Looking for a new show to hook you in and have you cancelling your plans? Look no further – we’ve rounded up our picks of the top ten bingeable shows to stream right now.

Dogs

Doggos. We just adore them, whether it’s making them a part of our families or watching endless videos of them on the internet, and the second season of this heartfelt and often tear-jerking documentary series further explores the bond humans share with these incredible animals. Four new episodes tell the stories of how a mascot’s handler, a priest, a military veteran and an astronaut’s lives are impacted by the relationship they have with their dogs.

The Serpent

A nail-biting thriller made even more disturbing by the fact that it is all based on true events, the twisting and twisted story of 1970s serial killer Charles Sobhraj is hard to look away from. The conman posed as a gem dealer and travelled across Thailand, Nepal, and India, drugging and killing travellers on the ‘Hippie Trail’, while a junior diplomat at the Dutch Embassy in Bangkok doggedly tries to pick up his trail.

The Flight Attendant

First-class flight attendant and party girl Cassie finds herself facing the worst-case outcome of her alcoholism and reckless behaviour when she wakes up next to one of her passengers – whose throat has been cut – with no memory of what happened. Stylish, intriguing and very addictive, this is a sure-fire winner with mystery fans.

The Irregulars

This may be a Sherlock Holmes story, but it’s not as you’ve ever seen it before. A gang of misfit street teens in Victorian London are manipulated into solving crimes for the rather ominous Dr. Watson, along with hints of the paranormal and enough mystery, danger and teen drama to keep you hooked.

Loki

In the latest series to come out of Marvel Studios, everyone’s favourite God of Mischief – or an alternate version of him, anyway – is hauled up in front of the Time Variance Authority and told to help fix the timeline he messed up in Avengers: Endgame, or be erased from existence. Time travel, some spy thriller action and a bunch of sassy fun ensue.

The Commons

Set in an uncomfortably plausible near-future where the climate crisis has become a whole lot harder to ignore, The Commons is above all driven by character, namely neurologist Eadie and her desperate desire to be a mother. But in this world where the future is so uncertain, the concept of motherhood is much more complicated, bringing with it environmental and moral questions about whether bringing a child into the world is an irresponsible choice.

Special

Funny, introspective and gutsy, this semi-autobiographical series stars actor-writer Ryan O’Connell as a young gay man with cerebral palsy looking to redefine himself after a car accident makes him take a hard look at his life. Only two seasons and with short episodes, this is easily bingeable material that will entertain as much as it encourages viewers to subvert their expectations – no ‘inspirational’ poster boys here, just complex, flawed, and utterly compelling characters.

Never Have I Ever

This feel-good teen drama is both funny and emotionally hard-hitting, making for addictive viewing for all ages. The trials and tribulations of first-generation Indian American teen Devi go deeper than boys and popularity – although those certainly make an appearance – with a larger arc about coming to terms with grief that will allow this show to worm its way into your heart.

Your Honour

We know by now that anything starring Bryan Cranston is bound to be good, and this miniseries that has been eagerly devoured by much of its audience is no exception. Fast-paced and gritty, the story kicks off with Judge Michael Desiato (Cranston) forced to make some high-stakes decisions and put everything on the line when his son accidentally kills the son of a mafia kingpin in a hit-and-run.

Ginny & Georgia

This show gives Gilmore Girls vibes with a splash of crime, suspense and even politics thrown in there to keep you on your toes. Sometimes you just want to watch something fun, funny, and a little bit heartfelt, and this show certainly fits the bill. Free-spirited and complicated southern belle Georgia moves to New England with her two children, Austin and Ginny, after the death of her husband. Centred around the bond between a mother and daughter (who might just be the more mature one in the relationship).

Fashion is a massive topic and a huge part of our world, and there’s just so much to know about it. Luckily What's Hot New Zealand has the lowdown on where to learn more – these top 10 fashion podcast picks have got something for you, whether you’re interested in fashion sustainability, want a look behind the scenes of famous fashion houses, insights into the latest trends, or just want to talk about the outrageous outfits worn by celebrities.

Fashion Victims

Fashion, gossip and news – that’s the backbone of this delightfully tongue-in-cheek project covering ‘why we’re tired of J Lo’s Versace dress’ and ‘are Kim Kardashian’s Skims the new corset?’. If you’re after commentary on film and television costuming, witty discussion of the Met Gala outfits and the latest news from fashion weeks around the globe, this is the highly entertaining place for it.

In Vogue: The 1990s

It’s official: the fashion of the ‘90s is back, and while kids these days are rocking baby tees and bucket hats, this special edition podcast from the fashion gurus at Vogue takes us back to the origins of grunge, colourful tracksuits, and how hip-hop, supermodels and the red carpet suddenly began to influence fashion trends.

Dior Talks

A fascinating look behind the curtain at a legendary brand, and the women who have influenced it. This series of mini-collections delves into the iconic fashion house’s identity, covering a range of topics from feminism to art to the key women in Christian Dior’s life.

The Cutting Room Floor

The fashion industry’s enormous environmental impact and systematic racism are just two of the controversial topics this pod fearlessly tackles. One for anyone interested in a career in fashion, The Cutting Room Floor aims to provide some insight on the industry from within. Hosted by New York-based designer Recho Omondi.

Articles of Interest

Why doesn’t womenswear have pockets already? Are fashion knockoffs the creations of heroes or villains? The narrative arcs of this miniseries feel as compelling as a murder mystery, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. Each instalment covers a different aspect of fashion, from the rise of casual wear to broader topics like Hawaiian shirts and the fantasy of fashion.

So...What Do You Do Again?

If you’re a young person of colour wanting to break into fashion, this is a must-listen – and even if you’re not, this intimate and candid insight into the journeys of women of colour in the fashion industry will have you captivated from the first episode. Host Naomi Elizée, Vogue’s market editor, shares her knowledge of the hiring landscape as well as delving into the obstacles often faced by her guests – from models to celebrity stylists – on their paths to the top.

Wardrobe Crisis with Clare Press

Hosted by Clare Press of Vogue Australia, this podcast explores the undeniable role the fashion industry plays in the climate crisis. Along the way, Clare examines some of the other ethical issues in fashion, such as representation and gender roles, with a focus on the people who are truly leading the way to a more sustainable fashion future.

Creative Conversations with Suzy Menkes

Suzy Menkes, the former editor of Vogue International, conducts in-depth interviews with top designers, thinkers and executives in fashion. With guests ranging from Dior’s creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri to Christian Louboutin, Suzy’s conversations offer fascinating and inspirational looks into some of the most creative minds in the industry.

Fashion Fix with Charli Howard

This one’s all about feeling good in the skin you’re in, from the model and activist who made headlines with her strongly-worded public letter to the model agency that told her she was ‘too big’ to work in the fashion industry. Charli Howard tells her own story as well as discussing body positivity, the alarmingly low pay in some areas of the industry, and other areas where she thinks the fashion world needs a good old-fashioned calling out.

