Because it’s there to be done

WORDS NATHAN PETTIGREW

This summer I met Brent Bourgeois, a well known Mount local and we discovered a shared passion for the environment. He had an idea to SUP (stand-up paddle board) from Auckland to Tauranga and asked if I wanted to come as support crew. Thinking it was 'just a bit of talk', I said "Yeah, for sure." Brent tagged me on Facebook and announced the paddle, and I thought "oh hell!" It was on. The set date: February 23rd. The reason: Because it was there to be done

Day One 65 km:

My upper body was ready, but sitting for so long was going to hurt. We launched just after sunrise with an outgoing tide, passed Rangitoto island and headed out to the open. I was excited about the marine life, and The Hauraki Gulf did not disappoint. Tailed by Mako sharks and dolphins that put on a spectacular show were highlights. The conditions were silky calm, right up until about 8 km from landing when the wind picked up. Brent’s focus and strength saw him through to the end, though. We landed at Port Jackson to enjoy a stunning sunset over a barbeque. 

65kms. 

Day Two 57 km:

Today we really had to watch out for each other, as rounding the point at the top of the Coromandel was not for the faint-hearted. The swell was around two metres and with confused water coming at all angles, it was one of the scariest moments of my kayaking career. We got through the worst of it to be faced with dark clouds that rolled in fast. The heavens opened and hammered down on us. We were then confronted by a head wind and were quickly running out of time to land. I sat in the kayak for a total of 12 hours solid. And it hurt. Big time. We finally arrived at Opito bay and I was very happy to fall out of the kayak and onto dry land. 

Day Three 60 km: 

I spent last night in a cabin, not my tent, so a good bed helped to ease my aching and broken body. We set off on yet another pearler of a day with a plan to stop at Hahei for coffee then on to our destination at Whangamata. It was all plain sailing until around five km out when a head wind picked up and made for a slow trip in. We powered up with electrolytes and bars to keep us fuelled during these last few kilometres so we were 'all smiles' as we rounded the point to come in for landing. That was, until I saw the surf. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of kayak surfing, but not when I’m in a sea kayak with gear onboard and cameras out in the open!

Day Four: 61km

My wet shirt made for a slightly uncomfortable start, but it didn’t matter as the surf was still pumping as we walked towards the glowing sunrise. I opted for powering through rather than timing the sets and it was a refreshing way to wake up. At the southern end of Whangamata, we could just see The Mount! The adrenaline was pumping and we went for it. After a quick stop for coffee in Waihi beach, we were ready to tackle anything, even the Bowentown Bar which was just rockin' and made for some fun surfing. Past 20 km of Matakana island, Mauao was like a welcoming giant standing above us. Emotions started to flow. I had close friends around The Mount waving and cheering and the old eyes were definitely watering. As we drew closer to Pilot Bay, we were met with applause. It took some doing, but we had done it!

Life is short. Don't let it slip by.

My heart lies in Fiji: Nicky Adams shares her favourite stays

WORDS NICKY ADAMS IMAGE SUPPLIED

International jet-setting explorer and, in another life, Condé Nast Traveller writer, Nicky Adams, has a whole new perspective on travel, given her permanent luggage of three small children.

My heart lies in Fiji - always has, always will. While there are many beautiful island destinations in this world, they don’t all come complete with a welcome that feels absolutely genuine, a national pride which shines out, and the locals’ desire to share their blessings with you, a passing traveller. And this doesn’t just apply to the resorts; venture out to central Fiji and there is not only magnificent countryside, but also new depths of hospitality. As for the outer islands, the beauty of these is nothing short of jaw dropping. However, while there was once a time I loved to explore, I now have three young children, and I can’t think of anything more horrific than discovering new horizons with them in tow. Oh no; I want streamlined travel, I want ease and I want cocktails, and lots of them. 

Which leads me straight to Denarau, a wee pocket of joy along the Fiji’s west coast. Granted, the beach does not have the wow factor or the snorkeling opportunities found at the outer islands, however a day trip to these is a breeze to arrange. And what Denarau offers in abundance is convenience and variety: resorts, restaurants and activities. So whether you are zipping over for a short stay or combining a stopover with an island retreat, ease is the name of the game. Whip through the airport (currently being upgraded) and after a 20 minute cab ride, voila! Check in, throw down your bags, strip off your winter warmers and melt into a ringside seat at the oceanfront bar. Perfect.

Here are some of the resorts who get that job done.

Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau

Rated the Number One Family Resort in Fiji in the 2016 and 2017 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, this is a spectacular location. Families flock here, loving the extensive grounds, selection of three kids’ pools, and of course the particularly cool (usually supervised) water slide. The lush tropical landscaping makes you feel as if you really are in Fiji as opposed to just a five-star-resort anywhere in the world, and this tropicana also helps dull down the noise of all the wee ones, so those dozing by the adults-only pool remain undisturbed. The Radisson in my opinion has a number of big draw cards – firstly it’s the only resort to boast climate-controlled pools. There is also good shade-sail coverage over the pools, which is unique to this resort, and finally there is the offer of some complimentary water sport activities. The Blu Banana Kids Club is comprehensive, but I was more impressed by the daily activities, so that if you don’t want to use the club, there is still plenty to do. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, however next October a big overhaul will start its first phase, which will take the rooms to a whole new realm. Incidentally, despite offering six fabulous restaurant choices (check out Signature Blu for fine dining) the one-bedroom suite comes with full kitchen facilities – and, gasps from those who enjoy home comforts, a washing machine and dryer. For families of five, if the youngest is an infant, you can fit into the suite, but you’ll need to contact the resort directly.

radissonblu.com/resort-fiji

Sheraton Fiji Resort

This resort is an integrated complex, which allows you access to both the facilities of the Sheraton and the Sheraton Villas, and the shared foyer will frankly knock your socks off. As you walk through the open entrance and look across an infinity pool to the ocean beyond, it’s hard to hold back tears of joy! Aimed at families, the villas comfortably house larger groups. While the exterior of the complex feels a little dated, there were details that make all the difference to a stay. The suites are spacious, towels were found to be soft and fluffy, the plunger coffee plentiful, and the kids’ pool ideal for young ones, and crucially, nice and close to the accommodation. Unlike the Radisson, where getting a hot spot around the pool can be cutthroat at times, here it’s a less aggressive activity. Another bonus is that guests are able to use the facilities at sister resort The Westin, which has, amongst other things, a brilliant outside play area for young kids. It’s a sad day when you admit to getting excited about a playground, but when the kids have had too much sun, this shaded area is enough to make me want to whoop with joy. Never mind the exceptional spa facilities and the access to the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, just give me a decent swing and my heart sings.

sheratondenarauvillas.com

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa

The Sofitel has an easy-breezy feel about it and the vibe is super family friendly, with little touches like an outdoor movie area close enough to the rooms for older kids to hang out unsupervised. It offers some really enticing deals for Accor members; amongst them, discounts of up to 50 percent on meals from the restaurant, and the day I visited, FJ$45 for unlimited soft drinks all day (plus alcoholic cocktails at certain times – yum). I do feel that this resort is a little tired and less up to the minute than others, however, to compensate for that the Sofitel has pulled something quite spectacular out of the bag in the form of The Waitui Beach Club. This is taking the idea of ‘adults only’ very seriously, even boasting its own check-in area. To ensure tranquility both the ‘Club’ and the rooms included in the Waitui Club, are located away from the family rooms. Oozing luxury, a peaceful vibe pervades. All the trimmings can be found: white daybeds, a glass walled gym overlooking the ocean that offers, amongst other things, yoga classes to help unwind further. If that’s not enough, beautiful people with beautiful silver trays of canapés waft around periodically throughout the day. To top it off, there’s an hour of complimentary evening cocktails. And not a child in sight.

sofitel.com/Fiji_Denarau

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NICKY’S TOP TIPS

• Check out the Tuckers ice-cream corner just outside the front of the Sheraton, delicious and a third of the price of the New Zealand Natural cones in the resorts.

• There is a medical centre on Denarau, and I can vouch for the fact that the service is quick and efficient.

• For à la carte I would recommend Signature Blu at the Radisson. Watch out for exclusive restaurants that are ‘cashless’ and menus that don’t include tax (on the list price) or vegetables, or you could, like us, find yourself paying over FJ$100 for a slab of steak alone.

• You can take some food types into Fiji, so if you like fresh milk, freeze it and take it as the resorts seem to only sell UHT. Other items to take are gourmet crackers, cheese and chocolate, all of which tend to be highly priced.

• Take a taxi to the port early in your trip and stock up on beer and supplies from the supermarket there.

• Flexibility with travel dates can result in competitive room rates. Also bear in mind that by using an agent you may be able to work out a room configuration that you cannot do online.
  

Food is the answer

Cook, author and actor Sam Mannering dusts off his pen and paper and starts writing invitations.

I have so many friends within walking distance of my house. Some of them I barely see twice a year. I’ve always felt bad about that sort of thing. We only ever get together at some forced event, and horribly enough, it always seems to be funerals. Even weddings don’t get people together. I’ve been to far too many where everyone stands around afterwards in the same haze of realisation as someone blurts out that we all must start catching up more often. It never happens. We get too caught up with the littlenesses, the trivial. 

I’ve decided that food is the answer. It always has been. 

I often find myself drawn to cultures who have been through more than their fair share of strife, because it’s there you’ll see the most love. And it’s always expressed through food. I think of places like China, the Middle East, Vietnam; cradles of conflict and oppression for thousands of years; and yet the people are always so generous, their cuisines so powerful, so important to their way of life. Cooking is love; no matter what, whether you are sitting around a pot in a bomb shelter or hiding out in the jungle it means that you get to be fed soon and that you will make it through another day; it means that for a few brief moments everyone is safe, contented, together.

