CHRISTCHURCH CURATED | SPRING 20 From the wardrobe to the streets, it’s all about design this spring. We’ve got the latest clothes, colours and components thanks to some of Christchurch’s greatest design and fashion minds. Find destinations for Cityscapers with a travel itch – from Northland to Antarctica. And we’ve got the latest in beauty, events, cuisine and culture.
CONTENTS Spring 20
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24 Love And Bass L.A.B. frontman Joel Shadbolt talks recording and touring. 26 Singing about crying Adam Hattaway tells us about the best parts of spring. 27 Interweb of lies Q&A: SCAPE Public Art exhibitor Natasha Matila-Smith. 28 Artful dissection Explore the art of Heather Straka's Dissected Parlour. 34 Music, manipulation & madness Q&A: NZ Opera general director Anthony de Mallet Burgess. 38 Street smart Fiksate gallery is a haven for Christchurch's urban art scene. 40 Going with the floe Cityscape plunges into an Antarctic expedition.
08 Lust list This season’s essentials.
46 46° below The flora and fauna of the Subantartic Islands.
10 Word on the street Tip-offs, trends and more.
49 Digital detox Unplug – get analogue for health and fun.
16 Dyed in the wool Q&A: Untouched World CEO Peri Drysdale.
Food & Drink
Culture
55 The origin of flavour Bringing the secrets of genuine wagyu beef to New Zealand.
22 Ready to roll Biketober is back.
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23 Addington action Join the party at Addington Cup Week 2020.
56 Can't touch this Review: Untouched World Kitchen.
Note to readers Our magazine is full of unique and independent
businesses that stand ready to provide you great service. So get out there and support them, and don’t forget to say you read about them in Cityscape! 02
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CONTENTS CONTINUED
58 The Great Cityscape Catering Guide Tips to elevate your next function. 60 The three inns Support local beer invention, innovation and independence. 61 Matchless mixology Nine killer cocktails you won't find anywhere else.
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62 Recipe Zesty roasted cauliflower steaks.
Fashion & Wellbeing 82 Other people's love stories Roccabella's long-awaited return to Christchurch. 84 Casual obsession Street fashion advice. 91 The beauty edit Looks, products and treatments you need this season. 108 Your spring health recipe Put a smile on your dial and a burn in your booty.
Home & Lifestyle 117 Hot property With Mary Turnbull. 119 Bloom with a view Hillside garden tips. 125 Entertain me Films, books, streaming, music and podcasts.
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128 The last word Going behind the voice with soprano Amanda Atlas.
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CITYSCAPE MAGAZINE Spring 20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER
Andrea Rickerby PHOTO: SUSANNAH BLATCHFORD
GROUP EDITOR
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s a magazine publisher, Cityscape’s way of life is design. We spend a lot of time thinking about how our pages will look, which image will look best on the cover (thank you Heather Straka for this stunner), and how minute details such as thin lines will perfect a great layout. Without wanting to give you too much of a look at the sausage production process, suffice to say this is a topic of great concern to us. With that in mind, it’s been a thrilling time putting together a design issue. We’ve gathered our own insider info, and learned from the experts to share with you the latest and greatest when it comes to landscape, interior and personal style design. We’ve also got a fascinating exclusive with Royal New Zealand Ballet’s head costume designer, and some titbits on how to design yourself a holistic wellbeing routine. But I digress. Sometimes, your view of a situation is about how you present it. Presentation, whether it be physical or cityscape.co.nz
metaphorical, is rooted in design. It’s the time of year for new beginnings, new flowers, sunshine and a quicklyexpanding sense of adventure. Deliberately designing your life around these positives can only be a good thing. We continue to base our philosophy, and our magazine design, on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing: Connect, Take notice, Give, Keep learning and Be active. We hope that throughout this sometimeschallenging year, we have managed to communicate the importance and benefits of these well-researched and effective tenets. Speaking of tenets, we can’t stop reiterating one of our favourites: remember to support Christchurch’s local business community. Every time you buy local, a real person does a happy dance.
Jamie Small editor@somocreative.co.nz
cityscape.christchurch
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Jamie Small CREATIVE
Tristan Brehaut DEPUTY EDITOR
Helen Glenny EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Eva Urlwin ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Derek Thorp, Talita Santos, Uran Ormandy ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR
Claire Ross ON THE COVER
Dissected Parlour V in Heather Straka’s exhibition at Mod’s Hair. Featuring the artist’s clothes and her dog Mila. NEED TO GET IN TOUCH? Advertising, editorial & distribution enquiries: 03 366 3340 info@somocreative.co.nz cityscape.co.nz PUBLISHED BY
SOMO Creative Ltd somocreative.co.nz Cityscape is a division of SOMO Creative Ltd. Cityscape is subject to copyright in its entirety. Opinions expressed in Cityscape are not necessarily those of Cityscape. Editorial contributions welcome. No responsibility taken for unsolicited submissions. Prizewinners will be notified by phone and email. If Cityscape is unable to contact the winner within 14 days, Cityscape reserves the right to draw another winner. Cityscape reserves the right to use image/name of competition entrants for publicity purposes. ISSN 2324-4879 print | ISSN 2324-4887 online
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We take sustainability seriously Our printing partners are Enviro-Mark Diamond certified and exceed the requirements of ISO 14001, one of the World’s best known environmental standards. PAPER: Cityscape is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forestry which is covered by PEFC1 and FSC2 certifications. PEFC and FSC are not-for-profit organisations promoting sustainable and responsible forest management. PEFC and FSC certifications cover over 500 million hectares of forest globally (roughly 18.5 x the area of New Zealand). INKS: Cityscape is printed with inks based on vegetable oil and fatty acid alkyl-esters (modified vegetable oils) containing less than 1% non-renewable mineral oil. WASTE: Any waste water coming from the production process is treated and remains well within New Zealand’s strict environmental requirements. All waste paper, right down to the smallest offcut, is captured through extraction systems for recycling. 1
PROGRAMME FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF FOREST CERTIFICATION (WWW.PEFC.ORG) 2 FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL© (WWW.FSC.ORG)
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LUST LIST This season’s essentials
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1 Prima Donna First Night Longline Triangle Bra (RRP $162) and First Night Hotpants (RRP $74) from The Fitting Room 2 Habitual Goods Set of Two Candle Holders - Polished (RRP $199) from Infinite Definite 3 Gardenista - The Definitive Guide to Stylish Outdoor Spaces, Michelle Slatella (RRP $89.90) from Cosi Fan Tutte 4 Cheeky Pinot Gift Box (RRP $145) from Crowe & Co 5 Murphy and Daughters Lime Bath Salts (RRP $35) from Barrelli 6 Lola James Harper – 28 Just Say Yes (RRP $159) from Roccabella 7 Menu Bottle Grinder 2-Pack Walnut Lid (RRP $289) from Infinite Definite 8 Bellroy Hide & Seek Hi Wallet (RRP $149) from Stencil 9 Jigsaw Lady (RRP $299) from Frogmore 10 No Brand GRIT 3 (RRP $269) from EnCompass 11 Smith & Cult Kundalini Hustle Nail Lacquer (RRP $41.50) from Mod's Hair 12 Kathryn Wilson Alumita Ink Pebble (RRP $349) from Issimo
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Word on the Street TIP-OFFS, TRENDS & MORE
CHRISTCHURCH ICON RETURNS
ROCKS AND RINGS
Iconic pre-earthquake jewellery store Roccabella has returned to Cashel Street. The new store is run by the same mother-daughter team behind the original, and sells an exclusive range of lustrous perfect-cut diamonds and bespoke jewellery. Read the story of Roccabella’s return on page 82. roccabella.co.nz
CLAWS OUT
Cover your foot claws with Wolverine boots, the iconic US work boot brand with over a century of history now available at Nevada Sport in Cashel Street and online at its shiny new website built by SOMO Creative. wolverine.co.nz
PLANTING IDEAS
LYTTELTON’S BEST-KEPT SECRET Node, a design-focused houseplant boutique, community hub and events space has just opened in Lyttelton. It’s run by Young Adventuress Liz Carlson and former Roots Restaurant owner Giulio Sturla with his new bespoke test kitchen Mapu. thenode.co.nz
Connect with us
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WORD ON THE STREET
GOOD FOLKS The good folks at Hōhepa Canterbury are building amazing, light-filled, architecturally-designed homes to support people with intellectual disabilities living their best lives. Hōhepa homes aren’t just places to live. They’re communities that help their residents flourish. The nonprofit organisation is raising money to build two new projects: gorgeous homes designed to accentuate the rhythms of daily life and nature, to bring in natural light and ventilation, and generally be rockin’ places for twelve new residents to live. Thanks to its supportive community and great reputation, Hōhepa is experiencing more and more demand, with a waiting list of people looking for a place to call home. That’s where you
WIN!
ANNA’S STORY
come in. Supporters can make an online donation toward the fitout of the new homes, funding homewares, beds and mobility aids. The Hōhepa Canterbury team need $2.2 million to finish the projects. Local trusts have already contributed $1 million, and between all of us in the local community, we can get them the rest of the way there. donations.hohepacanterbury.com
Hōhepa resident Anna Freeman is a master of languages, music and reading. She taught herself to speak German, Spanish, Māori and French. Anna says the supportive community has helped her learn, be comfortable and independent.
Cityscape has a black Logitech G733 headset and two Logitech G203 mice to give away. To enter the draw, email info@somocreative.co.nz with ‘Logitech G Colour Collection’ in the subject line, and tell us a game you’ll play with your new gear. Entries close November 28.
RESTAURANT CHANGES HANDS
GAMING GEAR
GIVING US THE GIGGLES
The restaurateurs behind Indian Sumner have retired and passed the reins over to their friends at Coriander’s Ethnic Indian Restaurant. At the beginning of October it officially became Coriander’s Sumner, and the new owners are looking forward to serving the Sumner community and beachgoers. corianders.co.nz
Too long have gamers been repressed by matte black headsets and grey mice, but no more! The Logitech G Colour Collection is a range of coloured gamer gear designed to celebrate selfexpression and tap into your individuality. Personalise the headsets with colourful straps, mic covers and customisable lights. logitechg.com
Christchurch City Council had us doing a double take at the last lot of flyers dropped around the city. They’re running a campaign asking locals if we’ve ‘bin good’ with our recycling. Bin good? Get a sweet gold sticker on your bin. Bin bad? You might find some reading material in your letterbox and a bad sticker slapped on your bin. ccc.govt.nz
SUMNSET-SUMNRISE
RGB YOURSELF
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BIN GOOD?
WORD ON THE STREET
TOURING THE COUNTRY It’s road trip season and Cityscape has its eye on two spacious upcoming releases from BMW and MINI that are perfect for loading up the boot and heading for the hills (or the beach).
NEW HANDS IN THE GREENHOUSE
COMING UP ROSES
Moffatt’s Flower Company’s new owners are old hands at growing – their family business Aroma NZ has tended to mussels in the Marlborough Sounds for three generations. They love the flower-filled Halswell greenhouses, and new plans are afoot. Aroma NZ has applied for international patents for a new botanical product to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The team hope to grow the product in Moffatt’s greenhouses without impeding flower production. They’re staying tight-lipped about the project, but it’ll be building on the expertise they’ve gained from their green-lipped mussel extract business, which treats joint pain and arthritis. They’re looking to produce “a natural product with no side effects, while providing a functional benefit backed by science”. Moffatt’s also plans to expand the house plants available in the boutique flower shop. moffatts.co.nz
MINI COUNTRYMAN
BMW M3 TOURING
MINI has unveiled its new Countryman – the company’s biggest and most versatile model for those who want to explore and look incredibly cool doing it. Styling updates to the bumpers and interior are topped off with new rear light graphics tracing the outline of the signature Union Jack motif. The new MINI Countryman is available with a choice of three TwinPower Turbo petrol engines: three-cylinder petrol, 131kW four-cylinder petrol, or a super-quick and efficient electric/petrol hybrid that hits 100 in 6.8 seconds. See it in stores this October. christchurchminigarage.co.nz
BMW has confirmed a five-door M3 Touring is on the way. The high-performance wagon-style prototype promises space for kids, pets, luggage and big kids’ toys all wrapped up in the premium style and comfort you’d expect from BMW. What we know so far is that it will pack a six-cylinder M TwinPower turbo engine, five doors and a ‘highly variable’ luggage compartment. BMW says the car will be racing-oriented with a fun and precise driving style. There’s no word yet on exactly when it will be available for purchase, but BMW started road tests in September. christchurchbmw.co.nz
MEDITATION DESTINATION Mindful Journeys is a Spotify album released by Tourism NZ. Narrated by Te Puia carver James Rickard, each of the four tracks features the real sounds of water, air, birds and insects at peaceful New Zealand destinations such as the Marlborough Sounds, Punakaiki and the Southern Alps. spotify.com
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WORD ON THE STREET
FITNESS
RUN THE VINES
WIN!
Now in its fourth year, the Vine Run at Pegasus Bay Winery will take place on Sunday 31 January, with proceeds going to the New Zealand Brain Research Institute. There are three options: 6, 10 and 18km. Walk, run or canter your way through the picturesque Waipara Valley, and then celebrate on the lawns with live music, food and drink. Every adult entry includes a bottle of trophy wine to take away. Don’t miss this opportunity to get behind the scenes of one of North Canterbury’s most iconic wineries while supporting a worthy cause. vinerun.co.nz Get your legs pumping with a double pass to the Pegasus Bay Vine Run. To enter: email info@somocreative.co.nz with the subject line ‘Vine Run’ and mention your favourite Pegasus Bay Wine.
GUILT-FREE NIBBLES
CHOCOLATE FOR GOOD Tony’s Chocolonely chocolate is freaking delicious. Cityscape's favourite is the milk chocolate and caramel sea salt, and the dark chocolate almond sea salt is pretty sensational too. It’s just landed on the shelves at Ballantynes. Tony’s Chocolonely is a transparent, slavefree brand working in direct, long-term partnerships with cocoa farmers in Ghana and Ivory Coast. cookandnelson.com
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‘Our pieces become those go-to styles in the wardrobe that you’ll want to wear because they make you feel good.’
DYED IN THE WOOL
Cityscape talks style, sustainability and spring with Untouched World founder Peri Drysdale.
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ou’ve had a strong sustainability focus for a long time. What does sustainability mean to you? In a nutshell, working to protect the future of our planet and its people while meeting the needs of today. This has to be a holistic focus – environmental, social, cultural issues are all interconnected and can’t be solved independently of each other. What are the latest sustainable initiatives you’ve been working on? We have been on our sustainable journey for 20 years now, and over that time we’ve put a lot of work into finding and developing the most sustainable fabrics and fibres and walking the talk when it comes to best practice in terms of our design and manufacturing process. One issue that is still a biggie for us is all the plastic in our environment. It bugs us that we can’t find a genuinely better alternative to poly bags that we use to protect the garments in our warehouse from moths et cetera. We’ve looked at a huge range of alternatives from bags made from sugar cane to bags made from corn starch and while these ‘compostable’ bags sound nice, in reality they’re still not very kind to the planet. Last year we undertook a comprehensive three-month study into plastic bag alternatives. In order to make compostable packaging more flexible, stronger and water-resistant, a biodegradable binding agent such as PBAT is usually added. It is
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READING
ALWAYS IN MY HANDBAG
Organic Cotton Pleat Face Mask CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT
A5 memobottle
partially derived from a petrochemical, fossil-based agent that is still not fully renewable. The ‘compostable’ options currently available are not suitable to be placed in kerbside recycling. If they find their way into the recycling stream, then they contaminate all the other material, meaning nothing can be recycled and it will all end up in landfill. Our study showed that there is no transparent, waterproof, insect-proof bag material that is better in our current environment with the available recycling and composting facilities than a poly bag, so it’s something we’ll continue to work on. When it comes to sustainability and sociallyconscious products, how important is it to pair them with good aesthetic design? Good aesthetic design inspires and feeds the soul. The uptake of environmentally and socially-conscious products is much, much higher when a product is aesthetically pleasing, so this is really important to us. It’s always been our mantra that you shouldn’t have to give up luxury and great design to be good to the planet. What is the cornerstone of Untouched World’s design philosophy? Less is more. We believe in timeless design and by using luxurious, quality fabrics and fibres that are easy to wear and easy on the earth, our pieces become those go-to styles in the wardrobe that you’ll want to wear because they make you feel good. We design our pieces to dress up or down effortlessly, so they can take you anywhere and you don’t need as much in your wardrobe. Tell us about Untouched World Kitchen – what can people expect when they visit you? A light, airy, relaxed space where our friendly team serve simple yet nourishing and delicious dishes, catering for vegetarians, vegans and meat eaters, with plenty of options for those who are dairy or gluten intolerant. There’s also a cabinet full of irresistible treats to have with your coffee, many of them vegan.
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
The native garden is a great touch – do you see it as an important part of the café experience? We do. It is an invitation to unwind and soak up a bit of nature. We all live such busy lives these days that finding those little escapes and moments of relaxation really matter. Outside of work, what are you passionate about? Family, friends and the work of our Untouched World Foundation – not completely outside of work, but a passion, and they say if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life! What food will you never get tired of? Our wonderful Chef Kerry’s Super Food Salad. As the name suggests, it’s full of everything that’s good for you, and it’s yummy to boot. What’s your favourite guilty pleasure? I love a really good red wine. High on my list of favourites are the full-bodied reds from the Gimblett Gravels wine growing area in Hastings. How do you relax? I am a reader! I’m in my happy place with a really good book. Have you read any good books lately? I really enjoyed ‘Becoming’ by Michelle Obama, a frank and honest autobiography; 'Shoe Dog' by Phil Knight, a fascinating behind the scenes story of Nike’s beginnings; 'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramahansa Yogananda – inspiring, grounding and endlessly re-readable. I’m a fan of nonfiction. What are your proudest moments? 'People moments' with the wonderful bunch of humans I am privileged to work alongside. I recently attended our Untouched World Foundation’s Advanced Leadership weekend in Kaikōura where a group of incredible young people, alumni from our UWF leadership programmes, got together. These capable young people were tasked with coming up with a big lofty goal they could aspire to, to make the world a better place. There was a huge level of passion, the thinking was fresh and unlimited, but at the same time practical. I left there
PERI'S PICKS
Five hot Untouched World items
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truly inspired. Four essential things in your handbag? An Untouched World face mask, hand sanitiser, my mobile and a memobottle to keep me hydrated on the go. What excites you about Christchurch in the spring? The daffodils in Hagley Park, the cherry blossoms lining Memorial Avenue on my way to work, and the pair of ducks who bring their ducklings along for us to admire every year at the office and tap on the glass door if we are not right there!
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? What you think about, you get. If you are radiating love and positivity, that is what you’ll get back. If things are a bit lumpy, check your thoughts. Ask yourself “what great things are going to come out of this?” There’s usually always a silver lining. untouchedworld.com Read our full Q&A with Peri at cityscape.co.nz
BACKSTAGE TOUR AT THE COURT THEATRE
STAY, ANTONY GORMLEY. PHOTO: SCAPE PUBLIC ART
Take this special opportunity on November 28 to see what’s behind your favourite stage shows in a public tour.
ART IN THE OPEN
SCAPE Public Art is adorning Christchurch’s city centre with thought-provoking pieces under this year’s theme Secrets and Lies. Get ready to play detective and uncover hidden meanings in this selection of artworks made by local and national artists. Cityscape has a teaser of some of the artworks on show for the six-week season starting October 3. New Brighton sculptor, photographer and performance artist Melissa Macleod has captured and compressed air from the former QEII site in large bags. Dane Mitchell is erecting the steel armature – the supports used to hold a skeleton in a museum – for a woolly mammoth skeleton, minus the skeleton. Often darkly funny and sometimes uncomfortable, Natasha Matila-Smith's work is based in internet culture and uses recognisable memes and social media tropes. Deep in the Botanic Gardens, Sorawit Songsataya’s The Interior shows the passing of the last moa surrounded by native birds of Aotearoa. And Auckland artist Kate Newby is installing a huge scarlet rope around the top floors of the Old Courthouse. scapepublicart.org.nz
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VEGAN EXPO New Zealand’s biggest vegan event is back at the University of Canterbury on November 8, bringing tasty planet-friendly treats, inspiring talks, films and demos to the masses.
COMEDY BAR
GOOD LAUGHS Your dedicated home of comedy in Ōtautahi, Christchurch. Stacked full of drinks and local comedians, with regular out-of-town guests so you’ll never see the same show twice. Find the club on Facebook for the lineup of weekly fall-offyour-chair hilarious gigs and upcoming special guests. FB/GoodTimesComedyClub
HIDDEN GEM
Culture
MUSEUM
WORD CHRISTCHURCH SPRING FESTIVAL The South Island’s largest literary festival is coming back on October 28 to celebrate the written word in all its forms. Over 40% of events are free to attend.
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY Lincoln-born carpenter Henry Nicholas almost singlehandedly overcame 16 German soldiers and captured an enemy machine gun in World War I. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his “most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack”. The medal is displayed in Canterbury Museum’s Mountfort Gallery. canterburymuseum.com
CULTURE
BALLET
RNZB: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY The Royal New Zealand Ballet is bringing one of ballet’s most beloved productions to Christchurch. Once upon a time, in a kingdom far far away, a beautiful princess was put into an enchanted sleep while she waited for true love’s kiss to awaken her. That tale is brought to life in one of the world’s most famous classical ballets, The Sleeping Beauty. Tchaikovsky’s score will be performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, with Principal Conductor Hamish McKeich at the helm. Isaac Theatre Royal, Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 Nov premier.ticketek.co.nz
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CULTURE
CLASSIC POP
SUMMER FESTIVAL
The world’s premier live ABBA tribute band is back in New Zealand for the first time since their sell-out mega tour in 2018. It’s time to secure your seats to Christchurch’s December 5 one-night-only ABBA show at Christchurch Town Hall. Whether you’re a dancing queen or a super trouper, the acclaimed international tribute band ABBAsolutely fABBAulous will transport you right back to the 1970s. Their show Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA is a full-scale concert production featuring more than two hours of fun. premier.ticketek.co.nz
Whether you’re into North Canterbury Riesling, Central Otago Pinot Noir, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, or something a bit more specialised, let the wine tour come to you. The South Island Wine & Food Festival is bringing the best of the mainland’s world-class wine regions to Hagley Park on December 5. Match the wine with a selection of locally-made foods of all colours and cuisines. This year's live entertainment includes music from Zed, Sons of Zion, Tami Neilson, Holly Arrowsmith and Mousey. winefestival.co.nz
DANCING QUEEN: A TRIBUTE TO ABBA
SOUTH ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Comedy Carnival The comedy carnival is now in its fifth year and features the very best of local and national stand-up talent. The November lineup includes big local names such as Sausage Sizzle, Cameron McLeod and Jadwiga. Events will take place across live act hotspots Good Times Comedy Club, Space Academy, Darkroom, and 12 Bar. The Comedy Carnival is a showcase of stand-up, comedy burlesque, cabaret and other hilarious performances, and is set to be a sure-fire good time. comedycarnival.co.nz
CANTERBURY MUSEUM Attraction | Central City
Canterbury Museum showcases the natural history of Canterbury and stories of the people who have made their home here. The museum houses a world-class collection and regularly stages temporary local and international exhibitions. The Antarctic Gallery is a must-see, featuring vehicles from Sir Edmund Hillary’s Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition. A gift shop and café are on site. Rolleston Avenue, 03 366 5000 canterburymuseum.com
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CULTURE
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READY TO ROLL
PHOTO: NZTA
CULTURE
All you budding Freddies can get on your bikes and ride in Christchurch’s month-long cycling festival, back this October with more than 40 events. Get active and join a community with group rides, workshops, social sessions and public talks. Now in its fourth year, this annual cycling extravaganza is for anyone who rides a bike or wants to give it a go. It’s your opportunity to step into the saddle, feel the joy of biking and explore Christchurch on two wheels. Gamify your exploration with the Biketober passport challenge, where you can win prizes by cycling to destinations around the city and checking in with your smartphone. Cityscape has picked out a few choice events, and you can see the full peloton of cycling experiences on the Biketober website. biketoberchch.nz
TOP PICKS
THE BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT Cycling-centric movie night packed with action, drama, humour and inspiration. Oct 15 & 16 BIKEPACKING Mountain biking meets minimalist camping in this overnight trip along Pegasus Bay to Waikuku Beach. Oct 17 – 18 VELO À L’EST – TE ARA ŌTĀKARO A guided ride of The Avon River Trail touching on history, the earthquakes, the environment and the future vision for the area. Oct 24
TURNING INTO TINA They’re big stilettos to
fill but Caroline Borole welcomes the opportunity of becoming Tina Turner each night, she tells Cityscape ahead of her Christchurch appearance. What’s the best thing about getting to be Tina Turner? It’s the notion of embodiment that comes with the role. She is very multi-faceted, and I enjoy every moment of her. Which of her songs do you enjoy performing the most? I would say ‘Proud Mary’ and of course ‘(Simply) The Best’. You have won praise for capturing Tina’s gymnastic gyrations and vocal grunts and growls – how did you approach that? I approached her whole character with the kind of respect that any proper artist should follow. I trained very hard; I took extra singing lessons on top of the natural raspiness that I have in my voice. I studied her every move and still do all these things today. How do you prepare for a gig? Any rituals or superstitions? I first have a full-on physical to get the body warm and ready. Then I do a full vocal warm-up and whilst I put on the costume and hair, I do a mental focus. How did you get started in showbiz? I started at the age of 20 as a cast member/singer in a show called Girl Talk 005 staged by one of South Africa's biggest producers. What advice would you give to your younger self? I would tell my younger self to be bolder. The world is a sea and I can swim with the sharks. TINA: Simply the Best, Isaac Theatre Royal, Tue 3 Nov showtime.net.au
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ADDINGTON ACTION
Dust your fascinator off, get your fancy on and join the party at Addington Cup Week 2020.
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t’s the fashion, entertainment and racing event of the year. Addington Cup Week is the ideal opportunity to join the best of Canterbury and party it up, enjoying the sun with your pick of spectacular food, wine and beer from some of Christchurch and the South Island’s top creators at Addington Raceway & Events Centre. IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day on Tuesday 10 November is an occasion for celebration with racing, rockin’ entertainment and extravagant fashion. With hospitality areas available for hire, IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day is an ultimate hosting and networking experience for thanking clients, staff and friends. There are limited tickets this year, and as of the start of October five popular hospitality areas had already sold out. Venture into The Edge Public Village to have an epic experience where you will be right in the heart of the action for all the racing, entertainment and food, including food trucks and the Speight’s Lawn. Avoid the general admission queues and get a free glass of bubbly on arrival at the Lindauer Lawn, drink some quality beer with a buddy in the two-person Emerson’s Tiny Pub at Emerson’s Village. If you love to dress up and know in your heart you’ve always belonged on a catwalk, don’t miss The Crossing Fashion Starts Here
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Best Dressed Competition, an always-popular feature of the IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day. Win bragging rights with a show-stopping outfit and get in the running to win fancy ribbons and thousands of dollars in prizes. Nothing says a day at the races more than an outrageous hat, fascinator or hairpiece, so channel your inner aristocrat, coordinate your outfit with the ultimate in accessories, and have a bit of fun with it. Men, match a swanky hat to your pocket square or tie, and you’ll get that added sun protection as a fashionable bonus. For some tips on picking out the perfect attire, see our Q&A with competition judge Lou Heller on page 79. The Show Day Races on Friday 13 November will be a day out to remember, and a fantastic way to celebrate Canterbury’s Anniversary Day. Open to all for a gold coin donation to Māia Health Foundation – entry comes with access to hospitality and viewing areas including the Lindauer Lawn and Christian Cullen Lounge. Packages are available in the Blossom Lady Lounge and Terror To Love Lounge for those looking for a more exclusive and luxe experience with a great view of the final stretch. addington.co.nz
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HOT TIPS There are no gate sales this year. Pace yourself and carry sunblock. Take advantage of the free water and sample the delicious eats. Crack out your most boss pair of heels, and make sure you can actually walk in them. Maybe pack emergency flats for the sore-footed future you. Save time lining up for a flutter on the day and download the TAB mobile app in advance. Consider booking an all-inclusive package with no queues and a dedicated space to rest your legs. Bring a power bank. There’s nothing worse than running out of juice when it’s time to book your Ola or Uber.
LOVE AND BASS
Listen-Able Band? Legs And Butts? Ludicrous Artists Bop? L.A.B. frontman Joel Shadbolt challenges Cityscape to come up with an acronym. League of Argentinian Bicyclists? Like A Boss.
