Cityscape City Edit Summer 2023/24

CITYSCAPE | CHRISTCHURCH CURATED Niamh Crooks, Ōtautahi’s newest star, is part of this summer’s exciting lineup of music, arts and theatre.

We chat with Grand Designs star Kevin McCloud, Pluto's frontman Milan Borich, cosmetic queen Amber Basalaj and fashionista Stephanie Rumble. We're also dropping what's hot and happening in our city.

Open 7 days from 12pm until late Phone +64 3 365 7363 Email info@kingofsnake.co.nz Level 1 - 79 Cashel Street Christchurch, New Zealand

C O C K TA I L B A R A N D L I S T E N I N G R O O M w w w. k i n g o f s n a ke . c o . n z

Contents CITY EDIT SUMMER 2023/24

CITYSCAPE MAGAZINE City Edit Summer 2023/24 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & PUBLISHER

Andrea Rickerby EDITOR

Mark Wilson

08 // NEWSFEED Tip-offs, trends & more.

14 // WHAT'S ON Your guide to December and the new year.

10

PARTY PLANNER

CREATIVE

Tristan Brehaut ADMINISTRATION

Claire Ross

22 // PLUTO ASCENDING Back on the road after a difficult patch.

24 // SPOTLIGHT BACK ON BLINDSPOTT Kiwi metallers to rock Hagley Park in December.

ON THE COVER

26 // COLLAB HEADS UP NZSO SEASON A cross-cultural collab marks the Christchurch mosque attacks.

28 // COSMETIC ENERGY Meet Amber Basalaj, the force of nature behind Basalaj Beauty.

32 // ENTERTAIN ME TV, books, music & more.

34 // THE LAST WORD Leading fashion stylist Stephanie Rumble.

Ōtautahi has a new star.

Niamh Crooks has won a national competition by posting a ‘duet’ on TikTok with homegrown rapper JessB.

A who’s who of international and national acts are on the lineups for this summer’s round of music and food festivals. Plan your party with our full rundown.

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NEED TO GET IN TOUCH? Advertising, editorial & distribution enquiries: info@somocreative.co.nz cityscape.co.nz PUBLISHED BY

DESIGNED TO ENTERTAIN SOMO Creative Ltd somocreative.co.nz

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Cityscape is a division of SOMO Creative Ltd. Cityscape is subject to copyright in its entirety. Opinions expressed in Cityscape are not necessarily those of Cityscape. Editorial contributions welcome. No responsibility taken for unsolicited submissions. Prizewinners will be notified by phone and email. If Cityscape is unable to contact the winner within 14 days, Cityscape reserves the right to draw another winner. Cityscape reserves the right to use image/name of competition entrants for publicity purposes.

ON SONG

ISSN 2324-4879 print | ISSN 2324-4887 online

The Court Theatre’s production of Something Rotten! is a riot of song, dance and Shakespeare.

We talk to Kevin McCloud, host of the UK series Grand Designs, about his Home Truths show, coming to Christchurch in February.

06 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

FOR MORE NEWS, INTERVIEWS, CULTURE AND EVENTS HIT UP CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ

STENCIL

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE THECOLOMBO.CO.NZ

NEWSFEED

DIARIES OUT

GET ON TO THESE HOT TICKETS FOR 2024!

TIP-OFFS, TRENDS & MORE

TIM MINCHIN

IT’S BEEN 10 BLOODY YEARS, MARY! Can you believe it's 10 years since Bloody Mary’s opened? To celebrate, Executive Chef Chris Walker has revisited three of the most popular dishes from the past 10 years and put together a special celebratory menu and dining experience. So get along this month and take your taste buds for a trip down memory lane with the team from Bloody Mary’s. bloodymarys.co.nz

It’s billed as ‘An Unfunny Evening’ with the master of comedy and musical theatre – good luck with that, the Australian wunderkind can’t help but crack you up! In March, the genius behind the musical Matilda will be alone on stage with a piano, his songs and his stories. This show was a sellout in Australia and the UK. timminchin.com

NIAMH NAILS IT! Ōtautahi has a new star and she is ready for her close-up. Niamh Crooks has won a national competition by posting a ‘duet’ on TikTok with homegrown rapper JessB. Her $10,000 in prizes includes a Rockshop prize pack and time at recording studio BIG FAN. The 18-year-old won the public vote to come out on top in the Spark Open Audition comp.

She went up against other finalists Gibson Harris (Gibz) and Noah Seuseu, with Niamh’s original song “Devotion” swaying the voters in radio land. Niamh was blown away to hear she had won. “I texted my mum, she called me back straight away and I just cried – she was just as stoked as I was and I’m just so grateful for the opportunity.” Niamh’s win is also a feather in the fascinator of the city’s SOLE Music Academy. Founder Sacha Vee says she encountered Niamh at the academy’s Songwriting Collab Camp in July 2022 and was delighted when Niamh signed up for the academy.

“She is without a doubt a star in the making.” facebook.com/niamhcrooks.music

JERRY SEINFELD

MINI ME FOR MONDAY ROOM High Street’s exquisite Monday Room has a baby sibling – Little Monday has opened right next door. The casual style of the wine bar complements the more traditional setting of its older neighbour. Open Wednesday – Saturday from 3pm. Reservations on the Monday Room website. themondayroom.nz/littlemonday

08 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

The comedy legend comes to Christchurch in 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

NEWSFEED

RISQUÉ FRENCH COMEDY FOR OPERA 2024 Heads up, Christchurch opera lovers – with only one visit from NZ Opera to look forward to in 2024, you’ll want to make sure you get tickets! Coming in June to the Isaac Theatre Royal is a brand-new touring production of Rossini’s frothy, rollicking bel canto masterpiece Le comte Ory, directed

by Kiwi director Simon Phillips.

The opera showcases some of Rossini's most exhilarating music.

The all-star cast includes award-winning lyric tenor Manase Latu (Hamlet, Don Giovanni, Idomeno) in the titular role, sparkling soprano Emma Pearson (Cosi fan tutte, Semele, Lucia di Lammermoor) as Countess Adèle, and baritone Moses Mackay (Lucia di Lammermoor, Cavalleria Rusticana, Sol3 Mio) as the Count’s louche friend Raimbaud. The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Opera

Chorus will perform under the baton of conductor Brad Cohen.

Internationally acclaimed Kiwi director Simon Phillips (North by Northwest, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, The Elixir of Love) brings a local twist to this lively and risqué

French comedy, offering a fresh take on its sublime silliness.

Le comte Ory, Isaac Theatre Royal, 27 – 29 June 2024. With the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Opera Chorus nzopera.com

ALADDIN’S CAVE OF LEGO

WAY DOWN IN KOKOMO

Christchurch’s pile of Lego bricks has grown by tens of thousands with the opening in Westfield Riccarton of New Zealand’s second only official Lego store. Among the custom wall mosaics and Pick-A-Brick wall is an Aladdin’s Cave of the kind of Lego models previously available only by mail, including this Land Rover Defender with 4-speed gearbox, all-wheel-drive with 3 differentials, detailed in-line 6-cylinder engine and a working winch. We’ll take two, please! lego.com/en-nz

The Welder, in Welles Street, is fast becoming a fashionable mix of hospo and wellness. Latest to join the party is Kokomo, open 7 days from 8am till late.

