Challenges for the America’s Cup! The Seagull March 2021 - number 8 - Out the first Monday of every month editorial

ello everyone and welcome to our March 2021 Issue! design and advertising HCan you believe that it is officially the first month of Autumn? The Seagull magazine apreciates the support of all How did Summer fly past so quickly? it’sadvertisers. Don’t despair, there’s still loads to look forward to and we’re still If you would like to advertise with us please have your counting our blessings that we live in this amazing location. artwork or ad through to us by the Split It “Equally” The Mercury Bay Art Escape spans two weekends every March International Women’s Day is March 8th. Exactly one and provides visitors and locals alike the opportunity to explore 10th of the month. year on from the start of a pandemic in New Zealand but human lives aren’t economic transactions. the wider Mercury Bay and the artists who reside here. Grab a that screwed working women. The data from August Some people argue we should stop talking about us a call or send us an email. guidebook and take your time to explor galleries and workshops last year still makes me scrunch my eyes up searching gender discrimination in the workforce because by in our towns and villages and even up our back roads. Email [email protected] or for loopholes to make it anything but true. 11,000 now we have all learnt that it’s “bad” to discriminate Grab a cuppa or a meal at one of the fabulous eateries that will phone 027 383 5124 people lost jobs after the first lock down last year. so it will slowly work itself out. How will it slowly punctuate your journey. Check out our spread in this issue. 10,000 were women. work itself out if the current system is continually We can’t wait for the America’s Cup Finals between Luna Rossa Here are some more straight facts: there is a 9.5% benefiting the advantaged and continually screwing the Prada Pirelli and Emirates Team New Zealand. If you’ve been gender pay gap in New Zealand; female dominated disadvantaged? We will simply see the same pattern around a while, like I have, you’ll remember when Mercury Bay sectors are under-valued and under-paid; women as the last few decades: an increasing inequality challenged for the Cup! Yes, we did, how Digital Artwork All digital greyscale and color art should be at 300 dpi. undertake a disproportionate amount of unpaid gap, because those that the system is working for audacious! work. Yet modern feminism looks like splitting bills, hold the power and aren’t incentivised enough for Ron Morgan has recounted the story for us and the lovely The following digital file types are accepted: Acceptable file formats: All Adobe Products – Acrobat (PDF independence, paying our own way, and acting more radical change to truely make a difference for the Diana Morcom has found us some fabulous photos from Toby’s like men. It begs the question if in a world that still disadvantaged. Much of mainstream white feminism archives, thank you so much Diana. files with fonts embedded), InDesign (INDD or IDML files with accompanying links and fonts included), Illustrator (EPS or AI files), spins at women’s expense and men’s benefit, are is still rooted in patriarchy and protecting men. Who There is no ‘Hometown Hero’ this month, but we offer you the aspects of modern feminism further disadvantaging really benefits by splitting meals? Who benefits from Photoshop (JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD). opportunity to BE one! Local man David Johnston is fighting the women? having an independent partner that can provide for battle of his life against a Acting more like a man gets you further because herself AND still organise the home? Who benefits from cancer which is only treatable with a non-funded drug. David Not accepted formats: Freehand, Corel Draw, Paint, systematically, there is something wrong with being women unable to take promotions due to motherhood? and his young family would appreciate any support you, our Quark myself in this world. Take it further than an economic So as International Woman’s Day approaches next wonderful community and local businesses, can offer. Follow the view of women’s time and holistically calculate the week and you roll your eyes midway through your link in the story written by David’s long-time friends Tony and Vector artwork should be saved in an .EPS format with fonts and impact of the male gaze, everyday sexism, workplace predictably busy everyday routine at yet another Kelly Austin. Arohanui David. images embedded, or all images and fonts must be supplied. harassment, and the fact NZ police get called out every “symbolic" day, know I feel guilty for writing all of this The sea is still warm, we’re still only Covid Level 1 or 2 (at the All screen and printer fonts must be provided. 4 minutes to domestic violence, and you might even and insisting I split the bill on my last date. Logic that time of print), we’re winning at T20 cricket (which makes me We will substitute with similar fonts if originals are not submitted. laugh at “splitting the bill”. Some gender disparities goes against social norms is hard to act on alone under very happy) and we have much to be grateful for. Text can be converted to outlines, but if proofing errors are in the New Zealand workforce can be explained by the weight of socially engrained feelings of guilt and Many thanks to all of you who take time to read The Seagull, to discovered, new art may need to be submitted. sociodemographic and economic factors, however half insecurity. those who take the time to give us feedback and encouragement to two-thirds is simply considered good old On International Women’s Day know that women can’t and to our wonderful discrimination. do it alone. advertisers supporting local stories…we couldn’t do it without Images from the web are not suitable for printing. The Government’s economic solution to COVID-19 you. was to pour billions into the construction sector, a Stay safe and keep scanning those Covid QR codes! sector dominated by men. I love hearing the many A big thank you to David Bayer who stories of women smashing it in the trades as they has been our fabulous designer for our have increasingly been doing, but this isn’t a universal first 8 issues and brought The Seagull solution for the 10,000 woman who lost their jobs after vision to life through its trials and the first lockdown. It’s simply an economic solution, tribulations! It hasn’t been easy but I know our readers have absolutely loved his work. David is moving on to concentrate on his fabulous artwork and design Editor business Deli Connell [email protected]

Reader’s contributions of letters and articles are welcome. Publication of these is at the discretion of the editorial team and may be edited. Contributions will only be considered for publication with the author’s full name, residential address and contact number. Opinions expressed in The Seagull are not necessarily those of the publishers. The Seagull is published by Oystercatcher Enterprises Ltd.

Disclaimer: No responsibility is accepted for loss or damage suffered by anyone relying on the information within. No endorsement of any service or product advertised or featured is implied or assumed.

1 The Seagull involvement of notable politicians and celebrities. the racing in their city. Mercury Bay Challenges Toby expressed his dissatisfaction, in his speech, of the intention of Ex-pat kiwis quickly joined together to provide a support group San Diego to sail a multi-hull boat and asked that the traditions of to cheer on our team and some entrepreneurial folk sold the America’s Cup remain. New Zealand products. One such product was bottled water for the America’s Cup! Many of the international visitors and journalists were later invited with snow-capped mountains and a pristine river on the label to Mercury Bay and were hosted at Toby and Diana’s farm for a which was selling well. Upon quizzing the salesperson as to the special barbeque together with local club members. origins of the water there was a ‘cone of silence’’… no reply By long-time local and boating man Ron ‘Zap’ Morgan. Following this successful function the visitors continued to be forthcoming! When the bombshell announcement was made that the when asked about the difficulty of keeping such a plan secret, impressed with Sir Michael transporting the media representatives An appeal to the race outcome was lodged in November 1988 Mercury Bay Boating Club was to mount a challenge for the commented “The timing was close to the deed of challenge to Mercury Island in four helicopters. with the New York Supreme Court regarding the catamaran America’s Cup, if there had been such a term at the time, one being lodged so a few days was no real problem.” The San Diego club evidently initially ignored the challenge but controversy had contravened the Deed of Gift. would have initially labeled it “fake news.” Others may have The challenge was made to the San Diego Yacht Club in July of a court ruling from the New York Supreme Court indicated the After a delay until March 1989 a decision was made informing expressed doubt and expressed phrases such as the modern- 1987. This news brought world media attention for both the challenge was valid. So, in December of 1987 the San Diego Club the club of the favourable result. It was major news as this was day advertisement (by a certain brewery) as… “Yeah Right”, town and club. informed Mercury Bay of their acceptance but the following the first disqualification ever!.

