlington – Gabrielle’s enticed both over from the United Kingdom. Andy and Beckie came up with the concept, and have worked with children across the world who have performed it. 

“It’s going to be a really fun show. It’s incredibly informative and, of course, very funny and sweet and enlightening.”

Gabrielle is delighted the timing of Escape falls within the school holidays, and as a result the line-up includes many family-friend events and children’s work. 

“I am passionate about art bringing family together and sharing moments that become memorable experiences,” she says.

Gabrielle’s daughter (she and husband Simon have a three-year-old named Edie) will grow up with a plethora of such memories, for sure. Before long she’ll be tagging along with her mother who loves to soak up theatre, dance and music performances. Perhaps, like her mother, Edie will be a “drama geek” at school, too.

Acting, singing – and a seventh form curriculum full of art subjects – filled schoolgirl Gabrielle’s creative soul with joy. As a school leaver, who felt “incredibly passionate” about theatre and live performance, Auckland Unitec beckoned with its opportunity to major in theatre directing. 

During her third year of study, Gabrielle was seconded to Auckland Theatre Company, where opportunities included getting to assistant-direct a show. Then, when a stage manager position came up, Gabrielle – who thoroughly enjoyed being backstage – was the “go to”. Gabrielle spent the next six years as a freelance stage manager, working mainly for Auckland Theatre Company. 

A keenness to get into the producing side of the business coincided with a six-month pilot producers’ programme on offer at Auckland’s Basement Theatre – the home of independent theatre.

“I got that, which was exciting. I saw many emerging artists come through and then head off and thrive
doing phenomenal things.

“I then realised I actually liked programming more than producing and I managed to get a programme director
job there for about five years.”

It’s been a career full of wonderful opportunities and adding the part-time Tauranga Arts Festival director job to the curriculum vitae is another highlight. Preparation for the next festival, in 2023, with its range of art forms are well underway. But first, Escape, with its writers, speakers, live theatre and more.

“Programming a writer’s festival has been a really exciting journey. It occurred to me that what’s different about this compared to other live performances is that none of the conversations are rehearsed. They are conjured up by people, places, ideas and we are seeing something magical unfold at the time. Conversations are unique and cannot be replicated,” she says. 

When UNO chats to Gabrielle she’s not long off preparing to head to Tauranga (Auckland is home base) for a month, in readiness for, and for, Escape. She can’t wait! 

Taurangafestival.co.nz

A village with heart

You'll find old-world appeal in this vintage-inspired shopping and community complex, with its unique cobblestone streets and charming historic buildings.

Words Sue Hoffart    Photos Jess Lowcher + Salina Galvan

Extraordinary moments happen remarkably often beyond the steel gates that separate The Historic Village from ordinary Tauranga life.

Children with disabilities discover their voices on stage at Detour Theatre, while men wielding hand tools address mental health issues inside the Men’s Shed workshop. At the resident chapel, marriages are conducted beside woven tukutuku panels that previously stood in an old Matapihi church. After dark, artistic careers are launched at gallery openings and new musical talent is discovered at lively gigs. 

And every day, people in need receive practical help, counselling, mentoring or even a new job thanks to the myriad of social service organisations that operate from the Village.

Village manager Blair Graham and his team manage the 5.5ha Tauranga City Council-run property, with its sweeping lawns and tracts of native bush, boutique shops and character buildings.

Jewel in the crown

Eight years into the job, Blair’s main focus is looking after the resident community groups and retailers who help to attract more than 200,000 visitors each year.

“This village has heart. It’s a jewel in the crown of the Te Papa peninsula,” he says, describing the way vibrant cultural festivals and corporate events unfold alongside everyday kindnesses. At the recently revitalised Village Cinema, (activated by The Incubator), for example, Sonic Cinema run a relaxed cinema experience for all ages where the cinema is adapted to the audience's sensory requirements and comfort.

The cinema, which can be transformed into a cocktail venue or lecture theatre for corporate groups, is one of five indoor function offerings on site. The Village Hall, which was renovated late last year, is a cathedral-like space with purpose-built lighting and sound systems. 

“The thing about hiring a Village venue is that it ticks the corporate social responsibility box because it helps fund all the innovation and collaboration and good things that happen here.

“We host a lot of weddings here, too, partly because our 60-seat chapel has all the charm of a small country church. In fact, my brother was married there 22 years ago and I was best man.”

Sometimes, bridal parties choose to wed in the adjacent amphitheatre, amid tranquil native bush, perhaps with a Whipped Baker cake made onsite and old-fashioned lawn games afterwards.

Festive spirit

Other visitors come seeking entertainment and international cuisine at the city’s annual multicultural festival or the Diwali festival, with its lanterns and incense, swirling saris and spicy food. 

During the day, people attend appointments or hui, conduct business or browse the boutique shops that sell everything from vinyl records to vintage or designer-made clothing, gemstones, lead lighting and art. In the evenings, dance lessons and upholstery classes kick off. The weekend crowd is different again as families, cyclists and joggers step off the neighbouring Kopurererua Valley walkway for coffee and treats.

“Early on, we discovered Pokémon geocache players were coming here at night to play the online game.”

Blair’s domain is also part of the city’s wellbeing precinct, with Tauranga Hospital, St John and the TECT Rescue Helicopter service all housed a few minutes’ walk away. Time and again, the centre manager has seen families of people dealing with serious health issues find their way from the hospital to the Village for scones and tea and solace.

“There’s a slower pace of life here. The sun streams into the cobbled streets and it’s a little bit like stepping back in time. It calms people

Baked with love

Baby Albert Cooper was six months old when his mother Fran almost died of meningitis. 

The mother of five and Whipped Baker proprietor – Fran co-owns The Historic Village bakery with husband and fellow baker Aaron – has never forgotten the people who saved her life. That’s why any café leftovers go straight to nearby hospital emergency department staff or ambulance officers across the road. 

However, leftovers can be tough to find at the incredibly popular eatery, which specialises in “really luscious, sumptuous food that people can’t help but dive into.”

On the day the café launched in 2015, the husband and wife team employed a single barista. That first morning, the customer queue stretched out the door and down the street. Now, the seven-day-a-week business employs 18 extra staff, offers catering services and still struggles to meet demand. Aaron and Fran still frequently start work between 2.30am and 3.30am and all their children help in the business. 

“We’ve always been known for our doughnuts and custard slice. We’re very old-school bakers, not people who like fancy food and stuff you can’t pronounce. It’s just good, wholesome, fresh-baked food. Everything is made 100 percent from scratch.”

Fran and most of her family are lactose-intolerant, which means they cannot consume much of the food they produce.

“I can’t eat it myself, but I just like feeding other people. I bake to make people happy.

“And being part of the Village is like being part of one big family. I feel like we’re the village kitchen. I love the atmosphere, love the people. It’s like going home every day.” 

historicvillage.co.nz

Next big thing

The up-and-coming star of Muru got into acting almost
by accident – but his onscreen talent is certainly no fluke.
Words  Dan Collins

Rising star Poroaki Merritt-McDonald opens UNO’s interview with a surprising confession.

“I wasn’t too big on the idea of being an actor,” he admits, before explaining how his mum helped him turn tragedy into triumph, while also keeping him from wandering down the wrong path – despite his protestations at the time. The 18-year-old local is being hotly tipped as the next big Kiwi actor to take flight, having starred in notable New Zealand films like Muru and Savage, as well as the theatre play Little Black Bitch.

“It wasn’t until I went through losing my brother and kind of went off the rails that my mum thought to chuck me into acting, to help me cope with what I was dealing with at the time,” he continues. “I’ve always been an out-of-the-box type of person, a bit of a character, all my life. So she thought she’d just chuck me into that.”

