Tue 29 Apr 2008
the 03′
Posted by timezoneone under New Zealand
Christchurch, New Zealand is the home and birth place of Timezoneone, which was most likely conceived over a few “C.D’s” at the caledonian. Many years later it is now the epicentre of the TZ1 creative team (they go hard out and give it heaps every day). Below you can see a lovely panorama of the view from our office. (also views of the CD brewery).
Todays entry is showcasing what brings members of the creative team to Christchurch and what the rest of us love about this ‘choice’ little city (population just over 350,000) located in the lower bottom left of the Pacific. Or the top of the world depending on how you look at it.
Some of us are natives and some imported from foreign lands. So I posed the question: what is it apart from the exciting work timezoneone offers that keeps us churning out great things and happily living in this city?
For myself, living minutes from the ocean at bugger all cost is a pretty sweet deal. I love the location of the city, it is like the gateway to the south island opening doors to all the things I love doing.
Liz, who loves a glass or several, of the local wines said “I like skipping in the north canterbury hills (after checking out the local wineries)” (as above ’skipping)
Mark, an avid motorcyclist from Seattle enjoys “Quick and easy access to riding roads like this that lead to views like this”.
Rose, who brought to my attention the more practical things like “setting up bank accounts, telephones etc are so much simpler here. Often just one phone call is all it takes! There are beaches, mountains, hills all close by, and you can drive most places in the city in less than half an hour. She loves the awesome scenery, some of the best in the world. Here is a snapshot from a recent holiday, taken at New Zealand’s/worlds number one must see, Milford Sound” (startling update)
But was a bit disapointed when “Returning to her ‘no accent’ status after getting teased about her kiwi accent by my German colleague” after a stint in London.
David, a local father from linwood told me “I like Christchurch because, generally, the security guards are very friendly.”
Aliana, who lives on the infamous “scarborough hills” over looking the whole city said, “sitting in the sun on our deck with an amazing view of the beach, Hot Rod shows in metropolitan towns like AshVegas, ‘Chip Butties’ at Fish ‘n’ Chips after a hard night drinking with Liz (for those who don’t know ‘Chip Butties’ are hot chips sandwiched between two pieces of buttered white bread with tom sauce) and last but not least the amazing pieces of public art that litter our city streets, with special mention going out to the Poplar Lane Fountain and the life size High Street Corgies (which are quite fun to try and ride after a few brews, apparently… I wouldn’t know)”. I suspect she might.
Murray, a fresh import from Brighton, England (1 month in NZ) said, “I love the fact that even though we are working in the centre of a city, it has space to breathe, green, open spaces, mature trees on virtually every road and a beautiful river running through its heart.”
Matt, from the Channel Islands said “generally I’m here for the BBQ’s / Hangi’s - but the snow, decent surf, great kiting and laid back folks are a bonus.” (as pictured at your average kiwi/mexican themed BBQ “giving it heaps”).
Tim, moved from Sydney to work at TZ1, so naturally was super busy to answer, but he would appreciate me passing on a random fact that Heavenly Creatures, Frightners and Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai where all filmed in Christchurch.
Kim lives over the hill in Lyttelton and “loves hiking and biking the porthills.” Elizabeth also lives over in Lyttelton and revealed to me that she has a secret love of container ships, this is pretty much her sole reason for existing.
Simon enjoys the odd trip up to the hills as well for some hardcore mountain biking, but prefers to stay indoors, working at TZ1. (as pictured, hard at work)
Brett “the freshmaker” King
