Avenues - May 2019

avenues.

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

CREATURE COMFORTS DOGS MAKING A DIFFERENCE | PET-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACES | AN ICON FOR EAST FRAME ISSUE 171 | MAY / HARATUA 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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My friend Susan

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Now – go hug your pets.

Joshua Brosnahan Editor

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n 1984, my parents purchased our family home. This house came with a fully grown, jet black cat. For some reason (that I will never be able to fully unravel in my head) my parents decided to give a three-year-old child, just learning to read, the honour of naming said cat.

What name did I crown our dearest midnight moggy with? Susan.

Susan Fredrick Brosnahan.

Susan and I were very good mates throughout my childhood. Well, at least I thought so. She was patient, purry, and managed to put up with endless chases around the backyard – with Superman hankies tied around her neck. She even won a local pet competition thanks to my mother’s swift photography skills, catching Susan mid swipe at a mouse.

I returned from my university holidays in the early 2000s and I knew in my heart of hearts it would be the last time I saw Susan. She was easily 20 years old and looked very tired. She was still slinky, but less of an Egyptian throwback and more of a sleepy chocolate hue after years of Canterbury sun. A little slower and with a bit of a compromised gait – all in all, not bad for a cat nearing 120 cat years.

She ended up slipping away in the night, as cats often do, as quiet as a shadow on a burglar. Would you expect any less from a black cat named Susan?

While I sit here typing, I am wistfully dealing with a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. Over 15 years since Susan’s vanishing act and I’m still mad at her for leaving us!

Isn’t that a testament to the impact animals have in our lives?

They’re family members we choose. They give so much to us, whether it’s an overzealous tongue to the face, or an excited cacophony of barks at the front door when we arrive home from work.

They deserve more time on this earth, but for now, let’s celebrate our pets. They’re our creature comforts in more ways than one.

rl Cha

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Dentures which make you feel like

‘YOU’

Getting new or replacement dentures can pose all sorts of questions. Will my new dentures look good and fit well? Will I like the smile I see reflected back in the mirror?

Will I still feel like me?

With expertly crafted dentures from internationally renowned clinical dental technician Richard Greenlees of LOVEBITE, you can confidently answer yes to all of these questions!

Sapphire, ready for adoption at the Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue.

Photo by Sarah Rowlands.

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THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

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THE TEAM Publisher Editor Art Director Accounts & Admin Sub-editor Advertising

Lisa Phelan Joshua Brosnahan Lucy Arnold Hilary Armstrong Liam Stretch Victoria Powell

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

PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

Dawn’s bespoke LOVEBITE dentures have recreated the stunning smile of her youth, and restored her natural beauty and confidence.

The combination of Richard’s skill, experience (including 15 years in London’s prestigious Harley Street), knowledge, and revolutionary techniques allow him to create beautiful dentures, which truly resemble teeth found in nature, and reflect each patient’s individuality and unique character.

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Kim Newth / Sarah Rowlands / Todd Couper / Kate Le Comte Kallum Harris / Emily Hastie / Sebastian Beyrer

CONTACT US hello@27publishers.co.nz Facebook.com/avenuesmagazine Instagram.com/avenuesmagazine Avenues.net.nz Produced by Twenty Seven Publishers Limited 69 St Albans Street, St Albans, Christchurch, 8014 PO Box 36753, Merivale, Christchurch, 8146

Are you ready for the LOVEBITE experience?

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lovebite.com 402 Montreal Street, Christchurch 03 379 1222 By appointment only | Consultation fee applies

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.

OPENING MAY 2019

76 CASHEL STREET - CHRISTCHURCH

CONTENTS

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In detail

8

CHIT CHAT

10

CULTURE CLUB

12

COUTURE

14

PAMPER

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16

YEAH NAH

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ON THE JOB

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· A NATURAL TOUCH WITH ANIMALS

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DESTINATION

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· HELP THEM HELP KEA

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CITY SCENE

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DOGS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

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TORQUE TALK

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PET-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACES

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AN ICON FOR EAST FRAME

38 PALATE 48

HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

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CREATURE COMFORTS

· THE SHELTER THE COMMUNITY BUILT

LOVE LOCAL

thetannery.co.nz Sterling Silver and 18ct Ring and Earrings by Jeremy Leeming from The Filing Kabinett | Handmade Ceramic Oil Burner from HAPA | Hand Carved Bone Johnny Ramli Earrings from Katamama | Sophie Digard Crochet Linen Scarf from Cosi Fan Tutte Ingrid Starnes Eau De Parfum from The Flock | Handmade Shell Heart from Katamama | Jaggar Forward Leather Boot from Uncommon Ground | Mother’s Day Bunches made to order by Mrs Bottomley’s Flowers | Grassroots Yoga & Health Yoga Vouchers 7

CHIT CHAT

DUX CENTRAL With room for up to 140 patrons and the facilities to host, cater, and entertain all of your guests, Dux Central has the space you want – from 21st birthdays, to corporate get-togethers. There’s even the option of a bespoke menu, just for your special occasion.

Why not leave it to the professionals? functions@duxcentral.co.nz

MUNCH IN MASON CASH UK brand Mason Cash, known for its mixing bowls and bakeware, also have a range of pet bowls for your pampered pets. From the largest of Great Danes to the smallest of hamsters, every item within the range has been specifically designed and developed with pets and their eating habits in mind. pet.co.nz

TIMELESS TABWA Ethnicraft’s design philosophy is to create simple, authentic, and functional furniture with respect for the environment and our society. The Tabwa collection offers timeless centrepieces with a unique and distinct character. Solid teak and oak veneer are transformed with carefully carved patterns. Named after the Tabwa culture from Central Africa, the collection’s inspiration comes from their fondness for linear geometric motifs. Ethnicraft furniture evokes a sense of emotion, by the warmth and nature of the core material – solid wood. Modern lines and silhouettes are given sensitivity and texture with the use of this most traditional furniture material. mckenzieandwillis.co.nz

SO IN VOGUE

4 PAWS + 2 FEET

If you’re anything like us, a heat pump unit on the wall can really mess with your aesthetic. Gavin Lowe have a heat pump solution that is stylish, modern, and understated. The Daikin Zena Vogue seamlessly integrates into the modern home.

Best of all it combines optimum airflow and top performance, with almost inaudible sound.