Fashion Revolution Podcast

We may be familiar with all the big names in fashion, but what about the people who actually make the clothes we wear every day? This podcast turns the focus to the workers behind the scenes, through a year-long investigation and series of interviews by fashion journalist Tamsin Blanchard. The stories of 540 garment workers in India, Bangladesh and Cambodia weaves the fabric of this hard-hitting project, leaving you with plenty to think about once you’re finished.

Vegans rejoice, another epic plant-based meal is joining the lineup at Coriander's Ethnic Indian Restaurant in Christchurch.

Yes, it's true, the crowd-pleasing pinnacle of Indian food has been given a plant-based makeover. Local Canterbury Indian restaurant legends Coriander's decided that it was high time this popular dish was enjoyed by all, and Head Chef Pankaj Kumar rose to the challenge, developing the recipe himself with traditional Indian cooking techniques and ingredients.

Coriander's innovative Vegan Butter Chicken is made with chunky soy pieces that taste amazing and add great texture to the curry, and it’s given extra flavour punch with fresh capsicum juice, soy milk, cashew gravy and tomato. Like all Coriander’s curries, the Vegan Butter Chicken is made with fresh herbs, spices and produce. It's authentic, rich, creamy and delicious, a truly satisfying dish for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike – available at all four locations in the central city, Rolleston, Bush Inn and Sumner.

The Vegan Butter Chicken is the latest addition to Coriander's rapidly growing vegan menu, which also includes vegan versions of other classic dishes like Vindaloo, Saag, Madras and Jalfreezee. Now no one needs to miss out on the full authentic Indian dining experience.

corianders.co.nz

Choosing the right gear is not just about deciding whether you’re a skier or snowboarder! Picking the right equipment starts with basic clothing and goes all the way to choosing between various board and ski styles.

Ski Gear Basics

When you’re heading up to New Zealand’s ski areas there’s one basic rule: you should dress like an onion – lots of layers! You want to be able to adapt to temperature and weather changes on the slopes without getting too cold or too hot, and so your snow clothing should consist of three layers. If you don't have room for bulky ski clothing on your trip, there’s a slew of rental shops on and off the mountains.

For your base layer, thermal underwear is the best choice as it’s worn next to the skin. Long johns might not make a fashion statement but they definitely keep you warm and dry. It’s best to choose materials that draw moisture away from your skin, such as merino or polypropylene. Your middle layer should be fleece or wool, trapping warm air next to your body. Layer three should be a windproof, water-repellent ski jacket. And don’t forget those thermal socks to keep your feet warm – if your feet get wet and cold you’ll struggle to get warm no matter how many layers you’re wearing! Finally, pull on accessories to protect your hands, head and eyes.

Head Wrap up warm with a hat (with earflaps), beanie or at least a headband. Helmets are advisable for everyone and are particularly important for ski newbies and freestylers.

Hands Choose waterproof, durable, padded gloves to keep you warm. Fleece dries faster than wool and mittens are warmer than gloves. If you feel that mittens can be awkward, why not try a three-finger mitt?

Eyes To avoid snow blindness, always wear sunglasses that filter 100 percent of UV rays, or a ski mask. To block light at the sides, glasses should wrap around the face and you should always carry a spare pair in case you lose your good ones! Be careful: while it might seem that darker glasses offer more protection, that’s not necessarily the case.

Skis and snowboards New skis and snowboards are developed every ski season, so you’re spoilt for choice. The massive range of ski and snowboard designs can also be a bit daunting, so here are a few pointers to make your choice easier.

Firstly, think about your preferred style. Usually professionals recommend shorter skis and snowboards for beginners, because they don’t go too fast and are easier to handle. Shorter snowboards are also the plank of choice for freestyle riders doing a lot of tricks. Longer snowboards and skis are slightly more difficult to manoeuvre and are best for more aggressive riders and skiers. They are good for high-speed carving and suitable for a variety of conditions.

Ski Styles

Alpine skis These are good for hard-groomed pistes. Precise and fast, their bindings securely fasten the feet at heels and toes.
Freeride skis These planks are brilliant in tough conditions. Freeride skis slice through slush and float through powder.
Powder hound planks Fat powder hound skis are designed for deep powder and cut-up, soft snow. Perfect for heli skiing!
Telemark skis The binding on Telemark skis, an increasingly popular style, fastens only at the toe.

Snowboard Styles

Alpine or race boards Thin and stable with a tail almost flat, alpine or race boards enable fast turns and high velocity.
Freeride boards These are versatile semi-rigid boards, longer and taller than freestylers. Great on all types of terrain.
Freestyle boards Popular with beginners, freestyle boards are short, wide and flexible, with identical tail and nose. They’re a good choice for heli snowboarding and also essential for getting air in the terrain park and half-pipe.

Ski Gear – Rent or Buy?

To see whether it’s cheaper to rent or buy your ski gear, you have to figure out the cost-per-use ratio. Divide the cost of the equipment by your number of snow days per year – you’ll see how long you’ll need to keep your ski gear before it’s more cost-effective than renting. When flying into New Zealand from overseas you’ll have to take into consideration extra costs for getting your ski gear on the plane as well.

Read more for the latest season info on skiing and snowboarding in New Zealand

There’s been a sea change in the Christchurch central city – not just the buildings popping up and the gravel carparks disappearing. The feel of the place is changing, and we think it’s got something to do with the switch of gear in the residential scene.

We’re seeing SOLD signs all over the show, and an attitude to the people who live in the four avenues, that they’re proud central citizens. What's Hot New Zealand is taking a close look at central Christchurch living, the tropes, the developments, the people and what (we hope) is to come.

Central Citizens

SATIRE What's Hot New Zealand sticks its tongue in its cheek with a take on some of the personalities who live between the four avenues.

The Yo-Pro

She’s smart, she’s slick, she’s just landed her first six-figure job and she’s burnt her first month’s wage on an iPhone 12 and the deposit on a two-bedroom rental. Life is pretty good when the gym and the local cinema – easily her two favourite places to pass a weekday evening – are both just around the corner. She’s just scootered home from work via Riverside Market for some fresh weekend groceries, her fridge is stocked with Sauv and she’s about to text the girls to meet up for a pre-weekender at a pretty sweet new bar in High Street. Those fools may have to Uber into town and back, but she’s all set with a good pair of flats for a five-minute walk to funky town. Smart. Lives in the SALT District, home of the fun and fashionable. Often spotted carrying a KeepCup and a yoga mat. Catchphrase “Adulting so hard right now.”

The Hospo Hero

Management major by day, mixologist by night. He moved in with two classmates last year, and between them their jobs cover coffee, cocktails and chef duty. He’s just been promoted to bar manager and refers to himself as a “career hospo professional”, slinging martinis with a charming grin and an immaculately-ironed black shirt. He communicates with his close mates via a WhatsApp group chat called 'Chch kids 2.0', and with everyone else via Insta stories. Today he’s off duty and caught up on his readings, so he’s grabbing a late lunch of vegan loaded fries at The Welder before he hits up an art exhibition opening for some free canapés. Lives just around the corner from Welles Street. Often spotted cycling with a laptop bag slung over his shoulder. Catchphrase “Up2?”

