Winter wonderlands
Tanya Chaffey of Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates in Tauranga shares her top picks for destinations that make the cold well worth it.
While many of us dream of ditching the winter coats and chasing the sun, there’s something irresistibly charming about leaning into the season instead. Think snow dusted villages, steaming mugs of mulled wine and the soft crunch of fresh powder underfoot. Tanya Chaffey of Chaffey and Turner Travel Associates in Tauranga shares her top picks for destinations that make the cold well worth it.
Whether you're dreaming of frosty escapades in the heart of Finland's Lapland, carving pristine powder in Japan's renowned skiing destinations, or soaking in Iceland's geothermal allure, my guide to the ultimate winter holiday will transport you to where the festive spirit and the magic of the season create an unforgettable experience. From the artistry of ice sculptures in Harbin to the wildlife wonders of Canada's snowy terrains, each destination offers its unique charm and promise of an enchanted winter.
Finland
Venturing into the heart of Finland, especially around the Arctic Circle and Lapland, feels like stepping right into a winter fairy tale. Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, is your year-round hub for all things Christmas, and meeting the real-deal Santa and Mrs Claus at the Santa Claus village is pure magic. Try snuggling up in an igloo for the night. If you're lucky, you'll get front-row seats to the Northern Lights right from your bed. There’s loads of adventure activities right on your doorstep, too. Hop on a snowmobile and take in the stunning winter landscapes. Or opt for a gentler journey with a reindeer or dog sled ride. Japan The snow in Japan is really something special. Places like Niseko and Hakuba are known for their light, dry powder — often called “Japow” — and offer terrain for all skill levels. The ski season generally runs from December to April, though dates vary depending on location and snowfall.
Many resorts have ski-in/ski-out access, and all-inclusive options that include everything from steaming bowls of ramen to international dishes. Take a break from the slopes to explore an onsen village. Or visit the snow monkeys warming themselves in natural hot springs.
Iceland
Winter in Iceland feels slower, quieter, and more surreal, with only a few hours of pale daylight and long, starlit nights. It’s an ideal time to soak in the country’s geothermal pools — the Blue Lagoon is the most famous, but there are dozens of others tucked into lava fields and coastlines across the country. Christmas here comes with its own folklore. Iceland’s holiday season is rich with stories of elves and the 13 Yule Lads, mischievous characters who arrive one by one in the lead-up to Christmas. The blend of natural drama and cultural tradition makes a winter visit something you won’t forget.
Harbin, China
In Harbin, ice becomes art. Each year, the city hosts the world famous Ice and Snow Festival, where towers, sculptures, and even entire buildings are carved from blocks of ice and lit up in vivid colour. There's an ice amusement park, too, and food stalls serving everything from spicy skewers to hearty dumplings. Russian influence lingers in the city’s architecture and cuisine, adding another layer of interest. Temperatures can drop below –35°C, so dress for deep winter.
Canada
Few places do winter like Canada. Whistler is a favourite for skiers and snowboarders, with varied terrain and a lively après-ski scene. Think alpine lodges, open fires, and a reliable snowfall that draws visitors from around the world. For wildlife lovers, Churchill in Manitoba is one of the best places to see polar bears in their natural habitat. Or head further north on an Arctic cruise, where the frozen wilderness might offer glimpses of walruses, Arctic foxes, and even narwhals.
The secret ingredient
Stacey Jones discovers a passionate foodie dedicated to creating authentic Greek experiences.
Stacey Jones discovers a passionate foodie dedicated to creating authentic Greek experiences.
As UNO’s food writer over the past three years, few experiences have been as memorable or heart-warming as Yiayia’s Little Kitchen. Tucked away down a gravel drive in Matatā, opposite Whale Island, Caterina Murphy’s home opens up a world of Greek-Cypriot flavours and traditions just waiting to be uncovered.
Caterina’s culinary journey took flight last year when she launched a small vegetarian catering business. “I’d worked in education all my life,” she recalls, “but my foodie dream was always simmering away in the background. So I asked for reduced hours at work and went for it.”
The community’s response exceeded her wildest expectations. “People loved the plant-based menus and soon started asking about classes,” she laughs. “That’s when I knew Yiayia’s Little Kitchen was meant to be.”
Food, Caterina explains, is edible history. “I learnt alongside my mother,” she says. “Anyone can hand you a recipe, but what you don’t get is the story – the rituals, the history and the cultural bonds formed in the kitchen.”
On her mum’s side, her family roots trace back to Cyprus, where the cuisine marries Greek traditions with Middle Eastern influences. “Lemons, pomegranates, ground coriander are the flavours that tell the story of our island,” she adds.
She remembers the artichoke season in their garden as a ceremonial affair: each leaf dipped in olive oil and lemon juice, savoured one by one until only the heart remained. Being part of the Flavours Of Plenty Festival with her Big Fat Greek Cypriot Feast in April was the turning point last year. Held at Awaponga Hall, her diners raved not only about the food but also about the stories woven through each dish.
“I married a man who grows fresh vegetables for me,” she jokes. “Watching people discover plant-based Greek food was incredible, and by the end, everyone was begging for more events.”
Looking ahead, Caterina is planning her first cooking classes for the public, including a shakshuka master class – “it works for breakfast, brunch or a light dinner”.
Another favourite will be filo pastry workshops alongside vegetarian Koupes inspired by childhood picnics in the Troodos mountains. Later this year, she’ll host “table of eight” long lunches: a meze feast at her home where no one leaves hungry. If you’re after the next big secret foodie find in the Bay of Plenty, Yiayia’s Little Kitchen is it. And the secret ingredient, as Caterina will tell you, is simple: love.
Pacing the planet
The overnight success of fitness app The Conqueror’s Challenge took more than a decade to take off. Co-founder and Bay local Adam El-Agez explains how a treadmill, a paper map and a big idea became an $80 million fitness empire.
The overnight success of fitness app The Conqueror’s Challenge took more than a decade to take off. Co-founder and Bay local Adam El-Agez explains how a treadmill, a paper map and a big idea became an $80 million fitness empire.
words KARL PUSCHMANN
One afternoon, Adam El-Agez’s ex-wife stepped off their treadmill, fetched a paper map of New Zealand, and pinned it to the wall in front of the machine. Then she got back on and kept running. When she finished, she checked her distance and marked it on the map, determined to “run” the length of Aotearoa without ever leaving the house. Intrigued, Adam joined in.
A former PE teacher, he loved the motivation the challenge gave him as he clocked up kilometres and made his way across the motu. But there was one part that constantly bugged him.
“We had a notebook and a calculator, and every time we went for a run on the treadmill, we’d put a line on the map. I found it clunky. I’m not good with pen and paper,” he laughs. “I was like, ‘There must be an app for this.’”
Surprisingly, there wasn’t. Adam searched online forums and discussion groups, but all he found were people like him, using pen and paper to track their running journeys. That’s when the Pāpāmoa entrepreneur realised his running app idea had legs.
“In my early 20’s I left teaching and went down an entrepreneurial pathway,” he says. Over two decades, he reckons he’s started around a dozen different companies, picking up skills in everything from online marketing to coding along the way.
“People call me a generalist. I’ve got no specialist skills, but a lot of knowledge and ability at a low level. I thought the app might be something I could build, so I just went off and built it.”
That app was The Conqueror Challenges, a fitness goal-setting app that’s now one of the world’s most downloaded exercise apps, generating a staggering $80 million per year. At its core, it’s a digital implementation of marking progress on a paper map.
“If I went for a 5km run, on the app I would advance down the length of New Zealand by 5km,” he explains.
While The Conqueror Challenges (TCC) stays true to Adam’s original, lo-fi concept, its popularity is because it makes fitness fun by gamifying exercise with a range of virtual challenges designed to keep you motivated. Sure, you could run the length of Aotearoa, but you could just as easily cycle the Inca Trail, or even follow Frodo’s The Lord of the Rings footsteps and walk from The Shire to Mordor. Along the way, users get virtual postcards packed with trivia, but the real prize is, funnily enough, a real prize. After crossing the finish line, you get sent a desirable physical medal to mark the accomplishment.
“The medals have become a bit collectible,” a chuffed Adam says. The app’s popularity hasn’t gone unnoticed either. In 2025, The Conqueror Challenges won Best Digital Interactive Product at the Licensing International Awards in Las Vegas for its Harry Potter Virtual Challenge series — beating out heavyweight finalists like Minecraft, Lego Duplo, Five Nights at Freddy’s and Roblox. “We’re just a relatively small, scrappy crew — no big machine behind us — yet somehow we’re out here doing global deals, delivering licensed products like clockwork, and getting high-fives for it. Honestly, it still blows my mind,” Adam says.
From the vantage point of 2025, it’s easy to assume TCC was an overnight success. That’s not the case. The journey began way back in 2012.
“It’s been a hell of a slog,” Adam admits. For years, he poured time and money into the app with little to show for it, aside from losses, frustration, and false starts. The traction he was convinced existed never seemed to arrive. But he didn’t quit.
“I was almost too deep in it,” he says. “You can’t sell a failed fitness app. You just turn the servers off and give up.”
A chance meeting online changed everything when Adam connected with a Romanian strategist named Raul Vintila. Raul wasn’t the first marketing expert Adam had brought in, but he was the f irst to truly understand Adam’s vision.
“He smashed it,” Adam smiles. Within a year, the app was out of the starting blocks. Adam was so impressed that he made Raul a co-founder, giving him half the company. Finally, the momentum Adam had believed in for so long had kicked in.
“The success happened super quick after a long, painful, hard, unsuccessful time,” Adam says. Despite the success, “literally the culmination of 20 years of business experience”, it hasn’t stopped him from dreaming up his next move. As an entrepreneur, he can’t help it. His restless drive is part of why he loves the Bay.
“I’m a very active person, and living here allows me to have that amazing quality of life, which helps, when you’re an ‘always-on’ entrepreneur,” he says, listing surfing, fishing, and mountain biking as some of his hobbies. Which lately, he’s had more time to engage with.
“Entrepreneurs don’t belong in mature businesses. I think they’re bad for it unless they bring a strong set of skills to the table. I don’t, so I stepped down as CEO. It’s been great! I’ve been doing heaps of hobbies, travel and spending time with family.”
