Verve. May 2022. Issue 186. by Verve Magazine

An uplifting monthly eclection of life, style and happenings.

MAY '22

Inspirational leading ladies from across the board truly take charge in our May issue, as do electric and hybrid cars. Also this month, we examine the revival of traditional Chinese clothing and visit a romantically restored home in Cape Town.

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JOAN BARTON

021 273 9930

joan.barton@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, TAKAPUNA. LICENSED UNDER THE REAA 2008

KIRSTEN BISHOP

027 660 6446

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We Chat

Editors-in-Chief Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell Sub-editor/Senior Writer Jamie Christian Desplaces Head Graphic Designer Arna Martin Junior Graphic Designer Yamin Cook Social Media Yamin Cook On the downside daylight savings is over, and the OCR has increased to 1.5%, but on the upside, on the back of falling hospitalisations is a shift to orange traffic light settings and an opening up of the borders. We sense a ‘normalising’ of activity in the residential market, with it equilibrium between buyers demand and listing number becoming more even as we approach winter. The start of the year saw a tsunami of listings hit the market, we expect with the onset of winter that the number of listings will shrink as is the seasonal trend. Put this alongside the approximately 165,000 migrants set to gain special residency visas in coming months, most of whom will live in Auckland, and it will be interesting to see what the overall impact is on house prices.

SOLD

Contributors Manish Kumar Arora, Alex Blackwood, Vicki Holder, Lucy Kennedy, Jenna Moore, Milly Nolan, Nick Ainge Roy, Bella Sampson and Dennis Knill.

Subscriptions online@vervemagazine.co.nz Published by Verve Magazine Ltd 13 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021 GST 90 378 074 ISSN 2253-1300 (print) ISSN 2253-1319 (online) Editorial Enquiries (+64) 9 520 5939 Fran Ninow: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz Jude Mitchell: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz Advertising Enquiries ashlee@vervemagazine.co.nz fran@vervemagazine.co.nz jude@vervemagazine.co.nz pambrown@xtra.co.nz Cover Photo Lyzadie from Lyzadie Design by Tim Marshall

54 BASSETT RD REMUERA

No doubt you received a new Council Valuation recently, if you’re interested to know how that figure might relate to your home’s current market value I would be happy to appraise your home on a no obligation basis. Jo Johnstone 021 411 107 jo@uprealestate.co.nz

15 LAMMERMOOR DR ST HELIERS

Verve is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free lifestyle magazine delivered to selected homes, 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 and Takapuna. 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, Admail and Mailchimp.

The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing of the copyright owner. Any material submitted for publication is at the owner’s risk. Neither Verve Magazine Ltd nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every e ort has been made to ensure accuracy of information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept any liability for inaccuracies that may occur. The views and suggestions expressed in this magazine are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily supported by Verve Magazine Ltd.

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Editors’ Notes Fran Ninow

Jude Mitchell

Verve’s ‘inspirational women’ issue is one of the highlights of my year – and in a way tells the story of Jude’s and my journey which began way back in 2004. At that time, I had no idea how our venture into Kiwi entrepreneurship would turn out – all I knew was that I enjoyed a good story and loved to share these stories with others even more. My favourite medium at that time was quality lifestyle magazines – how I loved the fine layouts combined with stunning photography and compelling text. Creating Verve was, for both of us, almost a no-brainer. At that time, we didn’t realise that it was destined to become our vocation. A job for life, as it turns out.

This week I have had one of my brothers to stay. He’s 81 years old and such an inspiration, a breath of fresh air. He makes us all laugh with his exuberance and positivity. But he did say nothing gets easy as you age, which leads me to reflect on the importance of taking care of ourselves. I really believe that motion and movement in the mind and body alike are vital for self care. I’m certainly no physician, but experience tells me that a positive outlook and a healthy body can come through a continual desire to learn, grow, and move. Essentially, I’m a believer in the importance of constant physical and mental exercise. That makes me sound like a fidgeting maniac!

This month’s issue is no exception. We’re proud to share insights, stories, and conversations with more than 20 women who have taken up the challenge to turn their passions into a career or a business, stamping it with their personal mark, creating a better life for themselves, and their loved ones.

The other most important belief I hold is to surround yourself with joyful, positive, enlightening, and exciting people. It makes you feel good!

Co-editor

When interviewing a Verve inspirational woman, I love to ask for pieces of advice for others starting out on their own business journey. Their observations are nearly always similar. Something along the lines of Naked Nectar’s Tracey McCleod’s thoughts: “Stop procrastinating and give it a crack! Talk to as many people as possible. Learn from your mistakes…. you will make many.” It’s kind of answer one can apply to almost anything we tackle in life.

Co-editor

This month’s ‘Leading Ladies’ feature has some amazing women like furniture-designer and self-confessed perfectionist Lyzadie Renault, and Margarita Politis who discusses her life, her trauma and her journey to heal. Jamie’s article on women who work in workshops features the amazing Ellie Wernham, a medical doctor with incredible drive. At the end of a hard day she puts on her overalls and starts up a chainsaw to create beautiful furniture. She’s just made a copy of the famous zigzag chair, designed by Gerrit Rietveld in 1934.

For Jude and I, being in business has become easier and easier despite the challenges with which we are confronted on a pretty regular basis. For us, it has never been about getting rich quick (if it was, we wouldn’t be in publishing), but more about building something with integrity, to tread a little lighter. A business that helps others as well as ourselves. Who knows, maybe this issue will be the gentle prod for a few readers out there to take the plunge, to do that something you’ve been dreaming about for a while.

Take a read. Feel inspired.

Now, time for you to turn the page and get started with Verve May.

Keep exercising, keep that mind moving, keep laughing, and enjoy life! We are lucky!

Enjoy. Fran xx

Jude xx

Up Front

I feel so grateful for my life, and for living in New Zealand, but am thankful we can start to travel again. It puts perspective on life. I do hope many of you are lucky enough to be making travel plans to visit friends and family overseas. I’m soon off with my family to Palm Springs in the US to meet my son and his family, as wells as my New York grandchildren whom I haven’t seen in nearly three years. Obviously, I can’t wait!

WESTMINSTER FEATHER SOFA, CRYSTAL CHANDELIER

www.dawsonandco.nz www.dawsonandco.nz

What’s Inside Driving for Change 14

Fashion 82

Charging into the Future

China’s Hanfu Revival

All-electric All-star

Tailoring for Tomorrow

Leading Ladies 26

Beauty & Health 94

Jessie Wong, Founder of Yu Mei

Covid’s Not Gone

Learning to Thrive

Reactivate Youthful Looking Skin

Easing into Crypto 46

Food & Wine 102

Material Girl

Gin, Sins

Taking up Tools

Art 120

Home & Design 60

What’s On in May

Romantic Intentions

The Art of May

128

141

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Bright & Beautiful After spending several years modernising their lovely family home, with beautiful results, the owners now wanted a new kitchen to match. Through a friend, they found kitchen designer Jane Fergusson, from Kitchens By Design, and have been delighted by the transformation she has achieved. Could you tell us a little about you and your family, and also about your home – in particular, describe the existing kitchen before the makeover?

We are a family of four and are lucky enough to live in a very special part of the world: Cheltenham Beach. My kitchen was about 15 years old and, whilst the materials were still fashionable, such as marble and stainless, it wasn’t a wellfunctioning kitchen in terms of storage and design.

How did you come across Kitchens By Design, and why did you choose them to design your new kitchen?

They were recommended to us by a friend. I actually started the process with another kitchen designer but wasn’t satisfied following the initial consultation and drawings as I felt they were very happy to draw up what I wanted without actually making any recommendations or suggesting alternatives. As I am not a kitchen designer, I really did need someone to take the lead and be confident enough to tell me if my ideas might not actually be the right way to go! What was your brief to the designer, and how did it evolve?

My brief to Jane was that I wanted a sophisticated kitchen that stayed pretty much in the same footprint, but that allowed for ease of access to kitchen items, with good pantry storage, space for a new double fridge, and one that was going to last the distance by using classic yet practical materials. For example, I love the look of marble – however it was suggested that I instead use Dekton, which is a man-made blend of natural quartz stone, porcelain, and glass, and is super strong.

understood my vision. She was very good at listening to suggestions and redirecting me if she felt, due to her vast experience, that perhaps another direction might achieve a better outcome. What were some of the most enjoyable and memorable moments of the process?

Meeting Jane at the kitchen factory and seeing it all coming together was amazing and a huge relief to see it was looking exactly as we had planned. There were never any surprises, as everything was explained clearly every step of the way. What are your favourite parts of your new kitchen?

I love all the wonderful storage and ease of access to everything. Also, the way the materials all work together to reflect my personality and taste is wonderful. What would be your advice to anyone who’s thinking of having a new kitchen designed?

Whilst the process is reasonably long, it is worth it in the end, as every day you get so much pleasure from being in a gorgeous, well-designed kitchen. How did you find the experience of working with Kitchens By Design?

As well as meeting at their showroom in Takapuna, Jane arranged regular after-hours, on-site consultations to fit in with our busy working lives – and to ensure my husband could also be part of the consultations and design process. Nothing was ever too annoying, and no question was too silly to ask. Jane also liaised with all the contractors when needed and was on site to meet them if I had to be at work. There was a constant calmness throughout the process. Honestly, I was so impressed with Kitchens By Design, and I will be shouting that from the rooftops!

How did the designer translate your brief – and was it what you expected?

Jane was perfect in every way. She listened to my ideas and

If you're looking for a new kitchen, pop into Kitchens By Design's showroom, located at 3 Byron Ave in Takapuna, or give one of its designers a call on (09) 379 3084. For inspiration, take a look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz

Home & Design

Visit our showroom today. 3 Byron Avenue, Takapuna (09) 379 3084

A seamless, modern design.

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Driving for Change Gas-guzzlers are thankfully fast losing ground – and road and showroom space – to hybrid, electric, and small city cars. Verve looks at some of the most exciting prospects.

WORDS — ASHLEE LALA

Finesse & Flair The Fiat 500 is enormously practical and zips through traffic assertively, fulfilling its ‘city car’ brief brilliantly. Back in July 1957 however, the launch of the Nuova 500 (Nuova meaning ‘new’) made waves as the one of the first purpose-designed city vehicles. The combination of size, cost, engineering ingenuity and Italian finesse gave the Nuova an iconic status. Fast forward to today and the Nuova has been relaunched as the Fiat 500, drawing clear inspiration from the original with an even greater emphasis on practicality, economy and desirability.

of manually working through the five gears if that’s your thing. I was very much at home driving this car around the urban jungle of Auckland City, parking was effortless for a change and even reversing out of my particularly long, narrow driveway was a breeze thanks to the reversing sensors and good cabin visibility. I whizzed around town feeling especially energetic thanks to the Passione Red colour, receiving many comments from friends along the lines of “it suits you”.

Revamping a successful vehicle (or indeed, a successful anything), is by no means uncommon. Many best-selling cars (or again, best-selling anythings) draw heavily on the past for inspiration, but the Fiat 500 has taken this much further than most. If you were to place this new 500 side by side with its 1957 predecessor, you’d be struck by how close the resemblance is. Perhaps it’s thanks to this unashamedly retro exterior that the vehicle resists being described as ‘cute’, making it perfect for a young career woman such as myself who would like to steer away from such a characterisation, preferring to retain an air of professional chic.

And it really does. The Fiat 500 is enormously practical, zips through traffic assertively, and all with Italian flair – fulfilling its ‘city car’ brief brilliantly. The updated Fiat 500 range is available at a special launch price of $22,990 MSRP for the Lounge version & $25,990 MSRP for the Dolcevita. Have a chat to the team at your local Fiat Showroom to find out more.

The interior of the Fiat 500 features a more modern design, including a fixed glass roof with a sun blind. There is also a state-of-the-art infotainment system, complete with Bluetooth and Audio Streaming, Steering Wheel Controls, and Integrated Voice Command. All of which are a must for distraction-free connectivity while driving, allowing you to select music, chat to friends, and use maps without having to take your eyes off the road. It’s also surprisingly comfortable for a small car, even for a tall woman like myself, with decent headroom. I unapologetically prefer the ease of an Automatic, although the dualogic transmission does give you the option

May 2022

Charging into the Future The films, TV shows, cartoons, and comic books of our childhoods promised us all flying cars by now, and though we’re not quite there, the shift to green vehicles in recent years has been just as dramatic and extraordinary.

Two years ago, Tesla overtook Toyota as the world’s most valuable carmaker, boasting 10 times the Japanese badge’s revenue despite selling 30 times less cars. In 2021, Tesla outmuscled GM as the USA’s top selling automaker then overtook Mercedes-Benz in Germany. In March 2022, the Tesla 3 was NZ’s top selling car. With stats like this, it’s hard to counter their boast that they’re “inspiring the world’s transition to sustainable energy with electric cars…” The problem for many is the hefty price tag. A new generation of free-thinking Kiwis represent around 20% of the new-car-buying population who value sustainability rather than status symbols. So much so that around two thirds of them consider preserving the environment as the most important value for their next new car purchase. But these ‘postmodern’ buyers have been widely priced out of the most-desired, low-emission options, so OPEL are stepping in to plug that gap with a 100% electrified, feebate-qualifying – and stupendously stylish – range. “The market is currently dominated by affordable but generally inefficient vehicles,” says Noah Robertson, marketing manager for Auto Distributors NZ who are overseeing OPEL’s entry into the New Zealand market. “While the premium segment offers brand appeal in combination with lower emission options, it does so with a high cost of entry and, in my opinion, sometimes an exclusive positioning. Whereas OPEL has high-brand appeal from a German manufacturer, plus a 100% low emission range from the get-go, all at accessible mid-market pricing. It’s new Germany, even though OPEL started in 1862.” If every household switched their car for a climate-friendly mode of transport for two short trips a week, every week, we’d save up to 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. One-fifth of New Zealand’s greenhouse gases are the result of transport emissions, with 70% of those coming from cars, SUVs, utes, vans, and light trucks. The recently introduced Clean Car Discount scheme is set to combat this by incentivising Kiwis to buy green vehicles by offering rebates ranging from Driving for Change

$1,500 to $8,625 (while adding fees to high-polluting new cars). It’s a critical moment for car-buyers of Aotearoa New Zealand – and it’s already having a massive effect. As of April 2022, the nation’s electric vehicle fleet passed the 40,000-mark, with ‘green’ new-car registrations doubling on the previous month. Forget those flying cars, the tomorrows are all about being fume-free – and in the not-too-distant future we’ll look back aghast at all those utes we once so loved. “The discount scheme reframes the illusion that a car is a cocoon,” says Noah. “It illustrates that there is a community on the other side of your closed car door that doesn’t want to be polluted. Our audience is already green leaning, they want to do the right thing, but now they’re being financially rewarded for something that they already wanted to do!” OPEL promises to be the lowest emissions German brand in New Zealand – and sophisticated city dwellers from Auckland all the way down to Dunedin will no doubt be queuing to embrace its ‘Berlin cool’ attitude. It is this new German aesthetic – inside and out – that truly sets the range apart. Interior wraparound displays sit complemented by exterior signature wraparound grilles, or ‘vizors’, cutting edge driver and safety technology, and crucially, emissions options that range from low to zilch. In a country where SUV ownership rates are among the highest in the world, the OPEL Mokka is ready to take the New Zealand market by (electrical) storm. The groundbreaking compact SUV is both athletic and practical and bears little resemblance to anything else on the road. Its two variants are the 1.2L hybrid good for a $,2,080 rebate, and the all-electric, 100kW fastcharge that’s good for a 345km range and a rebate of $8,625. Little wonder it’s a top seller in EU emission-regulated markets. As well as being rebate-friendly, OPEL offers finance and leasing options. “Finance products will be a significant enabler for customers, taking accessibility well beyond the rebates,” says Noah. “With iOWN, our intelligent ownership finance solution, weekly payments will rival import pricing I have seen. Consumer attitudes are changing. The world has reset.” And OPEL’s leading the charge. 16

New MG3 Radiates SmallCar Confidence

Driving for Change

Thrifty small cars are really enjoying the limelight as fuel costs soar and suburban drivers reassess how big a footprint they really need. Step forward the smartly styled MG3 Core, which holds the title of being New Zealand’s most attainable new car. It’s priced from only $19,490 driveaway, with a whopping seven-year warranty and seven years of warrants of fitness further sweetening the deal.

MG Motor is a global brand on the rise and its commitment to value for money is complemented by impressive design, robust performance, and generous equipment levels. For instance, the MG3 boasts six airbags, autonomous braking technology and Cornering Brake Control. Apple and Android phone projection are at hand, or you can defer to a standard touchscreen infotainment system navigated via a large central screen. And the quality sound system automatically adjusts its volume according to road speed. Interesting textures and fabric patterns lift a functional cabin that majors on comfort and clarity. The relatively high-set seats afford excellent visibility through an expansive glasshouse. Fit and finish exceed expectations at this price point, with tight shut lines for doors, flush-fitting panels, and good weighting for all primary controls, most notably the hydraulic power steering. Five-door, five-seat practicality is backed up by good load space accessed by a high-rising hatch, and the rear seats split-fold in a 60:40 configuration.

A right-sized approach to wheels and tyres translates into a compliant ride on most surfaces without sacrificing grip or using more fuel than is necessary. Speaking of which, economy is rated at 6.7L/100km, precisely what we achieved during a week of short city hops interspersed with motorway running. Not bad going when you consider that we made a point of keeping up with faster-flowing traffic and employed the airconditioning on every outing. Overall, the MG3 Core makes a compelling case for buying new rather than used in this market sector. And those who crave more visual pizzazz without blowing the budget can consider the MG3 Excite, which commands a modest $2,000 premium and introduces bigger alloy wheels, a body kit, and cabin upgrades that include advanced Yamaha audio. IN A NUTSHELL: MG3 Core

1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol; 82kW/150Nm; 4-speed auto, front-wheel drive; 4.0m length; 15-inch alloys; 6.7L/100km; $19,490 driveaway.

Whether zipping around town or cruising along a motorway, the MG3 is equally in its element, proving stable and unstressed at all speeds. Left to its own devices, the four-speed auto makes the most of the 1.5-litre engine’s 82 kilowatts and there’s the option of shifting gears manually in Sport mode for more determined progress. Either way, upshifts are positive and the need to kickdown is clearly communicated.

May 2022

All-electric All-star: KIA EV6 GT-Line High design and genuine innovations make the dual-motor GT-Line flagship a stand-out performer.

The most hotly anticipated Kia since the hard-hitting Stinger, the EV6 is not only Kia’s first dedicated EV, but it also signals the transformation of a brand that promises to bring at least another dozen BEVs to market by 2027. But first, the EV6. Expectations of this lowish-riding family crossover were sky-high since it was crowned 2022 European Car of the Year. It subsequently cleaned up at the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards, taking the Best of the Best accolade for its pioneering design and also winning the Innovative Products category. All huge endorsements for a model range that begins at $72,990. Based on an advanced skateboard-style chassis, the EV6 offers one of the most spacious interiors in its mid-sized class, a driving range of over 500km in most cases, and 800-volt ultra-fast charging technology, enabling charging from 10% to 805 in just 18 minutes. The Kia platform might be shared with the acclaimed Hyundai Ioniq, but there are stark differences in design and character, and these are most apparent in the current top-spec variant, badged GT-Line. The powerful, forward-looking shape certainly reflects the dynamic driving appeal of a car that accelerates smoothly and silently to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds despite its total weight trickling over two tonnes. From the get-go, the ride feels polished in default settings, even on the 20-inch alloys fitted, thanks to the long 2,900mm wheelbase and bespoke Australasian suspension tuning. The EV6 GT-Line also steers accurately and with good feel, attacking corners keenly, aided by the rear-biased set-up of the AWD system. Paddles behind the steering wheel adjust the strength of the regenerative braking, and Sport mode adds tautness and urgency to all responses. Initial impressions of the luxurious GT-Line cabin are of excellent space and comfort for all passengers, and Tesla owners should take note that the early-production cars we Driving for Change

sampled were extremely well put together. The dashboard is dominated by two 12.3-inch screens that are linked and curve gently towards the driver. Their combined high-definition LCD display delivers all vehicle and infotainment details with clarity, although there are still plenty of well-sited physical buttons for controlling the majority of functions. The supportive suede seats are ventilated and a 14-speaker Meridian audio system brings top-class acoustic values. Returning to that exterior, the EV6 is the product of three design studios with former BMW design head, Karim Habib, now in charge of Kia’s Global Design Centre. He describes the EV6 as combining Kia’s very best technology for a new era while pushing design boundaries with contrasting combinations of sharp stylistic elements and sculptural shapes. The aesthetics are certainly dramatic and arguably more emotive than those of other comparable EVs. For example, character lines run along the bottom of doors and curve up towards the rear wheel arches, elongating the profile and creating a sense of forward motion. Overhangs are short, the wheelbase is clearly extended, the centre of gravity appears low and the overall wind-cheating shape registers a drag coefficient of just 0.28. Flush door handles have been incorporated into the doors and the GT-Line look is lifted by the inclusion of an adaptive LED lighting package. It goes without saying that the EV6 offers endless user personalisation inside and out, and after this positive but fleeting introduction, we look forward to a full week of immersion very soon. IN A NUTSHELL: Kia EV6 GT-Line

Two electric motors, 77.4kWh li-ion battery; 239kW/605Nm; single-speed auto, all-wheel drive; 20-inch alloys; 4.69m length; 0-100km/h in 5.2 secs; range 506km; from $106,990.

