Avenues, February 2024

A MILESTONE ISSUE ISSUE 221 | FEBRUARY / HUI-TANGURU 2024

DA TH

HAPPY BIR

THE MAGAZINE ŌTAUTAHI LIVES BY

Y TO US!

Qestral’s “Clubs”

The Ukulele Club at Alpine View

Qestral Lifestyle Villages include for residents: a Ukulele Club, Model Boat Club, Wine and Food Club, Cycling Club, Book Club, Whiskey Club, Gardening Club, Craft Club, Concert Club and Travel Club etc.

“Creating structures to encourage friendships”

The Model Boat Club at Burlington

Qestral.co.nz alpineview.co.nz | banburypark.co.nz | burlingtonvillage.co.nz | coastalview.co.nz

Open Day The brilliance is in the balance Thursday 14 March 2024 Pre-registration essential at: stmargarets.school.nz/events

YEAH Our summer birdsong.

Let’s do everything we can to protect this!

Formaggio’s restaurant in Beckenham. Great service, great menu, great vibes.

EDITOR’S NOTE

SailGP returning to Christchurch!

Summertime food trucks.

Tacos in the park, anyone?

Resene Blackberry is an imperial red violet, full of pomposity.

NAH Summertime beach litterbugs. Pick it up!

Road rage. If your trip takes another two minutes, that’s okay.

A milestone

K

ia ora and welcome back for 2024!

Recently, over the summer break, I seized the opportunity to catch up with friends who’d jetted back home for a Kiwi Christmas after gallivanting around the globe.

After getting up to speed with each other’s lives, every one of them shared the same sentiment with me – how much they loved Ōtautahi Christchurch now.

And these are not just people of my vintage. These were also people who knew the city pre-2011. They were thrilled by its vibrancy, its places and spaces, and the people that inhabit it.

This was a timely reminder for me, especially since this edition marks a pretty special milestone for us – the kick-off of our 20th year as a publication.

As you flick through the pages of our first issue for 2024, you’ll find they’re chock-full of award-winning restaurants, world-class businesspeople, artists, and entrepreneurs. We really have come a long way as a city.

This issue is made even more special as we reveal our A List winners, shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent in our city.

So, thank you for joining us for these past couple of decades; some of you have been here right from the beginning.

Yours,

Sandflies. Just sandflies.

Continual Christmas ham sandwiches. We know it’s still in your fridge.

Liam Stretch Editor

Gridlock post-holiday traffic. Bring back the peace and quiet.

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VEUVE CLICQUOT LUNCH Fridays 11.30am-3pm 3 flutes of Veuve Clicquot 2 courses $85 STARTERS Fried shallot pancake, cumin salt Chefs signature spinach leaf topped with toasted coconut, green mango, chilli, fresh lime and roasted peanuts Home-made dumpling selection MAIN Hibachi grilled seafood skewers, shallot relish, pickled ginger tartare (DF) Fried chicken with organic sticky rice sauce, kimchi mayo and Chinese celery (GFO/DF) Chefs signature moong dal, mixed seed salad with avocado and kaffir lime (GFO/VO/DF) Stir-fried rice, burnt-ends meat combo, spring onion, bean sprouts, garlic, egg and fresh herbs (GFO, VO, DF)

BOOK NOW ZODIACBAR.CO.NZ

An artist’s render of a rebuilt Christ Church Cathedral. Read more on page 30.

Avenues.

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

THE TEAM Publisher Lisa Phelan Editor Liam Stretch Art Director Lucy Arnold GM Advertising Shelley Eccleton Food Editor Sam Parish Accounts & Admin Hilary Armstrong

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

PRINT Blueprint, Christchurch

CONTRIBUTORS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Chelita Zainey, Hannah Harte, Kate Underwood, Dr Reuben Woods, Jason O’Connor, Lynette McFadden, Shelley Sweeney, Charlie Rose Jackson, Dr Joel Dunn, Sam Parish, Centuri Chan, Sarah Mankelow, Neil Macbeth, Mark Coote, Jacqui McGowan, NZ Post, Forest & Bird Archives, Fran Scrimgeour, Hannah Bird, Cassie Doherty, Sarah Rowlands.

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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P 03 375 4710 M 027 327 7298 W ahteam.co.nz

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.

Artful abode.

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An indoor mineral lap pool and traditional hot stone sauna provides everyday luxury, while a light-loaded entertainment-focused design unites the grandeur of the kitchen and dining area with the relaxed ambience of the lounge, anchored by a sleek fireplace and open-air patio.

A ground-floor bathroom and powder room emphasises practicality, while a second living area can transition into a fourth bedroom, with bespoke joinery and integrated fold-down bed for seamless adaptability.

The upper level features two additional double bedrooms, second bathroom and a third living area. The master suite itself includes a projector screen, expansive walk-in wardrobe, and elegantly tiled ensuite.

Outside, the thoughtfully landscaped gardens offer a captivating retreat with mature plantings and a collection of areas for entertainment. A detached studio also serves as an ideal retreat for remote work or creative pursuits.

Further enriched by a triple-car garage, devoted laundry, prime location and premier school zoning, this unique residence is sure to command attention and admiration.

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W ahteam.co.nz

CONTENTS

18

26

30

18 NZSO 2024

10 CHIT CHAT

46 HEALTH

26 THE A LIST: YOUR WINNERS

12

51

30 THE HEART

20 WATCH THIS SPACE

60 CLINK!

36 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US

22 PAMPER

61 TAKE A BREATH

24 COUTURE

62 HARTE TO HEART

40 DESTINATION

64 HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

CULTURE CLUB

36

PALATE

44 HOME

A new face for The George Hotel

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

THE GEORGE HOTEL

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

CHIT CHAT

TUMBLE IN The hottest drink accessory at the moment is the reusable tumbler! Designed by New Zealander Maria Handley, the Treat Co Smoothie Tumbler is perfect for iced coffees, smoothies, of course, and other cold drinks. Get it filled at your favourite café or whip up a drink at home to take on the go. Available at HAPA. hapa.co.nz

INNER-CITY COASTAL

BOOM, IT’S SUMMER Press play on the ultimate Kiwi summer with the brand-new EPICBOOM from Ultimate Ears.

This portable speaker combines unbeatable portability with immersive surround sound and a bassy kick, making it the perfect sidekick for your summer adventures, whether rain or shine. Up your bass now. ultimateears.com

Kokomo is the newest restaurant and bar at Welles Street’s The Welder. With a menu designed for sharing, the dishes offer a chance to try something unique and exciting, all as local as possible. Start off with the scallop katsu, then dive into one of their most popular dishes, the goat red curry with kaffir lime, pawpaw, and Marmite peanuts.

Follow this up with the yuzu curd. Alongside lunch and dinner, Kokomo is open for brunch and bar service. Their brunch menu features the sure-to-be-famous bulgogi croissant and the prawn Benedict. Kokomo is open seven days from 8am till late for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. You’ll find them at 20–26 Welles Street. kokomo.nz

THE DOCK OF THE BAY Port Marlborough has just completed the Waikawa North West Marina. This extension has been constructed with the climate and coastal surroundings in mind. Recognising the area’s historical significance to Te Ātiawa iwi, a toka manatu stone, kaimoana designs on the breakwater walkway, and an informational panel were integrated throughout. A community-centric addition is the ‘step jetty,’ designed for kayakers, swing mooring users, and swimmers to easily access the bay. For boaties, the new extension provides an additional 251 berths in concrete floating construction, ranging from 10 to 30 metres. Some berths are still available. msmarinas.co.nz | service@msmarinas.co.nz

NEW YEAR NEW YOU LIFT & TIGHTEN ULTHERA U-LIFT

$400

OFF

Tel: 03 351 3241

80 WAIRAKEI RD FENDALTON ACCREDITED DOCTOR NEW ZEALAND SOCIETY OF

COSMETIC MEDICINE

FEBRUARY SPECIAL

CHIT CHAT

BEARD LOVE Sometimes, even the most majestic facial hair needs reining in. Old Grizzly Beard Tamer from Fat Spatula is a mixture of natural beeswax and organic extra-virgin raw coconut oil from Samoa, blended with certified organic shea butter and cocoa butter, sure to smooth the unruly hairs and sculpt your beard as desired. fat-spatula.felt.co.nz

RECYCLED CHIC Artefact gives new life and purpose to unloved construction materials, reimagining them as homewares with a history of their own. Their products, aptly named ‘Artefacts’, are meticulously handmade and released in limited runs as materials allow. Their coveted brick candle holder, ‘The Centrepiece’, lives up to its name, taking centre stage on the dining tables of hosts and homebodies alike.

Housing five NZ-made candles in a colour of your choosing, the Centrepiece makes for a striking addition to the home. Not bad for a salvaged patio brick, hey? Follow makers Ant and Matt and their creative journey on Instagram.

DESKED The Casa Pop-Up Desk from Logitech is a stylish and practical addition to the work-from-home set-up. Great things come in small packages, and this foldaway kit comprises a laptop stand with storage, a keyboard, and a touchpad.

Whether you’re a bold or understated worker, the colour palette will have you sorted.

@artefactinterior

logitech.com

KIND SPACE On the corner of Hereford Street and Rolleston Avenue is Papa Hou, a vibrant hub brought to life by the Kind Foundation (formerly known as Christchurch YMCA). The jewel in its crown is a black box theatre, a 382 sqm event space with movable seats and no set stage, featuring a full lighting setup, sound system, rigging, curtains, a purpose-built green room, a changing area, and a dedicated foyer with an optional bar. Alongside the black box is the Raupō Room – an intermediate, flexible space suitable for meetings, small group activities, and workshops.

