I’ve Got a Thing For Pukeko

Tags

Animal Photography, Art, Beatrice Carlson, Bird, Kiwi, Mixed media, Native Bird, New Zealand, Pukeko

‘Pukeko Kete’ by Beatrice Carlson
(Image from Essenze)

Like most Kiwis, I have a bit of a thing for the Pukeko. With its distinctive bright blue colouring and bright red beak, it is always easy to see against the green of the New Zealand wetland.

Also known as the New Zealand Swamp Hen, the Pukeko is a member of the rail family, and it is similar to other species found all over the world. There are apparently 15 sub species of the bird and their range includes southern Europe, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Melanesia, western Polynesia, as well as Australia and New Zealand, so it is a very common bird. In New Zealand, you can find them in almost any grassland area, especially in swampy locations.

Just why they have struck such a chord within the Kiwi culture is a bit of a mystery. Perhaps it is because they are a little ungainly, but still full of character. It’s certainly not because of their flying ability – their take off is laboured and they are awkward flyers with feet dangling and often crash landing into a tree or bush, although they can fly long distances.

‘Blue Comme’ by Beatrice Carlson
(Image from Essenze)

For me, one woman who has captured the quirkiness of the Pukeko perfectly, is Beatrice Carlson. She apparently originally studied oil painting and it has given her an understanding of layers and transparency that she now uses in her digital work. Her works are dramatic in scale – the piece above is 1200mm x 1200mm – but she works with the smallest of details, adjusting the images pixel by pixel.

I think I would quite like Blue Comme on my wall…

Essenze sells Blue Comme for NZ$2,901 and will ship anywhere in the world. You can check out their site here.

 

I Have a Crush on Peter Gordon…

Tags

Book, Cookbook, Cooking, food, Gift, Kiwi, kiwi hospitality, London, Marylebone High Street, michael mcgrath, New Zealand, Peter Gordon, Recipe, restaurants, Shopping

Image of Peter Gordon taken by Jonathon Gregson
(Image from here)

When I last lived in London, a million years ago now, I could often be found at The Providores and Tapa Room on Marylebone High Street. I loved it for its laid back Kiwi hospitality. I loved it for its most excellent flat whites. I loved it for its amazing cocktails. And, most of all, I loved it for the seriously great brunch menu.

When LM and I were in London earlier this year, I think we visited the Tapa Room four times for breakfast. It is still as good as I remember. If you are visiting London, a visit to Peter Gordon and Michael McGrath’s institution (it has been around since 2001), is well worth a look-see.

If you have not yet come across the understated and talented Mr Gordon, you should know that he is widely credited as being the ‘godfather’ of fusion cuisine. He is famous for his unique culinary philosophy where he mixes cuisines, flavours and styles of cookery. I think his food is also very clean on the palate. And, of course, the fact that he happens to hail from New Zealand, makes him just a wee bit special.

So, when I was out doing some last-minute Christmas shopping yesterday, I was very pleased to see Peter has come out with a new book. Better still, it is called ‘Everyday’ and is all about how one can create fusion-style food at home. Of course, I bought it (duh!). I have yet to cook from it but after spending a happy hour reading through it, I can tell you there are several recipes I want to try toot sweet…

Peter Gordon ‘Everyday’ (Australasia Edition)

Five Spice Steamed Pork with Noodles and Broccoli, anyone…?

You can pick up a copy of Peter Gordon’s Everyday here. I think he’s fab’…

You Say Doona, They Say Dyne, I Say Duvet…

Tags

Australia, Bed Linen, Bedding, By Nord, Colloquialisms, Denmark, Design, Duvet, IKEA, Interior design, Kiwi, Language, New Zealand, Russell Crowe, Shopping, Sydney, Tontine Group

To most people around the world, Aussies and Kiwis are pretty similar – not least because of our shared geography. And, in many ways I can see why people might think that. Certainly, I love living in Sydney and there are many things about Australia that I have willingly embraced and in many cases, adopted. I have always preferred Vegemite to Marmite. I have learnt that not everybody knows what jandals* are. Jacarandas flowering in November have replaced Pohutukawas flowering in December for me in the lead up to Christmas. I don’t even give off that involuntary shudder when a well-meaning Australian tells me I “don’t sound like a Kiwi”, anymore.

