Stories

There’s no denying it: Christchurch loves its dogs. We’re a city of dog-friendly dining, dedicated dog parks and dog-commandeered beaches. Exercise, socialise and accessorise with Cityscape’s guide to living a dog’s life in Christchurch. The boss dog of dog parks, The Groynes comes complete with multiple fenced-off sections (two containing spring-fed streams perfect for splashing around), trees and long grasses, open spaces and bush walks, while agility courses make for plenty of stimulation. There’s always plenty of pup pals for ol’ waggy-tail to hang with. You can find more agility courses at Rawhiti Domain in New Brighton, Burwood’s Horseshoe Lake, and Radley Park in Woolston. For killer views of the city, Victoria Park has a great fenced-off area with long grasses and inclines perfect for tuckering out energetic fur kids, while huge open spaces and a decent hill walk make Halswell Quarry another popular choice (complete with coffee cart for thirsty...

Benji ‘The Jeans Whisperer’ has been working in the clothing industry for 15 years, setting up EnCompass eight years ago. He fits Cityscape out with some slick business advice.  First of all, why did you decide to open a fashion store? There’s lots of different reasons. I’ve always been into clothing, from a very young age I liked fashion and liked the latest trends. I decided to follow my passions and dreams to just be an owner/operator and work it like that. I think that’s what I’ve tried to achieve. What was your vision for EnCompass? I guess it was to have a multi-brand store based around denim, with a jean wall that would be quite majestic. I’m particularly passionate about jeans. Not so much the making side of things, although I do love that, but it’s just more how the fits and the silhouettes look on people, and the feel....

She’s for all the girl power things, water buffalos are her personal heroes, and her music career’s taking off at speed. Cityscape jams with Sarena Close, AKA Mousey about her upcoming album, touring, and the year ahead. How have you been since we last spoke to you in 2019? It’s obviously been unsettled madness from a global perspective but from a Mousey perspective we are doing great! I managed to write a whole album, we have recorded it and pretty much finished it. I’m so proud of what we have achieved. So you’ve got more new music in the works? Yes absolutely. Stay tuned for more new tracks. My excitement is kicking in and I can’t wait for you to hear what we have made over the last year. Your new single ‘The Bench’ has a fiery vein of girl power running through it. Is that a message that’s particularly important to...

Christchurch originals Clap Clap Riot have been rocking the Kiwi music scene for more than ten years, and their new album is looking to be hotter than ever. Cityscape got the lowdown from guitarist Dave Rowlands. Can you tell us about your new single ‘It’s Alright’? The single was tracked live at The Lab Studio in Auckland with Tom Healy. It looks at the way we often try and avoid our problems by running away. It’s then about the realisation that we are better to come back to where we all started, and face these problems head-on. Your songs are characterised by a prominent rhythm – why is that? That comes down to our wonderful drummer and friend Alex Freer. Alex always has a great feel and sense for serving the song. He never overplays and knows exactly where to go all out and where to sit back. That in combination...

This summer, SCAPE Public Art will once again be decorating the streets with a curated exhibition of public art – set to this year’s theme of ‘Shadows Cast’. SCAPE Public Art executive director Deborah McCormick says this year’s offering will be an extended eight-week season flowing into the beginning of 2022, with two installations from international artists in the mix. “Our hope with this season is that we bring a refreshed walkway of temporary work to complement the permanent works that we have every year,” Deborah says. Olivia Webb Read our full Q&A with Olivia here "Resilience Training is a voluntary public performance artwork that intends to help us prepare for the seemingly unending series of crises that define our world today. The artwork reconsiders the four cardinal virtues – prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude – to virtues or practices that may provide better support or foundations for resilience in the future:...

OK, OK. So 2021 had its tough moments. So did 2020. Cityscape traditionally starts each year with a bold and positive prediction of how things are going to play out, and now we’ve been burned a couple of times. But hear us out… 2022 is really going to be a great year. You just can’t stop us loving Ōtautahi Christchurch and all she’s got to offer! It’s summer, and Cityscape is all about the summer events. Now we’ve moved to the traffic light system and a largely vaccinated population, we’ve got the certainty we need to throw some massive parties. New Year’s Eve is going to be the opening gambit of a year defined by the things we can do, not those we can’t. Christchurch is picking up the festy game with Electric Avenue and Nostalgia Festival. What’s coming next? Well, we’ve got our fingers crossed for a whole lot of...