I’ve recently discovered Chef’s Table on Netflix. I generally cotton on to popular culture approximately two years after everybody else. One episode features Jeong Kwan, a South Korean monk whose simple vegetarian food has blown the minds of the global culinary elite, from Eric Ripert to the New York Times. What drives the beautiful essence is her unselfishness, her generosity. A separation from ego; a simple desire to do good through food. And it is as much the attitude itself that makes her work so stunning. 

We’re too damn lucky here, but it seems to be pushing us apart. I don’t want to sound to tediously pious here but food should be bringing us together. I’ve realised that being a chef should make me a bit of a torchbearer. I can’t think of a better way to express generosity and love than through food. 

Where am I going with this? 

We don’t have much to complain about here. Things seem all a bit grim elsewhere at the moment what with maniacal toupees and xenophobia on the rise as if the twentieth century never happened. Others dribble on about Finland or Denmark being so wonderful but then again who wants to have Putin breathing down your neck at the promise of some nice new lebensraum. We do pretty well down here in our little corner of the Pacific; perhaps going that little extra mile to make more of an effort isn’t quite so hard after all.

I’m going to start inviting my friends around for dinner more. And you should too. I’m getting tired of the ‘oh we must catch up’ and then ten years go by and we’re at a funeral. 

It probably won’t make you as zen as Jeong Kwan, but it’ll remind you how lucky we are.

@sam.mannering

The Incubator

WORDS TALIA WALDEGRAVE PHOTOS TRACIE HEASMAN

After writing about The Men’s Shed in the summer UNO, I convinced my editor to let me go back to The Historic Village, as there’s just so much going on. Last time I came, my interest was piqued by the big red barn of The Incubator.

Simone Anderson gives me a guided tour and explains the role of The Incubator in Tauranga.

“In 2013, a few of us artists wanted studios, get out of our homes, and be in a space with other artists, and possibly exhibit our work. There was nowhere really in Tauranga for artists and musicians to be together.

“We found this brilliant space at The Historic Village, and started looking around at filling the gaps culturally by offering adult art classes, putting on exhibitions and events. 

When The Incubator opened in 2013, Simone and the team decided to have an exhibition. “We wanted it to be amazing, and for everyone to feel part of it, even if we thought we might not sell anything! The audience became the art too. We called it The Midnight Circus, and everyone came in costume. We had trapezists, fire eaters, all sorts! We wanted people to really feel enriched by it, that what we had done was worthwhile.”

“The speed with which The Incubator has grown has been completely unforeseen. The growth has been reactionary to the hunger. There was no common denominator for art in our city, just lots of fracture. The Incubator is a platform where that creativity can take place.

“We run lots of projects, supported by a collective made up of our resident artists, and a wider group of creative people who support our philosophy who volunteer a wide range of skills; graphic designers, writers, craftspeople, and theyall collaborate on our projects.”

A Grim Tale

To explain the kinds of projects they undertake, Simone hands me a copy of A Grim Tale. This beautiful book was a collaboration with The Women’s Refuge, putting together survivors of physical abuse, writers and artists. Putting such beauty behind such a taboo subject is such an innovative way to tell a story and just highlights how creatively The Incubator team likes to think. 

Other collaborations around the city have The Incubator stamped all over them and one in particular is the colourful pianos we featured in the Peter Williams issue last year. “We were asked to paint one piano, we said we’d do three and we ended up doing eleven.”

A new exhibition space has just gone in and as Simone explains, it’s for emerging artists looking to showcase their work. “It is incredibly difficult to get your work into a gallery, so we wanted to provide something that catered for that.”

Behind the exhibition space are the studios of the resident artists. Wandering between them is like being in an underground cave and each one is completely unique; paintbrushes, tools and inspirational musings are crammed in like organised clutter. 

The Artery

Simone leads me into the Artery, the recently acquired building next door that they use for art classes.

“When the government axed night classes in schools, people no longer had anywhere to go. We saw a huge gap to fill that creative space. These are bite sized, achievable classes, often run by our resident artists and the connect people in a social way as well as a creative way. It takes them out of isolation. Most people walk away with connections, having made new friends.”

The classes range from one day to six weeks, and cover printing, painting, ceramics and more. Classes are always changing and information is kept up to date on The Incubator website.

Time to Visit

“The Village comes alive every second Sunday and we wheel out our stage and local musicians perform. It astounds me that aside from the bar and pub scene, there’s nowhere for musicians to meet, so this is another way for us to provide that opportunity.”

Once again I walk away feeling inspired and it’s wonderful to see this space that Simone’s team have created for artists to collaborate. 

“It’s not just about the Incubator as a place, it’s what we want to achieve. We want everybody to up the value of arts within the community. Art is not about retail or income, it’s about a way of life.”

theincubator.co.nz

Truckin’ good eats

Got the drive to enjoy some delicious food-truck flavours? Check out our convoy of options.

Best cheap & cheerful

Kenny Johns Foodtruck

Our pick: Pork sliders

After selling his waterfront café Deckchair, local chef Ken Greenhill found a 1969 fire truck on Trade Me, lovingly restored it and turned it into a food truck from which he now serves fresh, affordable cuisine and award-winning Hawthorne coffee in Tauranga and at the Mount. He also caters for festivals, corporate functions, weddings and other private events – all with his own special brand of charisma and soul.

On the menu: Innovative street food – ribs, wraps, tacos, poke bowls, gourmet burgers and sliders, pies, fries and more from around $4–15.

KENNYJOHNSFOODTRUCK

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Best Japanese 

Ichiban

Our pick: Donburi

Head to 2 Newton Street, Mt Maunganui and you’ll find Ichiban purveying street food with a Japanese twist. Owner/chef Karen Onishi is a food engineer by trade and passionate about great food. Ichiban arose from her love of tasty and authentic Japanese street food, and she brings to her customers the best of Japanese home cooking, using family recipes, authentic flavours and the freshest ingredients to deliver the best food experience from a cool vintage caravan.  

On the menu: Poke bowls, donburi, sides and drinks.

ICHIBAN.CARAVAN

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Best kaimoana

OY Premium Oysters

Our pick: Fresh oysters

Brigitte and Lew Davies have taken their decades of combined experience in the fishing and seafood industry and turned it into a business that’s really going places – usually to the Mount, Papamoa, Matua or beside the Wairoa River, depending on the day. They absolutely love meeting fellow oyster-lovers and introducing newbies to the oyster world. 

On the menu: Oysters fresh off the ice – on their own, with lemon, with balsamic vinegar, with cheese… From time to time, they introduce rare and seasonal specialties as well, such as whitebait fritters and king prawns.

OYISFOROYSTER.COM

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Best superfood 

Soul Boul

Our pick: Smoothie bowls

Soul Boul co-founders Alexandra Bell and Stacey Horton have been friends since university, bonding over being active, healthy, happy humans with a shared love of good food and coffee. With backgrounds in hospitality, after graduating, they decided to open New Zealand’s first smoothie bowl food truck together. Firm believers that we are what we eat, they’ve been serving nutritious, organic and yummy wholefoods every summer for four years now and have just landed their very first permanent spot at 58 Ashley Place, Papamoa.

On the menu: Plant-based smoothie bowls and organic coffee. 

SOULBOUL.COM

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Best sushi

Sushi Pandas

Our pick: Cali rolls

Sushi chef Fernando Pinilla just wants to make people happy – and if you’ve ever visited her at her cart, Sushi Panda, you’ll know she’s quite the entertainer! A sushi chef for 18 years and originally from Chile, she arrived in Aotearoa 10 years ago. Today, her three-year-old food truck is well-loved in Tauranga, at the Mount and in Rotorua; catch her at 13 Bain Street, Mt Maunganui, the main Mount Beach, the Bay’s biggest summer festivals and our local markets too.

On the menu: Chilean fusion sushi. 

SUSHIPANDAS 

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Best Kiwi classics

The Wave

Our pick: Real fruit ice cream

Situated on Marine Parade in front of Leisure Island, The Wave and its owner-operators Elliot and Grace Sims provide the popular treats Kiwis can’t get enough of. Serving food that makes people smile in the most beautiful location, they’ve created a friendly and welcoming family environment that also celebrates great music and good manners. Elliot’s even been known to give away ice-creams to well-behaved children!

On the menu: Real fruit and Tip Top scoop ice-cream, Longest Drink in Town milkshakes, Vogel’s toasties, fresh fruit smoothies, juices and locally roasted Little Drum coffee.

THEWAVETHEMOUNT

Top summer product and treatment picks from Tranquillo

Top-to-toe product and treatment picks from our appearance pro Sue Dewes at Tauranga’s Tranquillo Beauty Clinic.

Top Products

For your eyes

O Cosmedics No Baggage Native Collagen Eye Mask

Your new best friend before those special events, this eye mask smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and hydrates, plumps and firms the delicate skin around the eyes. Dampen with water, smooth on, boost with an O Cosmedics serum if you wish, then sit back and relax, and you’ll see visible results in just 20 minutes.  

For your feet

Gehwol Refreshing Balm

This footcare brand has a solution for every problem, ensuring your feet always feel comfortable. This balm is my favourite summer product from the range as it combats that burning feeling tired feet can bring when the weather’s hot. With menthol and peppermint oil, it cools, deodorises and moisturises. 

For your face

Juvenate B-Hydrated 4D  

I love to support New Zealand skincare companies, so for me this multi-active hydrating complex is a win-win. Designed to de-stress, soothe, smooth, strengthen and protect the skin while promoting collagen formation, it’s suitable for anyone concerned with hydration but extra-beneficial for those dealing with inflammation or acne. 

