Avenues, July 2023

Five

EDITOR’S NOTE

Legacy

Ican’t help but marvel at the ever-changing canvas of nature before me. The vibrant colours of summer and hues of autumn have given way to the muted tones of winter. It is a powerful reminder that change is inevitable, and it touches every aspect of our lives.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, we are fortunate to witness the beauty of change not only in nature but also in our communities. As the seasons shift, we are reminded of the upcoming Matariki, a time when our nation comes together to celebrate and honour the Māori new year. It is a time of reflection, remembrance, and renewal – a testament to the enduring spirit of our land and its people. A theme of focus in this month’s edition.

We also delve into the world of design, speaking with talented individuals who have left an indelible mark on their respective fields. From the lighting designers who capture timelessness in their projects to interior specialists who transform living spaces into works of art to the builders continuing a proud legacy.

You may notice our magazine looks different this month. Our friends at The Press have asked us to make a couple of binding changes to fit into their paper better. This new look will ensure you continue having a magazine delivered to your door each month.

Take a moment to embrace the changing seasons outside your window and allow the transformative power of design to leave an imprint on your heart and mind. I hope you enjoy this issue, and may it spark a renewed appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us and the extraordinary talent that shapes our place in the world.

Wishing you a season of discovery and inspiration.

Liam Stretch Editor

Matariki – a time to come together.

Primary teachers getting paid more. We value you!

Returning parts of the Red Zone to its natural state.

The CCC approving the Urban Forest Plan. Yay, trees!

Resene Good To Go is a bitter fresh green, positive and invigorating.

NAH

YEAH

Arguments over cycleways. Surely, we’ve got better things to focus on!

The closure of 12 Bar. Developers killing our live music venues one at a time.

months till Christmas! Let that sink in.

The theft of a local trust’s mobility vans. Lowest of the low.

Antonio Hall’s derelict state. Who do we need to call?

Serax

SHAPE VASES

145 Victoria Street Christchurch, 8013 +64 3 353 0586 christchurch@ecc.co.nz

ecc.co.nz

THE TEAM

Publisher Lisa Phelan lisa@27publishers.co.nz

Editor Liam Stretch liam@27publishers.co.nz

Art Director Lucy Arnold lucy@27publishers.co.nz

GM Advertising Shelley Eccleton shelley@27publishers.co.nz

Accounts & Admin Hilary Armstrong accounts@27publishers.co.nz

PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lynette McFadden, Federico Pagola, Kate Underwood, Sam Parish, Eva Urlwin, DunedinNZ, Jeff McEwan, Dr Reuben Woods, Chelita Zainey, Noah Mackie, Wendy Riley, Hannah Harte, Kim Newth, Anna Scaife, Dave Richards, Anna McLeod, Tonia Shuttleworth, Joseph Johnson, Centuri Chan, Sarah Mankelow, Neil Macbeth, Jason Boa, Ioana Cristiana

CONTACT US

hello@27publishers.co.nz

Facebook.com/avenuesmagazine

Instagram.com/avenuesmagazine

Avenues.net.nz

Produced by Twenty Seven Publishers Limited PO Box

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

A work by Nightworks, the Tasman Pendant Double.

Presented in partnership with

Image: Susan Bullock and Gerald Finlay 2021 production, Theatre of Sound (UK)

A FEAST OF KNOWLEDGE

As part of Feast Matariki, Ngāi Tahu and Eat New Zealand are offering a series of Mahika Kai workshops in Ōtautahi. Join them to hear insights from four esteemed experts, including Joseph Hullen and Makarini Rupene, representing Ngāi Tahu. Indulge in delicious kai while Hana O’Regan emcees the afternoon. 9 July, Ilex Café. feastmatariki.nz

LIFE LESSONS

WHETU

Corazon, a skilled artisan from Waitaha, has crafted a stunning oval copper brooch adorned with brass stars depicting the Matariki constellation. Wear as a brooch, adorning a winter coat or transform into a pendant on a hand-plaited cord featuring a sterling silver hook and accompanying stars. corazon.felt.co.nz

Tikanga serves as a compass for comprehending the modern Māori world. In this long-awaited book, Keri Opai, a linguist and educator, offers a unique and accessible exploration of Māoridom for Pakehā and those unfamiliar with Māori culture. With clarity and expertise, Opai illuminates the essence and significance of being Māori in the 21st century, dispelling misconceptions and fostering understanding. This insightful work instills a sense of pride and appreciation for the tangata whenua (people of the land) that transcends cultural boundaries. Opai’s extensive background as a linguistic expert and cultural advisor lends authority to his invaluable contributions. upstartpress.co.nz

HANDMADE GOODNESS

Handmade is always better. The preserves and condiments made by Taste Manaaki feature traditional Māori ingredients with a contemporary twist. Crafted at Omaka Marae, nestled in the picturesque Marlborough wine country, these jarred delights are inspired by the wisdom of the marae’s kuia (matriarchs). Each product is carefully handmade, using freshly harvested seasonal ingredients, and free from artificial additives or colours. With four in the range, a favourite at Avenues HQ is the Piripiri Plum Chutney, made with locally grown Black Doris Plums, simmered with a touch of sugar and a unique peppery blend. tastemanaaki.com

HEALTH HUB

The Health Technology Centre at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, based in part of the Centre’s original School of Engineering buildings, offers a distinct co-working space for developing health technology companies and the wider health tech community. This environment encourages innovation and synergy among stakeholders. artscentre.org.nz

WHAKARAUPŌ’S ART

Rei, a Māori-led gallery and wānanga (education) space at the foot of Ōhinehou, Lyttelton showcases a diverse collective of artists at various stages of their careers, specialising in mahi toi, sculpture, paintings, and jewellery. Rooted in the principles of tino rangatiratanga and toi Māori, Rei aims to creatively consolidate the relationships between tangata whenua and tangata tiriti. Founded by Whakaraupō Carving Centre’s Damian Mackie, Ngāti Wheke, and a dedicated team, the gallery and carving centre work in tandem, empowering rangatahi and community members. With the arrival of Matariki, Rei eagerly anticipates its inaugural exhibition. reimaori.com

STAR LEARNER

COME TOGETHER

Dinners of Selwyn (17 July) is celebrating Matariki. People are invited to bring kai honouring Tupuārangi, the fourth star. This star represents elevated foods like winter berries and fruits. Don’t forget to bring your favourite family games. Families are welcome at this alcohol-free event. RSVP by July 13.

selwyn.govt.nz

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is the perfect place to learn more about Matariki. Their resources range from colouring and activities for tamariki through to handbooks on the special time of year. Delve into one of their excellent videos explaining the star cluster and the meanings behind the individual whetu (stars), what Matariki means, what to acknowledge and how to respectfully celebrate the national holiday. Te Wānanga o Aotearoa also runs a range of courses teaching everything from certificates in Tikanga to a Master of Applied Indigenous Knowledge. twoa.ac.nz

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KA MUA, KA MURI

This exhibition showcases the artwork of both established (tuakana) and emerging (teina) Māori artists inspired by the tuakana/ teina relationship. Curated by Ngahina BeltonBodsworth (Te Ati Awa, Ngāti Rarua, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Toa, Muaūpoko, Rangitane, English, Scottish, and Irish heritage), it delves into the intricate dynamics of intergenerational influence, support, and challenge.

4–15 July, Pūmanawa Community Exhibition Space, The Arts Centre, artscentre.org.nz

MURDER! AT THE HOTEL LE BON

Be whisked back to Hollywoodland as Play Space Productions transforms the incomparable Riccarton House once again. When a murder rocks the premiere of the latest 1940s blockbuster, tempers will flare as secrets are spilt and suspects discover who’s in cahoots with who. Any glitterati worth their salt will be there, so bring your friends to sleuth out whodunit for yourselves in Christchurch’s most luxurious murder mystery experience. Dress up is encouraged. 1940s-themed canapes are included, and there will be a cash bar.

26–29 July and 4 August, Riccarton House and Bush playspaceproductions.com

PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s ground-breaking album, The Dark Side of the Moon. For the past 25 years, The Pink Floyd Experience has captivated audiences in Australasia and South Africa with their exceptional renditions of Pink Floyd’s music, earning consistent critical acclaim. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience their remarkable performances firsthand.

15 July, Wolfbrook Arena pinkfloydexperience.co.nz

BEAUTIFUL COLLISION

New Zealand music icon Bic Runga is embarking on a tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her highly successful album Beautiful Collision. Released in 2002, Beautiful Collision includes popular tracks like Get Some Sleep, Something Good, and Listening For The Weather. The multi-award-winning artist will be joined by special guest Georgia Lines and will play at the city’s Isaac Theatre Royal.

