Entertaining a dream

Nichola Vague of Nichola Vague Landscape Architect, in collaboration
with Shawn Williamson Building Ltd, reveals her latest masterpiece in
Te Matai, Te Puke – a stunning transformation that turns an ordinary backyard into a lush entertainer's paradise.

PHOTOS Boundless Vision

UNO: What was your overall aim for this project?

Nichola: Our goal was to transform the existing backyard into a cosy entertainer’s retreat with multiple options for lounging, seating and dining. The garden lacked a coordinated style, so we addressed that in the design. We created a journey through the garden via a series of ‘rooms’, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces while maximising opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. A crucial part was creating a generous covered dining space for year-round use.

Did the client give ideas and preferences in terms of the style and how did you apply those here?

The clients wanted to maintain a connection with the relaxed rural setting while updating the useability of their property. We aimed for a contemporary casual garden style that connected with the existing home layout. We referenced materials from the house within the garden – corrugated metal, timber, and natural stone. The lush planting provides a beautiful backdrop, focusing on foliage textures. You can see the clients’ personality in the colourful seating and various garden sculptures.

What kind of budget were you looking at and did you stay within that range?

The project was a close collaboration between the client, myself, and the build team. We stuck to budget of $100,000 while making on-site adjustments during construction to meet budget requirements and address layout opportunities as they arose.

What were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

One major challenge was blending the new elements with the existing rural landscape. We selected materials to reflect a casual landscape setting, fitting in with the clipped shelterbelt trees and local orchards. The Oztech retractable roof was perfect - it doesn’t look out of place and is high enough so it doesn’t compromise light levels in the house.

How long did it take?

The main development was completed within five months, which was expected given the complex elements. Since then, after meeting with the clients, we’ve been periodically adding to the garden planting and features. We’re currently preparing for the upcoming Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival, where this property will be featured on the trail.  

nvla.co.nz

What is right-sizing?

Sarah Parry from Testament
Interiors offers tips for moving to
a new space.

PHOTO  Giselle Brosnahan

As with nature’s seasons, a person’s life follows cyclical patterns. Each life stage has its beauty and challenges, and each one prepares us for the next. Right-sizing is about embracing change and finding value in every one of those stages.

Most people know what downsizing is, but the term right-sizing is less familiar. Downsizing can cause feelings of loss due to changing circumstances, but the process of right-sizing is quite the opposite. It’s about being mindful of what you require in your new home and what items are most suitable for you, your current situation, and the future. Right-sizing means adapting to a new living environment that better suits your stage in life. It empowers you to take control of your life so it feels right, and you can enjoy this new chapter. 

There are many reasons why people want to right-size, whether they’re newlyweds, relocating, having children, breaking up, blending families, dealing with the passing of a loved one, becoming empty nesters or retiring. People can undergo the process of right-sizing multiple times as they journey through life. As we all know, life is full of ups and downs and crossroads. 

When you realise the home you are currently in is no longer right for you and it is time to move, it’s important to have a plan in place that ensures your new home and décor are the right fit for your new lifestyle. You’ll have to decide what items to let go of, what to keep, and what new items you may require.

At the later end of life, it’s important to include family members in this process so that everyone knows what’s happening and your wishes are known and documented. I always recommend making a living will of possessions to sit with the main will so that unwanted items are offered to family or friends first and everything taken to your new place is clearly listed as to who gets what. This saves your loved ones from heartache and disagreements about family heirlooms after you have passed and will help ensure your legacy lives on and can continue to tell a new story.

Right-sizing tips and tricks 

1. Declutter – Go through your house and eliminate items that are no longer required. This helps you decide which items are important.

2. Plan – List items that will go to the new space. This will help you see what’s left to rehome. A layout plan enables the clients to visualise the new place with their furniture inside and decide if they require anything new. 

3. Prepare – Have a container of essential items, including scissors, can opener, jug, mugs, water glasses, pens, tape, notepad, rubbish bags and some snacks. This saves you having to unpack boxes to find the basics.  

4. Systemise – Labelling and colour coding your boxes and containers help you to place items in the correct spaces and avoids double handling.  

5. Use a right-sizing expert – Save yourself and loved ones the stress of moving by using an expert who can help guide you through the process. If the thought of moving and unpacking fills you with dread, an expert can even set up the place so all you have to do is walk in and start enjoying your new chapter of life. 

testamentinteriors.co.nz

Manner born

Within the gates of this Te Puna country estate lies a sanctuary
of warmth, elegance and luxury.

WORDS Jo Ferris

A phrase once coined by William Shakespeare to the ‘manner born’, having acquired genteel tastes by virtue of having been born into a privileged class, aptly embodies this property’s timeless sense of class. Nestled in one of Te Puna’s exclusive ribbons, the serenity embracing this home instils an aura of a country manor. Gated entry and cherished seclusion enhance the sense of nature and rambling space amid stately grounds.

The home’s dignified presence blends architectural influences from English and American estates. While there is a sense of formality in the welcoming drive in, it’s the feeling of ‘home’ that attracted these owners. They didn’t build it, but they have enjoyed 10 wonderful years within this graceful haven.

Interior design is distinguished by split levels and the delicious chocolate tone of solid oak joinery and flooring. The kitchen’s cabinetry – complemented by marble benches and a cook’s stove – gives privacy for cooks, yet connection where it counts. Parquet flooring instils further contrast with the sandstone finish in family living – its ambience heightened by jarrah trusses, cushioned window seating and significant glazing. Cantilevered doors open up patio corners to the east and west, before entertaining glides out to the rambling garden and playground lawns.

Moods change in the formal lounge with its dark-panelled walls, open fireplace and plush drapes – definitely somewhere to cosy up with mulled wine once the drapes are drawn. A handy wine cellar hides beneath the stairwell, while a powder room exudes the luxury of an exclusive club.

Bedroom design caters equally to family convenience or guest privacy – two in their own wing, separated by a bathroom and both opening outdoors to enjoy garden scenery. The main bedroom is five-star opulence – upstairs on its own – and large enough for a lounge setting that opens to a balcony that reigns over the estate.

An office and laundry keep study and housework in their own space – smart design once again highlighting this home’s brilliant approach to function and flow. Nuanced features enhance daily routine, while accentuating its natural presence.

A large, separate shed with a handy toilet, is a multi-purpose escape for hobbyists or car enthusiasts. Beyond that, a garden shed – complete with power – supports an edible garden. This property is a foodie paradise – numerous fruit and citrus trees, vege beds and asparagus patch.

Born from a former kiwifruit orchard in the ‘90s, this property blends timeless heritage with the warmth of a country cottage – all within short drives of Bethlehem’s town centre and schooling on one side and Te Puna’s boutique café and shops on the other. 

42 Clarke Road, Te Puna 

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

Art for our sakes

UNO catches up with Deborah McCormick, the newly appointed chair of Tauranga’s Public Art Panel, to find out how our city is about to change for the better.

WORDS Karl Puschmann

Deborah McCormick.

When you look at Tauranga you see the sparkling glint of the Pacific Ocean, the potential of a city centre revitalising itself, and the excitement afforded by our great outdoors that offers ample activities of escape and recreation to indulge in.

When UNO asks Deborah McCormick what she sees, her answer is simple: “A blank canvas”.

As the recently appointed chair of Tauranga City Council’s new Public Art Panel, hers is an invigorating view. After all, a blank canvas offers only possibility and promise.

So what are we talking about when we say public art? Deborah says the council has developed a “sophisticated” framework that expertly defines
the parameters but, after some light prodding, gives her own explanation.

Fanfare by Neil Dawson. 

“My definition is that it’s art in a public space developed with a community. It’s often sculpture or installations, it can be mural or performance,” she explains, noting that public art comes in two flavours, permanent and temporary. Even though the medium and duration can be vastly different, there is a shared commonality. 

“All public art comes with a different idea and all start with an artist responding to a site, responding to a brief, and responding to the current issues of the time,” she says. “That’s the exciting part of it.”

Deborah’s worked in the public art space a long time, 25 years by her reckoning. In 1998, aged 23, she co-founded Scape Public Art in Ōtautahi Christchurch after finishing art school. In that time Scape has commissioned over 250 temporary public artworks and 15 permanent artworks, indelibly enhancing the Garden City. 

Te Aika by Rachael Rakena and Simon Kaan.

“I want to bring that experience to this role,” she says of her new position as chair. “I want to learn about the local connections and stories and show how a shared vision can be produced when a group of civic people come together with artists to take art out to the public realm.”

These qualities are what the newly appointed panel of six will be looking
for during their three-year tenure as they start envisioning how best to
fill our shared blank canvas.

“It’s one of the first – if not the first – opportunity where a city in New Zealand is wholeheartedly placing art and public art at the centre of a lot of very important civic projects,” Deborah enthuses. “This idea of ‘a per cent for art’ model is brilliant in terms of bringing sustainable funding. It’s a model that’s been implemented to great success overseas, most notably in Australia and in America.”

Two years ago the council realised they needed to rethink how public art was working – or rather not working – in Tauranga. The solution was the Public Art Framework, which includes a ‘Per Cent for Art’ funding model. As the name suggests, this model allocates one per cent of the budget for any above-ground council-led capital project, to a dedicated public art fund. The independent Public Art Panel provides advice to Council on which projects should receive funding. The Council is staging the implementation, starting at 0.25 percent this financial year, and growing to one percent over the next four years.

Stay by Antony Gormley.

“This sits alongside council and development regulations and creates
a whole industry for the arts that sustains itself with jobs, fabricators, consultants and design experts,” Deborah explains. “There’s a wonderful opportunity to build all of that alongside this ‘Per Cent for Art’ model and for Tauranga to become a hub for public art and creativity.”

“People come to cities to see things. That’s why public art is so important.

If we want to build cities that are livable and that people want to explore, spend time and linger in then we need to get that human connection back and provide really exciting public space,” she continues. “With good architecture, good landscape design and public art as the jewel in the crown, Tauranga will become a place that people will want to visit as a destination and come back to. Public art needs to be a layer we build the aspirations and plans of the city upon. Part of my role will be to understand how the public art vision of the group aligns with where the city is going.”

