Capital 19

CAPITAL TA L E S O F T H E C I T Y

LUNATICS PAST MARCH 2015

GAME INSTINCT

ISSUE 19

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HIGH VELDT FIREBIRD

G U I LT F R E E FAT

The Chuck Taylor All Star

Made by Erin Pruziner

Made by you

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The Chuck Taylor All Star

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Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3 Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 Michael Houstoun Piano Marc Taddei Conductor Saturday 18 April, 7:30pm Michael Fowler Centre Wellington

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KAMARINSKAYA

Glinka Kamarinskaya

The Chuck Taylor All Star

Made by Yvette Vexta

Made by you

CONTENTS

L U N AT I C S PA S T Megan Lane discovers the Karori Lunatic Asylum's wretched past

30

AN INSTINCT FOR A GAME

HIGH VELDT FIREBIRD

Can we find good in gaming and smarts in smart phones?

Jo'burg born Grant Elliot is now a staunch NZ cricketer

64

76

10 LETTERS

50

GUILT FREE FAT

12 CHATTER

52

LIQUID THOUGHTS

14

NEWS SHORTS

56

PERIODICALLY SPEAKING

16

BY THE NUMBERS

59

CHILLING VISION

18

CATCH OF THE MONTH

62

BY THE BOOK

20

TALES OF THE CITY

67 INTERIOR

22

IT'S A LONG WALK HOME

70

CLEVER FAMILY SPACES

24 CULTURE

80

TORQUE TALK

36

IN THE DOG BOX

82

WELLY ANGEL

38

WHAT THE FLOCK

83

BABY BABY

41

SUMMER'S GONE

84 DIRECTORY

46

STREET STYLE

86 CALENDAR

48 EDIBLES

88

TOP DOG

The Chuck Taylor All Star

Made by Jefferson Hack

Made by you

CAPITAL

MADE IN WELLINGTON

THE COVER: Toasted tan lines.

Photograph: Alvaro Dominguez & Javier Almar

SUBSCRIPTION Subscription rates $77 (inc postage and packaging) 11 issues

New Zealand only To subscribe, please email accounts@capitalmag.co.nz

C O N TA C T U S Phone +64 4 385 1426 Email editor@capitalmag.co.nz Website www.capitalmag.co.nz Facebook facebook.com/CapitalMagazineWellington Twitter @CapitalMagWelly Post Box 9202, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Deliveries 31–41 Pirie St, Mt Victoria, Wellington, 6011 ISSN 2324-4836 Produced by Capital Publishing Ltd

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I

once told my husband that the weather was one of his main topics of conversation (he is a sailor and knowledgable about wind, waves and weather). That has become so for all of us as we bask in this glorious summer and constantly remind each other of it. What a difference it makes for us in the Capital to enjoy warm days and lovely summer evenings about the city. It makes the month of March look particularly exciting with many events to enjoy, particularly the Fringe Festival, and the renewed Cuba Carnival, now called CubaDupa.

Over the summer, I have occasionally pondered issues of service, how we deliver it and our expectations particularly in the tourism sector. Often we are told that New Zealand doesn’t understand service or delivery and that our standards are poor. My experience this summer of some major service failures, – 40–minute waiting times for coffee at a tourist hot spot over New Year, a pizza dough deficit a few orders after opening time, the Mapua fish and chip shop closing service at 8.30 pm despite the advertised closing at 9.00 pm, ‘cos we have to clean up’ – has led me to ask where the line falls between the quirky differences and individuality that are reasons to go travelling, and poor service. Perhaps our attitudes towards service come from being a country founded upon notions of equality and rejecting privilege and entitlement. When we provide ‘good service’ will our 'friendliness' be replaced by obsequious behaviour to those with money?

And now to our March interests; this month we have a great line-up of birds, dogs and people all doing interesting things around the region.

Recent Massey fashion graduate George Carey styled this issue’s fashion spread, and our thanks go to Sue Kedgley and Denis Foot who assisted with the location.

Beth Rose investigates the gaming side of the IT industry in Wellington and we talk to local cricket hero Grant Elliot about cricket and the World Cup, and of course much much more.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please let us know your thoughts on standards of service here.

Alison Franks Editor editor@capitalmag.co.nz

S TA F F Alison Franks Managing editor editor@capitalmag.co.nz Lyndsey O’Reilly Campaign coordinators Haleigh Trower sales@capitalmag.co.nz

John Bristed General factotum john@capitalmag.co.nz Shalee Fitzsimmons Art direction & design shalee.f@live.com Rhett Goodley- Hornblow

Design design@capitalmag.co.nz

Craig Beardsworth

Factotum

Anna Jackson-Scott Journalist Gus Bristed

Distribution

CONTRIBUTORS Emma Steer | Melody Thomas | Kieran Haslett-Moore | Kelly Henderson | Janet Hughes | Daniel Rose | Sharon Greally | John Bishop | Tamara Jones | Ashley Church | Mark Sainsbury | Benjamin & Elise | Jess Hill | Beth Rose | Evangeline Davis | Bex McGill | Unna Burch | Aidan Rasmussen | Jeremiah Boniface

GEORGE CAREY Sty li st

E L SI E NAOM I B L AC K M A N Stre e t Sty l e

George is a recent Massey Fashion graduate, who enjoys working in menswear.

He's found himself at the stage of life where he is no longer a student but not yet an employee. His next move is to New York later in the year where he hopes to work his way up the fashion ladder.

Elsie is the newest addition to the Capital team. An avid people-watcher and fashion junkie, she began a Wellington-based street style blog www.workingclass.co.nz, which captures Wellingtonians and their unique sense of style. Follow the trends @workingclassblog on Instagram.

STOCKISTS Pick up your Capital in New World and Pak’n’ Save supermarkets, Moore Wilson's, Unity Books, Magnetix, City Cards & Mags, Take Note and other discerning greater Wellington outlets.

Ask for Capital magazine by name.

Distribution: john@capitalmag.co.nz.

SUBMISSIONS We welcome freelance art, photo and story submissions. However we cannot reply personally to unsuccessful pitches.

THANKS Rosie Bristed | Bex McGill

ALEXANDER BISLEY Journ a li st

R H E T T G O O D L E YHORNBLOW D e si g n er

Alexander writes regularly for The Listener, North and South, RipItUp and The Guardian and is editor-at-large for Lumiere Reader. He is also a die-hard Hurricanes fan.

8

A born and bred Wellingtonian, Rhett is one of our two in-house designers. He is the Robin to our Batman, but insists he drives the Batmobile. Rhett is passionate about growing Wellington and is a strong believer in giving opportunities and never restricting yourself. He’s often found cooking paella or fishing for tarakihi.

CROSS THE ROAD WITH A CLEAR HEAD Leave your distractions at the kerb

Think. Look. Cross.

LETTERS

AIRPORT FOLLOWS TRANSPARENT PRO CESS Following the opinion article written last month on the proposed runway extension in relation to Lyall Bay, we wanted to highlight the open and transparent consultation process that is being undertaken.

The airport is working with both NIWA and the Danish Hydrological Institute to undertake detailed modelling on the possible effects the extension could have on the wave environment in Lyall Bay. These two leading expert organisations will specifically assess both the surfability and swimming conditions. The wider recreational use of the beach will be assessed

by Wellington based Tourism Resource Consultants.

The consultants will meet with the Board Riders and Surf Protection Society experts to discuss their findings, any possible effects and proposed developments.

Feedback and input from this consultation will then be reviewed before the consultants' reports are completed.

A similar consultative process will be undertaken for all aspects of the extension such as its construction, landscape design, noise effects and traffic impacts with stakeholders.

The wider public will be able to view and discuss the findings of the various reports and meet with the experts at a series of open days around May of this year. Public comments following the open

days will be reviewed and reports will be finalised prior to the airport lodging the applications for consent. Once consents are lodged, the consenting authority will conduct a formal round of public consultation and submissions. So there will be plenty of opportunity for interested parties to find out more and have input into the full proposal to extend the runway.

Steve Sanderson, CEO, Wellington Airport

WE LOVE YOU Gone are the trashy magazines at reception, who really needs to know what celebs are doing?

We love your magazine. The content is all about our great city, what’s new, what’s happening, where to go and everything fabulous that happens in our slice of paradise.

The beautiful photography, features and paper quality make turning each page a pure pleasure.

LOVE it, thank you for bringing your magazine to us every month.

Tracy Logan, Crowe Horwath

STUDENTS OVERSEAS I am taking a group of students from Wellington East Girls’ College to China, including Shanghai, in April next year.

I've just read your article about the success of Olivia and Ryan from Tuck Shop Pies (iss. 17) and wondered if you had any contact details you could pass on as it would be a great story for our students to hear and if we could meet up with them in Shanghai it would be awesome.

Anna Wilson, Teacher, Wellington East Girls' College Details supplied: Ed

GINGER NINJA I just wanted to say how much I loved the Gingerellas article in the summer issue of Capital. Gingerbeer always reminds me of summer and having ‘gingerellas’ do a tasting was an amusingly fresh idea. I’ll be trying a lot of the different brands you recommended while Wellington keeps putting on this amazing weather!

A fellow gingerella, Brooklyn Letters to editor@capitalmag.co.nz with subject line Letters to Ed or scan our QR code to email the editor directly.

Send Mother flowers she will remember!

10

CUBADUPA.CO.NZ

Helping make it happen

CUBADUPA.CO.NZ

C HAT T E R

INK INC.

C AU S I N G A STORM What happens when underwear gets philanthropic?

Philanthropants. Thunderpants, the Martinborough underwear company turns 20 this year, and to celebrate they are launching banana-printed briefs or “philanthropants” at the Newtown Festival, 8 March. Expect gorillas, the only appropriate way to model such pants.

The briefs are a collaboration with fairtrade banana specialists All Good Organics. Five dollars from each pair sold will be donated to Kaibosh, Wellington’s Food Rescue company.

NATALEE FISHER What led to getting a tattoo? Art or rebellion?

My mumma told me I would regret them so my first tattoo says "je ne regrette rien" as mum introduced me to Edith Piaf. But now it's def more the art of it. I like decorating bodies clothes, hair, makeup, tattoos – it's all a form a personal expression.

AT THE ZO O Ash Sisson, also known as Chimp, has replaced Phill Waddington as the 2015 Wellington Zoo artist in residence. Birds and sea life often feature in his murals.

The Hutt Valley-born street artist has recently completed work in the Lion Cave and the pool in The Nest Te Kōhanga. The 18 year old has just begun a design degree at Massey University.

Where is the tattoo & why? The finger ones are the Eiffel Tower–I love Paris it's my fav place in the world. A heart–no reason other than it just fit there nicely. And a little arrowhead that me and my two best friends planned together to celebrate our Quiddler adventures. I like that they are just quick little doodles and they have kinda organically faded in nice ways.

12

C HAT T E R

WELLY WORDS BLOW ON THE CARD A street magician on Cuba Mall had the wind taken out of his sails on one of those rare blustery days we sometimes experience. A Wellyworder watched from afar as a gust blew a deck of cards from a conjurer’s hands mid-trick. Perhaps a safer bet would be sword swallowing – it’s less beholden to the elements?

ROCK THE SHA M RO C K

LAND AHOY Island Bay’s island is, well, an island and it is south so we guess is possible to conclude that it’s ‘a South Island’ but it’s not ‘The South Island’.

Confused? Yes, so was the university student overheard on Island Bay Parade exclaiming he could swim to the South Island as it was so close. We hope he’s not studying geography.

TIPPING POINT Cafe counters around town sometimes sport a jar for tips – some have cheery messages, puns or cartoons. Given our ever-encroaching cashless society a Wellyworder noted a new approach at Pravda on Featherston Street. The machine has a note suggesting you can add a tip before you key in your pin number. Whatever happened to ‘Show us yer tips’?

IT'S COOL TO KORERO Impress your cricketing friends during the World Cup with:

KA PAI MAHI PANGO POTAE! WELL D ONE BLACK CAPS!

The Irish know it as Lá Fhéile Pádraig, or ‘the feast-day of Patrick’. It commemorates the death of the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461). As the story goes the Roman-Britain-born Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and enslaved as a shepherd for six years. After escaping back to Britain he became a priest, and returned to Ireland and evangelised around the north, converting thousands to Christianity.

St Patrick’s Day's reputation for generous alcohol consumption grew from the tradition of lifting drinking and eating restrictions for one day even though it was in the middle of Lent.

So on Tuesday 17 March wear green, dance a jig at a cèilidh and raise a beer to a 1500-year-old religious guy.

HUMOROUS HOTELS Danelle Ayers is shaking up the marketing of Rydges Hotels & Resorts. Her humorous marketing strategies are “breaking the traditional hotel marketing mould,” Markom PR Director Sarah Sparks says.

She’s won the ‘Excellence in Marketing’ category at the national hospitality awards for 2011, 2013 and 2014.

The company has created a new position specifically for her, National Director of Sales & Marketing.

13

ANOTHER WORLD WORLD has reopened after renovations, revealing their new look which owner Denise l’Estrange-Corbet kept tightly under wraps. “We’ve knocked out the wall, taken over the shop next door and combined our fashion and beauty brands under one roof.”

They’re located at 108 Victoria Street.

NEWS SHORTS

HA L L O F FA M E The occasional high school mufti-day was where Steve Hall first started to express himself through fashion; it’s now the focus of his career. He is Wellington’s finalist in the iD International Emerging Designer Awards 2015 from nearly 100 entries across seven countries.

After graduating a Bachelor of Design in Fashion (BdesFas) in 2013, Hall began working on ‘Abandon Man’, inspired by Japanese culture. ‘The Orient has always been an interest.’ He’ll show the collection, which gets its name from a Ronin or master-less Samurai, at iD Dunedin Fashion Week in April.

Hall’s collection reflects his personal style. He sticks to neutral colours, relying on fabric weave, texture and print to heighten simple designs. “Each garment is something I would wear. I mix my own designs with vintage clothes and a nice pair of shoes. And I have an ever increasing collection of coats!”

