03 Magazine: December 08, 2023

the 

South 

island 

lifestyle 

magazine 

FREE | Dec 2023 / Jan 2024 

SUMMER PARTY SEASON KICKS OFF IN STYLE AT QUEENSTOWN’S HOTTEST NEW PRECINCT | DESIGNER HOLIDAYS: KIWI FASHION 

FAVOURITES ON THEIR GETAWAY GO-TOS | AWARD-WINNING INTERIORS INSPIRED BY CENTRAL OTAGO’S DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES 

HIDDEN GEMS: A SNEAK PEEK AT SOME PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN ART TREASURES IN DUNEDIN | MASTERCHEF NZ WINNER SAM LOW 

SHARES HIS DELICIOUSLY UNIQUE FOOD JOURNEY | AN HISTORIC HIGH COUNTRY STATION TURNED STUNNING SECRET GARDEN

estral Entertainment 

The Court Jesters at Burlington Lifestyle Village 

burlingtonvillage.co.nz | Redwood, Christchurch 

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A cabaret at Alpine View Lifestyle Village 

alpineview.co.nz | Waitikiri, Christchurch 

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For a personal consultation at no charge 

please call 03 363 8810 

145 Innes Road (corner of Rutland St and Innes Rd), 

Merivale, Christchurch

ALL I WANT FOR 

Christmas 

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ARTWOOD OUTDOOR COLLECTION 

The ARTWOOD outdoor furniture collection, which is available at TRENZSEATER, is the 

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CHRISTCHURCH - 121 Blenheim Rd, 03 343 0876 

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10 Magazine | Editor’s note 

Whether it’s a backyard BBQ with mates, a picnic at 

the beach, cocktails with colleagues or free-ranging 

at a festival, whatever your idea of a party is, set to it – ’tis 

the season! 

I kicked mine off with a sneak peek at Ayrburn, 

Queenstown’s hottest new spot for wining, dining and a whole 

lot more (read about it on page 34), and plan to continue with 

all of the above once we’ve sent this issue off to print. 

With a summer of fun and hopefully sun stretching out 

before us, we’ve packed plenty within these pages to entertain 

and inspire – from the stylish details of some of our favourite 

Kiwi fashion designers’ holiday plans (page 40) and MasterChef 

NZ winner Sam Low’s deliciously unique food journey on 

page 58 (with recipes – don’t miss the strawberries & cream 

sandwiches!) to award-winning interiors that nod to dramatic 

Central Otago landscapes (page 46), previously unseen art 

gems on display at Dunedin Public Art Gallery (page 64) and 

a stunning Mount Maude garden on what was formerly an 

historic sheep station (page 50). 

Enjoy! 

PUBLISHER 

Charlotte Smith-Smulders 

Allied Press Magazines 

Level 1, 359 Lincoln Road, Christchurch 

03 379 7100 

EDITOR 

Josie Steenhart 

josie@alliedpressmagazines.co.nz 

DESIGNER 

Emma Rogers 

PROOFREADER 

Mitch Marks 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE 

Janine Oldfield 

027 654 5367 

janine@alliedpressmagazines.co.nz 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Benn Jae, Helen Templeton, Jane Mahoney, 

Josephine Meachen, Justin Spiers, Kim Dungey, 

Melanie Jenkins, Neville Templeton, Rebecca Fox, 

Sam Low, Sophie Bannan, Vaughan Brookfield 

Every month, 03 (ISSN 2816-0711) shares the latest in lifestyle, home, 

food, fashion, beauty, arts and culture with its discerning readers. 

Enjoy 03 online (ISSN 2816-072X) at 03magazine.co.nz 

Allied Press Magazines, a division of Allied Press Ltd, is not responsible for any actions taken 

on the information in these articles. The information and views expressed in this publication 

are not necessarily the opinion of Allied Press Ltd or its editorial contributors. 

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information within this magazine, however, 

Allied Press Ltd can accept no liability for the accuracy of all the information. 

Josie Steenhart, editor 

Planning to use dark colours on fences, 

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12 Magazine | Contents 

In this issue 

28 

GARDENING 

50 Secret garden 

A former sheep station in full bloom 

Resene 

Sunshade 

COLOURS OF 

THE MONTH 

COVER FEATURE 

34 An historic good time 

The hot new wine and food 

paradise in a 160-year-old 

homestead setting 

FASHION 

28 Fun in the sun 

Sky blue, resort florals and 

tropi-cool seasonal accessories 

40 Designer holidays 

What Aotearoa’s most-loved 

designers pack and predict for 

summer getaway style 

FOOD 

58 Yes, chef! 

MasterChef NZ winner Sam Low 

shares his food journey and 

some delicious recipes 

HOME & INTERIORS 

26 Most wanted 

What the 03 team are coveting 

right now 

46 Indoor heat 

Inspired by its Queenstown 

surrounds, a dramatic new build 

celebrates texture and form 

RecoveR youR 

loved fuRnituRe 

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FREE | DEC 2023 / JAN 2024 

SUMMER PARTY SEASON KICKS OFF IN STYLE AT QUEENSTOWN’S HOTTEST NEW PRECINCT | DESIGNER HOLIDAYS: KIWI FASHION 

FAVOURITES ON THEIR GETAWAY GO-TOS | AWARD-WINNING INTERIORS INSPIRED BY CENTRAL OTAGO’S DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES 

HIDDEN GEMS: A SNEAK PEEK AT SOME PREVIOUSLY UNSEEN ART TREASURES IN DUNEDIN | MASTERCHEF NZ WINNER SAM LOW 

SHARES HIS DELICIOUSLY UNIQUE FOOD JOURNEY | AN HISTORIC HIGH COUNTRY STATION TURNED STUNNING SECRET GARDEN 

14 Magazine | Contents 

46 

OUR COVER 

the 

South 

iSland 

lifeStyle 

magazine 

A former manure shed at new 

Queenstown hotspot Ayrburn 

has had a glamorous makeover. 

Photo: Benn Jae 

READ US ONLINE 

Resene 

Celery 

58 

Resene 

First Light 

ARTS & CULTURE 

64 Hidden gems 

The significant collection of Old Masters 

and contemporary works on display for the 

first time in Dunedin 

68 Background artist 

The daughter of two prominent NZ arts 

practitioners finds her own way - in print 

72 Book club 

Great new reads to please even the 

pickiest of bookworms 

BEAUTY 

30 About face 

Sheet masks, serums, skin tints and SPFs 

REGULARS 

16 Newsfeed 

What’s up, in, chat-worthy, cool, 

covetable and compelling right now 

74 Win 

Linden Leaves Memories body oil, Holski 

collagen Starter Kits, ghd Gold hair 

straightener, Kelly Gibney’s cookbook, Enjoy 

FIND US ON SOCIAL 

03magazine.co.nz | @03_magazine 

GET A COPY 

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to your mailbox? Contact: 

charlotte@alliedpressmagazines.co.nz 

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16 Magazine | Newsfeed 

Newsfeed 

What’s up, in, chat-worthy, cool, covetable 

and compelling right now. 

Art icon 

On now at Christchurch’s Centre of 

Contemporary Art (CoCA), Tangata 

Whenua is celebrated Aotearoa artist Robyn 

Kahukiwa’s first solo exhibition in the South 

Island for 20 years. Having painted since the 

1970s, Robyn is internationally acclaimed for 

her distinctive aesthetic and strong political 

commentary. Runs until January 14, 2024. 

coca.org.nz 

Photo: Owen Spargo 

In the spirit of things 

News to have fans of Queenstown distillers 

Broken Heart in good spirits (pun intended) – the 

multi‐award-winning makers have just launched 

New Zealand’s first eco-refill spirits pouch (700ml, 

$75). Fully recyclable and requiring less energy to 

create, transport and reuse, the boozy little baggies 

are also pretty perfect for those occasions where 

you can’t/don’t want to take glass. 

brokenheartspirits.com 

Grease, bye 

Just in time for what’s shaping up to be a scorcher, Ōtautahi-based 

beauty and wellness company Jeuneora has boosted its best-selling 

range of cult beauty classics with its first SPF offering, FullStop SPF50 

Daily Glow Screen ($57) – a weightless, goodie-packed, non-greasy 

UVA + UVB broad spectrum sunscreen that includes hydration, skin 

barrier support and blue light protection and leaves a silky smooth 

skin finish. 

jeuneora.co.nz

From theAmazon 

to the Urban Jungle 

It’s November, a month that 

usually brings significant activity 

to both the real estate market that 

I know and love, and to most of 

us personally as we endeavour to 

prepare for Christmas. 

I always enter this particular month 

with a sense of exhilaration and 

expectation. 

We’re a business that pivots off 

whatever momentum is occurring, 

and this spring market is certainly 

moving. Sales volumes are larger, ours 

currently the most significant in the 

country for our brand if you look at 

regional and national awards, but I’m 

also reflecting on two recent events 

that have occurred within a few days 

of writing this and I’d like to share 

these. 

One of these was a trip which opened 

my eyes further to the shifts happening 

in the world from a climate-change 

perspective. The other, a burglary. 

Bear with me whilst I lay out my 

thoughts. 

I’ve just returned from a trip to the 

Amazon region, having undertaken 

what’s known as an expedition cruise. 

It’s certainly an adventure and one for 

which I had a number of expectations. 

The largest being the opportunity to 

see some of the numerous bird and 

wildlife species which automatically 

come to mind when you think of this 

incredible region and its position as 

one of the world’s most elaborate 

and important ecosystems. I’d learnt 

prior to going that there are actually 

nearly 2,000 different species of birds 

and mammals, 40,000 plant species, 

millions of insects (which I wasn’t 

overly keen to see!) and some of the 

world’s most magnificent trees. 

This knowledge preset my 

expectations; the reality, however, is 

certainly different. The part of the river 

that we were able to travel to, as far 

as Manaus, has been deeply affected 

by changes both environmental 

and introduced. An unprecedented 

drought, numerous wildfires, large 

areas of deforestation, a state of 

emergency – and all of this means the 

animals have well and truly retreated 

into areas that will require a deeper 

investigation by me in the future. 

The numerous birds and few species 

we did see, however, especially 

the very special pink dolphin, were 

greeted with awe which lifted spirits 

and hearts. 