The Happy Family

The kids’ eyes lit up when they saw their new neighbour was the Margaret Mahy Playground, but the real winner was Dad, who’s spent the last four years driving to and from parks with different combinations of sports equipment trying desperately to burn off a bit of his offspring’s energy. Now he’s sitting on a bench with The Press, keeping one eye on playground happenings and adjusting his Crusaders scarf while he reads about plans for the arena down the road. Mum’s walking home from a quick shopping mission and the afternoon is set aside for some quality family fun exploring the riverbanks – there seems to be more time for that now that commutes are a thing of the past. Lives in the Moa neighbourhood, just north of the Ōtākaro Avon River. Often spotted checking out the posters for kid-friendly shows in the Isaac Theatre Royal window. Catchphrase “Gelato time?”

The Empty Nesters

Got. It. Sorted. They held on to their big drafty villa for years after their youngest daughter moved out “just in case”. But this year they had a collective epiphany: they sold up, bought a warm apartment overlooking Hagley Park and never looked back. Now they spend their days practicing golf and their evenings catching concerts at the Town Hall and The Piano. They tell their kids they got a bargain because the home will only appreciate in value, especially once the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena and Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre are finished (they only refer to these by their full official names). But really what’s got him buzzing is the idea that Springsteen might come back to rock the city, and she’s keen to have morning swims together before their customary stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Now that’s cute. Lives half way between green space and retail central. Often spotted carrying new indoor plants into the elevator. Catchphrase “You’ll never believe who we bumped into today.”

The Man About Town

Nobody’s quite sure what he does (something with computers?) but they sure know who he is. He greets his neighbours and baristas by their names, and seems to be everywhere at once, rotating between working from home, various local cafés, and his favourite shared working space. He visits the barber down the road at least twice a month, his Instagram account has over 2000 followers, and he takes the time to set up the lighting before posting a story. He owns six tailored suits thanks to the savings he makes by being part of a car share collective. He may have grown up in the ‘burbs, but he’s found his good life and can’t imagine going back to anything else. Lives next to Rauora Park, where he can see nature but doesn’t actually have to participate in it. Often spotted lifting at the gym. Catchphrase “This is gonna be a game-changer.”

WILD PREDICTIONS OF THE FUTURE

What might the Christchurch CBD look like in the future? What's Hot New Zealand hazards some out-there predictions.

The future vibe tour

The central city has become a mosaic of little neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. The retail district is the heart – walking streets and mixed-use zones have spread out from Cashel Street, filled with stores ranging from hyperlocal boutiques to high-end international brands, with spots of activity gathered around live musicians, street food and artists.

Across the river, an arts and heritage district has fully fledged. Its staples are The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora and the redeveloped Canterbury Museum, but its crowning glory is a brand new high-rise in Cambridge Terrace – a development that houses contemporary international art and projects 3D installations onto the footpath outside.

The Victoria district has become an inner-city extension of Fendalton and Merivale, where flashy homes and luxury accommodation are a stone’s throw from fine dining and high-end boutique retail stores.

Diametrically opposite, the SALT District’s High Street offers a grittier alternative. Some of the city’s most legendary bars and cafés have established themselves here, along with über-cool retail offerings that include up-and-coming designers and tech-savvy tattoo parlours that can implant the latest technology in your body.

The southern central city has become a place where the industrial brushes up with the residential and retail: it’s a hub of microbreweries and roasteries, and there’s even a new urban winery with a multi-storey hydroponic vineyard.

Meanwhile, the east frame has become the place to be – flats of 20-somethings live in between growing families and high-powered executives, who all bump shoulders in the shared spaces. A walk around the ‘hood reveals a thriving network of community gardens where residents pick herbs, take cuttings, pick up produce at honesty boxes, and socialise with their neighbours. A sprinkling of mature native trees are regular hangouts for tūī and korimako which have long been central city residents thanks to extensive planting efforts.

The future citizen

Walking down Cashel Mall and along the riverfront reveals a melange of people goign about their business, from professionals in shorts and collared t-shirts (shirt-and-tie corporate wear is long a thing of the past), young people in smart threads that change colour with the mood of the wearer, and neo-hipsters rocking 2020s fashion staples. Post-quake housing has aged and become more affordable, leading to an influx of students, families and first home buyers looking for that urban lifestyle, while new developments continue to attract the professionals who are sick of commuting and the retirees who want easy access to the city's leisure and hospitality facilities.

The new currency

No, it's not Dogecoin. It's time. Thousands have flocked to the central city to buy more minutes and hours by cutting out the hustle and bustle associated with living miles away from the best things in in Christchurch. And what are they spending the new currency on? Time to get home and relax after work; time to BBQ with friends on a Saturday afternoon; time to watch the family grow; time to drop into the local for a drink and a yarn before a big gig at the arena; time to take in every little thing this future city has to offer.

Virtually yours

Taking an overseas holiday is sooo 2019. The future citizen can get away any night of the week using the latest virtual reality tech to see, taste, smell and feel the best the world has to offer.

After dark

Rooftop bars and penthouse apartments have become a real thing around Oxford Terrace, and a walkable skybridge connects many of them together. The whole riverside is lined with the kinds of haunts visiting celebs like to be spotted in. St Asaph Street and its surrounds have fully metamorphosised into rave central, where the quasi-industrial surrounds absorb the heavy beats of a thriving dance-bar scene, complete with skyward-facing spotlights and velvet ropes.

The Cathedral Square and Te Pae area has become a corporate dining and fancy pub zone, known for its swishy hotel bars and themed restaurants as well as the neighbouring performing arts district, where Isaac Theatre Royal, The Piano and the new Court Theatre are regularly frequented by a hot mix of talented locals and international acts. Around the corner, New Regent Street is the nightly haunt of the sit-and-sip crowd looking for relaxed cocktails and speciality drinks with a low-drama vibe.

Several late-night cafés have popped up around Manchester Street and Latimer Square, providing a place for the inner-city young and young-at-heart to mingle when the sun goes down.

The Kiwi acre (or 15,000 acres)

What's Hot New Zealand takes a look over the fence at the best back yard in town.

As far as yards go, this one’s pretty sweet. It’s got a big lawn, wicked water feature, curated gardens, and trees as far as you can see. We’re a city full of people who love to get out and do things, and we demand an outside area that fills our needs. Luckily, Ōtautahi central delivers in droves.

The central city’s shared space is so much more than a private garden could ever be. Hagley Park is the foremost part of our classic Kiwi plot. Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a world-class display, and the best part is you don’t have to do any of the weeding and pruning yourself.

If you like a home with a good pond or a stream, check this out: it’s called the Ōtākaro Avon River. Instead of goldfish there are friendly native eels, and you can even punt, paddleboard or kayak down the river.

