Palmary_59_CH__EN

Where We Are Now because they never got the chance to moving on, like “starting from scratch,
live life, so I live my best life for them, with a new, blank piece of paper”. He
T making it worthy of them. thought about these traumatic events
for “the first couple of years, then,
Tom acknowledges that if his “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone – it without thinking of it, let go.”
workplace felt structurally unsafe now, took some years to gain a better
he would be more vocal, or wouldn’t go understanding of life – to be more Although he has forgiven, Tom has
to work. He recalls that even the people empathetic towards people – to better not forgotten. “I forgave for my own
who died at CTV thought the building understand people who are in pain.” happiness, no one else’s. Forgiveness
would come down with a big-enough Tom finds he now feels compassion neither excuses other people’s
quake. He has also developed a healthy and is often there to listen and help in failings, nor removes accountability or
dose of skepticism concerning “expert” any way possible, and is contemplating memory.”
opinions, after the tragic loss of 115 public speaking as a way of sharing
lives in CTV, although the building was how to survive similar suffering. Tom now believes we need to
passed as safe to occupy by engineers, trust our gut – our instinct – to keep
not long beforehand. “When you go through dark times ourselves and others safe. “We must
– have trouble seeing the end of it – I put people before money now – they’re
“10 years on – looking back – I miss want you to know it does get better, too important – we can get another
those people I worked with, and the even if you don’t believe it. It just takes job, or Government assistance, but
‘family’ connection we had. Although time. Thinking I was going to die, yet we can’t get back 115 lives lost in
I’ve developed other networks, I don’t surviving, has changed the whole CTV, or the others who perished in
forget what they meant, and the skills way I do things – how I appreciate the earthquake.” He visits Christchurch
they taught me. My determination to life – understanding people’s grief, each year because it’s important to
keep going came from the power of the wanting to do good. Now, I find, the him, “… to remember those we lost,
bond of the CTV ‘family’ and wanting more that we give, the more we receive not forgetting while moving on, and
to show respect to their memory. I have happiness – try not to hold grudges, life acknowledging that, and supporting
lived to make the people we lost proud, is too short to worry about things.” the ones still here, and the family
members …”
Tom believes moving to Auckland
one year later, was the best decision for Tom wants people to know and
him, personally. Starting fresh helped understand this: “Unless you’ve gone
– especially without the constant through it, it’s hard to understand.
aftershocks – and he knew he was Telling someone to ‘get over it’ –
whatever that ‘it’ is – is very short-
sighted and probably comes from a
lack of understanding. Or perhaps
it’s from being afraid to understand,
because you don’t know if you can
handle it.”

Tom sees resilience in the collective
community, and although he thinks it’s
taking too long to repair, he can see
the City taking shape more recently.
“I can see progression over 10 years
– to better things, growth – everything
– civic and community. We’ve been
through so much, which is why we
knew what to do when tragedy struck
again – we knew how to pull together,
and how to help.”

Tom Hawker - TVNZ studios - Auckland - New Zealand

10 精彩

M colleagues, and Peter says a prayer. for millions, but he gets away with it in
Sadly, most international families will New Zealand.
Maryanne vividly remembers the not be able to attend this year, due to
earthquake in detail, even though she the pandemic. 71 Asian students lost “Professor Maan Alkaisi represents
has forgotten a lot of things just prior their lives that horrific day. Some had the Families and is the spokesperson
– “… how the mind copes with trauma only arrived the day before, and some for the Quake Families Trust, which we
…” she said. “As we approach every – especially from China – were the only set up together. Maan will not let Reay
anniversary – but this is the big one – child in their family. get away with it. He is working on this
it brings it all back, and you relive it. case all the time. Quite a few of us are
After 10 years of it, I find it hard to do While continuing to recover from still involved in the Quake Families
interviews. having “… been to hell and back …” Trust.”
Maryanne states that she doesn’t hold
“The Government still hasn’t helped David Harding responsible. However, Although her son’s invited her to get
the families enough – John Key, a she strongly believes Alan Reay needs out of Christchurch immediately and
Christchurch boy – didn’t want to know, to be held accountable – it was his go for a holiday with them, Maryanne
he was only interested in business, responsibility, his business, and he felt the best thing for her was to stay
and being on the side of the insurance should not have put Harding in that here and sort it through, including
companies. We still wish we had had position, when he didn’t have the attendance at every funeral. “Some
Government leadership that could experience to design a multi-storey people say we need to forget and move
act quickly to show support, kindness building. on, but it’s impossible to forget. Others
and compassion, the way our current in the City also suffered loss and injury,
Prime Minister did two years ago, With deep conviction in her voice, some of which was traumatic, and it’s
in the aftermath of the Christchurch Maryanne said, “How Reay sleeps hard to forget, even while moving
Massacre. That kind of leadership is at night I don’t know. He obviously forward.
powerful, and goes a long way towards doesn’t have a conscience. Adding
healing. We even had to fight with the insult to injury, when the Assistant “We were lucky we had each other,
CCC, to have the CTV site turned into a Attorney General meet with families and we supported each other. We still
Memorial, and we started to clean up and survivors – to inform us that they have a special bond – most people can’t
the land, ourselves.” weren’t going to lay charges – the way imagine what we went through, losing
he spoke to us was appalling – he came 16 good friends and colleagues – it still
Survivors and CTV staff members across as heartless towards the families feels unbelievable, and surreal! Some
and families still meet there each year, and survivors. days it feels like it was just yesterday,
to pay their respects to those they lost, and other days it seems like many years
and to check in with each other, to see “The Senior Detective on the CTV ago.
how they’re doing. They sing songs Case told us at a meeting we had
and talk about their lost loved ones and with the police, that Reay was going “I think we’re very resilient in
to be charged with manslaughter 115 Christchurch, and Canterbury – the rest
times! But nothing has happened, of the country hasn’t got a clue of what
and he walks free! It’s unbelievable! we went through – losing our homes,
If it happened overseas, he would be let alone the look and feel of our city,
charged with murder, and also sued or any sense of security – and losing so
many loved ones.

“10 years on, I’m personally still
battling insurance companies and
cowboy builders, over my home.”
Maryanne wonders why people say
“forget” or “get over it” when she’s
regularly confronted with this horrific
reality, while still facing the fight for
justice and accountability for the
families.

“I know I was so lucky to have
survived the CTV Building collapse,
and earthquakes. I do make the most
of every day and I thank God for my
life, and being able to enjoy life with
my Family and Friends!!”

