Plant life

The Centre for Health’s Dr Anna Rolleston sits down with two of her clients, Carrie and Sarah, to discuss how a plant-based way of eating works for them.

Anna: What’s the deal with plant-based eating, and how does it differ from being vegetarian or vegan?

Carrie: Think of a plant-based diet as a colourful celebration of fruit, veggies, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds – it’s like a garden party on your plate. Unlike vegetarians, who may still eat dairy, and vegans, who steer clear of anything animal-related, even honey, plant-based eaters mostly skip the animal products but might have a ‘cheat day’ here and there for some meaty or sugary indulgence. It’s not about a strict approach – I’ll have up to four eggs a week, for example – it’s about eating mostly plants.

Sarah: For me, it’s 80 percent plants and also about reducing the amount of processed foods and refined sugar I eat. I used cheat days heaps initially but don’t so much now, because my body doesn’t really like that other kai anymore.

Anna: Why do you think people jump on the plant-based bandwagon?

Carrie: For their health and wellbeing. Health perks like controlling cholesterol, shedding a few pounds, and dodging things like heart issues and diabetes are big reasons.

Sarah: Then there’s the eco angle. Plant-based eating is better for the environment, reducing your carbon footprint and saving resources. It feels good to be plant-based if you’re environmentally minded.

Anna: What are the other benefits of eating this way?

Carrie: There are heaps! You get a nutrient boost, improved digestion and I reckon my immune system is way better than it used to be. I know there’s also some research that says it could dial down the risk of certain cancers and add more candles to your birthday cake.

Sarah: I have more energy, my gut isn’t as gurgly, and I feel lighter in my body. I’m not sure it’s all down to the plants, but I feel happier.

Anna: Who do you think is the ideal candidate for trying a plant-based diet?

Carrie: Everyone!

Sarah: Definitely people with health conditions, and athletes too, and if you’re keen to help look after the planet and save some money, then it’s a go for you as well. I think it’s cheaper in the long run, as meat is pretty expensive at the moment.

Anna: Any pro tips for easing into it?

Carrie: Start by swapping a few meals a week with plant-based options. Brush up on your nutrition knowledge to make sure you’re getting all the good stuff like protein and iron, and don’t forget the plant-based remixes of your usual meat dishes – like veggie burgers, or tacos filled with jackfruit.

Sarah: To be honest, just do FastTrack Kai ā Nuku – it’s the easiest way to understand everything and eat yummy food. Getting the whānau on board is a biggie – although if you’re the main cook like me, they just have to eat what you serve!

For more information on adopting a plant-based diet, visit fasttracknz.co.nz

Inner talent

Sarah Parry, the creative force behind Testament Interiors, shares her design principles, lets us in on the latest trends and explains how an interior designer’s expertise can lead to cost-effective solutions.

interview Hayley Barnett | photo Giselle Brosnahan | hair + make-up Michelle Olwagen

Interior design is one of those things we all think we can do, but realise quickly, in the throes of a project, just how difficult it really is. This is where pro designers come in. UNO is lucky enough to introduce our very own designer, Sarah Parry from Testament Interiors, who is here to answer all your pressing questions around interior design.

A passionate designer and right-sizing expert based in Tauranga, Sarah recently launched her business as a way to share her incredible creative skills, alongside her floor covering business with husband Jason. They have a blended family of four young adults, one grandchild, two fur babies and a pond of goldfish.

Here, she offers some helpful advice to those looking to overhaul their living spaces.

UNO: Where do we start when designing a new space?

Sarah: Working out your budget is really important to establish. Then, ask yourself who will live in the space. If it's your own home, that's different, for example, to an Airbnb or a rental. Once you know how much you have to spend and who the space is for, it’s time to decide what your design style is. It could be a combination of styles. Pinterest is ideal for this. The algorithms work out exactly what you like and you can file these away to look at for inspiration or to show your interior designer. From there, it’s best to start with your floors first and work your

way up to the walls, then lighting, then styling. Always sort your fundamentals before you dive into styling. It’s from this stage that I will sort a mood board for clients, to check we’re all on the same page, so that we can start organising a sample board.

You can incorporate aspects of trends into your project, but it’s important to keep in mind that trends can easily go out of fashion in as early as a year. You don’t want to spend money on big ticket items, only to regret the purchase a short time later. Go with something you're going to love for a long time. Incorporate trends in items that are easy to replace, such as throws or decor items. The last thing you want is to have a show home style that looks amazing but is completely impersonal.

Work out what’s important to you as a person, a couple or as a family. Choose the ideas that will work for you collectively in the living spaces.

UNO: What are some new trends in interior design for 2024 and how can I include elements of these in my home?

Sarah: Standout colours for 2024 include earthy greens, golds and natural shades. Minimalist is definitely out, and maximalist is in. Bright colours and patterns mixed together are making an entrance this year, which is not for everyone, but when done correctly it can really liven up your living space. The trick is to not make it too overpowering.

Another trend is the mixing of metals in fittings and fixtures, such as taps and handles. No longer is it all one colourway. You can mix brass with platinums and blacks, but it does take a bit of know-how to prevent it from looking tasteless.

Organic design is huge right now, and Japandi falls under this style. It's a lot of natural shapes and textures that are light, earthy and very calming, but not minimalist. It uses a combination of biophilic principles.

UNO: What is biophilic and sustainable design?

Sarah: Biophilic design principles are not new. They've been around for a long time. However, they are becoming increasingly important in helping us connect with nature and whenua, the land. Waiora, a core concept in Māori culture, connects people and the environment. When done well, it provides nourishment and energy to sustain our wellbeing. Biophilic design uses natural elements, whether that's plants or movement, into your interior space so that you have a connection between the earth and the land. It's one of my key concepts. I love plants and adding as many natural items into a house as possible, because it creates life.

Sustainable design uses products that are either sourced locally from natural materials within your environment, or manufactured from sustainable resources like recycled products or materials that are farmed in a sustainable way. So if it was a wood, for example, it would be from a sustainably grown tree that is renewable.

UNO: Why would I use an interior designer?

Sarah: By using an interior designer, the client has access to suppliers at commercial designer rates. So the cost of using a designer will offset the designer fees and you'll get far better value for money across the project. The bigger the project, the bigger the savings.

But the most common reason I get called in is to maintain a design cohesiveness across the project so that it flows.

And, of course, it's important for preventing costly mistakes such as choosing the wrong paint colour or fittings. It saves money all round!

testamentinteriors.co.nz

Savour the Bay

The BOP’s Plates of Plenty Challenge saw chefs from all over the region competing for the best dish. Here, some of the competitors – including the winners – share their divine recipes. Enjoy!

Cadera’s Blue Cheese Jalapeño Poppers

Mount Eliza Blue Cheese Popper in a Mount Brewing Co. High Line Hazy Pale Ale batter with Nana Dunn + Co curried onion chutney.

Makes 25 pieces

INGREDIENTS

Whole marinated jalapenos – we use La Morena

350g cream cheese

150g Mount Eliza Blue Monkey cheese

1 can Mount Brewing Co.

Hazy Pale Ale beer

1½ cups self-raising flour

Nana Dunn + Co’s Curried Onion Chutney to serve

METHOD

• Slice the jalapenos lengthways making sure not to cut the whole way through. Remove all the seeds.

• Combine cream cheese and blue cheese.

• Using a piping bag, fill the poppers with the cheese mixture being careful not to overfill
  - about three-quarters full.

• Mix beer and flour until smooth in texture.

• Dip the stuffed jalapeno into the batter to fully coat it and transfer straight into the deep fryer or oil at ideally 180°C.

• Cook until golden brown.

• Serve with the curried onion chutney.

Pearl Kitchen’s Pie & Beer

Smoked fish pie with blue cheese potato, curried onion chutney and smoked fish gravy, served with a beer.

Makes 10-12 pies.

INGREDIENTS

Blue cheese sauce

25g butter

1 tbsp plain flour

150ml milk

50g Mount Eliza Blue Monkey cheese, chopped or crumbled

Fish pie mix

1 onion, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely diced

1 carrot, chopped/diced small

250ml cream

1 tsp Dijon mustard

100ml of Mount Brewing Co. low carb ale

Olive oil for frying

1 small handful of flat-leafed parsley, finely chopped

500g-650g smoked kahawai, cut into biggish chunks

Pastry + egg wash

750g frozen puff pastry

2 egg yolks

15ml milk

Charred pearl onions

100g pickling onions

50ml sherry vinegar

METHOD

Blue cheese sauce

• Melt the butter in a pan over a medium heat, then stir in the flour and let cook for 1 min or so. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and all the milk has been added.

• Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in the cheese. Cook until the cheese has melted, and the sauce has thickened slightly, then season to taste.

Fish pie mix

• In a pan, fry the onion, carrot and celery for about 5 minutes in the olive oil then add the ale, cream and bring to a boil. Add the spinach leaves and Dijon and stir to wilt.

• Add your chunks of smoked kahawai to the mix at the end as it's already been smoked.

Pastry + egg wash

• Cut your puff pastry into small circles or desired shape. Brush egg wash onto the bottom and add your fish pie mixture into the centre of the pastry leaving enough room at the sides so you can add another layer of pastry on top and can seal the sides. I used a fork on the edges to make sure the pastry was pushed down and sealed properly.

• Before baking, egg wash the top of the pastry. Bake at 175°C for 15 minutes.

Charred pearl onions

• Boil onions with skin on in vegetable stock or water until onions become soft.

• Let them cool down completely and cut them in half.

• Get a smoking-hot pan with a little olive oil and place the onions cut side down for about 30 seconds. The onion should start to char and go black — this is when you can add the sherry vinegar to deglaze the pan and the onions will soak up all that flavour.

• When the onions have cooled down, you can take out the middle heart of the onion (we will use this in the chutney) and start to take out the onions’ petals. They should be charred on the outside.

The Trading Post’s Agnolotti del Plin

A handmade pasta in a typical Piemontese shape, filled with Mount Eliza Blue Monkey cheese in a Noble & Sunday Earl Grey-infused butter sauce with Mama Kali's Farm microgreens.

Serves 5

INGREDIENTS

Pasta

350g flour

150g semolina

200g eggs

100g egg yolk

8g cocoa powder

Filling

300g Mount Eliza

Blue Monkey cheese

150g cream

1 egg white

Pinch of salt

Sauce

50g butter

Pinch of Noble & Sunday

Earl Grey tea

Fresh Mama Kali’s Farm microgreens

METHOD

Pasta

• In a bowl or on the table, place the dry ingredients, then in the centre place the eggs and yolk and knead to a smooth dough texture. Set aside in the fridge for 1 hour.

Filling

• Blitz in a food processor the cheese and cream quickly then add egg white until smooth and thin but not whipped. Place in a piping bag and refrigerate until use.

Pasta continued

• With the help of a pasta machine or rolling pin, laminate the pasta dough close to 1mm thickness and cut in long strips.

• Then pipe a small amount of filling along the longer side on the pasta strip (you want the filling to be one finger apart from one another).

• Proceed to fold the pasta over itself and pinch the pasta with your index and thumb between the filling – squeezing a touch towards the centre of the filling.

• With the use of a zig-zag cutter, cut between the pinched pasta and the “plin” will look like little lollies. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for about 3 minutes.

• Remove and toss in a pan with butter and a pinch of Earl Grey to emulsify the sauce.

• Add cooking water a little bit at a time and continue tossing to avoid the pasta getting stuck to the pan. This also gives a velvety look to the sauce.

• Plate and garnish with microgreens and add grated cheese as per your liking.

But First Dessert’s Biscoff Cheesecake

If you haven't tried Biscoff yet – this is your sign to run to your nearest supermarket, grab some Biscoff and whip up this delicious cheesecake.

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

Base

240g Biscoff biscuits

80g butter

Cheesecake

450g cream cheese

200g Biscoff spread

250g cream

Topping

200g white chocolate

50g Biscoff spread

100g cream

METHOD

• Line a 20cm x 20cm cake tin (or individual cake rings like we use) with baking paper.

• Crush 240g Biscoff biscuits in a bowl, pour melted butter in and mix together well.

• Press into the bottom of the cake tin, place in the freezer to set and begin to prepare the cheesecake mix.

• Add cream cheese, cream, and Biscoff spread into a bowl. Whisk until nice and thick. Spoon this on top of the biscuit base and use a spatula/spoon to make sure it's nice and smooth for the ganache topping.

• Pop the cheesecake into the fridge for at least 3 hours to set before adding the ganache topping.

• Put the white chocolate and Biscoff in a bowl and set aside. Heat cream in a pot, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn't burn. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and Biscoff. Whisk until nice and smooth. Gently spread the ganache over the cheesecake.

• If you have any remaining cream or crushed biscuits, whip the cream and pipe swirls on top of the cheesecake (if you have piping bags/nozzles) or sprinkle over the crushed biscuits.

• Pop the cheesecake into the fridge for at least another hour or two before slicing.

Start anew

Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore on a treatment that can help you gain a firmer foundation.

photo Salina Galvan

At the Clinical Aesthetics Symposium I attended in Auckland recently, the talk was firmly focused on skin treatments. There wasn’t a single presentation on botulinum toxin and not much at all about dermal fillers.

So many new and exciting treatments and applications have arrived in New Zealand, making the Australian injectors very envious, as many of them are not yet available there.

Getting things across the line in Australia is more difficult than it is here, so we get to benefit from them a good couple of years before our trans-Tasman counterparts do.

I want to talk about the RF microneedling device that was a hot topic of discussion at the symposium. We’ve had such a device at the Cashmore Clinic for a couple of years now and it’d have to be one of our favourite skin treatments. ‘RF’ stands for ‘radio frequency’.

The treatment is designed to remodel collagen from the inside out and is used for scars, sun damage, wrinkles, stretch marks, pores and improving overall skin quality.

The radio frequency (heat) delivers controlled energy at various depths (via the needles) depending on what we’re treating, to tighten the skin and promote the production of collagen and elastin. It can penetrate deeply to give much better results than your standard needling, which treats only the superficial layers of the skin.

We recommend having RF needling in winter (because avoiding sun exposure is advised post-treatment) and scheduling a series of sessions for optimal results. The treatment takes around an hour. A strong anesthetic cream is applied to the skin and left to take effect, then the needling itself lasts for around 20 minutes. Your skin will be only mildly pink when you leave the clinic, and you can apply make-up and follow your normal routine the next day. Four weeks later, you’ll have a second treatment, then a third treatment a month after that. Three is the minimum we recommend; four to six is even better.

Before and after RF needling.

With RF needling, skin continues to improve for three months after your final treatment. You also have the option to have topical growth factors infused immediately afterwards, such as PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), where your own blood is separated into red blood cells and plasma, and the plasma (which is full of goodness that further enhances luminosity and improves skin texture) is infused into your skin.

The latest technology to infuse is exosomes. They pack even more of a punch than PRP and are more predictable. Extracted from young human adipose (fat) tissue, this is cutting-edge technology and a good option for hair restoration as well. They’re another whole topic, so I’ll go into it in more detail in a future issue.

People often want a quick fix, like that achieved by botulinum toxin and fillers, but remember, we also need a good canvas to work from. RF needling has limitations. It isn't a face lift, it’s a skin treatment. A full consultation will help us determine if it’s the right procedure for you.

CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

Reach for the sky

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

words Jo Ferris | photos Hunter Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nga Parae Rd, Oropi

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

Surf’s up!

One of Tauranga Museum’s first exhibitions will celebrate the region’s pivotal role in Aotearoa’s surfing culture.

words Karl Puschmann

boards Dusty Waddell Collection

Mount Maunganui is world-famous in New Zealand for its rolling surf and golden sands. Each summer people flock to the beaches to hang ten or catch rays. But, outside the surfing community, not a lot of folks know about the region’s rich history and contribution to Aotearoa’s surfing culture.

That’s all about to change. The Tauranga Museum team is hard at work putting together one of the first exhibitions to go on display when the long-awaited new museum opens its doors in 2028.

“The exhibition on surf and beach culture will be one of our earlier exhibitions on display when we open,” museum curator Fiona Kean enthuses.

It will certainly be hard to miss. Following the museum’s acquisition of local surfing icon Dusty Waddell’s legendary surfboard collection, the museum is already preparing 120 surfboards for display. These all hold national significance and physically chart the evolution of surfing in New Zealand.

“There’s shortboards and longboards, and in addition to those there’s boogie boards, belly boards, skim boards… there's probably another 50 of those,” Kean says. “We’ve even got 40 skateboards. We've had to create a special space at our storage facility for it all.”

Through the various shapes and sizes of the surfboards, you’ll see trends come and go as you progress through the years. It will also highlight beach culture with displays of fabulous local swimwear, wetsuits and ephemera like surf posters. We have an amazing hollow board that is over four metres long. It was made at the Mount in 1952 by Ron White and Jock Carson using the famous Tom Blake design. Kean is also in discussions with a local shaper who makes surfboards from – of all things – wool.

