BLOOM is set to be an epic celebration of Ōtautahi Christchurch: the beauty of our city, its vibrancy and all there is to see and do – but perhaps most of all, the chance to come together and spend time with friends and whānau.

This year at Riccarton Park, you can expect the best horses, food, fashion, and live music. Break out of the COVID blues with a day at the races, and celebrate with camaraderie, a bit of sporting excitement, and, of course, a chance to dress up.

The South Island Moon Festival is a free, family-friendly event taking place on the City Promenade, as part of BLOOM, Christchurch’s spring festival of events. Moon Festivals are a traditional celebration in China and many East Asian communities.

This is Olive. We named her so because we just wanted something botanical for our business, Blooming Local. We are a local small business designing beautiful seasonal flower arrangements with a focus on sustainability and environmental mindfulness.

“I feel the need to give you full disclosure right up top; the column you’re about to read is a direct reaction to what is going on right now in the world. I’m currently sitting on my bed, which I haven’t left all day, working my way through some Sour Cream and Chives chips and doing everything in my power to get through Auckland’s lockdown.”

In the early colonial years, bullock power changed the landscape of Canterbury from abundant bush and swamp to agricultural pasture and town sections.

“I grew up in North Canterbury and Waipara. When I was around 10, we moved into the city. I left a community where I felt I belonged, I knew people, and they knew me. I moved into this wild city of Christchurch which was quite shocking to me. It seems quite funny now because I really love Christchurch!”

Queenstown is renowned for its incredible winters, but spring and summer are equally as epic. Visitors and locals alike are blessed with long warm days and evenings, perfect for getting into the fresh alpine air and discovering hidden gems amongst the diverse landscapes.

Tucked away in Sydenham, teasingly just out of sight from the traffic passing along the busy Colombo Street, Berst’s epic God of The Forest sprawls across a massive car park wall.

If you’re particularly interested in something versatile that you will love and keep on wearing long after the races are over, then STORM at Merivale Mall has many great options.

This month’s Palate Reviews sees Jax Hamilton heading out to find the best spots for a spring reconnection with friends; a few tried and tested spots for a spot of nosh, a drink or two, and some ambience mixed in for good measure.

I am looking forward to stylishly slipping into the season of spring. And with the warmer weather comes lighter textiles, bold colours, and events that are a bit more fashion-friendly, such as Cup Week.