Cooler than Copehagen: What the real people think

What's Hot New Zealand gets the word on the street from real people living in Christchurch's central city.

1 Gwyn Guanzon

Your neighbours are… Chester Street East is a very supportive community. It has a Facebook page that can keep everybody in the loop. Why do you choose to live here? I moved to Christchurch three and a half years ago. I was enrolled in Ara and I preferred to walk to school.

2 Max Lucas

Neighbourhood: SALT district, Atlas Quarter. How’s the vibe? Urban. Secure. Private. Great community. Your neighbours are… Winnie Bagoes, The Welder, South City, Pak’nSave. Why do you choose to live in the four aves? The excitement of a ‘new’ city. Biggest drawcard? Access, by foot mostly.

3 Roz Paddy

Neighbourhood: Cambridge Terrace, near Margaret Mahy Playground. Biggest drawcard? The small complex we live in. It’s quality, close to amenities, and the location is great for public transport. How do you get around? Walk, scooter, car. Is work handy to home? Yes, very handy.

4 Simone Rewa Pearson

Neighbourhood: The Chester East community. How's the vibe? Beautiful, tree lined and friendly. Why do you choose to live here? It’s never boring. Always life and activity close by, with easy access to where we work, live and play. What's the Christchurch of the future? Modern and safe, with a thriving central city.

5 Peter Wells

Why do you choose to live in the four aves? Community. I live with 19 others in a Victorian backpackers (closed for COVID) that we've converted into a community house. It's a beautiful space to live and remarkably well organised. How do you get around? Mostly walking or cycling. It's easy to borrow a car to escape for a weekend.

6 Dale Deavoll

Your neighbours are… Great. Apartment living is very misunderstood. You share some things but you have the same level of privacy as you do in the suburbs. I'd even say people are actually more considerate when you share a wall or a stairwell. We cross the road and chat with neighbours, too. How does Christchurch's future look? Cooler than Copenhagen.

Four Ave-News

What's Hot New Zealand investigates what’s coming up in the central city.

Anchors away

If you’re not aware of the big hitters of the central city redevelopment, then you need to come out from under your rock and get excited about some so-called ‘anchor projects’. Nearly finished is Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre , which may not affect your day-to-day life but should bring a bustle of business into town from afar.

Next on the list for completion is Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre, which will bring several pools (including a 50-metre competition pool) to the central city along with indoor courts, gym and other facilities. Then there’s the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena . Work hasn’t started on it yet so we don’t know all the details, but it’s going to have a roof for year-round sports including international rugby, excellent acoustics for massive gigs, and at least 25,000 seats.

ccc.govt.nz/the-council/future-projects/major-facilities

Culture bomb

There’s a whole lot of development incoming to keep the city’s artistic and cultural scene thriving.

New site for The Court Theatre courttheatre.org.nz/news

The Arts Centre revitalisation artscentre.org.nz/about-us/our-vision

Canterbury Museum redevelopment canterburymuseum.com/about-us/museum-redevelopment-plans

Moving to town

Thinking about making the move? Check out these great resources for info on living and working in Ōtautahi.

ccc.govt.nz/live-here

christchurchnz.com/live

Explore the four aves

For your handy pocket guide to the Christchurch central city, complete with news on the latest and greatest local businesses, check out the Cityscape app. cityscape.co.nz/app

Living space

ONE CENTRAL Up to 900 homes planned as one of the key residential developments of the central city. Between Lichfield, Kilmore, Manchester and Madras Sts – fletcherliving.co.nz

RIVERBANK QUARTER A mixed residential and commercial development fronting onto the river between Colombo and Manchester Streets. 243 Cambridge Tce – dgmgroup.co.nz

LANEWAY APARTMENTS Retail on the ground floor, five storeys of apartment living above – including accessible housing and Kiwibuild homes. 150 Tuam St – inovo.nz

THE SPIRE Nine floors of beautiful residential apartments and penthouses on top of the Wyndham Garden Hotel. 64 Kilmore St – thespire.co.nz

There are also older homes hitting the market – perfect for heritage hawks, budget-conscious buyers and resident renovators.

A market view

Let’s find out what’s happening on the building front. What's Hot New Zealand gets the low-down from some of the big names behind the central city’s residential developments.

Russell Pyne – Fletcher Living Canterbury

Can you tell us about your residential developments in the central city? Fletcher Living has a number of developments either completed, underway or planned, all of which are components of our overarching project One Central. This incorporates some 14 land parcels within seven city blocks running between Lichfield Street in the south and Kilmore Street to the north, and framed by Manchester and Madras streets. Overall, we expect to provide housing options for upwards of 2000 residents across potentially 900 dwellings.

Which nearby attractions make it a cool place to be? With Rauora Park serving as the spine of the development, we love the open space and new art installations including VAKA ‘A HINA and the sections of the Berlin Wall. Along with our temporary installations like the pump track, basketball court, and mini golf, these have helped One Central become a vibrant, welcoming community in the heart of Christchurch.

What is the central city’s greatest asset? Perhaps in one word, ‘proximity’. There is so much amenity in such close proximity to One Central that people are loving the opportunity to walk to work, eat out, get to the gym in a couple of minutes, catch a show or meet friends for drinks and a meal. Others are looking to the opening of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and the building of the newly announced home for the Court Theatre opposite the library in Gloucester Street. When you add the Town Hall, the new Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre and the Multi-Use Arena there is just about everything you need or want just moments away.

fletcherliving.co.nz

Gordon MacLeod – Ryman Healthcare

Can you tell us about Park Terrace? We have proposed to build a new central city retirement village complex on two sites we own on Park Terrace. We’re planning to build a Warren and Mahoney-designed village which will include apartments and rest home, hospital and dementia care. It will be home to more than 300 residents, and will include an indoor swimming pool, café and movie theatre as well as beautiful grounds for the residents to enjoy, right on Hagley Park.

Are you optimistic about this market? The population aged over 70 is growing fast and will almost triple over the next 30 years as the baby boomers retire. The projects will free up houses in the Christchurch market, and provide warm, architecturally-designed homes with care on hand. It will be one of the largest reinvestments in the city post the quakes. We’re in the midst of the biggest demographic change in generations.

What’s your vision for the city? Intergenerational living in a beautiful built environment. The city's well on the way to this. Finally!

rymanhealthcare.co.nz

Mike Greer – Mike Greer Homes

Can you tell us why you’re steering your attention towards inner-city, medium-density development? We have been building a lot of this housing in the North Island but hadn’t focused on it in Christchurch for years. The inner city needs more quality homes, and we knew we could do it well. So we decided to take on some larger central city projects.

Can you tell us about your residential developments in the central city? We have 33 townhouses going up in Armagh Street, another 33 being built in Peterborough Street, and 100 townhouses and apartments in Gloucester Street. They are all a mix of two- and three-level homes, some with garages or carparks.

Are you optimistic about this market? We are confident the time is right for larger, well-planned city developments. The city has moved so far, so quickly with some lovely commercial architecture – now it’s time for residential.

