SCENEZINE
EDITION SUMMER’10 FIVE
FASHION SPECIAL EVENTS AT BRITOMART
CONTENTS 16
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOURS DEVELOPMENT DOWNLOAD EVENTS AT BRITOMART BRITOMART MOVERS & SHAKERS WHO’S BEING BOLD PAGES ABOUT ART PASION POR TANGO FASHION SPECIAL BRITOMART TENANT SPOTLIGHT UPCOMING EVENTS AT BRITOMART COCKTAIL BY SMITH BEER BY NORTHERN STEAMSHIP CO. COOPER AND COMPANY LADIES AND GENTLEMEN BRITOMART ONLINE HISTORY NEVER REPEATS COOLTASTIC ON THE SCENE DRINKS AT BRITOMART INTRODUCING BRITOMART SECURITY THE CITY FARMERS’ MARKET AT BRITOMART RANDOM BITS I’VE GOT SOUL BUT I’M NOT A SOLDIER WHERE TO GET IT GUIDE
CONTRIBUTORS
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03 04 08 10 18 20 22 24 36 38 40 41 42 44 45 46 48 50 52 53 54 56 58
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SARAH HULL, GEMMA STANTON, NICKI JUDKINS, ATIP W, TANIA KENT, CLARE BUCHANAN & SUSIE DRUMMOND CONTACT: INFO@BRITOMART.ORG
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the latest news-and excitement-packed edition of Scenezine, our very own Britomart magazine. Since our last issue we’ve been very busy doing all kinds of stuff, including lots of events featured in this issue. The most spectacular of these was the Red Bull City Scramble, which saw our car park dramatically transformed into an endurocross track – something normally only found in rural locations. Check out the pictures on page 10. Thanks to having Takutai Lawn established and more space to hold events, we’re also looking forward to hosting the bStreet free music event on Saturday 19th December. This is going to be huge so don’t miss out on a spot on the grass to start it off on the right note. On the same day (19th Dec) we’ll be holding a morning Christmas Farmers Market, which will be packed with all sorts of delicious Christmassy food and gifts.
ON THE COVER: t-shirt & trousers by Gorman, jacket by Alpha 60, hat by Lacoste all from MADE necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette
We haven’t started any new developments this year, but we’ve done lots of preparation for new projects and you’ll start to see a fair amount of construction in the new year. This will firstly result in a new bar and restaurant around July... very exciting to welcome yet another cool food and wine establishment to Britomart. As ever, we’d love to hear from you about anything that tickles your interest or curiosity around Britomart – drop us a line at info@britomart.org. From everyone here at the Scenezine team, have a great Christmas and catch you in 2010.
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- ED
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DanieSltaotre Room
MicheMl eichaetl e Yvette
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NEXT
DOOR NEIGHBOURS
New arrivals at Britomart - feel free to give them a wave!
NgaireLoantely Dog Gal ery
Doireann &Heather
at brew on quay
brew on quay
MicheYlveette
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Loneerlyy Dog Gal
Store Room
DEVELOPMENT R
DOWNLOAD
LATEST FROM THE BRITOMART NEWSDESK: STRUCTURAL WORK ON THE EAST COMPLEX IS COMPLETE, WE’VE GOT GRASS IN TAKUTAI SQUARE AND THERE’LL BE TWO NEW DINING/DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS IN BRITOMART SOON. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST. Most of the major development work in the last few months has been happening in the East Complex. That’s the big building at the eastern end of the precinct, started in July last year and now at its full 12-storey height. With the structural framework of the building complete, work over the next few months will focus on the external cladding, roofing and glazing. This is due to be finished in autumn, when the second of the cranes will be removed (one has already been taken down). The East Complex is on schedule for completion in April 2011, when it will be handed over to its new tenants, including Ernst & Young and Westpac. The balance of the office space in the East Complex is expected to be leased by Christmas, 15 months before the building is completed. GREEN IS GOOD Keen-eyed observers may have also noticed a few other changes around the precinct. The grass is now officially
greener at Britomart with the installation of a lush 480m² lawn in Takutai Square. Our very own village green will be the focus of music festivals, family events and other fun times this summer and beyond. More than 90 native trees and dozens of grasses in planters have also sprung up around the precinct. It’s all part of the Spring into Britomart project, designed to bring some green goodness into your precinct. The lawn is here to stay until Takutai Square is finally developed into its permanent form –which will ultimately depend on when the neighbouring Britomart Central building is completed. SO WHAT ELSE IS NEW In other news, work on the Stanbeth and Excelsior heritage buildings is planned to start before Christmas. These gracious old girls will get the full reno treatment throughout the ground floor, with a new restaurant and a new bar due to open here mid-2010. The upper levels will also get a makeover ready for leasing out to commercial tenants. Valet HQ has moved over the road to the Britomart Central Site to free up the Galway Street Site for future development.