The breakfast menu pairs delicious with healthy – the eggs bene comes with butter-poached prawns! The mouth-watering shared menu includes such delights as Scallop Katsu, Eggplant ‘Nduja, Red Goat Curry, Pickled Mussels and Raw Fish on a Buttery Crumpet.

Stop it! kokomo.nz

09 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

L.A.B

WHAT'S ON

A who’s who of international and national acts are on the lineups for this summer’s round of festivals. Something for everyone to get their groove on, from The Chemical Brothers and State of Mind to The Human League and JessB; Ocean Alley, Benee and Dolphin Friendly to L.A.B and Blindspott; and Sean Paul, UB40 and Wyclef Jean.

MUSIC ROCK THE BOWL Surf meets rock at Aotearoa’s newest festival, at the beautiful Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth.

Acts announced include: Ocean Alley, Shapeshifter, Sublime with Rome, Coterie, Ladyhawke, Masaya, The Grogans. New Plymouth, 29 Dec, trademarklive.co.nz

A SUMMER’S DAY LIVE This year’s outing of one of the country’s favourite summer festivals visits four North Island holiday spots over the festive season. Acts announced include: Dire Straits Legacy, Nazareth, Hello Sailor. Napier, Tauranga, Matakana, New Plymouth, 29 Dec – 3 Jan, trademarklive.co.nz

RHYTHM & ALPS Bring in 2024 with 10,000 of your

10 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

CHEMICAL BROTHERS

closest friends in the spectacular Cardrona Valley, deep in the Central Otago mountains near Wānaka. Acts announced include: Benee, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Ocean Alley, Peking Duk, Synthony.

Wānaka, 29 – 31 Dec, rhythmandalps.co.nz

RHYTHM & VINES From its site at Waiohika Estate vineyard, this is the first festival in the world to welcome the first sunrise of the new year. Acts announced include: Wilkinson, Hedex, Peking Duk, Gin Wigmore, BBYFACEKILLA. Gisborne, 29 – 31 Dec, rhythmandvines.co.nz

NORTHERN BASS Calling all bass heads, dub heads and old-school ravers – this one’s for you. Feed your ears in the summer hotspot of Mangawhai.

Acts announced include: Unknown T, Calibre, Goldie, Hedex, Lee Mvtthews, Montell2099, Netsky, Sigma, Sub Focus. Mangawhai, 29 – 31 Dec, northernbass.co.nz

NYE ‘23

Seeds, Dillastrate. Coromandel, 29 – 31 Dec, nye23.co.nz

ROLLING MEADOWS Drum ‘n’ bass, hip-hop and EDM for the hardcore crew, plus a bit of skate action on the side. Acts announced include: Netsky, State of Mind, Drax Project, Melodownz, Church & AP, Dillinja. The Bone Line, 30 – 31 Dec, rollingmeadows.co.nz

HIGHLIFE NYE Aiming to attract a “slightly more seasoned” audience, Matakana’s Highlife NYE is R22+. Getting glam is encouraged. Acts announced include: David Penn (Defected), Ron Carroll (Glitterbox), Tim Phin, Hamish + Rangi, Karn Hall, Paris Is Burning. Matakana, 31 Dec, highlifenye.co.nz

BAY DREAMS Both legs of this festival are on the move for 2024. Bay Dreams North will shift from Mount Maunganui to Tauranga and Bay Dreams South from Nelson to Queenstown. Acts announced include: NLE Choppa, Kelis, Destroy Lonely, Yelawolf, Luude, DJ Riton, Sigma, Bad Boy Chiller Crew, DJ Skepsis. Tauranga, 3 Jan; Queenstown, 5 Jan; baydreams.co.nz

ONE LOVE FESTIVAL A magnet for some of the biggest names in reggae from across the

JUICY FEST The touring hip-hop and R&B festival lands in Christchurch, Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland this summer. Acts announced include: T.I., Ashanti, T-Pain, Trey Songz, The Game. QEII Park, 3 Jan, juicyfest.co

Coroglen Tavern, The Coromandel’s legendary music venue, has three days of sweet sounds and sick beats this year. Acts announced include: The Upbeats, State of Mind, Tiki Taane, Dolphin Friendly, The Black

11 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

BENEE

DOLPHIN FRIENDLY

THE HUMAN LEAGUE

country and the world. Acts announced include: Sean Paul, UB40, Wyclef Jean, Shaggy, Julian Marley, Third World, Nesian Mystik, Sons of Zion, House of Shem.

Tauranga, 27 – 28 Jan, onelovefestival.co.nz

NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL This festival showcases feel-good New Zealand and international artists against a backdrop of local food, craft drinks, roving theatre, markets and more. Acts announced include: Daily J, Fazerdaze, Louis Baker, Mel Parsons, The Warratahs, D.C. Maxwell, Lou’ana, Yurt Party.

Ferrymead Heritage Park, 10 Feb, nostalgiafestival.co.nz

SPLORE “Mindful party animals” dress up and get down on the shores of Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Franklin in three days of music, performance and visual arts.

Acts announced include: Sampha,

Greentea Peng, The Pharcyde, Norman Jay, Wednesday, Strawpeople, Hedlok (Che Fu + King Kapisi). Auckland, 23 – 25 Feb, splore.net

ELECTRIC AVENUE 30,000 rockers, ravers and dub heads take over Hagley Park for a day of bangers, sick beats and sunshine. Acts announced include: The Chemical Brothers, Six60, Shapeshifter, Hybrid Minds, L.A.B, Lime Cordiale, JessB, 1 Drop Nation.

Hagley Park, 24 Feb, electricavenuefestival.co.nz

SELWYN SOUNDS 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). Acts announced include: The Human League, Go West, Nik Kershaw, The Mockers, The Choirboys. Lincoln, 2 March, selwynsounds.co.nz

12 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

STATE OF MIND

WYCLEF JEAN

WELLINGTON WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Add champagne, gin and cocktails to the usual festival fare with this one (that’s so Wellington).

Waitangi Park, 24 Feb, wineandfoodfestival.co.nz

OCEAN ALLEY

NORTH CANTERBURY WINE & FOOD 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, 3 Mar, ncwineandfood.co.nz

HOKITIKA WILDFOODS FESTIVAL JESSB

FOOD + DRINK

TWO MINDS This festival “made by dance music fans for dance music fans” returns for a second year.

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

HOMEGROWN What it says on the box – putting Kiwi music on the festival stage since 2008. Acts announced include: Bic Runga, Teeks, L.A.B, Blindspott, Devilskin, Head Like A Hole, Lee Mvtthews. Wellington Waterfront, 16 March, homegrown.net.nz

Stalls full of weird and wonderful goodies, as well as a feral fashion show and wonderful West Coast beer. Cass Square, 9 Mar, wildfoods.co.nz

GREAT KIWI BEER FESTIVAL

HAVELOCK MUSSEL AND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

The big daddy of beer festivals, with over 300 craft beers and ciders on tap in the January sun.

Hagley Park, 27 Jan, greatkiwibeerfestival.co.nz/ christchurch

Savour the freshest fish straight from the ocean and the flavours of Marlborough's finest seafood.