What’s your vision for the city? It's definitely a very young city, both in terms of its developments and its people. Over the next couple of years, more and more homes will pop up in the city. Finally we will see the end of gravel car parks.

What do you think about the new non-residential developments? I can’t wait for the convention centre to be finished. From what I’ve seen, it looks outstanding. Truly a world class asset for Christchurch.

mikegreerhomes.co.nz

Aaron Pero – Harcourts / The Spire

Can you tell us about The Spire apartments? They’re 29 apartments across four levels and sit on top of four floors of hotel rooms.

Are you optimistic about the central city real estate market? Yes, very optimistic. I'm meeting a lot of people who are wanting to give up the home in the suburbs and move into the city. Living in the city isn't just convenient; it's convivial and conducive to a better life.

What’s your five-second sales pitch for a central Christchurch apartment? Cut the commute and live above the city in luxury.

Who are you seeing move into these new homes? The Spire is mostly 50-plus couples from the suburbs wanting to spend less time maintaining houses and more time entertaining.

What is the central city’s greatest asset? I think with any city it is the people and it's no different here. We have a lot of great people doing amazing things across hospitality, retail and other businesses.

What’s your vision for what the city will become? I'd love to see lots of people living in the city and more large-scale projects like The Spire. The city has a lot to offer and now it just needs more people.

What’s your favourite central city neighbourhood? The north-west is my favourite, it's the closest to Hagley Park, the Art Gallery, and some great architecture. I'm biased because I'm selling a bit around there but I don't think that makes me wrong.

thespire.co.nz

Lorde is heading to Christchurch in February 2022 as one of the headline acts at Electric Avenue Music Festival.

The global superstar is one of the first artists announced to perform at annual Christchurch music fest Electric Avenue. She'll be joined but the likes of classic Kiwi jammers Supergroove as well as Drax Project, Lee Mvtthews, Harper Finn and Summer Thieves. The rest of the festival acts will be announced in September.

Lorde's performance at Electric Avenue will be her first ever appearance at a New Zealand music festival, and comes off the back of her recent hit single 'Solar Power', which will feature on a full album released later this year.

"We're stoked to have an artist of Lorde's calibre on next year's lineup," says Festival director Callam Mitchell. "Lorde truly is an international superstar and a household name around the world, so to have her performing at Electric Avenue for what will be her first ever festival appearance in this country is huge for us."

Drax Project, Harper Finn, Lee Mvtthews, Summer Thieves, and funk rock group Supergroove are the other acts confirmed on the lineup in the first announcement.

Tickets for the event will go on sale at 12 noon on Monday 28th June.

Electric Avenue
Hagley Park
Saturday 26 February 2022
electricavenuefestival.co.nz

What's Hot New Zealand takes a look over the fence at the best back yard in town.

As far as back yards go, this one’s pretty sweet. It’s got a big lawn, wicked water feature, curated gardens, and trees as far as you can see.

We’re a city full of people who love to get out and do things, and we demand an outside area that fills our needs. Luckily, Ōtautahi central delivers in droves. The central city’s shared space is so much more than a private garden could ever be.

Hagley Park is the foremost part of our classic Kiwi plot – an enormous open space that plays home to all sorts of publicly and privately organised activities, sports, festivals, concerts and good old fashioned picnics. And it really puts things in perspective when “watching a bit of BYC” really means watching the Black Caps take on a touring team at Hagley Oval.

Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a world-class display, and the best part is you don’t have to do any of the weeding and pruning yourself.

If you like a home with a good pond or a stream, check this out: it’s called the Ōtākaro Avon River and it runs right through the middle of this yard. Instead of goldfish there are friendly native eels, and you can even punt, paddleboard or kayak your way up and down the river.

Taking a quick look around, it’s very obvious that Christchurch is a city of dog lovers. Our furry little friends are everywhere from The Groynes to Taylors Mistake, and the central city is no exception. They’re welcome at just about every café and bar with an outdoor area, and there’s no shortage of fantastic walks. Take your poodle for a play in Hagley Park, throw a ball with your bichon in Cranmer Square, prance your Pomeranian around Raoura Park, get reacquainted with your favourite golden retriever at Latimer Square, and tire out your terrier with a jog along Te Ara Ōtākaro Avon River Trail.

If you ask us, that’s a top-notch back yard right there.

What does the Christchurch CBD look like in the future? What's Hot New Zealand hazards some uneducated guesses.

The vibe tour

The central city has become a mosaic of little neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. The retail district has become the heart of the city – walking streets and mixed-use zones have spread out from Cashel Street, filled with large and small stores ranging from hyperlocal boutiques to high-end international brands, and dotted with spots of activity gathered around live musicians, street food and artists.

Across the river, an arts and heritage district has fully fledged. Its staples are The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora and the fully redeveloped Canterbury Museum, but its crowning glory is a brand new high-rise in Cambridge Terrace – a controversial development that houses a goldmine of contemporary international art and projects 3D installations onto the footpath outside.

The Victoria district has become an inner-city extension of Fendalton and Merivale, where flashy homes and luxury accommodation are a stone’s throw from fine dining and high-end boutique retail stores.

Diametrically opposite, the SALT District’s High Street offers a grittier alternative to the plush surrounds of Victoria Street. Some of the city’s most legendary bars and cafés have established themselves here, along with über-cool retail offerings that include up-and-coming fashion designers and tech-savvy tattoo parlours that can implant the latest technology in your body.

The southern central city has become a place where the industrial brushes up with the residential and retail: it’s a hub of microbreweries and roasteries, and there’s even a new urban winery with a multi-storey hydroponic vineyard.

Meanwhile, the east frame has become the place to be for anyone who’s anyone – flats of 20-somethings live in between growing families and high-powered executives, who all bump shoulders in the shared spaces. A walk around the ‘hood reveals a thriving network of community gardens, where local residents pick herbs, take cuttings, pick up produce at honesty boxes, and socialise with their neighbours. A sprinkling of mature native trees are regular hangouts for tūī and korimako which have long been central city residents themselves thanks to extensive conservation and planting efforts.

The future citizen

There is no definitive citizen of central Christchurch, as the city has become more diverse and multifaceted. Just walking down Cashel Mall and along the riverfront reveals a melange of people going about their business, from professionals in their shorts and collared t-shirts (shirt-and-tie corporate wear is long a thing of the past), to young people in smart threads that change colour with the mood of the wearer and display moving advertisements on the back, to neo-hipsters rocking 2020s fashion staples. As post-quake housing has aged, it has become more affordable, leading to an influx of students, families and first home buyers looking for that urban lifestyle, while new developments continue to attract the professionals who are sick of commuting and the retirees who want easy access to the leisure and hospitality of the central city.

The new currency

No, it's not Dogecoin. It's time. Thousands have flocked to the central city to buy more minutes and hours by cutting out the hustle and bustle associated with living miles away from the best things in in Christchurch. And what are they spending the new currency on? Time to get home and relax after work; time to BBQ with friends on a Saturday afternoon; time to watch the family grow; time to drop into the local for a drink and a yarn before a big gig at the arena; time to take in every little thing this future city has to offer.

