Avenues, February 2022

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

THE INNOVATORS SUMMER IN GOD’S OWN | TAKING TO THE SKIES ISSUE 199 | FEBRUARY / HUI-TANGURU 2022

Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Day Discover the opportunities available for your daughter at St Margaret’s College.

Meet teachers, current students, explore our campus and see classes in action.

Monday 7 March 10:30am – 1pm stmargarets.school.nz/openday/

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THREE CELESTIAL BALLETS

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Three extraordinary works, by inspiring and internationally renowned choreographers, capture the spirit and power of Venus Rising – brightest of stars.

A LIC E TOPP Aurum An award-winning work by Royal New Zealand Ballet alumna Alice Topp glows with inner light and profound peace.

SA RAH FOSTER -SPROULL The Autumn Ball Sarah Foster-Sproull’s The Autumn Ball, commissioned for the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2021, dances through the circle of life with tenderness, grace and floor-filling fun.

TW Y LA THAR P Waterbaby BagatellesTM Global dance legend Twyla Tharp brings this showcase of top-flight international dance to a climax with the New Zealand premiere of her Waterbaby Bagatelles. 27 dancers are sent spinning across the stage, sparkling in an ever-changing ocean of light.

I S A A C T H E AT R E R O YA L 04-05 MAR

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Positively positive

I

’m heading into 2022 with a fresh approach. How about you?

Who really wants to sully this new year with negative vibes? On how the pandemic has dragged on, or that the summer is too much / too cold / too late? Is the current political landscape not to your liking? Maybe you’re holding on to residual Christmas family drama?

Well, I say wholeheartedly to you all, dear readers – drop it!

Here are a few things to celebrate instead, thanks to the team at @positive.news.

A recent report revealed that, for the first time, renewables generated more electricity than fossil fuels in Europe for the whole of 2020 – a sign of how quickly wind and solar are scaling up. Records also tumbled in the UK, which recorded its “greenest day ever” in April 2021. Researchers discovered that bacteria living inside a cow’s gut could break down several types of plastic.

A clinical trial of talking therapy and psilocybin (that’s the psychoactive ingredient found in magic mushrooms) to treat depression reduced depressive symptoms in participants.

Australia finally pledged to pay reparations to Indigenous Australians forcibly removed from their parents as children. These children, known as The Stolen Generation, were taken from their families between 1900 and 1970.

Female politicians were chosen to lead Estonia, Honduras, Samoa, Sweden, Tanzania, and Tunisia for the first time in 2021.

This issue of Avenues is themed ‘Innovation’. We have a few key stories for you, all with an Antipodean angle. Future-forward people, events, and concepts will be enough to keep you positively positive.

Onwards and upwards! I trust 2022 will be full of promise for you.

Yours,

Joshua Brosnahan Editor

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14 APRIL – 1 MAY 2022 STEPHEN ROBERTSON

ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL

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DIRECTED BY

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MUSICAL DIRECTION BY

RICHARD MARRETT

Kea Atmos takes to the skies. Render from Kea Aerospace.

avenues.

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

THE TEAM Publisher Editor Art Director Accounts & Admin Sub-editor Advertising

Lisa Phelan Joshua Brosnahan Lucy Arnold Hilary Armstrong Liam Stretch Shelley Eccleton

lisa@27publishers.co.nz joshua@27publishers.co.nz lucy@27publishers.co.nz accounts@27publishers.co.nz liam@27publishers.co.nz shelley@27publishers.co.nz

PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Richard Dalman, Greg Stubbings, Lynette McFadden, Charlie Rose Jackson, Shelley Sweeney, Wendy Riley, Dr Reuben Woods, Courtney Reid, Jax Hamilton, Jen McBride, Nik Mavromatis, Ali Jones

CONTACT US hello@27publishers.co.nz Facebook.com/avenuesmagazine Instagram.com/avenuesmagazine Avenues.net.nz Produced by Twenty Seven Publishers Limited PO Box 36753, Merivale, Christchurch, 8146

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Avenues is published 11 times a year, and is a registered trademark. While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. Avenues asserts copyright on all material published within, and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher. Avenues reserves the right to edit or abridge all letters or other material, whether solicited or otherwise, prior to publication.

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THE A LIST: YOUR WINNERS

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THE INNOVATORS

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ŌTAUTAHI INNOVATIONS

46

THE CAPTIVATING CATLINS

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SUMMER IN GOD’S OWN

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CHIT CHAT

41

HOME

12

CULTURE CLUB

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DESTINATION

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HERITAGE

53

PALATE

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WATCH THIS SPACE

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CLINK!

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COUTURE

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ALL ABOARD

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LOVE LOCAL

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SUNDAY DRIVE

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YEAH NAH

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HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

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BY DESIGN

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EXCLUSIVE TO BALLANTYNES

City Mall, Christchurch OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9am–5.30pm SATURDAY 9am–5pm SUNDAY & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 10am–5pm PHONE (03) 379 7400 Shop online now at ballantynes.co.nz

CHIT CHAT

LONDO Papanui’s latest food offering is Londo.

Nestled in Carlton Courts, Londo has a focus on good wine paired with exceptional food.

Chef Robert Fairs (known for Roots, Alfred) is at the helm, so expect refined flavour and local ingredients. It’s already a popular spot, so bookings trump walk-ins. @londo.bar

THE FUTURE OF FOOD

PAPER OR PLASTIC? Plastic who, you say? With the recent resurgence of paper bags pushing the notion of plastic into the dark ages where it belongs, one Instagram account is archiving vintage paper bags in an almost victorious display of celebration. A digital museum of sorts, this page has a focus on English and American bags dating as far back as the 1960s, with specimens ranging from the ordinary through to those worthy of framing. It is a trip down memory lane, and if you are anything like the Avenues team, The Paper Bag Archive will slowly but surely capture more of your screen time.

Give them a follow now while they’re still a fresh account. They may even accept submissions – any DEKA bags out there? @paper_bag_archive

If you’re not already on the plant-based train, here’s your official ‘toot toot’ to get on board. It’s no secret that the spotlight is shining bright on the consumption of meat in our society, and the effects this has on us – both environmentally and physically.

Enter Grater Goods, a Sydenham-based eatery heralding a new era in vegan food.

Take their Beet Wellington – a beetrootstained seitan (the main protein in gluten) wrapped in a dairy-free pie pastry, with a wine-soaked mushroom duxelles. Looks and tastes as good as the real thing! At a decent 1.2kg, this will easily feed up to seven people. gratergoods.co.nz

THE SHAPE OF SOUND Cased in a Tivoli Audio furniture grade wood cabinet and finished with a Gabriel fabric grill, Tivoli’s Cube Bluetooth speaker offers a unique mix of style and sound in a compact and considered package. It offers cable free and high-quality audio that can be played across a single unit or a stereo pair. ballantynes.co.nz

CHIT CHAT

PLASTIC-FREE PICNIC The ultimate stylish picnic set for the perfect plastic-free picnic! Complete with a stylish cooler bag, stainless steel bento box set, two sets of rollaway bamboo cutlery, an insulated tumbler set, and a lightweight cheese board.

Every purchase of this picnic set cleans up five square metres of ocean. pellibags.com.au

OUTDOOR ZEN Tobi-Ishi Outdoor is the outdoor version of Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby’s iconic round dining table. Clearly inspired by Zen, the design duo are Japanese art and culture enthusiasts. The name and inspiration come from the smooth stones (tobi-ishi) used as ornaments in traditional Zen gardens.

The overhang of the table and the vertical trapezoidal bases set at right angles generate an essential sculptural figure that appears to change shape depending on the point of observation. Tobi-Ishi Outdoor is made of cement, and comes in two colour variants, grey and anthracite. We can see this taking pride of place in many a Canterbury backyard. matisse.co.nz

CAT EYES Famed for his use of colour and print, Dries van Noten’s collaboration with luxury eyewear brand Linda Farrow is an extension of his fashion line and design ethos. This collection is full of high polish acetate frames, feminine cat-eye shapes, and rich jewel tone prints.

Have some fun this summer with your shades! lindafarrow.com

COFFEE, BUT COOLER If every coffee machine at a certain price point looked the same and made the same quality coffee, how would you choose which one to buy? AnZa was born from this world of espresso, dominated by nearly identical stainless steel machines. AnZa’s aesthetic is refreshingly simple, and the alternative espresso machines are made of alluring, unorthodox materials like concrete, brass, and wood. This mechanical tool could be considered a coveted object of beauty, with the appliance fitting seamlessly into the home like sculpture or a piece of furniture. Don’t fret; AnZa ships worldwide! anzacoffee.com

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C ATA R AC T S U R G E RY

CULTURE CLUB

A YEAR OF CULTURE

Liam Stretch Culture Editor

I

can remember the first ‘proper’ stage show I went to. It was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats by our very own Showbiz at the Isaac Theatre Royal. It was there that a brewing love for the arts overflowed, and they became a central part of my life. Following the past two years of cancellations and postponements, I was happy to see culture get a boost over this past summer. The Court Theatre has had an excellent season of Little Shop of Horrors – also one of the first musicals I saw all those years ago – and 2022 is set to be a year when our artists take back to the boards and strut their stuff. This can even be said for some of the Avenues family with our columnist Chris Parker on the comedy circuit next month. Let’s make 2022 a year of culture.