All-new EV6 by Kia Test Drive Now

Overseas model shown

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Erin Whiting The Next Move Is Yours

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Leading Ladies A bumper feature filled with fabulous and inspirational Kiwi women from a range of fields who share their philosophies on taking charge of life and career.

WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Jessie Wong, Founder of Yu Mei

Jessie always wanted to start a business. Growing up she was fascinated by fashion and the arts, with an obsession with Alexander McQueen and Miuccia Prada (“still obsessed, to be honest!”). "Initially, I considered starting a magazine,” she tells Verve. “But at university, I made a leather bag for a project, and it all took off from there. So, I’m really living my childhood dream of combining business with fashion and culture.” When did you realise you had leadership qualities?

I don’t think there was ever really a lightbulb moment, it grew out of my love of collaboration and working with people. That’s probably one of my keys to leadership, it’s not about you, it’s about your team. You must also play to your strengths, and recognise your weaknesses. I think anyone who's a good team player can be a good leader. Do women generally bring something different to leadership roles?

I think so. It’s somewhat of a generalisation, but there can be less ego, and more capacity to listen and trust. True leadership is about listening, communication, and empathy. Women have those values in spades. Must fashion designers also have good business skills?

Definitely. Being a designer is as much about reading contracts and figuring out order numbers as it is choosing colourways and sewing samples. As your business grows, you need to either school-up on business or hire someone who gets it. Have you had mentors?

I’ve been fortunate to have many wise women give me advice over the years. In particular, Sarah Wickens, the co-founder of Trilogy, has helped me out a lot over the past few years and we’ve really vibed. Karen Walker told an 18-year-old me at Christmas party “to be relentless”. It’s so true.

how the retail will evolve. Closer to home, I’m inspired by the Sharesies co-founders, Brooke Roberts and Sonya Williams. They’ve built an incredible business with such grace and kindness. Proudest achievements?

Not singular moments, but more so about coming into the studio every day and getting to work with a team that’s just humming. There are also the pinch-me moments, like when we opened our store in Newmarket. It’s five times the size of our Wellington lounge and was a real achievement for our team and the team at Knight Associates. The idea was to host our community in the space – not only Yu Mei collections, but work of artists and collaborators as well. Having a physical space that allows us to connect with our customers is pretty special. Anything you’d have done differently?

It was hard for me to refine my ideas at uni – I wanted to cram every concept I could into my collections. My university lecturer, Simon Swale, left some feedback in my graduation degree envelope that said to “turn the tap off ideas”. I took it very seriously. Since then, Yu Mei has stuck to a framework of principles it hasn’t wavered from, offering high quality and long-lasting products, considering regenerative utility, adhering to a stealth sense of luxury, and working towards a circular economy, so our products can ultimately be returned to the land they came from. It has fed into the way that we structure everything we’re trying to build. Any inspirational books or podcasts you’d recommend?

I love How I Built This, by Guy Raz, and Drive by The Business of Fashion. Both podcast formats interview founders about their journeys. They’re super insightful and inspiring. How do you switch off outside work?

Mecca’s founder, Jo Horgan, has built an incredible business over 25 years and has such a forward-thinking outlook on

It can be hard when the job is so 24/7, but it’s crucial to allow yourself time to slow down. I’m really refreshed by the ocean, so spend every – rare – sunny day in Wellington at the beach. I also just love hanging out at home, cooking or attempting to weed the garden. Plus, the odd day lying in bed binge-watching an entire season of something on HBO, naturally!

Leading Ladies

Which leaders most inspire you?

Dream big and go for it. Don’t be afraid of failure – out of failure comes learning and resilience.

Natasha Gallardo, Chief Executive of National Foundation for Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Natasha dreamt of being lawyer as a youngster, something her parents said she’d excel at as “I was an expert at having the last word and loved to debate, or argue, as a teenager – and probably still do now!” What advice would you give to that younger you?

Gosh that’s an interesting one. I think be more comfortable in your own skin and try not to care what others think. Dream big and go for it. Don’t be afraid of failure – out of failure comes learning and resilience. Those two things have really helped me to become a stronger person and leader. When did you realise you had leadership qualities?

I’m not sure I realised at any point that I had leadership qualities. I’ve always tried to lead teams and people in a way I would like to lead or treated. To be a good leader, you need to be a good listener, treat people with respect, and set clear expectations and direction. You also need to walk the walk. People will mirror your behaviour so it’s important that whatever expectations and culture you’re trying to create, you bring those attributes yourself as a leader. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Be genuine. Was it a deliberate choice to have a predominantly female team at the foundation?

I didn’t set out for that to happen! Generally, there are more females working in the not-for profit sector. I would love to have a more even split – but my team are a fabulous bunch of talented

and passionate women. Females have a natural nurturing nature, the NFP sector is appealing to many who are seeking to give back. Having empathy is particularly important as our team works with people with disabilities and facing many challenges. You’ve previously worked in Australia. How does New Zealand compare when it comes to women in leadership roles?

Overall, it is becoming easier for women to hold more leadership positions, but we still have a fair way to go. Pay equity and employers embracing more flexible work practices are two key areas for me. I’ve spent most of my career in Australia, and I did feel coming back home there were more opportunities for women in senior roles which was wonderful. New Zealand does have a higher representation of females in leadership positions than Australia, and is more progressive in embracing diversity. Did becoming a mother affect how you approach leadership?

In some ways. I started a business in Melbourne dedicated to getting employers to offer flexible work practices to mothers so that they could return to a fulfilling career rather than take roles just because they provide child-friendly hours. Now, my team works flexibly – this was in effect before Covid-19 and will continue. I feel strongly about the importance of a work-life balance, not just for working parents. I missed out on some of the early years with my son because my employer was not flexible, those are years you can’t get back so I do really encourage my team to think about how flexible working can benefit them.

May 2022

Have you had mentors throughout your career?

I can’t say I’ve had many mentors. I’ve worked with some great people who have given me advice. Probably the biggest influence would be my brother. He helps put things in perspective, and because he’s my brother, is always brutally honest!

Pam Elgar, CEO of Make-A-Wish New Zealand

Pam believes it essential that leaders find their own style. “Also, I’ve realised over years that there are certain leadership traits that are especially important,” she tells Verve. “A good brain, integrity, high-quality relationship skills, a particular strength or expertise, strong work ethic, humility, and a good dose of humour.”

Proudest achievements?

I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved at the foundation since joining in 2018. I’ve had other career highlights, but this is such a personal journey for me because of my own hearing loss, my mother being deaf, and having cochlear implants, that it just feels so much more rewarding. I know the work we are doing is having such a big impact, particularly our Hearing Screening programme in secondary schools. It’s an initiative I am passionate about as the rising levels of youth hearing loss continue globally, and the fact that I was diagnosed with my hearing loss at high school, I know the challenges. In 2019 we started with five schools, and now even with Covid-19, disruptions we’ll reach 42 schools this year. It’s vitally important we can get donations to continue this programme with around 20% of children we screen retuning an abnormal result. We have been directly responsible for picking up undetected hearing loss in several children to date so the programme has meant they get hearing aids and hopefully their hearing loss won’t affect their educational outcomes.

Can anyone develop these skills?

Good leaders have a clear vision and an ability to execute that vision whilst bringing people with them. I totally believe you can learn how to be a leader and practise the skills necessary. I was incredibly lucky to have parents who had high expectations of us and who supported us. Even if we did not achieve what the goal was, it was important that we tried our best. What advice would you give your younger self?

To back myself more and to trust my instincts and judgement more. I’ve always been supportive of young women leaders, and competence and confidence is more important to nurture than anything else. What were your earliest dreams?

Spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. Moving back to New Zealand means we’re always outside and doing things together.

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do when I left school, but I didn’t want to go to university. I’ve always been extremely envious of others who have experienced a deep calling. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities within the public sector, commercial roles and now not-for-profit, that I’ve enjoyed, able to build my career focused on those areas. Needless to say, I did find I wanted higher education, and completed my Bachelor of Business Studies early in my career.

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How do you switch off outside of work?

Good leaders have a clear vision and an ability to execute that vision whilst bringing people with them.

Is leading an NFP different to corporate leadership?

A challenge of the NFP sector is having far fewer resources. Often there is a belief that you have the normal business ability to invest in capability and capacity. The privilege of Make-AWish is that it allows me to really focus on our mission to create wishes for critically ill children, bringing joy, hope and strength to them and their families. That’s a stronger motivation than creating shareholder value for a commercial organisation. The Make-A-Wish team is predominantly female, was this a deliberate?

It wasn’t deliberate. My preference is that teams have balance as there is a different energy that comes from a mix of genders that's useful. The right mix of skills and personalities that are all committed to the mission is what’s most important. Is it becoming easier for women to succeed in business?

More women are attaining CEO and senior roles, but we must continue to protect those gains. Changing expectations of women senior leaders who also carry most of the work at home is outdated. Men need to shoulder more of the parenting and home-based work that enables a family to function. We need to measure and expose ongoing pay equity issues and challenge the ongoing lack of women visible in senior leadership roles. Good corporates are now actively setting targets for shifts in this space.

Who are your heroes?

My mother for her resilience and her commitment to us as children. To all the Rangatira (chiefs) in my whakapapa (ancestry) of Nga Ruahine me te Te Atiawa toku iwi who have led the way for our people. Proudest achievements?

Difficult to say. My aspiration has always been to make a difference wherever I’ve been employed or in whatever I’ve volunteered to do. I’m extremely proud of the work the team and I do at Make-A-Wish. It’s wonderful to know every day we make wishes come true for children who have critical illnesses. How do switch off away from work?

I’m fortunate to have a broad range of interests. Hockey has been my sport of choice and my go-to for fitness and engaging with a people outside work interests. It can be very cathartic, hitting little white balls around!

What’s been some of your most memorable advice?

I’ve been truly fortunate to have had the advice and support of many mentors. My very first being a community development officer, Patsy Rei, with Māori Affairs Wanganui. I learnt the importance of service – that when you truly have the interest of your people at heart you learn to concentrate on doing what’s right, regardless of the difficulties.

May 2022

Emma Lewisham, Co-founder of Emma Lewisham Skincare

Before co-founding her revolutionary eponymous skincare brand, Emma had a senior role in a global tech company where, she believes, she had to “work twice as hard” as her male counterparts to reach the top. “But I knew I deserved to be there,” she tells Verve. “I was often the only female in business meetings, but I never felt I didn't belong there. I don’t believe gender equality is an industry-specific issue, it’s a systemic bias, and recognising and unlearning this bias must be the first step.” What were your earliest dreams?

For as long as I can remember I’ve had a curiosity to find a better way. I was raised to believe that no dream was too big. I’m wired to challenge the status quo, which my parents found challenging at times. I’ve also always had very strong values and knew that when I shaped my own business it would be one that held people, planet, and performance equally. Kindness and respect are assets, not vulnerabilities in business. My ambition is to build something that I’m proud to leave behind. What would you advise your younger self?

Stay true to yourself. Never feel as though you must mould yourself to fit what’s expected. Your value is in your uniqueness. If you believe in something, fight for it. Our deeper purpose is what makes our lives complete, so find this, as it will be your greatest motivator.

women in leadership roles, but of all previously excluded and under-represented groups. What advice has stuck with you?

I’ve had several mentors throughout my career and the advice that’s stuck with me the most is always around work ethic. My co-founder Kim and I worked every evening, weekend, and holiday, on top of our day jobs, for three years to launch Emma Lewisham. Having a strong work ethic has played a huge role in where I am today. Which leaders most inspire you?

Jane Goodall and Michelle Obama are two women who really inspire me. They’re down-to-earth, kind, intelligent and uncompromising when it comes to standing up for what they believe in. Proudest achievements?

My family and my business. I’m proud of the loving, supportive and respectful home we have created, the wonderful partnership I have with my husband and my beautiful daughter. And I’m proud of building a business that balances purpose with profit, helping to solve problems for a better future. Any books or podcasts you recommend?

Great leaders come in many shapes and forms. I’ve led by my values and what is important to me. Treating people with kindness, fairness and respect is at the heart of how I lead, and every decision I make.

Books I recommend are Net Positive by Paul Polman, and the autobiographies written by Michelle Obama and Jo Malone. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez is a powerful book about the gender data gap and the impact it has on women. I listen to podcasts when I run, some of my favourites are the Tim Ferriss Show, Oprah’s Super Soul Sessions, and the BBC’s Desert Island Discs. I love learning about people and what drives them.

Do women offer something different to leadership?

How do you switch off outside of the office?

What does leadership mean to you?

Absolutely, but, different to what? Traditionally – and still – leadership roles have been dominated by predominantly white men. Women, like any other group, bring something different because they have different life experiences and unique points of view. These must be valued, and I hope we continue to see exponential improvements in the representation of not just

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Family time is a big one for me. I love being at Lake Tarawera, where we have a family home. Running and meditation are also really important parts of my life that help me unwind.

May 2022

PHOTO: D DAHER, FREERIDE WORLD TOUR

Jess wanted to be a vet when growing up, but her grades weren’t good enough. She didn’t think she had the ability to make it as an extreme skier either, she admits with laugh over the phone from Canada, but she’s sure proved herself wrong.

landmarks. A lot of visualisation is required. You look for takeoffs and landings to put a run together the evening before. It’s a calculated risk whereby you push yourself to the edge of your ability. Often, I’ll attain a ‘flow state’, whereby I’m fully focused. There are times when you’re not in the right headspace and that is when it can feel scary.

Is mental strength more important than natural ability?

Do you have any superstitions or rituals?

Jess Hotter, Freeride Skiing World Champion

One hundred percent. The mental game is the biggest part, the biggest barrier. I still work past it, every day. There were long periods growing up where I didn’t allow myself to improve – skiing with guys, they’d do something that I didn’t believe I could do because I was a girl. But that’s a narrative that women battle from childhood. A girl getting out and doing some jumps in the park, no matter her ability, should be celebrated. When signing young girls’ posters, I always write supportive messages of encouragement. Any memorable mentors or advice that you’ve received?

Sam Lee [freeride skier] has been a huge mentor, especially during the qualifying days. From the get-go, my mom and my sister have been really influential, really strong women. Mum and dad always sad the world is your oyster, and if you want something, work for it. I’ve really looked up to people like Janina Kuzma who is another freerider who used to compete in the Olympics. She’s been a huge help to over the years.

I have a particular pair of underwear and socks. If I do well in a certain thermal top I try to wear it for the rest of the competition – but I do wash it! In my backpack I carry a harmonica, given to me by a musician friend, his first one; an evil eye, which is a type of protection charm, given to me on a flight by a Middle Eastern lady who had cancer and was travelling to all the places she wanted to visit; and a poker chip found on the slopes by some American friends that helped me out massively during a really difficult time of my life. Can you play the harmonica?

No, I’m quite useless!

What do you get up to when not on the slopes?

It depends on the time of the year, but if not skiing in New Zealand, I’ll usually be biking or taking a random surfing trip. Overseas, I’ll chill with friends who make me happy and do whatever activities are available at the time.

Freeriding looks pretty dangerous; how do you prepare?

Regarding competitions, you don’t get to ski the face first, so there’s a lot of photography and looking across the valley through binoculars. You must have a strong sense of finding

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Learn to Thrive Verve talks fitness, adversity and philosophies with Krista Sandford-Hill, founder of 09 Thrive, a gym with the goal to change the fitness industry. Tell us how you ‘lead with intention’? In 2020, I was involved in a mountain biking accident so severe I required resuscitation. My brain is my most treasured asset, helping build people better lives and enabling me to lead. It also directly relates to the level at which my body thrives. At the essence, my body is built off how much sleep, nourishment, and movement I gift it. My body’s resilience to fight off illness and fly off mountain bikes is proof that this intentional way of living works. Intention is the essence of 09 Thrive – we guarantee strength, fitness, health, and resilience. Helping develop the tools to deal with all life’s adversities. Tell us about your work with Dr Miller? Dr Miller, in San Diego, is one of the greatest leader developers in the world. She is right by my side as I chase mastery in the high-performance skill that is leadership. The 09 Thrive team are some of the most incredible people I have ever worked with. The energy we take into that space is what our community builds off. If my staff thrive, we all do. Dr Miller stands with me as I delve deep into the discomfort of the ‘limiting’ aspects of my psyche. This

most worthy endeavour is one of the fundamental reasons I stand as I do today. You previously spent seven years as a radiation therapist. How did this experience feed into your work now? Because of that career, I’m striving to rewrite the fitness industry with relentless care and compassion. Take a deep look at the fitness industry’s marketing techniques and you’ll see an undercurrent of shame and blame. You take the leap, walk through gym doors and then it's often a slippery slope to failure. So many people walk away saying, “Gyms aren’t for me.” I was this person too. Here’s to being inspired to move regularly because we love it, because it’s fun and allows us to live better lives, versus what the scales say. How do you support people through the tough times at 09 Thrive? One of our members, Sue, recently lifted 76kg to celebrate her 70th birthday. She also recently fell hard, off a restaurant chair. She stood, laughing, and brushed herself off as everyone stared in shock. I hold a belief that life is adversity. But not as a negative perspective. Through

adversity, we become stronger, more resilient, and primed for life. It’s a huge part of my personal ethos and is proving an incredible standing as I navigate my own life. Wiping myself off the earth and recovering from that massive traumatic brain injury while continuing to run a business, full time, during a pandemic, is just a small example of this belief in action. What is it about 09 Thrive that has the potential to change entire lives? Fitness is a specific science that, when applied well, creates measurable results. So, what is stopping people from getting fit and why do we have an obesity crisis? We hit snooze, eat suboptimal food, and stay up late. At 09 Thrive, we teach coping mechanisms enabling better choices – skills like de-stress techniques and re-framing thoughts. We are surrounded by likeminded people who chat, laugh, and sweat together. Building this community has been a very intentional choice. Onwards we fly. One foot in front of the other. 09thrive.co.nz

May 2022

Allium Interiors Shine If you’re ever in need of an instant pick-me-up, head to Allium Interiors. There, you can indulge in a riot of beautiful colour, shapes, and textures for the home, coordinated by a friendly, knowledgeable team that’s like family.

“Designer Guild was different to anything else and people understood that it was a high-quality, timeless investment,” says Jo.

Shoppers at Allium are wowed by the latest designer fabrics, wallpapers, and furnishings, from luxury homewares to accessories and gifts.

She and a colleague were working for a previous interior design store when a representative approached about stocking Designer Guild. The owner wasn’t interested but Jo and her colleague were besotted and quickly realised the possibilities.

Owner Jo Burrell says people often walk in and tell her that they love being there, because it makes them feel happy. Allium has been a steadfast fixture in Newmarket for 22 years. Jo’s journey began when UK fabric house Designer Guild was launched in New Zealand, causing a sensation as a stream of avid followers poured through the door. Everybody loved the bold, fresh colours, the florals and the patterns in beautiful fabrics, bedlinen, cushions, toiletries and accessories. They brought a sense of joy to people’s homes just when the New Zealand business environment needed it most.

Inspired, they branched out and establish their own business, Allium in Newmarket, with a clear vision to develop a store built around the Designer Guild colour palette, enlivened by gorgeous designs in furnishings, accessories, and gifts. “We were very focused on Designer Guild at that time. I loved it.” Ever since, colour has made a strong statement at Allium. “We were never Country Road beige.”

