Team spirit

Twisting, tumbling, flipping, flying…Competitive cheerleading has a
strong foothold in the Bay of Plenty.

Words Hayley Barnett 
Photos Quinn O’Connell

Cheerleading has always been known as an all-American cultural activity of sorts. A way to provide overly enthusiastic encouragement to sports teams and “cheer” them on to victory. But in recent years, the way we view cheerleading has completely changed, thanks in part to the highly-acclaimed doco-series Cheer on Netflix. Watching the agile young athletes twist and turn, we were all reeducated on what it means to make it as a true professional cheerleader.

Cheer, which premiered in 2020, offers a glimpse into the cutthroat world of pro college cheerleading and the sheer hard work and athleticism required to make it to the top. What you might not know is that, for the past 10 years, the Bay has been training its own cheer talent in the form of Bay Twisters Cheersport.

Offering competitive and non-competitive cheerleading from the age of four and up, the local club, based in Judea, Tauranga, has more than 140 students. Rebecca Grigson, alongside cheer champion daughter Anna, trains their students to compete both here and on the world stage.

“Anna started doing cheer in Auckland from a young age,” explains Rebecca. “Then we moved here to the Bay and there was nothing. I was worried she’d miss out on cheerleading, so one day I just said, ‘How about we try doing something on our own?’ It was crazy, but it worked!”

Today 22-year-old Anna, who has been doing cheer for 15 years, is on three cheer teams – two representing New Zealand and one being the
Top Gun All Stars team in the United States.

CELEB POWER

When Rebecca got in touch with US cheer team Action Cheer, the opportunity arose for Cheer Season Two star Jeron Hazelwood to fly in from Texas to train the young students of Bay Twisters. He was tasked with choreographing a competitive routine for 99 girls at Tui Ridge in Rotorua earlier this year.

Asked how our Kiwi cheer world differs from the all-American version, Jeron answers it’s not that much different.

“There are a lot of different rules and regulations around safety and that kind of thing, but all in all it’s not that much different,” says Jeron. “It would be good to see some more boys involved, but we have that problem in the States too!”

Jeron says the key aspects he loves about the sport aren’t just physical.

“Although I love being the show pony as much as anyone else, the best thing about cheer is that it teaches you not only physical strength but mental strength as well.

“Over in America, we don’t really care for crybabies,” he laughs. “It can be a bit of an eye-opener for some people.”

Rebecca insists Bay Twisters is not quite working to the same extremes as Cheer in terms of pushing the envelope.

“We haven’t had any serious injuries!”  

Cheerleading has finally been recognised as an Olympic sport globally, but Rebecca says, in New Zealand, it still has a long way to go when it comes to recognising cheer for what it really is.

“To be officially recognised as a sport at the Olympics, after so many years, that was an amazing feeling,” she says. “People still think it's all about pom poms and short skirts at rugby games, and it does my head in. When people say it’s not a real sport, I say I'd like to see them go out on the floor for two-and-a-half minutes and do the routine that these kids do. We're slowly getting there, though.”  

baytwisters.co.nz

Tones of tranquility

The quiet-natured qualities of soft green has a calming effect, creating a peaceful interior space that is a joy to be in.  

Styling Amber Armitage
Photos Wendy Fenwick @ Flash Studios.

Wall colours Resene paints

Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Skirting in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rice Cake. Built-in sideboard painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice, with the wood top finished in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Medium Denver Vase $159.99, Small Cirque Pillar Candle $34.99, Broste Sandvig Carafe $89.99, Linear Tumbler $16.99, Leo Travertine Slab $69.99, Stone Bookends (set of two) $109.99, The Fi Greig Method $49.99, Kinfolk Island $99.99, Simple Fancy $44.99, A House Party in Tuscany $69.99, A Good Day to Bake $49.99, Vinnie Travertine Coffee Table $1,999.99, Small Gerome Wide Vase $89.99, Round Brass Tray $259.99, all from A&C Homestore. Wooden Cava Bowl $195, Yellow Rose Print $75, Ink Bottle $45, all from Flotsam & Jetsam. Mackenzie White Straw Rug
from $1,350 from Baya. Valentina Bar Cart $1,495 from Republic. Tampa 3 Seater Sofa $1,899 from Danske Møbler.

Stylist tip

Create a harmonious interior by building on the soft green backdrop of Resene Pumice with complimentary natural tones. Mid and dark wood pairs well here, as well as earthy clay and light, raw linens, striking the perfect balance. 

Back wall and plinth painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Skirting in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rice Cake. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Latina Sideboard $2,499 from Danske Møbler. Monaco Framed Print in Natural $799.99, Florence Table Lamp $379.99, Kinfolk Island $99.99, Simple Fancy $44.99, A House Party in Tuscany $69.99, Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99, Vinnie Travertine Coffee Table $1,999.99, Small Gerome Wide Vase $89.99, Dome Glass Vase $25, Linear Tumbler $16.99, A Good Day to Bake $49.99, The Fi Greig Method $49.99, all from A&C Homestore. Pottery Jug $75 from Flotsam & Jetsam. Mackenzie White Straw Rug from $1,350 from Baya. Hubert Occasional Chair $379.95 from Mocka.

Back wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Corkboard in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Jaguar, Resene Just Right, Resene Contour, Resene Pumice and Resene Rice Cake. Stockholm Desk $1,799 from Danske Møbler. Botanical Jungle Notebook $11.95 and Note Square Sticky Pad $8.95, both from Father Rabbit. Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99 and Medium White Stackable Multi-Box $44.95, both from A&C Homestore.

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Back wall in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Skirting in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Rice Cake. Latina Sideboard $2,499 from Danske Møbler. Monaco Framed Print in Natural $799.99, Florence Table Lamp $379.99, Kinfolk Island $99.99, Simple Fancy $44.99, A House Party in Tuscany $69.99, Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99, all from A&C Homestore. Pottery Jug $75 from Flotsam & Jetsam.

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Resene Testpots (from top) in Resene Contour and Resene Half Colins Wicket. Resene A4 Drawdowns (from left) in Resene Contour and Resene Half Colins Wicket.

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Resene Testpots (from top) in Resene Rice Cake and Resene Just Right. Resene A4 Drawdowns (from left) in Resene Rice Cake and Resene Just Right.

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Stylist tip

Combine practicality with style in your home office by mounting cork tiles onto the wall, creating an oversized pinboard that brings texture into the space. Finish this off with a framed cork board, cutting the cork tiles into a tetris of shapes, then painting a selection of them to bring your colour palette together.

Walls in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Floor finished in Resene Colorwood Bask. Corkboard in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Jaguar, Resene Just Right, Resene Contour, Resene Pumice and Resene Rice Cake. Stockholm Desk $1,799 from Danske Møbler. Maya Plush Dining Chair in Rattan $650 from Republic. Botanical Jungle Notebook $11.95 and Note Square Sticky Pad $8.95, both from Father Rabbit. Medium White Stackable Multi-Box $44.95, Corfu Travertine Vessel $54.99, Bella Table Lamp in Black $159.90, Lulu Stool in Sage (used as a waste bin) $319.99, all from A&C Homestore. Fayette Round Floor Rug $1,380 from Baya.

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Walls painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice. Built-in sideboard painted in Resene SpaceCote Flat in Resene Pumice, with the wood top finished in Resene Colorwood Pitch Black. Medium Denver Vase $159.99 and Small Cirque Pillar Candle $34.99, both from A&C Homestore. Wooden Cava Bowl $195, Yellow Rose Print $75, Ink Bottle $45, all from Flotsam & Jetsam.

Life is a cabaret

Celebrated vocalist and Pāpāmoa local Mandy Meadows is taking her internationally acclaimed cabaret, Piaf: The Legend, around the North Island.

Words Karl Puschmann

Édith Piaf is a true French icon. The singer was one of the country’s biggest stars and one of its few musical acts to have a global impact. Her songs, largely autobiographical ballads about love and loss, were received as instant classics that immediately joined the standards songbook to be covered and reinterpreted forevermore.

But despite all of Édith’s fame, her life remains shrouded in mystery. Even decades after her death the renowned French chanteuse still
keeps many dark secrets. 

“She was a very complex, complicated character,” vocalist Mandy Meadows says. “She was abandoned by her mother and father who were circus performers and grew up in a brothel. Nobody really knew exactly where she was from.”

Mandy has been fascinated by Édith for as long as she can remember. As an international singer, it’s no surprise that she’d be enamoured by the songs, but Édith’s life also captured her imagination. So much so that she created a cabaret style show around it.

Titled Piaf: The Legend, the show tells the story of Édith’s life via her remarkable songs like La Vie En Rose, La Foule and Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien. For complete authenticity, Mandy sings them in their original French.

“All the songs are in French but the story is in English, so everybody can understand that because it is a show for everybody,” she says. “Whether you're a fan or not, it's really her incredible story that’s so captivating.”

Édith’s life was full of contradictions but never boring. From her childhood as a street urchin to helping POW’s escape during the war to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world.

“She was a real contrast of flaws and beauty,” Mandy says. “And unapologetically human, which is what I really like about her. She was a phoenix, rising above the ashes. There was nothing pretty about her life. It was really very tragic. But through all of that, she created these absolutely stunning songs and had a big, booming voice out of someone so small.”

Mandy first performed Piaf: The Legend in London’s Piccadilly Circus around seven years ago after funding its development by joining a paid clinical trial.

“I literally gave my blood for this show,” she laughs.

Since then she’s taken it all over the globe, leaving audiences spellbound and earning four and five-star reviews. Now she’s bringing that special French je ne sais quoi to the North Island. 

With dancers, a six-piece band that includes French accordion and clarinet and, of course, Mandy’s acclaimed vocals and performance leading the way the cabaret is all but guaranteed to transport you out of the regions and straight over to Paris. 

“I get quite emotional actually,” Mandy replies when asked how she feels while performing Édith’s passionate and powerful songs. “I really feed off the audience and I always cry. I always have that moment on stage where something really emotional happens and I feel the audience tense up. I do the same. It's a real energy and a beautiful thing. It's a really unique experience.” 

For more info, videos and tickets visit piafthelegend.com

Cool, calm and collected

With its artfully designed space, locally-sourced
treasures for sale and delectable food on offer, every detail of this café has been thoughtfully curated.

Words Hayley Barnett

As far as locals go, Gather is up there with the best. The vibe, the crowd, the food. It’s slightly bigger than a hole in the wall, but everything just works. And not one bit of it is an accident. Chatting with owner Steph Meaden, it’s obvious there was a very clear focus when she and husband Sam took over the Pāpāmoa spot three years ago.

“We knew we wanted to run a neighbourhood café but we both agreed it had to be three things – good for the community, good for the body and good for the environment,” explains Steph.

Having spent most of the first year behind the counter with their first baby in a front pack, this wasn’t easy to execute, especially during Covid 19 when supplies were limited and there were very few customers. But this is a couple who knows an opportunity when they see one.