Havelock Domain, 16 Mar, facebook. com/musselfestival

MARLBOROUGH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Held in the heart of Marlborough's wine country, this is New Zealand’s most enduring festival of food, wine and music. Blenheim, 10 Feb, marlboroughwinefestival.com

RIPE: THE WĀNAKA WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Enjoy premium wine and food from Central Otago producers served against a backdrop of panoramic lake and mountain views. Glendhu Bay, 23 Mar, ripewanaka.nzw

13 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

WHAT'S ON

JANUARY ANTHONY HARPER SUMMER THEATRE PRESENTS THE ODYSSEY THEATRE Three actors bring

hundreds of eccentric mythological characters to life in this freewheeling open-air adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Botanic Gardens, Thu 11 – Sun 28 Jan, 2024.

NZ SPIRIT SOUTH ISLAND FESTIVAL Four days of

transformation through art, music, dance, culture, connection and partying. Orton Bradley Park, Thu 18 – Sun 21 Jan.

THE FEELERS

MUSIC Having returned to the CLOUDBOY

DECEMBER

THE TESKEY BROTHERS MUSIC Sam and Josh Teskey,

SCAPE PUBLIC ART SEASON

EXHIBITION Eight local and national

emerging artists will debut artworks around central Ōtautahi Christchurch, showcasing their responses to this year’s theme, ‘The Gift’. Various venues, till Sat 17 Feb

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

THEATRE The Tony Award-winning

musical gets its Southern Hemisphere premiere with The Court Theatre’s production, and nothing in Shakespeare or musical theatre is sacred. The Court Theatre, till Sat 27 Jan.

PLUTO

MUSIC The Kiwi rock legends return

to Christchurch and their favourite audience for two shows.Wunderbar, Fri 1 Dec; Flux, Sat 2 Dec.

CLOUDBOY

MUSIC Revisit the sonic adventures

of Cloudboy’s breakthrough album Down at the End of the Garden.

Loons, Fri 8 Dec.

Warrandyte’s finest, wind their way to Christchurch in December on their Winding Way tour, fresh from gigs in the UK and Europe, including Glastonbury. Christchurch Town Hall, Tue 12 Dec.

COME TOGETHER: END OF YEAR BASH

MUSIC The Come Together Kiwi

supergroup returns for a concert celebrating three years of breathing new life into rock’s songbook. Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 14 Dec.

BLINDSPOTT

MUSIC The homegrown heroes of

metal are back on the road and reprising their hits with a national tour. Hagley Park, Sat 16 Dec.

ROCK THE PARK NEW YEAR’S EVE

studio to reinterpret 11 of their most recognisable and best-loved songs, Christchurch favourites The Feelers are touring the new album nationwide. Good Home, Fri 19 Jan.

FOO FIGHTERS

MUSIC The rock legends bring new

songs and a new lineup to Christchurch as part of their But Here We Are tour. Apollo Projects Stadium, Wed 24 Jan.

PEGASUS BAY VINE RUN

EVENT Do good for others and for

yourself by joining this fun 6km and 10km run or walk, which raises funds for the New Zealand Brain Research Institute. Pegasus Bay Winery, Sun 28 Jan.

SUMMER SUNDAYS

MUSIC Enjoy free live music in the

heart of the city across summer.

First in this outdoor summer music series is Around the World, featuring Mundi and Hera. Botanic Gardens, Sun 28 Jan.

MUSIC Featuring Elemeno P, Racing,

Volts and Dolphin Friendly, this year’s New Year’s Eve event will be a party like no other. And it's free!

Hagley Park, Sun 31 Dec.

14 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

For more hip happenings and goliath gigs, hit up cityscape.co.nz

WHAT'S ON

FEBRUARY

MARCH

RUSSELL HOWARD: LIVE

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE

COMEDY British stand-up Russell

MUSIC Come and celebrate the end

Howard returns with a fresh collection of life’s absurdities to pick away at as he sets the world to rights. Christchurch Town Hall, Fri 2 Feb.

of the world with a band that is never going to go quietly.

Wolfbrook Arena, Sun 3 March.

GRAHAM NASH

MUSIC In his first solo headline tour

MITRE10 SPARKS

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 March.

EVENT Celebrate the 41st year of

our city’s dazzling fireworks extravaganza, featuring the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Hagley Park, Sat 3 Feb.

SUMMER SUNDAYS

MUSIC Enjoy free live music in the

BLINK-182 RUSSELL HOWARD

heart of the city across summer.

This time, enjoy the blues with Penny Blues Band and Mudfish.

Botanic Gardens, Sun 4 Feb.

insights from his extensive career.

Christchurch Town Hall, Wed 7 Feb.

KITE DAY

SUMMER SUNDAYS

Brighton Beach for this annual celebration of kites of all kinds, from classic styles to dragons, sea creatures and cartoon characters.

New Brighton Beach, Sat 10 Feb.

heart of the city across summer.

Chill out with Jazz on the Lawn and enjoy The Curio Club and Chicks from Corea. Botanic Gardens, Sun 18 Feb.

CALEXICO

MATCHBOX TWENTY

sons call into Lyttelton on their long-awaited return to New Zealand. Loons, Sat 10 Feb.

post-grunge popsters Matchbox Twenty will bring their Slow Dream tour to Christchurch. Wolfbrook Arena, Thu 29 Feb.

MUSIC Enjoy free live music in the

EVENT Join the fun on New

MUSIC Tucson, Arizona’s favourite

SUMMER SUNDAYS

MUSIC With Goo Goo Dolls in tow,

MUSIC Multi-platinum award-

winning rock band blink-182 are coming to town as part of their biggest tour so far. Wolfbrook Arena, Mon 4 March 2024.

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 March.

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 March.

MUSIC Enjoy free live music in the

heart of the city across summer.

This time it’s Indie Day, with Spirit Boy, Con Carne and Mim Jensen.

Botanic Gardens, Sun 11 Feb.

MATCHBOX TWENTY

DANIEL O’DONNELL

MUSIC Ireland’s singing legend is

promising a show full of Irish standards and classics from the popular music songbook.

Christchurch Town Hall, Tue 27 Feb.

KEVIN MCCLOUD: HOME TRUTHS

TALK Design, architecture and

storytelling collide as the host of UK TV show Grand Designs entertains with anecdotes and

15 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

DESIGNED TO ENTERTAIN K

evin McCloud, host of the UK series Grand Designs, has been no stranger to Christchurch since our earthquakes levelled large parts of the central city. He visited the CBD when it was still a no-go zone, lent his profile to Gap Filler and other renewal projects and helped judge the Breathe: Urban Village Project competition.

Kevin will bring his Home Truths show to Christchurch in February, taking to the stage for a Q&A session he knows will range widely.

In fact, he’s keen to get your questions already – head to his X account (@Kevin_

McCloud) to get yours in. Here are some we managed to sneak in ahead of the show – thanks Kevin!

So how are you feeling about coming back to Christchurch? I look forward to seeing the progress every time. Last time I was there, in 2018, it was patchy. There were these great blocks of derelict land and then you got six amazing houses. There was amazing stuff going up all along the river. I like the riverfront, the accessibility of that seemed good.

16 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

‘We’ll be going on a bit of a journey together through Grand Designs, through architectural design, a bit of engineering for idiots – that suits me – and you know, a history of chairs.’