It was a prudent move and one that proves the old saying ‘mother knows best’. Even if initially she had to drag him along to drama classes.

“A lot of the time I was annoyed at my mother for making me do it,” he laughs. “But I look at it now and I’m like, ‘Ah, okay. Thank you, Mum!’”

The very first audition he got was for the lead role in a short film called My Brother Mitchell, which screened at the New Zealand International Film Festival back in 2018.

“That was based on the director losing his older brother, so I had that connection straight away with the director,” he says. “Acting just went on from there. I feel like it was fate.”

Poroaki’s a friendly and engaging guy and was used to the limelight, thanks to his time performing in a Kapa Haka group, which he credits for giving him skills that he was able to transfer to acting.

Even still, the natural performer says that he found his first audition extremely nerve-wracking. “Walking into the audition room I was definitely nervous and didn’t know how to come across or what to expect,” he says. “But once I got into a flow I started seeing all the benefits and started to really enjoy it. After the first short film I thought to myself, ‘I wouldn’t mind doing this.’”

His performance in My Brother Mitchell got him noticed, and more auditions started coming in. One was for a role in the critically acclaimed feature film Savage in 2020, a movie no less than The Guardian described as “a moving New Zealand street-gang saga” and a “touching character study.” But even with these successes behind him, the Bay of Plenty local still wasn’t sure if acting was for him.

“It wasn’t until Muru, really, when I thought I could do something with acting. For a lot of it I really thought I was tin-assing my way through. That it was just luck,” he reflects. “I thought I only got My Brother Mitchell because of that connection with the director and I really thought I only got Savage because I had a really rugged haircut!"

“After Muru, people started giving me props and nice feedback, and I thought maybe I could do it. Leading up to Muru, I still didn’t have too much of a care about acting. It was taking me away from school and rugby tournaments and all of that stuff. Every time I missed out on a school trip I’d be moaning, ‘I just want to hang out with my mates’. My parents would be like, ‘Do you want to hang out with your mates at the marae or do you want to be in America at a five-star hotel?’ So, it wasn’t until Muru when I realised that if I tried and really applied myself I could get somewhere with this.”

As well as being a game changer for his career, Muru has also been a true game-changer for his outlook. Previously, he’d begrudgingly go to auditions telling his mum he didn’t want to do them or that he “couldn’t be bothered”. That all changed when he heard about Muru. He says something clicked in his head and he knew that he really wanted to be a part of it.

“I thought I was actually going for an audition for Vegas,” he says, referencing TVNZ’s action-thriller series. “I had this mullet at the time and the casting crew asked if I knew how to ride a horse. I’ll be honest with you, I wasn’t the best horse rider.” He lets out a hearty laugh and then grins, “But I said yes anyway. You gotta fake it to make it, man!”

Having had his equestrian skills verbally confirmed, they proceeded to tell him what he was actually there auditioning for.

“When they gave me the rundown of what Muru was about, straightaway I was like, ‘I need to do this.’ This is one of the most pinnacle stories and historical moments that has happened in New Zealand, and for Māori, in the 20th century,” he says. “I was beyond relieved about getting this part, eh. It was a big uplifting moment, a real proud moment I felt for myself, to be able to tell this story. I feel for all my cousins from just down the road. When I was looking into all the stories from locals and people that were a part of it or heard of it, it was quite emotional.”

Muru tells the story of 2007’s real-life event that saw the Government’s elite Special Tactics group raid a remote Māori township in Ruatoki, in the Eastern Bay, under the auspices of the Terrorism Suppression Act.

“Although this movie is a recreation, it’s more of a response. It shines a light on a dark story that has been hidden away from us,” Poroaki says of the film. “The first few scenes I did I was with all the Kaumatua, the elderly, and on the van trips with them I’d be yarning to them, asking, ‘What was it like? How did it feel? What actually went down?’

“You don’t learn about this type of history in school. I felt really embarrassed for myself being a Māori and growing up in the Māori world, that I didn’t know much about in the first place. I was like, ‘Yeah, not only would this be a great story to finally let out to New Zealand and the world, but it would also be a grea learning moment for me to see what happened to my cousins from Whakatāne.”

Born in Tauranga, Poroaki grew up in Arataki (“the hood,” he laughs) before moving out to the more rural setting of Matapihi. With Muru under his belt, he’s now signed with a big UK talent agency and has already had a couple of overseas auditions, although he’s under strict instructions not to reveal any of the details about what these may be just yet. He’s also starring in a new TV show, which he says will be out around November, and is currently working on a new theatre production with his mates and some well-known directors that will be staged in Tauranga early next year.

UNO notes that this sounds like a busy schedule and he agrees, saying, “There’s not a lot of breaks but I’m enjoying it.”

Poroaki found that one of the unexpected pleasures of his success is how it motivated and inspired his friends to also get involved in the arts, with many finding their own successes in doing so and forming a bustling creative community here in the Bay.

“As Māori men in New Zealand, we’re mostly perceived as tough fellas who only make it in rugby. That’s all we’re really good at,” he says.
“So opening this door to my mates, that nah, it’s not just sports, it’s not just rugby. I always looked at my mates and thought, ‘Some of you are a lot better than me at this, you could actually do this’.
It has opened up a real big doorway for mates who were into Shakespeare and all the performing arts. It’s been a proud moment being able to see all my mates up on stage. They just blow me away. One of my mates is actually now over in London and about to perform at the Globe!”

He smiles and says, “That’s where a bit of perseverance and sitting down and learning lines can take you.” 

Into the Incubator

This creative hub has built a colourful reputation over nine amazing years

Words Sue Hoffart Photos supplied

Pilots love the rainbow-hued roadway that loudly, proudly adorns the entrance to The Incubator’s headquarters inside Tauranga’s Historic Village.

From the air, the artwork has become a well-known and cheery navigation beacon for passing planes. On the ground, it is yet another practical example of the “edgy, alternative, multi-genre art space” that Incubator director Simone Anderson envisaged a decade ago.

When the Tauranga artist set out to establish a creative hub for budding fellow practitioners, she and her
small team inhabited a converted barn divided into six studios. These days, the barn – dubbed the mother ship – is headquarters to an arts organisation that boasts 24 resident artists who now inhabit 15 buildings within The Village. Countless initiatives, events and artists have flourished along the way.

Every year, thousands of people visit to celebrate eccentricity at the Fringe Festival or attend Incubator-led workshops, to hear live music or buy the ceramics and clothing, jewellery and other items created by artists working on site.

“We’re expanding and growing beyond our wildest expectations and we’re changing the perception of
what our city is,” Simone says. “Tauranga has had a reputation as a cultural wasteland. We knew that wasn’t the case but now all these alternative, quirky high-functioning artists are really visible, in one place,
in The Village.

“And we have this whole ecosystem of working artists who now have community support, sharing resources and marketing and retail space.”

The Incubator is living up to its name in a multitude of ways. As well as incubating talent and ideas, it is inspiring visitors to appreciate new or different art forms.

“We want people to say yay, I went to that exhibition or event and I didn’t even don’t know I was interested till I saw it. Far out, that was cool.

“And we want everyone to realise art is a real, professional trade, like an electrician or a plumber.”

The organisation is also propagating creativity beyond The Village gates.

Tauranga Art Gallery has featured work by many artists who found their feet through the Incubator, while the city centre and local area are more vibrant thanks to murals by Incubator graduate Sam Allen. The young painter found confidence and connections in The Village.

City women are wearing clothing by fashion designer Kerry Funnell, who launched her Nape label and boutique after sharing a satellite studio in The Village.

“Kerry’s work is stunning, and people can walk in and see her with her sewing machine and bolts of fabric, on the main street here.

