Stories

Having been a fan of gin all her adult life, Jo James needed little encouragement to try her hand at distilling it. She tells Cityscape about new flavours she is working on, and her favourite gin and food matches. Tell us what is special and different about your distillery? It’s family-owned and operated, located in New Plymouth, and proudly supported by the people of Taranaki. We designed and built our 400-litre copper still locally and are working with local horticulturalists and Massey University to grow the essential gin botanicals here in New Zealand. We are seeing international recognition for our signature gin, Juno Extra Fine, which uses these locally grown botanicals and has won seven international awards. Why gin? How did you get interested in making it? I have loved gin all my adult life – and the process of distillation was part of the degrees that Dave and I did....

Gin is back in vogue, and with such a variety it’s easy to see why. Deriving its predominant flavour from juniper berries, gin dates as far back as 1688 England, and was a popular cocktail option in the US during Prohibition. Today, we see brands experimenting with flavours including native New Zealand botanicals, and you can even find a vegemite and buttered toast-flavoured drop, courtesy of Archie Rose Distilling Co in Sydney. Known once as mother’s ruin, this modern tipple’s resurgence has been credited to a rise in the popularity of cocktails, the endless flavour combinations available, a number of moody boudoir-style bars popping up, including Christchurch’s very own gin gin, and festivals such as Gindulgence. Cityscape catches up with the crème de la crème of the city’s ginthusiasts. They share with us their best cocktail recipes, why gin has come back in fashion, what the future holds and the perfect...

It’s one of the most popular 2020 buzzword ingredients around anti-ageing, but how does collagen really work? Collagen is a protein that already exists in our body – it gives structure and strength to our skin, bones and muscles. Despite this, the natural production of collagen in our body slows down with age, illness or lifestyle factors. This is when wrinkles, weak joints, brittle nails and lacklustre hair begin to emerge. Thankfully, there are now several collagen-boosting products available to naturally improve our skin, hair and body. Powdered collagen is full of energy-boosting amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, and helps to increase skin strength and elasticity for plumper, younger-looking skin, as well as helping with joint, muscle and bone health. However, not all collagen powder is created equal, and you’ll want to ensure you’re consuming amounts that will actually make a difference. Kiki Health Marine Collagen Beauty...

By now you’ve probably heard of microneedling, but do you know the difference when it comes to Dermapen, the revolutionary treatment for signs of ageing, pigmentation and acne? Microneedling has fast become one of the most popular beauty treatments thanks to its ability to improve a wide range of skin concerns. It creates a clearer, plumper and younger-looking complexion by using the skin’s natural repair process. It is, however, important to do your homework on the clinics and treatments – the device type and products infused into your skin are crucial to the success of your skin rejuvenation. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for, and when it comes to your face do you really want to be skimping on quality? Dermapen is the original microneedling device – the first to be used by clinicians over 10 years ago – and after years of research and...

Curated wine flights and the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean make Cellar Door, in the Arts Centre, perfect for a night of culinary adventure. Sometimes a meal out is just that; other times it’s an adventure. Working our way through a curated wine flight while revelling in the flavours and textures of the Mediterranean at Cellar Door, the Arts Centre’s new wine bar, was definitely an adventure to repeat. Cellar Door is in the same location as the legendary Annie’s Wine Bar, where for several decades Annie Edmond helmed one of the city’s hottest haunts. Her legacy is alive and well in the hands of Tim Ogle and Kate Hide, who see themselves as guardians of the room’s past as well as steering it to a new future. Honouring that past goes all the way back to when the room formed part of Canterbury College’s School of Art – among the...

Body Mind Spirit – HEALTH EXPO returns to Christchurch in October. Cityscape talks to its driving force, Sunyar, about what’s featured this year and how a car accident prompted his own spiritual journey. What can people expect at the upcoming Body Mind Spirit – HEALTH EXPO? At every Body Mind Spirit – HEALTH EXPO you will see the latest A-Z range of health products and holistic services for a happier and healthier lifestyle and future. What’s new at this year’s expo? 2020 has been a stressful year with continuing uncertainty in these unusual times. We have many exhibitors who can assist and teach you how to relax, de-stress, find new direction with wellbeing, success, abundance and to tap into your full potential. Which speakers are you most looking forward to seeing? This is a tough question to answer as we have 64 free workshops on subjects from mindfulness meditation, yoga, detox...

