Capital 92

CAPITAL Creaky to comfy

Kiwi cottage on a Swiss roll FESTIVE 2023 $11.90

Feast mode

Top chef’s custom Christmas menu

Season’s readings

Notable choices from notable voices

Toi town house

The festive issue 9 772324 483036

A 70s home where THE STORIES OF artists find their groove WELLINGTON

For distant goals and close friends.

THE NEW CAYENNE. Discover the new Porsche Cayenne at Armstrong’s Porsche. Test drive today.

Armstrong’s Porsche 66 Cambridge Terrace Te Aro, Wellington 6011 04 384 8779 www.armstrongs.co.nz

A weekend away in Horowhenua Horowhenua is a destination where you can unplug and reconnect with yourself and loved ones. Discover what Horowhenua has to offer with this two-day itinerary.

Day 1: Culture on the Coast

Sunsets and scoops There’s no better way to end the day than with fish n’ chips on the beach.

Take a drive down to Foxton Beach and indulge in some fish n’ chips from Delish Takeaways.

Day 2: A tee-rific journey to Middle Earth A journey to Middle Earth Within the Waitārere Forest you’ll discover a Lord of the Rings filming location where Frodo, Sam and Gollum walked after leaving Faramir. You’ll also find the fairy garden and Middle Earth adventure park, which has been lovingly created by locals from recycled and upcycled material. This playground has no health and safety check, so you definitely play there at your own risk.

Start the day at De Molen, Dutch Windmill Take a tour inside this 17th century replica windmill in Foxton and observe the inner workings of a Dutch flourmill.

Breakfast (and lunch) is the most important meal of the day Whether you’re craving eggs benny or just a cup of coffee, Focal Point Cinema and Café is your one-stop shop for delicious brunch options.

Oysters at the beach Relish in the small town, coastal hospitality at Ocean Beach Eatery in Foxton Beach. The beer is cold, and the fish is fresh!

It’s time to move However you like to get your 30 minutes a day in, Horowhenua offers a variety of options. Maybe you fancy a dip in the pool at the Levin Aquatic Centre or a round of golf at the Levin Golf Course?

Celebrate cultural diversity Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is a unique visitor hub and multicultural centre.

Discover Māori, Dutch and pioneering history by exploring the museums, gallery, exhibitions, and library. While you’re there check out Sweet Dreams Café for yummy treats (locals recommend the custard squares) and great coffee!

A taste explosion End your day by taking your taste buds to Malaysia. Nanyang Flavours, based in Shannon, offers delectable Malaysian dishes.

For more information, and to help plan your next trip to Horowhenua, visit horowhenuanz.co.nz

Steve & Elise – “The Smart Choice”, when buying and selling Wellington real estate.

LE NOUVEAU

HIPPOPOTAMUS Parisian chic and Wellington cheek, all twirled together in upscale cosmopolitan swank. Executive Chef Sylvester Nair fuses premium local produce with his boundary-pushing culinary prowess. With the same punchy pink interior you know and love, and a stocked cellar to envy, we’ve added a dash of the modern to our beloved giant aquatic ballerina. Welcome to the new era of Hippopotamus.

Hippopotamus Restaurant Level 3, QT Hotel 90 Cable Street, Wellington

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Pick up the perfect Christmas gift in Porirua

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Cushion from Blue Bell Club: bluebellclub.co.nz

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Tania Tupu earrings from Aloha Friday: alohafridaynz.com

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Mushroom chips: mushroomhouse.co.nz

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Childrens dress from Stitch Cloth Designs: facebook.com/StitchClothDesigns

Cake from The Cake Cafe Plimmerton: facebook.com/thecakecafenz

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Kereru in Flight totara brooch by Julia Huyser Design: juliahuyserdesign.com

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Mrs. Rockett earrings: Toi Store, Pātaka, 17 Parumoana Street

Ferm Living ripple champagne saucers from Enjoy Store: enjoystore.co.nz

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Orven planter by Utilize Studios: utilize.nz

Solid Oral Care toothpaste tablets: solidoralcare.co.nz

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Moana Road bucket hat from Palmers Plimmerton: palmers.co.nz

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Dry Hopped from Little City Kombucha: littlecitykombucha.co.nz

Shortbread by The Regal Shortbread Company: regalshortbread.com

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CAPITAL The stories of Wellington

W

e have a new political landscape. It would be lovely to look back in a couple of years and observe distinct policy change on the issues concerning voters, particularly housing, which is a focus in this festive issue.

Housing has been highlighted repeatedly over the past decade, by all demographics, as a critical concern of voters, yet very little has changed in recent years, and housing has not become any more affordable or available.

In this issue economist Michael Reddell revisits what local government can do about housing. And we chat to two householders about their homes and the pleasures of living in them.

Despite the equinoctial gales, the run-up to summer has begun. Our longest-standing contributor Melody Thomas over a decade has deftly covered local birds, fish, and now insects; she fills us in on mosquitos, one of summer’s ubiquitous irritations; and in her Wahine column she reminds us to retain our humanity and help each other survive.

Christmas food (any food, in fact) is a popular topic in this office. We asked chef James Pask, culinary director at Yu Group, for some fine festive recipes for Christmas at home. Francesca Emms has explored our third annual reindeer theme, and has chatted to three reindeer substitutes about their family food traditions.

And in a festive flourish Sophie Carter spoke to Gavin Rutherford about the Christmas panto, which has become a Circa fixture.

Meri Kirihimete everyone and see you in 2024.

Subscriptions $89 for 6 issues $149 for 12 issues New Zealand only

To subscribe, please email accounts@capitalmag.co.nz or visit capitalmag.co.nz/shop

Stockists Pick up your Capital in New World, Countdown, and Pak‘nSave supermarkets, Moore Wilson's, Unity Books, Commonsense Organics, Magnetix, City Cards & Mags, Take Note, Whitcoulls, Wellington Airport, Interislander, and other discerning nation-wide outlets.

Distribution: john@capitalmag.co.nz.

Contact Us Phone Email Website Facebook X/Twitter Instagram Post Deliveries ISSN

+64 4 385 1426 editor@capitalmag.co.nz capitalmag.co.nz facebook.com/CapitalMagazineWellington @CapitalMagWelly @capitalmag Box 9202, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 31–41 Pirie St, Mt Victoria, Wellington, 6011 2324-4836

Alison Franks Editor

Produced by Capital Publishing Ltd

The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use of material in this magazine.

Copyright ©. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of Capital Publishing Ltd.

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NEW!! specialty cold brew coffee

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Staff

Featured contributors

Managing editor Alison Franks editor@capitalmag.co.nz Sales manager Milly Brunel milly@capitalmag.co.nz Campaign coordinator Haleigh Trower haleigh@capitalmag.co.nz Factotum John Bristed john@capitalmag.co.nz Project manager Shalee Fitzsimmons shalee@capitalmag.co.nz Art director Rachel Salazar artd@capitalmag.co.nz Designer Elaine Loh design@capitalmag.co.nz Content manager / writer Sophie Carter content@capitalmag.co.nz

OLIVIA MELHOP Ph oto g r aph er

SOPHIE CARTER Writer

Olivia is a freelance photographer, lover of colourful things and a born and bred Wellingtonian. She loves to spend her time behind the camera surrounded by beautiful clothes, stylish people and creative minds.

You can check out her work at oliviamelhop.com

Originally from “middle of nowhere,” England, Sophie does a bit of everything. When she’s not at Capital she’s designing trendy t-shirts for her small business Eddie, or attempting to try every café, bar, brewery, and restaurant in Wellington.

FRANCESCA EMMS Writer

OLIVIA LAMB Ph oto g r aph er

Francesca is a Wellington-born, Wairarapa-raised writer. The things she writes vary in content and length.

Sometimes people say the things she writes aloud and other times they read them silently. She enjoys tap dancing, avoids the sun and gets carsick really easily.

When photographer and up-andcoming filmmaker Olivia Lamb isn’t out and about with a camera she’s tucked inside, painting or writing a new screenplay. If the weather suits, she’s off on an adventure, hiking through the Tararuas or surfing down at Lyall Bay.

Publishing coordinator Hannah Mahon hello@capitalmag.co.nz Accounts Tod Harfield accounts@capitalmag.co.nz

Contributors Melody Thomas, Janet Hughes, Anna Briggs, Sarah Lang, Deirdre Tarrant, Francesca Emms, Dan Poynton, Chris Tse, Claire Orchard, Harriet Palmer, Griff Bristed, Claire O’Loughlin, Chev Hassett, Joram Adams, Sanne Van Ginkel, Rachel Helyer Donaldson, Fairooz Samy, Adrian Vercoe, Sasha Borissenko, Courteney Moore, Monica Winder, Craig Beardsworth, Barnes, Bex McGill, Charlotte Fielding, Jackie Lee Morrison, Andrew Morris, Humaidi Ridwan, Gus Bristed, Olivia Melhop, Andy Hansen, Helen Wall, Karli Mitchell, Olivia Lamb, James Pask, Michael Riddell, Janet Bayley, James Dobson, Dan Corbett

Submissions We welcome freelance art, photo, and story submissions. However we cannot reply personally to unsuccessful pitches.

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C O N T E N T S

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CHATTER NOTEWORTHY

BY THE NUMBERS NEW PRODUCTS

24 Treasurer island Gavin Rutherford from dame to director

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CULTURE

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Cool, calm and collected

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30 Full sail ahead A gallery's rebirth on the Kāpiti Coast

Small Acorns is a store full of personal treasures, beautiful fabrics, vintage & contemporary design, infused with colour & a touch of eclectic whimsy. Are you thinking of gift-giving and summer and entertaining at home this festive season?

We have everything you need to create a sense of occasion and celebration, and the best gift ideas.

cnr Blair & Wakefield Streets, Wellington www.smallacorns.co.nz / 04 802 5795

Unnatural disasters Will the government tackle the housing crisis?

A designer home, where two artists find their canvas

g. vin gi

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Knock on wood

e that kee guid ps ft on gi

. I’m the free loc me al t e G

C O N T E N T S

Carving out a new future for this Berhampore home

BUG ME

75 Page boy How Karl Maughan's collection grew from tip to treasure

77 Fully booked Six bookworms, 20 book suggestions

56 Rein it in Rudolph, Donner, and Blitzen's deer-licious Christmas desserts

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EDIBLES

63 ’Tis the seasonings James Pask's seasonal festive feast

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WELLY ANGEL WĀHINE

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CALENDAR PUZZLED

刀攀愀搀礀 昀漀爀 匀甀ᣣ攀爀

稀攀戀爀愀渀漀 簀 猀椀稀攀猀 ㄀㐀⬀

C H AT T E R

CPotY Snapshots

Title: Billboard in a Transient State Photographer: Liam Philp Category: Rangatahi Behind the camera: Liam is a photographer based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. He is interested in issues of national identity, and the relationship between the natural and the built environment.

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Why photography? Photography puts him in contact with his surroundings and encourages him to take a closer look at his environment, even at its most banal – essentially making life far more interesting.

M a r ve l a t t h i s Marvel fans assemble! Marvel: Earth’s Mightiest Exhibition is coming to Wellington this summer from 14 December.

Covering the franchise’s 80-year history, from Spiderman, to the Incredible Hulk, to the Guardians of the Galaxy, the exhibition will delve into these iconic characters, from comic book to the big screen. Film props, costumes, original comic book drawings, and memorabilia will be on display and will offer plenty of photo opportunities to pull your best superhero pose.

The snap: Billboard in a Transient State is part of a larger series exploring Wellington’s outer suburbs and industrial areas. These images were taken in 2021, during Liam’s first year of study at the Massey COCA. “I was interested in exploring an environment that differed from my immediate surroundings in central Wellington, and that felt connected to my understanding of infrastructure prior to moving to the city.”

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Judges’ thoughts: CPotY judge and convenor Shalee Fitzsimmons called this “A compelling example of negative space. This photo frames (literally) what’s missing, with beautiful simplicity.”

