The FUTURE
The Octagon is closed for the immediate future.
Watch this space. I will post updates as soon as we have some idea of our plans.
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State of Emergency
Still in force at 21 March
Building owners have not been allowed into the CBD since the quake. These pictures are courtesy of an engineer and show the damage in more detail.
Without the opportunity visit our building to assess the damage properly we are in limbo. Do we demolish? Do we restore?
The fact that it is an H1 Heritage Building puts its future at risk. The "heritage regime" in our city will need to change attitude if they wish investors to put their hearts and pockets into saving what is left of precious buildings like this.
Is an attitude shift likely?
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Christchurch Earthquake
22nd February 2011
Only Natalie, Lorraine, Brad, Vishnu, Navine and I were in the building at 12.51 on the 22nd February and everyone was able to get out safely.
HOW? I really don't know.
The quake hit with unbelievable velocity and the noise, debris and dust as the tower came down was dreadful.
It took 20 seconds to bring our dream down.
The effort and courage we put into repairs and keeping the business open after the September quake has fallen in a heap.
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Tower Restoration
The restoration of the tower is a massive task likely to take up to a year.
The big steel frame is necessary to protect the stone masons working inside the tower ..... but it is so depressing that we felt we had to do something to cheer ourselves up.
Chris Stead of THEME PRO in Christchurch came to the party and kindly ( free of charge) helped us create something that would make passing pedestrians smile.
The mannequins represent the adventure activities Canterbury is known for.
(The bicycle rider is upside down only because he kept tipping over ... so we decided to let him have his way. May his blood run to his head. I don't care. )
Thank you Chris for cheering us up.
This photo was taken by Brenda Ayers who was tickled by our humour.
Thank you Brenda.
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Christchurch Earthquake
4th September 2010
On the morning of the 4th September our city was rocked by a 7.1 earthquake.
We have over the last 3 years created a unique dining experience and are delighted to have been ranked as high as 2 out of 366 restaurants.
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We have beaten the odds on a number of fronts but we have not been able to beat the earthquake. On the 4th we found our beautiful building standing tall amongst the ruins of neighbouring shops and offices but she did not come through unscathed and damage to her tower presents us with a problem that will take some months to fix.
We will however be able to carry out the repairs and still operate the restaurant and we will open again (with a grand opening) in November.
Please watch this space for news.
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David Helfgott 23rd November 2010
"Dinner with David"
David Helfgott is coming back to perform a full Concert Recital at the Isaac Theatre Royal AND a private recital at the Octagon.
See details: Coming Attractions
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Forbidden Broadway 13th to 31st July 2010
Forbidden Broadway
A great success. Showbiz Christchurch delighted our customers with a total entertainment experience of great theatre, hilarious parody and fine dining.
Gerard Alssandrini's "Forbidden Broadway" is a long running hit musical review first staged at Palsson's Supper Club, New York in 1982. Broadway's greatest musical legends meet Broadway's greatest satirist in an hilarious, loving and endlessly entertaining tribute to, and send up of, some of theatre's greatest shows, stars and songwriters.
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Opera at the Octagon - 27th to 30th May 2010
Opera at the Octagon
As the highlight of the University of Canterbury's Platform Festival the School of Music presented two short comic operas, La Serva Padrona & Une éducation manquée
Directed by Elric Hooper and conducted by Martin Setchell. The evening was an exciting and successful first for Octagon Live
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Hardy and Heartiness - 23rd May 2010
 Hardy and Heartiness
Musicians and students led by the School of Music’s Dr. Roger Buckton presented a delightful evening of music and poetry inspired by the life of the English author, Thomas Hardy.
Congratulations to Dr. Buckton, the musicians and the "village" quire on a wonderful success
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Festival Launch - 20th February 2010
 Festival Recognition
City Mayor Bob Parker congratulates Alan Slade on the award of the prestigious Odering Trophy for the contribution the Octagon makes to the Festival of Flowers.
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Tenor Dinner - 18th February 2010
Dinner with Geoffrey Knight
A la Carte Menu
Geoffrey Knight’s life story is extraordinary.
