Verve. November 2021. Issue 181. by Verve Magazine

An uplifting monthly eclection of life, style and happenings.

NOVEMBER 2021

Gardens have won big this lockdown – and summer’s still to come – so the good folk at Palmers Remuera impart their expertise for this green November issue.

Valencia Sideboard

Riva Sofa

Portofino Coffee Table

Portofino Sofa

Mayfair Console

HAN D C RAFTED B Y A R TI SA N S I N N EW Z EA L A ND

When you invest in a New Zealand made design from TRENZSEATER, you can be assured, that each piece is made by hand, for you, to your own unique, specific, and bespoke requirements that include your choice in size, finish and material selection.

AUCKLAND - 80 Parnell Rd, 09 303 4151 CHRISTCHURCH - 121 Blenheim Rd, 03 343 0876 QUEENSTOWN - 313 Hawthorne Dr, 03 441 2363 www.trenzseater.com

We Chat

Editors-in-Chief Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell Important message if you are planning to paint a multi-million dollar home in Auckland. Don’t spend a single dollar until you read our free report The Insider’s Guide to Painting A MultiMillion Dollar Home in Auckland.

Sub-editor/Senior Writer Jamie Christian Desplaces

IN THIS GUIDE YOU WILL LEARN

Social Media Ashlee Lala

• Why the first step in your painting job is to identify your I.O. (And why this is so important). • The three expensive mistakes to avoid when painting a multi-million dollar Auckland home. • How to quickly tell which painting contractors will do the perfect painting job and which ones won’t. • A clever way to make sure you compare ‘apples with apples’ with any painting quotes you receive. • How to future proof your painting investment so it lasts at least 25% longer.

Head Graphic Designer Arna Martin Junior Graphic Designer Yamin Cook

Contributors Manish Kumar Arora, Joan Donaldson, Kelly Carmichael, Vicki Holder, Melanie Dower, Nick Ainge Roy, Zach Thompson, Bella Sampson, Dennis Knill and Angie Atkinson 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 Lala: ashlee@vervemagazine.co.nz Fran Ninow: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz Jude Mitchell: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz Pam Brown: pambrown@xtra.co.nz Cover Image Shot on location at Palmers Remuera by Neil Gussey.

GOLD WINNER OF 2019 MASTER PAINTER OF THE YEAR

Go to WALLTREATS.CO.NZ to order your free copy of the insider’s guide to painting your multi-million dollar home in auckland or phone us on 0800 008 168

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, 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 Ovato. It is distributed by Ovato, 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.

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

Editors’ Notes Fran Ninow

Jude Mitchell

If you can’t hug a human – hug a tree.

With summer – and hopefully more freedoms! – on the horizon, I’d like to share some thoughts from my inspirational sister who lives off-grid, working her Coromandel land. Jude x

Co-editor

Visiting Ulva Island was one of this year’s most special memories. It’s a treasure of a place, and merits frequent visits – not that we’re presently getting anywhere fast, except within the confines of our own imaginations! Located a short ferry ride from Oban, Rakiura, heavenly Ulva is truly unique – untouched, unspoilt, and pristine to the nth degree. It’s home to a full gamut of native birdlife, fur seals, sea lions, and dolphins. A sanctuary that bursts with noise, movement, colour, and variety. It was the plant life that got to me, though. The never-felled rainforest envelops one in magic and mystery thanks to the majestic, massive rimu, miro, and totora, the flowering southern rata and kāmahi, tree ferns, delicate ground ferns, and mosses. It was on that day that I felt compelled to hug trees. Closing my eyes, I pressed my cheek against the bark, feeling the warmth and currents flow from that tree into me – from my toes, up my legs and through my body to my brain. I understood what it meant to be connected to a place on a primordial level. So much did I value this experience, that whenever I have since had the opportunity, I’ve hugged a tree. Skinny trunks don’t really do it for me – it’s the trees with wider girths that beckon. Hugging them slows me down, helps with breathing, and connects me to a different sense of time.

Co-editor

A few country musings on the mixed blessings of rain. Long ago I lived through a particularly, long dry summer in the Adelaide Hills. Our house had been designed by a lover of all things Japanese – its measurements traditional and exact. Each morning, I’d slide open the white shoji screens to see the rolling hills slowly turning from green to a lifeless brown, like a wet old dog that had lain down to die. Until, one night, as we slept soundly on our tatami mats, the great blessing of rain fell. Upon opening the screens next morning, I drew a deep breath – the hills shrouded in the softest shade of green were alive again, the old dog sprung back to life. Now, I live mostly in the Coromandel. The rain has been falling steadily for days, muddy gumboots line the veranda like a row of weary, battle-worn soldiers. This house is less grand, but noble in its own way as it bravely hugs the fern-clad riverbank with all its might. This stream provides the water that sustains our lives. When high, it flushes out the detritus gathered along the way, and also recharges our human batteries, just as all the seasons do in their own way. Is this an ode to rain? Yes, I guess it is.

Most of us will have experienced lockdown lethargy at some time or other over the past few months. It’s a thing thankfully easily treated with a stint outdoors, tree-hugging, forest bathing, bike-riding, sea swimming, gardening, or engaging in whatever eco-therapy that ticks your box. This month’s Verve looks at many things, including the importance of gardening (our cover story), and we hope it inspires you to get out into nature. Your body and mind will thank you for it.

So, readers, by the time you get to read this, the tedious rain will be over. Spirits will have been lifted and spring will, once again have sprung, bringing to mind a favourite quote by American poet, Langston Hughes: “I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang on the face.”

Happy hugging, and happy November. Fran x.

Enjoy the day. Joan.

Up Front

Reminding me that it’s now time to clean the windows so spring can see in.

Stunningly curated outdoor furniture from Italy, Belgium, France, Indonesia and the Philippines. Before you purchase anywhere, you owe it to yourself to compare. Prices. Design. Quality. You will be so pleased you did. All products are in stock, fully assembled, and available for nationwide delivery. Sunbrella® cushions are included with the purchase of our deep seating pieces as shown on our website.

Bay Teak Outdoor Furniture Collection

African Safari Teak Side Table Edge Wicker Dining Arm Chair

Origami Outdoor Planters

Weave Wicker and Aluminium Relaxing Chair

Oslo Reclaimed Teak Dining Chair

137 - 147 The Strand, Parnell, Auckland | 0800.111.112 | Open Daily from 9:30 until 5:30 sales@designwarehouse.co.nz | commercial@designwarehouse.co.nz | www.designwarehouse.co.nz

What’s Inside 26

Home & Design 26

All I Want for Christmas 34

A Conversation with Donna Hay

Art of November

Waterfalls, Wildlife and Wonder

Design of November Verve Interview 40

Brace for Impact: Melanie Bracewell

Our Story: Zoe and Sarah

Raising a Smile: A Brief History of Emoji 128

Garden 130

What’s on in November?

Making Scents

Sowing Seeds of Happiness Food 100

150

Seeds, Soil, Sun, and Fun with Palmers Remuera

Grapes with Kate Australia Awaits 51

Escape to Eden 58

102

Botanistry Works Beautifully 106

Grape without the Headache

Longitude 131

Up Front

119

Beauty & Health 94

Bathing your Way to Wellness Business & Society 44

Art 114

DEDON COLLECTION SEALINE Design by Jean-Marie Massaud www.dedon.de

www.dawsonandco.nz

Impressive New Green Machine No longer a novelty, electric cars are quickly becoming the norm. BMW is leading the charge with its most practical EV to date, the new iX3.

Spacious, brisk and ultra-refined, it is so user-friendly that you’d think BMW had been making cars like this for decades. The iX3 maintains the styling of the regular X3 SUV with some unique design elements such as a modified front grille and rear valance with no exhaust. An M Sport styling and aero package is standard along with LED headlights. Inside, there’s a welcome simplicity in the display and function of on-board technology, making the transition from driving a petrol or diesel-engine car straightforward. Battery charge status is prominent and general usage stats easy to interpret. Niceties include leather sports seats and a panoramic glass roof. Plus, you can quickly pre-condition the cabin temperature before driving with the BMWconnected App. Switch power on, engage Drive, and what unfolds more than meets expectations. The 210kW/400Nm electric powertrain produces neither noise nor emissions. From a standstill, the iX3 whizzes away without a decibel of drama, just a wave of instant torque that sweeps you to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. Not only does the iX3 pick up speed easily, it maintains momentum on motorways with minimal effort. The centre of gravity is low and there’s near 50:50 weight distribution for nicely balanced

Up Front

handling. It even rides very well, too, for a weighty SUV. Keen drivers will enjoy having a range of distinct driving modes to explore and you can choose your preferred level of brake energy recovery for each. The battery is rated at 80kWh capacity and it’s conceivable that you could achieve a generous 460km range with thoughtful driving and favourable conditions. And rest assured, there is no brainstrain with home charging or fast-charging when out and about. As for price, electrifying existing cars while maintaining an affordable price point is a challenge, but when you consider the quality, equipment and performance of the premium iX3, there is genuine value to be found in this desirable newbie. It’s another excellent EV from BMW Group, and one that will help sell the EV concept to new-car shoppers previously uncertain about it. Rolling into Aotearoa soon, expect delivery in December. IN A NUTSHELL BMW iX3 Synchronous electric motor and 80kWh lithium-ion battery, 210kW/400Nm, single-speed transmission, all-wheel xDrive, 19-inch alloys, 4.74m length, 2200kg weight, 0-100km/h 6.8 secs, up to 460km range.

THE FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC BMW SAV #BORNELECTRIC

Choosing the new way of doing things doesn’t mean sacrificing the best parts of what went before. Meet the all-new iX3, the first fully electric BMW SAV. Blending sheer driving pleasure with the advantages of an SAV. With an electric range of up to 460km*, The iX3 delivers uncompromised emission-free electric excellence. The BMW iX3. Born Electric. Visit Continental Cars BMW to find out more. Continental Cars BMW 45 - 65 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, North Shore. (09) 488 2000 continentalcarsbmw.co.nz

*Driving conditions apply.

At Home Right — Bob and Friends Røros Tweed Blanket

Below — Bob and Friends Agnes Side Table

LyZadie FLOW Side Table

LyZadie BLACKTREEFERN Candelabra

Home & Design

Corso De’ Fiori Pols Potten Toot Side Tables

CURATE YOUR WORLD Pols Potten Apple Tree candle holder 53cmh $549

Pols Potten Embrace vase 34cmh $259.90 23cmh $199

Pols Potten jug $89.90 other colour options available

Mr Voss diffuser $94.90

Baobab My First Baobab collection Manhattan candle 8cm high $115 Hohm Spirited Scents lava stone diffuser bowl $275

Côté Table Boucle amber tumbler $29.90

free guided meditation video also included

Baobab My First Baobab collection Miami candle 8cm high $115

Pols Potten ceramic side plate $54.90

Available in 6 design options

Maraca hand & body wash & lotion $39.90 each

Kingdom candle $51.90

Edblad shoehorn 52cm long $85 wall hanger $16.90

THE FOUNDATION | 8 GEORGE ST, NEWMARKET | AUCKLAND | TEL 09 307 9166 | CORSO.CO.NZ

Bob and Friends Davis Sofa

Cavit+Co Pacific Shelving Unit

LyZadie EARTH&SKY Oblong Large Dining Table

LyZadie DANCEOFGEOMETRY Bookends

Home & Design

LyZadie BLACKTREEFERN Credenza

Beautiful furniture, lighting, accessories and memorable gifts for Christmas. As Christmas comes to mind throughout challenging times, we savour the idea of gifting with beautiful accessories to enhance your home or the home of those you love and appreciate.

CECCHI ET CECCHI Over 60 years ago in Italy, Cecchi & Cecchi are acclaimed for the quality of their traditional craft combined with technical innovation to create superb wool throws, blankets and bedspreads. We have a fabulous selection of new Cecchi throws available now.

THE MUSE FOUNDRY Creators of objects and furniture. Their skilled artisans use historical techniques and materials, primarily bronze, to develop artworks, decorative accessories, and lighting. The timeless Water Drop Bowls and Daisy Candle Stand are creative and artistic additions to the home or make an impressive gift.

BAKER LIGHTING GUAXS Designed in Germany and taking inspiration from nature and cultural artefacts, these sculptural objects in glass are blown into moulds and then hand carved to ensure every piece is unique.

RALPH LAUREN ACCESSORIES Provides every requirement of pieces to dress a fine space—photo frames, candles, vases, barware, dinnerware and more. There is something special about receiving a gift packaged in the trademark navy blue and gold Ralph Lauren Home gift box. We have a lovely selection of gift ideas in store.

463 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052. Phone +64 9 358 3771 | hello@cavitco.com

www.cavitco.com

Dawsons Bio Hazard Bar Cabinet

Dawsons Hudson Bar In Fury Black Leather

Cavit+Co Cloak Accent Lamp

Cavit+Co Hayes Dining Side Chair

Cavit+Co Pacific Shelving Unit

Dawsons Middle Shimmer Bar Cabinet

Home & Design

BOX™ MULTI AWARD WINNING We don’t build Box houses We build homes for Karin & Sam, Sophie and Sebastian...

Give us a call or drop in and see us to have a chat about your design-build project

09 520 5030 | info@box.co.nz | box.co.nz

Summer Is Coming

Above — Jardin Sixties Outdoor Lounge

Dawsons Garden Layers Tartan Rug and Roll

Home & Design

Each element is inspired by the nature and culture of New Zealand, with the designs exquisitely and sustainably handcrafted by local New Zealand makers. Embodying the luxury of natural materials and created with timeless sophistication in mind, LyZadie Design Studio is a welcome addition to the carefully curated home. Shop online at w w w.lyzadiedesignstudio.com Stay up to date on Instagram @lyzadie 01/ TUI Stool: rescued river Matai, covered in Pinatex, a fabric

made from pineapple leaves, with upcycled bicycle inner tube feathers

02 / EARTH & SKY Dining table: rammed earth and

glass, inspired by the love story of Ranginui, sky father, and Papatuanuku, earth mother 03/ WHITE CLOUD Vases: hand blown

glass 04/ SOULWINDOW Credenza: a rich, opulent mix of various

native timbers, brass and glass & WHITE CLOUD Pendants: hand blown glass 05/ DANCE OF GEOMETRY Candelabra: Andesite rock (or any other rocks available to the maker) and polished brass.

Right — Jardin Oulala Nesting Tables

Palmers Remuera Hampton Hanging Chair JI Home Layton Sofa

JI Home Layton Single Seater

Left — Bob and Friends Galvanized String System

Home & Design

JI Home Anson Side Table Set Of Two

Right — Bob and Friends Houe Collection

Palmers Remuera Ficonstone Vertical Stripe

Palmers Remuera Seagrass Pots

Palmers Remuera Excalibur LED Solar Lantern

Palmers Remuera Aria 4 Piece Lounge

November 2021

Gift Ideas Palmers Remuera Aplo Rechargeable Lamp and Wall Bracket

Love In A Jewel The Full Love Drop Keepsake Pendant

Allium Cooler Back Pack

Oil Garden Oil Garden Ultrasonic Diffuser

Home & Design

Allium Broste Bar Trolley

Corso De’ Fiori Henry Dean Clovis Vase – in 3 sizes

Allium Pip Studio Royal White Teapot Large

Palmers Remuera Potted Orchid

Allium Designers Guild Flowerworks Camellia Cushion

Trenzseater Pineapple Ice Bucket

Allium Ming Stackable Dishes Aqua

Home & Design

Allium Bordallo Banana Leaf Platter

J.M.R. Four Pack Cocktail Set Corso De’ Fiori Pols Potten Folding Candle Holder

Palmers Remuera Etched Low Round Ficonstone Pots

Corso De’ Fiori Baobab - My First Baobab Platinum Candle

Radburnd Cellars Wine Gift Set

Trenzseater Lion Champagne Bath

November 2021

Updating Your Brickwork

Seems like just yesterday that the red brick in your family room looked perfect, but tastes change with time. Now you think it’s a little too dark, a little too red for the space – your gut tells you it’s time for a change, but you’re intimidated by the thought of demolition and renovation. Before reaching for the sledgehammer, grab a brush and give your room a bright, light, more modern look with a fresh lick of paint. Painting over bricks – new or old – is relatively easy, though preparation is key to success. Old bricks will probably need a clean to remove moss or moulds and if they need to be sealed due to their high porosity, and to bind up old, weak and friable pointing you can use Resene Sureseal. Next, apply two topcoats of your chosen colour. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen gives a natural, low-sheen finish that is fully washable, and offers a wide selection of fabulous colours and tones. With current restrictions on visiting public places and shopping, getting DIY projects up and running has been tricky of late. Fortunately when it comes to purchasing paint and accessories, Resene’s comprehensive website makes it all so easy, with items soon available for collection from your nearest Resene ColorShop. To avoid frustration, plan at least a day ahead when it comes to clicking and collecting. shop.resene.co.nz

Taper candles from $1.00 Range of colours & sizes — TH E RIALTO CENT RE 1 6 3 B R OADWAY, NEWMARKET 09 524 5 8 9 0 R ETR EATNZ . CO.NZ

Home & Design

authentic handcrafted furniture & homewares

elysian.co.nz STUDIO: 15 WESLEY STREET, PUKEKOHE

PH: 027 5065728

All I Want for Christmas

WORDS — VICKI SLEET STYLING — SHELLEY STREET PHOTOGRAPHS — WARREN HEATH

What better way to dress your home for the festive season than with a series of earthly treasures, tactile textures and golden light? Home & Design

Decorating with dried flowers, leaves and pods is a trend that’s become all the more relevant in a world so conscious about consumerism. And the festive season is the perfect time to explore the notion of making pretty with dried discoveries from nature, while creating a sense of warmth and visual wonder with their striking, sculptural forms.

NATURE’S BOUNTY The beauty of creating tablescapes and vignettes with dried grasses, flowers or ferns is that the sepia-like tones set the scene for a soothing and somewhat dreamy palette. Ferns that were once green and lush, take on new visual life – their fronds bringing a sculptural element to any arrangement. • Take a tip from the Japanese masters of Ikebana by carefully choosing a few sculptural elements as a focal point on a mantelpiece of tabletop. Play with height and scale to create drama and visual interest. • Faded pewter and the palest metallic elements can elevate any dried botanicals display into a festive scene, while a dose of happy homeliness arrives in with a simple and utterly charming candle.

November 2021

BOTANICAL JOY The lightest dusting of copper paint on the dried ferns and a simple bauble or two brings this pared down arrangement into the Christmas context. It’s a subtle nod to one of the most wonderful times of the year. • Dried pods are central to this look that straddles the concept of minimalism while creating maximum visual impact.

Christmas is often a time of reflection and celebration of what brings us joy.

EVERLASTING LOVE Traditionalists may say that your Christmas decorations must be down by early January, but with a wreath wound from dried leaves and flowers, the tidings of joy can extend way past the festivities – keeping that feeling of goodwill going well into the new year. • Wind boughs of fresh eucalyptus into a wreath and enjoy the gorgeous scent that fills your home as the leaves dry and curl. Dried proteas included in this simplest of wreaths adds another beautiful visual dimension. • Bling things up for your New Year drinks party by winding some copper string fairy lights around your wreath.

Home & Design

BACK TO NATURE The natural tones of worn timber are the perfect canvas for a table fit for a feast where nature and its bounties take the lead. Layers of delightfully imperfect tableware along with the simplest untrimmed linens add to the unfettered-by-tradition festive feel while the warmth of the simplest pillar candles and tealights enhances the table’s sense of serenity. • Christmas is a time of reflection and celebration of what brings us joy – and the prolific use of candles elevates the tabletop décor into the perfect setting for a get together to remember. • Vintage elements like the cutlery and timeworn chairs bring a sense of gravitas and simple grandeur to this table set for a feast. • Textures reign supreme in this beautiful botanical – from the tactile linens to the dried grasses, pods and flowers with their varied leaves and shapes – offset by the utilitarian group of simple glass bottles used as candle holders.

November 2021

DECORATIVE DETAILS While the centrepiece of this organic display plays host to many elements (from wonky tableware to glass bottle ‘candlesticks’ and a plethora of preserved and dried natural elements), the ambience is absolutely soothing and easy-onthe-eye. • The use of so many raw elements helps paint a cohesive picture that is innately calming and utterly inviting. • The beauty of this look is that the closer you look, the more is revealed. Layers of patterns (from speckles on the plates to details on the vintage silverware and natural timber elements), textures (unhemmed linen napkins, string and dried pods and plants) and of course a series of natural, washed-out tones fit together in a painterly palette of peacefulness.

