Jake Bailey’s top tips for public speaking

Ten years ago, an 18-year-old Jake Bailey sat in a wheelchair in front of his classmates at Christchurch Boys’ High School and delivered a prizegiving speech that would go viral and be seen by millions. Days earlier, he’d been diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive cancer, and given just weeks to live without […]

Hot tip: Agnew Bros

Blasting your heater on your commute to work is one of winter’s woes – what if there were other ways to warm up? Retrofitting in-car seat heaters is a sought-after choice to stay snug during wintry mornings or long road trips. Thanks to Christchurch’s Agnew Brothers, this comforting luxury isn’t far away. Whether […]

Serving special times: House of Hop

Hosting comes easy to one restaurant and brewery just outside of Geraldine – a place known for the brewing some of the best craft beer and good times. “Big groups are so much fun,” says Lisa Dawson, owner of House of Hop, and keen enthusiast of hosting large functions. “We specialise in parties […]

All-natural luxury: OFI Linen

Inspired by the quality of natural fibres and European-designed elegance, one Christchurch boutique is building the wardrobes of countless Cantabrians. OFI Linen stocks its shelves with the best textiles including cashmere, silk, cotton, and linen – with a focus on ethical labels and production processes. In-store, the experience is just as exquisite, with […]

Party canapés

Need a quick and easy canapé that delivers a lot of ‘wow’ for very little effort? Say hello to our friend the vol-au-vent. A vol-au-vent – French for ‘blown by the wind’ – is a light, flaky puff pastry shell filled with sweet or savoury goodness. While homemade pastry is an option, store-bought […]

Plan today, swim tomorrow: NOVAspace

Now is the perfect time to plan your new pool and be ready to enjoy summer – splashing, swimming, and socialising in your own backyard oasis. NOVAspace Pools, led by owner and designer Chris Thelin, specialises in the design, planning, and installation of high-quality fibreglass pools. With a full-service approach, Chris and his […]

Breakfast muffins

The perfect protein-packed snack for busy mornings or on-the-go healthy eating. Tasty, healthy and easy to make, these egg and vegetable muffins are great to have on hand for an easy breakfast. They’re also a healthy quick snack for the whole family. Whip them up on a Sunday to feed the troops through […]

Charmer: Sprig & Fern Merivale

Fancy an event in the closest thing to an English pub to be found in Christchurch? The Sprig and Fern in Merivale and its century-old premises is a slice of England in Ōtautahi. One of the best little locals in town, Sprig and Fern has a delightfully cosy function area, ‘The West Wing’ […]

Serve, solve, shoot: Serve Social

Here’s how to hold an event that hits the bullseye. Christchurch’s St Asaph Street is home to everything imaginable in the events arena – activities to excite and food and drink for refuelling. Serve Social is built for laughs, team-building, and bragging rights that always make their way back to the office. Picture […]

A peaceful Akaroa getaway:
Mt Vernon Lodge

Discover the ultimate destination for relaxation at this mindfully curated Banks Peninsula accommodation and venue. The serene location of Mt Vernon Lodge is nestled in the hills overlooking Akaroa Harbour. It provides the perfect escape for city dwellers needing to cut loose from the stresses of Monday to Friday, to celebrate something special. […]