About Clearhead

Clearhead is an online, one-stop-shop platform, designed by NZ doctors, that empowers New Zealanders to find the help they need. They help Kiwis understand their symptoms and provides personalised recommendations through an artificial intelligence chatbot.

With a small team of 8 talented individuals, they are looking for a marketing intern to help bring them face to face with everyday kiwis.

Core Values

1. Manaakitanga
2. Collaboration
3. Inspire Excellence
4. Be Brave

Marketing Internship – Job Description

What will you get to do?

Clearhead’s ideal marketing intern will help them reach existing and new potential users including 20-40 year olds & corporate partners. You will be experimenting with different marketing strategies & creating content to solidify Clearhead’s user conversion model.

Clearhead believes championing everyday Kiwi’s will be the core driver behind their marketing strategy. Being able to build brand loyalty, increase engagement and activating locals will be a big part of the marketing internship role.

Job Requirements

• Commit 10-20 hours / week (duration of internship to be discussed)
• Experience with data analytics & content creation for digital marketing platforms & mailchimp preferred
• Able to work remotely – access to laptop or computer
• Entitled to work in New Zealand on any valid visa
• Able to begin between now and the upcoming summer break

About You

• You are interested in AB testing with digital marketing platforms e.g. social media & email marketing
• You are highly analytical and pursue data driven optimisation strategies through utilising metrics
• You are interested in developing creative marketing content for a variety of social media channels
• Your communication skills are top notch with the ability to simplify concepts and value propositions
• You are an independent individual who is self sufficient, growth driven and takes initiative without hesitation
• You are a people person who is an equally good listener, observer and relationship builder
• You are value driven and have a passion for social issues
• You are able to work in a small team who value an easygoing, and supportive working culture

How to Apply

Send your CV to [email protected] and show them your experience and most importantly what you’ve done. They encourage applicants to teach them something they can’t teach themselves.

Need help with updating your CV for Clearhead’s marketing internship? Check out our CV 101 blog.

How will it work?

“Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, I want you in my room!”

Yes, you can connect with some of the BEST mentors right from the comforts of your own room. Fill out our easy application form, and if you’re a suitable candidate. You will be assigned a mentor on the 21st September! ON: Pitch LIVE will be broadcasted from Facebook on the 1st October at 6PM, just tune in to receive the Zoom password.

Keep note, those who have not signed up won’t get the Zoom link. We’re keeping it exclusive because we can only host up to 200 people!

Mentor Profiles

Did one of our mentors suit your needs? RSVP so we know you’re coming HERE! Get prepped by reading this 10 step guide for networking, some of these tips are still relevant even for virtual sessions.

The ON: Entrepreneurship Series is proudly brought to you by Niesh and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development.

Thank you to our sponsors Icehouse Ventures, Amazon Web Services, Lowndes Jordan, Red Bull Basement, CO.STARTER AUT, MYOB, NxtStep, Storytech, Collectively NZ, B:HIVE, GridAKL, Kea New Zealand, Archie Brothers, and Gong Cha.

All YOU need to do is submit an idea that solves a real problem for real people. We are looking for ideas, prototypes and even companies that are already commercialised. As long as you meet our T&C’s we encourage you to use our quick apply form to get started!

Let’s kick it off with the finalist prizes before moving into the ULTIMATE PRIZE PACKAGE!

Are you getting intrigued? Submit your business idea here.

ON: Pitch Finalist Prizes

Our three finalist teams have an array of prizes that are made to get them through the tough late nights, and help build better teams! With accounting packages and career coaching, we also intermix practical & skill based prizes to help supplement their career journey.

The Ultimate Startup Prize Package

This is our BIGGIE! Worth over $28K, this prize package not only includes everything above but also the following. You’ll notice a lot more business business items are included.

Niesh curated this prize package by evaluating what we needed the most when we were just starting off, this includes mentorship, legal advice, office space, & up skilling opportunities.

Application Bonus

ALL teams who submit before the 1st September will receive a $5K USD Amazon Web Services Activate Credit Package!

AWS Activate provides startups with a host of benefits, including AWS credits, technical support and training, to help grow your business. Activate benefits are designed to give you the right mix of tools and expert support so you can succeed with AWS while optimising performance, managing risk, and keeping costs under control!