FIGHT NIGHT

HEY HEY IT ’S THE HIHI

REINVENTING VENTING

ARTAXIAS, New Zealand’s first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament has been organised by Wellington’s Vanderson Pires, a Brazilian New Zealander.

The martial art stems from Judo, and focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It often looks like two people rolling around on the ground hugging, but it’s much more vicious than it looks.

6pm - 10:30pm, 14 March, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua

It’s the tenth anniversary since the Hihi (Stitchbird) was reintroduced into mainland New Zealand. Hihi were extinct in the wild for 120 years until 2005, when 60 Hihi were transferred from Tiritiri Matangi Island to Zealandia. The bird sanctuary now has over 100 adult birds and 100 fledglings were produced last season. This thriving population is a big success but beyond the rodent-proof Zealandia fence they are extremely vulnerable to rats, stoats, and cats.

Mahara Gallery, Waikanae, is holding a month of public forums on Saturday afternoons. Writers, artists, filmmakers, investigative journalists and environmental leaders will ‘speak their minds about things that they feel need airing'. The forum series has been developed by Bianca Begovich following a great public response to Mahara's first forum in 2013. Speakers include Gaylene Preston (above), Dr. Huhana Smith and Nicky Hager. There will be three sessions in March.

42 Victoria Street Wellington 6011 New Zealand 42 Victoria Street Wellington 6011 ph +64 4 471 2636 New Zealand email info@pageblackiegallery.co.nz www.pageblackiegallery.co.nz ph +64 4 471 2636 info@pageblackiegallery.co.nz email info@pageblackiegallery.co.nz www.pageblackiegallery.co.nz

14

S ENCETW IO S NS H HOE R A TDSE R

FREE FA R E S Public submissions on a plan to make Wellington buses free on Saturdays open 16 March.

Wellington Regional Councillor Paul Bruce proposed a three month trial of a free Saturday service and free weekly transfers for the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s 2015/2016 draft plan.

The plan could cost ratepayers $20 million, the Council says.

Bus users liked the idea of taking cars off the road and eliminating parking hassles, so long as the buses don’t become overcrowded.

SNAPPED UP

BUILDING UP

KAPITI BEAUT Y

Snapper Ltd has the world’s best ticketing technology. The 20 strong company earned the title by beating 10 international contenders at London’s Transport Ticketing Global Conference.

The winning ‘Mobile Reload’ technology has been deployed in Wellington since 2012. It will be integrated into Ireland’s ticketing system later this year.

Construction training organisation BCITO had a record number of apprentice sign ups in 2014, reaching 5,000. Almost 500 are from the Wellington region. “We’re literally building people like never before!” Ruma Karaitiana, Chief Executive of the Wellington company says.

Rachel Maree Millns has returned from the Florida Miss Universe 2014 competition (see issue 18) without placing, but she learnt a lot. “The challenge of walking down stairs in 15cm heels was an accomplishment in itself!”

Highlights include making friends from all over the world, meeting Donald Trump and announcing her name and country on stage which was “almost an out of body experience.”

Paulina Vega from Colombia won the competition.

15

BY THE NUMBERS

A FAIR AFFAIR

KNOW IT BY EAR

CHO OKHOUSE*

80,000

people expected to attend the Newtown Street Fair – the biggest in the country

76

years the Hearing Association Wellington has been serving the community

8

stages with live bands playing throughout the day

50

price in $ of an average ear test

8 350+

streets closed off to accommodate the hordes stalls (are you getting the feeling it’s quite...big?)

16

% of population who suffer from hearing loss

60

average decibel level of conversation

130

decibel level that causes immediate damage (comparable to shotguns and jet plane engines)

number of Cricket World Cup games being played at Westpac Regional Stadium this month

20.35

starting price in $ for an adult ticket to a pool match ($50.87 for the quarter final)

1,840

year of the first recorded cricket match in Wellington (according to the May 16 NZ Gazette)

number of registered 110,000 approx cricket players in New Zealand

year the Michael Fowler Centre was built

2,209 230

seated capacity

1

symphony orchestra calls it home – the NZSO

108

metres square stage (roughly equivalent to a tennis court)

* Chook – FOWLer...geddit? Oh never mind.

THISTLE HALL

HOWZ AT!

3

1,983

STOP IT HONKY

years since Thistle Hall was built (originally a grocery and tea store, it spent most of its life as a community-use venue)

100

people fit in the hall upstairs... party anyone?

8

months of earthquake strengthening in 2014

1

lightbox outside displaying artworks behind glass (a new one every three weeks)

623

length in metres of the Mount Victoria Tunnel

84 45,000

years since it opened (1931)

170

cars use it every day (many of which toot with gay abandon) current projected cost in millions to bore a second tunnel through Mt Vic to ease conjestion

Compiled by Craig Beardsworth

3 MONTHS FREE WE DO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BETTER

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SLATE MANAGEMENT 16

0800 800 314 slatemanagement.co.nz

Cheeky goodness for the whole family.

Designed to fit and built to last.

New Zealand made from 100% organic cotton.

Take pride in your undies.

www.thunderpants.co.nz

New Zealand Seafood NEW PRODUCTS

ALBACORE TUNA Thunnus alalunga KRAZE ACME CARD CASE $72.00, The Vault

RADIANT BLUE SUNNIES $39.95, Slapsee

BKR WATER BOTTLE $47.00, Let Liv

BLUENOSE - MATIRI Hyperoglyphe antarctica GENERAL ECLECTIC COPPER BASKET $44.90, Iko Iko

KAHAWAI Arripis trutta

CHELSEA BAG $329.00, Minnie Cooper

COCKLES - TUANGI Austrovenus stutchburyi BLUE COD - RAAWARU Parapercis colias

OREO DORY Oreosomatidae LING - HOKARARI Genypterus blacodes TREVALLY - ARAARA Pseudocaranx dentex

GENERAL ECLECTIC SMALL CANISTER $16.90, Iko Iko

FALLEN FRONT, RRP $130.00 April arrival, converse.co.nz

BUTTERFISH - KOEAEA/ MARARE Odax pullus

MOLESKIN SKETCHBOOK POCKET BLACK $28.99, Gordon Harris

ARROW SQUID - WHEKETERE Nototodarus spp

HAKE - KEHE Merluccius australis

ROCK LOBSTER - KOURA Jasus edwardsii

LA LA LAND POSTER THE WHALE $14.90, Iko Iko

FALLEN FRONT, RRP$130.00 March arrival, converse.co.nz AGONIST ACTIC JADE EDP $299.00, WORLD

STARGAZER or MONKFISH - PUWHARA Kathetostoma spp

ORANGE ROUGHY Hoplostethus atlanticus

GREY MULLET - HOHOPU Mugil cephalus

BLUE MOKI - MOKI Latridopsis ciliaris

NEW ZEALAND SOLE - RAUTUTU / PAATIKI RORI Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae

TUATUA Paphies subtriangulata

SUPER DUPER SUNGLASSES, KAREN WALKER $349.00, Kirkcaldies & Stains SEA EGG - KINA Evechinus chloriticus

SCAMPI - KOURARANGI Metanephrops challengeri

SOUTHERN BLUE WHITING Micromesistius australis

RED COD - HOKA Pseudophycis bachus

FACTORY CERAMICS MATT MILK BOTTLE PINK $29.90, Iko Iko

SURF CLAMS (VARIOUS)

CEREMONY SILK PILLOWSLIP $199.00, Let Liv

HIPSSISTER HANDSFREE LYCRA BAND, $59.00 Scott Outlet

C ATC H O F THE MONTH Fish species poster, $10.00, www.seafood.co.nz

18

DREDGE OYSTER - TIO PARUPARU Ostrea chilensis

BONNIE & NEIL WATERCOLOUR PLATE $55.00, Small Acorns

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

N EW Z E A L A N D SY M P H O N Y O R C H E ST R A p r e s e n ts

JANINE JANSEN PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY Daniel Blendulf Janine Jansen

C O N D U CTO R

— THE VI OLIN CON C ERTO —

V IOL I N

LIA D OV

The Enchanted Lake TCHAIKOVSKY

Violin Concerto in D major P ROKOFIEV

Symphony No. 5 in B flat major

Sat 28 March 7.30pm MICHAEL FOWLER CENTRE

nzso.co.nz FOR TICKET DETAILS VISIT

tains the n o c y t i v i Creat hriving in t f o s t e r sec t times n e l u b r u t

ering of h t a g l a n io rnat nge. Share iggest inte e b ll a ’s h d n C y la a it e iv Join New Z erts at the NZ Creat riences to e p x e l a ic p t ex prac creativity ss – your ation and e ir in p s s u in b , r s t u h – yo their insig ur career o y ion.

– lf e s r u eative act r c o t in launch yo – fe y – your li communit ow. ns open n io t a r t is g re Early bird

Go to www.tlc.ac.nz or call 0800 278 769

Hosted by the TLC Educational Trust

20

TA L E S O F T H E C I T Y

C U BA N FUSION

ACTIVITY

TRAVEL

MUSIC

BA R

COFFEE

Cuban Dance

Cuba (home)

Latin/Jazz

Afrika

Palomino Espresso Bar

WRITEN BY ANNA JACKSON-SCOTT | PHOTOGRAPH BY RHETT GOODLEY-HORNBLOW

T

he street is named after the Cuba, the 1840 settler ship, but it’s better known as Wellington’s artistic, bohemian, free-spirited centre of the Cuba Street Carnival of former years. The street festival captured and celebrated the street’s lively character, drawing a host of vibrant, colourful dancers, musicians, and performers.

This year Cuba Street is re-energising with CubaDupa, a shiny new street festival. It will fill the street for the weekend 28–29 March.

Rafael (Rafa) Ferrer Noel is no stranger to street festivals, music, or dance. His mother was a carnival dancer and he was born on the eve of Carnival in Cuba. He began dancing when he was seven and won his first international dance competition when he was 10. “Dance and music are like national sports in Cuba. I have dancing in my blood. It’s my passion.”

He has been involved in Cuba – and Cuban – street culture in Wellington since he moved here from Cuba ten years ago. He co-founded the dance school CubanFusion with his Kiwi wife Rosina Van Der Aa. They have been dancing and leading bloques – groups of costumed dancers in a parade – since 2007, and won best dancers in 2009.

CubanFusion have been counting down the days to the new street festival, holding a monthly street party in Cuba Mall as part of a 12 month countdown to CubaDupa. They’ll be holding two “Viva Cuba” street parties and Rafa will lead a Cuban Conga line up the street, dressed in red and white.

“It’s the traditional carnival dance. People respond really well even if they have no idea what is going to happen. Anyone can join us, and the more red and white, the better!”

He’ll also play with The Cuban quartet Calle Cuba – meaning Cuba Street – and teach a public salsa and Cuban hip hop class.

Rafa’s love affair with Cuba Street began as soon as he arrived. “It reminds me of the Boulevard San Rafael in Habana Vieja where I would walk just about every day. I love that when I walk down Cuba Street with my family we always bump into at least one person we know. It makes me feel connected to the city and community.”

He also loves Wellington’s beaches and coastline, and being close to the water. “It reminds me of home. Not that I swim in the sea here, it’s too cold. I tried once; never again!” He’s off to Cuba in August and “can’t wait to spend some time at a beach I can swim at without a wetsuit on!”

He misses Cuba, but says food, friends, music and dance keep him from getting too homesick. “I am famous for my roast pork, beans and rice – very Cuban.” Most mornings he has a Cuban coffee at Cuba Street’s Palominos with owner and Cuban friend Roberto Rodriguez, and gigs up to four nights a week. “And of course I listen to a lot of salsa bands and Latin jazz. Wellington has a good jazz scene.”

The little free time Rafa has he spends with Rosina and their seven-year-old son Sjaak. “We definitely don’t have a typical family weekend routine. We do things other families might do in the weekend during the week. We shoot baskets, play baseball or go to the Central Library, or eat out somewhere in Cuba Street.” But he wouldn’t change a thing. “I have everything I need.”

Do Wellingtonians make good salsa dancers? “Different people learn at different speeds, but if you can walk you can dance. The most important thing is to connect with the music. Fancy moves come later.”

21

MUSIC

IT’S A LONG WALK HOME WRITTEN BY MELODY THOMAS | PHOTOGRAPH BY FRASER CHATHAM PHOTOGRAPHY

Eddie Johnston is one of those teenagers who cause you to look at your own life and wonder what you’ve accomplished. He performed his first gig at age 12 opening for Die! Die! Die!, and in the years since has gained a significant international following under the moniker Lontalius – through which he releases drowsy covers of top 40 hip-hop and R&B numbers – and Race Banyon, his more recent, more electronic name.

Name: Eddie Johnston Age: 18 Suburb in which you grew up: Island Bay, attended Wellington High School Instruments played: Guitar/keyboard, but I use Ableton [music production software] to get the most out of anything.

How do you describe the music you make to strangers?

I make music for long walks home at 4am after some party.

When did you start writing your own songs?

About age 10–11, they were singer/songwriter-y and very Crowded House-inspired. I don't really remember what they were about, probably nothing. I didn't really start writing songs about real things until last year.

recording at Roundhead in Auckland with my band, so it's a lot more hi-fi sounding than my earlier stuff.

For Race Banyon I'm working on some remixes for Brooke Fraser, Chelsea Jade and a few others as well as a new EP. I'm focusing more on making dance music now.

I'm just trying to work out how to make dance music that feels fresh and comes from a new perspective.

When you say the album is a "very carefully considered piece of work" – what types of things are you considering?

My previous releases… were really just collections of songs that I put in a certain order. This time I'm trying to go into a lot of detail... how the songs sound in the context of the album. The tracklist feels tight and structured, like if it lost a song it wouldn't work at all. My previous stuff doesn't really feel that cohesive to me.

What kinds of ‘real things’?

