Stories

The lineup for The Great Kiwi Beer Festival has just dropped, and we’re getting our elbows out for places in this queue, because it is looking FIERCE. Headlining the day are old-skool Kiwi rockers Zed, and 80s icons Hello Sailor. ZED originally formed while the band members were students at Christchurch’s Cashmere High. They all shared a passion for guitar pop – fuelled by their parents’ old Beatles records, a bit of Crowded House, and radio stars Supergrass and Radiohead. Hello Sailor’s current line-up, featuring original members Harry Lyon and Rick Ball, is dedicated to keeping the music and memory of Dave McArtney and Graham Brazier alive. Powered by the indomitable rhythm of Rick Ball on drums and Paul Woolright on bass, they have the Sailor energy and attitude. Harry Lyon and Jimmy Taylor take care of the weaving guitars, and will take fans of the band’s classic sound right back...

Growing your own and spending time in nature has never been more popular, or more important. Cityscape digs up some tips for taking care of your plant babies, and predicts what will be the next hot thing in the plant world. Trends THE NEW MONSTERA We love our holey, 70s-vibing monsteras, but we reckon it’s time for another plant to have its time in the sun – the humble cactus. The bunny-ear cactus in particular has been having a serious resurgence, and we also love the wiggly leaves of the fishbone cactus – the kind of plant you can point at and say “My four-year-old could draw that!” GIY - GROW IT YOURSELF Herb boxes and potagers are the latest landscaping trend. The popularity of cooking at home and consuming locally grown produce has shot upwards like Jack’s beanstalk since Covid came on the scene, and what could be more local...

We take a look at what the hottest looks will be this summer, plus news from the Paris catwalks and some fashion tech to have you looking oh-so-flash. FASHION GURU IN YOUR POCKET No, it’s not too good to be true – it’s Your Style Journal, a step-by-step guide created by stylist Lou Heller to help you nail down a look that really works for you. It’s a series of six modules that you can work through at your own pace and come out the other end stylish, confident and authentically you. louhellerstylist.com SWEET LIKE CHOCOLATE It’s rich, it’s dark and it’s all over your closets this season – chocolate brown is warming up many 2021/22 summer collections and we are licking our lips at the prospect. MIX AND MATCH A quick fashion hack to elevate any outfit: go for contrast in your fabrics and styles for a look that’s a...

Cityscape gets skin-deep in the world of hair and skincare. What’s hitting the streets of Christchurch? And what’s inbound from overseas? SKINIMALISM If the past couple of years have taught us anything, it’s how to embrace getting back to basics. 2021 saw a paring back both of skincare routines and makeup looks for something simpler and more natural. 2022 is looking to keep running with the trend, with an emphasis on multitasking products and a less-is-more approach. A GREEN REGIME When it comes to your beauty regime, if you’re not taking steps to protect our planet, you’re doing it wrong. Sustainable ingredients, packaging and business practises are a positive sign of the times, and we are definitely here for it. THE WAY NATURE INTENDED Embracing natural hair is on the rise, with more ways to protect and care for your curls, kinks and coils than ever before. Styles that are easier...

For that final perfect touch on any outfit, check out Cityscape's picks of the hottest places to pick up some serious signature sparkle. enhanced geometry Filigree’s new Shard jewellery collection for spring/summer ‘21 is now online. Inspired by the formation of stones, the gems are honoured in clean minimal lines with diamond set details. Stones are defined by their inherent natural geometry and enhanced in Filigree’s handmade designs. filigree.co.nz Engaging decisions If you’re popping the question this year, you’ve got some serious ring-related choices to make. With the help of Roccabella, you can start from scratch and design a ring that tells your love story, or customise designer rings with the metal or stone of your choice. Roccabella stocks exclusive top-quality Hearts on Fire diamonds, and can also supply Diamond Foundry above-ground diamonds for a more carbon-neutral option. Read more about Roccabella's stunning range here. roccabella.co.nz 1880s to 2020s: Jewellery tech...

We've got your ultimate guide to finding the best secondhand shops, vintage stores and antiques stores in Christchurch, so next time you're on the hunt for a hidden gem, let your journey begin here! Love once more If you love quality brands and love an affordably priced garment, you’re going to extra love ReLove Clothing in Bishopdale. The racks are stocked with a rainbow of unique, stylish women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, footwear, and accessories. FB/reloveclothingchch Read more: Our top tips for shopping secondhand Charm by the sea If you’re on the hunt for your next fabulous vintage find, sleuth your way to Seaside Vintage at Brighton Mall. The open-plan store is rocking an extensive, ever-evolving selection of retro treasures, lovingly curated to combine a sense of nostalgia with the thrill of discovery. Find them on Facebook The tasteful eight The Woolston Emporium, a collector’s destination, has opened in Ensors Road....

