With broad sweeping views over Tasman Bay, this state-of-the-art facility is an entertainment/ activities centre exclusively for Coastal View Lifestyle Village residents.
Resort-style facilities include a restaurant, café, bar, bakery, massage room, hairdressing salon, gymnasium, movie theatre, indoor swimming pool, spa, library and wellness centre.
The village has premium resthome/hospital facilities and a boutique dementia centre.
Qestral was winner of:
• The 2025 Innovation of the Year award at the World Ageing Festival, in Singapore.
• Best in Category and Excellence in the NZ 2025 New Zealand Property Council Awards.
This month’s highs and lows, brought to you by social correspondent and spiller of tea, Shelby Write.
EDITOR’S
NOTE
Rosé in the rain. Weather be damned, the pink stuff pours on.
Cherry blossoms. Spring is in sight!
Cake. No occasion necessary.
Olivia Dean. This is the music we have been missing.
Resene Freewheeling. A Californian sun-soaked aqua and green – free to be you.
NAH YEAH
Matcha. Let’s stop pretending it doesn’t taste like liquefied lawn clippings.
TikTok tarot readings. No, your ex is not still thinking about you, chicka dee.
Tops that require double-sided tape and a prayer. That’s not what I meant when I said fashion was my religion, Suzan!
Jalapeno Sauvy B. These trends are getting out of hand.
Losing Ozzy Osbourne. What a legend. RIP.
Make something
I’m back! Huge thanks to our fabulous food editor, Sophie, for expertly holding the reins while I was away. She did a fantastic job – what a beautiful issue she put together! A dear friend of mine very selfishly chose to get married in Tuscany, so naturally, I had to follow and spend a month wandering through Europe.
That time away gave me plenty of space to reflect on the theme for this issue: Makers and Creators.
I’ve always been drawn to making things. Despite my current job keeping my hands surprisingly smooth, I’m often at my calmest when working with my hands. As a child, I dabbled – rather amateurly – in everything from woodcarving to metalwork – my father’s chisel collection now sadly dulled from my enthusiastic use. Dad generously gave us a free run of his typically Kiwi shed and his tools. I’m sure he had mixed feelings, but it meant we could build with scrap wood, and craft almost anything our imaginations conjured. That freedom was only slightly curtailed when our projects expanded into uprooting vast patches of the garden.
This spirit of creativity has shaped my siblings and me. Our freedom to invent and build has never truly been stifled – after all, we’ve all carried a streak of entrepreneurship, whether it was babysitting for neighbours or building backyard rockets.
So, I’m truly in awe of the incredible makers featured within these pages. These are people tackling real-world problems with ingenious solutions – breathing new life into waste and crafting genuine, functional works of art.
Plus, we sit down with the city’s other main mayoral candidate, Sara Templeton, to hear about her ambitions and vision.
Yours,
Liam Stretch Editor
Residential and No.1 All Divisions Bayleys Canterbury Bayleys National Auction Award Winner (3 years
Lynette McFadden, Centuri Chan, Neil Macbeth, Sarah Mankelow, Emily Karakis, Dr Reuben Woods, Mary Outram, Sarah Rowlands, Chloe Langley Photography, West Coast NZ, Kirsty Cameron, Lucy Hammond, Charlie Rose Creative, Dave Richards
CONTACT US hello@27publishers.co.nz facebook.com/avenuesmagazine instagram.com/avenuesmagazine avenues.net.nz
Produced by Twenty Seven Publishers Limited PO Box 36753, Merivale, Christchurch, 8146
THE MAGAZINE CHRISTCHURCH LIVES BY
Traiteur European Butchery serves up some super sausages! Check out food editor Sophie’s Best in Bangers on page 52.
At the forefront of
Experience visual freedom, knowing you’re in expert hands. You’ll be wishing you had seen us sooner.
10 Otara St, Fendalton, Christchurch (Adjacent to Fendalton Mall)
LASIK.CO.NZ 0800 DR EYES
CREATIVE OUTLET
Treat yourself or someone special to Kate Willis’s self-care kit, featuring art therapy activities, a creative journal, handmade watercolours, lavender Aroma Dough, colouring designs, pastels, pencils, and more. A beautiful blend of creativity and comfort, all sourced from talented New Zealand makers. katewillis.felt.co.nz
ARTISTS AT HOME
Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre’s five newly fitted artists’ studios are open daily, 10am–4pm, in the Engineering Extension building beside The Arts Centre Shop. Home to 10 artists overall, the studios invite visitors to watch creativity in action and chat with artists when they’re in. Each space offers something unique – from vibrant landscapes by Kat Stefanova to contemporary ceramics by Yumi McLean, conceptual works by Alex Golding, and sustainable fashion by Jasper Mooney. What you see changes daily – that’s the beauty of art in progress. Select works are available for purchase through The Arts Centre Shop. Check them out today!
artscentre.org.nz
MIGHTIEST MOUSSE
LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
Goodsoles, a New Zealand-designed shoe company, combines style, comfort, and sustainability. With every purchase, a tree is planted to aid reforestation, plus they support charities like Sustainable Coastlines. Goodsoles sneakers empower positive impact for people and the planet.
goodsole.co.nz
Mousse Masters is a unique competition celebrating Weave Cacao’s couverture chocolate and the creativity of New Zealand chefs. Led by ambassador and Head Judge Peter Gordon, the panel also includes Amber Rose and co-founder Oonagh Browne. Two categories – Pro Chef and Promising Young Chef – offer standout prizes: a trip to Papua New Guinea to meet cacaogrowing communities, or a year’s supply of couverture plus intensive cacao training. Entries close 30 September, with finals at Elemental Cooking School, Auckland, on 21 October 2025. New Zealand’s finest chocolate mousses take shape in this delicious competition.
weavecacao.com
PLAY TIME
Ōtautahi Christchurch’s Cubbin Theatre, New Zealand’s only specialist theatre company for the very young, is the Company-in-Residence at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. Co-founded by Melanie Luckman, Hannah Wheeler, and Amy Straker, Cubbin creates shows informed by child development research. artscentre.org.nz
CREATIVE HUB
In the heart of Ōtautahi at 27 Essex St come and make with the makers. Housing three small businesses that offer creative classes and supplies for potters, printmakers, and paper crafters. Carrie from Starling Studio is a seasoned printmaker offering classes and beautiful bespoke prints on site, while long-term potter Gwen from General Pottery supports local tool makers and offers other makers crafting supplies to treasure. Finally, Tatyanna runs her creative art studio on location, specialising in ceramics and papercraft. She is also the creative hands behind ceramic brand Clae. 27 Essex Street is open 10–4pm Wednesday to Saturday, pop in and visit! generalpottery.co.nz
SHRED IT
GARDEN TO GLASS
The Floral Dream by Olivia McCord is an easy guide to growing cut flowers in your backyard. From novice to edible flower farmer, Olivia shares practical advice and seasonal tips tailored to local conditions, filling a gap in NZ’s gardening resources with down-to-earth techniques for beautiful blooms, out in October. pottonandburton.co.nz
Sadhana Surfboards began in 1997 as a response to mass-produced, generic surfboards. Inspired by the ocean, it remains rooted in handcrafted craftsmanship. Since relocating to Christchurch in 2008, Sadhana has offered an extensive range of hand-shaped boards for all surfing styles across the South Island. The business also supplies blanks, materials, and tools for custom board building. Located in the historic Tannery centre, the retail shop features new and used boards, accessories, clothing, gifts, and music inspired by surfing culture. Additional services include board repairs, rentals, demos, guidebooks, and travel supplies. sadhanasurfboards.co.nz
FROM SCRATCH
Performing locally and internationally since 1974, From Scratch is renowned for its innovative use of instruments and exploration of the textures and rhythms of musical structure. Russell Brown, creator of Rip It Up magazine, gave them a glowing review: “Music from wise heads... making percussion do more than you ever thought it could... life-affirming in a very accomplished way.”
26 September, Papa Hou eventfinda.co.nz
THE MONSTER IN THE MAZE
Jonathan Dove and Alasdair Middleton’s The Monster in the Maze, presented by New Zealand Opera, breathes fresh life into the classic myth, now reimagined in a bold new staging by Anapela Polataivao (Red White and Brass, Wild Dogs Under My Skirt). Each year, King Minos demands Athenian youth as sacrifice to the Minotaur – but resistance rises, igniting a powerful tale of justice and collective strength. This opera unites community singers and musicians with seasoned professionals, giving emerging talent an integral role on stage. Acclaimed worldwide, The Monster in the Maze is sure to delight Christchurch audiences.