21 July, Isaac Theatre Royal isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

Merging in to and emerging out of the bush

Enriching the way people live, work and play through architecture and interior design

BUILDING

DARK DAYS

Netflix’s The Days retells the story of the Fukushima Power Plant disaster in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. This gripping eight-episode drama mini-series has some scarily realistic visual effects and captures the suspense of the unfolding events. Be sure to watch it in the original Japanese audio with subtitles, not the default English dubbed.

LEGACY OF ART

The Artist by Ruby Solly (Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe, Kāi Tahu) is a mesmerising verse novel that weaves together the history and traditions of Southern iwi. Solly’s evocative storytelling brings to life cave art, pounamu birds, and legendary tales. This enchanting book immerses readers in a rich cultural tapestry, celebrating the whakapapa and heritage of its characters.

KIMBRA’S BACK

Breakout hit, Somebody I Used to Know by Gotye saw featured artist Kikirkiriroa-born Kimbra become a household name. Now the artist is back with her first album since 2018. In A Reckoning, she maintains her ethereal expression and combines it with alternative electro-pop, resulting in an atmospheric catalogue. A standout track is a duet with Ryan Lott – foolish thinking.

URZILA’S WORLD

The podcast That’s Enough Already with Urzila Carlson is a tummy-tickling dive into the comedian’s world as she interviews a range of fascinating guests – from authors to world-famous comics. Strap in for a ride with her signature wit and clever takes on contemporary issues. You’ll also get the low down on the comedian’s rather funny personal life. You can find it on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Untitled

Artist Ikarus and YSEK

Date October 2021

Location New Brighton Mall

WATCH THIS SPACE

While graffiti art is built on the concept of writing your name (or moniker) in a bold and stylish proclamation of existence, a more literal presence in the form of striking characters has long been a key creative element of the form. On one of New Brighton’s several legal walls, Ōtautahi artists Ikarus and YSEK combine these two elements to a bold and impressive effect. Ikarus’ X-Ray styled ‘piece’ pops off the wall, the black fill contrasting with the blue dropblock and the thin yellow outline. The bones inside each letter reveal the structure of the form and suggest the living nature of the

name, heightening the existential aspect of the painting. To the right, YSEK, who hails from Chile, adds one of his signature anthropomorphised animals. The cheeky Rhino, with a backwards cap, red t-shirt and crooked teeth, looks over their shoulder, spray can in hand, seemingly responsible for the handiwork before us, constructing a narrative world for the artwork to inhabit. The combination of the name and the character reveals the collaborative potential of graffiti art, each acknowledging the other and realising a cohesive whole.

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/1020

FRESHEN UP

1 FACE TIME

Whakaora: cure, heal, remedy. Poipoia Ōtautahi Whakaroa Face Oil is a uniquely crafted blend to nourish, rejuvenate, and heal your skin with its natural goodness. Enriched with Kawakawa-infused cold-pressed grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, and grapefruit essential oil. All Poipoia Ōtautahi products are made by hand by Nikkita Koia in Christchurch. hapa.co.nz

2 BEE COOL

Ellis Brooklyn’s Bee Eau De Parfum combines a tantalising blend of spicy notes. Let the harmonious fusion of honey, rum, vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa absolute, and sandalwood transport you to a realm of deliciousness. Spritz with absolute abandon and let this addictive fragrance envelop you in its irresistible charm.

meccabeauty.co.nz

3 NAILED IT!

Wild Skin’s Cuticle Oil Pen in Sweet Sandalwood will have your nails singing its praise! Jasmine top notes are accompanied by the warm embrace of cedarwood and gardenia mid-notes and a blend of rich sandalwood and musk at the base. Vitamin E and jojoba nourish your nails and cuticles.

wildskin.co.nz

4 FIGHT BACK

Ageing is a privilege, but you don’t have to put up with the wrinkly, sagging skin that goes with it! There are now effective treatments that are non-invasive, painless, fast, and, most importantly, with no downtime. EndyMed’s facial tightening treatments provide effective collagen remodelling by rebuilding the collagen building blocks in the skin. This restores your skin’s strong and firm structure, helping it restore itself from the inside out! Only available at the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic.

skinrejuvenationclinic.co.nz

WHAT TO WEAR...

For a night out on New Regent Street.

| Gold and diamond Starry Starry Ngaio ring by Adele Stewart, $650 adelestewart.felt.co.nz

Coach Milky Pink sunglasses, $267 sunglasshut.com

| Activator 7 Body+Hair+Face Oil, $65 and Cellular Repair Body+Face Lotion, $59 sansceuticals.com

| Lisbeth Ladybird silk dress, $929 juliettehogan.com

| Nikki Williams Harriet mini saddle, $379 devalboutique.nz

| Ana plunge bra, $95, and Ana brief, $50 thefittingroom.co.nz

Sol Sana Archie boot, $309 ballantynes.co.nz | Atoir Sand coat, $889 superette.co.nz

Saturday 5th August 2023 | 7.30pm - 1.00am

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

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Design

It all begins with good design.

There’s the creative duo shaking up the lighting game, the home stagers behind some of the region’s most successful sales, and the building company carving out a strong legacy.

We also chat with our Waitaha Canterbury design community making their mark on the region and beyond.

THE LIGHT SIDE

WORDS Liam Stretch

Nightworks is an Ōtautahi Christchurchbased lighting showroom and studio making waves in the industry with its unique and innovative lighting designs. Husband and wife Kiri and Ben Wahrlich are the creative minds behind this business.

Kiri’s background in graphic design and Ben’s in mechanical engineering and product design perfectly complement each other. After working independently for various design agencies in Sydney, they decided to venture into developing their own products. Their first success, a moulded leather pendant light, gave them the confidence to focus solely on lighting design.

Nightworks is an extension of their aesthetic. Their studio and showroom, located in the classic Christchurch landmark, the Poynton House, designed by David Allen on Oxford Terrace, showcases their products alongside carefully curated mid-century pieces collected over the years. Even in their own home, designed by Gavin Willis in 1973, their products have a place. Following a renovation last year, the pair “naturally jumped at the opportunity” to include a selection of Nightworks creations.

“We’re big mid-century design and architecture fans; we live and breathe it. From here, we have adopted the ideas of high quality, well made, robust materials.”

This respect for the process and craftsmanship feeds into Kiri and Ben’s and Nightworks’ ability to strike a balance between innovation and timelessness.

This innovation starts at the simplest part of lighting – the lighting source. Advancements in LED technology mean they can design the light source itself.

“This gives us the opportunity to create lighting products that push traditional,

familiar manufacturing techniques in poetic and creative ways.”

Also spurring on this innovation is what the pair term “the freedom to create without restriction”.

Ben defines it like this, “We have many architects as friends, and you often hear them speak of a dream client. This is someone that has a loose brief and is confident in the architect’s abilities to let them do their thing. We are our own clients. So there are no budgets or boundary lines to stick to, so to speak. We set our own rules.”

Kiri says, “Ben really is the ideas person; he’s drawing nearly every day.” From there, the pair’s ideas are then developed further. Using 3D CAD modelling and rendering, they can visualise the design in different environments. Clay modelling, paper models, or 3D printing all help to finalise the design.

The design principles at Nightworks follow the mantra that ‘form follows function’.

“We have to create products that perform a task in the home, hotel or café. They have to be well made and function well, then we design around this base,” Ben says.

This approach to quality has been noticed. Nightworks has already left its mark with notable projects, like a large scale statement chandelier in Christchurch’s Public Trust building, and a custom suspension for an art collector in Seattle, Washington.

“Our light was a centrepiece in a large void surrounded by international art.”

Some exciting developments also await, including a collaboration with Christchurch brand David Shaw Furniture.

With an unwavering commitment to innovation, impeccable craftsmanship, and timeless design, Ben and Kiri will continue to illuminate the world of lighting design with their unique and captivating creations.

JOYFUL COMPOSITION

For Lynette McFadden, Kate Burmester, and Petra Jack, the home is truly where the heart is. They’ve taken this concept and run with it, forming a business supporting and boosting the sales of homes.

“Au Staging was developed as an adjunct to the business [Harcourts Gold] because we thought it could support our consultants and clients,” says Lynette, owner and creative director.

The home staging on offer fits most clients’ needs, and Lynette adds, “We do very highvalue homes through to little villas and first homes. We’re thrilled to do the whole gambit.”

For vacant properties, there’s the Full Property Stage, providing all necessary items to style the property appropriately, suiting new builds, investment properties, or situations where occupants can move out during the sale process. The Partial Property Stage service combines selected existing items with the team’s staging items, creating a cohesive and stylish look. They may incorporate existing personal items like beds, couches, and artwork, enhancing them with fresh linen, beautiful décor, and their signature style.