“The Village has always been an open, inclusive asset for the city and that’s exactly what we aim to be. Everything we do is really grassroots, accessible, the cost barrier is low. It’s not elite or pretentious.”

The art deco Village Cinema has recently joined The Incubator stable, with its Hollywood-themed designs and "for the people, by the people" mantra. The cinema aims to cater to everyone from independent filmmakers to people living with dementia or a disability while embracing guests who are neurodiverse, new immigrants, on a low income, or from the LGBTQIA+ community. Audiences can expect to find vintage, arthouse or Pasifika film events as well as children’s holiday or private screenings and Bollywood film nights.

At the eastern end of The Village, a creative community campus is the newest addition. This development, in a repurposed Montessori school, encompasses a textile and sewing hub, a ceramic and pottery hub, large outdoor teaching spaces and a roomy classroom ideal for workshops and seminars.

“It’s one of our most exciting projects. It’s second in size to the city’s art gallery and it’s a game-changer for the city in terms of arts infrastructure.”

theincubator.co.nz

Style status

Looks you can’t live without this winter

Words / Nicky Adams

Key pieces

Brace for a wet and windy winter with the ultimate wardrobe staple - the trench coat. This year outerwear silhouettes are trending as oversized, and while the extra wiggle room is handy for when you need to layer up underneath, upsized can feel just plain big on smaller frames. If you feel like you’re wearing a sack, then look for structure with exaggerated shoulders as an option. Pleats have cemented their place in every capsule wardrobe by becoming more prolific than ever – skirts, shirts, and dresses, you name it, you can find a pleat in it. The beauty of the pleat is that there’s something for everyone, and they’re quick and easy to style. A pleated skirt or dress looks sophisticated with a long blazer or pair a floaty fabric pleat with a heavy jumper for casual. The trick is to pick a pleat width to flatter your figure – an elasticated waist will create more bulk in this area, a dropped pleat less. Skirts themselves are having a hey-day; again, they offer versatility and open up colourways and patterns that you might not usually wear close to your face. Equally fabric that you may feel too ‘evening’ i.e., silk or sequins, can easily be dressed down for day wear in skirt form. It’s hard not to mention leather/faux leather trousers as a staple – now very much a daywear option they are more versatile, and hardwearing, than you would ever have imagined. Wide, straight, or tapered leg, leather is the new denim.

Trending now

Most wanted this season

In the pink

There’s so much to love about trends this winter – from the rush to get a fringe cut in (better than Botox it’s claimed) to a huge surge in searches for yellow after the UK Jubilee celebrations. Bright, feelgood colours are in vogue, and pink is most definitely the hue of the season (particularly fuchsia). People can’t get enough of the uplifting nature of this palette: psychologically soothing, it tends to be flattering on all skin tones, and with no age limit on wearing it, it’s hard to resist. If diaphanous pink dresses aren’t your thing, then try sharp tailoring – a pink blazer suit with a simple white vest top or t-shirt and white sneakers is a modern classic. If this is too much, then a colour pop with shoes or bag will do nicely.  

Metallic Moments

Another big look this season is the vest, which can be tied into so many different styles, from preppy knits to boho. Throw on with a skirt, pants or over a dress - super quick, super chic. If there is ever a time to revel in the decadence of molten metal, it’s winter, and this season it’s all about the look of liquid metallics. While gorgeous sequins are perennially popular, the subtle, grown-up feel of a shimmering metallic is contemporary and luxurious all in one. If all over sheen is too much, then look for lurex which can be found woven through everything from knitwear to a basic tee. 

Jean genie

The magic of getting to grips with wearing baggy jeans.

I think it’s fair to say that unless you happen to be a Gen Z, most women are currently struggling with the concept of finally retiring their beloved skinny jeans. I must confess that even though I haven’t worn mine for some time, they still haven’t been culled from the wardrobe. A bit like a breakup when it’s hard to know when to finally rip up the photos in case there’s a reunion, many of us have stashed our pairs still within reach. Nevertheless, when Kate Moss – the original pioneer of the skinny jean – moved on, the rest of us were on notice.

Most of the reticence to replace the skinny is simply that unlike a close fit jean, which tends to fit any form - even if, in my case, it involved a fight against the cotton/Lycra mix fuelled saggy bum look - baggy presents myriad style quandaries. Mention the move to baggies and the concerns fly from all directions - too short, too stumpy, too old – unless you are a 5ft 10 beanpole, it can initially seem daunting. In fact, the slouchier look is far more flattering to a far wider spectrum of figures and ages than it initially appears, and as a bonus its comfort levels put it up there with loungewear.

The first difference with baggies, is unlike skinny leg, there is an awful lot of choice. From wide leg to tapered, mom to boyfriend, high waist or low slung – there are many variations on the theme. Which means that there really is something for everyone, no matter body shape or height. Another key factor is there is a huge amount to be said for styling the top half, as well as footwear – these simple things will make the difference between feeling less like Eminem and more like Hailey Bieber.

The high waist tends to be a go-to for the more mature among us – not only will it elongate the legs, but nothing feels better than relaxing those lack lustre stomach muscles and letting the denim do the work. Pair with a knotted satin shirt, a boxy Chanel style jacket or blazer for a sleek look. High waist is also a winner for the younger and tauter of tummy – a loose crop top tee for a casual vibe, or bralette style for evening. Proportion and fit are key – a more relaxed bottom looks chicest with the contrast of a neater top.

When it comes to the fit of the leg if you are shorter and curvier seek out something specific to your shape -multiple brands offer both petite and curvy options (Abrand, Nobody Denim, Good American to name a few). Try to avoid too much fabric through the hips – loose rather than voluminous. Don’t buy a flare that is too long with a view to taking it up, the flare will get lost when shortened and you’ll be left with a bootleg.

Those long of limb and boyish of hip are the perfect candidate for a low rise, as well as the baggy style. Again, style with a silky shirt, this time pick a slightly more tailored look and tuck it in. A skinny belt looks fab with low rise, and if you’re on the shorter side then keep the top simple. Without the high waist to lengthen the leg, footwear becomes more important. While sneakers and chunky boots look fab with relaxed jeans, a stacked heel looks great, or a chunky loafer with added sole.

Ultimately getting in the changing room with an armful of denim is the only foolproof way to find the right amount of baggy for you. And if when all is said and done you prefer a more streamlined silhouette, that’s fine – personal style is always on trend.

Fashion forecast

Put a spring in your step by incorporating upcoming trends into this season’s wardrobe.

Ultra mini

As temperatures start to rise, so will hemlines. The micro-mini has been awaiting its return, and it’s back with a vengeance for spring. With everything from sequin to satin to stretch knit, these miniscule minis are in super statement shades, prints and fabrics, and are ready to pack a punch. Designers are aching to recreate the late 90s vibe, so there’s a smattering of everything replayed - hemlines are frayed, waists are low, and for the more sophisticated feel matching tweed jackets are paired with the teeny tiny skirts.

A bit of fluff

If you’re looking ahead for the perfect transitional statement to take into the new season – then you’ve found it in feather detailing. Feature feathers have been edging back in on the runway for a wee while, and whether a feather accent on a shoe or full marabou jacket, even the most casual outfit can be transported to old school glamour with the addition of a little plumage. 

Colour me pretty

Cast aside your dingy sweaters and bring out the bright, bold colourways. For spring prints are big and boisterous with abstract prints and stripes reigning supreme. While the Breton stripe simply never goes away, horizontal, vertical, or diagonal stripes all feature heavily this spring. Oh, and so much green to come – from lime to grass, this colour will freshen up every wardrobe.

