As you brush up on your backyard cricket and beach volleyball skills, why not also invest in a new pair of the undefeated summer staple, beach shorts? Whether you go for designer monograms (looking at you Burberry and Gucci), or go for modern patterns (we see you Saint Laurent), opt for the new, slightly cropped boardshorts in classic colourways for the win.
A homemade peanut satay sauce has myriad uses; eat with steamed vegetables and tofu, add to a sandwich or use as a dipping sauce for rice paper rolls.
This recipe from Miss Polly’s Kitchen takes juicy chicken skewers, marinated and coated in a fragrant satay sauce, and serves them alongside rice and salad for a healthy and delicious meal.
Chicken satay recipe
Serves 5 people
Ingredients:
Chicken marinade
10 chicken thighs (roughly 900g-1kg)
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp sugar
2 cm piece of ginger, grated
3 large garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper
Olive oil
12-15 skewers depending on how big you cut your chicken pieces, soaked in water to prevent burning
Salsa
½ cucumber
½ pineapple, remove the core
½ medium red onion
Juice of 1 lime
Coriander
Salt & pepper
Peanut satay sauce
1 tbsp of red curry paste
½ cup of coconut cream (plus 1/3 cup coconut cream for later in the process)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sugar
1/3 cup crunchy peanut butter
Juice of 1 lime
To serve
Rice (2 cups rice cooked with 4 cups of water)
Coriander
Method:
1. Heat the oven to 200°C fan bake.
2. Cut the chicken into large bite-size pieces and toss in all marinade ingredients into a bowl.
3. Put the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers and bake for 18 – 20 minutes.
4. While the chicken is cooking, cook the rice.
5. Chop all salsa ingredients, mix and add to a serving bowl.
6. In a small pot add the red curry paste and 1/2 cup of coconut cream, cook for a few minutes then add the soy sauce, sugar, peanut butter and the other 1/3 of a cup of coconut cream then lime juice and simmer for another few minutes.
7. Serve chicken skewers with satay sauce, rice, salsa and garnish with lots of coriander.
Appeal to your inner bard, or someone else’s, with a book of acclaimed poetry. Whether you pick these collections up at a whim for a bite-sized verse or get stuck in and immerse yourself, these are three luminous poetic voices to know now.
Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
Commanding the world’s attention when she read her verse ‘The Hill We Climb’ at U.S. President Biden’s inauguration, Amanda Gorman is one of the brightest poetic voices of her generation. Her debut collection Call Us What We Carry explores grief and healing, hope and identity. “For me, this book is a receptacle, a time capsule both made by and for its era,” said Gorman. “What is poetry if not a mirror for our present and a message for our future?”
Rotten Days in Late Summer by Ralf Webb
Direct and insightful, sharp yet tender, this debut has been hailed as a vital new arrival in British poetry. Describing the complexities of life with ease, it ruminates on Webb’s formative years spent in the UK’s West Country, examining wider issues of youth and class, love, illness and death, mental health and masculinity, all with his clear-eyed prose.
Poems 1962-2020 by Louise Glück
Become immersed in the world of the quietly visionary Louise Glück with this career-spanning book. Winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature, Glück is known and loved for her sparse yet intimate writing; the intelligence and wisdom of her voice. Get to know its evolutions with this volume of the twelve collections Glück has published to date.
When architect and photographer Tom Ferguson was approached to renovate this Surry Hills, heritage-listed terrace house, he was prepared for a challenge. The former boarding house had been sitting derelict for 20 years, but with four storeys and grand frontage, its beautiful bones were ripe for both restoration and modernisation.
The resulting abode has been expertly realised with refined elegance, a tempered backdrop that allows for the furniture and artworks of its residents to shine.
On the main level, the kitchen is located a few steps down from the dining room. “As it’s relatively concise, it was very important we integrated as much as possible into the joinery, to maximise space,” says Ferguson. This included appliances, with Fisher & Paykel proving the natural choice thanks to its expansive range that allows for ultimate freedom of expression.
While the Classic style Freestanding cooker is exposed to form an attractive focal point, a fully integrated Dishwasher was opted for, and a French Door integrated refrigerator behind the client’s own cabinetry. This harmonious arrangement offers a kitchen to be enjoyed, or as Ferguson puts it “a kitchen that is comfortable to hang out in and live in, rather than just a functional space.”
A thoughtful treatment indeed of a room that is so often the heart of the home.
After 10 consistent years as a part-time Russell dweller, this area of the Bay of Islands has become my spiritual home. I got married here, I brought both of my newborn children here, and we continue to celebrate birthdays, long weekends and life in general in this magical place. In recent years, as my children have grown old enough to understand, I’ve also enjoyed introducing them to the rich Māori culture and history of the area. The historical trials and tribulations of the area are an important part of New Zealand’s history, so it’s a definite bonus to take the time to understand and learn more about the place we love to call our second home.