The Property Style service guides homeowners in decluttering, furniture arrangement, and adding luxurious touches such as fresh linen and towels for viewings. This service is perfect for homeowners who wish to remain in the property during the sale process, as it transforms the space while allowing comfortable living. They also offer short-term rental options tailored to staging for purposes other than selling, such as photoshoots, marketing materials, or show homes.

Lynette says the key is capturing emotion and the human aspect of homes; only a bespoke approach works for this.

“Often you’ll go to other staged homes and think of them as exactly that, staged. But people will invariably say to us, “Gosh, is there someone living here?” – which is a compliment. You have to feel the emotion. Like someone is living there and popped out to the shops.”

This bespoke appearance is achieved through their commitment to quality and composition, guided by their “look book”. This consists of several distinctive styles, each charming and appealing. Inspired by Lynette herself, the “eclectic look” is characterised by expert layering techniques, bursts of colour, and surprise elements that bring joy and interest to any space. The “contemporary look” offers a minimalist approach to modern or architecturally designed homes, allowing statement pieces, exceptional artwork, and clean layouts to shine. The “transitional style” combines old and new furnishings, creating a stage with character and flair. The “rustic” design uses raw and exposed elements, unique furnishings, and textured accents to create an inviting and casual feel. Finally, the “traditional with an edge” style caters to properties with a unique style of their own, blending seamlessly with the existing interiors to create a timeless look.

Lynette emphasises the bespoke nature of their service. She checks every detail, ensuring the highest quality and composition. Unlike other staged homes that can feel impersonal, the trio aims to evoke emotion and make potential buyers feel as though they’re home. Lynette sources items from all over the world, including beautiful artworks and unique pieces, often collaborating with photographers and artists. She even admits to occasionally borrowing items from her own home, much to her husband’s chagrin!

austaging.co.nz

BUILDING DREAMS

Both Aaron Hooper and Carl Fordyce began their careers as carpentry apprentices. From this solid foundation, they built their respective careers in the construction industry and, over the past 30 years, have accumulated a wealth of knowledge. When the opportunity arose to team up as the owneroperators of David Reid Homes Canterbury, they knew it was the right fit for them.

Now, three years later, Aaron manages processes and contracts, ensuring seamless operations, while Carl, armed with wisdom and insight, manages construction. They also have a dedicated team working in their office and on site.

The pair continue a significant and longstanding history in the Canterbury region where David Reid Homes began 30 years ago.

Sales manager Diana Creighton says, “We love it when clients can pinpoint one of our builds from a decade or two ago that they still admire when they drive past today – it is an acknowledgement of timeless quality and design that we aspire to.”

“We are very lucky in our region that we have opportunities to build in all types of locations, whether being close to the ocean, on the Port Hills, next to a meandering Canterbury stream, on the flat, or in the High-Country area of the Southern Alps.”

Diana says what sets them apart is how their team collaborates with their clients to customise their plans and specifications to their individual needs.

Understanding clients’ personalities is crucial. The team actively listens to their

vision, preferences, and inspirations. “The most important consideration is to listen well right from the get-go.”

“We use a few trusted architects, so it is a case of aligning the client with the right one. We ask for plenty of information very early in the process, such as magazine articles, images, mood boards, or any houses they love the look of to help us determine the right design. We can guide our customers as far as costs and clever use of space, but at the end of the day, it is their home, so we really need to understand who they are.”

Notable projects include building high on the Port Hills, a home tailored to the client’s interior design choices, and a homestead at MacDonald Downs Station, completed for a special family wedding.

“We had an exciting build on Major Hornbrook Road at the top of the Port Hills. The clients had a clear vision and wanted to showcase the spectacular view. It was great working with homeowners that aren’t afraid to put their own stamp on their home, particularly the interior of the house, which they are now very proud to call home.”

Their commitment to excellence and a human approach to building has earned them recognition within the industry, and they are entered in the 2023 Registered Master Builder House of the Year Awards in the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 – $1 million category.

Aaron and Carl are committed to building bespoke architectural homes that stand the test of time, which people are sure to point out in years to come.

davidreidhomes.co.nz

HANDCRAFTED BEAUTY

Forget-me-nots, begonia leaves, lily of the valley, ladybirds, cherry blossom, bluebells, butterfly wings, cornflowers, thistles, dandelions, and many more of Aotearoa’s flora and fauna feature in the stunningly handcrafted, meticulous designs of Adele Stewart.

Working with natural gemstones, glass enamel, and metals, such as red, yellow, or rose gold and sterling silver, her finely detailed works of wearable art are both delicate and enduring. Every one of them is unique; “Each piece ends up a bit of a surprise, just as nature intends.”

Working from a petite studio in her solar-powered tiny home nestled in the West Coast bush, Adele is surrounded by the resplendent beauty of nature, inflorescences, moss, and towering ancient trees – and loves to focus on the minutiae of the wilderness around her. She has always adored flowers and was able to

name multiple varieties from the age of three, taking her mother’s friends on tours of the family garden. Once she left school, she was immediately accepted as an apprentice at Landau Jewellery and has spent the following two decades perfecting her craft. She is a highly trained and experienced gemstone setter – a rare skill set – with an incredible knowledge of the properties of a vast array of gemstones and precious metals.

A setter’s speciality is the task of attaching gemstones to jewellery, a complex and challenging process that needs to deliver a secure and accurate fit while enhancing the beauty of the stone within its overall design.

Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula residents can enjoy seeing her work in person at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre or the delightful Little River Gallery. Adele is also a maker with the local creative collective Felt and shares her work online and on social media.

adelestewartmaker.co.nz

WORDS Hannah Harte

Pictured - Custom Rossini Nero 3 Maxi Lounge Suite with the Kelly Hoppen Rona Side Table. YOUR

322 Manchester Street, Christchurch l frobisher.co.nz

LOVE FOR DESIGN

Donna Robertson, a Christchurch-based graphic designer, is devoted to crafting brands and visual communication that grab people’s attention and hearts.

Donna studied graphic design and has worked in Christchurch since 1991. She has even spent some time working in the U.K. Since 2002, she has been the director of her own business, Robertson Creative, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2022.

Her base of loyal clients spans industries, including the building sector, education, local government, healthcare, and social service providers. With a focus on logo and visual brand design, her works flows cohesively across digital platforms, printed media, and signage.

Donna has worked on many memorable projects. One standout experience was designing the visual brand and wayfinding signage for developer Shaun Stockman’s commercial buildings throughout Ōtautahi.

“Working with the building’s history as inspiration allowed me to be really creative, and it challenged my problem-solving abilities, which made every day interesting.”

Her most recent project with Shaun was the Cotters Lane development on High Street.

Beyond working with businesses to help them achieve their aesthetic, Donna has found inspiration in illustrating her beloved city of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Starting as a creative gift for her clients, her Ōtautahi illustrations grew to encompass the revitalisation of the city.

“From my office on High Street, I was watching buildings being brought back to life. I began illustrating my favourite buildings and sites in the city, the fun and creative things popping up. There wasn’t a lot to include in the beginning, but as the city came back, I had more to add. I added some of my clients and their businesses, and my family and friends.”

The illustrations also became a personal therapeutic outlet, especially during the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.

Donna sells her products online through creative marketplace Felt and local gift shops like The Kōwhai Collective.

Her Ōtautahi products have gained recognition and are now used by the Christchurch City Council as corporate gifts for visiting dignitaries, highlighting the city’s resurgence.

robertsoncreative.co.nz

BRIDGET COLES

Design+Supply Co has been operating in Christchurch for 19 years, specialising in window coverings, curtains, blinds, and shutters. Designer Bridget Coles does complete interior design, including furniture, rugs, and artwork. Working closely with clients, they create timeless interiors that feel homely and luxurious but, most importantly, feel like the client’s own. Good relationships with a range of suppliers and retailers means they offer the freedom of selection. designsupplyco.nz | 03 977 4630

CREATIVE CERAMICS AT ESSEX ST

27 Essex Street is an artistic hub where three unique businesses converge to support, design, and craft local handmade ceramics. Explore a pottery wonderland offering everything you need to create your own masterpieces, including ingredients and locally designed tools. Discover ceramic treasures to adorn your home, or embark on a journey to learn the art of pottery. Experience the magic of General Pottery, Keep Ceramics, and Clae. Pop by and find yourself a ceramic treasure to keep and inspire you. generalpottery.co.nz | clae.nz | keepceramics.co.nz

CAMPBELL JOHNSON

Interior designer Campbell Johnson creates sensorial designs influenced by people and places. After living in Italy and learning the ‘Italian Way’, Campbell is back in Christchurch with a reignited love for the evolving city, its spaces, and its people. He aims to apply the inspirations of his international experiences to projects, emphasising user well-being, holistic design principles, and environmental consciousness. He now recollects his experiences of Italian light and colour through painting. campbelljohnsondesign.co.nz

ANNA DICK

Anna Dick of Anna Margaret Interiors has been creating gorgeous interiors for her clients over the last decade. Her interiors layer timeless elements with each individual’s desires for look and lifestyle. Anna’s transition from the finance industry ten years ago allows for astute practical nuances within the practice. Whether a new build, remodel, renovation or refreshment, Anna spends time getting to know clients and their needs to produce a truly all-encompassing design service. annamargaret.co.nz

Meet

WHERE IDEAS BEGIN

Set proudly on Mandeville Street since 1987, the Home Ideas centre has become a go-to destination for all things related to design, building, and renovation.