Maryanne Jackson

PALMARY 11

P from external motivation, because
Peter is still busy these days: sees he’s service-driven – a servant
people, he’s involved in two prayer leader – and when asked, he felt
groups in the Wellington area, plus pushed forward to serve his CTV
a Men’s Group, too. He usually ‘family’s’ needs. “I’m grateful for that
spends 10 days each month up push forward, for being asked to get
there. “Sometimes, I feel as though involved because it means working
I live a double life, but it keeps life from a heart committed to service.
interesting. My six children are all The good thing that came out of it
married, and five years after my wife was that it pushed me into areas I
died, I’ve now had a lady-friend for would never have otherwise gone.
three years – also in the Wellington This required a type of pastoral care
area – we talk daily and support each I never expected to have to offer.”
other, and do things together when
we can.” Peter’s CTV ‘family’ expected him
to lead them, because they knew from
He knows he’s gone beyond experience that he had a pastoral
surviving to thriving. At times, Peter heart. Expressing that part of himself
felt overwhelmed – struggling to – as hard as it was – has caused Peter
survive – but he also felt buoyed up to flourish in these retirement years,
by the prayers of others, and the and he looks to his future with hope.
motivation to support the families
and survivors. Looking back now, Peter continues to coordinate the
he sees that successful coping annual get together for staff, families
strategies he and his wife practiced and friends each year, on February
included taking time to withdraw, 22nd.
by going to stay with others, and
resting a while, in their care.

He also recognizes his ability to
survive and serve others often came

Peter speaking at the First anniversary

12 精彩

Final Reflections For yourself, stay close to safe courageous survivors and families can
family and friends, love openly and
If you’ve read this far, it’s possible honestly, be kind and compassionate receive justice – and be seen to receive
that you have been deeply moved by – to yourself, not just others who need
these three out of 300,000+ stories. I it – keep a gratitude journal with three justice – and move further forward with
know I have cried for these survivors entries per day to build resilience, and
– Tom, Maryanne and Peter – whom remember to walk in nature and listen their lives.
I admire so much. I have learned to the birdsong. If you’re tempted
more about their suffering during that to tell someone to “get over it” – bite This article is my action of support
day, and the days and years that have your tongue if need be, and read the
followed, but tears are healing, as we “Build a Bridge” article in next month’s and homage to the staff and families
feel for others, and ourselves. magazine. You’ll know what I mean
when I say “help build bridges - walk of CTV – and I have at least one email
Yes, this all matches the research – over them with someone – do what you
New York marks the 20th anniversary can, not what you can’t”. to write.
of “9/11” this year – but we are much
more than statistics, because it’s our Please join me in taking action this If you were here 10 years ago, I hope
shared humanity that connects us, month – write to someone who may
when we let it. be able to help the CTV survivors, and you feel remembered, cared about,
families of those who were lost – such
What can we do, moving forward as our Prime Minister, the Christchurch and validated for all you did, and have
from this 10th anniversary of so much City Council, the United Nations,
loss? We can live life to the utmost, or someone special you know with done, and have yet to do, to continue
feel compassion and take action connections no one else has. Let’s
when our circumstances and abilities ask to see those responsible for 115 to survive, and thrive, through this life-
allow, remember what we lost, and lives lost, held accountable, so these
celebrate what was saved, especially changing experience.
the survivors.
If you came here after the fact, I

hope these stories take you deep

inside yourself – to your resources of

kindness, compassion and patience

– and come closer to understanding

those who were here, and still talk

about it, and those who still cannot

talk about it. It takes a great deal of

strength to be gentle.

Kia Kaha, Karaitiana!

Be strong, Christchurch! PALMARY

Never be ashamed
of a scar. It simply

means you were
stronger than
whatever tried
to hurt you.

~Zig Ziglar~

Support phone numbers: About the Author

If this article has raised issues of trauma or grief for you, please contact: H. Naomi March, M.A. (2016) has
•Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a a bachelor’s degree in teaching,
trained counsellor or talk to a peer support worker. This service is completely free. and a Master of Arts degree in
•Lifeline Helpline – Call 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354) or text HELP (4357) for free, Pastoral Leadership, with special
emphasis on pastoral care to
24/7, confidential support women. Her studies included
•Your Workplace EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) Crisis Intervention, and Grief
•District Health Board – for psychiatric emergency – call 0800 CRISIS RESOLUTION Recovery. She worked each week
•Check with WINZ for available support if you are on low income or a pension for two years, on the“Toogood
Today”show at CTV, (2008-2010).

Email:
conversation.corner.chch@gmail.
com

PALMARY 13

NEW

NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
Mobile : 0211991663
NEW
Email : enquiries@tiakiproperties.
owner nz
for 224
Ōtākaro Limited has today successfully
Cashel completed the sale of the building at 224 Cashel
Street, Christchurch to Huadu International
Street!!!! Management Group Limited (HIMG).

14 精彩 HIMG plans to redevelop the former IRD
building into a combined training and research
medical facility specialising in the field of dementia
care, incorporating retail and hospitality into lower
levels.

The sale includes the adjoining Cashel
Chambers and car parking building. The purchaser
has requested the price remains confidential.

“The eight storey, 16,000m2 building is one
of the largest in Christchurch. Its redevelopment
will be another significant step forward for the
CBD,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John
Bridgman.

“The sale delivers both a positive regenerative
and commercial outcomes, as the restored
parking building will provide further amenity for
One Central residents and will no longer cost the
Crown close to $1m a year in mortgages, rates and
insurance.”

224 Cashel Street has been assessed to be
between 45% to 50% New Building Standard
(%NBS) and has been sold ‘as is, where is’.

Aaron Boddington, Chief Executive Officer of
Huadu International (NZ), says“The new facility
will become a nationally significant‘Centre of
Excellence’for research, training and development
of dementia care related opportunity catering
for future demand which is expected to grow
exponentially.”

“Also allowing for retail, hospitality and
community health business, that will help service
the East Frame community. Any interested
businesses are invited to discuss with us this
exciting new chapter for Christchurch.”

Huadu Developments expects to get the
redevelopment work underway in early 2021.

Photo by Willy Cochrane

Wanaka

PALMARY 15

Wanaka

By Clare Erasmus

Wanaka How to get there Markets where you can purchase fresh
produce and locally made handcrafts.
Wanaka is a picturesque resort Wanaka is approximately 429 km Continuing from Geraldine are a few
town in the Otago region of the South from Christchurch. In total, you can other quaint stops, such as Fairlie.
Island of New Zealand. It lies on the expect to travel for just over five hours Tekapo is another memorable stop,
southern end of Lake Wanaka. With to reach the destination by car. where you can view the pristine lakes,
a backdrop of Mt Aspiring Park and snow-capped mountains and the
New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake at its If you enjoy exploring scenic routes, Church of the Good Shepherd. Twizel
heart, Wanaka is a hive of activity for little villages and breathtaking views, and Omarama, along with just over two
holidaymakers who want to make the I would strongly recommend that you more hours, will see you in Wanaka.
most of the slopes, the lakes and town meander your way by car or bus from
and countryside. Christchurch to Wanaka. There are If you don’t have time to enjoy the
several quaint stops along the way that sights from the road, there is an airport
There are a plethora of activities will intrigue you. in Wanaka, and a quick fifty-minute
waiting for you in Wanaka all year flight from Christchurch will get you
round. The deep glacial lake, the Geraldine is an excellent first coffee there in no time.
impressive mountains, the town, and stop and a beautiful leafy village to
surrounding areas offer everyone enjoy and shops to wander through.
something. If you are lucky enough, you may
stumble across the Geraldine Farmers

