Breaking bread

Nourishing the community is what’s on the menu at this delightful café.

WORDS Hayley Barnett

There’s something very charming and unpretentious about Victor Haupt, manager of The Atrium. But if you’ve ever visited this Otumoetai café, it’s exactly what you’d expect of the person who runs it.

Aside from the fact this little gem is found inside a church, and despite having a loyal following whose main customer base visits religiously, there’s really nothing religious about this café at all.

“When the church came to me and asked if I could run a café on site I said, ‘Sure, but if you want a community café, there will be no crosses on the wall, no Bibles on the table. It’s a community café’,” says Victor.

Taking on the challenge, Victor and wife Ruth (who are both long-time members of C3 City Church) opened The Atrium four years ago, and Victor says it still surprises newcomers.

“People say to me all the time they can’t believe it’s a church café,” he laughs. “But when I ask what they were expecting, no one can really tell me.”

It’s the focus on quality that draws people in. Starting out with only Victor and two staff members, they baked most of the food themselves. Just a year in, Victor discovered head chef Matt Anderson, who now changes up the menu regularly, to keep it fresh. And fresh it is. From the hearty Thai Beef Brioche Bun, to the Classic Benedict, the menu is designed to suit a variety of tastes. And, given that the 140-seat cafe is almost always packed out, Monday to Friday, it seems you really can please everyone.

Ever humble, Victor says the café’s success is largely down to his staff.

“I had minimal experience in the hospitality industry,” says Victor, who ran a café for two years in South Africa before moving here 15 years ago with Ruth and their four kids. “The only feather in my cap is that I employ good people. I’ve got my assistant manager, Hannah, who has loads of experience, and Matt, who we stumbled upon.” 

A year after opening a woman who happened to manage a café at the Mount dropped by. She told Victor she’d driven past several times and swore she’d never go in. But, as fate would have it, she was forced to break the promise for a school function and it became her local within a week. 

“I told her I wanted a chef and she said, ‘Have I got the person for you!’,” explains Victor. “It was Matt and he’s turned out to be really great. Between him and Hannah, they make me look very good.”

One thing the café has retained from the church is its ethos of giving back. One Saturday every month they host a free dinner for families doing it tough. There are plenty of them these days, says Victor.

“It’s hard out there for a lot of people at the moment. We just want to make a difference somehow, in some small way. We want to be known as a café that gives great service and great food, and if we can give back in any other way, we’ll do that, too.”

The Atrium is open Monday to Friday 7am to 3pm and offers conference facilities for hire. 

atriumcafe.co.nz

Lexus Tauranga team picks their showroom favourites

Lexus of Tauranga’s new showroom is open in Elizabeth Street. The passionate team share their picks of the luxury vehicles in the showroom.

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL + SALINA GALVAN

Engage in a chat with Mike Ranstead about the new Tauranga Lexus car dealership he runs, and chances are he will talk more about people than cars. That’s not surprising, given this Tauranga branch manager and his team are heavily focussed on offering exceptional customer service. Many Tauranga locals have already had a taste of it as the Lexus dealership opened its Elizabeth Street showroom in June. Mike says that even though he heads an automotive dealership, he considers he and his team work within the hospitality sector.

“We don’t want people to feel as if they are moving into the process you traditionally find in the automotive industry. When we open our doors to them, we are inviting them into a comfortable, welcoming space where they are our guests – we are sharing our hospitality with them.” He passionately talks about how the premises is up for the task, “looking on point” and offering a sense of walking into a hotel foyer rather than a dealership. It’s a perfect setting for talking about dream vehicles. “We invite people to sit and have a conversation with us about how we can help them. The initial dialogue is not necessarily about the product – it is more about what they want to achieve from a vehicle buying experience,” Mike enthuses.

In discussing the importance of customer service, Mike reverts to the Japanese term “omotenashi”. “Omotenashi is about anticipating the needs of others without expectation of reward. In other words, the experience we are giving to customers is given whole-heartedly. It is about ensuring that when they leave here, they’ve had a memorable experience that fits with what they would expect of the quality and premium Lexus brand.” In the short time the Lexus showroom has been open in Tauranga, plenty of people have experienced this special welcome. “The response has been outstanding. We have experienced a huge amount of warmth and positivity,” Mike says.

Amongst those calling in is a steady level of Lexus owners, coming in to say hi, checking out the site, booking their Lexus in for a service, and coming to talk about what the future holds. Those new to the Lexus experience are also calling in. There’s a strong inclination to know more about hybrid technology, and Lexus has a significant range of hybrid models, Mike says. Customer service the Tauranga Lexus way includes all sorts of added touches. Imagine coming in to have a test drive and returning to find your car washed. How about receiving a bar of chocolate and a hand-written thank you note after getting your car serviced? And what about a bottle of champagne to celebrate when you make a purchase. It’s all part of the “hand-on-heart” hospitality Mike and his team do so well.

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Mike Ranstead

Branch manager

Eye-catching styling combines with a spacious and driver-centric cockpit in the ES300h F-Sport. This seventh-generation Lexus ES (executive sedan) is a mid-size luxury sedan with an all-new chassis that allows for the dynamic exterior design and, teamed with front and rear performance dampers, turns this sedan into a very competent driving vehicle. I enjoy touring around in it, seeking out less-driven roads to find hidden gems, and the ES F-Sport gives both the range and the handling on those country roads.

The F-Sport interior finish option with the red upholstery makes a real statement, and the front-seat styling with additional side bolsters gives fantastic support during longer drives. I also love the enormous boot, and the rear window shade is really handy on hot, sunny days.

Lily Matenga

Sales coordinator

The UX250h F-Sport is our entry-level Lexus SUV and a compact vehicle well suited to my on-the-go urban lifestyle. It’s perfect for zipping around town, and the self-charging hybrid engine makes it super economical - especially in the notorious Tauranga traffic. The UX (urban explorer) range starts at $59,900, making it a more affordable luxury car. The hybrid engine is cost- effective but powerful as well, giving the smaller model an added sporty flair. My favourite design feature is the F-Sport front grille, with its distinctive mesh pattern made up of multiple L-shaped motifs. I also love the wireless charging pad and remote touchpad that allow me to stay connected while I’m out and about, as well as provide easy access to features such as maps, music and climate control.

Mitchell Handcock

Sales consultant

The RX450hl is a luxury mid-size SUV and the top- selling Lexus SUV in New Zealand. My fiancée and I are big adventure people and often spend our weekends doing long journeys in search of good times. Whether visiting family in Kerikeri, going on Coromandel surfing missions or popping over to Lake Tarawera to wakeboard, we find the RX gets us there feeling relaxed and refreshed. I’m 6’4”, and with the recent addition of a dog, our family is beginning to grow even bigger, so the RX (radiant crossover) 450hl’s blend of space and comfort is a must for us. Its black interior with bamboo trim makes it look sophisticated and modern. My top feature would have to be the Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto. Seamless smartphone connectivity combined with the touchscreen display makes everything very convenient.

Damon Bowe

After sales consultant

Perfect for my passion for performance-style cars, the IS350 F-Sport (IS stands for intelligent sedan or intelligent sport) is a compact yet powerful sedan that not only has exclusive tuning implemented into the suspension springs, shock absorbers and electric power steering, it is also paired with luxury driving comfort. Its ground-hugging form lowers its centre of gravity and improves agility while driving – ideal for anyone who enjoys fast cars and wants a race-car feel.

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LEXUSOFTAURANGA.CO.NZ

Honouring life with an exceptional commitment to care: Legacy Funerals’ Kiri Randall

Tasked with the responsibility of honouring and celebrating life has given Legacy Funerals’ general manager Kiri Randall a whole new appreciation for hers.

INTERVIEW LISA SHEA / PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Kiri Randall faces grief every day of the week. Hers is a job full of big emotion; showing compassion, care and empathy for people in the midst of what might be some of the hardest days of their lives. It’s a lot to shoulder, but Kiri and her dedicated team are prepared to help carry that load, understanding personally how difficult loss can be. “We’ve had staff lose people in the last year that they never expected would have died before their time. So the reality is that it happens for us, too. We can relate so deeply to the people that come to us in that moment.”

Their commitment to care became even more meaningful last year, when COVID-19 restrictions impacted our ability to say goodbye.

“We did everything so that families were with their loved ones as long as possible. Once they came into our care, we made sure they had a proper farewell, we had someone say a committal; if the family prepared a eulogy, we read it on their behalf. We took video of the burial for the family so they could feel like they were part of it. It was an incredibly challenging time for everybody and we just wanted to help them through it as best we could.”

If that seems outside the traditional idea of a funeral, Kiri explains that today, traditional services are no longer the norm. Her team is guided entirely in what they do by the wishes of the deceased, their family members and friends. “Funerals don’t have to be limited to churches. We have them in our own venues, we have them in orchards, at the beach, at surf clubs; we’ve even had one on a barge. Whatever the person’s life was about, that’s what we want to reflect in the service. It can be in the morning, the evening, we can have their favourite foods served. We want it all to be individualised and a true celebration of their life.”

While funerals are as much about a moment to reflect and say goodbye for those loved ones left behind, Kiri says it’s as important to them to care for the deceased as much as the living. They have a team of qualified funeral directors, qualified embalmers and they’re committed to continuous training to ensure they offer a professional service at the highest standard. “It doesn’t mean we charge more than any other funeral home; it just means that we’re doing our very best, because that’s what we’re all about.”

For Kiri, it always comes back to truly honouring the lives of those that have passed; something she sees as a responsibility that has gifted her with a whole new perspective. “We’re not promised tomorrow, and we’re always faced with that in what we do, so it makes me appreciate what I have in a different way. I can appreciate as a mum that the best thing I can do is be an incredible mother to my children, to be there to support them in the good and the bad. For my staff, I want to focus on their health and wellbeing, to make sure they’ve got the tools and support they need to do what they do well.”

“It’s also made me appreciate my community. I’ve learnt that life isn’t perfect but I’m so blessed to have good people around me. I love having good conversations, with all kinds of people, from all walks of life. I want to learn from them. Ultimately, being in this line of work has really taught me to appreciate life.”

LEGACYFUNERALS.CO.NZ

People are everything to Mackenzie Elvin Law

WORDS NICKY ADAMS PHOTOS WAYNE TAIT + SUPPLIED

As a company that believes in being accessible to its clientele and grounded in its approach to law, Mackenzie Elvin Law has carved out a niche that certainly sets itself apart.