In the name of science Victoria University scientists have been getting up close and personal with tuataras, to help bring the at-risk species back from the brink. Dr Sarah Lamar, Professor Nicola Nelson and Dr Diane Ormsby studied the structure, viability, and swim speed of tuatara sperm, using samples taken from tuatara on Stephens Island. The study found tuatara sperm to be rather speedy, moving three times faster than human sperm, but on average less viable than the sperm of other reptiles. Dr Lamar says: “These references can be used to help assess the fertility of tuatara held in captivity and inform the selection of males for translocations and population supplementations.”

Don't miss!

Missing plant of the month?

Get your chloro-fill at capitalmag.co.nz

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C H AT T E R

New in town

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Quarter final G ra te n ews

Wellington City Council isn’t doing Christmas by halves.

This year they’ve spilt the festive season events into four sections, each with its own theme, running from 26 November to 16 December. Themes include making Christmas crafts at Midland Park, music including Christmas carols at Glover Park, circus performers by the water at Queens Wharf, and on 16 December the big man himself will park his sleigh in Waitangi Park.

Awarded New Zealand's top brie/camembert style cheese in 2021, Remutaka Pass Creamery's new season of Summit Snow is back. Handmade in small batches using local organic milk, it’s creamy and oh-so-soft. Find it at C'est Cheese Featherston or online at cestcheese.co.nz

It's cool to kōrero Kua tae kē mai te wā o te Kirihimete? Wī! Ki hea te tau 2023 i ngaro haere?

Is Christmas here already? Holymoly!

Where did 2023 get to?

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To a s t t r a i l g r ow s Hot dogs

Once home to grazing sheep, the Runholder is now home to grazing groups of friends and families enjoying the region’s best. The new venue brings Te Kairanga, Martinborough Vineyard wineries, and Lighthouse Gin distillery under one roof, with a menu that showcases local ingredients. This year the Runholder will be part of the Toast Martinborough trail, ready to welcome guests for a day of good food, good wine, and all-day music.

Wellington Cable Car asked locals to submit photos of their pooches enjoying a trip up or down the hill for their 2024 calendar. The result, Dogs of the Cable Car, will be released in November with all proceeds going to the Blind Low Vision Guide Dogs Programme. Make sure to fetch yourself a calendar from the ticket-box.

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N O T E W O R T H Y

N EV E R S L AS H I N P U B L I C

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C H A P E L O F LOV E

hining marble and polished timber will greet those entering the former Erskine College chapel. The Historic Places Trust Category 1 building has undergone a $7 million strengthening and restoration project. Designed by architect John Sydney Swan and built in 1929, it is considered New Zealand’s finest French Gothic-style chapel. With a soaring vaulted ceiling and Carrara marble interior, the exceptional acoustics are expected to attract many concerts, weddings, and community events.

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R E T I R E E D EC R E E

bout 26% of the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s population is over 65 (the national average

is 16%). The council is adopting an “age-friendly” approach to its residents. It has established a crosssector working group to connect the Council, aged-sector organisations, and communities to help older people live their best lives and meet their needs.

SINLESS SHOPPING

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etail therapy on Easter Sunday will again be allowed in the Kāpiti Coast district next year.

The policy doesn’t require shops to open, it just permits it. Mayor Janet Holborrow said it’s up to shop owners to decide whether to open, and for staff to choose whether to work.

“We consulted the community as to whether we should renew, revoke, or amend the policy; 74.6 percent were in favour of renewing it,” said the mayor.

ural communities will have more say in how land is used thanks to recent rule changes.

Councils will have more power to decide where pine forests can be planted and can demand that slash (the detritus left when plantations are clear-felled) be removed from erosion prone land. Federated Farmers supports the changes, according to spokesperson Toby Williams: “This will better prepare rural areas so floods like those seen in Hawkes Bay and Gisborne earlier this year won’t be so devastating,” he said. “Farmers have been incredibly frustrated with the amount of productive farmland that’s being lost to blanket pine tree plantations.” In the last five years alone more than 200,000 hectares of productive farmland has been converted to pine trees and carbon farming, and it will probably never be farmed again.

N O T E W O R T H Y

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P U M P ACT I O N

etter firefighting capability and more water storage will result from the new Ōtaki reservoir being built this summer.

The 5.5 million litre reservoir will be connected to the County Road pump station. All going to plan, the $9.1 million project will be up and running in late 2024. Over the next six years, $50 million worth of infrastructure upgrades are planned for Ōtaki including improvements to water and transport networks.

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P L A N E LY N E E D E D D EV E LO P M E N T

evitalisation of airport land in Lyall Bay and Rongotai is on the cards. Wellington Airport plans to create retail precincts with new food and beverage outlets. The high-profile waterfront

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sites on Kingsford Smith Street will open next year. A new Airport Emergency Services Centre is also planned, along with a new public promenade along Lyall Bay Parade.

Wellington Airport’s chief executive Matt Clarke says, “We’re passionate about making a world class airport experience, and we feel the same about enhancing our neighbourhood.”

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SOLAR RETURN

arliament now has 560 gleaming solar panels on its roof. A 204-kilowatt Grid Connect Solar Energy System was installed to reduce the load on the main switchboard, reduce carbon emissions, and promote renewable energy. The project was the most challenging installation yet for company Sunergise. They see it as a significant achievement for the solar community in New Zealand.

KEEPING I T C L EA N

fter learning how awkward and messy urine sample drug testing can be for female athletes, Massey graduate Nick Holland set out to find a solution. Pre-Podium – a re-engineered drug testing kit includes an ergonomic sample collection vessel with handle, and locking transport bottles for spill-free transfer to the lab.

His invention has won him the national James Dyson Award and put him in the running for the $57,000 global prize.

The shortlisted inventions will be judged

by Sir James Dyson and the global winner announced 15 November.

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T H E

UP THE WAHS

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N U M B E R S

NO PLACE LIKE HOME think now is a good time 38 who to buy a house percentage of New Zealanders

the number of Warriors wins in the 2023 NRL season

a Warriors game at 25,095 for Go Media Stadium Auckland

1,000 height at which a door the optimum centimetre

the highest attendance this year

number of points 176 the notched up by top scorer

handle should be fixed

rough number of swimming 40,000 the pools on residential

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Shaun Johnson

number of points 485 the scored for the Warriors this season

DECK THE HALLS

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1927

properties in NZ

the minimum number of opening windows each habitable space in a home must have according to healthy home standards

ART ZONE the number of Pōhutukawa tree species (NZ Christmas tree)

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the number of years ArtZone has been around

the year of the first recorded Pavlova recipe in New Zealand

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the number of issues

79.2

percentage of polled New Zealanders who think Christmas music should only be played in December

40.2

percentage of New Zealanders who spend 2–3 days preparing their Christmas feast

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the number of pages in the very first issue the dollar cost of the first issue

CO M P I L E D BY HANNAH MAHON

N E W

P R O D U C T S

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8. Jen Laracy needle stud drop earrings, $139, The Dowse. 9. Castle apple blossom duvet cover, $205, Small Acorns. 10. Mark Schroder ceramic mouthwash, $100, The Dowse. 11. Bonnie and Neil door mat, $120, Small Acorns. 12. Wheturangitia / Made as Stars book, $55, The Dowse. 13. Melissa brave platforms, $217, Zebrano.

14. IZIPIZI reading glasses, $78.99, Auckland Art Gallery.

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TA L E S

O F

T H E

C I T Y

Treasurer island

BY S O P H I E CA RT E R P H OTO G R A P H Y BY O L I V I A L A M B

HOLIDAY

CAFE

PETS

PLAY

MUSIC

Vanuatu

Karaka Café

Le Chat the cat

A View from the Bridge

Radiohead

Gavin Rutherford’s job is all work and no play.

(Oh no it isn’t!)

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avin Rutherford is a world expert in pirate jokes. Or at least, with his latest Christmas pantomime Treasure Island almost ready to open, he’s got to be pretty close.

As well as directing the show, Gavin has co-written the script. He and actor and writer Simon Leary have put their own spin on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, filling it with a bounty of local puns and more piratical quips than you can shake a wooden leg at.

For the fourth year running they’ve teamed up to write Circa Theatre’s pantomime, and they now have the process down to a fine art. “Simon usually gets a little drunk,” laughs Gavin. “And then he writes down the most ridiculous ideas possible, because he doesn't have to direct it.”

Last year Gavin had the “weird experience” of directing the pantomime for the first time instead of being on stage. For 12 years he had played the pantomime dame, a traditionally sharp-tongued, matronly character to which Gavin brought his own special brand of “selfloathing, and a great deal of narcissism”.

After he officially hung up his wig and retired, Circa’s beloved dame did appear once more, popping up on stage via video as Rosie Bubble, the dame from a previous panto. “It was weird sitting in the audience, watching myself as that character for the last time and seeing the generous response from the audience when my face appeared.”

Gavin landed his first role at Circa almost 20 years ago in a production of Conor McPherson’s This Lime Tree Bower. After that, every time he caught wind of a possible role, he picked up the phone and asked for an audition. “Eventually people started calling me”.

Now he’s part of the furniture at the waterfront theatre, not only using his creative talents, but also involved in the running of the organisation as Circa’s treasurer.

Outside of Circa, Gavin has written and acted in productions for television, film, and theatre, toured the country with festivals, and worked with Steven Spielberg, voice acting on his 2011 film The Adventures of Tintin.

He started his career as so many young actors do, in his high school drama class. But then Gavin took an odd left turn, starting a Bachelor of Science degree course in Marine Biology. It wasn’t for him. “It doesn't go straight to dolphins. There’s a lot about mangrove swamps and multi-celled organisms, but I just wanted to learn about dolphins.”

He spent the next seven years working in radio, before heading to Unitec School of Performing and Screen Arts, where he learnt under harsh “old school” directors who he recalls took no prisoners.

Now a tutor himself, teaching a musical theatre course at Whitireia, Gavin is careful not to be as tough as the teachers he had, but to still give a healthy dose of constructive criticism when it is required. “It’s amazingly fulfilling to work with these 21-year-olds and pass it all on.” One of his soon-to-graduate students, Rachel McSweeney, is an understudy for several roles in Treasure Island.

Although Gavin has a lot of jobs to juggle, he says he never feels like he’s working. “I don’t earn much money, but I feel I retired when I was 27, because I just play. I just play.”

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Wellington Fri, 17 Nov, 6.30pm Michael Fowler Centre Auckland Sat, 18 Nov, 7.30pm Auckland Town Hall

Music of John Williams

with Anne-Sophie Mutter Superstar violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter and the NZSO perform the best of John Williams, featuring music from Harry Potter, Star Wars, the NZ premiere of Williams’ 2nd Violin Concerto and more.

Gemma New Conductor Anne-Sophie Mutter Violin

Principal Partners

Tickets from $27 Book at nzso.co.nz

C U L T U R E

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M OV I E M U S I C

he New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform music from Harry Potter, ET, Star Wars and Indiana Jones when they celebrate the music of John Williams, one of the most influential composers of the twentieth century.

Grammy award-winning violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will join the NZSO to perform one of Williams’ orchestral works, Violin Concerto No. 2, which he wrote especially for her. Conducted by Wellington’s own Gemma New, Music of John Williams with Anne-Sophie Mutter is at the Michael Fowler Centre on 17 November.

CA M E R A CO M P L EX

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H A P PY B I RT H DAY

ātaka Art + Museum celebrates a quarter of a century with a new book, Ka mua, ka muri. Looking back, moving forward: 25 years of Pātaka.

Edited by Pātaka Director Ana Sciascia and Lead Curator Iona Gordon-Smith, it profiles the museum and its history, and looks forward to the next 25 years. Ana says Pātaka should reflect and look to the past to inform and inspire its future. “In the 25 years since Pātaka opened, the arts sector looks a little different. Māori and Moana art – a central pillar in Pātaka’s exhibition and collecting history – has more visibility across art spaces in Aotearoa.”

suite of work by photographic artist Ngahuia Harrison is at City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi until January. For Coastal Cannibals, Ngahuia turned her camera on oil refineries, cement works, and residential developments in and around Whangārei Te Rerenga Parāoa (Whangārei Harbour). Working with analogue and digital photography, as well as the moving image, she explores the political and geographical complexity of these sites as areas of employment and economic security for the region, but also major sources of pollution and ecological damage – “the consequences of a cannibal capitalism,” she says.

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T I P TO P TO E S

auded New Zealand choreographer Ross McCormack has created a new work for the New Zealand School of Dance (NZSD). Ross graduated from NZSD in 2021. He is a New Zealand Arts Laureate and a former Royal New Zealand Ballet dancer.

His new work will be performed at the school’s Performance Season (Southward Theatre and Te Whaea:

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National Dance and Drama Centre, 16 November – 2 December). The annual student showcase offers two alternating programmes, contemporary dance and ballet.

This year’s programmes also include works by choreographers from America and Australia. “We wanted to use this year’s ballet programme to reconnect with some of the international choreographers and répétiteurs we have long been associated with,” says Gary Trinder, NZSD Director.

C U L T U R E

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

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irca Theatre’s “Choose your price” nights are proving popular. The initiative allows theatre-goers to choose how much they pay for their tickets. Anecdotally we’re hearing that former audiences who had been priced out are returning, and newbies are more open to giving theatre a try. Circa’s Sales and Marketing Manager Jane Carruthers says the nights tend to sell well, “but we don’t necessarily make more money from it than a regular night. The focus is on who is getting to come to the theatre because of this scheme who otherwise wouldn’t get to see professional theatre due to financial barriers.”

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Explore the world’s superheroes at Hall of Heroes (until 3 December), an interactive hands-on adventure with gadgets, movie props, and a replica Batmobile. In Lost in the Dark (until January), Tony Fomison’s paintings feature monsters, misfits, and medical deformities. The creativity and skill of the Pinestream Quilters Club is on display in New Beginnings (until February). And Home: One City Many Cultures (opening 18 December) tells the stories of ten families who have travelled from other countries to make Upper Hutt their home.

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FA L A L A L A L A

t just wouldn’t be Christmas without all the bells and whistles – or instruments and voices.

Orchestra Wellington and the Orpheus Choir will perform Handel’s Messiah on 2 December at the Michael Fowler Centre. Up the coast, organist Len Fifield plays Southward Theatre’s historic Wurlitzer organ in the Wurlitzer Christmas Concert, on 20 December. St Andrew’s on the Terrace hosts a lunchtime Christmas concert, Resonance Choir – A Carol Celebration, on 13 December.

Community carolling is back all around the region: for example, A Very Carterton Christmas (10 December) includes carols in the park after the Santa parade.

T R E AS U R E C H E ST

pper Hutt’s Whirinaki Whare Taonga presents quite a mix of exhibitions this summer.

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ver 250 of the world’s best tattoo artists are about to descend on Taranaki for the NZ Tattoo and Art Festival (25–26 November). Among them are tattooists from five of Wellington’s studios, including Black Cat Tattoo, Dr Morse, and Union Tattoo. As you should never get inked on an empty stomach, there will be plenty of food trucks, as well as live entertainment to take your mind off the pain, with DJs, motocross and BMX shows, and daily tattoo competitions.

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N O T E S

Full sail ahead P H OTO G R A P H Y BY H E L E N WA L L A N D K A R L I M I TC H E L L

Madeleine Boles de Boer learns about the rebirth of a former library as a gallery on the Kāpiti Coast, and meets the woman behind it, director and curator Janet Bayly.

F

or someone on the point of launching a project almost two decades in the making, Janet Bayly is calm. In a matter of weeks, the director and curator of Toi Mahara, the Kāpiti Coast district gallery, will open a redeveloped gallery to the public for the first time. The new space has been a long time coming.

“The longer version of the whys and wherefores has taken twenty years, with lots of stops and starts.

I’ve been working on it since 2010,” says Janet.

Established in 1996, the gallery first occupied a now-redeveloped building that was formerly the Waikanae Library. It was not fit for purpose: “It was only ever meant to be on a temporary basis,” says Janet. That temporary basis lasted the best part of two decades, while plans were made (and re-made) to find the gallery a permanent, and more professional, home.

“We needed a building that would have its own character, which is what we’ve now got,” says Janet.

The new build came with a new identity for the gallery, now called Toi Mahara, which translates as art memory and retains Mahara, the original name gifted to the gallery. A fitting name for a place holding some of the nation’s historically important works of art.

Much of its significance – and need for redevelopment – comes from the Field Collection. Privately held since the 1890s, the 44-piece collection comprises 24 works by Frances Hodgkins, New Zealand’s most celebrated expatriate artist.

Although Hodgkins was born in Dunedin, she came to consider Kāpiti her “ancestral” home after her sister Isabel married local businessman William Field, and built a life in Waikanae. Passed to the family following Isabel’s death in 1950, the Field Collection was then kept in trust and stored in a series of temporary homes. After a nationwide tour in the early 2000s, the Field Collection was offered to the then Mahara Gallery.

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Because of its historical and cultural significance, and the age of the works (most are 90 to 120 years old), the gallery could only accept the Field Collection on the condition it was able to store it under museum-standard conditions. A secondhand library wasn’t going to cut it, so the process of redevelopment began.

While the Field Collection was the catalyst for the redevelopment, Janet is quick to stress it’s only part of what makes the new gallery special.

“The Field Collection is a really great story and one that we will be able to tell better now that we are officially its home. It’s a key element of the new gallery but it’s not the whole story – it’s also a district gallery with changing exhibitions.”

Working at Mahara since 2006, and the only full-time staff member since 2010, Janet has been a driving force in the redevelopment project. With one-third of the funding for the multi-million dollar project coming from Kāpiti Coast District Council, Janet was tasked with finding the remaining twothirds on behalf of the Mahara Gallery Trust.

With the help of various government grants (and setbacks from rising costs), Mahara was left with a shortfall just shy of $2 million – not an insignificant amount in the notoriously underfunded arts sector.

While fundraising is challenging for everyone in the arts, for Mahara, says Janet, it was possibly even harder. “We were still developing the gallery as an institution.”

Now with the Field Collection in place and a modern, spacious building courtesy of local firm Athfield Architecture, it’s fair to say that Toi Mahara has established itself. Increased funding means Janet has been joined by a team of full and part-time staff members, including the gallery’s first Toi Māori curators, Pip Devonshire and Kohai Grace.

With the ribbon all but cut on the project, you would think that Janet could put her feet up. But, that doesn’t seem quite her style.

Born in Tauranga, she moved to Lower Hutt at age three. By high school she had already begun her professional art career, volunteering at the Dowse Art Museum. In a very Wellington story, her art history teacher at Hutt Valley High, David Millar, was also

N O T E S

the museum’s director. Now, her own photographic work is held in the Dowse’s permanent collection (as well as at Te Papa, Christchurch Art Gallery, and Sarjeant Gallery) – a full circle moment she downplays as “quite nice”.

Her time in the Hutt didn’t last long beyond high school. “I was always more focused on Wellington and the arts. To be honest, I left the Hutt quite happily to go to Auckland,” she laughs. After gaining her Master of Fine Arts from Elam School of Fine Arts, she began a career in art galleries and museums across New Zealand.

Typically for the arts, her career hasn’t been linear.

With her Master’s degree, she could teach, alongside whatever else was needed to make ends meet. “I’ve taught at high school, university, and polytech level in between gallery work, freelance, part-time unpaid curating, editing, all that stuff. Like everyone in the sector, you have to be flexible.”

Alongside gallery work, she’s maintained a personal career in film and still photography – work that she describes as “very non-commercial”. She has also undertaken various creative projects, including books, which she says are creatively rewarding.

One such project was Witness to Change, a survey of photographs by John Pascoe, Les Cleveland, and Ans Westra. Curated by Janet with Athol McCredie in 1985, the project began a long-term personal and professional relationship with Westra.

Janet describes the late photographer as a role model. “She was a mother and artist. There’s a bond that forms when you share that experience. She was a great example of how to make it work and how to keep going as an artist that’s also parenting.”

While the last decade or so has given Janet a focus on the gallery programme and redevelopment, it seems the enormity of the project has put the wind in her sails, rather than given her need for pause.

“I’m still passionate and inspired and re-energised with having a bigger team and the excitement of the opening. I’m quite happy to keep going for as long as it still feels stimulating and challenging, and I feel like I’ve got something to offer.”

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Ian Scott Painting New Zealand 23 Nov 2023 – 11 Feb 2024 New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata Shed 11, 60 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Wellington Waterfront

Supported by

Chris and Kathy Parkin Ian Scott, Rita Angus in Taradale, 1987, Collection: The Art House Trust

F E AT U R E

Cool, calm and collected P H OTO G R A P H Y BY O L I V I A M E L H O P

Two creatives move to Pōneke and into an architectural space fit for their cool stuff.

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H

aving recently moved to Pōneke, we were really excited to chance upon a house designed by Christchurch architect Peter Beaven nestled against Te Ahumairangi. We were drawn to the practical design and strong personality of the building; the cork floors, the burnished beams, a Juliet balcony, a turret, and views all the way to the Hutt Valley. It was built in the 1970s as part of a group of townhouses, which were a new concept in New Zealand. The development was intended to provide privacy and some variation in design to residents.

I’m Dan, an artist, and curator and director of Enjoy Contemporary Art Space; and James is a fashion designer running his own clothing label, Jimmy D. We live with our goofy half-Maine Coon cat named Styx. We have accumulated a collection of artworks and objects mostly by emerging and established queer artists from Aotearoa. It was exciting to find a house that matched the personality of our collection.

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We often collaborate, and in 2020 Dan designed a textile for Jimmy D. He used materials readily available at his workplace: crumpled paper stapled together, mosquitos scrawled in Bic pen, tomato sauce, with tea bags, plastic forks and medical swabs taped on. For a photoshoot, Dan applied the same treatment to this pair of thigh-high stripper boots. Lots of our friends love to try them on at parties, and they even appeared in a music video by Benee.

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We fell in love with the absurd flattenedout gorilla rug. It’s very typical of our love of anything that ensures our space never gets too serious.

We love Ghastly Studio’s work and couldn’t resist this wonky candlestick from Babelogue in Tāmaki Makaurau.

James obsessed over the melted vase from Copenhagen designers Niko June.

Tāmaki Makaurau artist p A exhibited in a show Dan curated at Artspace Aotearoa in 2021, which featured a cardboard sign reminiscent of a protest placard, reading ‘Life isn’t that HARD’. It’s funny, and a nice sentiment to attempt to live by.

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As owners of a clumsy fluffball black cat, we were drawn to the classic Kit Cat Klocks.

The clocks became famous during the Great Depression in the USA, as a way of bringing a spark of joy to an otherwise stressed household.

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There’s something special about the ritual of putting on a record and pouring a glass of wine. We’re relatively new to vinyl so our collection is small, but growing. It’s a mix of musicians such as Arca, Sevdaliza, Roisin Murphy, Kylie Minogue, Nirvana, Death Grips, and Portishead.

In 2019 James collaborated with artist George Hajian on a textile. Hajian’s work makes use of collage to deconstruct depictions of masculinity, and we were lucky to acquire one of his artworks. A painting of a chihuahua (which belongs to either Paris Hilton or Nicole Ritchie)

by New York artist Pipi Nola sits next to a porcelain pig lady Dan found in an antique store in Thorndon. Artworks and ceramics our friends have made and given to us over the years are scattered among our books.

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During a visit to his family in the UK James was lucky enough to attend a show by designer Richard Nicoll. The collection (and the invite, which we got framed) features a collaboration with British artist Linder Sterling.

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Dan ran an art gallery on Karangahape Road called Parasite, focussed on exhibiting artwork by queer artists. Obadiah Russon was known for her performance work and iconic platinum blonde hair. After her exhibition, she gifted us her leaf-strewn wig work. At the same time, Dan was working in a gay sex club in the evenings. At 3am at the end of every shift he’d photograph the rubbish bins before emptying them.

Some of these photos were exhibited at Artspace Aotearoa, Tāmaki Makaurau, and Play_station gallery, Pōneke.

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O P I N I O N

Unnatural disasters Government whims and systematic distorions have created our housing crisis, says Michael Reddell. As a new government takes charge, he questions whether it will finally make housing more affordable for younger and less privileged generations.

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e’ve had all too many natural disasters in New Zealand in the past 15 years.

