Unlocking the Kiwi dream: VVV Real Estate

A new real estate firm has just been launched in Christchurch. Looking at real estate with a fresh perspective is the driving force behind the new people-led company, VVV Real Estate. “We want to open the door for people to own their dream home,” explains VVV Real Estate’s founder Stephanie Robertson. “Whether it’s […]

Quake protection

Canterbury engineers are moving forward with plans to manufacture a new base isolation system that will make Kiwi houses safer in an earthquake. Aprototype of the system was tested last year by a University of Canterbury team, led by Civil and Natural Resources Engineering Professor Tim Sullivan and postdoctoral fellow Tom Francis. The […]

Distinction in detail: John Garlick Builders

An abode of clever artistic angles, and the talent to execute them, shone at the Registered Master Builder House of the Year 2022 awards. The amazing Avonside build achieved Overall Winner and Gold, in the Canterbury Regional category for the $2mil to $4mil new homes. The director of John Garlick Builders, Kade Atkinson, […]

Master Builder Dream Designs

Canterbury Masters Builders took home accolades for almost 50 projects in the 2022 Registered Master Builders House of the Year regional awards. The Supreme House of the Year award for the region went to Metzger Builders Ltd for a home in Fendalton. The same home also won the New Home Over $4 million […]

Sublime renovation

High on a hill looking down on Christchurch is an award-winning home, freshly renovated after suffering severe damage in the 2010/2011 earthquakes. Thanks to Christchurch architectural builders Williams Elvidge, the home in Redcliffs has a new lease on life, and a string of awards to acknowledge its stylish rebirth. The home won the […]

Timeless heritage lives on

One of Christchurch’s increasingly rare heritage gems is looking stunning once more, having been rebuilt and restored to its original standards. 158 High Street proudly bears its name C.F. Cotter & Co in gold lettering above its key architectural feature: three sets of tall radius or arch windows. The craftsmen responsible for these […]

Passion for plumbing: Peter Diver Plumbing

The firm’s story begins 40 years ago with Peter Diver, an apprentice, and an old Morris Commercial van named Gertie. Still in family ownership, Peter Diver Plumbing has “grown to become one of the largest and most reputable plumbing firms, employing more than 70 people,” says Peter’s daughter Jane. “We are thrilled to […]

Mixed use architecture

Lyttelton’s façade is about to change again with a new mixed-use building planned for London St, on the site of the former Harbour Light Theatre, demolished after the 2010-2011 earthquakes. The new building will feature a double-level commercial space on the ground floor and 10 one-bedroom apartments across the upper two levels. The […]

From the Deputy Editor: 13 October 2022

Spring magic Spring brings an infectious feeling of joy with it, and for many people it’s their very favourite season. Christchurch especially comes alive this time of year. The Garden City lives true to its name, as blossoms line the streets and daffodils nod their heads in our picturesque parks. More than that, […]

Celebrating women’s rugby

Christchurch is part of a pop-up street art exhibition celebrating women’s rugby. The Support Our Sisters: The Art of Rugby series has seen seven bespoke, large scale street artworks on display in Christchurch, Whangarei, Auckland, and Hamilton since mid-September. Rugby World Cup collaborated with seven established New Zealand street artists, who have encapsulated […]