Photo by Willy Cochrane

16 精彩

2#

Things to do in Wanaka swimming. If you enjoy fishing, you will leave you bewildered and
can engage in a professional fishing entertained at the same time.
There is a vast array of things to experience with a fishing pro who has
do and places to explore in Wanaka the regional knowledge and knows If you fancy a quick day trip to
and surrounds. the ‘hot spots’ to look for brown Queenstown, you can take the
trout, rainbow trout and salmon. Cardrona Valley Road and Crown
Mt Aspiring National Park will You will see many boats, water Range Road, a wholly asphalted road,
provide you with good physical skiers, swimmers, and windsurfers providing a connection between the
experiences such as trails and relishing themselves in this glacial two resort towns. It will take you just
mountain biking, as well as some lake whatever you choose. over an hour to get there along the
beautiful natural features to indulge 68km road. Be sure to be a confident
in, like waterfalls, beech forests and For the traveller seeking a tranquil driver though, as this road is one of
unspoilt rivers. and relaxing holiday, there are the country’s highest roads, reaching
boutiques, museums, galleries and an altitude of 1.121m above sea
If snow sports are what captivate cinemas to explore. With a variety of level. Navigating it on an average
you, Wanaka is considered the ideal top-end cafes, restaurants, vineyards day requires skill and attention. If you
base, with Cardrona, Treble Cone and bars, you will find your zen! or any of your passengers are prone
and Snow Farm, all within a mere to car sickness, then it is probably
40-minute drive from the town. Puzzling World is just outside of not on your wish list.
These are great hubs for skiing and the town and offers fun experiences
snowboarding and usually attract for both children and adults. With Make sure you put Wanaka on
good sporting crowds. the hilarious bathroom mural, to
the outdoor maze and a world of your list for holidays. It is a place
You can find other adventures weirdness in the illusion rooms,
with off-road tours, sky diving and this will be one of the best family that offers rejuvenation, extreme
canyoning. The 278 metre above activities you can do. The illusions
sea level lake, Lake Wanaka, is a hive sports and spectacular scenery - and
of boating activity, water skiing and
importantly, it’s a venue for quality

family time. PALMARY

Photo by Willy Cochrane

About the Author

Clare is an author and
educator, living locally in
Christchurch. She has written
books for both educators and
children. She has a Bachelor
of Arts (Sociology and Legal
Studies), Bachelor of Arts
Honours (Sociology), Masters
of Social Science, Bachelor
of Education, Certificates in
both TEFL and TESOL and
is currently undertaking her
PhD in Education.

PALMARY 17

3#

By Mei Staples

Obsession X

Hiking at Milford Sound

Many New Zealanders say that truly a fiord, not a sound at all. It is the only company that can provide
Hiking at Milford Sound is on also the only fiord in New Zealand well-equipped accommodation, meals
their bucket list, it certainly has been that is accessible by road. However, and guides for hiking Milford Sound.
on mine. its remote location, bounded by steep They have been practicing sustainable
cliffs and dense rainforest, means its tourism on the Milford tracks since
Milford Sound sits within Fiordland special features remain unspoiled. the late 1980s. They work with the
National Park in the southwest of New In rain or in sunshine, Milford Sound Department of Conservation and
Zealand’s South Island. Milford Sound continues to captivate even the most with Wildlife Trusts on conservation
is part of Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO experienced traveler with its beautiful and sustainable tourism in several of
World Heritage site and the jewel flora, crystal clear waters, gushing our World Heritage National Parks.
of Fiordland National Park – a Kiwi waterfalls, captivating views and As hiking novices we chose and now
secret waiting to be discovered. The abundant wildlife. recommend Ultimate Hikes Tours,
Maori call Milford Sound“Piopiotahi” they were amazing.
after a thrush bird in the area. The If you want to hike the track you can
name Milford Sound was given to it do it by yourself as a private hiker We arrived in Queenstown on
by Captain John Grono in 1812 after if you are experienced. But if you December 31st. In my opinion QT
Milford Haven in Wales. want to really experience luxury in is the best town in New Zealand to
the rough, then Ultimate Hikes NZ is celebrate the New Year, well planned,
Despite its name, Milford Sound is

18 精彩

safe and exciting. Ultimate Hikes have kilometers through to Glade House which showcases the original owners,
their offices there and a dedicated where we spent the first night. historical events, photos, etc. related
hiking and hiring shop. to Glade House, including all the old
We unpacked our bags and went guest books. I saw a young man lying
We had a total of 50 people in our outside to take a group photo on the on the ground and flipping through
group to hike the Milford Track. The lawn of the Glade House in the rain. the guestbooks one after another.
youngest of our team members was After this, you can choose to stay in He carefully checked their names
11 years old and the oldest was 72 Glade House to rest and have a drink according to the order of the year,
years old. We came together from at their bar (or buy anything you month and day and finally found the
all over New Zealand with different forgot at their remote“I Forgot to signature of his grandfather who
backgrounds and occupations and Pack This!”Shop), or you can have participated in the hike 30 years ago.
included students, business people, a hike with the guides detailing the A tear formed in the corner of my eye
grey nomads and everyone in natural landscape and wildlife of the as he shed tears of joy!
between. area around Glade House. Dinner time
started at 6:45pm, and consisted of a Glade House’s generators and lights
DAY 1 deliciously cooked three course meal. turn off at 10pm, which generally
means that it is time to sleep. They
On our first day we left Queenstown After dinner, we gathered in the turn back on at 6:45am, which causes
at 9:30am by bus, passing through lobby. The guides summarized and all the lights in the lodge to suddenly
Kingston, Southland, and arriving at previewed the basic situation of turn back on at once, waking everyone
Te Anau about 12 noon due to a road the next day’s journey for us and up.
blockage delay. confirmed arrangements for each
teammate the next day. They also DAY 2
We had lunch in a café, then headed asked all of us to introduce ourselves
to Glade Wharf on the shores of Lake to the rest of the group, so everyone After getting up, we pack our bags
Te Anau to take a boat across the got to know each other better. Among and prepare our lunches. I enjoy
second largest lake in New Zealand. the teammates, there were singles, watching everyone packing their
The boat took us to the start of couples, families, and good friends. lunches, seemed like we were all
the track and the beginning of our For some of them this wasn’t their master sandwich makers!
hike. The first leg was an easy 1.6 first trip to Milford they loved it so
much they wanted to experience it After breakfast we left Glade House
again. at 8am, and headed to Pompolona
Lodge, 16 kilometers away from Glade
There is a large guest book in House. The weather was not bad a
the Glade House and everyone is little overcast with light showers.
encouraged to sign in. Adjacent
to the signing table there a small On the track we walked through
museum leading from the hallway, Mackinnon Hut, Clinton Hut, and
the Kakapo Point, seeing clouds and
fog drifting in and out of the forest,
winding slowly through the bushes.
Every tree in the forest is like a tree
spirit in a fairy tale, wrapped in fluffy
moss, and the grass is like an ancient
hand-crafted carpet of bright yellow
and green. Each tree has a unique