In this month’s review section, I share my thoughts on a top-class film by a talented Kiwi, a delectable book, and a television show you’re sure to love.

A DOGGED TALE

FAMILY STONE

I was lucky enough to attend the New Zealand premiere of Jane Campion’s latest film, The Power of the Dog. This cerebral film takes place in 1920s Montana (filmed in Central Otago) and centres around a domineering rancher and his intimidation of his brother’s wife and her son – and a secret. I was captivated throughout thanks to Campion’s excellent grasp on storytelling, and the episodic structure really made the slow burner flow perfectly. It’s dramatic, gritty, and strangely enthralling.

If you are a Hollywood producer reading this, close the magazine now. I’m about to write something mildly controversial.

The British just do it better, especially when it comes to dark humour. The Acorn Original Queens of Mystery is well worth a watch. The series follows the adventures of the three crime writing Stone sisters and their niece. After an excellent first season, the second has just been released.

It’s charming, mysterious, and deadpan.

Agatha Christie would be a fan.

EATING STANLEY TUCCI Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci is a refreshingly enjoyable read. This memoir/recipe book/play (in parts) centres around the awardwinning actor’s long love of food. I promise you’ll be drawn in at the introduction, and he had me hooked at the first recipe, a negroni. It’s not only a one-time escape into Tucci’s gastronomic world but also a book you will return to time and time again, probably with your stomach rumbling.

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ALISON QUIGAN AND ROSS GUMBLEY Directed by

KATHLEEN BURNS

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CULTURE CLUB

FUR, FANGS AND FEATHERS Meet animals from all over the world in Fur, Fangs and Feathers at Canterbury Museum. A stampede of stuffed specimens has escaped the Museum storerooms, including big plant-eaters like a muskox and a zebra and terrifying carnivores like lions and polar bears. There’s an adorable agouti and a vicious vulture; agile antelope, mischievous monkeys; a badger, a beaver, a baboon, a bison, and dozens more animals. Learn about where these creatures live, what they eat, and the conservation issues they face. Join the herd and migrate to Fur, Fangs and Feathers at Canterbury Museum this summer.

Until 27 March 2022, Canterbury Museum canterburymuseum.com

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LEXUS URBAN POLO

NOSTALGIA

SYNTHONY

In the heart of the city, The Lexus Urban Polo is the closest you can get to the exhilarating sport of polo. Held in Hagley Park, it’s set to be an unforgettable day of sport, music, fashion, and food. Aside from watching the fast-paced polo, you can try it for yourself with the side-line hitting game or even meet the players. There will also be DJs and excellent food and drink.

Aotearoa’s most unique festival is back for another year. Nostalgia, nestled in the Ferrymead Heritage Park in the Heathcote Valley, will play host to Don McGlashan and The Others, Reb Fountain, and Troy Kingi, among other top-rate local artists. The festival also boasts an extensive range of market stalls and the best local food and drink, plus it is family-friendly. Did we mention Cassels beer?

Favourites of the Avenues team, Synthony, will return in epic fashion to the Garden City. The talented folks from Synthony will take to the city’s biggest festival stage at Electric Avenue in Hagley Park. The Synthony Orchestra, vocalists, guest musicians, and DJs will play anthems in a whole new way. This is the perfect way to spend summer in the city, and trust us; you’ll be sure to boogie at this one.

12 February, Hagley Park North urbanpolo.co.nz

12 February, Ferrymead Heritage Park nostalgiafestival.co.nz

26 February, Hagley Park North electricavenuefestival.co.nz

CULTURE CLUB

GIRLS ON THE ROAD AGAIN

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mazing destinations, delicious food, fine wine, and great conversation are all the hallmarks of an ultimate girls’ trip.

Girls on the Road Again, founded by awardwinning photographer Lesley Whyte, brings together groups of women with wanderlust for local and international luxury travel.

Lesley personally leads Girls on the Road Again tours alongside incredible Kiwi women like Louise Wallace, Jax Hamilton, Jo McCarroll, Jess Bell, Hannah Miller, and Jackie Clarke. There is something for every woman.

Shopping expeditions, foodie tours, and gardening tours combine with amazing food, adventure, and exploration.

It is also a perfect opportunity for budding photographers (cameras and smartphones), as Lesley will spend time with you on creating amazing imagery. Previous girls have said this was an extraordinary and surreal experience.

“My Girls on the Road tour was a fabulous trip; unlike anything I’d done before.

Everything was organised, and all that was left to do was relax and enjoy the carefully selected itinerary. [There’s] beautiful scenery for photography and patient tutoring. I came home with some more skills and knowledge, new friends that I have remained in contact with, and lovely memories.”

girlsontheroadagain.com

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CULTURE CLUB

UPLIFTING BALLET

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he Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Venus the circle of life with tenderness, grace, and Rising – a spectacular programme floor-filling fun. Dunedin-born Foster-Sproull, of three ballets – will touch down in a senior lecturer in dance at the University of Ōtautahi on 4 March, beginning a wonderful Auckland, worked with ten dancers to create year of dance around Aotearoa. the ballet, celebrating the energy and human After a long pandemic shutdown, we connections of a long life, well-lived. certainly need something to lift our spirits The final ballet of Venus Rising is and remind us of the beauty of life, and the choreographed by global dance legend new programme from the Royal New Zealand Twyla Tharp. The New York-based dancer, Ballet certainly fits the bill. From inspiring and choreographer, and author brings this showcase internationally celebrated choreographers, of top-flight international dance to a climax with the three extraordinary works capture the the New Zealand premiere of her exhilarating spirit and power of Venus Rising – brightest of Waterbaby Bagatelles. 27 dancers are sent stars, herald of the dusk and the dawn. spinning across the stage while they sparkle in Aurum, by RNZB alumna Alice Topp, glows an ever-changing ocean of light and revel in the with inner light and profound peace. Meditative freedom of space, movement, and togetherness. and moving, this award-winning ballet, created This is a generous, glorious celebration of for The Australian Ballet in 2018, is shaped by ballet and the joy of pure dance, created by some kintsugi, the Japanese art of healing cracks of the finest choreographers working today. with pure gold – celebrating the beauty of the Subscribe to the Royal New Zealand broken, Chantal Nguyen of Bachtrack says of Ballet in 2022 to save up to 20 per cent on the work: “It has been a long while since I saw ticket prices and receive subscriber benefits choreography so sincerely focused on emotional including preferential seating, reduced resonance and human connection.” booking fees, complimentary programmes, Royal New Zealand Ballet Choreographer in and bespoke packages – available when you Residence Sarah Foster-Sproull’s The Autumn purchase tickets for two or more ballets. All Ball, premiered in 2021, dances through tickets are fully refundable.

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HERITAGE

CHRISTCHURCH INNOVATIONS

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rapped bread became a feature of national life in 1926. Two Christchurch bakeries installed equipment that enabled bread to be automatically wrapped, closed, and wax sealed, so no hands touched the loaf until it made it onto the table. Despite universal adoption elsewhere, it took a while for Christchurch to accept this innovation. Even during the influenza outbreak, one ‘prominent city baker’ and ‘pioneer’ of wrapped bread reported that “no extra wrapped loaves had been sold”.

In January 1933, telephone bells in Christchurch had a “more insistent ring” than those in any other towns in New Zealand. This local innovation came about because of a shipment of new bells that rang quicker than the old ones.

“The idea is that a sluggish ring will excite a sluggish action on the part of the hearer, whereas a sharp, quick, insistent ring will make him hop off his stool and rush to answer the call.”

In 1934, Christchurch Hospital overcame a serious difficulty with an innovative solution.

They installed loudspeakers throughout their

rambling buildings. “When any particular individual was wanted, the information could be declared from 20 different points so that there could be little chance of the person being missed.”

Loudspeakers were also introduced as a “sometimes embarrassing form of traffic control”.

In 1936, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists had their mistakes loudly and publicly pointed out to them ‘with unaccustomed directness’ by an inspector with a loudspeaker mounted on a car.

Christchurch inventor Leon Galli’s 1934 innovation aimed to make motoring safer and driving easier. Should a driver become drowsy and relax, his invention would sound the horn, ring a bell, and “a fan inside the car will blow fresh air on to the driver, and restorative liquid will be sprayed in his face.”

