Stories

Postmodern Jukebox have won a world of fans with their old-skool approach – human beings singing and playing real instruments. Vocalist Aubrey Logan tells Cityscape why she loves getting to join in, and her delight at getting to visit Christchurch with the band. You’ve performed with so many artists across a wide range of genres yet you seem to have a particular affinity with Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – why is that? Postmodern Jukebox is really a family. When you go to a Postmodern Jukebox show, you may or may not see the same people most of the time because the cast is so large and there are different casts in different shows around the world. So for me I really have Scott Bradlee to thank for introducing me to his audience a few years ago when I first met him. And then every time I have been on a tour...

Here are a couple of tasty treats to add to your wine-to-do-list. MAIN DIVIDE ROSÉ 2019 Spring is in the air – time to switch from those big reds to something a little lighter. Enter Main Divide’s 2019 Rosé, an assemblage of varieties including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The wine pours salmon pink, with fragrant aromas of strawberries, red currants and cranberry. On the palate it is dry and finely textured, with fresh and vibrant minerality. The influence of the Pinot Noir ensures the wine remains fleshy and supple, while the two Cabernets contribute aroma and structure. maindivide.com FIDDLER’S GREEN VINEYARD & BISTRO GEWURZTRAMINER 2019 The aromatic gewurztraminer grape is finding itself in ideal terroir in the Waipara Valley, leading to some wonderful expressions of the wine style. It is also catching on with diners seeking an ideal companion to spicy Asian dishes. This example from Fiddler’s Green...

Three Boys brewer Ralph Bungard looks into a cloudy glass and finds much to like about a good New England IPA. Craft brewers have been at the forefront of exposing consumers to what seems like an ever-expanding range of beer styles. It was not that long ago in New Zealand where, to paraphrase Henry Ford, you could have any beer style you liked – as long as it was brown NZ draft! That was pretty much New Zealand beer in a nutshell up until the late 1990s and early 2000s, before the appearance of new-wave craft brewers. Rather than compete with cheap “factory” brews, these pioneers tapped into the market of those who were looking for something different. Just like here in New Zealand, craft breweries worldwide became the go-to for new and exciting beer styles and it triggered what could be seen as a brewing “arms race” – who could...

The Hempy Bar is a brand new snack from Christchurch-based hemp food company The Brothers Green and it is packed with nature’s most nutrient-rich seed. Hemp seeds are a natural protein containing all 20 amino acids and are a great source of Omega 3, making Hempy Bars a healthy alternative snack for children and adults. The Brothers Green won FoodStuffs’ FoodStarter competition last year with the bar, and that put it into South Island New Worlds. To cap the good vibes, the Hempy Bar comes in a compostable pouch and wrap. thebrothersgreen.co

If you are still to check out the world of variety at the city’s freshest new dining lane, Eats on Oxford, make sure you get along soon and take advantage of the launch promotions. There’s Happy Hour Monday and Tuesday (50% off selected items, 3 – 6pm) and the Early Bird special Wednesday to Friday (25% off selected items, 10am – noon). Dine in or take away, brunch, afternoon tea or dinner – Eats on Oxford has you covered. FB/eatsonoxford

Our good friends at Curiosity Gin have undergone an extreme (branding) makeover. Their sleek new 700ml bottles of locally distilled gin are sporting a bold new logo. We already know their gin stands out from the crowd and now, with the fresh new branding, their bottles will too. The Sydenham-based distillery is well worth a visit if you’ve never been, if only to embark on one of their tours. You’ll get a peek at where the magic happens along with some exclusive insider knowledge. The standard tour includes a lap around the distillery, a full gin tasting and a discount off any purchases made on the day. Curiosity's cellar door is another stop worth making next time the old liquor cabinet needs a re-stock. If gin isn’t the drop for you, they also distil their own Crux Vodka – which is as clean and crisp as the southern night sky –...

When Kiwi entrepreneur Sam Brown realised we didn’t have a national drink, he set about making one – and so The White Sheep Co came to life. How did you come up with such an interesting product? I was living overseas at the time and out having a few drinks with friends. We were all from different countries and decided to have a drink for each of our nationalities. We had some tequila for Mexico, brandy for France, whisky for Scotland and bourbon for USA. When it got to me, I drew a blank – there wasn’t a spirit that was truly unique to New Zealand. It was this night that put the spark in my mind to create something truly different that could represent New Zealand on the global stage. It took around three years of research and development while working full-time but The White Sheep Co finally launched at...

At his restaurant, Story, chef Shafeeq Ismail blends Indian flavours and local ingredients to create dishes that diners love to love. He tells Cityscape where he gets his inspiration, and how cricket helps him relax. How would you describe the cuisine you create? We create progressive international cuisine using local artisan produce and New Zealand ingredients with definite Indian flavours. All our wine and beer are handpicked to match the food and sourced locally and internationally from the best in the industry. How did you get started on your career as a chef? Way back in India I was always amazed by our street food vendors and chefs, who fascinated me with their technique and flavours. I have always been a foodie and felt the happiness in eating tasty food, and so I wanted to give the same happiness to others. What has been your path to where you are now?...

