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W I N T E R

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A WORLD AWAY LIFE IN EAST TIMOR • KNITTING KINDNESS CRAFT FOR A CAUSE SHIP SHAPE BOAT-BUILDING BLISS • FANCY GREENS GROW YOUR OWN GET CREATIVE RECYCLED PAPER PROJECTS

COVER June Harré talks about her remarkable experiences in East Timor. Read her story on page 4.

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Hello from Sara With winter weather upon us, it’s the perfect time to get cosy with a good read. And with such a wide range of wonderful residents at Summerset, fascinating stories are never in short supply! When I heard about Summerset on Cavendish resident June Harre’s travels in East Timor, I was on the edge of my seat. June had never expected to visit the developing nation, but through a series of twists and turns she found herself in a small village near the mountains, in a time of violent political unrest. The journey had a profound and lasting impact on June’s life, and her incredible stories, precious photos and mementoes from that time help to shed light on a country most of us know little about. Read about June’s travels as a United Nations volunteer on page 4.

Closer to home, Adrienne Ball is on a mission of her own. After hearing about the huge number of children that arrive at Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital each year, Adrienne got to work knitting hundreds of toys for kids in need. Her knitted ‘pixies’ were an instant hit, read more on page 12. Up in Auckland, Roger Turnbull is also enjoying getting creative, crafting an impressive range of model boats. With the weather taking a turn, he’s sure to be doing plenty more tinkering in his ‘boatyard’ (aka the spare room at his villa). Meet Roger on page 10. For my next winter projects, I’m taking inspiration from our fantastic columnists. I’m keen to try growing my own microgreens

(see more in the gardening section on page 34) and I’ll be having a go at transforming old paper into greeting cards and collages (turn to page 38 for some crafty ideas). We’ve also got great reads on page 40, and hearty recipes galore, (page 30). Whatever you’re planning this winter, I hope you all stay warm and well.

Sara Bunny SUMMERSET SCENE EDITOR

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

Contents

June’s incredible journey Life in East Timor

Ships ahoy! Boat-building bliss

Warm fuzzies Craft for a cause

News $10,000 winners

Jude on interior design

News Celebrating our caregivers and nurses

Let’s talk about Brain health

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

This publication uses vegetable-based inks and

Paper produced using elemental chlorine-free

environmentally responsible paper produced from

(ECF) and manufactured under the strict ISO14001

Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®)-certified, mixed-source pulp from responsible sources.

Environmental Management System.

News Furry friends

Village people Pics from around Summerset

Staff profile Jude Hunt

Five questions Philip Moss

Poet’s corner Village wordsmiths

Delicious recipes Tasty ideas

In the garden From small seeds

Style The opportunities are endless

Craft corner Paper projects

Book reviews Great new reads

Go greener Green update

Wellness Health Foundations

Travel log Hanmer Springs

Puzzles Test the grey matter

Pets of Summerset Meet Roczen

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

JUNE’S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY As a volunteer with the United Nations, June Harré travelled to East Timor six times between 1999 and 2009. Over the years, she witnessed first-hand the harsh realities of life in the tiny nation, but it’s the kindness and bravery of the local people that will stay with her forever.

It was a vote that would decide whether the region would gain independence from Indonesia, and news of the violent unrest between rival pro-independence and pro-Indonesian political groups was a hot topic in New Zealand news bulletins at the time. But rather than watching it on television, June found herself right in the thick of it, living in the small town of Ainaro. Here, housing was basic, roads were prone to falling away and families washed their dishes in the stream. But for the many local people who supported

In mid-1999, June left behind her husband Francis and their three children to join an extraordinary mission. With her background in working at New Zealand elections, she had been asked by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to be part of a United Nations (UN) taskforce. Their job was to help supervise a referendum in what was then the Indonesian province of East Timor (now the country of Timor-Leste).

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“ The polling place I worked at was a small house with a thatched roof and bamboo walls”

breaking from Indonesian rule, the polling booth was a sign of hope. “The polling place I worked at was a small house with a thatched roof and bamboo walls,” June remembers. “It was in a place called Dare, up in the mountains. When voting registrations opened at our polling place, we were expecting about 1,300 people. More than 3,000 turned up.” June and her teammates from the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) were warmly welcomed into the surrounding villages, invited to colourful ceremonies and local events, and made the stars of countless group photos. But at the same time, a sense of darkness was never far away. “There were a lot of frightening incidents,” she says. “One day, just before the election, campaign groups from the pro-Indonesian and the pro-independence factions happened to cross paths right out the front of our rental

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house. There was a scuffle between the two, a man ran away down a nearby bank, and the crowd thought he was hiding in our house. “We were on the front deck, and raging crowds were suddenly coming down our driveway. The civilian police [made up of unarmed international police officers] were quickly on the scene after we radioed for help, and were trying to hold them back. The crowd started hurling stones at us and we couldn’t get inside, as the family we were staying with were terrified and had locked the door. “I remember crouching down behind the veranda wall and putting my head under a chair as the crowd came closer. All the windows in the house were smashing, pot plants were falling on me and I started to panic. Then my logical brain kicked in and I thought, ‘Come on June, you need to make it out of this.’ Thankfully, the Indonesian police arrived and were able to disperse everyone.”

It was just one of many scrapes during June’s time in the impoverished region, and while she made it through, she had Timorese friends who weren’t so lucky. Local people who helped the UN were often targeted by pro-Indonesian militia groups, which is something that haunts her to this day. “At the house we shared with a Timorese family, Luizinha did a lot of beautiful cooking and made all of our meals. But after we left East Timor, we heard there was a massacre and the militia killed her, along with 16 other people. They killed Luizinha simply because she looked after us. It’s very hard to live with, I can tell you.” LOCAL LIFE Despite the horrific realities of life in late 1990s East Timor, June, who now lives at Summerset on Cavendish, says the locals at Ainaro and Dare were kind and astute.

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“ The local women know instinctively that when you’re under stress, cuddling a baby makes you feel better”

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

“The local women know instinctively that when you’re under stress, cuddling a baby makes you feel better. So quite often, when things had been tense, one of the women would just come up and hand me a child. “Another time I chatted with the local women, through our interpreter, about how I was an orphan from a young age. As soon as they heard that, there was a lot of empathy towards me. From that point on, one of the girls in the village was my shadow. Everywhere I went, Fernanda was two paces behind me.” A NEW FUTURE When election day finally arrived, June remembers looking on in horror as a circle of men appeared with their guns pointed at the polling place. She and the team hurried as many people as possible through the voting booths, until UN bosses radioed to say it was too dangerous to stay open. “We had to tell

local staff, ‘We’re going to be here for another 20 minutes, and if you are still here after we leave, those militia are threatening to kill you’.”

reunions were happy, others were distressing, but she knew she couldn’t stop until everyone was accounted for.

Back in the safety of Darwin, Australia, the UN workers were told that East Timor, had voted by a landslide to become independent from Indonesia.

“On my sixth visit I was finally able to locate Luizinha’s grave. I can’t remember what I had with me, but I put it down on the grave and took a photo. Then I said to my teammates, ‘Mission accomplished. I don’t need to come back anymore because I’ve found everybody.’”

“We were told the news and we all started crying,” says June. “We had all heard rumours that if the results were for independence, militia groups were going to burn everything down. Later I heard that about 80 per cent of Ainaro was burnt to the ground.” Despite it all, June went back to Timor-Leste another five times. On her other visits she helped with events such as the national census and presidential elections, but she had another reason to return. June needed to know the whereabouts of all the local friends she had met during her first stay at Ainaro. Some of the

In 2000, June received a New Zealand Order of Merit for her work in East Timor, and later, two New Zealand military service East Timor Medals. “Going over there wasn’t something I ever planned; I just found myself there. I still get very emotional talking about it all. I wasn’t an emotional person before I went on that first trip to Timor, but I definitely am now. It was harrowing, but also hugely rewarding.”

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SHIPS AHOY! Roger’s lifelong love of the sea led him to start building boat models, and now his villa at Summerset Karaka is packed full of handmade maritime treasures.