In 1944, a shortage of ‘manpower’ compelled the Tramway Board to train nine women conductors as tram drivers. “In other centres, heavy work on hill routes has prevented the employment of women in this responsible job, but in Christchurch, it is expected that they will prove as competent in their new jobs as they were as conductors.”

lostchristchurch.wordpress.com

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JOIN US FOR

OPEN DAY Friday February 25

REGISTER NOW

Join us on Friday February 25 to explore our world class learning facilities, meet our specialist staff and hear from some of our current parents and students about what makes Rangi Ruru special. Scan the QR code above or go to our website to register. Limited places available.

rangiruru.school.nz

WATCH THIS SPACE Untitled Artist Cracked Ink Date December 2017 Location Hereford Street Sweeping across the exterior wall of the famous Micky Finn’s Irish Pub on Hereford Street, a cacophony of Whanganui artist Cracked Ink’s signature characters play out a range of stories. The black and white mural, contrasting with the red terracotta brick, rises and falls across the wall, revealing a repeating and replaying narrative that echoes the undulating wave that breaks up the rigid geometry of the brickwork. Produced as part of 2017’s Street Prints Ōtautahi event (jointly presented by Street Prints and the YMCA), the work playfully features lightning bolts, rain clouds, hot air balloons, decapitated robots, and an array of creatures, some apparently mid-song, others literally cross-eyed, the viewer invited to parse out the goings-on. The rolling composition is a reminder of the way winds blow fiercely through Christchurch’s gridded inner-city streets, with Cracked Ink’s characters swept up and carried away in a fanciful flight.

Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour!

Email tours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information. watchthisspace.org.nz/artwork/625

THANKS A LATTÈ

Hapa

Winner, Best Retail Runner up: Ballantynes

Winner, Best Café Runner up: Ilex

Super

Pomeroy’s

Winner, Best Bar/Pub Runner up: OGB

CHEAP EATS

Winner, Best Restaurant Runner up: Earl

ESPRESSO YOURSELF

Untouched World Kitchen

DRINKS ON ME

DINE OUT

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

YOUR WINNERS

Espresso Studio

By Fushoken

Winner, Best Coffee Runner up: C4

Bottle and Stone

Winner, Best Takeaway Food Runner up: Little High

RING IN THE NEW

Winner, Best Heritage Restoration Runner up: Timeball Station

Tūranga

Winner, Best Post Quake Build Runner up: Riverside

BEAUTY BLISS

GET THE CHOP

HONOUR THE PAST

The Arts Centre

Surreal

Beauty at The Tannery

Winner, Best Hairdresser/Barber Runner up: Dinh Hair Salon

FRAMED

IT’S SHOW TIME

Winner, Best Day Spa/Beauty Salon Runner up: Champs Elysees

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

Isaac Theatre Royal Winner, Best Theatre/Cinema Runner up: Deluxe Cinema

FAMILY TIMES

STREET WISE

Winner, Best Art Gallery Runner up: CoCA

Orana Park

Winner, Best Family Experience/Day Out Runner up: Margaret Mahy Playground

Riverside Mural

Winner, Best Street Art/Public Sculpture Runner up: Teeth Like Screwdrivers

COUTURE

SOPHISTICATED AND SUSTAINABLE 2022 gives you the best of both worlds; sophistication and sustainability. Keep it simple; buy good things, and own them for life, just like grandpa did.

Rayban Clubmaster Sunglasses, $245 superette.co.nz | Filippa K Cotton Trouser, $329 workshop.co.nz | Our Legacy Box Shirt, $359 workshop.co.nz | Le Labo Fragrance, $458 ballantynes.co.nz | Saffiano Belt, $159 workingstyle.co.nz RM Williams Hobart Boat Shoe, $250 rmwilliams.com.au Curated by Courtney Reid

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time for you You don’t need an excuse to treat yourself. It's time to revitalise your body, rejuvenate your mind and melt away the stress of daily life.

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COUTURE

AESTHETIC AND PLEASING Keep cool, calm, and collected! The new year is well and truly here, so enjoy what’s on offer and make a statement while doing so.

Aje Universal Wide Leg Pant, $389 ballantynes.co.nz | Amie Drop Pink Topaz Earrings, $599 jasminsparrow.com Abel Odor Nurture Eau de Parfum, $295 abelodor.com | Hazel Shirt, $279 perriam.co.nz | Wabi Sabi Welcome Book, $69.95 untouchedworld.com | Alias Mae Polo Sandal, $249 superette.co.nz Curated by Courtney Reid

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LOVE LOCAL

SKIN REJUVENATION CLINIC

AMURI

The New Year is a great time to get started on all those selfimprovements you have dreamed about. Don’t panic if you have noticed some pockets of fat that aren’t shifting with diet and exercise! The Skin Rejuvenation Clinic has cutting-edge body-sculpting technology Cooltech™ that will help you to ‘shape’ your body using fat freezing technology. It is not a weight loss programme but helps to reduce tummies, back fat, saddlebags and even double chins.

Amuri Estate offers luxury accommodation and the perfect setting for weddings and functions, all overlooking the beautiful high alpine basin of the Southern Alps. It has three well-appointed rooms and a self-contained one bedroom cottage, all with panoramic views of majestic mountains, the braided Waiau River, high country stations, and Hanmer village, which is minutes away. Amuri can hold up to 200 people with different spaces to suit your needs.

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EARTH ORGANIC

MILLA COLLAGEN

A summer hair revamp shouldn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. Earth Organic Hairdressing is Christchurch’s most mindful salon and specialises in beautiful hair created with sustainable, natural, organic, and mineral ingredients. All colours are 100 per cent plant-based and are developed with a zero approach to animal testing. The skilled team consistently delivers creative, exciting, considered, and confidently carried out results. Come enjoy the experience that is Earth.

Milla is helping to take back freedom through movement with a carefully designed collagen formula that will nourish your cartilage and joints from within. You can improve mobility regardless of age with Milla’s clinically proven type two collagen powder. Supplemented with MSM powder, glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid, it is carefully designed to aid cartilage regeneration and reduce the pain caused by inflammation.

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A SPACE OF SANCTUARY

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here are a lot of conflicting messages also offer nail enhancements. Kim mentions thrown at consumers when it comes that nail health is of premium importance. to which beauty and wellness The IBX Nail Strengthening system is products are best to achieve real results, popular at the salon for those with brittle or which can be daunting and overwhelming. damaged nails.

Many beauty products and treatments “Our beauty treatment menu covers provide a quick fix, but BHAVA believes that everything from maintenance essentials such skin health really does come from internal as waxing and threading and lash and brow health, and this holistic view has seen services, through to luxury treatments such as excellent long-lasting results. traditional massage, hot stone massage, and What is BHAVA? The Sanskrit word means body scrubs. We also have an extensive range being or becoming. It also has origins in of bespoke facial treatments using either La Buddhism, with bhava referring to emotional Clinica or Osmosis Beauty skincare products. or habitual tendencies, which lead to the Both of these ranges are formulated for all arising of the sense of self. It’s a fitting name. skin conditions and ages and world-renowned BHAVA was created from a passion for well- for their quality ingredients and commitment being and beauty. Founders Kate and Kim to skin health.” wanted to provide a luxurious but accessible BHAVA’s Dermalux LED Light Therapy is a service catering to all people. As a bespoke must-try – whether clients have a skin concern nail bar and beauty experience located or for pain management or healing purposes. conveniently in the heart of Merivale, BHAVA is The use of products free from animal testing a space of sanctuary. (many of which are vegan) was important to The duo desired to ‘create an allthe entire team. Where possible, the beauty encompassing destination’. products are also organic.

“BHAVA has this calm and relaxed atmosphere BHAVA’s loyalty programme is a worthwhile but is also easily accessible. We think we’ve commitment. The salon also supports done a great job at achieving this balance within SuperGold and students with discounted a community of like-minded businesses.” treatments. They can also cater for group The whole team is passionate about bookings – pre-wedding, or couples and ensuring that BHAVA’s clients look and men’s treatments and pamper sessions. feel their best through either regular nail With a strong belief that true beauty shines treatments or as part of extensive skin health just as much from within, BHAVA is an alljourneys. Because of this ethos, the staff build encompassing destination, committed to on their professional knowledge and skills leaving you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and on a regular basis. With a team that consists restored, as well as confident and comfortable of dedicated nail technicians and qualified in your skin. beauty therapists, clients can complete all of “Our mission is to create a luxurious their beauty needs in one stop. experience for you to relax and indulge, BHAVA also offers a full nail service, using surrounded by a supportive, positive, and the Gelish and Morgan Taylor ranges. They empowering community.”

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NAH

YEAH

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Eggbomb Toasts. Hereford Street’s container of deliciousness.

Goodbye to Riccarton Road’s roadworks!

Five. Long. Years.

Summer Nights.

March’s Cranmer Square free family festival.

The Lyttelton tugboat – fully restored and open for sailing until April!

Resene Adrenalin – a razor sharp slice of fluoro orange for the bold and dynamic.

1 2 3 4 5

Christmas pollution. Shreds of tinsel and tiny cracker toys still linger!

Courier delays. Do we deliver via pigeon, or what?

