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May 17, 2012
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Public holidays are generally seen as an excuse to skive off work and head to the beach. But for Cantabrians, today marks a much more sombre occasion: a day for remembrance of the earthquakes that have left the region reeling. Kiwis around the country will also pause to remember those lost, with memorial services planned in the major centres. It’s clear Christchurch will never be the same. But a crucial point in its rebuilding is not far off, and just what will the city decide to make of itself? Kris Herbert meets some Cantabrians with a vision for how the Garden City should be reborn.
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“Your city. Your future.” It’s a message some have taken to heart, and Reimagine Christchurch has fast emerged as a hub for ideas about what the city should look like. It’s a space where you can propose, discuss and vote up the best concepts for housing, transport, roading and other key issues. It warmed our hearts to see that way out in front were proposals for increased sustainability, greening of the CBD and alternative means of transport.
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Coming to NZ for the first time ever next month is Startup Weekend, which brings together 50+ entrepreneurs to take a concept from brainstorm to reality over one weekend. It’s hard work, to be sure, but there’s no better way to get
technical, meet new people, find potential partners or just watch the
hustle of making something out of nothing. Meals are provided (along with all the coffee you can consume) as well as prizes from some generous sponsors including Microsoft. The proof is in success stories like Zaarly, which went from LA Startup
Weekend winner to $1 million in funding in less than a month. Find out more about the Auckland event here.
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The ad you see below may look like the real deal, but was in fact completely computer-generated, from the imperfectly perfect fruit tumbling in slow motion through the air to the up-close splatter effect. The video was made by two people over two-and-a-half months; in fact, they’ve done such a good job we’re unlikely to remember what it was actually trying to promote… http://vimeo.com/15630517
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As if we weren’t already huge fans of Clever Bastards, they’ve gone and set up a bunch of select auctions with all proceeds going to the Christchurch appeal. Works from some of our premiere designers are up for grabs. What better time to score a great piece of art, item of furniture or some unique jewellery? You don’t have to be in New Zealand to bid, either, but bear in mind that shipping costs are extra.
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Meanwhile, film buffs can track Wellington’s development through the ages at three special screenings next week while giving back. NZ Film Archive staff initiated From Thorndon to Island Bay, a compilation of ten short films featuring rare and captivating archival footage of our windy capital, to assist with relief efforts in their southern neighbour. Sessions run from March 24-26, 7pm, at the Film Archive (corner Ghuznee and Taranaki Streets). Entry is a $10 donation to the government’s Christchurch Appeal—call 04 499 3456 for bookings or more information.
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Have you been jonesing after a compostable stretch fabric? Super-elastic plastic? How about mineral wool or fish leather? Inventables is an online store selling “materials that designers, artists, and inventors use to develop new products and push the boundaries of what’s possible”. No kidding. Check out the full range and see for yourself what’s available.
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 The Voltitude is the latest in Scandinavian design, combining the best features of a scooter with an electric bicycle to create a hybrid with attitude. A charged battery will keep you going for up to 30km, but the real revolution is the patented EasyFold mechanism. Basically, the entire thing can be folded up and securely locked in the space of one second, using one hand. And yes, the motor and other important bits make it somewhat heavy, but a “walk” button on the handlebar aims to minimise hassles while getting it stowed away.
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What to do with that old rustbucket? You could sell your clunker to a junkyard, or perhaps to some broke uni student on a budget. Or, assuming it hasn’t been leaking oil all over the driveway, repurpose it around the house. Get inspired with these examples from WebUrbanist.
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