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Tell us about what a normal day looks like for you
Anyone with a preschooler knows that your days are really not your own. Ollie is only four and already his schedule rules the roost in the Te Rure house, so our day is determined a lot by what activities he has on. Most mornings are the same though, Jade heads off early for work, then it’s a quick walk down to Ollie’s kindy for me and the kids - with a stop along the way at the local park - then I search for coffee! I generally stop off at Bee’s Knees or Streetwise but if I am popping into town then of course I check in at The Elm.
It’s nice to give Nadia that time outside at the start of our day. I am working part time for my sister at NZ Travel Brokers so I will spend a few hours creating itineraries and doing some general travel admin from home between mum life of feeding, cleaning, soothing on repeat! Then, before I know it, we’re back picking up Ollie and heading to swimming, or golf, or boxing - depending on what day of the week it is. If we don’t have any scheduled plans I like to head to the Victoria Esplanade or Memorial Park, they have great options for the kids! Or a great wet weather option is Chipmunks - they have everything you need in one spot.
Sounds busy!
It is, but I feel lucky to get to spend this time with the kids. We made a conscious decision that I would step away from the hospo scene for a while and spend these early years with the kids. A big reason that is possible is thanks to Jade’s hard work on his business - JT Softwash - which he has built from scratch, but also because living in Palmerston North means it’s more affordable - we definitely wouldn’t be able to have this lifestyle if we chose to move to one of the bigger cities.
What about on the weekends?
Much of the same, walks along the lagoon or river, swims or park visits. Every second Sunday is the Hokowhitu Farmers Market and the Thai stand there is one of our favourites for lunch! We also try to use that time to catch up with friends and family. Jade and I are both Palmy born and bred so we’re lucky to have a big circle here. At the moment that looks like BBQs or meeting for good food at one of our favourite spots. Barista, Yeda, and The Fat Farmer are our current go tos, or for a drink we will pop up to The Hilltop.
Is it that group of friends and family that keep you in Manawatū?
Yes and no. We love having support so close but if for some reason they all up and left, we would stay put! Everything you need or want is here, it’s easy for us to get from A to B and nothing ever feels like a big deal. Our kids also get to experience a bit of rural life in Manawatū; our uncle has a farm just out of the city and Ollie loves riding the tractors and getting out and about so that’s nice.
We also think Palmy people are great at supporting their own. If you work hard here people see that and want to help you, so we think we have more to give back to the region at some point.
Do I smell another foodie idea cooking up in that brain?
Well… I’ve learnt to never say never! Time will tell but I definitely think the more we all do in Palmy and Manawatū, the more people will come. We were lucky enough to be recognised at The Fat Farmer in the Cuisine Good Food Guide and I think that says a lot about how people outside the region are starting to see us in Manawatū - there is good food here, we have a lot to offer.
Final question… What’s one thing you recommend to visitors when they come to Manawatū?
If we have friends and family visit they tend to slot in and do whatever is on our schedule that day but one thing we do love as a family is TimeZone, it’s just so fun. Then we generally head over to Haru for a delicious dinner - yum! Or if we have more time, we like to explore a bit out of the city. The beaches are just a short drive and our whole family loves a day to Hīmatangi or Foxton Beach - even the dog!
Palmerston North City i-SITE
The Square, Palmerston North
0800 MANAWATU
(626 292)
[email protected]
Feilding and District
Information Centre
Feilding Railway Station
61 Aorangi Street
+64 6 323 3318
[email protected]
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