Avenues, September 2024

Qestral Lifestyle Villages

Qestral Lifestyle Villages have a variety of house designs.

Choose from two or three-bedroom houses, each with ample private outdoor space, walk-in wardrobes, luxurious ensuites and single or double garages.

Christchurch villages: Alpine View, Burlington and Banbury Park

New Generation Lifestyle Villages...

qestral.co.nz | alpineview.co.nz | banburypark.co.nz burlingtonvillage.co.nz | coastalview.co.nz | ashburyheights.co.nz

YEAH

Woods Café – the latest addition to the Strowan community!

Mātaki Mai – the inaugural Ōtautahi Māori Film Festival. On 14–21 September.

Spring is here! Goodbye grey skies, kia ora kōwhai!

Ferry Road’s golden mile of op shops – something for everyone.

Resene Freewheeling is a Californian sun-soaked aqua and green, a beachside frolic.

NAH

Small dogs barking at big dogs. Napoleon complex in full swing.

Early weekend morning mowers. Keep that berm trimmed, but after 8!

Streaming services lacking the latest seasons of shows. What will we binge now?

Birds leaving a nasty surprise on your freshly cleaned car. Good luck?

Forgetting to press ‘save’ and your computer crashes… again.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Where’s your place?

Tūrangawaewae is a te reo Māori term, roughly translated into English as ‘a place to stand’. It’s the anchor point where you belong, your guiding star. For some, it’s your ancestral home; for others, it’s wherever you lay your hat.

Our cover story really sums this up. It’s all about Manu, a new restaurant in central Christchurch, and its founder, Karen Hattaway, who has created a hub for the community. Karen’s is just one of the remarkable tales in this issue, and I’m sure you’ll like them all.

Alongside Karen are stories of locals who define what tūrangawaewae means through their commitment to and passion for our collective place – Ōtautahi Christchurch.

We also say goodbye to our food editor, Sam Parish. She is returning to her first home, Australia, as her family starts a new chapter.

Sam has embodied what it means to be a true Cantabrian, reflecting a concept that Cate and Riwai Grace of Āmiki Tours speak about in their feature story – being an ‘active citizen’. Sam’s connection to our local and national food communities, driven by kindness and enthusiasm, has been invaluable. Her contributions, especially through her monthly insights and the creation of Avenues Eats, have transformed Avenues for the better. Bon voyage and bon appétit, Sam!

We’re thrilled to welcome a new food editor to the team next month. Stay tuned for more.

So, as we officially welcome spring in our fabulous city, I invite you to find your tūrangawaewae and connect with it, wherever that may be.

Yours,

Liam Stretch Editor

MEET OUR

Rising Stars

ZODIAC’S INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED, AWARD WINNING KITCHEN TEAM

SIGNATURE AND CLASSIC DISHES INCLUDE

• Mandarin marinated tuna with fresh coconut, red chilli and kaffir lime

• Moong dal & mixed seed salad, avocado, fresh lime

• Sticky beef wontons

• Spinach leaf, topped with toasted coconut, green mango, chilli, fresh lime and roasted peanuts

• Penang curry of beef cheeks, fish crackling, green beans and fried shallots

Previously – Executive Chef, Head Chef, Sous Chef of Indochine, Chinwag Eathai and King of Snake The Terrace 134 Oxford Terrace Christchurch

THE TEAM

Publisher Lisa Phelan lisa@27publishers.co.nz

Editor Liam Stretch liam@27publishers.co.nz

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

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

Food Editor Sam Parish sam@27publishers.co.nz

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

PRINT

Blueprint, Christchurch

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Neil Macbeth, Sarah Mankelow, Centuri Chan, Dave Richards, Hannah Harte, Lynette McFadden, Charlie Rose Jackson, Shelley Sweeney, Kathy Catton, Dr Reuben Woods, Jo Mills, Chelita Zainey, Chris Schofield, Spencer Wicks, Ashley Shadbolt, Nick Hoben

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

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

Karen Hattaway in front of art at her new restaurant, Manu, in the heart of the city.

dww.co.nz

Over 20 with short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism?

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10 Otara St, Fendalton, Christchurch (Adjacent to Fendalton Mall)

BOWL ON DOWN

How often have you used a cup or plate in a café and turned it over to see the ACME logo on it? Do you wish you could have something like that at home? Well, you can with ACME’s Classic Espresso Range. The large and small plates and bowls have an easy-to-grab lip with stylish paintwork.

acmecups.nz

FUN WITH FUNGI

New Zealand’s forests are teeming with unique and fascinating fungi. Family of Forest and Fungi: He Tukutuku Toiora delves into how Māori traditionally used mushrooms, explores the incredible ways fungi can benefit us, and reveals why some mushrooms glow. This book, written by Valetta Sówka and Isobel Te Aho-White, introduces tamariki to the magical world of fungi, answering intriguing questions and more. It’s a perfect resource for helping children connect with the natural world. Embark on a journey through the forests of Aotearoa and uncover the amazing, hidden kingdom of fungi that thrives there!

scorpiobooks.co.nz

CLARKS ARE COOL

MĀTAKI MAI

Mātaki Mai, Ōtautahi’s inaugural Māori Film Festival presented by Kōrero ki Ōtautahi, celebrates Aotearoa’s indigenous language during Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (14–21 September). The festival features a range of films, from familyfriendly favourites like Encanto Reo Māori to iconic titles like Utu and Poi E: The Story of Our Song alice.co.nz

The legendary Clarks Wallabees make a stylish return in a rich Maple hue, arriving just in time to elevate your new-season wardrobe. Crafted from butter-soft suede, these moccasins offer a luxuriously tactile experience, while the inimitable natural crepe soles ensure flawless proportions and all-day comfort. Waxy laces and tonal fobs complete the design, enhancing the shoe’s authentic, laid-back vibe. Perfectly balancing heritage craftsmanship with modern flair, these Wallabees are more than just footwear – they’re a statement piece for any season, whether you’re stepping into the office or strolling through the city. infinitedefinite.com

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BAGGED AND BOOTED

Since 1932, R.M. Williams has answered a call for products that can withstand the harsh conditions of the Australian outback and look good while doing it. This Ditty Bag equips you with the hard-wearing luggage solution you need to take as a carry-on if you’re jetting away or as an overnight bag on your favourite camping trip. rmwilliams.com

SURE TO SURPRISE

Tucked away just off Ferry Road lies a hidden gem of Christchurch’s past: the Edmonds Factory Garden. Featured on the cover of the iconic Edmonds Cookery Book, this garden has been a horticultural treasure for generations. Known for its formal geometric beds, lawns, and vibrant annuals, the garden has won numerous awards in civic beautifying competitions. After the Edmonds Factory was demolished and the property subdivided, the Christchurch City Council acquired most of the garden in 1991. Since then, they’ve added a rose garden, an oval garden, and more natural, low-maintenance areas with evergreen shrubs and dwarf conifers.

ccc.govt.nz

BACK FROM THE ZED

A NEW LEAF

Kowtow’s latest collection, Terra, takes inspiration from the forest canopy above, the minerals below the surface, and rare gems found deep underground. The staple tee in leaf is plastic-free (as is the entire collection) and signals Kowtow’s continued commitment to growing its menswear range. kowtowclothing.com

If tracks like Renegade Fighter, Hard to Find Her, and Glorafilia ring a bell, you’re likely familiar with Aotearoa’s music icons, ZED. Part of our musical landscape since their debut single in 1997, ZED has made a strong return in 2024 with the release of their new album, Future Memory, on 23 August. After reuniting in 2017 for a powerful performance of Renegade Fighter at Eden Park, the band was inspired to return to the studio. The result is an 11-track album, blending bandroom jams, studio exploration, and live show energy. ZED celebrated with an album release party at The Grand Hotel, Akaroa.