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t’s been a big few years for the band with three albums and a lot of touring. What’s been a highlight moment for you? It’s been a buzz. Our goal was to do three albums in three years and we just seem to be keeping the ball rolling and hoping to get another one out by the end of this year. The highlights have been touring, getting over to Australia and playing some massive festivals here in New Zealand. When are we going to see L.A.B. IV? Early December. Safe to say. We’ve got strings on the album, more than we have done in the past. It’s been cool having that and experimenting with a whole ‘nother layer to the sound. There’ll be a lot of groovy funk stuff, so it’s giving that old-skool soul train kind of vibe. You’ve got a big summer of gigs?
Yeah we’ve got One Love, Northern Bass, Bay Dreams, and of course Electric Avenue in Christchurch. To me that looks like the best lineup of the summer so far. Who are you looking forward to seeing there? I’m looking forward to seeing Scribe and P-Money. That’ll be a buzz. And actually I’ve never seen Benee live, and I really want to see what she’s all about. I love her style and her voice, what she’s got going on, so it’ll be cool to see what she brings to the table for a live show. The name L.A.B. started off as an acronym of band members’ names. With the new lineup have you come up with a new meaning for it? We’ve got an A and a B, but we don’t have an L now and we can’t change it to J.A.B. Yeah, it’s an acronym but we just kind of leave it. It’s a weird one, we’ve
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never thought about changing the name because it just stuck. We just think of it as the ‘musical laboratory’ now. You can make some up and put them in the magazine if you want. You might regret giving us that licence. People talk a lot about ‘genre’ and say L.A.B. is ‘mixed genre’. How do you describe yourselves? I’d say we’re a roots band. Obviously there’s a reggae influence in there, there’s a blues influence. There’s funk, soul, RnB, and obviously a bit of electronic as well. But it all kind of stems from some form of roots music. Your background is playing blues in Tauranga, right? Yeah I’m Tauranga born and bred, I used to play all the jazz festivals. I’m a blues guy but I studied jazz in Auckland because it’s just such a beautiful style, understanding how harmony works and whatnot. I played in heaps of covers bands as a young fella. Your bandmates Brad, Stu and Ara are Kiwi music legends – Kora and Katchafire have been the soundtrack to a lot of summers. What’s it like working with them? It’s a laugh a minute. They’re hilarious dudes, they’re humble, talented, talk a lot of shit. And when it comes to the music side there’s such an array of flavours. Brad’s all over the place with what he likes – everything from metal to electronic to Robert Cray to blues. Stu’s one of these guys that can play anything. He’s a guitarist and a keys player. He played guitar in Heavy Metal Ninjas so he played real out-of-it shit like playing in 11/8 time and that kind of stuff – real complex metal. And then he plays reggae, like, he’s just incredible. And Ara’s bass lines are on everybody’s stereo. He’s right into his RnB and funk. I think
LOVE AND BASS
because they’ve been around the block there’s a different attitude to the band. Who would you love to collab with? I’d love to do something with Tedeschi Trucks Band. Derek Trucks is a blues guitarist from the States. He’s incredible. It would be cool to sit in a room with him, and his wife Susan’s the singer. Have you got a pre-show ritual? I definitely warm up as a singer. Gotta get out there for that first song and it has to be on. I stretch, do some vocal warmups, sing a couple of tracks, get the boys together, do some harmonies. Nothing worse than going out cold. Maybe the odd sneaky shot, but I usually try and wait ‘til after the show for that. Are we going to hear any new material at your October gig? Nah we won’t be playing any of the fourth album. We’ll wait until it’s released and give it a bit of time. But we’ll be playing that stuff at Electric Avenue for sure. How is it different playing at a festival versus your own concert? Sometimes you go to festivals and you’ve got to win the crowd over because they’re there to see the
act after you. You have to come out firing and prove why you’re there. Most bands start being the small print down the bottom playing at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to 500 people and then the headline is playing to 10,000. We’ve had some incredible moments. The last Electric Avenue we played, I think they had a deal with the university because we played real early that day and like five busloads of kids turned up. It was epic. How are your Christchurch crowds in general? The last time we played in Christchurch with Fat Freddy’s [Drop] was amazing as well. It’s taken a hot minute to get a following in Christchurch. I think most bands struggle getting that fanbase down there. It’s not as densely populated as Auckland and
Wellington and whatnot. But in the last year we’ve really started to notice a real staunch following down there. What do you like to do while you’re in Christchurch? I haven’t spent heaps of time down there, but there’s a Thai restaurant we go to every time, Kum Pun Thai. That is off the charts. Who’s a Kiwi artist to keep an eye on? The Leers. They’re a Mount College band, from the high school I went to. They opened for us at Spark [Arena]. Man, they’ve got a cool sound. Christchurch Arena Saturday 31 October FB/labmusicnz Read our full Q&A with Joel at cityscape.co.nz
‘THEY’RE HILARIOUS DUDES, THEY’RE HUMBLE, TALENTED, TALK A LOT OF SHIT.’ PHOTO: MARK RUSSELL
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CULTURE
SINGING ABOUT CRYING
Christchurch locals Adam Hattaway and the Haunters – comprised of Adam Hattaway, Elmore Jones, Liam Quinn and Ryan Fisherman – are launching their nationwide Wasting Our Time tour. Cityscape picks a tune with frontman Adam.
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e’re looking forward to seeing you kick the tour off at Blue Smoke in Christchurch. What are you most looking forward to? I’m looking forward to being on the road in general. Even at our level, it feels like I have some sort of purpose in my life and I live for it! What are the best and worst things about touring? The overall feeling of being on tour is great. Obviously playing, and some shows go better than others. Also, feeling like a couple of mates who are in it together is really important. I enjoy driving and listening to music. But I don’t like getting up early and as every touring musician knows, you’re probably staying up ‘til 3am every night having fun, and you gotta get up at 8 or 9 often to get out of the hostel, get to sound check at the next place and try not to fall asleep at the wheel. Tell us about your new single, ‘Wasting Our Time’: It's the first single off our new album. It’s got a straightforward, fun rock ‘n’ roll music video. Mine and Elmore’s dads like the song.
How’s that new album coming along? It’s more concise and also more upbeat than the last one. It’s part of a totally new sound called ‘alternative rock ‘n’ roll’ and it’s sexy music for sexy people. Your bandmates are collectively known as The Haunters – where did that name come from? My friend and collaborator Luke Towart, frontman and songwriter of the band Wurld Series, came up with it for me. He’s great at that. I couldn’t decide between just going by my own name, which sounded a bit too ‘singer-songwriter’, and a band name like The Killer Whales or whatever. I like the AH and the Haunters name as it’s a compromise between both options and it’s in
‘I think if you wanna get really good, you should try dipping into as many different styles and performance settings as possible.’
keeping with the rock ‘n’ roll tradition of those kinda names – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. You’ve been kicking around the Ōtautahi music scene for a while, including with classic Christchurch country band The Eastern and Wurld Series. What did those experiences teach you? I think if you wanna get really good, you should try dipping into as many different styles and performance settings as possible. I’ve always tried to keep an open mind in terms of writing, performing, and slotting in with other people, and I enjoy changing my role in different bands. I know some people who’ve only ever done one thing, and it’s stunted their growth as a musician. Adam McGrath from The Eastern taught me how to tour. Also kinda taught me how to live. What is one thing you hope audiences take away from your performances? Hopefully ALL THE MERCH. What’s the best part of Christchurch in the spring? I think people are generally hornier in spring. You can just smell it. The pheromones. The ambivalence. The spunk. What do you do when you’re not making music? I just walk. What’s your favourite part of Aotearoa to visit and why? Everything but Lyttelton. Can we expect to see you performing at any festivals this summer? We’re playing at a festival called Nest Fest. Looking forward to that very much! We applied for about 150 other festivals and are hoping to hear back from at least one. Who’s your personal hero? Apart from Jesus Christ our lord and saviour of course, I’d have to say Elmore Jones. You know what he told me? He said “There’s nothing wrong with singing about crying.” Blue Smoke, Saturday October 31 FB/adamhattawayandthehaunters
Read our full Q&A with Adam at cityscape.co.nz
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Natasha Matila-Smith’s contribution to SCAPE Public Art Spring Season 2020 is a wordy number influenced by internet culture. Cityscape messages her to find out more. Can you describe the artwork for us? I’ve created a series of text and graphic works for SCAPE titled Frank, Love and the Apocalypse (2020). My practice addresses themes such as unrequited love, limerence, modern intimacy and online identities; it’s also littered with pop-culture references and nostalgia for things that may not have ever been real, like the perfect French boyfriend. Consisting of six still billboards and a short time-based work, they sometimes read like a diary entry, sometimes like a conversation, and yet other times, because of the scale and location, like an advertisement. How will people view or interact with it? Hopefully people get to literally sit with the work or stop to read it. There is often a lot of room for the imagination with short-form texts, like who am I talking to, whether or not what I’m saying is true or embellished,
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‘THERE’S NO EASY FORMULA TO INTIMACY.’
INTERWEB OF LIES
how society might put pressure on us to be a certain way, and does the internet liberate us or does it exacerbate our anxieties? There is also this accessibility with text-based art that I enjoy playing with. I want it to be accessible to people, whether they are arts educated or not. But also, hoping that they won’t take everything at face value and can come to some of their own conclusions and fill in the quite literal blanks. The theme of this SCAPE season is Secrets and Lies – how does your work fit that theme? In these works I spend a lot more time ruminating over what could be, and romanticising a pre Covid-19 idea of intimacy. I think that secrets and lies, with my work, become more like confessions and delusions, vulnerable and not vulnerable, it’s kind of a matter of perception. Your work as a whole seems to fit perfectly with this theme – it's influenced by internet culture. How does that relate to secrets and lies? My life is intertwined with internet culture. It’s there when I wake, when I’m awake and when I go to sleep. It has also been an interesting tool for those that don’t have the best social skills, but also can be a place where the worst of you can become much more intensified. With that said, I’m not commenting on whether the internet is a positive or negative space, it just is. You confess a lot about yourself in your work – is that cathartic? Is it anxiety-inducing? What I consider personal is different to what the next person considers personal. I find a lot of viewers feel personally connected to my previous works because while my experiences and feelings belong to me, they’re universal. I am trying to communicate and connect, but the point is that intimacy is hard to achieve this way. There’s no easy formula to intimacy. So the compulsion to post online is born from an ultimately futile desperation to be intimate. scapepublicart.org.nz
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DISSECTED PARLOUR I 2020 FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH, ARCHIVAL PIGMENT ON PHOTORAG ULTRASMOOTH PAPER
Heather Straka’s art series Dissected Parlour is not in a gallery, but rather on the walls at Mod’s Hair in Merivale. Cityscape talks to the artist about the works, powerful women and
the nature of art.
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ARTFUL DISSECTION
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ou’re a deft hand with a paintbrush or sculpture, and you’re very experienced in directing as well as photography. What’s your favourite medium to create in? Ooh that’s a hard one, isn’t it? Most of the time I’m a painter but I suppose I quite like to photograph because I get to work with people. And I get to make sets and pick models and dress them up. I like the collaboration. How do you choose your models? With these girls it was really important to present a new New Zealand, one that’s more multicultural. Not all of my models are professional models. I quite like to get a different sort of look to what’s fashionable at the time. So it was time for the women to have the spotlight? Of course it was originally influenced by the Me Too movement. This time I kind of wanted the girls to have the armbands and the power, you know, concocting a plot. Tell us about the costume and the clothes you chose. I wanted something feminine, but also some of the outfits were a bit androgynous as well. I wanted a female sexuality which is sort of sexy and not actually giving too much away. And I liked the period setting with a lot of furs – I like putting traditional and contemporary elements together, hence the really industrial rubber gloves. Furs and taxidermied animals make an appearance in a lot of your work. Is this a statement about those industries? It’s more about
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TEAMWORK (PART II) 2019. FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH, ARCHIVAL PIGMENT ON PHOTORAG ULTRASMOOTH PAPER
This innovative exhibition is a collaboration between artist Heather Straka, Mod’s Hair owner Julianne Liebeck, Jonathan Smart Gallery, and SCAPE Public Art. View Dissected Parlour at Mod’s Hair.
creating a diorama. I was brought up making them at primary school and whenever you went to a museum there always used to be these fascinating dioramas which were a sort of ‘fake realness’. They captured things in the middle of certain acts. It’s more just emphasising the idea of recreating reality with something that’s fake. The red armbands give a bit of a fascist vibe. Is that intentional? I think as soon as you see an armband that’s what you do think. But then it’s also the Red Cross, and then there’s also the red of communism versus democracy. I created Dissected Parlour around the time of the Hong Kong riots and that inspired me to do Molotov cocktails with the Pegasus Bay wine bottles. It’s about a power dynamic. People have described some of your works as controversial. Is controversy an inherent part of creating art? I think to provoke discussion, especially on the issues of the time, is one of the core functions of art. And where things can get in trouble is as time goes on and politics go on, work then moves out of its original context. What inspired you to display Dissected Parlour at Mod’s Hair? I know [Mod’s owner] Julianne Liebeck from a year when we spent a lot of time together at the opening week of the Venice Biennale art exhibition. But it was actually Deborah McCormick from SCAPE Public Art who brought us together for this exhibition. It’s quite nice to get works out of
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ARTFUL DISSECTION
‘A salon’s a little bit like your lounge, you know? It’s designed to keep you comfortable.’
the gallery. It’s nice to enjoy something, to just sit down and lounge around in a space. Because a salon’s a little bit like your lounge, you know? It’s designed to keep you comfortable for quite a few hours while you’re there, so you spend more time just looking. What is Dissected Parlour saying about women? The girls are trying to change the status quo. In Teamwork (part II) they’re ripping down some of the colonial constructs and setting fire to the piano, while in Thing of the Past the boys are trying to extinguish the piano and resurrect the status quo. And of course you’ve got the gender neutral model just screaming on top of the piano. So I had a real play around with gender and stereotypes. Can you tell us about the technical aspect of how you made these photos look so distinctive? It’s mostly done in camera with some post production. We built the set in a shed on the farm rather than having our models on a green screen. I think it gives you a different
HEATHER STRAKA (LEFT) AND AVERILL MOSER-RUST (RIGHT)
THE SCREAM 2019. FRAMED PHOTOGRAPH, ARCHIVAL PIGMENT ON PHOTORAG ULTRASMOOTH PAPER
look – I quite like the slight grunginess. And we used an extensive amount of lights and there were also smoke machines and things like that. The smoke is particularly striking in The Scream. That was all done in one shot. We actually had the smoke machine to one side and I got the model to stand up. I said get on there and just pretend you’re Elton John and scream. Tell us about the model dressed in your clothes holding the dog. Is it your dog too? Yes, I would have liked to get my dog Mila in Teamwork (part II) as well but have you tried to get dogs to behave themselves for a photo? Mila is not too bad but you’ve got lighting rigs, smoke machines… What’s your favourite piece in Dissected Parlour? Probably Teamwork (part II), because that was one of the original ideas I’d percolated on for a very long time. And also Reverie, the little boy, which is very much a relevant image in Covid time: youth looking out at the crumbling world. What artists are you interested in right now? Gregory Crewdson. He’s an amazing artist who did a lot of big photographic setups. And there’s a Russian collective called AES+F that does some amazing video works. What don’t people know about you? I ride a dirt bike. I probably shouldn’t, because it would be really bad if I broke my arm, being a painter. What’s your favourite thing to do in Christchurch? Catch up with friends. I used to live in Christchurch and I would still be there, it’s just that I’ve got family up north. And your favourite place in New Zealand? Central Otago. You know, why wouldn’t you? What’s on the cards for the rest of the year? I’m dreaming up my next show now. I am looking at the 1950s idea of people creating exotic themes in their own homes, at a moment when we can’t travel but we let our minds travel. heatherstraka.com Read our full Q&A with Heather at cityscape.co.nz
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RNZB head of costume Donna Jefferis has been brainstorming, sketching, mocking up and making costumes for the end-of-year performance of The Sleeping Beauty.
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he’s been let loose a little on this one; it’s not a standard period piece, it’s magical. A fantasy. She expects a swirling mass of colour, with big skirts filling the stage. And that vision doesn’t come easy – the work starts about a year out. “Once a show has been selected, I work with the choreographer or director to gauge what they’re doing with the story,” she says. “They’ll have a vision of where and when it’ll be set. I take some of that and add my own spin; it’s a collaborative process.” Those sketched designs are finalised six months before production, and Donna gets to work with her team to sew costumes for all 169 dancers in the
show, each of whom has at least five pieces to their costume. Four permanent staff and a few freelancers work in her costume workroom. Donna and one other make patterns, sewing up prototypes in calico or basic fabrics. Then the team cut and sew. “We’ve even got someone working just on costume props – like hats, armour and jewellery,” she says. Donna’s skills come from a lifetime of creativity. “I’ve always sewed with Mum,” she explains. While she was at university, she had a job at Downstage Theatre, which morphed into working with their costumes. She then moved with her husband to America and did a Masters in Fine Arts in Theatrical Design, and started working in theatre after she returned to New Zealand. While Royal New Zealand Ballet does a lot of original ballets, needing costumes to be invented
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PHOTO: ROSS BROWN
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A SWIRLING MASS OF COLOUR
‘You get a lot of scope to be creative, but you do run up against some weird things.’
out of thin air, the ballet company also performs classic pieces, like The Sleeping Beauty. It’s still a re-invention challenge, Donna says, no matter how well-known the show is. “You get a lot of scope to be creative, but you do run up against some weird things,” she says. “Aurora is always in pink, for example. But we’ve had some good challenges in this. Aurora’s suitors are from different parts of the world – there’s a Swedish guy, a French guy and an English guy. Because we’re not in a specific period, we have to consider what our audience will read as recognisably Swedish, French or English these days.” Because the ballet isn’t set in a specific time period, Donna could be inventive with the well-known characters. “Carabosse and her henchman are going to be fabulous, with these big alien headdresses,” she says. “Traditionally the evil fairies are old and ugly, but our one is more along the lines of Maleficent, she’s a fabulous kind of evil.” Aurora’s birthday outfit is another highlight: 650 flowers adorn the bust, sleeves and skirt, and every single one had to be hand-sewn. One thing people don’t realise about ballet costumes is the logistics of washing. Donna’s team have to make washable underpinnings in every costume – the dancers are doing huge amounts of physical activity, and you can’t have them performing for six weeks in something that can’t be washed, no matter how ornate it is. But Donna knows the tricks. “Often, the sleeves of a costume are attached to the underpinnings, not the outerwear. It looks like they’re wearing a jacket, but the
DONNA JEFFERIS
arms won’t be attached, which allows for more movement, and it means the sleeves can be washed.” Some of her secrets are more glamorous. “People would be surprised about the amount of money we spend on sparkles,” she says, adding in a whisper: “I’ve spent a few thousand dollars on Swarovski crystals.” “I love the designing and pattern-making,” Donna says, “but most of all I love working with dancers. They work really hard, so I love doing anything I can to support them. A couple of weeks ago we made face masks for the entire company, over a hundred of them. I bought in quilting fabric – it’s ideal for masks because it’s closely woven and washable – and we sewed them up in all these festive patterns.” After growing up sewing with her Mum, does Donna create fabulous garments for herself at home? After all, there must be some tulle and Swarovski crystals left over. “Not so much anymore. You should’ve seen the fabric I took home during lockdown - and then didn’t do anything with. I knit instead. And I just bought an e-bike.” The Sleeping Beauty Isaac Theatre Royal Thu 19 – Sat 21 November rnzb.org.nz
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MUSIC, MANIPULATION & MADNESS New Zealand Opera’s general director Thomas de Mallet Burgess waxes lyrical on his upcoming productions The Human Voice and Eight Songs for a Mad King, and the future of opera.
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hat can you tell us about the creative setting of The Human Voice? The Human Voice takes place in a hotel room, and the audience are brought into close proximity with the character, who is undergoing a profoundly emotional rollercoaster of a journey: a separation with her ex-partner. As the audience listens to that conversation, they’ll realise that she’s lying, and the ex-partner is lying. The audience are stuck in the middle trying to deduce the situation, and they’re so close they viscerally experience the unfolding emotion. The significance of the hotel room becomes clear over the course of the opera. Particularly what a lonely place a hotel room can be. These elements knead together in the performance. Using these alternative spaces is a way to give something fresh to
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our loyal audience, and also possibly a way of interesting a new audience that we’re keen to meet. The size and scale of The Human Voice allows us to take it to places we otherwise wouldn’t reach. It’s two shows per night, two different sopranos, one pianist, and one person who is the manager, box office operator and everything else. And what about Eight Songs for a Mad King’s location? Eight Songs for a Mad King is a very different work again. The Human Voice was written by Francis Poulenc whose music is beautiful, heart-breakingly beautiful at times. Sir Peter Maxwell Davies is more of a bad boy. He was in his time the enfant terrible of music. The work is deeply uncomfortable for other reasons. It’s exploring the mental condition of a king, someone with a huge degree of power. The
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RIGHT: THOMAS DE MALLET BURGESS – DIRECTOR, NZ OPERA. PHOTO: GRANT TAYLOR
‘BEHAVIOUR IS BECOMING ABOUT BLOCKING OFF, NOT REALLY HEARING, NOT REALLY LISTENING, NOT ATTENDING.’ 35
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music is at times violent and aggressive, and at other times very beautiful. The audience sees the performance twice, once up close inside the Tūranga Central Library, and then at a distance from the street. Having these different experiences, they will think or feel differently about it. Not only that, but because of the public nature of the street, anyone is free to walk past and have a look. Perhaps there might be some guests from the Novotel next door who come out and find themselves in the middle of a crazy performance piece. There’s an element of happenstance. Unexpected. Unplanned. There have been huge changes in the central city in the last few years. Not just the art, but shops opening, life coming back to the city centre. I’m keen for opera to play a part in that. And if there’s nobody in the street when the performance starts, we will note that and mark that in the performance. So it’s dynamic? Yes it’s dynamic. It’s all about dynamic. The dynamic of plans and happenstance, for one thing. Will people who wander in be able to hear the opera? Yes, there will be speakers in the street, coming from inside the library to accompany the visuals. The experience of course is completely different. So there’s three experiences – those inside the room who are up close, those ticketed audience members in the street who have a different view and a very personal sound in their headphones, and those other onlookers who come along unplanned, and their experience is less immediate, one might say slightly duller. At the other shows in Auckland and Wellington, people started to interact in strange ways with the show. Some people walked between the audiences. Some cruised in for a bit and then left, and others sat and watched the
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whole thing. Some whizzed through on a bike, not conscious of what was happening. They all had very different reactions. Through the performance, the king starts to look actually more sane than some of what’s going on in the world outside. Are there advantages to performing in a hotel room or a library boardroom over a traditional space like an auditorium? One of the concerns I have in general is that we are so bombarded with media – including music but of course all sorts of other things as well – our behaviour is becoming about blocking off, not really hearing, not really listening, not attending. I know I’ve been in the theatre and my own mind has wandered to think about what’s for dinner. How can you get the audience to attend to the work? It’s important to have a different experience. It’s important to have those theatre shows with full lighting and sound setups and it’s also important to do shows in these alternative settings. So what’s coming up for you in the next year? I could tell you, but you know the deal, I’d have to kill you. We have some amazing things coming up. Because of the Covid-19 situation we’re having to think very carefully about how we plan. What I can tell you is the next thing for us this year is Semele at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland, so that’s another site-specific
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LEFT: THE HUMAN VOICE IS A ONE-WOMAN OPERA PERFORMED CLOSE UP IN A HOTEL ROOM. PHOTO: NZ OPERA
THOMAS DE MALLET BURGESS AND ROBERT TUCKER REHEARSE EIGHT SONGS FOR A MAD KING. PHOTO: NZ OPERA
AUDIENCES WILL VIEW EIGHT SONGS FOR A MAD KING FROM MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES. PHOTO: JEFF MCEWAN
production. And we have some upcoming performances of The Marriage of Figaro, which was postponed from this year. And we’re thinking about digital media. Not simply a recording of what we’re performing live, but should we be creating work that is designed for digital from the get-go? And we have a strategic agenda. As well as our main-scale opera, regional New Zealand is very important to us so we’re thinking of ways to bring shows to smaller centres. And we want to commission more work from Māori and Pasifika artists. Developing young artists is also important. What piqued your interest in a career in the opera? The first opera I directed was the first I listened to. After that I quickly realised that the form is endlessly fascinating and therefore likely to support a career life well lived. The first? How did that come to be? I was starting in my career as a director. This was the 1990s in the UK and there were only really two courses in the world that taught directing. I did my research on them and wasn’t really impressed. Of course now there are thousands. But I did what I was advised to do, which was call myself a director and start directing. Someone my mother knew had an opera production and wanted a theatre director, and that’s how the introduction was made. It was Menotti’s The Medium. A bunch of us who were learning our craft got together and put on The Medium in Croydon,
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and it did really well, then we took it to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Then opportunities started to come my way in opera. Who is your personal hero? Denis Diderot, because he was of the Enlightenment. In many ways, the ideas of the Enlightenment are still with us. The relationship between science, the arts and religion, gender politics, those big things. He was also a master of an uncertain narrative where we’re unsure which characters we can trust. Sounds familiar. It does sound familiar. And we’re in a world of fake news, Donald Trump and other populist leaders. And particularly in a time when journalism as a career is taking a huge knock, Diderot’s own struggle with this is very ‘of the moment’. Is there a particular author who has inspired your career? Hermann Hesse is a deeply, deeply spiritual writer. I went into the arts in the first place around 30 years ago and I was always interested in the idea of transformation in ourselves as human beings. He’s sad, tragic, and always brilliant. He’s a writer I go back to, and read and reread. The Human Voice, The George, Saturday 17 – Wednesday 21 October Eight Songs for a Mad King, Tūranga Central Library, Thursday 3 – Sunday 6 December nzopera.com
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
STREET SMART
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When Jenna Ingram started exploring street art at university, her painting tutor told her emphatically that “graffiti is dead”.
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e may have been right. It was 2006. Graffiti crews were tagging suburban fences in the dark, and they were painted over by volunteer groups in the morning. But just five years later, Jenna was part of the explosion of urban artists that took to the broken city centre post-quake, creating hope-filled murals, stencils and paste-ups. Jenna and her husband and Fiksate co-owner Nathan pasted cartoon Band-Aids to soothe cracks in buildings, their contribution to the rebirth of urban art in Ōtautahi. That thriving community of local artists needed a home, so in 2015, Jenna and Nathan created Fiksate, a studio space where urban artists could congregate, develop their craft and hold exhibitions. It’s now a vibrant gallery space in Gloucester Street, representing urban artists from all over Aotearoa. Fiksate is New Zealand’s only dedicated street art and urban contemporary gallery, hosting and selling work from locally- and internationally-renowned street artists. Considering Christchurch’s place on the international
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street art scene, it’s no wonder the country’s foremost gallery is here. The Christchurch street art landscape sprung up almost overnight in the wake of the 2011 quake. It mirrored what had happened in tragedy-struck regions overseas: “Artists are often the first to take action after disaster,” Jenna says. The opinions of the public changed too. “People became more accepting of us trying to beautify what was an apocalyptic cityscape. It was a fresh canvas.” Christchurch has since leaned into its identity as an urban art hub. In 2013 for its 10th birthday, the damaged Christchurch Art Gallery had no choice but to take its displays outside, with artists like Yvonne Todd and Dick Frizzell painting works around the city. Organised public art installations aren’t without their detractors – within weeks, one of the large-scale works had been tagged “Keep your shit 4 the gallerys”. But the rebirth continued, and in 2014, George Shaw and Shannon Webster from Oi You! facilitated the Rise exhibition, which gave us now-iconic murals like Owen Dippie’s Ballerina on the back of the Isaac Theatre Royal and Roa’s Moa skeleton on the side of Canterbury Museum. Lonely Planet named Christchurch one of the street art capitals of the world in a 2017 book, alongside the likes of Barcelona, New York and Berlin. As part of the Oi You! follow-up festival Spectrum, in 2015, Clint Park (Porta) and Reuben Woods (Bols) joined Jenna and Nathan to install the ‘Stick ‘em Up’ paste-up and sticker room, with contributions from
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DR SUITS – FIKSATE X M/K PRESS RISOGRAPH PRINT RELEASE
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artists all over the world, including an 8-year-old paste-up artist from New York. After that, they started Fiksate. “It grew organically,” Jenna says. “Most people didn’t know that these artists had a studio practice there was a real lack of opportunities for urban artists to showcase their work, and we wanted to change that,” Jenna says. “Our aim was to build a close connection between these artists and the public by providing a space to showcase those works, and by making them available for the public to bring into their homes.” So who should we look out for on a visit to Fiksate? “Meep is a Christchurch-based artist whose work spreads across a diverse range of fields, including graphic design, illustration, painting, graffiti, and clothing design. Her output is heavily influenced by hip hop culture, low-brow art, and sustainability issues.” Gallery co-owner Nathan Ingram, who goes by Dr Suits, has recently been picked up by two other galleries, and he’s producing abstract art using unique media, like spray paint on glass or risograph prints. Jenna herself paints as Jen Head; vibrant faces filled with objects that represent the multi-faceted nature of human emotion – sadness, joy and stress, among others. Fiksate is open from Wednesday to Saturday and
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has a huge range of prints, sculptures and original work for sale, as well as a custom framing service. You can stretch your creative muscles at Fiksate every second Wednesday, when the artists run stickermaking and badge-making workshops. fiksate.com
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Cityscape ticks off a bucket-list adventure on a 30-day expedition cruise to Antarctica with Christchurch's own Heritage Expeditions.
