Stories

The Wellington real estate scene has officially turned to a buyers’ market, with Auckland and other big centres expected to follow. As the national property market continues to cool, Christchurch sales are holding strong and prices continue to slowly rise, but a few indicators show that it may flip over to a buyers’ market later this year. Data from realestate.co.nz show that after several years of fast sales, properties in Wellington are now taking longer to sell than the average sale time over the last 15 years. This is a sign that the capital has turned to a buyers’ market. Auckland property sales are also slowing down and getting close to that 15-year average, which may indicate a trend for the rest of the country. It’s still a good time for sellers in Canterbury, with the data showing that if no new properties came on the market from today, it would...

Our gardens are outdoor sanctuaries, providing us with inspiration, moments of solace and connecting us with nature. They consist of a combination of fixed elements such as decks, paths and pergolas, along with dynamic elements such as planting and wildlife. With more time spent at home during these travel-restricted times, we are interacting more with our gardens, but how can our gardens become more interactive? Adrian Taylor tells us. Foraging Edibles can be integrated throughout your garden, and not confined to raised veggie planters or pots. Passionfruit on sunny fences, herbs with your ornamentals and botanical garnishes around the edges will lure you out for fresh deliciousness. Allow edibles to self-seed for free, future foraging to naturally occur. Playfulness Whether you’re a young child or a ‘big kid’, we all have imaginations which enjoy play. Add in fun ways to journey through your garden, create hidden spaces and surprises, turn rainfall...

Win friends and influence people by giving your next dinner party a fun (and delicious) theme. Themed food is a great start, and if you want to dive right in there’s a ball of fun to be had in themed décor, music and even clothing. It doesn’t even need to involve a ton of work – pot luck is your friend! Midwinter Christmas Indulge in all the cold-weather traditions we don’t get to partake in during our real holiday season: ugly sweaters, roaring fires, mulled wine, and a big roast dinner with flaming Christmas pudding. Bonus points for Christmassy scented candles – try the cinnamon Love Light Soy Candles at Exquisite Gifts by AJ. You can also get Christmas Tree and Christmas Lily scented home fragrances from Fragranzi for the smell of Christmas all year round. TV or movie themed If you want to make it easy on yourself, go for...

Dux de Lux is coming back! A group of dedicated people are putting their heads together to restore the legendary Christchurch music venue. Cityscape is 100% behind this idea, so here’s the story of the new Dux, and how you can help. James Stewart had a light bulb moment when he saw a famously optimistic friend of his down in the dumps in central Christchurch. “I’m just pissed off,” the friend said, “because every time I walk past the Dux, I get really disappointed that we’re a decade on from the earthquakes and nothing gets done about it.” The friend went on to talk about how he’d met his wife at Dux de Lux, and how he had a lot of good memories tied up in the establishment. “I got thinking,” James says. “I’m the same. I’ve got so many memories in that place. I wished there was something I could...

You’ve mastered the art of homemade sourdough, you’ve thrown everything you can think of in the air fryer and you’ve had enough baked feta to last you a lifetime… so what are the new food trends to sink your teeth into in 2022? Reducetarianism We’re leaving hard-and-fast rules back in ‘21 and focusing on the changes we can sustain. The latest trend to sweep the culinary world, and a happy middle ground between carnivore and vegan, is a little something called reducetarianism. It’s all about doing what you can: whether it’s a regular meat-free Monday or switching to oat milk instead of cow’s, whatever works for you is key. Eating less meat and more plants has now become decidedly mainstream, and with plant-based alternatives to animal products in every supermarket, it’s never been easier to cut a little bit more meat and dairy out of your diet. The return of the...

Christchurch's new convention centre is officially inducted in the sustainability hall of fame, taking home a Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award from Qualmark. This is a big deal, especially so soon after Te Pae opened to the public. Following on from its earlier achievement of Toitū enviromark gold certification, Te Pae is already blazing a trail to a new standard in sustainable building. Read more: Behind the scenes of the new Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele said he was very proud of what the team had achieved so soon after opening. “Very early on in our journey at Te Pae Christchurch we set a standard for how we want to operate and work with clients, suppliers and our industry. Sustainability and strong focus on customer service are key pillars for us and it’s humbling to see our efforts recognised with gold by the Qualmark...