I know I’m sounding more like a travel 

agent than a real estate professional, 

but at heart I think everyone has a 

bit of the adventurer in them and at 

a professional level it reminds me of 

what’s precarious and special about 

our own country and way of life. 

With a growing drive towards more 

sustainable choices to protect our 

beautiful natural environment – such 

a drawcard for immigrants – trips like 

this always heighten my awareness 

and appreciation of New Zealand. 

Now the burglary, which involved one 

of the properties that we had staged 

through our staging company being 

broken into despite electric gates and 

a security system. 

What was taken included all bedding 

(leaving only the mattresses) and 

everything that comprises a staged 

bedroom. For those of you who don’t 

know, that means six pillows, two 

covers, three cushions, a rug at the 

end of the bed, matching bedside 

tables and lamps! 

And then let’s mention chairs, all 

kitchen items, special decor rugs … 

the list continues. I’d imagine for the 

scoundrels that committed the crime, 

whilst also leaving a half-opened 

can of Coke, it was a busy night. To 

everyone who has a vacant property 

that’s presented for sale, be vigilant, 

neighbours listen out and, for me, 

I’ve realized how gut-wrenching and 

invasive crimes (petty or not) affect 

you. 

So, November has started with a roar. 

I’d imagine that’s likely to continue as 

we move forward into December. For 

me this means do my best, keep my 

adventurous heart alive and be aware 

of the weight of expectations and the 

requirement for keeping things safe. 

Take care out there. 

Lynette McFadden 

Harcourts gold Business Owner 

027 432 0447 

lynette.mcfadden@harcourtsgold.co.nz 

PAPANUI 352 6166 | INTERNATIONAL DIVISION (+64) 3 662 9811 | REDWOOD 352 0352 | PARKLANDS 383 0406 | 

SPITFIRE SQUARE 662 9222 | STROWAN 351 0585 | GOLD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 352 6454 | 

SPITFIRE SQUARE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 027 772 1188 

GOLD REAL ESTATE GROUP LTD LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008 A MEMBER OF THE HARCOURTS GROUP 

www.harcourtsgold.co.nz


Chop chop! 

A fusion of clever design and 

sustainable practises, these 

chic chef-grade chopping 

boards are the brainchild 

of celebrated Auckland 

seafood restaurant Kingi, 

local plastics recycler Critical 

and NGO LegaSea. Created 

from fishing nets and other 

plastic waste, 100 percent of 

the profit from each board 

goes directly to LegaSea to 

raise awareness of the impact 

commercial fishing has on our 

ocean’s ecosystem. 

legasea.co.nz 

Let them drink cake 

Iconic Kiwi cup co Acme and fashion 

designer Karen Walker are back with 

a fresh take on their covetable Bobby 

mug collab. “This year’s collaboration 

features contrasting hues that evoke 

delightful pairings, from the sweet 

allure of ‘Lamington with Chocolate’ 

to the harmonious ‘Nougat with 

Lamington’, each colour duo 

embodies that unique KW charm,” 

says Karen. “Selected to enhance 

your everyday moments, these hues 

bring warmth and joy to any home.” 

acmecups.nz 

Nice knickers 

Launched to challenge lingerie industry 

standards, push boundaries, but also 

ensure its wearers look and feel 

fabulous, new local brand Ohen’s 

initial offering of four interchangeable 

bras and four briefs are designed to 

fit diverse bodies and sizes and come 

in three versatile and compelling 

colourways – Black, Toast and Fennel. 

Working with technical pattern, 

design and grading experts, Ohen 

aims to create luxe undies that offer 

expert support, comfort, lift and 

coverage without compromising on a 

contemporary aesthetic. 

ohenunderwear.com 

Good pud 

Iconic Christchurch restaurant Bloody Mary’s recently 

celebrated its 10th birthday by bringing back some very 

special dishes from across the decade for a limited time only, 

and we’re delighted to learn that the seriously decadent 

re-released Cambridge Burnt Cream dessert has been so 

popular it will remain on the menu throughout the summer. 

bloodymarys.co.nz

稀攀戀爀愀渀漀 

猀椀稀攀猀㐀 ⬀


Sweet as 

Much-loved Kiwi cocktail company Black 

Pineapple is serving up its lavish liquid take 

on a world-famous chocolate treat with 

a limited-edition cocktail kit release (from 

$69) – Rum Rocher. Freshly handcrafted 

with Plantation Caribbean rum, Frangelico 

hazelnut liqueur, Quick Brown Fox coffee 

liqueur and chocolate bitters, the latest 

luxe kit comes complete with edible gold 

paint, a brush to paint the glass and whole 

Ferrero Rocher chocolates for garnishing. 

blackpineapple.co.nz 

Works of significance 

A major new exhibition from Christchurch Art 

Gallery features works that tell stories about 

personal and collective histories, communication, 

distance and relationships to our environment. 

Covering the creative spectrum from textiles, 

sculpture, painting and photography to moving 

image and sound, the 24 artists in Spring Time is 

Heart-break: Contemporary Art in Aotearoa explore 

the transitions between places and across time to 

compelling, captivating and thought-provoking effect. 

christchurchartgallery.org.nz 

Ilish Thomas, ‘Indira’s Birthday’ (still) 2021. Single-channel 

digital video, lace. Courtesy of the artist. 

A surprise wing-er 

Initially a long-shot and largely unknown contender in 

New Zealand’s fiercely fought bird of the century, the now 

notorious pūteketeke shot to fame thanks to a passionate 

campaign by US chat show host and gatecrasher of bird 

elections, John Oliver. To help celebrate this underbird 

victory, local co Metalbird have given wings to this tribute 

piece (complete with mini John Oliver if you’re that way 

inclined), from which 30 percent of proceeds will be 

donated to Forest & Bird. 

metalbird.co.nz


Pillow talk 

As lovers of stylish snoozing, 

we’re more than ready to bed 

down with House of March, the 

first fairtrade certified luxury 

bedding supplier in Aotearoa. 

Both chemical-free and made 

from fairtrade 100 percent 

organic cotton, House of March’s 

hot new drop features lush linens 

in dreamy colourways from sage 

and navy to pounamu green. 

We’re particularly partial to their 

percale cotton pieces, which are 

ideal all year round, but being 

crisp, cool, smooth and light are 

perfect for the warmer months. 

houseofmarch.co.nz 

Summer sippin’ 

Fresh from Kiwi-made premium 

mixer brand Alchemy & Tonic comes 

a jazzy, juicy new offering. Crafted 

using a unique combination of natural 

ingredients, Lemongrass & Yuzu 

can be enjoyed equally by itself or as 

a counterpart to your favourite spirit. 

This refreshing new flavour 

combo is the perfect balance of bold, 

outside-the-box citrus notes, 

crafted with a pinch of sea salt for 

a bit of magic in every sip. 

alchemyandtonic.com 

Breathe in 

Marlborough-based olfactory wellness trailblazer INXHALE 

offers original blends of natural ingredients formulated 

to support cognitive function and mood. Founder Kate 

Guthrie saw a huge gap in the market while wishing for a 

product (that wasn’t caffeinated) to keep her mind alert on 

long drives to and from her family farm. Available in Alert 

for mental clarity, motivation and cognitive performance, 

and Calm for rest, relaxation and emotional restoration, 

the innovative inhalers work by engaging with our olfactory 

systems – AKA our sense of smell. The aroma follows a 

direct pathway to the brain, scientifically proven to impact 

our memory function and emotional centres. 

inxhaleworld.com 

Get some alp 

Music-lovers and good vibe-seekers, get set for this year’s 

Rhythm & Alps in the stunning surrounds of Wānaka’s 

Cardrona Valley. The diverse festival features a blend 

of party instigators, including pop sensation Benee, Fat 

Freddy’s Drop with their exclusive New Zealand summer 

performance, surf-psych collective Ocean Alley, awardwinning 

country-pop artist Kaylee Bell and Synthony 

presenting a NYE spectacle. December 29 to 31, 2023. 

rhythmandalps.co.nz

Shop 5, 1027 Ferry Road, Christchurch 

Phone 03 928 1690 | @ilovewinkshoesnz 

ilovewink.co.nz


Hey pal 

Always full of surprises, Pals has switched 

the game up yet again with a bonus 

release of three new RTD flavours – 

Classic Margarita, Chilli Margarita and Gin 

Citrus Twist – as well as a fresh look via a 

250ml can in checkerboard colourways. 

The Classic Marg combines authentic 

blanco tequila distilled in Jalisco, Mexico, 

triple sec, limes and sea salt while its 

Chilli counterpart is a well-balanced, spicy 

rendition of the classic cocktail, featuring 

habanero chillies. Gin Citrus Twist blends 

triple-distilled gin, Sicilian lemons and juicy 

tangelos for a zesty concoction with Pals’ 

bespoke mix of juniper-forward botanicals. 

All flavours are finished with sparkling 

water, making them refreshingly drinkable. 

drinkpals.co.nz 

Totally charming 

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Karen 

Walker Jewellery has revisited cherished classics 

with the ‘Adventure Charms’ collection, which 

reimagines nine treasured designs, including the 

KW bow, iconic runaway girl, carousel horse, girl 

robot and signature axe, in charming (geddit?!) 

miniature forms. Karen’s love for integrating 

precious pieces into the everyday remains, with 

many original designs reissued and adored to this 

day – an enduring symbol of their timeless appeal. 

karenwalker.com 

Shine dark like a diamond 

Nestled high above the Ahuriri Valley, the latest 

stunning addition to luxury accommodation The Lindis 

– the Black Diamond – offers bespoke private dining 

unlike anything else. Guests travel via their choice 

of guided horse trek, hike or private car transfer to 

the Black Diamond’s hidden location, where they’re 

greeted with a one-of-a-kind dining experience 

(including champagne on arrival). The striking structure 

features a sun-drenched patio area and full-glass front 

allowing uninterrupted views down the valley. 

thelindisgroup.com

The coast is calling! 

Put your best foot forward this summer with a pair of 

Dubarry deck shoes. Made to last a lifetime and so comfortable 

you will never want to take them off. 

623 Lineside Road | 03 313 1674 | www.rangiorasaddlery.co.nz

26 Magazine | Wishlist 

Most wanted 

From pavlova-scented candles and lamington-hued mugs to much-anticipated 

autobiographies, vintage-inspired jewels, chequerboard towels, quirky tees and cut crystal, 

here’s what 03’s editor is coveting right now. 