Net worth

Stretchy sheer knits in spring hues have taken off. Ultra-fine and uber comfortable, netted knits are the next step in the ribbed knitwear dress / pant/ skirt-top style that has been trending for the last couple of years. With the netted look coming at us in everything from tops to bags, this is an offbeat fashion that can be styled for day or night.

Guiding light

A stunning new interactive artwork, unveiled during Matariki,
has brought its warm glow to a humble bus shelter – and to passersby – in Tauranga.

The Willow Street bus shelter in central Tauranga has a chequered history, but artist Sara Hughes (left) hopes her interactive, colourful art installation, Midnight Sun, will shift the public’s opinion of the troubled site. The artwork launched during Matariki, and its intent is to bring beauty, light and a feeling of warmth and safety into the city centre during a season of new beginnings.

Suspended above the Willow Street bus shelter and wrapping around Tauranga Art Gallery to Wharf Street, Midnight Sun is comprised of 96 panels of glass which create a 260-square-metre corridor of coloured light on the footpath below. As clouds pass overhead, hues of pink and gold will flicker on the pavement, bathing passers-by in a warm glow. At night, Midnight Sun
will be lit to simulate the luminosity of sunset and bring beauty – and safety – to the bus stop and surrounding area.

Sara, an established and dynamic artist whose works grace public and private spaces across Australasia, tells UNO more about her creative process and what inspired her to create Midnight Sun.

 UNO: How did this project come about?
Sara: I was approached by Sonya Korohina of Supercut Projects at the end of 2020. At that time, she was putting forward a proposal to Creative New Zealand to fund a series of public artworks for Tauranga. These projects were originally to coincide with the Tauranga Arts Festival, but due to COVID-19 cancellations, the projects were delayed and have been spread out over the past year, with mine being the final one. I was drawn to this project as I felt an affinity with the city.

UNO: What is your aim with the piece?
Sara: Midnight Sun is an artwork about the daily rhythm of the setting sun. I aim to draw viewers in with beauty and recognition, then allow them to discover the artwork and have their own encounter with it. I hope it will pause people in their daily life. Midnight Sun can be walked under and driven past; it will have different moods in different weather conditions; it can be viewed during the day and at night; it’s open 24 hours a day – there are many ways to experience this artwork. 

UNO: What was it like to work on?
Sara: The project has been in development since early 2021. There are a lot of different people required to get this artwork to completion, and it’s been great to work with Sonya and Tauranga City Council on the details and project management. Local photographer Anne Shirley documented sunsets in Tauranga for me over the month of June in 2021. These photographs form the base layers on top of which I layer my painted imagery. While I have been developing the imagery, I work closely on the technique with a printer, and I worked with light designer Richard Bracebridge on achieving a warm golden glow of 2200 kelvin to mimic the light at sunset. It’s exciting to see all the parts come together.

UNO: What inspires you?
Sara: I have travelled a lot and lived all over the world, and these experiences have influenced me. I’m currently fascinated by the measuring of time and light and the way our day is structured by the sun and the earth’s orbit. How the light changes during this rotation from day to night and all the variants in between. Wherever you are in the world you can experience this – that’s what I’m interested in capturing in Midnight Sun.

UNO: What do you love about public art?
Sara: Over the past 20 years, I’ve focussed on working in site-specific contexts and examining the way people relate to art in their environment. I strongly believe public artworks are important to the urban fabric of cities. Aesthetics are important, but public art is more than decoration; it can make an important contribution to a site, it can communicate with the public, and it gives voice to ideas. I love that public art can be seen by everybody. There’s humanity in that. It’s rewarding for me to hear from a wide range of people who respond to seeing my public artwork. People’s lives are busy and its fulfilling when someone tells you that the highlight of their day is the bus trip past your artwork. 

Artgallery.org.nz

Between the lines

Books A Plenty owners Scott and Sheree Brown reveal their all-time favourite books.

Heartstopper

By Alice Oseman

Hachette (Publisher)

It's the first day back at Truham Grammar High School. Charlie Spring, an openly gay year 10, is seated next to Nick Nelson, a Year 11 boy from the rugby team. After being assigned next to each other in the new vertical form classrooms, they're quick to become close friends. But with this closeness, Charlie develops feelings for Nick that he is unsure goes both ways.

It's not often I come across a book series that I would read in one sitting, but Heartstopper is definitely one of them. In these heartwarming novels, Alice Oseman achieves a positive representation of queer love. Telling a story not of tragedy but of acceptance and celebration in identity and sexuality. Depicting so many relevant topics and presenting them in a realistic way, these books can be incredibly comforting. Heartstopper can be your best friend, and can help you feel like you're not alone in your struggles.

Sheree’s pick

The Alchemist

By Paulo Coelho

HarperCollins (Publisher)

The Alchemist is about a boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist who points Santiago in the direction of his quest.

A fantastic book full of wisdom and philosophy. The story bursts with optimism and shows that the journey to your destiny is as important as the destiny itself. I think this book is appealing because we all have dreams and sometimes we just want someone to tell us that they may come true. The Alchemist is a very exciting novel and it deserves a space on everyone’s bookshelf.

Hard Boiled Wonderland & the End of the World

By Haruki Murakami

Penguin (Publisher)

A narrative particle accelerator that zooms between Wild Turkey Whiskey and Bob Dylan, unicorn skulls and voracious librarians, John Coltrane and Lord Jim. This is science fiction, a detective story and a post-modern manifesto all rolled into one rip-roaring novel.

I found the method of story telling, with the use of parallel story lines, fascinating. The book’s chapters alternate between futuristic Tokyo (Hard-Boiled Wonderland), and an isolated town with a perimeter wall (The End of the World). As the story picks up, the reader begins to notice parallels between these two vastly different and far away worlds. 

Murakami unites East and West, tragedy and farce, compassion and detachment, slang and philosophy. Reading Murakami feels like experiencing a dream in book form.

Booksaplenty.nz

Lauren Mabbett

10 things you didn’t know about… Lauren Mabbett. Newsreader, comedienne, drummer, plane aficionado, Backstreet Boys fangirl, and she worked at Alcatraz – we hope The Hits radio personality Lauren Mabbett has an opening for a new best friend, because we want that job.

Words Carly Gibbs / Photo supplied

Lauren is The Hits day show announcer for the Bay of Plenty (9am-3pm on 95.0FM). Born and bred in Tauranga, she started her radio career in the Bay, before working on air in Auckland and Wellington and returning home late last year to take up her current dream role. 

1. I have a weird obsession with America. 

Growing up seeing America on TV, that’s what I thought life was – living on Full House in a San Francisco townhouse. I’ve visited about 30 of America’s 50 states and want to tick them all off. When I was 27, I spent a year living in San Francisco and worked at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. My job was to be on the landing giving out tickets, but once a week I would go out to Alcatraz Island and welcome guests. People have ghost stories about Alcatraz (which closed in 1963 and is now a museum), but I didn’t get any weird vibes. 
2. I was twice a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I was at broadcasting school in 2009 when my two roommates and I made YouTube videos about how we wanted to raise money to go to America for a holiday. Within a week, someone at The Ellen DeGeneres Show had found the videos and contacted us. Then it snowballed. Ellen called us live on air telling us she was flying us over. We had VIP treatment: Picked up from the airport in a limo, tickets to Disneyland, a baseball game, and they surprised us by putting us on the show, where we met fellow guest and Friends actor Matthew Perry. We were doing a tour of Warner Bros Studio and unbeknown to us, everyone in the audience had been watching us before we were led on set. Ellen was lovely. Very tiny. I remember hugging her and thinking “Oh, I’m going to break you.” We stayed in the presidential suite of the Bonaventure Hotel in LA, where we occupied half of one tower. You could stand at one end of our apartment and yell and the person at the other end couldn't hear you. It was insane. A whirlwind. We appeared on the show a second time at the end of our trip for a recap. It’s a claim to fame that I don't think I’ll ever beat.

