Couple tap into rural charm

A Ngawi fisherman and his partner - a former bank manager - have combined forces to take on a new challenge far removed from what they are versed in doing.
Curla Gray and Raewyn Voice are the new owners of the Whakataki Hotel, an historic pub within walking distance of the sea and only 5km from Castlepoint township.
The couple have bought the freehold and plan to build on the pub's reputation as a good, country-style pub where the whole family can socialise.
Their first official day in the pub was December 22 and it was a busy introduction to their new life.
Ms Voice's mother, Julie Leach, was out in garden, bar manager Chaz Patterson was looking after the locals who called in for a pint and a chat and chef Shayne Tyacke was cooking up a storm in the kitchen.
The new owners of the 100-year-old pub have already got cracking on re-decorating the hotel's five-bedroom accommodation with new curtains, bedspreads and upgraded showers.
Accommodation at the Whakataki ranges from $28 a night for backpackers to $110 a night for an en suite bedroom.
There is also powered sites for camper vans.
Raewyn said the decision to buy the pub came with the realisation that it had great potential and the couple had set their sights on putting on good, wholesome country fare that would help attract families.
The children can play safely in the pub's playground that is fully fenced while their parents enjoy a drink in the adjacent garden bar.
Mr Gray will continue crayfishing out of Ngawi but, when he reaches quota, is likely to be seen more often back at Whakataki.
He has fished out of Ngawi for many years, crewing in the early days for Dave Robinson, recognised as the unofficial mayor of Ngawi.
Before the couple took over the pub, the business was run by Mike Walshe and his partner, Wendy Blake, who shifted to Taupo after a decade at Whakataki.