An uplifting monthly eclection of life, style and happenings.
This July we sit down with Kiwi icon Robyn Malcolm as well as some icons of New Zealand tailoring. We also take a trip to tantalising Turkey.
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Editors’ Notes
Fran Ninow
Co-editor
This month I wanted to share a little about media fatigue and how I am handling it. But first – I want to say thanks. I am so proud of this magazine – this is our 210th issue and will be read by many of thousands of you. It is a platform on which we can express our admiration for others who have gifts that we can’t possibly hope to imitate, where we can tell their stories and share how good they are with you. It is one of the places where I feel most at home, and where I have the privilege of this meaningful space to communicate what’s on my mind.
Back to media fatigue – deftly defined by Wikipedia as psychological exhaustion due to information overload generally from news and social media leading to increased feelings of stress and anxiety. Jane Fonda (whom I so admire) has said on many occasions that if something is making you feel down – deal with it… In other words – don’t let it fester.
So of late I have stepped away from news and current affairs – allowing myself maximum, one update daily. I have replaced listening time in the car with Libby – that lifechanging app dedicated to the loan of e- and audiobooks. As a member of Auckland Libraries I can freely borrow from their vast collection and it does not cost a penny. Currently I am working my way through listening to the audio book versions of my favourite classics… Hardy, Dickens, Austen, Lawrence, Eliot, Forster, the list goes on. Books I have not visited since university days, and boy, what a difference it is making. I arrive at work or back home, feeling infinitely more relaxed and in a far better frame of mind.
If you too have had enough of the constant stream of negativity issuing forth from a lot of media – I can highly recommend exploring what Libby has to offer as well as digging into this latest and very positive issue of Verve.
Enjoy. Fran x
Jude Mitchell Co-editor
I’m so proud of the fact that Fran and I have been in business together for 20 years – that's no small feat! Despite being two very different women, we share the same values, and trust and respect each other’s opinions while continually learning from each other, too.
This year – for the first time in 20 years – we each decided to take some time off.
Fran had a month off last month, leaving the June issue all mine to play with, including the stunning India piece that featured friends who had travelled to that wonderful part of the world.
And this month has been my turn to be away! We both chose to visit London. I’m here seeing my family and totally loving every minute of it. Walking the cobbled streets, seeing the stunning architecture, and going to the local for a beer! It has also ensured that I’ve been walking at least 15,000 steps a day, truly wonderful.
But wherever we are, Fran and I both still read every single article, and examine every proof before uploading the magazine together. It’s a true business relationship.
So, if any of our readers are thinking of getting into business, be sure to choose a partner who is truly honourable and has respect and good values. I know that if Fran and I did not have these values, we would not have been able to go on our separate journeys.
Enjoy the July issue, it looks pretty impressive.
Jude x
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What’s Inside
Journeys
Tantalised in
Tempting Turkish Flavours 102
Cruisy
Art & About 110
Penny for Your Thoughts
Editors-in-Chief
Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell
Sub-editor/Senior Writer
Jamie Christian Desplaces
Head Graphic Designer
Arna Martin
Graphic Designer
Yamin Cook
Social Media
Yamin Cook
Contributors
Nikki Addison, Manish Kumar Arora, Lucy Kennedy, Vandita Kumar, Dennis Knill, Milly Nolan, Paul Leuschke, Aimée Ralfini, Helene Ravlich and Bella Sampson.
Subscriptions vervemagazine.co.nz/shop
Published by Verve Magazine Ltd 13 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Verve is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free lifestyle magazine delivered to cafés and businesses in Devonport, Epsom, Ellerslie, Herne Bay, Kohimarama, Meadowbank, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Remuera, St Mary’s Bay and Takapuna. Verve is placed in magazine stands for free collection from locations in Auckland City, Devonport, Epsom, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Mairangi Bay, Milford, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby, Remuera, St. Heliers, Stonefields, Takapuna and in domestic terminal Auckland Airport. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz for exact locations these magazine stands. Verve is also available from all popular cafés in its main distribution areas as well as in ebook format.
Visit vervemagazine.co.nz to sign up for your free monthly ebook. Verve is printed by Blue Star, 8 Collard Place, Henderson, Auckland. It is distributed by Verve, ERC Contracting and Mailchimp.
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In Short
Verve ’ s monthly round up of what’s new, interesting, and happening… in a paragraph!
Embracing Fakes
Gen Z has been called many things – and latest on the list is the dupe generation! While buying knockoff goods used to be a source of shame for many who would try to pass them off as the real thing, the digital generation is embracing fake by way of ‘dupe culture’. Though it may appear that dupes run counter to gen Z’s conscious consumption, dupe culture is considered “subversive, seemingly undercutting expensive brands, and even capitalism itself,” writes Erin Lowry for the Sydney Morning Herald . Now, #dupe is so popular on social media (6 billion views on TikTiok alone) that marketing experts believe that big brands should embrace the trend. Rather than fearing reputational damage, Sophie Hardie, the client director at influencer marketing firm the Goat Agency tells the Guardian, labels should use the dupes to playfully engage with popular culture to “bring new people in and show a confidence in the power of their brand”.
Brainstorming
Saunas have long been touted as a tonic for all manner of ailments. Used in Scandinavia for centuries, the intense heat is said to flush heat from the body and increase heart rate and improve circulation by mimicking exercise while also soothing joints and muscles following a real workout. A 20-year study of more than 2,000 middle-aged men who used saunas 1-7 days per week found them to be less at risk from death by cardiac events like strokes or heart attacks, while regular use has also been linked to improved sleep quality. Some of the latest research even suggests that saunas may be highly beneficial to our brains, too, with long-term use potentially staving off dementia. The warm environment triggers the release of stress-busting endorphins and boosts BDNF – a protein that promotes neuron growth and potential protection against dementia.
Pole Positioning
Paris might be revered as among the world’s most romantic destinations, but organisers of the upcoming Olympics are said to have ensured that love doesn’t blossom between the athletes in the Olympic Village in the coming weeks. While it’s admirable that the beds –including the mattresses – are fully recyclable, choosing to have carboard frames was driven more by sex than sustainability. Or rather, lack of sex. The single frame beds have been dubbed the “anti-sex” bed, reports The Sun, owing to their inability to support two people and/or too much kinetic energy! The measures are said to have been put in place owing to some steamy stories of orgies taking place at previous games. Organisers are not being complete killjoys, however – or leaving anything to chance – as they’re also providing 300,000 free condoms to athletes.
Plastic Pouches
Scientists might have finally discovered the cause of the decades-long decline in sperm counts around the world, and it’s hardly great news. A recent study by the University of New Mexico examined 23 human testes – and 47 canine ones! – and found traces of microplastics in all of them. Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less that 5mm across, have previously been found in everything from drinking water to food and also inside other human organs. They’ve even made it to some of the world’s highest mountain peaks and deepest oceans, created through the disintegration of larger plastic pieces. “At the beginning, I doubted whether microplastics could penetrate the reproductive system,” says Dr Xiaozhong Yu, the lead author of the study. “When I first received the results for dogs I was surprised. I was even more surprised when I received the results for humans.” PVC, he adds, can interfere with the production of both sperm and hormone production.
A Tall Order
The nuclear shadow seems to loom larger than it has done for generations – and should a disaster occur, the cleanup could come from the most unlikely of sources: the humble sunflower. Sunflowers are effective at absorbing certain radioactive isotopes, such as cesium-137 and strontium-90, from the soil through their roots, and once absorbed, the contaminants are stored within the plant's tissues. Sunflowers were most notably used in the aftermath of the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters to help cleanse the environment. “We plant sunflowers, field mustard, amaranthus and cockscomb, which are all believed to absorb radiation,” Koyu Abe, chief monk at the Buddhist Joenji temple, near Fukushima, told Reuters a few months after the disaster. “So far we have grown at least 200,000 flowers at this temple and distributed many more seeds. At least 8 million sunflowers blooming in Fukushima originated from here.” Costeffective and environmentally friendly, the only drawback is that the sunflowers become radioactive after absorption and must be disposed safely to prevent further contamination. It’s all very fitting considering the sun is essentially a giant nuclear reactor, too.
Moon Landing
Fascinating and frightening in equal measure, a recent discovery of a metal ore dep inside the Moon suggests that it was formed when the ancient Marssized planet Theia crashed into Earth. Fragments of what are thought to be Theia’s remains have long been known to have been buried deep beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean, but what became of the rest of the planet has remained a mystery. That mystery may now have been solved thanks to the discovery by Nasa’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) spacecraft deep below the Moon’s surface which implies that Theia’s remains formed it. The collision is thought to have happened around 4.5 billion years ago, around 150 million years after the formation of our solar system. Nasa has a really neat short video that simulates the collision on YouTube that’s well worth 90 seconds of your time!
Rock ’n’ Soul
This holiday home near the world-famous Kruger National Park captures the beauty and mystery of ancient African ruins in a dazzling contemporary reinterpretation.
ARCHITECT —
WORDS
GRAHAM WOOD
PHOTOGRAPHY
WARREN HEATH
JULIAN KOSKI
Previous page: Viewed from the far side of the dam, Kubili House seems at home – subtly integrated into its surroundings, its granite walls and roof gardens embedding it in its context. Seen from a distance, its proportions seem appropriate given the vastness of the surrounding skies and horizons.
Left page: The entrance to Kubili House is open; there is no ‘front door’ as such. Rather, the architecture frames views over the dam as you approach along a stone-paved path, revealing the surrounding landscape by degrees and inviting it into the open spaces of the house itself.
This page: When it’s full, the dam comes all the way up to a curved, snaking retaining wall in front of the house, integrating the architecture with its surroundings. The naturalistic planting of the russet-coloured Lowveld grasses enters the dialogue between architecture and landscape.
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Previous page: The axis created by the flagstone path culminates in a firepit under the pergola, topped with an extraordinary bell-shaped chimney, which was modelled on the brass bells in the temples of Kyoto. Having the fireplace at floor level, rather than raised on some sort of a plinth, helps create a low focal point in keeping with the low horizontal emphasis of the furniture and sightlines.
Left and this page: The cool, spacious interiors of the main house create an introspective contrast to the open pergola. The antique French oak beams add a timeless quality to the interiors, and the combination of antique and contemporary furnishings conjure a sense of time and evolution. The ox-blood terracotta colour of the walls provide an excellent background for the display of art and objet. Just outside, a pair of chairs overlook a contemplative spot alongside the koi pond.
Beyond the cantilevered overhangs of the pergola roof, stretching to the retaining wall and water beyond, daybeds and gigantic soft loungers make excellent waterside sunbathing spots.
The house has a system of transitional spaces and entranceways blending and blurring the distinction between inside and out.
This page left: Under the pergola, a rotisserie over an open fire is just one of the possibilities for preparing meals.
Right page: Opposite from the pergola, across the pond, the granite-clad rocky monolith of the main villa stands as a counterpoint to its open design and smooth finishes. Here, too, a more northAfrican influence is evident in the doors and other design details, such as the tessellated tiling in the steam room.
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This page: An antique Indian day bed beneath a tree on the banks of the dam makes a spectacular vantage point from which to view game.
In the bathrooms, a bathing ritual also helps to immerse visitors in a different sense of the setting’s time.
Previous page: The bathrooms have been custom-designed with bespoke steel shelves, stone tops and custom-finished taps. The shelves are filled with specially curated scented bath salts inspired by local flora.
Left page: The combination of modernist and traditional design is highly appropriate in this house, which is an African melding of ancient and modern influences.
Community Building
Architecture design is about community.
WORDS PAUL LEUSCHKE
The other weekend was market day on Ponsonby Road. We walked to Alma in the city for exercise and coffee with Manchego, honey, and thyme pastries. On the walk back we dropped a pastry into a friend. Along Ponsonby Road we chatted, bantered with several shopkeepers and acquaintances in the street while we soaked up the sun and the good vibes from people at sidewalk cafes with the music playing in the background.
It got me thinking about community, a word much used.
I remember my mother telling me she had made a mistake. My parents downsized and moved out of the area they had lived in for 40 years. Mum said now when she went to the local shops or to church, no
one knew her, and she didn't know them. She felt invisible.
So, for me, community thrives where the people know each other to the point that they enjoy interacting with each other. The personalised service from the local shopkeepers, the acquaintances you meet in the street, walking their dog, walking the baby or shopping, the local club you belong to, the cafe you frequent.
I don't think malls provide the community spirit that the old shopping strip does, don't ask me why this thought jumped into my head, but it did.
Shopping malls started from overseas experts telling us a windowless, internal shopping box and huge carpark was the modern way to go. Then the experts
suggested windows on the exterior of the box would be a bit more friendly and provided some expectation. Then the anchor tenants developed specialist zones within their own shop, the bakery, the butchery, the cafe, etc, while the mall itself was full of chain brands. Finally, an external street was added to make the mall look like the original local shopping strip, except for the associated huge carpark to cater for the 'foreigners' that weren't within walking distance.
Meanwhile the local community shopping street with specialist shops and personal service died.
Get inspired to refresh your home with innovative ideas, expert tips, and stunning transformations to turn your house into your dream sanctuary.
PHOTO: STRATA ARCHITECS, COROMANDEL BEACH HOUSE
PHOTO: TRADESPEOPLE'S EMMA KANIUK, PHOTOGRAPHY MARK SMITH
Women on the Tools
WORDS HELENE RAVLICH
Still a rarity on building sites, the number of women working in trades is growing exponentially, bringing a balance to the industry that is long overdue.
Emma Kaniuk created the Tradespeople online directory in late 2020, an ever-growing database of women and genderdiverse people working in the trades in Aotearoa. Emma herself has a background in branding and design, but saw a need for more diversity in the industry for the better of all.
“Tradespeople originally existed as a spreadsheet of women in the trades that I used to share with all my friends,” she explains, “which I created after struggling to find womenowned companies to support. I noticed that within my friend groups people were often asking if anyone knew any female lawyers, physiotherapists, plumbers, electricians, builders – and there were often no recommendations for any of the trades. I’d also occasionally get work done on my house and it was always all-male crews, so I got curious – were there any women, and where were they?”
The response was overwhelmingly positive. “Some of our tradies got their very first jobs through the website,” says Emma, “and many younger ones have reached out to say this has changed the way they’re thinking about their careers –that one day they could start their own company, too.”
She has had countless people reach out to say that through using Tradespeople they finally felt safe enough to bring tradies into their home – "often after a bad experience elsewhere” – or to express delight for the way they, and their homes, were treated. She asks everyone who uses Tradespeople – tradies and customers – to observe a code of care, with respect essential on both sides.
Bianca Rocca has an honours degree in fine arts, and together with her partner, Sam, founded Better House Painters to provide an ethical, non-toxic house painting alternative within the industry. Bianca started out “painting houses for extra cash for my dad, who runs a construction business that has employed all of my siblings in one way or another! My partner also has a background in house painting so we decided to go into business together to have more autonomy in our working lives”.
The duo is committed to environmental responsibility, “especially because the trades are full of toxic materials and waste, and we’re also very detail oriented and care about being transparent in our practices and pricing”. Those
choosing more environmental services shouldn’t compromise on high quality outcomes, with the pair “delivering high quality finishes that are long lasting, doubling as an investment in your health”.
Would Bianca recommend the tradie world to women? “Sure! It's a diverse, social, and creative career path with a lot of opportunity - and it's allowed me to work for myself, which I really value. Gendered assumptions do show up, but a good team and client base makes all the difference!”
Michelle Dry runs Dry Electrical with her husband, Dan. Originally working behind the scenes, she found herself on the tools when Dan shattered his elbow and was unable to work. “I decided to put my baby in daycare and take over,” she explains, “and then when he came back to work we were so busy that it made sense to keep me on.”
When asked what was it like do an apprenticeship with her husband she laughs: “There were lots of fights, but now we work well together and bring different strengths to the job.” Has she faced any discrimination being female in a male-dominated industry? “It’s more a case of men just walking past me on site without acknowledging me, then being directed back my way. More people are getting to know what I’m there for, but if I go to a brand-new site, it’s like starting over again.”
When asked what she would say to women wanting to go into the trades, she says get a good boss, first and foremost. “Someone who has your back and will help you get ahead. Women may not be as strong as most men on the job, but can still get it done in their own way – with the best possible results.”
Trades are available, product pricing has stabilised and you have certainty with interest rates for the next year or two to financially plan. The biggest learning when undertaking a renovation or new build is to not just spend time on the look, but really hone in on the feel and function before consent.
We are happy to analyse the flow, storage requirements, natural light and experiential features and come up with a plan set for consent that minimises variations during the build because it's designed right from the start. We are passionate about designing every square inch of your home so that it matters. We specialise in maximising your space and experience and can’t wait to collaborate with you.
The Clear Choice
In the realm of home renovation, there's an unsung hero that holds the potential to transform your living space profoundly - your windows .
WORDS
MILLY NOLAN
More than mere apertures; they are the silent guardians of your indoor environment, playing a pivotal role in defining the comfort, aesthetic, and energy efficiency of your home. Warm Windows' thermal efficient designs perfectly illustrate this potential.
Founded in 2005 by the late Oleg Kalagin, Warm Windows has dedicated itself to providing New Zealanders with healthy, sustainable, and comfortable living environments through their ingeniously crafted windows. Oleg’s journey from Russia to New Zealand, driven by his love for the country and the recognition of a market opportunity, contributed significantly to the introduction of uPVC windows in New Zealand. His legacy lives on through Warm Window’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
This customer-centric approach is not just about selling a product; it’s about delivering peace of mind and building lasting relationships.