3. I used to be a full-time drummer. 

I was 12 when I started playing the drums. I was in a few original, metal bands, but the one where I got paid (in my early 20s) was the cover band Budokan. We’d play at Krazy Jacks, Cornerstone, Crown & Badger. It was such a different life because my gigs would start at 11pm and now I’m in bed at 9.30pm. Other fun facts: I’m left-handed but I play right-handed. I love drumming to Nickelback and Creed and I do a bit of air drumming to some of The Hits songs. I have a drum kit set up at my house but it’s hard to find the time to play. I’m also conscious of the people around me. It’s literally the most annoying instrument. It’s loud, and huge to transport. Whenever my mum was helping me carry out my gear she’d say, “Why didn’t you play the harmonica?”

4. I do stand-up comedy. 

I was doing it for about six years, two or three times a week when I lived in Auckland, and got paid for it. I’ve done a little bit here in the Bay at The Hop House. I met my boyfriend at the time through comedy and many friends. I’ve fallen away from comedy in recent years. It takes so much brain power. You feel like you should always be editing and writing more, and making it better. I never felt like I could just relax.

5. I’ve never burped. 

When I tell people that they’re like “Why don’t you try drinking a Coke?” Do you think I’ve never had a Coke in my 36 years? I have met a few people that can’t burp so I know I’m not alone. And no, it doesn’t mean you fart more. 

6. I am a fluent mirror writer. 

When I was in preschool, I would mirror my name on my art. So, then I had to learn to write forwards. Even now, I can still very fluently write a reflective paragraph. I can sign my name backwards. 

7. I have a ginger rescue cat called Oscar. 

When I lived in Auckland, I wasn’t allowed a cat at my flat, but he rocked up at our door with a big gash on his neck. I tried to find his owners on community pages – I didn’t want to encourage him, but it was the middle of winter. After a week, I put a box outside with a towel in it. I came out in the morning and he was sleeping in it, in a ball. I was going to take him to the SPCA, but my flatmate suggested we sneakily keep him. So, I adopted him, or he adopted me. He moved with me to my next house, and then I had to move to Wellington, so I gave him to my parents in Tauranga. It’s worked out well, because now I’m back here, I can visit him and he remembers me. He’s so affectionate and a real people’s cat. He’s literally another family member. 

8. I won the funniest Twitter award at the New Zealand Comedy Guild Awards. 

I think there’s a bit of my stand-up comedy coming through my Twitter. I’ve got 2,300 followers (@laurenmabbett), which isn’t that much, but I think I write quite relatable tweets. My pinned tweet is: “In New Zealand, you have to say ‘Just these, thanks’ as you place your items on the counter, otherwise they’ll not serve you and assume that you’re acquiring many more items.” To win that award was a cool acknowledgement. It’s so fun. 

9. I’m obsessed with Wayne’s World and Backstreet Boys.

I've watched Wayne’s World hundreds of times. When I was in the States, it happened to be the film’s 20th anniversary. I was in San Francisco and I caught a bus to LA for the reunion. The tickets were $10 to be in a theatre with Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Lorne Michaels (producer), and Penelope Spheeris (director). They did a Q&A and then we all watched the movie together. I have Wayne’s World T-shirts, mugs... It’s quite sad. Ha, ha. 

With Backstreet Boys, I’ve seen them both times they’ve come to New Zealand, and I’ve got tickets for next year when they come here. I’m going to be right up the front crying my eyes out. I used to do the dances in my room so I know all the moves. I won’t do them at the concert. Maybe after a couple of wines. Howie was my favourite Backstreet Boy, and my fangirling over them is kind of ideal because we do play Backstreet Boys a lot on the Hits. 

10. I love planes.

I’ll go to the airport and sit and watch planes all day. I have a flight radar on my phone. It’s not so great here in the Bay of Plenty – you see one come in from Wellington and that’s it for the day – but in Auckland, I’d sit in the observation deck and watch the jets. Me flying as a passenger, however, is a different story. You don’t want to sit next to me. “Are we good? Can you smell that? What was that noise?” Sweating, gripping. I just like seeing them. I’d happily work on the runway as a landing signal officer. The Airbus A380 – how does something that huge gracefully take off and land? They’re fascinating pieces of machinery.

Thehits.co.nz

Sister act

Good things come in threes – and Nectar, the third hospitality venue from sisters Jess Mackenzie and Shelby Rafferty, certainly brings charm and class to Tauranga’s social scene.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor / Photos Erin Cave + supplied

When Jessica (Jess) Mackenzie and Shelby Rafferty say Tauranga’s new hospitality offering named Nectar delivers something excitingly different for the city, best believe them.

Not only are the two sisters the owners/creators of Nectar, they also know their patch. Located at 97 The Strand, Nectar is but a hop, skip, and jump from The Crown and Badger and Volare – both owned by this young duo. Jess (30) and her parents bought Crown and Badger five years ago, and about a year ago, Shelby (26) returned from her nursing job – and lengthy pandemic lockdowns – in Melbourne to secure an ownership interest in all three places. Jessica has assured her there will be time for a breather on the buying front now that property number three has been purchased! After all, the sisters are “super excited” about Nectar and are loving watching an appreciative public become acquainted with this new offering on the block.

It's hard, they say, to define Nectar’s “excitingly different” vibe within a mere sentence. So, they offer a few…

“It’s a premium venue without the pretentiousness. It’s a place to hang out and it incorporates some Melbournian kind of fun.

“It’s an all-day eatery (a day and night place), a place to relax with special occasion food in an inviting atmosphere. 

“Think big-city vibes, not standard café food. It’s not a café and not a wine bar. The food’s delicious and flavour-wise diners can expect to be pushed and challenged. There are lots of sharing plates to suit Nectar’s social theme.

“There are couches by the fire, high leaners, mid-height leaners, tables, and booths. There are power plugs and USB chargers everywhere as Nectar is wired for connectivity. It really is a hangout.

“It offers a sense of elegance. It’s also relaxing and classy, approachable and fun. It’s a balance between lots of wonderful things – and a place where people want to be.” 

It is also an undeniably beautiful place, in terms of both locality and décor. Jess has been making eyes at the building (long-time home to Japanese restaurant Tikara) for the last four years. 

“I have stared out at it from the Crown and Badger, thinking, ‘I need that big site with its full sun.’ When I knew it was coming up, I knew we had to get in quick. It’s so beautiful, and has water views too,” she enthuses. The corner site can sit 48 inside comfortably, but 150 all up when the pavement area is included.  

Sitting inside is inarguably a delight, thanks to interiors with wow. 

“There’s greenery galore – it’s a bit of a jungle,” Shelby laughs, adding that there’s a lot going on, but it works so well. Décor delights include glossy green tiles, oak features including a wall in a stunning herringbone pattern, hand-blown glass light fittings of varying shapes, gorgeous upholstery, rimu and tawa floorboards, and walls of green (painted by Shelby and Jess). There’s also rainforest-themed wallpaper and a dramatic, 2.5 metre-tall mural featuring a woman at one with plants. It’s “unique and empowering and perfect.”

The seating booths and oak features were created by Christchurch company Harrows, and Auckland’s Sophie Burns of Burning Red Interior Design masterminded the interior design. Other than that, the focus was very much on local creatives, from both the big details to the small. The entire fit out was tackled by Mt Maunganui-based Ramma Construction, the dramatic mural is the work of local artist Millie Newitt, and the water jugs are from the pottery wheels of Waihi’s Laughing Pottery. As for the logistical side of things, Jess, who has a management degree and extensive international hospitality experience, did much of the project management too, working alongside the Ramma Construction team. 