Our own Grand Designs is screening now.

Earlier series copped some criticism for over-egging the drama of an architectural build – are you aware of needing to strike a balance there? That’s really interesting. I’ve always enjoyed the New Zealand series. I haven’t seen Tom [Webster’s] yet but I know Chris [Moller] the former presenter really well and I always enjoyed his style because I always felt it was in the national character, a powerful gentle reticence. There’s a Yorkshire story about that because where I’m from people don’t talk much. So there’s a researcher interviewing a Yorkshire couple and he says ‘You’re both very reticent’. She says I don’t know that means and her husband says “It means saying nowt [nothing] for a long time.”

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO @KEVIN_MCCLOUD ON X (TWITTER)

Ultimately, the urban village project didn’t go ahead. No, they couldn’t find a developer.

We had an amazing scheme in the end. It’s unfortunate that inevitably in the wake of disaster the community rallies and cities rally but unless you can attract and bring in the money it doesn’t happen. And then of course the money comes in and then the money tells you what it’s going to do. Money talks, the money decides. I think there have been some opportunites there that have been missed. It’s amazing that anything happened and that the city did rebuild itself.

You’re not going to bring that aspect of your heritage to the stage, are you? No, otherwise it would be a really quiet show. I come from a family of Yorkshire teachers and engineers so there’s no chance of that. I’ve got lots of preachers in my family – my cousin, my grandfather... The thing about being on stage is that you want to approach it in the spirit of generosity because you want people to laugh and enjoy themselves and go away having enjoyed themselves. So not very much finger-wagging and a lot of silly stories.

What can audiences expect from the show?

It’s a big question and answer session, which sounds like a recipe for chaos, which it is. I’m going to be bringing some readymade questions with me. And then I’m going to be asking for questions from the audience as well and we’ll be going on a bit of a journey together through Grand Designs, through architectural design, a bit of engineering for idiots – that suits me – and you know, a history of chairs.

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You will be making yourself quite vulnerable with the Q&A session – anything out of bounds? Yes I am but that’s OK because I’m in control of the screen. If someone throws up a silly question to embarrass me all they’re going to do is embarrass themselves. Anything for a laugh, though – if it gets a laugh I’ll put it up.

What’s your favourite material to build with? I have to say it’s trees. People can eulogise about concrete and steel but actually they’re very limited in their variety. Yes they’ve got amazing engineering properties but wood when it’s laminated properly can also have the same qualities. I’ve seen motorway bridges, sports halls, huge arenas made entirely out of timber. In Norway there’s a 85m skyscraper built entirely of timber. So I’m a big fan of timber. I love it in all its guises – as insulation, structurally. I love using cork, which is the skin of the oak plant. It’s just the way timber has life and liveliness, and it’s a renewable material.

How’s your own grand design getting on – do you have one? I have lots of stuff on the go at the moment. Over the weekend I was dismantling the kitchen that was in the house when we bought it. There’s a new shiny kitchen

that we’ve put in but the old one that we took out was sitting in the dining room. Now its use as a temporary kitchen has come to an end – I say temporary, it was a year – and I’ve now put it in the boiler room as a workshiop bench. I love being able to repurpose and rededicate things. It’s like you make something and there’s a moment at which you actually dedicate it. It’s quite a sacrosant moment when you say this is fixed and it is done and look at it, it looks different and it’s got a new purpose and it’s beautiful. Or not.

From your CV you could have ended up doing any number of things. What would you want to be doing if not this? I have ended up doing pretty well anything.

Presenting television programmes – it’s not a job really, is it? It’s a very odd thing. It’s a bit like being a physics teacher for seven-yearolds. I love it. And I’m going to contradict you and say I’m probably incapable of doing

18 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

Mjøstårnet in Norway is the world’s second tallest timber building.

DESIGNED TO ENTERTAIN

anything else. I possibly would have enjoyed being a farmer. Not that you make money out of farming but I enjoy my own company so much and I have to spend great chunks of the day in my own company so I’d be great on the tractor. I do it as a hobby now anyway.

I plant trees. I’m a hobby farmer. Wildflower meadows, traditional standard orchards of local varieties and trees. No animals other than domestic cats. What really interests me is planting for climate change, how in the UK we alter the mix of our timber cropping and woodland species to get the best for biodiversity but also to be resistant to all the changes that are coming our way.

What else is coming for you in 2024? I’m becoming a grandfather again, in late spring, so that’s pretty exciting. This will be my second. I have some very vague deadlines for the building project at home and then some even vaguer ones for work but we’ve got a series to deliver in September next year.

Filming for Grand Designs is constant, that’s year round. And I curate an exhibition here in Sussex each year called Barkichecture, which is a competition to design kennels for dogs.

It’s part of a wider canine extravaganza called Goodwoof, based at Goodwood, hence all the puns.

Who’s your personal hero? I really struggle with this question because there are so many people who have helped me along the way.

Loads of people. The only answer really is my dad. He was an engineer, a rocket scientist, he stripped our boiler down... By the age of 10, I had no idea there were professions such as plumbing engineer, garage mechanic, gardener, shed builder, architect, designer – he did everything! He rebuilt the entire house. If there was something wrong with the car he would take the engine out and replace it. And as kids we were inveigled into helping him do this stuff. He would repair other people’s television sets because he was an electronics nut, you know. If you needed a rocket built, he could do it. Usually with stuff he’d half-inched [pinched] from work.

Is there someone you would love to collaborate with? I’ve got lots of projects on the go at the moment and in the end I would sooner be working with my friends, my great collaborators for a long time. Why make life hard for yourself when you can make every day a pleasure in the company of great people?

Christchurch Town Hall, Wed 7 Feb, premier. ticketek.co.nz

IMAGE: CHANNEL 4

What’s your favourite way to relax? Well I play the piano extremely badly, I’m very slow.

I’m the personality type that knows no time

when I’m involved in a project so I could be at it for 11 hours or 11 minutes and I have no sense of where I am. I have to say planting trees is probably when I’m at my happiest.

19 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

ON SONG T

here’s a full house at The Court Theatre, a mix of date nights, family groups, and work colleagues enjoying a Christmas shout from the boss. On stage, it’s a riot. Can-can girls a’kickin’, medieval minstrels a’strummin’ and a leather-clad Bard channelling Elvis, pre-Vegas and hot!

Playing from now till late January, The Court Theatre’s production of Something Rotten! is guaranteed to have you heading home with a big smile and humming its theme song, “To Thine Own Self Be True”.

The Tony Award-winning musical gets its Southern Hemisphere premiere with The Court Theatre’s

production. There’s a story, but in true musical tradition it never gets in the way of the song and dance.

It’s England 1595 and playwright brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom can’t compete with the rock-star popularity of William Shakespeare.

In desperation they pin all their hopes on “the next big thing in theatre”, which they call a musical — a play where “an actor is saying his lines, and out of nowhere he just starts singing”.

It’s not just funny if you did English Lit, there’s also as many pop culture references as a Shrek movie. And if you’re a fan of the big Broadway hits, it’s a treasure trove of hidden gems – a pole

momentarily evokes a scene from A Chorus Line (blink and you’ll miss it!), sailor hats are a quick nod to any number of nautical-themed musicals. And so on.