2 

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3 

7 

6 

14 

8 

13 

10 

12 

9 

11 

1. My Name is Barbra, Barbra Streisand hardback, $85; 2. Nicole Rebstock Uno leather slides in Camel, $269; 

3. Nevé limited edition Passionfruit Pavlova candle bowl in Amber, $180; 4. Marle Nonna hat in Natural, $90; 

5. Acme x Karen Walker Bobby mug in Chocolate with Lamington, $32; 6. Waterford Giftology Heart crystal box, $249 at Ballantynes; 

7. Meadowlark Bon Bon pearl and sterling silver necklace, $1449; 8. Baina Essential Bathroom Set 16 in Cement & Rhus, $368; 

9. RAAIE Cocoon ceramide cream, $145; 10. Untouched World Dione linen dress in Ink Fleck, $389; 

11. ghd Helios Professional hair dryer in limited edition Alluring Jade, $385; 

12. Jo by Jo Loves fragrance parfum 100ml, $274; 13. Jasmin Sparrow Ines 18k gold-plated earrings, $350; 14. Kowtow Compost t-shirt, $129

Briarwood Christchurch 

4 Normans Road, Strowan 

Telephone 03 420 2923 

christchurch@briarwood.co.nz 

briarwood.co.nz

28 Magazine | Fashion 

Fun in the sun 

Wear summer on your sleeve with shades of sky blue and sunshine yellow, make a splash 

in resort-ready florals or chill out with tropi-cool accessories. 

5 

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6 

12 

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1. Deadly Ponies Mr Porter tote in Rush Horizon, $699; 2. Saben Tilly bag in Melon, $299; 

3. Liam Sesame shirt, $249, and Beignet shorts in Dolly Blue, $239; 4. Briarwood Sadie dress in Poppy, $349; 

5. Karen Walker Rapture sunglasses in Marigold Multi, $280; 6. A&C Home Sadie tie-back dress in Cornflower, $240; 

7. Nicole Rebstock Majesty of the Earth silk scarf, $179; 8. Kate Sylvester Garden Floral t-shirt, $129, and Adriana skirt/dress in Sky Blue, $399; 

9. Merchant 1948 Memphis mules in Powder Blue, $240; 10. Curate by Trelise Cooper Barely There shirt in Berry, $299 at Zebrano; 

11. Kester Black limited edition nail stickers in Bright Delight, $18; 12. Juliette Hogan Magdalena dress in Citrus, $929; 

13. RUBY Jaquetta silk slip dress in Poppy, $399

SUMMER ‘23 - SHOES & ACCESSORIES 

THE CROSSING, CHRISTCHURCH CBD 

COMMERCIAL BAY & NEWMARKET, AUCKLAND I WWW.NICOLEREBSTOCK.COM

30 Magazine | Beauty 

About face 

From sought-after sheet masks and heavenly hand serums to sun-kissed skin tints and 

powerfully good SPFs, here’s what the 03 team are testing right now. 

1. For a loop 

As well as an A-MAZ‐ING 

new Christchurch store, 

Mecca just continue to 

kill it with its cult beauty 

offering, and this month 

we’re ooh-ing over 

new‐to-NZ high‐tech 

sheet mask brand LOOPS. 

Pick up a single mask 

(from $10) to target 

something specific (such 

as brightening, repairing or 

targeting dark spots) or try 

the rainbow-hued Variety 

Loop 5-Pack ($48) so 

you’re ready for whatever 

the coming silly season 

throws at your skin. 

4 5 

2 

2. Hand it to ya 

Created with the goal of 

making hand care a form of 

self care, Canadian brand 

Paume has added a dreamy 

Renewing Hand Serum 

($54) to its luxe line-up of 

products. This lightweight 

serum is specially formulated 

to reduce and prevent the 

signs of ageing in your hands 

via active ingredients like 

Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, 

niacinamide and natural 

retinol alternative bakuchiol, 

which work to visibly even 

skin tone, improve elasticity 

and texture and reduce the 

appearance of brown spots 

and fine lines. 

5. Good skin protection 

Aussies know their stuff when it comes to sunscreen, 

so new People4Ocean SPF50+ Mineral Bioactive Shield 

Lightly Tinted Cream ($65) is definitely one to look out 

for when it’s time to update the summer protection 

kit. Infused with natural pigments for softly blurring 

coverage, this hydrating and illuminating tinted mineral 

sunscreen provides defence against solar damage and 

free radicals and works equally beautifully on its own or 

under makeup. Big bonus points for also being free of 

both skin- and environment-damaging nasties. 

3 

1 

3. Frizz-free 

Get busy on frizzy locks 

this sticky season with 

Moroccanoil’s latest – Frizz 

Shield Spray (from $25). 

Formulated with Moroccanoil 

HydroResist Technology and 

naturally derived ingredients 

such as jackfruit oil and the 

brand’s signature argan oil, 

this weightless, heat-activated 

spray forms a shield to repel 

humidity and provide longlasting 

protection against 

unwanted frizz, flyaways and 

static for all hair types. 

4. Natural glow 

From faux tan pros Bondi Sands comes Everyday Skincare 

Be Bronze Instant Bronzing & Hydrating Serum ($23) – a 

moisturising two-in-one with a universal, sun-kissed tint (and 

a very slick dupe of Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi for less than a 

third of the price) enriched with a blend of botanicals including 

cupuaçu butter and squalane for intense, all-day hydrating.

The Perfect Ring 

Polished Diamonds – Jewellery Design, 

provides a unique experience allowing 

you to design the ring of your dreams. 

Advanced technology ensures accuracy 

using architectural software so you can 

view the actual ring in perfect proportion, 

allowing for design adjustments. Clients 

can have any ring style and matched to 

any budget with the diamond or gemstone 

being the deciding factor. Virtual CAD 

modelling, MRI laser scan, 3D printing with 

traditional hand craftsmanship ensures the 

highest quality at an excellent price. 

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34 Magazine | Feature 

An all-in good time 

Having just thrown open the gates to Ayrburn, 

the 60-hectare, $200 million development set on a 

160-year-old estate near Arrowtown, visionary Chris 

Meehan talks us through what to expect from the 

brand-new-but-also-historic precinct that’s shaping 

up to be unlike anything else on offer in Aotearoa. 

INTERVIEW JOSIE STEENHART 

From brunch beside a bubbling brook, laid-back lunches in a woolshed 

full of art by the likes of Goldie and McCahon, private fine dining in 

a stunningly restored historic homestead, cocktails inside a centuries-old 

stone cottage or wine and oysters in a former speakeasy (and manure 

shed) to catching kōura for your own pizza/pasta in the on-site lake, 

picking your own flowers, licking lush ice creams and a whole lot more 

besides – Ayrburn is set to be the hottest new spot in Central Otago 

this summer. 

How would you describe Ayrburn, in your own words? 

A wine and food paradise. 

Tell us a bit about each individual area/space? 

Ayrburn offers venues that cater to every taste and occasion. 

The heart of Ayrburn, The Woolshed offers fireside or alfresco dining 

from dawn to dusk, serving uncomplicated comfort for all. It’s a place 

where everyone feels welcome whether just for a coffee or a cocktail. 

The Manure Room is, as the name suggests, located in what was 

originally the old manure room. It was also known as a bit of a speakeasy 

during prohibition, so the perfect spot to savour the flavours of Ayrburn’s 

latest vintage wines while basking in an atmosphere that combines 

comfort and elegance for an all-in, good time. 

The Manure Room offers exclusive Ayrburn wines, unavailable 

anywhere else in the world, with wine tastings during the day, 

transforming into a sophisticated wine bar during the evening. 

For the kids and kids at heart, The Dairy is a quaint, nostalgic gelato 

parlour that’s like stepping into a storybook of sweetness. 

The Burr Bar is a haven where you can sip on whiskey and cocktails 

with close friends. Designed to be generous and flamboyant, the venue 

pays homage to an iconic local, Adrian Burr. 

And finally The Dell is a central lawn to host vibrant markets, alfresco 

lunches, and concerts. Savour a picnic from an Ayrburn venue, relish 

freshly pressed coffee from The Bakehouse, or enjoy a bottle of our 

Ayrburn vintage with friends. 

Ayrburn really does have something for everyone.

“Every building at Ayrburn has been meticulously restored, 

right down to preserving the natural sag of barn rooftops, 

honouring the original character in every decision.”

Feature | Magazine 37 

Where/how did the concept come about and how long 

has the project been in the works? 

We bought the property in 2015 and worked on various 

ideas. By about 2018 we thought we had the concept right, 

and five years later, here we are… 

Tell us a little bit about the history of the land/property… 

Established in 1864, Ayrburn is reimagining its heritage 

by seamlessly blending a world-class wine and culinary 

experience and honouring its proud history as one of the 

first farms and more successful in the area. 

Every building at Ayrburn has been meticulously restored, 

right down to preserving the natural sag of barn rooftops, 

honouring the original character in every decision. 

From the craftsmanship behind each creation to the stories 

behind every door, Ayrburn is a celebration of its heritage. 

It has been restored stone by stone – honouring its history, 

with its original character evident in every building. 

Can you talk about the ways in which you’ve utilised 

historic materials/elements? 

We’ve done everything we can to preserve and enhance the 

history of this remarkable place and the fabulous buildings 

and trees that sit on it. 

We’ve re-used the historic building materials wherever 

possible, which was an extraordinarily expensive and timeconsuming 

process. But anyone now seeing these buildings 

would appreciate the detail and thought that has gone into 

respecting their historic significance.

“Ayrburn is first and foremost for 

the locals. They will have the greatest 

appreciation for the work we’ve 

done and the spaces we’ve created.”


What have been some of the highlights and 

challenges along the way? 

Highlights have been the amazing group of designers 

and artisans who have shared a passion for Ayrburn 

and an enthusiasm for their work that I have never 

seen in over 30 years of doing this. 

The challenges have been the excessive 

bureaucracy and resultant time and money wasting 

that the local authorities have put us through. 

Ayrburn is both for visitors to the region but also 

for locals, right? 

Ayrburn is first and foremost for the locals. They 

will have the greatest appreciation for the work 

we’ve done and the spaces we’ve created. 