The 4 Paws Marathon is a dream inspired by a passionate sport and exercise doctor who loves running with his dogs. The event is a celebration of ‘exercise is medicine’ as well as a salute to our best friend and loyal exercise ally. This completely off road event has a choice of 5km, 10km, half marathon, and marathon distances.

gavinlowe.co.nz

4pawsmarathon.co.nz

CHIT CHAT

A YETI FOR YOUR PET Cloud7 is a driven design label, based in Berlin. We love pretty much everything Cloud7 puts into the world, including their aptly-named new Yeti dog pouf. Yeti’s round latexand poly-filled nest mattress boasts an inner-chamber design that provides comfort and support. Meanwhile, the bed’s flokati-blend cover is surprisingly machine-washable and gloriously shaggy. The Yeti is sized for small and medium pups and looks almost as soft and fun to snuggle as an actual dog. Maybe you’ll end up spending some time on the Yeti dog pouf too? cloud7.de

A PLACE TO STAY AND PLAY The two wooden buildings comprising The Tack Rooms began their life as army barracks, before being transferred to the prominent corner of Montreal and Peterborough Streets in 1967, where they have since been classrooms, art studios, amongst other things.

Now on offer is two of the largest guest rooms you’ll likely find in the city (68 sqm!). Each room has a canopy bed and a full-size kitchen, with an entertaining lounge. An expansive decking space is perfect for gatherings.

Perfectly placed between Christchurch’s only two five-star hotels (Hotel Montreal and The George), it’s mere metres to Hagley Park and Victoria Street. The Tack Rooms is something our city has been missing. tackrooms.co.nz

CAT NAP Self-described as ‘classy furniture for discerning cats’, Meeyou Paris’s range of pet beds has a minimalist mid-century vibe.

Pictured is ‘The Ball’ in colour Peacock. With a coated hand-woven cocoon, it acts both as a scratching accessory and a nap area, making it more than just a bed for your pet. meyou-paris.com

SLEEP SOUND WITH SLEEPDROPS SleepDrops has launched its new Home Sleep Luxury Collection offering an indulgent night’s sleep for everyone; from sleep-deprived mums to burnt out office workers. The collection features an adjustable, luxurious 100 per cent silk eye mask which sits delicately on your skin and soothes eyelids, preventing light from interrupting sleep. The Divine Sleep Aromatherapy spray encapsulates the calming benefits of organic Roman Chamomile, Lavender oils, Sweet Orange and Manuka oils. By misting your room and pillow before bed, this gentle yet luxurious ritual turns your bedroom into a relaxing sleep haven. sleepdrops.co.nz

CULTURE CLUB

HEDWIG

11 MAY

If you didn’t know her name before, you soon will. Meet Hedwig.

With a new identity, Hedwig escapes the iron curtain to begin life in the west with her freshly minted American husband. Everything seems perfect until her husband leaves her and Hedwig must fend for herself. With nothing left, she returns to her first love: music.

Winning four Tony Awards – a show that Rolling Stone called “the best rock musical ever,”– Hedwig and the Angry Inch is set against an electrifying, glam-rock soundtrack while being a darkly humorous tale about sacrifice, gender identity and love in all its forms.

From 11 May, The Court Theatre courttheatre.org.nz

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MAY

KURA POUNAMU

CSO’S MOVIE NIGHT

WE DO THIS

Showcasing more than 200 pieces of pounamu ranging from raw boulders to intricate jewellery, the exhibition Kura Pounamu shows why generations of New Zealanders have treasured this remarkable stone. Learn about ancient and modern techniques for carving pounamu and why it’s so significant to Māori.

Developed by Te Papa in partnership with Ngāi Tahu, Kura Pounamu has toured internationally.

The cinematic world comes to life when the orchestra performs music from movies including Jaws, Cinema Paradiso, James Bond, The Mission, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Featuring iconic movie score magic from Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, John Barry, and more this evening is perfect for film lovers, families, and regular concert goers.

An exhibition to mark 125 years of women’s suffrage at Christchurch Art Gallery. The team have recharged their contemporary collection spaces with a high-voltage new hang. Spanning four decades, the new line-up highlights major pieces by such celebrated artists as Vivian Lynn, Julia Morison and Louise Henderson, and also introduces several recent Christchurch Art Gallery acquisitions.

Until 3 June, Canterbury Museum canterburymuseum.com

4 May, Christchurch Town Hall cso.co.nz

From 12 May, Christchurch Art Gallery christchurchartgallery.org.nz

BASED ON THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING NOVEL

ADVANCE SCREENINGS AT SELECT CINEMAS ANZAC WEEKEND

I N C I N E M A S M AY 2

CULTURE CLUB

SPOILER ALERT No international comedian has headlined more New Zealand comedy festivals than Irishman Ed Byrne, who returns in his ninth tour down-under with new show Spoiler Alert – a total sell out at the 2018 Edinburgh Festival. Recognised as one of the finest observational comics in the industry, Ed explores the thin line between righteous complaining and brat-like whining and asks, ‘are we right to be fed up, or are we spoiled?’ Byrne takes this question, turns it upside down and shakes it until the funny falls out. Tickets for this one are selling fast.

17 MAY

17 May, Isaac Theatre Royal isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

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JUNE

THE ALLUSIONIST

SOL3 MIO

MARATHON MANIA

Award-winning British podcaster Helen Zaltzman takes to the stage to rumble with language with infectious verve, and a generous helping of pop culture – with musical support from Martin Austwick. Helen returns with a show about taking gender out of language through the power of infotainment.

Join her for a fascinating and irreverent adventure into the world we make with words.

The Back to Basics tour features Sol3 Mio as they started out – three voices and a piano, singing songs from the operatic canon and popular music songbooks, and telling stories in the inimitable Sol3 Mio style. The South Island dates purposely bring New Zealand’s favourite musical trio into theatres, so they can interact with their audience like they did in the early days.

Inspired by the 1974 Commonwealth Games marathon, the Christchurch Marathon event is renowned as one of the fastest courses in the world, but is also one of the most scenic and supportive, welcoming all age and abilities. It’s a flat, fast and scenic tour around iconic Christchurch landmarks. With a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & Kids’ ‘Mara’Fun’ there is something for everyone.

22 May, Merivale Lane Theatre wordchristchurch.co.nz

28 May, James Hay Theatre sol3mio.com

2 June, starts from Christchurch Town Hall christchurchmarathon.co.nz

COUTURE

Camilla And Marc Faith Blazer lynnwoodsonlinestore.co.nz | Marc-Antoine Barrois B683 Fragrance worldbrand.co.nz | Karen Walker Gold-Plated Oak Leaf Earrings karenwalker.com | Hand Crocheted Pure Wool Beanie purljamnz.felt.co.nz | Yellow Snake Wonder Dress moochi.co.nz | Felted Wool Tote untouchedworld.com | Reed Suede Chelsea Boot workingstyle.co.nz Antique Brass Clock corsomerivale.nz | Faux Leather Bomber Jacket workingstyle.co.nz

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Untouched World is sustainable luxury made simple. Timeless style for men and women, thoughtfully designed and lovingly created in New Zealand to be easy care, easy wear and easy on the earth.