For most, Christmas and the festive season is a time of ritual and reflection.

HEARTH AND HOME For most, Christmas and the festive season is a time of ritual and reflection. Candles lit en masse can turn the simplest scenarios into meaningful moments and montages, inviting friends and family to gather around and enjoy the warmth and inviting atmosphere. • White pillar candles in a series of sizes are the simplest addition to this fireplace surround yet they bring such a sense of ceremony to the space. • Fill trays with candles and display them in areas of your home that could do with some festive love – a windowsill, small table, or of course a mantelpiece will all benefit from the glow a group of lit candles can bring.

Home & Design

November 2021

EARTHLY TREASURES Gift giving is such an integral and fun part of the festive season, just because this look is all about paring things down, there’s no reason for presents to not be given the same ontrend treatment. • Simple white tissue paper brings home the down-to-earth mood, while lovely touches like twine, twigs and dried sprigs are delightfully unpretentious (yet no less stylish). • A little bit of glam never goes amiss – in this case, seed pods given a once over with a quick coat of gold spray paint. FESTIVE FLAIR What would Christmas be without some baubles on the tree? An easy DIY where unassuming white baubles are dipped in a washed-out paint mixture helps ensure the merry mood is clear to see.

MAKE A NEST This tabletop wreath is so simple yet so charming – embracing the dried botanical trend in an unpretentious and perfectly appealing (and achievable) way. • Transform any shallow wooden bowl into your moveable Christmas décor feast – line with a series of candles in varying shapes and sizes and finish off with a mix of dried plants and pods in varying shapes and sizes. COMFORT AND JOY One of the joys of this festive time of the year is the opportunity to kick back, relax and really connect with your nearest and dearest – which is why it’s so valuable to create an inviting and comfortable spot for guests. • Layers of tactile textures are crucial to crafting that delightful feeling of hygge in any home – here, a warm and inviting faux fur throw is exactly right for post-Christmas lounging.

Home & Design

One of the joys of this festive time of the year is the opportunity to kick back, relax and really connect with your nearest and dearest. 33

November 2021

Design of November WORDS —BELLA SAMPSON

Dinosaur Design Terracota Swirl Vase Image —Jeff Cooney

Home & Design

Nayef Francis Medium Facet Mirror

Concrete Jellyfish The Aster Flower

Venini Fungo Lamp

MHG furniture Ivoire Modern Lounge Chair

Neiman Marcus Dimensional Antique Mirror Coffee Table

Interiors Online Brooklyn Drinks Trolley Marcel Hoogstad Hay Shift Tumbler and Carafe

Anthropolgie Vera Sofa

ArchiPro Deflated Lukeke Pendant

Sol-Sana Zhavia Toffee Mule

November 2021

2 9 2 5 PA I S L E Y S H E E R TO P 2 9 7 9 FA B L E 7 / 8 J EA N

Longing For Lingerie SKIMS Cotton Plunge Bralette, $62

SER.O.YA Iris Bralette, $158

SKIMS Cotton Jersey Cheeky Tanga, $35

Le Buns Harlow Organic Cotton Bralette + Pant, $64 + $74

Alaïa Bra and Culotte Set, $2,313

SKIMS Cotton Rib Tank + Leggings, $58 + $89

Kiki De Montparnasse Tiered Soft Bra, $288

Kiki De Montparnasse Lace Inset Balconette Bra, $360

SKIMS Cotton Rib Bralette + Thong , $68 + $34

November 2021

Win

Officially set to open as soon as retail is able to safely operate in line with government restrictions, Deadly Ponies is looking forward to welcoming visitors into their new Newmarket space soon.

Keepsake Jeweller y NEW ZEALAND

In celebration of their new store, Verve have teamed up with Deadly Ponies to give away this beautiful Crush Tote Mini in Cornflower. To be in the draw, sign up to both the Verve Weekly Database and the Deadly Ponies Newsletter by Tuesday 30 November. Sign up to the Verve Weekly Database: vervemagazine.co.nz/subscribe/ And the Deadly Ponies Newsletter: deadlyponies.com/nz/subscribe/

Fine Jewellery handcrafted in New Zealand, designed to hold a handpenned note or keepsake inside forever.

Available in Gold or Platinum. Shop online or at selected stores.

Visit the vervemagazine.co.nz for full Ts and Cs.

LOV E I NAJ EW E L . C O. N Z

稀攀戀爀愀渀漀

䄀氀攀猀猀愀渀搀爀愀

Fashion

䰀攀洀漀渀吀爀攀攀

䌀甀爀愀琀攀

Girls on Tour Amazing destinations, delicious food, fine wine, and great conversation – all the hallmarks of the ultimate girls’ trip. Girls on the Road Again, founded by award-winning photographer Lesley Whyte, brings together groups of women with wanderlust for local and international tours that are partin situ photography workshops, part-luxury guided travel. Verve sat down with Lesley to learn more. What is Girls on the Road Again all about?

Girls on the Road Again is an initiative I founded specialising in luxury tours and adventures to bring together amazing women from all over New Zealand to share in new experiences. I lead each tour alongside incredible Kiwi women like Louise Wallace, Jax Hamilton, Jo McCarroll, Jess Bell, Hannah Miller, and Jackie Clarke. We have women who come back time and time again to go on tours, with such incredible feedback about the destinations, itineraries and camaraderie they experience. There is something for every woman, which is something I’m really proud of. What was the inspiration behind GOTRA?

When I was leading the Women in Photography tours, which focus very much on fostering skills, many women mentioned how amazing it would be to have photography combined with other adventures and tours. Chatting over coffee in late 2019, a group of girls whose hubbies had gone on a fishing tour said they wished there were equally fun tours for them to go on – something like a long weekend so they didn’t need to take too much time off work. This was my inspiration to combine the idea of photography and developing, as I call them, #AwesomeToursForTheGirls.

How has Covid impacted GOTRA, and how did you pivot?

Covid-19 has impacted all in tourism, some of our tours have been postponed and some even cancelled, but there have been some silver linings. I’ve been able to focus on bringing more awesome concepts under the Girls on the Road Again umbrella and have had the time to sit down, reflect and get into planning some amazing trips to explore our beautiful backyard in 2022. While our foodie photography tour to France and wildlife tour at Churchill have both been cancelled, we’ve replaced them with some equally adventurous tours in New Zealand, including Stewart Island and Chatham Islands. What does success mean to you?

Success to me is seeing how much joy the tours bring to the women who come on the adventures with us. Not only do they leave with great memories, but new friendships, new skills, and confidence in their photography ability. I also feel really privileged to work with the amazing women who have joined me to co-lead tours – their belief in the Girls on the Road Again philosophy is incredibly humbling. What is next for GOTRA?

Planning, planning and more planning. We’re looking to launch day activities for those working women who want to do something on the weekend but not be away too long – think ginmaking classes on Waiheke and cooking classes with Michael Van de Elzen. We’re gearing up to launch our international tours again once borders open, and then there are some really secret squirrel ones being worked on – more details soon! For more information visit girlsontheroadagain.com

November 2021

WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Brace for Impact Still only in her mid-20s, Melanie Bracewell has already established herself as one of Aotearoa’s most loved and successful comics.

As well as stand-up honours such as Best Newcomer at the 2017 NZ Comedy Festival, winner of the 2018 Billy T Award (“especially proud of that one as I remember watching the 2008 ceremony, when Steve Wrigley won, with my dad”), and the 2021 Director’s Choice Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melanie has been recognised for her writing on Wellington Paranormal by the NZ Comedy Guild. If that’s not enough, she’s also written for and appeared on the likes of 7 Days, and Have You Been Paying Attention? and has a seriously substantial following on social media – where she went viral thanks to her impersonations of Jacinda Ardern. Little wonder that earlier this year she was pinched by the Aussies to co-host her own show, The Cheap Seats, on Network 10. I begin our chat by asking how lockdown life compares between the two nations. “It was all open when we arrived, but then a week later we went into lockdown,” recalls the comedian from her Melbourne home, via Zoom. “It’s been a rather tumultuous few months, the lockdown here is kind of like a New Zealand level three – you can still get takeaways and Uber Eats.” You’ll always have a strange kind of connection with Covid thanks your impersonation of Jacinda Ardern, were you shocked it went so viral? “It was interesting because when I first started with the videos, I almost had to point out who she was. But then she almost became the face the of the pandemic and it reached the point where all I had to do was put lipstick on and people

were like, ‘Oh my god, you look just like her!’ I guess I jumped on the train at the right time.” Did Clarke Gayford share his thoughts on the impersonation when he appeared on Wellington Paranormal? “I’m very disconnected from that part of the show, but he would sometimes randomly DM to let me know that Russell Crowe had just retweeted me and I was like, this is not the real Jacinda, just so you know!” Much of your work revolves around current affairs, have you always had an interest in the news? “To an extent, yes. When I was a young, like every kid, when my parents had the news on, I’d be like, ‘Switch to Friends!’ but as I’ve grown older, I feel a need to be up to date. It feels actually relevant to my life, especially at times like these. But I am really bad at news quizzes, I think I consume far too much and don’t hold on to it.” It must have been difficult to come up with material over the past couple of years? “Yes, it’s hard to be observational in the confines of your home! I’m very much someone who works to deadlines, so the fact that I know I’m not allowed to do any gigs certainly doesn’t help.” Does that sum up the general feeling among comics? “Yeah, we have a sort of group chat where we discuss shows and there was a question posed about who was doing one next year and no one could commit to anything. Everyone’s feeling a little bit jaded.”

November 2021

"Kiwi comedy is very self-deprecating, very humble – you don’t want people to think you actually like yourself – but Australians don’t always realise and can think you’re being serious with the self-hate."

It must be strange performing to a masked audience? “When I did the Melbourne Comedy Festival earlier this year, the rules were a little more ambiguous – if you had a drink, you could take the mask off. So, it obviously just turned into a loud, boozy crowd! But then it got stricter. And the thing is, sometimes Kiwi and Aussie audiences think that a smile is enough but don’t realise that we can’t actually see their reactions. Comedians need the crowd to be audible, so we know they’re enjoying it!” How does working across the ditch compare? “Both countries have very strong tall poppy syndrome, but Australia is certainly more sure of itself. Kiwi comedy is very self-deprecating, very humble – you don’t want people to think you actually like yourself – but Australians don’t always realise and can think you’re being serious with the self-hate! Australian television is also more risqué, and, I would say, some of the shows are borderline problematic!” You’ve talked about being initially quite starstruck about working with Jemaine Clement on Wellington Paranormal, have you had similar pinch-yourself moments since? “Jemaine was a big one because I was so psychotically obsessed with Flight of the Conchords. My parents would joke about the fact that they had an obsessed stalker called Mel! So, it was surreal to be working alongside someone I’d idolised so much and although there have been others who’ve been influence, none that have been such a big deal emotionally. Something I have noticed in Australia is that if you make a joke about someone, they will end up seeing it. We made a joke about the UK TV show Loose Women, and the next day they played our clips, which is kind of crazy.”

realising after our tenth gig that it’s what we want to do, that it is possible. Whereas guys will see themselves on screen and be like, ‘Yeah, this is for me.’” Did your social media background, which presumably involved dealing with a fair share or trolls, help prepare for dealing with hecklers? “It’s an interesting question. When I first started on Tumblr, there was this horrid feature where you could send messages anonymously, which, as you can imagine, is not the healthiest of places for children to be. But I think at the very least, it made me more thick-skinned. The thing about heckling in New Zealand, it’s usually if they think they can add something to the joke, or it’s a two-way conversation. People go to gigs to have fun, but social media is more toxic.” I ask Melanie if she was the typical class clown at school, but, surprisingly, she admits to being “a bit of cry baby” – especially when taunted by her eldest sister (Melanie’s the youngest of six siblings) – who just wanted to “do a good job at school”. Her mum is a very artsy person, while her dad (“the funniest person I know”) introduced Melanie to Monty Python and her beloved Flight of the Conchords. “The rest of my family are funny in different ways” she adds. “I was also a very sensitive child.” Being sensitive is useful for observation, I suggest. “I guess. There’s a fine line between sensitivity and empathy.” Melanie says she’ll often ask permission before using loved ones in the hypothetical worlds of her routines, and her dad continues to pitch ideas that he thinks are funny. Her old man, I say, sounds as though he’s her biggest fan and must be immensely proud.

Have you noticed more women getting more opportunities within the industry? “There is still a way to go, but it’s getting better. I only got started because when I was 15 my Tumblr account ended up with 100,000 followers. I think the thing with women is that, because historically we haven’t sees ourselves on TV and things like that, we need a little bit more reassurance, maybe

“I know he’s proud of me,” recounts Melanie with a giggle, “he tells me a lot when he’s drunk!” Then, with that trademark Kiwi self-deprecation, she adds: “And his favourite dad joke is to tell me that he still loves me… regardless of what everyone else says.”

Verve Interview

Summer at the Village

Spend sun-soaked days and balmy evenings at over 2 5 shops and eateries waterside. 2 2 8 O rakei Road , O rakei 1 0 5 0

@ orakeibay village w w w.obv.co.nz

Our Story

WORDS — MELANIE DOWER inesstore.com

Zoe and Sarah

Zoe Philpott and Sarah Jackson formed a strong bond while travelling together 10 years ago, before returning to New Zealand and opening their online premium beauty store INÈS.

Business & Society

Ultimately, we respect each other’s opinions, so conclusions and resolutions are made quickly. Zoe

Sarah

Sarah and I met through mutual friends in Auckland in our early 20s. We then travelled for several months together which is when our friendship really began. Our travels connected us profoundly and we became extremely close; travelling well with someone is so indicative of your bond.

I didn’t know much about Zoe until we met through mutual friends and ended up travelling together around 2012, where our friendship blossomed. We were so organically on the same page with everything and had a lot of fun together – our friendship was a special discovery, and we knew it would be lifelong.

We have always shared similar interests, aesthetics and lifestyle appreciations, so I think we had a mutual understanding we’d do something together at some point. It was obvious how well we’d work together even way back then.

We’d discussed working together for a long time. We didn’t necessarily have a business idea in mind, just the firm knowledge we wanted to do something creative together. When we both back from overseas within six months of each other, it was time to make it happen.

Five years ago, we moved back to Auckland around the same time – Sarah from Sydney, and me from London – and we instantly starting conceptualising INÈS without much deliberation. We share many of the same strengths when it comes to the business. We work synergistically to problem solve, conceptualise, and create content, constantly bouncing ideas off each other. Whilst we certainly divide and conquer – as well as outsource anything that’s out of our skillset – we have a unique way of working closely across the aspects of the business that are most important to us. Personally, we are different in that I’m far more impetuous and spontaneous whereas Sarah is wonderfully considerate and will sit on things for longer. Her patience and thoughtfulness have benefited the company countless times. Communication is our forte. If we’re not with each other we’re talking or messaging… a lot. Because we are such good friends, making challenging decisions or managing disagreements is always done through honest and robust conversation. Ultimately, we respect each other’s opinions, so conclusions and resolutions are made quickly. I have endless admiration for Sarah. She is resilient, brave, considered and intelligent. She has been through a lot personally in the last few years and I have never known such strength and resilience. She has unknowingly taught me so much – not only about life’s lessons and how I perceive the world, but also about myself. Her courage and perseverance inspire me every single day.

We have similar skills which makes it a challenge when delegating set roles, so we do a lot together; however, there are some responsibilities we’ve organically gravitated towards. Zoe is more efficient and a lot better at operations, whereas I lean more on my communication and brand management skills. We talk all day every day, so communication is not a problem and making decisions is easy. We listen to and trust each other’s opinions. Zoe is so unapologetically herself – she knows exactly what she does and doesn’t like. She has a signature way of doing everything that is uniquely hers. She has such good taste, acute attention to detail, and executes everything flawlessly. She’s intelligent, eloquent and sophisticated while also being loud, raucous and entertaining, and doesn’t take herself too seriously. I also admire how she is as a friend. She is the most empathic, soothing person, who listens attentively, and is honest. She never speaks in clichés, she bakes, delivers flowers, gives big cuddles, and makes me laugh. No topic is off bounds and there is endless trust between us. We spend a lot of time together; our husbands are friends and now our dogs are best friends too. We go for walks, attend lots of yoga classes, share dinners, watch films, and have family weekends away – all the normal friend stuff. It’s not lost on me how lucky I am to have the friendship I do with Zoe – it’s rare and unique. Going into business together hasn’t made our friendship transactional. We are best friends first, business partners second. We have a lot of fun together and I couldn’t think of anyone else I could spend my every day with!

November 2021

Men’s Fashion 1

9 8 7

10 Fashion

1. Magliano Pink Leftovers Sweater $808 2. Rag & Bone Off-White Hemp Piqué Sweatshirt $355 3. Rag & Bone New York Hot Dog Hoodie $355 4. Rick Owens DRKSHDW Grey Drawstring Prisoner Lounge Pants $613 5. Magliano Pink Virgin Wool Cardigan $1437 6. Rick Owens Green Down Flight Jacket $2404 7. Rick Owens Brown Cotton Mask $104 8. Rick Owens Green Socks $188 9. Rick Owens Red Outershirt Jacket $2034 10. Rag & Bone Brown Suede Retro Runner Sneakers $390

Locking Down the Pandemic Beard Growing a beard can be an awkward experience. WORDS — MAX DAWSON FROM ONEMAN @onemannz oneman.co.nz

Some people have strong opinions about them and aren’t not shy about sharing their thoughts. Men will often admire a beard’s luxurious majesty, while women will have reservations about its cleanliness. One night at a bar strangers will want to stroke it and then the next day children will flee from you in fear at the supermarket. A subset of the population has begun this journey. A right of passage of sorts, born of a once in a lifetime opportunity to put manliness to the test by growing a lockdown beard. Many, sadly, fall by the wayside, their journey over before it has barely begun. At its outset, the fabled beard, often referred to as a ‘pandemic beard’, will meet three major obstacles: ‘The Itch’, ‘The Wife’, and ‘The Job’. Let us study each of these potentially growth-stunting obstacles in more depth. Obstacle No.1 – ‘The Itch’ Harden up. If your balls itch, are you going to cut them off? An attitude that embodies persistence, perseverance and delayed gratification is essential. All key ingredients to gaining anything worthwhile in life. Quit now at your peril, for there is no better time to grow a beard than the present. Remember, when we talk to our grandparents, it’s unlikely they will speak

of regrets in life for things that they did do, rather the things they did not. Obstacle No.2 – ‘The Wife’ Or the significant other in your relationship whose position on the matter warrants the utmost respect. At some stage, they may say, “Mmmm, yeah, that’s not going to work for me.” Possibly peppering it with colourful expletives. Do wash your beard. Don’t be afraid to (sparingly) use a beard oil to control those odd rogue hairs. Growing a beard is not an excuse to be complacent and let yourself go. Many a man will bow to the pressure of their significant other, to social norm and expectation. Obstacle No.3 – ‘The Job’ I have a rule, you’re either cleanly shaven or growing a beard. Do, or do not, there is no try. Now is not the time to play around with the stubble game. Are you in or are you out? As they say in the navy: “You cannot be half pregnant.” The question at hand is will you choose to triumph through this period of societal recalibration, or return to the hairless days of yesterday?

November 2021

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Australia Awaits

In anticipation of that two-way travel bubble reopening (it can't be too far away now!), here's a taste of some of Aussie escapes, culture, design, and cuisine – including a word with Donna Hay.

November 2021

edwinacorlette.com @edwinacorlette

Edwina Corlette Gallery At the beginning of the Global Financial Crisis, I decided it was time to open my own commercial art gallery. Having worked in a gallery for the previous six years, I was particularly interested in exploring and unearthing works of early career artists who until then had no avenue for exhibiting in Brisbane. The Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) had recently opened, and Brisbane was finally becoming an arts destination, so I thought I’d jump in and have a go! Looking back, I can’t really believe we pulled it off.

to Auckland Art Fair last year but it was cancelled due to Covid and our plans to return are on hold for the moment. We have a couple of NZ-born/Australia-based artists – Stefan Dunlop and Paul Ryan – who are both wonderful painters, while our favourite Australian artists include Adrienne Gaha and Marisa Purcell, among others. Marisa and Adrienne have a two-person show coming up next.