When Roger and Jan Turnbull moved into their villa five years ago, Roger was tinkering on a large-scale model of a tugboat. These days, boat models adorn the walls, there are sailing ships in the hallway and boat books in the lounge, and the spare bedroom has been transformed into a makeshift boatyard. “There’s even a bandsaw in the spare bedroom now,” Roger says with a chuckle. “Along with all the other tools I need. It can get dusty, but Jan tolerates it as long as I stay on top of the vacuuming!” Creating each highly detailed model can be time-consuming, and Roger estimates the tug took him about two-and-a-half years to finish.

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Another project took 18 months to complete, but every vessel is well worth the effort. “I use photos from books to design each one, and it can get a bit fiddly with the level of detail,” he says. “Occasionally I’ve ordered kitsets from England but I never end up sticking to the instructions, as I like to put my own take on it.” Roger’s love of all things maritime started when he was a boy. Having grown up in a boating family, he has fond memories of the three ski boats he built for the Clevedon River. Later, after shifting to the Bay of Islands, Roger, Jan and their two children loved going on adventures in the family launch.

“ I use photos from books to design each one, and it can get a bit fiddly with the level of detail” But when it came to his own career, the boating life wasn’t to be. “I had wanted to be a boat builder, but when it was time for me to get a job, my father said no. I was directed towards farming instead. I wasn’t happy about it, but in those days you had to do what you were told. I did eventually work in a boatyard up north for about eight years, and my interest in boats has always stayed with me.” As word has got around the village about Roger’s boat-building skills, people have started bringing him things to fix or items to add to the toolbox. Finding the space for everything can get tricky, but for this maritime fanatic, it’s a nice problem to have.

“The model building has really taken off. I’ve got boats all over the place, and I’m always reading boat books. People bring me bits and pieces and I have a growing collection of yachts that need fixing. I store them in their own area that I call ‘rotten row’.” And if you ask Roger to choose a favourite vessel, it’s impossible to narrow it down to one. “They’re all pretty good, as all of them float and they all do what they’re supposed to do! The cruiser launch I’m making at the moment is a good one, but they’re all quite different and each design has its own special features.”

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Warm fuzzies 12

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Adrienne Ball has long been a knitter, and these days she has an extra-special project for Starship Children’s Hospital keeping her busy. When Adrienne decided it was time to do something with all the wool she had lying around at home, the arty grandmother soon got creative. After a few experiments and some crafty adaptations, she developed a pattern for her super-cute pixies, which are proving popular with young children in need. “I found some patterns online and I started making elves, but I just wasn’t a fan of the pointy ears,” she says with a smile. “So I came up with my own version. The pixies are a good size for small children and they’re great for little hands. I get excited every time I make one!” With her growing collection of knitted pixies in need of a new home, she knew Starship Children’s Hospital would be the best place to send them. “I read that Starship has about 10,000 children come through the doors each year. So I sent them a box of pixies with a little note. Before long, I got the most lovely card back from them, with a little medal saying I was a ‘star for Starship’. It gave me such a boost. It made it all worthwhile.”

ADRIENNE ESTIMATES SHE’S MADE ABOUT 200 OF THE TOYS SO FAR

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And it was the beginning of an ongoing commitment to keep a steady supply of pixies in production. Adrienne estimates she’s made about 200 of the toys so far, which she sends to the hospital in boxes of 50. “With the second lot I sent, I made sure I added a note telling them there’s no need to thank me each time. I know they’re well received, and the nurses there are so busy. I don’t do it for any recognition; I just love making them.” Adrienne, who lives at Summerset at Avonhead, says the pixies are the ideal thing to tinker on while watching a movie or relaxing with a cuppa. She usually makes two pixies at a time, in reverse colour combinations, and she makes each piece separately before carefully stitching them together. Assembling each tiny part can get fiddly, but mistakes are rare when you’re a knitting natural like Adrienne. “I don’t make many mistakes these days, but mind you, I’m 80, so I’ve been knitting for about 70 years! It’s a lot of fun, and it certainly keeps me out of trouble.”

“It’s a lot of fun, and it certainly keeps me out of trouble” Over the years, the creative Cantabrian has also turned her hand to cross-stitch, card-making and paper craft, but she says knitting is her first love. With arthritis making it hard at times to move her fingers, she finds knitting is a great way to keep her hands flexible. And with the demand for pixies remaining strong, Adrienne knows she needs to keep at it. “My husband John is getting invested in it now too. He keeps asking how many pixies I’ve done,” she laughs. “I can get quite attached to them, but the best part is sending them off knowing that I’m bringing children a bit of joy. Some children don’t have a toy with them when they come to hospital, so it’s lovely for them to have something to cuddle and talk to.”

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ADRIENNE HAS BEEN KNITTING FOR ABOUT 70 YEARS

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OUR NEWS

Earlier this year, Summerset gave away $10,000 each to two lucky recipients! The entries were open to two different groups – New Zealand retirees and Summerset residents. We caught up with the winners a few weeks after they heard the news.

PUBLIC WINNER /

SUMMERSET RESIDENT WINNER /

Barb Milton from Howick, Auckland

Colleen Hanratty from Summerset by the Ranges

“It was such a surprise to hear I had won, especially as I had forgotten I had entered the competition! My first reaction was complete disbelief. It’s so exciting. I have a friend who has been having a hard time lately, so as soon as I heard about the win, I raced out and bought her a pot plant and some treats. I definitely want to use the money to help spread a little cheer.

“I’ve always said I’d divide any win into three – local community, local church community and my family. For me, there truly is joy in giving!

“I’m gifting some money to my grandchildren, and I have a family in the Philippines that I donate to, so some will be going to them. I had arranged to get new carpet for my lounge, but after my surprise win, I’m now getting the whole house recarpeted as a special treat.”

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“I want to give a third of the money to St John, to help provide equipment for our local ambulance. Another third is going to my parish, St Joseph’s. The parish hosts great community events, and some of the prize money is going towards renovations at the parish centre kitchen, which helps us provide a welcoming environment at these events. “My late husband Denis and I have five children, and it was so gratifying to gift some money to each of them. I asked them to use it for themselves to celebrate a happy occasion or to help with a special project.”

JUDE ON

INTERI O R D ES I G N I am not an interior designer, but I do appreciate good design. When you attempt it yourself though, you realise that the experts make their job look easy.

We recently repainted and recarpeted our home. The last time we did this was when we renovated in 1998. Back then, I used the expertise of an interior designer. I was pregnant with number two, busy with a preschooler, trying to sort the bathroom fit-outs and a house-lot of recycled hardware to go with all the original recycled 1926 doors and windows, and doing 5.30 with Jude on the telly. So, a lovely interiors woman sorted carpet, paint and curtains, and I was incredibly grateful for her good eye. Fast-forward 22 years, and the carpeted stairs in our home were threadbare in parts. Then the puppy ate a patch of carpet. Yes, ate the carpet. These days, she has matured to be a good girl when left home alone, but a year or so ago she had a right old rip-up of the carpet by the door to the garage. After living with it for six months, I decided it truly was time to buy new carpet. Choosing carpet is quite a burden, as you know you will have to live with your decision for years to come. I called the interior designer – thankfully still in business – and said I’d need her input again. Sadly, we fell in love with the most expensive carpet sample, and I had to break the news that we couldn’t do it. My budget for paint and carpet was plainly a little

out of touch! Undeterred, I went to an end-of-line place and found a carpet that was similar but a whole lot cheaper, and we went with that. My logical brain then thought (with the savings I had made on the carpet) that it was probably wise to commit to repainting while the carpet was lifted. More decisions. More quotes. Then the painter asked me if I was going to hang the same curtains. So, I decided on new shutters. Again, I went with the most economical quote. By now, the bottom line on the budget was looking a little sick… and then came the discussion around ceiling lights. Why would we paint the ceiling a fresh off-white, only to put the old yellowing lights back in? The electrician reassured me that going for LED lights, with their low energy consumption, was very sensible. Lights in, but final budget now well over! I do love walking on springy carpet and not seeing peeling paint, sad curtains and yellow lights, so it has been worth it. And the reality of owning a home means maintaining it. We have yet to put all the pictures back on the walls though – that’s another set of decisions for another day. Ah, decisions. They come with every refresh of a stage in your life. Although they’re never easy, it’s a good feeling once you’re done.

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C E L E B R AT I N G O U R

caregivers and nurses Summerset’s caregivers and nurses are the backbone of our care teams, having a huge impact on the lives of our residents every day.