Ayrburn was the social hub of Queenstown back 

in the day and played host to the A&P Show and 

many district-wide social events for many years. 

We hope it again becomes the hub for locals to 

get together and have fun, and this is foremost in 

our minds. 

As well as our locals, we want visitors to treat 

Ayrburn as a must-do every time they come 

to Queenstown. Book your flights, book your 

Ayrburn visit. 

What are some of your personal favourite spaces? 

My favourite is The Burr Bar. It’s named after a 

great mate that I bought the property from, and 

is located in what was Billy Paterson’s original 

homestead when he settled the farm in 1864. 

These very first settlers to Queenstown had 

the pick of where to put their houses and it’s no 

accident he put this one where he did. 

There’s nothing better than sitting outside 

The Burr Bar in the late afternoon sun and then 

retreating inside to enjoy the character and 

ambiance of the old cottage. 

How does it feel to have Ayrburn complete and 

open to the public? 

It’s fantastic. The highlight for me is seeing people of 

all generations getting together to have fun among 

all the unique treats that Ayrburn has to offer. 

Anything you can tell us about future plans/ 

developments for Ayrburn? 

We have one of our upmarket Northbrook luxury 

later living villages approved for the grounds of 

Ayrburn. With 150 apartments and loads of 

amenities, it will also be a fantastic addition to the 

district and will be well sought-after. 

We also have seven prestige homes and a 20-room 

boutique hotel approved for the wider 55ha site. 

Anything else people might be surprised/ 

interested to learn? 

That the Ayrburn food and wine precinct is only 

half-done. Stage one is complete, but there are at 

least another four amazing venues, including the 

flagship Billy’s restaurant opening late next year, as 

well as The Bakehouse, RM Butcher and a florist.


Designer holidays 

We check in with some of New Zealand’s most-loved designers on their 

oh-so-stylish holiday plans, what they’ll be wearing and what their customers (including 

here in the south) are looking to now for the long Kiwi summer. 

INTERVIEWS JOSIE STEENHART 

“In my own backyard and on 

Aotea I go very simple – various 

cotton items on high repeat.” 

KAREN 

WALKER 

Summer 2023/2024 is my usual holiday 

plan: a week of recovery from the year in 

my backyard – napping, reading, swimming, 

pottering; a week at the ASB Classic (looking 

forward to seeing Coco again!); a week back 

in the office; two weeks on Aotea Great 

Barrier Island doing nothing much at all 

besides beach walks, swims, naps and books. 

In my own backyard and on Aotea 

I go very simple – various cotton items 

on high repeat. This summer I think it’ll 

be our Lotus Tiered Dress and Prairie 

Organic Cotton Shirred Dress. These will 

be paired with a fresh pair of Arizona EVA 

Birkenstocks, a Sensi Studio Panama hat and 

some great shades. 

When I’m on Aotea I always take a fresh 

pair of PJs also as friends drop in at any time 

of day and, even though I’m at the beach, I 

have standards! 

What seems to be shaping up to be 

hot in holiday attire are striped shirts in 

breezy cotton and our Armeria seersucker 

midi dresses. 

Anywhere in New Zealand summer can 

take you by surprise, so having a raincoat 

and a layer of cashmere on standby is always 

a good idea.


“We love to take the boat 

out and camp in the 

many amazing bays on 

Lake Benmore.” 

JESS BEACHEN, 

JESSICA FLORA 

hope to take some time out from the shop and studio 

I over the summer to head to the lakes, where we love to 

take the boat out and camp in the many amazing bays on 

Lake Benmore. 

Being a North Island girl originally I’m always blown away by 

the vast and incredible landscape on our doorstep. Although I 

am very much looking forward to getting back to Hawke’s Bay 

briefly for Christmas to catch up with the family. 

I will definitely be wearing a lot of our summer pieces on 

repeat, our It’s A Done Deal collared shirts are the perfect 

throw-over on lake days and we have so many amazing 

colours about to be released in this style. 

And when the weather warms up I look forward to 

wearing our new colourway in the Golden Hour Maxi Skirt 

and the Follow My Lead short-sleeve linen blouse for the 

perfect fresh summer look. 

For summer/holiday attire you can’t go wrong with an easy 

long-sleeve button down shirt that can be worn as its own 

statement or thrown over your togs on a hot day. 

South Island summers… A good jumper is always on me, 

either on or over my shoulders. I have been pairing a lot of 

our summer collection with a range of jumpers from Ohae 

Knitwear while the weather warms up, and they have been 

the perfect match. My favourite from there at the moment is 

the coral stripe organic cotton jumper, a perfect lightweight 

piece for summer.


“The days are spent 

eating, swimming, 

walking around the bays, 

reading books, building 

sandcastles, searching 

for pirate money, 

collecting tuatua, doing 

puzzles and spending 

time with the people 

you care about most.” 

JULIETTE HOGAN 

This summer, we’ll be heading up north to the beautiful 

Tutukaka Coast for Christmas Day itself and through to 

the new year. Mum and dad have a place up there and we, 

the whole family, love heading there to be together. 

It’s a really social two weeks with loads of people 

coming and going. The days are spent eating, swimming, 

walking around the bays, reading books, building 

sandcastles, searching for pirate money, collecting tuatua, 

doing puzzles and spending time with the people you 

care about most. The perfect way to see out a year and 

welcome in a new one. 

I’ve already been loving wearing our summer cotton 

prints during the days, and then relaxing in some JHL in 

the evenings. I love a matching set, so will be taking a few 

to Tutukaka. 

Cotton prints are definitely proving super popular so far 

this summer, as well as long-sleeve shirts (my Resort shirt 

is my favourite beach day shirt), and our summer beach 

wraps. I think people have really been gravitating towards 

easy and joyful pieces – lots of statement colours. 

JHL is a must for a South Island summer – both the shortsleeve 

and long-sleeve top options along with the shorts and 

trackpants. They are really easy lightweight layering pieces. 

I also always pack a puffer jacket [for holidays], even when 

heading up north, as I love being wrapped up and warm in 

the evenings.


“My family arrives from the Netherlands 

and I can’t wait to show them all of 

Otago’s and the South Island’s finest spots. 

We’re going to throw a little wedding in 

the mix too, in our garden in Clyde.” 

MARIELLE 

VAN DE VEN, 

RECREATE 

W 

e have quite the line-up this summer! 

Next week my family arrives from the 

Netherlands, and I can’t wait to show them all 

of Otago’s and the South Island’s finest spots. 

We’ll be setting up camp at The Camp in 

Hāwea, staying at Hooker Hut under Aoraki 

Mount Cook and hopefully we’ll catch a good 

window of weather to camp at Pūrākaunui Bay 

campground in the Catlins. Lots of adventures 

and travelling around. 

We’re going to throw a little wedding in the 

mix too, in our garden in Clyde. 

Then, once my family has gone back to the 

Netherlands, we’re going to take a month off 

work to go camping around the South Island, 

before our newest family member arrives. 

I’ve been based in Clyde for three years now, 

and I’m trying to convince myself that I’m a 

‘Lakes girl’, but reality is, I miss the ocean dearly! 

So I can’t wait to set up camp at some South 

Island beaches. Banks Peninsula, Abel Tasman, 

Golden Bay. In between all our adventures, 

time at home will be spent in my vege garden. 

This summer I’ll be living in my ReCreate 

Ash dress, as well as my ReCreate Contour 

dress. Both are perfect and very comfy for my 

growing belly. I designed the Contour dress 

in mind with covering up the chest from the 

relentless Central Otago sunshine. For a bit of 

layering, I’ll pop the handwoven Charlie top on. 

Our ‘Handwoven’ styles have been really 

popular this summer, it is such a special and 

beautiful fabric. Produced entirely by hand, 

the cotton is spun into thread and dyed using 

natural and organic materials such as local 

barks, vegetable skins and flowers. The thread 

is then handwoven on a loom. The finished 

fabric is gentle and textured with a ‘perfectly 

imperfect’ weave, making each garment unique. 

The garments get better and better over time, 

they get softer and wear beautifully.

44 Magazine | Promotion 

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Whether an all-inclusive cruise is your jam or you’re looking for family-friendly fun and adventure, 

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And why cruise the Kimberley with 

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Bringing the drama indoors 

Inspired by its dramatic surrounding landscapes, this new 

Queenstown build showcases rich raw texture, organic forms 

and lashings of modern, moody hues. 

WORDS KIM DUNGEY | PHOTOS VAUGHAN BROOKFIELD

Interiors | Magazine 47 

“Celebrating the landscape called 

for a textured palette, subtle 

lighting and earthy colours…” 

“B 

ring the outside in” was the brief for this stunning 

Queenstown home. 

Nestled by the lake, flanked by schist rock and towering 

mountains, it will eventually become the owners’ permanent 

home and needed to cater for both children and grandchildren. 

The interiors, designed by Eternodesign in Christchurch, 

include an open-plan kitchen-dining-living area with spectacular 

lake views, and luxurious bedrooms and bathrooms. 

The kitchen features a basalt grey stone benchtop and 

blackened wall units with walnut-stained internal shelves.

48 Magazine | Interiors 

“‘Bring the outside in’ 

was the brief for this stunning 

Queenstown home.” 

This moody colour scheme continues into the scullery 

but there the dark units contrast with white finger tiles. 

Brass pendant lights hang over the dining table, while an 

oversized black slatted door leads to an adjacent media room. 

Eternodesign director Emma Morris says celebrating the 

landscape called for a textured palette, subtle lighting and 

earthy colours in the master en suite. 

Subtly textured rippled tiles contrast with large, 

grey porcelain tiles and make an ideal backdrop to the 

freestanding bath with its matte black bath spout. The 

vanity has a sintered stone benchtop, paired with dark 

drawer fronts. Black shutters, installed prior to the plumbed 

bath, provide privacy but also open to the view. 

In the separate powder room, a freestanding, floormounted 

concrete basin takes centre stage. The black basin 

is complemented by a brass tap and mixer, and a softly 

curved mirror hangs above. 

Adding interest to the natural stone walls is the light cast 

from hand-blown, brass-detailed opal glass lights that turn 

on via a hidden sensor. 

Completing the powder room was not without its 

challenges, Emma says. Because the natural crevices in the 

travertine were left unfilled, the wall tiles were brittle and 

tricky to work with. 