Thirteen years later, those early career artists are well and truly in mid-career, enjoying great success and exhibiting around the world. We were due to bring a group of our artists

629 Brunswick Street New Farm QLD 4005, Australia

Australia

Escape to Eden When in need of a place to rest and rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, there’s nowhere better than Eden Health Retreat, nestled in the Currumbin Valley on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

Whether you’re looking to rest after the rigours of the past couple of years, rejuvenate your mind, or learn some new rituals to help continue a healthier lifestyle, there’s something here for everyone. Following the sweeping, tree-lined driveway towards the fivestar wellness retreat, you may feel excited, you may feel anxious, but rest assured you’re headed to the right place for your wellbeing. Beyond Eden’s large, symbolic doors begins your new path to wellness. Whether you’re looking to rest after the rigours of the past couple of years, rejuvenate your mind, or learn some new rituals to help continue a healthier lifestyle, there’s something here for everyone. Forget strict boot camps. At Eden, you can do as little, or as much, as you want, or can, do. Prior to arriving, complete a wellness questionnaire to help the extraordinarily healthy and helpful staff guide you on the most suitable programme during your three-, four- or seven-day stay.

Instructor-led classes are held in the newly-built pilates and yoga room, where you can also start the day with guided stretching, breathing and meditation classes. Or work up an appetite in the gym, followed by dip in the pool, or simply rest your weary muscles in the steam room and sauna. Perhaps book in for a heavenly massage or facial in the luxurious spa. The hardest thing is deciding which treatment to try next! Meals are served in the new, architecturally-designed kitchen and dining room. Your tastebuds are in for a real treat with seriously delicious dishes served five times a day. Each meal is mindfully created to nurture, nourish, inspire, and educate using gluten-free ingredients that are locally-sourced when possible to incorporate Gold Coast’s sumptuous organic fruits, vegetables, seafood, and white meats.

Choose a programme focused purely on relaxation, or one that’s high-octane and full of activities, or simply blend the two for the ideal mix of invigoration and idleness.

The team also uses a small amount of organic dairy, plant-based proteins, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Vegan and vegetarian options are available on request, plus, there are cooking classes and nutritional talks enabling you to continue this new, healthier way of eating upon returning home. Meals taste all the

Australia

For time does feel as though it stops at Eden.

better enjoyed with a side serving of a seriously impressive view over the Currumbin Valley! For solitude, discover one of our many relaxing nooks – to journal, read, or simply drink in the sights and sounds of the surrounding rainforest. Whether relaxing by the labyrinth, the mud baths, or on your balcony, you’ll feel a million miles away from the real world. For time does feel as though it stops at Eden. There’s time to rest, time to enjoy a cup of herbal tea, time to meet new people, and time, most importantly, to be present in the moment. However you choose to spend your week at Eden, know that you’re taking the first step along the path towards a healthier, happier you. Choose your own experience Since its reopening and extensive refurbishments in 2021, Eden has also overhauled its weekly programmes. Now, you can

choose the type of day you’d like to experience, whether it’s one of activity, relaxation, pampering, nourishment – or a mixture of everything. An active day includes a rainforest walk to soak in the benefits of biophilia, weights or boxing classes, followed by a welldeserved session in the infrared sauna and steam room, and a deep-tissue massage. Or if relaxation is your top-priority, then don’t miss the mediation and mindfulness classes, and stretch out those tight muscles with some yoga and pilates. Maybe book a facial and body treatment, or just lie by the glistening pool. Facts: Guests can now choose between seven-, four-, or threenight stays (or choose to experience an extended stay beyond one week) at Australia’s longest-running health retreat. Prices begin at $4,550 for a seven-night stay in a single cabin or $3,920 in a twin-share cabin. For more information visit edenhealthretreat.com.au

November 2021

WORDS — NICK AINGE-ROY STUDIO IMAGES — DANIEL GOODE REPRESENTED BY THE ARTIST GROUP CAMPAIGN & LOOKBOOK IMAGES

— STEPHEN WARD shhorn.com

SHHORN: Sculptures in Thread On a quiet street, there is a studio. The air is thick with heat and heavy with the fumes of the city, and down the street young professionals have knocked off early to sip espresso martinis and pluck their drooping collars from damp necks.

The simple fact though, is that these people are not just buying clothes, they are buying art.

As I walk down a corridor, trying to stop my own shirt from sticking to the small of my back, I come to a door bearing a brass sign: SHHORN. I knock, and wait. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from the man who opened the door, but I confess, with some shame, that I was anticipating someone stern, the kind of designer who would look with disdain at my scuffed boots and sweaty brow and shoo me away – dismissed, presumably devoid of insight and undeserving of their time. Happily, the man who opens the door was not some self-serious stereotype, but a charming figure with messy black hair, an inviting smile, and eyes that do not glance even once at my well-worn shoes. His name is Sean Tran.

different from SHHORN’s more refined recent offerings, featuring cocoon like layers of undyed, hand-felted wool atop the monochromatic shirts and trousers that have become the label’s staple. Though striking, Sean admits that this first collection was “still an art project at the time, there was no commercial viability taken into account – it was all about self expression”.

Born and raised in Sydney, Sean received no formal training in fashion design before he began to experiment with making clothes back in 2012 as part of a personal fascination with materials in all their forms. Originally trained as an architect and jewellery designer, his journey into fashion was a slow burn, and launching the label was, in his own words, a decision made “out of boredom really”. At first he just made pieces for himself and his friends, trading them for records and bottles of whisky, but after three years of “playing around” he began to seriously consider fashion.

Nonetheless, it served to cement the primacy of fabric in the label’s work, and the exploration of material has since come to define Sean’s approach. He moves to a rack and shows me a boxy, shawl like bomber jacket with rough unfinished edges fastened through the front with a brass hook. The fabric is crisp and irregular, its colour an indistinct meld of tea brown and dusty black, woven by hand by Sean and Grace Woods Sean’s former business partner in the label, who still assists closely with fabric development - on a floor loom in their Blue Mountains studio . It took seven days to make enough fabric for just four jackets. The brass fastener was also made in-house, along with its sterling silver sibling that hangs from the hand cut collar of a neighbouring shirt. On another hanger, a cropped, square cut shirt with loose, languorous sleeve shimmers in warm silk, an innovative combination of mulberry silk and ultrafine merino wool that neither clings to nor overheats its wearer.

“2015 was when I went, ‘look, okay, I’m going to sit down for one year and make a collection’”, one that would focus on “really pushing that idea of architectural drawing and making through garments”. Visually, the collection was vastly

Alongside fabric, Sean has increasingly found his focus drawn to slow iterations on form, cut and colour, a process that in practice forms a capsule wardrobe – shirt, pants, and coat – whose allure lies in understatement. It is not

November 2021

They buy SHHORN because what it is, really, is one man’s approach to life, and his solution to our problems of overproduction, overconsumption and overall excess.

explosions of colour or excessive embellishment that catches the eye, but the way a collar sits on the neck, how a sleeve falls from a shoulder, or a jacket stands away from the body. There is a soft, sculptural element to it all that owes itself to Sean’s first life as an architect, and which he says has developed since moving into a new studio that he shares with artist James McGrath and the illustrator Antonia Pesenti, herself a former architect. His challenge now is to balance the contemporary with the classical, and to create clothing that his customers can wear when they’re 20 or 80. This balance, Sean tells me later over Zoom, has seen his customer base triple in the past 18 months – a fact that frankly seems counterintuitive given the economic havoc that Covid has wrought. As businesses of all shapes and strengths have shut their doors, how has a small, niche, and painstakingly handcrafted label found such success? Well, it helps that SHHORN’s customers are not average by any means: artists, architects and corporate heads. The kind of customer that not only understand and appreciate what Sean is making,

Australia

but are willing to pay for it even when the world shuts down. It also helps that Sean, affable and experimental, is willing to accommodate their requests in a one-to-one manner that is all but lost; to take on custom orders or alter designs in a way that other labels simply cannot. The simple fact though, is that these people are not just buying clothes, they are buying art. Every thread, every stitch, every brass hook, blazer button or belt buckle involves countless hours at cutting table and sewing machine, and is imbued with a philosophy that holds permanence and craftsmanship at its very core. They buy SHHORN because what it represents is increasingly hard to find in our modern world; because it will not fall apart or out of fashion; because it will outlive them. They buy SHHORN because what it is, really, is one man’s approach to life, and his solution to our problems of overproduction, overconsumption and overall excess. They buy SHHORN because when they see it, it sticks with them, just as it stuck with me.

CURVED SHIRT - $480AUD

ROUND BAG $770AUD

PLEATED BAG $350AUD

SHOULDERLESS TUBE TOP - $179AUD WOMEN'S WIDE SUIT TROUSER - $700AUD

SHELL DRESS - $450AUD

Shhorn

TRAPEZE BAG $420AUD

November 2021

Longitude 131 WORDS — NICK AINGE-ROY

Deep in the arid interior of Australia’s Red Centre, white tents erupt from the side of a rolling ridge, their edges splayed by wires and large black posts driven into the surrounding sand. Across the plain, above the tawny fingers of spinifex and the silver leaves of the desert poplar, the great mass of Uluru maintains its eternal vigil. Australia

Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private balcony, allowing guests to gaze across the scrubland from the comfort of a custom-made daybed or armchair. A member of the luxury Baillie Lodges family – a group that now includes New Zealand’s Huka Lodge – Longitude 131 offers its guests unique access to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, and an unbeatable luxury experience in the very heart of Australia’s outback. Leaning into its sparse, desert surroundings, guests at Longitude 131 have only two options for accommodation: a luxury tent, or the Dune Pavilion. If the name wasn’t an indication, a stay in the luxury tent bears not even a passing resemblance to your traditional outback camping excursion, and indeed, but for its billowing roof, is not a tent at all. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private balcony, allowing guests to gaze across the scrubland from the comfort of a custom-made daybed or armchair. Inside, vibrant works from local Indigenous artists appoint the walls 59

while earthy tiles remain cool underfoot, offering passage to the spacious en suite bathroom. The Dune Pavilion is the only residence of its kind at Longitude 131, designed for those desiring space and unlimited luxury. Similarly decorated with large scale local artworks and modern, custom furniture, the Pavilion upgrades the experience with an extensive veranda, separate living and sleeping areas including two bedrooms, deep bathtubs, and a private plunge pool that provides sweeping views out to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. While a stay here can, and likely will, run into the tens of thousands of dollars, the bill is at least inclusive of meals, along with whatever damage you can do to the November 2021

As part of their residence on Anangu land, Longitude 131 have developed significant, ongoing relationships with the Anangu people that seek to preserve and share their cultural heritage and support their way of life. open bar during your stay. Besides, dining at Longitude 131 is a step above your standard hotel menu. Executive chef Ryan Ward refreshes the menu daily, and looks towards Indigenous customs and techniques to give diners a culinary experience that is deeply rooted in the land that surrounds them, fusing premium Australian produce with seasonal local bush ingredients to bridge the ancient and the contemporary. In the fierce Uluru heat, refreshments are a necessity, and Longitude is adequately equipped with two main ‘watering holes’. Take shelter in the swanky interior and comfortable armchairs of the Dune House bar, or retreat to the breezy pavilions of the Dune Top bar and settle in for sunset with an impeccable selection of Australian wines, craft beers and premium spirits, including Baillies 9, a gin distilled exclusively for the Baillie Lodges. Even the most relaxed and uninspired visitor cannot lounge forever though. Being situated in the Uluru Kata Tjuta national park, the activities at Longitude 131 naturally tend towards the outdoors and draw on the area’s deep cultural history, with several signature and bespoke experiences facilitating exploration and learning of the land. Spectacular desert sunrises and sunsets bookend the day and are the impetus for guided walking tours in the shade of Uluru’s immense flanks, or the towering walls and domes of the Walpa Gorge and Kata Tjuta, whose immovable forms serve as the stage for local Indigenous stories and legends. Australia

As part of their residence on Anangu land, Longitude 131 have developed significant, ongoing relationships with the Anangu people that seek to preserve and share their cultural heritage and support their way of life. Artworks and objects throughout the lodge are purchased from Ernabella Arts, a rural South Australian community and the oldest continually running indigenous art centre in the country. Ernabella artists regularly take up creative residencies at Longitude 131, and guests are able to visit the community first-hand – albeit at a substantial cost of $3,400 – to see the works being created and make purchases for themselves. For foreigners, the beauty of Australia’s outback has long been overshadowed by the fear engendered by its desolate vastness and inhospitable landscapes. Although exceptionally expensive and consequently exclusive, Longitude 131 seeks to shift this view of the Red Centre and explore the natural wealth and cultural richness of this misunderstood area by offering more than just a bed under the stars. It is not the kind of holiday you’ll find at Flight Centre, but the people at Longitude 131 are showing that it is possible to provide a world-class luxury experience that respects its environment, acknowledges its traditional landowners, and works to preserve these magical landscapes in perpetuity as well as style.

Rise and Shine

Nestled on 22 acres of rainforest, Soma Byron is a contemporary oasis in the hinterland of Byron Bay, purpose-built to serve as a sanctuary for meditation retreats and immersive experiences with a goal to elevate creativity and consciousness. 61

November 2021

RISE is a response to the need of the time, a way in which people can neutralise a condition which affects so many lives. Recently, Soma announced their debut online course, RISE, as an antidote to the pressures prevalent in many of our lives today, a way of exploring the ‘intersection between consciousness and the art of living’. Led by Vedic meditation teacher, health and mindfulness coach Gary Gorrow, RISE is a seven-part programme created for individuals to transform their daily lives using a synthesis of ancient practices and science-based tools. "We are designed to be happy and thrive, yet we’re all witnessing a dramatic increase in the number of people, of all ages and backgrounds experiencing high levels of anxiety and stress,” says Gary, who has over 17 years of experience as a Vedic meditation practitioner (master teacher), qualified Ayurvedic health coach, mindfulness expert, high performance coach, motivational speaker and social entrepreneur. “Mental health conditions have become a universal challenge and it is not surprising given the present state of our world,” he continues. “As human beings we are all unique and multifaceted, hence any approach needs to be nuanced, holistic and intelligently founded. RISE is a response to the need of the time, a way in which people can neutralise a condition which affects so many lives.” To maintain health, happiness and high performance, recalibration is key.

Australia

“We need effective resources. RISE is a course to empower people with a new perspective, practical knowledge and science-based tools that will serve to create the foundations for a richer life." Gary's high profile private clientele, formed over his years as a teacher, bears a testament to his expertise with professionals leading in their fields, including Cate Blanchett, Richard Roxburgh, Zoe Foster Blake and the GWS Giants AFL team. RISE aims to impart knowledge, practices, and tools for its students to understand the root causes of disease, to develop a higher connectedness to the self, commit to a life changing yoga and breath practice, learn crucial mind techniques and access the seven principles to regulate your life. Develop and shift your mindset so it becomes unshakable. It’s time to RISE. The RISE course with teacher Gary Gorrow is available online only as a seven-part programme from for $349, or as part of a Soma Collective premium membership for $29 per month with a 12-month minimum subscription. The Soma Collective premium membership offers access to the Soma Byron digital platform and includes the RISE course as well as exclusive online Masterclasses, workshops and meditations each month. For Soma Collective premium memberships and RISE course bookings, please visit: somabyron.com.au/rise.

November 2021

A Conversation with Donna Hay

Donna Hay’s latest title, One Pan Perfect is certain to become a family favourite, full of her usual fuss-free recipes and fabulous images. Verve had the privilege of catching up with Donna a few weeks ago and shares the conversation below.

Has cooking taken on a different meaning to you since the pandemic?

While it hasn’t really changed for me, it’s been so interesting to watch people’s relationship with cooking change and develop over that time. Food is so important in the fabric of our day-today lives and is often one of the first things people turn to for comfort and familiarity when other parts of life feel uncertain. The kitchen has become a place of comfort during the pandemic. Why do you think this is?

While comfort was obviously such a huge reason for people taking up cooking again, I noticed so many people wanting to challenge themselves in the kitchen. I like to call them the ‘zero to sourdoughs’, but suddenly we saw people who rarely cooked taking a turn at making everything from scratch! What inspired your latest book, One Pan Perfect?

While there’s always an occasion to get lost in cooking a huge feast or perfecting a recipe, everyone wants ways to cook smarter, faster and tastier. One Pan Perfect was inspired by that need to get something super delicious and simple onto the table, in a flash, by making everything in either one pan, pot, tray or dish. Your publications have a signature look: photography is flooded with light, and the layouts are clean, modern, and unfussy. Tell us more about your design and food styling philosophy.

My philosophy is to keep the styling simple and let the food do the talking. Fresh ingredients do a lot of the heavy lifting when styling a plate, so I always start with the freshest I can find. Can you tell us more about the Donna Hay catchphrase ‘turn simple into special’?

It’s a little line that was once used across my magazines, and is no less true today than it was then. You can’t beat simple food done well.

Your favourite takeout food?

Japanese – so fresh, clean, and delicate. It’s one of those cuisines that is super hard to replicate at home, so I’m always more than happy to eat in at my local restaurant. What most inspires your cooking?

Seasonal ingredients and local produce never fail to inspire. Sustainability is super important to me, so whenever I find a new, local producer, or some delicious products that are sustainably sourced or in season, I always try to find ways to integrate them into whatever I am cooking or developing at the time. What kitchen appliance or utensil could you not live without?

My julienne peeler saves me so much time in prep. It’s such a fantastic little gadget that allows you to julienne vegetables in an instant, making it perfect for almost-instant pickles or a veggie-packed salads. I also can’t forget my trusty food processor – lifesavers! What’s always in your fridge?

Parmesan, fresh herbs, and snacks for my boys. Best time-saving kitchen hack?

Get yourself a cast iron pan or pot. There’s so much versatility in cookware that can go from stovetop straight into the oven – One Pan Perfect was very inspired by that way of cooking. Delicious results for minimal clean-up are always a win in my book. What vegetarian dish do you make better than anyone else?

I like to think I can make a fantastic fritter. The great thing about fritters is that you can take nearly any vegetable sitting in your crisper and turn it into a deliciously crispy morsel in 15 or 20 minutes.

November 2021

RECIPE AND STYLING — DONNA HAY PHOTOGRAPHY — CHRIS COURT

Aperol Spritz Peaches

A sticky, spritzy dessert that is drenched in all the best parts of your favourite aperitivo cocktail, for when you need a taste of la dolce vita.

Ingredients

Method

4 peaches 3 cups (750ml) prosecco 1 cup (250ml) Aperol+ ½ cup (110g) raw caster (superfine) sugar 2 vanilla bean pods, ends trimmed 6 thick strips orange peel vanilla bean yoghurt or ice-cream, to serve

Place the peaches into a medium saucepan and cover with boiling water. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, drain and gently slip the skins off.

+Aperol is a bitter orange liquor. You can swap it for Campari, if you prefer.

Return the saucepan with the peaches to medium-high heat. Add the prosecco, Aperol, sugar, vanilla and orange peel and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove peaches and reduce the syrup for 8–10 minutes or until it has thickened slightly. Top peaches with vanilla bean yoghurt or ice-cream and a drizzle of syrup. You can adjust the amount of Aperol to suit your taste.

Serves: 4

Recipes extracted from One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay RRP $55, HarperCollins Australia

RECIPE AND STYLING — DONNA HAY PHOTOGRAPHY — CHRIS COURT

Lucky Pot Ginger Chicken

Inspired by the classic Hainanese chicken, this weeknight-friendly one-pot version has all the comforting, fragrant flavour we love from the original.

Ingredients

Method

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 6 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 long green chilli, sliced 12 thin slices ginger (about 25g) 4 green onions (scallions), thickly sliced 2 cups (360g) brown basmati rice, rinsed 3 cups (750ml) good-quality chicken stock 1 cup (250ml) water 2 tablespoons soy sauce 8 x 125g small chicken thigh fillets, trimmed 250g snow peas (mange tout), shredded soy sauce, thinly sliced green chilli, coriander (cilantro) leaves and finely grated ginger, to serve

Place a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the oil, garlic, chilli, ginger, green onion and rice and cook, stirring for 4 minutes, or until the rice is slightly toasted. Add the stock, water and soy sauce and stir to combine. Add the chicken on top of the rice and bring to a simmer. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 minutes, then remove from the heat. Working quickly so that heat doesn’t escape, carefully lift the lid of the pan and scatter the snow peas over the chicken and rice. Replace lid and allow to stand for 10 minutes. Serve with soy sauce, green chilli, coriander leaves and grated ginger. You can easily leave out the chilli for a wholesome familyfriendly meal. Serves: 4

Recipes extracted from One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay RRP $55, HarperCollins Australia

RECIPE AND STYLING — DONNA HAY PHOTOGRAPHY — CHRIS COURT

The New Zucchini Slice

The much-loved classic gets a fresh makeover. Hearty kale and two different cheeses transform the humble slice into a memorable dish.

