K -Town Kid The Coromandel - A Family of Creative Characters at The Artists' House Whenuakite - The Seagull
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The
K -Town
Kid
The Coromandel
feature artist
A Family of
Creative
Characters
at The Artists’
House
Whenuakite
The Seagull
January 2021 - number 6 - Out the first Monday of every month
editorial
H appy New Year and thank goodness the debacle
that was 2020 is over!
design and advertising
The Seagull magazine apreciates the support of all
Well, maybe not for our frontline health professionals and
it’sadvertisers.
border staff, not to mention the epidemiologists and the
If you would like to advertise with us please have your
like who are working to keep us safe.
artwork or ad through to us by the
A huge thank you to everyone on the Coromandel who
10th of the month.
has a played a part in the Covid response, including all our
email davidbayerdesigns@gmail.com
2021: The Future
doctors, nurses, supermarket staff, pharmacists and rubbish We are simply privileged to have not faced that
collectors and the like, who have had to keep going as We made it to the New Year! particular problem in our life. It does not mean you are
essential services. If you need an advertising designed for you
2021 baby! The future! “problem free” or your life is “easy”. Whether it’s able,
We can’t drop our guard but here’s hoping there are some please call 027 506 3110
Electric bikes are everywhere, spatulas still work very straight, white, cis, male, wealth, education, or passing
good news stories coming our way really soon. or privilege, 2021 is time to learn a bit more about it.
well, and hash browns never tasted so good! There
Speaking of keeping us safe we’ve got some timely summer email davidbayerdesigns@gmail.com are stingrays in Stingray Bay, Front Beach is still facing The why part is very simple: if we learn more about
advice from three of our emergency organisations, Fire,
Digital Artwork forward, and Lonely Bay is lonely no longer. our privileges it’s less likely our ignorance will blindly
Coastguard and surf lifeguards at Hotty…be sensible and hurt people. To find solutions in 2021, we need to hear
All digital greyscale and color art should be at 300 dpi. In short, let's bask in the bizarre way we measure time
make their summer a boring one. They’ll be very grateful. from those that are facing the problems otherwise
The following digital file types are accepted: to create momentum and mark our lives. The problems
There’s a real old-style Coromandel feel to our two Acceptable file formats: All Adobe Products – Acrobat (PDF we’ll probably get the solutions wrong.
are the same as yesterday, but a New Year still brings
features this month; the first about Luke Reilly owner files with fonts embedded), InDesign (INDD or IDML files with One thing acknowledging my privilege looked like
zest to the most practical of us. 2020 is in the dust as
of Luke’s Kitchen in ‘The K-Town Kid’ and the second accompanying links and fonts included), Illustrator (EPS or AI files), for me last year, was reaching out to a friend from
we have been wishing since March, yet how will 2021
about the marvellous Burns-Nevin family of artists at Photoshop (JPG, PNG, TIFF, PSD). Mercury Bay Area School. After 13 years of friendship
be better?
Whenuakite. I realised I had whitewashed her to make it easier
We can’t just rely vaguely on the world to be better,
We’re extremely grateful to the wonderful Dmitri Not accepted formats: Freehand, Corel Draw, Paint, let's grab the fallacy of New Year momentum by the for me to be her friend. I ignored her important rich
Kotelevski for the beautiful cover shot of a very happy Quark culture and pretended she was exactly the same as me.
doggo running on Tairua Beach at dawn. We think it most sensitive part so it knows WE are taking it for
a ride this time! Among many things, 2020 showed us I didn’t learn how to be an ally and was ignorant to the
encapsulates the joy of summer on the Coromandel Vector artwork should be saved in an .EPS format with fonts and
extra issues and set backs she faced because she didn’t
perfectly. images embedded, or all images and fonts must be supplied. that change can happen and introduced us to the now
All screen and printer fonts must be provided. familiar concept of ‘bubbles’. I think one of the most have my white privilege. I had a million butterflies
Wishing you, and the ones you love, a happy, healthy and reaching out to acknowledge and apologise, but am so
prosperous New Year! We will substitute with similar fonts if originals are not submitted. important changes we can make to our own bubbles
Text can be converted to outlines, but if proofing errors are that will also make the biggest change in the world grateful I did.
Enjoy all that our beautiful Coromandel has to offer, I It shouldn’t be left up to the oppressed to do all the
discovered, new art may need to be submitted. around us, is examining our own privileges.
certainly will be…if only the ‘Bronzies’ at Otama didn’t hard work toward equality. I view it as my duty as
keep sniffing around the shoreline every time I want a If that sentence induced a frown and made you feel a
Images from the web are not suitable for bit uncomfortable, you aren’t alone! Me too. But let me someone with a platform to bring light to this and
swim!
printing. state very clearly that acknowledging privilege is not a open the conversation. So I am taking The Seagull’s
moral judgement on your life. It just means that we are beautiful first issue of the year to kindly call you out
Please call David if you have likely to underestimate how bad a problem is when we on your privilege, because I want 2021 to be better for
questions or would like to haven’t personally experienced that problem. everyone.
advertise with us.
Graphic Designer
David Bayer
Graphic Designer and illustrator
Editor www.davidbayerdesigns.com
Deli Connell 027 506 3110
theseagull@xtra.co.nz davidbayerdesigns@gmail.com
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
The
K -Town
Kid
Polynesian food in general.”
Sometime later, Luke’s Dad called to say he’d
Apparently, you can take the kid out of the found a commercial kitchen on Trade Me and
Coromandel but you can’t take…well…you know asked the question; “Do you want to come
the rest. home?” An idea had been percolating about
There’s something magical about the place and creating an eatery, a “Kiwi/Coromandel thing”.
those lucky enough to have been raised here “Friends said Kuaotunu was too far away and
always feel the pull to go back ‘home’. no-one would come” he laughs. Luke’s Kitchen
Luke Reilly is one of those lucky ones, Kuaotunu opened in 2009 and hasn’t looked back.
born (well, Thames Hospital) and raised in the Punters are happy to sit on re-purposed furniture
idyllic bush and beach setting, this is where he has in a very ‘Coromandel’ setting, a backyard type of
settled to raise his own family with partner Steph. vibe, heels and designer dresses mix with shorts
Now better known as a successful chef and and jandals and no-one bats an eyelid.
restaurateur, scratch gently and you’ll find the
humble Kuaotunu kid roaming ‘free range’ on the “I’ve always been drawn back to the Coromandel,
beach. it just ‘had me’”, Luke muses, “Every spot holds
“We actually lived at Waitaia Beach until I was 6 a special memory.” He seems unaffected by his
back in time for dinner, having lost track of time
months old and then Mum and Dad bought the success, usually in shorts and a T-shirt, a relaxed
with their outdoor pursuits.
garage and we moved to Kuaotunu,” says Luke. Dad with a wee family now of his own with his
A succession of birthday parties was held in the
The garage is now the site of Luke’s Kitchen partner Steph.
