Christchurch Fan Club: Kendra Walls on Central City Living

Kendra Walls grew up in Christchurch and has never been more thrilled to call this place home – especially now that she gets to wake up within the Four Aves every day. Deeply involved in the local creative scene, Kendra has worked on a range of music and culture projects across New Zealand as well as the UK – an achievement she credits to her time spent in Christchurch’s mighty grassroots movement.

Hey Kendra! Can you tell us a little about your background?

I currently work as a freelancer and business owner, working with creatives and businesses across live music, events, marketing and management. I work four months of the year between New Zealand and the UK festival circuit. Alongside that, I’m the General Manager of Twominds Festival, a locally-based event in Christchurch. Before that, I was also the Music Manager at 12 Bar, which was part of the St Asaph Street venues collective before it closed down in 2023. 

What made you choose to live in the city, and where do you live?

Christchurch is such a great base with so much potential, especially for creatives. There’s a strong sense of community and it’s a place where people can still afford to live, work and grow. I’ve built my career here and the only reason I've been able to expand to an international level is due to my exposure in the city’s grassroots scene. These small local spaces are essential for helping people in the industry to grow.

I live near the stadium, and from the moment I walked into my apartment, I knew it was the place for me. I’m excited for the stadium to open and bring new life and energy into the area.

What aspects of city living do you enjoy most?

I love being right in the middle of everything. I can walk out the door and instantly be part of the action. The city is small enough that I don’t need a car – all the venues and places I go to are within walking distance. I love seeing posters, stickers, and the street marketing around me, and knowing the people involved in making it happen. There’s creativity and community at every turn.

How do you think living in a city with a vibrant nightlife enhances its liveability?

Nightlife is more than just drinking; it’s about being social and connecting with people. When you have a vibrant nightlife, you’re creating spaces where people can come together and form connections. A city that has something happening all the time, with different events for a wide range of people, is a city where people feel engaged and alive. It adds energy to the city and makes it a more exciting place to live.

What makes the St Asaph Street area and collective of businesses so special?

The businesses on St Asaph Street are driven by real people who genuinely care about the community, musicians, and creatives. They want to contribute positively, not just to the music scene, but to Christchurch as a whole. They create spaces where grassroots creatives can flourish and grow, whether that’s musicians or other artists. There’s something really special about seeing someone play at Darkroom, then move to Space Academy as their audience grows. The venues in this area offer room for progression, and everyone knows and supports each other.

How would you summarise the Christchurch nightlife scene?

The Christchurch nightlife is evolving thanks to committed people and plenty of problem-solvers. The people running these venues are constantly working to improve the city’s nightlife, even though they’re often under-resourced. There’s still room for growth to make Christchurch a destination known for its nightlife, but it’s on the right track. The energy is there, and there are people who are passionate about creating something special here.

What excites you about the future of this St Asaph Street neighbourhood?

I’m excited to see the impact of all the hard work being done by initiatives like Save Our Venues and the community. With the stadium opening and more spaces being created, the whole area is going to evolve. I’m especially excited about the idea of living near music venues – it brings a global vibe, and I think it will be amazing for the city.

What are your hopes for the future of Christchurch’s nightlife scene?

I want Christchurch to be known for its creative output and strong nightlife. I hope to see more touring acts come here, and for the venues to work together while offering variety. I want people to be spoiled for choice on the weekends, with enough diversity to cater to everyone. The growth of nightlife and tourism goes hand in hand, and I’d love to see Christchurch become a city known for its vibrant scene.