Mostly just teenage emotions and anxieties. I think it's important to be honest in the kind of music I make. I've never liked singers who make up stories. I'm not gonna pretend like love isn't the only thing I wanna write about.

Is it true you’ve moved to Auckland?

I have a show/festival here almost every week until March and I didn't want to be flying up and staying with friends every weekend. But also, I turned 18 and it feels good to be away from home. I don't think I'd be very happy if I'd stayed in Wellington this summer.

Are you a worrier? If so, how does making music help you?

I do worry about my music losing appeal as I get older.

I worry a lot about that kind of stuff. I think I'm always gonna make the music I wanna make but I stay up at night thinking about little things like, "If I post the song tomorrow will people share it or should I wait until next week?"

Why move?

I've turned 18 and I feel ready to live in the real world, heh. I didn't like the idea of staying at home. I wish I didn't have to leave Wellington to feel like I'd left home though, I don't really like Auckland that much. I'll probably move back in April.

What are you working on currently?

I'm working on a Lontalius album. It's different in that it's a very carefully considered piece of work. I haven't really ever put this much work into anything. I also did some 22

What's your next big musical goal/dream?

To spend some time in the United States this year, and I'd love to attend the Red Bull Music Academy which is in Paris this year. A whole bunch of my musical heroes come from Paris so that'd be really special.

23

CULTURE

ORCHESTRA WELLINGTON Pianist Michael Houstoun has a massive undertaking under his hands this year. He is playing six piano concerti for Orchestra Wellington. It’s a real feat of memorisation and concentration.

General Manager Adán Tijerina said the project idea began 18 months ago with a conversation between conductor Marc Taddei, composer in residence Karlo Margetić and Houstoun. ‘Karlo was keen to write his first concerto and wanted Michael to play it. It snowballed from there.’ The other five concerti are Russian piano masterpieces split between favourites such as Rachmaninov’s third and lesser-known ones by Scriabin and Khachaturian.

VINYL HEAVEN

MUSICAL LIGHTS

BRIT IMPORT

Wellington’s only record fair has moved from Southern Cross and into the San Francisco Bathhouse. From 11am to 4pm on Saturday 7 March you can dig through the crates searching for that elusive record to complete your collection. Si White, the man behind Daily Jam (www.dailyjam. co.nz) is driving this event, so you can be sure it will be good.

St Peter's church on Willis Street is the setting for The Almanac Light Show.

Described as a mix of the beautiful, the bogan and the beatific, the show incorporates songs from The Sven Olsens 2014 album Almanac. The 16-piece pop orchestra with strings and choir will play while a 70-minute, 360-degree light show is projected on the interior walls of the church.

Entry free/koha, 6–8 March

Chamber Music New Zealand brings the spirited artistry of the Brodsky Quartet to Wellington in March. Since forming in 1972 the UK-based group have given over 3,000 concerts and released more than 60 recordings. A part of this series they are undertaking the monumental late Beethoven quartets: Opus 130, Opus 131, considered an emotional marathon for both players and audience.

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CULTURE

C O N T E M P O R A RY CONTEXT The Adam Art Gallery’s current exhibition informs visitors on Victoria University’s collection. Four contemporary artists are exhibiting alongside works from Brent Wong, which the Otaki-born artist has loaned long term to the university. Works by Gavin Hipkins, Peter Trevelyan, Shaun Waugh and Kate Woods provoke thought on the development of the surrealist style Wong is known for.

“We chose these artists to provide context even though the artists weren’t necessarily making that connection with Wong themselves,” gallery administrator Ann Gale says.

The Wong works, Misconception (1969) and The Keeper (1969-75), rotate throughout the university’s five campuses and have been brought into the gallery for the exhibition to deepen visitors’ knowledge of the university collection.

The Adam Art Gallery at VUW was established in 1999.

Brent Wong, Misconception, 1969, acrylic on board, on loan from the artist to Victoria University of Wellington Art Collection

GEMS IN GERMANY

NEW DUO

JINGLE JANGLES

Curator Sian van Dyk hopes to shake up the way New Zealand displays jewellery. She has received a Creative New Zealand grant to attend renowned jewellery exhibitions Schmuck and Talente in Munich.

The Dowse senior curator is “interested in seeing the experimental installations” to gain inspiration for an international jewellery show she is curating late 2016.

Six New Zealanders, including Wellington jewellers Rebecca Bliss and Neke Moa, will showcase their work 11–17 March at the Munich exhibitions.

The recently established Big Lies Theatre Company premieres its first show at the Fringe Festival 2015.

Pupil Zero sees a poisoned bat get into a primary school, causing an Ebola-type hysteria. “It’s pure coincidence about Ebola,” Abby Howells, Big Lies co-founder says. “It’s a great viral marketing campaign!”

Howells completed an MA in Scriptwriting at the International Institue of Modern Letters in 2014 and began the theatre company with her partner Alex Wilson in January.

4–7 March, Gryphon Theatre

The Fringe Festival always throws plenty of wonderful, weird and wacky things into the theatrical mix. Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a new concept but Dean Hewison has managed it. Jingles – The Musical is a mash-up of New Zealand TV commercial jingles from the 80’s and 90’s. No lyrics have been changed but rather the story accommodates them. The main character is called Wella and yes ‘You can tell a Wella woman by the way she wears her hair’. You’ve been warned.

Bats Theatre, 12–21 March

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CULTURE

B L A N K ET WOM A N Mia Hamilton is among the artists transforming eighteen Wellington CBD parking spaces into art installations for Wellington PARK(ing) Day 11 March.

The Wellington artist combined her eco friendly mindset together with her memories of daisy blankets made by her parents, to create Daisy Blanket, a crocheted ground cover of 150 daisies, each 50cm diameter, constructed from danger tape and crocheted twine. She will install a carpark-sized blanket in the parking space.

She’s also knitting on site over a week at the Common Ground Hutt arts festival, until 7 March.

It’s Wellington Sculpture Trust’s second attempt after Wellington weather sabotaged the first event in September 2013.

BL AST FROM T H E PA S T A well-timed Don Quixote continues Wellington’s sunny streak, bringing Barcelona sun to the St James Theatre.

The classic ballet opens the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s 2015 season.

It’s a restaging of the 2008 production, which was designed and choreographed by the RNZB art director at the time, Gary Harris. He returns to costume the 2015 production, which is “just like Gary: bright, funny, full of colour and very entertaining,” RNZB’s Amanda Skoog says.

Gary eschews the wooden portrayal of the chivalrous hero. “I became aware of the comedy and madness of the story – something to revel in,” he says Don Quixote was selected by former artistic director Ethan Stiefel, whose contract with RNZB ended late last year. New art director Francesco Ventriglia says the classic ballet challenges dancers to “combine great acting ability with brilliant balletic technique”.

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WELLINGTON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT EXPERTS

CULTURE

CROSSC U LT U R A L A R T Liyen Chong is among the artists exhibiting in Pataka’s Imagine Asia. The Chinese Kiwi moved to New Zealand in 1995 at 15 to study in Christchurch. She began her art by exploring themes of identity, cutting strands from her hair to create Chinese calligraphy.

“I’m interested in who I am in New Zealand.

There is a sense of displacement and wanting to deal with my identity.”

Her art practice has expanded to include ceramics, photography, works on paper and text-based work. She also exhibits at Page Blackie Gallery.

The exhibition shows work from around the 20 artists who have participated in the Asia New Zealand Foundation residency program, which sends New Zealand artists to Asia.

DIRT Y DANCERS

NOT FRINGE ANY MORE

HUSTLE BUSTLE

Artistic director Sasha Copland has created an absurdist reality theatre show perfect for the Capital E National Arts Festival, which has a focus on igniting creativity in children. Dirt & Other Delicious Ingredients creates a “mini civilisation” from things the three dancers find in the dirt. Sticks and stones become instruments and utensils, and eventually, even ‘etiquette’ is found in the ground.

Copland, a Wellingtonian, founded Java dance in 2003. It’s Java’s fourth show in Capital E Arts Festival, which runs 7–21 March at Wellington venues.

14 March, Shed 6, Wellington Waterfront

What began at BATS Theatre in 1990 has become the biggest Fringe Festival in the country. The number of events in the annual Wellington Festival has more than doubled since 2011. There are 120 events in this year’s festival, the same number as last year’s. The open access festival allows anyone who registers an automatic place in the programme.

The Festival has also come to international attention; In January 2014 National Geographic named NZ Fringe Festival one of 10 international ‘Must Do in February Festivals’.

Electric Wire Hustle’s sophomore album Love Can Prevail is a finalist for the sixth Taite Music Prize 2015. The Wellington trio, consisting of members Myele Manzanza, Taay Ninh, Mara TK, has performed at festivals all over the world.

The winner, to be announced in April, receives a cash prize of $10,000, free recording time at Red Bull Studio Auckland and a year’s supply of Red Bull product.

Lorde won the 2014 award with her album Pure Heroine.

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SECTION HEADER

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SECTION HEADER F E AT U R E

L U N AT I C S PA S T

WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANE ILLUSTRATED BY ALICE MOYNIHAN

A “wretched institution” once stood on the site of Karori Normal School – a lunatic asylum, one of New Zealand’s first. New research casts light on this makeshift hospital and its unfortunate inhabitants.

F E AT U R E

A

lmost from the day it opened in 1854, Karori Lunatic Asylum filled up fast, often with recently arrived settlers. Some no doubt succumbed to the stress of the journey or their dramatic change in circumstances.

But it’s likely many were in distress before leaving home.

To be deemed fit to travel halfway around the world in colonial times, a would-be settler was assumed to be of sound body. Whether they were of sound mind was never checked.

Passengers boarding ships underwent cursory physical checks, says Dr Roger Ridley-Smith, a retired GP who has been piecing together archival material about the asylum and mental health in colonial times. “They might look at the palms of the hands for rashes and check for other signs of infectious diseases. They were always worried about syphilis and TB and didn’t give much regard to mental health.”

Nor was it unusual for families to ship a difficult relative overseas, says Ridley-Smith, although their motive was kept very quiet. “Some families simply got rid of people as they were too much to handle. If they couldn’t find a private hospital to take them in, well, New Zealand would do just as well.”

Early settlers deemed to be mentally ill were housed in local jails. But disquiet about this solution soon grew. Officials in Wellington were among the first to seek more suitable accommodation. In the early 1850s, plans were drawn up to build an asylum in Karori, then an isolated village reached by a precipitous track through the bush-clad hills surrounding Wellington. It was to consist of separate wards for men and women, and a wing for patients “of dirty habits”. It’s unclear whether this was ever built, or if a wooden cottage already on the site was repurposed.

The first patients were moved from Wellington Gaol on Pipitea Street to the new asylum in 1854. It stood on

the corner of Karori Road and Donald Street, on what’s now Karori Normal School’s tennis and netball courts. Its boundary was marked by a post and rail fence through which patients made frequent bids for freedom.

“It was just a shed,” says Ridley-Smith. “They must have been boiling in the summer and freezing in the winter.”

The asylum soon fell into disrepair, according to annual reports filed by its medical officer, a visiting GP, and now housed in the National Archives. In copperplate handwriting on paper the colour and texture of onion skin, Dr Charles France described his patients, their rations and the inadequate facilities that were “much decayed and worm-eaten”. The asylum took in patients from the Wellington region, Christchurch, Whanganui and Hawke's Bay. Dr France’s reports also listed patients’ afflictions; mania and dementia in the main. These are broad-brush diagnoses at best, says Ridley-Smith, reflecting the primitive state of colonial-era medicine. Mania referred to patients who were difficult to control – those seized with “great maniacal excitements”, according to Dr France.

As for dementia, patients were typically in their 30s and 40s and the term wasn’t used the way it is today. It described a “loss of cognition”, says Ridley-Smith, as in what a layperson of the time might have called the village idiot.

“It’s a puzzle. We cannot really be sure what was causing their loss of capacity.”

For some, it’s likely epilepsy, alcoholism or tertiary syphilis was at the root of their difficulties. Delirium tremens crops up in archival reports on the asylum, as does dipsomania. The first refers to acute alcohol withdrawal, the second to an extreme craving for alcohol. “Never underestimate the significance of alcohol and alcohol withdrawal in mental health,” says Ridley-Smith. Tertiary syphilis is characterised not by the open sores of the dis-

Bottom left: 1867 report - patients and rations.

Bottom right: 1872 inquiry coverpage

33

F E AT U R E

ease’s early stages but by GPI – general paralysis of the insane.

Restraint was the most common form of treatment, especially during manic episodes. “There was no sedation except opiate drugs that you could buy over the counter, such as laudanum and tinctures,” says Ridley-Smith.

“Marijuana too was available over the counter.” Although he’s found no references to medication, the easy availability of these drugs makes him think some patients were slipped soothing potions by well-meaning visitors.

Patients were cared for, often in the loosest sense of the word, by a handful of untrained and over-stretched live-in staff. Dr France visited on an unpaid ad hoc basis.

The tradition was for specialised services to be rendered to the poor at no charge. “He’d be a GP earning fee-forservice when people fell off horses and so on, but not at the asylum,” says Ridley-Smith.

Dr France’s pleas for funds for repairs and additional staff were often repeated and seldom answered. An 1867 report by JJ Woodward, a Justice of the Peace, noted that for 19 patients, the attendants numbered a “keeper, his wife as Matron, and one man as Cook and Assistant”. “Not one of such a small number can obtain any relief from the incessant and harassing duties that are imposed upon them.”

The asylum was over-crowded, Woodward noted. Parts of the building were in a “very bad state” and the kitchen “so small that the plates containing the patients’ food can only be set out upon the floor. There is absolutely nothing for cooking purposes but a small open fire-place.”

GT Chapman’s 1872 book The Traveller’s Guide Through New Zealand had this to say of Karori: “The village has a church, and a wretched cottage as a Lunatic Asylum -

wholly unsuited for the purpose.”