Kuaotunu Hall over the years, usually attended
Restaurant and the main building houses Kua Kuaotunu is “different but the same” now and it is
by all the same kids who bumped over the gravel
Kawhe café. Luke and Steph’s hope for their children that they
roads to Te Rerenga school in a dusty bus.
“It was the ultimate ‘free-range’ kids’ lifestyle, can have the kind of childhood that he enjoyed…
By the time Luke was 13 he was biking over to
building huts in the bush, dragging logs off the harvesting kaimoana and fresh veg, running
Omara’s restaurant in Matarangi to work as a
beach…fishing,” Luke reminisces, “Dad would around the beach and “keeping it real”. What
‘dishie’, his first association with the hospitality
send us around the rocks to get mussels and Mum more could any kid wish for?
industry. “I did a cooking course at Mercury Bay
always had something growing in the garden, Luke has stitched together all his experiences in
Area School and went on to Tauranga where I
that’s where your veges came from.” food, and life, to create the fabric of both who he
studied further, learning chef skills.” He is grateful
One of the mums would yell “home-time” from is and the business he has created. In a way he has
to Omara’s who paid for his course on the proviso
her hillside house, the call reverberating around come full circle, there is a humility in what he is
that he did two seasons in the restaurant.
the valley and inevitably the kids would straggle doing, he’s not pretending to be anyone, this is it.
“But you’re a bit protected on the Coromandel,
This is Kuaotunu and he’s a K-town kid.
life is easy here and it’s good to get out and
experience the bigger picture, open your eyes a
bit,” he says.
Temp-chefing in a variety of restaurants in
Queenstown, working in Perth in one of the
top ten Spanish tapas restaurants, as well as an
Italian restaurant which pumped out hundreds of
delicious pizzas a day, all contributed to his food
knowledge and palate.
A stint at a Samoan resort encouraged a Pasifika
twist to his repertoire. “I was tour guide, surf
guide and chef,” Luke laughs, “I learned a bit of
Samoan but a lot about the fresh seafood and
2 3
The Seagull
summer
The Lifeguards looking out for us
It’s arguably the best outlook in the Mercury Bay…but it needs to be. The Trust Waikato Hot Water Beach Lifeguard Service need to have ‘eyes’
everywhere. The grand opening of their long-awaited clubhouse finally took place on the 20th December last year, just in time for what is expect-
ed to be a bumper season of domestic visitors to New Zealand beaches, potentially coinciding with a La NiÑa weather pattern, which may bring
some bigger easterly swells. Rest assured the guys and gals of the ‘Hotty’ team will be extra vigilant…but they can’t patrol all the beaches in the
Bay.
Summer Safety Tips from Surf Lifesaving NZ
SWIM BETWEEN THE FLAGS
If you are heading out to the beach, choose a lifeguarded one and remember the red and yellow flags show the safest area to swim.
3RS RIP SURVIVAL PLAN
Rips are a major hazard on New Zealand beaches and can be deadly. Learn the 3Rs Rip Survival Plan – it could save your life!
TALK TO THE SURF LIFEGUARDS
Even though conditions can change quickly, our lifeguards keep a constant eye on the beach situation as they continuously scope the beach for
hazards and keep on top of weather forecasts and understand the swell and tide conditions – they’re a friendly bunch too!
CLOSE ENOUGH TO CUDDLE
Keep your kids within arm's reach at all times in or near the water – rogue or large waves move really quickly and unexpectedly and can sweep
kids away or knock them off their feet.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Too many people get into trouble in the water because they simply overestimate their abilities and under-estimate the conditions.
ALWAYS BETTER TOGETHER
There is safety in numbers. If you get in trouble in the water and you have your
friends or family with you, you have instant back-up. They can help you out or
get help if needed!
IF IN DOUBT, STAY OUT
If you feel uncomfortable about getting into the water, go with your gut feeling
and stay out. It's better to be safe than sorry.
ROCK FISHING
Rock fishing was the highest-risk activity for fatal drownings in 2018/2019. Take
care. Wear your lifejacket, shoes with tread (not gumboots) and never turn
your back to the sea as large waves can sweep you off the rocks unexpectedly.
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE IN TROUBLE
If there are lifeguards on patrol, let them know. If you can’t see any lifeguards,
CALL 111 & ASK FOR THE POLICE.
They have a direct line to our emergency call out squads across New Zealand
and Coastguard NZ as well.
Check out www.sporty.co.nz/hotwaterbeachlifeguards for tide
and weather information, registration for beach club, to join the crew or to do-
nate. Remember not all beaches in Mercury Bay are patrolled…if in any doubt
about the conditions…don’t swim!
Pick up the February Issue of The Seagull for a feature story on the history of
the club.
Thank you to
DMITRI KOTELEVSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY + VIDEO
www.fernvision.co.nz
4 5
The Seagull
culture
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?
Don’t be! Each month we’ll introduce a commonly
used phrase to help kick start your Te Reo journey.
As it is January/kohitātea and it is summer/Raumati
Summer Sensation Wordsearch
let’s learn some phrases for the beach.
