Immersive art garden rendezvous: The Rusty Acre

Just 25 minutes north of Christchurch, there’s a place in Mandeville that beckons the weary soul. Escape the demands of busy life with a stop-over visit to a destination gift store set in a tranquil art sculpture garden setting. This unconventional and welcoming wonderland, bursting with fragrant blooms, embodies a little ‘Je ne sais quoi’ […]

‘Something Rotten,’ The Renaissance musical hits Christchurch stage

‘Friends, theatre lovers, lend us your ears.’ Something fabulous this way comes, and it goes by the name ‘Something Rotten’, the internationally acclaimed and “artistically brilliant Broadway musical”. Nominated for 10 Tony Awards in 2015, this Broadway meets Shakespeare sensation prepares to dazzle Ōtautahi in all its splendour, at the renowned Court Theatre, New Zealand’s […]

Colour your Christmas

Choose your Christmas aesthetic and decorate your heart away, from Metropol’s suggestions: Classic shades Rich burgundy and hues of green are never too far away when it’s Christmas. These classic colours, with a touch of simplistic white to mellow them, create the finest Christmas ambience. Add a few nutcrackers, lanterns and wreaths to continue the […]

On the crest of a wave

The pūteketeke, also known as the Australasian crested grebe, is New Zealand’s Bird of the Century. The native bird was awarded the title after American-British comedian John Oliver launched his own campaign for it to win, garnering 290,374 votes (83%) out of the total 350,000 in the competition. The crested grebe is found on up […]

Editor’s note: Buy NZ made

As Christmas draws ever closer, retail therapy often increases, so it is timely to think about what you’re buying, and to support local, and New Zealand-made. Big business may arguably be the backbone of New Zealand retail,  yet it is small businesses that are the heart, and there is no doubt many of these are suffering. […]

Goodies for little ones: Baby Hub

Find beautiful and functional gifts for a parent to be, or the littlest one in your family at this Rangiora store. At independent specialised baby shop, Baby Hub, you’ll find a plethora of items that’ll make parenting a little easier. Owner Amanda Sansom has amost 20 years of experience in the industry, and is a […]

Trading political values: PB Employment Law

The Coalition agreement has been signed, and what I find interesting is the message this sends: principles and values are no more than an optional extra to be traded away at will. No real surprise here, given that we are talking about politicians. Given the enormous amount of borrowing Labour did in their last term, […]

Relaxation station

For the summer statutory holidays, or a quick weekend away, the best location for the most relaxing trip is one that is only a quick drive away, making Hanmer ideal. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Hanmer forest, and maybe pack a picnic to make the most of the lush greenery. Sit back and take […]

Drive on in: Tyres 2 go

The summer holidays are fast approaching. This is all the more reason why you need to make sure your car’s rubber is up to scratch. Not to mention the wheel alignment and balancing. Tyres 2 Go know how important it is to be road trip ready, and to ensure your method of transport to the […]

Wrap it up

Is the badly wrapped present under the tree immediately identifiable as yours? Have you never quite worked out how to wrap a present nicely? Here are some quick steps to surprise your family and friends with your present wrapping skills. Gather together your gifts, wrapping paper, scissors, and tape, on a clear flat surface, such […]