PHOTO: E.BELL, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
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GOING WITH THE FLOE
PHOTO: S.OTT, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
PHOTO: A.BRENIERE, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
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here’s a blinding flash behind my eyelids immediately followed by an all-over burning sensation as I hit the -1° C water. In the couple of strokes it takes to reach the ship and our thermally-insulated expedition leader Samuel Blanc, who’s waiting knee-deep in the Ross Sea at Cape Adare, the burning gives way to a blanket coldness racing inwards and I’m grateful to see his industrial-gloved hand ready to help haul me out. Climbing the stairs in a jacked-up blur of adrenaline and deafening whoops, I’m wrapped in a fluffy towel when I reach the top, and high five my way along the ship’s deck to watch our chefs' impressive leaps (backwards flip and commando) from the top of the gangway. Bristling with energy, I can’t recall feeling this alive, even as the smile frozen on my face starts to ache.
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CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
GOING WITH THE FLOE
ABOVE: EMPEROR PENGUINS ON THE ICE, ROSS ISLAND. PHOTO: S.BLANC, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
LEFT: ANCHORING AT THE ICE EDGE. PHOTO: N.RUSS, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS RIGHT: WEDDELL SEAL OUTSIDE SCOTT'S HUT, CAPE EVANS. PHOTO: S.BLANC, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
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GOING WITH THE FLOE
When I can no longer feel my feet, I pad down to the sauna on deck two, where I’m greeted by a welcoming wall of heat and the burly smile of one of the Russian crew members. Beside him a wad of birch branches stick out of a bucket of scalding water. I’ve seen this in movies. Grabbing the branches, I begin flogging myself, and water flies wildly around the sauna. My companion intervenes, taking the branches off me. He dips them back in the water, gently shakes off the excess, and starts to beat me across the chest. The extreme combination of frigid water, dry heat and the gentle lashing makes my skin erupt in gooseflesh. He motions me to turn around and works my back over. Inwardly cursing Hollywood for my Russian sauna etiquette faux pas, I thank him for the beating (it only seems right), and offer to return the favour. Laughing, he holds up a hand to stop me, no doubt recalling my earlier self-flagellation. The only thing I beat is a hasty retreat back to my cabin. We first meet our trusty expedition vessel Akademik Shokalskiy three weeks earlier in Bluff. She’s a roguishly charming and sturdy Russian vessel built for polar research in 1982, now repurposed for adventure. Her ice-strengthened sea cred and Soviet-era nostalgic cool set the scene for an authentic expedition. She will be more than our home for the next 30 days, sharing with us some of the most inaccessible and remote shores in
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‘I thank him for the beating (it only seems right), and offer to return the favour.’
BELOW: ZODIAC CRUISING THE ICE WITH ADÉLIE PENGUINS. PHOTO: K.OVSYANIKOVA, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS BELOW RIGHT: SCOTT BASE SIGN, ROSS ISLAND. PHOTO: T.BICKFORD, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
the heart of Antarctica. Aptly named ‘In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton’, our expedition follows these heroic explorers and offers a rare opportunity to explore the Ross Dependency, New Zealand’s claim on Antarctica, as well as Australia and New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands, which lie like scattered stepping stones on the way. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites – irreplaceable ecosystems and fascinating destinations rich in history – offer their own special adventures. Samuel’s voice crackles over the PA announcing our first iceberg. I never thought I’d be so happy to be woken at 5am. Excitedly filing into the bridge, we watch its silhouette slowly develop in the mist like an image on a Polaroid. As the floating apartment-block-sized iceberg nears, stark white above the water and luminous blue below, we brave the Antarctic chill up on the ‘monkey deck’, the highest accessible point on ship, to get a better look. It’s gnarled with caves, layers, fissures and cracks, and is only
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GOING WITH THE FLOE
‘Dreams are realised for many as we step inside the history-strewn, rustic huts of Scott and Shackleton.’
the first in an endless procession of these silent monoliths, each uniquely cleaved and hued by nature, providing a dramatic, ever-changing backdrop to our journey. The same afternoon we celebrate crossing the Antarctic Circle, surrounded by ice, with mulled wine under a brilliant blue sky. After reciting an oath pledging to protect all things Antarctica we earn the ‘mark of the penguin’ – stamped on our foreheads. We spend our days weaving among perfectly lit tabular icebergs and smaller ice cathedrals of varying blues, while lone leopard and crabeater seals raise their heads to watch our passage from their private frozen islands. We’re in the realm of almost 24-hour daylight, where mere minutes pass between sunset and sunrise, during which the seascape and skies are stained in preternatural oranges, pinks and reds. We watch pods of Antarctic minke whales, their small dorsal fins knifing through the deep blue water, orca patrolling the ice edge, lounging seals, penguin-strewn ice floes and emperors preparing to march. Time is irrelevant under the perpetual sun, so we take every opportunity to get out and
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ABOVE: INSIDE SHACKLETON'S HUT, CAPE ROYDS. PHOTO: J.J.L'HEUREUX, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
explore, juggling meals and sleep around our adventures and the weather. It’s all part of Heritage Expeditions’ first rule of exploration: remain ‘rigidly flexible’. We take our first triumphant steps onto the frozen continent at Cape Adare, at 3am in brilliant sunshine. A gentle breeze carries the ripe pungency of our destination: Antarctica’s largest Adélie penguin colony, engulfing Carsten Borchgrevink’s hut, Antarctica’s oldest. Nothing quite prepares you for the full-on sensory assault of hundreds of thousands of penguins and their fluffy brown chicks. It hits you like a wave, a wave you can taste, and is accompanied by the endless squawks of neighbourhood disputes and hungry youngsters chasing parents demanding to be fed. Confined to the beach by the jostling mass, we spot Borchgrevink’s hut rippling, mirage-like, over the crowd of rowdy penguins and enjoy a perfect, minutes-long sunset and rise. Penguins are frequent companions on our adventures. On the way to Inexpressible Island, a chinstrap penguin jumps into our Zodiac to hitch a brief ride before returning to more familiar surrounds. Adélie penguins leap out of the water on our arrival and ice crunches underfoot as we walk to the site of the snow cave where Robert Falcon Scott’s Northern Party saw out a harrowing winter after being stranded in 1912. Along the way we stop to observe a group of Weddell seals in repose – the vocal seals delight with near 180-degree yawns which end in a brief chattering of impressive teeth as they lazily scratch their mottled undersides. We navigate large rocky outcrops on Harrowfield Hill (named after Heritage Expeditions’ recently retired lecturer Dr David Harrowfield) and, far below, the white
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GOING WITH THE FLOE
expanses of Priestley and Reeves glaciers inch their way toward the Ross Sea. In Terra Nova Bay we’re invited to spend the afternoon at the Italian Mario Zucchelli research station. We’re their first ship visitors in two years, and they are as excited to meet us as we them. They greet us on their wharf by a ladder, made just hours earlier, specially for our visit. Our enthusiastic hosts show us around their shipping-container-constructed summer research station, where they conduct oceanic, meteorological and geological studies surrounded by towering, ice-capped ridgelines. Tour complete, we join them in their mess hall where we sack out in front of an open fire and enjoy tales of life on the ice, indulging in the surreal experience of sipping Antarctica’s finest espresso and eating pizza with Italians in Antarctica. Dreams are realised for many as we step inside the history-strewn, rustic huts of Scott and Shackleton. At Cape Evans, Scott's second hut is so meticulously restored by the Antarctic Heritage Trust that you get the uneasy feeling Wilson, Ponting or Scott himself might swing the door open at any moment and catch you trespassing. Dog skeletons tethered to chains and remarkablypreserved stacks of seal blubber are stark reminders of the hardships these explorers endured. It’s a memorable moment to be sure, but as far as sheer delight goes it’s hard to top the tuxedoed emperor penguin who gatecrashes our on-ice celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the first sighting of Antarctica. Torpedoing out of the water and belly sliding over the ice, he stands to attention at our makeshift bar 77° south of the equator in an unforgettable ‘a penguin walks into a bar’ joke come to life. Our suave celebrity guest freely mingles and poses for photos, and, like all party animals, is the last to leave. We get a taste of Antarctica's unrestrained power cruising along the 50-metre tall Ross Ice Shelf, trading the cosy comfort of the bridge for the -15˚C katabatic wind chill and a closer look at one of Mother Nature’s more inspired creations. Rousing me from the shelf’s hypnotic trance, the call of “orca!” sees us spend the next hour observing dozens of pods of type C orca (including females with calves) patrolling the shelf’s edge. We watch as they slam their tails on the water on the hunt for toothfish, and dive below our ship. Terrified penguins leap through the white-capped water and
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TOP: ORCA SPYHOPPING SEAL AND PENGUINS. PHOTO: S.BLANC, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS ABOVE: ZODIAC CRUISING TERRA NOVA BAY. PHOTO: S.OTT, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
scramble up floes, and we half-expect David Attenborough to chime in at any moment. Back at Cape Adare, post polar plunge, with the spiny backdrop of the Admiralty Mountains cutting into the skyline, we charge glasses of Shackleton Whisky on the back deck. It’s a bittersweet farewell, akin to saying goodbye to a friend we’ll never see again. Antarctica’s intimate, chilling embrace is still running in my veins, long after the great white continent has faded in our wake. heritage-expeditions.com
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With passports gathering dust, Cityscape heads to the Subantarctic Islands to scratch that international travel itch.
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our much needed vacay to remote, unexplored and exotic locations needn’t be off the cards this summer. Expand the ‘travel local’ mantra slightly further afield to open up an otherworldly adventure exploring the furthest reaches of New Zealand’s backyard. Remote, rugged and UNESCO World Heritage listed, the Subantarctic Islands are internationally-renowned wildlife havens and just an expedition cruise away. Nesting albatross, sea lion pups and affectionate weaners(!), thousands of penguins and supersized alien flowers combine to offer an experience straight out of a David Attenborough doco, and an escape so complete you’ll feel like you’re not only in another country, but often on another planet. What’s more, they’re all part of New Zealand (mostly).
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CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
A YOUNG ELEPHANT SEAL IN A KING PENGUIN COLONY, MACQUARIE ISLAND. PHOTO: G.RIEHLE, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
46° BELOW CARNLEY HARBOUR, AUCKLAND ISLANDS. PHOTO: T.KRAAKMAN, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
AUCKLAND ISLANDS Once all but destroyed by livestock, Enderby Island, a (not-surprisingly) failed cattle farm, has been successfully reclaimed by nature following Department of Conservation intervention. Nationally-endangered hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins) flourish here, and you can enjoy front row seats watching life and near-death play out at a Hooker’s sea lion breeding colony on Sandy Bay –
complete with super cute new-born pups. Explore flame-tipped rata forests and marvel at crazy UFO-shaped clouds. On neighbouring namesake Auckland Island, hike 200 metres up South West Cape and take in the flurry of avian activity below at the white-capped albatross colony. As an added bonus for your effort, the views over Carnley Harbour are the definition of jaw-dropping. Bragging rights: Zodiac cruising through a natural arch into a surreal, wave-worn open-topped cathedral where crystalline blue water meets colourful, marbled stone walls crowned with cascading lush vegetation at Musgrave Inlet is as breathtaking as any man-made attraction you’ll find in Europe.
SNARES ISLANDS Closest to the mainland, this imposing clutch of inhospitable ancient fractured granite islands are home to 2.7 million pairs of nesting seabirds, including some 60,000 endemic Snares crested penguins. Not impressed? You will be when you’re Zodiac cruising along their jagged towering cliffs, complete with Hooker’s sea lion escorts, spotting nesting Buller’s albatross and exploring sea caves as New Zealand fur seals lazily watch you pass from the comfort of their rocky recliners. Bragging rights: Two words – penguin slide. Watching thousands of plucky, and often clumsy, Snares crested penguins navigate this treacherously-steep thoroughfare in and out of the water is endlessly fascinating – and filled with some seriously comical moments. SNARES CRESTED PENGUINS, SNARES ISLAND. PHOTO: E.BELL, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
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46° BELOW
CAMPBELL ISLAND This Subantarctic fave won’t so much steal your heart as it will effortlessly snatch it still beating, Indiana Jones-style, from your chest. If wading waist-deep through the gigantic alien flowers known as ‘megaherbs’ and described by botanist Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker as a “floral display second to none outside the tropics” doesn’t get you, the seriously scenic and wildlife-filled walks along towering cliffs to hang out with southern royal albatross will. Pro tip: sea lions have right of way on walkways. Bragging rights: An afternoon at the southern royal albatross colony gaping at nesting couples affectionately grooming, rowdy juveniles
engaged in the raucous dating game known as ‘gamming’ and the landing-and-takeoff chaos of a pre-Covid airport will have your spirits soaring alongside these majestic masters of flight. FYI – your tolerance for people casually discarding plastics and potentially harming your new besties will be forever dangerously low.
MOUNT HONEY, CAMPBELL ISLAND. PHOTO: T.BICKFORD, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
MACQUARIE ISLAND The pavlova and Crowded House of the Subantarctics, Australia has staked its claim on this geographically New Zealand island too. The only place in the world where royal penguins breed, you’ll never forget visiting this raucous ‘Penguin City’ or Zodiac cruising one of the world’s largest penguin populations. It’s standing room only for the hundreds of thousands of regal king penguins, nesting defiantly around the ruins of Joseph Hatch’s animal-oil-extracting digesters that decimated the local elephant seal and penguin populations. Take in the aquatic ballet of these script-flipping birds as they crowd your Zodiac to check you out checking them out. The wildlife here is fearless. Sit down and penguins will waddle over and give you a cheeky peck while ridiculously cute weaners (older elephant seal pups) will caterpillar over and try to climb on top of you while you’re busy trying to compute how the hell they turn into the flatulent, blubbery huddles jousting in front of you. Bragging rights: Your ‘weaner lap dance’ story will never get old.
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Looking for something a little closer to home? Heritage Expeditions also offers authentic expedition cruises to some of New Zealand's most remote and iconic locations, many only accessible by expedition ship. Experience the time-forgotten rawness of Rakiura (Stewart Island) and explore the primordial majesty of Fiordland's remote coves on the Unseen Fiordland and Stewart Island voyage. heritage-expeditions.com
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KING PENGUINS, MACQUARIE ISLAND. PHOTO: S.BLANC, HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS
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e’re looking up from the captivity of screens to see a wonderful world of analogue alternatives. Real books, handmade homeware and off-grid experiences are everywhere, ready for us to reach out and grab them. The analogue rebellion started, quietly at first, with hipsters buying film cameras and the wine sippers attending mindful painting and home baking classes. During lockdown, Netflix bingeing was through the roof, but so were sales of knitting needles, power tools and real books, with that lovely bookish smell. Now we’re out and about once more, the analogue rebellion is forging ahead. We’re craving screen-free fun with our real-life friends, shopping for beneficial bits and bobs sold to us by the craftspeople that make them, and looking for books to fill the ‘rustic’ bookshelves we upcycled using old pallets and the decade-old box of nails in the garage. Christchurch has some wonderful opportunities to scratch those itches. The Riccarton Market is New Zealand’s largest, with artisans selling locally-made wares. It’s allowed the Rotary Club of Riccarton to put over $2 million back into the community since it started in the late ‘80s. University Bookshop Canterbury stocks a fantastic selection of local and international titles, including the full list of this year’s Ockham New Zealand Book Award winners, as well as bright children’s books on important topics, like the significance of Matariki, and the fight for global equality. And The Colombo Bookstore is doing book shopping the old-fashioned way, with comfy chairs, curated selections and knowledgeable staff who make great recommendations. With less time spent on digital, we’ve got more time to pursue all those analogue hobbies we’ve always
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imagined we’d like, and a class could help you get started. Coming to the Arts Centre in November is the Paint ‘n’ Sip Studio, a wonderful arts studio where you can attend classes and paint a picture following instructions from the studio’s talented artists, while sipping a cold glass of Sauv from the in-studio bar. You can also head down to the uber-cool Fiksate Studio & Gallery and join the fortnightly sticker-making classes where you’ll be sure to draw inspo from the vibrant urban art all over the walls. Keep an eye on Fiksate's Instagram for dates. This year vinyl records have outsold CDs in the USA for the first time since 1986. Closer to home, Hallenstein Brothers Cashel Street has partnered with Real Groovy to open a record shop in the store, where you can flick through crates of records and stock your vinyl collection with new releases and second-hand goodies. In New Regent Street, tiny bar The Institution has board games you can whip out for some screen-free fun over beers with your buddies, and Arcadia in Barbadoes Street is filled with oldskool pinball machines and a pool table. There are some electronic games, but the lag on Ms. Pac-Man is so wonderfully protracted that it seems closer to Go Fish than Fortnite. For some serious survival skills, enrol in a resourceful skills workshop at Rekindle. You can learn how to make felt slippers, tī kōuka baskets, soap, or your own hand-carved spatula. There are regular beginners’ spoon carving workshops, and once you’ve attended one, you can join spoon club: come back, practice, make more spoons.
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
Tanya Goodin founded one of the earliest digital marketing agencies, and was search engine optimising three years before Google launched.
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ecause of her long history with the internet, Tanya describes herself as a proverbial canary in the coal mine when it comes to tech addiction. When she realised the negative effect tech was having on her life, she decided to set up Time to Log Off, running digital detox retreats for people who want to disconnect. Now an internationally-renowned digital detox expert, she has published two books and hosts the podcast It’s Complicated. Cityscape caught up with her about how easing back on tech could improve our lives. Tell us about those first years working in digital – was there an addictive element to it at the start? At the start I don’t think there was. It was all very new and exciting, but it was shut away in a desktop or laptop at the end of the working day. There were very few people online in the UK and social media had rather a party atmosphere. It was fun, entertaining, and supportive – I look back rather wistfully at it all now. One potential client even asked me if I’d brought the internet in my briefcase when I went to see him. No one had a clue really. When did it change? It would have to be the launch of the iPhone and the invention of the ‘like’ button, both in 2007. That’s the pivotal year addictive tech really took off. The former meant we now took the digital world everywhere with us, the latter meant companies found a way to get us seriously hooked on it. Justin Rosenstein, one of the creators of the like button, has described how it was
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specifically designed to give users a dopamine rush, which keeps bringing them back to the app. He’s now deleted most social media from his phone, and limits his time on Facebook. Similarly, it is fairly well-known that Steve Jobs, inventor of the iPhone, described himself as a ‘low tech’ parent and restricted the technology his kids used. If the fact that both those men gave their own inventions a wide berth isn’t evidence enough of the power of addictive tech, I don’t know what is. Your ‘eureka moment’ came when you realised you hadn’t read a book in four years. Tell us about that. I read English at Oxford University so when a friend at a dinner party happened to ask what I’d been reading recently, it came as a bit of a shock to realise I hadn’t completely finished a book in over four years. It wasn’t that I hadn’t wanted to read, but that I couldn’t focus long enough to finish any book, something I had never struggled with before. It was a real wake-up call that something was happening to my brain, to my focus and concentration. How else had your life changed as your tech consumption increased? My sleep was deteriorating, my focus was shot to pieces and my creativity had disappeared. I originally blamed all of that on getting older, but the more I thought about the vanishing amount of time I now spent on all those aspects of my life, compared to the time now eaten up by being online, I began to question it. How did you change your tech habits? Originally I went completely cold turkey to work out what was going on. I deleted all social media, I switched to a
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DIGITAL DETOX
‘One potential client even asked me if I’d brought the internet in my briefcase.’
‘dumb phone’ to call family and keep in touch with loved ones, a phone that had no digital connectivity. I don’t live that way now, but I was so deeply entrenched in it that I needed to completely step away. Are you completely cured, or do you lapse occasionally? I’m definitely not totally cured. I lapse the same as everyone else. It’s very hard to totally log off now that our lives revolve around technology. But every time I find I’m losing a couple of hours to mindless scrolling I turn off my phone and go outside, or do something absorbing and mindful. Yoga or puzzles are a favourite. How did you come to be the first digital detox expert? I have always been a classic early adopter of technology (I had one of the first Mac computers imported into the UK, and later on, one of the very first iPhones) so it was inevitable I began to feel the effects of tech adoption before others. I’ve also always been very interested in psychology. This helped me see we had the ability to go quite badly astray with technology, while others were still blinded by the huge financial potential and not thinking through all the implications. I think the combination of both those things, my personal experience and my academic
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interest, led me to seeing a need for a change of direction about three or so years before everyone was ready to hear about it. How is tech designed to hook us in? Technology, and in particular social media, is deliberately and calculatedly designed to hook us using the same techniques as slot machines - variable rewards combined with social validation, social proof and personalisation via algorithms. The famous Persuasive Technology Lab at Stanford University in the US developed all the tricks, starting in the late 1990s, which the addictive tech industry now uses. Interestingly, the founder of that same lab also warned very early on about the negative use some of those persuasive tech tricks could be put to in unscrupulous hands. What are the negative effects that digital technology is having on our everyday lives? Our addictive tech environment is stopping us from living richly and from resting fully. We’re becoming lonelier and more isolated; we are working less effectively; we’re never switched off and we can rarely fully relax. In 2017 the French enshrined into law that employees could ignore work emails out of hours, just to enable them to take a break after their working day. We’ve almost regressed to the sweat factory conditions of the industrial revolution with how work now impacts every area of our lives, thanks to smartphones. We now spend a lot of time on phones. What have we given up? Before smartphones and the internet we had more time to develop interests, hobbies and pastimes which refreshed, relaxed and sustained us. Think about what you used to fill your days with, say, ten years ago. Yes, some of it might have been just staring into the void feeling bored I’m sure, but a lot of it was around reading, sport, craft, long rambling chats with friends. We have pretty much eliminated all of that in favour of scrolling on our phones.
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PODCAST It’s Complicated: Untangling the Relationship with our Phones
Do you find people are anxious at the thought of a digital detox? Yes, without exception everyone who comes on one of our retreats is nervous about not having their phone. I’ve even had people ask for special dispensation to keep their phone 'just for work purposes', or because they’re worried about missing some crucial message. It’s a real irrational, visceral panic people have about being without their smartphone, even when there’s a landline available (which there always is on our retreats). Even the thought of leaving the house without their phone makes people anxious. In a perfect world, how would you want people to use the internet and devices in their spare time? For the very many enormous benefits of the digital world; for education, for community-building, for keeping in touch with friends and family, and for entertainment, but not for hours on end. There are many benefits to screens, they just need to be moderated and their use needs to be a conscious choice. I would say where the alternative is to connect with a real live person in front of you – that’s when a screen is not a good choice. Kids are getting hooked on tech young – at an age where the government regulates access to things like alcohol and cigarettes. Should the government regulate tech use in any way? Yes, I’ve been campaigning for this in the UK for many years now and will continue to campaign. Tech should be regulated, and it’s criminal it’s got away with being unregulated for so long, particularly where protection for children is concerned. The writing is on the wall for tech companies now on this. tanyagoodin.com
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Tanya chats to inspiring people about how their smartphones affect their lives – especially those whose work revolves around being online, like instapoet and illustrator Nikita Gill, and YouTuber and sex educator Hannah Witton. Her goal is to untangle what a healthy relationship with your phone looks like, and empower you with practical tips and ideas.
BOOK Off: Your Digital Detox for a Better Life Off isn’t about giving up tech completely, it’s a guide to helping us find balance, freeing up hours of our time and leading us back to the pastimes, and people, we love. Tanya offers simple tips that encourage a deeper connection with others, more restful sleep and increased creativity, freeing us from technology to be more present in our own lives.
COURSE How to do a Digital Detox: The Ultimate Guide to Digital Wellbeing In Tanya’s six-week online course, learn about the persuasive techniques that make your phone, and social media in particular, so addictive. You’ll go on a two week ‘rewiring’ of your digital habits, and you’ll monitor your physical and mental health through this change. The course is social – you’ll celebrate your successes with your course mates as you successfully adopt Tanya’s strategies.
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TOP TIP: BUY AN ALARM CLOCK This seems simple, but Tanya’s found that making your bedroom a screen-free space is the number one way to spend less time on your devices. When your phone isn’t by your bed, there’s no temptation to look at it at night or first thing in the morning.
DIGITAL DETOX
worlds to explore Wander your mind at University Bookshop, where you can dive into worlds unknown. Admire exotic and fantastical architecture, or something a little closer to home. Green your thumbs growing lush and edible plants. Walk through the great art galleries of the globe, and connect with history’s thinkers of philosophy, religion and social
issues. Take your wanderlust flying with Louis Theroux’s The Call of the Weird and feed it with Lonely Planet’s Around the World in 80 Food Trucks. Artistic education within these book-lined walls ranges from Rembrandt to The Art of Winnie the Pooh (or even The Cat Butt Coloring and Activity Book). Children can get lost in the
Canadian farmlands of Anne of Green Gables or the high seas of Who Wants to be a Pirate? Whatever your Persuasion (Austen, 1817), this is the place to give time to the simple pleasure of a good book. Now grab an armchair and learn all about the 50 Drag Queens Who Changed the World. ubscan.co.nz
CARDS OF CONNECTION As well as stocking gorgeous diaries and stationery of all feels and colours, the folks at Pepa have a mission to bring back handwritten correspondence, and we at Cityscape think it’s a wholesome way to disconnect from our devices and connect with other humans in a considered, personal and long-lasting way. Try sending a thoughtfully-crafted letter on textured stock to a long-distance friend or even your mum – you might be surprised at how much joy such a simple thing can bring. pepastationery.co.nz
bookin' it The Colombo Bookstore managers Charlotte Cohen and Belinda Archibald are bibliophiles with a passion for finding that extra-special read. Belinda tells Cityscape the story of the store and the regulars’ reading habits. The Colombo Bookstore doesn’t look like other bookshops. The design idea is that we want to make sure people feel comfortable. Customers can sit on the antique chairs and take their time to find a book they really love. The store is a bit antique, and a bit Willy Wonka. We’re a small bookstore, so we choose books that we really like. People are asking for poetry, local writing, gardening, cooking,
mindfulness and children’s books. Children’s books are a focus for us – the good ones come and go out fast. Flying off the shelves right now are good cooking books and also gardening books. People are being more grounded this year, doing their own gardening, and appreciating their own space. Right now I’m reading Solitary, the powerful memoir of Albert Woodfox, an African American who spends 40 years in solitary confinement for a crime he did not commit. My favourite genre is non-fiction. I love reading memoirs. Having a bookstore was a childhood dream, so this really is a dream come true. Requests are something we love to do either for new titles or for books people have read years ago. New in the store we’ve got Hiakai: Modern Māori
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Cuisine by the super-talented Monique Fiso, and the beautiful Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright! with an animal poem for every day and fabulous illustrations. What’s great about being in The Colombo is the people who visit us here. It’s not too hurly hectic, it’s got a nice feel. thecolombo.co.nz
Food & Drink BLOODY BRILLIANT The man behind the shaker. Bloody Mary’s mixologist Ben Crean prepares his Lemon Meringue creation. bloodymarys.co.nz
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THE ORIGIN OF FLAVOUR Black Origin has brought two centuries of closelyguarded Japanese beef-raising tradition to Aotearoa, with the first grain-fed Wagyu beef raised in New Zealand’s pristine conditions.
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n the Black Origin farm south of the Rakaia River, carers play soothing music for the specially-bred Wagyu cattle and give them daily massages. A vet regularly checks in on the animals, which live in loafing barns with metre-deep sawdust bedding and oodles of room to move around and go outside. It all started with Arato Tsujino, from Kobe, the home of Wagyu in Japan. He spent his late teens in New Zealand and puzzled over why the country, with its pasture and cattle-breeding success, did not have true Wagyu herds. Back in Japan, Arato met former All Black halfback Andy Ellis – then playing for Kobe’s rugby team, the Kobelco Steelers. The two would go on to become partners in New Zealand’s Wagyu operation. Their first hurdle was convincing Japanese breeders to bring them in on the industry secrets and allow Kobe-style Wagyu farming techniques in New Zealand. Japanese growers have worked on genetics, rearing and feeding methods for 200 years, and guard the brand closely. Thanks to the carefully laid-out plans, the farmers came on board quickly and the South Canterbury farm got started in 2015.
