Avenues, April 2020

P30 A POCKET OF PARK

P44 GREEN FINGERS

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

P47 OUT FOR THE DAY, OR THE WEEK

P58 A COOL CHANGE

ISSUE 201 | APRIL / PAENGA-WHĀWHĀ 2022

The Burlington Lakehouses Enjoy your retirement in a house designed to be welcoming and sunny, with excellent indooroutdoor flow. The village also offers resthome, hospital and dementia care.

To find out more or book a tour, call Louise (027 614 4170) or Jackie (027 397 8226) 171 Prestons Road, Redwood | burlingtonvillage.co.nz

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YEAH Tom’s – Southwark Street’s newest coffee shop is open for delicious business.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Backyard apple trees – the last beacon of our warm days delivers.

Let it grow

MahMah Timoteo on Instagram. Learn, laugh and be schooled, colonisers!

The Woolston Emporium – a collective hub of vintage, worth a fossick.

Resene Green Smoke A peridot green, glowing yellow.

NAH Tone deaf protests here in the 03.

Have you looked around the world, lately?

Parking wardens chalking your tyre while you’re in the car – seriously?!

G

row is a pretty boundless theme for us – you could question if it was about greenery or metaphysical or spiritual change?

We touch on all of these in our April issue. Growth as a city is something I’ve used as a reoccurring theme in my editorials. I hope I don’t bang on about it, but in these unprecedented times (hello, WW3), I hope we all take stock of the immensely positive change and growth happening all around us. Let’s not forget this.

I love seeing local artists like Takaaki Sakaguchi and their growth; evolving from fashion to ceramic work, and businesses like McKenzie and Willis who seeded here in Canterbury and continue to forge ahead as leaders in their industry. Growth is omnipresent here in our city and it’s a hum you cannot miss if you listen carefully.

I’ve bloody grown a lot in the past year. I kicked some habits and changed my life for the better. It’s been a hard slog, but the positives outweigh absolutely everything. Growth is sometimes painful, but we all get there in the end, right?

I particularly love the feature we have on the public green space in development on Victoria Street. More green, please! I feel we’re embracing the mantle of being the Garden City once again. It was sort of lost for a moment, there. I live not far from part of the red zone, which has recently been peppered with an adornment of natives and flaxes. I can’t wait to live my autumn years amongst the established plantings we’re seeing now.

So, how do you plan on growing this year? Do we ever really stop ‘growing’? My sincerest wish for all of us is that we don’t.

Being sick of the mandates doesn’t make the pandemic go away, you know…

Raw slices and sunny days…soon to be an oily soup.

Joshua Brosnahan Editor

Ankle swingers – we get that your socks are kooky, thanks.

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The Banks Peninsula Weta Motel conservation project, photographed by Julie Chandler.

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Publisher Editor Art Director Accounts & Admin Sub-editor Advertising

Lisa Phelan Joshua Brosnahan Lucy Arnold Hilary Armstrong Liam Stretch Shelley Eccleton

lisa@27publishers.co.nz joshua@27publishers.co.nz lucy@27publishers.co.nz accounts@27publishers.co.nz liam@27publishers.co.nz shelley@27publishers.co.nz

PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Grant Callaghan, Ali Jones, Corentin Esquenet, Julie Chandelier, Libby Aberhart, Dr Reuben Woods, Courtney Reid, Jen McBride, Anna Scaife, Wendy Riley, Lynette McFadden, Richard Dalman, Charlie Rose Jackson, Shelley Sweeney, Kim Newth

CONTACT US hello@27publishers.co.nz Facebook.com/avenuesmagazine Instagram.com/avenuesmagazine Avenues.net.nz Produced by Twenty Seven Publishers Limited PO Box 36753, Merivale, Christchurch, 8146

Cian Ryan

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Avenues is published 11 times a year, and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. Avenues asserts copyright on all material published within, and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Avenues reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication.

EXCLUSIVE TO BALLANTYNES City Mall, Christchurch OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am–5.30pm SATURDAY 9am–5pm SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 10am–5pm PHONE (03) 379 7400 Shop online now at ballantynes.co.nz

CONTENTS

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28

26

32

B a l l a n t y n e s Ho m e K i t c h e n i s g ro w i n g .

We are pleased to announce that we are expanding the offerings of our much-loved weekly meal service. Enjoy a taste of Ballantynes at home no matter the occasion. Our options now range from bistro-inspired prepared meals to freezer favourites, classic cakes, and freshly made food hampers delivered straight to your door.

Shop instore and online now at ballantynes.co.nz

16

WORK, PLAY, OR BIG DAY

25

GROW…

26

FOOD AT OUR FEET

28

WETA WELCOME

32

THE ART OF THE NEW

8

CHIT CHAT

42

HOME

10

CULTURE CLUB

47

DESTINATION

12

WATCH THIS SPACE

56

PALATE

14

HERITAGE

58

CLINK!

18

COUTURE

60

SUNDAY DRIVE

20

PAMPER

62

ALL ABOARD

22

LOVE LOCAL

64

HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

40

BY DESIGN

6

EDUCATION

BE YOUR BEST AT RANGI RURU

I

n her first year of high school, Honor Forbes achieved NCEA Level 1 in two languages – qualifications designed for students two years her senior. The Rangi Ruru Girls’ School student completed the French and Spanish studies without disrupting her regular timetable and while also exploring her interests in tennis, football, polo, debating, music, and chess.

Now in Year 10, Honor (14) is working towards her NCEA Level 2 qualification in both subjects.

“The teachers I have had have been so good; they really get to know each student and how to motivate them and get them excited about learning,” she says. “I feel so supported; you feel so comfortable, which makes it such a good environment to learn in.”

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School Assistant Principal of Curriculum Juliet Collins says Honor’s

success in languages is an example of the school’s research-based approach to personalised learning. With a school roll of under 700 and classes sized between 16 and 25, staff can get to know each student individually, identify their interests, and empower them to excel.

The day and boarding school for Years 7 to 13 is in the top three per cent of NCEA results nationally, currently holds several national sporting titles, and consistently achieves toplevel success across music, theatre, and the arts.

Collins says embracing individual passions is important, but so too is designing a curriculum and supportive environment which ensures post-high school pathways remain open and flexible should those interests change. rangiruru.school.nz | 03 983 3700

CHIT CHAT

HANDWICHES Handwiches is our cheeky new office obsession.

It’s an Instagram account dedicated to the perfect sandwich selfie – each one taken in the sammy receiver’s hand. Use it as inspiration for your next lunch stop, or the sando-obsessed amongst us can submit their own. Tell them Avenues sent you…just make sure your mouth isn’t full. @_handwiches

PŌ MĀRIE IN PĒPI

BOBALICIOUS Have you experienced bubble tea yet? Think of it as a fun alternative to iced chocolate, but with way more options, from zesty offerings like yuzu or jasmine to decadent Belgian chocolate available warm or chilled. Our pick is the Space Mojito – as with all the options, you can mix it up with different flavoured jelly or boba. @bobalabnz

Cosy up your little button with this gorgeous knitted ‘Pēpi’ sweater from Untouched World. Lovingly crafted from their ‘ZQ certified’ merino, they’ll be warm and cosy in natural, gentle fibres, while shoulder snap buttons make changing in and out easy. Why merino? This miracle fibre is a regular overachiever, excelling on so many levels to keep your body in perfect balance. Not only that, merino is completely regenerative, releasing valuable nutrients back into the soil as it gently returns to the earth. Recently, Untouched World has been named ‘World’s Top 10 Most Sustainable’ by being awarded the CO10 award by UK organisation, Common Objective. untouchedworld.com

HOLIDAY HOMEOWNER HAVEN With views that will take your breath away, The Boathouse is an ideal spot for couples wanting to explore Akaroa. For Christchurch holiday homeowners, Bachcare is an ideal way to generate a passive income whilst still making use of the space whenever they choose. Bachcare is on a mission to remove the hassle of holiday home rentals, taking care of homes throughout Canterbury, including Akaroa, Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, and Kaikōura. Gone are the days of dealing with late-night messages from your Airbnb guests and juggling calendars across multiple listing sites. Start your path to stress-free rental returns today! newowners.bachcare.co.nzwebsite.co.nz

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CHIT CHAT

FLOWER POWER A mixture of journalism, short stories, poetry, art, and photography are catalogued to highlight some of Aotearoa’s best up-andcoming creatives in Yo Vocal. Issue Four dives into thought-provoking content, and 20 per cent of profits will be donated to The Sustainable Coastlines Trust. yovocalmag.com

DIFFERENT IN NATURE MONOTONE was founded in 2020 by Ukrainian couple Alex and Victoria Bruhtiy, who live here in Christchurch.

Through the founders’ interests in modern culture, fashion, and music, the label explores the way we understand our needs in clothes and resource consumption. With the brand philosophy ‘different in nature’, MONOTONE focuses on creating staple pieces for everyday use that one can wear, enjoy, and love for years. Every collection is an ode to craftsmanship, creativity, and reconnection with nature. Simple silhouettes in timeless colours and fabrics. Find them at BOXed Quarter. @monotonestore_official

THE TABLES HAVE TURNED Kristina Dam Studio is simple, Nordic minimalism. The major lines from this Denmark design house are simple and graphic.

