New Zealand Wines!
The Certificate in NZ Wine runs over 4 sessions and is followed by an Advanced programme of another 4 sessions.
This week we have enjoyed tasting and learning about innovative estates such as Burn Cottage from Central Otago, Heron’s Flight who make an exceptional Sangiovese in Matakana. Always a pleasure to taste the wines of Hans and Therese Herzog and we savoured the Mistral, a blend of 60% Viognier, 20% Marsanne and 20% Roussanne.
Te Mata’s Cape Crest showcases Hawkes Bay barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc and is interesting to compare with Sancerre from Henri Bourgeois also the owner of Clos Henri. Pegasus Bay’s Finale is New Zealand best example of a Sauternes style with deliciously ripe Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Learning about New Zealand’s wine geography and tasting some special wines along the way is always rewarding.
The wines that were tasted were -
- Hans Herzog Estate, Mistral 2016
- Burn Cottage Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2016
- Te Mata Estate Winery, Caupe Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2017
- Heron's Flight Vineyard - Matakana, Amphora Sangiovese 2016
- Pegasus Bay Winery, Finale 2017
- Henri Bourgeois Sancerre, 2018 (Clos Henri Vineyard)
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.6% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.9% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.5% ... It is complicated
Flower Pressing Workshop
Step back in time and discover the delicate Victorian art of flower pressing at Howick Historical Village.
Explore the gardens, gather flowers and foliage, and learn how to press and preserve them as keepsakes, just as the Victorians once did. Historical interpreter Ruth Page will guide you through the process and share tips for the best results.
📅 Dates:
• Saturday 21 March
• Saturday 28 March
• Saturday 11 April
• Saturday 18 April
⏰ 1:30–3:30pm
💲 Cost:
$28 (bring your own heavy book)
$42 (flower press included – yours to keep)
🎟 Includes entry to explore the Village (open 10am–4pm)
📩 Bookings essential – places are limited
A relaxing, creative afternoon surrounded by history and gardens — perfect for nature lovers and craft enthusiasts alike
Late Summer Harvest!
Experience a sun-kissed day at Howick Historical Village, celebrating the last of summer's bounty. Explore how the season’s harvest was gathered, preserved, and enjoyed in the 1800s, before the season changed.
The end of summer was a time to enjoy long, warm, dry days but also to prepare before autumn crept in. Pantries were filled as food was preserved, boots were waterproofed, curtains rehung. Honey made by busy bees all summer, was extracted from the hives.
Join us to experience the gentle turning of the seasons, where work and pleasure met, and the closing days of summer were truly cherished! Churn cream into butter or attend a Victorian school lesson. See the blacksmiths and woodturners at work and learn the art of bookbinding. Meet the Village beekeeper in a talk at 2 pm. Taste fresh baking, hot from the coal range in Puhi Nui Homestead and the bread oven. Visit the sweet shop filled with old-fashioned lollies and fudge!
With games, crafts and performances by Morris dancers at 11:00 & 12:00, and the bagpipe band at 12 pm and plenty to entertain all ages, this will be a Live Day not to miss!
Admission: adult $18, student/senior $14, child $10, family $46. Child under 5 years, members & annual pass holders - free entry.
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