Where to stay
It would be remiss for me not to encourage you to stay at any one of Eagles Nest’s spectacular properties. There is something for everyone on offer here — from the globally revered Rahimoana, with its 360-degree views of the Bay of Islands from Waitangi to Flagstaff. Or the divine First Light cottage that offers the ultimate romantic escape for couples. Much like a hotel, villas are serviced daily, and with fantastic breakfast provisioning on offer. You can either head out to one of the many local eateries for lunch or dinner, or call upon one of the on-call chefs to take the hassle away for you.
Where to eat
Russell has come a long way in 10 years, but The Duke of Marlborough still proudly upholds its front row position as New Zealand’s first pub. It’s also one of the places we visit most regularly, along with another equally historic eatery in Russell, The Gables. Both offer great food and drinks and the opportunity to sit on the waterfront and take in the picturesque Bay. Hone’s Garden serves some of the tastiest authentic pizzas in the north and is ideal for families or large groups.
A bit further afield (but definitely worth the drive) is Paroa Bay Winery and its restaurant, Sage. Set back from the Bay, and high on the hill overlooking vineyards, it’s an idyllic spot for a delicious long lunch, and has become one of our favourite places to take guests who want to experience life beyond the confines of Russell. On a more laid back scale is Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen, which not only makes one of the best creamy chardonnays in the country (in my opinion), but also has a fantastic platter and pizza offering that can be enjoyed on the lawn paired with its delicious wines.
A short and quaint passenger ferry ride across the harbour to Paihia, you’ll find another perennial favourite Charlotte’s Kitchen, which offers a selection of great dishes from pizza to oysters and locally caught seafood. A new and exciting entrant is Terra. Having opened in 2020 with bold plans to bring an upmarket fine dining experience to the Bay, the menu does not disappoint with some incredible dishes that celebrate the food of the region.
Russell is also home to three reliable and decent coffee spots, Hell Hole (where you can also snag a good bagel with a variety of toppings), Oso, a new entrant in recent years that sees long queues in the summer months, and the Coffee Cart on Long Beach, which is the perfect pitstop after a morning beach stroll.
Where to shop
In recent years, Russell has become a more cosmopolitan holiday destination, attracting the type of people that not only like a decent flat white, but are also partial to a bit of retail spending that’s not restricted to craft markets and souvenir shops. Caravan opened two years ago, selling the sort of resort wear someone like myself would be interested in. And to complement it, The Bay of Islands Trading Company located just around the corner offers a fantastic mix of art, sculpture, and fashion with a semi nautical vibe, referencing the locals’ love of the ocean.
Where to walk
There are so many wonderful walks in the wider Bay of Islands region. Take a scenic day trip to Urupukapuka Island (via the ferry from Paihia) where you can swim in the lagoon, spot dolphins near the beach and walk any one of the island’s numerous tracks. My family’s favourites are closer to home. The walk from Flagstaff into Russell via Titore Way, where a track winds down through the bush, serves stunning vignettes of the bay along the way. A good local tip is to walk the track at nightfall, at the lower streams you’ll spot glow worms — an experience that my children love.
There are also two great walks on the Fladgate family’s properties, one which takes you to Waihihi Bay with a small swimming beach sheltered by pōhutukawa trees, and the other, known as Jim’s Walkway, winds through bush and native wetlands with plenty of birdlife, and pops out at Tapeka Point Beach, which has two good swimming beaches to enjoy depending on the wind direction.
Birdlife
Waiheke might try to stake its claim as having more than its fair share of birdlife, but Russell takes the gold medal, in my opinion. Not only is the area rife with kiwis (which loudly scream their presence on any given night), we also have daily sightings of weka, tūī, pheasants, kingfishers, fantails, swallows, quails, albatross, parrots, doves, and many more I haven’t yet identified.
When it comes to determining New Zealand’s most culturally significant artists with the widest appeal, it would be hard not to consider Jordan Luck. Whether it’s a rugby game at Eden Park, or the local pub in Te Awamutu, Jordan Luck and his band have been belting out, with the greatest enthusiasm, songs that we all know every single word to. In times when the country can feel divided, Luck’s songs and gregarious stage performances are the sort of binding salve that we need to feel connected. We speak to the musician to learn a little more of his process and life story to date.
I was born in Fort St. James in British Columbia. When I was young, I very much enjoyed watching ice hockey. We had hot dogs. I relished mustard. I also enjoyed walking on ice and picking up a handful of crunchy snow. Watching moose follow their trails from previous years. A favourite memory is of getting my tongue stuck to an outdoor tap. Freezing cold. You could spit and make marbles.