Every piece is made from strong materials with a sculptural approach. From our friends at Frobisher, the solid oak table is the perfect match for the modern home and interior. frobisher.co.nz

BASE CAMP IS CALLING There’s something new and exciting on the holiday scene, The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, and it is really attracting some well-deserved attention. This small team have created a wonderful ‘Base Camp’ and curated a range of all-inclusive adventure packages for families, couples, small groups, and the more seasoned alpine adventurers amongst us. Available are guided and unguided packages in the most picturesque settings imaginable in the UNESCO South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. Based in beautiful Glenorchy, the packages have something for everyone. Get in touch with the base camp team today, they help you arrange a trip of a lifetime. thegreatglenorchyalpinebasecamp.co.nz

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CULTURE CLUB

After school viewing

Liam Stretch Culture Editor

I

recently discussed with a friend the television shows that have shaped us. One that we mutually agreed on was Whose Line is it Anyway. Ritualistically, I would watch it each afternoon upon my return from high school, having picked up a milkshake from the local dairy and microwaved far too many two-minute noodles. Full of sodium and lactose, I would be transported away from my day at school, no matter the events of the past six hours. The quick-witted, intelligent humour of the cast (Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady, and usually, Greg Proops) had me transfixed. This clever humour made me a more discerning viewer. It gave me the conviction to watch films that my peers didn’t think were in vogue and be open to media from times gone by. It expanded my palate, and I think it eventually led me to be able to review what I do today. Thanks to that, before you is a range of content filtered by yours truly.

ROOTING FOR NIC

THE PERFECT PAIRING

I’ve always had a soft spot for Nicolas Cage.

And it is films like Pig that make me love him. Nic Cage plays a truffle hunter and former famed chef who goes on a mission to locate his stolen truffle-finding pig and best friend. Director Michael Sarnoski’s ability to transform a fairly ordinary story into a mafioso-style epic, with Cage delivering existentialism whenever he speaks, deserves to not go unnoticed. Perhaps too arthouse to receive an Oscar nod, though.

Country music icon Alisson Krauss teams up with Robert Plant, from Led Zeppelin fame, to create the album Raise the Roof.

There are elements of rock, country, folk, and bluegrass. For me, stand out tracks are Trouble with My Lover, Can’t Let Go, and the rousing toe-tapping High and Lonely. You will find yourself listening to this album from end to end while you strut on your morning walk to the dairy to fetch your milk.

New Zealand’s Leading Urban Art Gallery Jacob Yikes ‘Even In Darkness’, April 1 - April 30 54 Hawdon St. Sydenham www.fiksate.com / 03 365 0763

TO FIND THEIR SON The mark of a successful book is its ability to stimulate your imagination easily, thus transporting you into the party of the characters. This can be said for The Buried Giant by Nobel Prize-winning writer Kazuo Ishiguro. It follows an elderly Briton couple, Axl and Beatrice, searching for their long-lost son throughout a fictional post-Arthurian England. For some curious reason, people of the time can’t recall their long-term memories, and the pair set off on a journey guided by patchy flickers of times gone by. You’ll be on this journey yourself; it’s a fairy-tale for adults.

CULTURE CLUB

DINOSAUR REVOLUTION Dinosaurs are descending on Canterbury Museum in a new exhibition that will be a hit with families and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.

Dinosaur rEvolution: Secrets of Survival features skeletons, fossils casts, and huge animatronic dinosaurs. But these aren’t dinosaurs as you know them – new fossil finds in China, including dinosaur skin, feathers, and quills, have forever changed our image of these primeval giants. Discover how horns, spikes, quills, and feathers helped dinosaurs survive and learn about the true evolution of the dinosaurs.

Entry is $10 per adult and $5 per child, with family passes available.

Opens 15 April canterburymuseum.com

EVEN IN DARKNESS

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT

MY LIFE IN PINK

Hawdon Street’s Fiksate Gallery is launching its first exhibition for 2022, which features the iconic styling of Christchurch street artist Jacob Yikes. Even in Darkness is long-awaited and Yikes’ first solo exhibition in four years.

Viewers can expect a series of progressive, abstract, and mind-bending paintings that explore an altered reality where the subconscious and memories collide.

This is sure to be a performance like you’ve never experienced. With no rehearsal, no director, a different actor each night, and a script waiting in a sealed envelope on stage, the internationally acclaimed improv absurdist show White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, by Iranian writer Nassim Soleimanpour, is an audacious theatrical experiment and a potent reminder of the transgressive power of theatre.

Camille Solari is a veteran US comedian who has starred on both the stage and screen.

She’s heading to Lyttelton’s Wunderbar to perform two slots of her show My Life In Pink.

This is your chance to have your laughter cemented in history with the filming of her comedy special. Camille is supported by cult Kiwi veteran comedians Dan Brader and Corey Humm.

1–30 April, Fiksate Gallery fiksate.com

13–17 April, Little Andromeda Theatre littleandromeda.co.nz

9 April, Wunderbar Lyttelton fb.com/wunderbarlyttelton

Based on the bestselling novel by PAULA HAWKINS and DREAMWORKS film Adapted by RACHEL WAGSTAFF and DUNCAN ABEL

The Girl on the Train is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com SEASON SPONSOR

2 1 May t o 25 Ju n e

C O RE F U NDE R

SH O W SP O NSO R

CO URT THE ATRE. O RG. NZ

WATCH THIS SPACE Horus 3 Artist Levi Hawken Date Unknown Location City Mall It’s amazing what you can miss when you don’t look that little bit closer!

Fixed onto concrete seating in the heart of City Mall, Tāmaki Makaurau artist Levi Hawken’s small cast concrete sculpture is overlooked by the majority of oblivious passers-by, a reminder that not all street art is bright, bold, and imposing in scale.

Horus 3 is part of a series of works inspired by Hawken’s interests in skateboarding, graffiti, Brutalist architecture, and the urban landscape.

Combatting the ephemerality of traditional graffiti (the works remain visible even when painted over), the tiny, layered sculpture echoes the built environment while also drawing on Hawken’s graffiti style, combining hard edges with curved forms into a design that is open to interpretation.

Utilising subtlety over shock and awe, Hawken’s work (installed by local fans) is an example of urban art’s thoughtful diversity and a winking interplay with the surrounding environment.

Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour!

Email tours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information. watchthisspace.org.nz/artwork/885

HERITAGE

“Strange freak of a New Zealand girl” WORDS Wendy Riley

D

ressed in a black cutaway coat, dark afterwards, at her invitation, he accompanied trousers, and a white silk neckcloth, her” to her lodgings. The following morning, he and sporting a Billy-Cock hat over awoke alone to find his clothes had gone. His short hair, Henry James Muir stood before pitiful cries for help were heard by the landlady a London magistrate in 1889 dressed in the as she farewelled her children to school. clothes he had been arrested in. Smoothed Harriet had come up with a plan to join her face, tall and attractive, Muir looked very wealthy pastoralist father in Christchurch. much like a respectable young man.

Dressed in Johnson’s clothes and with newly A month earlier, Muir presented himself cut hair, she headed for the docks to enquire for enlistment at St. George’s Army Barracks. about a job as a steward. Unsuccessful, He answered all questions satisfactorily, but Harriet proceeded to the barracks, where something odd in his behaviour roused the her plan quickly unravelled. She became Sergeant’s suspicions. When faced with a the object of curiosity and headlines as the medical examination, Muir confessed, he was “She Soldier” and “Strange Freak of a New not the person he appeared to be. Henry Muir Zealand Girl”. was a woman.

The Magistrate bound Harriet over to the As a young child, Harriet’s father had left St James Workhouse, where she waited for her with friends in Scotland and sailed to New friends to finance her trip to her father in New Zealand to seek his fortune. At age 16, Harriet Zealand. When her lawyer successfully argued ran away and became an actress in Bristol. she had intended to return Johnson’s clothing, When the company folded, she made her way she was acquitted. to London and worked as an artist’s model.

Harriet’s story may be as fanciful as the Late one night, while walking out in pantomimes she had acted in. It disappeared Westminster, she met a musician, George from the papers as quickly as it had appeared, Johnson. “They had refreshments, and, and she was not heard of again. lostchristchurch.wordpress.com

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THREE OF NEW ZEALAND’S MAJOR WINE PRODUCING REGIONS, A CAPITAL CITY, RURAL TOWNS AND COASTAL WATERWAYS COMBINE TO CREATE THE CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND WINE TRAIL. Enjoy stunning scenery, beautiful forest parks, buzzing nightlife and indulgent food experiences as you taste your way through Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Wellington and Marlborough; regions that account for more than 84% of New Zealand’s wine production.

Take it slow and savour every sip of the journey.

W W W.C L A S S I C W I N E T R A I L .C O. N Z

WORK, PLAY, OR THE BIG DAY

T

he clothes you wear say so much about you. They’re the image you have of yourself, made tangible for the world to see. But when the clothes don’t fit, or you don’t know what to wear or not to wear, it isn’t easy. We get it. It’s our gig.”

Manager Tim Whale, at Rembrandt Merivale, knows how to get you looking good.

For 75 years, Rembrandt has been doing just that; making men feel great. Tim and the team have a deep understanding of fashion and menswear and have learnt how to make clothes for every body type.