Their work was never more precious than in 2020, with its challenging lockdowns and visitor restrictions. So, this year’s Caregiver Celebration Day in March and International Nurses Day in May were heartfelt opportunities to say a huge thank you to them for their dedicated work. Summerset’s caregivers received a specially designed backpack with a drink bottle and chocolate, while our nurses were gifted a designer notebook and pen, along with LifeSaver lollies to reflect their lifesaving work. Thank you to our caregiving superheroes – you make a huge difference every day! From top: International Nurses Day celebrations at Summerset by the Park and Summerset at Heritage Park, Caregiver Celebration Day at Summerset at the Course and Summerset on Summerhill.

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B R A I N H E A LT H PETER AND DEB’S STORY

“My husband Peter and I moved into a Summerset villa in 2013,” writes Deb. “In 2019, Peter was diagnosed with mixed dementia (vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s), and we connected with the Dementia Auckland service. “After the diagnosis, Peter participated in Dementia Auckland’s Living Well group, which gave him joy, friendship and quality of life. For me, it was heartening to hear about the group’s activities, the ribbing and joking, the reading and the puzzle solving – and the laughter, oh, the laughter. The challenge to cook something in a slow cooker was fun, and Peter approached the task with enthusiasm, measuring, chopping, grating and dishing up, complete with finely chopped spring onion on the top. It was a sight to be seen! His comment, “Thanks for supporting me on that cooking”, was awesome, and it was a memorable moment to go to bed with a smile on my dial! “Our daily routine during the Covid-19 lockdowns revolved around making bread, baking and trying out new recipes. We walked, read, watched the news, tackled puzzles, and had regular Zooms and Skypes with family overseas. “Peter’s journey recently took another turn, and living at home with me as his wife and carer needed to transition to a new level. Late last year, we noticed that he was really starting to slow down, walking was becoming harder and harder, and his strength and energy were fading fast. He wasn’t keen to socialise as much, and if he wasn’t stimulated, he slept. We had a wonderful Christmas with our eldest son and family, but it became evident to me that I was nearing the end of being able to keep him safe (and me sane).

“Peter entered 14 days of respite care in early January, and I knew in my heart that if there was a room available for him at the end of his stay, he would remain there, as his needs had escalated to hospital-level care. It took time for him to get used to his new home, and I can honestly say it was a massive change for me too. I am grateful every day for the wonderful care and support Peter received. “Despite the challenges of Covid, 2020 was the absolute best possible year, full of many happy times and challenges. Peter was even in an NRL rugby league tipping competition and managed to come first equal out of more than 40 participants – a goal he had had for many years.

“IT WAS HEARTENING TO HEAR ABOUT THE GROUP’S ACTIVITIES, THE RIBBING AND JOKING, THE READING AND THE PUZZLE SOLVING”

“Dementia Auckland’s unwavering efforts and dedication helped us as we walked our own dementia journey. Now I’m able to give back by volunteering with their Botanic Gardens walking group. I’m grateful for the support from our Dementia Auckland team, friends we’ve made along the way, Summerset village staff and the various Counties Manukau Health support services teams.”

Peter passed away peacefully on 3 March 2021, aged 83, a precious soulmate and husband of 35 years.

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OUR NEWS

It’s all go at Pohutukawa Place

RAISE A

It might be one of the newest villages on the block, but Summerset at Pohutukawa Place is certainly taking shape!

Virtual wine tastings were so popular during lockdown that they are back again this year!

Located in New Plymouth, the village welcomed its first residents late last year, and most recently it celebrated the opening of its new temporary recreation centre.

There are four events on the 2021 schedule, each featuring an expert winemaker on screen to talk through their wares, and a selection of vino to sample. Whether you’re a fan of Syrah, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc or something in between, there’s a tipple for all tastes, from a range of top wine regions throughout the country.

About 70 current and future residents and family members turned out for the opening, and New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom had the honour of cutting the ribbon. Village Manager Martin Hook said it was fantastic to have the temporary recreation centre up and running. “We were really pleased to see so many of our current and future residents at the opening, and we know they’ll make full use of the facilities,” he said.

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GLASS

The last virtual wine tasting took place in late March and was a stellar success. The next event is on 30 June, so keep an eye out for posters in your village for more details.

SCHOLARSHIP

WINNERS ANNOUNCED Congratulations to Aaliyah Te Atarau Thocolich and Tyler Grant, this year’s recipients of Summerset’s annual Waitaha Te Houhou Health Scholarship. Aaliyah and Tyler each receive $5,000 to go towards their studies. Aaliyah is currently in her third year of study towards a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from Otago University, while Tyler, also a third-year student, is completing her Bachelor of Nursing at Massey University Wellington. Aaliyah says that while knee and ankle injuries sadly put the brakes on her netball days in high school, they also inspired her to study physiotherapy. “Helping people get back to their lifestyles and what they were doing before they sustained an injury would be very rewarding,” she says. Aaliyah’s particularly passionate about Māori healthcare, and would love to come home to work with her iwi after finishing her studies. “New Zealand’s health care system is made up of only 2 per cent Māori. The more Māori students that can graduate from university with a degree in health the better, as it will be to help shape the future for our people.

“Māori treating Māori will allow our people to feel more comfortable during consultations, as they will be able to connect better. Ultimately, the aim is for our people to have a positive experience when receiving health care, which hopefully should lead to better adherence to treatment, and overall better health outcomes.” For 20-year-old Tyler Grant, nursing was the perfect study option. “I was considering studying to be a doctor, but nursing appealed to me so much more. Nursing is much more hands-on – nurses get to spend time with their patients, are incredibly empathetic, and can really help people in their health journey by being advocates for them.” Tyler believes nursing should be about taking a holistic approach. “I want to be able to help people not only medically, but in all aspects of their life – this is when hauora comes into practice,” she says. “Hauora is the Māori philosophy of health and well-being that consists of four dimensions (taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whānau, taha wairua). This is something that is so important for better health outcomes.” Summerset purchased land for the Papamoa village from local iwi Te Kapu ō Waitaha. As part of the agreement between the two parties, Summerset is providing a $10,000 annual scholarship to a member (or members) of the iwi pursuing health studies, for the next 20 years from settlement date.

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

C OV I D - 1 9

VAC C I N AT I O N S W E L L U N D E R WAY

Back in April, care centre residents at Summerset on the Coast in Paraparaumu became the first people at Summerset to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations.

Hobsonville’s Clark Cottage wins awards

Since then, vaccinations have been well under way at villages around the country, and Paraparaumu care centre residents and staff have now had their second dose. Getting a Covid-19 vaccine is an important step you can take to protect yourself and others from the effects of the virus. For full protection, two doses of the vaccine are needed, at least 21 days apart.

Residents at Summerset at Monterey Park love having a heritage-listed cottage on their village grounds, and since it’s been fully restored, it’s really turning heads!

Keep a lookout at your village for the latest vaccination information, or check in with your village manager.

The team who restored the cottage picked up a Gold Award and a Value Award at The New Zealand Commercial Project Awards recently.

didn’t hurt a bit.

Despite the stiff competition, stunning Clark Cottage won over the judges to scoop prizes in the Heritage and Restoration category. Restoring the early 1900s cottage to its former glory has been a labour of love for the Summerset design team and a range of skilled tradespeople. Now the cottage is complete, it’s enjoyed by residents and the local community.

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

Among the first people from Summerset to be vaccinated was 101-year-old Maisie Lund, who said it

FURRY FRIENDS

Summerset on Cavendish went mad for alpacas recently, and with their cute furry faces, it’s easy to see why!

The residents’ first trip to Sherlin Alpaca Stud in West Melton, Canterbury, was so popular that the village soon arranged a second visit. Everyone loved learning all about the gentle creatures, getting up close to feed them tasty morsels, and cuddling some adorable alpaca babies.

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V I L L AGE PEOPLE

Summerset residents are a sociable bunch – here’s a peek at just some of the latest happenings from around the villages.

2 1

Photo 1: Summerset at the Course held a Pink Ribbon Breakfast and raised $520 for the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation. Photo 2: Papamoa residents love heading out on beach strolls. Photo 3: Theatre fans from Summerset by the Park enjoyed a show at Auckland’s Civic Theatre.

