Avenues, May 2021 by Twenty Seven Publishers

avenues. THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

URBAN DWELLERS CHOOSE TO LIVE WELL | THE BLESSING OF A BUS | A SLICE OF OLD CHRISTCHURCH ISSUE 191 | MAY / HARATUA 2021

Every home has a story to tell Introducing a collection of scents designed for your home. Six ceramic candles that capture the curious characters and unique moments within the Townhouse Collection.

Available at Ballantynes Christchurch and Jo Malone London Britomart.

EDITOR’S NOTE

I’ve got a city love

here’s something about a lot of Cantabrians – we’re absolutely spoilt when it comes to the ease and accessibility of our city, even in its current state of growth and change. Wouldn’t you agree? Thanks to the ol’ fight or flight phenomenon, I made a hasty move to Wellington post-quake, and I tottered around, blissfully ignorant in all things related to city travel. “Sorry, you’re saying I should… take a… bus? What, it’s going to take 45 minutes to get there?! And I have to wait!?” Can you imagine me? Yikes. This soon meant I was confronted with the fact that 30 years of my life was spent living in a grid formation, where any key location was 15–20 minutes from anything. Traffic jams? Never heard of them. I guess what I’m trying to convey is, we have a great city in terms of accessibility. We always have. It’s easy to get around, and even satellite suburbs such as Rolleston (hi everyone!) and Tai Tapu aren’t as much of a pilgrimage as I once used to think. As much as Wellington has a soft spot in my heart and Auckland is an absolute mecca for shopping and live events, you really can’t beat our city for liveability. It’s so exciting to witness the influx of urban living so close to the city centre. I can’t wait to see these fringe areas thrive with community and life! We always knew it’d be a slow process, but the signs are there, and it feels like each brick laid, or nail hammered, is one integral step in the right direction for a modern, efficient city. Living in the city will be one of the biggest drawcards to potential new Cantabrians. And while I wish we’d strongly considered light rail options (don’t get me started), we’re on the best trajectory possible. Call me biased; I probably deserve it. Because I do love the city we live in, and I’m sure you do too! Here’s to living in our city,

Joshua Brosnahan Editor

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McW Collection Willis Dining Table & Global Design Whistler Dining Chair

Arvida Good Friends, captured at dusk. Photograph by Dave Richards.

avenues. THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

THE TEAM Publisher Lisa Phelan Editor Joshua Brosnahan Art Director Lucy Arnold Fashion & Beauty Kia Dirkson Accounts & Admin Hilary Armstrong Sub-editor Liam Stretch Advertising Shelley Eccleton

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

PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Kevin Ledo, Lanner Photographs & Video, Vinesh Kumaran, Nay Hauss, Sam Kim, Annupam, IBK Photography, Sarah Rowlands, Kim Newth, Lynette McFadden, Alex Fulton, John Cowie, Darren O’Neil, Chris Parker, Danni Duncan, Anna Scaife, Dave Richards, Emily Harris

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

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

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CONTENTS

URBAN DWELLERS • CHOOSE TO LIVE WELL

• THE BLESSING OF A BUS

• A SLICE OF OLD CHRISTCHURCH

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

SIGNATURE SIGNETS

CHIT CHAT

42 EVERGREEN

CULTURE CLUB

44 HOME

WATCH THIS SPACE

50 IN GOOD COMPANY

HERITAGE

52 PALATE

19 COUTURE

60 CLINK!

24 PAMPER

64 SUNDAY DRIVE

66 COLUMN

LOVE LOCAL

30 YEAH NAH

68 HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

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NEW ZEALAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CHIT CHAT

MODERN-DAY REIMAGINED Handcrafted of stunning acacia, Pottery Barn’s Chateau Wood Serveware Collection was inspired by European antiques then reimagined in modern-day silhouettes. These salad bowls reveal the natural beauty of the wood and are designed to serve your most inspired culinary creations. This collection is proudly Fairtrade! ballantynes.co.nz

STUDIO STYLE

ELEMENTS OF LIFE Curate, the highly anticipated book by creative duo Lynda Gardener and journalist and stylist Ali Heath, reveals how to create a home that is truly individual. With their shared love of a monochrome aesthetic and natural imperfection, they explore the elements that bring a space to life. thenile.co.nz

Designed by Jacques Deneef, Ethnicraft’s Studio modular sofa is an inviting design that oozes comfort and relaxation – constructed with a sturdy tropical hardwood frame wrapped in comfortable high-density foam and fibre. It is fully upholstered in two beautiful fabric colourways with a high Martindale rating to ensure it looks great for a long time. This three-piece modular sofa is comprised of a threeseater, two-seater, and corner module. Ethnicraft’s design philosophy is to create simple and authentic and functional furniture in a timeless, contemporary design with respect for the environment and our society. mckenzieandwillis.co.nz

ALL ABOARD THE ARC Città’s latest season’s bedroom range is an exceptionally chic throwback to the most funky decade of all, the 1980s. Yes, that’s right, curves are back, and you can elevate your bedroom with the timeless Arc Bed, pictured here in natural oak. This bed has been designed right here in New Zealand by Città’s in-house 3D design team, David Moreland and Nikolai Sorensen. You’ve got the option of purchasing the bed base and bedhead individually or as a set, in sizes Queen, King or Super King. Città believes their items should have beauty beyond their function, creating joy, moments of happiness, and even a little fun. cittadesign.com

S TAY A N D S K I at Edgewater Lake Wanaka

Stay 5 nights and only pay for 4! See our Stay and Ski Deal for more details Book your winter holiday today 0800 108 311 03 443 0011 www.edgewater.co.nz

CHIT CHAT

TEXTURE FOR YOUR ‘DROBE Working Style’s pieces are ideal for winter layering under jackets, or if simply worn on their own, they are a great way to add texture to your wardrobe. The men’s knitwear is crafted in premium Italian wool and available in cable knits to crew necks, roll necks to half zips – your choice is endless. workingstyle.co.nz

INTRINSICALLY MADE These ceramic pot and saucers are by Southland ceramic artist John Kalb and found at Wanaka’s Plant Collective. John digs all his own clay and uses a blend to create one-off masterpieces that come in all shapes and sizes. These stunning ceramic pieces are a perfect match for any unique indoor plant. Make a note for your next Wanaka trip to pop into the studio to view these intrinsicallymade pots up close and select your favourite pieces – they come in all shapes, sizes, and colours and change often. The Plant Collective has all things plant related, from indoor plant accessories, plant stands, wicker and woven baskets, hessian bags, and locally made ceramic pots and saucers. plantcollective.co.nz

DARK AND ENIGMATIC Jo Malone London offers daring sensuality encapsulated in scent. We love the nod to the ruby-rich juices of exotic pomegranate, spiked with pink pepper and laced with Casablanca lily, warmed by temptingly smoky guaiac wood and patchouli. Dark and enigmatic. Understated. Sleekly designed. jomalone.co.nz

A REMARKABLE WINTER New Zealand’s only heli-snowmobiling adventure is gearing up for the coming winter season. Enjoy the exhilaration and freedom of riding your own snowmobile over the pristine, snowcovered Garvie Plateau – behind The Remarkables in Queenstown. Along the way, stop to capture photos of snow-capped mountains as far as the eye can see. No experience is necessary, as your qualified guides provide full tuition and then, as a small group, you set off to explore the plateau. Your snowmobiling experience starts and finishes with a scenic helicopter ride. This is an epic adventure for families and individuals available only during the winter months. queenstownsnowmobiles.co.nz

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C ATA R AC T S U R G E RY

CULTURE CLUB

THERE’S CULTURE ON THEM THERE PLAINS

Liam Stretch Culture Editor

t pleases me to see the cultural offerings in Ōtautahi creeping back to pre-quake levels, with, despite the global pandemic, many international acts choosing to quarantine here for a fortnight before trekking around the theatres. We’ve recently had Bill Bailey take in some Aotearoa avian oddities and deliver laughs. This month, I’m giddy with excitement for Ben Elton to grace the James Hay Theatre. The writer behind Blackadder will have two shows on 14 and 15 May – I’ve already bought my tickets. Also coming in May is the Pink Floyd Experience. They’re stopping by Christchurch Arena to pay homage to albums of near perfection, Animals and The Wall. We’re slowly reclaiming our position as a bastion of the arts; may 2021 see them flourish.

IT’S GOT ME HOOKED

A CUP OF JONES

From the minds behind QI comes an equally stimulating and entertaining podcast, No Such Thing As A Fish. The experts break down a central pondering along with a bunch of random facts, like how salesmen used to carry around miniatures of each item, from coffins to stoves. I love this podcast because one learns a little in the most soothing of ways.