@zedtheband

Connection

Artist Josh ‘Drows’ Montgomery (@thatsolivekid)

Date July 2024

Location 691 Colombo Street

When the Christchurch City Council began plans to activate and enliven the long-vacant site at the Colombo Street entrance to the Five Lanes area at the BNZ Centre, a vibrant mural along the rear wall was identified as a key element in creating a welcoming inner-city space. Connection, by local artist Josh ‘Drows’ Montgomery (Ngāi Tahu/Ngāi Tuahuriri), is a deeply personal yet universal exploration of our connection to place. Inspired by his own whakapapa and the narratives of place embedded in Ōtautahi’s history, the stretching mural displays the lush natural landscape; winds blow across the green plains, jagged maunga (mountains) frame the skyline, and water runs freely. From the middle of the mural, rā (the sun) rises above all, providing light and warmth. Hidden within the scene, the artist’s moniker emerges, a connection to his creative roots and a reminder of his journey to explore his heritage. Montgomery’s mural is an invitation to stop, to reflect, and to cherish our surroundings.

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/1151

ARTISTS @ COLLEGE

Discover stunning works at a specially curated art exhibition at Christ’s College in September, showcasing more than 200 pieces by New Zealand artists. All pieces are for sale, with the exhibition helping to fund the Christ’s College USA 2025 basketball tour. Entry is free for those aged U18. Book your tickets through Eventfinda – just search for New Zealand Artists @ Christ’s College. 13–15 September, Christ’s College Auditorium, christscollege.com

AMAZING ANIMALS

Canterbury Museum’s Amazing Animals photo competition attracted over 250 entries from people of all ages and coincided with the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. The category winners: Georgina Jack (18-year-old and over winner) captured a beautiful aerial image of camels casting long shadows across the desert sands; Chiaoting Huang (11–17 years) snapped a striking photograph of a duck swimming underwater surrounded by fish while Rupert Hindson (10 years and under) photographed two suckling goat kids. The three top photographs in each category, along with entries commended by the judges, are on display now.

Until 19 September, Canterbury Museum at CoCA canterburymuseum.com

SPRING INTO MUSIC

Music Canterbury presents a free community event – a day of music to celebrate spring and the wide variety of music groups in Ōtautahi in the Great Hall at The Arts Centre, from 11am to 3.30pm. The concert will feature music from Jubilate Singers, Toi Toi Opera, the Christchurch School of Music, Canterbury Japanese Choir, Apollo Musicum, IRMT award winners, and the Canterbury Lawyers Choir.

22 September, The Great Hall, The Arts Centre musiccanterbury.co.nz

MAMMA MIA

Showbiz Christchurch Presents: Mamma Mia! at Isaac Theatre Royal. Get ready for the musical event of the year! Showbiz Christchurch proudly brings the beloved hit Mamma Mia! to the Isaac Theatre Royal from 27 September to 12 October, 2024. Experience the magic of ABBA’s timeless songs in this heartwarming, joyous production. Don’t miss out – tickets are on sale now at Ticketek!

From 27 September, Isaac Theatre Royal showbiz.org.nz

Music Canterbury with the support of Cameron & Co lawyers

Music Canterbury with the support of Cameron & Co lawyers

Music Canterbury with the support of Cameron & Co lawyers

SPRING INTO MUSIC

SPRING INTO MUSIC

SPRING INTO MUSIC

A free community event

A free community event

A free community event

22 SEPTEMBER

22 SEPTEMBER

22 SEPTEMBER

A FEAST OF MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE DAY Great Hall, Arts Centre

A FEAST OF MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE DAY Great Hall, Arts Centre

A FEAST OF MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE DAY Great Hall, Arts Centre

Music from Jubilate Singers, Toi Toi Opera, the Christchurch School of Music, Canterbury Japanese Choir, Apollo Musicum, IRMT award winners and others. presents 11AM - 3.30PM

Music from Jubilate Singers, Toi Toi Opera, the Christchurch School of Music, Canterbury Japanese Choir, Apollo Musicum, IRMT award winners and others. presents 11AM - 3.30PM

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the https://www.facebook.com/MusicCa

Music from Jubilate Singers, Toi Toi Opera, the Christchurch School of Music, Canterbury Japanese Choir, Apollo Musicum, IRMT award winners and o presents 11AM - 3.30PM

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the full programme https://www.facebook.com/MusicCanterbury

Keep an eye on our Facebook page for the https://www.facebook.com/MusicCa

OUT ON HER OWN

You may recognise Georgia Nott from her Kiwi band Broods. Now working on a solo project, Georgia Gets By, she has just released her EP Split Lip, with two tracks: Split Lip and Some Angel. These tracks offer a melancholic, ethereal pop beat. Picture driving down a highway with drizzle on the windows, lights starbursting as they hit the water droplets.

US

Becoming Aotearoa: A New History of New Zealand offers a compelling national history of New Zealand, exploring how tangata whenua and subsequent migrants have created a unique identity. Lively, accessible, and deeply relevant, this book is essential for anyone interested in understanding New Zealand’s past and present. Out October.

GHOSTS ON EVERY CORNER JAVA CAFÉ

THE UNDREAMABLE

In Natalie Portman’s television debut, she plays Maddie Schwartz in Lady in the Lake, based on the eponymous book by Laura Lipman and directed by Alma Har’el (Honey Boy). The story centres around the interaction between Maddie and Cleo Sherwood, the mysterious ‘lady in the lake’, played by Moses Ingram (The Tragedy of Macbeth). Thrilling!

This month, we look at Mike Beer’s (Ghostcat) scratch-build of the Java coffee house. Java was an icon of its time; it was open 24 hours a day, and you could smoke inside. It was also known for its coffees in mason jars and giant cookies. “My favourite feature would have to be the architectural stonework above the café. It really was a beautiful building,” Mike says. You can see this and more at Ghostcat’s exhibition Ghost on Every Corner in 2025.

@ghostcat_mb

The confidence to thrive

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AWE-INSPIRING STAGE IN THE SOUTHERN ALPS

Folk music is a celebration of culture, people, place, and the shared stories that unite us.

It’s a music of traditions and legacies and a music that, like the stories we tell, becomes richer and more layered over time with every performance and every retelling.

In a region that’s become a melting pot of cultures and experiences, it seems fitting that folk music will be at the fore when At the World’s Edge Festival returns to Queenstown, Wānaka, and Central Otago this spring.

Over the course of the festival fortnight, fourteen world-class artists will perform a dynamic and thrilling programme of chamber music within some of the south’s most stunning settings. Joining some of Aotearoa’s finest chamber musicians are Julian Bliss from the UK, one of the world’s finest clarinettists, spell-binding US violinist Alexi Kenney, and Hungarian pianist Daniel Lebhardt, known for his “power, poetry, and formidable technique”. American cellist Sterling Elliott, a rising star in the world of classical music, has been hailed

for his “prodigious musical talent” and makes his Aotearoa début at AWE.

The performances include compositions by this year’s Composer in Residence, Eve Castro-Robinson, whose new work for clarinet and string trio, Earth’s Eye, will receive its world premiere in Wānaka.

In addition to the seven ticketed AWE programmes, AWE+ offers an extensive and varied range of free events throughout the festival that are open to all, including performances, workshops, and talks with AWE’s family of remarkable musicians. The AWE+ programme this year features two of the Antipodes’ leading classical singers: Australian baritone Morgan Pearse, and Aotearoa soprano Deborah Wai-Kapohe. Both Morgan and Deborah have curated programmes of folk songs from around the world and across the centuries. Morgan will be joined by two AWE scholars and Hungarian pianist Daniel Lebhardt, while Deborah will be accompanied by legendary Aotearoa violinist and AWE Director Justine Cormack.

At the World’s Edge Festival runs from 5–18 October, 2024. For tickets and a detailed programme, visit worldsedgefestival.com

CHAMBER MUSIC

This year, folk and classical music collide

5 - 18 OCTOBER 2024

worldsedgefestival.com

Christchurch Fri, 27 Sep, 7.30pm

Christchurch Town Hall

Gemma New Conductor

Stephen De Pledge Piano

Copland Appalachian Spring

Cresswell Piano Concerto No. 3 (World Premiere)

W.A. Mozart Symphony No. 41, Jupiter

TICKETS FROM $25

BOOK AT nzso.co.nz

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2 SEASONAL FRESH

3 HANDS UP

Virēre Eau de Parfum by Aēsop offers a fresh, vibrant scent with citrus, green, and woody notes. Inspired by moments under fig trees and sipping green tea, it evokes nostalgia and a connection to nature. Notes of Bergamot, Fig, and Green Tea bring depth and complexity, capturing the essence of new beginnings.