This was the year the asylum’s flaws became too big to ignore. Ex-assistant Mary McDonald Smith laid a complaint against the matron, claiming she was violent towards the patients. Assault charges were laid and an official inquiry launched.

The results were damning. Beatings with broomsticks, kickings, confinements, restraints. The matron and her husband resigned. The asylum closed. The education board tried to relocate Karori school, then operating out of a nearby chapel, into the vacant building. But parents refused until much-needed repairs were carried out. Two years later, the school took over the site it occupies to this day.

Karori’s 27 patients were moved to new premises, Mount View Asylum, where Government House now stands. One was Rebecca Parnell, who had recently given birth after being raped at Karori Asylum. An attendant was charged, but the court was unable to rule on his guilt as she was “mostly comatose”, and men had been allowed free access to the women’s quarters.

Parnell had been one of Karori’s first patients, admitted in 1857 aged about 30. Diagnosed with “mania (occasionally violent)” by Dr France, reports in the National Archives referred to her being strapped to a chair even after the move to Mt View. She never left the asylum system. When Mt View closed in 1900, she was moved to its replacement, Porirua Hospital, where she died three years later of throat cancer.

“Once in, you'd never leave,” says Ridley-Smith. In the 1860s, for instance, the annual average was six new admissions for every two patients discharged. “People lose interest in the situation of mental patients, especially once they’re incarcerated. Out of sight, out of mind.”

Top: Floorplan 34

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F E AT U R E

IN THE DOG BOX WRITTEN BY MEGAN LANE

A dog is for life, not just for Christmas. But pets are dumped every year.

And in the Hutt, there’s a dropbox for unwanted pooches.

M

y dog is a Kelpie cross. Maybe. Ten months old – maybe a year. Male. Definitely male.

These are guesses, apart from his gender. We know so little about him because he was left in the after-hours dropbox at Hutt City Council’s Animal Control Centre, one of the few in New Zealand.

Each morning, the early shift checks the dropbox. Almost always, it’s empty. But once every six weeks on average, there’s a dog inside, like the dog we adopted last year. He had no collar, no microchip. The staff named him Pepper, after his red coat.

The dropbox is not salubrious. But it’s sheltered from the elements, with a battered sheepskin to sleep on (or chew) and a bucket of fresh water to drink. Ideally a no-longer-wanted dog should be surrendered to the council or SPCA personally. But this doesn’t always happen. Hence Hutt’s dropbox – better a dog be abandoned in a safe place, the thinking goes, than dumped on a lonely roadside or tied to the pound's fence. Or worse.

"We installed it 18 years ago after a rise in the number of abandoned dogs," says Les Dalton, regional manager of animal services. "We'd often find a bitch and puppies dumped down by the Hutt River."

Today, the national trend is for more responsible dog ownership, says Dalton. "There's still some abandonment, especially prior to the Christmas holidays, but not as much as 10 years ago."

This has been the region’s quietest summer for dog abandonments in a decade, says council adoption manager Vicki Harwood. “We haven’t had the same number of roaming dogs, and our last dropbox dog was in November. Hopefully that’s for good reasons.”

That last dropbox dog is Jed, a bearded huntaway. His new owner, Dean Reid, thinks Jed’s a failed farm dog. “He won’t come into the house, even when invited. That first weekend, he cringed all the time. The previous owner must’ve bashed him around.”

Reid wondered what Jed had done wrong to be abandoned.

“Someone got rid of a really good dog,” says Reid. “He’s my best mate.”

Royal New Zealand SPCA chief executive Ric Odom says there’s no peak season for unwanted dogs as there is with kittens – its centres are overrun with tiny balls of feline fluff from 37

November til March – but anecdotal reports suggest a rise each festive season. "People may not be able to afford kennelling fees, or decide they don't want to afford kennelling fees."

The SPCA. like councils such as Auckland and Christchurch, doesn’t use dropboxes. "These can be seen as giving permission to dump an animal,” says Odom.

Surrendering a dog carries a fee, which can be waived if the owner is in financial hardship, or in cases of animal cruelty. If a dog is found wandering, or left in the dropbox, the council must keep it for a week to give the owner time to reclaim it.

Pound dogs that pass behaviour tests and vet checks are put up for adoption. Many councils run Facebook pages for this purpose. Even those unsuitable as pets may become working dogs for agencies such as the Aviation Security Service. Some, however, are put down.

Rotorua, like Lower Hutt, has a dropbox that’s used on average two or three times a week. From July 2013 to June 2014, the council took in 2,365 dogs in total – dropbox, stray, surrendered and impounded. About 120 were rehomed, 945 put down, and the rest reunited with their owners. The number euthanised is high, says animal control supervisor Kevin Coutts, as many unclaimed dogs are unfit for adoption. "In our experience, 99.5% of rehomed dogs are suitable.”

In the Wellington region, it’s also rare for a dog to come back after a finalised adoption.

But some do. Stories abound of how love, care and training can turn around the fortunes of an abandoned dog, but Pepper’s is not one of them. While friendly to people, he started several nasty dog fights.

Trainer Sam Alderdice, of Balanced K9, told us Pepper misread canine body language. “He may have been taken from his mum too soon. Mothers teach puppies how to interact with other dogs.”

Then, Pepper lunged at a friend’s son without provocation.

My husband intervened, and suffered bloody tooth marks on his arm. But the real damage was done to our bond with Pepper.

Should we keep our longed-for dog and continue working on his issues? Reluctantly, we decided no. His pre-dropbox life left too many fault lines.

W HAT T H E F L O C K

MR BANDED D OT T ER EL Name: Banded Dotterel, Double Banded Plover. Māori names: tūturiwhatu, pohowera Status: Endemic, vulnerable. Total population sits at about 50,000 birds but is declining due to mammalian predation and human activity at breeding sites.

Habitat: Banded dotterel are widespread throughout the country during breeding season, with individual populations migrating separately through April and May. Migration distances vary from small, local movements to journeys of hundreds of kilometres, with about half of New Zealand's banded dotterel population wintering in Australia. Banded dotterel from the Wairarapa coast head inland to the mudflats of Lake Wairarapa, which is where you're most likely to spot them now, and there have been a few sightings at Pauatahanui inlet.

Look for them: Like other plovers they are most easily spotted by their characteristic run-stop-peck behaviour when foraging. They are plump and small, weighing about 60gm (roughly 2/3 the size of a blackbird) with an upright stance. Their underside is all white aside from a wide black throat band and a wider chestnut breast band. This throat band fades outside of breeding season and the breast band disappears. Their bill is short, stout and dark. They also have a lovely white smudge on the forehead, extending back to the eyebrow.

Call: Repeated chrrrp or longer tweep.

Feeds on: Invertebrates, terrestrial and aquatic, and some berries.

Did you know? While they are threatened, there has been good news in recent years for local banded dotterel populations. This summer banded dotterel nests were discovered in the Red Rocks Reserve – an extremely rare occurrence. One nest was unsuccessful, but a Wellington City Council ranger caught five stoats in the area and a second nest appeared, which produced two chicks. Over at Pencarrow Head in the Wairarapa, a Greater Wellington Regional Council predator control programme, in conjunction with a rahui (ban) on disturbing the birds placed by local iwi, has seen nest site success rates increase from only one of sixteen in 2011, to a 25–30% increase this year.

If it were human it would be: The comical and super-quick run-stop-peck behaviour of this wonderful little bird can't be far off that of those organising the year's street festivals in the final days leading up to show time. Be sure to stop for a moment and grab a bite to eat, you guys!

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F R O M M A N H AT TA N T O B E R HA M P OR E WRITTEN BY ANNA JACKSON-SCOTT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY TAMARA JONES Nicole Engel is here to fix the food in the Southern Hemisphere. The New Yorker visited Wellington in January last year and fell in love; four weeks later she’d made the shift permanently. Celie’s cafe, her American-style specialty food joint, opened recently in Berhampore.

“People are doing American food here, but they’re not doing it right. The quality and service are not good – it’s all about turning tables. I wanted to give people a point of reference.”

Growing up in Manhattan and having worked in the food industry all her life, she’s got a solid foundation. Her daughter, Archer, is the cafe’s pie maker, pitting cherries and making pie crust from scratch. “She’s got her own genius going on there – I don’t know who she got it from! I’m actually not very good at making fruit pies,” Engel laughs.

Engel went for a Southern vibe because she likes the mentality. “They take food seriously but they’re relaxed as people. They say ‘We don’t cook food, we fix it.’”

Her laidback approach travels into the cafe atmosphere.

“My aspiration is to create a space where people can be

comfortable and have a good experience, to get away from everyday life. It’s a small place, so people talk to each other instead of being on their phones.”

Friends from Weta designed the interior, building a countertop set with metal-pressed flower panels, stripping the inside back and giving the cafe a rustic, water-damaged look.

“I owe them a lot of credit.”

But Celie’s cafe mainly pays homage to Engel’s grandmother, Celie Engel. A photograph of her looking like an early Marilyn Monroe greets customers as they enter. She died in 2012 at 100 years old, and left Nicole an inheritance that made opening Celie’s possible.

Although Nicole misses the Manhattan food, she wouldn’t live anywhere else. “There’s nowhere like it. You can see the mountains and the sea all the time!”

Even the Wellington weather doesn’t perturb her, she says.

“I love the wind, I love the rain. It’s boring when it’s just hot.”

She hasn’t experienced Wellington’s sideways rain yet though.

Do you have a Degree of interest, in the Culinary Arts ?

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FASH ION

SUMMER SWAN SONG Slowly leave summer behind and get reacquainted with those familiar layers.

Fine menswear inspired coats and tailored trousers. It’s a new, masculine, polished look.

ART DIRECTION: GEORGE CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN ALEXANDER HAIR & MAKE UP: NATALEE FISHER MODEL: FRITH ARMSTRONG ASSISTED BY: ROSIE BRISTED & BEX MCGILL

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Chad polo white, $30, AS Colour Lee Jeans, stylist’s own

Oxford shirt white, $60, AS Colour Petra terracotta culottes, $429, Gregory Leon loafers Portland brandy, $419, GAG

Grey marle round neck cardigan, $189, Minnie Cooper Union pleated grey pants, $365, GAG

Norse Projects Anton Oxford white shirt, $179, GAG Khaki belted blume pant, $329, Gregory

Norse Projects cotton watch cream beanie, $89, GAG Cameo Sullivan ivory sweater, $199, GAG White coat by George Carey White pants by Zoey Radford Scott Reebok white classic leather, $139, Good As Gold

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STREET STYLE

PAT TERN IS THE NEW BLACK This outfit is vintage, and vintage done very well. The print is to die for but that’s not surprising when she’s a freelance pattern maker from Melbourne, working part time at Schoolhouse studios. The staple wardrobe piece is no longer ‘the little black dress’; it’s now the ‘little black and white dress’. I have one, you probably have one, we all have one. It’s hard to have a good eye for print on print, but Morgan has aced it. Not only is her awesome sling bag made out of an old kimono – drool – but she made it herself. Although you can’t purchase these exact items, she got the dress from Recycle Boutique and the vintage leather velcro jandals from Etsy. workingclass.co.nz

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EDIBLES

JA M I E , W H E R E ART THOU? Rumours of a Jamie’s Italian restaurant opening in Wellington have restarted, but licensees went down this track two years ago and pulled out, Mike Egan says. The Restaurant Association of New Zealand national president says if a Jamie restaurant does open, it will be next year earliest.

The Keystone Group own the Jamie brand license, having bought it from Pacific Restaurant Group last year. “They might trade the brand again,” Mike says. Keystone is negotiating a lease in The Old Public Trust Building, which is currently being strengthened.

But chances of spotting Oliver on the streets are slim, Mike laughs. “A lot of people think he’ll live here, and say they’ll only go on nights Jamie’s cooking. They don’t get name licensing.”

SNO OT Y FRUIT Y

BIRTHDAY MONEY

SWEET AND SPICY

Snooty Fruit have released a marinade range to add to their other bottled delicacies.

The marinades come in Citrus & Vodka, Apple & Anise and Kiwifruit & Juniper.

The Wellington boutique company also sells chutneys, marmalades, jams, jellies, and conserves, available from Prestons Master Butcher, La Bella Italia in Petone, C’est Cheese in Featherston, Kingsmeade Cheese in Masterton, and online.

Le Cordon Bleu are celebrating their 120th anniversary with scholarships to build their domestic student base.

Ten $12,000 scholarships makes $120,000, for our 120th anniversary, Marketing Manager James Kennish laughs. “We also offer a three year culinary arts degree, which makes $360,000: 360 degrees!”

Jokes aside, launching the scholarships for their 120th anniversary is perfect, he says.

Lot Eight have released two new olive oils. The Aromatic Olive Oil is a delicate-smelling blend that uses vanilla pods and their own Martinborough estate-grown saffron. The Harissa Olive Oil is on the opposite end of the spectrum, blending chillies, smoked paprika, coriander, caraway and other North African spices to make Harissa oil for those who like it hot.

www.lot8.co.nz

EDIBLES

COMEDIC COOKING Peta Mathias’ comedy show tours in Paraparaumu, 19 March, for the first time this year and returns to Carterton, 18 March, which sold out in 2012.

The variety show contains readings, stupid jokes, singing, a cooking demonstration and an Agony Aunt section, where Mathias can make life seem “meaningful and less agonizing in spite of all evidence to the contrary.”

The central stage prop is a cooktop fashioned from a kauri swamp tree for the cooking demonstration. “It’s like a fancy Italian ironing board got pimped into a cook top.” It has a gas cooker and of course, a wineglass nook. This tour Peta cooks “Rack on Black,” Cardrona Merino Lamb and black pudding with a mustard sauce.

Peta runs cooking programs from her home in the South of France where she’s renovating a “medieval ruin” into a cooking school, and runs culinary tours around the world.

