A series featuring talented wedding vendors with incredible values collated during the Lockdown. Created to inspire, intrigue and showcase how truly amazing New Zealand small businesses and their founders are. (Make sure you read to the bottom to see the Lockdown checklist making us all giggle).
Next up is Angela Te Wiata from A Deer Cottage - owner of this boutique accomodation in beautiful Kaukapakapa, Auckland.
Photo credit Hannah Baker
In 2009, my husband and I bought this magnificent block of land in Kaukapakapa overlooking the Kaipara Harbour, and we proceeded in building my dream home, designed upon my Grandparents 1934 bungalow, the home my Mother grew up in. As our eldest children moved out to follow their own journey, we decided to easily convert our home. A Deer Cottage was born, a fully self contained boutique accommodation, with it’s very own gorgeous view overlooking the Kaipara Harbour. This I believed a perfect solution for my desire to entertain, to have company, to feel good about something. A Deer Cottage has given me self-worth and fulfilment, it is also a wonderful feeling to be able to give something to someone else. To give my husband a financial hand, and to our guests a great time.
Photo credit Hannah Baker
Many years ago, when I was a little girl, I would watch my Mum entertain her friends. She was a great host, and she always shined with people around her. I grew up, loving those times. Mum cooked, sewed, gardened and did many home crafts, ranging from weaving to floral arrangements, to doing the Church flowers, to her passion later on in her life genealogy. As I have travelled my journey of life, I too have realised what a strong influence my Mother has had on not only where I am from, but where I am going.
My Husband is now in his 41st year of being in the New Zealand Navy, he is often away, and this at times has been challenging. After a few very tough years, losing both my parents, heartache with family struggles, and cancer, I believe I was on the cusp of not knowing if I could cope with much more. It was around this time, I became involved with spirituality and meditation, and I think this was my saviour and inspiration in pursuing this dream I had always had.
I provide organic delights from my garden, homemade soaps, homemade room sanitisers, and lush linen and towels. Our cleaning products are organic and user-friendly. My biggest challenge being sustainable in an eco-friendly business is reducing clutter, I am a sentimental fool, and our home is full of antiques and treasures from my forebearers.
I make my own compost, and use eco-friendly sprays - I believe we can all make a difference in being more eco-friendly.
Photo credit Hannah Baker
My passion before Lockdown was ignited by hosting some amazing guests, who all sung praises about the time they had here. I love hosting Wedding parties, and believe we provide a beautiful genuine environment with a gorgeous backdrop. I am enthused about this new path in my life journey, and what the future brings. Lockdown has had my creative juices flaring, I am in the process of making a cast iron couch from an old bath, my garden has had loads of attention, I make my own compost, and use eco-friendly sprays - I believe we can all make a difference in being more eco-friendly.
I love hosting Wedding parties, and believe we provide a beautiful genuine environment with a gorgeous backdrop
Hosts Ange and Te Kani renewing their wedding vows at A Deer Cottage.
Florals by One Poppy | Photo credit Hannah Baker |
A great wedding tip I would like to drop in, regarding an eco-friendly wedding , why not look at choosing, local caterers that not only compost, but source their food from sustainable sources? This also goes for your low waste flowers, compost your flowers or give away as random act of kindness.
After lockdown, I am excited about the new opportunities New Zealand communities and our own backyard will bring to light, I am excited to be able to support this. I believe New Zealander’s really so have the “Number 8 wire” mentality, and I cannot wait to support and care for each other, after all, that is the Community spirit I was bought up in the 60’s.
After lockdown, I am excited about the new opportunities New Zealand communities and our own backyard will bring to light...
I can’t wait to host guests once again now that New Zealand is moving into Level 2 this Thursday 14th May..
Life is good.
Private outdoor bath at dusk. Photo credit Hannah Baker
Photo credit Hannah Baker
One of our majestic sunsets. Photo credit Hannah Baker
Thanks so much Ange.
Such a beautiful calming place with generous hosts and a natural ethos - and as you can see below Ange is the most gorgeous sweet person (she hasn't even eye-balled someone!)
See below for the Lockdown Checklist - how many have you done??