PALMARY 19

shape. No wonder so many myths <CATARACT ON MOUNT LU>
and legends are related to the forests English
of the world.
The sunlit Censer perk exhales a wreath of cloud;
We also passed the site of a giant Like an upended stream the cataract sounds loud.
tree slide. This tree slide formed a Its torrent dashes down three thousand feet from high;
dam, creating the eerily named Dead As if the Silver River fell from azure sky.
Lake. For lunch, we stopped at the
Hirere Falls Hut. The guides served DAY 3
hot drinks, and we had a rest before
resuming our hike. The third day was 15 kilometers,
and this day our group had to scale
There were many highlights during the Mackinnon Pass. The Mackinnon
the second day’s hike, especially Pass is 1154 meters above sea level at
the countless waterfalls caused its very highest. To get up there, we
by the rainfall that is so frequent had to cross many zig-zag portions of
here, apparently Milford Sound gets the track. At some point, we literally
nearly 7metres of rain a year. From climbed above the clouds, which
a distance the waterfalls look like created an entirely new atmosphere.
elegant white silk strands, thrown Despite the hike up being tough, it
down from the clouds. was nothing compared with the steep
trip we faced going back down. we
The waterfalls remind me of the had to be more careful of not slipping
poems written by Li Bai, a famous or losing our step descending the
Chinese poet who lived 1,200 years 1154meters. We were thankful there
ago. He lived during the time of the wasn’t much rain that day! After
Tang Dynasty, which is regarded as
one of the golden ages of Chinese
poetry.

Much of Li’s life is reflected in his
poetry: places he visited, friends he
saw off perhaps never to meet again,
his journeys to distant locations and
his dream-like imagination. Li’s
poetry has enduring popularity in
China and elsewhere. Here is one of
his poems, named Cataract on Mount
Lu (translated in English by Mr. Xu
Yuanchong):

《望庐山瀑布》
Chinese - 中文

日照香炉生紫烟，
遥望瀑布挂前川。
飞流直下三千尺，
疑是银河落九天。

20 精彩

arriving at Quintin Lodge, for our meant that we had to wade across this if you’re going the other way) of the
overnight stop, some of us decided rocky, fast flowing, gushing river. In Milford Track. And then we entered
to do the extra 90minute walk to addition, it had been our rainiest day Ultimate Hikes’dedicated reception
the Sutherland Falls. As tired and yet. station, where we enjoyed a hot drink,
exhausted as we were it was well watched the rain outside the window,
worth the extra effort. The Sutherland We could no longer care about our and felt grateful that we had finally
Falls towers over the surrounding shoes and pants we were already survived the Milford Sound hike safe
landscape and is 580m. In addition, soaked. We had to hurry to reach the and sound. We waited patiently for the
it is the 3rd tallest waterfall in New terminal, because of the continuing boat to deliver us to the final lodge in
Zealand after Terror Falls 750m and rain causing the river to rise and the Milford Sound.
the tallest Brown Falls 843m. become too dangerous to cross.
Luckily Ultimate Hikes NZ were very After these four days of hiking,
well prepared and arranged a guide to we made some good friends and we
wait and help each one of us through got to know more about each other
the treacherous river. Honestly, we throughout the journey. We wanted
felt like true pioneers making it across to keep in touch and to plan more
this river. trips together in future. At dinner, the
general manager of Ultimate Hikes NZ
We finally arrived at the legendary sat at our table and had dinner with
Sandfly Point and fully expected to be us. He wished us happy New Year and
eaten alive by sandflies as the name congratulated us on the successful
implied. (In fact, there weren’t many completion of our journey. That night
sandflies at all, apparently due to the was the most delightful night of our
torrential rain.) I took a photo with a hiking trip!
plaque marking the end (or the start,

DAY 4

The longest part of the walk was the
fourth day, which was a total of 21
kilometers. This day was also the most
exciting. Because in this section of the
hike, almost before reaching our boat
terminal at Sandfly Point, there are
many rapidly flowing waterfalls.

There is a river at the foot of the high
mountain waterfall and the bridge had
been broken by the flood waters. This

PALMARY 21

DAY 5

The fifth day’s itinerary was very
pleasant and relaxing. After breakfast,
we left the lodge and went to the pier
to take a cruise on Milford Sound. The
best way to see the fiord in all its glory
is by boarding a cruise and getting
out on the water and take it all in. The
enormous sheer cliffs surrounding
us like titans rising out of the water.
The ink darkness of the 300m deep
water and the frosty alpine peaks
looming over it all combine to create
a stunning tableau. After this amazing
water excursion, we took a bus back
to Queenstown and arrived at around
4:30 in the afternoon.

This trip of 5 days and 4 nights on
the Milford Track made me feel proud
of my son, who I witnessed growing
before my eyes during this trip. He
gained some new friends of similar
age. They learned to walk together
and move confidently looking after
each other as a group of adventurous
young people. They learned to
appreciate each other, give a hand
to the guides when they are working
to clean up the lodge. Being so much
younger and fitter than the rest of
us this group of young hikers always
arrived at camp 2-3 hours faster than
us adults.

I would like to share a poem to end

22 精彩

this article. It was written by Bridget he glides like a gazelle
Smith, one of our teammates on this
beautiful hike: An experienced guide, he does it so

Milford Track -- Group 17 well
By Bridget Smith
January 2021 Guide number 2 is George, also a

2020 was finished, that year was civil engineer
DONE
Just don’t ask if that beech tree is
Borders were closed, we couldn’t
travel overseas introduced, and if so, from where?

Let’s go hiking they said, with A knowledgeable bloke, though with
nature, and trees
dates he is slow
But our packs will be heavy, and
dehydrated food is yuck When did Mackinnon discover the

Don’t worry, there’s an alternative, pass? Let’s go with: it was a while ago
you are in luck
Paul joined us straight from another
For a handsome fee, no DOC hut for
you bus

Guides, three course meals, and hot Two back to back trips, rather you
showers too
than us!
Four guides per trip
Kaz, Poppy, George and Paul An experienced guide, a teacher by
50 willing walkers
Old, yount, short and tall trade
The kids ranged from willing, to not
old enough to stay home Cool, calm and collected, he’s got it
4 days on the track, no Wi-Fi or cell
phones! in spades
Kaz hails from Japan, he hikes and
he skis The final guide is Poppy with her big
Apparently he gives massages, if you
say please gleaming smile
He doesn’t so much tramp, instead
Representing the females, hiking