*AWS Activate Credits are subject to the AWS Promotional Credit Terms & Conditions (https://nie.sh/AWS-TCs)

If you are thinking of applying for ON: Pitch, we only have a few more weeks till applications close. For a sneak peek at our application form, take a look at the questions here. Let’s get ittttttt.

To save you from being basic I’ve decided to put together a little list of the best cafes for studying so you can cram 12 weeks of study into one day, as well as some cheap coffee deals, because this is a coupon page, and we’re all about the deals.

Coffee Deals

Coffix – Cheap Coffee

If you don’t get your ‘on the way to a lecture’ coffee from Coffix you’re doing life wrong. Coffix is a chain of small cafes that primarily sell coffee, alongside a few goodies at an extremely cheap price. This isn’t even technically a deal as it’s just their everyday prices.

What: Pop in any day of the week and you’ll be treated to a $3 small and $4 large coffees anytime! Not only is that already cheap coffee, but you can get an extra coffee shot, syrup shot, or swap out cows milk for soy milk at no extra cost! Plus the staff are lovely, it’s just great vibes all round.

Where: Various

Wifi: No

Koffee Bar – Cheap Coffee

Sunflower Cafe (now Koffee Bar) is my go to, it’s a cute cafe located a 10-15 minute walk from uni that has lovely staff, and great cheap coffee. Koffee Bar also makes for a great study spot, it’s not overcrowded, has free Wifi, and comfy seating. What more could you want?

What: Pop in any day of the week and you can nab a small coffee for $3, or a regular for just $4! No longer do you need to pay $6 for a coffee at Starbucks.

Where: 34 Wyndham Street

Wifi: Yes.

Coffee Club – VIP Club

I know what you’re thinking, Coffee Clubs are normally quite overpriced, and you’re right, but they also offer some comfy seating, free wifi, and their membership program means you can get some real cheap coffee.

What: For just $25 a year you can buy one hot drink and get one entirely FREE, every single day, effectively making a coffee cost as low as a couple dollars! Perfect if you’re constantly studying with a friend, or have a big study sesh ahead of you. Not only this, but you can nab 10% off all food Monday-Wednesdays, as well as gain access to other local store offers. For more info you can visit: https://www.thecoffeeclub.co.nz/vip-club/about-the-vip-club/

Where: Various

Wifi: Yes

Hollywood Bakery & Espresso – Free/$1 Muffin

Ah yes, the cafe chain of everyone’s childhood. I know they’re not the coolest cafe, but they do a great deal, and that’s what matters.

What: This deal varies Hollywood to Hollywood, but generally when you purchase any sized coffee, which is already decently priced, you’ll nab a muffin either for FREE or for just ONE DOLLAR, making the combo cost as little as $4 or $5!

Where: Various

Wifi: Yes

Le Petit Cafe – Cheap Coffee

If you don’t know what Le Petit Cafe is, you must be from the shore, because it’s the first thing you see when you get off the train at Britomart as you think to yourself, “can I order a coffee and still make the next lights.”

What: Just like Coffix, Le Petit Cafe uses their small shop size (basically a food truck) to focus on selling cheap coffee to the masses. You can get a good cheap coffee on-the-go for as low as $2.50 (espresso), with a large just costing you $4! You literally can’t beat it.

Where: 12 Queen Street

Wifi: No

McDonald’s – App Coupons

Don’t pretend like you’re not going on a cheeky Maccies run in the next month. I’m just here to prep you with the coupons to save money.

What: In case you didn’t know, McDonald’s offers coupons via their mobile app, and if that isn’t the best news you’ve ever heard I don’t know what is. The coupons change regularly, but a few staples include a Bacon & Egg McMuffin with a medium coffee for $7, a cheeseburger with a small coffee for $5, and an apple pie with a small coffee for $5, absolute steals.

Where: Various

Wifi: Yes

Mojo Coffee – App Discount

I’m adding this one for the UoA students. I know you’re going to find yourself at Mojo when you’re running late or trying to find a will to live.

What: This deal isn’t the greatest in the world, but going to Mojo at uni is inevitable. To save you a bit of money, simply download the Mojo Coffee app, signup, and present your account at the counter to nab 10% off all hot drinks. It ain’t much, but it’s honest work.