QUAY STREET UPDATE What’s happening with the hotel, we hear you ask. Last year Cooper and Company filed a plan change application relating to the site on Quay Street between the Union Fish and Quay Buildings. We proposed a five-star hotel for the site that would take advantage of its waterfront position and help bring people down to Quay Street. We got plenty of feedback and some good ideas, mainly focused on the dimensions of the proposed hotel building. As a result we’ve filed a new plan change application, which proposes a much smaller building on the site. It also proposes a strict set of design criteria, to make sure that whatever we build here does justice to its amazing location.
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The new plan change was notified at the end of September and is now going through the submissions process. We’ll keep you posted.
EVENTS AT
On Sunday 1st May CITY SCRAMBLE took the hugely popular sport of off-road enduro riding to a new level by bringing a sport which previously distanced the spectator with remote rural locations to an intense crowd-packed inner city area. New Zealand’s star of enduro, Chris Birch, conceptualised this event as a sponsored athlete project with Red Bull. Congratulations to Rory Mead who took home first place, Chris Birch who was the runner-up & German Andreas Lettinbelcher who finished third.
red bul l city scramble
red bull eye in the sky
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EYE IN THE SKY was a cycle race around the Auckland CBD, starting and finishing at Britomart. There were 5 checkpoints around the city.
Each rider had to collect a token at each checkpoint. Only the last checkpoint had to be visited last - the rest could visited in any order, with the riders deciding their own route. Plus their bikes had no brakes.
noah hickey
britomart street ball
auto garageartist by German Ines Tartler
bfm nz music month gig
the earlybirds
the beatmobiles free takutai concert square in
tempo pics by09Kathrin Simon
britomart air cinema - the polaopen r express
42bel o w cured the winter blbritomart. ues by bringing snow to roukai lane was transformed into wonderl and with retroaskiwinter bunnies aplenty
MOVERS AND
SHAKERS
DANAJOHNSTON A&M, RACKET ROUKAI LANE
DESCRIBE WHAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES IN A NUTSHELL. Makes people feel good!
ARE YOU THE COOK OR THE KITCHEN HAND? The cook.
WHAT FILLS YOUR DAY? Admin and then some more admin.
WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? The blackboard messages for Racket.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRITOMART. Good people / good times… it just keeps getting better.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? Kathryn Wilson trainers. WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE? You don’t choose a superhero name… it chooses you.
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WHO ELSE DO YOU WISH WOULD DISCOVER BRITOMART? Everyone who hasn’t already… who are these people?
WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO COME TO WORK IN WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY THE MORNING? THRASHING? A great barrista and a great chef at my disposal. 80s tunes, those were the days… WHAT TAKES UP MOST OF YOUR TIME WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT BRITOMART? Family / friends.
THE COOLEST THING I EVER BOUGHT: 1970s Vespa…when I was living in France.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN NZ? Preservation Lodge,
WHO HAS SOUL: I refuse to say a black musician… surprisingly difficult to answer…
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Kisbee Bay, Preservation Inlet, Fiordland.
THE BOLDEST THING I EVER DID: Sparring with Mike Tyson’s training partner from prison… true story. I’ll have to get back to you.
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MOVERS AND
SHAKERS
AMY INGTON PENN FEDERATION BARRI BUI LDINNGGTON
DESCRIBE WHAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES IN A NUTSHELL. We make clothes to make you happy!
ARE YOU THE COOK OR THE KITCHEN HAND? The kitchen hand that sneaks some winning spices into the mix.
WHAT FILLS YOUR DAY? Getting to know our amazing customers, and making sure our store is
WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? Road trips.
DESCRIBE YOUR BRITOMART. Brick, glass and macadam that has stories to tell... Secret lanes and intriguing boutiques waiting to be explored...
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? My For Good cords and Comme des Garcons brothel creepers.
WHO ELSE DO YOU WISH WOULD DISCOVER BRITOMART? Those who aren’t just down here to catch a train.
WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE? Pennywizard.
always filled with new stock and looking great for them.
of NZ.