Originally the brainchild of Robert Cooper, Home Ideas’ various satellite centres have seen changes in ownership over the years. In Christchurch, the reins were passed on to Griff Simpson, a local businessman better known for his Fi-Glass and Mr Boats businesses, who took over ownership about four years ago.

The premise of the centres was to provide a space that facilitates experts with people looking to head on a renovation or build journey. As Jason Boa, centre manager at the Christchurch branch, reflects: “The model is as good now as it was back then.”

“We are here for trades, specifiers, and homeowners alike,” Jason says. “The idea is you can come in and choose everything for your bathroom in one go or choose the flooring for your new home or renovation. We have wood, concrete, and carpet flooring on display.”

Within the centre, you’ll find an array of in situ displays set up as exhibits. With a clipboard in hand, you can check the appliances and furnishing you like. Bathrooms are set up from vanity to showerhead, outdoor furniture artfully arranged, garden sheds and tiny homes frame the building, and even a full show home and staged area for presentations share the space.

The original model has worked since its inception, but under Griff’s leadership, the Christchurch centre is embracing positive change and heading towards a remarkable transformation. With a focus on adaptability and staying relevant, they are “rejigging the model” to bring it into 2023 with the addition of smart tech features like QR codes. They

are also currently undergoing a complete renovation – to make the space a more inviting one.

The centre’s changes include relocating the entrance, incorporating offices within the show spaces, and the impressive feat of painting a 1250sqm ceiling black by hand. New exhibits are also being added regularly.

When it comes to expertise, Jason says the role of the centre now is to get customers the most appropriate advice and services, so they collaborate closely with industry experts such as the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bathroom Association), ADNZ (Architectural Designers New Zealand), and Registered Master Builders, and major retailers.

Jason says the benefits of this are huge. “Customers are referred in to come and see, touch, and muse over items, finishes, and colours. This is in their own time and without sales pressure.”

Customers are encouraged to come in with their interior designer, architect, or builder to view the displays, so they can get a comprehensive idea of what will work in their renovation or build.

Events are also an integral part of the centre’s offerings, including the upcoming Winter Seminar Series, aiming to educate homeowners on crucial subjects like home security, flooring options, and building healthy homes. Jason says the aim here is to “help people along their journey providing inspiration, information, and hopefully a bit of fun”.

With its rich legacy and unwavering commitment to reinvention, Home Ideas Christchurch is continuing to evolve, offering the best in building and renovating products and advice.

homeideas.co.nz

Design as part of your life

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor, Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

I’ve been obsessed with design all my life. In fact, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t moved by some element of the design world.

Not in that hard-edged, almost unapproachable, fashion-focused way, but in the world of colour, texture, and comfort.

I’m a maximalist by nature, struggling in an environment of muted tones and shiny hard surfaces, but I realise that the world is big enough to accommodate everyone’s tastes. I believe the right kind of design allows us to develop a sense of connection to each other whilst feeling more present in an environment – and more contented.

I’ve experienced just that whilst being in environments that were so aligned with how I felt it was hard to leave them.

Amongst some of the designers whose work I’ve admired most is an English woman, Kit Kemp, who is best known for developing some absolutely stunning hotels and residences in London and New York.

Kit has a very specific design philosophy, and I subscribe to it.

It consists of the Five Cs: colour, comfort, character, craft, and curation.

So, let’s delve more deeply into some of these elements.

Colour. Who among us hasn’t found themselves in love with a particular colour scheme? Though this love affair can transform to hate in years to follow!

Well-known colour choices that could fall into this category – and which I still see in properties for sale today – include kitchens with blue or burgundy benchtops, apricot bathrooms, and carpet and curtain choices that make the florals we saw in the ’70s look tame.

I mention these because colour has a direct effect on people’s moods, and selling properties where there’s been an insistence on colours that could challenge prospective purchasers or severely date the home can be risky. Despite that, however, in some people’s hands, colour is a joy.

If I had the choice, I’d choose lots of colour every time, and I’m confident in the art of mixing things up.

Comfort comes next, and that, for me, is epitomised by couches that you can stretch out on – a must in our family – as well as carpet or rugs underfoot.

Environments where comfort is sacrificed on the altar of appearances, first and foremost, need to be rethought at times, as these can reduce the user-friendly nature of a welcoming environment.

Now the last item that Ms Kemp subscribed to is ‘curation’, and this is one of the finest lessons of all.

It basically means ‘if in doubt, don’t’, or as people in fashion have long known, sometimes taking something away from an ensemble is more important than adding something else to it.

Deep blue

Deep dark shades such as Resene Epic create a cocooning effect in living spaces. Here, the crisp elegance of the Frankton four-seater sofa, upholstered in Mokum Strata Chalk, carves a striking silhouette with colourful accessories to add drama.

With its Nordic design roots evident in the cut-out design, this hardwood stool from the Kristina Dam Studio Collection also works well as an elegant side table.

The textural warmth of the three-legged bowl from Kristina Dam Studio is made from terracotta with a band impressed into the clay and a glazed water-resistant interior.

Small accessories such as these Ava cushions by Weave are easily swapped out to add contrast or tone the colours down for a calming

effect if desired. These heavenly, soft velvet look cushions are available in 20 colourways with a premium feather inner. Abstract landscapes are printed onto pure linen in the nature-inspired Eldoris Ocean Cushion.

Perfect for incorporating texture, Matisse is a loom-knotted, marbled plain rug that brings visual appeal and mixed colour for a complex and unique style. For a light look underfoot, team with a Resene Colorwood Whitewash finish on a timber floor.

Resene Epic

New Zealand Made Frankton Sofa; Kristina Dam Stool; Eldoris Cushion in Ocean; Weave Ava Cushion in Coral and Blush; Kristina Dam Red Engobe Bowl; Weave Matisse Rug in Buff from Frobisher; Resene Epic from Resene ColorShops.

DARK SKIES AWAIT

WORDS Chelita Kahutianui o-te-Rangi Zainey

If you’ve ever stood under the night sky, head raised in deep admiration and awe at the stars above, then it is well worth your while to consider ‘levelling up’ and heading to the phenomenal Dark Sky Project in Takapō, nestled in the Mackenzie Basin.

Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and cofounders Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. The business prides itself on connecting manuhiri (visitors) to a unique national taonga (treasure), Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the oldest and largest gold-standard dark sky reserves in the world.

Making quite a statement on the shore of Lake Takapō lies Te Whare o Rehua, the magnificent home of the Dark Sky Project, where you’ll find the famous Brashear Telescope, fantastic lakefront dining, and of course, four different astronomy experiences for your whānau.

DSP, as it is lovingly referred to by kaimahi (staff) and locals alike, combines key Kāi Tahu values with Western science, pūrākau (stories) and the love of all things whetu (star) related. The venture was a recipient of the Hei Kai Kei Aku Ringa (Māori Tourism Award) in 2021 for its engaging range of experiences, manaakitanga, kai, and merchandise.

Māori astronomy is at the heart of the Dark Sky Project and highlights the intrinsic value

Māori place on the night sky to mark time, place, connection, and seasonality. Matariki is a prime example of this as we await the rise of the constellation to signal the new year and to map the past, present, and future trajectories of all that lies above and below.

The Dark Sky Experience is the indoor, daytime, all-weather experience for all the whānau. It focuses on tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) storytelling and science and is sure to keep even the most energetic tamariki engaged with its interactive multi-media installations.

If you’ve ever wondered about the science of the skies, then you’ll love the Virtual Star Experience. Presented by the Dark Sky Project astronomy guides, this immersive educational experience will have you feeling like you’re sitting in the rings of Saturn or sailing through the stars.