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4

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31 Oct – 2 Nov

Choreography Liam Scarlett

Music Felix Mendelssohn

Music Arrangement Nigel Gaynor

Set & Costume Design Tracy Grant Lord

Lighting Design Kendall Smith

Conductor Hamish McKeich

Your place of standing

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

Chelita is a māmā, writer, Kai Rongoā, spiritual mentor, and certified breathwork facilitator. Her passion activates and inspires others to heal and transform their lives into one of aligned purpose, love, and joy.

They say, ‘Home is where the heart is’, and as I consider this through my te ao Māori lens, it instantly transports me back to my tūrangawaewae.

Tūrangawaewae translates literally to ‘a place to stand’. It’s the place that connects you to whenua, whakapapa, marae, history, and so much more.

Ten years ago, I finally made it back to my tūrangawaewae, Whakapara, in the far north, my mother’s marae.

We have a saying, ‘those that return to the land receive the gifts,’ and this was certainly true for me. My journey to return back to that tūrangawaewae was a tumultuous one, but perseverance and more than a bit of guidance from tūpuna a wairua (ancestors in spirit) got me there, and planting my waewae on that whenua inevitably changed my life.

As someone who was whāngai or adopted out, growing up in a predominantly Pākehā environment, to journey back to finally stand in that place, to gaze up at the many photos of our tūpuna on the wharenui wall, to sleep on the same whenua beneath the same stars as they had, to connect back to the Rangatira (the chiefs) that are a part of my lineage – these were immense gifts both tangible and intangible in nature that reconnected me both within and without.

We say ‘disconnection leads to disease’ and for many of our generation, the

disconnection from our tūrangawaewae has caused more than its fair share of issues.

Many Māori have grown up with this disconnection for a multitude of reasons. Historically, urban drift, the impact of colonisation, and other factors saw many whānau move from the often remote locations of their tūrangawaewae to take up residence in the cities.

Only now, with new generations emerging, do we know in our bones that we must undertake the journey both within and without to bridge the void of those disconnections and return once more to reclaim all that is ours by birthright.

The journey to return to one’s tūrangawaewae can be a challenging one, oftentimes because we are navigating a pathway that requires healing, tenacity, and courage to reconnect us to these sacred places.

My experience connecting back to my tūrangawaewae is an embodied one. I know the heart it takes, I know the gifts that are waiting, and I will always support and encourage others to undertake the same journey.

We each have a tūrangawaewae, and each of us has an opportunity in this life to not only journey back to ourselves but also back to these special places that connect us to our roots, to our places of standing.

If every journey begins with one step, one breath, and one clue of curiosity, the question is, are you ready to begin yours?

FEATURE

Tūrangawaewae

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

From Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata

QUEEN OF HOSPO COMES HOME

Manu, the latest creation of celebrated restaurateur Karen Hattaway, is Christchurch’s newest restaurant – a veritable phoenix of Pacific Glam, cultural pride, and superior hospitality.

Iidentify with the spirit of beautiful Christchurch,” Karen says. “I’m so proud of what the community is creating in the rebuild.”

Manu, meaning feathered creature or bird, is Karen’s seventh restaurant and her first in Christchurch.

Its Pacific-Asian cuisine is presented with essential Hattaway glamour. Patrons are presented with more than just great food – they’re offered support, protection, care, and generosity. In other words, true manaakitanga.

“Yes, she’s a restaurant, but she’s interesting and colourful and brings even more diversity and culture to this already thriving and vibrant city. It’s a celebration of who we are.”

Karen’s previous restaurants in Queenstown earned her the moniker ‘Queen of Hospo’ and included the famous Captains, Pier 19, and award-winning Blue Kanu, which for many years ranked number one in New Zealand and in the top one per cent of restaurants worldwide on Tripadvisor.

“But this really is a homecoming for me, coming back to Christchurch where I was born. There is no better place to explore my whakapapa and learn my culture,” she says.

Karen was displaced from her culture from a very young age. Adopted by lovely Pākehā parents in Gore, she unfortunately experienced serious childhood trauma at the hands of a family member.

“At the age of nine, I had to take my power back. I threatened to tell someone what they were doing, and I saw the fear in their eyes, and that was the moment I realised I had power.”

That power has stayed within her, helping her build a legacy in Queenstown that no one thought was possible.

“I remember 11 years ago when I started Blue Kanu, people told me it’s not going to work, it’s too brown. But that’s a wonderful fire for me. Tell me I can’t, and I will.”

But, she says, times have thankfully changed, and the support she’s experiencing cannot be understated.

“As I’ve been creating her, Manu’s been growing with the energy of Christchurch, of everyone who’s worked on the project.

“My friends say I’m mad,” she says with a laugh. “I’m not getting younger, and they tell me I should slow down and smell the coffee, not keep making it.”

Karen had the best intentions of retiring when she handed over the keys to Blue Kanu last year, to spend some time back in Christchurch resting and exploring her heritage.

“But in November, Manu ‘came to me’, and I immediately identified with what she was. Yes, Manu means feathered creatures, but she’s far more than that – wings can be angels, they can offer protection and comfort, they can rise as a phoenix.”

The passion is clear as Karen searches for the words to describe the atmosphere she’s creating with Manu.

“The only way I know to create a platform is by creating safe spaces. And, to me, that’s a restaurant with beautiful service and great food. And I know, through the love of food, that I can do some good for our community.”

She has big plans to support the community, including a scholarship fund and donating 50c from every cocktail sold to survivors of sexual violence and trauma.

“I just feel like I had some unfinished business, especially when it came to looking after our wāhine, our beautiful women.

“It feels so good to come home with strength and purpose.”

manu.co.nz

A HANDFUL OF SOIL

An expansive new exhibition at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū explores the powerful and lasting connections that exist between people and land.

Part of the Gallery’s two-yearly rehang of its upstairs collection spaces, He Kapuka Oneone – A Handful of Soil combines historic and contemporary art. It includes painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, weaving, and moving image works.

Flowing through a series of interconnected spaces, He Kapuka Oneone – A Handful of Soil examines the depiction and understanding of whenua (land) through different lenses. It begins with a selection of works by contemporary Māori artists such as Robyn Kahukiwa, John Bevan Ford, and Nathan Pōhio that are underpinned by the concepts of whakapapa and tiakitaka – genealogy and guardianship – acknowledging the ancestral connections Māori have to this whenua.

Artworks are grouped around themes such as identity and belonging, activism, climate change, and land use. Historic events such as the 1975 Māori Land March, the occupation of Bastion Point, and the Crown purchases of Kāi Tahu land in the mid-nineteenth century are explored in works by renowned artists John Miller and Areta Wilkinson. Elsewhere, the new hang brings visitors up close to wetland and mountain landscapes, blending historic and contemporary works to create rich and immersive viewing experiences.

“The relationship between tākata and whenua – people and land – runs through the art history of Aotearoa New Zealand, and has a strong presence in the Gallery’s collection,” says lead curator Felicity Milburn.

“The land shapes us, helping to build a sense of who we are. This is especially true for Indigenous peoples. But we shape the land

too, and many of the artists in this exhibition consider the human impact on the land and our environment.”

The exhibition includes a special focus on contemporary Māori clay artists, many of whom emerged during the 1980s with Ngā Kaihanga Uku, a group of Māori artists who used the whenua as both the material and inspiration for their artworks. Examples by two of the founding members of the group, Colleen Waata Urlich and Baye Riddell, are displayed alongside works by a newer generation of artists, such as Tracy Keith and Sarah Hudson.

He Kapuka Oneone also debuts a host of new acquisitions and commissions. A sculptural installation by senior Kāi Tahu artist Ross Hemera is informed by the history and imagery of Te Waipounamu South Island ana whakairo (Māori rock art). A multi-part installation made from harakeke by a group of Ōtautahi Christchurch-based weavers, Te Kāhui Hono, hangs from the ceiling of another gallery space.

Also on show for the first time is a powerful new video work by acclaimed choreographer and artist Louise Pōtiki Bryant. Te Hā o Papatūānuku considers the relationship between water and land. Pōtiki Bryant was inspired by Papatūānuku and Parawhenuamea, the atua wāhine (female deities) of the earth and fresh waterways. Her fluid, evocative work incorporates images of her own body, evoking the transformation of whenua over time through the movement of water.