They first opened the Tay Street Store two years prior to opening Gather, selling local products (mainly created by innovative and entrepreneurial friends), with the aim of branching out into food. When Gather came up for sale in 2020 the couple jumped at it. They had a bit of experience with a coffee caravan business , Lulu Coffee, which was a great first taste of the hospitality scene. It was just lucky they weren’t put off by dire times.

Today Gather is run by an all-women team, bar Sam who runs the finance and payroll back of house. Their head chef, Dominique Rojo Vivot, is Argentinian and the menu is largely influenced by her home country’s cuisine, with a colourful, vegan twist. The cheese puffs, vegan carrot cake and chimmi chilli eggs have all become loyal customer favourites. Thank goodness they’re staying on the upcoming, otherwise-new winter menu.

Steph and Sam aren’t chefs themselves but they were inspired by the very “farm to plate vibe” that they picked up on their travels overseas. “When we came home, we realised there’s an abundance of good food out there – you just need to know where to get it from,” says Steph.

Keeping in line with their noble ethos, they worked with their friends
– Mt Atkinson Coffee – who has a direct trade relationship with Ugandan coffee farmers and gives back through village projects. It does, however, come all the way from Auckland, which is quite a way away for Steph and Sam these days. A lot of product in the café is close to fully local, even the wide array of wares, skincare and clothing they sell in store. The clothing is actually designed by Dominique herself. Steph and the multi-talented chef even have plans to start their own pantry range.

With another baby in the front pack, Steph and Sam certainly have their
work cut out for them, but that’s all part of the fun.

“One day we’ll get back on the road – that’s kind of the idea of setting up a business!” she laughs. But right now, they’re both enjoying being part of a community which has embraced them and their passion for all things local and delicious. 

gatherpapamoa.co.nz

Thriving together

Tauranga Business Chamber’s chief executive Matt Cowley says owners of local businesses big and small benefit from support, collaboration and networking opportunities.

Leading an organisation can be a lonely position. It’s easy to feel the weight of the entire business on your shoulders as you carry ultimate responsibility for the finances, marketing, human resources, administration and operations.

It can be a massive relief to meet people in similar roles; to share problems and help each other discover new solutions.  

Our lives feel like they’re only getting busier, so it can be challenging to find time to connect with other business owners and leaders. However, times are extra tough for businesses right now – and that connection has never been more vital.  

I encourage you, if you’re feeling the strain, to prioritise connection. 

Tauranga Business Chamber connects with hundreds of business leaders across all industry sectors on any given month. As the region’s business hub and champion, it’s a great place to start.  

We hold several events a month, covering a range of networking opportunities and leadership conversations with industry and political decision-makers. We also provide targeted forums like our Business Women’s Network and LINKT – Young People in Business.

We also help keep you up to date with the latest trends, legislation changes, and new business support offerings, as well as what’s happening across the Western Bay business community.  

An incredibly effective way to build rapport with people quickly is by offering help without strings attached, sharing experiences, and welcoming them into your network.    

You can do this by meeting like-minded people at our events, or by sharing your expertise through our trusted communication channels.  

We have recently made membership more affordable and accessible to business owners and leaders, allowing you to choose the level you want to engage with us. Our entry-level membership is less than $270 per year and comes with a host of benefits – perfect for small and new businesses.  

As a larger business, membership showcases your corporate citizenship and helps the next generation of businesses. You’re also supporting the Chamber to be a strong, independent voice of business as we advocate for better outcomes for local businesses.   

It’s time to come together, support one another, and ensure the Western Bay’s dynamic business ecosystem continues to thrive through the economic turbulence heading our way. 

Tauranga.org.nz

Style status

Keep cosy but cool with key elements this season.

Words Nicky Adams

LAYER UP

Winter is the time when fabrics really come into play. Texture adds a whole new layer to any piece, so the distinctive look of mohair, or the sheen of silk or satin can take an outfit to the next level. Wool is at the fore in its many forms, and a modernised Fair Isle jumper is a cool retro aesthetic. Match with a pair of leather pants and chunky boots, or a statement sweater in cable knit or an on-trend colour (there are greens and pinks galore), and you have an outfit that breezes from day to night. If a jumper feels like too much of a temperature commitment (no one wants to feel trapped sweating it out on a mild Bay day), then consider a cardigan. Versatile to the end, it’s the ultimate seasonal sneak piece as you still get to showcase the outfit beneath. 

Wrapping up in something snuggly has never been more acceptable with the post-pandemic love fest for leisurewear. A determination to prioritise comfort has led to a burgeoning market for anything you feel good in. Meanwhile, a solid staple that’s hit the big time this season is the white shirt – with the potential to be styled in multiple ways, it’s a foundation piece that you can’t do without. Winter accessories are surely the most gratifying, and this year the bigger the scarf, the more on-trend. A lightweight version comes into its own with its ability to double as sleek outfit accent and draught excluder when you get the seat no-one wants next to the open office door

Mulberry Bronte Bag $85, for stockists contact antlernz.co.nz 

Principessa Dress, $570, twentysevennames.co.nz

Cable Knit Fair Isle Sweater, $299.95,
scotch-soda.com.au

Geo White Shirt, $269, Chartreuse Sailor Jeans, $289, nz.kowtowclothing.com

Peter Alexander Knit Check Cardi $99.99, peteralexander.co.nz 

Easel Combat Boot, $400, mipiaci.co.nz

Garica faux leather pants, $255, urbanvogue.co.nz

Green Abstract Leopard Scarf $39, for stockists contact antlernz.co.nz

TRENDING NOW

Most wanted this season.

Unpack the partywear

Looking polished in winter always feels like a bit more of an effort – but the dazzle can still be worked into the outfit, just in different ways. The most obvious route is via your outerwear – a stylish, quality winter coat or jacket is an investment piece that will not just elevate your look but will be with you to the end. When you’re going glam in winter, you want hard-working multifunctional looks that will translate just as well at a milestone birthday party as a black-tie event. Balancing statement with staples is easy
to achieve with an on-trend maxi dress or skirt. Full-leg coverage makes this the ultimate cold-weather piece that can turn its hand to a host of different looks. Style with a blazer or larger-than-life faux fur for a super cool classic silhouette, or throw on a low-key jacket for contemporary. Plush textures are going strong, so don’t shy away from a furry, feather or shearling aesthetic. To extend your looks still further, consider winterising items in your wardrobe by incorporating layering pieces. Fine knit merinos or turtlenecks will slip under dresses and can be styled either to blend in or as a contrast.  

Ruby Ariel Dress $329, rubynz.com

Nautica Ring $379, silkandsteel.co.nz

Curtis sleeveless Blouse $199,
rubynz.com/collections/liam

Scarf Mini Skirt $519 (limited edition), zara.com/nz  

Nautica Hoops $269, silkandsteel.co.nz

In your element

The scarf trend has crept into clothing and can
be found incorporated into everything from coats to skirts. Embellishments are key; however, it’s worth thinking about the type of event before you commit to a look – stand-up versus sit-down can be more of an outfit barometer than you think (hours on a seat-full of sequins can be prickly). Instead tie these aspects in other ways. A black ankle boot will be a wise investment, good with maxis and pants, a sleek slimline heel makes this the perfect footwear to swap in to replace ankle-baring heels. If you’ve opted for a minimal design outfit then top the look off with an evening bag with extra va-va-voom; high shine or intricate detailing is a sartorial win.

Angel Feather Jacket $499, stormonline.com 

Cashmere oversized sweater, honeydew,
$859, standardissue.co.nz

Darcy Suede Boots $490, scarpa.co.nz 

C/MEO Reciprocate Mini Dress $349,
cocowellington.co.nz 

Brie Leon Antonia Bag $250,
paperplanestore.com

COLOUR ME PRETTY

Work out which shades will light up your life. Words Nicky Adams

While we live in a time of obsessing over miracle creams and tweakments, the more achievable secret to looking our best is far simpler and lies not in a needle but in our wardrobe. For men and women alike, some colours will quite literally take years off you by visually brightening your skin tone. Others will suck the very life force from you.

Deciphering the colour palette that best suits your skin tone is not an exact science. A professional colour analysis is one way of doing it, or you can DIY it by holding up different colours close to your face to see which give you a lift. No matter how light or dark your skin is on the outside, cool, warm and neutral undertones are the colours that come through from under the surface of your skin. By looking at the veins on your wrist you may be able to work out where you sit. Blue or purple veins indicate a cool skin, green means warm. If, like me, you have spent lots of time staring at your veins but remain none the wiser, it might be that you sit between both and are neutral. Another tried-and-tested way is by looking at your jewellery or watch; silver looks good on cool skin tones, while gold flatters warm tones. Failing all these methods, most people will know how they react to the sun’s rays – warm undertones tend to tan, cool will burn more easily. While hair colour is no clear-cut indicator, generally the darker your hair, eyes and skin, the brighter the better, whereas naturally fair of skin and hair will find pastels and paler shades complement their features.

Once you’ve got a baseline of the shades that theoretically flatter you, don't be too literal. It’s very common to simply dismiss a colour and all the shades that lie around it when armed with the perception that the base colour does not suit you. However, different hues within the colour wheel can be subtle to the eye yet throw off a totally different look. Using white as an example, the wrong hue can easily make you look washed out – while pure white looks fabulous on cool complexions, a shift to ivory makes it stunning for warm. So, if there is a colour you’ve mentally banned, try again with an alternative that sits in close proximity. 

If you’re reading this with a view that it’s irrelevant because “one size fits all” black is your go-to, then I have bad news. Black has long been considered the safe option, but for many complexions it can drain all the colour from the face; worse still, it can cause shadows that pool in those fine wrinkles, which of course is more obvious as we mature. If this is the case, you might find that swapping out black for navy is like switching on an internal light.

Once you’ve found those shades that really make an impact, don’t be scared to dial it up a notch. As we mature, vibrant colours become a statement. We’re in a fashion moment where dopamine dressing rules supreme - nevertheless, if you simply can’t make your favourite colour work then don’t despair, all is not lost. The key is to keep it at a distance from your face, so anything worn from the waist down will work. Equally use the colour to build on to accessorise with bright heels or matching bags. 

Cool dressing 

Pink or bluey-red undertones tend to blush more easily. Aim for bright greens, purples, bold and pale blues, jewel tones, cool greys, crisp white and sea shades.

Warm wearers

Yellowish or olive undertones look good in earth colours. Try greens, browns, warm reds, orange, peach, coral, yellow, taupe and off-white.

Neutral undertones

You suit a variety of hues and shades and can get away with most colours, so wear what makes you feel best, but be careful of bright colours.

Universally flattering colours 

Anyone can wear these, whether you're cool, warm, or neutral, so don't be afraid to go bold with true red, teal and dark purple

FASHION FORECAST

Get ahead with the latest spring fashion trends.