Being hands-on and full-on is how Jess and Shelby rock. But they have, of course, called on key people as part of Nectar’s ongoing team. People like Martin Allan, who designed the menu and is executive chef (he’s ensured there’s lots of plant-based food, and meat and fish can certainly be found on the menu). And people like bar manager Katie Short, who has created cocktails especially for Nectar. 

“She does a bloody good Bloody Mary and a magnificent matcha cocktail called You’ve Met Your Matcha,” Shelby attests. Nectar also boasts an extensive and very good wine list and great coffee, too.

Also an integral part of the team is Jess and Shelby’s mother, who still does the books but admits it’s quite tricky these days with so many moving parts. Their “very grounded” dad remains an encouraging mentor, who keeps them moving forward. The couple (who raised their children in Gisborne) have retired to Russell, happily leaving their daughters to thrive at the coalface. And thriving they are.

Says Jess, “It’s been a long journey and a big logistical exercise. We signed the lease about 18 months ago, but have been dreaming it up for a long time.  

“We are super excited about this, and super excited for Tauranga, too.”

@nectar.eatery

The Art of Crafts

Mount Brewing Co. gets creative in the craft beer department

Words Nicky Adams / Images Cam Neate + Untitled Studio

Twenty years ago, if you said craft beer, the mental picture would probably involve a huge drinking vessel and a handlebar moustache. Fast forward and the rest of the freethinking beer drinking world has wised up to the delights of a craft beer.

Pawel, Head Brewer at Mount Brewing Co. has been brewing beer for over ten years, and when he chats about his path, its’ clear he has followed his passion. Polish by birth, growing up he spent time in Belgium, where an appreciation of craft beer is a given. As a student studying economy and finance, while his friends were spending their money partying, he was chasing beer festivals around Europe. “At this time the craft beer revolution had started in Poland, but it was expensive for a student. To drink good beer, I started making my own.” A student exchange year in northern Mexico fired his passion further – “I met a lot of home brewers – this area is very influenced by the United States, and the US is on the top of the craft industry. That completely opened my mind. They have 7,000 breweries there. They’re pushing the boundaries and that’s a huge inspiration for the rest of the world.”  More travel ultimately led back to Poland to finish his Masters, before heading for Indonesia: “I left there super thirsty and dry” bound for New Zealand, where he had already secured a job with Mount Brewing Co.

Six years later, and Pawel leads the team of Leonie (who hails from Germany), Tom from the UK and American, Drew. “I’m surrounded by amazing people – my team are quite easy-going guys, and that’s what makes me happy.  I want to believe the craft industry is a mix of science, art, and a little bit of chaos.” The advantage, Pawel says, of being a small brewery is that “we’re experimenting quite a lot. We have a lot of freedom for creativity. Here we have four brewers with different backgrounds and experiences, so all of us have an individual sense of taste; for me the industry is about people. When I’m drinking, I can pick the personality behind the beer.” His own signature styles? – “I like dark beers, hoppy, fruit addition, barrel aged beers. I combine different ingredients to create nice balance – and I like to shock with flavours. Leonie mixes herbs and flowers, Tom has a European style, our American brewer likes brown ales.”

With 60 beers on the menu plus seasonal additions (not forgetting their ciders and gins brewed under sister company MBC) there is constant innovation here at the brewery. Pawel is excited about the upcoming Brewers Guild Award, and I wonder what else drives him. “It’s an evolving industry, you must learn something every day to be on top of the market. It’s very challenging as well as demanding, but it gives me a lot of satisfaction when I see people enjoying my beer.”  So, where to next for Mount Brewing? “We want to push the boundaries. There’s a huge space to explore in rich flavourful beers and expand the barrel aged beers. Our goal is to be available in any place in New Zealand – supermarkets and bars. We want to be known for good quality beers.” 

Quick Fire Q & A

If you’re not drinking beer, what else?

Wine –a foresty, berry Shiraz or buttery Chardonnay chased with Oysters.

What is something people wouldn’t know about brewing beer?

90% of the job is basically cleaning!

Your favourite beer?

Golden Hour, Mermaids or Crazy Hazy for a catch up with friends – something dark for dinner. Like a child, I can’t pick a favourite.

Most popular brews?

Currently the Hazys (an unprocessed, unfiltered beer) which is a beautiful creation between hops, yeast and malts.

Special memory?

My first beer I made here for a coffee festival won a medal on the Brewer’s Guild Award.

Inspiration?

My travel experiences

Mountbrewingco.com

Creating and innovating

Hospitality really is at the heart of this restaurant.

Words Nicky Adams Photos supplied

Bethlehem’s Somerset Cottage has something of a multi-faceted footing in the food world. In addition to offering an unforgettable dining experience, it runs cook schools and provides the option of accommodation in an architecturally designed adjoining studio. It is unique not just because of its ‘dine, learn, stay’ ethos, but also because, under owner/operator husband and wife team Anne and Rick, Somerset Cottage has been creating cherished food memories for over 36 years, which in hospitality is monumental. 

Anne and Rick are respectively front of house and chef, and a mutual respect of the importance of each other’s roles goes a long way in their recipe for success. Anne has a unique gift in that she combines an efficient professional manner with friendliness and open humour. Rick is reserved, with modesty masking his mastery and expertise. He is miles away from the stereotype of bullish, egotistical chefs – in fact the thought of him raising his voice, throwing a tanty or melting down over a split sauce is frankly laughable. 

This calm, understated vibe is what defines Somerset Cottage, and the fact that Anne and Rick actively shy away from the limelight is in some way what has allowed them to seamlessly evolve from the small BYO restaurant that started in July 1986, to offering the symbiotic foodie experience that they excel in today. 

With a keen eye on the advances in dining expectations, they understand the need to move with the times. As Anne points out; “We’ve evolved on a food front, but also on a wine front – the drinks are no longer just about wine, increasingly it’s about cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Food has progressed immensely: people’s dietary requirements have necessitated that. We’ve embraced a vegan menu – as a long-established restaurant you have to offer the dishes that you are strongly associated with, but at the same time if regular customers don’t see change, some of them critique that - hence our weekly menu that accommodates the seasons.” Ironically, a regular diner I spoke to tells me, she often feigns delight at the array – then circles back to the tried-and-tested favourite dish, Sauteed Squid, every time.

While the food is exquisite – so much so that my visiting best friend smuggled vacuum-packed items back to Melbourne with her – the cook schools are at once informative, interactive, engaging, and entertaining. Held with Rick demonstrating and Anne explaining, the intimate vibe and the wealth of knowledge means that even the most timid home cook comes away with tips and the know-how to recreate restaurant-quality dishes. After the cooking demonstration the group together enjoy a long lunch and paired wine: the bonhomie and jokes flow as freely as the wine, and Anne remarks with obvious pleasure that “it just works.”

With the cook schools attracting participants far and wide, Anne and Rick made the decision to build a loft-style studio next door. According to Anne, “We had a vision – a small, intimate space that’s all about the bush - a space to decompress.” Whether just for a ‘staycation’ or to visit the restaurant or cook school, it’s a stunning stand-alone experience.

With a stubborn determination to remain under the radar, Somerset Cottage is a beguiling mix. It offers world-class food yet prizes the relationships with its customers above any accolade. While moving with the times – you’ll find Anne gleefully telling tales of sourcing the latest New Zealand distilleries – some things haven’t changed for 30 years; you will no more find yourself charged for your side dish than be allocated a restricted dining time slot. You are here for the experience – and the team will do its best to ensure it’s an unforgettable one.

