CHATTER

CPotY Snapshots

Title: Sunbathing Photographer: Nathan Hall Category: Society semi-finalist

Behind the camera: Nathan is a 24-year-old “chess nerd, board game fan” and “photography enthusiast.” Originally from Gisborne, he calls himself “a country bumpkin by nature.” He moved to Wellington to study design at Massey University and now works in the industry.

Why photography? Nathan took up photography as a hobby at the age of 11, but has always been unsure about moving into the professional world for fear it might “take the fun out of it. I like to follow my nose and take the photographs that interest me,” he says. He’s particularly interested in street photography and has always been “fascinated by the chaos and noise of cities and how people move around.” He is inspired by the likes of photographers Robert Frank, John Free, and Saul Lieter. “It's a great way to feel a part of things and tap into the energy of the city.” He enjoys working with film, finding that it leaves room for “happy creative accidents.”

The snap: This photo was taken during summer 2021 in Oriental Bay. “The scene, it leapt out straight away – I loved the pair acting the same, the anonymity of it.” He says, “I like how the edges have nothing intruding. It feels like these two are in their own world.”

Judges' thoughts: Judge Chris Sisarich said he loved “the simplicity of this image. It's the sort of photo I like to take. It has a bit of that Martin Parr feel about it.”

One

Welcome back

Hooray: the Gardens Magic free concerts and light show return to the Botanic Garden Soundshell (10–29 January, Tuesdays–Sundays, 8–9.15pm). Descriptions of the bands’ style/genre include The Kist (intelligent chamber folk), Crash Bandihoot (New Orleans jazz, funk, brass), and Radar Angel (synthpop, arena rock, light industrial). Come early, as the placement of bottoms is a competitive sport.

Two

Start your engines

Lowriders, American classics, and roadsters will be among the hundreds of cars rolling up to Hardpark 2023. The festival brings together car enthusiasts from all over the region to parade their vehicles and meet fellow petrolheads. Taking place over Wellington Anniversary weekend (21–23 January), it starts with the main event at Brewtown in Upper Hutt. The following day drivers have a chance to show off their skidding skills at Masterton Motorplex, and the weekend finishes up with a Clubs and Crews BBQ.

Best regional magazine

Three

Tooting our own horn

Right this moment, you’re reading an award-winning magazine. Aotearoa’s Best Regional Magazine. The judges at the 2022 media awards said that Capital “represents the kind of city Wellington wants to be: curated and well designed; eclectic but inclusive.” On top of this our biennial Capital Photographer of the Year (CPotY) competition received Highly Commended in the Best Brand Event category, and Anna Briggs, our wonderful regular photographer, was one of the top two finalists for Best Photographer. We’re as pleased as punch.

Four

Leak Street

Estimates from Wellington Water show the region is losing around 27 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water each day, from over 5,000 leaky pipes. The loss equates to around 40% of the region’s daily water supply. During winter Wellington Water has around 220 million litres available per day, which satisfies the demand, whereas only 160 million litres are available in a dry summer, to be quickly consumed as people water gardens and fill pools.

New in town

New exhibit

Bright and new, contemporary gallery Exhibit is showing some of New Zealand’s most admired established and emerging artists. Art fans Lucy Jackson and Allen Maher are behind the venture, bringing something different to this cute corner spot in Hataitai village. Trish Campbell, Jane Denton, and Alexandra Weston are among those represented.

Five

Happy new beer

Whether it’s a thirst-quenching lager, a hoppy hazy, or a stout as thick as a milkshake, this city is the place to find your perfect pint. Capital has put together its eighth annual Beer Guide for your drinking pleasure, to showcase the best spots to try this summer. Pick up this handy little map and head off on a beer adventure, exploring local bars and breweries with delicious drops and truly great grub. Find your free Beer Guide in participating bars around town.

Six

Reddy for rugby

Former governor-general Dame Patsy Reddy (see Cap #79) has been elected New Zealand Rugby’s first female chairperson. She was appointed to the NZR board in April and will replace Stewart Mitchell, who has spent nine years on the board and almost two years as chair. He will step down from the position as of 31 January. Dame Patsy’s joint deputy chairs will be NZ Rugby directors Bailey Mackey and Professor Farah Palmer.

Seven

Return of Anne

International exhibition Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank returns to Wellington, to the Academy of Fine Arts gallery on the waterfront. The exhibition has toured Aotearoa and Australia with more than 40 successful shows. It has been updated, with a new section aimed at young people, about the harm caused by prejudice in today’s world, using stories from people who have experienced it. From 12 January until 26 February.

It's cool to kōrero

E haere ana koutou ki tātahi? Kaua e wareware i ōu koutou pōtae me te pani arai hihirā!

Are you lot going to the beach? Don’t forget your hats and sunscreen!

Eight

Sea change

Feel like plunging into a slightly-less-chilly ocean? Brave souls can sign up for the Interislander Swim The Lighthouse event (29 January): choose between Round the Lighthouse (off Evans Bay) or Around the Fountain (in Oriental Bay), plus there’s a kids’ event. Mountains to Sea is again running free community snorkel events – gear provided, no experience needed – at Taputeranga Marine Reserve, Island Bay (21 & 28 January) and at Whitireia Park, Porirua (18 February, 4 March).

Nine

Drivers, beware

(PARK)ing Day is turning 10! The global event has designers, artists, creatives, and community groups (anyone with a good proposal) transform metered street-parking spaces into interactive installations to spark debate on how public space is used. In Wellington, it runs the length of Cuba St, using 30 spaces borrowed from Wellington City Council. This year it’s on a Saturday (4 March, 9am–5pm), rather than a Friday as in the past, so rangatahi can experience the installations – or even create one as a group.