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WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT MAKES WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY THRASHING? YOU WANT TO COME TO WORK IN A shiny and new silver Casio watch... THE MORNING? The whizz down Symonds Street on my bike, it beats the bus! THE COOLEST THING I EVER BOUGHT: A 1964 Vox Phantom guitar. WHAT TAKES UP MOST OF YOUR TIME WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT THE BOLDEST THING I EVER DID: Was move to New York with $70 in my bank account. BRITOMART? Making music, making friends and making mischief. WHO HAS SOUL: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE IN Everyone that I know. NZ? Anywhere in the hills or near the coast... I guess that constitutes most
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whobein ’s g
BOLD
THIS IS A PAGE ABOUT ART. AND THIS IS THE TITLE OF THAT PAGE ABOUT ART. ART AT BRITOMART. YOU CAN READ IT AND LEARN MORE. LEARN MORE ABOUT ART, LIFE AND THE MEANING OF EXISTENCE. BY LOOKING AT WORKS OF ART WE SEE OURSELVES REFLECTED IN THE ART. MUCH LIKE A MIRROR. BUT FLASHER. IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT IT TAKES AN OPENED AND TRAINED EYE TO RECOGNISE ART, AND WHAT CONSTITUTES GOOD ART. HERE AT BRITOMART WE MAKE THAT EASY FOR YOU. WE ONLY HAVE GOOD ART.ENJOY. From June 12 to 17, an empty waterfront building was transformed into a colourful and surreal mixture of imaginative scenes and worlds in the exhibition FRSH FSH, the collaborative project of four young Auckland lads. Having stumbled upon the Britomart Union Fish building, artists Cinzah Merkens, Ralph Matthews, Rob Tucker and Andrew De Freitas were inspired - and in just three months they compiled a collection of illustrations, installations, street art, film and paintings based on transport and transition. “One of the running themes of the exhibition is the juxtaposition of real life modes of transport and general routines of travel, to and from work, pushing to inspiration from international travel and imaginative travel,” says Cinzah Merkens, who works in an illustrative manner often on unconventional canvases, such as rare pieces of wood or old house doors. “My works play on themes of undiscovered lands and the quirky humorous or slightly disturbing characters that lurk within them,” he says. The four friends work in different styles and come from different backgrounds of art-making. They enjoyed working with the raw, industrial space – an atmosphere quite different from that of their past exhibitions.
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PASION POR TANGO
THIS PAGE: dress by APC, shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa all from MADE necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette OPPOSITE: dress by karen Walker, shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa all at MADE
THIS PAGE: dress by Karen Walker and shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa at MADE, necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette OPPOSITE: shirt by Stolen Girlfriends Club, shorts by Sessun at MADE, necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette
THIS PAGE: singlet by Federation, waistcoat and jeans by Lee at Storeroom, shoes by Vivienne Westwood for Melissa at MADE OPPOSITE: dress by Federation, necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette
PREVIOUS PAGE: dress by Michelle Yvette & necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette THIS PAGE: t-shirt by Gorman, jacket by Alpha 60, hat by Lacoste all from MADE necklace from a selection at Michelle Yvette OPPOSITE: dress by APC, belt by Sessun all at MADE
PASION POR TANGO photographer: Marissa Findlay stylist: Atip W hair & make up: Stacy Lee-Ghin model: Kendall @ Clyne Models thanks to pasion por tango, barrington building, britomart stockists: MADE 32 customs st east MICHELLE YVETTE 30 customs st east STORE ROOM 34 customs st east FEDERATION 10 customs st east
SPOTLIGHT
TENANT BAUBLES, BUSINESS AND BRITOMART
kagi office masonic building britomart
JEWELLERY DESIGNER KATHERINE GEE HAS TURNED A LIFELONG PASSION FOR THINGS THAT SPARKLE INTO A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS. KAGI’S CHIC SHOWROOM CAN BE FOUND IN THE MASONIC BUILDING. Kat Gee should have known when she was eight that her future lay with jewellery. Inspired by her love of the trinkets and baubles in her grandmother’s jewellery drawer, the young entrepreneur first sold pendants fashioned from five-cent coins and Fimo clay to classmates at Christchurch’s Halswell Primary School. It wasn’t until she was 24, though, that she made a career out of it. “I had been working for a couple of years as a graphic designer when it dawned on me that I wasn’t doing what I really wanted to,” says Kat. “One Christmas holiday I asked myself, ‘If I could do anything, what would it be?’ It was a thrilling realisation – I wanted to be a jewellery designer.”