Hills Boutique, a Christchurch fashion store rocking exclusive European looks, has found its new home in The Colombo. The new shop is larger than any of Hills Boutique’s previous locations, with huge front windows showcasing the latest fashion the way it should be – visible to all the world. On display are exclusive pieces from Denmark, Greece, France, Spain, UK and New Zealand – including hot Kiwi label Dressed New Zealand. “I absolutely love the Dressed label,” says Hills Boutique manager Sarah Hunt. “It’s Christchurch-designed and a great fit. It’s made in New Zealand for the average woman.” The boutique launched in Hornby in 2019, just before the pandemic hit. It was supposed to be a short term pop-up, but there was such a good response from customers, the store needed a forever home. It was a bit of a journey, with the uncertainty of Covid making it difficult to find...

Whether you're keen to hit up some big Christchurch gigs, or planning to get on the road for an Auckland, Wellington or Dunedin show, there's no doubt the options for international acts are opening up. Flex your ticket-buying fingers and practise your dance moves because these gigs are going to be well worth the two years we’ve spent waiting for them. Ed Sheeran just announced he’s going to be treating Kiwis to two huge shows next February, and we are fizzing for it. Don’t lament the long wait too much, though – there are plenty of equally awesome concerts to let your hair down to between now and then. In September, Grammy Award-winning punky pop princess Billie Eilish will rock out the stage at Auckland’s Spark Arena, with three incredible shows poised to show off her killer vocals and signature stage presence to maximum effect. Next up is the pop phenomenon...

If you’re spending more time at home you can do yourself a favour by maximising creature comforts. With just a few small touches here and there, you can make your home into the peaceful haven it was always meant to be. Going green It’s scientifically proven that filling our homes with greenery has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing, physical health and productivity. This part’s not exactly science, but plants add some sweet aesthetic to your space as well. Court Florist’s range of seasonal flowers to suit any style or occasion, and there is literally nothing stopping you from getting flowers for yourself. You’re worth it! For greenery of the more permanent kind, check out Moffatt’s selection of houseplants. Read more: If you're not living in an indoor jungle, you're not really living. Bring the good vibes There are a few things that can add a peaceful, relaxing aura to...

You saw it here first – these are the must-reads of the season. Find a comfy seat, prepare a pot of tea and some biscuits, because these books will draw you in from the very first page. To Paradise – Hanya Yanagihara From the author of A Little Life, this powerful novel takes place in an alternate version of America, beginning in 1893 when New York is part of the Free States and people are free to love whomever they please. The book is divided into three sections over three centuries, including the AIDS epidemic of 1993, and a plague-ridden totalitarian vision of 2093. Shackleton – Ranulph Fiennes This biography of Sir Ernest Shackleton tells the incredible tale of his ill-fated attempt to traverse the Antarctic – cut short when his ship became trapped in ice. Polar adventurer Ranulph Fiennes gives an engaging account of how Shackleton and his men survived...

Three Boys Brewery’s Ralph Bungard wants us to think about catching up on dining out to save our city’s iconic hospo scene. Here’s one for you: A customer walks into a bar. “I’ll have 12 starters, 12 mains, 12 desserts and 24 pints of beer please, waiter.” “Oh, are you expecting company?” The waiter retorts. “No, it’s just me today,” says the customer, “I didn’t manage to make it out much in the last couple of years and I’m just catching up!” A most unlikely scenario, right? And not even a funny joke! At the heart of the sentiment though is the guts of why hospitality and all those peripheral to it are among the hardest hit in these times. I’m not saying that other businesses are finding our new Covid world easy. Far from it. But the difference for hospitality compared with, say, painting your house, is that your house...

Put on your comfiest trackpants and grab several hours’ worth of supplies, because these shows are going to keep you absolutely hooked. Ozark Season 4, part 2 All the drugs, money, crimes and dirty deals are coming to a head in the second half of a season that’s already been a wild ride. Whether the money-laundering Byrdes will be able to walk away unscathed is another question entirely. Succession Season 3 Following the super-wealthy Roy family and their entertainment and media empire, this award-winning series pulls you right in with magnetic characters and their Machiavellian schemes to gain power over the family business. The Sex Lives of College Girls Created by the ever-hilarious Mindy Kaling, this sure-fire winner is all about the dramas and pitfalls of four roomates at a prestigious college as they navigate life, romance, cultural differences, and closeted lesbianism. Wentworth Season 9 Get ready for the final season...

Craft food is a whole different and rewarding experience. Shelves filled with intriguing ingredients, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and little bonus finds to pop in your basket (Mexican chilli hot chocolate balls, yes please!). Get to know your local gems and support small business owners while you’re at it – supermarket shopping is so 2019, darling. Keeping it fresh and fruity at small grocers Locally grown, in-season and organic fruit and veggies are the raison d’être at these fresh goods businesses. Marshland Road is a fruit and veggie hotspot where excellent greengrocers rub shoulders and show off praiseworthy produce. Vegeland’s classic green crates are piled high with honest, imperfect, fresh and flavourful produce for very affordable prices. Your veggie bin will always be stocked with a subscription box from Streamside Organics, a certified organic garden farm in Leeston. You can also find Streamside stalls selling top-notch farm produce at Christchurch farmers’...

Take your palate on a tour of Aotearoa's premium wine regions at Winetopia Christchurch, the best place to sip and discover beautifully blended wine from around the country. Taking place at Te Pae Christchurch on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 August, Winetopia is the biggest and tastiest celebration of wine in New Zealand. Wine lovers will savour the opportunity to sample wines from every major region in the country, from Marlborough Albariño to Central Otago Pinot; Northland Chardonnay to Hawke's Bay Syrah. Now in its 7th year, this prestigious event sees around 250 wines from the exceptional past two vintages being opened for tasting. A limited number of special Golden Coins will be available to purchase ahead of the event. These coins allow the holder to taste one of the country's most prestigious wines, retailing for over $100 per bottle. Tickets include access to 50-plus top wineries in New Zealand; incredible food...

Wine lovers everywhere rejoice – we can still take part in a celebration of Central Otago's wines. The difference? We'll be sipping from the comfort of our living rooms. The great wine minds behind Ripe: The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival are thinking outside the case with their latest idea. It may well be the first virtual wine tasting event of its kind, dedicated entirely to Central Otago's famous drops and encouraging people to hold their very own mini wine festivals at home. The virtual event will take place on Saturday March 19, the same day of the original event, and will feature seven wineries presenting two wines each over the course of the afternoon. The winemakers will be joined by sommelier Candice Chow, who will help showcase each outstanding wine. Guests will be cheking out wine from Akarua, Gibbston Valley, Mount Michael, Maori Point, Maude, Misha’s Vineyard and Quartz Reef...

Love it or hate it, it’s an excuse to get out with your loved one, and that’s got to be good! Sick of the candlelit dinner scene? Cityscape has some unique ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Ōtautahi. And yes, you may pretend you came up with these ideas yourself. Get your hair cut together If you and your sweetheart have been rocking the overgrown yeti look for a little too long, make an experience of it and book a tandem hairdo. Have a laugh watching each other in the stages of transformation, and take some hella cute selfies when you’re both looking fly as all get out. Mod’s Hair in Merivale is the ideal spot for a date night makeover: it has a Perrier Jouët Champagne bar, cocktails and tasty bites so you can Valentine’s in style. Hear us out… scavenger hunt Interactive, explorative and always fun, scavenger hunts are...

Shoppers looking for unique fashion have one more reason to visit The Colombo as Hills Boutique opens the doors on its new store. The store launched in early 2020 and quickly made a name in the Christchurch fashion scene. Hills Boutique's new home is in prime position in The Colombo, next to the dining area. Hills Boutique specialises in fashion for men and women, with collections to fit anyone out for looking fly in the street, tidy in the office, or swish with a cocktail in hand. The new store is celebrating its opening weekend with new autumn and winter collections as well as a sale on summer items. hillsboutique.co.nz

Tuck your napkins into your collars and prepare for a feast: the results are in for the 2021/22 Cuisine Good Food Awards, an annual industry celebration regarded as the country's pre-eminent hospitality awards list. Seven Christchurch establishments hit the list this year, an impressive tally of local restaurants and bars going toe-to-toe with big hitters and celebrity chefs from Auckland and Wellington. Now in its 16th year, and the only nationwide restaurant awards programme of its kind, The Cuisine Good Food Awards are viewed globally as the authority on the dining scene in New Zealand. The full list of 135 restaurants spans from Russell to Dunedin and showcases the incredible strength of Aotearoa's restaurant industry. Christchurch shines in the list with seven placements, as well as a category winner in Tussock Hill Cellar Door Restaurant - one of three in the One to Watch (Rising Talent) category. Below are the fabulous Christchurch...