New Brighton Good Life Guide: Reuben Woods
Introducing Reuben Woods, an Arts Writer, Curator and Creative Director of ‘Watch This Space,’ a trust dedicated to exploring, documenting, and celebrating Graffiti and Street Art in Christchurch and throughout Aotearoa.
He sat down with our friends at Neat Places to chat about his favourite spots.
Having written his PhD thesis on the performances of Graffiti, Street Art, and Independent Public Art at the University of Canterbury – Reuben knows a thing or two about Urban Art.
Reuben likes to wander the streets of New Brighton, either on foot or by bike, taking his time and following his instincts. Despite living in New Brighton for much of his life, he still finds new things to discover. The area holds a lot of memories for him, from his childhood in North New Brighton to his twenties spent flatting in Bexley. He now lives near QEII, surrounded by familiar streets and places.
New Brighton has been a major part of my life, changing over the years from the bustling mall of the 1980’s, to today. I have fond memories of hectic nights out and lazy beach days. I feel at home in New Brighton, with its sense of community and rich history.”
Head To The Mall
Reuben loves strolling through New Brighton mall to check out the latest Street Art creations. He has a list of must-visit spots that he returns to regularly as they are frequently updated. From the colourful basketball court painted by Dr Suits (Nath Ingram) - south of the pier, to the Fiksate crew's, ‘Welcome to Ōrua Paeroa,’ a community mural at the west entrance to the village, art is deeply ingrained in New Brighton.
Paper Plus For The Win
72 Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061
Having worked on the other side of the counter, Reuben simply can’t go past Paper Plus. The retail store specialising in books, stationery and office supplies plays a key part of the community as the one stop shop to get all the admin done. The store has been an enduring hub for so many people in the community for so long, helping out with the annoying jobs that can’t be avoided.
New Brighton By Bike
Hop on ya bike!
Although he’s more of an urban-type, Reuben does enjoy getting on his bike and discovering new places. He relishes the freedom to be spontaneous and follow his curious gaze, leading to unexpected adventures. He recognises it may not be thrilling enough for adrenaline seekers, but he appreciates the rich character of New Brighton, from charming homes to the surrounding natural beauty. You can head north, south, east, or west to find it. His six-year-old daughter also finds excitement in the new foreshore playground, complete with a giant sea-faring ship!
Take A Self-guided Street Art Tour
The village is filled with numerous murals and street art pieces, from the massive DTR crew mural by the seaside, to Cinzah's stunning moth across from the Unichem. Art is everywhere you look, making creative inspiration easily accessible. Reuben particularly admires the colourful collage paste-ups by Dr Suits as well as Order 55's eye-catching portrait mural on Shaw Avenue. Even in areas without art, inspiration can be found, and he can always reach out to Gavin at the New Brighton Outdoor Art Foundation to bring some magic to life. The street art in New Brighton is largely created by local or nearby artists, adding a sense of authenticity to the works.
Get Down To The Domain
Taking a leisurely stroll through Rāwhiti Domain is also an enjoyable way to spend your time and evokes memories of school cross country runs, birthday parties, and touch games with friends for Reuben. The domain now boasts an increasing number of community resources and spaces for everyone to enjoy, whether you have two legs or four paws!
Zoom Down The Hydroslide
Reuben also has a soft spot for Taiora, which is a part of the larger QEII recreational area - a significant part of childhood for those who grew up in the area. As a child, he used to spend entire weekends there and he’s thrilled that new generations have access to this fantastic recreation space - a new generation of hydroslide stories to be made! The facility is always a welcoming environment, and its recognition of the area's history is truly impressive. The He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools are a must-mention - a truly stunning and rejuvenating setting.