He Kapuka Oneone will be up for two years and will be complemented by an ongoing programme of events. An accompanying book will be published by the Gallery in 2025.

christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Clockwise from top: Doris Lusk Canterbury Plains from Cashmere Hills (detail) 1952. Oil on canvas board. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 1974; Colleen Waata Urlich Paikea Pot 1994. Earthenware. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 2023; Ida Lough Water Grasses (detail) 1974. Wool. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased with assistance from the Olive Stirrat bequest, 1988; Louise Pōtiki Bryant Te Hā o Papatūānuku (still) 2024. Single-channel video with soundtrack by Paddy Free. Collection of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, purchased 2024.

TAKE A LOOK AROUND

Cate and Riwai Grace have travelled the world but have a deep-rooted love for Ōtautahi Christchurch. Through their company, Āmiki Tours, they lead tourists on captivating city walking tours, offering everything from foodie adventures to educational experiences.

The idea for Āmiki Tours was sparked by encounters with lost visitors who were struggling to navigate the ever-changing, landmark-lacking streets of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Determined to be “active citizens” and make a difference, Cate and Riwai wanted to tell the stories of the resilient, risk-taking businesses that have changed the city for the better while imparting manaakitanga (hospitality).

Their enthusiasm is infectious, and nothing excites them more than introducing visitors to the reborn city.

“Once we decided to put our stake in the ground in Ōtautahi Christchurch, we committed to being active citizens and advocates for it.”

The Āmiki team has now grown to eight, and Cate and Riwai are always on the lookout for new places to take their guests. Their research is unconventional yet effective – discovering new spots during their own date nights and uncovering the stories behind them. “We take people to places we love, and our repertoire is constantly expanding,” they say.

It’s these stories that make Ōtautahi Christchurch unique, according to Cate and Riwai, and something everyone should take pride in. In fact, that’s what the word āmiki means: deep storytelling.

“It’s all about finding that whakapapa and connection. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a person, place, or space,” Cate says.

They use the example of the Kate Sheppard memorial.

“Some locals will definitely walk past and go, ‘That’s Kate Sheppard; she’s on the $10 note,’ but if you can stand at Kate Sheppard, you’ll be told about the wāhine Māori that she worked with and what she did to get seats in

Parliament… it’s all about taking a deeper look. That goes for food, culture, and history.”

Āmiki offers six distinct experiences that showcase the vibrant culture and culinary delights of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The Ōtautahi Cultural Walk, a 75-minute city tour, reveals the cultural treasures hidden in plain sight, highlighting how local Māori culture is reflected in the city’s rebuild. The City Meander is a two-hour guided journey through laneways, gardens, and historic landmarks, where participants discover the evolving city and its culinary delights.

For tourists led by their taste buds, Kai Bites is filled with artisan tastings and lunch. Āmiki Tours’ most popular tour is the Kai Safari, a progressive dinner that showcases the inner city’s vibrant night hot spots, with Cate, Riwai, and their team leading people to the city’s best restaurants. Ngā Hari o te Pō takes it up a notch with paired liquid delights, offering an elevated version of the Kai Safari. Bespoke & Education tours offer tailored experiences, from exclusive VIP dinners to corporate events.

A key aspect of Cate and Riwai’s approach is allowing people to slow down and connect with te ao Māori. “Often, people don’t get the chance to take a moment when travelling. It’s usually go, go, go,” Riwai says. “I make sure we all take a moment to focus on our breathing, our wellbeing, our wairua. It’s often quite an emotional experience when I get people to ground themselves.”

It isn’t just for international tourists either. Cate and Riwai welcome anyone wanting to reconnect with the heart and soul of our reborn city. For locals not sure where to start, Cate says, “Leave your comfort zone, make your way to a new part of the central city, and take a look around.”

amikitours.com

Riki Manuel (Ngāti Porou) He poupou tohu ahi-ka o Ngāi Tahu: A mark of the long burning fires of Ngāi Tahu (1994).

Photos by Neil Macbeth.

AN AGE-OLD CONNECTION

Art and wine have always been intrinsically connected, says Dancing Water Winery owner and passionate art enthusiast Kim Schofield.

When Kim Schofield took on the challenge of restoring old-growth vines at Dancing Water Winery, she was, in many ways, taking a brush to canvas to paint a picture of the land and community around her.

This started with the wine itself. Kim, viticulturist Dr David Jordan, and the winemaking team were passionate about capturing the natural essence of the 30-year-old vines, treating each vintage like a work of art.

“Each vintage tells the story of the terroir. The vagaries of the weather, the condition of our soil, and the inspiration it evokes allow each year to have a consistent presence but with unique cues that mark the individuality of that year.”

Knowing they had found something special motivated Kim to widen her scope.

“I intended to just make wine for myself and friends, but what we discovered was a passionate community that loved our wines.”

Alongside the artistic approach to winemaking is Kim’s love for art and the community behind it.

“I really wanted to work with the local art community authentically.”

This began with Kim engaging with artist Michelle Reid to produce the ‘Art Series’ labels.

Dancing Water Winery initially purchased Michelle’s original artworks, and she receives a royalty payment each year, which has, in turn, contributed to Michelle’s completion of a Master’s degree.

Local artist Oliva Barnes was also commissioned to paint a watercolour map of the vineyard and a charcoal drawing of the wine shed.

On-site, Kim commissioned master artist Wayne Youle (Ngāpuhi, Ngati Whakaeke, Ngati Pākehā) to tell the Dancing Water story.

The original design, destined for a wall inside the wine shed, features eight distinct laser-cut

symbols, each reflecting different facets of life, culture, and nature. Among these, the kete symbolises gathering and learning and is a mark of acknowledgement of tangata whenua; the heart embodies love, passion, and energy; and the snowflake represents the elements and their delicate nature. Additionally, the Crown Lynn swan stands for individuality and family bonds, the amphora signifies sustenance and community, the wind captures natural forces, Gabby’s paper plane, inspired by Kim’s daughter, evokes travel and the spirit of youth, and the olive branch conveys nourishment, peace, and growth.

Since then, two pieces have been added, symbolising Dancing Water’s metamorphic transformation from a small, private vineyard to a product now stocked and available throughout the country and beyond.

Wayne’s work will occupy one wall in the wine shed, and Kim plans to use the rest of the space as a gallery, with “guest artists coming in to do pop-up exhibitions.”

Kim has also just purchased a new work by Christchurch artist Chloe Summerhayes titled Root Bound that will be on the labels of a new limited release Summer Series Rosé.

Kim mentioned her excitement about working with more artists in the future and hosting businesses and event groups at Dancing Water.

“We want to be somewhere where people can come to taste our stunning range and support local artists by buying some of their art. Art and wine have an age-old connection, and we want to continue that tradition.”

Other ways Kim and Dancing Water have supported local arts and culture include donating to the New Zealand Arts Foundation, supporting the Philip Trusttum exhibition at The Colombo, and sponsoring community events like The Gala and the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre Little Gems Party.

dww.co.nz

THE FABRIC OF THE CITY

The Armstrong’s brand is synonymous with car sales and now spans New Zealand with 15 brands across 16 dealerships. Avenues visited the site of the first showroom on St Asaph Street to discover the secret of its success.

Rick Armstrong began his career in car sales as a groomer in Christchurch. Spurred on by a love for cars, he knew he wanted to own his own dealership. This began with the first Armstrong’s branch on St Asaph Street, which is now home to their Christchurch showrooms for Subaru, INEOS, Citroën, Peugeot, and Opel.

Dealer Principal George Wallis says that although there are 16 branches around the country, St Asaph Street holds a special significance due to its history in the city.

“We’ve been here for a while. We understand what it is to be part of the fabric of Christchurch’s CBD and the wider Canterbury community.”

George also mentions that their uniqueness makes them stand out, thanks to an array of brands that mean different things to different people – perfect for the varied lifestyles of those who call the region home.

“Each brand has its own characteristics. Subaru is all about lifestyle, practicality, and capability, really the car for the Kiwi.

Peugeot is all about elegance, refinement, stunning interiors – French flair in vehicle form. Citroëns are about being deliberately different, very comfortable, and functional. Then, Opel is all about modernity. It has German pedigree but with a modern, cutting-edge styling twist. Then there are the INEOS Grenadiers – a utilitarian vehicle truly built on purpose.”

