Building bridges over trolls

Aaaaaah, the smell of BS in the air. It must be election season. I was first elected to the City Council in 2013, and I have to say this year feels a lot like it did then. There’s a sense of “we’re right on the cusp of something great but need new energy and common sense” and “I want more than constant bickering about cycleways”. I am not saying either of these are, on their own, good reasons to vote anyone in or out, but the vibe is very 2013.

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ColumnGuest User
Your marriage at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Experience the beauty of a Fiji wedding destination in a tropical paradise at Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay – a 5-star hotel near Nadi with stunning island views, three swimming pools, and an on-site spa. A captivating destination for those planning an island wedding, you can stay grounded with your feet in the sand, in full harmony with nature and the panoramic ocean views before you.

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DestinationGuest User
Celebrating the big and small

I love a celebration. It doesn’t have to be a huge fanfare kind of event, although I must admit I like those too. It can be small and deliberately quiet, recognisable only to a few, and gently celebrate events that are private and personal. Given my professional roles, there are always plenty of celebrations to get involved in. I enjoy and learn from these every time they occur, and I thought in the spirit of sharing some of those rituals, I’d provide an insight into the celebrations that punctuate the calendar and financial year.

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Guest User
Magical, memorable events

After years of designing and creating beautiful events for clients, Hayley Harding saw a gap in the market for hire furniture that was high quality, stylish, and accessible. Now nearly four years and ten containers on (with an additional three on the water as we go to print), there’s no looking back! Hayley and Co was born, and now the business offers bespoke event styling services and prop hire.

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In DetailGuest User
Style and grace

When planning a wedding, keeping your guests fed is key, so it’s important to source a culinary experience that understands your vision and a team equipped to deliver on that dream. White Tie Catering was founded 40 years ago and was carefully crafted by two generations of the legendary Duncan Family before being passed on to her current custodians. Jonny Schwass, a true icon of the New Zealand culinary scene, has taken over the White Tie Kitchens.

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FeaturesGuest User
Timeless tailoring to tie the knot

Working Style believes that the best wedding outfit is one that reflects your personality. As experts for well over 30 years in timeless tailoring, their experienced team will assist you in styling an outfit that is uniquely you. A wedding is one of the most important milestones in life, and the outfit you choose to celebrate your big day in should equally be as important.

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CoutureGuest User
City icon turns fifty

Not just an icon of our city, not just a place in our hearts, but a building that says so much about what we have achieved as a community – the Christchurch Town Hall is so deserving of a marked celebration. The inaugural Christchurch Town Hall Gala Ball is proudly hosted by Venues Ōtautahi and marks 50 years since opening its doors to the public in September 1972. And best of all, you’re invited!

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Culture ClubGuest User
The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival 2022

Dive into the wonderful world of art and sculptures. This September, the home of creativity, art and heritage will come alive with a host of unique artworks for sale. Curated by the talented Koji Miyazaki, the two-week-long annual festival at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre will showcase around 40 well-known and emerging New Zealand artists and over 200 works.

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Culture ClubGuest User
Movies, books, and songs, oh my

I’ve just come off a high from the New Zealand Film Festival Whānau Mārama. I was flattered to be invited to the opening this year at the brilliant Isaac Theatre Royal to see an incredibly eye-opening and reflective film, Muru – I’ll talk more about this in my review.

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Liam Stretch
Sumner, standing tall

Those familiar with Sumner may have spotted Apartment 41 on Nayland Street – a striking modern build by MC Architecture Studio. As a three-storey mixed-use building, the project incorporates a ground-floor retail space and two storeys of an apartment that embraces the scenic view.

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Liam Stretch
The rise of hot water in Hanmer Springs

It’s not often you come across a person who doesn’t have cherished memories of Hanmer Springs. From school camps to wedding anniversaries and significant birthdays to just escaping the city, the memories created in Hanmer Springs are endless and span generations.

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Liam Stretch
The aisle less travelled

Weddings are made for memories – take the plunge and make it a day to remember with a venue you’re sure to never forget. Here are six of our favourite unique places you could tie the knot in Canterbury. From wild and wonderful adventure to serene heritage and beauty, there’s something for every type of nuptials.

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Liam Stretch
Run away with me

Your ultimate elopement plan starts with Fiji! Ditch the bureaucratic headaches of wedding traditions, and tie the knot in the sun and sands of our tropical neighbours. With a range of accommodation options and experiences, Fiji provides a once-in-a-lifetime elopement for you and your partner – run away with your fiancé and return with a spouse.

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Liam Stretch
The country comes back to town!

As the South Island’s largest community event, The New Zealand Agricultural Show has an extensive history. With 2022 welcoming its 159th year, this iconic cross-generational event brings together a passionate group of rural exhibitors, innovators, and celebrators, helping to bridge the urban-rural divide during three days packed with competition, entertainment, and fun.

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FeaturesGuest User
Ōtautahi's Ale Trail

Take a journey with us around the city to explore the microbrewers handcrafting exceptional beers. Over the hill is Eruption Brewing, Lyttleton’s beloved entry to the craft brewery scene with outstanding brews and remarkable views. Designed by one of New Zealand’s leading architects Bull O’Sullivan, the 1200L capacity brewing floor is a sight to behold as you step in the door.

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FeaturesGuest User
Southbank secrets

Forty-five minutes up SH1 at the Glasnevin turn-off, hang a left onto George’s Road to find 2021 Organic Winery of the Year Terrace Edge Vineyard and Olive Grove. This sun-drenched terrace descends sharply down to the Waipara River, creating an exceptional place for growing grapes.

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FeaturesGuest User
Humans of Ōtautahi

“I moved to Christchurch in 1993. I was 14 years old, [and] came over with pretty much the whole family. My father’s brother moved to New Zealand a long time ago, like, 50, 60 years ago. I’ve got two older brothers. They went straight into the workforce, but I was lucky enough to get educated in New Zealand. I’ve done a couple of diplomas. I found myself a job at a construction company as a draftsman, and then I worked for an import company where I took up the role of a manager.”

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Watch This Space: Ikarus DTR 

When he was named as one of the headline artists for the 2022 Flare Street Art Festival, local graffiti legend Ikarus wanted to ensure his work represented his roots and spoke to the urban creatives following the same path he began decades ago.

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