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Photo 4: Cavendish residents surrounded by sunflowers at the Van Gogh Alive exhibition. Photo 5: Ladies Night at Summerset Richmond Ranges was a blast, with cocktails, a movie, grazing platters and dancing!

Photo 6: Summerset at Karaka in their finery for the annual residents vs staff bowls match. Photo 7: Summerset on Summerhill staff enjoy some chocolate treats.

Photo 9: An intrepid group enjoyed a boat trip around Nelson’s beautiful Abel Tasman National Park. Photo 10: Residents from Summerset down the Lane loved joining in at a pottery class.

Photo 8: A super-cute helper for Easter deliveries at Summerset Palms.

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S TA F F P R O F I L E

Jude Hunt BY JENNY BRIDGEN

Jude Hunt speaks from the heart when she talks about her role advising residents and their families looking to move into Summerset’s serviced and memory care apartments. “We change people’s lives,” says Jude. Jude is the Summerset Group Sales Specialist, working closely with sales teams in new villages to help them guide residents through their emotional journey as they move into care. She travels the country from her Christchurch base, often living in our retirement villages to help families and residents considering their next steps. “You see the relief in people’s eyes when they see what’s available in our villages,” Jude says. “They say, ‘We had no idea such amazing options were available.’ “The average age of someone moving into a serviced apartment is between 84 and 87,” says Jude. “A large percentage of those moving into our villages are simply lonely. Their world is getting smaller, they have stopped engaging with life, stopped eating well, and the wheels are starting to come off health-wise.” Jude says that the support packages for serviced apartment residents include options for evening meals. “We are social beings and we eat more when we are with others. Our residents dine together, enjoying the company of their neighbours and making their first friends in the village. This also takes so much pressure off families. They have the confidence of knowing their loved one is eating well and being given every opportunity to engage in village life. Good nutrition and vibrant social interaction help keep the brain healthy, as well as supporting independence.

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“One of the things I always say to older people looking to move is, ‘It’s only going to get harder. The sooner you come in, the sooner we can help you to live a healthier and more engaged lifestyle.’” Jude says that her own family and extended family members have been stoically independent in their older years. “They said, ‘I want to stay in my own home.’ But actually, our family was providing close to full rest-home care to support them in that home. This takes such a toll on families. “Our memory care centres are designed for people living with advanced dementia and cognitive decline. We offer one-bedroom apartments and full rest-home care. It’s secure, and it gives residents and their families space and time together in a homely environment. “We provide dementia care with dignity and respect. Our model of care is completely person-centred, providing our residents with a sense of purpose and making them feel valued. “To have someone’s son quietly crying after a tour of one of our memory care centres because they know this is the best he can do for his mum, well, it blows my mind. That’s why I love what I do – why I’m passionate about what we do as a team!” Summerset has memory care centres in Levin, Christchurch, Hamilton and Richmond, and is opening a new centre this year in Avonhead. Most Summerset villages offer serviced apartments.

JUDE GUIDES RESIDENTS THROUGH THEIR EMOTIONAL JOURNEYS AS THEY MOVE INTO CARE

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FIVE QUESTIONS PHILIP MOSS FROM S U M M E R S E T FA L L S Easy-going farmer Philip Moss has lived at Summerset for just under a year, but he still wakes up at five o’clock every morning. Here, he chats about growing up north of Auckland, advice he’d give to his younger self and why you can’t beat a classic roast dinner.

What was your first job? I’ve been involved with farming all my life, and my first job was helping a neighbour as a farmhand. I eventually had my own farm in the Whangaripo Valley, which is near Wellsford, north of Auckland. I’ve also worked at the agricultural supply business Wright Stephenson , now called PGG Wrightson. What are your favourite childhood memories? I played for the same local cricket club since leaving primary school, and I always had a good group of mates from there. We would go to dances and the picture theatre on

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weekends, and when I was 16 I had my own car, so that made it even better. What’s your advice to your 21-year-old self? I would probably say settle down, work out what you’re doing, and be more responsible! I think I got lucky in life. When Heather and I got married, we wanted to buy 400 acres of land in the Whangaripo Valley for a sheep and cattle farm. We applied for a rural bank loan, as it was known then. When I got the call to say it had been approved, I said, “Well, what do I do now?” The joker on the phone said, “I don’t know. You’re

old enough to get a loan approved, you need to figure it out yourself!” I bluffed my way through a bit. Favourite meal? I love a good roast dinner. We used to go down to the local fish and chip shop and have steak and eggs on a Friday night and that was great too – just classic Kiwi meals. What’s your philosophy on life? Take each day as it comes, and if you make a mistake, put it down to experience and just keep going.

POET’S CORNER Our Fearless Heroes They left with pride

Futures that were never claimed

They left with dreams of a better life for the

Years of unfulfilled dreams

oppressed

Generations lost in a war zone

They left to serve their King and country They left to fight a war with an insatiable hunger for lives Praying for their safe return were those who remained behind

They left with pride They left to make a better world They left – we remained Always to remember and never to forget By Margaret Flinn, Summerset by the Park

A Salutary Tale Pepper and her old friend Salt together day by

But Salt did not return that day and as the days

day

went by

Side by side in comfort in a little shallow tray They viewed each other through the glass of their respective pot It seemed they were quite satisfied with their accustomed lot They felt themselves essential and secure and didn’t doubt They added taste to everything no one could do without

Poor Pepper couldn’t understand he hadn’t said goodbye She asked wise Mr Mustard if he knew why Salt would go And stay away so very long she’d really like to know The kindly soul could hardly bear to see poor Pepper sad But felt he had to tell her although the news

One fateful day her good friend Salt was

was bad

nowhere to be seen

He won’t be coming back my dear to fill his

His glass still there was empty but her friend

little pot

had left the scene

Poor Salt’s become a victim of the healthy

That’s OK said Pepper, no need to feel

eating lot

distressed He’ll come back later filled right up and feeling

By Pat Brown, Summerset at the Course

quite refreshed

If you would like to submit a poem for consideration in Poet’s Corner, send it to magazine@summerset.co.nz

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

DELICIOUS RECIPES

WA R M

U P

T O

WINTER R E C I P E S BY JA N B I LTO N

COOLER DAYS HAVE ARRIVED, SO WHAT BETTER PLACE TO BE THAN IN THE KITCHEN WHIPPING UP A WARMING SOUP OR STEW, OR BAKING SOME SWEET TREATS? THE TANTALISING AROMAS MAY EVEN HAVE YOUR SUMMERSET FRIENDS CAJOLING YOU INTO PARTING WITH THE RECIPES

It seems that every time I go to the supermarket there are new products on the shelves – such as dried mushrooms. In Italy, dried porcini mushrooms are considered a gourmet treat. Their intense nutty flavour is popular in soups, sauces and meat dishes, and on pizzas. Fresh porcini are sometimes found in New Zealand pine forests, where they share a symbiotic relationship with the tree roots. Dried shiitake mushrooms also have a powerful flavour and have been a mainstay of Asian cooking for centuries.

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They are more reasonably priced than porcini and can replace them in recipes. Fermented products such as kombucha (fermented tea) and kimchi are also fast taking over the chiller cabinet shelves. Kimchi is a Korean staple made from salted and fermented vegetables, including cabbage, and is usually served as a side dish. However, it’s also delicious added to fritters or pancakes, and is awesome with eggs. The kimchi in the following recipe could be replaced by sauerkraut and a pinch of chilli.

KIMCHI

FRIED RICE SERVES 2 FOR LUNCH OR 4 AS A SIDE

I used a packet of two-minute rice to make a quick lunch, but you could serve the fried rice as a side to a main meal. Top with cooked chopped egg, chicken or prawns, if preferred.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

1 tablespoon canola oil

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Sauté the onion until

½ medium onion, diced

softened. Add the carrot and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.

1 large carrot, grated

Add the rice, kimchi and half the parsley. Stir until warmed through.

2 cloves garlic, crushed

Serve garnished with the remaining parsley.