YEASTIE BEASTIES

COLD BLO ODED BEER

Following their successful crowd funding campaign, Yeastie Boys is furthering plans to expand to the UK. They have teamed up with Tuatara Brewing, Marlborough brewers Renaissance, Wortworth’s 8 Wired, and Christchurch’s Three Boys Brewery to create The New Zealand Craft Beer Collective. They’re promoting a New Zealand craft beer presence in Britain through a partnership with a UK distribution company.

Yeastie Boys recently sold 12.5% of their company for $500,000 at a dollar a share to raise money to expand overseas. Their first $100,000 was pledged within four minutes, and the full amount in 30 minutes.

Tuatara Brewing has opened a new inner city venue on Arthur St. The Third Eye: Tuatara Temple of Taste is a tasting room, bar, microbrewery and take-home shop, where Brewmaster Carl Vasta and the team experiment with new beer styles and brewing methods. They wanted to trial their creations on Wellington’s “discerning beer drinkers”, Vasta says.

The microbrewery serves several new experimental beers per month alongside regular brews, collaborations with other craft breweries, and beers from up-and-coming breweries.

THE FOREST CANTINA

G UI LT FREE FAT

BY UNNA BURCH

F

ridays are what my sister-in-law and I call “Fatty Fridays’’: an indulgent, guilt free, fatty boompa TREAT day. There’s not a kale leaf, kombucha brew or calorie count to be seen here at the end of the week. If you’re gonna have a cheat day you better do it right and do it with a bang.

Heck, your heart might even skip a beat! I know I’m not providing the best influence here to all of you with healthy New Year’s resolutions, but I can’t even apologise, Fatty Friday is guilt free – I insist.

I have a few burger rules (don’t we all?)…mine HAVE to have brioche buns – that slightly sweet, rich, and buttery bread is soooo good. It HAS to have processed square cheese.

Yes, you heard right, processed cheese. Go ahead and use a gruyere or something fancy pants if you’re that way inclined, but it won’t be as good – trust me. The beef burgers are just that – beef and nothing else – apart from seasoning so the flavour of the beef comes through, oh and it has to have lots of mustard!

METHOD For the brioche buns Ingredients For the brioche buns: ¾ cup milk 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast 6 egg yolks 2 2/3 cup flour 3 tablespoons castor sugar pinch salt 150g butter, at room temperature 1 beaten egg 2 tablespoons sesame seeds For the beef burger: 1kg Angus beef mince (available from Moore Wilson’s) salt and pepper oil to cook 8 slices tasty square cheese To serve: 1 red onion, slice thinly mustard tomato sauce baby gherkins skewers or long picks fries (just buy a bag of frozen shoestring fries and bake them) drink of your choice

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Warm the milk in a small pot until it is lukewarm (37°C/100°F) – I do this by touch. Once warm, pour half the milk into a bowl and set aside.

Leave the remaining milk in the pot, add the yeast to it and whisk well to combine. Set aside for 10 minutes in a warm spot until the yeast is frothy. Beat the yolks and the remaining milk together and combine well, and then set aside.

In a stand mixer, with a dough hook attached (or you can do this step by hand) mix the flour, sugar and salt together. Make a well in the centre and pour in the yeast and the egg mixtures. Mix for around three minutes until you have a sticky dough that begins to look smooth. Now add the butter bit by bit until it is all incorporated. If it hasn’t mixed in completely, do this by hand in the next step.

Turn out dough on a lightly floured bench and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. You might have to add a little extra flour as you go just to stop the dough from sticking to your hands. Add the minimum amount possible – too much extra flour added will throw off the ratio and the end result won’t be fluffy when cooked.

Put the dough into a greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel and set in a warm spot to prove until doubled in size, about 1–1 ½ hours.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Once it has proved, knock the dough back by giving it a few punches, then divide the dough into 12 small balls and put onto a baking paper lined tray and let them prove for 15mins.

Brush with a beaten egg and top with sesame seeds. Bake for 16mins or until golden and cooked through on both top and bottom.

For the burgers 1.

Season the beef with a good pinch of salt and pepper and mix well. Shape into 12 patties – I don’t do these too thick or they take too long to cook – about 1½ cm in thickness. Heat a heavy frying pan on a medium/high heat with a little oil to cover the bottom. Cook in batches, around six mins on each side or until cooked through. Once you have cooked one side and have flipped it, top the cooked side with a slice of cheese. The cheese will melt over the beef while the other side cooks. Cover cooked burger patties loosely with foil to keep warm, and repeat until they are all cooked.

To serve 1.

Slice brioche buns, top with tomato sauce, a cheesy beef patty, some sliced red onion, mustard and more tomato sauce if you want. Push a baby gherkin through a skewer and secure the cheeseburger closed.

Serve with a side of fries and fizzy. DON’T FEEL GUILTY! 50

LIQUID NEWS

BL ANC SL AT E

BY JOELLE THOMSON

Sauvignon Blanc is bigger than Texas in New Zealand but there is a delicious groundswell of edgy other whites pouring onto wine lists and shop shelves around us.

New Zealand winemakers are up to their armpits in sauvignon blanc right now; literally. This year’s national grape harvest is in full swing and one grape rules the roost: Sauvignon Blanc.

This national success story accounts for approximately 75% of the country’s total harvest (up from 68% in 2013). The wines made from Sauvignon Blanc also account for the majority of export dollars earned from wine.

Despite that success it’s important to have a unique selling point (USP) these days and it is difficult to argue against the importance of standing out from the crowd.

While New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc arguably fits the USP model extremely comfortably, it is wise to ensure that our wine eggs are not all in one basket. Enter Arneis, Chenin Blanc, Marsanne, Riesling, Roussanne, Vermentino and Viognier. Some of these whites are in such minuscule supply that it is barely worth trying to find them, unless you happen to be out on the town in Gisborne (a hotbed of albarino) but the whites in this column show that this country’s cool climate fosters freshness in a wide range of white wines. So, next time you reach for a glass, viva la difference with these alternative taste sensations.

TOP ALTE RNATIV E WHITE S

2012 Astrolabe Wrekin Chenin Blanc, $25

2013 Trinity Hill Marsanne Viognier Gimblett Gravels $25

2014 Askerne Hawke’s Bay Viognier $25

2014 Zephyr Marlborough Riesling $24

This wine is named after the Wrekin Vineyard, home to some of the few chenin blanc grapes grown in New Zealand, in this case in Marlborough. Winemaker Simon Waghorn has treated this wine to a little French oak to add weight to its freshness. This is a dry style with aromas of apple, clover honey and white florals. Buy at specialist stores or www.astrolabewines.co.nz

Dry, fresh and spicy, this full-bodied white is a blend of two obscure French grapes, Marsanne and Viognier, both from France’s northern Rhone Valley. There is a hint of oak on the nose and palate, which accentuates the peachy roundness of the wine and adds body.

Chardonnay fans will relate to this richly flavoursome style and enjoy it as a new-wave dry white.

Peachy, fleshy, full-bodied and flavoursome, this wine is rich in taste and has a lusciousness and lingering finish, thanks to the Bay’s climate proving to be so suitable to the French Viognier grape.

Three vintages of this outstanding Marlborough riesling were sent in for tasting by winemaker Ben Glover, a riesling devotee who makes small quantities of this top-shelf wine (which is a bargain at this price because it drinks beautifully now and can age). It contains 12.5% alcohol and is dry in style with intense flavours of green apples, limes and a long finish.

52

2013 Villa Maria Ohiti Gravels Hawke’s Bay Arneis $28 Arneis is a northern Italian white grape and also the word for ‘little rascal’, which is another way of saying it’s not the easiest vine to grow.

Despite this, winemaker Nick Picone suggests that Villa Maria has more of it growing in New Zealand than anyone else on earth. The wine has enormously flavoursome appeal; it is bone dry with pronounced aromas of concentrated lemon and flavours that just keep lingering. Small quantities are made in Hawke’s Bay and Villa Maria also produces two other, lower priced Arneis; the Private Bin and Cellar Selection.

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LIQUID THOUGHTS

B OT TLED ART This bottle is a work of art, but the aroma and taste are even more compelling. The Sicilians pack a powerful blood orange punch into this new liqueur, which pleads for a splash of gin, soda water and ice. Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur makes a dry drink with a sweeter aroma than traditional Italian orange liqueurs and tastes stunning on balmy autumn evenings (and not so balmy nights too).

Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur is in a 700ml bottle and 40% ABV for $89.95. Stockists in the capital city include Rydges Wellington Hotel on Featherston Street or in store at Henry’s Beer Wine & Spirits in Porirua and Sai Wholesale Liquor in Upper Hutt.

ASIA PACIFIC WINE

TOP COLERAINE OUT

FIZZY FUN

The Chinese market for New Zealand wine has grown, leading New Zealand Winegrowers to launch a Chinese version of their website, www.nz-wine.cn. Wine exports from NZ to China increased from $2.1m in 2007 to NZ $24.8m in 2014 following 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement.

No comparison. Two words that are more than mere marketing speak, as this wine’s deep ruby colour, powerful taste and commanding tannins prove. The 2013 Te Mata Coleraine is from the vintage that is looking to be the best ever for Bay reds. The 2013 Te Mata Coleraine is a blend of cabernet sauvignon (56%), merlot (30%) and cabernet franc (14%). And while it does not come cheap; at $99, this is worth stashing for 20 years. Or push the boat out now and enjoy it at Capitol, Logan Brown and Shed 5.

Remember Riccadonna? This well known fizz family has a dry new family member: Riccadonna Prosecco, which is made from the Italian glera grape (as any wine labeled Prosecco should be) and is now widely available in the Capital for $17.99.

W

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Songs and stories from NZ’s best loved Comedienne, Cook, Counsellor and Chanteuse

P E R I O D I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

BENEATH THE SURFACE WRITTEN BY JOHN KERR

The flora and fauna of Wellington’s coastline, all too often out of sight, will be centre stage this month.

A

midst the rocks of the south coast, starfish rub shoulders with sea horses and octopuses while more than 180 species of fish mooch about them.

If that sounds like a lot of fish to you, then you’ll be surprised to hear that over 400 kinds of seaweed are found in the reserve, including kelps which can grow to almost 20 metres long. The impressive wildlife of the reserve and the wider coast around the Capital region washes back and forth in a complex ecological web, of which most Wellingtonians are only vaguely aware.

The Taputeranga reserve, a sanctuary for marine life in the waters off Wellington’s south coast, is not as well-known as its land-based cousin, Karori’s Zealandia eco-sanctuary. However, it is no less important. Covering more than 800 hectares of coastal water across Island Bay and its surrounds, Taputeranga is four times the size of Zealandia and firmly holds the title of New Zealand’s largest mainland marine reserve.

Seaweek, run by the New Zealand Association for Environmental Education, aims to inspire Kiwis to learn more about this amazing multitude of marine life, and what we can do to protect it. The theme this year is ‘Look beneath the surface – Papatai ō roto – Papa-

56

tai ō raro’ and a number of Wellington events for the public will take place this month.

One of the highlights will be an open day at the Victoria University Coastal Ecology Lab (VUCEL for short) near Island Bay, where dozens of researchers work on projects picking apart the complex lives of marine species living at the boundary of sea and land. Currently about 30 VUCEL researchers are working on projects including investigating how sediment washed off the land affects reproduction in sea animals and conducting experiments to find out how marine organisms like sponges will cope with increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and ocean acidification.

Professor Jeff Shima, Director of VUCEL, is pleased to be able to open the labs up to the public for the day.

“New Zealanders have a natural interest and affiliation with coastal environments, but most people still have very little idea of the spectacular plants, animals, and ecosystems that lie just beneath the surface of the water.”

Visitors to the labs will be able to tour the facilities, talk to researchers about the work they do, and enjoy touch tanks for close encounters with some of the local wildlife.

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN NEW ZEALAND! NEW VUARNET STORE IN WELLINGTON

VUARNET STORE 262 Thorndon Quay, First floor (opposite Le Marche Francais Cafe) Wellington Call 04 473 6459 for a stockist near you

SCOTT OUTLET ( for end of line samples) 194 Jackson St, Petone 04 586 0631 Open 10am Tues- Sun

Fine Art At Inverlochy Art School

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Adult’s Classes Children’s Classes Painting Print-Making Screen Printing Photography Jewellery Sewing

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The guide to New Zealand art & design. www.artzone.co.nz

BY BOOK

A CHILLING VISION WRITTEN BY SARAH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELL LENDERS

I

n a tiny garden on a hill in Island Bay, James McNaughton is upending a watering can over the head of his son Gene, at the five-year-old’s request. McNaughton, 46, has filled a small plastic pool in the hope of keeping Gene occupied while we discuss his debut novel New Hokkaido (VUP, $30) from a water-spattered swing seat. The distraction proves temporary, and Gene’s pronouncements, questions, commands, squeals and songs are the background music to our interview.

Given the interruptions that kids bring, and that he works from home, McNaughton made the most of the three weeks that wife Elizabeth and Gene were away in Australia in February 2013. “I wrote 30,000 words: half the novel. I did nothing else.

Well, I ate, but that was about it.”

It was time well spent. Revealing a writer to watch, New Hokkaido is a counter-factual or alternative-history novel set in a Japanese-occupied New Zealand of 1987. As the prologue explains, in 1941 Emperor Hirohito dreamed of an incinerated

Japanese city, and consequently called off the bombing of Pearl Harbour, thereby stopping the US entering the war. Japan invaded New Zealand in 1942. In a scenario that may make some shiver, the USSR becomes the ruler of Europe, and a RussianJapanese alliance conquers China. Fast forward 40-odd years and the Japanese colony New Hokkaido is a tourist destination, a beef farm and a settlement for Japanese “exiles” who had committed anti-social crimes.

Non-Japanese New Zealanders are second-class citizens in a totalitarian regime divided by fervent racial hatred on both sides.

