OPEN season

Summer has never needed much of a marketing campaign. It pretty much sells itself. But then a pandemic slammed into the planet, climate change turned the months from December to March into a rainy, humid mess and it seemed easier to hunker down, setting our alarms for winter 2022. In an attempt to fall back in love with summer, Sharon Stephenson asked nine experts what they love about the season.

The chef – Martin Bosley

The name Martin Bosley is synonymous with good food because for 35-plus years, Bosley owned a number of award-winning Wellington restaurants. He now manages Yellow Brick Road, a Ma¯ori-owned sustainable seafood business.

What do you love about summer? It’s a time when food rules seem less important. Cooking becomes a case of letting the spirit run free, knowing I’ll be forgiven any misdemeanours because I have a grateful audience. Your favourite summer foods:

A key ingredient in my summer meal kit is a jar of what I call Salsa Creosa – a mix of pickles with a deeply piquant quality that makes everything – from salads, ceviche, grilled meat and fish – taste good. Seafood is an obvious favourite and the barbecue flame rarely goes out.

Any summer cooking tips?

If in doubt, Dijon mustard makes everything taste better! Let your imagination run free and have a few recipes on hand for a casual lunch or a larger meal. Keep it simple.

The fashion designer – Erica Gadsby

The founder and director of ReCreate Clothing, an ethical and sustainable label based in Te Awamutu, is all about marrying the fashion industry with making a positive impact. Erica Gadsby juggles two young children with her eight-year-old business. What do you love about summer? Life somehow seems so much brighter and better in summer – I love the sun, getting sweaty during a hard day’s work in the garden and the freedom to leave the house without extra layers of clothing.

Your favourite summer activities: I love heading into the bush for peace and natural beauty. My favourite spots in the Waikato are Pirongia Forest Park, Ruakuri Cave and Mangapohue Natural Bridge near Waitomo.

What should we be wearing?

My go-to summer style is simplicity and natural fabrics. For a few months of the year we get to strip back without all the layers and let our skin breathe. I love a simply cut, plaincoloured T-shirt or singlet combined with a statement bottom – widelegged pants or an interesting, tailored pair of shorts that suit your body. Women can’t go wrong with an oversized dress, whether that’s a wide body, a balloon sleeve or a statement length. Choose fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo and linen which are not only nice on your skin, they also leave the lightest possible footprint.

The meteorologist – Lewis Ferris

Having grown up in Cromwell, Lewis Ferris, a communications meteorologist at Wellington’s MetService, knows all about long, hot summers. What do you love about summer? The long daylight hours, as I’m forever trying to sneak in some sort of activity after work, whether it’s a swim at the beach, a bike ride or even a beer in the sunshine.

Your favourite summery activities:

When I was growing up, with teacher parents, road trips were our summer holiday. I’ve carried this into my adult life and in the last handful of summers have visited numerous DOC campsites. The road trips are always accompanied by a bag full of cameras loaded with several different film stock. Rural Aotearoa is a goldmine for the scenes I enjoy photographing.

What can we expect the weather to do this summer?

This summer we’re forecast to be under the influence of the La Nina climate pattern, which increases the risk of low pressure systems (possible ex-tropical cyclones) approaching us from the north. Just because that risk is increased doesn’t mean it will happen and nor does it mean we won’t get typical weather systems from the southwest.

The mixologist – Mikey Ball

Bar tender, consultant and the Auckland founder of pre-mixed cocktail company Ballin’ Drinks, Mikey Ball is never short of beverage recommendations.

What do you love about summer?

Even though I’m more of a winter/ snow person, I love getting out and doing things like running, swimming,

eating and drinking on repeat.

Your favourite summer activities: I head to the far north, Raglan or Golden Bay – anywhere close to the beach that seems to run on a different time schedule. It’s the best way to unwind and get a few days of chilling out over the break. I love getting out for a swim, surf or spot of fishing. What will you be drinking?

I’m choosing light and refreshing tipples as these are ideal stress busters for the year that was/is – things like fortified wines and aperitivo-style drinks. I’ve had lots of time to taste-test during lockdown and am excited about new releases such as sour beers, hazies and lagers as well as some amazing emerging local spirits.

The nutritionist – Anna Summerfield

As you’d expect, registered dietitian Anna Summerfield loves good food. The Wellingtonian is a firm believer in enjoying a meal with wha¯nau and friends.