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“Designer Guild was different to anything else and people understood that it was a high-quality, timeless investment,” says Jo.

Jo is from an interior design background. Often customers would come into the store and buy a Designer Guild cushion, which would lead them to exploring other ranges as well. Jo enjoyed helping them access a wide variety of designer products to make furnishing a home easy. The store gradually evolved and the all-women team grew with increased demand. Annabel has worked at Allium for 18 years now while Wendy has proved a valuable asset for over a year. They have added new brands and products, from floor rugs and mirrors to wallpapers and everything else in between. They also built up their interior design service – a bespoke service where the key to success was responding to customers’ requirements. By listening to their customers wants and needs, they have grown with them. Even though they expanded, they still offered the same friendly, personalised, one-on-one service. “Our customers like that we spend a considerable amount of time with them. The store is not a huge, impersonal space. It’s intimate and they feel looked after.” Rather than offering a scheme and saying, ‘this is what I think you should do’, Jo and her team often spend hours going through design catalogues to find inspiration for the client. Then they’ll go out and source samples, not just relying on what they have immediately available in store.

“We’re also all about creating environments for people that they actually love. We pride ourselves on not getting people to do what they think they should do, just because it’s the fashion. “It’s about working closely with people to find their individual style, listening to the customer, actually hearing what they are saying and taking that on board, then doing what they ask for.” Helping people is fun, Jo concedes, and she loves creating environments that her customers love. Designer Guild is now a timeless mainstay with many different colourways and designs. Plus, they’ve added new brands such as Christian Lacroix and John Derian. Jo is delighted that she now has 20-year-olds who visit the store and tell her they still have their favourite Designer Guild baby quilt stashed away at home. With Jo at the helm, Allium goes from strength to strength with her unique hands-on ability to carefully curate unique settings that ensure the store is as popular as ever. “Whatever you want, you can find it here at Allium,” she says. “With a lovely, relaxed camaraderie that clients appreciate, we support one another and work closely on the various projects to make sure our clients’ homes are beautiful happy places that continue to give pleasure.”

May 2022

A Diamond Friendship Verve catches up with Victoria Taylor and Kirstin O’Brien, founders of internationally renowned TORY & KO. Jewellers.

What sparked the idea to create TORY & KO together? KIRSTIN: We met in 2004 when my fiancé took me to Victoria’s boutique to buy a ring. I was inspired by Victoria’s design aesthetic and personality and dreamt of collaborating one day. That day came in 2009 for a charm collection for a children’s charity. And TORY & KO. was born! You both have a huge amount of experience in the industry, how do you delegate so you’re playing to each of your strengths? K: Victoria's extensive jewellery design and manufacturing skills, years of experience working in a diamond merchant, and her gemmology degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) give her the insight to create beautiful pieces. Victoria is the designer and jeweller, so all creative flair is delegated through her. She advises on diamond and gemstone choices, assesses existing jewellery, designs every piece and deals with our New Zealand and international gemstone and diamond merchants. Her background in accounting also lends itself to the financial side of the business which she manages. VICTORIA: Kirstin’s grandfather and uncle were both manufacturing jewellers, so she grew up watching them work. She also spent years working in jewellery retail while at university. Her recent diamond and coloured gemstones study through the GIA, background in corporate business development, sales, and marketing, along with her family history and understanding of the trade, complement my design skills. Kirstin takes care of the ‘operations’ side of the

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business, from insurance to CRM and stock systems, to social media marketing and website development. She also consults with customers and advises them on designs for diamonds and gemstones, and completes valuations for insurance. You’ve had so many highlights, like creating a brooch for Queen Elizabeth II. What are each of your own personal proudest moments? K: One of my proudest moments was being asked us to create a piece for the Genée International Ballet Competition when it was held in New Zealand. It’s the Formula 1 of the ballet world. Victoria created a beautiful tiara for the audience award-winner, featuring sapphires, topaz, moonstones, and a freshwater pearl drop. We were lucky enough to present it on stage. We met with ballet royalty from London including the CEO of the Royal Academy of Dance, Luke Rittner, and I was like a teenager when I met with the actual Li Cunxin (Mao’s Last Dancer) backstage! V: Working with our engagement and wedding clients is always a highlight. Because we’re a bespoke business, we want to get to know customers from their engagement right through to their wedding and even meeting their babies! Each consultation leads to a new-found business relationship or even friendship. Friends recommend their mothers, sisters, or colleagues. We’re fortunate to create unique pieces for special occasions for other mothers and women. We also get many men visit for advice on rings or gifts.

It’s About the People Verve talks real estate with Erin Whiting. How long have you been in real estate?

I’ve been in residential sales at Barfoot & Thompson, Ponsonby, for three years. I was previously head PA to several of our top sales agents, which was the kind of education money can’t buy. Do you work with properties in just one suburb?

Having grown up in Herne Bay, I wanted to be based in Ponsonby, but I sell throughout Auckland. I feel so passionate about where I live after years travelling and setting up homes in Asia and the Middle East. I know the greater Ponsonby suburbs and Western Bays intimately, and can’t get enough of their cosmopolitan, cool and exciting vibe. How did lockdown effect you?

Lockdown was non-stop, to put it mildly! We went in with auctions and listings on the go, and with the market still strong. We were able to work closely with vendors and purchasers and had some successful sales. We have a fantastic online auction tool to register potential purchasers to bid online while watching the auction live. It was a challenge, but a hugely satisfying one with some fantastic outcomes.

get one chance to get a premium price for your property, and I’m here to help deliver that. Is having finance ready the easiest way to purchase a house?

The pandemic has taught people to always be prepared. Many do their due diligence before even viewings and have a fair idea about what they can and can’t do, which benefits everybody. I have close relationships with mortgage brokers and finance advisers, and they are finding the same. Are buyers more particular?

Again, they’re just better-informed. As an agent I love that – I get to work with savvy vendors and the well-read people interested in their properties. Both sides know exactly what they want and are willing to put in the work alongside me to achieve that. How do you feel about the market quietening down?

I don’t think it is, and neither do my vendors. Everything’s still selling, and people are as excited about property as ever. As a gutsy negotiator, I dedicate myself to going above and beyond, ensuring clients achieve exactly what they need – and the best possible outcome – every time.

How easy – or difficult – is getting listings?

It’s one of the things I love most about real estate as I love working with people and getting the best results possible for my vendors. I’m adaptable, so once I understand people’s needs and wants, the sky’s the limit. Listening without judgement is essential, allowing potential clients to open up and trust me. How do you build client relationships to ensure their needs are met?

It comes down to relationship-building. I love my job – it helps that I’m obsessed with interiors – and pride myself on getting the best from a home. But it’s people’s stories that really motivate me. Taking the time to hear their hopes and dreams makes for amazing working relationships. I ensure clients receive the right advice and strategy for each property. You only

Is home staging still prevalent?

Yes. The right staging can add significant value to a home, allowing potential buyers to see it at its best. Staging creates an aspirational home for prospective buyers to emotionally connect with. Your four walls become their dream, with all the extra engagement that entails. What do you enjoy most about real estate?

It’s such a fast-paced and exciting industry, but we’d be nowhere without people. I view my role as taking clients on one of the most important journeys of their life, serving as a problem solver and confidante. I’m supporting people through important life decisions and creating long-term relationships that endure well beyond the first sale. 37

May 2022

Nature’s Haircare holistichair.co.nz

Nicky and Jodene, coowners of Holistic Hair, had previously worked together in the health and beauty industry. Both had a passion for natural products as well as a shared vision to build a niche natural haircare brand, with a sustainable, environmental, and social purpose. What was your original inspiration behind starting Holistic Hair? Nicky: Looking back, it was probably a moment of realisation

that started us on this journey. We both wanted to step away from working for others and really wanted to create a brand that was a reflection of our shared values and aspirations. We got started by acquiring Holistic Hair, an existing brand with true potential to be developed to another level. Jodene: The word ‘holistic’ was really the seed and inspiration at the centre of our vision to modernise haircare, focusing on wellness and sustainability, rather than just beauty and appearance. Tell us how you work together in a creative and business partnership? N: Without sounding too contrived, we really are a match made

in heaven. We often reflect on how similar we are in the way we think and feel. Having said that, we have adopted very clear roles. I lead sales, marketing, and public relations, and Jodene manages the logistics and financial side of things. Practically it’s important to create this distinction around ‘who does what’. Beyond this there is a deep respect for each other’s unique talents and also gratitude for the fact that in meeting each other we found our feet in business.

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How has the business evolved since 2015 and what challenges have you overcome? J: The brand has taken enormous strides in the past 6-7 years

and during that time, we’ve expanded into five international markets. It goes without saying that the pandemic has affected us like many other businesses. Our greatest challenges of late have been around coping with increases in raw material prices and availability. It makes new product development and delivery extremely difficult. Overall, a mantra of slow, steady, and sustainable growth has stood us in good stead. What does it mean to have a hands-on approach to product development? N: Earning a place in the global haircare market has required

more than just a unique value proposition. We want to be known as the scalp and hair experts, and to be the best at this, having obtained trichology and cosmetic chemist qualifications. This means we can formulate our own products and remain true to our values. Holistic Hair is founded on four key pillars: a holistic philosophy, trichology expertise, plant-based science, and sustainability. Together these attributes present a credible and unique story in the global market.

Can you give us any insight into where the brand is going next? J: Having received our Plastic Neutral certification in 2021 and

our transition into bottles made from 100% recycled plastic, we are currently working towards our BCORP certification. We have also recently completed our regulatory readiness to enter the US, UK, and EU markets.

Accessible Cannabis Elysian Group founder and chief executive officer, Eva Neshat, is a global advocate and investor within the medicinal cannabis industry. She talks to Verve about her newest venture, CannaPlus+. Tell us about CannaPlus+, what you do and who you can help?

CannaPlus+ is New Zealand’s first internationally affiliated medicinal cannabis clinic network and telemedicine platform. Our guiding purpose is to empower Kiwis to live optimal lives by removing barriers of old and providing access to quality, affordable medicinal cannabis treatment. Our clinic specialises in personalised treatment programmes that integrate alternative medicines into modern medical practice. We support patients who haven’t been able to achieve symptomatic relief from traditional medication, ensuring access to the best options available in a professional environment. Our incredible medical team delivers the experience and credibility needed to allow patients to feel heard, safe, and comfortable to make their own choices. There is a growing number of companies entering the cannabis space. What makes CannaPlus+ unique?

As New Zealand’s first internationally affiliated medicinal cannabis clinic brand, we’ve aligned ourselves with industry leaders, CannaWay, Canada’s largest physician-led medicinal cannabis clinic network. Through our partnership, our clinics have access to CannaWay’s operating procedures, clinical data, research trials, and international support. With over 20,000 patients to date, and five years of practice, CannaWay is highly trusted. Through this partnership, CannaPlus+ is better equipped to help change New Zealanders’ lives. At CannaPlus+ we are backed by a strong medical advisory board which provides safe, research-based, legal, and affordable access to consistent, high-quality medicinal cannabis treatment. What do you love most about your job?

That’s hard as there are so many things! There is an incredible feeling that comes with knowing you’re creating something that

enhances the quality of people’s lives. Whether its relief from insomnia, pain, or anxiety, among many other things. It’s easier to empower others from a place of feeling empowered. That’s what we do – empower people through accessible, alternative healthcare solutions. What inspired you to start your company?

It has always been heart led. I’m a huge advocate of plantbased medicine and have witnessed it work wonders. I strongly believe we’re on the precipice of a new era of medicine. I view medicinal cannabis as the gateway to the acceptance of plantbased medicines in the future and we’re seeing this in overseas trends already. What is your vision and mission for CannaPlus+?

To be the most trusted name in medicinal cannabis treatment across New Zealand. We’re really breaking ground already. Our mission is to legitimise the perception of medicinal cannabis and be an educative body not only for consumers but for the whole industry. What would be your best piece of advice for fellow women looking to pursue the cannabis industry?

In most leading New Zealand cannabis companies, you’ll find a strong woman at the table. These women are fearless, intelligent and passionately committed to what they do. My advice is to be bold, go after what you want, and reach out, there a plenty of female leaders in this industry – myself included – who are more than happy to help. CannaPlus+ Clinic is conveniently located at 231 Ponsonby Road in Auckland and also offers a nationwide telemedicine platform. For more information, please visit cannaplus.co.nz Facebook and Instagram: @cannaplusclinic LinkedIn: Eva Neshat 39

May 2022

A Journey to Health Tracey McLean, founder of Naked Nectar, was in her 20s when digestive complications began to plague her, causing weight gain and fatigue.

Keen to get on top of her problems, Tracey started selfeducating on the link between nutrition and health and soon realised it was time to say adios to dairy. Before she knew it, she had a kitchen full of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and superfoods. Smoothies became her daily medicine, restoring her energy levels and re-balancing her body. Verve chats to Tracey about her smoothie business, Naked Nectar, an idea that blossomed from her road to wellness. Where did the inspiration behind Naked Nectar come from?

For a lot of people, when life gets busy the first thing that’s compromised is a healthy diet. I wanted to create a smoothie range that supports a chaotic lifestyle, making it easy to stay on track with healthy habits.

Tell us more about Naked Nectar’s smoothie blends, and the ingredients you use.

smoothie or two stashed in the freezer can be a lifesaver for the modern guy or gal. And, even better, we have paired different smoothies to life stages and daily circumstances, from feeling a bit under the weather through to being a breastfeeding mum. Where can we purchase your smoothie blends?

With the click of a button right there on your phone or device! Just head to our website nakednectar.co.nz to place an order, and it will be delivered to you in a freezer truck. Our top-selling blends are also sold by Prep Plant Based Meals, and are stocked in a couple of small supermarkets. Your proudest career moment?

The moment I realised my ‘passion project’ had turned into a full-blown business with a growing customer base of people buying and loving my smoothies.

What does success look like for you?

Naked Nectar smoothies contain a delicious blend of 100% natural, whole, nutritious ingredients, frozen to lock in the goodness and packed in individual-serve compostable pouches. They’re the no mess, no fuss way to give your body a nutrient hit and feel good.

Enjoying each day, finding happiness in the small things, and being grateful. I have always wanted to live a meaningful life and contribute to the overall health and wellness of others, so I get a lot of joy from those who experience the benefits of Naked Nectar.

We love the phrase ‘situational smoothies’. Can you tell us a little more about this and any other Naked Nectar unique selling points?

What’s next for Naked Nectar?

This year I’ll be working on getting a retail presence, selling to cafés, supermarkets and gyms.

Naked Nectar is a way of life that puts you first. We’re so busy in our modern lives with work, kids, and all the rest that having a

nakednectar.co.nz

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Healing With Nature After nearly two years of uncertainty and unease, people are craving the serenity of a wellness. PHOTO: EMILY RAFTERY

And who wouldn’t want to indulge in a bit of TLC after the time we’ve had? Maruia River Retreat co-founder, Cristina Holopainen, shares a little on her self-care philosophy and stunning wellness facility.

inspiring natural setting. Why the guests come is quite distinct from what they appreciate when they leave. They share feedback with us about the food, the quality of the yoga, and the thoughtfulness of our hosts.

Tell us a little about yourself and how Maruia River Retreat came to be? My husband Lasse and I have always respected our role as caretakers of nature. We started our foray into eco and wellness tourism with yoga studios in the Philippines, called Urban Ashram. Later, we ran an off-grid, eco-glamping surf and yoga resort in Baler, the birthplace of surfing in the Philippines, called Easy Adventure.

What will be the most popular wellness trends for 2022? More solo travellers, more natural and environmentally friendly experiences like walks, or forest bathing, and staying longer in less crowded destinations. Wellness, I believe, will be the fastest growing segment for purposeful and meaningful travel for the post-Covid traveller.

What’s the core foundation of Maruia River Retreat That we can heal with nature. Being immersed in the beauty of New Zealand, with the option of active relaxation activities, we can learn to evoke our own relaxation responses. Our retreat experiences include forest bathing, nature walks, soaking in the river hot tub and infrared sauna, dips in Maruia River, and being served delicious food from the kitchen garden and nearby growers. Our yoga classes share principles and intelligent movements that can be applied to everyday life. A lot of our guests have never done yoga before and leave wanting to start a yoga practice because of the immediate benefits they feel. What do guests value most when they embark on a retreat? Most guests come because they need time away, be it to release stress, feel better about their bodies, quiet their minds or connect with each other. Couples, sisters, best friends, and old friends benefit from time together in an

Tell us a little about upcoming Maruia River Retreats. We’ll continue to offer three types of packages throughout the next year as we continue to introduce wellness into the tourism trade. Our Reconnect with Nature, or Dinner-Villa-BreakfastYoga package, continues to be our best-seller for couples. Our Personal Restoration Retreat, a fully guided wellness experience with massages and private yoga classes, has had amazing take-ups from solo travellers and those wanting a longer stay of pampering. And our regular retreat offerings, run either by us or highly reputable local and international facilitators, always bring in diverse groups of people. Upcoming events include: • Introduction to Yoga Retreat: 12-15 May • Winter Writer’s Retreat: 23-26 June (Matariki weekend) • Eat. Yoga. Love. Self-Care Retreat: 21-24 July • Balance: Food + Health + Happiness Retreat: 22-25 September maruia.co.nz

May 2022

Easing into Crypto Janine Grainger, the founder of NZ's biggest crypto company, explains what crypto is and why she got involved.

Janine, who studied finance and economics at uni, has had a diverse career that’s included projects involving water supply in the Marshall Islands and bringing the Cricket World Cup to New Zealand. Verve had the pleasure of chatting to Janine about her current role as co-founder and CEO of Easy Crypto. How did you get into this crypto business?

How do you explain crypto to the uninitiated?

Cryptocurrency is a form of currency that’s fully digital and can be sent directly between people, without any intermediaries. It allows you to send money instantly anywhere in the world without the need for a bank or a credit card to process a transaction for you.

I first invested in cryptocurrency in 2014. It was the idea that attracted me, not the money-making potential. I remember at the time thinking that the concept made so much sense. We had this 'global village’ with the internet, with everyone connected and able to share information, but we don’t have a global payment system or a global way of transferring value. It seemed like a no-brainer. Easy Crypto was born because a lot of my friends and family were wanting to get involved but they found the technology daunting and were unsure how to get started. My brother Alan and I developed Easy Crypto to help make it easy for people to gain access to digital assets.

With low-to-no fees and no barriers to entry, cryptocurrency is an incredibly powerful way to democratise financial services by making digital payments and other financial products and services easily accessible to more people.

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As a potential investor – why would I choose to go with Easy Crypto as opposed to another crypto start-up company?

Easy Crypto focuses on making crypto for humans by simplifying the cryptocurrency experience and making it easy for anyone to get into the crypto space, regardless of their prior knowledge or background.

I love the pace of this industry and how almost every day I am learning something that I didn’t know before – the potential of decentralised finance is endless and I’m excited to be part of it.

We have a truly user-centred approach to our services, making sure customers' issues are addressed by a team of humans who have genuine concern about their issues. But whichever provider you use, make sure they are properly registered and regulated, so that your funds are protected. Currently we are looking at a slowing property market and turbulent times for traditional share market investing – has crypto been affected in the same way? Is it a medium all investors should be looking at?

Yes, the cryptocurrency market has slowed in line with the macro environment, however, over time I think we should start to see cryptocurrency become less tied to the traditional financial markets. Crypto is becoming a more common component of a well-diversified portfolio. I personally believe any modern diversified investment portfolio should have at least 1% invested in cryptocurrency and it should be treated just like any other investment, in that it carries risk and the potential for returns. The demographics of crypto investors is interesting: until recently it seemed quite macho. Has it evolved?

When I started in crypto it was very much a male-dominated space, but that is definitely changing. At Easy Crypto our female investors are increasing steadily and now make up well over a third of our customer base. Interestingly, the skew is more pronounced in younger age groups, for those over 40 years old it’s much more evenly split. There are now many gateways into the crypto space – NFTs, gaming, and the creative industry are among the many entry points for those unfamiliar with crypto to start learning and generate curiosity, which helps diversify the demographic of crypto users. The good news is that because of the decentralised nature of cryptocurrency, all have equal opportunity to participate and we’re trying to ensure that all groups have the education and advice they need to access this space, understand it, and leverage the benefits it can provide.