Where: Various

Wifi: No

Best Study Spots

Remedy Coffee

Remedy Coffee is potentially the coolest cafe in the CBD. Great food (their wraps really hit the spot), good coffee, a heap of board games, feel good music, and even an arcade machine, Remedy is an absolute treat! Located on the corner of Wellesley St West, literally a 2 minute walk from AUT, you wouldn’t expect such a snazzy place to exist. Grab a coffee, play a game of scrabble (study) on the couch and just unwind. The only problem, it is a small cafe, you just got to be in quick and make sure you don’t visit at peak times!

Where: 1 Wellesley Street West

Wifi: Yes

The Raw Kitchen

On face value The Raw Kitchen doesn’t look like much, but hear me out. When you first walk inside you’ll assume it’s a small vegan takeaway, but if you venture up the spiral stairs you’ll find a big, open, super minimal room, perfect for studying. There’s a couple great big couches with wall outlets nearby, and a great big table for all your supplies. This cafe is genuinely a great escape from the city while still being nestled nearby university. On top of this they offer delicious and nutritious food, as well as the sweet nectar that is coffee. If you’re wanting peace and quiet, with a gram worthy atmosphere, The Raw Kitchen is it chief.

Where: 90 Wellesley Street West

Wifi: Yes

PW Cafe

PW Cafe (formally Gloria Jeans and Alberobello) was my absolute go to while at university. Located on High St, it’s a small walk from uni, making it perfect for a quick hour in-between lectures. The homely upstairs atmosphere of PW Cafe makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a cosy suburb. When you first walk in, you’ll find a super unassuming small cafe, but once you’ve placed your order, pop upstairs and you’ll find a big room filled with different types of seating dependent on your vibe. If you’ve got a spare hour and you want a good coffee with some hard study, look no further than PW Cafe.

Where: 1b/47 High Street

Wifi: Yes

Gloria Jeans, Lorne St

Gloria Jeans on Lorne St is genuinely one of the nicest and biggest cafes I’ve seen in New Zealand. I know it’s a chain and a little overpriced, but that doesn’t takeaway from the fact that it is the ultimate study spot. If you venture to the back of the cafe you’ll find a large area with plenty of different seating, perfect for any situation, whether you’re grabbing a coffee, or setting up shop to study for a few hours. To help sweeten the coffee deals, students can nab 10% off, so make sure you have your student ID at the ready!

Where: Shope 9-10 Khartoum Place, Lorne Street

Wifi: Yes

The Kimchi Project

The Kimchi Project from face value looks like your run of the mill modern cafe, but it has an unassuming poor kept secret out back. Located on Lorne Street not far from uni, you wouldn’t expect much from a cafe on a skinny street, but if you venture past the counter and through the cafe into the restaurant you’ll find one of the best courtyards in town! This courtyard is filled with light from the clear ceiling and surrounded by nature, absolutely perfect for studying! On top of this, their food is absolutely delicious, shout out to the pasta.

Where: 20 Lorne Street

Wifi: Yes

Thanks guys for taking the time to check out my blog on coffee deals and study spots! I hope you’ve found a couple new study spots accompanied by some sweet coffee deals. You can follow me on Instagram @aucklandcouponguru for the latest deals and content from the best eateries in Auckland! You can also take a look at my post on the best eateries in Auckland, period.

Fried chicken joints are the lifeblood, soul force, and essential ingredient to all human happiness, and they need YOU to eat their delicious food! And to start off, we’ll zoom in on the epicentre of fried chicken that is Auckland CBD.

Auckland CBD

Sensational Chicken

Address: 11A Mount Street

As far as cult icons go, there aren’t many as prominent as the truly sensational, truly delicious Sensational Chicken. Well known to 1st year halls students and 7th year PhD students alike, it truly epitomises great taste combined with irresistible convenience. Situated directly in the golden zone with UoA and AUT, you’ll find the most popular $6.50 chicken and chips snack box sure to satisfy your taste buds. For those keen on something a little different, the kebab on chips dish also hits the spot real good!

Now there’s a few other locations that offer the same tasty chicken if you can’t make it to the student location. Hobson Street, Mount Roskill, and even Hamilton has its own joint now (possibly Auckland returning the favour after copying Bar 101 from Hamilton?).