Wagyu is widely considered to be the tastiest beef in the world. That reputation is hard earned, and Black Origin takes great effort to make sure that continues in New Zealand. It takes three and a half years to raise a Wagyu animal. The meat is a delicacy, created through a combination of genetics, special treatment and feeding. Tokuhiro Nakao, president of the Hyogo Meat Industry Cooperative Association in Japan (and chairman of Black Origin) says he is “very excited about growing
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Wagyu in the proper, precise Japanese way, in New Zealand’s great environment”. The cattle get their start on good South Canterbury grass and hay, then they are carefully transitioned onto a diet of a unique blend of New Zealand grain, custom designed for Black Origin by Japanese Wagyu experts. The whole environment is free of artificial hormones and antibiotics. The farm is sustainable and largely self-sufficient. It captures 100% of effluent to protect waterways, and distributes it back on the farm to help grow huge crops of grain for the cattle. Even the sawdust from the barn is used in crop fertiliser. Maximum land productivity, and minimum carbon footprint. This year, Black Origin’s prime beef met the strict quality standards of Wagyu traditions, and is now available to a limited number of top Kiwi restaurants and online for home cooking. blackorigin.co.nz
CAN’T TOUCH THIS Cityscape visits Untouched World Kitchen, the health-and-sustainability-conscious café born out of fashion brand Untouched World.
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he Hippie Bowl with Karaage Chicken is a work of art for the eyes and the taste buds, a round canvas of colour and shapes. We start with the chicken on top and work our way down. The chicken coating is delightfully light and crunchy, the fried tofu has a blissful composition with flavour right through, and the rice and quinoa mix with nuts and seeds is a texture and taste sensation that we can’t stop going back to. Everything from the fresh hummus to the secret-spice dressing on the crunchy charred broccoli is impeccable. We’re fascinated by the pickled pumpkin and its fruity tangy flavour. The red smear of beetroot miso around the outside of the bowl is a fine flourish that brings umami goodness to the mix. We’re making our way through a couple of smoothies and two chicken dishes, thanks to recommendations from the attentive and friendly manager Andrea Titterton. The aroma of the Sticky Chicken hits us before it lands on the table. It’s an East Asian-style dish with perfectly-cooked chicken, marinated to release its ginger-honey-soy essence as it falls apart in your mouth. It’s a medium-spicy one, and the heat brings out the flavour rather than masking it. The vege salad is lightly cooked to retain its crunch
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FOOD & DRINK
– reminiscent of a slaw – and splashed with a fresh, tangy, sweetbut-not-too-sweet dressing. The Fruity Smoothie is everything a real berry smoothie should be: seedy and flavoursome without being overly sweet. The Super Smoothie is a whole ‘nother level, managing to taste incredible and feel healthy at the same time, with a satisfyingly savoury cereal undertone. A little industrial edge overflows into the café’s beautiful interior design from the manufacturing area and shop front next door, where tasteful merino clothing and accessories are neatly displayed in a modern space. The airy and open café’s minimalist brushed concrete and white walls sport a few choice decorations. Text on one wall tells us about Untouched World’s philosophy and soaring, free spirit, while another wall extols the virtues of drinking coffee with a conscience – every coffee sold here provides a child in Ethiopia with clean drinking water for a day. A gas fire emits gentle heat under a giant cane Untouched World logo – a Māori kite – hung on the wall. Outside is a lush and shady native garden, complete with birds chirping in the trees. Untouched World Kitchen’s golden aroma is a mixture of baking and rich sauces. It’s busy this sunny weekday lunchtime, and we can hear the playlist of upbeat and friendly pop rock numbers
‘THE BROWNIE TO BE BAD, THE RASPBERRY CUP TO BE GOOD.’
under the hum of voices. Andrea tells us her favourite desserts: “The brownie to be bad, the raspberry cup to be good”. We order both, and a couple of others just to be sure. Our tea arrives in a charming red cast iron pot, and coffee in a brand-appropriate grey tulip cup. The Raw Vegan Raspberry Dark Chocolate Cup is a massive raspberry hit with a satisfyingly rough texture. The Raw Vegan Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Slice and Ginger Crunch both somehow pull off the ‘healthy’ dessert vibe, packing a range of bold and subtle flavours without being too sweet. The Chewy Chocolate Brownie is the only slice we tried that was super sweet. The rewarding crunch sensation of the thin crust gives way to a gooey, fudgey centre. Order two – you won’t want to share.
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We stop by the counter on the way out and strike up a conversation with Chef Kerry Wellman, who tells us everything we just ate was made right here at Untouched World Kitchen, from the sauces to the breads. It’s one of her tenets: "It's all 100% made in house. I'm sticking to that." She’s vegan and passionate about putting great-tasting plant-based food in the mix. “Even one or two vegan meals a week is a great way to start broadening the mind to new ways of eating.” Despite its buzz, Untouched World Kitchen still feels like a bit of a hidden gem – one that’s well worth seeking out. Once you do, you’ll be coming back on the regular for the spectrum of flavours and Insta-worthy plates, and perhaps a spot of sustainable fashion while you’re there. untouchedworldkitchen.com
CATERING GUIDE While good food will elevate your party from shindig to soirée, it shouldn’t distract you from the main goal of the day: having fun. Here are Cityscape’s tips to create a great foodie experience while freeing you up to socialise.
PHOTO: TWISTED FLOUR & SUGAR MERCHANTS
THE GREAT CITYSCAPE
PHOTO: VICTORIA FOOD SERVICE
really easy to cater for gluten free and vegetarian diets. Plus it’s an excuse for margaritas. If you want people to scatter around the space, set up a few food stations. If the food is served in one place, that’s where people will gather. Hot food on small plates. Keep hot food warm in the oven, and serve small amounts at a time, refilling the dish once it’s empty. The same goes for cold food – keep it in the fridge and serve in small amounts. Refine the bar selection. People freeze when confronted with too many choices. Try a featured beverage – maybe a pitcher of margarita or Campari and soda, along with wine and beer. In cool weather, mulled wine is a crowd-pleaser – and you can keep it warm in a slow cooker. Keep it simple. When preparing food yourself, resist the temptation to cook an exotic dish you saw for the first time last night on Masterchef. Stick with foolproof dishes you know well. Identify your dishes. Rope in your friend with the good handwriting and make name cards for your food. remember to point out the important things like vegetarian or gluten free dishes. Don’t clean – distract. If you’re hosting an event at your house, you don’t need to go into a cleaning frenzy. Just host the party in the evening, dim the lights and use candles to focus attention
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eep sit-down meals balanced. Think about how your dishes are going to go together. If you’ve got a heavy main, keep the starter and dessert light and fresh. People gravitate towards kitchens at parties. Use that to your advantage. Serve food in the kitchen where any mess is easy to clean, and you can keep an eye on proceedings while you chat. Lay out a buffet strategically. Put plates at one end and cutlery at the other. People will start at the plates, and won’t have to fumble with cutlery while they serve. Also, place limited-supply food at the end of the table near the utensils – it’ll last longer there. Try a theme. Mexican food is great for parties: it has big, heavy flavours and fresh, cleansing ingredients, it can be healthy and feel like a treat, and it’s
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on things like a beautiful flower arrangement or a table laden with food. Pre-line your rubbish bin. Kiwis are helpful to a fault – if they see you cleaning at a party, they’ll want to pitch in. Before the party starts, pre-line your rubbish bin with a few bags. Then, when one is full, simply remove it and a fresh one will already be waiting, and your guests won’t have time to notice. Want to go to bed? Get out the tea and coffee. It’s the polite way to tell your guests to wind the boozing down.
TOP TIPS FROM BESPOKE PLATTERS’ MANDY DAVIES: 1 Food safety is super important. You don't want anyone going home sick. 2 Plan your menu, don't overcomplicate it. Simple is good. 3 Doing a DIY dessert such as a dessert platter is a good way to cater for everyone's tastes.
CATERING GUIDE
EASY AS PIE
PHOTO: PEGASUS BAY WINERY
Entrepreneurs Mizuki Azai and Olexiy Meshechko have developed an online food ordering system to get any food for any event. Cityscape hits them up for details on their catering breakthrough. How was Caterway born? Mizuki: I had been working as an administrator and my favourite part of the day-to-day tasks had always been arranging catering for my teams. I wished there was a place that allowed me to manage catering orders collaboratively. Olexiy: I have a background in software development, process improvement and education. I remember when I had to organise catering for the first time and I had no clue where to go and what to order. What problem is Caterway solving? O: Previously there was no centralised solution to manage catering for corporate customers. You needed to send emails, make phone calls, deal with paperwork, quotes and invoices. M: Another problem is that companies, especially large ones, tend to have no visibility around previous catering orders. Even if you make the same order every time, those orders are often buried in staff emails. Tell us about the process – how do we use Caterway? O: It is super easy. All the information you need is at your fingertips. Begin by browsing the wide range of caterers, comparing prices and selecting the type of food you want. You then place your order and pay online. We don’t charge any extra fees – you pay the same cost for half the work. You can modify, repeat or cancel your order online. caterway.nz
FUNCTIONAL SPACES
TOP TIPS FROM CATERWAY’S OLEXIY MESHECHKO: 1 Around 15% of your food should cover dietary requirements like gluten free and vegetarian. 2 Offer locallysourced and sustainable food. Local business stories are great talking points. 3 Ask guests about food allergies before booking a caterer. 4 Hire staff to serve big groups and large areas.
EDIBLE ELEMENTS OF DESIGN Victoria Food Service’s team have mastered the modern art of creating grazing tables. The displays are works of design, towering with locally-sourced food and peppered with hidden gems. As well as grazing tables, Victoria Food Service can cater all kinds of meals and flavour-popping canapés. It’s the go-to service for gorgeous Christchurch venues including The Piano, Isaac Theatre Royal, and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. victoriafoods.co.nz
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Go extraordinary for your next big event. Here are a couple of Cityscape’s recommended venues you might not know about. 1 Pegasus Bay Winery 2 Three Boys Brewery 3 Lighthouse Brewing Company 4 The Tack Rooms 5 The Court Theatre
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FOR ALL YOUR TWISTED IDEAS It seems there’s nothing you could say to Sally and Kate of Twisted Flour & Sugar Merchants to make them blink; they’ve done it all. A Heineken bottle cap cake? Tick. A safari party cake, complete with a hippo, a rhino and a lion, all wearing party hats? Tick. A cookies and cream flavoured slippery silver salmon cake? Tick. And every one of them looks absolutely perfect, without a fish scale or a hippo tooth out of place. Twisted Flour & Sugar Merchants also puts together irresistible grazing tables, savoury boxes, and a sweet box that’s packed full of sacchariferous goodies no sweet-tooth could resist. twistedflour.kiwi
FOOD & DRINK
#LOCAL BREWS THREE BOYS THE BRUCE XPA
THE THREE INNS
Celebrate the three most important ‘inns’ of craft beer in Ōtautahi: Invention, innovation, independence. Ralph Bungard explains.
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ospitality and brewery owners and staff are used to being awake at all hours, but at the moment it’s something less usual keeping us up at night: trying to predict what hospitality and craft brewing will look like post pandemic. One thing we know for certain is the industry is changing. That change will be painful, and some businesses will not survive, but one certainty is that others will make it through and of those, some will thrive. Craft brewers are used to change. They have been at the cutting edge of almost everything that we now see as modern beer. Over recent years they have continually modified how they operate as they invent and re-invent to stay outside the ‘blast zone’ of price-cutting giant multinational brewers and their pseudo-craft brands. Craft brewers are the guerrillas of the industry – used to fighting for survival when the odds are stacked against them. In recent years, many small
Highlighting New Zealand-exclusive The Bruce hops blend created in honour of a Nelson-based hop farm’s founder, The Bruce XPA starts with a light malt base and leaves you with hints of orange peel, marmalade and a touch of coconut for a light and refreshing extra-pale ale. threeboysbrewery.co.nz SOUTHPAW NOBLE ART PILSNER independent brewers have begun to favour the 'Main Street brewery' model where the brewery builds itself a brew-pub with a local story that allows it to take advantage of the higher margins of retail. Others instead base a successful model on supplying independent bars and restaurants that have a ‘support local’ ethic, and are strong enough to resist the lure of short-term financial rush offered by big multinationals looking for exclusive beer-pouring rights. For the smaller independents, Covid-19 is the stuff of nightmares. Our once-thriving train of international tourists, thirsty for a genuinely local experience, has dried up. But it may also be the stuff where legends are built, and legacies are cemented. You can help keep independent local brewing alive in the most enjoyable way. It’s simple: buy local brews. Ask at bars and restaurants to see their locally-made beer lists and don’t be fooled by the pseudo-crafts owned by the multinationals. Ask what local brew is on tap and ask where it was made. And remember, a dollar you spend on a local business is a dollar that locals get to spend! Celebrate invention, innovation and most importantly independence. threeboysbrewery.co.nz
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Noble Art is punchy with noble German hops, zesty with Motueka citrus, and fresh with the aroma of passionfruit and gooseberry, making for the perfect mix of subtle spicy bitterness and easy drinkability. southpawbeer.com LIGHTHOUSE HAZY MANGO IPA Lighthouse is famous for its delightfully fruity, batch-brewed Hazy Mango IPA, light and easy to drink, with low bitterness and full flavour perfect for those warm, hazy days. lighthousebrewery.co.nz
TINY NO MORE Riverside Market’s smallest bar isn’t so small any more. Canterbury Brewers Collective recently completed a wee expansion, so now there’s double the room to park up at the bar with a pint from the rotating list of beertastic local brews. FB/canterburybrewerscollective
FOOD & DRINK
MATCHLESS MIXOLOGY
Cityscape rounds up some of Christchurch’s most delectable signature cocktails – original house recipes you won’t find anywhere else. THE DOZY ROSIE No.4 Bar & Restaurant Mixologist: Ava Mae — Vodka and bubbly wine with hints of rhubarb, ginger, rosehip and raspberry. Sending messages of a flirty night out with laughter and a whole heap of fun. Be ready to relax in the sun, sip away and feel carefree. no4bar.co.nz
CORIANDER’S PASSION Coriander’s Ethnic Indian Restaurant Mixologist: Satpreet — Egg white, vodka, Cointreau, lime and passionfruit. A rich and fruity concoction with sweet passionfruit and a fizzy texture to sink into your taste buds. Perfect with a curry. corianders.co.nz
THE GOLD STANDARD Gold Aroma Mixologist: PK — Swedish vodka, coconut rum, burnt orange, cacao bitters and pineapple. Inspired by an ideal holiday, bringing the Bahamas to Colombo Street. For when you’ve got summer in your eyes and love on your mind. goldaroma.co.nz
LATIN DREAM Castro’s Tapas & Bar Mixologist: Agustin Gonzalez — Sweet and sour, warm cinnamon notes and fresh tropical flavours made with rum, pineapple and stout beer. Agustin brings his Argentinian hometown to Christchurch. castro.co.nz
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LEMON MERINGUE Bloody Mary’s Mixologist: Ben Crean — Limoncello, London dry gin, lemon juice, egg white and sugar syrup. The careful blend of Ben's love for gin combined with his fond childhood memory of his mother's famous lemon meringue pie. bloodymarys.co.nz
SOUTHERN SMASH Boo Radley's Food & Liquor Mixologist: Mike Burge — Maker’s Mark bourbon, blackberry and maple syrup, lemon juice, orgeat syrup and mint. A lockdown-created cocktail inspired by a whiskey smash. booradleys.co.nz
TURN ON YOUR LOVE LIGHT Twenty Seven Steps Mixologists: Gina Johns & James Meaclem — ImaGINation Reikorangi raspberry and rhubarb gin, Aperol, lemon juice and egg white, shaken in ice, then dry shaken before double straining into a stemmed glass. twentysevensteps.co.nz
RYE SO SERIOUS? Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar Mixologist: Tom Ward — Woodford Reserve rye whiskey, Fonseca Bin 27 port, Dolin Rouge vermouth, walnut and nutmeg. A stiff night cap, and ample homage to Fiddlesticks’ produce. fiddlesticksbar.co.nz
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GINGER RUBY The Rockpool Mixologist: Maria Plath — A refeshing mix of Blush Rhubarb Gin, Campari, lime, elderflower and ginger beer. This rosy cocktail reminds Maria of sitting in her grandma’s garden with the smell of summer. therockpool.co.nz
ARTISAN
STRIPPED BACK
CAULIFLOWER STEAKS WITH TAHINI CAULIFLOWER PURÉE, WALNUTS, CAPERS AND GOLDEN RAISINS This zesty plant-based dish from Green Dinner Table can be served as a satisfying main or a great addition to tapas-style sharing plates. The ingredients are simple and forking out for the high-quality walnuts, olive oil and tahini will pay dividends in flavour. Serves two mains. greendinnertable.co.nz INGREDIENTS:
METHOD:
• 2 lemons • Vegetable oil, for frying • 60g capers • 1 medium cauliflower • 80g tahini • 1 large clove garlic • Salt, to taste • 80g Canterbury walnuts • 80g golden raisins • 1 ½ Tbsp vinegar • 10g mint • 10g parsley
1. Heat the oven to 180°C. Zest the lemons and set aside. 2. Heat some oil in a pan. Pat the capers dry and fry until crispy, about one minute. Pour the oil and capers into a bowl and allow to cool. 3. We want to get 2 ‘steaks’ from one cauliflower. Trim the outer leaves off the cauliflower (a few soft inner leaves are fine). Carefully cut the cauliflower in half, top to bottom through the base to create two even pieces. Trim the outside off to create steaks 2 to 3cm thick. Coarsely chop the outside florets. 4. Boil the florets for 10 to 12 minutes, until fully cooked. Strain and mix with tahini, garlic, lemon juice (keep the lemon halves) and a pinch of salt. Blend into a smooth purée. Taste and add more salt as needed. 5. Heat a large frying pan with a little oil. Fry the cauliflower steaks for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Add salt while cooking. Finish in the oven (with the lemon halves) for 8 to 10 minutes, until just cooked. Once cooked, sprinkle over with lemon zest. 6. Mix the capers, walnuts, raisins and vinegar together to create a salsa. 7. Serve steaks on top of the purée, with salsa. Sprinkle ripped mint and parsley leaves, and squeeze extra roasted lemon over the steaks.
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Stripped Jerky is stoked to introduce Jerky Mixers and subscriptions. Choose a Jerky Mixer or create your own subscription to get your favourite jerky delivered every month. All Jerky Mixers and subscriptions suffer from epic savings, free delivery, and you can cancel any time. Now you will never run out! strippedjerky.com
SPRING SIP
PEGASUS BAY GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2018 With a complex flavour that’s drier than your typical Gewürztraminer, this wine is deep straw in colour. The bouquet leaps out of the glass with lychee, quince and exotic spice, underscored with hints of Turkish delight and rose petal. On the palate it is rich and unctuous, with ripe phenolics and a lingering aftertaste of fresh ginger that complement the wine’s off-dry finish. Match with lightly spiced meals. pegasusbay.com
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FOOD & DRINK
INDIAN
BREWERY
Basmati’s Indian Eatery serves irresistible Indian cuisine from a variety of regions around the Indian subcontinent. Carrying on the legacy of old traditional recipes, the talented chefs at Basmati’s bring you the heart and soul of Indian culture with warm hospitality and classic décor to match the mouth-watering dishes. Basmati’s Indian eatery is a place to catch up with your family and friends for an exciting food excursion. basmatis.co.nz
Inspired by the best of overseas brews, Southpaw Brewing Company brings the flavour home. This Christchurch-based brewery blends local, fresh ingredients to create unique and incredibly tasty beers. Southpaw brewed its first beer in 2016, and has since won several Brewers’ Guild NZ Beer Awards, including a gold medal for the Red IPA, Riding Pine. Southpaw also offers subscription-based or on-demand beer delivery. Award-winning beers, fresh to your door. southpawbeer.com
CATERING
IRISH BAR/LIVE MUSIC
Bespoke Platters uses Canterbury produce to create delicious platters and grazing tables to share with your family and friends. Whether it’s for a children’s birthday party, small gathering or large corporate event, Bespoke can produce a spread that both looks and tastes amazing while catering to all dietary requirements. bespokeplatters.co.nz
Christchurch’s best kept musical secret, A Rolling Stone is a large, welcoming, family-run music venue with a lovely feel and atmosphere. Tucked away behind an unassuming frontage in Colombo Street, this top-notch Irish bar features a huge variety of music and entertainment every week. With everything from small local acts to big national artists, and every genre from blues, Irish, jazz and metal, to drum & bass and drag shows, there’s a wee something for everyone. FB/arschch
WARM INSIDE AND OUT
FLAVOUR TO WRITE HOME ABOUT
ON A SILVER PLATTER
GATHERING NO MOSS
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FOOD & DRINK
CAFÉ
THAI
CAFÉ
Located in Eastgate Mall, Frank’s Café has a local fanbase of loyal customers, some of whom have been coming to Frank’s for over a decade. All the food is made fresh on site, from the big breakfasts and cabinet food to burgers and pizzas. With outdoor seating available, Frank’s is great for kids, and dogs are also welcome. FB/FranksCafeChristchurch
Phuket Thai Restaurant is a family-owned business, home to simply delicious Thai food and a favourite among locals. Like the beaches on its namesake island, this is a spot where you can really sit back and relax. You’ll be well looked after by the friendly team, with an amazing selection of Thai food ranging from mild to Thai hot. phuketthai.co.nz
Made Espresso Bar is a unique corner café with a welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of wholesome, handmade foodie treats. Fresh organic milk with locally-roasted, fair trade organic coffee will have you coming back for more. On a health kick or looking to treat yourself? You’ll find something at Made Espresso Bar. madeespressobar.co.nz
MOROCCAN CUISINE
INDIAN
THAI
Mosaic by Simo will take you on a Moroccan culinary adventure with local chef Simo as your guide. On offer here is a fabulous menu and a range of Mediterranean deli items, bringing you all the authentic spices and flavours. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners have a variety of options, and the fully-licensed restaurant also offers BYO. mosaicbysimo.co.nz
Everest Indian Restaurant offers traditional Indian recipes with Nepalese inspiration and its own modern twist. The highlyexperienced chefs have worked in five-star kitchens in Delhi and the world class Hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu, Nepal. Expect fresh, tasty ingredients, with gluten free food available. everestindian.co.nz
A family-owned business, Red Poppy Thai offers authentic Thai cuisine. The chefs have over 20 years’ experience and bring you delicious flavours in a range of beautiful dishes. The restaurant has pick up, delivery and BYO options, an outdoor seating area for dining in and can also host functions for up to 100 people. redpoppythai.co.nz
FRANKLY FANTASTIC
MOUTH-WATERING MOSAIC
PARADISE AT PHUKET
A PINNACLE OF TASTE
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MADE WITH LOVE
TALL POPPY
FOOD & DRINK
CATERWAY
Catering | Online
Get your catering sorted in just a few clicks. This Christchurch online marketplace makes catering easy by gathering the best local caterers all in one place. Customise a wide range of menus based on dietary requirements, occasion or cuisine, and pay online instantly. No more emails and phone calls, just delicious, locally-made food straight to your function with no fuss. Caterway is free to use, in fact, it even saves you money by saving you time. Level 1, Kahukura Building, Moorhouse Avenue, 03 242 0072 caterway.nz
CANTERBURY BREWERS COLLECTIVE Fillery/Bar | Central City
One of the tiniest taverns in New Zealand, Canterbury Brewers Collective packs a big punch. Recently expanded, the bar fits nicely into the ultra-cool Riverside Market and offers local craft beer, cider, and wine, as well as some truly excellent chat. You can enjoy a drink at the bar, or take a container of brewery-fresh beer home, seven days a week. Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, 021 0295 8041 FB/canterburybrewerscollective
CURIOSITY GIN
Spirits/Distillery | Sydenham
Gin, whisky or vodka? There is a treat for everyone at The Spirits Workshop Distillery in Sydenham. Best known for the fabulous Curiosity Gin, these distillers are certainly talented craftsmen. Pop in to the cellar door for a tasting, book a tour, soak up the smells, see the stills and enjoy your own private masterclass – you’ll learn to talk the talk like a true ginthusiast. Buy gift vouchers online or give the friendly team a call to book your local distillery experience. 11 Sandyford Street, 021 336 416 thespiritsworkshop.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Eco-retail | Woolston
Food for Thought started with Deneale and Charlie Knox’s desire to shop more sustainably. They’re aiming to help customers reduce their ecological footprint by making simple switches that cut out plastic. At Food for Thought you will find bulk (and mainly organic) pantry staples, eco-friendly cleaning products, house-made nut butters, beautiful homewares, toiletries - the list goes on. All products are great quality, ethically produced and from local businesses wherever possible. The Tannery, shop 59b, 3 Garlands Road foodforthoughtchch.com
GRATER GOODS
This unique venue housed in an old Sydenham glass factory serves up both live music and an unbeatable plant-based bistro experience. Set your taste buds tingling with menu items such as the famous KFT or Fricken Burger. Or to take some of the deliciousness home, you can try your best to choose from the deli’s range of awesome meat and dairy alternatives, including Roast Furkey, Plant Pastrami, Cashew Mozzarella, and so much more. 105 Orbell Street, 027 289 9295 gratergoods.co.nz
GREEN DINNER TABLE
Food subscription box | Lyttelton
Rotating through the same old tired meals for dinner? Green Dinner Table makes it easy to serve restaurantquality meals your family will drool over without the fuss. Better for you. Better for the planet. Better for animals. Sign up for a three-, four- or five-night subscription and every week you’ll receive everything you need to make fast and healthy plantbased meals. Green Dinner Table takes pride in delivering fresh, local and responsibly-sourced ingredients. 21 Coleridge Street, 021 438 269 greendinnertable.co.nz
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Images: Dave Richards
Vegan delicatessan | Sydenham
FOOD & DRINK
LIGHTHOUSE BREWING COMPANY
Brewery/Tap room | Central City
This micro-brewery offers handmade, batch-brewed craft beer. Located in Bath Street, Lighthouse is a great place for a wide selection of craft beers brewed on site. The beer list changes weekly and can be enjoyed in the tap room or to take away in your favorite rigger or case of bottles. Try Lighthouse for afterwork drinks on Fridays from 4pm or for your next private function. 18 Bath Street, 021 856 568 lighthousebrewery.co.nz or find them on Facebook
VICTORIA FOOD SERVICE Catering | Phillipstown
Get all your catering needs sorted with Victoria Food Service, where you get more than food – you get an experience. From corporate events and weddings to private functions at your venue or home, these expert caterers provide a culinary journey worthy of your special occasion. With over 30 years of expertise, the team make it their mission to impress your guests. Check out the delicious menu options, or let the team create a menu just for you. 42 Leeds Street, 03 365 0022 victoriafoods.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
THE SOURCE BULK FOODS Zero waste food store | Riccarton
Pauline and Richard are the proud owners of The Source Bulk Foods store, opened earlier this year in the Provedore at Bush Inn. This is an exciting zero-waste style shopping experience, where you can buy as much or as little as you like to keep your pantry stocked and your bin empty. You can bring your own jars to fill or use the paper bags provided. Pop in or jump online to explore the range of quality dry goods, cleaning products and yummy snacks. 20 Waimairi Road, 03 925 9931 thesourcebulkfoods.co.nz
TWISTED FLOUR & SUGAR MERCHANTS
Cakes/Catering | Middleton
Sally and Kate are the mother and daughter team behind Twisted Flour & Sugar Merchants, making magic in the kitchen with spectacular bespoke cakes and delicious grazing platters for your special event. Twisted Flour also offers catering for your function or workplace. Grazing boxes, brunch platters and tailor-made options can be made for morning and afternoon teas, lunches, and kids’ birthdays. 31 Annex Road, 022 350 3318 twistedflour.kiwi
TASTE @ TWENTY
Gourmet food store/Catering | Cashmere
taste @ twenty stocks a tempting array of fresh produce, Vic’s breads, Hummingbird espresso and beans, preserves and pickles, vinegars and olive oils, free-range eggs and milk. The store also offers its own range of pestos, hummus, aioli, and some say the best coffee in Christchurch. Everything is made with love and a smile. Catering is also available, from finger food for your function to tasty ‘man food’ for your work shout. 20 Colombo Street, 03 982 1399 tasteattwenty.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
PEGASUS BAY WINERY Winery | Amberley
Canterbury’s newest and most unique wedding and events venue is now open. This space comes complete with breathtaking gardens, several lakes and a wetlands area as well as two floors of tastefullydecorated restaurant space. Look no further for a premium event space offering a complete wraparound personalised service.