MAKING BRITOMART HOME After Kat’s epiphany, things moved quickly. She took a 10-week goldsmith course, where her plans for bold, strikingly simple pieces crystallised, and bought an existing jewellery business in Hawkes Bay. She transferred the headquarters to Auckland and established a base in the Masonic Building at Britomart. “I love the sense of history that’s inherent in these majestic buildings. Our showroom and workroom space feel like a New York loft apartment and when you walk up the red carpeted stairs to our showroom it’s like entering another world.
KAT GEE
“We also like the feeling of community in the Britomart precinct; the green grass square; JC at Valet’s daily good-luck wishes; and the BLATS at Santos! Britomart is a great place to be.”
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SHOWSTOPPERS AND MUST-HAVES
Today Kat’s label Kãgi has a presence in more than 50 premium retail stores across New Zealand and Australia and is sold online at www.kagijewellery.com. Kãgi also has a strong celebrity following, with fans including Trinny and Susannah, Rachel Hunter, Amber Peebles and Suzy Clarkson. The latest range, called Showstopper, is inspired by the bright lights of Hollywood and razzle-dazzle of show business. This season also sees the debut of the innovative Kãgi Hybrids. The versatile Hybrids consist of dramatic long necklaces with discreet clasps that can be undone to transform each design into a matching shorter necklace and bracelet set.
SUPPORTING KIDS WITH CANCER Kat has also teamed up with the Child Cancer Foundation (CCF) to produce a limited-edition handcrafted charm bracelet to raise funds for children and families affected by the disease. The Jewel Purpose Bracelet is made of gemstones selected for their nurturing and healing abilities, including amazonite, clear quartz and turquoise. It also features a charm of a mother holding a child, the CCF emblem.
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“I wanted this bracelet to flatter all women and be something you can easily dress up or down, day or night,” says Kat. “I feel we achieved this with the extendable clasp, the feminine mix of baby blue and teal colours and just the right amount of sparkle.” Available at www.kagijewellery.com, the bracelet would make a fabulous Christmas gift – and support a great cause too!
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UPCOMI NG19EVENTS AT BRI TlaOMART: bstreet th Dec 3pm te boat that rocked 23rd Jan 2010 britomart outdoor cinema the stjerome’s laneway festival 1st Feb 2010
BY
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LYCHEE ENVY 42 Below vodka, 30mls Lychee liqueur, 30 mls 3 lychees Green tea syrup, 15mls Chi to top up
FR
Shake together the vodka, lychee liqueur, green tea syrup and ice and strain into a chilled highball glass. Top with Chi and serve garnished with the peeled lychees. Feeling lazy? smith. can make it for you. Visit them in the Levy Building.
BEERBY
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ALL ABOUT MAC’S Nearly three decades ago, Terry McCashin’s dream to start up the Nelson-based McCashin’s brewery was realised. It followed the growth and potential of the boutique breweries in England and was opened in 1981 by then Prime Minister Sir Robert Muldoon, who described it as a David in an industry dominated at the time by two Goliaths! The thinking was simple – both countries have a long and devoted relationship with beer, and if boutique breweries could work there, they could work here. Mac’s ale was chosen to conform to the Bavarian Purity laws of 1516 (Reinheitsgebot), meaning only malt, yeast, hops and water can be used as ingredients – a far cry from the brews on the market at the time. This has brought about a renaissance in New Zealand beer. The recipe for success was not in the taste buds alone: it was in the people, the ingredients, the process and the pursuit of quality in all areas. The Mac’s range of all-malt ales and lagers is batch brewed using only the finest locally-grown malt and hops and the supply of spring water available on site. The bottling of Mac’s products also follows the philosophy of quality with the use of tamper-evident rip-caps, which promote safety and seal in purity.
MAC’S GOLD A light-coloured lager conditioned over 30 days, Mac’s Gold has a good head, a balanced sweet/bitter palate and clean aftertaste. Brewed for the connoisseur, it’s produced using only choice Motueka hops and quality barley. The bottom fermentation process of brewing using a gravity system produces a naturally brewed, all-malt lager that contains no added chemicals, preservatives or colouring. Best of all, it’s available on tap at Northern Steamship Co. Brewbar whenever you fancy a drop. Cheers Terry, you’re a legend!
INTRODUCING
COOPER AND
COMPANY
NAME: CATHERINE LAMB POSITION: ACCOUNTANT DESCRIBE TWO THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB. Working for such an innovative and exciting company, and great workmates.