As a father I only hope I can be as worthy as my father was. Is. Over the years, I am amazed how many folk have approached me and informed me, “Your father was the best teacher evah! Best evah!” He had stories of the Sasquatch that seem to have had his classes riveted.
A common misconception about being a musician is that you are one. A dear friend on a Brisbane bus was sat beside a young lady. “What wonderful fingernails you have,” she commented. “You must be a classical guitarist,” she stated. “No sweetheart, I’m a poofter,” he merrily responded.
I’m so grateful to Joe Walsh. During these Covidicular times he has kept everything together. Joe is our Guitarist and Manager. Various shows are on their fourth rescheduling. We love you Masterton.
The rules are dependent upon who set them.
My performance process is genuinely unprocessed. At a jig in Paihia I was asleep in the hotel. I wakened. Five minutes to start the intro tape. Three minute walk to Zane Grey’s. “Heya Lads,” I calmly unqualm. “You were asleep!” sez Joe smilingly. “Yup,” sez I. Gem night. Unforgettable.
My songwriting process is curious. I often thought of left, right and centre. Having recently watched Law & Order: Organized Crime, I have learned that I perhaps write in an Oloid fashion. In 2029, I prognosticate a wee Oloid year.
Having songs that I have written that resonate so strongly with New Zealanders is encouraging, and hopefully enthuses other songwriters to resonate as other New Zealanders/Aotearoans have me.
My best on stage moment was at Gapes Valley Hall. I am in our school band Basement. During our third set I see these tables being set up. One hundred or so orders of unheralded fish and chips are being placed to the band’s and the audience’s magical full loving surprise. Glorious. “This musical lark may have some merit,” I mentioned to myself. I have another best stage moment. Shared. Those little mini-pie thingy-thangs are being handed around at a jig at Lake Hawea. I am listening to Beaver (the drummer) keeping this rock steady snare beat. Anticipating a roll, I turn around to see our man a-merrily mini-pie munching with one hand, stick in the other. Savouries. That’s what they are named. Apologies.
My worst moment has been described as more entertaining than other events of the day.
I look back on my life and think that I have dwelt little upon it. It is more the way ahead that I tend to ponder.
The most memorable moment in my professional career was realising that the memorable moment would lead to further memorable moments.
The worst advice given was my own. “You see that tap?” “Yes” “Thirsty?” “Yes!”
I never set goals. I am still too young. Perhaps when I am 91, I shall find one. That is a fine goal. An own goal.
My favourite song to perform is the one I have not performed yet.
Happiness is music. Music can be every spectrum of emotion. Birdsong. Yes, birds will hit notes to compose song to. Take your Moby out into the bush, whack your guitar tuner application on; mine is actually GuitarTuna. A Tui will hit a G note, a Piwakawaka, an E. Bamm, done. But flip, birds can be evil. I love the Takahe. We did some jigs on Motutapu. The Takahe, while we try to save them, will undo their own. Nevertheless, a paddock full of Takahe is my happiness, I did not hear them sing, I just knew straight away they were the biggest looking Pukeko. Could they run? Flip, pretty much straight up a hill in a straight line.
My family would describe me as a dependable, amiable, fullest full loving soul. And very modest. While my bandmates would no doubt say I am a handsome devil, not unlike themselves.
Performing on stage consistently for 40+ years has been remarkable. In 1992 at a jig in Hastings I was informed by a group of folk that were 10-12 years my junior of how much they loved the song ‘Victoria’. “Flip,” I thought. “I have been singing this song for ten or so years.” “Another ten?” “Indeed in deed. Another ten.”
Performing used to be in a room full of smoke and now it’s a wee bit easier to espy our sound and lighting technicians.
The personality traits that have contributed to my success are, I may presume, from being upbeat, jovial to a degree, optimistic. If you work with and love the folk you create with, those traits become stronger and are merrily attained. Maintained.
Aotearoans are very fine singers. We opened for Elemeno P on a tour in 2017/18. Flip, could that audience sing their songs. Not just choruses, verses and all. We presently play The Mockers, ‘Forever Tuesday Morning’. Killer. Krankin’!
The biggest thing I’ve had to overcome in my career is the loss of fellow musicians. They may be gone physically, but they still are here with me though.
At the end of the day love will sing a song.
A favourite line from one of my songs ‘Brodelia The Cat’ is, “with chasms of spasmodic charm you’ve got somewhere to go”. I enjoy it for its assonance, and its truth. If you mispronounce it, you’ll get alliteration too, ha.
I love this lyric from Nick Cave’s ‘The Curse Of Millhaven’. “Then Professor O’Rye from Millhaven High found nailed to his door, his prize-winning terrier. The next day the fool brought little Biko to school and we all had to watch as he buried her”. I enjoy this as in one couplet it near tells a Stephen King book and has an amusing rhyme to boot.