2 cups (250g) cooked long-

Tip: Kimchi is nutritious. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C, and

grain rice

the minerals iron, calcium and selenium. It is easy to make at home –

1 cup kimchi, chopped

check out the recipe on my website, janbilton.co.nz/miscellaneous

½ cup chopped parsley

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BEEF & PORCINI

CASSEROLE SERVES 6–8

I often make casseroles in bulk so I can freeze portions for another meal. This dish is excellent served with baked potatoes or creamy polenta. While classic polenta requires 30–40 minutes of constant stirring, the new quick-cooking variety eliminates the hard work and is a very acceptable product.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

20g (1 cup) dried, sliced porcini or

Place the dried mushrooms in a bowl. Cover with the boiling water.

shiitake mushrooms

Soak for 30 minutes.

1 cup boiling water

Meanwhile, trim the beef and cut into 3cm cubes. Season with salt

1kg beef chuck steak or similar

and pepper. Heat the oil in a large casserole or frying pan suitable

salt and pepper to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 celery stalks, finely sliced

for the hob and oven. Brown the meat in batches on all sides. Remove to one side. Preheat the oven to 170°C. Add the celery, onions and garlic to the casserole and sauté gently

6–8 small pickling onions

for about 5 minutes, until the celery is softened.

2 cloves garlic, crushed

Drain the mushrooms, reserving the water. Add to the vegetables,

400g can tomatoes in juice, chopped ½ cup red wine or good beef stock

together with the tomatoes and wine. Strain the mushroom liquid into the casserole. Simmer for 5 minutes, until reduced a little. Return the beef to the casserole. Cover and cook in the oven for about 2 hours until the meat is very tender.

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

GRAN’S GREAT

GINGER BISCUITS MAKES ABOUT 35

A treat to serve your Summerset friends or to give as gifts. Any extras can be frozen.

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

175g butter, softened

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light. Add

1 large egg 4 tablespoons golden syrup 2 cups plain flour 1½ teaspoons baking soda

the egg and golden syrup, and beat until combined. Sift the dry ingredients except the caster sugar into a bowl and mix well. Tip into the butter mixture. Mix until combined. Take tablespoons of the mixture and roll into balls. Roll in the caster sugar to coat. Place on the baking trays about 2.5cm apart. Flatten

2 teaspoons ground ginger

slightly with the palm of your hand and top each with a ginger slice.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Bake for about 20 minutes, swapping the trays around halfway

¼ cup caster sugar 2–3 tablespoons sliced crystallised ginger

through. Cool on the trays for 5 minutes, then remove the biscuits to a wire rack. When cool, store in an airtight container.

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

A R T I C L E BY LY N DA H A L L I N A N

IN THE GARDEN

small seeds F RO M

In as little as seven days, anyone can sprout and snip a nutritious crop of baby microgreens, writes Lynda Hallinan. It’s a DIY project that brings pleasure to gardeners of all ages.

One of the most satisfying gardens I’ve ever grown was also one of the smallest. At primary school, our class painted smiley faces on empty eggshells, then filled them with potting mix and sprinkled a teaspoon of curly cress (Lepidium sativum) seeds on top. With a little water and a little patience, we were the proud owners of our very own green-haired cress heads just a few days later. There’s a theory that children, if given their own vegetable gardens, are more likely to make healthy choices and eat their greens without protest, though I’m pretty sure that none of my

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classmates nibbled all their cress. We did have fun snipping their curly green tops to give them mohawks and other experimental hair dos, however, and four decades later, I still get a kick from sprouting seeds in small pots.

There is something nourishing, especially in the dead of winter, about making a sandwich, salad or green smoothie from microgreens grown indoors on a north-facing windowsill. Microgreens – the name given to baby vegetables that are slightly bigger than sprouts but smaller than bagged salad leaves – are ready to harvest when they’ve grown their first set of true leaves. (True leaves, unlike the cotyledons that come first, are recognisable as miniature versions of the adult plant.) Not only do they look posh sprinkled as a garnish over a bowl of hearty vegetable soup, a quiche or club sandwiches, but per gram,

microgreens are powerhouses of flavour and goodness. They’re rich in potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper and health-giving antioxidants. Microgreens can also be up to 40 times more potent in cancer-fighting phytochemicals than their fully grown counterparts, according to a University of Maryland study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Of the 25 microgreens in the study, red cabbage, coriander, red amaranth and green daikon radish had the highest concentrations of ascorbic acids, carotenoids, phylloquinone, and tocopherols. As for that cute curly cress we grew as kids? Not only is it rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A, but it’s also the little sister of Lepidium oleraceum, the native coastal cress better known as Cook’s scurvy grass. Although endangered in the wild, this species is available from specialist native plant nurseries, and if you pot up a specimen, you can save its seeds to raise your own novel native microgreens for a tasty talking point.

H O W TO G R O W M I C R O G R E E N S Microgreens will flourish in any shallow container (5–10cm) filled with fine-grade seed-raising mix. I grow mine in recycled coffee cups, tin cans and plastic garden centre punnets. Moisten the soil first, then sprinkle the seed thickly over the surface of the mix. Add just enough extra mix to cover them. Mist the soil to keep it moist until the seeds start sprouting, and place the pots in a warm spot, such as on heated bathroom tiles or on top of your fridge. They don’t need sunlight for germination, but as soon as they are up and away, move the pots to a sunny spot. Most varieties will be ready to eat within 7–10 days.

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FA S T A N D F L AVO U R F U L •

Kings Seeds (kingsseeds.co.nz) offer a wide range of untreated seeds for sprouting and microgreens, including red amaranth, several types of kale, pak choi, celery, rocket, mustard, beetroot, sunflowers, watercress, sorrel, komatsuna (a Japanese spinachmustard hybrid) purple shiso and wheatgrass.

•

For peppery microgreens, sow mustard ‘Streaks’, nasturtiums, mizuna and spicy radishes, such as red ‘Rambo’ and ‘Sango’.

•

If you love the flavour of freshly podded peas but haven’t got room to grow a crop in your garden, pea microgreens are the answer. Sow any traditional dwarf or climbing variety; their tender leaves and tendrils taste exactly the same as the peas they produce.

•

Herbs take a little longer – 14–28 days – than most microgreens, but the intensity of flavour from mini Italian parsley, baby borage (it truly tastes of cucumber), coriander, basil and chives is second to none.

SEASONAL CHECKLIST Plant pots of pansies, polyanthus, calendulas, primulas, cyclamen and snapdragons for winter cheer.

Sow broad beans. The variety ‘Dwarf Early Green’ has full-sized pods on compact plants that don’t need staking.

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Winter is the season to plant fruit trees, and there are several compact grafted trees that crop successfully in large containers. Seek out the first truly dwarf pear, ‘Garden Belle’, which grows no bigger than 3m and is an all-round beauty with white blossoms in spring, sweet summer fruit and gorgeous golden autumn colour, or the dwarf blushing red apple ‘Autento’, which has ‘Cox’s Orange’ and ‘Golden Delicious’ in its genes.

Take care harvesting citrus. Mandarins, especially, last much longer in the fruit bowl if you snip the stems rather than pulling the fruits off the tree. ‘Miho’ is my favourite mandarin for sweet, seedless, easy-peel fruit. It also crops prolifically from a young age in pots.

ARTICLE BY LUCY CORRY

STYLE

HERE ARE SOME PRO TIPS FOR BEGINNERS: L O C AT I O N , L O C AT I O N , L O C AT I O N

THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE

Endless

Do you know how to look stylish while doing your bit for charity and the environment? The answer is found in your local op shops. I can easily make time disappear while I hunt through thrift-shop shelves and racks of high-quality clothing, books, homeware and furniture. On a recent visit I picked up a gorgeous king-sized pure wool blanket, a French silk shirt, a cute T-shirt and a pair of designer jeans. Not bad for less than $25! While I’ve been op shopping for 30-odd years, it seems I’m finally on-trend. Buying second-hand clothing is having a moment, as both young and old realise fashion’s impact on the environment. In 2020, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimated that the fashion industry is responsible for 10 per cent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions every year (more than international flights and maritime shipping combined). These sorts of facts and figures are enough to make any fashion lover feel a bit sick to their stomach. If you want to stay stylish without contributing to the problem, op shopping could be the answer.

