Verve. November 2022. Issue 192.

NOVEMBER '22

An uplifting monthly eclection of life, style and happenings.

You’re bound to be at your best this summer with our wellness guru cover star Chia Cheng . We also catch up with leadership coach and podcaster Julie Hyde, think big with a philosopher, and dream big with an extended arts section.

Emily Outdoor Reclaimed Teak Dining Armchairs & Donald Outdoor Rectangular Reclaimed Teak Dining Table

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Andy Square Reclaimed Teak Bistro Table

Nairobi Pure Wicker Relaxing Chair

Ben Outdoor Wicker Dining Arm Chair (natural)

George Reclaimed Teak Rectangular Dining Table (small)

OUTDOOR COLLECTION

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Strength in Community

While Ranfurly Village residents enjoy luxury surroundings, superb hospitality and a wide variety of activities to choose from, it’s the strong sense of community that offers the most rewards.

“We have a beautiful village, and the residents enjoy living in these beautiful spaces, but it’s about people at the end of the day – that’s what matters most,” says village manager, Graham Mitchell.

The village’s fully refurbished community facility, Ranfurly House, is a National War Monument, originally opened as a veterans’ home in 1903. It was run by the Ranfurly Trust with hospital wings added over time.

Ranfurly House includes Poppies Cafe, the Heritage Lounge, a billiards room, library, and movie theatre, as well as other multipurpose rooms and the Ranfurly Trust office.

Graham says Ranfurly House is a wonderful central hub for the village community.

“The building has been refurbished to an incredibly high standard and it’s a real pleasure to watch residents enjoying what Ranfurly House has become. I love the connection our village has with the past and the deep heritage we’re engaged with and reminded of daily. It’s a fantastic blend of history, modernity and community.”

Beautiful new amenities have recently been completed in the Mt Victoria Apartment complex, including an activities room, craft workshop studio, and comprehensive gymnasium. An aqua centre featuring an indoor heated pool and spa is also in the works.

The apartments are renowned for their spacious floor plans and are often commended for being in a league of their own. Residents enjoy privacy and convenience, including the provision of services to their home as required.

A limited selection of apartments are now available to view.

WELCOME HOME TO RANFURLY VILLAGE

Experience the relaxed elegance of our shared spaces; idyllic rooms where you can raise a

with friends, all while enjoying our attentive service

Final

attention to detail.

now

Drive Cleaner & Greener

But the decision-making process has never seemed so tough. Sure, we know we’re on a medium-term journey towards electrification, but it’s one that calls for a variety of technologies along the way.

As you know, zero-emissions EVs have now moved from the niche to the mainstream. Whereas technology leaders like BMW once offered a couple of groundbreaking electric models, now BMW offers a full range of EVs. Buyers like the fact that operating an EV is similar to driving any other modern car and that EV driving has a calmer, quieter, more relaxing character. The cars also showcase futuristic designs and benefit from lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts.

Batteries have become more energy-dense and owners are getting smarter about home charging during off-peak hours when electricity is most likely to be renewable. Plus, our nationwide fast-charging network is constantly improving.

Battery capacity is rated in kilowatts per hour. Typical efficiency is 6-8km of travel per kWh, although batteries discharge more slowly at urban speeds and when the air-con is switched off. The government’s Clean Car Discount scheme makes the numbers very attractive for EVs that retail at under $80,000 as these cars qualify for a maximum rebate of $8,625, payable to the buyer upon registration. For some, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles represent the best of both worlds. PHEVs usually combine a plug-in battery with a petrol engine. They offer a solution that can help people into cleaner, more efficient cars rather than forcing them to hold off switching because they have concerns. New PHEVs that retail for under $80,000 qualify for a Clean Car rebate of $5,750.

The batteries in PHEVs offer a modest (but improving) electric-only range, typically 40-100km. These cars allow dayto-day electric-only running but also make great sense for those doing lots of longer trips. When the battery is depleted, the vehicle seamlessly switches to petrol power and you use the combustion engine until you can plug in again. Depending on your driving, a PHEV could be a better choice than an EV. Unlike the very large battery packs in pure EVs, PHEV batteries can be used to their full potential more of the time – as long as you’re disciplined about frequent recharging. And there are no issues with range anxiety. Self-charging hybrids, as popularised by the Toyota Prius, excel around town and in stop-start traffic. You don’t plug in a hybrid as the battery is mostly recharged by energy recovered from braking and deceleration. Many hybrids are also eligible for rebates under the government’s Clean Car programme with various discounts calculated on the CO2 outputs of individual models. In fact, there is support available for all fuel-efficient cars that consume up to around 5.5L/100km.

For this reason, the latest generation of ultra-efficient internal combustion (ICE) petrol cars remains highly relevant. Besides low emissions and outstanding economy, other ICE hallmarks include attractive price points, excellent performance from compact turbocharged engines and slick transmissions. Look no further than the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series ranges for many prime examples.

More info: nzta.govt.nz and rightcar.govt.nz

Any responsible new-car buyer can now help drive down harmful emissions that are contributing to the climate crisis.

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It’s time to experience this ultimate electric driving machine. Find out more at Continental Cars BMW North Shore today.

Continental Cars BMW North Shore, 45-46 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, North Shore. Ph (09) 488 2000. ccbmwauckland.co.nz

What’s Inside

Home & Design

Confessions of an Auckland Real Estate Icon

The New Black Beauty & Health

Preferred option

A Pathway to Wellness

Leading from the Front

Thinking Big

Hot Body Swimwear

Food & Wine 80

Dining Guide

Taste & Drink

Art 100 Art Collecting 101 104

Nature Falls 108

In Awe of Nature 114

Sweet Dreams 116

Accounting for Art 135

The Spirit of Gifting

Journeys 153

How to Describe Rajasthan? 156

DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka

Enrol Now

Give your child the gift of a values-based education that blends Montessori and Ficino philosophies.

See them grow in self-belief and confidence as they experience our holistic curriculum which nourishes their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Provide them with a sound stepping-stone as they make their journey to school and beyond.

ficinopreschool.nz

Specialist Obstetricians.

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

Editors-in-Chief

Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell

Sub-editor/Senior Writer

Jamie Christian Desplaces

Head Graphic Designer Arna Martin

Junior Graphic Designer Yamin Cook

Social Media Yamin Cook

Contributors Manish Kumar Arora, Kelly Carmichael, Lucy Kennedy, Dennis Knill, Milly Nolan, Aimée Ralfini and Bella Sampson.

Subscriptions

online@vervemagazine.co.nz

Published by Verve Magazine Ltd 13 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021

GST 90 378 074

ISSN 2253-1300 (print) ISSN 2253-1319 (online)

Editorial Enquiries

(+64) 9 520 5939

Fran Ninow: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz

Jude Mitchell: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz

Advertising Enquiries ashlee@vervemagazine.co.nz danielle@vervemagazine.co.nz fran@vervemagazine.co.nz jude@vervemagazine.co.nz pambrown@xtra.co.nz

Cover Photo

Chia Cheng, Wellness with Chia

Verve is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free lifestyle magazine delivered to selected homes, cafés and businesses in Devonport, Epsom, Ellerslie, Herne Bay, Kohimarama, Meadowbank, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Remuera, St Mary’s Bay and Takapuna. Verve is placed in magazine stands for free collection from locations in Auckland City, Devonport, Epsom, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Mairangi Bay, Milford, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby, Remuera, St. Heliers, Stonefields and Takapuna. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz for exact locations these magazine stands. Verve is also available from all popular cafés in its main distribution areas as well as in ebook format. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz to sign up for your free monthly ebook. Verve Verve is printed by Blue Star, 8 Collard Place, Henderson, Auckland. It is distributed by Verve, Erclabouring and Mailchimp.

A typical client testimonial

I would like to express my grateful and extreme satisfaction for the way Corvin handled the sale of my home of 60 years. Having never been involved in this process before he took away all the stress and kept me up to date with everything that was happening. In fact he was so successful my home sold after only 10 days on the market.

Eunice

With invaluable negotiating skills and the respect of his community - for his humanity and sense of fair play, Corvin is a person you can totally count on.

Corvin Carvalho 021 855 759 corvin@uprealestate.co.nz

Editors’ Notes

Fran Ninow Co-editor

I could not help but smile to myself when doing a bit of mallshopping the other day. I saw Christmas crackers, advent calendars, and the Christmas decor shop with its doors open – and it was only halfway through October!

It’s been a huge year. One filled with global surprises, turmoil, tragedies, and change – challenging times for many, and so yes, I am ready for a bit of feel-good Christmas cheer and that carefree summer-holiday-ahead feeling. I hope you are too, for November Verve is brim-full of impending vacation essentials, summer styles and trends, ways to freshen up your home and gardens, and of course, the best gift guide around.

One of my favourite gifts to give are books, and this year, barring a little twist, will be no exception. After a long hiatus from reading poetry, I have in past months developed a renewed respect for poets, both ancient and modern, but mainly modern. Mohamed Hassan, Hannah Ro, Marian Drew, and Brian Bilston are amongst my current favourites… their words so evocative, thoughtful, clever – the sort you feel obliged to read aloud. I have made mental notes as to who will receive which poet, and will be wrapping their books Japanese style, and cannot wait to get on with it.

I recently read, loved and identified so with the following piece, called Meeting Deadlines. It’s by Brian Bilston and is something my colleagues and I must do each month. I felt compelled to share and hope the words amuse.

I always meet my deadlines

I don’t even have to try –They sneak up on me from nowhere Tap my shoulder and say hi.

It’s you! I cry. So how are you?

I did not think you’d come so soon. Can’t stop now but why don’t we meet Next Tuesday afternoon?

Or, better still, two weeks from now?

My deadline shrugs and sighs. A month on, we meet again. Much to my surprise.

Happy browsing and au revoir until early December.

Jude Mitchell Co-editor

Struggling for inspiration, I asked my beautiful sister, Joan, to write a guest editor’s note. Joan’s writing is so evocative, and always seems to flow directly from the heart, but as it turns out, she was feeling rather uninspired too! But she did send these poetic few lines:

Sometimes, I can rattle off something swift, like an arrow flying through the air.

When the words kind of hum and sit comfortably together like old friends.

Other times, I feel sluggish, fair out of puff, like an old steam train that can’t find its way home.

I had covid recently. It really took the wind out of my sails, and it was about eight weeks before I could exercise. I’m thankful for the vaccine as it undoubtedly made my symptoms far from lifethreatening for someone of my age – not that I’m complaining about my age as I feel it’s an absolute privilege to be on this earth and I’m well and healthy and want to remain that way!

So now I’m back in full swing, walking and doing pilates. Last week I also undertook a detox which was interesting – I did feel better for it and it has got me into the habit of having a glass of lemon water each morning with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. It seems to be doing good.

I’m about to head to the airport for the new Air New Zealand direct flight to New York with my daughter Paris, Henry, her husband, and my little granddaughter, Moss. We’re off to see one of my sons who lives in Connecticut with his family. I can’t wait to see where he lives and to spend time with his two children, Poppy and Olive, and experience their daily life in the States. I’m going for two weeks, which will be long enough to experience (and visualise when I’m back home) how they live, where Poppy’s school is, where Olive goes to daycare. I’m excited to see Poppy get on a big yellow American school bus that we so often see in the movies! It’ll be fun.

Enjoy our November issue, full of luxurious gifts, and make sure to check out Wellness with Chia, it’s a goodie! Make an appointment to chat to her about your health and wellbeing, she is one of life’s most positive and energised women.

And remember to make the most of everyday and spend time with those you love and cherish.

JUDE ENJOYING HER ATOMIC BREW RUN COFFEE

Modest Vintage Player

leather boxing gloves

Pols Potten Blocks Champagne flutes Arriving early December

New York Interiors by Simon Upton

Pols Potten Steps

Boabab My First Baobab

box

Mirabello Carrara Cala en Bosch hand towel

Shown

blue/pink

House Doctor Fenja vase

Moulin Roty

Grande Famille

Doctor

candle stand

Bitz Kusintha jug

Kusintha tumbler (set of

Schott Zwiesel Sensa

glasses

Like a Piece of Fine Furniture

The kitchen is a vital part of any home, not simply in terms of how it functions but also in setting the tone for the decor of the rest of the house.

That's why it’s essential to bring a kitchen designer on board right at the beginning of your design journey – and also choose a kitchen company that can offer the total package, both in design and manufacture.

This contemporary kitchen played an integral role in the renovation of a 1950s home, says Michelle Gillbanks, one of the three qualified kitchen designers who work at Kitchens By Design. Michelle worked closely with the architect and client from the outset to ensure their vision was followed through the entire renovation.

"My client and his architect had a very clear idea of what they wanted right from the beginning," says Michelle. "They were very hands-on and drew up sketches of what they wanted. I worked with them to help realise the vision and establish a material palette that would integrate well with the rest of the home.”

The brief was for clean, elegant lines with a functional layout and uncluttered surfaces. Essential to the whole scheme was for a 'furniture look' to balance and blend in with the clients’ surrounding open-plan living space.

“For the back walls of the kitchen, we decided on a dark finish with lighter tones on the island to connect it with the underlying theme of the rest of their new interior spaces,” says the designer. “A combination of stained, brushed veneer, and plain painted surfaces were used for cabinet finishes, along with a polished-stone feature island. Both provide a tactile experience and visual engagement.”

The island was designed to look like a piece of furniture rather than a workspace. To give the illusion of a single, floating block of stone, Dekton Khalo was used for the island's top and three sides, along with mirror toe-kicks

As the design of the kitchen progressed, Michelle was asked to design built-in cabinetry for the home, which included the bathrooms, laundry and wardrobes. “This is not unusual,” says Michelle. "We’re often asked to work on other parts of a home – particularly the bathrooms and laundry areas, where the same style cabinetry is needed for that integrated look.”

If you're looking for a new kitchen, please call (09) 379 3084 to make an appointment with one of our designers at Kitchens By Design's showroom, located at 3 Byron Ave in Takapuna. For inspiration, take a look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz

Confessions of an

Auckland Real Estate Icon

Cheryl Whiting has been selling real estate, especially in Parnell, for most of her working life. Now happily back in her realm, Parnell, at Ray White Parnell alongside her real estate prodigy and 2013 Miss New Zealand Universe granddaughter Holly Cassidy, she graces TV’s Bravo channel in glamorous new real estate reality show Rich Listers

The show follows a group of New Zealand’s top real estate agents as they sell some of the country’s most luxurious homes – showing off lavish clothes, cars and activities while they’re at it. It’s a natural fit for a real estate maven who, because of her wide circle of friends, style and personality, is known to some as the ‘Parnell Princess’. So, it’s surprising that Cheryl wasn’t originally going to be on the show. She originally went to the studio to support Holly but found herself sat on a stool with the team for a quick chat.

"By the time I walked out the door I had signed a contract!” Cheryl laughs. “It is reality TV by the way, you just have to be yourself.”

The show is about selling rich list houses – a market that, says Cheryl, is hot at the moment: “It’s a great starting place for a new Parnell property I’m currently working on, so watch this space!”

With her signature red lippy and fabulous style, Cheryl brings a tonne flair, making her right at home among the on-screen glitz. It’s the same glamorous streak that made her the perfect organiser back when she ran the Miss and Mrs New Zealand, Mr New Zealand, Miss Auckland, and local pageants in the 80s when they were at the height of their popularity.

Cheryl has also taken on the equally glamorous fashion industry. In the mid-80s she had her own fashion labels, with eight garments featured in the Benson & Hedges Fashion Design Awards. She still has one of the dresses – a one-shouldered, diamante-encrusted black slinky number. It’s transcended the decades to be worn by Cheryl's sister-in-law, daughter, and of course granddaughter, Holly.

Initially Cheryl was hesitant to leave her beloved fashion career for real estate. But her brother, Colin Manson, a developer, well-aware of Cheryl’s natural vivacity, was persistent. “He kept asking, ‘Why are you not in real estate?’ It’s a family thing, right?’” says Cheryl.

Eventually she took the plunge and just flew! The first five months were super-successful, so much so that her husband, Les, her biggest supporter, asked why she hadn’t done it earlier.

Cheryl says: “It came naturally to me, and I’ve been doing it ever since. I’ve owned my own offices and my own franchises in Parnell and Remuera.”

For seven years, she managed Barfoot & Thompson Parnell. Now Cheryl walks across the road from home to her new role as executive development manager with Ray White Parnell, growing the brand profile, marketing, promoting events, mentoring new salespeople, and overseeing sales of exclusive property. It brings all her skills into play, from sales and negotiation to management and marketing.

Now working with Holly and her grandson Troy Manson-Cassidy, she’s loving it. “I’ve seen Troy and Holly develop into very capable human beings, able to connect with a lot of people whatever their age. It’s really good fun and the kids respect my knowledge.”

Away from work, Cheryl loves spending time with her family and friends. Somehow, she also manages to find time to volunteer for the Mercy Hospice fundraising team, something she has done for nearly 25 years. Cheryl is passionate about this work and really enjoys getting alongside the wonderful team of volunteers.

When asked what scares her, Cheryl doesn’t miss a beat. “Failure,” she says. And though her every move seems to glitter with success, she says she deals with it head on.

With many accolades under her belt, there seems to be nothing Cheryl can’t do.

Cheryl is enjoying working with her new team in Parnell. For all things real estate give her a call on 021 976 221.

With her signature red lippy and fabulous style, Cheryl brings a tonne flair, making her right at home among the on-screen glitz.

IMAGE: GEISEL LIBRARY, USA

Brutal Beauty

WORDS— JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Born from the ruins of the second world war, few architectural styles are as polarising – or aptly named – as brutalism. But the famously stark concrete monoliths – long since associated with communist countries – are having a moment.

“The thing about brutalism: It’s not beloved in the way Baroque or midcentury modernism is,” writes Jessica Cherner for Architectural Digest, “but there is such an obvious beauty in its rigid geometry and unquestioning simplicity.”

Indeed, perhaps no other style is as obvious owing to its, well, brutal minimalism; its block-like buildings being almost bombproof in appearance thanks to their weighty concrete casings. Giant, hulking uniform cubic constructions that could almost be stacked like Lego; love them or loathe them, you certainly can’t not notice – or have an opinion about – them as well.

But this was not a building style delivered by Stalinist Russia or Mao’s China (though it was to be embraced by both those countries and many more), rather from post-war Western Europe, a branch from the modernist movement of the early 20th century.

Swedish architect Hans Asplund first coined the expression nybrutalism to describe a cubical concrete home called Villa Göth in 1949, the phrase later adopted, shortened, and popularised by UK architectural critic Reyner Banham in the mid-50s. But surprisingly, the name brutalism is not a reference to the architecture’s stark aesthetic but to the French phrase béton brut which translates as ‘raw concrete’. Many believe that it was in France that brutalism was officially born with the building of Marseille’s 1,600-capacity social housing complex Unité d'Habitation. Designed by legendary modernist architect Le Corbusier (who once said a house is “a machine for living in”), the project is compared to an ocean liner that “redefined high-density housing by Dezeen, and “arguably the most influential Brutalist building of all time”.

Brutalism soon breached borders, its architecture blooming as far afield

as the Soviet Union, the US, Israel, Brazil, and Japan. Writing for My Modern Met, Jessica Stewart says that brutalism is intertwined with 20th-century urban theory that looked toward socialist ideals, and so the concept became most associated with public works like schools, libraries, and arts centres. Indeed, some of the most revered – and reviled! – examples of brutalist buildings include London’s Trellick Tower, the Barbican Centre and the National Theatre; San Diego’s Geisel Library (named after Dr Suess); and Boston City Hall in the USA.

But by the end of the 70s, brutalism’s heyday was crumbling.

“Heading into the 1980s, Brutalism fell out of favour,” notes Stewart. “Part of this was due to the cold and austere nature of the architecture, which was often associated with totalitarianism.”

Another factor was that the style did not age well – neither figuratively nor literally owing to concrete’s tendency to stain and decay. Cultural critic Anthony Daniels, who writes under the pen name Theodore Dalrymple, went so far as to describe the movement as “monstrous” and, with just one building, capable of ruining “the harmony of an entire townscape”.

But just as brutalism spawned from the smouldering ashes of post-war Europe, it has risen this time from its own concrete dust. But why?

According to US design firm Alexander Zilberman Architecture, brutalism has finally “rid itself from past ideological associations” to enable people to “appreciate the raw power of the style” – including the personality-enhancing imperfections of concrete. Even the brutalism hashtag is on the rise.

“There is no question that Brutalism looks exceedingly cool,” writes Nikil Saval for the New York Times . “But its deeper appeal is moral.”