Ingredients

Method

850g (about 7) zucchini (courgette), shredded using a julienne peeler ½ cup (28g) shredded mint leaves ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil cracked black pepper 3 cups (720g) fresh ricotta 6 eggs ½ cup (125ml) milk ¾ cup (60g) finely grated parmesan 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon rind 3 cups (100g) firmly packed shredded kale leaves 2 green onions (scallions), finely sliced sea salt and black pepper prosciutto and rocket (arugula) leaves, to serve

Preheat oven to 200°C. Place the zucchini, mint, oil and pepper in a bowl and gently mix+. Reserve a quarter of the mixture and set aside. Place the remaining zucchini mixture, ricotta, eggs, milk, parmesan, lemon rind, kale, green onion, salt and pepper in a bowl and mix to combine. Place the ricotta mixture into a 20cm x 25cm baking dish and arrange the reserved zucchini mixture around the edge. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until cooked. Serve warm with prosciutto and rocket leaves. + To ensure your zucchini remains crispy, don’t add salt to your zucchini mixture. If you don't have a julienne peeler, use a regular vegetable peeler. Serves: 4-6

Recipes extracted from One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay RRP $55, HarperCollins Australia

RECIPE AND STYLING — DONNA HAY PHOTOGRAPHY — CHRIS COURT

Upside-Down Summer Pavlova

All the summertime sweetness without the fuss! This recipe literally turns the classic pav on its head so there’s no assembly needed.

Ingredients

Method

6 white or yellow peaches or nectarines, stones removed and sliced into wedges 6 plums or apricots, stones removed and quartered 1/3 cup (40g) fresh passionfruit pulp 1½ cups (185g) fresh or frozen raspberries whipped cream, to serve

Preheat oven to 160°C.

Meringue 225ml egg whites (about 6 eggs) 1 cup (220g) raw caster (superfine) sugar ¼ cup (35g) coconut sugar 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch) 1½ teaspoons white vinegar

Place the peaches, plums, passionfruit and raspberries into a deep 25cm x 35cm baking dish. Set aside. To make the meringue, place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer and whisk on high speed until soft peaks form. Combine the caster sugar and coconut sugar in a bowl. Add the mixed sugars to the egg whites, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until each addition has dissolved before adding more. Once all the sugar has been added, scrape down the sides of the bowl and whisk for a further 10–15 minutes or until thick and glossy. Place the cornflour and vinegar in a small bowl and mix until smooth. Add the cornflour mixture to the egg white mixture and gently fold through. Spoon the meringue mixture over the top of the fruits. Reduce oven temperature to 140°C and bake for 1 hour or until the meringue has crisp edges. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream.

Recipes extracted from One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay RRP $55, HarperCollins Australia

I recommend a freestyle approach to the fruits you use in this pavlova – just look to the season for inspiration! Serves: 6-8

Wine Down Under WORDS — ANGIE ATKINSON, THE WINE WRITER

When people think of Australian wine their minds tend to lean towards a big, buttery chardonnay or a big, jammy shiraz, which of course have cult-like followings, but a new generation of Australian winemakers are whipping up wines far more interesting than that.

There are plenty of juicy, delicious, and well-priced wines coming out of Australia which are perfect for the barbecue season, but if you’re ready to try something different there’s slew of new, funky wine brands that offer a fresh take on things, too. Some are versions of classic varieties with a twist, while others are working with the likes of fiano, sangiovese, zibibbo, and barbera.

Mojo Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 McLaren Vale, $20.99, Black Market

Juicy dark plum, redcurrant, and cassis with touches of oaky spices are found on the nose and on the palate. The type of silky smooth, medium-bodied red that you can enjoy with or without food but is perfect with roast dinners and smoked meats. Exceptional value for money. Save our Souls Skin Contact Rosé 2018 Yarra Valley, $28, Star Superette

Skin contact or ‘orange wine’ is a growing trend in the wine world. A blend of pinot noir and sangiovese, this rosé has amazing texture and savoury notes on the palate, and is very versatile for food matching. Serve with charcuterie platters and seafood dishes with a bit of spice. Paxton NOW Shiraz 2021 McLaren Vale, $25.99, The Good Wine Co

An organic wine, deep crimson in colour with amazing aromas of dark berries, ripe plum, and hints of vanilla, it smells like diving into a berry compote. The palate is juicy and filled with ripe fruit that is balanced with a soft acidity and very fine tannins. Serve at a barbecue on the weekend! Australia

Unico Zelo Harvest Blanc de Blancs South Australia, $32 by the bottle

Delicious aromas and flavours of red apple, white fleshed stone fruits, and ripe citrus accompanied by tiny, persistent bubbles on a refreshing, dry palate. A vegan- and vegetarian-friendly sparkling wine made from 100% chardonnay, it’s perfect for popping on a sunny afternoon with friends. Maverick Twins Barrel Select GSM 2018 Barossa $32, Glengarry Stores

A blend of grenache, shiraz and mourvedre with fantastic aromas of juicy red fruit, olive tapenade, spice, and touches of smoky oak. A medium-bodied wine packed with vibrant flavours of red plum, red cherry, and raspberry with a whack of acidity that leads to a spicy finish filled with pepper and anise.

Five Unforgettable Classics from across the Ditch RIGHT: RABBIT PROOF FENCE

WORDS— ZACH THOMPSON

Australia offers a treasure trove of iconic and beloved films. With no end in sight to Auckland’s current lockdown, what better time to connect with our neighbours from the comfort of own living rooms in the company of a classic Aussie flick? We’ve compiled a list of some well- and lesser-known titles to pick from.

THE CASTLE (1997)

A film that many might have seen, if not for a while, this humble, heart-warming Aussie classic about a family wanting to hang on to the house that holds their history is a powerful, timeless reminder that the most important thing we have is each other. And what better time to be reminded of that than now?

JAPANESE STORY (2003)

A character study about what it means to be forced to spend time with someone you don’t like, this story sees two people find connection in unusual and different ways to what we have come to expect from a typical romance movie. Instead, it centres around the impact a person can have on our lives, no matter how little we know them or how brief the time we spend together.

RABBIT PROOF FENCE (2002)

The story of three Indigenous sisters who escape a life of servitude to return home to their family, Rabbit Proof Fence is a piece of filmmaking as important now as ever. Set in early 1930s Western Australia, this film documents the power struggle between the state and three young girls wanting to be with their family and maintain their connection to their culture. Warning: have a box of tissues nearby!

TOP END WEDDING (2019)

A feel-good rom-com about a couple desperately trying to find the bride’s mother days before their wedding. The parallel between the joy and excitement of the soon-to-be married couple, and the hard work it takes to maintain a marriage reflected in the bride’s parents, makes for a heart-warming, funny story about the endurance of love and the importance of choosing what’s most important as we age.

RED DOG (2011)

A dog roams the outback looking for his master. Put simply, Red Dog is a film about the power that animals hold to bring us together. Based on a true story.

November 2021

Waterfalls, Wildlife and Wonder The Wild Kimberley Coast

WORDS — CAROLINE CLEGG

worldjourneys.co.nz

Those who think they’ve seen Australia need to think again if they have yet to experience the Kimberley Coast, a remarkable and largely untouched landscape home to more than 2,600 islands, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear water, and ancient rock art. Australia

The best way to explore this coastline is of course by sea, on a small-ship luxury cruise such as those operated by New Zealandbased Island Escape Cruises. Enjoy the comforts of luxury accommodation by night and getting out amongst it by day – being able to explore by small Zodiac craft and helicopter gets you to some of the most remote and otherwise inaccessible spots. The starting point for any Kimberley journey is the town of Broome, famous for its rich pearl diving history and the beautiful sunsets of Cable Beach. Spectacular waterfalls are a highlight of this region. Among the 1,000 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago are the incredible ‘horizontal waterfalls’, a result of some of the greatest tides on earth. A huge volume of water surges through a small gap in the rocks, creating a four-metre wave rushing at great speed. You’ll also discover Whirlpool Passage between the mainland and a small island, with some whirlpools reaching the size of a rugby field! A more traditional waterfall is the beautiful terraced King Cascade of Prince Regent National Park, possibly the most photographed in the Kimberley. Nature continues to impress at the spectacular 100-metre King George Falls where a Zodiac craft can take you close enough to enjoy a natural shower! Another favourite is Ruby Falls, where you can enjoy a dip in crocodile-free freshwater swimming holes. For a taste of the region’s marine life, head for the remarkable near-300-square-kilometre Montgomery Reef. Watch in awe as it rises from the ocean at low tide, the outward flow framing

a plethora of marine life such as octopuses, turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and even dugongs escaping the emerging reef. Mitchell River National Park is home to many bird species, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, along with ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. You can take a helicopter flight over the famous multi-layered Mitchell Falls where emerald-tinted rock pools cascade down the slopes. The region’s colonial-era history revolves around early explorer Phillip Parker King. Among many places along the coast, King named Careening Bay, the historical site where he careened his ship, the HMC Mermaid, on the beach in 1820. A nearby boab tree bears his crew’s inscription of that date and ship name, still visible in the bark today. A piece of living history! Another historical site is at Vansittart Bay where you can visit the grave of a DC3 aircraft. During World War II, the plane was on its way from Perth but needed to crash land after it veered off course and ran out of fuel. Also on display are the ethnic shards of pottery and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries dating back 40,000 years. More ancient rock art is found at Swift Bay, depicting birds, fish, turtles and Wandjina, the Indigenous spirits who created the land and controlled the weather of this wildly remote region. The Kimberley Coast is visited by the lucky few, many of whom are left with a sense of awe and wonder that Australia has so much more to offer than they ever imagined.

November 2021

WORDS — GRAHAM WOOD

The Farm Kitchen

PHOTOGRAPHS — ELSA YOUNG

On a farm in the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa, this mysterious little barnlike building – essentially a kitchen with an accompanying organic vegetable garden – was handcrafted over four years, reusing salvaged materials. Home & Design

Get the look with Resene Resene Half Buttermilk Resene Alamo Resene Greige

The Farm Kitchen is built on the footprint of the original buildings. The challenge was to keep the same programme: where there was a house there is still a house.

The main living area is devoted entirely to the kitchen, which is the centrepiece anchoring the house. While the glass front façade has beautiful views of the hills and grasslands of the Cradle of Humankind, the kitchen itself is oriented towards the vegetable garden. Whoever is cooking is thus made aware of where the ingredients come from, while anyone else in the kitchen is positioned to watch and be aware of the transformation of ingredients taking place in the kitchen. To the back of the house, the kitchen opens onto a long stone retaining wall, built by previous inhabitants who farmed and terraced the landscape to create pastures. The kitchen counter is made from offcuts of oak and eucalyptus left over from the cladding and floorboards. Its faceted shapes pick up on motifs, starting with the angular concrete frame underpinning the façade of the house and sustained in details such as the canopies above the bathroom, front door and lounge. The tiles behind the kitchen counter and splashback are marbled to reflect the colours found in the wood and granite, whereas on the opposite walls, areas of the brickwork have been exposed and framed to exhibit and celebrate the original house textures. The rattan Malawi Chairs are handcrafted in Malawi. The POÄNG rocking-chair is a design classic from Ikea.

November 2021

Every scrap of usable material they could find in the sheds and lying around the farm was repurposed. If the kitchen was conceived as a barn, the adjacent lounge is based on another agricultural archetype: the lean-to. Lee says it provides a peaceful space at a remove from the kitchen, but which “immerses you in the garden”. Frameless glass makes you “feel you’re in the garden”. The view through the doorway is very much the perspective from the kitchen counter, designed to create a similar sense of connection with the garden while you prepare and cook, and to foster a sense of connection with the earth and awareness of the ways in which the earth sustains us. The table is made from a large section of oak salvaged from the farm.

November 2021

Get the look with Resene Resene Pale Slate Resene Colorwood Natural Resene Groundbreaker

“When you live on a farm in this part of Africa, you become conscious of the variety of colours in the landscape.”

The long, narrow bedroom is a converted garage. While the ceiling here is clad in oak and floorboards made from eucalyptus, just as the kitchen is, the brick walls have been left largely exposed. The massive metal pivot doors, welded using b-grade steel, have an agricultural, engineered quality about them. The horizontal design elements, such as the low window and headboard, emphasise the linear quality of the landscape here, riffing on the lines of the retaining wall behind the bedroom, and the pastures beyond. The bathroom to the front of the house has a pink curtain wall, which imparts a warm light to the interiors. Off-cut blades of stone (by-products from cutting granite slabs) are built into the wall to create shelves for geological discoveries, minerals, seedpods, and other artefacts.

November 2021

Erin Whiting Honesty. Energy. Sold. “Erin is a passionate, warm-hearted real estate professional that gets the job done. We engaged Erin because she lives here and understands what makes the location so desirable. And in the end, to ensure we get the best possible result.” The next move is yours: Erin Whiting Residential Sales Ponsonby Branch e.whiting@barfoot.co.nz | 021 644 483

barfoot.co.nz/e.whiting

Newmarket News Well, what a bumpy ride the latter part of 2021 has proven to be.

The ongoing economic impact of Covid-19 will be felt for a long time by our small businesses, some of whom have been unable to trade at all, surviving on government support, rent relief from landlords, tapping into their own reserves, and borrowing whatever they can. Most are doing their utmost to keep staff on the payroll for when the good times return. But it’s a grim situation. As we know, vaccination is key to getting back to ‘normal’, and residents of Newmarket and the surrounding central and eastern suburbs have done excellently – well on track to 90% double doses. It’s left us with a sense of “we’ve done what we’ve been asked, now let us get on with it”. I’m sure you’ll agree that we’re all looking forward to being able to enjoy some freedoms again. Our businesses desperately want to resume trading. When we do get back to some normality, we expect to run straight into the Christmas period, which will be busy. When you do finally manage to get back to Newmarket, you’ll notice a few changes! There are some new stores around the precinct, some have moved to new premises, and we have even more luxury retail on offer (some for the first time in NZ). Below is a quick run-down on what’s been happening during lockdown. Timberland has returned to Newmarket after a short hiatus. Their new flagship store is on the corner of Broadway and Teed Street. Saben are new kids on the block, recently opening a boutique on Teed Street just along from taylor. Quite a few stores have relocated, including: Birkenstock, who have moved from Station Square to Teed Street, right

Business & Society

beside Timberland; Redcurrent have moved from Westfield to Broadway, beside AS Colour; L’Occitane have moved from one side of Broadway to the other, just along from Smith & Caughey’s; Nature Baby, long-term residents of Carlton Gore Road, have moved to a bigger new store in Melrose Street; Deadly Ponies have flipped sides of the road in Osborne Street with a stunning new boutique; Parker & Co have relocated from Nuffield Street to Teed Street, just down from the Larder; Stylerunner, new to NZ, have opened a huge 300sqm store opposite Rodd & Gunn inside Westfield, along with a brand new store for Aje Athletica. In addition to all of this, Smith & Caughey’s have opened a brand new ‘Home’ department, plus a café, new beauty treatment rooms, and have welcomed Hermes Cosmetics to the store. Speaking of luxury, there are new arrivals to Westfield Newmarket, including: Saint Laurent, who opened just before lockdown; and Moncler, opened in October. Brands opening soon include: Balenciaga, Burberry, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen and Partridge Jewellers, plus of course Louis Vuitton. And still more to come! So, you can see our already fantastic offering just keeps getting better. When you do come visit, please wear your mask and scan in everywhere you go. Stay safe, and see you here soon. Mark Knoff-Thomas

Shop Local This Christmas

New Zealand’s premier destination for retail, fashion, hospitality and entertainment

S U P P O RT SM A LL B U SI N E SS

N EWMARKET.CO.NZ

@N EWMARKET NZ

Shining a Light on Sunscreen What you need to know as summer approaches

Did you know that 90% of skin ageing is caused by repeated exposure to the sun? Photo-ageing (the term given to this sort of sun damage) affects the tone, colour and texture of the face, neck, and back of the hands – and often the arms and upper chest area. But when looking for a suitable sunscreen, what do the terms UVA and UVB actually mean? UVA (A can be thought of as Ageing) is a long wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin than UVB. It’s responsible for causing loss of texture and tone, broken blood vessels, and drooping and sagging from damage to the underlying structure of the skin. UVB (B can be thought of as burning) is a shorter wavelength responsible for causing sunburn, discoloration, skin lesions, spots, and wrinkles. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday (on the exposed parts of your body) will help block UVA and UVB rays from damaging your skin. Make sure to apply enough sunscreen to provide good skin coverage and ensure it’s applied at least 20 minutes before heading outside. Most sunscreens only protect two hours, so reapplying throughout the day, especially if you’ve been in the water, is a must. There are two types of sunscreens – chemical and physical. Generally, chemical barriers absorb the UVs, converting them into energy and then safely filtering them through the body’s own cooling system. Physical zinc-based sunscreens, on the other hand, bounce the UVs back and away from the body, scattering it like a mirror ball on a dance floor.

Tip: It’s most effective to apply chemical sunscreen underneath

your moisturiser. Do it right: Applying a layer of sunscreen once in the morning

won’t give enough sun protection. To really take care of your skin and prevent damage, you must use sunscreen properly – and regularly. Get into the habit of using sunscreen every day, even if it’s cold or cloudy. Also apply liberally. Here are some general guidelines for how much to apply: • Face: 1/4 teaspoon • Neck (front and back): 1/4 teaspoon • Arms: 1/2 teaspoon each • Legs: 1 teaspoon each • Chest: 1 teaspoon • Back: 1 teaspoon Read the label and reapply as often as the manufacturer recommends. Following swimming or exercise while wearing sunscreen, it’s a good idea to reapply. Regardless of how much time spent enjoying the sun, you may benefit from the peace of mind of a full body skin cancer consultation at Skin Institute to ensure there are no areas of concern that could eventually lead to something serious, such as melanoma. In addition, Skin Institute doctors and appearance medicine nurses can not only treat existing sun damage of sun spot and pigmentation but also provide personalised advice on prevention and maintenance to help keep skin looking and feeling healthy all year round.

Short on time? Be aware that zinc blocks immediately, while a chemical sun block takes at least 30 minutes to be absorbed before it’s fully effective.

skininstitute.co.nz

Beauty & Health

Angelika Klotz “During a treatment, up to five essential oils are selected and synergistically blended to support whatever we want to achieve.” angeliquehealing.co.nz

Angelika Klotz isn’t interested in just treating symptoms. Angelika's passion is helping clients to overcome their limitations, in assisting with problems with health and wellbeing, and with setbacks in life. Her Mission Bay clinic, Angelique Healing, offers a wide range of treatments including essential aromatic practice, crystal therapy, aromatic massage, and aromatic kinesiology. Verve got in touch with Angelika to find out more. How do essential oils support and enhance treatments?

Essential oils are powerful plant essences that are made up of over 100 different chemical constituents. Depending on which compounds are most abundant, essential oils show different properties: some oils are stimulants, others relaxing; some show wound-healing properties, others balance hormonal functions. Some oils alleviate pain, others act as diuretics; some essential oils stimulate circulation or lymph-flow, others are nervine. Some support a healthy immune response while others are antifungal, anti-bacterial or anti-viral. During a treatment, up to five essential oils are selected and synergistically blended to support whatever we want to achieve. I also love to create bespoke personally selected products that can be used in daily routine to guide you to your best wellbeing version. One of my favourite approaches is to use a single essential oil on acupuncture points to promote the balancing effect of massaging the Chinese energetic pathways with the assistance of the oil’s special character. Who would you recommend an aromatherapy massage to?

I have used aromatherapy massage on tiny babies suffering from colics, on pregnant mothers to alleviate their back pain, on

teenagers to help them with their acne, on clients after accidents or during emotional challenges in life, and on bedridden elderly. The healing magic of touch is something that is widely underestimated, and I recommend it to everybody. Can you explain briefly what aromatic kinesiology is?

Aromatic kinesiology is a modality created by Robbi Zeck. She combines the biofeedback of kinesiology with the awesome integrating and powerful heart centring abilities of essential oils. Sessions can support deep stress release, defuse negative emotions, comfort heartache, resolve addictions, and increase nurture and self-love. Home integration to support subconscious changes by smelling the essential oils while reciting affirmations is part of this system. What are some of the most inspiring/rewarding/positive changes or healings you have seen your clients make?