After years of hardcore hustle, the break has been welcome. “I’ve enjoyed my time, but I know I need to move into something else.” Then, like a true entrepreneur, he grins and says, “I’m just not sure what that is yet.”
Winter warmers
The top secret food experiences you need to know about.
The top secret food experiences you need to know about.
words STACEY JONES
It feels like winter has truly set in now – grey skies, chilly nights, the same old dinner on repeat. But fear not, you don’t have to wander far to warm your cockles. Here are our food columnist Stacey Jones' top-secret foodie experiences in the Bay of Plenty that’ll light up your winter with a fantastic food adventure.
Mid-Winter Gin-Mas
June–August
Matahui Distillery is warming our cockles this winter with their Mid-Winter Gin-mas workshop, where you’ll have the chance to make your own custom gin using mid-winter Christmas botanicals. At $95 per head (roughly the cost of a decent shop-bought bottle), it’s the steal of the season. Paul Horak, Matahui’s master distiller, will guide you through small-batch botanicals (he even snagged New Zealand’s Best Botanical Spirit award). The distillery is located in Matahui, just 20 minutes from Tauranga. It's the perfect spot for a fun weekend away from the city.
To book, visit:
Shuck Yeah!
June–October
Have you ever wanted to slurp an oyster moments after it left the water? Tio Ōhiwa’s twice-daily, 90-minute cruises across Ōhiwa Harbour make it possible at New Zealand’s only Māori-owned oyster farm. Your journey begins with a guided history of the estuary, winds past Ohakana Island and Tauwhare Pā, then drops anchor at Ōhiwa Oyster Farm. There you’ll learn to shuck, dress and serve your own oysters, tour the processing plant and walk away with a dozen (or more) of the freshest Ōhiwa oysters you’ll ever taste.
To book, visit OHIWAOYSTERS.COM and use code BOPEATS for 10% off.
Diggin' It
June-July
Truffle-hunting season (late May–July) is here and in the Bay of Plenty we are graced with some of New Zealand’s highest producing truffle farms. Trufflewood in Paengaroa invites you onto their farm to hunt Perigord truffles, famed on TVNZ’s Country Calendar and featured on plates at Amisfield and Ahi. Follow expert dog Simba as he leads you through the orchard floor to unearth these rare gems. Once you’ve dug up your treasure, indulge in a guided tasting, including local cheese, butter, ice cream and more.
Visit BOPEATS.CO.NZ for tickets and use the code UNO10 for $10 off.
My Big Fat Greek
Cooking Class
Thursdays, June–August 2025
Step inside Yiayia's Little Kitchen at Caterina Murphy's cosy Matatā home, perched opposite Whale Island on a tranquil rural property, and roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Greek cooking class. Under her warm and welcoming guidance, you’ll learn to craft pipinghot moussaka layered with silky bechamel, hand-stretched pillowy pitas to fill with homemade hummus and tzatziki, and fold flaky filo for sweet baklava. Along the way, Caterina will share the stories behind each recipe, the traditions they spring from, and the love she pours into every dish. After cooking, sit down together to feast on your creations, savouring an experience you’ll be talking about long after the last bite.
Contact YIAYIASLITTLEKITCHEN@GMAIL.COM for classes.
Rebranding the Bay
What makes a place truly unforgettable? Is it the golden beaches, the rolling hills, or the vibrant urban buzz? For Our Tauranga Region, the answer is something deeper. It’s in the stories of the people who live and work there. Now, in a bold move to express the essence of Tauranga and the Western Bay, the team is turning to the community to help define the region’s next big identity.
What makes a place truly unforgettable? Is it the golden beaches, the rolling hills, or the vibrant urban buzz? For Our Tauranga Region, the answer is something deeper. It’s in the stories of the people who live and work there. Now, in a bold move to express the essence of Tauranga and the Western Bay, the team is turning to the community to help define the region’s next big identity.
words HAYLEY BARNETT
After years of watching Tauranga and the Western Bay grow in size and diversity, Our Tauranga Region has embarked on a journey to develop a new brand. In fact, it will be the first brand the region has ever adopted, and they want to make sure it’s one that genuinely reflects the spirit of those who call the Bay home.
“We’ve got this beautiful region, but the way we talk about it hasn’t caught up with who we are now,” explains Haydn Marriner, project lead at Our Tauranga Region. “We didn’t want to slap a logo on a postcard and call it a brand. It has to be a reflection of the people – our mana and values.”
Rather than relying solely on marketers or consultants, Our Tauranga Region is crowdsourcing the heart of the brand from its own community. They’re meeting with iwi, local businesses, artists, and residents to uncover what truly defines the region and its people. Nothing has been decided yet; even the term 'Our Tauranga Region' is a temporary white label identity that will be retired once the new place brand has been delivered.
“Branding is no longer a top-down process,” says Marriner. “It’s about co-creation. We’re not just building something for the community. We’re building it with them.”
One of the key principles guiding the project is authenticity. Our Tauranga Region is working closely with tangata whenua to ensure the brand is grounded in te ao Māori and the unique cultural fabric of the region. As Marriner puts it, “You can’t tell the story of this place without starting with the people who have been here the longest.”
While culture and heritage are central, the brand also aims to represent the region’s evolving identity and its entrepreneurial energy, creative spirit, and laid-back lifestyle.
The process has been anything but conventional. From community hui to online submissions, the brand development has become a dialogue, not a monologue. And it’s working.
“What’s been amazing is how much people care,” Marriner says. “There’s a sense of pride and ownership coming through in every conversation. Whether someone’s been here five minutes or five generations, they’ve got something to say about what makes this place special.”
The branding project is set to roll out over the next few months, with a visual identity and messaging platform expected later this year. But for Our Tauranga Region, the journey has already delivered its own reward, which is a stronger connection between the people and the place they call home.
“If we get this right, if we create something true to us, it'll resonate with locals, with visitors, with businesses – with everyone!” Marriner says. “Because it’s real.”
Have your say at: OURTAURANGAREGION.COM
Te reo rising
Reena Snook is bringing world-class, all–te reo Māori theatre to Tauranga, creating a bold new direction for Baycourt.
Reena Snook is bringing world-class, all–te reo Māori theatre to Tauranga, creating a bold new direction for Baycourt.
words SUE HOFFART photos TE POU THEATRE & THE DUST PALACE + DAVID COOPER
Work has become undeniably personal for Baycourt Community and Arts Centre manager Reena Snook. Four years into her tenure, the drama school graduate and first-year te reo Māori student is championing a production that combines a theatre and circus spectacle with dialogue entirely in te reo.
“This is something I wish a young me could have seen,” Reena says of the Te Tangi a Te Tūī performance being staged in Tauranga in August. “One reviewer called it transformative, and I’m convinced that’s true. It’s an experience that really could be pivotal for a lot of the young people we’re bringing into our theatre.”
Baycourt will host the August 6 opening night of a tour that encompasses four other North Island centres. And Baycourt is also gifting tickets to all students attending a school-only performance on August 7.
“We want to remove as many financial barriers as possible because nothing should stand in the way of rangatahi experiencing world-class performers. This young audience will hear stories grounded in indigenous culture, they’ll hear te reo Māori on stage and that’s likely to feel powerful and personal to many. Perhaps they’ll see a pathway I couldn’t imagine at their age.”
When Te Tangi a Te Tūī had its Aotearoa premiere at Te Pou Theatre in Auckland last year, Reena was immediately determined to bring the production to Tauranga. A long-standing connection to two of the project’s key creators helped: Eve Gordon of The Dust Palace and Tainui Tukiwaho of Te Pou Theatre attended drama school with Reena in Auckland.
The work also marks a strategic shift for Baycourt as the centre moves towards broadening and complementing its current programme offerings. Reena acknowledges Baycourt’s “incredibly rich history” that’s achieved so much. But, she recognises some voices and stories haven’t been as visible as others.
“As a community arts centre, we need to take deliberate steps to bring people from all parts of the community onto the stage and into the audience,” she says.
Te Tangi a Te Tūī, which tells the story of the tui’s song and its evolution over the centuries, is a positive step in that direction. “It’s the first time we’ve been able to support a professional production performed fully in te reo Māori. I love the way this show honours our Pākehā audiences too, with the cirque theatre and universal story elements ensuring it’s accessible and understandable for everyone.
“There’s no tokenism here. We’re not just putting a Māori theatre production on stage to meet a diversity quota. One of the goals is to offer Pākehā a safe entry point into te ao Māori – something they can genuinely connect with and enjoy, without feeling like they’re being overwhelmed or excluded.”
Reena shares how she has spent much of her life distanced from her Ngāpuhi roots and how a deep sense of not belonging shapes some of her story. “As someone of mixed heritage I often felt I wasn’t ‘brown enough’ to be Māori or ‘white enough’ to be Pākehā.
“That’s a tension that has informed my approach to programming and community engagement. I want to create spaces and experiences where people of all backgrounds and identities can feel recognised and valued.”
It was only after relocating from Auckland to Tauranga with husband Greg, in 2018, that Reena began closely examining her own identity. (She left a job as senior producer at performing arts platform, Auckland Live, to take up a Tauranga City Council events management position).
She speaks of an unexpected sense of connection with Tauranga mana whenua and how the warm welcome spurred her to begin tracing the threads of her whānau and whakapapa.
“It’s funny the further away I got from my tūrangawaewae in the Far North, the more I wanted to learn about my Māori whakapapa.”
Alongside her personal cultural awakening, Reena realised she missed the performing arts world and its creative people. So, when the Baycourt role came up in 2021, she pounced. Presenting Te Tangi a Te Tūī will be a career high.
“For those who still doubt the calibre of Māori theatre, this production is set to challenge that perception entirely.”
“It’s special that Baycourt is the tour’s first stop and I’m proud our local rangatahi will see themselves reflected on stage. For some in our audience, this may also be their first visit to a traditional theatre.
“It’s critical Baycourt supports work like this, so that culturally powerful storytelling reaches the communities that need to see it most.”
Town and country
French-inspired elegance meets New Zealand heritage at this grand estate, offering timeless craftsmanship and luxurious comfort across every detail.