What energises you about your work?

Hands down, the people. Those I work with – whether employees, investors, shareholders, or industry friends – inspire me day in and day out with their energy, ideas for levellingup, and crypto knowledge. Plus, more than that, I’m just surrounded by good humans. Secondly, I love the pace of this industry and how almost every day I am learning something that I didn’t know before – the potential of decentralised finance is endless and I’m excited to be part of it. Is there a leadership lesson that you’ve learnt that’s unique to being a female leader?

One thing that has surprised me about being visible as a female leader is how important it is for other women. I’ve had staff, customers, and strangers tell me that seeing my journey has inspired them. There’s a responsibility that comes with that, but also a challenge for us as a society; clearly we don’t have enough women in leadership yet. How do you unplug from work?

I’m lucky to live near the beach, so popping out for a walk with the dogs is my favourite way to destress and disconnect from work. What’s the best work-related advice you’ve ever received?

It’s hard – harder than you ever imagine – but you’re not alone. Ben Horowitz in The Hard Thing about Hard Things has an amazing chapter on 'The Struggle’. For anyone going through the difficulty of launching or running a business, Google ‘the struggle’ – it's challenging but comforting to know you’re not alone. What is your biggest indulgence at home?

I love my whiskies and have a fantastic collection – indulging in a nip of single malt is a great end to the day. easycrypto.com/nz

May 2022

Beacon of Hope & Healing Margarita Politis uses mind-based therapy to help women who are experiencing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emotional abuse, and trauma. She found her true calling after working in real estate before moving to style coaching in her business, Fab After 40. “On the outside, dressing someone is great but when I heard women saying, ‘I’ve put on so much weight’, and feeling

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a lack of confidence, I was drawn to what was going on inside. I wanted to help them through that,” explains Margarita. “It’s also come about through my own confidence issues while recovering from a narcissistic relationship.” What’s your personal story, Margarita? I met my then-partner 14 years ago and everything moved quickly. We moved in together and I gave birth to my second

“If you don't fix your wounds, you’re going to bleed on people who have not cut you” – Marisa Peer

daughter, who’s now aged 12. I also have an 18-year-old daughter. That’s when the gaslighting began. Words like ‘you’re beautiful’ and ‘you’re the one’ changed to ‘you’re not good enough’, ‘you’re useless’ and ‘your daughter doesn’t want you’. I became immobilised and lost my ability to think and make decisions. Then it came out that he was having affairs. But when I called him out, he said, “I would never do anything to hurt this family.” It was classic narcissistic behaviour. Eventually, I was quite literally thrown out on the street with nowhere to go, numb and having used all of my life savings to start a business I could no longer run. In the end, social welfare found a home for myself and my daughters. I couldn’t do anything – I couldn’t work and I couldn’t even go for walks which I know helps reduce cortisol. He took me to court to try and get custody of our daughter where I finally broke down and told him he could have her. I couldn’t handle any more emotional abuse. Post-court I focused on trying to pick up the pieces, but the trouble was, I couldn’t put them back together. I didn’t feel able to run my business, so I went back to real estate, but my heart wasn’t in it. I did some courses, learned meditation, and went on to completely retrain. Through helping others, I reset myself. I became whole again. That’s why I do this work. It’s changed my world and I can help others shortcut the 12 years it’s taken me to recover. What exactly is a narcissist? Narcissism is a personality disorder with traits like selfcentredness, arrogance, and lack of empathy. A narcissistic person has ways of drawing you in and manipulating you. They’re extremely charming, but full of lies and false promises. You may find yourself pushing your own family and friends away which means you won’t have emotional support.

How does this affect a person biochemically? It sets off the stress hormone cortisol. You’re constantly in a fight, flight, or freeze mode. So much so that you can actually get addicted to the narcissist. I’ve heard women saying they can’t help replying to his constant texts, but there’s a chemical reason for that. There’s an analogy called ‘flip the lid’ where your rational brain doesn’t connect with your emotional brain. So, you feel intensely but are unable to think clearly and problem-solve thereby ‘flipping your lid’. It involves the amygdala, which is like our security guard, and the pre-frontal cortex, which helps us make good decisions. What are the methods you use to help with this? I’m trained in autogenic therapy, which concerns resetting your nervous system, and rapid transformation therapy (RTT). RTT is a combination of hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, NLP, cognitive behaviour therapy, and neuroscience. I’m also currently studying brainspotting (BSP), and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EDMR). How do your methods work? I go right to the root cause. I reframe your thoughts and deal with the scenes that come up so that you can become your own cheerleader. Afterwards, I give you a tape to listen to for 21 days. This helps further rewire your brain because it responds to the pictures and words you install. Who do your methods work for? People who are experiencing anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and narcissistic abuse trauma. How quickly does treatment work? It’s incredibly powerful and fast. In some instances, it may take one session. There are more aspects to deeply emotional work, which is more like three sessions. margaritapolitis.com

May 2022

WORDS — NICK AINGE-ROY

Material Girl For Lyzadie Renault, it’s all about the story: of inspiration, of makers, of materials, and of what draws people to the things they choose to fill their lives with. For the past five years, Lyzadie has worked alongside some of Aotearoa’s most respected and dedicated craftsmen and women, producing furniture and objects that are beautiful, conceptual, and impeccably well-designed. A trained architect, Lyzadie’s love of, and talent for, design has obvious roots, but she acknowledges that the seed was likely planted much earlier in life. Having grown up between France and New Caledonia until the age of 13, she recalls how the influences of French culture and her family history – both her grandfather and great-grandfather were furniture-makers, and her father a builder, artist and nature lover – intersected with the experience of visiting her mother’s village in New Caledonia. It was a place where “they made everything pretty much from scratch… Everything was so tactile for me, so alive, so real and raw”. Whether due to her upbringing or her career as an architect, materiality has become central to Lyzadie’s designs and the enchanting shapes and textures of the New Zealand landscape serve as a consistent throughline in her work. Sometimes the references are literal, as with the braided brass lines of the FLOW collection, inspired by the winding, twisting braided rivers of South Island. In others, they are conceptual, as with the WHITECLOUD collection, where the nation’s name was transformed into abstract, hand-blown glass pendant lights and towering vases of opaque white. References are also drawn widely from her own life. The curved frame of an armoire and the dog-leg bend of a table leg echoes a lifelong love of motorcycles which began aged 17, working for a family friend who rebuilt old bikes. A New Zealand karate champion at age 17, Lyzadie tells me over Zoom of the influence of martial arts on the DANCEOFGEOMETRY collection. A crucial element in

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the practice of karate is the kata, a series of dance-like movements performed in order to demonstrate mastery of the martial techniques. Fluid and statuesque, the shapes created by the body in the practice of kata were reflected in the strong forms of DANCEOFGEOMETRY. In spite of its conceptual depth, Lyzadie’s work in furniture design arose not from some artistic inner yearning but from a simple desire to create furniture crafted here in Aotearoa with a unique New Zealand design language. “We were all buying things from Europe… Scandinavian, French, Italian designs, all these big names. I just felt, ‘Surely we can do this in New Zealand.’” It was a straightforward proposition but to realise it required finding makers that could compete with the best in Europe. Some were known to Lyzadie already through her work as an architect, while others involved extensive research, and trial and error to achieve her vision of New Zealand made positive luxury. These relationships are built on a shared appreciation for the materials involved and the resulting creations are striking and sophisticated. Beginning with FLOW, the reception to Lyzadie’s work was immediate and almost unimaginable for such a young brand. Within six months of launching, the FLOW collection was a finalist in the Best Design Awards in New Zealand. An invitation to exhibit at the Milan Design Fair came within the first year, followed that same year by invitations to Paris1618 Positive Luxury, 3 Days of Design in Copenhagen, and Denfair in Melbourne. Since then, the studio has been the recipient of many global awards in recognition of its work, including being awarded the Best Sustainable Furniture Design Studio by APAC Insider in 2020.

The subject of sustainability is of immense importance to Lyzadie and reflects her wider desire that the studio operates in a conscious manner at all stages. From the beginning, she wanted to build an ethical business: local products crafted by the skilled hands of local makers from sustainable materials. Her collaborations with these partners support not only their talents and dreams but also the people and planet around them, with a percentage of every sale donated to social and environmental charities such as Shine or Forest & Bird. For Lyzadie, these acts of giving are simply part of running a good business. However, they also form part of the story of the design studio, a story that has seen it acquire customers across the world and achieve a startling level of success in just five years. It is the story of a businesswoman and mother, and of all of her experiences and influences. It is a story of makers and materials, and of how ideas are brought to life through wood and glass, metal and leather. Finally, it is a story of how working in harmony with the people and planet around you can yield a better world for everyone involved. And what is the purpose of this story? To inspire. Whether it is her children, her friends, or a stranger turning through the pages of a magazine, Lyzadie Renault wants to show that you can have success while still doing the right thing – and it doesn’t have to be complicated. After all, she says: “I’m just one of many people that do what they love doing.” lyzadiedesignstudio.com ARCHITECTURE — LYZADIE DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY — TIM MARSHALL FASHION — PARIS GEORGIA JEWELLERY — ZOE&MORGAN FLOWER ARRANGEMENT —WHITE TREE FLORAL DESIGN

May 2022

WORDS — MILLY NOLAN

Cashmere A True Love Affair Jo Lloyd’s love affair with cashmere began in her 20s whilst living in New York. Unable to wear wool against her sensitive skin, she was amazed at how soft, light and warm cashmere was to wear. Quickly becoming a wardrobe staple, it wasn’t until some decades later, when Lloyd was looking for a new career path, that she realised there was a niche in the New Zealand market for cashmere pieces that were of beautiful quality, were stylish and classic in design but without exorbitant price tags.

Another important aspect for Lloyd was that the brand needed offer beautiful designs not found anywhere else, and it needed to be sustainable, ethical and traceable in all areas - from the manufacturing process to the way it was delivered to a customer’s door using recyclable and compositable packaging. Having searched high and low for a supplier that aligned with Lloyd’s ethos, she found the perfect solution in the hills of Inner Mongolia where cashmere goats are reared in happy, cruelty-free environments. Importantly, the cashmere fleece is collected during spring moulting season, when the goats are naturally shedding their winter coat. This hand-combing process is not only gentle on the goats, but also ensures the longest, highest-quality hairs, which in turn ensures a silky, soft and luxurious garment.

Aptly named Modern Love Cashmere, Lloyd launched the boutique online store in 2021, describing her cashmere designs “like slipping into a warm bath - they are so soft and dreamy to wear.” Made from A-grade, 100% cashmere, these classic pieces are designed to add luxury to the everyday. For individuals who love to be stylish yet comfortable, think cable-knit cardigans, fine knit sweaters with various necklines, drawstring pants and oversized ribbed scarves. Even the sweatsuit sets are so stylish that they can be proudly worn beyond the comfort of your own home. Up to eight times warmer than wool, cashmere is mostly thought of as a winter garment, but it can actually be worn all year round due to its breathable fibres which have a magical ability at regulating your body temperature. Considering how infinitely wearable cashmere is, and also how long it will last in your wardrobe (provided you follow the care instructions), Lloyd believes that purchasing a cashmere garment is not so much a treat but a worthwhile investment. Her mantra ‘quality over quantity’ has become the backbone of Modern Love Cashmere, giving her customers the reassurance that they are investing in exclusive statement pieces that will stand the test of time. modernlovecashmere.co.nz

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modernlovecashmere.co.nz

Keeping it Natural WORDS — VICKI HOLDER

There could not be a more passionate advocate for the value of natural medicine than Robyn Carruthers. As the chief executive of the South Pacific College of Natural Medicine (SPCNM), a position she has held for three years, Robyn clearly takes great pride in the college whose focus is on providing high-quality, NZQA-registered educational opportunities to train the next generation of natural medicine practitioners.

around a beautiful sunny garden courtyard brimming with plants and flowers which students use to practise creating natural remedies. What Robyn loves most, she says is that natural medicine is such a nice balance between art and science: “The art of natural medicine is reinforced by the science.”

Based in the heart of Ellerslie, the college’s qualified professionals produce highly trained graduates, giving them practical skills to advance health and wellness in the community.

She initially came across naturopathy – a system that uses natural remedies to help heal the body itself – when she was aged just 17.

Robyn enjoys showing visitors around the purpose-built facility. It has a warm, welcoming ambience. Modern classrooms wrap

“I was introduced to someone who had trained at the college (which has been in existence since 1967). I loved the idea of

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doing something positive for your health; that instead of waiting until you’re sick, you can take action to prevent illness.” Being so young, entry to the course wasn’t allowed. Instead, she opted for training college to become a teacher. Then, in 1995, when she was in her 30s and had her family, she finally made it to the college. After graduating, she went into private practice for several years, but returned as a teacher in 2006. It wasn’t her goal to become the chief executive, but when the position became available, she jumped at it. “It’s powerful to have a chief executive and executive staff who are naturopaths,” she explains, “because it’s important to have a good understanding of what it’s all about.” Robyn’s background in education gave her the perfect background for the role. The courses available offer a serious level of learning, she says. “It’s a shame that naturopathy and herbal medicine practitioners don’t have a recognised place within our health system. So many things that we advise can work alongside pharmaceutical medicine in terms of treatments, especially for people suffering chronic illnesses. That’s where naturopathy can be very effective. Both naturopathy and herbal medicines seek to find a cause rather than taking a pill just to make you feel better. “We seek to know, why did this happen? Why is the immune system susceptible? And how can we build a person’s system so that they don’t succumb to an illness?” By looking deeper, they aim to gently improve health. In this way, the healing process is strengthened, and the organs and tissues of the body are supported with care to minimise side effects.

“It’s a tough clinical programme with a high level of science, anatomy and physiology. It uses the same textbook as the nursing degree.” Some study full-time, which involves around 16 hours in class and at least that in preparation, assessments, research, and revision at home. Others prefer a part-time approach as the work is very intense, involving a high level of engagement. Student practitioners are also involved in the Paua Clinic which is dedicated to natural health and wellness. Supervised by experienced practitioners, students see members of the public as their clients, integrating their theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. They follow through with each new client and evaluate their progress to assess the effectiveness of their treatment. They have access to their own full dispensary service and can mix up formulas for individual treatments. Students graduate as medical herbalists, naturopaths, or both. There are many career avenues. Lots of graduates set themselves up in private practice. They might work for a manufacturer or even make their own products. Some work for pharmacies, aligning pharmaceutical with natural medicine. Robyn has heard of graduates who open yoga studios or gyms that offer naturopathy as a complementary practice. All over the world, Māori, Pacific, Asian, and Arabic people share the same philosophy towards healing that the college promotes. “As Pākehā, many of us have forgotten our traditional medicine. But we now have around 600 naturopaths and herbalists in the country with so much potential to change the health of New Zealanders.” The courses are a great way to make a difference. Alongside the skills to find a job, graduates gain huge benefits in managing their own health in a holistic way.

Two programmes are available at the college. The Bachelor of Natural Medicine integrates traditional wisdom with scientific knowledge. Students gain critical knowledge and understanding of the philosophy of natural medicine, herbal medicine, nutrition, research, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical examination, massage and more. They also gain sound clinical experience and practice, to help motivate people to achieve optimum health and wellness. A second course, the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, is a level 4 course designed as a pathway into the degree course that helps students understand what study involves.

SPCNM also runs community education and awareness programmes to attract new students and to build the profile and credibility of natural medicine in New Zealand. The pandemic temporarily stalled these classes, but soon, those who are interested will find them a great introduction to a fantastic facility. Once your eyes open to this fascinating, time-proven discipline, just like Robyn, you too may be motivated to make it a career that extends into many rewarding options. spcnm.ac.nz

May 2022

WORDS — AIMÉE RALFINI

The Art Lounger “Art is in my DNA. I cannot imagine my life without art to feed my soul.” – Mira Corbova, gallery director and owner of The Art Lounge.

Founded in 2014, The Art Lounge NZ is a fine art gallery and sophisticated event venue in downtown Tauranga, dedicated to showcasing emerging and established New Zealand-based artists whose unique styles stand out and move viewers. The gallery’s curated collection of award-winning artists includes abstracts, portraits, landscapes, and surreal influenced pieces. In early 2019, the gallery relocated to a larger space in downtown Tauranga to suit their expanding programme of events. We sat down with gallery director and artist Mira Corbova to learn about what makes her tick. How did your relationship with art begin? I grew up in Slovakia (then part of communist Czechoslovakia) with many restrictions and in a very strict household. I had a military upbringing, with little room for self-expression. I found solace in art and nature. I’ve been creating art since an early age, attending classes after school throughout primary. My mother worked in an advertising and design organisation as a creative arranger and I was surrounded by beautiful art and design at home. As young woman, I studied art and photography in Slovakia, then relocated to the UK, where my social circle was mainly creative people. I’ve always been involved in arts, participating in art shows, and helping with exhibitions. Art has always been my happy place. What is one of your fondest memories surrounding art? Pablo Picasso is my all-time favourite – I secretly wish to have one of his pieces in my art collection! On a more personal level, my childhood art tutor, Jozef Canda, a well-known local artist, was a formative inspiration. Canda always believed in me and gave me hope. He taught me to follow my dreams and to believe in myself, making a huge impact on my life and giving me a lot of confidence in my practice. Time spent with him, drawing in nature, formed some of my happiest childhood memories.

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As a child I questioned my art ability as my expression was abstract and totally different from the other students. When I was six years old, I gained special admission to an art school and at age eleven, I won my first international award at the International Children’s Art Show in Tokyo, Japan. Another fond memory. Who is one of The Art Loungers most popular artists? One of my latest discoveries is Tut Blumental, whose March show in Tauranga was a great success. Tut's paintings lure the viewer to a place where warm sunrises envelop night skies, with pink clouds reflected in the sea's surface, turning it strawberry cream. A great escape. Dalene Meiring is one of The Art Lounge’s top artists, visitors are often drawn to her rich palette and harmonious forms when walking into the gallery. South African born, Dalene immigrated with her family to New Zealand in 1997 where she has continued to paint full time. Her work offers a generous and unapologetic celebration of femininity, inviting us to share in an intense emotional experience of time, place, and relationship, portraying a balance between vitality and silent meditation. Her paintings vibrate such a loving and happy energy I call them ‘happy paintings’ that leave you smiling even on the darkest day. I enjoy working with Dalene, she’s a very talented and loyal artist, a fantastic communicator and always on time with commissions! I often organise commissions for my clients. Dalene’s next solo show is with us in our Tauranga gallery in November. Well worth planning for! What kind of art do you create? I enjoy exploring the emotions and feelings through my work. I use vibrant oil colours, various shapes flow onto my canvas

PHOTO: KAROLINA FERBEI PHOTOGRAPHY

intuitively. I paint mostly with a pallet knife, which allows me to achieve a colourful energy in my art that represents a personal freedom and a sense of tranquillity. I love warm tones: yellow, red, gold, and magenta hues.

Intuitive art speaks when words have no form or shape. For me, creating abstract art is an expressive means to channel creative energy with positive emotions that reflect a higher vision within. I believe in the divine healing power of art. I would describe each piece I create as an emotional conversation through colour and shape, a tangible expression of one's soul. It’s a pure joy to bring sparkle to my clients’ day with my healing art. My aim as an artist and art dealer is to inspire, encourage and connect everyone through creativity and to help people to realise the immense value and importance of arts.

Who is exhibiting at the Art Lounge in May? On 6 May we open Etterna, a solo exhibition by one of our multi-award-winning artists, Vjekoslav Nemesh. Nemesh’s style is highly spiritual. His work is known and loved by many art collectors across the globe for its unique, authentic, and visionary style.