Finally, Rangimārie, with its sprung floor and sound system, is a haven for dance and yoga. thekindfoundation.org.nz

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CULTURE CLUB

AN ARTS FESTIVAL FOR EVERYONE

W

hen Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre created a weekend celebration of its heritage restoration in 2023, it was meant to be a one-off.

But Off Centre was a hit. Too good to lose, the festival is back, this time in a compressed format over a Friday night and all-day Saturday.

The Off Centre programme is jam-packed with over 30 acts with broad appeal. A good proportion are free or by koha. The major drawcard (with free admission) is Ōtautahi’s 1 Drop Nation, known for its mix of roots, rock, funk, and reggae, and its electrifying stage presence.

Other headliners are by turns exuberant, edgy, intelligent, and beautiful: an intimate performance by singer-songwriter Hera; Katakata Comedy Club presented by Shay Horay featuring Dai Henwood; Prince Orlofsky’s Masquerade Ball, with the sumptuous music and surprising staging of Toi Toi Opera; new work from Jolt Dance, Sole, featuring disabled dancers; and Kā Mōrehu, in which kā toi Māori practitioners respond to texts about New Zealand’s future.

There’s plenty more, including family-friendly events, buskers, cinema, and delicious kai options. As they say, art is food for the soul!

8–9 March, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre artscentre.org.nz/whats-on/off-centre

Arts Festival 8-9 March

One day, two nights Entertainment for everyone

Book now artscentre.org.nz

CULTURE CLUB

WHOLE AGAIN

NICE TO MEET YOU

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Available on ThreeNow, Body Parts follows anaplastologist Allison Ves as she crafts amazingly realistic prosthetics for patients who have lost body parts through illness, injury, or from complications at birth.

This heart-warming reality television show is a highlight of how amazing talent goes on to help so many people in the most unexpected ways.

In My Name Is Barbra, the legendary Barbara Streisand narrates the captivating tale of her life and remarkable career.

It covers her early days in Brooklyn to her initial breakthroughs in New York nightclubs, to her performance in Funny Girl and the subsequent successes in the following years. The narrative remains enthralling from beginning to end.

New on Netflix is Society of the Snow, a harrowing account of a real-life nightmare.

It is based on the 1972 crash of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 into the Andes with a Uruguayan rugby team, friends, family, supporters, and crew onboard. With many surviving the initial crash, a 72-day fight for survival ensued. This is a tense but incredible watch.

FUNKY FRESH! Following their sold-out debut European shows, L.A.B is back with their latest single, Oh No (Pt. 2). Infused with a compelling groove and harmonious group vocals, this funkladen track is rich in soul, propelled by the distinctive voice of frontman Joel Shadbolt. The release comes on the heels of the band’s success at the 2023 Rolling Stone Awards, where they clinched the Best Single title for their track Take It Away.

CULTURE CLUB

KEVIN MCCLOUD HOME TRUTHS

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The charismatic and iconic host of Grand Designs, Kevin McCloud, takes to the Christchurch Town Hall stage to talk architecture, problem solving, and stories of his life. More than just an evening, Kevin’s Home Truths show transforms into a complete adventure.

Filled with uproarious anecdotes, wisdom drawn from his distinguished TV career, and an unrestrained Q&A session, the event invites you to delve into the brilliance of Kevin’s mind. This is not one to sleep on, as tickets are selling fast – put this on your must-do list for 2024!

7 February, Christchurch Town Hall venuesotautahi.co.nz

16–17

LEXUS URBAN POLO

HERO TO GROUND ZERO

TWO MINDS

Returning to Hagley Park, the Lexus Urban Polo brings high-paced action and luxury to the city this month. Set to be an unforgettable day of sport, music, fashion, and food, it offers unparalleled field-side views of the horseback action. It’s a day to dress to impress while you take in the event from one of the private marquees or the Veuve Clicquot Solaire VIP Terrace.

In the post-apocalyptic chaos, Tom and Gary, an odd yet perfect duo, embark on a quest for Ground Zero. Tom’s infectious energy and Gary’s determined spirit lead them through a shattered world, creating a comical yet heartwarming journey. From Hero to Ground Zero is sure to make you laugh, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit, proving that, amidst the darkness, friendship remains.

After a successful debut in 2023, the Two Minds Festival is back, offering attendees another chance to shake a tail feather! With five stages of unique hand-built dance-floor areas and a beautiful festival site just 20 minutes from the Christchurch CBD, the event combines dance icons, local legends, and the vibrant Ōtautahi dance music community, all within the picturesque setting of Spencer Park.

10 February, Hagley Park North urbanpolo.co.nz

16–17 February, Little Andromeda littleandromeda.co.nz

15–17 March, Spencer Park twomindsfestival.co.nz

Instrumental Competition Musicians Aged Under 25 nationalconcertocompetition.co.nz Douglas Lilburn Auditorium Christchurch Town Hall, 7.00pm Accompanied by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and conducted

by Benjamin Northey

Final 09.03.2024

Get Tickets at ticketek.co.nz

Hazuki Katsukawa

AKL

VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MINOR OP. 47 JEAN SIBELIUS

Ben van Leuven CONCERTO FOR CLARINET AARON COPLAND

Peter Gjelsten

WLG

VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MINOR OP. 47 JEAN SIBELIUS

LH

CULTURE CLUB

A BEAUTIFUL WORLD

C

urrently showing at Canterbury Museum at CoCA, Ngā Hau Ngākau (Breath of Mine) is a collaboration between painter Robin Slow, master carver Brian Flintoff, and musician Bob Bickerton, seamlessly weaving a rich tapestry of stunning paintings, intricately carved taonga puoro (traditional Māori instruments), and music.

Alongside these physical works, a specially created video sets the artworks in a soundscape of waiata sung by performers Ariana Tikao (Kāi Tahu) and Holly Weir-Tikao (Kāi Tahu), accompanied on taonga puoro by Solomon Rahui (Tūhoe, Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha), Bob Bickerton, and the vocalists.

The artists joined forces to craft a distinctive space reminiscent of a whare whakairo, a carved meeting house.

Designed as a place of learning, this wharenui is dedicated to manu (birds), revered as messengers in Māori mythology linking the physical and spiritual realms and as Atua Tāngata Whenua, the original ancestors of the islands.

Brian Flintoff has crafted 36 carvings in this touring exhibition and has dedicated much of his life to reviving taonga puoro, or traditional Māori instruments.

All his carvings tell stories, he says. “It may be just a bird on a flute, but there is a whole story about that bird and its meaning. It gives people a taste and invites them to explore further. It is a wonderful thing to tell these stories. They are so important. They are the steering paddle of the waka that is Māoridom.”

One such carving serves as a pertinent symbol: Felix the Kākāpō, who sired many offspring and helped save his species from extinction.

Painter Robin Slow layers his artworks with references to Māori stories gathered over decades. Memories from working with Onetahua Marae in Golden Bay to create a new wharenui influenced his work on Ngā Hau Ngākau.

“We wondered: What would it be like if we created our own whare? We could carry our own whare from place to place to tell these stories.”

Canterbury Museum Director Anthony Wright is excited to present such a diverse exhibition.

“This immersive experience will delight and fascinate Waitaha Canterbury audiences as they enjoy these beautiful carvings, paintings, and songs and explore the many stories of Te Ao Māori,” he says.

Ngā Hau Ngākau at Canterbury Museum at CoCA runs until 28 April 2024.

canterburymuseum.com

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CULTURE CLUB

CAPTURING FEELING

W

ith Andrew Swarbrick’s art, one look isn’t enough. The North Canterbury artist melds genres in his chosen mastered medium of oil paint.

In the realm of realism, Andrew captures subjects, breathing life into scenes with an appreciation for everyday beauty. His adept use of oil paints turns the canvas into a window for viewers to connect with subtle details. Venturing into surrealism, Andrew crafts dreamlike compositions, challenging perceptions and prompting exploration of reality’s boundaries. In portraiture, he delves deep into the human condition. Symbolism adds layers to Andrew’s narratives, transcending the visual, while existential themes prompt contemplation on existence, freedom, and meaning.

Andrew has achieved a challenging task, breaking the ceiling of the international art world. Making an impact, his contributions have been acknowledged. He was awarded the lauded ‘Certificate of Artistic Achievement’ from the Luxembourg Art Prize in both 2021 and 2022. Furthermore, Andrew has graced the walls of the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London and exhibited at the esteemed Start Art Fair 2022, where his works have captured the attention of international art enthusiasts.

Back home, Andrew’s inaugural solo exhibition, Chronos, is a culmination of his 14 years of oil painting.

“Chronos embodies the essence of the passage of time, symbolising the force that ages, decays, and ushers in the cycle of life, growth, and creativity. It is a constant undercurrent that permeates my artworks, fuelled by a profound yearning for genuine creativity, freedom, and a fascination with the myriad facets of existence, creation, and mortality.”

You’ll find his exhibition at Pūmanawa Gallery, First Floor, Boy’s High Building, The Arts Centre from 19 to 25 February. andrewswarbrickart.com |

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@lhpandy

CULTURE CLUB

NZSO 2024

F

rom the world premieres of works by two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s greatest composers to the exciting debuts of a host of international stars, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra brings an unforgettable selection of music experiences to Ōtautahi Christchurch in 2024.

