Metropol 31 October 2024 by Metropol

AWE-INSPIRING AKAROA

SALMONELLA DUB’S ANDREW PENMAN INTERVIEW

Brain Health at Alpine View...

Dr. Helen Murray, a neuroscientist specialising in the research of the risks of highimpact sport on players’ brain health, recently presented to Alpine View residents on how to improve the health of our brains as we age.

This was part of Alpine View Lifestyle Village’s TRILife Wellness Programme, where live talks are held on a variety of stimulating topics.

For a tour of houses and apartments contact Louise (027 614 4170) or Glenda (027 397 8226)

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It’s almost time for

NZ CUP WEEK

CHRISTCHURCH ‘24

Our beautiful garden city comes alive during Cup Week. Fill the calendar and feel the excitement.

ACanterbury social highlight, the New Zealand Cup at Riccarton Park is fast-paced, featuring high-class entertainment. A stunning venue for it, Riccarton Park invites you to enjoy its open spaces, mature trees, and park-like setting. All three days provide spectacular racing, culminating on the 16th, with the biggest crowd of the week oﬀering a wonderful ﬁnale.

The Grand tour brings us Australian DJ sensation, Hot Dub Time Machine, live on Saturday 9 November, Al Basti Equiworld Dubai 2000 Guineas Day. All you need is a GA ticket to enjoy the iconic blend of nostalgic hits after the last race.

Experience New Zealand Cup Day at its best, get your friends together for a day full of fun with the excitement of high-class racing. Look out for the ZM Entertainment Zone on Saturday 16 November at Martin Collins New Zealand Cup & Barneswood Farm 1000 Guineas Day.

The Ned Fashion In The Field competitions feature on both Wednesday 13 and Saturday 16 race days, a must-see for the best in racing fashion. Book a fashion package for 16 November at just $165 per person.

ADDINGTON CUP WEEK AT ADDINGTON RACEWAY: 12 & 15 NOV 2024

Get ready for a thrilling week at Addington, kicking oﬀ with the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup Day on Tuesday, 12 November. The excitement begins early with the pedestrian gates opening at 11am, giving you a head start to explore the vibrant raceway. Indulge in a variety of food and beverage outlets from 11.30am onwards. The Crossing Cup Day Fashion Marquee will be home for the ultimate fashion-forward experience for the day. With a beautifully styled space, delicious canapes and lunch to enjoy, and front row seats to the best fashion on the course, this is one to lock in to your social calendar. Don’t miss out on the ZM on the Green experience for unforgettable memories, and level up your experiences with Hospitality Packages.

As Show Day approaches, take advantage of free parking with the thrilling twilight

NEW ZEALAND CUP WEEK AT RICCARTON PARK: 9, 13, 16 NOV 2024

ONE ON ONE

Editor's Note

EDITOR LYNDA PAPESCH

Going global with Kiwi cleantech

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EDITOR

Early in October came the news that 14 ambitious Kiwi cleantech startups are chasing global investment and partnership opportunities as part of the 2024 Cleantech Trek to the USA and Europe.

Estimated to be worth more than NZD$1 trillion annually by 2030, the global cleantech market is growing rapidly due to investment in clean energy technologies such as solar and wind, plus growing consumer demand for more sustainably produced materials.

As part of the ‘trek’, participating companies are pitching to investors, meeting multinationals and making vital connections as they seek to participate in this market.

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Lynda Papesch editor@metros.co.nz Ph: 021 073-2786

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CONTRIBUTORS: Alicia Carr, Barry White, Cheryl Colley, Coral Henderson, Denise Robertson, Getty Images, Hannah Brown, Jessica Allen, Jane Wyles, Joseph Harper, Lorraine Quinn, Louise Mackenzie, Nancye Pitt, Rhonda Mitchell, Sue Kingham, Tracy Pope.

Because cleantech solutions address diﬃcult to solve environmental and sustainability challenges, their commercialisation typically requires more capital, stronger networks, and a longer path to market than most other sectors.

Hence there is a need to start early to build long-term relationships with multi-nationals and investors to develop and commercialise their solutions on a global scale.

New Zealand is a small player on the global scene, yet it has a long-established reputation for innovation and leading the charge. Collaborative eﬀorts such as the Cleantech Trek are to be applauded and supported. In more ways than one, they are essential to our future.

Metropol is printed on PEFC-certiﬁed (No: 40-31-33) paper, from forests that are managed in line with the strictest environmental, social and economic requirements. Certiﬁcation provides assurance the paper we use is from sustainably managed forests; a forest that will be around for generations to come.

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Timeless Elegance

Sophie Harris MAMMA MIA:

Sophie Harris was born with a passion to perform. Christchurch’s favourite rising theatre chameleon, who landed the lead of Sophie Sheridan in Showbiz’s MAMMA MIA! and Charlie’s love interest Lauren in Kinky Boots, shares stories of the stage with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker.

Every childhood dream placed Sophie in front of an audience or camera, yet the misconception between performing as a career or hobby held her back for a long time. “I felt like I always had to be something, and then perform on the side.”

As she grew, she learned there are millions of ways to be creative - it would just take hard work and patience. Determining whether she would be a professional dancer, stage or screen actor, choreographer, or musical theatre performer was troubling. “Little did I know, you can dabble in it all,” Sophie laughs. “I wish I could tell younger me all the incredible opportunities and cool experiences we’ve had, I think she would be stoked.”

Athleticism in her genes from national cricketing grandfather Zin and father Chris, an accomplished runner for an uncle and her mother a sporting all-rounder, it would seem Sophie’s path was already paved for her. “Performing is a bit of a new thing for my family,” Sophie shares, yet that unfamiliarity quickly vanished.

can be for something totally out of your control like your height or your shoe size,” Sophie admits. Naturally, the phone call that conﬁrmed her casting had her in a ball of tears, followed by many happy phone calls. “I was so grateful to be given the chance and I was so devoted to taking care of her [character].”

“I felt like I always had to be something, and then perform on the side.”

Despite relentless singing in the kitchen and constant rearranging of furniture to give space for dance practice, Sophie’s family are her biggest fans. At every show, often more times than one, is Sophie’s own fan club. “I couldn’t ask for a better family, they are my absolute pride and joy.” Then, there’s the homage she pays to the all those she performs with, Cashmere High School, and former drama teacher Shaun Edwards-Brown. “He was the most supportive force of nature,” one who sat with Sophie for hours talking auditions, agents, and the plethora of career paths.

So much hustle goes into the moments Sophie spends on stage. “Auditioning is the worst part,” she reveals. Sophie avoids dreaming of the role to avoid disappointment, yet callbacks make that tricky. Extensive research of the part leads her to fall in love with the character, causing her to “fall into a huge pit of anxiety,” on the outcome of the audition. “I was utterly riddled with anxiety heading into my Sophie Sheridan callback. But, part of this industry is knowing that if you don’t get the part, it’s okay. Sometimes it

Crafting her own version of the role portrayed so lovingly by Amanda Seyfried was a challenge. She references a Johnny Depp quote, “With any part you play, there is a certain amount of yourself in it. There has to be, otherwise it’s just not acting. It’s lying.” Sophie explains it’s easy to ﬁnd elements of herself in the characters she’s landed lately. “Being a young woman, trying to ﬁnd their way in life and overcome some big challenges, it’s pretty easy for me to relate to characters like Sophie and Lauren.” She hopes to play Sophie Sheridan again before she’s too old.

The incredible voice and melodic sound Sophie shared with audiences of MAMMA MIA! never exposed itself as one of her biggest insecurities. Singing Slipping Through My Fingers on closing night with Sarah Kelly as Donna is already one of Sophie’s career highlights. “There were a lot of tearful rehearsals that made that scene feel like magic.”

Surrounded by stimulation, Sophie spends her spare time at a much slower pace. Crochet, true crime podcasts, runs with her border collie, and easy dinners with friends before cosying up on the couch. It is important she allows herself moments of calm, in between countless hours of rehearsing, teaching dance, and rolling out her feet, calves, and shoulders. She’s rolling out new dreams too, without facing too much pressure and losing the love for it all. “I want to keep that spark in me that yearns for the next creative adventure.” Whether we see her next on screen, in a director’s seat, or choreographing the leading dance scene, I guess we will have to ﬁnd out.

SOPHIE ON…

Managing anxiety: Rough times calls for Sophie and her boyfriends’ ‘Fruit Day’. They clear a day in the calendar, deep clean the house, and the night before stock up on indulgent fruits. “Lychees, mangoes, berries, any exciting thing they have got.” When they wake, phones are turned oﬀ and fruit is devoured. “It feels like it restarts my brain. As much as I’d like to say something inspirational, my real solution is to treat myself to a big day of nothing but fruit.”

Entering a new role: Compare it with making a new friend. From awkward ﬁrst run-throughs of the show, to becoming comfortable with each other over time. She describes introducing the show to the lighting, wardrobe, and sound crews, like introducing a new friend to family. “By the time opening night comes around, our team is best friends with the show so much that we share it with everyone.”

Making music with Andrew Penman

Formed in Christchurch in 1992, mainland brass pioneer Salmonella Dub is still touring extensively, releasing new music, and enjoying being on the road. Metropol Editor Lynda Papesch caught up with co-originator Andrew Penman, aka DJ Rudeboy, ahead of two Lyttelton performances in November.

The Salmonella Dub originators work on World She Waits, Christchurch

Times, music and technology have changed much during the last three decades, yet the legend of Kiwi favourite Salmonella Dub lives on. Frontman Andrew is now older, wiser, and more tech savvy.

Making music has evolved hugely, opening up far more opportunities now, he says.

“In the early days living in Ōtautahi and playing regularly at The Dux and Quadrophenia through the 1990s, we would rehearse twice a week, writing material for albums that were recorded reel to tape. By 1995, with help from David Harrow of ONu Sound, we switched to recording on the grid digitally and started experimenting with our ﬁrst forays into jungle tempo switches. This digi process contributed to more opportunities to develop our sound and our ability to remix and cut album tracks for radio,” Andrew explains.

Now with band members spread far and wide, between Ōtautahi, Kaikōura, Nelson, Melbourne, the Gold Coast, Wellington, Tauranga, and Queenstown, and studios in Kaikōura and Wakatū Nelson, rehearsing can be “rather expensive”, he laughs. “The ﬂights for rehearsals for our failed tour through the 2021/22 lockdowns were costing $660 one way from Tauranga and Queenstown to our studio in Nelson,” Andrew recalls.

Inspiration for the band currently comes from old and new generations of musicians, and also a few classic Kiwi legends. “Sleaford Mods [an English post-punk music duo] are my go-to at the moment,” says Andrew, although admitting that his real inspirations still sit with early emerging Aotearoa literary voices, such as Keri Hulme, Janet Frame, and Frank Sargeson. “Musically, I am also still inspired by Nick Cave, the Gladiators, and Public Enemy.”

Past gigs and gig memories from the 1980s are clear as a bell in his mind, gigs such as supporting The Skeptics at the Gladstone, and as a punter watching the Headless Chickens when they were a three-piece band supporting Nico at the Carlton in Christchurch. “The drummer for Chooks was Chris Knox’s four-track reel-to-reel tape machine, experimental and inspirational stuﬀ. Nico was cool

too; we loved her harmonium playing and tabla players; it was so cool how she stalked off stage in a huff when ‘Vodka Robin’, a known Christchurch entity, got raucous during the first track.”

Looking at the past, present, and towards the future, Andrew attributes the continuing success and longevity of Salmonella Dub to the “Mainland landscape and our connection to the whakapapa of it”. Both have been incredibly important to the band and its members, he says.

“Keeping our feet on the ground, maintaining other jobs, and engaging positively within our collective community with respect for our collective whakapapa has been an important part of who we are,” he explains. “A case in point is the recent collaboration with Nino Birch on our new single Never Too Late - We’ve Got This Gift. The ﬁrst vocal takes included the line “I’ve got this gift”. After thinking about it, Nino made a good point; it is not just us, our collective community all have gifts. Without our audience we’d be less than nothing so we changed it to We’ve Got This Gift.”

The band will play at The Loons in Lyttelton on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 November. This digi process contributed

The single is the ﬁrst EP release from the band’s new digi album For all Things Alive Part 1, which came out in October. For All Things Alive Part 2 is due out this month, November. It features Nino, from seminal New Zealand band Beat Rhythm Fashion in a writing collaboration that began after Salmonella Dub turned down the New Zealand Music Awards hall of fame legacy award in 2017.

Now in demand as a powerhouse live dance act and regular performers on the New Zealand and Australian festival line-ups and club circuit, the Salmonella Dub SoundSystem Show will be in Lyttelton for two nights. The live performances will see band co-originator Andrew on the mix, and feature the Mighty Asterix, Whirimako Black, and the Sal Dub horn section in a space-weaving two-hour danceﬂoor journey through Salmonella Dub’s basslands.

SPRING INTO ACTION

Salmonella Dub at Gosford Testing, testing...

What’s on

NOVEMBER ONWARDS

FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH: WEST MELTON COMMUNITY MARKET

Held at the West Melton Community Centre, this market oﬀers artisanal products from over 50 stalls, plus food and drink to enjoy, with a big pre-Christmas market on 1 December, so add it to your calendar. facebook.com/westmeltoncm

3 NOV: THE MORE FM GREAT CANTERBURY DUCK RACE

The Great Canterbury Duck Race returns, from 12 to 3pm at the Bridge of Remembrance. A fun day out for all, while serving as a major fundraiser for Life Education Trust Canterbury. lifeeducationcanterbury.org.nz/duck

7 NOV: GERALDINE SUMMER FÊTE

Enjoy a day of indulgence with friends and family, just 10 minutes north of Geraldine. The fête boasts 200 high-quality artisan stalls including homewares, garden and lifestyle items, and more. geraldinesummerfete.co.nz

Canterbury

8 NOVEMBER FRIDAY

LADI6, ALOFA: THE HEARTBEAT

Established Kiwi artist Ladi6, known for her authentic and innovative approach to music, will start her new tour at The Church on Worcester Street. banishedmusic.com

1. Pam Lutton, Greg Ward, Jude Cheal, Kern de Roo. 2. Douglas Shields and Craig Ogilvie from Showbiz Christchurch. 3. Gemma Kearney, Hillary Moulder, Kimberley Wood. 4. Jono Collins, Sarah Kelly. 5. Lynne Smith, Summa Blake, Shirley-Anne Da ney, Angela Blake, Rebecca Lawrence, Sharon Hannah. 6. Brigid McClelland, Colette Inkster, Petrina Chisholm, Libby Fraser, Chris Finnie. 7. Tom & Jamie Hart.

