Vet’s roll!

Animal expert and vet David McDonnell at Tauranga Vets offers advice on the purr-fect way to prepare for your vet visit.

With people’s busy schedules, getting the most out of your visit to the vet can help save you time, energy – and stress! To streamline the consultation and ensure you leave with the best advice and recommendations, it’s important to communicate well.

Veterinarians genuinely want their clients to get value from their visits, and help solve any animal issues or
pet problems in the most timely and affordable way possible. With that goal in mind, here are some things
you can do to get the most out of your vet consultation.

First on the list is making an appointment. Many clinics offer online bookings, which are a great way to efficiently find a time that fits your schedule. When booking, it’s important to thoughtfully answer questions around any concerns you may have about your pet. This helps the software prioritise your pet’s care needs and give the vet clinic staff the right information about what you’re coming in for. However, if it’s an urgent case or you’re worried, call the clinic – receptionists and vet nurses can often triage the situation over the phone, and again, the more specific you can be with symptoms or the issue at hand, the better they’ll be able to assist you.

When it’s time for your visit, it’s super helpful to come prepared. Bring your pet’s record book and a list of questions or concerns. If your pet is particularly anxious, it can be beneficial to make a time prior to the appointment to come in and pick up some medication that can help lessen their stress.

To ensure your pet’s wellbeing and safety, make sure dogs are brought in on a leash, and cats are secure in a cage. Look for Cat Friendly Accredited clinics – at Tauranga Vets, we ensure that waiting and consult areas are separate for cats and dogs, and stagger their appointment times to keep our feline and canine companions apart. 

Consider bringing in pictures or videos of your pet’s concerning behaviour or symptoms. A picture paints a thousand words, and this tool can be very helpful for diagnosing issues. If possible, have a list of dates, times, changes to food, environment, or home dynamics. Animals can often be affected by the nuances of life, and a good history of the situation is important. 

Once in the rooms, your pet will take its cues from you. If you’re calm, it will help them to remain so. At Tauranga Vets, our consulting rooms have feline pheromone diffusers which are used to calm cats, and we’re trained in specific ways to handle them so as to minimise any stress they may feel. But as their owner, your calm demeanour can go a long way toward helping your pet to stay calm as well.

At the end of the consultation, your vet should clearly explain the next steps. More tests may be required, or a treatment plan be written up. If you need more clarification or you have questions, don’t be shy – just ask.
If you have concerns regarding payment, discuss these with the vet nurse, as many clinics now offer different payment options, such as Afterpay.

Your vet should communicate well with you, too. And if you’re both committed to clear, calm, respectful communication with your pet’s health at the centre of the conversation, you’ll have a much smoother and more efficient visit – and less stress all around. 

bopvets.co.nz

Suits you, sir

Jason Dovey is known as the best in the biz. Even 007 himself would approve of his crisp collars and on-trend tailoring.

Words Nicky Adams  |  Photos Salina Galvan + supplied

Seeing a Bond & Co tailored suit worn in 2019 by Black Cap captain Kane Williamson, to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II at a tea party at Buckingham Palace, was a career-defining moment for Bond & Co owner Jason Dovey. Over the years he has built up a loyal client base of repeat customers that includes everyone from high-profile local businessmen to sportsmen, politicians to musicians – but when it comes to his threads being showcased at a royal palace, as Jason says, “That doesn’t happen to everyone in their lifetime.”

Jason, his wife Michelle and the Bond & Co team do, however, consider each event that they dress their clients for of equal importance, whether it be a wedding, black-tie occasion, board meeting or simply someone investing in a cornerstone piece for the wardrobe. “I love making people look good and feel good – that’s the drive behind it,” says Jason. “It’s about sending them out feeling a million bucks.” There’s care and attention for each and every customer: “It’s not a help yourself, that’ll do set-up.”

Jason is a stalwart of high-end men’s fashion in Tauranga, having started in the trade in 1987, initially at Warnocks before moving to Molloy’s Menswear on Devonport Road in 1992. In 2012 he bought the business, rebranding to Bond & Co in 2015. The store still proudly sits on Devonport Road, albeit on the other side – a small change (along with a stylish refit) that, despite the continuity, denotes a fresh feel.

Over time, Jason has watched menswear both evolve and, in some cases, circle back. Over the last six or seven years, he has seen a resurgence of black tie and the tuxedo (“You can’t beat a guy in a tux – it’s just a transformation”). However, for less formal attire, there is a trend towards soft suiting of blazers and jackets. As Jason says, “The office is not as corporate as it used to be. Yes, people are still wearing a suit, but there’s a lot more blazers, smart-casual chinos and that sort of thing being worn.” This move to more casual workwear has prompted stylish alternatives. “Shirting has become more interesting,” Jason muses. “There’s more variety with, trims, buttons and so on to make the shirt the statement and pop. Men have definitely become more adventurous in the last 10 years and are prepared to wear a floral shirt.” 

An exploration of a wider tonal palette for wedding and occasion suiting is another development, with green currently the strongest colour leading the way. Jason illustrates the point by bringing out a rich forest-green suit jacket with contrasting stitching – this, together with a linen lichen-green jacket has been flying off the shelves; the jacket paired with black pants proves a striking look for a wedding party.  

While eventwear is a motivator for purchasing an off-the-rack or tailored suit, in general, formalwear has been updated by the “slim fit”. This is particularly appealing to the younger market, as it feels fresh and modern. Developments in fabrics have also increased the wearability of a suit. While wool is still the most popular fabric, and velvet is the ultimate in luxe and polish, for everyday wear the addition of stretch to classic wool is looking to be a game-changer. Demonstrating the classic male crossed-arm flex/hunch move, Jason illustrates just how great it is to have fabric with movement “for men sitting on an aeroplane, or just for comfort in general.” The fabrics used for suiting are sourced from fine Italian and British mills, with the main suppliers the illustrious Rembrandt and Holland & Sherry. 

Along with roots steeped in the culture of high-quality tailoring and impeccable service, Bond & Co is a very modern entity. Providing head-to-toe styling with accessories such as shoes, ties and pocket squares, there is a wide range of off-the-shelf shirting, suits, jackets and pants, along with selected pieces of casualwear, all of which can be quickly altered to fit to perfection via the onsite alterations workshop, operated by Michelle (she also caters to casual walk-ins for both menswear and womenswear). Should a client be after a made-to-measure piece, the choice of fabric is enormous, and typically a garment would take approximately
six weeks to make. Tailored shirting is produced in New Zealand in around four weeks – a bespoke waistcoat can be made in store with an even more impressive turnaround time. Additionally, Bond & Co offers the option of occasionwear hire.

While specialising in menswear, Jason and Michelle have recently extended their repertoire to include a curated collection of womenswear. It made sense to offer the ladies – who would often be in store assisting their partners – something to browse. Along with a beautiful line of shirting, the option of made-to-measure appeals to women who appreciate the sartorial value of a tailored garment; equally for those that can never find the perfect piece off-the-rack, a bespoke fitted investment piece is invaluable. This move is just another innovation that Jason and Michelle have introduced, proving that beneath the traditional exterior is a business with its finger on the pulse. 

Bondandco.co.nz

Growing your future

When it comes to securing your financial future, growth assets and collaboration go hand in hand.

Words Owen Cooney / Photos Jahl Marshall

In times of uncertainty and fear, it’s hard to know where your money should go. All this talk about inflation can be confusing but by taking a step back, and looking at the bigger picture, you can get a better understanding of where your money is best kept in hard times.

In times of rising inflation, commercial investment can be a wise move. Even when the yield on a commercial property remains the same, your dollar is still worth a dollar. The bank’s dollar, on the other hand, is worth less and less with inflation. 

Growth assets, such as commercial investment, will protect the spending power of your dollar. Long leases hold through to the next cycle, and so being exposed to growth assets is a game you need to be playing if you hope to grow your wealth long term. 

However, with all of today’s challenges, it becomes hard to even create a wealth plan and build a future in the first place. That’s where a collaborative approach can work. Joining a private collective means you join a group of like-minded individuals who jointly purchase, then lease, the building in question.

There are many advantages to owning a share of a building using this model, compared to owning the building outright.

Firstly, the collective admin team does the legwork in that they find high-quality properties worth investing in. Secondly, they ensure the numbers stack up and the right contractual arrangements are in place to generate a profit from the get-go. And, thirdly, they organise reliable tenants and take care of all bank financing, lease arrangements and financial reporting. 

If you're keen to connect with our network of investors and potentially join a collective when the right opportunity arises, head over to the Classic Collectives website and schedule your own 15-minute discovery call. There are no obligations to join our syndicates; we’re simply here to answer your questions.

Being able to ask honest questions and get straight answers is perhaps the best investment of all. It only costs your time. 

classiccollectives.co.nz

Canine couture

These high-quality pet accessories help our furry
friends leave lighter pawprints on the planet.

Words Catherine Sylvester  |  Photos Salina Galvan

In this day of greater awareness around climate change and the flow-on effect our purchasing habits have on the environment, more people are turning to brands that not only stand the test of time but create the least negative impact in these areas. Until recently, local pet owners had very few options when it came to seeking accessories with these factors in mind for their beloved four-legged friends. This all changed at the start of last year when Scott and Nicole Brown brought their quality pet accessory business, Paw & Partners with them when they moved from Tāmaki Makaurau to Tauranga.

Birthed out of Nicole’s veterinary practice in Milford in 2015, the business stocks a wide range of high-end products catering to the needs of customer’s canine and feline family members. 

Leashes and collars from the German company Hunter were the first pieces Scott imported for their collection. He explains, “The leashes and collars are handmade in Germany.”

These proved so popular that the couple found pet-lovers were travelling from all over Auckland to their North Shore practice, due to word-of-mouth. The Browns knew they were on to a winner. Their desire to ensure they could further provide for their customers’ needs saw them expand the range to include food bowls, beds, harnesses, and educational toys. 

“Dogs can often get lonely and bored if left by themselves at home,” Scott says. “That’s usually when they’ll get themselves into mischief – digging up lawns, chewing.” He explains that the interactive dog toys are helpful in keeping them occupied and focused, as getting to the elusive treat stashed inside is a real challenge. 

“It stimulates their brains,” he continues. “The dog must figure out how to get the goodies out using only their paws and mouth. They can’t just shake or chew the toy to get to what they want.”

Scott’s passion for his business is evident. He travels to Europe to hunt down the best quality pet supply products he can find. Meeting the manufacturers face-to-face or attending international expos is of utmost importance. “It’s the only way to guarantee we’re getting the best quality that can be found,” he says.

One product he’s particularly fallen in love with is beds. “Some people like buying beautiful watches or shoes,” Scott smiles. “I like buying and supplying beautiful dog beds.” Scott explains that the fabric quality
is similar to that which can be found on regular furniture, and all the covers are machine-washable, which is very handy for those puppies who can’t yet make it through the night dry!

Bay of Plenty French Bulldog breeder Nik Fasching (Mount Frenchie Club) swears by Paw & Partners products. “The average dog will live for around 14 years, so it makes sense to invest wisely,” Nik explains. “I used to go through so many cheap beds – the dogs would chew them, or they’d fall apart in the wash. These ones last. They’re so good and they make beautiful gifts.”

Nik steers customers towards these high-quality products. “The cheap stuff just ends up in landfill so quickly. Economically, these are a sound choice.”

Another recent addition is the harness, and Paw & Partners stock these in a range of sizes for both cats and dogs. “We’re using the Danish company Dog Copenhagen for the canine ones,” says Scott. “They make some of the best harnesses in the world – it’s all the company does.” One model is fitted with a D-ring on the chest, which Scott explains is particularly good to retrain the dog who pulls at the leash when out walking. “Many dog trainers recommend this harness,” he continues. “We’ve had lots of feedback that this is the best thing customers have purchased.” 

With a retail store situated in Tauranga city centre, and an online store for those living a little further afield, Paw & Partners has made investing wisely into your pets easy. What started out as the notion of “we can do better for our customers” when it came to pet accessories, has turned into a reality for this couple. A reality that all pet owners – and their pets – can now benefit from. 

pawandpartners.co.nz

The pursuit of hoppiness

Only available once a year in extremely limited quantities,
Mount Brewing Co.'s Fresh Hops beer won't last long. So hop to it.

Words Karl Puschmann / Photos Ben Parry

Forget Christmas. For beer connoisseurs, March is the most exciting time of the year. That’s because down in the South Island a plant called Humulus lupulus has just blossomed and its flowers harvested.

These flowers are hops, and hops are the most crucial ingredient in beer. 

Hops are what makes beer, well, beer. They give the beer its bitterness and, depending on quantity, source location, characteristics and amount used in the brewing process, also give the drink its identifiable flavours and aromas. Be that fruity overtones, citrus bite or an indefinable “wow” factor.

By necessity, most of the beer we drink throughout the year is brewed with hops pellets. These compressed pellets stay fresher for longer. But this month, when hops season begins, brew masters around the country will be brewing a batch or two with vine-fresh hops.  

Pawel Lewandowski, the head brewer at Mount Brewing Co., was one of the lucky brewers who was able to secure an order of the highly-desirable fresh hops. 

“It's once a year only. It's quite exciting,” he smiles as he tells UNO about the plan he’s brewed up for these precious fresh hops. “This season we’ll be brewing fresh hop IPA. A filtered and unfiltered version of the same beer.”

You might know “unfiltered beer” by its more popular name of “hazy”. So while the recipe will be the same, the differing brewing process ensures the two IPAs will taste unique from each other. That, Pawel explains, is the point.

“We want to showcase what filtering does to the beer, let people experience the difference and
let them choose what they prefer.”

Fittingly, for such a special ingredient, Pawel’s crafting a whole new recipe. When pressed for detail he says it will have the flavours and aroma of passionfruit and grapefruit.

“This year we're using specifically only  the Nectaron Hops variety, and hoping our drinkers will be able to identify flavours that this specific hop provides.”

Using fresh hops ensures the beer will be much bolder in taste, he explains, with a super fruit-forward aroma. 

“Everybody's excited. The smell you experience in the brewery is like going to the perfume shop, basically,” he laughs. 

Part of what makes fresh hop season so exciting is that even with the most careful forward planning and recipe refinement there’s no way to predict how the beer is actually going to taste.

“You can make assumptions but there’s science and chaos in the brewing process,” he says. “So you never know until you have your first pint in your hand. Then you can say, 'Okay, we did a good job'.”

Having been at Mount Brewing Co for around eight years, and head brewer for four, and having come up with the recipes for their ever-popular Coffee Stout and much-loved Crazy Hazy, Pawel’s confident that he can do just as good a job when he gets his hands on the fresh hops. 

They’ll be getting multiple plane loads with which to brew but, because fresh crop beer requires much more hops per batch than using pellets, the 180 kilos of hops being rushed in will only make two batches of beer. 

“We’re going to get around 1200 litres per batch,” he says. “So it's a very limited release.”

Pawel says the two fresh hop IPAs will be on tap at the Rising Tide around the third week of April 2023, with a very small quantity escaping out the door in cans to land in select supermarkets and bottle stores. But, if past seasons are anything to go by, you’ll need to hop down to Rising Tide fairly quickly if you hope to get a taste of the fresh hops hype for yourself.

“I don't think it’s going to last long because fresh hop beers are quite popular. Last year, it lasted maybe two to three weeks on the taps,” he says. “It will probably be the same scenario this season.”

His excitement about brewing with fresh hops is infectious. But how fresh, exactly, are we talking here? 

“We're going to use hops that have been harvested on the same day. They're going to be flown up from the South Island from the farm right here to Mount Maunganui. We're going to pick it up from the airport and make the beer on the same day. It will be six or seven hours after the harvest. So straight into it.”

Then with a wide grin, he says, “You can't get any fresher than that!” 

mountbrewingco.com 

A happy life

The owners of this idyllic country property admit it will be a hard wrench when they finally say goodbye to their home. It has been a haven that has brought immense joy. 

Words Jo Ferris

Nestled in the quiet ribbon off Wairoa River, the property feels miles away from reality. Yet, the drive into Bethlehem Town Centre is less than 15 minutes. The vendors fell in love with it the moment they set foot inside. And there is much to love. The home is the initial introduction as electric gates slide open, but this property’s expanse soon reveals so much more.

A huge shed sits in one corner – a three-bay giant with a roller-door division between a double workshop and single garage. The bonus feature is an adjoining office. Formerly a hair salon for the original owners, this suite has a “tea-room” and separate office. Plumbed, and with front-door access, there are various options for this shed and office. Parking is significant – fully sealed by the current owners to offer a mini road that runs from the shed, up to the house and beyond to reveal the next surprise.

A “pool house” cottage nestles in its own little world amid an impressive rockery and trees. Built by the original owners as a temporary dwelling while they developed their dream home, this cottage is a dream in itself, thanks to two key aspects. The swimming pool is a total surprise, but right next door, discreetly tucked within its own corner, is a hot-water outdoor bath. Serene by day, fairy lights turn this entire nature pocket into a magical wonderland at night. 

Operating as a successful Airbnb, this two-bedroom cottage is an absolute charmer. Future owners could continue this as an income-based operation, but it’s an obvious invitation for extended family. With the shedding and this pool house, there’s endless opportunity for families to share life and business together, while enjoying personal privacy.

The main house is a stand-out. A home that has been all things to this family. A place where major family gatherings and grandchildren’s parties have been held. Easy to see why, given all the playground space and spa pool. This home’s warm greeting is instant. No need for the formality of a foyer; the open-plan design welcomes with open arms. 

Polished concrete flooring is not only aesthetically beautiful, it’s practical and useful. Heated, and on a timer,
it warms the toes in the morning. By afternoon, glazing harnesses solar warmth. The gas fire is rarely turned
on. But it makes a grand statement. The other striking element is a feature wall. Stack-bonded concrete bricks make a dramatic background for artwork – especially when spot-lit from above for theatrical mood.

A gourmet kitchen and scullery cater for big gatherings, including a second dishwasher and sink in the scullery. Stainless steel on the cooking station is a cook’s dream and the bar-stool interacts brilliantly with the dining setting and sheltered lounge outside. This suntrap café is a gem – its cosiness enhanced by a gas fire that links back-to-back with the fireplace inside. An invitation to start the day with a cuppa in the sun, this corner is brilliant in the afternoon as the sun starts to set. Three bedrooms downstairs share a huge bathroom with a signature rainfall fixture, while the parent retreat basks in privacy upstairs. This is five-star intimacy with a hotel-style bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and another designer bathroom. 

At one with nature, birdsong and a myriad of fruits to feast on, this property nurtures the soul with its serenity. Hard to leave, but Wanaka beckons – allowing another chapter to begin in this extraordinary country property. 

21 Vernon Road, Wairoa

oliverroadestateagents.com

For the love of linen

Opening soon in Tauranga, the global Kiwi bed linen brand MM Linen will bring their

unique signature style to the Bay.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor 

Australia, USA, South Africa, UK, the UAE, and now the Bay has become part of the ever-expanding success story that is MM Linen, with this quality bed linen and homewares brand about to open up shop in Tauranga’s city centre.

Kerry Jackson, the company’s co-founder and creative director, has been selling in stores around the world since launching MM Linen about 10 years ago. The company has been on a steady growth trajectory ever since, and is now stocked in about 700 stores in New Zealand, Australia, UK, the USA, South Africa, Israel, Canada and the United Arab Emirates. There’s impressive pedigree among those stores – think major British multinational retailer Marks and Spencer and high-end department store chain John Lewis.

Within eight weeks of launching in Marks and Spencer three months ago, MM Linen was one of their top home linen brands. In addition, it’s been ranked within the top five ever since launching at John Lewis three years ago. The brand also has a strong presence across the Tasman in Myer. 

With that impressive global reach sorted, this entrepreneurial Christchurch-based businesswoman turned to store ownership in New Zealand. In recent years she has opened two stores – Auckland in June 2020, and Christchurch in August last year where their head office is also based. Now it’s Tauranga’s turn, with MM Linen opening in the Eleventh Ave shopping precinct on May 5.

For Kerry, watching her business grow has been exhilarating. “I just love being my own boss, and I’m proud it’s a New Zealand homegrown company focused on treading lightly on our environment. 

“I love the opportunity to be creative and hands-on, and to be in control of my own destiny,” she says.

Destiny’s path took a bit of an about turn for Kerry back in 2012 when she had just turned 50. With an unexpected change in her career direction, and a determination to remain in Christchurch, she decided to start her own business. This was with the backing of her business partner, a textile manufacturer based in the UK.

It took merely two years for MM Linen to become a global enterprise, soon to gain a reputation for beautifully fitting out bedrooms across the world. Kerry says having original designs created from scratch by artists gives her company an edge in the extremely competitive home linen market. She’s also proud to add that MM Linen has been operating as a carbon-neutral company for years.

Kerry tells how MM Linen has always had a strong customer following from the Bay of Plenty area.

“Lots of BOP people visit our Auckland flagship and Christchurch stores and buy through stockists (Dillimore’s in Waihi being one of them, and previously Cabbages and Kings). So many people say, ‘When are you coming to Tauranga?’ I feel there is a real gap, a space for a beautiful bed linen store in Tauranga,
so we’re coming!” 

A personal connection with the city has long been forged. Kerry’s husband is from the Bay and her parents lived in Omokoroa for 15 years. 

“So, I frequented the stores in Tauranga with my mother during regular visits – Wendy’s, opposite our new store, being one of them. I think there will be good synergy between my store and Wendy’s, so the location is key,” enthuses Kerry, who professes to having a very flamboyant fashion sense. It’s colourful and botanical, and that’s what she uses as inspiration for her bedding range. 

It’s exciting, she says, to be at the stage whereby her business is growing a New Zealand presence, and Tauranga is a good fit for MM Linen’s signature botanical print.  

“Our brand is really inspired by nature and botanicals and Tauranga is a drawcard – with beaches, sunshine
and enjoyment of the great outdoors,” says Kerry, who personally curates her range along with the team at its head office. There, a small team of six can be found, and the company has designers in Australia, France, Israel, and the UK as well as New Zealand.

This year brings a new chapter for MM Linen. Tauranga shoppers can expect their MM Linen store to be a boutique destination, housing bed linen (textures, plains and botanical prints), a wide cushion selection, throws, aprons, tea towels, printed mugs, bean bags, and a designer home scent and body range (diffusers and hand creams etc) imported from Italy. 

The success story is set to continue. 

mmlinen.com

Meet, shop, eat

Spend a pleasant day shopping in the quaint and colourful Bethlehem Town Centre.

Words Catherine Sylvester 

A mainstay of the local community for 16 years, Bethlehem Town Centre is reminiscent of the way shopping was done in the days before malls and retail centres dominated the scene. With an open-air village feel to it, the centre is designed as a one-stop shop with everything on hand for a leisurely day out.

This February saw the addition of a vibrant weekly market to bring the community together during the summer months. Held on Sunday mornings in the centre’s Main Street, local creatives can be found showcasing their talents, with everything from art and jewellery to garden ornaments and microgreens on display.

“We even had a kindergarten selling cookbooks filled with recipes shared by local families,” says centre manager Lauren Todd.

There is ample entertainment for the young – and young at heart. “Have a Go” circus workshops, and free face painting and candy floss have proved popular attractions with grandparents bringing their grandkids out to play.

Lauren suggests cocktails and a bite to eat as an ideal way to round out the day.

A central feature of the complex is the native tree walk which features mature tītoki, kahikatea, kāpuka, pūriri and mikimiki. "The centre is pet-friendly too, with outdoor seating at the cafés, and an on-site groomer and DIY dog wash,” Lauren says.

The markets have generated such interest with those hoping to hold a stall that many new faces appear weekly. This in turn brings variety and flavour to those on the hunt for a great find and a fabulous day out.

Shopping guide

Here are just a few of the businesses you’ll find inside the Bethlehem Town Centre complex.

Immerse Nail & Beauty Therapy

Passion, excellence and professionalism are what the team at Immerse Beauty Therapy bring to every treatment they offer. Whether it’s the face, nails or body that need a little bit of extra care and attention there is something for everyone. A luxurious respite from the day-to-day is a welcome treat for all.

immerse.co.nz

232 Cakery

For the sweet tooth on the lookout for the sweetest gifts, 232 Cakery is just the place you need. Tasty fresh cream cakes, macarons and pastries are just some of the offerings you will find whipped up by the team. For that special occasion, mouth-watering cakes and desserts can be ordered to savour at home.

232.co.nz

Bin Inn

Care for the environment and quality of goods is what you’ll find at Bin Inn. They stock a large range of organics, plus keto and gluten-free food. Fresh bread is delivered daily from Mount Sourdough, and if you like your milk the old-fashioned way – in a glass bottle – then the creamy Raglan milk in stock will make you smile. You can even make your own peanut or almond butter, without any of the nasties.

bininn.co.nz

Shoo

For the discerning footwear aficionado, Shoo is for you! Proudly carrying quality shoes from over 25 renowned New Zealand and international brands, the team are dedicated to ensuring the right shoe match is found to complement every shopper’s collection. Favourites such as Kathryn Wilson, EOS and Tamara London are just some of the beautiful offerings in store and online. For those a little further afield, Shoo offers an e-commerce site for convenience.

shoo.co.nz

Patrick’s Pies

Proud to be award-winning pie makers, the team at Patrick’s Pies have whatever you need to fill the gap once your errands are all done for the day. Theirs was the winner of the Bakels Legendary Sausage Roll competition in 2020, and they’ve taken home the Supreme Pie Award seven times! Best to grab a few to pop in the fridge for an easy weekend lunch or dinner too.

The Orchard Restaurant and Bar

Whatever the weather or occasion, The Orchard Restaurant and Bar has something for everyone. Open seven days, with all-day dining available, you can cosy up by the fire on those cooler evenings or relax outside in the sunshine watching the world go by on those finer days. Whether it’s dinner for one, or a larger group of up to 60, your dining needs can be catered to. The best part? Your beloved pup is welcome outside too! 

theorchardbethlehem.co.nz

Tapping into trends

Harrison Bloy just opened their first North Island showroom in Tauranga, and now proudly provides high-quality products to bathrooms around the Bay.