Seeing a baby calm while being submerged in a lavender and chamomile bath after a day full of crying brought me to tears. Rescuing a businessman from a brink of a heart attack because of his stressful life was an inspiring process. Supporting a friend through her cancer struggle brought forward healing on many levels for both of us. Massaging away the tightness of the shoulders of a client who hardly could move her arms and neck so she could lift her small children again was definitely rewarding. Observing the change in young children with challenging behaviours and learning difficulties is very fulfilling. And of course, accommodating clients on their journey to becoming the healthiest version of themselves is always humbling and awesome.

November 2021

Making Scents

WORDS — ANNABELLE TAURUA

We’ve all heard about aromatherapy, but what, exactly, is it?

Sometimes called ‘essential oil therapy’, aromatherapy is a holistic practice using natural plant extracts to promote better health and wellbeing – and has been around for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, essential oils played a prominent role in ceremonies, used to purify the air and sometimes even as a sacrificial offering to the gods. In Chinese culture, they’d use essential oils as a form of medicine. Crucially, for us now, essential oils are a natural alternative to synthetic products, helping reduce our daily toxic load. What are the benefits?

The benefits of essential oil therapy are endless and differ according to the individual makeup of the oils themselves. Every essential oil has different natural properties, so aromas and uses also differ. For example, some oils are great for improving quality of sleep and reducing stress and anxiety, while others are known for aiding digestion or boosting immunity. Some essential oils are relaxing and calming, while others are energising and refreshing.

Topical application can involve adding a drop oil to a daily moisturiser, or choosing an essential oil blend designed specifically for safe topical use. What are the essentials of essential oils?

The best oils to start a collection include lavender to alleviate stress, boost sleep quality and achieve relaxation; and peppermint, for bringing balance to a room, relieving muscle tension or mental fatigue. Peppermint is also a great way to ease motion sickness or nausea. Orange is energising and purifying, great for moderating depression or anxiety. Essential oils are a beautiful way to integrate an aromatherapy practice into your home and daily life. With hundreds of essential oils available, take the time research and think about your personal needs. There is an essential oil out there for everybody.

How to use essential oils?

Essential oil therapy can be used through various mediums, including topical application and through diffusers and aromatic spritzers – great options for enhancing your sense of smell.

Beauty & Health

Best in Essential Oils 1

AETHER Embodiment Aroma Blend

The fifth element, associated with the alchemical symbol of quintessence, the primordial creative element that permeates everything. Aether is distilled into a deeply rich floral, sweet and woody aroma to evoke feelings of love, pleasure and joy. Formulated with pure essential oils of orange, rose, jasmine, neroli and patchouli in jojoba.

HUSHWOOD HOLLOW Relax Blend

Experience the Hushwood Hollow difference. With industry links to essential oil distilleries and world-class perfumery laboratories, Hushwood Hollow brings direct access to New Zealand's most comprehensive range of pure therapeutic essential oils. hushwood.co.nz

wellingtonapothecary.co.nz

PURENATURE Calming Essential Oils Blend

OIL GARDEN Balance & Harmony

PureNature is an online retailer offering a dazzling array of ingredients for DIY natural beauty and bath products, candles, homecare, and more. Their huge range of premium essential oils features certified organic options as well as carefully formulated aromatherapy blends designed and blended right here in Aotearoa.

Oil Garden offers an extensive range of great value, high-quality and sustainably sourced 100% Pure Essential Oils, Pure Essential Oil Blends, Body Care and Aromatherapy Accessories. The nature-inspired products are plant-based with no harsh chemicals, parabens, or synthetic fragrances: “Mother Nature has the solution, we bottle it.”

purenature.co.nz

chemistwarehouse.co.nz

November 2021

Bathing your Way to Wellness To soothe your lockdown lifestyle WORDS — ANNABELLE TAURUA

Bathing is a classic ritual that many have a soft spot for. There’s a reason why one of the most iconic scenes in Pretty Woman is Julia Roberts bathing in Richard Gere’s bathtub, accompanied by her sunshine yellow Walkman. Legends like Brigette Bardot and Audrey Hepburn have iconic bath shots, while Cleopatra sourced milk from 700 donkeys in order to fill her tub. But, why are baths so beneficial to our sense of wellbeing?

Baths can serve as a blissful end of day winddown routine, and, in trying times such as lockdown, become even more valuable. Bathing can help boost mood (and who doesn’t need a mood boost during 2021?), helping diminish feelings of pessimism and depression. Psychologist Neil Morris says baths give us “a wonderful combination of isolation, quiet, and comfort”, that the feeling we receive from lazing in a tub of warm water offers “connotations of being in the womb, and it is very comforting”.

Baths have been prominent throughout history, with the oldest found public baths dating back to 2,500 BC. In Japan, baths, or onsens, are viewed as a meditative practice, a time to relax, revive and wash away the day’s woes. In Ancient Rome, the water supply for public bath houses was prioritised over water for private use, and in Turkey, baths, also known as hammams, were places of extreme cleanliness, visited to purify both the body and the soul. Fast-forward to the modern-day and baths are a compilation of bubbles, more bubbles (the good stuff), and a sea of tea lights – the ultimate in relaxation!

Another benefit of bathing is the aiding of muscle tension. The heat of the water gets the blood moving, boosting circulation, and helping achy or tight muscles relax. Epsom salts are a great addition to this ritual, providing magnesium while promoting sleep and stress-reduction and helping reduce muscular pain and swelling.

“Hardly anything is as beneficial as taking a relaxing bath. It is a well-deserved moment of rest and offers welcome relief for the back, joints and muscles. A bath also nourishes the skin and can have a balancing effect.”

These are just come of the many benefits of bathing, proven throughout history, from helping to improve quality of sleep, to relieving cold and flu symptoms, to just simply being a peaceful way to unwind and destress. To elevate bathing rituals, decorate baths with essential oils, salts or bath bombs. ‘Me time’ is just as important as exercise, so go ahead and take this as a sign to run a bath – your inner Hepburn is waiting.

Susanne Kaufmann

Beauty & Health

Bathing Rituals

BATH BOMBS NZ Relax, unwind and enjoy New Zealand’s best handmade bath bombs. Each bath bomb is individually made and beautifully wrapped in Tauranga New Zealand. Bring little luxury and of course some fun to your bath! All products are made locally from natural ingredients, with love and passion.

SPHAERA SOAP Kawakawa and Activated Charcoal Each Sphaera soap bar is a thoughtful composition of form and function, handcrafted from the finest ingredients. Inspired by science and nature for everyday use, the Kawakawa and Activated Charcoal bar is a grounding, smoky blend of woody balsamic elements, crafted to brighten and balance the skin.

www.bathbomb.co.nz sphaera.co.nz

LIL AND MIFT Bath Salts

LINDEN LEAVES Basil Lime Bath Bags

Lil & Mift bath salts are lovingly handmade in New Zealand in small batches using premium sourced ingredients. A combination of carefully selected salts and essential oils is what makes this a real lil therapeutic treat. Also works wonders as a foot soak in the hot summer months.

For the ultimate self-care session, drop one of the three bags in a warm bath, lie back, and enjoy the refreshing and uplifting fragrance of basil lime. Blended from crisp, citrus-fresh lime and mandarin, a herby heart of basil, and a hint of star anise, it’ll help invigorate and energise the body and mind. A cute little present for just about anyone. lindenleaves.com

lilandmift.com

November 2021

Verve's Beauty Picks

SPRING STORE Spring Store, a carefully curated collection of precision skincare, beauty care and lifestyle products from around the world, including award-winning Augustinus Bader and high-performance French skincare CODAGE. Spring Store offers a global spa shopping experience that promises to enhance one’s lifestyle with luxury brands and unique offerings to complete your daily ritual. springstore.co.nz

SKIN INSTITUTE Full body skin consultation Trained in the management of skin cancer, Skin Institute is one of the only centres to offer everything from full body skin cancer consultation through to advanced Mohs / CCPDMA surgery thanks to their team of highly qualified specialists and nurses. Whether trying to ensure you never have to go through skin cancer, or if dealing with the consequences of younger years spent tanning, they’re here to help. skininstitute.co.nz

LABORATORIE Cut Colour and Makeup

EAU THERMALE AVÈNE Thermal Spring Water Spray

In anticipation of a life that looks a little more normal, we’re hoping for a season of connection and celebrations with loved ones and of course want to look our best. Now is a good time to plan a salon appointment at Laboratorie, whose team bring cutting-edge and contemporary (yet wearable) looks to every one of their clients, every time.

Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray can be used for a variety of everyday needs such as toning the skin after makeup removal, calming redness after exercise, soothing shaving rash, helping soothe inflamed skin post-surgery, and relieving the effects of sunburn. Avène Thermal Spring Water is particularly recommended for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic, or irritated skin.

laboratorie.co.nz

eau-thermale-avene.co.nz

Beauty & Health

Clinic 42 Get to know the staff at Clinic 42 and what makes them so passionate about the work they do.

DR ELLEN SELKON MBCHB, FRNZCGP, MNZSCM Where did you grow up? I was born and brought up in Cape Town. My dad was from England and so we moved and lived there for four years but came back to South Africa, which was home. I went to medical school at Stellenbosch in the Cape. It was an Afrikaans university, so I quickly had to learn the language for all of the lectures! Day one was a nightmare. As a doctor, I’ve lived and worked in the UK and South Africa prior to emigrating to NZ in 1997. What made you want to become a doctor? I wanted to be a doctor from a young age. I was fascinated by how the body worked and how it healed. I was the kid who always bandaged her dolls and helped the neighbourhood kids with their cuts and scrapes. How did you end up in cosmetic medicine? I was working 60-hour weeks in general practice and was feeling a bit burnt out. I spoke to a good friend, Dr Joanna, who suggested I try cosmetic medicine. It sounded like a fabulous outlet for my artistic side, allowing me to try and experience something new.

I participated in the NZSCM training programme and was in the second lot of graduates to complete the fellowship in 2009. I worked for Skin Institute initially, joining Clinic 42 in 2011. I love being in partnership with Lynn and Joanna as we all have different strengths and together make an amazing team. What is your favourite treatment and why? For me my two favourite treatments are Botulinum toxin and True Lift. With Botulinum toxin often you’re treating people for the first time and they’re hesitant to be dipping their toe into the cosmetic world. When you follow up two weeks later, they’re ecstatic and wonder what took them so long. I love to see the satisfaction and delight this treatment brings. I was taught the True Lift procedure by the founder. I’ve seen so many amazing results – it can change the way people look at themselves, improving confidence. It’s a procedure that can enhance almost everybody.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a doctor? I’d probably be teaching, but I’ve been lucky enough to combine both. I’m a national trainer for Galderma, giving me access to all the latest products and keeping me in touch with a large network of trainers from around the world. Due to demand, we’ve also recently set up Academy 42 for experienced nurses wanting to continue expanding their cosmetic skills. We look forward to profiling Dr Joanna Romanowska and Dr Lynn Theron in upcoming issues, finding out more about founding one of Auckland’s first cosmetic clinics and the how they’ve remained at the forefront of the industry for over 20 years. If you would like to make an appointment to see any of the team at Clinic 42, or to find out about their wide range of procedures, call on 09 638 4242 or head to the website clinic42.co.nz.

November 2021

Grapes with Kate

For over 35 years, Kate Radburnd has been doing what she loves most: making great wine and sharing her knowledge. One of New Zealand's most respected winemakers, she's been producing premium wines that consistently achieve the highest accolades and reviews. Food

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"My single purpose is to make small parcels of my personal favorite varietals, that represent the best of the Hawke's Bay, without compromise"

As well as launching her own business, Radburnd Cellars, in 2017, Kate has been involved with the mentoring programme for Woman in Wine, as well as chairing the Hawke's bay wine auction which raises funds for Cranford Hospice. She also pioneered the introduction of the winery programme for Sustainable Wine Growing of New Zealand. Verve caught up with her to find out more. What are the first things you do when you have a glass of wine in your hands? I’m usually just a little bit excited, particularly if it is a wine I haven’t tried before – anticipation is great! I always look at the colour, is it bright and does it reflect the age of the wine? Next, a very generous swirl to provide gentle warming and bring out the best of the aromatics. I take the time to think about the fragrances present. Finally I taste – the final showdown and the little time it takes is always worth it. Your first wine memories and how your love for it began? Around the family dining room table – it was always enjoyed with a meal. My parents loved wine, they passed that intrigue on to me. We often discussed the grape and where it came from. There were many debates. Wine evokes such happiness in my mind. At what age do you believe children should be allowed their first sip of wine? I was about 10 years old when I had little tastes of wine on special occasions with dinner with the family at home. Wine was part of the meal experience and was always discussed. Whatever the age, youngsters should have an interest in tasting, and be supported and educated by parents.

a winemaking degree in South Australia. I really loved the science involved in winemaking, and how a winemaker’s role often includes working in sales, marketing, and general business. Tell us more about your approach? My style has changed as I have matured. As a young winemaker, my wines tended to be more overt, bold in colour, flavour and aroma, and not leave much to the imagination. My intention now is to make beautiful, elegant styles that evolve over time in the bottle. Wines reflective of the variety, first and foremost, structured with acidity and aged in French oak. What is your future vision for Radburnd Cellars? To make ultra-premium, world-class wines that reflect what Hawke’s Bay grows best. Our aim is to connect directly with our customers, providing the best experience they desire. What is Radburnds Cellars unique selling point? Limited volumes of ultra-premium wines in beautiful bespoke packaging, made with experience and love. My wines are all handmade and will age spectacularly well but are also fabulous to enjoy with friends and family now. What do you most love about Hawke’s Bay and making your wine there? It’s a fabulous region and the vineyards we source fruit from are stunning sites. The potential is just immense. The varieties we make – chardonnay, syrah and a merlot cabernet blend – make some of the finest wines in the world, and that is invigorating! radburndcellars.co.nz

How did you get into winemaking? My first job was in Hawke’s Bay as an assistant winemaker after completing

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November 2021

Botanistry Works Beautifully

We’ve all heard the old adage ‘you are what you eat’, but have you ever stopped to think exactly how true that is?

WORDS — FRAN NINOW

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Healthy eating is the key to wellbeing. Our bodies comprise up to 100 trillion cells, each demanding a daily supply of nutrients for optimal function. Food affects all cells, and by extension, every aspect of our being, including mood, energy levels, cravings, sleep, and general health. With this in mind, for spring I’ve been trying to accelerate my body’s cellular repair. I quickly realised that one of the easiest ways to consume large doses of micronutrients is to start the day with an easy-to-prepare smoothie. Quite by chance, I came across a product called Botanistry, a range of beautifully formulated, Ayurveda-inspired, plant-based supplement powders packed with natural nourishment and a discreet flavour.

Wholefood Digestive Mousse Vegan | Gluten-Free Refined Sugar-Free Serves: 2-3 Ingredients

150g cashews, soaked overnight 1/2 cup almond milk 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 1/4 cup maple syrup 1/8 tsp salt 2 tsp BOTANISTRY Digestive Jades Method

In a high-speed blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate for 2 hours until set, and serve chilled with toppings of choice. Easy to use and easy to purchase, just visit their website botanistry.com. There’s 10% off for VERVE readers using the code VERVE10. Also available from Health 2000.

I’ve been adding Botanistry Blends into my smoothies; they’re simple to use, suits what my body needs, and are now a part of my morning routine. Rich in phytochemicals, Boosting Ambers is so good as it supports my immune system—super important during times like these. There’s nothing like the tangy citrus zing and energetic taste of turmeric, lime zest, ginger, lemongrass, and black pepper. On busy days and to help my body’s circulation, I like to add a teaspoon or two of Active Corals, a warming and aromatic blend of Ceylon cinnamon, turmeric, ashwagandha, cloves and black pepper. This blend works well in oats and bakes too. Digestive Jades is my go-to for supporting a sluggish digestive system

and to ease bloating. Fragrant and floral, the blend of lemongrass, ginger, chamomile, curry leaf, and Ceylon cinnamon is probably my favourite. It even goes in my salad dressings. On more earthy days, I’ve been using Glowing Greens, a unique blend of spices and super greens that benefit my skin, backed by ingredients like moringa leaf, peppermint, green tea, curry leaf, and black pepper.

“Simply packed with natural nourishment and discreet flavour.”

Not only have I been exceedingly impressed with how easy it is to use Botanistry supplement powders, I’ve enjoyed everything about the experience by this NZ brand. From the beautiful packaging to their stunning website bursting with yummy recipes to their ethical organic sourcing, they offer a hyper-nourishing addition to daily food intake for both adults and children. 103

November 2021

@NewWorldRemuera

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@new_world_remuera

WIN A $40,000 LUXURY ESCAPE FOR 4 to a Lindis Group destination Exclusive to Fine Wine Delivery customers. See FineWineDelivery.co.nz for more details.

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Grape without the Headache The Wine Rack WORDS — DENNIS KNILL

Give the gift of deliciousness. FRESH COCKTAILS, DELIVERED.

blackpineapple.co.nz

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Sales of non-alcoholic wines are growing in New Zealand at such a rate that Giesen Wines, one of our largest award-winning wineries, has recently taken the plunge investing in a state-of-the-art, $1 million distilling machine to cater for the increased demand and produce other non-alcoholic varietals. It started last year with the launch of the world’s first 0%, alcohol-removed sauvignon blanc. The launch was so successful that the entire vintage sold out within months. Giesen’s initial market research signalled non-alcohol wines would only attract wellbeing and health fanatics but, to their surprise, the appeal proved much wider. The after-effects of alcohol and the need to drive without being under the influence were the most notable reasons. To many wine drinkers, non-alcohol light whites and bold reds taste just like any other glass of wine. Table wines are high in sugar and calories, and because alcohol has a certain mouthfeel, non-

alcoholic wines are overshadowed by this and miss the mark when it comes to the depth of flavour. With alcohol by volume of wines ranging from 13.5% to 16%, and fortified wines from 15.5% to 25%, the challenge for winemakers is how to remove alcohol from a fermented juice without impairing the mouthfeel, balance, and quality. In winemaking, the fermentation of grapes not only produces alcohol, but also aroma, flavour, texture, and complexity. The process is not easy, and it’s expensive, but achievable through the process of distillation, temperature evaporation, condensation, and blending techniques. Upon tasting these new wines, I was pleasantly surprised. In essence 0%, alcohol-removed wines are not only the perfect occasion wine to drink with food but will keep you sober. All are under $20 and great value, too.

’21 Giesen 0%, alcohol removed Pinot Gris

A light and easy drinking wine achieving harmony with a hint of sweetness, floral aromatics and citrus that filters through to the nose. $19 ’21 Giesen 0%, alcohol removed Rose

Lively and refreshing with a crisp and subtle finish delivering light herbaceous aromas and a zest that will woo those that enjoy light reds. $18 ’21 Giesen 0%, alcohol removed Sauvignon Blanc

Light and bright this fresh, crisp and aromatic wine displays the classic citrus flavours that are characteristic from Marlborough. $18

YOUR GIFTING GURUS. S U S TA I N A B L E O P T I O N S , L A RG E - S C A L E D E L I V E R I E S OR BESPOKE ONE-OFFS, WE CAN DO IT ALL.

D E L I V E R Y N AT I O N W I D E

Go to: www.glengarrywines.co.nz/gifts WWW.GLENGARRY.CO.NZ | P: 0800 733 505 | E: SALES@GLENGARRY.CO.NZ

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November 2021

Beautiful Partnership Launches Luxury Pocket Cocktail

jmrcocktail.com www.southwarddistilling.com

Social distancing and an absence of bars, restaurants and events have made accessing cocktails in the time of Covid trickier. But, thanks to some beautiful connections, gin enthusiasts have something truly exceptional to look forward to according to Amy Alexander and Frankie McPhail, two spirited ladies from Wellington.

