Stories

Caitlin Crisp is an up-and-coming star of New Zealand fashion. Her timeless, easy-to-wear pieces are in trendy boutique windows around the country, and she’s dedicated to supporting local fabric and trimming suppliers. Caitlin fits Cityscape out with the deets on growing up in Christchurch, Project Runway and the evils of low-rise. We’re keen to get to know a bit about the woman behind the designs. How would your friends describe you? Motivated, loyal and lots of fun! Outside of fashion, what are your passions? I enjoy being outdoors and on the weekends you'll often find me sailing or on a hike with my partner. I also love a night out with the gals. What’s your favourite story about one of your Kiwi fabric suppliers? Ooh I have a good one. I always leave my fabric scissors around the studio in silly places so they end up being used to cut paper and...

From his studio in Wellington, Bruce Mortimer produces excellent artworks in many different styles, from fine art photography to expressionistic paintings. He paints us a picture of his life as he prepares for the 2022 Christchurch Art Show. Tell us a bit about yourself. Third Culture kid, creative from a young age, and a fine art photographer for much of my adult life before rediscovering traditional mediums. Ambidextrous, multilingual and difficult to categorize, I am no more an artist than I am the other pursuits that I have. I am an explorer and adventurer by nature, I renovate my own property, I play and listen to music, I have some enthusiasm for vehicles and mechanics, I am innovative, an athlete and I am interested in psychology. I trained as an earth scientist. I've left some stuff out because I get overwhelmed, let alone anyone else reading this. What kind of art...

You might call Duncan Nash an industrial artist, or you might just call him a guy who likes to get his hands dirty working with tin. He tells us about his bruises, interesting movie preferences, and upcoming display at The Christchurch Art Show. Tell us a bit about yourself. Well I'm an import, as I was born and grew up in the UK. I've always had a passion for art and building things. My dad's motto used to be "why would I buy one when I can make it myself," so that definitely inspired me to get creative. I've studied product design and illustration and worked as a graphic designer, screen printer, signwriter and technical illustrator. I love anything which engages my art brain and lets me learn new skills. I came to New Zealand in 2000 and made the move to Christchurch in 2012 to be part of the re-build....

The annual Christchurch Art Show Top 10 artists are some of the best Aotearoa has to offer. Each of these spectacular specimens of painting, sculpture and photography was one of the best sellers at least year’s Art Show, chosen by the art lovers who visit the show. The Top 10 always encompass a broad range of styles and media, proving Christchurch art lovers’ great and varied taste. Here are this year’s ten not to miss, in no particular order: Contemporary landscape painter Jane Riley from Kaikōura. Sculptor and figurative painter Odelle Morshuis from Central Otago. Graffiti and resin artist Rachel Rush from Auckland. Contemporary still life artist Janine Whitelaw from Northland. Floral contemporary painter Angela Maritz from the Bay of Plenty. Wood and resin sculptor Samwell Warren from Wellington. Traditional Aotearoa landscape painter Wayne Edgerton, Southland. Contemporary painter Yana Meech from the Bay of Plenty. Contemporary landscape painter Liz Turnbull from...

SCAPE Public Art will once again be gracing the streets of Ōtautahi with a themed series of sculpture and art, starting in early November and running through January next year. The season will feature eight recognised local and international artists, each of whom will design and install a piece of art to fit the season's theme: Sweat Equity. The term 'sweat equity' refers to the share a founder earns in their own company by increasing its value through hard work. Here's the explanation of the theme in SCAPE's own words: "'Sweat Equity' is a neoliberal fantasy, a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps fairytale about how we can all make it if we work hard enough." Sweat Equity is the third and final theme in an overarching Fictions series set by managing curator Jamie Hanton. The first Fictions season was in 2020, themed Secrets and Lies, and the 2021 Fictions season was themed Shadows Cast. "Fictions...

All the entertainment you'll need for the month of May, on the small and big screens, books to lose yourself in and new albums to rock out to. Bingewatching on the small screen Stranger Things Season 4 If we had Eggos here in Aotearoa, we’d definitely be stocking up on them for a serious bingewatch of Stranger Things’ fourth season. It picks up six months after the end of the third season, and we’ll get to see how the characters are dealing with the aftermath. Whether Eleven will get her full powers back, what exactly the Soviets are planning, and what really happened to Hopper are questions we can expect no doubt thrilling and terrifying answers to over the course of the season. Anatomy of a Scandal A courtroom drama miniseries based on the bestselling novel by Sarah Vaughan. The life of Sophie Whitehouse (Sienna Miller) spins out of control when...