Rick says no matter what a customer chooses, the approach is the same.

“We have the customer at the centre of everything we do. We try to manage really good relationships with our customers.”

George adds that there is nothing they enjoy more than a successful outcome for a customer.

“Even though we’ve been doing this for so long, nothing matches that excitement of helping someone get their new car.”

George encourages people to come by and just start with a chat, noting that now is a good time to purchase a new car.

“We’ll make you a coffee and have a chat about your needs – we want to talk about what is important to you – then go from there. Your current car isn’t going to be worth as much next year as it is today, so pop by, and we’ll help find something that suits you.”

Alongside sales, they supply parts and full service, and George says these three tiers work in harmony to keep people as part of the “Armstrong’s family”.

Beyond St Asaph Street, Armstrong’s has two other sites in Christchurch and 20-plus throughout the country, employing about 700 people.

Despite the size of the group, with a CEO and management structure, Rick is still involved – and he says he still enjoys being instrumental in the business as much as he did when it all began, especially in challenging times.

“I get real enjoyment out of leading my business through challenges and making it more successful and stronger because in times like this, you’ve got to be with your people. It gives me real satisfaction to see we’ve been going really well.”

Though now residing in Auckland, Rick mentions that he is fully committed to Armstrong’s presence in Canterbury, with ambitions for growth, telling customers to watch this space for exciting developments to come.

armstrongs.co.nz

FLYING CANTERBURY FOR 40 YEARS

In 1983, John Currie founded Garden City Helicopters with Chief Pilot Roger Corbin. Just a year later, the company moved from east to west, purchasing land on Memorial Avenue adjacent to the old airport roundabout. The need for more space, driven by the company’s expansion, led to the construction of their purpose-built new home at a more logistically compatible location on Grays Road. The building was completed in 2017 and is now known as GCH Aviation.

“The biggest driver for our relocation was space – a place where we could consolidate services and allow for expansion. Where we’ve landed is good for us, good for the airport, and good for the community,” says Daniel Currie, CEO of Rotary and Fixed Wing Operations at GCH Aviation.

In 2024, GCH Aviation boasts a commercial rotary fleet with five helicopter bases across New Zealand, including Pacific Island Air in Fiji. Accommodated within the facility is the GCH Jet Centre, providing access to the South Island for private jet guests. GCH also operates a Bombardier Challenger covering the Pacific Rim.

GCH Aviation is the owner/operator of the rescue helicopter service and NZ Flying Doctor Service – with both operating from the main base here in Christchurch and serving

local urban and rural communities. Much like St John, GCH Aviation receives a level of government funding, but ultimately, there is an expectation that the community will also be able to contribute towards the services.

The fundraising provided by the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust, the NZ Flying Doctors Trust, and the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust, supports these services and is invaluable.

After 40 years, GCH Aviation remains a family business. John, the Group Managing Director, and his sons Daniel and Andrew are responsible for rotary, fixed-wing, and jet operations, respectively. Chantelle, their younger sister, is also involved in the business.

Daniel describes their current role as twofold, aligned with their mission statement: “Enriching lives through our expertise in aviation for over forty years.”

“Firstly, we want people to have a positive experience with us, whether we’re doing rescue work, disaster response, or taking them to a winery for lunch or on a scenic flight to one of the many destinations in and around our region.”

“We provide healthcare infrastructure for Canterbury and the West Coast, and our roots are in serving the local community,” Daniel says.

gchaviation.com

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My tūrangawaewae

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor, Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

Tūrangawaewae, a beautifully rounded word, describes one of the most wellknown and powerful Māori concepts. Literally tūranga (standing place) waewae (feet).

A place to stand and to connect to, a place from which we derive a strong sense of identity. My identity and genealogy encompasses this belief and, like many New Zealanders, I have a mixture of nationalities in my ancestry, including German, Welsh, English, and Māori.

I have a proud Māori whakapapa from both my mother and my father, and now – more than ever – I have an appreciation of what that means.

Both my parents came from big families: my father was one of nine, his mother one of 14. My mother also came from a family of nine, and as a consequence of this, I have a large number of cousins on both sides. I also include many second cousins who I know well, and I am grateful for the close connections over many years.

If asked, I could share our collective iwi and numerous details, but I could not – as many of my relatives can – do this in fluent te reo Māori or go back many generations. Without a doubt, I’d like to be able to, and I consider it one of my life’s callings to learn to do so.

I’m endlessly grateful, however, to be reassured by family members that not having

this ability – yet – doesn’t exclude me from the sharing or joy of specific whānau experiences.

I can remember travelling to my mother’s marae up the river in Whanganui for a tangi. I hadn’t been for a number of years, and I was worried that I would let myself down and not be conversant with the required tikanga (protocols). Left to my own devices, I could have, but the unconditional support and love from my cousins took away all the fear of having spent very little of my life in the daily use of the Māori language.

What mattered to them was that I was a member of their family and I was there.

Our bonds were precious and unbreakable and I remain forever grateful for that.

It’s made me try harder, dig deeper, and appreciate how far we have come as a country and a nation.

I love opening our company meetings in te reo Māori, and I’m constantly aware of the fluency that surrounds many of us today in all parts of our lives and media.

My mother, although she never spoke Māori to us as children, grew up like many of her generation in a family that spoke only te reo.

In fact I have no memories of ever hearing her mum, my nanny, speaking English.

So where you stand, where I stand, is firmly in a place of learning, gratitude, and inspiration at the wonder of how far we have all come.

Deeply deco

The relaxed luxury of the Avalon Armchair from One World Collection pops against an Art Deco-inspired design in Resene Metallic Gold and the deep-sea blue wall in Resene Ocean Waves.

Palm tree-inspired decor is often seen in Art Deco interiors. Here, this white powder-coated palm lamp echoes the relaxed luxury of the chair, adding colour and texture to the look.

The Palladium side table is a fresh, minimal design. Serving as a small vignette of the larger blue, gold, and white features in the look, these side table pieces would all be equally at home in a contemporary coastal scheme, bringing balance to the space.

This soft, textural, hand-woven wool rug features a Hamptons-inspired pattern in blue and white.

Avalon Armchair Navy; Azalea Floor Lamp; Palladium Glass and Brass Side Table; Jenny Ivory Blue Rug; Ginger Jar; Gold Fish; Candle in Navy Blue Glass Jar from One World Collection; Resene Ocean Waves and Resene Metallic Gold from Resene Colorshop.

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SPRING TIPS

Avenues checks in with Ashley Shadbolt at Southern Woods Nursery to find out what we should be doing in our gardens this season.

Since we’ve pruned our trees in winter, what should we do to keep them healthy in spring? Keep an eye out for cuts that look either weepy or where the outer layer of bark is starting to peel back. In both situations, consider a second clean cut further down and then apply a pruning paste such as Grosafe Prune’n Paste.

If the wet weather has left us with waterlogged, hard soil, how can we bring it back to life? Compost is a great way of adding fertility, biological activity, and water-holding capacity to poor soils. If you are battling clay, try adding Gypsum. Getting worms back also dramatically improves soil health. Try digging a hole and burying kitchen green waste (nothing citrus) roughly 300mm in depth; this will attract the earthworms, who will then set up shop in this part of the garden.

Spring is in the air! What is on your list of jobs? With warmer weather and peak soil moisture, now is the perfect time for anything that requires digging. Dig in composts and fertilisers, get planting, dig in any irrigation lines or drainage channels, and tidy up your garden edging. Spring is also when plants have high fertility demands, so if anything is looking a little yellow, consider a foliar fertiliser as a quick pick-me-up.

Is all mulch made equal? Do different mulches have different purposes? Bark nuggets are decorative, but they actually offer very little in terms of moisture retention or long-term fertility – the blackbirds also love firing them all over

the lawn! For the best of both worlds, find a mulch with plenty of fines as well as long, strappy pieces. The fines will retain moisture and help prevent weeds, while the strappy bits will bind together and help lock everything into place.

What’s best to plant now to reap in summer? September is a great time to plant berry fruits. All the usual suspects and table grapes thrive in Canterbury with something to suit all settings. Remember that berry fruits are a favourite snack for our feathered friends, so plant them somewhere or prune them to a shape that’s nice and easy to install bird netting.

