My hometown
Hawke's Bay vineyard
Shortland Street actors are from all parts of NZ, and
even from over the ditch!
In this new series, your fave Shorty stars take you on a guided
tour of their home town.
Brooke Williams is from Christchurch
What was your favourite thing about growing up
there?
I used to love the crisp, clear days. Cracking ice on
puddles while the sun was shining.
It was also really exciting to ride the trams and visit
the arts centre in the weekend for the markets. I loved the
beautiful old stone buildings and all the eclectic goodies on
offer.
When I was little I would always get a huge toffee lollipop that
normally lasted me the whole week. Until we would go to the
markets again.|
What is your favourite place to visit in your
hometown?
I absolutely adore the botanical gardens. I did a show there when I
was really little where I played a flower fairy and ever
since then I have associated the gardens with magic.
It's especially beautiful in spring as all the daffodils are out
along the banks of the river. I try to get down there every year
that time to see them. It makes my heart happy!
Any local tips?
Try exploring a little bit out of the city. Governor's Bay is just gorgeous and not too far away. It's a beautiful place to sit with a glass of wine, looking at the ocean all year round.
***
Pua Magasiva was born in Samoa but grew up in
Wellington
What was your favourite thing about growing up
there?
It was walking distance to everywhere, especially in the city. Grew up with my cuzzies and the fact that Wellington is very culturally mixed well with all different ethnicities.
What is your favourite place to visit in your
hometown?
L.B.C. baby!! (Lyall Bay) Cause that's where I grew
up.
Any local tips?
Smile, don't be shy, say hello to everyone and tell locals that
you know Pua Magasiva. Ha ha ha.
***
Matt Chamberlain is from L
eeston,
Canterbury
What was your favourite thing about growing up there?
Long hot summers and swimming in the Rakaia and Selwyn Rivers or our mates' pools.
What's your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
Taumutu Beach. You can't swim there but it's a great place to clear your head.
Any local tips?
On a winter's night with no moon, go outside and check out the
night sky. It stretches forever!
***
Sally Martin is from
Lower Hutt.
What was your favourite thing about growing up
there?
The creek next to our house. My sisters and I were outdoorsy
kids.
The neighborhood was full of them actually - we'd make mud pies in
the water or mud slides on the bank, wade across and play in the
"Bamboo Base".
Oh! We were given a hand-me-down tandem bike from the 70s which was
pretty much the coolest thing ever.
We'd hoon around on it and find a tree to put up a new rope
swing.
Until we'd have to find a new spot when someone ruined the fun by
cutting it down. Who does that?! Never put us off though.
What's your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
My family home! Mum, Dad and my sister Bridget are living in the
same spot. I LOVE going back to see them.
I like visiting Petone for the cafes. There are so many and they're
all so good.
Bridget walks heaps and I love joining her on the waterfront, or on
the river stockbank.
Any local tips?
La Bella Italia in Petone is an absolutely delicious stop. It's
a restaurant that also sells fabulous foodie imports and gelato by
the scoop.
Around the corner is the boutique cinema The Lighthouse. One of
those cosy theatres that encourage red wine and Rush Munro's with
your movie.
The markets are on the stockbank every Saturday - nice for a wander
and good for nicknacks and local treasures.
And Eastbourne is just a little drive away for a walk along the
beach or a bushwalk around the hills.
***
Beth Allen is from Titirangi, West Auckland:
What was your favourite thing about growing up there?
Knowing all the neighbours and awesome little schools.
What's your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
Mum and Dad's house (they're still there).
Any local tips?
The Hardware Cafe has great coffee and the bread at A
Tavola is delicious.
Say hi to Lynda at the Fairy Flower Shop from me; she did the
flowers for my wedding.
On the last Sunday of every month, the markets are really worth
checking out, and there's a great second-hand bookstore in the
village, too.
Plus Piha is only 20 minutes away. Drop into The Refreshment Room
on the way home for a great bite to eat.
***
Ido Drent reminisces about Hamilton:
What was your favourite thing about growing up
there?
The people. I formed a great community of friends that I
still catch up with to this day.
I guess its cause its a tight community, youre always seeing people when youre out and about, so always end up doing stuff together.
What's your favourite place to visit in your
hometown?
I really like going to Scotts Epicurean a local cafe. Its always
been my favourite and the people there are great.
I love playing indoor soccer at my old school with the boys. Ive got a great group of mates that catch up regularly to play.
Theres also nothing like visiting home and just being able to chill out.
Any local tips?
Scotts Epicureans bircher muesli is a definite favourite.
Rock Coffee Roasters on Barton St. Its a great spot for coffee enthusiasts, but dont expect anything flash, its just coffee in its most unpretentious state, tucked away in a warehouse.
***
Jacquie Nairn comes from Hawke's Bay.
Where are you originally from?
Born and bred in the sunny Hawke's Bay.
What was your favourite thing about growing up there?
Finishing high school at 2pm on really hot days. Crates
of the crispiest apples from local orchards.
Mrs Shand the music teacher at Heretaunga Intermediate
School.
December ballet recitals at the Municipal Theatre.
Fishing off the Napier wharf. Guy Fawke's Bonfires at a friend's
orchard.
Whats your favourite place to visit in your hometown?
Rush Monroe's ice cream parlour - peak cones
only!
Te Mata Peak, I like to walk up and down it, it takes about two
hours from my parents' door step, and the stunning view over
Hawke's Bay is so worth the climb!
Craggy Range for a wine tasting session. Black Barn Winery's
farmers markets on a Saturday.
Any local tips?
The cheese platter at Te Mata Cheeses is divine!
***
Read about Michael Galvin's Wellington.
Where are you originally from?
Wellington Khandallah
What was your favourite thing about growing up there?
We had a large track of natural bush near us not
protected, just undeveloped which provided endless childhood
adventures.
If you hiked for about an hour youd come to a dam, and then if you
kept going youd come to a deserted slaughterhouse! Exciting but
scary.
What's your favourite place to visit in your
hometown?
Now I have a daughter my favourite place to visit is
Te Papa . Its awesome for kids she loves it.
Although her favourite place is the marae because its a large
empty space she can run around in. Last time we were there she ran
around it 217 times.
Any local tips?
I've been in Auckland so long I ask the locals for tips
now.
Never miss an episode of Shortland Street, weeknights 7pm
TV2.