THREE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT BRITOMART? The fantastic new grass and beanbags, cool bars and great atmosphere. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR TONIGHT? Getting my 2 daughters Sophie & Jess ready for bed then watching Coro
WHICH BOOK DO YOU WISH YOU HAD WRITTEN? The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, a brilliant and moving book. WHAT MUSIC WILL YOU TURN OFF? Middle of the road rubbish. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT NZ? Beaches, boating, camping and seafood. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD? Recycling where I can to make up for the disposable nappy usage…
St – sad I know…
ONE OF THE COOLEST PEOPLE I KNOW IS: My Dad.
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? Just bruises from my many clumsy episodes.
THE BOLDEST MOVE I EVER MADE: Leaving NZ to go snowboarding in France for 3 months when I had never
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FUTURE? The winning Lotto numbers. WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT AT? Celebrity gossip. WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? My beautiful family, friends and cat Buster.
been snowboarding before.
WHAT DOES THE WORD SOUL BRING TO MIND? Funky music like James Brown and Parliament. TOP FIVE: CONCERTS I HAVE BEEN TO U2 (2 times) Foo Fighters (3 times) The Rolling Stones Michael Jackson Tool
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LADIES&
GENTLEMEN WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? Friends and family. WHICH BOOK DO YOU WISH YOU HAD WRITTEN? Lots of different books for different reasons but right now, I’d probably
NAME:STUART BRYANT POSITION: FACILITIES MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR DESCRIBE TWO THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB. Getting to deal with lots of different people every day, always learning new things and facing different challenges.
THREE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT BRITOMART? Seeing all of the change happening, all of the events and social activity around the place and I guess the homely feeling when you know the people and area.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR TONIGHT? I’ll be at the gym after work and then heading over to a friend’s place for dinner.
DO YOU COLLECT ANYTHING? Not intentionally but I’m a bit of a hoarder so haven’t thrown away things that I probably should have. I don’t collect anything specific though.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FUTURE? I’d like to see myself and where I’ll be - but the Lotto numbers would also be helpful.
WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT AT? I’d like to think snowboarding and being a snowboard instructor but might be getting a bit rusty on that now, I’ve had a slack couple of seasons.
go with this Air Conditioning and Refrigeration text book that I’m working through, it might help me get through it if I’d written it.
WHAT MUSIC WILL YOU TURN OFF? Well, there is a time and a place for everything but I’m most likely to hit the stop button first on Gangster Rap.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT NZ? It is nice and green, and the beaches when summer comes. WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HELP SAVE THE WORLD? I recycle at home and my Energy/Water and Waste Management at work must all be helping too.
ONE OF THE COOLEST PEOPLE I KNOW IS: My parents, without them, I honestly believe I wouldn’t be here today. THE BOLDEST MOVE I EVER MADE: I’m not sure if it was bold or stupid but I had to dress up like an Arabian prince with those baggy MC Hammer type pants and no shirt and bring ladies up onto stage at a Cliff Richard concert to dance with them – as part of the show… nice.
WHAT DOES THE WORD SOUL BRING TO MIND? Everything that lives inside someone or something to determine what it is.
TOP FIVE: IDEAS ON WHAT TO DO ATopTOP 5 ON 5 movies – too easy Top 5 buildings at Britomart – might get me into trouble Top 5 types of beer – too hard to narrow down Top 5 places I’ve been – I’d like to wait until after my holiday at Christmas time to the UK before doing that one Top 5 ice-cream flavours – they are all good
www.britomart.tumblr.com
www.britomart.org
http://twitter.com/BritomartNZ
http://www.facebook.com/britomartnz
BRITOMART ONLINE
WWW.BRITOMART.ORG LOST?
Can’t find your way round Britomart? Check out the Our Buildings section on the website. It has a pretty map that changes colour at the click of a button so you can separate the retail from the venues and the offices. Find out who your neighbour is by clicking on their building. Be nosy.
BORED?
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WWW.BRITOMART.ORG IS THE PLACE TO GO TO FOR THE LASTEST INFO ON THE PRECINCT. CHECK OUT THE NEWS PAGE ONLINE FOR ANY UPDATES, AND READ BELOW FOR MORE PLACES YOU CAN FIND US ON THE INTERWEB.
Check out the Places section for where you can go to cure those blues. All our shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants are listed here. Some even have a little blurb and pretty pictures so you don’t have to guess what they look like.