It is safe to say; Sir Tom Jones still has what it takes. The Welsh baritone is back with a new single, One More Cup of Coffee. He has reworked the four-decade-old Bob Dylan ballad into his unique sound and style – reminiscent of his classic soft rock ‘n’ roll tone. This version had me swaying and bopping my hips with a glass of Pinot Noir in hand.

TWO WORLDS Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s New York Times Bestseller, Unfinished: A Memoir, is a thoughtful and revealing tale of the former Miss World, actress, and producer’s self-discovery journey. Elegantly written, the memoir divulges Priyanka’s life split across two worlds – her childhood in India and later coming of age in the United States. I found the tales of her relationship with her father particularly moving, and she explains the closeness of the friendship between the pair. These segments often left me a bit teary-eyed.

CULTURE CLUB

HAKĒ: STREET ART RISING Rediscover street art in the Museum and see artist Benjamin Work’s 330m2 wall to floor mural. Canterbury Museum is pulling back the black curtains in its largest gallery to reveal street art from its massively popular Rise exhibition (2013–2014). Artist Benjamin Work has used the gallery floor as his canvas to paint a huge new mural responding to carved kupesi (patterns or motifs) on Tongan objects in the Museum’s collection. Don’t miss this opportunity to see street art by artists including Wongi ‘Freak’ Wilson, Ikarus, Jacob Yikes, Thom Buchanan, Eno, Askew One, Drapl, and BMD in the Museum. Until 6 June 2021, Canterbury Museum canterburymuseum.com

DAUGHTERS OF HEAVEN

BEN ELTON

CAITLIN SMITH

This enduring story was immortalised in Peter Jackson’s 1994 Film, Heavenly Creatures, and Michelanne Forster’s stage adaptation premiered at The Court Theatre in 1991. While the film finishes almost immediately after the crime is committed, the play carries on to explore the subsequent trial, incarceration, and release of the girls.

Ben Elton exploded onto the comedy scene more than 30 years ago, hosting Channel 4’s ground-breaking Saturday Live. Since then, Ben has achieved huge success as a stand-up comic, author, playwright, actor, and director. Ben last performed here in 2006 but toured a sold-out 75 date UK tour in 2019, drawing rave reviews.

Brave Caitlin Smith’s Imaginary Band is Caitlin and her ‘dream team’ performing jazz and folk music. Caitlin Smith is a mesmerising performer, song-poet, and story singer. Legally blind since birth, she is a tireless advocate for accessibility issues and the healing and transformative power of creativity.

Until 1 May, Elmwood Auditorium elmwoodplayers.org.nz

14 May, James Hay Theatre livenation.co.nz

20 May, Arts Centre artscentre.org.nz

1 9 J U N E – 2 4 J U LY

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CULTURE CLUB

Haunting favourite returns

he Royal New Zealand Ballet’s critically acclaimed production of Giselle, which toured the world after its sold-out premiere season in 2012, returns to delight Christchurch ballet lovers this June. The other-worldly Romantic ballet has become a signature work for the company. Former RNZB Artistic Director Ethan Stiefel and celebrated principal dancer, choreographer, and director Johan Kobborg’s acclaimed production first toured New Zealand in 2012 to packed audiences. In 2013 it was turned into a feature film by director Toa Fraser. It returned in 2016 to equal acclaim. The production also travelled to China, the USA, the UK, and Italy. In a remote village, the beautiful and innocent Giselle is courted and captivated by a mysterious stranger. When he is revealed as Count Albrecht, betrothed to another, Giselle, heartbroken, descends into madness and death. In the forest, the Wilis, vengeful ghosts of jilted brides, meet to greet their recently

arrived sister: Giselle, who rises from her grave to join their ranks. Albrecht arrives to mourn, and the Wilis exact their revenge, compelling him to dance until he dies from exhaustion. Giselle shields him from their fury until the first light of day brings the promise of forgiveness and redemption. Giselle is a brilliantly balanced fusion of the many elements which make ballet so special: emotional depth, human characters, romance, and beautiful choreography – from pure classical ballet to folk dances – in a stunning, ghostly setting. It is one of the most beloved ballets ever created. Conducted by Principal Conductor Hamish McKeich, Adolphe Adam’s lyrical score will be performed live by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Romantic, mystical, and lyrical, the RNZB’s Giselle is a timeless production of one of ballet’s great stories. It opens at the Isaac Theatre Royal on 4 and 5 June.

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historic & iconic

The very best in care and retirement living.

WATCH THIS SPACE Whero O Te Rangi Bailey Artist Kevin Ledo (@kevinledo) Date 2017 Location Crowne Plaza Hotel, 764 Colombo Street From the Crowne Plaza Hotel’s rear wall, Canadian artist Kevin Ledo’s beautiful Whero O Te Rangi Bailey portrait overlooks the surrounding gravelly car park with unassuming grace. Produced for the Street Prints Ōtautahi festival in 2017, the mural is based on a photograph from Stuart Robertson’s global art project Peace in 10,000 Hands. Parihaka Kuia Whero gazes at a white rose in her hands, a symbol of peace, her face revealing warmth and wisdom. Behind her, a set of geometric forms suggest an ethereal presence. The painting is rendered in amazing detail, wrinkles and strands of hair discernible, while her hands, pushing forward, blur as they shift from focus. With its restrained colours, the mural is a subtle addition to the urban landscape, calmly waiting to be discovered. 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/613

HERITAGE

THE POOR PROFESSOR OF THE BRUSH AND COMB CHRISTCHURCH’S TURKISH BATH CULTURE, PART 1 “We shall… be well content to see a good swimming bath established, with some warm baths attached, for the benefit of people arriving from the country, or from the unwatered town and the perspiration hills of Lyttelton. The question, however, next arises, ‘Who is to do it ?’” The Press, October 1863

hen Professor Ayers, proprietor of Entrepreneurial Ayers opened his City Baths the City Baths in Colombo Street, in late 1863, creating Christchurch’s first hot advertised for tenders to build and cold bathing establishment. It consisted his Turkish Baths in 1877, the public was of ‘two separate and roomy bathrooms, in already well informed about this new bathing which there is a comfortable bath ... six feet in fashion’s health benefits. length, and hot or cold water ... ad libitum.’ Turkish Baths were a proven cure for Within a year, Ayers introduced Turkish insanity, for the cravings of the drunkard, for Baths, remodelling his High street-facing consumption. From athletes to racehorses to premises, the former site of one of childbirth, the benefits of a regular Turkish Christchurch’s first hairdressers. He raised the Bath had escalated into a Victorian-era political necessary capital by selling subscriptions to campaign called ‘The Turkish Bath Movement’. ‘100 interested gentlemen at £2 2s per annum’. 16

HERITAGE

Visitors entered through the hairdressing saloon and lobby. The reception room preceded a disrobing apartment divided into chambers furnished in ‘Oriental appearance’. Visitors then moved into the 120-degree ‘Tepidarium’ to lounge on armchairs beside an ‘artistically designed fountain’ supplying ‘moisture to perfect the temperature required’. Then followed the 160-degree ‘Calidarium’ and the Shampooing room. A bath fitted with jets completed the experience before the bather moved into the cooling saloon to enjoy coffee and cigars. Separate facilities were provided for ladies, and the Turkish Baths suite was exclusively theirs on set days. By 1884, the popularity of Turkish baths in Canterbury reached a peak. Portable Turkish Baths were for sale for use in ‘your own room’. Sykes, an Auckland inventor, arrived in Christchurch with his bath mounted on casters, ‘resembling a cabinet, with a sort of

chimney rising from the top’ that could be shifted from room to room. They were sold at his ‘modest establishment’ at 108 Colombo Street, with intentions ‘to be the nucleus of a hydropathic institution’. But he didn’t stay long. Seeing the international potential, Sykes sent his brother in the U.S. ‘a bath beautifully constructed of mottled kauri’ and patented his invention locally and in the States. After twenty years as a hairdresser and tobacconist and proprietor of Christchurch’s first Turkish Baths, Professor Ayers stood for the mayoralty and served two terms. He also changed careers and became an auctioneer under the banner Ayers & Co. The handsome two-storied building in High Street occupied by his baths was put up for auction in 1881. Located on ‘the best part of High Street’ opposite the City Hotel and near the BNZ, the premises became Williams & Holderness Hairdressers. What happened to the Turkish Baths is unknown.

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Think this sounds like you or someone you love?

COUTURE

Portfolio models at The Christchurch Art Gallery Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser, photographed by Annupam.

