UNO Issue 50

Let’s get it on!

Welcome to summer! The sun seems brighter, the water clearer and the smiles wider than ever as we appreciate the freedom we have in New Zealand to enjoy ourselves outdoors and with each other. And what better way to experience the joy of being alive and well than through music? Our cover star, Joel Shadbolt, sings with superstar band L.A.B. They’re all set to play for sell-out crowds in Australia (just as soon as they can get over there to perform) but lucky Kiwis can see them play in New Zealand over summer (see p24). Buy tickets, take your mates and get lively!

Village life is thriving in Tauranga, so this issue we visited the Historic Village and Te Puna Village and found communities and shops championing each other and building vibrant pockets of life. They’re both very worthy of a Saturday potter – make sure you go there hungry.

In October we launched a new speaker series, “THIS is how I did it”. Listening to someone’s real-life story can help you solve problems you couldn’t work out alone, teach you and motivate you. It can move you, make you kinder and help you feel connected to others. Our first speaker was Charmeyne Te Nana-Williams, whose story of poise and strength through times of hardship had the room in tears. We had lunch at Mount restaurant Fire, and the great company and doors thrown open to let in the warm air gave attendees a wonderful experience that will be hard to beat. Look out for our next events at thisishowididit.co.nz

It seems after lockdown we’re all happy to focus on spending time with family and the others we love, so this issue is also packed full of features about homes. I never feel anything other than excitement to share the success stories of people who’ve stepped up to createa future they can be proud of.

Here’s to a long, blissful Bay of Plenty summer.