CHATTER

Hollywood Palm

Names such as these

Its home is a tiny speck of land in the Pacific Ocean between Australia and New Zealand, called Lord Howe Island, which is reputed to be the most beautiful island in the world. Kentia palms were exported as early as the 1870s. Queen Victoria coveted them and had large collections. Its modern name, Hollywood Palm, came about as it hit film sets and the movie world. It has arching, dark green leaves. In their natural environment they can soar to 15 metres in height but outdoors here, 10 metres may be more realistic. Indoors some control may be exerted by the size of the container used.

TLC

It will shine in warmth and well lit spaces. Direct sunlight will result in scorch marks on the fronds.

A sheltered spot in your garden that receives indirect morning sunshine may give it enough sunlight. Tuck it into a corner of a courtyard or at the back of a garden bed where it can spread out and command attention.

Liquid fertilizer applied during the warmer months will keep the fronds dark green and encourage new growth.

To thrive

If you are tempted to repot it, think twice – it likes an established environment. Repot only when it has outgrown its container, and in the warmth of late spring or summer. For refreshment on a bright, calm day pop it outside for a wash down with the hose. Don’t leave it out in the midday sun. Our plant of the month comes from Margaret Davies, Palmers Miramar.

One

Serious tour

Oscar winner, comedian, and one half of Flight of the Conchords Bret McKenzie embarks on a three-country 46-centre tour soon. His new album Songs Without Jokes will be released in August, with a tour following in September. With a seven-piece band behind him he delves into a different side of his song writing – a more serious side.

Two

Record breaker

Bustastrophe 2018 move over, 2022 has you beat! Wellington bus and train cancellations have reached a new high, due to Covid-19-related absences and ongoing driver shortages. During the network overhaul of 2018/2019, there were around 1,500 cancellations per month, compared with the period between 1–22 May this year, when a total of 2,653 trips were cancelled. Many commuters simply wish there was better communication about the cancellations from the network so they could make other arrangements. Others have given up and resorted to walking. Bet there’s been a rise in the sale of Gore-tex rain pants and jackets.

Three

Island experience

A proper gateway to Kāpiti Island is on its way, with advanced plans for a building recently released. Te Uruhi is planned to raise the profile of Kāpiti Island and its conservation successes. Two single-storey “pods” designed by Athfield Architects will house information panels, art installations showing the island’s history, and a biosecurity area to screen prospective visitors. A 450 sqm deck will also be available to beach-goers. The new facility is expected to increase tourism to the island by speeding up bio check-ins.

Four

So lit

Lights and action abound at Greytown’s Festival of Christmas. Every evening in July will have something happening in the little Wairarapa town. Brave a drive over the Remutakas to experience night markets, Matariki events, parties, comedy, festive food, workshops, and of course lots of spectacular lights.

SPECIAL

By the numbers

Capital Photographer of the Year

2500+

entries

40

Birds in Rangatahi

Five

Shelling out

After more than 500 days of occupation, construction has begun on Ian Cassels’ Shelly Bay development on the Miramar peninsula. The land was originally sold to developer Cassels by the Taranaki Whānui iwi, which caused an internal rift. Protest group Mau Whenua wanted to see the land returned to the iwi, and occupied the site, delaying works. The occupation has now ended. With 350 homes planned, plus a boutique hotel and ferry service, the $500-million development is one of the largest Wellington has seen.

Six

Tag you’re it

Plastic ain’t fantastic for the Kāpiti Coast Council dog registry. Environmental concerns have motivated the council to replace plastic dog-registration tags with anodised aluminium ones designed to last a dog’s lifetime. To avoid penalty fees, dogowners are encouraged to register their pooches by 1 August. The registration fees of the more than 8,000 dogs on the Kāpiti Coast help to fund a seven-day animal management service, a 24-hour emergency response service for urgent dog control complaints, and an animal shelter.

132

semi-finalists

81

Sunsets in Whenua

18

finalists

15

Cranes in Structure

18

Cats in Inside

50

Fishermen in Society

Seven

Bright future

From molecular engineering to jazz performance, ecology to feminist political science – the latest tranche of Fulbright Scholars covers the usual wide range of expertise. Established in the United States in 1946, the Fulbright programme is one of the largest educational exchanges of scholars in the world. Among the 27 New Zealanders heading abroad to further their study are five Wellingtonians. • Sophie Oliff will complete a Masters of Science in Clinical Service Operations at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

• Mattias Tolhurst will complete a PhD in Molecular Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle. • Rayhan Langdana will complete a Master of Laws in electoral law at the University of California in Berkeley. • Pete McKenzie will complete a Master of Arts in Journalism at Columbia University in New York City. • Dexter Stanley-Tauvao will complete a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College in New York City.

It's cool to kōrero

Would you like to have dinner at our place? Ka kai tātou ki te kāinga?

Eight

Blues hues

The colour blue is a common thread throughout Sully's, a new fashion boutique on Ghuznee Street.

The owner Hannah Sullivan named the shop after her father. “I wanted it to feel like a breath of fresh air and a dip in the ocean, hence the blue floor.” A born and bred Wellingtonian, Sullivan has worked in fashion retail for a decade and built relationships with international and local brands including Zoe McBride, Wellington Knits, and Collina Strada. “For many this is their first introduction to these brands and I want to make that interaction memorable.”

Nine

Pulsating final

With a record-breaking third ANZ Premiership title now under their belts, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse has much to celebrate. After a year away coach Yvette McCausland-Durie was lured back for the 2022 season. The 56–37 win over the Northern Stars in June proved it was a good decision. Yvette McCauslandDurie confirmed she will be back at the helm for the 2023 netball league.