French-inspired elegance meets New Zealand heritage at this grand estate, offering timeless craftsmanship and luxurious comfort across every detail.
words JO FERRIS
New Zealand architecture has a unique ability to adapt global influences to suit local aesthetics in ways that give greater credence to this country’s way of life.
This home’s grandeur begins at the private entry, as the green-belted driveway slides past an established avocado orchard. Fully managed by Ashlin Avos, this aspect removes any thoughts of hands-on work to offer the prospect of passive income and country lifestyle.
The welcome is imposing – gabled roofing pays homage to grand estates of old, with weatherboard construction matching that character in a contemporary way. Impressive double rimu doors, with their leadlight insets, suggest native timber and heritage features will continue inside; and this home certainly showcases its appreciation of traditional craftmanship.
The kitchen takes its cue from French country styling – blending marble and timber with intricate precision. Colour choices complement the theme, while instilling an intimate mood that enriches bar-stool gatherings around the large rimu island and formal dining.
Views stretch outside to the swimming pool and garden. Cathedral ceilings enhance the space, bespoke lighting blends character, while hand-beaten pewter hardware catches the light in subtle harmony.
The mood lightens in the family lounge – its softer tone and texture a clever contrast between the darker flavour of the kitchen/dining hub and formal lounge either side.
Deep-coloured carpet in the lounge is a smart contrast to the oak laminate flooring in family living. The formal lounge doubles as a home theatre, thanks to a built-in projector and speakers. Eyes also draw to the antique kauri mantel embracing the gas fire; a feature repeated in family living.
While the warm flicker of flame is an asset in both rooms, the ground floor boasts 10-zone hydronic underfloor heating, heated primarily with a diesel furnace.
Living areas all flow outside to expansive patio settings and a tranquil garden backdrop. Hidden neatly within a fringe of camelia hedging, the swimming pool melts into this serene setting. Four bedrooms include a sumptuous master retreat upstairs, with its balcony gaze over the garden below; plus a second ensuite bedroom.
Remaining bedrooms are downstairs; one shares semi-ensuite access to another bathroom, while all three boast heritage Perrin & Powel fittings, marble and oak cabinetry, plus underfloor heating.
Luxury features continue through to a large laundry – designed around ‘mud room’ convenience for country lifestyle.
With three-car garaging and ample parking to welcome visitors, this home is the epitome of refined living – a country estate that brings heritage into the modern day.
80 Oliver Road, Te Puna OLIVERROADBAYOFPLENTY.COM
Glow naturally
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore explains how Profhilo is changing the game in skin rejuvenation.
Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore explains how Profhilo is changing the game in skin rejuvenation. photo SALINA GALVAN + SUPPLIED
Lately, there's been a clear shift in what clients want from aesthetic treatments: subtle, natural-looking results that enhance rather than alter. Gone are the days of heavy fillers and overdone features. Today, treatments like Profhilo, Profhilo Structura and Profhilo Body are leading a new wave of injectables that restore, rebuild and rehydrate the skin, without adding bulk. And the results speak for themselves.
What sets Profhilo apart is its unique approach. Rather than sitting in the skin to add volume, it spreads beneath the surface to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The result? Improved tone, texture and elasticity from the inside out. Think of it as a wake-up call for your skin that keeps getting better over time.
Profhilo (face and neck)
This is where most of our clients begin. Profhilo is ideal for anyone noticing dullness, fine lines or that crepey texture, especially around the cheeks, jawline and neck. It delivers a natural, visible glow by restoring firmness and deeply hydrating the skin at a cellular level. Most people start to see results within a few weeks, with skin looking plumper, smoother and more luminous.
Profhilo Structura
The next step up. Profhilo Structura is an advanced rejuvenation treatment designed to restore facial structure and redefine contours by revitalising superficial fat cells. Using a specialised formulation of hyaluronic acid, it lifts and tightens areas like the cheeks, jawline, and temples, without adding volume. This treatment is particularly effective for addressing age-related changes in facial fat, leading to a more sculpted, youthful appearance.
Profhilo Body
Great skin shouldn’t stop at the jawline. Profhilo Body targets areas like the stomach, upper arms and thighs, where skin often loses firmness over time. Whether it’s post-baby texture on the tummy or crepey arms, this treatment helps smooth and improve elasticity exactly where you need it.
Across all three treatments the benefits are consistent: minimal downtime, a naturally refreshed appearance and results that build over time. Most clients begin with two sessions, spaced four weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every six to twelve months.
With Profhilo, it’s not about chasing trends. It’s about supporting your skin to function as it once did, by boosting your own collagen, improving elasticity and restoring deep hydration where it matters most.
Combined with a personalised treatment plan and consistent skincare, Profhilo can help you achieve healthier, more resilient skin not just for now, but well into the future.
Italian soul, Kiwi style
Discover a modern taste of Italy with a family legacy at Coco’s Trattoria.
Discover a modern taste of Italy with a family legacy at Coco’s Trattoria.
words HAYLEY BARNETT
A love for Italian cuisine runs in the family for owners of the new and beautifully modern Coco’s Trattoria. Chloe Meredith and Nik Zoraja met while working at one of his family's restaurants in Matamata, one of three Italian restaurants owned by Nik’s parents. He was in the kitchen, she worked front of house. Fittingly, Nik’s parents met the same way: chef and waitress, side by side.
Hospitality has long been the family business. While the family's Mount Maunganui eatery recently changed hands, the family still owns the Matamata and Ohakune spots. Now, Chloe and Nik have stepped out on their own with Coco’s.
“We’re really lucky everything has run so smoothly since opening in November last year,” says Chloe. “Our team came with us from previous roles, so they know how we work. It made things seamless, especially with a baby on the way!”
That baby, little Enzo, was just nine weeks old when UNO sat down to chat. “We decided to do it all at once — open a restaurant and have a baby,” Chloe laughs. Coco’s marks new territory for the pair. “We weren’t sure about opening inside a mall. We’ve always been in niche areas and hadn’t worked with a large corporation like Bayfair before. But the support they gave us made it all possible.”
The move has paid off. Steady foot traffic has kept them busy, and they’re looking forward to winter, when cravings for comforting pasta and slow-cooked meats kick in.
When the UNO team visited on a sunny autumn afternoon, two things stood out immediately: the authenticity of the food, and the speed it arrived. Within minutes, the table was brimming with fresh pasta, Napoli-style pizza, Italian snacks, and rich, slow-cooked dishes.
“It’s been a learning curve,” says Chloe. “We’ve never done a sharing-style menu like this. In past restaurants it was entrée, then main. But sharing works well in a faster-paced setting like this.”
Despite its mall location, Coco’s doesn’t feel like it’s in one. With a refined fit-out and a thoughtful menu, it delivers a full restaurant experience.
“While we’re quite traditional, we always say we’re Italian-style, inspired by Italian cuisine, but with a Kiwi twist. For example, traditional Italian pasta isn’t very meaty, but Kiwis love meat, so we adapt.”
Adding to the authenticity, two of their chefs and two front-of-house staff are from Italy. “They often say it reminds them of home. That’s the best feedback we could get.”
Though Coco’s is their first solo venture, Chloe and Nik have brought years of experience, and genuine passion, to the table. Balancing business and new parenthood, they’ve created a space that blends tradition, warmth and a modern take on what great Italian dining should feel like.
From prison to purpose
Known for his fierce presence on the rugby field, and for a headline-making fall from grace, former rugby league player Russell Packer is now stepping into a very different kind of spotlight. At this year’s He. Event in Tauranga, Russell will share his transformational journey.
Known for his fierce presence on the rugby field, and for a headline making fall from grace, former rugby league player Russell Packer is now stepping into a very different kind of spotlight. At this year’s He. Event in Tauranga, Russell will share his transformational journey.
words HAYLEY BARNETT
When former New Zealand Warriors prop Russell Packer walked out of prison in 2015, he carried more than just the weight of a criminal conviction. He carried a commitment to change.
After spending a year behind bars for assault following a drunken altercation in Sydney, during which he fractured a man’s eye socket, Russell emerged from incarceration determined to rebuild his life.
Originally sentenced to two years without parole, his term was reduced to one on appeal. That year away from his young family proved to be a turning point.
Upon his release, he returned to professional rugby league, gradually reintegrating into the sport. He was signed by several clubs and played until his retirement in 2021. Since then, Russell has earned an MBA with distinction and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Legal Studies.
But even with his mammoth list of achievements, Russell felt a deeper calling, to become a voice for men who, like him, had once masked their pain with aggression and silence. Now based in Tauranga, he’s preparing to speak at the second He. Event, a community-led initiative focused on men’s mental health andemotional wellbeing.
“I know what it’s like to carry anger like armour, to mask trauma with toughness,” Russell says. “If I can show even one man that seeking help isn’t weakness, it’s survival, then all the pain I went through means something.”
When He. Event organiser Cassandra Hogan approached him to speak, Russell saw it as a chance to give back, not by preaching, but by relating.
“Pretending you’re fine when you’re drowning nearly killed me,” he shares. “Speaking at He. is about cutting through the bullshit and showing men that trust and professional help aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. If one man hears me and decides to get help, that’s a win.”
Russell plans to speak candidly about the lessons prison taught him, the struggle to rebuild from rock bottom, and the emotional tools he now uses to navigate life’s challenges. His story, he says, is one of accountability, humility, and ultimately, healing.
“Prison stripped everything back. You either face yourself or you don’t survive it. I faced my worst, and found my real self on the other side.”
Today, Russell describes himself as being in the best place of his life, not because it’s perfect, but because he finally has the right tools to deal with imperfection.
“Therapy, honesty and letting go of shame are my foundations now,” he says.
Alongside his advocacy, Russell is now building purpose- driven businesses in tech, housing and community development, which, he says, are ventures that align with his new mission: to make an impact that lasts.
“My future plans are to make more impact and less noise,” he says. “I want to use my platform to show that redemption isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.”
For tickets to the He. Event, visit
A story of past and present
Dean Flavell is restoring Tauranga’s heritage by bringing taonga Māori home, one treasure at a time.