Rembrandt was established in 1946 in Wellington by two Dutch tailors, and in 1972 Rembrandt started selling its own label direct to retail. 2003 saw the first Rembrandt shop open in New Zealand. Today Rembrandt clothing is sold in over 250 retail stores throughout Australasia.

Rembrandt Merivale was known as Colombus & Ware until 2019. Tim says that many loyal customers have been ‘shopping with us for decades and some may have bought their first suit from Colombus & Ware.’

“We’re driven to help men look their best – for work, play, or their big day. We want you to feel great when you walk your daughter down the aisle. We want your wife to be proud of her husband. We want your clients to see you as a professional. When it’s time to have fun, we’ve got your ‘going-out’ shirt, your reliable jeans, and even your BBQ shorts.”

Tim started at Rembrandt Merivale in 2013, and he brought his personality to the brand. “My philosophy is swagger, style, and

class – you have to find the right combo that matches your personality. When I am not at work, you will probably find me up at Mt Hutt, or at least thinking about it!”

“We’re always keen for a chat; catching up with customers, meeting new ones, hearing their stories. Merivale mall is a great place to work for that very reason – it is full of nice people.”

Fit is everything at Rembrandt. They pride themselves on having a large selection of tall and short fits in blazers, shirts, and casual jackets, and stock brands like RM Williams and Ben Sherman. They offer a full range of alterations and can even offer bespoke suit fittings, made to measure.

According to Tim, the blazer and chino combo ‘has become the new suit’.

“Along with our pure wool suits, we offer a kaleidoscope of smart-casual blazers in wools, linen, or cotton. Our chinos have become one of the most popular items, thanks to their style and comfort. We are seeing less interest in checked shirts and more interest in simple stripes or monotone colours. We have a new range of stylish Oxford shirts with a thicker cotton for winter.”

If a blazer isn’t quite what you are going for, they have a large selection of casual jackets to wear with a t-shirt and a pair of Rembrandt denim jeans.

“The future at Rembrandt Merivale is bright.

Every year our client base is increasing, and this is a testament to the great product and service we offer. Our customers know what we do, and they support us. Maybe it’s time you did too?”

merivalemall.co.nz

COUTURE

KEEP IT LIGHT It’s time for the transition into the cooler seasons and for us that means layers! Layering can be a task but with the right staples in our wardrobes, that task can be fun.

Acne Studios Belted Wool Coat, $2,098 workshop.co.nz | Justine Clenquet Vesper Necklace, $215 companyofstrangers.co.nz Le Labo Lip Balm, $26 meccabeauty.co.nz | Name Ribbed Crew, $193 untouchedworld.com | Camilla & Marc Abrera Tailored Pant, $540 ballantynes.co.nz | Serene 5MM Shoe, $249 nicolerebstock.com | JW Anderson Twister Bag, $1300 ballantynes.co.nz Curated by Courtney Reid 18

carried away by nature

Discover our new collection for men and women, now in-store and online.

Christchurch | Wanaka | Wellington | untouchedworld.com

PAMPER

GET SCENTUAL QUEEN SCENT Curio Noir’s Iritiu Nefertiti has notes of blue lotus, fig wood, osmanthus flowers, passionflower and sandalwood. Did you know blue lotus was applied to the body of Egyptian queen Nefertiti? Support wāhine toa – both the perfumer Tiffany Witehira and shop owner Tessa Peach.

1 2

francesnation.co.nz

GO GREEN Frances Shoemack’s work with master perfumer Isaac Sinclair makes Abel Odor’s Green Cedar a distinctive, intoxicating fragrance. The top notes are magnolia and cardamon, with heart notes of cypriol and guaiac wood. All ingredients are derived from 100 per cent natural, Fairtrade, sustainable sources.

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Amouage Material’s top notes of balsamic elemi and the almost spicy, slightly herbal qualities of patchouli drape the heart notes of Madagascar vanilla absolute and benzoin resinoid.

Perfumier Cecil Zarokian’s take on this is close to perfection. worldbrand.co.nz

4

SEABREEZE IN SUMMER This scent reminiscent of Diptyque’s founder’s childhood summers in Do Son presents a delicate mixture of sea breeze, coupled with the heady and spicy aroma of tuberose.

This solid perfume of orange blossom, tuberose, and pink pepper is now refillable.

nz.abelodor.com

GREEN GUNPOWDER

IMMATERIAL GIRL

5

6

This multi-faceted fragrance offers a unique, intoxicating scent akin to a burst of green-infused gunpowder. This modern, verdant masterpiece is an olfactory explosion with notes of palm tree leaves, green pepper, ivy, orris, coriander, silex, gunpowder, vetiver, and musk. meccabeauty.co.nz

meccabeauty.co.nz

SULTRY MEDLEY Think sultry leather encased in a medley of woods; at once smoky and warm, bronzed by the sun’s evening rays.

Enlivened with vibrant juniper and fresh grapefruit and a twist of vetiver, left to linger.

Christine Nagel is the talented nose behind Jo Malone, and she can do no wrong. ballantynes.co.nz

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LOVE LOCAL

INNER STORAGE

HEARTWOOD CEDAR SPAS

Inner Storage can help you declutter your garage and kitchen by providing high-quality garage and kitchen storage solutions to suit your lifestyle. From wall storage, garage cabinets and flooring to bike, kayak, and tool storage. From kitchen internal dividers and drawer organisers to plate and knife holders, spice racks, and pantry storage options.

Inner Storage uses only top quality products, from a range of trusted suppliers, for functional inner storage solutions.

Made in Ōtautahi and hand-crafted to the highest possible standard from top quality Western Red Cedar, Heartwood Cedar Spas are a slice of backyard luxury. Whether you just want to unwind from a busy day or take your hosting to the next level, soaking in a quality built cedar spa is the way to go. The tranquil scent of cedar is very pleasant and grounding. With electric or wood fire heating options available, now is your chance to bring a touch of the high life to your patio or quarter acre.

innerstorage.nz

heartwoodcedar.nz

AMURI ESTATE

SOUTHERN WOODS

Amuri Estate offers luxury accommodation and the perfect setting for weddings and functions, all overlooking the beautiful high alpine basin of the Southern Alps. It has three well-appointed rooms and a self-contained one bedroom cottage, all with panoramic views of majestic mountains, the braided Waiau River, high country stations, and Hanmer village, which is minutes away. Amuri can hold up to 200 people with different spaces to suit your needs.

Southern Woods has grown millions of quality plants for an entire generation. Locally owned and passionate about plants, it prides itself on expert service and the range is second to none. With over forty staff and an ever-expanding nursery just south of Christchurch, Southern Woods can supply large quantities of plants New Zealand wide. Talk to the knowledgeable team about planting for your next project. Visit them today.

amuriestate.co.nz

southernwoods.co.nz

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LOVE LOCAL

EARTH ORGANIC

BABYFACE

With biodegradable packaging and plant-based and crueltyfree products, you might think that this salon is too focused on the big picture to notice your specific needs. On the contrary, intentionality saturates Earth Organic Hairdressing.

When you arrive, your stylist will discuss your unique hair needs and find natural and organic solutions just for you. The same stylist will guide you through to the finished result, no rush, no surprises, just a naturally beautiful you.

This autumn, choose 100 per cent mulberry silk for your skin. Silk is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These masks are comfortable, washable, and reusable. The silk is soft and warms to your skin – sewn with three layers of silk and optional filter insert pocket, and a bendy nose piece to easily contour to your exact fit. It feels so good with adjustable ear straps and a chin gusset for a close fit.

earthorganichairdressing.co.nz

babyface.co.nz

SKIN REJUVENATION CLINIC

THE FITTING ROOM

The delicate décolletage area is prone to sun damage and showing signs of ageing. You may have noticed the fan of fine lines that were only visible in the morning after a night of side-sleeping no longer go away! Ulthera, which uses micro-focused ultrasound, stimulates collagen and elastin to rejuvenate the décolletage in only one treatment, with results occurring over 90 days. Available exclusively at Skin Rejuvenation Clinic.

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FEATURE

And we grow...

From a forager navigating our urban forests to a group dedicated to the preservation of the Banks Peninsula Te Pātaka-o-Rākaihautū weta, to a small urban park with a positive impact on a local scale – these are stories from our backyard to yours, Cantabrians dedicated to the growth that surrounds us all here in Ōtautahi.

FOOD AT OUR FEET WORDS Liam Stretch

F

oraging is something that Joanna has always done, and she credits her skills and passion for the natural world to growing up in Riwaka, a small town in Tasman.

“I had a pretty free-range childhood as the youngest in a large family. I loved being outdoors because I felt most at home in nature and being close to the earth, rivers, and trees,” she said.

This strong relationship with the planet is reflected in the most personal of things: Joanna’s name.

“Wildish is a name I chose, and that is from one of my favourite books, Women who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estēs.”

“The wildish woman is a person who is in touch with their instinctive side and has a good connection with the earth. I wanted to have a reminder of this.”

Joanna says it is pretty simple to get started with foraging, and we don’t have to look much further than our flats and homes.