What Lies Beneath

Lingerie-inspired looks have left the bedroom and will be hitting the high street. Think corseted tops and beautiful satins along with sheer fabrics and luxurious lace trimmings. The ubiquitous slip dress will be seen with lacy accents, and pretty camisole tops abound. To be this slinky needs confidence, and this trend is a something of a twist on power dressing.

A New Angle

Well, hold onto your hats – flattering and relatable? Surely not! Asymmetric hemlines are big for spring. This look lends itself to a fabric with movement and ruching along the seam; both aspects make this super easy to wear.

Shine Bright

Silver is coming out as leader of the metallics. A little more discreet than gold, it can be toned down to pewter, and slides into daywear with ease. Meanwhile, lime is the shade that will sing spring from the low-sheen colour chart. Refreshing and with a range of tones suited to most people, it’s a bold choice, but one that signals summer is on its way. With a colour this vibrant, the design is best pared back to let the hue do the talking.

Ethereal Beauty

Sleek draped dresses and skirts – dreamy, goddess-like and the new romantic on the runway. Avoid looking too costumey by keeping accessories to the minimal. It’s a soft, undone, and with its pleats and gathers in all the right places, very flattering look. It’s also a style that can be played around with for day wear, but translates easily into sultry evening attire or sophisticated event wear. The Greek goddess look is the ultimate classic.

Sole searching

Mount Maunganui photographer and creative Tasha Meys, better known on Instagram as @tastefullytash, shares her top winter footwear picks from SOLECT

Boots in

“A high-quality black boot is a staple in my winter wardrobe. Pair with jeans, winter dresses or smart trousers.”

Timberland Cortina Valley Chelsea Boot $360

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Cream please 

“I’m all about a sneaker which works as well for a run up the Mount as it does with jeans for a casual vibe.”

ASICS Gel 1130 $190 

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 Cosy toes

“These pink sheepskin slippers feel like a fluffy hug for my feet. Snuggly indoors yet easy-wear outdoors due to their hard soles.”

EMU Australia Mayberry Slippers $80

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Shear comfort

“A shearling-lined cold-weather version of these classic Birks is a dream. Wear with cute socks for extra warmth. They feel like slippers but are totally acceptable to wear in public!”

Birkenstock Arizona Shearling $350

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Star turn

“I love that the lift gives you that extra bit of height! Leather is warmer than the canvas version, so perfect with jeans for cooler days, or a dress and trench for an evening look.”

Chuck Taylor All Star Leather Lift Low $150

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Support local

“Alongside a black boot, I love a brown boot in winter for a softer look. Ideal with blue denim and a white shirt.”

Chaos & Harmony Montreux Boot $390

solect.nz

Pawsome advice

Animal expert and vet David McDonnell of Tauranga Vets is a wealth of knowledge on pet health and wellbeing.

We all want our four-legged companions to be happy, healthy members of the household, but knowing how to help them thrive, and understanding what’s going on between those ears, isn’t always clear. Vet David has some suggestions – from tricks for calming your feline to recognising when it’s time to visit your local vet. 

How do I keep my cat calm and safe after a move?
Moving house can be a stressful event for our furry friends. The good news is there are lots of useful aids to help make the transition into their new home as stress free as possible. I would recommend in the 2-3 weeks prior to moving house, starting them on the Royal Canin Calm diet. This food should be continued once you have moved until your cat has settled into the new environment. This special food has something called L-Tryptophan in it which helps cats to feel calm. We have had great feedback from our clients on this food. Other things you may wish to consider are keeping your cat inside the new house for the first 2-3 weeks, and using a Feliway plug-in diffuser. The Feliway diffuser releases a pheromone that cats will smell but you won’t. It helps them to feel less anxious and more relaxed in their new environment.

Does my pet need its teeth cleaned?
Good question! Yes, absolutely dental healthcare is equally important for
pets as it is for us humans. It has been scientifically proven that pets with good dental health live longer lives and 80 percent of pets have some degree of dental disease by two years of age. In the first instance, I would recommend getting your pet’s teeth checked by your vet or vet nurse and a specific dental plan created which is tailored to your individual pet’s dental needs. We offer a free dental health check with our veterinary nurses. Some animals, for example, small dogs, can require annual professional dental cleaning every year, others may only require this once or twice in their life. |The frequency of dental cleaning is influenced by many factors including breed, diet and how much dental homecare the pet owner is able to achieve. Introducing your pet to toothbrushing daily when they are young is a great way to help prevent dental disease. We also have special dental foods that are designed to
keep your pet’s teeth clean.

My cat always seems hungry, what shall I do?
Hunger in cats can be caused by a few different things. I would recommend getting its health checked by a vet and ideally a blood test too which would include checking thyroid levels. Sometimes as cats age, they can get a condition called hyperthyroidism. This causes them to feel very hungry and eat a lot, but they’ll often still lose weight despite this. The good news is, that there are lots of great treatment options available to help and even cure these cats once we get a diagnosis.

My cat keeps vomiting, what could be the problem?
Vomiting in cats can be caused by many different things ranging from problems with the gastrointestinal tract, food allergies, through to pancreatitis and other disease conditions outside of the intestines too. The best way to get to the bottom of this type of problem is to have a complete physical examination with your vet and often some other diagnostic tests are required as well depending on what the vet finds and your pet’s symptoms. Some of the diagnostic tests for causes of vomiting may include a blood test to help eliminate things outside of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as ultrasound, x-rays and sometimes diet trials. 

Bopvets.co.nz

Art of the city

A $3 million commitment to public art is set to redefine Tauranga’s public spaces.

Words | Monique Balvert-O’Connor
Photos | Anne Shirley + Sam Hartnett

Public art humanises the built environment, sparking community engagement and fostering appreciation for creativity. Now Tauranga is set to become a destination renowned for public art, thanks to a just-launched Public Art Framework.

Tauranga city’s commissioners have adopted a “bold and ambitious” new plan for public art, dedicating up to $3 million toward undertaking major public art commissions over the coming years – works of scale and vision the likes of which the city hasn’t seen before.

Tauranga City Council’s arts and culture manager James Wilson says the plan is to build a world-leading collection of public art, and to invest in developing local artists and the community to create “incredible” new pieces and installations, all of which will help make Tauranga a destination renowned for its public art.

“The framework has been developed alongside a wide range of Tauranga artists and arts organisations, and I’m hugely excited by what this will enable for the city. It is focused on shining a light on the stories of our city – working with artists and communities to give visibility to Tauranga’s stories, and to create a sense of place and belonging, by bringing great public art to our re-imagined public spaces,” James says.

Especially wonderful, James says, is the fact public art is the most accessible of art – works the whole community can engage with, without having to buy a ticket, or cross an art gallery entrance.

Freelance art consultant and curator Ellie Smith, who has been involved in developing the new framework through Supercut Projects, says the public can expect an invigoration of Tauranga’s artistic landscape. Think: Lightboxes, sculpture, pop-up installations, light works, participatory works, creative hoardings and ngā toi Māori in all its forms. All this as well as still supporting and encouraging community and temporary installations such as murals, she says.

The framework involves a region-wide view. There will be significant commissioning of work for downtown Tauranga, yet inspiring pieces of public art will also be placed at the Mount, Greerton, Pyes Pa, and other significant locations. The Framework includes a 10 Year Master Plan which will map public art activity, in step with city-wide development and Tauranga City Council’s Long-Term Plan. 

“Our city has been going through some growing pains, but I am so excited to see how this transforms Tauranga,” Ellie says.

She’s noted both hunger and support in the community for this ambitious undertaking, which comes with many benefits. It is globally recognised that cities succeed both economically and in wellbeing statistics when arts and culture are prioritised. 

“The Public Art Framework will contribute to the local economy, give opportunities to local artists, and give space for mana whenua to tell their narratives. It will add to the city’s vibrancy and also show domestic and international visitors that the city is about more than solely a beach,” Ellie says.

Incubator director Simone Anderson says the new Public Art Framework
and arts investment gives reassurance that Tauranga can “begin the game of catch-up.”

“We can become a city where arts are not considered an indulgence but
a necessary ingredient to nourish our city’s identity and to encourage and welcome expressions of culture and storytelling,” she says.

The new framework aims to enable projects that will explore the diverse cultural narratives of the city. This has been met with enthusiasm by Julie Paama-Pengally, who chairs Te Tuhi Mareikura Trust – an organisation committed to building the capacity of Māori artists and enhancing the contribution of Māori to Tauranga Moana.

“I believe this is an opportunity to bring to life, in unique ways, the significant legacy of Māori visual language. In articulating the rich art traditions of Aotearoa, New Zealand, Māori have so much value to add to this space.

“For our Māori artists and the community, this will be an important expression of a Māori arts legacy for future generations. Our landscape will reflect our aspirations as artists, as people, as a unique destination in the world, and as a place that reflects its people,” she says.

The Public Art Fund will open on July 1 next year, but Tauranga will welcome new public art before then. A work called Kōwhai Grove by Bobbie Gray has been commissioned, opening over King’s Birthday weekend. It will be installed down a laneway off Grey Street. There are also some other significant Tauranga City Council-led projects in the works – check out the app City Art Walk Tauranga.

Artists wishing to know more about the commissioning process (and the support available) can contact Council’s Arts & Culture team at: publicart@tauranga.govt.nz

Nostalgia and nature

A little bit of domestic bliss awaits in this magical corner of Te Puna

Words Jo Ferris

Tauranga Harbour is home to some extraordinary properties – but perhaps none so remarkable as this magical corner on a small inlet near the end of a sought-after Te Puna peninsula.

As Wallace Road veers off Snodgrass Road to head down to Waitui Reserve and its public harbour access, this home nestles elevated on a secluded waterfront of its own. Relaxing outside – enjoying a seamless gaze through trees to the water – the enchantment here touches the soul. Birdlife and birdsong are constant companions, thanks to the extent of trees and flowering specimens that adorn this garden. Dappled lighting filters through branches and leaves of the trees that fringe the water. Its gentle sound is the background to calmness.

Waterfront is one thing, but this has the sense of a private lake – shared by a small enclave of like-minded neighbours – and rarely visited by outsiders. Here you can launch the kayak and paddle out to the harbour and open-air freedom. Or, you can simply cherish the seclusion and serenity of this exquisite inlet.

Like the garden, this home has matured and adapted over its lifetime. What started as a simple country cottage decades ago, has undergone several transformations. It has been extended, renovated and upgraded.
Yet never has this home forgotten its roots and the natural simplicity dating back before the 60s.

Wooden joinery throughout extols the appeal of natural timber inside – hinges and latches all in tune with the era. Modern additions like bi-fold and French doors in the living area were crafted to match the original joinery. This home is a brilliant blend of yesterday and today. Bespoke styling in the kitchen instils nature’s subtle tones with a farmhouse nuance. But the contemporary design ensures its focus on entertaining. The barstool island is a natural drawcard, while the map of the world on a feature wall is a conversation piece to test geographic knowledge during dinner parties.