Secondly, the room needed to not only be beautiful in 

its own right but connect with the design features of the 

living areas. 

“We achieved this with discreet, bespoke, vertical slatted 

wall panelling and a hidden door to mesh the spaces 

together. When the slatted door is closed, there is no sign 

of a powder room.” 

The attention to detail paid off as the home was 

recognised in recent awards run by the National Kitchen 

and Bathroom Association. 

The kitchen won the Canterbury designers’ award (for 

kitchens costing $90,000 to $120,000) and the master 

en suite received a platinum award and the distinction 

award (for bathrooms up to $50,000), while the powder 

room was a runner-up in this year’s Trends International 

Design Awards.

The cherry 

on top 

Reducing stress, maximise your budget and 

getting the very best results – Rangiora-based 

Feather & Oak Interiors owner and lead designer 

Katy Husband on why you should choose to 

work with a qualified interior designer. 

Katy Husband 

There are many benefits to working with an interior designer 

and there can be many misconceptions about our profession. 

An interior designer is here to guide you through one of the 

most stressful events in life – building and renovating. These 

major events are likened to the stress of having a child and for 

very good reason! 

Building and renovating can take years and turn life upside 

down when trying to combine life-as-usual with hundreds of 

build decisions on what is often our most expensive asset. 

An interior designer will get to know you on a personal level 

and understand the way you live your life. Are you a foodie, 

an entertainer or a homebody? All of these questions will help 

define the design of your home. 

An interior designer should be someone you feel at ease 

with and build a level of trust. 

Building fatigue is something that every client on the building 

journey will experience at some point. An interior design 

is able to breathe zest into a project when you are feeling 

overwhelmed by the process. 

Think of us as the cherry on the top of the lengthy building 

process – someone that can bring the joy back into the building 

or renovating process and help to make your interior dreams 

a reality. 

During your project a good interior designer can alleviate a 

lot of the stress – much like a midwife! An interior designer has 

the connections to direct you to the right people and to refine 

your decisions and material choices. 

You can have confidence that you are selecting the best 

when you work with a designer who has done the hard 

work for you. We are staying abreast of trends and being 

in regular contact with suppliers who are sharing the latest 

innovations within the design and build industry – a constantly 

evolving space. 

A misconception about interior designers is that we’re going 

to overshoot the budget. An interior designer is actually your 

best choice for maximising your budget and ensuring you 

spend in the right places. 

There are many ways we can go about saving you money 

and still achieve the luxurious interior you desire and with a 

network of contacts among artisans and manufacturers you 

can often be presented with tailor-made, bespoke solutions for 

your build. 

If you are embarking on the build or renovation path and 

you can relate to any of this then we would love to be your 

first port of call. It’s never too early (or too late) to engage 

the services of an interior designer. We are a full service 

interior design and window furnishings business in the heart of 

Rangiora, servicing the South Island. 

166 High Street, Rangiora | featherandoak.co.nz


A secret garden 

The first in a series of extracts from gorgeous new gardening tome 

Secret Gardens of Aotearoa, we travel to Central Otago’s lake district to see the magic 

Ali Soper has worked on a very special 113-year-old former sheep station. 

Nestled into the gentle eastern slopes of Mount Maude, 

just south of Lake Hāwea in Central Otago’s lakes 

district, is Crosshill, an established garden set among centuryold 

trees. The massive native beech, birch and flowering 

cherry trees stand as a testament to the foresight of the 

property’s first gardeners. 

Crosshill was established as a sheep station in one of the 

area’s early agricultural settlements; the original woolshed now 

serves as the potting shed and flower-drying area. 

Between the rocky under-bed of its mountainous setting 

and pockets of rich, fertile soil redolent of its farming days, 

the range of the garden’s soil is as extreme as the Central 

Otago seasons. 

This is both the coldest and driest region of New Zealand, 

with hot summers and harsh winters. Early Māori primarily 

occupied the area seasonally by way of routes through the 

Nevis Valley from the south and the Clutha River from 

the north. 

ABOUT THE GARDEN 

Crosshill is an eclectic garden that includes the original rose 

garden, an orchard that is being transformed into a food 

forest, a newly created woodland garden, a propagation and 

potting shed, a picking garden for the roadside flower stall, a 

tea garden and an extensive vegetable garden. 

It’s quite a new project for Ali – she and [husband] Nic 

bought Crosshill in 2020 – and her vision is still evolving, 

guided by her interest in history and observations of the site. 

She takes time to be in the garden, to notice what is growing 

where, and to plan from there. 

Nic is always on hand – often with his tractor, ‘Blue’ – 

prepared to drop whatever he’s doing to help Ali realise her 

vision. They have banned sprays and replaced much of the 

grass with productive plants to feed the soil and their family. 

The original double-gabled homestead was built around 

1910. A century on, deteriorated beyond repair, it was 

provided to the local fire brigade to be burnt to the ground in 

a training exercise. At the same time the surrounding gardens 

were largely cleared, with the exception of a rose garden 

at the front of the house and the magnificent mature trees 

planted by the home’s first owners. The native beech, copper 

beech, elderberry and liquidambar, as well as heritage plums, 

apples and cherries, survived to provide a sense of grandeur 

and structure for Ali’s new vision for Crosshill. She suspects 

the rose garden was planted around the same time as the 

trees, and its original paved walkway connects her to these 

gardeners of long ago. 

Kānuka and mānuka dotting the old sheep paddocks hint at 

what grew here before the land was cleared for agriculture. 

In the late nineteenth century the Crown agreed to restore 

the land rights to Ngāi Tahu, but the legislation was revoked 

in 1909 and the area was divided up for colonial agricultural 

settlement. Named after Kati Hāwea, one of the earliest tribes 

to occupy the South Island, Lake Hāwea supported seasonal 

food resources for Māori, with numerous kāinga mahinga kai 

(food-gathering places) and kāinga nōhoanga (settlements) 

established around the lake. Edible plants included kāuru 

(cabbage tree root), aruhe (bracken fernroot), and māra 

(gardens) of potato and turnip. 

The hot, dry Central Otago summers facilitate a vegetablegrowing 

season that is short, sharp and productive. Everpassionate 

about growing food, Ali’s vegetable garden and 

adjacent propagation and potting shed are central to Crosshill. 

She grows what she and Nic like to eat – brassicas, peas, 

cavolo nero (which grows exceptionally well), silverbeet, 

potatoes, leeks and carrots. The vegetable beds are fed with 

Ali’s own compost, and dotted around the garden are small 

fencing-wire bins for collecting weeds as she works. These 

self-compost in situ and the contents are returned to the soil 

over time.


“The many gardens of Crosshill are 

connected by the mature trees that form 

its bones, and Ali’s overarching meditative 

gardening approach.” 

The property’s varied terrain contributes to the contrasting environments 

– dry, wet, sun-drenched, cool – leading to a wide variety of planting 

opportunities, and sometimes new discoveries. One of these has been 

xeriscaping, a method of dry landscaping developed in Denver, Colorado, in 

response to increasing droughts. 

The premise is to design plantings that require little or no watering. Ali has 

been researching extensively – and mulching heavily! Like all new methods, it’s 

a process of trial and error, she says. She is looking at xeriscaping with both 

natives and exotics, and has realised that a lot of plants already in her garden, 

once well established and mulched, support her xeriscaping model. 

The original orchard is being transformed into a five-layer permaculture food 

forest, its clipped lawns and sprayed edges replaced by luscious underplantings 

of comfrey, garlic chives, peas, lemon balm and other herbs. The deep taproot 

of comfrey brings up nutrients from the soil and makes them more accessible 

to the fruit trees, and its leaves are harvested for compost and for laying 

underneath potatoes when planting. Ali is planning to add grapevines, which will 

ramble through the branches of the existing fruit trees – apples, pears, apricots, 

peaches, feijoas and a much-loved quince. 

The previous owners of Crosshill were passionate, talented gardeners but 

health issues meant that when Ali arrived some areas had been let go. The 

woodland area was barely accessible, with branches having been cut and left in 

situ. This did mean, however, that when Ali brought in a chipper and cleared the 

tangle of branches, she found rich, fertile soil underneath, fed by the decaying 

timber. The resulting chip was laid in the woodland, and the routes Ali’s dogs 

took through the trees dictated the location of new paths. 

Excavating a contained patch of Spanish bluebells, Ali discovered a deep 

trench of bulbs packed shoulder to shoulder. After careful lifting, dividing and 

replanting, these bluebells now line the woodland paths. In a clearing, a table 

enclosed in a halo of rhododendrons serves as a venue for family get-togethers 

and garden parties. 

The many gardens of Crosshill are connected by the mature trees that form 

its bones, and Ali’s overarching meditative gardening approach. The garden is 

a space for careful observation of all the elements that contribute to its magic 

– the seasons, soil conditions, wind direction, orientation of the sun and, most 

importantly, what likes to grow where. The constant conversation between 

garden and gardener is how each part of Ali’s garden comes alive.

Feature | Magazine 53


WHAT IS XERISCAPING? 

Xeriscaping is the technical term for dry landscaping, the art 

of choosing the right plants for a dry environment. Usually 

they are plants that require little to no water, other than what 

the natural climate in the area provides. 

Simple tips for a dry landscape garden 

‘Right plant, right place’ is my mantra when planning a garden. 

The starting point is to understand your landscape. All 

gardens have their own special requirements. 

Cost is also a factor, so we want to ensure our plants 

will thrive where they are planted. Make sure you seek out 

drought-tolerant plants (or drought-loving plants, as I prefer to 

call them) when you are in the planning stage. Pay particular 

attention to plants that are native to your region. Silver, furryleaf 

plants are naturally more drought tolerant. 

Dry landscaping will be more successful if you follow these 

planting tips: 

Autumn is a good time to plant, as the natural rainfall of the 

cooler months will help the plants establish before the more 

demanding warmer weather arrives. 

Before planting, soak the plant in a bucket of water and 

seaweed tonic while you prepare the soil. 

Dig a hole twice the size of the root-ball. Add compost and 

water, allowing it to drain away before you plant. 

Plant to the same level as the plant sat in the pot. Some 

suggest agitating the roots a little to stimulate root growth. 

Fill the hole, water again, then mulch. 

Mulch your xeriscaped garden with either bark chip or 

gravel to retain moisture before the ground heats up in 

summer and the soil dries out. Mulch will also help keep the 

weeds down. I prefer not to use weedmat/landscaping fabric 

because they are not biodegradable. 