Scan QR Code for details

bit.ly/ZSN24

21 NOV: ZONTA SAYS NO

The Zonta Club of Christchurch South Inc. are raising awareness about gender based violence. Come and hear from Celine Donovan, Rachel Kain, Angela Kearney and Dr Nazman N. Ratna at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, 6pm – 8pm. bit.ly/ZSN24

NOVEMBER SATURDAY soaring and toes tapping. courttheatre.org.nz

PROMOTE YOUR CHRISTMAS MARKET

To eﬀectively promote your Christmas Market in Metropol, contact Barry on features@metros.co.nz or 022 535 5744. Limited spaces available in 26 November and 12 and 19 December issues.

BUY GOLD & SILVER BULLION

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Coming later

HOZIER’S UNREAL UNEARTH TOUR

Musical great and grammy-nominated Hozier brings his Unreal Unearth Tour 2024 to Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena. His show on 22 November sold out, so make sure you don’t miss out on this one. premier.ticketek.co.nz

25 NOV: TALL BLACKS V CHINESE TAIPEI

The Tall Blacks return to Christchurch on a crusade to qualify for the FIBA Asia Cup.

SITUATED IN THE HEART OF CHRISTCHURCH

we offer state-of-the-art security for your documents and valuables. Our clients can rent or purchase a Safe Deposit Box and ensure lifelong peace of mind.

It’s playtime

Warmer weather is on the horizon and playtime naturally shifts outside.

Children learn through hands-on experiences and emulating the environment around them – role playing with cooking is one such popular activity. The Canterbury Playcentre Shop oﬀers a wide variety of equipment designed for early childhood, which encourages exploration, imagination and experimentation. Their range includes tea sets, an outdoor kitchen, dinner sets, and cooking utensils.

“The good thing about having the outdoor kitchen is that kids can just make a mess. They can use all sorts of diﬀerent things – they might use water, sand and leaves, whatever is around them in their environment to trigger their imagination,” says shop co-manager Jessamy.

The beneﬁts of a good-quality plastic tea or dinner set is that it’s going to stand the test of time and also allow children to learn more skills. These products can have water poured through them as opposed to their wooden counterparts.

“The kids are using their imagination, but they’re also learning skills like pouring and walking with something, such as a teacup, that is full and trying not to spill the water as they go. Those activities will help them gain conﬁdence, and those skills are all really helpful.”

Visit the Canterbury Playcentre Shop at 17 Buchan Street, Sydenham, or order direct from their website.

playcentreshop.co.nz

resources for over 70 years, the Playcentre Shop can help you build a safe and challenging play environment where children can explore, experiment and imagine.

economy Cruisy

Figures from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) on the economic and social impact of cruise tourism shows the 2023/2024 season generated $5.3 million for the local economy. Total cruise tourist expenditure was between $23 and $35 million.

The NZIER report for ChristchurchNZ revealed a positive view of cruise tourism, with 69% of local businesses seeing it as important for their business, and 68% describing cruise tourism as having a ‘positive’ or ‘very positive’ impact on their revenue. Cruise operations are estimated to have contributed $5.3 million to the local region, with total cruise tourist expenditure between $23 and $35 million, and an average spend of $146 per person in the central city alone.

The report indicated a largely positive view of cruise tourism by Christchurch businesses and residents. When asked about the overall contribution of cruise tourism to the local region, 79% of business respondents indicated a positive or extremely positive impact.

Businesses identiﬁed ‘creating a ‘buzz’ around products and services’ (47.4%) and ‘increasing customer diversity’ (42.1%) as the key non-economic beneﬁts of cruise tourism.

The number of cruise ships visiting Christchurch has increased post-Covid due to the opening of a purposebuilt cruise berth, allowing the return of large ships to Lyttelton in 2022, the ﬁrst time since the earthquakes.

Residents surveyed by NZIER were largely positive about cruise tourism. When asked about the impact of the most recent cruise season, 85% of residents reported a positive or neutral perception. Central City residents expressed more positivity compared to those in Lyttelton and Akaroa, where responses were more mixed, with 36% indicating both positive and negative impacts.

Riccarton Bush.

women and wealth.

Shiree and Unicia understand that seeking financial advice is a deeply personal experience. They know how to listen and take great care in understanding y your unique circumstances, values and dreams. Talk to Shiree and Unicia about y your personal financial plan.

Shiree Hembrow

Senior Financial Adviser

shiree.hembrow@phwealth.co.nz 027 289 1563

12/75 Peterborough Street Christchurch 8013

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Unicia Veer

Financial Adviser unicia.veer@phwealth.co.nz 021 0254 4735

• Tightening loose screws

• Replacing a light bulbs

• Fixing a squeaky doors

• Patching small nail holes

• Adjusting door stops

• Securing a loose toilet seat

• Cleaning spouting

• Replacing smoke alarms

• Lubricating window tracks

• Hanging pictures

• Replacing a showerhead

• Straightening crooked cabinet doors

• Installing door bumpers

• Replacing/fixing towel and toilet holders

• Applying touch-up paint

• Replacing a shower curtain

• Lawn mowing

• Replacing broken/rotten fence palings

We’re here to manage and maximise your investment property, so you don’t have to.

Let us take the stress away.

Restoring New Zealand’s law and order

MP BANKS PENINSULA VANESSA WEENINK

Every New Zealander deserves to feel safe in their homes, businesses, and communities, but in recent years, that feeling has turned to fear for too many. Here in Canterbury this issue is no different.

That’s why this Government made a promise to restore law and order and we’ve taken decisive action in our Q3 Action Plan. In the last quarter alone, we passed four major laws designed to crack down on criminal activity and give Police stronger powers to tackle gangs. We also introduced reforms to ensure that oﬀenders face tougher sentencing, alongside stronger measures for serious youth oﬀenders.

These changes will make Christchurch safer for everyone. Alongside tackling crime, we need to rebuild the economy, so the Government has announced the projects to be included in our one-stop-shop Fast Track Approvals Bill.

This means 149 projects with significant regional or national benefits, including 22 key projects in Canterbury, can be fast-tracked for approval under the Fast-track Approvals Bill. In the Canterbury region alone, there will be ten housing and land developments, four infrastructure projects, and five renewable solar energy projects which will supply electricity to the national grid.

Nationally, the list includes 43 infrastructure projects, expected to deliver up to 180km of new road, rail, and public transport routes. Additionally, 44 housing developments will help address the housing crisis, enabling the construction of up to 55,000 new homes in key growth areas. 22 renewable electricity projects across the country will collectively add up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of generation capacity - for context, Auckland’s peak demand is around 2 gigawatts. This will strengthen the electricity grid and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Each project will be reviewed by an expert panel, which will assess its environmental eﬀects. If the environmental impacts are deemed excessive the panel can decline the project. This initiative is about creating jobs, addressing long-standing housing shortages, and closing infrastructure gaps.

Kiwis in Canterbury can be conﬁdent in a Government that continues to deliver on its promises, making New Zealand safer, stronger, and more prosperous.

DIRECTOR NZ MORTGAGES NATHAN MIGLANI

The market is certainly buzzing with activity. With the OCR dropping to 4.75%, interest rates are ﬁnally heading in the right direction at a great pace.

Another OCR announcement at the end of November has the potential to see the rate go to 4.5% for the start of 2025. Our crystal ball hopefully sees 4.99% and 4.95% rates prior to Christmas.

The NZ Mortgages team has also seen a jump in the property investment space over the past few weeks, as the interest rates start to come down, purchasing an investment property is becoming a great option to help you on your journey towards ﬁnancial freedom. We were fortunate to spend a weekend at Te Pae at the New Zealand Property Investors Federation’s annual conference, where we met plenty of people who believe that now is a great time to get into the investment space. If you’re thinking about investment or unsure if you have enough equity in your property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

If you are refixing or know your loan is coming up for renewal soon, make sure you are getting the best deal in the market. If your rate is up in the next couple of weeks, there is a good incentive to float your mortgage until after the next OCR announcement on 27 November, but please talk to an adviser for advice on your personal situation. Try and fix your loan as late as possible, as the OCR drop means banks are dropping their rates to try beat out their competitors – albeit not as fast as some would like. It does mean there is plenty of money to be saved by waiting until as late as possible to fix your loan. We also highly recommend you fix for short-term - as rates are predicted to continue dropping, and a better deal is likely to be available in 6 to 12 months time.

For more personalised advice, speak to your adviser or any member of our team at www.nzmortgages.co.nz or call us at 0800 100 300

nzmortgages.co.nz 0800 100 300

nathan@nzmortgages.co.nz

Why ignoring older workers is destroying your company’s future

Ageism is an unspoken bias that’s killing workplace potential. Let’s be honest, consciously or unconsciously, many companies lean toward hiring younger talent, thinking youth equals innovation and experience equals stagnation.

That kind of thinking really is past its use-by. Ignoring older workers means you’re not just missing out, you could be sabotaging your company’s growth.

Who said older workers can’t keep up with technology? The tech you worship today was built by people with decades of experience and are the same ones you’re overlooking now. These are people who’ve lived through years of technology iterations and taken it all in stride. True innovation doesn’t come from knowing the latest app; it’s about understanding systems, patterns, and failures over time—something only experience can teach.

And loyalty? Many younger employees are job-hopping faster than ever and often have bigger plans than working at one company for the foreseeable future. Older workers tend to be committed. They’re not endlessly scouring job ads for the next oﬀer; they’re building long-term relationships with companies. If you’re looking for stability, look to those who are in it for the longer haul.

Then there’s mentorship, a priceless asset many companies overlook. Sure, younger workers may have the very latest digital skills, but they can lack the foundational people skills critical to business success. Older employees, on the other hand, have mastered communication, management, and problem-solving over decades. They’re not just workers—they’re mentors, ready to elevate your team in ways no crash course ever could.

Afraid of paying them more or worried they might be overqualiﬁed? It’s shortsighted to make assumptions about older candidates. The truth is, cutting corners on experience will likely cost you more in the long run. You wouldn’t skimp on the foundation of your business, so why do it with your workforce? Older workers can bring quality, loyalty, and depth—things that often can’t be replaced by someone cheaper or younger.

If your company is looking past the opportunity to hire older employees, you’re not just ageist—you’re setting yourself up for failure. The future isn’t about being the youngest or fastest; it’s about balance, wisdom, and ambition. Miss that balance and you might get left behind.

Kim Laurenson of Mylend, alongside Bayleys Canterbury’s Angela Webb and Sara O’Connor of Craigs Investment Partners, held an

1. Eileen Prasad, Karina McGillivray-Seaton, 2. Angela Webb (Bayleys), Sara O’Connor (Craig’s Investment Partners), Kim Laurenson (Mylend), 3. Mackenzie Glendining, Briar Lu , Rebecca Newble, Emily Graham, Monique Crawford, 4. Janine Clark, Rachel Dovey, 5. Melanie Webb, Sophia Quilian, 6. Skye Duncan, Sophia Quilian, Shannon Middlemiss, Louisa Steel, Leah Chambers.

Photos by Jane Wyles Photography, for copies email

Airport rideshare zone changing

Christchurch Airport is changing some of its public transport pick-up points to enhance passenger convenience and safety. As part of these improvements, the Rideshare (Uber) pick-up zone will move just a few steps away from International Arrivals at Door 7, alongside the existing taxi rank and Super Shuttle.

The change reﬂects the growing preference for rideshare services like Uber, with airport data showing that two out of three customers now opt for rideshare over taxis, though taxis remain an important option for many passengers.

The changes oﬀer passengers a shorter, safer walk, ideal for families, those with heavy luggage, or people with mobility needs. It eliminates the need to cross a busy road to reach the previous Uber pick-up zone, which was 250 metres away from the most frequently used exit.

Additionally, collection points for hotel, car park, and car rental shuttles will move to Door 1 at the regional terminal, streamlining ground transport by separating services typically arranged after landing, like taxis and Uber, from those arranged in advance, such as hotel and car rental shuttles.

Christchurch Airport General Manager of Customer & Commercial David Cooper says the changes are all about improving safety, reducing walking times for the most popular transport options, and enhancing convenience for our passengers. “We’ve listened to feedback and analysed

One of the most important matters to a Vendor of a business is ensuring that the information they provide on their business for the purpose of obtaining a sale remains confidential. For this reason it is always important to utilise a reputable Business Broker in the sale of your business. A reputable Business Broker will insist on getting a completed Confidentiality Agreement signed by a prospective Purchaser, and checking the Purchaser out to ascertain how genuine they are, before releasing ANY information

to a prospective Purchaser. Our Business Broker Team has a rule whereby if a Confidentiality Agreement isn’t completed by a prospective Purchaser, then absolutely no information is provided to that person. Confidentiality is vitally important throughout the sales process, as no-one wants important confidential financial and other information getting into the wrong hands. Business Brokers are experienced professionals who regard confidentiality as a major part of their role, and will guard against information being wrongly used.

the data; more people use Uber now than any other paid-for service to get to the airport,” he says.

“It’s also about offering customers a choice of transport options to suit their needs. The rise of rideshare has been significant over the past few years, and we’re delighted to offer passengers what they’ve been asking for—a rideshare zone much closer to the terminal like the experience at other major international airports and around the world.”

As part of the reorganisation, the cost to taxis and Uber vehicles to use the service lanes will increase by $0.50, which is the ﬁrst increase since 2015. The set of transport operational adjustments are scheduled to take eﬀect on 19 November. Detailed maps and information will be shared closer to the date to ensure passengers are well-informed about the new pick-up zones.

There will be no changes to the public bus service pick-up points or the airport’s recently introduced wait zone. The wait zone is just 500 metres from the pick-up and drop-oﬀ area. Passengers can wait for free until they receive a text from friends or family to collect them.

Athol McCully and Cecilia Xiao

Athol and Cecilia are experienced Business Brokers as a part of New Zealand’s largest team of NAI Harcourts Business Brokers. If you are seeking to buy or sell a business contact Athol or Cecilia.

Athol McCully and Cecilia Xiao are experienced Business Brokers as a part of New Zealand’s largest team of NAI Harcourts Business Brokers. If you are seeking to buy or sell a business contact them today.

Athol and Cecilia are experienced Business Brokers as a part of New Zealand’s largest team of NAI Harcourts Business Brokers. If you are seeking to buy or sell a business contact Athol or Cecilia.

Athol 0274 338 052

Athol 0274 338 052 Cecilia 021 0256 3311

Cecilia 021 0256 3311

Athol 0274 338 052

Cecilia 021 0256 3311

Christmas gift guide

SILOSTAY

A SiloVoucher for the uniquely exquisite SiloStay Little River is a gift that isn’t just for Christmas.

Come experience Kiwi-ingenuity at the heart of Banks Peninsula. Put it on your wishlist today!