For the first time, they’ve collaborated to produce a stunning, boutique, ready-to-go, pocket cocktail as pretty in pink as it is punchy. Designed to resemble a sophisticated little bottle of perfume, simply slip it into your handbag and enjoy anywhere. Amy from J.M.R Cocktail & Co is the cocktail queen who earned her stripes in the hospitality scene, managing bars, restaurants, and events, working with some of the largest brands across the globe. Frankie of Southward Distilling Company makes spirits infused with the rugged essence of the sea, land, and coast. While heading up community retail for Lululemon, New Zealand, she realised the importance of community in achieving brand loyalty, and it’s now key to her business success. Both women hail from Canada, their friendship forged a couple of years ago via Instagram. Already a big fan of Southward gin, Amy explains: “We initially chatted about missing Caesars, a very specific Canadian cocktail made from clam and tomato juice. We’ve since worked together on several things, mainly around packaging up until this point. Frankie has been incredibly helpful sourcing items for us. We bonded together to have more buying power and share shipping costs.” A craft distiller and a luxury cocktail-maker, both women lead businesses based on booze, in an industry dominated by men, where tough skin is necessary to survive. With much in common, their friendship grew, and they asked themselves:

“Why are we just working on packaging when we could make a drink together?” And so, they’ve blended a limited edition classic gin cocktail to tease the tastebuds. The Martinez will soon be put it into 1,000 bottles ready to enjoy for Christmas. The gin-focused cocktail mixes cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, bitters, and filtered water which helps replicate the dilution process provided by a cocktail bar. This is key so it doesn’t taste like straight liquor. Apparently, it’s all about getting the balance just right. “When there’s no sugary mixer to hide behind, premium ingredients are key,” says Amy. “If I put my name to a readyto-enjoy drink, then it’s super-important to have a high quality, well-crafted spirit as the base.” Although both women have collaborated with other businesses before, this is the first cocktail Amy has done with a Wellingtonbased spirit company. Southward gin, with its unique, big, bold, and beautifully rugged flavour was ideal for the Martinez. With J.M.R. Cocktail & Co sitting in the luxury segment of the market, showcasing a high-quality local gin is the perfect partnership. Frankie says the collab has been great: “Typically, distillers promote their new products through a distributor. But we’re two bad-ass ladies pounding the pavement here and we have the freedom to do something cool.”

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They both note Covid has changed the way people purchase – particularly the spike in e-commerce and the ‘support local’ movement.

They both note Covid has changed the way people purchase – particularly the spike in e-commerce and the ‘support local’ movement. People still want high quality, not just a sugary alcopop can, but in the comfort of their own homes. That’s played to Frankie’s advantage, but with hospitality closing, she says, it’s all the more important to have connections to your community, especially when you have something unique, like this collaboration. “When I moved to Wellington, I wanted to create a community directly with my distillery. And who doesn’t love a gin club? The Southward Liquor Club, where we create exclusive customised flavour offerings for members, is a big part of what we do. It lets people feel connected and catered for with the drinking experience.”

She agrees, Covid has encouraged more people to drink cocktails at home. Although J.M.R. Cocktail & Co was the first in New Zealand to launch a boutique pocket cocktail in 2018, there has been a boom as several other bottled cocktail companies have popped up. “Our cocktails are exactly as you would get in a bar, but in a bottle. No shortcuts. We offer a range of classics in two sizes, 700ml and 100ml.” The Martinez will be available through the Southward Distilling Company website and exclusive events. But be warned, if you’re not part of this enthusiastic and growing online community, get in quick. By working her Instagram and social channels hard, Amy has her own extensive database. And with 500 loyal members in Frankie’s gin club – of course they get first dibs.

Amy says she’s grateful to have been able to survive through the difficult times. “Bonding together as a community has been important. It’s incredible to have a support crew outside your own business who advocate for you and your brand.”

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One, two and three bedroom apartments priced from $675k to $2.325m Coming soon to Epsom

Symphony303 is an exclusive collection of homes rising above the leafy streets of Epsom. Designed by award-winning architects Jasmax and delivered by experienced developers Lamont & Co. Choose to look out to the green spaces of Cornwall Park or the verdant avenues of Epsom to the North and West. With Westfield Newmarket, Mt Eden village, and New Zealand’s most prestigious schools and universities only a short walk, ride or drive away, Symphony303 captures the very best of Epsom. Visit the display suite to experience the exquisite views from the viewing platform, and display kitchen and bathroom also on showcase.

Find out more at www.symphony303.co.nz Contact us now to book your private viewing appointment 303 Manukau Road, Epsom

Judy Nguyen 021 134 6408 judy.nguyen@colliers.com

Duncan Macdonald 021 903 237 duncan.macdonald@colliers.com

A new project from Licensed REAA 2008

Treat yourself this Christmas in Parnell Spend just $20 or more in any Parnell store (online or in person) and stand to win one of 10 x $500 vouchers. We appreciate all of the support for the Parnell community over the past couple of months as the message of 'shop local' continues. However, as we near the end of the year and will still be experiencing lockdown into the start of the holiday season, Parnell businesses need your help more than ever before. That's why we want to reward you for supporting our community by offering the chance to win one of 10 x $500 vouchers to be spent in Parnell. If you spend $20 or more online or in-store at any Parnell retailer or business up until Friday 17 December 2021, you can be in to win a $500 voucher to spend in up to three of your favourite businesses in Parnell. Simply keep your receipt and visit our website to enter by telling us where you would want to treat yourself, and you’re in the draw.

because Parnell has a generous selection of gift stores selling unique gifts from beautifully curated NZ-made homewares to imported linen that you’re unlikely to find in any mall. And the perfect present for food lovers? Restaurant vouchers! Not only do they help support your favourite institutions throughout this time but they can be sent electronically meaning no presents getting lost in the mail. You can purchase vouchers from some your favourite spots for great everyday fare to fine dining and degustation. Parnell has the best selection of stores when it comes to curated shopping for that special something. We can’t wait to encourage you to support Auckland’s favourite city fringe suburb this holiday season.

It's been a hard year for all of us, so why not use this time to buy yourself something special. After this long lockdown we cannot wait to book appointments at some of our favourite beauty salons. Right now is the perfect time to buy a voucher to support your local hairdresser or nail salon for some selfpampering as soon as we're able. Check out our list of great hairdressers and barbers, nail bars, aesthetic and skin clinics, massage and spas, as many have online vouchers you can pre-purchase. The holiday season is fast approaching. If you haven’t the slightest idea what presents you’re buying have no fear

IMAGE SUPPLIED FROM THE FANTAIL HOUSE

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WORDS — KELLY CARMICHAEL

Art of November

ABOVE: (PUBLIC RECORD) RANDO ASO

For Aucklanders right now, daily life feels both a repetitious and an adventurous time to simply be alive.

Luckily for us, artists are creative mediators, telling stories of our contemporary time, our inner worlds, and how we engage with others in a changing society. This month’s exhibitions and events probe the relationship between people and their environment, the macro and the micro, the practical and allegorical.

ARTWEEK AUCKLAND 5 –14 November artweekauckland. co.nz

Auckland’s vibrant and eclectic festival of visual art is back. With exhibitions and events across the city this is a great opportunity to get out and celebrate creativity. Artweek has done a great job of programming artworks and activations that can be seen or participated in regardless of alert levels, including installations, walking tours, and art in public spaces. Check out Britomart’s Light on Te Komititanga, an interactive and impactful collection of digital artworks by local artists. Download their Artweek Every Week guide at the app store.

(TWO ROOMS) PAUL CULLEN, AFTER TATLIN (YELLOW) 2015

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OBJECTSPACE Toro Whakaara: Responses to our built environment From 30 October objectspace. org.nz

STARKWHITE Tarota – Fiona Pardington From midNovember starkwhite.co.nz

TWO ROOMS Illustrating Reason – Paul Cullen Until late November tworooms.co.nz

How do our spaces shape and influence us? This exhibition considers the power and politics of place through the social interaction, occupation, and movement it allows. Exploring how architecture and the built environment can be designed for both positive and intentionally negative outcomes, new work by 10 practitioners spanning architecture, design, craft, and art offers an intriguing look at what surrounds us. The exhibition runs concurrently at Objectspace, Auckland, and CoCA, Christchurch. Exhibiting at Objectspace are HOOPLA, Isobel Thom, Lindsay Yee, Ngahuia Harrison, and Raphaela Rose.

PUBLIC RECORD Modern Japan Craft Exhibition 21’ From 19 November publicrecord. shop

A much awaited new body of work from one of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists, Fiona Pardington’s new still life series is exhibited at both Starkwhite’s Karangahape Road and Queenstown galleries in November. Influenced by Pardington’s attraction to the complex array of ancient signs and archetypes of tarot, each work in the series contains a unique language of symbols and each object is charged with meaning and memory, some only known to the artist. A muted palette meets charged psychological space in these photographs that offer homage to the paintings of Italian Modernist Giorgio Morandi.

With an emphasis on artisans, raw materials, and making, this exhibition is a rare opportunity to see Japanese contemporary applied arts in New Zealand. Bringing together the work of Shiho Hayashi, Takeyoshi Mitsui, Aso Rando, and Midori Uchida a story of ancient making techniques and innovation unfolds throughout their practice. Sought-after young ceramic artist Aso Rando brings the skills and materials of Japan's millenniaold ceramics tradition into a striking contemporary practice.

ONLINE ALTERNATIVES: National Gallery of Australia

The NGA offers a multitude of great videos, short documentaries, and virtual tours on their website. Holders of the largest collection of Australian Indigenous art in the world, you can explore their renowned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander galleries virtually, or chose a contemporary exhibition (nga.gov.au/video). Watch and Chill

A collaboration of and co-presented by Asia’s leading contemporary art galleries, these online films by contemporary Asian artists are online until February 2022. Sharing works by major artists, the Watch and Chill platform was set up to respond to and examine changing behaviour patterns in the digital era and pandemic times (watchandchill.kr/en).

Described by Te Papa as a “constantly intelligent presence in the contemporary art scene for over 40 years”, Paul Cullen’s diverse practice creates intriguing sculptural outcomes. Working across installation, furniture, and landscape-architecture his artworks test relationships between materials, objects, and processes in ways that are insightful, poised, and sometimes whimsical. The exhibition is accompanied by Building Structures, a new publication and selective survey of Cullen’s career with essays by respected curators and critics as well as previously unseen drawings, models, and maquettes.

Japan House, London

Explore Anno's Journey: The World of Anno Mitsumasa, a 3D tour and celebration of one of Japan’s most beloved artists, writers, and children’s book illustrators. The exhibition has been carefully rendered for online viewing and offers an immersive experience, soundtrack, and lots of background information (japanhouselondon.uk/ discover/exhibition/annos-journey3d-exhibition-tour).

Exhibition dates subject to alert level changes – check websites before visiting.

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Graham Young Artist

From the corner dairy to the beachside holiday bach, Graham Young’s paintings capture the familiar yet often overlooked places of New Zealand, evoking warm memories of Kiwi summers that we all love. View wide selection of paintings and prints on grahamyoungartist.com

ARTWORK: Garnet Dairy

ARTWORK: Tongaporutu Baches

The Art of Graham Young 2022 Calendar

Graham Young

Detail of painting © Graham Young 2022

2022

Detail of painting © Graham Young 2022

art of

Introducing the Art of Graham Young 2022 Calendar. Featuring 12 images of Graham’s popular paintings. An ideal calendar of the kiwi lifestyle for yourself, a gift or sending overseas.

On sale at leading booksellers and stationers or direct from grahamyoungartist.com Art

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BOOK TICKETS! WOMAD.CO.NZ

Auckland Folk Festival Selector & Judge Fiona Blanchard

19 NOV – 12 DEC 2021

$5,000 PRIZE

2020 Award Winner Judy Woods, Jettyland

2019 Award Winner Struan Hamilton, Te Toki Study

2018 Award Winner Stefan Roberts, Harper River–Waterlog–92mls The 49th Auckland Folk Festival returns in January 2022 with a diverse, talented and eclectic lineup of artists from Aotearoa.

The 49th Auckland Folk Festival arrives at Kumeu Showgrounds over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, 28-31 January. Enjoy a unique, genre-bending line-up of NZ’s best to celebrate, sing and dance over three days of all-inclusive frivolity!

JUDY WOODS, JETTYLAND

Spread across its six stages will be French for Rabbits, Wheel of Experience, Luke Thompson, Kerryn Fields, We Mavericks (Australia), Ida Lune, O & The Mo, and The Swan Sisters to name but a few – with more still to be announced. Peruse the market stalls, replenish at the food trucks, rest under the trees, or watch a spontaneous dance or jam with musiclovers and friends alike. Whether dancing the night away at a ceilidh or Balfolk ball, enjoying a concert, or participating in a workshop, there really is something for everyone! All marquees are covered but open-sided, and the festival will be following government advice regarding vaccine certificates for all attendees, volunteers, and contractors. aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz

Raising a Smile: A Brief History of Emoji WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

A picture, they say, speaks a thousand words. The Oxford Dictionaries word of the year in 2015 (remember those innocent times!) wasn’t even a word, rather the ‘face with tears of joy’ – or ‘crying with laughter’ – emoji . Once considered childish – perhaps even silly – pictographic expressions of mood, emoji are now regularly used in all manner of business and professional correspondence. Verve examines their meteoric rise .

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According to Forbes, emoji serve as an essential tool that “can aid in productive and diverse workplace communication”. And with more folk now working remotely – meaning less face-to-face interactions – many argue that the emoji is more essential than ever. A Star (and a Smile and a Sad Face) is Born ‘Emoticon’ and ‘emoji’ are often used interchangeably, but they are two separate entities, with the latter evolving from the former. The notion of using a typographic display to convey feeling was first suggested by Professor Scott Fahlman of Carnegie Mellon University in 1982 due to concerns that posts on an internal electronic bulletin board were being misconstrued. He suggested light-hearted posts be followed by :-) while :-( would be added to the end of serious musings, and so, the emoticon (‘emotion icon’) was born. Soon, Carnegie Mellon students at the university’s Language Technologies Institute and Computer Science Department were creating further symbols which were then adopted by folks across the internet. The trend was honed by the Japanese in the mid-1980s via kaomoji (顔文字), a more complex type of emoticon that incorporated elements of anime and manga. But it wasn’t until 1999 that the emoji –from the Japanese e (絵), and moji (文字), which roughly translates as ‘pictograph’ – was born. The emoji was developed by interface designer Shigetaka Kurita, part of an NTT Docomo team developing the world’s first widespread mobile internet platform, i-mode. “In Japanese comics, there are a lot of different symbols,” Kurita tells The Verge. “People draw expressions like… when someone gets an idea and they have the lightbulb. So there were a lot of cases where I used those as a kind of hint and rearranged things.” Docomo was unable to copyright its emoji, and soon rival carriers such as AU and Softbank (then J-Phone) began developing their own, often with more detail and sometimes incorporating animation, to appeal to a wider customer base. The emoji remained a Far Eastern phenomenon for the best part of a decade, but a lack of standardisation meant cross-carrier compatibility was an issue – and remained so until Google took notice. In 2007 the search engine giant requested that Unicode Consortium (a global nonprofit dedicated to developing internationalised software and product standards) step in. The following year, Apple developed their first emoji keyboard, though still aimed at the Japanese market, eventually adding a further 608 emoji to Kurita’s initial tally of 176. They were soon being noticed – and used – more in the West, with Apple continuing to expand its suite and Android adding an emoji keyboard over the following

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couple of years. The word ‘emoji’ was added to Oxford Dictionaries in 2013. Emoting There are now around 3,500 emoji, with an estimated five billion used each day on Facebook and Facebook Messenger alone (where the ‘crying with laughter’ one is the most popular – likewise on Twitter – while Instagrammers are mostly likely to use the ‘heart’, ).

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According to a 2020 US study, nearly a third of staff regularly use emoji in workplace communications; however, an equal number of workers avoid them in order to appear more professional. Research in 2016 found that emoji activate both verbal and nonverbal parts of the brain in ways that traditional letters and numbers can’t. More recently, 29% of Kiwis said their perceptions of workmates change if they use emoji, with the majority interpreting them as warm and friendly. “Language and communication norms are constantly changing and it’s clear that emojis have a part to play in this,” says Miriam Meyerhoff, Linguistics Professor at Victoria University Wellington. “It’s interesting to see that young women are leading the way as the biggest users of emojis, which fits in with other studies that show they usually drive language change.” Unsurprisingly, views on emoji use vary greatly across age groups and depending on who the communication is being sent to, with workers less likely to send a smiley face to their boss (though 41% of respondents of the 2degrees ‘Good Chat’ Emoji Study had received an emoji from a superior). There are also some industries or topics – health and legal, perhaps – where signing off with an emoji is probably usually best avoided. Plus, possible unprofessionalism aside, there is also the danger that messages may be misinterpreted as, at best, inappropriate, at worst, harassment. If uncertain about the meaning of an emoji you wish to send – or have received – check the website, Emojipedia (emojipedia.org) – though that still doesn’t guarantee that the sender/recipient will interpret it in the same way! Not so long ago, I learnt that my dear –and clearly spotlessly-minded – mother had been signing off some WhatsApp messages with the ‘poop’ emoji believing it to simply be a quirky smiling face. True story. Maybe I should check if she’s due an eye test .

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A Unique and Personal Gift of Art Parnell Gallery offers a bespoke gift registry service for couples, individuals, or groups wanting to give or receive the unique and personal gift of art. Weddings, engagements, significant birthdays - whatever the occasion we are delighted to connect you with the piece of art that will be a lasting memory of your special day.

Whether you have a particular artist or artwork in mind or prefer a gift certificate to choose the perfect painting, sculpture, or print from our diverse stable of artists, we would be delighted to assist in finding the artwork that will spark treasured memories for years to come. The online gift registry is easy to set up and access, inviting your friends and family to contribute any amount they wish and leave a personal message to accompany their gift. The Parnell Gallery team will create the gift certificate and message cards, which have been artfully designed with the intention that, along with the artwork, the gift cards will be enjoyed as beautiful keepsakes. See our website for full information on our gift registry services. parnellgallery.co.nz/gift-registry

263 Parnell Road Parnell Auckland 1052

09 377 3133 art@parnellgallery.co.nz parnellgallery.co.nz parnellgallery

Christmas Spirit Support a not-for-profit business when you shop for gifts this year. Buy Peonies and Support Mental Health Services

Eco Crackers For Christmas with Re-Cracker™

Flower lovers rejoice! It’s peony time again and these revered blooms, symbols of compassion, are the floral heroes of special fundraising campaign, Peonies with a Purpose.

Waste Free Celebrations was only a year old when Emma Conyngham took one of the biggest gambles of her life on the Christmas Re-Cracker™. But having seen thousands of Christmas present bags fly off her Wānaka garage shelves in 2020, she knew it was a risk worth taking.

Each bouquet or bunch of peonies purchased by 14 November at participating retailers* will see $1 donated to the Mental Health Foundation of NZ to assist the charity in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the 580,000 Kiwis who will need its assistance this year. After 18 months of coping with Covid-19 challenges, many Kiwis have battle fatigue. According to a recent Ipsos study commissioned by MHF, 25% of New Zealanders currently have poor levels of mental and emotional wellbeing.

Turning away from an offshore production model, the ex-UN aid worker and mum put a diverse, Otago women’s sewing team onto the job of whipping up the New Zealand-designed, cotton fabric sleeves. Made to be removed and washed, they simply slide over the sturdy recycled cardboard tube inners. Once filled with eco-gifts and real, cracking ‘snaps’, the crackers provide a welcome antidote to the tonnes of festive waste that Kiwis produce each year.

Sometimes it’s hard to know how to help, and that’s where Peonies with a Purpose comes in. As a charitable collaboration between Feel Good With Flowers and the NZ Paeony Society this campaign not only supports mental health but spreads joy and kindness as well.

Beautiful in principle and practice, the Re-Cracker™ has also given work to former Afghani refugee women and top-notch seamstresses in Auckland. Along with some heartfelt business sponsorship, the Re-Cracker™ has enabled them to support their families here and back home.

*Find a participating florist near you at feelgoodwithflowers. co.nz/peonieswithapurpose

View the collection and images at wastefreecelebrations. co.nz

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WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Understanding How to Un-Judge Taking ‘never judge a book by its cover’ to a quite literal, human level, the Human Library is a concept that sees people volunteer as open ‘books’ so that others can learn of their lived experiences in order to challenge society’s prejudices. What started as a pop-up project at a music festival in Denmark more than 20 years ago has blossomed into an international, empathy-promoting non-profit spanning more than 80 countries.

