INSPO Magazine September 2019

Waikato Edition 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

Mind your 

WELLBEING 

Local 

GETAWAYS 

The power of 

E-BIKES 

WELLBEING | LIFESTYLE | FITNESS

DISCOVER YOUR PLAYGROUND 

UNIREC.CO.NZ

FROM THE EDITOR 

Farewell winter and hello 

spring. We’re leaping into 

the new season with a 

focus on wellbeing, and taking 

care of your mental and physical 

health. 

It’s been a long few months 

in this particular household, 

with unplanned time spent in 

a hospital bed. However on the 

flipside, it’s not until some- 

thing drastic happens to force 

a stop that you realise how 

excessively busy your life has 

got - and that it’s time to make 

some changes. 

It’s also a solid reminder 

to be grateful for the amazing 

people in your life; friends, 

family and workmates. 

So in this issue of INSPO 

we’re championing the local 

getaway as a minibreak, and 

finding an activity you enjoy to 

help keep you motivated to get 

moving. 

WELLBEING | LIFESTYLE | FITNESS 

With the surge of interest 

in cycling, we test drive some 

e-bikes to find out just what all 

the fuss is about. 

We also meet an inspiring 

family with a strong focus on 

involvement in sport and chat 

about how it enriches their 

life and teaches important life 

lessons. 

And just because we can, 

we’ve got a swag of fantastic 

goodies to give away as reader 

prizes. 

Enjoy - Lisa 

Waikato Edition 

SEPTEMBER 2019 

MIND YOUR 

WELL-BEING 

Local 

GETAWAYS 

The power of 

E-BIKES 

EDITOR Lisa Potter 

MOBILE 021 249 4816 

EMAIL lisa@dpmedia.co.nz 

PUBLISHER 

Deidre Morris 

PHONE 07 838 1333 

MOBILE 027 228 8442 

EMAIL deidre@dpmedia.co.nz 

DESIGN Tania Hogg / Kelly Milne / 

Tammy Johnson 

Subscriptions 

Subscribe to the free e-edition of 

INSPO and you’ll be emailed a link 

to our online edition. 

Simply visit: 

www.inspomag.co.nz/subscribe 

Or pick up a hardcopy from one 

of the following locations: 

New World Te Rapa 

New World Rototuna 

Hamilton Airport 

Pak’n Save Te Awamutu 

Les Mills Hamilton 

LISA POTTER 

EDITOR 

DP MEDIA 

COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

INSPO competitions are open to NZ residents only. One entry per person, per competition. Prizes are not exchangeable or redeemable for cash. Winners will 

be selected at random and no discussion will be entered into after the draw. By entering this competition you give permission for INSPO to contact you from 

time to time with promotional offers. Unless you agree, your details will not be given to any third party, except for the purposes of delivering a prize. Winners 

may be requested to take part in promotional activity and INSPO reserves the right to use the names of the winners and their photographs in any publicity. 

EMAIL info@inspomag.co.nz 

PHONE 07 838 1333 

12 Mill Street, Hamilton 

PO Box 1425, Hamilton 3240 

WWW.INSPOMAG.CO.NZ 

FACEBOOK.COM/INSPOMAG 

HAMILTON RADIOLOGY 

Offering unparalleled care and expertise 

Hamilton Radiology is the Waikato’s 

largest private medical imaging facility. 

With the latest medical imaging equipment and a 

highly trained, experienced team of technical staff and 

20 local radiologists, we offer an unparalleled standard 

of care and expertise. 

Appointments are essential for Ultrasound, CT and 

Mammograms: Please phone our freephone 0800 426 723 

No appointments needed for plain x-ray films, all referrals 

accepted. Ultrasound after hours appointments 

available on Tuesday evenings. 

202812AA 

Hamilton Radiology.co.nz 

Anglesea Imaging Centre, Gate 2, 11 Thackery St, Hamilton 

Anglesea Imaging Centre - Anglesea Clinic - Hamilton East - Rototuna - St Andrews - Morrinsville - Cambridge - Te Awamutu – Glenview 

INSPO SEPTEMBER 2019 

3

Things 

we love 

A few of our favourite things 

PEDAL ON 

If you’re scared of lycra, you’ll 

love these baggy technical 

shorts designed specifically 

for cycling. Better still, they’re 

made right here in New Zealand 

and boast tons of clever design 

features. 

groundeffect.co.nz 

GET YOUR FLIRT ON 

Vamp up your sleepwear with 

the slinky Raven + Rose collection. 

New Zealand designer 

Jasmine Smith has perfected 

the art of sexy lingerie. This 

slouchy Skye jumpsuit is so luxe 

you’ll want sleepwear to be 

your everyday wear. It’s effortlessly 

cool and so glam you can 

power it up for evening wear 

with heels. 

ravenandroselingerie.com 

GUILT FREE TREATS 

Indulge your sweet tooth with this 

delicious range of gluten, grain 

and dairy free goodies. The Hunter 

Gatherer Gourmet collection is the 

ultimate quick fix for those who 

love home baking but not the time 

and effort involved. Our fave is the 

Feisty Ginger Crunch mix. 

huntergatherergourmet.co.nz 

WIN 

See competition 

page 25 

PEDAL POWER 

Taking up a new sport has never been 

easier, thanks to the power surge of 

interest in e-bikes. This Hybrid Bikes model, 

designed in New Zealand, boasts a super 

lightweight carbon frame and all the torque 

and speed you need to tackle most terrain. 

hybridbikes.co.nz 

NATURAL STYLE 

Take nature with you wherever 

you are, thanks to Whalebird 

Jewellery. Designed and made in 

Coromandel, the collections are 

inspired by nature and beautifully 

handcrafted by Hannah Clayton. 

whalebird.co.nz 

4 INSPO SEPTEMBER 2019

BEAUTY BAR 

Hair care has never been easier - or 

more environmentally friendly - thanks 

to Mia Belle shampoo and conditioning 

bars. Natural and organic, the range is 

packed with goodness. Say goodbye 

to plastic and waste, and hello to shiny 

healthy hair. miabelle.co.nz 

BODY COMFORT 

When it comes to working out, 

being comfortable in your skin 

is a key component of success. 

Morfa activewear hugs your 

body like a second skin, offering 

well designed support and 

comfort so you can enjoy your 

workout without worrying about 

gaping, pulling or see-through 

fabric. morfa.nz 

WIN 


page 21 

SIMPLY DELICIOUS 

Whatever time of the day, 

you’ll crave the 100% naturally 

delicious ingredients served 

up by Something To Crow 

About. Handcrafted in small 

batches, the range is flavour 

packed and includes everything 

from gluten free muesli 

to roasted seed toppers. 

crowabout.co.nz 

BODY POSITIVE 

We love active wear that delivers 

more than expected. The brainchild 

of K iwi Jamie Best, these Fitnit 

leggings are breathable and flattering 

(like, really flattering), squat 

proof and best feature is the high 

waisted band to keep your tummy 

snug. Plus they cater for sizes 6-22. A 

round of applause please. 

fitnitactivewear.com 

WIN 


page 23 

GET IN SHAPE 

Get in shape with a solid 

punch of style thanks to Reebok’s 

latest partnership - with 

CardiB. The latest collection is 

an appealing blend of street 

style and workout wear. And 

great news; the brand has 

upsized its range to XXL for 

women and XXXL for men. 

reebok.co.nz 

5

Wellbeing getaway 

BY LISA POTTER 

Wellbeing is the buzzword of 2019. It has sparked a movement 

focusing on the importance of prioritising ‘me-time’; of guiltfree 

relaxation and discovering what recharges your personal 

batteries and mental health. Mini-breaks are the new holiday 

and local getaways are the hot new destination. INSPO 

discovers a rare gem on the outskirts of Cambridge. 

No longer just a catchphrase, wellbeing 

is highly considered in the business 

world; in stark contrast to years where 

‘busyness’ was the commodity of value. 

The beauty of wellbeing lies in its simplicity. 

In the ability to take a moment, stop the 

treadmill of life and treat yourself with care. 

Forget about spending months planning 

the perfect holiday. Be immediate. Take a 

quick getaway right now. Find a local spot to 

pamper and indulge yourself - to rest and 

recharge. 

There’s something intrinsically good for 

the soul about treating your mind and body 

to some indulgent nourishment. 

After a series of conversations with 

friends and workmates, it turns out the local 

getaway is the newest and most popular kid 

on the block. Somewhere close enough to 

allow you to make a spur of the moment decision 

and go. Just grab your cosiest PJs and 

favourite book and head off before changing 

your mind or getting bogged down in jobs at 

work or home. 

So in the spirit of research (cough, cough), 

we decided to search for the ultimate Waikato 

getaway. Turns out there are an impressive 

amount of local options to consider. Our 

checklist included being a maximum half 

hour drive from Hamilton, a total escape 

from work and home, gardens/grounds to 

explore, close to civilisation in case of the 

overwhelming need for a barista, relaxing 

surroundings, and pamper options. 

Destination success: Henley Hotel 

Thanks to Henley Hotel we found all this - 

and more. 

Originally built as an Edwardian Manor 

in 2001, the property operated as Sarnia Park 

(specialising as a wedding venue) until new 

owners in 2017 spared no effort or expense 


to transform it into a truly unique boutique 

hotel, officially opening last year. Yes, it’s 

undeniably posh, but it’s also extraordinarily 

welcoming for such a grand setting. 

Located just minutes from Cambridge, 

Henley Hotel is conveniently close to a host 

of popular Waikato destinations, including 

Lake Karapiro, Hobbiton, the Avantidrome, 

some of the country’s most prestigious horse 

studs and plenty of local walks and cycleways. 

The ultimate mini-break 

Despite only spending 24 hours in this 

glorious setting, we enjoyed a completely 

indulgent mini-break; a total escape from 

the humdrum and stress of everyday life. It’s 

incredibly satisfying to drive just minutes 

from home for a transformative lifestyle; no 

jostling with crowds at airports, or agonising 

over what to pack. 

More like spending time in a stately 

country house than the traditional hotel 

experience, there’s nothing mass-produced 

or repetitive about the sumptuous surroundings, 

an achievement which owes much to 

thoughtful interior design. It’s quite something 

to tick off elegant, grand, subtle, bold, 

modern and vibrant all in one brief - without 

being intimidating or overworked. 

Henley Hotel is effortlessly stylish, absolutely 

luxurious and yet somehow warm and 

welcoming, dotted with cosy escapes (the 

gin bar, a mini cinema, indoor pool area and 

yoga/meditation room). 

There’s also a spa pool, sauna, day spa, 

and a multitude of private outdoor areas ideal 

for a picnic or place of nature and solitude. 

The entire property is a balm for a busy soul. 

Each of the 14 bedrooms are individually 

themed, with attention to detail making this 

a true five star experience. 

Managing to blend modern fabrics and 

wall treatments with antique style artwork 

and furnishings is an achievement of 

excellence and good taste. From hallway 

alcoves to the main entrance foyer, everywhere 

invites you to sit, relax and enjoy your 

surroundings. 

Home sweet home 

Having scored one of the best rooms in the 

house, complete with enormous window 

seat, gas fire and soaker bath, my most 

difficult decision was choosing where and 

how to relax first. With sun streaming in the 

windows, I curled up on the window seat, 

wrapped in a cosy blanket from the foot of 

the bed and gazed out at the pond, listening 

to the water. 

Before I knew it an hour had passed. I 

hadn’t even opened my book, let alone my 

laptop. I hadn’t felt the need to do anything 

or achieve - just sit and relax - definitely a 

rare experience for someone who lives from 

deadline to deadline. 

The lure of the generous bathtub proved 

too much to resist so an afternoon soak was 

in order, followed by a light slumber beside 

the fireplace. Utter bliss. 

Come stroll with me 

With the late afternoon setting in, a walk 

around the grounds beckoned, before a jaunt 

on one of the guest bikes (a useful inclusion 

given that Te Awa cycleway goes past the end 

of the tree lined driveway). 

