Cityscape City Edit March 2024

CITYSCAPE | CHRISTCHURCH CURATED

Grace is just one highlight of March in Christchurch. Fans of sport and style can catch the flying catamarans of SailGP, and The Arts Centre will go off with Off Centre. You’ll find that and more inside.

A rare visit from pioneering dance company Black

This month in Christchurch

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14

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18 Fresh from the L.A.B Singer Joel Shadbolt on the

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Black Grace dance company perform Paradise Rumour at the Isaac Theatre Royal on 17 March.

See Māori theatre piece Hatupatu I Kurungaituku: A Forbidden Love at the Air Force Museum on 7 – 10 March.

Meditate with Rachel Hunter in a guided session at St Albans School Hall on 18 March.

The flying cats of SailGP will be back on Lyttelton Harbour on 23 – 24 March.

Black

Artistic Direction: Neil Ieremia.

Photographer: Toaki Okano.

Off Centre arts festival brings music, comedy, circus and theatre to The Arts Centre on 8 – 9 March.

The City Edit

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1 Tom Dixon Earth Candle (POA) from ECC 2 Lapalma AP Stool (RRP $1,030) from ECC 3 Porter Gemini Huggies Earrings (RRP $109) from Devàl Boutique 4 Philipe Model Tropez Haute Low Daim Militaire (RRP $719) from Devàl Boutique 5 Camilla and Marc Jaccard Wool Vest (RRP $660) from Devàl Boutique 6 Kelly Wearstler: Synchronicity (RRP $169) from Scorpio Books 7 Vanessa Bruno Lien Moon Bag (RRP $979) from Devàl Boutique 8 Ray Portable Table Lamp (RRP $679) from Infinite Definite 9 Manicurist Green Flash LED Nail Polish (RRP $37) from MECCA 10 USM Haller Credenza (POA) from ECC 11 Minotti Twiggy Chaise Lounge (POA) from ECC

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SAILGP FANS GET A GLIMPSE UNDER THE HATCH

SailGP returns to Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour this month and for the first time punters will get to go behind the scenes for a tour of the “pit-lane garages” where crew and shore teams prepare the flying F50 catamarans. Cityscape was among the selected media who got to tour the team bases at last year’s inaugural Lyttelton event and it was eye-popping. Surgery-clean spaces, the highest of tech and hangar-like sheds sheltering “sails” that look more like the rippled wing of an airplane. The scale and sophistication is typical of the SailGP circus, which doesn’t just arrive somewhere,

it invades. Last year, 84 containers of boats, gear, computer wizardry, even whole buildings, were shipped to Lyttelton’s Naval Point, assembled and made ready for the sold-out crowd that witnessed SailGP’s New Zealand debut. The New Zealand team got pipped for a win back then but the crowd was happy – we beat the Aussies and the winning Canadian boat was helmed by a Kiwi! This time Peter Burling, Blair Tuke and the rest of the SailGP team will be gunning for a win in front of the home crowd. The Lyttelton leg is the ninth stop of 13 world destinations in SailGP's fourth season. Talking to members of the international media at last year’s event, they said the whole experience of SailGP in Christchurch was quite different to other city venues. A media centre overlooking the harbour and racecourse was “the best yet”. Also cool was that the whole city seemed to know the event was on – you don’t necessarily get that in Singapore or Sydney. Ticket options for the two days include Race Stadium seating close to the action and live entertainment and prime viewing on the Platinum Lawn. Or you can buy a flag and Bring Your Own Boat. The Team Base Tours are also ticketed. sailgp.com

IMAGE: BOB MARTIN FOR SAILGP

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Blazing a trail For fashion label SMYTHE, designing the perfect blazer has become an obsession. The result is a garment that combines tailoring and construction to create this season's essential style statement.

TANOSHI BRINGS

THE RAMEN

Queenstown’s Tanoshi has brought the fun and flavours of its Osaka back-alley dining style to Christchurch with the opening of a restaurant in The Terrace precinct. Tanoshi serves an extensive Japanese tapas selection along with some Osaka classics. The menu also features “Build your own ramen”, allowing diners to choose a variety of base, broth, protein, noodles and toppings.

tanoshi.co.nz

Vikki George’s Roccabella has gone up in the world! The crafter of bespoke engagement rings, wedding bands and jewellery has moved her studio to level 1 of the Santa Barbara building on Victoria Street. Vikki still has Uncommon Matters’ striking designs in stock, including this Vertex ring in Vivid Green. roccabella.co.nz

THEY’RE LOAF-ABLE!

You’ve got the bag, now get the shoes. From Deadly Ponies, makers of some oh-so covetable handbags, comes a range of footwear that includes these perfect-for-autumn Cheval Loafers. Check out their other styles too, including some serious-looking boots for the urban explorer. deadlyponies.com

WE ARE MOST AMUSED

From her plinth in Victoria Square,  Good Queen Vic will be casting  a hungry and thirsty eye to  The Victoria Free House, which has  turned on its beer taps and fired  up its ovens. Previously home to  The Permit Room Indian restaurant,  the busy street corner’s new  tenant specialises in ‘Craft Beer &  British Fare’. The menu nods to  tradition with smoked fish pie, also  steak tartare and cured egg yolk  served in a Yorkshire pudding.  Tastes a bit more 21st century? Try  fried cauliflower with curry mayo,  leek yoghurt and pickled onion.