Auckland | Wellington | Christchurch | Wanaka untouchedworld.com

PAMPER

Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil houseofcamille.com | Ciaté London Glitter Storm Lipstick meccabeauty.co.nz | Darphin Intral Redness Relief Recovery Cream meccabeauty.co.nz | Bondi Sands Coconut & Sea Salt Body Scrub bondisands.com.au Go-To Transformazing Mask meccabeauty.co.nz | Revlon Colorstay Crème Eye Shadow revlonanz.com | Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum meccabeauty.co.nz | Revlon Ultra Hd Hyper Matte Lip Mousse revlonanz.com 111 Skin Y Theorem Repair Serum meccabeauty.co.nz

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A subsidiary of

NAH

YEAH

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Nigel Spiers / Shutterstock.com

Love, compassion, and community Christchurch is showing the world how it’s done.

Ronnie van Hout’s sculpture Quasi ‘on tour’ – a bit of quirk coming your way, Wellington!

Isaac House’s new lease on life Check out The Permit Room’s delicious Indian fare with a prohibition theme.

Remembering your reusable shopping bags There’s only one thing to do in a moment like this. Strut.

Resene Mother Nature The perfect tone for a mossy green macrocosm.

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The demise of the Girl Guide biscuit – there goes our childhoods.

Pyramid schemes from distant friends on social media. It’s an instant block, from us.

Flat Earthers – part comedy, part tragedy, with a total sum of idiocy.

Forgetting your reusable shopping bags, and then buying more, and more, and more…

Margaret Mahy Playground graffiti – a small few ruining it for everyone.

Whatever you’re into enjoying this winter, you really don't want glasses or contact lenses holding you back.

Give our experienced and proven team at Laservision a call and find out if one of our leading technology laser eye procedures could precisely and effectively remove the need to rely on glasses or contacts - for good.

Break boundaries. Life’s waiting.

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0800 52 73 71 for a FREE ASSESSMENT

269 Papanui Rd, Christchurch. www.laservision.co.nz

FEATURE

Creature comforts Can you picture a world without birds and animals? Where exactly would we be? Not only our beloved pets but in the very world that surrounds us. We absolutely would be without a song in the morning, a comforting snuggle in the night, and a fair chunk of loyal, loving companionship.

The very nature of being surrounded by animals, birds and every other living creature reminds us of our place. Humans exist purely due to the consent of the nature around us, and we’re so fortunate to share the earth with the beings that we do.

Avenues shows you the good happening in our little neck of the woods, from the rehoming of bull breed dogs to tagging our precious bird the kea, to ensuring our own pets are naturally healthy and well. Three stories that highlight the need to look after those who can’t always speak up, and those who bring so much joy into our lives.

The furry, the loveable, and the winged — straight from Animalia — onto our pages, and into your homes.

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THE SHELTER THE COMMUNITY BUILT WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands

S

apphire is a tough-looking pit bull in need of adoption.

She has been waiting a long time for the right ‘forever home’ but, at Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue there are no plans to give up on her just yet.

“Sapphire is our longest stayer,” rescue centre founder Abbey van der Plas says.

“She arrived here in December 2016 as an 11-month-old puppy from the pound.”

Abbey has no regrets about saving Sapphire from the canine equivalent of death row but admits it’s hard to find potential owners for ‘menacing’ breeds like this that have to be kept muzzled while out in public.

“Of course, we see the other side and know what a lovely dog she really is.”

Being a guardian angel to neglected and rejected dogs like this in life and death situations is challenging, but Abbey has long had a soft spot for muscular mutts.

It was while volunteering with Dogwatch some years ago that Abbey first became aware of how many such dogs were falling through the cracks.

“So many were winding up in pounds through no fault of their own and were being put down because of how they looked – no-one would adopt them.

Education is a big part of what we do,” Abbey says.

She set up Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue a decade ago, initially running it from home before going the next step and establishing a rescue centre in Woolston.

It can accommodate nine dogs at a time in comfort. The goal is to provide temporary shelter, food, and vet care with the next step being foster care and ultimately adoption. The centre has a network of people who foster dogs and the team

works closely with councils and pounds throughout New Zealand.

“I always say ‘this is the shelter the community built’ because everything that comes into this place has been donated.

We don’t get any funding but we have an amazing following on Facebook so if we are ever in a tough spot, we can ask for help.”

De-sexing is a top priority for Abbey and her volunteers because every unwanted litter adds to the problem of neglect.

“We offer heavy discounts on de-sexing; the benefits are immeasurable. We don’t get anywhere near the same number of mother dogs and puppies as we once did. We can’t take all the credit as the SPCA has de-sexing programmes too but I do believe we are making a big difference,” Abbey says.

Every dog that comes into the centre is assessed for temperament and colour coded on behaviour. A lot of work goes into rehabilitation and creating a quality environment. Close observation of dogs over time in different situations feeds into that final picture of what kind of home and owner would be a good fit.

Abbey along with her partner Travis and their three children have three rescue dogs of their own, but every rescue dog is special to her. She has seen many transformations, such as Ragnar, who had spent his entire life chained up and hungry before being rescued.

“Our volunteers put a lot of time and energy into showing him that the world was not such a scary place. He was in the shelter for a good six months before we put him into a foster home, where he really flourished. He ended up being adopted by a lovely rural couple who have four other dogs – today, he has the most beautiful life.” chchbullbreedrescue.org.nz

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A NATURAL TOUCH WITH ANIMALS WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTO Todd Couper

B

ecky Hadfield, a registered animal naturopath and vet nurse, moved to Christchurch from the United Kingdom over 20 years ago, after meeting her Kiwi husband Adam.

Becky has always had a passion for animals, having grown up in rural England surrounded by sheep, horses, dogs, and cats.

Together the pair have two teenage children, Katie and Will, plus a miniature schnauzer Stanley, and two Dorper sheep – the ‘pet lawnmowers’ Rosie and Posy.

In New Zealand, Becky retrained as a vet nurse at Ara Institute of Canterbury, and studied a four year Diploma in Natural Animal Health. This was after earning a degree in Agricultural Science from London University, and working as a pharmaceutical hospital representative. She felt it was time to follow her true passion of animal health.

Becky is currently the only registered animal naturopath in the South Island. This lead her to establish ‘My Natural Animal Health Clinic’.

Post-earthquakes, Becky had a large number of requests from owners with pets in need of support for their anxiety symptoms.

According to Becky, this issue manifests itself in many ways from aggression to gut issues, to self-harm and skin disorders.

Six years later, thanks to word of mouth referrals between happy pet owners, the clinic client base now exceeds 500 pets from all over the country.

Becky says that pet owners are more proactive and knowledgeable nowadays regarding health for themselves and their families, and this has now expanded to include their ‘fur babies’ as well.

“With the Internet, there is a wealth of information on animal health available, however, some is opinion, not fact.