5–6 September, Isaac Theatre Royal isaactheatreroyal.co.nz
SPRING INTO MUSIC
Due to the success of the inaugural Spring into Music concert in 2024, Music Canterbury is pleased to present another free community event – a day of music to celebrate spring and the wide variety of music groups in Ōtautahi in the Great Hall, Arts Centre from 11am–3pm. The concert will feature music performances from some of our finest community choirs, ensembles, and instrumentalists.
28 September, Great Hall, Arts Centre musiccanterbury.co.nz
GEM SHOW
CITY BLOOMS
Why travel all the way to Japan to witness the wonder of sakura (a flowering cherry tree) when you can indulge in hanami – the custom of enjoying the fleeting glory of flowers in spring, right here in Ōtautahi. Mid-September is considered peak viewing for these natural wonders and is an ideal outing for all ages, free of charge. Take in the very best of this fleeting city experience, before it blows away! Spring Hagley Park North
It’s the most exciting time of the year for rockhounds with the Canterbury Mineral and Lapidary Club Gem Show! Whether you’re an avid gem, fossil, crystal, and mineral expert keen to check out the remarkable finds of the club’s members, a collector of stunning natural items to enhance your home, or in the early stages of forging an interest in the captivating universe of fossicking for your own treasures, there’s something for everyone, including the kids. A variety of stallholders, refreshments, competitions, and raffles bring a truly festive air to this fabulous event.
20–21 September, 110 Waltham Road allevents.in
Music Canterbury with the support of Cameron & Co lawyers presents
SPRING INTO MUSIC
28 SEPTEMBER 2025
11.00AM - 3.00PM
Great Hall, Arts Centre
A FEAST OF MUSIC THROUGHOUT THE DAY
Performances from some of our finest community choirs, ensembles and instrumentalists
NOBODY IS SAVED ALONE
The Eternaut provides an insight into Argentinidad – otherwise known as the essence of being Argentinian, while delivering thrilling sci-fi drama. What at first appears to be a deadly, catastrophic weather event slowly becomes a far more complex and challenging situation for humanity. Just be sure to watch in Spanish with English subtitles.
SCAM WITHIN A SCAM?
Almost everyone is aware of the phenomenon of scamming these days, from catfishing to full-blown schemes that empty bank accounts. Scam Factory goes behind the scenes of the multibilliondollar global industry, talking to those directly involved. This podcast is flawed and possibly suspect in itself, but undeniably compelling.
SWEDISH THERAPY
Fever Ray’s release of I’m Not Done (Therapy Session) by Swedish singer-songwriter and record producer Karin Dreijer is a far cry from 2009’s If I Had A Heart, which became a huge global hit as the theme song to the popular TV series, Vikings. More upbeat, less moody, but just as unusual and experimental, this catchy electronic pop song is a bouncy delight.
VITAL VIEWING
Adam Curtis is an incomparable documentary filmmaker with complete, unrestricted access to the BBC’s film archives. His ability to weave seemingly unrelated narrative threads, which gradually come together throughout the series is unique, candid, and immensely engrossing. Curtis makes history cinematic and fascinating by trawling through endless BBC footage, digging deep to find gems and oddities that may have been unseen for decades. In Shifty: Living in Britain at the End of the Twentieth Century, Adam tackles the power shift that emerged with Thatcher’s rise, and how society has been reshaped by the forces of hyperindividuality and finance, altering our perception of shared reality and community.
Authorised by Ali Jones: ali@redpr.co.nz
Authorised by Matt Clough:
Feel at home with quality nursing care.
The N urs e Ma ud e C are H ome is located in the vibrant neighbourhood of Merivale. It’s a pla ce where residents can enjoy a sense o f purpose, mea ning an d di gnity with 24/7 nursing care available.
We are proud to be the architects transforming the legendary Noahs Hotel into the city’s new icon –Sheraton Christchurch
Enriching the way people live, work, stay and play through outstanding architecture and interior design
+64 3 366 5445 design@dalman.co.nz dalman.co.nz
BUILDING OF THE MONTH: Sheraton Christchurch
I Look to the Hills… Artist Fluro
Date February/March 2025
Location Cashel Street
With the imposing One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha emerging above the city’s architecture, Tāmaki Makaurau-based, Ōtautahi-born and raised artist and designer Fluro’s I Look to the Hills is a timely reminder of a different, more established presence in the city’s skyline, and as such, a suggestion of our connection to place. Painted for the Flare Ōtautahi Street Art Festival earlier in 2025, the evocative mural serves as an acknowledgement of the artist’s roots, but also an invitation to consider and reflect upon our own attachment to the city and whenua. The work is bold, with funky typography and bright pastel and fluorescent colours popping against the dark forest green background. The combination of stylised text and elements of geometric design create an alluring image to draw the viewer into the poetic, almost mysterious phrasing, encouraging an echoed action of looking beyond the more immediate built environment to the iconic hills in the distance.
Explore more of Ōtautahi’s urban art on a Watch This Space guided street art tour! Email tours@watchthisspace.org.nz for booking information.
watchthisspace.org.nz/artwork/1214
Glow reset
Avenues finds out about the new offerings at KM Surgical: BBL and MOXI – the skin treatments everyone’s talking about.
If you’re looking to refresh dull, sun-damaged, or uneven skin without the downtime of invasive treatments, BBL and MOXI lasers offer the perfect combination of science and simplicity.
At Bealey Avenue’s KM Surgical, one of Christchurch’s leading specialist dermatology clinics, these two powerful technologies are helping clients achieve radiant, clearer skin with minimal disruption to their daily life.
BBL Hero is the next-generation version of IPL, delivering light energy deep into the skin to target pigmentation, redness, broken capillaries, rosacea, and even acne. It’s gentle, fast, and clinically proven to improve skin tone and texture over a series of treatments.
Pairing BBL Hero with the MOXI laser takes skin rejuvenation even further. MOXI is a non-ablative fractional laser that targets the early signs of ageing by stimulating collagen, refining pores, and improving skin clarity – all with very little downtime. It’s suitable for all skin types and ideal for those wanting a ‘prejuvenation’ approach to maintain youthful skin, or for treating melasma, sunspots, and fine lines.
Together, BBL Hero + MOXI deliver what’s now called a ‘Complete Skin Revitalisation’, treating discolouration, texture, and tone simultaneously. The result? A smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking complexion that continues to improve over time. Many clients notice visible results after just one session, with optimal outcomes seen after a personalised course of treatments.
At KM Surgical, the ground floor of Avenue Health, every treatment is performed by skilled clinicians under dermatological supervision, using customised plans tailored to your skin goals and lifestyle. With cutting-edge equipment, advanced protocols, and a commitment to patient safety and results, KM Surgical offers a boutique yet highly specialised experience right in the heart of Christchurch.
kmsurgical.co.nz
12-16 Nov
Isaac Theatre Royal
Christchurch | Ōtautahi
Sat, 11 Oct, 7.30pm
Christchurch Town Hall
Pekka Kuusisto Violin/Conductor
Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Farrenc Symphony No. 3
TICKETS FROM $22
Choreography Ty King-Wall, after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov
Music Pyotr Tchaikovsky
Set & Costume Design Tracy Grant Lord
Lighting Design Jon Buswell
Projections POW Studios
Conductor Hamish McKeich
FEEL GOOD
1 THE RIGHT FIT
A great-fitting sports bra is just as essential as good sports shoes. Expert assistance makes all the difference in finding the exact right size and style. The Fitting Room can help! With a fabulous range of high-impact sports bras in D–K cup sizes from leading international brands, including Prima Donna (pictured), Shock Absorber, Panache, and Elomi, let them ‘support’ you with their expert in-store fitting service. Book online. thefittingroom.co.nz
2 A TREAT FOR SKIN
The Geranium Leaf Body Care range remains a beloved Aesop choice, 27 years after it first took root. It began in 1998 with the body cleanser – a radical departure from the era’s default of plain bar soap. In the years since, the collection has grown to include a body balm, body scrub, and oil-based body treatment.
aesop.co.nz
3 PANT UP
The Athena Pant from Kowtow reimagines their much-loved culottes in a full-length design, crafted from organic cotton poplin shirting in a double pinstripe. It features wide-leg pants with a relaxed fit, highrise elastic waist, pleats, and handy inseam pockets. kowtowclothing.com
4 BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN
Ultherapy® is our favourite jawline-defining treatment. Using high-intensity ultrasound technology to boost the production of new collagen in the skin’s foundation layers, Ultherapy® is the gold standard for lifting and firming the jawline. While the treatment itself doesn’t take long, the results can take up to three months to show themselves. The treatment can be a little ‘spicy’, but your collagen stores will thank you afterwards. Ultherapy® is the only FDA-approved treatment for a non-invasive facelift. Check out the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic’s special! skinrejuvenationclinic.co.nz
Elmbridge Mews
Nestled in a peaceful semi-rural setting, Elmbridge Mews by North Ridge Living offers 24 architecturally designed homes tailored for those seeking comfort, style, and a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Built by award-winning DaleCo Built – winners of six Master Builder Awards in 2023 – these two- and three-bedroom homes combine quality craftsmanship with flexible, future-ready design. Select layouts include dual living areas that easily adapt into a third bedroom.