To wet her whistle, Queen Victoria  could choose from traditional ales,  a select list of wines and a menu  of classic cocktails.

thevictoriafreehouse.co.nz

NEW ROLE FOR JADE

Meet CoCA’s new exhibition delivery manager, Jade Cavalcante. The role is new but the name and face will be very familiar to Christchurch art followers for her seven years working for SCAPE Public Art. Jade also curated the public programming for Shift: Urban Art Takeover, which transformed the former Canterbury Museum into a street art extravaganza. In her new role, Jade has already brought to life the exhibition Kia Ora Whaea, on show at CoCA till 16 March. The works in the exhibition explore maternal mental health from wāhine Māori perspectives. coca.org.nz

Bring on The Pav

Wellington’s Cake Tin, take a back seat. You’ll have nothing on Christchurch when The Pavlova opens its turnstiles to the public.

Officially it’s called Te Kaha but in the images of the final design, doesn’t our new stadium look just like a big egg-white meringue? The only thing missing is some kiwifruit or strawberries on the roof.

Christchurch’s latest architectural confection already dominates the inner-city skyline, its roof supports now towering above the surrounding streets.

Here at Cityscape, we were delighted to tour the Te Kaha worksite with Adrian Jones, project director for the contractor, BESIX Watpac, and Kent Summerfield, project director for CMUA Project Delivery Ltd.

What blows us away immediately is the sheer scale of the project. As we circle the perimeter, the clanging and banging brings to mind a shipyard. Construction teams beaver away wherever we look and cranes swing their cargoes of material to where today’s action is.

Kent’s been involved in large-scale construction projects for several years now but never anything on this scale. There are not many opportunities to build a stadium, especially in your home town.

Originally from Ashburton, Kent remembers travelling up to rugby games and rock concerts at the old Lancaster Park. Te Kaha will be special for its own reasons, he feels. Being covered means much more comfort for punters and more certainty for promoters.

Adrian's heart might be green and gold but his head is firmly in this project.

Many of the BESIX Watpac team have come to Christchurch direct from building another project of similar scale, the North Queensland Stadium. Some of the team have worked on almost every stadium built in Queensland for the past 30 years, including ones much bigger than Te Kaha and North Queensland.

Tour done, we hand over our hard hats and hi-viz, shake hands and head back onto the street. Above us tower the stadium’s gleaming white roof supports. Just waiting for the topping. te-kaha.co.nz

IMAGE: CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

IMAGE: CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

IMAGE: CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

IMAGE: CHRISTCHURCH CITY COUNCIL.

What's on

MARCH

AGATHA

CHRISTIE’S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

THEATRE Ken Ludwig's adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic boasts all the glamour, intrigue and suspense of Dame Agatha's novel, with a healthy dose of humour to quicken the pace. The Court Theatre, Sat 2 Mar – Sat 6 Apr

SELWYN SOUNDS

MUSIC With an annual lineup studded with the stars of yesteryear and an all-ages rating, this Canterbury festival is popular with music lovers young and old(er). Lincoln Domain, Sat 2 Mar.

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

MUSIC Come and celebrate the end of the world with a band that is never going to go quietly. Wolfbrook Arena, Sun 3 Mar.

GRAHAM NASH

MUSIC In his first solo headline tour

of New Zealand, the founding member of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash will perform songs from across his 60-year career. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 3 Mar.

NORTH CANTERBURY

WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL The “coolest little wine festival in the country” showcases the region’s top drops and seasonal eats courtesy of a wealth of food vendors and wineries. Glenmark Domain, Sun 3 Mar.

HATUPATU | KURUNGAITUKU: A FORBIDDEN LOVE

THEATRE This contemporary Māori theatre piece combines aerial performance, kapa haka and immersive multimedia. Air Force Museum, Thu 7 – Sun 10 Mar.

OFF CENTRE

EVENT For two nights and one day, The Arts Centre will be bursting with music, comedy, circus, theatre, food, and vibrant entertainment. The Arts Centre, Fri 8 – Sat 9 Mar.

CHRISTCHURCH ART SHOW

EVENT View and buy original New Zealand art at the city’s largest art experience of the year. Te Pae, Sat 9 – Sun 10 Mar.

PRINS

MUSIC The Kiwi pop princess returns from a world tour with the electric energy her shows are known for. James Hay Theatre, Sat 9 Mar.

RALPH McTELL

MUSIC The English singersongwriter of ‘Streets of London’ fame brings six decades of his music to the stage. The Piano, Thu 14 Mar.

TWO MINDS

FESTIVAL This festival “made by dance music fans for dance music fans” returns for a second year. Spencer Park, Fri 15 – Sun 17 Mar.

CANTERBURY POLYFEST

EVENT This celebration of Pasifika dance, music and customs features secondary school students from around Canterbury. North Hagley Park, Sat 16 Mar.