Kira Josephson presents an Eliza for the #MeToo age in the Showbiz Christchurch season of My Fair Lady. She tells Cityscape it’s not a rewrite, just a return to the musical’s dramatic roots. What is the relevance of My Fair Lady to a modern audience? My Fair Lady deals with a lot of universal themes – education, class structure, inequality of the sexes. I think those are all very important issues that unfortunately are still relevant. The play is set in 1912, but even now in society women are marginalised and denied opportunities. I think it is inspiring to see how, through hard work and determination, Eliza can rise above her station despite everyone’s expectations. In the film My Fair Lady it’s all happily ever after but the original George Bernard Shaw play Pygmalion is much more ambiguous – which way does this production lean? Without giving too much away, I...

The Royal New Zealand Ballet continues to deliver beauty and grace across the stage for 2020. This season represents a new era in dance – the full repertoire is choreographed by women. Showcasing inspirational and internationally renowned female choreographers, Venus Rising (August 28/29) will be headlined by contemporary dance legend Twyla Tharp. This programme of four ballets includes the New Zealand premiere of Waterbaby Bagatelles, which showcases 27 dancers leaping and spinning across the stage in an ever-changing ocean of light. The last gem of the season is quintessential classic The Sleeping Beauty (November 19 – 21). The Christchurch Symphony Orchestra will accompany the dancers, performing Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous orchestral score. One for ballet lovers young or old. Unfortunately, Royal New Zealand Ballet has had to cancel performance of Venus Rising.rnzb.org.nz

There’s a lot going on with your production of Eight Songs for a Mad King – how would you describe it to the uninitiated? A slowly eviscerating work that stretches the human voice to its limits. The staging sounds very different – any unique challenges from that? We are pushing the form to the limits and are trusting the audience to go with it. What are you hoping your production will bring to the script? You say you want to break down barriers between performers and audience – how? The audience is so close to the performer that they literally feel him passing through them. He is so close to the audience that their reactions in turn affect his every nuance. It happens at a molecular level perhaps? You have a strong reputation for directing award-winning opera, what has been your favourite show to direct so far? I look forward. Time enough...

This year brings a new focus for New Zealand Opera – connecting with the people and stories of Aotearoa and introducing the artform to new audiences. Its ambition is to reimagine opera, embrace the cultural and social identities of our diverse communities, and ensure a vibrant and sustainable presence for opera in New Zealand. The production of Peter Maxwell Davies’ Eight Songs for a Mad King shows just how bold NZ Opera is prepared to be in its mission – director Thomas de Mallet Burgess recasts the historical figure of Mad King George into a modern-day corporate everyman. Partnering with the ground-breaking contemporary music ensemble Stroma, this modern take on opera promises to be a bold and immersive experience. Originally scheduled for March 25 – 29, this has been postponed to the end of 2020. In October and November, NZ Opera will present Poulenc and Cocteau's opera The Human Voice in...

Musical chameleon Michael Griffiths brings his Cole Porter tribute show to the Jazz and Cabaret Festival. He tells Cityscape what drew him to the songs of the Broadway maestro, and who his dream collab would be with. What are your favourite Cole Porter songs and why? I’m a big fan of 'Love For Sale', it’s so haunting and melancholy. Also hard to go past a good Porter ‘list' song, and ‘Let’s Do It’ always goes down a treat. The magic with Cole Porter is that you can have already heard his songs a thousand times and they remain still as delightful as on first hearing. The pining romance in ‘Night And Day’ is very special and I reckon that one's my favourite. When did you discover the music of Cole Porter? I studied musical theatre in the late ‘90s in Western Australia and I remember in history class being brought up...

Here’s something to look forward to – November’s inaugural Jazz & Cabaret Festival will bring joy and some sweet and sultry sounds to the city. Check out our Top 5 picks. 01 – Tina Del Twist Serving cabaret at its best, Tina Del Twist has a voice as smooth as silk and a sly comedic wit. Backed by guitar maestro Stephen Weir, they will perform songs of INXS, Nina Simone, Nat King Cole and more. 02 – Both Sides Now: Julia Deans Julia Deans will perform the classic tunes of Joni Mitchell. Deans’ vocal range jumps from sweet falsetto to low growl. Expect a personal and profound interpretation of Mitchell’s lyrical imagery. 03 – Michael Griffiths Aussie cabaret performer Michael Griffiths will bring his own flair to the timeless anthems of songwriter Cole Porter. The hits will include ‘You’re the Top’ and ‘It’s De-Lovely’. 04 – Hometown: Adele Covers Kate Taylor...

