St Peter Chanel was born on 12 July 1803, the fifth of eight children, in a farming family with a small-holding in south-eastern France. The area was still troubled by the political instability that followed the Revolution. That, plus the need to help on the farm, meant his primary schooling was rather fragmented. In his Read more
Amid the well-groomed homes and quiet roads in the suburbs of Karori in Wellington rises an unexpected structure, with a steep, folded roof that pierces the sky. Designed by John Scott, a New Zealand architect of Irish, Scottish, and Māori descent, the Futuna Chapel has stood on its plot for nearly 60 years, regarded as “the most complete example Read more
The king of Alo on the French Pacific island of Futuna says he abdicated because he had lost the backing of his clan. Petelo Sea gave the explanation to the public broadcaster after his surprise move to end his tenure just two years after being installed. Read more
Carolina Izzo keeps good company. Colin – McCahon that is – stands by the window. Van Dyck is resting under covers in the corner and Toss Woollaston is lying on the table awaiting further dental work. But it’s not the big-name guests commanding the most attention at the Italian art conservator’s Wellington studio. Propped on Read more
The former Marist retreat house, described as one of New Zealand’s greatest 20th century buildings now has “middle-class conformist rednecks” as it’s neighbours. So says Russell Walden, former reader in the history of architecture at Victoria University, Wellington. In his book, Voices of Silence, Waldon describes Futuna as “an authentic example of indigenous New Zealand architecture a Read more