Coromind

Experience Coromind Issue 45 in full right now with the complete audio version of the magazine! From local stories and inspiring people to arts, culture, community, and everything happening around the Hauraki-Coromandel — sit back, listen, and enjoy the whole issue. Read the full mag at coromind.nz www.coromind.nz

I n this episode, young writer Thea Dozell, explores how skateboarding is creating positive opportunities for young people across the Coromandel. From learning new tricks to building confidence, resilience and friendships, Thea shares the story of Sean Reilly, Whitianga Skate School and the Guided Journey Charitable Trust — proving that sometimes, getting on four wheels can be the start of a much...

Meet Amy, the creative force behind Sugarfish and Lofte, whose passion for food, beautiful details and bringing people together has helped create countless memorable celebrations across the Coromandel. From catering weddings and events to elevated tableware, glassware, pizza and coffee, it’s a story about going the extra mile and making people feel truly looked after. www.coromind.nz

In this episode of Ross’ Ramblings, Ross Liggins looks back on a lifetime of rugby; from his first game at the age of six to bruising tackles, wild club rugby days and playing at Eden Park. It’s a funny, nostalgic and sometimes sobering reflection on how the game, and its culture, has changed over the years. www.coromind.nz www.coromind.nz

Annemieke Kregting introduces us to the Giant Petrel — one of the Southern Ocean’s most impressive seabirds, and a creature with some seriously smelly defence mechanisms. From scavenging on the high seas to rehabilitation and release, discover why “Smelly Nelly” is a giant with plenty of unexpected tricks. www.coromind.nz

Cuppa Words is a space dedicated to expression. In this edition: 'My Coromandel´ by Michelle Johns , 'Why? by Helen Oliver ´and 'But they let me quietly become myself by yaning Ma Foreman '  www.coromind.nz www.coromind.nz

In this episode of the Sure-Shot Hauraki Coromandel Photographers Series, we meet Paeroa-based photographer Lorraine Beattie and explore a creative journey shaped by travel, light and those fleeting “moments in time”. From the Hauraki Plains and Coromandel to Kenya and the Amalfi Coast, Lorraine shares the stories behind three striking photographs and her passion for capturing emotion, spontaneity...

Rachael explores the quiet realities behind the people we pass on the road. Drawing on her own experiences hitchhiking through Central America, Rachael shares the unexpected stories of people she has picked up in New Zealand — and what their journeys have taught her about homelessness, addiction, mental health, compassion and simply stopping to listen. www.coromind.nz

Cuppa Words is a space dedicated to expression. In this edition: The Old Man b y Howard Saunders, No limitations - Copyright © bos clipshill October 2023 and WHARF RD by Mary Fox. www.coromind.nz

Anna Dunwoodie shares the story behind SaltWood , the duo she formed with Len, blending guitar, bass, harp and voices into a warm mix of folk, acoustic, jazz, blues and contemporary singer-songwriter influences. From a childhood surrounded by musical opportunities to a later-in-life musical awakening, Anna reflects on how music shapes our lives, the changing landscape of learning and performing in...

What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted? In this episode of Wondering in Waikino , Amir Yussof weaves a dark and thought-provoking tale about cruelty, consequence, and the delicate balance between all living things. Johan finds pleasure in dominating creatures smaller and weaker than himself, until he encounters a mysterious spider unlike any he has seen before.  www.coromind.nz

Ivan Anderson, a quiet craftsman whose extraordinary sculptures are created from ‘found’ pieces of swamp, beach and river timber. When Covid forced a change in direction, Ivan swapped bait and hooks for chainsaws and woodworking tools, transforming native and exotic timbers into unique works of art. From pūriri and tōtara to kauri, walnut and Tasmanian blackwood, each piece reveals the natural bea...

Whenuakite School student Thea Dozell shares the story of a special day of planting, learning and connection with the land. Students planted hundreds of native trees, helping restore local ecosystems while discovering the importance of biodiversity, erosion control and caring for their surroundings. Through the voices of students, teachers, parents and landowners, this story highlights how small a...

How can a blank wall become a storyteller for an entire community? In this episode, brought to you by Coromandel’s CFM and supported by Rob Holding, we meet local artist Kylie Gunn, the creative force behind more than a dozen murals bringing colour, history and local stories to life across the Hauraki-Coromandel region. From Ngātea to Tairua and Thames, Kylie’s artwork celebrates the people, place...

Milly Moon takes us behind the scenes of the second independent tour of Walking Songs — a powerful performance born from her solo journey along Te Araroa, New Zealand’s 3,000 km trail from Cape Reinga to Motupōhue/Bluff. From intimate venues and unexpected travel chaos to moments of deep connection, emotion and what Milly describes as “magic” on the road, this story explores the vulnerability, res...

Featured Artist, Bob Drummond, shares his journey from software developer to artist, exploring the creative connection between writing code, sketching, painting and building things by hand. After years of travelling the world for work, Bob discovered that carrying a sketchbook offered something a camera never could — a deeper connection with places, people and moments. From unexpected discoveries...

Former The Seagull magazine owner and editor Kaitlyn Gooch reflects on the evolution of local storytelling and the incredible growth of Coromind since she stepped away in 2022. Kaitlyn shares her thoughts on the importance of arts, artists and community connection across the Coromandel Peninsula — from writers and musicians to painters, performers and the people creating spaces for creativity to f...

Dive into the Full Audio Version of the latest issue of Coromind , celebrating the creativity, stories and people that make the Hauraki-Coromandel Peninsula such a special place. From inspiring local artists and musicians to environmental projects, personal journeys, community voices and reflections on life in our unique corner of Aotearoa, Issue 44 is packed with stories that connect, inspire and...

What does it take to convince a government that your relationship is real? In this episode, writer Hilary Emerson Lay shares the surprisingly emotional, often hilarious journey of applying for a New Zealand partner visa. From compiling thousands of pages of WhatsApp messages and photo albums to crafting a 17-page relationship timeline, Hilary reflects on what it feels like to package your love sto...

What happens when one person looks at a scarred Coromandel hillside and sees the possibility of a thriving native forest, a world-class railway, and a lasting legacy? That person was Barry Brickell. In this episode of the Coromind Audio Edition, we explore the incredible story of the visionary potter, conservationist, and engineer who transformed a damaged piece of land into one of the Coromandel’...

Who were the people who came before you? Where did they live, what challenges did they face, and how did their stories shape who you are today? Carolyn McKenzie explores the fascinating world of genealogy and family history — from uncovering the basic facts of our ancestors’ lives to discovering the stories behind the names, dates, and documents. Learn how to begin your own family history journey,...

Why do we sometimes choose leaders who are charismatic, confident, and persuasive — but not necessarily experienced, wise, or prepared for the role? In this episode of Ross’ Ramblings , Ross explores a question that has challenged societies for thousands of years: why do democracies sometimes reward the wrong people? Drawing on the ideas of Plato, modern psychology, and research into human decisio...

Welcome to the Full Audio Version of Coromind Magazine, Issue 43 - July, 2026. Visit www.coromind.nz for more. www.coromind.nz

In this thoughtful reflection from Wāhi Tukurua, a pile of donated clothing becomes the starting point for a bigger conversation about waste, abundance, and the choices we make. Inspired by the spirit of Matariki, this piece invites us to consider not just what we throw away, but what we choose to bring into our lives. www.coromind.nz

Voting isn’t just for older generations. Gabriel Johnston encourages young New Zealanders to get informed, enrol, and have their say. A timely reminder that the decisions made in Parliament today help shape the future we all live in tomorrow. www.coromind.nz