Stories

Head to Tail is your go-to for dog walkies, training and more – owner Nicole fetched some details for Cityscape. What motivated you to start your pet care business? I always knew I wanted to work with animals. Straight out of school I went into vet nursing training and the following year started work in a vet clinic. I loved my time as a clinic vet nurse but very quickly realised that I wanted more from my career and that working in a corporate environment was not for me. I love being outdoors and I really enjoy helping and working with people so I went to university to study more animal-specific papers, threw it all together, and Head to Tail was born. So you walk dogs and also do group training and private training sessions – are there any other services you offer? We also offer mobile vet nursing. This is...

The Royal New Zealand Ballet production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was unfortunately cancelled in Christchurch due to Covid restrictions, will now be pirouetting into your home for a strictly limited on-screen season. Ballet fans all over New Zealand and the world will have the exclusive opportunity to delight in fairies, lovers, mischief and moonlight conspiring in one of Shakespeare’s most beloved classic tales. Off the back of the sold-out season in Wellington, this specially filmed broadcast will ring in Christmas with a touch of magic. “Filmed over consecutive performances to capture a true experience of the live performance, including close-ups which take viewers into the heart of the action and brilliance onstage, this wonderful production brings as much joy to the dancers as it does to its delighted audiences. It is a special, sparkly pre-Christmas treat,” says RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker. “The nimble pivot to broadcast for our recent production The Firebird, for which the tour was of course also partially cancelled due to Covid, saw the online purchased by over 4,000 dance...

Woods Bagot design principal Bruno Mendes is the design leader of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, in conjunction with Warren and Mahoney. He Zooms in to tell Cityscape the story. Christchurch was the first New Zealand city Melbournian Bruno Mendes ever visited, long before the earthquakes when he was a student. Years later, he would find himself back here presenting a proposal to design the city’s largest new construction project: a convention centre. He has two mementos from that 2016 meeting, to remind him of what he set out to do. The first is an image of a high-budget Californian convention centre. “It’s an image of what every convention centre ends up being: a big box,” Bruno says. “Massive eyesores.” The other keepsake is a photo he took from the aeroplane window as he flew out of Ōtautahi: a classic Cantabrian braided river. Its flowing shapes would inspire the form of...

Ōtākaro general manager of development John O’Hagan is responsible for delivering all Crown-led Anchor Projects in Christchurch. He takes a minute to give Cityscape his thoughts on Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. When did you get involved in Te Pae? My time on the Anchor Project Delivery Programme started back while employed at the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority when the Blueprint for the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan was approved. The delivery responsibilities for most of the Anchor Projects then transferred to Ōtākaro in 2016. I have been involved in the development of the business case, procurement of the main contractor, and overseeing the construction of Te Pae. What has it been like, turning two flat blocks into one of the city’s biggest buildings? It has been extremely satisfying seeing the building of Te Pae Christchurch coming to fruition. The Blueprint located the convention centre pretty much in the centre of the...

Aroha Novak brings Cityscape up to date on her research into the forgotten flora of Hagley Park, and giving these plants a new life through art. Tell us about your work for SCAPE Season 2021. The work I am making for SCAPE focuses on the site-specific history of Hagley Park pre-settlement, particularly looking at the indigenous plant life that was removed in order to create Hagley Park. While researching I found a list of native plants that botanist JB Armstrong notated in 1864 at the Hagley Park site and got really excited at the prospect of showing these plants. The artwork will be large-scale botanical drawings of these missing, absent, forgotten, lost, eradicated plants and whakataukī related to this research. I am also proposing to create a small publication of the plants, which will look and feel like a botanical field diary, referencing the large scale works, with more of the...

Sione Monū is exploring variations on Tongan art with their installation ‘Ao Kakala Ōtautahi. They bring Cityscape up to speed on floral clouds and storytelling. Tell us about ‘Ao Kakala Ōtautahi. The works are an extension of my experimentations and explorations of nimamea’a tuikakala – the fine art of flower designing – in my practice. I’m really excited about working with the SCAPE team to install and present the floral works in the Cunningham House. It’s such a great opportunity. What does the name mean? ‘Ao means cloud and Kakala means floral in Tongan. How did you come to explore flowers and clouds in your art? It came about quite organically and has become a motif that I respond quite strongly to. A cloud to me is so dreamy; it can be sometimes grand, sometimes quiet and contemplative. It is quite joyful to me. And the art will be in Cunningham...