It’s hard not to get caught up in her enthusiasm. It’s fair to call her a passionate evangelist. But that’s exactly the qualities you want in someone who is going to play a key part in steering the look, feel and vibe of our city moving forward.

“There are many purposes to public art, including well-being and connection,” she says. “Public art brings people together. It stimulates learning and thought and connects people to art concepts. It’s about creativity and creates opportunities to push boundaries and challenge perceptions.”

Since being appointed a month back the panel has already met and begun work. While it’s too early for Deborah to share any details or timeframes, she’s itching to get works underway. 

Watch this space. 

Deborah is joined on the panel by Darcell Apelu, Shea O’Neill, Kereama Taepa, Alice Tyler and Arohanoa Mathews, who represents Te Rangapū Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana. 

tauranga.govt.nz/exploring/arts-and-culture/public-art 

A man of culture

Eighties pop icon Boy George is on his way to Tauranga to perform. UNO caught up with the Culture Club frontman and solo artist to chat about life, love and all those timeless hits.

WORDS Karl Puschmann

“I’m always learning how to be me,” Boy George tells UNO around the midpoint of our chat. As the ornately made-up face of the 1980s globe-conquering, new wave band Culture Club, Boy George appeared extremely comfortable in his porcelain-powdered skin. 

Even in an era where androgyny was en vogue, Boy George’s extravagantly glamorous look turned heads. His singular style of bright colourful clothing, big floppy hats and penchant for vibrant eye-shadow, coupled with his sexual ambiguity, almost dared people to try and put him into a box.

“You have to evolve your own ideas of who you are,” he continues. “Let alone being in the public eye and having to live up to an idea of yourself that isn’t really true.”

When UNO calls he’s in Phoenix, USA. He’s on tour with fellow English new wave group Squeeze, and only a few short hours away from going on stage. He describes the setlist as “a real mixture of everything I’ve ever done”, which is a lot more than you might expect. 

Between 1982 and 1986 Culture Club released four albums, starting with 1982’s Kissing to be Clever, which reached No.2 in our charts, and was quickly followed a year later by the global juggernaut Colour by Numbers, which nabbed our coveted top spot and stayed in the charts for 46 weeks. As a solo artist Boy George himself has released nine studio albums, seven DJ albums and a whopping 48 singles, to the delight of a dedicated fanbase. 

Tonight, he’s headlining the show but he doesn’t mind the order.

“Whether it’s opening or closing, I go on with the same mindset.” Then he chuckles and adds, “But I like the dark better… because I’m a goth.”

That’s one of the curious facts about Boy George. Before taking the vibrant Culture Club to the top with their unique, chart-friendly blend of pop, reggae and soul, he was a diehard goth obsessed with groups like Siouxsie and the Banshees.

“I was a massive Banshees fan and was known as the London Siouxsie Sioux clone,” he laughs. “I used to dress exactly like her. When I first started Culture Club, we were called In Praise of Lemmings. You can’t get any more goth than that!”

It makes you wonder what would have unfolded if In Praise of Lemmings hadn’t taken on a new drummer who did not dig their gloomy vibe.

“When Jon Moss came along he brought his sunshine with him,” Boy George says of the drummer who provided the Culture Club’s distinct groove and would later become his romantic partner. “He was really into pop music and saw something different happening from punk. Jon picked up on what was coming and he saw me as part of that. I ended up being in a band that was much more eclectic. Which is a good thing because it definitely reflects who I am as a musician. I like everything. There’s no music I don’t like.”

When it comes to his own music, he has no pretence. He’s a popstar writing pop songs. The songs have to capture you.

“I’m a melodic writer,” he says. “I’ve got no indulgences. I only write pop songs so I always have a hook. There’s a simplicity to songwriting that people don’t realise until they’re doing it all the time. It’ll take you five seconds to learn a song I’ve written.”

Fortunately, there’s a little more time than that to learn – or, perhaps, relearn – the words to all his hits. We’re still a few months away from the inevitable sing-alongs that are bound to occur when he hits the stage at Wharepai Domain on January 18, 2025.

The Timeless Summer Tour will be his first-ever shows in Aotearoa. But his schedule is jam-packed before then. He’s got the American tour to finish, a big Christmas reunion show with Culture Club in London, an exhibition of his art to curate, DJ sets to put together for parties he’s playing at and – after all that – he’s applying the finishing touches to an 80s-inspired album he describes as “my version of David Bowie’s Pin Ups” that’s releasing next year. 

Juggling so many different and varied projects suggests a highly disciplined timekeeper and super-efficient organiser.

“Not really,” he laughs. “I don’t think rock and roll people should do timekeeping. It would be disappointing if they did. In fact, I confuse myself with the different things that I’m working on. I just enjoy that craziness. It’s like living in a wild forest.”

He once described Culture Club’s songs as ‘his heart, his life’, as he poured his every emotion into them. Which you might think would have been awkward seeing as the person he was singing about was behind him playing drums.

“No, it wasn’t at all,” he says. “There were times when I would say to Jon, ‘This song is about you,’ and he’d roll his eyes and say, ‘No, your songs are about you.’ And they were, to an extent.”

Thinking back now, he says he’s “shocked at how unradical I was when it came to love”.

Thanks to his flamboyant look and playful ambiguity, he was considered something of a sexual radical in the 80s, but he says that underneath the bright clothes, big hats and bold make-up were “old fashioned” romantic views.

“Back then I was like, ‘I want a boyfriend.’ Now I can’t think of anything more ghastly!” he hoots. “I wish I’d been as free-spirited then as I am now. It’s so funny how your perspective on life and love and all that stuff changes as you grow and go through things.”

It must be curious, then, to return to these songs a few decades on. Perhaps similar to reading an old diary.

“Some of those older songs don’t necessarily have anything to do with the way I am now but they have a connection to a past that was important to other people and I respect that,” he says. “I love what I do.
I respect the audience. And I get more emotional on stage. There’s no hostility ever. There’s only love.”

Which is when he says he’s still learning how to be himself. That’s because there’s Boy George the icon, and there’s George O’Dowd, the man behind that soulful and emotive voice that captured the world’s imagination in the 1980s.

“Every day of my life I experience how people behave towards me when I’m in sweatpants and how people behave towards me when I’ve got a big hat on and loads of make-up. It is remarkably different,” he says. “I’ve had to learn to get comfortable with being both Boy George and George O’Dowd. I don’t talk about Boy George like he’s a third person but when I’m dressed up people treat me differently and it’s a whole other thing.”

Then Boy George laughs and says, “When people see me not dressed up they’re like, ‘Oh, do you still do music?’. The answer is, I don’t stop.”

Timeless Summer 

Promoter and Bay local Glenn Meikle is behind the new Timeless Summer Tour, featuring Boy George. UNO quizzed him about one of the Bay’s biggest events of the summer.

What was your inspiration for creating the Timeless Summer Tour? 

At the heart of it, we are in the event business. We already had the R&B and reggae music genres covered so we wanted to cover a different genre that caters to a different audience. This means we’re providing wide appeal through our events. 

An event’s first line-up is crucial to get right. How did you select the acts?

We wanted top-tier acts that everyone knows and are a lot of fun. These four acts – Boy George, Bonnie Tyler, Little River Band and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas – have big hits that people can sing along to and, for some, reminisce about when those songs were released. 

How did they respond to being asked to perform in New Zealand?

They’re excited to come to New Zealand. We’re far away but we live in a beautiful country, which is always appealing. 

What is the appetite for live music like here in the Bay?

It’s always strong in the Bay of Plenty, especially in summer. There really is no better place to be in summer. Having live entertainment to cater to local and visitor tastes is an added bonus. 

Can we expect this to become an annual part of Tauranga’s calendar? 

We’d love for this show to become a staple of Tauranga’s summer calendar. If the demand is there we’ll certainly do our best to make that happen.  

For tickets, visit timelesssummertour.com

Safe harbour haven

This unique piece of paradise on Tauranga Harbour presents a legacy of idyllic living that’s as quintessentially Aotearoa as it is rich in heritage and grace.

WORDS Jo Ferris

While debate continues about the America’s Cup being defended on the other side of the world, there is no denying this sailing spectacle draws spectators into its magic once racing commences. There is also no better time to focus on nautical magic of another kind – one enriched with its own history in a quiet haven by Tauranga Harbour; and defending a different tradition with similar admiration.

In an ironic twist, it was thanks to a European businessman, nearly a quarter of a century ago, who cast his eyes to this side of the world. Recognising the extraordinary beauty of Tauranga Harbour, with its inlets
and idyllic locations, he developed a characteristic homestead. Nestled in a secluded waterfront spot – complete with an approved geothermal bore – this property has transcended the passage of time. It has retained its heritage while being expanded and modernised over the years into a property of significance.

Immersed within the privacy of native trees, bush and birdsong, views command arguably the most intimate and certainly romantic scenery a harbour could offer. The sprawling residence bathes in all its beauty
– the original homestead, plus a separate yet connecting wing; designed and finished in keeping with the character of its parent. The nautical theme dominates the essence that instils a spellbinding aura in every
aspect of life here. It blends English heritage with American tradition.
Far from being in competition for the honour of victory, however, it is a marriage of perfection; caretakers of an idyllic sanctuary destined to be passed on to future generations.

The homestead follows colonial lines – fully wrapped in verandah extensions that shelter wicker-chair settings to gaze across the harbour scenery. Extending out to sun-drenched decking, this area meets the guest house for evening gatherings around the fire. Steps from here lead down to a lawn ribbon, before weaving through the bush to the waterfront below.

There are four bedrooms in the main wing of the home. The ensuite master and one other bedroom gaze across the harbour; both opening to the verandah. Remaining bedrooms open to the rear verandah and out to the swimming pool. Spacious, open-plan living is entertainment central – a gourmet kitchen, dining and lounge offering access points either side of the wrap-around verandah. This handshake with the guest quarters extends the entertainment value for those grand occasions with family and friends.