What do you love about summer? Growing up in Gizzy, summer was always the most beautiful time of year. Early sunrises made it easier to get up in the morning and late sunsets meant more hours to spend enjoying the last of the sun.

Your favourite summer activities: Summer for me is about eating icecream, especially the frozen goodies from Duck Island Ice Cream. They cater to lactose-sensitive tummies with their dairy-free range as well as vegan-friendly options. I live in Evans Bay, so a great summer weekend activity is heading to Queen Sally’s Diamond Deli for coffee.

What should we be eating?

I tell my clients that summer eating should be no different to the rest of the year. Make the most of beautiful seasonal produce by popping fresh berries on your breakfast or pavlova or snack on melon. You might naturally gravitate towards ‘‘lighter’’ foods but see what feels best for you on any given day. Also, lean into the increased social eating that often comes with the festive season.

The makeup artist/ hair stylist – Claudia Rodrigues

Originally from Brazil, Claudia Rodrigues has called Aotearoa home for almost 30 years. Based in Auckland, Rodrigues has worked in television, film and magazines.

What do you love about summer? It’s always been my favourite season because everything feels more relaxed. Plus, cold beer is so much nicer on a hot summer’s day!

Your favourite summer activities:

I love swimming in the sea, lying in the sun (fully protected with SPF, of course), sunset walks on the beach and al fresco entertaining.

What kind of makeup should we be using this summer?

This is the season for less makeup, lighter foundations, fresher colours and textures. Let’s give our fullcoverage products, matte powders and dark colours a well-deserved holiday. SPF-tinted moisturisers that can be used by both men and women are in because we can all benefit from

sun protection and a more even complexion. For night, a light moisturising foundation can give women a bit more coverage without looking heavy. Subtle pink and peach coloured blushes are also good, applied on the apples of the cheeks and lightly on the bridge of the nose for a sun-kissed effect.

The surf life saver – Luke Smith

Luke Smith has been involved in surf life saving since he was 4 years old. Christchurch-based Smith is now the southern region sport manager for Surf Life Saving New Zealand and a volunteer surf lifeguard at the Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club.

What do you love about summer? Summer for me revolves around the water. We’re lucky to have such magnificent beaches in New Zealand. Your favourite summer activities: I enjoy surfing at Taylors, or wherever there are waves.

How should we keep safe at the beach this summer?

My advice is to always choose a

lifeguarded beach, swim between the red and yellow flags and know your limits – too many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions. When you’re at the beach, come and have a chat with the lifeguards. We love interacting with our local communities and answering any questions about water conditions or how to stay safe.

The icecream maker – Hannah Wood

Hannah Wood founded Little ’Lato, a bespoke gelato bar in Auckland, in 2017 after learning how to make the creamy stuff at Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna.

What do you love about summer? I adore sunshine – it always puts a smile on my face and makes everything more enjoyable.

Your favourite summer activities: Summer to me is icecream at the beach. When I was a kid, my father would entice me to go for a beach walk with the promise of icecream. I fell in love with the beach because there’s something so relaxing about being near the water. The dream is to hire a house by the sea with good mates and chill, swim, read and enjoy good food and wine. Having a business that’s busiest during summer means that’s not always possible.

What flavours should we be eating this summer?

It’s hugely subjective but my favourites are Speculoos (aka Biscoff) and roasted hazelnut gelato because they’re utterly delicious and take me back to Europe where I learned the craft of gelato. My top sellers are mango lassi and peanut butter chocolate – two plant-based options that have a refreshing/indulgent kick. If you’re in the mood for something fruity, the black doris plum sorbet should hit the spot.

The psychologist – Sara Chatwin

Sara Chatwin is a registered psychologist based in Auckland. She aims to ‘‘demystify psychology and help people feel OK about sharing their stuff and getting help’’.

What do you love about summer? Warmer temperatures seem to bring out the warmth in humans. Science supports the fact that when the weather is good, people are more energised, active and have a greater sense of wellbeing. Science and psychology aside, it’s great to be able to get outside and have a swim and a barbecue; as a psychologist, I’m very much a proponent of quality chill time. How can summer help our mental health? We’ve had such a phenomenal amount of change and disruption in the past few years. So this summer I’d suggest injecting a little of what you like into your life, whether that’s a special meal, a favourite podcast or being out in the sunshine. And don’t forget about exercise, which is essential to maintaining good mental health. Being active not only gives you a sense of achievement, it also boosts the chemicals in your brain that put you in a good mood and help eliminate low mood, anxiety and stress.