OH SO MARY
Curated by Mary Outram | @mary_oh_
Finally, some sunshine! Cue the linen. Pull out the blue jeans. Let’s lighten things up. Spring doesn’t need an entirely new wardrobe, sometimes it’s as simple as swapping darker staples for soft layers, fresh denim, and crisp white accessories. A light shift that lifts the whole look… and your mood.
Vintage Linen Mimi Jacket, $799 and Fran Dress, $479 from Juliet Hogan | Denim Side Striped Jeans from Witchery, $199
Verali Elio Slingback Heels from Andrea Biani, $99.95 | Devon Bucket Bag from Witchery, $169.90 | Lyla Drop Earrings from Witchery, $64.90 | Prada Gold Sunglasses from Sunglass Hutt, $844
FEATURE
Makers and creators
“The world is but a canvas to our imagination.”
Henry David Thoreau
A BETTER FUTURE
Natural fibres are the future, according to Christchurch-based business Rubisco.
From the outside, Rubisco’s headquarters look like just another site on the edge of a suburban business park. Step inside, though, and you’ll find one of the Southern Hemisphere’s last independent wool-spinning operations – now transformed into a cuttingedge hub of regenerative material science, with a bold mission to rewire the global materials economy.
How do they plan to do this? By building a regenerative materials platform that blends two remarkable fibres – hemp and wool.
Rubisco’s roots with textiles run deep.
“From Christchurch Yarns to NZ Yarns to NZ Natural Fibres, and now as Rubisco, we’ve stood through market cycles and structural change to remain one of the last independent wool-spinning operations in the Southern Hemisphere,” says CEO Guy Wills.
They are also New Zealand’s only vertically integrated hemp fibre company, with complete control from field to finished product. “This gives us the precision to scale responsibly and the agility to build regenerative infrastructure that’s globally relevant.”
Guy says Rubisco has undertaken significant research and development into the natural raw materials they use.
“Rubisco’s material platform is designed at the intersection of performance, longevity, and ecological balance.” It combines agriculture, advanced material science, innovation, and design in what they call ‘Natural Intelligence’ – the belief that solutions to complex challenges are already embedded in nature’s logic.
By studying natural systems, Rubisco translates them into functional, adaptive materials that stand the test of time.
Guided by their Living Design Systems framework, Guy says each product plays its
part in a greater cycle: supporting soil health, drawing down carbon, enhancing life during use, and returning safely to nature.
“We work with a tight network of partners who understand that design is a responsibility, not just a craft. From here, we prototype systems that work in harmony with their environment and form, then scale them for impact and with integrity to the world.”
Guy says that Canterbury is a key to this collaboration. “We see Christchurch as a blueprint for how local and global can work in unison. It allows us to design in harmony with our environment while scaling solutions that have universal relevance.”
Rubisco’s products span precisionengineered Merino and wool-hemp yarns for luxury textiles, carbon-locking hemp hurd building blocks, lightweight biocomposites replacing fibreglass, high-absorption hemp animal bedding, Futurfibre geotextile weed matting for erosion control, and Embrace wool acoustic panels (made in collaboration with Autex) – all designed to combine performance, sustainability, and design versatility across industries from construction to interiors.
For Guy, the company’s mission and leading Rubisco are deeply personal.
“I became a father later in life – to twins who are now three and a half – and I found myself asking not just what kind of future we’re leaving, but what kind of systems we’re building today to make that future liveable and inspiring.”
Rubisco is investing in the future. “We are preparing a $20–30 million build of a purpose-designed hemp processing facility in Ashburton, featuring imported decortication technology, expanded R&D capability, and scaled production to meet global demand.”
rubisco.co.nz
LIGHTING THE WAY
Nightworks Studio’s design transcends trends, grounded in integrity, innovation, and beauty.
Founded by Kiri Morgan and Ben Wahrlich, Nightworks Studio is a lighting design company, celebrated for its refined aesthetic and dedication to both form and craft. Each piece is created to sit seamlessly within the wider collection, with award-winning designs that showcase exceptional materials, innovative manufacturing, and lasting quality.
Nightworks has evolved into a dynamic team, united by a shared dedication to design, craftsmanship, and quality. Based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the company recently invested in a dedicated production space that has now become the beating heart of the brand. The expanded workshop space has unlocked new possibilities, enabling larger, more complex projects, increasing production capacity, and creating the freedom to take on highprofile custom commissions that previously exceeded their capacity.
Nightworks’ growth has been steady and deliberate. This stability allows deep knowledge and skill to flourish, ensuring that each piece benefits from the continuity of experience within the team. The majority of the staff are trained designers, ranging from industrial designers to jewellers and product designers, many from the University of Canterbury, who bring both creative vision and hands-on making skills to the workshop. From the outset, Nightworks has resisted the pull of fast consumerism and fleeting trends. Instead, the brand champions a timeless design philosophy. Pieces are intended to remain relevant, functional, and beautiful for decades. Each product follows a considered, process-led path from concept to release, often taking up to two years before it reaches the shelf. The result is a collection that feels cohesive yet evolves naturally over time.
Nightworks works closely with long-standing suppliers, both local and global, sourcing from the best in each field, allowing their production capabilities to span casting, spinning, and pressing, covering a wide variety of architectural applications. Across every project, the pursuit of perfection is constant, with no corner-cutting and an unrelenting commitment to the highest quality. Recognition has followed naturally. Nightworks has been honoured with many of the most prestigious local and international awards for its product designs.
Clients can see the workshop in action, meet the directors and designers, and witness the making process firsthand. Many overseas clients, from Australia to the USA and Europe, have travelled to New Zealand specifically to visit. In an online world, this in-person experience offers something rare and memorable.
Nightworks’ projects range from its core products to bespoke commissions for architects and interior designers. A Redcliffs residence, featuring a striking multi-storey pendant light accented with Ōamaru Stone, stands out as a recent example of their design language brought to life. End projects often reveal the products in unexpected contexts, offering fresh perspectives on familiar forms.
Their designs translate across styles. The same pendant can read as effectively in a minimalist apartment, warm in a mid-century living room, rugged in an industrial loft, elegant in a heritage villa, or breezy in a coastal bach. It’s a quiet testament to Nightworks’ attention to proportion, material and finish, and the power of considered design.
Whether working on a single pendant or a large-scale architectural installation, Nightworks remains guided by the same principles: timeless design, uncompromising quality, and a deep respect for the craft. Nightworks truly is lighting the way with thoughtful design.
nightworksstudio.com
A NEW WAY OF THINKING
In Christchurch, a pioneering biotech company is betting big on an often overlooked by-product of sheep farming – their skin.
Tertiary Extracts Ōtautahi Ltd (TEO) identified a waste stream from the freezing works: after meat is harvested, thousands of sheepskins are left unused. Rather than letting these go to landfill, TEO saw potential in extracting collagen, a protein used in health and wellness applications.
“We’re using science to turn what was once waste into something profoundly valuable – for human health, for the environment, and for our economy,” explains Dr Rob Kelly, joint founder and Chief Scientific Officer.
Collagen extraction from animal skin isn’t new, but processing sheep skin presents unique challenges due to its dense wool follicles. The TEO team cracked the code by developing a method that processes the whole skin – wool and all – unlocking what they call “the world’s most complete collagen.” This bioactive, multifunctional protein is now driving innovations in women’s wellness, sports nutrition, and sustainable biotech.