CONTRAST THE CONCRETE

I Kia Dirkson, Fashion & Beauty Editor

nternationally renowned architect Rick A. Ball stated, “It is in the city where life begins”. I completely agree. I love nothing more than getting dressed up and heading into our urban space, and this month I found myself in various locations, all in the name of fashion. First, I was behind the scenes to model the latest collection by Dame Trelise Cooper for Lynn Woods. Next, I attended the MFactor fashion show for Ronald McDonald House at The Tannery, and most recently, I attended the annual Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser at The Christchurch Art Gallery. These events bring people into the city, with fashion being the conduit to couture and kindness, raising over $150,000 in charitable donations. Well done, Ōtautahi – your generosity is so greatly appreciated.

No matter where I venture, a smile is always in fashion. No, our city is not known as a fashion mecca, but within our four Aves, you can certainly find stylish people going to-and-fro donning attire that is, in some cases, fit for the runway. On this note, you may come across me snapping candid photos of people on the street whose style speaks to me. So far, I have spotted some pretty stylish Cantabrians, wearing everything from Tod’s loafers to Marc Jacobs jackets, pops of colour from H&M, and some pretty cool vintage threads. My credo is this: it doesn’t matter where you bought it. It matters how you wear it. For this month’s couture section, we offer up some knit kit to keep you warm and in style this autumn season and contrast the urban concrete with beautifully lit colours that allow us to layer up and warm us up!

BOMBO at The Tannery

The Tannery. Your local discovery awaits.

With more than 50 unique retailers, The Tannery is truly a village of its own within an iconic Christchurch setting. From boutique shopping to opulent day spa, antiques to artisan jewellery, restorative yoga studio to old world cinema charm, wood fired pizza to Victorian high teas and home to conference galas, parties, and whimsical weddings, at The Tannery you’ll find memorable experiences and unforgettable events. THETANNERY.CO.NZ

COUTURE

American Vintage Pullover, $235 ballantynes.co.nz

Camilla and Marc Tanami Knit, $420 andreabianishop.co.nz

Ultrafine Merino Crew Knit, $309 perriam.co.nz

Samsoe Samsoe Nola V-N, $429 fashionsociety.co.nz

Henri Roll Neck Jumper, $299 infinitedefinite.com

Rodebjer Francisca Knit, $440 museboutique.co.nz

Alpaca Rollneck, $229 trenery.co.nz

Mitibird Jumper, $229 superette.co.nz

Polo Low Sleeve Knit, $339.99 moochi.co.nz

Willa Sweater, $399 untouchedworld.com

Exquisite new arrivals… Experience unrivalled comfort and timeless style with our new Kapua ’21 Collection. This pill-resistant blend is created from a luxurious combination of Cashmere, premium possum fibre and Mulberry silk, to deliver lightweight knitwear so soft and cosy you can wear it next to bare skin.

Christchurch | Wanaka | Wellington | Auckland untouchedworld.com

COUTURE

THREAD CRED

CHARMED

Pesca Signora Brooch/Necklace, $5,845 filigree.co.nz

What is more luxurious than jewellery that can be worn and adorned two ways? The Pesca Signora Brooch and Necklace proves that an investment piece can be both smart and stylish. Featuring an Italian cameo, brilliant black baguettes, and champagne diamonds, this custom-made creation from Filigree’s highly desired Medici Collection was handcrafted in Christchurch and signed by the original cameo artist.

These boots were made for walking and looking good while doing it. Direct from Storm, these silver stunners are sure to polish up your wardrobe as we move into the cooler days and nights. Why do we love these so much? That ideal height heal, firstly. Plus, they go with any outfit while making a shiny statement every step of the way.

WELL-HEELED

Blaze Boots from Storm, $449 stormonline.com

Who: PK Location: Kettlewell Lane at The Crossing Wearing: Coat by Juliette Hogan

ADORE THIS STORE

LOCAL TALENT

Belleza is a boutique combination of luxe clothing, modern homewares, and select interiors. Located in The Crossing’s well-established Kettelwell Lane, Belleza is a must visit for anyone looking to fashionably update their wardrobe or home décor.

Orbit earrings by Pretty Birds Jewellery, handcrafted by Christchurch designer Lee Arthur. Spotted at Sollos in The Colombo.

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PAMPER

BARE-FACED TRUTH

Y Danni Duncan, Beauty & Wellness Ambassador @danni__duncan

ou should drink more water.” “Have your tried cutting out dairy?” “You just need to simplify your skincare routine.” On behalf of all humans who struggle with skin difficulties/disorders, I kindly ask you to stop giving skincare advice when it hasn’t been asked for. Not only does it make us painfully aware of what can be our deepest insecurity, but it also reinforces to us the idea that our skin isn’t okay, that it’s not normal and suggests we aren’t good enough as we are. I’ve struggled with acne for the majority of my teenage and adult life. First thing in the morning is spent in front of the mirror, assessing if my skin has become any smoother overnight. I’ve cancelled social events because of severe breakouts, and I’m emotionally scarred from the time one of the boys in high school called me ‘pizza face’. It’s an ongoing battle and one that seems never-ending.

Yet, despite the constant ups and downs, the past few years have become a little easier and not because my acne has cleared up. I’m on a mission, alongside many other brave voices, to see skin difficulties be embraced as normal, and I’m doing this by simply talking about it. I now regularly share images of my bare face on social media, and I’m taking the time to talk with my followers about the struggles having acne comes with. My bumps are still an insecurity, yet they don’t dictate my happiness as much as they used to. Through speaking up, I have found a very large community of people who understand, and acne has started to lose its power over me. So I encourage you, when you talk to someone about their skin difficulties, remind them first and foremost that it is common, that it’s normal, and they are accepted just as they are.

Ann Robinson Black Wedge Between Earth & Sky, Lightwell Series, 2020 Olive Green, 45% Crystal Glass

On display alongside Kirstin Carlin, Lonnie Hutchinson, Hannah Kidd, Robin White, Elizabeth Thomson and more. The Central Art Gallery

Old Library Building the Arts Centre 2 Worcester Boulevard Christchurch

Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm Phone 03 366 3318 www.thecentral.co.nz

20 May 20 June 2021

PAMPER

WELL, WHAT DO WE HAVE HAIR? A SWEET TREAT

Selling like hotcakes, Hair Candy is back, ready to strengthen, repair, and grow your hair. This keratin conditioning treatment is made in New Zealand and owned by Christchurch’s very own Hair by Tuscany.

haircandy.nz

ANSWER TO YOUR PROBLEM

Professional shampoo now in three new environmentally friendly solid bars. Highly concentrated and formulated with natural ingredients, KMS delivers the same superior performance as known from its liquid shampoos. modstoyou.co.nz

No longer will you be reaching for a slippery shampoo bar with the Block Dock, a perfect way to keep your hair bars lasting longer by keeping them dry between washes. Simply mount them to your shower wall, and you’re good to go.

theblockdock.com

NEED A FIX?

KMS GOES SOLID

CHANGE IS GOOD Balayage Hair is the best in the business when it comes to providing clients with beautiful balayage locks. Moving soon to Welles Street, we can’t wait to see how it brings a cute, indie vibe to the city. balayagehair.co.nz

Hair (wink wink) to make your locks longer, stronger, and shinier, Aéde supplements are an activist ready to support healthy hair growth, boost collagen production, and reduce free radical damage. It’s time to give your hair the love it deserves.

modstoyou.co.nz

GIVE UP THE BOTTLE Struggling with oily hair? Saint Clement, by Ethique, is here to help you save the environment, clean your scalp, and support naturally balanced oil production. Your hair will thank you for it. ethique.com

Ask us about Profhilo™

Rehydrate, remodel, rejuvenate, improve skin quality.

Come in for a free consultation with one of our Registered Nurses or Therapists (or with our Doctor for a fee). Lets work together to achieve your skin aspirations.

Profhilo™ is the injectable treatment that has taken the beauty world by storm for it’s beautiful and natural looking results. Available at all Transform Clinics.

www.transformclinic.co.nz 52a Mandeville Street, Riccarton | 0800 2LOOKGOOD Shop 7, 121 Papanui Rd, Merivale | 0800 2TRANSFORM

LOVE LOCAL

SKIN REJUVENATION CLINIC

SOLLOS

Sagging jowls and wrinkly necks are often the most annoying signs of ageing! Luckily there is Ultherapy®. Ultherapy® uses micro-focused ultrasound to lift and tighten the jowls and neck by stimulating the production of natural collagen. Only one treatment is needed, and results occur gradually over the following three to six months. Ultherapy® is the only non-invasive, non-surgical treatment of its kind with FDA approval.