with style

She is also an architect, measured

and precise

Important skills that are

transferable, as well as being nice

We stayed at Glade House, Pamplona

and Quintin

Wine has been drunk and food has

been eaten

We started with 50 and 50 remain

Through 54 kilometres and a day of

pouring rain

The rain is authentic, or so I’ve been

told

Today there was a lot of it; Thank

God not too cold

Three days of walking, hot raro --

liquid gold

A few aches and pains, and joints

feeling old

An amazing experience walking the

Milford Track

Ultimate Hikes -- I think we’ll come

back. PALMARY

PALMARY 23

24 精彩

Huangling

The most beautiful
countryside in China

By Laura Carter

Wangkou Likeng Villiage

PALMARY 25

A weighty title it may seem, but we must just be too early. We found where the first I had seen of this design
Wuyuan, in China’s Jiangxi province a nearby food stall and had some and it remains one of my favourite
certainly lived up to expectations. In noodles for breakfast. When we tried architectural styles.
mid-autumn 2016, on the tail-end of again to enter about an hour later
a trip to the Wuyi Mountain, we spent one of the staff members got out her We spent the day exploring Likeng
three days admiring the scenic villages translator and explained that we were and surrounding areas. As we looked
that the region is famous for. at Wuyishan Station, while our train was around the craft shops a group of a
leaving from Wuyishan North Station. dozen teenagers caught our attention.
The town is poked away in the It was a 25-minute drive, and our train They explained that they were students
northwest of the province and without was leaving in half an hour. from a nearby city and were in Likeng
an airport, travellers must take the for an art trip. They were very talented
high-speed train, or a long-distance We sprinted back to the taxi rank young artists and we continued to run
bus to get there. This somewhat and found the driver from earlier was into them over the few days we stayed
restricts the number of tourists the still waiting around. We showed him there. They joined us for lunch one
town receives, allowing it to retain its our train tickets and his face dropped. afternoon and came up to our hotel
authentic architecture. Most tourists He hurried us into the cab and sped room to play cards.
would make the trip in March and April northbound. As we drove, he continued
to see the Rapeseed flowers in full to point to the clock on the dash as if
bloom. However, we made the trip in to tell me that we were cutting it very
October to witness the drying crops close. We ran through the station and
and Autumn colours. onto the platform just as the train was
pulling in.
Wuyuan is made up of small villages,
some function almost solely as tourist I was immediately transfixed when
attractions such as Huangling, while we arrived in Likeng. A canal ran
others offer a glimpse into Chinese through the centre of town and as
small-town living, such as Wangkou. we walked in, a woman was singing
We were staying in a homestyle hotel and playing the guitar as she floated
in the popular village of Likeng. downstream on a small boat. The
quaint Hui-style architecture; sloping
I was making the trip with my two black roofs and white-wash buildings
expat friends. Joe was from England
and Ayden was Canadian. We were
well versed in train travel by this stage,
however on our way out of the Wuyi
Mountain, we simply jumped into a
cab without checking our tickets. When
we arrived at the station we were not
permitted to enter. The staff member
explained something in Chinese that
we didn’t understand so I figured

26 精彩

Meeting people and making new thing we knew we couldn’t breathe against the Hui buildings. The local
friends was the aim of all of our trips, properly and our eyes were watering. It villagers have been drying crops in
and the travellers and locals of Likeng was as if we had been pepper-sprayed. bamboo sieve baskets on outstretched
were very accommodating. One night Bob was, as we learnt, from Sichuan wooden polls like this for generations.
while the rain poured down, we were and was using so much chilli in the
sampling local teas when a young food the aromas had wafted upstairs On our last day, we had a driver
Chinese couple introduced themselves and suffocated us. It was the spiciest take us around some of the smaller
to us. Cassie could speak good English meal we had ever eaten. local villages. One village we explored
and explained she was studying English was Wangkou. It was a great look into
with hopes to become a teacher. They We spent a day in the popular tourist how local people lived - old men were
invited us back to their hotel so they town Huangling. We rode the gondola fishing in the canals and young men
could cook us dinner. We sat talking up to the town and walked amongst were working in the fields. Women were
with Cassie while her partner, Bob, the terraced fields that in spring will out shopping or in their courtyards
cooked us a meal downstairs. The next hold the blooming Rapeseed flowers. cooking lunch - the fragrant aromas
We entered the town over a 200-meter making us all hungry. We walked past a
suspension bridge across a gorge. The school and found the teachers sleeping
bridge was brilliantly suspended and off their lunch break. We asked the
glass panels in the flooring allowed us teacher on duty if we could go and talk
to fully appreciate the beauty of the to the students, explaining that we were
region. teachers in Xiamen. The classroom
only had a handful of desks and the
We wandered leisurely along the students looked uncomfortable with
cobblestone streets. There was hardly three foreigners in their presence but
a soul around and it felt like we had they soon warmed up to us. We went
the whole place to ourselves. We drank over some basic English phrases then
coffee at western-style cafes and even left them to enjoy their lunch break.
found a wine bar. The crop drying was
in full swing and we got to witness the Wuyuan was an absolute dream, a
beautiful reds and yellows contrasting city that lingers in a traveller’s memory
for years after the fact. The picturesque
landscape and photogenic towns are a
testament to cultural preservation and
allow Wuyuan to claim the title of ‘the
most beautiful countryside in China’.

PALMARY

About The Author 4#

Laura travelled to China at PALMARY 27
18 for a 6-month teaching
placement and stayed for
two years. Laura has since
completed a Bachelor of
Arts from AUT university
majoring in Chinese with
a minor in International
Business. Her passion for
China is unwavering and
she has great respect for
the culture and the history.
She is currently managing
her family’s farm while she
considers her next move.

28 精彩

PALMARY 29

New Year’s resolution,
a dare to pursue?
Or a cliché of tradition?

By Mel Liu

More or less, we’ve shared conversations about New Year’s
resolution or have made those resolutions of our own. Did you
know that the idea of New Year’s Resolution can be traced back to
4000 years ago? From as small as eating healthier, to life-changing
ideas like a career shift or planning a family. As a time-honored
tradition, people make a promise to themselves that they’ll spend
their lives differently in the coming year. So, what kind of resolution
do people make? Are they really life-changing or a waste of time?
Today, let’s dive into the psychology behind New Year’s resolution,
find out how to stick to your plan, become the change you want to
see in this world.

Firstly, let’s talk about the resolution per se. It is worth noting
that most of the wishes come from a good place. Social science
research advised that more than half of the New Year’s resolutions
are health-related, other popular ideas include but not limited
to career, family, community service and self-development.
Interestingly, pretty much all of them lead to a positive potential
change, not only for themselves but also for the wider community.

Based on this logic, you might want to ask if most people want
to be better, make positive differences, then how to explain the
rise of obesity and diabetes rate, smoking-related disease, and
criminal status? The answer is simple, most people fail their New
Year’s resolutions simply because of, um, being a human. Yes, you
read it right. Lack of discipline and laziness is part of who we are,
sadly, and human nature plays a significant role in our behavior,
it consistently makes unconscious decisions in our lives. I still
remember that my brother loved the idea of meditation, and a habit
of daily meditation was his resolution for 2018. However, after four
weeks of trying, his frequency of meditation dropped from every day
to every week, to every month, and eventually left it behind three
months later. I believe he is not alone, social scientists suggested
that 80% of New Year’s resolutions failed due to lack of plan and
persistence. People tend to repeat their resolutions another year
and are likely to fail again. So, is New Year’s resolution really a
dare to pursue or just a cliché of tradition?