Avachi Chicken

Address: 239A Queen Street

Many a drunk uni student has stumbled down Queen Street after a big night in town only to succumb to the majestic smell of fried chicken wafting across their alcohol-soaked face. The responsible culprit? Avachi Chicken. Some students say it tastes like fried chicken; some adults say it tastes like their youth. Don’t miss out and give it a try at least once while you’re studying – you won’t regret it. Prices for a snack box of one thigh and chips start from just $6.40, and an eating experience ends in pure satisfaction.

Kai Eatery

Address: 1 Rutland Street & Commercial Bay

Located in Commercial Bay and a colourful orange shipping container store next to the Central City Library, Kai Eatery provides the perfect mid-study snack OR full-blown fried chicken feast. The star of the show has to be the $12 XL Fried Chicken piece. Created in the classic Taiwanese style meaning it’s larger than the facial mask you secretly tried last night, this tasty piece of meaty morsel leaves you always wanting more. Juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and a 10/10 poser for a good food snap. Get a side of the famed kumara fries and wash it all down with some of their bubble tea while you’re at it!

For those Shore boys and gals amongst us, good news is that you don’t have to leave your hood to get a taste of this stuff. There’s another Kai Eatery store located at Smales Farm so there’s no need to ever pop that Shore bubble of yours

Auckland Suburbs

Some of y’all Aucklanders have never visited the other side of your city and it shows.

OK, now that the personal attacks are over, let’s think about why fried chicken can be the thing that brings us all together <3 Since lockdown is now over, we might as well make the most of our newfound freedoms right? If it’s too much effort to organise a road trip out of town, why not do one within your own city? Last year on National Fried Chicken Day, myself and a couple of mates drove around every single side of town eating fried chicken to our hearts’ content. It was amazing. I mean sure, travelling around Europe is great, but it can’t compare to the adventures of travelling around your own city in search of fried chicken!

South Auckland: Young’s Lunchbar

Address: 17 Fair Mall, Otara

If Auckland CBD is the epicentre then Otara Town Centre is the heartland of fried chicken. You really don’t need to walk far before encountering the sweet smell of it attacking your nose. Young’s Lunchbar is one such eatery providing steaming hot, tasty fried chicken along with a whole range of delicious bakery food. It is by no means the only such place here though. Any store on this particular crispy, golden strip of road will have fried chicken vendors itching to let you taste their family recipes. The only thing you’re in danger of is eating more than you should in a day!

East Auckland: Kiwi Chicken

Address: 8A/345 Chapel Road, Flat Bush

Not far from South Auckland’s golden stretch is East Auckland’s answer in the battle for the best fried chicken. Kiwi Chicken is a classic crowd-pleaser for the whole fam, offering interesting flavours such as spicy soy and spring onion chicken in addition to the classic style.

Kiwi Chicken also has a sister store located in Mount Eden which is famous for its Korean-style chicken, so do give it try too!

West Auckland: TNC Fried Chicken

Address: 382/396 Don Buck Road, Massey

Now I’m not gonna lie, West Auckland is somewhere I’ve only frequented a small handful of times despite being a born and bred Aucklander. But damn, I wish I went more now that I’ve discovered TNC Chicken. Despite the additions of the big flagship Texas Chicken and Taco Bell fast food restaurants out west, this little-known local takeaway is a hidden gem. Once again, the $6.20 snack box can’t go wrong here and is sure to fill your belly without destroying your wallet.

TNC Fried Chicken also has two other branches located in Manurewa and Clendon Park in South Auckland which are equally as good!

North Shore: The Coop

Address: 90 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

We’ve all gone through the experience of being cooped up for weeks on end in our homes. Now that we’re out, the perfect place to let loose and enjoy life is at The Coop, especially since your life will be instantly improved when you bite into their amazing chicken. The scrumptious jerk fried chicken range comes in bite-sized pieces that can be shared – or not. I’d definitely recommend sitting down to enjoy the awesome atmosphere and to grab a drink while you’re at it!

