One breathtakingly beautiful Sunday; Mon, Hank (her adorable Brussels Griffon) and I took a ferry to Waiheke Island.Only 35 minutes away from the city, Waiheke is a micro-paradise with a climate all of its own – making it perfect for vineyards and other grape related pursuits. That day, however, we were there to walk the Headland for Sculpture on the Gulf, a 2.5km walk over rolling hills and some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet. Here are some photos I took:
Sheep Track, by Gina Ferguson. I loved the physical experience of this one; walking over a raw, knitted pathway, carefully considering the shape (and smell) of the new terrain.
Christian Nicolson’s Look Darling it’s Tom and Nancy - this was one of my favourites, and one of the most humorous. Nothing says sculpture has to be serious!
Sometimes I wonder why I’m going back to film (particularly while trudging up the hill to Angel in the bitter cold to get my rolls developed) . It doesn’t seem to enhance my photography skills at all. I suppose I like it for a different reason, the fact it lets me slow down, and luxuriate in the moment rather than snap-snap-snapping. Being forced to stop and think about what I’m looking at is definitely a pleasure, and I’m starting to savour the surprise of getting my photos back – all the control is long out of my hands.
I made a Spotify playlist featuring some of my favourite Kiwi tracks to celebrate/serve as the soundtrack to my mini summer. <<<HEADING HOME>>> Two weeks was never going to be enough.
While I was in New Zealand I was introduced to Sal Valentine & the Babyshakes, by my dear friend Graham (Hi G!) who happens to be a Babyshake himself. The story, as I understand it, is that Sal composed some swinging tunes for a university assignment and assembled a bunch of talented musicians to bring them to life, and at the end of it all, everyone was having such a good time they decided to commit to regular rehearsals and performances. How lucky for the music-loving public! I went to a show of theirs and I can confirm it was highly danceable, a rollicking time.
This is SV&tBS performing Everybody Get Loose in Rodney Fisher’s gorgeous backyard in Te Atatu. An EP is on the way, so keep an ear out.
I’ve been back in New Zealand for the last week and a half, and quite simply, it is stunning. The streets are absurdly wide and clean, the tarseal pavements are melting in the heat, and the sound of cicadas constantly throbs in the air.
I went to Omaha, and dug my toes in the white sandy beach. I visited the village market too, stocking up on my favourite olive oil soap from the Matakana Valley. Then I headed north, to the Hokianga, with my sister and my mum, to spend a few nights with my beloved Gran. This is the view from her front yard, and her astounding spoon collection:
Other than that I’ve been cruising around Auckland, catching up with dear friends and basking in the sun. There is slight change in the current cast, with a few new faces and a couple missing. But for the most part everything is the same. This is a sweet relief.
Other than catching up, it’s been a whirl of op shops, art galleries, ferry rides, cold drinks at old haunts, and double lunches. A lot of 35mm has been shot too. 6 sleeps left, don’t make me leave the sunshine (Thom, please teleport here).
A 2008 New Zealand 50 cent stamp set, featuring various kiwi icons (not so sure about Quake, however). In other news, I’ve just remembered about the existence of Jelly Tips*, Giant Jelly Tips and Jelly Tip Trumpets. Emotional.
*A Popsicle style ice-cream on a stick, featuring a wodge of frozen raspberry jelly on the tip, surrounded by a thin chocolate shell.
The national treasure in question is my mum! When she said she was sending me some Easter treats I didn’t expect to get a big bag of creme eggs, mini eggs and not one, but two bags of Pineapple Lumps. Oh plumps, how I adore thee. If you haven’t enjoyed the splendour of Pineapple Lumps, they are chewy, soft pineapple flavoured candy, covered in a semi-brittle shell of chocolate… world famous in NZ since 1935. They are especially good after a few hours in the fridge.
I love this series, shot by Rebekkah Farrell and styled by Imogene Pyne for Rouse Magazine. There’s just something about the dated motel aesthetic that appeals to me – especially the scalloped walls. The clothes are gorgeous too, all wonderfully tailored numbers (mostly by New Zealand designers). Can I please have one of everything Juliette Hogan makes?
I love the Gaudi-esque design, and the sheer beauty of Gorge Road BMX Jump Park. I imagined it’d be in Canada – but no, it’s a taste of home – Queenstown, New Zealand. Photo by Miles Holden.
Hello! My name is Amber Parkin. I'm a writer obsessed with fondue, chesterfield sofas, vintage dresses, foxes, 35mm, and a New Zealander living in London.
Here I like to talk about fashion, design, food, travel, writing & books, and culture. Everything else (including my photography) goes into my digital notebook.
If you'd like to email me the address is amber@codeforsomething.com
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N.B. Due to a most erroneous move on my behalf I recently deleted four years of CFS archives. You may experience some dead links. Please bear with me as content is unearthed and reposted.
