CULTURE CLUB

Liam Stretch Culture Editor

I’ve just come off a high from the New Zealand Film Festival Whānau Mārama. I was flattered to be invited to the opening this year at the brilliant Isaac Theatre Royal to see an incredibly eye-opening and reflective film, Muru – I’ll talk more about this in my review. I couldn’t be more excited for the month ahead. Right smack bang at the start is WORD, a festival we should be proud of as a city. It brings together world-renowned folks in the writing field (from musicians to best-selling novelists) over five full days of literary excellence. I’ve certainly got a big week planned. A couple of my picks are David Mitchell and Tiny Ruins: If I were Story and You Were a Song; An Evening with Lianne Moriarty; Nuku: 100 Kickass Indigenous Women; and The Better Brain. I hope to see you there!

You will know I’ve been following Lyttelton local Marlon Williams’ new music releases fervently, with this being the second song of his that I have reviewed, and this is my favourite so far. River Rival is a soulful ballad with a space-age baseline that hits all the right places. This is the third single release of his forthcoming album, My Boy, due out this month; safe to say, I’m giddy.

Zombies Hate Stuff is part of visual artist Greg Stone’s collection of slightly amusing coffee table books. This is a delightful collection of imagery detailing the things zombies ‘hate’, ‘don’t mind’, and ‘really hate’. Apart from a one-word description of the undead folks’ dislikes, no words are needed. You’ll understand why they hate what they do. Look, it’s simple but sure to bring a smile to your undead face.

Muru tells the honest story of the Tūhoe raids in 2007 through the lens of those affected. Cliff Curtis, Manu Bennett, and Jay Ryan took leading roles alongside Tame Iti, who proved himself an exceptionally skilful actor. And Poroaki Merritt-McDonald’s portrayal of central character Rusty was well done. I was left reeling from this film. Drama and action interlaced with well-placed and sympathetic humour captured the pace of the unfolding events while not diminishing the humanity of those targeted. Director Te Arepa Kahi is one to watch.

ENDYMED & IPL

COMBINED TREATMENT SAVE $100

SPRING SPECIAL

Dinosaur rEvolution: Secrets of Survival at Canterbury Museum has been a smash hit with Canterbury families. Since April, more than 50,000 visitors have been through to see the skeletons, artworks, and life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Fossils found recently in China, including skin, soft tissue, spines, and feathers, have revolutionised how scientists picture dinosaurs. Dinosaur rEvolution is a chance to learn about the amazing and sometimes bizarre ways they adapted to survive. This touring international exhibition will move on soon, so make sure you don’t miss out! Admission charges apply. Until 24 October canterburymuseum.com

St Margaret’s College will host a range of stunning artworks over three days. It starts with a ticketed open night with complimentary drinks and canapés where guests can peruse work from New Zealand’s finest artists (including Kate McLeod, pictured) and have the first pick of the incredible artworks on display. The exhibition continues over the weekend, with free admission to the public on 3 and 4 September. 2–4 September, The St Margaret’s College Gymnasium, stmargarets.school.nz/events

This spring, Addington Wine Festival kicks off as the leader of a series of mini-festivals held at Addington. Teaming up with local wineries and musicians, they’re sure to bring Christchurch a fantastic day filled with the first taste of local 2022 vintage wines. We can’t give too much away, but there will also be on offer some of the finest smoked meats in Christchurch. Best of all, it’s affordable. 3 September, Addington Raceway addington.co.nz/winefestival

Corpus Medicorum is one of Australia’s premier amateur orchestras, established to encourage doctors and medical students not to forgo their talents during the long years of training. It has raised over $1 million dollars to help patients at the Royal Melbourne Hospital with lung cancer. All proceeds from their Christchurch concert are being donated to the Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust. Tickets at Ticketek. 21 September, Christchurch Town Hall premier.ticketek.co.nz

If love is about the memories we create, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place to begin your happily ever after, than the effortlessly beautiful Christchurch Town Hall.

Warm yet sophisticated, this venue offers endless opportunities for romance and delight – from views of the glistening Avon River and iconic Ferrier Fountain, to outstanding catering, seamless service and truly stunning architecture. With several beautiful spaces to choose from, this is a venue that is as captivating by day as it is by night.

weddings.venuesotautahi.co.nz 0800 822 7369

weddings.venuesotautahi.co.nz @venuesotautahi

Dive into the wonderful world of art and sculptures. This September, the home of creativity, art and heritage will come alive with a host of unique artworks for sale. Curated by the talented Koji Miyazaki, the twoweek-long annual festival at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre will showcase around 40 wellknown and emerging New Zealand artists and over 200 works, including ceramics, jewellery, glass, sculpture, and mixed media. Come and see works by Jane Downes, Nicholas DuvalSmith, Tatyanna Meharry, Fiona Tunnicliffe, Rick Rudd, Lynn Kelly, Anthony Genet, Karin Barr, Ailish Roughan and many more. Smaller works will be presented in the Great Hall, with larger sculptures displayed across the North Quad. Opening weekend will be a hive of activity. Take the opportunity to hear a free artist talk, where artists will share their passion and inspiration behind their work. Watch an artist demonstrate their skill and show you how they create their stunning pieces, or embrace your creative side and try one of the creative workshops. Entry to Sculpture Festival is free, and workshops and demonstrations cost between $10–$15 each. The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival runs from 3 to 16 September; open daily, 10am to 5pm. The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival is supported by the Farina Thompson Charitable Trust, and all festival sales will benefit both the artists and Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

OPENING HOURS MON – FRI 9am – 5pm

SATURDAY 10am – 4pm

161 Victoria St P 366 1985 E shop@kens.co.nz kens.co.nz

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