Central Suburbs: Electric Chicken

Address: 14 McDonald Street, Morningside

I spent a long time internally debating whether Central Auckland deserved another entry given the CBD joints already in this list. But Electric Chicken is just too good not to be included here. It is honesty just too good but in a drool accent this time. The chicken is juicy, tender, and cooked to just the right sizzling temperature to burn your tongue but still be worth getting hurt for. Electric Sauce is a great choice for dipping, but there’s a bunch of other good options too. The vibes here are perfect on a warm sunny day and the nearby cider bar is a wonderful complement to your fried chicken!

City dwellers can rejoice that Electric Chicken has another location on K Road for your convenience

New Zealand

So…domestic travel is legal now. You know what that means It’s time to drive the length of New Zealand to sample the best fried chicken across every region of the country! Ok that’s very crazy but if you are a truly mad fried chicken fanatic, I’ll just leave this here so you can decide if you will take the ULTIMATE journey in the name of fried chicken.

Hamilton: Wongs Kitchen

Address: 63 Massey Street, Frankton and 560 Te Rapa Road, Te Rapa

Many a roadtrip that didn’t need to pass through Hamilton has passed through Hamilton, solely to get a fix of the legendary takeaway shop that is Wongs Kitchen. Its renowned fried chicken wings are likely to be more famous than most NZ politicians and celebrities, to be perfectly honest. It has also served as a classic watering hole for uni students looking for a late-night rendezvous with fried chicken after a few rowdy ones at The Outback. The rest of its non-chicken menu is pretty darn good too, including some super affordable noodle & rice meals!

Wellington: Soul Shack

Address: 38 Dixon Street, Te Aro

Wellington is known to have dangerous levels of wind, but Soul Shack’s Level 4 spicy chicken is the only thing that can possibly threaten your life more. As with Covid-19 alert levels, it’s better to be in the lowest levels possible – especially if it’s your first time eating here. Don’t worry, the mild version of their fried chicken is just as tasty! And it’s even more beautiful once wrapped in the familiar arms of a pair of bread buns and some burgery insides. Everyone with a working set of taste buds must try this place out. However, as you move up the spice levels your taste buds may lose their function temporarily (or even permanently!).

Christchurch: Monster Chicken

Address: 1 Riccarton Road and 394 Riccarton Road, Riccarton

Like the name suggests, there is something really monstrous about this place. That, my friends, is the list of fried chicken flavours available at this fine establishment. From parmesan cheese to sweet chilli chicken, the different flavours to try here are endless. The platter combos are a great way to sample the varieties of chicken, and are a surefire way to make your flatmates love you (even if you never do the dishes).

Dunedin: Miga Hako

Address: 366 George Street and 1 Albion Place

It’s a cold place in the south but it’s not as bad when you warm your insides up with some succulent Korean fried chicken from Miga Hako. Well-known for their awesome fried chicken and all-round cheap meal deals, it’s a must-visit place for any hungry student on a budget! Who knew the tastes of South Korea would bring so much joy in this little corner of the South Island?

So there ya have it, the ultimate list of fried chicken destinations to tick off your bucket list as you explore more of Aotearoa. Pack your bags, grab some mates, and prepare your stomach for a tasting adventure you won’t forget – IF you choose to take up the challenge. For other challenges, check out our blog on living on $2.85 a day!

Consider yourself somewhat of a fried chicken connoisseur? Feel free to share your favourite fried chicken places in the comments below and help your fellow fried chicken lovers out!

Applications are now open HERE (Closes on September 10th 11:59PM)

History Lesson

In 2019 Niesh launched ON: Pitch with the vision of creating a barrier free entrepreneurship competition. The Niesh team has experienced the joys & thrills of entrepreneurship, and we wanted to see more students creating businesses. Solving real problems for real people.

Teaming up with Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) we’ve seen over 100 teams bring their ideas to life and we can’t wait to see fresh new ideas in 2020

Application Questions

All ideas are welcome, if you and your friends think you’ve got a business idea that will revolutionise the industry, we want to hear from you. Applications open on August 10th 2020 and the form will be available through our website and Facebook.

What do you stand for? (150 characters per question)

1. What problem are you solving?
2. State the vision of your idea or business.
3. What does success look like for your team?
4. What makes your team the right team for this business.

Get into the nitty gritty (700 characters per question)

1. Describe your idea or business, and how you are going to solve the problem.
2. What makes your solution unique to the other existing solutions in the industry?
3. Describe your business model.
4. How will technology be used in your business?