Extensive grounds include a rose garden, 

cherry arbour, lily pond complete with picturesque 

bridge and rotunda, herb and vegetable 

gardens, a charming on-site chapel, and 

a stylish function centre which can cater for 

250 and is often used for product launches, 

business events, and parties. 

September and October are a particular 

visual highlight, with the cherry arbour 

transforming into a pink paradise - popular 

for weddings which are still hosted here. 

The impressive grounds are open to 

all visitors, not just guests, including those 

who pop in to enjoy a high tea, lunch or the 

option of Devonshire tea - just remember to 

book ahead of time. 

Food, food, glorious food 

When it comes to marrying fine accommodation 

and fine dining, Henley may be 

the exception to the norm. After debating 

popping into one of the many Cambridge 

restaurants, we were so enamoured of 


7

our surroundings that we couldn’t bring 

ourselves to leave. (Also the beguiling gin 

bar may have played a small role in this 

decision). 

Well played sir. The meal was a gastronomical 

delight. The refreshingly concise 

menu exceeded expectations and judging 

by the conversation of our fellow diners, all 

were unanimously in agreement. We dined 

like royalty on mushroom arancini (so flavoursome), 

venison carpaccio, braised pork 

belly with Asian egg noodle salad and chilli 

caramel (oh lordy) and the creme brulee of 

all creme brulees. 

Kudos to the impressive chef and his team. 

The same care and attention applied to our 

lavish breakfast, bold in flavour and with 

plenty of personality. All breads and pastries 

are made on site, and curds and side dressings 

(oh that lemon curd, I would buy a case of it 

in a heartbeat) also created in the kitchen. 

Fresh herbs and flowers feature generously, 

grown in the gardens and on-site 

greenhouse. 

Service 

Everything is grand in scale, design and 

detail but the crowning glory is undoubtedly 

the Henley Hotel team; operating discreetly, 

seamlessly and with genuinely impressive 

service from the moment you walk through 

the front doors. 

No matter how magnificent any hotel 

is, without an equally impressive team to 

complete the experience, it won’t linger in 

your memory. 

Treat yourself 

With every room on the premises complete 

with its own unique theme and personality, 

there’s an underlying sense of joy about the 

interior design (our fave was the pink flamingo 

yoga and meditation room) and that 

emotion is threaded throughout the Henley 

experience. 

Whether you opt to float in the pool, relax 

in the spa or sauna or enjoy the grounds, you 

can choose to nourish yourself with activities 

or total relaxation. 

I highly recommend time spent with 

Rebecca Osborne, director of Soul Beauty 

and Skincare Clinic at Henley Hotel. Luxe 

products like Thalgo, Medik8 and Bestow 

are transformative under her experienced 

guidance. 

With a focus on a holistic wellbeing, 

Rebecca thrives on helping people look and 

feel their best, encouraging relaxation and 

pampering, with massage and facials, skin 

treatments and absolute care. The day spa is 

open to casual visitors (bookings are essential) 

as well as hotel guests. 

Farewell my friends 

Despite such a brief (overnight) stay, I feel utterly 

rejuvenated, as though I’ve had a three 

or four day respite from the busyness of life. 

While I’m an equally big fan of casual getaways 

(well, glamping rather than camping) 

and the air bnb experience, there really is 

nothing comparable to the luxury of handing 

over all the small details of life to someone 

else and immersing yourself in the bliss of 

being pampered, fed and cared for. Henley 

Hotel - I shall absolutely be back for more. 

See you soon. 


Overcoming 

OVERWHELM 

If you’ve ever found yourself at the end of your tether - 

overextended, exhausted, or feeling like you might just snap 

- then you know overwhelm. 

Perhaps you suffer silently from anxious 

feelings, low moods or frequently find 

yourself up to the eyeballs in stress. 

Or maybe you struggle with health 

complaints and, despite leading a healthy 

lifestyle, you feel like you’re always just 

trying to get well. But as much as you try to 

slow down, reduce your burden or exercise 

your ‘no’ muscle, the stress just seems to 

keep piling on. 

Internationally acclaimed nutritional biochemist, 

author and speaker Dr Libby Weaver 

is touring New Zealand sharing a brand-new 

perspective on overwhelm and stress. 

“Stress and overwhelm are often the root 

cause for so many health challenges and it 

doesn’t need to be this way,” says Dr Libby. 

“It is possible to solve your stress once 

and for all. To move from constantly feeling 

overwhelmed, to living a full and thriving 

life, without it costing your mental, emotional 

and physical health in the process.” 

You know in your heart if you’re overwhelmed. 

It shows up in your eyes as they fill with 

tears when yet another thing gets added to 

your list, it appears in the disagreements you 

have with those you care about, but mostly 

it’s that relentless feeling inside of you that 

there must be a better way to live your life. 

Throughout her nationwide tour, Dr 

Libby will help educate around the cause of 

overwhelm—and you might be surprised to 

know it has little to do with the number of 

items on your to-do list. 

Who knows, it might just shatter your 

perception of stress once and for all. 

The full tour schedule and online bookings 

can be found at nz.drlibby.com. 

WIN WIN WIN 

Enter to win one of two double passes 

to Dr Libby’s Overcoming Overwhelm 

event in Hamilton on Monday September 

16 2019. Being held at Claudelands 

Conference & Exhibition Centre from 

7pm-9pm. 

To enter, email your name, address and 

contact details to win@inspomag.co.nz 

with DR LIBBY in the subject line, or 

enter online at inspomag.co.nz. Entries 

close September 13 2019.

PEDAL 

POWER 

Chris Ballantyne’s debut e-bike 

ride was a definite success. 

E-bikes are the latest must-have, spanning a new 

movement of cyclists keen to explore New Zealand with 

little extra pedal power. INSPO takes up the e-bike 

challenge and finds out more. 


It took 43 seconds. That’s all. For me to do 

a complete turnaround from being a tad 

judgemental and dismissive about e-bikes 

to being a complete and utter convert. 

Trust me, it comes as much of a surprise 

to me as to anyone else. Once upon a time, 

long ago, I vaguely recall enjoying cycling; 

setting off on solo or group ride, choosing 

to cycle from Hamilton to Morrinsville just 

because I could, and even participating in 

Rebecca Taggart tests a 

Specialized e-bike. 

the Hamilton to Whangamata bike ride - but 

that’s many decades ago. And it’s about that 

long since I’ve been back in the saddle. I’ve 

long preferred an actual saddle and a horse 

to pedal power. 

To be perfectly truthful, I have to admit 

to some initial reluctance to test-driving an 

e-bike. Partly because I’d already decided 

that cycling wasn’t ‘my thing’ anymore, with 

other activities I enjoy far more. The other 

(larger) reluctance is that no matter which 

way I set off from home, there’s a walloping 

great hill to endure within the first few minutes. 

So before I even get to enjoy the leisure 

of cycling, I have aching legs, a throbbing 

knee and am out of breath. Not so appealing. 

So it was with minimal expectations that 

I took temporary possession of a couple of 

e-bikes from Cycle Time (Hamilton) and Evo 

Cycles (Cambridge). 

First up was the Hybrid carbon frame 

bike, designed in New Zealand by engineer 

Frank Witowski and recently taking out a 

podium finish in a Consumer NZ report on 

e-bikes. The carbon frame is lightweight to 

manage, has a 160kg load capacity and there 

are five power options. 

Getting back on the bike 

I expected to wobble around a bit and need 

an instruction manual before mastering the 

complexities of an e-bike. I was wrong. Turns 

out it’s as easy as, well, as riding a bike. 

Just turn the screen on, choose your setting 

(I started on the lowest of one from five 

settings) and you’re off. And really off - the 

power of the e-bike takes all the pain out of 

cycling (take that you meaty hills) and leaves 

just the pleasure. 

I’m delighted to report that I soared up 

those dastardly hills with ease and ended 

up cycling far further than intended, just 

because I could and yes, I was having fun. 

I can see why e-bikes are proving so popular 

across all age brackets. It makes cycling 

achievable regardless of the terrain. 

I know plenty of enthusiasts who have 

ached to tackle some of New Zealand’s glorious 

bike trails, but been unable to, either due 

to a niggling injury or fear of not keeping up 

with their fitter more experienced group of 

friends. The e-bike removes these barriers, 

more than proving its worth. 

Get on yer bike 

The sport of cycling is in a major growth 

phase, both for those with high performance 

goals and for recreational enthusiasts. We are 

fortunate to have such epic cycle trails here 

in Waikato with hundreds of kilometres of 

trail to enjoy. 

Hauraki Rail Trail is an ideal scenic route 

for laid-back riders and families, while the 

Timber Trail offers a little more backcountry 

adventure, and Waikato River Trails cater for 

mountain bikers who enjoy off road terrain. 

Then there’s Te Awa - The Great River 

Ride; perfect for those finding their e-bike 

cycling legs, and the Cambridge to Lake 

Karapiro is another ideal stretch (with plenty 

of cafe pit-stops along the way). 


Plenty of power 

and speed for hills. 

The e-bike has changed the way I plan my 

day. When the sun is shining and the e-bike 

sits charged and ready, it seems ludicrous to 

hop in the car to go and get a coffee or pop 

to the dairy. So not only am I getting some 

fresh air and exercise, but I’m saving fuel too 

- what a win! 

Heading off road 

The next part of the challenge was to head 

off road for some more challenging terrain. 

Given my newly minted cycling legs (and the 

fact I’m just a few weeks into recovery from a 

hospital operation), I nominated my partner, 

brother-in-law and nephew for this part of 

the test. They’re both keen mountain bikers, 

so with much enthusiasm set off for Te Miro 

Mountain Bike Park with a couple of Trek 

Powerfly e-bikes. 

I didn’t expect to hear from them for 

hours, as usually they’re completely off grid 

when out mountain biking. However about 

10 minutes in I received a text proclaiming 

that the bikes were ‘epic’. 

Turns out these two adrenalin junkies 

absolutely loved the extra power they could 

access to explore even more track than usual. 

And thanks to a little more oomph going uphill, 

they could pedal for longer and further. 

The ‘quick e-bike test’ turned out to be an 

all day excursion. They returned filthy but 

buzzed from their adventures and absolute 

fans of the e-bike (so much so, that an e-bike 

purchase has since been made!). 

Having got chatting to some groups on 

their ride, they met a few other e-bikers as 

well. One was a family where dad and the 

kids ride competitively, and thanks to an 

e-bike mum could now join in and keep up 

on their training excursions. 

The e-bike surge 

If you ever needed proof that the e-bike 

trend is on the move upwards, just take a 

walk around CycleTime, where e-bikes take 

equal pride of place in store. Over the last 

three years, e-bikes now take up more than 

30 percent of the shop floor. 

Owner Dave Spring shares dozens of 

stories (from hundreds he has) of how e-bikes 

have transformed people’s lives; from enabling 

a less experiencing cycling partner to 

enjoy the activity and keep up with his or her 

faster, fitter cyclist; to giving older couples the 

ability to rediscover cycling; and those with 

knee or other injuries to enjoy cycling again. 

Particularly popular are the Specialised 

Turbo Levo models, which sell out practically 

before they even arrive in-store. 

“I’ve been in the industry for more than 

30 years and this is such an enjoyable experience 

changing people’s lives getting them 

out riding,” says Dave. 

“It’s really great for the sport of cycling 

and there are so many cool stories. It’s not 

always about being competitive, e-bikes 

remove barriers and enable people to enjoy 

cycling. I recently sold one to an 82-year-old 

which is pretty inspiring. 

“Also I’ve got a friend who used to ride 

with his wife on a tandem bike, but had 

to give up after her knees gave out. She 

stopped riding altogether, lost fitness and her 

mental health deteriorated as well. 

“I suggested an e-bike and they weren’t 

originally keen, but after a while decided to 

give it a go. It was such a cool moment when 

they arrived in the store with tears of happiness 

that they could cycle together again. 