The seamless link with the loggia is the overriding element of this central hub, however. That enchanting view of the garden to the water is a magnet. You simply cannot get enough of it. Understandably, this loggia was built to scale to take full advantage of this outdoor haven and its connection with nature. 

Moods change in the lounge. Timber flooring changes to carpet and a more intimate tone is introduced with the darker richness that surrounds the open fire and wood-stack alcove. Gabled ceilings and exposed beams add another point of difference. And this is one of the home’s outstanding features – its numerous points of difference.

Bedrooms are personalised, bathrooms have individual attention; even the separate guest suite enjoys its own personality. Sitting as an adjunct to the garage, it’s an invitation for friends to stay over and enjoy privacy. Thoughts of boutique accommodation hosting are obvious, as well. Who wouldn’t want to come and stay here and lose themselves in this soothing sanctuary? Or this space could serve as a beautiful work-from-home environment (suitable for clients/customers to visit if required).

An air of mystery surrounds this home from the road. Sitting on a bend, it disguises the size of the garden behind the fencing and hedging. A stained-glass door and bullnose verandah hint at this home’s nostalgia. But it’s not until the amble around the back arrives at the magical waterfront setting that this property’s true essence is unveiled.

Gardens change with the seasons; wildlife comes and goes. Beneath it
all, this home’s spell remains constant. Homes within this Te Puna corner don’t come to the market that often.  Sitting amid all this serenity, it’s easy to see why. It’s a rare opportunity to join the neighbourhood and share the magic that lives within this special corner of the world. 

58 Wallace Road, Te Puna

oliverroadestateagents.com

Colourful Katikati

Natural beauty meets artistic expression in this picturesque little town.

Katikati might, arguably, be one of the most underrated towns in New Zealand. Probably due to the fact that it’s a stop and go kind of place – easy to pass by. But you might be surprised to discover this small town offers some big attractions. There’s an abundance of art, plenty of scenic walking and cycle trails, excellent fishing and – of course – the freshest avocados you’ll find.

The town’s artistic heritage is obvious to anyone who’s ever passed through. Instead of the usual boring white walls, many businesses are decorated with showstopping, brightly coloured murals that tell the story of Katikati’s Māori and Pakeha peoples coming together. It’s definitely worth grabbing a coffee and a bite and moseying up the main street to check them out in detail. This unique burst of colour along the main street earned the town the title of New Zealand’s Mural Town.

But that’s just one reason for art lovers to visit. Katikati also boasts Aotearoa’s biggest open-air art gallery, which aims to make the whole town a work of art!

Keen anglers will want to pack their best rod and head to Kauri Point jetty which is a favourite spot for local fishermen. If the fish aren’t biting, why not walk the length of the jetty out into the spectacular harbour?

If you prefer to view the water from land then Lindemann Lookout offers stunning selfie opportunities with a 180-degree view over the Tauranga Harbour.

Don’t forget your walking shoes, as there are many scenic walks to enjoy. The Haiku Pathway is a must, as you discover the many boulders engraved with the popular Japanese form of poetry. The Beach Road loop is a casual, easy stroll with splendid views and bird watchers will find an ample amount of avians on the bird walk. 

If you can, timing your stay with one |of Katikati’s many events would be ideal. Fortunately, the town is buzzing with events year-round, meaning you won’t have to wait long. Just some of the popular events include the famed Avocado Food and Wine Festival, the Festival of Cultures, Sheds in Studios Ramble, Christmas in the Park, the Twilight Concert Series and the Katikati A&P Show.

With all this going for it, it’s no wonder Katikati won the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Society’s “Most Beautiful Small Town” award in 2005.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

UNO catches up with Peter Watson, Western Bay of Plenty District Council Reserves and Facilities manager, to find out all about the best cycle and walking trails Katikati has to offer.

Words Karl Puschmann

Cycle and walking trails have only grown in popularity over the years, and Katikati was quick to recognise the potential of the natural splendour of their backyard. The development of a network of various trails in the area has been underway for quite a few years now. While many are completed, the ambitious project is ongoing and promises to result in some of the most scenic and enjoyable walking and cycling trails around. 

“We've done trails around the harbour so people can experience and interface with it,” Peter says. “We’re also currently in the middle of building a 1.2 kilometres shared pathway that goes from the Yeoman Bridge along the edge of the Uretara River to Park Road Reserve. That'll be really awesome when it's done. You’re going to get to see all the lovely birdlife and what have you that's associated with the use of the water.”

The Tauranga harbour (moana) is incredibly scenic, with inspiring views and a bustling wildlife population, something Peter is particularly passionate about.

“There's a lot of birdlife here. If you follow the Uretara River down into the harbour there’s freshwater and saltwater interface, which gives you a mixture of fish and things like that,” he explains. “The water goes up and flushes in so there’s a lot of kingfisher, ducks, pied stilts and even royal spoonbills as well. A lot of people like it there. It’s a very peaceful, quiet place.”

Walk the walk

Whether you’re after a casual stroll enjoying the views or prefer to power through and walk a sweat up Katikati has a trail to match your level. Meandering through Haiku Park is a real draw card for a meditative jaunt. For access to the Northern Kaimai Ranges, head out to the end of Wharawhara Road where you can access walking tracks in the Kaimai’s.

“There's a range of walks,” Peter says. “After COVID-19, people have been looking for an excuse to get out. They’ve started to appreciate the value of open spaces and the sense of well-being you get being in nature.”

The Tamawhariua Reserve trail is a 2.9km coastal walk that offers a casual loop for both walkers and cyclists and you’re welcome to take your dog as long as you keep it leashed. At a breezy 41 minutes, it’s a good way to stretch your legs.

Alternatively, the Aongatete 6.6km long loop track at the end of Wright Road offers a moderate challenge through native forest complete with stream crossings and fallen trees to amble over. Fido will have to stay home for this one, however, as dogs are not permitted due to the abundance of birdlife in the forest.

As for Peter, he can’t pick a favourite trail. He says he loves them all as they’ve worked hard to ensure the trails encapsulate the land, water and sky.

“You can really connect with nature, trees and native vegetation and bird life here,” he says. “What we're trying to do is give people an experience where you can take longer or shorter routes.” 

ON YER BIKE

As with its walking tracks, Katikati also provides for cyclists of all skills. 

“There’s a variation to the cycling experience,” he says, noting most trails are loops so riders can feel like they’re going somewhere rather than having to bike back along the same path. “We've got a big cycle network with a range of different grades to explore. ”

Along with the Katikati Trails Development Group, Council wants to get people on their bikes around the trails and have a great experience. "By offering a variety of cycle trail options, which includes Waitekohekohe Reserve up Thompson's Track Road, with dedicated purpose-built mountain bike trails and equestrian tracks that include a galloping track and jumping ally, we hope to get people visiting more often to use the trails."

LIVE, PLAY, EAT, KATIKATI

These must-visit stopovers showcase the best that Katikati has to offer

NURTURING NATURE

Discover this gift shop with a gorgeous range of homewares, gifts and our very own range of honey, which is crafted on site. Our charming retail store is adjacent to our manufacturing facility which is open for tours by appointment. BeeNZ is working with nature and the environment to bring its customers the highest quality New Zealand honey.

beenz.co.nz

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TASTE OF TRADITION

Step into a world of legacy and indulgence at this family-owned establishment, where history intertwines with exceptional dining experiences. Celebrating over 130 years in Katikati, The Talisman  proudly embraces local growers and family-owned enterprises. Unveil the magic of the restaurant, sports bar, garden bar and boutique accommodation, where award-winning chefs craft bistro-style masterpieces. Savour the taste of tradition, with each bite taking you on a remarkable journey.

talismanhotel.co.nz

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GET CRAFTY

Experience the vibrant Katikati Artisan Craft Market, an enchanting rendezvous on the third Sunday of each month from 9am to 1pm. Nestled at the A & P Showgrounds, immerse yourself in a treasure trove of locally handcrafted wonders. With great coffee and hot toasties, unleash your inner explorer and indulge in a shopping spree like no other. Join us amidst the breathtaking beauty of the BOP, where even furry friends on leads are embraced. Discover that extraordinary find for yourself or someone dear, and make every moment a masterpiece.

katikati.org.nz/markets-of-katikati

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HEALTHY SIP

Discover the real taste of refreshment with Dr Bucha's Living Drinks! Crafted by the talented duo, Donna and Fin McDonald, our kombucha is
a healthy alternative to soft drinks and alcohol. We add real fruit flavourings directly to the bottles, ensuring an authentic experience. Locally made and hand-crafted, our kombucha supports the community and delights customers. Join us at the Katikati Produce Market or visit our website for free local delivery. Embrace a healthy choice with Dr Bucha's Living Drinks.

drbucha.co.nz

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NATURAL PET CARE

HoneyVet was developed by two friends – one a veterinarian and the other with an extensive background in the New Zealand honey industry. Both saw a need to provide our animal friends with a much safer alternative to skin and coat care using nature's healing properties, from this, HoneyVet was born. HoneyVet is made locally in Katikati from locally sourced ingredients and is exclusively available to purchase at BeeNZ or online.

honeyvet.co.nz

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TRIP TO THE PAST

Step back in time at Western Bay Museum – New Zealand's premier small museum. Immerse yourself in the 1900s with our interactive group tours. A guided tour involves period costumes, fascinating exhibitions, freshly baked scones and tea served in antique bone china. Book now for an unforgettable experience. Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm, weekends and public holidays 11am-3pm. Visit us at the historic Fire Station building on Main Road, Katikati. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey loved by locals, groups and families.

westernbaymuseum.nz

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WELCOME TO FAIRVIEW ESTATE

Only a couple of minutes from Katikati lies Fairview Estate, a lifestyle subdivision situated between the sheltering Kaimai Ranges and the beautiful Tauranga Harbour.

Take a breather

Café Nineteen operates seven days a week and is open to all. With both indoor and outdoor seating and bar areas, with views over the golf course, this relaxing setting provides the perfect environment to enjoy a meal and drink either after a round of golf or just catching up with family and friends. They’d be happy to host your next function too, no matter how big or small.

Play a round

Fairview Golf Course is an 18-hole course that offers one of the best golfing experiences in the area. There are also a number of facilities, including a fully stocked golf shop and practice areas, as well as a fleet of golf carts. It is the local club for Katikati and has a range of membership options available which come with many benefits. Green fee players are encouraged to come and play on the wonderful course.