Beatings and executions discourage opposition. The only faint hope is a nationwide underground resistance movement, Free New Zealand, led by Roger Douglas (yes, that Roger Douglas), who’s in hiding and sending messages via cassettes. There’s also a pocket of resistance of Maori guerrillas in the Ureweras, but they have little chance of withstanding the helicopters, rockets and thermal-imaging devices of The Imperial Japanese Army.

59

BY THE BOOK

Protagonist Chris, 20, is a mild-mannered guy who just wants to get paid, get laid and play rugby. Given that most white New Zealanders work as casual labourers, Chris’ unusually good job teaching English at a Japanese institution means he’s regarded with suspicion by both sides. His brother, Pan-Asian sumo champion “The Night Train” – once loved by Kiwis for beating the Japs – is now hated by all for coupling up and having a child with a Japanese woman. When a crime is committed against his brother’s family, Chris investigates and – bravely or foolishly – is drawn into the resistance movement, encouraged by visions of John Lennon, who grew up, made music and died young in New Zealand. (Lennon really did nearly move here as a boy.)

However improbable you might consider the premise – and not just because the Japanese don’t like hills – New Hokkaido is a reminder that history could have given us a very different present. It joins a literary tradition of the counter-factual or alternate-history novel by the likes of Kingsley Amis and Philip Roth. McNaughton hadn’t read the genre before writing his book, but had led a literary life.

Earning a B.A. in English Literature (1999) and M.A. in Creative Writing (2000) from Victoria University, he went on to publish two poetry collections. And as a freelance education writer, he has published 500,000-plus words of retold classics, myths, legends and folk stories in books and journals for university and secondary-school students of English (as a first and second language). From 20062008, while living in India and the Maldives, he had a job rewriting the classics of Western literature in easy English for Korean university students. Think Austen to Tolstoy, Goethe to Poe. “I condensed Don Quixote from 420,000 to 35,000 words, and Animal Farm from 30,000 to 18,000 words. Having done a few of those books, I thought I could take on a short novel.”

Returning to hometown Wellington in 2009, he had the idea for the novel while walking on Makara Beach with its gun emplacements. “I literally imagined if the ships had come over the horizon in WWII, and the guns had been fired, what would have happened?” Telling a rollicking story was his priority. “Then there was room for exploring things like the ownership of state assets, and I was annoyed about the TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership] deal: the loss of sovereignty to international business investment. And the whole colonisation thing.” How different, really, is the Japanese regime and ban on English from the European colonisation of Maori and suppression of Te Reo? Such thought-provoking questions are clothed in black humour, unusual descriptions, evocative imagery, and

60

convincing dialogue. An even, matter-of-fact tone devoid of emotion reminds readers that what’s horrific to them is normal (if abhorrent) to the characters. “And with fantastical subject matter,” McNaughton says, “it’s more plausible if you under-say things, otherwise it’s just too much.”

However, the novel is based on reality as well as fantasy.

“I researched what occupations were like in countries like the Philippines and Malaysia. And I’ve lived in Israel.” He’s also lived in South Korea and Japan, teaching English as a second language. His year in Japan helped him depict a Japanese-occupied New Zealand. “It would have been too daunting to tackle otherwise.”

McNaughton also lived in Australia in his twenties. But a Kiwi can’t just move to Oz in New Hokkaido’s alternate reality. When a group of New Zealanders hijacks a ferry to escape to Australia, I wonder if Australia would react to boats full of Kiwis seeking refuge as they do to boats full of Indonesians. And when the Kiwis kill the Japanese on board, it’s a reminder that everything depends on perspective: some will see it as terrorism, others as a necessary act to escape a brutal regime.

Asked about the novel’s ending, this relaxed writer is suddenly a bit cagey. “I’m thinking about a sequel.” And he’s working on another novel, too, carving out time by waking before dawn. “I’ve tried [writing] novels that haven’t flown. I learned from those mistakes before writing New Hokkaido.”

Wife Elizabeth was his first reader. “Her input possibly saved it from being a bit too blokey.” He then went through the New Zealand Society of Authors manuscript program, which matches authors with an assessor, and got former Penguin publishing director Geoff Walker. McNaughton followed Walker’s minor structural suggestions and his advice to try VUP publisher Fergus Barrowman.

VUP is a good fit for a novel that’s also very Wellington, albeit, as McNaughton says, “a slightly more rundown, grotty, industrial Wellington”. In an early scene, a grotty Mt Victoria villa with subsiding, fennel-choked steps hosts a Free New Zealand meeting that doubles as a Kiwi-themed party. “A celebration of who we are, not what these bastards tell us we are,” the host says. The men wear gumboots, black singlets and flannel shirts, eat sausage rolls and pavlova, dance by shuffling from side to side, and stand in the kitchen to be closer to the beer. “I really enjoyed writing that,” McNaughton says. But the scene wasn’t just about humour.

“It was part of wondering which parts of our culture we’d hold onto if things were different. What do we value most as Kiwis? I’m asking questions, not giving answers.”

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BY THE BOOK

R E -V E R SE INTRODUCED BY FRANCES SAMUEL

he re a ds t he wel com e of swans the ferryman knows his own life is rich with incident his paper boat, creased and folded and he at the helm cockeyed from staring at lovers their haul of picnic baskets his own palms worn thin with the exchange of coins his oar all dip and pull, the sweet drag of water and always returning, the bare-footed ones who miss nothing who no longer expect the arrival of others the ferryman rubs his eyes a penny for each of them the swan unfolds the huge breathing of water

by Frankie McMillan, from Sweet Mammalian (2014)

BREAKDOWN Bio Frankie McMillan is an award-winning short story writer and poet.

Her new poetry book There Are No Horses in Heaven comes out next month.

In brief An interesting beginning and a little mystery are two things I like in a poem. Here, we meet a wistful ferryman. His coin-worn palms and ‘creased’ boat show that he’s transported countless lovers with picnic baskets on romantic excursions – but he longs for love himself. The darker waters of the second half of the poem reflect this sadness. Disturbing ‘barefooted ones’ appear, so lonely that they ‘no longer expect/the arrival of others’. The shift in tone is a reminder that, in mythology, a ferryman carries not lovers but souls to the underworld. In the last lines, the image of the swan – a bird that mates for life – could add to the desolate mood. But I read it as hopeful.

Swans symbolise being able to travel between spiritual worlds.

Sometimes gods ride them. So – just maybe, this swan has unfolded by origami magic from the paper boat, and is finally carrying our weary ferryman towards love and adventure.

a tale for the time being

57 Willis St, Wellington 6011 (04) 499 4245 • www.unitybooks.co.nz wellington@unitybooks.co.nz

62

BY THE BOOK

C HA R I T Y B O OK S The seventh annual book fair to raise funds for a Vietnamese children’s foundation returns on 28 March in the Ngaio Town hall.

Iona McNaughton has organised the book fair since 1998 and decided to direct funds toward New Zealand’s Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation after visiting Vietnam in 2009.

Before that she raised money for the Ngaio School library, and Oxfam.

Blue Dragon NZ was set up in 2010 as a link to the Blue Dragon education centre in Hanoi.

“We’re just a bunch of Wellington women who support this fantastic organisation that uses education and training to beat the poverty cycle.” The centre rescues young people who have been trafficked into sweat shops in Ho Chi Minh City or to Chinese brothels.

McNaughton hasn’t noticed a decline in the popularity of print. “The only changes I’ve noticed over the years is that we raise more money each year! Last year we raised a record $9000.”

Except for a decline in encyclopaedias donated. “Thank goodness. No one buys encyclopaedias.”

HISTORICAL TREAT

BALLIN’

WORLD OF WORDS

Tony Simpson delves into the Treaty of Waitangi’s history in Before Hobson, launched this month. He takes the reader into the Treaty’s era to understand the governments, economy, world views and missionary activity of the day.

The Wellington historian has authored fifteen published books and has worked as a journalist, a radio broadcaster, a reviewer and a cultural and political commentator.

Unity Books, 5 March, 6pm

Although Rugby dominates New Zealand sport culture, New Zealand’s first pro player John Saker predicts a spike in basketball popularity in the next few years. His autobiography Open Looks: My Life in Basketball (Awa Press, $28) is released mid March.

The former basketball giant says the success of New Zealand’s rising talent and teams, such as NBA Steven Adams, Tai Winyard, the Breakers and the Tall Blacks all contribute to a surge in momentum. He’s also a wine writer and an award-winning travel writer.

What started as a group of Wellington readers at Library Bar has become a world-wide phenomenon.

Meg Williams began Wellington’s Slow Reading Club in September 2014, and clubs have since sprouted in London, the United States, Canada, and Asia.

“It’s nice to think that something we started in the Library Bar now has groups all over the world,” Meg says.

“Digital devices can make you a bit scatterbrained. It’s about getting back into the habit of just doing one thing without distractions.” slowreadingco.com

63

BUSINESS

AN INSTINCT FOR A GAME WRITTEN BY BETH ROSE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY RHETT GOODLEY-HORNBLOW

The dawning of the smart phone has made players of us all. Digital devices are practically electronic extensions at the end of our arms. Game development in Wellington is growing. Who makes those games?

N

ew Zealanders collectively spend more than 295 million dollars a year on computer games. So it’s not surprising that game development is gaining importance as a New Zealand industry. It’s impressive to know that Kiwi game developers already turn over more than 80 million dollars a year.

As a creative entertainment genre, gaming has acquired the attention of several influential Wellingtonians who are investing time, money and effort to grow the capital’s reputation for imaginative film-making, into story production, animation and media design for games.

The strategy is based, in part, on creating as collateral, graduates who have the artistic vision and industry knowhow to make and write beautiful new games.

Dan Milward is a gaming entrepreneur in Wellington who has his fingers on the buttons of multiple gaming projects. His goal is to democratise gaming through his company Gamelab, and to encourage creative Kiwis to produce more gaming-related Intellectual Property (IP).

The venture has the potential to leapfrog Wellington onto the international gaming scene.

The beginnings of Dan’s entrepreneurial streak are so humble it’s practically cliché. A school-leaver at fifteen, he topped up his education with a computer-training course at the now defunct Carich, along with hours of dedication on a computer in his bedroom. Practically self-taught in the art of website development, Dan then launched his first business, Instinct, which ran for around a decade.

“Instinct created interactive games and presentations,” recalls Dan. However, with software rapidly developing and becoming accessible, competition forced through a change of plan. “Students were able to create cheap versions of the same products we were making and advertising agencies began undercutting us,” says Dan. “I knew that we had to own our own development software to stay relevant.”

The boom in the mobile games market has influenced the direction of Dan’s second venture, Gamelab, of which there are three crucial components. “We make our own games, we make games for other people, and we have our own game development software called Gamefroot,” explains Dan. “Gamefroot is available online for anyone to use to build their own games, and we use the same software to make our own games. Gamefroot is completely free for people to play around with, but if someone decides they want to sell their game in the App Store, then we charge a fee.”

The beauty of Gamefroot is its transferability as it runs on any internet platform. “We applied for a grant from Callaghan Innovation to create an engine to power Gamefroot,” explains Dan, “and we built Gamefroot using HTML5, or Javascript. This means that the games we – or any of our users – make, can be played on any device.”

This may not seem like a hugely instrumental selling point, but in 2010 when Steve Jobs was dissatisfied with the performance of Flash software and refused to make Apple products compliant with Flash, a large number of companies like Dan’s had the kibosh put on new gaming software projects that were Flash-dependent. “HTML5 is here to stay – it is fundamental software,” says Dan. This month, Dan goes to the San Francisco Game Development Conference to launch a new real time strategy game called Standoff. The artwork and storylines were created by Wellington-based Nyuk Nyuk Games, who got in touch with Dan at Gamelab to develop Standoff using Gamefroot software.

“Standoff is a free, real time strategy game available to download in the App Store,” says Dan. “Two players compete against each other on the same iPad to destroy their opponent using an arsenal of cannons, troops and tanks.

Players use methodical strategy to build and guide their

Dan Milward from Gamelab 64

BUSINESS

armies through no-man’s land to take out their enemy’s resources.”

This may sound like a regular ‘shoot–‘em-up scenario’, but the free availability of this particular type of mobile gaming experience is new. There are also layers of carefully thought out plots and artwork that support the storyline and overall effect.

For a game to be successful in such a flooded international market, it must be able to differentiate itself in user experience. Theo Baynton and Rhys Clapcott own Nyuk Nyuk Games, but their background is in film and television.

“My passion is creating in New Zealand original entertainment properties aimed at a global market,” says Theo.

“A year ago I decided to leap into the games industry.”

Although he works on Standoff with Dan, Theo is first and foremost a Director at Pukeko Pictures and has been working on the new Thunderbirds Are Go franchise.

“We believe that Standoff is unique,” says Theo, “we can’t find anything currently available for tablets that has the same depth, competitiveness and re-playability for two players on one device”.

The ethos of the way Dan and Theo work is based on shared knowledge, relationship building, and pooled experience. Dan employs graduates from Victoria University of Wellington’s School of Design on contracts.

Senior Lecturer on the Media Design programme Kah Chan recommends students to Dan. “We have around 25 students graduating from the course each year, with a further 25 graduating from the Computer Programming course,” he says. “Media Design students are able to create fun, engaging games, but they are also able to look under the hood to write code. They have an understanding of jargon and can communicate with programmers. Last year a class of students made games for the ‘Oculus Rift’ virtual reality headset”.

“We encourage students to learn independently, to keep their technical ability up to date and to be aware of software changes. Five years ago no one could have predicted the explosion of mobile games,” says Chan.

“The cost of international distribution for digital is small and we are no longer constrained by distance. Wellington is a creative little capital and there are so many little game companies in New Zealand. Opportunities are growing and Dan’s Gamefroot software is making game development more accessible”.

Similarly, Theo Baynton brings graduates on board at Pukeko Pictures and Nyuk Nyuk Games, and his philan-

thropy extended to the creation of PIPI four years ago.