At 23, it’s a big cast – this is the biggest choreographed musical The Court Theatre has done – and it’s full of what Hollywood calls a “triple threat” – they act! they sing! they dance!

They tap as well – it’s MC Will vs MC Nick in a 16th Century “tap battle” straight from Eminem’s 8 Mile.

The production marks musical director Richard Marrett’s 25th mainstage musical at The Court Theatre and again we have a perfectly polished soundtrack that swings from show tune to moody jazz to high-energy pop/ rock in a beat.

In fact, the whole production team – Marrett, director Benjamin Kilby-Henson, choreographer Kira Josephson, set designer Dan Williams and costume designer Tina Hutchison-Thomas – have nailed it with this one. Don’t miss your chance to see another end-of-year cracker from the team at The Court – it’s a blast!

Something Rotten!, till Sat 27 Jan 2024, courttheatre.org.nz

20 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

THE COURT THEATRE

T

his show is the biggest musical The Court has done.

No pressure then? We love a challenge! Shows like this are possible because of the fantastic talent and dedication of our artists and production team. Kira Josephson choreographed this production – she is also the intimacy choreographer and swing – and has done superb work. It’s a huge undertaking but one that she has embraced—in some ways, it’s a choreographer’s dream.

What can the audience expect? A celebration of theatre and musicals! This musical is so generous. It has a cast of 23 plus live musicians, fabulous design and big, glorious dance numbers, as well as plenty of comedy. It is also packed to the brim with Renaissance, Shakespearean and musical theatre references.

It’s full of gems for theatre lovers but is also very accessible.

It’s smart; it’s silly; it’s lush.

Basically, this musical is determined to entertain you.

ALISON WALLS We talk to the Court Theatre’s Artistic Director about staging Something Rotten! and stepping into the role.

creative team have made this production their own. I wouldn’t describe anything as ‘tweaks’ since they are inspired by and stay true to the book and lyrics, but the overall direction, design concept and choreography are all original – aside from some delightful, obligatory moments of homage to well-known Broadway musicals.

It’s a big cast – does that make things more challenging all by itself?

Yes and no. It adds to the scale, but this cast are also such professionals and collaborators—we have all loved working with them.

Judging from the rehearsal photos, looks like everyone is having fun. I think so! It has been a pretty joyous process.

You must be proud to be performing the musical for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere – how did that come about? We are! As a professional producing company, The Court Theatre is one of the few theatres that can mount a production such as this and it’s so exciting to be able to bring this show to Aotearoa audiences for the first time. We knew we loved the musical and so applied for the rights.

Anything else about the production you are particularly pleased about? There’s so much! I think we have the right people bringing this show to life. The director Benjamin Kilby-Henson,

music director Richard Marrett, choreographer Kira Josephson, set designer Dan Williams and costume designer Tina Hutchison-Thomas all just really get this show and have collaborated beautifully. And then we also have lighting design by Darren McKane and sound design by Glen Ruske, along with wigs by Zoe Buckland and props created by our wonderful properties manager, Julian Southgate. These are all such highly skilled people. And the cast is phenomenal. We have students from NASDA in the ensemble, alongside performers such as Paul Barrett, Jonathan Martin, Cameron Douglas, Matu Ngaropo (fresh off touring as George Washington in Hamilton), Monique Clementson and Bianca Paine—to name just a few!

How does your own stamp reveal itself in the production? Any artistic tweaks? Ben and the

You have been Artistic Director for a year now – is it what you thought it would be? I don’t know what I thought it would be! I really enjoy working with artists throughout the year and have immense appreciation for the entire Court company. I’m around a lot of dedicated people who possess a great deal of knowledge and a love for theatre.

What is in store for The Court Theatre in 2024? We’ll be launching the Ryman Healthcare 2024 Final Season in the Shed on 10 December.

We’re calling 2024 the year to celebrate art and entertainment.

How’s things looking with the new building? It’s exciting every day to see the building progress. It’s going to be so fantastic to be in the heart of the city, and a purpose-built theatre with multiple and flexible performance spaces opens up artistic possibilities as well as great spaces for community engagement.

21 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

PLUTO ASCENDING

Legendary Kiwi band Pluto have had a mixed run of luck over the last few years.

Reunited and back on a roll in 2019, the band suffered a cruel twist when the pandemic scuppered their tour plans. Now, Pluto have a new single out, “Maybe Twice”, and are performing two Christchurch shows in December, their first here

H

ow does it feel to be back on the road for a nationwide tour and with a new single?

Feels great to get the single out.

We actually have quite a few new songs we’ve been working on. Just stoked to be able to hang out with my brothers in the band – we’re all pretty busy with our own stuff so definitely appreciate the time we have together to play live.

It must have been a cruel stroke for the band to get back together just before we went into a lockdown? It wasn’t ideal! We had a lot of shows lined up but hey, just grateful we all got through it. That’s the way it was meant to go. Made us more energised to get out there with new stuff and play shows!

Is all the “old band” back together for this tour? Yes, for sure, we wouldn’t have it any other way. Old for sure as well, haha.

We’ve still got lots of gas left in the tank though, so don’t worry.

What can audiences expect from your Christchurch gig? We’re playing Wunderbar Lyttelton on the Friday then Flux on the Saturday.

Both shows are going to be a master stroke of energy and fun. We’re technically in the “masters” division

now and one of us may probably suffer from a stroke while on stage.

But we’ll bring the electricity and it’ll be entertaining for sure, haha.

You say it’s been one of your favourite cities to play – we’d love to hear why? Favourite haunt?

Wunderbar is definitely our favourite place to play. We love the Christchurch people – they bring such a good energy to the shows. I remember playing a cover of The Band’s “The Weight” maybe at the Christchurch Town Hall and that was forever etched into my memory. That same show a guy in the crowd yelled out “Do you want your guitar back? I have it.” It was an old Telecaster I sold to him years before. Sadly, I did not see him or the guitar after the show.

It’s been a while since Nietzsche featured in popular music – what drew you to him? I read a lot of Nietzsche and other philosophy.

He’s been misrepresented and misunderstood for quite some time, maybe that’s why popular music avoids him. For me, his well is deep.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also a big part of your life – tell us about that?

I found Brazilian Jiu Jitsu just over a decade ago, and like philosophy

and my family, it kind of centred me. I’ve definitely lived a life and lucky to still be here. My daughter DeeDee (now 14) and I started a Jiu Jitsu club called Lucid Jiu Jitsu a year ago in Titirangi and it’s organically grown into something very special that we’re super proud of. We have a lot of musos and their kids coming – a good playlist during classes is essential. DeeDee has been training in BJJ for seven years now and holds a kid’s green belt.

I’m a brown belt. We often compete. I’m a brown belt national champ and DeeDee has won gold in her last two comps. My youngest daughter, Máni, (1 year old) already has her Lucid Gi (uniform) and is on the mats with her dad and sister.

You have a new single, is there a new album in the wings? Yes, we’ll be releasing a few more singles then an album mid 2024!

Anything on the cards for when you’re in Christchurch? We have our friends Adam Hattaway and The Haunters supporting and may do a few fun songs with them!

