Stories

“David Hakaraia” 22 March 12
Nearly every child in New Zealand grows up listening to the stories of Maori legends. It might be said that the stories of Maui Tikitiki-a-Taranga are some of the most popular. In some of the stories Maui is cheeky, curious, and his inquisitive nature means that he goes on really awesome and dangerous adventures. When he's old enough Maui starts to question his origins and begins to... Click here for more

“A Love of NZ's Native Flora and Fauna” 27 February 12
In 2004 one of New Zealand's most beautiful native plants was put on a list of nationally endangered flora. Clianthus maxiumus (native name Kowhai-ngutu-kaka), otherwise known more commonly (and fondly) as Kaka's beak, Parrot's Bill or Red Kowhai, is seriously at risk of extinction with only one hundred and three mature plants left in the wild. Kaka's beak got its name as it resembled the beak of... Click here for more

“Rebecca Asquith and Tim Wigmore: CleverBastards in Australia” 23 February 12
When CleverBastard Rebecca Asquith rang last year to tell us about her new design, the Nectar Lampshade in full and half, I was very intrigued. She described a lampshade that took its geometric inspiration from the honey bee's home, the bee hive. And when the shade arrived at our office it was exactly as Rebecca described it, even better. I like the shade best when it's lit up... Click here for more

“Dustys and Lulu: Making Life Pretty” 10 February 12
Why are opposites on pillowcases hilarious? Dustys and Lulu's range of extremely popular pillowcases are oxymoronic, and this makes them funny. Labels, stereotypes, descriptions and conventional social norms are screen-printed by hand onto white pillowcases and then given the pride of place on our beds. Here are some of the winning combinations: Mr/Mrs, Chick/Bloke, Pretty/Ugly, Love/Lust, Naughty/Nice, Yeah/Nah, Filthy/Clean. These pillowcases come in pairs so we can assume that sometimes they are usually used... Click here for more

“Congratulations Andi Regan!” 20 October 11
Hats off to our cleverest bastard, at present, Andi Regan. She's made us very proud by winning the Central Otago Art Awards with "Central Bloom", a masterpiece of elegant design. Andi also got an honourable mention at the prestigious Brancott Estate World of Wearable Art Awards in Wellington. The mention was for "Pohutakawa Princess", a beautiful piece of art and fashion hand-made with Andi's signature material: cable ties.... Click here for more