Beyond Words, on 7 March at Christchurch Town Hall, marks the fifth anniversary of the mosque attacks in a special collaboration between the NZSO, the Central Iqra Trust, and Muslim communities across New Zealand. With its first performance in Christchurch, this special concert includes the world premiere of Ahlan wa Sahlan by composer John Psathas, featuring Moroccan vocalist OUM and oud master Kyriakos Tapakis. OUM and Tapakis join with the NZSO, led by Muslim conductor Fawzi Haimor, to perform this extraordinary work, which fuses Eastern and Western music traditions.

Beyond Words also features performances of individual works by OUM, Tapakis, and three other distinguished composers: American Valerie Coleman, Iranian Reza Vali, and Estonian Arvo Pärt. Abdelilah Rharrabti, a survivor of the mosque attacks, will perform Hasbi Rabbi, a traditional work arranged by Christchurch composer Hamish Oliver with Esmail Fathi, Liam Oliver, and the NZSO. John Psathas speaks to the significance of this work, stating, “It is not often one has the opportunity to offer a message of solidarity, love, and compassion through one’s artistic work. This is a rare gift from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.”

In addition to the concert, the NZSO is hosting a range of community events on 7 March, including a panel discussion with the Beyond Words artists, a workshop by the Simurgh Music School, a spoken word workshop, and Share Kai Share Culture run by InCommon and

Mahia te Aroha, two organisations founded in response to the mosque attacks.

On 14 June, at the James Hay Theatre, a quartet of NZSO string players perform a concert of beautifully evocative music, from 17th-century Baroque to modern-day classics in Reflections: Schubert & Beethoven. You’ll be serenaded by Schubert’s Quartettsatz, Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 9, Purcell’s Fantasia upon one note, and Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte.

Ein Heldenleben A Hero’s Life on 27 July at Christchurch Town Hall, led by French conductor Stéphane Denève, features music

by French composers Lili Boulanger and Maurice Ravel, alongside Richard Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben. The concert includes Ravel’s Shéhérazade featuring French mezzo-soprano Virginie Verrez, Boulanger’s D’un matin de printemps, and Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben.

Jupiter: Mozart & Copland on 27 September at Christchurch Town Hall, conducted by NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New, presents landmark works by Mozart and Aaron Copland, including the world premiere of Lyell Cresswell’s Third Piano Concerto, performed by pianist Stephen de Pledge. The concert also features Copland’s Appalachian Spring and Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 Jupiter.

Rounding out a bumper orchestral year, at The Piano on 20 November, you’ll be able to experience Christian Tetzlaff in Recital, which features the world-renowned violinist performing works by Bach and Bártok in an intimate setting, including Bach’s Partita No. 2 and Violin Sonata No. 3, along with Bártok’s Sonata for Solo Violin.

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is pulling out all the stops for its visits to the Garden City this year, offering a full calendar for classical and contemporary music lovers alike.

nzso.co.nz

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Moroccan vocalist OUM. BELOW CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT NZSO Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New; Violinist Christian Tetzlaff; Conductor Fawzi Haimor; Conductor Stéphane Denève.

WATCH THIS SPACE Gazer – from The Little Street Art Festival Artist Jessie Rawcliffe Date November–December 2023 Location The Grand, Cathedral Square In late November and early December of 2023, The Little Street Art Festival brought a unique platform for urban art to Ōtautahi. A celebration of smallerscale street art and its diverse material forms, the festival aimed to showcase the potential of art embedded in our shared surroundings to proclaim that little things can make a big difference!

A highlight of the festival was Gazer, local painter Jessie Rawcliffe’s series of striking portraits located throughout the city. These stunning portraits, rendered in Rawcliffe’s painstaking brushwork and coloured to match their location, created subtle yet unsettling encounters for passersby – subverting the role of viewer and subject with their direct gazes.

This work, the largest of the six paintings, was a stunning temporary addition to the beautiful Cathedral Square building The Grand – the terracotta brickwork and dark blue trim providing inspiration and the doorway allowing the sensation that the viewer was watched as they passed – a reminder that we do not exist in a vacuum of experience and constantly serve as observer, intruder, and observed.

The Little Street Art Festival celebrates the possibility that smaller street art can unlock and the way we can constantly reimagine the landscape around us.

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/1084

PAMPER

A CHANCE TO RESET FACELIFT WITHOUT A SCALPEL

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Face.it in Sumner ignites a new era of anti-ageing with the exquisite art of Kobido. This ancient Japanese facelift massage is a non-invasive alternative to treatments such as Botox and fillers. It is your passport to sculpted cheekbones, sharper jawlines, and a goodbye to sagging skin.

Experience the symphony of lifting strokes, kneads, and taps that boost circulation, drain toxins, and stimulate collagen production. Kobido isn’t just a treatment, it’s a transformative ritual for the face and soul.

Step into Face.it and sculpt your most confident, luminous you. @faceit_sumner

PREMIUM TREATMENT Prima Donna is luxury lingerie at its finest – quality, comfort, and beauty. The Fitting Room are exclusive South Island stockists of this Belgian brand that has patented their underwire design and cushioning – comfort second to none! Glass Beach (pictured) is Prima Donna Twist’s latest gorgeous and fun design with removable strap decoration. Or you may prefer their global bestseller – Madison. Make a booking online and have a fitting consultation in person with one of The Fitting Room’s friendly, expert-trained team. Specialising in D–K cup size lingerie as well as post-mastectomy products and swimwear in all sizes, The Fitting Room is your premiere lingerie and swimwear shopping destination. Browse online to view their extensive range, which includes sports bras and maternity bras, as well as everyday and luxury styles. Find them in one of their two Christchurch locations and the new central Wellington store. thefittingroom.co.nz

2

TIGHTEN UP!

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Ultherapy is the only FDA-cleared, non-invasive procedure that lifts the neck, chin, and brow and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest. It delivers micro-focused ultrasound energy directly into specific layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. Ultherapy has been a NewBeauty magazine award winner 10 times and most recently voted 2023’s Best Nonsurgical Skin Tightener. It has been successfully used for over two million treatments worldwide. Only available at the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic and on special for February! skinrejuvenationclinic.co.nz

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New year, new glow.

It’s time to feel good about your appearance!

At Transform Clinic, our friendly, experienced team is here to help you look good and lead a happier, healthier life.

Book a consultation with our team of appearance medicine nurses, therapists, or doctor with over 30 years experience.

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COUTURE

WITTY WEAR

T

hey say the best ideas come from half a bottle of rosé. Well, they don’t, but this was the case for Taylor Spittle, the founder of Choose Sarcasm.

Like many thrown into lockdown in 2020, Taylor, a primary school teacher, found herself needing a creative outlet. From her bedroom and with “a rusty, old t-shirt press,” she began crafting her first garments.

Once life returned to normal, Taylor went back to her day job, all the while selling the t-shirts on the side.

Upon leaving teaching and working odd jobs, Taylor with her dad, Luke, decided to create an apparel company, and Choose Sarcasm was born.

The brand is inspired by the inherent trait that seems to be shared by all New Zealanders – sarcasm – and every garment is available in English and Māori.

As there is no direct te reo Māori translation for the brand’s embroidered moniker, they chose ‘Engari mō tēnā.’

This kiwaha (saying) is more “like a verbal eye roll,” says Taylor. It’s all to engage people and spread a bit of joy.

With a range of hoodies, crewnecks, and t-shirts, each piece is WRAP certified (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, meaning they ensure every element of production is carried out under best practice.

“We’re a little bit obsessive. Even down to the dye in the fabric and the thread, you have to make sure that’s not harmful to humans and the environment,” says Taylor.

It’s a real whānau affair. Not their first family business, the Spittles all pitch in. Mum and artist Alice offers creative guidance and assistance in the operations. Dad, Luke, a former broadcaster and project manager, helps with the marketing and brand direction, and younger sister Ruby has manned market stalls and modelled garments.

“We have boyfriends, cousins, and even reluctant aunties moonlighting as models.”

You can join the Sarcastic Society now, the brand’s ‘community’. It is a way to earn points with every purchase, get vouchers, access exclusive deals and limited editions, and become “10 per cent cooler”. choosesarcasm.co.nz

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Treat your entire pelvic floor Prostatectomy, pelvic surgery, childbirth, menopause, nerve damage, traumatic injury to the pelvic region, and aging can lead to a weak bladder and pelvic floor dysfunction in both males and females.

At iWellness we can provide a non-invasive Emsella chair designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, improving incontinence and intimate health.

11,000 Kegels in 28 minutes!

Flow Wellbeing Clinic 229 Fitzgerald Avenue Christchurch City Central 021 540 698 info@wellness.kiwi

www.iwellness.kiwi

Albatross Encounter Kaikura is the best place in the world to see multiple species of albatross.

Enjoy close up views of these majestic wanderers of the Southern Ocean just minutes from shore.

Incredible photography opportunities and expert commentary.

DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER TOUR ALSO AVAILABLE. Sensational food, divine coffee at our Café. Enjoy shopping at our Gift Shop and Gallery!

96 Esplanade, Kaikura, New Zealand Phone (03) 319 6777 • Freephone 0800 733 365

albatrossencounter.co.nz

Fleur by DK Floral Design is a boutique florist with a

European feel, creating beautiful bouquets and stocking a unique range of gifts.

186 Papanui Road | fleurdk.co.nz

Julia Ashmore-Smith

SIPPED

YOUR WINNERS Avenues readers once again came out in

Tropicana Margarita at Chiwahwah

droves to vote for their favourite places to dine, eat, and play in our city. This is the

Winner, Best Cocktail

best of Ōtautahi, decided by you.