Favourite plants in store at the moment? It has to be flowering cherries. We stock the full range from singles to doubles, deep pinks to the flashiest whites, weepers to uprights, but the fan favourite must be the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) – those planted along Harper Avenue to celebrate Arbor Day way back in 1936.

Any other tips? Proper prior preparation prevents poor plant performance; control those weeds early to save more work further down the track; shape as you go to save a big pruning job later in summer and a trip to the green waste depot; get all your irrigation in place and give it a test run before those first hot dry nor’westers start battering your garden, but don’t forget to get out and enjoy both your own and the region’s green spaces. Spring is a wonderful time of year.

southernwoods.co.nz

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Unlike any place on earth

Kutwelo, a luxury travel agency, is connecting New Zealanders with the wonders of Africa and the roots of its founders.

Warrick and Chené’s paths crossed through their shared passion for Africa’s wilderness. Spending most of her childhood in Christchurch, a safari back to South Africa reignited Chené’s connection to her birthplace. This led her to pursue a career in the luxury safari industry, and she began working as a guide – where she met Warrick. Warrick grew up in South Africa, spending his school holidays exploring game reserves.

After years of thriving careers in the safari industry, they were ready for a new challenge. The couple returned to New Zealand.

“We again call Christchurch home, and can now share our love and passion for Africa with our fellow Cantabrians and the rest of Aotearoa,” Chené says.

This mission to stay connected to their roots and share Africa’s unparalleled beauty with New Zealanders saw them found Kutwelo, a luxury African travel agency that specialises in creating bespoke safari itineraries for discerning travellers.

Chené and Warrick say the name Kutwelo is derived from the Xitsonga word meaning ‘a feeling’, which they say perfectly sums up a trip to Africa.

“The experience of Africa cannot simply be described to someone; it needs to be felt through one’s own being.”

For Chené and Warrick, Africa is perfect for tourists wanting to experience something different, and that is “unlike any other place on earth”.

“Africa is raw, wild, and beautiful in every sense. It carries with it an unmatched vibrancy and energy, and a profound sense of space and freedom. Pristine wilderness areas, incredible wildlife, and luxurious lodges offer world-class hospitality and service.”

One of Kutwelo’s guiding principles, close to the couple’s heart, is ‘conservation’.

“As travel specialists, we believe in using our resources to promote responsible and sustainable travel. We strive to minimise our environmental impact and are passionate about creating meaningful travel experiences that leave a positive and lasting impact on our planet.”

Kutwelo’s destination list comprises 11 countries across the continent, including South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zanzibar, and Madagascar.

“We have chosen these countries as they have the most pristine wilderness areas with the highest concentrations of wildlife, offering exceptional game viewing and wilderness experiences throughout.”

Chené says that those who might be apprehensive about travelling to Africa

because of media influence should be reassured that no stone is left unturned, and “no matter where you go, the people are warm and welcoming”.

“Overall, Africa is a safe destination to travel to, especially with the right areas chosen and flawless logistics in place. There is a very luxurious side to Africa, which is where our expertise lies. This includes some of the world’s best lodges with excellent hospitality and care at every touch point.”

The pair say that this certainty starts with them, and their approach to working with clients is based on connection and communication. They begin with a chat via phone, video, or over coffee to understand your travel aspirations. They then curate a personalised itinerary, selecting ideal destinations and lodges, handling all logistics, and ensuring seamless travel.

Chené mentions that they are keen to help Cantabrians experience all the luxuries Africa has to offer and shares one of their favourite quotes by singer Rich Mullins for anyone in doubt: “The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa; for he has so much to look forward to.”

@kutwelo | kutwelo.com

THE BEST OF CANTERBURY

Amberley Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday morning from 9am-12pm, nestled under the trees in front of the Hurunui District Council buildings, just off State Highway One. Take a quick trip out for breakfast with a difference, or grab a coffee and meander around the market. You’ll find freshly harvested, seasonal vegetables and fruit, micro greens, farmhouse goat’s cheese, crusty bread and pastries, honey, sweet treats, a variety of ready-to-eat hot food, freshly cut flowers, vegetable and herb seedlings, beauty and wellness products, and more – all made locally. amberleyfarmersmarket.org.nz

Mt. Hutt Bike Park features a diverse trail network spanning over 30km, offering everything from a family-friendly XC loop to challenging single-track and double-black diamond technical descents, with some rewarding climbs to connect it all together. bikemethven.co.nz

IN THE MIDDLE

SCOFF (South Canterbury Outstanding Food Festival) is a multi-day celebration showcasing the exceptional food of South Canterbury, featuring the region’s growers, producers, and artisan creators, from the Pacific Ocean to Aoraki/Mount Cook. Over 12 days, participating eateries will offer special SCOFF dishes highlighting South Canterbury’s finest produce. Diners visiting these establishments have the chance to win daily prizes and enter a grand prize draw! Visit the SCOFF website to see the list of participating eateries, find accommodation discounts, and discover the best things to do in South Canterbury. scoffsc.nz

Do your kids fancy themselves the next David Attenborough or Bindi Irwin? The Junior Keeper Programme at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is back for the spring holidays – on Monday, 30 September and Monday, 7 October. Children aged 10–14 can gain a behind-the-scenes experience of life as a keeper by working alongside one of Willowbank’s keepers to help feed and care for our animals.

willowbank.co.nz

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The city where I found my voice

Sam Parish, Food Editor @sam.parish.food

To the city that made me a mum, an electric car driver, a bike rider, an oaky Chardonnay drinker, a chicken owner, cheese scone enthusiast, and of course, Avenues’ food editor – thank you.

If you’d told me in my 20s that I’d live in New Zealand with two kids, have my own cookbook, a weekly radio segment, a monthly review, and an ever-expanding prop studio in my garage, I’d be speechless.

Since moving across the ditch, I’ve discovered in myself a remarkable ability to pivot with uncertain poise – fake it till you make it, as they say. But perhaps more fitting for my generation: YOLO (You Only Live Once).

Adventure has always found me, and now comes my next pivot, taking me out of New Zealand and back to Australia. This move is driven by my partner’s job and our desire to be closer to family. Yet, with change comes reflection on our time in New Zealand and all we’ve accomplished. It’s here that we’ve grown in more ways than one (I quite literally grew two humans here), and we’re incredibly sad to be leaving this beautiful country and, most importantly, the vibrant city of Ōtautahi Christchurch. This is the city where I truly found my voice.

I believe Christchurch, with its vast amount of space, has allowed me to lean

into what makes me me, and a confidence I hope to carry with us in our move. Food has always been my passion. It began in its physical form as a chef, working in kitchens where I honed the art of plating and cooking. But here in Christchurch, I’ve been able to utilise those skills – working at Earl’s pasta nights, opening Bottle and Stone, and running Residency Café – and expand them into writing my own book, contributing to this great magazine that gives so much to this city, creating video content, and orchestrating food events for the city. Food has always been my secret weapon. It’s the ultimate way to connect with others, to meet someone on their level, and to share a glimpse of what makes them who they are. As I move forward in my career, I will always return to this message: food and cooking have an innate way of creating bonds and forging connections. As I prepare for this next chapter, I can’t help but think back to that younger version of myself – the one who could never have imagined this life in New Zealand. It’s been a journey of unexpected growth and adventure. While it’s bye for now, Avenues readers, with this New Zealand chapter coming to an end, the lessons I’ve learned and the confidence I’ve gained will carry me forward.

THE PLACE TO GO

Hot off winning the New Zealand Café of the Year 2024 award at Hospitality New Zealand’s Awards for Excellence, Majestic at Mayfair is expanding into nighttime offerings.

A new small plates evening menu and cocktail list are set to make the Victoria Street brunch hotspot equally exceptional come sundown.

“We want to make Majestic at Mayfair the place people come for great cocktails and small plate shared style dining,” says Director Sam Stapley.

Sam envisions Christchurch’s hotel hospitality scene becoming more like those of international centres, where the hottest bars and restaurants are often attached to hotels.

“We’re really public-trade focused – which is our point of difference. Tourists often want to experience the city, not just dine at the hotel. We’re focused on locals and building a community.”

Come evening, after the brunch and lunch rush, the space undergoes a transformation. Lights are dimmed, music is turned up, and the café gracefully transitions into the perfect date night or after-work bar and restaurant.