Founded in the early 1980s by Fiona Mackenzie, husband Graeme Elvin, and good friend and long- term business partner Marcus Wilkins, from the outset all three valued long-term relationships, recognising the value of interconnectedness with their clients. They didn’t believe in the model of just selling legal services for a fee. Despite exceptional reputations in their field – or perhaps because of them – the solid three chose to remain tight-knit.

However, the last few years have seen a need to grow to meet demand, and as a result the business has expanded from the original three partners to seven, and a team of 30-plus staff. Nevertheless, the same core values that the firm was based on have remained at the heart. Chatting with two of the partners, Rebecca Savage and Tom Elvin, what becomes very clear is that from their perspective the growth of the firm has been strategic, rather than simply reactionary.

What is also obvious is the wonderful synergy between the colleagues; Rebecca is empathetic and quick to connect with, and is exceptionally smart (she boasts a Masters of Law from the University of Cambridge), experienced and a wonderful communicator. Tom is someone you innately want to helm your ship: Simultaneously focussed and sharp, but still humorous and invested. Both agree that the common thread running through all the partners are the key qualities of competency, capability and cultural fit. Maturing over the last five years or so into a more diverse entity, expansion started with the addition of Tom Elvin.

Having worked in Auckland since he graduated, Tom brought experience in commercial property and construction law in both a corporate environment as well as with a small boutique specialist. Tom could see that within Mackenzie Elvin was “the opportunity and timing to grow and transition from a tightly-held business into a more complex organization which could serve the growing city and beyond.” Being intentional about the company’s transformation has been driven by the pillars; Fiona, Graeme and Marcus, and it has meant a specific controlled and intentional growth. For Rebecca, a chance meeting with Tom in 2018 led to another with Fiona, and straightaway Rebecca knew that she had met her perfect match, even though it meant a change in the scope of law she was practising. “Fiona and I just clicked really well and had such a strong connection.” For Tom this proves the firm’s founding values were continuing on, through the new generation; “Rebecca has admirable attributes, style and competency, and knew that she could have a meaningful and fulfilling career with us.” Clearly the move from litigation to family law is serendipitious for Rebecca; as she reflects on how she loves bringing her compassion and ability to listen to every case.

Thomas Refoy-Butler, a good friend of Tom’s, had – unbeknown to him – been earmarked as the perfect fit for the company. With a high level of experience in civil litigation, a practice area the firm was keen to move into, Tom started the “slow burn” of luring him to Tauranga and into the fold. Sure enough, he moved from Auckland and the already established relationship allows for a dynamic that, says Tom, is “like adopted siblings – you can disagree in a meaningful and effective way and get the best outcome.” Rebecca agrees. “Not only are his legal skills amazing, but there’s a whole pile of personal attributes that give you a lot of confidence.”

Jason Bywater-Lutman is the latest addition to the team of partners, and similarly was identified as someone with unquestionable business acumen. What sets him apart is not just his level of competency and effectiveness in his field of commercial property, but, as Tom notes, the fact that “he holds himself with a very high level of decorum and respect; he fits what we stand for and what we are building.” With the change of pace in what started out as a family firm, now comes a much more intentional commitment to maintaining the original ethos. By treating staff well, the company has employees that have been with them for over 30 years. Community ventures have always been strongly supported, spearheaded by Fiona, Graeme and Marcus. Indeed, Fiona and Marcus partnered with the University of Waikato Tauranga Campus to put on the Justice Susan Glazebrook talk, which was both an investment in the University and a way of facilitating discussion about wider legal issues. Community-vested projects are massive for them, as Tom points out: “Working here means that you’re part of the community that you’re living in. If you need to do that in work time, we make space for it.”

Ultimately, the culture and the professional fit are important because they allow Mackenzie Elvin Law to achieve its central purpose – which is the service it provides. How the company sets itself apart remains the same as ever: Accessibility. Tom is clear: “We make sure that every new client is seen first by one of our decision makers; a partner. We want to understand exactly what you are going through, and how we can help.”

MACKENZIE-ELVIN.COM

Danish Furniture: when great design and sustainability combine

WORDS ANDY TAYLOR PHOTOS SUPPLIED

Importers of ethically made pieces carefully crafted from sustainable materials with a wealth of design history behind them, Tauranga-based business Danish Furniture brings a lot to the table.

A conversation with Drew Copestake makes it crystal clear that Danish furniture is his passion – in fact, he loves it so much that he and partner Karin own a business named just that. In just over a year, they’ve taken it from strength to strength; Danish Furniture, which imports and distributes indoor and outdoor pieces from Danish design company Houe (pronounced how-ay), has 10 retail outlets around the country and a spacious new showroom in Unutoto Place, Tauriko. Tauranga-born Drew had previously worked in adventure tourism as a white-water rafting guide, first in New Zealand from the age of 16 and, later, all over the world.

But in 2019, he joined Houe as a sales manager and a new love affair began. He loved the product, he loved the role, and he loved seeing how people reacted to the innovative styling and design of the furniture, so when the opportunity came up to buy the business, he and Karin – a chartered accountant Drew describes as the brains of the business – grabbed it with both hands.

“We bought the business the day we went into lockdown last year, which was frankly terrifying!” he says. “There were quite a few sleepless nights, but we went on to have a fantastic season and the biggest issue has been keeping up with demand as shipping schedules have been disrupted. When people ask me what I do and I say I import Danish furniture, I get one of two reactions: They either say, ‘Oh, nice!’ or ask what the big deal is about Danish furniture. People have either already fallen in love with it or want to know why it’s so special – and I enjoy responding to both of those reactions.”

So, what is the big deal about Danish furniture? “Danish furniture really kicked off after the Second World War,” says Drew. “When other European countries were using industrialised processes to make furniture, the Danes went back to traditional craftsmanship and natural materials, clean, minimalist lines and great design. So when you think about great mid-century design, you think of Danish furniture, and though Houe is a relatively young company, having only been around since 2007, they’ve really embraced Denmark’s tradition of design.”

They’ve not only picked it up, they’ve run with it. The company has won numerous awards, including three prestigious German design awards for their furniture. The most recent of these was in 2020, when they were recognised for the Falk chair made from recycled plastic waste, turning an environmental problem into a thing of beauty. “Even the seat cushions were made from 98 percent recycled polyester, and they looked great,” says Drew. “Houe also uses sustainably sourced materials, including bamboo, which has strength properties unrivalled by any other wood and grows incredibly fast.” Houe proves that an ethically produced and sustainable product can still be great looking.

“People typically look at our range and say, ‘Wow, that’s really different, but in a good way,’” says Drew. “It’s stylish, colourful and contemporary. Life’s too short for boring furniture. Everyone has to sit down and eat, whether indoors or outdoors, so you might as well sit down on something that’s beautiful and made sustainably. We believe the future is brighter when we combine great design and environmental sustainability. It’s an affordable luxury.”

DANISHFURNITURE.NZ

DANISHFURNITURENZ

A life of sparkle: Peet Jewellers chic new showroom beckons

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT- O’CONNOR PHOTOS HARRY VAN HEERDEN + JORDAN REID

Adding a new jewel to its crown is paying off for one of Tauranga’s oldest businesses. Peet Jewellers is close to celebrating the first birthday of its elegant and welcoming Willow Street showroom, which has proven to be a hit among a growing customer base.

Until the August 2020 opening of this store, the 50-year-old business had been based upstairs on Wharf Street. Rest assured, traditionalists – that space still remains as both a retail outlet and creative studio/workshop. It’s not unusual for David Peet to pop in to see how his successor, Harry van Heerden, is getting on at the helm of this high-quality jewellery design and manufacturing enterprise, where the Peet name still graces the door.

“That didn’t need to change because it’s not about me, it’s about what we do here,” says Harry, who’s been a jeweller for about 25 years – the last eight as the owner of Peet Jewellers.

Harry has ensured the business’s fine reputation has been maintained, while expanding it to include the Willow Street showroom and twice as many staff members, including two apprentices. Requests for jewellery repairs and unique designs are also on the rise.

Having had hands-on involvement in its design and fit-out, Harry takes special pride in the Willow Street showroom. “I locked myself in for about a month and built what we have here today,” he says.

What we have here includes royal blue walls interspersed with copper panels, sheer blue curtains, bamboo-framed cabinets and counters, chic light fittings and polished concrete floors. Harry’s pooch, Jackson, a papillon-chihuahua cross, particularly fancies one of the blue velvet chairs.

Harry established must-haves when devising the décor. Bamboo was one – he loves its warmth and sustainable qualities. Another was a minimalist and stylish ambience to reflect the business’ mood and culture.

“I’ve designed this space to include a comfortable desk to sit at and talk about jewellery and design; there’s a creative, open and collaborative workspace in the centre for discussing design and repairs; and I wanted the storefront to appear open, merging the outside and inside – hence the cabinets are minimalistic,” he says. “Finally, it was important for me to have a jewellers’ workbench visible, to show that we’re more than simply a jewellery outlet.”

Jewellery design remains a passion for Harry, who completed a goldsmith apprenticeship in South Africa before taking a break to explore other industries. Radiography, marine rigging and a stint leading safaris filled his time before his art form beckoned again. These days, coloured stones are an inspiration, along with making versions of the “bubble ring” often created from customers’ own stones. The ring features a selection of small and usually varied gems, and is a bespoke offering that’s really taking off.

“Over the years, you collect or inherit different jewellery, or you might have an earring that’s missing its friend,” says Harry. “Or it could be that you have a ring that’s fragile and nearing the end of its life, or that involves a setting you no longer like. We suggest creating something new to incorporate these – and one way of doing that is a bubble ring.”

Bubble rings can be created from new gems too, with some of the combinations including white and yellow diamonds, sapphires, rubies and emeralds. Harry tells of designing one for a customer made from own and her mother’s diamonds. “She was in tears, because she feels she now has her mum close to her all the time. We see a lot of customers cry with joy!”

Many of Peet Jewellers’ customers are mature people who are buying for a significant birthday or anniversary, or using inherited money to splash out a bit. “We can make anything jewellery- related,” says Harry. “One of the more unusual things we’ve made is a ring out of volcanic granite rock.” Peet Jewellers also offers on-the-shelf pieces ready for purchase, and a range of estate jewellery. As for what’s trending? Simpler designs, yellow gold, and big, coloured stones.