Op shops in affluent areas often have a natural advantage, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones you should visit. Charity stores in shopping centres are convenient, but I’ve found many gems in small op shops tucked into church halls or community centres. TIMING IS EVERY THING Op shopping is an activity to savour rather than a task to rush. It’s often more relaxing (and successful) to visit midweek rather than during the weekend. L O O K F O R Q UA L I T Y At this time of year, charity shops have gorgeous pure wool jerseys and coats in excellent condition for a fraction of the price of their new synthetic-fibre counterparts in ordinary stores. BE SELECTIVE Check over any garment carefully before committing to buying it. Would you buy it if it cost twice as much? CLEAN AND BRIGHT Most charity shop finds benefit from a good wash and being line-dried. If you find a coat or similar item that has a strong scent of yesteryear, dry cleaning will work wonders. Alternatively, try soaking washable items in warm water to which you’ve added a cup of white vinegar.

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CRAFT CORNER

P L AY I N G W I T H

COLOURS AND SHAPES Collage might have a bit of a childish reputation, but I think it’s good creative fun at any age. ARTICLE BY MELISSA WASTNEY

Collage is a wonderful way to make something beautiful from something otherwise discarded, such as junk mail or old magazines. And while it is an artistic activity, there’s no pressure at all – just relax and enjoy playing with colours and shapes. If it doesn’t work, it can go back into the recycling bin and you can try again! If you have grandchildren visiting, this is a great activity to do together. You could make a set of greeting cards and envelopes to send to family and friends, as I have here. Or create a new artwork or poster for your (or their) bedroom wall. Part of the fun lies in gathering and collecting materials for your collage sessions. Old magazines and even damaged books can be a gold mine – check out your nearest op shop or recycling bin.

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SUPPLIES

METHOD

Plain paper and/or card in any colour and weight Selection of old magazines, circulars, newspapers and other printed material Scissors, pencil and pens

2. Look through your papers and choose a colour scheme and general theme to work with. 3. You can either cut out whole pictures to use, or you can draw your own shapes onto printed papers and cut those out. 4. Feel free to play with a variety of colours, patterns and layers of paper!

Glue stick

5. Here are some of my ideas:

1. Gather your tools and materials, and clear a flat surface to work on.

1 / I made a set of greeting cards to send to friends, and tied them together with matching envelopes. For these, I layered botanical images cut from an old, damaged gardening book onto black-and-white images of mountains from another book. 2 / For this piece, I used a page from an old

National Geographic magazine and laid that over a sheet of grey card. I then drew some botanical shapes on white paper, cut these out and stuck them over the landscape. 3 / I cut out these snowdrops from various pages of a glossy magazine and glued them to some black card for a dramatic effect.

4 / This simple blossom collage was made from a piece of junk mail. I added the brown branch using watercolour paint. 5 / I chose two pictures from an old National Geographic magazine and decorated them with pencil drawings and using a stamp made from the eraser end of the same pencil, dipped in yellow ink!

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W W W. N Z B O O K L O V E R S .C O. N Z

BOOK REVIEWS

The Remarkable Miss Digby PAT R I C I A D O N OVA N This compelling historical novel, set in Syria and opening in 1853, was inspired by the real-life Jane Digby, Lady Ellenborough. After a string of marriages and affairs, the beautiful English aristocrat decided to live in the Middle East, seeking to start afresh. In the novel, Jane buys a home in Damascus and yearns to establish an Arabian horse stud. To do so, she has to cross the Syrian desert and negotiate with nomadic Bedouins. In Syria, Jane discovers a new world where she can dare to find true passion and love – although cruelty and recklessness are never far away. Will she find happiness with Medjuel, a Bedouin of great honour and integrity? Or will the unscrupulous Barrak prove a permanent barrier to their happiness? This novel is beautifully written and well researched, and it brings to life a place and time that are now tragically lost. Inspired by the author’s own journey from Damascus to Palmyra before the Syrian civil war, this is a compelling and page-turning read that will transport you to a different era MARY EGAN PUBLISHING, RRP $30.00

and culture, with an unforgettable heroine centre stage.

Blood on Vines M A D E L E I N E ES K E DA H L Capturing the Matakana wine country’s scenic beauty, Blood on Vines is a thrilling read. Avery and Lexi run Matakana Valley Wines, and managing both a vineyard and family life with teenage children is proving undeniably stressful. But things are about to get a whole lot more stressful when Avery discovers a severed human hand under their house. Why would someone put it there? Whose hand is it? Are they in danger? Avery is one of four old friends in the winemaking industry who have a shared past, but it now seems they also have a common enemy who is out to pick them off, one by one. In the opening chapter, the reader discovers that one friend has already been brutally murdered. Who will be next? Local cop Bill is looking forward to autumn and fewer tourists in the region, but now his peaceful patch is about to be rocked by a series of vile attacks, shocking the close-knit community. Madeleine Eskedahl has written an atmospheric crime novel, with just the right combination of well-drawn characters for readers to care for and SQUABBLING SPARROWS PRESS, RRP $34.95

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increasing suspense to keep them turning the pages.

The Ruby Princess D U N CA N M C N A B This is a must-read account if you want to know what went wrong on the Ruby Princess – and also learn more about the dark side of luxury cruise ships. Duncan McNab is an award-winning investigative journalist, and he has written a comprehensive account about the liner and how it became a 21st-century plague ship. In the early hours of 18 March 2020, the Ruby Princess docked at Sydney’s Circular Quay, a gateway to Australia. Some 2,700 passengers disembarked without any health checks, despite the fact that a pandemic was running rampant across the planet. A few days later, passengers got the bad news that the Covid-19 virus had infected some of those on board. Eventually, 700 passengers would be infected and 22 of these died from the disease. Not only that, but the disembarkation of the passengers in Sydney turned into a super-spreader event that caused multiple cases across Australia and beyond. This is a damning account of negligence and corporate greed, leading to death and disaster. The author does a superb and meticulous job of MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS, RRP $39.99

documenting the causes of this spectacular quarantine failure and the lives of the victims and their families. The Ruby Princess is a page-turning and comprehensive account of this tragic event.

City of Vengeance D. V. B I S H O P Set in the Italian city of Florence in 1536, this atmospheric and thrilling novel introduces a memorable new character to literary fiction – Cesare Aldo, an officer of the Otto di Guardia e Balia, the most feared criminal court in Florence. The story opens with Aldo escorting a Jewish moneylender to his home in Florence. They are attacked by bandits, but Aldo manages to get his client home safely – only to discover the moneylender is murdered in his home not long after. Aldo is given an unreasonable four days to solve the murder – he must catch the killer before the Feast of Epiphany or suffer the consequences. It doesn’t take long for Aldo to uncover a plot to overthrow Florence’s ruler, Duke Alessandro de’ Medici. If the duke falls, this will create a power vacuum that could endanger the entire city. Aldo is a unique character, a man of honour and bravery, an officer of the court, but one who works to his own moral code. City of Vengeance is a novel that twists and turns through a city filled with ambitious characters MACMILLAN PUBLISHERS, RRP $37.99

seeking personal power at others’ cost.

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GO GREENER

Green Update Read on for the latest sustainability news from around the villages.

V I L L AG E BUZZ

HERE COMES THE SUN

( R E CYC L E D ) P L A S T I C FA N TA S T I C

Our friends in Dunedin have been

As part of our ongoing

Residents have led the charge in

busy bees, following in the

commitment to going greener,

getting four more sustainably built

footsteps of Summerset in the Sun

we’re currently trialling the

vege gardens added at Summerset

in Nelson, with the introduction of

benefits of a long-term investment

on Summerhill, in Palmerston

several ‘bee-friendly’ areas at

in solar energy at Kenepuru.

North, giving our soft plastic waste

Bishopscourt.

Group Design Manager Ben Bourke

a second chance as planter boxes.

They’ve been working hard to

says residents have been

The Summerhilll team wanted an

create a bee-friendly

interested in solar energy for some

environmentally friendly solution,

environment, designating areas in

time, and it is hoped that the trial

so they opted for innovative

the village that are planted with

will be a win–win for residents and

recycled plastic garden boxes

the types of flowering plants that

Summerset’s sustainability goals.

designed and made by New

bees love, and also through planting mānuka on the retaining wall garden, providing watering stations for the bees and eliminating the use of harmful sprays and pesticides. With the help of local beekeepers, the Bishopscourt village team are also setting up their very own beehive.