4243 Christchurch-Akaroa Highway 03 325 1977 | info@silostay.kiwi.nz www.silostay.kiwi.nz

PLATTERS ‘R’ US

Let us take care of your Christmas catering and gifting! From delightful Platter Boxes to delicately delicious Gourmet Bakes, we have everything to make this festive season truly unforgettable.

plattersrus2022@gmail.com P: 0210 588 088 www.plattersrus.co.nz

RIFTERS BOUTIQUE SPIRITS

Spirits from the earth, made to be enjoyed in good company. Rifters are makers of small batch premium spirits. Handcrafted in New Zealand using flavourful botanicals and pure New Zealand artesian water. Order online or visit Dudley’s Cottage Tasting Room. 4 Buckingham St, Arrowtown www.riftersgin.co.nz

MY LITTLE PUB

The ultimate gift for for someone who has it all. My Little Pub is a custom built, awe-inspiring, entertaining space for your backyard, known to bring friends and family together and become the heart of many good times. What gift could be more special than one that brings people together and lasts for generations?

info@mylittlepub.co.nz www.mylittlepub.co.nz

REAL MEALS

Perfect For Christmas Stockings! Grab this fantastic stocking filler or gift for Christmas. Buy any four main meals and receive a free dessert! Add the dessert into your cart and the discount will apply at checkout. Available until 17th November. Use the code METRO4.

Real Meals – Award Winning Chef Made Meals www.realmeals.co.nz

HOMESTEAD OF HANMER

We welcome you to shop for all things beautiful in our newly renovated and extended store. Beautiful gifts for everyone including those who have everything. Price ranges to suit all budgets. We look forward to seeing you soon.

2/24 Conical Hill Road, Hanmer P. 03 315 5063 annie.truman@foursquare-si.co.nz

THE JUNIPER COLLECTIVE

Book a private NZ Gin Tasting!

We are the only NZ only Spirits boutique in the country with over 200 Gins, Whiskies, Rum and more. You just need five people, up to 30, for a unique and fun night out. Come see us for all your local spirits and gifting needs!

112 Cashel Street, on Plymouth Lane www.junipercollective.co.nz

WHITE HEART

Be ready for Christmas parties. Party Platter combo with White Heart treats. Available from Fresh on Kendal, The Barn at Tai Tapu, and online.

www.whiteheart.co.nz 021 464 244 38 Leavington Close, Tai Tapu

COLONY

The perfect place for something different for those hard-to-buy-for people. New Zealand art, gifts, skincare, mead and liqueurs. Conveniently located in The Crossing in central Christchurch.

The Crossing, (behind Coffee Culture) 166 Cashel Street Ph. 021 915 217 www.colony.co.nz

fashion & beauty Ring round up

CURATED BY NINA TUCKER

Sentimental or just for fun, new season rings are something you should always have your sartorial eye on. Decorate every ﬁnger or pare it back with one statement style–and wear your personality on your hand.

1. Bow ring, Meadowlark.

2. Nina ring, The Diamond Shop.

3. Seaside rings, Kirstin Ash.

4. Cocktail rings, Karen Walker.

Details: Ada moonstone sleeper Find Me: Brie Leon

Details: Organically Shaped broad open bangle

Find Me: Pandora

Details: Pittosporum seed pod necklace

Find Me: Sophie Divett Jewellery

Details: Sienna linen short

Find Me: SABA

Celeste bag

Find Me: Remain Studios

Details:

BEST FRIEND

CURATED BY NINA TUCKER

The level an outﬁt reaches with gorgeous jewellery makes my heart skip a beat. Big, colourful, or moody jewels make a statement, while understated pieces dazzle with their intricacies. Look to the classics or stray from trends and ﬁnd your favourites. We’re pairing gold tones with woven pieces for warm moments, and glam jewellery with slinky garments for black-tie dressing.

Details: Keshi Pearl Sculptural drop earrings Find Me: Missoma

Details: Watermelon tourmaline ring Find Me: Goldsmith Gallery

Details: 9ct Troy Ounce bangle Find Me: Petersens Jewellers

Details: Kayla earrings Find Me: Reliquia Jewellery

Details: Love Claw necklace Find Me: Stolen Girlfriends Club

Details: Aster ﬂoral bias dress Find Me: Silk Laundry

Fashion Lookbook indulge

www.estiloboutique.co.nz www.sophiedivettjewellery.co.nz

www.bellezaboutique.co.nz

www.cutclothing.co.nz

1. Estilo Boutique, The Mackenzie dress in Green Geo is a go-to style, with a high front neck and extended back key-hole detail, skimming close to the body for subtle sexiness. 2. Sophie Divett Jewellery, the Mira Ring in 9ct yellow gold, set with a green

sapphire. 3. Belleza Boutique at The Crossing, the best-selling Milan jean in white is sleek, stretchy, and on trend. 4. The Wool Company, spring is all about vests,

ﬁnd gorgeous new season vests in store now. 5. The Fitting Room, for the perfect summer lingerie, look

Freya Sydnie Longline Bra in Strawberry Ice. 6. ECCO Shoes, stand tall in ECCO Cozmo

yours Uniquely

Every piece of jewellery tells a story. A memory, a moment – there is so much meaning captured within.

For Sophie Divett’s jewellery studio, the stories are endless. Since 2012, Sophie’s creativity has taken her from a small workspace to a beautiful gallery on Colombo Street, where customers can explore a curated collection of ethically sourced and sustainable jewellery. The Sydenham studio, with its vintage-inspired décor and cosy ambience, reﬂects a love for the past while oﬀering contemporary design.

Sophie and her team specialise in custom-made ceremonial and wedding bands, each crafted to reﬂect the unique story of the wearer. “We don’t believe that any two people, or union, are alike— and we don’t think wedding rings should be cookie-cutter either,” Sophie shares. A favourite among clients is the Aoraki mountain ring collection (pictured), which captures the beauty of Aotearoa’s landscapes. Sapphires, particularly green ones, are a standout in many of her designs, adding a vibrant touch to engagement rings and other special pieces.

Sustainability remains at the heart of the business. “Whether it’s using recycled diamonds and metals, ethically sourced gemstones, or recycled and lab-grown diamonds handpicked from our trusted suppliers, these values inﬂuence every piece we produce and decision we make,” Sophie explains. Her designs, featuring organic textures reminiscent of ancient artefacts, create timeless jewellery that tell a personal story.

Must have TEES

The sun has oﬃcially come out of hibernation, and we are ﬁnally shedding our long sleeves. Designers are offering edge and elegance for t-shirt season, and simple, expressive styles make a statement. Let the pattern do the talking or add jewellery to elevate a basic tee. Keep your t-shirt rotation up-to-date with our picks.

CURATED BY NINA TUCKER

1. Rush tee caged rose, Federation. 2. Basic jersey grapefruit relaxed t-shirt, Ganni. 3. Cade mushrooms tee, Anine Bing. 4. Trelise Cooper and Kowtow Tees for a Cure, Breast Cancer Cure. 5. Charlotte tee, Estilo Boutique. 6. Tini Tee white pink, Caitlin Crisp.

TEES

LOOK AND FEEL YOUR BEST

Tumescent liposuction at KM Surgical is performed in our accredited day-stay facility by Dr Ken Macdonald, who brings over 30 years of expertise in the eld. This advanced technique uses local anaesthetic, ensuring minimal discomfort and a faster recovery. Dr Macdonald’s extensive experience ensures precise, safe, and e ective body contouring results for our patients.

With this award-winning range (recently signed by Chemist Warehouse Australia), you’ll get the Hollywood pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of, without spending thousands and having to sacri ce your favourite treats (red wine and co ee drinkers, we’re looking at you!) The rst 3-step whitening system, developed to easily t even the busiest schedule! Use code METRO20 today for 20% o the entire range!

202 Bealey Avenue, Chch P. 03 379 9467

www.kmsurgical.co.nz

MOST MINDFUL SALON BOUNCY, BABY-SOFT COMPLEXION AWAITS

At Earth Organic, our experienced stylists combine their expertise with a dedication to organic and sustainable methods, ensuring your hair shines with health. Enter a salon where creativity aligns with conscious living, using only biodegradable products. Indulge yourself with a fresh new look that’s both luxurious and eco-friendly. This is your go-to place for a hair salon that is trending, unique and environmentally friendly.

Made in New Zealand with the purest mānuka honey and potent fruit enzymes, RAAIE’s very rst cleanser, the Golden Nectar Mānuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser, leaves skin fresh, hydrated, and radiant. It removes makeup, sunscreen, impurities, and gently exfoliates – also doubling as an overnight treatment mark to dissolve dead skin cells and nourish the skin.

Afterpay available. www.blissoralcare.com.au Earth Organic Hairdressing 181 High Street, Christchurch Central P. 365 7393 www.earthorganichairdressing.co.nz

www.raaie.co.nz

Swapping jeans for seasonal staples

Start the switch to new spring and summer staples to get you through the hot months ahead.

Jeans become one of the ﬁrst clothing items we stop reaching for as the weather warms, replaced with lightweight, breathable alternatives. Denim prevents aeration and traps heat, and while loose-leg styles can work, sometimes the heat calls for a shift away from jeans altogether.

Stock your wardrobe with classic linen pants. Follow the simple rule: if you love it, buy it in every colour. Linen styles are your best friend when the sun is shining, a fabric that is both chic and relaxed. Versatile and equally comfortable, a linen trouser will serve you whether you are running errands or at the beach with a drink in hand.

Style with a basic tank, neutral sandals and gold jewellery. Add an open button-down shirt to elevate.

Business wear asks for more formal attire, so enter lightweight tailored trousers. This can be a range of textiles from cotton to silk, so find those that feel good on your skin and flatter your frame. Tailored trousers are timeless and fit effortlessly into a work wardrobe, yet transition easily into day-to-day wear, when paired with relaxed pieces.

Style with a statement shirt or ﬁtted tee and loafers or mules.

Beauty Report

Don't miss out! Our pre Cup & Show Week package

The package includes: 1x Profhilo, 1x Microneedling, 1x Fotona Glow and Go, for just $1150

This package offers three of our most powerful collagen and elastin boosting treatments, and together, they work to deliver the ultimate glow, leaving your skin smoother, revitalised, and refreshed.

Transform Clinic Merivale Ph: 03 355 1311 | transformclinic.co.nz

Candy For Your Hair

Hair Candy Keratin Conditioning treatment contains 100% natural keratin which is an ingredient derived from New Zealand sheep wool. Proven to rebuild the internal structure of the hair, repair and prevent breakages, strengthen, thicken, condition, assist in hair growth, as well as making hair shiny and soft.

www.haircandy.nz

Welcome to beautiful brows

Ombré Brow Tattooing is a semipermanent procedure that uses a machine to implant extremely thin dots of pigment into the skin, creating a soft makeup brow look. We'll take ample time to discuss and refine the perfect Ombré Brows for you, ensuring you feel confident and radiant. Limited space available before Christmas.

The Beauty Parlour

205 Fendalton Road, Christchurch

transformclinicmerivale Transform Clinic Merivale

Ph: 03 377 8883 | www.thebeautyparlour.co.nz

Beautifully united for breast cancer research

Finish Breast Cancer Awareness Month on a philanthropic note with The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign. Restock your beauty cabinet with this year’s limited edition Pink Ribbon products from Estée Lauder, Clinique, Jo Malone London, Bobbi Brown, and La Mer, all of which contribute a portion of proceeds to Breast Cancer Foundation NZ.

ELCompanies.com/BreastCancerCampaign

Giving the Gift of Luxury

Dear Heart’s range of luxury gift boxes encompass their gorgeous, handcrafted soaps complete with embedded hearts and inspirational quotes. Bianca Lorenne organic knitted washcloth trios and bamboo soap rack.

www.dearheart.co.nz

Every day is a good day! The loss of hair, for whatever reason, can be a traumatic experience. A fabulous wig can go a long way to restore your confidence. For many, it becomes a favourite fashion piece. Call the team for a personalised consultation.

health & wellbeing

Prioritise bone health

Healthy bones are at the core of our wellbeing, mobility and independence.

People of all ages should protect their bone health by taking early action for osteoporosis prevention through bone-healthy nutrition, regular weight-bearing physical activity, and avoidance of negative lifestyle factors like smoking, says Osteoporosis New Zealand (ONZ). Following World Osteoporosis Day in October, ONZ wants Kiwis of all ages to take action to prevent the condition.

Every year in New Zealand more than 22,000 fragility fractures occur among people aged 50 years and older. Falls and fractures suﬀered by older people currently cost the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) NZ$360 million per year. Predictions are that without eﬀective intervention this cost will double to more than NZ$720 million by 2035.

ACC estimates that, by doing nothing to prevent these injuries, the cost of falls and fractures would reach $400 million by 2025.

Experts say that through good nutrition and exercise, younger people can maintain strong bones and reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis in the future. For adults, a bone-healthy lifestyle, timely screening, and access to eﬀective treatments for those at high risk are paramount. For anyone who has experienced a fragility fracture, osteoporosis treatment is an essential consideration to reduce the very high risk of further fractures.

Although osteoporosis can be diagnosed early, most people with osteoporosis are not aware of the underlying condition until a fracture occurs. Even after sustaining a fragility fracture, globally some 80% of patients with osteoporosis are not identiﬁed and treated.

ONZ wants everyone to ‘Say no to fragile bones’, and is calling on health care providers to prioritise public education and awareness of bone health and fragility fracture prevention. ONZ Executive Director John Mulka says “By prioritising bone health through preventive measures and early intervention, we can signiﬁcantly reduce the burden of new fractures, and ultimately improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders, and alleviate the strain on our health care system.”

WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS?

Osteoporosis is a disease of bone that progresses silently and can cause bones to become so brittle and break easily, even after a minor fall or bump. No matter what a person’s age, a low impact fall from standing height should not result in a broken bone. A ‘fragility fracture’ can result from low to no trauma. It is a sign of underlying bone weakness and the need for osteoporosis management.

In Pursuit, the Cancer Society’s Research & Innovation breakthroughs conference comes to Christchurch in March 2025.

Discover

How AI-driven solutions are building a sustainable future in cancer, the current state of cancer in New Zealand and much more.

Dr Jessica Fitzjohn

How is mechanical engineering combining with biomedical sciences to deliver innovative solutions with Dr Jessica Fitzjohn.

Don’t miss out

Prof Nasir Rajpoot

How is AI transforming pathology and driving early detection with Professor Nasir Rajpoot from Warwick University UK.

An exclusive networking opportunity to connect with industry colleagues, other speakers, share valuable insights and create lasting relationships. Sign up for In Pursuit and discover the new cancer landscape, the hope it provides, how you can be a part of it.

cancerconference.co.nz

Prof Parry Guildford

Breakthroughs in early

Dr Catherine Elliott

The importance of partnerships with Dr Catherine Elliott, Director of Research and Partnerships Cancer Research UK.

Dr Helen Morrin

The role of biobanking with Dr Helen Morrin curator of Southern Cancer’s Tissue Bank.

Te Pae Conference Centre Ōtautahi Christchurch 6th - 7th March 2025

Treat your feet

Lavishing care on our faces, hair, and even our hands is standard for many of us. However, languishing at the end of our bodies are our hard-working feet.