Optional items we’ll ask for

• Any achievements, awards, or recognition you have received, both individually and made by the team
• Business website link
• Business social media links
• Submit a 1 minute video introducing your team and who you are. Begin the video with “Hi, we’re team ___________ .”

We look forward to receiving your ON:Pitch submission on the 10th August! Take a look at our terms & conditions + eligibility criteria here and apply HERE. If you have questions, email me here ([email protected])

ON: Pitch is part of The ON: Entrepreneurship Series by Niesh and Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development. Take a look at Lunch with an Entrepreneur, a workshop series dedicated to helping students develop their entrepreneurial mindset.

Guide to Waiheke will cover:

• Top tips for your day trip
• How to get around the island
• 6 must visit wineries and estates – includes wine tasting and food costs

Top Tips For Your Day Trip

1. Check the opening hours for each place you want to visit – the 6 wineries I’ve recommended in this guide to Waiheke have reduced their hours due to Covid.
2. Take the ferry in the morning (around 9 or 10am) to make the most of your day – I’d say you could get to 3 or 4 spots depending on how long you spend at each place!
3. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on saving some $$ by exploring areas of the island by foot – I know you want to look cute for the ‘gram, but maybe put the heeled boots away for this one.
4. Dress in layers – it can get windy and chilly when you’re up in the hills, but you’ll also work up a sweat walking there.
5. Double check you have brought your ID if you are drinking.

How To Get Around The Island

Getting there:

Ferry: $21 each way with an AT HOP card, or $46 return when you purchase a ticket at the terminal

On the island:
The cheapest way to go between the wineries is to walk and/or bus. Otherwise there are car and bike rentals, taxis and Ryda (the Waiheke version of Uber).

There are a couple of vineyards within walking distance of the ferry terminal at Matiatia Bay. The walking trail through Te Atawhai Whenua Reserve leads you to Cable Bay, Mudbrick and Jurassic Ridge in 15-20 minutes. My friends and I didn’t quite manage to find the trail, and after wandering around looking for the sign posts – reminiscent of the orienteering course on school camps – we just followed the road. It takes around 40 minutes that way, but it’s an easy walk.

From Mudbrick, walk down toward the main road where you can catch a bus (either 50A or 50B) toward Onetangi; there are plenty more wineries along there. You can use your AT HOP card on the bus, which costs $2, or $3.50 with cash (cash not accepted at time of writing due to Covid, but you can tag on multiple people with your card).

6 Must Visit Wineries And Estates

1. Cable Bay

Wine tasting – $10 for four wines; each variety is introduced and served one at a time at your table. It makes for a longer experience, which is quite nice because you can chat in between each tasting.

Food – includes woodfired pizza ($24-$30) and platters ($38-$45); menu is designed to be shared

2. Mudbrick

Situated at the top of a hill, the sweeping views are absolutely gorgeous up here. It’s an easy 5-10 minute walk away from Cable Bay. Sitting in their tent-like bistro, which has a canvas roof, hardwood beams and is surrounded by lavender bushes, you could easily be somewhere in Europe.

Wine tasting – $11 to $15 depending on whether you want to try lighter, fresher wines (like pinot gris and rosé) or richer varieties (like merlot and syrah).

Food – more casual dining at the Archive Bistro, and more expensive à la carte options at the main restaurant. They also have a plant-based menu! We shared the sourdough with Mudbrick’s own olive oil and brown butter ($12). As well as the octopus ($27), mushroom ravioli ($32) and parmesan and truffle fries ($12). It’s safe to say brown butter is the only thing I want to spread on my bread from here on out.

3. Tantalus Estate

Another wine and beer combo, with Alibi Brewing Co. located on the estate. Tantalus is always highly recommended by those familiar with Waiheke, and rated #1 on Trip Advisor for things to do on Waiheke.

Wine and beer tasting – $10-$15 for five wines, and $10 for four beers.

Food – the adjoining Alibi Brewer’s Lounge does casual food (like sliders, hot dogs, burgers and truffle fries) while the main restaurant does a set three-course menu ($98 per person.

4. Casita Miro

Half way there in my guide to Waiheke wineries. Hopefully energised by the wine and food you have consumed so far, you will need to trek up a steep set of stairs to reach Casita Miro but the view of Onetangi bay is worth it.