Somersetcottage.co.nz

After Dark

Creative BOP’s urban festival is bringing light to dark times.

Words Luke Schroder - images supplied

It’s easy to walk around Tauranga’s city streets without paying any close attention to the big blank walls of surrounding buildings. Concrete slabs and featureless facades line the streets, designed to be forgettable, non-intrusive enclosures for the businesses contained behind them. But for some clever minds these walls represent a far more exciting opportunity. These walls will soon become canvases for creativity as artists light up public spaces with an eclectic mix of colourful shapes, short films, abstract imagery, and innovative lighting technologies that will show the city in a new light.

This exciting initiative is being brought to Tauranga by Creative Bay of Plenty, with funding support from Creative New Zealand. Trustpower has come on board as the major corporate sponsor, alongside partners Downtown Tauranga, Tauranga City Council, Priority One, Veros, Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust and Toi Ohomai. 

After Dark Urban Light Festival is an all-new art experience that will see a range of artworks transform Tauranga’s CBD into a gleaming playground full of exciting, illuminated installations. For 10 days in May a selection of luminous artworks will form a unique art trail across the central city through a mixture of video projection, freestanding sculptures, glowing alleyways, short films, and creative uses of vacant spaces. The festival is designed to be a self-guided journey spread across multiple sites within Tauranga’s CBD that encourages people to walk around the city discovering the various installations and the magic within.

It may not seem like a logical time to be running a new festival given the recent wave of event cancellations, postponements, and ongoing uncertainty, however with some clever thinking and careful planning After Dark is designed to be able to proceed regardless of traffic light settings or gathering restrictions. Because the festival isn’t fixed to a particular day, time, or single location, all those attending can be spread out from each other and stay socially distant whilst still enjoying all the festival has to offer.  

“We’ve intentionally designed a covid-friendly format that allows people to participate from a distance and at their own leisure”, says Project Manager Luke Schroder. “People can view any artwork at any time on any evening during the 10 days of the festival and still have the same great experience.”

After Dark will be an opportunity for families, friends, and individuals of all ages to share in an exciting and fresh artistic experience described as a ‘tapestry of illuminated creativity’. After Dark explores themes of connectedness in our society, specifically connections to people, culture, and nature. These connections make up the themed ‘threads’ of After Dark and serve as inspiration for new works created for the festival.

Emily Woolerton is one local artist creating a new artwork specifically for After Dark. As the creative mind behind Mount Maunganui design studio ‘Calico’ and clothing label ‘The Know’, Emily is no stranger to creating fun designs and out-of-the-box visual ideas. For the launch of her first clothing line, Emily used video projection to transform Papamoa photography studio Suburbia into an exciting visual feast of giant slurping noodles, animated playing cards, floor-to-ceiling curtains made of poetry, and a brand-new fashion collection on display.

“Normal moments became jarring by placing them in the centre of attention. Someone eating noodles is an average, everyday occurrence – until that person is five metres wide and you can see every detail. It became an immersive experience, where people were both transfixed and horrified by the ordinary.”

With a mind for design and an eye for detail, Emily is looking forward to creating a new piece to be exhibited at After Dark later this year.  Her artwork titled ‘Critical’ is a creative look at our need for human connection and examines how we are wired to thrive through relationships with one another instead of getting lost in our own insular worlds.

Emily is excited to see creativity fostered in the Bay of Plenty through projects such as After Dark and is looking forward to seeing the vibrancy it will bring to the city.  “One of the beautiful things about art is how it brings people together, and it’s really exciting to see events like this build the culture and atmosphere in Tauranga.”

After Dark Urban Light Festival runs from Friday May 13 to Sunday May 22, 2022 in Tauranga CBD and is a free-entry event suitable for all ages.

Café Near Me

With options to suit vegans, gluten-free and keto diets, as well as the pooch, there’s something
for every Mount local’s requirement at this new aptly-named café.

words Monique Balvert-O’Connor | photos Erin Cave

Carmen Furniss with her two sons, Torbin and Marick.

Carmen Furniss has just launched a long-dreamed-about venture that’s near to her heart.

She bought her first eatery (a Te Awamutu restaurant) at the tender age of 23. A few decades on and it’s time to do it again. Carmen is the proud owner of Café Near Me, which opened recently at number 8 Maunganui Road.

“Organic, earthy, textured is the look I’ve created and I think that coincides with the Near Me feel… it represents a warm hug,” the enthused, self-professed “foodie” shares. “It’s close to my heart (near me) and that’s part of the driving force behind the name.”

The name and the ambience are receiving plenty of nods of approval, as are the points of difference this

Mount Maunganui café presents.

“Our food, including a puppy menu, our implementation of a mental health policy, and our minimal waste (we’re aiming for zero waste) approach are what I call our unique selling points,” Carmen is proud to say.

As mother to a celiac daughter, she offers an essentially gluten-free menu (limited amounts of gluten can only be found in add-ons, catering for those wanting sourdough, for example).

There’s more than a cursory nod to the keto diet too. Carmen’s a-la-carte menu (there’s cabinet and counter food too) includes 12 items, three of which are exclusively keto, six are vegan and the remainder are a crossover of different elements.

If a gluten-free menu, with keto, vegan, dairy-free and refined sugar-free options are what you pine for, then Café Near Me will be close to your heart too.

Real fruit ice creams are on offer, as are smoothies and juices, the latter courtesy of Carmen and her husband’s abundant fruit orchard. Café Near Me is licensed, “so a vodka cruiser in the sun is a goer”. And the café includes an appealing outdoor area with views of Mauao.

Dog friendly, with canines permitted in the outdoor area, the café’s puppy menu features a Pupachino and two venison products supplied by the family’s Te Awamutu-based pet food range, Platinum Ranch.

Carmen wants people to feel at home in her café, and she feels very strongly about waste minimisation too.

“I’m aiming to get to zero waste and want the gold standards certificate to prove it. I have so many awesome contacts to help with this and my staff are being stringently trained on zero waste practises around set targets.”

Carmen has, for example, tapped into a new initiative – the Café Collect Incentive – that will take what’s currently not considered recyclable (for example, used napkins, tetrapack boxes, foil) and turn it into product like gib board.

“At Café Near Me there are exciting things happening. Super pumped is the over-arching feeling I am experiencing,” Carmen smiles.

Her remarkable enterprise is open from 7am to 3pm or 4pm, depending on the day (with a possibility of being open later in the peak season), six days a week, closed Mondays.

It is sited at the bottom of The Pacific building in a space that’s been home to various eateries over the years and has had a complete refit.

Contact: info@cafenearme.co.nz

Mount Dobson

Accommodation at Parkbrae Estate at Lake Tekapo, along with car hire, was easy to book through Booking.com.

Can you keep a secret? Luckily for you, neither can we.

words Jenny Rudd / photos Ben Hunter + supplied

Scything down the slope, plumes of glitter spraying behind him, my husband Mat whoops with joy after yet another run down the sundrenched slopes at Mt Dobson. Even though it's the winter school holidays and the snow and sun are plentiful, there are just a handful of people up here. Apparently the first rule of Dobbo is no one talks about Dobbo. That's what we were told by a Mackenzie Country local who has been skiing here for 35 years. And it explains why barely anyone's heard of the best-kept snowy secret in Aotearoa. This ski field has some of the country's best snow, every year, the best weather, the friendliest atmosphere and the least people. Allow us to lift the lid.

Skiing terrain

This is family skiing at its best. There are four lifts; one chair, one pommel, one T-bar and a beginners' rope tow. The basin is wide and open, and the runs are never crowded. We didn't queue for lifts, and we always found new places to explore over the week. The kids found some cool jumps and you could see right across the slopes to your little ones on one of the best learner slopes in the country. We skied every one of the seven days we were there. The sun shone, the powder fluffed around, and we wanted to stay another week because another dump was expected.