Cityscape is checking out the best of upcycled and mindfully purchased high fashion in Christchurch. Then we’re jumping 20, 30, 40 years back in time for a look at the home styles, hairdos, fashion, and even exercise routines that are making a resurgence in 2021 and 2022. Shopping mindfully Thinking about your impact on the planet and the people around you can apply to every aspect of your consumption, from food and household items, to buying new clothes and upcycled fashion. Nobody expects you to spend three hours researching the ethics of every brand you buy, but there are simple things you can do to be more mindful when buying. The first step is to be organised. Have a plan when you head to the store. You can still impulse buy that vase that’s going to look absolutely perfect on your kitchen table if your heart really wants it, but before...

Good sleep is literally a miracle cure that can fast-track you to living your best life. We’re talking decreased risk of disease and obesity, reduced stress, better mental health and brain function, and a serious boost to your immune system and mood. If you need a helping hand in catching those all-important Zs, we’ve got your back. 5 tips for a better sleep 1. Take a hot bath or shower before bed. The warm water and subsequent cooling of your body indicates to your brain that it’s time to go beddy-byes. 2. You know this – stay away from screens at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light interferes with your circadian rhythm, tricking your brain into thinking it’s still daytime. 3. Get plenty of natural light during the day. The counter-measure to blue light at night – this one helps your circadian rhythm instead of hindering it. 4. Avoid...

Slip, slop, slap, wrap and pack because it’s time to get out in the sun and fresh air. Whether you’re an avid adventure addict or more of an easygoing al fresco diner, Cityscape has the perfect outdoor activity to suit you. 1. Choose your own adventure at Christchurch Adventure Park Just a short drive from the city centre is the ultimate outdoor playground for all ages, the Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP). If you’re after time out in nature, adrenaline-fuelled adventure, or the best views in Christchurch, CAP has got it all. Nestled in a pine forest in the Port Hills, the park feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whip out your selfie stick when you take a ride on the 1.8-kilometre chairlift (the longest in the country) – you’re in for epic views across the city to the Pacific Ocean and the Southern Alps. Having made...

For the perfect wedding you simply must have it in a decorated cathedral with a white veil and flower girls in pink… just kidding! It’s time for the 2022 wedding season and you can do anything you like for a kickarse wedding. Cityscape has some awesome inspo, and ultimately it’s up to you! WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY 101 You’ve probably got a cousin with a decent Canon who might shoot the wedding for a song, but you’ll be better off going with a pro. You want your photographer to be comfortable bossing you around for the perfect shot, and your relationship may never be the same after. It’s also hard work shooting a wedding, and your cousin probably wants to sit down and chat over a glass of bubbles. When selecting a photographer, you’re not trying to decide between ‘good’ and ‘bad’. You’re trying to find one who suits your style. Photography is...

Modern minimalists are using warmer hues as we seek further comfort from our homes, says Resene consultant Rebecca Long. Subtle creams, washed taupes, rich timbers and warmed greys can transform our homes into our havens. Modern minimalism celebrates the simple pleasures in life and encourages our homes to be thoughtful and peaceful. Resene Thorndon Cream is a sophisticated neutral that can be used throughout the home. For a touch more colour, opt for Resene Double Thorndon Cream or Resene Triple Thorndon Cream in living rooms and bedrooms. Layering neutral hues and textures is key to a successful minimalist scheme and transforms a neutral room to one of warmth and character. Explore Resene Colorwood stains such as Resene Whitewash and Resene Rock Salt to enhance the natural grain of your timbers. Subtle creams are a great way to introduce a soft warmth to your home. Gentle in nature, Resene Eighth Canterbury Clay...

If you’re popping the question this year, you’ve got some serious ring-related choices to make. Roccabella’s Vikki George proposes some stellar options. Bespoke design Start from scratch and work with Vikki to design the ring that communicates your love story through metal and stone. “It needs to express not only your love, but your design style and who you are right now,” Vikki says. She designs for the hand the ring is going on. “The worry with bespoke is, will you like it? So I’ve solved the problem by offering a 3D print sample for you to try on before creating the ring in metal. As a designer, I love this part. I can check the balance and size on your hand and know that you love the form, and my clients love it because it eliminates the risk of the unknown.” Demi-couture Find a design you like, and customise it...