We can do a lot to limit the impact of the natural disasters. It is much harder to protect ourselves against the unnatural disaster in which over decades the whims and systematic distortions of central and local government have wreaked havoc with house prices and land-use regulation.

Since I last wrote here on housing in late 2021, house prices in Wellington have fallen a lot, but this has just undone the extreme increase we saw over late 2020 and 2021, after interest rates were left too low for too long. Wellington house prices are still savagely high, in a modestly-sized city with an underperforming economy.

In well-functioning housing and land markets, interest rates don’t make much sustained difference to house prices. When demand for housing increases, supply adjusts pretty quickly. But when it is hard to build, or hard to bring land for building to market, interest rates have a big effect.

So do swings in immigration. Right now we are experiencing record inflows, a recipe for fresh increases in house prices. And, despite interest rates now being at the highest levels for 15 years, we are

indeed starting to see house prices rising again.

I’m writing a couple of days before the election.

It is widely expected that Labour will lose office.

If so, it will be the fourth time in succession that real (inflation-adjusted) house prices have been materially higher at the end of a government’s term than they were at the beginning. That’s a scandalous failure, and a blight on our younger generations, especially those from poorer backgrounds and without parental support.

There has been some progress in the political debate. Both main parties emphasise the importance of supply. When demand for most goods and services increases, firms respond pretty quickly by increasing production, so we tend not to see much sustained change in prices. House and urban land prices should be like that too, especially in a country with abundant land. Large chunks of the United States, including big, fast-growing cities, typically manage to see such outcomes – cities where real prices haven’t changed much for decades, where good family homes can be purchased for perhaps NZ$400,000. But not in New Zealand.

There have been some policy changes in New Zealand, some helpful, others not (among the latter

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the bipartisan agreement not to allow building on so-called Highly Productive Land (an official label, for land which often isn't that productive). But it has been striking how little attention house prices have had in the election campaign. I listened to one finance debate in which the spokespeople for both parties talked in the abstract of house-price to income ratios of 3 being desirable (something more like 8–10 have prevailed in Wellington and Auckland recently). But neither seemed interested in policies that might quickly reduce house prices.

And the market certainly isn’t persuaded that a new National government would do any better.

Houses and land are assets, and asset prices rest on information and expectations. If people really believed a likely new government was offering policies that would really free up the housing and land market, we’d see prices falling sharply now, especially for land on the edges of our cities.

In a well-functioning market such land should be trading at about its value in its next-best alternative use (not much in hilly Wellington).

There is simply no sign of this.

The main political blocs have recently been offering sometimes competing, sometimes overlapping visions of a better-functioning market.

Labour and its allies tend to want to constrain the physical footprint of our cities, for instance legislating recently for allowing three-storey dwellings to be put up almost anywhere. They encourage intensification, almost as end in itself.

For them single-family homes, with a backyard and garden, in our cities are a throwback to the 1950s, or a future preserve of the relatively wealthy. In and around greater Wellington, the regional council seems intent on restricting greenfield development.

National, by contrast, is now proposing that local councils must zone enough land residential to cover 30 years of future housebuilding needs, either by intensification or by increasing the physical footprint of cities.

Neither seems to offer a path towards a wellfunctioning market with durably much-cheaper prices for houses and peripheral urban land.

Labour’s approach might well increase urban intensity, but nothing in the international experience suggests it will lower house or land prices. National’s approach will tend to increase the physical footprint of some cities – in others, probably including Wellington, a council with an

ideological commitment to density will probably opt to stick with the Labour approach – but will fall far short of creating genuine competition to attract developers and buyers, keeping down house prices (and, over time, rents).

We need to get councils out of the mix completely, and enable real choice and competition. On the one hand, allow any geologically suitable land to be built on to any height, so long as the builders and developers face the costs of providing water services etc. If someone wants to – although it is hard to imagine – build a 20 storey apartment block on a big property in the Ohariu Valley, there is simply no pressing public policy reason to stop them. But we also need to enable groups of individual property owners (perhaps at the scale of a city block) to act collectively, and cheaply, to limit development on their own properties, and only on their properties, if they choose to.

This model seems to have worked very well in big and fast-growing Houston, which has seen the expansion of the physical footprint of the city, but also a lot of intensification. Provide that option – akin to the covenants applying to plenty of new private subdivisions, allowing the terms to be amended by a supermajority (perhaps 75%) of owners, so they can collectively decide, at their own cost, the development rules for their own blocks of land. Subsequent choices for more intensive development can also then be managed collectively.

We could, and should, do so much better.

Renting and buying should be easy and cheap.

The path to such an outcome – as in so many other sectors – is aggressive competition. But our councils and our main political parties aren’t keen on competition, and still think governments should determine the shape of developments.

The young and the poor pay the price.

Michael Reddell was formerly a senior official at the Reserve Bank, and also worked at the Treasury and as New Zealand’s representative on the board of the International Monetary Fund.

These days, in additional to being a semi-retired homemaker, he writes about economic policy and related issues at croakingcassandra.com

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C O N T E N T

48 hours in Taranaki Vibrant, contemporary, and buzzing with things to do – Taranaki is a region like no other.

Day 1:

Kitchen, or enjoy local craft beer and gourmet plates at

Stay: King and Queen Hotel Suites or State Hotel both

Shining Peak Brewery.

offer boutique opulence in the heart of New Plymouth.

Day 2: Do: Uncover rich cultural history at Tawhiti Museum, a

Stay: Tour the famous Surf Highway 45 to Ahu Ahu Villas,

gem in South Taranaki. Continue on to Stratford to view

a laid-back coastal retreat.

striking exhibitions at Percy Thomson Gallery, or eclectic displays at Fenton Street Gallery. The art tour continues in

Do: Get outdoors to Lake Mangamahoe for beautiful

New Plymouth at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye

views or explore the wealth of walking trails on Taranaki

Centre, with breathtaking kinetic displays and modern art.

Maunga. Experience the iconic half-day hike to Pouākai Tarns or uncover the magic of Dawson Falls.

Take in the sights along the Coastal Walkway promenade or head out on a wildlife adventure around the Sugar Loaf

Cool off after your alpine adventures at one of the many

Island marine reserve with Chaddy’s Charters.

black-sand surf beaches, Fitzroy, Ōakura, and Ōpunake are all top swimming spots.

The TSB Festival of Lights in Pukekura Park is a must-do in summer, with spectacular lighting displays and free live

Eat: Get your caffeine fix with local legends, Ozone Coffee

entertainment each evening.

Roasters or Proof and Stock Coffee. Refuel at the artisan Baking Company in Stratford, enjoy indulgent Italian meals

Eat: There is no shortage of chic restaurants and bars.

at Toret Cucina, or vegan delights at Wild Pear Kitchen.

Arrange a tour and tasting at the boutique Juno Gin distillery, treat yourself to a decadent meal at Social

Find more inspiration at Taranaki.co.nz/visit

F E AT U R E

Knock on wood P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A N D R EW M O R R I S

From native wood floorboards to hidden craftsmanship, Orane and Olivier

got lucky when they renovated their weatherboard cottage in Berhampore.

They talk to Claire O’Loughlin about enjoying their own wooden house.

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W

ellington is a wooden city. If you’ve been here for a while, chances are you’ve lived in a number of creaky weatherboard houses. Often at least a century old, they can be cold, leaky, and drafty. But these old houses have good bones. Strip the old paint and the timber is strong — usually kauri, rimu, or mataī. They flex rather than shudder in the earthquakes. Like many handmade things, when they’re cared for, they’re beautiful.

Orane and Olivier come from Geneva, and met at engineering school when they were 17.

Having lived and worked in Bermuda, London, and Singapore, 27 years on they are now settled in Berhampore, with their Boston Terrier, Tartine (French for Toast).

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F E AT U R E

They bought their house in 2018. It’s a typical early-1900s weatherboard cottage, with three bedrooms, a small outdoor area at the back, and houses of similar style about a metre away on either side.

The couple work mostly from a shared home office. Orane is a Geographic Information System data scientist and Olivier is a security and privacy consultant.

A 1920s photo, spotted online on a community notice board, shows workers digging in the Town Belt on the hill opposite their house. Their house in the photo looks almost exactly as it does today (although the hillside is now covered in bush). With some online sleuthing, Orane found the original street and house plans. The land was subdivided in 1905, and the house planned in 1906, and probably built soon after that. The area had a boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Wellington’s population doubled.

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F E AT U R E

The house has changed hands a few times over the past century. When Orane and Olivier bought it five years ago, it was in good condition, if dated. They’ve modernised it and made it their own. It’s colourful, light, and very warm.

“The first thing we did was put in double glazing and central heating,” says Orane.

“We’re from Switzerland, we’re used to houses being warm!”

They painted the walls white and pulled up the remaining carpet to reveal the original native timber floorboards. Their golden hue lightens and opens up the space.

Bright, funky art hangs on the walls. Large Monstera plants fill the corners with vivid green. A yellow theme runs through the house, in wall stencils of native birds and the splashback behind the cooktop. It makes the

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F E AT U R E

place feel sunny, even though at the time I visit, there’s no direct sunlight in the living space.

There are Swiss touches throughout the home — small lasercut wooden artworks above the decommissioned fireplace show scenes of Switzerland framed with edelweiss flowers.

There is also a multi-canvas abstract artwork of a magnolia tree, by a Swiss artist. “It’s the one thing we’ve carried with us everywhere, all over the world,” says Orane.

Otherwise, their home feels decidedly ‘Kiwi modern’. A spray-paint, street-art-style painting by Rachel Rush adorns the living room wall, along with a set of four large punk-ish paintings by Wellington artist Glen Jorna, made of layers of music posters and paint.

The stand-out artwork, for me, is one of their own creation: “Kia Ora Motherfuckers!” spelled out in yellow LED light strip on the wall above the dining area. They had it made themselves, but it’s a quote from musician Aaron Tokona (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Maniapoto).

“We saw him play at WOMAD a few years ago,” says Olivier.

“He was amazing. He told the crowd he’d been asked not to swear because there were kids there, but he was just swearing like crazy. It was so funny. We loved it.” Gesturing at the light strip, Olivier laughs: “I guess you could say it’s a collaboration!”

The whole home feels like a collaboration, between the old and the new, and Switzerland and New Zealand.

They worked with Plylab to redesign the kitchen in plywood, in a simple, functional Scandinavian style, with birch cabinets and stone bench tops. It feels natural and modern.

They opened up some parts of the house to improve the flow, while closing off other areas to create storage. They removed the wall that separated the kitchen from the dining/living area, and built in a new pantry and a coat room, both in the same plywood finish as the kitchen. The pantry has a big tongue-andgroove sliding door, giving it a rustic, farmhouse feel.

As a smaller, compact home, it also lends itself to a sustainable way of living. Orane and Olivier don’t need a big

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backyard or a garage for stuff they don’t use or the car they don’t own. They have e-bikes, and they’re fans of app-based car share company Mevo, which recently extended its coverage to Newtown, Berhampore and Island Bay. “We can often find a Mevo car right outside on our street,” says Orane.

They’ve installed solar panels on the roof, and now feed power back into the grid. They also collect rainwater from the roof for watering the garden and cleaning. Resilience is a theme that comes up a lot — they want to be prepared if the power or water goes out, and they also want to reduce their carbon footprint, and set their home up for the future.

Weatherboard houses are part of our heritage.

With their good bones, they were built to last, and they will, as long as they’re cared for. Orane and Olivier’s simple, well-made, handmade house is the perfect example.

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Kount Five Plus Two Pop culture in retro Taranaki 1966-1983 Get back to the good ol’ days and re-live the music, fashion and fun of retro Taranaki. Follow the lives and stories of renowned local cover band Kount Five Plus Two. Hit rewind with Puke Ariki Museum this summer and enjoy an exhibition for the whole whānau!

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M E

Mosquito

BY M E LO DY T H O M A S

Name: Mosquito Scientific name: Family Culicidae (from the Latin culex, meaning “gnat”) Māori name: Waeroa Status: Widespread and common. There’s some evidence that endemic populations are in decline.