It’s been four score and…

Café table hogs – it seats 10, Denise. Avert your glare, thanks.

Asking questions about businesses on Google – akin to a message in a bottle, no?

Loud over-sharers. If you work on The Terrace and recently fired a bartender, this one’s for you.

BUILDING OF THE MONTH - HAUS ESPRESSO, CHRISTCHURCH

Enriching the way people live, work and play through architecture and interior design

+64 3 366 5445 design@dalman.co.nz dalman.co.nz

FEATURE

The innovators “What is now proved was once only imagined.” – William Blake ‘Future forward’ is the only orientation that counts. Here’s to the thrill of progress, the necessity of innovation and to creating this bright city’s future, one step at a time.

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A BETTER WAY TO WATCH SPORTS WORDS Joshua Brosnahan

I

f you went back in time to watch a classic rugby or cricket match 20, 30 or even 40 years ago – how different would it be from the typical stadium experience these days? If you ask business developer and serial innovator Greg Stubbings, he’d say: not different enough!

“Years ago, the average Kiwi might have been happy to park two suburbs away from the stadium, line up for 40 minutes to get in, then sit in silence on a hard wooden bench pretending to enjoy a warm beer and a cold hotdog. These days, not so much. The modern world has really spoiled us!”

As a former TV sports producer and reporter, Greg is a lifelong fan of live sport.

He was increasingly disheartened by the trend towards fewer and fewer people attending live games.

“You don’t have to be a marketing genius to see there are obvious issues selling the ‘old world’ stadium experience. These days we all have infinite, two-way entertainment options in the palm of our hands. We are used to getting everything on demand and doing things our way. Live sport can’t afford to be an analogue ‘pay up, line up, shut up’ experience anymore.”

Believing there was a way to help sports do it better, Greg and his team began building a digital platform and mobile app that aimed to completely overhaul the fan experience.

“Our Fanatical platform lets you see exactly where your seats are and reserve a parking space close to your gate. You can then see a full menu of all the food and drink options

available and pre-order something to pick up as you walk in. No more queues.”

At the game itself, Greg envisaged a far more comfortable, spectator-friendly experience.

“When you get to your seat, you might find you want to hire a cushion or a blanket. Maybe another drink? Order those on the app. Need to go to the toilet? Get estimated queue times so you can choose the best time and place to go.”

A key part of what Greg wanted to achieve with Fanatical was helping spectators become a more active, engaged part of the stadium experience.

“Fanatical lets people send messages and photos to the big screen. And request a song from the DJ. One of the things I really like is the option to guess the score and vote for the MVP – with live updates of just how wrong we all were!”

Greg and his team ran a full season trial with the Canterbury Rams basketball team to test their newly minted Fanatical platform.

“The Rams were a perfect fit for us because they are totally committed to the fan experience. You can’t help but be impressed with what those guys do.”

With testing complete, Greg’s team is now looking for more sports organisations to work with.

“My hope is that more Kiwi sports embrace that ‘doing the same thing we’ve always done’ isn’t going to put the fans’ proverbial back on seats.

It’s time to compete with other entertainment options by creating the best possible fan experience. If that means getting a beer delivered to my seat… then let’s make that happen!”

fanatical.app

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TAKING TO THE SKIES WORDS Liam Stretch

T

he Canterbury region has a long history of folks taking on the world with great ideas. An aerospace company with an innovative vision for the future is one of the latest to take on this mantle.

Kea Aerospace is based in central Christchurch and aims to send its solar-powered aircraft to the upper reaches of the atmosphere.

For those who didn’t take high school Science, the atmosphere is a little like an onion.

It has layers. In one of those not-so-oniony layers is the stratosphere – approximately 20 kilometres above the Earth’s surface or 65,000 feet. It’s there that Kea Aerospace wants to send its flagship aircraft, the Kea Atmos.

The Kea Atmos will be the largest unmanned aircraft ever built in the Southern Hemisphere, with a wingspan of over 30 metres. It will be a green aircraft propelled by electric motors powered by hundreds of solar cells to collect enough energy from the sun each day to enable it to fly continuously for months.

Described as a game-changer for aerial imaging, the Atmos and its suite of equipment will be able to improve intelligence gathering on smart cities, disaster management, agriculture, and environmental and maritime monitoring.

It trumps the capability of current piloted aircraft, satellites, and drones.

“We’re in a bit of a sweet spot in the stratosphere where we can actually be low enough and get high resolution. But also, we can get that broader coverage. And we’re not burning fuel, we’re not putting pilots in danger, and we’re flying above the weather in the jet streams,” CEO Mark Rocket says.

You may recognise the name, that’s because self-described ‘internet

entrepreneur’ Mark Rocket has an impressive résumé when it comes to aerospace; he was one of the seed investors and former codirector of Rocket Lab. Alongside his commercial experience, he was part of a group that began aerospace meetups in the city, which has now formed into Aerospace Christchurch, and they will hold their first national summit on 21 February.

A couple of things spur Mark on to succeed with Kea Aerospace; one is simply the project itself.

“It is such a super cool project to build the largest unmanned aircraft in the southern hemisphere. You know, it’s going to be a beautiful aircraft with incredible applications.

I like the novelty of it. I like to do things that haven’t been done before.”

He also wants to support the emerging talent in Ōtautahi.

“A key motivation is that I saw all these great graduates coming out of the University of Canterbury, and they had very few local aerospace jobs to move into. So, they had to go to Auckland or to offshore aerospace companies.”

The Kea Atmos will be launched from Kaitōrete Spit on the banks of Lake Ellesmere Te Waihora as part of Project Tāwhaki. Project Tāwhaki is a partnership between Te Taumutu Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga (together as Kaitōrete Limited) and the New Zealand Government to protect and rejuvenate the Kaitōrete environment while developing aerospace activities and research and development facilities.

As development continues, Mark’s eventual hope is that there will be fleets of Atmos aircraft operating around the globe with mission control based in Christchurch.

keaaerospace.com

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INNOVATION

ŌTAUTAHI INNOVATIONS This city of ours is a special place. We challenge the status quo and routinely change the world. Ernest Rutherford pioneered nuclear physics just down the road from wherever you’re reading this, Kate Sheppard led an equal rights revolution from Ilam, and Bill Hamilton invented the jet boat on our rivers. We punch above our weight for fresh and innovative thinking.

So, who’s pushing the limits today? What businesses are changing the future of humanity and helping the world in their own innovative ways?

All these businesses call Christchurch home.

ELECTRICAIR

MEDSALV

In an achievement reminiscent of the Wright Brothers, Christchurch company ElectricAir recently flew their electric plane across Cook Strait. It was the world’s longest flight over water by a pure electric plane and cost about $2 in electricity. Gary Freedman founded the company in an effort to reduce the carbon emissions of the aviation industry and hopes their Cook Strait flight is the spark that shifts the industry towards electric.

Making NZ’s healthcare system more environmentally and financially sustainable, Medsalv reprocesses single-use medical devices and makes them clinically safe to use again. Christchurch Boys’ High leaver Oliver Hunt started it as a Masters project at the University of Canterbury. It has since won innovation awards all over the show. Medsalv has kept thousands of tonnes of medical waste from landfills and saved the NZ health system an estimated $100 million each year. Legends.

ECLEAN ENVIROTECH

NZ NATURAL FIBRES

Here’s a harsh reality – less than a generation ago, most of our waterways were swimmable.

This is no longer the case, but Christchurch company eClean Envirotech is hoping to turn things around. Ngārie Scartozzi used her expertise in aquaculture to come up with a ‘bioreactor’ of bacteria and other organisms that reduces nutrient loads in waterways. She sees it becoming a commonplace technology in agriculture and other industries.

Imagine making F1 cars, superyachts, and road bikes from hemp. Cool, right? That’s the future, according to NZ Natural Fibres. They were recently successful in securing a $3.2m grant via MPI to research and develop their hemp growing, processing, and marketing capabilities. They’re the only hemp fibre company in NZ to own their supply chain end-to-end and have big plans for industrial and consumer products made from hemp fibre. Bring on the future!

PARTLY

VXT

This Christchurch company revolutionised the auto parts market by creating online infrastructure for a traditionally offline industry and making it easy for mechanics and companies around the world to ensure they’re buying the right parts for the right vehicle. They have online data for more than 40 million auto parts. They’re also on the money, having raised $1.7m in seed funding, with customers in more than 13 countries.

It’s often said voicemail is outdated, but perhaps it was just the functionality that was past it. Christchurch-based company Vxt has changed the voicemail game for businesses and individuals around the world by creating an app to listen and even transcribe voice messages.

The app has more than 20,000 downloads, and Vxt recently raised $600,000 in seed funding. The young go-getting team, led by 25-year-old Luke Campbell, has growth in their sights.

IN DETAIL

FOR THE DESIGN-ORIENTED HOME

F

ollowing a long history of partnerships here in Christchurch, ECC recently made a move to a ‘mono-branded’ presence with the opening of an architectural lighting showroom around the corner at 143a Victoria Street. This expansion to a standalone retail space was the natural evolution for ECC here in the Garden City.