We expect so much of them yet offer them minimal attention, or even worse, we actively manoeuvre them into shoes shaped more for fashion than support and protection. If your feet are crying out for love or you know you’ve been neglecting them recently, Footprints Podiatry is the home of happy feet. Wendy Day (pictured) has joined the fabulous team and is offering nail cutting, filing and buffing, skin and nail care, foot massage, as well as advice and after care.

“I have 25 years in beauty therapy, massage, and nail care,” says Wendy. “I’m committed to foot and toenail care because I know how feet in good condition can enhance quality of life.”

Available on Tuesdays from 9.30am – 2.00pm, and Fridays 9.30am – 4.00pm, Wendy’s care complements podiatrist and owner Howard Nicholas with his focus on foot and ankle disorders, biomedical causes of back, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain, advice on appropriate strength, stretching, or training, and advice on all footwear needs.

www.footprintspodiatry.co.nz

Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand, Metropol has your inside and your outside covered...

Harness nature’s wellness elixir

The benefits of Hemp continue to be discovered, and we want to help spread the word! Here at Sativa Botanicals we know just how powerful this little Hemp Seed is. Taken in a variety of forms, such as seed, oil, powder or topically, this little gem can deliver numerous health benefits.

Our #1 selling organic Whakaora Oil is a dietary supplement that can support mood and coping with stress, sleep, hormone balance, and more.

www.sativabotanicals.co.nz

Stress relief

When life gets busy and all-toooverwhelming, look to Brave Face’s CoolHead herbal day spray. Pocket-sized, this spray provides rapid-acting stress relief on the go.

www.braveface.com

Take a moment for your wellbeing

The Getting Lost Wellbeing Edition has 30 cards that you can take with you on the bus, the car, walks or at home to inject a little mindful wellbeing in to your day.

This game gets people who feel overwhelmed and stressed to reconnect with the world in a simpler way. Take a moment for you - grab this pack, keep it with you, follow the directions when you need a wellbeing boost.

Available from

Enjoy the foods you love

When taken with the first bite or mixed with highFODMAP meals (such as gluten products, milk products, onions and garlic), FODZYME’s enzymes begin breaking down FODMAPs into smaller and more digestible carbohydrates to prevent intermittent symptoms like gas, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation. Enjoy your favourite meals painlessly, wherever you are.

Hair Loss, Baldness, Alopecia, or Scalp Disorders

Hair and scalp conditions affect men, women, and children. Consulting a trichologist like Dr. Padmaja helps identify causes of hair and scalp problems for effective treatment. An honest consultation and microscopic check-up clarify any doubts or concerns.

Dr. Padmaja emphasises early diagnosis for healthy hair, stating... “Prevention is better than cure.”

Dr. Padmaja Redekar

Dementia innovation

Explore our 3 studio spaces with 35+ weekly classes designed to support your body, mind, and soul through all seasons of

An American company has launched a photorealistic 3D avatar with custom AI, based on the lived experiences of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Lenovo™, in collaboration with British group Innovations in Dementia, says the project will give people and families navigating a diagnosis of dementia 24-hour access to a conversational avatar, Liv. She will oﬀer real-time, curated advice, prioritising accuracy, privacy, and compassion.

Globally there are around 55 million people living with dementia, and that number is expected to reach 139 million by 2050. The AI advancements in Lenovo’s ‘Alzheimer’s Intelligence’ initiative demonstrate how technology has the potential to enhance human interaction, oﬀering a valuable tool to support individuals living with dementia, now and in the future.

The technology combines ﬁrst-hand experience and advice from hundreds of real people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s into the avatar, which is capable of having an unscripted, natural conversation.

Liv was created from a composite of images of 10 people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, and will allow people who have recently been diagnosed with dementia to ask the questions that only someone who has lived with the disease can answer. This includes understanding day-to-day challenges, discussing the disease with family, and exploring new hobbies.

The avatar is currently being trialled by people with dementia, with the goal of it becoming publicly available in the future.

• Alzheimer’s Intelligence is not publicly available yet.

www.flowtherapeutics.co.nz

MASSAGE & MOVEMENT THERAPY

DEEP TISSUE • REMEDIAL • SPORTS • RELAXATION • GUA SHA SCRAPING • VACUUM CUPPING • & MORE

020 493 8578 info@themusclesuite.nz www.themusclesuite.nz

Non-invasive electromagnetic therapy that enhances pelvic floor health, effectively treating incontinence & sexual dysfunction for both men and women

021 540 698 www.iwellness.kiwi

A Canterbury onderlandw

Charming visitors since 2018, the garden’s owner Andrea Wadsworth loves seeing the look of wonder that spreads across visitors’ faces when they ﬁrst view The Rusty Acre. “They arrive and pop in through the hole in the hedge and all of a sudden they’re in a little wonderland.”

The gardens are spectacular, and whimsical sculptural pieces created by Andrea’s partner, artist Allan O’Loughlin, take pride of place. More than 80 exhibits, brilliantly wrought from welded steel perfectly complement the many garden rooms and beautiful trees. “It’s pretty quirky. We like to think it’s like nothing else,” she adds.

Hidden away, just north of Christchurch, is a delightful, one of a kind sculpture garden like no other.

Andrea has a boutique shop on site, specialising in Frenchstyle homewares, vintage, and gifts. Located just 25 minutes out of Christchurch in Mandeville, The Rusty Acre is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am-4pm. If you’re looking for a unique location for your next group outing, give Andrea a call on 021 146 6426. It’s the perfect spot for a spring picnic in a location that oozes character and charm.

On 3 November, attend the Le Petite Market for vintage goods and gifts at marked-down prices, and barista coﬀee.

The Rusty Acre

THE RUSTY ACRE

A must destination if Art, Sculpture, Garden or beautiful decor are on your radar. These two acres of wonderland are the backdrop to more than 80 steel sculptures. Take the time to leave it all behind for an unforgettable experience.

Open Fri, Sat, Sun 10 to 4.

1 Roscrea Place, Mandeville Entrance o McHugh’s Road P. 021 1466 426 therustyacre@gmail.com

TEXAS WESTERN APPAREL

Opening soon!

For those who seek a taste of Texas.

Quality cowboy boots.

Fine hats.

Ace High apparel.

NORTH CANTERBURY

RANGIORA EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES

63 High Street, Rangiora www.texasnz.com

SMOOCH DENTAL SPA

Prevention is the key to oral hygiene. At Smooch Dental Spa you can visit a dental hygienist in a relaxing spa-like environment, without any of the intimidating and expensive barriers normally associated with all things dental. We have developed Club SMOOCH, where for just $1 per day you can prepay the future cost of having your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year!

12 Robertson Drive, Ravenswood P. 03 313 3223 www.smooch.co.nz

Combining contemporary, fashion-led design with enduring style and traditional craftsmanship, Penelope Chilvers produces timeless, made to last footwear that works seamlessly with each season’s trends. Meet the ‘Oscar’ boot, a tough leather boot with a hint of femininity. Classic signature detailing and a ﬂash of metallic leather come together to create effortless year-round style.

Exclusively from Rangiora Equestrian Supplies.

623 Lineside Road, Rangiora P. 03 313 1674 www.rangiorasaddlery.co.nz

OLD SCHOOL COLLECTIVE

The destination for those with a love of boutique stores, good coffee, and wonderful people. Food, clothing, outdoor furniture, hair & beauty, gifts, kitchenware, fossils, and dog grooming.

• Billies Kitchen Shop • Woven Veranda

• The Ofﬁce Cafe (open 7 days)

• Doggie Stylez Grooming • Louis Who?

• Brows n Beauty • Room Four Hair & Beauty

• Mamlambo Fossils

1429 Main North Road, Waikuku www.osc.nz

Experience the thrill of the ﬁnd at Re.clotheme your preloved fashion destination 25 minutes from Christchurch. Fabulous daily arrivals of curated quality labels in sizes 6-20+ ensures something for everyone. Hunt for your perfect ﬁt and elevate your wardrobe sustainably. Every visit promises a new adventure in affordable style!

2a Good Street Lane, Rangiora www.reclotheme.co.nz

AKAROA CRITERION MOTEL

The Perfect Summer Getaway! We still have availability this summer! Looking for the perfect place to unwind and relax?

Pop over the hill and spend some time in Akaroa enjoying our luxury motel apartments with iconic views of the harbour.

0800 AKAROA (0800 252 762) info@holidayakaroa.com www.holidayakaroa.com

PENINSULA FLOWERS

Our flowers are grown on Banks Peninsula, and are available from our shop and nursery in Wigram. We o er a full floral service including wedding and funeral flowers, and can sell everything from single stem flowers, to large floral arrangements. You can also find us at the Ohoka, Deans, Lyttelton, and Riccarton markets.

90a Awatea Road, Wigram | 027 275 4058 www.peninsulaﬂowers.co.nz

PŌHATU 4WD SCENIC SEA-KAYAKING SAFARI

Jump in our 4WD mini vans for a scenic drive and marvel at Akaroa harbour from its crater rim before going down to Pōhatu marine reserve and explore the wild outer coast of Banks Peninsula by kayak. Admire its spectacular towering clifs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep sea caves and encounter its unique wildlife.

03 304 8542 tours@pohatu.co.nz | www.pohatu.co.nz

Check these out:

Akaroa shopping precinct – A stroll through the main street, exploring the shops and cafés along the way is a great starting point. Creative crafts, one of a kind souvenirs, and chatting with local retailers is all part of the Akaroa experience.

Akaroa Museum – Currently showing three new long term exhibitions about the history of Banks Peninsula: Ngā Taenga mai Arrivals, Land & Sea, and Tales of Banks Peninsula, produced in collaboration with Ōnuku rūnanga and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Historic building database – The Akaroa Civic Trust has developed a database of all the historic buildings and sites in the Akaroa area. If you would like to ﬁnd the location of the cottage that used to be in your family way back, or the name of the person who built your family bach, the database is a great place to start.

Akaroa Lighthouse – The lighthouse was moved from its original site at Akaroa Heads to the township in 1980. Now visitors can experience a slice of the past, in a beautiful panoramic setting, ideal for selﬁes.

Akaroa

Akaroa Heads – The lighthouse foundations remain at Akaroa Heads, and more active visitors to the area may enjoy a trip out there. From Akaroa township, take the Akaroa Lighthouse Road, but be warned, it is a steep, narrow, rough road and more suitable for 4-wheel-drive vehicles. From the car park, wander down the 4-wheel-drive vehicle access, entering the reserve through a gate. The road descends down past the foundations of the lighthouse keeper’s house and other buildings, to the site of the old lighthouse.

For more ideas of what to see and do in Akaroa, visit the website www.akaroa.com.

CRATER CAFÉ

In the heart of Akaroa lies a hidden gem: Crater Café. Cosy and welcoming; where the scent of freshly brewed co ee mingles with freshly baked treats and ﬂavourful cabinet food, in a warm, inviting atmosphere. From the ﬁrst sip to the last crumb, each visit is a delightful taste of local charm. Open daily.

74 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa www.cratercafe.co.nz

AKAROA GOLF CLUB

Banks Peninsula’s premium 18-hole golf course. Situated at the head of Akaroa Harbour enjoying unsurpassed harbour and rural views. It is considered one of the most challenging, scenic and naturally beautiful courses in Canterbury. Akaroa Golf Club welcomes visitors all year round.

03 304 5704 | www.akaroagolf.co.nz Pawsons Valley Road, Duvauchelle

AIHE RESTAURANT & BAR

AIHE (‘dolphin’ in Māori) Restaurant is situated on the waterfront near the main Akaroa wharf. We o er modern European cuisine with fresh local ingredients and an extensive wine list.

Come and enjoy a relaxed dining experience with stunning waterfront views and friendly, accommodating sta .

03 304 7173 | 75 Beach Road, Akaroa www.aiherestaurant.co.nz

Anewly extensively renovated luxury wedding and events venue, The Hilltop is the epitome of elegance and history, set amidst the spectacular panorama of Banks Peninsula.

The Hilltop is like no other venue, blending chic indoor settings with serene outdoor areas; a consummate location for weddings, special occasions and corporate functions.

A stunning new glass orangerie has been designed and curated to blend seamlessly with the surroundings, ﬂooding the space with natural light, and framing the beautiful scenery beyond.

For those who visit, this exceptional venue oﬀers more than just a space to gather; it promises an experience, woven from history, natural beauty and thoughtful design. Working closely with top tier catering partners White Tie and Crisp & Vale, The Hilltop is dedicated to curating events as thoughtful as the venue itself. As event manager Catrin Young explains, “The Hilltop is about creating moments that feel eﬀortless, but unforgettable.”

While The Hilltop is now a private event venue subject to prior booking, plans are also to host special ticketed functions and pop up events such as a Mother’s Day lunch and guest chefs. “People will be able to book seats and tables at our special public functions,” says Catrin.

To discover more about this perfect setting for your special occasion at The Hilltop, visit the website.

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a lavish celebration, The Hilltop promises to inspire your ‘wow’.

Photos by Amour Weddings.

PŌHATU PENGUINS GUIDED TOURS

Based in Akaroa, our number one goal is to protect and preserve white-ﬂippered penguins (endemic to Canterbury) from predators and other threats. The family has been doing incredible work saving these beautiful birds for over 35 years. By taking a guided tour of the colony, you too are contributing to their future.

03 304 8542 tours@pohatu.co.nz | www.pohatu.co.nz

DUVAUCHELLE HOTEL

Nestled at the head of the bay is the oldest pub on the peninsula. Our family owned restaurant proudly displays over 170 years of memories and invites you to create new ones with us. So join us for a view, a brew, and a tale or two on your next visit over the hill . We are also the home of Stonegrill on the peninsula!

03 304 5803

6026 Christchurch Akaroa Highway

FRIENDS OF AKAROA MUSEUM

Akaroa District Promotions and Friends of the Akaroa Museum are holding the Inside Out House and Garden Tour from 23-24 November 2024 to raise money for the Akaroa Museum. The tour includes 16 gardens and historic cottages, and a former garden of national signiﬁcance (Jill and Richard Simpson’s garden) in Fisherman’s Bay.

Tickets ($55) are on sale on Eventﬁnda.

LITTLE RIVER INN

Lunch, Dinner… and in between. Live music, dog-friendly, ample space for wee ones to roam, zero-waste initiatives. Country-style food with gourmet ﬂavours, a superb selection of taps, wines, cocktails and zeros, and a Bottle Shop for those on the go. It’s no wonder we’ve secured a spot in Hospitality NZ’s esteemed Top 50 Gastropubs 2024 competition.

03 325 1007 | www.littleriverinn.co.nz

4099 Christchurch Akaroa Road

AKAROA FRENCH FESTIVAL

Save the date! The much-anticipated Akaroa French Festival returns next year on October 3, 4, and 5. Experience French culture with lively entertainment, authentic cuisine, and family-friendly activities in the charming seaside town of Akaroa. Don’t miss this celebration of all things French –mark your calendar now!