This zesty and delicate cocktail is a favourite with the Kiwi Spirit team – classy, refreshing and perfect for brunch.  Located in beautiful Golden Bay, Kiwi Spirit Distillery is family owned and operated, producing unique, quality spirits from the purest homegrown ingredients. Ingredients 30ml Delightful Gin30ml Tangelo Liqueur30ml lemon juice1 tsp orange marmalade (smooth with as little peel as possible)IceLemon peel or toast for garnish Method Add all ingredients into a shaker and stir with a bar spoon until the marmalade has dissolved. Half fill with ice and shake shake shake. Strain into your glass and garnish with a lemon peel, or a piece of toast if you’re feeling particularly artistic. Read more: Tropical gin cocktail recipe Read more: Fresh, summery cocktail recipe kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

This tropical treat with a dry and refined finish was the winner of the Curiosity Cocktail Competition 2021.  Great flavour is the cornerstone of Christchurch local distillery The Spirits Workshop, best known for the fabulous Curiosity Gin and Divergence Whisky. Curiosity Gin is made in small batches, using whole botanicals steeped in a base spirit to create truly hand-crafted, aromatic gins. Ingredients 45ml Curious Dry Gin20ml passionfruit pulp extract10ml rosemary syrupIceBrut sparkling wineFresh rosemary for garnish Method Mix all ingredients together except the sparkling wine. Strain into a highball glass with lots of ice and top up with sparkling wine. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary. Read more: Fresh, summery cocktail recipe Read more: Zesty breakfast cocktail recipe thespiritsworkshop.co.nz

The flavour of this fresh, summery cocktail only intensifies after being left to infuse. Juno Gin creates artisan gins with seasonal botanicals and spices. Named after the Goddess Juno, linked with vital force, energy and eternal youth, the family-owned distillery uses a New Zealand-made copper still and locally-grown essential gin botanicals. Ingredients 2 slices cucumber2 apple slices2 wedges of lime2 basil leaves45ml Juno Extra Fine GinIce100ml apple juiceCucumber peel for garnish Method Add cucumber and apple slices, lime wedges and basil to a tall glass. Add Juno Extra Fine Gin, top with ice and add apple juice. Stir. Use a peeler to get a long thin strip of cucumber and thread it onto a skewer for garnish. Read more: Tropical gin cocktail recipe Read more: Zesty breakfast cocktail recipe junogin.com

Eye candy, or mouth candy? Cityscape tracks down Christchurch desserts that look and taste amazing. SPICED CARAMEL APPLE Where: Sweet Soul Patisserie. Why: This gorgeous shiny apple is Sweet Soul’s signature staple. It’s gluten free, made with vanilla and cinnamon mousse; caramelised apples, caramel spread and ginger crumbles around a caramel cake. Try the limited edition desserts, too!  sweetsoul.nz WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE AND GELATO Where: The Gelato Lab. Why: The Gelato Lab is a glorious concoction of traditional Italian-style gelato-making with amazing experimental flavours. The only way to top a cone of gelato from the Lab is to upgrade to a waffle. Fluffy on the inside with just the right amount of crunch, dripping with hot chocolate sauce, and of course served with your fave flavours of gelato.  FB/TheGelatoLabNZ ANJEER TRIANGLE Where: Bolina Sweets. Why: Christchurch’s home of Indian desserts, Bolina Sweets is dedicated to the time-honoured subcontinental tradition of tasty...

Christchurch artisan tea maker Mikaku Tea is now hosting tea blending and ceremony workshops throughout Christchurch – a relaxing evening of creativity, connection and nourishment. The workshop begins with a settling practice, guiding guests into relaxation and connection with the self, in preparation for intuitive tea blending. With a wide range of fruits, herbs and blooms provided, guests are given the opportunity to create their own unique tea blend to take home. The blending workshop is followed by a mindful tea ceremony, exploring different sensations while preparing, brewing and sampling one of the Mikaku Tea blends. At the end of the workshop, participants receive a care package with a Mikaku Tea blend, written tea meditation, and harakeke mala star to enhance at-home daily tea rituals. mikakutea.co.nz