and “Impossible,“ Can’t happen!” Of special interest for many journalists were the club’s month announced they would definitely defend the challenge in a This was obviously the cause of great celebrations and local club “Someone is handling the truth carelessly”. modest possessions especially the mobile ‘clubrooms’ –a multihull yacht. members and the community rejoiced. As expected, there was Winding the clock back and looking at the challenge many are Mark II Zephyr belonging to Carol Moyes. Further legal battles continued with a decision made that the massive national and international news coverage all bringing still in awe at such a monumental challenge coming from our The club had to do due diligence on legal requirements races should be sailed and after the contest any protests could be attention to the local area again. small town. and copyright and seek a suitable logo to maximize the lodged. A big increase in MB Boating Club associate membership was It is my understanding that Sir Michael Fay and David commercial opportunities available. Denis Connor recognized that multi hulls were not prohibited and evident with the publicity generated which was of great benefit Richwhite required a small, affiliated club from which to Toby came to the rescue with an iconic logo with mainsails sailed the first multihull in an America’s Cup regatta. The big boat to the small organisation. mount a confidential challenge. Utilizing one of the big clubs and a spinnaker with MB and the star of the planet Mercury challenge saw Mercury Bay represented with a 90 foot monohull, Sadly the appeal by San Diego was eventually successful - from other major centres would have been problematic with featured. somewhat reminiscent of earlier challenges and defenses. informing them that they could keep the cup. confidentiality being a paramount concern. As details of the challenge emerged there was huge local The racing was a one-sided affair with the wing powered multihull The town was later treated by a visit from KZ-1 and KZ-7 “They needed a club that would remain strictly confidential,” and international interest. Many of the club members were being too slick during the races of September 1988. after being towed from the Gisborne anniversary celebration. says Al Gould, past Commodore of the Mercury Bay Boating privileged to view the challenging boat prior to launching, I was at the challenge and although obviously disappointed with Because of the 28-foot draught the yacht could not come Club. having been sworn to secrecy. the outcome was super proud of witnessing our challenge and close into the Bay. Many club members took the opportunity Sir Michael, as co-owner of Mercury Island, had had previous Toby’s wife Diana Morcom was given the special honour of the effort of our sailors together with their sportsmanship. I was to experience the thrill of sailing the big boat and had a most dealings with, and assistance from, Toby Morcom so the private christening the yacht and evidently required several attempts amazed at the size of our yacht, 120 feet overall, and with a crew memorable trip on board. liaison was initiated and the “plan” was outlined. This was for the giant bottle of Moet to crack. of 40. The yacht is now outside the Maritime Museum in Auckland. For the next challenge (Nov 1991) the commodore of the club shared in confidence with a select few. The actual launching was a grand affair with full international It was interesting to note that many I spoke to in prominent at the time, Al Gould, signed the registration for the challenge Bob Scott, Mercury Bay Boating Club Commodore at the time, media coverage, large crowds, bands, a pōwhiri and full hospitality venues whilst in San Diego were blissfully unaware of on the back of his quad bike on his farm. This was also featured continued on page 4

2 3 The Seagull in many media posts. Toby duly obliged.” Al Gould NZL 20 sailed successfully into the finals of the Louis Vuitton “We sold apparel. “ Cup but was unfortunately beaten by the Italian crew. (Hopefully The club became the focus of international attention among the current contest against the Italians will reverse this result!). yachting circles.” Other challenges in more recent times have been well There have been so many changes to the Cup rules, documented and more familiar but did not involve the local club. format and yachts used in the challenges and defenses. However, the Mercury Bay Boating Club continues to flourish at “Courses are today more viewer-friendly with great television all levels with a strong programme for junior members and many coverage. Some earlier races had 20 nautical miles per leg with an a sailboat out on the Bay is a fine sight mid-week with our local out and back course.” fleet enjoying twilight sailing. “More expensive” A conversation with past Commodores of the MB “Greater media coverage” “Massive increase in the use of technology with new components being utilized for sails, hull and electronic aids.”

Boating Club - Bob Scott and Al Gould. “Yachts are much faster.’ “Less crew on the racing yachts” What was your reaction to the news that Mercury Bay “A totally new board game with massive investment and had lodged a challenge for the America’s Cup? sponsorship” “One of complete bewilderment and astonishment- Fantastic.” Bob Scott. Mercury Bay was the first NZ club to challenge for the Al Gould America’s Cup “Just an incredible opportunity and as it unfolded it was The club was established in 1948. unbelievable.” Mercury Bay Boating Club has its name on the trophy. How did the club benefit from the challenge? Bob Scott At the time the Boating Club had a mobile clubhouse –a “Growth in associate membership” Mark II Zephyr owned by Carol Moyes. “It certainly placed Mercury Bay to the forefront in sailing circles around the world.” “It required us to make a logo for tee shirts and publicity- luckily

4 5 The Seagull culture An interview A Maori Phrase a Month Would you like to introduce a little Te Reo Maori into your day to day conversation but feel too nervous? with Momoko Burgess Don’t be! Each month we’ll introduce a commonly used phrase to help kick start your Te Reo journey. FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS of Legasea We are humbled and delighted to – I love you very much (aroha is have the support of Hemi Kelly who Ka nui taku aroha ki a koe is generously providing the phrases love) for us from his most recent book. If Tell us a little bit about your background me talking about how ‘Asian fishermen come and take everything’. you’re impatient and can’t wait for a I grew up in West Auckland, mostly by the sea. I wanted to be a As an Asian person hearing this, sometimes these comments new phrase next month then purchase hurt. Yes, this stereotype has some truth behind it, but blaming I rutua ahau e te mataku – I was overcome with fear. Rockstar, and then one day I read a book full of beautiful fish and Hemi’s book and enjoy a new phrase decided I wanted to do something with the sea instead. I come the entire Asian community is unfair – Often people from Asian every day! from a family of avid explorers and environmental activists, and countries utilise the whole fish, which I see as a positive. Mataku means fear but you can swap it for another noun like from a young age I was always curious about why people were What advice do you have for other young people so intent on destroying nature. I ended up studying Marine and whakamā (embarrassment), riri (anger) or hiamoe (sleepiness). Environmental science at uni, and now here we are. when looking for a career...thinking out of the How did you hear about Legasea...what made square? Don’t give into social constructs, what others might be doing or Kei te tino harikoa ahau – I’m elated. you want to be involved? perceive to be the important thing to do might not be for you and Swap harikoa (elated) for another state such as pōuri (sad), hiakai I heard about LegaSea through some marine scientist friends. that’s sweet as. It’s important to do whatever holds value to you. We thought it was cool people want to advocate for fish. I love Sometimes you may be the only person supporting yourself, so it’s (hungry) or ora (well). fish, and I love activism. And like most people who appreciate the important to stay strong and remember you’re always entitled to beauty of a fish, we all have the same ambiguity – We love eating pursue your dreams. Maybe your friend wants to earn big bucks eat them too. It’s nice to work in a team that’s passionate about and buy a house, and maybe you just want to go for a surf. For me, Kua hōhā au I tenei – I’m over this. protecting the marine environment and loves seafood. People my value is educating people about the ocean. often disassociate the two, but they’re one in the same – People