GINDULGENCE

FESTIVAL Two days of everything gin. Free tastings, distiller talks, cocktails, great local food and live entertainment. Ilam Homestead, Sat 16 – Sun 17 Mar.

BLACK GRACE –PARADISE RUMOUR

DANCE Neil Ieremia’s contemporary dance company returns to Christchurch with its latest full-length work. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 17 Mar.

RAINBOW THEATRE WEEKEND

FESTIVAL Join the Topp Twins, drag diva Kita Mean and a host of others for a weekend of all things LGBTQI and fabulous. The Court Theatre, Fri 22 – Sun 24 Mar.

RAINBOW RIDE

EVENT Join a rainbow of cyclists as they wind through the city to mark Christchurch Pride weekend. North Hagley Park, Sat 23 Mar.

THE MOCKERS – SELWYN SOUNDS

SAILGP

EVENT Auckland’s loss, our gain. The SailGP circus returns to Lyttelton Harbour for more thrilling, close-up action. Lyttelton Harbour, Sat 23 – Sun 24 Mar.

TIM MINCHIN

MUSIC The multi award-winning songwriter will present an intimate solo show of songs including from his musicals, Matilda and Groundhog Day. Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 24 Mar.

APRIL

TOMMY EMMANUEL

MUSIC The Australian guitar maestro performs in Christchurch as part of a world tour. Aurora Centre, Sat 6 Apr.

THE MUSIC IS BOND

MUSIC The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and soloists Lavina Williams, Caitlin Smith and Naomi Ferguson showcase the music of the James Bond films. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 12 Ap.

WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY

MUSIC Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer, Dianne Swann and Kim Willoughby will perform their hits, including “Melting Pot” and “Asian Paradise”. Christchurch Town Hall, Sun 14 Apr.

FRONTRUNNER CHRISTCHURCH MARATHON

EVENT With marathon, half marathon, 10km and Kids Mara’Fun courses, there’s a spot for everyone with this run through the city. Hagley Park, Sun 21 Apr.

MAY

OPEN CHRISTCHURCH

EVENT

Many of the city’s best buildings and spaces open their doors to the public for this festival of architectural excellence. Venues city-wide, Fri 3 – Sun 5 May.

KINKY BOOTS

THEATRE Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper penned a classic with this uplifting musical about a struggling shoe company and a drag artist in need of sturdy stilettos. Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 19 Apr – Sat 4 May.

BILL WITHERS SOCIAL CLUB

MUSIC Vocalists Dallas Tamaira, Rio Hemopo, Troy Kingi & L.A Mitchell team up to celebrate the soul legend’s songbook. Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 10 May.

THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

THEATRE The smash-hit UK stage adaptation of the blockbuster movie about a group of British retirees embarking on a new life. James Hay Theatre, Wed 15 – Sun 19 May.

DAWN FRENCH IS A HUGE TWAT

COMEDY The inimitable Dawn French has a new stand-up show all about the many times she embarrasses herself and others. Christchurch Town Hall, Sun 26 May.

HATUPATU | KURUNGAITUKU: A FORBIDDEN LOVE

IMAGE: WHAT'S ON 11 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit March 2024

Culture

MEDITATING WITH RACHEL HUNTER

‘Our Raych’, or Rachel Hunter as the world knows the Kiwi supermodel, is hosting a guided meditation and Q&A session on 18 March at St Albans School Hall. There is no need to have meditated before to be part of the paid event, and seats will be available for those averse to cushions. thecotour.com

DIARIES OUT

GET ON TO THESE HOT TICKETS FOR 2024!

TIM MINCHIN

It’s billed as ‘An Unfunny Evening’ with the master of comedy and music – good luck with that, the Australian wunderkind can’t help but crack you up! On 24 March, Tim Minchin will perform alone on the Isaac Theatre Royal stage. timminchin.com

JERRY SEINFELD

The comedy legend comes to Christchurch on 26 June for the first time, performing at Wolfbrook Arena for one night only. His Auckland concert in 2017 was an instant sellout so be warned!

jerryseinfeld.com

DAWN RAVE

Morning People are taking to the streets for their next pre-dawn dance party, with DJ Sin on the wheels of steel, fresh from slaying festival audiences over the summer. The event, on the corner of Gloucester and Colombo streets on 8 March, goes from 7am to 8.30am. It’s free but ticketed so don’t miss out!

morningpeople.dance

BONDING WITH THE CSO

The theme tunes are as memorable as the Bond girls and car chases, and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will be bringing the best of them – the tunes that is – to the Town Hall on 12 April. The Music is Bond is presented and conducted by Tim Beveridge and features soloists Lavina Williams, Caitlin Smith and Naomi Ferguson. Find it on Facebook

STARS SHINE FOR BILL

You may not know the name but you’ll know the songs. Soul legend Bill Withers’ writing credits include “Lean on Me”, “Lovely Day”, “Grandma’s Hands” and ‘‘Ain’t No Sunshine”. His quiet originals often contrast with the full-bore arrangements made famous by the likes of Al Green or Grace Jones. Christchurch will get to experience the magic of the man when the Bill Withers Social Club arrives on 10 May. Dallas Tamaira (pictured) of Fat Freddy’s Drop joins the star lineup for the tribute gig. Find it on Facebook

THE CATS COME BACK!

Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer, Dianne Swann and Kim Willoughby of When The Cat’s Away are heading back on the road and playing the Christchurch Town Hall on 14 April. Special guests for the gig are another legend of Aotearoa, Herbs. Find it on Facebook

We absolutely love all the wonderful Christchurch businesses – from cafés to bike shops, salons to cultural events. If you’ve been wowed by what you’ve seen here, go check them out. Take your friends. Tell your local business you saw them in Cityscape.

8-9 March

One day, two nights

Entertainment for everyone

1 Drop Nation MUSIC

Circus Freaks BUSKING

Prince Orlofsky’s Masquerade Ball OPERA Music with Michal MUSIC

Kā Mōrehu THEATRE

ENCORE OF ARTS

The Gothic Revival walls of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre will echo with music, comedy, circus and theatre when the Off Centre arts festival returns on 8 March.

Last year’s inaugural Off Centre festival celebrated the reopening to the public of The Arts Centre precinct after extensive earthquake repairs and restoration. This year the kaupapa is simply a celebration of the arts in all their glory.

For audience sustenance there’s also a host of food options, and plenty of entertainment to keep the buzz going.

The list of acts and activities on the programme is exhausting – 40

entries over the festival weekend, 8-9 March. Stand by to make some difficult choices!

Headlining Off Centre is Ōtautahi roots, rock, funk and reggae powerhouse 1 Drop Nation, performing as part of their ‘I'm Home Summer Tour’. Other highlights include award-winning singer songwriter Hera; MC Shay Horay with a clutch of comedians including Dai Henwood; and in The Great Hall, Prince Orlofsky’s Masquerade Ball, featuring Toi Toi Opera and works from "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss II.

Don’t be too surprised if the festival comes to you. Eight-piece troupe Ambush Brass aim to do as their name suggests, popping up

MR BIG HEAD

Just one of the characters being brought to life by Rollicking Entertainment Ltd.

and playing everything from hip-hop classics to the Mardi Gras tunes of New Orleans.

For the budding poets out there, there will be workshops by Claudia Jardine, who wrote her latest poetry collection, Biter, while living at The Arts Centre as part of its Creative Residency programme.

And for lovers of classical vocal music, ‘Musical Mosaic: Voices Across Cultures’ celebrates the diverse melodies and narratives of various cultures, including Italian opera, German lieder and French chansons.

So get this one in your diary and be sure to be part of the party!

The Arts Centre, Fri 8 – Sat 9 March artscentre.org.nz

OUR PICKS OF THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

PHOEBE VIC

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Your chance to catch an accomplished Ōtautahi singer, musician and performer who is steadily gaining recognition for her pop sensibilities, vocal prowess and dynamic performance.

THE GOLDEN TIME

This theatrical performance with live band, dance and actors tells the story of the hard times of the early Chinese settlers during the Gold Rush.

MUNDI

Mundi means ‘World’ and that’s just what this always popular bunch of musos deliver – slices of music from Brazil, Africa and elsewhere mixed with flutes, voice, dancing, guitar and bass.

FRASER HOOPER

Bring on the clown! Fraser’s show features a stunt duck, a human fish, eccentric dancing, and the silliest boxing match you have ever seen. Get a ringside seat for this one!

CLAUDIA JARDINE

Join the Christchurch poet as she uses prompts and exercises to help you get your ideas out of your head and onto a page. No prior poetry experience necessary! Claudia wrote her latest poetry collection, Biter, at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

KATAKATA CLUB

Kiwi comedy legend Dai Henwood headlines this first outing of “the biggest little comedy club in Christchurch”. MC Shay Horay will try his best to keep things on track.

‘IT’S SOMETHING OTHER THAN A PRETTY DANCE. IT REALLY IS OUR STORY, AS HUMAN BEINGS.’

PARADISE PROMISED

Fuaao Tutulu Faith Schuster has experienced first-hand the alienation and temptation that comes with moving from Samoa to New Zealand. Now part of Neil Ieremia’s acclaimed Black Grace, the dancer shares her thoughts about Paradise Rumour, which the company brings to Christchurch in March.

This work must have special resonance for you? Yes, totally. It has a special place in my heart. I’m a seed of the migrant dream. I was born and raised in Samoa, in Satuiatua village on the south coast of the island of Savai’i. When I came here, everything was

new – the cold, the buildings… it’s the land of temptation as well. There is freedom of choice, freedom of speech, and you’re not bound by the traditions of home.

What has been your experience of the issues it raises? I have some experience but not as deep as others. I have experienced the culture shift, coming from somewhere disciplined and strict. We do get to explore a lot more here but there’s got to be a foundation and that comes from tradition. We’re not looking to resolve anything with Paradise Rumour. It’s about exploring rather than finding an answer.