Now they’re back regularly cycling, healthier, 

fitter and definitely happier and loving being 

back in the activity again.” 

Have a go 

If you still have reservations about cycling 

(like I did), here’s my advice - just have a go. I 

dithered for months before being convinced 

to ride an e-bike and wish I’d done it sooner 

(and yes, one now has pride of place in my 

garage. Bring on summer!) 

Sam Ballantyne 

The Ed’s ride - the Hybrid e-bike. 


11

THE LIFE LESSONS 

OF SPORT 

There are some fascinating 

parallels between success in sport, 

success in business and success in 

life. Of course, this all depends on 

your personal definition of success, but 

there’s no denying that life lessons gained 

from individual and team sports transfer 

seamlessly to the world of business and 

personal growth. 


Based in Raglan, the Hughes family 

are testament to the importance of 

involvement in physical activity and 

sport, for key life lessons. This applies not 

only to the kids in the household, but also 

the adults. 

Something of a tradition dating back 

through the generations, getting outdoors 

and active was widely championed by grandad 

Joe Hughes, who, with a background in 

Physical Education went on to become the 

first National Advisor of PE in New Zealand. 

A massive advocate of outdoor pursuits, 

Joe was also instrumental in setting up the 

Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Ruapehu. His 

words of advice still resonate in son Jeremy’s 

mind and have shaped his attitude to business 

and life. 

“Dad told me once that there’s no such 

thing as can’t. There’s always a way. And I 

think that underlying concept has been 

instrumental in many of my business and life 

decisions.” 

This particularly applied when Jeremy 

and his wife Katherine were running a 

successful snowboard clothing business from 

Auckland, but pondering their lifestyle and a 

move to Waikato. 

That was 21 years ago and Raglan has since 

been home, with a lifestyle that ensures the 

Hughes family enjoy life as best they can - together. 

One or all of the tribe can frequently be 

found surfing or mountain biking, and together 

they’ve explored an impressive amount of 

Raglan terrain - by land and on water. 

One of the most important side effects of 

their communal passion for sports and being 

active is spending so much quality time 

together. 

“I appreciate the fact that I do my favourite 

things with my family, rather than getting 

away and having a break from them,” says 

Jeremy. 

The business of sport 

As a co-founder of multi-award winning 

Eli Hughes nailing the pipe 

Hamilton software specialist Company-X 

it would be easy for Jeremy to get bogged 

down in the workload of ensuring continual 

businesses growth and evolution. Yet he 

continues to tag his own physical and mental 

health, and wellbeing, as a priority; an attitude 

that is encouraged company-wide. 

“The role sport plays in work/life balance 

is critical,” says Jeremy. “One of the most 

memorable and important moments in my 

working career was being told ‘Jeremy if 

you’re surfing today - go surfing now,’ by one 

of our Company-X project managers, even 

though I was the boss. 

“We strongly carry this into the work life 

balance we expect our team to have as well. 

For me, my passion for sport irrepressibly 

inserts itself into my weekly schedule. “ 

Whether he’s catching a wave or mountain 

biking, snowboarding, practicing yoga or 

frisbee golf, Jeremy aims to get active every 

day - even if it’s only 10 minutes a day. 

“My work is sedentary so lots of activity 

afterward brings back the balance,” he says. 

“With Company-X I’ve been developing 

some software and been stuck resolving a 

bug. I go surfing and the solution comes to 

me while I’m driving home and it’s usually 

way out from left field. The exercise and 

break changes the perspective.” 

It’s a valuable reminder of how important 

it is to step away and fuel your passion, 

whatever drives you. 

Competitive drive 

While fun is always in the mix as a driver for 

business and family goals, the competitive 


spirit is also strong. Between them, the four 

Hughes siblings (Aqua (18), Jet (17), Leeto (12) 

and Eli (12)) have earned an impressive swag 

of sporting titles, at school and national level. 

Jeremy and Katherine support and 

encourage their children in all of their activities, 

and although this sometimes means 

weeks out of school competing, a side benefit 

of the discipline sport requires means they’re 

adept at managing their schoolwork, training 

and competitions. 

“Like adults, kids need a balance of 

exercise, fitness, focus and fun,” says Jeremy, 

“They need to run hard, go a bit crazy, climb 

trees (yes huge tall ‘dangerous’ trees with no 

soft landing or nets underneath). These are 

life lessons in assessing and managing risk. 

“From decades of research we know that 

exercise helps increase academic success. 

I think achieving success at something 

physical allows them to take that into their 

schoolwork, and getting excited about sport 

helps them take that excitement into their 

schoolwork. 

“I say to my boys about maths: “it’s just 

another trick like a backside 540 snowboard 

trick. You didn’t get that first time either, 

did you? So a few more times and you’ll get 

it (e.g about times tables or understanding 

fractions)” 

That said, Jeremy is dismayed at the level 

of PE at many schools in New Zealand. 

“Physical education is such an important 

part of overall development and growth; 

physical and mental. I’m not sure why 

outdoor education is optional at schools. It 

should be compulsory for all the lessons it 

brings; from teamwork and strategy to personal 

management.” 

Combining work and play 

Jeremy’s laid back surfer vibe may be misleading; 

he’s an extremely savvy and highly 

regarded businessman. Perhaps some of this 

success is due to his dedication on accommodating 

his sporting passions; keeping him 

physically and mentally sharp. 

He is also quick to point out that making 

opportunities to step outside of the world of 

business and get physically active helps manage 

stress and potential health problems. 

Now in his mid-50’s, Jeremy’s enthusiasm, 

passion and determination to wring 

enjoyment from life belies his decades. 

He still surfs daily if he can, is a regular 

on the podium at local and national surfing 

events (with many national trophies under 

his belt), as well as a frequently found name 

on Whakapapa Ski Club trophies dating back 

to his pre-teen years. 

When it comes to any sport which 

involves balancing on a board he’s still 

something of a gun and delights in nailing 

a new achievement - in sport as much as in 

business. 

“As well as the adrenalin and fun, there’s 

the sheer joy of riding a wave, the immediate 

small successes and satisfaction of succeeding 

at each challenge along the learning 

journey. I do this in sport (the last snowboard 

trick I learned was a backside boardslide on a 

rail last year) and in business (the challenges 

of growth, staff, cashflow, leadership, trusting 

your team, managing expectations, customers, 

etc). These are all small successes in the 

longer journey of developing and growing a 

business. 

Along with making time to get active 

comes a dedication to fun. 

“It’s no coincidence that when we were 

designing Company-X, one one of the first 

values on the whiteboard my business partner 

David Hallett and I wrote was: Fun.” 

Company-X’s world leading team design, 

develop and test bespoke software solutions. 

Clients range from large, multi-national, 

businesses headquartered overseas, to small 

and medium-sized enterprises in New 

Zealand. 

In addition to ranking on the Deloitte 

Technology Fast 500 Asia Pacific in 2017 

and 2018, Company-X was named the Fastest 

Growing Technology Company in the Central 

North Island. 

Company-X won the Service Excellence 

and Global Operator awards at last year’s 

prestigious Westpac Waikato Business 

Awards. 

Jeremy Hughes on the slopes 

Keeping it in the family 

Parental commitment to supporting their 

children as they chase snowboarding and 

other sporting events around the country 

stems from the joy Jeremy still recalls from 

his childhood involvement, mainly skiing at 

Whakapapa. 

“I made lifetime friends and have lifelong 

memories from that club. We’d head there 

in the snow on a Friday night and have an 

absolute blast all weekend. 

And while some might think it’s just about 

the sport and the trophies, that’s just a fraction 

of the drive. 

“Being involved in a club or sport brings 

the satisfaction of learning something new, 

of discovering the excitement and adrenaline 

of trying something new. 

“Then there are the lessons around effort 

versus reward and practice, persistence 

and passion. I see all of these lessons being 

repeated now that my kids are involved in 

sports.” 

In Jeremy’s opinion, one of the most 

important take-outs is the importance of 

learning to win and lose. 

“This is massive. How to win gracefully is 

just as important as how to lose proudly. And 

this one lesson alone is crucial in life. 

“You need to be able to ask yourself 

whether you left anything on the table. If 

not, lose graciously and with pride in your 

achievement. It’s really hard to put your best 

on the table in a individual competition. 

One of the mantras of the Hughes family 

is some words of advice gleaned from a 

coach: ‘Try and fail, but don’t fail to try’. 

“This applies to everything in life and is 

important to instil in people of all ages.” 

From small acorns... 

While Jeremy and Katherine’s original intent 

behind getting their four children outdoors 

and active was for happy healthy children, 

this nurturing environment has seen them 

develop some seriously valuable skills along 

the way, proving that physical activity really 

is the gift that keeps on giving. 

Family fun for the Hughes tribe 


13

The value of 

EXPERIENCE 

For all the advances that have been made in sport science, 

and tools like biofeedback and data analysis, there is one 

striking element of sports performance that the science cannot 

emulate or shortcut – tactical experience, and the wisdom 

and cunning that accompanies it. 

The deciding factor between top and 

average athletes is often not physical or 

technical abilities but the intellectual 

capacity to foresee what is going to happen 

on the field in the next few moments. 

A capacity that is arguably impossible to 

coach but can be the by-product of years of 

hard yards. 

Now that funding and science has made 

the average sporting career longer, athletes 

are staying in the game longer, conceivably 

boosting this capacity. 

Research would suggest that cumulative 

game time and racing experience can somewhat 

buffer physical decline, making the 

increasing average age of athletes in some 

respects an advantageous phenomenon. 

Roger Federer is a great example of what 

a highly tuned anticipatory capacity can 

achieve. Based on numbers from Australian 

Open tournaments from 2014-16, Federer’s 

time to read and react to a serve is just 0.618 

seconds. 

Federer’s recent Wimbledon conqueror 

Djokovic, for the record, is seventh on the list 

of fastest returners at 0.638 seconds. 

NASCAR is a motorsport series in which 

tactics and understanding what the car is doing 

are deemed as major elements of racing. 

Reflexes and daring are still needed; however 

Pontiac driver Johnny Benson argues, “It 


isn’t so much how far can you take a car into 

the corner as it is how can I make our tyres 

last so that they will still let me go into the 

corner the same way on lap 60 as I did in the 

first few laps.” Can only time on the tarmac 

teach you this? 

Rugby is a sport which expects to lose large 

numbers to injury and has a normal professional 

career of just seven years. However, of 

the oldest 10 players at the 2015 Rugby World 

Cup, the average age was a lofty 36. 

With more than 1000 caps, that year’s All 

Blacks team was the most experienced team 

in international rugby history, and, at an 

average age of 29 years and 276 days, it was 

also one of the All Blacks’ oldest international 

teams. 

Sport science would say the inevitable 

physical decline that comes with that age 

should have meant they lost. 

So, was the deciding factor their tactical 

knowledge and ability to read the game that 

comes with those years? 

This year, the current New Zealand men’s 

rowing eight has boosted both its average 

age and notably its performance, by including 

‘veterans’ and Olympic Champions who 

have been winning since 2004. 

The 2019 Silver Ferns World Cup squad 

called several players out of retirement and 

made few changes from their 2015 team. 

However, they defeated both the competition 

and the skeptics, perhaps with that accumulated 

and collective game play wisdom, in 

winning the title. 

Research into this phenomenon is minimal. 

A UK study analysed 14,503 football 

matches played between the start of the 

2008-09 season and the end of the 2015-16 

campaign. 

The quest was to see how performance 

differed between age groups. At first, the 

data seemed to support the idea that all age 

groups improved in performance as the 

season progressed, with the older players 

improving most. 

Most notably, the improvement took 

place right at the end of the season, with a 

spike in output in the last two weeks. As this 

coincides with finals and the need for peak 

performance, does it imply an experienced 

capacity to perform under pressure? 

The group that performed least well in 

the study was aged 21 or under, in this case 

proving experience really does count. 