THE REST OF THE INTERNET BLOG.BRITOMART.ORG
This is our blog. It’s sorta like our news page, but with some more random stuff that isn’t really news, that we still want to share with you. Like that time there was a possum in Santos. It has an RSS feed so you don’t have to check it every day, the computer does it for you. How handy!
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM
Facebook. I’m assuming here, but I think you have all heard of it. Some of you may even be on it. If so you can become a Britomart fan by checking out our page at www.facebook.com/BritomartNZ
WWW.TWITTER.COM
Tweet Tweet. Short and sweet updates at www.twitter.com/BritomartNZ
HISTORYREPEATS
NEVER
Image/Auckland Library
HISTORY OF BRITOMART EPISODE THREE PREVIOUSLY IN THE HISTORY OF BRITOMART: AUCKLAND WAS SETTLED, AN ENTIRE HEADLAND WAS DEMOLISHED AND A RAILWAY STATION WAS BUILT ON A LARGE CHUNK OF RECLAIMED LAND. BRITOMART WAS ON HER WAY. After Auckland’s boom and bust of the 1870s and 80s, recovery was slow from the long depression that followed.
45 The Chief Post Office fronting Queen Street, a grand symbol of civic advancement, opened to a large and excited crowd in 1912. It was the postal and communications hub of the city, handling banking, mail, telegrams and pension payments. Ministers of Parliament conducted electoral business at the CPO and Auckland’s radio wireless service was located on the roof, providing contact with ships at sea.
But the explosion of the young city’s population – from 88 in 1840 to 180,000 just 60 years later – helped Auckland pick itself up and become a hustling, bustling boom town once more.
Britomart was also the transport hub of the city. Ferries, trains, trams, trolley buses, horses and the new automobile brought thousands of people through the area every day. Ships moored at the wharves brought goods from overseas and new immigrants arriving into the country.
BUILDING BRITOMART
FALL FROM GRACE
In the early years of the new century a cluster of multi-storied merchant warehouses and stores was completed on the northern side of Customs Street East.
The downtown wharves also witnessed the emotional departure of soldiers to World War I, the heady arrival of large numbers of New Zealand and American servicemen in World War II and the bitter confrontation of the 1951 waterfront workers’ strike.
These were modern, imposing buildings, loosely classical in style, and confident statements of commercial prestige and permanence. They were used to store, sort and display goods ranging from locally extracted gum to imported spices, tea and agricultural machinery.
But Britomart’s heyday as the commercial and transport centre of the city was not to last. The demand for more railway land saw the train terminus removed to a new building in Beach Road, just half a mile away.
It was a prime location, close to the now-thriving port and to Queen Street, rapidly emerging as the city’s main retail centre.
It was the beginning of Britomart’s twentieth-century decline as a transport centre.
By 1910 virtually all of Customs Street, Quay Street and what is now Britomart Place had been built on. Many of these buildings are still here and have become the heritage fabric of Britomart.
TO BE CONTINUED…
HEART OF THE CITY
Next time: Britomart becomes a bus terminal, and very nearly just terminal. But then the council holds an international design competition, and along comes Cooper and Company!
For a few decades, Britomart as we would largely recognise it today was the epicentre of the city’s mercantile industry and its global network.
COOL tastic
ONTHESCENE
ginthewigmore &s cardinal at nineteen42 in britomart
ONTHESCENE star trek after party nineteen42
MAC nineteen42 blackoneyed & LMFAO thepeas barcardi bus
42 unheardnineteen42 launch party
DRINKS AT
THIRSTY?
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
RACKET Racket is awesome. You can grab
BREW ON QUAY The focus is on the Brew, as
NORTHERN STEAMSHIP CO. BREWBAR Known for its beer and random
A&M One of the newest additions to
your drink and sit outside in the lane amongst the maple trees and fairy lights and listen to some sweet live music or you can hang inside and lean nonchalantly on the bar. Ah, good times.
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upside down lights, the Steamship can also whip up a fancy feast at a moment’s notice to help you conquer your case of the munchies. Great for a pre Vector concert tipple.
it should be. Lots of beers to choose from, and once you’ve made your decision you can drink it outside in style on the roof top bar.
Britomart, Agents & Merchants boasts an insanely long wine list (we are talking over 200 varieties to try), comfy outdoor seating and a decor that makes you want to tip your hat, and start speaking with a French accent. C’est si bon.
SMITH We love smith. Old school decor
that reminds you of an English gentleman from the 1800s - but without the snob factor so you can feel free to have a chin-wag. They also offer an extensive wine list, and of course, cocktails. You must try the cocktails.