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The human books represent groups often subjected to prejudice, stigmatisation, or discrimination, whether it be because of their lifestyle, their religious belief, their disability, or the colour of their skin. Library founder Ronni Abergel says the “fairly simple” idea sees participants meeting in a “safe and secure environment”, such as traditional libraries or community centres, in order to get to know each other through the art of conversation. The books’ stories are wide-ranging, stretching from the everyday to the extraordinary – think young mums, survivors of abuse, and refugees – each one remarkable in their own way, and all with a desire to inform, share, educate, and most, importantly, challenge stereotypes. Borrowing Human Books

In an act of positive objectification, each book is given a title – like Chronic Depression, Muslim, Naturist, or Transgender – to be ‘rented’ or ‘checked out’ for around half-an-hour by an individual ‘reader’, or small group, who can then ask questions they’d previously never had the chance, or courage, to pose. Abergel is under no illusion about the nature of human character, recognising that “all people judge” and that the books and their readers are often likely to have opposing views. And so, the purpose is to create an opportunity “to unjudge”. “It’s easy to hate a group of people, but it’s harder to hate an individual, particularly if that person is trying to be friendly and open and accommodating and totally non-threatening,” Bill Carney, or Black Activist, tells Forbes. “I’m not pompous enough to believe that a 25-minute conversation with me is going to change anybody. What I am pompous enough to believe is that if I can just instil the slightest bit of cognitive dissonance, then their brain will do the rest for me.”

The truly global movement has been hosted in countries across all continents (except Antarctica), and now also organises diversity and inclusiveness training via single-day, conference, and festival events. The purpose is to teach companies how to incorporate “social understanding and cultural awareness” into their businesses models in order to benefit their clients and customers while creating greater harmony within their teams. The highly respected non-profit has worked some of the world’s biggest and brightest brands such as eBay, IKEA, Rolls Royce, and Google. The first Human Library’s Children’s Library occurred in 2019 at Copenhagen’s Culture House Islands Brygge, with 6- to 12-year-old readers able to choose from books with titles such as The Lady Who Cannot See (a blind volunteer), The Girl Who Did Not Look Like Her Parents (an adopted volunteer), and The Girl Who Ate Away Her Loneliness (a bulimic volunteer). “People come to learn from my story,” says Dan, who has autism and ADHD, and has been a Human Library Book for six years. “The more people, who understand what autism is, and get to understand how to show consideration and be inclusive, the better for me and others like me.” Like founder Abergel says, we make some seriously big assumptions about each other but “how are we to understand each other, if we do not have the opportunity to talk?” Discover more about the Human Library, including how to host, at humanlibrary.org .

Building a Library

It was on 29 June 2000, on a small grassy section of Copenhagen’s Roskilde Festival that the idea for a Human Library – known in Danish as Menneskebiblioteket – first took root, sharing the headlines with the likes of the Beastie Boys and Bob Dylan. More than 50 folks volunteered to be published as books at the pop-up event, including a journalist, a policeman, a parking officer, and rival football fans of Brøndby and FC Copenhagen, quizzed by more than 1,000 readers over four straight, eight-hour days. Today, the Human Library has a permanent complex in Copenhagen, its Book Depot surrounded by the Reading Garden with the entire dedicated area serving as a safe space for books, readers, and librarians to meet and converse.

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From the Bookshelf WORDS— MELANIE O'LOUGHLIN lamplightbooks.co.nz

CASA CABANA Martina Mondadori

INTIMACIES Katie Kitamura

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The new Casa Cabana comes in four different cover options, each wrapped in a lush fabric from Schumacher’s. Just like their journals, the books are made when they’re made, and arrive when they arrive. But we don’t mind because Casa Cabana’s singular vision is about much more than the ‘right sofa’. A mix of stylish interiors, personal essays from Vogue’s arts editor, plus perfect notes on how to set a table and of course, what to cook when your nemesis comes to town.

An unnamed interpreter arrives in the Hague for work. Her private life is a loose tangle of unmoored threads, her professional life is one of pin-point accuracy. The book is mysterious and spare; lawyers work alongside brutal dictators and the Hague is as baffling as it is powerful. Katie Kitamura slyly asks if justice is ever really done. A book so good we can practically see Nicole Kidman in the adaptation!

THE ILLNESS LESSON Clare Beams

A DICTIONARY OF COLOR COMBINATIONS Sanzo Wada

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A girl’s boarding school is beset by flocks of dark birds. One by one, the students begin to succumb to a mysterious ‘hysteria’. Set in rural Massachusetts in 1871, the school is run by a philosopher, once famous for his moving essay against cruelty. In this knowing feminist parable, the treatments that follow are surely worse than the cure. All the fun of a gothic Little Women.

Published in 1934, even then it was way ahead of its time, the collected colour palettes of Sanzo Wada are a small pocket of delight. These matching colour panels lead you through all things that work together and are the secret sauce on how to get the living room colour vibe you’ve always wanted. For designers, colour freaks and anyone wanting to soothe their tired eyes.

OREXART

Exhibition of the Month

Tony Lane Night for Day 10 November–5 December Tony Lane’s work draws inspiration from art history through the ages: Italian frescoes, Renaissance landscapes, 17th-century Spanish still-life, and the New Zealand landscape from William Fox and Charles Heaphy to Colin McCahon. Early NZ painters drew on the ideas of 17th-century French painter Claude Lorraine, using overlapping planes, a golden glow, distant blue horizons, and darker foregrounds often featuring trees. Lane explores these themes and concepts: the landscape as divine, nature as omnipresent, how the light both directs and affects us. His hand-gilded gold frames strike a delicate balance between ritual and revelation. His is the contemplative world, the strings of dotted lines create a pathway from one realm to the next, day, evening, night. Tony Lane has held more than 100 solo exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout New Zealand, and exhibited in galleries in New York, London, Barcelona, Seville, and Gstaad. His work is represented in major public collections in New Zealand at: Auckland Art Gallery, Dowse Art Museum, Dunedin Art Gallery, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Te Papa Tongarewa. WORK FEATURED: NIGHT FOR DAY

221 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Open Tue-Sat 11am-5pm

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rex@orexart.co.nz 0212134449

orexart.co.nz

November 2021

What’s On In November?

WORDS — BELLA SAMPSON

IMAGE — LADY HAWKE

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NOT YOGA: AWARENESS THROUGH MOVEMENT CLASSES Every Tuesday

TOP DOG FILM FESTIVAL 14 November Capitol Cinema

PARNELL FESTIVAL OF ROSES 14 November Dove Myer Robinsons Park

MARGI GRAS: FROZEN MARGARITA FESTIVAL 20 November Coops Corner Pub

These online classes are designed to help people move and feel better, focussing on a variety of motions that strengthen a mindful connection. The low impact exercises are perfect for improving posture, mobility, balance, and coordination. The classes are suitable for all body types and levels of fitness. Register online through the Movement Works website.

7 DAYS: LIVE

Come celebrate the canine connection through a carefully curated collection of stories about our best friends and their impact on our lives. The festival features eight heart-warming short films from around the world. This two-hour cinematic celebration honours the bond between canines and their companions, showcasing the pure joy they give the world.

OPEN WATER SCUBA COURSE

This free, family-friendly festival is bound to be a relaxing and fun day out. Whether you’re an anthomaniac or just appreciate a good flower, come see the gardens ablaze with colour and fragrance from the thousands of roses in full bloom. The festival features live music, entertainment, food stalls, crafts, and activities for the kids.

23 November Bruce Mason Centre

24-26 November Warkworth

LADY HAWKE: TIME FLIES TOUR 27 November The Hollywood Avondale

Come see 7 Days like you’ve never seen it before. Free from the bridles of television censors and editing, the unadulterated annual show doesn’t hold back – expect hilarious results. The team promises that the shows are just the medicine we need as a nation! Well, one of the medicines. Like, probably the second-best medicine, after the vaccine, in their opinion. Tickets for their cross-country shows are available through Ticketmaster.

This three-day comprehensive course equips you with the need-to-know skills for diving alongside an entrylevel certification course that could lead to your next adventure – whether that’s exploring shipwrecks, looking for colourful fish, or swimming with dolphins. The journey starts here! Includes full gear hire, pool sessions, two shore dives, and two dives in the marine reserve from a charter boat. For further enquiries, check out NZ Diving (nzdiving.co.nz).

Lady Hawke is back, performing the old hits and her soon-to-be new hits from her upcoming album Time Flies. The new album seamlessly blends upbeat guitar rock, catchy electronic elements, and incredibly personal lyrics. Passes for the intimate show available from Ticketmaster.

Dates quoted on this page could change if there was a sudden change in alert levels.

Coops are back with their second annual margarita festival, Margi Gras. Expect their famous frozen margarita stalls with a variety of fun flavours, DJ sets, and a candy buffet to garnish your margarita and tequila ice cream. Six margarita tasters come with the ticket. Book via Eventfinda.

Check websites for latest details.

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Sowing Seeds of Happiness

As a landscape gardener and orchardist committed to a thriving roadside stall, a pug breeder, lifestyle farmer, property developer, and hands-on owner of Gardencare – a business with eight staff and hundreds of regular maintenance clients – Karen Jackson truly qualifies as the person to ask for gardening advice.

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“It means people can have a beautiful garden and never have to touch it themselves. In the scheme of things, it can be very affordable.” A natural fixer-upper, Karen started out in an administrative position for government departments. When she tired of being moved from office to office, she travelled overseas before returning to switch to interiors, successfully boosting the coffers for several well-known designers and their stores before realising she could earn more going alone. But when that came to a screaming halt following the 1987 crash, Karen retreated to concentrate on her family before establishing her first tentative gardening round. After all, she was raised in a family of gardeners and her passion for it goes back as far as she can remember. Within nine months, the business was so popular, she’d taken on her first staff member – all while pushing baby around in the pram, and another on the way! Then, in 1998, Karen served as one of the hardworking gardeners on TV’s Ground Force for several episodes. It’s easy to see why Gardencare remains in such demand heading into its 32nd year in business. “There’s no middle person, it’s just me and my gardeners,” says Karen. “Clients want work attended to promptly, and often have individual requests. They don’t want to talk to a supervisor. If someone contacts us, they don’t have to wait. They get a response straight away. We work 24 hours. That’s a huge commitment.” Karen is the owner and main contractor, and she lets people know they can talk to her at any time, one-on-one. Clients also appreciate that her gardeners are often older, highly experienced, and with as much passion and enthusiasm as Karen.

Gardening is a visual work of art, says Karen. She makes sure clients get the look they want through hard work and lots of time: “That regular visit is the tool to a good looking garden, especially with Auckland being a very weedy city.” Her ultimate commitment is to her gardeners who she contracts to work for 40-50-hour weeks. For the kind of dedication that’s needed, she looks after them well, ensuring they can afford to stay central to Auckland. “It means people can have a beautiful garden and never have to touch it themselves. In the scheme of things, it can be very affordable.” Gardencare also do makeovers to give an all-year-round freshness to a property. If a garden is showing its age and needs a facelift, Karen and her staff can redesign the existing gardens, pathways, and retaining walls according to the budget. She also offers a great service for homes, going to market by improving their frontage and visual appeal for photographs. Properties have a much greater appeal with maintenance-free grounds. Karen, a born optimist, says she wakes up happy every day because it’s job that she loves, constantly exposed to new ideas and enjoying ongoing relationships with short- and long-term clients. “I’ve never tired of it. I work every day and I enjoy it. Just place me in the middle of a garden, whether it’s a flower garden, fruit and vegetables, native, or subtropical. I see joy in nature and the constant changes always surprise me.” And that’s her secret: a simple recipe for success.

“Clients see them on-site and feel comfortable. They have a personal relationship with my gardeners, though all the information is filtered back to me so I can talk to them directly.” Because Karen gives everyone her personal attention, the results are outstanding. “We give a really great service. And being a small company with loads of experience, we can tackle a lot of requests for those many different styles of gardens here in Auckland.” In her 60s but not even considering retirement, Karen runs her empire with steely precision, sticking to a tried-and-true system that allocates regular gardening hours to hundreds of commercial and residential clients.

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Preparing for Summer November is here, which means the roses are coming into full bloom, temperatures are starting to ramp up, and those weeds are growing faster than ever! Vegetables - Seedlings

Stagger your veggies by planting some seedlings now and the second crop three weeks later creating a longer harvesting period. Plant capsicums, chillies, tomatoes, beans, eggplants, cucumbers, and courgettes. Plant your main potato crop now –they’re good boiled, fried, chipped, roasted, and mashed. Water veggies in the morning to increase absorption and reduce evaporation.

Fruit

Plant passionfruit against a warm, sunny fence, then occasionally prune to help reduce risk of disease. Plant rhubarb in part-shade, with lots of compost and sheep pellets. Continue feeding berry plants as they start producing fruit. Trees and Shrubs

Roses are now in bloom and looking amazing! Plant in a sunny position in the ground along with compost before the heat of summer ramps up. Plant hydrangeas for gorgeous blooms come summer, too. Though they’re semi-shade plants, most can withstand full sun if well looked after. Feed with organic fertiliser

such as Nature’s Organic Fertiliser. Mulch well, and water well once a week. Flowers and Perennials

Plant out lavender, brachycome, tropical impatiens, petunias, and osteospermums in the garden with an organic compost mix. Plant star jasmine along a fence or under trellises for evergreen foliage and white, perfumed summer flowers. Lawns

It’s your last chance to sow grass seed for new lawns or repair existing ones before it’s too hot. Feed established lawns and kill off broadleaf weeds with Weed ‘N’ Feed.

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 Garden

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JUST RENTALS LTD MREINZ

5 Reasons you need a Will

No double vaccination, no rental? Are we allowed to say this? Would we have to ask prospective applicants if they’re double vaccinated? No, we are not allowed to do this.

Thousands of New Zealanders die each year without leaving a will, causing stress and uncertainty for family left behind. Here are five reasons you need a will:

But some landlords are asking, which, at this moment in time, is discrimination against current and prospective tenants, and unlawful under both tenancy and privacy act laws, as well as being a human rights issue!

1. It can be expensive if you don’t have one – If you die and have assets over $15,000, your family will need to apply to the court to be able to sort out your estate and obtain probate if you have a will. If you don’t have a will your next of kin will need to apply for Letters of Administration. This is an expensive and lengthy process compared to applying for probate. It also means that your assets will be left to your next of kin in accordance with the Administration Act 1982 which might not be exactly what you wanted.

Currently, tenancy laws are not at the point where landlords can treat unvaccinated tenants any differently from vaccinated ones, so we are not able to enforce this. We need more information from the government about this, which hopefully we will get very soon.

2. You have a KiwiSaver account - The average KiwiSaver account is worth $25,000, so people with one are likely to be over the $15,000 threshold meaning their families will need to get probate to access those KiwiSaver funds.

What a conundrum. Sylvia Lund 40 St Johns Rd, Meadowbank Sylvia Lund Areinz: 09 528 4818 or 0274 870 550 justrentals@xtra.co.nz

3. You own property – Property owners need a will to ensure their families don’t need to apply for Letters of Administration and the property goes to the people they want it to. 4. You have kids – You can appoint a guardian who will have a say about major decisions about your child’s life if you are not around and make them. 5. You are in a relationship – Life is complicated! If you’re in a second relationship or have children from different relationships, then you definitely need a will to ensure you partner and children are looked after in a way that you would like. It doesn’t have to cost a lot, or take much time, but it’s worth doing to know loved ones will be looked after as you intended after you’re gone. The team at Dawsons Lawyers are happy to assist in creating a new will, or updating an existing one, either by making an appointment or through our online legal services. Call us or book online if you’d like to find out more. Claire Endean Director of Dawsons Lawyers dawsonslawyers.co.nz 09 272 0002

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Sacred, Naked and Feted

WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Okayama, the most sizeable city of the Chūgoku region, after Hiroshima, was founded in the early 17th century, and is famed for its castle and lustrous, landscaped gardens. Each February it also hosts Hadaka Matsuri (裸祭り), also known as the ‘Naked Man Festival’, in honour of harvests, prosperity, and wealth, with the most well-known gathering occurring at Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple. Business & Society

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The 500-year-old festival has become such an integral event that in 2016, the Japanese government designated it an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset.

Refusing to be intimidated by the northern hemisphere’s winter chills, up to 10,000 blokes donning nothing but loincloths (fundoshi) and white socks (tabi) ‘do battle’ over holy sticks thrown by the temple priests in the hope of bestowing upon themselves good luck – riffing on a tradition that dates back centuries. NAKED TRUTH

Never mind that February’s chilly enough in Japan (especially when wearing nothing but socks and a loincloth), festival competitors must first cleanse themselves in icy waters before entering the temple – though things soon warm up inside in scenes likened to a “writhing ball of flesh”. While some participants compete solo or in small teams, most are part of larger groups from regional businesses. Foreigners are allowed to join in the festivities so long as they register beforehand, with the necessary ‘clothing’ available to buy locally. When the temple lights are dimmed at 10pm, from high above the priest throws 100 totems into the crowd, the most sought after being a pair of scented wooden batons known as

shingi. Whoever grabs these 20cm-long sacred charms, it is believed, will be bestowed good luck for the entire year. The sizeable, feisty scrum continues for around one hour, with man emerging with cuts and bruises and perhaps even the occasional sprain. The winners are known as fuku otoko. The 500-year-old festival has become such an integral event that in 2016, the Japanese government designated it an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. NAKED BIRTH

The Naked Man Festival stems from an ancient ritual that began during the Muromachi Period (1338-1573) when locals collected scarce religious paper talismans handed out by the temple’s priests. The holy trinkets, known as go-o, marked the completion of New Year ascetic training by the priests at Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple (where, fittingly considering the thousandsstrong throngs of men that would come to descend upon the sacred site, the object of worship is the thousand-armed Kannon). As the ritual became more popular, the talismans became harder to secure, with the paper – and clothing – often torn in the process; so, over the years the clothes were shed, and the paper swapped for wood.

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Similar ‘naked’ festivals are held throughout Japan, some of which are even more bizarre like one that involves loincloth-clad men performing a devil dance in the streets to ward off evil spirits, and another carrying kids through mud to purify their souls. Back at Saidaiji Kannon-in, there is also a youngsters’ version of the festival before the main event. A real community celebration, also during the day, nearby retro shopping street Go Fuku Dori is alive with food stalls, live music, and fireworks. Not even the second world war conscription could cancel the legendary event and though Covid-19 had a good try this year, the festival still went ahead with participant numbers limited to 141 past winners from 1989 to 2020. Defending the decision to go ahead, with the even in spite of the pandemic, Minoru Omori, chairman of Saidaiji Kannon-in Temple, said that it was as important as ever to “pray for Eyo”. Eyo refers to the Japanese saying ichiyoraifuku, or ‘to withstand the harsh, cold winter and reach the warmth of spring’.

Business & Society

Land of the Rising Fun When it comes to weird and wonderful festivals, Japan’s got some serious form… • Continuing the ‘naked man’

theme, Kanamara Matsuri, or ‘The Penis Festival’, or ‘The Festival of the Steel Phallus’, is held in honour of a legendary penis-worshipping shrine in Kawasaki now visited by sex workers to keep them safe. The April festival raises money for HIV research. • Therapists are likely kept busy

thanks to Paantu Punaha, the ‘Scaring Children Festival’ that sees the men of the city of Okinawa don masks, carry sticks, and smother themselves in mud, leaves and vines, then proceed to smother others with their filth in order to bestow good luck. • Things are even worse for the kids

in the city of Oga where, each New Year, the Namahage Sedo Festival entices ‘demons’ (costumed locals) onto the streets in search of

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naughty children to take to the mountains. Families offer rise cakes and sake in return for positive blessings. This one’s even recognised by Unesco. • Infants don’t have it much easier

at Tokyo’s Naki Sumo Crying Baby Festival. This ancient April tradition at the Sensoji Temple pairs babies with sumo wrestlers tasked with making them wail to frighten away demons. It’s also believed to be linked with an old proverb that goes ‘naku ko wa sodatsu’, or ‘crying babies grow fat’. • Each December, Mount Atago in

the Ibaraki prefecture hosts Akutai Matsuri, the ‘Swearing Festival’ that was first founded as a way of workers de-stressing by shouting abuse. Nowadays, priests dressed as big-nosed red demons known as tengu are at the receiving end of insults like bakayaro (‘idiot’) and konoyaro (‘bastard’)!

Come cycling in stunning Central Otago. Check-in with the experts, we personalise everything to your needs. Now booking for 2022 / 2023

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Great multiday adventure for everyone. Two day fantastic rides. Long weekends and our awesome One Day Wonders. Otago Central Rail Trail Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold Trails Lake Dunstan Trail

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Meadowbank Care Suites with all the comforts of home. Care Suites with Rest Home and Hospital care. You’ll feel right at home in our Care Suites at Meadowbank. Our spacious, well-appointed rooms are perfect for entertaining family or friends with your very own living area, kitchenette and ensuite. As a housewarming gift, you and your guests will enjoy a complimentary high tea paired with a lovely bottle of bubbles when you move in. To find out more about living in a Care Suite, book in a viewing today. No referral required.