A 2006 study into Handball found 

“Age-declines seem to be more related to 

motor rather to perception skills”, while a 

2011 study proved older road cyclists show 

better visual attention than sedentary older 

adults. 

A lengthy 2014 research project showed 

the extended practice of martial arts was related 

to better peripheral vision and reaction 

speed over time. 

And as an example of non-academic 

backup, in the words of the infamous football 

manager Jose Mourinho in criticising his 

player, “He is not reading the game properly. 

As a striker he must read. You have to play 

not when you have the ball, but when others 

have the ball. You have to anticipate things 

and read the game faster. Everything is an 

accumulation”. 

The ‘art’ of reading the game, your opponent’s 

next move, or an intrinsic understanding 

of race tactics appears to be a vital part of 

competitive sport. Indeed, the ability to win, 

especially under pressure seems reliant on it. 

Without it, all the physical training in the 

world may not make up for the experience 

that time in the game can bring. 

However, for reasons yet unknown, some 

athletes have this vital game-reading, anticipatory 

cognitive skill that defies their youth. 

Mike McRedmond coached 19-year-old 

Kiwi Campbell Stewart to two silver medals 

on the velodrome at the Commonwealth 

Games last year. 

McRedmond, who won a silver medal 

himself in the sprint at the 1982 Brisbane 

Commonwealth Games aged 24, said Stewart’s 

scratch-race ride displayed his ability to 

get in good positions. 

“He has an ability to read a race really 

well. He is very aware of what is going on 

around him and where he needs to be at a 

particular time”. 

And just to make the point of this entire 

article, by quoting McRedmond; “That’s 

something you cannot coach.” 

ALISON STOREY is a personal trainer who has represented New Zealand in three 

different sports (beach volleyball, rowing and rhythmic gymnastics). She has been 

awarded New Zealand Personal Trainer of the Year twice and runs Storey Sport, a 

mobile personal and sports training business which provides a range of services that 

optimise the fitness and wellbeing of its clients. www.storeysport.co.nz 


15

Do you exercise to 

IMPROVE YOUR 

MOOD? 

There are many reasons for tying your 

shoelaces to hit the gym or 

pavement. Individuals exercise to 

be out in nature and breathe fresh air, 

to lose weight and get fit for an overseas holiday, or 

to keep up with the grandkids and reduce the risk of 

chronic disease. An often overlooked outcome 

of engaging in physical activity is the impact 

that it has on mental health and wellbeing. 

BY KRISTINA DRILLER 

When we exercise endorphins are 

released. These little messengers 

for our brain make us feel good, 

reduce perception of pain, improve feelings 

of pleasure and give us a natural buzz. 

Exercise has a huge effect on our physiology. 

It affects every cell of our bodies and not 

only improves outcomes for individuals with 

chronic disease, but also mental health. 

Mental illness and mental health can be 

confused. All of us have mental health and 

we can experience poor mental health (feeling 

down), or good mental health (feeling 

happy) at any point in time. Feeling down 

or experiencing poor mental health doesn’t 

necessarily mean a person is experiencing a 

mental illness. 

In the same vein, someone with mental 

illness maybe symptom free and experiencing 

good mental health. Irrespective of 

where someone is on this gamut, exercise 

has repeatedly been shown to play a key role 

in the treatment of mental health, alongside 

standard care. 

Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA) 

states that 12 percent of depression cases 

could have been prevented by exercising for 

just one hour a week. 

This highlights that even one workout or 

session a week can have benefits for mental 

health. 

Finding a type of exercise that works for 

you is important, along with remembering 

that doing something is better than nothing1. 

People with mental health disorders have 

a 2.2 times higher risk of death than the 

general population. 

This is attributed to physical health problems 

more so than the mental health issues1. 

We know that people experiencing mental 

illness have lower levels of engagement in 

exercise2, which puts them at a greater risk 

of having a chronic disease such as diabetes, 

cardiovascular disease or obesity, thus 

increasing their risk of early mortality. 

Sharing the why of how physical activity 

will make you feel good and improve your 

mood can be the key motivator for some 

individuals to move more. 

Improving mood, sleep, focus and concentration, 

and reducing stress and anxiety 

are all beneficial effects of exercise on human 

physiology. 

In conjunction with standard care for 

mental illness and mental health, we can 

create change for ourselves and those around 

us when we create active lifestyle habits for a 

healthier and happier future. 

KRISTINA DRILLER A specialist in exercise rehabilitation and chronic disease 

management, Kristina Driller is a sport and rehab consultant at UniRec and uses 

“exercise as medicine”. Kristina has a wealth of experience spanning eight years 

and provides expert advice in chronic disease management and musculoskeletal 

rehabilitation. 

1. Exercise & Sport Science Australia. (2018). Exercise Mental Health eBook. Retrieved from 

https://exerciseright.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Exercise-Mental-Health-eBook_LR.pdf 

2. Rosenbaum, S., Hobson-Powell, A., Davison, K., Stanton, R., Craft, L., Duncan, M., … Ward, P. 

(2018). The Role of Sport, Exercise, and Physical Activity in Closing the Life Expectancy Gap for 

People with Mental Illness. 

An International Consensus Statement by Exercise and Sports Science Australia, American 

College of Sports Medicine, British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, and Sport and 

Exercise Science New Zealand. Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, 

3(10), 72–73. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/acsm-tj/Pages/default.aspx 


Active tips for the 

TIME POOR 

While the benefits of 

moving are unquestionable, 

sometimes it can be a struggle 

to fit it all in. 

So before you exchange your exercise 

session for being sedentary, try keeping 

active without even the need for a 

structured session. 

Active commuting 

Active commuting, like cycling or walking, 

has all the benefits of a standalone workout 

except that some of the time would be spent 

commuting anyway. While it’s not suitable 

for long distance travelers, even walking to 

a further away bus stop or walking on days 

where the weather is better can be an option. 

Need more convincing? A study of more 

than 2000 participants in the UK showed 

that commuting by bike was associated with 

a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), 

cancer, and all-cause mortality. 

The study also measured walking and 

found it was associated with a lower risk 

of CVD independent of major measured 

factors. 

Saving the planet 

If you are keen to save the planet, combine it 

with some active moving and you’ll get to improve 

your health as well as that of the planet. 

Whether it’s a small pot or a full garden, 

growing your own vegetables provides ample 

opportunity for physical activity in the 

outdoors, with the added benefit of low food 

miles, and easy access to healthy food. 

Dancing 

Dancing is essentially exercising with style. 

The benefits of dance extend beyond the 

physical, with the coordination required 

exercising neural pathways as well, contributing 

to mental alertness and helping retain 

memory and cognitive function, especially 

as we age. 

Housework 

Whether it’s carrying 

groceries, doing a 

brisk vacuum, or 

stretching to dust under 

the furniture, using 

domestic chores 

as a chance to be 

active is unlikely to 

lead to a new-found 

joy for housework. 

But it may make it 

go faster and will add 

some easy heart rate 

raising activity to 

your week. 

If a regular scheduled 

workout is not 

inspiring you, then 

• Mobile Personal Training 

• Sport Specific Strength 

and Conditioning 

• Nutrition analysis and 

strategies 

• Small group training 

look at other options. This could include 

using a trainer, trying a class, getting some 

new exercises, or even trying the pool. Exercise 

works best when done regularly, each 

week, month, and year; so choosing exercise 

and physical activity that you want to do is 

important. 

At the end of the day there are a number 

of reasons you don’t have time for exercising 

and lack of time is only one of them. 

It’s easier to find time to do things we 

enjoy, so if the exercise programme you 

have been doing doesn’t inspire you, then 

don’t sell yourself short - go looking for a 

sustainable, motivating form of exercise or 

physical activity. 


17

Reigniting your 

FLAME 

I think we can all be quite thankful that this winter felt mild 

compared previous years. However, that doesn’t mean that the 

winter blues didn’t kick in, that you missed out on seasonal 

effective disorder (SAD), or that you didn’t lack motivation 

during the last few months. 

Let’s face it, many of us treat winter as 

an off season because it’s easier to stay 

home than it is to stick to a regular 

training regime. So now that we’re through 

winter, why hasn’t that motivation to eat 

clean and train mean kicked in straight away? 

Don’t worry, I get it – I’m still battling 

every morning to choose the gym over my 

nice comfy warm bed. So how do we get that 

drive back, how do we get motivated and 

how do we reignite our flame? 

VALUES 

Let’s start with our main key drivers in life – 

our values. These are the core of who we are 

as a person, and depending on your beliefs, 

they may be expressed differently such as 

your morals, your rule book, your guiding 

light, etc. 

We all have our own personal core values 

and it’s important to know what they are and 

understand them, as they drive our decisions 

in all areas of our lives. 

Our personal values guide our behaviours, 

choices and decisions and are a huge part of 

what situations we end up in. 

Different for all of us, they are influenced 

by our role models, upbringing, cultural 

beliefs, experience, etc. 

Your personal values may be things such 

as honesty, work ethic, authenticity, and once 

you identify what drives you, then you have 

the starting point of what guides your goals, 

what motivates you, what makes you who 

you are and hopefully some more insight 

into yourself as a person. 

For example, one of your values might 

be to treat your body as a temple – which 

is an indication of why you choose to live a 

healthy lifestyle. 

MOTIVATION 

Once we understand our values, we can then 

figure out what our motivation is and whether 

it’s intrinsic or extrinsic. 

Intrinsic motivators are internal motivators 

that make us feel good, things that make 

us happy, things that we enjoy and provide 

us with a sense of accomplishment and personal 

satisfaction. 

Then we have extrinsic motivators, which 

are an external motivator such as recognition 

from peers, rewards such as money, and 

external praise. 

These things still make us feel good and 


so think of it this way – what do you want 

to achieve? Yup it’s that simple. You need to 

identify what you want to get out of life. 

For example, if you’re going to their gym, 

doing home workouts, running each week; 

why? What is the end game – what is the 

goal? It’s a lot easier to do the work, if you 

know what you are working towards. This 

will all be derived from your values, and your 

motivation. 

If one of your values is to get the most 

out of your body, and your motivation is 

extrinsic – you’re competitive and like to 

win - then that’s going to help you decide on 

your goal (such as competing in an event). 

Once you have a goal in mind, you are 

able to start planning on how to achieve it. 

So, strip it back, start from the beginning 

and make it simple: Values – Motivation – 

Goals! 

This may not be life-changing advice, 

however hopefully it can start to help you 

connect some dots, get some insight and 

help start some sparks that lead to the reignition 

of your flame. 

If you struggle with self-analysis, staying 

motivated and setting goals then that’s where 

contacting a wellbeing coach or personal 

trainer can be helpful. 

Sometimes you need someone to help 

you draw out those awesome moments 

from within. I recommend that you do your 

research and find someone who lines up with 

your personal philosophy around health and 

wellbeing. 

The good news is that our mornings are 

getting warmer, daylight saving is closer and 

summer is just around the corner. 

Not only does the pressure come on to 

get ready for summer (which is a motivator 

within itself), it’s also going to get a lot easier 

to get up in the morning. 

And, if you’re anything like me, my favourite 

place to exercise is the outdoors – so 

it’s that time where you can start enjoying 

your favourite river trails and running tracks. 

So, remember to identify your values, find 

your motivation and set some goals – some 

big audacious goals. 

Dream big, work hard and most importantly, 

reignite that flame so your candle can 

burn bright! 

give us a sense of achievement but come 

from an external source of motivation. 

There’s nothing wrong with either type of 

motivation. In fact everyone has both to a certain 

degree, with one possibly being stronger 

than the other in different situations. 

Therefore, it’s vital to tap into your 

motivation for what you’re doing, particularly 

exercise. You may be exercising to lose 

weight, but why are you exercising to lose 

weight? Is it because you want to feel better 

about yourself or is it because you want to 

impress others around you? 

By asking yourself these questions, it will 

shed light on the why behind what you are 

doing and give you a good indication of how 

to stay motivated. 