When natural medicine and veterinary medicines are used together, often there

is a lower minimum dose of chemicals, and ultimately the side effects are reduced with long term drug use. Natural medicines can offer improvement and relief to a greater or lesser degree depending on the animals’ diagnosed health issue,” Becky says.

The modern day world is fast-paced, and pets love routine and company. When left alone for long periods of time, or when pets have no set exercise routine, then they can, unfortunately, develop psychological health issues, that will manifest as a physical issue in time if not addressed swiftly.

Some common symptoms caused by stress can be paw licking, ear infections, gut issues, scratchy itchy skin, red hot ‘pyoderma’ spots, or even depression. Herbal medicines can really help these cases, as the body knows how to use them.

Although the animal can’t communicate to Becky in words exactly what is wrong, the symptoms and behaviour changes noticed by the owner and displayed by the pet gives her a ‘mountain of information’ to work with.

One recent case that comes to mind for Becky was a young dog that had an injury operated on due to an impaled stick. The wound was reluctant to heal, even with the owner’s repeated trips to the vet for antibiotics. Five months after the injury, a new wound appeared next to the surgical site. After regular bathing and wound care using Medicated Honey, and a Chinese herbal formula with zinc supplements, the wound slowly began to shrink and heal.

“I love my work. It doesn’t feel like work, as it feeds my soul. Animals are so forgiving and give us as humans so much in return, for our care. I allow time to really listen and get to know my clients and their beautiful pets. Every animal is unique, and I value the opportunity to treat them as such.” thenaturalanimalhealthclinic.co.nz

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HELP THEM HELP KEA WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Kate Le Comte

N

estled in the mountainous, beechforested valley of Arthur’s Pass is the Kea Kiosk, the result of years’ worth of work by Dr. Laura Young, George Moon and Mark Brabyn, along with numerous hours of volunteer time from many people.

Working with the Kea Conservation Trust, Arthur’s Pass Wildlife Trust and the Department of Conservation, the construction of the Kea Kiosk marked the completion of the first major part of the citizen science project known as the ‘Kea Sightings Project’. Complete with six large information boards, the kiosk helps to highlight the history, intelligence, threats, local kea personalities, and all sorts of other interesting things about our special alpine parrot, Nestor notabilis.

One of the key reasons for the project, according to Dr. Laura Young, is raising awareness of just how threatened kea are.

“Kea numbers [are] estimated to only be between 3000 and 7000 individuals. People are often surprised to hear the number is so low, given that they are highly visible birds, often found interacting with, or destroying human things.”

While telling people about the plight of kea is helpful, George Moon says the most engaging and unique part about this project is the citizen science aspect.

“In a nutshell, this involves the banding of kea with coloured bands which are easily able to be read with the naked eye, or by simply taking a photo and zooming in. These kea are then loaded on to the online Kea Database, in which anybody can look up the name of the bird they just saw, find out some key details, learn about its personality and also log sightings of birds, banded or not.”

The purpose of collecting the sightings is to better understand what’s going on with the numbers of kea in the mountains; for example how many there are, where they go, how many new young fledglings appear each year.

As part of the banding process, the kea are also tested for lead poisoning, unfortunately, a problem due to kea eating the lead-headed nails and flashings on old buildings.

Amongst other things, the online database for bird details and reporting sightings is the main part of the project that George is responsible for.

“The Kea Database is the result of hundreds of hours of work. It has certainly been an interesting and rewarding project, requiring a mix of geography, conservation, design, and technical skills. A highlight was our database somehow managing to get an award for its ‘open source’ approach to science last year.”

George’s additional work includes sorting out web maps, hosting, data import, accessibility testing, security and more.

If you want to help the Kea Sightings Project, Laura encourages the public to help add to the Kea Database.

“We’re really interested in any observations of kea, not just in Arthur’s Pass, but anywhere in the South Island. We’re also interested in what we call ‘non-sightings’, which is when you go to a place expecting to see kea and there were none, especially if it was a past kea hot-spot.”

As a novel way of raising funds, you can even sponsor an individual kea or even name one in return for having your details listed on the website. Some of the more memorable names include Elvis, Chief Justice, Tenacious D, and Vladimir. Help them, help kea. keadatabase.nz

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IN DETAIL

Dogs making a difference WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands

S

omething melts inside when we meet Canine Friends Pet Therapy star Jess at Burwood Hospital as she prepares to make her rounds of the older persons’ health wards with owner Carol Millican.

The young border collie has big fluffy ears, bright eyes and a sweet way with strangers.

Passing hospital visitors and staff lavish her with pats and compliments and Jess accepts all the attention happily with generous good grace.

Carol decided to get involved as a volunteer with Canine Friends Pet Therapy after retiring from nursing two years ago. Her dog Jess, whose temperament seems so naturally caring and calm, was the perfect partner for the role.

“When I first started out nursing in Scotland many years ago, people used to bring their pets in and I remember noticing then how much enjoyment they gave to patients … On our first visit to Burwood, I think I was more apprehensive than Jess. She knows what to do; I’m just her person at the end of the lead!

She seems to sense when people need a bit of attention and will go and sit at their feet or sit next to them.”

Lower Hutt dog breeder Eileen Curry and a group of like-minded friends founded Canine Friends Pet Therapy in 1990 to bring comfort to the sick and elderly. It has since grown into a network of 700 pet therapy dog teams visiting rest homes, hospices, and hospitals throughout New Zealand. Every dog joining Canine Friends Pet Therapy undergoes a temperament check to ensure they are suitable.

If accepted, the owner and dog receive training and support before being matched with a rest home, hospital, or hospice.

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Jess wears her Canine Friends’ red scarf at a slightly rakish angle but is well-groomed for today’s visit and Carol keeps her on a lead at all times. They know their routine inside out.

“I generally park in the rear carpark and walk up with her, just to make sure she’s been to the toilet. I have to take her attention span into account, so we only visit for an hour; I keep a little ball in my bag as her special reward that I give to her at the end,” Carol said.

Carol takes care to respect patient privacy and only visits those who want to see Jess.

Doctors, nurses and other staff love spending a few minutes with Jess too. “I’ve been told it makes their day.”

A visit from Jess often sparks off happy memories for elderly patients.

“If they’ve been a farmer, they’ll say, ‘she looks like a farm dog I used to have’. They may even call Jess by their old dog’s name…I’ve met people here who have lost their ability to speak, but when we go in they’ll smile – one man even started whistling. It can be quite emotional.”

As Canine Friends’ South Island field officer, Carol also enjoys liaising with head office in Wellington and keeping them informed of local events and visits. In Canterbury, volunteers sometimes also take their dogs on group visits to large organisations, such as universities. The dogs can be a real comfort to students too at high-stress times, such as orientation week or in the lead-up to exams.

I ask Carol what she sees as the number one benefit of pet therapy. For her, it is all about putting smiles on people’s faces. As we watch Jess in action, we can certainly see the good that she’s doing.