Ahead of the installation of her artworks in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Olivia Webb tells Cityscape about banners, complexity, and Christchurch’s perfect, nameless bench. Tell us about your work for SCAPE Season 2021. Resilience Training is a voluntary public performance artwork that intends to help us prepare for the seemingly unending series of crises that define our world today. The artwork reconsiders the four cardinal virtues – prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude – to virtues or practices that may provide better support or foundations for resilience in the future: mercy, poverty, humour, and courage. From each virtue stems a simple performance that people can choose to try: walking barefoot; carrying a rock; caring for a worm; or transporting water in a small clay pot. The performance is organised around four banners, stations positioned throughout the Botanic Gardens. Each banner acts as a gathering post for participants to offload, take-up, or change ‘performance’...

Stalwart Christchurch hospo family Julian, Hailey, Richard and Lisa Sinke have a new bar and restaurant by the sea – Sumner Social. Cityscape gets to know husband and wife Julian and Hailey. You’ve been busy on a new project – what can you tell us about Sumner Social?Julian: I was brought up in Sumner, I went to school there, and I’ve always been fond of the place. My father Richard always wanted to have a business there, but we kind of felt it was a bit close to home. It’s dangerous to be able to see work from your balcony. But around the beginning of this year, Richard approached us and said “I’ve found a really good site.” We originally had the idea of a bit of a hole-in-the-wall seafood bar, but once we saw the huge courtyard and the space, we saw it was an opportunity for a proper expression...

Heather Straka is tickled by the irony of being isolated in Auckland and unable to attend her own Isolation Hotel exhibition in Christchurch. She gets on the phone with Cityscape to talk art and life. Tell us about the Isolation Hotel photo series. This is the second series in a storyline. The first was ‘fire’, Dissected Parlour, and I wanted the second series to be the concept of ‘air’. It’s a 1930s-style dishevelled hotel. It’s the same characters from the previous series, looking as if they’ve just stepped off that set and have been sort of inhabiting the hotel and using it as a place of sanctuary. In the time of Covid, hotels have taken on new roles. You know, as well as a place you go on holiday, they are isolation facilities, or accommodation for people in need of housing. What story are you telling? There is an implied plot...

The Royal New Zealand Ballet's 2022 season will open with Venus Rising - a spectacular programme of three female-choreographed ballets that was originally cancelled in 2020 due to Covid-19. The radiant and much-anticipated programme is making its way to Christchurch on Friday March 4, capturing the spirit of Venus, the brightest of stars, a sacred goddess of love, and beauty and victory over adversity. The three extraordinary works choreographed by three formidable women include Aurum by Alice Topp, The Autumn Ball by Sarah Foster-Sproull and Waterbaby Bagatelles by Twyla Tharp. RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker describes the programme as "a generous, glorious celebration of ballet and the joy of pure dance created by some of the finest choreographers working on the international stage today." Meditative and moving, Alice Topp’s award-winning Aurum is inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, the practice of mending cracks in precious ceramics with gold, creating a...

It turns out our city is even more unique and interesting than we realised! We dug up weird and wonderful tidbits you may not have known about Christchurch, so read on for new fun facts to break out at dinner parties. Christchurch is the oldest city in New Zealand Yep, it was officially the first in the country to be declared a city by Royal Charter – all the way back in 1856, on July 31st. It precedes Nelson by two years. Discover more: Experience the closest thing to Christchurch in the 1800s by taking a stroll down the Christchurch Street in Canterbury Museum. canterburymuseum.com Before the Garden City, it was Cyclopolis Christchurch, with its wide, flat streets, has always been a city fond of cycling; in fact, in the early 20th Century it was nicknamed ‘Cyclopolis’ because so many people liked to get around by bike. Discover more: What better...

We’re blessed with easy access to lots of water here in Ōtautahi. But how can I enjoy the water in Christchurch? Well, we’re glad you asked. Surf all day Some of the best surf spots in Christchurch include New Brighton beach, Sumner beach, Taylor’s Mistake and North Beach, and if you’re among the uninitiated, never fear, you can be taught! There are a couple of excellent surf schools based in Sumner, and to get ‘em started young, the South Brighton Surf Club runs a Junior Surf Program for ages 5-13. Kayak Christchurch’s rivers and bays This one’s a classic – sitting in a slightly damp kayak seat, accidentally splashing yourself every couple of minutes but having the time of your life. Christchurch Sea Kayaking has a great range of tours starting from the Ōtākaro Avon River and heading all the way out to the estuary at Moncks Bay. If you’re more...