Dean Flavell is restoring Tauranga’s heritage by bringing taonga Māori home, one treasure at a time.
words DEBBIE GRIFFITHS
For Dean Flavell, a decision in 2003 to accept the role of Poutiaki Māori for the Tauranga Heritage Collection was easy. He’d already recognised one of the taonga that would sit in the future Tauranga Museum as linked to his own ancestor, and wanted to ensure it was kept safe.
“We have the remnants of an ancestral meeting house called Tamapahore, which once stood at Karikari Point,” he says. “It belongs to Ngā Pōtiki and it hosted many renowned members of Māori society including King Mahuta, the third Māori King. It was heartbreaking to find the relic not properly cared for. There’s a better way to honour our ancestor and the skill that went into this carving.”
Dean has pieced together the story surrounding it, finding connections to our most turbulent time: the New Zealand land battles at Gate Pā, Te Ranga and the bush campaign in the late 1800s. Tamapahore wharenui was an example of Māori meeting houses that emerged after the beginning of the Kīngitanga movement.
“Māori had a lot of their lands confiscated, but on what was retained they built larger houses to accommodate community gatherings,” he explains. “I imagine there were a lot of things that local Māori needed to discuss, so it was a place of coming together to contemplate the past and the future.”
It was in the tiny eastern Bay of Plenty community of Nukuhou that Dean was raised by his grandfather who spoke f luent Te Reo. “Our road was gravel and there was one shop that sold saddles, clothing, milk, lollies, everything,” he recalls.
“Our elders would speak Māori amongst themselves and when we went to town they’d revert to English. I love that today the knowledge is broader. Even if it’s simply place names or greetings, it’s becoming normal to hear Te Reo and I have great talks with my Pakeha friends speaking Māori and English together.
After a stint in the military, Dean learned traditional carving techniques, taking charge of the work on a wharenui in Whanganui when he was just 20. He launched his own carving school there and later worked as an educator at the local museum.
“I moved into curating and exhibition design overseas, including a time at Osaka in Japan, and then came back to New Zealand to a letter on my desk asking if I’d come to Tauranga to work on a new museum for the region.”
That was 24 years ago and for Dean it was an opportunity to locate artefacts around the world to help tell the story of Tauranga Moana.
“There are key taonga in other institutions,” says Dean. “In 1987 we started the work to find them and we’ve been creating relationships with the museums that have them. Some are in Wellington and Auckland and there’s a kite from the voyage of Captain Cook in the British Museum. It’s huge and quite unique. We know it’s safe and one of the thoughts is to replicate it in some way.”
For Dean, the Taonga Māori Collection is to keep safe the taonga tuku iho (treasures from the ancestors) that embody cultural stories, traditions and histories and an acknowledgement of the people who are no longer with us.
“Their stories live on and we get to share them with future generations through the new Tauranga Museum,” he smiles. “Good things take time. It’s been a long journey, but I’m really excited about where we’ve landed.”
Staying power
A chance conversation has grown into a hugely successful business thanks to a focus on core values and positive word of mouth. MyStays owner Elle Knight shares her journey as the short-stay accommodation service moves into the Bay.
A chance conversation has grown into a hugely successful business thanks to a focus on core values and positive word of mouth. MyStays owner Elle Knight shares her journey as the short-stay accommodation service moves into the Bay.
photo JESSICA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY
Elle Knight didn’t set out to become a business owner. She was simply looking for a little light relief. With a newborn son, who was born deaf and requiring bilateral cochlear implants, and a husband recovering from a broken leg, things were tight. Then came a message from her cousin: “Want to borrow some DVDs?”
While dropping them off, her cousin mentioned her partner was looking to sell a small property management business in Taupō. He managed eight apartments, but they were ready to move to Vanuatu.
“I said to my husband, ‘I reckon that would be a good gig for me,’” Elle recalls. She saw potential – flexible hours that worked around the kids and enough income to cover essentials.
With no experience but a strong head for business, Elle joined forces with her mother-in-law, Denise, to purchase what was then called Luxury Lakeside Accommodation.
Elle’s years in banking had armed her with valuable systems knowledge and operational know-how – skills that would quietly lay the foundation for the scalable business they would later build.
“I’m very much a jump in and learn how to swim person,” she smiles. “Back then, we didn’t know what success would look like. It was exciting to think we had something that could make a real difference.”
In the early days, they did it all themselves, including the cleaning in the mornings, laundry at home, and manually managing bookings in the afternoons.
“It worked for about six months. But Taupō’s a small town. Word gets around.”
Before long, property owners began knocking. The business grew quickly, driven purely by word of mouth. For the next six years, growth was steady and organic, all based on one simple idea: genuine, high-quality service for both guests and homeowners.
“It got to a stage where we looked at each other one night and thought, ‘How has this happened?’” Elle laughs.
What had happened was remarkable. They’d built a reputation that larger, offshore-run platforms couldn’t match, rooted in care, consistency and personal connection. Property owners felt genuinely supported, and guests returned for the reliably high standard across every property.
When Denise stepped away, Elle and her husband took over completely. But they were fielding a new kind of request. Guests and owners alike asked if their services were available outside Taupō. The answer, eventually, became MyStays.
Launched in January 2024 as a sister brand to Lakeside Accommodation, MyStays was created to grow the business while maintaining the personal touch and high standards that made Lakeside a success.
While Lakeside continues to manage 60 plus properties in Taupō, the brands now work together in both Taupō and Kinloch, with a combined portfolio of over 110 homes.
“Taupō is still our base, but we realised there was a real demand for our kind of service in other regions,” says Elle. “MyStays lets us do that – scale up, while still keeping it personal.”
The two brands have since grown to manage 145 plus properties across New Zealand, including more than 25 homes in the Coromandel’s most sought-after beach destinations.
In every region, the heart of the operation is the same: a local, trusted team providing hands-on care. That’s where the GEM model (short for Guest Experience Manager) comes in. Each GEM is a local, supporting homeowners and guests with boots-on-the-ground knowledge and attention. Taupō and Kinloch have three GEMs working alongside the Lakeside team. The Coromandel is supported by another trio, with more roles in the pipeline as expansion continues.
“It’s really important to us that our service feels local,” Elle explains. “Our GEMs make that possible. They’re not just staff – they’re trusted partners who help us maintain that consistent experience we’re known for.”
That consistency is key. Whether guests book a MyStays property in Auckland, Whangamatā, or Napier, they know exactly what to expect: clean, stylish accommodation and responsive service. The Bay of Plenty is the latest region to join the MyStays map. It wasn’t initially part of Elle’s plan. She believed it was already well-served by boutique operators. But after hearing from multiple property owners dissatisfied with impersonal management companies, she saw room for MyStays to add value.
“It’s a stunning place. I’ve enjoyed family time and attending events here,” Elle says. “It’s vibrant and exciting, with great food and shopping, and it really is a year-round destination.”
Despite its scale, Elle still sees MyStays as a family business at heart. Her team is tight-knit, and many of them have grown within their roles as the company has scaled.
“There’s a real sense of belonging here,” she says. “That gives us an authentic connection to our owners and our guests. We believe in what we do, and when you see that connection happen, it’s pretty special.”
From a borrowed DVD collection to a nationwide property portfolio, Elle Knight’s journey proves that small beginnings can lead to big things.
Waikato showcase
Discover the Waikato’s premium businesses.
Crafting elegance
N.E.S is celebrating 25 years of timeless, New Zealand-made fashion. Creative director Kate Harris teams up with Robyn Stinson of ObyRyn, merging their distinct design visions to create something extraordinary. Known for versatile pieces with a refined edge, N.E.S prioritises local craftsmanship, offering women style, comfort and individuality. Here's to 25 years of evolving, yet enduring, fashion.
Light the sky
Balloons Over Waikato's ZURU Nightglow is Hamilton’s biggest night out, attracting over 30,000 attendees for a spectacular evening. Enjoy hours of live entertainment, carnival rides, food trucks, and the breathtaking hot air balloon glow show lighting up the sky. The night culminates in a dazzling SkyCity Hamilton fireworks display. A family favourite? Walking inside a real hot air balloon. This ticketed free event takes place every March.
Global success
Four mates, a few gins, and some bad jokes led to the creation of Clark Lane Distillery. Their Piko Gin blends native Pikopiko fern with pure Pirongia spring water. With a Silver at the Asia Spirits Challenge™ and Gold at the Gin of the Year™ awards in London, Piko Gin promises global success and sophisticated taste. Grab your bottle now.
Game on
SkyCity Hamilton is the home of entertainment in the heart of Hamilton. With 20 tenpin bowling lanes, an exciting mix of restaurants and bars, a casino, live entertainment, conference and event spaces for hire plus plenty of on-site parking, there is something for everyone. R20 for entry to the casino.
Relax and recharge
Just a short walk from the airport, JetPark Hamilton Airport Hotel and Conference Centre is a welcoming stop along your journey. Family-owned and Kiwi-operated, it offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy art-filled spaces, fresh seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, and the convenience of complimentary parking and Wi-Fi. Whether you're in town for a meeting, a break between flights, or a peaceful overnight stay, the hotel’s modern facilities and friendly atmosphere ensure a comfortable stay. Let JetPark be a simple, memorable part of your travels. JETPARKHAMILTON.CO.NZ
A region for the ages
A family getaway to the Waikato uncovered a treasure trove of activities for all three generations.
A family getaway to the Waikato uncovered a treasure trove of activities for all three generations.
words HAYLEY BARNETT
The Waikato seems to be undergoing something of a travel renaissance. With a growing number of new experiences and attractions popping up in and around Hamilton and Cambridge, it's quickly becoming one of the North Island’s must-visit regions. From the world’s largest organic tea plantation to New Zealand’s most visited attraction, Hobbiton™, and the foodie hub that is MADE, there’s now so much to see and do that fitting it all into a single weekend feels like a challenge.
Fortunately, Hamilton is just a two-hour drive from Tauranga, making it perfect for a quick getaway. Our family managed to pack in a wide range of family-friendly activities, and I even snuck away with Mum for a day of more grown-up indulgence. As it turns out, the Waikato is also an ideal destination for the over 50s, with highlights like the spellbinding Hamilton Gardens, scenic riverside walks, bustling weekend markets, and charming countryside homesteads offering something for every kind of traveller.
Zealong Tea Estate
I wouldn’t call Mum obsessive, but if there’s one thing she’s truly passionate about, it’s tea. So it was only f itting that we made a stop at Zealong, just outside of Hamilton, home to the world’s largest internationally certified organic tea plantation. At Zealong, tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s a way of life. The passion among the staff is palpable, and from the moment we arrived, the experience felt more like a refined wine tasting than a simple visit to a tea farm.
We were lucky to run into Zealong’s CEO, Gigi Crawford, who welcomed us and shared her extensive knowledge of tea. She walked us through the company’s inspiring journey, from a modest patch of tea plants nearly 30 years ago to an award winning, globally respected organic tea label. Among its many accolades, Zealong recently received the UK Tea Academy’s prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Leafie’, a testament to the team’s dedication.
Mum, naturally in her element, impressed everyone by correctly identifying different teas and blends, while I fumbled through with minimal knowledge. We were then taken on a tour of the building and the plantation, learning about the Chinese history of tea. Sculptures of important historical figures dotted along the path leading up to the Tea Room showcased a lengthy history dating back almost 5000 years.
At the Tea Room, we participated in a traditional tea ceremony, then were served what can only be described as the best high tea of my life. Zealong’s French pastry chef treated us to an incredible array of delicious pastries, sandwiches and sweets, all designed to accompany various types of tea blends. It was fair to say this was one of Mum’s top holiday highlights.
Woodlands Estate
Just four minutes down the road from Zealong lies Woodlands Estate, a sprawling 98,000-acre property established in 1872. At its heart stands the beautifully restored Homestead, originally built around 1875 as a manager’s residence and crafted largely from native Kauri timber. The surrounding gardens are home to some huge botanical treasures, including New Zealand’s largest Eucalyptus tree. We wandered along peaceful tracks that weave through the estate’s lush gardens and trees, then stepped inside the Homestead, where rooms remain just as they were when the last family moved out in the early 1900s. Next door, a charming café offered the perfect spot to recharge after our meanderings.
Hamilton Gardens
Another epic outing can be found at the Hamilton Gardens. If you haven’t been yet, you’re definitely missing out. Recently upgraded, the Gardens are now even more welcoming. One of the biggest changes is the addition of the Gallagher Visitor Centre, which opened last year. It now serves as the main entrance to the Enclosed Gardens and includes a café, extra seating, and event spaces.
Whether you're young or just young at heart, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring. Each garden offers a memorable, educational experience. I knew the kids would love the gardens, so we picked them up on our way there from Woodlands Estate. As predicted, they were especially enchanted by the Surrealist Garden, a whimsical dreamscape where everything is larger-than-life, making you feel like you've stepped into a storybook.
They also loved the Ancient Egyptian Garden, which transports you 4,000 years back in time to a sacred temple garden. And no visit would be complete without a stop at the Destination Playground, packed with a treehouse, slides, and a stage perfect for imaginative play.
I would highly recommend taking a tour with a guide who explains everything you need to know about each garden. It beats fumbling through the brochure and displaying your lack of historical knowledge in front of the kids.
MADE
Discovering one of the country’s best culinary hubs is nestled inside a block of shops in Hamilton East was not on my bingo card this year. But lo and behold there we were sampling some amazing food from some amazing artisans and shopping up a storm. The vibrant atmosphere proves the Waikato’s creative food scene has well and truly taken its place as a top destination for foodies. We dined at Reggie’s, a cute Italian restaurant serving up authentic dishes in a cool diner with views of the city. Then stopped in for gelato downstairs at Little ‘Lato. We were back the next day to do our grocery shop at the stalls – a great old-timey market experience in itself.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
It was recommended the kids visit Waikato Museum’s interactive science centre, Exscite, which has recently been revitalised into two zones: Exscite: Home, exploring everyday science in a fun, hands-on way, and Exscite: Taiao, focused on Aotearoa’s natural environment. Among the standout features is a 30-million-year-old giant penguin fossil discovered locally, as well as digital activities like a touch-screen forest where kids can animate their own bird designs. All made for a great rainy day adventure.
Cambridge’s new boutique gem
Set to open later this year, The Clements Hotel brings new life to one of Cambridge’s grand old buildings. Carefully restored with a nod to its 19th-century roots, the 29-room boutique hotel mixes old-world charm with modern luxury. Think plush rooms, a speakeasy-style bar, garden suites, and standout dining at the Gallery Restaurant. With five-star service, locally crafted gin, and stylish spaces to relax or celebrate, The Clements is set to become the go-to place for discerning travellers. The Clements is offering a grand opening special with 15 percent off room only rates for stays until September 30, 2025, subject to availability.
Lake Te Koo Utu Walk
A day trip to Cambridge was clearly on everyone’s holiday agenda during a stunning autumn weekend. We joined the crowds, ducking in and out of charming boutiques before grabbing some sushi for lunch. Craving a bit of peace and nature, we decided to explore beyond the town centre. Leaving the car parked, we strolled down to Lake Te Koo Utu, tucked right in the heart of Cambridge. I’m a little embarrassed to admit I hadn’t known it was there until a lovely woman at the isite Information Centre pointed us in the right direction. The loop around the lake is a beautiful, mostly shaded walk that takes about half an hour. Halfway around (if you're entering from the town side), there’s a playground and a garden perched on the hill. The kids had a blast weaving through the rose bushes and swinging their way through the park.
Camjet Extreme Tour
Just beneath Victoria Bridge, tucked along the banks of the Waikato River, you'll find Camjet – an adrenaline-packed adventure perfect for thrill-seekers and laid-back explorers alike. This high-speed jet boat ride pushes you out of your comfort zone while offering fascinating insights into the river’s history and ecosystem. Our driver, Aaron, kept us guessing with sharp twists, sudden spins, and unexpected stops to share curious facts, some of which may or may not have been entirely true. Along the way, we spotted a hawk snatch an eel mid-flight, only to lose it as it soared over the dense bush, and even caught glimpses of giant goldfish gliding near the shore. The entire ride lasted about 45 minutes, and by the end, we were soaked, and grinning from ear to ear.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
On our last day, we took a bit of a detour before heading home. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a must-visit eco-sanctuary just outside of Te Awamutu. Enclosed by one of the world's longest pest-proof fences, this ancient forest is a haven for native wildlife, including kiwi, takahē, and tuatara. You can book a guided walk, but we decided to head in on our own. We climbed treetop viewing platforms and walked the serene forest trails while learning about conservation efforts to restore the natural ecosystem on signs along the path. Without predators, the wildlife are surprisingly friendly. A North Island robin followed us for part of the walk and happily posed for photos just an arms-length away. The whole experience was a great chance to experience New Zealand’s biodiversity as it once was.
Finding your stride
Turns out there’s more to running than just putting on sneakers and hitting the pavement. Whether you’re 25 or 65, staying injury-free, fueling right and building strength are key to making it stick.
Turns out there’s more to running than just putting on sneakers and hitting the pavement. Whether you’re 25 or 65, staying injury-free, fueling right and building strength are key to making it stick. We talk to the experts and the everyday runners who prove it’s never too late to get out there.
words HAYLEY BARNETT
No matter how you feel about running, one thing is clear: it's everywhere. These days, it seems like everyone you know is diving into a training plan, whether they're chasing their first 5K finish line or grinding through the ks in preparation for a marathon. Running, it appears, is enjoying a major moment.
So what’s behind running’s sudden glow-up? Is it finally time to rescue your sneakers from the back of the closet and join the stampede of Lycra-clad converts?
Or is this just another fleeting wellness craze, destined to vanish like kale chips and the Atkins diet? And let’s be honest, can anyone actually start running after 40 without something falling off?
Running the numbers
The numbers suggest running as a hobby is more than a passing trend. In 2024, the Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga City to Surf Fun Run/Walk drew over 2,000 participants across its various distances. Helping fuel this momentum are local running communities like the Mount Maunganui Runners & Walkers Club. Founded in 1987, the club has long offered a supportive space for runners of all levels, with regular training sessions and social runs that make it easy, and fun, to get moving.
“I think the idea that a running club is only for elite or ‘good’ runners is being challenged and more people are realising that anyone can get out and run,” says president of the club Clare Watkins. “People are also looking to make connections with others and a running club is an easy way to meet new people and make new friends. There are not many sports where you can participate and still chat to your friends!”
Clare says around 70 percent of the group would be over the age of 40, with the oldest members being in their seventies.
The art of impact
So what do we need to think about when starting a running routine later in life, when we’re not quite as flexible and agile as we used to be? Emma Sievwright, a podiatrist at Body Mechanix in Tauranga, says, when done with care, running is very beneficial at any age – there’s just a few things to think about first.
“Running improves cardiovascular health, bone density, mental wellbeing and metabolic function,” explains Emma. “From a podiatrist’s view, running can strengthen foot and ankle structures if approached gradually and with the right support.”
That “right support” often starts at your feet. Alison from Smiths Sports Shoes agrees: “Wearing the correct footwear is very important if you want to enjoy your runs and stay injury-free.”
She advises seeking a professional assessment. “Getting a barefoot gait analysis, preferably a video while running and at a sports shoe shop that specialises in fitting sports shoes, can help you find the right shoes for your foot type.”
Emma adds that most running injuries stem from overuse, poor biomechanics, or inappropriate footwear. That’s a message echoed by Alison, who says many runners make simple but costly mistakes when buying shoes: “People often assume their normal shoe size is the same in running shoes, or they buy what's trendy rather than what fits. You should be able to splay your toes and have at least a finger-width from your longest toe to the front of the shoe.”
Different surfaces also demand different shoes. “Road shoes are generally for smooth hard surfaces,” Alison explains, “whereas trail shoes with more grip are better for muddy or slippery terrain.”
So yes – the type of shoe matters more than you might think. Aside from choosing the right shoes, Emma says it’s easy to avoid injury by following a few preventative steps.
“Build gradually by increasing your distance and intensity slowly. Aim for no more than a 10 percent increase per week. Warm up and cool down properly to support muscle and tendon health, and work on strength and mobility, especially around the ankles, hips and core.
“Most importantly, listen to your body. Don't ignore early warning signs like persistent soreness or changes in your running pattern.”
Run smart, eat smarter
While throwing yourself into an intense running routine is not the best idea, neither is ignoring your nutrition.
“Poor nutrition can impair tissue repair, energy levels and bone health, increasing the risk of overuse injuries,” says Emma. “Runners who under-fuel are at greater risk of stress fractures, muscle fatigue and slow recovery. Adequate intake of protein, calcium, Vitamin D and overall calories is crucial, especially for female runners or those with restrictive diets.”
Phoebe de Jong, a nutritionist from Fend in Mount Maunganui, stresses that nutrition is fundamental when it comes to running, not only to avoid injury, but also to retain muscle.
“If you’re over 50 and you like to run, you absolutely do not need to stop running,” explains Phoebe. “Running is good for your bones, it's good for your mental health and for those who are part of a run club, that is often their social contact for the week. It's their social circle and how they make their friends. It can be a lifeline for some people. But any runner over the age of 35 should look at doing strength training alongside it, such as functional movements with or without weights, to support their running and protect their muscle mass.”
Because runners expend a lot of energy, when we’re not taking in enough nutrition our bodies can naturally start to use muscle for fuel, especially as we age.
“I see a lot of clients in their 50s who are just burning their muscle for energy,” says Phoebe. “A balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats fuels the body for optimal performance. Hydration is equally important as dehydration can impair endurance and recovery. Consuming easily digestible carbohydrates, like a banana or an energy gel, during the run can help maintain blood sugar levels. Post-run, it's vital to replenish glycogen stores with a combination of carbs and protein.”
Phoebe says it’s important to be wary of fad diets or trends such as ketogenic diets or anything too low carb. “As you start to run a bit more then it’s worth considering using a carbohydrate rich snack before your run (carbohydrate is the main fuel we use to run) and then a combination of a carbohydrate and protein snack. For example, go for greek yoghurt with oat cereal and fruit or eggs on toast after your run so that you’re replacing those carbohydrate stores ready for your next session, and providing protein to repair and build muscles.”
As runs or events become longer, the specifics of nutrition become more important to maintain performance and health. Even sugar – long demonised in wellness circles – has its time and place. But no matter who you are, you might be surprised to know that sugar is not off limits. In fact, it can be very beneficial.
“A lot of runners are surprised to hear sugar being recommended in their diet,” says Phoebe. “But during training or competition, it’s often the most effective source of fuel. This is because sugar is an easily digestible source of carbohydrate to keep stores topped up, so pace can be maintained. Sports drinks, gels, fruit leathers, are all suitable options and they all contain sugar. We are then able to get all our other important nutrients in a balanced and healthy diet around our training.”
When you combine this kind of nutritional support with proper training, good technique and the right footwear, you're setting yourself up for long-term success.
Whether you're jogging around the block or prepping for your first half-marathon, one thing is clear: running is here to stay. And with the right support – on your feet, in your diet, and in your community – it can be something that truly goes the distance.
All for one, run for all
Sam Ruthe hit the headlines after a phenomenal summer of running, becoming the youngest in history to break the four-minute mile. Much of the talented Tauranga teen’s success, however, can be shared between his amazing support crew and a burgeoning squad of local runners pushing each other to great heights.
Sam Ruthe hit the headlines after a phenomenal summer of running, becoming the youngest in history to break the four-minute mile. Much of the talented Tauranga teen’s success, however, can be shared between his amazing support crew and a burgeoning squad of local runners pushing each other to great heights.
words + photos JAMIE TROUGHTON
They set off across the Tauranga Domain turf like a collective freight train; legs like pistons, a metronomic pounding, lungs puffing in time. A 900m track winds around the outskirts of the reserve, if you stick to the grass and hug the treeline. It’s scenic and varied, with enough undulation to spread the load across tired muscles.
Out front is a rangy, fair-haired kid. Eyes locked, expression calm, a distinctive stride with minimal front lift — seasoned observers reckon he’s got his dad’s gait and his mum’s flowing style.
“You don't have to worry about pacing or going easy or going hard — you just have to worry about sticking with the group,” 14-year-old Daniel Addidle explains. “It’s like you can turn your brain off a bit. I really like that.”
But Sam Ruthe isn’t having things all his own way in this training set. He’s not so much a lone wolf as the leader of a pack, and this pack is surging, snapping and fighting around him. Eventually, after six repeats of the 900m set, the pack stretches, lengthens and thins out.
As Ruthe’s rhythm increases, his times decrease. The 16-year-old’s running form isn’t so much relentless as irrepressible. He finishes alone, unflustered and focused. But this story isn’t just about the breakout schoolboy star. Behind him, that pack is far from defeated. Young and old, they’re all getting faster and, in doing so, creating a very special training environment.
“You don't have to worry about pacing or going easy or going hard — you just have to worry about sticking with the group,” 14-year-old Daniel Addidle explains. “It’s like you can turn your brain off a bit. I really like that.”
The diminutive Aquinas College athlete joined coach Craig Kirkwood’s squad of runners late last year. He’d been training at the Domain by himself, then sitting in the stands watching the likes of Ruthe, Olympian Sam Tanner and seasoned schoolboy runners George Wyllie and Ronan Dickson blaze past.
Eventually, he plucked up the courage and asked to join in. “I liked that they were a little bit older than me and if I managed to get on their level, I'd be a step ahead of my own competition. I just want to be the best that I can be.”
In Tauranga, thanks to squads like Kirkwood’s, running is becoming cool. Just ask another 14-year-old, Mackenzie Hetherington, who joined the squad soon after her good mate — Ruthe’s younger sister Daisy — was deemed old enough by her parents to start training.
“I just like being with the crew — it gets a bit boring running by yourself and it’s nice to have friends to run with,” Hetherington said. “It gives us a healthy mindset — you do your reps when you need to and then we can switch off, talking while we warm down.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re an Olympian, a national champion or a young flyer at the start of their running career, the same work ethic pervades the group. Kirkwood’s crew is a fully-fledged, functional team, here for the running, the laughs and the camaraderie, in equal measures.
“It wouldn’t be enjoyable if we all took it too seriously,” Ruthe explains. “Everyone can have a bad day but the fact we all have so much fun means that it doesn’t matter if we’re not feeling great or working through an injury. We are all pretty focused when we are doing reps but there is always a bit of banter going on.”
Philosophy or fluke? Planned or stumbled on? It’s clear Kirkwood’s canny coaching instincts are not only producing world-class athletes but also instilling a genuine love for what they do.
His runners aren’t afraid to fail, which means that before they even line up, it’s guaranteed they’ll succeed. “I’m not the kind of person to tell them off for anything,” Kirkwood, a former Commonwealth Games marathon runner, muses. “If they don’t show up to training one day, I’m not going to berate them for not being here. My job as a coach is to help them be better, rather than telling them off for doing things wrong, and that flows into the rest of the squad and they pick up on that.”
When Sam Ruthe captured the attention of the running world in March, becoming the first 15-year-old on the planet to run a sub-four minute mile, one of his heroes was alongside and one of his good mates had the best seat in the house. The hero was Tanner, another Tauranga product, who has been to two Olympic Games and has emerged as New Zealand’s best middle-distance runner.
Three years ago, as a 13-year-old from Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, Ruthe was standing next to Tanner at Tauranga’s Waipuna Park, having just won the Year Eight boys’ cross country title at the Zespri AIMS Games. All the talk at the time was of how Tanner had won the same title nine years before, and whether Ruthe could one day emulate his achievements. That day has come quicker than anyone – parent, coach or athlete – could ever have anticipated.
Earlier this year, Ruthe and Tanner created history in Dunedin by sharing the New Zealand senior men’s 1500m title in a 3min 44.31sec dead heat. Ruthe is the youngest ever winner of the title. Less than a fortnight later, Tanner was again right beside Ruthe, pacing him at Auckland’s Go Media Stadium as the teenager clocked an incredible 3:58.35 for the mile.
“I didn’t realise at the time but breaking that record means that I can now get into races I never thought I could before and getting into fast races is what helps you keep getting faster,” Ruthe says.
But the life-changing nature of that race didn’t stop with him. In fourth place, tucked in behind Tanner, Ruthe and Manawatū’s Ben Wall, was another now the kids are coming through.”
It just happened that two of those gun runners in the neighbourhood were Wellington-raised middle distance star Ben Ruthe, and his new wife Jess, daughter of running royalty Rosemary (Commonwealth Games gold medallist for Scotland) and Trevor (marathon champion) Wright.
When their kids Sam and Daisy eventually – and not unexpectedly – started showing promise, Ben and Jess wisely resisted letting them begin formal training until they were at least 13, to prevent burnout and promote a more mature approach to their running. It’s meant that Sam, for one, is certainly taking success in his stride, safe in the knowledge he and his mates are in the best space possible for their development.
“All of us really look forward to Craig’s sessions and there’s always a good vibe. We’re really lucky that some of our friends from around the country come and stay here and join in our sessions too – we all know it’s something special he has created.”
Re-Belles with a cause
The newly formed Re-Belles is a collective of wāhine lifeguards over 50 years of age, who are challenging traditions, uniting women and inspiring the next generation of surf life savers.
The newly formed Re-Belles is a collective of wāhine lifeguards over 50 years of age, who are challenging traditions, uniting women and inspiring the next generation of surf life savers.
words KAREN CLARKSON photos JAMIE TROUGHTON
Pictured above: Ali McMaster, Joanne Miller, Naomi Davoren, Karyn Leach, Sandra Boubee, Karen Giles, Michelle Kalma, Catriona Manning and Kate Morley.In the rolling surf of Mount Maunganui, a group of lifeguards are redefining what it means to compete in surf sports, proving that age is no barrier to strength, endurance, and camaraderie.
Founded by Omanu Surf Club member Sandra Boubee, an ironwoman, surf lifesaving competitor, and teacher at Ōtūmoetai College, the Re-Belles were formed out of a desire to inspire women to keep moving, keep connected, and compete well beyond the age when most athletes retire from competitive surf sports.
Historically, surf lifesaving has been steeped in masculine culture. While women have played crucial roles –stepping up for rescues during wartime and patrolling beaches since the 1950s – their competitive opportunities have been limited. Surf lifesaving competitions often require competitors to form a team from their club only, meaning that women in the veterans category (49+), often the sole competitors in their age group from their club, have little chance to participate.
Boubee, who has moved between Pāpāmoa and Omanu clubs just to continue competing, sees the regulations for team events as a major barrier for female lifeguards.
“We are seeing one or two veteran women competing at regionals and nationals in the individual pursuits, but you need a minimum of three to enter water events and four for beach relays,” she says.
Above: Naomi Davoren.Alongside fellow lifeguards Trish Mau and Claire Edmonds, Boubee saw the appetite for female lifeguards to stay active on the water, train with women from other clubs and have the opportunity to enter more competitions.
Determined to change the status quo, last year she approached the organisers of the Mount Monster; one of New Zealand’s most prestigious endurance events that allows composite teams (amalgam of two or more clubs), and successfully lobbied for the creation of a veteran women’s team category. With this, the Re-Belles was officially born; as was their training schedule to prepare for the gruelling endurance event consisting of a 12-kilometre surf ski, a five-kilometre soft sand run, a 1.5-kilometre ocean swim, and a six-kilometre board paddle.
Above: Sandra Boubee.Stronger together
In the lead-up to the competition, the Re-Belles held fortnightly training camps bringing together 16 women aged 51 and over, with the oldest competitor aged 66. Some were seasoned athletes; others had never entered a surf sports event before. What united them was a shared passion for the ocean, lifeguarding and a commitment to pushing their limits together.
“For many of us, it was a big transition,” says Karyn Leach of Pāpāmoa Surf Club. “I’m a confident swimmer in the pool, but out in the ocean navigating the conditions is a whole different challenge. Jumping off the end of Moturiki Island (Leisure Island) for the swim leg was something I never thought I’d do. But the support and encouragement of the group made it possible.”
Trish Mau, a long-time Omanu lifeguard and swim instructor, echoes this sentiment. “A mature post-menopause body is very different from a 35-year-old one. We learned to work smarter, not harder. Our training wasn’t just about endurance – it was about using the wisdom of our years and adapting.”
On race day last December, the four Re-Belle’s teams all placed on the podium in their category, with their first two teams finishing ahead of the under 19’s teams – proving that female lifeguards 49+ have the grit and ability to take on the tough event.
“People from within our clubs and the wider surf lifesaving community were so inspired,” says Boubee. “We had veteran men asking, ‘How were you allowed to enter?’ And some of the under 19s commented that they had to paddle harder on the water because the ‘old ladies’ were catching them,” she laughs.
Building a lasting legacy
What started as a small group training for a single event has grown into something bigger with goals to enter more events in 2025. The Re-Belles are now 18 members strong with lifeguards from Whakatāne to Waihī joining their ranks.
“At the end of the day, we all patrol the same stretch of coastline,” says Boubee. “Building these relationships only makes us stronger and the goal is to keep growing and inspire other regions to follow suit.”
To keep the momentum going, the group hosts regular Sunday training sessions, paddling around Motuotau (Rabbit) Island or running beach drills.
“You have to keep moving at this age,” says Mau. “And every time we’re out there, we’re not just training – we’re learning. Conditions, tides, waves, they’re always changing. That knowledge makes us better lifeguards.”
The Surf Life Saving New Zealand motto is ‘In it for Life’ and the Re-Belles are evidence of that.
“Women over 50 often feel that competition doesn't cater for them,” says Boubee. “But we’re proving otherwise. There’s strength in our numbers, in experience, in resilience. We are reminding lifeguards across New Zealand that they can compete at any age. And when young women see us out there, they see a future for themselves, too.”
The group is calling on more event organisers to remove barriers to entry by allowing composite teams, to allow more veteran competitors to take part.
“If you make space for us, we will show up,” Boubee says. And they’re calling on more women, whether they’re lifeguards, athletes, ocean-swimmers or simply looking for a new challenge, to join them.
“This is about physical health, mental health, community, and connection,” says Boubee. “Whatever your background, whatever your story, there’s a place for you in this movement.”
As they continue to train together and advocate for change, the Re-Belles are proof that the ocean belongs to everyone, at any age.
Teens and screens: Finding the balance
Ellie Gwilliam from Parenting Place explains how parents can guide teens back to real-world connections when screen time dominates social interactions.
Ellie Gwilliam from Parenting Place explains how parents can guide teens back to real-world connections when screen time dominates social interactions.
Technology offers us great ways to stay connected and maintain relationships. Our teens, amongst the first ‘born and bred’ digital natives, are experts at online connection − handy if we ‘older folk’ need tech support. But, how are their social skills playing out in real life?
Are our young people able to connect with others and build relationships in the offline world? Can they be social without the media? Will they ever actually talk to us again, instead of just sending a DM asking what’s for dinner?
If this concerns you, here are three things to consider as you encourage your teenager to put down their device and engage in some face-to-face interactions.
Try to remember what being a teenager is like.
The teenage years are defined by social awkwardness, feeling misunderstood and a desire to assert independence, all while still having to follow rules. So, it isn’t surprising that our teens can find interacting in-person difficult – especially when we insist on them doing so on our terms.
While you might think getting them to show off their ukelele skills at the staff Christmas party is a helpful way to face their social insecurities, it may just reinforce their beliefs that the online world is a much safer and more pleasant place to socialise. Instead, provide low-pressure opportunities for social interaction – perhaps with people familiar to them where they can choose to interact or just observe.
Ask for their suggestions and follow their lead.
The teenage brain thrives on connection with peers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t like connecting with parents. While a teenager’s friends are very important to them, research tells us that the parental relationship remains a strong influence. Our teens want us to show them that we find them interesting, likeable and worthy of our time. One of the best ways to do this is by connecting through their interests and pursuits. This may mean trying to understand online gaming or wading through obscure reels, but it could also mean giving them a lift to the gaming store or skate park, shopping for snacks or trying testers at the makeup shop – all opportunities to develop real-life social skills without them realising!
Model good social skills.
Teenagers are experts at tuning out lectures. While our words may not matter much, teenagers always watch and learn from our actions. So, if we want our teens to get off their devices and use their real-life social skills, we must do the same.
Managing our own device use and getting out and about ourselves can give our teenagers the confidence to do so as well. Be a role model of good conversation and asking good questions. Show them how to treat others with respect and empathy. And even if you’re not that assertive in social situations, make the effort to go outside of your comfort zone and flex all the social muscles you have – after all, that’s what we’re asking our teenagers to do!
Plenty under twenty
In part two of Plenty Under Twenty, Stacey Jones hunts out the best cheap eats under $20 that the Tauranga region has to offer.
In part two of Plenty Under Twenty, Stacey Jones hunts out the best cheap eats under $20 that the Tauranga region has to offer.
words STACEY JONES
Rikarika
I put the call out to the local community recently, asking for their favourite meals under $20, and the response was meatier than a pie from Patrick’s Pies — hundreds of recommendations flooded in.
So, after a fair bit of eating (it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it), here’s my pick of the best cheap eats in the Bay of Plenty this month. From dumplings to falafel, sushi to curry, these are the top spots serving up serious flavour without breaking the bank.
The Rising Tide
Weekday wins
If you’re happy to dine out earlier in the week, you’re onto a winner-winner dumpling dinner. Let’s start with a ridiculously good deal over at The Rising Tide on a Monday in Mount Maunganui – and now at their new spot in Ōmokoroa.
For just $15, you can treat yourself to five mouthwatering dumplings paired with a pint of craft beer. I’d recommend the mushroom dumplings, but they’ve also been branching out with limited-edition flavours like lemongrass and lamb. Yum.
East of the middle
Next up is one of my all-time favourites: Falafel Metro. They serve up the crispest falafel known to humankind, wrapped in a house-made pita softer than a fluffy white cloud for just $17. Total steal. Even the most die-hard carnivores won’t miss the meat here.
Japanese feasts
If Japanese is your vibe, Chidori Ramen might just take the crown for the best meal under $20 in the BOP. I’ve been going there since the day they opened, and my go-to is the patina ramen with extra chashu and a ramen egg — it never lets me down. Pro tip: their set meals are a great deal too, and the chicken karaage is a personal favourite.
Happy Fryday
Right next door is Chicken Fryday, a fried chicken lover’s dream. Half a Korean-style fried chicken sneaks in at $19.50. Slather it in wasabi mayo for a flavour punch, or, if you’re feeling brave, go for the hot and spicy sauce — it’s hotter than Satan’s breath and will leave you sweating like you’ve just run a marathon.
Rikarika
Sushi secret
Still in the Japanese lane, pop into Rikarika — the new spot where Falafel Metro once stood. Their sushi is arguably the best in the Bay, thanks to husband-and-wife team Brian and Rika, who take a near-religious approach to perfecting their rice. Grab a sushi set for just $15, or if you’re after something lighter, a mini rice bowl for $12. I’d recommend the tofu teriyaki. Plus, the owners are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
Bananarama
Just a hop, skip and jump from Rikarika is the wildly underrated Banana Blossom Café, serving up Malaysian Cheesy Chilli Fried Eggs for $18.50 — a fusion combo of absolute yum. And if your wallet can stretch just a smidge over a crisp $20, their laksa at $29.50 is all manners of “fork yeah”.
Best of the rest as voted by locals
• For the locals in Matua, Head Loco got plenty of shout-outs for its Japanese grubs.
• Kebab lovers, Kebab Istanblue in Mount Maunganui is a go-to.
• Early risers, Pronto Burger does a $9 breakfast combo, including coffee – absolute steal.
• Curry cravings? House of Spice in Fraser Cove serves up generous portions, and all their curries are under $20.
• Vietnamese food enthusiasts, Pho Vina (just off Wharf Street) dishes up authentic, soul-warming goodness for under $20.
The secret’s out — I’ve taken over @bop.eats, and I’m officially dedicating my life (and my stomach) to uncovering the best eats in the Bay. That means I’ll be diving even deeper into the best eats across the region, starting with another round of budget-friendly bites that prove you don’t need to spend big to eat well.