Instagram: @akaroafrenchfest www.akaroafrenchfest.co.nz

BLACK CAT CRUISES

Discover Akaroa’s original nature cruise, where adventure meets nature’s playground in the beautiful Akaroa Harbour. View Hector’s dolphins, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. By cruising with Black Cat Cruises, an eco-tourism pioneer, you help support e orts to protect the Hector’s dolphin.

03 304 7641 | akaroa@blackcat.co.nz

www.blackcat.co.nz

Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa

Akaroa

AKAROA FISH & CHIPS

Situated right on the beachfront, we o er an abundance of fresh ﬁsh and chip options. Come and enjoy amazing waterfront views with either inside or outside seating available.

A must when you visit Akaroa. Open 7 days.

03 304 7464

59 Beach Road, Akaroa

AKAROA BUTCHERY + DELI

Scrumptious New Zealand food by the sea! Pop by the refreshed Akaroa Butchery + Deli o ering many meaty options across grass-fed and free-farmed cuts, salmon, small batch store-made sausages, bacon and ham. Explore our pantry items, platter favourites, ﬂavour bombs and meal bases to make your visit about good taste with minimal e ort!

Shop - 03 304 7038 | hello@akaroabutchery.nz

67 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

A LA BAGUETTE

A la baguette is an artisan French bakery located in the heart of Akaroa. Indulge in true French delicacies like homemade sourdough and breads, authentic pastries, and more.

Discover why locals and tourists alike make this a regular stop.

022 402 3692

74 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

from the Bay to greater Christchurch.

Grenadier Real Estate Ltd MREINZ. Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Jackie Maw AREINZ | 021 664 445 jackie.maw@harcourts.co.nz

ÇA BOUGE BOUTIQUE

A contemporary shopping space ﬁlled with a wide range of beautiful designer labels from NZ and afar. From versatile streetwear to fashion forward pieces, there’s bound to be something for you. Combined with breathtaking seaside views, this a shopping experience not to be missed when in Akaroa! Since 2004.

03 304 8024

31 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa | cabougeboutique.co.nz

AKAROA CORNER CAFÉ

At the entrance of Akaroa is your ﬁrst stop, with all day sun at our warm, cosy, friendly café. Open 7 days with daily fresh baking to make you feel right at home. An all-day breakfast menu until 3pm. Homemade pies (famous in Akaroa), plus ﬂavoursome cabinet food, milkshakes, smoothies, and freshly ground hot Kawatiri co ee. Pop in and say hi to our pet friendly team.

0210 843 8307 | 40E Rue Lavaud, Akaroa

Known as a destination of adventure, relaxation and indulgence, Hanmer Springs is completed by a local shop hidden in the Boulder Point Retail Precinct.

Opposite the ‘Duck Pond’, MickeyRaes is a hub of creativity and retail therapy. Stocking unique, oddball, and quirky items, from last minute wedding extras to greeting cards, souvenirs, giftware, duvets and bedding, tea towels, art supplies, and babywear, it has a gift for everyone. Add to that wool, cotton, and yarn, embroidery, quilting fabric, care and repair haberdashery, possum/merino winter warmers and summer Manchester, and it is a true treasure trove.

From Labour Weekend, MickeyRaes holds its pop-up Christmas shop every weekend and on public holidays until Christmas week, jam-packed with decorations, giftwrap, novelties, and presents galore.

Owner Wendy Lamont says her 15-year-old son Issac will be helping instore in the locally-owned family business.

“Issac has learned some fantastic life skills to take with him in the future. For now, it is all hands on deck with my husband John restocking on weekends, and 17-year-old daughter Michaela Rae helping out in between a busy school and part-time work schedule,” Wendy explains.

Now in the store’s seventh year, Wendy says there is never a dull moment. “The other day a Paradise duck waddled in. He was obviously looking at the wide range of pet products and fur baby accessories,” she laughs.

Duck in to MickeyRaes, and mention this article for a little surprise of your own.

Photo credits: Issac Lamont

Shop 4 Chisholm Crescent (in Boulder Point Precinct) Hanmer Springs I Ph.03 315 5383

Janni Kate Top

Pippa Baguette Bag

Farrah Gold Hoops

Emmy Skirt

SQUARE HANMER SPRINGS

Road Trip Pit Stop

Road tripping north of Christchurch?

Fancy a quick pit stop?

Located in the small town of Culverden, just 30 minutes outside of Hanmer Springs, Red Post Cafe has all the oﬀerings your heart desires.

With a rich history, the building itself has been around since the 1920s, accommodating various businesses throughout its lifetime. Trent and Carolyn Allison have owned the homey and picturesque café in its current form for the past 16 years.

“We have weathered various storms, from Mother Nature, to health, to economic, during this time,” says Trent. “Over the past 16 years we have reﬁned the oﬀerings and service into what it is today.”

As we head into the warmer months, the garden courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy a morning coﬀee, a quick snack or brunch with the whole family. This relaxed and inviting atmosphere is like no other, with the fantastic customer service accompanying the delicious food and drink available.

From coﬀee to a range of cabinet foods including homemade cakes and slices, the wide selection at Red Post Cafe is popular with locals and travellers alike.

Trent says that their all day breakfast menu featuring a brekkie bagel and salmon souﬄe is the most popular.

“Customers are always asking for them and we regularly are selling out by the time 10am rolls around,” he laughs.

If you’re in the area, look out for Red Post Cafe.

At Fertility Associates, we understand the joy babies bring as well as the difficulties faced by many who struggle to conceive.

As medical professionals, you understand the joy babies bring as well a s the difficulties faced by many of your patients who are struggling to conceive .

We also believe that providing exceptional care goes beyond just medical expertise. Our team of compassionate and experienced professionals is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel safe, heard, and valued.

By referring your patients to Fertility Associates, be assured tha t they will receive the highest qu ality c are an d t he m ost a dvanced f ertility p rocedures a vailable.

Seeking fertility advice can be overwhelming. With our experienced professionals, you can be sure that you will receive the guidance and information you need to make informed decisions. You can make an appointment with any of our fertility doctors, you don’t need to have a GP referral.

Your patients can be confident that they are being cared for by New Zealand’s pioneer in fertility m edicine w ith excellent live b irth r ates* t hat are am ong t he highest in Australasia.

Early r eferra ls g ive y our pa tients t he b est c hance an d, together, w e c an he lp them achieve t he f amily o f t heir dr eams.

If you feel that you’re not quite ready to book a doctor’s appointment, you can always make use of our Free Nurse Consult service, where you chat to one of our qualified fertility nurses for 15 minutes. They can answer your questions, talk about your unique situation, and map out some possible options.

Get in touch, and start your journey to parenthood today. where life begins SINCE

* Fertility Associates take home baby rates

NZ’s MOST HONEST FRY

Stock up the freezer with our factory shop pricing, 2kg, 5kg, and 10kg bags available. Cash or bank transfer only.

Factory Shop: 57 Sonter Rd, Wigram Please Call or Txt before visiting: 027 4300 948

Gordon’s Chilli & Honey Flavoured Pickled Onions …not for the faint-hearted! 1kg - $5.40 - call in to taste!

Delicious fresh and frozen meals, soups and desserts. Order online, through the Richard’s Real Kitchen App, or call to find out more. Stock up now with our delicious readymade meals for winter. Ideal for those busy days, after skiing, or just because…also a perfect gift!

1/60 Hayton Road, Wigram • 021813235 • richardsrealkitchen.co.nz

Cocktails

– classic and contemporary

Summertime is cocktail time, with exciting new takes on classic mixes, and sometimes even smoke and mirrors.

History records that the ﬁrst time the name cocktail was mentioned was in 1798 and the ﬁrst time it was described was in 1806. A cocktail back then was a concoction made of a spirit, sweet part, bitters and water, for instance an Old Fashioned. Everyone has their preferences, but no matter whether your go-to is gin, whisky, rum, tequila or something else, several classic cocktails (out of several hundred) have truly stood the test of time, transcending predilection.

Gin is one of the most popular spirits used as a base for classic and contemporary cocktails, its botanical ﬂavours working well with a range of ingredients, and complementing the aromatics in fruit, herbs, and other liqueurs. Gin based cocktails include Gimlet, French 75, Gin Fizz, Aviation, Gin & Tonic, French Blonde, Bicycle Thief, Negroni, Martini, Singapore Sling, Tom Collins.

Try these this summer:

Gimlett-gin – fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. French 75 – chilled brut Champagne, gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. Bicycle Thief – gin, Campari, fresh grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and topped with club soda.

Negroni – red Campari, sweet vermouth, and gin, in equal parts.

Martini – made with gin or vodka, dry vermouth, a few dashes of bitters, and a lemon twist or olives for garnish.

Tom Collins – this refreshing cocktail calls for gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, loose sugar, and soda water.

Martini Pa i

A tangy, tropical, cocktail that is easy to make.

INGREDIENTS

• 60ml gin or vodka

• 1 passion fruit or 30ml passionfruit puree

• 15ml lime juice

• 15ml simple syrup

• 30ml Prosecco or Champagne

METHOD

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in gin or vodka, simple syrup, lime juice, and passionfruit puree if using.

2. If using fresh passionfruit, cut in half and scoop out juices and seeds into the shaker.

3. Secure shaker lid and shake vigorously.

4. Strain mixture into a martini glass and top with sparkling wine.

5. Serve and enjoy.

TIPS

• Make simple syrup by boiling equal quantities of sugar and water in a pan for about 5 mins, until a syrupy consistency.

• Use 20ml pineapple juice instead of lime juice.

fru

Time for a change with some inspired new dishes and just a few variations on some Dux classics. Come try the Breakfast Burrito, Paua and Prawn Fritters, Gnocchi, Paella, and so many other stunning options. Bringing people together and feeding bodies, hearts and minds for over 40 years!

Dining Guide

BEE

New Zealand wide

BEE stands for long weekends in the sun, BBQs with mates, creativity and individualism. BEE celebrates everything you want to BEE. Our naturally brewed BEE-licious alcoholic lemonade, and now Pink Lemonade is available from grocery and liquor stores across New Zealand. What do you want to BEE?

Available from select New Worlds, PAKn’SAVES, Liquorlands and more!

Find us on: drinkbee.co.nz

THREE ELEMENTS CHINESE RESTAURANT Wigram

FREE private function space available including karaoke for celebrations, birthdays, and Christmas staff parties… conditions apply. No need to fly to China when you can go to our lucky new address in Wigram or have authentic Chinese food delivered to your doorstep with Doordash!

Open Fri & Sat till 1am, Sun-Thurs till 12am Function space can be booked for any time.

PURPLE WEKA CAFE

Christchurch Central

With warmer weather, comes the pleasure of outdoor dining. Indulge in our famous Whitebait fritters, Blue Cod, salad & fries, or enjoy our popular Lambs Fry (now available 7 days!)

Our cosy atmosphere and friendly service will make you feel right at home. Fully licensed, phone orders welcome, and venue hire/catering available.

48 Fitzgerald Avenue, Chch Central Ph. 03 366 0258 purplewekacafe.co.nz

Find us on:

MOSAIC

Addington & Riverside Market

Being NZ’s first authentic Moroccan restaurant, we feel a great responsibility to introduce the wonderful flavours and hospitality of Morocco, providing an unforgettable dining experience. Savour the many layers of herbs and spices, infused oils and fragrant waters, the sweetness of syrups, honeyed fruits and nuts, the pungent saltiness of preserved lemons and olives. So, take time to share the pleasure of eating at Mosaic.

Shop 3/300 Lincoln Rd & Riverside Market Ph: 03 335 0082

www.mosaicbysimo.nz

Find us on:

MAIHAN SUPERMARKET Sydenham

Discover vibrant Middle Eastern flavours at Christchurch’s premier grocery and Halal Butchery. Our diverse selection spans Middle Eastern, Persian, Turkish, Afghan, and Asian delicacies. Specialising in gourmet foods, spices, sweets, teas, coffees, and premium Halal meats, we cater to various cultural traditions and dietary needs. Immerse yourself in a rich and diverse experience with special occasion cuts and an array of serving essentials.

403 Colombo St, Sydenham Ph. 03 332 1897

www.maihansupermarket.nz

HEIRLOOM CAFÉ Sydenham

Indulge in a culinary delight at Heirloom, where we craft fresh, ever changing cabinet food & delectable dishes daily. Our baristas brew specialty coffee to perfection. Whether you fancy a flat white or a strawberry matcha latte we can satisfy your cravings. With every sip of our specialty coffee, every bite of our fresh food, you’ll be counting down the days until you’re back at Heirloom. We are dog friendly too!

11/359 Colombo St, Sydenham

special Savour something

Your morning coffee or food fuel is more than just a side quest to your day. It’s an experience of kind smiles in a calming space, complemented by sublime ﬂavours.

Elevate your dining and indulge in the finest Angus beef, meticulously raised on our farm and delivered directly to your table.

As dedicated specialists in Angus beef, we’re committed to crafting the perfect blend of flavour and tenderness for Kiwis to enjoy.

Order a Christmas ham from us in November and get a free pack of Angus beef sausages.

Find that feeling within Café Elia, conveniently located in the Harcourts building on Ilam Road, tucked close to Fendalton Village. Warm greetings and inviting décor make this space a special one, where a wall ﬁlled with funky vases and fresh ﬂowers sets the scene for a dining experience just as delightful. Modern, clean, and crisp is how the team describes it.

A cabinet always stocked with fresh, healthy, and filling foods, plus indulgent treats to finish – you could try something new daily and still have more to choose from. If you have more time to spare, choose from the a la carte menu where you will find everything from classic breakfast and lunch dishes to intriguing gourmet creations.

Watch the chefs whip together delicious meals from your seat and ﬁnd yourself transported to a culinary capital as each one arrives on your table. Each gorgeous garnish pairs beautifully with the ﬂavours present in each dish, simultaneously crafting a more-than-pleasing plate that makes you feel you’re on holiday.

Find your new favourite place to be at Café Elia.

D.O.T.I EATERY & BAR

Welcome to D.O.T.I, Amberley’s newest and most inviting eatery and bar, located in a beautifully restored 100-year-old grain store. Owned and operated by two talented local chefs, D.O.T.I offers a diverse menu perfect for both casual and classy dining. Enjoy Waipara wines and Three Boys beer on tap. Remember, “Don’t Over Think It.”

Explore Cafe Elia’s charm! Under new ownership and licensed, delight in our delectable on-site cabinet food, mouthwatering brunch, and renowned coffee. Step into our inviting, newly renovated space for convenience and friendly vibes. Easy off-street and on-site parking make your visit stress-free.

Join our vibrant community today! Open 7 days.

A sweet success

What started as a local operation has blossomed into an international success, with Springbank Honey now exporting high-quality honey worldwide. Despite its global reach, the local community remains close to his heart, especially with the opening of The Hive Café. Inspired by his love for good coﬀee, Steven envisioned the café as a place for locals to relax and connect.

Located just outside Rangiora, The Hive is a destination for locals to savour honey loved around the world. “We wanted to share our honey with local people at good prices,” says co-owner Tracy Brown.