What do you hope the audience will get out of it? I hope it will open up people’s minds to the beliefs and questions we all have as people, as New Zealanders and as Pasifika as well. The question posed by Paradise Rumour is how far have we come, and that means also how far have you and I come. Am I better or worse? So it’s something other than a pretty dance. It really is our story, as human beings.

How did you get involved in dance? In Samoa it’s hard not to get involved in Siva [traditional dance] – that’s where my dance journey started. I have a family in Auckland that is heavily involved in the performing arts scene. Hip-hop was my way into that.

After high school I continued my dance studies at Unitec in Auckland.

You’ve been on quite a trajectory with Black Grace, how has that been? I’m very lucky to find myself here, working with Neil and the other dancers, really blessed. It’s been an amazing opportunity and I’m really excited to be going on tour and bringing Paradise Rumour to Christchurch audiences.

How is working with Neil? Inspiring, especially as a young Pasifika person aspiring to be an artist. Just being in his presence – he’s a great mentor. It’s not just the dance but life and dance intertwined. At first it was overwhelming but now I just want to be a sponge. Neil has paved the way. We must see our trailblazers and acknowledge them.

What’s in store for rest of 2024? It’s looking like being a busy year. We are repeating our Company B project, where semiprofessional dancers get to work alongside the company. We did it for the first time last year and one of the dancers from that, Ben Saveasoi, is joining Black Grace as an understudy on our US tour.

What are your hopes and dreams for the future? Similar to Neil’s, that I can offer opportunities to people like me, from the Islands, to help create works and take them on tour, performing them for our own people here in Aotearoa. blackgrace.co.nz

FRESH FROM THE L.A.B

We cop a listen to L.A.B’s new album and put some questions to lead singer Joel Shadbolt about the new songs and what's in store for the band in 2024.

We’re loving the sound of the new album. Thanks. You’re hearing the evolution of L.A.B on this album. It’s an expanding sound. The horns are quite strong on this; more and more we’re writing songs with that in mind.

How was it working with producer Lee Prebble on this one? Dr Lee – he’s a legend. His studio in Wellington is our second home. We are super blessed to be working with him. He opened his doors for us and has become part of the L.A.B sound. He knows how to work with creatives. He’s a wizard. He makes these quirky suggestions that we would never think of.

You started with 30 tracks for this album and whittled it down to 11. What about the other 19? Will we ever hear them? We’ve definitely got a bit of a back catalogue. Some of those songs might make it one day. For this album we’ve pulled some stuff from our early work, for example the first song on VI, ‘Give Me That Feeling’. We’ve also reworked ‘Oh-No’ from our first album for this one.

You must be one of our hardestworking bands. The mindset from Day 1 has been to grow and move forward. We’re all in that waka but Brad [founding member Brad Kora] is the visionary. We want to get overseas more, that’s a market that’s new to us. We’re heading to the US this year; last year it was the UK and Europe. Amsterdam was special, one of those magic moments. The audience knew the songs, and we were playing at the Paradiso, on the same stage where Nirvana played.

You get pigeon-holed as a reggae band but your sound is much wider than that. What unites it? We all grew up with the 70s’ style of music – Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden. But also Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway. That era of the 70s is the common thread. Then there’s Prince – he blew everything up the wazoo, playing different styles. We’re not putting ourselves in a box, we’re not just reggae.

Like Katchafire, you’ve found a big audience in Hawai’i. We’re doing well in Hawai’i on the radio with some of our songs. When we performed in Waikiki we had a powhiri pre-soundcheck with the indigenous Hawai’ians. It was magic. The concert at Waikiki was a crowd we had never met before but they knew all the songs, even the B-side stuff.

What’s coming in 2024? We’ll be doing a lot of touring. We head to the US in May – we’re playing a reggae festival in Las Vegas.

Other band members had already tasted fame with Kora and Katchafire, whereas this was your big break. How’s that been? It’s had its moments. I’ve learned to put it in its place. Fame is a massive distraction – it’s nice and it’s part of the gig. But it’s a distraction from how you got there and I’m making sure I understand how to deal with that.

What are you looking forward to in Christchurch? It’s been a slow burn building the band in the South Island. Playing Electric Avenue last year was huge for us, playing to 35,000 people. The energy of a Christchurch crowd is always good. facebook.com/LABmusicNZ

‘We all grew up with the 70s’ style of music – Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden. But also Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway.’

IMAGE: PHILLIP MOUNTFORT

lighting rig for Kiwi prog rockers Think. The band are hellbent on breaking into the tough Aussie rock circuit, and Chris is coming along on his first gig as a roadie.

Lyttelton 1978. 17-year-old Chris Simmons has quit his job as DJ at Christchurch’s Stables and Bumps nightclubs and is about to board a ship bound for Sydney. Also on board is the PA and

More than 40 years later, Chris sits in his suburban Christchurch home surrounded by posters and photos from the dozens if not hundreds of tours and concerts he has helped stage both as a roadie and as one of the best lighting technicians in the business. The list of bands he has worked with is long and distinguished.

So many stories. Now Chris is getting them all down on paper

and sifting through endless photos for a book that will tell his remarkable story.