GOALS 

Once we have identified our values and what 

our motivation is, it’s going to be a lot easier 

to set goals. 

Let’s face it, goals can become complicated. 

There are so many different acronyms 

out there that it can get a little confusing, 

SHANE WAY An award-winning personal trainer; Shane is committed to helping 

others reach their goals and enjoy a positive mindset. Passionate about sharing his 

own journey, he places a strong focus on mental wellbeing alongside physical wellbeing. 

Shane is also a member of the advisory board for “Creating Our Futures”, which is the 

proposed model of change for Mental Health and Addiction services in Waikato. 


19

Get social by 

GROUP 

EXERCISING 

Group exercise was arguably where the 

modern exercise industry began - with 

people engaging in ‘keep fit’ classes to music 

in community centres and halls around the 

country during the 1970s. 

While the offerings now in the 

group exercise space are more 

diverse, and available in gyms 

as well as community facilities, the idea of 

combining exercise with social interaction 

remains the same. 

With offerings including high intensity 

interval classes (HIIT), strength, dance and 

mind-body classes, it’s not one size fits all. 

The social benefits of group exercise are 

one of the main attractions. Having a group 

of like-minded people around you inspires, 

encourages and motivates. 

There are also benefits with accountability; 

knowing that there are others being 

challenged like you helps keep you moving. 

Many exercise facilities offer a range of 

classes. Professionally run classes are also 

popping up in community settings and small 

studios, so regardless of where you are, in a 

big city or small community, you should be 

able to find classes that suit you. 

“Having a group of likeminded 

people around 

you inspires, encourages 

and motivates.” 

The group exercise class format is great 

for those new to exercising, as it allows you to 

follow the instructor and participate without 

needing an in-depth knowledge of exercise. 

For those worried about being on ‘display’, 

far from being watched by others, you’ll find 

yourself being surrounded by a group of 

like-minded people who are enjoying themselves 

and are supportive of your journey. 

There is a financial benefit as well. Exercising 

in a group means you get the support 

of an exercise professional at a lower cost 

due to being part of a group. 

Group exercise classes are not just limited 

to being land-based, with aqua classes 

maintaining popularity, especially with more 

senior and less able exercisers. In chest deep 

water your body can weigh up to 70 percent 

less than it does on land, so it’s less effort on 

the body to be in the water. However, once 

you start moving, the water adds extra resistance 

to work against. 

There are significant flexibility benefits 

from working in water. With weight and 

joints supported, many people find they can 

get a greater range of movement. The extra 

support the water provides also allows exercises 

to improve stability and balance that 

could not be completed on land. 

If you are looking for an activity fix with 

some company, then group exercise ticks the 

boxes. 

(Information supplied by NZ Register of 

Exercise Professionals) 


Move with 

MORFA 

There’s a strong trend towards simplifying and 

decluttering our busy lives; a trend perfectly in sync with 

the Morfa brand philosophy. 

With clean lines, understated designs 

and barely there branding 

(no aggressive shouting brands 

here thank you), the Morfa active lifestyle 

collection is refreshingly simple. 

The design embraces both comfort and 

performance, and everything from leggings 

to sports bras are functional, strong and 

enduring. 

Hugely popular are the high waisted 

tights; featuring an enhanced waistband with 

internal power mesh to shape your core and 

prevent falling down. 

Choose from full length, ⅞ or ¾ length 

and top with one of the CarbonTech fabric 

tanks. 

Neatly embracing the crossover between 

active and lifestyle wear, men can choose 

from hoodies, pants, shorts and long sleeve 

tops; ideal for day wear or workout apparel. 

The range is available online at morfa.nz 

WIN WIN WIN 

Enter to win an awesome Morfa prize 

pack of a pair of tights plus a tank 

top - for your most stylish and comfy 

workout ever. 



with MORFA in the subject line (don’t 

forget to include your size), or enter 

online at inspomag.co.nz. Entries close 

October 4 2019. 

MRI ULTRASOUND X-RAY CT BONE DENSITY 

Pacific Radiology specialise in sports injury imaging and diagnosis. 

We accept any referral forms and provide a walk in service for all 

x-ray examinations and urgent diagnostic imaging. 

Call Pacific Radiology for an appointment today 

or visit pacificradiology.com 

Pembroke 

Von Tempsky 

Avalon 

Cambridge 

- 35 Pembroke Street, Hamilton Lake 

- 21 Von Tempsky Street, Hamilton East 

- 6 Avalon Drive, Hamilton West 

- 14 Dick Street, Cambridge 

Phone: 07 834 0000 

Email: hamilton@pacificradiology.com 


21

BEYOND 

UNDERSTANDING 

It is becoming more frequent for me in my coaching practice 

to have conversations with clients about their deep desire to 

be understood. We long to be understood. 

BY REBECCA KINGSTON 

Ellen Degeneres says, “It is wonderful 

to be loved, but it is profound to be 

understood.” 

However, in a world where no two people 

are the same, this is an almost impossible 

quest. Yet we have a strong yearning to know 

and to be known. 

I hear from people in my work, “My family 

doesn’t get me!” or “My husband doesn’t 

understand me!” or “My friends just don’t 

seem to know me anymore!” And we wish 

they did because that would bring so much 

comfort to us in our situation. 

But when we get real about this for a 

moment, of course they don’t understand 

us how we would like. They have never seen 

life from behind our eyes, nor walked a day 

in our shoes, thought for a minute with our 

mind or felt for a second with our heart. It 

makes sense that, so few really get us. 

This also works the other way where we 

struggle to understand everyone else. We can 

find it hard to see why some people make the 

decisions they make; act the way they do and 

live the life they are choosing. 

I once had a client whose boyfriend had 

dumped her via text. She felt ripped off in 

that she never got to discuss the breakup 

with him and understand why he finished it. 

She really struggled with not being able to 

get the answers to all the questions that she 

had. I hear this from others too around losing 

a job, rejection from friends, unanswered 

texts and calls. 

However even when explanations are 

given and reasons are specified, we still hear 

these through our own unique lens and come 

to our own conclusion which still leaves us 

feeling lost and heartbroken. The answers 

often don’t comfort us at all. 

What do we do when one of our main human 

needs to understand and be understood 

is such a difficult need to actually meet and 

be met? 

My suggestion is that we move beyond 

understanding. I say beyond because staying 

in the seeking and searching for understanding 

can sometimes do more damage than 


“The more you can 

simply trust when you 

don’t have the answers, 

the closer you get to 

peace and connection 

and to something 

that is far beyond the 

understanding you were 

searching for. Going 

beyond is a place you 

want to be.” 

good. The more we try to figure something 

out, the more discouraged we can become. 

Another client shared with me once about 

how insecure he felt in conversations with a 

loved one about their work, because he could 

never understand and therefore connect with 

the conversation. The more he tried, the 

more frustrated he became. We discussed the 

simple art of listening and being present in 

the moment which helped him to go beyond 

understanding and into love. 

To move beyond understanding you can 

ask yourself better questions. Not necessarily 

questions to seek understanding of another 

but questions of yourself to reveal your own 

love, power and truth. 

Questions like, “Who do I want to be in 

this moment? How can I feel content right 

here, right now?” “What is the best way to 

soothe myself in this situation?” 

Go beyond by affirming, “I know not but 

I am going to keep leading my life to the 

fullest and trust that all things are working 

out for my highest good.” 

The more you can simply trust when you 

don’t have the answers, the closer you get to 

peace and connection and to something that 

is far beyond the understanding you were 

searching for. Going beyond is a place you 

want to be. 

It will take you to places that are more 

powerful than you ever expected. Places of 

healing and growth, love and connection. 

Find rest in the fact that it is okay to know 

that there are some things that we are not 

supposed to know. We are not in control of 

the universe and do not have to have it all 

figured out. And I know this will scare many 

people as I write this. But that is a clue if 

this idea really grinds your gears then this 

is something you should start challenging 

yourself about. 

Don’t let what you don’t understand stop 

you from being a good person, from showing 

gratitude for the life you are leading and 

from serving those around you. Don’t let it 

keep you stuck in worry, stress and resentment. 

Change your perspective, you were 

created to feel good and be love. 

Soren Kierkegaard a philosopher and 

theologian from the 19th Century said, “Life 

can only be understood backwards; but it 

must be lived forwards.” 

Find peace in the fact that you don’t need 

all the details to take a step. Just take a moment 

possibly through breath and meditation 

to be in alignment with your values and 

your purpose and then your thoughts will 

match up with your vibration and the next 

step will be revealed. 

Take the pressure off yourself and others 

today. Just because you don’t have the answers 

and all the understanding you desire; 

doesn’t mean you are not the brilliant and 

worthy human being you were born to be. 

REBECCA KINGSTON Rebecca Kingston is a Waikato-based certified life coach/ transformation 

worker, and a loving mama to three gorgeous children. Rebecca decided to 

become a life coach to fulfill her lifelong passion of helping others gain a connection with 

their authentic self, to love and nurture who they truly are, live out their deepest dreams 

whilst living a balanced, healthy and happy lifestyle. breathingspacecoaching.co.nz 

Designed for 

CONFIDENCE 

There’s nothing we like more than 

workout wear that delivers more than 

expected. 

Not only are Fitnit leggings thoughtfully 

designed to give women body confidence 

(thank you high waisted leggings that hug 

the tummy and never slip down), but the 

brand is also proudly New Zealand owned 

and strives to reject plastic packaging and be 

eco-friendly whenever possible. 

Former policewoman Jamie Best spent 

years working with victims of domestic and 

family violence, and women (and men) suffering 

from low to non-existent self esteem. 

That, coupled with her work as a personal 

trainer, saw her become a strong believer in 

the value of exercise for developing confidence 

and self esteem. 

“With body confidence comes strength 

and mental wellbeing,” she says. 

WIN WIN WIN 

Enter to win a pair of Fitnit leggings in 

your size of choice. 



with FITNIT in the subject line, or enter 


October 4 2019. 

“I believe all women should be able to feel 

great when working out, so designed Fitnit to 

cater for all shapes and sizes, from size 6 -22. 

I removed labels like XL and replaced them 

with confidence building labels like Cute 

Curves and Cuter Curves, etc.” 

After much trial and error, Jamie’s 

leggings now fit her exacting standards, and 

the combination of a high waist with quality 

fabrics ensures they are squat proof (no sheer 

reveal here) and flattering. 

“If you are wearing Fitnit you can be 

assured that you’re rocking a quality NZ 

designed brand that represents a support 

network of women building each other up 

and supporting one another,” says Jamie. 

See the full range and read Jamie’s 

refreshingly honest personal story online at 

fitnitactivewear.com 


23

COMMUNITY 

MARKET DAY 

WIN 

A Nutra-Life Ester-C® 

prize pack 

With many in the world scrambling to do their part to help 

make the planet healthier (whether reducing plastic and 

recycling to larger global projects), it’s encouraging to see 

communities banding together to support local businesses 

and help encourage upcycling. 

Little Valley Farm is a family business 

based on the outskirts of Hamilton. 

The equestrian park is a privately 

owned facility which includes an indoor arena, 

show jumping arena and cross country course. 

The Woods family generously make their 

property available to the community for 

other equestrians and groups to book and 

use (for a small nominal fee to cover damage 

and repairs). 

Now the impressive property is gearing up 

to host a community market day and garage 

sale, giving local businesses and individuals 

the opportunity to promote their products, or 

find a new home for pre-loved goodies. 

With upcycling a hot new trend, pre-cycled 

clothing, furniture and garden items are 

becoming hotly sought after. 

It’s a win/win situation with owners able 

to pass on their no longer needed items, to 

a new home keen to enjoy them or upcycle 

them for another use. 

It’s a great way to stop useful items being 

dumped or scrapped, when there’s plenty of 

life in them yet. 

The Little Valley Farm market day/garage 

sale will feature a host of new items and 

products, alongside pre-loved goods. 