Brad Dunning of GQ calls brutalism “the techno music of architecture, stark and menacing”, perhaps experiencing a revival because “permanence is particularly attractive in our chaotic and crumbling world”.

“What was and still is appealing about Brutalism is that it had a kind of purity,” says Saval. “… The aesthetic of Brutalism may at last triumph over its ethic.”

“Permanence is particularly attractive in our chaotic and crumbling world”.

IMAGE: TRELLICK TOWER, LONDON

The New Black

WORDS GRAHAM WOOD

PHOTOGRAPHS GREG COX

This bold, angular alteration in Cape Town is a masterclass in the richness, warmth and sensuality of a dark palette.

Double volume floor-to-ceiling glass greets you at the main entrance. “The windows are dark from the outside during the day, and all the frames are dark too, so it all recedes and disappears into the building,” architect Greg Scott points out. The irregular arrangement of the steps will, in time, especially as the plants grow, soften the division between vegetation and architecture. A tree in the entrance courtyard will further integrate landscape and architecture.

The open-plan living area downstairs is, counter to most people’s first impression, predominantly white with accents of black, rather than predominantly black. This monochrome palette, and the uncluttered arrangement of furniture, brings warmth, sophistication and texture to what might otherwise have been a fairly minimalist interior.

The dark colour, Greg believes, enhances the sense of intimacy. “A lot of people say it’s cold and it’s dark – it’s not,” he says. “If anything, it adds a warmth and a richness.”

One of the most distinctive features of the house is the way in which the windows frame and edit the views, and particularly the way in which the woodpanelled, box-like window seats draw the outside in. These ' box windows' not only make a cosy spot to read the Sunday papers, but integrate the pockets of the leafy green garden with the house. Wellplaced slabs with garden furniture make these pockets of greenery accessible and inviting.

The main living area or lounge is a well-defined space in this open-plan arrangement. All the surfaces are matt –in fact, there’s not a single surface in the house that’s cold to the touch.

“The house is so open, a good 30-60% of the walls are glass,” says Greg. “So every room in flooded with natural light.”

Get the look with Resene Resene Colorwood Whitewash Resene Colorwood Natural Resene Concrete

The kitchen is entirely black, beautifully textured and warm to the touch. While black is certainly a base colour, contrary to most people’s first impression, the interior is predominantly white with black accents. Nevertheless, that translated into a uniformly black exterior. The inherent darkness of the windows during the day means the windows “recede and disappear into the building”, as Greg puts it, and the greenery of the plants pops out against the dark background.

“Those wooden-surrounded windows are very special to us,” say the owners. “They’re lovely to sit in, and you get the lovely winter sun; it’s a nice place to chill out and read the paper.”

Greg comments that the unusual angle at which the house was built created planted courtyards and pockets of outdoor space. As the owners put it, the whole house “lives out”, connecting with these spaces so you never feel “caged in”. The planes and angles of the house impart a kind of dynamism and interest to its design.

From the garden, the elegantly cantilevered upstairs pergola adds depth and layers to the westerly facade. “Before it was just a flat-fronted building, and those overhangs created lovely shade, and lovely depth to the westerly facade,” say the owners.

Get the look with Resene

Resene Woodsman Pitch Black Resene All Black Resene Woodsman Natural

“We’ve got a lot of greenery around us, which is unlike most of the rest of Camp’s Bay, where it’s quite hard and stark,” say the owners. “And it had lovely spots of view.”

The main bedroom includes a clever, versatile divider that combines a headboard with shelving and storage, and creates a well-defined dressing room area. “As a space-maker, headboard, dressing room storage space and divider, it’s doing quite a lot,” says Greg. More wood-panelled 'box windows' frame upstairs views. The armchair is from @Home. The lamp is from Weylandts.

The main bathroom is conceived of as a wet room, so there are no shower doors or glass boxes. “You get the views but you’re still relatively private,” Greg says. The owners add: “We have a double bath with views of amazing established palms, none of which is in our own property. Sometimes we feel like we’re on an island, or some other exotic place because of the palm trees.”

“Sometimes we feel like we’re on an island, or some other exotic place because of the palm trees.”

Design of November

STYLING BELLA SAMPSON

All Roads Zahara Ottoman

Pamono Wink Floor Lamp

Archiproducts Kenzo Armchair

Ballantynes Qeeboo Turtle bookcase

Studio Nucleo Pink Primitive Bookshelf

Anthropologie Ombre Fringe Wall Art

Resene Amiata Wallpaper Collection 296128

Dauen Kim Shape of Love table

Jan Paul Design Discodip Illusion Clock

Summer Living

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n d a r d

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Time to Hit Refresh!

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to hit refresh!

Join the Louise Gray Skin Care team as they explore a seasonal recharge starting with the virtues of making a great sandwich!

Make sure you have a good sandwich

Yes, you did read that right, we want you to have a great ‘skincare sandwich’! A perfectly layered, delectable delight!

Just like freshly baked bread, a cleanser and SPF encases all ingredients. The serum is the filling. Hyaluronic, vitamins A and C, and peptides are things to give your skin the hit it needs. Finally, the dressing is your moisturiser to ensure there’s enough ‘flavour’ to bring it all together.

We’re experts in this ‘skincare sandwich’-making process, so bring in your products for us to have a look at. A little tweaking here and there will make all the difference.

Pay attention to what you’re doing at night

After your skin's protection response during the day, at night it enters its rejuvenation phase as soon as your head hits the pillow. Look for ingredients that support this natural process and your skin will wake feeling refreshed and revived even if you don’t!

Your nighttime rejuvenator should be power packed with peptides, vitamins, and minerals to support this process. Get them working for you while you sleep!

Skincare means care for ALL of your skin

We’re talking about your heels, elbows, neck, ears, and everything in between. Maintaining hydration and protection of the largest living organ of your body takes time. Always remember, it’s your suit of armour and has to last your lifetime. We don’t get another one. Remember: skincare does not stop at your neck!

Go slow

Taking your time and creating a ritual can be one of the most beneficial ways to end your day. Five minutes is all that’s needed. A time just for you, to reflect on your day and give your

skin some TLC, rejuvenating your senses, calming your mind, and easing the day away.

Seek professional advice

If you have concerns, please seek professional advice. We’re often thought of as a last resort, but we should be the first. We know skin and we know what works. With a combined 100-plus years’ experience in skin management, the Louise Gray Team are experts in their field. We welcome you to explore the Louise Gray Skin Care difference today.

Schedule your 30-minute Professional Skin Consultation before 20 November and go into the draw to win a $500 Gourmet ‘Skincare Sandwich’ from the LGSC Team.

Louise Gray Skin Care, Shop 2/224 Kepa Rd, Mission Bay 09 528 9010 louisegray.co.nz

Q&A with Clinic 1 Aesthetics

Tell us a bit about Clinic 1.

We’re a boutique cosmetology clinic in the heart of Auckland with a team of six highly skilled cosmetic nurses, and skin and laser specialists. Our mission is to support women and men, every day, to achieve confidence in the skin they’re in.

What treatments do you offer?

The Clinic 1 experience covers three pillars of expertise:

advanced cosmetic injectables with our experienced nurses

· beauty therapy with a broad range of relaxing and rejuvenating facials

market-leading, energy-based devices including Ultraformer, Secret Radio Frequency Microneedling, hair removal laser, and our groundbreaking latest addition, BBL™ Broad Band Light machine

All our treatments are bespoke, customised and provide results that you can actually see.

Tell us about your new BBL™ Treatment?

Leading the way in advanced skin technologies, we’re one of the first clinics in New Zealand to offer the BBL™ BroadBand Light treatment.  BBL™ is a technological anti-ageing masterpiece and the most advanced phototherapy device on the market. BBL™ is the next generation of light-based treatments with groundbreaking clinical evidence of changing the skin at a molecular level anywhere on the face and body. We have now brought it to Clinic 1 as we believe our clients deserve the best!

BBL™ uses the world’s most powerful IPL (intense pulsed light) laser and sets new standards when it comes to skin rejuvenation and the conditions it can treat. It features state-of-the-art

cooling features and is fully customisable with minimal pain and downtime.

What skin conditions can BBL™ help with? We can treat face and body skin conditions like: sun damage (photoageing), sunspots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, freckles, birth marks, redness, rosacea, small blood vessels, broken capillaries, port wine stains, bruising, acne, skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles.

BBL™ is also the only treatment capable of functionally changing the expression of genes in aged skin cells, as proved by a study from Stanford University. This makes it powerful enough to reverse signs of ageing as well as targeting skin imperfections. BBL™ literally restores the genetic ageing pattern of the skin, changing the way you age!

We believe everyone will benefit from BBL™ so there’s $100 off the first treatment for Verve readers. Book online at clinic1.co.nz and just mention this article.

Brave Face

Anxiety is one of the fastest growing mental health conditions around the world. With stress, digital distractions, and endless demands on our time, it's no wonder millennials have been dubbed ‘the anxious generation’.

BraveFace has produced a trio of herbal supplements to tackle stress and worry from every angle, and to reduce the symptoms long term. Coolhead day spray is there to have on hand for a rapid calming action during heightened moments; HeadRest night drops aid sleep which helps the body recover from stress; and LiveCalm daily capsules work on the nervous system to help the body better adapt to stress long term.

BraveFace empowers people who want to be the best they can with the tools they need to overcome unwanted feelings of stress and worry.

ACUPUNCTURE : CUPPING : MOXA

CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE : GUA SHA

INTEGRATING ANCIENT PRACTICE INTO A MODERN WORLD

reception@thehealthclinic.co.nz 09 360 0738 thehealthclinic.co.nz 2/571 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, 1026

Timing is Everything

WORDS AMANDA WALKER

November? Are you sure? Already? But before we get to summer holidays, we still need to run the gauntlet of the social season.

Catching up with friends and colleagues to celebrate the year's achievements is an important ritual and one I both look forward to and secretly dread.

I know there will be late nights and overindulgence involved which by the third or fourth event will leave me looking less than my ‘best self’.

Sadly I have also learned, from my own mistakes, that a week out from a special occasion is not the time to experiment with one's appearance. This is not the time for radical hair changes, hasty online purchases, or sudden dalliances with more lip fillers.

This is the time to ensure that you are true to your own style and treatment goals. That way you will ensure you feel and look your personal best.

So if you have any appointments that you have skipped, it’s a good idea to try and fit those in prior to the parties, but make sure you leave yourself enough recovery time.

The goal is to look like you've already been on holiday, not like you've been burning the candle at both ends, working to deadline, running between children’s end of year productions and ballet exams, or fighting the traffic backwards and forwards all day.

The easiest way to trick this look is our old friend botulinum toxin. I equate 30 minutes in the hands of one of Clinic 42’s skilled practitioners to a week alone on a deserted beach, pina colada in hand.

Ideally you want to schedule your appointment 10-21 days prior to your event to allow time for your treatment to fully take effect, but if you run short of time don’t despair typically improvement is noticed in 5-7 days and you can see subtle results in as soon as 2-3 days.

So make sure you take just half an hour to make yourself feel and look your most confident before you head off to celebrate this party season.

At Clinic 42 we are able to offer a range of the world’s leading botulinum toxins and your practitioner will help guide you as to which product best suits your needs.

If you’re interested in finding out more about the treatments available at Clinic 42 visit our website clinic42.co.nz or contact reception on 09 638 4242 or reception@clinic42.co.nz

BOTOX® is a prescription medicine containing 100 units of clostridium botulinium type A toxin complex for injection. It is used for the treatment of severe frown lines associated ‘crow’s feet’ around the eyes and wrinkle removal. It should be administered only by trained medical professionals. Talk to your specialists about the benefits/risks of this procedure in appearance medicine.  Caution people with neuromuscular transmission disorders, presence of infection at site of injection, pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects include headaches, pain, burning sensation or redness at injection site, temporary local muscle weakness including eyelid droop, decreased sensation and nausea. If you have side effects or concerns, talk to your doctor. A charge applies. Allergan New Zealand Pty Ltd, Auckland. Note: Botox® treatment lasts about four months and after this time further courses of Botox treatment may be necessary. Talk to your Auckland Botox specialist about the benefits/ risks of this procedure.

DYSPORT® is a prescription medicine for the treatment of frown lines, horizontal forehead lines and crow’s fee round the eyes. Dysport® has risks and benefits. Ask your doctor is Dysport® is right for you.   If you have side effects see your doctor.  You will need to pay for Dysport®, and clinic fees will apply. For details on precautions & side effects consult your healthcare professional or the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) at www.medsafe. govt.nz. Dysport® lasts about 4-6 months and further courses of treatment may be necessary. Should only be administered by trained medical professionals. Contains 500 units of clostridium botulinum Type A toxin. Galderma (NZ) Limited, Auckland.

XEOMIN® (Incobotulinumtoxin A) 50, 100 Units is a Prescription Medicine. Indications: In adults for the treatment of cervical dystonia; blepharospasm; spasticity of the upper limb; upper facial lines: glabellar from lines, lateral periorbital lines (crows feet), horizontal forehead lines. Xeomin® has both risks and benefits, consults your doctor if Xeomin® is right for you. Further information on the risks and benefits of Xeomin® can be found in the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) available from www. medsafe.govt.nz or by calling 0800 822 310. Use strictly as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health care professional. Common side effects include: Headaches; nausea; tenderness, swelling, redness, numbness or bruising of the skin; dry eye; heavy feeling or eyelid/ eyebrow/forehead; face/brow not symmetrical. dropping eyelids/eyebrows. Serious side effects are rare and include allergic reactions. XOEMIN® is an unfunded medicine, prescription charge will apply. Normal doctor charges will still apply. Medical information: Ph 0800 822 310. Copyright 2021. Pharmacy Retailing NZ Limited t/a Health Care Logistics (HCL) 58 Richard Pearse Drive, Mangere, Auckland 2022. All rights reserved. Xeomin® and Merz Aesthetics are registered trademarks of Merz Pharma MGMbH  & Co.

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.

TruSculpt iD is the latest technology available to permanently and non-invasively remove body fat. “We have been leaders in non-invasive cellulite and body contouring treatments in Auckland for 20 years,” says Sue Crake, owner of the Remuera Salon.

How does truSculpt iD work?

truSculpt iD uses a unique form of monopolar radio frequency energy that penetrates evenly and deeply and is able to treat deep into the entire fat pad - from skin to muscle. Once the applicators have been placed on target fatty areas, heat is dispersed evenly, causing irreparable damage to the fat cell walls which the body metabolises and removes permanently over the next 12 weeks. Real-time temperature control and monitoring sensors ensure a constant and therapeutic temperature is maintained for 10 minutes ensuring maximum fat disruption, resulting in 24% fat reduction with every treatment. Patient comfort is ensured through the highly engineered skin adhesives and temperature control which keeps the skin cooler than the underlying fat.

How is truSculpt iD treatment performed?

The initial consultation is performed to assess and discuss your concerns and desired aesthetic goals, then a tailored and customised treatment plan will be created. A total of six handpieces can be used per 15-minute treatment, and multiple areas can be treated on the same day. Once medical consent is completed skin adhesives are attached to the skin overlying the fat pocket followed by the handsfree applicators. The treatment area is wrapped in a cummerbund to minimise movement of handpieces during treatment. After 15 minutes of warmth is distributed into the tissue, the adhesives, handpieces and cummerbund are removed and the patient can return to normal activities.

How do I know if I am a candidate?

truSculpt iD is the latest in non-invasive fat removal procedures in minimising treatment time, maximising results and comfort whilst reducing downtime (there is none!). truSculpt iD is a great treatment for targeting stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise, or for a more global debulking option. truSculpt iD is not restricted by BMI or skin laxity concerns, making it a great alternative to cryotherapies. To learn more about if you’re a suitable candidate, book a free consultation with Sue at Finesse.

How many treatments will I need?

Your initial assessment and personal goals will determine the best course of treatment tailored to you, however patients will only require one treatment. Whether one or two treatments are required, all patients will see an effect at 12 weeks.

Is the treatment painful?

No! Patients report the treatment feels like getting into a hot bath. The heat at first can be a little intense, but just like a bath you become accustomed to the feeling and adjust to the treatment. There is no pain, no downtime and no massage required. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after with most patients only experiences some mild redness on the treatment zone which subsides in a couple of hours.

How long before I see my results?

Clients will begin to see a change in their silhouette from 6 – 8 weeks post treatment, but maximum results are achieved at week 12. Changes in skin quality, tone and texture are usually seen earlier. Each area can be treated once per 12-weeks but other areas can be treated before then.

TruSculpt ID Benefits

NZ MedSafe approved for permanent reduction of up to 24% fat (*shown through ultrasound clinical trials)

15-minute treatment (half the time, and twice the treatment area vs cryotherapies largest applicator)

No discomfort & No Downtime – resume normal activities immediately after

Customisable and flexible treatment opportunities depending your body and goals

No BMI restrictions

Male & Female suited

Skin tightening – post partum suitability

Treatment areas: abdomen (upper, mid and lower), flanks (love handles), upper back fat, lower back fat, inner thighs, outer thighs, arms and under the chin.

Before 12 weeks after one treatment

Before 12 weeks after one treatment

A Pathway to Wellness

When describing Chia Cheng , the words vibrant and energetic instantly spring to mind. Despite being a solo mum to three kids and running her own business, Chia has a youthful glow and a spring in her step with a full-of-life energy that’s enviable.

When pressed, Chia puts her vibrancy down to living and breathing what she preaches – and having fun along the way. An avid cook and entertainer, Chia is renowned for her ability to whip up healthy culinary delights, but it wasn’t until her eldest son, Etienne, was born a decade ago that her journey to becoming an integrative health practitioner and wellness coach began.

When Etienne started eating solids, a raft of food sensitivities unfolded along with eczema and diarrhoea, hay fever, asthma, a salicylate sensitivity, and ADHD behaviours. By the time Etienne was three years old it was clear that the prescribed pharmaceuticals were only masking the problem by temporarily relieving the symptoms. Wanting to discover the root cause of his issues, Chia began educating herself on more holistic, natural approaches. Focusing on diet and gut health, Chia completely adjusted Etienne’s nutritional needs and the results were remarkable. While it has been a long journey requiring a lot of dedication, Etienne is now a happy, thriving young boy and no longer experiences any of his previous symptoms.

“It was mind blowing to witness the change in him,” says Chia. “I had to restrict a lot of healthy food groups and remove processed foods, colours and preservatives to help reduce inflammation in his body.  Everything needed to be homemade and chemical-free, and although this was hard work at the time,

it gave his body the opportunity to rebalance and was so worth it in the long run. He can now eat a well-rounded diet again.”

Having seen what an incredible effect diet alone can have on a physical, mental and behavioural level, Chia decided it was something she wanted to keep learning about and, better yet, share with others. Through correspondence – studying in the early mornings before her kids would wake, or in the evening after their bedtime – Chia chipped away at an integrative health practitioner course, graduating in 2021 as a certified coach. Earlier this year she launched her own business, Wellness with Chia.

“I’m passionate about helping people lead their best lives. I strongly believe that our environment and what we put into our bodies has a huge effect on how we function. Optimal health doesn’t come easily or even naturally for most people. So many men and women are walking around feeling stressed, sluggish, lethargic, and unhappy. And then there are food sensitivities, skin issues, insomnia, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles – the list goes on. My job is to discover the root cause of symptoms, then empower people with knowledge so that they can make positive changes.”

Taking an holistic, integrative approach, Chia uses a combination of functional lab testing, Ayurvedic and bioregulatory medicine, Chinese medicine, Eastern philosophy, traditional naturopathy, and supplementation to help bring her clients back to optimal health.

“My point of difference is that once I get to the root cause of someone’s issues, I take a very real, practical approach that works for them and their lifestyle. I want people to succeed at their health goals. I also understand that no one can be 100% pure all the time, so it’s about implementing changes that are achievable and individual to that client.”

Chia swears by implementing seasonal functional medicine detoxes: “I recommend this to almost all my clients. We religiously service our cars to help maintain performance and longevity, but don’t apply the same level of care to our bodies, which is just crazy. Over time, our body accumulates toxins, pollutants and chemicals which can wreak havoc on our health, leading to weight gain or loss, brain fog, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, sleep issues, and more. Regular detoxes will help remove this harmful build-up in the body and is also

a powerful weight loss tool, helps with anti-ageing and restores nutrient deficiencies within the body.”

Along with Chia’s one-on-one coaching and various workshop options, she has also recently launched a meal-planning service which tailors meal plans to match lifestyles, dietary wishes, and needs. Alongside the plans, Chia will also give advice and tips on how to create well-rounded, nutritious meals for the whole family.

“Too many people are running from one thing to another, working too hard in a far too demanding job, grabbing food on the run, and drinking too much coffee and alcohol. If I can make someone’s life easier, and make them feel great at the same time, then I know I’m doing my job well.”