Words Nicky Adams | Photos Jahl Marshall

The bathroom is a room that is overarchingly functional – however, it is also a space that makes one of the biggest interior design statements. It is a room that needs to be designed for longevity, practicality and visual impact – but also one that every family member will spend time in. When working out the design direction you want to take amid the current looks, there is no better place to find inspiration than in a physical showroom.

Harrison Bloy is a privately owned New Zealand bathroom (and kitchen/laundry plumbing) supplier that, while well-established throughout the South Island, has recently chosen to open its first North Island showroom in Tauranga. The decision to move to Matakokiri Drive in Tauriko, says co-owner Callum Harrison, was largely driven by the desire to be closer to family up here. However, he and business partner Ben Bloy had also identified the exponential growth in the Lakes area, with huge potential growth to come in Tauriko. 

Harrison Bloy considers it important to offer a wide spectrum of brands and products not just in terms of style, but also price points. In addition to the other familiar quality brands available in New Zealand, it also supplies Watersino, a well-known worldwide brand unique in New Zealand to Harrison Bloy. Callum is passionate about the service they can provide at Harrison Bloy: “We have top of the line, but we like to think that we’re experts in bathroom fittings and it’s not just another bathroom shop − it’s actually advice, design and top-quality gear on display.” The interactive nature of the showroom is something the company is proud of: “There’s a working toilet (with a heated seat!) over there, working gas fires here.” The pièce de résistance, though, is the “wet area”, where customers can pick from multiple shower heads to try out for themselves. Equally, the stylish bathroom pods have been designed to give a visual concept of different looks – placing key components in individual settings. Another clever feature is the way in which tapware, rather than being fixed on display, can be moved around and placed with different basins – the basins themselves can also be interchanged. These are all hugely helpful parts of the process when trying to work out the best combination for personal taste.

The showroom itself is large, thoughtfully designed and allows customers to organically move among the products on display. The range is extensive, and starts at a lower price point, moving up to higher-end, more bespoke pieces. Here customers will find a selection they hitherto may have expected to travel further afield to access. With a hugely experienced team to filter what is showcased, the customer is saved from a product overload – and can be confident what is here is a selection of high quality, on trend pieces, that will help make the ultimate bathroom.

Zucchetti is a well-established Italian premium tapware brand stocked by Harrison Bloy in all its showrooms. Robertson Bathware general manager of architecture and design, Dean Davis (New Zealand supplier of Zucchetti), reflects on the direction Harrison Bloy has taken, commenting, “It’s a credit to Harrison Bloy to want to take retail to the next level. It’s really refreshing in both its design and to the market.” Zucchetti is a family-owned and run business that was established nearly a century ago; now led by the third generation, Zucchetti prides itself on the way it has evolved, and indeed anticipation leads the direction of market trends. 

Zucchetti has always invested heavily in the design aspect of its products alongside exceptional performance. While the overall aesthetic of a bathroom (or kitchen) will be dictated by multiple factors, increasingly interior designers are looking to the “work horse” pieces, such as the fittings, to make a statement. Zucchetti has set itself apart from other brands in this arena. With a focus on being an architectural led brand, Zucchetti employs a team of international designers whose award-winning ranges reflect the calibre of their skill. As Dean says, “One of the point of differences that Zucchetti offers is that they employ international and innovative designers to create each collection.” Zucchetti is also proud of the symbiotic relationship with the designers themselves; the Medameda range was created by a father-and-son design duo, Alberto and Francesco Meda.

With the overall aesthetic of a bathroom both elevated and unified by the fittings, it’s no surprise that there are distinct trends within tapware. Currently, Dean says, there is an increase of the gooseneck spouts, and softer, rounder shapes are more popular. Driven by the European trends, the curvier shape doesn’t date so quickly. There is a clear leaning towards Stainless Steel, which is considered both durable and eco- sustainable; tie this in with the lack of lead in its production and it will continue to be a market leader. Dean feels another area of strength for Zucchetti is its breadth of options – most designs come in six or seven colourways and, importantly, provide matching accessories such as toilet paper holders, basin wastes, shower hooks and so on. 

While design is key, functionality is vital – clients expect longevity from these types of pieces. Zucchetti stands by a good warranty along with other practical aspects such as good efficiency on water flow. Continually seeking exciting developments, this can be seen in ranges such as the new Isy22 – a progressive mixer with infrared options, in which the water flows from cold to hot. This means that should a child, for example, turn on the tap, they won’t be scalded by extreme heat. 

Implicit to its ethos is a drive to be ahead of the curve, and Zucchetti prides itself on an innovative attitude towards the link between design and purpose. It believes its products not only offer exceptional performance, but also elevate and unify the overall aesthetic of any space within which they are placed.

Harrisonbloy.co.nz

Bathroom tips to stay on-trend

• Add a customised piece

• Use the bath as a focal point

• Coordinate all bathroom products with a full range of accessories

• Round shapes are popular – also  products with a balanced size

• Refresh rather than remodel by changing your vanity unit

• Go for lighter tones like beige and pink, with warmer woods 

• Scandinavian style meets Japanese influence is cool and current

Systemic change

UNO’s new health and wellness columnist,
Anna Rolleston, shares how a plant-based diet
may benefit your life – and the earth.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor 

Photos Jahl Marshall

For most people, working with professional sporting teams might be considered the pinnacle of their career. Holding a PhD in nutrition and metabolism, Anna Rolleston was the exercise physiologist for both the NZ Warriors and Waikato/BOP Magic. She was responsible for the team members’ performance monitoring, a critical part of keeping these elite athletes working at their fittest and best.

But Anna isn’t “most people”. In 2010, she felt a calling to shift her life’s work into the health and wellbeing space. With whakapapa to Tauranga, she moved home from Auckland to launch and become director of The Cardiac Clinic. In 2016, the business took on a more holistic direction, rebranding to become The Centre for Health.

The Centre for Health focuses on lifestyle management – through programmes, services, and research – for long-term conditions like heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety and depression, and more.

“We cover everything from medical management to lifestyle change – nutrition, exercise, dealing with stress – and Māori traditional healing practices and complementary and alternative modalities for health management,” Anna explains.

She and her “excellent” team feel strongly about creating a health system that really works for people. And it’s far from a one-size-fits-all approach.

“We recognise people have different ways of viewing health, different cultural contexts, different conditions. People want to be heard and listened to, and there’s not always a lot of time in the health system to get off their chest what they need to,” Anna says.

“We like to think we are pathfinders, listening to people’s stories and then supporting them in a solution that moves them forward on a health and wellness journey.

“We talk about ourselves as a bridge between potentially disconnected worlds: medical and non-medical, cultural and Western, illness and wellness.” 

At The Centre for Health, some of the bridge-making incorporates a te ao Māori approach and is backed by community-driven research undertaken by Anna’s team. “Our strong research arm provides evidence that what we do works, and it supports communities to answer questions people have about their health,” Anna explains. “We also support clinical trials, and combine clinical and qualitative research too.”

As well as research, The Centre for Health team’s capabilities cover clinical exercise physiology, nutrition, sport science, nursing, and Rongoā Māori.

One of the more recent offerings they’ve developed is FastTrack Kai ā Nuku, which offers recipe packages promoting healthy eating. It’s been well received by The Centre for Health’s clients and is now available to the public via its website (fasttracknz.co.nz).

FastTrack – a plant-based approach to eating – started as an idea from the centre's clients. Recipe creation and testing followed, and the programme was launched late last year. FastTrack offers recipes and menu plans for breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner and smoothies. 

“FastTrack is a way of living that supports flourishing. It is not a diet,” Anna emphasises. 

At its heart, FastTrack encourages clients to eat foods that promote good health. The programme is linked to the health and wellbeing services provided at The Centre for Health.

Anna says that The Centre for Health isn’t prescribing a specific way of eating – “We are just about helping people eat more healthily in their lives and sharing various ways to do that, but knowing that plant foods are key in good health.”

FastTrack may be particularly helpful for people who might suffer from diabetes and heart problems, for example. “Our clients were saying, ‘Surely we can eat our way well!’” recalls Anna. “Evidence says this is about reducing meat and dairy intake and increasing plant-based food, so that is FastTrack’s focus.”

This grounded approach to eating has benefits not only for our bodies, but also for the planet. “Eating food that comes mostly from plants is good for our bodies and also helps to support Papatūānuku (the earth),” Anna explains. “We have used evidence from science, principles from BlueZone communities, and the mātauranga (Māori knowledge) that is unique to our place in the world. We’ve combined those three spaces and created an Aotearoa-specific plant-based eating approach.”

