Te Pae, Christchurch’s controversial convention centre, looks like a whale with a wave running through it, its head lifting hopefully towards the Avon. But the back of the building is showing its arse to Colombo St. It feels like an insult, this wall of dark glass, this loading bay here. It seems a conscious decision on someone’s part to dispense with vigour and diversity in favour of institu tional space.
Which would be one thing if the institution was open. But today, an overcast Thursday afternoon, Te Pae is not open. From the tail to the head, successive sets of doors direct would be visitors onwards towards the main entrance, which is locked without explanation. Few people are around.
Devoting this much ground, this particular aspect on the Avon, to a building with no daytoday function seems a questionable decision. Perhaps I’m being unfair: Te Pae’s website hails its 24 meeting spaces, auditorium and 1000seater banquet room. But when this place is closed, it’s really closed.
Denne historien er fra November 25- December 2 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra November 25- December 2 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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First-world problem
Harrowing tales of migrants attempting to enter the US highlight the political failure to fully tackle the problem.
Applying intelligence to AI
I call it the 'Terminator Effect', based on the premise that thinking machines took over the world.
Nazism rears its head
Smirky Höcke, with his penchant for waving with a suspiciously straight elbow and an open palm, won't get to be boss of either state.
Staying ahead of the game
Will the brave new world of bipartisanship that seems to be on offer with an Infrastructure Commission come to fruition?
Grasping the nettle
Broccoli is horrible. It smells, when being cooked, like cat pee.
Hangry? Eat breakfast
People who don't break their fast first thing in the morning report the least life satisfaction.
Chemical reaction
Nitrates in processed meats are well known to cause harm, but consumed from plant sources, their effect is quite different.
Me and my guitar
Australian guitarist Karin Schaupp sticks to the familiar for her Dunedin concerts.
Time is on my side
Age does not weary some of our much-loved musicians but what keeps them on the road?
The kids are not alright
Nuanced account details how China's blessed generation has been replaced by one consumed by fear and hopelessness.