Irrigation systems are not required – that’s the whole point. 

Hand-water with a hose if you have to, and if there are no 

restrictions in place. Reduce watering over time as the plants 

become established in their environment. 

What to plant? 

Sempervivum (hen and chicks) succulents are a natural 

starting point for a dry garden. They are very useful along 

the edge of your border and in pots. From there, the list is 

endless when you start to look! 

Here are some suggestions to get you started: 

Native – Coprosma, griselinia, pseudopanax, phormium, 

cordyline, libertia, tussock grasses 

Exotic – Lomandra, euphorbia, heuchera, hosta, agave, 

santolina, stipa 

Bulbs – Daffodil, amaryllis, allium, nerine, scilla 

Herbs – Rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme 

For a touch of colour – Bearded iris, geranium, kangaroo 

paw, lavender, salvia, achillea, anemone, echinacea, cistus, 

phlomis, rudbeckia. 

Extracted from Secret Gardens 

of Aotearoa by Jane Mahoney 

& Sophie Bannan, photography 

by Jane Mahoney, Josephine 

Meachen & Sophie Bannan. 

Published by Allen & Unwin 

NZ, RRP$49.99.

Walk, 

Run, Fun! 

6km and 12km 

17 th March 

2024 

Supporting 

charity 

www.city2surf.co.nz

56 Magazine | Promotion 

DIRECTORY 

HOME & LIVING 

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easy to wash up in water and has Eco Choice approval. It’s also available in 

CoolColour to help reflect more heat and keep darker colours cooler. 

resene.co.nz/colorshops 

ANY EXCUSE 

Whether you’re after a fabulous summerready 

cocktail or a refreshingly delicious drink 

for the whole family, Tippl is a handcrafted 

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home, the bach, the picnic blanket or as a gift. 

anyexcuse.co.nz 

LITTLE RIVER GALLERY 

Nicholas Duval-Smith’s cast bronze Bell Bowl resonates 

both as a beautiful object and as an instrument. Its majestic 

scale, weight and asymmetric shape gives unique sound 

qualities. The ring changes subtly depending on where you 

strike it with the felted wool mallet. Crafted from patinated 

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piece (only one artist’s proof) measures 26cm high x 

46cm wide x 41cm deep and weighs 24kg. $7000. 

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your summer gatherings. 

trenzseater.com

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS 

with Tim Goom 

The importance of landscape 

architects in navigating 

council regulations 

When planning for a landscape project in Christchurch and the wider 

Canterbury region whether it involves installing a pool, undertaking 

earthworks, or managing a site near protected trees or flood 

management areas, the role of a landscape architect is crucial. 

Here we will explore why engaging a landscape architect can be an 

essential step in ensuring your project complies with city council 

regulations and why their expertise can make a significant difference in 

the success of your project. 

Understanding the Complex Regulations 

Most city councils have regulations in place for various aspects of building 

and landscape design. These regulations cover a wide range of areas 

including pools, spas, site coverage, earthworks, protected trees, flood 

management areas, and road frontage. The rules are detailed and can 

be complex, requiring a deep understanding of local planning laws and 

building codes. This is where a landscape architect can provide invaluable 

support. 

A landscape architect is trained and experienced in the design of outdoor 

spaces, taking into account both aesthetic and functional considerations. 

They also have a comprehensive understanding of the local regulations 

and how they apply to different projects. They can guide you through 

the intricacies of the laws, ensuring your project is compliant and avoiding 

potential legal complications down the track. 

Navigating Specific Regulations 

Let’s delve into a few specific areas where a landscape architect’s 

expertise really shines: 

Pools and Spas 

Installing a pool or spa involves more than just choosing the right design 

and location. It also requires adherence to safety regulations, including 

fencing requirements and water quality standards. A landscape architect 

by Goom 

Rules are 

detailed and can 

be complex, 

requiring a deep 

understanding 

of local planning 

laws and building 

codes. 

can design a pool or spa that not only meets your needs but also 

complies with all relevant regulations. 

Site Coverage and Earthworks 

When it comes to site coverage and earthworks, there are rules 

around how much of a site can be built on and how land can be altered. 

This includes restrictions on cut and fill operations, retaining walls, 

and impervious surfaces. With their knowledge of these regulations, 

landscape architects can create designs that maximize the use of your 

site while ensuring regulatory compliance. 

Protected Trees 

Protected trees cannot be removed or sometimes even pruned without 

permission or in some cases resource consent, and given their ecological 

training and understanding of local regulations, landscape architects 

can help navigate these sensitive issues, balancing the demands of 

development with environmental preservation. 

Flood Management Areas 

If your property is located in a flood management area, there are specific 

regulations you need to follow. Developments in flood management 

areas must adhere to rules designed to mitigate flood risk. 

Road Frontage 

Regulations on road frontage impact how a property can be accessed 

and how it interacts with the public. This includes requirements on 

driveway locations, sightlines, and setbacks. A landscape architect can 

design a property’s frontage to provide safe and efficient access while 

adhering to council regulations. 

While the regulations imposed by city councils are designed to ensure 

safety, protect the environment, and maintain the city’s aesthetics, 

navigating them can be a complex task. Engaging a landscape architect 

can simplify this process. At Goom Landscapes, our qualified landscape 

architects knowledge and expertise can help ensure your project is not 

only beautiful and functional but also complies with all the necessary 

regulations, providing peace of mind and a successful outcome. 

The champions 

of landscape 

design and build. 

7 AWARDS – 2023 

DESIGN | MANAGE | CONSTRUCT 

Create a Lifespace with us. | goom.nz 

IDEATION-GOM0181

Food | Magazine 59 

Cook your own way 

Much-loved MasterChef NZ winner Sam Low shares his deliciously unique food journey, 

as well as three moreish recipes from his cool new cookbook Modern Chinese. 

WORDS & RECIPES SAM LOW 

was born in Fiji. My parents owned a noodle factory so 

I I was surrounded by the smell of wheat, wontons and 

noodles; I loved jumping on sacks of flour, getting covered in 

the stuff. The workers would pack noodles in little tins and 

we’d bake them in gigantic ovens. One of my earliest food 

memories was hassling the workers for a taste of the roti 

and curry they brought from home for their lunches. My 

parents kept telling me off but I couldn’t help myself. 

I was eight when we moved to New Zealand and my 

parents bought a dairy in West Auckland that supplied food 

to the largely Pasifika community. Customers could buy taro, 

green bananas, cassava, bok choy and kava. 

Later, my parents took over a takeaway outlet in the 

Māngere town centre, Juan’s Polynesian Takeaway. They 

worked all hours selling Polynesian and Chinese fare, including 

roasted pigs’ heads, coconut cream and taro leaf. 

I helped out from about age 15, the first time I’d cooked in 

a commercial environment. I worked the wok station, filling 

up the bain-maries with green beans and lamb belly stir-fries 

and island-style Chinese chop suey. I loved that what I was 

eating on a daily basis was so varied, so full of life and spices 

and flavours. I began to understand flavour balance, and I 

think this was the first time I really made my parents proud. I 

have never seen food as having a hierarchy. Every cuisine has 

something to be celebrated. 

Da Lin was a pop-up concept where I’d create things like 

tofu and century egg purée, salmon roe on steamed salmon, 

and my version of char siu (Chinese barbecue pork). Using 

the ingredients available around me, I was drawing on my 

own experience and influences to assimilate Chinese food 

into my environment without even knowing it. 

I wasn’t creating the sort of dishes you’d see in a Cantonese 

restaurant – it was different. It felt exciting and new, while 

still paying homage to my family, and to the cuisine’s place of 

origin. Ultimately, my food reflects who I am: this mish-mash 

of everywhere and everything I’ve experienced. 

It’s taken me a long time to understand the value of the 

food I grew up with. Cooking and experimenting with its 

flavours feels like a retaliation against the negativity I felt 

about my cultural identity when I was younger; it feels like a 

political moment where I can go: ‘Hey, this food is worthy 

of attention.’ 

My journey of developing as a cook, and approaching 

Chinese food in an unconventional way (my way), has made 

me really appreciate the fact that being ‘Chinese’ exists on a 

spectrum – everyone has their own way of doing it. 

MasterChef felt like a way to do what I loved best: telling 

and celebrating diverse food stories. It was, and remains, one 

of the hardest things I’ve ever done – physically and mentally. 

The show made me a more confident cook, that’s for sure, 

and pushed me out of my comfort zone more times than 

not. But, more than anything, it gave me an avenue through 

which to fully embrace my identity, to cook food that is 

meaningful to me, and to spread that to others.

60 Magazine | Recipe 

CREAMY PEANUT BUTTER 

NOODLES 

This quick and easy flavour-packed creamy noodle 

dish is one of my guilty-pleasure dishes for one when 

I’m craving a carb-loaded, high-fat meal. It’s one of 

those dishes that is often overlooked because of how 

easy it is to prepare. This flavour combination of soy 

and nut butters or sesame paste is a common mix 

known as ‘strange flavour’ in Chinese cooking. When 

adapted to the great nut butter options available to 

us, it’s a fun pick-your-own-adventure kinda dish, 

where you can have infinite combinations like soba 

with almond butter, or rice noodles with tahini. The 

world is your noodle and butter choice here! You 

can get fresh wheat noodles from your local Asian 

grocer and you can easily increase the amount of 

ingredients to make as many serves as you want. 

Serves 1 

200g fresh wheat noodles (or a single serve of your 

favourite noodle without the seasoning packet) 

60g peanut butter or your favourite nut butter 

2 teaspoons sugar 

1½ tablespoons light soy sauce 

2 teaspoons rice vinegar or white vinegar 

1 clove garlic, minced 

GARNISH 

½ spring onion green, sliced diagonally 

1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional) 

Chilli oil (optional) 

Start by boiling a pot of water for your noodles. Follow 

packet instructions for the ideal chewy, al dente texture. 

Fresh wheat noodles should take about 3–4 minutes to 

cook, so make sure to not overcook them. Reserve about 

½ cup of the cooking liquid for the sauce. 

Mix together the remaining ingredients. Add the reserved 

cooking water into the seasoning mix and whisk until a 

creamy sauce is formed. Taste and adjust if need be. 