“What we discovered is that instead of removing the wool before extraction, we could process the entire skin and extract proteins from both the wool and skin, as both are rich in proteins,” says CEO Paul Sapsford. This innovative approach is currently patent-pending.
Their flagship product, Ovitage, is an edible ovine collagen ingredient produced through proprietary extraction methods. Packed with amino acids like cystine, tyrosine, and glutamic acid, Ovitage supports more than just skin health – it promotes gut wellness, muscle tone, mood stability, and cognitive function. Co-CEO Kimberley Bray describes it as “untapped potential hiding in plain sight.”
Ovitage is already making waves, shortlisted for the 2025 Fieldays Innovation Awards and nominated for the 2025 Primary Industry Awards. It forms the core of Everee Women, TEO’s supplement range designed specifically for
women navigating hormonal changes. “There’s too much noise and not enough science in the wellness industry,” says Kimberley. “Everee cuts through that with simple, effective products grounded in years of research and development.”
TEO has invested over $1 million into studying bioavailability, efficacy, and delivery formats. Support from AGMARDT, Callaghan Innovation, and a $1.7 million friends-and-family raise enabled the company to open a dedicated manufacturing facility in 2024.
Sustainability is at the heart of TEO’s mission. Their circular business model turns skins destined for landfill into high-value, functional proteins, reducing waste and emissions while providing new income streams for farmers. Every batch is fully traceable to South Island farms, with processes designed to minimise inputs and maximise regeneration. “We’re transforming how people think about food, supplements, and agriculture – restoring what we’ve taken from the planet,” Kimberley says.
The company’s impact extends beyond the environment. Since launching, TEO has created more than 30 STEM jobs in Christchurch, spanning manufacturing, biologics, microbiological R&D, quality systems, and export logistics – alongside providing science industry experience for new graduates. “We’re proud to offer science graduates meaningful careers and expose them to the full scope of biotech’s potential here in Christchurch,” says Paul.
Though rooted in Aotearoa, TEO’s ambitions are global, with the US market already a big contender. Their product pipeline is also rapidly expanding into areas like GLP-1 support, functional lipids, sports recovery proteins, and skin microbiome health, with growing interest in mood and cognitive wellness.
Dr Rob says. “We’re building something that serves people, the planet, and the next generation of wellness.”
tertiaryextracts.com
A COMPANY WITH VISION
The Warring Group comprises some of the city’s most dynamic venues. CEO and founder David Warring shares its vision.
David Warring was born in Christchurch but grew up on the West Coast. Returning at sixteen, he began working out of necessity, starting as a writer in advertising before discovering a passion for hospitality.
While studying at the University of Canterbury, he worked as a glasswasher, later bartending and managing bars. His deep curiosity for people drove him to ask guests about their lives – how couples met, how businesses were built, and what truly mattered to them.
“I’m not a uniquely gifted person,” says David, now 50, “but I’ve always had an empathy and curiosity for people.”
Later, David worked as a champagne ambassador for Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, training in France at houses including Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, and Krug. There, he embraced stewardship: leading for the long term to nurture a legacy for community and team.
Inspired by global venues that prioritised elegance, restraint, and substance over flashy concepts, David saw an opportunity to bring that ethos home.
“Christchurch has worldly people. Professionals who’ve thrived in London, Dubai, New York, Singapore, and people who have travelled the world”, he says. “Alongside the great work of other local operators, we want to offer venues that match the sophistication.”
David views post-earthquake Christchurch as the best-positioned city in New Zealand to grow.
“I want our company to contribute, to make the city a desirable place to live, invest, and grow. We try to provide experiences that make our community proud to be here.”
This vision began with relocating King of Snake in 2021, amid the Covid pandemic – a bold gamble. Moving from a small Victoria Street space to a blue-chip location, David
scaled up despite sceptics. “My gut said Christchurch needed it,” he says.
The community proved him right. “We’re so grateful”, he says. “They believe in us, support us daily, and we strive to honour that.”
The Warring Group now comprises King of Snake, Monarch, Roca, and the forthcoming Hugo and Botanic. Leading this is a core team: Jennifer, his wife and partner, an architectural designer whose elegant vision shapes each venue; Lewis, COO, focused on execution and operational accuracy; Leeann, CFO and close friend of over 20 years, managing finances with a deep care for the team; and Stuart, Executive Chef and long-time colleague and friend from their bartender-chef days.
Warring Group’s nearly 100 staff, from New Zealand and around the world, drive the vision. “Every person is essential”, David says. “We invest in them to grow, to compete globally, we want everyone who joins us to leave better, stronger, more skilled.”
This employment brand mirrors the respect given to guests. The Warring Group’s bottom line isn’t business success alone – it’s meaningful impact. “We ask, ‘Are we making Christchurch better?’”
Success is when locals choose their venues for milestones, proud to host global guests in spaces rivalling Paris or Sydney. “We consider our guests as our CEO; we know we are nothing without them. Some days we nail it; others, we’re learning,” he admits. “But we’re driven to improve, to make people’s lives richer in the small way we can.”
In an ever-improving Christchurch, The Warring Group’s venues are cultural assets, signalling a city ready to shine worldwide, lifted by a team and ethos dedicated to community, gratitude, and hope.
warringgroup.co.nz
RETHINKING REHAB
Dysphagia affects millions worldwide, and a Christchurch start-up is combatting it with a different approach.
Imagine being unable to swallow – no more morning coffees, no holiday meals with loved ones, and even your own saliva causing coughing and choking. For thousands of New Zealanders, this is daily life. Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, often stem from conditions such as stroke or Parkinson’s Disease, and can be frightening, isolating, and costly. Even just dysphagia following stroke, according to research, cost our healthcare system $77 million in 2021.
Swallowing Technologies (SwalTech®), a Christchurch-based MedTech startup, is working to change this. Their mission: to revolutionise dysphagia rehabilitation using world-leading clinical evidence and purpose-built technology.
The story begins with Distinguished Professor Maggie-Lee Huckabee, a clinician and academic with over 40 years’ experience. After successfully treating an ‘untreatable’ patient, Maggie-Lee dived into the world of research, taking up an academic post at the University of Canterbury. Challenging the assumption that dysphagia is always caused by muscle weakness, her research has largely explored the role of motor planning in swallowing – or in layman’s terms: the role of the brain.
This research eventually led to the development of BiSSkApp (Biofeedback in Strength and Skill Application), created in collaboration with the University of Canterbury’s Rose Centre for Stroke Recovery and Research. Unlike traditional rehabilitation methods, BiSSkApp allows users to ‘see’ their swallow, track progress, and access intensive rehabilitation remotely – with clinician support. Its three core components make swallowing therapy accessible anytime, anywhere – helping restore independence, improve recovery, and enhance quality of life.
SwalTech, led by CEO Emma Hayes, now employs a team of 10 and is rolling out the product across New Zealand and Australia.
Team member Eric Knapp knows the results of this technology personally. A career firefighter, he suffered multiple strokes at age 32, losing both speech and swallowing. Intensive rehabilitation using a similar approach restored his ability to eat, drink, and be merry. Now part of SwalTech, Eric serves as a patient advocate, bringing lived experience to ensure patients remain at the heart of the company’s work.
swaltech.com
CHAIRS TO THE FUTURE
For Innate Furniture founders Guido Loeffler and Nick Lee, making high-quality, enduring products starts with using what Aotearoa already has in abundance.
Based in Christchurch, Innate Furniture was born from the belief that New Zealand has everything it needs to design and create world-class furniture from its own resources – and that doing so supports both people and the planet.
Grounded in Nick’s Ngāi Tahu roots, Guido and Nick guide the business by the principles of kaitiakitanga.
“Caring for our land is at the core of our decision-making. This is not just about where materials are sourced, but also how they’re processed and transported, and what can be done with them at the end of their lives.”
Timber is a key part of their furniture designs, and the pair have built strong relationships with sawmills and raw material suppliers. A favourite timber to work with is sustainably sourced Northland tōtara, a timber that is good for New Zealand’s future, Guido says.
“Its stability and warm tones make it ideal for a range of applications, and it’s a resource that grows in abundance on marginal farmland and can be managed responsibly for future generations – supporting landowners who directly benefit from this additional income stream.”
Alongside tōtara, West Coast beech is harvested under continuous-cover forestry practices. They also recycle wood to give it another life, such as rimu reclaimed from Christchurch quake demolitions.