In New Zealand’s competitive building and renovation sector, Warm Windows is setting a new benchmark for style and efficiency, seamlessly blending form with function. Warm Windows’ products, incorporating double glazing and advanced Aluplast uPVC technology, offer superior thermal efficiency, reducing the energy required to heat or cool your home. This translates into lower energy bills and significant savings over time, making them the smart choice for eco-conscious homeowners looking to balance sustainability with budget considerations.
With recent updates to the New Zealand Building Code demanding higher R-values (a measure of thermal resistance used in the building industry to rate the insulation properties of materials), particularly in colder regions, Warm Windows' products are designed to not only meet but exceed these requirements, ensuring superior thermal efficiency and energy savings. Warm Window’s uPVC solutions stand out as a cost-effective alternative to traditional materials like aluminium, which struggle to meet these new standards without significant cost increases.
But efficiency does not come at the expense of elegance. The sleek lines and
understated finishes of Warm Windows’ products, including the Aludec range that mimics the look of high-quality aluminium and the Woodec range that replicates natural wood, ensure that they seamlessly integrate with any architectural style. Additionally, the innovative Cool Colours™ technology keeps the windows vibrant and resilient against New Zealand’s harsh sun and coastal conditions.
Understanding that every home and homeowner is unique, Warm Windows offers a variety of customisable options. Whether you prefer the clean lines of casement windows or the innovative European-style 'tilt & turn' windows, their extensive catalogue has something to suit every vision. Bespoke solutions are also available.
As of mid-July, Aucklanders will be able to visit Warm Windows’ new showroom in collaboration with Eco Auckland, located at 52 Upper Queen Street, Eden Terrace. In teaming up with Eco Auckland, the leading dealer of Eco Doors & Windows, Warm Windows is uniquely positioned to offer a seamless customer experience. From the moment you step into the showroom, through every phase of consultation and customisation, to the precise installation
and comprehensive aftercare, customers can expect a smooth and reliable process. This customer-centric approach is not just about selling a product; it’s about delivering peace of mind and building lasting relationships.
Together, Warm Windows and Eco Auckland can add value to your major life investment by guiding you towards a more comfortable, quiet, and energyefficient home using the latest window technology at an affordable price.
Visit their new showroom and speak with one of their well-trained consultants to receive expert advice on your investment.
That means we focus solely on fascia, spouting, downpipes and rainwater heads. We believe that installing a high-quality rainwater system requires specialist knowledge and experience ensuring the system fits perfectly with your build.
Our systems aren't like Lego pieces that snap together, our installers draw on decades of experience across thousands of jobs to ensure the installation is done right first time, and don’t settle
for anything less. Choose from a range of painted coil or lifelong copper, using Continuous Spouting for your next respout or new build project will ensure a rainwater system that is not only functional but meets even the most complex of designs.
IMPORTED GERMAN KITCHENS
Dream Renovation
Nestled in the heart of Devonport is this beautifully renovated 1920s-character bungalow.
The homeowners had a desire to create their forever home, complete with a culinary-grade statement kitchen, high-end entertaining zones, and bespoke design features.
The exquisite renovation of the entire house required Michelle Gillbanks of Kitchens by Design to work very closely with the homeowners and their builder so the vision for the home could be seamlessly brought to life.
The home has had no expense spared, with the kitchen area redesigned to meet the needs of modern family living and the delivery of a contemporary design. The original layout was not ideal, with a small, U-shaped kitchen and a walkway between the kitchen, with food storage on the opposite wall. The new layout brought the pantry into the new
galley style layout, eliminating corners altogether, creating better flow and functionality for the clients.
The dark finish decided for the kitchen was to connect it with the underlying theme of the rest of the new interior. The combination of stained brushed veneer, bronze metal paint, and plain, painted surfaces were used for cabinet finishes.
The leathered granite stone tops and splashback were chosen to provide a tactile experience, adding visual impact and beauty. Accent LED lighting was added below the cabinetry in the kitchen to create warmth and tonality, and to showcase the beautiful wooden floors.
The addition of Gaggenau appliances and the Fisher and Paykel integrated fridge freezer delivered modern elegance and outstanding functionality to this gorgeous kitchen. The connection
from kitchen to dining room, or out to the newly landscaped rear garden for alfresco dining has been seamlessly delivered in this beautiful home.
Beyond the kitchen, Michelle and the team at Kitchens by Design worked with the homeowner on other bespoke cabinetry throughout the home. There was a desire for special features to be themed throughout the house like the custom-built aquarium cabinetry and the bookcase just off the living space. Custom cabinetry also completed by Kitchens by Design included the laundry, home office area, and wardrobes.
We loved work with the homeowners to deliver their dream home. Custom luxury is distinguishable in the materials, technology, and craftsmanship, with this home delivering on all of these.
Design is individual to you and your space, so if you are looking to create your dream kitchen or bathroom, give Kitchens by Design a call on 09 379 3084, or visit the Newmarket showroom located at 9 Melrose Street, Newmarket.
For inspiration, take a look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz
Finesse Floors specializes in transforming your chosen materials into unique, durable, and stunning floors tailored to your space. / 027 355 3675 / info@finessefloors.co.nz / @finessefloorsnz
Smith Construction smithconstruction.co.nz
Operating locally for 15 years, Smith Construction’s speciality is bringing your architectural vision to life. Predominantly building within the Mangawhai, Te Arai and Langs Beach region. The talented team at Smith Construction are dedicated to craftmanship and fostering strong client relationships throughout all the building stages to completion.
027 664 2799 sales@smithconstructionnz.co.nz
Design & Build your new home
Home Is Where the Art Is
Meet the Auckland design duo whose passion for creativity and form is lovingly instilled into the next generation.
A cosy worker’s cottage built circa 1940 boasts brilliant city views from its elevated site in Birkenhead, on Auckland’s North Shore. Descend to the end of its winding, historic street and you’re met with the Chelsea Sugar Refinery, as well as coastal walking tracks flanked with native trees and birdlife.
This home is a hive of creativity for owners – architect AJ Sutton and interior designer Stacey Gillies; and while the couple have previously enhanced the home’s footprint and external appearance, they have their minds firmly set on the next phase of renovation.
AJ’s architecture practice, MA Studio, is known for high-quality, bespoke residential work and well-considered commercial spaces, including specialist healthcare. Wife Stacey pursued her own personal styling business before moving into interiors, where her designs are infused with a mix of modern and vintage decor, paired with beautiful materials, quality finishes and injections of colour. Together, Stacey and AJ are a formidable team, working together to create beautiful spaces.
Child’s Play
The couple’s children, Frankie (9) and Sam (6), are encouraged to be creative
thinkers by expressing any of their ideas for small design decisions in the home, to foster a sense of inclusion and creativity. Sketchbooks, paint brushes, clay, and beads invite the kids to explore various materials and textures.
“Sam often joins me when sketching room designs, particularly if it’s his own future bedroom,” says Stacey. “Frankie enjoys creating colourful artwork and objects, such as jewellery and miniature sculptures.
“We’ve always encouraged the kids to be creative, whether that’s painting, using watercolours, clay, or sewing. We have a lot of marks on our dining table, which we gave up trying to protect a long time ago.”
Personal Project
Currently a two-bedroom dwelling, the couple’s home design plans will allow more living space for their family. Naturally, their respective skills and passion for design has not been without hurdles.
“Sometimes our ideas differ,” AJ admits. “At this stage of the project, I’m focused on the overall project and budget, while Stacey is planning the interior. We’ve learned to compromise, but we admit, it is hard – particularly when we both have strong views.”
Stacey adds: “Our different perspectives can be a challenge, but it also has a
positive effect. Our designs are richer and more interesting because of it.”
As AJ finalises their architectural drawings, the family is excited about the future in a larger home – one which will take full advantage of the spectacular harbour and city views and will be a reflection of their combined creativity, and love of art and design.
Follow AJ Sutton and Stacey Gillies for more insights into their design projects and future renovation.
staceygilliesinteriors.com
mastudio.co.nz
Scan for inspiration
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TOPMARK ELECTRICAL | topmarkelectrical.co.nz
Mark Lowe of TopMark Electrical highlights the importance of getting an electrician involved early. Electrical planning is an important step in any build or renovation project.
We help our clients to prepare for an adequate budget upfront, ensuring you have everything covered and the technology required to future proof your home so that it works for you and your family.
Email accounts@topmarkelectrical.co.nz to receive our free ‘What You Need to Know’ electrical guide to help you with your project.
Strata is a design-led architecture studio that partners with clients on projects throughout New Zealand. For over 20 years, the practise has been committed to solving complex architectural challenges with pragmatic and creative solutions. Our process is tailored to suit the project needs, enabling the studio to craft responses that are meaningfully designed, technically sound and thoughtfully crafted.
View some of our current projects
strata-architects.co.nz
Let the experts at The Wooden Table design your next dining table with care and attention to detail.
Short Term Rentals
Because, who wants to commit to anything long-term anyway?
Perhaps you’re moving, heading overseas, selling a property and in need of income while you wait for the right buyer, or simply looking for a hands-off property management approach to reclaim your free time. The Stay Hub has you covered on all fronts as Auckland’s largest Airbnb, short-term rental, and holiday home management provider, placing 14th in the Deloitte Fast 50 Awards for 2023.
Unlike long-term renting, the short-stay market utilises a dynamic pricing model with average daily rates optimised throughout the year according to seasons, events, weekends, holidays, and key booking drivers. A team of revenue analysts optimise pricing on a daily basis, while marketing specialists perform listing and search engine optimisation to reach as many travellers as possible. We list your property on every major travel platform with the market's latest technologies, including Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Agoda, and plenty more. For luxury and more upmarket property owners, we have a proud property management partnership with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy®. This expertly curated rental platform for premium and luxury properties reaches more than 157 million members around the world, including over 350,000 in New Zealand.
If you’re moving overseas or embarking on an extended break, lock it and leave it with us. Trying to sell your property in a frozen housing market with a vacant or soon-to-be vacant property? The Stay Hub has already worked with countless property owners and real estate agents to ensure continued rental income while they sell. Buyers can visit the property around guest stays while our team ensure it’s kept in top-notch condition.
With Covid-19 restrictions now a thing of the past, the travel industry has seen a significant uptick in tourism and expenditure. While average daily rates and occupancy fluctuate with seasonal changes and shifting trends, The Stay Hub can provide you with a free appraisal so you can see your expected annual earnings over a 12-month period. Occupancy does not need to be 100% year-round to see a higher yield, meaning owners or their friends and family can still also stay in their property when needed. For property owners looking to capture more memories with family and friends and spend less effort managing the complexities of property management, The Stay Hub is your gateway to quality time with the people who matter most.
Our close partnerships with our associate companies Hammond & Co Property Management and Porter Property Facilities, offer owners a complete suite of property services. As a long-term rental specialist, Hammond & Co allows property owners to seamlessly transition between both markets should they wish to try one or the other or split their property throughout the year across both. Porter covers everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs, both on a residential and commercial level.
As Red Addair famously said, “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait till you hire an amateur.”
Visit thestayhub.co.nz to learn more.
Rest, Restore, Retire
Discover your perfect retreat in Matakana.
raywhite.co.nz/auckland/rodney/matakana/MKA30101/
Imagine a lifestyle where tranquillity meets convenience, just a leisurely stroll from the heart of Matakana Village.
Nestled in this sought-after community, a gem awaits – a singlelevel haven promising comfort, relaxation, and a touch of luxury.
Located a mere 45 minutes from the bustling CBD, this property is not just a home; it's an invitation to embrace the serene yet active retirement you've been dreaming of. Whether you're winding down or gearing up for adventure, Matakana offers the ideal backdrop.
Don't wait to make your dream one a reality. Contact us today to secure your slice of Matakana paradise. Your perfect retreat awaits – where rest, restoration, and retirement merge seamlessly into a life well lived.
Enrich your space with a chic light fixture or a bold statement table.
LyZadie Design Studio
BLACKTREEFERN Side Table
Handmade Rescued River Matai and Stainless Steel
Jardin
Mooon! Wired Pendant Lamp
Monterrey Side Tables Black Marble
Refined Living
Artwood Romano
Outdoor Dining Table
Jardin
So’o Indoor Table
Design Studio
FLOW Coffee Table Handmade
Rescued River Rimu and Polished Brass
Isamu Noguchi
Akari Model 1 AG Light Sculpture
LyZadie
Elio Martinelli “Map” (“2144”)
French Country Collections Elodie Dining Table
Città Amber Point Lamp
Downey Coffee Table with Drawers
Umage Asteria Up Flush Mount
Umage Asteria Mini Pendant
Refined Living Armando Plexi Table Lamp
Louie Concrete Coffee Table Lucy
Mitzi Margot Table Lamp
LA Imports
Onyx Bistro Table 1m Round
Roxby Lane Bloom Dining Table Black
Resene Onyx Wallpaper Collection M31608
Calypso Antique Brass Coffee Table
French Country Collections Brooklyn Dining Table
Grain Solid Wood Contemporary Carved Side Coffee Table
Refined Living Maddox Coffee Table
Nuevo Lucca Table Lamp
Artefatto Design Studio
Horus Contemporary Dining Table
LA Imports
Blueprint Lighting
Soren
Lostine Small Lawrence Modern
Globe Pendant in Satin Brass
French Country Collections
Josephine Travertine Table
LA Imports
Onyx Marquetry
Cubo Side Table
Adam Otlewski Series01 Floor Lamp
Piega Wall Lamp
Samuel Lamas Brazilian Side Table “Janice”
LyZadie Design Studio LETSWEAVE Dining Table Handmade Reclaimed Kauri And Rimu
Liv Zephyr Coffee Table
Murano Glass Lamp - Jade
Mango Wood Rialto Coffee Table
Connecting Cultures
Rae Ling and Janet Chen, founders of Orange PR , launched their marketing and event agency in 2017.
What started as a small venture has now blossomed into a bi-continental powerhouse with teams based in both Auckland and Fujian, China.
Their agency provides a full suite of services, ensuring that clients can rely on them for all their marketing needs, from social media management to influencer collaborations.
In today’s digital world, social media stands as a crucial platform for brand communication. Orange PR excels in this domain, leveraging the latest trends and technologies to enhance brand presence and engagement.
"Social media is a community where brands and consumers can genuinely connect," explains Rae.
The phrase ‘Traffic is Power’ couldn't be truer in the age of influencers. Orange PR has harnessed the potential of influencers and celebrities, recognising their ability to sway millions of loyal followers.
"We've built strong relationships with influencers who truly resonate with our clients' brands,” says Janet, “ensuring authentic and impactful collaborations." Orange PR’s expertise in video and photo creation allows them to tell captivating stories in a matter of seconds.
"Visual storytelling is about capturing the essence of a brand in a way that's both
immediate and lasting," explains Rae. Building relationships with local media is another strength of Orange PR. Their long-term cooperative relationships with Chinese and Kiwi media have helped them amplify clients' profiles and reach broader audiences.
"Collaborating with media partners is crucial for raising brand awareness and establishing credibility," says Janet. Content remains king in the marketing realm, and Orange PR excels at creating compelling narratives, whether through written content, stunning photography, or engaging videos.
"Effective content is about telling a story that engages and inspires," says Rae. Rae and Janet epitomise the spirit of modern businesswomen and their journey with Orange PR ongoing and inspiring.
"We thrive on challenges and see them as opportunities to innovate and excel," says Rae.
As they continue to grow and adapt, one thing remains constant: their commitment to doing the best for their clients.
Understanding and Bridging
Markets
Rae and Janet's deep understanding of the Chinese and New Zealand markets is a significant advantage for local brands and enterprises looking to expand into China. Their bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese allows them to
navigate and leverage social media and resources effectively for clients.
"We provide clients with a unique advantage, bridging the gap between the two markets," says Janet.
Comprehensive Marketing Services
Orange PR has served numerous wellknown local brands and clients in New Zealand, offering long-term, in-depth, and one-stop marketing services.
From social media management, KOL collaborations, photo and video production, cross-border partnerships, and PR with local celebrities and government officials to organising various types of events and exhibitions, Rae and Janet provide a comprehensive suite of services.
"Our clients can rely on us for all their marketing needs, ensuring a seamless and effective campaign," explains Rae.
Ready to Transform Your Brand?
Orange PR is ready to take on all challenges and transform your brand’s presence. Whether you need social media management, influencer partnerships, content creation, or media collaboration, Rae and Janet have the expertise and the passion to make it happen. Join the ranks of their many satisfied clients and watch your brand flourish under their expert guidance.
For more information, please contact us at info@orangepr.co.nz . orangepr.co.nz
Trustworthy and Positive
Forward thinking in real estate.
A career spanning more than three decades is impressive in any industry.
But in the competitive world of real estate, Leila MacDonald hasn’t just gone the distance, she’s reached the pinnacle, and her longevity, she says, is at least in part down to her positivity and ability to always be forward thinking (while others would say her integrity, too).
“I don’t really follow any routine as no two days are ever the same,” the award-winning Barfoot & Thompson realtor tells Verve . “It’s one of the many things that I love so much about this work, you just never know who you’ll meet next. I thrive on the unpredictability and excitement.”