“Look in your back garden for edible weeds such as chickweed, pūhā, and sweet dandelion flowers – if you don’t have a garden, at a close-by park or river! Many of our parks have walnut trees and sometimes other fruit trees or herbs such as rosemary or sage.”

Suppose you do choose to venture beyond your property boundary. In that case, she says the benefits of foraging are huge. It connects one to their surroundings, seasons, and potential adventures and “it is also very satisfying to find and eat the food that you find, it makes you feel capable, strong, and resourceful”.

“And it’s free and unprocessed; there’s no wasteful packaging, and it’s healthier because it’s grown wild. Most wild weeds, fruits, and herbs are very nutritionally rich.”

There are some common-sense rules, though.

A good forager shouldn’t over harvest and take more than they need. “Also leave some for the birds and animals and some to go to seed so that the plants can come back each year.”

Joanna’s long history of foraging and a desire to see people nourished led to the creation of The Ōtautahi Urban Foraging group in 2010.

Due to the February 2011 earthquake, the unfortunate loss of homes in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs saw an abundant urban larder appear; this is where she organises tours.

“There are so many opportunities for foraging in here, and even today, I’m finding fruits and garden areas with herbs that I haven’t seen before.”

This journey led her to take pen to paper. A poem became a storybook titled A Wanderful Foraging Story.

“It goes through the seasons in Aotearoa and about what is available at what times. It’s a cute rhyming story, and I did the pictures for it too.

It also begins with a foraging karakia, written by my friend Corri Ackerman and her nanny Mahia Whatarau-Tainui.”

For now, Joanna is working on another book and is optimistic about the future of foraging.

“My hope is for more wild spray-free spaces, more food forests, that we will begin to see more and more that healthy food is a necessary resource for everyone, and begin to share better and waste less.”

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WETA WELCOME WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Julie Chandelier

S

ix-legged guests checking into new bush accommodation in Banks Peninsula Te Pātaka-o-Rākaihautū are finding the motels much to their liking.

The Banks Peninsula tree wētā (Hemideina ricta) is found only on the peninsula’s east side, between Pigeon Bay and Akaroa Harbour. Threatened both by forest clearance and by rats, stoats and other introduced predators, this stripy-backed invertebrate is no longer as common as it would have been a few centuries ago. Yet their numbers are picking up again, thanks to the ongoing efforts of local conservationists and carpenters lending their skills to build, install, and monitor new wētā motels.

Led by the community, the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust (BPCT) has spearheaded conservation work on Banks Peninsula for over twenty years. Today tree wētā habitat on the peninsula is legally protected, but saving a species like this takes time and commitment.

Christchurch wildlife and nature photographer Julie Chandelier documented a BPCT wētā motels project from start to finish between December and June last year, starting in Decanter Bay with the collection of untreated macrocarpa donated by BPCT trustee David Miller. The wood was then delivered to the Akaroa Mens Shed, where a willing team of craftsmen and carpenters set to work building 130 wētā motels in the form of wooden boxes with a tunnel entrance at the bottom and a front that can be opened for inspection. Once installed, the motels were monitored and found to be an absolute hit. Guests quickly snapped up the available rooms and wētā that had been living in older wētā motels welcomed the upgrade.

“It was incredible for me to see wētā for the first time with my own eyes,” says Julie, who

lived in Sweden and France before moving to Aotearoa in 2017. “Seeing them in the bush was really interesting, really cool. I loved being able to photograph the motels being made at the Akaroa Mens Shed too, spending time with the older men there, observing them working, and hearing their various life experiences. They were very excited to be involved.”

With her partner, also a photographer, Julie enjoys exploring land and sea environments and using her photography skills to support conservation efforts. She is hoping to get her wētā photo essay published in various magazines, including overseas ones.

“Few people have heard of the Banks Peninsula tree wētā outside of New Zealand, yet their story is fascinating, and they are found nowhere else in the world.”

Julie worked closely with Alice Webster, Wildside Coordinator with the BPCT, on this project. Alice has held the role since October 2019, with wētā motels just one of many exciting and challenging conservation projects that she is involved with. She notes that Environment Canterbury and Lincoln University together supported a scholarship to fund a student to undertake an invertebrate study last summer, assisting BPCT’s conservation work.

“This enabled us to employ a student to help monitor wētā motels and update other invertebrate monitoring that was undertaken 10 years ago across the Extended Wildside,” Alice says, adding that the Akaroa Mens Shed team deserves a huge thank you for their incredible production line effort to build the new wētā motels – “you guys are legends!”

Our region is home to other wētā such as the Canterbury tree wētā (Hemideina femorata) that love wētā motels too. For info on how to make one of your own, go to the BPCT website.

bpct.org.nz 28

A POCKET OF PARK

W

hen central Christchurch’s Victoria Street was upgraded, 81 Victoria Street, one of the triangles at the intersection with Peterborough Street, was not included.

The adjacent Black and White café was leasing some of the space for outdoor seating, which consisted of a patch of lumpy AstroTurf and a couple of outdoor tables. Seeing the need for a facelift, the building owner approached Rough Milne Mitchell Landscape Architects (RMM) to prepare a landscape concept for a ‘Pocket Park’.

Director Tony Milne of RMM describes the collaborative design process. “RMM worked closely with the building owner on the initial concepts. Following this, to enable the development to proceed, the design needed Council’s Parks to sign off, followed by Community Board approval and finally, resource consent was required. A lengthy process.”

In December, Morgan + Pollard were engaged to undertake the construction, which has recently been completed. They brought to life the fantastic landscape plans drawn by Rough Milne Mitchell.

The space blends well with an existing large tree and grassed area and gives people a refuge to enjoy some fresh air and shade. The angled arrangement of the street furniture has been placed to encourage group interactions while not obstructing people.

The site’s existing forms and materiality and the recent street upgrade were all considered: the curved kerbs around the lawn edge, the

paving bands and patterns, and the style of street furniture. Sketch alternatives based on the concept ‘embrace’ show a space enclosed by the building and the London Plane tree with sheltered places to sit and linger.

RMM worked with Urban Effects to design custom bench seats based on their Liffiton bench, which was used in the Victoria Streetscape upgrade. The Holland Sett and Piazza pavers from Firth tie in the design masterfully with the existing streetscape. The mature London Plane was considered in the design with effort made to minimise the impact on the tree.

“We are excited to see the mid-morning hustle and bustle of takeaway coffees and will enjoy seeing people sitting in the space, with the speckled morning light filtering through the London Plane tree. The planted areas we installed after a few growing seasons will further frame the area.”

Adam Pollard from Morgan + Pollard mentions the space is successful due to the careful execution of all the different construction elements.

“The intentional angular paving was a chance for our construction team to showcase their craftsmanship. With the added complexity of the angled paving, we are particularly proud that we were able to achieve the bold design as originally intended by RMM,” he said.

This renovation of a small urban park has a big positive impact on a local scale. The new space is vibrant and welcoming, with people already using the space.

Meet the masters of landscape craftsmanship!

“Building landscapes in Canterbury for over 50 years, Morgan+Pollard are an award-winning team of dedicated professionals.”

Visit www.morganpollard.co.nz to discover more

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IN DETAIL

THE ART OF THE NEW WORDS Kim Newth

I

n Avenues ‘Fashion issue’ of October 2012, Takaaki Sakaguchi was one of five featured designers credited with ‘dressing the city in style’. Back then, his eponymous label was busy supplying not only the local market but also stores across Australia.

Why then, in 2015, did the label’s founder call time on his highly successful fashion enterprise? And what is he up to now?

‘Sakaguchi’ had started as a dream, stitched together on a borrowed sewing machine in an Ōtautahi flat that was Takaaki’s first home after moving to Aotearoa from Japan in 1998.

The Osaka-born creative was already an accomplished fashion designer by then, having made it to the top as head designer at eminent Japanese fashion house Koshino. Within a few years of launching his label in Christchurch, he had conquered New Zealand Fashion Week and was running his own flagship store in Merivale.

Today, Takaaki looks back on those years as a wonderful adventure with no regrets about having closed the label down after 17 years in business.

“It was a very hard decision. I loved the brand, but I was finding it more and more difficult to find the beautiful materials I needed to feel inspired and coupled with that, I needed a break from the pressure that comes with having to make a new style every season.”

Over the past seven years, Takaaki has completely transformed his creative practice having discovered a new outlet for his originality: ceramics. It has been a liberating experience for him to explore an art form where the options are literally endless.

“In the world of ceramics, you can make whatever you want in any colour and any shape. I had been curious about the Canterbury Potters Association and started going to classes there. The tutor was fantastic and had a lot of knowledge on technique, yet I was also encouraged to make something in my own style. I found that very exciting.”

Takaaki displayed his kiln-fired work for the first time at a combined exhibition (with Andrew Carran, Revisions) last August at Christchurch’s Form Gallery. Even though last year’s Covid lockdown meant the exhibition had to close earlier than expected, Takaaki was delighted at how it went. “Even before opening, half the pieces had been sold – it was amazing; I feel very lucky that people like the work.”

A self-proclaimed reductionist at heart, Takaaki’s ceramic art practice channels Japanese art and aesthetics such as wabisabi that implicitly accepts imperfection and transience.