What started out as a way to get more homegrown tunes on the radio all the way back in the year 2000 is now a fully-fledged, 31-day celebration of the talent produced right here on our shores. It is an anticipated event on our cultural calendar, and one that artists from up and down the country, established and fledgling alike, get whole-heartedly behind. This year’s theme is Level Up, all about shining a light on the up-and-comers set to be our next big stars. It is supported by a range of events designed to help artists upskill and advance to the next level of their careers, such as Synthonics Electronic Music Production workshops run by RDU 98.5. There will also be gigs, new releases, music documentaries and other special events throughout the month, so ways to get your groove on are basically endless. If you need an extra helping hand, check...

Rickie Dee and James Rigden started contemporary fashion boutique Superette when they were 21. Cityscape catches up with them two decades later to bask in some business wisdom. Congratulations on 20 years in business! Did you ever think Superette would go this far? Rickie: Thank you! To be honest, I don’t think we really thought about it. We were always taking it day by day. Not forecasting for the future in any way. We did have a lot of odds against us, being young, doing something that was so new and fresh, being in the back streets. But we were so motivated to do what we could to make it work. James: There were a lot of lessons learnt before we learnt how to forecast. That first decade was really about figuring it all out. I remember there was someone that was overheard saying “These guys won’t make it past six...

Here's an idea for your next office party or social get-together. Supa Karts has the meanest, fastest group activity in Christchurch: endurance kart racing. What's it all about? Well, you get a crew up to 48 people together, divide yourselves into teams, and take to the race track to test your tactics and driving skills in a relay event that’ll have you speeding up to 35 kilometres an hour, overtaking, and strategically pit stopping while your team frantically wave coloured flags at you. The Supa Karts team promise three things: it will get fast; you will have fun; and the unique experience will bring your team together in ways you never expected. Comes highly recommended for anyone with a competitive streak and a need for speed. supakarts.co.nz

Cityscape checks out the new health and wellbeing hub in Mandeville Street. This building has been well-known for hot yoga for over a decade, and the new-look studio is operated by long-time instructor Sarah O'Connell. Sarah describes the retrofitted studio as “cavernous” – it’s got a special feel. Unlike the light filled studios you maybe use to, Soul Studio’s colouring and dimmable lights give the ample space an intimate feel. The new fitout also features a modern sound system and the quality is clear as soon as the soundscape comes on. Soul Studio instructors teach a range of modalities including yin, vinyasa, restore, power and 26/2 (bikram). Inclusivity is fundamental nomatter your schedule, so first classes start at 6am and the last finish at 9pm.  soulstudio.co.nz

Koko, Sāmoan cacao, is pumped with antioxidants, magnesium and other life-enriching nutrients, and it tastes great. Two Christchurch sisters are making magic with this super ingredient. Sisters Lizzie Fa’avae-Vili and Faga Fa’avae are bringing a special flavour to Christchurch: quality baked goods made from traceable and sustainable koko (cacao) grown on their family farms in Sāmoa. Their bakery, named Sisterkoko, bakes delectable brownies using unrefined dark Sāmoan koko with its unique smoky taste.  The brownies have a distinctive smoky koko taste to them, and they're stunningly delicious without being overly sweet (a common brownie pitfall). Sisterkoko bakes limited batches, so if you're wanting to give this fad a spin while it's still in the 'pre-cool' stage, send the good sisters a message and pre-order some brownies well in advance of when you need them. sisterkoko.nz

These hot colourised lashes stand out from the crowd and say “I’m killin’ it”. A bit of sparkle, a dash of  rich purple, green or blue. This look is all about giving those eyes more pop than they've ever experienced before. Beauty and makeup specialist Lauren Proud couldn’t find anyone doing the colourful lash extensions she was looking for, so she set out to do it herself. Lauren’s studio Proud Beauty in central Hereford Street is the culmination of her global experience in TV show, runway, photoshoot, editorial, formal and wedding makeup. As well as custom creative eyelashes, Proud Beauty’s services include henna brow shaping, brow laminations, lash lifts, cosmetic tattooing and teeth whitening.  proudbeauty.co.nz