30 精彩

5#

Actually, New Year’s resolution aren’t a waste of time, if discipline most anything is possible.” The key is to remind
you do it right. Make a little bit of effort, give it some proper and discipline yourself. You can easily set a phone reminder,
thoughts, it can absolutely lead to a desired life change. write a weekly summary, or make some stickies in your
How, you asked? We’ve prepared five helpful tips to make house. Another useful tip for following up is, don’t be alone.
your New Year’s resolution work. Find a resolution partner, can be your roommate and family
members, support, encourage and check on each other
Seek for motivation throughout the year. Let it become natural and a part of your
When you’re making resolution, what are you thinking? life. Right mindset could also help you. If you missed a day
Are you trying to live a healthier life due to the recent health or two, don’t get upset and feel defeated, get back on track,
check result? Or trying to pursue a career development you’re still achieving something incredible.
because deep down, you’re ambitious? Like most of the
other things, the first step of achieving something great, is Reward yourself, you’re closer than ever
to find your why. Take a deep breath and ask yourself the
actual reason, how badly you want to accomplish this goal, Create a rewarding system to yourself, it’s all about self-
and always keep a sense of passion and excitement. A little discipline. Nothing can beat a sweet sense of achievement,
bit of “madness” can go a long way. you can reward yourself in many ways, check your shopping
list, a decent bottle of wine, or a day spa experience. We
As detailed, as better all know, any significant achievement is made by small
Poet Allen Shaw once said “Don’t make resolutions successes. Be excited to celebrate every little step, after all,
without an action plan. The secret to success is right in your becoming a better self is supposed to be fun and joyful,
hands.” enjoy the process, and you won’t be sorry!

Like most other “goal-setting” strategies, a well-formed On the flip side...
plan can make things more straightforward and break a
big task to small steps. Adding some details to your New Well done, you’ve got all the tricks now. However, you have
Year’s resolution can make your process a lot easier. Imagine to believe in the best of yourself in order to go anywhere. If
the effect of “live a healthier life” and “eat 5 different types you do have the mind to resolve to be the owner of your life,
of vegetables, and exercise 30 mins every day”, obviously, nothing can stop you.
the second one with quantified details could be more
achievable than the first vague big idea. So, why don’t you After all, New Year’s resolution can be anything. A desire
try to come up a few measurements to “simplize” your to improve yourself, an act of courage to correct mistakes, an
resolution? For example, if you want to have a better family ambition to accomplish goals. Most importantly, it is not just
relationship, you can add elements like having family dinner for the New Year, but for a new life. It can happen at any time
every week; if you’re going to spend more time reading, add of the year and keep it in mind: you will never be too late or
a measurement like 20 pages, or 30 mins of reading time at the wrong time to start a new chapter. If you “missed” the
per day. time for New Year’s resolution, create your own resolution,
form it with heart and passion, and make it happen with
Follow-up is the key, make it a habit actions.
For most of us, follow-up could be the most challenging
part. But remember Roosevelt’s famous saying, “With self- I want to end with one of my favorite quotes by Rick

Warren, “We are products of our past, but we don’t have to

be prisoners of it.” That is all for today. Stay well, and good

luck! PALMARY

PALMARY 31

Weird and wonderful
things from Taobao for
20 yuan or less each

By Andy Boreham

Taobao, like its name suggests (literally “sifting for you’re sitting on the bog, especially if you’ve got an exam
treasure”), is a trove of weird and wonderful things, some coming up? At 12.50 yuan, this toilet paper is a bit more
useful, some useless, some great for a laugh, and others expensive than your ordinary roll, but chatting to that guy or
just plain terrifying. Recently, my colleague Song and I set girl you quite fancy at the coffee shop in their native language
a challenge: we each had to buy five unique things on the is priceless!
massive shopping platform, without spending more than 20
yuan (US$3.10) apiece.

Taobao, an online shopping platform founded by the
Alibaba Group way back in 2003, has become one of the
most popular websites in the world, even giving birth to the
world’s largest annual shopping festival, the now infamous
Singles Day (November 11) sale which last year racked up 498
billion yuan.

But apart from the usual stuff like mobile phones, make-
up, consumables and clothing, what else can be found in the
deepest, darkest depths of Taobao?

Yes/No flip coin

This hefty coin, with YES engraved on one side and NO on
the other, is perfect for those of us who have trouble making
decisions on a daily basis. Can’t decide if you want to go to
that party you were invited to on Saturday night? Just flip this
coin, and let it decide for you!

This coin comes in gold or silver, and also comes in YES/
YES and NO/NO varieties. It will cost you just 9.98 yuan.

Andy and Song each bought five unique things on Taobao,
without spending more than 20 yuan (US$3.10) apiece.

English study toilet paper

This is definitely more aimed at Chinese students of the
English language, but could definitely be used for those of us
studying Chinese, too. It’s a roll of toilet paper conveniently
printed with thousands of entries from a Chinese-English
dictionary. Who says you need to bring your phone when

32 精彩

6#

Mona Lisa fly swat Cat skeleton badge

Why does art have to be limited to the walls of the Louvre? Personally, I think this small, plastic badge of a cat’s
Swatting flies can also be done with the elegance and poise skeleton comes under the“cool”label, but others might think
afforded by the Renaissance, especially if you get your it’s a bit creepy. Even though this pin only cost 10 yuan, the
hands on this Mona Lisa fly swat. To be honest I don’t quite store sent another cute pin of a small yellow plane for free.
understand the appeal, but many people picked this as their Nice!
favorite of our buys. It seems to be quite popular on Taobao,
too, with one buyer commenting that any flies or other If cat skeletons aren’t your thing, why not try a bird,
insects who meet the unfortunate fate of being swatted with rabbit, rat, penguin, or pig? After all, it’s not like this is going
this piece of art will die with a Mona Lisa smile. 19.90 yuan. to send you into the red.

Spider in a box

No, it’s not a real spider! But it does give one heck of a
surprise if you’re looking to trick a loved one, or maybe even
someone you despise. At just 10 yuan, this tiny, wooden box
with a sliding lid on top is spring loaded with a large, rubbery
spider that jumps out onto the hand of whoever the unlucky
soul is who was curious (or stupid) enough to open it.

This also comes in the scorpion variety, but I think the
scorpion is a little too fake. I don’t recommend giving this to
pregnant women or anyone suffering from heart issues!

Quick Taobao facts
Taobao was launched by Jack Ma’s Alibaba Group in
2003. By 2019, Taobao had reached nearly 800 million active
monthly users. That number might sound huge, but it’s even
more impressive considering China has 989 million Internet
users. Taobao is the eighth-most visited website in the entire
world.

This article was originally published in Shanghai Daily

PALMARY 33

Focusing on my target market to
maximise revenue generation for
my business

By Michelle MacWilliam

2021 is the year where you must have a Business owners will need to continue to work
website that serves your business. It must be fully their online presence, which can be completed
functioning, updated regularly and focused on your in several ways. You can pay someone to do the
target audience. Gone are the days when you built work such as outsource to a professional, engage
a website, and you left it and occasionally looked at a member of your staff to maintain your online
it should the mood take your fancy? presence or do it yourself.