The principles behind FastTrack’s recipes and menu plans:

• 90 percent plant-based

• Daily dose of beans of
  any variety

• Meat on special occasions
  only, or limited to one serving per week

• Eggs limited to four per week 

• Sourdough bread only, maximum of two slices per day

• Fish and other seafood are allowed, three servings per week

• No dairy; use goat’s milk products, plant milks and coconut yoghurt as alternatives 

• No added or refined sugar

• Limit caffeine and alcohol.

Every FastTrack recipe has been trialled and rejigged if necessary. Processed foods are out, but fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, sourdough and coconut yoghurt) get the big tick. There is even flexibility to include seafood.

But the main criteria is, the recipes have to be delicious, Anna says firmly. 

“In terms of our Centre For Health clients, FastTrack is going great guns. Now we’re ready to spread it more widely.” 

fasttracknz.co.nz

Home remedy

Photographer Alan Gibson’s new book For The Love Of The Country highlights the everyday beauty in the work of New Zealand’s farming families. Here’s an extract on Tauranga’s The Good Farm, a family
of organic farmers supplying the Bay with “good medicine”.

Loren Gibbs and partner Michaela Good own The Good Farm in Welcome Bay, Tauranga, and run it on organic principles, selling the milk, veggies and eggs they produce to locals. Loren Gibbs explains: “My mum always said that food is medicine. So, if you are eating good food, you are getting good medicine.

“At The Good Farm, we are on 10 hectares, and we are running mainly a raw-milk dairy herd. We milk between 14 and 16 cows during the day. We are not certified organic, but we like to think that we work alongside the principles of organic agriculture and gardening. We are spray free on our pastures and our vegetable garden. We don’t use synthetic fertilisers, any chemical pesticides or herbicides.

“We have a farm shop and that’s where we make most of our income. All the milk from our cows gets sold on the farm through a self-service dispenser. That’s about 180 litres a day. All the produce from the veggie garden and our eggs get sold through the shop as well, on an honesty system that works well. We get hundreds of people through the shop every week and they come from all walks of life; they are not all a bunch of hippies. The only thing they have in common is that they all want fresh, raw milk and that they care about their food. That’s the main thing.” 

Purchase
For The Love of The Country

at all good bookstores.

Jazz you like it

With the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival celebrating its 60th birthday this year, UNO spoke to festival manager Marc Anderson to get a sneak peek at what to expect.

Words Karl Puschmann

It’s hard to believe that the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival has kept crowds bipping, bopping and swinging for 60 years. Music fashions may come and go but jazz, it seems, is eternal.

Marc Anderson, the festival’s manager, has a theory for jazz’s long-lasting and generational appeal.

“It's such a broad genre that encompasses so many different styles,” he says. “Sixty years ago, jazz was the hip music that all the kids got into. Now, 60 years on, most genres of music can be somehow or another related to jazz. Whether you know the influence or not. It makes jazz still current and relevant.”

It’s a broad church, jazz, and everyone is welcome. With around 40 subgenres nestled under the umbrella term “jazz”, ranging from summery smooth cool all the way through to challenging modal explorations, its wide variety is one of the defining features of the genre. It’s also something taken seriously by the Jazz Fest.

“It's really important for us that we don't pigeonhole the festival into having one type of jazz because there's a lot of interesting music out there,” Marc says. “I love the lineup. It’s a really diverse array of music and I'm excited about the depth of music and talent that we've got this year.”

The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is renowned for the quality of its lineups but for its 60th Birthday Bash, they’ve pulled out all the stops. They’re expecting 20,000 people for the Downtown Carnival, which boasts over 40 acts during its two days, not to mention the huge range of shows, concerts and events going on over its 10 days. 

Local jazz institution Blue Train is reforming, Laughton Kora’s galactic-jazz ensemble Black Comet is landing and jazz duo Goldsmith Baynes will send chills down your spine with their contemporary fusion of jazz and Maori philosophies. Of course, that’s just a sliver of what’s on the programme. 

“The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is one of the flagship events in Tauranga and it feels like the community is really behind it,” Marc says. “Everyone's really positive for the festival, which shows because it's a great place to be. If you come along, I guarantee you'll find some magic every single day.”

Then, putting his money where his mouth is, he laughs and adds, “And if you don't, I might buy you a pint!”

The Port of Tauranga 60th National Jazz Festival is running from Saturday, April 1 through to Monday, April 10.

Two Worlds, One Music

Duo Goldsmith Baynes has been turning heads in the jazz world. Their latest album, the acclaimed E Rere Rā, brings a Māori outlook, vision and language to contemporary jazz. UNO caught up with singer-songwriter Allana Goldsmith ahead of their show at the Tauranga Jazz Festival.

How are you feeling about performing at the Tauranga Jazz Festival for its 60th birthday celebrations?

We can't wait to play. I've been going to the festival since I was about 18. It's such a great time. Everybody should get along and check out music they've never heard before. I always say, go with an open mind and be ready to experience something different or something new. 

That’s what jazz is all about, right? That search for something new. 

That's right. Innovation happens by pushing those boundaries. It's fun and exciting. As a musician,
you never know what you're going to create.

Is that how you found your unique sound with Goldsmith Baynes?

Māori music and jazz music meeting together to form a new space was more than just bringing a bit of Te Reo to songs. It was a complete way of approaching the music. The way it was made was thought about as bringing a Māori approach to jazz.

What was that approach? What brings these two worlds together?

The way that we think about it. I’ll tell Mark I’ll be singing about birds. He will reflect on that and then play what he thinks will match that. The idea is that the musicians will follow the meaning of what we're talking about and bringing to fruition in terms of music. 

A lot of jazz is based on explorations into theory, but you approach your songs from feelings or meanings?

A lot of people take a theoretical approach to jazz. Of course, prior to it becoming an academic type of music it was Black, African music. It came from feeling before they ever really thought about it. And theory came prior to that. So it's kind of like taking it back to its roots. I like to think of it like that. 

What's great about jazz is how pliable it is. It can be adapted in so many ways or incorporated in so many different expressions. 

That’s right. Jazz has been a way for me to write my own music and write my own lyrics and learn my language. It's multifaceted and pretty personal. Me and my friends and musicians think of jazz as an approach to life.  

jazz.org.nz

Inside out

Women realising their
self-worth is integral to this world-class retreat centre.

Words Hayley Barnett

Think women’s health retreat and you’ll no doubt conjure up images of kumbaya circles and cleanses. Think weight loss retreat, and there will surely be some scary ideas of restriction and quiet shaming. 

Resolution Retreats aims to do better. Founder Joelene Ranby started the retreats in 2012 after her own inspiring health journey led her to move away from her corporate life and into helping other women to slow down. She discovered the focus should be more on what to do, rather than what not to do when it comes to a healthy lifestyle.

Situated on Lake Karapiro, Resolution Retreats offers luxurious resort accommodation at a reasonable price, compared to other retreats that cost thousands of dollars a day to attend. It’s in line with the vision Joelene had when she started the business 10 years ago.

“I come from a family of people who don't prioritise their health,” explains Joelene. “And so I was never taught or encouraged to take care of my health from an early age. It wasn’t until I was an adult in my twenties that I decided to make changes, and implement some healthy options into my life.”

Joelene says she had to learn these changes “through the school of hard knocks”. Her journey took her from an overweight, stressed-out financial accountant to a relaxed and vibrant 30-something woman giving workshops to help others in the same dark place she was all those years ago.

“I wish I could have done something like this back then, but it didn’t exist,” she says. “I started learning about the psychology behind taking better care of yourself, and studying habits.”

Today Joelene offers a range of retreats with varying themes from weight loss to resilience, perimenopause and menopause and fasting – but all the retreats have a focus on changing behaviour.

“If there was a degree in habits, I would have it,” laughs Joelene. “I'm obsessed with how they're formed and how people respond to them. It's just very, very interesting to me. Everything comes from a place of practicality, and never from just science.”

At the end of each retreat, which range in days from three to 20, Joelene and her staff have one-on-one consultations with each guest to work out what their goals are and how they can best support them.

Coming away from a three-day weight loss retreat, there’s a feeling of lightness, not just on the scales, but also in the mind.

“Some people see a weight loss retreat as simply going there and losing some weight, because they didn't eat as much as normal, but it’s psychological,” says Joelene.

“I believe the true difference between somebody who is ‘healthy’ and somebody who is ‘unhealthy’ is what they do when they fall off the wagon. Because unhealthy people perceive that 'healthy' people don't fall off the wagon, but it's not true. They do, they’re just kinder to themselves. They go, ‘Oh no, I'm off track. Let's get back into it.’”

That’s the main aim at Resolution Retreats – to teach women to be kinder to themselves.

“A lot of women just reinforce what they are already thinking when they ‘fail’ at another diet, particularly people who have a really low self opinion of themselves. They can find that difficult to do and even more difficult to hear.”

The challenge, she says, is in getting people to realise that they need to slow down and, perhaps not smell the coffee, but more their own sense of self-worth.

