Sade Elle Gemmell celebrated her 21st birthday on 30 July. Her two sisters, Mariah and Aaliyah, decorated their grandparents’ home in Mangamaunu with balloons, flyers and ‘Happy Birthday’ streamers in Sade’s favourite colour, pink. Sade’s koro put a hāngī down and home-baked steamed pudding, pavlova and champagne were on the menu. The German chocolate cake was enjoyed by all. (For those who like baking, this recipe came from Māori Channel’s Cook-Up programme – it’s a must try).

Sade performed waiata with her Nana on the ukulele and whānau enjoyed songs, new and old from YouTube. Sade was winner of the ‘2014 Hollywood Immersive Contest’, her prize was a trip to Los Angeles. She was unable to go however, as she became hapū with her beautiful pēpi, Azayliah Grace.

Sade Elle Gemmell at her 21st birthday party.

Congratulations

Last year saw Mariah and Aaliyah Gemmell achieve excellence and merit respectively for their studies in NCEA. Aaliyah won three top awards for her final year at Glen Eden Intermediate School. Well done girls.

Jamie Harris
Jamie rowed in three finals in the Maadi Cup Regatta in Twizel, winning silver, 6th and 7th placings for Collegiate College in Wanganui. Jamie lost her Dad John suddenly in May this year. John was well-known for his outdoor pursuits such as the Coast to Coast. Jamie and John had a close and special relationship. During the last week of July, Jamie’s Mother Jo Ann (Gemmell) received the bronze award for ‘Best Builder’ in the Blenheim, Nelson and West Coast regions on behalf of Harris Construction Builders Ltd – a personal congratulations for both their efforts in the company.

Jamie Harris (left) at the Maadi Cup Regatta in Twizel.

Sade, 18, is passionate about music and has been singing since she was 12. As the winner of the Star Now Music Immersive competition for 2014, Sade will receive tuition from some of the Los Angeles music industry’s best coaches and she’ll have the opportunity to connect and work with other working musicians.

Sade Elle’ Gemmell.

Sade’s talents have already been well recognised. She reached the Top 20 in Simon Cowell’s Global You Generation Search and was a X-Factor NZ wild card finalist in 2013. She attended the Excel Music Course in Auckland 2012 and now is being recognised for her sweet natural talent.

Sade’s grandmother, Jan Gemmell of Kaikōura, says Sade is jet setting off to Los Angeles in July and everyone wishes her every success with her singing ventures. Congratulations Sade from the whānau katoa. “Kia kaha taku mokopuna”. Nā Jan Gemmell.