COFFEE TIME

SNACK ON THE GO

RUNNER UP Espresso Martini at OGB

Untouched World Kitchen

Sangkutsa Food Truck

Winner, Best Café or Coffee

RUNNER UP Chiwahwah

RUNNER UP Child Sister

Winner, Best Cheap Eats

OUT ON THE TOWN

GRUB’S UP

The Church Pub

Winner, Best Restaurant

Winner, Best Bar/Pub

RUNNER UP Gatherings

RUNNER UP The Last Word

SHOP TILL YOU DROP

WALL, WALL, WALL

King of Snake

HAPA

Chiwahwah by Dcypher

Winner, Best Retail Experience

Winner, Best Street Art/Public Sculpture

RUNNER UP Get Flocked

RUNNER UP Leave No Trace by Ghostcat

FEATURE

Milestones Twenty years ago, the first Avenues rolled off the press. This month, we’re not only celebrating our own milestone but also those of others who have achieved remarkable feats.

We take you inside the Christ Church Cathedral as the rebuild progresses and introduce you to its youngest-ever Dean. Discover the story behind Forest and Bird as they mark 100 years, and a luxury car brand sets an example with an innovative new showroom. We also share with you Avenues’ journey over the last two decades.

THE HEART For the newly appointed Dean Ben Truman, the youngest ever in the history of Christ Church Cathedral, the future is bright.

O

riginally hailing from Greymouth, Dean Ben Truman studied theatre, theology, and teaching, eventually leading him to take up a job in the drama department at Burnside High School. He arrived in the city in January of 2011, not long before the quakes in February.

All through this time, he was heavily involved in the church, and he has continuously felt a calling to ministry; he pursued further studies in Auckland and became the vicar of St Mark’s in Opawa seven years ago.

Dean Ben, now firmly rooted in Christchurch with his wife Johannah and three children under five, takes on the mantel at a crucial time in the cathedral’s history.

Ben reflects on the ongoing reinstatement of the Cathedral, which is set to reopen in 2028.

He emphasises the Cathedral’s importance to the people of Ōtautahi.

“The cathedral has been an integral part of the identity of Christchurch from its beginning, and it’s because of the cathedral that we became a city initially. There’s been this permanent kind of relationship between the cathedral and the city. The church decided to go with reinstatement because there was the sense of actually doing this for the city’s healing from quakes.”

Stabilisation, initiated in May 2020, involved enabling works, the construction of many structural steel frames, deconstruction, and clean-up.

As the work now continues on the ‘heart’ of Ōtautahi, the Cathedral has reached another milestone; in March 2023, they welcomed

people for the first time into the building following the completion of the stabilisation.

The building is now no longer earthquakeprone, and the project has moved into the strengthening phase.

Re-entering the Cathedral was a poignant experience for those involved, but it did reveal unforeseen damage.

“This led to an extensive investigation, consideration of the further work required, and how it would be best undertaken.

Subsequently, a comprehensive review of our design, planned work methods, programme, and costs is underway,” Keith Paterson, Project Director with Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Ltd, says.

“We are so grateful for the funding that has been donated so far; we couldn’t have reached this point without the incredible generosity and support of so many – local people and others across Aotearoa and internationally. There is no question that the reinstatement will continue, despite its huge complexity and that further donations are needed,” Dean Ben says.

Recent research shows that the local passion for the building is strong, with 74 per cent of residents surveyed considering the Cathedral essential to the city’s future and 62 per cent wanting it rebuilt.

With that in mind, this month Bishop The Right Reverend Dr Peter Carrell will launch the Anglican Campaign, fundraising for the Cathedral Reinstatement Project. He calls on the Anglicans within the diocese to contribute to the reinstatement of the heart of the city.

OUR CATHEDRAL, OUR TIME For more information about how you can support the reinstatement of Christ Church Cathedral with your gift, please visit christchurchcathedral.org.nz

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Image courtesy of Project Story

Bishop Peter with Dean Ben Image courtesy of Project Story

A NEW HOME

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ou’ve more than likely spotted it as it has sprung from the ground, with construction well underway on Lexus’ new Christchurch home in the centre of the city.

The new standalone store at 72 Tuam Street is due to open in early April of this year, and its approaching completion coincides with a milestone for the luxury car brand.

Andrew Davis, Lexus New Zealand vice president, reflects on the brand’s recordbreaking year-to-date sales at the close of 2023 and notes this as a driver for the investment by the local franchisee, Miles Group.

“Lexus has secured its position with its brave design and unique driving experience at the premium end of the market. This investment by Miles Group shows their absolute commitment to the brand and to their customers,” he says.

Lexus of Christchurch General Manager Aaron Frazer reflects on the brand’s longstanding presence in Christchurch since the early 1990s.

Starting with a sales and service hub at Ilam Toyota, it later found its home on the corners of Tuam and Montreal Streets in 1994.

“We represent a brand that is focused on delivering the next great luxury experience, and our new dealership will revolutionise luxury automotive in our region, seamlessly blending opulence with our commitment to sustainability and providing our guests with an immersive and unparalleled experience.

“As we unveil the newest Lexus vehicles celebrated for their innovation and performance, we eagerly anticipate welcoming our guests to our new showroom, back at 72 Tuam Street, to partake in the spirit of Experience Amazing – a unique humancentric celebration that excites and inspires the sense of our guests. I’m truly excited about this next chapter for Lexus in New Zealand,” Aaron says.

The new Lexus showroom, designed by iconic Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney, promises to be a striking feature in the area, an arterial route into the central city.

Lexus will operate across two levels with 572 sqm of showroom, customer lounges, offices, and car parking.

Having established itself as a market leader in electric and hybrid vehicle technology, it is only fitting that the building matches that same sustainability mindset.

Employing thermal modelling, the building has been designed to optimise glazing, shading elements, thermal mass, daylight levels, and passive ventilation to create an ideal environment with minimal energy input.

By using Golden Bay Cement’s Eversure in the concrete mix meant they achieved an embodied carbon rating of EC24, or a 24 per cent reduction in carbon footprint compared to industry standard.

In the building of the new showroom and the demolition of the previous one, 70 per cent of construction waste was diverted from landfills and wherever possible, materials and finishes were chosen that exceed industry environmental standards. This includes 100 per cent recycled, carbonneutral carpet; 95 per cent of the building’s steel sourced from a Responsible Steel Maker; and 95 per cent of all timber used in construction is either certified by a recognised forest certification scheme or from a reused source.

With Lexus now offering two battery electric models – the UX 300e and RZ 450e – the new property will boast EV charging stations for customer and retail vehicles. The power flowing through these stations will largely be sourced from the roof’s 39 solar panels, supplying around 20,000 kWh per year of electricity to the Lexus showroom.

lexus.co.nz

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FOREST & BIRD: A VOICE FOR NATURE

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or more than 100 years, Forest & Bird has been a powerful voice for nature, working to protect the wildlife and wild spaces that make Aotearoa New Zealand unique.

On 28 March 1923, one passionate conservation volunteer, Captain Ernest ‘Val’ Sanderson, along with a small group of likeminded men and women, launched what was then called the Native Bird Protection Society in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington.

It became the first of Aotearoa New Zealand’s modern-day conservation charities, and Sanderson led the organisation until his death in 1945.

During that time, Sanderson published artworks, books, and magazines to educate and inspire adults and children about nature and frequently wrote to politicians to campaign for measures to protect species and their habitats, as well as for a bird day in schools.

One hundred years later, thanks to the generosity of its members and supporters, and the dedication of hardworking volunteers around the motu, Forest & Bird is upholding Sanderson’s legacy by fighting to protect and restore the wildlife of Aotearoa.

Forest & Bird has acknowledged this significant milestone with a full year of centennial celebrations, aimed at encouraging people to think about how they can help to look after nature.

“It’s been a privilege to share stories about our history and acknowledge what has been accomplished by so many dedicated volunteers and staff over the past century,” says Forest & Bird’s chief executive, Nicola Toki.

“From Forest & Bird’s earliest days until now, generations of conservation volunteers

have been protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places across Aotearoa – on the ground, in the courts, and through speaking up for nature at all levels of government.”

To mark the first 100 years, Forest & Bird collaborated with NZ Post to release a set of nature-themed centennial stamps, held an exhibition in honour of Captain Sanderson in his hometown of Paekākāriki, ran a hotly and internationally contested Bird of the Century competition, and much more.

Their branches have encouraged local people to get involved in conservation, organising volunteer activities, including centennial planting days.

The South Canterbury branch of Forest & Bird partnered with the South Canterbury Museum to present an exhibition celebrating a century of conservation mahi (work), showcasing the work of local Forest & Bird volunteers. The exhibition is free to view and runs through to 28 March 2024.

They want Kiwis of all ages to feel inspired to protect te taiao nature. Forest & Bird’s Kiwi Conservation Club (KCC), New Zealand’s first national children’s conservation organisation, engages our tamariki and nurtures their curiosity for our unique wildlife through a series of fun, nature-based events as well as its club magazine, Wild Things.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife and wild places are unique. As we look ahead to the next 100 years, in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss, it is more important than ever that we work together to protect and restore our shared backyard.

If you want to be a voice for nature, you can join Forest & Bird at forestandbird.org.nz/ support-us/join-forest-bird.

forestandbird.org.nz

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Birthday cake for Forest & Bird at Big Birthday Bash Whanganui, March 2023.

BELOW CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Captain Ernest ‘Val’ Sanderson; First day cover of Forest & Bird Centennial Stamps, released April 2023, image courtesy of NZ Post; Nicola Toki Chief Executive of Forest & Bird, Centennial Conference July 2023.