For those not familiar with the lighting stalwart, ECC represents the world’s leading lighting, furniture, and design brands and brings these exclusively to New Zealand. The search is continuous for the globe’s most innovative designs and solutions, all with the aim to meet increasingly complex lighting and design requirements. ECC specialises in lighting and furniture for residential, office, commercial, retail, hospitality, and street and urban projects.

ECC is firmly all about family. Owned by the same family since conception in 1909 by founder George Levett, the company is now run by Thorburn’s grandson, Mike. This extends down to Mike’s sons Richard and Andrew, also as part of the ECC team.

Mike has been the driving force behind the development of an extensive range of lighting and furniture products over the last 40 years.

Until the pandemic, Mike had made the annual trip to Salone del Mobile in Milan for 35 years, working with other family-owned supplliers, bringing back inspiration and the latest in international design to the New Zealand market.

Mike says every item in the ECC showroom has been ‘personally selected with an eye for the unique and original, something we have a true passion for’.

“We firmly believe in building long term relationships with manufacturers as evidenced by our 35-year association with iGuzzini, Flos, and Artemide – brands which draw on the talents of some of the world’s leading designers. It is also a unique experience to house extensive collections of furniture and lighting within one showroom.

It makes for a supremely inspiring shopping experience for our clients.”

ECC’s curation has a distinctly international flavour. With furniture collections from Minotti, Linteloo, Magis, Giorgetti, Glas Italia, and Piet Boon. Lighting brands include Flos, BOCCI, Christopher Boots, Astro, Marset, Tom Dixon, and Gervasoni. Details are by Tom Dixon, Serax, and Serralunga.

The interior fit-out of the Christchurch space was conceptualised by Auckland based interior designer Rufus Knight, who was also the designer for the Minotti Studio in Auckland. With a luxe oak veneer and Ambitec plastered walls, the showroom sets a refined, architectural mood that complements the brand’s broad collection of products.

Mike, Andrew, and Richard, along with the entire ECC team here in Ōtautahi, welcome you to explore ECC’s curated space. The showcase of contemporary designs and timeless classics from brands whose products have graced the various ECC showrooms across the country for over 30 years is something else.

“With these highly regarded brands led by world-renowned designers, we have every element of a design-oriented home covered.”

ecc.co.nz

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BY DESIGN

ARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS

W Richard Dalman Managing Director, Dalman Architects dalman.co.nz

hile architecture is a threeOne of our architectural tasks, when we dimensional discipline, architects leased the space, was to design a new fascia are often called upon to create panel façade above the length of our glazed decorative patterns for two-dimensional frontage to announce, ‘here we are’ and surfaces such as building façades, roofs, and provide a backdrop to new signage. interior surfaces. Where do the ideas for I guess we could have left this as a plain these patterns come from? white surface, but we liked the idea of As with the overall architectural ideas for a ‘bringing to life’ the old totara forest. So we building, architects consider a range of sources imagined the forest, drew a horizontal band and inspirations, such as the function of the across the trunks at the height of where the building, the requirements of the client, the fascia would be, abstracted a pure elevation history of the site, and the local environment. of the tree trunks looking deep into the We looked to all of these in developing a new forest, and created our pattern from this. façade for the Dalman Architects office on the The above images indicate the process and corner of Colombo and Peterborough Streets. final result. The fascia is constructed from We met with local landscape architect Di painted cedar slats of differing thicknesses.

Lucas (she lives around the corner), who While the derivation of this fascia pattern has a detailed knowledge of the site’s is not obvious to most people, it does add natural history. Many years ago, this area some meaningful texture and pattern to our of Christchurch was covered in totara streetscape. If all of our built environment forest, and Di actually provided us with two designs had some relationship to our 3000-year-old totara stumps that had been natural and cultural history, then our cities dug out from under the nearby Christchurch would become a more authentic reflection Star building site to prove it! of who we are.

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03 366 8181 kamomarsh.co.nz

It’s worth leaving your comfort zone to discover new ideas. Why? Because that’s what the future demands. The best quality of living

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HOME

WHICH HUE FOR YOU?

T

his elegant brunch setting has an effortless sophistication. Golden shades in glass, brass, and rattan complement the warm blush tones of Resene Coral Tree and with contrast from Resene Prairie Sand mean this is a warm and inviting space.

Frobisher’s Charlie dining table is a versatile and stylishly simple centrepiece, with its beautiful arch motif playfully echoed in the backdrop. This seamlessly designed table has been crafted with a natural light oak finish, complemented by satin brass finished accents. The coloured glass vase brings instant appeal to the table. Styled here with proteas, you can also try dried flowers for a long-lasting display – bringing added colour and texture to your space.

Light is key in any space, and perfect for this setting is the elegant curves of the Soho Brass Floor Lamp from Melbourne based design studio Madras Link. Here, the floor lamp complements the arch motif of the table and wall while adding the contrasting warmth of brass.

Many good things come on trays, from breakfast in bed to five o’clock drinks. This All Day tray is available in a range of colours from Ballantynes. The Adobe colour is the perfect match for an indulgence of macarons with champagne and strawberries.

MAIN IMAGE: Dustin Dining Chair from Frobisher; All Day Tray in Adobe from Ballantynes; Column Brass Candle Holder, Dante Vase in Yellow Gold, Cariso Serving Tongs, and Column Pillar Candle Duo in Peach from A&C Homestore; Macarons from J’aime Les Macarons; Proteas from Court Florist; Champagne Glasses stylist’s own, Vintage Rug stylist’s own; painted in Resene Coral Tree and Resene Prairie Sand from Resene ColorShops.

CREATIVE DIRECTION & PHOTOGRAPHY Charlie Rose Jackson WORDS Shelley Sweeney STYLING Shelley Sweeney and Jen McBride

Soho Brass Floor Lamp by Madras Link from Ballantynes.

Charlie Dining Table by Maison 55 from Frobisher.

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Resene Coral Tree

Resene Prairie Sand

HOME

AN INVITATION TO INNOVATION

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor, Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

F

irstly, happy 2022. If it’s anything like the previous two years – and at one level, let’s hope not – it’s going to be fast-paced, full of change, challenges, and hopefully innovation.

Innovation is a big subject that occasionally floors me, given I’m overwhelmed by the mighty deeds undertaken by the best in the world.

Names like Steve Jobs, Sara Blakely, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos come to mind; the companies they have created, namely Apple, Spanx, Amazon, and Tesla, are credited amongst the most innovative in the world.

Their ability to innovate in rapidly changing times, to identify gaps in existing marketplaces, and then utilise creative and tactical strategies to capitalise on these are the stuff of legend.

If you apply additional research, you’ll find that there are several traits that innovators share.

These include: Persistence, in the face of objection, and let’s face it, there’s always an objection.

This helps forge resilience which, when accompanied by a proactive stance and a creative opportunity, can allow for that eureka moment.

There’s also mention of prudence, in other words, not taking undue risks, which, to be fair, is at odds with what I would have thought.

One also needs a high level of emotional

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intelligence, along with general intelligence and a grasp of their creativity.

On the surface, none of this looks hard, and although it’s easy to be put off by thinking big, too big to get started, it’s equally more likely if you think small.

Start small; we don’t have to change the whole world, just our part of it.

With this in mind, I’m going to be looking to innovate across several parts of my own life and, yes, business too.

I’m looking at opportunities to extend our levels of service, grow our team’s skill and resilience, and maintain our reputation of agility.

Being able to pivot ahead of the market regardless of the challenges, adapt to any and all circumstances, and innovate in whatever way we can.

Don’t be scared off; this city of ours is alive with innovation. Whether it is a big part or a small piece, we all have a role to play.

And if you ever wondered about where inspiration can come from, I’d take a look at Sara Blakely’s story.

Whilst getting ready to go out, she realised she didn’t have the right underwear to provide a smooth look under white pants.

So, using scissors, she cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose, and a billion-dollar enterprise was conceived.

Now that’s some innovation.

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DESTINATION

THE MOUNTAINS ARE CALLING The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp (Base Camp) is a brand new offering, and the folks there have prepared a number of all-inclusive, wonderfully bespoke adventure packages for you. Whether you’re a group of friends, a modern family, a father and son, a mum plus one, or all loved up; there is an adventure that will suit you (hopefully just outside your comfort zone).

Wilderness first-timers are as welcome as the seasoned high alpine explorers.

CAMPING NOT CAMPING

MILES FROM NOWHERE

This wonderful seven-night package will take you to six completely different and utterly spectacular locations. You will spend some nights at the Base Camp itself and some nights in three completely different remote and beautiful locations, each within the World Heritage Area. You will be sleeping in traditional heavy wool canvas tents (stretcher beds, mattresses, and a wood-fired tent heater) when you’re not fireside at Base Camp.