New York state of mind
UNO catches up with local film director James Ashcroft in New York to discuss his new thriller, the demons driving his films, working with Robert De Niro and Stephen King, and how he achieved all of this from the shores of Mount Maunganui.
UNO catches up with local film director James Ashcroft in New York to discuss his new thriller, the demons driving his films, working with Robert De Niro and Stephen King, and how he achieved all of this from the shores of Mount Maunganui.
words KARL PUSCHMANN
photos MIKE ROOKE | hair + make-up TALITHA DAENG SITUJU
This sounds made up but it is entirely true. A local film director who lives in Mount Maunganui has just released his second film, The Rule of Jenny Pen. The terrifying psychological thriller stars internationally renowned actors, Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow.
When UNO calls, the director is in Manhattan, New York, in pre-production for his next movie, The Whisper Man, which he is making for Netflix. The star of this dark thriller? Acting legend Robert De Niro.
Once wrapped on that, he’ll begin work on his next project, Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream. This is based on a story by famed horror author Stephen King, who kept the fan favourite story aside specifically for him.
As I said, it sounds made up. Rush, Lithgow, De Niro, King... they’re all bonafide legends and the guy linking them all together lives just down the road? Really?
It sounds not just improbable, but impossible, and when I ask director James Ashcroft if he ever has to pinch himself when thinking about all this. He looks a little perturbed and answers, “No. I don't.”
He pauses and looks around the Manhattan apartment he’s calling home for the next little while and then adds, “My wife would be the first one to say I should try just... you know... celebrating a bit and acknowledging who I’m around and everything.”
At the moment he doesn’t have time to stop and smell the roses. Given the level of achievement we’re talking about here, it should come as no surprise that James funnels extraordinary amounts of his time, energy and focus into his work. But, as I’ll discover through our chat, this is by design. Keeping busy keeps his own demons at bay. We’ll get to them in a minute. But for now, I only want to know one thing.
How did all of this happen? The Rule of Jenny Pen is based on a short story by Aotearoa author Owen Marshall. It’s set in a retirement village that outwardly seems lovely but hides a dark and disturbing secret after dark. Its premise is frightening and its realisation by leads Rush and Lithgow is both believable and brilliantly horrifying.
The movie is James’ follow-up to 2021’s Coming Home in the Dark, the acclaimed thriller that caught Hollywood’s attention after gaining buzz at Sundance, the prestigious tastemaker film festival.
When success came knocking, James was prepared to answer. The script for Jenny Pen had been sitting in his desk drawer for 11 years. He seized the moment and approached his dream leads for the movie. He knew he had a great story and a great script. He knew they’d both be amazing in the roles. He knew he was asking them to temporarily relocate to New Zealand for filming and to take a substantial pay cut.
He asked them anyway.
“My father was somebody who was very much about, ‘You can't know, unless you find out,” he says. “It was really important for me to have them [in the film]. I grew up watching them. I had to disguise my fanboy-ness for a long time. I‘m not sure if I‘ve even revealed it to them.”
To his delight — and surprise — the pair were quick to sign on. Rush agreed in four days. Lithgow made James sweat by taking seven.
“The material really frightened him,” James admits. “It‘s quite confronting. John is one of the nicest human beings on the planet and the part required him to do a number of things that are less than savoury.”
But once Lithgow was in, he was all in. His performance in the film is menacingly unsettling. Made even more so by his delivery of one of the finest, mostly accurate, Kiwi accents ever captured on film.
“I‘m seeing John next week so I‘ll pass that on to him. He’ll be very gratified to hear that,” James grins. “It’s very hard to get right and we were all aware of its difficulty.
Many fine actors have stood at the base of the Everest-type challenge of that accent... But John was very committed. I would notice him talking to different people, like an extra or a caterer, and if he liked their accent or their range and tone, he’d ask them to say certain words that he would listen to and practice and try and master it that way.”
That James was so interested in the process isn’t surprising when you learn he began his career as an actor, appearing in TV shows and films. His acting love, however, was the theater. But, as he tells me, “It‘s incredibly hard to sustain a viable living as an actor in New Zealand. It's near impossible”.
It was at cast drinks after performing in a middling play to a disinterested audience that he had a revelation.
“We’d gone down to the bar to bitch and moan about how the director doesn‘t know what they‘re doing, and how the theatre should do this and that. And I thought, ‘If I don't change something I‘m going to be leaning on this bar with a bunch of moaning actors in 20 years singing the same old song’. It was a case of going, ‘You need to do something about that, James’.”
It was then he decided to move behind the scenes. Directing, he realised, would use all his talents. It’s a job that requires concentration, collaboration, managing relationships and steering a ship towards a singular vision.
“I would find it very frustrating that all those decisions were made by somebody else,” he says. “Part of me was unfulfilled. I wanted to be the boss. I‘m interested in the big picture.
I love working with people who are great at what they do and leading them together in a cohesive way that brings about the whole.”
“I thought I was going to find stepping away from acting very, very hard,” he says. “But since getting behind the camera, I‘ve been more curious and more passionate about the craft of acting. And I enjoy actors a lot more.”
He sheepishly admits to being a “very competitive actor,” back in the day. Someone once likened him to the “John McEnroe of actors,” telling him, “You can give a really good game, but it‘s not always pleasant to be around.”
“I think they meant it as a compliment,” he chuckles. “I‘m not sure...”
James and Geoffrey Rush on the set of The Rule of Jenny Penn.
When UNO Zooms in for our interview James had only been in New York for a few days.
“I‘m missing my family terribly,” he says. “I burst into tears when I arrived in Manhattan last Saturday, because it really hit me; ‘Oh my God, I'm going to be gone for nine months’.”
The plus side that he’s identified is that he’ll be “cocooned in the work,” his removal from his normal everyday life forcing him, “to live it and breathe it in another way.”
The New York air is very different to the sea-salted breeze of the Mount. He and his family moved here from Wellington 10 years ago and have now “put down very deep roots,” in the area.
“It was a very big change of scenery and took a long time to get used to,” he says. “I moved from running the National Theatre Company to wanting to pursue that goal of film. My wife and I, we had two kids at the time, we've got three now, we were going, ‘What else are we wanting from life?’.”
Along with giving film his best shot, James realised he also wanted to be a stay-at-home parent.
“I didn’t want to miss out on that time with my girls,” he smiles, thinking of his three daughters, who are aged seven, 11 and 13. “It’s a great place to raise a family.”
Then, he laughs and says, “But I’m still the most uptight person on the beach.”
James sees the world in grey. It’s where his fascination as a filmmaker lies. In his view, the world isn’t black or white. The material he’s drawn to reflects this.
“I don’t believe in good and bad people. I believe in good and bad actions or intentions. As human beings, we all have those within ourselves. It’s something that we grapple with throughout our lives,” he says.
Working in the creative industries, first an actor, now as a director, that darkness is never far away. Whether auditioning for a part or pitching a film project, James says the industry has a “99 percent rejection” rate.
While things are going swimmingly now, he’s definitely not relaxing or coasting, saying “you’re only as good as your last job. And the next job won’t necessarily come”.
He tries not to dwell on these things. Instead, choosing to pour his energy into making things happen for himself.
“I don’t want to wait. It’s important to me to develop and create things in the way in which myself and my peers want to. How do you get Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow in your movie? You give them a script you think they will respond to. You go, ‘I think you might be interested in this strange little story I want to tell that I want to tell in this way’.”
He pauses a beat, then says, “They’re definitely not going to be in it, if you don't ask them.”
The work keeps him too busy for his hang-ups. The failed pitches. The rejections. The worry. The anxiety. These haven’t been conquered. But they have been successfully minimised. He refers to them as “distractions,” attempting to thwart his goals.
“I don’t think I’ve overcome them at all. They’re always there. I’m not worried about Robert De Niro being the lead in the new film that I’m directing. I don’t have time to worry or be anxious about working with Bob. What I have to be clear about is; What are the objectives and actions that I’m going to give to him? What are the questions he might have? That makes it all about the work. It’s when I'm not working that those doubts start to creep in and become distractions.”
“Late in life I found weightlifting. It helps keep it steady and keep that boiling of anxiety that can come up at times under control. Having that level of fitness and health in my daily routine helps and has really been good at keeping that volume down and manageable. Because it’s always going to be there. Everyone has it. It’s not something to fix or dispel. You've got this much space inside. If I’m going to fill it up with work, then there’s very little space for all that unhealthy noise to exist. That’s why I have seven or eight projects on the boil at different stages at the moment. I find that incredibly energising to move around and helpful to quell those professional anxieties and things like that.”
James’ love of genre was instilled at an early age. His dad would occasionally let him stay up late to watch the Sunday Night Horrors on TV. But he became truly fascinated with the possibilities of darker storytelling at age 10 when his cousin, who was babysitting, put on David Lynch’s surreally unsettling masterpiece Blue Velvet.
“Blue Velvet is not a film that a 10 year old should watch,” James admits. “But it definitely made a very big impact on me. I wouldn’t say it was traumatising or anything like that. A lot of it went over my head. But the images and the feeling of it was something that I hadn’t been exposed to. It had a huge impact on me.”
From there he began reading horror literature, like Dracula, before finding, and devouring, the work of horror maestro Stephen King. His journey to the dark side was complete. After the success of Coming Home in the Dark, James wasn’t going to sit around and wait for people to come to him. He’d been picked up at a big Hollywood agency and so he decided to work his contacts. “Whatʼs the worst thing that Stephen King can do if you send him a letter? Not reply.”
The next day he went book shopping. Naturally, he had made his way to the horror section when his phone buzzed with a notification. He looked at the screen and saw it was from ‘S. King’. “I didn't connect the dots. I thought it must be, you know, Samuel King or Sarah King,” he says, thinking back. He opened the message and started reading.
“I was like, ‘Holy shit! This is from Stephen King!” he laughs. “He’d written this incredibly wonderful, complimentary email. It was like, ‘Wow’. It was a surreal moment. I was literally standing right in front of his books.”
Then, with a mixture somewhere between joy and astonishment, James Ashcroft says, “I was slightly floaty for the whole night after that,” and then we say our goodbyes and he resumes working on his Robert De Niro film in his apartment in Manhattan.