For over 30 years, Steven Brown has been perfecting the art of beekeeping, a journey that began in Rangiora when he was just 17.

Visitors can explore ﬂavours at the honey tasting station, sampling varieties such as the sought-after organic mānuka, known for its medicinal properties, along with rātā, kāmahi, and clover.

Each honey tells its own story, sourced from beekeepers across New Zealand, with organic mānuka, harvested from Steven’s farm in Lees Valley, being a standout. “It’s a unique experience to taste the diﬀerence in each honey,” adds Tracy.

The Hive Café oﬀers stunning mountain views and outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing coﬀee. springbankhoney.com

Welcome to Crazy Horse Hammersley!

A family friendly restaurant with passion filled authentic Thai food & Fusion Delights. Fun, genuine service. The newest venue in CHCH with a great bar, Live Music, Jazz & Blues every Thursday. Come meet the Crazy family & enjoy the Thai hospitality & awesome experience. We look forward to seeing you soon! Open 7 days.

Mention this advert for 10% off food on your next reservation.

The Colombo and Fendalton Village 376 Ilam Rd, Bryndwr Ph. 03 351 0555 www.naturallydelicious.co.nz 2nd OUTLET NOW OPEN

HIVE CAFÉ Rangiora

From our family to yours – we bring you a lifetime of bakery know-how to offer a wide variety of cakes, cheesecakes, cupcakes, doughnuts, breads, pies, sandwiches and slices. Edible images for any special occasion also available.

Catering available for morning and afternoon shouts, and office catering a speciality. Shop in-store or online. Find us on:

There is no better time to pop out to the The Hive Cafe at Springbank. Where you can enjoy the clear country air, stunning mountain views, whilst savouring your coffee, and New Zealand’s throat-healing remedy mānuka!

Please come find your favourite from our selection of mānuka today!

CRAZY HORSE HAMMERSLEY Shirley

Rolleston’s best Sample

Is there anything better than sitting down with a cold pint and sharing some tasty food on a gorgeous day?

If you’re on the lookout for a perfect new watering hole, Drafters Bar and Restaurant, one of Rolleston’s hidden gems, could be what you want.

“We love our locals. And they love it here too,” says owner Ramanjeet Singh. It’s easy to see why. “We’re really proud of the range of craft beers we have on oﬀer,” he adds.

That range is impressive. With 12 taps and two hand pulls on offer, Drafters boasts a selection of lip-smacking locally brewed craft beers, and some of the finest offerings from breweries throughout Aotearoa.

Whether you’re after something hazy, red, pale or stout, Drafters has your tipple on tap. They also oﬀer some exceptional dining options.

“The locals all love the lamb rump,” says Ramanjeet, adding there’s also an array of tapas-style dishes, a full menu of elevated pub fare, plus a happy hour every weekday from 4 to 5pm. Only a 20-minute drive from the city, it’s well worth a visit. For reservations call 03 347 0078

Drafters Restaurant and Bar

In your kitchen

MISS CAKE

With over 20 years of baking expertise, we bring your sweetest visions to life! Whether it’s a birthday, a special event, or just because, we specialise in creating custom-designed cakes and handcrafted treats tailored to your unique occasion. Open Mon-Fri 6am-6pm, Sat 7am-5pm. P. 03 421 3744

ilambakerychch@hotmail.com 213a Waimairi Road, Ilam

HARPERS HOUSE

Indulge in bespoke, locally crafted organic cakes from Harpers House. Perfect for any occasion, our treats are made with whole food ingredients, ensuring delicious, beautifully designed creations that cater to your unique tastes and dietary preferences.

hello@harpershouse.co.nz www.harpershouse.co.nz

SUPER FRESH ROLLESTON

A healthy outside starts form the inside! Find only the freshest and most delicious fruit and veges at amazing prices at Rolleston’s very own 7-day Farmers Market .

Locally owned and operated, supporting our local growers and producers.

685 Selwyn Road, Rolleston

TRICKETT’S GROVE WALNUTS

Trickett’s Grove offers the freshest, most delicious New Zealand grown walnuts. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, adding them to your Christmas cake, or gifting them to loved ones, Trickett’s Grove is the top choice. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $75 from our online store!

www.trickettsgrove.nz

THE KITCHEN CUPBOARD

We stock quality brands at great prices. Catering for your everyday kitchen needs as well as those specialty items. If we don’t have it chances are we can get it - just ask.

34b Talbot Street, Geraldine P. 03 693 8632

info@thekitchencupboard.co.nz www.thekitchencupboard.co.nz

SHANDYS

Shandy’s Products are carefully handcrafted in Sheffield using locally sourced and homegrown ingredients. You can find our full range of products in the Riverside Pantry at the Riverside Market or shop online with us today!

027 233 8132

www.shandysproducts.com salesatshandysproducts@gmail.com

MRS DENTON’S

Treat yourself to one of our gourmet handcrafted pies. We specialise in seafood pies. Blue cod, Scallop, and Seafood Chowder pies are popular favourites. Takeaway Cafe and Delicatessen Mon-Fri 8.30am-2.30pm, Sat 10am-2pm

168a Kendal Ave, Burnside Ph: 03 357 4516

VINEYARD VALLEY FOOD CART

THE BIGGEST LITTLE FOOD CART IN HURUNUI

Come and try our hand crafted meat pies. Slow cooked shredded meat with gravy. Beef, Pork, Lamb, plus Bacon & Egg and our now famous Sausage Rolls. Full range of barista made coffees. Monday - Friday open 4am to 2pm. Waipara Junction | Ph: 021 0906 5268

FRESH ON KENDAL

Visit Fresh On for delicious, nutrient-packed juices and smoothies made with locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Our produce ensures every sip is bursting with flavour. While you’re here, explore our unique gifts and groceries. Open daily with indoor and outdoor seating.

70 Kendal Ave, Burnside Ph. 027 389 9666 www.freshon.co.nz

A feature plant pot

Through colour and texture that assimilates plants, woven baskets are ideal homes for your favourite plant – just ensure you line it ﬁrst with a plastic bag or landscape fabric.

home & living home accessory ultimate

eWicker is a staple across the board, whether on your arm or in your home.

There is always love for the wicker or woven-look basket, from their versatile chicness in home and living to the classic panier as the perfect everyday bag. With their natural, farmhouse-style vibe, these storage and style alternatives achieve an effortless aesthetic and bring an earthy element to your home. Wicker became a popular technique around the 17th century, and it is suggested the first wicker basket originated in Egypt – appreciated for its durability in mummification. The technique of weaving baskets is a craft older than pottery, according to researchers, and these creations were common in things like transportation and storing perishables, across many cultures. Today, they are just as practical.

Make laundry luxe

Blanket basket

Place a square or circular woven basket in a space that suits your living room, such as by your couch or in a corner. Throw in a cosy blanket that matches your colour scheme, and spill it over the sides for that just-threw-it-in laid-back look.

A woven basket with a linen inner lining makes a chic laundry alternative and looks gorgeous in your wardrobe or bathroom. Choose one with a lid to keep dirty clothing hidden.

ART SHOW Bi-annual

Windsor Gallery’s Bi-annual Art Show is fast approaching and should be in the calendar for Canterbury’s art aﬁcionados.

The exhibition features hundreds of new works by over 40 local and international artists. Highlights include outstanding pieces by Sean Fietje, Lisa Jepson, and ceramic works by Dot Molten.

“The bi-annual show is always a highlight,” says Tracey Wynands, co-owner of Windsor Gallery. “There will be brand new pieces by a lot of our featured artists as well as some unfamiliar names.”

It’s an incredible opportunity to familiarise yourself with some local luminaries and fall in love with new artists. All the works exhibited are also for sale, making this the perfect chance to build up your collection of ﬁne art or ﬁnd the perfect feature piece to brighten up your home.

The real joy of this exhibition is the sheer breadth of the works on show. With paintings, photographic prints, and sculptures in a variety of materials on display, there will be something for every artistic palate.

Strange Obsession by Lisa Jepson

DETAILS

The Bi-annual Art Show November 9 - 10 at Windsor Gallery 386 St Asaph Street www.windsorgallery.co.nz

What is life.. without a lifestyle.

Live your best life with a Technics Lifestyle Speaker system featuring Bluetooth, Wifi, Airplay, Spotify connect, CD player and FM Radio. Visit Soundline today for the full range of Technics Hifi.

Morning Rain and Fog by Pieter Swanepoel

drag

An eco-friendly kingdom

Martin and Petra Novak have transformed their love for dragons into a thriving business, crafting exquisite, eco-friendly dragon toys in New Zealand since 2022.

Their creations—ranging from large, fearsome creatures to cherry blossom-adorned cuties—captivate the imaginations of both children and adults.

“When we attend conventions, it’s amazing to see the excitement on children’s faces as they discover how ﬂexible the dragons’ articulated bodies are,” Martin shares. The Novaks’ attention to detail and commitment to quality have earned them an outstanding 4.92 out of 5 rating across more than 1000 customer reviews. Customers rave not only about the craftsmanship, and also the swift delivery and the eco-friendly materials used.

Most of their sales come from online platforms, where each purchase includes a note and often a tiny, free turtle toy—personal touches that have proven a hit with customers. As the holiday season approaches, Martin anticipates their busiest Christmas yet. “We sell right up until Christmas, but customers should plan ahead to allow for delivery.”

Their dragons are not just magical, they are also mindful of the planet. Made from biodegradable plastic and packaged sustainably, it further ensures that the Novaks’ dragons delight youngsters for generations to come.

turtlecreations.co.nz

MAURICE

through quality sleep Greater wellbeing

Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health, while not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of health disorders ranging from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia.

Sleep time is undervalued,” says Simon Challies, Director of BrainTree Wellness Centre (pictured above left). “It can make as much diﬀerence as exercise can; it’s just as important.”

Since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011, Simon has embraced the importance of quality sleep as a critical component of his overall wellbeing. “In 2012, I went to the United States to see one of the preeminent specialists in movement disorders. I was looking for a magic cure, but the specialist said there isn’t one. He said that, in his experience, the people who live best with these conditions eat super healthy, challenge themselves physically and mentally, keep up the social contact, and get good sleep. I came away inspired because I thought, ‘I can do this.’”

Simon quickly got to work on “eating well, being physically active, keeping mentally stimulated, and keeping up good contact with people socially”. But he says he still struggled to master good sleep. “My wife and I were looking for a new bed earlier this year. We ﬁrst tried one of the online options, and it was a disaster.”

A recommendation from his brother led Simon to Dreamwool Beds, and he says this is when his sleeping fortunes ﬁnally changed. “We went to Dreamwool to have a look, and we

were really rapt with the service we got; the bed was outstanding. I never imagined I was going to spend that much money on a bed, though I haven’t regretted it for a minute.”

The unparalleled quality and volume of all-natural materials in Dreamwool Beds - in particular, New Zealand Merino wool sourced directly from South Island farms - enables users to get into a deeper sleep faster and to better recover from busy and stressful days. Dreamwool’s second-to-none sleeping experience oﬀers a quality of rest that many might think is unattainable.

Simon was so impressed with his upgraded sleep experience that his team approached Dreamwool and asked them to partner with BrainTree on their annual BrainTree Wellness Centre Ball. Dreamwool proudly donated a mattress that helped BrainTree raise $10,000 in their annual auction. “We really appreciated their contribution, and it’s a natural ﬁt,” Simon says, “sleep contributes so much to your wellness, which is what this Centre is about.”

“Sleep is probably one of the most underrated things you can do in your life,” says Dreamwool Director David Henderson (pictured above right). “It has the biggest impact on your physical and mental wellbeing, and its importance cannot be underestimated.”

TOTAL FOOD EQUIPMENT

Celebr ing

15

Sandra McLay knows all about the difference good quality kitchenware can make in a home, building a store–or legacy–that embodies this. This year, she’s raising her glass to 15 years in business.

I“can’t believe how fast the 15 years have gone, and the amount of things we have had to go through to get here. It really has been a journey,” says Sandra, owner of the kitchen and homewares haven Total Food Equipment.

The ﬁrst Total Food Equipment store was lost in the Christchurch earthquakes, and relocations ensued until the beloved store returned to its rightful home on Moorhouse Avenue. “It’s been a long and winding road,” Sandra laughs. That true grit, determination, and loyalty is what you can still expect inside the store every day.

Growing up in a household that cherished cooking and baking, Sandra’s store became a place that would empower and provide families with the opportunity to continue making such moments.

“We’re a small family business and sometimes we just can’t compete with the big boys and it will always be like that,” Sandra says, on the overwhelming amount of online retailers in the market.

The Total Food Equipment diﬀerence is a collection handpicked for quality and displayed beautifully, with advice and understanding to ensure you take home what you need–something you can’t get through a screen.

“We have one lovely lady who ﬂies down from Wellington with her daughters to come shopping.” For that satisfaction is why Sandra and her team are dedicated to the service they provide. “We go the extra mile,” she explains.

“The day I don’t want to go to work is the day I have to get out. I’ve never had a day like that,” she conﬁdes. Sandra hasn’t had a sick day in 15 years – there is no greater testament to her devotion of the store.

“We keep up with the trends and oﬀer people things they can enjoy using in the kitchen,” explaining how exciting it was when lockdowns forced a surge in cooking and baking, speciﬁcally bread.

Each product in store is of extreme quality from ultimate kitchenware brands, often with the ability to be ﬁxed. Consider it a one-time investment, instead of buying lower quality pieces and replacements every few months. From gorgeous decor to kitchen essentials and commercial kitchen ranges, every need is catered for.

Total Food Equipment carries massive ranges from reputable brands including Le Creuset, Maxwell & Williams, Vitamix, WMF, Dualit, Bialetti, Lodge, Kai Shun, and more. Whether it’s a housewarming or wedding gift, kitchen appliance upgrade,

years

or something special for your home, you can trust the team to have what you need and all the knowledge to assist best.

What does Sandra hope the next 15 years bring? “Retirement,” she laughs, before sharing her enthusiasm for the comeback of bricks and mortar stores and in-person shopping experiences and connections.

Park right outside at 218 Moorhouse Avenue and enjoy so many gorgeous things you won’t know where to look, plus complimentary gift wrapping and a fabulous loyalty program.

Total Food Equipment owner Sandra McLay

Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven 7.09L 30.2cm Cherry On Top

Dualit 4 Slice Catering Pop-Up Toaster 15Amp

Vitamix Ascent Series Blender in Gold and White

KitchenAid Stand Mixer in Evergreen

Maxwell & Williams Pure White Dinner set

Le Creuset Cast Iron Round Casserole

Myabi Chef’s Knife 24cm

Bialetti Moka Induction Bi Layer Red | 2 – 6 Cup

WMF Function Cookware Set 4 Piece

Jazz up

Transforming or freshening your space from ordinary to extraordinary may be achieved easily with the right approach. Here are three ideas:

1. Revive with paint

A fresh coat of paint will refresh any area, indoors or out.