are part of the environment too, and both work together in sustaining each other. “This summer the people of Coromandel and the Bay of What kind of work do you do? Plenty have taken bold steps to address concerns about the depleted state of local scallop beds. The community All kinds of things! We have a cohesive yet dynamic team, we collaborate a lot to get things done. At the moment, I am working and visitors have largely complied with a voluntary ban on the Coromandel Scallop Restoration and Sustainability on taking scallops from Opito Bay, exceeding expectations Project which is going really well. In Opito Bay, people have over the busy holiday period. been respectful of the voluntary ban on scallop harvesting, and LegaSea is pleased to be celebrating the effort of so many we’re advocating on behalf of local Coromandel communities to people. Their combined efforts to measure and enhance de- ban scallop dredging altogether. It’s destructive for the marine pleted scallop numbers while respecting the rāhui by Ngāti environment and needs to go. Hei is heartening.” What makes you excited enough to get Trish Rea LegaSea Communications Lead out of bed in the morning to go to work? Every aspect of my job honestly! Knowing we are making change that will mean more fish, more jobs, a healthier ocean, and stronger communities is exciting. Also working with such an amazing group of people – They’re strong and kind-hearted with so much knowledge and patience. They tackle each issue with determination and with a smile on their faces and that is super inspiring. What kind of difference do you hope you're making? Definitely a positive one. I hope to bring communities together in raising awareness of issue in our ocean, whether that involves exposing consecutive government failure in managing our fisheries and protecting our seas or providing support and solutions to better manage and respect marine environments. The Coromandel Scallop Restoration and Sustainability Project has brought many kinds of communities together, and that is inspiring to watch unfold. Alongside raising awareness, shifting attitudes around fishing is important to me. People often come to

6 7 The Seagull

WORD SEARCH

Yes Chef! Eggscentric Café & Restaurant Flaxmill Bay

Like an oasis in a desert, Eggscentric Café and curated by Kenzie Sampson of ‘Think’ and regular music gigs from small Restaurant, nestling into the hillside opposite Flaxmill Bay, offers an and intimate solo performances to sold-out events like “Eggfest’. unexpected foodie haven to the foot-weary wandering the walkways to “Dad started the music and performance and we’re now expanding on Shakespeare Cliff and beyond. Those already in the know make a beeline that and starting to get in bigger shows, up and coming bands, Indie music for its shady garden and welcoming interior. but never DJs,” says Sam. “We’ve even had Lawrence Arabia playing on Sculptor and painter Dave Fowell started the Eggscentric journey back in grandma’s old piano.” 1998 but for the last six years his son Sam and partner Alesha Innes have That kind of sums it up really doesn’t it? That feeling of pure relaxation nurtured and developed the business, giving it a new lease on life and and enjoyment, homely without having to wear a knitted cardy and great attracting a new generation of food, art and music lovers. food, art, music and company. You may never want to leave! Pop over for “Dad was ready to move on to new things so Alesha and I stepped in. We breakfast, lunch or dinner soon. had no business experience but we’re hard grafters and thought “Why not?” In a real baptism of fire they’ve learned a lot on the job. Alesha and A big shout out to Dave Fowell for having the original eccentric vision. Sam actually went to school together at so their personal Check out his new venture designing T-shirts at www.dtees.co.nz rapport translated easily into the business. Get a Wheelie bin for home this year The couple have always disliked the cold, city-vibe some cafes have. “Take a wander around our sculpture garden and admire the art on our “We want our customers to come here to feel the love, listen to the walls. Devour our scrumptious food whilst listening to epic live music. music and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere,” says Sam. “We’ve worked hard to Get everything you need from Eggsentric Eggstra’s deli shop, all ten 3 SIZE Contact us today! create a feeling like you’re at home, it’s hard to define but having bright minutes’ walk from the ferry & across the road from the OPTIONS walls, great staff who care about their work and honest Kiwi-European wonderful Flaxmill Bay. food all adds to the experience.” We are a playground for young & old – so feast your eyes on one of PHONE 0800 4 MY BIN (0800 469 246) And good coffee of course. Coromandel’s iconic must dos!” EMAIL [email protected] The menu reflects the couple’s love of seasonal and local-whenever- possible ingredients which include venison, smoked kahawai and scallops, ONLINE www.smartbins.co.nz (Sam is an ex-fisherman so he knows his seafood) beautiful salads and cakes, no ‘bar-food’ and definitely no pizza. Theirs is simple food done well with everything hand-made on site. Alesha is responsible for the beautiful flowers that often appear on plates and Sam is responsive to what appears in the garden in creating items for the menu. So, what of the name? If you’re new to these parts you may not know the providence, that the Fowells actually had a free-range chicken farm in Lees Road near . “It was genuinely free-range too,” says Sam who continues to use only genuine, free-range eggs in his food. There is much to enjoy other than what’s on your fork with artwork WE ARE LOCAL – proudly 100% Kiwi owned & operated

8 9 The Seagull places White Street

STREETS Abraham Bennett White married a high-caste woman of the Ngāti Awa of Whitianga tribe and established a business in Whakatāne. One night in early 1865, when the Hau Hau rebellion flared up, the cutter Kate lay at anchor off Whakatane bar, awaiting the flood tide. Mr Mr Albert White Snr, White had chartered the cutter to run supplies to Auckland and he and champion sculler, 1902 The youngest White brother Photo courtesy MB Museum his 14-year-old son George went aboard, joining the captain and crew below deck. A group of young men of a tribe yearning to qualify for Hau Hau honours also boarded. Passenger Lieutenant Falloon of Auckland and four Europeans were shot to death while White and his son looked on. Because four of the raiding party were Ngāti Awa, Mr White and his son were spared but held prisoner on shore, later escaping. In 1867, White was murdered by the Hau Hau in retaliation for giving evidence in the Lieutenant Falloon murder case. Following White’s death, his eight children settled in Whitianga at Trelease Point with their uncle, who was the first white settler to build on the west side of So if you are not a member yet please contact us, to sign up and the river there, around 1860. enjoy the Library facility provided for both you and your family as The five White brothers, Billy, James, George, Robert and Albert, KUAOTUNU part of the greater Kuaotunu community. formed a partnership building cutters, schooners, light-racing skiffs, Your team of volunteers and making boat repairs. They produced some dozen vessels, the largest Maxime 866 4341 commissioned by the Mercury Bay Timber Company. Denise 866 0450 LIBRARY Marguerite 866 2626 The oldest brother, Billy, owned the block of land that White Street fyi and input to: Deli Connell passes through today. A great sportsman, Billy died when a driving dam A new location and extended service since burst in the area in 1903. Only 55 years old, he left behind December 2017 wife Ettie and 11 children. The boat Ettie White was named after Billy’s wife. When you come from Whitianga going north towards Kuaotunu West, you will find our Library on the Kuaotunu Domain just in front of the tennis court. Massage Therapy, Personal Therapeutic Oil This Library service, now nicely revamped and cared for by the community, was, for many years, in the back room of the Kuaotunu Blends Mrs Cassie Watts and Sarah Watts. Photo courtesy MB Museum Hall and offered limited access to the public. and Aromatherapy Products. Catherine Crescent In 2017 it was decided that a committee should be formed to investigate the possibility of a 24/7 access library similar to the service Named for Catherine Watts (known as Cassie), a tall Scottish woman from offered at Ferry Landing. Nova Scotia. She was very patriotic and a tireless worker who spent many Bookings available at hours travelling door-to-door on horseback collecting money for local Now, with everything finally coming together, the volunteers can Earthstore, Albert Street, causes, receiving the George Medal for her fundraising on behalf of the proudly report that, after two years of operation, more then 160 Mercury Bay Hospital. families have signed up and make good use of their new library. Whitianga. It is perceived by everyone as a rejuvenating, comfortable and good Ms Watts was Mr Trelease’s housekeeper and would, after making butter spirited space. on his farmlet, drive the horse and trap to the village twice weekly to sell the produce. Mr Trelease left her all his property when he died on Both children and adults alike enjoy the ambience and comfort of condition that it be kept as a farm. this library, built on trust and respect for fellow book lovers of all ages. ESSENTIAL Excerpt from “A Brief Guide to the For a $10 yearly fee, members receive a code to open the door. This THERAPY History of Whitianga” enables access at their leisure to choose books, just writing up details 90 pages of Historic photos and of what and when you borrow and off you go with the books of AOTEAROA personal Whitianga interest selected from the wide range on offer. stories. Tania Lajunen Available at Mosaic, We are confident that almost everyone will find a book to enjoy and Dip. Aromatherapy 53 Albert St "go on holiday with". [email protected] ph: 022 039 1216

