Daisy Thor-Poet: Change-making With Tinted Productions

Daisy filming for Tinted Productions

The Piha surf is pounding; wind and rain are sweeping across the black sand. Usually, only the surfers brave this weather — but today there’s one, lone photographer, hunched into her jacket. 

She’s waiting. Any moment now there’ll be a break in the weather. That’s when she’ll whip out her Sony A7SII camera and get the shots — waves, surfers, footprints on the sand, and the next on-coming rainband rushing across the bay. 

Daisy Thor-Poet is the sole camera-crew, sound operator and director of Tinted Productions. And she will brave any conditions to get the footage for her latest documentary series, “Changemakers.” 

Because, as she explains, “I had one day free in Auckland, so it was my only chance. I got soaking wet, but I got the shots… which ended up working perfectly.”

Daisy Thor_Poet wet but happy shooting footage for the Changemakers series on Piha Beach.
Caught in the rain on Piha Beach, but Daisy got the shots for “Sustainable Coastlines” and that’s what counted.
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Jane Sutherland: Fabulous Fashion In Kingston

Fashion designer Jane Sutherland's iconic photo in an armchair by the lake in Kingston.

Last year Jane Sutherland wowed us in Athol with a fashion show at the Hide. It had everything you’d expect: sleek hair, sexy make-up. Lights, music, models — go-getting locals rocked the gorgeous clothes on stage. What a night!

Jane’s known for her signature style. That’s top-quality fabric and timeless design married with hand-made metal jewellery. More than anything I craved the white coat. Wish I didn’t spend half my life hunched over a laptop and the other half with kids or on the farm. 

I know zilch about fashion. So my questions tumbled out when I met Jane at her Kingston studio. After 20+ years in the fashion biz, there was a lot to talk about.

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Laura Douglas: Southern Girl Finishing School

The girls and the team at the Southern Girl Finishing School.

Eight girls, a huddle of shivering adults, puppies… goats… horses and the cutest little pig in the world. What a great mix in Laura Douglas’ inaugural “Southern Girl Finishing School” workshop in Kingston.

Let’s dive into the day.

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Temple Tattoo and ROAR Coffee: Lodging In Lumsden

The Masonic Lodge Temple Building now home to ROAR coffee and Temple Tattoo

Kelly and Steve Taylor are the duo behind ROAR Coffee Roasters and Temple Tattoo. They’re committed Southlanders now, but how on earth did a couple from Matakana find their “forever home” in Lumsden?

Imagine the conversation: 

“Happy 30th birthday, darling. I’ve got such a surprise for you.” 

Such a surprise! What possibilities spring to mind? 

Holiday in Hawaii? A Spa retreat? Sparkling diamonds? Or maybe a cosy meal in your favourite restaurant. 

Steve Taylor’s idea of a birthday surprise turned out to be a huge empty Masonic Lodge building in the small, Northern Southland town of Lumsden. 

Kelly’s reaction? 

“Oh, God!”

At that point, she never dreamed that one day she would actually end up living in that big old beautiful building and loving every moment of life in Lumsden.

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ROAR: Coffee Roasters in Southland

Roasted Coffee Beans

The south has long been home to a vibrant café culture. But it wasn’t until Kelly Taylor opened ROAR Coffee Roasters that we finally had our own Southland brew.

Today, cafés up and down the province can serve the freshest-possible delicious coffee. And it’s all thanks to ROAR’S unique blend of beans and service.

I caught up with Kelly and Steve to discover more about Lumsden’s latest local brand.

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Robbies: All For Pickles And Pickles For All

Jars of Robbies Pickles and Preserves on the shop shelf.

I have to confess I’m not a fan of pickled onions, but I do love a good sauce and Robbies has “sauces to die for.” 

I first met Josie and Gus Robinson of ‘Robbies Pickles and Preserves’ at last summer’s Athol Valley Market.

“It tastes just like Nana used to make” is praise they hear time and again, and with good reason. 

Robbies pickles and sauces ARE just like Nana made. In fact, many of them are made from the very same recipes and home-grown ingredients that Josie’s own Nana created in her kitchen so long ago.

Josie Robinson of Robbies Pickles and Preserves with her daily green hill view behind.
Josie Robinson of Robbies Pickles and Preserves.
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