A vibrant shade will make a bold statement, while the simplicity of white walls acts as a blank canvas.

2.

Make an entrance

A simple way to refresh your home is to spruce up the entrance. Give your front door a vibrant paint job, update hardware elements, and/or add some greenery with potted plants.

Invest in quality bespoke furniture

Beautifully crafted furniture to add character to your home can be created here in Christchurch.

Unique pieces, traditional and contemporary, have been handcrafted from solid timber by Sydenham-based Gavin Cox Furniture for more than 40 years.

Owner Tim Cridge and his team will help turn your ideas into reality. “Email or call me,” says Tim. “Our furniture tends to be signature pieces, with a demand for feature dining table and chairs, console tables, sideboards and entertainment units. From bookcases to buﬀets, chairs to coﬀee tables, dining tables and chairs to entertainment units, hall tables to hutch dressers and now beautiful stairs too. If you want it, we can create it.”

Call Tim on 03 366 9219, email info@gavincoxfurniture.co.nz, or visit the website.

gavincoxfurniture.co.nz

Perfect paintings at Bi-annual art show

3. Upgrade your hardware

From kitchen cupboards to wardrobe and bathroom cabinets and beyond, changing taps, drawer knobs, handles, and even your shower head for something more modern can quickly upgrade your space. Painting dated cabinets can also bring a modern and upgraded feeling. If your cupboards are currently a light colour, consider going bold and bright. If they’re wood, jazz them up with a white ﬁnish.

This must-attend exhibition on 9 and 10 November is ﬁlled with hundreds of striking artworks from over 40 local and international artists.

It is a splendid chance to bolster up your collection and ﬁll your house or oﬃce space with dynamic pieces of art.

Sean Fietje’s paintings are exquisite in their intricacy and breathtaking in their detail, meticulously crafted and stunningly realised. All artwork on show is for sale. Make sure it’s in your calendar now.

The Bi-annual Art Show November 9-10 at Windsor Gallery www.windsorgallery.co.nz

1. Beautiful Custom Furniture, expertly made at Gavin Cox Furniture, 2. Meg Hawkins Sketched Hare Jug, available at Art & Frame, 3. Wrendale Christmas socks, available at Art & Frame, 4. A delicious range of seasoning, rubs and sauces, available at Exquisite Gifts by AJ, 5. Proudly restoring your loved pieces of furniture, Seaton’s French Polishing & Furniture Repairs, 6. Adorable Christmas decorations, available at Coco Gifts.

EMOTIONAL PRESSURES

The study found that New Zealander’s have the highest levels of satisfaction with pet ownership, from the 20 countries studied. Dog owners just take the crown, with 58% scoring their satisfaction as 10 out of 10. Satisfaction of cat owners in New Zealand came in at 55%. Globally, these ratings sit at 51% and 49% respectively.

No doubt, pets make our houses homely, with 56% of dog owners saying so, and 55% of cat owners agreeing. On appreciating the unconditional love a dog shows them, 61% said yes. Naturally, 56% of cat owners said the most satisfying thing about their cat was their ability to make them laugh.

It’s not all belly scratches and wagging tails, though. The study delved into the emotional connections between pets and their parents. Guilt from leaving pets alone was the biggest pain point of dog owners, at 42%, while just over a third felt guilty leaving their cat alone. A further 29% listed unexpected costs as the biggest pressure –cat owners scored this at 34%. Coping with the loss of their feline companion was the most troubling for cat owners, at 36%.

Great service (for installing a microchip cat door), the man answering the phone was friendly and helpful, and the serviceman also a top bloke. Very impressed with both the quality of the work and the people.

“We have just had a dog door installed. We were able to get everything organised smoothly and quickly, and our dog door was installed without a hitch, and time was taken to clean the glass and all packaging etc was taken away, leaving our place clean and tidy. Am more than happy to recommend Sharp Glass!”

gardening

Bring back Bu erflies

New Zealand butterﬂy enthusiasts are concerned some varieties may be headed for extinction.

In Britain, the charity Butterﬂy Conservation called on its government to declare a “Nature Emergency” because of the decline of butterﬂies in that country, and some in New Zealand fear we may be headed down the same path.

The British charity says 80% of their butterfly species have declined since the 1970s and a third of moth numbers going in that same period. As a first step they ask for an immediate and permanent ban on butterfly-harming neonicotinoid pesticides.

On another continent, Jaime Rojo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is also concerned, focusing his appeal on the monarch migration in North America. It is estimated that the monarch population has dropped by 90% since the 1990s. As well as pesticide use, climate change, and habitat destruction, the growing of avocados in what was once the monarchs’ natural habitat is also part of the problem.

“Here in New Zealand, we should be worried as well,” said Jacqui Knight, founding trustee of the Moths and Butterﬂies of NZ Trust (MBNZT). “Even more so – as most New Zealand people don’t even know about the beautiful species we do have. If you don’t know something exists, you don’t realise it is on its way to extinction.”

The MBNZT is currently bringing back the beautiful New Zealand red admiral butterﬂy to Auckland where it hasn’t been seen for at least 20 years since the time Auckland was sprayed with insecticide for the painted apple moth.

Even the monarch butterﬂy here in New Zealand is at risk. In Christchurch, MBNZT members have seen a huge decline in the number of monarchs that overwinter in the city’s parks. For these reasons the MBNZT has produced a list of “Dos and Don’ts” for those people who are keen to help the monarch population bounce back over the summer and in future years.

“We urge monarch lovers to follow the advice on our website,” said Jacqui. “There are so many ways in which we can help our beautiful butterﬂies.”

• Some of the dos and don’ts are listed on the following page, however for the full list visit the website www.nzbutterﬂies.org.nz/project/dos-and-donts.

dos and don’ts

How you can help the monarch population in New Zealand:

• Buy twice as many swan plants.

• Make sure you have some nectar plants growing.

• Let caterpillars move themselves to the new plant, if you “buy more food”.

• Plant new next to the old one, or cut the stems with caterpillars on and lay the stems at the base of the new plant.

• Grow your own plants from seed, or grow plants on from previous years.

• Remember that swan plants are toxic so be careful when handling them.

DON’T

• Plant new swan plants in the summer heat.

• Handle caterpillars.

• Feed them alternative foods such as pumpkin, cucumber or other members of the cucurbit family. The wrong food may cause long-term damage to their internal systems.

• Move or disturb caterpillars when they are moulting.

• Use pesticides. Fly sprays, plug-in insect controls and ﬂea collars on pets can kill caterpillars. Sunscreen and cosmetics on hands can also a ect them.

Charm Garden

Refresh your outdoors with ease, thanks to the plethora of ever-evolving new season stock at this Moorhouse Ave store.

Every week at Grow Landscape & Lifestyle beautiful new pieces and plants arrive to help improve the ambience of your garden. Fountains, corten steel garden art, and towering feature plants are elements of awe in creating a beautiful outdoor area.

Picture this: the gentle murmur of a trickling water feature sculpting a tranquil vibe for warm evenings, while corten steel art introduces rustic allure and character to your landscape. Embrace these vital elements to heighten your garden aesthetics, transforming this summer into a season of visual delight and serene ambience.

The wide selection inside will grasp your attention and ignite your imagination, and the friendly team will ensure your collection is curated with your landscape in mind.

www.garden.co.nz

GROW LANDSCAPE & LIFESTYLE IS OPEN MON - FRI 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm (closed Sundays), at 69 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch. Phone 03 365 9945.

An activated sludge reactor will replace the fire-damaged trickling filters at the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant to fix long-standing odour issues impacting local residents.

Christchurch City Council and its insurer have settled an $85 million insurance claim following the fire in 2021, which destroyed two trickling filters at the plant in Bromley. The filters were a critical part of the sewage treatment process, and the damage impacted the treatment process causing major odour issues that have affected the local community.

Mayor Phil Mauger said this milestone allows the council to move forward with building both a more resilient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment plant for the city.

“From the day the ﬁre started, the community has been impacted by the loss of these trickling ﬁlters, the stench caused by the interim solution was unbearable.”

“It has been an incredibly distressing time for locals, and we acknowledge this has been a lengthy process. While conﬁdentiality

was necessary throughout the negotiations, it resulted in uncertainty for the community over a permanent solution to the ﬁre damage,” he adds.

Design work is underway and expected to take up to three years to get the sludge reactors up and running. The current estimate cost is $140 million, which will likely be reﬁned following detailed design. Funding is included in the Long Term Plan so there will be no impact on rates.

Timeline

• Design – underway, one year

• Construction – two years

• Interim operations will continue during construction

• The reactor will be commissioned

• Interim operations conclude

Jim the Builder

Making the call to become your own boss, to own your own company and transition from employee to employer can be scary, yet exciting at the same time.

That’s how Jason and Susan Roberts have been feeling since they recently took over the ownership of Proudfoot Plastering as Greg and Michelle Proudfoot took a step back.

“I’d worked for Greg for over 25 years,” says Jason. “So it was natural progression that I would take over, but it’s still been a big step all the same.” The duo at the top may have changed, but the craftsmanship of the work carried out by the team of ten experienced and skilled plasterers will remain consistently high.

“We will continue to be the experts in both exterior plastering and interior textured feature work for residential and light commercial clients,” says Jason. “This has been an award-winning

company and we will maintain that standard while also creating our own identity.”

The plastering of architecturally-designed houses is indeed a speciality for this firm. As Jason says, they can offer challenges in the fine detailing required of the finishing, but the end result is even more satisfying. The team also works on home earthquake repairs and re-cladding as well as on retaining walls, outdoor landscape wall and fences using the wide range of products available now. Call Jason today on 021 345 122.

Front and centre

As the weather warms up, so does our events season. The city is full of people, and we have a lot to look forward to.

It was great to be a part of the Antarctic season opening to welcome back scientists and supporters from all across the world before they head to the ice.

The Antarctic community supports over 3000 full-time jobs in Canterbury, and last year activities contributed about $158.3 million to Canterbury’s economy which is just fantastic.

The Diwali Festival is underway until 2 November and there’s always plenty to get involved in around this celebration period.

Last week there was the fantastic Indian Social and Cultural Club Diwali Event at Hagley Park which had a whole variety of entertainment like trade and food stalls.

Seeing people from diﬀerent cultures getting together to celebrate life in Christchurch is terriﬁc.

I’m really glad that the A&P Show is going ahead this year, even if it’s a bit smaller than usual. It’s so important that the show continues for our city – it’s part of our history. I encourage everyone to get behind it to support this iconic event.

Finally the jewel in the crown of our events calendar is coming up with Cup and Show Week kicking oﬀ mid-November. You can’t deny this puts Christchurch in the spotlight.

Our city is front and centre of the action this spring, so let’s get out and about and celebrate what makes our region so special.

ROSS STEELE TE PAE CHRISTCHURCH | GENERAL MANAGER

Friendly practices

Living sustainably is all about making conscious choices today to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Climate change stands as one of the greatest challenges of our time, inﬂuencing everything from weather patterns and health to food security and economic stability. In response, Ōtautahi Christchurch has embraced the UN Sustainable Development Goals, aiming for net zero emissions by 2045. The city’s rebuild has been guided by principles of sustainability, resilience, and innovation.

With an emphasis on energy eﬃciency, green spaces, and eco-friendly design, Christchurch is emerging as a model for sustainable urban living. One of the city’s strengths is its walkable, accessible central business district, complemented by sustainable transport options such as electric car shares, e-scooters, e-bikes, and electric buses connecting to Christchurch Airport. These initiatives make it easy for visitors to lower their carbon footprint while exploring the city.

Christchurch is also witnessing a rise in venues prioritising sustainability for events, from global tradeshows to corporate gatherings. Many are adopting energy-eﬃcient practices, waste reduction strategies, and sustainable catering to minimise their environmental impact.

At Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, we view every significant decision through an environmental lens, leading the industry with world-class sustainable operations. Proudly certified with Toitū Environmark Gold, we recently became the first convention centre globally to achieve Toitū net carbonzero status. Our commitment to sustainability manifests in several innovative initiatives, which reduce our carbon emissions, lower operating costs, and enhance client satisfaction. We are proud to be playing our part in fostering positive transformation for Christchurch.

Completion in November 2024 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 carpark 61 Farrington Avenue, Bishopdale

Burnside High School zone

Architectural design

Close to malls

Priced at $609,000 $30,000 1st Year Rent Guarantee

PHIL MAUGER CHRISTCHURCH CITY | MAYOR

SOPHIE JONES ECONOMIC ANALYST | CHRISTCHURCHNZ

A summer outlook

In my role as Economic Analyst at ChristchurchNZ, I focus on the wellbeing of our economy. But it’s important to remember that economies are about people.

Recent insights from Statistics New Zealand’s Wellbeing Survey reveal reasons to feel good.

Canterbury boasts higher overall wellbeing levels compared with the national average. In 2023, 53% of Cantabrians reported experiencing three or more key aspects of wellbeing: excellent or very good health, suﬃcient income to meet everyday needs, a sense of connection without feelings of loneliness, and healthy housing conditions. This is an encouraging ﬁgure, especially when contrasted with the national average of 48% – and 43% in Auckland.

Housing is a particular bright spot for us, with fewer reports of cold, damp, or mouldy homes compared with the rest of the country. The newer housing stock in Canterbury compared to many other regions of the country has no doubt played a big role in this.

When it comes to ﬁnancial security, Cantabrians were 6% more likely than the average New Zealander to say they had enough income to meet their everyday needs, and 14% more likely compared to people living in Auckland.

This likely stems from Canterbury’s lower cost of living, allowing our residents to stretch their budgets further. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the pressures many face; there’s been a noticeable rise in those feeling ﬁnancial strain since the last survey in 2021.

Despite challenges, the well-being data reminds us of the strength and resilience embedded in our community. Let’s hope the summer season brings further good news.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Embracing AI in Health

It is exciting to see how the Canterbury Health system is increasingly using Artiﬁcial Intelligence (AI) to improve health outcomes.

We are just at the beginning of realising signiﬁcant opportunities for innovation, in particular improving accuracy of diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health conditions.

Whether it is the enabling and application of complex and voluminous existing data sets or revealing more detail through the reﬁnement of existing analytical tools, the revolution is under way. AI is becoming a fundamental and vital tool in increasing the accuracy of both diagnosis and treatment.

However, there is still a lot of uncertainty associated with the adoption of AI. Much of this distrust is based on a lack of knowledge and understanding around the consequences of using AI, including the belief that somehow AI will end up displacing or controlling us.

So, with the inevitable quantum shift that is occurring in the applications of AI in health, there is a real need to educate those inside the health system and the wider community about the value of AI improving our lives, not threatening them.

One way of doing this is presenting real life examples of AI applications in health within Canterbury to a wideas-possible audience so the positive impacts for all are clearly demonstrated alongside the dispelling of any negative urban legends.

