Q&A Boh Runga
Musician and jewellery designer
Where is one place you would take every visitor to New Zealand, and why?
I love Queenstown. There is so much to do – dining, barhopping or adrenaline-packed adventure.
I did the Shotover Jet last time I was in town with the Stellar guys. Just flying into Queenstown, seeing that epic scenery unfold, never fails to excite me.
What is your secret backyard favourite spot?
It is the pergola that my partner built. It is draped in Japanese wisteria, nestled by large monsteras and under a massive po¯ hutukawa in that glorious red.
The monstera deliciosas come from cuttings from the plant I had as a child that my mum still has.
Many years ago, a favourite thing to do was stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
It is incredibly grounding. The contrast of colours and light through the canopy of trees is mesmerising.
What is your favourite place for a pie/coffee?
I love a good pie. Agnes from Earthseed Organics cafe,
next to Glen Eden railway station in Auckland, makes great pies.
My favourite is an open-top mushroom and spinach number, which is more of a tart, I guess. If I am at work in Ponsonby, a coffee from Salta or Annabel’s satisfies the craving.
What is one spot that is at the top of your bucket list?
I have always wanted to visit Cape Reinga/Te Rerengawairua. It is said that it is where Ma¯ ori spirits make their final journey to the afterlife.
That is a hauntingly beautiful mantle for a place to hold. I will stand there and think of my dad.
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