And as for where Peet Jewellers is heading, Harry anticipates opening yet another retail outlet and enjoying many more creative days pushing design boundaries to ensure their customers keep saying “Wow”.

PEETJEWELLERS.COM

All roads lead to real estate: the diverse pasts of local Bayleys salespeople

WORDS MONIQUE BALVERT-O’CONNOR

What does it take to make it in real estate? For these professionals, innate skill, learned experience, special gifts, and backgrounds that are anything but ordinary all have something to do with it.

Carmen Dickison

Tauranga Bayleys salesperson Carmen Dickison is a brave woman with a gold medal to prove it. Not only is she a recipient of the New Zealand Police Gold Merit Award for Bravery, she was also the first female police officer to formally achieve a bravery award. According to the citation, constable Dickison had only been in the police for six months, when, “without regard for her own safety, she apprehended an armed violent offender who was terrorising a family in their own home.” Carmen’s gold was later joined by a medal for services to the police, in recognition of time spent doing a sterling job as a police presenter on the TV show Crimewatch.

Now based in Tauranga, Carmen spent her 16 years in the police force in Wellington, also working in Youth Aid and as a detective. “Youth Aid was most rewarding,” she says. “I felt like I made a difference and helped turn lives around, whether it was helping youth find a passion or linking them with mentors.” While doing all that, Carmen was also studying part-time, gaining a marketing and communications qualification that she later used in her roles as marketing manager for an art gallery and then an architecture firm – eventually leading to her current position as a residential salesperson at Bayley’s Tauranga.

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Michael Parker

Hamilton Fresh out of law school, Michael Parker headed not to chambers or a courtroom, but to the ski fields. “When I graduated, I decided to follow my absolute passion of ski instructing full-time,” he says. It was a job he’d worked at part-time during his university holidays, including on North American slopes during New Zealand summers. Michael started his full-time career at Tūroa in 1996, working as a race coach and general ski instructor, then moving up the ranks to become fully certified under the New Zealand ski instructor system. Further progression led him to ski school management positions in New Zealand and the US. He spent 16 consecutive southern and northern hemisphere winters in the job before deciding it was time to enjoy a summer and stay put in one country. “It was a fantastic industry to be in and I met some interesting people,” he says. Those people included Tom Cruise, Mel Gibson, Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld and Dick Marriott of the prestigious hotel chain, no less. “It’s a part of my life I’ll never regret –I even met my wife through skiing,” says Michael, who made the move to real estate after returning to Hamilton to give his dad “a hand” in the property development industry for more than 10 years.

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Aaron Paterson

Hamilton Teaching and rugby paid Aaron Paterson’s bills before he joined the Bayleys team. After spending a gap year working at a private boys’ school in London, he decided to return to the school armed with a teacher’s qualification. And he did, six years later – qualified as a geography and physical education teacher with two years experience under his belt. During Aaron’s second stint abroad, he met his wife Shani Paterson in Spain – a long way from her Dunedin hometown – and had his time as a teacher interrupted by two years spent living in Japan and playing rugby for the Hokkaido Barbarians. Ultimately, he and Shani growing family was a catalyst for their subsequent move to the Waikato, where Aaron initially returned to work at Cambridge High School. Then, in 2005, a friend encouraged him to become part of the Bayleys family – and he’s never looked back. Today, rugby remains part of Aaron’s life. He referees for his local senior premier competition; does TV match official work for the NPC, Super Rugby and international test matches; and thanks to his children, coaches junior rugby too. “I’m passionate about giving back to the game that’s given me so much,” he says.

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Angela Finnigan

Hamilton Before she worked for Bayleys in Hamilton, Angela Finnigan was a high-level equestrian, a role that saw her eventing at England’s famous Badminton, as well as identifying local equine talent and accompanying the promising horses to their new homes in the US, UK, Italy, Ireland and even Tahiti. Although, she says, “That part wasn’t as glamorous as it sounds. I’d be with the horses in cargo planes. On one trip, for example, I was on the same cargo flight as 40 horses. I sat on the floor amongst the hay. It was pretty rough!” In the ’80s, Angela lived in England, where she produced young horses for sale as eventers. She also owned the equine stunner Face the Music, which Mark Todd rode to success at the Burghley Horse Trials in the ’90s. When Angela returned home to New Zealand, it was to Cambridge, where she continued producing young horses, ready for export. Today, her home base is surrounded by racetracks, but her equestrian days are over. “I’m a bit of an all or nothing person, and these days my all is real estate,” she says.

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Rachelle Jackson

Hamilton An invitation to Rachelle Jackson’s for a meal is a covetable prospect. She is from a large “food-focused” family and has been a foodie for as long as she can remember. Rachelle headed straight into the food scene as a school leaver. Armed with a polytechnic qualification, she then spent nine years as a chef in top restaurants in Auckland and Hamilton (a “pretty magical” time as she recalls it) before fulfilling a long-time ambition to open her own café. Circa Espresso was the name of the Hamilton eatery she established at the tender age of 26 and owned for nearly four years, until deciding the hours weren’t compatible with having babies. (It’s now named Scotts Epicurean.) “I had a huge passion for cheffing and culinary culture, and I still have – you don’t get rid of that,” she says. “It’s now a hobby and part of my creative side. Being a foodie is neat – everyone loves you!” The bookshelves in Rachelle’s Hamilton home are laden with cookbooks. She makes everything she can from scratch, is a fan of Italian food and has been dipping into Asian cuisine of late. Oh, and her hero is Al Brown.

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Stephen O’Byrne

Hamilton When you ask Stephen O’Byrne about his past working life, you’d better make yourself comfortable. This Raglan- dwelling Irishman has many a yarn to share, starting with his 15 years as an underwater cameraman in the dive industry. One day, he’d be photographing the sardine run in South Africa, the next, it’d be World War II wrecks in Papua New Guinea, or great whites feeding, coral spawning or turtles mating. The assignments were many and wonderfully diverse, and that’s how he found New Zealand – he was sent here to get footage of the Poor Knights Islands. Stephen’s underwater escapades have also included being a freediving instructor; the chatterbox can hold his own breath for eight minutes. On terra firma, he worked in the merchant banking industry and serious fraud office in London. He established a sports sales business in the UK and worked in e-learning and web management for leading agencies in the Netherlands. His partner in life and work at Bayleys, residential and lifestyle salesperson Michelle, also has an interesting backdrop to her property career that helps set her apart from the pack. While living in London, the Kiwi worked with the Royal Parks police’s mounted department, and was on horseback duty during the Changing of the Guard.

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Matt Clutterbuck

Tauranga From shearing gangs in Northland and his time spent as a rural banking manager to a salmon farm in the Atlantic Ocean, Matt Clutterbuck has tackled an interesting job or two. And that’s not to mention the prestigious sporting accolades he scored along the way. These days, lifestyle and country sales manager Matt lives in Mt Maunganui, but he was raised on a sheep and beef farm in Northland, where work as a shearer served him well during his school and university holidays. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, but before earning that degree, he acquired a diploma, and between the two had a great gap year in his early twenties, during which he travelled to Ireland, where he played rugby and worked on a salmon farm. Matt has played NPC rugby in Northland and ITM Cup rugby for both his home province and the Bay of Plenty, and another sporting highlight was playing for the All Black Sevens side in 2014. But his prowess extends beyond rugby – he’s also a world-champion waka ama (outrigger canoe) paddler, with gold and bronze medals to prove it.

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Anthony Merrington

Cambridge If Cambridge-based Anthony Merrington suggests joining him in taking out the boat, you’ll be in safe hands. You may not be in for a tame time, though – this sailor has competed at Whitbread and America’s Cup level. At one stage, he had the Olympics in his sights. Anthony, who grew up on Sydney’s northern beaches, has been sailing since he was seven and started competing with his older brother about a year later. Fast-forward a decade or so and he went on to spend 15 years racing yachts around the globe as a professional sailor. He competed in the Ocean Race (formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race) three times – in 2001-2002 with a Swedish team, in 2005-2006 on an American boat, and in 2008-2009 with an Irish team. More action came courtesy of the 2007 America’s Cup campaign in Valencia, where he was part of the Swedish team that made it to the semi-finals. He also fronted up for almost every major international offshore yacht race up until 2009, when he ended his sailing career. Living landlocked in Cambridge is no problem for this Bayleys star. For the past 15 years, he’s competed on the water with teams out of Sydney. He’s tackled five Sydney to Hobart yacht races, winning four times.

Wharf Street: Tauranga city’s sparkling new outdoor dining precinct

Come with us as we take a tour of this must-see destination, where food, drinks, and entertainment come together and the only traffic you’ll find is the foot kind.

Wharf Street has been transformed – an exciting development for Tauranga that sees a selection of eateries and bars spill out onto the pavement, creating a bustling atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Did you go to the precinct’s first Friday Night Live? It was a roaring success and will continue every week from 5:30 to 9pm until the end of April and again next summer. There are also plans for more weekend events, open-air movie nights and outdoor art exhibitions – and the lane will be put to good use during the jazz festival. 

Wharf Street is a cosy yet vibrant place to meet, mix and mingle, and breathes new life into the heart of the city, says Sally Cooke of Downtown Tauranga. “This is very much about creating a unique experience, with great diversity in the food and bar offerings, and all kinds of events. People will be able to enjoy it in so many different ways.”

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The Barrel Room 

Enjoy the finer things in life with plates and plonks to suit all tastes.

Between their mouth-watering dishes and highest-quality beverages, there’s something for everyone to savour at The Barrel Room. You’ll find wine from the best regions in New Zealand and beyond; an exceptional, ever-changing range of craft beers, special Belgian beers and Heineken on tap; and a stellar selection of spirits to sample. The team of chefs have created a menu filled with international flavours, including crowd-pleaser platters, gourmet burgers and traditional-style handmade pizzas. They also offer quick lunch options if you’re short on time. 

BARRELROOM.CO.NZ

Get the full Barrel Room experience with Latin Night on Thursdays and live music on Saturdays, along with brewery, distillery and winery tasting events. 

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The Crown & Badger

British-meets-Kiwi food and hospitality come together at this popular waterfront pub.