Grain Coffee has built a reputation on the pillars of two very particular things: great coffee, and delicious cheese scones. The café sells out of these baked pockets of gold every day, and dedicated fans come from far and wide just to snap one up. One Grain scone superfan bikes in from Sumner to get their fix, and another rides in all the way from Ohoka at least once a week. The recipe may be top secret, but the Grain bakers say that it’s the slight touch of heat that makes them so delish. They’re served just as they should be – toasted and buttered – and there are gluten free versions available. FB/graincoffeesouthwark

It’s the moment fans of plant-based bistro Grater Goods have been waiting for: vegan maestro Flip Grater’s first cookbook is finally on the shelves. The gorgeous book is absolutely delectable, a feast for the eyes before you even don your apron. Filled with over 60 European-inspired vegan recipes, this book is all about indulgence, deliciousness, and being kind while you’re at it. gratergoods.co.nz

Corkin + Friends owner Stewart Corkin has got over 20 years of hair experience and has worked at the highest levels of hair styling in New Zealand. Stewart specialises in curly and shorter hairstyles, and says his salon specialises in “transforming hair into a statement that defines your unique personality”. Stewart introduces Cityscape to his hand-picked team of expert stylists and hairdressers. Chelsea Chelsea Palmer can usually be found in the salon rocking her blazer and Doc Martins style. She makes the most of the Corkin + Friends relaxed environment to have a laugh on the regular. Do you have a hair speciality? Blunt cuts, colour work and money pieces. What’s your favourite look? Seamless colours and blunt lobs and a good fringe or some stylish bangs. What inspired you to become a stylist? I always loved fashion and being creative. Hairdressing, you can be both. What’s good about working at The...

Mother-and-daughter team Megan and Isabella make exquisite products from scratch at Wildflower Botanicals. Everything about the shop is gorgeous, from the jars of colourful teas to the beautifully designed labels for the range of house-made skincare products. To Megan Sheppard, it’s important to make all her teas, balms, creams and other products on site. There’s no hidden factory, and certainly no hidden ingredients. They make fresh products in small batches, and don’t need to add preservatives or any unnecessary chemicals. Megan is a herbalist who works with over 400 different botanical ingredients to create her range of delicious and luscious products. She and Isabella moved from Kaikōura to Christchurch, along with the store, late last year to be closer to family – “A global crisis helps put these things in perspective,” Megan says. The 70-odd teas range from English breakfast, green, and white teas, to teas made from native herbs, and...

There’s no denying it: Christchurch loves its dogs. We’re a city of dog-friendly dining, dedicated dog parks and dog-commandeered beaches. Exercise, socialise and accessorise with Cityscape’s guide to living a dog’s life in Christchurch. The boss dog of dog parks, The Groynes comes complete with multiple fenced-off sections (two containing spring-fed streams perfect for splashing around), trees and long grasses, open spaces and bush walks, while agility courses make for plenty of stimulation. There’s always plenty of pup pals for ol’ waggy-tail to hang with. You can find more agility courses at Rawhiti Domain in New Brighton, Burwood’s Horseshoe Lake, and Radley Park in Woolston. For killer views of the city, Victoria Park has a great fenced-off area with long grasses and inclines perfect for tuckering out energetic fur kids, while huge open spaces and a decent hill walk make Halswell Quarry another popular choice (complete with coffee cart for thirsty...

Benji ‘The Jeans Whisperer’ has been working in the clothing industry for 15 years, setting up EnCompass eight years ago. He fits Cityscape out with some slick business advice.  First of all, why did you decide to open a fashion store? There’s lots of different reasons. I’ve always been into clothing, from a very young age I liked fashion and liked the latest trends. I decided to follow my passions and dreams to just be an owner/operator and work it like that. I think that’s what I’ve tried to achieve. What was your vision for EnCompass? I guess it was to have a multi-brand store based around denim, with a jean wall that would be quite majestic. I’m particularly passionate about jeans. Not so much the making side of things, although I do love that, but it’s just more how the fits and the silhouettes look on people, and the feel....

She’s for all the girl power things, water buffalos are her personal heroes, and her music career’s taking off at speed. Cityscape jams with Sarena Close, AKA Mousey about her upcoming album, touring, and the year ahead. How have you been since we last spoke to you in 2019? It’s obviously been unsettled madness from a global perspective but from a Mousey perspective we are doing great! I managed to write a whole album, we have recorded it and pretty much finished it. I’m so proud of what we have achieved. So you’ve got more new music in the works? Yes absolutely. Stay tuned for more new tracks. My excitement is kicking in and I can’t wait for you to hear what we have made over the last year. Your new single ‘The Bench’ has a fiery vein of girl power running through it. Is that a message that’s particularly important to...