Known for her beautifully melancholic music, Nadia Reid has been a folk favourite since she self-released her debut album Listen to Formation, Look for the Signs in 2014.

Reid was born in Auckland but grew up in Ōtepoti/Dunedin. She returned to the southern city from in 2017 and stayed throughout the pandemic, launching her own boutique record label Slow Time Records from Port Chalmers in 2019.

“Dunedin has changed a lot over the years. As a child I remember it to be… cold and small. But I’ve always found it to be very creatively stimulating here,” she says.

“After long tours, or extended times of travel I was very happy to hunker down in the quiet hills of Dunedin and hide away. It’s a sleepy place at times. The beaches are rugged and the weather is still… colder.”

Next year Reid will make a move to London but before she leaves she’s performing across the country: including as part of the free Lilypad gig at Auckland's Mt Smart on May 8 alongside The Veils, Bic Runga, and Arahi.

She'll be in Dunedin, Christchurch and Wellington in July for her just announced tour with NZ Trio as well as performing with the APO at the Auckland Town Hall on July 24 as part of Elemental AKL 2022.

Favourite place for a drink?

It has to be Woof! A new addition that opened on the cusp of the Covid disruptions. Vibrant, inclusive, incredible drinks and food, a welcoming community atmosphere. It really has changed Dunedin’s inner CBD for the better. My drink of choice is generally non-alcoholic anything ginger or if I’m booze-ing, then prosecco.

Your local?

At the moment it is Adjo for weekend coffee followed by bagels from Beam Me Up.  

Best place for breakfast?

Scrambled eggs with bang bang chilli from Side On. Life is so much better since Side On arrived in Dunedin.

Where do you get your morning coffee - and what’s your order?

Soy flat white from Mazagran on Moray Place.

The restaurant you’ve been going to for years?

Well, it was The Asian also on Moray Place (RIP). It’s where we had our wedding dinner. If you know, you know.

Favourite restaurant to visit with friends?

Italian at The Esplanade at St Clair.

For something fancy?

Drive up the way (1 hour 20) to Riverstone Kitchen just outside of Oamaru.

Best ‘cheap eat’?

Satay from Friendly Khmer Satay Noodle House on George Street.

Brunch on a Sunday: where would we find you?

It would be a Saturday and it would be French crepes from the Dunedin Farmers Market.

Your regular supermarket?

Gardens New World.

Where do you go for ‘special’, non-supermarket food or drink?

To here, for ‘73 Citrus. I can’t find it in supermarkets anywhere. It is the best orange juice I’ve EVER tasted. Order by the case!

Favourite place for date night?

Coco’s Cantina. I worked at Coco’s back in 2013-2015. Some of the best years of my life. I learnt so many valuable things about people (and life) by working in hospo. I met some of my greatest friends in that time. Owners Damaris and Renee are just divine.

If someone was visiting your city for the first time, what’s the one place you would recommend they visit?

Orokonui Ecosanctuary. It’s a must. So incredibly beautiful beyond words.

Where do you go for a workout?

I’ve been going to Barre Base pretty religiously for a few years now. It’s a barre/pilates/dance inspired workout studio run by Rosa Anderson-Jones, the best fitness instructor I’ve ever had. She is truly life changing. Just the right blend of tough, knowledgeable and inspiring. Her classes are always packed and you have to book early.

I also have a personal trainer called Kelly at The Body Architect who has been helping me with my postpartum recovery. I see her twice a week.

Favourite place for live music?

The Powerstation in Auckland ❤​. Leigh Sawmill in Leigh. Port Chalmers Town Hall.

Where do you go for some relaxation or a beauty treatment?

I get my nails done religiously every four weeks from Blooming Nails in Dunedin. It’s the one thing that makes me feel put together. Davin at Groom has been doing my brows for a while now. If not Davin, then Theresa from Erban Spa. My beauty regimen is simple: brows, mascara, nails - good to go. I hardly wear makeup but when I do wear makeup, Emma McDonald is my lady.

Favourite clothing store that never lets you down?

Kowtow and Company of Strangers with a Hills Hats custom.

Where do you go when you’re after local art or design?

The Flying Whale in Port Chalmers and a stroll around the DPAG with a visit to their gift shop.