Te Papa Hauora, The Health Precinct, is actively engaged in doing just that.

PETER TOWNSEND TE PAPA HAUORA HEALTH PRECINCT | CHAIR

Congratulations to the owners of The Connect Group, George and Rachael, and their team, for 20 years of business. They celebrated the milestone at the iconic Tuam Street Pumphouse.

1. Melissa Simmiss, Dagi Wetter & Ash Cant, 2. Robin Houdek, Mike Baker, Carl Wright, Anna Sinclair, Michelle McGimpsey, 3. Hannah & Kalave Aualiitia, 4. Nick Wormald, Aaron McLaughlin, Steve Fahey, 5. Kendall & Belinda Langston, Luke Johnson, 6. Brian & Janelle Lang, 7. Lisa Rattray & Russell Sinclair, 8. Ondrej Bocan & Yue Zhang, 9. Carl & Michelle Wright, 10. Sophie & Aaran Grosser, 11. George, Isabella, Ida and Rachael Roberts, 12. David Kratochvil, Robin Houdek, Nick Rock.

Photos by Nial from Optik Photography

Celebrating

in business20 years

The year is 2004. Facebook has just emerged, changing the way people connect online. Motorola’s Razr ﬂip phone is the must-have accessory, deﬁning sleek and cutting-edge mobile technology.

Helen Clark is serving her second term as New Zealand’s prime minister, guiding the country through a period of economic growth and social reform. Meanwhile, blockbuster hits like The Incredibles and Shrek 2 dominate the box oﬃce, and the world is gearing up for the Athens Olympics.

It’s a time of rapid technological and cultural change—a ﬁtting backdrop for the beginnings of The Connect Group’s journey, as they set out on a path to become a construction industry leader over the next two decades.

The Connect Group has reached an incredible milestone— 20 years in business. It’s been an exciting journey ﬁlled with hard work, dedication, and unforgettable moments. The Connect Group provide specialist asset protection and upgrade services to many new-build and existing sites in the Canterbury region, and on Saturday 19 October they celebrated the achievements of the people, pictured left, who played a part in their success.

The celebration was hosted at an iconic Christchurch venue— the Tuam Street Pumphouse. Packed with heritage treasures from the past and transformed into an exciting venue, it was a ﬁtting location to mark this special occasion, blending old-world charm with modern vibrance.

No celebration is complete without music and dancing - the

talented Live Assembly set the stage with their infectious tunes, creating an atmosphere where guests could let loose and show oﬀ their best moves—or simply enjoy watching others take the spotlight. It was an epic night to remember.

Great parties are known for their unforgettable food, and Smoke ‘n’ Barrel certainly delivers. They served up tender, slow-cooked smoky meats that pleased every palate, while the vegetarians enjoyed a delicious alternative of ﬂavourful tofu and mushrooms. There truly was something for everyone.

Meanwhile, the talented team from The Last Word created exquisite, handcrafted cocktails. Though these drinks didn’t come with Alice in Wonderland’s magical eﬀects, they left guests enchanted and craving more with each sip.

The excitement was palpable as The Connect Group prepared to mark its two-decade milestone in unforgettable style. Invited guests joined in the celebration of this remarkable achievement, and the anticipation of the event created an air of excitement as the company reached this signiﬁcant moment in its journey.

At The Connect Group, the brand promise is simple: BEST PEOPLE - BEST RESULTS. This commitment reﬂects the team’s dedication to delivering exceptional quality and service for every project undertaken.

Innovative Products

New products for your building or home.

Almost daily, cutting edge and innovative new products for home and building projects come on to the market. From foundations to walls to roofs, insulation to cladding, and every product in between, there is so much choice.

Research has shown that Kiwis are among the ﬁrst to embrace new technology, avant garde products, and ingenious creations, and these pages are designed to show you some of what’s on oﬀer in Christchurch and beyond.

Globally, the construction industry is undergoing rapid changes because of the adoption of innovative design approaches, technologies, and materials. New Zealand’s construction sector is learning from the best practices of other countries, as well as coming up with its own innovations.

A focus on sustainability means current key trends include the use of green and sustainable materials like bio-based and recycled products, the development of self-healing materials, and the application of 3D printing for construction.

At Assemble Kitchen & Interiors, craftsmanship meets creativity to redeﬁne your kitchen experience. With over 30 years of expertise, our team transforms spaces into functional works of art, reﬂecting your unique style.

We prioritise using New Zealand products to minimise our carbon footprint, ensuring the best range at the best price. From sleek modern designs to timeless classics, we create bespoke spaces that elevate your home with elegance and functionality.

027 252 5048 www.assemble.kitchen

Oﬀering a practical feature to any home this seamless hidden pivot door is an example of engineering creativity at its ﬁnest. Our custom design allows you to create a masterpiece to suit your needs.

We oﬀer all types of doors and gates from pivot to sliding and manual to automative we have you covered.

03 379 3484

divisiongroup.co.nz

hemp Heroic

Researchers from an American polytechnic institute have invented a hemp alternative to steel reinforcement, which they claim avoids the problem of corrosion and reduces carbon emissions during construction.

Hemp reinforcement can be used to support concrete structures in the same way as steel and other reinforcement is used today, but with less environmental impact due to both the composition of the material and its durability.

Currently, the rusting of steel reinforcement is the main reason for the premature demolition of structures such as bridges, roads, dams and buildings. Innovative hemp reinforcement will provide three times the durability and protection against corrosion. Additionally, hemp reinforcement does not require so much energy consumption to produce and install, which makes it an environmentally friendlier solution.

Construction costs show minor uptick

Tax changes, high levels of existing stock on the market, and credit-constrained buyers have compounded the building industry slowdown, holding construction cost growth low for more than 18 months.

CoreLogic’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index (CCCI) recorded a 1.1% rise in the September quarter, reversing the fall recorded in Q2. It marks the ﬁrst time quarterly growth has exceeded 1% since December 2022.

However, the annual growth rate remains subdued at 1.3%, the second lowest since late 2013 and well below the long-term average growth rate of 4.3%.

CoreLogic Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson says overall construction cost growth remains subdued, reﬂecting an easing of pressure for both labour and materials. The index recorded a drop in sub-contractor charge-out rates in Q3, alongside many plumbing materials such as PVC piping, although the cost for materials such as window hardware and kitchen joinery rose over the period.

“The wider residential construction sector has been in a downturn for about two years now, with dwelling consents falling and actual workloads subsequently declining too,” Kelvin says.

“The industry has come oﬀ extreme highs recorded during Covid, and building activity remains solid when compared to previous cycles. Even so, it does look like there is capacity opening up, which has reduced the pressure on costs.” He adds that the industry is grappling with additional challenges, as many households remain ﬁnancially cautious despite falling mortgage rates, and the number of established property listings available for sale remains high.

New Zealand currently has about 26,000 properties listed for sale—up from 23,000 at the same time last year and double the 13,000 that were available in 2021.

“With such an elevated stock of existing listings, there’s less incentive for buyers to consider new-build properties,” he believes. “The shortening of the Bright-line Test and the reinstatement of mortgage interest deductibility for all properties regardless of age has also lessened the appeal of new builds.”

The supply pipeline has also slowed, with annual dwelling consents peaking at about 51,000 in May 2022 before falling 34% to 33,632 in August this year. Actual construction workloads, measured by ‘work put in place’, are down around 15% from their peak.

He says, however, that signs of life might just be starting to emerge in the industry, noting that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s newly introduced debt-to-income ratio restrictions, which exempt new builds, could help stimulate demand in this segment. Further interest rate cuts and improvements in the labour market are also likely to have a positive impact on construction activity into 2025.

• The CCCI report measures the rate of change of construction costs within the residential market for a typical, ‘standard’ three-bedroom, two-bathroom brick and tile single-storey dwelling.

Structures of strength and signiﬁcance

Close your eyes and imagine the ﬁrst place in the world to greet the sunrise of the new day. It has unrivalled South Paciﬁc stargazing, basalt columns, walking, kayaking, and scenic reserves plus stunning seafood delights.

It is home to fewer than 1000 people, only accessible by air or sea, and hosts its own endemic plant and bird species. Where are you? You are in the magical Chatham Islands. Irrefutably Kiwi, yet with histories and mysteries only found there, these ruggedly beautiful islands are seeing visitor numbers rise. Tourists usually arrive by air to Tuuta Airport on Chatham, the largest island of the archipelago.

With flights arriving from Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch and 150 visitor beds available, the airport’s Board identified the need to enlarge capacity. The runway had been extended as the first phase of upgrading the airport, next needed was a cool and welcoming terminal extension to represent the island. However, freight transport logistics for the islands are not easy.

building,” says Project Manager Stu Gee, “and the wonderful classroom and promotional space at Orana Park is one of ours also.”

One of the key attributes of Fraemohs buildings which attracted the Chatham Islands’ Airport Board is the ability to make a building in the factory, ﬂatpack it for freighting, and assemble the building in as remote a location as you can think of. “All of the main materials went through the Port at Timaru: rooﬁng, doors, windows – everything needed to create the lock up building,” says Stu.

“Just as trees move with the wind, our homes move naturally through their interlocking timber system.”

With Fraemohs Homes already a strong domestic presence on the two main islands, the Airport Board asked the expert team if they could help with supplying a commercial building. The answer was a resounding “yes”, with experience in light commercial building for a while now. “Recently we created a fabulous preschool

The new terminal addition will be assembled at the airport by a local Chatham Islands building team. “Our buildings are so suitable for construction by local builders that we are only sending over one Fraemohs trained builder from Christchurch to answer any questions on the spot,” Stu explains.

The islands enjoy an oceanic climate. This is code for ‘it rains frequently and it can be stormy too.’ “The location has its unique weather challenges and the Airport Board knew that our technology would stand up well to local weather conditions,” says Stu. “We did our Thermal

Inia William Tuuta Memorial Airport

Chatham Islands

Modelling for the site as we do for every project. We got the building ready for consenting through Wellington City Council, and 3D modelled it for production in our factory.”

The Thermal Modelling system is a Fraemohsown process that looks at both heating and cooling bespoke to of all their buildings. The system takes into account the specific site, the position of the building on that site, and its aspect. Local climate is central to calculations, and each building gets specific thermal design that ensures it avoids overheating and efficiently retains warmth.

“Our solid timber system contains signiﬁcant thermal mass in itself, and if a build uses exposed concrete our team will evaluate that for thermal mass,” says Stu. “The model shows where additional insulation would be an advantage, it might specify double rather than triple glazing, or low E glass on one side of the house, for example. It is about the right products in the right places, getting things on certain sides of the house, or using a diﬀerent insulating product.”

Gale force winds can blow for days at a time on the Chatham Islands, and again Fraemohs construction materials and techniques rise to the challenge. “Just as trees move with the wind, our homes move naturally through their interlocking timber system. The combination of strength and ﬂexibility are at the core of why our buildings perform well in windy zones, and in earthquakes too,” says Stu.

The Chatham Islands are a treasure chest of wild beauty, and environmentally friendly credentials made Fraemohs the ideal choice. Timber is a natural product with an attractive aesthetic that blends well with country settings. As a renewable resource, timber can be regrown, providing a sustainability bonus that you don’t get with nonrenewable options like steel and concrete. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, and continue to store carbon when cut and used in construction.

LONGSTANDING SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS

Fraemohs has been genuine about sustainability long before it was a ‘thing’. It’s been one of their central tenets for 50 years, building thousands of carbon negative timber homes all across New Zealand and the world. We can thank Monni Fraemohs who ﬁrst brought with him from Denmark to Christchurch a passion for Scandinavian solid timber home construction. In 1968, Fraemohs Homes were the most environmentally responsible option available. That’s a credit to the business that has never changed.

Builds that are better

Commercial or residential, the Fraemohs experts can cater to your needs, crafting astounding buildings that exceed all expectations - regardless of where or when.

On the airport project, the team collaborated with Beca, acknowledged airport experts, who, alongside Chatham Islands Airport Ltd and Downer New Zealand, have already won the 2023 small airport category at the NZ Airport Association Conference for Infrastructure Project of the Year, regarding the runway extension. That project was delivered three months ahead of schedule in March 2023, despite the pandemic and some characteristically extreme weather conditions experienced on the islands.

This next phase of the airport upgrade sees the old terminal retained and refurbished for arrivals and departures. The new Fraemohs building will link to the existing building and be dedicated to security processing for outgoing passenger departures. It will carefully blend the old with the new, seamlessly intertwining the existing building’s historical and cultural value for islanders.

Beca consulted with the network of experts needed to create a modern airport facility. “They liaised with ﬁre engineers, the

security specialists, and their structural engineers worked closely with our in-house engineer,” says Stu. “With our new build adjoining the existing terminal we had to have detailed joining elements including ramps and access ﬂows which all met the regulatory framework.”

It is apparent that Fraemohs, with its ethos of sustainability, beauty, and strength is the ideal choice for the Chatham Islands airport extension. The islands and the people who live there share values and attributes with these building experts to make them an ideal match. So go on, close your eyes. Imagine yourself on your way to the place that greets the ﬁrst sunshine of the new day.

Have you ever thought about the dramatic change in the many forms of communication that all of us rely on, especially around the massive proliferation of texting?

Texting, something that originally started as a messaging service for emergency information, is now one of the world’s most common means of connecting.

It is used as a ready replacement for either speaking on the phone or writing and it has created a whole new language and set of abbreviations. Yes, it’s true; the English language is changing and faster than many of us, me included, can keep up with, so I never cease to be surprised by the replacement of sentences with shortened words, direct misspelling and multiple emojis where full stops would have once existed.

Given I work in a multi-generational environment, there are definite variations in levels of reliance on texting, with many still preferring more formal means of communicating or even that increasingly rare commodity – a face-to-face meeting.

The empathy and emotional connection that a direct in-person meeting can generate isn’t always possible with the delivery of a text and the verbal clues that you can pick up are also absent.

I’ve witnessed this on numerous occasions and can attest to getting the meanings of some texts very wrong in the past when my, then limited, texting skills let me down.

But everything has its place. Texting is quick, lightning quick, and given people are said to look at their phones an average of 150 times a day (and I’m sure it’s higher) and our attention spans are contracting, you can be pretty sure the text you’ve sent is likely to have been seen.

But what if what’s been seen is misinterpreted or, as in some cases, you may have generational gaps simply not understood?

My sons text their grandparents constantly and it’s taken a lot of patience and some pretty comical moments to ensure that the messages and various

abbreviations are now interpreted correctly.

I also work with sales consultants whose clients have a definite preference for textonly communication, which would be at odds with what I’d prefer to receive or wish to deliver.

Is it just me or is something lost when a brief text replaces a good conversation about your property, backed up by a well-written email afterwards?

Before you answer – and even if you’re reading this online and respond with a happy face, a ‘like’ or a heart emoji – know this: no matter what changes there are in this industry, connection and communication, along with an enduring sense of professional commitment, will always differentiate the best from the rest.