This is for groups of up to six and is guided.

The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp team are all Glenorchy locals and know their backyard well. This five-night (minimum) adventure will see your group helicoptered to an absolutely breath-taking high alpine tarn location, where you will be guided on a three day hike through high alpine terrain to a hanging valley and down through a pristine wilderness forest to one of the waiting Land Rover Defender 4x4s for your shuttle back to Base Camp.

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DESTINATION

GETTING HIGH

FRESH TRACKS

Do you want to climb to the top of a mountain? Summit options include (beginner), blue, black, and double black, with some quite near to Base Camp and others farther afield. The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp guiding team know what they are doing and will take care to assess your competence once you arrive and, with your involvement, make a plan to thrill you and make sure you go home with some wellearned bragging rights.

With the help of a helicopter, the diverse terrain and a myriad of slope aspects provide great opportunities for snowshoeing in this backyard.

It’s so enjoyable, and your guide will make sure the terrain and conditions suit your family or group ability. The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp is close to the Glenorchy heliport, which helps the team grab the best weather windows for high alpine jaunts, and it also makes fireside refreshments only moments away from your return to the heliport.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT

HELI-SKI

Take in this part of the world’s unique landscape by spending several days based in an unspoiled remote valley and river system surrounded by forests and snow-covered peaks. It is a complete outdoor package with 4×4 transfers, traditional camping, hiking, mountain biking, pack camping, and pack rafting. What’s not to love about an action-packed adventure immersed in New Zealand’s natural beauty?

If you’ve ever been heli-skiing, you will know how charged you feel at the end of an eightrun day. It is awesome; you are pumped. The killer can be having to sit in a vehicle for a lengthy transfer to your accommodation.

Not here! The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp’s location means you will be able to pounce on the weather windows getting up, and on return, walk out of the helicopter and practically straight into a sauna or bar.

thegreatglenorchyalpinebasecamp.co.nz

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DESTINATION

THE CAPTIVATING CATLINS The Catlins is a road-trippers dream, with winding roads weaving together a rolling symphony of picture-perfect landscapes, blue sea waters bordered by towering cliffs, and stretches of golden-sand beaches and bays. As you stare out at the Hector’s dolphins leaping from the water and seals lazing on the beaches, feel the wind and salt mist on your face. Wander through forests and listen to the song of New Zealand’s native birds while the waterfalls swirl. Welcome to the Catlins.

LOOMING LIGHTHOUSES

WILD WATERFALLS

The rough natural beauty of the Catlins, with all its captivating features, jagged and windswept coasts, makes it the perfect destination for towering lighthouses such as Waipapa Point and Nugget Point Lighthouses.

Sea lions may be seen tucked in the long grasses for protection as you wander around New Zealand maritime historic sites. Make sure you bring your camera to capture the seabirds circling the cliff sides and plunging into the seas that posed a threat to ships all those centuries ago.

Watch the water pour over waterfalls in the Catlins with the early morning light shining through the rainforest. The beauty of flowing water is enhanced by the dark stone and the surrounding lush forest. The most well-known is Pūrākaunui Falls, a beautiful waterfall encased by greenery that cascades 20 metres. McLean Falls, the region’s tallest falls, is only a 40-minute return walk. Last but not least, you can’t miss the ironically named Niagara Falls to tick off the bucket list.

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DESTINATION

RARE WILDLIFE

CURIOUS SPOTS

Listen to native birdsong calls in the early morning dawn. Scan the waters of Curio Bay for the elusive Hector’s dolphins and rejoice as they leap from the ocean. Visit the petrified forest in the evening to discover the 160-million-year-old remains of a Jurassicera forest and see yellow-eyed penguins emerge from the water after a day of fishing.

Fur seals, elephant seals, and sea lions may all be seen lying on the rocks below you, mimicking stranded driftwood.

Discover the quirky side of the Catlins, all of its hidden gems and curious spots. Visit the Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai to marvel at the myriad of odd and peculiar contraptions while sipping an energising barista-made coffee in the Little Rocket caravan. The main gallery is fashioned from recycled bits and bobs and is housed in a converted 1951 Leyland Comet house bus, while an adultsonly gallery beckons up the path with a carnival of even more outrageous sculptures.

HISTORIC CATLINS

WONDER OF WALKS

The scenic beauty and rich history of the area unfold along the Catlins Heritage Trail, enticing you to stop, gaze, and learn something new. The backbone of the Catlins economy during the 1800s was whaling, sealing, and forestry, which has resulted in historic buildings dotted along the coast for travellers to explore and enjoy. The old buildings have been lovingly refurbished by proud locals to house informative museums, quirky accommodation, and cafés filled with delicious homemade locally sourced food.

There are plenty of wonderful walking tracks in the Catlins that can be enjoyed by both the hiking fanatics and casual strollers, which are easily accessible and allow you to explore the region’s rich natural history. These walks take you through native forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches, and magnificent caves, with some even including picnic sites or campers, allowing you to take as much time as you need to explore this stunning corner of New Zealand.

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DESTINATION

A HURUNUI HOLIDAY It’s a region steeped in history, where ancient fossils have been recovered from riverbeds and limestone soil and where an abundance of locally grown produce thrives. It’s a place that offers the chance to get off the grid and the opportunity to live the high life. Only 40 minutes from Christchurch, all of this and more is within reach for a day trip, a weekend away, or even longer. The choice is yours.

FEELS CLOSER TO NATURE

FEELS BOUTIQUE

The landscapes of the Hurunui are about as extensive and diverse as the region’s history. Veer off SH1 at any given point and drop into rugged beaches, like Motunau or Gore Bay. These small settlements cater to every traveller, with some incredible surf, hill walks through native bush, and even permanent table tennis tables in reserves. Back inland, devoted trails like the Hurunui Heartland Ride, Waipara Valley Vineyard Trail and St James Walkway allow for great adventures.

There’s nothing like rifling through quaint rural boutiques and finding the ‘one’ – whether it’s homeware, local craft, art, or a piece of clothing. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy the Hanmer Springs and Amberley townships, where second-hand shops sit alongside high-end fashion. Amberley’s Bax and Berg and Ruby Six are popular destinations. The surrounding coffee shops include Little Vintage Espresso and the newly-revamped Amberley Hotel with its trendy outdoor garden.

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DESTINATION

FEELS MORE RELAXED

FEELS LUXURIOUS

It’s been a quintessential part of many a Kiwi holiday since its inception over a hundred years ago. With 22 outdoor thermal pools and four aquatic slides, relaxation and fun are covered for all ages at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. The Spa at Hanmer Springs offers an extensive range of therapeutic massage treatments, perfectly paired with a soak in the thermal pools or even one of the private pools.

Within the alpine village, Hanmer Springs Hotel remains an iconic landmark. This historic hotel offers elegance and fine dining, within walking distance of the thermal pool complex.

Described as New Zealand’s hidden mountain escape, Matai Peak is a remote and unforgettable stay. The old shepherd’s hut has been transformed into a luxurious hideaway, with the most incredible views over the Pacific Ocean coastline and native forest valleys.

FEELS WORLD-CLASS

FEELS EXHILARATING

Wind your way into the heart of the Hurunui, where world-class wines are produced from more than 90 vineyards. Best known for its aromatics, the North Canterbury Wine region enables visitors to sip on some award-winning wines in picturesque cellar doors and restaurants.

Black Estate, Terrace Edge, Greystone, Pegasus Bay, and Waipara Hills are major players but are just the beginning. You can enjoy these little slices of paradise for even longer by making the most of the on-site accommodation options available at many.

See the Hurunui like never before and experience the diverse landscapes on the water or air, albeit briefly. Fifth-generation farmer Tim Loughnan has made a name for himself by taking visitors up the remote Hurunui River with Energy Jet, where you can see historic cottages and bridges and looming limestone cliffs.

The Hanmer Springs Attraction jet boat promises a thrilling ride with plenty of twists and turns, travelling through narrow gorges and the Waiau River Canyon. For those wanting even more thrills, you can even try bungy jumping!

visithurunui.co.nz 49

DESTINATION

WAITOMO MAGIC An hour south of Hamilton, the mystical world of Waitomo awaits. Millions of years in the making, Waitomo’s awe-inspiring cave network draws people looking for adventure and those looking for a sense of wonder. Much of the internationally acclaimed icon’s natural wonders can be found below the Earth’s surface, with galaxies of glowworms, limestone caverns, and underground passageways awaiting the curious. There is also plenty of fun to be found aboveground. Why not stay a while and explore?

MAGICAL GLOWWORMS

FEELING ADVENTUROUS?

With over 300 known caves in the area, there are a number of walking cave tours on offer.

For those looking for a magical and readily accessible caving experience, the 45-minute tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves reveals the subterranean world in all its wonder. The tour includes a gentle boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto with commentary on the caves’ history. Longer walking tour options include the popular Ruakuri Cave, Spellbound Glowworm Cave, and Footwhistle Cave, where guides tell you the myths and legends associated with the area and point out ancient limestone rock formations.