In the 2021 COVID era, your website needs to When working your online presence, you need
be maintained regularly with current information. It to be realistic about what is involved.
will help your business continue to operate amidst
the various lockdown levels that we as a community Understanding your target market is critical
may yo-yo in and out of and potentially generate in terms of cost to implement, or time-wise and
revenue. Many SMEs have had to ramp up their consistency in the message.
digital activity in response to the challenges of
COVID-19, learning as they go, which has been a Targeting your identified target market is critical
steep learning curve. and rooted in online marketing, it is one of the keys
to your success.
With traditional business and retail channels
closed, too many small companies regardless if The benefit of taking a business online is that it
they are a retail store or involved in business-to- will create a whole new potential pool of customers.
business relationships, had to take their business
online as it was their only source of revenue in the Companies often spend large sums of money
2020 lockdowns. Gone are the days of only relying on marketing campaigns with the goal: to make
on a bricks and mortar store with shelves, tills and a product as public as possible to increase sales.
customers walking through your door or meeting However, not all people are equally interested in the
people face to face for a business meeting. product being advertised. Only potential customers
should be seeing advertising banners, videos, or
As a point of interest research by the analysts search engine ads when targeting is done correctly.
Retail Economics last year found that 53% of retail Targeting finds the right group that might be
sales were expected to be online by 2028. In the interested in the respective product or service. The
wake of lockdown, it seems likely this trend will only more precise the filter restriction, the less scattering
accelerate. loss a company will record and in paid advertising
this is critical to keep costs down.
In the last 12 months, many business owners
have been rebuilding their websites and taking a What you’re advertising will determine which
proactive approach to understanding and using targeting methods are suitable. Combine various
omnichannel related concepts. As their marketing strategies to adapt your marketing measures to
strategy and social media platforms evolved and future or existing customers as well as you possibly
come to the fore to meet the market, understanding can.
omnichannel is critical.
Knowing your target audience answers that
problem and leads to higher sales.

34 精彩

7#

Align your target customers with patronize it.
your goals
Remember
Who are your Current Customers?
You can sell to everyone, but you
A starting point for reaching your can’t target everyone with all of your
target audience is understanding the social content. You can’t speak directly
makeup of your current customer to your best potential customers if
base. Knowing their demographics - you’re trying to talk to their kids and
age, income, and location, for example parents and spouses and colleagues at
- and their interests and requirements the same time.
will give you valuable insight into whom
you should target online. A survey of Your target audience is not everyone
these customers is a place to start, and unless you are Google.
it will allow you to gather data on who’s
frequenting your business. Sales data Having an omnichannel strategy
may also be helpful - chances are if it is
selling well at your shop, it will sell well is like having a baby it needs to be
elsewhere, too.
nurtured to grow and provided the
Understanding your target market
is essential and should be reviewed identified goals. It is also your business
regularly.
lifeline in uncertain times. PALMARY

Know your goals About the Author

Your current customer base is a great Michelle is a well-established and acknowledged
place to start to figure out your target business advisor and strategist working in two
audience, but expanding that customer different worlds. With New Zealand SME’s
base is also the goal. Take into account across many sectors, her focus is especially
what you offer your customers: is in development of Omni Channels that assist
there a customer base that is logically a business transitioning from the bricks and
connected to what you already offer? mortar world to the digital/virtual for growth and
Take a ski shop, for example. Skiing is future proofing. She also works, with businesses,
only one part of a bigger winter sports councils and other entities in developing a China-
market. Other consumer groups in New Zealand relationship that is based on both
winter sports - such as cross-country trust and integrity for long term relationship
skiers or snowboarders - may find sustainability.
your business useful. Make sure your
products and services are relevant to She sits on many committees, involved in a lead
these new groups, however. role in business engagement and the China-New
Zealand relationship engagement.
Target Your Advertising
www.retailselling.co.nz
Targeted advertising is more
effective with data on your current www.michelle-mac.com
customer base and goals for your
business in hand. Ad services such as www.duocommunication.com
Google allow you to select specific
keywords to target your ads to search
results or types of sites where your ads
should appear. Using the ski shop for
example, you would want to advertise
to users searching for winter sports
topics because they are more likely
to respond to your ads. Location is a
crucial factor, too; consumers closer
to your business are more likely to

PALMARY 35

The Best in Luxury
Watch Value Today?

Introducing the Tudor Pelagos

By Jason Marsden

The luxury watch market seems with most of the Tudor offering and Wilsdorf Foundation. Tudor has been
to be accelerating. With the latest had recently and unsuccessfully tried in existence since 1946. Typically
drop of Rolex models including some to obtain a Harrods edition Black Bay. using outsourced movements by
bold coloured Oyster Perpetuals and However my local choice was the ETA and Valjoux Tudor specialised
fractionally (1mm) bigger Submariner blue Pelagos and Partridge Jewellers in serious dive watches between the
with updated movement already soon organised shipment of one 1960s-80s suppling the French and
seeing secondary prices up to twice down from their Auckland store. US Navy. Tudor used Rolex cases,
the retail cost. Omega will soon be bracelets and crowns until the 1990s.
launching their new Speedmaster For those not familiar with the Today Tudor has a broad range of
Professional and breaking the Tudor brand they are wholly owned offerings including the dressier Day-
$10,000 price point for the base by Rolex’s parent company, the Hans
model. These are exceptional Date. In 2015 Tudor introduced
watches and the Rolex secondary their first in house movement
market prices demonstrate this and even supplies and receives
but what is left that still offers movements from Breitling.
some great value for money and
is actually available right now to It is worth noting that in my
the walk in customer? opinion Tudor also offers the
best fabric straps out of any
For my 50th birthday my watch brand. These NATO
partner, Liz, asked me if there was straps are woven on ancient
anything from the Tudor range looms near Lyon, France, which
that I liked. This was incredibly has been the home of fine silk
impressive on two fronts. The first weaving since the 15th century.
is Liz is not really a watch person As old as the looms are that
but has absorbed an awful lot produce the straps they are
of watch information just due to complex enough to actually
my obsession, and proofreading weave the spring bar pockets
these articles! Second although into the strap. Whilst you, like
I did not already own any Tudor myself, may prefer a bracelet or
she knew that they were a rubber strap it is definitely worth
respected brand and offered any watch enthusiasts time to at
pieces at a price point she was least try on and experience the
comfortable with. I was familiar super smooth luxury of a Tudor
fabric strap.

36 精彩

8#

The Pelagos stands out for indicies. A coin edge machined but not too tight as I go from a
me, over other dive capable bezel outer offers a surprising cool air conditioned office to the
Tudor offerings, on several amount of grip and is a pleasing hot outdoors during summer.
fronts. First released in 2012 alternative to the more aggressive The bracelet also features small
with an ETA automatic movement notches found on the Submariner ceramic balls to latch the clasp
today’s Pelagos has gained its and other dive watches. The dial ensuring a wear free and positive
own in-house movement and features hour markers that are engagement. Screws connect
is distinguished by five lines of set into rectangular recesses in the removable links, another step
text on the dial rather than the the angled dial edge creating above some other offerings. Not
original’s two lines. Available in another modern difference from only does the Pelagos come with
black and blue variants it is also the Black Bay’s retro look. The the superb bracelet but also a
available in a LHD variant with case back is stainless steel and blue rubber pin buckle strap.
the crown on the left hand side of the non-crown side of the case Whilst this utilises the bracelet’s
the case for those who wear their features a flush helium escape solid end links I have opted to
watch on the right wrist or just valve, designed for saturation buy a Crafter Blue strap that does
prefer something different. divers who breathe a helium away with the end links to thus
rich air. Helium gas is a very abut the watch case much like the
For me the blue variant is small molecule which can make Rolex Oysterflex.
the winner. Out of all the Swiss its way inside a watch. During
watches I wear the Pelegos does decompression this gas expands Price and availability: The
seem to get the most attention and the escape valve allows any
and draw the eye. Its matt blue internal gas to escape rather than Tudor Pelagos retails for $6,940
ceramic bezel and dial with risk popping the crystal out of the
snowflake hour hand present watch. This combined with the and along with most of the Tudor
as a contemporary and striking rest of the watch’s construction
watch. The matt finish is carried gives it an impressive 500m water range is readily available from
over to the case and bracelet, resistance rating.
both made out of Titanium and Partridge Jewellers. PALMARY
brush finished without any mirror Aside from the water resistance
polish to be seen. The ceramic the Pelegos titanium bracelet About the Author
bezel is a step up from the Tudor features some dive friendly
Black Bay’s aluminium insert and technology. There is the flip out Jason Marsden is
also features lumed markers and extension plus a unique glide lock a Retail Property
numerals embedded into the derivative that in its final position Manager for Colliers
ceramic. The traditional proud allows the bracelet to stretch due International and an
and separate 12 o’clock lume pip to two clasp mounted springs. avid watch collector.
is replaced with a flush lumed I find this a very comfortable His collection
insert the same as the other bezel setting with the bracelet snug includes not just
some famous Swiss
luxury watch brands
but also a number
of vintage Seiko.

PALMARY 37

“The Madness of It All”

By Nephtalim Antoine

There is a truly intriguing question Why though ?
that gets asked a lot:
Why do brands make such crazy and So again, why does the industry do
ridiculous designs? this? Well, to elaborate on the reasons
I said before, mainly - it’s a show of
I know you all have seen it - A skill in most cases and it’s a great
garment with a headpiece that may way to show what the brand can do
resemble a chandelier or a dress that or even the direction the house is
is so voluminous that the model can going. Another benefit or use of these
barely walk down the runway, or even designs can be if the house in ques-
the latest“crazy-couch chic.”Yes, it’s tion just got a new art director or
a real thing, and it’s exactly what it creative director/designer or a whole
sounds like. The truth of the mat-ter new team, then this is their chance
is that sometimes or rather a lot of to show something different or even
times a garment is never meant to take the house in a new direction
come to a store near you or me. In while still staying true to the brand
reality, it’s several reasons for such image. You can almost think of it as an
a garment: promotion, marketing, introduction to the industry. Another
research, and development. there is reason for the whimsically outrageous
also experimentation & charity - the is the concept. For example, if the
list goes on. So here is some explana-
tion around those“crazy designs”

38 精彩

9#

brand has discovered a new material
or process or they have made an
intricate design then that is where
these garments tend to originate. It’s
an effort to display the new garment’s
material or the process that was
discovered.

It’s Art

Other reason is: It is simply art.
Yes, fashion is an art form in itself.
The men and women that make it
happen are artists in their own rights,
so with that said they tend to catch
their own inspi-rations and ideas. So
if it can be integrated into the overall
brand vision and meshes well with
the overall visual story then there you
go - an unusual fashion piece. Off of
that what does tend to happen with
these garments is that they follow the
process of a piece of art as well. Most
times after the shows are wrapped
up and the pictures and publicity
have been had, then it can either go
to a museum, be auctioned off for
charity or as an investment piece -
the latter being rare but I speculate
has happened, and finally the brand
will sometimes just keep the piece in
question at their headquarters away
from prying eyes and the public and
only available to employees for fu-ture
reference/inspiration.

The idea of the garment being
art you can also have it be that the
garment is a comment on something
in society rather than to be sold. A
lot of people when talking about this
subject will immediately go to a

PALMARY 39

brand that has been known to make beautiful but her publicity surrounds the company
art with materials - Comme de garçon, a fan imagination. The“crazy”designs are the
favorite. Headed by Rei Kawakubo, the brand publicity and probably bring the design
is the word art personified when it comes house more customers than advertising can
to fashion. Their garments rarely are on the explain their skills and craft, brings to mind
“heading to the company party”side of the old saying in design -“show, don’t tell”.
every-day wear but they are lauded as one
of the most creative brands in the market. Keeping an open mind
It’s because they take chances with their
pieces, there are some which A runway show that has
are outright impossible to
get into without some form “unwearable”garments
of assistance. That’s the first
sign it’s not meant for the should be seen more like
consumer market. But the
mere realisation of the garment an art show, a show-case of
shows that we can expand on
the connection between the skill, and/or a marketing
hu-man mind and this physical
world where things often get event. A lot of them aren’t
lost in translation when the
use of words are involved. actually that long nor are
Communication with a three-
Dimensional form tend to catch they usually open to the
on quicker.
public, they are purely
In addition to all that, the
majority of this tends to take attended by industry peers
place in Europe. In the North
American fashion sector, it’s and talented journalists.
more waste not, want not.
In Europe, they have prêt-a- The gar-ments also provide
portêr shows (ready to wear)
Couture shows (high sewing) a visual walkthrough of
London fashion week, Paris
fashion week, so on so forth. the feel or narrative of
In North America they tend to
solely have prêt-a-portêr and the collection you can
New York fashion week - all are
pretty straight to business and see it as showcasing a
they don’t truly bother with
the ethereal side of it all. In the general mood board. Often
American market, most of the
items are made solely with the another use of the crazy
consumers in mind thus there
is no reason to make these sorts design is that it is showing
of conceptual garments outside
of exploration or as a student. what is possible, after the

In a similar vein as Comme de garçon, show is finished - a more
we also have Iris Van Herpen. One of the
visionary design-ers there is today. Her wearable version will be
designs are made with a certain precision that
it’s almost unreal. They can and have been made for the con-sumer
in the past, technological advances and make
use of fabrics that never existed be-fore. Her market. Another thing
execution is continually flawless. A designer
like that does have the prêt-a-portêr side that gets overlooked

40 精彩 is that sometimes this

crazy design is used to

set a market trend or hint

at what the brand has

planned for the future in

terms of direction. It’s

not too unusual to see

something that you think

“who is going to wear

that?”and a season later,

another brand has it in a

more“acceptable”shape

and form that is a hit with

consumers but it rarely escapes industry

who the originator may be.

As we can see there are so many moving

pieces to the wide world of fashion that

it can be im-possible to know sometimes

exactly what is going on. But if we take a

little time to look closer and distill what is

before us - we can then make sense out of

the non-sensical. PALMARY

10#

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PALMARY 41

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PALMARYSEEKING THE BEST ALWAYS THE BEST
总第59期 ISSUE 59 新西兰 New Zealand
月刊 全国发行 ISSN 2423-110X 2021年2月 February 2021

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PALMARY 1