In the future, Joelene wants to offer more specialised retreats, such as her mother/daughter focused workshops, and plans to launch a charitable trust this year, to help make the retreats that much more accessible to low-income earners.

“I want to get the message out there that, if you are struggling with your health, there is somewhere you can go for help, no matter your circumstances, to instil those healthy habits in a safe, non-judgemental space,” says Joelene. 

resolutionretreats.co.nz

Moveable feast

Resident foodie Stacey Jones takes a big, juicy bite
out of the Flavours of Plenty Festival.

Words Stacey Jones

Picture this: it's a lazy Sunday. You're dining on the beach,  digging into some of the most delicious kai you've ever eaten, full of local flavours. The sun is shining. The prosecco is flowing. A celebrity chef is cooking you a plethora of dishes from their latest cookbook, while her 52k fans on Insta are getting some serious #FOMO. Sounds like a bit of you? Well, you’re in luck. 

This year sees the return of Flavours of Plenty Festival and the event described above (and no, we're not spilling many more beans) is just one of 30-plus food activations across our region from March 24 to April 2. Now in its second year, the festival is back, bigger and better and ready to take its rightful place in the ever-growing New Zealand foodscape. 

Last year's inaugural event happened on the cusp of going from a red traffic light setting to orange. Not ideal circumstances, but the success was a true testament to our local foodies grit and determination. Festival director Rae Baker explains, “It was important for us to show support for the foodie community at that time, and what we saw was amazing results for producers, event hosts and attendees alike.”

The festival reinforces our regional food story by showcasing the plentiful produce and culinary talent we have here in the coastal Bay of Plenty.  It creates real, tangible benefits for our community, such as a direct link from produce to plate, new revenue streams for our event partners, the opportunity to test new products and attract visitors from outside the region. 

Now, we can't give too much more away, but what I can tell you is this year the team behind the festival at Tourism Bay of Plenty are cooking up something even more mouthwatering.  A sneak peek of the programme promises Meet the Maker events, degustations, market workshops, panel events, wild food challenges, celebrity chefs and plenty of other opportunities to get your hands dirty and your bellies full. There will also be the Plates of Plenty Challenge where local eateries will design plentiful creations  from our Bay produce to be crowned The People's Choice winner. 

Chef Ian Harrison of Sugo and Kitchen Takeover was just one of the many restaurants to take part in the event. Ian treated guests to a multi-course plant based degustation using local ingredients. “It was the best Sunday in the restaurant we’ve ever had, we had so much amazing feedback. It was also a great opportunity to try new things, attract new customers and pull together our community of culinary talent. Bring on this year’s event!” 

The programme of events will be released alongside  tickets on February 1, 2023. I’d say get in quick or you might be left with an empty stomach. 

flavoursofplentyfestival.com

Circus Stripes

Being bold with thick stripes and a fun colour palette can bring
so much life into a space, while still looking sophisticated.

Styling Amber Armitage  |  Photos Wendy Fenwick @ Flash Studios

Wall colours Resene Paints

Walls painted in Resene Half Sea Fog with stripes in Resene Scoria. Floor painted in Resene Athena. Elusive Forms 2, 1120 x 1220mm, 2021, by Clare Brodie, $7950. T1 armchair by OMK $2295. Flask vase, $170, footed planter, $85, both by Gidon Bing. Cape chair in Boucle by Warm Nordic, $4150, from Good Form. Tam Tam stool, $609, Jay Kirby vase, $110 and Lolly short table lamp, $839, all from Smith + Caughey’s. Humla coffee table, $1795, from Bauhaus. Al Fresco book, $79.99, and Kitchen Living book, $120, both from Father Rabbit. Beau wool blend floor rug, $699.95, from Mocka.

Stylist tip

For a fun, modern take on the classic stripe, go bold and wide. Adapt the classic bright red to the more sophisticated deep brown-red of Resene Scoria. When using a bold thick stripe try to follow
this look through with chunky furniture pieces that will make a statement.

Left wall painted in Resene Half Sea Fog with Resene Scoria stripes, back wall painted in Resene Half Sea Fog. Right hand wall and floor painted in Resene Athena. Striped lamp (stylist's own) painted in
Resene New Day. Be My Guest sideboard, $5450, from Good Form. Broste Copenhagen wide pond pouf, $1835, and pleated frill vase, $205, both from Smith and Caughey’s. Straight-sided vessel, $55, white Mode wave bowl, $119, Simplicity at Home book $59.99, Ghosts of Gondwana book, $59.99, Flower Market winter blue framed print, $659, The New Yorker basket, $99, all from Father Rabbit.

Back wall painted in Resene New Day, left wall in The Surround by Laminex panels demi round, painted in Resene Morning Haze. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Opal Shade Pendant Lamp by Svend Aage Holm-Sorensen, $895, Chiara Corbeletto Quadriligia rug for Dilana, $6720, from Good Form. Diamond-shaped solid oak dining table by Jon Jansen, $2195, Maple Furnishing Co. dining chairs, $3450, from Mr. Bigglesworthy. Tam Tam Stool, $609, small dual vase, $239, all from Smith and Caughey’s. Al Fresco book, $79.99, Beldi glass jug, $85, Beldi wine glass, $15.50, Primitif white pitcher, $89, shallow basket, $40, all from Father Rabbit.

Stylist tip

Carry through the idea of "stripes" into other areas of the home with a striped lamp and the inclusion of The Surround Laminex panels on the wall. These will help bring all the spaces together. 

Left wall in Resene New Day, back wall covered in The Surround
by Laminex panels demi round, painted in Resene Morning Haze.
Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy. Effortless Hans
Olsen ‘Model 563’ sofa by Brdr. Juul Kristensen, $5250, from
Mr. Bigglesworthy. Relate side table, $1049, Glide low stool, $625,
from Bauhaus. Beldi wine glass, $15.99, La Tribe Thin Elke sandal, $269.90, from Father Rabbit. Karaka rug in Merino, $1210, Cassia Tobacco cushion, $115, Indira cushion in natural, $110, from Baya.

Stylist tip

Creating a bold colour palette can be a daunting task. Opt for at least two to three mid tones that are very similar in colour, to give you small variations, but hold the palette together (Resene New Day, Resene Morning Haze, Resene Athena). Include a white with base tones that compliment these (Resene Half Sea Fog) and a deep bold contrasting colour (Resene Scoria).

Test pots and A4 drawdown paint swatches (from top) in Resene Half Sea Fog,  Resene Athena, Resene New Day, Resene Morning Haze and Resene Scoria.

Permission to play

Artist Lily Ivana taps into her creative flow by freeing herself of expectations and the result is mixed-media magic.
Interview Hayley Barnett

Growing up, contemporary mixed media artist Lily Ivana was “never not doodling”. Back in her hometown in Yorkshire, UK, she often sat in front of the TV with a huge wooden board holding wallpaper and drew out masterpieces whilst watching her favourite shows. Now she calls the Bay home and says her artistic inspiration these days comes from the golden sands of the East Coast and wherever her weekend adventures take her.

How did you become an artist?
I come from quite a creative family. One of my earliest memories is sitting for my grandfather whilst he sketched my portrait. My dad is a bespoke joiner and triggered my love of design and ‘the makers mark’. I was lucky to get a place at Leeds College of Art, where I studied Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, specialising in object and spatial design. I also completed the UCA Drawing qualification whilst there. Then headed on to Nottingham to do my BAHons in Decorative Arts, specialising in ceramic sculpture.
Following university, I worked in various community arts projects in the UK and Aotearoa. And it opened my eyes to art as a tool for wellbeing and connection. 

How did you discover this medium?
My curiosity to experiment and play with new materials has led me to my current style of creating. Around five years ago, my partner bought me my Adventure Journal. I took it with me on all our travels with an ever-expanding materials’ case and filled it with non-pressured, playful, mixed-media creations. When we got back it was the natural flow for me to start translating what I’d learned into larger scale works. Creating is my mindfulness practice. Removing the pressure of what it’s going to turn out like really helped me to free up and create more. 

What do you love about it? 
Acrylic paints are so versatile, they can be thickened, thinned, textured and layered. I love working with acrylic and mixed media as anything goes and I don’t feel limited. I play around with materials to learn about them. Sometimes I don’t know how they’re going to interact, but that’s all part of the magic. My outcomes rarely come out like my initial idea. I find it very freeing, allowing myself to just go with the flow and let the materials lead the way. 

What are some of the things that inspire you to create your art?
I am super grateful to have an inspiring studio space, full of natural light, attached onto the deck where I live. It’s my happy place and having everything in one spot definitely helps with the momentum of creating.
The majority of my current work is influenced by my early morning coastal walks, weekend adventures and the plants I fill my home with. I create to recharge. The materials I’m drawn to and how the work turns out is always quite in the moment. All my work has brought me happiness.