“It’s an exciting idea because most surfers are really interested in their environment and in cleaning up and preserving the water they swim in,” Kean says. “Surfboards in the past have been made of foam and more toxic materials, so innovations like that look at how surfing can be more environmentally friendly.”

While we all recognise the region for its good surfing, its epic contributions to the sport aren’t as well known. Surfing and surfboard manufacturing in Tauranga goes all the way back to the early 20th century. Through her research, Kean discovered there were, in fact, two surfboard makers here in the 1930s making, selling and hiring their boards out to summer beachgoers in that era.

Once established here, surfing never left. In the 1940s and ‘50s more shapers arrived and the era of plywood boards began.

“Plywood is an important story for Tauranga,” Kean says. “That takes you down a whole other rabbit warren of the people making hollow surfboards out of plywood. And then you have the leap into foam-core or surfboards made with foam blanks. You've got probably one of the biggest names in surfboard making, a man called Bob Davies, who comes to Tauranga and sets up a factory here, and at the same time another local guy, Ted Davidson, owns a sports shop on Cameron Road and he starts making surfboards out of that shop.

From there, it’s honestly like a wave of shapers and makers around the country flowing in and out of each other’s lives and businesses and the Mount and Tauranga were an important part of that scene.”

It’s fascinating to hear her talk about how huge Tauranga’s impact on New Zealand surfing actually was. It will be even more fascinating to see it. Surfboards are big items, especially the older longboards, which on average stand at a towering 12 feet tall. The scale of the exhibition is going to be awesome.

Kean is excited about the project and can’t wait to share everything being discovered about Tauranga’s rich surfing history when the museum opens.

“We want people to have a greater understanding of surf and beach culture and its significance to where they live. We’re a really important piece of that overall surf culture puzzle. For example, the first surfing nationals were held at Mount Maunganui in 1963,” she says. “The museum hopes to give people a sense of belonging to this place. I’d love for locals to feel pride in our role in the surf industry and to come away with a sense of enjoyment. It will be a fun exhibition but one that does have moments for reflection and moments where you’ll feel challenged.”

For those who simply can’t wait until 2028 to see what’s barreling down the pipeline, Kean reveals how you can get a sneak peek at the surfboards and, essentially, the Bay’s surfing history on Tauranga Museum’s website.

Kean says the exhibition will appeal to non-surfers just as much as those who like to hit the waves, as the experience the museum team is curating showcases not just surfing but wider beach culture.

With a few more years of prep work, research and collaboration with the community before it opens, Kean has a very simple objective for the exhibition in mind.

“We want it to blow people away,” she laughs.

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

Well advised

When it comes to money matters, expert guidance is more important than ever in today's tough economy.

photo Jahl Marshall

As a lender for more than 20 years, Brooke Reynolds has certainly worked her way up through the finance world. She started as a full-time casual teller and worked in almost every bank position imaginable. She then went on to work as a mobile mortgage lender and later studied conveyancing. Today, she has extensive, well-rounded knowledge of the whole banking process, not just lending, and owns half of Rapson Loans and Finance in Tauranga. Brooke loves using her valuable and vast wisdom to help others. Here, she tells us why a financial advisor is an important asset to have, and what to expect from them in terms of advice, knowledge and assistance.

Financial advisors are the go-between with individuals and the banks/lenders. They get to know you and understand your needs and then relay that information to the lenders. The relationship you form is important as the more they know their clients, the easier it is to achieve exactly what you want. Everyone has different needs − no two people are the same − and your adviser needs to be able to manage that and not take a ‘one fits all’ approach.

But can’t I just do that myself, you ask? Yes, absolutely you can. If you don’t mind making the appointments with lenders, taking time off work and then following up with further information and research. It all costs you time and effort, and then if they say no, what do you do? Advisers are able to go to multiple lenders and will be able to tell from the conversations you have had which banks have the policies and products that would best suit your situation. Banks have different policies and products. They are not all the same. Advisers know this and can navigate it all for you.

The majority of the time, it costs you nothing to consult a financial adviser; however, in the situation where you are using a second-tier lender/commercial lending/equity lending, there may be a fee. Most of the time this can be capitalised onto the loan. The banks will also claw back any commission paid if the loans are repaid and closed prior to 27 months (this varies with lenders, some are less) but this is a conversation to be had at the time of engagement.

Financial advisers are highly regulated. Absolutely everything must be disclosed, from what we are paid, to complaints and clawbacks, and so on. Our files are reviewed and we could get a visit from the FMA at any time. This includes any email correspondence, text messages and phone calls.

All in all, financial advisors are a valuable resource and tool to lean on for knowledge, advice and help with applications. Look out for my column in the next issue if you’d like to learn about different types of loans and the importance of structure.

rapson.co.nz

Twinkle toes

Liz French skied the slopes of Canada’s Sun Peaks and Big White resorts, and it made her feel like dancing.

photos Liz French + Lindy Ellison + supplied

“Skiing is like dancing; the snow is your music,” said Olympic gold medallist Nancy Greene, who calls Sun Peaks home and is a wonderful ambassador. I was privileged to ski in a group with the woman named Canada’s female athlete of the 20th century in 1999 for her prowess and contribution to the sport.

Nancy’s 80 now, but she still skis like a teenager. She generously shared her story and tips for improving our skiing (“Stay on the balls of your feet”), taking us where we might not have otherwise gone – notably the ski cross course, on which you bounce over humps and race around well-cambered corners.

After a couple of cloudy but satisfyingly snowy days, Sun Peaks lived up to its name with bright blue skies and gloriously groomed pistes. My partner and I arrived there from Big White, which also lived up to its reputation as ‘Big Whiteout’. We had six murky days, but the payoff was snow you float through. It’s not like in New Zealand, where heavy cloud cover means skiing by braille. The trees provide definition and the wide, obstacle-free pistes instil confidence.

The slightly eerie feeling of skiing in the mist was enhanced by the sight of ‘snow ghosts’. Big White’s known for these trees on the upper slopes that get so snowbound they take on a sculptural form. To add to the sense of surreal, we went night skiing one evening. One long run is illuminated by lamps that throw pools of light on the snow, the patches of dark between them slightly disconcerting till you get the hang of it.

Members of Liz’s tour group - fast and furious meets sedate.

Skiing in Canada is delightfully different to skiing in New Zealand. Think long, wide, tree-framed pistes groomed to perfection, often with several centimetres of powder laid seductively on top. Sun Peaks has a signature trail, five miles (that’s 8km) from Top of the World to the base. The colder, north-facing side of the resort, Morrisey, has lots of glade skiing; on the south-facing side, Sundance and Sunburst have longer, sweeping trails. If Big White is whiting out, skiing the Black Forest side affords ample visibility. When the sky clears, it’s great to head to the Gem Lake area and the powder runs, most of which we skied without much visibility but with good guides.

The only queues we saw were on the main chairlifts when they opened in the morning, especially on a powder day. Most lifts allow skiers to take green (easy), blue (intermediate and so much fun) or black (advanced) trails down, meaning even amateur skiers can reach the top to enjoy the view.

We book our snow holidays through Auckland’s Ski Travel Specialists, and this year joined one of their group trips that come with the benefit of tour leaders. Ōhope couple Linda and Stephen Clews have been hosting ski trips for years and, as well as facilitating fun, share their knowledge of the fields. I mostly chose to ski with them, as they split the group into fast and furious (usually me!) and slightly more sedate skiers. We also took advantage of the snow hosts.

These usually retired, keen skiers volunteer their time to take visitors on tours of the fields they know and love. The ones we met said they enjoy Kiwis, who they find are usually game for anything.

Skiers need fuel, and both resorts offer a good range of eating, drinking (and shopping) options, though Sun Peaks’ village is more extensive than Big White’s. We even found good coffee, becoming regulars at the Tea Bar at Big White, and Bolacco and Vertical cafés at Sun Peaks. Costs escalate with tax and tips, but hey, you’re on holiday.

There’s plenty to do if you want a change from skiing or snowboarding. We could have gone ice skating, snow shoeing, tubing, sleigh riding, fat biking and axe throwing. I bowed to my partner’s desire to go snowmobiling and spent two hours squawking from the back seat as we shot along the trails, stopping to admire views and to thaw out at a warming hut also used by cross-country skiers. I much preferred dog sledding – sitting in a low-slung sleigh with a musher behind us to ‘steer’ the seven enthusiastic, well cared for canines swooping us along tree-lined trails and out to a frozen lake.