T: 021 830 089

hello@wellnesswithchia.com wellnesswithchia.com Instagram: @wellnesswithchia

Spring towards summer a

CoolSculpting

“As the country’s most experienced practitioners of CoolSculpting®, we have the backing of plastic surgeons from the NZ Institute of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery and are members of the NZ College of Cosmetic Medicine”Angela Frazer, plastic surgical nurse at Prescription Skin Care and previous board member on the American Society of Plastic Surgical Skin Care Specialists.

If you’re looking for a way to shift stubborn fat for good and achieve the results you want, CoolSculpting® could be the answer. With over 11 million CoolSculpting® treatments performed worldwide, it’s a popular and effective treatment to reduce unwanted fat.

CoolSculpting® safely and effectively targets problem areas by cooling fat cells to the precise temperature at which they crystallise, so your body naturally metabolises the cells. Results start showing at six weeks post treatment, with the final result evident at around 12 weeks. The treated fat cells are gone for good.

There is minimal downtime with most people returning to their daily activity immediately after treatment. No surgery is required, and also no needles. Whilst liposuction is the best form of fat reduction, CoolSculpting® offers an alternative, highly effective and trusted non-surgical method.

Summer checklist:

• Bikini Sunglasses

• Coolsculpting®

Summer Promo:

Buy one cycle and get the second cycle FREE. Phone 09 529 5784 to book your free consultation. Offer runs until end of December.

Patient received a total of 8 cycles over 2 CoolSculpting® sessions on the lower abdomen and flanks. Photo courtesy of Bodify & Steven Sorr, NMD. Individual results may vary.

BEFORE AFTER 21 weeks after first CoolSculpting® Session (16 weeks after second Session)

Patient received 6 treatment cycles over 2 CoolSculpting® sessions to the inner and outer thigh. Photo courtesy of Premier Plastic Surgery. Individual results may vary.

BEFORE

AFTER 19 weeks after first CoolSculpting® Session (15 weeks after second Session)

Patient received 4 treatment cycles over 1 CoolSculpting® session on the upper arms. Photo courtesy of Dr. Scott Gerrish. Individual results may vary.

BEFORE AFTER 16 weeks after first CoolSculpting® Session

Prescription Skin Care: The world's best and most widely used fat reduction method that does not involve surgery.

Until recently, the only way to support healthy levels of Akkermansia was by faecal transplant. With funding from the Mayo clinic, Pendulum’s team of PhD scientists finally discovered a way to cultivate this anaerobic strain at quantity (in a specially constructed oxygen free lab) and designed a capsule to ensure it survives the digestive juices intact.

Akkermansia has been the subject of +2000 scientific studies and is known as a “keystone” probiotic for gut health. Akkermansia is an important strain that inhabits the gut lining, where its interaction with mucin supports a healthy intestinal wall. Furthermore, Akkermansia is used as a predictor for wellbeing, with higher levels being seen in healthy individuals and high performance athletes. New Zealand is the first country in the world outside of the USA to have access to Pendulum’s next-generation, health supporting probiotic range.

Pendulum’s Akkermansia

Pendulum’s Akkermansia is a patented probiotic strain available

at www.pendulumlife.co.nz | info@pendulumlife.co.nz

After years of research & development, “keystone” probiotic strain Akkermanisa muciniphila is now available to consumers as a once-a-day probiotic.

Believable Brows

offandon.co.nz

OFF & ON was borne from the notion that hair removal could be enjoyable and that the unsung hero of the face, brows, deserved a lot more cudos. ON national trainer Hannah Pickering answers some common questions about how to get the best lashes and brows.

What does ‘believable brows’ mean?

Believable brows are your best brows. We work with your facial proportion and symmetry to create the brows you were always meant to have – no cookie cutter brows here! We provide lots of different brow services so that there’s something for everyone, from a brow shape to a feather touch tattoo, you’ll find something that complements you and your brows. We prefer to stay away from forcing trends or fads, preferring to provide a future-proofed brow!

Why should we consider brows to be the hero of the face and why do you think we often neglect and ignore them?

Brows bring balance and harmony to the face; the wrong brow shape or colour can detract. Brows have become a non-negotiable for many thanks to lockdown and the increase in mask wear. Now that masks have gone, clients are still committed to their brows, especially if they’ve suffered an at-home disaster while trying to maintain them. Brows have been our busiest service for more than a decade. Coming into party season, appointments are already getting booked up, so don’t miss out!

What’s the difference between microblading and powder brows?

Microblading creates hair strokes and powder brows are a fine misted/pixelated brow. Combination brows are a microbladed front with a powdered body and tail. Microblading, powder and combination brows are semipermanent options, lasting up to 18 months before needing a touch up appointment. We offer consultations to decide

what sort of brow would best suit based off your personal preference, lifestyle, and the base foundation of your brows and skin.

What does an LVL lash lift look like and is it easy to maintain? LVL stands for length, volume, and lift, and is the modern version of a lash perm. The appointment takes an hour and afterwards you need to keep your lashes as dry as possible for 24 hours so that they can set in place. From then all you need do is brush them with a spoolie or a bit of mascara and you’re good to go! Results last for up to eight weeks and we recommend using either a brow and lash oil or RevitaLash Lash and Brow Masque to maintain lash health!

What are the most popular eyebrow trends currently? Full fluffy brushed up brows are still a popular trend, especially coming into the warmer months. A brow lamination or a brow soap are perfect for achieving this look. On the runway, bleached brows have been popular, but this isn’t a very practical trend due to the speed at which brows grow – to recreate this at home, use a tinted brow gel in a lighter shade to lighten the brows.

What top tips do you have for nailing brow and lash care at home?

Brow and lash health is very important with products such as Brow Code, Brow Gold Oil or RevitaLash/RevitaBrow to nourish the brows, especially if you get treatments such as a LVL or a brow lamination. We recommend not overdoing your brows at home. If you do need to tweeze between appointments, take a pinkie-finger amount from between the brows. Fill your brows in with some product first then tweeze away from the shape. Natural light is key, and less is more.

The Only NZ Clinic to Guarantee Results

There's still time get in shape before Christmas!

Taking just 70 minutes, with no downtime, get four areas done at one for $1,950. The fat can’t come back – remember, if you don’t look good, we don’t look good! Consults are free and quotes done face to face.

Get Summer Ready

ANTI – WRINKLE

Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process. With age, our skin gets thinner, drier and we lose elastin. The ability of our skin to protect itself is reduced as we age. Eventually, wrinkles, creases, and lines form on our skin. Laser Clinics is the largest aesthetic clinic company globally and our medical team of doctors and registered nurses will provide a tailored treatment plan to you.

COOL SCULPTING

CoolSculpting uses patented cooling technology to eliminate fat cells, without surgery, and with little to no downtime. Over time your body naturally eliminates these fat cells providing noticeable, and lasting results in the treated area for a more sculpted you. CoolSculpting® is supported by over 20 years of research and development and is a well-tolerated cryolipolysis procedure using technology that delivers controlled cooling to target fat cells.

DERMAL FILLERS

Unlike wrinkles which require muscle relaxants to soften them, facial volume and folds require a dermal filler to help re-volumise and hydrate the area. Made from a natural sugar already present in the human body – our dermal fillers are an affordable way to replicate the function of this naturally occurring substance and can restore fullness and volume in numerous facial areas.

HYDRAFACIAL

HydraFacial super serums are made with nourishing ingredients that create an instantly gratifying glow in just three steps: cleanse and peel, extract and hydrate, and fuse and protect. HydraFacial also delivers powerful antioxidants to counteract damage by free radicals – from pollution, sun, and stress – which can degrade the skin and accelerate the ageing process. Hydrafacial delivers instantly noticeable, long-lasting results that you can see and feel.

Laser Clinics New Zealand - Ponsonby

97 Ponsonby Road, Cnr Ponsonby & Picton Opp Ponsonby Central , 09 951 8067

ponsonby@laserclinicsnewzealand.co.nz

KLERESCA®

Kleresca® creates fluorescent light energy to heal your skin at a cellular level. This non-invasive, scientifically documented technology delivers long-lasting clinic results with little to no downtime. Kleresca® is a non-invasive, biophotonic treatment that uses fluorescent light energy (FLE) to stimulate the skin’s repair mechanisms by penetrating the different layers of the skin. The treatments reduce inflammation, increase the buildup of collagen, and normalise cellular activity with high safety and efficacy.

THE AGELESS PEEL

The Ageless Peel (also known as the retinoic-acid peel) is a medium superficial peel containing retinol which penetrates deep into the dermis layer of the skin to help neutralise free radicals and improve collagen production. An anti-ageing treatment that helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and is effective for stubborn acne and scarring.

SKIN NEEDLING

Skin Needling can be performed in two ways. Dermal rolling, using the cosmedical DNC derma roller or micro-needling, using the Wireless Tri-M Pen. Your skin therapist will advise which option is best for you and your skin goals. this treatment involves applying a small roller made of tiny needles to the surface of the skin. The roller creates tiny puncture channels that encourage an organic collagen renewal and regeneration response.

TEETH WHITENING

Lift the level of your smile and get an instant confidence boost with the premium Sparkling White Smile teeth whitening treatment. Sparkling White Smile is a natural whitening product that will get your teeth to their natural colour and the level of whitening depends entirely on the person’s physiology. Customers regularly achieve results of up to 14 shades whiter; the average improvement varies depending on the level of discolouration.

Leading from the Front

Corporate disruptor, mentor, and cancer fighter Julie Hyde aims to empower “leaders to live and lead intentionally” by way of her book (Busy?), podcast (Making it Count), workshops, and engaging keynote speeches.

For more than 20 years, the inspirational Aussie entrepreneur has worked with multi-million-dollar corporations and helped transform “toxic businesses” into ones “at the top of their game”. Verve sat down with her and began by asking what she's taken from the podcasts so far.

“The podcasts have taught me to embrace my uniqueness and share the power of my story – not something I’ve always been good at,” she says. “Also, we often see so much bad in the world, from wars to pandemics to destructive weather events – sometimes all at the same time. Yet, there is so much beauty in humanity, and so many people out there working hard to make a difference for others. You only have to change your lens of view to find light in darkness.”

Are there any podcasts that have particularly stood out?

“It’s a tough one to answer because although each episode has an inspiring and interesting message, they are very different. The most recent, with Louise Baxter of Starlight Foundation, is certainly up there. She discusses having 100% trust in her employees, rather than them having to earn it – an approach I love – along with the value of ‘Shine’ which grounds her organisation to its purpose and her modern way of leading. Another super-inspiring episode is ‘Stop Playing a Small Game’ in which Dr Amy Silver talks about embracing fear and how we can’t have courage without it.”

Aside from your own podcast – and book – any others you’d recommend aspiring leaders check out?

“There are so many, but I among the most empowering for modern times are Dare to Lead by Brené Brown, Turn the Ship Around by L David Marquet, and Stephen R Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People . I generally listen to podcasts that enable me to learn through others’ stories, rather than specifically about leadership.”

Julie cites her respect for leaders with “the courage of their conviction”, naming the likes of Rosa Parks, Michelle Obama, Jacinda Ardern, and Winston Churchill as among her most inspirational. Though some are innately born leaders (“such as Nelson Mandela”), Julie believes that others “can be made”, having personally witnessed “many people transition into influential leaders through learning strong leadership skills and building strong leadership foundations”.

I ask when she realised her leadership potential.

“Reflecting back on my life, I believe I had leadership qualities from a young age. I was always very sporty, played a lot of netball and was either captain or coach – I also umpired. I was always one to step forward and take on more responsibility. As I progressed through my career, my leaders could see leadership qualities in me, so I was promoted into leadership roles quite quickly.”

In 2021, Julie was diagnosed with stage three melanoma, with the doctor telling her she’s “in the fight of her life”. Julie’s not the type to back down from a fight.

“My diagnosis quickly put into perspective what was truly important and is building my resilience,” she says. “Leadership requires great resilience and unprecedented levels of

behavioural flexibility and adaptability. I don’t believe that to be a great leader you must have experienced adversity or trauma, though such experiences can certainly contribute to personal growth and your empathy and resilience levels.”

Emotional intelligence and well-tuned self-awareness are essential traits for successful leadership, says Julie, as well as an understanding of the power of one’s words and actions and knowing “what’s critical and what’s a distraction”.

“Leadership is a mindset and a choice,” she adds, “and that you can’t be a leader of others before you’re able to lead yourself.”

You’ve previously said that you’d like to live to 103, is there any meaning behind this number, and what would you hope will have been the biggest changes in the business landscape by then?

“No, there’s no meaning behind 103! I hope there are many changes, particularly around leadership hierarchies and business models. These are aspects of the corporate world that must be replaced by broader structures that are more empowering, kind and enable people to shine. My hope is that we understand at a deep level that it’s the people who make business successful. That leaders understand that for people to be at their best, self-care and workplace wellbeing must be routine rather than an agenda item. That we have far more equal workplaces where gender equality isn’t an issue.”

You believe women generally offer a different approach? “Absolutely – and I’m not saying it’s better or worse. Women just lead in a different way to men. How differently will depend on their mindset, self-confidence, and capabilities. How effectively is down to the individual. I have experienced great female leaders, but also really rotten ones!”

What have been the biggest changes in the landscape during your career so far?

“The biggest change is the ability for people to work flexibly, from anywhere in the world, and provide outstanding value. It’s so empowering and enabling for people to be given the opportunity to produce their best work at a time they work best. Organisations that embrace this are the winners. I hope it improves the ability for working mums to progress further and allow businesses to retain amazing women in their workforce. Gradually leaders are realising people are the power of their business and are becoming kinder and more heart led – at least, a lot more so than when I started working! I’m excited about the younger generations coming through, they think differently and will achieve amazing things.”

Tell us about your workshops?

“Importantly, they’re both interactive and fun! Few things are more boring than having someone simply talk at you for a couple of hours – I consider that a lecture. Getting participants involved helps embed learning, too. I’m also a big believer in accountability so there are always commitments made at the end of the workshop in terms of what participants plan to stop, start, change, and continue.”

Julie says she’s had plenty of great mentors along her corporate journey, beginning with her parents who were “wonderful role models”.

“Advice that’s always stuck with me is to walk your talk and always deliver on promises. Your personal brand is your strongest currency, taking a lifetime to build, but can be destroyed in seconds. Your legacy is the culmination of all your actions, and non-actions.”

And managing your time away from the desk is just as important as you manage your time at it.

“Our brains need downtime and rest, we’re not made to go, go, go all of the time,” says Julie. “Exercise and meditation are my biggest mental health supports, along with the movies and the occasional indulgence of a lovely glass of wine and cheese platter! Also, reading good fiction book before sleeping is said to reduce stress by as much as 60%.”

As for the future, Julie says she’s putting the finishing touches to her signature Keynote, designed to “inspire people to be leaders of their own lives”.

“We all have a choice in how we respond to whatever is thrown at us – we can be the victim or the victor, we can adapt or die, and we can build a mindset that is our superpower. But it is a choice. And I’m really looking forward to sharing this with audiences all over the world.”

Find out more about Julie, including details of her book, her workshops, and her podcast, at juliehyde.com.au

“Leadership is a mindset and a choice... you can't be a leader of others before you’re able to lead yourself.”

Thinking Big

WORDS JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

We begin by asking what the biggest misconceptions are about this most fascinating of fields.

“That philosophers sit around thinking only about the meaning of life! Most are trying to understand the nature of consciousness or consider how knowledge forms in modern media environments. Others are thinking about questions of injustice, artificial intelligence, or the future of democracy.”

While it’s common for many to be intimidated by a subject perceived to be about “abstract disconnected problems”, Matheson says that most of us spend at least some of our days philosophising without even realising it.

“Philosophical thought is about trying to think deeply about things we all already care about – reflecting on what we do in our ordinary lives, but just slowed down and taken really seriously. The aim is to think systematically about issues we face as humans. I was talking to a friend a couple of weeks ago who works in insurance, and she expressed concern about policies being developed that weren’t going to be available to people with certain conditions. They asked how we were to think about that and if it was an ethical thing to do. They’re philosophical questions.”

Does all philosophical thought centre around ethics?

“There are some philosophical topics that aren’t ethics, but I guess the questions we ask come out of our human lives. So, because they belong to a human world, they are problems that emerge for us as human beings and do often have an ethical aspect to them.”

How has artificial intelligence and the digital age affected philosophical thought?

“Experiments have been conducted to test AI’s response to ethical problems. It’s not necessarily so we can outsource decision-making to computers, but rather examine what good, ethical decision-making might look like. Because, you might get outputs from the machine and think, ‘Oh, that's kind of interesting that it came up with that conclusion, but that doesn't strike us as a very robust way of thinking about it, so, what's gone wrong?’”

Such a process, adds Matheson, can serve as a tool to help us “reflect upon the nature of ethical reasoning”. I ask what are the most common questions that he’s asked as a philosopher.

“There are generally two responses to what I do. The first is ‘wow, that’s really interesting’ followed by silence as they have no idea what it is, or perhaps find it too intimidating. Others are fascinated about the world, and ask about politics, democracy, misinformation, and ethics. They may have come across some debates about the nature of consciousness or something like that and want to talk about that. People get little snippets about philosophy through the media and YouTube. It touches on people’s lives in lots of different ways.”

Are philosophers generally a diverse group?

“Philosophy has been dominated by males over the last century or so – and that's true of maths and physics as well. But it’s changing pretty rapidly now, thankfully. Philosophy departments are recognising that women have been excluded or felt unwelcome in the discipline for a long time and have faced barriers to breaking in and those kinds of systemic problems are being taken seriously.”

In honour of world philosophy day on 17 November, Verve sat down with Auckland University’s Associate Professor of Philosophy Matheson Russell for a captivating insight into life’s big questions.

Matheson admits he didn’t even really know what philosophy was when he first went to university in Sydney but took some papers “because it was sort of a done thing for undergraduate art students to do”.

“I wanted to study arts and was interested in learning about history and culture and politics and society. Philosophy was this really great fit for me because it was about the world and big issues that we're facing as humanity. It had this sort of logical, rigorous side to it too, which appealed to my maths-y, science-y brain!”

What would you recommend by way of books and podcasts for the philosophy-curious?

“There's a popular podcast called Philosophy Bites which is hosted by a couple of British philosophers and has short interviews with philosophers for a general audience. It’s a really great way of getting a sense of what philosophers are doing, what they're working on. The hosts of that podcast, David Edmunds and Nigel Warburton, have really nice introductory books to philosophy also. For those interested in ethics and justice, I’d recommend the book Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do? by American political philosopher Michael Sandel.”

While “perennial philosophical questions” such as the nature of truth remain, philosophers, says Matheson, are “changing with the times”, now just as likely to be working on topics like animal consciousness and climate change.

“There's a big debate going on about ethical obligation to future people for instance, which is largely precipitated by the climate crisis and other ecological crises. We're suddenly no longer thinking about human existence as something which is continually improving the world and making the quality of life better for everyone. We recognise that we're in a mass extinction event and the future of humanity is uncertain. These events in the world change the way in which the world around us is changing and poses new questions which is always a stimulus to philosophers.”

And so, it’s the philosopher’s job to respond and contribute to such public debates by using their very specific reasoning and resources.

“That’s what we as philosophers are trained to do, bring to bear these different kinds of ethical theories and perspectives on those kinds of questions.”

“Philosophy was this really great fit for me because it was about the world and big issues that we're facing as humanity.”

IMAGE: MATHESON RUSSELL

Protect, Heal and Renew

When it comes to sun and skincare, there’s no one-formula-fits-all. However, there are some nonnegotiable points to keep in mind when choosing your sunscreen:

 Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection

 A physical block, made with titanium and zinc oxide

 Non-comedogenic (does not clog your pores), paraben-free, fragrance-free, and sensitivity-free

 Free from irritating chemicals that inflame the skin

Prescription Skin Care recommends EltaMD sunscreens for their high protection easy-to-use formulas. EltaMD offers a variety of products for different lifestyles, preferences and needs, and for people of all skin conditions, tones, and types including tinted and non-tinted options.

EltaMD sunscreens are lightweight, have additional ingredients and benefits such as: light weight hydrators ( hyaluronic acid)

pore and redness reducing niacinimide, also helps with acne mineral tints of colour which contain iron oxides to further reflect UV light

KEY FACTS

90% of skin ageing is from UV exposure.

70-80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can get through clouds.

UVA is ultraviolet light that ages the skin. Think A for ageing. This light is present all year round.

UVB is ultraviolet light that burns the skin. Think B for burning. This is strongest between 10am and 4pm.