One person I’d love to collaborate with is Kerei Ruru. If there is a project on, he would be my first call. Kerei served our nation in the military for many years overseas. He is brilliant at everything. He can fix juke boxes and is very modest.
I first experienced the rugged beauty of Aotea, Great Barrier Island, for an Easter camping trip around seven years ago, and it has had a firm hold on me ever since. This summer will mark my third year ringing in a new one on the island with some of my favourite people, and taking some much-needed time away from it all.
Larger than you might expect (285km2 compared to Waiheke Island’s 92km2) there’s plenty to see and do on Barrier, but the fact that it is just that bit further from mainland Auckland — and has no reticulated power or water — means life is a little more off the grid. And locals like to keep it that way. Get there on a 30-minute flight from Auckland on a small plane or take the four-and-a-half-hour journey on the Sealink ferry (this way you can also take your car).
Where to stay
When you want to escape from it all but not sacrifice creature comforts, I suggest booking one of the Oruawharo properties —there’s a four-bedroom Beach House or a two-bedroom Cottage on a 16-acre expanse of secluded land, 50 metres from the beach. Both were designed by renowned firm Fearon Hay Architects; the main beach house is a 185sqm, L-shaped building with breathtaking ocean views, high-spec facilities, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a central entertaining courtyard and full-length glass doors that open completely to the elements. The adjacent cottage can be booked separately; perfect for smaller groups, it is special in its own right with two bedrooms, two ensuites and a well-appointed kitchen. Both properties allow you to self-cater with ease and enjoy the sweeping beach vistas.
Where to soak
An easy 45-minute walk through expansive bushlands will take you to the Kaitoke Hot Springs, a sulphurous, naturally heated stream with various deeper pools dotted along its length. If you’re feeling adventurous, head along at sundown (don’t forget to take a head torch) for a nighttime soak under the most incredible starry sky. (The whole of Aotea is a Dark Sky Sanctuary.)
Best spots to swim and surf
If visiting Barrier in the summer, swimming every day (or multiple times a day) is a given. Many of the beaches are popular for both swimming and surfing — for those after calmer waters, head to Kaitoke, Blind Bay and Harataonga, whereas Awana, Medlands, Whangapoua and Okiwi usually have bigger, rolling waves to catch. Make sure you check the forecast as many of the beaches can be calm one day and more surfable the next.
Where to eat
When we stay on Barrier for longer than a weekend, we self-cater by checking food boxes onto the plane or taking them with us in the car on the ferry. The island’s general stores in Tryphena, Claris, Whangaparapara and Port Fitzroy also sell a good variety of supplies including fresh produce, milk and bread and liquor. Plan ahead and you could also order organic produce boxes from Okiwi Passion, a small independent farm in Okiwi Basin.
There are plenty of options for when cooking gets tiresome — Swallow Burger is a tiny hut that does some of the best burgers on or off the island, which the queues will attest to; stop into My Fat Puku for coffee and lunch during the day or woodfired pizzas at night; and Pa Beach Cafe is also a great spot for brunch, lunch, coffee and cabinet treats.
Where to drink
Find plenty of options to slake one’s thirst, including take-home bottles from award-winning distillery Island Gin (also available for purchase at Okiwi Passion), and beer company and refillery Aotea Brewing. Should you want someone else to take care of the pint-pouring, Currach Irish Pub in Tryphena is a beloved pitstop for a brew. The pub also does a great wood-fired pizza and hot chips, and is usually heaving. As such, don’t be surprised if you bump into someone you know.
Where to walk
The journey to the summit of Mt Hobson offers many opportunities to admire the majesty of nature. There are two routes — the Kaiaraara Track, which is a full day’s walk around three hours each way from Port Fitzroy, or take Palmer’s Track via Windy Canyon. I recommend the latter, with both Windy Canyon and Palmer’s Track offering spectacular views in many directions as you traverse the ridge. Just be sure you’re prepared to walk up many stairs in the initial 15-minute climb up to Windy Canyon. Seriously, it’s a burner. But, it’s worth it, especially when you’re likely to spot the native kākāriki and kākā that love the area.
Elsewhere, the Dolphin Bay/Ross Bay Track is a sweet bushwalk, steep and rocky in places, that ends at two different, private bays depending on which turn you take along the way. From Tryphena, drive 1km along Cape Barrier Road and park at the entrance, then commence the 3-hour return walk. Follow the track to Dolphin Bay or take a fork 25 minutes into the walk for Ross Bay — both are secluded and boast some of the clearest waters to be found on the island, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or even fishing. Take a picnic and you’ve got yourself a nice day trip.
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