What is your favourite piece and why?
Currently, my favourite piece is "A Gentle Day". I can imagine it bringing a peaceful, chilled feeling to a room. I like how the soft oil pastel line and block acrylic complement each other. This piece evolved over six months. When I see it I see the layers and the journey I went on when creating it.

Who is your favourite artist?
This changes all the time! At the moment, I can’t get enough of Californian artist Hilary Pecis, especially her landscapes. They feel so inviting with the contrast of solid colour and delicate, intricate shapes. I hope to be able to see her work in person one day. 

Fare well

Flavour-forward and ready in a flash, these three recipes from The Fast Five, Donna Hay’s new cookbook,
will delight and impress.

Recipes and styling Donna Hay
Photos Chris Court + Con Poulos

Ginger pork and pineapple skewers

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

600g pork fillet, trimmed and thinly sliced

250g pineapple, skin on and sliced into 8 thick wedges

Sliced Lebanese cucumber, coriander and extra sliced long red chilli, to serve

Ginger marinade

3 green onions, finely chopped

1 tbsp ginger, finely grated 

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbsp fish sauce

⅓ cup brown sugar, firmly packed 

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Chilli pickled carrot

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp honey

1 long red chilli, sliced

4 carrots, peeled and shredded

METHOD

To make the ginger marinade, combine the green onion, ginger, garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar and
oil in a large bowl. 

Add the pork and the pineapple and mix to combine. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to marinate.

To make the chilli pickled carrot, combine the vinegar, honey and chilli in a bowl. Add the carrot and toss to combine. Set aside. 

Preheat oven grill (broiler) to high. Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper.

Thread the pork and pineapple onto 8 metal skewers and place on the prepared tray. Brush
with any remaining ginger marinade and grill
for 10–12 minutes or until just cooked through. 

Serve with the chilli pickled carrot, cucumber, coriander and the extra chilli. 

Butter chicken burger

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

600g chicken mince

1 cup fresh sourdough breadcrumbs

⅓ cup butter chicken paste

½ cup coriander leaves,
finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

warmed naan bread, cucumber ribbons, extra mint leaves, store-bought mango chutney and fries, to serve

Minted yoghurt

1 cup plain thick yoghurt

2 tbsp mint leaves, finely chopped

1 tbsp lemon juice 

METHOD

To make the patties, place the mince, breadcrumbs, butter chicken paste, coriander and onion in a bowl and mix to combine. Divide the mixture into 4 patties.  

Heat a large non-stick frying pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 4–5 minutes each side or until cooked through. Remove from the pan. 

While the patties are cooking, make the minted yoghurt. Combine the yoghurt, mint and lemon juice. 

To assemble, top the naan bread with the minted yoghurt, cucumber ribbons, extra mint leaves, the patties and mango chutney. Serve with smoky potato fries. 

TIP: Feel free to serve these patties in regular burger buns, if you like.

Banoffee brûlée tarts

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 cup almond meal 

1 cup flaked almonds

2 egg whites

¼ cup raw caster sugar

2 bananas, peeled and thinly sliced

¼ cup coconut sugar

caramel sauce, to serve

Whipped vanilla cream

½ cup mascarpone 

½ cup plain thick yoghurt

1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract

METHOD

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper.

Place the almond meal, flaked almonds, egg whites and the caster sugar in a bowl and mix to combine. Divide the mixture into 4. Place on the prepared tray and press out into rough 12cm (4¾ inch) rounds. Bake for 14 minutes or until golden around the edges.

To make the whipped vanilla cream, whisk the mascarpone, yoghurt and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Place the banana slices on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper and sprinkle with the coconut sugar. Using a kitchen blowtorch, cook until the banana starts to caramelise.

To assemble, divide the whipped vanilla cream between tart bases. Top with the coconut caramel sauce and the caramelised banana. 

TIP: If you don’t own a kitchen blowtorch, use the grill in your oven (broiler) to caramelise the banana.

donnahay.com.au

Rolling in the deep

Mount Maunganui welcomes a restaurant that really is worth its salt.

 WORDS Hayley Barnett

Walking into Saltwater, you can practically smell the sea air and hear the gentle clanging of the docks. Its nautical theming, all clean whites, crisp blues and deep wood instantly reminds you of where you are, and really gets your stomach grumbling for some of Aotearoa’s finest seafood.

There’s a lot to take in and the vibe is buzzing. Diners chatter, the open kitchen is a hive of activity and the lengthy ice bar tempts with a salivating range of freshly caught fish, oysters, scallops, mussels and other seafood delights. 

Everything about this seafood grill and oyster bar, that’s located in the middle of the main strip of Mount Maunganui, feels premium. Everything, that is, except the prices.

“We wanted it to be approachable. We didn’t want a pretentious seafood restaurant that most of the country
can’t go to,” co-owner Nick Potts says. “We wanted fish n’ chips, fish burger, Coromandel mussels. These are all great dishes but we didn’t want a price tag that was unattainable by the public.”

Along with his business partner Jay Thomas, they’ve given classic Kiwi kai an upmarket makeover while keeping a relaxed and welcoming vibe to the restaurant. Along with those favourites, there’s also more exotic dishes like grilled octopus, a soft shell crab burger and freshly prepared sashimi on offer.

And if fish isn’t your dining partner’s bag, there’s a range of non-seafood dishes to try, including Eye Fillet Carpaccio, a beef burger and a coconut curry.

But it’s hard to see your appetite returning to land after grazing the menu and its ocean treats. The calamari came in a jovially light batter and was served with Cajun mayo that had a delicious bite to it. My fiancé enjoyed the prawn po-boy so much he seriously considered ordering another and I couldn’t get enough of those ocean-fresh oysters and mussels. 

“We’ve tried to keep the seafood as the hero of the dish. We haven’t tried to overcomplicate it with huge flavours,” Nick explained. “It’s about the quality of the seafood we’re using. It’s about great food that anyone will enjoy.”

Nick also owns fine-dining restaurant Solera down the road so, as you’d expect, everything here is mouth-wateringly delicious. And, now that it's opened, it’s hard to believe there wasn’t a seafood restaurant of this quality here already. It seems such an obvious fit for the sea-loving folk who live in and around the Mount. 

saltwaterseafood.co.nz

Style status

Explore the summer aesthetic with go-to seasonal looks.

Words Nicky Adams

Jets Floreale bikini top $148 and pant $127, Isla Rib one-piece, $254, Temptationslingerie.nz 

In the heat of summer, air flow and comfort are golden. This season, "coastal grandma" is trending – and it’s not just an aesthetic, it’s a lifestyle. Essentially laid-back oceanside minimalism, age is immaterial (Anne Hathaway is a big fan) – it’s a state of mind. Easy-fitting dresses, loose low-rise wide-leg trousers that sit on the hips, capacious shirts that billow in the breeze, all providing cover and keeping you feeling and looking cool all at the same time. Simple chic, monochromatic, light tones and, of course a dash of linen. With oversized silhouettes ruling the room, footwear needs to provide balance – enter the chunky leather slide. This classic style will keep you grounded all day long. 

Deadly Ponies slides, $449, deadlyponies.com

At the other end of the spectrum of holiday wear is sporty athleisure – track tops, bike shorts and polo shirts. This streetwear vibe translates well to the beach – just throw on a pair of robust slides. Swimwear is another seasonal must-have. From experience, I can vouch that buying quality is money very well spent; the difference in price is reflected in fit and longevity of fabric; sustainability is also high on the agenda for an increasing number of brands. This summer you can push aside reservations about body type, as there’s a style for every figure – one-shoulder, textured, ribbed, metallic, cutout. Lots of high-end design houses feature beautiful swimwear, but it’s hard to get past the trusted brands that emphasise longevity, style and durability. This year you’ll see swimwear that doubles as daywear "beach to bar" – a one-piece worn as a bodysuit, styled with a flowing skirt or pants. 

Aphrodite maxi gown, $140, taylorcovecollection.com

The Bold And The Beautiful

With fashion increasingly accepting that personal style should dictate your wardrobe as much, if not more than the latest looks, the scope for creativity has blossomed. 

It’s fair to say that bohemian chic always feels as though it’s low-level trending. However, some of the signature styles that define boho are featuring this summer under their own steam, and it definitely feels as though you can pick up a little hippy without going full Woodstock. Fringing (a boho mainstay) is very much back on the radar, as is beading as an embellishment. Crochet in its many iterations has moved from the catwalk to the high street, and we’re seeing tops, bottoms, dresses, and even swimwear, all with a 2022 vibe about it. A silk scarf is another runway to real-life trend
– from a headscarf to worn through your belt, style it how you will. 

