Iggy in my inbox

I'm reclining on a wicker lounger on the private balcony of my Veranda Suite at luxurious Otahuna Lodge in Christchurch. The sun is streaming in, the minutes tick down to gin-and-tonic hour. Not that I'm counting.

The first message on my laptop is one from Iggy Pop - click here - and it's one of the best viral messages I've seen for ages, if a gratuitous ad for a telecoms firm. Not that I'm thinking work right now. This is a famil and relaxing must take precedence.

Later we will be summoned to the sitting area for pre-dinner drinks and canapés before sitting down to a five-course degustation dinner in the dining room with its beautiful pressed and gilded wallpaper that is protected by the New Zealand historic trust.

This is Sir Heaton Rhodes' former address. He commissioned the Queen Anne-style estate in1894 after he married socialite Jessie Clark of Melbourne. It was the largest private residence in the country; later it became a Catholic monastery and commune. Now it is privately owned by two young New Yorkers - Hall Cannon and Miles Refo.

As it happens, I met Hall and Cannon several years ago over lunch at Te Whau vineyard on Waiheke Island. We had a mutual friend in common. Small world, huh?

The next two days will be filled with wine-tasting, more wine-tasting and divine degustation banquets. Tough job, but someone has to do it. My editor suggested me.

He figured I needed a rest after planning our Herald on Sunday fifth birthday party. That was Sunday. I can't reveal much but check out my column this weekend for all the pics and the shenanigans (Holmesy, you know who you are).

The night before it was a late one at Mystery Creek where I celebrated David Tua's win with my new firm friends Stephen Fleming and his gorgeous wife Kelly, and Sir Michael and Lady Fay, who I consider the most delightful couple I have met in a long time. They are warm, generous and fun-loving. And their passion for Samoa was evident.

Thursday night is Spy's biggest night of the year - the Vodafone NZ Music Awards. I'm getting my pampering quota in now. It's the calm before the storm. I'll fill you in on all the goss then.

I better go, I hear the distinct sound of Tanqueray being poured.

Pictured above: Iggy Pop has a message for you.

Rachel Glucina