Jodi Wright founded Christchurch’s World Buskers Festival in 1994 and followed it up in 1995 with the inaugural Jazz and Blues Festival. Now she is at it again, this time with a week-long festival celebrating all things jazz and cabaret. She tells Cityscape what she loves about organising festivals, and what keeps her awake at night. How do you go about deciding on the lineup for a festival? I’ve learned a bit over the years about artists and acts who appeal to Christchurch audiences as I’ve spent a considerable amount of time attending national and international festivals, concerts and shows searching for acts to enlist for the World Buskers Festival and the Jazz and Blues Festival. What will be your own highlights in the festival lineup? Every single day of the festival has a show I need to experience. What is it about organising festivals that keeps you coming back for...

They’re big stilettos to fill but Caroline Borole welcomes the opportunity of becoming Tina Turner each night. The challenges of the role have made her a better performer, she tells Cityscape ahead of her Christchurch appearance in November. What’s the best thing about getting to be Tina Turner? It’s the notion of embodiment that comes with the role. She is very multi-faceted, and I enjoy every moment of her. What was your first response to getting to play such a huge role? My first response was nerves but at the same time full excitement!! Which of her songs do you enjoy performing the most? I enjoy singing all her songs but if I were to choose, I would say ‘Proud Mary’ and of course ‘Simply the Best’! Have you ever seen the real Tina perform? I have never seen her perform live but best believe I have watched every concert on...

It might be autumn but The Colombo is springing forth with growth and new businesses. Get along and see what is happening at this dynamic Sydenham hotspot – it’s just a five-minute walk from the CBD and there's ample parking. There’s always something going on at The Colombo. The various retail, food and entertainment options on offer make it the perfect place to connect with friends. Escape and explore the decadent culinary providers, the many fashion, beauty and homeware boutiques, and the day spa and cinema. The Rabbit ClubThis super funky canteen-style eatery is expanding, so there’ll be plenty more room to indulge in some of their delish salads and soups. Green Botanic There’s a new florist bursting with household plants and flowers to add a lush splash to your home. The Book ClubA cool wee nook perfect to read and purchase the latest releases, but also to attend book clubs with...

A world of food and drink await at the ultra-modern and happening surrounds of EntX Entertainment Central. Grab a bite to eat, quench your thirst and then kick back and enjoy the latest on the big screen. EntX is not just another food court. Diverse flavours and gastronomic experiences await in the ground-floor hospitality precinct. You can grab a satisfying meal or a quick bite with options from hot to cold and sweet or savoury. The eateries on offer include gastropub Cleaver & Co, which serves up some delicious BBQ dishes. Hanoi Old Quarter has the Vietnamese goods including spicy noodle phos, braised pork belly and classic sweet and sour stir-frys. Simple, fresh and tasty dishes are available at Joe’s Garage, where you can wash it down with a beer. Sweet treats, teas and desserts can be picked up from Leemo, while the Portuguese chicken masters at Nando’s are bringing the...

Bold, beautiful flavours created right here – that’s the promise from Canterbury’s legion of dedicated artisans and growers. Whether you are after the best of staples such as bread and meat or want to try something new, you’re in the right place. Christchurch is heaven for food fans with a wealth of artisanal producers. With some of the best produce in the world on their doorstep, many of the region’s small food producers have carved themselves a big reputation, with Canterbury always well represented in national artisan cuisine awards. The variety and quality of what’s available locally is huge, so why opt for bland and mass produced when the region’s artisans and growers are powering out bold, beautiful flavours right here? “Artisan eating” is on the rise as people turn to local producers for freshness, low food miles, and natural ingredients. So if you haven’t already, it’s time to branch out;...

Making a good cocktail is a mix of science and alchemy. And just like a chef sourcing the best ingredients, you get out what you put in. From humble beginnings in the 1800s, the cocktail enjoyed its first golden age in Prohibition-era speakeasies, the sweet mixers helping to mask the harsh, inferior liquors on offer. Today, cocktails are well into their second golden age, this time as a celebration of the excellent ingredients and techniques available to the modern bartender. These masters of mixology have moved on from resurrecting such Prohibition-era classics as the Whisky Sour and Tom Collins. Their sights are now set on reclaiming the drinks of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s, reimagining them and correcting the mistakes of a time infamous for poor quality ingredients and spirits, and crudely brazen names. Bartenders are challenging themselves to create the best possible versions of the likes of the Cosmopolitan, Tequila...