The artist is represented by several fine art galleries in New Zealand and USA. Originally from Serbia (the former Yugoslavia), Nemesh has been a practising artist for 35 years. He has participated in many solo exhibitions and hundreds of group shows in New Zealand and abroad. “My art is a reflection of my spiritual being. I would describe my art as a transfer of my feelings and emotions in a specific moment (inspiration) onto the surface of the canvas. Strong emotional moments are very important in this act of creation. They may be induced with music or any other circumstances such as joy, love, anger or worry. As they become stronger, my work will become more creative. What makes a difference is when the artist during the process of creation is filled with the energy of joy and especially Love.” – Vjekoslav Nemesh, artist. The Art Lounge specialises in connecting people through art. The Art Lounge also hosts events. Located on Willow Street, Downtown Tauranga and Picton Street, Howick, Auckland. For more information or to get in touch, visit theartloungenz.com

May 2022

Leading Ladies

From Goat to Garment

WORDS — MILLY NOLAN

tolagabay.nz

What sets Tolaga Bay Cashmere apart from other knitwear companies is that their cashmere is not only grown in New Zealand but is also knitted by skilled artisans on the same block of land that the goats freely roam on. In a fast-paced world where most of our clothes are made offshore, the brand is a truly rare example of a locally grown and locally made product. What started with one goat on the family farm soon became a business idea for Trish Girling-Butcher and her husband Nick, who had moved back to Tolaga Bay – a small town on the East Cape – from Auckland in 1984. Trish, who has a background in high fashion, saw the value in the precious, soft, and downy undercoat of their pet goat and went about researching how they could produce cashmere – one of nature’s rarest and most noble fibres, and previously never produced in New Zealand. From 10,000 feral goats found high up in the East Cape’s mountain ranges, Trish and Nick hand-selected 1,000 goats who possessed a little cashmere in their coats. Through careful selective breeding, they have for the last three decades created a premium, elite herd of the healthiest goats with the finest fleece to create luxury garments under the name Tolaga Bay Cashmere. Farmed with sustainable values at the forefront, their unique goats roam freely on the rugged headlands of Tolaga Bay – the Pacific Ocean providing a stunning backdrop for the animals. Paramount to the brand’s ethos is slow fashion and the desire to never be mass-produced. “Most of the world’s cashmere is produced in volume as a commodity,” says Trish. “We take a rather different approach by farming our own. It means we can tell our customers exactly which hills in Tolaga Bay our cashmere was grown on.” This commitment to work in tandem with nature ensures that every garment can be traced back to the source, with quality guaranteed. While breeding cashmere goats is one skill, creating highquality cashmere garments is another – and one that Tolaga Bay

Cashmere has perfected over the decades, setting an industry benchmark. Using a mixture of old and new machinery, each garment is individually produced by highly trained artisans. “We embody slow culture, preferring the quality-assured touch of a human hand,” says Trish. “It’s a philosophy permeating through our factory-atelier, where our handcrafted cashmere is carefully knitted, milled and steam pressed by hand.” The brand’s commitment to this handcrafted approach, along with their trans-seasonal designs for both women and men, has given them their popularity – sold online as well as in high-end stores throughout New Zealand, Australia, and the US. While the brand takes note of trends, they’re conscious that their garments need to be modern and timeless. “We value longevity,” says Trish. “Cashmere is the kind of luxury item to share as a well-loved family heirloom. Our garments get softer with age, never pill and always spring back into shape.” The garments are also incredibly low maintenance – they can be handwashed, spun on high speed in the washing machine, and even tumble dried on low heat. The brand also offers a bespoke service whereby customers can request design alterations. One loyal customer in Paris has his items tailored to his liking each season. When asked what has made the brand so successful, Trish replies: “The knowledge we have gained over the many years while striving to obtain perfection. From breeding the goats to the final product, not many companies have this level of vertical integration or continuity from beginning to end. There’s no other cashmere brand doing it this way. We live and breathe for our cashmere and want your garment to last a lifetime.”

May 2022

WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Taking up Tools

She’s a doctor by day but come nightfall (and days off), Ellie Wernham swaps her superhero white coat for a workshop, furthering her passion and talent for woodworking.

“When I have my new workshop up and running, I’d love to host some women’s woodworking get-togethers.”

“I come from a long line of woodworkers, so there were always bits and pieces around the house growing up,” she tells Verve. “My grandad Geoff built boats, and my two uncles are woodworkers. My nana – my transgender dad who I now call ‘nana’ – was a woodworking teacher and makes the most incredible things. My son has grown up with beautifully crafted toys, never had anything plastic.” The Wernham family’s creative credentials are further enhanced thanks to Ellie’s mum, a ceramic artist, and her architect twin brother who designed her work-in-progress workshop in the backyard. Also, Ellie chuckles, she fell for her partner, Anil, upon seeing his impressive workshop. “When I have my new workshop up and running, I’d love to host some women’s woodworking get-togethers.” I ask if there is a general trend for more women getting involved. “I feel like there is, more and more women woodworkers are popping up in design magazines making beautiful work”. Though in the day-to-day, fellow female woodworkers are harder to find. “I had a mutual friend send me an email wanting to connect with a fellow female woodworker, which was so cool! We had this hilarious afternoon of eating cheese and drinking wine and discussing lathes and chisels and our favourite wood oils.” Ellie says that she was attracted to woodworking as an escape from work. “Medicine is a wonderful and rewarding job, but it is incredibly demanding and high pressure. The stakes are high, it’s emotionally charged, and being in the workshop allows me to really switch off from it all.”

Ellie describes the “magical and meditative process” of watching a lump of wood take shape before your eyes. “With wood, it’s a very organic process. If you’re not too attached to the outcome – which was especially true while I was learning – you can just let whatever forms, form. I’m not someone who does things half-heartedly, I’ve spent hours and hours in my workshop, I can get a bit obsessive!” Working with such sharp objects and weighty materials obviously requires 100% focus. “It is reasonably dangerous – the slightest slip of the chisel can easily ruin whatever you’re making, while wood turning can cause serious injury.” The woodworker points to various items she’s created around her home including chairs, trinkets, and chopping boards. There’s a particularly gorgeous stool – a replica of the Ray Eames Time Life Stool – that’s been fashioned from walnut wood. “In the last few months, I’ve become more interested in traditional furniture-making,” Ellie goes on. “I’m not a designer, but I love design and have been really going deep with my research. I found the original 1960s plans for that stool online. The skill behind making something seemingly so simple fascinates me. “Another really cool part of the process is finding the wood. I recently made some beautiful little vases from a piece of beech that had fallen into a river on my partner’s family farm up north. It had all of these mushrooms on it. When fungi grow on wood, the spores create beautiful patterns within the grain called spalting.” Walnut is her favourite wood to work with.

She first went down to Dunedin to spend some time with Nana, learning how to turn on the lathe. “Much to her frustration, I was almost as good as her very quickly!”

“The colour is beautiful, and the grain is amazing,” adds Ellie. “That’s another meditative part, getting rough-sawn timber to dressed lengths – as you sand, you’re watching the grain of the timber reveal knots and insect marks. It’s mesmerising.” 57

May 2022

scotpac.co.nz

Scotpac's Got Your Back WORDS — ALEX BLACKWOOD

Why supply chain issues are ruling our economy, and how to stop them causing your business problems down the line.

Supply chain issues. It’s a vague, flat, wall of a phrase that’s crept into our vocabularies via newspaper headlines, notices above bare supermarket shelves, and discussions over Zoom meetings or ever-more-expensive flat whites.

“It’s a long, knock-on effect that starts right at the raw material mark and flows on to you and me, the consumer,” says Greg Wertheim, a business development manager for Scotpac.

It seems to at once explain the problem, and not explain it, brushing away any hope of solutions without actually revealing what the problem was.

“Things that we may have expected to get in a week’s time we’re now being told we’ve got to wait months as opposed to weeks. And those issues are across the board for consumables.”

Coupled with record inflation (5.9% as of December 2021), and petrol up 31% from this time last year, businesses are struggling to keep prices in check. And behind much of that are (you guessed it) supply chain issues. We’ve seen New Zealand-wide shortages of everything from toilet paper to Guinness to brown sugar. And as disappointing as it is for us as consumers to see rising prices or a bare shelf with a shortage notice in place of something you were hoping to buy, from a producer perspective, the reverberations of supply chain issues throughout your business can be devastating.

And what’s causing that? “You can literally say the pandemic. Labour shortages put pressure on companies when we go into lockdown or isolation and then you don’t have the labour to produce the raw materials. Then it’s a knock-on effect.” The lack of labour on factory floors here in New Zealand, in China, Europe, America or wherever else they may be, means the goods take longer to produce. The lack of labour (and backlog of goods needing to be shipped from the lack of

The idea is that businesses get some breathing space to keep ahead of their bills, adjust to the current climate, and even see some growth.

labour) in the transport industry means that it takes longer to receive your goods – what took a week five years ago could now take a month. What took a month could now take five. The longer transport times mean it takes longer to receive money from the goods you’re selling, or even that you ship them at less-than-ideal times and lose out on revenue. Even then, once your goods are in the shop, it can take longer to get them into the hands of consumers because of lockdowns, isolations, and labour shortages in retail sectors. And your debtors are having the same issues with their supply chains, so they take longer to pay. It’s a headache for businesses to say the very least. Thankfully, here in New Zealand lockdowns won’t be rearing their ugly heads (touch wood) to exacerbate this problem again, but Covid-19 and the war in Ukraine are still looming causes of concern that add an element of uncertainty into everyday life for us all. For consumers and businesses alike, that might mean a tightening of purse strings to save for a rainy day.

“I think the biggest challenge of Covid-19 is basically that it’s an unknown,” says Greg. “There’s no real handbook of ‘this is what happened last time' because there was no last time. It really is the unknown. “So, for things to go back to normal, the so-called-experts are talking late 2022 or early ‘23, but the honest answer is that no one really knows.”

invoice by funding up to 80% and provide them with working capital pretty much straight away, essentially easing their cashflow pressures. “By unlocking a business’s account receivable, we’re helping them get a bit of a head start with us and saving a bit of money. It gives them some peace of mind. So, that’s been very popular.” The idea is that businesses get some breathing space to keep ahead of their bills, adjust to the current climate, and even see some growth. “And right up till the end of June, we’re also offering businesses that start an account with us three months interest free,” says Greg. “It literally is interest free, there are no hidden costs – even I was thinking ‘what’s the catch’, but there really is none. “We call it the Bounce Back Fund. It’s our way of helping businesses experiencing cashflow pressures and it’s been really well received.” With costs rising as delays with shipping and payments grow longer, Scotpac’s solutions really are a golden light of hope for businesses. Even if the end of Covid-19’s economic issues are in sight, with so much bad news, price hikes and delays caused by those dreaded supply chain issues, it’s nice to know that someone has our backs. Greg Wertheim, Business Development Manager 021 334 324 wertheimg@scotpac.co.nz

It all sounds pretty grim. But Scotpac have figured out a way to help businesses weather the storm. “Our strength is that we can make working capital available to businesses really quickly,” explains Greg. “In the normal world the business would be waiting for their debtors to pay them. And with all the pressures and supply chain issues, companies are taking a bit longer to pay. What we can do is, once the company has received that invoice, unlock that

May 2022

Romantic Intentions

WORDS — PIET SMEDY PHOTOGRAPHS — ELSA YOUNG

Through careful restoration, a heritage home in Cape Town is re-imagined as a highglam escape from the bustle of urban living.

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The entrance hall, with its white walls, solid timber flooring, and solid brass chandelier, immediately sets the quietly dramatic theme that is carried out throughout the home.

Homeowner Bruce Peach was looking for a home that veered away from the modern and soulless. “He wanted to live in an urban environment but from the spaces he required a sense of heritage,” says interior decorator Lindie Ferreira, who was tasked with making the homeowner’s vision a reality. “He loves authenticity and history, having spent so many years living in London, so opted for this smaller home that offered quality over quantity.” It should come as little surprise, given the home’s status, that an update

was in order. Over many years — and owners — the home had gradually lost its lustre, becoming not only quite ordinary, but losing touch with its unique architectural history. It required a nuanced strategy that was equal parts renovation and restoration.

Not only did this reestablish the flow of the house, but also clearly set the mandate for what was required of the interiors: a feeling of cool serenity, of modern elegance, and an almost ethereal lightness unpinned by a reverence to site.

The original Oregon pine floorboards were sanded down to reveal their natural grain, the ceiling planks removed to reveal the imperfect, hand-hewn planks above, that, along with the widening of room entrances, immediately created voluminous, openplan spaces.

The entrance hall, with its white walls, solid timber flooring, and solid brass chandelier, immediately sets the quietly dramatic theme that is carried out throughout the home.

May 2022

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But it isn’t all old-school glamour, as Ferreira is quick to note that this is a house geared towards modern living and, though it fully embraces its architectural roots, never at the cost of modern comfort. “Take the kitchen,” she says, as an example. “It’s a workhorse, a demanding and practical room that is at the same time personal and also highly technical.”

To this end, the entire space was modernised according to Peach’s requirements, most notably with the installation of the timber island that serves not only as a social gathering point, but also a well-planned storage unit, leaving the surfaces clean and uncluttered without breaking the freeflow of space from the formal living and dining rooms to the cosy lounge and outdoor area.

May 2022

Home & Design

Similarly, there is a raw naturalness to the upholstery that infuses the interiors with a feeling of light and air. When it came to furniture pieces, Ferreira opted for a mismatch of chairs and tables, a clever synergy between Cape antiques, touches of Quaker-style simplicity, and bold Brazilian modernist collectables. “All of these feed into the materiality

of the home: the grain of the wood, the flecks in the marble, there’s an honesty that isn’t over embellished,” she explains. “It's precisely because of these noble materials that the interiors of this house will never date.”

Home & Design

In the main, marble-clad bathroom, a photograph of Dita Von Teese is prominently displayed above the bath.

May 2022

For Ferreira, the small guest cloakroom has become her favourite room in the house, an irreverent streak in the decorating that serves as something of a tonic to the otherwise sober, more pared-back interior scheme. “That was my little crazy moment," she says,” because the rest of the house is so serene I could create this little jewel that offered an entirely different experience.” After more than a little convincing on her behalf, Ferreira finally got Peach to agree on using the 1800s William Morris ‘Snakehead’ wallpaper,

Home & Design

which paired perfectly with mirror and antique brass lights. In the main, marble-clad bathroom, a photograph of Dita Von Teese is prominently displayed above the bath. “I think the house is really successful, because even though every room is so specific in its function and appointment there is still this common thread, this feeling of congruency,” she says. “After all that’s what we set out to achieve, living spaces that both challenge and enthral.”

lahood.co.nz

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While all Lahood® window furnishings are designed with energy efficiency and thermal control in mind our Luxaflex® Duette® Shades are very much a market leader in this area. These shades have a unique honeycomb cell structure that traps air and acts as an insulation barrier for windows. The Luxaflex® Duette® Architella® range also features a unique cell-within-a-cell honeycomb construction which creates four fabric layers and three insulating pockets of air. Include Protection Plus curtain linings.

Lahood® has released a range of New Zealand-made linings to complement your décor, keep your home warm and cosy, and enhance the appearance of your curtains. This new range consists of Serenity, Insulpro, and Armorguard. All are energy saving, adding insulation, are dry cleanable, hand washable, and covered by a comprehensive guarantee.

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May 2022

WORDS— SARAH SPARKS

Mastering the Mind through the Noble Path Vipassana mediation always held an element of mystique to me. The reality, after completing a 10-day course at the Dhamma Medini Vipassana Meditation Centre, is that it was not what I imagined, it was more. Deeply profound and shapeshifting in mysterious ways. The technique is taught by Mr Goenka in the tradition of Sayagyi U Ba Khin, a respected 20th-century authority on the practice. Drop any romantic notion of escaping reality to chant in hippy bliss. The course is no picnic for the uninitiated. It felt like bootcamp training that brings the mind to a single point of focus and awareness. The stabilising outcome through your own efforts feels fulfilling. It doesn’t rely on blind faith, a therapist, Prozac, wine, a lover, or any other external means of soothing.

No-one can prepare you for the warrior athleticism needed both mentally and physically.

Such is the simplicity and clarity of Vipassana, once you experience it under proper training. Taking practical steps, ‘doing the do’ is the secret to success. Entry to the course is by application only. No mobile, no books, no talking, no makeup, no intoxicants, no smoking, no sex, no lying, no outside contact, and no meat are part of the ‘code of discipline’ to attend. Essentially everyone lives like a nun or a monk for the entire period. The trade-offs are worth it. Noble silence is only broken on the last day before students are literally birthed out into the real world more centred, conscious, calm, and self-aware than ever before. All meals and individual accommodation are provided within the lush tranquillity of the bush near Kaukapakapa. The cost of attendance is koha (donation), be it in kind or cash. Based on the teachings of Buddha, Vipassana felt like a surgical scalpel slicing into my soul. There is no other precise way to describe it. Founder Mr Goenka makes the point that when we are born our eyes always face outwards. This technique trains them to rotate 180 degrees to see within. See the truth or what is, not what you want it to be. Imagine stepping into the galaxy of your mind using a purification process of self-imposed discipline. Delving daily through layer upon layer, plumbing down to the very depths of your psyche to clean up. Such is this test of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual might. Through perseverance, the drowsiness, agitation, and mind-wandering, finally succumb to concentration. The aim is to be more resilient to life’s vicissitudes through inner balance. That leads to better choices of action. As the saying goes, once you know better, you do better.

Goodbye misery and mood swings fuelled by emotions and cravings. Hello peace and harmony caused by equanimity. Sounds easy. It is not.

It starts with being aware of the sensations of your breath, accepting of the law of impermanence as everything is changing all the time, and consciously not harming with your words or actions. The appeal of Vipassana is it is self-administered, selfregulated and self-determined. It’s literally liberation through respiration and sensation. Worries, sadness, and angst dissolve over time. Sitting cross-legged on the floor meditating from 4.30am until 9pm with intermittent breaks and two meals is incredibly challenging. Yet there is a sacredness to the cadence. A noble grace comes. As the days progressed, stamina and clarity developed patiently and persistently. Meditating two hours straight before dawn felt like such an achievement on day one. By day four, the ‘sitting of determination’ after being completely still for an hour felt like climbing Mt Everest. That was followed by three-hour straight stints on the mat. That was the start of ‘dharma’, true wisdom through changed behaviour. No-one can prepare you for the warrior athleticism needed both mentally and physically. Taming a wild mind takes an ardent attitude and dogged determination. There were so many days when my knees ached, and my mind wandered. Memories became conscious. Tears flowed unexpectedly. The purging was intense. One student even left. Yet the allure of mastering the mind through the mat kept me there. Reflecting on that journey, it feels like the first step in an enduring personal pilgrimage of peace and happiness.

May 2022

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Design of May

STYLING — BELLA SAMPSON

Dawson & Co Uno tealight

Resene Kent Wallpaper Collection KEN504

Bo Concept Fusion Armchair

Resident Studio Hex 1000 Pendant

Simon James Lighthouse table lamp

Tim Webber Alpaca throw rug in burnt orange

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May 2022

PHOTOGRAPH — Qipao Dress

WORDS — NICK AINGE-ROY

China’s Hanfu Revival In China, there is a word, guochao, which translates literally as ‘national trend’. But in recent years it has become a catchall term for homegrown brands and consumer goods whose appeal is rooted in their use of Chinese culture.

In many cases, guochao turns to traditional culture as a source of inspiration to create a fusion of the old and the new, but there is one subculture in which tradition and modernity intersect in startlingly vivid and dichotomous fashion: hanfu. Hanfu refers to traditional clothing styles worn during the periods of Chinese history marked by Han rule (202 BC – 2020 AD). While the history of the style can be traced back more than 2,000 years, it now more commonly references the era between 618 to 1644 – the dynasties of Tang, Song, and Ming. The style generally comprises two pieces: a knee-length jacket or robe; and an ankle-length skirt or pants. Led largely by China’s youth, hanfu

has become both a fashion trend and a political movement – a source of beauty and of confidence, and a symbol of nationalist pride for China at large. Although ethnic Han dress has a distinctive and storied history dating back millennia, the hanfu style of today emerged in 2003 when electrical grid worker Wang Letian wore a homemade shenyi robe on the streets of Zhengzhou. Wang’s photo was seen by Zhang Congxing, a journalist for Singaporean newspaper Lianhe Zaobao; their resulting interview is widely regarded as the point at which hanfu re-entered China’s public consciousness. In it, Wang recalls how people would often mistake him for a Japanese man wearing a kimono – not

May 2022

For many young Chinese, hanfu is about more than fashion or beauty; it is a way of honouring tradition and reviving a culture that was, and still, is both overlooked and misunderstood. And it is a movement that is gaining immense traction.

realising that the kimono, along with the Korean hanbok, were originally imitations of hanfu. Part of what drives these misconceptions is the history of hanfu and the role played by China’s last dynasty: Qing. Rising to power in 1644, the Qing dynasty was led by ethnic Manchus from the country’s northeast who, in their consolidation of power, suppressed elements of traditional Han culture such as hanfu, supplanting them with their own Manchurian styles. Over time, these styles and codes filtered down from the ruling class into the populace and, after three centuries of Qing rule, Manchurian clothing became Chinese clothing – a cultural victory so profound it continues to shape Western views of what constitutes traditional Chinese clothing. We’d never guess, for instance, that the form-fitting, short-sleeved qipao dress, or the boxy, Mandarin-collared tangzhuang jacket could be considered anything other than quintessentially Chinese, when in fact they are items with a complex and contentious cultural history.

to the Chinese consulting agency iiMedia Research, between 2015 and 2019 the value of the hanfu market in China grew more than 20 times, from ¥190 million to ¥4.5 billion, projected to exceed ¥10 billion (around $2.2 billion) by the end of 2021. This growth is overwhelmingly driven by Gen Z consumers who are turning to hanfu as a way of both standing out in a world of mass-produced fashion and embracing tradition as others of their generation have done around the world. To wear hanfu, then, is to celebrate China. As the nation searches for an identity in the face of ongoing Westernisation, hanfu offers a link to the past as well as a vision of the future: one in which China’s rich history is overlooked no more.