Happy birthday to us…

This year, Avenues turns 20. To celebrate this milestone, we’re dishing up 20 fun facts about our magazine, so you can get to know us just a little bit better.

1

Since Twenty Seven Publishers (that’s us) took the baton from Stuff in 2018, Avenues has been run by a small Christchurch-based team – there’s just four of us.

2

When the first Avenues was released, Helen Clark was prime minister, Garry Moore was mayor, and New Zealand Idol had just premiered – what’s Ben Lummis up to now?

3

4

The Avenues team works entirely remotely, so we love having team meetings at our favourite local cafés.

A cheese scone definitely helps!

Avenues was founded by Jon Gadsby of McPhail and Gadsby fame and his sister Sharon Collins.

5

The extended family – and HR department – includes five dogs, two cats, two chickens, and a few goldfish for good measure.

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6 7

It might seem obvious, but for those who don’t know, Avenues is named for the four avenues bordering Christchurch’s CBD: Fitzgerald, Bealey, Moorhouse, and Rolleston.

8

Our readers come from Christchurch, Canterbury, all over Aotearoa, and beyond.

Avenues distributes 25,000 copies every issue – that’s the population of Tāupo!

Throwback! This is what the very first Avenues looked like when we welcomed it into the world in 2004.

2017 2022

2018 avenues.

THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY

2014

LIFE’S A BACH: ONE ARCHITECT’S AWARD-WINNING HOLIDAY RETREAT WINTER MINI BREAK | 5TH STREET: DARING TO BE DIFFERENT | KIM ODERING’S NEW LEAF ISSUE 162 | JULY 2018

9

2024

Since 2004, Avenues has published 221 issues. That’s over 15,000 pages and a staggering 3.3 million words!

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10

Some of our wider team have been here for more than 150 issues! Feature writer Kim Newth joined Avenues at Issue 55 – take a bow, Kim.

11

In 2019, we created The A List awards, celebrating the very best of our city, and since then, you’ve come out in force every year to vote for your favorite spots in Ōtautahi!

2022

13

12

Avenues is completely recyclable – yellow bin, guys! But we know you’ll be keeping us on the coffee table for some time.

Our columnists over the years have included famous names like Gary McCormick, Chris Parker, and Jax Hamilton.

14

WINNER

We love working with other local businesses to share our tales of Ōtautahi.

You might spot us on a Bekon billboard or snag a copy at a Phantom magazine stand in a café around the city.

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Issue 1

15

When our first issue came out, editor Liam was seven years old!

16

How’s this for a comparison? Check out these two articles with Dux owner Richard Sinke – 20 years apart! Nice shirt, Richard!

17

On average, an issue of Avenues contains 15,000 words, takes 150+ hours, and puts away too many cups of coffee to count.

18

Issue 215

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We’re printed by local legends Blueprint on PEFC Certified paper, meaning the magazine is made from sustainably managed sources.

Twentyseven Publishers and Blueprint are not just partners in business – their directors Lisa and Michael are married in real life too!

20

Avenues’ original office was above Winnie Bagoes in Wave House on Gloucester Street.

Pizza, anyone?

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DESTINATION

READY FOR SUMMER Huge visitor figures are expected throughout this summer as Hanmer Springs celebrates another major milestone.

F

or more than 150 years, Hanmer and maximise water efficiency. The pools, Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has which sit at temperatures between 37 and 42 been helping visitors create memories degrees Celsius, are built on timber frames that last a lifetime. In that time, the iconic above ground to protect the giant Redwood destination has constantly evolved. tree roots below.

Many Cantabrians will have fond memories The evolution of their hydroslides has of school holidays or overnight trips to made Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Hanmer Springs, where family and friends Spa one of the best spots in New Zealand came together to form memories that for aquatic rides too – each considerable spanned generations. investment makes another milestone in the What makes it a top holiday destination complex’s history. Conical Thrill was unveiled depends on who you talk to. For some, in 2019 – its near-vertical wall earned it a Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa is reputation as the largest and steepest slide a great spot to unwind – the 22 pools and in New Zealand. luxurious day spa are a restorative paradise.

In October 2023, two new hydroslides – the For the young (and young at heart), it is the Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder – were added ultimate playground, filled with fun and to the collection, featuring state-of-the-art LED adrenaline-pumping hydroslides, an activity technology never used in New Zealand before. pool, and a lazy river.

Waiau Winder also features visual projections, It’s a site that’s rich in history. The first shed currently displaying an underwater scene. The was built on site in 1871 for private use by Mr investment has been a huge hit with visitors John Fry. It became a public establishment in already and is expected to help numbers 1883 when the Crown fenced it off for the paying surpass pre-Covid figures. public and has been council-owned for the last In 2022, Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool 60 years, with all profits ringfenced for local parks & Spa celebrated the 150th anniversary of and recreation areas. A centennial of the pools the first dressing shed. To celebrate the epic was celebrated in 1983 with a parade through the memories that millions of visitors have made, village streets, marking the complex’s significance the team gave away a 150-year pass – the to the village and its residents. ultimate family treasure that will be enjoyed Since that single dressing shed, their for generations to come. footprint has expanded, and today, there are Hanmer Springs Thermal Pool & Spa bathing options to suit every preference. The will continue to hold a special place in the Cascades, five pools connected by a series hearts of Cantabrians. They are setting their of waterfalls, were introduced in 2019 and sights on the future, and who knows what use world-class technology to recycle energy milestones lie ahead in the next 150 years? hanmersprings.co.nz

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DESTINATION

HERITAGE TRAIL CANTERBURY

CANTERBURY

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in Ferrymead Heritage Park’s Edwardian Township. Experience the historical homes, fire engines, model railroad, post and telegraph, printing, vintage tractors, trains, and trams. With something of interest for the whole family, it’s the perfect place to take the kids this summer. Ferrymead Heritage Park is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. ferrymead.org.nz |

@ferrymeadheritagepark |

@ferrymeadheritagepark

OTAGO

Over the Easter weekend, 29, 30, and 31 March, Warbirds over Wānaka returns following a hiatus due to Covid-19. The globally-lauded show brings a stacked line-up of historic and modern aircraft to the skies of Otago. warbirdsoverwanaka.com

Canterbury Museum’s historic brass bell, once part of Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic expedition, is echoing at Hagley Oval this summer. The bell rings five minutes before play during international cricket matches. It has already rung out at clashes between White Ferns and Pakistan, Blackcaps and Pakistan T20 matches, and will again at the second test between New Zealand and Australia. hagleyoval.co.nz canterburymuseum.com

HAWKES BAY

Following a tough year for the region, Napier’s Art Deco Festival makes a triumphant return in 2024, signalling that Hawkes Bay is ready and open for business. From 15–18 February, this jubilant celebration takes to the streets, restaurants, cafés, bars, theatres, galleries, music venues, parks, and even the skies, highlighting the town’s art deco capital status and its unwavering resilience. Brace yourself for a summer festival experience like no other! artdecofestival.co.nz

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VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Direct to the Public 193 Halswell Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025

03 338 9199 | halswelltimber.co.nz

HOME

New year, fresh perspective

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor, Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden

H

For many, the remedy is embedded in help from the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, reluctant acceptance of high levels of debt, smaller houses and apartments, intergenerational living, or a ‘why buy when I can rent?’ mindset.

The dream property in my parents’ time usually had three bedrooms (kids shared in those days), a lounge which you sat in (I won’t use the word ‘entertain’), and the backyard featured Dad’s veggie garden; in fact, it still does.

The desire to own your slice of ‘Kiwi paradise’ is still there, but along with everything else in life, there are new directions afoot.

As a realtor of nearly 30 years, I value all the learnings that transfer from a coal-face perspective. You can be party to aspirations, the culmination of dreams, and occasional disasters, and I’m engaged and deeply interested in where our remarkable signature will take all of us.

This year, I’ll no doubt see the current group of first-home buyers swell in number.

I’m expecting investors back, too, given a change in government and tax deductibility, busier auction rooms with a greater volume of listings, and potentially ‘steady as she goes’ or a small increase in prices. Hopefully, and we can never be certain, a reduction in the slide backwards of buyers not considering certain methods of construction.

Property will always be a driver for some and an anchor for others: for me, it’s a passion and a long-term love affair.

appy New Year, 2024, the Year of the Dragon, and I wish you a year like no other.

I love the start of every year. I love the feeling of freshness, freedom, and forgiveness that comes with new beginnings, and I also love the opportunity to reflect – and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.

Every country has its own real estate signature, and New Zealand, whilst being young by international standards, certainly has one.

Property, land or whenua, and all forms of home ownership run deeply through the Kiwi psyche and dominate many of our media’s comments.

Our actual national signature can include property that reflects our surrounding environments, be they bush, sea, coastline, or community, as well as a strong social conscience and DIY as second nature.

Translations of this include countless black houses, not readily seen in other parts of the world, a history of social housing, and a massive home improvement industry.

We’ve got our own vocabulary as well. In Christchurch, that includes ‘as is, where is,’ ‘flips’, ‘EQC repairs’, and elsewhere terms like ‘first homer,’ ‘empty nester,’ ‘investor,’ and ‘affordability levels’ predominate.

But there are also some glaring changes.

Home-ownership levels are falling; prices are high, especially for those entering the market; land sizes are considered large at 500 square metres; loans are considerable; and we have a cost-of-living crisis.

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HOME

Coastal corner To create a coastal colour scheme, start with a piece of furniture in a shade of sand, sea, or sky and build your look around that.