• Both UVA and UVB contribute to skin ageing, cancerous growths, lines, and wrinkles.

tints reduce the need for foundation antioxidants to strengthen skin resilience

· water resilient options fragrance-free does not clog pores dermatology tested

Check out the full range at prescriptionskincare.co.nz or pop into the clinics (Ponsonby and Remuera) to sample.

“Dermatologists recognise that the most potent cosmeceutical that can prevent and reverse the signs of ageing is sunscreen”

- American Academy of Dermatology

Nature Shields

WORDS— ASHLEE LALA

After a successful 15-year surgical nursing career, Jules Bright (now a naturopath and medical herbalist) founded Earth’s Kitchen to create a natural sunscreen that’s dermatologist tested, water resistant, Reef-safe, and NATRUE-certified – meaning it’s certified completely natural. No surprise it has won 16 global awards.

I decided to give this much celebrated product a go on a Labour Day beach trip with friends. It’s worth taking a moment to grasp the difference between chemical and mineral (aka natural) sunscreens. Think of chemical sunscreens as similar to a sponge soaking up and absorbing the sun’s rays. Mineral sunscreens are more like a protective coat of armour, deflecting the sun’s rays away from the surface of the skin. This coat of armour is made of naturally occurring ingredients like zinc, blitzed into tiny particles that sit on top of the skin to create a protective shield and forest plants protective bio-intelligence. I have quite sensitive skin, so my preference is to opt for a natural sunscreen that’s less likely to cause irritation. A further advantage of natural sunscreens is that they’re effective from the moment they’re applied to the skin, unlike chemical sunscreens, which usually require around 20 minutes to work.

After a good five hours of lounging at the beach and the odd dip in the water, there were happily no sunburns or even slightly pink skin in any of the group. We all diligently reapplied every two hours and immediately after being in the water, which is no burden as Earth’s Kitchen Sunscreen blends into the skin like a dream without leaving greasy spots on clothing. Plus, it smells amazing! One of my friends is a surfer who happily reported that it does not sting the eyes when out in the water. It just works! The group couldn’t believe how nice it felt to apply and how easily it absorbed.

After our successful beach day, I’ve continued using Earth’s Kitchen as my everyday sunscreen in the morning and have it on hand for reapplication during the day. It layers well under my

everyday beauty products without the white cast – important qualities that will keep me reaching for it day after day. I love how hydrating it is, and with so many raw plant and nutrientdense premium ingredients there is no need to apply another moisturiser. It feels like I’m luxuriously treating my skin while protecting it. I’ve even noticed a few little blemishes beginning to disappear, which is no surprise given the ingredients of kawakawa and tamanu, both known for their antiinflammatory properties. In some ways this nourishing formula is more like a facial serum that just happens to have SPF 50.

Earth’s Kitchen Sunscreen is a sunblock that you can comfortably wear, and comfortably rely on. It’s silky soft, concentrated (so a little goes a long way), and has a wonderful fragrance, all while healing and protecting our biggest organ and our ocean life. Sunscreen is the most important part of my skincare routine, and if you’re trying to minimise UV exposureinduced wrinkles for as long as possible, it should be the most important part of yours too.

eksunscreen.com info@eksunscreen.com

Get Smart About Skin

We all know that New Zealand’s sun isn’t the easiest on the skin – that’s why our skin cancer rate is among the highest the in the world.

The blazing sunshine and hole in the ozone layer over New Zealand leads to thousands of people each year suffering from a form of skin cancer.

And yet new research reveals that a concerning number of Kiwis are not prioritising their skin health. A staggering 84% of those surveyed have not had a skin check in the past year; and more than half (52%) have never had one at all. Just 16% get a skin check annually, the frequency recommended by skin specialists.

“It’s worrying to see that many Kiwis are not looking out for their skin and having an annual skin check,” says Dr Sam Mayhew, Skin Institute skin cancer doctor. “This is one of the best ways to protect yourself against skin cancer, along with minimising your sun exposure. It’s really important that

everyone books a skin check, whether or not you think you’re at risk, or have something to be concerned about.”

Despite all the newly available smartphone apps that claim to detect skin cancer, the best way is still by a trained doctor looking at your skin with a DermLite (a device that enables a trained eye to detect skin cancer and other types of skin conditions early).

A key fact about skin cancer is it often starts with a small spot, which, if caught early enough, is more than likely curable. Which is why Skin Institute also offers free spot checks if you just have one or two moles or lesions that seem concerning. Follow-up checks are also often less expensive than the initial consult when you opt to pay for a full body consultation.

“The signs of melanoma vary and are not always obvious,” says Dr Mayhew. “That’s why it’s so important to book in with a skin cancer specialist instead of relying on yourself, and to keep on top

of your health by booking in annually. If caught early enough, skin cancer like melanoma has a good chance of being treated successfully.”

Skin Institute is a multi-disciplinary specialist centre specialising in skin cancer healthcare and treatment including free spot checks, full body skin cancer consultations, skin biopsies and excisions, as well as offering Mohs Micrographic and CCPDMA surgery –the most advanced surgical method of skin cancer removal. It also specialises in appearance medicine, dermatology, and vein treatments.

Kiwis can book a free* spot check or full body skin cancer consultation online at one of Skin Institute's 13 clinics nationwide.

*1-2 moles/lesions of concern identified by the patients prior to appointment.

Stats - Skin Institute Skin Check Survey Oct 2022

Take A Dive

Drift away with this

Neoprene Swimsuit 9. Oséree Lumiere Beach Cover-Up 10. Eres Deesees Selene Cotton-Seersucker Maxi Dress 11+12. Bottega Veneta One-Shoulder Seersucker Bikini 13. Marysia Mini Palm Springs Scalloped Stretch-Crepe Bikini Top 14. Eres Les Essentiels Show Bandeau Bikini Top 15. Zimmermann Lola Terry Towel Fringe-Detail Hooded Dress 16+17. Hunza G + Net Sustain

Rosie Seersucker Bandeau Bikini 18. Magda Butrym Twist-Front Bikini Briefs 19. Alix Pinho La Marina Crocheted Cotton Pareo 20. Hunza G + Net Sustain

Flora Embellished Metallic Seersucker Bandeau Bikini 21. Fendi Cat-Eye Acetate And Gold-Tone Sunglasses 22. Saint Laurent Eyewear Loulou Heart-Shaped Acetate Sunglasses 23. Celine Eyewear Oval-Frame Acetate Sunglasses 24. Pucci Graphic-Print Beach Cover-Up

Mei Lan Else Olivia Rouched One Piece Vital Green 2. Cinnamon Swan Sustainable Bella Fuller Bust Bikini Top & Bella Tie-Side Bikini Bottoms 3. Sunflair Two Piece 4. Infamous Swim Blake Surfsuit in Peach Leapord 5. Olympia One Piece 6. Infamous Swim Radar Scarlet Melon Berry Swimwear 7. Infamous Swim Giselle Luna Iris Swimwear 8. Avokado Bazaruto Black Non Wired Swimsuit 9. Mei Lan NuSwim Pistachio Suit Taupe 10. Infamous Swim Candice One Piece in Daisy Chain Choc 11. Sunflair Bikini Top 12. Opera Bikini Top 13. Cinnamon Swan Sustainable Rever Bandeau Bikini Top and Cleo Classic Bikini Bottoms 14. Opera Bikini 15. Mei Lan NuSwim Seaweed Suit Chocolate 16. Cinnamon Swan Sustainable Meinu Bralette Bikini Top & Meinu Brazilian Bikini Bottoms 17. Mei Lan Else Penelope Bandeau One Piece in Deep Blue 18. Opera Bikini Bottom

hotbodyswimwear.co.nz

Catering to women of all ages, with sizing 6-18 and cup sizes ranging from A to G, they truly do have something for everyone. Verve recently caught up with directors Kelly Acland and Helen Rigden who shared some useful insights.

Searching for swimsuit brands can leave a person drowning in a sea of options. Can you give a quick rundown of label recommendations? We completely understand the feeling of walking into a swimwear shop and feeling overwhelmed! At Hot Body, we

work hard to make the process easy and painless. Our staff really listen to our customers’ individual needs.

We all have things we love and don’t love about our bodies, so finding the perfect swimwear for you as an individual isn’t necessarily connected to one specific brand. We believe that the fit and the way a swimsuit makes you feel is the most important thing, and sometimes that means a collection of brands might be the best option.

Hot Body Swimwear in Newmarket, proudly home to New Zealand’s most extensive range of swim and resort wear, has been helping women find the perfect swimsuit for over 32 years.

We really want women to embrace their curves, flaunt their best assets, and feel gorgeous and confident when they hit the beach or the pool. No more hiding behind that towel!

Do you have any tips on finding the right fit or features that make a great swimsuit?

We have four main mantras when it comes to picking out swimwear:

· Love what you’ve got embrace your favourite features and draw attention to those rather than areas you don’t feel as confident about. Love your cleavage? Try a plunging one piece or a supportive bra with a playful print. Love your legs? Try high-cut bottoms to really show them off.

· Never be afraid to go up a size –swimwear size can differ between brands so ignore the numbers and instead go with what fits right and looks the best.

Mix ‘n’ match tops and bottoms don’t have to match. Mix up your look with different styles and colours, or try our reversible options for when you’re going on holiday and want to pack light.

· Don’t be too critical – we know that swimwear shopping can be nerve wracking, but it’s so important to tone down that little critical voice in your head before you come in. Feel free to bring in a trusted friend to help you with the whole experience.

We also have some great blogs on our website ( hotbodyswimwear.co.nz) with more swimwear tips, and if you’re still feeling unsure you can always book a free one-on-one consultation so you can have one of our swimsuit specialists all to yourself.

How does your outlook on sustainability impact your choice of brands or fabrics?

Hugely! We care about our planet and we analyse our supply chain and the brands that we stock to help reduce waste and minimise our impact. Specifically, we look for brands that use biodegradable bags and packaging to transport our products – rather than plastics that clog up our precious oceans – and we also look for labels that use sustainable practices. Brands like Monte & Lou and Bound create swimwear from incredible quick-dry fabric made from recycled nylon which helps to reduce pre- and post-consumer waste. Cinnamon Swan is another of our favourite brands, crafting their swimwear from plastic bottles –

tidying up our beaches one swimsuit at a time.

We hear that you’re expanding your range of resort wear, cover-ups and accessories. Tell us more about this. Yes we are! We’re very excited to be expanding our range and introducing some fabulous new overseas brands in the coming months. We’ve spent a lot of time sourcing the very best sustainable fabrics, handwoven patterns, vibrant colour combinations and stunning new styles and we can’t wait to show you.

These pieces are not only great for throwing over your favourite swimwear when you go from the beach to the bach, but they can also be styled up for special occasions or worn as everyday wear. Our mailing list subscribers will be the first to know when everything arrives, so make sure you’ve signed up via our website so you don’t miss the launch.

24 Nuffield street, Newmarket 09 529 2040

Our opening hours: Mon - Sat 10:00-5:00, Sun: 10:00-4:00 Instagram: @hotbodyswimwear hotbodyswimwear.co.nz

Dining Guide

3 NUTMEGS

3 Nutmegs cuisine showcases a modern twist of home flavours. By crafting delicious, traditional dishes we give a special flair to the aromas and textures of India, all with the tandoor at the heart of the kitchen.

363 Parnell Road, Parnell 09 302 3636

3nutmegsonline.co.nz

BARULHO

A Spanish-influenced neighbourhood restaurant, tucked away in the back streets of Parnell. Enjoy informal and relaxed dining, with generous, seasonal plates cooked over charcoal and served to share. Sunny outdoor area for afternoon cocktails and tapas. Bookings and latest menu on our website.

2-16 Watt Street, Parnell 09 379 0277 barulhoparnell.com

BODRUM

Bringing a slice of the Mediterranean to your neighbourhood, Bodrum Mission Bay serves a fusion of Greek and Turkish cuisine to fire up your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The perfect venue to celebrate any occasion – we cater for all! Get in quick to book your Christmas or new year function.

81 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay 09 578 1265 bodrum.co.nz

DIVINO

After years of trade and pivoting through the pandemic, Divino has arrived at its present beautiful format. Divino's food is available for takeaway weekdays from 12pm, and its distinctive bar opens at 3pm. There is ONE table for dining in Divino, the Bistro (for a $20 booking fee).

15 Nicholls Lane, Carlaw Park 09 379 3848 0210 2383 007 divino.co.nz

LUPINO

Celebrate summer and Christmas with us at Lupino in Mission Bay. Book now for your festive family or corporate celebration. Enjoy our fine contemporary Italian fare and choose from our menus for large groups – we’ve just launched our spring menu!

97 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay 09 528 5398 lupino.co.nz

MEADOW IN GLENDOWIE

Meadow in Glendowie sits surrounded by parks, schools and a popular cycle route, providing relaxed, easy dining. Open Monday and Tuesday for breakfast and lunch, and Wednesday to Sunday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Allpress coffee from 7.30am daily, together with an enticing cabinet selection to eat in or takeaway.

3 Roberta Ave, Glendowie 09 575 1541 meadowglendowie.co.nz

MEADOW IN MEADOWBANK

Meadow in Meadowbank is a sophisticated, modern bistro and bar taking local neighbourhood dining to the next level. Kick back with a drink and enjoy contemporary and classic fare crafted using fresh seasonal ingredients in an elegant interior with expansive courtyard and a cozy fire.

20 St Johns Road, Meadowbank 09 521 1462

meadowrestaurant.co.nz

RED SHED PALAZZO

From creative breakfasts to well-balanced lunches, enjoy tasty, innovative cuisine in this stylish and relaxed rural eatery nestled amongst beautiful gardens.

16 Jesmond Rd, Karaka 09 294 6687

redshedpalazzo.co.nz

Roti Bros Collab with Cassia

Two limited edition Cassia Roti Pies are now available from Roti Bros Commercial Bay.

Anyone who's dined at Cassia knows how amazing the establishment is which is why we knew a collab with their At Home Range would make for a memorable Roti Pie experience.

Sid and Chand Sahrawat, chef and owners, fell in love with the concept after they tasted their first Roti Pie at the Clevedon Farmers’ Market.

The first limited edition flavour, a Paneer Makhani Roti Pie, uses Cassia's At Home Makhani with a Roti Bros twist.

The second limited edition flavour, Cauliflower Korma Roti Pie, is modelled off their Cauliflower Korma dish with half-cut almonds and the addition of kumara for that touch of sweetness.

Only available from Commercial Bay and Clevedon Farmers Market. They won't be around for long.

Their Commercial Bay pie window is located up the ramp off the Customs Street entrance.

hello@rotibros.co.nz Instagram: @roti_bros

Champagne Cru New Zealand grew from a 2019 visit to France for a goddaughter’s birthday. A few champagne house tours later – particularly the humbler grower, or artisan, champagne producers – and the broad variety of flavours and tastes that exist within the champagne world was revealed. We knew we wanted to bring this experience to New Zealand.

Grower champagne is made by the same people who have grown the grapes. They’ve usually grown grapes for the big champagne houses in the past before deciding to make their own. Supporting grower champagne preserves the unique flavours of champagne that reflect the individual pockets of land on which the grapes grow.

The founder of Champagne Cru Netherlands (and goddaughter’s husband) has spent many weeks scouring the Champagne region to discover the very best undiscovered grower champagne producers. The happy result is now available here in New Zealand for us all to enjoy. Visit champagnecru.co.nz to get your unique grower champagne experience.

Aotearoa in a Glass

What do you think of when you hear the word spring?

At Our Land is Alive, Cordis Auckland’s unique destination bar, refreshing, quenching, and bright come to mind thanks to four new cocktails that have joined its existing eye-catching lineup.

An honest, wholehearted celebration of the New Zealand landscape, interiors are crafted from local materials right down to the benchtops, garnishes, and design elements. This commitment to local extends to food and beverage menus that support leading Kiwi distillers, brewers, and winemakers.

“This spring, we’ve released our very own take on the margarita,” says Lucas Gougeon, Cordis Auckland’s Director of Food and Beverage. “Since we don’t have tequila readily available, and we won’t compromise on our local offering, we got creative. Being able to mix things up like this is pretty cool. It gives us a different offering to your average bar.”

The team uses Black Collar Vodka for the all-new Our Land Margarita ($20), with the delicious Terps & Co tequila-style non-alcoholic offering giving it that taste we all know (and some love). Finally, it’s finished with lime, triple sec liqueur, and agave syrup.

The Berry Blaster ($18) is a quenching mix of Black Collar Vodka, berries, lime, and sugar; the Jungle Julep ($25) is a refreshing mix of brandy, mint and sugar; and the Pineapple Express ($18) is a a sweet mix of Black Collar Spiced Rum, mint, pineapple juice, lime, and grenadine.

Our Land is Alive is a true celebration of our beautiful New Zealand. An idyllic setting for guests to mix and mingle while sampling some of the best locally sourced food and beverages. Inspired by the true beauty of our nation, Our Land is Alive encapsulates the abundance of

Aotearoa’s landscape while bringing people together in a fun, casual, and lively atmosphere.

“Think of Our Land is Alive as your friendly neighbourhood pub with an exclusively Kiwi offering not seen elsewhere in the bar scene,” says Franz Mascarenhas, Cordis Auckland’s Managing Director.

And you don’t have to be an in-house guest of the hotel to visit. Head on over after work for a drink with your team or a weekend tipple and bite to eat in the sun.

Our Land is Alive is open Wednesday and Thursday 3pm-late, and Friday to Sunday 12pm till late.

Taste & Drink

Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on two of the best wines for the month.

With more than 100 vineyards Hawke’s Bay is our second largest winegrowing region. Its warm dry climate and diverse geography makes for kind grape growing conditions in all corners of this multi-faced terrain. Although renowned for its Bordeaux-style red wines most grapes perform well here. Amongst all the wineries in the bay Church Road is the engine room and the site of one of our oldest wineries producing a wide variety of labels.

Here are two with their own textures and tastes that you should try.

’19 Tom Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, RRP $220

This is your chance to buy one of the best blends in the country. Bursting with flavours and framed with food friendly tannins this carefully balanced wine delivers a long and lingering wave of mouth-coating aromas that flow across the palate. Serve with beef, venison, lamb and game.

Eat, Drink, Repeat

Consider yourself a foodie? Check out these European destinations where cuisine is the top tourist attraction.

County of Somerset, UK Bath has a wealth of fine dining experiences, including Menu Gordon Jones and The Olive Tree, plus the ‘seafoodie’ must-visit, The Scallop Shell.

Then there’s the Michelin-starred restaurant-cum-pub The Pony and Trap in Chew Magna, and Osip and Matt’s Kitchen in Bruton, and The Courtyard Restaurant in Wells.

If you’re around in September or December, WestonSuper-Mare hosts the award-winning festival, eat: Weston, that showcases some of the best local producers.

San Sebastian, Spain

Boasting the second highest concentration of Michelin stars per square mile in the world after Kyoto, Japan, plus an array of fine tapas available in the old quarter of the city, this Spanish Basque city is a unique culinary gem.

Seafood is the main appeal for this coastal spot, but the influence of Basque food also plays a major role, with everything from Idiazabal cheese to Espelette peppers and meaty stews, all washed down with the most perfect sangria or cerveza!

Copenhagen, Denmark

’21 Gwen Rose, RRP $25

An appealing full-bodied and concentrated example crafted with a dry and crisp finish that displays lots of floral fruit intensity with plenty of flavour on the palate. Great buying at this price. This is the perfect food and wine match. Serve with seafood, turkey breast, pork, pasta and summer salads.

The city that spawned the 'New Nordic Cuisine' culinary trend – which revolves around using local ingredients and seasonal produce to create simple, elegant dishes, adapted from traditional Nordic techniques – Copenhagen is not only home to the world-famous Noma restaurant (ranked best restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014), it’s also the best place to sample Danish must-try dishes such as pickled herring, Danish cheeses, and the classic Smørrebrød – a Danish open-faced sandwich.

An award-winning rush

Juno’s seasonal gins aren’t a haphazard imagining, rather a thoughtful response to the seasons and Mother Nature’s bounty.

Juno’s seasonal gins aren’t a haphazard imagining, rather a thoughtful response to the seasons and Mother Nature’s bounty.

In 2016, husband- and-wife duo Jo and Dave James began crafting their very first gin (their Extra Fine) and it quickly became apparent that to avoid pinch points in their process, the botanicals sourced for this gin needed to be available year round. Opportunity too however lay in those seasonal botanicals that landed on the cutting room floor, too precious to discard. The potential in them became the impetus for a range of gins that would reflect and celebrate the beauty and changing nature of the seasons.