After dark

Rooftop bars and penthouse apartments have become a real thing around Oxford Terrace, and a walkable skybridge connects many of them together. The whole riverside is lined with the kinds of haunts visiting celebs like to be spotted in. St Asaph Street and its surrounds have fully metamorphosised into rave central, where the quasi-industrial surrounds absorb the heavy beats of a thriving dance-bar scene, complete with skyward-facing spotlights and velvet ropes. The Cathedral Square and Te Pae area has become a corporate dining and fancy pub zone, known for its swishy hotel bars and themed restaurants as well as the neighbouring performing arts district, where Isaac Theatre Royal, Te Piano and the new Court Theatre are regularly frequented by a hot mix of talented locals and international acts. Around the corner, New Regent Street is the nightly haunt of the sit-and-sip crowd looking for relaxed cocktails and speciality drinks with a low-drama vibe. Several late-night cafés have popped up around Manchester Street and Latimer Square, providing a place for the inner-city young and young-at-heart to mingle when the sun goes down.

Will Alexander plays Duke Orsino in Top Dog Theatre's production of Twelfth Night. He chats to What's Hot New Zealand about the Bard, big birthdays and being home.

You grew up here, trained in London, toured the world, featured on TV and on stage – what’s your number one career highlight? Performing at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Birthday party was pretty amazing, the salmon was raised specifically for the occasion but I think the Champagne they gave us was a bit watered down. Also cutting someone’s tongue out onstage in Amsterdam and throwing it into the audience comes to mind as a highlight. 

Pro-tip for would-be actors? It’s likely if you’re auditioning for things then you’re going to need to deal with rejection. Don’t take it personally. See auditions as a chance to perform, do a good audition and then forget about it. If you can have the resilience to be turned down a lot and carry on doing good auditions, you’ll keep improving and eventually get a break.

Why does Twelfth Night stand the test of time? It has themes that are timeless and very human. Like love for example. I’m in love right now, so to read the musings of a beautiful mind like Shakespeare’s on a subject which is very present in my life, even though he lived 500 years ago, is magical. This script is so relevant for me I need to be careful not to steal his words to woo my muse.

Can you give us any inside word on what’s going to be special about this performance? Emma Cusdin, I’ve known her since I was 15 and done a lot of theatre with her. I know she is going to positively smash Malvolia. I’m also a big fan of Jeff Clark’s comedy chops and very excited to bear witness to his Aguecheek. Hester Ullyart is a brilliant actress. So for me the cast is what’s going to be special about this performance.

You’re performing two discounted matinées just for schools. What can kids get out of a good Shakespeare play? There will be a lot of physical comedy, a lot of rowdy, loud, musical, colourful, theatrical goings on which will no doubt maintain the attention of both the scholars as well as anyone who doesn’t know what iambic pentameter is. A lot of beautiful people doing scandalous things as close to the line as possible. This is not a stale museum piece. This performance should inject some life into a few NCEA essays while telling a clear story. Shakespeare’s plays were written to be heard and witnessed. I think we’re missing something if we just discuss the script in an English class.  

The two matinées on the Thursday (12th) and Friday (13th) are not on sale to the public, but are for schools at $10 per ticket, which includes teachers and accompanying adults.

Derek and I will also be visiting some schools to talk with the students about the production and answer any questions. And no doubt get some quality feedback; kids will let you know what was working and what wasn’t!

Can you tell us a bit about your character, Duke Orsino? He’s the Duke of Illyria, he has a lot of status. He gets whatever he wants and whoever he wants whenever he wants them. So being told that Olivia has refused his advances is not something he’s used to. It sends him into a bit of an obsessive head spin. He can’t stop thinking about her and loses control of his mind. The more he is rejected the more he wants her.

Your co-star Hester Ullyart is also a very widely-experienced actress. What’s it like working with her? Hester was in the year above me at RADA but we’ve never actually worked together. I’ve met her and talked with her in the real world, so I know she’s a wonderful person. I’ve seen her perform so I know she’s a brilliant actress but what it will be like to pretend to fall in love with her in Illyria, I don’t know.

Top Dog Theatre has generally been an outdoors Shakespeare company – what’s the thinking behind bringing it inside the Isaac Theatre Royal this year? I’ve worked with Derek and Top Dog on a few of their outdoor productions. I love that because of the natural light the audience isn’t in darkness which means we can really see people’s faces and eyes and really talk to the audience. I’m hoping that we can preserve some of that direct audience interaction indoors. It seems a natural progression for Top Dog who has now performed in most of the venues in Christchurch, as well as creating some, to perform in one of its largest.

Do you have a pre-show or post-show ritual? I meditate before the show which calms me down and focuses my energy. Then after I’ve done some yoga to warm up my body and some vocal warmups I find somewhere that I can see the audience and I send them love.

After the show depends on what happened during the show. Sometimes I need to have a shower to wash off all the blood, at Pop-Up we all used to take three breaths together as a cast and crew, but usually I just want to get out to the foyer to see whoever was in.

What’s on the cards for you after Twelfth Night? I’m organising a festival in Titirangi, West Auckland on the 20th of November. I’ve never organised a festival before but I’m looking forward to experiencing a more organisational role and creating a new kind of event centred around music, community and I’m hoping to incorporate some theatrical aspects too. It will be advertised through Earth Beat platforms.

Twelfth Night, Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 12 – Sat 14 Aug, topdogtheatre.com

The Kiwi Spirit Distillery is distilling spirits made with Kiwi spirit. What's Hot New Zealand talks to Kiwi Spirit’s founder and head distiller Terry Knight about what makes his Waitui Whiskey uniquely New Zealand.

Terry is a passionate self-taught distiller who has been pushing the limits in the world of spirits for the last twenty years. His distillery, the Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay, is renowned for creating spirits that tell a uniquely New Zealand story. Take his Waitui Whiskey – it may be based on an old world tradition, but it doesn’t pretend to be Scotch, or Irish or bourbon, for that matter.

To start with, Waitui Whiskey is aged in the very barrels Terry uses to make his mānuka honey mead. Scotch whisky, by comparison, is aged in barrels formerly used for making sherry or bourbon.

“The Scots believe that whisky was invented in 1494 by a man called John Cor, but we know the monks came back from the Middle East around the year 500 with the art of distillation,” Terry says. “Really, I think that in that 1000-year gap, they must have put their grain into a still. They had honey mead barrels, and that’s what we’ve used, going back to those basic roots of whisky.”

The barley comes from South Canterbury, and the barrels Terry uses are made of Bulgarian oak – he started using them years ago and found they produced a deep profile far beyond what he could get from American or French oaks.

“The Bulgarian oak imparts Waitui with a deep, clean oak taste, and the honey element in the barrels adds to the delicate rounded experience. It’s what I’d call a gentle whiskey. Very easy to drink,” he says. “I have it neat with a drop of water in the winter, and in the summer it’s beautiful over ice as a sipping drink.”

