just a bunch of cool stuff going on

Welcome to clipboard, a weekly newsletter about hospo, clothes and Tāmaki Makaurau, by Reilly Hodson. This week, a selection of things that have caught my eye this week, listed in no particularly order. If you enjoy clipboard, share it with your friends, and consider clicking the button below to show your appreciation in the only way our society really allows: monetary.

the cool things happening right now

My favourite magazine, Metro, just published its biggest issue in literal decades. It has the somewhat complicated schools ratings (lots of data!), the top 50 cafes (always my favourite thing to disagree with every year, though it is a great list), and more. I particularly enjoyed Henry Oliver’s interview with Chris Parker, especially the discussion of arts departments at all-boys public schools, as someone who performed in musical theatre all through high school, and Jamie Wall’s profile of Dalton Papalii, who ripped apart the dreams of my high school’s first XV when I was in the seventh form. Every issue of Metro is truly excellent, so you should subscribe if you haven’t already.

It’s Matariki, and there are all sorts of festivities going on. I’ll admit that, despite being a Matariki baby (some years, anyway), I’m shockingly uninformed about it, so this year is the year I change that. It should be for you, too, so you can feel superior when the front page of the Herald next year, when there’s a public holiday, is all “What is Matariki, anyway?” Don’t miss Whānau Mārama, a collection of collaborations by Commercial Bay tenants like Yu Mei and Wynn Hamlyn with Māori artists like Nikau Hindin and Hana Pera Aoake. The Matariki Festival site has more events, too, so get amongst it! A bit of joy during bad weather is always good.

Checks Downtown is wrapping up a big sale today, which is clearing room for some exciting things coming soon. Head down to grab a deal if you’re interested, I’ll be waiting for this Oxford cloth button down to drop so I can buy 10 to rotate through my work wardrobe.

Kind Stranger, a cafe in the space recently vacated by Hero Sandwiches on New North Road, opened officially yesterday, and it looks great. Flight Coffee, snacks, and an awesome burnt orange fit out by Elliot Francis make for what appears to be a very good time. I’ll be there this morning, pull up!

Food for thought from Anna Rawhiti-Connell on women changing their names when they get married, or not, in North and South.

I went to Taco Beer, an aptly named spot that replaced Electric Chicken’s Karangahape Road location next to Acho’s, this week. The food is delicious, really simple, rich tacos fried til they’re crispy. The real stars are the corn chips and sauces, so grab the combo: two tacos, a side of chips and two dips for $20. Speedy, delicious, affordable, everything you want. They serve their beer in silly little glasses, though (maybe 200ml at the biggest), which I’m not sure about.

Ensemble has a charming interview with the person behind an Instagram account that just takes pictures of the many, many seal sculptures around the country. It’s a lovely Sunday read.

That’s all for clipboard this week, thanks for reading! Little bit different this week, I’ll be back with a proper mini essay next week, as will Mitchell Tan with TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT, so stay tuned. See you next Sunday morning.