For better or worse, Leila believes in always remaining upbeat no matter what the market conditions. “If you're feeling hopeless, you'll get more hopeless,” she says. “It is always important to not be dragged down into negativity of the marketplace but rather focus on how to work to make the best out of the situation.” Her positive outlook is both a personal mantra and professional philosophy, her adaptability ensuring no curveball will catch her off guard. “If you dwell on negativity, it shows,” she adds – and that’s no good for anyone’s confidence.
Leila, originally from Lebanon, ran her own antique store in a former life, then followed her husband, Angus, into the the real estate business more than 30 years ago. Over the past 20 years, she has formed a formidable partnership with her son, David.
“We support each other, and we learn from each other every day,” says Leila. “It never stops.”
Together, they have sold some of the Eastern suburbs’ most premier properties.
“But, for me, it’s not about the sales numbers, it’s about the people,” insists Leila. “It doesn’t matter if a property is $500,000 or $30 million, I believe in treating everybody the same.
“If I’m always counting dollars, then I might as well stop selling because my job doesn’t work that way. Vendors must be looked after – if you look after the people, then everything else takes care of itself.”
“Transparency is key,” she says. “And honesty builds trust.”
Leila says that neither she nor David ever dwell on negative stories reported in the media, preferring to “just get on with the job” while remaining “flexible” to adapt to any challenges that they may encounter.
Her approach clearly works, with her numerous accolades including twice winning the REINZ Salesperson of the Year award and being inducted into the Barfoot & Thompson Hall of Fame.
And it’s not just the awards and sales figures that bear testament to Leila’s prowess, her client-centric approach ensures repeat custom from clients who value her integrity and personal touch. Whether you’re purchasing a first home, or are well along the property ladder, Leila’s extensive market knowledge and experience ensures clients make informed decisions as she guides them through the complexities of the process.
“Transparency is key,” she says. “And honesty builds trust.”
That can often mean sometimes telling people what they might not want to hear.
“I had a lady once, a first-time buyer, who said that she had looked at more than 90 houses and still hadn’t found the right one,” says Leila with a chuckle. “I told her that I don’t think she’ll ever find the right one! I advised her to lower her expectations and ‘stop searching for the impossible’. A bit later on, this buyer found her home.”
Looking to the future, Leila remains positive (of course!) about the industry’s potential. “We’re getting more and more calls from overseas,” she says. “It’s an exciting time, with lots of activity.”
While in her downtime she’ll continue to find solace tending to her veggies in her garden and enjoying precious family time with her grandchildren – the most positive place of all for this matriarch of real estate.
barfoot.co.nz/our-people/l.macdonald
Stitches through Time
WORDS
JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
IMAGE: KAREN INDERBITZEN WALLER FOR CRANE BROTHERS Fashion
Though humans had been wearing clothing for at least 100,000 years prior, it was around 40,000 years ago that we first used needles and awls made from bones and stones to stitch materials, giving credence to the argument that tailoring is one of the world’s oldest professions.
But the art of tailoring as we would recognise it today originated in the Middle Ages then really found its groove during the Renaissance.
“Florentine fashion was the style of bankers and merchants rather than emperors and kings,” writes author and broadcaster, Amber Butchart, for Frieze magazine. “… Clothing supported economies and livelihoods but was also an important tool of the theatre of power.” Elizabeth Currie, author of Fashion and Masculinity in Renaissance Florence, adds that alongside banking, “the wool and silk industries were key to Florence’s extraordinary wealth”. Tailoring was now among the most prestigious of vocations.
By the mid-17th century, Paris was the world’s fashion capital, with King Louis XIV – and his Royal Court of Versailles –leading the way. The trendsetting monarch promoted red-heeled shoes as a status symbol and is credited with popularising wigs. “The so-called Sun King jumpstarted his nation’s textile and jewellery industries,” writes Evan Andrews for History, “championed bold and bright colours in clothing design, and instituted a lavish dress code that made his court the height of 17th century style.”
The following century, across the English Channel (or La Manche to the French), a street named Savile Row opened in London with the purpose of housing British military officers and their wives, and tailors soon moved in. Once George Byran
“Beau” Brummel, an English dandy and ‘father of modern menswear’, began frequenting the street in the early 1800s, its reputation blossomed, and Savile Row soon became known as the ‘golden mile of tailoring’. It was here that the term ‘bespoke’ was born, too, in reference to cloth reserved, or “spoken for” by a certain customer. While French tailoring was known for its flamboyance, the English approach was one of understatement and practicality.
The profession soon found its way down under.
The 1849 Hand-book for intending emigrants to the southern settlements of New Zealand advised bachelor cabin passengers to bring 48 shirts, 18 waistcoats and 60 pairs of socks as well as an abundance of jackets, trousers and blouses for summer wear. By 1880, there were around 4,000 tailors and seamstresses in Aotearoa, with around one-quarter of women in business involved in the industry. Palmerston North became one of the main tailoring hubs and by the turn of the century, the country was spending almost as much on drapery as it earned from exporting gold.
Established in 1969 by Burt Payne, Payne Tailors stands as one of New Zealand’s oldest tailors. Verve sits down with Payne’s designer and master tailor, Nasir Ali – along with some of Auckland’s other leading suit makers – to learn more...
PAYNE TAILORS
Nasir, who has helmed the tailor’s shop since 1997, has been in the business for more than 30 years.
“I started learning as a teenager from family, particularly my mother, who had been sewing clothes from the time I was very young,” he tells Verve . “I went on to enrol at ATI – now AUT – to develop my skills further. Initially, I never thought that I would become a tailor, but I guess being quite right brained and tactile and having a love for clothes and fashion made it actually a good fit.”
What have been the biggest challenges and changes in the past three decades?
“The real challenge in my line of work is succession. There are so few tailors now compared to when I started back 30 years ago. I try to take on as many interns as possible to teach them this knowledge. To succeed, you need to have a certain flair, but also a lot of passion, as it is a long journey.”
Similarly, the tailor considers the making of a suit a journey for both him and the client.
“Bespoke tailoring, to me, is very much about the process,” he continues. “It differs from what's being offered out there in the name of tailoring. The made-to-measure process involves getting measured in a store, and the garment is made overseas or outsourced. The finished product is what you experience. On the other hand, a bespoke suit involves everything being done in-house. When a client comes to me to have a suit made, within the consultation, the context for the suit is established, and a suitable cloth is chosen.”
Can you talk us through the process?
“Context is a really important part of the conversation, determining how a cloth would perform. For example, a super
luxurious silk wool may not perform well being used as a highdemand tactical business suit. Then it’s on to the measurements.
“Every part of the body is examined to check for irregularities, as these are the issues that will affect the outcomes, particularly fit. People's shoulders are always uneven. The back can take a very rounded look, especially from bad desk posture. Once a deposit is paid, the cloth is ordered. Then comes the fittings. The first fitting identifies the basic shape and form the garment is to take. It's then pulled apart, recut, and assembled to a more detailed fit. This allows for fine-tuning. The fittings are the most important in determining the style direction and fit.”
Nasir says that tailoring houses often talk about their house cut, meaning that there is a uniformity in the cuts across all of their suits, with the two main influences being the British and Italian cuts.
“The British cut seems to be more structured and architectural, whereas the Italian cut's emphasis is more on a natural and relaxed fit,” he says. “I tend to cut the suit depending on what best suits the client's shape and expectations.
“I do get some challenging shapes to work with. I feel a lot of satisfaction and pride when I make something fit beautifully and it brings joy to the client.”
The tailor believes that the one item every many should have in his wardrobe is a black, navy, or charcoal suit.
“These would be their number one for weddings, funerals, and job interviews. He could dress it up or down depending on how it was accessorised. Another useful item is a good sports coat, which he can pair with chinos or jeans for a dressy but still relaxed look. A couple of waistcoats would also be great; they would work either with the suit or the sports coat or on their own.”
And as for your own favourite piece?
“Right now, that would be my new dark blue pinstripe three-piece suit in exquisite Escorial wool sourced from New Zealand and milled in England. The trousers are high-waisted, two-pleated with a cuff and side adjusters. The coat is a two-button singlebreasted with a double vent. I feel so posh when I wear this.”
Nasir Ali
Tim Begg
T. BEGG TAILORING
“I was always interested in fashion and menswear, so I began working retail for well-known NZ suiting company,” says Tim Begg, creative director of T. Begg Tailoring. “I then got into the wholesale side of the rag trade, but all roads led me back to what I love most.”
He describes his label as “having a modern aesthetic, with timeless elegance”. “A well-crafted garment should not only look stylish but also enhance the wearer’s natural shape and ensure maximum comfort,” he tells Verve .
Can you give an overview of what clients can expect?
“Our process begins with offering a welcome beverage and providing an introduction to our brand and the overall procedure. During the initial consultation, we discuss the purpose of the suit – such as is it for a wedding – and then discuss design and fabric choices. Once finalised, the garment enters the production phase. After it’s made, we conduct a series of fittings to perfect the fit. The entire process typically takes about two-and-a-half to three months.”
Do you have favourite fabrics to work with?
“A fine wool, preferably Italian woven. I love everything about wool. It’s a natural fibre, it keeps you cool and warm, doesn’t tend to crease and has beautiful draping qualities. Italian woven wool tends to be lighter than an English one.”
Favourite piece that you’ve made?
“Hands down, one of my wedding jackets. My cream wool/ cashmere tuxedo jacket will forever be special.”
And in your wardrobe?
“A chocolate-brown, double-breasted suit that I designed for a friend’s wedding in Mexico. It was a bold choice, but it looked fantastic next to my wife and the stunning wedding backdrop.”
Tim, whose style icon is Steve McQueen (“His style is timeless, something that resonates with me”), says that social media is an invaluable source of inspiration and for keeping up to date with the latest trends. He recommends those looking to have a suit made to arrive armed with some inspiration from online: “Having the ability to visualise something before we begin is always a great way to start.”
What current trends do you most like?
“I really love soft-tailored garments. Blazers and sports coats have less structure than traditional tailored jackets, making them more versatile and comfortable for different occasions.”
As with so many industries, technological trends must also be studied. “Tools such as e-measuring stand out,” he says, “but they’ll never be as accurate as a simple tape measure.”
The massive shift towards working from home has also drastically altered the tailoring landscape.
“The workplace has evolved significantly and many of my clients now only own one suit, with a greater emphasis on business-casual attire,” he adds. “We cater to all tailoring needs, offering everything from casual shirting to cotton chinos, ensuring our clients are well dressed for any occasion.”
IMAGE: KAREN INDERBITZEN WALLER FOR CRANE BROTHERS
Murray Crane
CRANE BROTHERS
2024 is an historic year for the iconic Crane Brothers’, marking their quarter-century anniversary in business. Verve sits down with founder and managing director Murray Crane to discuss his philosophy on fashion, and more.
“I got started in tailoring in the early 1990s when I worked for a company called Monsoon Menswear,” says Murray. “At the time they were tailoring suits, most famously, for a TV series called Gloss. That’s where I really got my first introduction to men's made-to-measure tailoring. From there I worked for Zambesi Man and was regularly travelling to Paris and working showrooms with the likes of Helmut Lang, Martin Margiela, Paul Smith, and Rei Kawakubo.”
Though his training was predominantly self-taught, throughout his tailoring journey, Murray says that he has made sure to surround himself with “many great people” from whom he has learnt a great deal.
“From the beginning I worked internationally with some of the world's best designers and makers, and over the last four decades have developed some enduring relationships with some of the world’s best manufacturers.”
Ninety-five percent of Crane Brothers’ garments are made of wool, or a blend, and nearly everything they work with is manufactured and woven in Italy, the “benchmark for menswear production”.
“We like working with different blends that suit our temperate climate such as wool mohair,” continues Murray. “The two mills that we enjoy working with the most are probably Loro Piana and Ariston, both of whom produce fantastic ranges
“We do work with a very vast range of other materials for our breadth of garment offerings like our shirts, footwear –including sneakers – knitwear, jeans, and suede and leather jackets. All also made in Italy.”
Can you describe your process from the first consultation to the final fitting?
“It’s usually a minimum of three to four visits. During the first consultation we will meet with the client to discuss their requirements and look at fabrics that are suitable for them based on personal preference and use – often that's dependent on the occasion.
“Then we will do a full anatomical and body measure, including posture. During this process we take over 40 separate measurements, then we will produce the garment in preparation of the first fitting with the client. If required, we will have a second fitting and then we call a final fitting at which point the garment is almost at completion.”
What are your guiding principles when creating a garment?
“Definitely ‘less is more’ – we follow this philosophy in most designs. We’re all about the three Cs: cut, cloth, and construction. Using good techniques and materials is crucial. Menswear is very easy to get wrong and difficult to get right. That's what makes it so appealing. At Crane Brothers, we never compromise when it comes to quality.”
Do you have a signature style?
“We like the garments to drape and have their own fit. We like to think that our house shape feels exclusive to Crane Brothers.”
Though tailoring techniques don’t tend to change too much, Murray says that the industry is subject to trends, “usually at a slow pace”.
“There's definitely a bit of a groundswell at the moment towards everything becoming a little bit looser,” continues Murray. “In the past, our suits have been primarily tailored and slimmer fitting. We are enjoying playing with some new shapes and introducing a little bit more drape into our garments.
“I travel to Italy at least once a year to attend a large trade show called Milano Unica – the largest fabric fair in the world. I take this time to visit all of our suppliers and also try to go to Pitti Uomo, which is a major menswear show in Florence.”
What’s your favourite piece you’ve ever made?
“We recently produced a suit for the last remaining member of the Māori Battalion, Sir Robert Gillies, who is 99 years old and attended this year's commemorations at Monte Cassino. We made a suit for him when he was knighted. That is one of my personal highlights since founding Crane Brothers.”
How do you see tailoring evolving in the future?
“I think that there's a real return to anything made by hand and turning artisanal into something that isn't made in a large factory environment. For a time, there was a move away from men dressing formally which is now starting to turn around. We're seeing men showing a lot more interest in dressing up again.”
What advice do you have for someone looking to get their first bespoke suit?
“Invest in a good quality cloth that will last. Listen to your tailor’s advice around fit and around fabric. And just try to get something that can be used in many different ways. The temptation is to always do something quite dramatic and quite distinctive, but I think sticking to the classics is the best way to go.”
What are your favourite items in your own wardrobe?
“Empty coat hangers – I seem to have lots of clothes and I'm always looking for more space!”
For Him Winter Capsule Wardobe
Nicholas
Houndstooth
Strangely Normal #9 Paisley Park Series
Handy Sidebag
LOEWE Leather Belt Bag
Cosy Hoodie Fear Of God Essentials Off-White Bonded Hoodie
Slip -on Shoes
Birkenstock Boston Suede Clogs
Common Projects Suede Clogs
Marni Green Slip-on Loafers
Dressed Up Button-up
Nicholas Jermyn Luxury
Houndstooth Blue
Jermyn Luxury
Lilac
Logo Cotton Jersey
Maison Margiela
Striped Cotton Jumper
A Touch of Class Bell & Ross Stainless Steel Watch
Brighten winter with bunches of flowers that will last all year round!
Petite sterling silver and solid gold floral treasures, handcrafted and delicately painted by jeweller and artist, Nicki, from her small studio in Auckland. Native leaves, flowers, shells and feathers all inspired by the vibrancy of Aotearoa and meticulously made just for you. Discover the colourful world of Lilygriffin jewellery and brighten up your winter wardrobe.
Seasonal Staples
TLC from TCM
WORDS
JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, is enjoying a resurgence around the world, having first been introduced to Europe by missionaries in the 17th century.
While Western medicine tends to focus on prescribing drugs to counter specific ailments, Eastern medicine takes a more holistic approach, treating the person as a whole rather than focussing on specific symptoms. Around 3,000 years old, it’s one of the oldest systems of medicine in the world.
BALANCING ACT
TCM springs from two theories: ying and yang, and qi and blood, which together form the basics of comprehending how health and disease impact the human body. The theory of ying and yang is a fundamental aspect of both Chinese medicine and philosophy, and refers to the opposite, but complementary forces, that occur throughout the universe – including the human body. Yin is associated with darkness and internal organs and fluid, and when out of kilter can manifest as fever or inflammation, while yang, which represents light, heart and outward energy like the body’s movement, can, when out of sync, result in fatigue or lethargy.
Qi – pronounced chi – represents our ‘life force’ or ‘vital energy’ that flows through 12 meridians around our body (which for our yogi readers, are regulated by our chakras), while blood, aside from the obvious, also represents nourishing qualities. The two are inter-reliant, with qi propelling blood, and receiving nourishment in return.
Imbalances between yin and yang are said to block the flow of qi which in turn causes disease. TCM aims to restore balance using techniques such as meditation, herbal therapy, massage, and, perhaps most famously, acupuncture.
Studies by the US miliary also found acupuncture helped treat veterans
with depression and post-traumatic stress.
EAST MEETS WEST
Traditional Chinese medicine has often been viewed with scepticism in the West, but the World Health Organisation has now given its approval to it, and there is growing evidence that TCM may indeed complement – rather than replace – many Western practices.
