Winter Wonders
"Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz
Celebrating July
July Sports in NZ
July has been a wonderful month for sports in New Zealand boosting our tourism industry, with the highlight being the FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicked off on 20 July. New Zealand won against Norway 1-0, in the first ever FIFA World Cup match (men or women) played in Oceania. The New Zealand Football Ferns were then unfortunately eliminated after drawing with Switzerland 0 - 0 on 30 July.
We have also had the All Blacks win against South Africa on 15 July, and the Warriors beat the Sharks for round 20 of the National Rugby League on 16 July, with both of those games played at the Go Media Stadium, Mt Smart here is Auckland.
Mt Ruapehu ski fields opened 1 July after a bit of controversy, joining the other ski fields in New Zealand just in time for the winter school holidays.
Although not played in New Zealand, we can’t do a July sports piece without a mention of the Silver Ferns competing in the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 being played in Cape Town South Africa from 28 July to 6 August.
Lap of Luxury Winners
Congratulations to the South Crossings’ Lap of Luxury Season 3 prize winners, announced by Southern Crossings at the end of July. Thanks to all those who watched the series and those who continue to watch on TVNZ+ demand and send in lovely messages.
Matariki 11 -22 July
New Zealand celebrated the start of the Māori New Year, by gathering with friends and whānau to honour the dead, reflect on the past year and enjoy the gifts of the present.
Restaurant Recommendation
Our first call for nearby restaurants for Elements’ guests is the wonderful Stanley Ave Bistro. Stanley Avenue brings a taste of the best casual bistros from around the world to our own local neighbourhood. With inspiration taken from the best wine bars and bistros of London and Melbourne, they bring a modern, eclectic and interesting bistro-inspired menu to the North Shore. Recently included in Cuisine’s NZ Top 250 Restaurants 2023/2024!
While their beverage offering is wine focused, they do offer a range of craft beer and our personal favourites are the cocktails, such as the Breakfast Daquiri with brown butter rum, marmalade and citrus, and others that are not on the menu but can be made to perfection based on your preferences.
Our favourites from past menus include vegetarian eggplant katsu, the lamb ribs with sticky soy caramel glaze and the seared fish or confit pork belly. You just can’t go wrong when ordering.
What’s coming up in Aug
· 5 August - The All Blacks will play the Wallabies in Dunedin. It is the first Bledisloe Cup match in the deep south since 2017 and a rare afternoon kick-off (2.35pm).
· 19 July – 6 August - Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival At The Civic, ASB Waterfront Theatre & Academy Cinemas
· 11 August - FIFA Quarter Finals
· 19 and 20 August – FIFA third place and Final
· 24 August - Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill Presents 15 Years of Invivo Wines