With its thoughtfully chosen selection of locally made and ethically sourced products, Sollos is about celebrating the beautiful and useful. Discover handcrafted ceramics, fine art and prints, luxury bath and beauty products, and stunning jewellery, made by accomplished artists and craftspeople from Christchurch, Canterbury, and across Aotearoa. Visit Sollos in its new home at The Colombo, Sydenham, to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day.

skinrejuvenationclinic.co.nz

sollos.co.nz

WILSON AND DORSET

SOUTHERN WOODS

Wilson & Dorset products are made from 100 per cent natural New Zealand sheepskin. The designs cut the clutter and free your space by creating places to gather, relax, and play. Unlike traditional static furniture systems, these pieces can be moved around the house with you, indoors or out. Wool is a remarkably resilient, renewable fibre that can withstand a lifetime of gathering in your home with family and friends.

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

wilsondorset.com

southernwoods.co.nz

LOVE LOCAL

TEKAPO LUXURY APARTMENTS

HANG

Relax in style and comfort and enjoy the grand views from these beautifully appointed apartments. Each apartment is equipped with the latest appliances, the most comfy superking beds, and finest furnishings. And to top it all off, there are great views: The Two Thumb range, Mt John, and the Southern Alps, and in the evenings, bask in the dazzle of the world’s dark sky reserve. Call owners Ray or Annette on 027 2248 229 to experience the wonders of Tekapo, a vibrant tourist destination.

Whether it is a family heirloom or a statement modernist piece, Hang offers art installation with the utmost care. The team will strategically design a customised plan for each project and address the client’s specific needs. Hang has a range of services to accommodate even the most challenging requirements. They only provide a white-glove service that uses specialised hardware, assuring your artwork is expertly curated and secure on the wall.

tekapoluxuryapartments.com

hang.co.nz

ART METRO

EARTH ORGANIC HAIRDRESSING

Art Metro’s teaching methods are designed to meet your individual specific learning needs. From beginners through to professional artists, students join for many different reasons, from aspiring artists and people who have always wanted to have a go to artists who enjoy being with likeminded people. From people who haven’t painted since school busy people after some tranquil time out or people seeking something creative to do. Come join them at Art Metro!

Fabulous for you. Fantastic for the planet. You’re already conscious of the products you use every day, and your hair should be no different – the team at Earth Organic Hairdressing are committed to sourcing the cleanest and greenest professional solutions available. All of the products, including colours, are 100 per cent biodegradable, meaning no nasties into our waterways. Earth is now teamed up with Sustainable Salons, which will make them the cleanest, greenest salon in Christchurch.

artmetro.co.nz

earthorganichairdressing.co.nz

NAH

YEAH

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Terazzo cakes – a mid-century trend finding its way onto cakes via nifty chocolate artistry. Work route buddies – the people you see daily on the way to work. Hi! Youngs Jewellers’ range of iconic heritage pieces. Droolworthy bling for the digits. Will&Able. The social enterprise creating jobs for people with disabilities. Resene Waikawa Grey is a mid toned chalky grey blue, influenced with violet.

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The theft of OGB’s iconic Austin – luckily, she’s back home now. Unpredictable seasons bringing chill, sun, and rain, and it’s not even 12pm. Retail deejays – Saturday morning shopping turned into a discotech?

The final nail in the e-coffin: an email sent to confirm you are unsubscribing. Supermarket lighting. Bright blueish lights and dubious mirrors. Eek!

BUILDING OF THE MONTH - HOTEL 4, AUCKLAND AIRPORT

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

+64 3 366 5445 design@dalman.co.nz dalman.co.nz

Pop in and see our new store. Take a seat, have a lie down, watch some TV, listen to music. But we’d prefer it if you didn’t put your washing on.

Smiths The Colombo Mall - Cnr. Colombo St & Elgin St, Sydenham

Modern new profile! For over 55 years, Whittle Knight has successfully provided a full range of real estate services.

Now the office has modern branding to signify that it is moving into the next 55 years full of energy and professionalism to continue the same great service to the people of Canterbury.

Their Property Management Division is expanding well thanks to the many referrals that existing clients are sending their way, which reflects on the quality of service that their super staff provide consistently.

Whilst the market is superheated at present, Whittle Knight knows that there are cycles in real estate, and as a company have experienced them all, which allows the team to provide an in-depth service to their clients in all phases of the real estate market.

If you are looking at a real estate transaction, be it residential, commercial, or property management or valuation, head to Whittle Knight – a truly established company, and you will know you are in secure hands. Licensed under the REAA 2008.

Trust, integrity, and a huge depth of knowledge means their clients receive the best advice going forward. We are lucky as a city that our house prices, although rising, have not reached the heights of other centres, so opportunities still abound for both buyers and sellers to enter the market or to move to another property more suitable to them at this point in time.

whittleknight real estate

whittleknight.co.nz

FEATURE

Urban dwellers A wellness hub. A home in a bus. A pair of Kiwi villas. Urban dwellers are peppered within our city with unique stories and endearing connections. Arvida’s Good Friends concept offers a revolutionary approach to care. A couple with lofty goals lived in a bus to achieve their dreams, and a couple of delightful neighbours are bucking the tilt-slab trend by restoring their heritage homes. Read about these slices of urban life, right here in Ōtautahi.

CHOOSE TO LIVE WELL WORDS Anna Scaife PHOTOS Dave Richards

ay marks the opening of an exceptional community facility and a significant milestone in Arvida’s mission to enhance older New Zealanders’ lives. Cutting the ribbon at the Arvida Good Friends community Living Well Centre in Addington opens the door on a new chapter for the company, making a suite of new services available for seniors who live in their own homes. The Arvida Good Friends at Park Lane team envision a vibrant hub where older people from all around Christchurch gather. The architecturally designed centre is a place to meet family and friends, enjoy superb food and make the most of all that’s on offer for fitness and wellbeing. Arvida has ambitious goals, and that’s great news for older residents in the city and all around the country. Arvida Chief Executive Bill McDonald says, “In ten years, I want the world to notice how well older New Zealanders live. And I hope it can be traced to Arvida’s commitment to transforming the ageing experience through person-centred care – what we call the Attitude of Living Well.” Good Friends’ beating heart is bound to be Café Natter, the domain of Head Chef Josh Monaghan, who recently returned from Switzerland and has a food philosophy based on fresh, nutritious meals with plenty of vegan options. The welcoming interior is airy and fresh and opens into an expansive outdoor area surrounded by the orchard and shaded by one of the area’s stunning protected oaks. Plans are in place for a micro-bakery turning out fresh bread and sweet treats six days a week. Next door, the Gorgeous George hair and beauty salon is open to the public, offering

manicures, pedicures, haircuts and colour, facials, waxing, and massage. Adding to the all-encompassing approach and supporting fitness and wellbeing, members can enjoy the state-of-the-art exercise centre led by Laura Organ, a qualified exercise scientist. The facilities include a 15-metre swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa, and a specialist gym with electronic equipment that’s easy to use with automatic resistance settings, so there’s no setup or heavy weights required. Based in the centre to provide additional support for wellbeing are On the Go Physio and the Older Adults Health Collective, offering services from counselling to podiatry. On the second floor, club meetings, technology tutorials, yoga, Pilates, wine tasting, and even boxfit will all be held in the generous events space that opens onto a balcony overlooking the courtyard. Arvida Good Friends’ memberships make available a range of accompanying services at levels to suit individual needs. A subscription can open up access to safe rideshare transport and in-home care delivered by trained and verified helpers. These options will help to make it possible for people to remain in their homes and adjust their level of support over time. The services are all backed by intelligent technology, carefully designed to make it easy and secure. “Living Well is about having choices on how and where we live, being able to find the help we want when we need it and finding it easy to stay active and connected with friends, family, and hobbies. Arvida is here to help older New Zealanders choose to live well wherever they decide to live,” Bill McDonald says.

goodfriends.co.nz

THE BLESSING OF A BUS WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands

imee and Samuel Nimmo are the couple behind Walker Street’s Ally and Sid – a peachy island of cool housed in an old rubber moulding factory in an industrial part of the city. Well on its way to its second birthday, Ally and Sid (aptly coined so thanks to the couple’s nicknames for each other) has forged its place in the city thanks to a dedicated and passionate team, quality coffee, both barista and a range of filter brew methods, and of course, locally-sourced food. The couple spent the formative years of their marriage living in a house bus, which helped guide them to where they are today. Aimee describes the ‘very simplified version of a great story’. “The story of us started when we were teens. Samuel was my little brother’s annoying friend! After many years of friendship, we ended up being best friends, which turned into dating.” Now at 25 and 26, the pair have two and a half years of marriage under their belt – and with this came the welcome challenge of starting their own business together. They also manage to juggle this with jobs at a local church, pastoring young adults. The bus they called home was gifted to the pair as an engagement gift, thanks to Aimee’s dad. “I remember dad quite literally pulled it out of a paddock when I was younger. It was just a shell that had sustained some fire damage, and both my mum and dad spent a year crafting it into what it is today.”