Description: Earth is home to thousands of species of mosquito. In Aotearoa there are three known introduced species and 13 endemic ones, which evolved here and are found nowhere else in the world. Every part of the mosquito is long and slender: its 3–6mm body, skinny legs, single pair of wings, and proboscis (the elongated, tubelike mouthpart which it uses to eat and, in some cases, suck blood). While mosquitos are vilified for their tendency to bite and spread disease (understandably!), their main diet is actually nectar and plant juices, only some species requiring blood as a food source. Fewer still will choose humans for this purpose, preferring the blood of animals like birds, cattle, and horses. And it’s also only ever the females that bite, using the protein and iron from blood to make eggs.

Habitat: Mosquitos are found in every land region in the world except Antarctica, and a few islands with polar or subpolar climates. Some species prefer fresh water, others salt water. Some like their water very clean, others prefer it murky and full of decomposing organics, or even polluted. The Culex rotoruae (Rotorua mosquito) only breeds in geothermally heated mineral pools!

The biggest of Aotearoa’s endemic species is the saltpool mosquito, Opifex fuscus, which is found on

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rocky coastlines, and breeds in salinised rock pools (content warning: horrifying/fascinating breeding behaviour incoming!) In the warmer months, adult males scour their environment, looking for pupae which are about to breach the surface of the water to complete their moult into adult form. If a male spots one, it darts across the water’s surface, grabs it with its forelegs, and – often after battling off other males – attempts to mate with the pupa as it moults into maturity. If the moulting pupa is female, by the time she’s emerged into her adult life-stage, mating has already begun. Thank you Auckland Zoo for that information!

Look/listen: Though mosquitos are fairly recognisable by sight, they’re often first identified by their high-pitched, incessant buzzing, which keeps humans from their precious sleep. If you really want to spot one, head out at dusk or dawn in summertime in shorts. They’ll find you.

Tell me a story: Mosquitos are considered the deadliest animals alive, spreading diseases like malaria, yellow fever, Zika and more, and causing approximately 72,000 deaths annually. In fact, of the 108 billion people who have lived on Earth over the course of 200,000 years, nearly half (52 billion!) have been killed by mosquitos. Thankfully, these deadly species don’t live here in Aotearoa. In fact, our endemic species aren’t just harmless to humans (beyond mild annoyance), they’re important for the health of our ecosystems, providing food for native birds, reptiles, bats and invertebrates, and for fish and aquatic insects that feed on larvae.

Wellington City Council presents

Summer events Gardens Magic 9–28 January Botanic Garden ki Paekākā Concert Series, Light Display, Kids Garden Trail & Explorer Days

Te Rā o Waitangi 12 noon–6pm, Tuesday 6 February Waitangi Park

Wellington Pasifika Festival

summer flowering perennials in store now at

twigland gardeners world middleton road | glenside | open 7 days

12 noon–6pm, Saturday 10 February Waitangi Park

wellington.govt.nz/events

F E AT U R E

Rudolph Joel Rudolph used to dread a certain carol.

“But I’ve finally learned to love it,” he laughs. The tale of Rudolph being bullied for his red nose, but then becoming a guiding light for Santa and his team, has a good message. “I’d like to think I’m a nice guide for my friends and family going through troubling or interesting times. I don’t know if I am, but I like to think I am. I like lifting up the people around me.”

It’s something he does as a Production Coordinator at the Film Commission, “I love being able to support and develop New Zealand talent.”

Despite the Germanic origins of the name Rudolph, in his case it actually comes from Joel’s Māori whakapapa.

“My understanding is, in the early to mid-1800s a German came across from Heidelberg and settled in Northland.

There are quite a lot of Rudolphs up there. And also Rurawhe, which is the Māori transliteration.”

Joel, who’s been in Wellington for almost a decade, will be with his family in Whanganui for Christmas.

He’s counting on his mum to make her famous pavlova. “My mother’s recipe has somehow been altered to get the maximum crispy crust. There’s that gooey marshmallow in the middle, and the crust is hard enough to cause a bit of damage. It’s completely creamed and has fruit on top. She usually has to make two or three ‘cos we go through them!”

Rein it in

BY F R A N C E S CA E M M S

We’ve met six of Santa’s reindeer over the past two years. Now it is time for “the most famous reindeer of all”, and Donner and Blitzen (thunder and lightning), to get their moment in the spotlight.

Francesca Emms found three Wellingtonians who fit the bill and asked them which deer-licious desserts they’re looking forward to this Christmas.

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Blitzen

Donner

You’d think Wellington’s Lighting Designer of the Year would go big at Christmas time, but Brynne Tasker-Poland swears she doesn’t go crazy with the lights.

“I like to think my Christmas trees are quite tasteful. I prefer subtle Christmas decor and that’s the same with my design aesthetic. Less is more”.

She’s looking forward to relaxing on Christmas Day. “I’ll be doing nothing,” she laughs. “We eat a lot, we drink a lot, and then we lie there.” The food that really makes Christmas Christmas is “sweet, juicy fruit, particularly stone fruit and berries.” Hailing from Hawkes Bay, Brynne remembers super-hot summers and going with her family to pick their own fruit for Christmas.

Ten years ago Brynne moved to Wellington to study and discovered lighting design. “I thought it was fun, and have dabbled on and off ever since.”

Brynne was named Lighting Designer of the Year in December 2022 for her work on the shows Undoing at Bats Theatre and Skin Tight at Circa Theatre. She actually needed to create lightning for Skin Tight, which climaxed with a massive storm. It’s easy to make lightning in the theatre, she says, “Just hit the strobe and flash some lights.” The trick is to not make it look cheesy, she explains. Does she like lightning in real life? “Love it. I’ve never been scared of it. I think it’s great, it’s so powerful.”

As the Sub-Principal Percussionist for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Sam Rich plays a whole variety of instruments. “From drums to triangles, it’s never boring.

We’re often used in music for big climactic moments, driving rhythms, and special effects, but we can also play extremely delicately and create atmospheric textures,” says Sam. There are a few ways for a percussionist to make thunder, though Sam says they don’t do it very often.

“You might hear it in a Wagner opera or film music.” You can roll soft mallets on a big concert bass drum, you can shake a thunder tube, or – and Sam says this is the most creative method he’s seen – you can drop a bunch of cricket balls into a concert bass drum and shake it up and down. “Playing this from backstage creates an eerie rumble in the auditorium.”

Sam moved to Wellington in 2020 to join the NZSO, and he’ll be heading to Auckland to be with family and friends for the festive season. For Christmas day, it’s usually Sam’s job to make a dessert. “Last time I made Yotam Ottolenghi’s brown sugar meringue roulade with burnt honey apples, which was a delicious hit with the fam.”

Although, he says, he can’t go past a classic Christmas Pudding. “We like to use a special family recipe which has been handed down a few generations on my mum’s side.”

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E D I B L E S

incidents recorded. Shoplifting accounted for 78% of incidents, while reports of assault against supermarket staff have also increased, with 54 separate attacks in just three months.

café’s premises have reopened as a make-your-own malatang restaurant, Babali Hot Pot, where diners can select their own meats, veges, and broth to be cooked up.

H OT P OT H OTS P OT

THE GRAPES OF GOOD

SESQUICENTENNIAL SHOP

P

&K Four Square in Martinborough is celebrating its 150th birthday. It’s Aotearoa’s oldest family-owned store and is currently operated by fourth generation Conor Kershaw and his wife Philippa, who also runs fashion department General Store, just around the corner.

Things have changed quite a bit since Pain & Kershaw opened in 1873; they no longer sell dynamite, and they have don’t have to keep period products hidden under the counter. The store is keeping up with the times and aims to be as ecofriendly as possible, giving unsaleable consumable food to foodbanks, and other leftover produce to local pigs.

A

fter almost 100 years, Dixon Street Deli has closed its doors. First opened in 1930 as a poultry shop, it was run by a Polish migrant, grandfather of the shop’s final owner Ari Chait. The

DAY L I G H T RO B B E RY

S

upermarket crime continues to rise. Foodstuffs NZ reports, from 300 of their North Island stores, a 59% increase in retail crime in the last year. Between May to July this year there were 3,900 separate

F

rom the vines to the bottles, everything that goes into Borough wines has been donated, with all profits from sales going to a charity supporting child and youth development, the Graeme Dingle Foundation in Marlborough. Three years on, Borough have released their 2023 vintage, which includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Rose, and Pinot Gris. The not-for-profit wine brand was put together by Geoff Matthews of Lion New Zealand and Kelvin Watt of the Dingle Foundation.

In 2020, with grapes donated by five Marlborough families and help from the local wine industry with winemaking, bottling, packaging design, and distribution they created their first batch.

COMING SOON TO A RETAILER NEAR YOU

BEACHSIDE MANGO & PASSIONFRUIT sour

2.4% ABV

www.sunshinebrewing.co.nz

E D I B L E S

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B E E R CA R E E R

racy Banner, owner and master brewer at Sprig + Fern Brewing Co, is celebrating her 40th year in the brewing industry. She began brewing in England in 1983, before moving to Aotearoa where she became head brewer at Mac’s and then first female head brewer at Speight’s. Tracy has received many awards and in 2019 was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand. To celebrate the 40 year milestone, Sprig + Fern have released a limited-edition Barrel Aged Mixed Ferment Ruby Ale.

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TATS A N D TO N I C S

new gin bar has opened up in Wellington’s QT hotel, called the Gallery Lounge. The bar will feature a different distillery each month, serving up speciality gins in sophisticated cocktails or as simple G&Ts. At the other end of the hotel, Asian fusion restaurant Hot Sauce is gearing up for a day as a popup tattoo parlour. On 11 November tattooist to the stars (she has inked the likes of Miley Cyrus and Post Malone) Lauren Winzer will be stopping by to give $100 tattoos, all in aid of Movember. If tattoos aren’t your thing, they’ll also be DJ sets, cocktails, tastings, and a moustache grooming station.

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three-course meals. Using fresh oranges, spices, and orange rinds (donated by Moore Wilson’s, leftover from their fresh orange juices) they’ve created a Spiced Orange Syrup, to be used with a soda maker, or mixed with soda water. One dollar from each collab soda syrup sold will go towards Everybody Eats feeding more hungry bellies.

J

CO M I N G U P ROS E S

ohnon MacDonald and Kat Strand, the folks behind eatery Koji, have teamed up for another venture. Just a few steps away from Koji on Majoribanks street is Rosella, a wine bar with a sharing-style menu of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African inspired dishes. The restaurant is celebrating local, using plates handmade by Island Bay potter Nicola Shuttleworth.

NICE SPICE

ix Barrel Soda has joined foodie forces with Everybody Eats, a pay-as-you-feel charity restaurant that rescues unwanted ingredients and whips them up into

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E D I B L E S

‘Tis the seasoning P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A N N A B R I G G S ST Y L E D BY R AC H E L SA L A Z A R

If a Christmas feast put together by one of New Zealand’s top chefs sounds good, boy do we have good news for you. James Pask shares his favourite

summer-inspired Christmas recipes to help make your holiday season delicious.

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Season's greetings

BY JA M E S PAS K

James Pask started cooking during his summer holidays in 1999 and never looked back. While deciding what to study at university he worked in a small fine-dining restaurant in Nelson, before moving to Wellington and landing a job at Shed 5. He spent three years in Europe cooking all sorts of food in all sorts of places, from tacos in Portugal to foie gras in London. James is now general manager and culinary director of hospitality operator Yu Group, through which he’s opened several restaurants, including Atlas, now Plonk wine bar, and Corso Pastaria in Willis Lane.

I

have many fond Christmas memories from the UK, but I’ve always found it strange in New Zealand. I like being wrapped up, warm in front of the fire, and it feels odd to eat a heavy, traditional Christmas meal here in the Southern Hemisphere.

My summer Christmas menu is a light feast that cooks quickly and great when cooking for a crowd.

Over the years I've learned valuable tricks for navigating the demands of cooking for a large group during the holidays. I want to make your Christmas cooking experience more enjoyable and less stressful. My cooking philosophy emphasises seasonal, quality ingredients simply put together.

In this culinary adventure, I want to share not only delicious recipes but also the joy that comes from sharing good food with family.