Percival dress, $845, magalipascal.com.au

While pink still rules as the colourway for summer, designers are bringing us orange, tangerine and pumpkin spice in mouthwatering hues. At this time of year we’re all reaching for event wear – party gear, racewear, Christmas do – and it’s hard to resist going all out. It’s also hard to avoid satin and sequins, and why would you want to? If embracing the joy of fashion is your thing, then look no further than the wave of "hyperfeminine", championed by designers such as Simone Rocha. The ruffles, tulle and pastels are a perfect dip into fashion wonderland. Currently red carpets abound with white suits, which is a personal "gotta have it/make it stop" moment. Having tried the look in the late 90s (when, on reflection, I looked like a dentist), my preference is the equally on-trend but less structured head-to-toe white look, which perfectly nails low-key luxury.

GUESSED DRESSED

Suit and tie, or smart casual? Haute couture, hat and heels, or cocktail dress? Where to start (and what not do to) with wedding guest wear.

The invitation is on the mantelpiece, and excitement is building – there’s no doubt a wedding is the ultimate occasion to really have fun with fashion. This is one event when you can flex every sartorial style muscle in your body, but it is one that requires a high degree of outfit planning. 

I was fizzing to attend a school friend’s wedding recently, so much so that “whittling down” still included at least five dress options. The day itself turned out to be a freakish 40 degrees, and let’s just say full-length satin was not going to be a practical choice. I ended up in none of the dresses I had optioned, instead in far more casual (but infinitely cooler) silk shorts and camisole, jazzed up with a headband, an upgraded handbag, and heels. The moral of the story: Don’t disregard having a backup option, or make sure you check out the weather forecast.

Aside from the practicalities of the time of year, you’ll need to read between the lines as to the type of occasion this wedding will be: Relaxed or formal. This can often be given away by location – a church or city event may indicate a tighter dress code; country or beach might imply more relaxed. Then, of course, a key consideration will be your role, and whether it is that of guest, or as part of the bridal party itself.

With mindful fashion choices increasingly at the fore, as well as budget-consciousness, there’s far more of an emphasis on finding something that can be worn again and again, rather than a one-hit wonder. This will generally lead you to avoiding fleeting trends and sticking with colours that suit you. That is, of course, unless those colours are black or white – etiquette dictates that for anyone other than the bride or groom, shades of white should be avoided at all costs. Black has a little more leeway; while traditionally considered off-limits, it has started to creep into wedding guest attire. And although head-to-toe may feel a little bleak on such a joyous day, if you really want to wear black, work it into your outfit by way of bag, shoes, or part of a pattern.

So, where to start? For guests, while style is important, comfort is key. 

FORMAL

Fashion has become more flexible, meaning it’s easier to be formal without looking stuffy or as though you’ve aged 20 years overnight. For a more modest look something with a hemline below the knee or with sleeves could easily be found within the multiple maxi dresses in vogue. If you prefer a slightly shorter hemline (emphasis on slightly), then a cocktail style dress might be just the ticket. Think about both style and fabric choice, a high sheen silk or satin immediately smartens, and a voluminous style such as a shift can be super chic. And then there’s the men – if we’re talking formal then for summer a light-coloured suit such as a pale blue or grey can be stunning but avoid shiny fabrics and look for a high-quality fine wool. To tie or not to tie is often the question, but if you’re wearing a suit then a tie finishes the look nicely. Or you could opt for a single-breasted jacket with smart pants and an open-neck linen
shirt, which can still look very smart.

BEACH COUNTRY / CASUAL

If we assume that we’re working with the summer months and a beach location, the chances are you’ll want something that will withstand a high temperature. "Elevated comfort" is pivotal to this look. A natural fibre such as silk will keep you cooler, and when it comes to choosing a style, consider that you could be standing in blazing sunshine, so it may be worth picking something with a degree of coverage. Footwear is critical – barefoot may look fabulous in magazine fashion shoots, however in reality you risk scalding the soles of your feet, so find a shoe that won’t sink in the sand, but that will complement your outfit. Equally for a low-key occasion the scope is endless. There’s a definite move among guests to embrace colour (think Amal Clooney at Harry and Meghan's wedding), which coincides with a huge fashion shift towards dopamine dressing. If complete saturation feels too much, use a colour pop as a springboard to accessorise. If you want to change it up from a dress, then smart jumpsuits can be versatile and flattering. For men, a low-key look
is a breeze – short sleeved shirt, smart shorts, and suede loafers. Job done.

MOTHER OF THE BRIDE OR GROOM

The golden rule is to never outshine, or draw attention away from the bride, which really implies nothing too outrageous, low cut, and lots of communication to establish the general colour theme of the bridal party. Something to remember is that you’ll be in lots of photographs, so pick a fabric that won’t crease. Also think about your silhouette in all those piccies; I’ve looked at shots post event and realized some design details just don’t translate well on film; all I will say is that my bête noire involved a very puffed sleeve. For those that want to move away from the traditional MOB/MOG vibe, a more modern (and increasingly popular) look is a tailored summer suit, which can be both stunning, and will last a lifetime. Alternatively, an off-the-shelf trouser suit can be altered to fit.

ACCESSORIES

A hat is far from an expectation, although in the heat of summer can be worked into your outfit choice as sun protection. Headbands have muscled fascinators to the side, and while the raised padded Alice bands can be hard to wear if you’re more mature, try a woven or mixed material creations which look fun and modern. A small handbag can pull an outfit together, and either help tie shoes in, or, in the case of my own more casual two piece, elevate the look altogether. Shoes are a vital part of the equation. While heels are elegant, they can also be disastrous, depending on the terrain. Nothing is worse than that sinking feeling as your heel slides further down into the grass with each step you take. The trend for platforms has wedding guests singing hallelujah the world over.

TO FINISH

Even in the height of summer I never leave home without a cover-up, and you can guarantee a temperature drop for an event that spans day to evening. While a pashmina may feel a little grande dame, the fact that it folds into a bag is priceless. Alternatively, a light or bright blazer will suit just about any look and doesn’t have to be a big-ticket item. It can be found in myriad fabric options and cuts, which means you can avoid looking "officey". Linen, satin, viscose – cropped or a little loose. This fashion staple will stand you in good stead as the sun goes down… After all, the key thing to remember about a wedding is that you’re there to celebrate, so whatever you wear needs to allow you to feel fabulous as you party the night away. 

Seize the day

Are we so obsessed with plans, goals and looking forward to fun things that we forget the here and now? Fresh Coaching’s Anna Veale explains the shady side to living only for the future.

Photos | Salina Galvan

Idon’t know about you, but from October 1 I feel a shift in energy. Not just on my own, but on other people around me. Shops subtly put their Christmas products at our eyeline, the fake Christmas trees have been brought out of the attic and strategically placed in the corner of waiting rooms, memes of "11 Saturdays ‘til Christmas" start floating around social media and all of us have that one friend who has been counting down the days since last Christmas! 

These signs prove to me that more than ever we are more focused on our future than where we are in the here and now. The danger of living this way is that before we know it, our life has passed us by and the future we spend months craving, is now so far in our rear-view mirror we can’t remember what it was we wanted in the first place. 

While it’s great to plan our futures, have goals and dreams, it’s important to remember that right now is all we have got. It’s what we do right here, right now that is going to secure our future. (Did anyone else just start silently singing to Fatboy Slim, or was it just me?) When we truly understand this concept, then the pace of life can slow down. We can step back from the collective race towards "one day" and make choices that align with what matters most to us. 

So how do we step off the treadmill which is increasing speed without nosediving into a third bowl of pavlova on Christmas Day and feeling utterly burned out?

TURN THE LIGHT ON

The first place to start is with awareness. Most of us find ourselves at a party we didn’t want to go to, over committing to people only to let them down at the last minute or wasting precious energy worrying about being in fifty places at once. From today onwards, turn the light on inside your mind and see what your automatic responses are to:

Requests that are made of you
Do you say yes without hesitation without considering the consequences? The time you spend on one thing is taking precious time away from other areas of your life that might matter more. Choose how and when you spend your time wisely.  

Getting drawn into society's pace
Sometimes it’s not you, it’s others. Have enough awareness to know whose energy you’re picking up on. If everyone else around you is racing around trying to "get it all done" before the end of the year, have the courage to question if the stressful (endless) to-do list needs to be completed or are the expectations too high? Or that friend that you haven’t seen for most of the year and has invited you for a catch up before 2023 rolls around; perhaps you can put them off until January? 

Stress
We all handle stress differently, but getting overwhelmed, having a short fuse, being distracted, and disengaging from things that would usually give you joy are all signs that you might be doing too much. Understanding your response to stress will give you the power to dial down on the basics – moving your body, eating food that fuels you and getting a decent night’s sleep. If you know you have some late, boozy nights coming up, counteract the possible negative consequences by having some healthy food choices and room for a walk the next day.

We know that the pace of life isn’t going to slow down so it's counterproductive to stress about how much you have to do. Choose today to take ownership of your busyness and make your mindset work for you. 

freshcoaching.me

Anna’s new book Only Human is available to order now: linktr.ee/freshcoachingnz