This coastal setting contrasts the light blue of Resene Comfortably Numb with sandy tones in the chair and palm tree. If you want to make an impact with the walls but feel unsure about wallpaper, try painting a line motif like this palm tree in Resene Athena to provide a focal point.

The Cape Town Lounge Chair from Frobisher brings an understated elegance to any space. Handcrafted from oldgrowth plantation-sourced rattan. Finished by hand, this beautifully made piece is ethically manufactured, sourced, and delivered.

For a minimal coastal look, swap out the light blue walls for white or beige. Choose accessories in muted natural colours from sage greens to greys, soft browns, or flaxen tones. The darkest shade in the coastal palette is navy blue, and bright white accessories bring a pop of contrast.

Use natural colours and fibres where possible, such as linen cushions, wool, or jute rugs and wooden side tables.

Brass decorative pieces add a touch of sun when they catch the light.

The Cunard Side Table is a quality handcrafted piece from American oak with solid brass hardware and the enduring appeal of an antique for a classic coastal look.

Resene Green Acres

Resene Transcend

Wisteria Cape Town Lounge Chair; Cunard Side Table Cognac; Pleated 2 tier Vase; Blue Vase; Gold Decorative Crab; Blue striped cushion from Frobisher; Resene Comfortably Numb and Resene Athena from Resene ColorShops.

This Pleated Two-Tier Vase is crafted from fine bone china in a timeless design, providing a pop of bright white to this summery scheme. Brass accessories like this crab add personality and sunshine to pared-back coastal spaces.

HEALTH

Revolutionising digestive health

Dr Joel Dunn Chief Medical Officer, Reform Radiology reformradiology.co.nz

I

has emerged as a powerful tool for gastrointestinal specialists. This advanced imaging modality offers detailed insights into the structure and function of organs, allowing for precise diagnosis of conditions such as Crohn’s disease, liver disorders, and pancreatic abnormalities. The benefits of these technologies extend beyond diagnosis to personalised treatment planning. With the wealth of information garnered through advanced imaging, healthcare professionals can tailor interventions to the specific needs of each patient, optimising therapeutic outcomes and minimising potential risks.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the organs of the body. Reform Radiology has invested in the latest high-tech equipment with a novel, non-invasive method which can measure the degree of fatty change in the liver. Alterations to diet and gut microbiome can reduce the build-up of fat in the liver, which in turn prevents the progression to advanced liver disease.

As we embrace this era of innovation in gastroenterology and colorectal medical imaging, patients can look forward to a new era of precision medicine, where early detection, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans converge to enhance overall digestive and gut health.

Reform Radiology is proud to support the Canterbury community and pave the way for a healthier and more informed future.

n the dynamic landscape of healthcare, breakthroughs in medical imaging technology are transforming the way we understand and address digestive and gut health issues. Gastroenterology, a field focused on the digestive system, has seen remarkable advancements in imaging techniques that provide unprecedented clarity and accuracy in diagnosis and treatment. We delve into the realm of cutting-edge gastroenterology and colorectal medical imaging at Reform Radiology and explore how these innovations are revolutionising patient care.

CT colonography (CTC) or virtual colonoscopy, an innovative and less invasive alternative to traditional gold standard colonoscopy, has gained prominence in recent years. The study requires minimal bowel cleaning and uses a very low-dose CT scan to take images of the abdomen.

CTC creates detailed, three-dimensional images of the colon and provides accurate and comprehensive evaluations of the colon and rectum, aiding in the early detection of colorectal polyps and cancer. A further advantage of CTC is the ability to look at the entire abdomen and pelvic area, so disease unrelated to colon cancer can be picked up.

Reform Radiology performs these efficient CTC procedures and helps our surgical and gastroenterology colleagues by taking some of the pressure off colonoscopy waitlists.

In the realm of diagnostic accuracy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

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N ow O f fe rin g Re sp ite Ca

Rest Home & Hospital Care - Memory Assisted Care

TELEPHONE 03 351 7764

HOLLYLEA.CO.NZ

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C A R E CENTR E NOW OPE N

IN DETAIL

BILLBOARD STARS

O

riginally from the print world, Simon Jerard fell in love with LED billboards in an almost poetic fashion, leading him on a quest around the world to find out as much as he possibly could about them.

Travelling to trade shows in the USA, Europe, and China, Simon discovered the transformative potential of LED billboards.

While the US and China had already embraced this technology extensively, boasting 500 billboards in the US by 2006, New Zealand took a bit longer to join the digital revolution, unveiling its first roadside digital billboard on Queen Street, Auckland, in 2013.

In 2015, fuelled by passion, he sold his print business and started Bekon Media, and marked his foray into Christchurch’s digital roadside billboard industry with his inaugural site at 295 Brougham Street. This was a time when digital billboards were still a rarity in the city.

Almost a decade later, the city now has 100plus digital roadside billboards, six of them Bekon’s, with more in the pipeline. Bekon has also expanded its advertising footprint to include two sites in Auckland, one in Wellington, and another in Queenstown.

Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Simon acknowledges the substantial changes over the years. The freedom that roadside advertising provides clients is evident, with affordability and dynamism being key factors.

Ben Hanna, the graphic designer, has been an integral part of the small team since the business’s inception. Monique Robertson, the business development manager, mentions their commitment to client satisfaction as a reason for their success.

“We care about our clients and ensuring they get value for money. Going that extra mile is crucial for us. When they’re happy, we’re happy. We share in their excitement when their ads light up the billboards.”

Simon mentions that New Zealand is still a bit behind in the industry with consents expensive and misunderstandings about roadside LED billboard safety, but he’s confident for the future.

“We will keep doing what we love. We have a couple of cool sites lined up for the future and are looking at other LED products to bring to the market. DOOH (Digital Out Of Home) is a growth industry – and may it continue.”

bekonmedia.co.nz 48

PALATE

Cherry on top

Kate Underwood @relishthememory @eat.newzealand

I

’ve gorged myself on cherries this season, With the less-than-perfect remnants, I have and I don’t regret it one bit or one pit. I find been tempted to make cherry clafoutis – a myself enamoured by their striking colour nostalgic custardy dessert that utilises and glam aesthetic. Their joyous association overripe fruit without spending hours in the with Christmas is no doubt part of their charm. hot kitchen. It’ll trick your guests into thinking It’s the eating process that I love most. There’s you made a big effort, but is incredibly a unique satisfaction in daintily picking one simple to make. I spotted Ōtautahi pastry up and holding it above your mouth by its chef Corentin of Butter making one on his stem, anticipating the flavour explosion.

Instagram over summer – so it must be good.

Taut, smooth, almost waxy skin rests on your At the Clyde Farmers’ Market a few years tongue, and then, the first bite. A gratifying ago, I discovered a jar of pickled cherries, crunch like no other. As your teeth sink in, and they made a darling addition to any they burst with intense sweet and tart juice. cheeseboard. At Gatherings, they have A few more chews and the concentration featured them in several desserts. My partner, required to battle the stone to extract every Plabita Florence, the chef/owner of Forest piece of luscious flesh. Spit the pit somewhere Restaurant in Auckland, makes the most quickly, then repeat. delicious cherry pit vinegar. Pits saved from Fun fact – the cherry is referred to as a food prep are soaked in vinegar, which, over fleshy drupe (another name for stone fruit), time, release a zingy and intensely almondand there are both sweet and sour cultivars. essence flavour.

I’m grateful that Aotearoa grows great cherries, Last year, food waste hero Wendy Zhou with around 90 per cent grown in Central (of Perfectly Imperfect) managed to divert Otago, while the rest are from Hawkes Bay or hundreds of kilograms of giant cherries other parts of the South Island. headed for landfill after being deemed I like to toast a slab of gingerbread in a pan ‘too big’ for export. Thanks to her team, with butter and top it with chunks of blue the cherries were redirected to beverage cheese, chopped fresh cherries, a drizzle of manufacturers, chefs, and families at honey, and sea salt flakes. It’s inspired by discounted rates.

Cakes By Anna, and its salty, sweet, sour, and It’s always exciting when it’s been warm savoury funk means it hits all the right notes. enough for stone fruit to ripen. When the The Al Brown ‘best ever gingerbread’ is my golden peaches, orangey apricots, blushing go-to recipe here. purple-blue plums, and all their relatives fill I often have intentions of baking with them, stores like shimmering baubles, for me, the but they don’t always survive long enough. cherry always comes out on top.

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PALATE

Right on Reubens

Sam Parish @sam.parish.food

For this issue, I hunted down my favourite sandwich, an NYC staple, the Reuben. It is usually comprised of rye bread, tart sauerkraut, sliced corned beef, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island or Russian dressing. These establishments gave us their spin on the classic, and I am all about it.

ALLPRESS ESPRESSO

DOWNTOWN BAGELS

HOKITIKA SANDWICH CO.

110 Montreal Street allpressespresso.com

Riverside Market @downtownbagelsnz

129 High Street hokitikasandwichcompany.com

This toasty is an excellent take on a Rueben and makes for a leisurely lunch with a great coffee.

Rye bread slices are filled with sliced corned beef, chunky pickles, mustard mayo, spinach (for health), and super melty provolone-style cheese. It hits hard with flavour and is the perfect partner for an Allpress coffee. It is less kraut-forward but hits all the notes of a Rueben toastie you desire. As for the space, located on the south fringe of the city in Sydenham, with a cool a-frame façade, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the variety here.

The café breathes with an open layout, perfect for remote working and meetings. The smell of freshly ground coffee beans permeates the room, and you can even do some beanwatching through the windows to see the coffee beans getting the old roast up.