Lugging gear for Think turned to lighting the band Airstrike, another bunch of young Kiwis cutting their teeth in Australia. After 18 months of relentless touring, the band christened Chris ‘Super Roadie’ and he was earning more and more attention for his lighting shows.

Chris rattles off the names and specs of the early lights he had to work with. These days there are cold LED lights and computer programs to flick the switches but back when Chris started out,

CHRIS, CENTRE, WITH BOWIE, 1983.

he was dealing with up to 500 very hot lights and only two hands.

It was a time of experimentation too. The rules had yet to be written. Chris borrowed ideas where he found them, listened to everyone he could and in time started coming up with his own innovations. He was the first operator in Australia to start using robotic lighting and to storyboard the slide projections for a gig.

Life on the road brought risk and hardship. On tour with Tina Turner is 1982, he was involved in a truck crash. The next year, working on Midnight Oil’s 10-9-8 tour, he was setting up a stage deep in the Outback in 45deg heat. Everything was red. He knew he was part of history though.

Right in the middle of that tour, Chris got a call. How would he like

to run the lighting for David Bowie’s Serious Moonlight tour of Australia and New Zealand the next year?

Of all the gigs he has lit, it’s clear that working on the Bowie tour is Chris’s highlight. “I was right above his head” working one of the follow spots, he says.

And Bowie? A really nice guy who looked after the crew and made sure there was always plenty of food.

These days kids do degrees in lighting and staging; Chris pretty much fell into the work. Top of his class in maths, he struggled with the rest. Labelled disruptive, he got kicked out of school at 14. Things weren’t looking too good for Chris until he decided to shape up and get his life together.

Since then, though, it’s been one hell of a ride with the rock ‘n’ roll circus. Time now to tell the story.

STYLE FILES

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SO HOT RIGHT NOW

One of the hottest brands in the world is Rag & Bone, founded by Marcus Wainwright and David Neville. Rag & Bone is celebrated for its high-quality materials, attention to detail and for creating timeless pieces with a distinct New York City influence. Their returns policy is pretty much unconditional, unless you put your cashmere sweater in the dryer. If it came from them,

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FENDALTON ‘Z HOUSE’ CAPTIVATES THE JUDGES

An innovative Z-shaped home in Fendalton has been named National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million in the 2023 Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition. Built by John Creighton Builders, the house also won the New Home over $4 million category. Judges were in awe of the home’s design. “This unique single storey captivates from every angle,” they say, adding that it "rises out of the ground like a landmark".

FIKSATE

The bridge between the streets and the galleries, Fiksate is an urban art hub unlike anything else in the country. It’s gritty, it’s on the edge, and it’s just a real cool space to be in.

fiksate.com

WALL STORY

Autumn is near and with it a retreat to the warmth and comfort of home. Dulux colour forecasters are picking a matching trend for hues that evoke a sense of security when offset with layered textures and heritage furnishings. ‘Journey’ is one of three palettes in this year’s Colour Forecast. Maximalist and pattern-heavy, it combines bold mid-tone colours with cooler shades. The palette highlights lush green colours (Dulux Tarras, Dulux Te Horo) with muted blues (Dulux Te Ānau, Dulux Murrays Bay) and neutral pinks (Dulux Trentham, Dulux Evening Blush).

dulux.co.nz

MURRAYS BAY TARRAS TE ĀNAU

BY DESIGN

We take some style cues from a new townhouse for sale at 17 Evesham Crescent, Spreydon.

1 Morten Georgsen Princeton Chair (POA) from BoConcept 2 Pinstripe Linen Duvet Cover (RRP $309) from Citta 3 Puddle Linen Flat Sheet (RRP $219) from Citta 4 Lodes Flair Table Lamp (RRP $2735) from ECC 5 Morten Georgsen London Large Bench (POA) from BoConcept 6 Round Rattan Laundry Basket (RRP $150) from Citta 7 Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day (RRP $37.99) from Scorpio Books 8 Repose Bedspread (RRP $879) from BoConcept 9 Henrik Pedersen Austin Bed (POA) from BoConcept

DULUX AHIPARA DOUBLE DULUX WAIRĀKEI DULUX ŌPONONI

Pea & Fava Bean Salad with Prosciutto

Culinary legend Tina Duncan draws on a lifetime’s experience of cooking for a crowd with her cookbook Plated. Here’s a taste.

Fava beans are a great pop of colour and protein in a salad. The easiest way to get them out of their skins is to pour some boiling water over frozen broad beans, drain them and then remove their skins to reveal the fava bean. Of course, if you grow them in your garden then pick the young beans, pod them and blanch the baby beans just as they are.

Serves: 6–8 | Prep time: 30 mins | Cook time: 5 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups peas

• 2 cups fava beans

• 60ml sherry vinegar

• 60ml olive oil

• 1 small red onion, very finely sliced

• 200g prosciutto, torn

• 100g feta cheese or similar, crumbled

• 1 cup roughly chopped fresh herbs, e.g. parsley, basil, chives, fennel

• freshly ground black pepper

• pomegranate seeds for garnish (optional)

METHOD

In a large saucepan, blanch peas for 3 minutes in boiling salted water and immediately chill in iced water. Drain thoroughly.