A rough diamond that has made good, Geoffrey has gone from being a rugged deep sea trawlerman and patch wearing member of the Highway 61 motorcycle gang, to a burgeoning international singer.
In 1995 Geoffrey found his unlikely way onto the stage via the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art.
Since graduating in 1996 Geoffrey has gained over 10 years of professional performance experience. that led to him switching in 2001 to a career as a opera singer. Since then he has focused every spare moment on learning the skills of his trade.
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La Vie en Rose Dinner - 27th February 2010
La Vie en Rose Concert and Dinner
Burst! into Sound with Giesen Wines.
Each year the Octagon produces a special concert as part of the Festival of Flowers. Held at the Cathedral in the Square this event was sold out in 2009 and received rave reviews.
See clips from the 2009 concert on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS1hgpGXyjs
We thank Natalie Slade for producing what was quite a stunning event enjoyed by the performers and the audience.
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Krystal goes "green" Sept.2009
Founding staff member leaves for greener pastures.
Krystal Jennings helped found the Octagon and was responsible for everything from kitchen layout and design, the design and costing of the original menu and wine list, the development of our corporate image and the appointment and training of staff. Krystal was everywhere and everything......which is why I chose this particular photo to remember her by. Yes! She did it all.
Beautiful, energetic, strong and kind ... Krystal is somebody really special and she is missed by staff, suppliers,customers and me.
She leaves after over three years with our love and respect.
Thanks Krystal. Good luck girl.
Alan
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Kidscan Stand Tall
$18,000.00 Cheque
The Octagon's customers raised $18000.00 for Kidscan. (Thanks to a massive effort by Jerrie Grocott, Chambers PR and the support of VBase and other great sponsors. 
Natalie presents the cheque to TV3
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Kristina, Krystal, Tracy, Amanda and Rory all part of the Octagons Aeight Team.
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June 2009
Customer PRIVILEGE Card
Our regular and repeat customers are the backbone of our business. They made it happen for ther Octagon and we hope that the introduction of a Customer PRIVILEGE card will be well recieved by them.
For more information about the PRIVILEGE card benefits and a membership form please EMAIL
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Cancer Society Ball
Natalie Slade adds her special touch.
Natalie was pleased to perform at Christchurch's annual Cancer Society Ball . A great occasion for a great cause.
Click Here to view highlights
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GALLERY BAR: TO OPEN
Gallery Bar
We have decided to open the gallery area as an exclusive meeting area and bar between 5.00pm and 7.30pm.
The Gallery Bar will also be open to members of our "Privileged Customer" scheme who want to pop in to listen to the music and enjoy a cocktail or dessert.
Open Wednesday to Sunday the Gallery should be wonderfully warm and cosy spot for a stop on the way home after work.
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June 2009
Videos on YouTube
We now have some of our video clips online on You Tube so make sure you have a look. All the videos were recorded and edited at the Octagon.
I Want to Be Evil
Natalie Slade singing "I Want to Be Evil" with Lee Anderson on piano.
Festival of Flowers Concert
The highlights of the show "La Vie en Rose" presented and produced by Natalie Slade for the Festival of Flowers concert at Christchurch Cathedral on the 14th March 2009
Natalie Slade at the Cancer Society Ball
Highlights of Natalie Slade's performance at the Cancer Society Ball in Christchurch on 12/6/2009
Born Free (in New Zealand)
Live recording of Natalie Slade at the Christchurch Cathedral. In this performance the song Born Free is backed by video of the South Island of New Zealand. New Zealanders are "Born Free".
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF ALL OCTAGON LIVE VIDEOS
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World Potato Congress – 22nd, 23rd, 24th and 25th March 2009
Music for opening and closing ceremonies and the big Ball
Octagon Live provided all the music for the 600+ World Potato Congress deligates at Christchurch's Convention Centre. The organisation provided the performers ( Natalie Slade, Polly Ott, David Helfgott, Nick Kyle, the Westburn Primary School Choir and the Garden City Big Band) and also produced and presented the videos required for presentations.
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