In focus is a fortnightly, online update on things that the focus team has loved. New places we have discovered, food we’ve enjoyed and events that have made us happy – here’s a glimpse into our lives from the past two weeks.
NEW ZEALAND’S BEST BEACH
We love the fact that we live in the best region in New Zealand with the best beaches right on our doorstep. Literally! And we’re not just saying that to annoy other Kiwis because TripAdvisor has just announced the Traveller’s Choice awards for 2019 and, it’s official, Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach has been awarded the title of Best Beach in New Zealand! Papamoa Beach took out the fourth position, Ōhope Beach the fifth and Pilot Bay the eighth.
Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach was also awarded the fourth best beach in the South Pacific. How awesome is that?
TripAdvisor uses an algorithm that collates worldwide user reviews and ratings over a 12-month period to establish the rankings and awards.
THE GLOVEMAKER, ANN WEISGARBER
Winter, 1888. In the inhospitable lands of Utah Territory, glovemaker Deborah Tyler awaits her husband’s return home after months working as a wheelwright across the state. But as his due date comes and goes, Deborah faces a future alone. Deborah lives in a small settlement of families who don’t conform to all the rulings of the Latter Day Saints Church. When a desperate stranger – a devout Mormon who practises polygamy – arrives at her door in the middle of winter, her life is turned upside down. A federal marshal is in hot pursuit but when he is critically injured, Deborah and her husband’s best friend are faced with life and death decisions that question their faith, humanity and both of their futures. A great weekend read.
Do you want to win this book? Head to our Facebook page now and participate in the giveaway! The giveaway runs til’ 8th April 2019.
WITHOUT FAIL PODCAST
Many people don’t like to fail but, often, we need to fail to find success. Gimlet Media’s CEO, Alex Blumberg, is the host of Without Fail. He interviews people who have failed – people from business, sport and culture who have risked everything to try something new. He finds out what worked for them, what didn’t and what they learned from failure. In the first two podcasts Blumberg interviews Andrew Mason who founded Groupon and was then fired.