Executive Head Chef Nick Tatom and new Restaurant and Bar Manager Toby Perry spearhead the night offering. Toby, who has worked with some of the city’s best establishments like 5th Street, brings his refined evening hospitality skills to Majestic at Mayfair.

Toby has crafted a bespoke cocktail list, refining the classics and adding his own signature twists.

Nick’s new food menu complements the drinks, focusing on smaller plates with an Italian flair, perfect for sharing. They’ve worked hard to source the best ingredients.

Dishes like Wagyu meatballs with San Marzano tomato sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano or crispy salami with whipped ricotta, gremolata, and sun-dried tomatoes pair beautifully with espresso and dry martinis. Sweet offerings like tiramisu and cannoli with burnt butter, mascarpone, and pear are accompanied by cocktails, craft beers and wines.

Majestic at Mayfair is open for evening hours from 2.30pm till late, located on the corner of Victoria and Dorset Streets.

@majesticatmayfair

HEARTFELT MEAL SERVICE

Have you ever felt like you were missing a little taste of home? Life gets busy, and sometimes getting wholesome meals on the table is a bit of a stretch. That’s precisely what drove husband and wife team Adam and Jamie Pack to want to provide for the people of Ōtautahi, through their wholesome meal delivery service, Kai 2 You.

It all started from a deep love of nutritious food and a strong desire to support the local community. “Adam is a chef and has been for the past 22 years. His last job before starting Kai 2 You was as head chef for a business that provided over 2,000 meals a week,” explains Jamie. But the couple wanted to create something that’s more than just a meal service – it’s about delivering a bit of comfort right to your door.

“When you order from Kai 2 You, you’re not just getting a meal; you’re getting a bit of home-cooked goodness. It’s almost like a meal with a hug,” says Jamie. It’s all about

that personal touch and making sure every bite feels like it’s made with care.

Before deciding to set up Kai 2 You, Jamie considered working in the elderly care sector or disabilities sector. “I have a real passion for working with the elderly and making sure people can stay in their homes longer.”

In just 17 months, Kai 2 You has gone from a small startup to a service that’s busy with hundreds of orders each week. It’s been a heartwarming experience for them, getting to know so many new faces and becoming a part of their customers’ lives. “Most of our orders come from retirees living on their own, but we also get orders from young families or mums wanting to provide meals for their daughters when they’ve just had a baby.”

To recognise the older demographic of the city, the pair has introduced a SuperGold card offer. “For every three items you buy, you get one item free,” says Jamie. Whether you’re a Christchurch native or new to the area, Kai 2 You is all about making meals feel like they come from a place of aroha.

kai2you.co.nz

It’s a date

Sam Parish finds the best date spots. After having kids, she has a deeper appreciation for the world of eating out, dining, and patronage at restaurants and cafés. Is it the need for time to herself? Or the ability to focus during a meal on what she’s tasting? Who knows? All she’s sure of is that if you can find the time to eat out, whether solo or with company, it’s a date!

GATHERINGS/VESUVIO

10/4 Papanui Road

@vesuvio bar | @gatheringschch

The cosiest, one-of-a-kind restaurant. If you haven’t been to Gatherings, spring is the perfect excuse to get there. Think fine dining meets timeless flavour combos – complex and innovative dishes, evoking that ‘of course, this goes well together’ moment when you taste them. But also keeps it just the right amount of pared back so as not to scare you off completely. The ingredients are always respected and at the forefront of the plate. Gatherings offers a weekly updated menu with a focus on local and organic ingredients. Specialising in fish and vegetablebased dishes, prepare yourself for some of the finest preparations of New Zealand seafood. The turbot chops with Paris butter sauce they recently featured look incredible, not to mention dinner rolls with XO butter and salt-baked beets with pickled tamarillo.

LILLIES THE MONDAY ROOM

495 St Asaph Street

@lillie.lillies.lillies

I’ll admit, I’m slightly predictable – any industrial-style space with smiling faces, natural wine on tap, and a wood-burning oven serving pizza is bound to be a favourite of mine. Put Lillies on your must-visit list ASAP. They offer an ever-changing, season-focused menu featuring pizzas, substantial dishes, salads, and their oh-so-fun rotating seasonal sundae. If the babysitter isn’t an option right now (I feel you), Lillies opens from 4pm, so you can pop in during the family hour and let the kids watch the artists at work, making pizza – the ultimate free entertainment. The wine here is bespoke to the location, natural and full-bodied, and all crafted beautifully by the owners. The vision of this restaurant is clear: “A beautiful space with beautiful food where guests feel welcome to come and enjoy.”

161 High Street @themondayroom

Owner-operators Ryan and Hannah have created a truly romantic spot at The Monday Room. This two-level, wine-walled beauty is a warm, jazzy space perfect for an intimate dining experience. The food style is designed for sharing, so you won’t miss out on tasting what your date orders. I highly recommend the tasting menu with matching wines – any excuse to let someone else take the lead and serve you the best of the best. It also takes the hassle out of ordering, allowing you to sit back and let the team take control. The chef team here is top-notch, presenting beautiful seasonal dishes. When we dined, they served crumbed enoki mushrooms with Sichuan tofu cream – the textures were spot on. The wine selection is exquisite; be sure to ask Ryan to pour you his favourite drop. I was obsessed.

TUSSOCK HILL

210 Huntsbury Avenue @tussockhill

Perched gloriously overlooking the city and plains beyond, Tussock Hill is a standout regarding Canterbury’s food offerings. Just a short 15-minute drive from the city and into the Port Hills, it’s the perfect food escape in Christchurch. The menu is locally crafted and, in some cases, foraged, featuring beautifully curated dishes. We indulged in a special beef tartare with oyster cream, finished with crisp urenika taewa potatoes and Jerusalem artichokes from North Canterbury’s Pihi Farms, which truly stole the show. This was followed by the iconic lamb and thrice-cooked potatoes, and a plate of yams with black garlic. With the sun beaming through the windows and two wine flights – red and white (highly recommended, as it’s the same price as a glass, but you get to try three of their wines) – this was an incredible way to do lunch.

WELCOME TO YOUR SUBURBAN OASIS

Serving gourmet breakfast lunch and dinner daily. Corporate groups and function packages available. Follow @the_fig_restaurant_and_bar on Instagram 456 Papanui Road | 03 352 4903

THE SEASON FOR COMFORT

TRUFFLE TIME

Bring a touch of luxury to your dishes at a fraction of the cost. Kiwi Artisan’s truffle seasoning is a delicious blend of real black truffles and natural spices. This seasoning is truly addictive! It’s the perfect sprinkle for truffle lovers who simply need truffles on everything, from fries to pasta, steak to even ice cream!

kiwiartisan.co.nz

EATING NOSTALGIA

Transport yourself back to family Christmases and dinner parties of the ’90s and ’00s with the Duck Island Ambrosia. Tart raspberry yoghurt ice cream has been churned with marshmallows, milk chocolate shards, and sour cherry swirls. This is sure to give Aunty Trish’s secret recipe a run for its money. It is best paired with a James Blunt CD, cheerios, and asparagus rolls.

duckislandicecream.co.nz

DULCE DELICIOUS

Raglan Food Co.’s Dulce de Leche Caramel from the Snackable Range is a unique plant-based twist on the classic Latin American dessert, using their signature coconut yoghurt. This delightful dairy-free caramel yoghurt combines taste and texture, making it a creamy, not-so-naughty treat – bonus points for being full of probiotics!

raglanfoodco.com

YOUR NEXT STOP

Looking for somewhere different for a special meal or group celebration? The Christchurch Tramway Restaurant is as unique as it gets as New Zealand’s only dining tram! Enjoy a delicious four-course meal on board the vintage 1920s tramcar — the optional wine pairing is also a great choice. Operating along the central city streets since 2000, the tram is truly a Christchurch icon. The team is now taking bookings for Christmas functions — get in touch to secure your table.

christchurchattractions.nz

Karen McGrath is on a mission to raise awareness about the benefits of eating sprouts.

Southern Alp Sprouts, the brainchild of Karen and her husband Jason McGrath, has blossomed from a small cottage industry into a thriving, sustainable business – they have just celebrated 25 years in business.

This nutrient-dense sprout pesto is so versatile. It’s great with corn chips, crackers, or wraps, an easy lunch bed for your eggs on toast or on its own, or simply stirred through pasta.