Waitui Whiskey really is its own style – a true single malt produced from start to finish at the Kiwi Spirit Distillery and aged for eight years in mānuka honey mead barrels.

“There’s a lot of people who think you need to copy Scotland,” Terry says. “But New Zealand has some really good producers, and the New Zealand whiskey industry is really going from strength to strength.”

Waitui Whiskey embodies the developing whiskey culture in New Zealand. It’s a unique, proudly New Zealand whiskey hand-crafted with passion, an exquisite drop.

kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

Like a mighty phoenix rising into the sky, RNZB’s next ballet will erupt in glory on stage in the latter half of 2021.

Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) is bringing not one, but two glorious ballets to stages across New Zealand. The Firebird with Paquita is a pairing of classic Russian ballet Paquita with a reimagining of The Firebird that brings the issues du jour of 2021 into the world of ballet.

Loughlan Prior, RNZB’s choreographer in residence, has reimagined The Firebird for a new time and a new generation. It’s hot, it’s topical, and it’s absolutely beautiful.

The ballet was first staged in Paris in 1910 and now, more than a century later, Loughlan’s adaptation places the magical world of The Firebird in a state of environmental crisis, where the natural world is threatened and humanity is staring into the abyss of extinction. The Firebird’s boon is an opportunity for redemption, if humanity is brave enough to follow her.

The second ballet in this grand double feature is Paquita. This ballet was staged for the first time in Russia in 1847 and soon became part of the ballet world’s go-to repertoire for demonstrating dancers’ fine skills and classical technique.

Staged by RNZB artistic director Patricia Barker, this performance will be an extravaganza of fleet footwork, soaring leaps, tight twirling turns, and stunning, sparkling tutus inspired by Russian jewellery house Fabergé.

Ana Gallardo Lobaina, who performs the part of the Firebird, was born in Holguín, Cuba, where she studied ballet full-time at the Cuban National Ballet School in from age 14. Between 2009 and 2012 Ana trained at Miami City Ballet School on a full scholarship and Boston Ballet School, joining Cincinnati Ballet in 2012. In 2017 she joined West Australian Ballet.

Ana joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in January 2020 and was promoted to soloist in December the same year. Her roles to date with the company include the Lilac Fairy, Carabosse and the Generosity Fairy in The Sleeping Beauty, as well as her parts in Sarah Foster-Sproull’s Artemis Rising and Ultra Folly.

Loughlan Prior is a secret weapon of the New Zealand dance scene, an absolute powerhouse of creativity and incredible dance skill. He is RNZB’s choreographer in residence, and with good reason. His 2019 imagining of Hansel & Gretel pushed the traditional boundaries of ballet with cabaret flair and vibrant, memorable characters.

He’s a master of film and of the stage, heading up film collective Prior Visual as well as being half of performing arts production duo Lo|Co Arts. He has performed and choreographed in Australia, Germany, the United States, Denmark and Canada, and created digital and performance works for the likes of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, iD Fashion Week, Vogue Australia, LUX Light Festival, Tempo Dance Festival, Zambesi, the New Zealand String Quartet and Dancing with the Stars.

Loughlan graduated from the New Zealand School of Dance in 2009 and joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet, where he distinguished himself as a talented soloist. While still performing full time, he began to develop his choreographic skills, and became the first recipient of the Ballet Foundation of New Zealand’s Harry Haythorne Choreographic Award in 2015.

In 2018 he was appointed RNZB’s choreographer in residence, and in 2019 he retired from full-time performance to focus on production and choreography roles.

As well as his role with RNZB, Loughlan choreographs works with Queensland Ballet, BalletX, Singapore Dance Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet, BalletCollective Aotearoa, Chamber Music New Zealand, New Zealand School of Dance, Palucca University of Dance Dresden and the New Zealand Youth Ballet Co.

Following cancellation of the Christchurch and Palmerston North performances due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Royal New Zealand Ballet is live streaming a performance of The Firebird, available to  enjoy in your living room from Friday 27 August – Thursday 16 September. Tickets available to purchase through tikstream.com. Details of an on-demand broadcast of Paquita will be announced soon.

rnzb.org.nz

With his new EP out and doing the rounds, soul crooner Louis Baker took a moment to chat with What's Hot New Zealand about BBQ, crowd singalongs, and favourite venues.

Congrats on the release of your new EP, Love Levitates. Can you tell us a bit about the record? I wrote most of the record during Covid and then as soon as we came out of lockdown I started on the production with producer Devin Abrams (Pacific Heights, Dallas Tamaira). It’s a modern soul record and evolved out of my musings on love; be it whānau, friendship, observation, philosophy, and beyond.

What would you say is different about this compared to your last album? Open was a collection of songs I’d written over a period of years that reflected my experiences of growing up and figuring myself out as a young man. I worked with a bunch of different people on that album. With this record I wanted to work with one producer and record with my band. In some ways my songs are like a diary of my life.

What’s your songwriting process? Lyrics, concept, chords, melody, structure, refine lyrics, demo, record, refine. And it’s never the same twice.

It’s been a transformative year for many artists – what would you say has changed for you? All of us were forced to look at how we would survive in a full Covid lockdown, so it presented an opportunity to reflect on what I was doing, how I was doing it and to focus on what matters most.

How is Louis Baker, the artist, different from Louis Baker, the person? I’m the same person, really. Definitely less serious than the artist on stage. I love a good laugh, and I can be a goofball.

What’s your favourite part about performing live? The connection with the audience – when the crowd sings along – and feeding off the band energy.

What do you do when you’re not making music? I love to cook. At the moment it’s all about BBQ.

What are you listening to at the moment? Khruangbin and Mara TK.

What have been some of your favourite venues to perform in? Auckland Town Hall was incredible. I’m so looking forward to playing at The Opera House in Wellington and of course the James Hay Theatre in the Christchurch Town Hall.

What’s your favourite part of the country to hit up on tour? Why? It’s hard to go past Wellington. Nothing quite like the love you receive at a hometown show.

After you’re done with the tour, any big plans for the rest of the year? The rest of the year is full, I have more music to share and will be hitting the road again with an awesome lineup that I can’t talk about yet, plus lots more writing.

Hollywood Theatre Auckland – Saturday 3 July
Theatre Royal Nelson – Friday 9 July
Christchurch Town Hall – Saturday 10 July
The Opera House Wellington – Sat 17 July
louisbaker.co.nz

What's Hot New Zealand talks dystopian future, dramatic backdrops and modern ballet with The Firebird choreographer Loughlan Prior.

“This production of The Firebird takes Stravinsky’s original music and tells a different story with it,” says Loughlan Prior. “A story that is steeped in an environmental message, and more connected with the issues of today.”

He calls it “ballet with grit”, and that’s definitely a double entendre. The choreography and the story certainly have grit, and the kicker is that this production is set in the decidedly gritty desert landscape of a dystopian wasteland. Well, we say dystopian, but it may be more of a not-so-distant future.