PIPI is a partnership organisation between Grow Wellington, VUW, Massey University, Pukeko Pictures, Gamefroot.com and Chapman Tripp. It aims to help the next generation of IP creators commercialise their own creative content and export it to the world.

PIPI builds relationships between creative individuals and involves industry in a mentoring capacity. “I helped establish the PIPI program during my time in development at Pukeko,” explains Theo. “Setting up PIPI was a nice way to pass on the lessons learnt in the industry to the next generation”.

The focus of PIPI goes beyond gamers and game-related graduates to writers and artists who can produce ideas to inspire new TV series or games.

Writing students from VUW are paired up with a team of animation students from Massey University to build a story proposal that can be marketed to producers. The proposals are called ‘pitch bibles’ and the IP is owned solely by the writer, with the animators receiving commission if it is successful.

Ken Duncum is in charge of the Script Writing Masters Degree at VUW’s International Institute of Modern Letters and he has teamed up with PIPI to offer pitch bibles as a writing option to his students.

“PIPI exposes writers to different genres. Most students begin by thinking feature films are their thing, but then they’re inspired to do games. Students must balance the demands of working on a pitch bible against the course, as they aren’t assessed on their pitch bible”.

“They get to create something more concrete – a colourful invention that can be marketed abroad. It’s difficult to get into film, particularly with directors writing their own scripts. Compared to the film industry, writing for games looks good”.

“What’s brilliant are the relationships that are being formed. People from different parts of the industry with different skills are being introduced and this is what’s needed. The relationships are even more important than the projects themselves as they will last longer”.

Through game development, New Zealand has the chance to redefine part of its creative culture and identity.

Wellington talent is lined up to deliver and with the international gaming industry open to investing in new ideas, it’s game on!

BY THE NUMBERS

295m Kiwi dollars spent on games each year 50 Computer science and media design students graduating from VUW annually

450 Full-time game development jobs in New Zealand 80m Dollars of NZ revenue from game development last year

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INTERIOR

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HOUSE

CLEVER FAMILY S PA C E S WRITTEN BY KAREN SHEAD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN KAY

There's an art to having a house filled with bits and pieces yet at the same time making it look immaculate – and it is one that Holly Fuller has perfected.

H

er three-bed family home in the northern suburb of Khandallah is stylish, has a large collection of items, and although neat and tidy still has the air of a comfortable family home. Not an easy balance.

But it comes as no surprise when you find out she has a passion for, and background in, interior design. She runs her own company, Stylise, which has two strands. One is being the lower North Island agent for Florence Broadhurst's fabrics and wallpaper. (You'd know it if you saw it – the unmistakable design, very funky, often floral, and the kind of wallpaper people often have as a feature wall). She distributes it through Wellington furniture store Stacks where she can be found a couple of days a week. The other strand is producing bouquets of faux flowers.

“The two complement one another nicely,” she says, “and I really enjoy having the two areas of work – it keeps me busy.”

There is an example of her flower work as soon

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as you enter the house on Box Hill. Sitting on the table in the hallway is a huge bunch of fake flowers – you have to take a really good look to realise they aren't real. The same goes for the grass in the front garden. It's only after Holly explains that it isn't real that you realise why there isn't a blade out of place.

Holly loves the entrance-way to the house, with its shiny black door, cowhide rug (a birthday gift) and the faux magnolias which she says look "amazingly real next to my owl and artichoke", which were gifts from friends.

It's not that Holly loves all things faux, it is just to keep things low maintenance.

“We vacuum the grass and sweep the concrete,” laughs Holly. “It's great! And it means we can go away for a month and the garden looks exactly the same when we come back as when we left it.”

Travel is a passion for Holly and her husband Scott, as is spending time at their property in

HOUSE

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HOUSE

Marlborough Sounds where they like to get away from it all and spend time as a family with their three grown-up children.

A couple of years ago, the couple downsized from their four-bed family home in Wadestown, and bought the property in Khandallah, the suburb where they first lived in Wellington after meeting overseas (they are both originally South Islanders). But since their downsizing, two of their three grown-up children have returned to the nest.

Their youngest, Millie, 19, has recently come back from a year in the UK and will spend a year at home before going to drama school, and middle-child Charlie, who is 22, has come back to Wellington after three years studying in Dunedin to finish his last year at university. Older son Tom, 24, who works for his dad's business in database and marketing, is flatting.

Although the house is big enough for its current occupants, Holly says it wouldn't be everyone's ideal family home.

“If you have young children it wouldn't appeal as there isn't really enough outside space,” she says.

“This house suited us really well with our kids being grown-up and coming and going. We loved it.

“It is the first house we have lived in without stairs and I love the fact that it is on one level and that you can see through from front to back,” she continues.

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“Even though we have downsized it feels spacious. It will be our forever home.”

And although the outside space isn't large, there is enough of it for entertaining and enjoying the outside. The garden at the front can be nicely seen from the large window seat in the dining room – the perfect place, Holly says, to sit in the afternoon sun and read your book. And although the house is on a main road, there is a wall at the front which is high enough to make the house feel nestled away and to offer some privacy. And the outside space at the back of the house, which is paved, has ample space for entertaining.

“It's lovely when the fire and barbecue are going,” Holly says. “And there is plenty of space for us”.

There is a comfortable flow through the house.

The hallway runs down the middle with the bedrooms (master bedroom with en-suite) and family bathroom to the left, and on the right the dining room which leads to the lounge. Then the kitchen sits at the back of the house.

“I love the kitchen,” says Holly. “I have never had a big kitchen before and it is a lovely family place. In fact, it is hard to get people to come and sit in the lounge.

“We often say let's have an Italian, which doesn't necessarily mean Italian food, but just let's all be

HOUSE

together and be a family. There's lots of chat and laughter.”

The fact that family is important to them is also reflected in the home. Both walls in the hallway are lined with a gallery of photographs. The collection on the right-hand side is particularly special. In each photo Charlie, Millie and Tom are captured in the same position, in the same place, year after year. They are each holding a fish they have caught – with the exception of the year when there weren’t any fish and so instead they improvised and each holds a can of tuna!

“The photo is taken at our place in The Sounds,” says Holly, “The photo became a bit of a family tradition and every year we say 'We have to take the fish photo'.”

The collection of photos is treasured as is her

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collection of memorabilia. "All my bits are special. I love my coffee table with my ostrich eggs. I love the dresser in the dining room with my grandmother's boxed silver napkin rings, my grandfather's box and our wedding present decanters."

“I love my bits and pieces,” she says. “It's really hard to go to work and not come home with something. I'm not sure it is a good thing me working for Stacks, I spend a lot of my money there.”

And although obviously not her intention, her house is a good advert for the store. After reluctantly leaving the family home, with its scent of freshly-cooked muffins and sound of comfortable banter emanating from the kitchen, I find myself overcome with the strongest desire to hop in the car and head over to Newtown.

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GOOD SPORT

HIGH VELDT FIREBIRD WRITTEN BY ALEXANDER BISLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL ROSE

Grant Elliott grew up in South Africa wanting to play rugby with the Springboks or cricket with the Proteas.

But the charismatic, Johannesburg born and raised cricketer who made Wellington his home eight years ago is instead doing very well as a staunch Black Cap and Firebird.

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GOOD SPORT

E

lliott had a relaxed upbringing on the Johannesburg—Jozi, Jo’burg, JHB— Highveldt. “Climatewise it’s excellent. You spend your childhood outdoors.”

He was captain of his high-school’s first-fifteen. “I was built like a greyhound,” he says, “but I enjoyed rugby. If I had a better build I probably would have enjoyed rugby more than cricket.

“What I enjoy most about sport is the team dynamics, not so much the personal achievement, but just a whole bunch of guys going towards a common goal, and in rugby everyone along the chain adds to that.”

Elliott was encouraged to play for New Zealand by Ken Rutherford, a legend of New Zealand’s 1992 home World Cup excitement.

They had been playing together for Gauteng, the South African provincial team based in Johannesburg.

Martin Crowe observed after Elliott’s second national recall in January, “He is an inspired choice. He is extremely fit... clearly defying his age, he can bowl a potpourri of mediums and field the house down.” The bearded Elliott responded, “Extremely nice of Martin...He’s someone who’s contributed to my career.”

The Firebirds first lured Elliott to Wellington. “The coach said he needed somebody who could bowl into the wind and bat in the middle-order. So I just thought, “Oh, how hard can it be bowling into the wind? But I think I probably lost about ten kilograms in one season bowling against the wind. It’s heavy work.” The surgeon’s son is humble about the committed training he’s known for. “I might just have lucky genes as well. I don’t put on weight very easily.”

He was in top form in the pre-World Cup matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. During the fifth One Day International against Sri Lanka in Dunedin, New Zealand had made only 93 runs and was five wickets down, then

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Elliott and fellow Firebird Luke Ronchi started to smash boundaries (and records). The dynamic duo’s undefeated stand of 267 off 180 balls took the Black Caps to an imposing 360 a red-hot Dilshan Tillakaratne couldn’t dent. That was the highest total for any partnership for New Zealand against a first-tier cricketing nation. Thirtyfive-year-old Elliott’s deftly paced 104 not out made him the second oldest Kiwi to score an ODI ton. Then against Pakistan at the Cake Tin, Elliott would be man of the match. He snared three wickets with trademark precision, including Pakistani captain Misbah-ul-Haq, and led the winning run chase with an unbeaten 64.

Elliott says the Black Caps are currently in a great, teamwork-powered space, and has the best of the five coaches and teams he’s played under. “It’s run so well by the support staff and captain Brendon McCullum. It’s a pleasure to know that everyone who plays in this team plays for the team – plays to represent everyone in New Zealand, which is the main reason why you should play the game at national level. There should be that national pride and feeling that you are representing everyone on the streets.”

Elliott’s great innings in black include his composed 75 not out against Pakistan in 2009, winning the Champions Trophy semi-final, and his 115 against Australia in the same year. Reportedly the first ODI hundred a Kiwi had ever scored at the Sydney Cricket Ground, resplendent with cover drives.

Ken Rutherford commented following his Aussie landmark: “There was little doubt he would succeed, given opportunities. The surprising thing to me has been his apparent lack of self-belief – until now, that is.”

Elliott says the turning point was probably the game before, his 61 not out at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, at the crease for New Zealand’s big win against a dominant Australian side. “All sportsmen have that little bit of self-doubt. It’s just the demons in your head that might be chatting, but I’m old

GOOD SPORT

enough now to push that away, and you just play and what will be will be.”

A dropped/recalled rollercoaster career has made him philosophical.

The Black Caps recalled him to his original home turf for their historic 2013 ODI series win in South Africa.

Adjusting back to high veldt altitude was a struggle, he says. He helped win the second game and the series with a handy 48 in Kimberley, where he started his first class career (Elliott had one cap for South Africa A), and says “It was pretty surreal to be [back] on that ground, beating South Africa; it was a good feeling.”

He chats about the Proteas’ lethal captain AB de Villiers, “You know, every team, they’ve got their stars.

But World Cup cricket, it’s on the day. That’s the exciting thing: any team can beat any team. It just needs one guy to have an extremely good day and you’re away.”

Pre recall, Elliott was enjoying tackling the challenges the internet and digital media are dealing retail, “mixing it up, putting on a suit” as Retail NZ’s Business Development Manager, after two early morning hours at the gym.

“Balance is really important when you’re a professional sportsman...you need to also make sure that you test yourself mentally as well – not that sports mentality which is actually keeping things simple – but the thinking and strategising and pressures of a work environment which are totally different.”

Retail NZ CEO Mark Johnston praises Elliott’s “fantastic” relationship skills. “Grant’s quickly demonstrated the leadership qualities that he shows on the field can be seamlessly transferred.” (Elliott no longer has time for Buzzbats, the boutique cricket bat designing company he set up).

With a three-year-old and a newborn baby, Elliott loves the demands of fatherhood. “It’s good to be able to get away from professional sport, otherwise it does consume you. When you’ve got a three-year-old running

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around there’s not much else to worry about.”

Elliott and his Dutch wife see a lot of opportunity for growth, personal and economic, in Wellington. “Great schools and opportunities for the kids. It’s a perfect fit, Wellington. Not too big, not too small. You can get away.”

Having lived in New Zealand for over a decade Elliott’s passion for his adopted home is clear. “New Zealand is beautiful. I love Wellington’s coffee culture. I love the restaurants. I love taking my kids to the parks when the weather’s good. I like the relaxed feeling about it; it’s not hustle-bustle. Recently in London, he said, "I just couldn’t wait to get back to Wellington.”

“Wellington’s got everything, you know? Martinborough, you can chill out there for a weekend, go out to the vineyards. Petone offers nice retail experiences. What city in the world can you drive, find parking and go shopping so easily?”

Elliott believes New Zealand cricket has a promising future. “The young guys coming through – they are extremely fit. Chris Donaldson’s done an amazing job at moulding their bodies to what a cricketer should look like. I’ve been in a couple of his rigorous winter sessions, which seem never-ending...Maybe 39 is going to be the old 32? Hopefully we see cricketers kicking on for longer and we can see good players for a lot longer in their career, going to 40.”

Asked about the possibility of bowling to Chris Gayle at the Cake Tin for the Black Caps' probable quarterfinal against the West Indies, Elliott laughs. “Well, hopefully by the time I’m bowling he’s out,” “Yeah, I guess the awesome challenge you’ve got ahead of you for World Cup is you play against world-class players and you’ve got the opportunity of trying to get them out or trying to dominate them with bats. If everyone in our team performs their role more times than not we’ll come out on top.”

T O R Q U E TA L K

DR JEKYLL GETS A HYDING WRITTEN BY MARK SAINSBURY | PHOTOGRAPH BY RHETT GOODLEY-HORNBLOW

Many years ago I lived in LA installing canvas awnings in rich people’s houses; it was the perfect place to see how the other half lived. I worked with this magic guy called Danny who introduced me to the world of exotic pets. I ended up with a boa constrictor, but he had a cayman. The cayman was a rare South American alligator that Danny had to feed each day with live fish.