“You see a lot of simplicity in Japanese traditional art, and that’s something I really love, along with texture and natural, earthy colours. With every piece I make, I want it to be very fresh and new. The right piece will start a conversation and be inspiring for other people.”

Takaaki received the Avice Hill Memorial Prize in 2017 and was a finalist in the Waiclay Ceramics Award 2019. Last year he was a featured artist at The Arts Centre sculpture festival exhibition.

This month, he is in a group exhibition at Form Gallery (Hemisphere, April 2–29) and later this year will again be taking part in The Arts Centre’s sculpture festival.

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IN DETAIL

The attitude of living well WORDS Anna Scaife

A

rvida Good Friends at Park Lane is a vibrant community hub in Addington where older people from all around Christchurch gather. The architecturally designed centre is a place to meet family and friends, enjoy superb food and make the most of all that’s on offer for fitness and wellbeing.

Arvida has ambitious goals, and that’s great news for older residents in the city and all around the country. Arvida’s new Chief Executive Jeremy Nicoll says, “In ten years, we want the world to notice how well older New Zealanders live. We hope it can be traced to Arvida’s commitment to transforming the ageing experience through person-centred care – what we call the Attitude of Living Well.”

The Community Centre’s beating heart is Café Natter, the domain of chefs Josh Monaghan and Nitesh Bijalwan. Josh recently returned from Switzerland and has a food philosophy based on fresh, nutritious meals with plenty of options for special diets.

You can even have wine or beer with your meal and the micro-bakery turns out fresh bread and sweet treats to accompany the fabulous coffee.

The welcoming interior is airy and fresh and opens into an expansive outdoor area surrounded by the orchard and shaded by one of the area’s stunning protected oaks.

Next door, the Gorgeous George hair and beauty salon offers grooming and pampering for men and women. Adding to the all-encompassing approach and supporting fitness and wellbeing, members can keep on top of their game and enjoy the

state-of-the-art exercise centre led by Laura Organ, a qualified exercise scientist. The facilities include a 15-metre swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa, and a specialist 50+ gym with electronic equipment that’s easy to use with automatic resistance settings, so there’s no setup or heavy weights required.

On the Go Physio is also based in the centre with physiotherapists who specialise in strength and rehabilitation for older adults. On the second floor, club meetings, technology tutorials, yoga, line dancing, wine tasting, and brain gym classes are all held in the generous events space that opens onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard.

While you don’t need to be a member to enjoy the centre, Arvida Good Friends’ members do enjoy discounts and special events – including a recent Valentine’s Day performance by the CSO. A subscription can be for personalised gym programmes, safe rideshare transport or in-home care delivered by trained and verified helpers. These options will help to make it possible for people to remain in their homes and adjust their levels of support over time.

The services are all backed by intelligent technology, carefully designed to make it easy and secure. “Living Well is about having choices on how and where we live, being able to find the help we want when we need it and finding it easy to stay active and connected with friends, family, and hobbies.

Arvida is here to help older New Zealanders choose to live well wherever they decide to live,” Jeremy Nicoll says.

goodfriends.co.nz

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IN DETAIL

Local presence WORDS Liam Stretch

H

olmwood Real Estate’s Harcourts Merivale office on the corner of Office Road and Papanui Road has recently been redeveloped. The building formerly housed an ANZ branch on the ground floor, with Harcourts Holmwood on the second. Last year, the team made the move to acquire the bottom floor. Holmwood CEO Tony Jenkins says the Merivale office has occupied the top floor for over 14 years. And it was a natural progression to move into the highly visible downstairs office. Jenkins believes “that this would be one of the best real estate positions, if not the best, in Christchurch city”.

Jamin Marshall, business owner and sales manager of the Harcourts Holmwood Merivale office, said the team loved the position, but it was important that they have a greater street presence.

Jamin said the reason for the development of the downstairs space, aside from providing offices for 24 agents and seven admin staff, was to create a better space for clients – both for the sale of their properties and for one-onone engagements.

“The reason why we wanted to and needed to do the downstairs is, when you list your house with us, you need presence. We have window cards and TV screens which show off our clients’ properties in the windows so that it is good value to the clients with such a busy stream of walking and vehicle traffic.

When they list their property with us, they are getting more coverage.”

The redevelopment has also allowed for a more inviting space for people to visit. “It

provides our clients with a great place to come to when they list and sell their house.”

This increased visibility is key in a strong and record-breaking housing market in Christchurch, Jamin says.

“People realise that the method of marketing a property now really does matter.”

This extends into their multi-media sales approach across their social platforms.

“We’ve taken video, we think to the next level. We have our very own in-house videographers, and we also have an in-house marketing team that works solely on the agents’ properties and the profile for the agents as well.”

Jamin says people are more likely to click on a listing if it has a video, “that’s why we put the big screens up in the office’s windows.”

This attention to video is backed up by social media statistics that show users are much more likely to click on a video than a traditional post – with viewers retaining 95 per cent of a message when they watch it in a video, compared to 10 per cent when reading it in the text.

On top of the better deal for prospective clients, Jamin also mentions that the existing location was a must for the local team, with Merivale being such a dynamic place to work and reside.

“It is a great place to live. And it’s also great to be so close to the mall and in the heart of Merivale.”

Jenkins is very satisfied with development saying, “the Holmwood team and their clients are loving the new surroundings”.

holmwood.co.nz

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IN DETAIL

All about the people

T

he McKenzie & Willis name is synonymous with stylish furniture and interiors of the highest quality with the expertise and service to match. Founded 116 years ago, this family-owned Christchurch business now has eight stunning showrooms throughout the country.

Across its showrooms, this leading interiors brand boasts an extensive collection of furniture, beds, linen and homeware, curtains and blinds, flooring, and a range of interior design options and inspiration from the best New Zealand and international brands.

Though having a changing face over time, one thing has remained the same – a commitment to excellent service. This is demonstrated by the constant investment into its people, which guarantees there is always someone to help with customers’ needs, from young design graduates through to those with lifelong experience in the industry.

General Manager Bill Willis said, “our greatest asset is our people, and we are lucky to have built an incredible team of consultants who are experts in their field. McKenzie & Willis has always had proud tradition of customer service and quality, which would not be possible without the right people.”

This attention to the team means that McKenzie & Willis has been able to go beyond a traditional department store model and grow into a complete interiors business, where they can offer a bespoke, one-on-one service. Offerings like complimentary in-home interior design consultations are available or working from the plans of your new build.

“The interior furnishing market has an everchanging dynamic, so we continue to improve our offering to ensure we are market leaders and providing our customers with the very best. We are continuously looking to improve on our retail environments to increase our

range of products and services and allow customers greater access to a total home furnishing and décor experience.”

As a proudly local business, McKenzie & Willis has built a network of like-minded businesses and has well-established relationships with many New Zealand and international brands such as Belle Interiors Collection – an iconic brand founded in Christchurch by renowned Interior Designer Colin Foggo – which is now exclusively available at McKenzie & Willis.

With established stores in Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka and Wellington, a passion for Kiwi business has led them to expand further into the North Island with the recent acquisition of The Design Depot and its showrooms in Hamilton and Mount Maunganui. As family businesses, The Design Depot and McKenzie & Willis have worked together over the years and aim to bring ‘everything interiors’ to New Zealand.

The current Christchurch showroom at 181 Blenheim Road was fully refurbished last year.

“We completely redeveloped our showroom in Christchurch into a beautiful design store where customers will feel inspired. They will be able to view our entire collection, engage with our expert consultants and draw inspiration from their beautiful surroundings.”

Looking to the future, Willis is excited about what the next chapter will bring.

“2022 will see McKenzie & Willis able to provide an even greater interiors offering nationwide thanks to our new partnership with The Design Depot. We will grow and improve our services and product range while continuing to build on our proud tradition of customer service and quality. In essence, we will continue to work towards establishing McKenzie & Willis as a one-stop-shop for everything interiors.”

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Together, let’s make things beautiful Our interior consultants love what they do.

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BY DESIGN

Architecture for living

T Richard Dalman Managing Director, Dalman Architects dalman.co.nz

he design of retirement villages and aged care facilities has evolved over recent years. As we age, we are looking for fresh adventures, new ways to enjoy life, and the opportunity to let our spirit thrive. As designers for senior living developments, we have noticed a number of trends including a focus on lifestyle, community, design, and environmental sustainability.

Retiring today is all about lifestyle. People are looking for not just a new lease on life but also enhanced quality of life. They want to enjoy a range of facilities such as those for sports and movies, continue with their current activities, and expand into new pastimes.

Responding to this, we are often briefed to provide a resort-like environment that includes facilities such as a pool, gym, bowling green, theatre, café and bar, billiards room, library, hairdresser, and gardens.

Retirement villages now operate on a highly social scale, providing a strong sense of community and belonging.

Recently, some villages have also positioned themselves as part of the wider community, inviting “locals” in to use their

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facilities such as the restaurant and bar, providing an authentic relationship with the neighbourhood.

Retirees today appreciate good architecture and interior design and are more demanding of well designed spaces. Buildings and their interior and exterior spaces need to be not only functional, warm, and safe but also light, open, spacious, stimulating. Well-considered enriching spaces can make people feel younger and let the human spirit thrive.

As with all of the buildings we design, environmental sustainability is important for senior living buildings.