EVERGREEN

Pet-friendly outdoor spaces

P Emily Hastie, Landscape Architect, Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects

roviding safe, secure, and interesting areas for animals is often a consideration when designing gardens.

Depending on your pet these spaces can be integrated into your garden or allocated their own special spot. Whether it’s a horse, dog, cat, or guinea pig the basic necessities are security, provision of shade and shelter, outdoor water supplies, and space for exercise and play. Adding to this is the consideration of the impact toxic plants may have on some animals, these are all important things to know when creating a garden which is functional and comfortable for all pets, and their owners.

Consider securely fencing your property boundaries to stop pets wandering, ideally with an open-style fence or gate near the front entrance for dogs to see out of – especially for the curious ones but also to deter burglars. Pet kennels or shelters don’t need to be an eye-sore, simply stain them black, add some plants and they’ll blend into the garden. And, don’t forget to place them in a warm, sheltered area but preferably out of the midday sun.

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The selection of plants as well as the risks and benefits they may have on your pets is also vital.

For lifestyle block owners plants like Chinese Poplars, Populus yunnanensis, are attractive trees which provide shelter for livestock, while the foliage also helps prevent facial eczema on grazing cattle or sheep. Meanwhile, acorns from oaks can be toxic to cattle and so should be kept away from areas that livestock can access.

Selection of plant species is also important for the comfort and safety of our smaller four legged-friends. The pollen from lilies is highly toxic to cats and should be kept away from areas where your feline friends may roam. The leaves of varieties of laurel, which are often used for an attractive hedge, are poisonous to dogs, as are the berries from what is known as our native laurel, the karaka tree, Corynocarpus laevigatu.

Other plants will be greatly appreciated by our pets including specimen trees for cats to climb as well as the much loved catnip, while I’ve seen many puppies take great joy in jumping into a garden bed filled with tussocks. kamomarsh.co.nz

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OBJET D’ART

An icon for East Frame

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striking, sixteen-metre tall, totem-esque sculpture is planned for Christchurch’s East Frame, adding a touch of Tongan and Aotearoa New Zealand culture to further complement the city’s cultural diversity and understanding. Named Vaka ‘A Hina. the artwork by Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine will be in Rauora Park on the eastern fringe of the city.

SCAPE Public Art is installing this work in partnership with Christchurch City Council, Ōtākaro Ltd, John Jones Steel, GHD, and Leighs Construction. The sculpture will be gifted to the city thanks to funding from these Christchurch businesses, Creative New Zealand and a public funding campaign.

Described as a beacon, meeting point, and way finder, Vaka ‘A Hina will be a new point of reference in a refreshed part of the city. It provides another opportunity to connect with the community and to celebrate cultural differences. The sculpture will have a tall, resolute, continuous presence during day and night. A lighting scheme created by GHD, and Philips Lighting, will further enhance Vaka ‘A Hina’s stature. A spectrum of colours is available providing the ability to customise illumination for special occasions; from green for St Patrick’s Day to pink for Breast Cancer awareness.

SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Deborah McCormick says that Vaka ‘A Hina’s combination of Pacific Island culture and striking geometry embodies the uniqueness of all the different people who make up a community.

“Public art has the power to reflect our city’s true identity and developing narrative. At this time when harmony, respect, compassion, and understanding have the power to provide resilience, Vaka ‘A Hina becomes more than a visual cue of cultural diversity – it is an opportunity for sharing, questioning, learning, understanding, and change.”

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Ancient Tongan and Moana Oceania (Pacific) folklore provide the background story for Vaka ‘A Hina, which translates to English as ‘Vessel of Hina’. Hina is a Tongan goddess who lives on the moon above the langi (sky) in vāvā (outer space) and travels frequently back and forth to maama (Earth).

Vaka ‘A Hina can be imagined as the vessel she uses as transportation on these trips – it’s her vaka (canoe) – thus evoking ideas of travel, motion, and movement.

The sculptor, who has lived and worked in Christchurch, is an Auckland-based Tongan architect, lecturer, researcher, and a multimedia artist.

Potauaine explains the artwork and its setting in Christchurch.

Potauaine says that on an abstract level Vaka ‘A Hina points to the intersection or connection and separation of tā (time) and vā (space). In its physical form, the sculpture is made up of kupesi (complex geometric designs) that move in multidirectional and multidimensional ways.

“As a means of transportation, transformation, or projection, Vaka ‘A Hina gives a sense of flight and escape into the realm of vāvā away from the domain of vaha (seascape) on maama (Earth), where navigation as an art is conducted at their intersection or connection and separation,” he says.

Potauaine hopes the sculpture can become a point of unity in light of recent events in Christchurch.

“With the recent tragedy in the city, I do hope the presence of Vaka ‘A Hina as a way-finder offers relief to those who have been stricken and provides connection to those who have been separated.”

The sculpture is expected to be in place before the end of 2019.

ON THE JOB

Furniture maker CORY BEYRER, BEYRER BESPOKE FURNITURE AS TOLD TO Joshua Brosnahan PHOTO Sebastian Beyrer

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hen I was young, my father’s hobby was woodworking. I grew up in his workshop helping him on various projects in the weekends. With a home full of handmade items, I became used to the idea of building furniture rather than buying it. As I got older, my love for creating grew and I was no longer just helping dad but making projects of my own. I was gradually building on the knowledge he gave me.

Quitting my job a few years ago meant I could put all my energy into furniture making and starting to build my business.

My brand is not only an outlet for me to do what I love but an opportunity to share with others a craft which nowadays is overshadowed by large retailers of imported goods. Woodworking can often be regarded as an old fashioned occupation today, but with my pieces, I aim to incorporate modern lines and contemporary style while using the practicality of traditional techniques.

My design process usually starts with a face-to-face conversation with my clients,

discussing their ideas and getting a firm understanding of what they are looking for in the finished piece. Using timber species to seamlessly integrate with the décor of a room or to meet the structural requirements of an outdoor piece, deciding on the material is always important. From here I like to sketch multiple designs going back and forth with clients until we arrive at something that is both unique and functional. Working with both wood and steel allows me to cover a larger range of design ideas and possibilities for each piece and client.

I would like to encourage people to appreciate bespoke, hand-crafted furniture and remove the intimidation they might feel in regards to the design process and ordering of a custom piece.

Made to order items such as my barstools are available for purchase on my website.

My furniture represents quality. They’re hand crafted pieces with attention to detail and longevity. beyrer.co.nz

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DESTINATION

Quintessential Queenstown New Zealand’s answer to Aspen or Courchevel has been dubbed the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. Long after AJ Hackett put the town on the map with his infamous bungy, the title still manages to come with a plethora of cultured, intriguing and memorable activities that are all designed to make your stay in Queenstown unforgettable. From skiing and jet boating in some of the most scenic locations in the world to fine dining in some of our country’s most prestigious restaurants – Queenstown has something for everyone and caters to all skill levels.

