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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 mouthThe 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...

Flying Nun turns 30 !
via the horse's mouthIt'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 mouthFancy 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 mouthFrom 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 mouthWright'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 mouthI 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 mouthMove 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 mouthTe 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 mouthOhtel 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.