Home sweet home

Why not enjoy the wonderful facilities and everything on offer at Fairview year-round by making it your new home? Fairview is one of the best lifestyle subdivisions in the area and has a limited amount of freehold, including golf course fronting, house and land packages still available. The purchase of a property at Fairview also comes with membership to the exclusive Country Club, which gives you use of the indoor pool and spa, health studio, tennis courts, barbeque and petanque areas, plus more along with all the community spirit that comes with it. 

34 Sharp Road, Katikati 

fairviewestate.co.nz

Gearing up for change

Awards, massive renovation and a new service centre and showroom in Pāpāmoa are pushing the dealership to greater heights.
Photos | Amanda Aitken + Jahl Marshall

The dealership that occupies a whole block on Hewletts Road is set to build in Pāpāmoa, to keep up with the growth of its 16 vehicle brands. Offering everything from quality pre-owned cars, right up to new luxurious brands, the time seemed right to develop further. In 2024, Farmer Autovillage will zoom into Pāpāmoa with the opening of the new service centre and showroom. They're the first dealership to put down roots in the area.

UNO caught up with the Farmer Autovillage team to find out about the most recent changes and the exciting developments happening this year – and next – at Farmer Autovillage.

Image courtesy of Chow:Hill Architects Limited.

Feel at home in Farmer Autovillage

Expanding the scope of the Škoda showroom was the first priority for the dealership when it decided to upgrade part of the Hewletts Road
site one year ago. Modernisation of the downstairs area achieved an at-home feel and gave Farmer Autovillage the opportunity to improve their customer-focussed offering, including the café.

Customer feedback around the café has been overwhelmingly positive. Aiming to make it more comfortable and providing a relaxing environment for their customers was imperative in the planning. 

Walking into the newly restyled café feels as if you're stepping into a sophisticated Melbournian-style eatery. With a dedicated space for kids, comfortable lounge area, business lounge upstairs and free wifi, customers can sit back, relax and enjoy the food and coffee on offer. 

PĀpĀmoa Expansion

Building a brand new service centre has been a major project for the Farmer Autovillage team this year. With 30 percent of their customers based out towards Pāpāmoa and Te Puke, they knew it made sense to provide a more convenient location.

Construction will start on the 10-bay workshop in Pāpāmoa in July 2023, and will be complete with a five-car showroom by January 2024. The workshop will service their 16 brands, and all other makes and models are welcome.

Electric Mobility

Farmer Autovillage has the biggest range of electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles in the Bay. The dealership accommodates for all budgets when it comes to electric vehicles, from the gran turismo of the Audi RS e-tron GT to the value packed MG ZS EV, there's something for everyone. 

Now the Autovillage has recently added Horwin electric mopeds and GoScoot electric scooters, to provide people with even more mobility options.

Ensuring customers always have a range of vehicles at hand is a top priority for the team, to make loan services as easy as possible. And now they’re driving sustainable practices by moving all of their service loan cars to electric and hybrid, while also offering GoScoot Electric Vehicle Scooters and E-Bikes, for customers to pick up and take. 

Of course they still have the courtesy Volkswagen multivan running daily for people to jump aboard, but group after sales manager Bevan Sheppard says they’re now encouraging use of the new pedestrian laneway that runs along Hewletts Road into the city and to Bayfair.

In terms of servicing electric vehicles, Farmer Autovillage has been one of the most progressive dealerships in New Zealand. They were the first dealership in the Bay of Plenty to install a 175kW DC ultra-fast supercharger on site four years ago. For those new to the electric vehicle world, the dealership's Wallbox showroom offers an interactive space where customers can learn about electric/wall chargers and interact with them alongside the Farmer Autovillage parts specialists.

The dealership's Wallbox showroom offers an interactive space where customers can learn about electric/wall chargers and interact with them

Over the last five years, the team has worked hard to create total vehicle care solutions, aimed at customer and vehicle care. Now it includes services such as windscreen chip repairs, as well as wheel repair and alignment for all makes and models.

“The ultimate aim is for customers to know they can come to us,” says Bevan. “Anytime you think, ‘I need something for my car’, we want to be able to provide that. And we’re about 99 percent of the way there. We've invested in things that no other car dealership really does.”

And now with the online booking portal, customers can easily book in services like a warrant without spending time on the phone.

Awards aplenty

Adding to their already jam-packed shelves of awards is always a bonus for the Farmer Autovillage team. Farmer Nissan recently took home the Master Elite award for best Nissan dealer worldwide – a monumental achievement for the team. Prior to that the coveted Audi Dealer of the Year 2022 award was bestowed upon the dealership, with six team members also awarded as winners of six different categories. 

Dealer principal Blair Woolford says the team was more than satisfied with the multiple awards, especially the overall Dealer of the Year win. "To win the award twice in three years speaks volumes of the hard work and dedication of our whole team,” he says. 

And for Farmer Autovillage, that ongoing hard work and dedication is the best reward of all. 

farmerautovillage.co.nz

Under pressure

A revolutionary sensory therapy is bringing clients a deep sense of wellbeing and inner peace.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor

Desiree De Spong loves how her working life is strongly focussed on offering people the chance to be wrapped up and supported, to feel warm, relaxed, calm and even healed.

All that is possible thanks to Desiree’s knowledge of the body’s lymphatic system and her associated desire to help facilitate life-changing results for a variety of people. 

The Tauranga woman is a lymphatic specialist and developer and designer of Flowpresso®. Flowpresso, Desiree explains, is a sensory therapy system designed to reset the body’s physiology to support healing and general health.

The system is a result of Desiree’s desire to combine holistic therapy with scientific rigour, driven by a conviction that lymphatic therapy offers “a missing link in health”.

Essentially, Desiree tells, Flowpresso the product is a special bodysuit – one that comprises individual chambers that inflate in sequence and cover the legs, abdomen, arms and torso. It is non-invasive natural therapy, with reclining clients remaining clothed while enjoying a sensory treatment based on compression, thermodynamic heat and deep pressure (“pressure of a good kind”). Hence the feeling of being wrapped up, hugged and calmed.

Among those endorsing the suit is our constabulary. A research study, which involved 135 first responder candidates, showed the suit improved sleep by 92 percent, reduced stress by 63 percent and reduced anxiety by 55 percent. The WBOP Police became early adopters – that was two years ago – and remain users. Following their lead were other first responders, such as nurses and firefighters – people dealing with community stress and then their own. Referrals also come from counsellors, psychologists and others within the health field. 

So, what’s the magic behind this suit? Flowpresso’s purpose is to release toxins, switch off the body’s fight-or-flight mechanisms, and encourage a rest and repair state, which is the optimum state required for a body’s healing process. Time in the suit once per week for three weeks is recommended. 

For Desiree, Flowpresso is the realisation of her dream to create an evidence-based therapy that helps with mental health and sleep crisis.

It’s a field that’s a far cry from what she did in her “past life”: She worked in IT and finance for the NZ Fire Service.  

“I made the change as I wanted to be involved in something that helped people. I became spellbound when I attended workshops in lymphatics. It was like a lightning bolt moment, as I saw lymphatics as the missing
link in health,” says Desiree, who went on to train in the USA and Australia. 

She’s been a lymphatic specialist for two decades now, constantly building upon what she can offer. Flowpresso is a relatively new development, resulting from extensive worldwide study of existing technologies and their efficacy. This keen entrepreneur soon realised she would need to design an effective device and develop an initial prototype. 

The first Flowpresso suit was manufactured only four years ago. Updates and refinements followed and the full Flowpresso system was launched in February 2020 with support from NZ Trade and Enterprise.

Close to 500,000 sessions per year are going on in the world now, Desiree tells. Exports are predominantly to the USA, Australia and the outskirts of Europe. In the USA alone, the suits are used in about 240 clinics and donned by those in law enforcement there too. Desiree has been hosted on a couple of occasions at the NZ Embassy in the USA to speak to those involved in defence, homeland security, law enforcement and firefighting. 

Back home, Desiree and fellow wellbeing advocate Karen Gemmell, own Neuro Bar (with Tauranga, Te Puna and Matamata clinics) where Flowpresso therapy is available. Other clinics have purchased the suits, so Flowpresso is available in various locations nationwide.

Creating something pivotal in facilitating people to experience positive change in their lives is the best thing ever, Desiree says. "It's heart-touching and I’m elated. Users talk about how relaxed they feel after a session – some hadn’t necessarily realised how stressed they were. People say they’ve noticed improved sleep quality and energy, and a decreased stress response. Many feel they’ve been hugged all over.”

“Among other things, hugs release the feel-good hormone, but a lot of people don’t have access to hugs. And as the saying goes, we need four hugs a day for survival, eight for maintenance, and 12 for growth,” Desiree smiles. 

theneurobar.com
flowpresso.co.nz

Follow the light

Head over to Whakatāne this season, where you’ll find colourful artworks and not one but two bright and shining celebrations this winter.

Words | Karl Puschmann

Whakatāne promises to light up the region this winter as the Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne Festival returns to bathe the town in warm hues and bright neon.

Following on from an incredibly successful debut last year, which saw attendance exceeding planners' estimates four times over, the organisers have gone all out to make this year’s 10-day event bigger – and most definitely brighter. 

“The festival consists of about 16 artists and their work will be spread out over the Whakatāne CBD,” Sam Poots, the project co-ordinator for Arts Whakatāne, tells UNO. “It’s a mix of installations, projections and interactive standalone objects that will be lit up from 6pm to 9pm each night.”

The roster has been curated from local and regional artists like Jamie Boynton and Kereama Taepa, and includes Story Box in collaboration with artist Desna Whaanga-Schollum. Additionally, there’s some global flavour as, for the first time, a sprinkling of work from internationally acclaimed artists like Australia’s James Voller will be lighting up the town centre.

But the real highlight of the festival are the Friday and Saturday night celebrations. It was due to last year’s community night being such a hit that this year it was decided to add another one.

“We estimated having 300 to 500 people turn up at the community evening. We had over 2000,” Sam smiles. “It was hugely gratifying and heartwarming to know that the community really wanted this. We had such positive feedback. Around the artworks, around it being family friendly and something unique to Whakatāne. It brought the community together.”

While details are still being locked in, the first Friday will feature the expected festival-type experience including performers, food trucks and stalls, while the brand-new Saturday event will include a big Lantern parade down by the Whakatāne River.

Last year’s festival was about getting the community involved, but this year Sam is hoping its unique nature, and the impressiveness and fun of its electric art, will bring out-of-towners to the city to experience it for themselves. 

“Whakatāne is very summer orientated with the beaches and sunshine so we really wanted to create an event in winter,” Sam says. “Because of the popularity of light festivals, we saw it as a really good opportunity to bring something here, provide opportunities for artists to display their works and say, ‘Hey, look, we've got this awesome event on, come see it and explore Whakatāne in wintertime.’”

With its focus on community and family, stunning and unique artworks and big Friday and Saturday nights, Whakatāne has become a real bright spot in an otherwise dark winter.

The Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne Festival runs from July 28 to August 6 in the CBD and is a completely free event.