Skiing in Canada gives me a heady mix of ego-boosting snow and spectacular scenery, the adrenaline rush of gravity-enforced speed curbed and increased by skill, and the company of like-minded people. I can’t wait till I get to dance on snow again.

Careering through life

UNO talks to Bay experts about shaking it up in the workplace.

words Nicky Adams

Like most anecdotes it seems there’s more than a little truth behind the old expression ‘a change is as good as a rest.’ When it comes to a career choice, we’re living longer, legal retirement ages are rising, and we’re staying in the workforce for greater periods of time. Consequently, a decision we made at 18 may not still suit where we are or who we have become at 45. The good news is that evidence points towards the fact that switching it up can be a positive. A recent report conducted by the OECD (a global collaboration between 37 governments to promote economic growth) entitled ‘Promoting Better Career Choices For Longer Working Lives – Stepping Up Not Stepping Out’ indicates that change, in multiple aspects of your life is actually good for you.

Older workers undoubtedly play an important role in the labour market and are increasingly engaged in developments in digital technologies as well as cultural change. Nevertheless, many find that careers they may have considered were to be for life, may now have morphed beyond recognition, meaning for job longevity mobility might be the key word. Considering a career change is a daunting prospect, and sometimes transitioning means considering restrictions of age and ability. But a little poking around will show there are more resources to hand to help with this process than you might suspect.

Miriam O’Connor from Career Solutions is an expert in the field of mid-life moves. With a business based around helping people of all ages find career pathways through job search coaching, CV writing and careers advice, she has assisted many transitions, helping people who may want to navigate change.

Miriam O’Connor

I wonder if she has seen an increasing uplift in the desire for career shifts: “I think in these times change is a constant thing that people need to be ready for; to be adaptable and prepared to take different opportunities at different times. We’re seeing now with the (downturn in) economy, organisations are restructuring or altering the way they do things. Some jobs, for example, are overtaken by technology.” The key is to embrace advancements as much as you can. “My advice to people is to keep upskilling, keep up to date, keep looking at your own skillset and where you might be able to move if you feel like you need, or have to make a change – in general it’s good practice to be ready for shifts.”

The job landscape, as we know has changed dramatically post pandemic. Miriam agrees: “Covid changed a lot of things – but opened opportunities. People are considering lifestyle; they can work remotely – be a digital nomad.” Whilst there have been more opportunities for job fluidity, the job market itself has altered. “There’s also changes with different sectors in terms of the growth. I’m seeing people all the time that need to think about things differently and put themselves in an alternative mindset to get into another type of work – take their skills into a different industry.” I wonder how common it is to just want change. According to Miriam, “It’s much rarer now to see people on a linear career path, because a career is longer – other opportunities come up.”

Equally the job search itself is dependent on the economy. “A couple of years ago there were jobs left, right and centre. Now it’s really competitive. I’m seeing a real uptake in enquiries from people who want a career change but getting no response. How people present themselves in that process is important, on paper, in interviews.” I question how much AI is affecting this. “AI is evolving fast so it’s a case of getting on board, learning some skills and seeing what you do better. Keep up with change.”

Discovering what you might like to do is very much the start point of change – and proactively seeking resources to help is part of that process. In early August Tauranga will host the Canvas Careers Expo, which offers representation from a combination of over 70 tertiary providers, local businesses representing their industry, and large companies coming to actively solicit for staff. Event organiser, Sue Boyne, is passionate about introducing both students and jobseekers to the spectrum of career options that are out there. Relating to every age group, the expo is all about planting the seed, igniting the spark, making connections and exploring new opportunities and ideas.

Sue points out that the difference between a job and a career is something we often don’t make a distinction between, which is one of the reasons she’s so driven to get as many industries represented as she can. She firmly believes in the importance of being informed.

Partnered with Priority One, who recognise the benefit of this event, many of the companies get onboard to support the Priority One initiative, and together they help showcase the types of industries and organisations that we have in the Bay of Plenty. In addition to the businesses, there is representation from universities and tertiary educators who can answer questions not just about courses but also about the system itself. Attracting local students and their parents, as well as opening up possibilities to the kids who need incentivising to stay in education, importantly the event is also aimed at those looking for a change of career. “A lot of people have been forced into a direction they don’t want to go in. They want something different, or even want further education that their current employer can’t offer them.”

Sue has seen an uptake in mid-life change before: “When the economy is unstable people are looking for new options and ideas, and that’s when people question whether they’re in the right industry, if they’re doing the right job for their skillset, or if there’s another direction they should be going in. The whole outcome might be that they’re OK where they are… But for those questioning, ‘am I doing what I thought I’d be doing at 45?’, the exhibitors want to educate you, help you and give you information. If you’re changing direction, there’s nothing but admiration for people, and your age is irrelevant.”

What can attendees expect, I ask. Sue is animated as she lays it out: “They can expect to have questions answered and discover if their idea of potential careers exist. Come with an open mind to explore the possibilities, and to talk to people.”

Onwards and upwards

Vicky had worked as a flight attendant for 17 years, but redundancy post COVID led her to explore other career options. Having really enjoyed shiftwork, and with a supportive partner behind her, Vicky landed on nursing as her next step; as soon as she started training she felt fulfilled. “Straight away I knew this is what I should be doing.” It had been a long time since she’d been a student, and a six-month study and career prep course was mandatory, which, Vicky reflected was worth its weight in gold. Once the course began, Vicky quickly realised, “I was a much better student with maturity – you realise you need to stick at it, and I did my studies with extra motivation to get it done.” Feeling well supported through Toi Ohomai helped. The guidance, she says is fantastic. Excited by her new chapter, she notes, “When you’re in a job for a long time you can go on autopilot – it’s really refreshing to learn new skills.”

Having moved from Auckland to Tauranga, television line producer Angela Burgess initially planned to continue in her field by combining working remotely and commuting back to Auckland. Eight years later she has retrained and is now with KPMG Accounting. “I went to see a Career Psychologist which was really fascinating – she really focused on not so much what jobs you want to do, but what you value in the workplace, what makes you excited to go to work. I realised it was a lot about the people around me, and working in a corporate structure was something that interested me. I knew that I liked numbers… so I started looking at options and came across the Masters of Professional Accounting at the University of Waikato.” Study was full on and the financial burden was hard. Although the costs of studying had been factored in, Angela is honest about the fact that she and her husband hadn’t considered how long it would take to build back up to her previous earning level. The pros of undertaking a change with maturity are multiple. “What really did help when I started at KPMG as a grad was that I was immediately able to pick up the phone and call a client, or hold a meeting or write an email…General business skills have been really helpful, and being able to manage stress and learning how to prioritise – that’s all transferable. Just working feels like you’re learning every day.” The prospect of career progression within the company and a stable future has, for Angela, paid dividends: “KPMG has excellent values in terms of work-life balance and wellbeing, which as a working mum starting from scratch again has made things a whole lot easier.”

Building blocks

If you think concrete is mundane, you’ll need to think again. The Bay’s award-winning builders Gudsell Builders are redefining the artistic possibilities of this overlooked material to create their stunning, acclaimed homes.

words Karl Puschmann | photos Amanda Aitken

Concrete and nature don’t always live in harmony. But Matt Gudsell sees this material completely differently.

He sees the artistic potential and architectural possibility inherent in concrete. As he explains to UNO, his company Gudsell Builders views concrete as a reflective material that’s able to mirror, enhance and blend into the environment it’s used in. Just as long as you have the skills, experience and creativity necessary to do so.

Gudsell Builders has been working with and reimagining the artistic scope of concrete for over four years to award-winning effect. Just last year the company won the Registered Master Builders National House of the Year.

For an example of concrete’s possibilities, Matt highlights the understated elegance of their latest build on Matua’s tree-lined Beach Road. With its stunning waterfront views and sophisticated living, the home is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its attention to detail, natural flow and spacious luxury there’s a calming mindfulness.

“The whole idea of this house was to make it look like a pōhutukawa tree because it's surrounded by them,” Matt says of the desirable property. “This house is all black concrete with a pink and red effect. We’ve aged it to get that ruggedness and create that look of bark on the tree. It’s very complex detail and a real showcase of the work that can be done using this system.”

The effect is striking. But like all things that look effortless, a lot of hard work was required to achieve the desirable result. Not only is it an advanced process, it’s also one that demands experimentation away from the site.