In 2016, husband- and-wife duo Jo and Dave James began crafting their very first gin (their Extra Fine) and it quickly became apparent that to avoid pinch points in their process, the botanicals sourced for this gin needed to be available year round. Opportunity too however lay in those seasonal botanicals that landed on the cutting room floor, too precious to discard. The potential in them became the impetus for a range of gins that would reflect and celebrate the beauty and changing nature of the seasons.

The flavours derived from the botanicals used in Juno gins come in many guises be they roots, shoots, leaves, seeds, fruits, peel or pith which, depending on how they are processed (think dried, fresh, cut, peeled, ground etc) determine the resulting flavours. Once in the still these botanicals have a modifying effect on each other whereby for example, the burnt sugar notes present in Chilean guava disappear to reveal high floral notes when distilled together with gentian root. So nuanced and intricate is this process that one might just believe it the work of alchemy.

The flavours derived from the botanicals used in Juno gins come in many guises be they roots, shoots, leaves, seeds, fruits, peel or pith which, depending on how they are processed (think dried, fresh, cut, peeled, ground etc) determine the resulting flavours. Once in the still these botanicals have a modifying effect on each other whereby for example, the burnt sugar notes present in Chilean guava disappear to reveal high floral notes when distilled together with gentian root. So nuanced and intricate is this process that one might just believe it the work of alchemy.

At Juno the calendar year starts with summer and it was a timely gift of Seville oranges that provided inspiration for Juno’s 2022 summer gin. The defining qualities of this gin are bitter and dry, like a good Seville orange. Processed in just the right way before it is added to the still, it is the orange that also imparts a juicy freshness to the gin, revealed only with the addition of the mixer to the glass. As with the summer label by artist Victoria Pickles this gin conjures up images of lazy summer afternoons spent beneath endless blue skies on the Spanish coast. The aptly named ‘Thyme to Shine’ cocktail made with this summer gin is a spritz-inspired, vibrant affair with a base of orange and thyme syrup finished off with blood orange soda.

At Juno the calendar year starts with summer and it was a timely gift of Seville oranges that provided inspiration for Juno’s 2022 summer gin. The defining qualities of this gin are bitter and dry, like a good Seville orange. Processed in just the right way before it is added to the still, it is the orange that also imparts a juicy freshness to the gin, revealed only with the addition of the mixer to the glass. As with the summer label by artist Victoria Pickles this gin conjures up images of lazy summer afternoons spent beneath endless blue skies on the Spanish coast. The aptly named ‘Thyme to Shine’ cocktail made with this summer gin is a spritz-inspired, vibrant affair with a base of orange and thyme syrup finished off with blood orange soda.

is part of one of Juno’s core philosophies (Make it Right) and one which guides their decision making. Consulting with bar owners and managers, customers and liquor stores, having conversations before they begin developing new products provides invaluable and often unexpected insights. In the case of the seasonal range however the pair proceeded with their decision to package the gin in unconventional 200ml bottles despite the feedback they received which suggested otherwise. The theory goes that if you’re served a big meal you’ll eat it all and it’s the same with gin, buy a big bottle and you’re more likely to drink more of it. Selling smaller bottles fits well with Juno’s stance on responsible drinking and from a brand perspective it reflects their position within the premium gin category. Additionally, the concept of seasonal gins ignites in customers a curiosity about the impact experimenting with botanicals has on the end product.

is part of one of Juno’s core philosophies (Make it Right) and one which guides their decision making. Consulting with bar owners and managers, customers and liquor stores, having conversations before they begin developing new products provides invaluable and often unexpected insights. In the case of the seasonal range however the pair proceeded with their decision to package the gin in unconventional 200ml bottles despite the feedback they received which suggested otherwise. The theory goes that if you’re served a big meal you’ll eat it all and it’s the same with gin, buy a big bottle and you’re more likely to drink more of it. Selling smaller bottles fits well with Juno’s stance on responsible drinking and from a brand perspective it reflects their position within the premium gin category. Additionally, the concept of seasonal gins ignites in customers a curiosity about the impact experimenting with botanicals has on the end product.

Artwork by Jessica Rozencwajk set the tone for the autumn gin. It is an olfactory imagining of friendship and shared activities, the coastline, pockets heavy with foraged beach treasure, a classic Kiwi bach flanked by a wee domestic garden whose weeds hide lavender and lemon, impervious to neglect and the salt air. This is a story about the power of imagination and how our sense of smell taps into this. The botanicals in this gin include manuka, cabbage tree and horopito, a carefully collated collection of New Zealand natives. The addition of wakame seaweed is a salty nod to the coastline and the lavender and lemon peel an ode to the windswept domestic garden by the sea. ‘Off the Beaten Track’ is the cocktail that showcases the smoky, saltiness of this autumn gin, rounded out by the earthy bush notes of maple syrup and ginger root.

Artwork by Jessica Rozencwajk set the tone for the autumn gin. It is an olfactory imagining of friendship and shared activities, the coastline, pockets heavy with foraged beach treasure, a classic Kiwi bach flanked by a wee domestic garden whose weeds hide lavender and lemon, impervious to neglect and the salt air. This is a story about the power of imagination and how our sense of smell taps into this. The botanicals in this gin include manuka, cabbage tree and horopito, a carefully collated collection of New Zealand natives. The addition of wakame seaweed is a salty nod to the coastline and the lavender and lemon peel an ode to the windswept domestic garden by the sea. ‘Off the Beaten Track’ is the cocktail that showcases the smoky, saltiness of this autumn gin, rounded out by the earthy bush notes of maple syrup and ginger root.

The winter gin is inspired by a collaboration with Three Sisters Brewery who are in the throes of making a fortified beer featuring dandelion root and burdock, two quite powerful botanicals. Balancing the strength of these botanicals became central to the development of this gin and ultimately it was smoked gorse and meadowsweet which turned out to be the missing pieces in the puzzle. When these botanicals finally unite in the still they result in an earthy celebration of winter weeds, like standing in a frosty field on an early winter morning. The distinctive label by Hiroaki Teraoka lends to this gin an enchanting, slightly witchy element which is echoed in the cocktail ‘Great Birnam Wood’ in which it is featured. Blueberry syrup colours this cocktail a beautiful inky purple and the generous serve of gin and lemon juice make it reminiscent of a gin sour. Flaming rosemary finish this cocktail off as its smoky notes are captured in the glass. This is one to impress the guests.

The winter gin is inspired by a collaboration with Three Sisters Brewery who are in the throes of making a fortified beer featuring dandelion root and burdock, two quite powerful botanicals. Balancing the strength of these botanicals became central to the development of this gin and ultimately it was smoked gorse and meadowsweet which turned out to be the missing pieces in the puzzle. When these botanicals finally unite in the still they result in an earthy celebration of winter weeds, like standing in a frosty field on an early winter morning. The distinctive label by Hiroaki Teraoka lends to this gin an enchanting, slightly witchy element which is echoed in the cocktail ‘Great Birnam Wood’ in which it is featured. Blueberry syrup colours this cocktail a beautiful inky purple and the generous serve of gin and lemon juice make it reminiscent of a gin sour. Flaming rosemary finish this cocktail off as its smoky notes are captured in the glass. This is one to impress the guests.

Jade Turner’s pink and orangehued artwork which wraps around the bottle of Juno’s spring gin beautifully captures frivolity and light-heartedness, sentiments which became the building blocks of this blushing pink gin. Centre-stage in this gin are peppermint, grown in Jo’s own garden and New Zealand grown raspberries from Little Beauties. The peppermint, not to be confused with garden mint, is slightly hairy and when distilled is reminiscent of the mint you’d find in peppermint slice. ‘Pitcher Perfect’, the spring cocktail featuring this 2022 seasonal gin is a beautifully refreshing yet simple drink made with homemade lemonade, soda and mint leaves. Like a pink lemonade made fancy.

Jade Turner’s pink and orangehued artwork which wraps around the bottle of Juno’s spring gin beautifully captures frivolity and light-heartedness, sentiments which became the building blocks of this blushing pink gin. Centre-stage in this gin are peppermint, grown in Jo’s own garden and New Zealand grown raspberries from Little Beauties. The peppermint, not to be confused with garden mint, is slightly hairy and when distilled is reminiscent of the mint you’d find in peppermint slice. ‘Pitcher Perfect’, the spring cocktail featuring this 2022 seasonal gin is a beautifully refreshing yet simple drink made with homemade lemonade, soda and mint leaves. Like a pink lemonade made fancy.

‘Nothing about people without people’

‘Nothing about people without people’

Rich and Thick Lamb Curry

Every trip to Kolkata should include a visit to Golbari in Shyam Bazar, an establishment famous for its kosha mangsho. The lamb pieces are cooked with spices over a long period of time, making the gravy thick and intensely rich and delicious. Everyone who makes kosha mangsho aspires to achieve this flavour, as it’s difficult to forget once you’ve tried it. The dish is a firm favourite served up at most weddings and family gatherings. Traditionally, the wedding meal is served on a banana leaf. Rows and rows of banana leaves will be laid out

on long tables and servers come round with silver dishes to serve the guests. Several sittings will take place in the evening to accommodate everyone. There will be a pinch of salt (as Benaglis love to add salt to their meal when eating), chillies and lemon or lime. It’s a clever novelty: cheap, because of the vast numbers of banana trees in India; eco-friendly; and easy to dispose of with very little to wash up (a boon as we have such large numbers at weddings).

Ingredients Method

750g lamb leg, deboned, cut into 3-cm cubes

3 tablespoons mustard oil or rapeseed (canola) oil

1 bay leaf

5 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

1 black cardamom pod, lightly crushed

5 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

2 dried red chillies

1 whole mace

2 onions, finely chopped

½ teaspoon sugar

1-cm piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 garlic clove, grated

250g chopped tomatoes, mashed into a chunky, thick paste

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon chilli powder

1½ teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon Bengali Garam Masala

1 teaspoon ghee

For the marinade

1 onion, roughly chopped

1-cm piece of fresh ginger, peeled

1 garlic clove, peeled

3 tablespoons Greek-style yoghurt

1 tablespoon mustard oil or rapeseed (canola) oil

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon Bengali Garam Masala

Recipe extracted from Kolkata by Rinku Dutt, Smith Street Books, Distributed by Thames & Hudson RRP $60.50, available now

Blitz the onion, ginger and garlic for the marinade in a blender until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl, add the remaining marinade ingredients and combine. Add the lamb cubes and mix really well, ensuring all the pieces are well coated in the marinade. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 6 hours (overnight is ideal).

Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan over a medium heat. Add the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, dried chillies and the mace, stir gently and let the aromas release. After 1 minute, stir in the onions and sugar. Cover the pan and cook until the onions lightly brown, stirring occasionally. Add the ginger and stir for 1 minute, then add the garlic and cook for a further minute. Add the tomatoes, increase the heat to medium–high and bring to a simmer.

Cook for 2 minutes, then add the marinated lamb and mix well. Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and salt, stir well and cook over a high heat for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to stop it sticking to the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 30 minutes, letting the gravy gently simmer. Stir every 10 minutes.

Remove the lid, sprinkle the garam masala around the dish and stir well. Re-cover and cook for a further 15 minutes.

Remove the lid and increase the heat to high. Cook until the remaining gravy condenses and the oil starts to release, then add the ghee and stir. Cook for a final 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Remove from the heat and cover until ready to serve. Serve with rice.

Lentil Cakes in Gravy

This has to be one of my favourite vegetarian dishes of all time. It is a Satvic recipe (no garlic or onions are used in it), so is a popular dish for religious festivities. It does require patience to make it, as it’s a long process with two stages of cooking, but

Ingredients

For the lentil cakes

250g Bengal gram lentils (chana dal), soaked in water overnight

1 tablespoon desiccated (dried unsweetened shredded) coconut

2-cm piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 green chilli, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon asafoetida

½ teaspoon carom seeds

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon rapeseed (canola) oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

vegetable oil, for greasing and shallow frying

2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour

For the gravy

2 tablespoons mustard oil

2 potatoes, peeled and quartered

1½ teaspoons cumin seeds

1 bay leaf

1 cinnamon stick

4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed

2.5-cm piece of fresh ginger, grated

2 tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon Bengali Garam Masala

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon sugar

1 green bird’s eye chilli, slit lengthways

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1 teaspoon ghee

Recipe extracted from Kolkata by Rinku Dutt, Smith Street Books, Distributed by Thames & Hudson RRP $60.50, available now

the results are so worth it. This dish was usually made when my parents had invited guests for dinner and we would look forward to the leftovers the next day, when the lentil cakes had absorbed more of the gravy.

Method

Start with the lentil cakes. Drain the soaked lentils and put them in a blender along with the coconut, ginger, chilli, asafoetida, carom seeds, ground cumin, sugar and salt. Add about 5 tablespoons of water and blend to a semi-coarse mixture. Do not make the paste too smooth or the lentil cakes will break when frying.

Heat a karai or wok over a medium heat and add the tablespoon of rapeseed oil. When hot, add the cumin seeds and cook until the aromas release. Carefully add the spice paste – it will sizzle. Cook for 6 minutes, stirring constantly to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. The mixture will begin to thicken as the water evaporates. Continue to stir until the mixture starts to look like a dough, then remove from the heat.

Oil the work surface with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Place the lentil mixture on the surface and use a straight-edged spatula to flatten it out into a square shape, about 2cm thick. Smooth out the edges and top. Carefully divide the square into 20 equal small squares and gently separate each one on the work surface.

Heat enough oil for shallow-frying in a karai, wok or deep frying pan (skillet).

Meanwhile, put the flour in a small bowl and add 6 tablespoons of water. Mix to a thin white paste.

When the oil is hot, take a lentil square and dip it in the flour paste. Ensure is well coated, then gently lower it into the hot oil. Repeat with all the lentil squares, ensuring you don’t add too many in one go. Fry for about 4 minutes until the lentil cakes begin to turn a golden colour. Remove from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain.

Repeat until all the lentil cakes are cooked and set them aside.

Smoky Chargrilled Eggplant

BEGUN PORA

Some say this is the Bengali version of baba ganoush. The dish is smoky and little spicy, and also pungent and crunchy with the onions. Many regions in India have their own version, and they can involve quite a few ingredients, but this one is simple and allows the eggplant to be the star of the show.

Surprisingly, I never liked this dish when I was growing up, but now it’s a dish we make quite regularly as a family, especially in the summer when we can put the eggplant on the barbecue to chargrill.

Ingredients

2 eggplant (aubergines)

1 tablespoon mustard oil

½ white onion, finely chopped

5-mm piece of fresh ginger, very thinly sliced into strips

1 handful of chopped coriander (cilantro)

1 green bird’s eye chilli, finely chopped

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

To serve Rooti sliced onions

Recipe extracted from Kolkata by Rinku Dutt, Smith Street Books, Distributed by Thames & Hudson RRP $60.50, available now

Method

Wash the eggplant and dry them with kitchen paper. Score 5 slits, about 5mm deep, into each eggplant lengthways. Brush each with a little of the oil.

If you have a gas hob, very carefully place each eggplant directly on the flame of a burner and cook, turning regularly with tongs, until the skin becomes charred all over. If you don’t have a gas hob, this can be done over a barbecue. Remove from the heat and place in a bowl. Cover the bowl with a lid and leave to cool.

When the eggplant are cool enough to be handled, carefully pull away the skins and discard. Take care not to take too much of the flesh off with the skin. Place the eggplant flesh on a chopping board and roughly chop into very small pieces – you want it to be rather mushy. Transfer to a bowl, then add the remaining ingredients and mix well, adding salt to taste.

Serve at room temperature with rooti and sliced onions.

Pounded Rice with Vegetables

CHIRER PILAU

West Bengal is famous for its paddy fields and rice cultivation. Rice is a staple in Kolkata and there are so many different varieties. Basmati rice is most commonly known, but we tend to use different kinds for different dishes. In this recipe we use chirey or chira , which is parboiled rice that has been pounded

flat and dried – you may find this sold as ‘rice flakes’ or under any of the following names: chir, chirey, poha, powa or pawa . It’s used in many snack dishes, but this breakfast dish is one of my favourites, as it’s so vibrant to look at and can have a variety of vegetables added to it – a perfect way to use up vegetables in the fridge.

Method

1 potato, peeled and cut into 1-cm cubes

1 carrot, peeled and cut into 1-cm cubes

1 handful of green beans, topped and tailed and cut into 1-cm pieces

125–150g cauliflower, cut into the tiniest florets

100g frozen peas

250g (2 generous cups) pounded rice (use the medium/ thick type only)

2 tablespoons rapeseed (canola) oil

1½ teaspoons black mustard seeds

1 white onion, finely chopped 1-cm piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 teaspoon sugar

1 green bird’s eye chilli (or regular chilli to tone down the heat), slit lengthways

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

1 tablespoon whole redskin peanuts

1 tablespoon raisins

1 tablespoon chopped coriander (cilantro), including stalks

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice salt

Recipe extracted from Kolkata by Rinku Dutt, Smith Street Books, Distributed by Thames & Hudson RRP $60.50, available now

Blanch the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 3 minutes, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.

Repeat the above step with the rest of the chopped vegetables, including the frozen peas, then drain and set aside in a separate bowl.

Place the pounded rice in a colander and wash it carefully, running it under gently flowing cold water for about 30 seconds. Leave to drain.

In the same pan used for blanching, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over a medium heat. When hot, gently add the parboiled potatoes and cook for 4 minutes, allowing all sides to lightly brown. Remove the potatoes and return them to the bowl.

Add the remaining oil to the pan, then add the mustard seeds. When they start to crackle, add the onion and ginger. Stir well so they don’t stick to the pan. Add the sugar and chilli, and cook until the onions become translucent. Add the potatoes, blanched vegetables, turmeric and 1½ teaspoons of salt, and mix well. Carefully add the drained pounded rice, peanuts, raisins and coriander, and mix very gently so that the pounded rice doesn’t break up. Cook for a further 4 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Drizzle the lemon juice over just before serving and enjoy.

Ingredients

Bengali-Style French Toast

DIM PAURUTI

Ask most college students or officegoers and they will all have their own favourite kakur dokaner dim pauruti (uncle’s shop egg and bread). This is a popular morning street food that people from all walks of life eat, be they taxi or delivery drivers about to start their shifts, students, office workers or tourists. There are many variations of the history of this dish, but as

it is very similar to French toast, many say it dates to colonial times. Traditionally, milk bread is used, which has a sweet taste similar to brioche. I have fond memories of eating dim pauruti on shiny silver paper plates at a café on Camac Street, just as the saree shops were opening, surrounded by all the office workers quickly eating up to get to work on time.

Ingredients

4 thick slices of brioche loaf

4 eggs

½ red onion, finely chopped

1 handful of finely chopped coriander (use the stalks too –they’re full of flavour)

1 chilli, finely chopped 3-mm piece of fresh ginger, grated (about ¼ teaspoon)

2 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon rapeseed (canola) oil ketchup, to serve

Recipe extracted from Kolkata by Rinku Dutt, Smith Street Books, Distributed by Thames & Hudson RRP $60.50, available now

Method

Toast the brioche slices to lightly brown each side and set aside. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk, then add all of the other ingredients except the butter and oil.

Heat the butter and oil in a medium-large frying pan (skillet) (large enough to fit all the brioche slices in a single layer, although you can cook them individually if you wish) over a medium heat for about 1 minute, then gently pour the egg mixture into the pan. Cook for 1 minute, then place the brioche toasts on top of the egg mixture in each quarter of the pan, making sure they don’t overlap.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and leave to cook for a further 4 minutes until the mixture has fully cooked through.

With a wooden spatula, cut the brioche omelette into quarters between each toast, if needed.

Serve two toasts on each plate with the cooked egg side facing upwards. Squeeze a bit of ketchup onto the side of the plate and enjoy!

Art Collecting 101

Primary vs secondary markets

IMAGE: JAMES GILRAY, A PEEP AT CHRISTIES; –OR–TALLY-HO & HIS NIMENY-PIMENEY TAKING THE MORNING LOUNGE , (1796)

Dealer galleries work directly with artists and represent what is known as the primary market space. This refers to where the first sale of an artwork happens. The secondary market, most commonly auction houses, deals with resale and typically with artists who have a substantial reputation.

Buying from galleries (the primary market) is possibly the best bet for everyone involved: the artist receives the major cut of the selling price and, for a collector with an eye on the future, the work will probably never be found at this price again, especially for emerging artists. Buying from the primary market is a mark of confidence for an artist, you’re supporting their career, acknowledging that they have something interesting to say, and putting money back into the artist so they can continue to make work and develop their practice. For the gallery involved it is something similar.