“We’re hopeful that the savings from the solar panels will help

Summerhill Property Manager

towards keeping network fees to a

Andrew Ward says macrocarpa

minimum for residents.”

sleepers were an option, but the

Debbie Summers, Summerset’s Sustainability Manager, agrees. “We see that the electricity savings achieved from solar will help to reduce not only our carbon emissions, but will also assist in helping to ensure we can continue to offer very competitive electricity rates to our residents.”

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

Zealand company Future Post.

recycled plastic planters are longer-lasting. “The Future Post garden boxes contain more than 10,000 plastic bags in each 2.4m post, and we’ll be using 15 posts per garden,” Andrew says. “They look fantastic and will stay looking great without any deterioration.”

ARTICLE BY DAN HARDIE

WELLNESS

THE BUILDING BLOCKS FOR

G O O D H E A LT H I often describe to the people I coach that when we’re trying to improve our health and fitness, it’s a mixture of baking a cake and a never-ending orchestral performance. Just as we can’t leave out the key ingredients when we’re baking a cake, so there are also some unmissable components for living a healthy lifestyle. The first of these is good-quality sleep. Renowned sleep scientist and neuroscience professor Matthew Walker recommends at least eight hours of sleep every night. It’s even better for you if you can manage to fall asleep and wake up at around the same time each day. Sleep is the key ingredient that allows for recovery, growth of new muscle, memory retention and hormonal balance. In fact, so far

scientists haven’t found anything in the body that doesn’t benefit from a great night’s sleep. Now to the orchestral performance part. When we exercise, we place stress on our bodies in different ways. We can use different tools (instruments) at different speeds (tempos), and we may perform some movements only every now and then and others more regularly. The performance never stops until, well, we stop. The way we apply stress to our body, whether it’s good stress or bad stress (the body doesn’t know the difference, it just accepts and tries to adapt), depends on how we live. So, to sum up some of the crucial ingredients of a healthy human, these are: sleep, move mindfully every day (strength training is a great option) and sleep again!

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

ARTICLE BY AMELIA NORMAN

TRAVEL LOG

HANMER SPRINGS The alpine spa village of Hanmer Springs has been a popular getaway for decades. Stunning in spring, thrumming in summer and idyllic in autumn, the resort is also a real treat in winter. ACCOMMODATION With holiday homes, hotels, motels and retreats scattered generously in and around the small township, Hanmer Springs has accommodation options for all tastes and budgets. The St James is an eye-catching property located a stone’s throw from the busy town centre. Consistently ranked no. 1 on TripAdvisor and winner of Best Motel in the New Zealand Hospitality Awards for two years running, this accommodation offering has a range of plush rooms and suites. Choose from a studio unit, a one- or two-bedroom suite or a decadent spa suite, all with excellent facilities and great views to the surrounding forest and alpine environment. If you’re looking for real indulgence, check in to the Select Braemar Lodge & Spa. This gorgeous retreat, located a short drive from the bustle of town, is a true escape. Here you can relax in your expansive suite, luxuriate in your own private hot tub, book in to the

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

tranquil day spa or enjoy a world-class dining experience at the in-house restaurant. EATING There is only one place you should head for breakfast in Hanmer Springs, and that is the Powerhouse Café & Restaurant. Located within a historic building that once housed a hydroelectric generator for the nearby Queen Mary Hospital, its freshly made breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee choices are unforgettable. Book in advance and, if visiting in winter, request an indoor table. However, they do have outdoor heaters and blankets for those sitting outside! If you don’t return to the Powerhouse for lunch (bets are on that you will!), there is an abundance of cafés and eateries to choose from up and down Hanmer’s main street. If you’re heading out exploring, stop at the Hanmer Bakery Café on Conical Hill Road first to stock up on yummy baked goods to fuel your adventure.

For an evening dining experience that will delight all the senses, book in to MK Restaurant. The cuisine here is all based around dumplings, drawing from variations the world over. Think Japanese gyoza, Polish pierogi, Spanish empanadas and Italian ravioli. Consistently ranked on TripAdvisor as Hanmer Springs’ top restaurant, MK is known for surprising and enthralling its guests with unexpected culinary treats. ACTIVITIES You can’t visit Hanmer Springs without a trip to the famous hot pools. Renowned for their natural therapeutic spring waters, the pools are a drawcard for visitors from far and wide. There are now more than 20 pools within the complex, including relaxing rock pools surrounded by native bush, soothing sulphur pools and aqua therapy pools designed to ease aching muscles via waterfalls and jets. The neighbouring Spa at Hanmer Springs adds to the relaxation on offer. Enjoy a facial, sauna or massage here, then wander through to the pools to while away the rest of the day in the warm waters – unless, of course, you fancy a spin on the extensive network of water slides!

If you do need to get moving after all that food and relaxation, Hanmer Springs has a network of walking and cycling tracks within close proximity of the town centre. Whether you hire bikes or bring your own, or just head out on foot, the pine forest surrounding the town has plenty of well-signposted tracks and trails for all abilities. The Forest Amble is recommended, not only as a pleasant 30-minute wander through the forest, but also for the wonderful wooden creatures you will encounter along the way. Of course, another option to stretch your legs is to wander up and down the main street, indulging in the excellent shopping! Treat yourself to a recharge in Hanmer Springs this winter, with time spent relaxing, exploring and soaking away your aches and pains.

STATS Region: Hurunui District, North Canterbury Airport: Christchurch Airport (90 minutes’ drive) Main road: Amuri Avenue Population: 960

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

SUDOKU

WORDWHEEL: 1. PERMEATE. 2. DEFROSTS. 3. EQUALITY.

Across: 1. Possess, 4. Reassemble, 9. Ice pack, 13. Near, 14. Trip up, 15. Outlaw, 16. Aniseed, 19. Avarice, 20. Be as good as your word, 21. Prefer, 22. Pigeon, 24. Itinerary, 29. Tolerate, 30. Sniper, 31. Unarmed, 35. Crucifix, 36. Bisect, 37. Toot, 38. Magic, 39. Aft, 41. Easel, 43. Girder, 47. Blind, 50. Sob, 54. Motor, 55. Silo, 56. Peaked, 57. Marathon, 60. Firebug, 61. Middle, 62. Inedible, 65. Stopwatch, 67. Dampen, 68. Assist, 72. Antony and Cleopatra, 75. Amnesia, 77. Monocle, 78. Casino, 79. Bridge, 80. Rand, 81. Letdown, 82. Crustacean, 83. Retreat. Down: 1. Panda, 2. Seafarer, 3. Surrey, 4. Republican, 5. Alpha, 6. Shotgun, 7. Meteor, 8. Llama, 10. Concurrent, 11. Postwar, 12. Cherry, 17. Nine-tofive, 18. Dying, 21. Panacea, 23. Evening, 25. Treaty, 26. Genius, 27. Little, 28. Merino, 30. Spear, 32. Roam, 33. Punt, 34. Fowl, 40. Florin, 42. Evil, 44. Impede, 45. Drape, 46. Rhenium, 48. Italic, 49. Deadly sins, 50. Soho, 51. Banquet, 52. Core, 53. Zodiac, 58. Murphy’s Law, 59. Vegetarian, 63. Faint, 64. Dissuade, 66. Twofold, 67. Diploma, 69. Encode, 70. Series, 71. Dagger, 73. Chair, 74. Table, 76. Audit.

eight-letter word reading clockwise or CODECRACKER anticlockwise. Previous solution: DEFROSTS

CROSSWORD

Insert the missing letter to complete an

E Y

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: FORTIETH

T A 1

E M E ?

T I ? U

A L

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: PERMEATE

1718

E RWordWheel 1716

S D

E ? T S

O R 2

1717

clockwise or anticlockwise WordWheel

WordWheel

the missing letter in each puzzle WORDWHEEL Insert to make an eight-letter word reading Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9

SUDOKU

Reveal a completed crossword by deleting one of the two letters in each divided square.