We round up three great films, reads, shows to bingewatch, new albums to treat your ears to and a couple of decent podcasts to enlighten. Watching Cityscape reviews some of the best from the current crop of cinema releases. Dune A gifted young man and his family must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to protect the most precious resource in existence, entering into a war with malevolent forces and ensuring his people’s future in the process. No biggie. This long-awaited adaption covers the first half of Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel, with a second film possibly (hopefully) to follow. The French Dispatch Wes Anderson’s latest cinematic beauty is a love letter to journalists, following three different storylines from the French branch of a fictional American newspaper as it prepares its final issue. Inspired by Anderson’s love for The New Yorker, some characters and events are even...

The day of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is finally here. The opening ceremony for Ōtautahi's new convention centre will be held on December 17, with the first big events to take place in 2022. The centre has changed the layout and skyline of the central city, and those behind it hope its completion marks another upgrade to life and business in the CBD. The convention centre is designed with many versatile spaces to handle different event requirements, including 2800 square metres of exhibition space, which can accommodate up to 200 exhibition booths. There are also 24 meeting rooms, seating for up to 1800 diners, and the delegate auditorium can be divided to host two events at the same time. The developers say it is a world-class facility in a prime riverside position in the heart of Christchurch's centre. Ōtākaro Limited general manager of development John O’Hagan is responsible for delivering...

Looking for the ideal spot to host your dream function? Look no further. We've rounded up function spaces to suit any event and any demographic, from hop-heads to wine lovers to go-kart enthusiasts. Consigned to the vines As if fabulous, award-winning wine wasn’t enough, Pegasus Bay Winery is also a tasteful, rustic functions venue backed up by incredible dining and gorgeous scenery. Walking out into the stunning gardens is like stepping Mary Poppins-style straight into a Monet painting, and modern interior touches like wine bottle chandeliers and contemporary art add an irresistible charm for an event with a difference that’ll have you and your guests reminiscing for years to come. pegasusbay.com Read more: 8 steps to planning the perfect event Celebrations with soul The beautiful heritage home and colourful gardens of The Old Vicarage make for the perfect place to hold your next function, whether it’s a Christmas do, baby shower,...

As the country reopens and we exercise our refound freedoms, we’re thinking about how to make good on all those postponed events and parties. You can and absolutely should be planning functions this summer. There’s no sense in sitting around waiting while life passes you by. Birthdays need parties, weddings need receptions, Christmas needs feasts, the end of the year needs work dos, and the start of the year needs all kinds of summer celebrations. Plan early You can always change a plan, but you can’t magic one up out of nowhere on the eve of the event. Book your venue and caterers now, and let your guests know before they make other plans. Write it down If it’s not written down, it’s not really a plan. Some extremists say if the plan’s not in a spreadsheet it doesn’t exist. Take down budget and prices, assign responsibilities, set deadlines, and share...

We've got the lowdown on the latest and greatest happening around Christchurch this summer. A hot new restaurant on one of the hottest hospitality strips in Christchurch, Tony Astle’s Zodiac bar boasts a delectable Asian fusion menu in swish surrounds. The award-winning King of Snake has a new home in The Terrace, so fans of fusion have plenty of reasons to salivate. New bar and restaurant by the sea Sumner Social is set to be your favourite destination this summer, with a sunny courtyard-with-a-view and an ah-maze-ing gin menu. Other additions to the hospo scene include Miro at the Manor at the ornate Eliza’s Manor House, and The Lane with a menu designed by 5th Street's Chefs Max Perry and Samson Stewart. New on the cultural map is Ravenscar House Museum, displaying an incredible collection of New Zealand artworks. The boots, heels and sandals are made for walking at Nicole Rebstock,...

Sun's out, fun's out - we've got your go-to list for activities around Christchurch this summer. 1.   Treat yourself to one of the gorgeous seasonal desserts at Sweet Soul Patisserie. The summer flavours are fresh and zingy and so very photogenic. 2.   Go secondhand shopping! Read up on some of Christchurch's best treasure troves and make a day of it. 3.   Get crafty. Whether it’s for a gift or just for fun, classes at Clae and The Craft Room offer plenty of chances to tap into your creativity. 4.   Hit the beach! It’s a summer essential, and from New Brighton to Akaroa, there are tons of gorgeous spots for a dip. Check out our list of Christchurch's top beaches here. 5.   Go see some live music. We should be in for a few wicked festivals and gigs this summer – just make sure you’ve got your jabs!