For your nails

FABY nail lacquers 

Cruelty-free and without toxic chemicals, Italian-made Faby nail polishes are considered among Europe’s most innovative. In a vast array of fashion colours, they’re formulated without the ‘big five’, so you can have fun using them to accessorise your summer look knowing they won’t compromise your nails or your overall health.  

For your protection

Environ RAD Shield Mineral Sunscreen 

Fewer chemicals but more complete protection designed to be applied more often, this is your safe, effective, daily shield against UVA, UVB, infrared rays and blue light. It combines powerful physical blockers zinc oxide and titanium oxide with a boost of antioxidant including vitamin E to minimise the free-radical damage triggered by UVA radiation.

Special treatments

Lash lifts & tints 

A wonder treatment with all the benefits of extensions but none of the maintenance and trauma to your natural lashes, lash lifts make your lashes look longer but curling them gently upward, opening up the eyes for a more youthful look. The result is simply beautiful, with a tint to top them off that means mascara can be a thing of the past for several weeks. For a complete treatment, combine with a brow shape and tint. 

Spray tans

There’s no doubt about it, a tan can make you look healthy, and with the Eco Tan line, a naturalistic tan is yours with no sun damage involved. Ingredients matter to me, so we offer the formulation that’s best for your skin and the environment, and this certified-organic range produces a beautiful colour almost immediately. We can also teach you how to care for your tan to give you a consistent look all summer long. 

Pedicures  

Want to look your best barefoot at the beach and in those summer sandals? Come and see us for a thorough Tranquillo pedicure. Winter feet are simply not ready to be summer feet without some TLC, so don’t let your neglected toenails let you down – let us soak away that dry, rough skin, then enjoy a invigorating, velvety massage finished with Faby nail polish for all the the glam with none of the nasties. 

Bespoke facials 

Summertime and the living is easy and more social too, so if you’d like to feel your best when you’re out and about, we can design a gorgeous facial for you to beautify your skin while relaxing your body and mind. Achieving an authentic healthy glow is so rewarding and our full facial analysis will help us tailor a treatment that’s perfect for you. Regular facials will also help to repair any skin damage and prevent warm-weather skin issues. 

TRANQUILLOBEAUTY.CO.NZ

Go to town

It’s not all ancient history at Tauranga’s Historic Village. In fact, there’s a world of contemporary pleasures to get amongst.

WORDS Kate Underwood PHOTOS Salina Galvan

At the foot of 17th Avenue West is a village where makers, bakers, creatives and community organisations come together to offer a unique heritage destination amid original and replica early-Tauranga buildings. The grounds are open seven days a week and entry is free, so gather the crew for a nostalgic excursion to explore and meet the locals. Here are a few you could encounter…

The Whipped Baker

Fuel a wander of the old-timey streets at The Whipped Baker, where you’ll be greeted with a feast for the eyes as well as your stomach, with an array of treats including generous cream donuts, steak and cheese pies, raw salads and ‘freaking good’ shakes. Initially a humble bakery stall founded by Fran and Aaron Cooper at the Tauranga Farmers’ Market in 2006, by 2016 The Whipped Baker had a permanent corner site in the heart of the Historic Village, complete with plenty of local Little Drum coffee to perk up visitors and neighbours. They also have a catering service that offers antipasto platters and birthday cakes for all your party needs.

THEWHIPPEDBAKER

White Silk Bridal Couture

At White Silk Bridal Couture, you’ll find a timeless collection of elegant silk and lace-laden wedding gowns. Each piece is hand-crafted here by lead designer Nicky Hayward, who prides herself on creating a seamless and enjoyable experience for all her brides. Everything is made to measure and of the highest quality befitting of such a significant day. Whether you’re a bride or not, it’s worth popping into this whimsical sanctuary to lust over the Swarovski jewels.

WHITESILKBRIDAL.COM

Imprint Gallery 

Imprint Gallery celebrates original, diverse and affordable prints from local and national artists. Co-owner Jackie Knotts is a printmaker who specialises in linocut relief printing, while painter Stella Clark has her studio base at the gallery and works with fine-art prints called giclée created on high-quality cotton rag paper. Both are deeply passionate about the intricate nature of printmaking and love chatting to visitors about the techniques involved. 

IMPRINTGALLERY.ART

The Makers 

If you’ve enjoyed Tauranga’s Oktoberfest, Gincredible or Night Owl Cinema, you have The Makers to thank. Amy Kemeys and Becks Clarke are the dynamic and resourceful duo behind the multi-faceted project and event company, based at the Historic Village. With 25 years of experience, they believe in the power of gathering together and can turn any idea into an engaging occasion, whether a private theatre screening, a corporate party or a boutique culinary celebration.

WEARETHEMAKERS.CO.NZ

Leadlight Expressions

Lynn and Steve Sinclair are the masterminds at Leadlight Expressions, purveyors of beautiful fused leadlight and stained-glass creations. Part of the village since 2003, they design, manufacture and repair everything leadlight, from commissions for private homes to restorations for churches, including Tauranga’s Holy Trinity. No design is repeated, the couple working with each of their clients to transform simple sketches into stained or textured-glass form. As well as selling made-to-order jewellery and more, they host monthly workshops at which you can craft an exquisite piece of your own. 

LEADLIGHTEXPRESS.CO.NZ

HISTORICVILLAGE.CO.NZ

Aston Martin DBX: supreme luxury on all terrains

With the kind of exhilarating power and control necessary for navigating New Zealand’s unique and challenging terrain, the Aston Martin DBX brings with it a luxury that could comfortably take you from one end of the country to the other.

The first ever SUV from Aston Martin, it’s also a rare example of getting it right first time - scooping ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ from The Sunday Times and ‘Best Luxury SUV’ from the GQ Car Awards.

4 October, 2020; London UK: Aston Martin Lagonda’s first SUV, DBX, has been awarded the ‘Best Designed Car of the Year’ at The Sunday Times Motor Awards. While the shortlist is drawn up by judges at News UK, the winners are chosen by readers votes.

Will Dron, Editor of Driving.co.uk at The Sunday Times said, “A brand traditionally associated with sports cars had a tough job on its hands creating its first SUV, but the fact that Sunday Times readers voted the DBX their favourite design of the year — against some truly stunning competition — is a clear indication that Aston Martin got it right first time.”

The Aston Martin DBX was first revealed in November last year and sees the British brand compete in a new segment of the global luxury market for the first time. Built on a new dedicated platform in a purpose-built manufacturing facility in St Athan in Wales, DBX remains distinctly an Aston Martin through both its engineering and design: From the signature grille at the front, through the sculptured sides and design feature line, to the tailgate flip that draws inspiration from the brands most focused sports car, Vantage.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Lagonda EVP and Chief Creative Officer says, “We are delighted that Aston Martin DBX has been awarded by readers of The Sunday Times for its design. We designed DBX as we would a sports car, but its unique platform gave us the freedom to create an SUV with stunning performance and design, and to be awarded Best Designed Car of the Year makes us very proud of what we have achieved ”.

Chief of Vehicle Attribute Engineering Matt Becker says the DBX offers supreme confidence, whatever the terrain.

“Our performance has seen us push the boundaries of what is possible for an SUV.”

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DBX is an SUV with a V8 engine that offers an exhilarating 550PS power output, backed by 700Nm of torque. That power is delivered over the widest possible range, focused on providing instant throttle response.

The DBX has active all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution and height-adjustable air suspension, which combine to give you the confidence and versatility you need for life’s great adventures. Thanks to lightweight aluminum construction, and its world-leading powertrain and suspension developed by the finest engineers of their kind, DBX drives like no other SUV - it drives like a sports car.

Giving back to the community beyond crisis: Todd Hilleard of Noxen

“I ran at her and tackled her onto the bed. She still had the gun in her hand but now it was pointed at me. I kept thinking, ‘Is this real?’”

WORDS Ellen Brook

Todd Hilleard was passionate about being a police officer, but a routine callout turned armed confrontation was the first in a series of events that changed his state of mind. Todd had been talking to a woman who had allegedly assaulted her husband when suddenly she pulled out a pistol, held it to her head, and threatened to shoot herself.

“It was a horrible situation,” recalls Todd. “Everything was happening in slow motion and I felt awful to be pinning this woman down, trying to force the gun from her hands.It was my first time in a situation which came from nowhere and involved a firearm. I was completely unprepared for it.”

Later, Todd was rattled when a driver he’d stopped unexpectedly reached under the seat of his car. “I was worried he might be reaching for a gun, and it put me on edge,” says Todd. 

After another event where a shotgun was thought to be in the vehicle of a father who had abducted his children, Todd realised he wasn’t coping. The Police transferred him from Tauranga to Christchurch, his hometown, hoping the fresh start would improve his mental health.

But the September 2010 earthquake made Todd even more anxious. “Afterwards, I was on edge.I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin, especially going out on jobs in the middle of the night.”

During the second earthquake in February 2011, Todd was at work on the third floor of the Christchurch Central Police Station. “The alarms went on and on, and I expected the building to come down,” says Todd. “I was terrified.”

Todd didn’t have time to dwell on his fear; he was immediately sent to the CTV building which had collapsed like a concertina, killing 115 people and trapping many more. “Other cops were on top of the rubble, but I thought, ‘I can’t be here, I’m scared’," says Todd. He stayed at the scene for 12 hours. “It was chaos. I saw terrible things you hope to never see.”

There were also bright spots. Todd and his fiancée Tash were planning their wedding, and he was working on a rewarding project organising the recovery of vehicles trapped in Christchurch’s Red Zone. But the day after his stag party, Todd went to hospital with heart palpitations. He then had an allergic reaction to the drug he was given and went into anaphylactic shock. His heart needed electrical cardioversion to restart its normal rhythm.electrical cardioversion, a high-energy shock sent to the heart to restart its normal rhythm. Todd was devastated.