“To get this look we trialled different samples, from the materials used to create the pink and the red effect on the concrete to creating the ruggedness and mixed design of the concrete,” Matt says.

“It took us about five trials to get it right before we poured these walls on this house.”

Then he smiles and adds, “But that's the beauty of concrete. The world is your oyster. Whatever you want concrete to look like, we can do it.”

The results speak for themselves, and the many awards Gudsell Builders have collected over the years. Innovative thinking transforms an otherwise overlooked aspect of a build into a graceful and subtle design feature that reinforces the overall design aesthetic and mood of a home.

Returning to this Beach Road home, Matt’s idea was that it would feel like a batch - albeit a luxurious one - that blends in and complements the surrounding pōhutukawas and its seaside environment. This thoughtful design philosophy extends into the home’s interior which has been lovingly crafted in timber with an artisan’s eye for detail to create an ambience of warmth and refinement.

“In my mind, I couldn't be bothered building if I didn't care about the end finish of it,” Matt says. “It's going to be done right the first time, to the highest level of detail and to the highest standards.”

While concrete is not usually considered a glamorous material, Gudsell Builders is challenging that perception as people begin to get their heads around its architectural potential.

“I've got examples I can show people,” Matt laughs when asked if he’s had to sell people on the idea of using concrete as an artistic element of a build. “Once they see examples of what we can do, that convinces them to go ahead. But you have to show them.”

The other benefit of concrete is its unparalleled longevity and hassle-free maintenance.

“It's not going to rot or fall down. It's going to be there for a hundred years. That's what gives people who are looking to build a nice architectural home peace of mind. They’re not going to have to get up and stain the cedar every two years, it’s not going to twist. It's permanent.”

While the process Matt and his team of 15 use to create these desirable results is a trade secret, he does reveal that after experimenting to get the final look, the actual pour is relatively quick.

“We've invested in our own infrastructure. It makes the speed of construction a lot faster. We can also consult with engineers and offer advice on formwork placement and finishes for other builders' jobs,” he says, adding that builders can hire out Gudsell's specialist equipment.

With concrete, the sky really is the limit. He’s excited not only by the design possibilities but also by the thought of what ideas clients may bring to the table.

“If you think of anything that you want to do, it's only a matter of playing around with it and trialling stuff to be able to create that artistic effect,” he says.

Then he smiles and says, “If a client comes to us with some out-there design that they want on their concrete, it’s not a problem. We can do it.”

gudsellbuilders.co.nz

Comfort in the dark

Author and former palliative care nurse Janet Whiteside reveals
the lessons she’s learned from a lifetime of dealing with death.

WORDS Hayley Barnett | PHOTOS Katie Cox

At 83, Janet Whiteside has experienced far more than her fair share of tragedy and heartbreak – mostly by choice.

The palliative care nurse worked in numerous hospices around New Zealand and Australia for 27 years, supporting and caring for those suffering from terminal illnesses at the end of their lives. In her last few years in the job, Janet worked at Tauranga’s Waipuna Hospice. Having retired full of stories and wisdom and at a loss as to what to do with her spare time, she took her husband’s advice and decided to write a book. Released late last year, she named it Deeper Engagement:

A Conversation Worth Dying For. It includes the stories of her most memorable patients and the lessons she learned from caring for them.

“I felt I needed to do something,” says Janet of her book. “There seems to be increasing fear and uncertainty about getting ill with the possibility of not recovering. People have the feeling that death has to be so difficult and so painful, but although it is difficult, I believe sharing the experience makes it that much easier.”

Janet has fought her own battles with cancer – twice, in fact. In 2003, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent radiation therapy to treat it. The cancer returned in 2008, at which time she had a bilateral mastectomy. Since then, she’s been cancer free.

“Writing the book was actually very cathartic,” she says. “I have to be grateful for what I’ve learned over the years. People would ask me whether being a hospice nurse made my cancer diagnosis any easier to accept. It didn’t, but was it easier to recover from because of my experience with other people? Yes, it was.”

It was from her own learning that she realised knowledge really is power, and other people’s experiences can have a lot to offer those who are facing and fearing the unknown.

“Being in the presence of someone who’s at the end of their life is a gift,” says Janet. “If you can learn to stay rather than run from it, to not be afraid of it, then you have some power there. Supportive care is about putting that cloak around you, and for the people suffering from an illness, it’s so important to let people in and just be open. Over the years, what I gave of myself was rewarded tenfold by the trust instilled in me by those whose lives I had the privilege of entering.”

Janet’s husband passed away four years ago, leaving behind herself and her two sons and their families. “We’re all very open with one another,” she says of her close-knit family. “We can talk about anything and everything, and that helps a lot. The ability to converse with people is so important, and to just shut up and listen at times when they need you”.

Janet’s a firm believer in palliative care both during and beyond the life of the patient. She says death can affect the people around a patient more than the patient themselves, and it’s important for everyone to remember that.

“When someone gets sick, it isn’t just about them, it’s about the whole family unit. That’s the real beauty of palliative care – that it embraces that. Illness and death is ongoing for the family, so palliative care and support isn’t just for the person who’s received the diagnosis, but also for those families, to help them stay connected, because they need each other.”

Even at 83, Janet isn’t afraid of adventure. Right now, she’s in the process of selling her beautiful, big house by the sea so she can move from the Bay of Plenty to the Blue Mountains near Sydney to be closer to her sons and grandchildren. When I mention it’s quite a big change to make late in life, she nods. “It is, but I’ve always said I’m most comfortable on the back of a Harley-Davidson than anywhere else! My sense of adventure hasn’t changed with age.”

I ask if her work has encouraged her zest for life;if being around death makes her that much more aware of her own mortality. 

“I’m not counting on living long,” she says with a smile. “I think considering my experiences, I’ve done very well to get this far. But a lot of time for people there is the fear, not so much of dying, but about how they’ll die and how much they’ll suffer. The word ‘suffering’ is so misunderstood, because you can suffer for a lot of different reasons – mentally and emotionally too. Finding a way around that and living life right to the end is so important.”

Six lessons I learned as a palliative care nurse

1. Things are not always how we wish them to be. The only certainty we have is in this very moment; meaning comes from everyday life and isn’t something we seek at the end of it. 

2. Communication is at the heart of everything. Our voice can be lost when receiving devastating news, but never doubt your inner strength, for within lies the real you. 

3. We worry about time, but it’s what we do with it that matters.

4. Forget the ‘bucket list’ – be spontaneous.

5. The only death in life is death itself. It’s the living that counts.

6. Cancer can destroy your life, but it can’t destroy the uniqueness of you.

Body in balance

Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa is the perfect place to learn the incredible benefits of calming your mind and healing your body.

Words Hayley Barnett

“Find your dimmer switch,” our mindfulness teacher murmurs soothingly.

Meditation expert and aromatherapist Helena Keenan’s constant calm demeanor is a result of 30 years of meditation practice at some of the Pacific’s most luxurious wellness centres. Right now I’m sitting in the newly refurbished Mahoney Wellness Room at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa for their Mindful Moments Retreat in the hopes that some of that calmness will rub off on my frazzled, stressed-to-the-hilt self. But finding my inner dimmer switch isn’t something that comes naturally. In fact, at this point, I’m not even sure I have one.

For the past seven years Helena has been guiding visitors through two-day retreats to reset their intentions and commitment to wellness – both mentally and physically – to come away feeling calm, inspired and recharged. Over two days we will bathe in geothermal mineral waters, practise yoga, walk in nature, undergo spa therapies, learn about nutrition and meditate our troubles away. It’s the kind of thing a tired mother can usually only dream of.

When I drag myself in on the first day after a terrible night’s sleep I’m met with the friendly, energetic yoga teacher, Nadine Prinsloo. She introduces the group to simple movements designed to stretch and relax our bodies after a soak in the world-famous geothermal spa. She gives us a rundown on the history of yoga, why we should do it, and what sort of benefits we'll receive from stretching our bodies at least three times a week. We learn how to breathe with our stomachs and how breathing in through one nostril and out the other will instantly calm your nervous system. Nadine has gone through her fair share of body trauma over the years, which is how she got into yoga in the first place, and educates us on how to listen to your body. “If you listen to the body when it whispers, you won’t have to listen to it when it shouts,” she explains wisely. 

Though the yoga session wasn’t at all strenuous, the group had certainly worked up an appetite. Which was just as well considering the enormous lunch laid out for us. The delicious, healthy and balanced meal set us up for our silent trek through Rotorua’s Redwoods forest. 