10 11 The Seagull Tiff and Lee have been together 14 years, opening Evolution Sitting across from me, Nathan shows me his first ever Studios as a team iin January of 2016, originally located tattoo down his left arm. Not only was the first tattoo on in Coromandel Town. Tiff is the friendly face that greets himself, but also the first tattoo he ever did. Nathan has been you at the desk as you walk in, and is in charge of all the tattooing for nearly 11 years and been with Evolution from administration and a lot of behind the scenes work. “You can’t it’s early days back in Coromandel. Just like Lee and Paul, have a successful business without a good admin person!” Tiff Nathan says he can’t imagine ever doing anything else, a good says with a laugh and a cheeky grin towards Lee. thing given how much effort an artist puts in. “It’s a lot more time consuming than people think,” says Nathan. “Probably fifty percent of your time off is spent still working, designing If you were to walk past Lee in the street, “tattoo artist” may and planning ahead for the week.” not be the first assumption that comes to mind, as other than his arms there are no visible tattoos when donned in a t-shirt, shorts, and his favourite jandals. However, a creative through Each artist on the team has their own specialty, so when a and through, Lee has been tattooing for 15 years, and working client comes in with an idea it’s all about finding the right fit. from a studio for 11. “I’ve always been creative, constantly “We won’t just tattoo anything on anybody, and I have had to drawing and doodling. At previous jobs I used to get in turn people down on the odd occasion,” explains Lee. “It’s all trouble for it,” says Lee. “So as soon as I found tattooing, that about coaching each person through what they really want, was it for me; I knew that was what I was meant to do.” and making sure they leave here absolutely stoked about it. When people come back time and time again it shows us we’re doing something right.” Lee Jones

Walking off Albert Street into Evolution Studios is a comfortable feeling, not only because I am a regular client, but becuase of the atmosphere. The studio is immaculate and beautiful, with an eye-catching snow leopard covering half of the back wall, created by the owner himself. Warm, friendly greetings are given all around as I sit down to chat with the team, comprised of owners By JordanGower Lee Jones & Tif fany Reed with artists

Paul Collier & Nathan McMahon.

Evolution Studios came to be after Lee spent a year and a half Evolution Studios is a piece of art in itself, and what Lee, Tiff in Brisbane refining his skills as an artist. “The Coromandel and the team have created is an ode to the ever changing art was always a great holiday destination, and I love the area. of tattooing. It’s clear how much they each take pride in what There was no studio on the whole peninsula, so I wanted they do: creating art that people can share in and enjoy. to bring one here,” Lee explains. Deciding on a name for the studio was a tricky process, but when Lee thought of ‘Evolution’ he knew it was perfect. “Tattooing is constantly evolving,” says Lee, “there used to be a lot of negativity around it, but now it’s really just about expressing yourself.”

The studio moved from Coromandel Town to Whitianga in April of 2019, which was when Paul joined the studio. “I tried out other jobs and to find a ‘proper career’ that was socially acceptable, but something was always missing,” Paul chimes in from my left. A sentiment that all three artists seem to share. While Paul has only been at Evolution for a couple of years, this year will be his tenth in the profession. Born and raised in the area, Paul says he used to sell his drawings to other local artists. “That kind of got the ball rolling for me, even though I was only making about $5 a sale,” he laughs.

. Paul Collier Nathan McMahon feature artist photos by Karen Mcleod

12 13 The Seagull Healthy Eating How hard is it really?

If you think it’s too hard to make healthy whole food meals, to cook in season, and to make it something that the whole family will eat, then think again. These days, with Covid19 and other bugs going around, healthy eating is a lifestyle change that the whole family will benefit from. At Earth Store, we have a passion for learning, and One of the easiest ways of starting that journey, is for teaching others how to modify their food lifestyle by eating organically grown, seasonal produce. It’s to become more aware of what they are putting into healthier (they contain higher minerals and vitamins their bodies. It’s amazing how small changes can really – as these degrade with age and storage), it supports make an impact on your health and well being. We local growers and reduces transport costs, reduces are often heard telling people not to think of healthy the need for chemicals, refrigeration etc. And if eating as a “change of diet”, as a diet suggests a start you are still not sold on seasonal produce, then and a finish. Think of it as a lifestyle change without an remember that in season produce tends to be more end, it becomes who you are. Sure it’s fine to have a abundant so it’s better for the budget. glass of wine or a piece of chocolate cake – that’s ok in Healthier, friendlier on the environment and easier moderation, don’t let little treats deter you from your on the wallet – why not start the journey of healthy ultimate goal – making you and your family healthier. eating right now?

E-Bikes and regular bikes Full mechanical workshop New stock arriving weekly Great accessories Experienced and knowledgeable team Escape to The Lost Spring

WHITIANGA’S GEO-THERMAL OASIS

Geo-thermal Pools Day Spa Cocktails, Poolside Dining, Restaurant

121A Cook Drive, Whitianga 3510, Supervised children The , New Zealand 14 years & over welcome