“I couldn’t believe this was happening to me at 30 years old,” says Todd. “I was beside myself at the thought of my heart stopping.”

Todd married Tash in April 2011. Although the wedding was a happy occasion, Todd hit rock bottom soon afterward. “I was driving to the movies when I started to have chest pains,” says Todd. “I went to the hospital, but my heart wasn’t the problem. I was having a panic attack.”

After the birth of their baby boy, Tate, Todd woke up one morning in 2011 and  knew he couldn’t go back to work. “It was time for me to stop fighting.I felt quite euphoric about that.”

He went on sick leave from the Police, and then leave without pay. Soon after, Tash, then 24 weeks pregnant with their daughter Lexi was made redundant and the young family moved back to Tauranga. Todd found solace in the local surfing scene, but he’d lost his identity as a police officer. “I’d be out and see police cars with my old mates in them. It took a long time to accept what had happened,” says Todd. He finally resigned from his job in 2013.

Although he’d left the Police, Todd’s mental health was still poor. At his lowest point, he even considered suicide. “My twisted thoughts were my biggest battle. They put me in a very dark place and I worried I was going crazy,” says Todd. “I finally got help through my doctor, went to therapy and realised that talking openly and rawly and letting myself be vulnerable really helped.”

Todd returned to the workforce in sales at Coca-Cola and then Goodman Fielder, and stayed involved in the surfing scene. His love of the sport led him to the next chapter of his career. Taking part in the 2018 Police Association Surfing Champs in Raglan, Todd noticed that at 1.8 metres and 90kg, the XL-sized hooded towelling poncho Todd received as a souvenir of the event was too small for him. He began researching similar products and looking at samples. When he found what he wanted, he set up Noxen (noxen.co.nz), an online surf and lifestyle clothing business. 

For Todd, what started as a solution to one problem has become a way for him to give back to the community. The brand’s tagline “Ride Every Wave” reminds Todd to ride out life’s ups and downs. A percentage of each sale goes to Lifeline, the mental health and suicide prevention hotline, and a further percentage of sales revenue is donated to other charitable causes.

Todd continues to be open about his mental health, both on the Noxen website and at speaking engagements. He acknowledges that his experiences changed his ability to manage things the way he used to. “I’ll never be fully back,” says Todd. “I’ll always have anxiety and depression, but I can manage it, and now I have an opportunity to pay it forward.”

---

WHERE TO GET HELP

Sometimes it helps to know someone is listening and that you don’t have to face your problems alone.

0800 LIFELINE

Youthline 0800376633

Free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.

Bayleys CEO Heath Young looks to the future

“We are constantly looking to refine what already works really well, to deliver better-than-expected results for everyone we work with.”

Heath Young the new CEO at Bayleys takes his group into the future with the family values they were founded on.

Words Daniel Dunkley Photos Salina Galvan

In the Bayleys family of 570, there are 120 people who've worked there for more than a decade. “Our people are our biggest strength,” says Heath  Young - newly appointed CEO of Bayleys. “Selling over 100 homes a month, or 25 a week requires a massive effort, slick operations, and sharp marketing. Of the top 20 salespeople in New Zealand, Bayleys has six of them here in Tauranga. We’re 40 percent owned by the managers and salespeople, and we’re a family.”

As well as state-of-the-art systems and structure to run a group this size, Heath says everything is underpinned by the family values the group was based on when they started out.
The real estate industry is fast-paced, there's lots of information available to everyone. Bayleys is able to use their immense experience and skill to analyse that information and use it to benefit their customers.
"We are constantly looking to refine what already works really well, to deliver better-than-expected results for everyone we work with," says Heath.
Everyone used their time over lockdown differently. “While the nation was in lockdown, people still wanted to buy, which was great,” says Heath. “We were able to try new things, like hold online auctions conducted by our expert auctioneers.” As Bayleys adjusted to the new way of doing things, the company introduced 3D online viewing technology, letting buyers take a virtual stroll through a home and then take part in the auction without setting foot in the property.

“This was a huge boost for sellers, and it was great to introduce new ideas quickly and see immediate positive results. We’ve also improved the way we use data,” says Heath. “We want to build the best business possible for the customers we represent. That’s why we do it.”

Heath, who has led Bayleys since February last year, wants the real estate business to go from strength to strength in the new COVID-19 world. He believes everyone needs specialist help more than ever to navigate the new normal.

Bayleys has been a big presence here for 15 years, and sells 1,200 homes, commercial buildings, and rural properties each year across the mid-North Island. Heaps of know-how and the vast resources of the Bayleys machine have kept the firm at the cutting edge of modern real estate.

For Heath, the Bay of Plenty and his home patch of Mount Maunganui will always hold a massive appeal for buyers. “We’ve pretty much returned to normal,” Heath says. “The market is resilient, and people will continue to flock to the Bay of Plenty from New Zealand and eventually from overseas, when restrictions lift.” 

Tokoroa-born Heath moved to Tauranga five years ago to become Bayleys’ chief operating officer, and has worked his way to the top of the business. He was no stranger to the Mount before joining; he spent three years here in the 1990s working for blue-chip firm KPMG.

When you believe in the lifestyle you sell, working in the high-octane real estate game doesn’t feel like hard work. Heath, whose wife Jane runs Mount Yoga, lives life to the full here, too.

“Golf has given way to jet ski fishing in recent years. Nothing beats blasting out through the harbour entrance and spending a couple of hours picking up a few snapper and completely switching off.”

Bayleys also covers Taranaki and Waikato, and Heath is confident about its future across the middle of the North Island. While COVID-19 will be a challenge for some time, he believes the local market is strong. “We’re seeing some real momentum, this is one of the best parts of the country to be in."

BAYLEYS.CO.NZ

Tauranga’s Dominic Tupou makes his on-screen debut as a young Jonah Lomu

WORDS Casey Vassallo PHOTOS supplied

At a family reunion, Dominic Tupou sat down with Jonah Lomu’s mum Hepi and found out just how much he and his distant relation were alike. “I did some character study with his mum and family,” Dominic says. “I learnt a lot about Jonah. In Tongan we call it fie tangata lahi. It means ‘wanna be old’. Because Jonah was surrounded by older cousins and uncles, he wanted to be like them. As soon as I told my family that that was just like me.”

It was December 2018 that the now 16-year-old headed to Auckland to audition for the role of young Jonah Lomu for a television mini series. “I didn’t think I did too well. We did the scene where I was crying after I got a hiding from my dad,” he says. “I thought I over acted.” 

But he nailed it and began filming mid-March in Otara, Auckland. So committed to the role, he even had his newly fitted braces removed to film after finding out he’d got the part. 

Dominic says he got a lot out of working with Director Danny Mulheron and the on-set Tongan adviser Nua Finau. “I learnt that acting on stage and acting on camera are two completely different things,” he says. “Acting on stage is more dramatized. You have to make everything big: sing louder, act bigger, all your emotions have to be over-exaggerated.” 

“On camera, they’re right there, so you can’t act as much,” Dominic says. “I found it a challenge, especially because all my online stuff is still really exaggerated so everyone understands the character I’m playing.”

In early January 2018, Dominic started posting videos inspired by real-life experiences on Instagram (@holyboy.domtupou). “I started making little skits, funny videos, because I was watching @samoansefaa – he’s a big online creator in the Pacific community,” he says. “I think my first big, big one was How To Be Sexy.” 

Today, he’s racked up over 76,000 followers. His following suddenly grew when American-born Polynesian singer Dinah Jane joined one of Dominic’s live streams. His reaction to the former member of the girl-group, Fifth Harmony was funny enough for her to post it to her 3.9 million followers.

“There was a phase where Mum and the rest of my family were like, ‘nah, that’s a waste of time,’” he admits of his insta-fame. “But now they’re all supportive because they’ve seen how much of an influence I am to the younger kids; a lot of them really look up to me.” 

And it’s true. Dominic is often asked to visit several schools and chat about everything from role models to identity. He’s also been an MC, on panel discussions, a dance tutor and guest performer at a list of events around the region. 

Born in Auckland, Dominic moved to Tauranga when he was and is now in grade 11 at Tauranga Boys’ College. He’s part-Tongan, part-Cook Islander, part-New Zealand Māori and lives with his number one supporter, mum Malia Soifua Tupou Pearson, along with his stepdad and four younger siblings, Marcus (13), Sammie (10) and twins Malia and Evelingi (11).

Dominic won his first talent quest in year three covering One Voice by Billy Gilman, and proceeded to take it out in years five and six. “I’ve been singing ever since I was in kindie,” he says. “I’ve always been interested in the arts. From singing and winning the contest, I started taking piano lessons, learning the ukulele, and then I moved onto musical theatre.” 

First off, he landed a lead role in the Selwyn Ridge Primary production of Made in New Zealand in 2014 at age 10. Dominic played Professor Ludwig Von Drake (the German duck) from Mickey Mouse and sung The Spectrum Song. “It was a fun character to play. Ever since primary school, I've been the class clown,” Dominic says.

Then it was on to bigger things, playing Aladdin in 2015 and by Lord Farquaad in Shrek in 2017, both for the Tauranga Musical Theatre. “It was a step up from just your normal school play,” Dominic says. “With proper costumes, makeup and lighting.” 

Red carpets aren’t the long-term dream for Dominic. Instead, he looks to what Samoan filmmakers and siblings Stallone and Dinah Vaiaoga-loasa are doing in the industry behind Take Home Pay, Three Wise Cousins and Hibiscus & Ruthless. “Watching and listening to them has inspired me to be where they are,” says Dominic. “Making movies, telling our people’s story through the screen and being able to share it with everyone.”