I

of course eventually headed back here in search of true love and had never across a cayman since. Until the other day, at Armstrong Prestige in Cambridge Terrace, and while this one wasn’t fed live fish it was still a beast. It was the Porsche Cayman GTS. I’d liken this car’s personalities to Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde, and for good measure Mr Hyde’s even dodgier brother. The GTS is the true sports version of the Cayman and in many people’s minds gives the sportier 911 models a run for their money. A lot less money! This road legal race machine is a hundred thousand dollars cheaper than the GT3. Just say that quickly… a hundred thou cheaper. But at nearly $180,000 with all the options it’s still not what you would call bargain basement.

The first thing I noticed is what I thought it didn’t have.

No reversing camera and no cup holders to put your coffee cup in as you took this puppy for a run. As it turned out there were cup holders that came neatly out of the glove box area. But there was no reversing camera because, as Porsche said, ‘this is a sports car’. I was good with that because it is a sports car, a proper sports car. That’s what it’s supposed to be - if you want to sip coffee behind the wheel, get a Prius.

And that’s not to say it’s impractical. In Dr Jekyll or Comfort mode it’s perfectly useable, sounds good and handles etc etc. But then hit the sport mode button: Mr Hyde appears, and the symphony of noise from the engine right behind your head (which you can see only if you lower it out from under the car), and the exhaust note combine to transform you. The 81

sheer riding characteristics and the aural pleasures turn you into something else. It’s irresistible. It barks and crackles and I love it. What happens of course it changes the geometry of the car, adjusting suspension settings, exhaust, and engine … but wait there’s more. If you want to really get down to it you engage Sports Plus. Then Mr Hyde’s big bad brother comes out to play. Imagine the fun you would have on track days with this car. Getting there would be half the fun; and allow us to really make the most of the super smooth PDK double clutch gearbox which changes gear with absolutely “no interruption to the flow of power”… indeed. And there’s Porsche’s Active Suspension Management System which lowers the car, stiffens things up and … Boom.

I wanted to hang onto this car because every time I drove it I had such a blast. In fact when reluctantly returning it I was potted by the Armstrong boys who had been following me whipping through the Arras tunnel with the sport mode on. I really should grow up.

But some basic stripped out racer this is not. The finish inside is a joy ... leather and alcantera. It oozes luxury while still maintaining that German cool. And I got more reaction from this car than any I’ve tested in a while, as in other drivers leaning out the window and going, “cool car mate!”

Its proportions are simply gorgeous. And while it’s a hundred grand lighter than the GT3, it’s fifty five grand more expensive than the starting Cayman model, and thirty up on the “S”. But then again just remember, you are getting three drives for the price of one.

W E L LY A NG E L

WHAT WOULD DEIRDRE D O? Got a problem? Maybe we can help.

Welly Angel Deirdre Tarrant, mother of three boys, founder of Footnote Dance Company and teacher of dance to generations of Wellingtonians, will sort out your troubles.

THAT INK PROBLEM My mother hates tattoos – how do I tell her I have one?

Nervous, Kapiti Coast There is certainly a current fashion trend for tattooing, and arms and legs and bodies seem to be literally walking drawing boards! I know a number of parents who have felt strongly about this and personally cannot really see why you would have them unless there is a cultural tradition and the image has special significance like a moko. You have done the deed and you know your mother will be disappointed but find a moment and tell her. She will be much more upset if she feels you hid it and she will certainly find out at some stage.

SCARY MOMENTS How do I tell my father I don’t like his new girlfriend – She’s scary, I really don’t like her?

Scared, Porirua

Well, he likes her, so you need to find a way to like her too. I am not sure what 'scary' means but find things to talk about that interest you both and join in on outings when you can to develop a communication – she can't be all bad or your dad would not be interested in her. Ask him about her – he will be wanting you two to get on with each other so make a real effort not to alienate them both. That could easily happen and make things miserable for you all. Good luck with chatting and don't be scared!

UNFAMILIAR PEOPLE My partner and I have been together for quite a few years. I have never met her family, who live in New Zealand. Is this odd?

Just wondering, Hawke's Bay I would certainly think this is odd but it is a longstanding circumstance and hasn't affected your relationship so far. If it is developing into one of those 'black cloud on your shoulder' worries then get it into the open with your partner and see if there is a reason. I assume they are not in the same city and maybe it is a case of organising a visit. But does your partner visit and make contact without you, or is it that he/she doesn't see the parents either?

I think you should make the effort to connect and to meet up if possible but it is something to do together with your partner. Have they met your parents? The important relationship

is your own, but family is important and interesting too.

ITCHY FEET I understand you were a dancer. Can anybody learn to dance and if so where would you recommend a fifty-year-old begin?

Envious onlooker, Te Aro It is never too late to start new things and go on new journeys and dance is no different!

There are lots of classes and clubs. You are spoilt for choice in the dance world of today.

For personal fitness find an adult ballet beginners class or a stretching class, for the social side there is Latin, Zumba, belly dancing, Scottish country, folk dance...... And there will be something near you. There is also the going to performances and watching other dancers and being challenged and transformed and entertained. I can't imagine life without it and you have asked the question so do some research, find a class that suits you and get dancing. Enjoy.

If you’ve got a burning question for Deirdre, email angel@capitalmag.co.nz with Capital Angel in the subject line.

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B A B Y, B A B Y

BEING GROWN-UP

BY MELODY THOMAS

T

wo weeks ago I left my 20s behind once and for all, celebrating the beginning of my 30s with a small group of family. I’ve consumed enough terrible pop culture that I know how I’m supposed to feel about this – that from here it’s all downhill regarding my physical appearance, energy levels, general health and opportunities for adventure and excitement.

Even if I’d never seen a commercial, music video or film I’d have figured out that getting older isn’t something to look forward to – it’s the minority of people who greeted news of my birthday with simple happy wishes and not some joke about being over the hill. But actually I’ve found myself strangely impervious to all of that, and feeling really very good about this new milestone.

I’m sure this is related to our wee girl – who is not at all ‘wee’ any more but turning two tomorrow – and to the amount of joy (and exhaustion and frustration but mostly joy) she brings us.

And I know that did I not have her or her dad I would probably feel quite different about getting older. I know that comments about my age, while repetitive, do not include quips about my ticking biological clock or invasive questions about potential life partners on the horizon. In this I am extremely privileged.

And I understand why ageing is viewed as unappealing, especially for women (and for those who are thinking that 30 is still well within the realm of ‘spring chicken’ I get that too – in a decade I may be writing a very different column).

It would be a true wonder woman who kept up unwavering self-assurance in the face of a societal narrative that dictates physical appearance as all-important. But if, for a moment, we can cast that aside and think of ageing in different terms, maybe we can come to different conclusions.

When I think about how I felt about myself, my life, my

family and my place in the world five or ten years ago versus how I feel now, I can only surmise that ageing is in fact a pretty awesome process. My twenties were packed to the brim with road trips, festivals, imbibing of illicit substances and international travel. I went to university and lived in a different city and danced til the sun came up. But I also suffered under heavy spells of self-doubt and anxiety, wondering who I was and where I would end up and if everything would be okay. These things don’t really enter my mind any more – or if they do it is so rarely that I can’t recall them now, and looking round at the faces of the friends who are growing older with me I can see I’m not alone in feeling this way.

And if I don’t see their wrinkles or their greys or their changing figures, not in a way that matters, then they probably don’t see those things in me either. We are so quick to criticise ourselves but really when someone who loves us looks at us they only see our essence – the thing that makes us ‘us’. If that ‘usness’ was as strongly correlated with our physical appearance as we’re led to believe then our parents and grandparents would be completely unrecognisable to us by now. But they’re not, they’re very much still ‘them’. If anything they are more ‘them’ – free from the weight of expectations to be anything else.

In terms of letting go of the internalised message of youthas-beauty and old age as something to be struggled against til the end, I have a while to go. I was raised on the same media diet as every other girl in this country. But my great hope for myself is not that I will age well, and continue to look ‘good’ for as long as possible, but that by the time I have well and truly lost all markers of my youth, I just won’t care any more.

How much better a life does that sound?

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MARCH 2015

JUMPING JACK SPLASH Summer in Wellington starts late and lingers into March so there’s still plenty of time to take a dip. Do it in dramatic fashion and jump off a pier. To ensure an audience there’s the Taranaki Wharf cut-out near Circa (the stairwell platform always allows a flourish as you lift off) but we have some outlying piers that don’t have spectator seating – try Seatoun Wharf or Petone Wharf. Don’t forget to take a friend to impress.

FEAST YOUR EYES Art anyone? A group of seven galleries began opening until 8pm on the first Thursday of each month last year. It’s still going strong so head to the Cuba quarter.

The galleries include, Bowen, Hamish McKay, Suite, Peter McLeavey, Enjoy, Bartley + Company and Robert Heald. Two institutions are doing it too so include City Gallery and The Dowse on your itinerary as well.

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DO YOU HAVE A WILL? Say

I will

the will to live is not enough and make an appointment with RASCH LEONG LAWYERS

PARTNERS Ramona Rasch LLB David Leong LLB 1st Floor Kilbirnie Plaza 30 Bay Road | PO Box8 14 6 304, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241, New Zealand Tel 04 387 7831 | Email lawyers@raschleong.co.nz | www.raschleong.co.nz

S T R E E T F E S T I VA L S

08 NEWTOWN FESTIVAL Two music stages, fairground fun, stalls and international food.

Street Fair – 8 March, 9.30am, Newtown

21 ARO VALLEY FAIR Enjoy everything the vibrant Aro community has to offer.

21 March, 10am, Aro Park

28 CUBADUPA Get up and get down as Wellington’s most iconic street is transformed into a magical playground of adventure, light, sound and taste.

28 & 29 March, Cuba Street

FEB 28 SEAWEEK Seaweek focuses on learning from the sea.

2015 is themed “Look beneath the surface – Papatai ō roto – Papatai ō raro”.

28 February–8 March

MARCH 02 LADY LIBERTY DANCE PERFORMANCE Wellington based female hip hop dance crew Infinite Dance Crew tells the tale of the real Lady Liberty, who inspired the famous statue in the 1880s. Warning: may contain strobe lighting.

2–6 March, 7pm, Whitireia Performance Centre, Vivian Street

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NENEH CHERRY Swedish-born singer-songwriter (and partial inspiration for Lara Croft) tours her new album Blank Project, produced by Four Tet. 3 March, 8pm, James Cabaret, 5 Hania Street

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ATHLETICS NZ TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS New Zealand's best athletes and a host of international stars come together.

NZCT WELLINGTON DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL New Zealand’s largest Dragon Boat Festival returns for its 25th year.

6–8 March, 9am, Newtown Park

14 & 15 March

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HOMEGROWN The yearly music festival comprising seven stages and more than 50 music acts comes to Wellington waterfront.

7 March, Wellington waterfront

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ADELAIDE UNITED V WELLINGTON PHOENIX Wellington Phoenix football action in Lower Hutt.

NZ FRINGE FESTIVAL Wellington arts festival’s 25th year of creativity and chaos.

Until 14 March

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THE WELLINGTON WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL Four ticketed sessions of local wine, food, restaurants, and beverages in an atmosphere that reflects summer.

20–22 March, Wellington waterfront

7 March, 7pm, Hutt Recreation Ground

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WELLINGTON FREE OUTDOOR CINEMA Free movies screened on Lagoon Lawn, beside St John’s Bar (weather permitting).

CAFFEINATION – NEW ZEALAND FESTIVAL OF COFFEE Tastings, seminars, demonstrations, and the New Zealand Barista Championship will leave you alert (and a little shaky).

7, 14, 21 March, 8:35pm & 28 March, 9:35pm, Lagoon Lawn, Wellington

21–22 March, TSB Bank Arena

PARKS WEEK 2015 A range of events celebrating the little pockets of green paradise within the city.

CULTURE KICKS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Wellington-based teams representing groups from around the world battle for the 2015 Culture Kicks Trophy.

7–15 March

11 FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL

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22 March, 9am, Wakefield Park, Adelaide Rd

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The Alliance Française French Film Festival returns with new faces and titles for the largest French cultural event in New Zealand.

NZSO CONCERT DUTCH VIOLINIST Janine Jansen’s New Zealand debut, playing Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece.

11–29 March, Embassy Theatre

28 March, 7.30pm

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ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP MATCHES ICC Cricket World Cup matches at Wellington Regional Stadium.

South Africa v UAE, 12 March, 2pm, Wellington Regional Stadium Quarter final, 21 March, 2pm, Wellington Regional Stadium

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DON QUIXOTE The Royal New Zealand Ballet retells the classic story Don Quixote.

SOUTH EAST ASIAN NIGHT MARKET The exciting sounds and aromas from ten South East Asian countries spread along the Wellington waterfront.

4–7 March, St James Theatre

13 & 14 March, 4pm, Wellington waterfront

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SGCNZ WELLINGTON REGIONAL UOSW SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Five 15-minute performances of Shakespeare’s plays.

30 March−1 April, 7pm, Wellington East Girls' College

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OCEAN FILM FESTIVAL WORLD TOUR Two hours of award-winning films from around the world to fuel your passion for the aquatic world.

31 March–1 April, 6:30pm, Paramount Theatre

TOP DOG

Audrey Harrison is two years old and has her own business card. As ‘Office Dogsbody’ she attends all Fullstop Digital Print deliveries with owner Helen. The poodle papillon cross has a slight distrust of skateboards, walking sticks and wheelchairs but we’re assured she means well.

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Sonla Pham

Create Your Future Massey University Wellington College of Creative Arts Toi Rauwharangi

creative.massey.ac.nz Fashion and Textile Design, Industrial and Spatial Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts and Photography, Maori Visual Arts, Creative Media Production and in 2016, Commercial Music.

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www.capitalmag.co.nz

Lizzie Langridge

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