Included in the line-up already is Aotea 

honey, a plant stall (with camellias, garden 

and farm plants starting from $1); a renovation 

stall (with bathroom vanity and shower 

for sale as well as other items), Scentsy products; 

bird boxes; Nordic Equine, Serenity 

Therapy and more. 

Encouraging the development of future 

entrepreneurs, the youngest stall holder is 

just 13 years old, selling her range of homemade 

equine neck ropes and horse treats. 

The event is being hosted in the indoor 

arena at Little Valley Farm (Douch Road, 

Ohaupo) on Sunday September 29 and 

thanks to the facility will go ahead rain, hail 

or shine. 

Head along to check out the goodies on 

sale and do your part for upcycling and supporting 

local businesses. 

Or if you have something to sell consider 

grabbing a market stall spot for yourself and 

turn your pre-loved items into cash or set up a 

fundraising stall for your local group or club. 

When the ills and chills of winter 

make their way into our lives, 

whether they’re passed along by a 

partner, colleague or child, a quick 

hit of Vitamin C is something many 

of us will turn to. 

Luckily, Nutra-Life’sEster-C® can 

provide you with the support you 

need this winter – offering 24-hour 

immune support in the form of 

a non-acidic, researched form of 

Vitamin C that supports the body’s 

natural immunity. 

Nutra-Life’s Ester-C® comes in a 

convenient sachet with a pleasant 

orange flavour, making it easy to take 

on-the-go. Ester-C® contains natural 

flavours, colours and sweeteners, and 

is suitable for vegetarians, vegans 

and diabetics. 

Enter to win one of two prize packs 

of Nutra-Life Ester-C® 1200mg 

Effervescent – 15 x 5mg powder 

sachets (RRP$29.90). To enter, email 

your name, address and contact 

details to win@inspomag.co.nz with 

ESTER-C in the subject line, or enter 

online at inspomag.co.nz. Entries 

close October 4, 2019. 

Community Market Day 

Little Valley Farm market day/garage sale event 

Sunday 29 September | 10am start | 67 Douch Road, Ohaupo, Hamilton 

Head along to this community market day to support 

local businesses and stalls, with new items as well 

as garage sale stalls of goodies ideal for upcycling. 

If you have something to sell, book yourself one of 

the 23 stalls. The event is being held inside so will 

go ahead regardless of weather. 

Turn your unused items into cash and run your own 

stall. Choose from 6mx6m ($60) or 6mx3m ($30). 

What have you got to sell? Anything new or used (but 

legal!): garden/homewares/equine/furniture/food/ 

fashion 

To book your stall, contact little.valley.farm@xtra.co.nz or Natalie 027 220 2297 Paul 027 220 2286 


Tasty treats 

WIN 

One of three 

New Zealand Hunter 

Gatherer prize packs 

Here at INSPO we’re huge fans of New 

Zealand creations, particularly when it comes 

to food and drink. This month we share some 

of our current favourite tasty treats. 

Natural flavour 

New Zealand is home to an impressive array 

of passionate foodies; creating delicious 

goodies from the bounty of Mother Nature. 

In the heart of sunny Motueka, a dedicated 

family-owned business specialises in 

crafting flavoursome brews which are hotly 

sought after around the country; for taste as 

well as the quirky and fun labels. 

Pete’s Natural drinks range kicked off 

with its first boutique lemonade in 2009. 

A decade on and the collection continues 

growing, staying true to its original desire to 

create interesting flavour combinations from 

home-grown ingredients. 

It’s quite some achievement to continue 

to support local growers and keep everything 

made from and in New Zealand, with only 

natural ingredients. No additives, no concentrates 

from overseas, no preservatives or 

artificial flavours, no hidden nasties! 

Hero of the moment is the new kid on 

the block - Pete’s Natural Hemp Manuka 

Plant powered 

Revive Cafe has a cult following all of its 

own, from cook books to its two eco-friendly 

Auckland cafes. Now you can have a tasty 

piece of the Revive Cafe menu, with new 

snack ball ranges The Good Bite and Yumba. 

These little balls of plant powered goodness 

are the ultimate guilt-free treat, with 

on trend flavours like Hemp and Chocolate 

Peanut, and Hemp and Raspberry in The 

Good Bite collection. 

Loaded with wholefoods, dates and 

peanuts, Yumba protein-filled energy balls 

are the perfect pre or post sports snack, busy 

day pick-me-up or simply the answer to a 

craving for a tasty treat. 

Try the Peanut Butter and Jelly (but be 

warned, this could be your next food 

addiction). 

With compostable packaging, the snack 

balls are good for the mind, body and soul. 

revive.co.nz 

Sparkling; made from lightly sparkling water, 

freshly squeezed lemon juice, manuka honey, 

hemp seed infusion, monk fruit extract, 

and spinach juice. 

And if you’re after something with a little 

more kick, brave up and try Pete’s Natural 

Lemon Chillo. Be wary of the whole chilli 

floating in the bottle, the heat will catch you 

when you least expect it. 

Petesnatural.co.nz 

WIN WIN WIN 

Enter to win one of two mixed cases of 

Pete’s Natural flavours. To enter, email 

your name, address and contact details 

to win@inspomag.co.nz with PETE’S 

NATURAL in the subject line, or enter 


October 4, 2019. 

WIN WIN WIN 

Enter to win one of two prize packs of 

Yumba and The Good Bite snack balls. 

To enter, email your name, address 

and contact details to win@inspomag. 

co.nz with REVIVE CAFE in the subject 

line, or enter online at inspomag.co.nz. 

Entries close October 4, 2019. 

Treat your tastebuds to some dessert 

goodness with the New Zealand Hunter 

Gatherer Gourmet range - a collection 

of gluten free, dairy free and sugar free 

wholefood baking mixes. 

The paleo friendly recipes are designed 

to save time and effort in the 

kitchen; perfect for bakers of little to 

loads of ability, super nutritious with 

low natural sugars and ingredients 

that will make your body (and mind) 

feel great. 

Kind on the wallet and pantry 

space, you’ll love how easy it is to 

create slices, cakes and biscuits. 

Enter to win one of three New Zealand 

Hunter Gatherer prize packs and 

discover for yourself the joy of baking. 



with HUNTER GATHERER in the subject 

line, or enter online at inspomag. 

co.nz. Entries close October 4, 2019. 


25

WIN 

Win a Yates National 

Gardening Week hamper 

FLOWER 

POWER 

The vibrancy of a colourful garden can bring instant pleasure 

- both for the gardener and onlookers. Colour your world (or 

just your own patch of neighbourhood) as part of National 

Gardening Week (October 21-28). 

Get planting now to ensure some 

colour and texture in your garden, or 

gather a group of friends and work on 

a joint project. 

The call is out to New Zealanders to bring 

back flowers and create a riot of colour in 

gardens for National Gardening Week. 

Flowers are not just decorative. They provide 

food for bees and butterflies. They taste 

good in salads and teas, and for centuries, 

flowers have been used to heal. 

To get you started with flower-bombing 

your garden, or an area in your local 

neighbourhood that needs a splash of colour, 

Yates is lending a helping hand. Just register 

online at yates.co.nz/nationalgardeningweek 

between October 1-14 to receive a free packet 

of seeds from Yates flower range; including 

flowers for colour, flowers for the bees and 

butterflies and flowers that are perfect for 

picking. 

The free seed offer is timed perfectly for 

the October school holidays to get kids into 

the garden for hours of flower fun. 

National Gardening Week aims to foster 

a love of gardening with a focus on growing 

not only plants but friendships, good health, 

strong communities and closer connections 

with nature. Whether it’s a few pots on 

the balcony, a small patch or an extensive 

garden, treat yourself to a little time to experience 

the joy of gardening. 

Celebrate National Gardening Week 

with a Yates hamper containing 

everything you need to flowerbomb 

your garden. 

A selection of Yates flower seeds 

in pretty pastels will deliver a 

delightful colour wave throughout 

your garden. Nature’s Way Organic 

seed raising mix will supercharge 

your seeds, encouraging 

germination and establishing strong 

growth, giving your plants the best 

possible start in life. 

Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Liquid 

Plant Food and Yates Thrive Roses 

& Flowers Natural Fish & Seaweed+ 

are complete liquid fertilisers to 

boost healthy growth and produce 

large blooms. Both formulations 

have a dual action, feeding through 

leaves and roots for fast results. 

If you want to take your garden 

indoors, Yates Top 50 Indoor Plants 

is a fabulous new book packed 

with inspirational ideas for creating 

the hottest looks in house plants, 

plus comprehensive growing tips 

and tricks and how to sort those 

common indoor plant problems. 

To enter, email your name and 

address, with YATES in the subject 

line, to 

win@inspomag.co.nz 

or enter online at 

inspomag.co.nz. 

Entries closes 

October 4, 2019. 


FRANKIE & FLORA 

There’s something magically uplifting about 

the creations of Frankie & Flora - it’s botanical 

art at its finest. Packed with texture, creativity 

and style, these lush bouquets and arrangements 

are droolworthy, adding instant impact 

to any setting. Available from the mobile gallery/floral 

studio parked opposite Cambridge 

Town Hall Tuesday to Friday from 9am-5pm. 

(PS the artist’s name is Claudia, not Frankie. 

Frankie is her pug dog assistant!) 

Frankieandflora.co.nz 

GUTSY GOODNESS 

Kombucha has emerged from the sidelines as one 

of the most popular and creative beverages of 

choice. With plenty of competition in this market 

space, we’re confidently championing local brand 

Gutsy Kombucha. Made right here in Hamilton, 

this fermented goodness is packed with flavour 

and probiotics, with combinations including 

Ginger and Turmeric; Blackcurrant and Apple and 

Lime and Elderflower. 

WIN 

Enter to win one of two mixed 

case prizes of Gutsy Kombucha. 

To enter, send your name, 

address and contact details 

to win@inspomag.co.nz with 

GUTSY in the subject line or 

enter online at inspomag.co.nz. 

Entries close October 4 2019. 

BE A SOCIAL LIGHT 

Let there be light - the 

ultimate mood enhancer. 

Under the gentle guidance 

of expert hands, lighting 

brings drama, art, creativity 

and beauty to any setting. 

Lighting planner (and 

trained electrician) Laura 

Mitchell is the bright 

spark behind Cambridge 

business Social Light, 

specialising in personalised 

lighting plans and 

transforming any space 

into something spectacular. 

Sociallight.co.nz 

LOCAL 

SCENE 

Our INSPO team love to champion 

local businesses and local products, 

so this month we’ve chosen a few 

our of faves to share. 

FUEL ME UP 

At last! The quest for the perfect coffee 

is at an end. Hello Homebrew Coffee 

- we’re going to be lifelong friends. 

The brainchild of hubby and wife Blair 

and Tayler Rae Paterson; the focus is 

simple - consistently great coffee, a 

warm welcome, a careful selection of 

Volare goodies, and even some custom 

threads. It’s fuel for the soul; all served 

from the old Waitomo Fuel building in 

Cambridge, 21 Victoria Street (open 

Monday - Saturday). 

Homebrew.coffee 

MOCHA HOME 

Small but beautifully formed, Mocha 

Home packs a punch when it comes 

to delivering something for everyone. 

Themed around rustic elegance, it’s 

a treasure trove of thoughtful gifts, 

designer clothing and shoes, home 

furnishings, art, jewellery and oh, so 

much more. Best of all though is the 

exceptional service from hubby and 

wife team Bronny and Steven Pett (and 

occasionally son Harrison). Find Mocha 

Home at 146 Maeroa Rd (beside the 

delicious Sugar Bowl Cafe). 


27

MUSIC AS 

THERAPY 

Ever decided to listen to 

music for relaxation? Or 

pumped up the volume to help 

raise your energy levels? Then 

you’ll have an awareness of 

the effects music can have on 

your mood and wellbeing. 