The Crown & Badger has held its place as one of Tauranga’s best-loved destinations for 17 years and is thrilled to be part of the Wharf Street transformation. “It’s exciting,” says owner/general manager Jessica Rafferty. “It’s been so cool to see people gravitating towards this new space – it’s just what Tauranga needed.”

With a sell-out quiz every Tuesday, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and more than 230 drinks behind the bar, it’s a must-visit hotspot both for folks who want a welcoming place to enjoy a classic British meal and revellers ready to dance the night away. The seasonal menu has a Kiwi twist and along with the lunch deals, the Sunday roast is a Crown & Badger fan favourite.

CROWNANDBADGER.CO.NZ

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The Hop House

Creativity’s on tap at this boutique craft-beer bar, where you can experience an ever-evolving roster of innovative brews and special occasions.

Whether you’re a long-time brew aficionado or a recent craft convert, you’ll find your hoppy place on Wharf Street. The Hop House is a craft-beer bar dedicated to local and national boutique beverages, with in-the-know staff who offer service that goes above and beyond. They work with innovative brewers; run creative events, including stand-up comedy nights and a Thursday quiz night that gives back to the community; host monthly tasting events and weekly live music performances; and have a function space that seats 50.

Owner-operator David Stanaway says he’s stoked about what Wharf Street brings to our city. “It’s been game-changing. It really makes Tauranga a destination.”

THEHOPHOUSE.CO.NZ

Enjoy a delicious burger or pizza at The Hop House, or choose food from nearby restaurants to enjoy with their beaut beverages.

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Sugo

This forward-thinking Italian-inspired eatery lets local ingredients shine in a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.

Take a stroll down Wharf Street and Sugo will stop you in your tracks. If the deep green facade, twinkling lights, and peeps of red and white get your attention, the menu will make you want to stay. Co-owner/chef Ian Harrison focuses on fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are constantly being reworked to suit the season. Sugo’s ever-popular chicken saltimbocca has just been given a new twist for autumn, with creamed leeks and lemon verbena, and they’ve devised four different but equally delectable versions of their risotto since their opening in November. 

Ian says he and his crew are looking forward to making the most of their new surroundings. “We now have this beautiful outdoor area and it’s a really important part of Tauranga growing up. It brings life back to the city.”

SUGOSUGO.CO.NZ

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The Chook Nook

Serving Korean-style fried chicken in a quirky setting, the newest restaurant on this block brings an irresistible crispy crunch.

A taste of Korea in downtown Tauranga, The Chook Nook has something for all ages. It only opened in March but has already proven a hit with young and older, thanks to its succinct menu focused firmly on fried chicken. The team hope to extend it as the restaurant grows, but for now, you can choose from crispy fried chicken, sweet and spicy, and soy and garlic, or get a platter of the lot.

Co-owners Paul Kwon and Yd Kim say their style of chicken is incredibly popular with foreigners in Korea, so they wanted to bring it to Tauranga to share the flavours of their home country. The Chook Nook’s fit-out is comfortable and cool, but because it’s part of the Wharf Street development, you’re also welcome to order your chicken to go, then munch on it at any of the precinct’s other establishments that take your fancy. The choice is yours!

FACEBOOK.COM/THECHOOKNOOKNZ

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Moving on up around the Bay with EVES

Pictured: Highmore Place property sold by EVES.

Success at auction might mean a move to a new town, downsizing, or more family time. We meet people who’ve found success in their lives after an EVES auction.

WORDS Hannah Keys PHOTOS Supplied

EVES agent Danielle Hayes 

Fruitful efforts in Maungatapu

Keri Welham had transformed the backyard of her property at Te Hono Street into a fragrant, edible garden. Star jasmine, lemons, oranges, feijoas, tangelos, plums and peaches filled the air with sweet scents, and her daughter’s playhouse overlooked it all. Bittersweet tears were shed on the big day at Tauranga’s Elizabeth Cafe & Larder (next door to EVES Realty’s auction room). There was sadness at leaving the beautiful garden, but excitement as the auction meant that Keri and her family were able to move to the Mount. They’ve bought a new property, and the next project of building their dream home is well underway.

Time together

Danielle and colleague Sarah Garnett were also recently behind the success of two families reaching their goals through the auction of this house on Te Hono Street. Lee Vaughn teaches at Pillians Point Primary and had been commuting daily, but the sale of their home meant that his family could move across town in time for their son to start school. Happily, they have alleviated stress and gained more family time. And the auction story is pretty special too; Anna Clarke raced down from work in Auckland and slipped in next to husband Simeon, who at that very moment had placed what turned out to be the winning bid on Lee and Steph’s home after a lengthy auction. The two couples got to sit down together afterwards to share in the mutual win!

EVES agent Dirk Merwe

Freedom to choose in Papamoa

This home in Papamoa’s Arabian Drive was highly sought after on the market and the auction was hotly contested. The vendors had outgrown the home and bought another property, and the great price they got at auction allowed them the freedom to choose what they wanted to do next. The vendors and eventual buyers formed a friendship post-auction, so when unexpected circumstances interrupted the vendor’s move-out plans, the buyers were generously accommodating, allowing the vendors to move and start the next stage of their lives stress-free.

EVES agent Deanne Stewart

Team effort in Welcome Bay

It was starting to look like Jeneva Snodgrass and Cameron McGall wouldn’t be able to buy their own home. Having arrived back in the Bay from the UK, they’d immediately begun the search for their first property. A few months later, they’d all but given up when it seemed as if the market had put their dream out of reach. Gathering their wits for a last-ditch attempt, they called on help from their family to boost their budget, a mortgage broker friend to secure finance, and advice from the experts when it came to actually winning their new Welcome Bay home at auction. “Once we made a bid, we bid strong, and all of a sudden we were the last ones standing,” says Cameron, Now, the couple gets to start the next stage of their life together - as first homeowners.

EVES agent Kyra Ormsby

Best gift ever in Pyes Pa

As the hammer came down, Kate Newson collapsed into tears – she couldn’t believe she’d done it. With her husband Ryan waiting on the phone at work and Kate unable to get the words out herself, Kyra had to tell him he was the new owner of a home in Pyes Pa’s Audax Lane. After missing out on a handful of Papamoa properties, the couple had looked to The Lakes to find their dream home. Everything fell into place for them that day, and as 2020 drew to a close, they got the best Christmas gift they could have hoped for.

EVES agent Kim Crawford

Labour of love in Brookfield

Kelly Fisher and her family were ready to downsize. They had renovated their home in Brookfield for close to a decade while raising their children there. But family shapes are ever-changing, and with the eldest off to university, they bought a section in nearby Bethlehem with plans for a new build. That meant it was time to auction their family home - and letting go can be tough. “Renovating has been such a labour of love and when you’ve put everything into it, you just hope someone will love it as much as we have,” says Kelly. “It’s overwhelming, but it marks the beginning of a whole new journey for us.”

EVES.CO.NZ

Autumn beauty special: our local experts share their top treatments for the season

Is your skin showing signs of a summer – indeed a life – well-lived? Or perhaps you’re considering more advanced physical improvements? Undo any damage and up your game with advice from the foremost local experts.

Our panel includes appearance medicine specialist Kate Schuler of Tauranga’s Fraser Clinic; Cindy Hooker and Tasmin Crocker, owner and manager respectively of Papamoa’s Reveal Skin & Body; Katie Mead, owner of Bayfair’s Cosmetic Clinic; and cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons Brandon Adams and Adam Bialostocki of Tauranga’s Da Vinci Clinic.

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KATE SCHULER - FRASER CLINIC

Appearance medicine specialist Kate is also an intensive care nurse.

UNO: What can we do to look and feel our best in the cooler months?

Kate: As the seasons change, so can your skin and the care it needs, so autumn is a great time to introduce treatments to revitalise it. Whatever your summer experience, your skin will probably need some help to recover from the harsh effects of lazy days in the sun, whether that’s repairing dehydrated skin or combating summer pigmentation – a big issue for New Zealanders.

U: What do you advise to combat pigmentation?

K: One of the best ways to reset your skin is with IPL light therapy or laser resurfacing. They’re excellent for pigmentation as they give an overall improvement in tone and texture, and set you up for ongoing improvement with the use of good medical-grade cosmeceutical skincare at home. No treatment is a standalone panacea. You need to support anything we do in the clinic with the effort you put in at home.

U: And how about hydration?

K: We can apply topicals to the surface of the skin, but nothing’s better than delivering it right where we’re targeting, altering the dose and depth to personalise the treatment and give your skin the wake-up call it needs. Our V2 Beauty Booster is a micro-injectable cocktail of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and hyaluronic acid that helps to recover a healthy glow by increasing skin elasticity, thickness and hydration. It combines the benefits of skin needling – stimulating collagen, elastin and fibroblasts – while delivering a Dermo-Restructuring complex for repair, rejuvenation and retexturising. Best results are achieved with a series of three treatments, with the results continuing to improve up to 12 weeks afterwards.

U: And what about trouble spots other than the face?

K: Two notoriously difficult areas to rejuvenate are the neck and hands, which tend to show telltale signs of ageing. The skin on the neck thins and takes on a more crepey appearance, often accompanied by horizontal lines, while changes in skin texture – including thinning, a decrease in elasticity and surface pigmentation, coupled with pronounced veins, tendons and a bony appearance – affect the appearance of our hands. Our bio-stimulating injectables coupled with light therapy are great not only for the face, but also for these areas, plumping up the skin to make it stronger, healthier and clearer, and delivering longer-lasting results.

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CINDY HOOKER & TASMIN CROCKER - REVEAL SKIN & BODY

This clinic’s philosophy is to provide clients with affordable, accessible and effective treatments. At this Papamoa sanctuary, clients are encouraged to celebrate themselves.

UNO: Are we ever too young to consider advanced skincare?

Tasmin: Our natural production of collagen starts to slow at around 26 – fine lines start to appear around your eyes, and you might notice a slight change in skin tone and firmness. Coming off birth control and having babies can also result in pesky blemishes and hormonal pigmentation. All this means maintaining a good skincare regime at home is vital. Everyone needs a good cleanser, moisturiser and SPF; think of these products as your baseline. Serums and advanced treatments are your ‘vitamins’ or ‘protein powders’ that’ll give your skin an extra boost.

