Much like your favourite Swanndri, there’s something about Christchurch you can’t help but warm to. Call it a rich history, a penchant for partying, or maybe a passion for reinvention – whatever it is puts the Garden City right up there with the best of them.

All of which is pretty darn good news when you find yourself with 48 hours to hit the streets here. Everything’s within easy striking distance, so let’s get into it.

When William Broome sewed the first stitch on the first ever Swanndri way back in 1913, we’re not sure anyone would have imagined how much of a legend the Bush Shirt would become.

And yet, here we are. Save for a couple of updates made in 1927 (the addition of sleeves and a hood) that original design remains unchanged.

When Ken Swainson first started farming back in 1964, the Young Farmers Association set him up with an essential piece of farming kit: a Swanndri.

“I was born in ’48. And got it when I was 16. So yeah, it’s getting on a bit.”

Today, almost 60 years on, Ken’s still got that Swanndri – and he still wears it proudly. But it’s more than just a piece of clothing for him now. It’s a symbol of all the things he’s done and seen over the years. And Ken has certainly seen a few things.