263 Stockgrove Road, 03 314 6869, events@pegasusbay.com pegasusbay.com
12 BAR
Bar/Live music | Central City
If you love a good craft beer, a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and some classy blues music, 12 Bar is the place for you. Taking inspiration from American dives and blues bars, this inner-city pub hosts free local music gigs and ticketed concerts. Come for the music, but also for a damn good brew. 12 Bar has 20 Kiwi-brewed beers on tap and over 100 beers and ciders in the fridge. The bar also brings you non-music events such as a cider festival coming up in October. 342 St Asaph Street, 03 260 0333 12bar.co.nz
50 BISTRO
New Zealand | Central City
50 Bistro offers inspired bistro food with modern flavours, excellent wines and a great bar. Executive Chef Chanaka Jayabahu leads the kitchen team, designing seasonal menus that utilise the best local produce. The menu at 50 Bistro offers a large variety of dishes, featuring classics twisted with their own 50 flair.
The George, 50 Park Terrace, 03 371 0250 50bistro.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
BLACK & WHITE COFFEE ORIGINS Café | Central City
This micro-roaster is a specialist soft brew and single origin coffee store offering a full brunch menu as well as fresh cabinet food. Pretty much everything at Black & White Coffee Origins is made in-house, from the cakes, muffins, pastries and sandwiches, to the coffee roasted on site by the café’s own roast master. A perfect spot for a morning brew and a sweet or savoury breakfast platter in an awesome atmosphere. 150 Lichfield Street, 0210 214 4455 blackandwhitecoffee.co.nz
BLOODY MARY’S
Steakhouse/Swishy bar | Central City
A popular New York-style steakhouse known for premium, local produce, seasonal menus and delicious cuisine. Check out Hugh’s Whisky Library for a nightcap or perhaps The Terrace for one of their famous cocktails and delicious platters. For the full Bloody Mary’s experience you can’t go past the flagship Prime Rib carved at your table every Wednesday and Saturday. 30 Latimer Square, 03 943 5937 bloodymarys.co.nz
BOO RADLEY’S FOOD & LIQUOR
Bar/Live music | Central City
Boo Radley’s is an award-winning, southern-USA styled bar and restaurant with a distinctly New Zealand twist. There are some scrumptious sharing plates on offer, along with an exceptional drinks menu and one of the largest selections of bourbon whiskey in New Zealand. Live music plays from Wednesday through to Saturday including blues bands, acoustic soloists, and full cover bands. Level 1, 98 Victoria Street, 03 366 9906 booradleys.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
CAFÉ STIR
Café | Central City
For excellent Switch Espresso coffee and a friendly atmosphere in lovely heritage surrounds, look no further than Café Stir. Located in the picturesque New Regent Street with Christchurch’s historic tram making periodic stops right out in front, this is a spot to easily while away a pleasant morning. With all day breakfast, the ‘grammable pink eggs benny and many other delicious menu items, Café Stir has you covered. 27 New Regent Street, 03 371 7219 Find them on Facebook
CASTRO’S TAPAS & BAR Bar/Restaurant | Central City
Offering up a Spanish taste explosion, Castro’s beautiful food, craft beers, cocktails, live music, and décor will take guests on a journey. Bringing the Spanish culture of sharing to the Kiwi dining experience, Castro’s offers anything from small tapas or pintxo to an extravagant meat board from the Josper grill. Don’t miss Castro’s big pan paella every Sunday, along with live music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, 03 260 1200 castro.co.nz
CELLAR DOOR
Wine bar/Bistro | Central City
This bustling wine bar in the historic Arts Centre has quickly become the go-to for local wine aficionados. The unique ‘Tasting Flights’ - four tastes for the price of one glass of wine - are complemented by one of the city’s best cheese selections along with a menu of classical, elegant dishes using seasonal local ingredients. Cellar Door’s décor is a tribute to the site’s rich artistic history as well as a tradition of warm hospitality and fine wine. The Arts Centre, 1 Hereford Street, 03 925 8497 cellardoor.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
CORIANDER’S ETHNIC INDIAN RESTAURANT Indian | Four locations
If there’s one thing you should know about Coriander’s it’s that it’s big. Big flavour, big menu, big vibes. These four premier dining establishments serve authentic ethnic Indian cuisine designed by experienced Indian chefs. All four restaurants are fully licensed and offer BYO. Coriander’s has been operating in Christchurch since 2006 and has become known as one of Canterbury’s top Indian dining experiences. St Asaph Street, Bush Inn, Rolleston, Sumner, 03 740 4290 corianders.co.nz
THE DISH
Asian fusion | Central City
Attentive service and an inviting atmosphere is what you’ll find at The Dish. This sophisticated space is open for lunch and dinner, and the team have worked hard to create a special place to dine. You’ll feel at home as you indulge in delicious, fresh food, full of flavour and beautifully presented. Fully licensed with vegan and gluten-free options available, it’s the perfect spot to create memories with friends and family. 376 Montreal Street, 03 925 9787 thedish.co.nz
EL RANCHO
Mexican | Central City
This family-owned business serves simply delicious Mexican food with the love and passion of Latin American culture. Located in the buzzing Riverside Market, El Rancho Taquería serves a variety of sensational dishes in a friendly and unique setting. Expect authentic and vibrant Mexican food made with fresh, tasty ingredients. El Rancho caters to gluten free, vegetarian and vegan diners and is also kid friendly. Let’s have a Mexican fiesta, amigos! 100 Oxford Terrace, 022 523 6280 elranchoriverside.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
FIDDLESTICKS RESTAURANT & BAR
New Zealand | Central City
Sophisticated, sociable and relaxed, Fiddlesticks is one of the city’s best retreats. This distinctive restaurant and bar provides an inviting atmosphere for whiling away some time. Dine al fresco and watch the street-side activity from the sheltered courtyard, or join friends in one of the intimate dining spaces. The talented kitchen crew provide sensational in-season and local fare. 48 Worcester Boulevard, 03 365 0533 fiddlesticksbar.co.nz
FRANCESCA’S ITALIAN KITCHEN Italian
Home to authentic Italian cuisine, whether it’s woodfired pizza, fresh hand-made gnocchi and tortelloni or the genuine, traditional version of your favourite Italian classic. The Francesca’s team prides itself on providing a warm and friendly atmosphere for lunch and dinner. Enjoy pre-theatre meals and special celebrations with a selection of Italian and New Zealand wines. 149 Gloucester Street, 03 374 9790 fransitalian.co.nz
GOLD AROMA
Café/bar | Central City
Gold Aroma believes in making special food and creating memorable moments. This trendy café and bar is a great location for your event or work function, with a beautiful outdoor area and separate meeting room. Beer on tap comes to you in Gold Aroma’s eye-catching beer tubes, and the many tasty flavours of shisha are perfect for sharing with friends. Gold Aroma also offers live music, exotic cocktails, amazing party platters, and DJs on weekends. 817 Colombo Street, 03 365 0129 goldaroma.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
KHMER ANGKOR RESTAURANT
Cambodian | Central City
Bringing the true taste of Khmer cuisine to Christchurch, this familyowned restaurant offers a tantalising array of stir fries, soups, salads, noodles and rice dishes. Using fresh produce and home-grown herbs, Khmer Angkor fuses authentic Cambodian recipes with quality New Zealand ingredients. Catering to most dietary requirements, Khmer Angkor is the perfect choice for an exotic dining experience. 617 Colombo Street, 03 261 6104 khmerangkor.co.nz
NO.4 BAR & RESTAURANT
New Zealand/Cosy pub | Merivale
No.4 Bar & Restaurant has a lively atmosphere every day of the week. Take a seat in a candlelit corner, pull up the couch in the library, or celebrate with friends in one of the covered outdoor courtyards. When you’re comfortable, check out your dining options. Brimming with fresh, seasonal and locally sourced delights, the menu has earned No.4 an exceedingly good reputation. Drop in for exceptionally good beer, food and stories. 4 Mansfield Avenue, 03 355 3720 no4bar.co.nz
NOM NOM KITCHEN
Southeast Asian cuisine | Strowan/Rangiora/Lyttelton
Experience tasty Southeast Asian cuisine at any of Nom Nom Kitchen’s three cosy and fully licensed locations. Nom Nom offers an array of sensational dishes and are also gluten free, vegan and vegetarian friendly. With a great range of cocktails, wine and beer on tap also available, Nom Nom Kitchen is perfect for your next family catch-up or special occasion. The Strowan location is open 7 days. 7 Normans Road, Strowan, 03 355 3909, 257 High Street, Rangiora, 03 313 4276 & 47 London Street, Lyttelton, 03 925 9335 nomnomkitchen.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
THE ROCKPOOL
Bar/Restaurant | Central City
Whether you are looking for a delicious meal and hopping bar for you and a group of friends, or a versatile event space for your next function, The Rockpool and Micky Finn’s are the perfect venues for any occasion. With multiple spaces for your group, 20 pool tables available for hire and live music from some of the best DJs and bands in the city, your guests will have such a good time they won’t want to leave! Alongside the great entertainment options, The Rockpool also offers a range of catering and beverage packages. From set menus to more casual offerings such as pizzas and platters, The Rockpool has you covered. This standout entertainment venue has been around since 1995 and continues to be an excellent destination for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a social evening with some fantastic food and thirst-quenching beverages. If you are planning a Christmas party, family celebration, work function or any other event in Christchurch and would like more information on menus and room availability, give the friendly and knowledgeable team at The Rockpool a call. 85 Hereford Street, 03 374 9461 therockpool.co.nz
NORI TABLE
Sushi bar | Woolston/Kaiapoi
Nori Table is Christchurch’s home of fabulous sushi and a must-visit for all sushi lovers. First opened in 2019, Nori Table now has beautifully modern restaurants in two locations: in The Tannery and in Kaiapoi. Nori Table’s range of rolls and nigiri are bursting with flavour, look gorgeous, and are generously packed with scrumptious fillings. Couple that with an array of options, including vegetarian alternatives, and there’s something for every taste. The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, 03 925 9027 and 178D Williams Street, Kaiapoi, 03 925 8511 noritable.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
RAMEN MIYAKO
Ramen/Curry | Riccarton
Ramen Miyako is not your typical Japanese restaurant. Instead of featuring teriyaki chicken or sushi, the folks at Ramen Miyako put their passion into ramen and curry. The chefs make their own fresh stock and noodles daily from scratch. You can taste its dedication and quality with every slurp.
Shop 3, 394 Riccarton Road, 03 341 1342 Find them on Facebook
THAI BOX
Thai | Central City
A spinoff from legendary eatery Thai Container, this new incarnation located in the BOXed Quarter has been offering fresh and funky Thai food since 2015. Thai Box boasts signature dishes rarely seen at other Thai restaurants, including Khao Man Gai (chicken on rice), stunning fried rice served on half a pineapple, and a deep-fried whole fish with garlic and chilli. Fully licensed, the great food and industrial-cool vibe will keep you coming back for more. 270 St Asaph Street, 021 842 429 FB/thaiboxnz
TOMI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Japanese | St Albans
Immerse yourself in some culture from the Tomi family as you dine on traditional Japanese cuisine. Tomi has a wide range of Japanese sake and a comprehensive wine list, and offers a delicious selection of authentic specialty Japanese dishes.
76 Edgeware Road, 03 377 8028 tomi.co.nz
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FOOD & DRINK
TWENTY SEVEN STEPS European | Central City
Owned and operated by Paul and Emma, Twenty Seven Steps’ doors have been open for the last five years on picturesque New Regent Street. Committed to serving the best locally-sourced food and wine in a safe space, the team look forward to welcoming you upstairs. Open Tuesday to Saturday evenings from 5pm, with lunches and private functions by request.
16 New Regent Street, 03 366 2727 twentysevensteps.co.nz
UNTOUCHED WORLD™ KITCHEN Café | Burnside
A hidden gem, Untouched World Kitchen is the perfect oasis away from the hustle for a delicious and nutritious breakfast, brunch or lunch. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan or a lover of meat, you will be treated to honest, simple food that is big on flavour. A light, airy, relaxed space awaits you inside, or dine al fresco in the peaceful garden setting. Located just five minutes from the airport with plenty of off-street parking. 155 Roydvale Avenue, 03 357 9499 untouchedworldkitchen.com
WINNIE BAGOES Pizza | Central City
Winnie Bagoes is your go-to for catch ups, family dinners or functions in uber-cool Welles Street. Whether you’re after a table in the sunsoaked outdoor area or one of the comfortable booths inside, Winnie’s has something for everyone, with a wide range of menu options and dietary options. Winnie Bagoes has been serving uniquely Kiwi pizzas for over 20 years now, and the team would love to see you in the Welles Street restaurant soon. 40 Welles Street, 03 366 6315 winniebagoes.co.nz
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Fashion & Wellbeing
MARLE-VELLOUS In earth tones and easy breezy natural fabrics like linen, cotton and hemp, Mount Maunganui brand Marle is doing spring fashion right. infinitedefinite.com
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BEST DRESSED Lou Heller is a stylist, personal shopper, and a judge at the upcoming IRT NZ Trotting Cup Day. She sets Cityscape up with race day fashion tips and seasonal style.
A
re you looking forward to your first year judging The Crossing Fashion Starts Here Best Dressed Competition? To sum it up, when I received the email a few weeks back, I may have done a wee squeal with excitement! I’ve always wanted to enter fashion in the field since moving from Taranaki 21 year ago, and attending Cup and Show week, but I’ve never had the guts to. To be a judge has been a secret dream of mine for years, and for it to come to fruition is incredible. What’s the golden rule of race day fashion? Tough one. I’ve got so many answers for this. Essentially, when I have used my own self as a measure, it has to be about wearing something that allows you to feel ‘like you’. You can always sense the punters who get dressed to impress others, or wear something that isn’t ‘them’, as their energy gives it away. And lastly, challenge your style, push your boundaries but stay true to you. What are you hoping to see? I’m really hoping to see something I’ve not seen before, outfits that aren’t rehashed from social media at recent race day events overseas. We can always emulate to stimulate as I say, but when I’ve seen past entrants wear something strikingly similar to someone else,
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BEST DRESSED
PHOTO: ADDINGTON RACEWAY & EVENTS CENTRE
dress. I always say to my clients, “Feel what your dream outfit looks like, and what that feels like on you in your imagination.” If you can portray that feeling in real life, you’re already halfway there. What’s the most common fashion faux pas? Short dresses, VUL (visible underwear lines), carrying your shoes around at the end of the day, and attending with little or no effort! (Men too). It’s the races – go all out! How do you nail selecting a hat or fascinator? I always start with the head-to-toe look and ‘feel’ I’m wanting to give off when wearing the outfit. The headpiece needs to work seamlessly, and not compete too much. You can absolutely still clash the headpiece, but it needs to visually work overall with everything else. This is where line, form and design come in. For it to be successful there has to be cohesion in some way. What’s the best way to get the judges’ attention? Contestants who wear something that visually represents their passion and love for being there on stage. That wonderful sense of “I feel amazing, I love my outfit, and I have put effort into this”. It’s one of our biggest days of the year, and generally you will have spent months prepping for that one moment on stage. There’s the cliché ‘their smile’, but if you are nailing everything else, you will naturally be doing so.
I feel it can be an easy solution, when someone may have gone out of their way to go and wear an original but not placed. I always want to see and feel firstly their confidence, then their creativity, refinement, class, preparation, accessories... and lastly what fun they can bring. What advice do you have for contestants? Own it. Own your outfit and do it for you. We have been through so much this year, so if there’s one year you want to throw caution to the wind and front up and have some fun on stage, this is the year to do it. How should race wear be different from evening wear? Race wear traditionally is more refined plus more statement. Think classic shapes and silhouettes. Stay away from plunging necklines. Accessories are a must, and most importantly, the headwear. How important is it to work with a theme? I feel a theme can sometimes be a great place to begin. Overall there has to be a story to your look without trying too hard to be matchy-matchy. I’m a creative, so I appreciate someone who’s put thought into the whole head-to-toe. Hair, make up, accessories, and of course the
We’re keen to ask you about this season’s style trends. Can you describe ‘the look’ for SS20? I think we can attest to this when I say New Zealand has its own look to a degree. We live in our own wee bubble down here, and yet we are driven by international social media
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at the same time. Fashion is a constantly moving beast, and hard to pin down. I feel this year we have been so caught up in Covid, that we felt our style had to re-navigate, but we still want to dress for the occasion when it arises. The Danish have been the fashion set for a long time, with their edge, and their relaxing wear which has really come into its own this year. Labels like Ganni represent this movement so well. Cool streetwear you can head to a bar in, cook at home with your mates in, or watch Netflix in. Are you noticing anything different about what people are wearing this year? I did notice people were really keen to head out once we hit Level 1. There was a sense of ‘life is short, wear the good stuff’, which is what I am all about. I never save my good pieces for events, as I love to wear them all the time. Are there any colours that are standing out? We always see colours come in and go out. I find this is ever changing, but some tend to stand out more than others: green in lots of hues – khaki, sage, emerald, mint – is huge this year, coral pink, cerulean blue, edgy
‘STYLE IS ALWAYS HOW WE SPEAK TO EACH OTHER WITHOUT SPEAKING A WORD.’
neutrals like turmeric yellow and copper. What’s an essential fashion piece this season? My go-to is a really lovely interesting ‘everything dress’. One that can be worn dressed up or down. With sneakers, heels, boots, sandals, hats, headbands, and mismatched accessories to make it work for your lifestyle. Fashion trend that needs to go? I answered this once and got backlash, so I’m going to be careful what I say here. I really feel it’s time for the zip-up sneaker with the inbuilt wedge to be given the boot. They should’ve gone a long time ago, but I still see them sneaking in occasionally. What’s your must-know fashion tip? Trust your gut, and the rest will follow. Sometimes we stand in changing rooms, and more often than not we buy pieces that at the time we felt ‘meh’ in, but we still buy to fulfil a rush. We don’t stop and think “Do I love this? Do I feel amazing? Will it go with A, B, C, and D, in my wardrobe? And can I sleep on it?”
I can assure you, if you don’t, it will sit in your wardrobe unworn. Red or nude lipstick? Both have their place equally, that’s like comparing children to me. I love a smokey eye with a nude, and a fresh lined eye with a red. Heels or sneakers? Again, both! However, if pain didn’t come into it, I would choose heels without a doubt; they can make any outfit come alive. Can you tell us about your Wardrobe Detox? What are the ‘toxins’ and why should we get rid of them? Your toxic pieces are the ones that don’t serve your lifestyle, the ones you don’t feel amazing in regardless of their age or price, and the ones that don’t fit. More often than not, we hold onto these pieces because they are nostalgic, or we paid a lot for them. But these can prevent us from evolving, and we end up just buying more and more to try and fix the issue. I guess where I come in is that I can allow you to see this very clearly with gentle, honest guidance, yet I have to have some ruthlessness too. What’s the best part about styling for a living? Without a doubt, meeting incredible people every time! Seeing and feeling their transformation, and how wonderfully vulnerable it is to
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spend time with them in their wardrobe and in changing rooms. Their eyes always light up, and their energy changes because they feel it for the first time in a long time. It’s a privilege to see. What’s a possession you couldn’t live without? A timeless handbag! And definitely my phone. Eeek, yep, I said it. Who are your favourite designers? So many. Workshop for me has always been a go-to, Helen Cherry has been a staple and fave of mine for 20 years or more, Isabel Marant, Iro, Zara, Aje, Agolde jeans, L.K. Bennett heels, Zimmermann. I loved the recent international resort fashion week looks, and have aspirations of owning some Sportmax and N°21. I tend to be drawn to androgynous style, but then love a good dress, which I love about the designers I wear. I mix it up, I wear high street with my more expensive pieces, as it allows me to get more crossover wearability. I buy quality second hand pieces too. Fashion is… What we buy, and what happens collectively and seasonally directed by some incredibly talented people at the top of the fashion chain. But it’s what you do with it that makes it ‘your style’. Style is always how we speak to each other without speaking a word. louhellerstylist.com
OTHER PEOPLE’S LOVE STORIES F
or Vikki George, the dream of returning family jewellery business Roccabella to Cashel Street never died. She spent the intervening years honing her design skills, and this year the dream came true. The unassuming storefront gives way to an expansive interior where privacy screens protect the intimate undertaking of jewellery design from the suits-andshoppers foot traffic outside. An angled window reaches into the sky, dropping sunlight onto the wooden table in the middle of Roccabella’s front room – a space that would look completely at home in Milan. The table is a key visual and philosophical part of the design. Diamond rings, earrings and necklaces sparkle on shelves, but there is no cabinet to lean over and stare down into. The experience is conversational; people sit down face-to-face and talk with Vikki. She’s in love with the building, and knew it was Roccabella’s destination the first time she saw it. “The architects didn’t know, but they were building this for us,” she says. “Finally it feels like we’re back home.” From 1999 until 2011, Vikki’s mum Margaret George ran the original Roccabella store, which earned a reputation as a Christchurch jewellery destination. As a recently-retired linen retailer with a boredom problem, Margaret took over the store and set about learning the art of sourcing quality items. She went on buying missions to Europe and picked
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‘IT’S ABOUT THE CUSTOMER, AND THE JEWELLERY THAT WILL BE A TANGIBLE MEMORY OF A BIG EVENT IN THEIR LIFE.’
up quality items from a jewellery fair in Sydney. Unconstrained by the traditions of New Zealand jewellery, Margaret offered Christchurchians the new, the colourful and the interesting. And it was a huge success. Her golden rule was quality and longevity – if a piece wasn’t good enough to give to a family member, it wasn’t good enough to sell. One of the store’s most popular features was its range of Hearts On Fire jewels, a selection of the world’s most perfectly-cut diamonds. Hearts On Fire is an exclusive brand that only works with trusted jewellers. Vikki was her mother’s first Roccabella employee, coming home from Australia to be there for opening day. And now she’s at the helm, designing bespoke jewellery and sourcing collections with Roccabella’s signature style. The business was devastated by the Canterbury earthquakes, and neither woman
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
OTHER PEOPLE’S LOVE STORIES
thought it would ever return. “It wasn’t that we didn’t want to come back. We couldn’t. This new store is the dream realised,” Vikki says. Some of the most important jewellery she has designed was in the intervening years while living in Auckland. One woman commissioned several pieces, coming to Vikki’s home and planning designs around her table. These moments would become the inspiration for the table at the centre of Roccabella. The pieces kept the spark alive for Vikki, and the dream of recreating Roccabella never quite died. Last October, she took a trip south to see Margaret. Sitting on the deck in the sun, Vikki popped the question: “Why don’t we just go back?” With her mum’s backing, Vikki called Hearts On Fire the next morning to see if the diamond jewellery supplier still wanted to work with them. By that night, Hearts On Fire had called back, and it was all on. With self-taught designer Vikki in charge, Roccabella has a huge focus on her bespoke
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jewellery. As a child she would use fabric offcuts from her mother’s linen store to make elaborate outfits, and later took a shine to professionally designing rings, brooches and other precious items. The Roccabella design experience begins as a conversation with Vikki. She’ll tell you it’s easy to design jewellery if you listen to what the customer says, but it’s clear that’s because she’s so good at it. Those who know her will tell you Vikki’s greatest asset is her ability to really hear what people want and turn their ideas into a sketch, a design, a dazzling piece of jewellery. Vikki says her style is beautiful, functional and harmonious. “But at the end of the day it’s not about me, it’s about the customer, and the jewellery that will be a tangible memory of a big event in their life. I want the piece of jewellery to be the best. I want it to be everything the person dreamed of and more. “I tell other people’s love stories.” roccabella.co.nz
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
CASUAL OBSESSION Cityscape tries on some street fashion advice from Christchurch’s trend-setting boutiques.