This nutrient-dense powder from Kiki Health will have your body looking and feeling radiant this spring. The 100 percent organic Alkaline Infusion powder uses Vitamin C from lemon-juice powder and acerola cherry powder, inulin from chicory root, calcium, magnesium and potassium to create this powerhouse supplement. Like waving a magic wand, the powder works to reduce fatigue, support your immune system, build collagen, improve your skin and aid digestion. Two teaspoons in water each day is all it takes to soak up the benefits of this natural energy and nutrient boost. kiki-health.co.nz

Koha Fitness is a state of the art club, but it’s the people – He tāngata! He tāngata! He tāngata! – that make it so special. At Koha Fitness, you’re family, which means they care about your wellness journey and help you to stay on track. With the latest equipment on offer, get in touch with the friendly team for a free one-week trial. kohafitness.co.nz/free

NZ’s premier laser tattoo removal and lightening specialists, Sacred Laser, have brought the best laser removal tools to town – the Medlite C6 and Picosure. Using these machines, the team can target all colours and ensure the best possible results using the correct wavelengths. The qualified technicians have been tattooed and had removal – they consider each project with the understanding and expertise gained from 20 years of experience in the tattoo industry. sacredlaser.co.nz

The Cityscape team test the Dermapen 4 and come away convinced of the benefits of personalised advanced skin treatments. By the time I walk through the doors of the day spa, my hands are growing increasingly clammy as my needle-related anxiety builds. But that’s why I have to do it – to conquer my fear and give the highly praised Dermapen 4 treatment a proper go. I’m filled with enough anxious energy to fill an Olympic-sized arena. But the spa’s treatment experts are Dermapen Gold Providers, which means I’m not just in good hands, I’m in the best. Brenna explains that the all-powerful Dermapen 4 promises to minimise signs of ageing and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation, among other things. The nifty little device uses microneedling to achieve said magic. Tiny needles lightly puncture the skin’s top layer, stimulating collagen and elastin and leaving you with plump and...

Lyn Davis learned first-hand from renowned hypnotherapist Andrew Newton how to help people with everything from anxiety to weight loss. She tells Cityscape what’s involved. How did you come to be a hypnotherapist? What did you do before that? When I left school I went to work in a bank, and one evening I went to see hypnotist Andrew Newton and we got talking at his show. We kept in touch and a year later, when he was back in New Zealand, he asked me to do some work for him, and I’ve never looked back. What inspires you to do what you do? I’ve always been a people person. I take after my mother, I love helping people – it seems natural – and I thought that hypnotherapy would be a good way of helping people. I read in the UK news about gastric band hypnosis and that really caught...

Ballantynes menswear buyer Jack O’Halloran shares his style tips for a sartorial spring. All things linen are a spring/summer must. From linen shirts to suits (1), it’s the ideal option for the warmer months while maintaining a fashionable, semi-formal appearance. Pastel colours of light blue, pink and beige are an easy way for men to achieve soft touches of style in their wardrobe. Combine with a pair of loafers (6) or white sneakers (4) to complete the look. If you are seeking inspo from the celebs, Lewis Hamilton and David Beckham would have to be my favourites right now. Lewis Hamilton, who in 2018 launched a collab with Tommy Hilfiger, isn’t afraid to go bold, and always sports a pop of colour (3). He is often seen wearing a cross-body bag and large script branding, a trend that will continue into summer. David Beckham knows how to wear the staple fashion...

For the serious gym junkies out there, Ballantynes has a new brand just for you. REC GEN is a functional sport and lifestyle brand designed in Sydney and tested under the most rigorous conditions, so you know its meticulously constructed fabrics will last the distance, workout after workout. And as you might expect, REC GEN’s commitment to environmental sustainability and non-impactful processes is at the core of everything they do. ballantynes.co.nz

Eswardutt oozes subtle elegance and sophistication courtesy of creative director Elishah Eswardutt. Every garment is designed and constructed in New Zealand. Exclusive design, opulent fabrication and chic details define the brand and its vision. eswardutt.com

Leader of the New Zealand fashion scene, Karen Walker, has launched a spectacular collection of bespoke bridal wear and eye-catching engagement rings and bands. These can be purchased from Karen Walker Atelier Auckland, where people can try on and discuss wedding day outfits and jewellery by private appointment. Sitting down with a trusted member of her Walker’s team ensures your every need is met, and that you really are the star of your special day. The selection of dresses is based on some of Walker’s most iconic pieces, all of which have been given a new and innovative twist. The two well-tailored suits are sure to have even the most unconventional brides feeling over the moon, too. Dresses range from $1,450 to $4,250 and will be made in Karen Walker’s Grey Lynn studio. The jewellery collection is equally as diverse, offering everything from dramatic geometric settings to simple gold wedding bands....

Fashion stylist Josie Pasane tells Cityscape why she loves what she does, and her favourite misconceptions about it as well. What’s the best part about styling for a living? I have so much love and passion for what I do. I am extremely thankful for the career I’ve created for myself – it has always come naturally to me. The most fun part of styling for a living is seeing my clients get excited for looks that I create for them. I was always fascinated by the idea and knew deep down in my heart I could do it, but I was so scared because I had no idea where to start. It's such a blessing to be able to do what I love every day and work with clients who inspire me. How did you get your start in the fashion industry? I started in the fashion industry in 2007....