Focus must not only be placed on energy efficiency, but also passive design features such as orientation to the sun and wind, natural ventilation and the use of low VOC (volatile organic compound) materials to ensure healthy living environments. These things don’t cost any extra but can add greatly to the quality of life.

With New Zealand’s ageing population and a focus on relishing retirement, both the design and facilities encompassed within senior living developments must continue to evolve to allow residents’ spirits to thrive!

Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects were tasked with landscaping this streamside property.

The garden nestles the organic forms of the house into the garden and stream area, creating a secluded, green sanctuary complemented by the mature vegetation – some were existing, and others are relocated specimens from a previous garden. The space around the house was designed using Japanese inspired vegetation and objects, reflectivity in mind.

Acers, cloud trees, tsukubai bowls, stone, and water were used to create this feeling of Zen.

03 366 8181

kamomarsh.co.nz RESIDENTIAL DESIGN / COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT / EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES / SUBDIVISIONS

HOME

WHICH HUE FOR YOU?

Resene Cashmere

T

hree soft colours, Resene Cashmere, Resene Twine, and Resene Lone Ranger, create a calm space and a soothing layered effect to match the texture of Betty Bouclé Occasional Chair by Le Forge from Ballantynes. Accessories have been used to mirror the curves.

The neutral pink of the Resene Cashmere wall is decorated with frames in warm tones of Resene Twine and Resene Lone Ranger.

A side table can sometimes be a focal point.

This Madras Link Ponte Brass Side Table with curved brass detailing and a glass top is a statement piece in this cosy nook.

Large woollen rugs like the Quadriglia rug from Dilana designed by artist Chiara Corbelletto bring a luxurious warmth underfoot. This graphic pattern brings warmth to the eye and echoes the curves of the chair.

Accenting the rug is a large sculptural sheepskin floor cushion. These can be used as a floor seat or footstool but are soft enough to cosy up and lay your head on for relaxed lounging or reading on the floor.

Adding interest and quirk, a final touch is the Gingko Smart Book Light. Here, it masquerades as a natural leather book, but when opened, it transforms into a sculptural long-lasting LED light that’s an ideal choice for a reading space.

Betty Bouclé Occasional Chair by Le Forge, Ponte Brass Side Table by Madras Link, and Gingko Smart Book Light from Ballantynes; Quadriglia

by Chiara Corbelletto from Dilana; Stone Set

by Wilson and Dorset from Ico Traders; Plant in Planter stylist’s own from Flourish Foliage; painted picture frames stylist’s own; Resene Cashmere, Resene Twine, and Resene Lone Ranger from Resene ColorShops.

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Resene Twine

Resene Lone Ranger

Our innovations often start in your head. Why? Because we want to enable your ideas to flourish.

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turns your idea into reality. We research the needs of cabinetry users to create products that improve

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HOME

GREEN FINGERS

M Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

y once-green fingers are now long gone, replaced with a team of trusty helpers who arrive monthly to mow, sow, and sort things that I would have once relished (a big ‘thank you’ to them for the job they do!).

You see, way, way back, I was a committed and dedicated gardener. I took pride in being able to recite the botanical names of many of the trees and plants we inherited in the homes we lived in.

I’d plant out big pots of annuals and bulbs, and I’d make regular pilgrimages to the Botanic Gardens to learn and look for new inspiration.

Where did all of that go?

I think, on reflection, it got buried somewhere between ‘I’m too busy’ and ‘it all feels too hard’, but the reality is I’m not, and it isn’t.

So, where do I start, and how do I recapture that most human of feelings, the desire to get your hands dirty?

My deepest inspiration is my grandparents.

My nana had the most exquisite garden, packed and planted with flowers that are today making a resurgence: dahlias, poppies, hydrangeas, roses – old and new – lily of the valley, and little blue forget-me-nots.

All of these beauties would make the journey from the garden to the vase, and

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I can honestly not remember a time when flowers weren’t present in the meticulously kept state house my beloved grandparents lived in all their lives.

Equally, my grandfather’s vegetables fed his family, children, and grandchildren throughout the years, and that was long before our love for the words ‘organic’ and ‘homegrown’ evolved.

My parents have maintained these traditions and surpluses from their abundant garden find their way into local ‘help yourself’ stalls as well as being dropped off at our home and office.

In this busy, mad, sad, sometimes bad world of ours, the most calming thing any of us can do is to breathe in the fresh air and beauty that surrounds us when we are in or working on a green space. The setting doesn’t have to be grand, large, or even meticulous.

The experience can be as simple as sitting under a tree, planting herbs, or walking in your or someone else’s garden.

It’s a panacea for many of the pressures that life can throw at us and well worth the effort.

So, I’m going to rekindle my gardening genes, roll my sleeves up and welcome the tasks an autumn garden requires.

I just have to ask my dad what those are.

Five ways to restore happiness in Fiji Whether it’s your New Year’s resolution to focus on health and wellness, to get back in touch with your inner adrenaline junkie or get back overseas to fall in love with the world again, it makes sense that the place where happiness finds you would be at the top of your list. We’ve rounded up five reasons why Fiji is the perfect spot to restore your happiness.

RECONNECT WITH NATURE Whether you step off the shores of your resort or venture out a little further, Fiji’s marine life is something of a natural wonder, untouched pristine reef, crystal clear waters, and if you’re lucky, you may even get to swim with a manta ray or a sea turtle.

MAKE MEMORIES THAT’LL LAST A LIFETIME Fiji is home to a floating bar in the middle of the ocean, with only marine life as their neighbour. Cloud 9, just a 45-minute boat ride from Port Denarau, has its own wood-fired pizzeria, bar, on-site DJs, and is in the middle of the ocean within the Mamanuca Islands archipelago.

FULL BELLY, FULL HEART Convinced drinking and dining in Fiji begins and ends at its resorts? Fiji’s vibrant – and varied – hospitality scene is coming of age. Local restaurants, cafés, and food tourism operators are celebrating both local flavours with a tip of the hat to its rich multicultural history.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE BULA SPIRIT In Fiji, ‘Bula’ is more than just a greeting – it’s a wish for happiness, good health, and the energy of life. You’ll hear it everywhere you go in Fiji, bookended with the largest smile you’ve ever seen; it’s impossible to not reiterate the pure joy that they radiate.

INVEST BACK INTO THE LOCALS Fiji has several brands and products showcasing the incredible talent of the locals. Rise Beyond the Reef is one of these brands, hiring local women to make stunning products, with a portion of the profits being returned back into the community. Pure Fiji and Nama Fiji are two incredible beauty lines, the latter using locally sourced sea grapes to make their product and employing local women from the Yasawa Islands.

Whether you flop and drop or head out on an adventure, there are so many reasons why Fiji is considered the place where happiness finds you. To learn more about travelling to Fiji or to dream up inspiration, visit fiji.travel/open.

IT’S A

BETTER HOME YOU OWN...

0800 22 22 36 www.goldenhomes.co.nz christchurch@goldenhomes.co.nz Visit one of our Showhomes today!

DESTINATION

Out for the day, or the week

WELLINGTON KAIKOURA

TIMARU LAKE HAWEA

SOUTHLAND

We’re pretty lucky in little old Aotearoa to get the seasons that we do – and coming up is one of the best, autumn. It’s still warm enough to enjoy our outdoors without your trusty puffer, and the colours turn to an artist’s muse with shades of gold, red, and brown. The following pages highlight some of the best destinations for the season, where to stay, and what to do. Grab your day pack or your suitcase and get out there, Kiwis!

DESTINATION

Family holiday itineraries Family holiday planning can be a little daunting. You want to make amazing memories with fun activities that suit everyone and have it all come within your budget.

So, we’ve taken some of the hard work out and put together a list of itineraries that will keep everybody happy, from teens to toddlers, with activities from free to paid throughout the Timaru District.

THE URBAN EXPLORER

THE NATURALIST

An urban explorer day involves shopping, dining, and beauty treatments in seaside city Timaru. Then crossing over the piazza to explore our inner-city beach – Caroline Bay. Download the free Timaru Trails App and take self-guided tours of Caroline Bay, the beautiful coastal walks, dynamic street art, and heritage buildings.

Caroline Bay has a resident rookery of kororā/little penguins. At 40cm, they are the smallest penguins in the world, and you can watch them come ashore for free after sunset under the illumination of the port lights.

There is also a pod of dolphins that lives just off Caroline Bay; you can sometimes see them in the bay area or not far offshore.

THE JUNIOR MECHANIC

THE BMX BANDIT

If you are into vintage machinery, you have come to the right place. Geraldine is a great base for the junior mechanic; there are ten museums in total to explore in Timaru District. Geraldine is also a popular destination for family holidays. Aside from fantastic activities for kids, there are loads of gourmet food options, including a gin distillery for tastings and informal tours, a gourmet butcher, a brewery, and artisan cheesemakers. Yum.

Centennial Park is a prime biking destination right in Timaru city. There are loads of bike tracks and also a BMX skills area. It’s a favourite inner-city destination for walkers and runners too, and it’s dog friendly. There’s a new trail linking Timaru and Pleasant Point to try; it’s the first leg in a trail that will eventually go to Tekapo. You can hire bikes from The Cyclery in Timaru and Geraldine Top 10. For the e-bike option, see Point E-Bikes or Geraldine Motels.