The interior of the bus is fully built with Rimu and holds a lot of character inside. Aimee fondly recalls summers spent camping in it, around the South Island with her family. Aimee mentions that the intention was to buy their first home with savings from living in the bus, but “when the opportunity came to start a café, Samuel couldn’t say no. He does that a bit! I took a bit longer to get my head around it, but now I just couldn’t look back.” Even though the couple have recently graduated to living in a traditional house, the bus is still with them. A decision to help a friend with affordable accommodation whilst finishing their studies has meant the bus lives on at a new location – the couple’s first home. Samuel acknowledges the couple were ‘hugely blessed’ in acquiring the bus, which propelled them towards the goal of giving others a similar head-start. And down the track, the couple envisages taking it on the road for holidays when they have their own children. Aimee quips that she has made a deal with Samuel – the new house means they can now plan for children. “So, I guess you could say he’s motivated!” Samuel describes the Ally and Sid crew as “the greatest team we could work with”. “We are confident we’ll keep growing and firing out the coffees. We want to thank everyone for their continued support! It’s exciting thinking of what lies ahead. We want to be successful in our dreams and our connections with people and live a life of generosity. Our aim is to take opportunities as they come and not take life too seriously.”

allyandsid.co.nz

A SLICE OF OLD CHRISTCHURCH WORDS Kim Newth PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands

ew townhouse developments have replaced many old family homes and cottages in the central city area. Intensification is knocking on the weatherboards, but there are still pockets left where neighbours share fruit over the fences and let their kids play in each other’s backyards. On the corner of Armagh St and Fitzgerald Ave is Christchurch’s longest-running family leadlighting business, Trinity Glass, owned by Kay Nelson and Brent Yates. Their family home – a turn of the century cottage – is right next door to the shop, along with a little studio apartment that they have developed. Next over are Cathleen Murphy and Tony Gray, proud owners of an 1869 two-storey home shared with daughter Zoe and four-year-old grandson Oliver. We rendezvous for a cuppa in the sunny downstairs living area at Cathleen and Tony’s home to chat about their lifestyle in this relatively untouched little urban oasis, which includes several other older homes on either side. “We’ll trade things like peaches, apples, and walnuts,” says Cathleen. “Kay and Brent’s daughter Amber comes over and plays with Ollie. One of our neighbours has a telescope, and it was thanks to him that I first saw craters on the moon!” Cathleen and Tony were friends with their home’s previous owners, so even before they moved in 15 years ago, they knew the house well. Zoe even had her first sleepover in the house. Kay and Brent, who bought their cottage in 2008, say people are always popping up with stories about their house and its past. “Just recently, we met a guy whose parents lived here in the 1940s,” Kay says.

The inner-city location is a big tick. Kay and Brent literally could not be closer to work, and their children’s school – Christchurch East – is also very handy. Cathleen runs the Custard Square Bookshop out of a vintage caravan at the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, so she’s not far from work either. “I don’t think any suburb could compete with the inner city: we’ve got the river, parks, and the botanic gardens. It’s so close to everything,” Cathleen says. These neighbours are not anti-density but share concerns about the lack of offstreet parking and how this impacts new residents’ quality of life, particularly with no supermarket within easy walking distance. Cathleen says one particular developer has moved in “with a vengeance” down their part of Armagh St, and she’s angry at the uninspiring result. “Why did the council allow such blandness on such a scale after all the post-quake aspirations for the city? It’s so disappointing.” Demolition is something Cathleen and Tony could have chosen after their home was damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes, but they loved their house too much to let it go. They have since added a laundry, and a bathroom off their downstairs bedroom. The kitchen and dining area has been opened up, a lovely front porch added, and the whole place double-glazed. Kay and Brent had just renovated six months before the February 2011 earthquake, so their cottage came through fine – though they lost their garage and an awful lot of glass – and have since redecorated twice more. “None of us want to leave here –I’m sure we’re going to keep our little enclave!” Kay says.

IN DETAIL

A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

ew property investment rules, and current market conditions, mean building a new rental home in Christchurch is a smart option for those seeking a great return. Golden Homes expects floor plans like the pictured beautiful three-bedroom, two-bathroom new build in Lanner Drive, Rolleston, to become increasingly popular with investors who want to avoid the Government’s extension to the bright-line test and potential timber shortages. Anyone building a new rental only has to hang onto the property for five years (not 10) before having to pay income tax on any profit. And all Golden Homes are built with ZOG steel framing, which is in plentiful supply and is Healthy Homes approved. “This home’s a great example of what you could build in Canterbury right now and get a good rental return,” says Golden Homes franchise owner Dean McGuigan. “It’s a great investment proposition. It’s a functional size [168m²], and it’s fitted out with quality fittings and materials to stand the test of time. A lot of investors and tenants want low maintenance and easy living – neither party want to have

items fixed, as this cost is just going to eat into a landlord’s returns.” McGuigan says a new home such as this one can be built for $600,000 to $650,000 in Canterbury right now (including land). “In Auckland, building the same home will cost you a million bucks, and in Wellington, it might be $850,000, and in Nelson, it’s probably $750,000, but you’re still only going to attract a similar rental price per week. “Canterbury is not going to run out of land anytime soon. That’s why Christchurch is welltargeted in terms of being undervalued. Now is a good time to build before those values go up.” Investors from around the country are already zeroing in on the mainland as the ideal place to build new homes and protect their property returns. “Those people who were possibly looking at buying existing homes as an investment before are now making the shift to new home builds because of the extension to the bright-line test, the lack of maintenance, and because they’ll be Healthy Home approved. It just makes financial sense, and they’re adding quality homes like this one to New Zealand’s housing stock.”

EVERGREEN

A LITTLE GREEN City living isn’t about going without a garden; it just takes a touch of creative thinking.

I Emily Hastie, Landscape Architect, Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects kamomarsh.co.nz

Climbers Trachelospermum jasminoides can be trained to climb vertical, horizontal or diagonal wires or screens; ficus pumila will find its own way up any wall or screen to create a flat, dense covering. Plant in shade.

n a busy urban environment, space is always at a premium, so creating gardens for city homes brings unique challenges. An idiom for small green spaces could be quality over quantity, make every item count when designing or making purchases and spend plenty of time planning. Walls and fences inevitably surround urban outdoor spaces, but this doesn’t have to be a downside. Use the structures around you to bring in more foliage by creating green walls. You can design and build a stacked planter box system or create vertical gardens and living walls by training climbers to cover a wall or carefully espalier a plant to create a flat green wall. Plant small gardens and add depth using clever layers of greenery up against close boundary walls or fences, creating varying layers of height, texture, and colour. Small is beautiful, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your petite outdoor spaces.

Espalier To espalier a plant is to train the branches to grow flat against a wall, supported by wires or a structure. Most fruit trees are suitable for doing this, especially apple or pear species. Camelia sasanqua species will also respond well.

URBAN GARDEN PLANNING TIPS • Make good use of every available corner, whether you’re creating an outdoor living area or a focal point to be viewed from inside. • Make privacy a priority – think hedges, screens, and small upright trees. • Purchase great quality outdoor furniture if you can; it will add style and last longer in our harsh environment. If that’s out of your budget, pile up the cushions, throws, and rugs to add your own style. • Make the space a comfortable and inviting extension of your house – add lighting and heating to encourage people to linger. • Add greenery – whether it’s a small garden bed, raised bed, green wall, or simply a pot with a feature plant in it.

Hedges Tilia or prunus luscitanica are excellent varieties for pleaching if you need high screening or try varying height species to create layers – such as corokia, meuhlenbeckia, buxus, lavender, or even the edible ugni molinae.

HOME

URBAN TIPS FROM A GOOD FRIEND Ever wondered what it’s like to completely change direction and move into the heart of the city centre when you’ve previously resided in the leafy suburbs?

I Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

often wonder what it’s like to completely change direction and move into the heart of the city centre when you’ve previously resided in the leafy suburbs. I have wondered, but I’ve never been brave enough to actually do it – so I talked to a good mate and colleague who has. Mark O’Loughlin, well-known in real estate circles for his inner-city presence and enormous volume of sales in this area, has lived in the inner city before and will be back living there again with his family once their new apartment is finished. So, naturally, it was Mark I turned to for answers about living in the city and the thoughts of urban dwellers. I asked him why he moved from a home with a stream boundary and relatively large garden to a multi-level apartment close to town. “The inner city has its own energy and vibe, quite unlike what we had experienced before. Multiple cultural experiences are right at your fingertips, and we found ourselves doing more in the city, for example, making a conscious decision to go to the latest art exhibitions simply because we were regularly walking past the Christchurch Art Gallery. There’s also ease of access when attending sporting, cultural or live show events at Hagley Park and simply walking there in mere minutes, then walking home afterwards. Those parking stresses became a thing of the past, and you get to like that.” Mark has no regrets about becoming an urban dweller. “If you had a younger family

and had a yearning for large gardens or a pool, it might not work … although lap pools are becoming more common.” The move does present some cons. “Noise, from bars, people, emergency services, can be a problem, but like everything, you soon acclimatise yourself to the sounds of your local precinct. The sound of construction can also be everpresent, although not so much at the moment. Essentially, it’s a fundamental lifestyle shift. You utilise your home’s spaces; you don’t cram them full of things you won’t use or don’t need. You don’t need four sets of everything or 30 wine glasses. You’re more likely to meet friends out than entertain at home, and our city is full of an incredible diversity of restaurants, bars, and cafés that you get to visit. Privacy – and potentially a view – can be compromised, but that’s more than made up for with the community feel and energetic environment. It’s been an entirely positive experience personally and professionally for me; hence we are going back to the city after a time spent in Sumner. It’s fair to say the city has a stronger call for us than the sea!” Thanking Mark for his time and wisdom, I’ve got to thinking. I’m not a convert yet, but one day I very well could be. What about you?

HOME

Resene Eighth Colins Wicket Resene Merlot

WHICH HUE FOR YOU?

Belle Interiors Cherry Sofa in Dijon, mckenzieandwillis.co.nz

Photos: Sarah Rowlands

Interior designer Alex Fulton brings her colourloving enthusiasm to style this beautiful, locally designed Belle Interiors Cherry sofa from McKenzie

Bicoca light by Marset, ecc.co.nz

& Willis with a warming backdrop of Resene Merlot and Resene Eighth Colins Wicket.

tarting with a neutral wall and then adding a darker accent colour at the base, Resene Merlot’s deep red will help bring the mood down with a wintery, warm balance. Adding a band of darker colour brings a colour change without committing to the whole space. It helps ground the furniture and highlights it with a background colour to champion the hero of this space, the Cherry Sofa.

Cushions in Heavy Jute Linen in Rose and Plum, cittadesign.com

In the next issue of Avenues, Alex styles the Belle Interiors Cherry Sofa in warm neutrals – which will you prefer? 46

64 KILMORE STREET, CHRISTCHURCH CBD

One, two, and three-bedroom luxury apartments with serene views over Hagley Park to the Southern Alps on the west, and ever-evolving city views on the east. Secure parking and storage is underground which makes for easy living above the city at The Spire. With construction on schedule for completion in November and more than half already sold, contact Aaron Pero today to secure your new home with a 10% deposit. Download pricing, availability schedule and plans at www.agentsend.com/thespire TEL. 0275 227 667 aaron.pero@harcourts.co.nz www.thespire.co.nz Grenadier Real Estate Ltd. Licensed REAA 2008

IN DETAIL

SIGNATURE SIGNETS WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOS Supplied

ince 2012, Benjamin Black has been filling the jewellery world with iconic pieces made to last. Recently adding a further feather to its hat with Custom Signet Rings’ launch, the jeweller melds age-old technique with unparalleled modern quality. Cofounders Benjamin Clark and Amy Cunningham are experts in their fields. Benjamin’s experience as a jeweller and goldsmith, and Amy, with hers in public relations and marketing, saw a fantastic business opportunity flourish. “Benjamin Black was born in 2012 from a small shed in a property the pair were renting at the time. The original idea was for the business to be online, but with demand coming from local customers, they quickly decided to set up a studio and workshop.” It has since grown from strength to strength. “We now have two more jewellers, two graphic designers. And we have also opened another store on Ponsonby Road in Auckland for our sister brand - Black Matter Jewellery, which also has an online store and is sold throughout the country at department stores and independent jewellers,” Amy says. The pair and the team pride themselves on the jewellery quality and are qualified professionals and Goldsmiths Guild members, meaning they take their work seriously. “Our signet rings – and in fact, all of our jewellery – are made with solid precious metals. The metal is worked by hand to close the grain to ensure the highest quality and longevity. Our motto is made by hand, made to last and this is what we strive to achieve in everything we do.” Adding to the high-spec items available is Custom Signet Rings. The rings, originally

designed to wax seal documents, now come in a wide range of forms, engraved with whatever is important to the wearer. After noticing a trend towards the rings leading up to the Covid lockdown last year, Benjamin Black decided to pivot attention into the area, investing in a laser engraver to provide beautiful detail and high-quality finish at a good price. Further inspiration came from some of the guiding principles of the team. “Family, tradition, and legacy are important to us as a team and as a company. Creating jewellery that is personal, sentimental, and will be treasured for generations is an honour and privilege. We have always loved the story and history behind signet rings because it aligns so perfectly with our vision and our values,” Amy says. Designs can come in any form, and if a customer doesn’t know what they want, the team will design something custom for them. “Recently, our talented designer Katy merged a husband and wife’s family crests together – to create a modern personalised crest for the couple. The options are endless.” Amy believes the popularity of such rings is growing for a number of reasons, saying they are a fantastic idea for a special birthday or anniversary gift, a contemporary wedding band, or as a symbol to bring families together. “We have recently created matching signet rings for siblings and families who are separated due to Covid but want something special to unite them. Because our signet rings are made to last, they can be heirloom pieces, which can be worn and then handed on to the next generation.”

customsignetrings.co.nz 49

IN GOOD COMPANY

CAFÉ FOR FAMILY WORDS and PHOTOS Joshua Brosnahan

endy and her husband Darren Even though the café is part of a franchise, have owned Esquires Merivale for Wendy and her husband have created the five years come October, and after entire menu themselves – something they living in Christchurch for close to fifteen years, credit to the supportive Esquires head office. the couple describes the city as home. They’ve empowered them to really make the Located in Merivale Mall, the Esquires Café café their own with unique choices that cater offers a variety of freshly made foods and to their dedicated clientele. delicious coffees, smoothies, and shakes. You This explains the cabinet food – you’ll find can get anything from a hearty breakfast or the most enormous sausage rolls you’ll ever lunch on the go, and you’ll always be greeted see in your life and Wendy’s own ice cream with a smile. sundae creation. They’re definitely worth a Wendy originates from Shenzhen, next to trial! The newest additions to the cabinets are Hong Kong. She has always had a vision of keto-friendly slices and treats. owning her own café. Wendy works on the floor most days, with “I love food. I love experiencing new food! In a dedicated team of baristas and staff. Darren China, a bakery is different from a Kiwi bakery. works behind the scenes, as a repairman, China doesn’t traditionally have many cafés, accountant and several other roles, on top of so I dreamed of owning my own bakery. having his own job. “Shenzen is such a big city! To go from a “My favourite thing is just to talk to my population of over 100 million to Christchurch customers. They’re like an extended family for was interesting. Christchurch has everything me. We have some customers who come every I need. I don’t think we will ever leave day, and if they can’t make it, they let us know.” Christchurch because we just love it here.” Wendy mentions that she still has mothers who After working a number of years in a café at bring in their children to say hello, from her the Christchurch International Airport, Wendy previous job as an early childhood teacher. then trained as a preschool teacher. This The location is a key selling point for the was a role that enabled her and Darren to café. There are oodles of skylights and friendly purchase Esquires Merivale. neighbours in the mall, and just at the Papanui “I was really proud of myself in that first entrance, you can pop in, grab a takeaway flat café job. I didn’t feel my English was very white and indulge in some retail therapy, whether good when I started, but my boss at the time it’s your lunch break or you’re out with friends. encouraged me and was happy with me. I Wendy, Darren, and the entire team at knew I did a really good job because I just love Esquires Merivale are looking forward to speaking with my customers, and they loved seeing you! Their kitchen is open early, from speaking with me also.” 7am until 2:30pm each day. merivalemall.co.nz

PALATE

LET’S MEET AT KIN WORDS Liam Stretch PHOTOS Joshua Brosnahan and John Cowie

estled beside the Ballantynes Pantry on the first floor is Kin, an urban oasis of sorts. The restaurant and bar evoke the truest sense of the department store, carrying tradition yet firmly looking toward the future, all the while, serving excellent food and drink. The light-filled atrium styled space opened in 2019 and is a fresh bistro environment with a European feel. There are pops of green, sleek tiling, and natural light pours in through an expansive sky light. In adhering to its name, Kin is the perfect place to meet friends and family. “Kin is a character you associate with family, kindred people, connection, a place to share; [to] get together. Kin bistro and wine bar is a place that provides the opportunity for our patrons to enjoy such an experience,” hospitality manager Helen Kraal says. The core values of Ballantynes echo throughout its hospitality sector, and it continues to offer its more traditional stalwarts by way of its renowned Tea Rooms – club sandwiches and high teas. Kin provides a modern style of food with wine bar options. “From your morning takeaway coffee, corporate morning tea meeting, brunch, lunch, afternoon sweet treat, glass of bubbles midshopping, Kin caters for all eventualities. [It’s a] one-stop hospitality shop!” With a close eye on local, the menu changes regularly and is designed with

uniqueness in mind with such delights like the perfect Fish and Chips, Lamington French Toast, Cypriot Haloumi Salad, and the creamiest Avo Smash, among others. “The menu is a team effort, changing quarterly. Available throughout the day, it offers great flexibility to our guests. Dishes from the new menu have been well received and showcase the chef’s creativity.” So far, the public reception has been overwhelmingly positive for the bistro. Helen says that new faces and loyal customers are appreciating the fresh options. “[There has been], noticeably, visitors from out of town, who see and appreciate the changes and vision for the first time. Local clientele are also very at home in Kin, regulars returning with family and friends.” There are also exciting times ahead for Kin. “Looking toward the future, the availability of the space for functions will be expanded. Going forward, we will be expanding the function side of the business. Kin and the Wine Bar have extremely versatile footprints, adaptable to host a variety of events in both formality and size,” Helen says. The first in its series of Breakfast Clubs will take place this month, followed by the launch of the ‘Gin Hour’ on 29 May – a chance to sample and talk over some of the best local and international gins with a good group of friends, while making new ones.