DOUBLECROSS

PUZZLES

BRAIN TEASE

63 65

Across 1. Own (7) 4. Put back together (10) 9. Used on sporting injuries (3,4) 13. Close (4) 14. Stumble (4,2) 15. Bandit (6) 16. Product of anise, used in cooking and liqueurs (7) 19. Greed (7) 20. Honour a promise (2,2,4,2,4,4) 21. Like better (6) 22. Bird, kereru in Maori (6) 24. Travel timetable (9) 29. Put up with (8) 30. Marksman (6) 31. Weaponless (7) 35. Christian symbol (8) 36. Cut in half (6) 37. Honk (4) 38. Sorcery (5) 39. Behind (nautical) (3) 41. Art stand (5) 43. Steel beam (6) 47. Unseeing (5)

50. Weep (3) 54. Engine (5) 55. Grain store (4) 56. Reached a high point (6) 57. Long-distance event (8) 60. Arsonist (7) 61. Centre (6) 62. Unfit for eating (8) 65. Timing device (9) 67. Wet (6) 68. Help (6) 72. Title of Shakespeare play (6,3,9) 75. Temporary loss of memory (7) 77. Corrective lens, used only in one eye (7) 78. Place for gambling (6) 79. Popular card game (6) 80. South African currency (4) 81. Disappointment (7) 82. Lobster, crab or shrimp (10) 83. Move backwards (7)

71 74

Down 1. Bamboo-eating animal (5) 2. Mariner (8) 3. County in SE England (6) 4. US political party (10) 5. First letter of Greek alphabet (5) 6. Type of firearm (7) 7. Shooting star (6) 8. South American animal (5) 10. Simultaneous (10) 11. After hostilities cease (7) 12. Fruit used to make kirsch (6) 17. Standard work hours (4-2-4) 18. Expiring (5) 21. Cure for all ills (7) 23. Dusk (7) 25. International agreement (6) 26. Person of high intelligence (6) 27. Diminutive (6) 28. High country sheep (6) 30. Javelin (5) 32. Wander (4) 33. Flat-bottomed boat (4) 34. Chicken (4) 40. Coin which was replaced by the 20c coin in 1967 (6)

42. Wicked (4) 44. Hinder (6) 45. Curtain (5) 46. Silvery-white metal, Re (7) 48. Typeface with slanting letters (6) 49. There are seven of these vices (6,4) 50. District in London and NY (4) 51. Feast (7) 52. Centre (4) 53. Astrological diagram (6) 58. Rule which says anything that can go wrong, will go wrong (7,3) 59. Person who consumes no meat or fish (10) 63. Indistinct (5) 64. Talk out of (8) 66. Doubly (7) 67. Certificate (7) 69. Encrypt (6) 70. Sequence (6) 71. Knife (6) 73. Seat (5) 74. Data in rows and columns (5) 76. Financial inspection (5)

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

PETS

PETS OF SUMMERSET He may weigh less than 5kg, but what Roczen lacks in stature, he makes up for in personality! Whether he’s ‘helping’ at the village reception desk or spending time with residents, this miniature schnauzer-cavalier-poodle cross is one popular pup at Summerset on Summerhill. When Roczen isn’t at the village, he’s at home with Village Manager Tarsh McConchie. Here, she tells us all about this very good boy. How did Roczen get his unusual name? My 11-year-old son Korbin has been racing motocross since he was five. Ken Roczen is his favourite motocross rider and his idol, so we thought it was a great name for our family puppy. What’s his personality like? Roczen is super adventurous – he loves to jump into a backpack and go mountain biking with my husband and son, and he also loves to chase rabbits and bound through the paddocks on our family farm. How long has he been a pet therapy dog? Roczen was allowed to come home with us when he was eight weeks old, and he came to work with me straight away. Our residents have seen him grow into such an obedient, kind-natured dog and they look forward to his visits. He has the ability to calm down upset dementia residents. We had one family who used to ask for him or our other therapy pup to visit their dad every day, as they had not seen him so happy in a long time. Roczen even made the main front photo on this particular resident’s funeral booklet, as the family loved the impact our pet therapy puppies had made on their dad’s life.

Summerset Scene | Winter Issue

Roczen enjoying a cuddle with resident Kelvin, and greeting visitors on St Patrick’s Day.

DIRECTORY AUCKLAND–NORTHLAND

BAY OF PLENTY

Summerset at Aotea

Summerset Mount Denby*

Summerset by the Sea

Wanaka Street, Tikipunga, Whangārei 0112 Phone (09) 470 0280

181 Park Road, Katikati 3129 Phone (07) 985 6890

15 Aotea Drive, Aotea, Porirua 5024 Phone (04) 235 0011

Summerset Falls

Summerset by the Dunes

31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth 0910 Phone (09) 425 1200

35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach, Tauranga 3118 Phone (07) 542 9080

Summerset at Monterey Park 1 Squadron Drive, Hobsonville, Auckland 0616 Phone (09) 951 8920 Summerset at Heritage Park 8 Harrison Road, Ellerslie, Auckland 1060 Phone (09) 950 7960 Summerset by the Park 7 Flat Bush School Road, Manukau 2019 Phone (09) 272 3950 Summerset at Karaka 49 Pararekau Road, Karaka, RD1, Papakura 2580 Phone (09) 951 8900 Summerset Parnell* 23 Cheshire Street, Parnell 1052 Phone (09) 950 8212 Summerset St Johns* 188 St Johns Road, St Johns 1072 Phone (09) 950 7980 Summerset Half Moon Bay* 25 Thurston Place, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2012 Phone (09) 306 1422

HAWKE’ S BAY

Summerset in the Bay 79 Merlot Drive, Greenmeadows, Napier 4112 Phone (06) 845 2840 Summerset in the Orchard 1228 Ada Street, Parkvale, Hastings 4122 Phone (06) 974 1310 Summerset Palms 136 Eriksen Road, Te Awa, Napier 4110 Phone (06) 833 5850 Summerset in the Vines 249 Te Mata Road, Havelock North 4130 Phone (06) 877 1185 TARANAKI

Summerset Mountain View 35 Fernbrook Drive, Vogeltown, New Plymouth 4310 Phone (06) 824 8900 Summerset at Pohutukawa Place 70 Pohutukawa Place, Bell Block, New Plymouth 4312 Phone (06) 824 8530

Summerset Milldale* Argent Lane, Milldale, Wainui 0992 Phone 0800 786 637

MANAWATU–WANGANUI

Summerset in the River City

WAIKATO

40 Burton Avenue, Wanganui 4500 Phone (06) 343 3133

Summerset down the Lane

Summerset on Summerhill

206 Dixon Road, Fitzroy, Hamilton 3206 Phone (07) 843 0157

180 Ruapehu Drive, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North 4410 Phone (06) 354 4964

Summerset Rototuna

Summerset by the Ranges

39 Kimbrae Drive, Rototuna North, Hamilton 3281 Phone (07) 981 7820

104 Liverpool Street, Levin 5510 Phone (06) 367 0337

Summerset by the Lake 2 Wharewaka Road, Wharewaka, Taupō 3330 Phone (07) 376 9470 Summerset Cambridge* 80 Laurent Road, Cambridge 8493 Phone (07) 839 9482 * Proposed village

WELLINGTON

Summerset on the Coast 104 Realm Drive, Paraparaumu 5032 Phone (04) 298 3540 Summerset on the Landing 1 Bluff Road, Kenepuru, Porirua 5022 Phone (04) 230 6720

Summerset at the Course 20 Racecourse Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt 5018 Phone (04) 527 2980 Summerset Boulcott* 1A Boulcott Street, Boulcott, Lower Hutt 5010 Phone (04) 568 1440 Summerset Waikanae* Park Avenue, Waikanae 5036 Phone (04) 293 0002 NELSON–TASMAN–MARLBOROUGH

Summerset in the Sun 16 Sargeson Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011 Phone (03) 538 0000 Summerset Richmond Ranges 1 Hill Street North, Richmond 7020 Phone (03) 744 3430 Summerset Blenheim* 183 Old Renwick Road, Blenheim 7201 Phone (03) 520 6042 CANTERBURY

Summerset at Wigram 135 Awatea Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8025 Phone (03) 741 0870 Summerset at Avonhead 120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch 8042 Phone (03) 357 3200 Summerset on Cavendish 147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch 8051 Phone (03) 741 2330 Summerset Rangiora* 141 South Belt, Rangiora 7400 Phone (03) 364 1312 Summerset Prebbleton* 578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 7604 Phone (03) 353 6312 OTAGO

Summerset at Bishopscourt 36 Shetland Street, Wakari, Dunedin 9010 Phone (03) 950 3110