May 2022

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May 2022

TUTLA

CLOTHINGGIRL DESIGNER RECYCLE Clothinggirl Designer Recycle is based at Greenwood's Corner Epsom and open 7 days with free parking right outside. We have an amazing range of designer labels from NZ and overseas and also stock samples and end of lines.

TUTLA is an ethically made, slow-fashion label based in Auckland. Each piece is lovingly designed and made in extremely small batches, creating a unique and flattering silhouette for our customers. We pride ourselves on producing high- quality sustainable garments without sacrificing an ounce of style. Until May 31st 2022 we are offering 30% off for all Verve readers. Simple used code Verve, at the checkout to claim your offer, while stocks last. Terms and conditions on tutlaonline.com.

We cater for sizes 6 to 22 and offer free in-store styling.

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Fashion

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The Golden Ratio Are we perfect? Are our faces perfectly symmetrical? The answer is: “No!”

Did you know that there are standard ratios that make us appear more attractive and that aesthetic practitioners use these to determine how to proportion and beautify a face? So, while we are not trying to make you perfect, we are moving in the direction of beautiful ratios. This ‘golden ratio’ is called ‘phi’, and its proportion is 1: 1.618. For example, the measurement from below the nose to the middle of the lips compared to the measurement from the middle of the lips to the base of the chin is equal to phi! Ethnicity and gender can also play a role in these measurements. Most experienced aesthetic practitioners can eyeball this measurement and will realise very quickly if your chin is deficient or if your lips need volume or if you need more width in the upper part of the face over the temple area. But it’s the more subtle differences that can beautify an individual and create impact. Faces are divided longitudinally into five different parts with the width of the eyes forming parts 2 and 4. They are then also divided horizontally into three equal parts: from the hairline to the middle of the brow; from the 89

middle of the brow to below the nose; and from below the nose to the chin. This can help determine if a small bit of filler placed in the chin will balance out your face, or if your cheeks get a bit of filler to define your face’s outer segments. When we look at a person from the side, we can draw a line from the tip of the chin to the tip of the nose. This is called ‘Ricketts’ E-Line’ and helps determine if the lips are deficient, or if the chin is deficient, or if everything is in alignment. We know that there are often trends like ‘cat eyes’ and differing fashions in lip ratios that sit outside the golden ratio. We encourage patients to play around with makeup first to cheat these proportions before making any permanent changes as trends can come and go very quickly. All of the above are good reasons why you should have a consultation with your aesthetic practitioner and work out a plan that you are both happy with. There is art and science involved in your treatment. If you are interested in booking a consult with one of our aesthetic practitioners at Clinic 42, you can visit our website at clinic42.co.nz . or contact our reception on 09 638 4242.

May 2022

WORDS — MAX DAWSON @onemannz FB: onemannz oneman.co.nz

The Elephant in the Bathroom As men have gone, in one giant leap for mankind, from grooming rookies to experts, building skincare regimens and morning hair-styling routines to challenge that of their female counterparts, perhaps it won’t come as too much of a surprise to find that they’ve also followed the fairer sex to make the jump to waxing. A hair-removing trend that – it screams for the pun – waxes and wanes with the seasons and the sexes for a multiplicity of reasons. Enter the elephant in the bathroom

Standing in front of the bathroom mirror with razor in hand, you’re ready to do the same thing you’ve done every day since puberty: shave your face. Naturally, you might have thought: “Why not wax it off, and not worry about shaving it for a while? Is there any reason why I can’t wax the hair off my face?” ''Yes, there is!'' trumpets the elephant. "Many reasons, in fact."

we can talk hormones and get all scientific but, in the true spirit of manliness, we’ll focus on the superficial. To cut to the chase, if you’re wanting a time-effective and risk-free option to the electric razor, and for a closer shave, tackle the facial fuzz with a traditional razor. Better yet, try out your local barber for a classic cutthroat shave

Facial hair is not like the hairs growing around the edges of your ears, or springing from the tops of your toes; it is dark, thick, mature hair that mostly men get starting with puberty. It’s also very strong, found in denser patches than on the rest of your body and deeply rooted in the second layer of skin, known as the dermis. In other words, it’s hair that you don’t want to rip out with wax if you don’t have to. The elephant has spoken: "Wax on, wax off... Anywhere but the face."

Let’s face it, men are just different from women

Taken purely at face value, that sounds pretty damn obvious. But, to get literally and specifically 'in your face', men and women have quite different facial needs. Diving in deep here, Beauty & Health

Tailoring for Tomorrow Verve sits down with Murray Crane of Crane Brothers ahead of the opening of the tailors’ new Ponsonby store. What would your younger self think of what you’ve achieved – and what advice would you give him?

If I could chat to my younger self I’d say: "You'll work it out." Being told everything will be okay doesn’t help anyone, you need to feel that fear and trepidation as that's the excitement of starting something new. The best advice I ever got was from my grandfather who told me that the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. That's always resonated with me. Has the pandemic challenged the way you think about men’s fashion and business?

Covid gave me time to stop and take stock of the business. After 23 years we’d built a successful brand, so it felt like a good time to dissect that and analyse every piece. I wanted to see what was working and what was no longer relevant. I used every day of lockdown to do that, to make sure that we’d be ready to go when things began to return to normal. It just took a bit longer than I hoped for normality to return. How has the rise in working from home influenced the style of clothes you design?

I always like to think that we listen to clients’ needs and wants, then develop our collections around this. The casualisation of the workforce has been happening for some time now, we are seeing more of a focus on comfort.

Knitwear is a big part of that; we've recently introduced our custom-made knitwear programme which has been a great success. What excites you most about your upcoming move to Ponsonby?

I love Ponsonby and have spent many hours there over the years. I remember Ivans and the Open Late Cafe, Ponsonby Pies, and the Busy Bee Dairy. It's a wonderful cross section of Auckland's culture and a must visit for domestic and international tourists alike. I’m really pleased to be here. Crane Brothers was established in 1999, how has social media influenced business?

It has become integral to our communication, but it has its place. Good brands are built on mahi (work) and it's a slow journey – we don't want to be ‘all talk and no trousers’. I respect its power; it can be your best friend or your worst enemy. As I say to my team all the time, no one ever found an original idea on the internet. Where do you see yourself and the Crane Brothers business in 10 years?

Still working, still happy, and hopefully less grumpy – it's a work in progress.

Brother store on Richmond Road. I was married at the time, and we were living in a two-bedroom flat, above the store, with three children and a dog. I was working at Crane Brothers during the day and on Little Brother in the evenings. Money was tight and we were struggling to gain any traction. One night we were putting the bins out and my then-wife sighted the ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful’ logo on the side of a recycle bin and said: "That would make a great t-shirt." Two weeks later, we had stock in the store, and I think we sold nearly 1,200. It was definitely a ‘we can do this’ moment and gave me belief. The design is in the permanent collection at Te Papa now. What is one men’s fashion trend you hope makes a return and one you hope never does?

I would dearly love to see a return to elegant dressing, however that is interpreted. A well-dressed man is a thing to behold. I think all trends have their place, good and bad. Sometimes things need to get bad before they get good.

What is your personal wardrobe staple piece that you’ll never part ways with?

If I had to choose one, it would be a white button-down shirt – preferably Crane Brothers.

What’s your favourite piece of clothing you’ve designed to date?

There have been many, but I always remember when we had our Little 91

May 2022

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Covid’s Not Gone

WORDS — BELLA SAMPSON

Just over two years ago, David Robb, founder of Respiratory Protective Masks (RPMasks NZ), was boarding a flight from Hong Kong to New Zealand. It was set to be a quick trip, to visit loved ones.

In the week leading up to his departure, he’d noticed with every outing he was in a sea of mask wearers. Mask use wasn’t yet officially required in Hong Kong for the emerging mystery virus, yet everyone was wearing them. Shortly after David’s arrival, New Zealand entered the first lockdown. Masks became a requirement here, yet there was a serious lack of safe options available! David observed that despite the plethora of early studies that clearly stated cloth masks weren’t useful against Covid-19, there was a lot of confusion in the general public. Plenty of official voices, outside the field of medical science, were putting their influence behind the fabric mask to their large audiences. As if MacGyver-like hair tie and bandana combinations could have been used by surgeons this whole time. The majority of fabric masks have a 20-30% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) protection when new. The BFE test is used to evaluate a respirator's resistance to virus penetration. The higher the percentage, the safer the product against filtering out Covid. With every wash, the BFE drops further as the fabric wears down. Official advice currently states that we should be wearing highly protective singleuse masks, with a BFE greater than 95%, to protect against Omicron. Currently, no re-usable or cloth masks have received a BFE rating near the minimum 95% required for proper protection. Essentially, any washed or re-usable mask is a redundant mask. After extensive research and testing, RPMasks aligned with

Beauty & Health

Masklab to become their official supplier for their KF99 masks in New Zealand. The masks have some seriously impressive specs. The adult range has an BFE rating of 99.9%, and their junior and children’s range is upwards of 99.9%, the highest possible rating on the market. The masks contour to your face, providing a superior level of comfort, yet are structured in a way where you can breathe without feeling it collapse in on itself. A customer recently shared that they had left work, drove home through heavy traffic, and walked through their front door without even noticing they still had their mask on! RPMasks have the widest range of designs in NZ, with something to suit every style. According to countless rave reviews, the straps aren’t awkward and the fabric has the highest breathability. They’re also strong enough to have custom printing placed for companies in need of a cool and safe way to protect staff and clients. Towards the end of our chat, I asked David if there are any particular areas he’s noticed that are in need of development to help protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our fellow Kiwis. “I think a big area, is normalising safer masks, especially in large work environments like companies, or in fields with high interaction with the public, like hospitality and retail,” he says. “Especially as restrictions are lifting. The virus is still very much present and is notorious for rapidly spreading through densely packed areas. We still see fabric and blue masks everywhere, which isn’t as safe an option.

“Blue masks often have gaps at the edges and the nose bridge can mean we constantly adjust them without following recommended mask hygiene tips. As people are socialising more often and returning to work or venues, it’s more important than before that we provide the highest level of protection for loved ones, ourselves, and our staff to protect them from Omicron transmission, which is still active in the community. “When staff retention is particularly tough, and many feel anxious about the safety level at work, wouldn’t you want the best layer of protection to be available? A 0.1 % chance of an asymptomatic person spreading the virus amongst their peers or customers when wearing our masks, versus the toll of having many staff absent for the seven-day isolation period due to inadequate protection, can’t be overlooked at this point.” David’s intention with the company has always been to provide Kiwis with clear and helpful material as well as providing the best protection against Omicron transmission: the safest and most comfortable single-use masks, tailored for all ages and style preferences. Visit the RPMasks website for more information, tips, or to explore their substantial range of stunning designs; perfect for keeping the whole whanau safe. rpmasksnz.com

May 2022

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BEFORE

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BEFORE

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Reactivate Youthful Looking Skin Based on breakthrough research focusing on telomere biology, SkinMTX Lab has developed a new skin reparative anti-ageing range that boosts skin restoration. Harnessing a new vital force that re-establishes the foundation of youthful-looking and supported skin. At Louise Gray Skin Care we are excited to announce a new partnership with SkinMTX. Based on the Nobel Prizeawarded research on telomeres, Skin MTX supports our existing One Truth 818 products to really deliver a pathway to reactivated, youthful-looking and supported skin. Ageing and the Telomere Skin ageing is caused by two distinct processes: intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic, or chronologic ageing, is determined by our genetic clock and is a continuous process that usually begins in our mid- 20s but doesn’t become evident for decades. In our 20s, collagen production begins to slow and elastin has a bit less spring. Dead skin cells do not shed as quickly and turnover of new skin cells decreases. Extrinsic ageing is environmentally induced and manifests in ageassociated skin changes, including thinning, laxity, and wrinkles. In addition, sun exposure leads to pigmentation, premature wrinkling, telangiectasia, and elastosis. At a cellular level, ageing is thought to be related to the shortening of telomeres (the end caps of DNA that protect chromosomes). In the Nobel Prizewinning research mentioned earlier, scientists found that telomeres shorten

Beauty & Health

with each cell replication and eventually enter a stage of decline.

network, helping to regain definition to the neckline.

Chromosomal DNA is compromised when the telomeres wear out, causing cellular senescence – a key catalyst to the ageing process.

Fine Line Eraser Serum A potent serum formulated with advanced peptides that promote youthful-looking skin. It acts to markedly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by the repeated contraction of facial muscles.

Activates Your Skin’s Restorative Ability The SkinMTX Anti-Ageing range features the signature active ingredient, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, which is clinically proven to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles caused by repeated facial contractions. It targets the same protein complex as muscle relaxants, but in a less invasive non-permanent way. The range also features the revolutionary TeloZyme Complex. SkinMTX’s TeloZyme Complex™ is clinically proven to support telomeres for younger-looking skin. Here are the SkinMTX, Skin Reparative Anti-Ageing range products that Louise Gray Skin Care has available: TeloZyme™ Youth Activator A multi-faceted serum based on the Nobel Prize-winning research of telomere biology. Works at the key matrix of skin’s youthful appearance to reinforce and protect skin’s structural integrity. Helps to visibly re-densify the skin and prevent the visible signs of ageing. TeloLift™ Neck Cream Formulated exclusively for the specific needs of the neck and décolleté to help address visible signs of ageing. The rich cream creates an invisible supportive

Ultimate Fine Line Eraser An advanced cream formulation that efficaciously helps defend against the signs of ageing. Nourishing and moisturising active ingredients work synergistically to help reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles. Skin is rejuvenated with increased suppleness and firmness. The brand has received worldwide industry recognition for its cutting edge technology and product efficacy over the years. Most recently, SkinMTX TeloZyme™ Youth Activator was awarded the title of 2021 Beauty Insider ‘Best-Anti-Ageing’. Available now at Louise Gray Skin Care. Shop 2/224 Kepa Rd, Mission Bay 09 528 9010 louisegray.co.nz

Specialist Obstetricians. Auckland Obstetric Centre is a unique practice in Parnell made up of six leading specialist obstetricians and support staff. Together we have many years of experience and feel privileged to be able to share in the care of women during their pregnancy. To find out more about how we can care for you and your baby call our team or visit our website.

09 367 1200 obstetrics.co.nz

Smoother and more confident you! Finesse Face and Body Clinic is proud to be the first truSculpt iD provider in New Zealand, as part of an exclusive partnership with Cutera. TruSculpt iD is the latest technology available to permanently and non-invasively remove body fat. “We have been leaders in non-invasive cellulite and body contouring treatments in Auckland for 20 years,” says Sue Crake, owner of the Remuera salon. 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 the 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.

TruSculpt ID Benefits

NZ MedSafe approved for permanent reduction of up to 24% fat (*shown through ultrasound clinical trials) 15-minute treatment (half the time, and twice the treatment area vs cryotherapies largest applicator) No discomfort and no downtime – resume normal activities immediately after Customisable and flexible treatment opportunities depending your body and goals No BMI restrictions Male and female suited Skin tightening – post partum suitability. Treatment areas: abdomen (upper, mid and lower), flanks (love handles), upper back fat, lower back fat, inner thighs, outer thighs, arms and under the chin.

Before

12 weeks after one treatment

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.

Before

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.

12 weeks after one treatment

CALL TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

437 Remuera Road, Remuera • 09 520 5331 • finessefaceandbody.co.nz

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WORDS — ALEX BLACKWOOD

Gin, Sins Twelfth Hour Gin is a classic with a twist of lime that breaks the rules without breaking the rules. Traditionally, gin is made with juniper (of course), coriander, angelica root, cassia (a cousin of cinnamon), cardamom, and citrus fruits, as well as any number of other botanicals. It’s a list that grows as our thirst for gin grows, spawning new variations on the traditional spirit. Though there are references to a juniper flavoured spirit as early as 70 AD, the Dutch are credited with using a heady beverage called ‘jenever’ as medicine around the year 1600, when the British caught wind of the spirit on the battlefield and brought it back to England where it would eventually morph into what we know now as gin. Centuries later, here in New Zealand in the year 2020, Andrew Shannon, Pawat Lamwilai, and Angela Tsang experimented with gin, looking to create a new classic. The three friends set out to disrupt the Kiwi gin scene, and 22 iterations later, Twelfth Hour Distillery’s signature gin was born: light and fresh, bursting with the aromatic oils of makrut (kaffir lime) as the hero botanical – a spark of genius that was in part care of Pawat’s Thai heritage (the makrut leaves are even sourced from his mother’s garden). And to those traditionalist drinkers, because makrut is a citrus fruit, this gin doesn’t technically deviate from the centuries’ old recipe, so it is, in a way, a traditional gin. Far from novelty, the flavours of this gin meld together the way the botanicals in a gin should. It’s harmonious.

create. And what’s not to love about harmonious rebellion that you can drink? Twelfth Hour use small batch distillation. They only make 140 bottles per batch from their four 30-litre stills – a quantity that gives the team more control over the quality of their gin. They have the ability to be extremely meticulous. After distillation, the gin is non-chill filtered, so that all the botanical oils are retained. This is what makes the gin so distinctly aromatic – the flavours are all retained and the resulting gin extremely smooth with a particularly pronounced nose and lingering finish, lending itself to sipping and savouring neat. Though it is great in a gimlet too. Little wonder Twelfth Hour has picked up one gold and five silver medals in 12 months (San Fran world spirits comp, London spirits comp, IWSC comp, AU gin awards, NZ (juniper) gin awards, NZ spirit awards). How best to enjoy this twist on a classic? The artisans at Twelfth Hour Distillery recommend you pair it with your favourite tonic and muddle with bruised makrut leaf or garnish with a ribbon of cucumber. It’s a tipple that would be just as at home at the most celebratory cocktail party as it would be sipped at home at the end of a long week.

And yet it’s different enough to be a refreshing change – a disruption – just as Andrew, Pawat and Angela set out to

Food & Wine

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The MULTI award-winning tantalising fusion of global botanicals small-batch distilled right here in New Zealand. Available today, online and at your local bottle store.

tw el f th h o u r d i s t i l l e r y . c o .n z

DISTILLERY

The Wine Rack

Wine columnist and connoisseur Dennis Knill gives his view on new releases from Linden Estate Winery. Hawke’s Bay is one of our muchloved coastal areas and over time has developed into one of New Zealand’s most successful winegrowing regions, second only to Marlborough. Early on it was an orchardists’ and vegetable growers’ Garden of Eden before some pioneer wine producers arrived in the 19th century. Today there are more than 70 wineries and 40 cellar doors best known for their merlot, syrah, cabernet sauvignon blends, and chardonnay. Out of all the wineries, Linden Estate stands out for its awarding-winning wines and regional cuisine. It was established in 1971 by Wim Van Der Linden, a civil engineer who arrived from Holland with a lifetime passion for winemaking and grapes, with the aid of Tom McDonald, a legend in his own right. Linden Estate was born with 12 hectares of palomino and reisling grapes.

Food & Wine

The success that followed was extraordinary, enabling the winery to move into a progressive planting programme of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc. Fifty years on, the range has expanded to pinot gris, gerwurztraminer, rose, albarino, late harvest, cabernet franc, pinotage, and port. And if you’re planning to make a day of it, Valley d’ Vine, Linden’s restaurant, is open for lunch and dinner serving local contemporary produce not to be missed. ’19 Linden Destination Series chardonnay RRP $40 an authentic

expression of Esk Valley. Hand-harvested with underlying aromas of floral flavours from grapes absorbed in French oak barrels.