For upholstery, they use New Zealand wool fabrics woven locally – renewable, biodegradable, and naturally resilient. Wool padding and fill are used in upholstered items, including a unique wool-filled bean bag range. New Zealand-sourced leather is processed responsibly, and timber is finished with natural oils and waxes, and Innate is working with AgResearch to develop a natural coating system.
With commercial contracts and pieces available for anyone to buy, Guido says the vision is bigger than dining tables and chairs. “It’s treating the land with respect so raw materials can be used across a range of products and made more accessible.”
Looking ahead, Innate is blending craft with innovation, developing an AI-driven e-commerce platform that will let customers customise products in 3D before they’re made to order – bringing the best of local design and modern technology together.
ON THE ROAD
ROLLING INTO CHRISTCHURCH
Since 1966, Giltrap Group has been synonymous with bringing the world’s most desirable cars to New Zealand; now, Giltrap Group have brought their automotive magic to Canterbury.
Giltrap Christchurch boasts both the world’s southernmost Certified Bentley Service Centre and one of the South Island’s most impressive selections of pre-owned luxury vehicles and supercars.
Perhaps the best way to describe Giltrap Christchurch is as a home to the South Island’s supercars. The purpose-built facility has been designed to give mainlanders a permanent hub, with factory-trained technicians and support from iconic brands like Aston Martin, McLaren, Lamborghini, and Bentley.
“We love cars, and so do our customers, and Cantabrians have a real passion for great cars, so it was a natural choice to invest in a facility to match. While it isn’t as impressive as One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, some of our supercars could easily match the Crusaders when it comes to wow factor,” says Giltrap Group CEO Steve Kenchington.
The goal was to give Giltrap Christchurch the same character as their now iconic group head office building in Auckland’s Grey Lynn, where Bentley, Aston Martin, and Lamborghini have their New Zealand headquarters. Giltrap Christchurch is set to become a destination, not only for owners of luxury vehicles, but for fans of supercars. From the start, Giltrap Christchurch was designed to be a destination where the world’s coolest cars could be both enjoyed and cared for.
Giltrap Christchurch will also be a base for the regular drive events held by the
group in the South Island, says James Berry, GM Luxury, Giltrap Group. “There is no question that the South Island boasts some of the world’s best driving roads, so it is fantastic to have this location, not only for mainlanders, but also for guests travelling south, to deliver the best possible experience, driving the best cars on the best roads.”
Giltrap Christchurch replaces the remote service clinics that have previously taken care of luxury and high-performance cars in the South Island. The permanent location in Islington means assistance and advice are now local. At the heart of the operation is Giltrap Group’s personalised and seamless experience, with expert technicians, genuine parts, and flexible appointments, ensuring every visit is smooth and enjoyable.
“Since Sir Colin Giltrap opened his first dealership nearly sixty years ago, that commitment to delivering the world’s best automotive journeys and brands has been the focus of everything we do,” says Steve. “At the heart of that is people, our customers, our team, and Kiwis. From our passion for helping motorsport take on and beat the world, to events like New Zealand Fashion Week and the Starship Supercar Show, Giltrap Group is proudly New Zealand.”
Whether you need advice or service, you’re looking for your dream car…or just want to dream, Giltrap Christchurch is only 15 minutes from both the Square and the airport, at 491 Waterloo Road, Islington. The team looks forward to seeing you Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm, and weekend visits are available by appointment.
giltrap.com
picked up on the project’s merits and what it’s trying to do.”
Gareth Salisbury, of Naylor Love Canterbury, described Youth Hub Christchurch as the best collaboration he’s had as a project manager, with all involved striving to excel and fulfil the hub’s aspirational vision. Regional Director Graeme Earl echoed the sentiment, saying the project aligned with Naylor Love’s values of caring for communities.
“We’re exceptionally proud of what the team has developed – the facility and the way it has come up, the quality of materials used, and the support from our supply chain, which has
been quite humbling,” says Graeme, noting that Naylor Love Canterbury has worked alongside Dame Sue and Dr Phil Bagshaw on many other worthy projects through the years.
Hall Fabrication is proud to have worked alongside Naylor Love to help bring this facility to life for the rangatahi of Christchurch with innovative rooftop planters, canopies, bench seats, and atrium planter with an elegant pounamu fountain.
Fundraising is ongoing to complete future stages. The next building, with construction just getting underway at the hub, is a new events and activities centre.
BY DESIGN
THAT’S WHAT SIMON SAYS
Apowerhouse of New Zealand timber craftsmanship. Craftbuilt have been shaping everything from round windows to marble-clad staircases across New Zealand. At the helm is Simon Raikes, a man whose passion for woodwork is as strong as the timber he mills. Since purchasing the business in 2018 from his former employer, Simon has transformed Craftbuilt into a versatile and high-end woodworking studio. Known for their custom timber furniture, architectural features, louvres, staircases, and more, the team tackles everything from largescale villa restorations to one-off feature pieces. “People always ask what our niche is,” Simon says, laughing. “Honestly, we just about make anything for anybody. Whether it’s a 1970s Scandinavian lounge chair or a four-poster bed, we’ll do it.” Not only does this ensure the passion and craftsmanship are never lost in the repetitiveness of only ever producing a small range. But by doing this, Simon and the Craftbuilt team continue to learn and hone their craft, which is evident in the products they produce. It’s this flexibility and craftsmanship that have earned Craftbuilt a loyal client base across the country, including here in Canterbury. One longstanding project has been the manufacture of timber louvres for the Burlington Villas, a development Simon has been involved with for over five years. “All the decorative timber louvres on those villas are made right here in Levin.” There is a clear sense of pride that Craftbuilt takes in producing products that are then used nationwide.
Simon admits he’s always felt the pull of the South Island. “If I had my way, I’d shift everything south,” he says. “However, being in Levin means we’re central to both the North and South Island, so it’s a good compromise.”
That South Island dream is never far from Simon’s mind. He hopes one day to partner with a like-minded business investor or fellow woodworking enthusiast to bring Craftbuilt south. “Our craftsmanship deserves to be located and on display in the deep south,” he says.
2024 has been a year of transformation. After a year-long build, Simon and his team have just moved into a brand-new factory and showroom, complete with polished concrete floors and the space to display furniture, architectural pieces, and design vignettes.
The new space will also showcase pieces from WeWood, a luxury Portuguese furniture brand that Craftbuilt now imports exclusively into New Zealand. “We’ve visited their factory in person. It’s absolutely amazing,” says Simon. “We have some of their beautiful timber furniture in stock already, ready to display.”
While Craftbuilt’s clients are often homeowners, architects frequently seek them out, too. Sometimes for standout projects like a curved plywood staircase in a luxury Auckland build, or an upcoming “hobbit-style” house here in the South Island, filled with circular window frames.
Every piece has a story, from a walnut dining table made from a client’s family tree to intricate fretwork adorning a Wellington villa that’s now up for House of the Year. “We’re doing fewer mass-produced items and more meaningful, one-off projects,” he says. “That’s the kind of work I love.”
With plans to add upholstery to their inhouse capabilities and a newly restored kauri launch ready to hit the water this summer, the team at Craftbuilt are true artisans of wooden masterpieces. A business built on passion, precision, and a love of all things timber.
craftbuilt.co.nz
From the ground up
After nearly a decade crafting bespoke landscapes in Auckland, Rachael Farthing returned home, launching Studio Wren Landscape Design from her new base in Ōtautahi. An accredited member of the Garden Design Society of New Zealand, Rachael brings with her the refined sensibilities of a seasoned designer who values true collaboration with clients.
Now rooted in Christchurch, Studio Wren emphasises climate-wise planting and regionally resonant materials. Hardy perennials thrive here in the Canterbury climate. At Studio Wren, the ethos stands that gardens and landscaping aren’t one-size-fits-all projects. Instead, each design evolves in conversation with the family, the architecture, and the lifestyle it houses. Rachael believes home is the sum of architecture, interiors, and landscape. A harmonious trilogy that makes a place feel truly loved when lived in.
One of her current projects showcases this approach by featuring existing fruit trees that have been preserved and pruned to be a showpiece. Future phases include a pool and a layered planting plan to evolve over time and with
the seasons. Supplier continuity ensures material quality and plant provenance remain high.
Whether it’s crafting a garden for a new build or breathing fresh life into an existing home, Rachael’s multi-functional, indoor-outdoor gardens are designed to complement the architecture and enhance the way people live. Each space is tailored to suit the lifestyle of its owners. Places to gather with friends, unwind after a long day, or simply enjoy the changing seasons.