Call 0800 333 688 today to find out more. 148 Meadowbank Road, Meadowbank, Auckland oceaniahealthcare.co.nz

Horoscopes SCORPIO 23 October – 21 November

SAGITTARIUS 22 November – 21 December

CAPRICORN 22 December – 19 January

You may gain a greater depth of understanding, having focused on information and communication that you really can use to feel more effective in the world. You are persuasive and find it almost effortless to reinvent a project or perhaps even your reputation now. You are loving what you’re doing, and it shows! Some level of introspection characterises the period, but it is seldom a lonely sort of self-absorption.

You may discover new ways to boost your income, enjoyment of material pleasures, and your overall sense of security. However, what comes in might easily slip through your fingers if you satisfy an urge to speculate, although you will probably have fun doing so! Pleasant contact, friendly exchanges, or improved relations with classmates, siblings, neighbours, a partner, or a good friend can headline in your social life.

AQUARIUS

Your attitude and mindset attract positive attention your way. You have the chance this to discover new or untapped resources on a financial level that can translate to a boost to your financial well-being. You are less inclined to sweat the small stuff. A more faithful attitude towards life in general is likely now you tend to feel that everything will work out in the end.

PISCES

20 January – 18 February

19 February – 20 March

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You’re in a great position to enjoy new, non-routine experiences, information, places, and faces. It’s a time when the need for progressive change suddenly becomes apparent. You have a taste for something different and exotic, particularly when it comes to love, your social life, pleasures, and pastimes now. Your dreams and visions are richer than ever, and you experience a magical opportunity to tap into your intuition and imagination.

You experience high hopes and enthusiasm, and others are attracted to your unique self-expression and vision. You might become more intellectually curious now, and academic pursuits are likely to benefit more. You’re in a great position to improve or bring into reality programmes that help you organise your life, starting with the smallest of details. Creatively speaking, you’re motivated and ready to take on a challenge.

November 2021

manish@manishastrologer.com

ARIES 21 March – 19 April

TAURUS 20 April – 20 May

GEMINI 21 May – 20 June

CANCER 21 June – 22 July

Horoscopes

WORDS—MANISH KUMAR ARORA

During this month, much of your focus is on personality development and subtle changes in the people and groups you associate with. The direction your life is taking on a more philosophical level is what is on your mind these days, and you’re looking for something profound and deep. Relationships are intense, serious, and changeful, but also extremely rewarding. Depth in your connections is what you seek.

LEO

Your magnetic powers, which enable you to attract positive energies, attention, and financial rewards, are strong in this month. The pursuit of pleasure is high on your list of priorities, and, as long as you don’t overdo it, you’re likely to find yourself enjoying life more than usual. Fortunate events occur as a direct result of your willingness to entertain the unusual and to think outside of the box.

VIRGO

Your goals become more realistic, and you have a good sense of where you stand. Although personal relationships may have some restricting or tense moments, you learn more about how far you can go, and you come out stronger. Use this period to re-evaluate what it is you want, what you are attracted to, and relationship needs, instead of forging ahead into unknown territory.

LIBRA

23 July – 22 August

23 August – 22 September

23 September – 22 October

Your dreams become more vivid and intriguing, and you are more comfortable with generalisations and abstractions than with cold, hard facts. There are likely to be some pressures on the home front, but also opportunities to really get your domestic life into order. Organising or reorganising your home, downsizing and streamlining where necessary, and establishing better and more efficient routines will be helpful.

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You are more intellectually curious this month, and you may have opportunities to travel, study, go abroad, expand your horizons, and meet people who are of diverse backgrounds. Business dealings, particularly long-distance ones and those involving publicity and promotion, are likely to be profitable. Good energy is with you for getting close to someone, negotiating, and connecting. Your powers of attraction run high.

This month can bring closure or re-evaluation to issues you have been dealing with regarding learning, communication, personal projects, and relationships with acquaintances. You will find better ways to manage your time, become serious about your studies, or find that you have less time for idle chat. What you need to do is grab opportunities when they come up, or they might pass you by – but don’t overload your plate, either.

Your career dreams may be just in reach, and you are bound to be working hard with new responsibilities and increased focus. You’re in an excellent position to pour energy, passion, and love into your work, business, or something you’re building. Opportunities to begin anew along romantic, creative, and playful levels are likely to emerge, and you’re encouraged to explore, express, and share your passions and creativity more heartfully.

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APARTMENTS | ASSISTED LIVING | RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE

DOWNSIZING Are you thinking about moving into a smaller home or retirement village but feeling daunted by the amount of work involved? Elderly Assist is here to help. We have an experienced, ethical team ready to help you with downsizing, decluttering and packing, moving and unpacking. We can manage the whole process or any part of your move – you choose. We can clear garages and basements. Selling and gifting what we can and disposing of the rest ethically.

Call our founder, Janice Willis for a chat on 0800 839 874, she can send you a brochure.

Ph: 0800 839 874 or 021 839 874 elderlyassist.co.nz movingassist.co.nz 141

November 2021

Binge-worthy Iconic ‘90s Films

WORDS— OPHELIA MASON

As lockdown continues, we’re missing out on movie theatres and the excitement of new releases. If you are like me and are running out of new hobbies to try, sick of knitting and sewing, and constant baking is becoming increasingly worse for your lockdown tum, why not transport yourself and your bubble to a decade where Corona was simply a refreshing beer? In 2021, we’re lucky enough to enjoy the masterpieces of the ‘90s whenever we please. So, cuddle up with your bubble and settle down for some nights of ‘90s cinema. RIGHT: PRETTY WOMAN

MEN IN BLACK (1997)

How could an iconic ‘90s movie list even exist without this fabulouslydressed duo? Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones bring us everything we could ask for in an alien-slaying FBI team. With the recent remake starring Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, the 2019 MIB may have been the last movie you saw, so why not go back to the beginning with James Edwards and his partner, ’K’?

EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)

The best way to describe this film is a unique blend of creepy quirkiness. Johnny Depp’s character, Edward, suffers isolation from being an outcast because of his unusual appearance. The ultimate ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ story, the gothic setting and warmth makes it a perfect Halloween movie.

PULP FICTION (1994)

The crime film that secured Quentin Tarantino’s popularity and is one that every movie-lover must watch. This iconic collection of interwoven stories was nominated for seven Oscars.

PRETTY WOMAN (1990)

It goes without saying, this uglyduckling transformation film is one of the most well-known rom-coms ever. Everyone loves a good movie 'glow-up', particularly when the one in question simply expresses her beauty on the inside through a new look. It is safe to say Vivian (Julia Roberts) was not in an ideal work environment which only makes us root for her relationship with a wealthy businessman more as he offers her true love and the life she deserves.

Art

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“Would you consider selling for the right price?”

Q&A with UP Real Estate’s Jo Johnstone (Answers are subject to Covid Q&A with Level changes by Government) Up Real Estate – 1. How are UP achieving record prices in lockdown? Jo Johnstone At UP Realestate we have our own inhouse design

team and we tailor every advertisement specifically to every home. It is a bespoke business to ensure we create competition.

I’d like to sell but I’m worried about where I will move to when there isn’t any stock?

2. Why are buyers working sotight hard to buy Available options are always a little at this timeaofhome? year. Buyers have stockand to choose and However, as we very move little into Spring Summer from – the listing they are very eager to secure home before Season, many more options come toathe market. Christmas. This is the time to list and we have a wide range of homes across Westmere to the Bays When is the best time to sell? available.

We have so many buyers the ‘right time to sell’ does not apply in the current market. We recommend you get on the market 3.soon Canas we settleand after Christmas January Selling or as possible make the most ofin‘Pre-Spring February? Season’.

Some of our vendors are happy with long settlements up to 6 months or longer because they What is going on in the market? want to be sure they will find a home. If you are Kiwis are coming home, interest rates are low, NZ is seen as a listing don’t be afraid to ask for a long settlement.

‘safe place’ to live. It’s Winter time, we’ve had school holidays yet our Auctions are full of buyers and our Auctions are extremely 4. Why areInour internet competitive. short its busy. hits so high?

People are staying at home and letting their fingers

Homes wanted! They say necessity is the mother of invention – such has been the case with marketing and selling homes during Covid. In short, thanks to technology and our teams full time commitment to refining our digital platforms, buyers and sellers have been able to successfully transact. The live online auction process in combination with telephone bidding has proved enjoyable for buyers who have readily adapted to bidding from a distance. This has resulted in 100% clearance during lockdown levels and two suburb records in recent weeks. The reality is that regardless of levels or traffic lights we are positioned to provide a very effective ‘real estate by design’ experience going forward. RECORD PRICES are being achieved by UP Real Estate and we now need property for our buyers who missed out. We are experiencing exceptionally high sales in Point Chevalier ($5.2m), Mt Eden ($7.5m), Remuera and St Heliers. Talk to me about the benefits of a long settlement. Maybe I can also help you find your dream home!

SOLD

do the walking, then bookmy in home? viewings to see our How should I sell and market beautiful range of homes.

Don’t rely on an appraisal of your home sent by long distance, by text, sight unseen. Don’t trust any of the apps. We recommend 5. Is to sell in lockdown? you getitasafe physical inspection. We take the time to view our home and provide you with a detailed of the likely All property is being viewed by analysis appointment, all our people are With exercising great care in keeping buyers selling range. this information, alongside your personal safe andwesocially distanced. In short, ifprocess you’rein order to situation will advise the most appropriate thinkingyour of selling there’s no reason to be afraid to optimise sale price.

sell in level 3.

Call me anytime! Jo Johnstone 021 411 107 jo@uprealestate.co.nz Call me anytime, Jo Johnstone 021 411 107 jo@uprealestate.co.nz

32 RIDINGS ROAD REMUERA

66 SPEIGHT ROAD ST HELIERS

19 PATTESON AVENUE MISSION BAY

Two big off market sales in the Bays, in breaking record prices as well! Please call me now for a no obligation appraisal of your home. Be assured our approach to both buyer and seller is safety first in this Covid environment. This is necessitating staged viewings that are strictly controlled. Jo Johnstone 021 411 107 jo@uprealestate.co.nz

LICENSED AGENT REA 2008

How to Best Care for Your Pets During Covid-19 The SPCA wants to reassure Kiwi pet owners how best to care for their companion animals during these uncertain times.

Currently, there is no evidence that companion animals can infect humans with Covid-19, and the SPCA urges owners not to abandon pets. If you haven’t tested positive or are selfisolating, continue to interact with your pets as normal but wash hands thoroughly before and after touching them, their food, toys, and bedding. Pets may be impacted if you or members of your family test positive for the virus or need to self-isolate. The worst time to try to make arrangements for a pet’s care is when you’re already sick.

The SPCA encourages all owners to plan by: • Establishing an arrangement with a

friend or family member, pet-sitter or boarding facility to provide care should you or someone in your household become ill.

• Ensuring all pets have identification

including a collar with their current ID tags and a registered microchip (make sure contact details are up to date!) • Creating a list of useful contacts such

as your vet and insurance provider. • Having two weeks’ worth of food and

• Making sure your pet is up to date

on vaccinations, in the event boarding becomes necessary.

other supplies. If you’re not able to visit the supermarket or vet, ask a friend or neighbour, see if delivery options are available.

• Ensuring all pets’ medications

are documented with dosages and administering instructions, and a 30-day supply – include a prescription from your vet.

EXCELLENCE IN VETERINARY CARE FROM POOCH TO GIANT DOG CAT FRIENDLY CLINIC

(GOLD CERTIFIED BY THE ISFM)

1 9 9 M A I N H I G H WAY, E L L E R S L I E | 0 9 2 8 1 3 4 8 1 | E L L E R S L I E V E T E R I N A R YC L I N I C . N Z 145

November 2021

Win

Kiwi Blade Knife

Win a Weekend at WOMAD NZ 2022

Designed to fit your lifestyle and personality while making a statement in your kitchen, custom-designed Kiwi Blade Knives are handcrafted with as much love and care as you put into your culinary creations. kiwiblade.co.nz

Experience three days of music, art, and dance at WOMAD NZ 2022! Head to womad.co.nz for details and how to enter. WIN Go into the draw to win a double festival and camping combo ticket!

WIN A high-carbon steel chef’s knife with a Kirinite resin handle, worth $390. (Can only be shipped within New Zealand to those

aged 18 years or older.)

First We Eat

PHOTO DAVID JAMES

A food and vino festival like no other, First We Eat hosts boutique food vendors, celebrity chefs, renowned wineries and craft breweries and acts like The Black Seeds, Tami Neilson and heaps more! Midday until 7pm at First We Eat in Tauranga (Waitangi Weekend) and Church Road, Napier in March. firstweeat.co.nz

The Turning Point The Turning Point: Moments that changed lives, edited by Gareth St John Thomas, consists of 40 extraordinary and captivating stories from writers who experienced extraordinary events, including from five New Zealand scribes. A wonderful addition to any coffee table. Out in October, from Exisle Publishing. WIN

WIN

6 tickets valued at $59 each.

Win

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We have one hardback copy to give away, valued at $39.99.

Entering is simple. Visit VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine. GOOD LUCK.

Louise Douglas Jewellery Set

Lodge Cast Iron Pans

“It is at the edge of the petal that love awaits,” wrote poet William Carlos Williams. This special set conjures up similar beauty, comprising a reversible oxidised silver sterling rose petal necklace with white pearl accent, and class petal earrings, in sterling silver, with 14ct rolled gold hooks. Perfect for under the Christmas tree! louisedouglas.com

Just in time for Christmas Lodge Cast Iron has launched its bakeware range. More sturdy additions to your kitchen arsenal, the versatile, three-strong range includes a baking pizza, a pie pan, revered for their even heat distribution and designed to last a lifetime… and more! lodgecastiron.co.nz

The complete set – Petal Necklace valued at $185, and Petal Earrings, worth $180. WIN

DIY Showerdome® Kit Steamed mirrors, condensation, slippery floors, and mould are costly, year-round issues, with damp bathrooms the perfect place for fungus and bacteria to grow. Showerdome® solves these problems by controlling steam, reducing condensation, and making the home warmer, drier, and healthier. showerdome.co.nz WIN

WIN We have 1 x Lodge Cast Iron New Baking Pan ($175); 1 x Lodge Cast Iron New Pizza Pan ($175); and 1 x Lodge Cast Iron New Pie Pan ($79.99) to give away.

Belkin SOUNDFORM Move Plus True Wireless Earbuds with Wireless Charging Case The compact stem-style headphones deliver superior audio, great call clarity and all-day playtime, with two-layer drivers engineered for rich sound. Enjoy high quality sound and a battery that lasts all day, the SOUNDFORM Move Plus True Wireless Earbuds are the best way to keep music streaming as users move through their day.

We have 1x DIY Showerdome® kit to give away valued at $299

(installation by an official local Showerdome® installer available at standard pricing).

WIN We have 1 pair of Belkin SOUNDFORM Move Plus True Wireless Earbuds to give away valued at $89.95.

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Smoother & 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.

CALL TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

WA LLA CECOT T O N.COM

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

228 ORAKEI ROAD, ORAKEI

The Point Chev Beach Café was launched in Jan 2017 and has gained a reputation in excellent cuisine, coffee and a welcoming service. Situated beside the beach, it’s the perfect location for a family outing, a romantic date or just an ice cream! For bookings or private functions please contact us.

Stunning ladies fashion in Auckland. Find your new goto items at Simply Wonderful. ─ 569 Manukau Rd, Epsom 09 630 0084 simplywonderfulclothes.co.nz @ORAKEIBAYVILL AGE

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BEAUTIFUL SHELLS on line & in store

Marketplace

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Weddings - Birthdays or any special occasions

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The friendly team specialising in home rentals and property management.

Locally made inspiring furniture design — renejansenfurniture.com 22 B Shaw Rd, Oratia 021 0258 2500

40 ST JOHNS RD, MEADOWBANK / 09 528 4818 027 487 0550 / JUSTRENTALS@XTRA.CO.NZ

OUTLET STORE

New season has arrived!

Visit instore or online for our dynamic collections of footwear which will have you spellbound by the colour, texture and uniqueness available.

tangosshoes.nz 164 Kitchener Rd, Milford

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Body fat? We can help you! We guarantee full-body contouring using COOL BODY FAT FREEZING TECHNOLOGY. To book, call 09 360 0055 or call Yvonne on 021 923 430 for a FREE CONSULTATION. — COOLBODYNZ.COM 28 COLLEGE HILL, FREEMANS BAY

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Shop 2 / 224 Kepa Rd Mission Bay, Auckland 09 528 9010 www.louisegray.co.nz

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Seeds, Soil, Sun, and Fun with Palmers Remuera

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All around the globe, with people spending more time at home, gardening has been the big winner. There has been a real focus on developing or extending existing gardens to improve the quality of homelife. Verve got some green-fingered tips and more from Delma Harrison and business partner and son Jonathan, who have been hands-on operators Palmers Remuera, Cafe Greenfingers, and the Harrison Landscape Ltd since 2006.

“We’ve definitely seen greater interest in gardening during these prolonged lockdown periods,” says Delma. “It brings such happiness, people are grateful and less stressed, able to plant seeds and seedlings and connect with nature. It’s rejuvenating!” The physical benefits are clear, but studies have shown that getting some soil under the nails out in the garden have all manner of positive effects on mental health, too, by boosting self-esteem, while reducing anxiety, depression and even fatigue. Even the feeling of earth on our fingertips is said to release endorphins and promote serotonin in our brains. What’s more, it’s a proven method of practising mindfulness.

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“Gardening is good for your heart,” continues Jonathan. “It builds self-esteem and reduces stress – and is a great way for the whole family to enjoy a good dose of vitamin D!” “Gardening is good for your heart,” continues Jonathan. “It builds selfesteem and reduces stress – and is a great way for the whole family to enjoy a good dose of vitamin D!” Research has also shown that gardening has all sorts of benefits for kids of all ages. Aside from the obvious – learning about plant types, seasons, and effects of the weather – gardening aids sensory development as they discover the textures of the earth, leaves and petals, along with the scents and vibrant colours while developing hand-eye coordination and building strength through planting, digging, and watering. Then there’s the building of patience and social skills

Garden

while developing a desire to eat fresh produce – useful skills for the adults too! “Children just love to partake and plant their seeds or seedlings, flowers or food crops, especially strawberries,” says Delma. “It improves their concentration, learning, creativity and leads to a healthy eating attitude.” Palmers also proudly supports Garden to Table (gardentotable.org.nz), a charitable trust that supports primary- and intermediate-aged tamariki in learning how to “grow, harvest, prepare, and share great food” via their own schools’ gardens.

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“There has definitely been a shift in demographics in the last few years, as a few generations had missed out completely on gardening,” says Jonathan. “It seems as though a huge percentage of the community are now enthusiastic gardeners, which is so satisfying. The increase in indoor plants has been phenomenal – like in the 1970s when it was all the rage! We welcome beginners and encourage questions. Everyone has green fingers – they just need the best plants and the right advice.” Palmers Remuera, famed of their expertise, is also one of New Zealand’s longest-running and best-stocked garden centres. Good luck finding a better

“Gardening has always been a way of life for the Harrison family. It’s not just a passion, it’s in our DNA.”

selection of cycads or palms, while the varieties of roses reach into the hundreds – the best of old and new, including David Austin English roses. “We're especially proud of our stylish, exotic Australian grass trees and best range anywhere of our favourite landscape palms, Dypsis Baronii,” says Delma. “And in the rare instances we don’t stock something, we’ll do our utmost to source it.” Alongside the trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and rare plants, sits the city’s finest collection of water features and pots – with custom-made options

available. Other services include garden landscaping and advice on everything from companion planting to composting to cultivating herbs, veggies, and wildflowers. Even the on-site eatery, Café Greenfingers, was once named the nation’s best garden centre café by the New Zealand Herald! “People with a love of gardening don’t just benefit from better physical and mental health, but behave more positively towards the environment,” says Delma. “Gardening has always been a way of life for the Harrison family. It’s not just a passion, it’s in our DNA.”

Buy 2 new season roses and receive a free 1.5L bag of Tui Rose Food.

Corner Shore + Orakei Roads, Remuera Open 7 days from 8.30am 09 524 4037 remuera@palmers.net.nz

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176 Shore Road, Remuera