However, privacy is also assured for guests with two more bedrooms, a
large open-plan living space supported by a kitchenette, a bathroom and laundry, while a second shower room provides direct access to and from the pool. A generous rumpus lounge in this wing is another meeting point for both homes, while also offering various options. It could be a games’ room for teens, a gym, a workplace – or an intimate venue for small functions.

A private geothermal bore fuels a central heating system via a state-of-the-art heat exchanger, together with areas of hydronic underfloor heating. The pool is year-round enjoyment also, benefitting from the same system. Space is something this property isn’t short of. Budget has never been an issue with its journey through time. While housing the best that money can buy, it has maintained that rare quality of presence in a humble, understated way. True wealth doesn’t flaunt itself. It assumes privilege with grace.

Plummers Point Road is envied for its place within Tauranga Harbour and the properties that share the lifestyle. This property, however, claims that rare distinction that only time brings to the narrative. History brings the heritage of yesterday, while today’s approach can preserve it for future generations. 

266C Plummers Point Road

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

The secret garden

A whimsical wonderland lies hidden in Hamurana for storybook lovers of all ages to discover. With a story of her own, the creator has found freedom in its magic.

WORDS Hayley Barnett

If it wasn’t for a giant wooden carving of the majestic lion from Narnia sitting at the entrance to  Jenna and Brent Austin’s farmyard property, you’d be convinced you were lost. Hamurana’s Enchanted Storybook Nook is hidden away in the back of what looks to be a rundown greenhouse with a small cabin attached. 

“You can see people wondering what they’re in for when they arrive,” laughs Jenna, her long blonde curls contrasting against a black fur coat and bright red lipstick. She teeters on high heels as she walks across the grass to greet us.

It’s a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Jenna has just finished tidying up after a birthday party and is rushing back to the house to put her youngest child – one of four – down to sleep. I assume the get-up is part of a character for the party, but she wasn’t involved. This is simply how she dresses day to day, even on the farm, even with four children. Once you see the hidden garden for yourself, Jenna’s eccentricities suddenly make sense.

Just upon entering the small wooden cabin we’re amazed. Made to feel as if you’re stepping back in time, the beauty is in the details. There’s a reading nook and a secret entrance to the restroom, complete with a faux library wall. The large glass drink dispenser labeled ‘Drink Me’, with a tasty potion inside, is the perfect start to our trip into a literal Wonderland.

“The whole concept began in my mind the second I saw the space,” explains Jenna. “Brent and I discovered a hidden, abandoned shade house when we were viewing the property, before we bought it. I knew instantly it could be transformed into a secret garden. Brent suggested we turn it into a chicken coop, but by that point my imagination had already taken flight and planned the entire thing.” 

Brent is a builder and agreed to build the cottage at the beginning of the shade house, which is where you enter the garden through the “Narnia wardrobe” – an antique wardrobe Jenna had bought years ago from Trade Me.

As a child, Jenna was captivated by the movie The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. “Discovering an entire world through an old wardrobe was beyond magical to me,” says Jenna. “I actually purchased that wardrobe with the intent of one day building a secret door behind it that entered into my own secret space whenever we found our forever home.” 

Many of the layouts have changed and evolved since its inception but the one thing that remains the same is the yellow brick road which meanders through the entire garden. Fast-forward a few years to its near completion, you can now enter through the wardrobe into a snowy Narnia scene, complete with a lion and lamppost. From there the brick road leads you through all Jenna’s favourite books and movies as a child. Hansel and Gretel, Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, The Wizard of Oz – the list goes on.

“The whole concept really was just for me,” says Jenna. “I never intended it to be for anyone other than myself. Sure, I delighted in the fact that I could take my kids in there to have tea parties and for them to experience their very own wonderland in their backyard but that was by no means my goal. My driving force was my depression and constant need to get reprieve from the emptiness I feel on a daily basis.”

Jenna has suffered from depression and anxiety for most of her life, ever since she was diagnosed with anorexia at age 14. She was hospitalised four times, and although she’s won the battle with her eating disorder, the feelings associated with it have never really left her.

“I notice when I’m creating I’m immersed in the moment, and all the pain and negativity and the screaming chaos in my head almost ceases to exist. Creating a place full of all my favourite childhood books and movies felt so magical.

“It wasn’t that I wanted to escape into a different reality and be a little girl again. I can’t really explain it, so I typed into Google “nostalgia and healing” and this article came up that said ‘actively reminiscing on happy moments or joining in activities that are tied to positive memories can be emotionally soothing’.”

Jenna’s core memories from when she was a child were of tiny tea parties with her grandma, and the happiness she felt when watching her favourite movies. “I was able to revisit a time when life was calm and joyful and happy.”

When Jenna got started on the garden she commissioned her friend, artist Maria Hermans, to paint a storybook-inspired mural. “She went above and beyond and exceeded my expectations,” says Jenna.

Maria also struggles with mental illness and, over time, both Jenna and Maria gained a tremendous amount of positive focus and satisfaction from creating the garden together. 

Maria continued to paint more and more, filling up the garden walls as the years went on. Sadly, Jenna’s grandmother, Gloria, passed away recently. In one of the murals, Maria used a photo of Gloria when she was 18 years old to depict her as Glinda, the Good Witch from The Wizard of Oz. 

For Jenna, turning 40 this year has coincided with opening up the garden
to the public.

“I’m blown away at how something that simply started off as a personal passion project is now fast becoming a special destination for the young and old to visit,” she says. “I’m really starting to enjoy being able to share what is essentially the very essence of who I am, as well as the adversity I have overcome and am still to overcome. It’s not just a garden to me, and the outpouring of messages I’ve received proves it’s not just a
garden to others either. It really touches people and captures the nostalgia of their childhoods.”

Jenna points out there’s still space to extend the garden, but for now she’s content with allowing the public through and hiring out the space for the occasional party.

“I might look at hiring a fairy entertainer, so we can hold fairy parties,” says Jenna, who has hung up her own fairy wings for now. “Maybe I’ll focus on catering to the adults in a coffee cart.” 

Book via Facebook Messenger: theenchantedstorybooknook

Ōmokoroa’s taste of Italy

Marko Velickovic transforms fresh local ingredients into authentic Italian dishes at the beachside ‘trattoria’ Alma.

WORDS Hayley Barnett 

Marko Velickovic comes from a long line of chefs. His family’s restaurant in Serbia has been in business for more than 50 years. And after spending 10 years cutting his teeth at some of Europe’s best Michelin star restaurants, it comes as no surprise that he only accepts the absolute best ingredients for his own eatery here in the Bay.

Ōmokoroa’s Alma offers an Italian-inspired menu specialising in hand-stretched Roman-style pizza and homemade fresh pasta using local ingredients, as well as premium imported products from Italy. 

The Serbian with a passion for Italian cuisine made the move to the Bay from Croatia six years ago. “It’s a funny story actually,” Marko smiles. “A friend called me from New Zealand and said, ‘you need to move here. No one knows how to cook!”

On arrival, he was snapped up by Alpino in the Mount and stayed as head chef for two and half years. But he yearned for more life outside the kitchen. "I quit and set out to buy a boat. Then another friend called and said, ‘I’ve found this place that’s perfect for you.’” Back then, the Ōmokoroa site was in dire need of a revamp but, being right on the water, Marko recognised its potential. Together with his business partner, Ewelina Large, they dove straight in.

Suddenly his dream of a work/life balance went up in smoke and he found himself working seven days a week and throwing all his money into the set up. “I’m not sure why I thought that was better than spending my days on a boat,” he jokes. However the worst was yet to come. On opening day the country went into its first Covid lockdown. “It was terrible. But we worked hard on the place during lockdown and then the day we opened again was the day of the tsunami warning.”

Despite the cruel setbacks, Alma eventually opened its doors, drawing attention from Cuisine, who listed them in the Good Food Guide and awarded them the title of Favourite Destination. The restaurant has since won a Judges’ Choice Award in the 2023 Plates of Plenty for its Fagottini con fungi e tartufo. Today Alma is widely known to be one of the best Italian eateries in the region. All Marko’s hard work is paying off. “Foodies recognise the difference when you go the extra mile,” he says.

Heading into summer, Alma is definitely a destination spot to put on the foodie wish-list. 

almaeatery.nz

Windows to history

The CBD is getting a much-needed glow up, courtesy of acclaimed artist Sara Hughes, the council and over 250 local children.

WORDS Karl Puschmann | PHOTOS Katie Cox

Anyone who’s ever watched a home renovation show knows that a well-chosen artwork hung on an otherwise plain wall will elevate an entire room. Extrapolate that arty truth to encompass the drab vacant storefronts in Tauranga’s city centre and you start to see the genius of the new public art initiative, Reimagine Tauranga.

Envisioned by renowned artist Sara Hughes and created in partnership with the Tauranga City Council, the exhibition has taken over the windows of eight prominent shops in the CBD. These otherwise standard storefronts, transformed by creativity, imagination and generous dollops of Sara’s unique style of vivid colours and embrace of bold patterns, tell the story of Tauranga’s rich history. 

“That’s a really important aspect of this project,” Sara says. “I’m fascinated with the history of a place, so I really wanted to bring that in.”

Banish any thoughts of dusty old black and white history lessons. Hughes also reimagined how to bring the past into the present while keeping true to her acclaimed style and the project’s vision of light, colour and creativity. With assistance from Tauranga Museum’s curator Fiona Kean, Sara worked her way through the Tauranga Museum collection, a vast archive of treasured items from our collective past that includes everything from beach balls to surfboards to newspapers. 

“It’s a way to celebrate some of the lesser-known objects, but things that particularly relate to the important beach culture of Tauranga,” Sara explains. “Things like beach balls and parasols or a particular swimming tog pattern. It’s to celebrate and draw attention to these special things that are held within the Tauranga Museum collection.”

