Steve’s scene: Steve Guest

by Metropol | July 22, 2026 8:33 am

Your Christchurch arts and culture round-up from global music consultant and Dolly Parton’s local publicist, Steve Guest.

E ven in the cold and wet of winter, Christchurch does not disappoint. This city is becoming more vibrant than ever.

The All Blacks v France game was a recent highlight, I was lucky to attend with my dear friend and rugby legend Andy Ellis (and his entire family; they are all as funny as him!) Courtesy of Steinlager and the All Blacks, we were treated to pre-game hosting at The Church and Paddy McNaughton’s alongside a lovely bunch of legends including Keiran Read,
Joe Moody, and even Joel from L.A.B turned up. To show you what a gentleman Andy is, he gave away the sweatshirt he was wearing to a fan who admired it.

One New Zealand Stadium’s atmosphere was electric, and of course, the All Blacks won so we went into town afterwards. It felt like Times Square with thousands of people about.

Let’s celebrate our Michelin-rated restaurants on their well-deserved success in helping put our cuisine industry on the world map – congratulations to star-bearers Inati and Tussock Hill, and my personal favourite Hugo for Bib Gourmand.

Images: A sell-out crowd for the All Blacks test saw a buzzing city. Angelo Damiao/Venues Ōtautahi.

What’s coming up? Selwyn Sounds have announced a massive line-up, including Dave Stewart’s Eurythmics, ABC (I first saw them at Wembley in 1987 and it was spectacular), Bic Runga and more. Don’t miss it. Plus, more country acts are being added to the Dylan Gossett bill at Waipara Winehouse and selling fast again.

While it will all be over when you’re reading this, I think a special thanks to TVNZ+ is in order – the best $45 I’ve ever spent for the FIFA World Cup television pass. Seeing the best football teams in the world in my living room has been a real treat.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the life of one of New Zealand’s greatest actors Sam Neill, who passed away aged 78. Sam left us with wonderful on and off-screen memories, I encourage you to watch one of his movies in tribute.

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/steves-scene-steve-guest/