Cindy: Great skin is all about starting early. Regular facials can help you maintain youthful, glowing skin, while SPF reduces pigmentation down the track. Your twenties and thirties are also the time to start ‘collagen banking’; if you use vitamin A when you’re younger, your skin will retain collagen for longer.

What do we start to see in our forties and fifties?

Tasmin: The effects of sun damage becomes more apparent. Our skin becomes drier and more fragile, and we wave goodbye to more collagen. But the good news? Advanced treatments such as Dermaneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, can help wind back the clock. Dermaneedling is great for everything – it breaks up pigment, strengthens the skin and produces new collagen. Reveal’s A-Zyme Skin Workout is one of our most popular treatments, and for good reason – it really is the powerhouse of all anti-ageing treatments. It’s essentially a powerful burst of vitamin A that plumps out fine lines and wrinkles, and leaves you with hydrated, younger-looking skin.

How do we continue to age well in our sixties and beyond?

Cindy: As we enter our sixties, our skin loses moisture and elasticity. Advanced treatments like IPL photorejuvenation, which uses light to stimulate cell renewal, help to keep skin firm and vibrant, while at-home serums are great for plumping and hydrating.

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SERIOUS SERUMS at Reveal Skin & Body

Ultraceuticals Ultra A, Skin Perfecting Serum This vitamin-A-containing power serum plumps the skin to improve the appearance of wrinkles while stimulating collagen. It’s ideal for every skin type.

Ultraceuticals Ultra B Hydrating Serum B vitamins help with cell-to-cell communication, so daily use of this serum will strengthen your skin, and it’s packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which holds a thousand times its weight in water.

Ultraceuticals Ultra C10+ Firming Serum This serum dulls pigment and tones the skin to give your complexion a natural glow and all-round boost. For better protection, use it in the morning under your SPF.

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KATIE MEAD - THE COSMETIC CLINIC

This clinic’s philosophy is to provide clients with affordable, accessible and effective treatments.

UNO: What do you recommend for dry post-summer skin?

Katie: Say hello to HydraFiller, the treatment that’s taking hydration to the next level. Designed to improve the quality of your skin from the inside out, it’s a minimally invasive cosmetic injectable treatment now available at The Cosmetic Clinic six days a week. We believe everyone deserves to be the best version of themselves every day, so that’s why we’re super excited about this new treatment. Combine it with a great daily skin routine and a personalised skincare plan from one of our expert clinicians and your skin will thank you.

UNO: So what does HydraFiller entail?

K: As we age, our skin loses vital molecules involved in hydration, which can lead to dry, crepey and dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles. HydraFiller is a next-generation dermal filler that addresses these concerns by providing your skin with around-the- clock moisture from the inside out. Unlike regular dermal filler, HydraFiller isn’t used to add volume, but to help increase and retain moisture in the skin through a unique cross-linking of the key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. Administered through a series of micro-injections by our expert cosmetic injectors, it helps to restore and increase dermal hydration and tissue elasticity, and decrease wrinkle formation, fine lines, acne scarring and unevenness for fresher, glowing skin.

What areas can be treated, and how long does it last?

K: HydraFiller can be used to treat the face, neck, décolletage and hands. It can help improve overall skin quality for up to nine months with just one treatment per area.

Does it hurt?

K: Similar to any dermal filler, there can be a slight stinging or discomfort at the site of the injection, but HydraFiller contains an anaesthetic that can help alleviate that during the treatment. Clients can also receive numbing cream to take home with them.

UNO: What other after-care do you advise?

K: Our hydrating Balense Quench Pack is a four-step process – cleanse, activate, hydrate and protect – that’s great for those with dry, tired or ageing skin. We recommend using it as ongoing support after your HydraFiller treatment, to help your skin stay hydrated and radiant. We also offer micro-needling treatments that support what HydraFiller does and can help with pigmentation, overall skin tone, fine lines and scarring.

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BRANDON ADAMS - DA VINCI CLINIC

Brandon also works as a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Waikato DHB and a visiting plastic surgeon at Tauranga Hospital.

UNO: Where should someone start if they want to take their new-season refresh to the next level with cosmetic surgery?

Brandon: When it comes to ‘updating’ the face, we’re not searching for a whole new look – we’re wanting to achieve natural-looking results. Achieving this means utilising techniques that incorporate the fat and sheaths of tissue underneath the skin too. Rather than just ‘pulling back’ and ‘cutting away’ skin, we aim to lift and reposition the underlying muscles. This involves using stitches to tighten the connective tissue enveloping the muscles of the midface and neck, or alternatively, the underside of the muscles – a deep-plane facelift. This is where the expertise and experience of your surgeon come into play. Evaluation of a patient’s anatomy – where their skin is pre-surgery – is important for long-term success. We assess how much volume loss your face has, the damage your skin has sustained and the type of asymmetries your face shows, and we’ll also discuss additional volume-loss solutions as part of your surgery, which might include dermal fillers or fat transfer.

UNO: What do you advise for the neck and jowls?

B: For lower facial jowling or a sagging neck, non-surgical injectables such as fillers or Botox may not be the answer. A facelift – or rhytidectomy – corrects sagging facial skin to restore harmony, bringing back the jawline and re-establishing fullness in the cheeks. The chin is also a difficult area to treat, so a lift combined with Belkyra injections, which permanently dissolve fat, can effectively target this area, harmonising and restoring definition.

UNO: Is there an ideal age at which to consider surgical intervention?

B: Many women and men undergo their first facelift in their fifties and beyond, however the skin’s elasticity begins to steadily break down from the early forties onwards, so for some, undergoing a facelift earlier means there’s greater elasticity for better long- term results. Ultimately, there is no ‘best’ age to have a surgical lift, so seeking the expertise of an experienced surgeon who’s able to spot and manage asymmetries, and accurately assesses volume and loss, is essential for the best outcome.

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ADAM BIALOSTOCKI - DA VINCI CLINIC

Adam works as a surgeon at Tauranga’s Grace Hospital too.

UNO: What should people keep in mind when considering making improvements to their body through cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

Adam: Beyond social media inspiration, taking an individual approach to any procedure – breast implants, reconstruction, abdominoplasty – is essential for best practice and greater peace of mind. Placing yourself in the hands of a qualified surgeon with the right experience and advice means you’ll stay truly connected to your body’s journey from beginning to end – and those results will hit all the right notes.

UNO: Let’s talk about breasts...

A: Whether you’re seeking greater breast volume, or a lift or reconstruction, various factors influence breast decisions. If it’s a volume issue – after weight loss or pregnancy, for example – an implant can restore fullness and shape, and when combined with a lift, it can correct lax tissue. If the nipples have rotated downward or become larger, opting for a mastopexy to raise breast tissue and reposition the nipple is a good option. For women with asymmetrical or small breasts, an implant, a lift or both can restore. Breast reconstruction is driven by personal preference, wellness, and short- and long-term expectations. It’s also a procedure that can be delayed, with surgery carried out months, even years, following breast cancer recovery. The two main procedures available to Kiwi women are breast implant reconstruction and breast flap reconstruction. Breast implant reconstruction involves inserting an implant under the skin and muscle to restore the shape and volume of the breast, while breast flap reconstruction uses flaps of a woman’s own skin, fat and muscle tissue from the back, bottom, inner thighs or lower abdomen – sometimes with the addition of an implant too – to reconstruct the breasts. Visualising what you’ll look like post- surgery is hugely important, which is why we use 3D Vectra imaging technology when discussing the procedure and to provide our clients with a real-life depiction of their breasts post-surgery.

UNO: And tell us about tummy tucks...

A: Abdominoplasty isn’t a weight-loss procedure – its aim is to reshape, sculpt and contour. Skin is released from the lower part of your abdomen to allow for tightening of the muscles and flatter contour. It’s then re-draped and trimmed and the belly button is redefined. Scars and surgery go hand in hand, but incisions are strategically positioned so the scars remain discreet – and they fade over time, too.

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Lexus rolls into Tauranga

WORDS Daniel Dunkley PHOTOS supplied

If you’ve ever driven a Lexus, you’ll know the experience is all about luxury. The high-end sister brand of Toyota is famous for its quality, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. And for the very first time, those features are about to be seen up close in the Bay of Plenty.

For Tony Coutinho and Mark Ranstead of Ebbett Toyota, a Lexus is more than just something to get you from A to B. It represents a higher level of service, stunning showrooms, and a bespoke approach to finding people the right vehicle. Think of the difference between flying business class and economy, and you’re about there.

The duo is close to launching Tauranga’s first Lexus showroom as Ebbett capitalises on Hamilton's growing market. While Bay of Plenty motor enthusiasts were previously forced to travel across the Kaimais to get a sneak peek at the latest models, they will soon have one of the region’s most luxurious showrooms on their doorstep.

The perfect match

After 30 years in New Zealand, why is Lexus heading to Tauranga? Coutinho, the chief executive of Ebbett Toyota, says the city and brand are a perfect match.

“This is an up-and-coming city that attracts people who like quality things,” Coutinho says. “It’s thriving, and it’s vibrant. It matches the product well and suits the kind of person who wants an experience and a certain level of service.”

The centrepiece of Coutinho’s plan is the new showroom at 158 Elizabeth Street in the heart of Tauranga. 

The new Lexus store will open in the next few weeks, informed by Japanese culture and the concept of “Omotenashi”, the unwavering commitment to exceptional hospitality. Lexus spaces in Tokyo, New York, and Dubai will inspire the ambience of the Tauranga site.

“It’s about a sense of engineered luxury,” says Ranstead, who will helm the Tauranga operation. “You walk in, and you feel that spacious, clean environment that also has warmth.”

Ranstead wants customers to be “at home” during the experience and enjoy “the art of hospitality”. “We’re there to listen more than we speak,” he says.

Dedicated to motoring perfection

All Lexus models are designed by Takumi Masters, highly-skilled Japanese master craftsmen who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of motoring perfection. The company confidently offers a four-year warranty on new cars sold in New Zealand.

Ranstead expects the latest Lexus SUVs, including the hybrid UX and NX, will be as popular in Tauranga as they are in Hamilton as people transition away from internal combustion engine vehicles towards eco-friendly alternatives.

“We know that a lot of people in Tauranga are ecologically driven, and about 70 percent of our cars are hybrids,” Ranstead says. “So we expect that to resonate with people.”

Following Lexus's global blueprint, car buyers in Tauranga will be treated to something out of the ordinary when the new site launches next month.