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ATUAROHE

THE IVY BOX

‘Atuarohe’ translated from Māori means ‘God’s Zone’. Only recently refurbished to the highest standard with locally sourced artwork and furniture, Atuarohe is, without doubt, one of Queenstown’s most luxurious homes. Located just a couple of minutes’ drive from downtown Queenstown, Atuarohe’s sweeping views of the Wakatipu basin and location make it the perfect escape for family and friends to come and relax. Consisting of five generous bedrooms (three with en suite bathrooms), open plan living and dining, outdoor entertaining area and spa pool, this spacious home consists of numerous places for a party of ten to truly unwind. Sotherby’s luxury rentals are perfect for a deluxe weekend of relaxation.

One of Queenstown’s most creative, original art galleries is the Ivy Box. Director Lynda Hensman initially started the Queenstown art gallery in 2015 to bring together talented artists from around the region. Painting together in the studio above the viewing room, she curated an atmosphere where local artists could share their passion for art and zest for life. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu just five minutes’ walk from Queenstown centre, the historic building is filled with a wide range of work from talented New Zealand artists available to buy. With provocative art exhibitions that inspire and intrigue running monthly, the Ivy Box is a must-visit for anyone in Queenstown.

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The Snow Farm is a place where you can try Nordic and cross-country skiing, have a go on our snow-shoe trails, or experience a brilliant overnight adventure – skiing to one of their backcountry huts and staying the night with your family or friends. Come and have some winter family fun in the alpine valleys of Pisa, with the Southern Alps and Mt Aspiring views all around you. They have lessons and ski packages to suit every level and experienced guides and instructors to improve your game.

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CITY SCENE

Quenching our sporting thirst

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With appeal this broad, the location had to be equally as accessible for people right across Christchurch, thus the brewery site was chosen.

Bookended by two major roads, Moorhouse Avenue and St Asaph Street, the facility is easy for motorists to get to and will include around 550 car parks. It also sits on a major cycle route and is one block away from the central city’s busiest bus stops, near the hospital.

The Metro Sports Facility’s significance on the national stage will also bring local and international competitions back to Christchurch resulting in economic benefits for the city.

Council expects it to host eight-to-twelve such events each year with competitors, coaches, family, and supporters from all around the country using our hotels and motels, restaurants, attractions, and shops.

For netball, basketball, futsal, swimming, diving and more it will mean there will be a home town advantage once again, after years of having to travel around New Zealand for representative tournaments.

With the Metro Sports Facility we may be trading that wafting smell of hops for a hint of chlorine, but it is also the smell of success.

hether you consider it a sign of our health-conscious times or a cruel twist of fate, Christchurch’s biggest brewery site is about to be transformed into the Metro Sports Facility.

Construction of what will be the largest sport and recreation facility of its kind in New Zealand starts this month.

For the likes of Canterbury Basketball Association, the facility’s completion at the end of 2021 cannot come soon enough. Its weekend club competition has grown over 30 per cent in the past two years and this season two new clubs plus an additional 20 teams will be on the court. Access to nine indoor courts at the Metro Sports Facility will help the game grow at every level.

The driving philosophy behind the jointly funded Crown and Christchurch City Council project is to give everyone the opportunity to get active.

The Metro Sports Facility will offer something for all. Whether that be the learn-to-swim pool, five hydroslides, 50-metre competition pool, dive well, Aquatic Sensory Experience, show court with 2,500 grandstand seats, or the fitness and high-performance training spaces.

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TORQUE TALK

URBAN EXPLORATION WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Kallum Harris

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rchibalds has recently unveiled the using the world’s first Eucalyptus textile all-new Range Rover Evoque for 2019. upholstery. These non-leather upholstery Creating a compelling successor to options cater to the ethical consumer. The the vehicle that heralded the compact luxury other alternative leather material is called SUV movement – capturing hearts all over Eucalyptus Melange, a hybrid plant-based New Zealand. It is an innovative update to the material developed by Land Rover, which is compact sports-utility vehicle launched to great paired with an animal-free, anti-microbial success with Land Rover, over eight years ago. polyurethane material in the seats. Both The Evoque is the perfect SUV for urban non-leather upholstery options have been exploration; in a town such as Christchurch designed to be as hard-wearing as the leather that is constantly evolving and growing, it’s options. Both are durable, able to retain essential to have a vehicle that is comfortable newness, and remain easy to clean; this and can handle varying urban terrains in style. upholstery is perfect for the urban family.

The new version features a distinctive The ClearSight interior rear-view mirror coupé-like silhouette, and a palette of new and ClearSight Ground View are both exterior and interior materials, including a firsts for Land Rover. The technology range of premium non-leather options for the provides a clear line of sight for normally interior of the car. The SUV is equipped with obstructed views, delivering greater levels unparalleled technology, with new additions of confidence when driving off-road or in of the ClearSight interior rear-view mirror and challenging urban situations. Thanks to ClearSight Ground View. external cameras, a simple flick of a switch Following in the footsteps of any iconic sees your rear vision mirror displaying predecessor is always a challenge, but Land a clear view of the road behind you, Rover’s designers and engineers were up to regardless of the cargo in the boot. it. The Evoque is the epitome of the Range With the added bonus of a 20 per cent Rover’s modernist design approach, with a larger fuel tank, a larger boot space, and bold evolution that retains the essence of cutting edge technology, your life is set to be Evoque’s character. In fact, this luxury SUV that little bit easier, and better connected. has been so popular that Steve Kenchington, From Hagley Park to The Tannery and beyond, Land Rover New Zealand’s General Manager, you’ll have the luxurious travel experience said, “The Range Rover Evoque has accounted that you deserve. for one in every four Land Rovers sold over All this and more, available from the past eight years.”

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PALATE

Braised beef short ribs with onions VOTHINO STIFADO ME MIKRO-PAITHAKI Stifado is one of Greek cuisine’s most famous dishes. Slow-cooked, sweet and soft baby onions are lovingly wrapped in a blanket of rich, aromatic sauce and usually found cuddling up to chunks of beef, rabbit or even octopus. My version pays homage to the true foundations of stifado, but fuses it with mouth-watering tender beef short ribs for a crowd-pleasing modern take.