@kin_at_ballantynes

PALATE

Autumn Lamb Shoulder Mel is head chef at Greystone Cellar Door and is renowned for her incredible knowledge of wild foods and edible plants. Mel is one of only a few licensed foragers in New Zealand. Her food tells the story of North Canterbury through the combination of ingredients she has foraged and the best local farmers. She has developed a special ‘Long Lunch’ menu here with four courses that change weekly – all paired with wine – around what is in season and what she has gathered. “I was born and raised in North Canterbury in an environment where food was either being produced, hunted, fished or gathered from our local environment. My philosophy is to create simple, tasty fare from seasonal, local, and foraged produce. I let the seasons dictate my menu, which changes weekly.”

SERVES 4–6

1 lamb shoulder 2 red capsicums 4 large onions 2 zucchinis 6 heirloom tomatoes 6–8 fresh/dried Kawakawa leaves 6–8 cloves of garlic 1 tsp smoked paprika 4–6 tsp Sumac (4 dry, 6 fresh) Local olive oil A bottle of Greystone Pinot Noir Greystone Verjuice to taste Salsa Verde

Crush together the Kawakawa, garlic, and sumac with enough olive oil to make a paste. Rub 3/4 of the paste into the lamb shoulder and leave to marinate for at least a few hours. Once marinated, sear lamb all over until well caramelised. Halve and sear onions in the same pan, deglaze the still hot pan with half a bottle of Pinot and bring to a boil. Put all in a roasting dish with the lamb on top of onions. Cover and braise at 160 degrees Celsius for two-and-a-half to three hours until lamb is tender. Strain meat cooking juices and reduce to make jus, taste to check balance. Halve the tomatoes, place in a roasting dish, rub with the remainder of herb paste, salt and pepper cook until caramelised. Roughly chop the capsicums and cook in the oven until soft, then blitz while hot with smoked paprika, a pinch of sumac, and enough olive oil to make a smooth sauce, add salt, pepper, and Verjuice to achieve balance. Slice zucchinis thinly and dress with Verjuice, olive oil, salt, pepper. Plate as desired. Use sauce and jus liberally to coat lamb, zucchinis, and tomatoes. Serve with your favourite bread, salsa Verde or roast potatoes.

greystonewines.co.nz/pages/cellardoor

PALATE

HAPPY 30TH, CAFÉ VALENTINO

s one of the absolute iconic stalwarts in our local hospo scene, Café Valentino’s vibrant Italian fare and atmosphere are second to none – no wonder they’re celebrating a whopping 30 years in the business. The soul-satisfying take on food alongside a heaping helping of hospitality means you get to enjoy a buzzing atmosphere among great company. Café Valentino recently celebrated with select supporters for a night of food, frivolity, and delicious food, as only Valentino would offer. Delizioso! Back in 1991, Valentino arrived on the scene with the only authentic wood-fired pizza in central Christchurch. Fast becoming a haven for international touring artists, the walls are peppered with a huge collection of signed show posters, presenting a who’s who of well-known people and celebrities that have graced their tables. When you dine at Café Valentino, you never know who could be seated at the next booth.

Patrons can enjoy a drink at the bar, choosing from more than 35 selected wines by the glass or a superb range of local boutique and international beers on tap, including an Italian selection. Or try a cocktail from the contemporary and classic mix. If you are a wine connoisseur, try a wine from Valentino‘s extensive collection, which offers New Zealand and Australia’s finest drops, including a great collection of the best Italian red wines in town. The original site on Colombo was sadly lost in the quakes but made way for their statuesque St Asaph Street location – with more seating and the same dedication to heavenly pizzas, perfect pasta, and decadent house-made desserts. Always innovating and improving, without compromising on quality, The café won a devoted international customer base, and a wall full of awards, through consistent flair, originality, and love of good food. Since 1997, Valentino has been awarded the coveted Gold Plate for New Zealand Beef and Lamb excellence. Ci Vediamo Presto!

PALATE

MONUMENTAL MAMA!

BRITTLE IS BEST

SWEET AND PETIT

GINGER SPICE

Nothing beats the traditional mouthwatering flavour of Ballantyne’s Peanut Brittle. Made by Ballantyne’s own kitchen, these bags contain 150 grams of brittle in a scrumptious toffee peanut flavour to appease the sweetest of sweet tooths. Ballantyne’s pantry is stocked with locally made, artisan sweet treats that are a step above your regular Party Mix. Treat yourself!

Sweet Soul’s most dedicated fans can now take their Petit Box home and have 12 petit desserts at their beck and call! You’ll get four pieces in different flavours, all based on the desserts on the menu. Assemble these in a nice surprise morning tea table for mum this Mother’s Day, or simply as a beautiful gift box. Hint hint – Sweet Soul is the perfect Mother’s Day location!

She Universe are true chocolate alchemists! Everyone knows ginger is beautiful in chocolate, but when you try She Universe’s Ginger Snap, you’re taken to a whole new place. Thin chocolate, the warmth of the ginger, the snap, the smell... all the taste buds and the heart sing. This one is exceptionally thin. This is the perfect Mother’s Day treat for mums who love a kick in their chocolate.

ballantynes.co.nz

sweetsoul.nz

sheuniverse.com

FAVOURING FLAVOUR Our recommendation is to treat dear mum to a Mother’s Day lunch at Grater Goods. A firm favourite at Avenues HQ is their Café Gourmand – an espresso with a selection of sweet treats commonly called petit four. Grater Goods does sweet well in the fashion of the French – high quality ingredients favouring flavour and ethics. Everything at Grater Goods is vegan! Owner Flip Grater met husband Youssef in Paris, one of Europe’s culinary capitals, in 2012 while Flip was recording her album Pigalle. They now live in Christchurch central with their daughter Anaïs and run the Sydenham café. gratergoods.co.nz

CLINK!

AUTUMN IN ACTION

WHISKY AUTUMN

FRUITY & REFRESHING

FRUIT INTENSITY!

As the leaves begin to change colour and the evenings start to draw in, the Benromach 10-year-old is the perfect dram to welcome in the new season. Matured in the finest oak casks, this 10-year-old single malt delivers delicate forest fruits, a touch of smoke and rich, lasting sherry notes – a firm favourite of the team at Whisky Galore. Head down to their Colombo Street location and find a dram just for you.

The Gekkeikan Daiginjo Sake is a great example of Japanese Daiginjo sake. 720mls with an amazingly exceptional fruity aroma and a nice, refreshing finish. Made by one of Japan’s oldest breweries, we recommend this sake for anyone interested in discovering the different styles and flavour profiles of Japanese sake. Psst... Vino Fino deliver. You don’t have to even consider the cold!

Beautifully ripe and fragrant, this 2017 Merlot’s bouquet shows dark plum, blueberry compote, dried herb and toasted almond characters. The palate delivers attractive fruit intensity and smooth mouthfeel, backed by fine, grainy tannins, providing a lingering firm finish. Well balanced and flavoursome. At its best: now to 2022. Review by Sam Kim, International Wine Judge and Wine Writer.

whiskygalore.co.nz

vinofino.co.nz

ataahuawine.co.nz

AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER With the nights getting cooler, the warm and cosy confines of the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant is the place to be for dinner! Take your pick of dishes from the four-course menu package selection, including the beautifully presented herb-crusted shrimp and pepper mousseline with grapefruit, fennel, radicchio, avocado, and citrus vinaigrette. A wine pairing option is also on offer to perfectly accompany your menu choices for a luxurious dining experience to remember. Book for a date night, a special occasion, or chat to the team about group events (including mid-winter Christmas dinner!) christchurchattractions.nz

CLINK!