The idea was to use the patterns and colours of these everyday objects as inspiration. They may be of historical value and from a museum’s curated collection but these artworks encourage you to look at common items in a new way, to find the artistic hidden in things people don’t usually look at twice, to reimagine the every day. Like, for example, the window given over to celebrating the patterns on beach parasols.

Sara also reimagined what this project could be on a fundamental level. She didn’t want it to be all about her, and her take on Tauranga’s history. Instead, she wanted to bring in the community, particularly children, and have them contribute in a tangible and very real way. 

After viewing the museum collection with Fiona and selecting the items she then ran a series of art workshops at Tauranga Art Gallery and ran classes in different schools all over Tauranga. Around 250 children of different ages, schools and backgrounds all took part and now find themselves contributors to a major public art project. 

“They’ve all come together through art, which was also an important part of this for me. Reimagine Tauranga is less about me – it’s not so much my artworks in the eight windows – instead the children created either the objects or the imagery that will be in the windows,” she explains. “I am running it, and the concept of this project is mine, but it’s not my artwork as such.”

She sees herself more as the curator and exhibitor. In fact, when UNO calls she was getting ready to spend a week in the different window locations, installing, hanging and displaying the eight works. All of which will have a plaque detailing the inspiring piece or item and its historic relevance to the city.

A neat twist is that the art will look different depending on when you see it, with Sara calling on famed lighting designer Richard Bracebridge to illuminate the different works.

“The night aspect of it is very important,” she says. “Because light has such a strong effect in how a city centre looks when it’s lit at nighttime.”

There is one question that’s been niggling; how on earth did they persuade eight shops to give up their window space for an entire year? The short answer is, they didn’t.

“They’re being put into shop fronts that are currently for lease,” she explains. “It’s been great to have the support of the shop owners who believe it’s a good idea to have public art and artworks created by children in the city centre.”

She’s excited about the public finally seeing the project she’s worked on for the past few years. It’s been a massive undertaking, but one that more than lives up to its ambitious title.

“Hopefully it will be something people will be excited to come and see,” Sara says. “I want people to be really intrigued and curious.”

Then she smiles and says, “I think they'll come away feeling joy and excitement, and that will really positively impact their day or evening.”  

tauranga.govt.nz

Still evolving

Judy Bailey reflects on purposeful ageing, what brings her joy, and her feelings of imposter syndrome ahead of her Tauranga literary festival debut.

WORDS Monique Balvert-Connor

A serendipitous call from Harper Collins publishers sparked a new chapter in Judy Bailey’s illustrious career.
New Zealand’s beloved former broadcaster, once affectionately dubbed “Mother of the Nation”, has penned a book that’s now whizzing off bookshop shelves.

This exciting opportunity came after Judy had been contemplating the ageing journey and its challenges. “When the chance to write about it arose, I embraced it wholeheartedly – just as I’ve approached life’s adventures throughout my years.” Her book, Evolving, is set to be a focal point at Tauranga’s literary festival, Escape, where Judy will be speaking later this month. Between engagements, she might even squeeze in a visit with her former TV news anchor colleague, Richard Long, now based in Tauranga.

As for the title, Judy laughingly confesses she “stole” it when tennis great Serena Williams served it up in a quote. “People were constantly asking her how retirement was. She said, ‘I am not retired; I am evolving.’ That’s how I feel about it.”

Retirement is such a hideous word. Look in the dictionary. It means things like ‘to go to bed’. “Evolving is what we are doing – from one stage to another – and that can be equally rewarding and fulfilling, as we still have a contribution to make,” says Judy, who will turn 72 the day she presents at Escape’s morning tea event on October 18. 

In a sense, the book has enabled her to champion the cause of the elderly, whom she feels often get “a really bad rap”. “Older people are sometimes dismissed; considered past their use-by date. They shouldn’t be lumped into a universal aged category. The over-60s age group is enormously diverse, and this age group has an enormous amount to offer still. Many remain vibrant and intelligent, contributing members of society with a lot to offer. We need to think proactively about our ageing and not just let it happen to us. It’s not all downhill to the zimmer frame.”

Judy says writing Evolving has been an exploration of her journey and a discovery of how she can live her best life after 65. There’s much that many people will relate to, with learnings aplenty. Personal experiences and science are melded with the subjects tackled including taking care of your body and mind, navigating health scares, dealing with dementia, grieving loved ones, Botox, organising finances, wills, power of attorney, end-of-life care and enjoying the finer things. 

Readers are enjoying simple messages and a few surprises in this ‘dip in, dip out’ book, she says. “There are things we instinctively know to do to take care of ourselves – common sense things involving sleep, fresh air and good diet. But there are some helpful tricks along the way. For example, foregoing the sunnies on the morning walk so we can get some UV rays on our eyes. Things like the importance of going to bed and getting up at the same time, even on weekends, to maintain our circadian rhythm. “What I have discovered along the way, really, is the people who should be reading this book are those in their 40s and 50s, as what you are doing then has a huge bearing on how you age.” 

One ‘big, big thing’ of concern is alcohol consumption in New Zealand and the fact that it’s increasing among the older population. Many drink as a stress release, but alcohol actually increases stress and is really bad for the heart and brain, Judy informs. Far from sanctimonious, Judy says she’s the first person to enjoy a glass of something. While she keeps herself fit and healthy and eats reasonable food, she does have “a big hankering” for blue cheese and chocolate. Life’s too short to not enjoy those things, she smiles.

In writing Evolving, Judy has referenced Harvard University longitudinal studies and spoken to geriatricians and gerontologists and other academics. It’s reassuring, she says, that they are saying similar things, so the research is robust. She’s heartened by the fact there’s “amazing” research being conducted in New Zealand around ageing and that we have a professor of ageing.

Judy’s own evolving continues to involve some paid work. Since reading her final TV news bulletin in 2005 she’s enjoyed other broadcasting stints, some promotional work and she continues to write about inspirational women and travel. She loves Africa, “with a passion.” Botswana (the Okavango Delta) is one of her favourite places. Paris and Italy also get a mention. A wonderful amount of time is also spent with family – she and her husband Chris have three children and eight grandchildren who all live near their Auckland home. Judy and Chris also
enjoy being at their Flaxmill Bay property. 

Anywhere with a good book is also a very happy place, Judy says, citing Where the Crawdads Sing, Lessons in Chemistry, and The Axeman’s Carnival as much-enjoyed reads. Escape will be Judy’s first time presenting at a literary festival. With that comes a massive sense of impostor syndrome, she confesses. She’s not sure she’s sufficiently “literary”. Neither, she says, is she totally comfortable with being called Mother of the Nation. “So many other people would wear that title so
much better than me. I’ve been called it for decades and always feel embarrassed by it.” As for Judy’s own longitudinal, constantly evolving journey, she says she hopes to have “a couple of decades of useful life” left in her.  

Judy’s visit to Escape has been sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners.

taurangafestival.co.nz

Members only

The Tauranga Club may be one of the Bay’s oldest institutions, but it’s got a refreshingly modern outlook. Join UNO as we’re invited inside the famous private members club.

WORDS Karl Puschmann | PHOTOS Bryony Alexander

Intrigue and mystique swirl around private member’s clubs. It seems everybody has a different, although no less fanciful, idea of what might be going on behind their closed-to-the-general-public doors. 

Some might picture wood-panelled cigar dens where men in suits gather to wheel and deal over whiskey. Others believe them to be the clubrooms of the rich and famous thanks to decades of being the backdrop for celebrity interviews and late-night paparazzi shots snapped outside their doors. The more imaginative conjure up wild scenes of secret handshakes, hooded cloaks and arcane rituals acted out to the menace of foreboding orchestral music.

In fact, there are only two things that people tend to agree on when it comes to private member’s clubs; 1) they’re fancy and 2) they’d love to go themselves.

And so it was for this writer when an invitation was extended to snoop around the prestigious Tauranga Club. It wasn’t worded so colloquially, but that’s what I took from the invite, which I hurriedly accepted. 

Disappointingly, I was not given a secret password or for that matter a burgundy velvet cloak. Instead, only simple directions to the Devonport Towers in the heart of Tauranga’s CBD, and the instruction that I’d be buzzed up to the fifth floor.

On this particular Thursday, the Club is a hive of activity. Not of members, conversing in the lounge, enjoying a drink at the bar, reading in the nook, engaging in private discussion in one of the soundproofed meeting rooms or enjoying a meal while luxuriating in the wide-open panoramic views of the sparkling harbour that takes in Welcome Bay right round to the Mount. That will all come. 

Instead, builders and craftspeople diligently add the finishing touches to the modern, stylish remodel that saw the Club close its doors for the better part of two years. At the time of UNO’s visit, the grand re-opening is just over a week away.

“Everything’s coming together,” smiles new executive chef, Ian Harrison, who local foodies will instantly recognise as the award-winning chef behind the delectable Sugo Restaurant. As opening day creeps closer, Ian’s busy finalising the fine details on the new menu he’s created for the club − which, in a first, also now includes breakfast. 

Right now, however, there’s one critical component on his mind. 

“The cocktails I haven’t got to yet,” he smiles. “It’s crucial.”

He describes the new menu as, “unique, but not trying to be clever,” which translated from chef-speak means diners will be presented with a modern, seasonal menu with classic dishes made with as many locally-sourced products as possible.

“With this view, I’ve tried to keep as much seafood on there as possible,” he says, gesturing at the majestic harbour. “It’s not a seafood restaurant, but there’s seafood and Kiwi classics on the menu. The food that everyone wants to eat,” he says, before adding, “but with a high spin on them.” 

That phrase also works as a handy summation of The Tauranga Club itself; a Kiwi classic with a high spin on it. As Phil Green says when he greets me at the new brass-plated doors, “The Tauranga Club is 130 years and some months old.”

Phil is the Club’s vice president and the architect behind the ambitious renovation, which was born out of less-than-ideal circumstances. Last
year’s horrifically rainy summer saw water seeping into the building. 