“Many studies and clinical trials done on acupuncture have yielded positive results,” Hong Kong-based TCM practitioner Master Ruth Lee tells the South China Morning Post. “The WHO has listed over 100 conditions that acupuncture may be recommended for, such as lower back pain, headache, facial paralysis like Bell’s Palsy, infertility, insomnia, allergic rhinitis, acne and premenstrual syndrome.”
Lee’s claims are backed by reviews published by the USA’s National Institutes of Health that show not only potential for acupuncture and tuina (a manual therapy similar to massage) to managing pain, but also that certain Chinese herbal medicines also exhibit anticancer properties and have fewer side effects than radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Studies by the US miliary also found acupuncture helped treat veterans with depression and posttraumatic stress.
“TCM herbs may reduce the negative side-effects of chemotherapy, such as vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and fatigue,” adds TCM practitioner Michelle Zhang. “However, the herbs must be prescribed and the patient’s condition monitored by qualified practitioners.”
COMMON PRACTICES
Acupuncture
The insertion of hair-thin needles into certain areas of the body is said to stimulate the flow of qi and restore balance. Most commonly used to treat joint and muscle pains, digestive disorders, and mental health issues.
Qigong
Pronounced chigong , this mind-body practice combines gentle physical movements with controlled breathing and meditation. Used to cultivate and balance qi and improve physical health and overall wellbeing. Tai chi is the most well-known version.
Herbal Therapy
Now considered a superfood in wellness circles, the goji berry has been doing the rounds in Chinese medical circles since the 3rd century. Nicknamed the ‘red diamond’, the berry is considered both a fruit and herb in China, packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, amino acids and trace minerals, prescribed by TCM doctors to boost liver and
kidney function. Other popular herbal medicines include ginseng, ginger, liquorice root, and peony. Herbal formulas are typically customised per patient.
Cupping
This therapy involves using a vacuum force within glass, bamboo, or silicone cups to pull the skin upwards. Thought to stimulate blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, cupping is commonly used for muscle pain, respiratory conditions, and detoxification.
Tuina
Sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture, tuina is an ancient Chinese massage that’s believed to be the world’s oldest system of bodywork. Used to address musculoskeletal issues, improve circulation, and promote relaxation by stimulation the flow of qi. Like acupuncture, it targets specific areas, but uses fingers rather than needles.
The Terraces Salon
terracessalon.co.nz
The Terraces Salon is a modern, unisex hair salon in St Andrew’s village, Glendowie, led by stylist Rochelle.
“My clientele includes students looking to have their hair up for ball, keratin treatments, balayage, or those just looking for a simple colour, wash and blow dry,” she says. “Keune products are used for all services, with a wide range of retail products offered.
Competitive pricing is offered along with a complimentary drink such as a barista-made coffee, a wine or champagne to ensure clients feel completely spoiled.
Rochelle is open to walk-ins but warns that she does get booked up fast.
“I encourage people to come and have a chat with me about what they want. I love giving people a new look – mums often arrive for a quick refresh or a complete do over!”
To make an appointment email salon@sav.co.nz , visit terracessalon.co.nz or call 09 926 7984. Open 9am-5pm, Mon-Sat; first bookings enjoy a 20% discount.
sa-ni.co.nz
Healing Touch
Sarisa Nasinprom is the co-founder and director of Sa-Ni Spa and Wellness Centre, in the newly opened Abstract Hotel in Upper Queen Street.
Drawing on the therapeutic values of ancient Thai massage, Sa-Ni is a stateof-the art spa with traditional Thai values, offering exceptional treatments to promote relaxation, healing, mindfulness, and wellbeing.
Sarisa speaks with Verve about her dream and purpose – and what makes Sa-Ni stand out.
What was your vision for Sa-Ni?
Since early childhood, I’ve been heavily influenced by the philosophy and values of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Even at primary school, I was exposed to the concepts and practice of mindfulness, meditation and wellbeing and, while at secondary school, I studied yoga and meditation. At university, I studied tourism and
Sa-Ni is rooted in the ancient traditions of
Thai massage, a form of therapeutic touch that uses techniques developed over 2,500 years ago.
hotel management and then Nuad Thai (Thai massage) at the internationally renowned Wat Po Temple in Bangkok, following which I researched world-class spas across Asia, America and Europe.
With that international experience, why here?
I came to New Zealand to study and, like so many, fell in love with its beauty and decided to make my home here. I wanted to give something back to this wonderful place and realised that the best thing I could do would be to create a worldclass spa where I could offer services that aligned with my ideals of relaxation, meditation, mindfulness and healing. My partner, Nigel McKenna (founder and chairman of Templeton Group, and owner of Abstract Hotel) supported my vision and designed the spa, working with award-winning architects, Macintosh Harris. Then, Nigel and I worked together to bring Sa-Ni to life. He created the environment; I curated the experience.
Spas are often promoted as retreats where you go to be pampered, yet you talk about Sa-Ni as offering the healing power of touch? Why the emphasis on healing?
Sa-Ni is rooted in the ancient traditions of Thai massage, a form of therapeutic touch that uses techniques developed over 2,500 years ago. In Thailand, these practices are called nuad bo-rarn, which translates as “ancient hands-on healing” or "ancient healing way", and is one of the most common forms of alternative medicine in Thailand.
How does Thai massage help and heal?
Thai massage is a type of full-body massage which uses a mixture of deep tissue pressure, muscle and joint stretching, and gentle body adjustments into yoga-like poses. It combines compression, acupressure, and passive stretching. Together
these increase the range of motion in joints and muscles, improve posture, and help relieve back and headache pain. They also reduce stress, improve sleep, relaxation and digestion, helping to calm your mind and increase your mindfulness.
So, no pampering?
If by pampering you mean be indulged with attention, comfort, and kindness, then yes, Sa-Ni will pamper you. But if you mean mindless spoiling, I think we offer far more, because at Sa-Ni our therapists are committed to helping you achieve mindfulness.
Will I enjoy my massage?
Absolutely. We offer a variety of massages, including traditional Thai, aromatherapy, deep tissue, migraine relief, and treatments designed to prepare you for a deep sleep. Naturally, we also offer body masks, body scrubs and couples’ treatments, but Sa-Ni is not just another place where you can go to get these services. It’s a carefully curated experience, where the tones, textures, temperatures, aromas, lighting, sound quality, linens and music all have specific roles to play in making Sa-Ni a place of healing and care for your whole being.
Sa-Ni Spa and wellness centre, Abstract Hotel, 8 Upper Queen Street | 09 320 1742 sa-ni.co.nz
Delivering Excellence
WORDS
Seeking out a gynaecologist can be
daunting,
bu t meeting Dr Anil Sharma is like saying hello to a beacon of reassurance.
His clinic, designed by Tim Dorrington of DAA Architects, is more boutique clinic than sterile medical office. The waiting room, adorned with Arne Jacobsen Swan chairs, Le Corbusier couches, and quirky Eames elephants, sets the tone for a relaxed experience right from the start, thanks to a warm welcome from Arna.
MEET THE A-TEAM
Let’s face it, women’s health can be a bit… well, complex. But Dr Sharma takes some of the confusion out of it.
Anil is a specialist gynaecologist (or, as he says, ‘gynae’) but he isn’t just a senior expert; he’s also approachable and down-toearth, making even the most uncomfortable conversations feel like a chat with a friend (who happens to be a brilliant obstetrician gynaecologist).
"Our team is small but mighty," he says. "There’s Arna, our lovely practice manager, and Nicol, our specialist pelvic physiotherapist who visits one day a week. When a new patient walks in, they become our priority.
“We try to be as accommodating as possible because we know it's nerve-wracking to see a gynaecologist, and there is considerable anxiety about serious problems. We always prioritise referrals appropriately.
“For example, we had a patient who was convinced she had cancer due to an ovarian mass. Most of the time it’s not cancer – a benign cyst or even fibroid is more likely – but she got in touch with us on Tuesday and we made space to see her by Friday. We feel it’s important to alleviate anxiety.”
As a fully trained robotic surgeon, Anil offers surgeries robotically, laparoscopically, vaginally, and abdominally.
Anil emphasises patient-centred care, exploring all evidencebased options that exist including surgery. "I believe in full discussions involving the patient and her support person. Together, we develop a plan," he explains.
For instance, hormonal treatments and pelvic-pain physio may be the first step for pain suspicious for endometriosis, while prolapse or urinary incontinence might be initially addressed by physiotherapy with Nicol. For awful periods, alternatives such as Mirena or ablation are also explored, as well as discussing a hysterectomy.
Why did you choose to be a gynaecologist?
“ Because it’s a mixture of surgical and medical specialities.
JENNA MOORE
“I’m proud to have delivered over 5,000 babies before focusing exclusively on gynaecological surgery around 10 years ago.”
And it involved the miracle and adrenaline of childbirth. I’m proud to have delivered over 5,000 babies before focusing exclusively on gynaecological surgery around 10 years ago.”
EMBRACING KIWI LIFE
Raised in London, Anil began his higher medical training in Bristol. "From about age 10, I knew I wanted to be a doctor and a surgeon," he recalls.
Encouraged by his mum and grandfather, a pharmacist in India, he pursued his dream of attaining medical degrees at Leicester University. After completing his GP training at just 26, he travelled to New Zealand thanks to encouragement from a Kiwi, Professor John Hutton.
“He’s an amazingly supportive mentor and while I was working with him, he saw potential in me and encouraged me to do gynae and obstetrics,” says Anil. “He was in the UK on a 12-month sabbatical, so I asked if there was any chance of a job in Wellington one day. He said ‘yes’, on the proviso I passed my higher professional exams!”
"It was an awesome 18 months," Dr Sharma says of his time in Wellington. "In the early 90s, New Zealand was incredible. It was relaxed and laid back compared to the UK, supermarkets were closed on weekends and you had to buy food to get a drink on a Sunday. I loved its quaint ways and its multiple classic cars."
Returning to Cardiff, Wales, to complete his 10 years of higher training as a gynae surgeon, he married his Welsh wife, Rachel, a GP. They saw the promise of a fulfilling work and family life in New Zealand and immigrated 23 years ago. They’ve raised three Kiwi daughters. “Family is at the heart of my life,” he smiles.
Dr Anil Sharma’s special blend of expertise, warmth, and aura of genuine care make him a standout GYN. He calms – what can be – a nerve wracking visit into a reassuring experience. It’s no surprise his Google reviews are extraordinary.
Please Google ‘Dr Anil Sharma Auckland Reviews’.
Dr Sharma specialises in a range of conditions:
• endometriosis
• fibroids abnormal periods
• hysterectomies
• ovarian cysts
• pelvic pain
post-menopausal bleeding
• prolapse
• urinary incontinence
He offers advanced laparoscopic, robotic, vaginal and hysteroscopic procedures. You can ask your GP to refer to him (the practice accepts all major health insurance) and in some cases, direct self-referrals are accepted.
Based at Ascot Central in Greenlane/ Remuera, Dr Sharma also holds visiting clinics in Hobsonville, Takapuna and Ponsonby. He operates out of Ascot and Brightside hospitals, providing accessible, top-tier care to his patients.
dranilsharma.co.nz
finessefaceandbody.co.nz
Sculpting in Winter for Summer
Finesse Face and Body Clinic is New Zealand’s first truSculpt iD provider, exclusively partnered with Cutera. Summer bodies are made in winter — start your transformation today.
How does truSculpt iD work?
truSculpt iD uses a unique form of monopolar radio frequency energy that penetrates evenly and deeply and is able to treat deep into the entire fat pad - from skin to muscle. Once the applicators have been placed on target fatty areas, heat is dispersed evenly, causing irreparable damage to the fat cell walls which the body metabolises and removes permanently over the next 12 weeks. Real-time temperature control and monitoring sensors ensure a constant and therapeutic temperature is maintained for 10 minutes ensuring maximum fat disruption, resulting in 24% fat reduction with every treatment. Patient comfort is ensured through the highly engineered skin adhesives and temperature control which keeps the skin cooler than the underlying fat.
How is truSculpt iD treatment performed? The initial consultation is performed to assess and discuss your concerns and desired aesthetic goals, then a tailored and customised
treatment plan will be created. A total of six handpieces can be used per 15-minute treatment, and multiple areas can be treated on the same day. Once medical consent is completed skin adhesives are attached to the skin overlying the fat pocket followed by the handsfree applicators. The treatment area is wrapped in a cummerbund to minimise movement of handpieces during treatment. After 15 minutes of warmth is distributed into the tissue, the adhesives, handpieces and cummerbund are removed and the patient can return to normal activities.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
truSculpt iD is the latest in non-invasive fat removal procedures in minimising treatment time, maximising results and comfort whilst reducing downtime (there is none!). truSculpt iD is a great treatment for targeting stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise, or for a more global debulking option. truSculpt iD is not restricted by BMI or skin laxity concerns, making it a great alternative to cryotherapies. To learn more about if you’re a suitable candidate, book a free consultation with Sue at Finesse.
How many treatments will I need? Your initial assessment and personal
goals will determine the best course of treatment tailored to you, however patients will only require one treatment. Whether one or two treatments are required, all patients will see an effect at 12 weeks.
Is the treatment painful? No! Patients report the treatment feels like getting into a hot bath. The heat at first can be a little intense, but just like a bath you become accustomed to the feeling and adjust to the treatment. There is no pain, no downtime and no massage required. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after with most patients only experiences some mild redness on the treatment zone which subsides in a couple of hours.
How long before I see my results?
Clients will begin to see a change in their silhouette from 6 – 8 weeks post treatment, but maximum results are achieved at week 12. Changes in skin quality, tone and texture are usually seen earlier. Each area can be treated once per 12-weeks but other areas can be treated before then.
Call to book your free consultation. 437 Remuera Road | 09 520 5331
The Winter Desert
Drops in temperature and humidity cause the air to become cold and dry, resulting in the moisture on and in our skin evaporating (trans epidermal water loss) and drying out.
Heating our homes and workspaces using fireplaces, space heaters and central heating causes the humidity inside to decrease, adding to the problem.
The lack of hydration starts to impede on the turnover of cells causing them to clump together creating dry, flaky, or even scaly skin.
So here are a few tips and treatments to keep your skin healthy and comfortable throughout the colder months:
avoid long hot showers as these can strip the natural oils from your skin
• try to moisturise while your skin is still damp to help seal in the (water) moisture from the shower
• wrap up warm and try to maintain a constant body temperature
• when choosing a moisturiser, look for active ingredients and avoid extras like fragrances or preservatives
There are various options when it comes to skincare and the team at Clinic 42 can help you select a product to address your specific needs, whether you need to supplement your current regime or change it altogether for the season.
Here are some of the products the team here at Clinic 42’s personal favourites to restore moisture to dry skin are.
Dr Ellen (skin – dry)
ZO Hydrating Cleaner/Synergie Reclaim/Synergie Priority B/Environ Revival Masque.
Profhilo on a three-monthly basis. Skinboosters for extra hydration as needed.
Dr Lynn (skin – dry/sensitive)
ZO Hydrating Cream/ZO Growth Factor/Emepelle/Environ Revival Masque/ iS Clinical Eye Cream. Profhilo.
Environ ACE Body Oil/ Environ Derma Lac Lotion (body).
· Skinboosters.
Profhilo.
Emma (skin – combo)
Synergie Reclaim/Environ Revival Masque.
Profhilo.
Nanofrac.
RN Erin (skin combo)
Synergie Reclaim/Environ Revival Masque.
· Profhilo. Venus Versa IPL.
In terms of treatments on offer, the favourites amongst the team for a winter pick-me-up are definitely:
Skin Boosters ($600, 30mins)
Restylane Skin Boosters quench thirsty skin from within.
Infusing a thin layer of micro droplets of hyaluronic acid, a natural component of the skin, beneath the surface where it draws water and provides long-term deep hydration.
You get a healthier, smoother, refreshed look that lasts.
Profhilo ($800-$900, 30mins)
Profhilo the great allrounder doesn’t just stimulate the laying down of new collagen and elastin, it also provides intense hydration through its blend of slow release of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
Most commonly used for face, neck, decolletage, and arms, although we are finally starting to see more patients using it for their hands.
Surprisingly, the backs of the hands are treatment areas New Zealand patients have been slow to adopt. Our hands being one of the areas most exposed to the sun and other harsh elements. There is a wide range of products and technology available suitable for the hands too.
So, if you’re feeling the effects of winter dehydration and are interested in booking an appointment, or finding out more about any of the treatments available at Clinic 42, visit our website at clinic42.co.nz , or contact our reception on 09 638 4242 or reception@clinic42.co.nz
RESTYLANE® Medical Device Class III to smooth facial wrinkles and enhance lips by restoring volume and fullness. Restylane® has risk and benefits. For product information check with your doctor or from product details with the supplier. Galderma c/o Healthcare Logistics 58 Richard Pearse Drive Airport Oaks, Auckland, New Zealand. 0800 1741
PROFHILO® containing low & high weight hyaluronic acid, is a class III medical device for the treatment of the faceand body for contours redefinition and laxity remodellingwhere skin laxity is a problem. Profhilo® has risks and benefits. Do not use with treatments such as laser resurfacing or medium deep skin-peeling. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects: pain and swelling at injection site. Accelagen Pty. Ltd. Whanganui
Menopause 101
I’ve noticed an uptick in people talking about menopause lately, and certainly perimenopause, which is a term many of us hadn’t heard of until recently.