Kicking off this month (September 16) is 

Music Therapy Week, to highlight this 

growing style of treatment that is helping 

everyone from pre-schoolers with autism 

to older folks struggling with dementia. 

International music therapy research has 

found (with the use of MRI scans) that music 

can unlock areas of the brain that other 

medical procedures have yet to reach. This 

can have profound positive impacts on the 

lives of people with neurological disorders, 

including people who have limited communication 

after strokes and other brain 

injuries. 

Music therapists in New Zealand work in 

an incredible range of environments, in therapy 

centres and rehabilitation units, as well 

as classrooms, group homes, and prisons. 

Music therapy is a growing style of 

treatment both here and around the world, 

with about 70 registered therapists throughout 

New Zealand providing music therapy 

services. 

Sessions are individually tailored to each 

client’s needs and strengths. Music is used 

to interact and communicate with clients 

expressing themselves in whatever way they 

can - using their body, voice or musical 

instruments. 

Supported by the Hugo Charitable Trust, 

Music Therapy Week (September 16-22) 

is Music Therapy New Zealand’s annual 

awareness campaign; to advocate for music 

therapy services and NZ Registered Music 

Therapists (NZ RMTh), as well as celebrating 

the spectacular triumphs that music therapy 

is having across Aotearoa. 

Music therapy is the planned use of music 

to assist the health and personal growth of 

people with identified needs, ranging from 

emotional, intellectual, physical, and social, 

with practitioners in New Zealand based in 

a range of medical, rehabilitation, and education 

settings. 

Within the field of mental health, 

therapists work with people experiencing 

psychosis, schizophrenia, dementia, delirium, 

substance abuse, depression, anxiety and 

other mood disorders. 

Due to the wide-ranging benefits of the 

practice, music therapy is also increasingly 

being used to assist in general wellbeing, 

mindfulness and stress relief, as well as providing 

support for those living through the 

challenges of trauma, separation, grief, and 

end-of-life care. 

Beginning the week on Monday 16 September, 

Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre in 

Auckland will host a launch event to screen 

two short films about music therapy in 

Aotearoa. 

The films focus on different elements on 

how music therapy is benefitting people in 

New Zealand, the first based in Christchurch 

working with children who have experienced 

trauma and the second created about Auckland’s 

CeleBRation Choir, a singing group for 

those who have experienced a neurological 

condition. 

A complete schedule of public events as 

part of Music Therapy Week 2019 is available 

online at musictherapy.org.nz. 


FLUID AND EXERCISE 

The saying that you are what you eat is often repeated, and 

there is no denying that the food we eat impacts our health 

throughout our lives. 

Part of our diet also includes what we 

consume in liquid form, so it can also 

be said that we are what we drink too. 

Not enough fluid intake leads to dehydration. 

When as little as 1% to 5% of body water 

is lost, symptoms start to occur, including 

thirst, vague discomfort, lessened movement, 

impatience, and increased pulse rate. 

Health effects of chronic, mild dehydration 

and poor fluid intake include increased risk 

of kidney stones and urinary tract cancers, 

and some colon cancers as well as heart valve 

disorder and diminished physical and mental 

performance. 

Alcohol 

While the short-term impact on exercise of a 

few drinks is likely only to be reduced energy 

levels at your next workout, for the 20% of 

New Zealanders that report a potentially hazardous 

alcohol consumption pattern, there 

is likely to be a negative effect on exercise 

gains and overall health in the medium to 

long term. 

There has been research to indicate a 

moderate intake of alcohol can have some 

health benefits, specifically related to a 

potential lowering of the risk of developing 

heart disease, stroke or type 2 diabetes 

But before you refill your glass, it’s worth 

noting that these health benefits are gained 

with low consumption levels. If it’s health 

benefits you are after it may be worth looking 

at other interventions that have a higher 

success rate, including exercise. 

Coffee 

We all know the awakening benefits of a 

morning coffee, and as an energy hit mid-afternoon. 

Caffeine is a stimulant that acts on the 

nervous system. Many studies confirm the 

role caffeine can play on exercise performance, 

with more positive results seen in 

endurance exercise over resistance activities. 

There is incoming evidence that those who 

don’t regularly consume caffeine experience 

a larger effect. 

When seeking a quick boost of energy 

pre-workout, or to just get a kick to aid alertness, 

many people turn to energy drinks, as 

they are readily available and well marketed. 

However, energy drinks, which are generally 

non-alcoholic beverages containing high levels 

of caffeine (and often high levels of sugar) 

aren’t the hydration and energy solution they 

claim to be. 

Cases of negative side effects have been 

attributed to energy drink consumption 

related to its high caffeine content, including 

death and heart issues. There are also longer 

term side effects related to the high sugar 

content and its link to dental decay, type 2 

diabetes, and heart disease. 

Water 

A good part of our body mass is water, and 

we cannot live very long without it, so it’s 

no surprise it benefits us when we exercise. 

While our fluid intake includes other forms 

of fluid found in food and beverages, the best 

way to achieve optimal hydration is water. 

It’s free, readily available and the best 

addition to a healthy diet when it comes to 

hydration. 

Information supplied by NZ Register of Exercise 

Professionals 

Energy drinks 

What’s most important to you? 

þ Friendly and nurturing family environment 

þ Large natural outdoor environment and community garden 

þ 80% registered teaching staff with excellent staff\child ratio 

þ Full Healthy Heart nutritious meals and nappy service 

þ Specialty nursery and developmental learning areas 

þ An engaging learning environment 

þ 30 free hours for 3-5 year olds 

þ Affordable fees 

limelightdanceacademy.co.nz 

07 855 3021 


J7698P 

29

BERRYLICIOUS LIPS 

Want lip smackingly good looking lips? As the name 

suggests, DB’s Lip Lock Longwear Lip Stain (try saying that 

fast three times) locks in colour so you can party all night 

with confidence. Even better, it’s enriched with goodies like 

green tea and aloe vera for nourishment and thanks to the 

sharp price you can enjoy one in each colour. 

dbcosmetics.co.nz 

SMOOTH OPERATOR 

Not all face oils are created equal. 

Kiriora Kawakawa face oil is silky 

smooth to apply, leaving skin feeling 

nourished and hydrated. Made with 

aroha in New Zealand, the natural 

skin care range is packed with goodies 

like Harakeke seed oil, Kawakawa 

oil and Jojoba oil. wendyhill.co.nz 

BEAUTY 

SPOT 

Good skincare is a necessity, not 

an indulgence. Pamper and protect 

your skin with some of these 

delicious goodies, packed with 

great ingredients. 

LASH UP 

GET YOUR GREENS 

Serve up a daily dose of green goodness 

to your nails with the impressive Raww 

range. The breathable, non-toxic nail 

polish with a Kale superfood infusion is 

everything you need to help feed your 

nails with natural goodness. The range is 

100% natural and Certified Cruelty Free. 

Nailed it! 

rawwcosmetics.com 

Finding the perfect mascara is like searching for the 

elusive pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. Search no 

more - Inika’s mascara offerings tick all the boxes, whether 

you’re looking for extra length, thickness or impact. 

Luscious effortless lashes are all yours - plus the range is 

organic and vegan. 

inikaorganic.com 


THE EYES HAVE IT 

Release your inner sparkle with a helping 

hand from the new Société Eye Peptide Gel 

Mask. Targeting dark circles, puffiness, fine 

lines and wrinkles; the eye peptide gel mask 

delivers instant hydration to the delicate eye 

area. 

advancedskintechnology.com.au 

ON A ROLL 

It’s exhausting work finding a natural deodorant that your 

armpits love. Say hello to Little Salties, a range of rollon 

clean deodorants - that work! Proudly made in New 

Zealand with locally sourced ingredients (100% vegan and 

cruelty- free), it’s hard not to love these little beauties. Hot 

tip: Apple and Eucalyptus is our fave. 

littlesaltiesnz.com 

CLASSIC SKINCARE 

There’s a reason classics stand the 

test of time with a loyal following of 

fans. Nivea Crème is a true classic 

(dating back to your great grandmother’s 

time a century ago). Gently 

nourishing and protecting skin, over 

the decades it has proved its worth 

on everything from feet and cuticles, 

to face redness and cracked lips. A 

beauty must-have. 

Nivea.co.nz 

FRESHEN UP 

Treat yourself to a burst of freshness 

with this ultimate grooming kit from 

Designer Brands. The handy travel-friendly 

kit includes body wash/ 

shampoo, shave gel and after shave 

lotion. The ingredients are all vegan 

and not tested on animals. Cheers to 

that. 

dbcosmetics.co. nz 

SQUEAKY CLEAN 

Hand-crafted with care in New Zealand, the Mia 

Belle range of natural body lotions, body butters and 

scrubs are packed with ethically-sourced natural and 

organic ingredients. This Detox Clay Face Mask is 

designed to deep cleanse skin, minimise pores and 

keep acne at bay. 

miabelle.co.nz 


31

Book 

Corner 

While winter is behind us, there are still plenty of 

reasons to curl up with a good book. These are 

some of our fave new releases. 

LONELY PLANET’S EPIC RUNS OF THE WORLD 

RRP $49.99 

If you have sneakers and a yen to 

travel, then you’ll absolutely love this 

latest offering from Lonely Planet’s 

Epic Runs Of The World. 

As the name suggests, the generously 

sized book (320-plus pages) is 

packed with some of the best spots in 

the world to explore by foot. Whether 

you run for exercise, for fitness, for the 

challenge, the runner’s high or to quiet 

your mind, there are runs in here for 

everyone - and for all levels; from park 

runs to marathons and epic ultras. 

If you’re a true adrenaline junkie 

you’ll fast forward to the pocket of insanely difficult runs that only a 

select few will ever attempt - or achieve. The names say it all with the 

likes of Death Valley Badwater 135! 

If your preferred pace is ticking off as many countries and achievable 

adventures as possible, then this will be your fave bedtime read; 

and if you’re more of an armchair enthusiast, you’ll likely get just as 

much enjoyment thumbing through page after page of stunning images 

and personal tales. 

Spanning 60 countries across all seven continents, Epic Runs Of The 

World features first-hand accounts of the featured runs, with hints and 

advice to ensure your experience is the best it can be. 

New Zealand’s Kepler Track and Tarawera Trail feature along with a 

solid representation from this neck of the woods: with Mt Pirongia, the 

Pinnacles, Waihi Gorge and Wairere Falls all making the cut. 

While I’m personally no runner, the spectacular offerings in this 

book have me itching to start training and take up the challenge. 

WIN WIN WIN 

Start planning your next adventures and enter to 

win one of two prizes of the beautifully illustrated 

hardcover book Lonely Planet’s Epic Runs of 

the World. It’s an absolute stunner and if you 

ever need motivation to get out and pound the 

pavement, then it’s all within these pages. Find 

out more at lonelyplanet.com. 

To enter, email your name, address and contact 

details to win@inspomag.co.nz with LONELY PLANET in 

the subject line, or enter online at inspomag.co.nz. 

Entries close October 4 2019. 

THE INVISIBLE LOAD 

BY DR LIBBY WEAVER, $39.95 

While there are thousands of books 

around the topics of reducing stress, 

managing stress, coping with stress, etc; 

Dr Libby gets to the heart of the matter, 

focusing on getting to the core of your 

stress and unravelling it for once and 

for all. 

In her typical forthright manner, The 

Invisible Load is packed with light bulb 

moments, and helping educate your 

mind around the how and why of stress. 

From considering some consequences 

(physical and mental), to sex hormone overwhelm, gut health, soul 

food and hormonal swings; there is plenty here to prompt a rethink of 

what can be some fairly damaging everyday habits. 

One quote in particular sums it up nicely: “Treat yourself as the 

precious person you are”. 

GARAGE PROJECT: THE ART 

OF BEER 

BY PETE GILLESPIE. $42 

We’re a sucker for a visual feast - and 

The Art Of Beer delivers. It’s the 

ultimate coffee table book; a perfect 

conversation starter, a joy to thumb 

through, bursting with vibrant art and 

peppered with appealing anecdotes. 