Customers will be closely guided through which cars suit them, steered away from those models that don’t, and offered a tailored service to help them choose the right vehicle.

“We help them select something that suits their lifestyle,” Coutinho says.“We want people engaged but relaxed. For people to walk out and say, ‘that was fun’.”

“It’s all about fine-tuning and getting to know the customer,” says Ranstead. “We know we’re not just presenting a motor vehicle. We’re presenting an experience.”

With a fleet of green luxury cars, Japanese hospitality and some local know-how, Tauranga motorists are about to get something a little different this autumn.

Making homeowners happy - one house at a time

Prepare to upgrade your dream home standards with these incredible Bay of Plenty builds by Gudsell Builders.

WORDS Andy Taylor PHOTOS Amanda Aitken

With his father in the trade and having pretty much grown up on building sites, it was inevitable that Matt Gudsell would be a builder. He farmed for five years, but the tools soon called him back, and that’s a good thing, because Matt has built a solid reputation for creating beautiful homes throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato – and for making their owners happy indeed.

“What attracted me to building was seeing the result of all the effort and time that goes into building one of our houses,” says Matt. “I like to see the reward of a job really well done, and that comes down to attention to detail and quality of finish, making sure everything’s just right and to the very highest standard.”

To achieve those standards, at Gudsell Builders, Matt has built a team that shares his keen eye and a passion built on 30 years in the trade. “People are much more discerning now – they know what they want,” says Matt of their customers. “The industry is constantly evolving too. In addition to our team of 24, we have eight apprentices, and the old hands and new guys work hard to keep up to date with the latest technology and products to make sure we offer the very best available. I like to think that what people see in us is dependability and quality, and seeing the job well done is still what I love about what I do – I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t.”

The semi-rural resort

Wood, concrete + space

Dependability and quality is certainly what attracted the owners of one of Gudsell Builders’ latest projects in Tauranga’s Bethlehem, for a family of four who were relocating from the Mount and wanted more living space and room to entertain. “Our first experience of building had been great,” says one of the homeowners, “but we were taking our new build to the next level, so we wanted a trusted builder, someone who’d done a lot of quality homes – and Matt had a good reputation for that and for being financially secure. 

“Throughout the whole process, we knew that if there was any problem, we could take it to him and he’d take it seriously and fix it. Quality’s very important to him, so if he sees something that isn’t right, he’ll get it fixed, and that’s really important. From a client’s perspective, you don’t always know what to look for, so having his attention to detail was fantastic.”

That shows through in the finished home, which Matt says was a big project with many decorative concrete finishes that took careful setting up to get just right, as well as large decks built for family and friends.

“Gudsell Builders have a great team, which means the whole process flows really well, with plenty of communication,” adds the homeowner. “You hear people saying that they’ll never build again, but we loved the whole process. When you have a partner like Matt, it makes it easy.” 

The country retreat

Contemporary cedar luxe

The two-storey home the team built for George Lin and his wife in Te Puna, Tauranga was the couple’s first new build, but they’re already thinking about doing it all again – with Gudsell Builders. The contemporary dwelling with cedar timber throughout is testament to their commitment to quality and communication.

“It was our architect, Brendon Gordon, who recommended Gudsell Builders to us,” says George. “We found Matt and his team really easy to talk to. I really enjoyed the process, so much so that I started thinking that I should build another house! I’ll definitely use Matt and his team again – I wouldn’t change a thing about working with him.” 

The beach breeze

A good time all round

Meanwhile, Pete McSweeney’s beachfront Mt Maunganui home merges the Kiwi coastline with thoroughly modern living spaces that champion the tone and texture of stone and timber. Thanks to its carefully crafted open plan, floor-to-ceiling glass and showcasing of materials, it was a design that demanded top-notch craftsmanship and expertise to bring it alive.

“We wanted a modern-day beach house and a builder who could deliver the dream we had and that the architect encapsulated,” says Pete. Gudsell Builders seemed the obvious choice. “I looked at some of the homes they’d built and was really impressed. Gudsell Builders have a great team of people who weren’t just top builders but top blokes as well. Having good banter on site made the process so much easier.” 

The evolution build

Glass + light

David and Ainsley Ewings’ impressive property in one of Tauranga’s avenues began as a concept drawing, but in collaboration with their architect and Gudsell Builders, it evolved into something unique. The pavilion-style house features a double-storey living area, vertical shiplap cedar and unobstructed views – and the couple are quick to credit Matt with helping to make it a reality. 

“He’s very collaborative, and any issue he saw was flagged well ahead of time so it could be discussed,” says David. “The build went smoothly, even though it was quite a difficult time, with problems with materials being withdrawn meaning we had to consider other options. But we worked on that with Matt and just worked our way through it. I’d recommend Gudsell Builders to anybody.”

“They were such a nice team to work with,” says Ainsley. “Matt is just delightful – and man, did he get the job done. This house is so different, it’s fantastic, so we’re really, really happy.”

GUDSELLBUILDERS.CO.NZ 

Five top interior trends for your autumnal refresh

WORDS Nicky Adams PHOTOS Jahl Marshall

From eco-chic to indoor plants, the world of interiors is currently one that reflects the moods of the world outside.

Home is evermore a sanctuary and a safe haven, and comfort is key. For obvious reasons the last 12 months has seen a surge in home renovations, interior decorating and general home and garden improvements. Whilst it’s important to reflect your own personality in the choices that you make, we’re inevitably led – all be it sometimes without even realising – by what’s trending in home interiors, so with that in mind it’s worth looking at the direction 2021 is taking.

Pleasure zone

There is no real fashion barometer for what homely looks like, however for this year the move is towards indulging in cosy comfort. Think sink-into-sofas, and rich, tactile fabrics. Luxurious candles, unusual pieces from craftspeople rather than mass-produced items – there’s a real shift to furnishing your home with items that will stand the test of time as opposed to something that will only last until the next fashion cycle. Imagine soft wool rugs underfoot, chairs that you want to sit in and sofas that you can’t get out of. More than ever there’s an increased love of carefully selected pieces, and an appreciation of artists and artisans.

Staying Revived

‘Granny chic’ is a trend that is working its way into our homes in all kinds of ways. Humming away in the background has been a growing nostalgia that has led to a love of retro-trends, so much so that the term ‘cottage core’ has been termed. In terms of our homes, there has been a steady revival of accessories that bring to mind the comfort of bygone eras. Stunning antique pieces, home crafts such as crochet blankets, fine china, floral cushions or coverings, and to be honest vintage touches and whimsy in general is hot to trot.

Nice and Natural

Natural and recycled fabrics look as though they are edging ahead in the popularity stakes. Sustainable and natural textiles don’t just fit with the heightened awareness of environmental impact, they are also beautiful both to the touch and to the eye. Organic cotton recycled polyester and low impact linen are all favourites that are huge for the year ahead in both home furnishings and fashion.

Club Tropicana

Global inspiration is a reoccurring theme to the looks for 2021 – and one way in which this is playing out in home décor is through a relaxed tropical vibe. It’s not hard to see why this has struck a chord, because it means that while we can’t get to the tropics, we still have the power to bring representational elements into our home. Bold and beautiful, spaces that reflect travel can be seen incorporating florals, lush greenery and seascapes, all bringing a contemporary edge to a more classical feel. The ‘distant shores’ trends incorporate tropical brights, subtle monotones and soft yellow into one huge aspirational wave of joie de vivre.

Potluck

Not since the 1970s have indoor house plants have been more on point. Plants provide a wonderful double dip when it comes to an interior feature – aside from the plant itself, there is also the all-important pot that it sits in. Perhaps the popularity is in part due to the quality of faux plants. No longer the lack lustre imitations, it’s now pretty impossible to tell the difference between a plant that needs watering and one that doesn’t. Add to this the extensive selection with everything from hanging creepers to elegant palms, and you have a statement piece that is almost unprecedented in its versatility within the home.

sandalihome.co.nz

Boom town

We talk to Shane McConnell of GJ Gardner Homes, Tauranga, about investing in new builds and how to get involved.

Jono Sharrock from BNZ and Shane McConnell talk about the Tauranga boom.

PHOTOS JAHL MARSHALL

You may be eligible to borrow up to 90% for a new build, but only up to 80% for an existing house that you will live in, or only 60% if you’re an investor. It’s allowing some people to get into the market, where they couldn’t before and it’s helping to address the shortage of homes.

Before starting, we assess the total cost of completing the build, which includes borrowing costs such as any rent you may need to pay during the build. This all gets capitalised in the loan and is paid for as you incur build costs. That’s why it’s really important to work with a reputable building company that understands time frames and costs.

What’s happening in the market?

Q There have been explosions in the housing market before; why’s this one so special?

Many economists agree on factors affecting the current boom. We have strong immigration into New Zealand, creating a shortage of housing. Increasing numbers of Aucklanders are looking for affordable land to buy and Tauranga is seen as a good solution, particularly with its attractive lifestyle. This has exaggerated the shortage of housing in our region. Add to this low interest rates, favourable government lending criteria for new builds and strong growth in property values and you have all the ingredients for the kind of boom we are experiencing now.

Q I have bought a house, will it reduce drastically in value at some stage?

During the last recession some areas, like Bethlehem, actually increased in value during the recession. Others stayed pretty flat, some areas of The Mount dropped, but overall there wasn’t a big dip. Like most investments, the long-term ones tend to be less risky. It’s risky to take on a mortgage you can only service at low lending rates, as interest rates will inevitably rise again. If you are buying houses to sell them quickly, this too is risky as you need to be selling in a rising market. Always factor in tax implications and realise that at some point the market may dip.

Q Surely it’s not sustainable, this kind of growth. When do you think it will stop?

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment recently released a report predicting the continuing rise in construction in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, peaking in late 2017 then flattening out over the next four years to similar levels to those seen at the start of this year. Remember, things often get shaken up which are well outside the control of our economy and impossible to predict, such as interesting choices for the next American president which could seriously affect the worldwide economy.

Q Are the new rules with lending going to affect me?

If you are buying a home to live in, generally the new rules shouldn’t affect you. The rules favour new builds, and we use Onion Home Loans and Insurance for our clients. They specialise in brokering construction lending to provide competitive funding packages for new builds. Many of our clients have used this service to access competitive lending terms, and have been given the means to own a new home where it has been previously been denied. As a business, we bank with BNZ, so they also offer great construction lending packages to our clients.