But it seems to be an open discussion for women more and more these days. The younger ones about to go into perimenopause want to have a smooth ride while the more mature ones who are ‘there’ want ways to manage it well. And not everyone wants to take HRT.
As a former nurse, I know menopause doesn’t just affect your ovaries but also affects the brain – and from our vantage point at Louise Gray Skin Care – your skin, hair, and gut health.
What is menopause?
• menopause has three real stages: perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause
• perimenopause is the time before you go through menopause and experts say it can last four to 10 years
• menopause itself is the last day of your last period but there’s no reliable test so you don’t know until later
• the average age for this to happen is 51/52
• you are officially in menopause one year after your last period by which time you are in post-menopause
• there are several hormones at play, but the major ones are our sex hormones oestrogen (oestradiol), progesterone and testosterone
Menopause and skin
The drop in oestrogen (oestradiol) that is a hallmark of the peri/menopause leads to dryer, thinner skin. Oestrogen contributes to collagen and elastin production, so as it decreases we can see more wrinkles, loss of skin laxity, and a reduction in the skin’s natural hydrators such as hyaluronic acid and the lipid (oil) barrier.
Insider secret: LotsaLocks by MenoMe triggers the production of collagen IV and VII
Menopause and hair
It’s common to begin experiencing hormonal hair shedding and loss at menopause. In fact, it affects 50% of women by age 50. It usually creeps up and we notice our ponytail is thinner or our part line seems a bit wider.
Hair grows in three stages and the hormonal changes of menopause can shorten or lengthen these as well as reduce the size of the hair follicle and increase hair shedding (50-100 strands is normal).
Anagen: the growing phase in and from the hair follicle (two to eight years)
Catagen: hair growth stops and rests Telogen: hair sheds
Menopause and gut health
As oestrogen levels alter and cortisol increases during menopause, the natural rhythm of the digestive process can be disrupted. As well as this, stomach acid and good gut flora may be reduced. This is why some of us can become more sensitive to certain foods and experience more digestive issues and changes to bowel movements. Plus, dairy, gluten, refined carbohydrates and/ or meat may become difficult to digest.
Introducing MenoMe®
We want to support you during perimenopause and post-menopause so we’re now stocking Merry Peri®, Perky Post®, LotsaLocks® and Happy Go Tummy® by MenoMe®.
They’re designed to support your wellbeing, the hormonal changes of peri- and post-menopause and your skin, hair and gut. It’s a beautiful evidence-based, botanical range of supplements made with award-winning ingredients right here in New Zealand. And it’s by women for women.
Louise Gray Skin Care, Shop 2/224 Kepa Rd, Mission Bay 09 528 9010 louisegray.co.nz
We provide a science-based, personalised approach to nutrition in:
Gut health & food intolerances
Weight management
Sport nutrition
Specialty diets
Women & men’s health
Registered, qualified nutritionists led by Dr. Sarah Mitchell Weston (PhD). Appointments available online or in-person.
Level 1/36 Pollen St, Grey Lynn
Dream Land
Verve speaks with Ruby Read about dreams, desire and psychoanalysis.
Tell us about psychoanalysis and what you offer at your clinic?
Psychoanalysis helps you learn about your unconscious thoughts or wishes. The unconscious can take the form of dreams, jokes, slips of the tongue, and thoughts or behaviours that may seem out of character. It offers a way for people to understand themselves on a deeper level and address the causes behind their symptoms or distressing circumstances. I work from a clinic on St Georges Bay Rd in Parnell, as part of a collective with other analysts.
What inspired you to train as a practitioner?
After trying various treatments for symptoms of depression and anxiety, psychoanalysis was recommended to me by a friend. “They want to hear about your dreams,” she said, and I was sold! From the first session, I was encouraged to speak freely by following one rule: say everything that came to mind. I became fascinated by the avenues I would end up going down and how seemingly disconnected memories, fragments of dreams and fantasies somehow became connected. I was able to make some kind of sense of my symptoms which became apparent as valid expressions relating to my experiences. And I enjoyed the process!
I learned that feelings I perceived as really trivial held a deeper place in my history, and in turn, things that felt monumental turned out to seem quite mundane. Over time, and was able to move beyond the whim of my emotions into a more conscious way of living.
How does psychoanalysis differ from other modes of therapy?
Rather than treating a symptom as a problem to be erased or medicated, psychoanalysis can question what it means to the person. Free association is a method used that makes it distinct to standard forms of therapy. “Say everything that comes to mind” is an appeal to speak not only in an unfiltered way, but as a stream of consciousness.
For example, a person may have a panic attack when visiting supermarkets. To ‘say everything about supermarkets’ they note the element of surprise each time they turn a new corner of the shopping aisle. In association with this ‘surprise’, they recall a memory of a fright they encountered as a young child. They remember turning a street corner to come face to face with a loved one they did not expect to see. By tracing these displaced emotions, they may learn new ways to understand their fears.
What do you love about this work?
Every person who visits my clinic has a unique story. It's endlessly interesting, and I love that neither of us know what they might say next. When someone surprises themself by realising their own unique truth is when I know we are getting somewhere.
How do you take care of your own mental wellbeing?
It's been a requirement of our training to continue analysis into our first years working in the field. I have also recently become a mother which has made clearer to me the importance of looking after myself to create an environment for others to thrive.
Who is psychoanalysis for?
People of all ages and backgrounds come to resolve inner conflicts, and understand their anxieties, dreams, night terrors, and sexual concerns, working through trauma or in a crisis situation. Psychoanalysis is for anyone who wishes to know more about themself.
rubyjread.com
Instagram: @rubyreadpsychoanalysis
Beauty Picks
1. Châlon Paris Lavender & Chamomile Body Lotion
2. Châlon Paris Rose & Sandalwood Body Lotion
3. Châlon Paris Lavender & Chamomile Body Wash
4. Aē sop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm
5. Aleph Beauty Mixing Palette
6. ABR Skin Toning Facial Mist
7. ABR Skin Hyaluronic Acid + B3 +B5
8. Aē sop Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm
Xcell Medical Skincare Enzyme Away Exfoliating Treatment Mask
Antipodes Glory Vitamin C Triple-Action Glow Toner
Becca Project Body Oil - Zahara
Luxury Transformation
WORDS MILLY NOLAN
In the realm of medical tourism, Asthetica distinguishes itself by seamlessly combining world-class cosmetic procedures with luxurious holiday experiences.
Driven by his desire to revolutionise the cosmetic surgery landscape in overseas destinations, David Allen founded Asthetica in 2018. Having experienced firsthand the pitfalls of unregulated overseas clinics and deceptive advertisements, David was determined to create a company where transparency, safety, and quality were a priority.
After extensive research, Turkey emerged as the ideal destination for Asthetica due to its world-class surgeons and high quality hospitals. Committed to meticulous research and partnerships with only the most reputable medical facilities, David personally inspects every hospital in Turkey and evaluates all levels of staff to ensure consistent quality across the board. This rigorous vetting process is aimed at minimising risks and providing clients with safe, high-quality outcomes.
“We’ve got a 100% success rate because we’re extremely customerfocused and results-oriented,” David explains. “I physically visit all these
places, put on scrubs, go into operating rooms, meet with surgeons, and even spend time with the admin staff to ensure there’s consistency across the whole chain of command.”
From face and neck lifts to dental work, hair and eyebrow transplants, breast augmentation, and liposuction, Asthetica caters to clients seeking a wide range of aesthetic enhancements at a fraction of the cost they would incur in their hometown. Lately, there has been a significant increase in requests for ‘mummy makeovers’, and Asthetica are also expanding their offerings to include pre-wedding packages and group trips with friends.
“We’re not a one-trick pony,” says David. “Each client is different, and we tailor our services to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s a couple preparing for their wedding or a group of friends on a cosmetic adventure, we provide personalised care and support to make their experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.”
Beyond exceptional medical care, Asthetica’s clients are treated to the added perk of a luxury holiday, meticulously organised from the moment they leave home until their return. Guests are pampered with stays in opulent five-star hotels, chauffeured transfers, and gourmet dining. For those wishing to extend their stay beyond the recovery period, Asthetica thoughtfully arranges a variety of relaxation and sightseeing opportunities in Istanbul. An added advantage of lingering poolside for a few extra days or even weeks is the ability to heal away from the public eye. This holistic approach not only enhances the overall experience but also provides a nurturing environment for recovery.
“We want our clients to remember their trip to Turkey not just for the procedure, but for the incredible journey and the care they received,” says David.
Despite the luxurious elements of Asthetica's service, the cost remains significantly lower than in Australia
“Each client is different, and we tailor our services to meet their specific needs.”
or New Zealand, with savings of up to 30-70%. This affordability is enabled by Turkey’s lower economic landscape and Asthetica’s strategic network of trusted partners. David emphasises that this is achieved without compromising on quality.
“We ensure our surgeons are among the best in their field, many of whom have trained in Europe or the United States. Our partner hospitals are JCI-accredited (Joint Commission International), reflecting the highest standards in patient care. We could save clients more money by working with less reputable facilities, but that’s not what we’re about. Our goal is to provide the highest quality care in a well-regulated environment at an affordable price, without adding unnecessary risks.”
The transformative impact of Asthetica’s work on clients’ lives is deeply rewarding. “I came up with the idea for Asthetica after undergoing a hair transplant in Turkey,” David shares. “Afterwards, I felt amazing. I not only looked younger, I felt it also, and as a result of my new mentality, my energy levels went through the roof. This new confidence was transformative. I realised that if I could feel this way, I could help others feel the same. That’s
why I started Asthetica - to change people’s lives for the better.”
For David, the journey with Asthetica is more than just a business – it’s a mission to bring confidence and joy to every client. "We’re not just about procedures; we’re about people. And that’s what makes our work so incredibly rewarding. Helping others experience the same transformation I went through is what drives me. We are here to offer life-changing procedures with exceptional care, and that’s something I’m deeply passionate about.”
0800 005 763
hello@asthetica.com
Client Testimonial
“Truly, everyone at Asthetica has proven themselves to be consummate professionals; you’ve provided an incomparable "total package” and an extraordinary experience. Everything was wonderful, and David could not have done a better job of virtually holding my hand. I have nothing but glowing reviews to offer.”
- Catherine Mcquire
“If you told someone that these photos were taken six years apart they would think that they should be the other way around.”
DAVID ALLEN, FOUNDER/DIRECTOR BEFORE & AFTER
FACE & NECK LIFT
Beef and Green Bean Soup
Choose firm, waxy potatoes that will keep their shape and texture in this deliciously savoury soup. Cooking the beans until just al dente retains maximum taste and colour.
Preparation Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
2 tbsp sunflower oil
500g braising beef, e.g. from the shoulder, diced into 2cm cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, chopped
2–3 sprigs of thyme
1 litre vegetable stock
1 large potato, peeled and diced
250g green beans, trimmed and cut into small pieces
1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Cooking Time 1 hour
Directions
Freeze up to 3 months
Heat the oil in a pan, season the cubed meat with salt and pepper, and add half the meat to the hot oil. Brown the meat until golden all over. Remove from the pan and repeat with the rest of the meat. Remove the meat from the pan, add the onion, and fry until softened.
Transfer the browned meat back to the pan, tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen string, and add them to the pan with the stock. Bring to the boil, cover, and cook over a medium heat for about 40 minutes.
Add the potato, bring back to the boil, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until just tender. Add the chopped beans and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the beans are al dente.
Remove the thyme. Season to taste with salt and pepper, break up the meat pieces slightly, and sprinkle with parsley, if using, before serving.
A great way to use up any white-rinded soft cheese, even if it’s smelling a bit strong. If you don’t have celeriac, use a large potato and season with celery salt.
Preparation Time
10 mins plus 30 mins soaking
Ingredients
knob of butter
1 onion, chopped
½ small celeriac, about 225g prepared weight, roughly diced
450ml chicken or vegetable stock
1 bouquet garni
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
450ml milk
115g ripe Camembert, diced
4 tbsp double cream
4 tsp cranberry sauce
4 tsp orange or cranberry juice
4 tsp sunflower oil
Cooking Time 25 mins
Directions
Freeze 3 months before cream is added
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the onion and fry gently, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until softened but not browned. Add the celeriac, stock, bouquet garni, and a little seasoning (go easy on the salt). Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the celeriac is tender. Remove and discard the bouquet garni.
Purée in a blender or food processor, adding the milk and cheese. Return the soup to the rinsed-out pan, stir in the cream, and reheat, but do not boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Meanwhile, whisk the cranberry sauce with the juice and oil until thoroughly blended. Ladle the soup into warm, shallow soup plates. Whisk the cranberry mixture again and, using a teaspoon, swirl a little of the cranberry mixture in the centre of each bowl and quickly draw a cocktail stick from the centre to the edge all round to form a Catherine wheel shape. Serve immediately.
Broccoli and shallot add colour and freshness to this rich combination of potato and cheese. You can use Caerphilly or Wensleydale in place of the mascarpone if you prefer.
Preparation Time
20 mins
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
10g butter
2 large banana shallots, finely chopped
350g floury potatoes, chopped into 2.5cm chunks
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
4 tbsp mascarpone
4 croûtes
30g creamy, strong-flavoured blue cheese, such as Roquefort, fourme d’Ambert, or Gorgonzola piquante
Cooking Time 40 mins
Directions
Freeze up to 3 months
Heat the oil and butter in a sauté pan over a moderate heat, add the shallots and potatoes, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Meanwhile, boil 1.5 litres water in the kettle.
Pour 1.35 litres of the boiling water into the pan and stir well. Season lightly with sea salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the broccoli, stir, cover again, and continue cooking for 10–15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Leave to cool for several minutes, then transfer the contents of the pan to a blender and whizz until smooth. Strain the soup back into the pan through a sieve, using a wooden spoon to push as much of the mixture through as possible.
Pour in the rest of the hot water. Place the pan over a moderate heat, stir in the mascarpone, and keep stirring until it has blended in. Season with salt and pepper. Spread the croûtes with the blue cheese, ladle the soup into bowls, and float a piece in the centre of each one.
Here, a nourishing chicken stock combines with the sweetness of sweetcorn and satisfying vermicelli to create a soothing meal in a bowl.
Preparation Time
10 mins plus 30 mins soaking
Ingredients
45g (1½oz) dried shiitake mushrooms
600ml (1 pint) chicken stock
2 skinless boneless chicken breasts
175g (6oz) dried rice vermicelli
100g (3½oz) sweetcorn kernels
Cooking Time 15 mins
Directions
Freeze not suitable
Place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a heatproof bowl, pour over 300ml (10fl oz) boiling water, and leave to stand for 30 minutes. Reserving the mushrooms, strain the soaking water into a large saucepan and add the stock. Bring the pan to the boil.
Slice the mushrooms and cut or shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips. Break the rice vermicelli into short lengths and stir into the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the mushrooms, chicken, and sweetcorn kernels to the pan, bring back to the boil, and simmer for a further 2 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and vermicelli are tender. Spoon into bowls and serve at once.
Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL tries and tastes Orlando’s new wines.
After emigrating from Bavaria in 1837 Johann Gramps purchased a block of land in Rowland Flat, planting his first grapes along the banks of Jacobs Creek in Barossa.
H is first vintage of 12 dozen bottles of hock style white wine was fermented in one octave oak barrel and was so successful the winery grew rapidly. In 1877 Gustav, Johann’s son was gifted the winery as a wedding present. Gustav became so involved that he built a new winery naming it Olando after an Italian version of his father’s hometown in Eichig.
For the next century, Orlando progressed to a household name with award winning wines that capture all that is great about South Australian wines. For sheer depth and intensity, these two at different price points take some beating.
’15 Orlando Bungalow Lane Barossa cabernet sauvignon; RRP $35. A full-bodied shiraz from northern Barossa that’s ripe and aromatic with an abundance of concentrated fruit. Good buying at this price. Perfect paired with a Sunday roast.
’15 Orlando Centenary Hill Barossa shiraz; RRP $75.
Fermented in French and American barrels, this wine is bursting with richness, flavour and soft silky tannins, setting a high benchmark. Team up with venison, game, beef, and lamb.
DENNIS and ROSAMUND KNILL
Suburban eatery Little Jimmy continues to lead the way with classy but friendly dining. As a consequence, it’s popular and supported by the locals.
One Tree Grill aside, you’ll be hard pressed to find anywhere in Epsom as good as Little Jimmy – operated by the same owners. Its modern feel is amplified by larger-than-life diners engrossed in noisy chatter that no one seems to mind.
The sharing menu is short and uncomplicated. Must-do dishes include trevally ceviche ($22) served with coconut, lime and chilli; manuka smoked fish pate ($23) served with lightly toasted sourdough; and pork croquettes ($25) with picked mustard, cider apple and chervil. A small selection of charcoal fired pizza ($29 to $33) complete the package.
E xcitement levels are lifted further with larger plates of pan-fried chicken schnitzel ($37) served with horseradish mayo and kraut; lamb shoulder for two ($88) and garden vegetables; market fish ($41) served with wilted greens, smoked tomato beurre blanc and potatoes; pork belly ($39) with swede puree, corn salsa, beetroot jam and pickled radish; and caesar salad ($28) with baby cos, parmesan, egg and sourdough crisps. The menu is spearheaded with a selection of sides ($12 to $15). Dessert picks include creme brulee ($20) with shortbread and rhubarb; sticky date pudding ($22) with butterscotch vanilla ice cream; or white chocolate cheesecake ($20) served with fresh berries and passionfruit sorbet.