While galleries do take a commission – which is how they stay in business – much of the work that goes on behind the scenes to help develop an artist’s career is supported by the gallery. Those catalogues you see? Paid for by the gallery. The frames surrounding a young artist’s work? Probably paid for by an advance from the gallery. The galleries do it because they believe in the artist and their practice, they’re in it for the long haul. Most dealers are happy to enthusiastically talk about their artists’ work if you drop in, giving you background and also the inside track on why they believe in the practice. Build a relationship and they’ll work to find you the perfect piece. You’ll also often get a chance to meet the artist and talk with them about the work you’re buying. If you’re a collector and want to support the critically important foundation layer of art practice and those who help broker it into the mainstream, then the primary market is where you want to put your attention, and therefore your money.

Auctions, or secondary market spaces, are more complex. While the law has recently changed to offer artists a 5% royalty (less deductions) by the end of 2024 when their work is re-sold, this remains the worst deal for the original

creators. The benefit for collectors is in being able to access works no longer available through the primary market, especially if you don’t mind paying for the privilege. If you have your heart set on acquiring a particular artist’s work, sign up to auction house mailing lists to hear about upcoming auctions and receive links to online catalogues. Check if they will send a print catalogue also, these are often lavishly illustrated and great to have around to look through and compare. Some of the works considered highlights of each auction will have a short essay. Typically commissioned from respected art world critics and curators, these can offer some context and a key to unlocking the work, artist, and where the work sits within an artist’s practice.

As always, be smart. Look online to see what comparable works have gone for at previous auctions. If you can’t get to a viewing, send someone along to check the condition of the artwork and frame (if applicable), looking out for any damage. Consider the scale of artwork and if the colours have been faithfully transmitted in the print or digital catalogue. You can request a condition report, but as the buyer the onus is on you to be satisfied before purchase –auction houses sell ‘as is’. In the case of editions, check with the artist’s gallery first, even if the work is several years old. I’ve seen works go for far more at auction even when I know that the gallery still has an edition or two left and is selling them at lower prices. Decided on an artwork? Bid in the room or online, but make sure you’ve registered and have all your details in place well before the auction, and bear in mind a buyer’s premium is added to the hammer price. Remember that, as was the case with the recent BNZ collection, prices can go well beyond their estimate. The auction market is a parallel art world within which hope springs eternal, but try to remain a follower of art, not simply the market.

Kelly Carmichael is director of Starkwhite Queenstown, and a nominator and researcher for the International Award for Public Art.

The New Zealand art market is thriving and the global art boom continues. But where should you look to buy?

The Art of November

CURATED BY AIMÉE RALFINI

With our gift-giving season around the corner, and the frenzy that goes with it, one can always find peace of mind in a gallery. November’s featured galleries are dotted around Tāmaki Makaurau, offering respite from the pre-holiday madness, no matter where you are.

On until 26 November

Sylvia Marsters – E Moemoea Naku, A Dream of Mine, brings the artist’s practice full circle as lush tropical hibiscus paintings are presented alongside her iconic gardenia canvases. For much of her youth, the artist was thrilled with tales of her father’s island in the Pacific, stories that ultimately became represented by the flora that she paints. Elements of realism blend with concepts of romanticism and perceptions of Pacific fantasy in these

new compositions, structuring a sense of serenity and compelling attraction. Stand in front of a Marsters painting and allow the colour, texture and form to propel you into a state of fantastic hyper-experience, a rich blend of fantasy, reality and experience.

3/582 Karangahape Road (entrance via 2 Newton Road), Grey Lynn. More info at bergmangallery.com

Bergman Gallery Auckland

E Moemoea Naku, A Dream of Mine

Sylvia Marsters

ARTWORK: SYLVIA MARSTERS, AKATERE, COUTRESY OF BERGMAN GALLERY

Te Tuhi

Red Teddy

Roman Mitch

On until 13 November

Roman Mitch is a cerebral playmaker, pocket painter and friendly interdisciplinarian. His research interests focus on the relationships between conceptual art and the computational from a Māori perspective.

“Red Teddy has just got thrown on the roof of the cabin. The incident is both hysterically funny and very upsetting. To stop the cry-laugh-cry-cry-laughcry-laugh-laugh cycle, I have enlisted the assistance of a bamboo pole to fish Red Teddy off the roof. I see the patterns on the customised computer cases as a form of communication, i.e. spray painting them using the various vents as masking tāhua. This creates a surface appearance that sometimes approximates either a ‘carbon fibre’ or ‘camo’ or ‘snakeskin’ effect.”

– Roman Mitch 2018

13 Reeves Road, Pakuranga More info at tetuhi.art

On until 27 November

Linda Va’aelua, a notable emerging Pacific artist is making a splash with her practice. Va’aelua explores the duality of the cultures she was brought up around; Samoan and Scottish. Her colour choices are often vibrant and unexpected, referencing the brightly painted buses of Samoa, and tropical foliage. Using sack cloth as her canvas, the artist amplifies malu patterns by juxtaposing them on recycled, tartanlike bags.

Alexander Cafe Art is an artist-led initiative and facilitated by local South Auckland artists Iokapeta MageleSuamasi and Andy Leleisi'uao in partnership with Alexander Cafe owners Lama Saga, Tua Lefono and Rick Quinlan.

4/100 Alexander Crescent, Ōtara Follow on Instagram: @thealexandercafe

On until 27 November

Prior to developing his practice in freestanding and kinetic sculpture, New Zealand sculptor Ray Haydon worked as a jeweller and furnituremaker, meticulously crafting works whose undulating abstract forms evoke the energy of the Pacific Ocean. Haydon mostly works with bronze and stainless steel and is self-taught. His work is in the collection of the Wallace Trust, Auckland, and private collections around the world.

"With a career spanning more than twenty years, artist and sculptor Ray Haydon is now considered a totara of the New Zealand art world. His exhibition, Voyage , reflects the significant diversity in his work; combining a suite of newly developed colourful forms, with his classical ribbon-like reliefs in bronze, carbon fibre and wood”.

– Excerpt from essay by Sian Abel

2 Kent Street, Osborne Lane, Newmarket More info at sanderson.co.nz

Studio One Toi Tū

Oasis/ Respite

Edith Amituanai, Louie Bretaña, Marc Conaco, Falencie Filipo, House of Givenchy, Samora Kake, Sione Monu, Manu Vea, Jamie Waititi

10 November – 8 December

In alignment with Trans Awareness Week, Studio One Toi Tū will be providing a physical space where folks are welcome to pop in for some time out and enjoy a selection of art, curated into an offering that feels like a home away from home. Oasis/Respite will host works by artists from the trans community, the wider LGBTQ+ community and their allies, with a focus on trans stories.

Studio One Toi Tū’s usual brick residence is temporarily closing on 19-October for seismic strengthening. They're moving to a new gallery space at 238 Karangahape Road and will continue running workshops, courses and events around the central city.

238 Karangahape Road, Newton More info at studioone.org.nz

The Alexander Café

Sum of the Parts Linda Va'aelua

Sanderson Contemporary Voyage Ray Haydon

Nature Falls

Q&A with artist Mark Wooller

WORDS— AIMÉE RALFINI

Mark

His palette has a historical tungsten hue, the paintings often portraying local landmarks and place names in a way one might imagine a visual description of a map someone might produce upon arriving to a new land.

Based in beautiful Matakana, Wooller’s studio resides amongst his garden and native bush on a three-acre section. Curious to find out more, I devised some questions to discover more about the man behind these whimsically descriptive paintings.

Can you tell us about the significance of your studio and home?

My studio and garden are integral parts of my art practice. I arrived here 23 years ago to a field of pasture, like a blank canvas. Today, my studio sits above orchards, sub-tropical and perennial beds.

Replanting and restoring the native bush has been a steady process. Recreating the biodiversity from mosses, ferns and climbers has been a major project which gives me much inspiration for my work and is an important way of respecting the whenua.

What influences the compositional approach in your work? I’m inspired by the colours of the landscape around, the greens of the bush – so many different greens, from the green blues of the vines to the buttery greens of young kauri foliage. The blues of the Waitematā changing by hour and reflecting.

I started painting at around 10 years of age. My learning came through observations. My parents regularly took me to the Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery. At that time, in the early 1970s, Colin McCahon and other prominent artists like as Don Binney, Hone Papita Raukura (Ralph) Hōtere were exhibited.

I suffered at a young age from stuttering, and soon realised that language and the spoken word was not going in my direction. Art soon became my passionate and outlet, a way of expression. At school art was the subject I excelled at. Even though my dream was to attend university to pursue art, my academic side let me down.

Instead, I chose a trade, that being gardening. The painting always continued alongside working in the tree nursery. I had my first exhibition of my work in a flat in Herne Bay in 1984 and have been painting and exhibiting ever since. I started painting full time in 1998.

Your work serves as historic documentation of sorts, what spurred this interest for you?

As Tāngata Tiriti, my heritage in Aotearoa New Zealand is from the 1880s onwards. My ancestors in NZ were builders, housepainters. I grew up in Te Atatū, where the Waitākere were our backdrop and framed all the landscape vistas. Much time was spent in the bush, waterfalls, and beaches of the west coast.

“Having my hands equally dirty from painting to soil under my nails gives me balance.”

Titirangi was like an artistic mythical place to me as a child, with so many creative types. It felt so different to the Pākehā culture of Te Atatū in the 1970s.

You use original Māori place names in many of your works, how did this come about and how do you find out what the names are?

The use of te reo Māori place names in my work is important. Te reo is beautiful in its ability to express so much about the place, a time, and usage of the location. For example, Waiwhakaata, we have so much to learn from its meaning of ‘water reflecting image’, rather than the European named Freemans Bay. Especially, prominent when early Auckland used the bay as a rubbish tip and then covered the bay entirely, highlighting Western notions of land use.

The map works series of paintings often reference the original survey maps where the original Māori names have been recorded, often phonetically. Using the original names gives the chance to explore and learn the meaning of why names have altered and why it is now time to return to the original names where possible. These paintings blend history, place, and connection. I love to reimagine how landscapes once looked. Large stands of kauri to the foreshore, palms and ferns cloth mountainsides.

Your latest series for the Auckland Art Fair depicts many water falls, what do these waterfalls represent?

The waterfalls are abstract and not based on any particular location. Their form is also influenced by McCahon. McCahon made reference of CA Cotton’s book of geomorphology and here, I have also resourced the book. Reading and looking at the images the book contains, I use this as a point to launch from. How would I be inspired to create an artwork from a book that the giant of NZ art also referenced, what would I make, what would I see, this is the result.

Black Door Gallery is pleased to present a suite of new paintings by Mark Wooller at the upcoming Aotearoa Art Fair, which will be held at the Cloud, Auckland (November 16-20). The artists new works feature waterfalls which cascade over amorphous regions of native bush, within Woollers signature depiction of untouched land, cloaked in dense primeval foliage.

For more information contact Black Door Gallery blackdoorgallery.co.nz/mark-wooller Follow the artist on Instagram: @mwooller

The balance between human and nature; constancy and change, natural and constructed, have long interested Wooller and he illustrates these contemplations through the contrasts of words and landscape.

The

of

In Awe of Nature

WORDS— MILLY NOLAN

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGUS YOUNG

“I feel much more relaxed and serene here, and I think this has transferred into my art,” says Frédérique. “I was more stressed living in Asia, and you can see this in my paintings during that time. Even the colours are different now, more aligned with nature and what I’m seeing and feeling.”

Born in Nancy on the northeast of France, Frédérique has lived all over the world, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Hong Kong and

Singapore. She arrived in New Zealand with her husband for a job opportunity at the end of 2019, and has a studio in Point Chevalier.

“We’d spent 10 years in Asia with our children and had no idea what to expect, but instantly fell in love with Aotearoa. The open skies, the changing colours, and the intensity of the light here are all so incredible.”

Despite having lived in many countries, life in New Zealand has made an everlasting impression on French-born artist, Frédérique Stref Its unique landscape has influenced her art hugely over the last couple of years.

Best described as abstract, Frédérique uses a unique creative method called ‘encaustic’, a technique in which pigments are mixed with hot liquid wax. She first stumbled across this process in an art gallery in Amsterdam. The sensuous texture of the medium struck a chord with her, reminiscent of her father’s glassmaking: “Time spent in his studio are among my most cherished childhood memories.” The texture and radiance of encaustic suited her sensory nature. “I find the result very interesting,” she says. “I love the idea of working with texture so much more than what paint alone allows. I can achieve a lot more depth, light or contrast. The encaustic method creates something far more profound and much more aligned with what I see in nature. It’s like the wax gives material form to the images I envision. It’s a very time-consuming process though and requires much patience!”

The unique sensitivity and physicality of encaustic wax is unlike any other medium and does not always respond faithfully to the artist’s creative effort, leaving part of the creative process open to chance. “It takes a long time to get the colours correct, and some works may take me anywhere from three weeks to three months to perfect,” she says.

Nature aside, Frédérique’s daughter has also been an inspiration over the last few years while she was unable to see her in person due to travel restrictions, as she lives in Paris. “There are many pieces I’ve done where I was thinking of my daughter,” says Frederique. “We were in touch over the phone obviously, but not being able to see her was incredibly hard and it was frustrating not to be there at important moments of her life. These Covid

years have been tough, not being able to be with people I love, my pillars, my posts. We were robbed of so much time.” Yet equally, Frédérique expresses how grateful she is that she was able to use lockdown to truly immerse herself in nature and absorb the environment around her. “It was a time for introspection and solitude and a time to create,” she says. “I’m really, truly grateful to have had this experience here in New Zealand because it has really touched me in a profound manner. I feel gifted and spoiled to be able to live here and experience life in this way. I love going to the beach and picking up on the vibration and sounds of the ocean and its power. With this open heart, I’ve been able to receive everything I've been missing previously.”

Frédérique’s latest exhibition was held on Point Chevalier beach and was a wonderful success. For now, she’s focussing on new pieces and also counting down the days until her daughter and three stepchildren join her and her husband for Christmas: “We’re super impatient to be able to finally share where we are been living with our children. My paintings that I’ve created while living here express all the feelings that I have felt over the last few years of absence: love, gratitude, hope, humility, and patience.”

View Frédérique’s work at Ligne Roset Showroom 299 Great North Road, Auckland or frederiquestref.com and contact her at art.frederique@gmail.com

ARTWORK: 7 SQUARE MILES - REVISED

“The open skies, the changing colours, and the intensity of the light here are all so incredible.”

9-20 JANUARY 2023

Join us in January 2023 for more exciting, informative summer school courses, developed to inspire your art making. Our workshops cater for a wide range of abilities and experiences

Join us in January 2023 for more exciting, informative summer school courses, developed to inspire your art making. Our workshops cater for a wide range of abilities and experiences

Jo Dalgety, watercolour

See our website to book: www.browne.school.nz

194 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland. info@browne.school.nz

Celebrate The Art of Giving this Season

Situated in the heart of Newmarket, Ngaire delights in finding amazing works of art for her loyal and new clients with new exhi bitions each month. Working from the same location for the past 9 years at 19A Osborne Street in Newmarket has offered a wonderful sense of community and visitors from around the country pop in regularly to see what is being exhibited. Come and celebrate our anniversary during the months of November and December and choose from a wide variety of art and sculpture to celebrate the Festive Season.

19A Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 +64 21 415 449 Tue - Fri 10:30 - 4:00 Sat - Sun 10:30 - 3:00 Email: info@artselect.gallery Web:www.artselect.gallery Social: artselectgallery

ARTIS Gallery to present Samoan artists Fatu Feu’u & Andy Leleisi’uao at the Aotearoa Art Fair in November

Leading Pacific artists, Fatu Feu’u and Andy Leleisi’uao will be exhibiting on the ARTIS GALLERY STAND (A5) at the Aotearoa Art Fair on Friday, 18 November. In October this year Fatu Feu’u was awarded the Senior Pacific Artist Award by Creative New Zealand. This award for outstanding contribution to New Zealand art was also received by Andy Leleisi’uao in 2021. For more information on both artists, please visit the Gallery website artisgallery.co.nz

ZEALAND ART

280 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland, artis@artisgallery.co.nz , 09 303 1090 artisgallery.co.nz

PICTURED ABOVE: Fatu Feu’u Abundance Mixed media on canvas 1500 x 1690 mm

PICTURED LEFT: Andy Leleisi’uao Eve of Arophids Acrylic on canvas 1500 x 1200 mm

Oedipus Rex

Orex Art is such a beautiful place. Please tell us more about your gallery, the space and its concept.

Thank you very much. We provide the best we can for the artists we show. I started 31 years ago on Upper Queen Street, as Oedipus Rex Gallery, and through the years have had large industrial-type spaces, usually destination locations, well known to our clients but to a certain extent unknown to a lot of others. By moving onto Ponsonby Road in a highly visible space, I’ve opened up our artists to a whole new cliental. Visibility and exposure are key. Art isn’t a secret, it’s an extremely valuable addition to our lives.

What do you enjoy most about running a commercial gallery?

I show artists at the forefront of their careers, that is highly enjoyable. Of course, commerce is part of the equation, but ensuring I show the best of an artist's work is what I do. There’s an honest and singular transaction between the purchaser and the gallery based on the artist's past, present and future career aspirations. The purchaser isn’t in competition with another buyer who may be intent on pushing the price up, there is only one price and one decision, does the work ’speak’ to you enough for it to be part of your life. What do I enjoy most about running a commercial gallery? Seeing a purchaser excited to get a piece home, and seeing an artist’s genuine pleasure at hearing the news.

Do you think the market is currently on the rise? Is it subject to any major trends?

The market, if we want to call it that, has been running hot. Maybe a lot of the press centres around the sales of high ticket items at auction where competing buyers push prices up due to an understanding of rarity. It has always been so, but

investment purchasing is sometimes akin to land banking and can be subject to rises and falls as the market dictates. The commercial or dealer gallery works directly with the artist, finding a balance between their pricing and their career. Price an artist out of the market and their career can stall. They need continuity, stability, a safe and encouraging place to grow.

An unforgettable Orex Art moment?

Opening the doors on Ponsonby Road after lockdown and having people come in and say they very much appreciated seeing the constantly changing art in the widows on their daily walks that made them feel as though the world hadn’t come to an end. Sales, as an old gallery owner said to me once, have continued to be gratifying.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or collectors?

My advice to artists has always been to do it, keep doing it, and don’t chase fame, chase excellence. My advice to collectors is to do it, keep doing it, and don’t chase fame, chase excellence! Perhaps for collectors I’d also add to buy because you love it, worry about where you’ll hang it later. And remember your walls are never full.

Special plans for the future?

After three decades the future looks very bright. I’ll keep buying art for my own collection and keep selling art for others’ collections, and I’ll keep showing my artists because they just keep getting better and better. The gallery is in the perfect Ponsonby Road position for its next special decade.

Orex Art is a veritable tour de force in our local art scene. Verve recently enjoyed a catch-up with gallerist and owner Rex Armstrong .

Sweet Dreams

WORDS— JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Abstract painter and ceramist Carmel Van Der Hoeven is among Aotearoa’s brightest creative talents, known for her down to earth nature and striking paintings (and sizeable social media following).

Verve sat down with Carmel ahead of her upcoming show, Mortal Dreams, to be hosted by Turua Gallery who picked up the self-taught artist “three days before they shut down the country”. I ask if the lockdowns were a productive time for her.

“I feel the last two and a half years has just been such a blur it’s hard to remember!” says Carmel. “I’ve managed to reach some really huge peaks in my career, I got married, all these things while living under massive amounts of stress in a really intense lifestyle situation.”

Does such an environment affect your use of colour?

“Definitely. People often react with joy to my paintings because of the flowers, but there’s a component that’s the opposite of that. I paint life because I think about death. They push each other in different directions, you can’t have one without the other. I don’t often paint death, but it’s definitely been thought about far too much in the last couple of years.”

Hence the title Mortal Dreams?

“Yes, that is part of it. The dream stuff is just, I suppose, how far I could take it away from reality. Whether it’s paintings of gardens or houses, when you look closer, it’s nothing like real life. That’s what dreams are like. You’re never your normal self

in dreams, but during them you think it’s perfectly normal that the wall is moving or that you’re flying or whatever it may be. And once you’re out of the dream, it’s like, ‘whoa! What was that?’ I like to play off these conflicts.”

Though dreams don’t always inspire her painting directly, Carmel reveals that there is often a “subconscious aspect” to it: “There’s no real pre-planning except for the base colour, which will dictate the direction. But even then, I’m very reactive as a painter.” Once a work’s complete, the artist says that there’s “a sense of abandonment” when it’s time to stop. “It’s a problem for most artists. I can always go back to paintings I’ve seen in people’s homes and go ‘oh, goodness. I could have done more there!’ I always appreciate the artist that can do more minimal pieces. For me, it’s just a feeling really.”