www.thelostspring.co.nz +64 (07) 866 0456

14 15 The Seagull

Tour de France Just four hours away we have the world-class facility mountain bike facility at Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua. If you ride a There is an undeniable romance to the challenge and sense bike and you have never been it’s a must do. of adventure of long-distance cycle rides, none less than the The great thing about bike parks is the variety and grade mother of all the Tour de France. of trails. Lots of choice to suit your experience level from Established by Henri Desgrange to boost the sales of his paper beginner to adrenaline fuelled cycling warrior and no cars to L’Auto, the inaugural Tour event was held on July 1st 1903. In bother you. those days there was a different feel to the modern event. The roads were terrible, the stages longer (up to 450 km) and there were no mountains as it was believed that man was incapable of riding them as well as the 1500 miles of the Tour. Safety The Ballon d'Alsace in the Vosges Mountains of France was the Bikes are getting lighter, more comfortable and easy-to-use and first official mountain climb in the Tour de France on 11 July making what used to be difficult areas to ride more accessible to 1905. After seeing the ascent, Desgrange declared that it: more people. E-bikes the most obvious example. Like any form “was one of the most thrilling sights I have ever witnessed, and of transport there are risks and it is really important to take confirms my opinion that man's courage knows no limits and a responsibility for your own safety. A few tips: highly trained athlete can aspire to remarkable performances” Make sure your bike is working properly. Having it regularly In a nod to romanticism and an attempt to connect with my serviced or hire from a reputable dealer. cycling heroes, I rode up the Ballon d’Alsace on a cold and Make sure you, or someone who is riding with you, is able to fix wet winters day whilst recovering from flu. It certainly wasn’t a puncture. E-bikes are great but are very hard to push up a hill my best day and I felt neither courageous, highly trained or if you have a flat tire. remarkable at the end of it. Have the right gear. Helmets are mandatory, glasses and As if the mountains were not hard enough, another major gloves are really useful too. Use lights from dusk to dawn difference in the early days of the Le Tour was that riders were and a rear light all day on the road. A lightweight wind and responsible for their own repairs and outside assistance was waterproof jacket is always an essential for me. prohibited for fear of disqualification. Always be aware of what’s around you. If you cannot see In 2013 on the mountain stages of the Pyrenees Eugène around the corner just assume there is something there. If you Christophe, the current leader, had a mechanical failure are off-road that could be a family you are just about to collide when his front forks broke. He walked 10 km to the nearest with. If you want an adrenaline fuelled ride then pick a track blacksmith where he was shown how to use the forge so he marshal the event. Each of those communities takes where you can do that. On Ya Bike… could fix the bike himself. Unfortunately he was given a time a turn in hosting. This year its , next year will Make sure you take supplies. Running out of energy on a bike penalty because he allowed a seven-year-old boy to pump the be Whitianga then Coromandel Town and Thames in through lack of water or food is absolutely draining. Known as bellows for him. He finished the race but unfortunately not as subsequent years.” ‘hitting the wall’, or ‘bonking’ for some strange reason, it is a and other adventures leader. K2 “We give back to our communities through the Spirit grim experience and one to be avoided. By Ian Preece If you don’t like the idea of riding with busy, or indeed any, of Coromandel of Trust. We have already funded the It happened to me on a long ride in Wales many years ago. traffic there are other options. bike park in Coromandel Town and our next goal is an I foolishly took very little food or water and no money. I As you travel around the Coromandel I am sure you A wonderful initiative in New Zealand has been the Outdoor Pursuit Centre.” ‘bonked’ about 20 miles from home, slowed to a crawl and even will have noticed the signs heralding the arrival of the establishment in 2009 of our 22 Great Rides known in Māori Not for the faint hearted, as the K2 website quotes “at got off for a sleep in the grass to recover. By the time I got to Mito Q K2 Road cycle classic on 13 March. Normally as Ngā Haerenga (‘The Journeys’). Predominantly off road 2,300 metres of screaming descent, the Mito Q K2 is the bottom of the final climb I was dizzy and shaking and the held in November, it was postponed due to the impact they range from 21 km to over 300 km and can be done as a possibly the toughest one day cycle challenge in the hill had taken on Himalayan proportions. It wasn’t happening. of the lockdown. Thanks to the efforts of Keith and multi-day adventure exploring some of New Zealand’s most Southern Hemisphere.” My only option was the rental property of a friend of mine who Rita Stephenson and Andy Reid the Mito Q K2 has amazing backcountry landscapes. Known as being one of the hardest events on the was out of the country. I knocked on the door and the tenant become a significant date on the National cycling We’re very fortunate to have one of the most accessible trails cycling calendar, the main race is a punishing 192 km answered and I blurted out “You don’t know me but I have to calendar in New Zealand. on our own doorstep, the . circumnavigation of the Coromandel Peninsula. There cycle up a big hill and I’m not feeling very well and wondered if My own personal favourite stretches are the Karangahake are ‘easier’ routes of 106km and 53km with e-bike I could come in for a cup of tea and something to eat”. At least I It was the sealing of the road 19 years ago between Gorge and the coastline of the past the Miranda options for people who don’t want to take on the had a bike. Luckily his charitable side took over and after I had Coromandel Town and Kuaotunu that paved Bird Centre up to Kaiaua. We were on the trail at Miranda just whole circuit. eaten all his digestive biscuits I scaled the cycling equivalent of the the way for the establishment of the K2 event. over week ago and saw a colony of over 2000 Godwits. As a cyclist I know that there are few places to go here Eiger and collapsed on my sofa. Apart from the focus on health and fitness, the Another cycling trend that has taken off in New Zealand is the where you cannot find a hill and with only one road motivation to set up the event was to share development of mountain bike parks and trails. There are a they are impossible to avoid. They are typically steep the beauty of our home in the Coromandel number of these in the including Hamilton, Raglan, The point is think ahead and be prepared! and often not that short or easy to climb. Despite and to engage and give back to the Morrinsville, Tokoroa, Pirongia, Te Aroha and on our own turf that, I never tire of cycling here as the sight of our community. As Rita says: in Whitianga. “What makes the K2 unique is the mountains, forests and beaches are always rewarding. way it brings together the four communities around the peninsula to organise and

16 17 The Seagull people Côte BleuHome is owned by Danielle Robinson and her fiancé Jean-christophe Soriano. Jean grew up in Toulouse, France but has lived in NZ for the past 11 years and has a background in sales, importing and purchasing. Danielle is NZ born and with a background in hairdressing and cosmetics and, most recently, interiors. Her role was in sales, purchasing and marketing as well as being an interiors consultant. Danielle and Jean-christophe have a blended family and have lived in separate towns since meeting eight years ago. ‘ “Once our children were all off to high-school we decided it was a good time to finally set up home and shop together, says Danielle. ”We found this old, original 40s bungalow which formerly housed an organic food store. It still had the original kitchen and bathroom inside and was very run-down and need- ed extensive renovations in order to get it up to scratch.” The couple completely gutted it, opened it up, removed win- dows, added windows, replaced all the rotten French-doors, added panelled walls, added a front deck, painted throughout Ramblings of a near 70 year old, and sanded the original kauri floors. by Ross Liggins “This was quite a mission as you can imagine, as we were in the middle of renovating when COVID-19 struck. The majority of When Seagull editor Deli Connell asked me to write an article, altering substances during my youth or the regular glass or 3 our stock was on the sea and due to arrive any day when the I pretty soon forgot that she’d asked me and when I belatedly of red wine I indulge in now, I’d probably feel guiltily obliged national lockdown occurred. Our builder and tradies all had to remembered, I couldn’t quite recall what it was to be about. So to do something about it and that would take effort which is stop work. So our due date to open (April1 Happy April Fool's in keeping with the spirit of that hazy start I decided to write becoming less and less one of my strong points. Day to us!!) was pushed out another five months. We finally about memory or as in my case a lack thereof, which is a bit of I do seem to be able to remember things of the very recent opened our doors at the end of August last year. And Jean a concern for those of us, who are, in what some people call, past. Like yesterday when I rode my old bike down to the beach wanted a French name for our store - something that wasn't our twilight years. So here we go…. to have a swim and after impressing nobody with my body- hard to get your tongue around and we decided on Côte Bleu I don’t often remember my dreams but last week I awoke with surfing I wandered back up the beach. “Excuse me, but have as it means Blue Coast and we can see the sea from our front a very lucid memory of sitting in an Auckland bar and suddenly you found any glasses here? My wife lost her $1500 bi-focals deck. having Australian rugby captain Michael Hooper appear beside here yesterday,” came the voice of an elderly gentleman “No me. We started chatting and my offer to buy him a drink was sorry, I haven’t seen them,” I replied. “Where do you live? If I Store Design and Brief met with a predictable “Cheers mate, I’ll have a Fosters.” So I find them I’ll get them to you.” “We’re staying in Whangamata. Coastal, rustic and bohemian inspired, our aesthetic is natural reached in my pocket for my wallet, only to discover it wasn’t After we got back there yesterday we prayed about the glasses and organic. there and realised I must have left it in my car. “Won’t be a and the lord told us to return to Wharekaho to look for them “Our store has a very relaxed, ethnic, eclectic feel to it as we minute mate, I’ll just go grab my wallet” I got outside and blow again.” Well, I helped them for a while with no success and then like to source items from all over the world. We prefer to use me down I couldn’t remember where I’d parked my car and to we all left the beach. While riding home I noticed a young lady reclaimed timber in the majority of our furniture and get very make matters worse I then woke up and left Michael sitting in struggling to change a car tyre. I stopped and being a chivalrous excited if we find something vintage or unique which has a that bar waiting for his Aussie beer. If you ever read this Michael, type, offered to help. She gratefully accepted and I duly changed history, as we feel that these special pieces are not only inter- “Sorry about that, hope you’re not still waiting” the tyre for her and had a pleasant chat about her bridesmaid’s esting but give a home 'soul.' I like to use a lot of colour in the That dream reminded me of a phone conversation I had with role at her mother’s wedding this weekend. On arriving home, store with an emphasis on splashes of serene blues and greens my mate Pete. I’d called him to ask for his brother Keith’s I must say I had a good think about this chain of events. I know as I feel it provides visual interest as well as lifting the mood!” number. Pete replied “Sure mate, his number is in my phone, I’ll the lord is said to work in mysterious ways but I thought that text it to you. Now where the hell did I put my phone? I had it if I was god, which is almost definitely not going to happen What we have to offer this morning. I’ll text you when I find it mate.” “OK” I replied given my innate desire for decadence, I would create a far less “We collect nautical, vintage pieces such as old glass buoys, and hung up wishing I could see his face when he finally realised. complicated way of helping the lady change her tyre. I mean to original ship's wheels, bells, life rings etc.. as well as new and A bit like the ever-increasing experience of going into the make someone lose their keys and make 2 trips to Whangamata vintage furniture from Indonesia and India, crockery and bathroom and on arrival wondering what it was I wanted to do and then have me go to the beach at exactly the time of their pottery from Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam and Morocco, there, which could prove messy in the coming years, unless of second coming to Wharekaho seems a bit long-winded, not to glassware, cutlery, linen and home fragrances from France, course I am wearing the inevitable adult diapers. mention the environmental degradation caused by all the car Australia and Portugal as well as many varied items made When I was a kid I could read a page of a book and remember emissions. I would’ve thought god was more of a greenie, having here in NZ. We support local artists and have their work on it almost word for word. Nowadays, I can’t count the number of allegedly created a pretty clean planet. But then again, if I was our walls. We also have an outdoor range consisting of bird times I hear “I told you that yesterday. Weren’t you listening?” or god I’d probably forget why the glasses got lost anyway. baths, furniture and pots.” I get half way through the page of a book and can’t remember My God, I hope I remember to send this before the deadline. a word of what I’ve just read. I put it down to the scourge Danielle and Jean-christophe of old age because if I blamed the over-indulgence of mind- Cote Bleu Home 1 Monk St - Whitianga 078662088 18 19 The Seagull people Chattered Ceilings Beach Life Edition By Jordan Gower