1. He rangi pai tēnei mō te kaukau – It’s a good day to go swimming
Change kaukau (swim) to another activity depending on the weather
Circle the words from the list below…careful they may run backwards! Maze
We are humbled and delighted to
Hīkoi – walk
have the support of Hemi Kelly who F A H S P I R T D A O R B U R start
Oma – run
Noho i te kāinga – stay indoors
is generously providing the phrases C I N C I P G C O N C E R T A
for us from his most recent book. If
2. Kuhuna ō kahu kaukau -Put your togs on you’re impatient and can’t wait for a K O O S M N T O G S O M W V S
Other beach gear includes: new phrase next month then purchase C F F O I A H P F E T U A E H
tāora – towel, mōwhiti kaukau – goggles and kārewa – floaty Hemi’s book and enjoy a new phrase
3.Kei te mahana te wai – the water is warm every day! P P A D D L E B O A R D T N V
Replace mahana with: J O A N X S S R S C E F E I E
wera – hot
makariri – cold J E H D I U W U C U C R R R S
mātao – freezing! R E N U N B N I C E R U M A T
4.Me hanga whare onepū tāua? Shall we build a sandcastle? T A T H T S Y E M P C S E T S
Whare onepū – sandcastle
S I A S C U B L I M R I L C L
Pākete - bucket
Kāhuru – spade V T U R K R K K L C I C O E A
Koko - shovel
G Z E R A I M A P I E N N N D
Y E O B F X T K W Y H U G D N
Penne Clayton Hometown Hero
There were five representatives from the Hauraki Coromandel
N
E
BARBECUE
M
K
O
A
S
H
Q
S
ICECREAM
U
K
I
L
T
I
NECTARINE
O
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READING
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region – Julia Te Huia from Turua, Carleen Paterson from Kaiaua,
Peter Sephton from Coromandel and Penne who were invested CHILLYBIN JANDALS PADDLEBOARD ROADTRIP SWIMMING
as Members and also Bruce MacDonald, the long-time District CONCERT TOGS
JETSKI PICNIC SAND
Operations Manager for Hauraki Coromandel (now retired),
who was invested as a Commander. “He got the cool cape!” adds FRUIT MILKSHAKE POHUTUKAWA SUNHAT WATERMELON
Penne. Fin
Penne’s nomination was for the work she did helping get the ICE MOSQUITO RASHVEST SUNSCREEN
Mercury Bay South Ambulance station (Hahei) off the ground:
fundraising, building and staffing it.
“It’s very flattering to have been nominated but the new
station was a team effort, I particularly want to acknowledge
Happy New Year from Get a Wheelie
Bin for your
It has come to the attention of The Seagull that Hahei local Penne
Clayton has received a prestigious award for her services to the
Richard Vetter and Ken Robertson, from the Mercury Bay Area
Committee, who were the driving force behind the construction,
Peter Hawley, the unofficial Mayor of Hahei and also the world’s
Smart Environmental Home or Bach
this year!
local community. greatest fundraiser, and Mike Burrows Station Manager Whitianga
That award is Membership of ‘The Most Venerable Order of the for helping me get my station up to scratch operationally.”
3 SIZE
Hospital of St John of Jerusalem’ and is by nomination only. This There are 6 volunteers who cover the area from Boat Harbour
OPTIONS
British royal order of chivalry was constituted in 1888 by royal Road to Ferry Landing as first responders. They range in skill
charter from Queen Victoria and continues to require approval from Paramedic to First Responders.
from the reigning monarch. It’s an independent part of the NZ “I’m lucky that two of my First Responders are a physiotherapist
Royal Honours System of which there are 4 levels: Member, and an ex ED nurse and that one of my two Paramedics has over
Officer, Commander and Knight or Dame. Admission and 25 years’ experience in St John. I’m also proud of the diversity of Con tac t us
promotion for this award is based on merit.
“It takes quite a while to get approval,” says Penne, “I found out
my team too, which really helps during the summer when most of
our work is helping tourists!”
tod ay!
over a year ago that I had been nominated. My Investiture was
meant to be in Christchurch in June, but then…Covid! So, it
Penne adds that they are a small crew and could always do with
more volunteers to help them.
PHONE 0800 4 MY BIN (0800 469 246)
eventually happened on 28th November at St Patricks Cathedral “If people think volunteering is for them, they need to visit EMAIL sales@smartbins.co.nz
in Auckland.” https://join.stjohn.org.nz/ and apply ONLINE www.smartbins.co.nz
online.
St John provides uniforms and training, all we need is your time.” Proudly 100% Kiwi owned
6 7
The Seagull
places
It all started as a hobby, with
a passion and a love for food and
fishing… inspired by the Coromandel STREETS
of Whitianga
Fire Brigade
Whitianga Volunteer
Fire Brigade
Peninsula’s spectacular pristine waters
and amazing array of seafood. Fire was a constant threat to the many wooden houses and structures
in Whitianga. In 1894, to safeguard its mill, the Kauri Timber Company
established the area’s first fire protection system, which included a piped
in water supply and a series of wells. Unfortunately, when fire struck in
1904 the bucket brigade was unable to fight off the flames and the mill
3 Whitianga Fire Station, May 2010
burned down.
In 1945, a disastrous fire destroyed the 60-year-old Whitianga public hall
with Renee Oberboersch and library. Two years later, in 1947, the Chamber of Commerce discussed
Online deal
fire protection for the town, followed by numerous attempts over the
I was with a group of friends wondering how I could create a home next five years to address the issue.
January Special
But it wasn’t until 25 February 1952, at a public meeting called by Mr
business. I began experimenting with smoking seafood with a group
Malcolm Niccol, that the process of creating a fire brigade was begun.
of friends. Using the traditional methods of smoking by hand with
At a subsequent meeting on 16 April 1952, the Whitianga Volunteer Fire
brine, manuka and wood smoke plus some tasty recipes, resulted in
Brigade was officially formed with 12 charter members led by Chief
a succulent delicious mussel. So, requests from family and friends
began rolling in. The mussels were so popular I thought I would $8 off 4 bags Officer Mr J S Bongard. See Bongard Road, page 40.
Public subscriptions financed a secondary Urban Fire Brigade and the
$40 instead of $48
give the local markets a go. Eventually I was approached by bigger
Coromandel County Council subsidised savings to buy the first trailer
companies and started producing for the likes of Foodstuffs.
pump in 1953. The first fire station opened 9 December 1954 in Monk
I loved the story of the famous pirate Blackbeard. He wore his black
Street beside the Whitianga Town Hall and the first fire appliance arrived
beard and hair very long, and the stories tell he would light his enter the code 10 February 1955.
dreaded beard on fire, that would give off smoke, giving the pirate a
"Local"
A little over a year later, the brigade faced its first major challenge with a Whitianga Hotel Fire, 23 March 1956
fearsome, demonic appearance. In battle, this intimidation worked: fire at the Whitianga Hotel. On 23 March 1956, Mrs Dorothy Dale, who
his foes were terrified of him. Old Seafarers tales and the history of the owned the hotel with her husband Roy, raised the alarm at 1:45am, with
sunken ship “HMS Buffalo” that ran aground on our local shore, here at our online store checkout the brigade arriving two minutes later to find smoke pouring out from all
in Whitianga, during a storm in 1840 led me to create our funky local
brand with a twist. www.blackbeardsmokehouse.co.nz sides of the building. The guests were safely evacuated and the fire that
started in the kitchen area was brought under control by 3:45am.