Whakatane Travel Guide

Whakatāne is spoiled for choice when it comes to eateries and things to do. Here are some recommendations on where to spend your time when you’re in town.

Mata Brewery

The craft beer craze has hopped into Whakatāne, and beer lovers will be in heaven at the award-winning, family-owned Mata Brewery. Try their range of handcrafted brews, like West End Lager, Spellbound Hazy IPA and Manuka Golden Ale. The more adventurous will enjoy Mattachino Coffee Chocolate Milk Stout or Berry Sundae Beer. Accompany your tasting with a full range of stone-cooked pizzas, gourmet burgers and hard-to-resist loaded wedges. 

The Comm

This gastropub on the ground floor of a beautiful heritage building offers an extensive menu of pub favourites, as well as gourmet delights like twice-cooked pork belly and coconut lime ceviche. Stylish inside and with a sizable garden bar, it’s a great place for an afternoon drink that can stretch into dinner.

Golfer’s Paradise

A short drive from town is the Whakatāne Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course that is renowned for being one of the finest in the Bay of Plenty. Over the hill you'll find the truly unique Ōhope Beach Golf Links, nestled on a strip of land that lies between the Pacific Ocean on one side and Ohiwa Harbour on the other – the views while playing are simply magnificent. Why not try to make a hole in one at both?  

Footprints of Toi

Whakatāne has sensational walking and tramping trails. You'll either enjoy a brilliant walk along the coastline soaking in its stunning ocean vistas, or plunge into the natural beauty and greenery of its ancient native forests. At the Ngā Tapuwae o Toi Trail, translated as “Footprints of Toi”, you'll follow birdsong through native forest past pohutukawa while also enjoying sublime coastal views of the Whakatāne harbour. The 16km round trip takes five to seven hours, but it’s split into three sections so you can enjoy shorter jaunts.

Kiwi Wandering Trail

Whakatāne is recognised as the Kiwi Capital of the World, and our national icon thrives here thanks to the tireless work of the Whakatāne Kiwi Trust, who ensure a safe, predator-free place for them. If you have kids, they'll love exploring the Kiwi Wandering Trail, a self-guided scavenger hunt through town looking for the 10 hidden, life-sized bronze statues of our iconic bird.

Turning heads

A stylish new salon in Te Puna makes waves.

Words Nicky Adams | Photos Jahl Marshall

Opening its doors at the end of last year, Kevin & Co is a new hair salon based in the heart of Te Puna village. With its stunning fresh décor, wooden accents and spacious layout, the aesthetic is everything that owner/founder Amanda Sutton had envisaged when she set out to create a calm space where clients could relax and zone out.

Together with stylist/executive assistant and “right-hand woman” Hayley McCabe, Amanda has concentrated on setting the tone for a retreat-style salon. Using premium hair care products was hugely important to her, and she raves about luxury brands Oribe from the States and premium Australian haircare from Kevin Murphy. 

“In the colour range, the Kevin Murphy tints are honey based and ammonia free, so they’re super soft on your hair, giving heaps of shine, and are nice and gentle on the scalp – which is really important for people these days.” In addition, when it comes to colours, it’s “hands down the best powder lightener I’ve used in my life, although their colours are really good across the board.”  

I comment the brand must be good to have inspired the salon name – to which Amanda laughs: “It’s not actually after the brand; this tracks back to when I was a teenager, I’ve always wanted an English bulldog; his name was going to be Kevin, and he was going to be a salon dog – the salon just happened to come before the dog!”

Based in Hamilton until around five years ago, she moved to Tauranga, and met Hayley when they worked in a salon together. They formed such a great bond that when Amanda opened Kevin & Co, Hayley coming on board was a natural step. They are, says Hayley “very much a team.” They recognise the great synergy they share is important as they expand, which will be the next natural step. But while Amanda plans to take on more staff, maintaining the calm vibe remains central to her vision.

The atmosphere is zen, but the feel is modern. I wonder where each of their passions lie as stylists. Amanda says she thrives on finding that perfect hue for her clients – “I love anything colour related. I’ll figure something out for you – if it’s blonde, brown or copper – as long as I can make you feel good, I’m happy.” Hayley equally enthuses about the colour process, and she fizzes when she talks about blondes: “I love the transformation with blonde. It’s not just one shade – you can do so much with it – you can create dimension and you can make the client bright or creamy, cool, warm.”

They are both aware that part of hairdressing is being up to speed with the latest looks, although most “new” trends have been done before. “All the grunge, and the 90s is coming back – the wolf cut, undone, messy – it’s following the same curve as fashion.” I wonder what their dream style would be to create. Amanda would go for the total redo “100 percent! People do their best work when they are left to do it; bring in your inspo pictures and we’ll dive in and figure out what you like most out of each picture, but the creative freedom to bring it to life is amazing. I also love colouring, a lot of people don’t take into consideration eye and skin colour – all of that comes down to what kind of hair shade they should have.” Hayley, on the other hand, is all about the cut – “I love a good blunt long bob. If someone comes in and wants it, I’m like, ‘Let’s do it!’”

For those people who have tricky hair, or who may be reluctant to try a new style or salon, Amanda agrees it can feel like a big step. “We offer free consultations; for anyone who is second-guessing, that’s a really good tool. You can come and scope out the environment and space and see if you feel comfortable here – talk to the stylist, see if you form those connections. We would cover everything from past experiences, products used, styles tried, then we can hone in on what you’re after.” Excited about the journey, both stylists are committed to staying ahead of the curve. As Amanda rounds off, “The second you stop wanting to learn as a hairdresser, you should stop hairdressing”. 

Amanda’s top haircare tips

• Start with a good foundation, to make sure you get the best out of your new hairstyle. A personalised shampoo and conditioner will make dealing with your hair on a daily basis much easier.

• Protect your hair when heat styling. Heat protection comes in many forms, such as a spray, cream or foam, and is essential to ensure minimal damage.

• Maintaining colour between appointments is easy: For blondes, use purple shampoo, and brunettes, pigmented conditioner. Some shampoos even have UV filters to protect against sun damage.

• Keep hair healthy with a weekly treatment. My favourite is a scalp scrub followed by a deep-conditioning treatment. It keeps my scalp happy and my ends lush.

• Maintain long hair with a micro-trim every six to eight weeks. Taking off the smallest amount promotes health and ensures it grows happy and long.

Kevinandcohair.co.nz

Timeless seclusion

Soak up the privacy along with the waterfront scenery in this modern take on the traditional villa.

Words Jo Ferris

Taking the colonial character of villas from the past, this home combines the luxury and comfort of a modern build in ways that will retain its enduring grace for years to come.

Architecturally designed, the home was completed in 2009 and remains a testament to the vision of this peaceful setting on Tauranga Harbour. Nestled in a secluded waterfront corner just outside Katikati, the home enjoys complete privacy – lost within the freedom of this prime horticultural area. 

A small avocado orchard and numerous edible plantings are natural additions to the lifestyle on offer here. But it’s the home and the serenity that gives this property purpose. The familiar lines that define colonial villas are emphasised immediately, thanks to the vast wrap-around verandahs. These follow the sun and extend private settings off bedrooms and living areas right around the house.

It begins with a café serving from the kitchen window into a quiet corner, before wrapping around the home to the main event and that waterfront scenery. Sheltered settings step down into the full sun and out into the garden where a firepit circle beckons to toast sunset. Towering palms and manicured gardens immerse this home within nature in ways that ensure all rooms savour the sun and scenery. 

Four bedrooms all have the personal luxury of an ensuite – an aspect which enhances the potential to consider a possible commercial venture with boutique home hosting. Three bedrooms also enjoy French door access to the verandah, out to the garden and nature down by the water.

Mindful of the colonial influence, the attention to detail is to be admired. Colonial-styled wooden joinery throughout features traditional
brass hardware. Sash windows hark back to a different point in time, while parquet flooring in the foyer and kitchen also pays homage to the
age of craftsmanship.

The bespoke kitchen cleverly blends the appeal of a farmhouse design with the contemporary tone of sleek finish. Its ability to serve areas outside and indoors for both casual and formal dining makes entertaining a pleasure. Function and flow move easily from the family hub to the quieter mood by the fire in the lounge, or outdoors to alfresco areas. A well-placed spa is another invitation that enhances the leisure and relaxation here.

Finesse is clearly evident everywhere in this home. It’s what’s not seen that accentuates the vision behind its creation. A geothermal bore provides hot water for circulation in the home’s hydronic underfloor heating. This network extends throughout the entire home – excluding only the garage. Yet, even in this area, forethought has considered another option.  Connected to the house via a verandah and with a sheltered patio of its own, this garage contains a large laundry, powder room and storage area. This is plumbed to allow possible conversion for a studio or separate accommodation, perhaps.

Additional features include several extras. A new fridge/freezer in the kitchen, TVs in the kitchen, lounge and bedroom, along with a Bosch washing/dryer machine. The spa pool stays, as does the fire pit, the ride-on mower; among other built-in features in the home and garage. Immaculate care of this home has kept pace, with a new dishwasher, plus a new solar/electric hot water cylinder with 10-year warranty.

Tranquillity underlines the very essence of this property. The home and grounds soothe the soul. Either wandering around the gardens, or strolling amid the avocado orchard, time here isn’t governed by a clock. Buffered from neighbouring properties, there is a sense of complete seclusion here. Water, scenery and sun feed the soul – what more could you ask for? 

55 Pukakura Road, Katikati

oliverroadestateagents.com

Feel-good fashion

Sister boutiques Urban Vogue and George Edward keep fashion at the forefront.

Words Nicky Adams | Photos Salina Galvan

Buying clothes is a bona fide spirit lifter. There is joy (and adrenalin) involved in finding that perfect outfit, but a huge part of the experience is being comfortable and confident in your surroundings when you make those choices. Vicki Burns, owner operator of Urban Vogue and George Edward in Bethlehem, and her team are exactly the sort of people you want to be there to help with those – sometimes complicated decisions. 

Despite 30 years in the industry, Vicki has not been caught up in the smoke and mirrors of the fashion world. What drives her is knowing that her customers can enjoy all the attractions of a boutique surroundings but have access to attainable but individual pieces. With her own style leaning towards a casual steampunk aesthetic, what Vicki loves is that she has found her niche in the market by bringing her client base a range of looks that are influenced not by her personal preference, but by good style and high quality rather than moving trends. In fact, she tells me, her best feedback is when customers come back and say, “I’ve thrashed that piece – can I have something similar?” Not, she laughs, the best business model in a trend-led industry.