This bagel shop has a mission to serve the best in CHCH. They’re hand-rolled, boiled, and baked fresh every morning. From its stall at Riverside Market, they are spread, filled, toasted, donned in shiny butcher’s paper, and halved to reveal the layers, to be quickly demolished by customers licking their lips and wanting another round. These bagels have the best ‘chew factor’ I’ve experienced! (Which is an essential if you know your bagels.) The bagels come in multiple flavours: rosemary rock salt, cinnamon raisin, cheese and jalapeno or my favourite, the ‘EVERYTHING’ – then stuff them!

In their Reuben, the dressing stands out for tang, and the thinly sliced corned beef brings richness to the sandwich composition, with a chunkier style of kraut wedged into melting Swiss cheese to truly send it!

Joseph Walker started Hokitika Sandwich Co. 13 years ago in Denver, Colorado. He’s now brought his sandwich artistry to Christchurch.

For his Rueben, the rye bread is subbed out for beautifully crafted fluffy ciabatta – made fresh every morning. Then it’s loaded with highquality ingredients, like Barrys Bay Maasdam.

The corned beef is made from local Blackstone Butchery wagyu. The sauerkraut (the star, in Joseph’s opinion) is from Living Goodness. It has pops of juniper berries, dill, and caraway seeds that send you straight to the Upper West Side.

The aromatic sauce is made in-house daily. The inside face of the bread is lightly toasted before building the sammie but is served cold and fresh.

You can order the New Yorker East Side (for those in the know), switching out the sauerkraut for kimchi to bring some heat to the sammie.

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PALATE

CENTRAL DELI SANDWICHES 8 New Regent Street @centraldelisandwhiches This Reuben is the closest I’ve found to the real thing in CHCH. A daytime offering for the newly refurbished Story restaurant on New Regent St, Central Deli Sandwiches takes the city sandwich game by storm. It has a small but impactful menu of sandwiches with delicious options like the Tokyo (think katsu chicken) and The Bombay (samosa meets sandwich). You’ll be hit with choices, but first impressions are hard to shake for me, and I’m stuck on the Reuben. Their house corned beef is thickly sliced and tremendously tender.

Biting into this grilled sandwich, the meat falls away easily while the flavour is pronounced with aromatics like bay and clove – perfection.

Grizzly sourdough bread does all the right things in the background, with a mustardforward dressing, pickles, and kraut for tang and melty Swiss cheese for that dirty burger vibe (and by dirty, I mean delicious).

LiVE MUSIC Every Friday from 4:30pm Check out our socials to see who is playing

Drinks specials from 4pm

www.delilah.co.nz

PALATE

IT’S ALL IN THE BROTH

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ver a late-night sake session in a The restaurant presents guests with a Queenstown bar nearly a decade ago, Japanese tapas selection along with some the Tanoshi concept was born.

Osaka classics. The menu also features a The three founders – Matty Yates, Keita ‘build your own ramen’ concept, allowing Yoshimura, and Scott Stevens – have a combined diners to personalise their bowls by pot of global hospitality experience of over choosing a variety of bases, broths, proteins, 30 years, managing multiple establishments, noodles, and toppings. including Tanoshi on Cow Lane in Queenstown, A source of pride for Matty and awardRamen Ramen by Tanoshi in Queenstown’s winning executive chef Koji Kiminami is CBD, and a 100-seat restaurant in Frankton. They the tonkotsu broth. This is made from expanded into Christchurch in December 2023. the highest quality pork bones soaked Matty says bringing their Japanese cuisine overnight, placed on a rolling boil for more to Christchurch was a no-brainer. than 12 hours, which is consistently topped “Christchurch has the most progressive up and stirred. hospitality scene in the country, and when “It’s a labour of love,” says Matty. “In fact, so visiting the city for potential locations for much so that very few restaurants bother. But the next Tanoshi, we were blown away with it’s worth it – after 12 hours, the magic happens the city’s growth and development, and its when the broth transforms into a rich, creamy exciting vibe,” he says. texture and flavour. Only then can the broth be Tanoshi joins some of Christchurch’s top truly described as an authentic tonkotsu broth. restaurants at the central city’s The Terrace We don’t cut any corners!” development.

Matty also mentions the environment itself “It’s a fantastic location and will be fun to as a drawcard, saying it’s “infectious and is be a part of, with plans to activate the piazza passed on to our much-loved customers.” with festoons, a buskers stage, and plenty of Tanoshi is the latest addition to an outdoor seating,” Matty says. ever-growing, vibrant hospitality scene “We also have some very good competition, in Christchurch; you’ll find it at 93 Cashel but that’s a good thing and always keeps us Street behind the new Nike store on the new on our toes.”

Terrace Piazza. tanoshi.co.nz 54

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PALATE

I BELIEVE IT IS CALLED AL FRESCO!

EVERY BIT DELICIOUS!

BUTTERFLY BRAMBLE

COFFEE CALM

Authentically inauthentic, ¡ROMA! is Christchurch’s newest food truck on the block! Heavily influenced and inspired by the bold flavors of Mexico City and beyond, it’s bringing its streetside charm and simple, tasty, wellmade food to the festival scene this summer! With corn tortilla tacos, fresh ceviche, and birra spring rolls already proving popular menu items, ¡ROMA! is perfect for weddings and birthdays and is a must at your next event. Catch them at the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival next month!

Zodiac’s latest bespoke cocktail for Avenues’ readers is the Honeyed Butterfly Bramble, a cross between the classic Aviation and Bramble cocktails that’s perfect for sipping on a summer’s eve. Taking a nod to Zodiac’s Asian influence, Butterfly Pea Flower tea is used to give it a distinctive taste.

Combine this with gin, Crème de Violette, Crème de Mure, fresh lemon, honey, and ice, and garnish with a mānuka flower. You can find the full recipe and method plus many more Zodiac cocktails at avenues.net.nz.

Escape to the oasis of Untouched World Kitchen whilst enjoying seasonal, locally sourced, and free-range delights. You can enjoy a yummy breakfast, lunch, or coffee by the fire or al fresco. With every coffee purchased, UW has donated a total of 206,683 days of clean water to families living in poverty. Thanks to their BCorp status and UN recognition for sustainability, you can also indulge in some responsible retail therapy.

You can rest assured, knowing that you’re doing your bit for the planet.

romaevents.co.nz

zodiacbar.co.nz

untouchedworldkitchen.com

Long Lunch 4 courses $96pp ($115pp including wine pairings) Open Thursday to Monday, 11-5 (Tues & Weds – tastings by appt)

03 314 6100 | 376 Omihi Road, Waipara | greystonewines.co.nz

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A SIP IN THE SUN

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he first Sunday in March heralds the Food Editor Sam Parish will be the MC for return of the North Canterbury Wine the day. You might even catch some of the and Food Festival. editorial team behind a BBQ! Once again, under the oaks at Waipara’s On top of purchasing bottles to take home, Glenmark Domain, the best producers, you can also pick up gifts and groceries. vintners, and artisans in the region converge. There will be pottery from Strange Ceramics, The cream of North Canterbury wine will sheep milk and cheese from Jones Family be there, and as a prelude to the annual wine Farm and Sabelle, and homewares from harvest, the best of the region’s wineries will Gecko Recycled Woodworks, among others. be offering tastings and glasses of their best Keeping you entertained while you sample drops, with bottle sales too. the fare are three stages bursting with This year’s vintners include French Peak talent. The smaller jazz stage will host the Vineyard, Black Estate, Greystone, Dancing Water New Zealand Army Band, Emma Rutherford, Winery, Tiki Wine, Mt Beautiful, Pegasus Bay, and James Caughley, and After Five Jazz. The Main Divide, alongside many other producers. main stage will have you bopping away to Amberley-based Brew Moon will be pouring Stephen McDaid, 1 Drop Nation, and The pints, and The Alchemist Mixology will put Eastern. For the clubbers out there, Mike together unique cocktails.

Donaldson, Nik Mav, and DJ David Risdon Not forgetting the ‘food’ part, the festival will be on the decks at the DJ Stage. brings together favourite local chefs, bakers, The event is also family-friendly, with makers, and food trucks for a juicy festival plenty for the little ones, including face feast. This year’s vendors include sweet treats painting and a petting zoo. Under 18-yearfrom Tablebloom, fan-favourite Fush, gourmet olds get in free! hotdogs from Mr Wolf, My Patch of Dirt doing Not to worry if you’re a sober driver, you’re awesome things with oysters (an oyster well looked after!

Danish, anyone?), tacos and taquitos from The fee for entry is cheaper, and you will be Roma, and wagyu burgers from Black Burger, wrist-banded on arrival and not permitted to among many other local hospitality legends. drink any alcohol at the site. The sober driver There will also be plenty of freshly roasted wristband will give you access to all the fun coffee being slung and ice cream to top it off. with great food and non-alcoholic drinks To feed your curiosity, there is the Talk available to purchase, as well as entry to all Tent, which is hosted by Avenues this year. events in the ‘Talk Tent’ and entertainment!

Here, you’ll be able to engage with the best General Admission Adult tickets include a wine producers, chefs, and makers from festival wine-tasting glass, entry to all events the region as they share their visions of on the day in the ‘Talk Tent,’ and entertainment showcasing quality produce from the land throughout the day. Gate sales are also and sea. You’ll even be able to try some of available. Tickets are still available for the the produce from the panellists. Avenues festival. Let’s chat under the oaks on 3 March! ncwineandfood.co.nz

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CLINK!