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Asparagus with sauce gribiche

Tabouleh of grains, pickled blueberries, and pomegranate

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King salmon with smoked paprika and beurre blanc

Floating island with vanilla anglaise and strawberries

Slow roasted King salmon with smoked paprika and beurre blanc

Tabouleh of grains, pickled blueberries and pomegranate

Asparagus with sauce gribiche

Floating island with vanilla anglaise & slow roasted strawberries

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E D I B L E S

Asparagus with sauce gribiche 750g 1cm thick asparagus spears (woody bits trimmed) 100g sauce gribiche 1.

2.

10g sherry vinegar 50g extra virgin olive oil small handful Italian parsley (minced) sea salt black pepper

Bring 3 litres of water to a boil with 40g of salt added (it should taste like the sea). Boil the asparagus for 3 minutes or until just tender to touch.

Drain and chill in ice or under cold running water. Drain well and dry; cut in half if you so desire and reserve.

1.

FOR THE SAUCE GRIBICHE

2.

3.

4.

2 eggs boiled for 7 minutes and refreshed 20g minced shallot 10g chopped baby capers 10g diced baby cornichons 10g dijon mustard

Separate the egg yolk and egg white, dice the white, and reserve the yolk for the dressing. Combine the yolks, vinegar, mustard, shallot and oil.

Whisk with vigour until it forms an emulsion.

Add the rest of the ingredients and mix.

Add a little more oil if needed.

TO FINISH 5.

Mix asparagus with dressing and put on serving plate.

Slow roasted King salmon with smoked paprika and beurre blanc KING SALMON

HORSERADISH BEURRE BLANC

1.2kg side of salmon (trimmed, pin-boned and scaled, skin on) 12g NZ flaky sea salt 15g soft brown sugar 10g sweet smoked paprika (the best you can buy) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

250g sauvignon blanc 40g lemon juice 60g cream 20g minced shallots 200g salted butter (diced into small cubes) 30g horseradish cream or wasabi 50g smoked salmon caviar (optional) 10g minced chives

Start with the salmon. Check all the bones are out. I like to square off and trim any thinner bits, (belly, very tip of the tail piece) until you have an even piece of salmon. You may end up trimming around 100g off (great for making a quick salmon tartare snack).

Mix the salt and sugar together and spread over the salmon fillet.

Take a small sieve (like a tea strainer) and sieve the smoked paprika over the top of the salmon.

Line a tray with foil and then baking paper, and transfer the salmon onto it, 10–15 minues before cooking.

Pre-heat the oven to 135°C on fan bake.

Roast for around 25 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of around 47 °C, when the fish will be beautifully tender and yielding to the touch.

Transfer to a serving platter.

The addition of the cream makes this a bit of a cheat’s method, but it does make it much more stable for the home cook.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Place wine, cream, lemon juice, and the shallots in a pot and reduce until you have 100g of liquid left.

Gradually whisk in the butter over a low heat with the pan not quite over the flame. Do not boil or it will split. Continuously whisk until emulsified and all the butter is used up.

Remove from heat and keep in a warm place until ready to serve.

Just before serving, add horseradish, chives, and caviar.

Mix through and serve. I spoon it on the top of the salmon, but serve it in a sauce boat if you prefer.

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Tabouleh of grains, pickled blueberries, and pomegranate BULGUR WHEAT

1.

100g bulgur wheat 175g water 1 tsp sea salt couple of grinds of black pepper 1.

2.

3.

2.

PUFFED WILD RICE

Combine together in a pot and bring to a simmer, turn heat down to low, and place lid on.

Cook for 10 minutes then pull off heat and rest with lid on for a further 10 minutes.

Transfer to a tray, spread out and cool.

80g wild rice 1 cup sunflower oil Ideally two equal-sized pots and a sieve that fits the pot.

SALAD DRESSING

1.

80g olive oil 20g blueberry pickle juice or lemon juice. pinch of sea salt, couple of grinds black pepper

2.

1.

4.

3.

Combine in a jar and shake well to emulsify.

PINE NUTS, ALMONDS 50g pine nuts 1/2 tsp of olive oil pinch of sea salt

5.

50g almonds 1/2 tsp of olive oil pinch of sea salt

2.

Heat oil in a pot (oil should only come half way up the pot. Safety first).

Heat oil till smoking hot between 190 and 200°C. Ideally use a temp probe.

Add wild rice to the pot, have your sieve over the empty pot or bowl (be careful).

Once the rice has puffed and is starting to brown, pour the pour the oil through the sieve into the other similarsized pot or bowl to drain puffed rice.

Pour rice onto a paper towel-lined tray to cool down.

PICKLED BLUEBERRIES 100g dried blueberries 150g sherry vinegar or red wine 100g water 50g sugar

Follow step one for both quantities.

1.

Pick down herbs and wash them, dry in salad spinner, lay on tray with kitchen towel and air dry for 1 hour in fridge. This will stop you ending up with grass-mulch style herbs.

Rough cut herbs till chunky, not super fine.

Toss the ingredients and spread out evenly on a tray.

Toast at 150°C until evenly toasted, around 8–10 minutes for the pine nuts, about 12 minutes for the almonds.

Cut each almond across into 3 pieces so you end up with pine-nut sized pieces.

1.

2.

3.

4.

MIXED HERBS

Combine vinegar, water and sugar in a pot and bring to a simmer.

Add blueberries and simmer for around 30 minutes.

Let berries sit in liquid overnight to rehydrate.

Drain before using for salad.

TO FINISH

small handful of Italian parsley small handful of mint small handful of dill

1.

2.

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Combine everything except half the pomegranate seeds and dressing.

At the last minute toss everything with the dressing and season. Transfer to a plate and then sprinkle the remaining pomegranate over the top.

E D I B L E S

Floating island with vanilla anglaise and slow-roasted strawberries

F

ind a fun mould that holds around 600g of liquid. An old jelly mould will work well but you could also use a springform cake

tin – the options are endless. You can even cook quenelle of meringue in milk on the stove if you like. My method is much simpler.

FLOATING ISLAND MERINGUE

1.

200g egg whites (around 6 or 7 eggs) 150g caster sugar 150g icing sugar 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

2.

3.

Lightly grease your mould. Find a tray which is deeper than the mould (to use as a bain-marie).

Add your egg whites and caster sugar to an electric mixer. Mix at medium speed for 8 minutes (check the mix; if it feels grainy mix further until completely smooth).

At medium speed, add icing sugar gradually until incorporated. The mix should be at the stiff peak stage – if you turn the bowl upside down it should stay in the bowl.

Add the meringue mix to your chosen mould, tapping it against a surface as you go to make sure there are no air pockets. Once it is full, smooth off the top with a palette knife.

Pre-heat oven to 130°C and boil the kettle.

Place a tea towel under the tray and put in your mould with meringue. Pour boiling water around the mould, until it reaches halfway up. Cover with greaseproof paper, then cover with foil.

Place in the preheated oven. The meringue will take around 12 minutes to cook, depending on your chosen mould and its thickness. If you insert a wooden skewer, it should come out clean when the meringue is cooked, and the mix will feel firm.

Reserve and chill your meringue until ready to use.

4.

5.

Split and scrape out the vanilla pods, then add the pods and seeds to the milk. Bring the milk up to a gentle simmer, remove from heat and allow to infuse for 10 minutes, then bring back to a simmer.

Whisk the yolks and sugar together to combine.

Add 100mls of the milk while mixing, then gradually add the rest of the milk.

Put back into the pan and then over a gentle heat, while stirring constantly thicken the custard until you can draw a defined line down the back of a spoon, or the mixture hits 80 degrees on a temperature probe.

Pass through a sieve into a bowl, chill, and reserve until needed.

SLOW ROASTED STRAWBERRIES 700g strawberries, hulled and halved or in quarters (depending on size) 35g icing sugar 1.

2.

3.

4.

Preheat oven to 150°C. Toss strawberries with sugar and reserve for 10 minutes.

Line a tray with baking paper. Transfer the strawberries in an even layer to the tray. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove and reserve until room temperature.

Transfer into a serving bowl along with all the juice.

TO FINISH 1.

CRÈME ANGLAISE 6 egg yolks 500ml milk 2 vanilla pods 80g caster sugar

2.

3.

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Unmould the meringue onto a serving plate. Sprinkle over powdered raw sugar and brûlée with a little blowtorch (like a creme brûlée – optional).

Pour around the chilled anglaise, leaving a little to serve on the side in a jug.

Serve alongside the bowl of slow-roasted strawberries and enjoy.

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Page boy

BY J O H N B R I ST E D P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A N DY H A N S E N

Karl Maughan isn’t just a successful artist. He’s a secret lover of century-old books, and has recently built a library to house them.

It all began at their local rubbish tip, when eight-year-old Karl and his father saw beautifully bound and illustrated books being dumped. “Too beautiful to biff ”, was their conclusion and the collection began.

More trips to the tip throughout his childhood yielded exciting finds and expanded into visits to shops around the Manawatu and lower Hawkes Bay. The collection is still growing. Friends and art dealers say expeditions with Karl often include detours to likely-looking shops.

These are the books that our grand- and great-grandparents enjoyed. Printed between 1858 and about 1915, and expensive, many are clearly old favourites. All have decorative covers.

Some have hand-painted illustrations, some use gold leaf, some have marbled endpapers. Many have ex-libris book plates

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and were treasured awards at school prizegivings or family gifts. They’re the books that stayed on the family bookshelves until you moved on, one way or the other. The collection includes boys’ and girls’ annuals, fairy tales, novels and travel books complete with detailed maps.

It includes Robinson Crusoe, the original desert island adventure story. This was first printed in 1719 and astonishingly is still in print. Karl has about 20 different editions.

Untrodden Peaks and Unfrequented Valleys tells of travel in the Italian Dolomites, a region largely unknown in the 1800s.

The writer was historian, Egyptologist and early travel writer, Amelia B Edwards.

Shirley Hibberd’s Rustic Adornments for Homes of Taste is from 1888 and might be an early house-and-garden equivalent of Mrs Beeton’s famous cookbook. The volume enthuses about ideas for ferneries, aquariums, bee keeping, how to make a Wardian Case (an inverted glass case in which to grow indoor greenery), an aviary, a flower garden, and a rockery. It’s a pleasure. Collector Karl said to me, “Bring it back, it’s worth a bit.” He might have said priceless.

There are literally thousands more to drool over.

Interesting Stories About CuriousWords

57 Willis Street, Wellington unitybookswellington.co.nz

SHOP FOR YOUR STORY AT TE ĀMIKI Our purpose is to collect the story of our nation and take the intangible taonga we've curated - words, images, stories - and turn them into something physical. With our carefully curated collection, you can take a piece of this story home with you.

19 High Street, Auckland unitybooksauckland.co.nz

Open 6 days a week Visit us online or instore at:

shop.natlib.govt.nz National Library of New Zealand, Molesworth Street, Wellington

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B O O K

Fully booked

From the crime connoisseurs, to the beach readers, the non-fiction

devotees, and the self-help indulgers, Aotearoa is a nation of book lovers.

Sophie Carter asked six locals which books are keeping them busy.

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B Y

Karl Chitham

T H E

B O O K

Director of the Dowse Art Museum

Jessi Morgan

CEO of Predator Free New Zealand Trust

Dame Patsy Reddy

I’m currently reading: The Mote in God’s Eye by Larry Nivan and Jerry Pournelle. I am rereading this sci-fi novel after a couple of decades.

It’s a deep dive into the human condition when confronted by first contact with an alien species. It asks all the big existential questions, with a few spaceships thrown in for dramatic effect, and was a great entry point for me into the more thoughtful writers of this genre.

I’m currently reading: The Feather Thief by Kirk W Johnson. In this non-fiction book a young man steals hundreds of scientifically significant bird skins from a British natural history museum and sells the feathers to obsessive fly-tyers trying to replicate Victorian flies.

It’s an intriguing and suspenseful true-crime book, but it also makes you think about human desire to possess nature’s beauty, no matter the cost.

I’d like to read next: sis: Pacific Art 1980–2023 by Lana Lopesi, and published by the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art. It highlights the art practices of women from across the Pacific and the exhibition it accompanies is on in Brisbane until September 2024, so I am hoping to get over to see it.