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’20 Linden Destination Series cabernet sauvignon RRP $65 full in richness

depth and intensity with soft plush dark berry fruit that makes this an easy drinking wine. Will cellar well. ’21 Linden sauvignon blanc RRP $20

fully flavoured with classic mouth-filling aromas powered with ripe fruit and a rich texture with tones of fresh citrus and persistent crispness. Keenly priced. ’21 Linden pinot gris RRP $20 ripe and crisp on the palate the concentration of fruit laced with dryness and loads of texture and flavour gives this wine great balance. Good buying at this price. ’21 Linden gerwurztraminer RRP $20 displays style and balance this rich and spicy wine is characterised with lots of up-front fresh fruit that leaps out of the glass. Great value for money.

Wineries

TOP LEFT: STONY RIDGE BOTTOM LEFT: MISSION ESTATE TOP RIGHT: COAL PIT WINES BOTTOM RIGHT: ANIKA & ROSIE OF COAL PIT

Stonyridge Vineyard stonyridge.com

Stonyridge is nestled in a shimmering valley of olive trees and colourful vines on Waiheke Island. Join us this autumn and marvel at the colourful leaves while enjoying a long lunch and drinks in our beautiful restaurant. Invite friends and colleagues for a private or corporate event.

Mission Estate

Coal Pit

missionestate.co.nz

coalpitwine.com

Mission Estate is a multi-award-winning winery and an iconic New Zealand landmark located in the heart of Hawke’s Bay. Established in 1851 by French missionaries, it is New Zealand’s oldest winery and boasts a heritage like no other. The elegantly restored historic seminary building provides a stunning location for a range of events and offers wine tasting and sales, a restaurant, concerts, vineyard accommodation, weddings, and conferences.

Family-owned Coal Pit in Central Otago produces small volumes of world class wines, from the vineyard and winery in the elevated sub-region of Gibbston. A small team dedicated to quality, with consistent age-worthy wines of refined elegance. Join the online cellar club, or for tastings visit the Kinross cellar door on the Gibbston Highway (kinross.nz). 105

May 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY — EMMA LEE

Pan-fried Cod with Chorizo, Wild Mushrooms and a Poached Egg Serves: 4 Time: 30 minutes

The cod I use in my restaurants is from Norway. There’s something magical about the cold, clean Norwegian waters, which are home to the most incredible fish. I have been lucky enough to visit Norway and go fishing for skrei, the migrating cod that come from the Barents Sea to spawn along the coast of Norway. This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I feel so honoured to have done it. Cod is easily one of

the most beautiful kinds of fish, but it’s important not overcook it (which so many people do), as you risk killing the subtle layers of sea flavours. Funnily enough, fresh cod is really hard to find in Spanish markets – in fact, I can’t remember ever seeing it there! What is very popular – and, I have to say, always in my mum’s fridge at home – is salted cod. So, if you can’t get fresh cod, salted cod is absolutely fine to use here.

Ingredients

Method

6 tablespoons olive oil 300g wild mushrooms such as níscalo (saffron milk cap) mushrooms or girolles 1 garlic clove, finely sliced 200g stale bread, diced 200g chorizo, diced 150g tomatoes, chopped 4 cod fillets (about 200g each) 4 free-range eggs handful of flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a frying pan (skillet) over a high heat and fry the mushrooms and garlic for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp. Season, then scoop out of the pan and set aside on a plate. Add a further 2 tablespoons of the oil to the pan and fry the bread for 2–3 minutes until golden, then transfer to the plate with the mushrooms. Now add the chorizo to the pan and fry for 5 minutes until the fat has been released and the chorizo is golden. Add the tomatoes and plenty of seasoning and cook for another few minutes, then turn off the heat. Meanwhile, season the cod and heat the remaining oil in a separate frying pan. Fry, skin-side down, for 3–4 minutes until golden. At the same time, poach the eggs in a pan of barely simmering water. Flip the fish over and fry for 2 minutes on the other side until just cooked and golden. Return the mushrooms and fried bread to the first frying pan and toss with the tomatoey chorizo. Divide this mixture between 4 plates, then top each one with a golden cod fillet and a poached egg. Scatter with parsley and serve.

The Spanish Home Kitchen by José Pizarro, RRP$60.00, Hardie Grant Books Food & Wine

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PHOTOGRAPHY — EMMA LEE

Cuchifrito with Preserved Lemon Salsa Serves: 6 Time: 2 hours, plus over-night marinating

I just adore these crispy, golden pieces of heaven. The word cuchifrito comes from ‘fried pig’, and it’s traditionally made with suckling pigs – in my area in Spain, we eat them when they are as young as 21 days old. I sometimes make it with pork belly instead, as that’s much easier to source. I’m not sure if my mum would agree with me regarding the lemon salsa, but I know

she loves to serve this with a simple tomato salad, dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a really punchy vinegar. My favourite is a good sherry reserve vinegar, but if not, a decent red wine vinegar will do.

Ingredients

Method

2.25kg thin end of pork belly (without bones, but with cartilage), cut into 3-cm chunks 6 fat garlic cloves large handful of flat-leaf parsley 200ml (scant 1 cup) olive oil good grinding of black pepper 150ml (scant 2/3 cup) white wine vinegar 1litre (4 cups) mild-flavoured olive oil, for deep-frying sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Put the pork belly chunks in a large dish. Mash the garlic with a pestle and mortar and add to the dish, along with the parsley, olive oil, pepper and vinegar. Mix well, then cover and leave to marinate overnight in the fridge. The next day, preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 3½. Transfer the pork belly chunks and their marinade to a roasting tin (pan), then cover with kitchen foil and roast for 1½ hours. Meanwhile, make the salsa. Simply mix all the ingredients together in a bowl, then season well and set aside.

Preserved Lemon Salsa juice of 1 lemon 3 preserved lemons, rinds finely chopped 5 tablespoons capers (baby capers), chopped 35g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped 20g fresh oregano, finely chopped 20g mint, finely chopped 1 green chilli, finely diced 150ml (scant 2/3 cup) extra virgin olive oil

Once the pork has finished roasting, pour the oil for deep-frying into a deep pan over a medium-high heat and preheat to 170°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small cube of bread in the oil – it will brown in about 25–30 seconds when the oil is hot enough. Drain the meat, then, working in batches, fry for 5–6 minutes until the pieces are really golden and crisp. Drain on plate lined with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Once all the meat has been fried, serve with the salsa. Tip You can order suckling pig online or speak to your local butcher if you want to try this recipe with the real deal.

The Spanish Home Kitchen by José Pizarro, RRP$60.00, Hardie Grant Books Food & Wine

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PHOTOGRAPHY — EMMA LEE

Citrus Salad with Chorizo and Crispy Fried Egg Serves: 2 Time: 20 minutes

When I told friends about this recipe, they weren't very sure at all, but they love it now! Sometimes we see citrus fruits served with a boiled egg but not very often with a fried one. This recipe is from Las Hurdes, a really beautiful area in the north of Extremadura. It is often simply called ensalada de naranja –

orange salad – which is a bit unfair on all the other ingredients, but they all work together to make a really great dish.

Ingredients

Method

1 lemon 3 oranges 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil 100g fresh chorizo, diced 4 garlic cloves, sliced 2 free-range eggs sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Remove the peel from the citrus fruits and cut into segments. Arrange on plates.

To serve extra virgin olive oil microherb leaves, such as amaranth, pea or radish sourdough toast

If you like, you can cook up more chorizo than the recipe says. After all, it’s really addictive…

Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a small frying pan (skillet) over a medium-high heat and fry the chorizo until golden and crisp. Remove the chorizo from the pan and set aside on a plate. Add the garlic to the pan and allow to cook for 1 minute more, then remove from the heat and set aside to allow the garlic flavour to infuse into the oil. Heat the remaining oil in a non-stick frying pan over a high heat and fry the eggs for 2 minutes until the whites are a little golden and crisp, but the yolk is still runny. Spoon a little of the hot oil over the yolk to just set the top. Place the eggs on top of the citrus fruits, then scatter over the chorizo and drizzle with the garlicky oil. To serve, season with salt and pepper. Scatter over the microherbs and serve with toast. The best way to eat it is to cut up the eggs and mix everything together so that the yolk combines with the citrus and rich chorizo.

The Spanish Home Kitchen by José Pizarro, RRP$60.00, Hardie Grant Books Food & Wine

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PHOTOGRAPHY — EMMA LEE

Braised Pork Ribs and Potatoes with Fried Herby Crumbs Serves: 4 Time: 2 hours, plus 3 hours or overnight marinating

El Día de la Matanza is the day that the lovely pigs pass on to a better life, providing food for the family for the whole year.

always on the menu on el Día de la Matanza, and it was one of my dad’s favourites.

In Spain we say, “Del cerdo se come hasta los andares” – “From the pig, we eat even the walking!” (I’m not sure quite how you are supposed to eat the ‘walking’ of the pig, but the idea is that it’s all about using every part of the animal.) This recipe is

The way my mum makes it is quite simple: she just slow-cooks the ribs until really tender, and then she adds the potatoes – she doesn’t include the crumbs. Both ways are delicious, but I think the crumb adds an extra something special.

Ingredients

Method

1.5–2kg baby back ribs 1 teaspoon pimentón de la Vera 4 garlic cloves, bashed 4 tablespoons olive oil 1½ teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly crushed 150ml (2/3 cup) white wine 1 large onion, finely sliced 2 bay leaves 500ml (2 cups) fresh chicken stock 300g new potatoes

Arrange the ribs in a large dish. Add the pimentón, 2 of the grated garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, 1 teaspoon of the crushed cumin seeds and 50ml (3 tablespoons) of the white wine and combine to coat the ribs. Leave to marinate for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you can, in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 170°C/150°C fan/gas 3½.

Fried herby crumbs 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 garlic clove, finely grated 75g fresh white breadcrumbs finely grated zest of 1 lemon 6 sage leaves, shredded

Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a deep casserole dish (Dutch oven) over a high heat. Remove the ribs from the marinade, then cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned all over. Set the ribs aside on a plate and add the onion to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes until brown, then add the remaining garlic cloves and cumin seeds. Stir to combine, then return the ribs to the pan. Pour in the remaining white wine and bubble for a minute, then add the bay leaves and stock, along with the leftover marinade. Season well and bring to the boil, then cover and transfer to the oven to cook for 1–1½ hours, until the meat has softened and is beginning to pull away from the bone. Crack the new potatoes in half with the tip of a knife (this helps them release the starch) then add to the casserole dish and cook for a further 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and starting to break apart and thicken the sauce. Meanwhile, prepare the herby crumbs. Heat the oil in a frying pan (skillet) over a medium high heat and fry the garlic for 10 seconds, then add the breadcrumbs, lemon zest and sage.

The Spanish Home Kitchen by José Pizarro, RRP$60.00, Hardie Grant Books Food & Wine

Remove the lid from the casserole dish and sprinkle this crumb all over the top, then cook uncovered for a further 20 minutes and serve in shallow bowls with lots of the lovely sauce from the dish. 114

PHOTOGRAPHY — EMMA LEE

Mushrooms on Toast with Torta del Casar Cheese Serves: 4 Time: 20 minutes

There are people who love cheese and people who hate cheese. Personally, I love cheese so much I could live on it! Well, I’d need some sherry too, but we all have to drink to survive, right? So, of the cheeses I really love, Torta del Casar is one of my favourites – I think it’s one of the best cheeses in the world. It is made from sheep’s milk, and has a silky, creamy texture, along with

a bold aroma and a rich, slightly salty, flavour. There is a subtle bitterness to it that balances so well with the ripe creaminess. Cutting off the top of this cheese to reveal the creaminess within is a magical experience: it is like fondue at room temperature! Follow this recipe to heaven on a plate. As you can see in the picture, it is more cheese than mushrooms. Divine.

Ingredients

Method

8 small slices of crusty white bread 3 tablespoons olive oil 400g mixed mushrooms, torn 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced 5 thyme sprigs, leaves picked 140g Torta del Casar cheese, at room temperature sea salt flakes thyme sprigs, to garnish

Heat a frying pan over a medium–high heat. Drizzle the bread with some of the oil on both sides and fry in the pan until golden, working in batches if necessary, then set aside and sprinkle with a little flaky sea salt. Return the empty pan to the heat, increasing the heat a little. Add the remaining oil and, once hot, add the mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden, then add the garlic and thyme leaves. Cook for a further 2 minutes until everything is golden and caramelised. Spoon the mushrooms over the toast slices, scatter with thyme sprigs, then spoon over the gooey Torta del Casar and serve. Tip Torta del Casar needs to be really ripe for it to be spoonable. If it’s not as gooey as you would like, dollop spoonfuls on to the toasts and then pop under a hot grill (broiler) for 10–20 seconds to melt the cheese a little.

The Spanish Home Kitchen by José Pizarro, RRP$60.00, Hardie Grant Books Food & Wine

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Mountview Residences

Chosen for its stunning location, well connected to amenities in Epsom, Newmarket and Mt Eden, the luxurious Mountview Residences in Mountain Road, Epsom, takes its design cues from the deeply embedded history and the surrounding natural landscape.

The 13-level building with 59 apartments sits on a uniquely elevated site which once housed the Lion Brewery, opposite St Peter’s School , revelling in the clear light and dramatic views. The complex’s developer and builder, Loukas Petrou of Canam, explains that the brewery was originally built on the site because it offered easy access to water from the reservoir beneath Auckland Domain. “Then you have the natural basalt outcrops on the site. They provided the inspiration for the design of this unique building. Volcanic viewshafts created challenges, but we were able to design within those constraints which resulted in some very striking architecture.” The great thing about Mountview, he says, is that it lets you see through the Domain, out to the harbour over Hobson Bay and the city south around Newmarket, Mt Eden and Epsom. “They are spectacular views. Nature provided us with the ultimate inspiration. The basalt outcrops influence the

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architecture, creating a building that reflects the raw materials but in a refined form.” Leuschke Group Architects has used stepped forms in a band of basalt and concrete panels that wrap around the building to echo the natural formation. And inside, Anna Hill of Jasmax Architects was also influenced by the history and natural setting but of course she sought to showcase the remarkable views. Anna has created a choice of two sophisticated schemes. One was inspired by the natural textures and transformative forms of fresh water and the other recalls the earthy colours of the brewery, the malt, the fermentation, and the machines. Loukas explains that the building’s highend interiors are all about understated luxury and elegance with exquisite attention to detail in materials like marbles, granites, natural timbers, and luscious carpets, with high quality Bosch and Gaggenau appliances. Sales agent Libby Greenwood of Bayleys Projects says exceptionally spacious living areas connect to generous decks. “Layouts are open plan with balconies that are perfect for entertaining. There are a variety of floor plans to choose from and all apartments from level four gain stunning views either north, east, or west.

They get even better the higher up you go. “The one-bedrooms are approximately 60m 2 . All two-bedrooms have two bathrooms and they’re around 100 m2. The three-bedrooms have expansive outdoor living and views to Rangitoto Island, the Sky Tower, and the harbour over the Domain.” They are well-designed with lots of storage and all, except a couple of onebedroom apartments, have either one or two car parks. “When they’re completed,” says Loukas, “more people will drive electric cars so we’ve provided for them in the carpark, and there is good security too. We’ve also incorporated energy conscious, low maintenance features throughout.” While a generous lobby is a great common space for residents, other amenities are only a stroll away. Auckland Domain and the train station are minutes away and Les Mills gym is right next door. Numerous top eateries are close by, including Maison Vauron, which is renowned for its great wines. The hospital is just up the road and it’s also in the midst of some of Auckland’s most sought-after public and private school zones, including Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls. “You can walk or bike to Parnell, Remuera and the CBD; it’s just such a central location. There are bike lanes everywhere. It’s so easy,” says Libby. 119

“Because it is at the luxury end of the market, Mountview is primarily designed to appeal to owner occupiers; people who love the area, looking to downsize,” she adds. “But these apartments are also sure to attract investors who want a new build in a prime location.” Mountview offers a huge drawcard to a diverse range of people. Come and visit the show suite at 2 Mountain Road, open Thursday to Sunday 11am to 1pm, or contact the agents.

Fact Box · Address: 2 Mountain Road, Epsom · 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom residences · Developed and built by Canam · Designed by Leuschke Group · Architecture Interiors by Jasmax Interior Design · 59 apartments in the complex · 2 minutes to Grafton train station · 4 minutes to the Auckland Domain · 6 minutes’ walk to Auckland Grammar · 20 minutes by bus to Britomart · Construction commence date: mid this year · Completion date: mid-2024 mountviewepsom.nz

May 2022

What's On in May

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WORDS — BELLA SAMPSON

KOKEDAMA 8 May and 29 May Babylon Store

Take a seat at the potting bench and spend an afternoon learning the creative Japanese botanical technique, kokedama. Kokedama involves encasing an ornamental plant in supportive layers of soil, moss, and string. In this class, you’ll be guided through the steps to craft and care for two kokedama, with materials and afternoon tea provided.

INSIDE DALI 28 May – 30 June Spark Arena

Experience Dali’s work and journey like never before, this immersive exhibition combines cutting-edge technology, imagery, real objects, and illusions. Gain a fascinating insight into Dali’s masterpieces, as you take a trip through Dali’s life and history through intimate photography. sparkarena.co.nz/inside-dali

babylonstore.co.nz

SYNTHONY NO.3 21 May Spark Arena

Synthony takes the nightlife experience to another level with an impressive curation of three decades’ worth of the biggest dance tracks, a full 60-piece orchestra, live vocalists, DJs, and light shows. Synthony is a dance party like no other.

TIPSY TEA Saturdays and Sundays 1pm – 4pm Hotel DeBrett

ticketmaster.co.nz

Add a touch of elegance to your weekend with Hotel Debrett’s ‘Tipsy Tea’. A delightful combination of charming craft cocktails and high tea. Currently, featuring a roaring '20s-themed trio of prohibition drinks: Bees Knees, Mary Pickford, and Strawberry Rickey. Accompanied by Gatsby-style gramophone music to set the scene. debrettskitchen.co.nz/high-tea

REWIND – ‘80S QUIZ AND SING-ALONG 15 May Feriza’s

Gather a group and test your popculture knowledge of all things outrageously ‘80s. This deliciously catered quiz ensures your team has the stamina to belt out ballads and reminisce. Dust off your shoulder pads, accessorise liberally and re-acquaint yourself with neon, leather, or lace for a seriously fun evening.

CAPSULE WARDROBE COLLECTION 18 May Rutherford College

eventfinda.co.nz

Do you find yourself sticking to favourite pieces or safe combinations when looking for what to wear each day? Most of us wear as little as a fifth of our wardrobe, the majority of the time. Capsule Wardrobes help make life easy. With just 12 garments, you can create over 40 outfit combinations that work, saving time, stress, and unnecessary purchases, whilst also looking great. Easily adapted to add your own flair. rutherfordcomed.co.nz

NZTRIO: LEGACY 1 29 May Auckland Town Hall

This three-part concert series takes audiences on a spellbinding trip through memories and recollections to honour the trio’s remarkable contribution to Aotearoa’s classical musical landscape. The story begins with the first two of Schumann’s Six Pieces in Canon, an homage to the legacy of Bach’s work. In May, July, and November.

LEFT: SALVADOR DALÍ, THE TEMPTATION OF SAINT ANTHONY, 1946, OIL ON CANVAS, 89,5 X 119,5 CM, MUSÉES ROYAUX DES BAUX-ARTS DE BELGIQUE, BRUSSELS © FUNDACIÓ GALA-SALVADOR DALÍ/VEGAP. LICENSED BY COPYRIGHT AGENCY, 2022

ticketmaster.co.nz

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May 2022

On the Bookshelf In an issue that celebrates women in so many ways, Carole Beu of The Women’s Bookshop shares four fabulous reads, each unmissable in its own special way. WORDS — CAROLE BEU

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY Bonnie Garmus

MANIFESTO Bernadine Evaristo

Art

Fantastically funny and feminist! Elizabeth Zott is one of the most original, stunning, and forthright literary characters I have ever encountered. Being a scientist was a nightmare for a woman in the 1950s and '60s. Zott is uncompromising, outspoken, and subversive in this bitingly satirical novel. Brainier than her bosses, she makes the patriarchy look ridiculous and TV cooking shows extremely unusual and exciting! Brilliant!