Wine tasting – $18 for a flight of five wines; by appointment only.

Food – featuring a tapas style menu, their food is heavily influenced by Spanish cuisine and the wider Mediterranean area. Think paella, tagine, Spanish cured meats, bread and olives.

5. Stonyridge

Wine tasting – $15, or $28 for a premium tasting.

Food – the menu is designed by Nic Watt, executive chef of Masu. Their sharing platter sounds epic for $65; for 2-4 people.

6. Wild on Waiheke

This one is perfect for beer and cider lovers, as they are Waiheke’s original craft brewery.

Wine and beer tasting – flight for $20-25.

Food – they have a more casual menu with items like buffalo chicken, burgers and pizza. Don’t get me wrong, I love platters and grazing boards, but by the end of the day I just wanted something a little less… refined?

So there you have it – six winery recommendations to get you started! My guide to Waiheke is definitely inexpensive compared to usual travel plans, so you can afford to splash out a little if you want. My friends and I found the best way to experience all the great food was to get a few dishes to share at each restaurant… plus we walked 17,000 + steps that day! It’s safe to say we worked up an appetite pretty quickly. And if you want a break from wineries, there are plenty of beautiful beaches, walking trails and cafés to visit as well.

Happy travel planning! If you want me to write a guide to other New Zealand places like Queenstown or Dunedin, comment below or hit me up on Instagram at @balanceyourplate. For more local foodie content, check out our article on Favourite Eateries in Auckland.

Below we’ll give you his backstory and reveal two key lessons he’s learnt along the way.

Background

Vincent is a future thinker who believes the future of work is going to change rapidly with more freelancing and agile firms taking the lead. His company FutureWork Studio has developed three platforms that helps their clients pivot fast, make better decisions and find talented individuals.

Like most students, Vincent began studying engineering because “it was the thing to do”. He didn’t enjoy it and got bad marks, “it didn’t excite me”.

Not seeing himself as an office man, he graduated and spent the next 10 YEARS in the French Navy. From doing tours in Afghanistan, Libya and Somalia, he has experienced it all.

Later on, he discovered the world of business and worked at Fonterra (Director of Strategic Capabilities & Organisational Health) & McKinsey & Company (Vice President of Recovery & Transformation Services). Despite his experience working with large corporates before venturing into the entrepreneurial space. His most valuable experience lies in 10 years with the French Navy.

Lessons You Learn In The Navy

Lesson Number 1: Embrace the uncomfortable to expand your limitations

From juggling tight assignment deadlines, bad grades or getting rejected for a job. How many times have YOU wanted to give up?

Training in the French Navy includes getting dropped in a forest for 9 days. You sleep for two hours a night, run around wet and cold… after two days you want to give up.

Reality check? You can’t.

In the army, you are stretched beyond your limitations to accomplish MORE and achieve MORE.

Why? In the army you cannot fake it. If you do, you might not go home OR you’ll get others killed. From trainings in France, the Navy helped Vincent stretch beyond his limitations and embrace the positives of being uncomfortable. There is always growth and learnings you’ll get in a bad & uncomfortable situation. He became a better leader and entrepreneur because of it.

Successful business leaders and entrepreneurs ALWAYS conquer challenges by thinking “things are never too hard”. So next time you are struggling, try change your perspective and view it as a growth experience. Be persistent and resilient.

Lesson in practice: Practice placing yourself in an uncomfortable position and stay there. Never be complacent or comfortable.

Other Accomplished Ex-Military Entrepreneurs

• Fred Smith (FedEx Founder)
• Sam Walton (Walmart Founder)

Lesson Number 2: Teamwork makes the dreamwork

Teamwork makes the dreamwork sounds like a cliche you’ll hear your dad say.

Being dropped into a forest with little to no supplies makes you quickly realise how good it is to have a reliable team. Your team creates the building blocks to support skyscraper dreams. You become more appreciative for the ability to rely on others. You’re less likely to give up and this shapes GREAT businesses.

An entrepreneurs team will make or break a start up, you must have people who are:

• Reliable – dependable in tough situations
• Diverse – diversity within a team leads to better solutions
• Not afraid to go against the grain – willing to challenge your ideas

Lesson in practice: Practice empathy with team mates and begin surrounding yourself with people who fit the three criteria.