There are plenty of adrenalin-fuelled options for adventure seekers. Guided tours range in duration up to seven hours. They include black water rafting (on inflated rubber tubes) through the caves’ streams and spectacular abseiling and zip-lining, as well as walking, squeezing, and climbing through caves with names like TumuTumu and The Lost World with Waitomo Adventures. While they may sound extreme, a moderate fitness level and a sense of adventure are all that is needed for most of these exciting tours.

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DESTINATION

ABOVEGROUND FUN

FURTHER AFIELD

Enjoy wonders and hidden gems on any Take the time to check out some of the budget with the many great free attractions neighbouring towns. The Sir Edmund in Waitomo and the surrounding areas. See Walkway, in Ōtorohanga, pays homage to the stunning cave formations in Piripiri all things Kiwiana and features displays of Cave or along the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve sporting greats, iconic personalities, and walk – taking in tunnels and native forest; the memorable brands, while Kawhia’s beach easy walk boasts a glowworm display in the excites young and old with its natural hot evenings (don’t forget your torch). Or visit the springs. Take a bucket and spade and dig spectacular Marokopa Falls and Mangapohue your own hot pool. Plus, discover the rich Natural Bridge which includes the 17 metre farming history of Te Kuiti, known as the high limestone arch, the remains of an ancient shearing capital of the world, admire the cave system, and 25 million-year-old fossils huge shearer statue and while away some exposed in the limestone outcrops. time in its shops and cafés.

TASTY TREATS

STAY A WHILE

Great adventures should always be fuelled with delicious local fare, from award-winning restaurants overlooking Waitomo landscapes to great local eateries with a welcoming Kiwi atmosphere, such as Huhu Café. There are plenty of dining options on offer in the heart of the village. If you need even more to satisfy your tastebuds, nearby Ōtorohanga is bursting with cafés and eateries.

With so much to explore in the Waitomo area, why not find a place to stay and stick around for a few days. Pamper yourself with the finer things in life at the stunning Waitomo Hilltop Glamping, grab a cabin with your mates at Waitomo Homestead, pitch a tent or park your campervan at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park, or choose one of the many other options. You are bound to find a spot to suit.

waikatonz.com 51

PALATE

SUMMER IN GOD’S OWN

R

Jax Hamilton, Food Editor jaxhamilton.co.nz

umour has it, during March 2020 lockdown, God was discovered chilling out here in Aotearoa. When asked, “What’re you doing here?” he replied, “Working from home”.

Although a total urban myth, this would make perfect sense, especially as we’re currently one of the world leaders in chasing and almost catching the elusive Covid tail.

With the ‘hokey cokey’ border situation, open, closed, open, closed, now is a great opportunity to seek out places in our backyard yet to be discovered.

I remember the summer of 1987, a particularly hot and stuffy year. I was living in London. Belinda Carlisle’s rock anthem Heaven is a Place on Earth belting out from almost every traffic stalled car, supermarket, even the radio in the pub on Coronation Street. Her lyrics, “They say in heaven love comes first, we’ll make Heaven a place on earth”.

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For me, this translates to finding a beautiful place, in the heat of the day, somewhere near water, cliff edge or just a beautiful expanse of grass and eating something divine.

With the rise of easy, home delivery takeaways, this means as long as I’m near(ish) a large city, a brand new dish can be ordered and enjoyed with friends or just that one special companion, ‘Mr Pinot Gris’ or his exotic cousin ‘Noir’. I’m able to create an alfresco chef’s table to personalised perfection.

I choose from a plethora of restaurants from my smartphone and dine with the sun on my face and feet in the water. Or a bench overlooking the ocean, 10 minutes from Godley Head. This new summer discovery has me taking along a plate, cutlery, and wine glass. Perhaps a book or fave magazine.

It is a decadent treat.

“In this world, we’re just beginning to understand the miracle of living.”

PALATE

MAKE AWAY WITH THAT TAKEAWAY Treats for here, there, or anywhere!

ZAFFRON

KHMER CAMBODIAN CUISINE

PIEROGI JOINT

147 Colombo Street, Christchurch zaffron.co.nz

23a Langdons Road, Papanui khmercuisine.co.nz

310 Wilsons Road, Waltham pierogijoint.co.nz

With a five star rating on Uber Eats, Zaffron has a wonderful reputation for efficient service and fabulous food.

So, it was with no surprise that I could be found with a fork in hand and linen napkin on my knee in Taylors Mistake car park, awaiting the arrival of my red duck curry and portion of guri puffs.

Zaffron’s pan-Asian menu provides plenty of wonderful choices, but I urge you to try their incredible guri puffs. With six per portion, you get a chance to stuff four down quickly and then nibble the last two.

They’re made from a sweet and earthy filling of pumpkin and vegetables, wrapped in a light, crisp pastry with a hint of spice. A sweet chilli dipping sauce on the side completes this incredible dish.

When it comes to food, I’m pretty selective and like to get out and about to try as many dishes as possible in support of our hospitality community.

However, one of my favourite places to visit is my local Cambodian restaurant. I love that I can walk there, eat in or take away, then stumble home with my food-baby!

The menu is exquisite. With plenty to choose from; always consistent, and the seasoning is totally on point.

My top pick, the Satay Burger – chicken option. Tender bits of succulent meat in a warm sticky, spicy peanut sauce. Nestled on crunchy fresh vegetables, all held together with a warm, soft bun. Oh my goodness, this is happy food for sure.

Prepare yourself for a box of perfectly packaged dumplings. Not to be confused with the Asian version.

These pillows of perfection are very different and oh so filling. They are small dough dumplings stuffed with potato or cheese, typically served with sauerkraut and sour cream. Buy them ready to eat or frozen for ‘ron’ – later on!

I ordered Dish 2#, Old School, from a wonderful array of varieties. Loaded with streaky bacon, sauteed and fresh green onions, relish, and the sweetest pickle. With the usual suspects on the side.

With a choice of either six, 12 or 24, grab your tribe and order in from their menu with a selection of five different filling types. Oooh, wee, was I full afterwards.

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PALATE

top pick URBAN SEAFOODS 29 Ensign Street, Halswell urbanseafoods.com

As a cor blimey, cockney, it will probably come as no surprise that my favourite pick this month is a good old portion of fish and chips.

The fact I’m a chef of some reputation means I’m very selective and not always happy with the result when I sit down to this traditional takeaway.

I’ve watched with interest the slow evolution of this very polarising dish and disappointedly

walked away from many a soggy parsnip chip or soda water batter as it slips away from a slimy piece of fish.

Urban Seafoods, however, has all the right components in all the tasty places. Hot, fresh long chips, fried to a stunning golden hue, dusted with just enough salt to keep your fingers nice and gritty for later licking. The day I arrived, ‘monk’ was the fish of the day – a

large juicy fillet, moist with tightly hugging batter that cracked and crunched, even after a deep dunking in my puddle of tartare sauce.

With a wonderful array of seafood combos from the Skipper specials (deep-fried baby octopus or soft shell crab and chips) to NZ grilled king salmon and chips, my mouth watered – embarrassingly – as I made my final choice.

Join Jax Hamilton and Lesley Whyte Explore Stewart Island or visit North Island’s remote Blue Duck Station on a Girls on the Road Again foodie tour.

Fully inclusive of meals, accommodation, transport, wines with dinner, and so much more.

girlsontheroadagain.com

AWESOME FUN | LOTS OF GIGGLES | DELICIOUS FOOD 55

CLINK!

FEELIN’ HOT HOT HOT

FIREY BITE

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN

LIVELY KICK

Underparty is a Bamberg-style smoky chilli wheat beer, with mānukasmoked malt and ancho poblano chillies for fruity chilli warmth. This is rounded off with a gentle fiery bite from a hint of habanero chillies. The brewers also support Project Kererū, which seeks to rehabilitate injured birds for re-release back into the wild.

The folks at McQueen got their hands on five of the hottest chillies on the planet for this gin: Ghost, Carolina Reaper, Guajillo, Scorpion, and Orange Habanero. If you fancy a little extra spice (you probably order a vindaloo too, don’t you?), give it a go with ginger beer and a lime wedge.

Urbanaut’s Palomar is a spicy kick in a fresh chilli lager! This brewski is described as a “beer brewed for long days and festive nights”.

Deeply refreshing and perfected with a handful of crushed Jamaican yellow peppers to add a touch of zesty citrus and a lively kick of heat towards the finish.

kererubrewing.co.nz

masterofmalt.com

finewinedelivery.co.nz

VALENTINE’S ON THE TRAMWAY Local icon the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant recently celebrated 22 years of offering delicious dining while travelling the city streets! The well-known vintage tramcar is an ideal venue for celebrating all sorts of occasions (including birthdays and anniversaries), with a unique dining experience and quiet seating perfect for couples and small groups. The team are currently taking bookings for their Valentine’s Day services and keep an eye out for their autumn menu launching at the end of February. christchurchattractions.nz

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CLINK!