Plunge beans into a large pot of boiling, well-salted water and blanch for 30 seconds. Remove with a sieve and immediately refresh in cold water. Drain well.

Combine vinegar and oil in a large bowl. Add peas, beans and onion. Toss well and arrange on a platter. Scatter with torn prosciutto, cheese and fresh herbs. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper, pomegranate seeds and serve.

FROM: PLATED, A LIFETIME LOVE AFFAIR WITH FOOD

TIP: Fava beans can be replaced with any other green beans that have been cooked and chilled. You can substitute frozen peas – you don’t need to cook them.

MT BEAUTIFUL RIESLING

March is a month of cooler evenings and shortening days – time to consider a shift in varietal from summer’s sav and chardy. This Waipara off-dry riesling exhibits all the characteristics for which the area has become renowned. Fresh and vibrant, it finishes with a lingering acidity.

COME ON, GET HOPPY!

For beer lovers, March means the hop harvest and the only chance for the next 12 months to try a Fresh Hop brew. At Three Boys Brewery, the team have been hard at it, with hops fresh from the vine being delivered in the morning and going into the brew within hours, where they impart an intense green dankness otherwise lost once the hops are dried for storage. Three Boys have two Fresh Hop brews available, a Hazy and a Golden Ale. Get ‘em while they’re fresh!

BIG RAPS FOR BAPS

Korean cuisine has a new champion in Cashel Street. Brewda blends the traditional vibrancy of Korean cuisine with innovative fusion flavours. Check out their bibimbap lunch menu – rice, vegetables, savoury meats (or tofu and kimchi), all topped with a generous drizzle of gochujang sauce. brewda.co.nz

TASTY MORSELS FOR MARCH

OUR PICK OF FIVE DISHES TO PUT AT  THE TOP OF YOUR CULINARY TO-DO LIST.

POP-UP BRINGS BANGKOK TO TOWN

The ambience and aromas of Southeast Asia will take over Oxford Terrace on 22– 23 March when the Street Food Alley pop-up festival makes its debut. Over a dozen of the tastiest vendors in town will be sharing their wares, including Jaeju, Sangkutsa, Riri's, The Diversity and Kung Fu Dumplings. foodieslocalguides.com

Marinated Yellow Fin Tuna, Chilli, Mandarin & Coconut Salad — King of Snake

01

Beef Tacos — ¡Roma!

02

Butter Chicken + Naan — Coriander's

03

Beef Cheek Massaman Curry — The Dish

04

Salt & Pepper Tofu — Kokomo

05

CUPBOP FROM JAEJU

BINGEWATCHING

03

READING

STILL STANDING: A MEMOIR – ANNA CRIGHTON A staunch defender of what Gerry Brownlee labelled the city’s “old dungers”, Dame Anna Crighton has been at the forefront of heritage protection in Christchurch long before the earthquakes. Here is the story behind Anna’s public persona, of a loveless childhood, a wild adolescence, a violent marriage and the enduring spirit that let her rise above.

WHAT WE’RE HOOVERING UP ON   THE SMALL SCREEN.

01 — CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM This is it, the last series from HBO of Larry David’s always excruciating vignettes of the interactions and social norms of Los Angeles’ smart set. If you haven’t seen it before, expect toe-curling embarrassment and a feeling your life is OK after all.

02 — THE NEW LOOK Ben Mendelsohn and Juliette Binoche star as Christian Dior and Coco Chanel in this Apple TV series examining the advent of modern fashion in a Europe still scarred by the horrors of WWII. While the series centres on Dior and the genesis of his famous "New Look", the lives and work of Coco Chanel, Pierre Balmain and Cristóbal Balenciaga also feature.

03 — ONE DAY Based on the 2011 film of the same name, each episode of this Netflix series revisits Emma and Dexter on the same day every year from 1998 to the early 2000s. “By turns giddy and sombre but always swooningly romantic” is the consensus of the critics.

CONTINUOUS FERMENT: A HISTORY OF BEER AND BREWING IN NEW ZEALAND – GREG RYAN Historian Greg Ryan has turned away from his previous rugby focus to examine the story of beer in Aotearoa. This book is a treasure trove for everyone from lovers of social history to those with a taste for the golden suds. Best read with a pint of IPA on the side.

POUNAMU TREASURES – RUSSELL BECK, MAIKA MASON & ANDRIS APSE In this celebration of New Zealand jade, pounamu specialists Russell Beck and Maika Mason provide detailed descriptions of both historical and contemporary objects, including information on varieties and source, Māori names, size and age, usage and history – all complemented by the exquisite photography of Andris Apse.

Listening

COMING HOME — USHER

Released two days before his Super Bowl half-time gig, this is Usher’s first studio album in six years and marks something of a comeback for the R&B star. Tapping into a stream of new talent, the album features collabs with Burna Boy, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, The-Dream, H.E.R., Pheelz, and Jungkook.

