–Urbis: Laurie, how did you come to be based in Mount Maunganui?
Laurie Steer:My wife and I were born here and when we had kids we decided to move home. My house is across the road from the beach, there’s an organic park next door and our neighbours are nice regular people. I go overseas most years, so I get to enjoy the big cities and culture, but I like the anonymity small towns provide. Saying ‘good morning’ when you put the bin out and picking up your dog crap are the big issues in small towns, which leaves plenty of time for undisturbed pottering.