Supporting Local
"When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest”.
Ernest Hemmingway
Celebrating September
The first month of spring seemed to bring a bounce to the step of many local businesses. This month we take a look at a couple of our favourite locals where Elements sources some of the best New Zealand has to provide. Both Down to Earth Flowers (just north of Auckland) and Timmy Smith Teas (Waiheke) are run by beautiful, strong, creative women with a strong desire to share happiness and wellbeing with their broader communities.
Down to Earth Flowers
Our first spring flowers of the year came from Tanya at Down to Earth Flowers. Four years ago Tanya and her family left the suburbs and bought a rural hill top property north of Auckland. Those years have been spent digging many holes and they now have a little Olive Grove, a small fruit orchard, multiple vege beds and two years ago started to grow beautiful cut flowers. While not part of the original plan, inspired by the beauty and happiness those flowers brought to others, Tanya has taken on the challenge and now grows seasonal cut flowers that are spray free and freshly cut to order, making them not only more affordable but better for our planet than imported flowers. The goal of Down to Earth Flowers is to bring more beauty and happiness into your life through our flowers. For more details phone Tanya on 027 970 5494. Instagram @downtoearth_flowers.
Timmy Smith Teas
Elements has recently discovered and started offering Timmy Smith teas direct from Waiheke Island. Everything about Timmy Smith (which offers more than just teas) is an exceptional fit with what Elements offer from an environmental, sustainability and wellness perspective.
Timmy Smith is passionate about tea and its ability to enhance lives, evoke memories and bring people together. Ranging from sharp zesty flavours to subtle calming blends, her organic loose leaf teas are guaranteed to delight and invigorate. Imported from the finest tea fields from around the world and blended on Waiheke Island, Aotearoa, New Zealand.
When asked what her favoutire tea is Timmy replies “Ohh this is a tough one but I think Calm-i-tea is the one I am most proud of as its properties calm the mind and the body.”
Elements in the Community – Campbells Bay School
Elements was pleased to sponsor a table at the Campbells Bay Primary School Quiz night which raised funds for kitting out the school field with new rugby and football posts.
Restaurant Recommendation – El Greco
A favourite of Elements’ guests when looking for great food, a relaxed dining experience and less than a 5 minute drive. El Greco Greek and Italian Eatery is the creation of Kostas and Sarah Grigorakis. Kostas is the public face and personality of the business serving you divine, fresh food that is authentic to the Mediterranean.
Kostas’ culinary education commenced as a home-taught chef learning from his mother to prepare traditional Greek dishes at an early age. The restaurant offers delicious, genuine food experience of Greece and Italy with an updated authentic vibe.
El Greco is one of our favourites as they are always giving back to the community. They also won Auckland’s Best BYO restaurant in 2022.
What’s coming up in October in Auckland
· 5 October 8:00pm Queen: It's a Kinda Magic at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
· 5 October 7:30pm - BNZ Breakers v Brisbane Bullets at Auckland, NZ Spark Arena
· 7 October – Eden Festival at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart starring Ms. Lauren Hill and special guests Six60.
· 28 Sep – 8 Oct - Auckland Heritage Festival Various locations around Auckland see here.
· 23 October – Cadbury Netball Series – Silver Ferns v Australia 1:30pm Spark Arena