To tie our brand to our beautiful Peninsula we have created funky Unfortunately, the recently renovated hotel was gutted but the brigade,
names that refer to local iconic places. Cape Colville Chilli & Lime using water from the estuary and Carina Creek, was able to prevent the
/ Sailors Grave Garlic/ Coromandel Gold/ Hot Water Beach Bum fire from spreading to any other buildings. To show their appreciation, the
Burner. Dales gave the brigade a £10 donation. When the donation was brought
During the cooler winter months we also have available a gluten up at their next meeting, the brigade members felt the Dales had lost
and dairy free smoked mussel and coconut chowder. And if we have enough in the fire, so the chief returned the money with thanks from the
enough time, we also produce some extra goodies for our customers brigade for their gesture.
at the markets. Like our smoked garlic oil, the smoked mussel pate The fire station, replaced in 1975, remained the brigade’s home until 5 May
and sometimes we also have our popular hot smoked salmon. 2010, when the current station on Joan Gaskell Drive opened. However,
We also cater for restaurants and some local restaurants offer our the siren at the Monk Street site remains in use ... and it is loud! 1 First Monk Street Fire Station,1955
mussels on their platters. The present Whitianga Volunteer Fire Brigade membership is thirty men Excerpt from “A Brief Guide to the History of Whitianga”
We like our customers to know that they are buying real, hand-crafted and five women. 90 pages of Historic photos and personal Whitianga
food that has been created with a passion for healthy, good, tasty food. stories.
We don’t use any additives or preservatives.
Summer Safety with
Available at Mosaic, 53 Albert St
whitiangahistory@orcon.co.nz
our Fire Brigade
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Derek Collier
would really like a quiet summer for himself and the Whitianga
Volunteer Fire Brigade team. It seems the messaging doesn’t
change from year to year, but some folks still just don’t get it.
“There’ll be a total fire ban in place again on the Coromandel
Peninsula this summer,” says Derek, “You can use a barbecue that
is gas or has a spark suppresser but absolutely no open fires.” Our volunteer fire-fighters are the ones picking up the pieces
That’s no beach fires or braziers on the back lawn either. Derek on our roads in summer too.
adds that things dry out pretty quickly, especially with a bit “Take care on the roads and be patient,
of wind, and a small spark or flame can go on to cause untold
damage. Those fireworks you saved from November 5th are a no-
we’ve got a great rescue team here but
EVERY
no at this time of year too. we’d rather we didn’t have to use them.”
Patience is key, often tourists are unfamiliar with our winding
If in doubt Fire Emergency New Zealand has a
FRIDAY
roads and may be a bit cautious, try and wait for the passing
fabulous website which will answer your bays to attempt to get by…or crank up the tunes, relax
fire-related questions. and increase your following distance and enjoy the drive.
www.checkitsalright.nz
8 9
The Seagull
feature artist
A Family of
Creative Characters
at The Artists House
Whenuakite
A sign beckons to me…Artist’s excited to make some short Julie – Has always been an developing her film-making skills.
House, from the side of the documentaries here on the integral part of both ‘Animal Confident behind the camera or
main road between Coroglen peninsula. She’s re-joining the Crackers’ and ‘The Artist in front of it she is now home
and Whenuakite. Another sign fold and to form a triptych of House’, producing her own and painting!
instructs me to park in a grassy creators, makers, painters and work in clay and patiently “Last Christmas New Zealand
layby and walk up to the house. a documentary film-maker! instructing groups over was calling me, then Covid
It’s quite an enticing, if steep, Gary – has been working the years to create small came and I wanted to be here,”
wee walk…a rambling garden with clay for more than four masterpieces. Recently she she says, “I can take the time
on either side of the concrete decades, a life-long passion has been “playing with” black to focus on art and making
with the occasional surprise of which was initiated by his very clay to create her much-loved documentaries whereas in
sculptures popping out of the first pottery lessons at night birds, small enough to fit in Australia life was pretty manic.”
undergrowth along the way. school in Bondi, then just a your hand, each has a quirky Using pastel and pen Cassandra
Levelling out at the top, just youngster in his twenties. little character which makes is painting/drawing in a naïve
past a well-worn workshop, Two ceramic exhibitions, also them so popular. In the last 8 style inspired by the energy,
is a verdant garden, bathed around that time, served as a years Julie has become a very sculpture and architecture of
in sunshine, a curious steer catalyst in firing (excuse the proficient flax weaver, she has Rome.
peers over the fence. There is pun) his imagination regarding a beautiful tactile practice using “I’d love to get into acrylic and
a sense of being in a fairy-tale the possibilities of clay as a the harakeke sourced from the throw some pots with Dad too.”
setting, not quite reality…or an medium. One showing the property to create baskets/
alternative reality that I’d like to work of Chester Nealie, kete, both coloured and natural Watch this creative space!!!
stay in for a while, and idle away famous for his salt-glazing and in appearance. The Artists House Facebook
a few hours with a book. still working in his late 70s, “Raewyn Hildreth, Fiona Hare page is
Inside the French doors of the and the other an exhibition and Bess Kingi were doing www.facebook.com/
house I’m greeted with a riot of contemporary Japanese formal studies in raranga artistshouseNZ
of colour and creativity of all ceramics. around eight years ago and I and
kinds…I don’t know where Older now, ‘mature’ one could joined in with their group,” she Instagram @artistshousenz
to look first…the paintings, say, Gary’s work has evolved, says. Find Cassandra Nevin
sculpture, pots and weaving, he still does a bit of ‘clay-work’, “The flax has a lovely aroma, at
and then there is the interior of but he is currently enjoying a feels good and the cat enjoys
www.ofwhatweare.com
the house which is a wonderful, new medium. it,” adds Gary with a grin.
and Instagram@cassandranevin
whimsical creation in its own “My latest passion is carving Julie has also woven and
The Nevins will be welcoming
right. concrete,” he enthuses, “It stitched a kakahu/cloak
Virginia O’Sullivan to their
But, it’s the inhabitants who has a spontaneous feel to it, using traditional methods
gallery space for the Art Escape
hold my fascination for today, you have to work while it is but contemporary materials,
weekends in March.
what a rare and marvellous still wet, with only a couple all learned from books and
thing to have three artists of hours as your window of something she worked on
under the same roof…the opportunity before it hardens.” when completing her Diploma
result of some osmosis of It requires a clear vision before of Adult Education. A very
creative juices and definitely launching into the work, personal piece each section has
a passing on of DNA to the with no firing and removal of a meaning.
youngest. ‘negative space’ rather than Traditional designs reference,
Gary Nevin and Julie adding elements to a work, it is for example, the stairway to
Burns-Nevin have been almost the opposite of potting. heaven and matariki and there
creating on the Coromandel Gary also paints from time to is a section honouring the
for over thirty years with a time, his voluptuous imagery passing of a local lad. Is is both
studio called ‘Animal Crackers’ often references his equally beautiful and poignant in turn.
in Cooks Beach, before hand- buxom clay sculptures with Julie is telling stories with her
building their adobe home. their inviting curves, definitely hands.