Jono Sharrock from BNZ and Shane McConnell talk about the Tauranga boom.

How do I get into the action?

Q Can I buy a section and sell off a plan?

Yes. Before the title is issued, you pay a deposit of up to 10%. Once issued, you’ll need to pay the rest up front. We have clients who buy a GJ house and land package and put it up for sale before it’s out of council, repeating the same process over and over again. Purely anecdotally, I’d say these clients have done very well! They use us from start to finish for the design, full quote, drawings, selections and sale of their package.

Often, the biggest gains are made by actually building. Once the house is under construction, assess whether it is better to sell the house straight away to release cash for other projects, or wait to extract potentially bigger gains. I suggest you get as much advice as you can from as many sources as possible.

Q Where can I buy a section?

We usually have stock available all over Tauranga: people just like you are still finding great opportunities. Go to gjgardner.co.nz and check our ‘Tauranga listings’. They change frequently with new ones being added, so it’s worth checking regularly or give us a call to find out the latest.

Q Do you have to be registered to buy these packages and build on them?

You must be registered as a New Zealand taxpayer with an IRD number. You can use a trust or a company to buy and sell property. Before getting involved, I suggest you talk to your accountant and lawyer about the best set-up for you.

Q Should I just build the house and sell it, or get someone else to do it?

With the new health and safety laws firmly in place, our responsibility continues long after the build ends. It continues for many years to come. As an individual it is very difficult to find the best quality labour, and if there is a problem with the home during the build or in the future after you’ve sold it, you will be treated as the ‘head contractor’ and legally, the buck stops with you. If you build with us, you get the benefit of our hard-earned reputation, and the quality and value of our established trade and supplier network. You also get an industry-leading, independent, Certified Builders, Halo ten-year guarantee. That is a lot of peace of mind.

GJGARDNER.CO.NZ

Andre Laurent - Total Perfectionist

My career started in the early nineties when, not having any real idea about what to do, I took a job as a chippy on a building site here in Tauranga.

WORDS Andre Laurent

It didn’t take long before I noticed there was a real lack of respect for designers and architects; simply, the plans they gave us were often inaccurate or lacked any proper detail and information, leaving us to try and figure things out for ourselves on site.

I knew there had to be a better way and could already see back then the problems this was potentially going to cause. So, while continuing to work full-time as a builder, I completed an architectural design degree and took up contract drafting work at night. My drive throughout was to bridge the gap between the office and the work site.

I quickly established a reputation for supplying highly accurate information and critical details that my friends and colleagues back on the building site fully appreciated. I established Creative Space Architectural Design Ltd in 2003.

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF SIMPLICITY

My focus on design accuracy and highly detailed plans led to exploring the idea of simplicity. I began to wonder how far we can push this perceived boundary into the space of design excellence. And the answer is, quite a lot actually.

I finally had the opportunity to test out my ideas when we sold our first home and bought a beautiful big piece of land sitting at the top of the Wairoa Valley hills. This time, I wanted to design and build a home that would cost the same as an entry-level brick and tile yet have the features and benefits of a high specification, architecturally designed home.

LOOKING AFTER THE BUDGET

One of the great things about reducing the cost of building your home: there’s more budget to spend on everything else. However, the simplicity of the structure is part of its beauty too. The home has a 2.7m stud height, feels spacious and gets as much sunshine or breeze as we want. We have a high-spec kitchen, full gable double-glazed stacking doors along two sides of the ground level, pivot windows in the roof of the top level, a hardwood deck and plenty of budget left over for the spa pool and new furnishings.

Another discovery that came out of this experiment was the development of the previously unused roof cavity into more living and storage space. This further reduced both the construction costs and building footprint, plus the entirety of the roof space is now used, with the low ends of the attic trusses providing storage.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

One of the ways we were able to increase the performance of our home without adding any extra cost, was to use Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) for the main structure. This, combined with opposing windows and doors, has meant we are comfortable in any weather. The ambient temperature of our home remains around 22 degrees all year around, without any extra heating or cooling systems.

I am constantly comparing the temperature inside and outside. In the middle of winter, it can be an overcast day of 10 degrees and be 26 degrees inside. With no additional heating overnight, by 6am the internal temperature will have dropped to 22 degrees whilst outside it might be just one degree.

The other benefit of using ICF – longevity. Our new home will last several lifetimes. Just as all homes should.

This exercise in simplicity has given my family the most incredibly warm, comfortable, stylish home, at an entry-level budget. I think it’s safe to say that the experiment was a total success.

creativespace.co.nz

Alisha Brady: EnableMe

A financial personal trainer at EnableMe, our guest columnist says that when it comes to paying off your mortgage, 10 is the new 30.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

When you go to a bank to get a mortgage, many people default to the bank’s offer of a 30-year term. It’s in the bank’s interest for you to take your time, as they’ll make more money. But did you know that over 30 years, you’ll pay back almost three times what you borrowed?

EnableMe founder Hannah McQueen was a young accountant when she applied to get her first mortgage 11 years ago. Reluctant to pay three times the amount she wanted to borrow back to the bank, she approached the University of Auckland’s mathematics department. Together they devised a calculus formula to determine how to pay off your mortgage in the fastest time, with the lowest interest cost and the most flexibility. That’s now the basis of EnableMe’s programme, which in the past decade has helped thousands of Kiwis get in control and get ahead.

We work on these ratios: you can pay off your debt in eight years if it’s four times the size of your household income, or in 10-12 years if it’s five times the size. If it’s more like eight times, you’ve probably stretched yourself too far and we’d suggest selling your house.

That’s why we say 10 is the new 30! Most people can achieve more than they realise when they’re armed with an ambitious plan and expert advice, and when they’re accountable to someone other than their spouse.

Kiwis fritter away 15 percent of their income on things that don’t make them any happier or that they don’t notice they’re spending money on. Finding and eliminating the fritter in your spending provides a huge opportunity to make progress. You’d also be surprised at the savings you can make from efficient mortgage set-ups, tax structures and insurances.

We use behavioural science to work out what your spending personality is, then help you incorporate positive behaviours into your life. Most of us are shoppers rather than savers, but having a plan in place that includes things that make you happy and also gives you something to strive for can help you make progress and build wealth, while taking into account your spending habits.

You can go for the traditional approach of printing out your bank statements and working out where all your money has gone, but that only tells you what you’ve done, not what you’re capable of. We’re not in the business of putting people on financial deprivation diets – we want to help them get ahead while enjoying life.

ENABLEME.CO.NZ

Bay business matchmakers

Paul Brljevich and Kevin Kerr of Tauranga-based Tabak Business Sales share the secrets of successful deals.

WORDS DANIEL DUNKLEY / PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Making the decision to sell your own business is never easy. If after years of hard slog, you opted to sell up so you could ride off into the sunset, how exactly would you go about it? Would you phone a few contacts and hope for the best, or take up an offer from the first interested party?

For the owners of Tauranga’s Tabak Business Sales, Paul Brljevich (pictured above left) and Kevin Kerr (above right), finding the right buyer is something of an art form. They could be considered matchmakers who link Bay of Plenty businesses with the most attractive suitors.

Paul and Kevin each have more than a decade’s experience in orchestrating business sales for Tabak, Tauranga’s oldest business brokerage. They say selling can be an emotional decision, but requires sharp analysis, impartiality and fairness. After all, it can be the most important decision of someone’s career.

From their base on Cameron Road, in the heart of Tauranga’s rapidly expanding business district, the duo has earned a reputation for their exceptional valuation skills, forensic-like attention to detail and extensive network of contacts. They cover sales all over the Bay of Plenty and up to the Coromandel, finding buyers for businesses valued at between $200,000 and $10 million. Tabak also has offices in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.

Kevin has been a business broker since 2001, when he was enticed into the industry from horticultural management. Paul joined in 2007, after running companies in the leisure, hospitality and property industries, plus a spell in banking. “We’ve lived it,” says Paul. “We’ve run businesses and operated businesses, so we can relate. A person’s business is like their baby; their staff are their family. They want to find a buyer who can make things bigger and better for the future.”

The business of selling a business requires top-notch expertise. Tabak works to achieve the delicate balance of getting the right price for sellers while ensuring a fair outcome for buyers. “If the initial valuation isn’t accurate, the business will remain out there on the market,” says Kevin. “We have to give realistic valuations based on thorough analysis and data. Vendors are on one side and buyers are on the other, and we’re right in the middle brokering a fair outcome.”

How does a sale happen? First, Tabak conducts an interview with the seller. A warts-and-all review follows, which evaluates the positives and negatives of the business. Tabak then taps into its prized global network of 3500 buyers, investors and contacts. This network is so successful that 80 percent of Tabak’s listed businesses are sold before they go to the wider market, allowing sellers to discreetly find the right buyer and avoid disruptive publicity.

“It’s different to selling a home,” says Paul. “You need to know the intricacies; you need to know everything! Buyers don’t purchase because we’re slick. They do it because we’ve done our homework and presented it in the right way.”

The results speak for themselves. On average, Tabak sells businesses in just three to four months, and in the past 10 years, has consistently achieved sale prices within 10 percent of the listing price. 

So, what advice would the Bay’s business matchmakers give to potential sellers? “Confidentiality is key,” says Paul. “Have an exit plan when you start a business,” adds Kevin, who also believes advisers
with dedicated resources can make all the difference. “Because we’re smaller, we’re not trying to service a huge number of clients. We have a select number of listings, to make sure we deliver.”

Paul and Kevin clearly get a buzz out of their work. From business owners seeking a change, to 60-somethings cashing out on their lifelong endeavours, each case is different and requires a thoughtful, personalised approach. “We focus on quality, not quantity, and situations in which the whole team can work on a deal – where we all know the business inside out,” says Kevin.

The pair’s drive comes from helping people achieve their long-term goals. Whether it’s buying that dream retirement home, splashing out on a beachside bach, or funding a round-the-world trip, there’s great satisfaction in helping people reap their rewards.

“We recently had a husband-and-wife team who’d been in business together for decades – it was their life,” says Paul. “We were able to get multiple offers for it. The buyers loved it, and the couple were able to go on and enjoy their retirement – it worked for everybody. Outcomes like that are why we love what we do.”