THUNDER IN FALL — GREG JOHNSON

The L.A-based Kiwi singer-songwriter returns with his 13th studio album, this one built around five main elements – an old piano, an analogue synth, a classic

PODCASTS

808 drum machine, trumpet and voices. Greg is touring the new album in March and will perform at The Piano in Christchurch on 22 March.

KING PERRY

— LEE ‘SCRATCH’ PERRY

Death was never going to silence the irrepressible King of Dub and to prove it, here is his first posthumous album. The collection of songs, pieced together by producer Daniel Boyle, captures the broad range of Perry’s dub and trip-hop magic. You don’t need to be a Lee Perry completist to want this in your ears. A fitting part of the master’s legacy.

The killer tracks on high rotation in the Cityscape office.

DOJA CAT

‘Paint The Town Red’ Scarlet

COI LERAY ‘Players’ Single

SHAPESHIFTER ‘Amokura’ Single

ROLLING STONES ‘Angry’ Hackney Diamonds

NORMA TANEGA ‘You're Dead’ Walkin' My Cat Named Dog

NZ ELECTRIC VEHICLE

PODCAST The home of everything EV in NZ – cars, solar power, e-bikes, autonomous vehicles and sustainability. EV enthusiasts Dee West and Theo Gibson bring you the latest news, rumours and more.

LORE Love a good urban myth, unsolved murder or slice of real-life horror? This one’s for you. Be warned though –some of these are genuinely scary and not recommended before bedtime.

Can you feel it? I can. With one foot in the city’s real estate market and the other as publisher of the city’s best trendspotter, I can sense a rising tide of business and property confidence that will make 2024 Christchurch’s time to shine. Intuition is one thing; the data backs it up.

• After two years of softening activity, Christchurch's median house price rose 2.4 percent in the third quarter as increased demand pushes prices back towards their peak.

• The city’s economy grew 2.4 percent in the year to September 2023. By comparison, the country’s economy grew only 1.7 percent in the same period.

• Consumer confidence in Canterbury continues to improve while nationally, consumer confidence is falling.

Inside the Four Aves, the population continues to increase as young couples and their downsizing elders take advantage of the high-quality apartment and townhouse developments on offer. Data shows that the number of people living in the inner city increased to 8800 last year. That’s a 4.3 percent increase compared with 1.5 percent growth across Christchurch City as a whole. As of June 2023, the Four Aves population was 7 percent higher than pre-quake levels.

The city’s commercial property market is benefiting from low vacancy rates and stable or rising rents. Property firm CBRE says high demand persists for prime CBD street-front premises. In the industrial market, “vacancy is virtually zero and occupier demand remains insatiable”.

And of course our champions of

CITY’S TIME TO SHINE

hospo continue to showcase the city’s charms. New kids on the block such as Kokomo in The Welder complex add to our argument of being the food and drink capital of Aotearoa.

Sure, we face challenges but the good news is plenty enough to get the glass over half-full (“I’ll have a Three Boys pilsener, thanks”).

The momentum can only step up once our wonderful Te Kaha stadium, AKA The Pav, opens its turnstiles to the public next year. With it will come the concerts, the big games and everything else we have been missing since the demise of the storied Lancaster Park.

Even before that, the likes of the new Court Theatre complex, due to open on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets this year, will bring a huge boost to the city’s entertainment offerings. Our professional theatre company will

once again be in the heart of the city.

My various marketing and publishing roles over the years have given me a ringside seat to the city’s evolution. Change is just what the modern world does but it’s comforting to know that some things stay the same, like the always impressive taste@twenty and the city’s best espresso martinis at No.4.

Real estate is my new bag. It’s another way of getting involved with the city. Homes are such a big part of people’s lives and stories and I like the idea of playing some small part in that.

Combined, the different aspects of my career mean I have my finger on the pulse of what is hot and happening in the city.

In the real estate market, I’m seeing strong activity. Some vendors are sitting on their hands, a bit nervous about what’s ahead, but there’s a lot of demand and we’re getting some good prices at auction.

Buyers are out in force and competition for suitable properties is hot. Kiwis are returning from overseas and looking for somewhere to settle. Investors and first-home buyers from around the country are also keen to buy in Christchurch, which is seen as a go-ahead, affordable city.

In a market where sale prices are often above the appraisal value, it’s hard to set a price. That’s why auctions are the way to go. If I was selling my house, I’d auction it.

After 20 years championing Christchurch in print and online as a publisher, Andrea Rickerby is now also a Harcourts gold real estate sales consultant. If you are looking to buy, thinking of selling, or know someone who is, get in touch with Andrea today.

andrea.rickerby@harcourtsgold.co.nz

For Cityscape publisher Andrea Rickerby, Christchurch's property glass is at least half full.

Five stunning new townhouses at 17 Evesham Crescent, Spreydon, where heritage charm meets contemporary comfort.

Don’t miss the opportunity.

ANTHONY DEYN 021 724 778

ANDREA RICKERBY 021 390 091 andrea.rickerby@harcourtsgold.co.nz www.harcourtsgold.co.nz