After 10 years in Australia, appealing to those with his Cassandra – Born at Cooks
daughter Cassandra is home, work on their walls or in their Beach, and the youngest of the
making art and renovating the gardens. artists, spent time in Australia
sleepout to live in. She's
10 11
After living in Tokyo The Seagull
for 18 years, my
wife and I found our food
spiritual home here,
Yes Chef !
in 65 acres (MOL) of
Chargrilled Dishes from the Charcoal Oven, Low & Slow Cooked Meat & Fish from the Smoker
beautiful native bush,
south of Whitianga.
Fresh Local Seafood - Craft Beers - New Zealand Wines
We built a house that
It’s got to be one of the best views in town and sitting at Stoked Ohakune. (They’re not afraid of jolly hard work!)“We’d had holidays
incorporates many
363 Mill Creek Rd
Restaurant on the Esplanade Whitianga, with a craft beer or a fine and done road trips to the Coromandel and Whitianga in the past
Japanese elements,
wine, and watching the boats coming in from a day on the ocean and relocated to the Peninsula in 2013 working in both Tairua and
like a tatami mat For Sale is pure bliss.You might also catch a waft of deliciousness from the Hahei.
room, deep wooden
Char-Coal oven out back and you’ll be forgiven for salivating.
ofuro bath and a dojo
During this time, we set up our own outside catering business with
(training hall); where,
Stoked was established in 2016 by owner-operators Andy and Bex a Woodfired Pizza Oven on the back of a custom built Trailer this
I could continue to
Driscoll. They each have more than 25 years’ experience in the is where Stoked evolved from. An exciting opportunity came up
practise and teach
international cuisine and hospitality industry and it’s been their life- to purchase a three-bedroom Bach on the Esplanade we grabbed
aikido… “The Way of
long dream to open their own restaurant. it with Excitement and converted it into a Restaurant and Bar.”
Harmony”.
Sounds easy but then with two young children in tow there was a
Away from the Hailing from Newcastle, England they’ve taken a circuitous route fair bit of clever juggling to see the project to fruition.
clamour and crowds to Whitianga, having travelled extensively and enjoyed working
of big cities, we have in different locations in the UK and New Zealand…including a Bex and Andy held true to their vision to provide a relaxed
enjoyed the health
and well-being
SHARING OUR Sanctuary ski-season at Mt Ruapehu and a 6-year stint running a motel in Waterfront dining experience and with a talented team of staff they
work hard to ensure their customers are warmly welcomed and
benefits of being have the best experience of food and hospitality...every time. The
surrounded by Nature couple says they love the fact they have so many repeat customers
– that which the and regulars…it is the greatest compliment.
Japanese call, “forest
bathing”
It has been a privilege Call Rob
to share our sanctuary 021 0238 9767
with fellow Kiwis and
international visitors
and to pass on some
aspects of Japanese
culture - via classes in
aikido and meditation;
however, the time has
come to pass this rare
3
and special place to
other, like-minded
2
guardians ‘kaitiaki’ 1
2
4
“Rob was brilliant to
work with when we
were purchasing our The Restaurant offers a unique style of cooking using a Charcoal
property. Rob took the Oven and a Smoker. This enables them to serve up Char-grilled
stress out and made Meats, Seafood and Vegetables with a charred finish and smoky
the whole process aroma to the dishes. The offset smoker allows them to smoke
very easy explaining
their own seafood, cheese and low and slow cooked cuts of meat
each step clearly.
Communication from like their famous ‘16-hour brisket’ or salmon “to die for”.
both Rob and the office
staff was professional, They also serve up local Seafood, including Coromandel mussels
timely and courteous and oysters. To accompany these dishes, they have a range of
and he was always Craft Beers and Cider on Tap, local Wine and Fusion Coffee. They
contactable to answer support local up and coming brewers and food suppliers.
any queries. I wouldn’t
hesitate to recommend With daughters Chloe and Nieve now 15 and 7 respectively it’s
Rob not quite as hard and the family love to get out - in, on and under
to any the water together whenever they can find a gap.
prospective
vendors or buyers” They enjoy the buzz of the busy summer season and meeting
Mark & Lisa D new people as well as greeting their regulars as old friends.
See you on the deck at Stoked this January!
Licensed Agent REAA 2008
12 13
Coro Scoot Jam Skatepark
The Seagull
community
Grand Opening
M y interest in hosting these events came from the
recent investment in the Peninsula skateparks from the
Each event will have two stages.
- The 1st stage will be for beginners and younger Not only will there be a whole heap of scooter fun, but
kids who just like speeding around on their the 9th January will mark the opening of the
council and the local communities. It has been amazing
brand new Whitianga Skatepark. Local skaters of a ‘certain
to watch the New Whitianga Skatepark Facebook page scooters. We’ll run timed speed races around the
age’ are delighted their children will see the benefit of
and see how the community has got behind this, so the skatepark and give away prizes for the winners. something they’ve wanted for a very long time. The skate and
locals could have somewhere to ride. - The 2nd stage will be for the more experienced scooter community have put a lot of effort into raising their Keep supporting
I approached the council to chat about running a series riders who can do tricks. There will be more information part of the funds required, unanimously supported by the
OUR PARK
of events under the Ethic DTC brand over summer to on the format closer to the time. There will be prizes to Mercury Bay Community Board, and finally get to enjoy the
utilise these skateparks for the local riders. the winners also. facility this summer.