Try these yummy vegan Panna Soaps for herbal and mineral benefits that go far beyond clean skin. Shea Butter & Lavender Soap: Shea nut extract moisturises, while lavender can calm your mood. Charcoal Soap: Cleanses toxins, binds to the dirt in your pores, and can help with pimply skin. Oatmeal Soap: An all-natural exfoliant, oatmeal protects and gently cleanses dry skin, while balancing pH levels. Pink Clay Soap: Like a moisturising clay mask for your whole body, with tea tree essential oil to help fight fungus. Coffee Soap: Contains antioxidants and age-fighting nutrients to detoxify and cleanse. Panna Soaps are handcrafted in small batches and made with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial preservatives. The scents come from pure essential oils, and the colours come from natural ingredients like clays, herbs, coffee, cocoa powder and spices. pannasoaps.co.nz

Tea is social, calming, and creative. It shouldn’t always be a case of dropping a bag in a cup and forgetting about it. Upping your understanding and getting creative with tea helps you enjoy it even more. Leeya at Christchurch’s own Mikaku Tea is sharing her creativity with the world. Mikaku Tea workshops are an opportunity to learn about tea, blend your own tea, slow down, and connect to yourself. Leeya runs them monthly, and every second month in 2022 she is collaborating with another local creative for an experience that joins a love of tea with activities such as yoga, blending botanical essences, and watercolour painting. Mikaku Tea is a boutique tea studio, drying and hand-making teas from locally grown and foraged organic fruits, herbs, and flowers blended with premium tea bases. mikakutea.co.nz

Lala Lifestyle has arrived in Victoria Street! The high-end linen and homewares store’s new home is a beautiful, spacious studio with huge windows and a ton of possibilities. Cityscape checks it out. The space is fitted out in inspirational design, full of tempting buys for your next interior glow-up. Owner and international interiors pro Monique Bohnenn says customers can expect to see exciting new things. We’re amped to see her promised “huge expansion” of the entire Lala range. Looking for a finishing touch for your interior? Investigate custom cushions from the store’s wide range of fabrics, or book a private consultation with Monique to take your interior decorating game to the next level. She’s got the expert eye to help you design a luxurious and stylish home you never want to leave. lalalinen-nz.com

Hot coffee and a fresh bagel – it’s the classic match-up and Grain Coffee has mastered the art. The Southwark Street café has just launched a killer range of made-to-order bagels. The menu is packed with masterpieces like Apricot and Walnut Cream Cheese with Sprouts, and Sopressa Salami with Chilli Jam and Rocket. Or you can pick your favourite Grizzly bagel (poppy seed for us, please) and design a delicious filled bagel with a selection of tasty fillings or schmears. The team are all geared up so you can grab and go, or eat in and enjoy a moment of peace with a cup of Coffee Supreme. graincoffee.co.nz

The huge amount of houses on the market means buyers have plenty of option, but sellers still hold the reins in Canterbury. According to data from realestate.co.nz, property stock – the number of properties for sale – is up 70.8% around the country compared to this time last year. The property listing website has declared Wellington and Auckland buyers' markets, with prices falling and the average time to sell increasing. Hawke's Bay, Otago, and Manawatū/Whanganui are all likely to follow suit this month, but Canterbury is holding strong for sellers, and prices held more or less steady in the region through April. Vanessa Williams, spokesperson for realestate.co.nz, says buyers are getting a bit more breathing room after a couple of years of having to move quickly to secure property. "These stock increases likely mean there is less of a rush for buyers to make decisions." The number of new listings in...

Located in beautiful Golden Bay, Kiwi Spirit Distillery is family owned and operated, producing unique, quality spirits from the purest homegrown ingredients. The distillery's Waitui Whiskey is based on an old world tradition, with its own uniquely Kiwi flavour. Cityscape asked the creators to show off their whiskey's malty goodness in an original cocktail you can make at home. The addition of apricot liqueur brings new life to this cocktail classic. The apricot is sweet, tart, light and delicious, the perfect addition to almost any whiskey cocktail. Ingredients 30ml Waitui Whiskey20ml Kiwi Spirit Distillery Apricot Liqueur30ml fresh lemon juice3 drops Foamee cocktail foamer Method Add all ingredients into a shaker and shake for 15 seconds. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy. Read more: The story of Waitui Whiskey's unique New Zealand-ness kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz