Oh-tell

Ohtel’s official mouthpiece. News, information and opinions straight from the source,
also garnered from other places.

Modern in the past tense.

via the horse's mouth

The New York school of Interior Design recreates the seminal show "What Modern Was" in a new exhibit and discussion

When the traveling exhibition "Design 1935-1965: What Modern Was" opened in 1991...

http://www.coolhunting.com/design/modern-in-the-past-tense

Flying Nun turns 30 !

via the horse's mouth

It's the start of November - but this year in New Zealand it's to be known also as "Nunvember"

Yes, you probably know this already but this month's cause for celebration is the 30th anniversary of iconic Dunedin record label Flying Nun Records.

A full programme of events can be found at http://www.flyingnun.co.nz

2012 International Arts Festival

via the horse's mouth

Fancy a taste of what's to come at the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival?
To make real savings and secure your Festival seats now purchase a Season Ticket or Friends of the Festival Membership today.
http://corporate.nzfestival.co.nz

eat, drink, shop and play in key host city Wellington, make the most of any downtime.

via the horse's mouth

From the first mesmerising haka - the Maori war dance that heralds the start of any game by the All Blacks - Rugby World Cup 2011, in New Zealand, should have sports fans gripped. Following the spectacular opening, rugby's global heavyweights get down to business, with hotly anticipated clashes between Australia and Ireland & New Zealand and France, following SA - Wales & Eng. - Argentina on the opening weekend. Group stages will be held around the country, with knock-out rounds in Auckland and Wellington before the finals in Auckland on 23 October.
If you're in NZ to see the show, here are some top tips for Smith-approved places to eat, drink, shop and play in the key host cities, Auckland and Wellington, to help you make the most of any downtime.
http://blog.mrandmrssmith.com/2011/09/in-the-diary-rugby-world-cup-2011-...

Lloyd-Wright Hotel Reopens

via the horse's mouth

Wright's landmark Park Inn Hotel restored in Mason City

The 20th century’s most famous architect designed six hotels in all, but this is the only one that remains. It has reopened for business after decades of neglect and will be the site of a weeklong celebration that includes a ball on Saturday — 9/10/11 — exactly 101 years after its doors first opened.

The project took a lot of work, and it shows. Original art-glass filters light into the lobby. Mahogany trim covers every corner in sight. A refurbished pool table stands in the billiards room, with a Prairie Style pool rack hanging on the wall nearby.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110904/LIFE/309040007/Wright-...

...surrounded by so much gorgeousness...

via the horse's mouth

I mean just look at it! The photo speak volumes. I'm not usually excited at all about hotels when traveling but it was so nice to come back to this room in the evenings and be surrounded by so much gorgeousness. Not to mention the spectacular view over the bay, a great music selection, free wifi and a gorgeous, deep, non-guilt inducing bath. (NZ is definitely not a country in drought!) ... http://kirinote.blogspot.com/

Wellington Cool with a capital C

via the horse's mouth

Move over London, Rome and Paris – Wellington is the world's coolest capital city. Lonely Planet has named our capital the fourth best city in which to travel in the world, behind New York, Tangier and Tel Aviv.

It is the first time a New Zealand city has made it into the annual Best in Travel publication – a collection of the world's best trends, destinations, journeys and experiences. In the sixth edition, released today, the publication refers to Wellington under the banner of "coolest little capital in the world". Positively Wellington Tourism chief executive David Perks said sharing the top five with cities such as New York and Tel Aviv was priceless recognition. "To have Lonely Planet – a global brand respected for frank opinions and having its finger on the pulse – come out and refer to Wellington as the `coolest little capital in the world' and among the top 10 cities you must visit for 2011 is quite simply incredible."