“That whole summer it just didn't stop raining,” Club president Tracey Gudsell explains. “It was basically raining through the ceiling, which led to black mould getting into the building. We just had issue after issue after issue.”

They immediately closed down for the safety of staff and members. But rather than be disheartened by the closure and the year of remedial work the building needed, Tracey and Phil instead saw the silver lining of that wet rain cloud.

“It was our opportunity to come back refreshed whilst we were closed sorting those issues,” Tracey says, with Phil adding, “It gave us a chance to reset.” 

Their plan was to modernise the Club, not just for 2024 but beyond. This meant a complete reimagining and revamp of the space. Walls were knocked down, rooms added, new furnishings bought in, artwork hung, and splashes of colour tastefully added, new carpets, ceilings, lighting – the list goes on. All in aid of creating an inviting and welcoming space for people to enjoy and want to spend time in. “A modern sanctuary,” as Tracey calls it.

The main area is now a versatile space that can be easily divided to create different-sized spaces, meaning the Club can accommodate conferences, seminars or meetings while still accommodating diners and the recreational needs of its members. But it can also be opened right up to allow for bigger functions like weddings, anniversaries or even, in one instance, a 21st. 

“We also have a dance floor we can put down,” Phil grins.

As well as modernising, a big focus of the redesign was to highlight and reinforce the social aspect of belonging to a club. They wanted a place where people could feel comfortable whether working, entertaining or mingling. 

“Members get to know members, and you can walk up and say ‘Hello,’ and it’s not weird,” Tracey says. “I don't find it easy to go out on my own, but at the Club I do. I come here and there’s old friendly faces or someone that I can walk up to and say ‘Hi,’ and feel comfortable because I’m in a club environment where you’re all part of that community. You can be as visible or as private as you like.”

Fittingly, The Tauranga Club was started over drinks, most likely a few whiskeys, by a chap named Lieutenant Colonel Roberts. His first name is unknown but the club he masterminded on the night of March 31, 1894, is incredibly well known.

“There was a meeting in the back bar of the Star Hotel, where he decided to get a group of people together, basically a gentleman's club,” longtime member and unofficial Club historian Jock McIntyre says.

“It grew to around 100 members relatively quickly, but it wasn't until about 1912-1914, that a guy named Sharp came on board. He had a couple of shillings in his pocket and bought this piece of land and donated it to the Club.”

He laughs softly and says, “It was a fairly decent thing to do.”

With Sharp’s involvement and a new location, the Club began attracting the professionals that he interacted with every day as a founder of the well-known law firm Sharp Tudhope. 

“There were lawyers, accountants, doctors and so on,” Jock says. “Sharp got all the professional people of Tauranga together and got this thing going properly.”

The times may have changed but The Tauranga Club is still the place for like-minded professionals to gather, even 130 years on. Interestingly, it was never officially labelled a “gentleman’s club”, even if that was its original intention, and today Tracey and Phil estimate the gender balance to be evenly split. The member base includes the expected movers and shakers of Tauranga but also young professionals looking for
a place to work, network and relax, right through to older members who have been with the Club for decades.

The pair are rightfully enthused about The Tauranga Club and as they talk I begin to greatly appreciate its appeal. It’s an office away from the office, a place to take potential clients you want to impress and somewhere to make invaluable contacts. But it’s also a place to chill out and not talk shop. Somewhere to meet people for a sophisticated drink or take a special someone for a romantic harbour-lit meal.It really can be whatever you need or want it to be.

“We’ve always maintained we’re the best-kept secret in Tauranga,” Tracey smiles. “We’ve got views no one else does. We have the ambience and the personal service,” Tracey says, her passion obvious. “For members, it’s their space, their lounge, their dining room. A lot of members see it as an extension of their home. You can bring your family and your friends here and it feels quite different to turning up at a restaurant. There’s a real personal touch here. We get to know the members and what they like, and we cater for that.”

Of course, you do have to be a member − or with a member − to enjoy it,
although Phil does point out honourary memberships for one-off visits, like hotel guests enjoying breakfast or people attending an event are allowed. 

This leads directly to the big question I’ve been saving up; how exactly does one become a member of one of Tauranga’s oldest and most prestigious institutions?

“That’s a secret,” Phil jokes, before spilling the beans. “No, there’s not
a secret handshake or anything like that. You apply to be a member, that's no problem at all, two committee members review that, and then you’re nominated in. If you’re not known to us, we’ll meet, have a coffee and then nominate you. It's a reasonably easy process.”

With the renovation nearing completion, they’re excited for members to once again enjoy full use of their club. Whether that’s business, pleasure or a bit of both − The Tauranga Club has the versatility to accommodate. It truly is a sanctuary.

“It’s somewhere different, and with a bit of a wow factor,” Phil smiles. 

Sitting here, enjoying the comfort, ambience and, of course, those priceless views, it’s impossible to disagree with him.  

taurangaclub 

F taurangaclub.co.nz 

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Plenty under twenty

Craving a night out without breaking the bank? Here’s part one
of Stacey Jones’ guide to the Bay’s tastiest budget bites.

WORDS Stacey Jones

Miss Gee's

In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the thrill of finding a cheap meal for under $20 has never been greater. While supermarket prices soar – $6 for a cucumber, $20 for a block of cheese (the world has clearly gone bananas), this only heightens the joy of discovering a tasty ‘cheap eat’. 

Restaurants are able to buy in bulk, support local producers, and, best of all, save you the hassle of washing up.  

I took to the local Facebook notice boards for our locals’ top spots and
was met with hundreds of suggestions. Clearly, we’re all feeling the pinch and on the hunt for the same thing… So this month, we are diving into the best budget-friendly meals available in the Bay of Plenty for under $20.  

Let’s kick things off with a standout deal at Astrolab on Tuesdays. For just $12, you can enjoy a delicious burger paired with a beer or a soft drink. Yes, you read that right – $12! The burger is well-seasoned, the salad is fresh, and it’s a steal. Just remember, the more beers you drink, the less sweet the deal becomes. Arrive early to secure a spot, as it gets busy. For more burger deals, check out Palace on Mondays for $10 cheeseburgers, or Central Coast Takeaway with their burger, fries, and soda combo for $17. They have a small amount of seating too so you can eat in or take out. 

Miss Gee's

Next up, Hello Bahn Mi offers Vietnamese yumminess for $14.50. Choose from tofu, pork, or chicken, or indulge in their other favourites like pho and summer rolls. For Thai cuisine, Leks Go Thai in Pāpāmoa serves mains under $20, perfect for sharing. This leaves some change for a bottle of wine! Meanwhile, Hawker House in the Mount offers Asian-inspired dishes for just $15 from Monday to Friday, 12-3pm. The beef rendang roti is top of my list. 

Bobby's

Crossing the bridge to Matua, Café Istanbul tempts with Turkish flavours. A chicken or lamb iskender is just $17, offering a fresh, healthy meal. Over at Café Istanbul in the Mount, similar dishes, as well as a not very Turkish lasagna, are priced right at $20 and under. LoLo’s offers a Turkish wrap that's more stuffed than the Harbour Bridge at rush hour for $14, making it a true budget buster.

No article on Kiwi budget meals would be complete without mentioning fish and chips. Although prices have risen with the cost of fish, it remains a worthwhile option. Bobby’s in Greerton and Tauranga CBD serves a piece of fish for $6. Just watch out for the seagulls! Bay Fish Packers also promise value, along with Matua Fish and Chips. 

For a budget-friendly lunch, head to Miss Gee’s Bar & Eatery with their $15 menu featuring ramen, burgers, hawker rolls, and a green curry salad. Or visit The Barrel Room from 12-4pm for a $15 lunch with salads, burgers, bowls, and pizzas. Speaking of pizza, Basilico got a lot of local votes. The margarita squeaks in at $19.90 and is generously sized – perfect for sharing if you’re not feeling too greedy. For even tighter budgets, Pizza Library offers $10, 10-inch pizzas every Monday.

Next month, we’ll explore Japanese, fried chicken, sandwiches, Indian, and dumplings. In the meantime, visit these budget-friendly spots, support local businesses, and savour every bite. 

Primed to perfection

Step into a fully furnished, three-storey townhouse offering stunning beach and bay views. Recently renovated with industrial-chic design, smart technology, and a separate two-bedroom flat — this home is truly one-of-a-kind. 

Words Jo Ferris  |  Photos Amanda Aitken

Today’s trend of dressing a property for sale has a personal input with this home. It’s already dressed — ready to go — what you see is what you get. Bar the artwork of course — particularly one striking piece that dominates a feature wall in the top-floor living area.

In a move to downsize, this vendor is leaving all the furniture and much of the equipment behind — taking only personal items before closing the door on this intriguing venture. This is the heart of downtown Mount — views towards the beach on one side and Pilot Bay on the other — within walking distance of everything.  

This three-storey townhouse received a head-to-toe renovation when bought. New roof, new insulation, double glazing, new gib, new open stairwell, new decor and sophisticated technology throughout. If one word were to describe this home, personality would be it. Maybe one more; personality plus. 

The home goes beyond imagination in its approach. It introduces industrial influences with a sense of smoky-bar nightclub; cigars allowed and bourbon on tap in top-floor living. Either stepping up the flight of stairs — railings lit beneath and sensors showing the way; or taking the lift — the welcome is immediate. The kitchen sits centre stage — casual living at the front with balconies either side, dining booth in its own zone and a TV lounge at the rear — Mauao in all its glory in full view.

Party central in the middle houses a chef’s domain for serious cooking and separate stations; complete with a drinks’ bar cocktail mixers dream of. By day, perfect, by night, lights set within quartz counters highlight the brilliance of the detail – ready to set the mood. 

Moods define this entire home – from the darkness of the dedicated theatre to every bedroom. One cleverly doubles as a bedsit office, thanks to the pull-down bed within closet cabinetry. Bathroom personality doesn’t disappoint either. An industrial look in the family bathroom strikes a chord with heavy-metal style tapware and cast-iron vintage bath — complete with ceiling spout. The master bathroom follows suit
with a ceiling spout dropping water into its elegant oval bath.