SERVES 4

1 kg/21 baby onions 4 meaty beef short ribs (about 1.5 kg) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper 1/2 tablespoon sugar 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon 3 sticks of cinnamon (7.5 cm) 3 dried bay leaves 1/2 tablespoon whole black peppercorns A small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 6 whole cloves 2 tablespoons tomato purée/paste 2 ripe on-the-vine tomatoes, chopped 250 ml/1 cup red wine 1/3 cup red wine vinegar Olive oil, for cooking Mashed potatoes, to serve A small handful of freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley, to garnish

Preheat the oven to 160°C. First, prepare the baby onions. The easiest method (and to avoid crying in the kitchen) is to trim the stalk-end of them, cut a small X into the end, put them all in a bowl and pour over boiling water. Cover and leave for 10 minutes, after which time drain, refresh with cold water and then you’ll find that you can easily peel off the onion skins, leaving the onions whole.

To prepare the stifado, season the beef ribs with the salt, pepper, and sugar. Fry the ribs in a lidded ovenproof pan (or casserole dish) in a little oil just to brown them on all sides, about 10 minutes, then remove from the pan. Pour away any excess fat from the pan and add a few glugs of olive oil.

Add the peeled onions and fry until they start to brown, then add the garlic. After a couple of minutes, add the ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, peppercorns, nutmeg, cloves, tomato purée, and chopped fresh tomatoes. Cook this out for a few minutes before adding the wine and vinegar.

Turn the heat up and reduce the wine by half. Return the ribs to the pan and pour in enough water to almost cover them, but not quite. Bring to the boil and then cover tightly and place in the preheated oven for at least 3 hours, perhaps 4 hours, depending on the size and thickness of your ribs.

When the ribs are fork-tender, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. If the stew is too loose, remove the ribs from the pan, spoon off any excess fat from the surface and bring to a simmer on the hob/stovetop to reduce the sauce just enough to help it thicken. Reintroduce the ribs to the pan and baste with the sauce.

Serve the ribs on top of creamy mashed potatoes and spoon over some of the sauce, ensuring everyone gets plenty of baby onions. Garnish with the freshly chopped parsley.

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PALATE

Cypriot lamb shanks in sticky sauce ARNI KORMOU TIS KYPROU This was one of the first recipes I cooked for us to bring a little Greek culture to an East London flat. I remember cooking this years ago when my then girlfriend, now wife, and I moved in together in Canning Town in London (I’m sure she was doing a try-before-you-buy strategy on me... luckily for me, the returns policy has now expired).

SERVES 4

4 lamb shanks 2 onions, sliced 4 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tablespoon smoked paprika ½ tablespoon ground cumin ½ tablespoon ground coriander ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon A pinch of cayenne pepper 1 cinnamon stick ½ teaspoon ground cloves or 5 whole cloves 250 ml/1 cup red wine 3 tablespoons pomegranate molasses 1 tablespoon Greek honey 3 dried bay leaves 100 g/¾ cup pitted ready-to-eat prunes (or apricots) 500 ml/2 cups passata/strained tomatoes Salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil, for cooking 2 tablespoons toasted pistachio nuts, chopped, to garnish A generous pinch of dried rose petals, to garnish Freshly chopped coriander, to garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Season the lamb shanks generously and brown them in hot olive oil in a lidded ovenproof pan until coloured all over, then remove from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, fry the onions slowly for about 10 minutes until they have coloured and turned a deep golden hue, then add the garlic and cook for a few more minutes.

Add all the spices and stir through to coat the onions, then add the wine. Cook with a lid and cook over a high heat to reduce the wine by half. This will concentrate the flavour of the sauce.

Finally, add all the other ingredients and return the lamb shanks to the pan, bottom-side down, so the bone is sticking up. Slowly add about 500 ml/2 cups of water, just enough to cover the meat (the bones can stick out). Bring this to a simmer, then cover and place in the preheated oven for 2 hours.

Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing the lid.

Serve the lamb shanks sitting upright, with a few ladles of the juice poured over. Garnish with the pistachios and rose petals, as well as some freshly chopped coriander, if you like.

RPS1993 Orexi Final

orexi!

Orexi! Feasting at the Modern Greek Table by Theo A. Michaels.

Photography by Mowie Kay. Published by Ryland Peters & Small.

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IW_RPS1993 OREXI PAGES 01-09.indd 1

05/11/2018 15:35

PALATE

Soup it up The warmest bowls for an autumn soul.

BUNSEN

EIGHTGRAINS

KADETT

Worcester Boulevard facebook.com/bunsenltd

St Asaph Street eightgrains.co.nz

St Asaph Street facebook.com/kadettcafe

Bunsen is a revival of the old Le Café site in The Arts Centre – what a revival it is. The décor is a throwback to the space’s roots as a science classroom, but still keeps the essence of the Arts’ Centre space alive. Soup of the day was pumpkin, which was served with warm slices of toasted ciabatta and butter, and the dish was garnished with micro greens and drizzled with olive oil. Bunsen served a classic soup but it was unique with a creamy, flavoursome body with depth and balance. Bunsen offers exceptional coffee and a cosy environment – something to keep in mind as winter creeps in.

We love some Eightgrains goodness, especially its bao and wontons, so the Pork Prawn Wonton noodle soup was something to get excited about. At Eightgrains, everything is made in house, so the wontons, broth, char siu, and even noodles are all Eightgrain originals.

Prawn isn’t a go-to flavour for me personally, but I felt this addition was balanced well with the pork, and the broth was full of umami, wontons, and moreish cuts of meat. It is clear the team behind Eightgrains know how to do traditional flavoured soup and give it a modern edge. This is a soup to warm your bones.

Kadett’s soup offerings change daily, so we were fortunate to catch this spicy number when we did. Spiced red lentil and coriander soup was on the menu and definitely went down a treat. It was served with Grizzly Baked Goods sourdough, toasted lightly. This soup had a gentle heat to it, and worked in very well with the mellow green nudge from the coriander. It had a whisper of Morocco in it.

The only thing I would have added would have been sour cream or something on top. In fact, the team at Kadett Café are so lovely, I’m sure they would have obliged if I’d asked.

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PALATE

top pick MADAM WOO St Asaph Street madamwoo.co.nz

Taking inspiration from traditional Malaysian hawker food, Madam Woo serves up big, fresh flavours in a vibrant, fun and modern setting from award-winning Kiwi chef Josh Emett.

Laksa is something that can easily tip one way or the other, in palatable terms. A good laksa is all about achieving harmonious levels of salty and sour, with sweet and

spicy. As you can imagine, these are a lot of variables for one humble soup. Luckily Madam Woo has wooed us on this front – a stunningly fragrant and agreeable offering that leaves no culinary stone unturned. We ordered two laksa, one with added chicken and one with prawns. Both of these were received with full marks. The placement within the bowl was beautiful, and the individual components

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included were cooked so well. The chicken was soft and didn’t lose its own flavour in the broth. I felt the soft-boiled egg served as a nice break in the flavour medley, and helped segment the experience so it was not too overwhelming. This is a soup with flavour, and definitely serves as a Madam Woo menu item to re-order time and time again.