THE BUDDING FARMER

THE OUTDOOR ADVENTURER

The Geraldine Farmyard Holiday Park (pictured) is one of the most popular holiday parks in the South Island and a must-stay for animal lovers in the whānau. There is so much on-site entertainment, including loads of animals, a swimming pool, and a marshmallow pit. Famlan, a petting zoo in Timaru, has lots of friendly farmyard animals to feed and interact with on your visit. The Shearer’s Quarters is a go-to destination for great food, activities like minigolf and a maze, and of course, cute animals.

For a fantastic experience you can do with your outdoorsy/hunting and gathering loving teens, book in a two-day workshop with Geraldine Forge and Blades. You get to design and create a custom hunting/cooking knife. Lunch is provided.

Head to Huatekerekere/Little Mt Peel, regarded as one of the best half-day hikes in Canterbury.

Finish with refreshments at the iconic Green Man at Peel Forest. Caroline Bay is perfect for paddle boarding and water sports, or book in some surf lessons with South Canterbury Surf School.

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DESTINATION

Wellington’s autumnal treats GOLDEN LEAVES AT THE BOTANIC GARDEN

WINE TASTING IN MARTINBOROUGH

Autumn is a lovely time to visit the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā and see deciduous trees turning from green to gold. The garden covers 25 hectares of land near central Wellington and features protected native forest, conifers, plant collections, and seasonal displays. If the weather is a little nippy, you can escape into Begonia House, a warm and tranquil Victorian inspired conservatory, or pop into Picnic Cafe, which overlooks the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and serves up delicious lunches.

Martinborough’s grapes are being harvested and turned into award-winning wine in autumn. It’s an exciting time to soak up the idyllic atmosphere and sample the last of the summer wine. The best way to explore Martinborough is on two wheels, and local hire company Green Jersey’s got a bike, tandem, or rickshaw with your name on it. If you want to buy a few bottles to take home, no problem, the Green Jersey team will pick up the wine for you to collect when you’re done.

wellingtongardens.nz

greenjersey.co.nz

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DESTINATION

EAT DRINK PLAY FESTIVAL

TAKE TO THE TRAILS

Eat Drink Play challenges Wellington venues to take hospitality to the next level, with food and entertainment that would fit right in on the world stage. The multi-venue event puts a spotlight on local beverages, culinary delights, talented performers, top tier accommodation, and the city’s nightlife. It brings together expert chefs, bartenders, baristas, hoteliers, musicians, winemakers, craft brewers, artists, and bakers to share what they do best.

Whether you’re up for an amble through native bush, a casual wander with your dog, or an invigorating uphill climb rewarded by epic views, you’ll find all of this and more on Wellington’s regional trails. There are over 200 trails around the region with something for all fitness levels. The Wellington Regional Trails website has guides, maps, and all the information you need to plan your outdoor adventure.

6–29 May, eatdrinkplay.co.nz

wellingtonregionaltrails.com

TE WAI NGUNGURU

EXPLORE ON HORSEBACK

An immersive 3D installation by Lisa Reihana, Te Wai Ngunguru – Nomads of the Sea combines historical fact with speculative fiction.

Exhibited at Porirua’s Pātaka Art + Museum, it follows the journey of female convict Charlotte Badger, who made her way to Aotearoa in 1804. Te Wai Ngunguru explores cultural circumstances and where women could find agency at this time, and the contrast between European law and Māori morality.

As if the Kāpiti Coast wasn’t magical enough, there is something truly special about seeing people ride their horses freely along the beach. Just imagine the flick of horse tails and hoof prints in the sand, set against a perfect sunset over Kapiti Island. Te Horo Equestrian can make that a reality for you with their range of trekking experiences to fit your riding ability and confidence. They even offer pony rides for little ones.

On now until 3 July, pataka.org.nz

tehoroequestrian.nz

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DESTINATION

Savour the South in Southland As New Zealand’s ultimate nature and wildlife destination, Southland’s scenery spans lush rainforests, fertile farmlands, and rugged coastlines. Surrounded by both ocean and pasture, it really is the land of the plenty. Call it the ultimate surf’n’turf destination if you will. Enjoy succulent kaimoana, like the world-famous Bluff oyster. Watch that fish you reeled in off the coast of Rakiura Stewart Island be transformed into a mouth-watering dish right before your eyes, or take your pick from the exceptional tasting grass-fed lamb, prime pasture-fed beef, and the finest venison. Southland has something for you!

CHEESE ROLL

BLUFF OYSTERS

The infamous cheese roll is a local tradition Bluff oysters are reputed to be the best in the that is a must-try for any traveller to Southland. world and New Zealand’s national treasure.

It’s not called “southern sushi” for nothing; the These delicious shellfish are dredged along humble cheese roll is a delicacy that requires the coastlines of Southland between March finesse, an often-secret recipe, and hands and August. Originating in the pristine, cool well-trained in the art of the roll. There are a lot waters of the Foveaux Strait, one of the few of different recipes floating around, anywhere natural oyster beds in the world, Bluff oysters from the classic cheese roll to a cheese roll are known for their unique flavour that is loved with crayfish, stuffed with chorizo, made around the globe. And what better place to pay with sheep cheese, or even deep-fried! Try a homage to the mighty Tio Paruparu than at the Southland Cheese Roll – you’re worth it. annual Bluff Oyster and Food Festival in May.

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DESTINATION

PADDOCK TO PLATE

FOODIE ROAD TRIP

Southland’s lush, rich soils provide an abundance of local seasonal food. Many cafés and restaurants make a conscious effort to support local businesses by creating fresh and sustainably produced dishes. Swedes, oats, venison, and lamb are staples to look out for, whilst the infamous Hokonui Moonshine should not be missed. Experience the taste of Southland by visiting farms, roadside stalls, local restaurants, farmers’ markets, and by trying products from artisan producers.

Perhaps the best way to discover all that Southland has to offer is to go on our self-drive foodie road trip. Alongside exquisite southern cuisine, you’ll also experience spectacular landscapes, friendly locals, and hidden gems.

Embrace an unforgettable journey across the stunning, dramatic landscapes that shape this unspoilt region, with plenty of stops to tickle your tastebuds, and we promise you are going to love every moment of this treasured piece of New Zealand.

SAVOUR THE SOUTH

YOU’RE DUE SOUTH

Whether it be an abundance of Bluff oysters, Stewart Island salmon, or tender Fiordland venison, Southland’s ingredients provide a gastronomic experience like no other. In April, they are celebrated with Savour the South, an annual autumn festival recognising the tastiest dishes and drops, outstanding accommodation, and shining a light on the beautiful region’s hospitality.

Fabulous food offerings are complemented by events and happenings throughout.

There’s great food everywhere – discover a new café, pub, restaurant down the main street, or off the beaten track. They say, “a recipe has no soul – the cook puts the soul into the dish,” and in Southland, you will discover talented chefs seamlessly pairing tradition with modern techniques and trends. Throughout the south, amazing food producers, restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and more, serve up innovative tastes and textures.

It’s time to Savour the South; visit southlandnz.com for more information.

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DESTINATION

EPIC FAMILY PACKAGE Dolphin Encounter, 96 Esplanade, Kaikōura dolphinencounter.co.nz An Epic Family Package adventure in Kaikōura could be just the ticket to ignite some fun right now. Included in the package is two nights’ accommodation, a Dolphin Encounter watching adventure to see the acrobatic dusky dolphins, family passes to mini golf, the museum, the movies, plus a café voucher! Check out this incredible deal on the Dolphin Encounter website in the deals and packages section.

WE LOVE…

…the culture on offer – the Mayfair Arts and Culture Centre and the Kaikōura Museum.

Along with the abundance of marine life and beautiful coastline, Kaikōura has a growing and unique range of experiences.

CROSS HILL LODGE & DOMES State Highway 6, Lake Hawea crosshill.co.nz This is guaranteed to be a unique experience. The folks at Cross Hill Lodge & Domes provide high country hospitality at its best, and guests become part of the family. You’ll find six premium geodesic domes in Lake Hawea with en suites, heating, and modern furnishings to use as a base from which to explore the region before sharing stories of your day over a paddock-to-plate inspired dinner.

WE LOVE…

…the secluded Whiskey Room for relaxing and the hot tub with views over the forest-like grounds.

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PALATE

FOUR OF THE SEASON

LOVE CHOUX

WHAT THE CHOC?

FLAVOUR CLOUDS

The Saint Honoré is traditionally a gateau made to celebrate the patron saint of bakers, and is now local patisserie Butter’s excuse to use more beautiful vanilla beans.

Its vanilla pastry shell is filled with tender vanilla caramel, a light vanilla crème pâtissière, and topped with a vanilla infused Chantilly cream. It is garnished with crunchy caramel petit choux. This naughty treat feeds four to six sweet tooths.

So you think you’ve had good chocolate before? Well unless you’ve had Chocboii’s choc, then you definitely haven’t. Joey Williams creates limited edition chocolate packs with abstract themes, and he manages to capture the essence of emotions with non-traditional flavours and textures. His products are exclusively sold through Instagram, you’ve got to get in quick though – he sells out quicker than you can say chocola…

What is a dacquoise, you may ask?

