Coromind

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.

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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.

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In 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 bigger journey.

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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 celebrate our rohe.

Read the full mag at coromind.nz

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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 flourish.

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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 in Paris to capturing the character of Coromandel’s landscapes, historic buildings and coastal communities, his artwork is about more than what a place looks like; it’s about the stories and memories held within it.

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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, resilience and joy behind creating and sharing original art.

Joined by her sister Lucy-Belle, Milly reflects on the challenges of independent touring, the incredible generosity of communities across Aotearoa and Australia, and the unforgettable moments that made this final chapter of Walking Songs so meaningful.

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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, places and memories that make each community unique. 

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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 acts of mahi can create lasting change — not just for the environment, but for future generations.

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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 beauty, grain and character hidden within the wood.

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