Cover Art: Springtime on the Ohinemuri by Jacquie Ellis ABOUT JACQUIE: Jacquie Ellis, born in Auckland, resides in the beautiful . The area holds a rich history and is a source of endless subjects to capture on canvas. She is particularly noted for the realistic depictions of nature – revealing the delicate effects and moods of light and shade – in her breathtaking landscapes and seascapes. Jacquie travels throughout NZ in search of fresh subject material, and one of her favourite Coromandel locations is Otama Beach, over the Blackjack Hill from Kuaotunu. “We spent many long hot summers there and also walked the beaches in the winter collecting treasures,” she shares. ”This area has become the subject of many beautiful paintings.” She is also known for her endearing pet portraits and dreamy spray paint impressions. Jacquie was a featured artist in the pop-up gallery in this season’s Winter Art Wander in and around . She also enjoys teaching painting workshops and is happy to take commissions. Aside from private collections throughout NZ, Jacquie’s work is represented in many overseas countries including Japan, England and the US. Of interest to other artists is a service Jacquie now offers – fine printing of paintings and photographs on canvas. “These canvas prints are just perfect for limited edition artworks. A range of sizes are available and our printer combines excellent colour accuracy and matching to the original artwork. Stretching the canvas over a frame creates a ready-to-hang masterpiece.” See more of Jacquie’s work online at www.jacquieellisart.co.nz. Check out her art canvas printing services at www.lifeoncanvas.co.nz or visit www.facebook.com/LifeOnCanvasNZ

How the Ohinemuri River got its name The original name of the river flowing through the Karangahake Gorge is Te Waitangi-o-Hinemuri: literally ‘the weeping water of Hinemuri’. In one Maori legend, the river and floodplain were formed by the tears of Hinemuri. She was the youngest daughter of the Hauraki chief who turned away her many suitors because her older sisters remained unwed...until finally the suitors fell away and she was left alone and disconsolate. Her copious tears formed the river and floodplain. Or, maybe it is this version of another Maori legend said to have happened at Turner’s Hill on the Paeroa side of during the Maori Wars. At this Maori hill encampment was a tunnel that led to the river where a chief kept his pet dragon. When an invasion came, the tribe fled, leaving behind a sad girl and the dragon, who then took care of her. The river was given the name Ohinemuri, meaning ‘the girl left behind’.

The carving of Ohinemuri above is by Athol McKinnon who presented it to the Paeroa Historical Society.

Order your signed copy now and receive a pre- publication price of only $45 (NZ postage paid) – a $20 savings. Order from Charlotte at info@ bouncingpig.co.nz or 021 158 2895. A book launch will be held at Mosaic Gallery in Whitianga. Check Charlotte’s FB page for details.

Cheers to other contributors... Photographer Alan Duff specializes in shooting real estate interiors and aerials. In this issue, he ‘went to the birds’ with photos of the Karaka Bird Hide and the Shortland Wharf areas in Thames. See his work at www.crep.co.nz. Milly’s on Main 078647464 Many of the photos and evocative descriptions of the in the 236 Main Road in Tairua Karangahake Gorge were shot by Jodie Tunnicliffe. See the series of her two trips to the Gorge on her bike travel blog, www.lovethybike.wordpress.com/ KAYLA 078689063 Dick Wilson wrote about the area’s commercial fishing culture and efforts to 522 Pollen Street in Thames save our seabirds. He was instrumental in designing and raising funds for the award-winning exhibit in the Mercury Bay Museum, logging in up to 4,000 www.millysonmainstreet.co.nz volunteer hours with fellow trustee Lou Sikking – all on a shoestring budget.

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