Masculinity meets femininity in ways that appeal to personal tastes. Underpinning it all however, is state-of-the-art functionality. Smart technology includes wireless internet on every floor, Sonos surround sound, a talking fridge, sensor lighting, 16 solar panels, Tesla battery. All the bells and whistles; plus the bonus advantage of a separate, two-bedroom flat — complete with a tenant.

Personality plus. 

13A Commons Ave, Mount Maunganui

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

Reach for the sky

This exceptional home is a haven of privacy. The property's sleek design and breathtaking sky views add to what is the height of modern luxury - and to top off its impressive features is a truffle orchard of hundreds of oak trees.

words Jo Ferris | photos Hunter Studios

Situated in the Oropi hills, this serene, minimalist home is surrounded by nature and designed with ultimate privacy and security in mind. Nestled within blissful seclusion at the end of a private road, the property offers gated vehicle entry and a helicopter landing option for increased anonymity.

The home was built by multi-award-winning Shaw Builders and designed to a specific brief. Beautiful in its simplicity, the home disguises the extraordinary complexity behind its creation. It embraces 800m² of understated luxury to combine modern design with meticulous craftmanship.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, all-day sun, and views as far as the eye can see blend to create airy, light-filled spaces. Lush, sub-tropical gardens surround the home to instill tranquility and provide intimacy in various rooms and outdoor settings.

Architectural design wraps this home around a swimming pool with waterfall to create a resort worthy of a tropical escape. Views stretch out to embrace Mauao, Tauranga and offshore islands beyond – a reminder that this stunning setting is a discovery of true surprise.

The interior design features clean, bold lines, negative details and high-end finishes with top-of-the-line appliances. A cosy wood fire in the dining room is perfect for intimate occasions, while the chef’s kitchen and lounge serve as the central hub for gatherings.

Equipped with Crestron home automation, this home provides comfort and privacy with ensuite bedrooms for family and guests, together with a separate apartment for extended family. With its own entry, private patio and personal garage, this suite has also been designed to double as an executive workplace. Completing the home’s forethought for work and leisure, it includes a dedicated gym, office and media hideaway.

Once farmland, this 12-hectare estate has been transformed into a sanctuary for birds and nature playground. Walking and riding trails wind through native bush, with streams and springs. Along with the tropical gardens and grasses embracing the house, specialty plantings throughout the estate reinforce how the micro-climate has rewarded this property’s development. Stands of redwoods, specimens and berries, fruit and nut trees – nature thrives here.

Of particular note is the truffière – 750 specialty oak trees on park-like slopes that add peace, tranquility, and a potential future income.

This unique Oropi retreat combines luxury with natural beauty to highlight how thoughtful design can blend with nature to be at one with the world and offer an unparalleled living experience.

Nga Parae Rd, Oropi

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

Mediterranean meditation

Surrounded by lofty palms on one of The Mount’s most coveted streets, this transformed 60s’ Beazley home is an entertainer’s paradise, and a serene minimalist sanctuary of space and light.

Words Jo Ferris  |  Photos Hunter Studios

Sitting in one of Mount Maunganui’s sought-after streets, this home doubles the prestige with a rare, full site – a tropical oasis at that. Towering palms are about the only feature this couple didn’t introduce,
when buying a home that lacked architectural finesse. They took a 60s’ Beazley and transformed it into a luxury Mediterranean resort.

While the original home had been extended, it was substantially different
to what exists now. With raised ceilings in the open plan living area, new master wing, redesigned staircase and a complete overhaul of the back yard, this home is an expression of style.

Elegant and considered in its complexity, simplicity is the star. It showcases the innate talent usually associated with professional interior design. Yet, this couple understand that less is more. The continuity of space and texture make this house a sanctuary by the beach.

The tone and natural texture form an intimate story that begins at the front door. The curvature of a stairwell day bed is stylish and genius use of an unusual space – a precious hideaway for secret moments. 

As stairs lead up to family living, a feature wall showcases the artistry of imported Venetian lime plaster – flecks of golden mica punctuating this finish to mimic beautifully aged Italian stucco.

Featured on a back-lit wall behind the TV and again in the master suite, the lime plaster is a subtle salute to the home’s European inspiration. The theme throughout – structured lines and curves underpin its striking simplicity. Streamed with light and sun, skylights and raked ceilings continue out to a sun-drenched loggia with views to Mauao peeking through luscious green palms. 

The back loggia is an entertainer’s dream, with a Mediterranean-inspired pizza oven and outdoor kitchen keeping the party in one place. An edible garden for salads and fruiting banana palms make this space an exotic retreat.  

The minimalist approach throughout hides switches and anything that upsets the finesse. Detail is discreet yet refined. Brushed gold accents add a touch of sophistication and elegance, while smart lighting technology removes obstructions which would deflect the clean finish. The streamlined excellence of cabinetry from the kitchen and scullery to bathrooms and extraordinary storage in the master wing is the work of craftsmen. Handmade curves are constant; either dramatic and a showpiece or subtle and in the background.

Complete with self-contained living quarters downstairs, gated security
and garden ribbons that embrace this home with magnificent palms; it is an extraordinary example of how complex design transforms to the simplicity of interpretation. 

70 Valley Road, Mount Maunganui

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

The comeback kid

Two years ago kayaker Luuka Jones could barely walk down the street without wheezing. In July she’ll represent New Zealand in K1 and the extreme new Kayak Cross at the Olympic Games and hope to fulfil a long-held dream.

Words Karl Puschmann | Photos Graeme Murray + SUPPLIED
Styling Nicky Adams | Hair & Makeup Desiree Osterman

When Luuka Jones was 11 years old, she set a goal that one day she would win an Olympic gold medal. In July, the 35-year-old kayaker will
look to fulfil that long-held ambition when she travels to Paris to represent New Zealand in her fifth – yes, fifth – Olympic games.

What makes her young promise so audacious is that back then, she was not a young kayaking prodigy nor was she showing promise of becoming the history-making athlete that she is now. Heck, she wasn’t even kayaking competitively. She’d barely gotten her feet wet, having only learned how to paddle a year earlier.

“I don't know where that goal came from,” she laughs, thinking back to her humble beginnings on the water. “But I do have a strong memory of setting it. I was babysitting for my neighbours. They had Sky TV so I was able to watch Sarah Ulmer win her gold medal at the Olympics. It must have inspired me.” Watching Sarah Ulmer whiz over the line at the 2004 games in Athens sparked something in Luuka. Sarah had just given New Zealand its first-ever gold medal in cycling and set a new world record in the process. Witnessing history being made was life-changing for the young Tauranga local watching along on the TV.

Shortly after she remembers entering the Waimarino Intermediate School kayak challenge on the Wairoa River. The event was a multi-stage race that strung various kayaking disciplines together and challenged participants across a wide range of skills.

She says she felt focussed and completely determined.

“I remember the nerves. The other girls were all really good but I was so motivated to try and win that competition. I remember how good it felt when I did,” she smiles, still looking chuffed at the result. “That feeling of winning never gets old. It's a deep satisfaction that you achieved something.”

It will not surprise you at all to learn that Luuka has a fierce competitive streak. It’s something you need to become a world-class athlete competing in two events at the Olympics – K1 slalom racing and the new Kayak Cross event – with all the discipline and training that is required. She guesses it was inherited. Her nana was a competitive tennis player and basketballer and her mum also plays tennis. Her sisters haven't been involved in high-level sport but their blood still pumps with that same fire.

“We played a lot of competitive board games,” she laughs. “We’d play The Game of Life and all be doing whatever it took to win. I've just always had a competitive streak. I guess what’s driven me is that I found a sport that I absolutely loved. I was going to do anything to try and get better at it.” Then she pauses and says, “It’s just been quite a long road.”

That road started on a farm. Before Luuka hit her teens, her grandparents bought some farmland next to the Wairoa River and then, shortly later, her parents moved the family next door. She started swimming lessons at the nearby Waimarino Water and Adventure Park, which is still running today, and then took up kayaking lessons, working at the park in exchange for the lessons.

“Barbara and Barry, who owned the park, were incredible and really supportive of me,” she says.

She quickly grew to love recreational kayaking. She would go away on kayak camping trips and learned how to paddle the river’s gnarly whitewater. Her skills quickly improved and before too long she was navigating the entire whitewater section right down to below McLaren Falls.

“It was such a buzz,” she enthuses. “You learn skills that you don’t know you’re learning and get that whitewater confidence. But it’s also the joy of being out on the river with everyone. That camaraderie and friendship. Some of the people I met early on in my recreation career are still my friends today.”

In a few short months, the sport of Kayak Cross will make its Olympic debut. After taking first place at last October’s World Cup in France, Luuka is considered a favourite for the event.

This kayak offshoot is best described as a mix of raw physical strength and chess-like tactics that plays out in real-time among swirling rapids.
It is thrilling to watch.

At the start of the race, the kayakers plunge down a steep ramp straight into the frothing waters below. They are frighteningly close to each other and then, suddenly, they’re not as they disappear into a flurry of paddles and shoot along their chosen lines through the whitewater and around the gates that make up the course. From their vantage point at the top of the ramp, the athletes have a split second to see a line that accounts for speed, the churning waters, and take a guess at what their competitors are thinking. Plans can rapidly go out the window. Ramp position, the way the kayak hits the water at the bottom of the ramp, and even a little bit of competitive argy-bargy on the water can sink any Olympic dreams. Kayak Cross is both physically and mentally demanding. And not without its dangers.

“It’s very tactical. Some lines are shorter or faster but people are chasing you or you’re chasing someone and you're having to read the whitewater, navigate the gates, and interpret what other people are doing. You’re under pressure because someone’s going to try and take you out or smash into you. You really need to be aggressive. There’s so much going on. That’s what I love about the event.”

As Luuka explains the physical, aggressive, aspect of Kayak Cross, I can’t help but notice a little glint in her eye. I point this out and she laughs and exclaims, “It’s true!” before elaborating.