Broccoli sprouts are widely recognised as a superfood. They contain sulforaphane, which protects cells against inflammation. Research has shown it to slow tumour growth and stop benign carcinogens from becoming active ones. By adding mustard seeds to your broccoli sprouts, you ramp up the myrosinase enzyme in your gut, which increases the intake of sulforaphane.

Alfalfa and Broccoli SPROUT PESTO

SERVES 1–2

2 cups alfalfa/broccoli sprouts

2 cups spinach

3 cloves of garlic

½ cup walnuts

¼ tsp mustard seeds

1 tbsp parmesan cheese

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp dried red chili flakes (optional)

¼ cup olive oil

southernalpsprouts.co.nz

In a food processor, add garlic cloves, walnuts, and mustard seeds, pulse until minced. Then add and pulse alfalfa/broccoli sprouts, parmesan cheese, salt, optional red chilli flakes, and spinach leaves, and pulse until partially chopped. Then drizzle in the olive oil slowly till smooth.

Store in fridge or freeze, or dig straight in!

MEETING OVER A GIN

New Regent Street gin bar and restaurant Gin Gin is taking a novel approach to helping customers discover their favourite tipple.

“Since the influx of gin distillers in Aotearoa, and the world, we find ourselves spoiled for choice of which gin and tonic to have – dry, fruity, herbaceous?” says Restaurant Manager Mia Mullett.

Bar Manager Ryan Harding figured the best way to solve this problem was to curate a list of gin flights from around the world, showcasing different botanicals, gin-making styles, and flavours.

“We offer rotating flights, consisting of three different gins, expertly paired with East Imperial’s tonic range that showcase – in a nutshell – the best gins the world has to offer.”

Alongside gin tastings, they also offer a rotating ‘Gin of the Month’, which showcases a distillery they feel supports the community and sustainability or tells an important story.

“We have chosen Rifters for September. Their story follows a couple of Kiwi builders who

fell into making gin out of a love for the stuff. Their bottle takes influence from the historical gold mining in Arrowtown and the gins that were sipped after a hard day’s work.”

Mia says gin tastings or trying the monthly gin are also great excuses to use Gin Gin’s function spaces.

“Whether it’s a small hen do or a wedding reception – we have it all! We have four spaces to choose from: our Lounge, which can fit up to 12 people; our Juniper Room, up to 45; our Upstairs Complete, up to 60; or our Whole Venue, up to 80.”

Head chef Joosje Downie has crafted food packages that range from a light snack to a formal dinner, with large platters available in summer.

For those still unsure where to start, Mia says you simply can’t go wrong with their own handcrafted ‘Gin Gin Gin’, made with help from Christchurch-based The Spirits Workshop.

“Otherwise, come in and chat with any of our team. We truly have everything under the sun. Choose a flavour that you like – citrus, berry, savoury, herb – and we will help you find a gin that suits you.”

gingin.co.nz

POUR A GLASS

GOLDEN GLASS

The Chardonnay 2020 Art Series by Dancing Water Winery is a pale gold wine with an aroma of crème brûlée, roasted nuts, and bold oak, complemented by stone fruit and citrus. The full-bodied palate showcases oak, balanced by bright acidity and a creamy texture. Pair with roast chicken, potatoes, and a fresh salad.

dww.co.nz

RUM THROUGH THE MULL

Bitter cocktail lovers rejoice: Nick from Zodiac has crafted a South American style ‘quick-mulled’

SAME GREAT TASTE

Keen to keep Dry July going all year? Giesen Estate’s non-alcoholic Chardonnay is the ticket. Giesen invested over a million dollars into world-leading technology that gently removes the alcohol from wines – meaning they still taste like wine! This wine has a bouquet of citrus and stonefruit, with French oak influence and a fresh and zesty palate. giesen.co.nz

Spring adventures

Hannah Harte Patreon: HRMNZ | @hannah_harte_

With spring starting to make itself known after this particularly frigid winter, I thought I would share my opinion of the best Banks Peninsula locations in which to celebrate the return of this lovely season, all within a couple of hours’ drive. While Cantabrians have a wealth of wide, flat land and open coastlines to choose from beyond our city boundaries, I prefer volcanic rock, wild, craggy beaches, and native bush snuggled into gentle valleys. There may be an ancestral bias to this allure, with my ancestors, the Libeau family, arriving in 1840 to settle in Akaroa, barely missing the opportunity to make the South Island a French colony. Ten years later, the ‘first four ships’, my great-greatgreat-great grandfather Daniel Watkins also decided to make this region his home. I was lucky to spend a lot of time in Wairewa, aka Little River, at a tiny family bach exploring the wider zone of Banks Peninsula with my parents as a child. Later, as an adult, I continued the hunt for special and unique areas, often lugging my heavy, ancient typewriter with me in case of inspiration. Little River will always be a charming spot to spend time, with a wonderful café oozing with character and a gift shop and gallery attached. Walnut trees, meandering streams, pockets of bush, a wonderful community spirit, Te Makō marae, and the fresh new grass and budding trees of springtime are a feast for the

heart. From here, the stunning Okuti Valley is nearby, with native bush and thriving birdlife. If you go a little further, the Te Oka Reserve track and windswept coastal beaches lie over the hills. If you like to surf, Tumbledown Bay is the go-to, but I love the long, dramatic geological features of Peraki Bay, with a safe, shallow swimming area for younger children and endless rock pools to explore.

Closer to Akaroa lies my favourite summer swimming spot, Wainui. It is pure heaven on a nice day, enclosed by lush foliage across the meandering hills. If you head the opposite way you may find yourself in Le Bons Bay, which can have a slightly eerie atmosphere, one I find often sparks the creative juices. Okains Bay is better known, with fantastic camping grounds, a large, intriguing cave, and a wonderful museum, best enjoyed during the quieter seasons if you are more introverted like me.

Orton Bradley Park tops the list of prized locations closer to Ōtautahi, with a vast variety of plant and animal species, waterfall walks, mountain tracks, waterways housing curious eels, and areas of fragrant native bush. If you are heading that way, I highly suggest a detour to check out Birdlings Flat, which hosts dramatic, deadly waters and a vast horizon providing an incredible backdrop to countless smooth greywacke stones and semi-precious stones, such as agate, for those with a keen eye.

1/3 1/3 1/3

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Book a test drive at Armstrong’s Subaru

161 Saint Asaph Street, Christchurch

Weedy Will

BECKENHAM

“I am an amateur botanist. It is definitely my passion.

“I grew up in Halswell. This place [Ngā Puna Wai] is like my second home. I spend so much time here weeding and planting and walking the dogs and whatnot. All the planting I do here is sanctioned. I did start out guerrilla planting. I was working with a tree nursery, and there were always random little native tree seedlings in the pots. It seemed a shame to get rid of them.

“The first time I became interested in plants, it was a rainy day, and I’d read all the sci-fi and fantasy books on Dad’s bookshelf. I decided to put my finger in a random spot – it was the Reader’s Digest Gardeners’ Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers

“It was the aesthetics that first caught me. Yes, my first real botanical interest was native plants, because you want to learn the plants of a place and what makes it special and unique.

“My theoretical interests, okay. That’s where the weeds come in.

“Once you learn what’s native and what’s not, it starts becoming very easy to get down and see the exotics, the weeds spreading and

taking over. I don’t know how many hours I spent here trying to get rid of the things.

“There’s not so much attention paid to weeds as there is to native ecosystems, which makes sense. There’s a whole lot of low-hanging fruit to be found if you spend your time looking in places other people don’t look, industrial zones, weedy revegetation plantings. I’ve learned to love the weeds enough that it doesn’t bother me when I go out elsewhere and see the things growing. It’s hard to explain.

“There’s a tendency to try to control the big picture. If everybody just took direct action, without bureaucracy, and took care of their local area, you would get results quite a bit quicker.

“A question I ask everybody: Would you rather go into the future or into the past?

“It tells a lot about the way people think; people who look to the future are either hopeful or curious.

“For me, I want to go, say, a thousand or a million years into the future. I want to see how things have settled from the changes we’ve made. We’ve warmed the place, we’ve moved everything, everywhere. So it’s basically a reset of ecosystems all over.”

facebook.com/humansofchch

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