Both indoor experiences are suitable for whānau of all ages and a ‘must do’ addition for your winter travels during the chillier months ahead. Family bundles for these experiences are very reasonable at $100 for a whānau of four.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you simply cannot go past the outdoor stargazing Crater Experience to gaze at all that is above; you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re looking for a memorable moment this Matariki, come along to the Matariki Festival at Lake Takapō on Friday, 14 July.

Nā te pō, ko te ao, ko te ao mārama.

From the darkest depths of the night, we become enlightened.

darkskyproject.co.nz

Stargazing in Selwyn

Selwyn has a unique and special landscape that ranges from the mountains to the sea. The skyscape is outstanding by day and by night. The darkness of the vast and remote hinterland, the lakes, and the wilderness areas provide wide views that stretch to the horizon – perfect for stargazing. Gazing up at the stars and connecting with the cosmos is a special experience for everyone.

Book a star gazing tour with the Canterbury Astronomical Society, with the closest observatory in West Melton, or book an experience with Christchurch Astro Tours located in Lincoln. Both are within 30 minutes of central Christchurch. Learn about the night sky, look through a telescope, and enjoy a close-up view of planets, craters on the moon, and star clusters.

During Matariki, you may see the Pleiades stars, or if the timing is right, see the mystical Aurora Australis or Southern Lights.

Some of the best spots are from the shores of Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. Or head inland to capture astrophotography at Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill.

Go on a stargazing date this winter, and be sure to nestle in cosy and let your eyes be dazzled by the stars.

Explore more by visiting selwyn.nz.

MATARIKI AROUND THE MOTU

Experience the Matariki Arrowtown Lights celebration in Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown on Friday, 14 July. This one-day event marks the changing of seasons and the start of the Māori new year, ‘Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea.’ Local schools will showcase the art of kapa haka, and the historic buildings of Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown will be illuminated with beautiful projections illustrating the essence and story of Matariki. There will be fire pits where people can gather, share stories, and enjoy delicious food and back by popular demand is Professor Brian Boyle, who will share his knowledge about the astronomical and cultural significance of the Matariki star cluster.

arrowtown.com

Timaru’s Stafford Street will come alive on 21 July with the Matariki Night Market. A range of food vendors, craft stalls, live music, kapa haka, and fire dancers will delight crowds from 4.30pm till 7.30pm. A chance to see Timaru at its best!

southcanterbury.org.nz

Tīrama Mai returns to the CBD of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Touted as the ‘ultimate light festival experience based on Matariki’, it is a chance to immerse yourself in a display of light and sound, celebrating the Māori new year. It is a chance to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future with whānau and friends. The lighting festival is free to attend and runs from Friday, 7 July, until Saturday, 15 July, including the Matariki public holiday on 14 July.

ccc.govt.nz

From 14–16 July, Mana Moana invites everyone to gather at the water’s edge to share in the mana of Pacific stories as we welcome Puaka and Matariki in our skies to celebrate Matariki. Launching in Ōtepoti Dunedin’s Steamer Basin, the harbour will hold its own bespoke programme of short art films, created by collaborations both locally and across the moana, and projected onto a water screen. Sure to be an engaging celebration.

dunedinnz.com

ŌTAUTAHI

KĀ-MURIWAI

ŌTEPOTI

TIMARU

Bringing sporty back

Kiwi fashion designer and Audi Ambassador Juliette Hogan took the fully electric e-tron Sportback for a spin, and Avenues went along for the ride.

Sharp and superbly functional, the Audi e-tron Sportback combines the space and comfort of an SUV with mouth-watering design features, pairing the cutting-edge technology and classic design aesthetic we expect from Audi.

Fashion designer and Audi ambassador, Juliette says the e-tron Sportback works perfectly for her busy family life. “It’s a beautiful car to drive. It’s incredibly trustworthy, and I feel safe and comfortable driving it. I absolutely love it.”

The e-tron Sportback is full-time electric with a top distance of up to 452km. The average New Zealander drives around 40 kilometres per day – no sweat! And the drive to your holiday destination is all in a day’s work for this vehicle. Juliette says she likes to stay organised, so for longer trips, she checks the EV charging app before leaving home.

Exceptionally stylish and fun to drive, the vehicle’s interior features high-comfort features teamed with the classically proportioned Audi design, and it’s just as beautiful as you’d expect. Whether it’s pumping up your road trip playlist or the essential audio storybook for the backseat brigade, the Audi multi-media interface (MMI) has you covered, plus you can customise the interior lighting scheme to match the mood.

Traditional dials are replaced by the Audi Virtual Cockpit screen giving the driver ultimate control over what information they want to see. Simply choose from the expanded range of stats and set it up just the way you like it.

How does it perform? Great question. The e-tron Sportback boasts a powerful allelectric drive system with an electric motor in both the front and rear axles with a total output of up to 300 kW. The car will achieve 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 200 km/h.

So, the e-tron Sportback is bringing sporty back, but how does it stack up for everyday use for the Kiwi family? In fact, the functionality is more like that of an SUV, with boot space of 655 litres, expanding to 1655 with the rear seats folded back. Juliette says, “The interior has a huge amount of space, which means we are able to fit all the paraphernalia that comes with having a family, and that includes road trips.”

The extensive range of safety features on the e-tron Sportback includes optional virtual mirrors. These cameras feed visuals of the surroundings back to the dashboard display, so you’ll always know what obstacles are around the vehicle. Juliette says, “The car always knows what’s going on around you. It’s very reassuring.”

The verdict? The e-tron Sportback represents compromise-free all-electric driving at its best.

audi.co.nz

WORDS Anna Scaife PHOTOS Dave Richards

Shot on location at The Crossing.

MIDNIGHT SHANGHAI

RAMEN RIA

SUSHI SOLDIER GELATO

MUY MUY

The taste of tītī

Kate Underwood, Food Editor @relishthememory @eat.newzealand

Istill vividly remember my first experience of eating tītī or muttonbird on Rakiura (Stewart Island) in 2020 during Matariki. I was there with a crew from Eat New Zealand. After somehow surviving an outrageous ferry voyage in four-metre swells across the Foveaux Straight, we were welcomed ashore by fisher Nate Smith from Gravity Fishing for an epic wild food adventure.

I recall walking into the Airbnb, nestled in the bush not far from Oban, and the distinctive welcome scent of roasted tītī. With an entourage that included Canterbury chefs Giulio Sturla and Johnny Schwass, I knew I would be eating well. Still, this first meal was like nothing I’d ever experienced. They were roasting these wild seabirds whole, tied with strings, piled high on wire racks, which allowed the potent tītī fat to drip down and fill the trays beneath. Think duck fat, but on steroids. The flavour of these protected birds is incredibly unique, an acquired taste and often described as somewhere between anchovy and lamb, with the texture of tender duck. Heavy on salt and deeply umami, it’s rich and not for the timid palate, but I love it.

Often, muttonbirds or tītī are preserved in salt, so I knew the chance to try them fresh was pretty special. We were each served an entire tītī on a plate which also happened to be filled with other luxurious items, including barbequed pāua, spear-

fished flounder with sea lettuce butter, and a ridiculous crayfish and cauliflower cheese drizzled with more tītī fat(!)

There’s a photo of me with a beaming smile, having nibbled on every last morsel from the tiny delicate bones of that muttonbird, in my own way honouring this precious kai.

Last year, as part of Feast Matariki, I heard from Dr. Mike Stevens, a Ngāi Tahu historian with a strong interest in tītī. He’s studied the muttonbird migration across the world. His family participates in the short, seasonal tītī harvest from a set of islands surrounding Rakiura, and they can only be harvested by Māori.

Tītī is an example of Mahika Kai, a significant concept for Māori, which can be translated as ‘to work the food’. It includes more than just food resources and the ecosystems they come from, but also the physical practices involved in harvesting and protecting these edible treasures. It can also be referred to as Mahinga Kai or Mahi Kai.

As part of Feast Matariki 2023, Eat New Zealand and Ngāi Tahi whānau are presenting a series of Mahika Kai workshops from 9–22 July across the South Island and Ngāi Tahu tākiwa (region), including one in Ōtautahi on 9 July at Ilex Café. If you’re interested in learning more about species like tītī from Mahika Kai experts, get yourself along! You might even get the chance to experience a taste of tītī for yourself.

THE GOOD THINGS IN LIFE

WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Anna McLeod

Richard Sinke has his face to the wind with a smile on his face, walking a pair of Retradoodle dogs. His smart, friendly companions are just about quick enough to keep up with their active owner. I feel a bit guilty breaking his stride with today’s Avenues interview, but Richard doesn’t seem to mind.