Pluto, Wunderbar 1 Dec, Flux 2 Dec. milanborich.com

MILAN IS LISTENING TO:

Daniel Romano

Blur

Devendra Banhart

Tyler, The Creator

22 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

Warren Zevon

‘WE LOVE THE CHRISTCHURCH PEOPLE – THEY BRING SUCH A GOOD ENERGY TO THE SHOWS.’

Aaron Lee Tasjan

Dirty Projectors

Justin Townes Earle

The Growlers

23 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

Bilderbuch

‘OUR FANS ARE EVERYTHING TO US AND HAVE ALWAYS STOOD

BY US, THROUGH THE GOOD AND THE BAD. NOW IT’S TIME FOR US TO GIVE BACK!’ 24 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

SPOTLIGHT BACK ON BLINDSPOTT Hardcore Kiwi metallers Blindspott will rock Hagley Park in December.

We talk to singer Damian Alexander about getting back on the road and back in front of their fans.

Y

ou have a huge catalogue to choose from – how was it coming up with a set list? Any radically different arrangements? Yeah we do have quite a few tracks now, which is awesome. For us it’s about designing a show that has good pace and is a bit more of a journey than just playing the tracks. Our shows always have a bit of a surprise element but you’ll have to come along to see if there’s anything radically different.

How are the old songs going down with a new audience? It’s really cool and we are extremely lucky that all of our material from over the years resonates with so many different age groups and attendees at the show. There always seems to be something for everyone, which we aroha!

And are there some new songs as well?

Yes, we will be dropping the new tracks. So far people have been really getting into them live. We can’t wait to play ‘Pretty Violent’ and ‘Nightmare’ to the fans.

Must be lots of your first-time-round fans in the audience as well – any backstage reunions? Yeah, there are always some day-ones in the crowd and whenever we can we like to connect with them and spend time backstage having a beer and catching up.

The band was heading out on a reunion tour when we went into a lockdown – that must have been tough? Felt like a caged animal for a lot of the COVID lockdowns. We all wanted to play so badly but we kept

DAMIAN IS LISTENING TO...

A lot of Dermot Kennedy at the moment and also going down a bit of a P.O.D. wormhole.

getting put back into lockdowns. We are glad we are out now and can actually see, hear and connect with our fans again.

And so now it’s full speed ahead? Fuck yeah, it is. We are into it now and loving the idea of being back on the road. Our fans are everything to us and have always stood by us, through the good and the bad. Now it’s time for us to give back!

What’s in store for Blindspott in 2024?

Hopefully more shows and maybe some new tracks!!

And what about you – any other projects on the go? I’m thinking about venturing into some solo collab work with friends to try some other genres – more of an art and sound design project – and maybe dabble in writing some film scores.

Who would be your dream collab? Hmm, that’s a hard one. From a heavy metal point of view it would have to be Deftones, but from a curiosity point of view collabing with someone like Dr Dre or Pharrell would be awesome for the experience.

Any of the current crop of Kiwi musicians you are impressed by? I’m into the classics at the moment, lots of old Kiwi tracks. And I have been listening a lot to the waiata anthems stable of tracks, which has been really inspiring. Hearing some of our greatest songs being sung in te reo has been awesome!

Hagley Park, Sat 16 Dec, facebook.com/blindspott

25 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

COLLAB PUTS MESSAGE OF LOVE IN NZSO SEASON

JOHN PSATHAS

F

or composer John Psathas, the opportunity to collaborate with the Muslim community and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra on a work marking the fifth anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks was one he grabbed with both hands.

“It is not often one has the opportunity to offer a message of solidarity, love, and compassion through one’s artistic work,” the celebrated New Zealand composer says.

The NZSO programme Beyond Words, in Christchurch in March, will premiere a new work by John Psathas, Ahlan wa Sahlan.

Beyond Words bridges Eastern and Western music traditions and features Kyriakos Tapakis, a master of the Middle Eastern stringed instrument the oud, and Moroccan vocalist and poet OUM. The NZSO

will be led by Muslim conductor Fawzi Haimor.

Beyond Words will also include Umoja, Anthem of Unity by Valerie Coleman, Funebre by Iranian composer Reza Vali and Silouan’s Song by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

“Together we are creating a musical message of welcoming – Ahlan wa Sahlan – a greeting used to tell someone that they’re where they belong, that they’re a part of this place and they are welcome here. It’s a way of saying ‘You’re with your people’,” John Psathas says.

In 2024 the NZSO will perform one of its largest number of works

by New Zealanders and contemporary composers.

Visiting global music stars will include violinists Maxim Vengerov, Augustin Hadelich and Christian

Tetzlaff, percussionist Jacob Nissly, and pianists Andrea Lam and Alexander Gavrylyuk.

Several of the world’s best conductors also join Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor Gemma New, NZSO Music Director Emeritus James Judd and NZSO Principal Conductor-in-Residence Hamish McKeich in leading the orchestra next year. The stars include Dima Slobodeniouk, Stéphane Denève, Vasily Petrenko, Han-Na Chang, André de Ridder, Tianyi Lu and Thomas Blunt.

The NZSO begins the 2024 season with Mahler's epic Fifth Symphony in a concert that opens with New Zealand composer Salina Fisher's recent work Kintsugi and Emmy Award-winning American composer Adam Schoenberg’s Losing Earth, featuring the percussionist for whom it was written, Jacob Nissly of the San Francisco Symphony.

Schoenberg will be in New Zealand for the performances, and Nissly will collaborate with the New Zealand percussion community during his visit.

Gemma New returns for main stage concerts in September, performing revered New Zealand composer Lyell Cresswell's final major work Piano Concerto No. 3, alongside Copland's Appalachian Spring and Mozart's Jupiter Symphony. She will also conduct the 2024 season finale with Christian Tetzlaff and Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir in a programme of Kaija Saariaho, Elgar and Holst's Planets.

26 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

OUM

MAXIM VENGEROV

ANDREA LAM

GEMMA NEW

André de Ridder, who captivated NZSO audiences this year, returns to conduct three distinct concerts with Maxim Vengerov, Andrea Lam and a whānau-friendly concert featuring John Williams’ music from the Harry Potter films.

Dima Slobodeniouk leads the orchestra for Beethoven’s glorious Sixth Symphony and Debussy’s magnificent La mer.

Virtuoso Maxim Vengerov makes his New Zealand debut with the NZSO in August. The 49-year-old Grammy Award winner has been hailed as “one of the greatest violinists in the world” by Classic FM. Also in August, Grammy

Award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich returns to perform Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto.

Thomas Blunt leads the NZSO for Handel’s Messiah, featuring soprano Madison Nonoa, mezzo-soprano Bianca Andrew, tenor Filipe Manu and baritone Benson Wilson, along with renowned choir The Tudor Consort.

Celebrated pianist Stephen De Pledge, NZSO Section Principal Cellists Andrew Joyce and Julia Joyce and NZSO Associate Principal Cellist Ken Ichinose, are among the New Zealand artists to perform in 2024. Thirteen-year-old pianist Shan Liu will play with the

DIMA SLOBODENIOUK

NZSO National Youth Orchestra, conducted by Tianyi Lu. NZSO Concertmaster Vesa-Matti Leppänen directs an ensemble of NZSO string players for a programme of spiritual intensity, featuring works by Lilburn, Tchaikovsky, Bruckner and more.

