Liv, tell us why you live in Sumner?
Living in Sumner is like constantly being on holiday! I love being able to jump on my long-board and check out the surf, or walk into the village for a bite to eat and a drink. I’m all about lifestyle and there is no better place for that than Sumner! Since the earthquakes I have really noticed how the Sumner community has pulled together, it is becoming such a positive place to be and one which I love being a part of and hope to become more integrated in through this role.

Surfing to me is…
An absolute obsession. I try and get out every day, even if it’s just for some paddle fitness. I fall asleep reliving every wave I have caught that day and constantly find myself daydreaming about it.

I know you are really into art and photography as well. Tell us about that…
I really enjoy photography, capturing awesome moments so that the memories of them never fade. I try and find a different angle for each shot and build in a creative aspect, as well as documenting the life around me. As well as that I love to be creative through cooking. I experiment with different ideas and recipes and even write a blog about what I have been up to in the kitchen.

What is it that inspires you in life?
So many things inspire me! The people around me who are all so passionate about different aspects of life really inspire me to pursue and develop my interests. I love that some people are so happy and yet have such a simple life. I try to take notice of the simple things and minimize stress and materialism by not focusing on money but more on eating well, surfing and being around the people I love.

You will be the new content manager for both the Sumner Village website & Facebook page! What can we expect? I hope to continue the awesome work Sabrina has done establishing and building both the website and Facebook page. I have some new ideas too so keep an eye out for new developments. I am hoping to start an open mic night as I have three very talented flatmates and I bet there are many more muso’s in Sumner who would love a chance to get together and play for a few people or just jam!

What do you love about Sumner?
Everything! The chilled out vibe, the lovely but temperamental NE swell, the community and friendly atmosphere. When you walk down the street everyone says “Hi”… where else does that happen?! Please feel free to stop me on the street and say hello and let me know of anything that the community or those coming into Sumner should know about! Thanks Sabrina for the amazing job you have done for Sumner Village!

Awww thank you so much Liv! I am very excited knowing I have found the perfect match in you… I am sure our readers and followers will enjoy having you involved. Sumner has got a very exciting future and I can’t wait to read about all the adventures you will be up to!!

Gene, when did you start taking photos and what keeps you doing it?
I’ve taken photos from a young age and always had an eye for composition.
I guess what keeps me doing it is when I get a shot I’m really stoked with, it’s just such a great feeling knowing it’s yours and that it’s something to be proud of.

You are based in Sumner. Why did you stay here after all those quakes?
I love Sumner a lot and the earthquakes weren’t going to change that for me.

We love local advice! Which are your favorite places and spaces to go in Sumner?
I love Sumner as a whole but if there is one space it would be the Esplanade.
Clink would be my favorite place to hang with my mates.

Where is your photography taking you in your life?
I’m taking photographs on the side at the moment and also working in the film and building industries. My 5 year career goal is to be in the camera department side of the film industry and be a photographer also, since the film industry can be quite on and off.
In the future I want to be known as both a photographer and a cinematographer here and overseas.

And most importantly, where can we admire and purchase your work?
I have a Facebook page that has my work on it to view and an info page with my email and phone number. Soon I’ll be holding another exhibition at Clink restaurant and bar in Sumner!

Gene W.

Laura, you have just moved to Sumner! What was the draw card for that?
My parents just bought a beautiful house up on Scarborough Hill overlooking Sumner and the surf, so that was a done deal for me!

What kind of music do you do? And what inspires you?
I’m a singer/songwriter, I play guitar, and do a variety of music working with my producer Lukas, from acoustic to pop, electronic, drum and bass, hip hop, country and soul. I am inspired by all music around me, especially live music. I think I will always continue writing lyrics and songs on the guitar, and perform acoustically, but also I love a more upbeat sound and have big dreams and goals to play to big festival crowds – so in this case my music will continue to develop its sound for various performances!

I hear you are working on an album… what can we expect? And where can we buy it?
Yes! Very exciting. I have just released my first Debut single ‘Don’t Be Afraid To Love’ which you can now buy on iTunes and amplifier.co.nz. I am about to drop my second single, and have been developing music for my first album for the past year, it’s a long exciting process which has been a huge learning curve. My goal is to have it out by the end of this year in conjunction with a summer tour, fingers crossed!

Can you share your insider tips for Sumner? What and where are your favorite places & spaces, must dos in Sumner??
Sumner and Taylors Mistake area is I think one of the coolest places to be in Christchurch by far. I’ve grown up over here, surfing and hanging out at the beach, and I will continue to do so all my life! Definitely go grab a drink or some food down at the Beach Bar, and enjoy the beautiful view all year round. The Indian is also delicious, and yummy breakfasts and coffees at Dot Com. Head out for a surf, Aaron from learn to surf will take care of those of you who want to learn, buy some sweet clothing and surf gear from Aumoana, go and watch a movie at the old school Hollywood cinema, and oohh grab a fish burger from Burger Fuel fish and chip shop! Then to walk off all that yummy food, walk the Godley Heads Track over at Taylors its next level stunning views.

The average day in Laura Hunter’s life…
This summer has consisted of a very dreamy wake up, surf for a few hours, grab a coffee or a bite to eat, lie in the sun, surf or swim again, write some music, do some recording in the studio working on the development of my album, or perhaps play a live show, dinner, have another potential surf, sleep and repeat! … Although I wish this lifestyle would continue, the search for a full time job is now on, since I have recently graduated from UC.

And most importantly, where can we see you live?
You can follow all my live shows, and music releases through my musician page at facebook.com. At the moment I am playing acoustic shows at various venues such as The Beach Bar in Sumner, Cocopelli by the Palms, The Dux Live, and at various events including ArtBeat alongside other talented Fledge Musicians (Check out Fledge on Facebook). I am also currently developing my live set into a more upbeat electronic/pop sound – while still being acoustic based, Lukas and I will be playing shows such as the University Orientation Week alongside international artist Tali. We have been touring in Auckland and Northland for the past 3 months and will be continuing touring NZ when we get the chance!

Laura Hunter
0274 6484 99
www.laurahunter.co.nz