BACK TO OUR ROOTS

T Nik Mavromatis North Canterbury Wine Growers northcanterburywines.co.nz

he Teece Museum in the Arts Centre is always worth a visit if you want to see how the ancient Greeks drank wine out of terracotta skyphoi and oinochoe. Their wine was so bad back then that they diluted it with water and used pine resin as a preservative.

Not that modern retsina is much better.

The vine itself has changed little over the centuries, but new methods of making better wine have arisen with every successive vintage. After all, it wasn’t long ago that fermentation was seen as a divine mystery, and now we take it for granted to have it ever-present on a shop shelf.

I thought it would be a great time to look at some North Canterbury innovators who took huge risks pursuing greatness.

Here are three innovative wines that look back to go forward.

Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange 2020 | The late and dearly missed Mike Weersing searched all over New Zealand to find the perfect vineyard soils before planting in the limestone soils of Pyramid Valley. Mike was the first to make an ‘orange’ wine in New Zealand – he was both an innovator and an inspiration in the world of winemaking. This is a traditional style that’s been made in Georgia for millennia but had never previously been done in New Zealand. The white grapes are fermented on skins giving the wine its distinct orange colour and aromatics similar to amaro and tea. Under new winemaker Huw Kinch, these wines continue to lead the world in quality.

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Black Estate Wildlife Pinot Noir 2020 | The Ancient Greeks used pine resin, and more recently, sulphur has been used as a preservative to stop wine from becoming vinegar. However, a few winemakers have used pristine fruit and highly skilled winemaking to enable preservative-free wines. Nicholas Brown from Black Estate has done this with quite a few wines, but one of my favourites is this juicy Pinot Noir fermented in giant clay amphorae.

Greystone Vineyard Ferment Pinot Noir 2019 | In 2012, the winemaker at Greystone, Dom Maxwell, wanted to see the difference in fermenting wine outside in the vineyard rather than inside the winery. Fast forward, and Dom managed to get a Callaghan Innovation grant for a PhD student from Lincoln University, Constanza Iversen, to study the unique wild yeasts of North Canterbury. This is worldleading work on what the terroir is at a microbial level. The resulting wine is made without new oak and is a fine, delicate, and pure expression of North Canterbury Pinot Noir.

Goethe’s famous bon mot is that “life is too short to drink bad wine”. Maybe we should refine that so we seek only to drink great wine – surely a worthy resolution to follow?

Greatness comes from those who seek to push the boundaries and risk their entire year’s work in pursuit of greatness.

Cantabrians are often surprised how much has been achieved by these innovators and pioneers making wine in North Canterbury.

ALL ABOARD

Image courtesy of kiwisflythecoop.com

HEADING SOUTH

I Ali Jones Writer, broadcaster, and housebus adventurer @housebusdylan @dylanthehousebus

but the place we had planned to park up n January, Dylan the house bus and Edith was a tad manky), almost camped on the the Suzuki made their way up the West Coast of the South Island, carrying Billy the beach itself. It was awesome.

With Dylan’s new, larger water tank (up Greyhound and his humans, Ali and Rob. We left Christchurch on 31 December and headed from 180L to 480L), a correspondingly larger waste tank, more storage (roll-out drawers for the New Year hot spot of Oamaru (hey, for pantry and clothing – not together), and why not?) after which we had booked two the curtains I had shortened for the front nights at the Omakau races as part of a New cab area and side windows, we realised how Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) important it has been to travel for a while to package (entry to races on 2 January, a race figure out how we would live in the bus and book, and a tip sheet). Just before midday, what we needed to do. Lifestyle Motorhomes with temperatures soaring into the early 30s, in Ashburton did excellent work before in they came: children, ladies dressed for Christmas. They are awesome professionals. the fashion competition, men wearing their On the other hand, the curtains were not best shorts; greeting one another with New flash. Despite desperately wanting to be Year’s g’days. It was fabulous. No wins on the good at sewing, Christchurch Girls’ High gave monetary front but plenty from the human me an ‘E’ for the subject, and in those days, experience perspective. Also, Billy was a very ‘E’ didn’t mean “Excellent”. Anyway, the well-patted pooch. curtains were up, providing much-needed We had intended to help our son move shade and privacy. into his new Dunedin flat in early January, This time I haven’t had room to include which was why we were initially heading Franz Josef, Lake Mapourika, Hokitika, south, but he didn’t need us, so after Omakau, we veered towards the West Coast. Greymouth, Punakaiki, and Fox River (the Sunday market is always worth a visit – great Using the NZMCA and Rankers apps, we food, music and stalls). pulled into the Makarora Country Café – a Next, it’s Golden Bay and onto Kaikōura as beautiful green back garden with powered sites, laundry, and showers. One night here, we head back to Christchurch.

After that – who knows? one at Rapahoe Beach (unintended stop,

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telephone 03 35 1 77 6 4 ho l l y l e a.c o.n z

historic & iconic

The very best in care and retirement living.

SUNDAY DRIVE

Buddy SUNDAY DRIVE

VW WESTFALIA 1980 OWNED BY ROB, RACH, AND PORTER AS TOLD TO Liam Stretch

W

e have been wanting a Westfalia/Kombi for the longest time; after towing around a caravan for a few years, we thought about investing in something that can take us further and also looks super cool.

The previous owners had done a super patchy DIY paint job on Buddy, so we gave him the makeover he deserves! We took inspiration from the VW Wolfsburg Edition of our van. The two-toned brown also fits us perfectly.

We’ve just had our first holiday in Buddy! It was a bit of trial and error with a toddler, but we absolutely loved it. The pop-top means we can not only stand inside but Porter, our son, can sleep up there for more room downstairs.

Our favourite thing about Buddy would have to be the whole lifestyle this 1980 VW embodies; we don’t think any other brand pulls this off as well as they do. It’s adventurous but also carefree and relaxed. We love everything about it! Something about driving a 42-yearold vehicle is so exciting (and scary) that you actually appreciate the ride as much as your destination.

THE BELLEVUE

A vibrant lifestyle awaits at The Bellevue.

Secure your apartment now.

Situated on the tree-lined Windermere Road, you’ll find Oceania’s newest village, The Bellevue. You’ll be living the lifestyle you want, surrounded by a tight-knit community and idyllic gardens.

Discover the wide range of apartments on offer and choose something to suit your individual needs. You’ll love the luxury touches - from the engineered stone benchtops, right through to the balconies with enclosable sliding glass doors – the ideal spot for a glass of wine with friends.

Start your morning with a workout class at our onsite gym, then pop by our boutique village’s lively cafe to catch up over a barista-made coffee and fresh pastries with neighbours.

It’s never been a more perfect time to become part of The Bellevue’s vibrant community, so call to book a viewing today.

Fixed weekly fee for life - Guaranteed.

For residents 70 years and above.

Call Daniel today on 0800 333 688 to book a tour.

21 Windermere Road, Papanui, Christchurch oceaniahealthcare.co.nz

HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

Antonio PHILLIPSTOWN

“I’ve lived in Christchurch for three years; I came here for work. I came to work as a postdoctoral fellow for the University of Canterbury.

“I’m originally from Progreso, Yucatan, Mexico, but I have been to several places already. I lived in the UK, in Glasgow, for four and a half years, and while I was there, I travelled and stayed for months – for example – in Spain, Japan, and Hong Kong.

“We always joke that we have two seasons back at home, ‘hot’ and ‘hotter’. You deal with ‘hotter’ with a lot of sweat. You open the doors of the car, and you feel a sauna inside. Some people here tell me like ‘oh, it’s 25 degrees, it’s so hot!’, but to me, that’s winter.

“I enjoy my work in astrophysics and astronomy. Originally I was trained as

an engineer, and then physics, and then physical astronomy.

“I wake up; I go to work. I like routine, and I like to know I’m being useful for something.

“My job is to search for extrasolar planets, yes, planets outside of the solar system. I had an interview last year with Radio NZ because we found a planet with similar conditions to Earth. People say, ‘that’s cool; why did you never mention it?’ But it’s just my job – it has become something common for me. You forget other people get interested.

“In October, I always do a horror movie marathon, so every day, I watch a horror movie. Every year, different movies. So that’s 31 horror movies a year. I have enjoyed horror movies since I was a child.”

facebook.com/humansofchch

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Think new chapter, not the end of the story.

When it’s time for a change, make it a great one.

At Summerset, we do everything to ensure our residents lives read like a good book. Where every day is an opportunity to turn a new page and see where their story might take them.

Think this sounds like you or someone you love?

Request a free information pack to find out more about our fourth Canterbury village, Summerset Prebbleton.

Summerset Prebbleton 0800 SUMMER | summerset.co.nz/prebbleton

SUM3640_FP

For the latest information on visiting our villages please call the sales manager or visit summerset.co.nz/covid-19