Scootering is one of the fastest growing freestyle Our sponsored riders Thomas and Michael will be doing Mayor Sandra is officially opening the Whitianga Skatepark The Skate Park
at 9am on Saturday 9 January 2021. Following the opening
sports in NZ. There aren’t many organised events apart some judging and commentating throughout the day as Fundraising Cookbook.
well as a couple of local riders helping us out. there will be the inaugural Coro Scooter Jam, an Ethic-DTC
from the nationals once a year and the events put on $20 cash only at the
sponsored event.
by Bayskate/Napier City Council, which have proved We will have our Ethic DTC marquee there on the day
where our riders will hang out and chat to the locals
“Whitianga just keeps getting better and better with all the front desk of Evakona
popular. We want to be a bit different in our approach work that’s gone into the town centre, making it a place for
to the industry and hold events in different regions, so and give some tips to help with their riding. An Ethic Education 18 South
all ages to come together and enjoy. First, we had the main
that local riders can have some fun and show off their DTC shop will also be in the marquee so riders can street and Esplanade redeveloped – and now it’s a new skate Highway.
skills. see and buy our Ethic DTC scooter parts and Eretic facility. Congratulations and thank you to all involved. From
Along with the local council and More FM, Snow and Snowscoots. the Skatepark Trust who showed how it’s done to raise funds
Street is hosting Scooter Jams in Whitianga, Whangamata Every one that registers through our website will go in for a great cause, to the contractors involved in the build,
and Thames. the draw to win an Ethic Prize pack to be drawn on the to the Mercury Bay Community Board who have partnered
day for all three locations. with their local people to see another project successfully
completed. I look forward to seeing this public asset well
Dean Calland
Director
It’s free to register!! used.” Skate Park Cook Book
Member of the Skatepark Trust, Benson Lockhart, is
understandably pretty excited about the completion the park.
“I just want to acknowledge everyone that has worked so
hard to get the skatepark for Whitianga it’s going to be an
epic facility for both skaters and spectators. It has been a long
road. We are thankful to TCDC staff and councillors and
the community board for supporting it in the location that it
is. We have had so much support from so many individuals
and businesses in the community there too many to list and
I don’t want to offend anyone by missing them. The results
have the whole community frothing to roll around this classy
facility. I can’t wait to see the kids progress and develop their
skills at the park.”
The design includes three main areas
1. A street drain run, which follows the Carina Creek edge
and consists of low height obstacles maintaining the views
through the facility.
2. An open flow section, consisting of beginner to
intermediate transition features, with some unique and
challenging obstacles.
3. An isolated bowl section, consisting of intermediate to
advanced quarter pipes.
The design incorporates seating and terraces that are located
at the main entry point of the skate park, which connects to
the Taylors Mistake/Whakau Reserve open grass area. Seating
has also been incorporated into some of the facility’s platform
areas, along with shelter.
This is a family-friendly facility for all ages with a variety of
challenges suitable for beginners to the experts.
Check out the December Issue of The Seagull where we talk
to Chris Charteris, sculptor, about the wonderful granite
stones in the skatepark.
14 15
The Seagull
The Coromandel
With the dawning of spring,
local wedding industry Local Whitianga beach
vendors ramp up their Makeup Master Jodie Elizabeth is a Coromandel local artist having Known by many as ‘Flea’ she grew up on the Coromandel babe Helena Lucia was
creativity and look to the grown up in Tairua and Whitianga and is still here at 32yrs! She is in K town in Blue Fridge Valley in the bush. Her passion for the perfect model, with
Coromandel wedding renowned for her flawless make-up application and pristine make up photography started 20 years ago when she starting driving her
season ahead. Felicity looks. Using only the highest quality make-up products. Her signature tour buses around New Zealand for Kiwi naturally sun-kissed skin.
Jean Photography and look is glowing radiant skin, complemented by a soft moky eye. As Experience. She was often in beautiful places and with She looked stunning in
you can see Jodie has demonstrated this beautifully throughout the a great bunch of beautiful subjects to photograph - her
Brooke of Dooley Street stunning shoot. Her inspiration comes from ‘Old School Hollywood’.
the jumpsuit and was a
passengers.
Styling always see Spring She loves the glamour of the 1920s/30s/40s/50s. Jodie’s signature look dream to
as prime time to was inspired by Bridget Bardot, a French model of the 1950s who She moved back to the Coromandel 8 years ago and now photograph,we had so
collaborate on a creative made it big in Hollywood with her beautiful smoky eyes and nude lips. offers wedding, family portrait, travel, event and commercial much fun!
photo shoot, showcasing She absolutely adores many other old Hollywood beauty icons such as photography. She loves photographing people. Two years
local stunning scenery Marilyn Munro, Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor. ago, as a winter project prior to the busy wedding season,
and some of what local she created and published her first photography book.
wedding vendors have to ‘A Colourful Community’ capturing the spirit of the
offer. local people of Kuaotunu, Otama, Opito, Matarangi and
Whangapoua.
Prop hire, florals &
styling of your special event
Pulled together in a
relatively short amount of
time, this sneaky wee
shoot was created to
celebrate golden sunsets
and the impending glow of
summer. Elopement
hotspot Otama Beach on a Brooke’s creation of Dooley Street Styling began with an obsession
late November afternoon for creating, what some might have called crazy, but she says
delivered the goods, beautiful, parties for her daughter Charlie. It was an outlet for
complete with a pod of crafting and creativity and a way of making use of her many
dolphins ambling past. collections. Interest grew for not only kids party planning, but for
Elizabeth May’s Asana wedding styling also, and so Dooley Street Styling was born.
jumpsuit was chosen as a She now provides unique and beautiful props, styling and
coordination of wedding & other special events on the Coromandel
point of difference, and
Peninsula & beyond.
florals in soft orange and As you will see from the photos in this photo shoot Brooke also
warm peach mirrored the creates floral arrangements, such a talented lady.
golden glow of the
setting sun.
Phone - 021513095
email - dooleystreet@xtra.co.nz
www.dooleystreetstyling.nz
16 17people The Seagull
own arts events. With events experience,
they’re well aware of the support needed right
now for artists and event organisers. Now’s
definitely the time to show your support and COASTAL
OUR PLAYGROUND,
help grow your local events industry by getting
out the house, going to gigs, and spreading the
word. The idea is to grow audience numbers,
which in turn helps create a more stable
WALKWAY
YOUR PLAYGROUND
environment for events to happen. Think Gig Take a fresh look at
Guide also preaches to us to show our support
by buying tickets early. No more leaving familiar places
your plans to the last day, that’s just not cool
anymore.
The Think Gig Guide has taken a team of loyal
volunteers and supporters to keep it going. Last
December the community got solidly behind
Emma Mudgway
the Think Gig Guide crowdfunding campaign to give them a boost NEW CHUM
& BEACH
Kenzie Sampson to keep this project growing and thriving.