It has been 45 years since Richard opened Dux De Lux, the legendary Christchurch vegetarian restaurant that grew to become such a cherished part of the city’s hospitality scene in the pre-2011 earthquakes’ era. The food was incredible, and by the late 1980s, it had one of the first craft breweries in the country. So many well-known local bands got their start gigging there.

Then, of course, came the earthquakes and the slow business of renewal. First, he opened the award-winning Dux Live, bringing music back into the city again. Then a rundown villa on Riccarton Road was given a whole new lease of life as a delectable vegetarian and seafood restaurant, Dux Dine. In 2014, Dux Central opened in Poplar Lane, providing a great brewpub, food, and music combo to complete the Dux comeback story.

“Through all of that post-earthquake period, there was that sense of excitement to be starting afresh, and we played our part in that,” says Richard, who has steered the Dux boat onwards through Covid and into today’s inflationary times.

He can’t quite believe he’s been on this epic hospitality journey now for 45 years. “How has it gone so quickly?!”

At 69, Richard is a walking embodiment of what years of healthy living can do for you. He enjoys snowboarding, yoga, and spin classes and eating Mediterranean-style food with a touch of Asian influence. Every day starts with green tea and a bowl of homemade granola.

“I like eating fresh, clean, healthy food with lots of vegetables of different colours and whole grains. The more years go by, the more evidence has come out to show the benefits of healthy eating in terms of helping reduce risks of chronic illness, cancer, obesity, diabetes, and more. You do need protein in your diet and veggies, and a certain amount of carbs. You can get your protein from fish and from vegetarian and vegan sources, cut out meat and enjoy a robust lifestyle.”

Dux Dine is special to Richard because it represents how he eats, and he hopes it inspires others to pursue healthy eating goals too.

“The menu really does reflect how I eat, what I eat, and what I cook at home myself – only with more professionalism! I love how we transformed that villa to make Dux Dine, which has a beautiful garden and secluded courtyard. It’s next to a busy road in Christchurch, but you wouldn’t know that when you’re there. It’s so peaceful.”

Richard is himself a pescatarian who loves having ‘grape escapes’ with friends and fly fishing in the backcountry. “We always take a bottle or two so we can have a cup of wine sitting around the campfire.”

No surprise that retirement is not on his radar – the Dux life suits him well. “I don’t have to be engaged 24/7, and I have a great team behind me!”

duxdine.co.nz

Hello Sunday night

Hello Sunday, an iconic café haunt in the city’s fringe, has recently expanded its offerings to include dinner service. This move marks an exciting new chapter for the Hello Sunday team, consisting of owners Ashleigh Moir and Jamie Moir and, more recently, Sarah Carr.

The decision to introduce dinner service at Hello Sunday was inspired by the transformative ambience that the team noticed emerging in the space come evening.

“Being set in an 1860s church, the tone of Hello Sunday is put forward in the history of the building. Everyone that has joined us for brunch or lunch will be able to reflect that our building plays a key role in the setting of Hello Sunday. At night, this experience takes on a new personality that shows the heritage of the building in a warm light.”

“It is somewhere to escape the cold winter or to celebrate food and friends and Ōtautahi’s best offerings,” Jamie says.

When developing the dinner menu, the goal was to stay true to the essence of Hello Sunday’s beloved brunch while infusing it with evening flair. Drawing inspiration from Asian and European flavours, Jamie, along with the kitchen team led by chef Hayden Lange, put their own unique twist on dishes – like the char siu boats and the Schezuan duck breast. For Jamie, you can’t go past the fresh pasta.

“What makes the dish is the hours that go into creating, rolling, filling, and shaping fresh pasta. It is such a journey from the raw ingredients to the finished product on the plate; you can taste that journey when it hits your palate.”

The food is also complemented by a bespoke cocktail and wine list.

Looking ahead, the Hello Sunday team is committed to constant refinement and improvement.

“We are forever refining Hello Sunday, constantly upgrading, putting forth new flavours, and pushing to new heights.”

@hellosundaycafe

Sam Parish @sam.parish.food

Oh my, bành mí

Is it the crunchy bun? Is it the meat? Is it the pâté? Is it the pickled veg? I think it’s just everything. I am always on the hunt for the best bành mí. These are my latest finds in our city; whether you’re a ham-style traditionalist or a roast/grilled porker like me, these buns will have you sorted. Other recommendations would have to be Bành Mí kitchen on Manchester Street and Hanoi Alley at Riverside Markets.

MISS SAIGON

BNZ Centre, 120 Hereford Street

Closed Sundays

These seasoned bread rolls are simply filled and always on point with the taste. Is it the soy sauce dressing spooned over by Miss Saigon herself to finish that sets them apart? The fact that they’re not overly filled? Or that their paté isn’t super gamey? I’m sure she’ll never tell, but we will never stop ordering them. I love the use of lemongrass in Vietnamese cuisine, and at Miss Saigon, you can’t beat the lemongrass pork version. The meat is seasoned to perfection to the point where it stains the bread with a yellow tinge thanks to the turmeric-based spice rub and fragrant lemongrass. I also suggest the meatball bành mí, one giant soft meatball split to cover the bun, then finished with the usual suspects, like raw onion, coriander, pickled carrot, and paté.

NGON NGON

LITTLE VIETNAM

Ngon Ngon is stealing our hearts with its Scandi décor, arched aesthetic, foam ice teas, smooth coffee, and, of course, bành mí. Sitting (pretty) under the Golden Hotel, I first tried their bành mí at the Bush Inn Saturday Night Market, but thanks to the endless support of loyal customers, they’ve made their bành mí a permanent addition to Christchurch, with a dine-in café. Head here any day of the week; their bành mí are served on wooden boards and are loaded with curly spring onion, grilled tender meat, pickled veg, and a fine schmear of pâté. The bun is the right amount of crunch, and the level of pepper in these rolls is a triumph. From breaky bành mí to combo to vegetarian to chicken floss, they’ve covered all bases.

The smiles you get from this husband and wife duo are some of the best in the biz. They have full grins and passion for what they’re putting out, and it makes sense, given the deliciousness they’re packing into their crunchy buns. The perfect spot for a casual bun, bowl, or roll any time of the day. I’ve had multiple bành mí here, and they never disappoint – consistency being their advantage in the sandwich game. These buns are authentic! The depth of their paté is incredible, and the ratio of additions, meat to sauce to veg, is measured and perfectly executed time and time again. With multiple protein options, you won’t be disappointed. I’m a sucker for the grilled pork.

363 Colombo Street, Sydenham @little_vietnam.christchurch

229 Riccarton Road, Riccarton @ngonngoncafe

BANH MI EM

150 Lichfield Street

@banhmiemnz

Tucked on the skirt tail of the city is a holein-the-wall bành mí sandwich shop ready to satisfy any craving you have for a bun filled to the brim with tasty deliciousness. With eight bun fillings to choose from, it’s safe to say these guys have covered all the bành mí bases. Tofu mushroom, pork belly (my fav), pulled pork, BBQ style pork, honey soy chicken, chicken satay, beef brisket, and honey soy beef all play their part in this humble sandwich menu and are always accompanied by pickles, salad, and coriander, with birds-eye chilli upon request. Bread is baked fresh in-house and has the crunchy standard all bành mí aspire to. If you have the time, can I recommend crossing the road and eating these buns on the green grass of Rauora Park for some R&R, or try out Meepleopolis, a board game café and bar. Just make sure to ‘make it a combo’ with spring rolls and a Vietnamese iced coffee (you won’t regret it) to get the full experience.

Parmesan pork chops

WITH QUICK POLENTA AND GARLIC BUTTER VEGGIES

Peter Timbs Meats’ butcher and owner, Chris Timbs, and chef and Avenues food reviewer Sam Parish have collaborated to deliver seasonal recipes showcasing the butcher’s top-quality meat.

This crisp crumbed pork on a bed of cheesy polenta is a dish of satisfying textures and flavours, perfect for the winter dinner table.

SERVES 4 | PREP 5 MINUTES | COOKING 25 MINUTES

¼ cup (60ml) olive oil

4 Parmesan crumbed Peter Timbs pork chops

300g button mushrooms, halved (bigger ones quartered)

3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

A few sprigs of thyme

50g butter

1 large bunch of spinach, stems removed, washed

Juice of 1 lemon, plus extra wedges to serve

Quick polenta

2 cups (500ml) chicken stock

2 cups (500ml) milk

1 cup instant polenta

100g feta cheese

Finely grated zest 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 190°C fan forced.