You’ll find plenty of drops by the glass and bottle with an extensive wine list that reflects their commitment to local vintages.
And the verdict? This is about as casual and classy as adventurous food can get. All too often suburban restaurants lose their culinary intimacy, but here the food carries an imprint of the energy and vision from the kitchen. Service is courteous, professional and efficient. Bookings essential.
Menu: 7.5; cuisine: 8; wine list: 7; service: 8; decor: 7; value for money: 8.
557 Manukau Road, Epsom. Telephone 623 3213. Open 7 days lunch and dinner. littlejimmy.co.nz
Lucy's Corner
This month Verve’s star teen reviewer LUCY KENNEDY finds After the Party hard to watch, but impossible to switch off.
After the Party TVNZ+
Penny Wilding sees something inexcusable – or so she thinks. A party is at its peak with everybody relaxed, dancing, drinking. Penny’s daughter and her friends slip upstairs with a bottle or two and soon a teenage boy is blackout drunk. Penny’s husband, Phil, innocuously offers to take care of the boy. Later, Penny thinks that she sees her husband sexually assault the boy. Nobody believes her. The event, the accusations, and Penny’s pursuit for justice shatters her life. As the lack of evidence becomes glaring many of her closest relationships wither –including with her daughter Grace who idolises her disgraced father. When Phil returns to the Wellington community five years later, old wounds are wrenched back open.
Robyn Malcom is raw and burningly real in the role of Penny. She’s both incredibly believable and recognisable. She feels so familiar, like someone you might know. Perhaps you even see a piece of yourself in her. It’s one of the many reasons why the
show is so addictive. Her steady downward spiral and stubborn unwillingness to just let it go is gripping but often hard to watch. And when you begin to side with the disbelievers, you wonder if her battle is really worth it?
After the Party skilfully manipulates you into a kind of harried embarrassment for Penny. It’s compelling, nightmarish, and utterly disturbing. You won’t be able to look away.
Available to view on TVNZ+. 4 stars. Instagram: @lucykennedyreviews
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles” Tim Cahill
IMAGE: AFTER THE PARTY
Tantalised in Turkey
WORDS
VANDITA KUMAR
Embark on an A-to-Z journey through the wonder of Turkey
IMAGE: VIEW OF BOSPHORUS BRIDGE AND BUYUK MECIDIYE MOSQUE. ORTAKOY, ISTANBUL
Anatolia . Often referred to as Asia Minor, Turkey boasts diverse landscapes from mountains to plains, and is rich in history and culture. It was also of importance to ancient civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines.
Baklava . A traditional Turkish delicacy, this rich dessert consists of layers of thin, flaky pastry filled with a significant mixture of chopped nuts – often pistachios, walnuts, or almonds – and drenched in sweet syrup or honey.
Constantinople . Known today as Istanbul, this was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and later the Ottoman Empire. It’s renowned for its historical significance, blending Eastern and Western cultures, and its iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Dogs . Istanbul is famous for its 400,000 to 600,000 stray dogs and cats – especially those photogenic cats seen on Instagram and in documentaries, viral videos, and tourist photos by shops and landmarks.
Ephesus . This ancient Greek and Roman city, near Selçuk, is a Unesco-listed archaeological site with the Library of Celsus, Ephesus Theatre (seating 25,000), and Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders.
Fruit . Turkey’s perfect weather and environment gives plenty of tasty fruits all year, making it one of the best places for fruit in the world. Turkish fruits are a treat for every taste bud.
Grand Bazaar. Dating back to the 15thcentury Ottoman Empire, this massive, covered market is a maze of narrow streets filled with Turkish crafts. Thousands of shops sell textiles, carpets, spices, jewellery, and more, showcasing centuries of trade and tradition.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q
Hot air balloon . A truly unforgettable experience in Cappadocia that offers breathtaking views of the sunrise, colourful skies, fairy chimneys, and serene landscapes, making it a must-do activity for visitors to this remarkable region.
Istanbul airport . Recognised as one of the world's largest airports, celebrated for its expansive single-roof terminal covering an impressive 76.5 square kilometres.
Jandarma Genel Komutanlığı . The gendarmerie force in Turkey responsible for maintaining public order in rural areas and supporting law enforcement efforts nationwide.
Kedi . A must-watch film that offers profound insights into Istanbul's locals and their affection for the city's stray cats.
Lights . Turkish lamps, known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours and crafted from hand-cut glass and metal, bring a warm, exotic ambiance, reflecting Turkey's rich cultural heritage.
Mosques . Turkey's stunning architectural wonders, like Istanbul's Sultan Ahmed Mosque, showcase beautiful domes, minarets, and intricate tile designs, reflecting rich Islamic heritage and offering peaceful places for prayer and contemplation.
Nazar. A Turkish symbol and amulet believed to protect against the evil eye and negative influences. Adorned with vibrant blue and white colours, it holds cultural significance as a symbol for good fortune and wellbeing.
Orhan Pamuk , The Museum of Innocence in Istanbul, created by Orhan Pamuk, duplicates the world of his novel from 1950 to 2000, featuring artefacts such as Füsun's smokes and Kemal's attic bed, and provides a unique glimpse into Turkish life and culture.
Prayer. In Istanbul, the call to prayer (ezan) echoes through the streets five times a day from minarets, delivered by muezzins over mosque loudspeakers, calling Muslims to join in prayer.
Quaint village . Iskilip, a peaceful village in Turkey's scenic Anatolian countryside, invites visitors with its historic charm, quaint streets, and friendly locals. Discover local traditions and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Rugs . Turkish rugs are known for their unique designs and skilled weaving. These carpets, made by hand with traditional techniques passed down through generations, are recognised around the world for their beauty and cultural significance.
Salt Bae . Visit his renowned Istanbul restaurant, Nusr-Et, for a unique dining experience showcasing his famous meatpreparing skills and signature salt sprinkle, reflecting his global influence in Turkey's culinary world.
Turkish delight . Known as lokum, with its irresistible blend of delicate sweetness, aromatic rosewater essence, and crunchy pistachios, it's a decadent treat that captures the essence of Turkish culinary tradition in every bite.
Üsküdar district . Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, it offers a blend of historical charm, vibrant markets, and stunning waterfront views along the Bosphorus, making it a captivating destination for both locals and visitors alike.
R S T U V W X Y Z
Van Gölü . The largest lake in Turkey, and the second largest in the Middle East, is situated in eastern Anatolia near the Iranian border. The lake is situated within a
crater formed by ancient volcanic activity, adding to its unique charm.
Wrestling . Oil wrestling is the national sport of Turkey. In this sport, the wrestlers, called pehlivan or başpehlivan, cover themselves with olive oil and compete. It remains a celebrated Turkish tradition, symbolising strength and cultural heritage.
The letters Q, W and X don't exist in the Turkish language and are only used for ‘borrowed’ foreign words. The pronunciation of Q is k, W is u/v, and X is iks/ eks.
Yacht Boheme hotel. Guests can enjoy an unforgettable holiday overlooking the Fethiye marina. Designed with Bohemian architectural standards, every room is meticulously decorated to reflect the Bohemian concept, ensuring a unique and charming stay.
Zeytin . The Turkish term for ‘olive’, an essential component of Turkish cuisine and a symbol of Mediterranean culinary culture, valued for its rich flavour and versatility in dishes such as salads, mezes, and olive oil.
IMAGE: ANTALYA, TURKEY
IMAGE: CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
The Evil Eye
Nazar
In the bustling streets of Istanbul, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modernity, the Nazar Boncuk – known as the Evil Eye bead – is hugely important.
WORDS
VANDITA KUMAR
It has been part of Turkish culture for over 5,000 years, and its influence reaches far beyond Turkey's borders.
Legend says that the Evil Eye, driven by envy or negative energy, can bring bad luck. To protect against this threat, Turks have long relied on the Nazar Boncuk. You'll spot them hanging on doorways, dangling from car mirrors, and worn as jewellery close to the heart. They're believed to absorb and deflect any negative vibes, keeping people, homes, and vehicles safe from harm.
What makes the Nazar Boncuk special is its vibrant blue colour and detailed design, believed to be powerful in blocking envy and negativity. This colour also links it to the idea of the third eye, a mystical symbol in spiritual beliefs. Like the third eye, which symbolises deeper understanding and awareness beyond what we see, the Nazar Boncuk helps people recognise and protect against harmful energies that might affect them.
You'll often see Nazar Boncuk given as gifts during big life moments like births and weddings. It's a symbol of good luck and protection. Babies get them to keep them safe from any evil glares, while homes and cars sport them to keep the good vibes flowing.
In a world that can sometimes feel upside down, the Nazar Boncuk is a reminder of tradition and resilience. Whether it's hanging on a necklace, decorating your home, or chilling in your car, it's a little piece of Turkey's rich cultural tapestry, reminding us that a bit of positivity and never hurt anyone.
So, next time you spot a Nazar Boncuk, maybe grab one for yourself. Whether you believe in its mystical powers or just dig its cool vibe, it's a fun and colourful way to add a touch of tradition to your life. After all, who doesn't want a stylish guardian angel against the forces of negativity?
Tempting Turkish Flavours
Elegant fashion, rich history and intricate architecture are reason enough to visit Turkey, but the country’s vibrant food scene truly shines.
With some of the most flavoursome dishes in the world – think borek (savoury filled pastry), kofte (meatballs) and yes, Turkish delight – it’s a food lover’s paradise. We asked Turkish-born Nigar Ivgen owner of the Nazar Group (the talented team behind popular restaurants Bodrum Kitchens, Devon On The Wharf, Deco Eatery, Casablanca and more) about living in New Zealand and what she loves most about Turkey.
How does life in Auckland compare to Turkey?
It’s day and night – life is completely different, and I love both countries in their own ways.
What else is Turkey known for other than its fabulous food?
Its colour, vibrancy and the warmth of its people. It's all encompassing and just a beautiful culture to be a part of.
What’s the first thing you do when you visit the motherland?
Breathe - It takes a while to acclimate to the glorious bedlam of Istanbul and Ankara but the smells, sights and sounds are all I need to ground me back to Turkish life.
What do you miss most about Turkey when you’re away?
My family. I am lucky to have two brothers who live between Australia and New Zealand, but most of my family are in Turkey.
Why do you think Kiwis love Turkish cuisine?
Turkish food is more than just sustenance, it’s a representation of love. We put more than just seasoning into our foods, we put our hearts and our time. Dinner preparation often starts just as
lunch has been packed away – our food is not quick, it’s a slow style of dining to be enjoyed with friends, neighbours, family or even alone. But to be enjoyed.
What is the most popular dish on your restaurant menus here in New Zealand?
Lahmajun – our 'street-style' Turkish pizza. In the restaurants we serve it pizza-style with minced beef and lamb topped with fresh tomato and rocket. At home, we roll it up and eat it like a wrap – delicious!
What are the must-dos for Kiwis visiting Turkey for the first time?
The Seven Hills of Istanbul, to see the living history. The Bosphorus ferry tour to see Europe and Asia on either side of you. The Grand Bazaar to see amazing colours and drink Turkish tea. The beaches of the Aegean and Mediterranean coast – Patara and Ölüdeniz beaches are my favourites, and of course Bodrum. And any given local open markets – you’ll find them in every suburb – to enjoy the fresh produce and artisan cheeses breads and olives.
Can you sum up Turkish life in a sentence?
A complex tapestry of history, people, colour, and senses, bound together by time and aged in the sun. Turkish life is steeped in traditions and tea… lots of tea!
Cruisy
In May 1844, an ad appeared in Britain’s Cheltenham Chronicle advertising a sixweek tour aboard a retrofitted steampowered freight liner called Tagus , with destinations including Athens, Constantinople, and Gibraltar.
WORDS
JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
Operated by the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company – now known as P&O – the voyage marked the birth of the cruise ship industry. By the turn of the 20th century, P&O was regularly ferrying well-heeled passengers on luxury vessels to the Mediterranean and around the British Empire to the likes of India, Australia, and Aotearoa. (The origin of the word “posh” is commonly believed to come from the acronym 'port out, starboard home', in reference to the cooler and more desirable side of the ship when travelling between England and India during the British Raj.)
Having also previously repurposed freight liners – often to maximise steerage numbers, especially when crossing the Atlantic – German shipping magnate Albert Ballin was invited to join the Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt-ActienGesellschaft (Hapag), or Hamburg-America Line, where he eventually oversaw the construction the world’s first purposebuilt cruise ship: the Prinzessin Victoria Luise , a luxury vessel which launched in 1900. Named after Kaiser Wilhelm II's daughter, the ship boasted 120 first-class cabins with room for 180 passengers, alongside a gymnasium, library, a dark room to develop film, and a smoking area that was strictly for the gentlemen only.
The golden age of ocean liners was underway, led by further iconic shipping companies such as the Cunard Line and the White Star Line, the latter responsible for oceangoing icons such as the RMS Olympic, and RMS Titanic . Six years before the Titanic met her grim fate, the Prinzessin Victoria Luise crashed into an uncharted ridge near Jamaica. Though the crew and 70 passengers were safely removed from the ship, the captain was so devastated by his error that he later returned to his cabin and took his own life with a pistol.
“I cannot account for his act except on the theory that his pride was crushed by the accident, and that he believed that only death would wipe out what he regarded as his disgrace,” remarked a Hapag executive at the time. A few days later, a New York Times article described Captain H Brunswig as “one of the best known and most reliable commanders in the company’s service”. The ship could not be salvaged from the reef, and eventually succumbed to the ocean following a major earthquake.
Two years after the sinking of the Titanic , the first world war broke out. Cruises were suspended and many liners were commissioned by navies to help with the war effort. The interwar period saw cruising rise in popularity again – though still predominantly for wealthy passengers aboard opulent boats such as the RMS Queen Mary – and after the second world war, cruising became more accessible to the middle class.
Ted Arison and Knut Kloster are credited with jumpstarting the modern era of cruising when they founded Norwegian Caribbean Line (now Norwegian Cruise Line) in 1966 and introduced the concept of the ‘no-frills’ cruise. Cruises were now being considered as holidays in of themselves, rather than a luxurious mode of travel. The following decade, The Love Boat TV show further popularised cruising, and soon companies such as Carnival Cruise Line also helped market cruises to a broader audience. The 80s and 90s heralded the arrival of megaships such as the Royal Caribbean's Sovereign of the Seas.
Into the 21st century, and Royal Caribbean raised the bar once more with their Oasis -class vessels which can carry over 6,000
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“The cruise industry has proven to be resilient and we are looking forward to next season.”
passengers and arrive with amenities like ice-skating rinks and rock-climbing walls. Today, Royal Caribbean continues to lead the way, their largest liner, the Icon of the Seas – also the largest in the world – is 20 decks high, 365 metres long, weighs 248,663 gross tonnes, and can carry 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew (for comparison, that’s five times the size of Titanic , the largest ship of its day); and boasts its own water park replete with slides and a surf simulator. Next year will see the launch of sister ship, the Star of the Seas, which promises to be even bigger.
Here in New Zealand, the addition of a new multi-purpose berth in Napier means that the Hawke’s Bay hub is now capable of welcoming Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class vessels. This summer, Hawke’s Bay also welcomed its 1,000th cruise ship visit thanks to the arrival of the Silver Muse .
“I’ve had a front row seat to history you could say – watching the increasing trend of cruise ships to Napier Port over the last 30 years,” says Tony des Landes a former port employee of over 50 years,
and local maritime historian and regular cruise ambassador volunteer. “Not only is Napier Port facilitating the arrival of more cruise ships, the ships are also getting much bigger and in turn bringing with them a growing number of visitors to the region.”
He adds that the boom of the cruise industry in the last couple of seasons has been “spectacular”.
Further maritime milestone occurred this year by way of Whangārei welcoming its very first cruise ship, the MS Regatta, and Auckland welcoming two new operators, Disney and Virgin, for the first time with numbers now returning to pre-Covid levels.
“It has been an exciting and busy season,” says Avinash Murthy, Head of Marine & Cruise Operations at Ports of Auckland. “It was fantastic to see cruise operators like Disney Wonder call here for the first time, bringing a great fun family vibe to the city centre. The cruise industry has proven to be resilient and we are looking forward to next season.”
SETTING SAIL
New research from travel insurance provider AllClear reveals the most popular cruising destinations in different countries around the world. Caribbean cruises coming out on top with more than 2.8 million searches, followed by a Mediterranean cruise (2.1 million searches) and Alaskan cruise (1.8 million searches). In New Zealand, the most popular searches are Antarctic cruises.
Here’s the top 10 most popular cruise destinations worldwide:
1. Caribbean
2. Mediterranean
3. Alaska
4. Nile River
5. Antarctica
6. S eine River
7. Norwegian Fjords
8. Danube River
9. M ississippi River
10. Hawaii
Birds of Yearning
Jae Frew, a prominent portrait photographer in Auckland, has over 30 years’ experience in the advertising, magazine, and film industries.
He has photographed prime ministers, actors*, and sports figures, and emphasises authenticity in his portraits. During the Covid lockdowns, Jae developed Manu Koingo – Birds of Yearning, inspired by his childhood passion for birds and woodworking – a skill passed down to him from his father. Jae now crafts his own unique frames for each artwork, built from repurposed native timber.