After an hour of fresh air we were back in time for our talk on maintaining a healthy gut, led by resident naturopath, Jessica Tumata-Lane. The miracles that can happen just by making subtle changes to your diet are not only proven by science, says Jess, but also in the mental clarity and the body’s energy, which you will notice almost immediately. I almost feel bad for the gelato we’ve just consumed from the spa café beforehand.

The next day we’re led directly to the spa for what I thought would be some relaxing R&R. This time, we’re on the retreat side, which of course includes a cold plunge pool. With Nadine’s words ringing in our ears about listening to your body before it shouts, we instead plunge forth and hold ourselves under for what seems like an eternity but is really just 30 seconds. We then run straight into the now-prickly 40-degree Celcius pool to warm up. Apparently this is good for you. 

It’s just as well that our spa treatment is up next. I’ve chosen the spa’s signature Himalayan Salt Polish and Herbal Oil Massage, a treat for my tight muscles and dry winter skin. Then it’s straight into meditation with Helena, where I nearly fall asleep in the middle of the day. This has never happened to me before. I can barely sleep at night.

Our second delicious lunch brings me back to earth, before venturing out for a walk around the geothermal springs of Lake Rotorua. We’re back in time for some blueberry lemon cake with coconut yoghurt before heading home, our gift bags filled to the brim with lotions and potions to keep our skin looking and feeling its best. I can’t think of a better way to rest and recharge, and I’m already planning my trip back to this geothermal healing centre of wellness. The next retreat goes ahead in July 2024 and I'm very tempted. 

What were my greatest takeaways, Helena asks? It’s not until I’m in the car heading home that I can think of this answer clearly. Always take the time to stop and recuperate, even if you don’t feel you need it. It’s not until you stop that you can really hear your body and mind shouting. That’s when you find your dimmer switch. 

polynesianspa.co.nz/mindful-moments-retreat/

This is the place

Pāpāmoa’s renowned lakeside retirement village is about
to go even further with their impressive offering.

Words Monique Balvert-O’Connor | Photos Jahl Marshall + supplied

On the coastal stretch between Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa, you can feel the excitement building at Pacific Lakes Village, as the forward-thinking lifestyle village continues to expand. Designed to serve as a central hub, The Pavilion, currently under construction, is set to open in spring next year. 

The design of this 2,500m2 community facility has been carefully considered. The teams at architectural practice Peddlethorp and interior designers Space Studio have come together on the project, resulting in a classic, sophisticated building that will stand the test of time.

Spearheaded by David Sweatman of Space Studio, the selected interior focus is on “natural materials, warmth, character and familiarity. The decor will be modern, with hints of mid-century”, David says.

Other design highlights will include the extensive use of timber as interior cladding, together with natural stone; parquet flooring, and the inclusion of extensive skylights to maximise natural light. Pacific Lakes purposely selected a main structural frame of LVL timber rather than steel to align with the village’s sustainability ethos. These components were all fabricated in Auckland and transported to the site for a seamless construction methodology. 

Part of the Generus Living Collection, Pacific Lakes aims to offer a unique, modern and engaging community with facilities more like an upmarket resort. “Our intention has always been to offer our residents choice. That’s one of the great things about the village model, choice is possible, and we position ourselves to provide facilities, service and amenity at the highest level,” says Graham Wilkinson, the director of Generus Living. “Like the Lake House, which opened in 2022, The Pavilion is an integral part of that picture. Our model is firmly rooted in hospitality and The Pavilion will be a true reflection of that concept.” 

With an estimated cost of over $40 million, it will be one of the largest and most comprehensive community facilities in any New Zealand retirement village. It will provide communal areas for a variety of activities and  incorporates a stylish eatery, lounge bar, library, art studio, billiards room, beauty salon and a wellness suite for visiting consultations (for example, to cater for podiatry, acupuncture, physiotherapy, massage and village nurse health checks).  

The Pavilion will also feature an impressive and spacious multi-purpose recreation space that has been designed with flexibility in mind. Operable dividing walls will enable smaller gathering spaces, yet, when used as one large area it will be perfect for large gatherings. A similar desire for flexibility is evident in the design of the restaurant area to cater as a daytime café as well as evening dining. Highlighting the village’s garden to table ethos, a chef’s garden with raised garden beds and a glasshouse will enable the restaurant to embrace a local and seasonal approach to sourcing ingredients.

In short, The Pavilion will be perfectly suited to hosting a wide range of events, private functions and resident activities and will truly enable the village community to come together. 

Adding to its appeal is its location – on the lake’s edge opposite the popular smaller community facility, the Lake House. The two buildings complement each other beautifully. The Lake House includes sweeping decks and a barbecue area overlooking the lake, as well as the village’s Little Green café, a perfect place for socialising. Positioned alongside it is a full-size, green-weave bowling green.

Over the past year, the village has seen further development, the newest addition of pickleball courts (which also acts as a full-sized tennis court) is proving very popular. The on court pickleball action has included “try and learn” sessions that have progressed into games and then competition matches. It’s understood that pickleball courts are a first for
a New Zealand retirement village.

The Village Common, a serene area with bench seating amidst the greenery, has also been a wonderful addition to the village amenities. It features a winter garden glass atrium as well as a community garden with raised planting beds and a greenhouse. 

“It’s there for residents to use at their leisure,” says Mark Vincent Pacific Lakes Village manager. “The idea is that it offers another spot to enjoy a cuppa with a neighbour or friend, host small gatherings or
a meeting, or simply to enjoy a moment of solitude.”

The burgeoning Bay of Plenty population is watching developments at the village with interest. With its park-like grounds, beautiful waterways and eco-friendly lifestyle, it’s proudly the first Generus Living village to take a comprehensive approach to sustainability in design.

All building materials throughout have been carefully considered, and environmentally preferred solutions have been front of mind throughout the village’s development. For example, solar energy is utilised at the Lake House, LED lighting has been selected for both street and internal lighting, there are EV charging stations, and Pacific Lakes has also used
every effort to adopt best practices and demonstrate good stewardship of the water resources from irrigation to stormwater management.

Pacific Lakes is also part of the Tauranga Council Resource Wise Business Programme – a programme supporting local businesses to reduce the amount of waste they send to landfills. The Village has achieved remarkable Green status with over 98 percent of operational waste being diverted from landfills. 

These are only a few examples of an impressive list as the village is steeped in sustainable ways of living with a strong support from the residents. “Resident surveys have illustrated that a sustainable lifestyle is either important or very important to over 94 percent of village residents and over half of the respondents said that the village's approach to sustainability contributed to their decision to purchase at the village,” says Graham.

Pacific Lakes is a growing community. There are currently 190 residences, catering for just under 300 people, and when completed, the village will comprise 250 homes. Villas and terrace houses are selling now. “We are delighted but not surprised by the positive feedback being received as the village continues to grow from both happy residents and
from those hoping to make it home, says Mark. The village is already in high demand, and the addition of The Pavilion will only increase its desirability.” 

pacificlakes.co.nz

Sign me up

For Ryan + Alexander recruitment consultants, compassion and connection are among the keys to attracting the ultimate talent.

words Nicky Adams

photos Jahl Marshall

Just as making a career move can be life-changing, finding the right person to fit the culture of your company requires careful consideration.

A successful outcome is incredibly rewarding for both candidate and client, but also for the recruitment agencies and consultants who’ve worked away behind the scenes.

Bumping into each other with their young children at Tauranga’s Memorial Park proved serendipitous for Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins and Kiri Burney. Each has an international background in recruitment, and they’d previously worked together in Auckland before returning with their families to their roots in the regions – Bernadette is from Rotorua and Kiri is from Te Kauwhata. The pair were at pivotal points in their lives. After reconnecting, it wasn’t a huge leap to come up with the idea of starting their own recruitment agency in the Bay of Plenty. In April 2016, that's just what they did, opening the doors to Ryan + Alexander.

Identifying what they could bring to the table as consultants with a wealth of experience was part of the excitement of the set-up. Having made Tauranga home, they had a true understanding of what was needed for the kind of operation they wanted to run. Deciding whether to specialise was a topic of much discussion. “I was keen to have the temp side but also for Bern to do more executive [recruitment],” says Kiri. “I guess what’s quite unique about us is that we’re full service – temp right through to executive.” Building their identity around the concept of placing the perfect receptionist as easily as the ideal CEO was to become part of their point of difference.