James Judd conducts Shostakovich's witty Ninth Symphony, and an equally humorous work Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, alongside two works by young Kiwi composers Henry Meng and Sai Natarajan, both 2022-23 NZSO Todd Corporation Young Composer Awards finalists. nzso.co.nz

27 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

COSMETIC ENERGY You have had another huge year with Basalaj Beauty – what have been the highlights?

Fashion for a Cure events are always something I am super proud of every year and love attending!

This year in particular we were the brand partner for New Zealand Fashion Week so that was a big highlight on top of just being fortunate enough to do what I love.

A

mber Basalaj is the force of nature behind Basalaj Beauty, the highperformance makeup brand being embraced here and internationally.

Basalaj Beauty was the official beauty partner for New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 and is the key makeup sponsor for Fashion for a Cure, which raises funds each year for cancer research.

Amber believes local brands and talent are the backbone of our community. It’s clear, she says, that New Zealand consumers need to reconsider their purchasing choices and recognise the vital role they play in supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship.

What motivated you to start your company?

Definitely a love of fashion and beauty in general but I wanted to create high-performance makeup that was easy to use and genuinely promoted beauty in all forms. Confidence is so important and I want the company to represent and encourage that in people. A red lippy can help you to feel like anything is possible so I just want to spread empowerment and confidence to as many people as possible through the power of cosmetics!

Is there a secret to your success or is it good old hard work?

Working hard is definitely the only way to make things really happen, never giving up even when things get tough and you feel like it is going nowhere. Business is a game of mental fitness for so many different reasons, you have to find tools and strategies to keep you on track and moving forward. Even if

you are doing something you don't necessarily love, I've always just worked at things by giving it my all and eventually that creates opportunity and the chance to get to where you really want to be.

Is there a role model or mentor who has inspired you? My husband has been a huge part of giving me the confidence to be the best I can be. He never ever lets me believe I can’t do something or that I won’t succeed, he encourages me and supports me in everything I do. Having someone to talk to as well at the end of the day to give you guidance is a huge step towards keeping focused, feeling confident, pushing ahead and moving on and up from hardships. I am very lucky to have him with me on this journey.

How do you ensure your brand stays relevant? I think just being genuine about what we are. We don't pretend to be something we aren't. I am who I am and try to encourage others to always stay true to yourself too – it’s the most confident and liberating thing you can do in life. So bringing that energy into the brand – making products that don't pretend to be something they aren't, are unapologetic in their boldness and high on performance are all things that have captured our audience.

Basalaj Beauty is unique in its presentation and delivery and that keeps things interesting!

What does 2024 have in store for you and Basalaj Beauty? We have some big projects under way that are launching next year, things I have been working on since we launched so I am pretty excited about those! They have been a quiet grind that I am looking to see come to fruition soon. We are also heading to Paris Fashion Week to do artistry on shows – huge dream come true! The launch of new products is also something I am constantly striving to do – we have

28 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

‘A RED LIPPY CAN HELP YOU TO FEEL LIKE ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE SO I JUST WANT TO SPREAD EMPOWERMENT AND CONFIDENCE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE THROUGH THE POWER OF COSMETICS!’

our new Liquid Lipsticks coming out in early December, which I am very excited about!

Tell us about Basalaj Beauty’s work with the Breast Cancer Cure foundation? My friend Joanne passed away from breast cancer in 2020. This was her second battle with it and during that time I created a Gold Highlighter to represent her bright, sparkly and courageous energy she always had no matter how bad her days got. I connected with Breast Cancer Cure fairly early on in the business and knew straight away that we needed to be involved and to help raise awareness and funds for research with the goal of trying to stop other families from having to go through losing their loved ones too.

Basalaj Beauty travels around the country with a team of artists to complete all of the artistry needed as the events have a fashion show aspect to them. We also donate our product for the auctions to help raise funds at every show. I am so proud to be able to connect the brand with such a meaningful cause that also keeps the memory of my friend alive and look forward to carrying on the partnership throughout 2024.

You have argued strongly for Kiwi consumers to back Kiwi products – are you seeing any change there?

I think the economic landscape is changing so much with the cost of living rising constantly so it is understandably tough for people to always back Kiwi products. There

are so many ways to support local without having to buy, however.

Supporting on social media is one that costs nothing at all but has a positive impact in supporting New Zealand businesses.

What’s your No. 1 life hack? A sense of humour even when times get tough. It makes things so much easier to manage. Taking life too seriously holds you back from enjoying the simple fact that we are fortunate to be here. Laughter is with me everywhere I go and I love to encourage that in others too.

How do you relax and unwind? I am a huge fan of reading books with a cup of my favourite green tea!

How do the fur babies cope with you being so busy? They definitely miss me if I am gone for more than a day! My rabbits in particular get very upset if I don't see them each day for cuddles! If I am away for long periods of time I call every day and somewhere along the line I speak to them through the phone – haha, they definitely are my babies. I love all of them so much! basalajbeauty.com

29 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

FENDALTON A ‘Z HOUSE’ CAPTIVATES THE JUDGES

n 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 in their comments. “The home sits on a flat site and rises out of the ground like a landmark with its dominant vertical appearance.

“The structure is cutting-edge, with three wings in the shape of a Z. The living and kitchen area make up one wing, bedrooms in the second wing, and garage, gym and

30 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

wine cellar in the third. The high-end materials and fitout leave you spellbound with the high level of specs and finish throughout. The craftsmanship throughout this home is of the highest quality.”

Nicknamed the ‘Z house’, the home was built after the original home on the site fell victim to the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes.

The judges observed several trends amongst this year’s entrants, including strong Mid-Century Modern architectural influences, the integration of the home office, and a rise of the window seat.

House of the Year Judge and Architectural Designer Faye Pearson-Green says, “Mid-Century Modern architecture is having a resurgence. We saw this a lot through the selection of materials, as people are gravitating to timber and plywood for their interior linings.

“This influence was clear in many of the kitchens we judged, which featured plywood kitchen joinery and more in-built furniture throughout, rather than standalone. Colour palettes, external architectural designs, and tile size for bathrooms and splashbacks are all further indicators that

Mid-Century Modern architecture is making a comeback.

“We are also continuing to see a flow-on effect from time spent at home during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Work-from-home setups are no longer makeshift offices at the dining room table but areas designed specifically to encourage productive working.

And windows seats are being utilised as a place to escape and relax in the home,” she says.

With almost 300 entries in the competition this year, the calibre continues to grow and the level of quality and innovation continues to rise. Spanning across different price brackets, the awards recognise the best homes, renovations and builders the industry has to offer. houseoftheyear.co.nz

31 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

ENTERTAIN ME

BINGEWATCHING

01

02

01 — BERLIN Netflix scored a runaway hit with its 2017-20 series Money Heist. This prequel series takes us back to happier times for gang member Berlin, one of the most popular characters on Money Heist despite his early death. Also one of the most reviled – Berlin is misogynistic, violent and undeniably a sexual predator. Here, Berlin and a masterful gang of thieves gather in Paris to plan one of his most ambitious robberies.