Dominic is currently in the midst of more auditions, with another role inevitably around the corner. “If that doesn't go to plan, I’ll study psychology and become a detective,” says Domimic. “I like the idea of being in the police force without a uniform.”

Family with a love for property

Monique Balvert-O’Connor finds out how Kay Ganley combines a record-smashing career in real estate with time for her family – in particular, her beloved granddaughter, Georgia.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR / PHOTOS BRYDIE THOMPSON

It must be a great day when you realise that the best people to employ in your growing business, are your family.

FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, KAY HAS BEEN THE BAYLEYS MOUNT AND PAPAMOA OFFICE TOP SALESPERSON. She doesn’t simply rank highly on the local stage; in the last financial year she was fourth nationwide in Bayleys’ residential sales, and eleventh over all offices covering residential, country, and commercial property sales. She has been in the top five percent nationwide for a few years now. Three years ago, Kay took on a full-time PA and, this year, family members have joined the winning force.

KAY’S ELDEST DAUGHTER, JANELLE GANLEY, WHO HAS WORKED IN THE BAYLEYS OFFICE FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS, JOINED HER MOTHER’S TEAM ONLY A MONTH AGO. She lists and works with vendors and buyers. Conrad Doyle – the partner of Kay’s second daughter, Chloe – also became part of the team this year, as a buyers’ agent. Chloe, meanwhile, has established a five-star property management company, and that includes house cleaning services for Kay’s clients. Son, Mitchell, though is far removed from the property world. He’s studying towards a PhD in biotechnology.

A TRIP TO SINGAPORE AND THE MALDIVES IN JUNE THIS YEAR, BUENOS AIRES THE PREVIOUS YEAR, AND HAWAII BEFORE THAT, ARE ALL PART AND PARCEL OF THE KAY GANLEY SUCCESS STORY. Bayleys takes their top nationwide high achievers on overseas trips annually, and Kay has got used to packing her bags mid year.

HER WORKING LIFE IS UNDERSTANDABLY BUSY. But as the team has grown, work-life balance has improved. Time for her grandchild, walks around Mauao, and pilates, are now on the radar. “Having a team of four means we provide the ultimate service for our clients, and I get to see my children and granddaughter so much more.”

“A CLIENT TOLD ME RECENTLY THAT I WOULD BE LEAVING A LEGACY. That compliment was hugely humbling. But one day, when I retire, they can carry on that legacy, if that’s what it is,” Kay says.

KAY BEGAN HER REAL ESTATE JOURNEY AS A 42-YEAR-OLD, following years owning men’s fashion stores.

“I OWNED MY OWN BUSINESS FROM THE AGE OF 21. When it was time for a change, I knew I wanted to remain my own boss, have flexibility, and feed my love of people. I hit on the real estate idea.” It was a good fit. She sold her first property two weeks into the job.

AFTER EIGHT YEARS WORKING WITH OTHER COMPANIES, SHE JOINED THE BAYLEYS MOUNT OFFICE IN 2006. Kay deals in high-end properties, from baches to mansions, mainly beach, waterfront, and bordering the golf course at Mt Maunganui, and Papamoa. She’s a record-holder. Her first beachfront sale was over $1 million in the late 1990s – one of the first to sell at that price, and she was responsible for the first $1 million sale bordering The Mount golf course. She also holds the luxury home market record at the office for a $6.6 million Marine Parade sale in 2015.

AS FOR HER RAZOR-SHARP, WINNING EDGE, testimonials are rich in adjectives such as warm, trustworthy, knowledgeable, empathetic, and professional.

“SOME PEOPLE PERCEIVE REAL ESTATE TO BE A SIMPLE BUSINESS, BUT IT’S NOT IF YOU DON’T HAVE DETERMINATION AND COMMITMENT. I HAVE THAT, PLUS I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN DRIVEN TO BE SUCCESSFUL.”

WITH THAT DRIVE HAS COME COMPROMISE – SHE’S MISSED FAMILY GATHERINGS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. Before having a full-time PA on board, paperwork would keep her up until midnight. Then there’s the on-call component, and weekends dedicated to taking clients to houses, and staging open homes. It’s fortunate, she says, that her husband, Mike Gallagher, understands her working world – he manages a real estate office. But, with the team now in place, a more balanced life is forecast. And, as Kay says, all the highs in the job are people- related. Now she gets to enjoy the job while surrounded by family and the clients who’ve become like family over the years.

AS FOR HER PERSONAL SLICE OF REAL ESTATE? Kay and Mike live in a downtown Mount apartment and own a holiday home in Ohope. She plans to be at the latter, with her feet up, for Christmas.

KAYGANLEY.BAYLEYSNZ.CO.NZ

Know the craft

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR / PHOTOS KENRICK RHYS

Locals and holidaymakers looking for a notable dining experience need go no further than Tauranga’s The Barrel Room.

Home to craft beer, whisky, fine wine, tasty food and live music, The Barrel Room on Tauranga’s Wharf Street has been wowing people since it opened its doors two years ago. Driven by a passion for finely crafted things, owners Carolyn and Stewart Gebbie came to Tauranga to offer the city something new.

The locals are immensely grateful and appreciate that Carolyn and Stewart have excellent drink, food, service and atmosphere on tap. For this couple, the business is a marriage made in heaven. Carolyn loves wine, while Stewart loves beer – and he certainly knows about it; he co-owns Wellington craft brewery Te Aro Brewing Co, and loves how The Barrel Room is a celebration of great beer.

The selection is great, with 16 independent taps, which means the Gebbies can serve what they believe are New Zealand’s best beers. They have four taps dedicated to local brewers, and use the Untappd app to let customers know which beers and ciders they have on tap at any time. It’s little wonder The Barrel Room is a hit among lovers of craft beer.

The same high level of attention is given to wine. Carolyn explains the Coravin Wine System is in use at The Barrel Room. This allows wine to be poured by the glass without the rest of the bottle spoiling. This wine preservation system is like a favourite appliance, she says.

“We currently offer 63 wines by the glass and more by the bottle. We regularly make changes to our list to provide interest and the opportunity to try new wines,” Carolyn proudly explains.

Unsure which wine, beer, whisky or gin (served in crystal, no less) to sample? The Barrel Room provides the perfect solution with its ‘tasting flights’.

“It’s a great discovery experience. For example, the wine tasting flight menu offers a responsible three half-pours. Come in, bring your friends, and ask for a tasting flight,” Carolyn says. Advice will be on-hand, she adds, without the need to listen to a winemaker talk for an hour!

The tasting flights – for wine, beer, or spirits – are proving an excellent idea for work functions (think Christmas), stag dos, hens’ nights, and just fun gatherings in general.

The Barrel Room is open until late, so it’s a great place to head to after late-night entertainment in town. Or come to The Barrel Room for entertainment – there’s live music on Saturdays and sometimes Fridays too.

Stewart and Carolyn say their aim is to do food and drinks well and to pair them well. The food options include: tacos, beef and blue burgers; Thai beef salad; various pizzas (with handmade bases); steak, fish and chips, and lighter offerings like calamari, and build-your-own platters.

“As requested by our regulars, we have introduced a dessert menu,” Carolyn says, adding that matcha panna cotta with yuzu and rosemary crumble is among the favourites.

The menu isn’t complete without excellent service and a great environment, Carolyn and Stewart say. All staff are trained to ensure the service they offer is first-rate. As for offering an atmospheric venue, The Barrel Room’s eye-catching décor includes barrels on the back wall, and the front of the bar features a patchwork of wine barrel staves – a feature created by Stewart.

It’s a cosy and inviting environment in winter, while, in summer, if the sun’s out, then The Barrel Room has a courtyard for drinks in the sunshine. In fact, that was a great attractor when the Gebbies were deciding where to set up their venture. Just perfect, they decided, and thousands agree.

BARRELROOM.CO.NZ

Path of progress: Motu Trails, Opotiki

How a decade-old cycle trail is delighting both tourists and the local community contributing to its success.

WORDS Sue Hoffart PHOTOS Jim Robinson, Neil Robert Hutton + Cam Mackenzie

A scenic dunes trail that has resolved a watery paradox for the coastal town of Opōtiki is proving a massive drawcard for both locals and tourists.

Ancient waka travellers and modern-day boat owners have always been able to access the ocean by way of twin rivers that wrap around the Eastern Bay of Plenty township. But it took a cycle trail and handsome suspension bridge spanning Otara River to connect walkers, joggers and bikers with the gloriously long stretch of coastline on their doorstep.

Most of the spectacular Motu Trails cycleway network lies inland, where rugged grade three and four tracks attract hardy mountain bikers keen to test themselves on backcountry roads and steep forest trails. Collectively, they range over 30km of track and more than 150km of gravel and backcountry roads. The most mellow section, though, begins with a pedestrian bridge on the northern edge of town and a delightfully scenic, undulating gravel track running parallel to the shoreline.

Increasing popularity

It is this 9km grade two “dunes trail” that has given the town its beach, according to tourism operator and local resident Volker Grindel. The decade-old trail has become increasingly popular with Opotiki people and visitors.

“Before, everyone needed a car to get to the beach,” Volker says. 

These days local children and carless residents can reach the coast safely on foot, by crossing the Pakowhai ki Otutaopuku bridge, rather than having to walk more than 3km along the highway and side road. So too can tourists who arrive by bus or bike. After crossing the river, the trail meanders past grazing Friesian cows and opens onto views of the East Cape and nearby Moutohorā (Whale Island).

“The dunes section is the most used part of the Motu Trails,” Volker says.

“The town kids and people who live here use it a lot for fitness; running, jogging. And the kids who live out of town use it to come to school on their bikes because it’s safer than the highway. I’ve even seen a little fella with training wheels.”