Around this time, Bernadette suffered a huge personal setback when she unexpectedly lost her mum, then, only a month after Ryan + Alexander’s opening, tragedy struck again when her brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The pair believe if they can get through a year like that, they can do anything. Says Bernadette: “Every other challenge we’ve had since pales in comparison. We’re desperately passionate about our business, but a big part of our how and why for employees and clients is understanding that life happens. We have a deeper appreciation for people that has flowed through into everything we do over the past eight years.”

With a combination of personalities that bring the analytical, dynamic and empathetic to the table, Bernadette and Kiri’s shared vision and ultra-flexible approach has attracted a team of which they’re incredibly proud. “We operate on a high-trust model – recruitment is the type of business in which results speak for themselves,” says Bernadette.

They recognise how fortunate they’ve been with regards to Tauranga being a community that’s committed to supporting local businesses. “The relationships we build are so important to our professional model, partnering with businesses so that we’re an extension of their operation,” says Kiri.

In Tauranga, people are expected to have broad experience and under-stand the importance of community connections. Identifying local nuances has been crucial and both women consider confidentiality to be hugely important. Added value is also a vital part of Ryan + Alexander’s ethos. As locals, Bernadette and Kiri are able to speak with genuine authenticity and knowledge about the area.

When talk turns to whether artificial intelligence will impact their industry, Bernadette points out that “one of our biggest value adds is that when you interview a person, you understand them and can describe them – and AI is never going to be able to do that”.

The belief in the importance of family and connection continues to exert its influence in the success the agency is enjoying while establishing itself and thriving in the Bay. Not just the foundation of Ryan + Alexander, this ethos is also the bricks with which it’s continuing to build.

RYANANDALEXANDER.CO.NZ

Mediterranean meditation

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

Words Jo Ferris  |  Photos Hunter Studios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

70 Valley Road, Mount Maunganui

oliverroadbayofplenty.com

Rediscover Rotorua

This family-friendly geothermal wonderland just keeps getting better.

words Stephanie Taylor

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in Rotorua with my family trout fishing and boating from the old Ohau Channel campground, before it was developed into a resort.

Luckily for my brother and I, our parents then went on to buy an old bach in Ngongotahā so we could keep the lake dream alive. Our love of the area only continued to evolve, with both of us taking up white water kayaking at high school and paddling the Kaituna River regularly.

It was all pretty idyllic, so unsurprisingly my partner Jeff and I jumped at the chance to take our own kids to Rotorua on holiday recently. But at two and four years old, we knew the trip would probably look a little different to my childhood adventures. With throwing them off a sea biscuit not yet an option, we took the chance to experience some of the area’s more wholesome, age-appropriate activities. Coupled with beautiful scenery and incredible hospitality, this city smashes tourism out of the water – for overseas visitors and Bay locals alike.

STAY

With 48 hours to spend in the city, Jeff, Donovan, Daphne and I stayed central at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua. Overlooking the steamy, geothermal end of Lake Rotorua, our rooms felt suspended over the incredible natural surroundings Rotorua is famous for. Our toddlers are morning people, which meant we were all lucky enough to watch the sunrise over the lake creating beautiful, changing scenes through the steam. One of nature’s shows that photos just don’t do justice.

The hotel location is right on the edge of the city centre within a brief stroll to some of our excursions. Free onsite parking, comfortable adjoining rooms, and a lush internal native garden to explore on the way to the breakfast buffet were some of our favourite family-friendly features. Special mention to the bottomless drip coffee at breakfast, and the friendly faces serving it!

Skyline Luge

EAT

Jeff and I were equal parts anxious and excited about this portion of the weekend. Managing our son Donny’s multiple food allergies had meant we’d never been confident enough to eat out as a family before. However, contacting restaurants in advance made us feel ready to finally give it a crack.

Pig & Whistle Historic Pub

Local landmark and crowdpleaser the Pig & Whistle was our first stop for dinner. Being a Friday, we really enjoyed being part of the lively pub atmosphere while still having enough room to move around the table and talk over the music. Seated fireside, Jeff and I enjoyed a selection of the not-so-small plates washed down with a couple of tap beers, while the kids happily devoured their first ever restaurant meals of steak, rice and veges. The amazing wait staff kept checking in on us and made it fun for everyone.

Capers Cafe + Store

Under the same ownership, Capers conveniently had the same chef on shift for our next night, meaning the kids’ dinners were pre-planned and again ran smoothly. In between eating they enjoyed watching a movie in the kids’ room, and with our table positioned just outside Jeff and I were able to enjoy our meals with a side of adult conversation. My nourishing Salmon Poke Bowl was cooked to utter perfection, and Capers’ extensive selection of desserts proved so tempting that slices of Biscoff Cheesecake and their famous Chocolate Mudcake may have made it back to the hotel with us.

Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar

Spoilt for choice once more, the incredible array of freshly prepared food at Stratosfare’s buffet lunch was seriously to die for. Jeff lived the dream and managed to eat his bodyweight in seafood, and we were personally visited by head chef Dan to ensure Donny’s needs were met. With stunning panoramic views of Lake Rotorua from our table and full puku, it was hard to leave, but with kids champing at the bit to get lugeing we eventually tore ourselves away.

Okere Falls Store

Even though our epic escape was coming to an end, I was excited for lunch on the way home at a personal favourite – the Okere Falls Store. Daphne and Don made fast friends to explore the beer garden with, while Jeff and I chatted with locals over a yummy Avo Smash and Grilled Cheese Toastie. With its outdoorsy, community feel, we could have very easily settled in for the afternoon, especially with the largest selection of craft beers in Rotorua on offer.

Rotorua Duck Tours

PLAY

Skyline Rotorua

Luge riding has definitely gone up a notch since my last rodeo! With lit up tunnels, branching tracks and towering dinosaurs, three runs on the Skyline Rotorua Luge went by super fast and left us wanting more. These days there are five tracks and two chairlift lines – which also meant lines were never long, even on a busy Saturday. We were surprised that even two-year-old Daphne absolutely loved it, and neither kids were scared at any point including on the gondola rides – another highlight for spotting rabbits, deer and impressive downhill mountain bikers.

Redwoods Nightlights

Daphne was, however, a little dubious at the Redwoods Nightlights, unfortunately. The suspended bridges moving underfoot weren’t her cup of tea, so while the boys took to the heights Daph and I enjoyed the atmosphere from down below. Which was actually really fun in itself, like being at Disneyland at night time. With sounds and voices all around, there was a cool 3D projection to watch while we waited for the boys, who returned with stories of incredible illuminations amongst the stunning redwoods. We’ll definitely be back once Daphne’s a bit older.

aMAZE me

Polynesian Spa

As a long time visitor of the Polynesian Spa, but first timer in the family pool, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. At 33 degrees, the supervised large pool features a small hydroslide, a shallow toddler section and a deep end. There’s a couple of small hot pools too, but the temperature of the main pool was all we needed for a fun family splash. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good hot swim as much as the next person. But getting drained of energy when you’ve got toddlers is not a vibe.

Rotorua Duck Tours

Speaking of relaxation, Rotorua Duck Tours lulled both kids to sleep at different points. The ex-military trucks are pretty bumpy and loud, creating ideal napping conditions. But with tour guide Olly cracking corny jokes and fact dropping at any given opportunity, Jeff and I were thoroughly entertained throughout and enjoyed learning about the area from a tourist’s perspective. And what better way to sightsee in a lake region than from a WW2 amphibious vehicle? It took us around the Rotorua lakefront, and out and on to the Blue Lake as well as Lake Ōkāreka.

Agrodome Farm Show and aMAZEme

We spent our final morning in Rotorua at the legendary Agrodome Farm Show and aMAZEme, both of which are really suited to young families. What kid doesn’t love a farm animal? Especially when there’s multiple bustling about on stage, and plenty of opportunities to touch and interact with them. Both attractions had amazing play areas for kids and we could have spent an entire day between the two. Thanks to Donny and I, some members of the family managed to complete the maze successfully while others didn’t quite have the patience.

Gin-gin!

Hayley Barnett toasts to a deliciously novel local experience.

photos Erin Cave

Who doesn’t enjoy a good gin? Floral, spicy, citrusy, nutty, sweet – there’s one to suit everyone these days, but making your own brings the appreciation to a whole new level.

Matahui Distillery in Aongatete offers gin lovers the experience of creating and bottling their own unique gin – from choosing your own botanicals, through to naming and labelling your creation. Before heading there to experience it for myself, I’d imagined making gin would be a time-consuming process and I’d have absolutely no idea what I was doing when it came to choosing which flavours go with what. I can barely cook. It turns out you can’t really go wrong. Not at Matahui anyway.