God bless America. God save the Queen. God defend New Zealand and thank Christ for Australia. (Russell Crowe)

But, there is one thing I just cannot bring myself to embrace. I cannot and will not use the word ‘Doona’. It just sounds wrong.

Australians use the word ‘Doona’ in place of duvet, or even ‘continental quilt’. Now, I’ve done a wee bit of online searching and I have discovered that ‘Doona’ is the brand name created by Kimptons (Northern Feather). For the sake of accuracy, you should know that the Tontine Group acquired the trademark in 1991 when Pacific Dunlop took over the company. Apparently, ‘Doona’ is derived from the equivalent common Scandinavian term dyne and was popularised by retail behemoth IKEA in the 1970s.

All of this becomes perhaps a little more relevant when I tell you that today’s post is about the ever-so-fabulous graphic bed linen and cushions from By Nord, a most lovely Danish home-wares company (where they probably say ‘dyne’ instead of ‘doona’ or duvet…)

Check out these babies…

(Oh – and, I’m starting with the sheep as a further reminder that I’m a Kiwi!)

Sheep Cushion for By Nord
(Image © By Nord)

Sheep Duvet Cover for By Nord
(Image © By Nord)

Feather Cushion for By Nord
(Image © By Nord)

Feather Duvet Cover for By Nord
(Image © By Nord)

Hedgehog Duvet Cover for By Nord
Fun Fact – there are no hedgehogs native to Australia
(Image © By Nord)

Moose Pillowcase for By Nord
(Image © By Nord)

Moose Duvet Cover for By Nord
(Image © By Nord)

By Nord have some b e a u t i f u l things. You can check out their web-shop here. Alternatively, the closest retailer in Australasia is Design Studio Home, which is not very useful unless you happen to live in Perth, WA.

* Jandals: n. ubiquitous New Zealand rubber sandal.
Equivalent to the Australian Thong, UK/US Flip Flop

The One About Kiwiana, Shane Hansen & Coffee

Tags

All Blacks, Art, Buzzy Bee, Coffee, Colour, culture, Design, Kiwi, Kiwiana, Maori, New Zealand, Peter Jackson, Pop art, Shane HAnsen, Shopping, Travel, Wellington

There are some things Kiwis do really well. The most obvious one – to most of the western world, at least – is produce pretty great rugby players. I’m talking about you Dan, Richie, Mils, Piri and the rest. Kiwis are not too shabby at yachting, either. New Zealand has won the America’s Cup a couple of times. Thanks to Peter Jackson and his team in Wellington, New Zealand is building a reputation for movie-making (think the Lord of the Rings trilogy). I could go on (I’m a Kiwi, after all) but, I want to talk about something else. I want to talk about Kiwiana.

Kiwiana: [ˌkiːwɪˈɑːnə] pl n collectable objects and ornaments relating to the history or popular culture of New Zealand

New Zealand has a long history of producing collectable objects – from souvenirs to fine art that reflects popular local culture. One of the best examples I can think of is the Buzzy Bee™.

The original Buzzy Bee™

The Buzzy Bee™ is New Zealand’s most famous children’s toy. This brightly coloured, wooden pull-along toy has been handed down from generation to generation and is now regarded as a major New Zealand icon. There would be few New Zealanders that don’t remember playing with this charming little toy in their youth. I certainly had one.

‘Buzz‘ by Shane Hansen
acrylic, wood gel, glass paint, foil, lacquer and wax on hoop pine plywood
(Image sourced from here)

Shane Hanson is an artist who captures the Kiwiana spirit for me – albeit at a pretty high-end. In his own words, his creations “spring from a world of bold colours and optimistic clarity, a pop-art invitation to a feel-good New Zealand celebration“. Shane is of Māori, Chinese, Danish and Scottish descent, which is reflected in his art as he navigates his way on a journey of cultural discovery. I reckon’ he also has a great sense of humour.

Check out some of his work:

‘Pania, Boy & Friendly Rua‘ by Shane Hansen
limited edition screen prints on 70s wallpaper
(Image sourced from here)

‘Me & Chuck‘ by Shane Hansen
acrylic & lacquer on custom wood
(Image sourced from here)

‘Mad Cow Series – Denise‘ by Shane Hansen
Limited Edition giclee print on archival card
(Image sourced from here)

Now, we’re getting to the real reason I wanted to introduce you to Shane Hansen and his Kiwiana-oriented art… LM and I are pretty serious about our coffee here in our wee corner of the world. We have a pretty fab’ coffee machine (a spiffy Bezzarra Domus Galatea, which almost requires a pilot’s licence to drive it, just in case you’re interested). We’ve been known to take our coffee machine on holiday with us. Truly.  I am simply not worth talking to until I’ve had my first caffeine injection of the day.