The shared story of brothers Pete 

and Ian Gillespie and lifelong friend Jos Ruffell and their love of craft 

beer, the book looks at their journey and their bold creations (beer 

and labels). The Garage Project is now an iconic brewery, with three 

sites and an ever increasing array of craft beer. The trio don’t shy 

away from bold flavours – brews include a raspberry, basil and tomato 

sour beer and a tropical fruit salad IPA. 

Having come up with more than 400 concoctions, this action-packed 

little book features can, bottle art and design elements 

from popular Garage Project brews, featuring everything from kama 

sutra rabbits to tattoo art, pop art and aardvarks. 

Even if you’re not a beer fashionista, you’ll likely enjoy a romp 

through these pages. 

TINY HOUSE: LIVE SMALL, 

DREAM BIG 

BY BRENT HEAVENER. $40 

With a global trend of decluttering 

and reducing our environmental 

footprint, the Tiny House movement is 

on the rise. 

Brent Heavener, founder of the 

world’s number one @tinyhouse 

Instagram feed, shares some of the 

finest tiny builds in this pocket-sized 

book of inspiration. It’s a fascinating 

look at just what can be achieved and 

how other people embrace downsizing. 

From a hand cranked mountain tree house to dome and A-frame 

dwellings, thoughtful design is a common denominator. That and a 

sense of fun. Even if you’re not up for a monumental life change, you’ll 

find plenty to admire within these pages. 


Diabetic challenge 

FOR CHARITY 

Waikato-based musician Ricky Winikerei has tackled 

a nationwide fitness challenge to help raise awareness 

around diabetes. 

The Type 1 diabetic is keen to use his 

own experiences to help raise money 

for Diabetes NZ and educate people 

about the condition. 

The 39-year-old was diagnosed three 

years ago and recently undertook a 28-day 

Winter Kick-Start Programme at Anytime 

Fitness in Cambridge. 

The campaign set out to encourage people 

to get active and to try and raise $30,000 

to combat New Zealand’s fastest growing 

health issue. 

The symptoms 

“I was feeling tired all the time, always going 

to the bathroom and I craved sugar,” says 

Ricky, as he explains what signs first led him 

to visit his GP. 

“I would finish a gig and there was nothing 

open late at night other than fast food 

outlets. My water intake was low and I only 

wanted juice or sugary drinks. 

“Being diagnosed as Type 1 has meant a 

lifestyle change for me. But I’ve learnt that 

you can’t let it rule your life and stop you 

doing the things you love,” he says. 

“It is a balancing act in terms of fitness, 

diet, work and day-to-day jobs and making 

sure I keep my insulin levels in check. I heard 

horror stories about how hard it is to balance 

exercising with your insulin so I stopped 

doing any physical activity until I could get a 

handle on how to manage my condition.” 

Coping with the challenge 

Ricky says he went through a period post-diagnosis 

when he felt quite down. 

“It was easy to sit at home and not do 

anything, but that’s a lot of time to think 

about my situation and it starts to play on 

your mind. 

“As the year went on and after learning 

more about it, I got back into exercise and 

realized that I could use it as a tool to help 

manage my diabetes. Getting into sports and 

work again was not only good for me physically, 

but the social side of it helped too.” 

Sharing his story 

As Ricky got used to his diagnosis and learnt 

more about it, he felt confident sharing his 

story with others. 

“I haven’t hidden it. I don’t want to end 

up dead or in hospital. The more people 

I can tell about my condition the better as 

they’ll be there to help me. At the same time, 

I can educate my friends and family about 

diabetes too.” 

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune 

condition. It cannot be prevented, but it can 

be managed through a combination of medication, 

healthy food choices and exercise. Of 

all the people with diabetes, it is estimated 

that about 10 percent of them have Type 1 

diabetes. 

Type 2 diabetes is the most common 

form of diabetes. For many people, it can 

be prevented through following a healthy 

lifestyle. 

Ricky’s motivation for doing the challenge 

and supporting the campaign is not 

just about raising money. 

“Most people don’t understand the difference 

between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, or 

they assume people have diabetes because of 

their weight or their race,” he says. 

“It comes down to education. I hope I can 

help challenge the stigma around diabetes 

and dispel some of the myths surrounding 

the condition.” 

Ricky’s training for the challenge kicked 

off with a consultation with an experienced 

coach at Anytime Fitness Cambridge. This 

ensured his workout was tailored to his 

fitness level to help minimise any risk to 

Ricky’s health because of his illness. 

“It was great to improve my muscle tone, 

lose a few kilos and feel good about looking 

after myself,” he says. 

“I’m not the type of person to put myself 

out there, so the process challenged me and 

put me out of my comfort zone. But it was 

worth it to help raise awareness and educate 

others.” 


33

SET YOUR 

RUN GOALS 

If you’re looking for an end of month goal that’s good for your 

body and mind, get your entry in now for the Direct Group 

Uniforms Hamilton Half Marathon on September 29. 

This annual event has become a regular 

family outing for many, and there are 

plenty of classes aimed at encouraging 

newbies to have a go. 

As well as the Direct Group Uniforms 

Hamilton Half Marathon Run/Walk, there is 

a distance (and pace) to suit everyone; from 

the TDO 10km Run/Walk, Mark Keesom Ray 

White Online Realty Ltd 5km Fun Run/Walk 

and Kindercare Kids Commando Challenge. 

The Wheelchairs Half Marathon starts the 

day at 8.50am. 

There are also corporate and social team 

opportunities, with the Fairview Mazda 

Corporate Team Challenge and TDO Social 

Team Challenge. 

With all events starting and finishing at 

Flagstaff Park in Hamilton, every finisher 

receives a medal. 

Enter online at hamiltonhalfmarathon. 

org.nz or late entries will also be taken on 

the day at Flagstaff Club up to half an hour 

before race time. 

With prizes galore and hotly contested 

trophies, even if you’re not one of the first 

across the finish line, the event is offering 

spot prizes worth a total of $15,000. 

John Harris Memorial Trophy 

New to this year’s event is the John Harris 

Memorial Trophy, which will be presented 

by event director Lyn Harris. 

“It is a privilege for me to announce this 

trophy in memory of my husband John 

Harris,” says Lyn. 

“John sadly passed away in November 

2018 and to honour his passion for the Hamilton 

Half Marathon, for the sport of running 

and to recognise the amazing efforts at all 

levels of this sport, I have much pleasure in 

announcing that this trophy will be awarded 

for the first time this year.” 

John competed for more than 40 years in 

distances from the 10km to the Marathon. 

He ran 84 marathons, hundreds of half 

marathons and 10kms. He regularly ran 100+ 

miles a week in training. Running was his 

true passion together with rugby union. His 

running career was cut short by knee problems 

resulting in both knees being replaced. 

This did not deter him from exercising as he 

then took up cycling and walking. 

“John’s fastest time over the Half Marathon 

distance was 1hr 17 and we will be 

using the WMA age graded calculator to 

identify the winner of this trophy. WMA use 

a formula to calculate an age factor for every 

age: this serves as the “best possible time” an 

athlete of that gender and age should be able 

to run.” 

This trophy will be awarded at prize giving 

on the event day. 


HYPNO 

HEALTH 

Interest in hypnotherapy 

services has spiked following 

recent television publicity 

on Seven Sharp; profiling 

weight reduction success using 

hypnotherapy and a virtual 

gastric band. 

Hamilton-based Jennifer Beck of Hypno 

Health Limited operates locally, offering 

clinical hypnotherapy services for 

everything from anxiety, stress and smoking 

to phobias, sports performance and specialising 

in helping with weight reduction. 

Jennifer’s own personal journey and 

challenges with weight sparked her interest 

in researching hypnotherapy, and led her 

to discover her passion for helping 

Thank you to all the Clients who have and 

are reaching their Weight Goals I am 

Extremely Proud of their Achievements. 

Make a change Start your Weight Release Programme 

and change your Shape and Size. 

No Dieting, No Calorie Counting, Sensation of Feeling Full, 

Eating Real Food 

SPECIALISING IN VIRTUAL GASTRIC BAND HYPNOSIS 

Call me today. 

Contact Jennifer Beck (Dip.Cl.Hyp) 

021 303 730 / info@hypnohealth.co.nz 

other people. 

Now a Professional Member (PMHNZ) of 

Hypnosis NZ, Jennifer has also completed 

Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapy training, 

giving her the skills, knowledge and tool 

kit to assist people in making personal and 

lifestyle changes. 

“I have a sincere passion to help people. 

Everyone’s stories are different, just as we 

all have different triggers. Many factors can 

often impact people’s 

lives and there 

can be a subsconscious 

mental block 

holding people back. 

Hypnotherapy can 

result in life changing 

effects.” 

Jennifer offers 

weight reduction 

hypnosis where a 

virtual gastric band 

is fitted into the top 

part of the stomach 

without going 

under the knife. This 

hypnotherapy offers 

a surgery free option 

without the thousands 

of dollars to 

pay charges to cover 

hospital theatre, surgeon, 

anaesthetist or 

surgical staff. There 

is also no recovery 

time, discomfort or 

the need to take time 

off work. 

“Surgical procedures 

come with 

risks. The main 

objective with a 

surgical band is to 

reduce the amount 

of food that a person 

consumes immediately. 

There have been some wonderful success 

stories with this surgery,” says Jennifer. 

“However, surgery does not address people’s 

individual triggers, associations and thoughts 

toward food. 

“Every diet I ever started had me obsessing 

about food; how much I’d eaten, when I 

could next eat and the constant calling of the 

fridge and pantry. When I slipped up, I felt 

really bad as if I was doing something wrong. 

It was an emotional see-saw and many people 

can relate to this. 

“My own personal experiences are why 

I’m so passionate about helping other people, 

particularly with weight issues. So I tailored 

a weight programme to change eating habits 

and attitudes toward food, giving safe predictable 

results.” 

Imagine agonising constantly about food, 

feeling hungry, focused on food all the time 

which is what normally happens before people 

revert back to old habits. 

“I believe we need to address the thought 

patterns and chatter in people’s minds associated 

with food. 

At Hypno Health, hypnosis techniques 

are applied to remove what Jennifer calls 

“Weight Holds.” These are likened to arms 

wrapped around bodies keeping them at 

that shape and size. 

“The weight programme is not a diet - 

there’s no calorie counting, or food restrictions. 

I cannot emphasise this enough, as my 

programmes are centred on eating real food 

without depriving yourself. They are designed 

so the mind and body work together 

in agreement. 

“By reducing the amount of food we eat, 

we are able to see positive weight reduction. 

We naturally begin to serve up smaller portions, 

becoming fuller quicker and staying 

satisfied after eating for longer. 

“The subconscious mind becomes more 

aware of when we are actually full, leaving us 

satisfied, and we don’t need to finish everything 

on our plates.” 


35

MAZDA2 RANGE 

NO DEPOSIT / INTEREST FREE / 36 MONTHS MAZDACARE 

3 YEAR, 100,000 KM FREE SERVICING 

5 YEAR, UNLIMITED KM WARRANTY 

UNLIMITED KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE 

m{zd{2 

The Mazda2 is the stylish small car making a bold statement. 

High quality surrounds you with sophisticated comfort, while seamless 

connectivity integrates your smartphone so you’re always in touch. 

Check out the Mazda2 today and discover how imagination drives us. 

Mazda2 Limited in Soul Red Crystal Metallic 

FAIRVIEW MOTORS MAZDA, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2017 MAZDA DEALER OF THE YEAR 

473 Te Rapa Rd | HAMILTON | P 07 849 9838 / 64 Firth St | MATAMATA| | P 07 888 7127 

95 Victoria St | CAMBRIDGE | P 07 827 7005 / 132 Kihikihi Rd. | TE AWAMUTU | P 07 871 3079 fairviewmotors.co.nz

INSPO Magazine September 2019

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?