“Perhaps the deepest influence of all is the legacy of my Father, who taught me how to work with wood,” he tells Verve . “Every frame is a bridge between generations and a reminder of the bond between creativity and craftsmanship.”
Who and what inspires you?
My work is profoundly inspired by a tapestry of influences that shape my artistic vision. Central to my inspiration are the old Master painters, whose techniques in light, colour, and composition resonate in my depictions of New Zealand's endangered birds. Photographer Annie Leibovitz's emotive approach also inspires me, aligning with my aim to capture the soul of these avian beings. New Zealand conservationists' dedication fuels my artistic fire, motivating me to spotlight their efforts.
Te Papa, Canterbury and Auckland museums, I should add, also kindly granted me access to their collections and specimens.
What do you think it is about your work that immediately captures the hearts of collectors?
The subject matter carries profound significance, embodying rarity and fragility – capturing the essence of each bird strikes
an emotional chord. This evokes emotions like nostalgia and empathy, fostering a deep connection. The fusion of old Master painters' techniques with contemporary themes adds classical elegance, appealing to those who appreciate artistic heritage. The collaboration with conservation efforts adds purpose, and my father's woodcraft skills lend a tangible dimension. This multidimensional approach creates a rich, captivating tapestry for collectors.
It is my hope that my work will stand as a bridge between past and present, an homage to artistic heritage, and a call to action for the future.
Can you tell us about your success as an artist and your biggest career highlight to date?
My solo exhibitions – three so far – at Parnell Art Gallery and Queenstown’s Artbay Gallery have been a fantastic way to launch my works and the beginning of my journey in the art world. The exhibitions drew attention from art enthusiasts, media and conservationists, which for me has been enormously encouraging. I hope to exhibit early next year, once again. In the meantime my works are available for viewing at parnellgallery.co.nz/artists/jae-frew.
*The photograph of Robyn Malcolm on the cover of this edition of Verve was captured by Jae Frew
*Frew is represented by Parnell Gallery (parnellgallery.co.nz)
Penny for Your Thoughts
WORDS
JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
PHOTOGRAPHY: JAE FREW
From conflicted gangster Tony Soprano to chemist-turned-criminal Walter White to Peaky Blinder Tommy Shelby, the modern golden age of television has been all about the (mainly male) antihero. Aotearoa has answered back.
Our antihero arrives via the gripping six-part series, After the Party, who’s main character, Penny, is played by Robyn Malcolm – who also co-created (along with Dianne Taylor) the show described by the Spinoff as “the best TV drama we’ve ever made”.
It’s not just Kiwi media who have been salivating. The Sydney Morning Herald has labelled After the Party as “what might be the best New Zealand drama ever produced” while the Guardian called Robyn’s lead turn “one of the greatest performances in any TV show in years”.
Of course, the actor is no stranger to major roles (Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune, Far North), but After the Party hits different. Over a coffee in Kingsland, I begin by asking her if the cast and crew knew they that they were creating something special during filming.
“We had this first public airing of it in Wellington where we played the first two episodes and I’ve never felt so sick with fear,” recalls the actor. “I’d been right through the edit, I’d seen it all, and we kind of knew that it didn’t suck! By the end, it was clear that it was going well, but you still never quite trust it.”
It was at the Séries Mania Film Festival in France, where audiences “went mental”, that Robyn really realised that they’d really nailed it.
“The French are brutal – they throw stuff at you at Cannes, for instance, if they don’t like what you’re doing! But they gave us a standing ovation.”
They also gave Robyn the best actress award – making her the first Kiwi to bring that one back home.
“A Parisian journalist who writes for a cultural magazine told me, in a brilliantly thick French accent, that I had changed the face for women in Europe. I said, ‘Really?’ She said, ‘Yes, really,’ and was very euphoric about it.”
Then, as if to bring herself back down to earth, Robyn knowingly smiles in that way someone does before they’re about to let you in on a secret.
“Antipodean women are quite different to European ones, though. Another time I was at a party in Paris and got chatting to a stylish young French woman who was impeccably groomed, in a little black dress, while I was wearing boots, jeans, and a t-shirt. Towards the end of our conversation, she leaned in and looked at me quite curiously and said, ‘I have one just one question. How do you manage to be so lovely and so gross all at once?’!”
Back to After the Party, gross is an accusation that could certainly be levelled at some of Penny’s actions in a
gritty drama that unashamedly embraces the ambiguity that tangles its core, teasing audiences with the truth until almost the very end. Penny thinks she saw her husband do something unforgivable, but she can’t be certain, and is willing to rip apart her own world, and sometimes the lives of others, to discover what really went down. But even when Penny has quite clearly crossed a line – or two, or three – you can’t help but want to reach through the screen and give her a great big hug.
“I like people who admit that they’re flawed,” says Robyn. “I think everyone in some way or other is a kind of beautiful disaster. Everybody’s just trying to get on.”
Refusing to sugarcoat characters’ flaws is a big part of why audiences have so related to them, believes Robyn.
“We don't make an effort to make anyone a particular hero. We created a dilemma and then just tried to put real and complicated people in the middle of it, all with emotional stakes in the game.
“I feel like there's a lot of television made with characters you can't identify with because they're too out of reach. In America, they're either superheroes or they're just extremely good at their job.”
Penny’s job is as a teacher. I ask Robyn what she was like at school. “A geek!” comes the reply. I was expecting ‘rebel’, I tell her. “No, that came later,” she says. “I was a creative geek. I played the piano. I played the cello. I sang classical music. I painted. I drew. I was a bookworm. I wasn't interested in boys at all. And then when I was about 15 or 16, I became politicised. And that turned everything on its head. I got angry. I started to fall in love with drama more as a kind of a hobby, but it was the music that got me
into that. And the rebel, I guess, came out of that. I left home and I left town quite soon after that when I was about 17.”
That town was Ashburton, whose “mostly right wing” residents took umbrage to Robyn’s – and her parents’ – anti-1981 Springbok Tour stance: the actor recalls getting pelted with dirt while on a march.
“My dad back then was the associate principal of the secondary school and parents threatened to withdraw their kids when he signed a petition against the tour in the local paper. I remember being so incensed. I also became a vegetarian around that time and became a supporter of the Animal Liberation Front and Amnesty International.”
Robyn continues to use her platform in support of worthwhile causes, serving as an ambassador for Greenpeace, recently attending the March for Nature, and speaking up in support of the Palestinians.
“I had quite a lot of rage energy, so getting political was quite a good outlet for that,” she says. “As was drama which enabled me to sort of funnel that energy. And drama is an inherently political act, I think.”
Now Robyn has two boys of her own, aged 18 and 20. She believes that they will both end up in the industry in some way, and is thankful that they have realistic expectations having “seen it close up”. “The primary experience of being an actor is rejection,” she laments. “We only ever see actors when they're in a job. So, actors become extraordinary at dealing with that and I also think it's why actors are a bit nuts! My boys have seen how much work goes into an audition, and don't have stars in their eyes at all. I think they may end up behind the camera.
They grew up on film sets and they love film sets. Film sets are wonderful places to be.”
I ask Robyn if, looking back, there was anything she would have done differently. She admits to sometimes feeling that she feels she stayed on Shortland Street for too long (she did 600 episodes). Did she just get too comfortable? “Yeah, I just got lazy, and I liked the money. But I look back now and realise that everything that happened after that was good. You only ever regret stuff if you’re not happy and I’m really happy with where I’m at.”
Once Outrageous Fortune came to an end, many advised Robyn to leave the country. “I was told that I had to get out, that no one will thank me for staying. Even friends were telling me that my kids would adapt and cope – which of course they would, because they wouldn’t have had a choice. I might have had more exciting opportunities, and the chance to earn more money, but in the end, my gut just said ‘no’. And now, my boys are the most normal kids. They’re solid. They’re solid in themselves.”
Motherhood, she describes as the “world of unconditional love and uncontrollable fear”. “I think it taught me to not take what I do too seriously. Like with any art, you can be deeply passionate about your work, but if you white-knuckle it, if you need it too much, then you start to destroy it. It's like the sporting term about catching a ball with soft hands. Working in the creative world, you do have to have soft hands. And becoming a mother taught me that, to just relax a little bit more.
“You parent and parent and parent and you love, and you tolerate, and you mess up and you try to do everything you can for them. Then 18 or so years later they walk away. And that's how it should be, but it's just this terrible, wonderful moment.”
“I’ll be acting until I’m 80, hopefully longer!”, and, just like parenthood, age, she feels, enhances actors’ chops.
Robyn reveals that she has no plans to ever retire (“I’ll be acting until I’m 80, hopefully longer!”), and, just like parenthood, age, she feels, enhances actors’ chops.
“The minute you get into characters who've had some life, you've got really interesting stories because they've got a whole bunch of history that they can play, with actors who can draw on their own experiences. Judi Dench in Notes on a Scandal, no young actor could ever have done what she did, same with Anthony Hopkins in The Father. There are some real trailblazers out there. Frances McDormand is one that we all look to because she hasn't messed with her face. She is who she is. And she plays these really wonderful, complex characters.”
Later this year Robyn will star alongside Melanie Lynskey in a film abut the Pike River mine tragedy. The pair play Sonya Rockhouse, who lost her son, and Anna Osbourne, who lost her husband, in the 2010 explosion, and who have since helped spearhead the fight for justice for all those involved.
“We were with Anna and Sonya a lot, it was brilliant to have them around, they’re amazing women with a great sense of humour,” says Robyn. “But we were shooting in Greymouth, which is where it happened, and you can feel the tragedy in that world. And it’s tough, really tough. And I think, because a bit like when I did Far North and also played a real character, there's a different edge to it because you want to do right by those real lives, you know. And then it's less about, ‘Am I performing well?’ or ‘Am I doing a good job as an actor?’, it’s about ‘Am I taking care of this real-life person in this story?’ And that's a different kind of pressure.”
Read the Verve review of After the Party on page 95, and watch it on TVNZ+
The Art of July
CURATED
BY
AIMÉE RALFINI
In winter's grasp, art awakens, capturing the season's hues of cool blue and warm gold. Charcoal trees in silhouette, their branches, lines in black and grey, compose a scene for shadows to play.
ARTWORK: MATT ELLWOOD, COURTESY OF MELANIE ROGER GALLERY
AOTEAROA
This is the house that jack built
Andy Butler, Sara Gomez, Ming Ranginui, X & Y
27 July – 5 October
This exhibition spans multiple generations and contexts and continues the exploration of our 2024 question “do I need territory?” by honing in on the complex interdependencies between labour, home, and ownership in late capitalism. Through film, sculpture, and site specific drawings each artist throws open expectations around becoming a ‘legible economic subject’. In drawing attention to many of the standards used to measure value in society, the artists invite us to consider the limits of these standards and what it would take to expand how we relate to one another.
292 Karangahape Road, Newton artspace-aotearoa.nz
GOW LANGSFORD ONEHUNGA
Yafeng Duan
Yafeng Duan
20 July – 17 August
BERGMAN GALLERY
Where the Wild Roses Grow
Sione Monū
4 – 27 July
Yafeng Duan works in abstract painting, combining gestural mark making with multi-layered paint washes. Her paintings are richly colourful and expressive, drawing on influences from both traditional Chinese ink painting and contemporary Western abstract art.
4 Princes St, Onehunga gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz
Where The Wild Roses Grow meets artist Sione Monū in the latest iterations of their cloud-making practice. An extension of a series of experimental works based in nimamea’a tuikakala (the Tongan fine art of flower designing using the form of kahoa, or Tongan garlands), Monū’s clouds tie traditional practice with contemporary materials of the diaspora. Shifting away from wearable adornment, their works act as symbols that reference the evolution of the kahoa and of Tongan life in Aotearoa. First conceived in 2020, Monū’s cloud practice has evolved through various forms. Each crafted from plastic flowers and beading, their clouds also embrace interplay between the ephemeral and the eternal, and the natural and the manufactured while directly engaging with the Pacific diaspora.
2 Newton Road, Grey Lynn bergmangallery.com
MELANIE ROGER GALLERY
Ellwood, Ford, McLaren
Matt Ellwood, James R Ford & Cameron James McLaren
4 – 27 July
Matt Ellwood, James R. Ford and Cameron James McLaren will each present new work in an exhibition bringing together three artists whose work – although stylistically diverse – all question and explore the act itself of making. Ellwood’s new work juxtaposes realist charcoal drawings of advertisements from international art magazines with sculptures aiding blind contour drawings. This installation explores the constraints on drawing and the broader mechanisms shaping the art world. Ford’s Finitude Drawings feature lines and marks by a modified robotic vacuum cleaner, highlighting human finitude and life's cyclical struggles. Named after genes related to ageing, these works symbolise the natural limits of human life. Ford’s adaptation of the vacuum turns it into a "modified readymade", producing tactile, physical art.
James McLaren’s Fourth Estate series sources imagery from newspapers, transforming documentary photos into abstract reproductions on newsprint. These works engage with themes like climate, health, and politics, framed in handmade steel reminiscent of old newspaper stands. McLaren’s rephotographing process critiques the global information crisis, merging editorial photography with advertising to reflect contemporary social issues.
444 Karangahape Road, Newton melanierogergallery.com
MASTERWORKS
GALLERY
Raukatauri
Thomas Carroll
On until 13 July
Raukatauri is a new series of wood carvings by Thomas Carroll. Thomas is planning two performances during his exhibition where he will share the beauty of the Pūtōrino, with other ngā taonga pūoro. Contact the gallery to register your interest in coming along – they will be sharing these performance dates on their website and Instagram, so keep an eye out. The final performance will be on the final Saturday (13 July) of the exhibition. Thomas Carroll (Ngāti Muru, Hauraki) Thomas is a skilled nga taonga pūoro maker and player and has focused this exhibition on his favourite form, the pūtōrino.
71 Upper Queen Street, Eden Terrace masterworksgallery.co.nz
Screen Time
Whānau Mārama: New Zealand International Film Festival is back for its 56th year, lighting up the screens of Aotearoa.
DAYS OF HEAVEN (1978)
The festival showcases the best of local and international cinema to some of the most revered venues across the country. Josephine Stewart Te-Whiu’s We Were Dangerous (2024) opens the Auckland leg at The Civic on Wednesday, 7 August, and the festival continues at Hollywood Avondale and ASB Waterfront Theatre with a special Aotearoa Film Focus Weekend, closing on Sunday, 18 August. For full information and screening schedule visit nziff.co.nz .
Reclusive auteur Terrence Malick’s sophomore effort, beautifully restored in 4K, is a bewitching, visually ravishing pre-World War I fable of passion and betrayal on the sun-drenched Texas prairie. The filmmaker’s impulse to make “every frame a painting” has perhaps never been more fully realised, or transcended, than in the rapturous imagery of Days of Heaven, a visual astonishment of the highest order.
ENO (2024)
Director Gary Hustwit takes inspiration from Brian Eno’s experiments in generative music to create the world’s first AI-generative documentary, making every screening of Eno completely different to the last. Utilising a bespoke software system developed by Hustwit and digital artist Brendan Dawes, the film has millions of possible variations drawing from original interviews and Eno’s archive of hundreds of hours of unreleased footage and music. Eno is literally a one-of-a-kind event designed to be experienced on the big screen.
MENUSPLAISIRS –LES TROISGROIS (2023)
Menus-Plaisirs – Les Troisgrois is made for lovers of all things culinary. This quiet yet diligent documentary invites you into a family-run three-star Michelin restaurant in France. The film becomes an examination of minute details of a sprawling ecosystem as it unobtrusively traverses kitchens, dining rooms, suppliers, markets, cheese caves, farms, vineyards, and apiaries. Viewers are invited to relax into its rhythm, figuring out the restaurant’s complex hierarchies, dynamics and familial tensions by observing the day-to-day.
THE
Léa Seydoux and George MacKay are star-crossed lovers chasing and escaping each other in different times and with different levels of attraction in Bertrand Bonello’s mesmerising adaptation and expansion of Henry James’ novella The Beast in the Jungle Venturing in thematic and narrative territories close to Cronenberg and Lynch, Bonello forges a seductive triptych that is both elegant and edgy, cerebral and desperately romantic. An instant classic of auteur cinema hurling an unforgettable cry for love.
IMAGE: ENO
BEAST (2023)
Investing in yourself
The true value of independent retirement living in Remuera
Retirement is a time to relax and focus on what truly matters - your well-being, security and happiness. Choosing to move into a retirement apartment is a decision that is less about finances - and more about investing in yourself.
Investing in what really matters
We think that moving into the Avenue Apartments in Remuera is making a priority out of your own happiness and well-being. You’ll be able to live independently in your beautiful new home, knowing that neighbours and friends are close by and help is always available if you need it.
Spacious, modern retirement living
Forget scaling down worries - you can have all the space you need in The Avenue Apartments in Remuera. With up to 163m2 of floor area, our private and exclusive apartments offer the very best in modern retirement living.
As well as your apartment, the pavilion provides a social hub for the community to gather. The bowling green links the outdoor living spaces and there are secure basement carparks and electric charging facilities.
It can be a great lifestyle upgrade
We offer a retirement ORA or Occupational Right Agreement, which isn’t really about property investment. Instead it’s a focus on your lifestyle - where the benefits are a cheaper purchase price and amenities like a heated indoor pool, spa, fitness centre and social spaces - all included in the package to significantly enhance your quality of life.