I ask if Carmel revisits her work often, either for inspiration or to self-critique. Or if she believes once it’s done, it’s time to move on. She knows what sells, she says, but any attempts to recreate or copy her own work “looks stagnant” because she’s “trying to represent something that came from a certain place of me”. “That’s why I don’t do commissions anymore. I cannot do it. It will not come out the way I think it will come out. My painting is intuitive.”

Carmel’s Waikato childhood home was an encouraging and creative one, “always painting, always chopping things up”. “I was one of those kids making a mess everywhere. Both my grandmothers painted, and we’re from a large butcher family who are, in their own ways with food, creative.” Carmel’s sister’s flower farm further helped harness the artist’s connection to the natural environment which takes shape in so many of her works.

“I like how nature represents time,” she reflects. “How time changes for the seasons. Things die, particularly flowers. They’re a great example of dying, and living, and moments, and rebirth, and all that goes with them. When I paint nature, I can use all the colours and there are no restrictions. I get to represent time within my own paintings. You can see the actual physical work that went into them, every mark. I guess they tie into each other. I probably will think back on that later in life, my connection to it. There’s something there. I’m just not 100% sure what it is yet.”

I ask if she enjoys answering specific questions behind the meanings of her paintings. She does, she says, want people to understand where she’s coming from, but also wants them “to just enjoy the paintings for whatever reason they enjoy them”.

“It’s strange being an artist. You know the people are at the exhibitions for your work, and you somehow have to detangle yourself from it. Otherwise, it becomes an ego thing and it’s about you. They’re generally not there to see me or meet me. They’re there for this other stuff, which is now not part of me anymore because it’s up there on the wall.”

And once on someone’s wall, it no longer belongs to Carmel, she has “given it away”.

“I do start using a different language then,” says the artist. “I say ‘your piece’, not ‘my work in your home’.

“I think I have one small piece in our house. Most of the other stuff is just bits and pieces that I’ve done over the years. I collect other artists now.”

Carmel’s next exhibition, Mortal Dreams, opens on 18 November at a secret Auckland location to be announced on 4 November. Find out more at turuagallery.co.nz and follow the artist on Instagram @carmelvanderhoeven

“When I paint nature, I can use all the colours and there are no restrictions.”

Accounting for Art

WORDS— JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Rajan Seth is one of the most exciting talents in the UK abstract art scene – his rise made all the more remarkable as he was working full time as a chartered accountant just four years ago.

“The last few years has been an absolute whirlwind,” Rajan tells Verve from London. “From my work being shown in Vogue to my first solo exhibition and amassing 160,000 followers on Instagram. It’s been incredible.”

Rajan can count the likes of England cricketer James Anderson, Michelinstarred chef Atul Kochhar, UK broadcaster Fearne Cotton, and soccer star Nick Pope among those fans, and has been commissioned for works spanning up to 300cm.

“I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to create for them,” he says, “especially Fearne who’s really into painting. She’s super cool, and from my area too – which I found out when she came to collect her piece!”

Without social media, Rajan admits that he would never have found such a massive audience and “share my work with the world”.

“It has given me a platform to reach people in places I could have never imagined, and of course it’s free,” he

continues. “I’ve now sold works in places like Australia, USA, Singapore, and Israel. If you’d told me this a few years ago, I probably would have laughed. There was no grand plan, other than if you don’t try, you’ll never know!”

Do you believe Instagram is making galleries redundant?

“I think galleries will always play a massive role in the art world, as people like to see things in the flesh, but what Instagram is doing is enabling the consumer to purchase directly from the artist, and effectively cutting out the gallery. I love working directly with the client. It means we can work together more efficiently to talk about the style, colours, and overall theme for their artwork in a more personal way.”

Though he’d always had a “passion for painting”, Rajan never dared dream that it would one day materialise into fulltime work. Unhappily drifting through multiple accountancy jobs, Rajan rediscovered his love of for painting in 2017 to “relieve stress and express myself”. He created his Instagram page the following year.

“I love working directly with the client. It means we can work together more efficiently to talk about the style, colours, and overall theme for their artwork in a more personal way.”

“Naturally my parents were apprehensive about the change – as was I! – but I had my big brother in the background pushing me along the way and encouraging me to give it a go.”

Saatchi Art describes Rajan as an unconventional and compelling artist with a “unique approach” to his work. Renowned for “painting without a paintbrush”, Rajan opts instead to use the likes of palette knives and paint scrapers to create his signature metallic pieces.

“It’s an approach I settled on through trial and error,” explains the artist.

“There’s no right or wrong way to paint, but paintbrushes were too boring for me, and I like working on big pieces. These are the pieces that allow me to be as creative as possible by having more surface area to work with. I want to get stuck in. Moving the material on the canvas with my hands allows me to form a better connection with the piece.”

How do you know when a work is done?

“A gut feeling tells me to stop. This really comes with years of practising. You have to know the limitations of your work to be able to understand when the piece has ticked all the criteria you set out to achieve. For example, there are fundamentals to my work, like using natural material as texture,

using contrasting colours, and adding metallics.”

How did your passion for metallics came about?

“One thing that has always fascinated me since studying art back at school was reflection. I remember doing a photography project where I took pictures of trees reflecting in water, mostly in puddles. I was intrigued how the structure of the branches completely changed perspective when you looked from a different angle. Looking back now, I think this project ultimately led to me experiment with metallics in my work. I love the way the light reflects gold off surfaces, there’s something so magical about it. And throughout the day, as the light changes, you’ll see a different piece.”

Believing that art has its own vision, Rajan says that it’s essential to take each piece on a journey “to see where it ends up”.

“Of course, I have something visualised in my mind to begin with, but it almost always never turns out the way I expected,” he adds. “And that’s what I most love about painting.”

Discover more at artbyrajanseth.com, and follow the artist on Instagram @artbyrajanseth

Escape to Takapuna

Takapuna is your next escape from central Auckland’s concrete jungle. The community bursts with hot spots for you and your family to enjoy this summer.

Whether you’re looking to have a sunny day at the beach, enjoy fresh pastries and coffee, or eager to get your retail fix, Takapuna is a hive of activity, ready to be your new local getaway.

For all the foodies out there, diverse and award-winning eateries are among the hidden gems of Takapuna’s district. Whatever your preferences, vegan, keto, vegetarian, sweet or savoury, international or local, Takapuna’s restaurants and cafés cater to all needs and desires.

WORDS— STEPHANIE AXTENS

Regatta

House of Chocolate

Try mouth-watering vegan French toast at Mimosa, or stop by Keto Eats for one of their popular Cookie Bites. Maybe get adventurous with the organic shakes at Jam Organic Cafe, or enjoy the variety of possibilities down Eat Street, a neighbourhood of local favourites such as Bird on a Wire, Burger Burger, El Humero, and Poké Poké.

Take a walk down to Takapuna’s beachside, thriving with all kinds of dining opportunities. With the calming sounds of the shore nearby and Rangitoto in your sights, try the tasty sashimi at Tokyo Bay, or get involved in a crowd-pleasing sharing board and cocktails at Franc’s. Regatta awaits with good wine and fresh seafood, and a quick walk up The Strand arrives at

Asian Fusion restaurant, Tok Tok whose menu is built for sharing with friends and family. With the sand and water only steps away, Takapuna’s beachside dining is a summer experience worth taking advantage of.

Looking for something sweeter? House of Chocolate will become your new but dangerous best friend with a menu full of mouth-watering desserts. If savoury is up your alley, Centro Cafe's scones, quiches, and muffins won’t disappoint.

With bottomless brunches, bingo nights, and live performances, The Elephant Wrestler could be your next pit stop for evenings with friends, or join the locals for some banter, quiz nights, and tap beer at the Takapuna Boating Club.

Hurstmere Road is home not just to salivating tastes and flavours of Takapuna, but also a range of chic homeware and clothing stores. The new Spring 2022 collection is a must-see in Ruby; Lululemon is full of must-haves for exercise bunnies, including the first-ever special edition of workout gear in partnership with Movember; and find some of the hottest labels for menswear at Life For Men. Take a quick walk around the corner to explore homewares at Shut The Front Door, and later pick up the newest swimwear from Aktivworx.

Eat Street - Fourtieth and Hustmere

The PumpHouse Theatre

Mimosa

Free on Sunday? Check out the amazing homemade, organic, recycled, and crafted goods from locals at the Takapuna Sunday Markets on Anzac Street. If Sunday’s don’t work, be a part of the Sunset Markets down McKenzie Arcade from 4pm-8pm, a perfect social experience on a spring evening.

Takapuna isn’t short on activities either, with something for all the family. Exciting VR experiences and escape rooms await at ThrillZone and Escape HQ, close to Monterey Cinema and Pumphouse Theatre, while a quick drive down the road will take you to the glow in the dark GloPutt Mini Golf. While the kids are getting their energy fix, unwind at local spas such as Ikoi Spa, Relaxology Spa or Caci Clinic, or practise your swing at the Takapuna Driving Range.

Enjoy the promise of summer in Takapuna with friendly locals, authentic foods, chic stores, and exciting entertainment, only a quick drive from across the bridge. With no lockdown or restrictive levels holding us indoors this season, revelling in our freedom with family and friends is more important than ever. Find your leisure in the heart of Takapuna’s community as we welcome a hot and busy summer season ahead!

Tokyo Bay Takapuna Christmas Market

Elephant Wrestler

Jam Organic Cafe

What's On in November

IMAGE:

BRYNLEY STENT: SOFT CARNAGE

8-11 November

The Basement

Celebrity Treasure Island and Taskmaster introduced us to Brynley’s hilarious way of tackling bizarre situations, by adding orderly chaos. This new show lets us see how the 2021 Billy T award winner utilises her gifts in everyday life. From lying to her therapist to expertly dodging tough emotional conversations with jokes, join Brynley for some Soft Carnage

iticket.co.nz

THE KILLERS

21 November Spark Arena

The Imploding The Mirage Tour is packed with the band’s trademark energy, seamless sound journey through rock genres, and beloved hits. ‘Mr Brightside’ has been a staple song for weddings, bars, parties, and road trips for almost two decades – the stadium version is true catharsis.

ticketmaster.co.nz

R ACING!

25 November Powerstation

After the success of their debut album and with the single ‘Run Wild’ spending 50 weeks in the charts, Racing! are back with a sensational sophomore album. The festival favourites are known for their powerful stage presence and iconic mix of hypnotic rock and tropical dance music that makes you want to groove.

ticketfairy.com

NZ TRIO: LEGACY

17 November Auckland Town Hall

The final piece to the NZ Trio Legacy concert series. Weaving its way through many great pieces and inspired works from Schumann to Bach to Tchaikovsky. The NZ Trio are known for their warm stage presence, classical skill and ability to blend contemporary elements into their work.

ticketmaster.co.nz

ALAN CARR: REGIONAL TRINKET

24 November Aotea Centre

Like many of us, Alan has had a bit of a mixed bag with the last few years. From notable highs like his star-studded wedding day to a bit of a lull during a lengthy lockdown stint on a farm. The international treasure reflects on the joy of becoming a regional trinket.

aucklandlive.co.nz

FARMERS SANTA PARADE

27 November Queen St

An absolutely magical Christmas event for the little ones, starting at 1pm. After the parade wraps, head to Aotea Square for Santa’s Party from 2.30pm-5pm, a festival with themed rides, food vendors, and another chance to see Santa before he heads back to the North Pole.

santaparade.co.nz

S UNSETTER FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

26 November North Harbour Domain

This festival combines delicious food, live music, craft beers, wine, and cocktails. Elevating the festival experience on all levels, what else could we expect from the team at Highlife Entertainment?

moshtix.co.nz

General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market

Save the date: Sunday, 20 November

Just in time for Christmas, General Collective brings you their flagship event - General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market - a fully curated contemporary Auckland market showcasing lifestyle products and locally designed homewares.

Especially for you, the best independent designers and creatives from across New Zealand are selected.

New and unique products handpicked to join General Collective, giving you the chance to support local, fill your hearts and homes with beautiful homewares, jewellery, fashion, skincare, kids goodies and meet the faces behind the incredible brands.

For the first time this year General Collective will be setting up shop in Shed 10, an exciting new venue for the event in the heart of Auckland city, overlooking the stunning Waitematā Harbour. A two minute walk from Britomart, high-quality stalls will fill the beautifully restored, century-old cargo shed along with all the fanfare of the flagship market including food stalls, entertainment and activities for the kids.

General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market - Christmas Edition

Sunday 20 November, 9am - 3pm Shed 10, Queens Wharf, 89 Quay Street, Auckland CBD Tickets online generalcollective.co.nz

This month we’ve distributed over $500k

organisations

Now we’re inviting other generous donors to join us and give to the causes you care about most.

Get in touch today to simplify and shape your giving. info@aucklandfoundation.org.nz

aucklandfoundation.org.nz

Lucy's Corner

This month Verve’s star teen reviewer LUCY KENNEDY takes a look at coming-of-age miniseries, The Queen’s Gambit.

The Queen’s Gambit - 16+

Orphaned Beth Harmon is a solemn nine-year-old girl with high aspirations who sets her sights on being a master chess player. It takes a frustrating amount of time for those around her to realise her potential, but once they do, she’s thrust into stardom as the latest chess genius. She plays multiple people at once, winning endless rounds of speed-chess, and defeats players decades older than her.

The series follows Beth’s career as she grows up, battling not only the players on the other side of the board but her own demons, too. She’s constantly undermined by those around her due to her being a girl, which becomes increasingly irritating as the show progresses, highlighting the struggles of being female in maledominated fields. Several times throughout the series, Beth is told that “there’s no women’s section here”, or asked “are you sure you can do this?”

We witness the high and low points of Beth’s life. While she is an extraordinary chess player, she also struggles with alcoholism and drug abuse. The series deals with grief and getting mental health help during a time (the 1950s) when it was not often talked

about or prioritised. Snippets of Beth’s background are revealed, too – what, exactly led her to living at the orphanage?

The show depicts chess as the competitive art that it is, rather than as a pastime. It immediately made me want to call up a friend and play chess, which I did. Visually, it’s a real pleasure, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys chess or who is searching for a something wonderful with an amazing musical accompaniment.

Available to stream on Netflix.

4/5 stars

Instagram: @lucykennedyreviews

BEST OF BACH MAGNIFICAT

IMAGE: THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT

Inspired Gardens

Let your gardening imagination run wild this November, Auckland’s premier designer garden extravaganza is back after a three-year covid hiatus!

The two-day design event, organised jointly by the Garden Design Society of New Zealand and Rotary Newmarket, showcases the very best of New Zealand garden design talent whilst supporting some incredible charities: Lifeline Aotearoa, Garden to Table, OKE, and KidsCan.

The Auckland Garden DesignFest will be held on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November.

The event allows attendees to rub shoulders with some of New Zealand’s garden design elite and visit up to 18

unique, professionally designed gardens. It’s also an opportunity for visitors to ask questions, take advice, and let their gardening imagination and inspiration run wild with ideas for enhancing their own personal gardens and outdoor spaces.

Deb Hardy, Auckland Garden DesignFest chairperson, says: “We’re so incredibly excited to be back for 2022 after sadly having to cancel our event last year due to covid. We have so many spectacular gardens on display this year and our designers can’t wait to welcome everyone in November. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend!”

Tickets for the Auckland Garden DesignFest are available now from iTICKET, The Village Square Trust, or your favourite Kings Plant Barn store in Auckland.

Choose from a $65 all-garden ticket, $25 three-garden pass, or a $10 single garden pass. Bus tours and lunches are also available.

For more information visit  gardendesignfest.co.nz

Trish Bartleet. Photography: Carme Aguayo

Gardenia Design Neville Design Studio

Barbara Garrett. Photography: Carme Aguayo Babylon Gardens

Box Office

EMILY

17 November

Emily tells the imagined life of one of the world’s most famous authors, Emily Brontë. The film stars Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Death on the Nile) as Emily Brontë, a rebel and misfit finding her voice writing literary classic Wuthering Heights. It explores the relationships that inspired her including her raw, passionate sisterhoods with Charlotte and Anne, her first aching, and a forbidden love for William Weightman.

10 November

Journalist and filmmaker David Farrier (Tickled, Dark Tourist) unwittingly stumbles into a game of cat and mouse with a mystery man creating havoc in his neighbourhood wheelclamping cars at a local antique store. That clamper is Michael Organ. Little did Farrier know that delving deeper into who Organ really is would be a thrilling and tensionfilled three-year-long investigation unearthing a trail of court cases, inflated claims of royal bloodlines, and ruined lives.

COMPARTMENT NO.6

10 November

A young Finnish woman escapes an enigmatic love affair in Moscow by boarding a train to the Arctic port of Murmansk. Forced to share the long ride and a tiny sleeping car with a larger than life Russian miner, the unexpected encounter leads the occupants of Compartment No. 6 to face major truths about human connection.

THE SANCTITY OF SPACE

1 December

Lured by a black and white photograph, three renowned climbers pursue the ultimate adventure in Alaska and show us why humans must explore. As the group endures open bivies, disintegrating ropes, and constant rockfall, their desire to be the first to complete the audacious line grows into an obsession. But friendships begin to fray when Renan suffers a near fatal brain injury, forcing all three partners to decide what’s most important to them.

Marie makes a wish and becomes the same size as her toy nutcracker – who is really a prince under a spell. Together they must travel to the magical Land of Flowers to save the world from the rat people.

ABOVE: EMILY

MISTER ORGAN

Discover why John and Margaret love Eden Village.

Discover Mt Eden’s hidden gem.

It was John and Margaret’s daughter who suggested they look at Eden Village. “We never thought we would move into a retirement village” says John, but when they first saw their brand new apartment, they knew it was the one. “The sun was shining, it was beautiful. Our daughter said, ‘Look, you just couldn’t turn this apartment down.’”

Village size was key for the couple. “We were looking for something boutique,” reflects Margaret. “We liked that it was small and more intimate.” The tasteful décor and design also appealed, “the place is so light, open and airy,” she tells us.

Margaret and John are enjoying their newly found freedom. “Our house was hard to maintain because of stairs, large grounds, and maintenance,” said John. Now, with plenty of activities to join in, and the time to enjoy them, Margaret says, “we’ve never been so busy!”

Looking for boutique retirement living? You’ll feel right at home at Eden Village.

Fixed weekly fee - Guaranteed.

Call 0800 333 688 today to find out more.

22 View Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

EDEN

On the Bookshelf

With the gifting season ahead of us what better time to take a look at a selection of home and interior design books? If you love design as much as we do you might find the perfect suggestion for inclusion in your letter to Santa.

CREATE: INSPIRING HOMES THAT VALUE CREATIVITY BEFORE CONSUMPTION

Creativity before consumption is about reinvention and sustainability for the sake of the planet, but also for the pure joy and satisfaction of creating a home that is truly unique.

Using her experience as a stylist and set designer, Hanson shows how to create homes that meet our needs yet have style, dash, and personality aplenty without relying on yet more disposable ‘stuff’ for the next generation to deal with. She explains how to establish a sense of personal style and to think twice before getting sucked into the ‘bin and buy’ cycle, as well as showcasing real-life homes that display incredible creativity and reflect their owners’needs, tastes, and style.

A tastemaking couple share their playbook for creating a home that’s both beautiful and comfortable.

Chris Mitchell and Pilar Guzman are design obsessives who want the same thing: rooms that are spare yet warm, layered yet clean, current yet timeless. Rooms that never forget the real humans – with all their needs, hopes, emotions, aspirations, and even spills - who live in these spaces. Over the course of six evermore ambitious home renovations, they've cracked the code on how to achieve this.

DETAILS MAKE A HOME

Nomad at Home dissects the desire to wander the globe from the point of view of the design-led traveller, those for whom ‘it is a better thing to travel hopefully than to arrive’.

Compulsive wanderer Hilary Robertson showcases 12 unique locations and tells the stories of different nomadic tribes: the Adopters, who have left home forever and made a ife elsewhere, as well as the Escapists, always on the move. Then there are the Serial Wanderers, who simply absorb the DNA of any given destination and bring it all back home, creating provence in their own home with ingredients gathered on their travels.

Take a closer look at the details behind international interiors stylist and art director Hans Blomquist’s unique and idiosyncratic take on the world.

In hundreds of ravishingly beautiful, inspiring pictures, he encourages the reader to see the world through his own eyes, revealing the possibilities in even the humblest of items and putting together pieces to create striking, painterly, and evocative rooms and displays.