“I’ve been working with set designer Tracy Grant Lord to create this world, and it really is a world that exists in the future, kind of a civilisation on the edge,” Loughlan says. “The choreography is raw and athletic, and there’s urgency to all the actions on stage. It’s a departure from tutus and tiaras.”

Loughlan is also a talented film director, and is bringing this passion into play by incorporating film elements into The Firebird, with the help of animations from POW Studios. “I have been obsessed with film and the way it tells stories. I wanted to be a filmmaker before I stared choreography, and that definitely influences my work,” he says. “We’re creating digital backdrops and film content, so the show exists in this abstract dystopian world.”

The film backdrop will help tell a visual story with fire, water and desert storms. “It’s really adding another element of gritty raw realism to the production,” Loughlan says. “The dancers can see the setting right from the first rehearsals, and it will inspire them to be able to perform in a really expressive way in reaction to the imagery.”

This performance of The Firebird is paired with RNZB’s Paquita, and Loughlan says the latter – more traditional – ballet will juxtapose his modern choreography. “The programme’s wonderful because you’re getting both ends of the spectrum. Paquita is a beautiful look back on the past, it’s a legacy piece. It’s traditional ballet and it’s honouring the history of ballet, and The Firebird is a contemporary take on the narrative ability of the ballet genre.

“I think the stereotype of ballet has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go in terms of breaking perceptions. Ballet dancers are really strong, athletic beings, and the art form is just a really powerful medium for expression and telling stories and for raising different issues. Good art should be reflecting what’s going on in the world around
us and I think this production touches upon that in a really beautiful way."

The Firebird
Streaming from Fri 27 Aug - Thu 16 Sep
tikstream.com

Christchurch startup GIMME is taking on the big shots of the online food ordering world. Co-founder Abhay Pratap delivers the low-down.

Big changes are in the works for this local online ordering and delivery business. With a new name, redesigned app, and a thirst for expansion, GIMME is ready to take on the world, and the big kids of online delivery.

The business gained fame during lockdown under its original name – Give Me Bread – delivering takeaways, groceries and drinks to the hungry homebound as well as flowers, gifts and even prescriptions. Now it’s had a full rebrand and GIMME is ready to be a permanent fixture on the delivery scene.

Abhay and his partner Chandni Jain started Give Me Bread in 2017, an app that let people order delivery from all their favourite Christchurch restaurants and gift stores, at a time when that was a very new idea.

Their big breakthrough came in 2019 when the business got a license to deliver liquor. This would come in handy for the people of Christchurch in 2020. “During lockdown, we were the only company delivering alcohol on demand,” Abhay says. “A lot of people signed up in those months.”

This was followed up with an agreement with Canterbury District Health Board to deliver prescription medication from pharmacies to people’s homes.

Since then, the locally owned and operated app has rebranded as GIMME and spread to Dunedin, offering delivery from over 300 restaurants, cafés, breweries, florists, liquor, grocery and gift stores across the two cities. Abhay says he plans to expand it to other cities too. He says the business is committed to charging a lower commission than similar apps, so more money goes into the pockets of the local businesses filling orders. GIMME also looks after its drivers – the app doesn’t charge them any commission, and has an incentive programme for driver rewards.

In 2021, Christchurch businessman and restaurateur Gaurav Soni came on as the company’s co-owner and managing director, and Abhay says his expertise will help take GIMME to the next level.

Some of the classic Christchurch restaurants featured on GIMME include Grater Goods, Base Woodfired Pizza, Coriander’s, Ceylon Kitchen, Burgers & Beers, The Dish and Pedro’s House of Lamb.

“It’s great that restaurants and diners are supporting the local option when ordering online,” Abhay says. “We’re really stoked that people are choosing GIMME.”

gimmedelivery.co.nz

The Marriage of Figaro's scenographer, Tracy Grant Lord, tells What's Hot New Zealand a bit about the aesthetic of this production, and how the themes of revolution can be conveyed through design.

What makes a good scenographer? I think you need a good understanding of scale so you can imagine people and objects in space and a broad-ranging vision for storytelling. Also, an awareness of harmony. The craft of scenography is about creating a complete world with all its intrinsic dimensions on stage, and harmony is about allowing provision for that world to then sing.

How does set and costume design help tell a story? Good design will honour the intention of the originators of a story – even when re-interpreting a story. If the spirit or essence that initially created the story is served honourably in design then you are helping to tell it. Research around why and when the story was told in the first instance is the beginning point. The social and political influences of that time and corresponding fine arts, architecture and photography all inform the design no matter where a particular current and singular concept can take it.

What can you tell us about the aesthetic of this production of The Marriage of Figaro? The director of the production, Lindy Hume, asked that papers, letters and contracts are the world of this opera and that the qualities of paper could become the unifying theme. She described the beauty and permanence of draughtsmanship and suggested that documentation, both architectural and legal, could literally become the parchment canvas of the storytelling. We spoke of the hand that scribes, writes, or plans a story on paper as the motivation for the language of the design. All presented in a minimal yet gilded period style to showcase a modernity of characters and their views within. As if we were re-imagining an old building and overlaying it with CAD.

Which character has been the most fun to outfit? I often don’t see one as more fun than another but more about the total fun that the costume collection of characters can bring to the stage. They can all bring the style to the story. They speak to each other as a group, and individually can describe their own circumstance.

How will the set design reflect the themes of revolution and love? The ability of the set pieces to be both ordered and chaotic, gilded and skeletal and their positions sketched out on the floor all contribute to the revolutionary themes. There are clear lines of struggle within the way the set is used. The love is more about the light, with the set design being the canvas for it.

Do you have any signature themes in your designs? I like to build a universal world appropriate for each story using contemporary classical or likewise classical contemporary as a signature theme. The stories we tell in performance range from mythical to tabloid and we can explore all levels of appropriate design relevance in between. Describing a story to an audience visually requires accurate curation of the relevant ideas within the work and inevitably results in a collation of new and old design forms – mixing it up to serve the story appropriately to an audience.

What was the first opera you worked on? As an apprentice I had the good fortune to work as an assistant on a few of the top ten before being given my first production which was La Traviata directed by Raymond Hawthorne at the Mercury Theatre in Auckland.

What music are you listening to at the moment? Anything that I can dance to.

Who’s your personal hero? Josef Svoboda.

Who’s your favourite opera performer? John Moore.

Can you tell us a behind-the-scenes opera design secret? Secret little pockets inside corsets for stashing a lozenge.

How does opera design differ from ballet and theatre design? The difference is within the very nature of the difference of performers and how they interact with the elements of design. Dancers, singers and actors all have varying specialised needs for their costume, shoes, floor, scenery, furniture and properties. Re-ordering priorities to suit these needs is the jump between designing for each genre.

Read our Q&As with the other women of The Marriage of Figaro creative team: Lindy Hume, Eleanor Bishop and Zoe Zeniodi.

Nationwide

Tue 8 Jun - Tue 13 Jul

nzopera.com