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INFINITE DEFINITE Infinite Definite hosts a carefullyselected eclectic range of fashion and homewares made in New Zealand and sourced from afar. Jono Moran says the store’s big focus is on design, quality and community. We love all our New Zealand designers like Penny Sage, twenty-seven names, Kowtow and Marle, as well as some exciting international brands including Paloma Wool, Veja, New Balance, Gramicci and more. Anything on the pink to red scale is standing out colour-wise. There are lots of bold berry tones, and our classic natural tones aren’t going anywhere. Quality linen pieces help keep everything nice and cool in spring and summer, as do flexible dresses that can be reversed, belted or cinched for any occasion. We’re big believers in holding on to items as the seasons come and go - you never know when it’s going to come back around. Sustainability has always been a big part of what we do, from buying locallyproduced goods with a focus on material consciousness and ethical production, to everyday initiatives like sending out our online orders in commercially compostable corn starch pouches and repurposed protective packaging. Freeze your denim, especially black denim. It’ll help you get more wear out of them in the long run. Infinite Definite is your local one-stop shop for quality fashion, footwear and accessories. infinitedefinite.com
1 TWENTY SEVEN NAMES MOLLY DRESS (RRP $460) 2 KOWTOW DIRECTION JACKET (RRP $299) 3 GRAMICCI CORDUROY JET CAP (RRP $90) 4 MARLE ELOISE TOP (RRP $160) & DUSTY SKIRT (RRP $300) 5 VEJA V-10 B-MESH (RRP $219) 6 VEJA V-10 LEATHER ($230) 7 VEJA CAMPO CHROMEFREE LEATHER (RRP $220)
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1 ZAFINA FLOWING KIMONO (RRP $139) 2 ET ALIA NATALIA DRESS SUNRISE (RRP $209) 3 ZAFINA ARIYA JACKET GOLD (RRP $199) 4 ZAFINA SAFFRON TOP VIOLET (RRP
MOUTIQUE Charlotte Dawes at Moutique in Prestons is an expert in sourcing hard-to-find Kiwi brands, and she’s got some fantastic drops coming in this season. For any season everyone should have a really nice fitting blazer, one that works with jeans and a tee or cami, or can be worn with a skirt or over a dress. I’d always recommend spending a bit more on the one that fits perfectly; you’ll have it for years to come. Longer skirts are making a comeback. These work really well for dressing up or wearing with a tee and sneakers. We have a broad customer base that includes women in their 20s all the way up to their 70s, so we pick things that work well across people of all ages. We’re eagerly awaiting a brand new New Zealand-designed label called et alia. This summer’s drop will be their first and we are very excited to be a part of it. We stock a range of great Kiwi brands, like Artstori, Zafina, Stella + Gemma, NES and Lemon Tree, as well as some fantastic international finds like Dricoper and Betty Basics. moutique.co.nz
ENCOMPASS FRONT: DIESEL DESE S-DESE MC SNEAKER STAR WHITE/ IRIDESCENT (RRP $369) BACK: DIESEL MAGNETE EXPOSURE IV W SNEAKER INDIGO (RRP $379)
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Benji’s a denim legend, and his store EnCompass in The Tannery is a go-to streetwear destination, but be warned: you’re bound to leave with an obsession for a killer brand you’d never heard of before. This season’s look for men is light wash slim taper denim paired with casual waistcoats and blazers. Fedoras and cheese cutters are back in. The colours for the season are mustard, off white, khaki, gold, and deep green. This year, women are wearing a wider cropped leg, ankle flares and straighter silhouettes, and greens and mustards are really popular. A lot of our brands cross over from men to women, like Nobody Denim, Native Youth, Federation, Maison Scotch, Religion, Garcia, G-Star RAW, Scotch & Soda, Diesel, LTB, and Nudie. There are a few things flying out of our accessories department, like TID watches from Sweden, Kaibosh eyewear, vegetable tan leather belts and wallets. In Christchurch, everyone should have a black skinny jean – high-waisted for women and slim tapered for men, with a good blazer. Sustainability-wise, last year Nudie Jeans launched ‘Rebirth’, a post-consumer recycled collection. encompassclothing.co.nz CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
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You’ll find Elsie Burt at Death by Denim, a top-to-toe boutique that touts the transformative power of that perfect pair of jeans, with stores in the central city and Merivale. This season florals and floaty tops are popular, but paired with distressed and detailed jeans to give the whole look an urban feel. There are so many awesome brands in store right now. Zhrill have totally nailed both denim and blazers this season, we are super excited to have women’s Diesel in the city store, and LTB’s summer drop next month is going to be amazing. Green is the colour of the season, and it’ll continue through 2021. From khaki to apple green there are options to suit all skin tones. This year I’ve noticed people are wearing more denim joggers. I think we are all looking to smarten back up without losing that comfort. I’m a huge fan of Cult of Individuality’s Light Sands Gypsy High Rise jeans. I haven’t taken mine off since I got sent the sample. The wash is spot on for the spring season, light coloured to take us to summer with a hint of black running through so the style stays sharp. Remember, jeans will stretch, tops will shrink, but if you love it keep it at the back of your wardrobe and it will come back into fashion (this season: tie dye is back!) deathbydenim.co.nz
UNTOUCHED WORLD Untouched World is the only lifestyle fashion company in the world recognised by the UN for sustainability, so for founder and CEO Peri Drysdale, fashion and sustainability go hand-in-hand. It’s nice to put on a floaty summer dress that can be dressed up for silly season festivities and down for lazy days at the beach, or a luxurious linen shirt for guys. Pare it back with a pair of chinos or shorts for a smart yet relaxed look. We love spring’s soft seascape-inspired blues with pops of pink shrimp and gentle coral tones, and timeless neutrals like light silver, and deep inky navies. This season I’m excited about our new CoolTree™ knitwear range made from eucalyptus trees and 50% merino sourced from Glenthorne Station, up the picturesque Rakaia Gorge. This fine knitwear is divine to wear and regulates your body temperature to keep you cool or cosy. Good aesthetic design inspires and feeds the soul. The uptake of environmentally and socially-conscious products is much, much higher when a product is aesthetically pleasing, so this is really important to us. We believe in timeless design and by using luxurious, quality fabrics and fibres that are easy to wear and easy on the earth. See page 17 for Peri’s favourite Untouched World items this season. untouchedworld.com
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1 LILI SIDONIO WOVEN BLAZER (RRP $244.95) 2 CULT OF INDIVIDUALITY GYPSY HIGH RISE LIGHT SANDS JEANS (RRP $295) 3 STELLA + GEMMA MELON FLORAL CROSS TEE (RRP $54.95) 4 JOHN LENNON WHITE SHIRT (RRP $174.95) 5 ZAFINA ARIYA JACKET WHITE (RRP $189.95)
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CASUAL OBSESSION
CASUAL OBSESSION
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1 WODEN NORA II (RRP $159) 2 SABEN BROOKLYN BLACK CROC (RRP $429) 3 KATHRYN WILSON ANA HEEL TURQUOISE CROC (RRP $289) 4 SABEN FRILLY TILLY MAGENTA (RRP $349) 5 KATHRYN WILSON HARRY HEEL ACID CROC (RRP $289) 6 KATHRYN WILSON LINDA SLIDE LEOPARD SUEDE (RRP $299)
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ISSIMO Belinda Blanchfield’s Issimo is a hip-as-all-hell independent footwear and accessory boutique in Merivale rocking slick sneakers, hot heels and everything in between. My favourite brands right now are Ivylee from Copenhagen, producing simple Danish designs, and Kathryn Wilson, an Aucklandbased designer who’s at the forefront of any season with her great styles and colour options. For this season’s race day events and garden weddings block heels are popular, and out on the street sneakers have a real presence. Otherwise, it’s all about soft pastels, fun brights and a real mixture of colour palettes. In the accessories department, Saben has an extensive range of handbags and wallets that tie in with the colours of the season in clothing and footwear. There’s bright magenta and cobalt, as well as blacks, tans and crisp whites. High summer will introduce some soft metallics and pinks. Everyone should have a good heel, block or stiletto. issimo.co.nz
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James Scott and his team at Stencil in The Colombo stock fine apparel, footwear and classics from the best national and international brands. For men we’re loving what we’ve seen from Carhartt and Patagonia. We’re just seeing some really good depth in the products these guys have, and the quality. Nudie Jeans have some great denim too. For women, we love the New Zealand brand Thing Thing. It’s unique, there’s a lot more colour and a range of different garments, really well presented and on point for women’s fashion. What’s really hot at the moment is socks – we can’t keep up with demand. For a few essential wardrobe pieces, I suggest lots of pairs of sneakers. I’ve seen a lot more people with a daily rotation instead of just one or two pairs getting worn to death. They’re an accessory. For sustainability, Nudie has a sustainable and ethical supply chain, and they do a lot of repair and recycling work on old Nudie jeans brought back to them, but unfortunately that’s not available in New Zealand yet. Patagonia is fair trade and is moving towards using 100% recycled and renewable materials to make clothing. Levi’s is also doing a lot of work around reducing the amount of water used to make denim. We really support the brands and products that care about the environment. There are a lot of companies doing it right, and it’s not adding much cost for the consumer. At Stencil, what we’ve done is picked products that work together side by side, rather than trying to stock everything. We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. stencil.co.nz
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THING THING RAFFY JUMPSUIT DUSTY PINK LINEN (RRP $139)
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BRAND DETECTIVES Charlotte Dawes is an
expert at finding unique New Zealand fashion labels that turn heads faster than you can say “shopping destination”. She’s turned this talent into Moutique: a fashion boutique in Prestons beloved by locals, and that fashionistas happily make the trip for. One of Charlotte’s first finds was Blacklist, an uber-trendy brand produced in Auckland and made in an ethical family-run factory in China, which the designer keeps stocked with L&P and Pineapple Lumps. Then came NES, a Waikato designer making incredible threads completely on-shore. Artstori was another gem - a Tauranga-based designer whose work is all limited edition. Moutique was born out of the shopping parties that Charlotte used to throw. She’d buy in a range of clothes from exclusive fashion labels, and eventually her garage was taken over by clothes. The ‘moving boutique’ needed a home, and Moutique was created. Charlotte works with her treasured team who all have different tastes. Charlotte herself is often found in animal print, while
Hannah is all about beautiful basics, and Annie’s a sucker for anything with sparkles. Their customer service is second to none, driven by a desire to match shoppers with pieces they love and serve their tight-knit community. They’ll never pressure you into a sale, and if your kids need entertaining while you’re in the changing rooms, they’re ready. And those shopping parties? They still happen. Once-a-season ladies’ nights with treats, bubbles and giveaways. October’s is a Pink Ribbon shopping party, raising money for breast cancer research. What an excuse to shop! moutique.co.nz
ACCESSORIES
DELICATE ELEGANCE Willow Collective is a fine jewellery brand, created by Chantelle Symons five years ago when she was working in a café and aspiring for more. The drive to start something of her own launched the dream, and it rapidly turned into something much bigger. Willow Collective’s range is now stocked in over 40 boutiques nationwide and the brand is proud to be a staple of distinctive contemporary jewellery within New Zealand. The beautiful range is available to purchase online. willowcollective.co.nz
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FASHION
DEATH BY DENIM
Fashion | Central City/Merivale
The team at Death by Denim understand and celebrate the uniqueness of every single customer. They work their denim-clad butts off so every person who walks through the doors loves the experience and comes away with an outfit that flatters their form and fits perfectly (some of their favourite F-words). Stockists of LTB, Mavi, Cult of Individuality, Diesel, Garcia, What’s Up, Blend, Hammill & Co, Mi Moso, Stella + Gemma, John Lennon and many more. BNZ Centre, 101-119 Cashel Street, 03 377 0074 and 195 Papanui Road, 03 355 0597 deathbydenim.co.nz
INFINITE DEFINITE Fashion | Central City
Founded in 2008, Infinite Definite is an independent high-end streetwear, fashion and lifestyle store. Owneroperators Jono and Sarah Moran curate an eclectic mix of designers and products hand sourced by them from New Zealand, Australia and around the world.
246 High Street, 03 371 7465 infinitedefinite.com
ENCOMPASS
Fashion | Woolston
EnCompass is your go-to store for modern streetwear fashion. New in store is a range of baseball caps from emerging activist fashion brand Undivided. The brand was founded a year ago by Toks James with a vision to make a difference through fashion. Part of Undivided’s profits goes towards creating media content to educate people about their differences. Find Undivided on Instagram @wetheundivided or in store at The Tannery. Shop 26, The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, 03 381 4065 encompassclothing.co.nz
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FASHION
STENCIL
Fashion/Accessories | Sydenham
Established in 2002, Stencil has long been stocking national and international brands such as Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Vans, Reebok, Nudie Jeans, Patagonia, Carhartt, Levis, Huffer, Champion, Converse, Herschel, Thing Thing, Stüssy and Bellroy. The store packs an unbeatable selection of sneakers, hand-picked apparel and accessories, so pop in for a wealth of product knowledge and friendly service in a relaxed environment. The Colombo, 363 Colombo Street, 03 374 6134 stencil.co.nz
UNTOUCHED WORLD™
Fashion/Accessories | Burnside
Recognised by the UN for sustainability, NZ lifestyle fashion brand Untouched World believes you don’t have to give up great design to be good to the planet. Timeless pieces are thoughtfully designed and consciously created from luxurious natural fabrics and fibres that are easy on the earth. This feel-good fashion brand is on a mission to make a positive impact, donating a percentage of all sales back into community initiatives.
JOIN OUR DIGITAL COMMUNITY DOWNLOAD THE FREE CITYSCAPE APP AND VISIT CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ CHRISTCHURCH CURATED FOR LOVERS OF STYLE, FOOD, MUSIC, LIFESTYLE, TRAVEL, BEAUTY AND CULTURE
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THING THING COCO PANT LILAC SPECKLE (RRP $109) FROM STENCIL
Flagship Store & Café, 155 Roydvale Avenue, 03 357 9399 untouchedworld.com
THE BEAUTY EDIT
PHOTO: PROBEAUTY
Christchurch’s beauty experts on the au courant, the cool, and the regimens that get results.
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THE BEAUTY EDIT
BEAUTY
GET SKIN LIKE A… DOLPHIN?
WHAT’S A GIRL (OR GUY) GOTTA DO FOR GREAT SKIN? The sun’s out and we’re once again showing our arms, legs and everything else that we’ve been hiding all winter, including our actual faces. It’s time to stop covering problem skin with makeup and invest in a treatment to let us rock the natural look with confidence. Needling is like building muscle; do a little damage, and everything comes back stronger. Nik at Mojo Beauty calls this process a “total game changer”. Dermal needling involves using a small electric pen with disposable needles to puncture the top layer of skin (not as deep or painful as a tattoo), triggering the body’s natural healing response. You naturally form new collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother and more youthful skin. Once you’ve recovered, slap on some good sunscreen and show off that gorgeous face.
Trust us, dolphin skin is coming in. Sometimes called ‘glass skin’, this is all about making your face look like the dewy, wet skin of a majestic dolphin. We ask Probeauty what this is all about. Tell us about this glass-skin look. One of the latest trends to come out of Korea, glass skin is all about achieving a luminous, clear and dewy complexion. The first step is using an active skincare routine including a gentle cleanser, serums to tackle signs of ageing, and a nourishing, hydrating moisturiser. What products should we use to achieve this look? Finish your skincare routine with a hydrating and dewy-finish foundation that isn’t too heavy. We love Suntegrity’s 5 in 1 Natural Moisturising Face Sunscreen, as well as the Mineral Sheer Tint Foundation from Quoi Makeup. For the final touch, add a couple drops of O Cosmedics 1Skin Glow Booster Drops (RRP $59) to the cheekbones for a luminous glow without shimmer, creating that ethereal glass skin look. For all the deets, hit up probeauty.co.nz.
BESPOKE SKIN TREATMENT Riccarton beauty salon My Beauty Clinic uses one of the most advanced skin revision systems to improve pigmentation, scarring, acne and the effects of ageing. It’s called DMK Enzyme Therapy. The team starts by analysing your skin type, texture and colour to inform which of over fifty different potential protocols is the best one for you. They then use enzymes to detoxify, hydrate, and strengthen your skin’s mitochondria.
FACELIFT OVER LUNCH Chic destination beauty salon Le Plaisir recommends a treatment so gentle it can be done in your lunch hour: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. The machine Le Plaisir uses comes from New Zealand company Eclipse and uses focused ultrasound beams to create heat below the skin’s surface. Targeting the dermis protects the top layer of skin (AKA the epidermis) and safely stimulates natural collagen production for firmer, tighter skin. Salon owner Aniko says that the process is so effective that many clients only need one treatment to see results.
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How do facials actually improve your skin?
Facials can be a luxurious, relaxing experience, but do they work? Cityscape peels back the layers to get to the details.
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he short answer is yes, but it totally depends what type of facial you choose to have. Think of facials as exercise – the type you go for depends on the result you want. You can choose to do yoga, a gentle walk, a high-intensity run or a mountain hike. In the same way, you can choose your facial type for a particular result. ‘Fluffy’ facials that simply exfoliate and nourish the skin while you relax are kind of like going for a leisurely walk, while professional-strength peels are the equivalent of a gym class to give you visible results. On top of this, you have advanced treatments such as microdermabrasion, IPL, Dermapen microneedling, laser and LED for targeted skin results – just like a
hardcore workout, these treatments are what will achieve the dramatic results. A nice relaxing facial is always going to be a good time. We certainly don’t sniff at lying back and being pampered, but if you want real change and visible improvement along with your Zen time, you need to be choosing clinics that use products with potent doses of active ingredients from modern skin brands. More often than not, results-driven treatments also include elements that you can’t do yourself at home, think microneedling and clinical-grade peels. A high-level facial in a skin clinic can work to treat acne, uneven skin tone, redness, pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles for a brighter, youngerlooking complexion. If you’re unsure about which treatments and clinics will get you a step closer to glowing skin, Probeauty has done the hard work for you. As a leading supplier for the professional beauty industry in New Zealand for more than 20 years, Probeauty knows skin, and is committed to sharing the game-changing power of skin science and advanced treatments. The new online hub is a go-to for all things active skincare, and a destination to search out the best skin and beauty clinics throughout the country. Simply search the Probeauty online directory to find your nearest professional skin clinic.
Ready to take the next step towards your dream skin? Probeauty has more information about these advanced facials, before and after photos, and can help you find the clinics near you that offer them. probeauty.co.nz
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GAME-CHANGING FACIALS Ginger&Me clinical masks, facials and peels Ginger&Me’s advanced facials include ten different treatment options to target individual skin concerns. Each of the masks and peels combine potent yet gentle active ingredients with intensive hydrating, soothing, brightening and detoxifying actions. A tailored Ginger&Me facial using a gentle peel and clinical mask will work to revitalise the complexion with fruit acids, botanical extracts, antioxidants, omegas, vitamins and peptides, focusing on skin recovery, repair and anti-ageing. O Cosmedics Pro Dermal Planning peels If you’re wanting to take a step up from a facial, O Cosmedics Pro Dermal Planning peels are your secret weapon to achieving your skin goals. These bespoke peels come in six different levels, from an entry-level to refresh the skin and boost hydration, through to medium-strength peels using retinol and enzymes to improve sun damage, to an advanced Alpha-Beta Peel using concentrated alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and lactic acid to resurface the skin and target signs of ageing. The goal is to return skin to optimum function, as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. Translation: Incredible results you can actually see.
THE BEAUTY EDIT
NEW
BEAUTY
FACT FILE
Mya Makeup can help you with a fabulous look for a one-off special event, or cosmetic tattoo for a look that is always on point. Clients at Mya Makeup say their new microbladed brows and tattooed eyeliner are life changing. Owner Olympia is an award-winning makeup artist, fully trained in both fields. Imagine waking up every morning without having to worry about applying makeup, already feeling confident and looking amazing. With Mya Makeup, you can. myamakeupnz.co.nz
You probably know about probiotics for gut health. We also have ‘good bacteria’ on our skin. Soaps, chemicals, pollution, weather and medications can throw off our skin microbiome, leading to skin inflammation, acne and other conditions. Supporting a healthy skin barrier with O Cosmedics O-Biome Hydrating & Setting Spray for a balanced microbiome that boosts immunity, oxygen uptake and hydration and reduces sensitivity, dryness and lines. probeauty.co.nz
MICROBIOME: THE RAINFOREST OF THE FACE
A LOOK THAT LASTS
BEAUTY
LED TREATMENT
Get It Beauty is an independent beauty salon based in Riccarton. Jane and Angie are certified technicians with 20 years’ experience in Korea and New Zealand and specialise in eyelash extensions and perms. Get It Beauty also offers gel manicures and pedicures, nail art, cosmetic tattooing and microblading. FB/getitbeautynz
Pump up your pedi and enjoy classic beauty pampering while simultaneously treating your skin with an innovative ‘add-on’: mini LED treatment. Pain-free LED reduces fine lines and wrinkles, acne-causing bacteria, redness, sun damage and pigmentation, and helps scars heal. There’s no downtime afterwards – just a warm, relaxing moment to let this glorious light do its thing. LED treatments were originally developed by NASA to safely encourage wound healing of the body and skin. These wavelengths of natural light don’t use dangerous UV rays or excess heat, and instead work to ‘recharge’ your cells in 10 to 20 minutes. LED is the perfect add-on to any classic beauty treatment. quinnbeautyspa.co.nz
LASHES ON POINT
LIGHT UP
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THE BEAUTY EDIT
HAIR Covid might have us itching to experiment; Miley Cyrus emerged from lockdown sporting a funky blonde pixie mullet cut by none other than her mother. Mums, maybe don’t try that at home. JUCO at Fox Hair says this year’s hair is all about short and feminine. Think textured layers up top, a little longer and softer than last year’s hyper-masculine look, and add some edge with a funky razor undercut. A bob for everyone! Posh had the ‘pob’, Jennifer Aniston got the ‘lob’, and Jenna from Jenna Blackwood Hairdressing says there’s a soft and flirty bob for you too. It’s a classic style that’s been around since the ‘20s, so it’s been through a ton of iterations. Your face shape determines which bob suits you, and Jenna can help you figure that out. Speaking of Spice Girls and Friends, the ‘90s are back with short and sexy ‘dos at Earth Organic Hairdressing. “Think lazy shag-type cuts and pixie mullets, all with vivid pops of colour,” Traci Aylmer says. It’s that surprising addition that makes the cut special, according to Adem at Valentino’s Hair Design. “It’s all about short and feminine, but with a funky edge.”
MESS IS OUT; DRAMA IS IN When it comes to big event hair, mess is out and super sleek dramatic ‘dos are in. Bridal and events hairstylist Rebecca at Mint Hair Design says it’s all about sophisticated styles this season - think centre parts with smooth sides, sleek ponies, or Hollywood glam curls this party season. We’re thinking Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe, so practise your smouldering looks for the cameras while you’re at it. True Grit hair salon has a treatment called Color Wow to enhance your hair’s colour and give what owner Jacqui calls ‘excessive’ shine. And when she says excessive, she doesn’t mean just regular, run-of-the-mill home-shampoo shine. First, a filter cleanses your hair of foreign bodies before your cut, and then your stylist blow-waves a cocktail of treatments into your hair post-cut. Seriously, it’s wow.
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EARTH ORGAINC HAIRDRESSING
MINT HAIR
LOP FOR A CROPPED TOP LOB
Cityscape takes you on a quick tour of some cool spots to get a cut. Super-fun and friendly Shirley salon La mode Hair keeps up with current trends and creates exciting styles – read more on page 96. Surreal Hair has been supplying St Albans with fabulous cuts and colours for 21 years. Mod’s Hair stylists travel to Paris for creative sessions at the Mod’s training headquarters, and bring the latest techniques home with them to Merivale – read more on page 97. Mood Hair sisters Iwona and Ada learned the tricks of the trade in their mother’s hair salon in Poland, and they’ve brought those skills to New Brighton. Located in The Colombo mall in Sydenham, Black Hairdressing’s fabulous team do killer cuts and colours, as well as hair loss solutions for women – read more on page 98. In Lincoln, family-friendly salon Collective Hair Design can take care of the whole whānau in the same place.
JENNA BLACKWOOD HAIRDRESSING
TOUR DE COIFFURE
PLANT-BASED MULLET COLOUR To achieve funky hand-painted colours and majestic mullets, Traci from Earth Organic Hairdressing uses only plant-based products. Traditional hair dyes contain PPD and petrochemicals – which between them can cause allergies, cancer, and general environmental chaos. Traci says any colours that traditional dyes can achieve are possible with the environmentally-friendly products at Earth Organic.
ZEN. YES, ZEN FOR YOUR HEAD Take the pace of life down a notch in Lyttelton with Soulstyle Organic Hair Salon’s blissful ‘zen service’: a relaxing pin-point scalp massage that concentrates on pressure points to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, giving your hair (and your mood) a natural boost.
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
THE BEAUTY EDIT
HAIR À LA MODE
La mode Hair’s team is dedicated to creating fantastic results for their clients. Owner Lisa has been hairdressing for 38 years, and running her own salon for 20. She’s put together a team of passionate stylists at the Shirley salon, each with amazing skills. FB/lamodehair
JENNA
LISA Lisa loves creating styles for her customers that will look fabulous well after they’ve left the salon. She works with a wide range of clients, doing cuts that work with their hair’s natural beauty, and with her wealth of experience, she can help anyone decide on a cut they’ll love.
With 17 years’ experience and a long family history of hairdressing, Jenna’s number one priority is creating beautiful, healthy hair. She’s a certified Redken and Goldwell colourist, and loves creating radiant blondes, ombrés and balayage that leave her clients looking and feeling amazing.
AMY Amy’s a fully-qualified stylist who enjoys showing off her creative flair. She keeps up with trends and loves doing hair-ups for balls, weddings and special occasions, as well as creating fabulous fashion colours for her clients.
TARA A trained barber with almost 12 years’ experience, Tara is an expert in men’s cuts and loves building rapport with her clients. She’s also upskilling in women’s hairdressing and is learning colour work from her colleagues – a true jack of all hair trades.
BARBER
HAIR
House of Barber is a gentleman’s mecca in the central city. This is more than just a barber shop – with small gaming stations to play while you wait, House of Barber is all about looking after its customers. From stylish cuts to beard trims and hot towel shaves with facial massage, HOB’s skilled barbers can deliver on almost any request and give you an all-round luxurious experience. The team can also offer advice on the most suitable product to help you get the best look. houseofbarber.co.nz
See Rebecca at Mint Hair Design for special occasion hair that turns heads and lives up to your vision. With over 15 years’ experience and a creative flair you can trust, Rebecca specialises in stunning styles for your wedding day or special event. All her bridal work is done at your location, so there is no stress about getting to the hairdresser on time. She has also put her expertise to work at events such as fashion photo shoots, the NZ Cricket Awards, and NZ Fashion Week. minthair.co.nz
BRIDAL STYLE
A CLOSE SHAVE
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JULIANNE’S SPRING PICKS AND TIPS STYLE Long hair has been in for a while, and it’s been getting shorter over time. Now it’s beautiful short bobs, which can be done in curls or straight, cut just below the chin. I’m seeing a lot of celebrities doing it. COLOURS Natural is in. Go with lived-in blondes and root smudges to make it look ‘yours’.
THE FRENCH CONNECTION
Mod’s Hair in Merivale transcends the idea of a hair salon. Luminous and transient, it’s Christchurch’s home of French-style hair, it’s a place to relax with a glass of Champagne from the fullylicensed Perrier-Jouët Champagne bar, and it’s at times a transitional space or art gallery (read about the Dissected Parlour exhibition on page 28). The stylists are sent to Paris to train in the latest cutting and styling techniques, and bring their experiences back to the salon. It’s not just about learning from the masters at the Mod’s Hair academy in Paris, says owner Julianne Liebeck, it’s about feeling the vibe of the French capital and the people who inhabit it. “The Parisians are more self-assured,” she says. “They have a way of carrying themselves. They’re not very trend-based, they’re quite classic and they stick to the simple things. It’s a lot more natural and elegant. The French are so good at that effortless style.” That style, and more picked up from training missions to style hubs like New York, carries across to Mod’s here in Christchurch. It’s never ‘just’ a haircut, and it’s never about overdoing it, or trying too hard. It’s about working with the natural movement of the hair to create a natural look. Chic. Soft. Subtle. The salon also stocks a range of hair products specially selected for high performance. “We don’t just choose things
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HAIR CARE TIP Alternate your shampoos. Have two. A lot of people who use only a strengthening, protein-based shampoo find their hair gets hard and brittle over time, and alternating in a moisture-based shampoo will do the trick. People with oily hair should mix it up too, because if you always use the same type of shampoo your hair gets used to it and returns to its previous oiliness. SOMETHING TO LOVE ABOUT SPRING IN CHRISTCHURCH It’s all about the light for us. The light, the shine, it just makes everyone feel happy.
Smith & Cult Shattered Souls Nail Lacquer (RRP $41.50)
with attractive packaging. Everything has to be tested and proven before we even look at it,” Julianne says. “And it’s really important for us to have a prescriptive range for real problems with people’s hair and scalp.” Julianne first encountered the Mod’s brand when living overseas. As a hairdresser with little formal training, the cutting-edge techniques developed by Mod’s Hair were game changing. She went on to become a head educator in Europe, based in Athens. After 12 years, she wanted to bring the brand home. Julianne opened the salon in Merivale in 2003, bringing balayage – at the time a ground-breaking technique – with her from Paris to New Zealand. This French connection supplies Mod’s with two collections every year – one for summer and one for winter – forming an extensive historical catalogue of techniques and styles from the heart of world fashion. modshair.co.nz modstoyou.co.nz
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THE BEAUTY EDIT
RESTORE YOUR STYLE
‘Hair loss shouldn’t get in the way of feeling feminine.’
The stylists at Black pride themselves on having a wide range of skills to really ‘go for it’ for their clients. As well as a range of killer cuts and colours, the salon specialises in hair loss solutions for women. The team have a philosophy that ‘hair loss shouldn’t get in the way of feeling feminine,’ and go the extra mile to source high-quality wigs and give them custom cuts and colours so everyone can have their own style, whether it’s a super-realistic natural look or something modern. They also specialise in hair loss products, fringes, extensions, toppers, ponytails and more. Black Hairdressing’s Janine Grater
says hair is fundamental to a woman’s identity. “When we lose hair it is so impactful to how you feel, and people tend to shrink from the world.” Wigs and hair loss solutions are available to everyone, no matter their financial position.
The salon is certified by the Ministry of Health to help people with hair loss get grants to pay for hair loss solutions. It’s the full service. “Every person that I work with says it’s life-changing. Hair is important to women. It’s part of who we are. It’s part of the very feeling of being female. To lose hair is to lose femininity. To get hair back is to feel whole again.” The stylists find and create hair you can really fall in love with, with the products to match for continuing that love at home. They encourage you to really go for the hair you’ve always wanted to try so you can show people who you are. Call and book a consultation in Black’s private personalised wig room. blackhairdressing.co.nz
What’s a hot style for the season? It’s all about beautiful shapes that accentuate your best features. It doesn’t necessarily have to be an out-there haircut, but I tell you what we’ve been doing a lot of lately and we’ve been having fun with is the mullet. Really? Tell us more. In the salon we call it the ‘femme mullét’. I actually sport one myself. We recommend that if you have a super edgy haircut like that, you back it up with serious colour as well. Wow, so what colour are you rocking with your femme mullét? Today I have a cocktail of tropical with a splash of copper and
fuchsia. Speaking of colours, what’s in this spring? This season is all about shine. Beautiful seamless blonde with hair that’s in luscious condition. L’Oréal has just released a French Glow product. It’s great for blondes, brunettes and everything in between, but the real advantage is it’s giving the ultimate in shine. It’s unbelievably amazing. Seamless colour is very ‘now’ as well, and balayage. The other thing that’s happening a lot is women are going deliberately grey. They’re letting their colours grow out and we accentuate it with some silver fox sort of colours. They’re embracing the natural grey and it’s looking amazing. What’s your must-know style tip? You do not need to wash your hair as often as you think. With the styling products we have these days you can get away with layering product on product and create an amazing look. truegrit.co.nz
Around half of all women will experience noticeable hair loss in their lives, and Black Hairdressing is kitted out to get you looking and feeling like yourself.
SILVER LININGS
Jacqui is the head honcho at True Grit, dealing out style advice along with stunning cut and colour ‘dos. She catches Cityscape up on the trendiest hair for spring, how to get the most out of your grey hairs and get excessive shine.