With the North Canterbury Wine and Food Festival just around the corner on 3 March, Avenues gets to know some of the wineries that will be sharing their wine with us.

TIKI WINE

MT BEAUTIFUL

Owned by Cantabrians Sue and Royce McKean, Tiki Wines is an indigenous New Zealand wine producer committed to sustainable practices, caring for their vines and land under the guiding Māori principles of kaitiakitanga. Their name is a nod to Royce’s ancestor, Chief Tiki Tere Mihi, and the tiki, a hand-crafted taonga, which, when gifted, bestows good fortune and love on others. It’s with this same care and spirit that they make their wines.

Mt Beautiful embodies North Canterbury’s essence with distinct vintages. Mt Beautiful Rosé hints at watermelon, Sauvignon Blanc boasts tropical decadence, Pinot Gris is opulent, Chardonnay blends velvet and crispness, Riesling explores textures, and Pinot Noir is subtly sophisticated. They are Toitū net carbon zero certified, meaning they’re committed to measuring, managing, and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.

tikiwine.com

mtbeautiful.co.nz

DANCING WATER

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Curabitur aliquam vitae enim sitthey ametaim rolling limestone and in, clay hills. Spearheading organics and regenerative viticulture, in facilisis nunc. Ut interdum commodo mi, vel tincidunt ex accumsan to molestie. establish Duis a blueprint for harmonious coexistence with the land.

With a range of certified ac. Etiam vitae ipsum quis sagittis faucibus. vulputate sapien non organic wines, alongside othermauris varietals, Greystone hasSuspendisse made an impact, winning NZ Winery Nunc leo tempor justoTheir lobortis efficitur.long Lorem ipsum dolora of congue the Yearporttitor. in 2018 and aniaculis array of other awards. renowned lunch includes sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Phasellus efficitur enim, nec that pellentesque four-course menu with canapés and perfectly paired vino lectus and has a menu is updated turpis tincidunt vitae.them at the NCWF festival to taste their line-up of wines, engage in every two weeks. Find conversation, and have their chef, Cameron Woodhouse, shuck some oysters for you. website.co.nz

The Dancing Water vineyard, nestled between Greystone Wines and Mountford Estate in Waipara, was established in 1981. The owners have been working with renowned viticulturist Dr David Jordan to restore, protect, and enhance the old vines with a genuine commitment to the ecosystem. It boasts some of New Zealand’s oldest living, ungrafted, dry-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines. These produce fruit of breathtaking intensity and quality. Home to one of the only Scheurebe vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere, it was named in the top 12 Scheurebe wines globally by the renowned Italian wine and gastronomic magazine Civiltà del bere. They’ve also created a reputation for making exceptional Rosé, one of which is possibly the only Scheurebe Rosé in the world.

greystonewines.co.nz

dww.co.nz

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TAKE A BREATH

Milestones

Chelita Kahutianui o-te-Rangi Zainey, Waitaha/Ngāpuhi/Ngāti Kahu/Ngāti Haua Chelita is a māmā, writer, Kai Rongoā, spiritual mentor, and certified breathwork facilitator.

Her passion activates and inspires others to heal and transform their lives into one of aligned purpose, love, and joy.

A

t the end of this month, I reach a new milestone – 10 years of service in the Māori Healing Arts and a decade of commitment to my own personal healing journey.

People often ask me, “Are we ever done with healing?” and once upon a time, I would have responded with, “I don’t think so!” But last year, I reached a new atea (space) in my journey, which left me sitting in a place of feeling, for the most part, free from the burdens of trauma that I had carried for most of my life.

Healing is a deeply poignant human experience to be celebrated every step of the way because the reality is that it is not an easy journey to undertake.

To heal oneself is to relieve te wairua, te hinengaro, te tinana, te whānau from the bonds of trauma, pain, and suffering, the obstacles and blocks that can be preventing us from embracing a rich and joyful life.

We say if healing were easy, everyone would do it because to heal is to acknowledge all parts of ourselves, our suffering, and the external human experience that has influenced and shaped who we are and often prevents us from being who we really desire to be.

Kei te mihi, kei te mihi, kei te mihi…

Acknowledge, acknowledge, acknowledge. I have said this in the context of this column before – acknowledgement is key.

Disconnection leads to ‘dis-ease’ – is something I share when teaching Rongoa Māori, and the point at which we are often disconnected is the place undoubtedly where the trauma lies. To return back to the cause of one’s suffering, to acknowledge its existence,

to stare it down, to bear witness is to relive what has happened to us in our darkest moments, and it is a precious experience to be held with much reverence.

To hold space and guide others into these long, dark nights of the soul is no small undertaking and one that requires an immense depth of compassion, understanding, and mastery.

The Ara or pathway of healing is a multifaceted one; it is often not a linear or clear path, but perseverance to acknowledge the most uncomfortable parts of ourselves will leave us with true gifts – a greater capacity to experience life free from trauma, free from emotions that are causing harm, free to welcome in a fuller, richer, more authentic life.

We like to say that the body never lies – and in my professional journey as a Māori healing facilitator and teacher, I can testify to this.

Trauma has an insidious way of locking itself into the body, into the mind, into the heart, and its burden can be a heavy one to carry. But by committing to self, committing to a journey of healing, we can truly achieve mastery over how we are showing up in this world.

If you find yourself considering a healing journey, or perhaps you are already on one, make sure you take your time, ensure you connect with genuinely serving traumainformed practitioners, and look to somatic therapies (such as breathwork) to help release stored emotions and experiences from the mind/body systems, build a supportive community around you, and always take the time to acknowledge yourself and to celebrate your milestones every step of the way.

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HARTE TO HEART

The Book of Life

Hannah Harte Patreon: HRMNZ | @hannah_harte_

M

public considers standard milestones, which creates an intense amount of expectation on the individual. Perhaps it is time to evolve our understanding and perspective of milestones. Who says you have to do these things in a certain order, by a certain age, to live a full and justified life? Many people who don’t have the specific brand of intellect, financial stability, or disposition required to get a degree still manage to create successful careers for themselves. Offspring who live with their parents beyond their 20s by necessity or choice have become much more common and accepted, as is not living in a traditional marriage or having children before a degree of financial stability and life experience is attained.

I would expand our concept of important milestones to those that indicate we have become well-developed, thoughtful, and mature humans, encompassing the ability to care for and empathise with others, to take action when wrongdoing occurs, and to make true connections with citizens outside our ethnic, religious, or financial groups.

Challenging prejudice that we may have with people of sexual or gender orientations different to our own, re-evaluating how we perceive and treat others with disabilities, and expanding our ideas of ‘success’ to include achievements not based on parenthood, education, home ownership, money, or power.

Each individual and their milestones are valid and worthy in their own unique ways.

ilestones represent a significant event, the beginning of a new page in the Book of Life. The word literally refers to roadside markers that inform just how much distance exists between one place and another. Childhood milestones are used as a guide to ensure an infant is growing and developing as expected, a period covering the cognitive, physical, verbal, social, and emotional skills that technically end when a juvenile first enters the school system. In the 1950s, sociologists identified the following milestones: completing education, leaving the parental home, attaining financial independence, marrying, and having children.

If these expectations were not met by age 30, you would be considered a failure as an adult.

Despite enormous societal, technological, and financial changes in the last 70 years, these milestones are still considered the gold standard. It has become increasingly difficult for people to attain a qualification, a wellpaid job, and a home of their own before the age of 30. As a run-on effect, the average age of having a child in Aotearoa has risen to 30, with one in a hundred children being born to a mother aged 40 or over. Homeownership begins at a median of 35 years, and marriage sits around 30 for both men and women.

We hold these standards as a shining beacon of achievement, which go hand in hand with financial, educational, and social norms. We can feel the looming spectre of inadequacy if we don’t fulfil what the general

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HUMANS OF ŌTAUTAHI

Ron ‘The Mystic’ RICHMOND

“I’ve had a market stall for 14 years. I offer readings to the public. I read palms and tarot cards; it’s very therapeutic just to have someone to talk to. We live in a world where it’s becoming more online and less personable.

“I’ve had a lot of life experience, so that helps my readings as well.

“As a boy, I was very open-minded and still am, you know. I was always looking for UFOs in the sky, interested in ghosts. I’m still interested in mysteries and things like that. I like the fact that there’s a bit of mystery in the world – if it was all scientifically explainable, I think it’d be a boring grey sort of world.

“People come for various reasons: breakups or people wanting a positive outlook on the future. I seem to have a personality that can absorb that and be positive. I listen and empathise. Sometimes it’s lighter, though, you know, young people looking for love.

“People do come back to me. I’m quite memorable, I’m quite a colourful character. It’s

nice when some people say, ‘I had a reading with you years ago, Ron, and I’m back for another one’, or, ‘What you told me came true!’

It’s good to get positive feedback like that.

“Years ago, the Wizard of Christchurch gave me the idea to be a wizard as well, so he gave me his blessing on it. He said, ‘Why don’t you be a character like me, my boy?’

So yeah, I took his advice and it’s been fun.

Someone gifted me this staff that they saw on a beach, and they thought of me. It was very grey-looking, but I lacquered it up, and yeah, it’s perfect; it’s got character. So I built this persona up, and I enjoy it. Little kids wave at me. ‘There’s a wizard!’ I’ve made a kid’s day like that.

“I also enjoy speedway, and I like karaoke singing. I’m in a karaoke group which is every two weeks. My favourite karaoke song is The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot; ‘The wind in the wires made a tattletale sound, And a wave broke over the railing.’”

facebook.com/humansofchch

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