So, imagine an object that combines the pop-culture of Kiwiana with my love of good-quality coffee…? Here it is, the oh-so-very-gorgeous Harikoa Vibiemme Coffee Machine!

Harikoa Vibiemme Coffee Machine
Limited edition of 3 only
(Image sourced from here)

Shane Hansen has teamed up with Valente Machinery and launched this series of limited edition Vibiemme Domobar Super espresso machines. These beauties combine the best in Italian coffee machines with the best of Kiwiana.  The artwork expresses the love of home, love of lifestyle, love of beautiful things and of course, the love of coffee. Each machine in this edition of three, is signed by the artist and numbered. If you’re a coffee freak and an art lover, then this baby has your name written all over it!

Oh, and in case you’re wondering, harikoa means ecstasy, to be uplifted, euphoric. Exactly how one should feel after a great coffee!

It’s a steal at NZ$5,500 + P&P! (That’s about US$4,430 or GBP2,737 not including the postage!) <gasp!>

Should you decide you just have to have one of these wee things of beauty, can I suggest you hot-foot it to my favourite source of all thing Kiwiana online – cleverbastards.co.nz.  They’ll look after you. Of that, I have no doubt!

Are Flight of the Conchords flying to Sydney?

Tags

Academy Award, Auckland, Australia, Bret, Concert, Flight of the Conchords, Humour, Jemaine, Kiwi, Lifestyle, Muppet, Music, New Zealand, Performance, Photos, Sydney, Tour, Travel

It’s confirmed!  Hot on the heels of Bret’s Oscar win, Flight of the Conchords are going on tour…  in New Zealand (sigh!)  As yet, no Australian dates confirmed, but a girl can hope…

Bret and Jemaine – are you coming across the ditch to visit your many fans over here? Pretty Please.

{Seriously considering flying to Auckland to see the boys…}

While we wait and see if Australian tour dates are to be announced, a wee something to whet your FOTC appetite:

(Top image sourced from FOTC website here)

Breaking News (10 April 2012): Confirmation of July tour dates out today. The boys are coming to Australia. Jemaine says, “We are finally returning to Australia. Mostly to apologise.” Check out the FOTC website for details.

Same, same but different…

Tags

Auckland, Bag, Colour, Fashion, Kiwi, Luggage, Merino, New Zealand, Sydney, Travel, Wellington

Carry Corp. is a Wellington-based Kiwi company formed “to create bags + accessories that look the same but different.” I reckon’ they have succeeded.  They make all their product in New Zealand. What makes them stand out from the crowd is their products are not made from the usual materials.

Check out ‘Jim’, the weekend bag.  It’s gorgeous.  It’s made out of 100% merino felt (and lined with spinnaker). Like Joseph’s coat, it comes in many colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Jim’ is apparently durable, strong and light.  ‘Jim’ is great in the rain (useful given the wet weather we’ve been having).  ‘Jim’ has a studded base to avoid dirty floors (hate it when bags don’t have that feature) and “fits shoes, jeans + all your clothes” for an overnighter.

How cool is ‘Jim’?

Carry Corp. sells through retailers in Auckland and Sydney, and you can purchase direct from their website.

(all images sourced from Carry Corp.)

A frog and a kiwi had a party…

Tags

Academy Award, best original song, Bret McKenzie, Entertainment, Flight of the Conchords, jane seymour, Kermit, Kiwi, Movie, Muppet, New Zealand, Oscar, Song

Bret McKenzie stealing Jane Seymour's thunder

If you haven’t heard the news, Bret McKenzie, has won an Oscar for best original song for his work on The Muppets movie.  And, if you don’t know who Bret is, he’s one half of the fabulously dynamic duo, ‘Flight of the Conchords‘.  Go Bret!

Maybe, just maybe, this might mean a Flight of the Conchords movie?

(Bret’s Oscars image from Stuff.co.nz)