Her small team are, like Vicki, there to help with their considerable experience and expertise, rather than to tell people they look good to secure a sale. The success of this ethos is reflected in the fact that the majority of the two stores enjoy predominantly repeat custom. The team have mostly been with Vicki from the very beginning, or the early days. Urban Vogue was established 16 years ago when Bethlehem Town Centre was developed, and Vicki took over George Edward a year or so later. She finds it works well having the two stores so close together. There’s a slightly different emphasis on stock, with Urban Vogue catering to those looks that you won’t find elsewhere, and George Edward leaning more towards classic, modern chic. But with the same staff working between the two shops and having knowledge of the entire stock, there’s a synergy that means customers have the benefit of a far more extensive pool that they would first have thought. The team of Kim, Sonia, Robyn, Megan and Donna all bring a unique skill set, from Sonia with her flair for individualism, to Megan who is an instore professionally trained colour consultant, able to assist customers with their best looks.

The concept of doing things a little uniquely filters from the looks to the interior design of the stores, specifically Urban Vogue, which has been set out in the style of wardrobes. Typically arranged by colour, it streamlines the process for the customer. Vicki holds that for the store her initial mission statement was “to develop a space where people could come and tell us the dog’s sick or the bird’s having its beak clipped
– I wanted a friendly space. For people to come and connect. And that’s what they did – and those people have carried on supporting us.” When it comes to the labels held in stores the idea was “trying to get things that were a little bit outside the square, but not to the point where it’s scary for the consumer.” Over the years the brand choices have evolved organically, as Vicki continues to strive for a feel of exclusivity – along with this, Vicki has her own unique spin on the styling of her pieces. This, she puts down to her personality. “It’s really good, because although there are other lovely independent boutiques locally, we’ve all got quite different personalities – and that comes through in our stores.” Along with the different looks is an emphasis on body inclusivity and wearability. “I want things people will wear above all else. I don’t buy for a fleeting trend; I buy for my customer. And they need quality and affordability.”

Vicki’s boutiques are well known for the fabulous fashion shows they put on locally – often for a charitable cause. She loves the community aspect of these and sees it as a way of giving back to her loyal customers as much as showcasing her lines. As someone uncomfortable with limelight and fanfare, Vicki is level-headed about the perceived glamour of the fashion world. Instead, she thrives on representing the ordinary woman in fashion’s extraordinary world. What she does love is “the changing landscape – you don’t know from one day to the next what you’re going to get out of the industry. I might not buy the passing trends if it’s no good for my customers, but I love to look at them, keep up to speed, to feel the fabric and know that the quality is being upheld.” For Vicki and the team at Urban Vogue and George Edward, the real joy is customer service, satisfaction and the camaraderie that fashion produces. 

urbanvogue.co.nz
georgeedward.co.nz 

Through the lens of giving

Colour, candour and compassion are three hallmarks of the stunning images featured in Acorn Foundation’s recent 20th birthday commemorative photographic exhibition, presented in partnership with UNO Magazine

Photos Alan Gibson

Shifting the focus to those deserving of support has always been at the forefront of Acorn Foundation’s mahi. Their recent 20th birthday celebration was true to form, showcasing the extraordinary generosity of Acorn’s donors and the lasting impact of their gifts on the local community. In partnership with UNO and our award-winning photographer, Alan Gibson, a stunning photographic exhibition was unveiled in the heart of Tauranga on April 4. 

The exhibition, Enduring Connections, featured 18 of the more than 290 charitable groups in the Western Bay of Plenty who have received funding from Acorn. Spanning organisations focussed on the arts, environment, youth, food insecurity, homelessness, health, diversity and more, these images acknowledge in a visually impactful way the enduring difference Acorn donors seek to make, and the enduring support Acorn is then able to extend to the region. 

The Acorn Foundation was established back in 2003 by their inaugural chair, Bill Holland, with the support of a group of committed trustees. Acorn is now one of 17 community foundations in New Zealand that use a smarter giving model that involves pooling and collectively investing donors’ funds. The capital in the fund remains intact, while a portion of the income is distributed annually to the local community. Using this method means that Acorn’s donors can support causes close to their hearts, forever.

The Edna Brown Fund was Acorn’s first donation. Upon Edna’s death in 2001, she left $67,000 for the benefit of the community. When Acorn was founded two years later, her trustees thought that the foundation would be the perfect place for Edna’s gift. After 20 years, Acorn has given away more than $89,000 from Edna’s fund to support local charitable organisations. Her fund value is now $91,000, and is a perfect example of the community foundation model. The Acorn team know that Edna would be absolutely thrilled.

In 2023, over 430 donor funds – and more than 600 donors overall – support the community in all sorts of ways. Thanks to these generous donors, Acorn has now reached $60 million in funds under management that are invested with Craigs Investment Partners. More than $13 million overall has been distributed to nearly 300 worthy causes in the Western Bay of Plenty and other areas important to Acorn’s donors.

The Acorn team has a tremendous belief in the power of community foundations and the enduring difference that Acorn can make in this region. Understanding that overseas community foundations are over 100 years old, they know that Acorn’s story is just beginning. 

acornfoundation.org.nz

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SURFING UP SUCCESS

“The new day dawning is really a metaphor for the work done by the amazing crew at Live for More. It’s a new beginning, or a fresh start from their troubled pasts, through the surf therapy programmes they run. I think that this image captures the ray of hope that their work brings to so many, one wave at a time.”

~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Live for More empowers vulnerable young men who are caught up in lifestyles that include alcohol, drugs and crime to find freedom from their troubled pasts and be inspired to live positive and fulfilling lives. Acorn Foundation funding supports Live for More to provide counselling and mentoring for these rangatahi, giving them a renewed understanding of their identity, purpose and potential.

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COLOUR ME HAPPY

“Tasked with creating a mural covering the drab wall of a Te Puke commercial building, artist Kalib Wallace was struggling with both deadlines and bad weather. Luckily, rangatahi from Ngā Kākano Foundation were there to help him create something beautiful while learning invaluable skills from an accomplished artist.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Ngā Kākano Foundation provides a wide range of free and accessible health and social services to families living in Te Puke. Acorn has a strong focus on youth development through field of interest funds, which supported young people to create this colourful mural as a creative outlet.

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STREAMS OF CHANGE

“When a photographer asks you to stand in the middle of a fast-flowing stream, some people might think twice. Karen Smillie jumped - or, rather, fell! - straight in, keen to promote the work Project Parore do to protect the water quality in Bay of Plenty catchment. Fellow passionate environmentalist Ben Haarmann joined her on the bank.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Project Parore focuses on improved freshwater quality through restored native habitats. Volunteers work with local landowners to practice ecological restoration for improved soil health, stream health and biodiversity in the waterways that feed into Northern Tauranga Harbour.

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HISTORY COMES ALIVE

“Hidden away among the majestic trees that are its namesake, The Elms | Te Papa has been a place for locals to gather and learn for generations. Through the lens, I can see paintings, photographs, and beautifully crafted objects. The smell of ancient woods used to make them combine with the sights to transport visitors back in time.”

~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga is a very important heritage and educational site as a place of early contact between Māori and Pākehā. Acorn’s unrestricted fund has provided support for expenses, and in addition, Trustees have set up a Community Group Fund with Acorn to ensure that this site remains open for future generations.

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EMBRACING COMMUNITY SPIRIT

“The Holi Festival has its roots in Hindu traditions and is an opportunity for the local Indian community to bring a sense of fun and the colours of their culture to Tauranga. I wanted to capture the emotions expressed as people unleash their inner child, tossing coloured powder that all bear different meanings.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Acorn’s VitalSigns® research highlights the importance of residents feeling a sense of belonging and engagement in their town and of migrants feeling welcomed by locals. This desire to enhance community connectedness is why Acorn is a joint funder of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

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JOY OF GIVING

“The absolute thrill that Alan Goodyear gets from supporting the development of tamariki in Katikati is undeniable. At the primary school during a kapa haka practice, the kids loved having Alan watch, as you can see in the intense pukana of young Alex Hollows.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Alan Goodyear set up a fund with Acorn in 2017 in memory of his son Paul, a brilliant maths and science student who passed away far too early after a battle with mental illness. Alan attended Katikati Primary School and is delighted that his fund can provide enrichment programmes to the students in maths, reading, science and kapa haka.

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MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

“Standing in the darkened theatre as the chords of Pachelbel’s Canon ring out through the smoky haze has to be one of the most beautiful moments in this project. The three members of the Opus Orchestra made their way through an extra-long version of the musical masterpiece while I crafted my image. It was a stunning experience!” - ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Opus Orchestra was founded in 1991 to positively impact the cultural life in the BOP/Waikato regions. The orchestra provides performance opportunities for professional musicians with local audiences. The trustees of Opus Orchestra recently opened a Community Group Fund with the Acorn Foundation to help fund the Opus Pathways programme to support the development of musicians at all stages of their careers.

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ENGAGING AT SPEED

“Youth Encounter Ministries Trust uses the love of action to engage young people at their Paengaroa property. The thrill of riding dirt bikes through the mud together is as important as the camaraderie and mentorship the team provide for our youth who feel lost.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Youth Encounter Ministries Trust unleashes potential in young people by encouraging a sense of belonging and belief in their value, giving them hope they can become who they are meant to be. Acorn funding supports operational expenses for youth development interventions that empower vulnerable young people “to live a life wide open”.

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IMAGINATION AT PLAY

“People say you should never work with children or animals. However, I had so much fun capturing this image of enthusiastic participants at STEM Wana Trust, which is found at Basestation on Durham Street. These budding scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians are learning that the world is there for the making.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Many Acorn donors like to support organisations which promote learning opportunities for children from all backgrounds. STEM Wana Trust’s mission is to engage and inspire a new generation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities and opportunities.

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BIRD’S EYE VIEW

“The guardians of our beaches do the most extraordinary work, so I wanted to capture this image using drone technology to achieve a perspective most people don’t get to see. While standing on the beach, I took this photo of the Waihi Beach lifeguard crew going through a practice rescue beyond the breakers so that they are ready to help when it matters most.”

~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

The volunteers at Waihi Beach Lifeguard Services patrol the 10km long peninsula and provide search and rescue services around the 75km coastline. Acorn is proud to support this important mahi, as well as Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving
Club, Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club, and Pukehina Surf Rescue.

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RESCUING THE VULNERABLE

“The love and dedication of the team at the ARRC Wildlife Trust was immediately evident to me in the way they handled the morepork chick we photographed. A pair of steady but delicate hands cradled the tiny bird while vet Liza Schneider checked it over and gave the volunteers a glowing report of the bird’s improvement.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

The team at Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (ARRC) Trust are passionate about caring for wildlife which has been injured or orphaned in the Bay of Plenty. ARRC has a Community Group Fund with Acorn and also receives tagged funding each year from the J Abbot Fund.

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KO TĀKU TOI TĀKU OHOOHO! MY ORIGIN IS MY AWAKENING!