You will find them at Doubles Café and Eatery on Worcester Street and these ‘biscuits’ are made up of an almond meringue biscuit base with an Italian meringue buttercream filling. The filling flavours change regularly at Doubles and the kitchen team usually does tiramisu, salted caramel, berry, or Earl Grey milk chocolate. We promise they’re delicious, and they are gluten-free too!

@butter_nz

@chocboiii

@doubles.cafe

AUTUMN SPICE With cooler weather on the way, the Tramway Restaurant is now offering its autumn menu. Featuring plenty of delicious dishes ideal for the changing seasons and delectable desserts from Sweet Soul Patisserie, the menu includes this blueberry and cardamom spice delight with blueberry compote, vanilla mousse, and cardamom spice cake.

With changing scenery outside the windows and a unique curated dining experience, the restored vintage tramcar is the perfect place to celebrate all sorts of occasions. christchurchattractions.nz

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CLINK!

A COOL CHANGE

BY THE POOL

PERKY

NO FOMO

Award-winning brewery Cassels lets us take a trip away while not leaving our backyard deckchairs with the Tropican.

This limited release IPA is described as Tropicana by name, tropical by nature. It is fruity and pale gold in colour, delivering bright, refreshing aromas and juicy tropical flavours.

Try it with one of Woolston Brewery Bar’s pizzas or from your six-pack.

This ain’t a pre-mixer like you’re used to. The Neat Espresso Martini

by Good George is as quality as you would get out on the town. It has bold coffee notes combined with hints of chocolate, making it smooth and creamy. This is thanks to cold brew coffee from Raglan Roast Coffee and small batched distilled vodka. Just cool, shake, and serve.

Alongside its alcoholic range, Auckland-based Finery has a selection of booze-free sparkling cocktails. Our pick is the Ginger Green Tea Honey Mint and Lemon. These are more than just fancy sodas and will leave you feeling guilt-free all around, with no sugar and all-natural ingredients.

Take this to your next party and leave the fear of missing out behind.

cassels.nz

goodgeorge.kiwi.nz

finerycocktails.co.nz

DON’T MISS A BEET Grater Goods’ Beetballs (pictured here) are the closest thing to a rich, saucy Italian meatball you can possibly muster – all the while being plant-based and ethically responsible. Flip and the team have an exceptionally delicious dinner menu for you to experience. No corners are cut when it comes to taste, and their Orbell Street location is home to a stellar wine list and everything you could want to experience in a plant-based restaurant. Want to give your culinary skills a flex? Try the beetballs at home; Grater Goods’ vegan pantry offers tonnes of take-home options for your next night in. gratergoods.co.nz

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CLINK!

Join the Club

P

eter Rowley may be a familiar name to you – a national television and movie stalwart who has worked with the likes of Billy T James, McPhail and Gadsby, and more. Now, thanks to a serendipitous encounter with a dusty attic box, the infamous ‘Laughing Club’ has been reinstated, and you’re invited along for a tipple.

The Laughing Club was the brainchild of Lord Geoffrey Reardon, the charismatic and legendary racounteur who rubbed shoulders with the likes of Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin, and Jean Harlow, to name a few. Raffles Hotel in Singapore was the birthplace of The Laughing Club – an exclusive club for those who loved to socialise over tennis, croquet, and the odd game of cricket at the local common whilst partaking in champagne or gin. A time of prohibition and a bit of good-natured, hedonistic fun.

Fast forward to more recent times, and Peter has set off to ‘sell the sizzle’ with the

aforementioned box, filled with recipes from the 1920s.

The Laughing Club is giggling once again.

Peter and the team behind The Laughing Club’s gin range recreate Lord Reardon’s original recipes to an exceptional quality, combining deep artesian water with an infusion of exotic botanicals. Traditional copper pot stills triple distil in small batches to ensure the original exquisiteness is kept.

Commonly, gin is made with ethanol – a ‘neutral grain’ alcohol. This has a neutral smell, taste, clear colour, and a very low number of impurities. All in all, making for an excellent bottle of your new favourite aqua vitae. With stockists in the South Island such as Ballantynes and The Juniper Collective, you can pick up a bottle somewhere near you today.

Famously, the Queen Mother remarked that The Laughing Club gin was like ‘drinking silk’ – now if that isn’t a prized recommendation, what is?

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SUNDAY DRIVE

The Dramrover 2012 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 OWNED BY WHISKY GALORE

AS TOLD TO Joshua Brosnahan

T

he DramRover is our on-road mascot. Classic, rugged, and powerful, it personifies the story of Scotch whisky perfectly. Land Rover stopped production of this very old design back in 2016, and so this model is now a bit of an icon in the motoring world. So much so that when you’re on the road and you see a fellow Land Rover, it is customary to give a wee flash of the lights or a subtle wave from the top of the steering wheel.

The sense of community when driving the DramRover is something we hold very dear. There is something rather special about parking up to make a dram delivery and having folk stop to reminisce with you about when they had a similar beast back in the day. We’re essentially driving around a piece of history. When off duty, the DramRover spends a lot of time in the Canterbury high country on hunting and fishing expeditions. Needless to say, The DramRover has been a wonderful addition to our wee Whisky Galore family; give her a wave next time you see her making the rounds!

ALL ABOARD

Winter proofing

W Ali Jones Writer, broadcaster, and housebus adventurer @housebusdylan @dylanthehousebus

e’ve been on the road for about system to spread the log burner heat to the three months now, and it feels like back of the bus where the bedroom is; there’s a new way of living rather than tiling to do, curtains to put up to keep the heat an extended holiday. The minimal living is in, and finally, painting inside to finish. Other fantastic, with very little clutter helped along things like somewhere to put wet clothes and with mindful decision making about what we jackets when coming inside has to be sorted. bring on board and whether we really need it.

While Dylan is being prepped for winter, we Most work-related meetings are still done via are staying in Methven and really enjoying it.

Zoom, creating interesting feedback when my There are two toilets and a washing machine. background is a line of campervans or the inside Wahoo! But we miss the coming and going of of the gazebo. At one recent video meeting, other campers and motorhomes and caravans someone asked if I was at the Cranmer Square being directed into a site as though a jumbo protest in a tent. The last time I sat in Cranmer jet is being brought to land. “Ok… ok… plenty Square was in the mid-1980s, and I was wearing of room….. STOP!” a Christchurch Girls’ High uniform.

We miss giving other campers names like “Mr Our thoughts have turned to being ready for Underpants” (who always wore his jocks when winter with the cooler weather approaching. riding his motorbike around the campground) Rob has put in a new bench. It’s fabulous or “fluffy dog people” (there should be laws and gives us much more space in the narrow about how many fluffy dogs are allowed in a walkway where the kitchen is. It also doubles campervan). We miss waking up to a different as a stand-up desk. Underneath is space to view when we move somewhere else and being put shelves for shoes, the dog bowls, and able to just drive, anywhere. However, the price other things we’ve been tripping over. of fuel will be dictating that a bit more.

The gruntier winter-proofing includes Dylan isn’t going in for work until the installing a diesel heater because although the middle of this month, so we’re off to the log burner is wonderful, it does smoke a bit, Pukaki canals near Tekapo for a week or so. creates dust in a small space, and is actually Fishing, biking, sleeping, and more ZOOMING too efficient. We will need a heat transfer with a different background.

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HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

Murray

TUAHIWI & AROWHENUA

“I was born in Christchurch, but I started “When the building started getting going, it from the bottom of the South Island when I was [when] the cowboys came in. Robbed was a young fella. Mum and Dad had farms everybody of their money, you had to go back in Cromwell, Wanaka, Tarras. When Mum and fix people’s houses. That really cheesed me and Dad retired, they retired to Timaru. I off. A cobber and me – we were partners – while worked for a building firm in Timaru for we were doing one house, we got a guy in to do years. I worked mostly up here, and ah, got a some piling. He took good piles out and put old wee farm down in Timaru, my house burned piles in and took them away. Cowboys! down, so I thought I might as well come up “I go round the suburbs, and other places here to work. and I see a big change. Where I live, I can go “I moved here fourteen years ago, but I’ve one block – I’m only two streets over from the worked in Christchurch for the last 30 years.

Avon – and there’s nothing where it used to be Well, I worked for the firm that built the suburbs. I went out to the beach this morning, stadium, the AMI stadium. That’s now gone. to New Brighton. All that was houses, it’s gone.

Yeah, we did a lot of work up here. I got shipped The biggest change is the people; people are up here; there were about half a dozen of totally different. I’ve seen it over the years. us. We had a house up here, but you worked They’re not as trustworthy as they used to be. with the guys all day. You didn’t want to stay “Now I’m retired, doing as little as possible, with them all night as well! I can go around doing my gardens, growing my plants, and Christchurch and say I built the foundations of mowing my lawns. I go to the beach, yeah, I that. The old courthouse, [I] did all that up. just like travelling around. I’m happy being “Since the earthquakes, I have repaired up here. When I leave, they can carry me back heaps and heaps of houses in Christchurch, to Temuka and bury me there! But I won’t be the last 10 to 11 years. leaving here for a long time.” facebook.com/humansofchch 64