Letter to our readers

Here at Cityscape, we are all about getting you off the couch and out and about in our wonderful city, whether you're into the arts, events, culture, great food, cheap eats, cool bars or anything in between. But with many events being cancelled and people becoming wary of attending large gatherings, we realise it might not always be possible to get out and about as much as we would like.

In times like this, following the 5 Ways to Wellbeing becomes a challenge but it also becomes even more important. Finding ways to continue to Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give will help us get to the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic in the best shape possible.

Things have changed though, and in response we will be focusing on a new way to experience the city. We're still going to tell you about the best events that are going ahead, the coolest hidden bars, the best out-of-the-way restaurants and the most interesting artistic offerings. If you can get out to spend time in these places and it's safe for you to do so, we encourage you to show your city some love and have a wonderful time while helping those who may be struggling. But if you're stuck at home and not able to enjoy those things, we're going to show you a way to bring them into your own living room. For once, we say it's OK to stay on the couch.

Please email and tell us about your cool event, your hot venue and the things people can do to help support you and your business. If you offer delivery or have a website where people can see your work, let us know. And let us know how we can help you. We will do everything we can to support the rich, diverse cultural life our city has to offer.

Many of us experienced the disruption wrought by the earthquakes and also by the terrible events of a year ago, and we know the drill. Keep going out as long as it's safe and practical to do so, and engage with your city and each other from home as much as you can. We have to help each other out, support each other and be both patient and kind.

Kia kaha, Christchurch – stay strong.

Letter to our readers