It is perfect timing for the city as businesses prepare for an action-packed calendar in 2011. About 85,000 international visitors are expected in New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup. Other highlights include the third Visa Wellington On a Plate in August and an extended season of the Montana World of WearableArt show, which will lead into the World Cup kickoff. In November, the city is hosting hundreds of writers for the Society of American Travel Writers conference. Prime Minister John Key said Wellington was a great place to live, and even put a positive spin on our notorious wind. "Actually I thoroughly enjoy going around the harbour when it's blustery and windy. It has a kind of New Zealand feel to it. "For all the hard time Wellington gets about its weather, I think it adds to the dimension of the place that it has quite a good feel to it in that regard." However, asked if he preferred it to Auckland, he replied: "That's a big stretch."

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, who moved to Wellington from Britain in 1983, said she thought Wellington's strength lay in the combination of "wilderness" and city living. "You don't have to choose arts or sports, or between culture or wilderness, because it's all there." Lonely Planet, the world's biggest travel guide company, has sold millions of copies of hundreds of titles since it began in 1972.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/new-zealand/4292331/Wellington-cool-with-a...

New Neighbours

via the horse's mouth

Te Papa's new chairman has thrown his weight behind building a $100 million art gallery to house the museum's formidable - but rarely seen - collection.
Sir Wira Gardiner, appointed to the top job a fortnight ago, says a standalone gallery is high on his personal agenda as the museum does not do the collection justice.
Te Papa has been criticised by the art community, politicians and the public since it opened in 1998 for not displaying more of the 15,000 artworks in its collection.
Sir Wira said yesterday that he supported Te Papa board member Chris Parkin, who told The Dominion Post he "would really like to leave Wellington with a new national art gallery".
Mr Parkin said he wanted to see the national collection housed in the proposed "transition building" next to Te Papa. The building was designed for the WCC by Amsterdam-based UNStudios in 2005 but the council has said it is unlikely to go ahead until at least 2014.

Bear Grylls

via the horse's mouth

Ohtel was pleased to host Bear Grylls during his recent flying visit through New Zealand. The charismatic star of 'Man vs Wild' with the support of many generous sponsors helped to raise money speaking at 2 charity events earlier this month.

The former British Army officer took us through an insight into his epic adventures around the globe including conquering Mt Everest and his experiences on his hit TV show on Discovery Channel, Man vs. Wild. This was an amazing charity event to benefit the Wellington Childrens Hospital and the people of Christchurch.

Ooh la la French film fest!

via Word on the street.Filed under: friends From 6pm on Friday 17 February, the Alliance Francaise Wellington will be celebrating the launch of their 2012 French Film Festival. Tickets for the screenings are on sale...
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via Twitter

Martha, Arthur and the Apple Tree

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsA new café has sprung up on Upper Cuba St, located in the 112-year-old Edwardian residence at number 272. The building has a whole new outlook on...
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via Twitter
via Twitter

IT’S A WELLINGTON SOUL WEEKEND

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsMartyn Pepperell on Wellington's soul music weekend.
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via Twitter

ANDREA BALENCY MAKES HER WELLINGTON DEBUT

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsMartyn Pepperell on Andrea Balency at The Matterhorn, this Saturday.
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via Twitter

Swing into Art Deco style

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsSevens weekend meant we saw all sorts of “style” on Wellington streets, but this weekend we are ensured of something delightful. From 10am to 1pm on Saturday 11...
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via Twitter
via Twitter
via Twitter

Fringe Twenty Twelve

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsThe New Zealand Fringe Festival has been running in Wellington in one form or another for more than 20 years now, with the big point of difference...
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Laughing for love

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsThere’s a chance that by this point you’re thoroughly sick of hearing about Valentine’s Day. Whether you think it’s the most important date in the romantic calendar...
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via Twitter

Free at the Fringe

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsPretty much the best thing about the Fringe Festival is how accessible it is. Accessible for performers, in that it’s open access… but also accessible for audiences,...
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A little bit old school

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsIf you hanker for the days when not every movie was a sequel, or a remake, or based on a comic book, or (I’m serious) a boardgame…...
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@PEACE RETURNS TO WELLINGTON (FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY)

via Word on the street.Filed under: friendsMartyn Pepperell on @Peace at SFBH, 25/02/2012
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