Gin enthusiast Shelley Broadbent leads our group of intrigued soon-to-be-mixologists and first educates us on the complexities – and simplicities – of the making process. Each station is set up with beakers and various measuring apparatuses, reminiscent of high school science class, only a lot more fun. Though the teenage trauma still lingers for me, Shelley assures us it’s a straightforward process – and it is.

Taste-testing the botanicals.

Pick your botanicals, mix your alcohol and water, then add everything to your distiller. You do get some guidance, of course. When it comes to choosing botanicals, it’s important to know that juniper berries usually make up around 80 percent of a gin profile, although these days it’s common for gin to include less juniper, to make way for other fanciful flavours. Then it’s wise to use coriander seeds, orris root and angelica root to get a well-rounded flavour profile. Some distillers use crushed and roasted coriander seeds, but we’re using them whole. After that, it’s a free-for-all to do as you please. Citrus is highly recommended but not essential. We play it safe and go for fresh lime peel. Next, we add bold, daring horopito, macadamia and liquorice, feeling as though we’re living on the edge.

During the distillation process, we walk around placing our fingers under other distillers (invited of course), to taste and see if we can recognise where the flavours come in. It’s fascinating to see how each taste combines with the others before it.

Angela takes us on a tour through the gardens.

One of the best things about Matahui is that they grow their own herbs, fruit and vegetables, offering up the very real experience of farm to plate. While our gin is distilling, we take a walk around the garden as Angela Howard, co-owner with husband Paul Horak, gives us a rundown on various flavours and where they come from.

Back in the lab, Shelley gets us started on the bottling process. Although she doesn’t own the place, it’s her we have to thank for our foray into gin distilling. She’s the one who twisted Angela and Paul’s arms to set up the distillery. Angela made a hobby out of turning alcohol into liqueur and Paul enjoyed experimenting with home distilling. They often talked about growing their own botanicals and turning their hobbies into a commercial business, but it took Shelley’s infectious positivity and persuasion to convince them to turn their dreams into reality.

Paul, Angela and Shelley.

A year ago, they invested in a state-of-the-art still to help them produce the highest-quality gin possible, and came up with their own brand, Adventurers Gin. Today, all three welcome groups onto their farm to try their hand at distilling and sample the various liquors on offer. Sharing their passion with locals and visitors is a dream come true for the trio, but they say they’ve only just started their adventure.

MATAHUIDISTILLERY.COM

Beyond the waves

He’s signed to pop star Benee’s record label and counts Elton John as a fan. Now Raglan musician Muroki has released his third EP, the emotion-filled Timezones, and made a major move.

words Karl Puschmann

UNO’s first question to Muroki leaves him stumped. He scratches his dreadlocked hair, which is pulled back behind his studio-grade headphones, and says, “Um…”.

Thinking for a moment, the singer-songwriter sensation from Raglan eventually says, “Good question,” then looks around his room and wonders aloud, “What am I doing here?”

He’s stayed up late for our interview – it’s approaching midnight when he Zooms in. Just nine days ago, he flew out of Auckland, where he’d been living, to set up shop in Berlin.

“I didn’t really have a huge plan. I just kind of came over here,” he says in answer to the question of what he’s doing in Germany. “I wanted to switch it up, in life and with music, and expand my horizons. I was getting over what I was doing in Auckland. I enjoyed my time there but felt I needed to move on and do something else for a bit.” Then he grins and says, “I’ve never lived in another country before, so I’m just giving it a go.”

He’s certainly jumped right into the deep end. He has few contacts in the city and doesn’t speak the langauge. Aside from his German partner, the person he’s spoken to the most so far is an old Turkish fellow who lives in the same building.

“This old dude’s always outside,” he says. “He doesn't speak very good German and doesn't speak a word of English. I don't think he knows that I don’t speak German! We have these weird interactions every single morning. It's pretty funny.”

By chance, we’ve caught Muroki on the cusp of beginning a new life chapter, one in which the future is uncertain. “I’ve been battling with it a little bit,” he admits. “It’s kind of weird not knowing exactly what’s happening next. It’s a strange period. I think it’s really good, but sometimes you’re like, ‘Is this the right decision?’” He pauses for a second, then says, “I think it is.”

The move has been on Muroki’s mind for a while, with his plane tickets purchased nine months ago. The shift also helps decode and add extra depth to Timezones, his newest EP that has just been released and is the reason for our chat.

The seven-track EP pushes him into deeper emotional territory than previously and expands his genre-hopping sound while losing none of its characteristic smooth flavour, synth-funk grooves and feel-good vibes. Fans of his platinum-selling single, Wavy, will find a lot to love here.

Timezones’ seven songs were recorded quickly, with Muroki writing, recording and laying down the tracks in a blisteringly fast 11 days. “It happened swiftly,” he says. “I’m really happy with how it all came out, and in the process of making it, I learned a lot in terms of how I want to go about creating things in the future.”

He says the sudden success of his 2020 debut, Dawn, led to feeling intense pressure while creating his 2022 follow-up, Heading East. He burdened himself with expectations and on reflection says he didn’t particularly enjoy the process. The fast turnaround of Timezones was a successful attempt to rediscover the joy.

“I didn’t let it consume me,” he says. “I’m really happy with how the third one’s come out.”

He’s described the EP as “an emotional awakening”. This, it turns out, was another benefit of working quickly. He didn’t have time to second-guess or edit himself.

“I tapped deeper, man,” he says. “I was trying to be more authentic with how I was feeling and the experiences I was having. It came out by not overthinking. I didn't go into the record thinking, ‘I’m going to open up.” I just let it happen and let it all come out naturally.”

Muroki may be new to Berlin, but the similarities with his hometown of Raglan are already apparent. Size discrepancies aside, it’s the city’s huge support for the arts and music scenes that reminds him of home.

“I love Raglan. It’s cool, man. There’s a nice sense of community – everybody knows everybody and everybody's supportive of each other. Everyone was really supportive of what I was doing from a pretty young age. It’s got an artsy scene there. Some good stuff comes out of it. But it’s the sense of community that makes it. A lot of people there support and come to the shows.

“When I started out, everyone would come down to the gig,” he continues. “I’d have a sold-out gig and I hadn't even released a single yet! There’s a confidence boost.”

Then he smiles and says, “I don’t think I’d be where I am without the people from Raglan.”

Muoki’s new EP Timezones is out now.

Blonde ambition

This cool, charming, casual-but-classy diner in the Mount offers an all-American experience that fits right in.

words Hayley Barnett

They were always going to do it again, one way or another.

Palace Tavern’s sister eatery, Blondie, has opened its doors on Maunganui Road – a 1950s-style diner offering a daytime menu that doesn’t include your average eggs benny.

“We don’t really like cafés,” admits co-owner Brad Dellar. “We like to create something unique and different, but also know we need to stay in our lane.”

Their “lane” is traditional all-American fare – hot dogs, chicken waffles, reuben sandwiches, cherry pie – similar to their southern American-style eatery and bar around the corner at Palace Tavern.

“We’ve stuck to our usual style, which is risky because it’s the Mount,” says Brad. “It’s where fit people hang out. With Palace, we didn’t know if it would work. We didn’t think it was vegan enough for them. But I think people get sick of that sh*t because, well, meat’s great.”

Brad and his business partner, Sam King, had been scoping out a joint for a new bar when the former Gusto Café owner offered up the perfect location.

They had just five weeks to fit the place out. Impressively, they did most of the work themselves, calling in a couple of friends to help out with some of the more challenging tasks.

“We’ve fit out all our own restaurants and cafés, since the beginning,” says Brad. “Everything from custom tables, tiling and painting, to kitchen fit outs.”

Though they had the vision and the practical skills to pull it off, they still needed a name.

“Blondie just had a good ring to it,” says Brad.

The walls are adorned with famous blondes, including the likes of Debbie Harry, Twiggy, Marilyn Monroe and Kate Moss. The mostly black and white photos work perfectly with the diner scene.

While it might seem ambitious to open in the Mount’s most quiet months of the year, Brad’s confident the locals will be on board.

“It’s that inside kind of soul food,” he says. “It’s what you want to eat when you’re nestling in for the winter. We’ll touch wood, but so far, so good.”

Blondie Diner
200 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui

The comeback kid

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

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

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

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

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

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

She says she felt focussed and completely determined.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luuka competing at the Kayak Cross Nationals in Auckland

(photo Rod Hill). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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