Strain the cooked noodles and mix into the sauce. Serve 

in a bowl topped with the garnishes. Chilli oil will give it 

an extra flavour explosion.

Recipe | Magazine 61 

SPICY BLACK BEAN BEEF 

Growing up in and around my parents’ Chinese takeaway shop, black bean beef 

stir-fries have always been a constant on the menu. For me a great black bean 

beef is made with tender, juicy beef, minimal vegetables and a touch of chilli 

amping it to another level. Here’s my rendition of this takeaway classic. 

Serves 2–4 as a protein side with rice 

350g beef steak (sirloin, scotch or eye fillet) 

3 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon oil 

2 tablespoons fermented black bean 

1 tablespoon chilli flakes or 1–2 small fresh red 

chillies, finely chopped 

10g fresh ginger, finely chopped 

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 

1 capsicum, deseeded and cut into 2cm pieces 

MARINADE 

1 tablespoon rice wine 

2 teaspoons salt 

1 teaspoon light soy sauce 

1 teaspoon dark soy sauce 

1 teaspoon sugar 

1 tablespoon cornflour 

½ teaspoon baking soda (optional) 

2 tablespoons water 

Thinly slice the beef into 3mm thick strips about 4cm 

long and place into a bowl. Add in all the marinade 

ingredients, mix through the beef well and let sit 

for at least 15 minutes to infuse. The baking soda helps 

break down the meat protein, allowing it to get even 

more tender. 

Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a wok/large pan over a high heat 

and stir-fry the beef, separating the strips until they are 

almost cooked through, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from 

the wok and set aside. 

In the same wok/pan add the 1 tablespoon oil, black bean, 

chilli, ginger and garlic, and stir-fry over a high heat for 

30 seconds until aromatic. Add the capsicum and fry for 

a further 1 minute. Add the beef back in and fry for a 

further 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and serve.

Recipe | Magazine 63 

STRAWBERRIES & CREAM SANDWICHES 

Fruit-and-cream-filled sandwiches are a popular Asian snack. This incredibly easy, not-too-sweet 

treat works for any occasion and for all age groups (just remove the alcohol for kids). They are 

visually pleasing and make you feel less guilty than eating cake. The best part is they can be made 

the night before, stored in the fridge and sliced right before you serve. 

Makes 5 sandwiches 

500g strawberries or any ripe fresh 

seasonal fruit of your choice 

60ml rum for strawberries (optional) 

400 ml fresh cream, super cold 

¼ cup icing sugar 

1 teaspoon vanilla essence 

60 ml rum for cream (optional) 

10 slices thick white sandwich bread, 

Asian milk bread or sliced brioche loaf 

Prepare the strawberries first – wash and dry and remove the 

stems and stalk. Slice the strawberries in half if large. Place in a 

bowl, add rum if using, and gently mix. 

In a mixing bowl, whip the cream with a balloon or electric 

whisk until it is almost thick (like thick pouring gravy). 

Add the icing sugar, vanilla and rum, if using, and continue 

whisking until thick. 

Spread a generous amount of cream on five slices of bread and 

arrange the strawberries on top, being aware of where you’re 

going to slice the sandwiches. Fill any gaps with more cream. 

Spread the top slices of the bread with more cream and cover. 

Individually cling-film the sandos and mark where you want 

to slice them. Press them down gently with a flat pan/tray and 

refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. 

Unwrap and slice with a clean, sharp knife (a bread knife 

works well), wiping with a wet tea towel in between slices for 

a clean cut. 

Extracted from Modern Chinese: 70+ easy, 

everyday recipes from the winner of MasterChef 

NZ by Sam Low. Recipe photography by Melanie 

Jenkins (Flash Studios). Published by Allen & 

Unwin NZ, $49.99.

Hidden gems 

From grand Old Masters to significant contemporary works by 

Ngāi Tahu artists, a very special collection of pieces from the 

Dunedin Public Art Gallery are now on display for the first time as 

part of recently opened exhibition Huikaau – where currents meet. 

WORDS REBECCA FOX 

W 

orks from a senior Ngāi Tahu contemporary artist, a Rita Angus watercolour, a 

major Joanna Paul work and a monumental urban landscape by an international 

artist are among recent acquisitions now on display for the first time in Dunedin. 

New exhibition Huikaau – where currents meet celebrates the past, present, and future of 

the Dunedin Public Art Gallery (DPAG) collection.

Arts | Magazine 65 

LEFT TO RIGHT: Claude Monet ‘La Débâcle’, 1880; Henri Le Sidaner 

‘La Table, Harmonie Verte’, 1927; Lucien Pissarro ‘Landscape through 

Trees, Tilty Wood’, 1915; Margaret Fisher Prout ‘In the Garden’, 1936. 

Collection of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. 

Not only are there significant new works on display, but also for the first time there 

are works from the Paemanu contemporary Ngāi Tahu art collection. These are on 

loan to the gallery, and are being exhibited alongside selected works from the gallery’s 

permanent collection. 

For curators Lucy Hammonds and Lauren Gutsell it’s an exciting time. 

“It has been a journey of discovery and an opportunity to celebrate some of the major 

collecting that has happened over the last few years,” Lucy says. 

They include Ross Hemera’s (Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, Ngāi Tahu) ‘Horotea ngā tapuae 

i te awa’, which was created in the gallery this year, Rita Angus’ watercolour ‘Lake 

Wanaka, Pembroke’ (1939), Joanna Margaret Paul’s ‘Panoply’ (1984) and visiting artist Yang 

Yongliang’s ‘Artificial Wonderland II, Travelers among Mountains and Streams’ (2014). 

DPAG, which was New Zealand’s first civic collection of art when established in Dunedin 

in 1884, regularly showcases its collection in a major exhibition covering its ground floor 

galleries with the aim of taking a deeper look at the collection. 

In this exhibition, the curators wanted to look at the history of the collection, its 

importance nationally and internationally, as well as display works that have not or have 

rarely been exhibited. 

It has also been a chance for the gallery to continue the collaborative approach it took 

with the recent Paemanu: Tauraka Toi exhibition co-curated by a team of senior Ngāi Tahu 

contemporary artists and trustees. 

For the new exhibition, Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, 

and in particular Claire Kaahu White, Robert Sullivan and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe have 

worked alongside gallery staff to select works in a variety of media that speak of “place and 

journeys, of memories and symbols of loss and reclamation”. The works were made from 

1914 to 2021. 

“In the main, Kai Tahu artists with mana whenua connections to Ōtākou, Puketeraki, and 

Moeraki were selected for the taumata toi,” Claire says. 

So the exhibition has been named ‘Huikaau’ as it references a particular place at the 

mouth of Otago Harbour where the ocean currents join the harbour. 

“Conceptually, it’s a way of thinking about the different currents in the collection and 

how this exhibition can weave them together and create a meeting point for those 

different currents that run through the collection,” Lucy says. 

White says those meeting points, or nohoaka, refer to places where Ngāi Tahu stayed to 

gather kai and the trails that took Māori from inland to the coast gathering kai. 

“The theme of water runs throughout the works, sustainer of life, carrier of voyagers, 

the beginning and the end.” 

For her, the journey in the gallery begins in D Gallery with the first nohoaka, and from 

there visitors can follow the trail through the other galleries to view works that “supported 

and sometimes interrupted those themes”. 

A key work in D Gallery is the small Eva (Iwa) Burns’ (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha) oil 

painting of Lake Hāwea from 1914, which is on loan from the Hocken Collections. 

“That became a critical and important link … ostensibly her work is of the landscape 

genre, but the story behind this work became very important to the mauri [life force or 

essence] of this exhibition.” 

Moving into the Port Otago Gallery those aspects are woven together with Hemera’s 

just-completed works referencing the Ngāi Tahu tradition of rock and cave drawings, 2019 

Frances Hodgkins’ fellow Imogen Taylor’s ‘Another Word For Abyss’ (2019) and Zanobi 

Machiavelli’s 1452 ‘Madonna and Child’.

66 Magazine | Arts 

ABOVE: Huikaau – where currents meet, 2023. Installation view, Dunedin Public Art Gallery. 

Photo: Justin Spiers 

Lucy says the mix of works also acknowledges there is a continuous 

and rich visual art tradition in Dunedin and how the gallery’s early 

ambitions – to build an important collection of historical art for the benefit 

of the community and to support the creation of contemporary art – 

continues today. 

Another aspect is the recognition of the strong history of significant 

donations to the gallery from local families and from the Dunedin Public Art 

Gallery Society, such as the recent Taylor work. 

The Machiavelli was given to the gallery by Mary, Dora and Esmond de 

Beer, three grandchildren of Bendix Hallenstein, to mark the centenary of 

the foundation of Hallenstein Brothers. The family played a large part in the 

gallery, having one of New Zealand’s most significant collections of historic 

European art. 

Lucy says it seems fitting to be including the work in an exhibition in 

the year Hallenstein Brothers is celebrating its 150th and have it exhibited 

alongside two other works donated by the family – Marcus Gheeraerts’ 

‘Margaret Hay, Countess of Dunfermline’ (1615) and Claude Lorrain’s 

‘Landscape with Hagar and the Angel’ (1654). 

The gallery also uses exhibitions such as this one to develop new research 

and to look at focusing on works that may have not been prioritised much 

historically, such as the stories of female artists. 

“You find there are challenges in all parts 

of collecting.” 

In the Port Otago Gallery they have 

selected works by Scottish-born, Dunedinraised 

artist Edith Bathgate, along with 

works by New Zealand painters Doris Lusk 

(1916–90), Frances Hodgkins (1869–1947) 

and, near the end of the wall, Taylor’s work. 

A new find in the collection being 

exhibited is British painter Lucy Kemp- 

Welch’s (1869–1958) ‘The Harbour’ 

(20th century). 

Lauren says people have been very 

interested in the work because the artist 

was well known for the painting of horses 

in action and war horses. 

“She painted the illustrations for 

the 1915 edition of Black Beauty [by 

Anna Sewell].” 

Another work that has not been on 

display for a long time, if ever, is Margaret 

Fisher Prout’s (1875–1963) oil ‘In the 

Garden’ (1936), which sits alongside 

works by well-known impressionist artists 

Claude Monet, Henri Le Sidaner and 

Lucien Pissarro. 