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QUAY STREET
QUAY STREET
GORE STREET
PARKING
CHIEF
TYLER STREET
TAKUTAI LAWN
OFFICE BUILDING
CITY FARMERS’
MARKET
PARKING DEBUT
CUSTOMS STREET EAST
FEDERATION
SMITH
NOOD THE LONELY DOG
GALLERY
STOREROOM
MICHELLE POP UP
YVETTE
MADE
URBAN GORE STREET
G A LWAY S T R E E T
TAKUTAI
SQUARE
LOFT
LIVING &
GIVING
BIKE CENTRAL
RACKET ROUKAI LANE
&TRAIN STATION ENTRANCE
COMMERCE STREET
QUEEN STREET
POST
QUAY
CO. BREWBAR
BRITOMART PLACE
TYLER STREET
BREW ON
NORTHERN STEAMSHIP
d
COMMERCE STREET
SANTOS
A&M
CUSTO
EET MS STR
EAST
,
INTRODUCING
BRITOMART
SECURITY DESCRIBE YOUR BRITOMART. A busy successful precinct, free of skateboarders.
WHAT’S THE ONE THING THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO COME TO WORK IN THE MORNING? Being asked to do gardening at home. WHAT TAKES UP MOST OF YOUR TIME WHEN YOU ARE NOT AT BRITOMART? Enjoying the Shore and avoiding my countrymen. (Phill’s from the Motherland - ED)
NES O J L L I PH BRITOMART SECURITY GUARD DESCRIBE WHAT YOUR BUSINESS DOES IN A NUTSHELL. Provides support to Cooper and Company in whatever capacity is
ARE YOU THE COOK OR THE KITCHEN HAND? Very much the dishwasher. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ITEM OF CLOTHING? A Paul Smith suit bought in Chester (UK), and my regimental mess dress. WHAT WOULD YOUR SUPERHERO NAME BE? The Humorous Green Sarcastic.
WHAT FILLS YOUR DAY? Reacting to the above.
WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY THRASHING? Bob Dylan Christmas CD and Beatles Remastered.
DESCRIBE TWO THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB. The opportunity to meet nice people, knowing I go off shift at 6.30pm.
THE COOLEST THING I EVER BOUGHT: A black corduroy collarless Beatles jacket. So cool in 1963.
deemed necessary to also support Britomart tenants.
THREE THINGS YOU LOVE ABOUT BRITOMART? The excitement of something growing, the intention to retain heritage buildings, and Santos.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR TONIGHT? It’s my last day on roster, so a shower, several beers and catch up on Coronation St.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE FUTURE? Nothing, every day is a blessing.
WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT AT? My regimental history and The Beatles. WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? My Beatles collection. WHAT MUSIC WILL YOU TURN OFF? Modern Country & Western. So false! WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT NZ? The list would be too long, but in essence: most of the people,
gorgeous countryside, and a wonderful laid back attitude (mostly).
TOP FIVE: BEATLES ALBUMS Please Please Me - The Beatles as I knew them live around Liverpool
ONE OF THE COOLEST PEOPLE I KNOW IS: Stuart Bryant.
Revolver Rubber Soul Beatles for Sale White Album
WHAT DOES THE WORD SOUL BRING TO MIND? Isn’t that a business in Britomart? Rubber Soul, a Beatles LP (sorry CD).
What, no Sergeant Pepper? No, a little over-rated as regards Beatles music, but important as a part of pop history for many reasons. Although I concede it does contain a couple of classics.
52
tHE BBQ SEaSon iS uPon uS!
Saturday MorningS 8.30am — 12.30pm
Galway Street, behind the train station, Britomart rain or shine
RANDOMBITS
Elforfvchristmas is is back 13 britomart! to spot round
RANDOMBITS the lovely soirettes chilbritomart ling on the bean LLauren, to bags R: Mel & Sarah sweetDowman, hoarding artwork is the by part Matt our bare art rockexhibition & ofbackbones
we take REALLY good care of our lawn
but i’m not a soldier
SOUL
i’ve got
TO GET IT
WHERE
ART & PHOTOGRAPHY
w
ANDREW BARBER 021 230 4773 BEVERLY GOODWIN 09 528 5591 DELIA WOODHAM LONELY DOG GALLERY 09 550 7170 MATTHEW DOWNES 021 334 711 PETER GIBSON SMITH 021 328 890 SIMON PAYTON
FASHION & HOMEWARES DEBUT FEDERATION KAGI LIVING & GIVING MADE MICHELLE YVETTE NOOD STOREROOM URBAN LOFT
THEATRE & DANCE & FESTIVAL AUCKLAND FESTIVAL AUCKLAND THEATRE COMPANY BLACK GRACE PASION POR TANGO
FOOD & BEVERAGE
42 BELOW LIMITED AGENTS & MERCHANTS BREW ON QUAY CITY FARMERS’ MARKET NORTHERN STEAMSHIP CO BREW BAR NINETEEN42 RACKET SANTOS MARITIME SMITH
09 368 5771 09 303 3133 09 300 7476 09 377 8199 09 366 1693 09 366 0803 09 309 8427 09 366 1695 09 377 8199
09 309 0101 09 309 0390 09 358 0552 09 445 9544 09 920 9430 09 309 5854 09 302 2085 09 236 9688 09 374 3952 09 920 9430 09 309 5854 09 337 0088 09 309 5529
WWW.DELIAWOODHAM.COM WWW.LONELYDOG.COM
WWW.SIMONPAYTON.COM
WWW.FEDERATION.CO.NZ WWW.KAGISTYLE.COM WWW.LIVINGANDGIVING.CO.NZ WWW.MADESTORE.CO.NZ WWW.MICHELLEYVETTE.COM WWW.NOOD.CO.NZ WWW.URBANLOFT.CO.NZ WWW.AUCKLANDFESTIVAL.CO.NZ WWW.ATC.CO.NZ WWW.BLACKGRACE.CO.NZ WWW.PASIONPORTANGO.COM WWW.42BELOW.COM
l
huio WWW.BREWONQUAY.CO.NZ WWW.CITYFARMERSMARKET.CO.NZ WWW.NORTHERNSTEAMSHIP.CO.NZ WWW.42BELOW.COM
WWW.SMITH-BAR.CO.NZ
GUIDE MARKETING & DESIGN & BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS 09 306 4140 09 302 3103 09 379 8920 09 362 0069 09 919 6000 09 366 6152 09 309 6066 021 647 850 09 300 3253
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BEYOND DESIGN BORDERLESS PRODUCTIONS BUZZ CHANNEL CLARKE NEWTON INSIGHT CREATIVE MILK (NZ) LIMITED NETWORK VISUALS SAVENET WATERMARK LTD
WWW.BEYOND-DESIGN.CO.NZ
WWW.BORDERLESSPRODUCTIONS.COM
WWW.BUZZCHANNEL.CO.NZ WWW.CLARKENEWTON.CO.NZ WWW.INSIGHTCREATIVE.NET WWW.NETWORKVISUALS.CO.NZ WWW.WATERMARKLTD.COM
ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING
DRAPER ARCHITECTS 09 368 4673 NEW IMPROVED ARCHITECTS 09 303 3573 STUDIO OF URBAN LANDSCAPE LIMITED 09 377 6822
WWW.DRAPERARCHITECTS.CO.NZ WWW.NEWIMPROVED.CO.NZ WWW.SOULENVIRONMENTS.CO.NZ
PROPERTY & PROJECT MANAGEMENT & FACILITIES COOPER AND COMPANY WESTPAC PROPERTY
09 914 8431 09 336 9670
WWW.COOPERANDCOMPANY.ORG WWW.WESTPAC.CO.NZ
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SPORT & ADVENTURE
BIKE CENTRAL 09 365 1768 BRAZILIAN TRAINING ACADEMY 021 858 851 CITY BOXING 09 377 6133 2010 WORLD ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS
WWW.BIKECENTRAL.CO.NZ
WWW.CITYBOXING.CO.NZ WWW.WRCH2010.COM
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
e h k f ol; DUNCAN COTTERILL LAWYERS LIMITED 09 309 1948 CLENDONS, BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS 09 306 8000 NEW ZEALAND GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL 09 379 3996 VEDA ADVANTAGE (NZ) LIMITED 09 367 6284 WESTPAC CALL CENTRE 09 367 3799
SHIPPING
MAERSK NEW ZEALAND LIMITED MEDITERRANEAN SHIPPING COMPANY
09 354 1619 09 369 5390
WWW.DUNCANCOTTERILL.COM WWW.CLENDONS.CO.NZ WWW.NZGBC.ORG.NZ WWW.VEDAADVANTAGE.COM WWW.WESTPAC.CO.NZ
WWW.MAERSKLINE.COM WWW.MSCNZ.CO.NZ
59
I’LL BE BACK