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ORGANIC MAGIC
Soulstyle Organic Hair Salon’s value sits in the health of its clients and the planet. Every item you see at Soulstyle is plant or mineral based with sustainable packaging. And it’s not just the hair gear – everything from the cleaning products to the excellent coffee is organic. DeAnna Campbell started hairdressing in 1996, and there weren’t many plant-based products available when she started in the biz. “I’ve grown with the industry,” DeAnna says. “As a mum, wanting to be really conscious of what I put on my child made me more conscious of what I use myself, and wanting to be part of an industry that’s moving forward and looking after the planet.” DeAnna started Soulstyle in 2009 in Southshore. After the earthquakes she relocated the salon to South New Brighton for seven years. Then she fell in love with a building in Lyttelton – it was constructed around 1880 and has a cool coastal vibe – and the rest was history. “I love that historical side of Christchurch and I love keeping that alive,” DeAnna says. Together with top-notch barista and husband Greg, DeAnna turned the new Soulstyle Lyttelton into a full hair-and-relax experience complete with specialist coffee. It’s all about the vibes and memorable experience – head portside for quality coffee and a refreshing eco hair retreat. soulstylehair.nz
HAIR
HAIR
Tucked away on a busy side street in Hoon Hay, The Hair Room is a stylish and friendly salon that caters to the whole family. Owner Becs strives to build exceptional client relationships while achieving precision cuts and gorgeous colour. Becs understands that maintaining your hair can be costly, so she keeps her rates affordable. Specialising in highlighting techniques, the salon also stocks products to maintain your colour and keep your hair healthy and fresh. thehairroom.co.nz
A passion for exceptional hairdressing is something of a family tradition for the sisters behind Mood Hair Salon in New Brighton. Ada and Iwona have worked all around the world, starting in their mother’s salon in Poland and spanning the UK, Czech Republic, Australia and New Zealand. Specialising in blondes, brunettes, and balayage, the sisters love to create a fun atmosphere for both themselves and their clients, and leave you with fabulous results. moodhair.co.nz
MAKE ROOM FOR PAMPERING
SCISSOR SISTERS
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OUT: MAINTENANCE. IN: CAREFREE
Q&A: BLADES OF GLORY Located in a heritage building with gold-plated tools and cast iron and brass barber’s chairs, Golden Blade epitomises modern vintage. Cityscape talks to owner George Toumazou about mullets, banter, and the secrets of men’s hair care.
Q&A: HEAD ARCHITECT
What’s the on-trend style? The old classics are in. Crop cuts especially – a tight skin fade, straight fringing and texturised up top. Mullets are back too. Kruiz, one of our barbers, hasn’t cut his in three or four years, it’s halfway down his back. What about in the beard region? The older boys are growing these big lumberjack beards with twisty, curly moustaches. Moustaches alone are a little less common this year than last. Why the barber renaissance? Males are looking after themselves a bit more now. New Zealand tends to follow Australian and European trends, and barbers are especially big in Europe. What’s your best men’s haircare tip? Lots of guys wash their hair every day. Don’t do it! You start overproducing oils. You only need to wash your hair about every three days; your hair will look healthier and sit better. What makes a great barber? It’s everything from haircut quality to spinning a good yarn. You have to be a people person, you’ve got to love talking shit all day, and working with your hands. I love finding out about people’s lives. Who’s got the best banter? Definitely Kruiz. He’s a real hard case. Tell us about the chairs. They’re cast iron, solid brass and leather, they weigh 110 kilograms each and they fit really well into the 1890s heritage building we’re in. goldenblade.nz
The experienced and precise crew at Nirvana Beauty Lounge recommend microblading, which will keep your eyebrows on fleek for up to a year and a half. Microbladed brows are created with a pen-like tool that delicately scratches the skin surface and imparts a little medical-grade pigment into the skin, creating fine hair-like strokes. The results are insanely realistic. Get It Beauty recommends eyelash extensions to amp up your fresh-faced, lowmaintenance look. The experienced team can do all lengths, from natural medium lashes to dramatic longer lengths. To round out your low-maintenance routine, Olympia at Mya Makeup is an expert with cosmetic, semi-permanent eyeliner. The professionally-trained and qualified beautician offers eyelid tattooing which lasts about two years. In the I-just-woke-up-likethis hair stakes, balayage will continue to be a huge trend. Natural-coloured roots are faded into lighter ends so no regrowth. The team at The Hair Room is experienced with balayage, and recommends a colour just once every six months, with a toner touch-up every six weeks or so.
Cityscape talks to House of Barber’s stylishly-dressed and slick-haired barber Jason Nguyen about the art of hair and beards. How did you get into the hair industry? I wanted to do what I love and it’s artistic. I learned and worked at a barber shop in Vietnam for two years and came to work in New Zealand four years ago. What’s the best thing about working at your barber shop? It’s a brightly-lit shop with an Xbox, chess, and a football table. And it’s next to Riverside Market so you never worry about food. What is your speciality and favourite style? My specialities are scissors cuts, skin fades and hot towel shaves, and my favourite style is a pompadour with a skin taper. Do you have a favourite barber’s tool? My Babyliss trimmer. How do you stay up to date with the trends? I’m constantly reading news about the hair industry on social media and checking on barber shops around the world. One quirky tip for great hair that most people won’t know about: Try a buzz cut. It’s simple and feels good. What’s your personal style? Old-skool, basic, classic. houseofbarber.co.nz
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HAIR
HAIR
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Valentino’s Hair Design specialises in colour, from ombré and balayage to bright, bold colours. You can sit back and relax in this warm and friendly salon while Valentino’s experienced stylists create a look you’ll absolutely love. Owner Adem has been in the business for nearly 40 years and is proud to offer great style to anyone, and all age groups. valentinoshairdesign.co.nz
Hailing from Osaka, Japan, Jun Hashimoto of JUCO has over 20 years’ experience cutting and styling men’s and women’s hair in Japan, Boston and Melbourne. Jun believes that hairdressing is more than just a cut and colour - it’s creating happiness. Jun is based out of Fox Hair on Madras Street and bookings are essential. juco.co.nz
When it comes to good hair days, you can relax knowing you’re in safe hands with Jenna Blackwood Hairdressing. Operating from the beautifully peaceful salon of R.O Hair Design and backed by over 17 years’ experience, Jenna is a true artist when it comes to hair. She ensures you leave feeling beautiful and relaxed, with gorgeous hair. FB/jennablackwoodhair
TIMELESS STYLE
CREATING HAIR HAPPINESS
BRINGING OUT THE BEST
CELEB TIPS AND TOP FIVE 2020 EYE MAKEUP TRENDS Catherine Zeta-Jones has a surprising hair treatment: beer. “I smell like the bottom of a beer barrel for days afterwards,” she says, “but it’s very good for the hair!” Any brew works; you don’t need the pricey crafties.
PHOTOS: L’OREAL PARIS
Some beauty trends just don’t seem worth it. Among Gwyneth Paltrow’s stranger beauty routines is apitherapy – bee stings to reduce inflammation and scarring. “But man, it’s painful,” she says.
SUNSET EYES
WHITE EYELINER
Get inspired by the vibrant shades of the evening sun. Blend gold into hot pink, then orange, with a pop of purple on your outer lid.
This simple way to achieve a brighter, wide-eyed look comes Tyra Banks approved.
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PUMPKIN ORANGE EYESHADOW Layer a bold orange over your eyelid and lower lash line. The beauty world can’t get enough of this colour to make any eye colour pop.
COLOURED MASCARA
HIGHLIGHTER LIDS
Give black a break and try cobalt blue, deep burgundy or an out-of-this-world deep green.
For an edgy runway vibe, pick up some neon yellow or lime green eyeshadow and let your lids make a statement.
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
OT
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colours, like dark green rimmed with white and gold. She’s also loving intricate French tips with overlapping angles. Reow! Millie from Shape of Elegance is all about animal print, the likes of which we’ve seen on Kylie FRENCH TIPS. PHOTO: NAILS BY TOMO Jenner’s tips. Millie handpaints each nail, SH AP and for something a EO F EL E G A NC E bit different she’s got some slick reptilian patterns, or even poisonous frog GEOMETRIC DESIGNS OR print in striking yellow and black.
POISON FROG PRINT?
Nails by Tomo’s Tomoko Tsuji is putting a modern twist on the classics this spring. The French manicure is having a major revival, with a subtle ombré version rocked by J.Lo at this year’s Golden Globes. Tomo adds her own flair with bright neon tips or layered
LOCALLY-MADE, WORLDCLASS NAIL PRODUCTS Experienced tech and Cashmere local Candace Woods always found something a little bit lacking in the products she was using – whether it was the way the products felt, or the chemicals and harmful animal
testing that went into them, Candace felt she could do better. She now supplies her own range of professional products to salons all around the country – and they smell like bubble-gum. Check them out at designernails.co.nz
STRENGTHEN YOUR NAILS, NOT JUST YOUR POLISH If you haven’t tried an IBX nail strengthening treatment yet, party season is the perfect time to spruce up your claws. After a bit of a tidy, the treatment is applied onto the natural nail, and gentle heat helps it sink into your nails and toughen them up. Renske Grant at Simply Envision says that an IBX treatment pairs well with a gel polish, to strengthen nails inside and out.
COMING SOON Keep an eye out for new nail salon Bhava opening in Merivale Mall mid-November.
NAIL SALON
NAILS
NAIL SALON
Designer Nails is run by Candace, a Christchurch local who has been working as a qualified beauty therapist and nail technician since 2006. Candace opened her Cashmere salon in January 2020, specialising in custom nail services. She also runs training sessions and has created her own professional nail product line. FB/candacedesignernails
Simply Envision is a boutique in-home nail studio in Spreydon. Nail artist and owner Renske Grant is known for her exquisite hand-drawn nail art designs, high service standards and quality client care. Services include nail strengthening treatment, gel polish, PolyGel and sculpted extensions. By appointment only. simplyenvision.co.nz
Shape of Elegance is a homebased nail salon, offering personalised treatments and services to enhance beauty and inspire confidence. Millie specialises in gel polish and has a passion for hand-painted nail art. Shape of Elegance also sells a range of products to rejuvenate and hydrate your hands and nails. shapeofelegance.com
NAILED IT
A VISION OF BEAUTY
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AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
THE BEAUTY EDIT
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HAIR // 1 Invigo Color Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo (RRP $30.90) from Valentino’s Hair Design 2 Redken Extreme Length Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Treatment (RRP $35 each) from Surreal Hair and Beauty 3 Olaplex Bundle (RRP $137.50) from Black Hairdressing 4 Color Wow Color Security Shampoo (RRP $58.50) from True Grit 5 Pump Curl and Grow Mask (RRP $48) from La mode Hair 6 Kérastase Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo (RRP $49) from Collective Hair Design 7 L’Oreal Serie Expert Gold Quinoa + Protein Absolut Repair (RRP $38) from Mood Hair 8 Oribe Conditioner for Beautiful Color (RRP $78) and Oribe Shampoo for Beautiful Color (RRP $76) from Mod’s Hair BEAUTY // 9 Suntegrity Impeccable Skin Moisturizing Face Sunscreen (RRP $99) from Probeauty 10 Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Intense (RRP $99) from Mojo Beauty 11 Milla Organic Cocoa Collagen Creamer (RRP $64) from Food for Thought NAILS // 12 Designer Nails Eclectic Dream Gel Polish (RRP $25) from Designer Nails 13 Dadi’ Scrub (RRP $12) from Simply Envision 14 Locobase Repair Cream (RRP $40) from Nails by Tomo
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THE BEAUTY EDIT
COLLECTIVE HAIR DESIGN Hair | Lincoln
At this creative and friendly studio in the heart of Lincoln, clients of all ages and all hair styles are welcomed. The team provide nourishing treatments to leave your hair feeling healthy and can even use expert equipment to diagnose specific hair and scalp issues, including hair loss. Give the team a call or book online for a beautiful new colour, an expert restyle or just a relaxing experience. You’ll be in great hands with Collective Hair Design. 5d Robert Street, 03 325 2224 collectivehairdesign.co.nz
GOLDEN BLADE BARBER LOUNGE Barber | Central City
A new kind of luxury for men in the heart of Christchurch Central, this is a masculine oasis catering to the needs of the 21st Century gentleman. From stylish cuts to buzz cuts, beard trimming, and everything in between, Golden Blade has you covered. While the team work their styling magic, sit back, relax, and enjoy the unique atmosphere in one of the 1900s-inspired bespoke barber chairs. 226 Kilmore Street, 03 261 6677 goldenblade.nz
EARTH ORGANIC HAIRDRESSING Hair | Central City
Fabulous for you. Fantastic for the planet. Earth Organic is the central city’s first vegan and sustainabilityfocused salon. The products are 100% plant-based and no products are tested on animals, so you can sit back and relax while knowledgeable and creative senior stylists carry out your fabulous hair edit. The stylists have over 30 years of experience and are committed and passionate about all things hair! 181 High Street, 03 365 7393 earthorganichairdressing.co.nz
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BEAUTY
LE PLAISIR
Hair/Beauty | Kaiapoi
Le Plaisir is a luxury experience in hair, beauty, massage, nail services and body treatments in Silverstream, Kaiapoi. The professional and dedicated hair stylists and beauty therapists at Le Plaisir are always delighted to welcome visitors into the sleek, modern and friendly salon, where the team are ready to pamper you from head to toe. The magic begins as soon as you step through the doors, and you are certain to leave feeling fabulous in every possible way. Le Plaisir offers a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, using advanced, state-of-the-art equipment. With relaxing, warm, candlelit rooms and experienced, skilled therapists, this is a true retreat for anyone seeking a little ‘me time’. Services include non-surgical facelifts, skin tightening, body contouring, deluxe facials, hair removal using the latest technology, and special occasion hair and makeup. Whatever the occasion, you will be in great hands at this high-quality salon. Sit back, relax and enjoy a little luxury at this ‘destination of excellence’, where the only focus is you.
Shop 3, 42 Silverstream Boulevard, 03 327 2404 leplaisir.co.nz
MOJO BEAUTY Beauty | Papanui
Mojo Beauty is a bespoke, personal and professional beauty and massage therapy studio. Combined with eyelash artistry, Nik specialises in dermal needling, professional anti-ageing and rejuvenating skin treatments. Nik’s point of difference is her holistic and passionate investment into achieving the best results for each and every client. She also stocks the Medik8 cosmeceutical skincare range and offers mobile pamper parties. 164b Matsons Avenue, 021 666 320 mojobeauty.co.nz
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BEAUTY
MY BEAUTY CLINIC Beauty | Riccarton
My Beauty Clinic is a professional medi spa on Riccarton Road. The team of qualified practitioners and experienced beauty therapists will provide you with customised treatments to enhance your natural beauty. Services include DMK Enzyme Therapy, facial gua sha, facial acupuncture, body contour treatments, IPL hair removal, laser genesis and much more. Get in touch for a free consultation and start your beauty journey today. Level 1, 81 Riccarton Road, 03 341 6699 mybeautyclinic.co.nz
NAILS BY TOMO
Nail salon | Bryndwr
Nails By Tomo is helmed by leading nail professional Tomoko Tsuji, who has over two decades of Japanese nail art experience. She caters to all your nail needs, including manicures, polish and gel, acrylic, pedicures and stunning nail art using only the finest quality products from Japan. Your nails will not only look amazing but also grow healthier and stronger. With friendly one-on-one service and unique designs, a visit to Nails By Tomo is sure to leave you smiling. 7/250 Clyde Road, 022 194 6055 Find them on Facebook
NICOLA QUINN BEAUTY & DAY SPA
Health/Beauty | Merivale
Knowledgeable experts, personalised treatments and powerful products come together to help you put your best self forward. The skin therapists specialise in premium anti-aging treatments including Dermapen microneedling, LED and advanced facials alongside classic relaxing spa treatments. Looking for the ultimate gift? Spoil them with a luxurious spa voucher from Nicola Quinn! 209/211 Papanui Road, 03 355 6400 quinnbeautyspa.co.nz
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BEAUTY
SURREAL HAIR & BEAUTY Hair/Beauty | St Albans
Surreal Hair and Beauty is a boutique hair and beauty salon, a hidden gem with outstanding service. The exceptional team specialises in bespoke hair colouring and cutting, with every look tailored to your individual needs. Client relationships are the top priority for the team, and they are passionate about creating the perfect style just for you. Surreal Hair and Beauty offers a full holistic service, from hair to all aspects of beauty therapy, including massage. 127 Westminster Street, 03 365 2215 surrealhairandbeauty.co.nz
NIRVANA BEAUTY LOUNGE Beauty | Central City
Hana of Nirvana Beauty Lounge has created a new space that reflects her idea of Nirvana - a soft and warm environment that draws you in, where the friendly staff can attend to all your beauty and wellbeing needs. Creating the lounge, Hana wanted to impart a sense of comfort and relaxation, so when you walk in you feel like you belong. Offering beauty services, massage and pamper packages, Hana and her team want the lounge to be your Nirvana! 11/21 Bealey Avenue, 03 348 0252 nirvanabeautylounge.co.nz
TRUE GRIT
Hair/Makeup | Central City
The team at True Grit are true experts, providing exquisite service in a fabulous environment. Experience the creative, skilful professionalism of True Grit’s dynamic masters, style directors and new generation stylists. Beautiful hair goes deeper than a cut and colour, which is why True Grit offers fabulous rituals to treat your hair and leave you with stunning, well-maintained locks. Book now with the experts in hair beauty. True innovation, true passion, true hair! 87 Manchester Street, 03 377 7889 truegrit.co.nz, shop.truegrit.co.nz
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YOUR SPRING HEALTH RECIPE
We’re mixing the latest exercise trends with hints for a happy mind. This is all about discovering what puts a smile on your face and a burn in your booty, finding ways to free up your body so it’s not holding you back, and seeking out self-care that leaves you feeling light as a bird.
GET FLEXY Cityscape checks out where you can relax your mind and lengthen your limbs.
PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT Need an educational wellbeing boost? These new Wellness Cards from nutritional biochemist Dr Libby will get you there. Each of the cards has a health tip, either nutritional, biochemical or emotional, that will help guide your holistic health practices. Use these cards as an opportunity to pause throughout your day, for some immediate inspiration on the go, or as a guided way of focusing on an aspect of your health. drlibby.com
WIN!
Grassroots Yoga & Health Owner Veronica King, who has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years, believes yoga can be your personal sanctuary in this modern world; and that’s exactly what she’s created. Natural light filters into the airy studio, and the room’s historic exposed beams crown the space. Grassroots’ team have yoga for everyone, with specialised classes for over 65s, prenatal yoga classes, yoga restore, and Zoom yoga nidra, a deeply relaxing guided meditation practice you can enjoy from home. Grassroots Yoga also runs frequent programmes for anyone who wants to go a little deeper into
their yoga practice. In November, Veronica is running a four-week Yoga Nidra for Mental Health programme, where you’ll explore how yoga relates to topics like stress, depression, unhealthy habits and sleep. grassrootsyoga.co.nz Soul2Sole Robyn Alderson started Soul2Sole Fitness after developing a love for yoga and Pilates while she was studying with the Hagley Dance Company. She’s now practiced yoga for over 15 years, developing an accessible yoga style influenced by her contemporary dance training. Robyn’s yoga classes incorporate flexibility, core strength and technique, and focus on fluidity of movement and awareness of breath. Soul2Sole is a perfect spot for anyone who wants to ease their way into yoga; Robyn caters for yogis of all skill and experience levels, and her welcoming community will keep you coming back. soul2solefitness.net
We’re giving away a pack of Dr Libby’s Wellness Cards to help you achieve a health goal a day. To enter the draw, email info@somocreative with ‘Dr Libby Wellness Cards’ in the subject line and your favourite wellness tip. Entries close November 28.
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PHOTO: IN ESSENCE
RELAX, RECOVER, REHAB Take a load off in these great Christchurch spots for a lie-down. We tricked you; this lie-down won’t be comfy. Muscle People Physiotherapy wants you to lay back on an Oov, a new bit of kit designed by an osteopath and neuroscientist. The Oov mimics the natural curve of your spine and is made of super stiff foam, and we’ve heard it isn’t exactly relaxing. But it’ll be worth it. You’ll improve your joint movements, work your hard-totarget inner abdominal muscles, and improve your balance and stability. musclepeople.co.nz You can pick your ‘good pain’ at Kawakawa Clinic. Katrina offers remedial deep tissue massage therapy, which treats muscle tension and spasms and also reduces mental stress and improves sleep quality. For pure bliss, the Swedish relaxation massage gently eases muscle tension and winds down the mind. Her visceral manipulation massage can reduce stress and nervous fatigue in the body. kawakawaclinic.co.nz Give your brain and your body a break at In Essence. Valerie recognises that everything we feel affects our bodies and our minds. To help you recover in every way, she offers holistic treatments such as mental and emotional massage therapy, soul alignment massage therapy, and hot stones and aromatherapy to enhance the experience. in-essence.co.nz
WAYS TO FEEL MORE ENERGISED: HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL TELLS US THAT THERE ARE A BUNCH OF THINGS WE CAN DO TO RAISE OUR ENERGY LEVELS NATURALLY. HERE ARE FIVE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE:
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Lighten your load All of us are susceptible to feeling fatigued when we’re overworked – which can be caused by professional, family or social obligations. Write a list of the tasks you’ve got on and decide which ones are must-dos, and which ones aren’t as important. If your overwork is mostly professional, consider asking for extra help.
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Be smart with caffeine Hooray! Caffeine does help increase alertness, so having a cuppa joe in the morning can sharpen your mind. But be careful – for caffeine to work well, it has be consumed at the right times. Drinking coffee after 2pm can affect the quality of your sleep, so use it as a morning pickup only.
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Eat for energy Avoid overeating. Smaller, more frequent snacks and meals are better than overfeeding yourself just a few times a day. Eating low-GI foods – food whose sugars are absorbed slowly – can help provide even energy across the day. Whole grains, high-fibre vegetables, nuts and healthy oils are all wonderful options.
Stay active Exercise has two advantages: firstly, our bodies release stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine, which make us feel energised. Even a short, brisk walk at lunchtime can sharpen you up for the rest of the day. Secondly, exercising during the day almost guarantees you’ll sleep more soundly at night. Win-win.
Have fun with friends There are some great reasons to line up board game nights with your buddies or arrange a regular morning meet-up. Laughter is a proven stress-reliever and it’s been shown to boost energy. Studies also show that people who are less social generally aren’t as happy and sleep worse than people who interact with others regularly.
FEEL GOOD FOLLOWS: A DAILY DOSE OF INSTA-HAPPINESS.
@mr.pokee
@thehappynewspaper
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@happsters
YOUR SPRING HEALTH RECIPE
DR LIBBY: THE GOOD LIFE Healthy, nourished skin starts in the kitchen, and certain foods can help you get that radiant glow. The health of our skin can have a big impact on our confidence and how we show up each day—but it can also give us clues about what’s going on inside our body and what nourishment it might need. If your skin is looking tired and dull, or if you are feeling frustrated with symptoms like breakouts, redness, dry skin, or rapid ageing, this can be your body’s way of saying you need to make some changes. The choices we make each day impact the health of the skin cells that are born and nurtured below the surface, and they’ll eventually become the outer layer that we see. So, when we focus solely on topical creams, serums, lotions and potions, we miss an entire (and rather important) piece of the picture. Healthy, glowing skin really is an inside job, and nourishment matters. While it’s important to eat in a way that includes a variety of whole, real foods – particularly an abundance of plants – here are five of my favourite foods for supporting radiant skin. Avocados are rich in nourishing fats, fibre and a range of minerals
– a truly nutrient-dense skin food. They’re a great source of vitamins C and E, which play an important role in protecting your skin from damage caused by the sun and other environmental factors. Blackcurrants are rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants that help to protect against premature ageing. They’re also rich in vitamin C which is needed for collagen production, and the seeds contain a fatty acid that has antiinflammatory properties. I love these so much that I included whole, ground blackcurrants in my Bio Blends Organic Daily Greens and Radiant Reds powder. Brassica vegetables, which include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and kale, contain substances that support liver detoxification pathways and healthy sex hormone metabolism— both of which are critical for clear skin. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, but be sure to avoid overcooking in order to preserve this important nutrient. Pumpkin seeds are one of the richest plant-based sources of zinc, an essential nutrient for healthy skin, hair and nails. If your skin is prone to acne or you notice that cuts and lesions tend to heal slowly, you may benefit from increasing your intake of zinc. Wild-caught salmon is one of the main dietary sources of the anti-inflammatory long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly nourishing for the skin. Other oily fish such as sardines are also a good source. Incorporate these foods into a balanced diet full of whole foods, and you’ll know you’re giving your skin the nourishment it needs to attain a lasting, healthy glow. drlibby.com
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TURN UP THE HEAT Exercise like you love it with Ōtautahi’s best booty-shaking establishments, and get that rump toned up.
Pilates + Barre founder Noeline Boet loves Bootybarre – the fusion of Pilates, dance and yoga, set to upbeat music; think ‘Run the World (Girls)’ by Beyoncé and a super-pumped version of Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain’. pilatesplusbarre.co.nz
Newbies and experienced dancers alike meet at Brazilian Beatz to salsa the night away. Leo and Becky Neves, who run the school, offer a range of beginners’ classes, in salsa, Brazilian zouk, and bachata. brazilianbeatznz.com
At Studio Six’s private studio in Burwood long-time yogi Kyla or her heavy-lifting husband Ryan will squat you into shape with training sessions tailored to your needs. Crank things up with, boxing, cardio, group fitness and yoga. s6.co.nz
YOUR SPRING HEALTH RECIPE
Q&A: FINDING BALANCE Body Mind Spirit – HEALTH EXPO will return to Christchurch in November. Cityscape talks to its driving force, Sunyar, about what’s featured this year and how a car accident prompted his own spiritual journey. What can people expect at November's Body Mind Spirit – HEALTH EXPO? At every Body Mind Spirit – HEALTH EXPO you will see the latest A to Z range of health products and holistic services for a happier, healthier lifestyle and future. What’s new at this year’s expo? 2020 has been a stressful year with continuing uncertainty in these unusual times. We have many exhibitors who can assist and teach you how to relax, de-stress, find new direction with wellbeing, success, abundance and to tap into your full potential. Which speakers are you most looking forward to seeing? This is a tough question to answer as we have 64 free workshops on subjects from mindfulness meditation, yoga, detox for health, astrology, holistic pulsing, mediumship and so on. Can you tell us about your own spiritual journey? In my early 20s I was involved in a serious car accident and should have died on the spot. From that day onwards, I knew that something had saved my life, and I had no idea what. Eighteen months
later I was introduced to meditation, metaphysics and spirituality. I thought wow, this is interesting, and the answers started coming. What advice would you give to your younger self? That is an interesting question as I am not sure I would have listened, and now looking back I wouldn’t change anything. Everything I have done has got me to the here and now, and I am grateful for that. Life just gets better and better. What do you hope people take away from the expo? I’m hoping they will have been inspired to make positive, healthy and holistic changes in their lives – your health is your greatest asset. At the end of the day, we are responsible for our health and wellbeing as we head into the future. And how can people get the most from the expo? Open their minds and open their hearts to new holistic possibilities to enjoy life. Everything is evolving and change is definitely happening. Late 2019, I discovered the word holistic wasn’t in my 1987 Collins English
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Dictionary, so I replaced it with a new, up-to-date edition. Being an ex-publisher, I still like using my Collins English Dictionary. What are your top three tips for wellbeing? Slow down – go to the slow lane, there’s no hurry. Who needs stress? Meditation, relaxing or having ‘me time’. Drinking water and doing more exercise. Best way to relax and unwind? Taking time out, going for a walk or bike ride around Hagley Park, or walking on the beach – the ocean and the waves are very healing and calming – and at the end of the day sharing a glass of red wine and conversation with a friend. Where else in the universe can you do this? I don’t know. You’re trapped on a deserted island, what three things do you have? I would want my health, strength and energy. Is there a particular book or author that has inspired you in your life or career? I have been inspired by many books, and I was a book publisher, importer and distributor in New Zealand for 18 years when the New Age was coming of age, back in 1987. Again, a tough question for one answer. One book does stand out and I would recommend You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. It was the first book to get on the New York Times Best Seller list twice. Absolutely amazing. Best piece of advice you’ve received? To keep our mental, emotional, physical and spiritual bodies in balance – and I happily pass this on. Body Mind Spirit Health Expo, Addington Raceway & Events Centre, Sat 21/Sun 22 November. bodymindspirit.co.nz
YOUR SPRING HEALTH RECIPE
ANCIENT TEACHINGS, MODERN WORLD Veronica King, the queen of Grassroots Yoga & Health, explains just what yoga nidra is, and how this semi-sleeping state of consciousness can benefit us. Yoga nidra is a guided meditation practice designed to drop you into a deeply relaxed state. Often translated as ‘yogic sleep’, it follows the biological process of sleep and slows the brainwaves down to the alpha and theta states, and with practice, to the delta state. It’s a series of structured awareness techniques that optimise physical recovery and interrupt stressful thoughts. It’s generally practiced lying down, and anyone can do it – no prior yoga or meditation experience required. All yoga nidra asks is that you do nothing other than listen and let go of all effort – the hardest part is staying awake. There are different styles of yoga nidra, and ultimately all expressions of this practice support psychological, physical and spiritual healing. Just like a physical yoga practice, try a few different teachers and styles and find what resonates with you. You need to feel safe, warm and comfortable. Yoga nidra is easily integrated to your daily routine and can make a long-term difference to your coping strategies. There are many classes and teachers in Christchurch, and many free online resources and recordings. Veronica King is a certified facilitator of the integrative Amrit method of yoga nidra. She teaches a weekly Zoom yoga nidra practice and specialised workshops focused on yoga nidra and mental health at Grassroots Yoga & Health in The Tannery. Instagram: @theyoganidraproject YOGA
FROM HEAD TO SOLE Soul2Sole is a feel-good yoga studio with a focus on the connection between your mind and body. Health and wellbeing are paramount right now, and Soul2Sole’s friendly yoga community and lovely light space will help you move to a place of balance and harmony on your yoga journey. soul2solefitness.net MASSAGE
CYCLING
NO STRESS
Nothing feels good like biking on a sunny day with the wind in your helmet. Biketober is a month-long Christchurch festival that’ll get you amped on all things pedalpowered. There are more than 40 events going on, including group rides, workshops and film nights. There’s no better month for getting inspired to ride. biketoberchch.nz
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PHOTO: NZTA
ON YER BIKE
Kawakawa Clinic may be small, but Katrina’s 11 years of remedial massage experience will make a huge difference to your body. With expertise in treating chronic pain and injuries, Katrina can help you increase mobility and relieve stress. The studio is centrally located on a peaceful heritage street, and easy online bookings are available. kawakawaclinic.co.nz
YOUR SPRING HEALTH RECIPE
HELP! MY BORDERS HAVE BEEN BREACHED! Are allergies starting to niggle at your nose? Your gut might be fighting off its own invasion. Deirdre Panapa from DP Herbals explains. Leaky gut sounds like a pretty scary condition, but there are herbs and nutrients that can help to restore a leaky barrier in your gut, and fixing this problem might provide a long-term solution for your allergies. An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system overacts to something harmless, like pollen or dust mites. Your immune system sets off an inflammatory reaction, which sends those nasty allergic symptoms skyrocketing. We would normally then turn to antihistamines, but they’re just an expensive, temporary fix. Maintaining a healthy gut can support your immune system and may help you build tolerance to those otherwise-harmless allergic triggers, providing a lasting solution to allergic conditions. Gut inflammation can occur when your gut barrier becomes permeable or ‘leaky’. When the gut barrier is breached, food particles,
bacteria and toxins may be able to enter your bloodstream, exacerbating inflammation and triggering an immune response that worsens allergy symptoms. Certain herbs and nutrients, however, can help strengthen your gut. Glutamine is an amino acid (a small compound that combines with other amino acids to form protein) that reinforces gut barrier strength and stops contents leaking from your gut into your bloodstream. Vitamin A is essential for optimal cell growth and gut barrier maintenance. Deficiency of this nutrient prevents the regeneration of gut barrier cells.