I’d like to read next: Takahē: Bird of Dreams. Written by the brilliant Alison Ballance (a Wellingtonian), it delves into the life of the takahē, a “strange and wonderful avian beast” once thought extinct but miraculously rediscovered. This story provides a huge amount of hope to ongoing conservation efforts, and tells how, given the right protection precious taonga can come back from the brink.

I’m currently reading: The Art of Winning

by Dan Carter. Since my term as GovernorGeneral ended, I found I needed to repurpose my life. I wouldn’t have described it this way before reading Dan’s book. As recently appointed Chair of NZ Rugby, without having led a life steeped in the sport, I am fascinated to understand how the All Blacks got where they are. Dan’s book is surprising: I knew I would learn lots about rugby, but I’ve also learnt useful perspectives on leadership and self-motivation.

I would like to give: Magic Wands and Golden Skulls, which is the newest book produced by the Dowse. It’s a great romp through the history of the collection with some fascinating stories captured brilliantly by our senior curator Dr Chelsea Nichols. I feel like there is something in there for everyone – a bit of controversy and scandal alongside a lot of great art and artists. I’d give this to anyone that is curious about the stories behind the art.

I would like to give: A Naturalist's Guide to the Birds of New Zealand by Oscar Thomas. I didn’t grow up a bird nerd so I’m still learning, and this is a helpful guide, particularly in Wellington where birds from Zealandia are spreading across the city. Not just a visual feast, the book is comprehensive in its information – from bird habits to biogeographical insights.

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Chair of New Zealand Rugby

I’d like to read next: Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton. It’s been on my list of “next reads” for a while and I know I’ll enjoy it as it’s an eco-thriller set in a world I know, by a writer I greatly admire. It should be a perfect pageturner for my long flights to Paris to the Rugby World Cup. I would like to give: Robin White: Something is Happening Here by Sarah Farrar, Nina Tonga, and Jill Trevelyan, to anyone who enjoys art and beauty. It documents a major retrospective of Dame Robin White’s career as one of our great contemporary artists. Immensely readable and a delight to look at, it’s a book that will stand the test of time.

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B O O K

Wellington City Councillor

Laura Greenfield

Co-founder and executive chef of Field & Green

Marilou Dadat

I’m currently reading: Age of Extremes: The Short 20th Century

by Eric Hobsbawm.

Hobsbawm’s research gives a fantastic insight into the rise and collapse of fascism in the 20th century and this book has joined a number of dots for me regarding the whakapapa of certain ideas, and provides important context for the echoes of the period which we still feel in our time.

I’m currently reading: My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante. I'm not the biggest reader in the world. My bookshelves at home have over 300 cookbooks, so I’m more into them than novels. However a friend in London recommended this book to me. It is part of Ferrante’s Neapolitan quartet, and I was hooked.

I’m currently reading: The Troubled Man: A Kurt Wallander Mystery by Henning Mankell. This is a Swedish Noir page turner. My partner and I spent the winter months on this series, ordering the books from the Wellington City Library.

There is mystery and psychology and a lot of coffee being consumed!

I’d like to read next: The Lying Life of Adults, also by Elena Ferrante, after I finish reading her quartet. My niece who gave it to me for my birthday said it was one of her favourite books.

When I like someone’s writing I tend to stay with them.

I’d like to read next: The Well Gardened Mind by Sue StuartSmith. I spend my free time gardening.

It has become my way of meditating and switching off, and I am intrigued by this book. It's also a good excuse to pop into a bookstore for a browse during my lunch breaks.

Nīkau Wi Neera

I’d like to read next: The Sublime Object of Ideology by Slavoj Žižek. I’ve been trying to get through this book for about two years.

However without a degree in Jacques Lacan or Carl Jung (20th century psychiatrists) I only manage a page before descending into a Wikipedia hole trying to understand a term.

I would like to give: Te Ao Hurihuri: Aspects of Maoritanga edited

by Michael King to any Kiwi. Written in the 1970s, when Māori voices in literature were rare, the book contains a wealth of knowledge of aspects of Māori culture. The book helps contextualise much of what we see in contemporary Māoridom, and traces its genealogy back to the earliest accounts. Anybody who is interested in building this country's bicultural future ought to read this book.

I would like to give: Any cookbook by my favourite foodwriter, Diana Henry. I gave Food from Plenty to my sister-in-law and How to Eat a Peach to my head chef. They both loved them. The book I could read forever is Claudia Roden’s Book of Jewish food. It explores the diaspora of Jewish cuisine, Ashkenazi, which I am, and Sephardic.

It's a real treasure.

79

Creative director of Kowtow

I would like to give: The Birthday Present

by Bruno Munari.

Munari is one of my all-time favourite hybrid author/designer/ artists and this book has become a family favourite of ours. It’s a super inspiring read for both kids and grown-ups, so it makes a great gift for everyone.

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D I R E C T O R Y

Kristin Hersh

Lloyd Cole (UK) at Old St Paul's

NZSD Performance Season

Hersh will tour Aotearoa for the first time since 2014, performing from her solo and Throwing Muses-spanning career, as well as material from new album Clear Pond Road. First Wellington show sold out, new show at Meow has been added.

Iconic singer-songwriter Lloyd Cole is set to grace New Zealand stages once again as he embarks on a much-anticipated ninth tour of the country, in December playing hits like Rattlesnakes, Lost Weekend, Perfect Skin, and Like Lovers Do.

The New Zealand School of Dance is proud to announce its highly anticipated Performance Season, showcasing the extraordinary talent of its students. With two alternating programmes of ballet and contemporary dance, this season promises to captivate audiences with outstanding choreography and breath-taking performances.

Wednesday 15 November Meow 9 Edward St, Te Aro Wellington. plus1.co.nz

Sunday 3 December Old St Paul's 34 Mulgrave St, Pipitea Wellington. plus1.co.nz

16 Nov–2 Dec Southward Theatre, Paraparaumu.

Te Whaea Theatre, Wellington. nzschoolofdance.ac.nz/ performance-season

Summer at Circa Theatre

The Bicycle and the Butcher's Daughter

By Helen Moulder & Sue Rider Presented by Willow Productions Directed by Sue Rider Starring Helen Moulder 1 hour 15 minutes no interval $30–$45

25 Oct–11 Nov

A family, food and five surprising characters! Olivia Paterson has taken over as CEO of the family meat exporting company. Her daughter is a vegan. Her sister wants to open an art gallery. Her father wants things to stay as they are. Olivia wants to feed the world, but when the media get hold of a fake story, what is more important – her plans for the company’s survival or her relationship with her family? As Olivia strives to keep her balance, 11-year-old Grace might just provide an answer. A new solo comedy-drama featuring a tour de force performance from actor Helen Moulder.

With music by Beethoven recorded by Richard Mapp (piano) and Juliet Ayre (violin). Audience Care: Contains some strong language.

Recommend 15+

Treasure Island – The Pantomime

By Simon Leary and Gavin Rutherford Directed by Gavin Rutherford Music Arranged and Directed by Michael Nicholas Williams $18–$55 + family pass available

18 Nov–23 Dec

Circa Theatre's celebrated summer pantomime returns - and this year it’s for the gold. A multi-talented cast of pantomime players maroon themselves on the rocky shore of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. Set sail with Orphan Jim, his dog Patch, and Aunt Peggy Legg to find the pirate treasure! Is the mysterious young witch a trustworthy friend or will she give them the Black Spot? Will Long John Silver steal the map and scupper their plans? Cross the high seas, face the kraken, and navigate lava-erupting volcanoes in an adventure that will have the whole family going “ooooooh” and “arrrrrrrgh”!

Shows daily Tues–Sun 1 Taranaki St Wellington 04 801 7992 I circa.co.nz

The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People

By Rachel McAlpine Presented by The 90 Plus Group Directed by Robin Payne $30–$55

25 Nov–17 Dec

Is life worth living after 90? Ask the experts!

Writer Rachel McAlpine was shocked to the core when her GP predicted she would live to 99. Like most people, she had opinions about old age but no experience. So, she asked local people in their 90s about their lives, and their revelations broke all the stereotypes. She also trod the footpaths of Wellington asking, “How do you picture your life at 95?” The Secret Lives of Extremely Old People erupted from those conversations.

Five fictional elders share their fascinating stories. They riff, they rant, they rebel, they remember. Tragedy hovers and death is drawing close.

So why do they say they are lucky? Deeper than data about old age, their stories are startling, exhilarating and moving. As for the predictions of younger people, anything goes!

W E L L Y

A N G E L

What would Deirdre do?

R E F U SE S T H E R A P Y

A DV I C E F RO M D E I R D R E TA R R A N T

A N Y E XC U SE W I L L D O My in-laws have always made it clear that they don’t like me, they are often loudly critical at family gatherings and frequently ignore my attempts at conversation. It has only got worse since I came out as gay two years ago and my wife and I have separated, not particularly amicably but we work at it. My sister-in-law hosts Christmas and insists on asking me to join them. Can I make an excuse and stay away or do I owe it to my children (aged three and five) to attend?

Sad father, Lower Hutt My Grandmother/mother instinct says be with your children, it is Christmas – but I find myself thinking you need to have Christmas too, and maybe this is the year to redefine the celebration. Would a split Christmas work? Lots of families have a range of different plans.

Happiness is key, and that means for everyone. I suggest that you work around being at your sister-in-law’s for dinner and contribute as usual if that is the custom. Also plan a special Christmas time with your children/family, either before or after the dinner time. Christmas Eve might work? Open your family gifts with your children and their mother. Parents are always parents. Both are important and equal. Good luck. Do whatever works for you and Happy Christmas!

My partner wants to separate and I don’t. He refuses all therapy and or to consult any outside person. He is depressed, in my opinion, but we have three children and I think we owe it to them to try and make our family work. After all we have been happily together for eight years and together for 11. Am I right to try and force him to go with me to somebody or is it entirely his choice?

Mama Bear, Miramar This is tricky and sad, but try to be positive. I do not think you can force your husband to go to counselling, but try to talk to him and help him cope. If you think he has depression maybe see if he will have a general medical checkup and that might put him on the road to being better in himself. Que sera sera, but it will take effort and may not work out the way you want. Good on you for wanting to make it work for your family.

S C O O T E R HA Z A R D S The next-door neighbour’s teenage children are great scooter users. Sure they’re fun, but the little sods are oblivious to the rights of other footpath users when they drop the machines wherever they stop. Our street is poorly lit and these obstacles are an unexpected surprise – especially so when I fell over one recently at the bottom of my steps. I’m still limping and changing band aids and despite the family being concerned the children have not changed their parking pattern. What do you suggest I do? PS I’ve tried, and failed, to lift the flaming things out of the way.

Mrs Grumpy, Brooklyn

T E E NAG E R S A N D L OYA LT Y I S SU E S My two daughters are struggling with their father and his parenting which is very different from mine. They are teenagers and I think they are wonderful (mostly). I accept that they need input other than just from me into their lives.

Their father is very controlling and authoritarian and they are beginning to avoid and resent spending time with him, their stepmother and two brothers. Ought I to support their father and say just cope with it, or should I acknowledge their feelings and support them?

Struggling, Churton Park Teenage years are all about growing up, and dealing with other people is a big part of that. Be their mother, proud and supportive of them, and be there to talk, but try not to take sides in a volatile environment. Growing up is hard to do!

But it does happen and it will work out.

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Scooters! I assume this is the type of scooter hired for transport home? This situation will resonate with many of us! Scooters lying on the pavement are annoying and dangerous and the “scooterers” do need to take responsibility.

I suspect that it will take a concentrated effort of keeping at them and results may have a longhaul timeline. They and their parents need to get on board and behave more considerately. And yes, they are heavy to lift but weight bearing activity is beneficial to health, so perhaps see it in that light. They appear on my drive most weekends but I don’t know who the riders are, so you are ahead in terms of knowledge.

If you’ve got a burning question for Deirdre, email angel@capitalmag.co.nz with Capital Angel in the subject line.