“If you’re behind someone, you really do need to come down and smash them out of position.”

We both laugh and then she says, “But it is quite nerve-wracking, sitting up on that ramp,” before explaining what it’s like. 

Luuka competing at the Kayak Cross Nationals in Auckland

(photo Rod Hill). 

“You have your plan, but when you launch in you have no idea what’s going to unfold. You all launch at the same time and you want to be fast down the ramp and people are paddling and there’s so much going on that you have to be quite calm and composed in what is an incredibly chaotic situation. You hope that when you land, you’re going to be out in front, but that doesn’t always happen. You could get a paddle to the face.”

The most extraordinary part of Luuka’s journey to the 2024 Olympic Games, and what will make it ripe for a movie adaptation if she does indeed win the gold medal, is that less than two years ago she was diagnosed with Long Covid. It well and truly knocked her out. Forget about gold medals, she could barely make it to the letterbox without becoming puffed out of breath and needing to rest.

Her illness forced her to completely drop out of the 2022 season, losing the whole year as she rested and recuperated. For the competitive, world-class athlete, it was devastating and led to many dark days and sleepless soul-searching. During that long, hard year Luuka admits that she often thought about quitting and regularly questioned not just her commitment to kayaking but also her love for it.

“It was a hugely challenging experience,” she sighs. “I realised a lot of my happiness was wrapped up in physical activity. It wasn’t that I just couldn’t compete for a year, it was that I couldn’t do anything physical. Going for a walk was a big deal. I couldn’t feel competitive so I wasn’t excited about coming back to race. I was starting to question,

‘Should I even be doing this?’ or ‘Am I ever going to come back after a year out?’ All these thoughts cross your mind.”

It sounds like there may have been some depression seeping in, understandable given the circumstances, and she nods and heavily says, “Yeah, probably a little bit.”

Luuka talks about installing a hyperbaric chamber in her garage and laying in it for a couple of hours each day to get more oxygen to her lungs and help her body fight the infection.

Her recovery routine started out with three training sessions per week. If she had a recovery week, she never really enjoyed it, as she never felt like she'd earned it.

Eventually, after an incredibly difficult year, the fog lifted and Luuka felt able to race. She entered the Nationals, an action she describes as “a big deal” after her year off. She paddled well but disaster struck when she injured her neck. The injury took her out of contention for another couple of weeks. This set a pattern where she’d return only to hurt her knee or stuff up her arm. It seemed like every time she hit the water, she’d land another injury and be confined back to land.

“It wasn’t all just Covid, it was all these little obstacles along the way to getting back into full-time training,” she explains. “But my philosophy is that there’s an opportunity in everything. So I tried to look for the opportunities.”

One was being able to spend the year in New Zealand with her fiancé and her family instead of being off competing in Europe as she usually would be. But the biggest thing, she says, was that the enforced time off ultimately led to rediscovering her love for the sport.

“Before Covid I’d get so caught up in my mistakes. If I had a bad session, I’d take it home with me and be really pissed off for a long time. Now I’m just grateful for being out on the water, feeling those sensations and being able to paddle again. I’m glad I wrote down in my journal what was going on because I can look back and be like, ‘Oh, yeah, that was tough.’

“But I’m the sort of person who just charges forward and doesn’t really hold on to those things too much,” she continues. “They make you more resilient, or they teach you something at the time, and then you just have to crack on.”

For someone about to compete in two events against the best athletes in the world at the most prestigious and globally historic sporting competition, Luuka is extremely relaxed. She’s in good spirits and feeling confident.

“I think it’s easy to be relaxed when you’re a few months out from the Games,” she jokes. “But it’s a high-pressure event, for everyone, and we’re all in the same boat, excuse the pun. But I try and put a lot of effort into preparing mentally as well as physically. It’s a big occasion with a lot of pressure and a lot of distractions. When I visualise the Olympics I feel a bit nervous. But I enjoy this time of year because it’s been a three-year build, and it all starts coming to fruition.”

Luuka’s comeback is nearly complete. She’s mentally and physically prepared. She’s going in as a favourite. And, perhaps most of all, she’s excited.

In her astonishing career, she’s set so many kayak slalom records in New Zealand, brought home so many medals, and competed in those four previous Olympic Games that she’s now the athlete that young babysitters around Aotearoa are watching compete on TV.

“I sometimes forget that maybe I am a role model because I still haven’t achieved what I want to achieve, or I’m not at that level yet,” she says, referencing her decades-old goal.

“But when I reflect on my journey I have a lot of things to share, and it’s nice to maybe inspire someone to pick up a paddle or pursue something that they’re passionate about. That would make me really happy to know that I've helped someone to chase their dream.”

Which circles us back to the start. Luuka got Silver at Rio. Will she get Gold in Paris fulfilling the goal she set for herself all those years ago?

“Hopefully, yeah! I mean, that’s the goal,” she laughs. “My fiancé, my family and my friends will all be there watching. It’s a really special occasion to share with them and then to go out there and see what I can do. And it’s so exciting to represent the Bay.”

Then she smiles warmly and says, “Really, I’m just a small-town girl from Tauranga.” 

History in the making

After a couple of false starts, Tauranga is finally getting its very own museum in 2028. But what will it show and why do we need one?

words Karl Puschmann
photos Katie Cox + supplied

The grand opening of the new Tauranga Museum may still be four years away but director Greg McManus’ excitement has already well and truly arrived.

When UNO calls for a chat to catch up on how the project’s going he’s bubbling with enthusiasm and bursting with ideas for how he sees the museum benefitting and adding value to the community.

His energy towards the long-delayed project is infectious and leaves you wishing it was opening as soon as possible.

But alas, the museum doors won’t open until 2028. With construction on its prime inner-city site having recently started, it proves the adage ‘good things come to those who wait’. Greg is a 30 year veteran of museums around New Zealand, including stints as Director at Rotorua Museum and most recently as CEO of Waitangi Treaty Grounds where he oversaw the development of two new museums, and feels strongly about the importance of museums to communities

“I believe every community needs a museum,” he says. “Museums house our collective memory, they store and interpret the history of an area, not just for visitors from out of town or overseas, but also for ourselves. We need museums to help us better understand the stories of the place we live in, and also the stories of others who share the place with us. Museums encourage an understanding of diversity and the interwoven relationships we have as people living together in the same place and they play a huge role in inspiring children and young people to have an interest in art, culture, science and natural history.”

The future Tauranga Civic Whare, Exhibition Gallery and Museum.

Strengthening the connection between people and place is one of Greg’s big passions and is high on the priority list for the museum.

He says that people get a greater understanding and sense of belonging from knowing the history of where they live. Tauranga and its surrounding region is full of unique stories and significant sites that deserve our attention.

“When people drive down Cameron Road, they drive past the Gate Pā battle site,” he cites as an example.

“I suspect a lot of people don't know or don’t give it a second thought, but that battle was a really important event in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, not just Tauranga. There are sites like that all through the region.”

He’s also keen to showcase the many innovations that have occurred here, including the first-ever hot water cylinder to be run off public electricity invented right here in Tauranga in 1915 by Lloyd Mandeno and in the museum’s collection.

In total the museum collection houses more than 33,000 objects in total, with most having never been seen publicly because, until now, there’s been nowhere to display them.

“Obviously, we're not going to have 33,000 objects on display in the museum,” he clarifies with a laugh. “But the permanent exhibitions will be rich with objects from our collection and other collections around the country. It will be a real weaving together of stories, objects and images into a broad, rich experience. Because that’s what museums are: places that tell stories.”

Along with the main, permanent exhibitions, there will also be two large galleries for temporary exhibitions. This, Greg says, will open up Tauranga to world-class exhibitions that we’d usually need to travel to places like Auckland or Wellington to see. He talks about partnering with other museums to bring exhibitions from overseas but also about leading the charge and bringing international exhibitions exclusively to Tauranga. This would enrich our cultural exposure and also encourage people from other parts of New Zealand to visit the region.

“There's a huge circuit of exhibitions travelling around the world all the time,” he says excitedly. “We'll be able to tap into that and bring exhibitions to Tauranga. People love coming to the Bay of Plenty year-round and if we have fantastic exhibitions it will encourage them to stay longer and contribute more to the local economy.”

But all that is secondary to his first objective of telling Tauranga’s stories and encouraging locals to feel a connection with their shared history. He wants residents to have free entry to the core museum experience and, to encourage engagement and a sense of ownership, is starting a Friends of the Museum programme. The idea is to keep people informed about what’s happening as well as provide exciting opportunities and benefits to members.

“It really will make people feel a part of the museum as we build it and make that connection so much stronger,” he smiles.

And that’s what the new Tauranga Museum is going to be all about. Greg says he wants people to come to their museum and see themselves reflected in the stories it tells and perhaps learn a little more about the place they call home and the people they share it with. It's all about providing the opportunity for gaining an understanding of the richness of living in a place.”

He pauses for a second and then laughs and says, “Tauranga’s not just about going to the mall or going to the beach. There's a lot more to it than that and our museum will reflect that!”

letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/tauranga-museum

A cut above the rest

Meet Sam Henry, UNO’s new haircare expert, here to answer all your burning questions.

Words Hayley Barnett  |  Photos Salina Galvan

Sam Henry knows a thing or two about hair. She’s been in the hairdressing biz for more than 25 years, owns Shine Hair Co in Maungatapu and has just recently opened her gorgeous new salon, Studio May, in Ōmokoroa. 

Aimed at the discerning client who likes to keep on top of their hair game when it comes to style and care, Sam says Studio May aims to provide cutting-edge service in a relaxed, modern environment.

Here, Sam sits down with UNO to provide the answers to all those questions you’ve been dying to ask.

UNO: What’s the best way to restore damaged hair?