Rachael brings a blend of natural warmth, rigorous horticultural knowledge, and impeccable design to every project, ensuring that no detail is left to chance.
Rachael’s strong supplier relationships with skilled landscapers and specialist nurseries mean she can source the finest materials and plants, creating gardens that are as enduring as they are beautiful.
For Christchurch-based clients seeking a garden that feels as personal as their home, Studio Wren Landscape Design offers clarity in planning, consent and regulation management, creativity in execution, and a sense of calm that lasts long after the final plant is in the ground.
studiowren.co.nz
DESIGN AND SUPPLY
Karen Young is a founder and director of Christchurch-based interior design studio Design + Supply Co. With decades of experience, Karen and business partner Bridget have developed a business known for its refined interiors and expertise in custom window furnishings. From madeto-measure curtains to bespoke shutters and blinds, she understands how fabric, form, and function combine to elevate a space. Karen isn’t afraid to create bespoke solutions new to the market, crafting pieces unique to each home. Her career began in soft furnishings, a foundation that shapes her work today. Clients value her confident, detail-focused, thorough approach that makes for a seamless installation. She collaborates closely with homeowners, architects, and builders to ensure every element – from fabric to hardware – is thoughtfully chosen and executed. Originally founded as Furnishscene in 2004, the business rebranded in 2019 to reflect a broader design offering. Today, alongside the DS team, Karen delivers not only window furnishings but also full interior design services, including spatial planning, custom furniture, and material palettes. Combining technical skill with creative intuition, her work goes beyond aesthetics to create spaces that feel as good as they look.
designsupplyco.nz
SOW, GROW, THRIVE
Nicola is the kind of person every small business wishes they had in their corner. After a decade of marketing experience in Melbourne, she moved to Ōtautahi to be closer to family and has established herself in the local business scene as the founder of Little Seed Collective. The boutique marketing strategy consultancy has a simple mission: help businesses grow with intention. Nicola works closely with clients to define their audience, clarify their business goals, and map out practical, results-driven marketing strategies that are tailored to their needs. Her approach is hands-on and flexible. From one-on-one coaching to full marketing strategy development, Nicola meets businesses where they are. Increasingly, she’s also running Mini Marketing Strategy Workshops for small businesses – half-day sessions where owners collaborate, share ideas, and leave with actionable marketing plans. “It’s a way to get expert support while collaborating with others in a creative and energising environment.” Whether she’s guiding a new business through its first steps or helping an established brand refocus, Nicola’s calm, collaborative approach leaves clients feeling confident, clear, and ready to grow.
littleseedcollective.co.nz
SUE’S GARDEN
Artist Sue Knowles’ paintings bring luminous beauty to the most sophisticated spaces. From her Tai Tapu garden studio, she captures fleeting moments of perfection – that breathtaking instant when morning light kisses a peony into pure radiance. Her love affair with flowers began on a remote Moa Flat sheep farm, where her mother created magic, balancing farm life while cultivating a garden of extraordinary beauty. “Mum taught me that true elegance grows from the earth.” Today, Sue has recreated that childhood paradise, nurturing heritage roses and show-stopping peonies in her own garden. “I wake to an ever-changing symphony of colour and fragrance from spring through autumn,” she says. From her garden studio, Sue translates these living moments into lasting art. “I study my flowers as they evolve through the day’s changing light, waiting for that perfect moment of harmony – when everything aligns and the flower reveals its soul.” This patient devotion creates paintings that transform homes into sanctuaries. “When collectors bring my work home, they’re inviting that garden serenity into their daily lives.” Own the moment your garden takes your breath away – forever.
sueknowlesart.com
Ōtautahi Christchurch: Southern centre
Lynette McFadden
Business Owner & Mentor, Harcourts gold
@lynette_mcfadden
If you haven’t already noticed, Christchurch has become a city of reinvention and innovation.
Since the post-earthquake rebuild, the property scene has developed into a brilliant canvas of bold architectural ideas, great inner-city art, creative interiors, and innovative landscaping. It’s all here, and it keeps getting better. Not only do we have one of the strongest construction industries in the country, if you look at the level of consents being granted (6,651 new dwellings in the year to March 2025, 20 per cent of all housing consents nationwide), we also have a city full of real estate makers and creators. Collectively, they’re capturing the purpose and spirit of our communities. Because of my occupation, I’m fortunate to have a frontrow seat, and I’m noticing the emergence of several trends.
The inner-city development that’s been happening over many years has built some real momentum. Apartments and townhouses, although available in significant numbers, are being picked up, especially when they feature reasonable parking and storage options, and there’s
also strong interest in areas like Addington, Woolston, Linwood, and New Brighton. This popularity is based on a mixture of new infill developments to choose from, access to the city, and the appeal of more green, familyfriendly spaces.
It’s a big picture, and there’s a sense that there is a lot more to come.
Design evolution includes the emergence of curves: curved walls and curved interior entrances replacing straight lines, and our most obvious architectural salute to the curve is Te Pae, the city’s convention centre. It stands as a culturally significant building, taking its inspiration from Canterbury’s braided rivers and mountains.
Residentially, newer choices are lighter coloured bricks, solar energy conversions in greater numbers, green walls, and heritage revitalisation. It seems we really are leading the country in momentum and energy, and if you drive through any suburb, there’s a strong sense of pride, sustainability, and progress.
Whatever the future holds, it’s Canterbury’s time and being a part of its resurgence is something we can all take heart in.
Sage and Clare Nadine Linen Quilt Cover, Queen $370 | Loomwares Cashmere Merino Bach Blanket, $335 Gregory Ruffus Top, $349, and Gregory Broun Pant, $449 | Think Like Vink Nellie Earrings, $190 | Tolv Islet Oak Side Table, $800 Botanical Shower Steamers, $27 | Newlands Studio Louie Vest, $259 | Poet Botanicals Apothecary Candle, $79 Bianca Lorenne Cushions, from $179 each | 332 Durham Street North, Christchurch swoonstore.co.nz
PETALS AND POURS
It’s time to smell the roses – literally! Timaru is gearing up to host its 23rd Festival of Roses this year, with the event undergoing a revamp, thanks to new event managers. You’ll still be able to wander through the iconic, internationally famous Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden at Caroline Bay in the heart of Timaru, and delight in the fragrant scents, but new this year is a Saturday evening market aiming to get the crowd to the bay and dancing! Sunday will feature the much-loved festival market, including a variety of stalls, music, gardening demonstrations, plus a children’s play area and performances. 6–7 December 2025. festivalofroses.co.nz
The Good Drop in central Rangiora pours 21 rotating taps of seasonal and standout brews from Canterbury and beyond. Enjoy a pint, try a tasting, or fill a bottle to take home – from 500ml to over two litres.
thegooddrop.co.nz
96 Esplanade, Kaikura, New Zealand Freephone 0800 733 365 encounterkaikoura.co.nz
If you find yourself venturing up SH6 north of Haast, stop to explore Ship Creek, the starting point for two short, photogenic trails. The Kahikatea Swamp Forest Walk (20 mins) winds along boardwalks through lush, boggy forest. In contrast, the Dune Lake Trail leads through windswept sandy dunes to sweeping sea and forest views. This coastline is part of the Tauparikākā Marine Reserve, one of the best places to spot Hector’s dolphins – the world’s smallest dolphins – playing in the surf.
westcoast.co.nz
WEST COAST
SOUTH CANTERBURY
NORTH CANTERBURY
The perfect boutique escape
If you’re heading through South Canterbury and tempted to keep driving, pause a moment. The idyllic town of Geraldine deserves more than a passing glance. Located on the route between Christchurch and Mackenzie, Geraldine offers everything you need for a stylish, relaxing overnight escape: artisan food, boutique shopping, craft gin, local art, and elegant accommodation.
BARKER’S FOODSTORE & EATERY
For many, the first stop is Barker’s Foodstore & Eatery, and for good reason. This destination venue is a celebration of regional produce. Stop for lunch and sample dishes made with Barker’s famous chutneys and preserves, all produced just up the road. Sample your way through the tasting station and explore the shop, perfect for stocking up on essentials to take home.
HUMDINGER GIN
Once you’ve eaten, it’s time to sip. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Humdinger Gin – a boutique distillery crafting bold, award-winning gins. Drop by for a tasting and explore their range of distinctive botanical gins, or book ahead for a guided tour to step inside the still room and discover how gin is made. Both options are local experiences gin lovers rave about – and chances are, you’ll leave with a bottle (or two).
