Stories

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...

It’s film festival season, and with the full programme just released, we are already penning our must-watch list for Whānau Mārama New Zealand International Film Festival, opening at Lumière Cinemas and Isaac Theatre Royal on Friday 29 October. The French Dispatch In signature charming style, Wes Anderson pays homage to the golden age of journalism in this star-studded film, weaving three storylines together as a fictional Kansas newspaper prepares its final issue. The Lost Daughter A stunning adaption of Elena Ferrante’s book about motherhood gone astray, the directorial debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal is captivating and sensual, featuring a powerhouse performance from Olivia Colman. The Power of the Dog From incomparable New Zealand storyteller and director Dame Jane Campion, this menacing neo-Western is a fable of two brothers and the mother and son who come between them. My Salinger Year A young woman attempts to balance her writing ambitions with her new...

Wine and music are two of life's great pleasures, and Main Divide brings us both with the latest hand-picked compilation of New Zealand music. The team at Main Divide have been gracing our ears with their selection of quality homegrown tunes since 2008, and the latest volume promises more great tracks from established and up-and-coming artists. The compilations are designed to represent the current sound of Aotearoa, so there'll definitely be some sweet new bangers to discover as well as hits from faves like L.A.B. A lot has changed in the world since Main Divide's first compilation was released in 2008, but the positive effect of music on our lives and society as a whole has remained constant. It brings us together, lifts our mood, and can provide a sense of euphoria at its best. Enjoy a glass of wine and treat your ears to the latest Main Divide mix -...

Abandoned by his maker and treated to the worst of humanity’s scorn, Creature becomes intent on finding Frankenstein and making him pay. After being put on hold during the country-wide lockdown, The Court Theatre’s season of Frankenstein has come back to life. With an enforced pause less than halfway through the original four-week season, The Court Theatre has been working behind the scenes ever since to ensure that Frankenstein was ready to go as soon as alert levels allowed. The cast and crew are delighted to be able to revive their show with new performance dates. Extending the season did not come without its challenges, however, as Auckland-based lead actor Wesley Dowdell was unable to return for the renewed season. Victor Frankenstein Understudy and Movement Director Tom Eason will take up the role, and to ensure audiences are still able to experience the special magic brought by alternating two lead roles,...

You've been urged by the government, by scientists and medical professionals, even by Cityscape, and now you're being urged by your favourite Kiwi artists: get the vaccine and let's do summer like we used to! Delta is barking at our doors and our much-loved traditional summer of music, entertainment and festivals is under threat, so some of the biggest names in Aotearoa music have put out a call to encourage fans to get their vaccines and protect the live music sector we all love. With vaccination certificates announced by the government and looking to be rolled out in November, it is likely that being fully vaccinated will be mandatory to attend large-scale events. “Crowded House were truly blessed to play shows in Aotearoa NZ in March. Live concerts bring joy and freedom that lift the spirits of audience and artists alike. This summer NZ will be open again for concerts but you will...

Lick your lips and ready your palate - the South Island Wine & Food Festival is back this February, and the lineup is looking to be as tasty as the food. Along with 40 of the South Island's top wineries and some of the region's biggest names in food, the entertainment for the day will be headed up by old-school Kiwi music legends The Feelers, along with acclaimed and up-and-coming artists such as There's a Tuesday, Dillastrate, Lou'ana and Jack Page. Having gone from street busking to pioneers of the Kiwi music industry, The Feelers will perform gems from their massive catalogue of music, and all the classic hits you know and love. Hip hop funk duo Dillastrate have recently brought rapper LUIS into the fold, and their live gigs are legendary for their infectious energy and danceability. There's a Tuesday are an indie pop group that have been making appearances...

Ravenscar House Museum, the stylish new home for a wonderful collection that celebrates New Zealand art and artists is now open. You'll soon be able to view an incredible art collection curated over years by Christchurch's Wakefield family. Ravenscar House Museum will site opposite Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Drive in the central city. Designed by Patterson Associates, Ravenscar House Museum is the vision of Christchurch philanthropists Susan and the late Jim Wakefield who have gifted this new visitor attraction to the people of Christchurch and Canterbury through their Ravenscar Trust. The House Museum at 52 Rolleston Avenue displays the Wakefield’s art collection (the Ravenscar Trust Collection) of paintings, decorative arts, furniture and antiquities. Works include paintings by Frances Hodgkins, Colin McCahon, Ralph Hotere and a wide range of other beloved New Zealand artists. The Wakefields began collecting art in the late 1980s. Their collection was displayed in a lavishly-decorated and furnished...

It's going to be a season of classics in 2022 for the Royal New Zealand Ballet - the programme includes story ballets Cinderella and Swan Lake, as well as two dazzling showcases of shorter works. Some of the country’s – and the world’s – most respected choreographers will touch down in theatres across the country from February, with the mixed-bill Venus Rising kicking off the season in glittering, luminous style. Alighting in Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland, Venus Rising features works by Royal New Zealand Ballet alumna Alice Topp, choreographer in residence Sarah Foster-Sproull, and global dance legend Twyla Tharp.  Taking centrestage through May and June is an opulent production of Swan Lake. Influenced by the 1996 production by New Zealand ballet legend Russell Kerr, RNZB Artistic Director Patricia Barker is revisiting this timeless ballet to uplift the dramatic and technical brilliance of a new generation of RNZB dancers. With Tchaikovsky's romantic...