‘The support was overwhelming, and we want to thank everyone
who helped us out by donating or sharing our message, and for
all the kind words of encouragement we received during the
campaign. Crowdfunding has been a real journey and challenge, COROMANDEL
TOWN
and we highly recommend it’ -
Summer is here and our favourite part of this beautiful season Kenzie Sampson
is the chance to get out and enjoy the many events happening Visit www.thinkgigguide.com to view this month's guide. While
across our little slice of paradise. It can be tricky to find out you're there, subscribe to get it direct to your inbox each month. WHITIANGA
what’s going on sometimes, but two local girls (Emma & Kenzie) You'll also find a printable version and they encourage folk to CATHEDRAL COVE
have been working hard to make it super easy for us. Enter print it out and display it at your place of business, shop windows,
the Think Coromandel Gig Guide, born so we don’t have to billboards, i-sites, as a way of promoting the local events even
suffer from FOMO anymore. It’s your absolute go-to for what's further.
happening around the peninsula. 2021 is a new year, and now it’s easier than ever to find out what’s HOT WATER BEACH
“The Think Coromandel Gig Guide is focused on connecting our on. So no excuses, get out the house, support your local arts
communities, and recognises the value the arts play on mental scene and connect with your community!
wellbeing. We are a grassroots project, which all began with FIRTH OF THAMES
us being willing to travel for a good gig but wondering where Go to
we could find out what was going on without having to trawl
www.thinkgigguide.com
WAIOMU
through a bunch of different websites. Now we do that mahi for TAIRUA
everyone.’- Emma Mudgway. insta/FB @thinkcoromandelgigguide to follow them.
The girls are extremely dedicated to supporting artists and PAUANUI
KAIAUA
creating opportunities for the community to engage with the
arts. Alongside their gig guide, they profile artists and host their See you out there!
SHOREBIRD COAST THAMES
KAUAERANGA
PU-KOROKORO/ MIRANDA VALLEY
WHANGAMATA-
NGATEA
PAEROA
KARANGAHAKE
GORGE WAIHI WAIHI BEACH
18 19The Seagull
places summer
KUAOTUNU LIBRARY
A walk along Kuaotunu beach and glimpse under a huge macrocarpa whose branches sweep the
sands, shows us theres a discreet library builder living in the village ,whose quiet work has added
a quirky touch to the way people do things out here .
The mystery of who dunnit comes comes right to the doorstep of locals Wayne and Jo Mullins
and some enquiries. Coastguard Summer
When did you set about with this cute project hanging a mussel buoy filling it
with books and hanging it off a tree ?
The library is a straight copy of one Jo and I discovered while walking on the beach at Little Bay a
Advice for Boaties
couple of years ago.
We chose a place/tree near an area of relatively high use and placed it there figuring there was
much to be gained if it was used and nothing to lose if it wasn’t.
Did the Mullins manage this project alone?
No, it was a a community thing. I collected the buoy it from Thames coast on the way to Auckland
brought it back, borrowed a water blaster from Hamish Noble, a neighbour, to clean it up then set
about modifying it.
Did you design and build the interior shelving ,build the door with its
impressive clicking locking system ?
Yes I did, with some guidance and perseverance. I am not a skilled carpenter and this was really
more of a job for a boat builder with all the curves involved. The construction process was much
more difficult than I had anticipated, for example when I came to attach the door I found it had
changed shape significantly and needed a framework inside to reform it so it would work. I'm not
sure it would pass as a year 12 MBAS technical project but I'm sure none of its users cares.
It doesn't have building consent, code of compliance or meet earthquake requirements but it does
have drainage holes in case of a tsunami.
Whats its user system? ,how is the library maintained ?
Jo supplied the books to fill it initially and periodically checks it and adds more.The community
readers' library nearby also provides books that are no longer needed there.
During Covid lockdown I taped the door closed with a note saying
"closed during lockdown". Apart from this there has been 24 hour
access if weather and tidal conditions allow.
Which authors are most popular in the mussel buoy?
I did see some early National Geographics there once along with
Wilber Smith and Lee Child.
The Kuaotunu Beach Library is a brilliant community project, book-
sharing at its best. All you need to add to enjoy its success is a beach
towel and time.
Another of our amazing emergency organisations, run by to notify the team that you’re back safely so they don’t go
volunteers, is looking out for us this summer…this time on looking for you unnecessarily! You could get a bill for the
the water! wasted time and resources.
Graham Caddy, operations manager for Whitianga One of the places that has great potential to cause grief
Volunteer Coastguard, gives us some timely advice for safe, is the Whangapoua Bar between Whangapoua Beach and
summer boating. Matarangi.
“Planning for your trip starts the night before. Go over your “Check in with Coastguard for a bar crossing report,” says
vessel and check for seaworthiness, is the battery charged, Graham, “It’s a long, flat bar that should only be crossed
do you have plenty of fuel and what is the weather forecast within the hour either side of the high tide.” He adds if
looking like?” there is any white water at all on the bar, don’t attempt it.
Graham says one of the biggest problems is that folks are Did you know you can lodge a bar crossing report, call in to
too rigid in their planning, they want to go out that day Coastguard on Channel 63 as you are about to cross, they
life planning, Goal setting, come hell or high water, quite literally, and that is where will put the timer on and if you don’t call back within the
Low tox living the trouble starts. We need to be prepared to pull the pin if allowable time, they will activate the team presuming you
any of the above are not right. are in need of urgent assistance…an amazing service from
“Make sure you have two forms of communication, VHF Coastguard for our boating community.
radio and a mobile phone. We encourage you to lodge a Pop over to their website for more information, to become
trip report with Coastguard; where you’re going, when, a member or to donate to this extremely worthwhile
how many people you have on board and what time you are community organisation.
expected back.” Graham adds that it takes 30 seconds to
make a trip report, but it could save your life. Remember
www.whitiangacoastguard.co.nz
PHOTO BY DMITRI KOTELEVSKI
PHOTOGRAPHY
20 21The Seagull
2021 Anniversary weekend sees the return of the 10
wellbeing
Artists for another exhibition of diverse and engaging
art work in Kuaotunu. Mindfulness Colouring
We will have a wide range of work on display and sale
including sculpture, painting, photography, drawing,
paper engineering, raranga (weaving), wood working,
collage and mixed media.
The 10 Artists are all local to the area and their work is
strongly connected to their environment, culture and
community - something that is especially important to the
group.
The venue itself is very special and has been part of the
Kuatounu community since it was built in 1896. It is a
beautiful example of period architecture and the perfect
venue for the exhibition.
The exhibition runs from 10am on Friday 29th January
until 4pm Monday 1st February. Entry is free so please
come along and meet the artists, enjoy their art and our
beautiful community by the sea.
If you are here for the concert we are just a short 20
minute drive to the north.
22 23The Seagull
people
Hidden Treasures of the 309 Road
About 6 years ago, long before I moved to Whitianga, my family and I were visiting the Coromandel. As we drove past the
Coro end of the 309 Rd, we spied a group of what looked like little, wild, black piglets. We followed them up the road and
got out to have a look at them, amazed that they didn’t run off. To our surprise, a rather wild-looking bush man appeared
out of the trees on the roadside and followed the pigs off into the wilderness on the other side.
On the way home we had quite the lively discussion about who this eventually lets them move in instead. Clearly this is a man who has
mysterious pig man could be and where he might live. found a second family amongst his beloved cloven-hoofed friends.
Fast forward several years and the ‘Pig Man’ of the 309 Rd has been He fetched ‘Felicity’, one of the tamer babies, for me so I could have
noticed by many more and has become somewhat of a tourist attraction, a cuddle and patiently explained how to hold her properly. He was
even featuring on the 309 Rd Brochure which can be picked up at the generous with his time as many more cars of tourists stopped to
Information Centre. check the place out, hop the fence, ask questions and cuddle piglets.
Last year I was on a photography workshop when we stopped in. We If you’re looking for new places to explore this summer, take a drive
were welcomed over the fence and I had a field-day photographing all the down the 309 Road. First you’ll find an epic water hole, further
broken-down vehicles in the yard. Many families of pigs now occupy the along still you can take a short walk to see the mighty twin Kauri
fenced off section of land. The ‘Pig Man’ himself appeared and I was struck trees, go a little further and you can take a dip at the stunning Waiau
by his quiet and gentle nature. Falls and then finally stop in and say to the hidden treasure that is
I met his brother who explained that many of the vehicles in the yard the Pig Man and his four legged family.
were intended for the Pig Man but he loves his pigs so much that he Words and pictures by Debbie Lim Photography
24 25The Seagull
green page curling in on itself and flowers falling off, look for the little aphid-like TPP green page
psyllid on the underside of the leaves (or the grainy so-called psyllid sugars
Don’t be a tosser…
which they excrete). If you don’t want to spray, pull out any affected plants
immediately. Remember that uneven watering causes a range of problems
for tomatoes too – from the large, black, sunken spots that appear on the
non-stalk end (also known as blossom end rot), to splitting fruit. Water
Firstly ……… to all our wonderful customers and readers, happy new deeply a few times a week, rather than a sprinkling every day, and give
year to you all. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas season and them a dose of liquid potash which we sell to promote better fruit set. Keep
spent it with your loved ones enjoying quality time together. pinching out your laterals to help increase air flow which in return helps
We have decided to kick off this year by donating a percentage of to reduce diseases. This is our second year growing our tomatoes in the Minimise your footprint this
ezy-lift 35 litre bags. We absolutely love this style of growing. They have
our January sales to supporting suicide prevention in New Zealand.
Our donation will help towards raising awareness in schools and excellent drainage, and it gives us more room in our vege beds for all the summer holiday
communities, and helping to support the 24/7 phone and text helplines. other crops we like to grow. Nothing makes my blood boil more than Reusable shopping bags are great for
By purchasing anything from us during the month of January, and If you fancy growing your own food but are stuck for space, you will be
amazed at what you can successfully grow and harvest from a standard following a car the inhabitants of which feel groceries, beach trips and taking laundry to
our donation to this much needed organisation, you could help to
save a life. It saddens us that so many people walk among us in our 10 litre bucket. Success to growing crops in pots comes down to one is okay to toss their rubbish out the window. the laundromat.
communities that face these daily struggles. If you or someone you thing – water. Without irrigation, you’re ultimately destined to fail. Plants Almost as much blood boiling happens when
know, are having suicide thoughts, please know how much you are with their roots sunk deep into garden soil are naturally more forgiving of
occasional outbreaks of neglect, whereas plants left high and dry in pots will I see cigarette butts on the beach and plastic Refillable containers are fabulous for travel
loved, and how deeply you would be missed if you were no longer here.
Please reach out to someone and share your thoughts and feelings. wilt in a matter of hours. Every time a container-grown plant is subjected interwoven with the shells and seaweed. toiletries, even better use solid bar shampoos,
‘It’s ok if all you did today was survive’. to drought stress it markedly reduces its lifespan. That leads to fewer fruit What’s that saying? “Take only photographs conditioners, moisturisers and the like which
• 24/7 Helpline |0800 LIFELINE (0800 54 33 54) or on tomatoes, smaller roots on beets and carrots, and a tendency for leafy
crops like rocket and spinach to run to seed. And using one of our quality and leave only footprints”. True. can be popped in a jar.
• Suicide Crisis Helpline | 0508 TAUTOKO (0508 82 88 65)
• Kidsline | 0800 54 37 54 premium grade Daltons potting mix’s is essential. Moving containers into I acknowledge that it can be a challenge to
• In an emergency or if you feel you or someone you know is at semi-shaded positions over summer can also help, but you do need to be travel or holiday, especially with children, and Buy bulk sunscreen, keep it the boot and refill
risk, dial 111. prepared to water your potted plants every day during hot, dry weather.
practice the same waste minimisation as you a smaller container for outings.
Until next month, have a safe and happy January. Come and see any of our do at home, but, with a little preparation, you
This season we were a little late planting our tomatoes, so January
amazing, knowledgeable and friendly staff to help and assist you with your
is going to be all about harvesting in our household. Large slices
gardening and landscaping projects. can have a red hot go at having a greener Have lots of food containers in different sizes
of beefsteak on vogels with salt and pepper, homemade chutneys, holiday! for your picnics.
colourful salads, slow roasted with sage and balsamic vinegar. Oh the Remember to slip, slop, slap and wrap. Be safe in the water and on the
list goes on and on ……………. It’s important to keep an eye out on roads. Hope to see you soon. From the team at Mercury Bay Garden
your tomato plants this month. If you notice foliage yellowing and Centre and Landscaping Supplies. Here’s The Seagull’s top tips Don’t get sucked into buying cheap toys
and clothes in the New Year sales. ..they’ll
Have a take-away kit: metal straws, reusable probably end up in landfill quicker than you’d
take-away containers and keep-cups for all the like. If you shop…buy quality that will last or
family. Get into the habit of giving them all a bring everything you need or want with you
good wash at night, pop them back in the car from home.
and be ready for the next day’s adventures.
It goes without saying that your water bottles
are the refillable variety.
Pop a sanitiser pump bottle in the car and an
old-fashioned face-cloth in a jar to replace
your wet-wipes.
26 27You can also read