02 — AFTER THE PARTY Penny accuses her husband of a sex crime and is not believed. Is she wrong? Is she being gaslit? Or is she just bonkers? Kiwi acting royalty Robyn Malcolm and writer Dianne Taylor turn that premise into a gripping series in which everyone, including our ‘hero’, can be less than honest.

Made with support from NZ on Air.

03

03 — CURSE OF OAK ISLAND The Lagina brothers, Rick and Marty, return to Nova Scotia’s Oak Island for an 11th season of their never-ending quest to solve the 230-year-old mystery of what lies beneath the island’s surface.

READING

REMEMBER ME: Poems to Learn

by Heart from Aotearoa New Zealand

EPIC: ADVENTURES ACROSS AOTEAROA — RAY SALISBURY

Got your party piece ready for the festive season? Here’s some inspo – a book of homegrown poems to read aloud and remember. For those unaccustomed, there’s some helpful advice at the back on how to memorise and recite a poem.

Perfect for the armchair adventurers out there, this anthology dives deep into 12 endurance feats from a variety of disciplines and along the way takes you on some interesting paths. Ray Salisbury’s beautiful photos put you right in the landscape.

EXCOMMUNICATED — CRAIG HOYLE The story of Craig Hoyle, journalist and Exclusive Brethren survivor. Craig was cut off by the religious sect after conversion therapy failed to “cure” his homosexuality.

At liberty in the world, Craig finds out he is not the first of his family to fall out with the group. A fascinating insight into how a sect can tear a family apart.

32 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

ENTERTAIN ME PLAY LIST

The killer tracks on high rotation in the Cityscape office.

FAT FREDDY'S DROP ‘Silver & Gold - Remix’ Blackbird Returns

Listening I/O — PETER GABRIEL Three decades in the making, here is the 10th studio album from English rock legend and WOMAD founder Peter Gabriel, a belated follow-up to 2002's Up. Even after all that time to get it right, the Ever Enigmatic One couldn’t choose between final mixes so gives us three – a ‘Bright-Side Mix’ from Mark ‘Spike’ Stent , a ‘Dark-Side Mix’ by Tchad Blake and an ‘In-Side Mix’ by Hans-Martin Buff.

THE DIARY OF ALICIA KEYS 20 — ALICIA KEYS It’s 20 years since Alicia Keys released her Grammy-winning second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, and to

celebrate, the groundbreaking artist has a pressy for her fans – a digital re-release of the album. The anniversary release includes nine bonus tracks including “Golden Child”, a rarity from Alicia’s personal vault.

CHRISTMAS — CHER It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! Get some new tunes in your grotto with megastar Cher’s first ever Christmas album. Guest appearances

by Darlene Love, Michael Bublé, Tyga, Cyndi Lauper and Stevie Wonder help deck the halls. All too much? Try Dwight Yoakam’s Come On Christmas for some light relief.

PODCASTS

CHICKS ON CHRISTMAS FLICKS Every TV Christmas movie ever is the aim of this ultimate fan site. Tongue in cheek or disturbingly serious?

You choose. Either way, you’ll be immersed in what for some is a year-long obsession.

33 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24

BOY & BEAR ‘Southern Sun’ Harlequin Dream

OCEAN ALLEY ‘Stained Glass’ Lonely Diamond

SUMMER THIEVES ‘Pages’ Paradise Down the Road

MATT CORBY ‘Sooth Lady Wine’ Telluric

MURDER AT THE RACECOURSE HOTEL The latest in the NZ Herald’s Chasing Ghosts true-crime series takes us back to Christchurch in the 1930s and the events surrounding the death of Racecourse Hotel publican Donald Fraser.

THE LAST WORD

T

he last few weeks must be some of your busiest each year – how has it been? It has actually been really busy with people getting set up for the summer break and wanting advice and help with summer outfits. As soon as the weather gets warmer I get a flurry of people wanting appointments and panicking about their summer wardrobes.

FROM BOTH SIDES NOW

Did you enjoy your stint among the judges for Riccarton Park’s Fashion in the Field? It was honestly supreme fun. I totally appreciate Zane Tate and Riccarton Park for having me and the effort and thought that goes into the outfits that show up. It was lovely seeing some new faces and also some of the more regular competitors.

You have been a race-day fashion winner yourself – does the judging spark memories of that?

OMG – definitely – I could almost feel the butterflies, the holding of the smile when someone else’s name is announced and then the absolute surprise and delay in registering that they have called your name! We had the loveliest, heartfelt message from our winner and that makes it all worth it.

interviews. Tell us about that?

Around 10 years ago I was a board member for Dress for Success. I also assisted with training their stylists so they could better help their clients. This is a charity that provides quality pre-loved clothes to women who need help to get back into the job market. DFS also provides interview and career support. An amazing charity.

What’s the favourite item in your wardrobe? My orange Ganni Jeans that I picked up on sale at Seletti a few months ago. They fit well, feel great and I love the sunniness of orange.

Name three essential things in your handbag? Phone, glasses and Two Faced Lip injection lip gloss from Mecca!

Stephanie Rumble is one of New Zealand’s leading fashion stylists.

Fresh from judging the Fashion in the Field competition at Riccarton Park, the former Best Dressed Lady talks to us about summer trends, orange jeans and her work as an accountability coach.

What stood out for you from the outfits you saw this Cup and Show Week? What do they signal for summer? It’s always the colour in racewear and the attention to detail that is inspirational. We saw the main theme colours for summer showcased – yellow, strong blue and green. I saw a peek of these at New Zealand Fashion Week in August and it was lovely to see them reflected in the Fashion on the Field entrants. This summer is all about the sleeve (still!), tiered dresses, maxi skirts, relaxed silhouettes, matching sets and suits in all forms, and flat footwear.

some cases were not feeling great about who they are, I was talked into helping one lady get herself to a healthy place with her nutrition and activity and thus resulted in her feeling better about her image.

This is not for everyone and I strongly advocate accepting yourself for who you are, where you are. However, sometimes we need help to get there and that’s where I offer a boutique, exclusive service that helps you achieve your fitness goals. I have worked in the fitness industry and a PT and group fitness instructor as a side hustle for 30 years so bring that expertise to this area.

Tell us about your work as an accountability coach? After years of working with women who in

You are involved with Dress for Success, a charity that helps women in need prepare for job

What excites you about Christchurch in the summer?

The beach and the amazing views over the Port Hills in the sunshine.

Sumner beach and Godley Head walkway. Akaroa Harbour and the beach….

You’ve got friends coming from out of town. Where do you go and what would you do to show off the city in — two hours: Lunch at Riverside and car trip up the Port Hills to look at the view. a half-day: Tram ride around the city getting off at The Arts Centre, Cashel Mall, The Square and soaking in the atmosphere of the Art Gallery. 24 hours: Stay in The Observatory Hotel in The Arts Centre, dinner at 5th Street, walk up Harry Ell track, visit the shops in the city, lunch at Riverside, do a yoga class at Hot Flow Yoga on Fitzgerald Ave. Where do you go to — Wine and dine with friends: 5th Street, King of Snake, Zodiac, Tutte Bene.

Morning coffee: Dusk, Truffle and Coca Black. I’m a chai latté and cheese scone type of girl so these are my absolute picks! brightred.co.nz

34 CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ City Edit Summer 2023/24