Stepping into Barbara Wilson’s garage, one expects to see a car. Instead a large loom nearly fills the single garage space. “I used to have four of these,” says Barbara. “Circumstances got me into it when I lost the use of my...... Read More

A friend of mine was hit by a train years ago, losing the ability to stand, talk and move anything much apart from his  face and one arm. We communicate, with some difficulty, through smiles and finger gestures and he’s able to indicate...... Read More

New competitive swimming coach Andy McLay has been making waves at the Papamoa Swimming Club. Arriving with wife Anna in June, Andy has come on board as the new head swimming coach, and is already seeing strong results, with the swim squad growing...... Read More

I was quite excited to hear the news, now months ago, that best-selling  New Zealand cook book author Chelsea Winter had relocated from Auckland to Tauranga. Firstly because the herbs in my raised garden were doing themselves proud growing very...... Read More

Base 350g biscuits (I used double chocolate cookies) 75g butter, softened (almost melted) Filling 250g cream cheese, at room temperature (not the spreadable kind) 200g mascarpone (or use extra cream cheese) 2 tsp vanilla paste or essence 350g good-quality...... Read More

On November 24, Whakamarama’s Atrium Art & Artisan Fair celebrates its second birthday. I attended the very first monthly fair in 2017 and love how much it’s flourished since then. The fair was originally started at Black Sheep Restaurant...... Read More

The Design Depot’s top 10 tips to styling your home. Your home should be a reflection of your personal style, and we’re here to help you achieve that. It’s important to think about not just how you want your home to look but the overall ...... Read More

A son of Tauranga is bringing his greatest treasures to the Tauranga Art Gallery. The aspects of life that mean the most to Mr G will be on display over the coming months, in his first ever solo exhibition. On the outside of the gallery, a single letter...... Read More

Walking into Kelcy Taratoa’s atrium installation at Tauranga Art Gallery, you realise that there really are no boundaries to art, design and colour. On one wall, a strong kowhai yellow beckons. Facing it are muted greys and blues, and linking...... Read More

One afternoon in late September  I discovered the Sumer Gallery while walking through the Waihirere Lane, an alleyway between Wharf St and Spring St. I was taking a short cut on my way to the library. Tauranga art lover Pete Morris had already...... Read More