Urban eye

finds out what’s hot around the country BRIDIE CHETWIN-KELLY

Wanaka THE FLOWER MERCHANT

Take a closer look at these flowers – they’re not real, but they are amazingly realistic. Faux flowers have come a long way from the dusty gerberas of old and are considered a sustainable alternative. The Flower Merchant has more than 7000 stems to choose from and offers services that include lease arrangements for businesses, flower walls for hire and a showroom. Faux hanging kokodamas (moss ball plants), house plants and potted orchids will soon join the collection. Also for sale is a range of matt black vases and pots. Viewings by appointment only, see theflowermerchant.co.nz

Auckland SPROUT THE GROCER

New package-free refillery store Sprout The Grocer goes one step further in the pursuit of zero-waste shopping habits by providing a community basket for people to drop off any excess produce to share with others. To create the desired French market feel to the store, owner Hannah Paterson brought on board builder Drue Parker and Secandi Designs. 100 Hinemoa St, Birkenhead, sproutthegrocer.com

Auckland EAT MY LUNCH

Eat My Lunch has opened its first store, based on its online initiative that gives a free lunch to a school child for every one sold in Auckland and Wellington. Designed by Cheshire Architects, the store includes a display of letters from kids who have received lunches. The menu changes daily, but includes a signature pretzel roll with smoked chicken and sriracha mayo.

14 Customs St East, eatmylunch.nz

Napier MORGAN MADE

Specialising in ceramics made to hold coffee, flowers and food, owner Holly Morgan describes her pieces as domestic wares that are functional art. The Good Cups (travel mugs) are a speciality, with $1 being donated for each one sold. The store and products have a combination of Japanese and art deco style, and you’ll often see Holly at work on site. 4 Market St, morganmade.co.nz

Napier CAFE TENNYSON AND BISTRO

Owned by French couple Julien and Sophie Debord, the interior of the new Cafe Tennyson and Bistro is inspired by the art deco look of Napier and was created by local designers Bibby & Brady. The cafe sells home-made food for all dietary needs and uses People’s coffee. It will also participate in White Night, an event with food, art and music held in late October.

28 Tennyson St, facebook.com/cafetennyson

Wellington GROUNDBREAKERS OUTDOORS

New Zealand’s weather can change in the blink of an eye. So Groundbreakers Outdoors owners Todd and Lana Wagner focused on selecting hardy but good-looking furniture to withstand all elements for their new concept store. The furniture complements the company’s interiors products and long-standing landscape design service. 119 Queens Dr, Lower Hutt, gbo.co.nz

Wellington EL CULO DEL MUNDO

“El culo del mundo” politely put means the bottom of the world and for this eatery’s Latin American owners, that might be what New Zealand feels like. Decorated by Weta Workshop set painter Lucy Muir, its fun decor matches the food: tongue, brains or grasshoppers anyone? Or there are always fried chicken tacos. Look out for craft beer, tequila and wine nights. 2 Roxburgh St, Mt Victoria, elculodelmundo.co.nz