WINETOPIA IS HERE!

to Marlborough and all the way to Northland, he very first South Island Winetopia stopping off at Martinborough, Hawkes Bay, event is arriving in Christchurch this and everywhere else in between. July! With over 50 of New Zealand’s ‘Share a Glass’ with famous faces during free best wineries involved for 2021, offering talks and tastings. Discover taste buds you everything from Rieslings to Pinot Noirs, never knew you had with our crowd favourite Sauvignon Blancs to Syrahs. ‘Wine Blind’ sessions, and uncover more about This was a season for the record books what makes these wines so special with the for vineyards around the country, despite Winetopia gurus – including the OG Master of a difficult lockdown harvest. This is your chance to try them all! Are you ready for a full Wine Bob Campbell and more. Bob comments that “it’s exciting to see so schedule of tastings, talks, and fun surprises?! many people come out to explore the best Step into this wonderland of wine and let us that the New Zealand wine scene has to offer. help you discover your new favourite drop. I am looking forward to appearing at the Get up close and personal with unique first-ever Winetopia Christchurch event and regions and their most lovingly crafted wines. sharing my top picks from the outstanding Try new favourites from the likes of Craggy 2019 and 2020 vintages”. Range, Kari Kari Estate, Tera Sancta, Wooing A selection of wineries will have their most Tree, and Judge Rock, and so many more. Get prized possessions in tow – award-winning, your hands on the newest wines on the scene right through to soon-to-be-revealed flagships. palate-pleasing, cellar-worthy bottles that retail for over $100 per bottle. These are some Immerse yourself in the Aotearoa wine scene of the most prestigious wines produced in and celebrate the growers and winemakers that have put this country on the vinous map. New Zealand and hardly ever get opened for sale by the glass. Sample these delectable A massive line-up of talks, tastings, and drops by purchasing the five Winetopia entertainment take place across three stages Golden Coins. at each event. The cast includes Masters Bob The Winetopia Golden Coins proved super Campbell and Emma Jenkins. These certified popular last year, and they’ll be available here ‘wine gurus’ will appear alongside a local in Christchurch! Grab yourself some of these, troupe of charismatic sommeliers, renowned chefs, and restaurateurs. Each session finishes and you’ll be able to try a fresh line-up of some of the most celebrated wines in the country. on a crescendo with a live musical act. This is If you’ve ever experienced Winetopia before, no ordinary jazz quartet in the corner. More you’ll already know that the atmosphere is like something to blow out the cobwebs... positively electric. The events are laid out regionally, so the Winetopia Christchurch is on 9 and 10 July, day of discovery can start in Central Otago at Wigram’s Airforce Museum. before moving on to North Canterbury, up winetopia.co.nz

“I don’t need to go fast to have fun in this car.”

SUNDAY DRIVE

Porsche 356 1962 AS TOLD TO Joshua Brosnahan PHOTO Darren O’Neil

his is a 1962 Porsche 356 – the car Porsche made before the 911. It’s basically the first shape Porsche ever made. It’s called an ‘Outlaw’, which is a term in the Porsche world given to a car that has been modified. The most noticeable modification is that it has been lowered with bumpers and hubcaps removed. My car also has had the matching numbers engine removed and put safely on a shelf in my garage, and a much more powerful engine installed, all done very tastefully and in period by Autorestorations here in Christchurch. It’s a very practical car actually with good old reliable German engineering. It’s fast, and I just love the look. I don’t just look at my cars though, I drive them often, so they stay reliable. I love cool, entertaining old cars because while you’re in your modern car bored to bits doing 100 kmh, I am having a blast… and all below the speed limit.

COLUMN

CITY DWELLER

I Chris Parker, Comedian fb.com/itschrisparker @chrisparker11

t’s my strong personal opinion that all families can be divided by a very simple value system – families that camp and those that don’t. It’s the families that camp that are also the ones who still get Santa photos despite all the kids now being 45. They organise family talent shows which they share on Instagram. Frankly, they make me sick. My mother once famously confessed, “The Parker Family doesn’t camp, bake, ski, or sew”. It’s obviously a ridiculous statement that could not be more revealing about who we are as a family. We’re more “antipasto platter and a rosé” than “baked beans and giardia”. The rain, the terrible sleeps, the arguments with loved ones – I’ve never understood the appeal. “But Chris”, I hear you yell into the magazine, “think of the views, the connection to nature, getting back to basics”. There is a lot that people love about camping, and to those people, I would argue – are they really better than Eggs Benedict? It may be because I’m a total casualty of the technology boom of the early Naughties, but

I’ve never found the idea of throwing my phone away and going on a big long walk through the forest to be a great way to connect with myself. All that free space in my mind not being occupied by Instagram and Tik Tok means I’m always left contemplating, “I wonder how many people have been murdered in this forest?” And “What photo from my Facebook will they use for the news if I go missing?” This is always immediately followed by “Make a note, Chris: take better photos of myself now in case I do go missing one day” and the instant regret that I don’t have my Notes app on me because I left my phone at home! In a way, wandering around a new city has always been my version of exploring in the wild. Finding that great café that makes perfect coffee is as exciting as finding a water hole when I’m desperate for a drink. Why get lost in the bushes when I can get lost in the men’s sale rack at my favourite store? If you think I’ve lost touch, then you’re probably from one of those families that camp – and I’ve never trusted those families.

3 Brm Townhouses - Available Now! 3 Brm Villas - Under Construction!

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03 375 4117 | 021 971 487 60 Browns Road, Merivale | www.merivaleretirement.co.nz

HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

Matt and Robbie AVONHEAD AND NEW BRIGHTON

Matt “I’m an electrician – and then I just enjoy doing the band; it’s my creative outlet, aye. We’ve all got day jobs, so we don’t play that many gigs, so we look forward to each one. “I certainly don’t deny that I have cancer or talk about it much, but it’s certainly something that’s been a huge change – I never had the need for doctor’s visits my whole life! “The first round of chemo was really hard because obviously, you’ve got all that cancer in your system, so you’re already feeling low and knocked about. “We talked about pulling the pin on this gig, but it was actually about having something to look forward to. For all the crap feelings and stuff in your head, it’s a cool, positive thing to have in your life. “You felt like you’ve been really distanced from it, but then, you know, the first couple of jams back, it was like ‘man, this feels good’. I don’t know, like, I got more of a buzz out of it.”

Robbie “To see Matt get up on stage and play a big gig, I just felt so good for you. “It’s really hit home how important playing music is for us; just the great thing that we have, and how really lucky we are. We are super important to one another. “We started our band probably about 10 years ago. Teina and Hemi – we went to school together. We played softball, and it was always really cool to have a jam with the guys afterwards. And that’s what I get the buzz from; it’s like that whole family, whānau vibe. “New Zealand’s great for reggae and Kiwi dub; we started out loving all that stuff. The songs that we write about are quite environmental and local. Rosco is a real beautiful Te Reo speaker and really knowledgeable. Yeah, so we’ve incorporated some interesting elements, like, sometimes we use mōteatea into the more dubber songs. “I’ve always been really proud to be one of the few reggae bands in Christchurch. That’s us, holding it down.”

facebook.com/humansofchch

Alison

1.1 Billion Dollars in Settled Sales - Career to Date

Experience Adds Up After more than 30 years in the real estate industry, I still have to pinch myself that I am fortunate to do what I love every day. The greatest joy in my business is the people I am lucky enough to work with - your continued support, referrals and recommendations are the best reward anyone could ask for. Our team had a very busy summer, successfully selling properties in all price ranges and suburbs all over Christchurch. I would love the opportunity to help with YOUR property needs; I’m always available for a no-obligation chat, so give me a call and let’s catch up soon.

61 Wakefield Avenue, Sumner

90 Winchester Street, Merivale

336 Mt Pleasant Road, Mt Pleasant

1/2A Dorset Street, CHCH Central

36 MacMillian Avenue, Cashmere

87 Avonhead Road, Avonhead

0274 332 327 | alisonaitken.harcourts.co.nz Grenadier Real Estate Ltd MREINZ. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

GLADLY DOING MYY SAMEE OLD ROUTINEE

Got up every day for 43 years to paint the first thing you see? Why stop doing you now? If you want to stay in the home you love, but could do with some support, Arvida Good Friends are here to help. From 16 April, you can meet like-minded friends at our brand new Living Well Centre, use our transport service to get you out and about, and have home helpers who come to you. New to Christchurch, Arvida Good Friends memberships start from just $5 a week. Find out more at goodfriends.co.nz or call 0800 204 120 today.