“Margaret’s work represents a rare 

example of a professional woman artist 

working in the Impressionist style.” 

Lucy says all of these finds are a 

reminder of the depth of the collection and 

how much there is still to discover about it. 

“I’ve learnt a whole lot of new 

information. Some works I’ve worked with 

many times over the past few years and 

some [I’ve] never seen before. I think that 

is true of everyone who has worked on it 

and it’s gratifying to see it come out into 

the galleries and see the wider team go, 

‘Wow I’ve never seen that before’.” 

Huikaau – where currents meet runs at Dunedin Public Art Gallery until October 31, 2025. 

HARRIET MILLAR 

LUKE CALDER 

HARRIET COLLINS 

TIM MAIN 

REBECCA SMALLRIDGE 

WISH LIST 

23 November - 18 December 2023 

The secret to 

remembering special 

occasions 

03 325 1944 - littlerivergallery.com - art@littlerivergallery.com - Main Rd, Little River 

victoriaflorists.co.nz 

Find out more

An arts background 

Despite best intentions (and a successful career in other fields), it was somewhat inevitable that 

Dunedin-born Andrea Hotere, daughter of award-winning poet Cilla McQueen and one of the 

country’s most significant artists, the late Ralph Hotere, ended up writing a novel about art. 

WORDS REBECCA FOX

Books | Magazine 69 

“She grew up in Port Chalmers, 

Dunedin, with a lot of artists 

and writers ‘floating around’ 

her home.” 

As a small child, Andrea Hotere was left reading a book in 

the Museo del Prado while her parents investigated the 

Madrid museum. 

Her parents, poet Cilla McQueen and artist Ralph Hotere, 

were in Spain on an arts sabbatical and when Andrea got sick 

of trailing around after them she was left in a room to read, 

where Diego Velázquez’s ‘Las Meninas’ – one of the most 

written-about paintings of all time – hung. 

“It got into my consciousness. There’s something about it.” 

Decades later she returned to the painting as a subject for 

her first novel, The Vanishing Point. 

She grew up in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, with a lot of artists 

and writers “floating around” her home. 

“That was normal for me. I was very lucky … it was quite a 

rich environment in that regard.” 

Her interest in history developed at Logan Park High School 

thanks to some good teachers. 

“I took myself off to the university library in the sixth form 

to work on my school projects and got a kick out of it.” 

That led to studying history at the University of Otago. 

Enjoying interviewing as part of oral history projects led her 

to study journalism. 

“I always thought I might do something like writing a novel 

early on, but I think I felt I needed life experience before I 

ventured down that path.” 

In her thirties, when her children were young, she 

attempted a historical biography. 

“I got a bit frustrated. I thought I’m just going to write 

fiction and make it up. My historical bent was there in the 

background so I was naturally drawn to something that was 

going to be historical fiction.” 

About that time, she was at home folding laundry and 

tuned in to an interview on Radio New Zealand. It took a 

few minutes before she realised the painting they were talking 

about sounded familiar, although she wasn’t sure why. 

“Then I had a look at it and I remembered I had seen it and 

was quite intrigued when I was younger about the young girl 

in the painting and I wondered what had happened to her.” 

Curious, she began researching the painting to find 

out more. 

“While there is a huge amount of material written about 

the painting, enormous amounts, I couldn’t find that much 

about her and I thought that was interesting. She seemed like 

a young woman lost in a historical story.” 

So she began to dig deeper, especially into the girl, the 

Infanta Margaret Theresa, daughter of King Philip IV of Spain. 

“It wasn’t that she was ignored. She became an empress 

in Austria and celebrated over the years but I didn’t find 

a biography of her. The things were quite slight that were 

written about her.” 

The more Andrea looked at the painting, the more intrigued 

she became with the relationship between the people in the 

painting and the way it is constructed. 

“The way they look out at us to you as the viewer. So I 

guess the more I looked at it the more it intrigued me.” 

Andrea, who lives in Auckland, began a creative 

writing course with the idea of creating a story around 

Margaret Theresa. 

“Quite what it was going to be at that stage I didn’t really 

know. It was an adventure.” 

She was determined to produce a piece of creative work 

that was her own. 

“Taking the leap from expository writing in journalism … 

[it] is actually quite hard to let go of that and go somewhere 

different. You are trying to give people as few clues as possible 

but just enough so they work it out for themselves.

70 Magazine | Books 

“In journalism the impulse is to explain and I found when I 

started there was far too much of that authorial exposition.” 

It has taken a long time for Andrea to get to the end of 

the work but she never lost the excitement or interest in 

the story. 

“When you really launch yourself into the material, 

sometimes scenes come to you almost like dreams. It begins 

to take over every part of your life, including your sleep.” 

She worked on the novel when she could around her 

children’s school timetable and the pick-ups and drop-offs, 

but came to realise she needed a certain amount of discipline 

around when she worked. 

Sometimes it was early morning writing sessions, at 

other times it was recording her thoughts on her phone in 

the car or periods of solid time at home where she could 

write full‐time. 

“There were times I put it aside for long periods of time. I 

put it in a drawer at one point. I certainly wasn’t working on 

it full-time. I wasn’t able to work on it full-time, so it has had 

bursts of my fervent attention.” 

In hindsight, the first drafts of the manuscript did not have 

all the components necessary for what she had decided 

was going to be a “hidden mystery”, which she found 

quite frustrating. 

“Some of those final pieces came in within the last two 

drafts. Once I had the final revision made, everything 

came together.” 

Given it was her first novel, Andrea found it hard to stop 

wanting to revise it. 

“You want to keep improving it and see things you wish 

you’d done differently. It had to finish at a certain point.” 

Looking back, she especially enjoyed the process of creating 

the work as she loved doing research. 

“I like being in libraries, I enjoy digging around in archives 

and I’ve found the combination of that with trying to work 

out from a far distance people’s motivations based on 

whatever evidence I can glean and using my own intuition is a 

fascinating process. Kind of daunting at times.” 

She has been conscious of not wanting to do exactly what 

her parents had done, which was one reason she ended up in 

journalism. She has also worked in television and production. 

“I didn’t write about art really for a long time. Dad’s thing 

was his thing and [I] was quietly doing my own thing, looking 

at art and having an interest in art.” 

It took a while before Andrea felt comfortable about 

re‐entering the art world, but she did so with a collaborative 

project on 50 years of the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship with 

Priscilla Pitts in 2017. 

“It was one of the first phases when I put aside the novel 

and worked solidly for 18 months. 

“At the time, it was really refreshing, as I needed a break 

from the novel.” 

Doing that book, which included her father, gave her the 

opportunity to enter the world of artists again as she visited 

them in their studios for interviews. 

“The ways they work can be quite different [and that] was 

really interesting to me at that point. 

“It’s a great survey of those artists going back 50 years.” 

She found in a “parallel” way it helped with the novel 

although she did not draw on anything specifically said. 

“It was just more time in artists’ studios discussing thought 

processes that was really enriching. 

“I really believe in what artists do. I believe in artists as 

practitioners and writers; those roles in the arts are super 

important as they reflect things back to us, if we want 

to listen.” 

She’s on the eve of returning to her hometown for the 

Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival, her first as an author. 

“I’m honoured. I’ll have family there and mum will be at the 

same festival. That will be kind of funny.” 

Bluff-based Cilla saw part of the book early on. Andrea 

described her as “pretty restrained” in her comments and 

both realised writing poetry and novels were different. 

Sending her mother the manuscript the first time did leave 

Andrea on tenterhooks. 

“She’s obviously a real literary powerhouse and she has 

now read the book. She’s definitely been supportive.” 

However, Andrea felt the need to do the work on her own. 

“I’ve appreciated the feedback when she’s given me some.” 

With her first novel under her belt, Andrea says ideas for 

two more have already come to her. They’re in a similar vein 

but different. 

“I realise I’ve written one book and you think ‘Oh, yay, I 

know how to do it’ but as they say I’ve learnt how to write 

that book. 

“I think I’ll be quicker next time. They can be all different.” 

“I didn’t write about art really 

for a long time. Dad’s thing was 

his thing and [I] was quietly 

doing my own thing…”

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72 Magazine | Read 

Book club 

Great new reads to please even the pickiest of bookworms. 

WINNING REVIEW 

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READING 

HELD 

Anne Michaels | Bloomsbury, $33 

From the author of the Orange Prize-winning Fugitive Pieces. 

Described by Margaret Atwood as “compelling”, “timely” and 

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… The most important book I have read for 40 years”, the 

poetic, uniquely constructed Held begins on a battlefield in 

Europe in 1917 and spans four generations. 

MURRAY BALL: A CARTOONIST’S LIFE 

Mason Ball | HarperCollins, $45 

The first biography to be written about farmer, rugby player 

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ATLAS: THE STORY 

OF PA SALT 

Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker 

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Twenty-four hours is what it takes 

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around the sun; it’s also how long 

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DAY 

Michael Cunningham | HarperCollins, $38 

From the brilliant mind of Pulitzer Prize winner (for The Hours) 

Michael Cunningham, Day, set in a Brooklyn brownstone on 

April 5, 2019, 2020 and 2021, is a searing, exquisitely crafted 

meditation on love and loss, and the struggles and limitations 

of family life – how to live together and apart, and maybe even 

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KILL YOUR HUSBANDS 

Jack Heath | Allen & Unwin, $37 

Three couples rent a house in the mountains for an unplugged 

weekend of drinking and bushwalking. No internet, no phones, 

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up. It’s a joke, at first, then an agreement is made. But when the 

lights come back on, somebody is dead, and the car key is missing. 

They’re stranded. And the killer is just getting started… A wild, 

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Read | Magazine 73 

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THE SEVEN 

Chris Hammer 

Allen & Unwin, $37 

Chris Hammer again takes 

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of New South Wales where 

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of land-owning dynasties. 

It’s 1900, and the need 

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A further murder and the investigation centres on ‘The 

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Hammer has studied the Murray and the Riverina, and 

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SECRET GARDENS 

OF AOTEAROA 

Jane Mahoney & 

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Allen & Unwin, $50 

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I can recommend this book to all garden lovers! 

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74 Magazine | Win 

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Every issue, 03 Magazine sources a range of exceptional prizes to give away. 

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The second delicious cookbook by wholefood-driven Kiwi 

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03 Magazine: December 08, 2023

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