Happy accident

Volker and his wife Andrea operate a small backpackers’ hostel and Andrea runs their busy Kafe Friends coffee cart just off the main street. The German-born couple, who met in Opotiki after her car broke down there, are seeing increasing numbers of day trippers in bike gear from nearby Rotorua, Whakatane and Tauranga. 

He says Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp, part way along the dunes, is packed with people using bikes during summer holidays and weekends. Plenty of those campers and cycle tourists make their way along the trail to the town centre.

“Before, they were not taking their kids on that busy road. Now, they come here to town do some shopping, drop in for coffee here or somewhere else. So the Four Square, the New World, the gas stations all get something out of this trail, too.”

Andrea runs along the dunes when she is training for half-marathons, and it is used by dog walkers and local schools that have been inspired to run duathlons and small cycle events for students.

Long-time volunteer trail builder, keen biker and Motu Trails executive officer Jim Robinson does track assessments, as well as overseeing signage, the trails website and Facebook page and multiple other roles. He laughs at his fancy title and stresses the trust-run operation is small and heavily reliant on unpaid community involvement, as well as council and conservation department input. But he says there is no doubting the Motu social and economic benefits, or its standing as a ‘great ride’ of Ngā Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

He is especially enthused by the ongoing planting and beautification programme that has transformed the “really important but environmentally degraded” sand dunes area with the help of about 20,000 flax bushes, cabbage trees, pōhutukawa and other native plants. All have been poked into the ground by volunteers, with another three planting days planned this winter.

Jim says one section of coastline now occupied by the dunes trail had been used for dumping rubbish, other parts had been grazed by stock, or were covered in gorse, kikuyu, boxthorn, pampas and other undesirable invaders.

Points of interest

Interpretive signs denote culturally significant areas, including historic landing sites and burial grounds, and the track route was chosen to avoid especially sacred or sensitive sites.

Local potters and environmentalists Margaret and Stuart Slade provided handmade ceramic tiles depicting birds, mounted on concrete culverts to create sturdy sculpture. Earlier artworks were provided by schoolchildren who painted wooden cut-outs of birds and animals as a conservation week project.

Small tourism operators have sprung up to offer farmstay accommodation, food or shuttle transport to mountain bikers using the trails that connect Opotiki to Gisborne.

Late last year, long-time kayak tour operator Kenny McCracken began offering guided bike tours along the dunes, incorporating local history and food, with an optional swim along the way.

“There’s a massive amount of community ownership of the trail,” Jim says.

A long weekend in Los Angeles: our editor shows you how

WORDS + PHOTOS Jenny Rudd

So you probably think it's not possible, what with that 12 hour flight. But it all dovetails neatly. The flights are overnight both directions, and there's only a 3 hour time difference, which you barely notice. Leave Auckland Friday night and land mid-morning on the same day. Then leave LA on Sunday night and land back home first thing on Tuesday. Because you've slept all night on the plane you'll be fresh enough to go to work that day. So you can go on holiday to America and only take Monday off work. What a great shimmy!

Friday

If we're only going for the weekend, we're staying in Venice Beach with the action. We dumped our stuff and got straight outside. Using your Uber app, you can pick up ebikes to cruise along the boulevard. It's a slow ride because there's so much take in and see. Although Venice is famous for Muscle Beach and oiled bronze bodies, there's also a hippy, anything-goes vibe which you notice straight away, cycling through fragrant puffs of weed smoke; marijuana's legal in California.

The bike path ran for miles. Eventually the bright colours and pleasant oddball residents faded to the sleeker Santa Monica. The farmer's market was in full swing so we gulped down bright and sweet blood orange juice and turned round to head back.

We were amazed by the number of people using all the public facilities; there were lots of basketball matches going on with spectators joining in and dropping out, the skatepark was a blur of tie dye and wheels on concrete. A huge, empty car park had been repurposed as an ice hockey pitch.

After a full day of biking and sightseeing, we were pretty happy to grab takeaway caprese salads from the deli next door to the hotel and eat them in bed, flicking through the millions of TV channels.

Saturday

If a tour guide is as enthusiastic and knowledgeable as Daniel, you know you're going to have a good time. An online search had showed us that ALL Day LA Tours would teach us about the history of the city and give us ideas of things to do. We started in Hollywood at the Walk of Fame, then up to the Hollywood sign which used to be a real estate sign for the land underneath in Franklin Village, a peaceful graveyard housing some of the greats: Marylin Monroe, Hugh Hefner, and my favourite - Peter Faulk of Columbo fame.

Daniel took us through the grounds of Greystone Mansion, a huge estate in Beverly Hills with landscaped grounds built in the twenties by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny for his son, Ned. It's since been gifted to the city. What a story; Ned killed himself and his secretary in one of the spare rooms. The two men had been involved in an oil scandal with Ned's father.

The whole tour was story after story like this and we whizzed around in a comfy people mover with no windows for maximum photo opportunities. We finished off driving down Rodeo Drive and all of us goggling at the outrageous displays of wealth.

Saturday night in Venice Beach was lively, we decided to go for sushi just off the main drag which was a great choice after all the chips and cookies we'd packed away during the day. The interior was sparse and urban and the sashimi was excellent.

Sunday

We had a late start over the continental breakfast included at the hotel, then walked to the achingly cool Abbot Kinney Boulevard. There are murals of the sides of buildings everywhere, and the artiness of the locals really shows. We heard stories that it's been gentrified and that had changed quite a bit over the years. But we loved it. The thought and design that had gone into every space whether it's a clothes shop or restaurant gives you so much to stop and look at.

Lunch was a huge pile of salad from Greenleaf which described themselves as a gourmet chop shop.

A sunny stroll through the canals which are a great surprise to find in such a sprawling city, and we picked up our bags from the hotel and headed back out to the airport for our 9pm flight.

An entirely different continent and three days of discovery, then back feeling refreshed. The best way to holiday.

Stay:

Inn at Venice Beach

Retro rooms with huge images everywhere of Venice Beach over the years. It felt retro and fun with pops of orange on white bedspreads. The location was fantastic: 20 minutes from the airport, right near the action, clean and quiet.

innatvenicebeach.com

Eat:

Sushi Enya

Chef Kimiyasu Enya trained for 10 years before setting up his three restaurants in Los Angeles. The interior was industrial and all focus is on the clean bites of sashimi.

sushienya.com

Move:

Don't even think about renting a car. We used Uber and the scooters and bikes which were everywhere, and easily unlocked with our Uber app.

m.uber.com

A family business

We talk to Yolande King about what it’s like working with her husband Paddy, and sister-in-law Tara as a super team at EVES Real Estate. These guys really love where they live, and it shows!

WORDS JENNY RUDD PHOTOS BRYDIE THOMPSON

HOW DID YOU ALL COME TO BE WORKING TOGETHER?

Paddy and I were passing through on a holiday, trying to work out where to settle. We sat on the beach and Paddy said, “Look at this place, Yols. We have to give it a go.” Our immediate connection to The Mount was amazing. So we started separate careers, Paddy in chemistry and me in real estate. The first years were incredibly busy so Paddy joined me. Boom! It worked beautifully! Then Tara moved from Christchurch and we hammered her to join us. She gave in to stop us nagging, I think.

WHAT SKILLS DO EACH OF YOU BRING TO THE BUSINESS?

Working with Paddy and Tara is the easiest thing in the world! We wrote very specific job descriptions for each person. I think that’s a big part of our success. I’m a highly organised ‘lists’ person and keep the big picture perspective, working on our business development and keeping our team connected. Tara never misses a detail. She should wear a superhero cape. The workload on the admin side is just massive. If Paddy is heading out to an appointment, he doesn’t have to double check any paperwork that Tara has put together. Anyone who knows Paddy is familiar with his relaxed manner, and in this industry I think that goes a long way. You can trust that he’s going to look after you as a buyer or vendor. He hates getting stuck in the office, so Tara and I keep him out there doing what he loves – hanging out and connecting with people. There’s 100% trust between all of us. We’re now on the hunt for the next team member to help us look after our buyers.

Early morning coffee at Tay Street.

HOW HAS THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS CHANGED OVER THE YEARS?

Since I started in 2006, so much has changed. Continuous training is a must if you want to keep your licence and stay up to date with all the Real Estate Agents Authority legislation. It’s good to see so many more people in the business treating the job with the necessary importance and urgency. It’s not a hobby, it’s a career, and we are helping people through a huge transaction that needs all of our attention. The digital side of advertising is huge now and a job in itself. I look after that for us and it’s a constant learning curve. Keep up or get left behind!

We strongly believe that when it comes to choosing your agent these days, a team isn’t a plus, it’s a must. Nothing falls through the cracks, you’re kept 100% informed and involved. And with us, you get energy, creativity and commitment.

HOW DO YOU FIT IN FAMILY TIME WITH SUCH A BUSY JOB?

It’s something we guard preciously. During the week, we have breakfast and dinner together as a family and don’t book anything that will interfere with that. So we start and end the day with the kids. Of course, Sundays are super busy with open home, so we try to build that family time in elsewhere, like taking the children out surfing or going to the night markets in Papamoa or The Mount. Just reading stories in the hammock with the kids slows things down pretty quickly, too!

WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING SO CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY WITH YOUR JOB?

We make connections everywhere we go, from kindy drop-offs to Paddy being out on the water waiting for the next wave. It’s part of everyday life, the nature of the business and it’s great; we feel we’re able to help and bring value. This job is about people and their homes, which involves their families. We feel really privileged to take people through this process and de-stress it as much as possible, all the way through.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING CURVE?

When working in a team you have got to stay connected. The left hand needs to know what the right hand is doing. Rules, the law, the digital space: everything’s constantly changing. We like it. Keeps us on our toes!

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR DOWNTIME?