Looking for the perfect location to enhance the old Instagram grid? Cityscape’s list of the most ‘Grammable places in the city will have your next profile pic looking (chef’s kiss). Views from above in the Port Hills Stunning city and ocean views, dramatic rocky outcrops and even the odd sheep: the Port Hills are a photoshoot waiting to happen. In a gentle breeze you’ve got your own natural wind machine, and you haven’t truly experienced golden hour until you’ve seen it here; let’s just say that when the sun hits this ridge just right, these hills sing. The serenity of Ōtākaro Avon River The river is a gorgeous natural setting for a photographic genius, whether you’re reclining elegantly on a grassy bank or floating gently along in a kayak, canoe, or punt. Bring your daisy chains, duck food and waterproof camera. Admire the endless ocean from New Brighton Pier Even if...

Reusable water balloons and iconic huia feather earrings made from recycled plastic – Anthea Madill is bringing wicked planet-friendly products to the New Zealand market. She breaks down some of her products and processes for Cityscape. Your EcoSplat reusable water balloons are an awesome solution for sustainable summer fun – what went into designing them? My colleague and I started manufacturing reusable water balloons with her previous business, The Rubbish Whisperer. It took a lot of prototyping to find the design and material that worked best. We wanted to ensure that the sustainable alternative is as much fun, if not more fun, than disposable water balloons. EcoSplat has been three years in the making and we have now perfected them so they can be stocked in toy and gift stores around the country. It’s very exciting to be bringing a sustainable toy to Kiwi families this summer. What does mindful shopping...

There’s just one thing missing in central Christchurch right now: tourists. Never fear! Cityscape is here with your definitive guide for locals playing holidaymaker in the four avenues. Ogle in awe at Riverside Market It’s the first place we take visitors from out of town, and it should be your first stop for a day of hardcore touristing. Grab a breakfast and load up on artisan eats to last the rest of the day in this enormous, permanent, fully covered farmers’ market. Get the Christchurch eating experience at Little High Less a food court and more a permanent food truck collective crossed with an industrial-styled, grungy alleyway bar, this place goes off. Street food has become an icon of post-quake Christchurch and Little High is the place to enjoy the best of it in comfort. Punt on the Avon This is the literal postcard for Christchurch, and you’ve just got to...

Beautifying your liquor cabinet since last summer: these four bottles of delicious seasonal gin double as collectable works of art. Juno Gin mixed us up some fabulous cocktails to enjoy with a bottle of the new Spring 2021 Seasonal Release. Boutique distillery Juno Gin releases a new limited edition gin every season, and the Spring 2021 Seasonal Release is a bright, lemony gin with a salty tang, inspired by Mediterranean holidays in the sun. Part of the Artist Series: Escape 2021, the seasonal gins all feature original artwork from a local artist. The spring release is graced with a floral bouquet illustration by Llewellyn Parry, a Christchurch designer, illustrator and animator. Juno Gin hooked us up with some fresh, herbaceous cocktail recipes to make good use of this stunning bottle. High Tea This cocktail is subtle in flavour, very light and green. For a totally photogenic option, make chamomile tea ice...

Christchurch graphic designer and illustrator Llewellyn Parry’s art graces the bottle of Juno Gin’s Spring 2021 Seasonal Gin, one of four stunning collectible bottles released seasonally. He sketches out the details with Cityscape. Can you describe yourself in one sentence? Caffeine and ADHD, I’m pretty out there. Your design on the Juno Gin Spring 2021 edition bottle is stunning. Can you tell us about how you came up with it? It was quite an intuitive process, the illustration took around five hours to create. I had a spare evening to myself, and the brief for spring caught my eye. Keeping that in mind, I had an idea of the season of spring coming out of a glass of gin, the florals and the fantasy elements of the characters and birds, the smell of spring taking you back to being young. I wanted to capture the essence of coming out of winter...

She’s putting out her first new album in five years, Coming in From the Dark, featuring some awesome collaborations and some raw feelings. Singer-songwriter Hollie Smith strums out a few details on career highlights, The Mussell Inn, and not sacrificing small animals. How has your sound evolved since Water or Gold? So much has changed and happened in these five years but also only feels like five minutes ago that Water or Gold was out and that nothing has changed all at once. I guess 2020 will do that! I don’t know how to be objective around the way my ‘sound’ has evolved. I evidently outdid myself on procrastination, however. What aspects of your personality do you think come out in the music? I got taught a lesson very young about feeling a song opposed to simply singing it. I generally have to be very connected to what I perform and...