Security and peace of mind
One of the greatest benefits of apartment living in a retirement community is the enhanced security you’ll
feel from having round the clock availability of on-site staff. Your day to day physical wellbeing will also benefit. You can enjoy independent living, or assisted living, or perhaps you may even need full nursing care in the future. Continuity of care is something that can offer you peace of mind - and you can relax, knowing that you’ll be able to continue living in your home for as long as possible.
Companionship and community
Of course, the community will offer you a great sense of belonging and being part of things. Living alongside friendly neighbours and enjoying the company of likeminded people can greatly improve your emotional and mental well-being.
Worry free maintenance
Regular maintenance is all done by us, and we look after your apartment the way you would expect. We take away the stress and worry of upkeep, which can also be expensive if you’re still living in a larger older home.
We believe the real value here lies in the lifestyle you’re choosing for your retirement years. Why not come and see for yourself. You can book an appointment, relax with a coffee and check over the floorplans with us.
Contact Claire on 0800 736 427 or email her at sales@theavenueapartments.co.nz
WORDS — KAREN MCMILLAN , bestselling author karenm.co.nz | nzbooklovers.co.nz
SIGHT LINES: WOMEN AND ART IN AOTEAROA
Kirsty Baker
An exquisite book with striking images and insightful essays, Sight Lines is the story of art made by women in Aotearoa. From the ancient to the modern, from Frances Hodgkins to Merata Mita, Fiona Clark to the Mataaho Collective, photographers, painters, sculptors, textile artists, and more are gathered within these pages. Bold and brilliant, it is a must-have for lovers of art.
Auckland University Press, RRP $69.99
THE UNDERGROUND LIBRARY
Jennifer Ryan
This is another spellbinding novel from Jennifer Ryan about women’s experiences during WWII. In this novel, librarian
Juliet fights to keep the library going by relocating books from the bombed Bethnal Green Library to an underground station during the Blitz. Jewish refugee Sofie takes desperate action to learn news about her family. Katie faces the scandal of becoming pregnant out of wedlock. A warm and engaging read.
Pan Macmillan, RRP $37.99
RERE TAKITAHI/FLYING SOLO
edited by JCL Purchase & AJ Woolf
This fascinating and wide-ranging anthology features over 50 writers and includes memoirs, essays, short stories and poetry exploring the experience of solo parenthood and differently structured families in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The result is a collection of work that is illuminating, inspiring, moving and thought provoking. Credit must go to the editors for assembling such a wonderful range of writing and their care in compiling this anthology.
Olearia Press
THE METABOLISM RESET
Lara Briden
New Zealand naturopath Lara Briden has worked with thousands of patients over her career. In this book, she has created a 10-step troubleshooting guide that will identify the metabolic obstacles that might be impacting your health. These obstacles include hormonal issues, inadequate sleep, stress and digestive problems. The guide is underpinned by science, patient studies and practical advice, and will be invaluable for many women.
Macmillan, RRP $39.99
Luxury Meets Location
The Foundation is without doubt, one of the most sought-after retirement locations in Auckland. The Nathan Residences are now complete and work is underway on the second building, Abbott Residences. This new development features a conservatory rooftop garden terrace with views overlooking the museum and harbour.
We are delighted to announce that appointments are now available to view the show apartment and plans for the Abbott Residences. Please arrange an appointment with Bev Dyson.
What's On in July
WORDS BELLA SAMPSON
PHOTO: WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION, 2024 PHOTO CONTEST, AFRICA, HONORABLE MENTION, ARLETTE BASHIZI, FOR THE WASHINGTON POST
DOC EDGE FESTIVAL
1 – 31 July
MO GILLIGAN
16 July
Skycity Theatre
This Oscar-qualifying documentary festival has 43 feature-length films, 23 shorts and 28 immersive projects from local and international filmmakers. Celebrated for its commitment to feature pieces of storytelling that inspire, educate and challenge perspectives. The festival can be attended in person through select cinemas across Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington or virtually nationwide.
docedge.nz
TAKAPUNA WINTER LIGHTS
25 – 28 July
Get In The Moment with Mo Gilligan. You may recognise the multi-Baftawinning comedian as a regular panellist on beloved British comedy shows or as the host of The Lateish Show. Recently named the funniest man in Britain by The Times, Gilligan is here with his biggest tour to date.
moshtix.co.nz
THE MUSIC QUIZ
8 and 22 July
The Tuning Fork
Grab a friend or few and put your musical knowledge to the test, with this fortnightly quiz hosted by comedian Brendan Green. Prizes include tickets to the winner’s choice of Tuning Fork and Spark Arena gigs, as well as bar tabs.
tuningfork.co.nz/quiz
WINETOPIA
26-27 July
ANZ Viaduct Theatre
This free annual festival of lights has something for everyone. Packed with stunning art installations, live music and entertainment, interactive art, food stalls and deals amongst local restaurants to satisfy everyone.
WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION
20 July –11 August
Smith and Caughey’s
ED BYRNE
25 July –9 August
SkyCity Theatre
The renowned World Press Photo Exhibition, on display in over 60 cities around the globe, is back. Showcasing a diverse selection of the best documentary photography and photojournalistic pieces, with a focus on the climate crisis, family and war. The work invites viewers to experience something past the news cycle glimpses.
eventfinda.co.nz
Experience New Zealand’s best wines all under one roof! You’ll find rare vintages available for tastings and purchases, entertainment, expert panel discussions, perfect food pairings and opportunities to learn from vineyard owners.
shop.winetopia.co.nz
DUALITY
26 July –7 August
Georgina
Hoby Scutt & Jamie Adamson
Mark Twain once wrote that humour equals tragedy plus time. International comedy legend, Ed Byrne, puts that to the test. Detailing the worst moment of his life, with the addition of time passing, this five-star Edinburgh show is the proof. Although, perhaps being a talented comedian skews the odds in his favour.
ticketek.co.nz
Join us for this stunning pairing of original landscape and still life paintings from Georgina and breathtaking wall sculptures from repurposed wood from Jamie. Both artists are firm favourites with our gallery community.
Opening from 5pm, Friday 26 July.
10A Turua Street, St Heliers turuagallery.co.nz
The St Johns Standard
Retirement residences designed with luxury in mind.
Settled back into a luxurious armchair perfectly positioned with uninterrupted views out to Rangitoto Island is one of the many pleasures that awaits at Summerset’s most state-of-the-art village yet, Summerset St Johns.
Set to be the envy of other retirement communities, Summerset St Johns boasts sweeping sights of Waitematā Harbour from the penthouses to the bowling green. It also hosts an elegant village centre and sophisticated retirement residences designed to impress.
“The facilities at Summerset St Johns will be incredible, along with extra services we will have on offer, like a chauffeur booking service, and a bistro with a fabulous menu.” says head of sales, Riet Bersma-Rees. “It’s the premium touches that set this village apart.”
summerset.co.nz/stjohns
Location, location, location
Set in the heart of the eastern suburbs with spectacular views towards the sea, city and neighbouring bush, Summerset St Johns’ location also offers easy access to an array of beaches, eateries, transport networks, shopping malls, walk and cycle ways, and the Remuera Golf Club.
Apartment living for retirees has never been so perfectly positioned, with everything you need right on your doorstep. This is a location you can be proud to call home, ensuring you get the most enjoyment out of your retirement.
Architecturally designed with you in mind
Summerset St Johns apartments offer everything you’d expect from inner city living, with services and facilities that make life easier in the long run.
The range of stunning homes are architecturally designed to maximise the apartment living lifestyle. These spacious homes feature contemporary open plan living, beautifully designed bathrooms with plenty of storage and subtle safety features, along with generous bedrooms with captivating views and a Juliette balcony, and a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Everything you need for relaxing or entertaining with friends and family.
While not every apartment looks out to Rangitoto, each apartment location has been considered to maximise sunlight and views. For every resident who wants to live in the main apartment block with the hustle and bustle of village centre life, there’s another who’d prefer a quieter location to rest when they’re home. Regardless of where residents choose to live in this brand-new village, everyone will enjoy the stunning sea views out to Rangitoto from the village centre.
With a wide range of homes and floor plans to choose from including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus premium and penthouse options with enhanced interior design and views, there’s something to suit everyone. And for those who love to spend their retirement travelling, the lock and leave freedom of village living is just the cherry on top, meaning that you can travel knowing everything back home is safe and secure.
Village centre views
After a long day golfing, travelling, or visiting friends, it’s nice to come home and not need to think about cooking. With an onsite bistro and bar, they care of the cooking and the cleanup, while you relax and enjoy your evening.
The elegant village centre exudes charm, with all the classic touches you’d expect in a retirement village. Residents will enjoy an indoor pool and spa, recreational bowling green, movie theatre, library, communal lounges with spectacular views, and much more. Their dedicated activities coordinator will also ensure there’s always a range of activities on offer, including local outings.
And for days when things need to be a little more organised, a chauffeur booking service is available. So, you can sit back, relax, and let their driver get to you to where you need to be.
Show suite open to view
While the village is being built, a fully fitted out show suite enables you to see firsthand what the kitchen, dining and bathrooms look like, giving you the assurance that if you choose to buy off a plan, you have a good understanding of the home you are getting.
Summerset St Johns is set to open later this year, along with the village centre and their continuum of care. If you’d like to make a private appointment to view plans and pricing, and view the show suite, contact the sales team today on 09 950 7982. Or pop into the show suite at a time that suits you. They’re open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm, at 400 Remuera Road, Remuera.
Love the life you choose.
Box Office
IMAGE: KINDS OF KINDNESS
KINDS OF KINDNESS
In cinemas 11 July
Kinds of Kindness is a triptych fable, following a man without choice who tries to take control of his own life; a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing-at-sea has returned and seems a different person; and a woman determined to find a specific someone with a special ability, who is destined to become a prodigious, spiritual leader.
ON AS A PART OF THE DOC EDGE FESTIVAL
VIKA!
The Capitol Cinema, 7 July
NAME ME LAWAND
The Capitol Cinema, 13 July
84-year-old DJ Vika is a star of Warsaw night clubs. Charismatic and colourful, she refuses to grow old. But when her health suddenly begins to deteriorate, Vika can no longer deny the passing of time. This film is a bittersweet portrait of a woman who intends to celebrate life to the very end, a true inspiration both for the silver generation and our future selves.
Since birth, Lawand has been profoundly deaf and unable to communicate with those around him. He undertakes a treacherous journey with his family from Iraq to Derby, home of the Royal School for the Deaf. But this new life soon comes under threat when the family faces deportation. Along with members of the Derby community, they begin a new quest – the fight to stay in the place they now call home.
IT ENDS WITH US
In cinemas 8 August
The first Colleen Hoover novel adapted for the big screen tells the compelling story of Lily Bloom, a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to embark on a new life in Boston and chase a lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship. When Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan, suddenly re-enters her life, her relationship with Ryle is upended, and Lily realises she must learn to rely on her own strength to make an impossible choice for her future.
ICE MAIDEN
The Capitol Cinema, 14 July
Ice Maiden charts the astonishing journey of Australian adventurer, Lisa Blair, as she attempts to be the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica. Equal parts ambitious and treacherous, this trip has only ever been completed twice. Blair also aims to break the record for speed.
Win
SPECSAVERS GIVEAWAY
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD EYEWEAR COLLECTION
The new Vivienne Westwood Eyewear collection for men brings a touch of vintage sophistication and modern edge to today’s eyewear fashion. Exclusively available at Specsavers.
WIN a pair of from the collection, along with an eye test at your local Specsavers. Frames are priced from $459.
The annual World Press Photo Exhibition, on display in more than 60 cities across the globe annually, returns to Auckland this July to showcase a diverse selection of the world’s best photojournalism and documentary photography from the past year. See the exhibition from 20 July – 11 August at Level 5 Gallery Space, Smith and Caughey’s. More info and tickets at: worldpressphotoexhibitionauckland.co.nz
WIN one of two double passes (for weekday sessions only) for you to experience the exhibition when it heads to Auckland.
Entering is simple. Visit VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine . GOOD LUCK!
GLENN MURCUTT UNBUILT WORKS
Using extraordinary true-to-life renders, Glenn Murcutt: Unbuilt Works reveals ten previously unknown designs in remarkable detail, including original hand-drawn plans, sections, elevations and sketches from the architect's archive. Murcutt discusses each project in detail, examining the progression of his design philosophy while lending a new perspective into his life and works. A revelation for any lover of architecture.
WIN a copy of Glenn Murcutt Unbuilt Works by Nick Sissons, published by Thames & Hudson Australia; RRP NZD$130.
ESTELE NZ GIVEAWAY
Perfect for parties, the office, or outings, the stunning Luxor Ruby Designer Stud Earrings are forged from brass with rhodium plating and pink cubic zirconia stones, adding a touch of elegance to any western outfit. Estele NZ is proudly NZ owned and operated by women for women, with a focus on sustainability.
WIN a pair of Luxor Ruby designer stud earrings, valued at $120.
WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION
IMAGE: ALEJANDRO CEGARRA, THE NEW YORK TIMES , BLOOMBERG
LUXOR RUBY DESIGNER STUD EARRINGS
COME FOR THE PRIME LOCATION .
STAY FOR THE PERMANENT VACATION .
Experience the next level of retirement living at The Helier.
Whether you’re after a central spot you can lock up and leave, or somewhere you’ll never want to, here’s your central oasis for both convenience and comfort.
Take a tour of the state-of-the-art apartments and amenities that put The Helier in a league of its own.
To view, call Debbie on 0800 333 688 today.
28 Waimarie Street, St Heliers, Auckland
thehelier.co.nz
Horoscopes
You will benefit from a special talent, enthusiasm or passion which you could turn into income, or extra prestige. Work is a scurry of activity, and this period also favours stepping up physical activity or health routines. The end result is a newfound identity and a realistic understanding of your capabilities as well. If you are prepared to work hard at love, then you should also pass all the relationship exams ahead.
You are markedly introspective at this time, perhaps isolating yourself from worldly activities and acquaintances in some manner. Health issues, generally of a psychosomatic nature, may come to the fore. You may be attracted to alternate ways of living, and to selfstudy fields, such as psychoanalysis. Socialising on the job, and perhaps even meeting someone through work, is also part of the picture in the second half of the month.
There is movement towards a more balanced approach to dealing with practical, worldly matters. With a spouse or love, a great time is indicated as you will get to express your deep feelings, which will bring closeness and intensity in your life. On the career front, you will experience great success.
You are bound to experience your fair share of fun, romance, and good times. Creative projects are likely to fare well, and could possibly even bring some type of recognition or reward. Cleaning out closets, re-organising the environment in which you live and work, and other such activities come to the fore. You will win hearts of all your loved ones by showing them love and affection.
This period acts to transform your self-confidence in such a way that you question the source of your confidence to date, and discover a more solid base for pulling up inner strength. In terms of career and projects, outward signs of progress may not be as forthcoming, yet the work that you do during this transit will lay a foundation for future success and progress.
SAGITTARIUS
22 November –
21 December
This month will reshape your financial destiny, so analyse the facts and figures when other people's stake in your affairs will be crucial. You may need to be a total realist about your career and take control of your financial world. This will work well, with further gains. You may also concentrate on your love life. You could take up some form of physical programme that completely changes the way you feel about yourself.
CAPRICORN
22 December –
19 January
You enjoy an increased ability to concentrate and focus on what really matters to you. The things that give you joy and positive feedback figure prominently this month, and you feel renewed and regenerated. You also feel particularly strong and personally powerful. Those with artistic or athletic talent can be especially prolific and prosperous at this time. This is a good period to go for recreation activities to recharge yourselves.
AQUARIUS
20 January –18 February
Your sense of adventure runs high this month, and you are itching for a change of pace. You are more effective, in general, in attempts to express your creativity. You have a stronger ability to hold the attention of an audience. This month you will have to run around to earn money and fulfil the needs of family. Expenses are likely to rise, and you have to become economical.
ARIES
21 March –
19 April
PISCES
19 February –
20 March
It’s time to formulate some clear goals and plans. Circumstances are such that you need to develop some healthy habits, routines, and schedules. Recognising your personal limitations in terms of just how much you can give to others, and just how much compassion and understanding you can show, is essential now. There is movement towards a more balanced approach to dealing with practical, worldly matters, and your own spiritual growth.
Your efforts now are very constructive, and you are not inclined to want to leave any loose ends untied. You’re likely to derive much satisfaction from taking care of practical concerns in your life. This is a time of long-range planning that will bring you benefits down the road. Healthy risks are likely to pay off, but be careful of overconfidence in speculative investments.
TAURUS
20 April –
20 May
You are far less inhibited when it comes to expressing yourself creatively, and you are a lot more fun to be around. You may find great joy and reward in your creative projects and hobbies, and could discover a new hobby or creative talent you never knew you had. Pleasure-seeking activities, recreation, and amusement are increased. This is a fabulous period in which to take a vacation you’ve always wanted to take.
GEMINI
21 May –20 June
Your creativity and social life are stimulated this month, and plenty of opportunities to express yourself uniquely and creatively will present themselves. You are able to find a healthy balance between work and play. For some of you, working with a romantic partner could figure. Although you could feel some pressure, you’re always willing to work all the harder to meet your new responsibilities.
