Twentyfour Catering Co

Delicious travelling feasts : Twentyfour Catering puts on a good spread

‘Have kit, will travel’ is Twentyfour Catering’s mantra. The team specialises in weddings throughout the South Island, and owner and Chef Chantelle Quinn says the flexibility to travel means the team can conjure up delicious feasts anywhere, often with just two ovens and a barbeque. “We are very versatile and have said yes […]

Bramble Grove

Setting a beautiful scene: Bramble Grove is the Instagram-perfect location for your wedding day

Under new ownership since June 2017, romantic Bramble Grove’s weddings are stress-free and memorable, thanks to warm hospitality from wedding coordinator extraordinaire Liz Breach and her husband Jason. Enchanting gardens set a beautiful scene for the service, bridal walk, exploring and photos. The Garden Pavilion filters the sunlight by day and twinkles with […]

Simply NZ

Iconic Kiwi gifts: Simply NZ celebrates kiwiana in their gorgeous gift shops

Reflecting our unique Kiwi culture and heritage, the extensive range at Simply NZ represents everything that is Aotearoa. The New Zealand-owned and operated gift stores are located in the heart of the city at the BNZ Centre and Christchurch Airport. Everything is Kiwi-themed and New Zealand-made where possible – from soft toys, bags […]

French Farm Winery

A luxurious lodge: French Farm Winery is the boutique wedding venue you must see

French Farm Winery is unique. A boutique luxury lodge in French provincial style with commanding views of Akaroa harbour, exceptional accommodation and meandering streams and birdlife. There is a special tranquillity to it. Located at French Farm, not far from Akaroa, there are four luxury ensuite studios with kitchenettes, a courtyard area and […]

Wedding planning

For every season : weather and weddings when to tie the knot

Whether you want a winter wonderland or a spring soiree, every season can play to its strengths; it just comes down to which of the weather gods you want to work their magic on your big day. While we don’t like to deal in cliches, we are keen advocates of what each season […]

Our Vets

Pet nutrition focus: Ourvets gives us the run down on looking after your pet’s diet

A huge variety of dietary options are available for our four-legged friends. Some great, some not so great – but how does a caring owner really know what is right for their pet? The topic of diet is one discussed often for humans but can be forgotten when it comes to our beloved […]

Corianders

A delicious culinary crusade: we chat to Amar from Corianders about being a Bollywood actor and the road that took him to having an empire of successful Indian restaurants

“My dream was to be a famous Bollywood actor – yet somehow I have ended up in hospitality!” chuckles Amar Singh, owner of the Corianders restaurant group. Amar was indeed a Bollywood actor in India for a time, as well as a model and theatre actor. But with downtimes in the entertainment industry […]

The All Girl Big Band

Women inspiring women: The All Girl Big Band

The All Girl Big Band (AGBB) drew a crowd of more than 4,000 when they performed at Ingham’s Lazy Sundays event in February. “They were dancing on the grass,” says AGBB Musical Director and alto saxophonist Lana Law. “What a buzz!” With an eye to maximising their exposure, the band – described as […]

Brides of Merivale

Wedding dress perfection: Why you need to go see Brides of Merivale before you commit (to a dress)

It’s the beautiful, comfortable environment that makes Brides of Merivale so welcoming. Adding to that, an exclusive range of beautiful wedding gowns and professional, friendly staff, makes this one of the most popular destinations for discerning brides-to-be. Part of the excellent service Brides of Merivale offers is the couturiere that greets each bride […]

Curators House

An edible initiative: growing green thumbs at The Curator’s House

The greenfingers amongst us have long recognised the benefits of creating food sources in our very own backyards and, with a growing recognition of the health and happiness benefits inherent in growing your own goodies, garden to plate initiatives have been increasing in popularity. “We’ll discuss the importance of green cropping, and cover […]