TSB Festival of Lights

WOMAD NZ

Oxfam Trailwalker

A TARANAKI SUMMER LINE-UP LIKE NO OTHER

Spectacular light shows and live outdoor entertainment, celebrations of art and music from around the globe, and challenging endurance events – Taranaki is the place to be this summer. Come for the world-class event and stay for the picture-perfect scenery, decadent dining, and fascinating local history.

WHAT’S ON TSB Festival of Lights – 16 Dec – 21 Jan Dire Straits Legacy – 3 Jan WOMAD – 15 – 17 Mar

| Rock the Bowl – 29 Dec | Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls – 2 Mar | Oxfam Trailwalker – 23 – 24 Mar

Make a weekend of it! taranaki.co.nz/visit

AN INITIATIVE OF VENTURE TARANAKI

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Cyclist hell

BY M E LO DY T H O M A S

A

couple of weeks ago I was driving down Roseneath Terrace towards Oriental Parade, when I came across a cyclist lying on the road, barely conscious. There was somebody with him, on the phone to emergency services, so I blocked one end of the road with my car and set about redirecting traffic at the other.

Over the next hour, a small group of us looked after the injured man, making sure he was as warm and comfortable as he could be, while waiting for the police and an ambulance to arrive.

I arrived a minute too late to see what had happened, but later found out that the cyclist had probably been hit by a car and left for dead. He had 10 broken ribs, a broken collarbone, collapsed lung, concussion, and a broken scapula (which his surgeon later said could only be broken by blunt force trauma). The impact of the accident must have been intense; and instead of stopping to see if the cyclist was ok, the driver took off, leaving him to his fate. It’s completely beyond me how somebody could do this. I know it must be scary to make a mistake that badly hurts somebody, but your discomfort doesn’t trump the other person’s right to their life. If you hit somebody, you stop and do the right thing. You look after them until help arrives.

While I was redirecting traffic, nearly every driver responded the same way: with a friendly wave and a nod of understanding. One man, however, did not like to be told what to do (I suspect this had something to do with my gender, though I’ll never know). “Are you the police?” he sneered at me. “Maybe I am,” I replied (when threatened I turn smartarse). The driver tried to pass me, to drive up the road the cyclist was lying on. I stood in front of his vehicle, forcing him back. As he sped away, he called me a “f***ing slag”. I may have replied with worse.

It can be a struggle at times to maintain the belief that the overwhelming majority of people are mostly good.

Online comments threads and election periods certainly don’t help, and neither do incidents like this.

Who leaves somebody for dead in a place where more harm can come to them? Who has an ego so fragile they’ll attempt to drive over someone rather than be told what to do by a stranger? If people like this – selfish, insecure, thoughtless, in it for themselves and themselves only – make up the majority of the population, we’re doomed.

As Olivia Laing so beautifully put it in The Lonely City: “The pursuit of individual happiness does not trump or excuse our obligations to each other. We are in this together… this physical and temporary heaven that so often takes on the countenance of hell. What matters is kindness; what matters is solidarity.”

Thankfully, there were other people there that day. The first man who stopped to help. The couple who arrived afterwards, placing something warm over the injured man, sticking right by him until the ambulance finally arrived.

The many drivers who, when told to take a different route, thought to check if everything was ok before going on their way. These kindnesses might not be able to prevent violence from occurring, but they certainly cushion the blow. I know it will have meant a lot to the cyclist to have us watching over him, after being so callously abandoned.

Finally, how about we drivers all try a bit harder to keep cyclists safe? Sure, driving slowly till you find a safe point to pass is an inconvenience, but it’s pretty minor. Their biking reduces their impact on our precious planet, which is a gift to all of us. The least we can do is thank them with safe infrastructure and by respecting their bubble.

84

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C A L E N D A R

RITA ANGUS: NEW ZEALAND MODERNIST Works from the Te Papa collection Aratoi, Bruce Street, Masterton, until 26 November HALL OF HEROES Hang out with the superheroes Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt, until 3 December NGAHUIA HARRISON: COASTAL CANNIBALS Exhibition focusing on Whangārei Harbour City Gallery, Te Ngākau Civic Square TONY FOMISON: LOST IN THE DARK Outsider paintings – monsters, misfits and medical deformities Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt WHIRIWHIRIA Weaving from artists connected to Ōtaki Toi Mahara, Waikanae DIANE ARBUS: A BOX OF TEN PHOTOGRAPHS Ground-breaking, influential work from the 1960s City Gallery, Te Ngākau Civic Square

November

WHENUA TAPU WALK & TALK: CEMETERY WEEK 2023 Guided tour with insights Whenua Tapu Cemetery, Airlie Road, Porirua, 11am

2 TUATARA OPEN LATE A feast of art, music, film, and talks City Gallery, Te Ngākau Civic Square, 4–10pm

6 TAMARIKI MARKETS Play space for under-5s Capital E, 4 Queens Wharf, daily 9.30am

3 COLLABORATE III JEWELLERY EXHIBITION Six contemporary jewellers from around the motu Studio Toru, 3 Oroua St, Eastbourne, until 3 December

7 MELBOURNE CUP DAY Is it still ok to hold an office sweep and admit to it?

4 DOUBLE HEADER WELLINGTON PHOENIX V BRISBANE ROAR The women’s and men’s teams face off Sky Stadium, 2.45pm women, 5.30pm men KĀPITI COAST ART TRAIL Galleries and open artist studios from Ōtaki to Paekākāriki Various locations, Kāpiti Coast.

Also 5, 10, & 11 November

8 SEMI-PERMANENT Annual festival of design and creativity St James Theatre until 10 November SEMI-PERMANENT ART & DESIGN FAIR Capital and Art Zone feature with friends St James Theatre until 10 November 9 VERB READERS & WRITERS FESTIVAL 2023 Various locations, Wellington, until 12 November 12 KĀPITI HALF MARATHON Flat and suitable for all, including wheelchair users MacLean Park, Paraparaumu, 7–8am start times

EERIE PAGEANTRY: JULIA ROBINSON AND DON DRIVER Folk-horror-infused art City Gallery, Te Ngākau Civic Square

RENAYE HUIA ORANGE SKIES FIREWORKS Fun for the whānau – stock car team racing and fireworks Wellington Family Speedway, Te Marua 6–10pm

NGĀ TAONGA TUKU IHO / TREASURES OF KĀPITI Local treasures from private and public collections Toi Mahara, Waikanae

CARRIE ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH EARTH TONGUE Horror film screening and costume party Old St Paul’s, 34 Mulgrave Street, 7pm

16 ACADEMY STOCKROOM SECRET AUCTION Bid high so you can take ’em away NZ Academy of Fine Arts, 1 Queens Wharf, until 26 November

Follow us : in 1882, Established the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts is one of the country’s longest-serving arts institutions and has supported the arts in Wellington for over 140 years.

Come visit us in our beautiful waterfront gallery.

Open daily, free entry.

Contemporary Art

Visit us : 1 Queens Wharf, Wellington Call us : (04) 499 8807

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C A L E N D A R

NZSD PERFORMANCE SEASON Classical and contemporary graduates strut their stuff Southward Theatre, Otaihanga, until 18 November

25 THE SECRET LIVES OF EXTREMELY OLD PEOPLE Anything goes and no topic is sacred Circa Theatre, until 17 December

9 GOOD BONES: MICHELE BEEVORS A knitted menagerie of life-size skeletal animals The Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hut

18 TREASURE ISLAND – THE PANTOMINE Grab the whānau and prepare to holler, me hearties!

Circa Theatre, until 23 December

FREESTYLE KINGS Moto-X, BMX, FMX, an adrenaline hit for the whole family Sky Stadium, 6.30pm

15 CAPITAL BLUES Weekly live performance Jack Hackett’s, 52 Taranaki Street, from 8.30pm

WELLINGTON BLAZE v OTAGO SPARKS Women’s One Day match Cello Basin Reserve, 10.30am 19 TOAST MARTINBOROUGH Celebrating 30 years of wine, food and music Various locations, Martinborough GREYTOWN COUNTRY MARKET Picnic, shop, relax with family and have fun Stella Bull Park, Main Street, from 10am 23 IAN SCOTT: PAINTING NEW ZEALAND NZ Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata, Shed 11, Queens Wharf 24 WINGS OVER WAIRARAPA, MASTERTON Aviation festival Hood Aerodrome, Masterton, until 26 November

ALBI AND THE WOLVES ALBUM LAUNCH Indie rock trio with big band Old St Paul’s, 34 Mulgrave Street, 7pm

17 GREYTOWN COUNTRY MARKET Picnic, shop relax with family and have fun Stella Bull Park, Main Street, from 10am

26 ŌT – THE ŌTAKI TRIATHON Swim, run and bike – individual and team events Ōtaki Pool, Haruātai Park, 8am start time 28 NZSD PERFORMANCE SEASON Classical and contemporary graduates strut their stuff Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre, Newtown, until 2 December 30 MARY POTTER HOSPICE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Enjoy a sweet treat for a good cause Various locations region wide, 11am until sold out

23 FOOTBALL DOUBLE HEADER Wellington Phoenix Women v Newcastle Jeys & Wellington Phoenix Men v Western Sydney Wanderers Sky Stadium, 2.45pm women, 5.30pm men 24 WELLINGTON BLAZE v AUCKLAND HEARTS WELLINGTON FIREBIRDS v AUCKLAND ACES Cello Basin Reserve, 10am and 1.30pm 25 CHRISTMAS DAY

December

1 FANTASTICAL BEASTS: MEMBERS’ GROUP SHOW A celebration of fins, fangs, feathers, and fur NZ Academy of Fine Arts, 1 Queens Wharf

26 CEMETERY CIRCUIT 2023 Motorcycle racing guaranteed to get your blood pumping Whanganui. Practice 7.30am, racing 11am 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE Family fun on the waterfront Whairepo Lagoon, Frank Kitts Park

Follow us :be missed Not to

Secret Bid Auction 16 Nov – 26 Nov 2023

Fantastic Beasts 1 Dec - 7 January 2024

50 Years of Hang Gliding & Paragliding 3 Nov - 12 Nov 2023

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VUW Architecture School 1 Dec - 10 Dec 2023

Art To Go 15 Dec - 14 January 2024

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Sleigh Queen

Answers will be published online at capitalmag.co.nz/ crossword

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4. Myrrh, gold and ____ (12) 7. Christian play performed at schools and churches (8) 8. Santa’s seventh reindeer (6) 11. “We three ____ of Orient are” (5) 13. Writer (6) 15. Sung by a choir (6) 16. Hopefully filled with presents (8) 18. Home away from home (4) 19. A groan gift for dads (5) 21. Film starring Macaulay Culkin (4, 5) 24. Counting down the days (6) 27. Sun safe essential (3) 28. “_____ roasting on an open fire” (9) 29. Famous for “Do they know it’s Christmas” (4, 3) 33. Festive covering (8, 5) 36. NZ Christmas tree (10) 37. Tree topper (4) 40. Leave them out for Rudolph (7) 41. Festive greeting, “Glad ____” (7) 42. Neaten up, coniferous tree (6) 43. Alcoholic drink mixed with egg, milk, and sugar (6) 44. A pasta made of semolina flour (8)

1. ____, punch, first of the month (5) 2. Gift on the 11th day of Christmas (6) 3. Sold in chocolate form at Christmas (4) 4. Pet Rock, Furby, Mr. Potato Head (4) 5. There’s no room there (3) 6 & 9. Better known as Santa Claus (2, 8) 10. Can be hard to rein in over Christmas (5) 12. Used for writing, quill and ___ (3) 14. Covered in brandy and set alight (7) 17. Can be used to make people or houses (11) 18. 1960’s Californian band, The ___ ___ (5, 4) 20. Elton John, “___ into Christmas” (4) 22. Toy maker (3) 23. Candle, te reo (6) 25. Chimney, te reo (6) 26. Small boy in Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (4, 3) 30. Tree, holly, fairy lights (8) 31. Pucker up under this (9) 32. Shiny decor, spend weeks vacuuming it up (6) 34. Beach sun shades (8) 35. Sausage wrapped in bacon, __ in blankets (4) 38. Important part a song (5) 39. Christmas, just shorter (4)

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