We just love living here! We’re surrounded by lots of friends, so impromptu catch-ups are easy. We’re lucky to have so many outdoor options for families right on our doorstep, and go out on the bikes, head to a beach or park. Our mums are great gardeners. I’m far from a expert, but we’re trying to grow more and the kids just love it. Exercise is at 6 am so I can be sure it actually happens, and if it’s with a friend then that’s great! I’ve always got a book on the go, too. Then, of course, there’s finishing our renovation. When we bought our home it was a little two bedroom 1955 original, and today it’s a much-loved four bedroom family home. We’ve learnt so much and enjoyed the process immensely, but the very important finishing touches are keeping us busy. There’s always the next detail to plan and execute.

We feel a great responsibility to help keep our coast beautiful, as well. There are so many alarming environmental issues, and we want to start here at home and make a difference. We want our children to enjoy this beauty.

PATANDYOLANDEKING

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick on making things happen

For Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick, local government is just the latest chapter in a life built around making things happen.

WORDS Andy Taylor PHOTOS Brydie Thompson

First off, what’s in a name? Given her public profile and her extensive career in politics, it's hard to imagine that anyone meets the Mayor of Rotorua without being previously aware of her; but someone new to these shores might find Steve Chadwick to be not quite what they were expecting. Let’s face it, Steve is a pretty blokey kind of name, and though she is down to earth, humble and devoid of all pretention, blokey is something Steve Chadwick most certainly ain’t. 

“It’s actually Stephanie, but Steve stuck from a very early age, and after that I was only ever Stephanie when I was in trouble,” she says with the tone of someone who has had to explain this a million times but is quite happily resigned to her fate. “And yes, there are a few people who come expecting a male and look a bit shocked, and I’m sorry if that disappoints - but there’s not much I can do about it,” she adds with a grin of genuine mischief, and it is clear that confounding expectations and then outperforming them are part and parcel of the ball of energy that is The Honourable Stephanie (Steve) Chadwick.

Originally from Hastings, she is probably best known for her time in Parliament, where she served as Minister of Conservation, Women's Affairs, and Associate Health between 1999 and 2011, and then as the Mayor of Rotorua, a role she has held since 2013. But her story is far more multi-layered than that.

“I grew up the youngest of six children,” she says, “and so constantly had to speak louder to have my opinion heard.” Those siblings included artist Dick Frizzell among other very talented individuals, so this was a family heaving with strong characters and stronger views. 

Her first calling in life was as a midwife. “I was always bit of a health activist, and I was drawn to birthing as it was a natural process and I was involved with a group of quite radical midwives. I ended up helping bring about 5,000 babies into this world, and I loved that role, I loved being a part of birthing as it is a profound and intimate profession, and I still meet some of the babies I delivered now. Though many are on to the next generation!”

Whether it is newborns, government policy or social welfare organisations, it could be said that bringing things to life is very much Steve Chadwick’s reason for being on the planet. She has been instrumental in setting up the Rotorua Women’s Refuge, Rotorua’s first Family Planning Clinic and School for Young Parents, as well as its first Kohanga Reo, all entities that seem completely normal and entirely essential now but were reactionary in the 1970s. “My father was an engineer and my mother was an artist,” she says, “so there was both a very creative side to my growing up and a very functional side, a side about making things happen. But both my parents were always about thinking outside of the square – differently, but logically, because that was the artist and the engineer at work. Our family were a square peg in a round hole, and we realised we weren’t conservative, but that was just fine. It was a very creative and happy upbringing that meant I was allowed to reach my own conclusions and was never constrained.” Good luck to anyone who might try! 

She met her husband, John Te Manihera Chadwick, in the late sixties, and together they embarked on a future that is virtually cinematic. First there was the big OE, with the first stop being Papua New Guinea – where she set up a birthing clinic, naturally – and then they went on to London where their home – replete with newborns of their own by that stage – became something of a drop-in centre for Kiwi expats on their London sojourns. It was a happy home for many years, until while watching the Commonwealth Games their son asked who the people performing a haka on TV were. “When I had to explain that they were Māori and that he was Māori and that his dad was Māori, we realised it was time to come home! Our children needed to grow up bicultural – and that was what brought us to Rotorua. Our journey ever since then has one of biculturalism.” 

After serving as a local councillor, national government beckoned with all the highs and lows that a career in the public gaze entails. “The low was definitely the death threats I got when I brought in the Smoke Free Environment Act. Having to be escorted by a police protection squad and realising that there were people out there that hated you and were unwell – and were following you – was very scary. And being accused of being one of Helen Clark’s ‘Femi-Nazis’ was also very personal, and frankly ridiculous. But the highs put all that in the shadow: passing the Smoke Free Act was great, and working on health issues throughout the Pacific was fantastic – that was right up my ally as an ex-midwife.”

The passing of husband John, who had become a much-loved and prominent lawyer, late in 2017 brought the year to a solemn close, but Steve has no intention of letting her personal loss get in the way of her public commitment. Far from it; instead, 2018 will be a very big year for the Mayor and for Rotorua – because it is obvious from spending even a short time with her that Steve Chadwick and the Rotorua district are very much intertwined. 

“One of our main objectives was to revitalise our inner city,” she says, clearly warming to the future and tired of discussing her past. “And we did that by having a councillor sit on a portfolio dedicated to inner city revitalization and by getting all our retailers and CBD businesses to work with us. The inner city had over a hundred empty shops four years ago, but we’ve changed that and it has a completely different vibe now, and the development that will be taking place on the lakefront is really going to be exciting and build on what we've put in place. The whole footprint will be completely different, there will be a conservation zone and it will incorporate the museum, but we are thinking it will be driven by a whole new entity rather than council. Sir Bob Harvey has agreed to help us with this so that is really exciting.” 

“We were painted as a zombie town in 2013, but 2018 is going to show that we have invested in our city and we are really going places. The population is growing, we’re performing above the national average economically, and we also have the new Forest Service coming here – to its rightful heartland – so this is going to be a big year for Rotorua. Actually I think it’s going to be a big year for all New Zealand.”

You heard it here first folks. And she should know.  

Hamilton through the Insta-lens: the most snappable spots in the city

Modern-day travels are not only about new places, people or flavours anymore. Perfect Instagram pictures are playing the leading role. Not a problem in Hamilton – probably the most Insta-suitable city in the area.  

WORDS Kseniia Spodyneiko PHOTOS Alex Spodyneiko

#TeaWithAView

To start this one-day photo-hunt in the Waikato region, we drove extra 10 km from Hamilton – directly to the hidden in between the fields and farms aristocratic Zealong Tea Estate. From the spacious black-and-white shop to the traditional high tea ceremony - this place is all about sophistication. 

Even its story is extraordinary: 11 years ago local tea lover Vincent went to Asia and selected 1,500 cuttings to start tea growing in New Zealand. Little did he know about the upcoming challenges! After the long quarantine only 130 plants survived! Those were the strongest and the best ones. The ones that quickly turned Vincent’s small garden into a 1 million sprouts organic plantation. 

And by “organic” they mean certified world’s highest food safety standards. Literally, they are not even allowed to spray the grass. At Zealong they hire people to get rid of bags manually instead! And I thought having a personal Whittaker’s flavour “Waikato Grown Oolong Tea in Dark Chocolate” was already cool enough…

We were lucky to be guided around by the amazing Annalese Webber. Currently the administrator, she started her career as a waitress in Zealong café, where she still makes traditional tea ceremonies for guests. And that is a must! Followed by a high tea on the terrace with an epic view over the plantation, this process is simply hypnotizing. 

Talking about the views – grab the cutest cupcake from a traditional British three-tiered tea plate and proceed to the small lookout nearby. Strike a pose and be ready to wake up famous. 

#NeverStopExploring

Hamilton Gardens are yet another place not to be missed. After all, what else if not all those colourful flowers are the reason for the nowadays photo hysteria? 

The famous local sight is a tricky labyrinth of traditional for different countries and centuries gardens. Dive into the Italian Renaissance for the impressive geometry and symmetry. Japanese corner surprises with its picturesque pond. Sustainable Backyard brings in a touch of coziness and childhood memories. And the authenticity of the Indian Char Bagh can confuse even the most experienced travellers (the best perspective is at the corner to the left from the entrance).

In the second half of the exciting walk you will bump into the Tudor Garden that truly steals the show! Epic stone tower, beasts’ sculptures, recognisable green and white stripes (thank you Jonathan Rhys Meyers for turning us into the Tudor experts) – perfect spot! Stay on the balcony to capture the fantasy atmosphere of this place in its best angles.

#Foodporn

When it comes to food, nothing can go wrong in Hamilton. This city is famous for vibrant interesting restaurants. Overlooking the beautiful Waikato River is the popular Gothenburg with its fancy tapas menu. Crispi potato gnocchi with blue cheese, walnuts and pear are a win-win: delicious and beautifully plated. By the way, this place is known for the best view over the river. You got the idea.

For a less pretentious lunch head to Mexico or Iguana. Located right across each other on Victoria Street, they can turn the decision-making into a nightmare. Softshell tacos with achiote plancha pork belly in apple chutney or a seasonal pizza with coffee-rubbed venison and smoked mozzarella on a plum sauce base? Both, please.

No matter what your choice is, make sure you leave room for dessert. Duck Island Ice Cream (300a Grey Street) is organic, made in-store and is literally the best ice-cream ever! Will trade my left hand for an extra scoop of that Maple, Honeycomb and Smoked Almond calorie bomb. And they have 17 more outstanding flavours. Rhubarb Szechuan Peppercorn, anyone?

Iguana Restaurant

#SkyIsTheLimit

The rest of the day we spent admiring Zuru Nightglow. Annual hot air balloons show is the part of the weekly Balloons over Waikato festival. This event is huge – Zuru Nightglow alone is said to be visited by 80 000 people! 