Honest, forthright and very personal essays from the first Black woman to win the Booker Prize (with Girl, Woman, Other). Through her life experiences, often on the margins, and her determination to never give up, Evaristo produces a manifesto for courage, optimism, resourcefulness, and tenacity. It’s a marvellous book to encourage women to have faith in themselves – inspiring and uplifting.

BOOTH Karen Joy Fowler

POWER: A WOMAN’S GUIDE TO LIVING AND LEADING WITHOUT APOLOGY Kemi Nekvapil

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A fascinating, sweeping historical novel that focuses on the whole Booth family, not just the ninth child, John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated President Lincoln. A marvellously theatrical family (the father and three of the sons were famous for performing Shakespeare all over the USA), they were torn by different beliefs and values – very relevant to what is happening in our world today. The author is renowned for her earlier novel We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.

Now a highly respected executive and personal coach, Kemi Nekvail often had the doors to validation and opportunity closed to her because of her race and gender. Here she combines inspiring stories with reflective coaching practices to provide tools for women to navigate the challenges that impact who we are and how we lead.

Box Office OPERATION MINCEMEAT 12 May

Set in 1943, the film follows two brilliant intelligence officers, Ewen Montagu and Charles Cholmondeley. Dubbed ‘Operation Mincemeat’, they conceived a plan to trick the Nazis into believing Allied forces were planning to attack southern Europe by way of Greece rather than Sicily. The idea involved a corpse equipped with misleading papers being dropped off the coast of Spain for Nazi spies to take the bait. Directed by John Madden and starring Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfayden and Penelope Wilton.

PINOCCHIO: A TRUE STORY 19 May

Young Pinocchio runs away from his genius creator, Jepetto, accompanied by the horse, Tibalt, to see the world, and joins the travelling circus run by hustler Modjafocco.

ABOVE: OPERATION MINCEMEAT

THE INNOCENTS 19 May

Directed by Vasiliy Rovenskiy and starring Pauly Shore, Jon Heder, Tom Kenny, Dmitriy Iosifov.

DOC EDGE 2022 1 June – 10 July docedge.nz Verve’s picks for the documentary film festival.

Directed by Eskil Vogt and starring Alva Brynsmo Ramstad and Rakel Lenora Fløttum.

NOTHING COMPARES This is the story of Sinéad O’Connor’s phenomenal rise to worldwide fame. We follow her exile from the pop world as her irreverent personality clashes with the mainstream. Director: Kathryn Ferguson | Ireland ITHAKA Julian Assange’s father fights for his son’s freedom. The human story behind the headlines. Director: Ben Lawrence | Australia

Art

During the bright Nordic summer, a group of children reveal their dark and mysterious powers when the adults aren’t looking. An original and gripping supernatural thriller where playtime takes a dangerous turn.

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TANTURA When the State of Israel was established in 1948, war broke out and hundreds of Palestinian villages were depopulated in its aftermath. Israelis know this as the War of Independence while Palestinians call it “Al Nakba” (the Catastrophe). This is a story about one such village: Tantura. Director: Alon Schwarz | Israel

The friendly team specialising in home rentals and property management.

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WE LCOM E HOM E T O R A N F U R LY V I L L A G E Experience the relaxed elegance of our shared spaces; idyllic rooms where you can raise a glass or meet with friends, all while enjoying our attentive service and exquisite attention to detail.

Final apartments selling now To learn more, telephone Bev Dyson 09 625 3420, or visit ranfurlyvillage.co.nz

CONTEMPORARY & FINE ART May Exhibition: ‘These Days – Past and Present’ By Nicholas Hayter A gorgeous selection of NZ scenes Seascapes & Landscapes Event opening with Champagne Thursday 12 May, 5-7pm 7A Whitford Wharf Road quaygallery.co.nz

The Art of May

CURATED BY— AIMÉE RALFINI

May rolls in and offers us a plethora of visual delights. This month’s curatorial pick must be Studio One Toi Tū, the artist hub at the Karangahape Road end of Ponsonby Road, which just keeps delivering exciting bodies of fresh work from emerging artists. 128 PICTURED ARTWORK: KATE RAMPLING COURTESY OF STUDIO ONE

Studio One Toi Tū 12 May – 9 June Opening event: 11 May, 5pm All welcome.

From art exhibitions to designer markets, there's always something to take part in at 1 Ponsonby Road. Their purposebuilt galleries run monthly exhibitions and activations from the Grey Lynn/ Ponsonby creative community. This month features a group exhibition where each artist is the subject of another artist’s work. Featuring established and emerging artists. Artists showing: Kate Rampling, Logan Moffat, Cėline Sayė, Bill Riley, Bonco, Naomi Azoulay, Lucie Blaze, Gavin Chai, Abhi Chinniah, Paul Darragh, Mariadelle 'Abbey' Gamit, Lindsey Horne, Téhlor-Lina Mareko, Riley Martinez, Stjohn Milgrew, Sara Moana, and Vicktoria Johnson.

Föenander Galleries New work Matt Palmer 22 April – 11 May

A background in filmmaking informs Palmer’s painting practice. His compositions are cinematic, atmospheric, and narrative driven, while his brushwork plays in the space between the painterly and photographic. His highly personalised landscapes capture a moment in time where light and spatial arrangement work together – tapping into something distinctly New Zealand, yet strangely universal. 455 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden foenandergalleries.co.nz

1 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn studioone.org.nz

Melanie Roger Gallery cumulus wandering Kirstin Carlin 11 May – 3 June

Kirstin Carlin’s small paintings present thick and heavy applications of paint and a loose technique. The artist uses recognisable subject matter and tested pictorial devices as her points of departure, pushing these further. Each painting moves at once towards and away from an abstracted image. Habitual images become almost unrecognisable, but not quite – an essence of a picture is maintained, with Carlin’s signature brushwork supplying the information.

Masterworks Gallery Forms Within Layla Walter 7 May – 4 June

Layla Walter is a New Zealand glass artist and maker who has gained significant recognition for her distinctive and individual works in cast glass. Forms Within will be a series of new cast glass vessels featuring the human form. Walter graduated with a BA in applied arts in 1998 and since her graduation, has worked concurrently in her own practice and as an assistant to some predominant glass artists, both in NZ and overseas. 71 Upper Queen Street, Newton

444 Karangahape Road, Newton

masterworksgallery.co.nz

melanierogergallery.com

Two Rooms Talisman Fu-On Chung 22 April – 28 May

“Fu-On Chung’s new painting is exploratory: it works itself out by figuring things out as it goes – things worth feeling, experiencing. Within these paintings the viewer can see traces of how that may have happened. They can trace gesture, chromatic adventure, along with layerings, recursions, serendipities – and how serendipity comes from happenstance” – Ian Jervis

Selected listings:

Orexart — The Limitless Horizon Featuring: Peter James Smith, Tony Lane, Richard McWhannell, Martin Ball, John Madden 11 May – 4 June 221 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby orexart.co.nz

Sanderson Contemporary — Affection Hintaro and Yoshiko Nakahara

16 Putiki Street, Newton tworooms.co.nz

10 May – 5 June 2 Kent Street, Osborne Lane, Newmarket sanderson.co.nz

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May 2022

OREXART

Exhibition of the Month

The Limitless Horizon 11 May – 4 June Opening 6pm-8pm, 11 May

Landscape painting in New Zealand is one of our most loved, and enduring subjects. From Van der Velden to Toss Woollaston, Peter McIntyre to Dick Frizzell, Rita Angus to Robin White, these names keep coming up at auction and achieving record prices for good reason. Their work is sublime, the vision extraordinary. But now we look to the future, the potential of the next generation. OREXART is proud to present works by Richard McWhannell, Tony Lane, Martin Ball, Peter James Smith and John Madden, names you may already be familiar with because their journey has begun, their horizons limitless.

PICTURED ARTWORK: ‘PARARAHA’, RICHARD MCWHANNELL, 40 X 100CM

PICTURED ARTWORK: ‘TOKATEA VIEW’, JOHN MADDEN, 76 X 101CM

221 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Art

Open Tue-Sat 11am-5pm

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rex@orexart.co.nz 0212134449

orexart.co.nz

A RARE OPPORTUNITY ON AUCKLAND DOMAIN

LARGE ENTERTAINER KITCHENS

2.9M FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHTS

ONSITE DISPLAY SUITE, NOW OPEN VIEW 12 – 2PM TUESDAY TO SUNDAY, OR BY APPOINTMENT The Domain Collection is a series of 1–4 bedroom luxury residences and penthouses throughout two striking buildings designed by architects Warren and Mahoney. This is a rare location connected to Parnell, Newmarket and the unique landscapes of Auckland Domain.

Website Display suite Contact

domaincollection.co.nz L4, 81 Carlton Gore Rd, Newmarket Alexandra Vincent 021 029 17606 Judy Nguyen 021 134 6408

Your May Gardening Checklist early season varieties now and have them ready in time for Christmas.

As autumn turns the leaves to reds, browns and golds, there is still much to do in the garden before winter officially arrives. Get the last of your winter veggies in now and continue planting hedging and trees. PLANT NOW Vegetables - Seedlings

Fruit

Plant feijoa and citrus trees now. Dwarf varieties can be planted in pots where as normal varieties need to be planted in the ground in full sun.

Early May means there’s still time plant your seedlings, including, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, leeks, kale, and lettuce. Garlic and Shallots

Plant out garlic and shallots so they can grow out roots and get settled. Plant into forked beds mixed with lots of organic compost and sheep pellets. Plant around 15cm apart with the tip of the bulbs just clearing the surface. Seed Potatoes

New-season seed potatoes can be planted from now until early spring. Let them chit for four weeks in a cool dark position beforehand. Choose from the

TREES & SHRUBS Dry tolerant

TEND Vegetables

Weed newly planted seedlings, so they don’t compete for light, space, and nutrients. Protect seedlings from slugs and snails with Tui Quash pellets. Fruit Trees

Mulch and feed fruit trees with granular fertiliser before winter arrives.

There are many hardy, dry-tolerant plants available in stores, including Leptospermum, Leucadendrons, and grevillea. Best for those who aren’t in the garden often.

Flowers

Colour

Continue to harvest late feijoas and the last of your tomatoes, as well as lemons, broccoli, spring onion, carrots, kohlrabi, swedes, persimmons, chicory, lettuce, and rhubarb.

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to keep your plants flowering for longer. Feed regularly. HARVEST

Plant colour-changing nandina, lush camellias or highly fragrant daphne. FLOWERS & PERENNIALS Instant Colour

Add brilliant colourful annual flowers, including alyssum, primrose, polyanthus, stock, cyclamen, sweet peas, pansies, and calendula.

Are you looking for more help or expert garden advice? Come instore to talk to our friendly staff, or give us a call on 0800 PLANTS for general inquiries.

we help you

GROW WELL At Kings, we love helping our plants and our customers grow. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we make things easy every step of the way. With our exclusive range of top quality plants grown with care in our own nurseries, expert advice from our team of plant specialists plus ongoing support from our Plant Doctors when you need it, and a Sure To Grow Guarantee to back every plant, we’re here to help you grow well.

kings.co.nz

0800 PLANTS

WORDS — LUCY KENNEDY

So much to watch, so little time... This month, Verve’s star teen movie reviewer Lucy Kennedy gets stuck into the mysterious French sci-fi series, Parallels.

PHOTO: PARALLELS, DISNEY+

Parallels Rated 12+

Teenagers Romane, Sam, Victor, and Bilal gather in the heart of the woods at a long-abandoned bunker to celebrate Bilal’s birthday. All is well and all are in high spirits when suddenly a bizarre power outage plummets them into darkness. When the light is restored, Romane, Bilal and Victor have disappeared, leaving Sam alone. During those five seconds, the universe rolled its dice and gambled on parallel worlds. Everything has been repositioned, with different versions of the teens at different points in their lives sent into multiverses at random. The progression of the character’s lives in their different parallel universes is extremely well thought out, their intertwining storylines cleverly meeting up and aligning throughout series. And it’s visually stunning thanks to its atmospheric French mountain setting.

How to protect your assets with a Contracting Out Agreement A Contracting Out Agreement is an agreement between spouses or de facto partners that contracts out of the provisions of the relationship property legislation and sets out how a couple’s assets and debts will be divided in the event of separation and/or death. It is colloquially referred to as a “pre-nup”.

When can you enter into a Contracting Out Agreement? At any stage of your relationship. However, once you have been in a de facto relationship of 3 years duration the provisions of the relationship property legislation will apply. Therefore, if you are considering entering into a Contracting Out Agreement it is a good idea to seek legal advice early on in the relationship, well before the 3 year mark.

What can a Contracting Out Agreement cover? It can contract out of the provisions of the legislation entirely so that all assets, liabilities and any income remain the separate property of either party. Otherwise, a couple may elect to simply “ring fence” a particular asset or assets. This may depend on the stage your relationship is at.

What are the requirements? The legislation sets out formal requirements that must be complied with in order for the agreement to be binding. The requirements include that the agreement be in writing, be signed by both parties and that each party have independent legal advice before signing the agreement.

I found Parallels to be engaging, amusing, and, at times, moving. I also appreciated how well the science behind the parallel universe plot is explained in a thought-provoking and informative way. Could there really be universes out there parallel to our own?

Do these agreements “stand up” to challenge?

For those that don’t speak French, Parallels is available in English audio or with subtitles. 4/5 stars

If you would like to find out more about Contracting Out Agreements, contact us to book an appointment with one of our relationship property lawyers at Dawsons Lawyers.

Watch this series on Disney+ Instagram @lucykennedyreviews

Usually - if the agreement has been properly prepared and both parties have had sound legal advice. The threshold for setting aside a Contracting Out Agreement is relatively high. The Court must find that to give effect to the agreement would cause serious injustice.

Claire Endean | Director – Dawsons Lawyers Kohimarama Clare Tuck | Senior lawyer – Dawsons Lawyers Kohimarama dawsonslawyers.co.nz | (09) 272 0002

Horoscopes TAURUS 20 April – 20 May

GEMINI 21 May – 20 June

CANCER 21 June – 22 July

Horoscopes

You can work on your finances. It’s a good time to create a new budget that you’ll stick with, get financial advice, or use technology for extra income. You are willing to do the grunt work now, the work that you usually try to avoid, and can get a lot of work done. You want to push your thinking outside of the box and come up with unique solutions to problems.

You want to embrace what makes you a unique person, and be an individual. You’re focused on your future, can come up with a new dream for yourself or accomplish a dream, and aren’t open with your emotions. Your financial status can impact how you feel about yourself, and the more financially secure you are, the more confident you feel. You’re optimistic and easy to get along with.

LEO

This period brings an expansive period, widening your vision and stimulating you with new ideas about what you can achieve. You will practise your craft to the best of your ability. The support or assistance of friends will be invaluable and you may make fortunate connections or meet with unusual people. You want to take time for fun, and to do things that will bring you new experiences and new perspectives.

VIRGO

23 July – 22 August

23 August – 22 September

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You feel comfortable pursuing your dreams and focussing on your future. There may be romance that comes through friendships or social contacts. A sudden meeting or realisation about someone you know could make your head spin. For those in a relationship, there may be a change in your social spectrum as you begin to enjoy the company of new and different people.

You can accomplish more in your career, with the professional goals that you have, and make great strides with your work. You can strengthen your inner foundation and become even more stable and secure. You have an easier time dealing with the serious aspects of life, and enjoy looking at the dark side. You can be recognised for work that you’ve done, and be rewarded for it.

manish@manishastrologer.com

LIBRA 23 September – 22 October

SCORPIO 23 October – 21 November

SAGITTARIUS 22 November – 21 December

CAPRICORN 22 December – 19 January

WORDS— MANISH KUMAR ARORA

You prefer structure, order and routine, and you can have a healthier lifestyle, understanding that you need to be healthy to be productive. You focus on work, the things that you have to do, not want to do, and are more practical and responsible. You can seem romantic, charming, and attractive to others without putting in much effort and can take your commitments more seriously.

AQUARIUS

You want to be comfortable, stay inside of your comfort zone, and seem more traditional. You can also get in touch with your feelings, but aren’t quick to share them. You may come across as more emotional, moody, and nurturing. Your creative self becomes more prominent, and you need to have an outlet to express yourself. You can take up a new course of study and learn something new.

PISCES

You respond to physical stimuli, and connect with the world around you. If you’re single, you attract people to you effortlessly. If you’re in a relationship, you want more romance and affection. The friendships you make now tend to be casual, but the connections are extremely helpful as you grow your network. You try to improve your relationships as much as you can.

ARIES

20 January – 18 February

You’re more comfortable going outside of your comfort zone and trying things out that are totally different from what you’d normally do. You’re open to unconventional people, unique ideas, and unusual solutions to problems. You can get organised, create a new routine for yourself, or clean. You feel good with your body, and want to make healthy changes so you live better.

19 February – 20 March

21 March – 19 April

You choose to look at the brighter side of everything and everyone and come up with big ideas You prefer being in places that are familiar and with people who make you comfortable. You don’t want to go too far outside of your comfort zone. You want to be with someone who you feel is equal to you intellectually. If you’re attached, you want to strengthen the friendship you have with your partner.

Your mind quickens and you want to share your thoughts and ideas with everyone. You need lots of mental stimulation, and engage with others in conversation. You can have more communications than usual, give or receive lots of news, and come up with ideas that you don’t do much with. You spend more time with your loved ones, and you want to be there for them as well.

You can finish a creative project, see a love leave your life, take a casual relationship to the next level, or end it. You’re more inspired by your emotions and see the beauty in everything around you. You may expand your activities into other areas of skill or endeavour through the influence of others. You need advice from others to help you make decisions, and you can be quite vacillating.

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May 2022

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May 2022

Let's Go Outside WORDS — ROBYN ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS —GREG COX, WARREN HEATH, ELSA YOUNG

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Perfect for summer lounging and alfresco entertaining alike, verandas are among many homeowners' favourite spaces – especially in warm climates. Here are some inspiring ideas for creating a secluded outdoor living area where you’ll simply love to spend time.

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May 2022

LOOK OUT (previous page) Built along the natural ridgeline of the hillside, and using views as an axis to design its primary form, this contemporary getaway in the mountains – and its sleek veranda – is all about the views. Say the architects: “We wanted to make the most of the views, which are in all directions, and create outdoor living spaces from which to enjoy them.” The homeowners love to lounge under the pergola.

KEEP IT COUNTRY (left) One of our favourite rules of country living: a beautiful old home in a small town is (almost) always in possession of a charming veranda. This oldschool outdoor living area is where the homeowners spend almost all their downtime in the summer months, as the sheltered, plant-filled space offers protection from the heat as well as a wide range of seating options. It’s as ideal for an afternoon spent reading and dozing as it is for a nightcap and a confidential chat.

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THAT’S A WRAP (above) “We wanted the character of an old house, with the conveniences of a contemporary one,” say the owners of this suburban Victorian home. While they made a few changes to the existing structure, it was really through fresh combinations of finishes and furniture that the space was transformed from traditional to timeless. It still retains certain elements of its heritage, though, including the narrow but fully functional veranda that wraps around two sides of the building.

May 2022

ALFRESCO FEAST (left) Shady verandas running the full length of both sides of the house are complemented by personal touches that bring in colour and texture via salvaged pieces, plants, art and books. This veranda at the rear of the cottage sports a charming view across the adjacent fields, and is furnished for lounging and chatting on one side, and meals taken outdoors with family and friends on the other.

FARM FRESH (above) Described by its floral-designer owner as “modern meets farmhouse”, this home on a smallholding outside a bustling country town features an inspired assemblage of objects that makes its interiors both an intellectually engaging narrative and a visual treat. Each item here reflects a personal or historic meaning. “We don’t find them – they find us. They’re mostly passed-on heirlooms, gifts, and junk-shop or reclamation yard finds,” the homeowner says.

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May 2022

LAZY DAYS (above) Offering picturesque vignettes of the romantic garden created by its owners, the veranda of this suburban home built in the 1930s was, when recently renovated, extended so that it now wraps right around the house. It now functions as a smooth, unimpeded walkway all around the building, as well as featuring a variety of spaces that are furnished for purposes as wide-ranging as solitary relaxation with a book and entertaining groups of family and friends.

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