Creation was a converted movie theatre, tucked just behind the Christ Church Cathedral on Worcester Street.
On a Friday or Saturday night, you might find the venue bursting at the seams with booming bass and gig-goers.
On one of these nights in 2003, a thirteen-year-old Sam Meni made his way through the gates and to the front door. He’d never been to a show before, it was a new experience, but he made it in with no hiccups.
No one asked for his ID, no bouncers bustled him out, and he wasn’t out of place as a kid only one year into his teens.
Because Creation was an all-ages music venue: A place where young people could reap all the benefits of any other venue, made possible by simply taking alcohol out of the equation.
14 years (and a good go at running all-ages gigs himself) later, Sam Meni started a petition.
He has appealed to the Christchurch City Council, the Christchurch Youth Council and youth organisation, Zeal, to start taking steps towards opening a new venue.
Go back one decade, and the under-18s were spoilt for choice for places to watch a band over a few raspberry cokes.
There was The Media Club, the Otautahi Social Centre, Concrete Club, Fuse (Still there, just not a venue), Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti, Kreation Art House, Zebedees, The Jetset Lounge (Occasionally all-ages), The Shed and Creation - at least.
So far, nearly 500 people have agreed with Sam enough to click “Sign This Petition”.