Word on the Street: What’s up in your neighbourhood?
In my exploration of what makes Christchurch a good place to live and work, I've once again found myself feeling upbeat and pleasantly surprised.
This sentiment resonates not only with newcomers and workers across the city but also with those who call it home.
Despite the challenges we all face, it's important to shine a light on the city's positives, particularly in my line of work where bad news often dominates my job.
Venturing to New Brighton, a place I once called home, the state of the outside mall is hard to ignore. Yet, amidst these challenges, the spirit of the people remains pretty happy, and rightfully so.
Private investment has injected new life into the area in recent years, with promising developments on the horizon.
One resident expressed excitement about the investment, citing the affordability of housing and the allure of the nearby beach and pools. 'You’re not too far from a lot of the city, and it’s cheap,' he remarked.
A café worker praised the strong sense of community, saying, 'I love that the people I know here know how to work really hard and know how to play really hard as well.'
For a business owner who has spent over a decade in the area, the appeal lies in the ability to blend work and leisure seamlessly. 'I love how I can take my dog to work and pop down to the beach at lunchtime. Where else in Christchurch can you do that?'
Moving across town, outside the Colombo Mall, I encountered a talented young violinist busking. Her classical music was truly delightful. 'I've been busking here since I was quite young. The people are just super friendly,' she shared.
Another resident spoke of the area’s evolving tourist appeal, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere, so close to the busy Colombo Street, while holding her furry companion close.
An inner-city resident relished the abundance of amenities and recreational spots, along with the vibrant offerings of Christchurch.
'My daughter’s kura school is close. We can get on our bikes, bike into the library, have a good nosey around, and then head over to Hagley Park to feed the ducks and then go and have something to eat and grab souvlaki down Cashel Mall.' Her description reminded me of the perfect ‘to-do list’ from a tourism brochure.
A skater nearby appreciated the accessibility of everything within walking distance and the open pathways. 'Being able to jump on my skateboard and just enjoy the new things that keep popping up around Christchurch is great.'
Further afield in Halswell, a young family enjoyed a leisurely day at the local playground, savoring the relaxed atmosphere and abundant green spaces.
Despite fewer green areas in Woolston, locals spoke positively about their close-knit community and the area's uniqueness.
A youth worker described it as an up-and-coming area. 'Everyone's really friendly, and there's lots of variety of shops around here as well. And the locals are just super nice and super chatty, which is cool.'
She was right; I met a delightful gift store owner who had owned the place for 27 years. So why did she think locals actually liked living in Woolston?
'Because it's a good, quaint little village. That’s why it's fun and lots of lovely people.'
In Lyttelton, I came across a retiree who was sketching an art deco building.
'What do you love about living in Lyttelton?' I asked.
'Well, it's so different from anywhere else, isn't it? A harbour setting, and I climb up the hill to the gondola two or three times a week.'
She was referring to my love-hate passion for the Bridle Path, a steep walk but worth the views once you get to the top.
A younger woman remarked on the joy of seeing kids actively engaging in games of hide and seek around the town—a sight she noted was diminishing in frequency in other areas.
Her friend said she liked how everyone seemed a lot more 'chilled out.'
'I barely go through the tunnel, to be honest.' I laughed and thought I can see why!
"As I concluded my trip across the city, it became clear that while every city has its challenges, Christchurch's true beauty lies in its resilient spirit and the warmth of its people.
It's a good reminder for me that amidst the chaos of news, there is always room to appreciate the simple joys of everyday life, in a city i’m proud to call home.
In Partnership with ChristchurchNZ