Zinc is another essential nutrient that supports the integrity of gut barrier cells. Zinc deficiency increases the likelihood of leaky gut developing. Certain probiotics may also help in the battle against allergies by supporting your gut barrier and making you less allergic. Lactobacillus rhamnosus gg (LGG) can be taken during pregnancy to offset babies’ potential for developing allergies up to the age of two. There are also a range of nutrients and herbs that may decrease your general sensitivity to allergic triggers. Baical skullcap, shiitake mushroom, albizia and perilla as well as quercetin and bromelain could all help defend you against those allergic symptoms. There’s a strong connection between the gut and the immune system, and supporting good digestive function can address some of the underlying factors that cause your immune system to be overactive. So before you hole yourself up inside for the entire allergy season, why not try to improve your gut health to increase your tolerance to allergic triggers? You could overcome your allergies and find the freedom to leave your house without a pocketful of tissues. dph.nz
IN ESSENCE
Holistic massage | Sydenham
In Essence treats your body and soul with great reverence by providing highly-personalised care. The aromatherapists and healers offer a range of holistic treatments including mental/emotional health massage, remedial or pregnancy massage as well as Pascha counselling and AromaTouch. In Essence’s holistic approach will meet your individual needs and leave you with a sense of peace, clarity, calm, deep relaxation and perspective. 6 Elgin Street, 021 216 2708 in-essence.co.nz
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WELLBEING
PILATES + BARRE Health | Papanui
Pilates + Barre is a cosy and intimate boutique-style studio that beams with sunshine on bright days. The studio provides the comprehensive Pilates experience, with small mat and barre group classes as well as private one-onone sessions. Owner Noeline Boet is a rehabilitation specialist with a background in physiotherapy. Her clients include those recovering from musculoskeletal pathologies, and the studio caters for all fitness levels. Shop 9, 485 Papanui Road, 021 330 623 pilatesplusbarre.co.nz
MUSCLE PEOPLE PHYSIOTHERAPY
Health /Physiotherapy
Providing world-class physiotherapy with several locations around Christchurch and Canterbury, Muscle People work to relieve pain, rebuild strength and stability, and help you exceed your fitness goals. Established in 1998, the experienced team now provides professional physiotherapy to the greater Canterbury region with clinics in Bishopdale and Wigram Skies, as well as the city clinic in Hereford St. Bishopdale, Wigram Skies and Hereford Street, 03 360 3606 musclepeople.co.nz
BRAZILIAN BEATZ DANCE ACADEMY Dance | Phillipstown
Brazilian Beatz is known for its friendly atmosphere and instructors with a passion for teaching beginners who have never attended a dance class in their life. Why not switch up your workout routine and have some fun dancing? The studio offers many styles, so find one you love and join the Latin vibe. After a long day at work, head in to have fun, make friends and get yourself a healthy dose of those feel good endorphins. 407 Tuam Street brazilianbeatznz.com
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WELLBEING
STUDIO SIX PRIVATE TRAINING Fitness | Burwood
Kyla and Ryan offer personalised sessions as well as group fitness classes in their bespoke space in Burwood. The friendly trainers will make you feel part of the Studio Six family, personalising workouts to your needs, goals, and any injuries you might have. Experienced yoga instructor Kyla also runs ‘fitness inspired’ yoga sessions, producing the ultimate feel-good burn. 32 Burwood Road, 027 697 1683 s6.co.nz
GRASSROOTS YOGA & HEALTH Yoga | Woolston
At Grassroots Yoga & Health, experienced teachers take you on a journey to be the best version of yourself through yoga, mindfulness and guided meditation. The beautiful light-filled Tannery building is where specialised classes from beginners to seniors run seven days a week with free and convenient parking onsite. Try Grassroots Yoga’s introductory offer for $29. Tha Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, 03 260 0237 grassrootsyoga.co.nz
DP HERBALS
Wellbeing | Sydenham
Helmed by registered nurse turned clinical herbalist Deirdre Panapa, DP Herbals can help you to balance your health needs and feel better than ever. DP Herbals offers a unique test called Hemaview, a live blood analysis requiring only a finger-prick to gain immediate information on your health. Deirdre uses plantbased medicine, therapeutic supplementation, diet and lifestyle to design a treatment that is specific to the individual. 456 Colombo Street, 021 355 592 dph.nz
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Home & Lifestyle Work by Christchurch interior designer Ben Lewis for TRENZSEATER has been shortlisted for two SBID International Interior Design Awards in London. trenzseater.com
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
‘With the transparency of auction bidding and competition between buyers, excellent sales are coming through.’
MARY’S TOP TIPS FOR THE SPRING MARKET
MARY TURNBULL
HOT PROPERTY
With more than enough buyers to go around and excellent results for sellers across the board, it’s a good time to be listing.
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he Christchurch property market never got to the over-inflated point of some other cities, and as a result we’re not seeing a big correction. House sales are moving along very well. In fact, with people returning from overseas and very low interest rates, people perceive that it’s a great time to buy, particularly in Christchurch. Locals aren’t spending money on travel and are looking to invest and get settled down. Buyers are looking for some certainty in uncertain times – with time to spare, it’s an excellent year to find a house to call your own and settle in for some renovations and handymanning. I’m seeing big attendance at auctions, and with the transparency of auction bidding and competition between buyers, excellent sales are coming through. And that’s across the
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board, including at the low end of the market. I’m very focused on auctions right now. For the buyer, it’s an open process where you can see what everyone else is bidding. And for the seller, it’s the platform to achieve the best prices in the current market. And auctions are cash unconditional, so if the hammer goes down, it’s sold. As we come into spring I’m expecting listing numbers to go up. Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for good reason: your house looks good in the sun, the flowers are out and the birds are chirping. Having more stock gives buyers more choice. While there are certainly enough buyers to go around, my advice is that with the current great results, the sooner you get on to listing your home for sale, the better. maryturnbull.harcourts.co.nz CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
Presentation is critical when looking for the best price. Keep these tips in mind when presenting your home. Declutter, but don’t depersonalise. Embrace the spring market by arranging seasonal blooms in decorative vases. Clean windows make rooms look more inviting, brighter and help highlight fresh paint, hardwood floors and other characteristics. Keep lawns mowed, paths edged, hedges trimmed and gardens weeded. Maximise indooroutdoor flow. Open doors, unblock doorways, make your outdoor space inviting.
PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN
Flooring Frontier’s Dani Tia lays down some knowledge on the latest carpet, vinyl and interior design trends. COLOURS Carpet colours have come a long way from the 1990s vintage Axminster and blue carpets. In carpet and vinyl, we are seeing a lot of light earthy tones, warm and cool greys, and natural oak tones. For a long time white walls and contrasting dark grey carpet were a big go-to, but we are seeing less of this style. CARPET Solution-dyed nylon carpet is one of the most popular products around because it’s durable, comfortable, and great for any budget. It is the carpet we recommend for families with children or pets, renovation projects, new builds or simple upgrades. The pricier natural wool carpet in the medium and large loop pile is also trending. We see this in a lot of new builds and older bungalows and villas. The large loop has a beautiful texture and it’s soft underfoot. There is a great range of modern colours – Cavalier Bremworth loop pile carpet in Quartz is a favourite of ours. VINYL Sheet vinyl and vinyl planks are a fast and cost-effective way to increase the value of any renovation project in kitchens, bathrooms, laundries or any open space. Our favourite vinyl plank this season is Godfrey Hirst Vega DS in Grey Mist – we’ve even got it on the floors in our office space! We have a lot of different tones of timber furniture pieces, so the Grey Mist vinyl planks act as a neutral grey base and complement the wall colour, existing dark beams and red brick. flooringfrontier.com
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C
BLOOM WITH A VIEW
Paul Roper-Gee of Canopy Landscape Architects plants some tips on how to make the most of space in a hillside garden with considered retaining, platforms and planting.
STRIKING CONTRAST BETWEEN NATURAL PLANTINGS AND DECKING.
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hristchurch’s volcanic past has created our hill suburbs with varied topography and aspect, making for unique and individual gardens. The dramatic views to the Southern Alps, estuary and seascape together with nearer views of the Port Hills are a key feature of Christchurch hillside gardens. Creating successful gardens on these slopes comes with design opportunities and challenges. One trade-off is the strong winds. To resolve this, consider where your key views are and make them open, while creating sheltered and intimate spaces in other parts of your garden. Use plants for wind shelter, because solid walls do strange things with wind funnels. One approach to gardens on a slope is to work with the hill. Think meandering paths and steps across the slope. This approach works well with creative planting to provide an immersive garden experience. Another approach is to create flat space through terracing or decking. For terracing, try planning for several low walls with level terraces between instead of one big retaining wall. This way you can create individual garden ‘rooms’. A comfy outdoor entertainment area in the right position provides a great place to sit and survey the rest of your garden. Decking can create flat space that floats above a slope, and a multi-level deck can add valuable outdoor living space. The contrast between natural plantings and decking is always striking. Most Christchurch hillsides are formed from loess soils over volcanic bedrock. The loess can be boggy in winter, and then bake rock hard in summer. Plan drainage carefully and add organic material into the soil to improve the growing conditions for planting. Bedrock can be just below the surface or metres deep, and can vary considerably across one property. The depth of bedrock can determine the most suitable construction methods for the site – for example whether you use timber piles or concrete foundations for retaining walls. Be conscious of council planning requirements – there are limits on the amount of earthworks you can do before you’ll need a resource consent. When building a new house, try to factor garden earthworks into the consent application for the house. canopy.co.nz
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A GOOD TIME TO THINK ABOUT DESIGN
Anna Dick from Anna Margaret Interiors reveals the little things – and the big things – that can trigger a home revolution.
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t all started with steam. A client called in an extraction expert because she was sick of stepping into the bath to open a window when her bathroom steamed up. Once she started to look around, the operation turned into a full bathroom remodel and modernisation. I often find the transformation begins with a niggly problem – the oven breaks down, the fridge isn’t big enough, the kids have moved out, the beige walls are too much, there isn’t enough seating. In this case the problem wasn’t a big one, but the solution changed my client’s environment, functionally and aesthetically. Good design creates positive change, giving people a renewed love for their homes. There’s psychology embedded in change, and transformation can provide fulfilment, satisfaction, and control. Interior design is made up of two parts: the structure of a space; and the products that go into the space. The structure includes the architecture (walls, doors and windows); the layout of kitchens, bathrooms and laundries; and how people move around in the spaces. Products are the colours, textures, materials and even lighting that make the spaces home for you. Interior design can mean bringing about change with a product or two, remodelling and renovating an entire kitchen or bathroom, or working alongside your architect or architectural designer and builder to create a brand new home. For any number of property choices, the
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ANNA’S SPRING DESIGN TIPS Brighten and simplify by bringing more natureinspired colours, patterns and textures into your homes. Freshen a room instantly by wallpapering two walls for a feature with depth. Muted joinery colours paired with warm-coloured benchtops create interesting and beautiful kitchens. Brushed tapware and handles are like jewellery for the kitchen. Change the grout colour on bathroom tiles from mid to dark to give the space a pattern and impact. Outdoor cushions, rugs, and fun colourful chairs instantly feel joyful and can be elevated with tree lights and plenty of table candles.
journey of design and discovery should be shared with the people you trust, who will help interpret your desires. The best time to engage in a conversation with an interior designer is right at the start of your project. For my client with the steamy bathroom, having the conversation with a designer at the outset meant creating a space everyone could enjoy. Creating a trusted team at the beginning of a project is paramount for cohesive and smooth design. annamargaret.co.nz
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RESENE TIDE
RESENE TUSSOCK RESENE NEPAL
THROW A CURVE After years of boxy
RESENE AMERICANO
edges and clean lines, the interior design world is once again embracing curves. And nothing celebrates the curve better than an amazing arch. From mirrors and ceilings to entryways and fireplaces, the arch design trend is in full swing. A shape that has stood the test of time, arches continue to be a classic design element that can take a mundane space and transform it into something marvellous. They can be funky, sophisticated, understated or dramatic. If you don’t have any arches built into your home, an afternoon and a tin of your favourite Resene paint colour might be all you need to transform your space. Cut an arched headboard out of a large piece of plywood and paint it in a gorgeous earthy tone like Resene Tussock and play it up with layers of luscious clay-coloured bed linen. RESENE BLANK CANVAS resene.co.nz RESENE SMOOTH OPERATOR
RESENE TRIPLE MERINO
PHOTO: MELANIE JENKINS
PREMIUM APPLIANCES
SHOW AND TELL New Zealand-owned premium home appliance retailer Kouzina Appliances has opened a beautiful new Christchurch showroom in Victoria Street. Established in 2004 with stores in Auckland and Queenstown, the company launched the new Christchurch premises this year. It’s an inspirational space for residential and commercial projects, where the knowledgeable staff collaborate with you to bring your vision to life. With an extensive range of top international brands, Kouzina can help create a stunning, modern look. kouzina.co.nz
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
FLORIST
GIFT BOXES
PERFECT POSIES
LIFTING THE LID
Delight with Court Florist’s brilliant bouquets. Blooming since 1937, they’re an iconic Christchurch brand and one of the city’s foremost florists. Be enthralled by the beauty of stunning fresh flowers, creatively arranged by the talented team. For every day or special occasions, for yourself or someone else, Court Florist brings you inspiration in spades. Pop into the beautiful inner-city store on Victoria Street today or simply order online. courtflorist.co.nz
Barrelli is a Christchurch-owned and operated business presenting an elegant and contemporary twist on a timeless classic – luxury roses and gift boxes beautifully packaged and delivered in Barrelli’s signature boxes. Showcasing an appreciation for thoughtful gift giving, Barrelli has a range of collections covering all special and corporate occasions, or you can customise your own gift box. Barrelli ships nationwide and the full range can be browsed online. barrelli.co.nz
Give
Give the gift of a book. Doesn’t matter if it’s a special occasion or a regular day, it’s always a good time to give someone a handheld adventure. See page 53 for some top city bookshops and reading ideas. GIFTS
GIFTS
EMPORIUM OF DELIGHTS
THE GIFT OF GIVING
Inspired by the vintage markets of Europe, Cosi Fan Tutte’s extensive range of clothing, homewares, gifts, and jewellery is personally sourced locally and internationally and selected for its uniqueness, natural beauty, and Old World charm. You’ll be surrounded by gorgeous wares, delicious scents and beautiful sounds. cosifantutte.co.nz
One of the most special things about life is there are so many reasons to thank people and to celebrate milestones. Crowe & Co’s purpose is to spread happiness, surprise and delight through the art of giving. With a range of luxury gift boxes to suit all occasions, it’s easy to let colleagues, friends and whānau know you care. croweandco.co.nz
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
ANNA MARGARET INTERIORS Interior design
Imagine how you’ll feel in a home that cleverly blends your personality, travels and lifestyle with timeless, elegant interior design. Specialising in kitchen, bathroom, and whole house interior design, Anna weaves a cohesive aesthetic ensuring your experience throughout the journey is extraordinary. Learn how to save time and energy for a fun and successful project with Anna Margaret Interiors. 027 672 3364 annamargaret.co.nz
FLOORING FRONTIER Flooring/Home | Woolston
Flooring Frontier is a family-owned business that provides excellent flooring services to residential and commercial properties. Owners Tyson and Dani Tia and their amazing team at Flooring Frontier welcome you to their relaxed home-styled office, located on the boardwalk at the beautiful Tannery. Open Monday to Friday and by appointment. Flooring Frontier’s spring/summer gift basket promotion is on now. For more information visit the website. The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road, 03 925 8772 flooringfrontier.com FB/Instagram @flooringfrontier
FROGMORE
Gifts | Merivale
Step into Frogmore and prepare for a visual feast. You will be spoilt for choice with a range of gorgeous pieces, from homeware and décor to a special gift for a friend. Beautiful clothing includes labels such as Italian Closet, Imagine, and Helga May, all from Italy. The store also carries a large selection of jewellery and scarves, as well as new handbags and overnight bags from Vera May. Gift vouchers and gift wrapping available. 176a Papanui Rd, 03 356 1997 frogmore.co.nz
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HOME & LIFESTYLE
UNIVERSITY BOOKSHOP Bookshop | Ilam
UBS Canterbury is your independent community bookshop. It caters for all ages and interests, with an extensive children’s section and a diverse range for adults, from the latest fiction to tomes on politics or history. New Zealand titles are strongly represented and you can find unique gifts as well as cards. The special order service will track down those hard-to-get books, and UBS’ experienced staff are always ready to offer suggestions. University Drive, 03 364 2043 ubscan.co.nz
BESPOKED CYCLES Bikes
Switch from four wheels to two with one of Bespoked Cycles’ sleek custom-built bikes. Starting with one of four different framesets, Bespoked Cycles rocks a huge number of build combos including unlimited colour options. You can design your bike from scratch with high-quality components to fit your style, adding flip-flop hubs so you can switch between fixed and freewheeling, or take your pick from the range of primo prebuilt bikes. 021 0295 1714 bespokedcycles.co.nz
MOFFATT’S FLOWER CO. Florist | Halswell
Moffatt’s is proud to be New Zealand’s leading family-run flower business for 70 years. Backed by an amazing, talented and friendly team, Moffatt’s stocks an extensive range of fresh flowers, indoor house plants, selected gift items and cards. Moffatt’s is committed to ensuring that all your floral requirements are met, whatever occasion arises. Pop into the boutique retail store, visit the website for easy online shopping or give the lovely team a call or email. 1 Candys Road, 03 322 7975 moffatts.co.nz
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Watching
Nick Paris from Lumière reviews some of the best from the current crop of cinema releases.
IT MUST BE HEAVEN Elia Suleiman’s It Must Be Heaven is both a comedic and melancholy contemplation of his place in the world and the Palestinian identity. The film stars its director as himself, never speaking a word as he observes the everyday oddities around him, every place he goes inevitably carrying some reminder of home. With unease and lightheartedness going hand-in-hand, this is a silent film full of comedy, absurdity and depth of thought about the state of the world.
RAMS
END OF THE CENTURY Ocho (Juan Barberini), an Argentine poet on holiday in Barcelona, spots Javi (Ramón Pujol) from his apartment balcony, sparking fantasies of holiday romance. After a passionate hook up, it transpires they have met before, and what seemed like a one-time encounter becomes an epic, decades-spanning relationship. This rulebreaking love story bends perception of time and explores deep human connection.
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In this rural Australian comedy-drama, feuding brothers Colin (Sam Neill) and Les (Michael Caton) are raising separate flocks of sheep descended from a breed passed down through their family for generations. When Les’s prize ram is diagnosed with a rare and lethal illness, authorities order a purge of every sheep in the valley. Hot-headed Les opts for angry defiance, while introverted Colin takes the subtler approach: hiding all the sheep he can fit in his farmhouse.
CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ Spring 20
ENTERTAIN ME
Reading
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A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW, AMOR TOWLES In 1922, Count
THE GIRL FROM REVOLUTION ROAD, GHAZALEH GOLBAKHSH
THE ART OF SIMPLE, ELEANOR OZICH With practical
Alexander Rostov faces a Bolshevik tribunal, which deems him an unrepentant aristocrat and sentences him to house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel. Meanwhile, some of the most tumultuous decades in Russian history unfold beyond the hotel’s doors. Told with indomitable humour and sophistication, this is an all-too relevant read in the year of quarantine.
This collection of essays is a powerful perspective on double identity from a first-generation Iranian in New Zealand. Some stories will have you laughing, such as tales of dating in the time of Corona, while others – including from Ghazaleh’s childhood in Iran – are more sombre, but all reflect an important viewpoint on homeland, ethnicity and belonging.
ideas for decluttering, making your own natural beauty products and household cleaners, and a few recipes for nourishing meals, this is a book for anyone looking to simplify life. Eleanor leads by example after deciding to bring her busy life down a notch. Pick up a copy, settle in a sunny spot and enjoy some quality tips on how to pare life back and cherish the simple pleasures.
BINGEWATCHING
What we’re hoovering up on the small screen.
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01 THE BOYS — We know superheroes to be the good guys: self-sacrificing, honourable, and, well, heroic. But who would step in if they started going rogue? Kiwi stars Karl Urban and Antony Starr play a ruthless vigilante and a superpowered psycho in this irreverent take on superheroes using their powers to serve themselves. Watch on Amazon Prime Video. 02 AWAY — “I have a husband who is critical, a daughter who thinks I abandoned her and a crew who think I tried to kill them.” Hilary Swank plays the commander of the first crewed mission to Mars in this odyssey of a series about hope, humanity and needing each other. Watch on Netflix. 03 THE MORNING SHOW — We binged this newsroom drama way too quickly, but good news is on the horizon: Season 2 drops in November. The Morning Show explores power dynamics between women and men in the high-pressure environment of morning news, headed by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston. Watch on Apple TV+
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ENTERTAIN ME PLAY LIST
The killer tracks on high rotation in the Cityscape office.
L.A.B. ‘In the Air’ L.A.B. III
Listening SPLIT ENZ – TRUE COLOURS (40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION)
folklore takes a left turn from Taylor’s usual style. With thoughtful storytelling perspectives and acoustic, folksy arrangements, this is a creative, heartfelt record that avid Swifties and the uninitiated have been snapping up.
Kiwi music icons Split Enz’s most successful album ever is turning 40 this year, and to celebrate this spring chicken, the group are releasing an expanded new mix on CD and four special edition coloured vinyls. Keyboardist Eddie Rayner remixed the original stereo masters to create a bigger, better auditory experience. The music is still well-loved around New Zealand, with the album once again finding itself at the top of the charts after its re-release.
THE CURE ‘The Love Cats’ Japanese Whispers
THE WEEKND ‘Blinding Lights’ After Hours
GORILLAZ – SONG MACHINE, SEASON ONE: STRANGE TIMEZ
Gorillaz were doing the virtual thing long before it became our way of life. Song Machine is an audiovisual music ‘series’ project of singles and music videos across genres from punk rock to electronic, with surprise guests on every ‘episode’. It taps into social media buzz with little to no notice before each episode is dropped, requiring fans to subscribe to catch each new release, or hear about it through word of mouth.
TAYLOR SWIFT – FOLKLORE
A surprise album written and recorded during quarantine and released less than 24 hours after it was announced,
LUCID 3 ‘West’ All Moments Leading to This
CARAVAN PALACE ‘Lone Digger’ <|°_°|>
PODCASTS RABBIT HOLE A dive into the internet itself. What is online life doing to us? How is it changing us? The New York Times tech columnist Kevin Roose talks internet communities, conspiracies and celebrities, delving into the subtle ways online systems affect us and our behaviour.
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DESIGN MATTERS Graphic designer, author and educator Debbie Millman talks to a wide range of incredibly creative people, from actors to writers, chefs to musicians, about their projects, inspiration, failures and triumphs, creative culture, and the artistic expression everywhere in your life.
‘I do get more nervous at home, especially when my husband is in the audience – as he’s my teacher and coach and he’s tough!’
BEHIND THE VOICE
Christchurch soprano Amanda Atlas sung her way around the world before settling back in New Zealand. She tells Cityscape about her upcoming performance of NZ Opera’s The Human Voice in her home town.
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here has been your favourite city to perform? Definitely New York. I travelled there to work as an apprentice artist not long after I finished my Masters in New Zealand, and the thrill of being in such a huge city, surrounded by incredible artists, with the opportunity to see some of the greatest singers in the world was just so stimulating and exciting. What’s been a highlight of your career? Definitely entering from the rafters in the enormous Arts Centre Melbourne State Theatre, dangling on a swing, while the thundering Opera Australia orchestra played ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ when I performed Siegrune with OA in their 2016 Ring Cycle. Terrifying and utterly exhilarating. What’s it like performing for a home audience? Actually, nothing is better. I’ve been lucky enough to sing on three continents, but singing in a city or country where you don’t really know anyone doesn’t hold a candle to singing to an audience where there are people who have known and supported me since I was young. To be honest I do get more
nervous at home, especially when my husband is in the audience – as he’s my teacher and coach and he’s tough! But that adds to the excitement. What’s exciting about The Human Voice? The exciting challenge in The Human Voice is that it’s a one-woman opera. There are no other characters on stage with me. It is a one-sided monologue – a woman on the telephone with her ex-lover. However, the pianist really acts as a duet partner rather than simply an accompaniment. The ‘orchestra’ represents Elle’s ex, and his replies to her, but it also represents the telephone, her emotions, her ever-changing situation as she grapples with both her reactions to the unseen man on the telephone and her decisions as to what she is going to do. It’s an incredible challenge, but such a rewarding one. You’ve performed this opera before overseas. What’s being done differently in the NZ Opera production? I last sang this opera in Nashville, USA, in a large 1200-seat theatre with a full orchestra. This NZO production has been stripped right down to the bare essentials: a woman, a piano, and a hotel room. The audience will be right up close and personal – no remove of a well-lit stage or an entire orchestra between us. What’s one thing people probably don’t know about opera? You can wear jeans to the opera if you want to! Opera can seem inaccessible. The fancy clothes, the foreign language, the stereotypical ‘fat’
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lady singing in breastplate and horns. But the reality is completely different. What’s your fondest memory of Christchurch? I loved going to the Botanic Gardens with my grandparents and feeding the ducks on the Avon. Doesn’t get much more Christchurch than that! Though now I take veggies when I feed the ducks with my daughter – no more white bread. Tell us about your first public performance: My dad was an Anglican vicar, and I grew up singing at church – such great training! Every year the Christmas Eve midnight service started with a soloist singing the first verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, and I remember doing that when I must have been about seven. If you could invite any three people living or dead to a dinner party, who would they be? I would invite Jessye Norman, my favourite soprano, for her genius and warmth. Meryl Streep as she’s been my favourite actress since I went to see The French Lieutenant’s Woman when I was way too young as it was the only movie on in Invercargill that day. And John Oliver as he never fails to make me laugh amid all the insanity that is American politics. The Human Voice The George, 17, 18, 20, 21 October nzopera.com
Read our full Q&A with Amanda at cityscape.co.nz