THE VICARAGE GERALDINE
As the sun starts to dip, check into The Vicarage Geraldine. The stunning six-bedroom restored historic manor is the perfect place to lay your head, featuring high ceilings, heritage architecture, and luxurious touches in every room. The Vicarage offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. It’s quiet, elegant, and right in the heart of town, ideal for a restful night after a day of exploring.
Spend your morning wandering through Geraldine’s boutique shops and galleries, where local makers sell everything from pottery and textiles to fine art and handcrafted gifts. Nature lovers can lace up their walking shoes and explore Talbot Forest, just minutes from the town centre, where you’ll find peaceful tracks shaded by ancient native trees.
An overnight stay in Geraldine is more than a stop on the way. Take the time to enjoy the fresh country air, culinary delights, and artisan flair. Come for the night, and you may just find you want to stay a little longer.
welovetimaru.nz
Dear Dad,
Let’ s have a whisky together.Ps. maybe two. .
Tart at heart
Sophie Petersen Food Editor | @fulltimetart
ake was never part of the plan. Truth be told, I wouldn’t even consider myself a sweet tooth. I’ve always been far more excited by cheese boards than chocolate. But here I am now, waist-deep in buttercream, running a cake business called Full Time Tart.
The descent into this flour-dusted world began quietly. At first, it was just something to do to offset the grey-tinted monotony of my corporate job. Teams calls that could’ve been emails. The ‘How was your weekend?’ … ‘Have a great weekend’ conversational loop. A Groundhog Day that drains the joy from a creative mind. And so, in a quest for something tangible, I began baking.
Every Monday morning, I’d walk into the office with a Tupperware box filled with triple chocolate brownies or banana loaf. There’s a particular thrill in watching a group of spreadsheet-weary colleagues soften into puddles of praise over something you made with your own two hands.
And yes, I’ll admit it, I had hoped that one of these spreadsheet men would fall for me over a slice of lemon polenta cake. Though unsuccessful in my endeavour, as I write this, I find joy in the idea of my former colleagues quibbling over which one of them I failed to seduce with citrus and sugar.
It wasn’t long before I was supplying cakes for every celebration. So when my cousin asked if I’d bake her wedding cake, I agreed, blissfully unaware that this was a defining fork in the road. This simple ‘Yes!’ sent me hurtling headfirst into a world of recipe testing, ganache gloss ratios, and delivery routes laden with pot holes while I held my breath for the towering three-tier in tow.
My family were ‘reluctantly’ roped into blind tastings. I developed a suspicious interest in weather patterns: warm enough to whip butter, cold enough to hold shape in a sweltering clear marquee. During bridal consultations, I joke that I deserve an honorary engineering degree. The grooms, always more concerned about the internal structure than the design, tend to agree.
But despite the chaos, the mess, the sore arms, and the fridge tetris, there is magic in making. Full Time Tart was never the plan. But in the end, we’re all tarts at heart.
Best in bangers
The unsung heroes of many a dinner plate, BBQ, and late-night fridge raid. Whether they’re sizzling alongside eggs, tucked into a bun with mustard, or stealing the spotlight outside a Bunnings this summer, sausages are the versatile MVPs. Here are four of Avenues’ food editor Sophie Petersen’s favourite butchers producing the tastiest sausages. Just ahead of the annual Great New Zealand Sausage Competition, you are bound to see some of these snags taking home the gravy.
BUTTERFLY AND SCOTCH
85 Main Road, Redcliffs @butterflyandscotch
Take a trip across the causeway to Redcliffs village, where you’ll find Butterfly and Scotch. A charming deli-butchery celebrated for its warm staff, award-winning house-smoked bacon, and an impressive counter display, filled with smoked meats and deli treasures. Their standout? The award-winning Vegemite Sausage. An inspired blend of beef brisket, Vegemite, chicken salt, smoked garlic and onion, and a splash of beer. It’s quirky, bold, and utterly delicious. Spice lovers can’t go past their fiery jalapeño number, another firm favourite. With their inventive flavours and quality craftsmanship, these guys are ones to watch at this year’s Great New Zealand Sausage Awards.
CASHMERE CUISINE
18 Colombo Street, Cashmere cashmerecuisine.co.nz
At the Port Hills end of Colombo Street, you’ll find Cashmere Cuisine, a boutique butcher beloved for its free-farmed Canterbury meats and artisanal small goods. A regular favourite of mine is the Tuscan Herb Butterflied Chicken. Vacuum sealed with a mild Tuscan seasoning, this is the perfect quick-cook chook that your friends and family will love. However, it’s their sausages that are a highlight. Using free-range pork, come classics such as Pork & Apple Cider and Leek & Fennel, Hot Hungarian, Greek Lamb, and even a Maple Blueberry for those looking for something a little different. Flavour is at the forefront here. Think rich umami, aromatic herbs, and natural casings. A premium destination for sausagelovers… and not just the meats are smokin’!
PETER TIMBS MEATS
70 Edgeware Road and 35 Bishopdale Court @peter_timbs_meats
Founded in 1978, Peter Timbs Meats is a cherished Canterbury butchery. And it’s their sausages that take centre stage! From traditional varieties like Nuremberg and Cumberland to exciting pairings such as Wild Venison & Plum and Jalapeño & Cheese. It’s the pork and apple sausages that are the real crowd pleasers. Succulent, sweet, and bursting with flavour. These snags are perfect, sizzling fresh off the BBQ, alongside a creamy mash or roasted vegetables. For me, they’re even better the day after. Cold and dunked into a dish of tomato sauce for that nostalgic, comforting bite. Peter Timbs is truly an institution, delivering generous, adventurous sausage artisanship for decades.
Celebrating over 30 years of Dutch-inspired excellence, Traiteur European Butchery is an institution here in Christchurch. They offer exquisite European meats, deli fare, and pantry goods. The team here is knowledgeable, talented, and downright charming. What a trifecta. As for the sausages, their European heroes include the classic bratwurst, knackwurst, and smoked specialists, alongside fresh deli salamis and pâtés. I picked up a couple of Cumberlands that were rich, heritage-style, and made a great addition to a hearty winter stew or rustic sausage and mash. With ready-to-eat meals, a delicious selection of wines, and even cakes and tarts for dessert lovers, Traiteur is a one-stop shop institution, steeped in quality and tradition.
Have yourself a Bloody Mary Christmas
Found in the heart of Christchurch at Rydges Latimer Hotel, Bloody Mary’s restaurant has garnered a reputation as a premier steakhouse and whisky lounge, known for its premium cuts, perfectly executed sides, and extensive whisky menu.
But the best-kept secret of the iconic establishment is its private dining spaces – quiet corners tucked away from the main restaurant that offer the perfect blank canvas for special celebrations. A la carte, buffet-style, and roaming menus are all on offer to create an atmosphere that best suits the event, whether it’s a special early Christmas celebration for immediate family or a corporate knees-up to toast the end of the calendar year.
Hugh’s Whisky Library is the jewel in the crown, an intimate dining experience unlike any other. Light filters through the glass cases stocked with whisky, cognac, and vintage port; start a new tradition and purchase your own bottle to be stored in the library and enjoyed at leisure, an ode to Christmases past.
Intimate groups will have a hard time finding a better dining experience than the
Chef’s Table. With a partial view of the kitchen and a meticulously prepared five-course menu, it’s the best seat in the house.
The Terrace is a freshly renovated, allweather events space, providing a casually excellent space perfect for larger groups. With an outdoor feel but the option to be fully enclosed, The Terrace offers the best of both worlds, not to mention some of Christchurch’s best wine, cocktails, snacks, and nibbles.
Master Ridley’s Private Dining Hall is the epitome of class, sectioned off from the restaurant by grand glass doors. Able to hold up to 70 people, the possibilities are endless in this space.
Chef Christopher Walker leads the talented team, bringing the finest produce across Canterbury to your table. Greenstone Creek beef, wild venison striploin, Akaroa Salmon, and Canterbury lamb rump anchor a refined and thoughtful menu, perfectly complemented by locally grown vegetables and rounded out with a considered dessert offering.
The team are ready to help curate a memorable festive feast to celebrate the end of 2025.
bloodymarys.co.nz
From ocean to table
Since 1985, Akaroa King Salmon has been raising fish in the pristine waters of Banks Peninsula. From the very beginning, they’ve prided themselves on supplying the freshest salmon direct to locals, whether straight from the wharf in Wainui, as they still do today, or from their dedicated shop in Christchurch.