PALATE

Bold Barberra BARBERRA 151 Cambridge Terrace barberra.co.nz

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ewcomer to Cambridge Terrace is restaurant Barberra. Occupying a prime position overlooking the Avon, Barberra offers a fresh, modern approach to dining.

Barberra’s décor and layout is a vast improvement from the previous tenants onsite – a massive overhaul was not something expected, but it is a surprisingly well-suited update. With a mix of industrial, rustic wood, and rich colour in the furnishings, you can see the team behind Barberra know what they are doing.

The amuse arrived first, as a tasty mini donut, with an intriguing mix of strawberry, basil, and balsamic – a bold mix of tart, salt, and sweet.

A small bowl of wasabi and seaweed popcorn was also well received. Tops marks so far.

The entrée looked like something from a renaissance painting; a bed of olive balsamic purée with perfectly roasted tomatoes and the runaway star of the dish, was the whipped tofu. We had to look twice at this one, as it was unlike any tofu we’d had before. Wow. The duck was ordered for our main. This had a tart cherry jus on top, and accompanied

with a bed of silky smooth parsnip purée that had been whipped beyond measure with coconut cream. Sautéed kale peppered with hazelnuts rounded off the dish to provide a well-balanced presentation with great combinations of flavour and colour. The duck was well cooked, and very easy to eat – with hints of traditional seasonings within the modern interpretation.

A towering slice of Opera cake was the swan song of our culinary experience at Barberra – matcha and pistachio flavours, layered with a dense buttercream and popping candy, and more tart fruit in the form of a raspberry coulis. With dollops of milk chocolate and a presentation with adventurous architecture, this dessert was a great way to end our dinner, albeit sadly left unfinished.

In closing, Barberra needs to be on your list to visit. The food is exceptional, everyone is professional and knowledgeable, and the menu has plenty of options to keep you coming back for more. There isn’t much else you could ask for in a restaurant.

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PALATE

A touch of Paris in Merivale “Paris is always a good idea” ― Audrey Hepburn

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bespoke Perrier-Jouët Champagne bar has launched in the most sought after salon in the city, Mod’s Hair Paris in Merivale.

Mod’s Hair Paris brings not just the style of Paris to New Zealand, but the taste as well.

For over a decade Mod’s has been renowned for bringing the best of international style to us, so it’s not surprising that they are the first salon in the country to be offering a fully licensed champagne bar.

Just seven cellar masters have held the post at Perrier-Jouët in two centuries, and it is Hervé Deschamps who is the current guardian of this heritage. He approaches each cuvée as if it were a unique work of art, resembling an artist who paints in wine rather than oils or watercolours. With this in mind, it’s fitting that the first salon in New Zealand that they are partnering with is Mod’s Hair Paris in Merivale – renowned for mastering the latest techniques from Paris as their art.

Offering a snack menu that’s hard to resist including the likes of locally sourced Burrata, Sicilian olives, and even caviar.

Caviar two ways, that is, because as well as having a new bespoke bar Mod’s are also the first stockist of the newest hair product on the market – “Alterna Caviar”.

This transformational new product curates a selection of sustainably sourced, potent raw ingredients, carefully calibrating them into the perfect blend to transform your hair.

This is truly an elevated experience to enjoy with a friend, your mother, or with a colleague as you approach the end of the working week.

We can’t wait to experience this new bar which is custom designed to meld two worlds of beauty and pleasure with seemingly impossible ease. modshair.co.nz

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PALATE

Strawberry Fare forever STRAWBERRY FARE Bealey Ave Strawberryfare.co.nz

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t is rare that a restaurant stands the test of time, and consistently delivers a top-notch food experience. Strawberry Fare is one of these restaurants. Set at the front of Carlton Mill Hotel with a view of Hagley Park, you’ll find yourself watching the sunlight filter through nearby trees. It’s very much worth a visit.

Our starter was the Roasted Beet and Falafel salad; a medley of beets, hazelnuts, feta, fresh soybeans, baby greens, falafel, and preserved lemon yogurt. Luckily we decided to share this starter, as this was a meal-and-a-half on its own, so this is good to note for our vegetarian readers as it’s a great option for a main. The yoghurt dressing really makes this salad. The falafel is uniquely green, and very tasty, rolled in sesame seeds.

Our mains were Pea and Lemon Risotto, this arrived in a vibrant hue, filled with baby peas, courgette, goat milk curd, shaved Parmigiano, lemon, mint, and toasted almonds. This was a generous portion with simple plating details to make the dish look very appealing. Paired with a Rockburn ‘Stolen Kiss’ Rosé – which was sweet, fruity, and light.

For the carnivores among us, please take our recommendation and order the Beef Fillet. This is 200 grams of beef fillet, roasted garlic, truffle mash, jus, fresh green beans, and tarragon butter – imagine your traditional meat and veg meal, but given the royal treatment. The jus was perfect to mix with the mash, and the fillet was cooked to perfection. Crisp green beans finished this off and helped make the dish an absolute highlight of the experience.

You simply cannot go to Strawberry Fare and neglect the dessert menu. We were quickly served the Chef’s Tasting Plate, which was an array of desserts including an exceptionally smooth crème brûlée, a decadent chocolate marquise, and a raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake among others.

This is where we should have listened to the recommendation of our lovely waitress.

Did we need a second dessert? No. Was the addition of the Sticky Date Pudding with fresh banana, caramel-orange sauce, banana ice cream worth over-indulging? Yes.

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27 Somme Street, Merivale | www.merivaleretirement.co.nz

HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

Maria PAPANUI

“It started about nine years ago alongside my kids. There was a swan plant at our playcentre, and I thought it was amazing; anyone could purchase a plant and see this miraculous life cycle of a butterfly happening in their own garden.

“I realised how much joy, wonderment and magic my children got out of it. It was a bonding time we shared. I love encouraging children to spend time in nature. It’s important for their mental health and learning.

“My interest piqued, and I was reading more about monarchs and detailing my experiences in a collection of beautiful, detailed photographs. With my expanded knowledge, research, and photos I thought, ‘I’m going to write a book’. I created my book in about three months! Before it got printed, school mums started telling their kindergartens about me.

“I had no public speaking background, but decided to face my fear, and turn up and talk. No one ever feels ready but it starts with a ‘yes’ – it was a natural step for me to share my passion and knowledge, and I now love doing what I do.

“I know I’m making a difference, and the kids soak it all in. It evolved really quickly with dedication and love.

“Word of my work has spread organically, and now I’m so busy I’m turning school bookings away! This has now grown into a nationwide project, as I’m getting bookings from around the country. The life cycle of the monarch butterfly gives us hope that we can change. I grew up in London, where I felt limited making a genuine impact on our Earth.

“Individuals can make change, just like the caterpillar changes into a beautiful butterfly.

Personally, I’ve been changed too.

I love my job. It doesn’t feel like work!”

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