TABAK.CO.NZ

Getting it right

Holland Beckett Law’s new partner Christie Goodspeed tells why she became a lawyer, and what family means to the firm.

WORDS DANIEL DUNKLEY / PHOTOS BRYDIE THOMPSON

Christie Goodspeed opens the door to her Omokoroa home mid-conversation, with a phone pressed to her ear and her seven- and five-year-old daughters in tow, and is immediately joined by a boisterous German schnauzer and a fluffy ragdoll cat. The hectic scene offers a glimpse into the busy life of one of the newest partners at Holland Beckett Law (affectionately known as Hobec), the Bay of Plenty’s biggest law firm.

Christie smiles and takes a breath before sitting down to talk about her role at the firm known for its prowess with commercial clients. She may be leading a full life, but her surroundings hint at the meticulous planning of a top lawyer. Christie organised every detail of her family’s modern home, plotting the house from start to finish and overseeing its development from floorplan to family dwelling. Yet interior design, art and landscaping are only her part-time hobbies – in May, she was made partner at Holland Beckett, and now leads its employment and family law teams.

For Christie, Omokoroa is the perfect place for her family to call home. With idyllic views overlooking the water and a lush tropical garden, their property connects to a scenic walk leading to the children’s school. Her husband Nick, an IT technical consultant, works from home two days a week to help the pair strike the right work-life balance amid the rigours of their professions and parenting.“We’re certainly very lucky,” says Christie. “I come to work happy every day.”

Born in Hamilton, Christie decided she wanted to be a lawyer at the age of 10. She says she was attracted to the profession after watching an episode of TV show LA Law. “I liked the rough and tumble of the court litigation,” she says. “It takes a certain type of person to become a litigator – someone who likes to argue. You’ll have to ask my husband!”

She studied law at university alongside psychology, a decision that has proven useful in her work in the delicate and often emotional field of family law. “With family law and employment, it’s all about personal relationships. My psychology background is helpful, particularly when I’m dealing with separation, division of property and issues involving children.”

Christie’s journey to joining Holland Beckett in 2016 began with jobs at New Zealand firms Tompkins Wake and Buddle Findlay, and advisory firm PwC in Sydney. After becoming parents to Lily (7), Sophie (5) and Callum (3), she and Nick moved back to New Zealand.

Holland Beckett has offices in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane and Opotiki. The full-service firm employs lawyers who specialise in property, estate planning, corporate and financial transactions, environmental and resource management, employment, dispute resolution, health and safety, and family and Māori law matters.

When it comes to employment law, Christie covers all areas. She says she likes to help employers problem-solve and “get it right” with their employees. On the family law side of things, she specialises in complex relationship-property cases, in which assets need to
be divided at the beginning or end of a relationship. In particular, she excels at cases involving companies and trusts. Holland Beckett is able to utilise the skills of a large commercial operation to solve difficult issues. “We help people define how they want to manage their assets going forward, and what they want to keep separate,” says Christie.

Christie’s demanding profession puts her at the centre of the Bay of Plenty’s commercial and family life. She has volunteered for Women’s Refuge and spoken publicly about racial-, gender- and sexual orientation-based discrimination. She says it can be difficult for lawyers to not to bring work problems home. “Our role is inherently being involved in conflict. You have to be able to take a step back and look at these issues with objective eyes, and that makes you a better advocate for your client.”

You might say the Bay of Plenty’s unique beauty and relaxed lifestyle provide the perfect backdrop for a family law firm. Many of Holland Beckett’s lawyers have moved here from Auckland or further afield to enjoy all the area has to offer. “Many of the partners have big-city experience or have come back after living overseas,” says Christie. They’ve chosen to be here because they want to raise their families here, and that’s a great thing. We’re a big firm with a high calibre of clients, but there’s a real sense of collegiality between everyone. The culture of the firm is important to us.”

So what makes Holland Beckett stand out from its rivals? Talking to Christie, it’s clear her employer practices what it preaches when it comes to looking after families. She was offered flexible working hours when she joined, which has allowed her to pursue her career goals without sacrificing her personal life.

She says the firm understands the importance of family. “They were so receptive to that. It certainly hasn’t stood in the way of me becoming a partner, which is fantastic. People have been promoted on parental leave, and that’s just unheard of. We have a really supportive team environment, and we all work well together. We just want to get on with it and get the best outcome for our clients.”

Christie looks outside, turning her attention to the garden. If her pristine property is anything to go by, this lawyer’s clients are in safe hands.

hobec.co.nz

A higher plane

WORDS JENNY RUDD PHOTOS TRACIE HEASMAN

Having sound architectural credentials is a given when you've been in business for 21 years. Interviewing the two partners at DCA Architects in Rotorua, my ear is on the hunt for something which sets them apart from their peers. Darryl Church, founded the business in his garage in Rotorua after a bit of nagging from his wife 21 years ago. In 2016, Werner Naude, a South African with a German forename, a French surname and a refined brain, joined Darryl as partner. The pair have great professional chemistry. They look at each other and listen carefully when the other speaks. Early in the interview, Darryl said "I have practiced as an architect on my own as well as in a group. And there is no doubt that having more minds on a job means you come up with a better solution for the client. Especially if you've selected those minds carefully from the outset."

And that's what sets DCA apart from their peers. They are expert problem solvers. And that enables them to outperform a brief given to them by a client. 

Darryl explains, "We have six core values. These values were crystallised when we thought about the way we work. By analysing our most successful projects, a pattern emerged. We now use those core values to guide our employment choices, the way we work, and also drive success for our clients."

They are: Open ears and open minds. Design is in our DNA. Lifelong learners. Quality relationships. We see things differently. Design for the future.

I ask for some examples of how their core values appear in their work. Werner gestures to the wall behind us which is covered in technically brilliant photography, a visual CV of recent work. There are some immediately recognisable buildings in the Bay: Green Park School in Greerton, new apartments on Pilot Bay, Golden Sands Primary School, the Toi Ohomai Institute in Rotorua. And some beautiful, luminescent cylinders of light in amongst trees. The toilets in the Redwoods, Rotorua. It's not often you are able to comment favourably on public loos. But it's worth drinking plenty of water as you walk through the woods so that you have good reason to check them out.

REDWOODS TOILETS, ROTORUA

Darryl: Our client - Rotorua Lakes Council - was willing to take a design journey with us and rise above the mundane. It would have been far easier to build another concrete block of toilets. But as we went through the process, we realised we would have an even better outcome if we collaborated with an artist. Our client was receptive to the idea. Collaborating with the screen artist, Kereama Taepa, brought a special narrative to the project which captures the spirit of The Redwoods forest with the designs laser cut onto the corten steel cylinders. The toilets are now a contemporary piece of art, sensitive to their environment and the people of Rotorua. 

TOI OHOMAI CENTRE OF NURSING, HEALTH AND SCIENCE, ROTORUA

Werner: Part of our brief for this project included a 200 seat, tiered lecture theatre and auditorium. During a full review of their facilities, we saw there were already two theatres like this, and they were underutilised. We knew they were having art exhibitions that year, and fashion shows which would need a catwalk. So, we suggested a flat floor lecture theatre space which had so much more flexibility, and could still be used as a lecture theatre. Similarly, we were briefed to provide six nursing wards for training purposes. Once we started researching, we realised that the health system is moving away from ward setups. We decided to pull back, not wanting to build something which would be outdated soon. We were able to buy back floor area to provide more space for socialising. Other than an old cafeteria, there was nowhere for students to stay on campus and hang out, socialise and study. 

Making it home

WORDS ANDY TAYLOR

Corporate sponsorship isn’t just money in exchange for logos. Do you know who supports your children’s hockey club? Of the surf club that keeps us safe in the waves, or the art exhibition you enjoyed with your family?

A recent, search for properties led me down a google rabbit hole, and I ended up on the EVES website looking at the long list of local groups they support. I was a bit taken aback. I suppose we only think a business has sponsored an event if we see their logo. But that's not the case.

Whilst they are excellent at marketing houses, the Realty Group (EVES and Bayleys Real Estate's umbrella company) don't spend much time talking about what they do in our community. I get in contact with Allison Stewart, the group's sponsorship and events manager, who gives me a bit of a history lesson. It becomes clear that investing in where we live is a fundamental to the group. 

EVES and Bayleys are two of the most established and trusted names in residential and commercial property. EVES was founded here in the Bay of Plenty in 1968 by Max Eves and Brian Waldegrave. They joined forces in the eighties with Richard Cashmore, the Bayleys founder, and the two businesses started to operate as The Realty Group, whose structure still exists today.

A firm believer in giving back, Richard is the group's current chairman of the board. “Our business was founded on family values, and we are passionate about investing in our region." As good as his word, when he started Bayleys, he went about quietly helping surf clubs, sports teams, schools - just a whole lot of locals - turn great ideas and big dreams into reality. He made sure that it was integral to the DNA of the companies and something that all staff could be a part of. Some aspects of this philanthropy were public – like the highly popular Crippled Children’s Society fundraising dinner the company was involved in for around ten years – but most of it was very low key indeed, with staff from all levels of the companies getting involved in helping out.

The group's investment in our region is best illustrated by Allison. She's fostered great relationships with local community groups. “Our people are passionate about the places they live and work in, and we are really proud of their involvement in community projects, undertaken of their own volition. We want to contribute in a worthwhile way to the communities we operate in.

The help comes in many forms. “We have a pretty skilled group of people here,” Allison says, “with a broad range of contacts. Our business is about problem-solving and we like to use those skills in the community work we do too. It was a great source of pride for us that during the economic downturn, we were still able to fulfill all our commitments to those we had offered to help. We take our commitments seriously because these are our people and our communities.” So seriously in fact that for the last ten years they have made a conscious effort to focus on support for a wider range of groups. “We wanted to spread our efforts,” says Aidan Lett, group marketing manager, “and instead of concentrating on one or two larger groups, get involved with more people at a community level. “There is a genuine love of being able to help out in our two companies,” Allison says, “and we have seen that grow in recent years. It's a Kiwi thing I think, wanting to help out, pitching in and working together.” it’s also a very Kiwi thing that EVES and Bayleys have been pitching in for nearly half a century without making too much noise about it, but then, as CEO Simon Anderson says, "Ultimately our business is all about people. Whether that’s our team, our community or helping people find their dream home. We put people first."

EVES.CO.NZ/COMMUNITY