If you’re in Christchurch, follow the aroma of fresh Mānuka embers to their smokehouse and shop in Wigram (89 Treffers Road). Here you’ll find every style of King Salmon – whole, wings, smoked, or the classic fresh pinboned fillet.
Nik Mavromatis of Akaroa Salmon hopes more locals discover the joy of seafood straight from the farm. “There are still plenty of people looking for the freshest fish, whether it’s raw for sashimi or a whole fillet to grill on the barbecue with friends. Not many realise we raise King Salmon right here in Akaroa Harbour – just an hour and fifteen minutes from landing at the wharf to arriving in Wigram.”
According to Nik, it’s also a perfect centrepiece for feeding a party. “Serve a
whole Mānuka hot-smoked fillet on a platter with garlicky aioli and you’ll be a hit – no cooking required,” says Nik.
If you’re not sure how to prepare salmon, the Wigram shop is the ideal place to start. “We have experts here who can offer tips and recipes. We’ve also got some great local products made from our salmon – like Greenhouse Smoked Salmon pizzas or the famous Fairlie Bakehouse Salmon pies.”
From a sustainability standpoint, Akaroa Salmon is one of the best choices available. It has a remarkably low carbon footprint compared to other proteins, trailing only tofu, mussels, and oysters, and is a healthy option rich in Omega-3. The team is passionate about ‘farm to table’ practices, and Nik says the team are proud to be able to supply the local community and talk to their customers directly.
“Not only are you supporting local businesses,” says Nik, “but you can pick up your salmon and be eating it that same night.”
akaroasalmon.co.nz
WHAT MORE COULD YOU KNEAD?
Bellbird Bakery began as a grassroots Kiwi story back in 2010 when Jeremy McCormack started baking sourdough and pastries in his backyard using a wood-fired oven. What began as a humble neighbourhood endeavour soon grew, moving through a couple of production kitchens before finding its home in The Tannery in 2012.
Dave O’Brien, the production manager who joined in 2017, recalls how the team has expanded to around 15 bakers, supplying not only multiple farmers’ markets, including Riccarton House Market and South Christchurch Farmers’ Market, but also wholesale clients like restaurants, cafés, and wholefood stores. Now with three locations, including The Tannery, Riverside Market, and the most recent addition on Holmwood Road, Bellbird continues to grow steadily while maintaining their artisanal focus.
Bellbird’s hallmark is its dedication to quality and seasonality. Their breads, like the beloved seeded sourdough with linseed, sunflower seeds, and a sesame crust, undergo an 18-hour natural fermentation process, resulting in complex flavour and excellent shelf life. They combine spray-free flour from Farmers Mill in South Canterbury and organic flour from North Canterbury’s
Millmore Downs, proudly supporting local growers and maintaining strong relationships that allow them insight into the farming season and flour quality.
Dave emphasises the skill, knowledge, and engagement of their bakers, highlighting a coaching pathway for newcomers and constant learning, even for himself, after 23 years in the craft. Their pastries also reflect this care, made with premium butter and careful lamination for that perfect flake and texture.
Despite their growth, Bellbird prioritises slow, sustainable expansion to preserve product quality and workplace culture. Bellbird are excited about future plans and their latest retail location, where customers can step into a space scented with warm bread and butter. Sourdough loaves, still warm to the touch, line the shelves, while trays of pastries emerge from the oven, their golden layers crisp and delicious. Bellbird is a place where the aromas alone could convince you that two almond croissants are always better than one. Great barista coffee is also served from their Holmwood and Tannery stores.
For Bellbird, it’s all about passion, community, and a relentless commitment to craftsmanship. And really, what more could you knead?
bellbirdbakedgoods.co.nz
Summerset Prebbleton Open Weekend
Summerset Prebbleton is a growing village with a vibrant community. Our village centre is underway, and once complete, will offer a range of fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities for you to enjoy.
A range of two-bedroom villas are available with flexible pricing starting from $665,000*.
“We’ve met a lovely group of people around our age that are just like us, active and get out and do things. We’ve made more friends now than we’ve ever done in our whole life. It was the best decision we made” NOEL & MARIE, RESIDENTS AT SUMMERSET PREBBLETON
We know that moving to a retirement village is a big decision. So why not come along to our Open Weekend and see for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life. Love the life you choose.
This season, Earl is in full bloom. The inner-city gem has refreshed its menu with vibrant, seasonal dishes that are lighter, brighter, and a touch more playful. From weekday lunches to the beloved Tuesday pasta night, the spot retains its simple, elegant charm – now with a bit more sparkle, clink, and twirl, celebrating the joys of eating in full seasonal swing. Rediscover city dining at Earl – there’s plenty of parking available.
earl.co.nz
COCO LUSH
Zodiac bartender Arnie is honouring his homeland with this creative and fresh cocktail – it will have you dreaming of summer. Coco Lush takes the flavours of the Philippines, like pandan leafinfused coconut tequila, ube, and brings it all together with Baileys. Check out the recipe on Avenues’ social media. Or, if you’re quick, Arnie will be able to whip it up for you, alongside other cocktails at Zodiac. Tell them we sent you. zodiacbar.co.nz
BIG BENEFITS
Southern Alp Sprouts make fresh, nutrient-dense food accessible. Owners Karen and Jas McGrath advocate the health benefits of these tiny vegetables. They’ve just launched a straight broccoli sprout range. Broccoli sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Rich in sulforaphane – a compound research links to disease prevention and improved gut, mental, heart, joint, and hormone health.
southernalpsprouts.co.nz
ALL ABOARD!
Step aboard the iconic Tramway Restaurant and immerse yourself in the flavours of spring as the city unfurls in colour beyond your window. The new seasonal menu is crafted using regional produce, featuring Akaroa Cured Salmon, Slow Braised Pork Belly, tempting vegetarian creations, and delectable desserts crafted in collaboration with a revered local pâtissier. Savour a leisurely fine-dining experience as heritage architecture and vibrant streetscape pass by, and each course is enhanced by curated wine pairings. With impeccable service aboard a beautifully restored heritage tram, this is Christchurch dining at its most distinctive and enchanting – bookings essential. christchurchattractions.nz
Emanuele
CENTRAL CITY
“She was a fish seller in, I think, central South Vietnam. There was a market. She had the typical hat with a red strap. She had red lipstick, she had beautiful eyes, and she was in the shade. She looked at the camera. I took the picture. I can actually see the reflection of the sky, and my silhouette in her eyes; it was a beautiful picture. I showed it to her, and she was almost emotional. I regret that I didn’t take very detailed notes of all those stories.
“At the beginning, it was a three-month trip, a working holiday, to improve my English and gain some motivation to finish university. I never found the motivation. I ended up staying 12 months in Australia, and I spent three months travelling in Southeast Asia on the way back. I fell in love with travelling, and with photography as a consequence.
“I decided to go to Canada. I stayed there for a year, and then I moved to New Zealand. Between 2011 and 2015, I was travelling as much as I could, between months of hard
work. I called it the Long Term Traveller Project. When I left New Zealand, I travelled for two years straight until Italy. As soon as I got to Singapore, I did the majority of my trip of one year by land, Mongolia, China, and Tibet was all by train and bus. When you travel long-term and remove the problem of time, you can actually follow your senses.
“Photography was the main reason, landscapes and people. I became a big fan of portraits because I was spending crazy hours in markets. From a small village in the middle of Laos, to a big market in Ulan Bator in Mongolia, just taking pictures of people. I don’t understand why people are so scared of diversity when, if you think about diversity, it’s very appealing to all of us.
“I consider myself a very happy person most of the time, and that has to do with the fact that I was able to, with a lot of hard work but also a lot of luck, transform the biggest passion of my life into my profession. It’s a very good feeling.”
facebook.com/humansofchch
KING OF SNAKE offers the best of Euro-Asian cuisine in an award winning, stunning 5-star contemporary setting. Just inside the doors of KING OF SNAKE is Monarch Cocktail Bar with a private dining space offering the delicious food from KING OF SNAKE’S award-winning menu.
Email info@kingofsnake.co.nz Open 7 days from 12pm until late Level One, The Terrace, 79 Cashel Street Christchurch, New Zealand Phone +64 3 365 7363 www.kingofsnake.co.nz