Line a baking tray with baking paper and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add pork chops and turn to coat. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the tray, turn the chops, and add mushrooms. Return to oven for a further 10–12 minutes or until pork is just cooked through and mushrooms are turning slightly golden. (Pork is fine to be light pink inside.)

Meanwhile, to make the polenta, place stock and milk in a saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then, while whisking, slowly add the polenta. Stir for one minute until smooth and beginning to thicken, then turn off the heat. Add feta and zest and season to taste. Set aside in a warm place.

For the garlic butter veggies, heat the remaining oil in a frypan over high heat.

Add garlic and thyme and cook for 2–3 minutes or until turning golden and aromatic. Add butter, par-roasted mushrooms, and spinach (spinach will seem too big for the pan but will wilt fast) and cook, turning for two minutes or until spinach is just wilted. Remove from heat, stir through lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Divide the polenta between plates and top with vegetables and pork chops. Serve with extra lemon wedges.

WORLD CLASS LOCALS

CAKE POPPED

Limited edition Passionfruit Cheesecake Popcorn by locals Dr Bugs captures the essence of a classic dessert. The candied popcorn is infused with citrusy, tropical flavours, while a luscious white chocolate drizzle adds the perfect touch of sweetness reminiscent of a creamy cheesecake filling. A mouthwatering fusion of flavours and textures worth indulging in. drbugs.co.nz

SOURCED

Foundry Chocolate produces micro batches of some of the best bars in the country from its home in Mahurangi. The Pinalum Vanuatu is a treat with cacao hailing from Pinalum Village, nestled in a remote forest of Vanuatu’s Malekula Island. This soothing, mellow chocolate delights with comforting malt and caramel notes that reveal the cacao’s origin.

foundrychocolate.co.nz

NUTS FOR OATS

Step aside winter porridge, Kiwi brands Pic’s and Blue Frog are breaking the fast together with a new combo, Really Good Granola Peanut Butter Crunch. Made with New Zealand oats and Pic’s Smooth Peanut Butter, no toppings are needed to bring the crunch to your brunch. This cereal-sy good concoction will be available at supermarkets from early July for a limited time.

bluefrogbreakfast.co.nz

UNFORGETTABLE EARL

Classic, charming, and welcoming are the three best words for this elegantly understated all-day bistro. Since 2018, Earl has been at the forefront of modern European dining and is responsible for igniting Christchurch’s love for pasta and wine. Taking its cues from the trattorias across Italy, Earl has you covered for all occasions. Do a casual lunch and a glass of wine, or come later when the menu takes it up a notch. It all comes together with smart interior design and polished service.

earl.co.nz

FLAVOURS OF HOME

Humdinger’s Citrus Gin, born in Geraldine, harmoniously blends British tradition with Humdinger’s creativity. With nature’s finest ingredients, this dry gin captivates with delicate citrus undertones and bold juniper. The finish lingers, showcasing an intricate blend of liquorice root and nutmeg, yielding a smooth and sophisticated character.

humdinger.nz

WRAP UP

KEEP THE BUGS AWAY

The dreaded Canterbury winter is here, get prepared! Part of the growing No Ugly range, Immunity is a winter must-have, scientifically designed to boost your immune system. Packed with Pouatu Mānuka honey, lemon, and ginger, and 12 vital nutrients, including abundant Vitamin C, echinacea, and Fibersol-2. One of these a day is sure to keep the doctor away.

nougly.nz

EXCLUSIVE

Netherwood Pet Nat 2022 was the only wine North Canterbury’s Black Estate crafted from the Netherwood vineyard last year. Its enticing aromas of baked quince, mandarin, bread dough, allspice, jasmine, and strawberry are complemented by its smooth mousse, clay-derived texture, and intricate integrated flavours. This, and notes of pear, hazelnut, and orange make for a vibrant wine.

blackestate.co.nz

WINE, DINE, RIDE

The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant’s delicious winter menu has been a hit since launching in June! There are plenty of warming options perfect for the cooler season, and the cosy tables are ideal for winter dining while travelling past the sights of central Christchurch. The team curate their menu seasonally with a focus on local produce and offer an additional wine pairing option to complement diners’ menu selections. It’s a unique dining experience for all sorts of occasions! Bookings are essential.

christchurchattractions.nz

44 Welles st tapas & margarita bar

Open 12pm - late 7days party days till 3am happy hour daily 4-6pm

Large group? Planning your next party or function? Looking for catering ideas? We've got you covered!

E mihi ne, E mihi ne, E mihi ne

In order to look forwards, we must always acknowledge what has come before

Chelita is a māmā, writer, Kai Rongoā,

facilitator. Her passion activates and inspires others to heal and transform their lives into one of aligned purpose, love, and joy.

In Te Ao Māori, to mihi to the place we stand on, to acknowledge those that have passed and those that stand before us is key to any gathering, event, or journey being undertaken.

Over the next few weeks, as Matariki re-emerges to signal Te Mātahi o te Tau, the beginning of a new year, our need to mihi to those that have passed and to cast our wishes and aspirations forth for the upcoming year is at its most potent.

The recent evolution of Matariki has seen two additional stars emerge, Pohutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. E mihi e ngā Rangatira Rāwiri Te Kōkau me Rangi Mātāmua – as it’s due to the sharing of their whānau manuscript on Māori astrology that we now see the significance of Matariki being shared by all.

Growing up, like most Kiwis, I was not aware of the stellar gaze of Matariki that was cast upon us every year, but I now find myself fully embracing its presence and all it has to nourish and teach us.

For me, the first mihi of Matariki is to Pohutukawa, the star we mihi to, to acknowledge our loved ones who have passed, Haere atu rā e kui e koro ki te paepae o Matariki, o Rehua. Haere atu rā.

Farewell, old man, go to the threshold of Matariki, of Rehua. Farewell.

As Matariki re-emerges this year, I will make my own special mihi to my mother, who passed

mentor, and certified

recently – E mihi aroha Mama, Haere, Haere, Haere atu ra.

As a further mihi, traditionally, we would set ‘whangai I te Hau Tapu’, a ritual ceremonial hangi, filled with the best kai, offerings for the Tupuna and each of the stars. When the hot earth is lifted, the curling steam from the whenua rises up to the heavens to “feed the stars” again, a mihi to all that watches over us.

Once we acknowledge those passed, we can now look upon Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, my personal favourite of the cluster. Hiwa is known as the star to whom you cast your wishes and aspirations for the upcoming year. If she shines bright in the first showing of Matariki, our wishes have been well received.

This year, my wishes are for continued growth and acknowledgement of Kaitiakitanga of all whenua and wai. My dreams and aspirations are for the lands and waters. May we continue to protect these taonga for our tamariki and our mokopuna to come.

So, as you cast your eyes above this Matariki, ask yourself what dreams and aspirations you hold in your heart for yourself, for your whanau, and for your community. Whisper them to Hiwa, and may she sparkle a mihi to you and yours in this tau hau.

Chelita Kahutianui o-te-Rangi Zainey, Waitaha/Ngāpuhi/Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Haua

spiritual

breathwork

BRANCHING OUT

Ruby Williams was 15 years old when her artwork, Imprint, was selected as the senior sculpture winner of SCAPE Public Art’s Re:ACTIVATE young artists programme in 2017. Out of dozens of entries from all around Canterbury schools, Ruby’s design concept was chosen by a judging panel to be fabricated into a large-scale artwork for public display.

Six years on, Ruby is now in her fourth and final year at University of Canterbury’s School of Fine Arts. She’s undertaking Honours this year, majoring in painting, and says she has loved getting to spend time in her own studio space, painting the weekdays away.

Ruby says that taking part in Re:ACTIVATE had a huge impact on her passion for art and the path she’s currently on. “I’ve always been creative, but I was so young and innocent to the ins and outs of the art world,” she says. “The whole process was really eye-opening for me. It showed me what was possible and what can really happen when you have resources behind you.”

Re:ACTIVATE is SCAPE Public Art’s annual competition for young aspiring artists in Waitaha Canterbury. It is an opportunity for children and young people to gain inside knowledge of the arts industry, to work within a brief, and produce an artwork to be enjoyed by the general public. This year, submissions will need to respond to the SCAPE Season 2023 theme, The Gift.

Originally displayed as part of the overhead canopy in Hagley Park, Imprint is now installed in a tree at Villa Maria College, Ruby’s former school, where it serves as both an enhancement of space and inspiration to students with similar artistic spirit.

To any young people thinking of participating in Re:ACTIVATE 2023, Ruby says, “Don’t hesitate! Just go for it; let your artistic side shine. There’s absolutely no harm that can come from coming up with ideas and creating. It’s never going to impede you; it can only help you grow and generate even greater ideas.” Entries for Re:ACTIVATE 2023 will open in July.

scapepublicart.org.nz

BE YOU. BELONG.

Carving the future

Master carver Iotua (Charlie) Tuarau was born in Aitutaki on the Cook Islands. He first came to Aotearoa New Zealand in his early twenties as part of a musical group. In 1934, he returned with a group of Cook Island ariki (chiefs) invited by MP Āpirana Ngata for the opening of a new wharenui in Tokomaru Bay near Tairāwhiti (Gisborne).

Āpirana Ngata noted Iotua’s talent and assisted him with admission to the Māori Arts and Crafts School in Rotorua, where he worked on a prestigious new project – a carved wharenui on the Waitangi treaty grounds. Iotua also worked on the waka Ngātokimatawhaorua which was built in 1940 to mark the centenary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

After serving in the 28th Māori Battalion during WWI, Iotua gained employment at National Museum in Wellington as a master wood carver. He worked there for thirty years, carving objects for the museum and various government departments.

During his tenure, the founder and director of Okains Bay Museum, Murray Thacker, was a regular visitor to the National Museum, where he studied waka, and the pair became friends. Murray supplied Iotua with tōtara for waka restorations and stayed with him in his Upper Hutt home. Iotua was the first tutor for trainee carvers working on the Ngāi Tahu waka Kōtukumairangi.

In the Okains Bay Museum collection is a beautiful tauihu (canoe prow) Iotua carved in the 1980s based on the traditional design of tauihu for waka taua (war canoes). It exemplifies the pītau style of tauihu, recognisable by the carved figure at the front, with its protruding and defiant tongue, and arms stretched out behind with clearly realised hands and fingers. The tauihu is similar in style to the one carved by tohunga whakairo, John Rua (Ngāi Tūhoe) for Kōtukumairangi. Both were featured recently in a small exhibition of waka-related taonga displayed at Sail GP.

okainsbaymuseum.co.nz

WORDS Wendy Riley

A chance to change

Hannah Harte Patreon: HRMNZ | @hannah_harte_

Ispent the first eight years of my life in Christchurch. I believed it a vast, interesting place until a formative few years in Bangkok illuminated me to a truly expansive world full of colour, vibrancy, and thousands of years of history. Upon returning to my homeland, I saw it with new eyes: heavy, dark stone buildings that took up so much central space throughout the CBD, the seasonal dampening of mood created by deciduous skeleton trees and slippery grey concrete, and very little innovative, creative architecture. To be honest, I found it a glum, conservative, stagnant, and visually dull environment after all the buzz and brightness of a place like Thailand. It wasn’t until my early teens that I began showing interest in what was unique about my home city when my friend Alison informed me that we had “some of the best examples of Neo-Gothic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere”.

The words “Neo-Gothic” sounded unbelievably cool to an angsty, literatureobsessed teenager, and I began to reconsider my sullen attitude towards these imposing structures. Apparently, little old Christchurch was renowned for this architectural style, drawing tourists from all over the world to admire these wonderful examples of a trend that originated in 1840s England. Also known as Gothic Revival or Victorian Gothic, the moment grew in momentum and continued to evolve into the 19th Century,

with enthusiasts perpetuating a style that emulated medieval examples of construction and design.

The Gothic Revival movement was also inspired by philosophical and religious ideals, particularly Anglo-Christian beliefs, which is why the famed Christchurch Cathedral, an Anglican church, was built in this style, despite taking much longer to construct than anticipated, being consecrated in 1881, when the style was falling out of favour in England. Other notable examples of Neo-Gothic buildings in Christchurch are Sign of the Takahē, many buildings within the vicinity of Te Matakiki Toi Ora (The Arts Centre) and Christ’s College, and Rose Historic Chapel.

Sadly, several of the most famous examples of this style, which supplied a certain character to this city, have been damaged and destroyed by earthquakes. While this is indeed a tragedy, it has opened an opportunity to create a new visual experience for locals and visitors alike. As much as I grew to appreciate those tenebrous stone buildings, they are overwhelmingly European-centric and do not reflect the diversity of this land or honour the people who lived here for centuries before colonisation.

Ōtautahi can, and should, grasp the opportunity to become acclaimed for new, fresh, multicultural architectural designs that represent the past and future of this city for generations to come.

22c

Millar’s car is a 1/4 Midget with a Shinaray 250cc engine; we think it is about 20 years old. The last engine change was seven years ago. Millar’s fascination for speedway started when he was introduced to Ruapuna Speedway at three years old, he quickly became a sprint car fan, and as a family, we travelled around the South Island following the War of the Wings and taking us to Melbourne for the Classic over three nights. The season went as well as could be expected, with Millar learning so much on the track and his mum and dad learning so much about the car and race preparation and, of course, calming his nerves. Millar finished the season running around confidently and closing in on the mid-pack. His season’s highlights were finishing on the podium with another driver in the best pairs event and being able to race on night one of the New Zealand Sprint Car Championships with a best lap time of 19.4 seconds – a proud achievement after starting the season not getting out of first gear in the first practice due to his nerves, and recording a lap time of 42 seconds. Through Millar’s passion for speedway, it became inevitable he wanted to race his own car; thanks to his sponsors: Concut, SSS Engineering, Chapman Agriculture LTD, Pāho Films, Moneta, Ricardo Felitti at Harcourts Grenadier, and Evoke Painting Specialist, this happened.

1/4 MIDGET WITH A SHINARAY 250CC ENGINE

DRIVEN BY MILLAR

Millar

AS TOLD TO Liam Stretch by Millar’s mum, Fiona

PHOTO Joseph Johnson

CASHMERE Ryan

“When I was 21, I took a leap of faith and followed a girl to Berlin. I moved there with 400 dollars in my pocket and my guitar.

“I lived off playing music on the street for like two years; it was brutal. The only way I could make money properly was to play shows, so I booked myself a 20-show tour. It started in Berlin and ended up in the South of France – nine countries. I sort of cut my teeth around Europe playing music like that.

“I hung out in Berlin for a number of years, got introduced to the electronic music scene, and fell in love. I walked into a deep house club, and as well as all these beautiful people, the music was amazing, and the sound system was incredible.

“Back in New Zealand, with my good friend Royce, we tried our best to emulate the European thing. The nightlife here was terrible, so we started throwing our own parties at his place. That has now evolved into a 500-person underground secret urban festival. People often come in costume; we encourage consent and harm reduction culture. So, people come and have a really good time.

“Those parties were a springboard for Beacon Bloom which is a multi-genre live electronic group which we formed in 2018. It’s almost a collective working with videographers, photographers, and collaborators who we’ve recorded songs with across the world. In Beacon Bloom, we try to explore meta-modernism, which is the art movement that’s the current cultural edge.

“Another project is my podcast – The Good Timeline Podcast. It’s mostly focused on the future of humanity and what we will become, looking at the core cultural values that will help us get into a better future. The future is going to be crazy, but there’s no reason not to have hope.

“Primarily, I’m driven by the intersection of art and technology – and a little bit of ecology thrown in. We’re planting trees with every event we do. We’re partnered with Eden Projects; they plant trees in seven regions around the world.

“My dad taught me guitar, so it’s probably where the music thing started. I come from a musical family. Music is magic. It changes people’s behaviour. Anything that changes people’s behaviour implicitly is magic.”

facebook.com/humansofchch

Summerset Prebbleton new homes selling now*

Summerset Prebbleton is a modern, semi-rural village offering a secure and low maintenance lifestyle in a small but vibrant community. We have a range of brand-new two and three-bedroom homes specifically designed for the over 70s to choose from, ready to move in and make your own.

These single storey homes are modern, bright and offer spacious open-plan living, designed with everything you could need for the perfect retirement lifestyle with the assurance of additional care options in the future if required.

Pop into the village and take a tour of the show homes any day of the week or call the Sales Manager, Grace on 03 353 6312 to book a private appointment and see for yourself why residents love the Summerset life.

Love the life you choose

Show Homes Open

9.30am - 5pm, 7 days a week

Summerset Prebbleton

578 Springs Road, Prebbleton 03 353 6312 | summerset.co.nz/prebbleton

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Get caught lapping

The new Audi RS 6 Avant performance is our most powerful RS 6 yet. With a 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo TFSI engine, you will want to spend all your spare time doing laps around the block.

Go from admiring the luxurious leather doused interior one second, to unleashing 463 kW of pure power the next. Whether you’re after long-distance comfort or dynamic performance, the RS 6 balances both, giving you the freedom to rule any road.

New Audi RS 6 Avant performance arriving July

Register your interest at audi.co.nz