Zen by design
East meets west in this stunning home’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
East meets west in this stunning home’s Japanese-inspired aesthetic.
Words Jo Ferris
This Mount Maunganui home’s dramatic street-front greeting showcases a striking look born in Japan. Yakisugi’s authentic process of charring sugi cedar not only improves the timber’s life span, it adds another layer to this home’s haunting story.
It’s a story of evolvement – from this home’s birth in 1956 to a stunning epitome of the Mount’s coastal vibe.
The weatherboard construction remains, but that’s about all. Over the years, different owners have embedded their own mark. The vivid allure of black, vertical shiplap on walls curving around this home’s lower area are a fitting imprint by these vendors.
Stunning aesthetics aside, two hidden elements enhance this driveway’s function. Power in one corner offers
a charge point for vehicles and parking for a motorhome. A gas point in a recess allows for the addition of screen doors to hide bottles and utility bins.
The garage is another improvement by these owners. Lined over block, carpeted and finished with extra detail, it is now a multi-purpose zone. An internal stairwell leads up to the first level. For visitors, the
sugi-clad steps sweep up through a coastal-themed garden, where resident tuis haunt the pōhutukawa. They’re so frequent and familiar, these owners have even named them.
Other than original native timber flooring throughout the home, the décor was completely transformed by prior owners.
One intriguing feature pays homage to the construction. A distressed weather-board panel hanging on a passage wall as a work of art, is actually a disguise for the hot water cylinder behind.
Apart from one original window in the master bedroom, joinery was replaced with double-glazed aluminium. Plywood is a statement element that instils tone and texture in key areas. Feature walls showcase ply’s natural blonde finish, while black negative detailing makes a striking effect in-between the panels. Kitchen cabinetry is finished in laminated plywood, while timeless stainless steel benches are a practical surface cooks will appreciate.
Open-plan living and outdoor flow maximises space to connect with areas outside. A morning balcony at the front gazes out to sea. At the rear, there’s an intimate link with a secluded backyard oasis. The third bedroom also opens out to this sun deck and shelter from afternoon breeze within this tropical sanctuary. It’s an easy-care garden – with a corner for veges and a hidden sink bench for filleting fish.
The master bedroom commands the front-row ocean view. A second living area above, elevates this to a grandstand coastal outlook. With glimpses to three islands, Motiti sits directly in front and waves can be seen lapping on the beach. This is a spacious, multi-purpose zone – an invitation for leisure or work. With sun streaming inside, an air conditioning unit keeps life cool in hot weather. There are two more heat pumps elsewhere, plus a wood burner. Highly efficient, it’s another feature which matches this home’s distinctive vibe.
Within walking distance to the beach and cafes, this impressive home awaits another chapter. Inspection is invited, and more information is available on Oliver Road Real Estate’s website.
Sustainability in bloom
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
Words Jo Ferris | Photos Jahl Marshall
Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga has come of age – leading the way on all things green with a new-look garden centre and strong focus on sustainability.
With fresh ideas, new technology and their ‘arms-wide-open’ approach, nothing rains on this team’s parade. Now fully roofed, the only place rain falls inside is in two 30,000L tanks.
Feeding a sophisticated irrigation system, it not only eliminates using town supply, plants are flourishing – noticeably so. Staff efficiency has also gained. Despite the new technology – rather than downsizing the garden centre’s team – it has increased from 14 to 25, as supervisor Lorena Stead and 2 IC Marisa Pirina shift up another gear.
“Spring is our busiest time of the year. It’s like turning the lights on,” says Lorena.
Customer focus underpins this store’s entire purpose. That means people on the floor and more time to greet and help customers. The café moved instore, but still overlooks all the activity. Opening up the garden centre not only created additional space for more stock, visibility increased thanks to new, lower plant bays. The Garden Hub is also a novel drawcard – a central station which enhances staff’s ability to handle customer queries. Just outside is the plastic pot recycling bin – another sustainability initiative, which has seen 900kgs recycled in the past 10 months. And that’s not counting any containers foraged by customers. Mitre 10 even takes polystyrene – number one in New Zealand to do so.
Changes also flowed instore. By definition, ‘garden’ has assumed an entirely new meaning.
More than a green space for trees, flowers and veges; outdoor zones are another room – an extension of how we live, play, entertain – even work. Anything from a simple patio now extends to sophisticated retreats – fully sheltered or open-air; lit and heated. As much as gardens grow, so has this store’s vision, according to Lorena.