“Art was all around us at Te Tuhi Mareikura’s hub in Mount Maunganui. Paintings and drawings hung on the walls, while around the table, discussions were underway about the carving of a taiaha. It is a place where young people can let the art get under their skin, and their creativity knows no bounds.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Te Tuhi Mareikura Charitable Trust (TMT) is passionately dedicated to the vision of building a strong Māori collective identity for those from the Tauranga Moana region through an expression of Māori culture and arts. Acorn is a new funder supporting their youth programme, Toi Ohooho.

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PROTECTING OUR FOREST

“The beautiful North Island brown kiwi calls Ōtanewainuku Forest home. Ross Edwards checked one of the many pest traps in the forest and had caught a ferret. Ross, and dozens of other volunteers like him, happily give up their time to check and bait traps, clear tracks and generally cherish our environment. I see an immense pride and passion in Ross’s face for the work they do for our beloved kiwi and the native forest.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Volunteers at Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust work with DOC to protect kiwi, kōkako, and the conservation of the forest through pest control, kiwi and kōkako translocation, kiwi chick rearing, education and fundraising. The trust has established a Community Group Fund with Acorn and also receives tagged funding from the J Abbot and M&L Bellerby funds.

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BOXING UP COMPASSION

“Tauranga Community Foodbank warehouse manager and buyer, Jordy Gastmeier, is pictured among the jungle of boxes and supplies which illustrate the level of need in our community. Signs like ‘Strictly for clients living in cars’ say it all. With this photo, I wanted to capture the enormity of their vital work.”
~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Demand is so high that, in the last year, Tauranga Community Foodbank gave out 6,900 food parcels, helping over 18,500 people. In 2022, Acorn support from trusts, corporates, and their unrestricted fund contributed to food distributed by the Foodbank which was used to prepare nearly 200,000 meals.

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COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW

“Here I strove to capture the pride and aspirations of the Gender Dynamix team in their villa at Historic Village. The staff have created a space here where people can be at peace and free from judgement. The wall is covered in pieces of art that clients have created to reveal their stories, feelings and hopes.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

As a long-time local donation manager for The Tindall Foundation, Acorn funds local organisations on their behalf that promote an inclusive, diverse and welcoming community. Gender Dynamix works to meet the mental health needs of the BOP's transgender and non-binary community.

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HEALING WATERS

“Roger Clark is well aware that sailing has long been seen as a rich man’s sport, but he is determined to change that impression. Showing kids who’ve never sailed before the pleasure of spending time on the water has become a mission.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Thanks to the Sail for Life Community Group Fund set up at Acorn, the BOP Sailing Academy Trust has been able to share the love of sailing with locals, irrespective of means or ability. Sailing is a demanding sport that brings out fantastic qualities in young people, such as tenacity, self-reliance and discipline. The challenge and sense of achievement on offer are so empowering.

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CARE AND COMPASSION

“To sit with Brian and Shirley and hear the stories about the help they have received at home from staff at Waipuna Hospice was uplifting. This is a happy image; perhaps it will help dispel some of the sad connotations people associate with the term ‘hospice’.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

The work of Waipuna Hospice is celebrated by Acorn’s donors, as it is their most-named charity in wills. Waipuna receives more than $115,000 from Acorn each year, coming from 11 estates and living givers. In the future, dozens of Acorn funds will provide hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to provide care both for patients and families.

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IMPROVING A HOME

“Mike has a plastic container in the corner of his home that holds three months’ worth of water from a leak in his roof. It’s a big container. Mike was delighted to have the friendly team from Sustainability Options arrive at this Bethlehem home to discuss plans to fix leaks and install insulation. Although the house is small, the improvements that the organisation is going to make will transform it into a true home for a deserving gentleman.” ~ ALAN GIBSON - PHOTOGRAPHER

Sustainability Options is a social business which provides free home assessments to ensure that local families are living in safe, warm and dry
homes. The Acorn Foundation provides funding that assists Sustainability Options to perform home repairs, provide heaters, blankets and curtains, and improve healthy housing literacy across the Bay of Plenty.

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A PLACE TO REMEMBER

Acorn’s staff is small but mighty. Here, five of our seven team members are pictured at the Acorn Foundation Oak Grove in Cambridge Park, where trees are planted in memory of Acorn donors who have passed away. We are so lucky that the foundation has always been supported by fantastic volunteers. Nine Trustees provide governance and oversight and sit on one of the four foundation committees: Distributions; Investment Advisory; Scholarship; and Audit, Risk and Policies. Additional community members help make distribution decisions and review scholarship applications, while investment professionals share their expertise to oversee the work done by our long-time fund manager, Craigs Investment Partners.

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Meet the photographer ALAN GIBSON

Alan’s love of photography came from his father who shocked his own father when he announced he was going to be a photographer instead of running the family farm. Eventually, with a young family in tow, he did return to the farm and continued to document the unique culture that surrounds us in this country. “He taught me to see the beauty in the backlit dust cloud kicked up by a mob of sheep being mustered or the stunning contrast of muted light coming through a woolshed door.” Alan worked as a photojournalist for The New Zealand Herald for over 20 years, as well as for agencies in the UK, servicing all the big papers of Fleet Street. He now uses those story-telling skills for a wide range of commercial clients.

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Funding from the Acorn Foundation simply wouldn’t exist without the generosity of our supporters. Each of the deceased donors in this collage had their own hopes and desires for the region, with some naming specific charities and others selecting a field of interest for their Acorn fund. Another group of donors entrust their annual distributions to the dedicated volunteers on the Acorn Distributions Committee who evaluate applications for the unrestricted funds. Support for the community is not just for the wealthy; most Acorn donors are very modest people who are passionate about this region. However, our supporters all share the same desire to give back to this community and a strong belief in the long-term power of Acorn’s smarter giving model.

Matters of the heart

Anna Rolleston of Tauranga’s Centre for Health highlights the importance of protecting your ticker and keeping an eye out for any warning signs of heart disease.

Photo Jahl Marshall

Did you know your heart is not just another organ in your body, but rather a life-sustaining force that keeps you going day after day? Unfortunately, heart disease remains one of the biggest killers worldwide, accounting for a staggering one-third of all deaths globally. But why are we still struggling to get a handle on heart health? Despite the alarming number of heart attacks that occur every day, many of us still underestimate the importance of taking care of our heart.

Your heart is the ultimate powerhouse that pumps oxygen-rich blood to every corner of your body. Without its proper function, your body simply cannot work at its best. Heart disease is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation. These conditions can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and cardiac arrest, which can be fatal if not treated in a timely manner.

Did you know there’s a difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest? While these terms are often used interchangeably, they’re two entirely different things that can go wrong with your heart. A heart attack happens when there’s a plumbing issue caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself. This can lead to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating. Cardiac arrest on the other hand can be likened to an electrical problem that results in a sudden loss of heart function. This can be caused by a heart attack, but also stems from underlying inflammation, trauma, or irregular heart rhythms. Cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment with CPR and defibrillation.

Knowing how to perform CPR could save someone’s life, and it’s an easy
skill to learn – you don’t need to be a healthcare professional, and I highly recommend taking a course.

It’s crucial to be aware of your risk factors for heart disease. Factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, a family history of heart disease, being overweight and inactive can all increase your chances of developing heart disease. However, even if you don’t have any of these risk factors, it’s still important to take proactive steps to protect your heart health. After all, your heart has to keep ticking for your entire life. Without proper care, you can’t expect it to function smoothly year after year.

Heart disease affects men and women differently. While it’s often thought of as a man’s problem, heart disease is just as significant for women. Shockingly, around 55 New Zealand women die every week from heart disease. It’s important to be aware of the key differences between
the sexes when it comes to heart health. For instance, women may be more susceptible to some risk factors, such as smoking. Women with diabetes are also at a greater risk of heart disease than men with diabetes. Furthermore, having a family history of heart disease can be a stronger predictor of heart disease in women than in men. Men are more likely to develop heart disease at a younger age than women, while the risk for women increases with a drop in protective oestrogen levels close to, during and after menopause. Women also tend to experience different symptoms of heart disease and heart attack than men. Symptoms such as nausea, indigestion, and back pain may be more common in women, which can make it harder to diagnose. 

So if you feel something is off, you’re just not feeling right, and you have risk factors for heart disease or a family history, go and get yourself checked out. 

thecentreforhealth.co.nz

A new era

Registered nurse Leanne Cashmore from the Cashmore Clinic has more than 26 years' experience in women’s skincare. Here she takes us through the challenges that menopause can have on skin, and what we can do to combat them. 

Menopause can have a dramatic effect on the skin. Without hormones, our aging accelerates by around 30 percent. Because our skin is so visible, being the largest organ on the body, it is one of the areas we first notice the most rapid changes. 

Often people tell me they feel like it happened overnight. One of the reasons for this is that oestrogen receptors are very abundant around the face and the decline of oestrogen is part and parcel of menopause.

Tell-tale signs can include thinning skin, wrinkles, skin laxity and dry skin, as well as hair loss, thinning of the hair and hirsutism (abnormal hair growth in women on the face).

The best way to treat perimenopausal and menopausal skin is to find a good skin therapist, and make sure it’s someone you can trust. Take a hormone replacement if your doctor recommends it for you, too.

There are many cosmetic options these days, including amazing bio stimulator hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that promote hydration. This involves basically injecting moisturiser into the skin and stimulating your own collagen by way of regular needling appointments. 

Needling helps with tightening and minimising the visibility of fine lines, and it has been scientifically proven. So if you don't already do it, start now! The latest technology, Secret RF radio frequency needling, uses heat to tighten the skin and needling to cause collagenesis.

Peels and resurfacing treatments brighten the skin and diminishes
pigment and irregularities.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is another way to promote collagen. Your own blood is full of growth factors that can be injected or infused into the skin, to produce collagen for fine lines and thinning skin.

Low-level light therapy promotes skin rejuvenation by stimulating
collagen production.

Outside of the clinic, it’s a good idea to consistently stick to a skincare regime which includes lots of hydrating serums and moisturisers. Never use soap. Use a cleanser that is suitable for your skin and try to use a mild cleanser at night, which will allow serums and moisturisers to absorb.

Use an SPF daily, take oral supplements such as zinc and collagen powder, and adhere to a healthy diet while getting plenty of sleep and limiting alcohol and sugar. All these combined will have an amazing effect on the skin.

You can get away with ignoring these health principles when you're younger, but it's impossible after 40.

Treating your skin is a journey. It's maintenance that is no different to maintaining a car or a house. It’s no different to colouring your hair or
whitening your teeth. It's a commitment, and the changes don't happen overnight. If you’re considering using botox or fillers, a good canvas to work with is important.

We have to remember it has taken years to get our skin to get to where it is today, and it's going to take some time and patience to bring it back to life. But it's never too late. Small changes over a course of time make big changes to your confidence when you see the results.

Visit Leanne at Cashmore Clinic and have your skin analysed with the latest technology, Observ 520, or simply get some skincare advice. 

cashmoreclinic.co.nz