Do you think the military creates better leaders? If you enjoyed reading this article, take a look at our next Lunch with an Entrepreneur workshop here. We will be continuing our summaries of the workshops through our blog.

The ON: Entrepreneurship series aims to create a network of businesses, individual leaders, and talented students to help young New Zealanders progress to their next destination. Proudly brought to you by Niesh & Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED).

One Bowl Power Pancakes

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day… and I’d certainly agree if pancakes were in question. Our first easy recipes for exam season are packed with healthy fats and fibres to keep you fuller for longer. Plus you can make these ahead of time and keep a stash in the fridge or freezer for a quick breakfast or snack!

You will need:

• 1 C milk
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 tbsp ground linseeds (or 1 egg)
• 3/4 C wholemeal flour
• 1/4 C rolled oats
• 1-2 tbsp sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Generous pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, chia and linseeds in a large bowl. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the seeds to absorb some liquid while you gather the other ingredients.
2. Add remaining ingredients to the bowl, and mix gently to combine. It will be a little lumpy and that’s fine.
3. Heat oil/butter in a non-stick pan, then add a few big spoonfuls of batter and smooth out into a circle with the back of the spoon. Flip when bubbles appear. I made 6 medium sized pancakes.

Crispy Rice Bowl

Arguably the best part of fried rice are the crunchy, golden brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (IYKYK). Well this has a whole layer of crispy rice goodness, and you can use up whatever fresh or frozen veges you have already. Top with a runny-yolk egg and you have a nutritious lunch or dinner! There aren’t specific measurements for the recipe – just use the amount of leftover rice you’ll eat and go from there.

You will need:

• Vegetable oil
• Rice (leftover is best)
• Spring onions, sliced
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• Vegetables
• Egg or another protein like tofu, canned tuna etc.
• Sauce: equal amounts gochujang/sriracha, sesame oil, soy sauce; approx. 1 tbsp per serving
• Garnish ideas: pickled red onion, nori seaweed strips, sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix rice, spring onions, a dash of soy sauce and a pinch of salt.
2. In a non-stick frying pan, heat enough oil to evenly coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Once the oil is hot and looks shimmery, press the rice down into one even layer. Reduce the heat to medium, and let it cook for 6-8 minutes. Check on it by lifting up the edges to ensure it is not burning – you want it to slowly turn golden brown and crisp up.
4. While the rice cooks, prepare your other vegetables and mix the sauce.
5. Transfer the rice to the serving bowl, with most of the crispy layer facing up so that it doesn’t go soggy.
6. Using the same pan, fry your egg and/or any vegetables you need to cook.
7. Serve with the vegetables, garnishes and a drizzle of the sauce.

60 Second Microwave Cookie

I’m not going to lie, I was sceptical about this idea at first… and as I stared at it spinning around in the microwave, the batter puffed up like a crazy souffle and I prepared myself for the worst. But, after I let it cool down slightly and ate my first spoonful of the “cookie”, I was blown away.

It is gooey on the inside, like eating cookie dough, but also chewy on the bottom where it meets the sides of the dish. Yes, the top will look a little pale and undercooked because you don’t have the full force of the oven to make it the usual golden brown, but appearances aside, it truly hit the spot.

You will need:

• 30g butter or margarine (I used nuttelex)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp white sugar (you could use less if you want it to be a little less sweet)
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt (aka a pinch)
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• 3 tbsp flour
• Handful of chocolate chips (plus a few extra for the top)

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a microwave safe dish (like a small bowl/ramekin/mug).
2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix gently to combine.
3. Microwave on high for 45-60 seconds; this depends on your microwave and how wide/deep the dish you are using is. In my 1000W microwave, I did 45 seconds and then another 20 seconds.
4. Allow to cool, because this helps the batter set slightly – it is worth the wait I swear.

Comment below which easy recipes for exam season that you are going to try first! I’m already dreaming up different ways I can jazz up the microwave cookie – perhaps a swirl of peanut butter or a scoop of ice-cream on top next?

You can find more easy and delicious recipes on my Instagram @balanceyourplate. For more exam food tips, check out my blog on A+ Foods For C+ Grades.