I never thought I would start my own business, and especially not by society we have come a very long way since the days where it was the age of 22. I grew up in a very small town (emphasis on the very) frowned upon for women to have even a part-time job let alone surrounded by rolling farmland. At the time I thought small-town-life start an entire business from the ground up. wasn’t for me, so after high school I moved to Auckland to study communications, imagining a life of city apartments, a high-paying Tracey Bowen, owner of Miss Piper’s Goods in , and PR job and fancy dinners. Towards the end of my degree I began co-creator of The Common Room and Gathered Co in Whitianga, to feel claustrophobic in the city, and the day I handed in my last says her passion for business in a small town came from the desire assignment I bolted out of there and straight to the beach. to add to the local community. “I really love my town, and I just wanted to create something fresh for the locals, and also for people Something that became immediately clear was this idea that those who come to visit,” says Tracey. of us who chose the ‘beach life’ mustn’t work very hard, or at least not as hard as those who live in the city. However, as I’m sure many Finding work in a small town can also be very difficult, and finding of you readers are aware of, that couldn’t be further from the truth. work you actually have a passion for even more so. Erika Kurth, a I am surrounded by some of the hardest working people I have local wedding photographer, explained that sometimes work in a ever met, be they farmers, baristas, tradies, parents, surf instructors, small town means putting your eggs in a few different baskets. “You teachers, shop assistants, or some culmination of all of the above. really have to diversify and think outside the box here. A lot of We work to create a life that we want, one that suits us, and often people have multiple jobs on top of starting their own businesses.” that means diversifying and doing something you never thought you would. There are many obstacles on the the gravel road to starting a business in small town, however there are quite a few positives For me, creating that life included starting my own business, and we should revel in too. Small towns mean small communities, and a Hometown Hero there is no kind of support like seeing your entire town show up with just a brief look around my community, it is blindingly obvious We don’t have a Hometown Hero this month that I am not alone. I am regularly surrounded by small business for you on opening day. With the amount of women in business on owners, who have moved here and worked so hard to build this peninsula, it is so easy to remember you are not alone in your but we’d love you to be a hero and help out themselves a work life that fits within their personal lives, instead struggles, and there is always someone willing to have a glass of this local family. of the other way around. Something in particular that fills me with bubbles at the end of a good or bad day. Be pride about these people, is how many of them are women. As a By Tony and Kelly Austin David Johnston - one of the most genuine people you may Dave having major surgery and engaging in expensive ever meet, or if you already know him, you are a better alternative treatments and multiple rounds of debilitating person for having him in your life. Dave is a terrific guy, chemo. In November 2020 it was looking promising, scans and his beautiful wife Mel is incredible. A Whitianga local, showed that the cancer appeared to be inactive. born and bred, Dave’s parents Monett and Bruce moved Fast forward two short months and Dave's health was the family here in 1974. Locals will remember that Bruce not improving when it should have been. Dave began had Whitianga Glass and Aluminium for 23 years and experiencing severe pain and, after more tests, was told Monett started Travel Options which is now You Travel, this January the further life-crushing news for the family - over 40 years ago. David went to MBAS from start to the cancer was back. finish and after finishing school, he travelled the country Dave, Mel, and their family have another fight on their and world enriching his passion for food creation. While hands and are determined to do everything they can. he was in Spain, he fell in love with tapas dining and Treatment is still an option, and Dave has a chance to the restaurant TuaTua was born. David and Mel opened beat the cancer with the amazing immunotherapy drug, TuaTua in 2003 (where “That Curry Place” is now) and Keytruda. But there is a huge barrier. It is only available after 11 years, the restaurant finished up and they moved to through self-funding for Dave's type of cancer. Dave needs Pukekohe where Dave trained to be a qualified builder. Mel many sessions and at over $10,000 each time, this is a started working for Air NZ and they have lived and worked huge financial strain on the family, at a time when they do there until recently moving back to Whitianga. not need any extra stress. Dave has an insatiable passion for the outdoors, loves This is where our community comes in. This could be any surfing and fishing, but more than anything in the world, of us. Your son, your brother, your husband, your friend. he loves his soul-mate Mel, and their three boys Mannix, You. Cancer does not discriminate. Maybe, instead of Harlan and Nation. eating out at a restaurant this week, or buying that coffee Life was going well for Dave and his family until January tomorrow morning, or picking up the latest magazine, 2020 when his health suddenly began to deteriorate, and bottle of wine or box of beers, why not do something he received the devastating news he had an aggressive amazing and invest the money in Dave's life-saving form of cancer called Cholangiocarcinoma or bile duct treatment. Any help you can give will be appreciated more cancer. This type of cancer is known as a silent killer as it than you could ever know. does not usually present symptoms until end-stage. Dave and Mel put everything into fighting the cancer, including

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/get-behind-dave-and-his-family-to-help-pay

20 21 The Seagull

Work from Open Studios’ artists who’re joining the event for the first time

The popularity of Mercury Bay Art Escape’s Open Studios con- tinues to grow, with seven new artists taking part in this year. The annual event is over the first two weekends of March, when Self-taught stained glass artist Denise Gunson is a fifty creatives across the eastern Coromandel Peninsula are open- must visit in . ing their workspaces to the public. Virginia O’Sullivan from Whenuakite repurposes unusual objects, giving them new Mercury Bay Art Escape chair and Kuaotunu photographer Ian life Preece says this is one the highest numbers of artists they’ve had in the event’s sixteen-year history. “This is evidence of just how popular the Open Studios are. People who are curious about how artists practise their craft enjoy looking inside working studios, meeting the people behind the art, and buying pieces directly from the makers. It’s brilliant seeing the high level of public sup- port for, and engagement with, our arts’ community.” Coroglen-based artist Lucy Beard’s stunning circular boards feature acrylic, resin, tattoo Ian says, for the artists, who mostly work by themselves, the inks and pastes. Open Studios are an opportunity to connect with others. “It’s lovely to meet and talk to people who’re interested in learning about processes, tools, materials, and sources of inspiration that go into making art. There are many talented people in our region and this is a fantastic way for them to get their names and work out there.”

The Open Studios are on March 6-7 and 13-14, form 10am to 4pm. This is a free event and an interesting way to find out more Debbie Lim specialises in a variety of work including about what’s happening in our own back yard, from Tairua to landscapes, weddings, family and abstract collages. Rings Beach. The Mercury Bay Art Escape website has all the She’s in Whitianga. maps and information you need to design you own art-centred Jane Parson produces prints and paintings in road trip: www.mercurybayartescape.com. This year’s artists in- cold wax, oil and acrylic from studio at the top clude flax weavers, furniture makers, jewellers, glass and mosaic of Hahei artists, painters, photographers, potters, printmakers, sculptors, and woodworkers.

The 2021 season kicks off with the Opening Gala at Hot Waves Café on Friday, March 5. Tickets are $45 from the Mercury Bay Art Escape website. Tickets include the chance to meet artists and other art lovers, and have an early viewing of work, with live music, hors d'oeuvres and a glass of wine. Special guest speaker is the renowned sculptural cast glass artist Di Tocker. Di is an engaging and entertaining speaker and will be offering a piece for auction on the night. Work from each artist will be on display at Hot Waves Café, until Easter Monday.

The Mercury Bay Art Escape organisers would like to thank these local businesses for their generous support: Bayleys, The Breeze, Magic, MORE FM, All About Whitianga, Big Toe Foundation, The Mercury Bay Informer, Guthrie Bow- ron, New Zealand Holiday Homes, Hot Water Beach Top 10 Lynda Walters in Whitianga is sculpts in clay and Holiday Park, The Pourhouse, and Hotties Beachfront Eatery. Visit artist Jean McCann in her purpose-built bronze, as well as drawing and painting large studio in Tairua figurative works.

22 23 The Seagull Happy local hub

Ever wondered why it feels good to be part of a community? Communities are critical to our wellbeing and happiness; they help us find purpose by participating in something bigger than ourselves, create meaning around mutual goals, be supported and support each other. It’s actually primal - the need to belong to a group or groups, to be accepted by a tribe as we are social beings and it is fundamental for our growth as individuals and as a society. We need to be in relationship, feel useful and that we matter to the people in our world. When Courtney and Matthew Linnecar arrived in Kuaotunu a few years ago, they met and enjoyed the company of different groups of people due to their child attending the local Kuaotunu Steiner Kindergarten, hanging out at Luke's Kitchen, and joining various Co-working/remote working space and business local volunteering groups. However, they noticed that a lot of facilities people (as well as themselves) would need to go into Whitianga to access particular services and spent a lot of time at home in Holistic Health Clinic (wide range of health isolation working. Courtney and Matt started to ponder that practitioners, therapists covering all aspects of health - spontaneous, face-to-face meetings of different people (who were physical, emotional, spiritual) in different age groups and life stages), didn't seem to happen like Retreat space to host experts or visitors back in the old days at the local community centre or church in Educational wellbeing and creative related the centre of a village or town...so they went about trying recreate workshops it. A meeting place for community associations and groups Courtney began researching the true meaning of community and Media room for podcasting, online course creation whether meeting people face-to-face was good for our health Medicinal garden versus simply having a lot of online "connection". Turns out for children who are gifted, need a psychologist Susan Pinker had written a book called "The Village Sensory/Play Studio Effect" about that very point and validated the Linnecar’s vision additional social, behavioural, wellbeing support (Courtney for a thriving community. Susan tells us that chronic loneliness is a trained Tomatis practitioner) alters the expression of our genes in every cell of our bodies. And Bookable Meeting Room not in a good way. As well as this, two neuropeptides – oxytocin Wellbeing related exercise/activity classes and vasopressin – are secreted in the bloodstream when we form If you would like to know more, simply contact Courtney, and maintain meaningful relationships, and these chemicals help email [email protected] to counter stress and repair wounds. So not only can creating or pop into the Hub sometime. our own village within a village make us happier and healthier - research confirms it can help us live longer too. Courtney and Matthew Linnecar established the Happylocal Community Hub in an effort to bring different layers of our wider communities together to work, play and look after their holistic health well. Matthew worked online at home, so was keen to be in a room with local individuals who valued working alongside each other and potentially even collaborate. And Courtney had always loved bringing people together for events, workshops and helping people keep mentally well - so that is why the Hub covers the following aspects already or in the near future:

24 25 The Seagull

in our soils from unstainable use of phosphate fertilizer so that soon Holy Cow! The Climate Change Waikato soils are reaching legal limits of Cadmium beyond which the Strawberries Get next summer’s plants underway now. Remove runners from Commission’s advice to the land cannot be used for farming or even subdivision and settlement existing plants and pot them into Strawberry Mix which you can buy (WRC report), causes runoff into our estuaries that generates toxic algae from Mercury Bay Garden Centre. Once the roots are fully developed, government blooms, causes Nitrate pollution of our drinking water with a known plant these out in winter. relationship to NZ’s high bowel cancer risk, and uses significant amounts Helping Save Lives The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has delivered its first draft of our dwindling freshwater resource. Plus on top of that, our farmers You may have read in January’s edition that Mercury Bay Garden Centre Feed Citrus report, detailing advice to the government to reach zero emissions of import annually over 2 million tons of Palm Kernel feed for our “grass Give your winter-fruiting citrus trees a helping hand. Use an autumn decided to kick off 2021 by donating a percentage of their sales to long lived greenhouse gasses by 2050 and reduction of biogenic methane fed herds” from plantations where once tropical rainforest stood. That is application like citrus food or a light application of novatec for suicide prevention in New Zealand. On the 01st February 2021, in emissions from ruminant animals by 24% to 47% by 2050. When I read one 40,000 ton freight ship a week, every week that our animals chomp containers. memory of James, we donated $3107.52 to Youthline New Zealand. this first I had to read it twice. Yes, our net zero emissions target by 2050 through! This is not widely known and unbelievable! Due to support and donations Youthline have helped over 34,000 young The CCC knows and states that meaningful reductions in biogenic Harvest Time excludes to a large extent biogenic methane emissions from ruminant New Zealanders in the past 12 months. A donation of $30 allows farming! Holy Cow! methane emissions are only possible with significant reductions in stock Youthline to respond to 120 texts, $60 keeps their phone, text and Autumn is the season to celebrate nature's abundance. it's time to density, but refuses to make such advice. But significant stock reductions make the most of a profusion of fruit and vegetables that can sustain According to the CCC report and using IPCC AR5 conversion factors, email service operating for one hour. A donation of $120 gives eight biogenic methane emissions have a factor of 28 more climate impact is exactly also needed to eliminate the unsustainable use of fertilizer, the young people 10 minutes of much needed telephone support each. We us through the winter months. Gather apples that should be now unethical and unsustainable import of Palm Kernel, the toxic nitrate maturing depending on the varieties you have planted, and keep the as the same amount of CO2 emissions. Using this factor and the CCC hope and pray that our donation helps to save a life, and we can’t thank numbers it follows that in 2018, New Zealand emitted a total of 82.1 Mt runoff into our drinking water, and the pollution of our rivers and all the you enough for your purchases during January. We couldn’t have made stalk intact. Late season peaches should be ripening, and pears can be other negative environmental impacts. picked to allow to ripen off the tree. million tons of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gasses, CO2e. Of that, 41.9 this donation without you. Mt CO2e or 51% were from agriculture with the majority of the biogenic Climate change mitigation is a matter of justice. We will all across the methane and the rest Nitrous Oxide from fertilizer use and animal urine. world need to do our bit in order to generate the significant change we Youthline ‘providing hope and support to young people Feijoa Feijoa season is almost upon us. If you are thinking of planting any And 40.2 Mt CO2e or 49% from the entire rest of New Zealand’s economy need to save our planet for the future. If a particular industry is excluded who are struggling with their mental health’. trees Mercury Bay Garden Centre currently have an excellent range in including transport. from these changes then this will generate long term resentment. There Free call – 0800 376 633 Free text – 234 stock. While different varieties are harvested at slightly different times, To reach net zero long lived greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 the can be no cow too holy to be excluded from what needs doing. Save Summer Seeds the flowering season is long so any combination of varieties will cross Climate Commission suggests that we transform our private transport Links Seeds come in all shapes and sizes, but they all have one wonderful pollinate. Even varieties labelled as self-fertile produce more fruit fleet to electric vehicles, phase out fossil fuels in power generation and www.climatecommission.govt.nz/get-involved/our-advice-and- thing in common – the promise of new life. Seeds can be collected when planted by other varieties. Flowering time is from late November increase carbon reduction strategies with planting trees. Certainly, electric evidence/ from trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetables and annuals, but timing can to early January, so trees provide a beautiful show of blooms around vehicles are a great suggestion. I drive a Nissan Leaf and it’s fantastic. Most Palm Kernel: https://agrihq.co.nz/topic/feed/view/palm- be crucial. The seeds need to be at their peak – just before they drop. the festive season. Feijoa trees are hardy down to -10 degrees. They car manufacturers are planning to convert their entire fleets to electric kernel-use-stays-high Although there are some exceptions, in most cases, a good indication won’t usually die from lack of love, but definitely reap better crops in a vehicles over the next decade. This transition is now unstoppable. Cadmium in Waikato: https://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/ that seed is ready is when the outer casing is crisp and brown. An easy good sunny spot with fertile, free-draining soil, plenty of compost and But it feels odd that the CCC leaves ruminant farming basically off the services/publications/tr200551/ way to gather the seeds is to cut the entire stems from perennials and mulch and regular watering. The trees naturally form a dense shrub table. Ruminant farming employs only about 2% - 3% of New Zealand’s annuals. Put them upside down inside a paper bag and tie the top to growing up to 4m tall and can be pruned to a smaller, more pickable workforce. Yet It generates today about half of our greenhouse emissions, Nitrates and bowel cancer: Study by Dr Mike Joy, 22/2/21 secure them. The seeds will drop inside the bag and can be stored as height, or trimmed as a hedge. virtually all of our river pollution to the point that swimming is no NZ Herald and Radio NZ they are until you sow them. For tomatoes remove as much of the longer possible in many, causes a significant build-up of toxic Cadmium Thomas Everth tomato pulp from the seeds as possible by putting them in a fairly large Autumn Planting sieve and using your fingers to wash away the pulp. Spread them out Warm soil and cooling air spell perfect growing conditions for almost on a paper towel and leave them to dry out of direct sunlight in a warm everything in the garden. Make the most of mellow Autumn weather room or in the hot water cupboard. Once dry, fold the paper towel, and get planting from March – May once the ground begins to moisten. name and date, and place into a paper bag until sowing time in early If you aren’t quite ready yet, start preparing your soil and pop in to spring. The most important step to ensure the viability of any seed is see us for a chat. We have an excellent range of plants and landscaping to harvest on a dry day with low humidity. One of the hardest aspects products in stock. You are bound to find some inspiration, and as of saving your own seed is the fact that you have to tolerate dishevelled always we look forward to seeing you and discussing your gardening plants that look untidy. On a positive note though, the seedheads are requirements with you. beautiful in their own right, and they also attract birds into your garden. Happy days

26 27 The Seagull A Call To Men - Overhauling your entire brand image AND MORE Eventually, every brand needs to change. As times are  Lawnmowing  Property Maintenance  Handyman  constantly changing, with new tastes, new initiatives, and new A call to men: authentically showing up who you really are: customer demands. to become your better Self, a better partner, a better father However, to which extent of change and the size of the – from counsellor, therapist, and soul-activist Steffen Lindner Malcolm Kensington [email protected] 0211 946 737 decision to reflect your marketplace is up to you, the In this column I’d like to highlight the hidden, almost chronic business owner. suffering of many men today. These are men who have never A brand refresh is something that can build on and improve learned the “language of the heart” through their fathers a brand that is already powerful. If things are already going and father’s fathers. well, a refresh can help that you remain competitive and I’d like to acknowledge the pain and grief that these men Rebranding or refreshing, they sound the same don’t they? remain on the right track. Sometimes a refresh can be feel, because this has been skimmed over for so long by With the current times, companies are evolving, changing and a complete rethink of what you company does, how is men themselves. Often men are trapped in what we call the “Rob was brilliant to adapting to the current market but are they rebranding or delivers itself, speaks and behaves. However, the backbone “Man Box” - a rigid set of expectations, perceptions, and work with when we refreshing? and the DNA of the company stay the same, just with a behaviour of what is “manly”: that showing vulnerability and were purchasing our Both seem very similar yet when you get down to the fresh new look. fear is seen as weakness; that emotions are not to be openly property. Rob took the details, they prove to be very different. With a rebrand, everything changes. You maybe selling the expressed, with the exception of anger; to be strong, tough, stress out and made the whole process very easy A brand refresh is often referred to in the marketing world same products or offering the same services, but the look, and overly-competitive. explaining each step as a “fresh coat of paint” incorporating a new look or a fancy personality, and overall feel of the business changes. You A call to men: We can change and grow! We can live a truly clearly. Communication new logo. become something new. self-directed life that expresses healthy confidence. This from both Rob and Whereas, rebranding is considered the “tear down” of a Before making any drastic decisions on changing your image, Man Box can be escaped! In my work with men – good the office staff was brand, tearing down all that you’ve built and starting again have a think about whether it can be a simple refresh or will men - I have experienced many who learnt carefully to feel, professional, timely and courteous and he from scratch. As you can tell, one is more dramatic than the you be entering the market with a full rebrand. to express feelings and emotions, and to integrate their was always contactable other so lets take a quick look at your options. new understanding of life within their social environment. to answer any queries. A simple brand refresh might look like: They learnt to treat themselves with kindness and self- I wouldn’t hesitate to - Tweaking your current design template or logo compassion and treated others with compassion and recommend Rob - Updating your slogan respect. They started to create their world for the benefit of to any prospective - Changing your colour pallet others – for women, men, and children – and for the benefit vendors or buyers” - Refreshing marketing materials of our entire community. Mark & Lisa D - Changing your brands font In my professional experience - over 20 years in social work, A rebrand, being more extensive, looks like: counselling, and psychotherapy - many men need to learn to - Creating a new personality become better communicators. I offer private sessions, and - Designing a new background for your company am planning a dedicated fortnightly therapeutic men’s circle, - Re-establishing yourself with the market where men can endeavour to develop their own potential. My service is not exclusively for men; I also support women on their healing journey. I am an expert in relationship counselling - my services are available one-on-one, for couples and groups, and via online platforms.

For more information check out my webpage: www.eof.nz or drop by my practise at 5 Coghill St, Whitianga Text: 0220853121 Email: [email protected]

28 29