Sam: Our hair gets a constant beating from the sun’s UV rays, as well as combing and brushing daily, not to mention colouring and the use of heated tools. It’s no wonder 91 percent of Kiwi women have damaged hair! Unlike skin, our hair cannot repair itself. When the outside layer loses its lipids (the natural protective layer) the cuticle (inside the hair) becomes more exposed, resulting in flyaways and fragile locks. This is sometimes why your colour/toner fades quickly. There's nothing left for the colour to hold on to. You need a product that rebuilds the bonds inside the cortex, along with Omega-9 on the outside, to recreate a protective barrier for the cuticle. This is where you see that healthy shine. Ultimate Repair by Wella Professional smoothes hair and reduces frizz for up to 72 hours.

Do you really need to shampoo twice?

Have you ever shampooed your hair and wondered why it’s not lathering
up much? The first shampoo removes surface dust, dirt, styling product
and sweat. The second shampoo gets right into your hair shaft and deeply cleanses, now that all the build-up has been removed. Always follow through with a conditioner. Squeeze out excess water and apply your conditioner to the length only. For best results, leave on for up to three minutes, then rinse. Remember, shampooing without conditioning is like cleansing your face without moisturising. It’s a no from me!

Why is it so important to use heat protection?

In a nutshell, if heat protection is not used, your colour can “shift”, meaning blonde hair will go brassy and grey hair will go yellow. The cuticle becomes damaged and any weak spots in your hair shaft will break. It doesn’t matter if you’re drying your hair straight from the shower or you’re just doing a touch-up with the straightener – heat protection should be used every time. Wella Luxe Oil Serum is great for medium to thick hair and can be used both to protect it and give it shine. For finer hair, Wella Thermal Image is a light spray, protecting hair from up to 220°C heat. For our blonde babes, the Wella Luxblonde Bi-Phase is
a violet-coloured spray which prevents brassiness, as violet counteracts yellow tones.

Does a cold water rinse really make your hair shinier?

Yes and no. The cold water will smooth down the cuticle of your hair, giving it a glossy, sleek look as opposed to a frizzy, flyaway, dull look. However, your hair has no living cells and doesn’t react to cold or heat. Use serums to hydrate and smooth the cuticle and be sure to gently dry hair with a towel rather than vigorously rubbing it. 

shinehairco.co.nz studiomay.co.nz

Contemporary charm

This modern bach not only embraces its beachside surrounds,
it’s designed to seamlessly blend with the beautiful vista.

words Monique Balvert-O’Connor
photos Untitled Studio + Salina Galvan

Mel Riley and his company DC Build may not have had a BOP arm for long, but they certainly secured a fabulous project to sink their teeth into.

Described as a sleek, modern ode to the joy of New Zealand beach life, DC Build and JMAC Architecture completed this contemporary build for Tauranga clients over summer, replacing a much-loved, somewhat dilapidated Pukehina bach. 

DC Build’s Mel Riley says working with JMAC director and architectural designer Jason Macdonald and other professionals on the project was a great way to end the 2023 working year. It was an assignment that perfectly suited the “design meets craftsmanship” focus of the company he co-owns with his brother Justin. The beautifully designed home offered opportunities aplenty to showcase his team’s capabilities on the craftsmanship front.

“One of the things we love the most in a building job is beautiful details,” says Mel, adding that the home’s sarked cedar ceilings are a fine example of this, and enabled the DC Build team to put their craftsmanship to work.

The house sits on a generously sized rectangular site that stretches towards the beach. While it appears to hug the sand dunes, it does sit back significantly enough to allow protection from coastal erosion. In line with resource consent (the house must be removable), it has been built on timber piles, which required some significant design and engineering given the need to bore down three to four metres into soft sand without any collapsing.

It’s a beach house that can also boast estuary views. Hence, the pleasing floorplan incorporates two individual living areas maximising views of both bodies of water. Full-height, floor-to-ceiling windows in key areas ensure the vista can be fully embraced.

“Because of the high windows in the living area and master bedroom, the cedar ceilings continue seamlessly from the indoors to the outdoors where there are covered decks facing the ocean,” Mel explains.

Given the panoramic views, bringing the beauty of the outdoors in was always a design intention at this home. The deck’s roofline assists in doing so – it tilts up to bring in more of the views.

Mel appreciates it’s a home that has absolutely nailed the perfect combination of contemporary charm with the everlasting splendour of beachfront tranquillity.

He feels a natural leaning towards such aesthetically pleasing architectural builds. Shortly after becoming a qualified builder, he pursued a two-year national diploma in Architechtural Technology.

“I understand design,” says Mel. “A builder who can speak the architect's language is a valuable thing. Designers work with a builder who understands architectural plans beyond just following them, so any potential problems can be stopped before they arise. It makes it easier to achieve the high standard.” 

JMAC’s Jason knows well the advantage of having a sympathetic builder on his projects, one who is a key player in seamlessly bringing his architectural visions to life. 

The two say this beachfront build has been a great project to be involved in from start to finish. "The client on this project was really easy to work with, which made the process that much easier and enjoyable," says Mel. The process involved the happy homeowners recently hosting dinner for Mel and Jason’s teams and other consultants involved in the project. Those consultants included Yellowfox interiors and 689 lighting design. Mel says the professionals involved in the build worked together as one team from the get-go. Collaboratively, he says, this was one of those projects that really came together beautifully.

Mel seconds Jason’s thoughts: “To end up making friendships out of what we do is probably the biggest reward. I think that’s a true testament to the success of a build.”

As for the project’s early days, Mel was offered the opportunity to sit around the table with the architectural team and homeowners to discuss the job’s pricing process. This gave DC Build the opportunity to showcase its comprehensive and transparent pricing plan, which includes reports presented at various stages of projects. Those early three-way conversations were invaluable, Mel says, as they also included discussion around product such as the cladding. The clients opted for aluminium Nu Wall cladding (DC Build had worked with this pre-finished product numerous times). Its anti-rust qualities were deemed especially advantageous given the Pukehina home’s coastal location. The home is set to retain its good looks and turn heads for many a year.

Mel says all up, the Pukehina project fulfilled his company’s aim to craft homes that not only bring an architectural vision to the real world, but also make the owner, the architect/architectural designer and the team proud to be part of it. 

Dcbuild.co.nz

DC and the BOP

All it took was a few wonderful beach holidays to get Mel Riley thinking seriously about extending his building business to include the BOP.

“We loved the area, loved the vibe, and I managed to secure a section in Pāpāmoa that would become home base.”

Mel and his brother Justin founded DC Build back in 2014. Up until Mel’s BOP epiphany about five years ago, the brothers’ business concentrated solely on residential builds in Auckland. These days the business has a team of six (made up of qualified builders and apprentices at various stages) in the Western Bay of Plenty, and 12 in Auckland. Mel heads the BOP team, ably assisted by Will Salwey as site foreman, while Justin’s at the helm in Auckland, where his team includes long-standing staff member James Poore as project manager.

It’s five years since Mel and family made the move. His first build in the Bay was of personal significance – the construction of a home for himself and family on that Pāpāmoa site. With that out of the way, it was time to focus on the business of building primarily high-end, architecturally designed homes – either new builds or renovations in the Bay of Plenty. Mel's son, Jay, recently started an apprecticeship within the business.

Working life in Auckland is busy for DC Build. “We have established our name there,” Mel says. “Now it’s time to build on what we’ve already achieved over the last few years in the Bay of Plenty. We have capacity and we’re keen and committed to staying in this region.”

It has been an eventful few months for the DC Build team. The Pukehina project was finished in December and since then, Mel has been busy pricing another coastal build and overseeing the company’s rebranding. Up until recently, DC Build was DC Builders.

“We’re armed with a fresh rebrand as of this year,” Mel enthuses. He’s proud of that brand, which he summarises as bringing architectural visions into the real world through creative knowledge meeting technical skill.  

“The best projects are the ones that everyone is proud of.”

Dcbuild.co.nz

New beginnings

Summerhill Estate stands above the rest in terms of rural tranquillity and privacy. Nestled within Pāpāmoa Hills, boasting breathtaking views of magical proportions, this home personifies the essence of Summerhill.

Words Jo Ferris  |  Photos Boundless Vision

Golfers will be familiar with the golf course meandering through the estate. While membership is possible, residents enjoy free green fees. It’s an incentive to appreciate – yet Summerhill’s private privilege offers so much more. Properties here are tightly held. 

This home’s views gaze out to the Pacific Ocean – embracing the rolling hills as the sun follows a course around the coastline, to the Mount, Tauranga Harbour and Kaimai sunsets. Immersed in nature, the home’s lofty position takes full advantage of its elevation, while melting into the countryside that surrounds it.

Sympathetic landscaping takes its cue from nature, while going several steps further to introduce home-grown self-sufficiency. The orchard boasts citrus and fruits, including bananas and even two varieties of hops. There’s a fenced vege garden, a berry cage, and a chicken run with a roost for fresh eggs.

The home’s tone is in total harmony with nature, cleverly blending natural materials with texture and colour within the décor. The backdrop balances autumn hues with contemporary accents – a gentle thread of farmhouse influences and elegant finesse.

The T-shape design ensures sun and scenery are integral to this home’s function and flow.  Morning sun on one side of family living invites breakfast outside to bask in the ocean view. In the afternoon, living slips out to a vast lounge setting. A patio for sofas, a pergola for shaded dining, and steps down to a stony fire pit to toast sunset as pizzas cook in the pizza oven.

Parents enjoy a private, five-star retreat in their own wing, yet remain close to the afternoon entertainment outside. The remaining bedrooms share a second stylish bathroom, while a powder room offers further convenience when friends come around.

Other features include an office to work from home, a large laundry with mudroom entry, attic storage in the garage, rain water storage and bore access, ample storage inside and parking outside for boats, campers and visitors.

Apart from the golf course, Summerhill has walking tracks to enjoy nature and Pāpāmoa Hills Recreation Park is nearby as well. Seemingly high above the rest of the world, beaches at Pāpāmoa and the Mount are an easy drive. Heaven on earth lives in the hills of this well-kept secret.  

1 Summerhill Drive, Summerhill Estate, Pāpāmoa

oliverroadbayofplenty.com