At 8 pm enormous balloons in shapes of hugging birds, cartoon helicopters and rockets start to, well, glow following the rhythm of the popular hits. Culmination comes with the fireworks. As beautiful as hard to capture! You simply can’t beat thousands of people photobombing your pics.

But there is always a second chance for someone fascinated by the hot air balloons in Hamilton. During the summer season they fly over the city every morning. 

#RealLife

(Things to do in Hamilton for those not addicted to Instagram):

Te Aroha Mineral Spa

Fed by the world’s only hot soda geyser, this spa offers private wooden tubs and relaxing beauty treatments by Mount Te Aroha. 

The Base

The largest shopping centre in New Zealand is definitely worth a visit. Loved by beauty moguls for The Body Shop, Lush and L’Occitane all in one place.

Waikato Museum

Dinosaurs, Tourism posters, Milk production – Waikato Museum exhibitions are anything but boring.

Autologous fat transfer: an alternative to breast implants

UNO spoke to Paul Salmon, surgeon at The Skin Centre about the method of using your own body fat to increase your breast size, as an alternative to breast implants.

UNO: Can you tell us about autologous fat transfer and breast surgery?

Paul: Autologous fat transfer or AFT is a technique of restoring or enlarging the breast by grafting fat into it. People have been trying to put fat into breasts for many years, but with haphazard results for a number of reasons. First, there isn’t enough space in a small breast. Also, the fat is put into the breast in large lumps, which doesn’t make for a successful graft. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in preparing the breast by expanding it slowly over the weeks prior to grafting. This technique has revolutionised AFT by providing the right environment for the reliable take of grafts.

UNO: How long have you been doing this procedure?

P: I have been grafting fat and doing liposuction for breast reduction for 25 years. Liposuction of the breast is really the reverse of AFT; women can get rid of overly heavy breasts without scarring and still have confidence in being able to breastfeed later. In 2017 I went to Florida to operate with Dr Khouri, who had published the seminal papers on Brava, a breast expansion device, and AFT. Since then, I have been doing the procedure both in Tauranga and Auckland.

UNO: How does the process work?

P: AFT involves a gentle liposuction of fat from an area where it isn’t wanted. It’s then prepared and grafted into the breast. Prior to the procedure, the patient spends a few weeks using an external expander, usually at night. Used regularly, the small suction dome will enlarge the breasts. If the expansion is stopped, the breast will shrink again. It’s the grafting of fat that makes the enlargement from external expansion permanent. The grafted fat is laid down in a 3D network of tiny, thin strips in the breast, eventually building up the volume for a larger breast. There are virtually no scars, as only tiny nicks of 2mm in length are needed to allow us to insert the fat into the breast.

“One thing to think about is that because your breasts have been enlarged by fat

transfer, if you gain or lose weight, your breasts will respond accordingly.”

What are the benefits of AFT versus breast implants?

P: Implanting breasts with silicone prostheses is very safe. As with all procedures and general anaesthetics, complications are a risk; infection, bleeding, loss of sensation, scarring, the wrong placement or rupture of an implant or capsule formation are the most common complications. Cancer is a very rare complication. AFT gives a woman the opportunity to have larger, younger-looking breasts naturally without synthetic implants. And there’s an opportunity to get better-looking hips, legs or tummy, depending on where the fat is taken from.

UNO: What are the disadvantages of AFT?

P: To work reliably, the breasts must be prepared by using the external expander every night. The most popular size for silicone implants in New Zealand is around 300ml, which is more than a AFT procedure can reliably produce. With AFT, women can expect to go up one cup size, although further increases can be achieved with an additional AFT procedure. Also the fat placed into the breasts is treated by the body as if it is still in its original position, so if your graft fat comes from your tummy and you put on weight there, your breasts may also enlarge.

So this technique be used to reduce breast size?

P: Yes, we can use the liposculpture technique on its own (without using the expanders). This will reduce the size of overly large breasts. Tiny incisions around the edge of the breast mean that excess fat can be carefully removed to maintain the same shape of the original breast.

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MEET THE SURGEON

Dr Paul Salmon Paul is New Zealand’s most published dermatologic surgeon with over 60 papers published in peer-reviewed literature. He has an Honorary Fellowship in the Australasian College of Dermatology, and has been a speaker at the World Congress of Dermatology as well as the American College of Mohs Surgery. He has served on the Specialist Advisory Committee for the RACP on behalf of the NZDSI. His areas of special interest are cutaneous oncology, micrographic surgery, prevention of skin cancer, sun damage and cosmetic surgery.

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SKINCENTRE.COM 0800 754 623 171

CAMERON ROAD TAURANGA

Ponsonby to Papamoa

Laura McClennan meets two imports, Andrea and Duncan Ritchie, who bring skill, passion, and magic to the Bay.

WORDS LAURA MCCLENNAN / PHOTOS TRACIE HEASMAN

Thinking about her first sale always makes her laugh. “It was 1993,” Andrea Ritchie recalls, “and I was checking out some open homes, busman’s-holiday style, when I came across a villa that was perfect for a buyer I had just met.

I called the woman and she raced over, still in her gardening clothes, and wanted to make an offer then and there. Of course, I had no contracts on me at the time, or keys to the office, so I had to take her home with me. My house was an absolute mess, and I was
a nervous wreck – I’d only been in real estate for three weeks! She just smiled and told me to make us both a coffee, while she wrote up the offer.”

TIMES MAY HAVE CHANGED, BUT ANDREA’S KNACK FOR FINDING THE PERFECT HOUSE FOR HER CLIENTS HASN’T. “It’s all about tuning in to what people want. It’s what we do best.”

BY ‘WE’, of course, she is referring to herself and her other half, husband and real estate business partner at Bayleys Tauranga, Duncan.

THE DUO WORKED TOGETHER FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES BEFORE MAKING THE MOVE FROM PONSONBY TO PAPAMOA. They’ve only been here a couple of months but, with a long list of professional achievements under their belts, and down-to-earth dispositions, they’re already making their mark on the Bay.

“WE ALWAYS THOUGHT WE’D END UP SOMEWHERE NORTH, BUT ONE NIGHT WE MET A COUPLE WHO LIVED BESIDE THE MOUNT GOLF COURSE,” Andrea explains. “We were intrigued, so decided to come down for a few weekends in winter. Duncan always says winter is a great ‘litmus test’ to see what a place is really like – when it’s at its worst. We were pleasantly surprised. We came across Post Bank one July night and couldn’t believe it was fully booked! Luckily, they managed to squeeze us in. The meal was beautiful, and the restaurant was buzzing. That night really cemented the move for us.”

THE COUPLE BOUGHT A HOLIDAY HOME, JOINED THE LOCAL GOLF CLUB AND HAD THEIR FIRST PAPAMOA CHRISTMAS. It’s no surprise the thought of going back to Auckland had somewhat lost its appeal.

“IT TOOK US A FEW MONTHS TO CUT TIES, THEN WE HIT THE GROUND RUNNING WITH BAYLEYS TAURANGA IN SEPTEMBER,” says Duncan. “We thought we’d be in Auckland for a few more years, but The Mount seduced us. There are so many people coming to the Bay, of a similar age group, from all over New Zealand, for the lifestyle.”

“PONSONBY IS A NICE COMMUNITY BUT IT’S DIFFERENT HERE; PEOPLE ARE JUST SO HAPPY. Business is thriving, and there are beautiful homes popping up everywhere, so we’re still running a highly active real estate business. But at 6 pm we’re walking down the beach – not sitting at our desks,” says Andrea.

THEY MAY HAVE BID FAREWELL TO PONSONBY, BUT IT DIDN’T TAKE THEM LONG TO SNIFF OUT THE BEST LOCAL COFFEE SPOTS. “George Café is fantastic, and so is the newly opened Heath Street Café. We love the salads at Central Deli and, in Tauranga, we’re big fans of Alimento and Me & You.”

AFTER A LIGHT-HEARTED DEBATE ABOUT WHERE TO FIND THE BEST SCONES IN TOWN, I ask Duncan how he met Andrea. He laughs and proceeds to explain, with a thick Scottish accent, that they were first introduced when he was working at the Maritime Museum.

“I REALISED EARLY ON THAT A WOMAN IN REAL ESTATE OFTEN WORKS WEEKENDS so, thinking I’d never see her again, I quit my job and decided to try my hand with property! Initially, Andrea was selling houses in Ponsonby, and I was working for the city apartment team. When the market turned upside down during the global financial crisis (GFC), we decided to join forces.”

IT TURNS OUT HE WASN’T HALF BAD, EITHER. DUNCAN WAS CROWNED ‘ROOKIE OF THE YEAR’ in 2003 and, since then, the pair have won multiple awards, gone back to Massey University to attain further qualifications, and accumulated a whopping $400 million in sales: an achievement held by only 17 out of 1,060 Bayleys agents nationally. They were also the winning marketing team on The Block NZ. Twice!

“WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT LEARNING AND UPSKILLING – you have to be when you’re dealing with such large sums of money. Years ago, you could throw up a sign and have people queueing up to buy, but the market is different now. When you’ve worked through tough markets like the GFC, you learn to adapt and innovate,” says Duncan.

“BUYING OR SELLING IS AN EMOTIONAL TIME FOR EVERYONE INVOLVED, WHETHER IT’S A FIRST HOME OR A MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR PROPERTY. Duncan and I love working as a team, and we’ve found that our clients appreciate a choice of who they deal with. It’s the power of two,” adds Andrea.

THE BAY’S BEST SCONE IS STILL UP FOR DEBATE, BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN – Andrea and Duncan are very welcome imports, who bring with them a classy mindset and skills that put them in hot demand.