“Gardens are another room in the home. But there’s also the internal garden – indoor plants – not only but also.”
Specialty zones cover the full gamut – from indoor plants, tools, plant care, ornaments and rainwater storage systems to probably the Bay’s largest selection of outdoor furniture, BBQs and every accessory to match. If you can’t find it, this store will seek it. Being owner- operated and part of a solely New Zealand co-operative, buying power and access to a wide range of products strengthens this hugely successful business.
Innovation and a "people first" mantra feed this store’s belief in mutually beneficial relationships – from everyone who walks in the door to everyone on the shop floor.
Newbies to long-timers, staff know their stuff; and they know people. Customers come from far and wide, such is the store’s reputation for familiarity. It’s an attitude Mitre 10 MEGA Tauranga continually works on. And customers feel it. Regulars watched closely as the garden centre remained open throughout the renovation. Written feedback was overwhelming and staff are grateful.
Inspired by the new look, Lorena and Marisa say customers love all the initiatives as well – especially how
plants respond to the new irrigation. Both agree the garden centre looks and feels brighter. True to the "spring has sprung" philosophy, team members are also thriving – watching their garden grow as natural rain waters it from above.
Breaking new ground
At the flooring industry’s coal face, men dominate the hands-and-knees’ work, but this mother and daughter duo are bucking the trend.
At the flooring industry’s coal face, men dominate the hands-and-knees’ work, but this mother and daughter duo are bucking the trend.
Words Jo Ferris / Photos Alan Gibson
Sarah and Caitlin Tavendale might not install flooring; but from go to whoa, theirs are the faces customers see most. It’s a unique situation – and relationship. Not only do they own and operate a Harrisons Carpets and Flooring franchise each, they are the only mother and daughter in New Zealand to do so. Furthermore, Caitlin – at 24 – is the youngest owner in the country. She was just 22 when offered a franchise, fresh out of university. With a drive to succeed and a passion for interior design, there was no stopping her.
Sarah had already been in the Harrisons family for more than two years - a big step, but not as daunting. Seventeen years as a legal executive and several years as a co-owner in a recruitment company, was followed by an intensive nine years as operations manager for a family fishing business.
“It was time to do something for myself, something I was passionate about and had more control.”
That opportunity arose when Harrisons’ previous owner in Tauranga wanted to retire. Meeting Harrisons’ criteria, Sarah threw herself into invigorating a business she knew was ready for some fresh ideas.
“It was either sink or swim – so I jumped right in.”
Utilising Harrisons’ systems and flying solo, Sarah increased business within 12 months, expanded her installation teams and moved premises. By definition, that doesn’t mean a public showroom, but having a well-equipped warehouse to run a better operation.
The Harrisons’ model is mobile. Hands on. Same branding, systems and products. Otherwise, it’s all about the franchisees. In Sarah and Caitlin’s case – they are the only people customers see, until contractors move in. Even then, these women remain hands on until the end.
It’s pivotal to this duo’s success – that, and an exceptionally close relationship. Not all mothers and daughters can work together; even get on, at times. These women are not only great friends, but share ideas and visions for both businesses – usually over a glass of wine.
Gaining a degree in HR and commercial law, Caitlin admits she didn’t know what she wanted to do, initially. Helping Sarah with office administration, her plan was to head to Australia. Then Covid hit. Followed by something else that changed their lives.
With Tauranga’s exploding growth, the opportunity arose to buy a new area. Caitlin wasn’t sure – until interviews and initial concerns by head office cemented a stronger desire to succeed. Even Sarah had initial hesitations, not on Caitlin’s ability, but more about her own reservations. Between them now, they cover Tauranga North and Tauranga Central – early Papamoa down the Mount coastline and from Greerton to Waihi Beach.
Eighteen months on, Caitlin is as passionate as her mother. Sharing premises, they now employ permanent office staff and have several contractor teams.
Life is full on. Working out of the familiar Harrisons’ branded vans – both women believe the mobile model is key. However, it’s their one-on-one approach, often working together in their desire to help people choose the right products, textures and colours for their homes. Taking samples to the home eliminates homeowners running back and forth – as consultations are all handled within their own space.
For these women, people don’t just buy a product, it’s about the service.
As a brand, Harrisons was highly recommended by Readers Digest in its 2022 most trusted list. Sarah and Caitlin are proud to belong to that wider acclaim.
“We’re proud of what we have achieved so far, and look forward to the future.”
Dynamic women – obviously with much more up their sleeves.