Ski school

Our four children had a two hour snowboarding lesson every morning with Archie, whose patience must not go unmentioned. All four went from absolute beginners to bombing down all the slopes by the end of the week. The lifties and instructors were all friendly and greeted everyone by name. You can book lessons before you arrive or on the day.

Writer Jenny and her brood of skiers and snowboarders about to hit the mountain for some serious shredding.

Eating on the mountain

Fairlie Bakehouse Pies. If you've had one before you'll be getting flashbacks around now. The pork belly and apple pie had a generous chip of crackling on top, and was an absolute winner. The café serves coffees, hot chocolates, pies and instant noodles. Sit round the heater in the cafe, or chuck a few folding chairs in the back of the car for a car park picnic. We took snacks up every day and left the car open so that we had a base to come back to.

Kit hire

You can hire all your kit from the well-stocked hut up on the mountain. We hired trousers, jackets, skis, boards, boots and helmets. Bring your own gloves, goggles, hats and gloves. Arrive early as it gets busy.

Peter Foote

In the seventies, Peter Foote climbed to the top with his cousin and thought 'This is it!' He spent seven years building a 17km road up to the ski field, and has been running Mt Dobson for the past forty years with members of his family. If you can get hold of a copy, read his book Against The Odds. I don't think there'll ever be another story like it. You'll see Peter whizzing around the slopes on various machines.

Stay in Lake Tekapo

We booked our accommodation on the booking.com app because of their flexible cancellation policy. There was no guarantee that snow (yes please!) or covid (no thanks!) would play ball. There are a huge range of options on the app to suit budgets and your group. We went for a house on the Parkbrae Estate, on the lake front by the Church of the Good Shepherd. The whole town is very well set up for visitors with a flash Foursquare, and great outdoors shops.

The stay at Parkbrae Estate, booked through Booking.com, was perfect for a family of six.

Do

Any non-skiing days are easily catered for in Lake Tekapo. Book into the Dark Sky Project for some stargazing, or soak in the hot springs overlooking the lake at Tekapo Springs.

Getting there

The booking.com app was a winner for car hire. We got a very roomy Audi Q7, which came with a roof box and snow chains. It was seamless, and as soon as we'd booked online, someone called to make sure we had everything we needed for our trip. The flight from Tauranga to Christchurch was direct, then the car was ready and waiting at the airport.

We were guests of Booking.com for accommodation and car hire, and Mt Dobson for lift passes and kit hire.

booking.com

Life of the party: Tauranga Party Hire helps to make your big day perfect

This big-hearted Tauranga hire company puts people first – and the “good” into good times.

INTERVIEW ANDY TAYLOR / PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

Throwing a party is always worthwhile; an excuse to catch up with family and friends, to celebrate occasions and successes. And while a big event might seem daunting to put on, the people that have made throwing parties their business have a knack for pulling it all together.

“Our whole purpose is to take the stress out of holding an event,” says Nathan Dolman, who bought the business with wife Amy in 2018. “With any occasion, there’s so much to think about and so much to do, so we really see our job as not only supplying equipment but also helping to take out all the background noise, and making sure nothing’s missed.” The couple do this in all sorts of ways, like delivering supplies for a weekend event on the Thursday, making for an easier Friday for their clients.

Amy, a former teacher, and Nathan, with his background as a bank manger who values seamless organisation, have extensive experience in all sorts of events like private dinners, weddings and corporate events. They know what works and what doesn’t. They’ve seen every kind of event you could imagine. Nathan in particular has been involved in the industry since he was young. His aunt and uncle owned a party hire company for many years, with Nathan working alongside them for pocket money back in the day. And now their children Ella (10) and Logan (8) are right in the mix. “We’ve involved the kids in the business from very early on,” says Amy.

Amy says their business is always looking toward the future. Sustainability is top of mind for the couple, with the model of the business a naturally smart choice for the planet. “It makes sense that you’d hire items for a party, instead of buying something only for it to gather dust.”

Tauranga Party Hire has everything from table settings, all kinds of glassware and plates – to furniture, lighting, PA systems and marquees. “If we don’t have something, we’ll do our best to find it and save you having to search it out from somewhere else. We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop,” adds Amy.

Ultimately, it all comes back to making any party a stress-free event. Amy says that at the heart of everything they do, is enabling their clients to celebrate a special occasion without a hitch.

“I love helping people, and that’s what we’re all about – problem-solving and making sure things go smoothly and efficiently, so you can concentrate on enjoying your event. It’s a real privilege to have a hand in someone’s perfect day.” 

Flexing your musical muscle at Totara St.

Great teachers are instrumental in developing a certain gift that keeps on giving, and UNO knows where you can find one.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS / PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Having flexed my musical chops at an early age by mastering “London’s Burning” on the recorder, I was a little taken aback to be told by my music teacher as a young teen that I was tone deaf.

The bubble of my fledgling pop career burst by the harsh words of Mr Crabb, I never picked up a musical instrument again (unless you count the triangle in the Christmas nativity play), and although my children have each shown some musical ability, I can lay no claim to being the genetic source of their talent. Music trends have moved with the times, though, and it’s fair to say that the array of possibilities now open to young (and not so young, for that matter) learners is extensive – and, more than that, exciting.

Here in Tauranga, we’re lucky enough to have among our options the Mauao Performing Arts Centre (MauaoPAC) based at multi-function venue Totara St, which offers tuition in every avenue you could imagine. No longer must parents be subjected to the screech of a recorder, when the array of instruments to choose from at MauaoPAC includes guitar, ukulele, bass, keyboards, piano, percussion, saxophone, violin and voice. In group classes and one-on-one lessons, there are up to 12 tutors available who operate out of four rooms.

The idea is to immerse the students not just in their lessons, but in the whole scene; some of the tutors are jobbing musos (until recently L.A.B frontman Joel Shadbolt taught here), and at the end of every term, a concert is put on in the high-tech on-site venue. Budding Billie Eilishes or not, this experience blows the kids’ minds. Although the thought of igniting and facilitating their children’s creative passion tops many parents’ to-do lists, like anything, it has to be the right fit.

Tauranga’s Carly Stewart sends her son to MauaoPAC for electric guitar lessons and her daughter to voice classes. She says she loves the culture because, “It has a laid-back, family feel, and the go-with-the-flow vibe fits nicely with the whole music scene”. When it comes to the benefits of being part of this community, Carly says, “It’s so important and has become a huge part of our lives. The temptations out there for teenagers are real and being passionate about music helps kids focus on the right stuff.” She also enjoys the end-of-term concerts. “They’re a definite highlight. They give the kids something to work towards – and parents love it too.”

It’s not just the musically gifted who reap rewards. Music can open a window for anyone to a truly wonderful world. Aside from the joy it brings in the moment, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Neuroscience studies prove that music can enhance brain function in children, and it helps to develop the left side of the brain, related to language and reasoning. People who are musically trained have been proven to have better working memory skills, which helps them to remember things even while their minds are busy with other matters. As someone with a shocking memory, this leads me to think it’s not just children who should be encouraged to pick up an instrument. Playing music also requires concentration, and in this day and age when technology cultivates an unhealthy desire for immediacy, training the brain to focus on something for sustained periods is invaluable.

Whether you have the next member of Sol3 Mio in your home or just a kid who loves to bang on a drum, MauaoPAC offers a joyous, encouraging environment for all. Add to this the confidence-building attached to any kind of performing, and even the ‘tone deaf’ like myself will come away richer. As German philosopher and composer Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.”

MAUAOPAC.CO.NZ