Extracted with permission from the publishers Available from www.bookreps.co.nz

Hans Blomquist

Ryland Peters & Small

PATINA MODERN Chris Mitchell and Pilar Guzman

Artisan

NOMAD AT HOME Hilary Robertson Ryland Peters & Small

Emily Hanson Ryland Peters & Small

The Human Touch

WORDS— JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

“Art is about the stories,” offers the genial gallerist in his lovely Edinburgh lilt. “It provides a connection to other human beings, to lives and perspectives that we’d never otherwise access. For me, art has a social function to broaden minds and allow us to see the world in a different way. That's really important.”

His background is an unlikely one for a gallery owner, having been raised in a high-rise tower block on a tough Scottish council estate.

“I often think it’s funny how I ended up in art,” Scott continues. “I don't think being poor in of itself is the issue, rather the lack of perspectives and opportunities that get presented in those environments. You're expected to do a trade at school, to get a ‘real job’. My dad was an alcoholic and there were a lot of mental health issues in a home of five kids. Art became an escape. My way out of that.”

What do your old friends and family think of your chosen career path now?

“I think they’re baffled by it! They’re very encouraging and proud of me, but it’s still completely alien to them. My mum’s first visit to the National Gallery of Scotland didn’t happen until about six years ago, and she said, ‘Oh, I didn't feel like I'm dressed well enough.’ She was very nervous, and I said, ‘Mum, you're a taxpayer. This is yours. This is yours to enjoy.’ I've always had an egalitarian approach to art. It's a joy that should be shared by everybody.”

I ask Scott if he feels that art is now more accessible to those from less privileged backgrounds, but he believes there will always be an “accessibility issue” because of the way it is

presented to the general public “as this big, unaffordable halo that puts people off”.

“Plus, the industry from galleries to auction houses is built on rarity and price rather than value and awareness, which means that art is generally marketed in an elitist way. Yet, the joy of art is inherently sociable, it belongs to everybody.”

In that vein, Scott tends to focus on communities that “generally wouldn't have access to high-end gallery experiences”.

“I do gravitate towards Pacific and Māori communities, maybe because of my background, I’m not sure,” he says. “There's a terrific joy in that. I'm not dissing wealthy people. If you have money, it’s your duty to support these things, it's very important. You need money coming into it. But in terms of the enjoyment of the experience, it needs to be more universal.”

The paradox is that many artists are from poorer backgrounds also?

“Yes, right. Most artists working everywhere in the world don't earn enough for it to be a full-time job – I think it’s less than 1%. Most need secondary incomes or supportive partners.”

Scott’s art studies in Edinburgh wouldn’t have happened without the support of a high school teacher and later a university lecturer who helped him with a scholarship so that he could continue his studies.

“Having adults who see something in you during those formative years was great, because I didn’t get a lot of that at home,” he says. “So, it was important to have a grown person

Readers might recognise Scott Lawrie from the first series of Grand Designs NZ, but he’s now also the owner of the Scott Lawrie Gallery which aims to “connect hearts and minds”. Verve sat down with the philosophical Scotsman to learn more.

saying, ‘Hey, kid, you're good at this. Just stick with it.’ I try to pay that forward a wee bit now and help the younger artists, particularly from Māori and Moana communities, who might not even have access to art books. They come in and we browse the books and talk about what works and doesn’t. We look at their work and see what concepts might apply. Sometimes you just need a wee bit of inspiration; it goes a long way.”

After completing art school, Scott worked as a copywriter in advertising for about 12 years before setting up his own brand voice agency – the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere – which he eventually sold to a major group.

“I did really well out of that which gave me the money to build the house in New Zealand,” he says. “And I've always collected art, I've always enjoyed it, wherever I've lived around the world. It’s interesting because there are some crossovers between the worlds of art and advertising because you need to position artists as you do brands. They all have particular demographics and require specific messaging around how you present them to the world.”

Do you find certain professions are draw to certain types of art?

“Absolutely. You put abstract, modernist, minimalism on the wall and the architects will come flying in the door. It's very measured, very austere and ordered, and they tend to love that rather than the wild, expressive works. Whereas the surgeons and those with really high-risk jobs will often go for something more out there, perhaps some spray paint or a bit of paint spatter. I find that really intriguing.”

Scott says his favourite collectors are the ones “who fall in love with the work and can’t live without it”.

“There's some form of human connection, some portal that they've entered into when they see something that connects with them on a heart level,” he adds. “The brand position for the gallery is to connect hearts and minds, and what I mean by that is the heart part is your emotional response to looking at this thing. And then the head part is the cultural context for the piece. Why is it important to the time we live in?”

I finish up by asking Scott about the most treasured piece he owns. He mulls it over, briefly considering “all the big fancy things in storge” before settling on an inexpensive early Bronze Age clay bowl that’s about half the size of a basketball and 4,000 years old.

“It's the sort of bowl that would have been used probably for wheat or grain collecting, and if you look closely, you can see the wee thumbprints,” he says. “I love holding it. I encourage everyone to hold it, because they’re touching human history. If I was to distil everything down to what the joy of art means, it's that human connection. It's completely honest. It's just this beautiful thing.”

scottlawrie.com

Scott says his favourite collectors are the ones “who fall in love with the work and can’t live without it”.

The Spirit of Gifting

Christmas gift ideas for this joyous season.

Tessuti Astier De Villatte Sepia

2. Grumpy Merino TGM Knitted

Dragonfly 4. Felt Hand Carved Perching

Bellbird In Tasmanian Blackwood By Bearwood Workshop

Felt Fantail

Pīwakawaka And Blue Penguin Printed Plywood Jigsaw Puzzles By Hansby

Design 6. Bob And Friends Mouro Lamp

Felt Tīeke/Saddleback Rimu Earrings

By Natty 8. Yuva Cushion 9. Te Papa Store Mātauranga Kōrero Pendant

By Andrew Doughty 10. Te Papa Store

Treasures Of Tane - Plants Of Ngāi Tahu

By Rob Tipa 11. Te Papa Store Steiner

Ceramics Vase 12. Yuva Cushion

Gifts to Love

Tessuti R+D.LAB Hand Blown Glass in Cameo Pink

Luggage.co.nz Explorer Luna-Air 2 Set Forest Green 13. Luggage.co.nz Explorer Arlo Large White 14. The Linen Store Globe 15. Allium HUSKI Wine Cooler 16. Beach Kit Hula Beach Kit 17. Luggage.co.nz Explorer Arlo Medium White 18. Piha Candles Pohutukawa Candle 19. Bob and Friends Wallace Sewell Throw 20. Downlights Luxe Candle 21. The Linen Store Robe

13. The Linen Store Robe 14. Grumpy Merino TGM Knitted Blanket

Tuberose Denim Wash 16. Painted Bird Vintage Green as Grass Maxi Skirt, Hurrah Hong Kong Mesh HandBag & Chevron of Summer Scarf 17. Painted Bird Vintage Geometric Dress

Tuberose Clarisse Earrings by Charlotte Penman Jewellery 19. Felt Kaleidoscope Ring With Aquamarines And Grape Garnets by Adele Stewart

Painted Bird Vintage Turkish Designer Earrings 21. Allium Alexis Crossbody Bag 22. Downlights Gardenia Sweet Pea Boxes

The Grumpy Merino endeavours to produce New Zealandmade, 100% merino blankets and knitting yarn, with softness to match the desirability of our exclusive, natural, and sustainable range.  All traceable to our farm in North Canterbury. Available online; follow us on social media @thegrumpymerino

thegrumpymerino.co.nz

Our luxe range of hand-poured, 100% pure coconut wax candles includes two exquisite fragrance lines inspired by the wonders of New Zealand’s wild west coast and nature. We’re 100% committed to caring for our environment by crafting beautiful, sustainable products from our chandlery in Piha following earth-friendly principles. Shop online at pihacandle.co

Keep the party going all summer long.

Lasting Lipstick, Vibrant Polish, Bright Nail Stickers and Nail Care Treatments for every holiday occasion.

GRUMPY MERINO

PIHA CANDLE CO.

Add a little Christmas cheer to your pup’s wardrobe this year. Shop the range of colourful Christmas-themed bandanas at Mr Soft Top. Available online now – numbers are limited so get in before they sell out.

mrsofttop.com

Lifelight New from Downlights

A soy wax emergency with matches, combined in a practical lightweight tin.

$0.50 from every Lifelights candle sold is donated to New Zealand Red Cross.

Sophie Divett Jewellery

Every jewellery piece is handmade in Sophie’s Christchurch gallery and workshop.

As well as working with clients on custom-made-designs, Sophie Divett Jewellery also offers a made-to-order ring collection, and has a selection of readymade pieces available online and instore.

Inspired by Aotearoa’s natural landscapes, flora, and fauna, Sophie’s collections feature organic textures, mountain ranges, and castings from leaves, seed pods, and other native plants.

Sustainability is a huge focus in every SDJ piece – whether it’s using recycled diamonds and metals, ethically sourced gemstones, or ring boxes made from renewably sourced trees.

Sophie Divett Jewellery has recently launched a build-your-own ring experience allowing you to design a oneof-a-kind bespoke piece, which is then made to order, just for you.

Begin by choosing a style from the collection of ring settings and then add a gemstone from a handpicked, sustainable, selection of sapphires, diamonds, and other precious stones.

SDJ’s build-your-own service is available both online and in store and takes 6-8 weeks to handmake each ring to order.

downlightsnz.com

MR SOFT TOP

sophiedivettjewellery.co.nz

Sophie Divett Jewellery offers beautifully handcrafted engagement rings, wedding bands and nature-inspired jewellery pieces.

Treasures of Tuberose

Tuberose is an eclectic boutique that caters to gifts, homeware and design. Showcasing

international products including our favourite handmade ceramic stockist from Australia, Jones & Co, whose flare for design and colour brings a smile to everyone's face. Planters, face vases and nude ornaments are some of the colourful

available in store and

over

the Rialto Centre in Newmarket

in

Free

Buy online or

Storing Local

Te Papa’s head of retail, Tania Tupu, works closely with curators at the national museum, and artists from across Aotearoa, to produce bespoke items which reflect the unique experience that is Te Papa.

For the past five years, Ms Tupu has been gradually refreshing the store’s product base. A focus on Aotearoa design, craft and academia has seen the brand go from museum gift shop to boutique lifestyle store. Working directly with independent carvers or collectives such as Sands Carving Studio has resulted in an impressive collection of stunning taonga, while collaborations with artists like Robin Kahukiwa have cemented the store firmly in the Aotearoa art scene.

This is all made possible, of course, by the foundations of knowledge and respect that come with being part of the national museum. Being able to tap into the curators and academics behind the scenes provides mana which Ms Tupu hopes is present in the resulting products.

This year’s collection of gifts for the Christmas period tap into all the aspect of Aotearoa that Te Papa celebrates, from design to artisan craft and especially, food. New Zealanders have always produced incredible artisan food products, but the appreciation for these increased in recent years, with it being one of the few things we could indulge in during lockdown.

The result is a carefully curated selection of products from the likes of Fix and Fogg and Wellington Chocolate factory, along with less well-known (for now) producers like the Kiwi Artisan Co, who make small batch olive oil, paired with beautiful ceramics from Kiwi legend Bill Steiner to serve it in, and books from our food scene stars such as Monique Fiso of Hiakai. Te Papa Store can really provide the whole package for your foodie Christmas.

Shop the range online at tepapastore.co.nz , in store at the museum, or at Wellington Airport.

There is a long tradition of museum visitors wanting to take home a piece of what they’ve experienced.

Made with love in Aotearoa

From our biggest city to the farthest reaches of Aotearoa, talented Kiwis are making a living from making great stuff – and the best place to find them is Felt.

Shopping on Felt means you’re investing in your community, nurturing local creativity, celebrating Kiwi ingenuity, and directly supporting our small businesses, communities, and families. More than 1500 Kiwi makers sell their work on Felt, making it easy for you to buy New Zealand made online.

Felt makes it simple for you to shop local.

good.

Celebrating years35

PONSONBY

WORDS BY DANIELLE FENERIDIS

A Karak-ing Staycation

Immersed within the New Zealand Bloodstock grounds, you're welcomed into a beautiful reception, only a short walk from the free guest parking, beyond which awaits Ethereal Artisan Kitchen, Horseshoe Bar and a fabulous selection of food, wine, and cocktails.

The confit duck croquettes paired with the Te Mata Gamay Noir is divine, followed by fresh oysters, crayfish raviolo, and a selection of steaks.

A dessert cart brims with a range of sweet treats, before retiring with a cocktail by the outdoor fire to finish the evening.

The deluxe king size room is perfect for a couple, very spacious with a modern bathroom. Start the day with the complementary in-room filter Kōkako coffee before and indulge in a buffet breakfast that offers a selection of fresh fruits, cereals, and wellness shots

as well as the classic hot options and made-to-order eggs. Then make your way to the outdoor heated pool.

From check-in to check-out, generous service, delicious dining, and peaceful serenity make for a memorable staycation just 30 minutes from downtown Auckland. And as an added bonus, it’s dog friendly too!

Instagram: @doubletreekaraka

“A journey isbest measured in friends, ratherthan miles”

Tim Cahill

How to Describe Rajasthan?

WORDS CAROLINE CLEGG, WORLD JOURNEYS

This northern state of India boasts a rich cultural heritage that spans several centuries and rulers, from the princely Rajput, to Mughal invaders and British colonisers. A legacy of those times are today’s palace hotels. Centuries ago, the Maharajas lived the high-life in their beautiful palaces, until modern times brought the withdrawal of royal privileges. The cost of maintaining the ‘family home’ proved too much for many, the more entrepreneurial of whom reinvented their palaces into luxurious boutique hotels. Ornately decorated, often with family portraits still hanging on the walls, a palace stay allows a rare glimpse of a time gone by.

Udaipur’s Taj Lake Palace hotel is the most romantic of all, set in the middle of Lake Pichola with the beautiful Aravalli Mountains as a backdrop. Marble walls are adorned with semi-precious stones and fountains adorn the shady courtyards of this famed hotel where Octopussy (of James Bond fame) was filmed.

For one of the world’s most luxurious hotels head for the beautiful Rambagh Palace of Jaipur. Once a residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur, this architectural masterpiece transcends time. Its 19 hectares of gardens are perfectly manicured, its furnishings beyond opulent; bookend your day in the sophisticated charm of the legendary Polo Bar!

My absolute favourite is Samode Palace, just out of Jaipur. At least 475 years old, each suite has its own unique personality, with marble baths, four-poster beds and stunning views over the mountains to delight even the most jaded traveller. The atmosphere of this place will remain with me forever.

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, the most famous of its pink sandstone buildings being the Palace of the Winds (or Hawa Mahala) from where ladies of the royal household were able to view life going on in the streets below. Walk those streets to browse shops selling

A profusion of colour, vast deserts, opulent palaces and ancient fortresses, spices piled high in the market, a lone cow holding up traffic, and some of the most lavish moustaches imaginable. Rajasthan is a photographer’s dream.

wool carpets and colourful saris, and pick your way through the markets of handicrafts and flowers. Just outside the city, Amber Fort offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the very best of Rajput architecture including ornately carved marble panels, mirrored ceilings and sandalwood doors.

Jaisalmer is my absolute favourite Rajasthani city, its medieval fort rising from the desert like a hazy mirage, housing ancient havelis (homes) where generations continue to live.

Of course, this wouldn’t be India if there weren’t outrageously colourful and chaotic festivals! Diwali and Holi are the most popular, but if you’re in the vicinity of Pushkar for its legendary Camel Fair you’re in for a treat! Desert tribes bring their camels and horses to compete in races, turbaned Rajasthani men haggle over livestock, and traditional musicians add to the cacophony.

From the humblest roadside market stall to the most opulent palace hotel, Rajasthan is colourful, complex, extravagant and endlessly fascinating. And I love it all.

Rajasthan is colourful, complex, extravagant and endlessly fascinating.

DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka

Delve into the stylish world of DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka, a feast of dining, indoor and outdoor experiences.

Akin to a warm and welcoming country home, step into country elegance and world-class comfort with the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka. Fitted with 122 luxuriouslyappointed guest rooms and located only 25 minutes south of central Auckland, the hotel is perfect for guests looking for a quick getaway from the large metropolitan city amongst a picturesque rural setting of Karaka.

DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka boasts the natural charm of the country and the region’s pastoral roots, features of which drive the ethos of the hotel’s signature restaurant Ethereal | Artisan Kitchen. The paddock-to-plate menu concept puts its focus on locally sourced ingredients from local growers and producers.

Adjacent to the restaurant and connected to the lobby is Horseshoe Bar, which acts as the hotel’s residential lounge and living room offering relaxed conversation and inspired cocktails.

A stunning addition to the hotel’s offering is the The Garden by Aix, a relaxed pop-up garden bar situated amongst the greenery of the grounds and serving throughout the summer. Offering a laid back atmosphere overlooking the pool; with music, picnic seating and exceptional Rose, The Garden by Aix further reinforces the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka mantra –your getaway is closer than you think!

8 Hinau Road, Auckland, 2113, New Zealand

Future Foundations

What happens if I lose the ability to make decisions for myself?

Life can be uncertain, and there may come a time through illness or injury that you’re unable to make decisions yourself. Therefore, it’s important to plan ahead.

An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) enables you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf regarding your care, welfare, and financial matters if you can’t do this yourself. These legal documents can protect your best interests and ensure you and your loved ones are being looked after.

There are two types of EPAs:

1. Enduring Power of Attorney for Personal Care and Welfare. This EPA only comes into effect if you become ‘mentally incapable’ and enables your attorney to make medical or other related decisions about your care and welfare.

2. Enduring Power of Attorney for Property. This can come into effect before you become ‘mentally incapable’ or only when you’re not able to make decisions about your financial affairs.

Should you become mentally incapable before having an EPA in place, your loved ones may need to apply for a Family Court order. This can be a time-consuming and costly process. Worse yet, the judge is reliant on the information provided to them and will not necessarily know who you trust or rely on to appoint as a decision maker.

The team at Dawsons Lawyers can help arrange your EPAs and give you peace of mind over decisions made about your financial matters and personal care and welfare. Contact us today to make an appointment to see one of our lawyers at either our Kohimarama or East Tamaki office. We also offer an easy online solution through our website for creating your EPAs in your own time with the support of our team.

Claire Endean – Director dawsonslawyers.co.nz | (09) 272 0002

JUST RENTALS LTD MREINZ

Quiet October

Now we have the reverse of last month’s column – stock is low but there are still very few enquires.

We advertise on Trade Me and in two local Countdowns, Meadowbank and St Johns. We also advertise Just Rentals Ltd on the prominent signage board in store at New World Newmarket. If owners agree we also place our signs in front of properties available for rent. We cannot do much more than that. It is not the rent that is the problem just the lack of viewers.

Some people book to view properties and then cancel at the last minute or don’t show up at all. This is becoming a regular occurrence. We recently had six properties to show on Saturday to booked-in viewers and four cancelled.

The end of the year is coming fast, and we like to cheer ourselves up by having a Melbourne Cup Day on the first Tuesday in November with champagne, nibbles, fancy hats and lots of laughter.

We also have two new additions to our staff in the office. One is a Pomeranian, and the other a rottweiler, and they’re adorable. They certainly liven up the office. This year has been a very difficult one, with lots of happenings, some not happy, either.

So, roll on December. Off to Australia for Christmas and can’t wait!

Sylvia Lund, Director

St Johns Rd, Meadowbank

Lund Areinz:

justrentals@xtra.co.nz

Get in the Garden

Keep an eye on plants, ensure you’re watering regularly and chase off any pests trying to undo your hard work.

Veggies

Stagger your veggie planting to spread out your summer harvest. A two-week gap is our recommended benchmark, to ensure you have a constant supply of fresh veggies through summer. Mulch veggie beds with pea straw to improve water retention in the soil. Now is the perfect time to get your beans, tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, eggplants,

courgettes, cucumber, and kumara in the ground.

Fruit

If you’re short on space, plant dwarf citrus in pots as they only reach 1.52m tall. Harvest and enjoy delicious strawberries – but make sure to keep an eye on them and beat the blackbirds so you’ll have plenty for those tasty summer smoothies. Be sustainable with your watering – by using an eco-friendly soap, you can reuse greywater for those thirsty fruit trees.

Indoor Plants

It’s time to resume regular fertilising to give your plants some extra nutrients to provide energy for new growth. Mid to late spring is a great time to start repotting your indoor plants. By repotting them now, new roots will quickly grow into the extra soil, reducing the risk of root rot as well as providing a much-needed fertiliser boost.

For more spring gardening tips, pop into your local Kings, or visit kings.co.nz

Got a plant problem you need help with? Our Plant Doctor is now offering personal consultations at your home from as little as $80. For all home consultation enquiries, email plantdoctor@kings.co.nz

The wind down to Christmas is on the horizon but the garden is ramping up!

Horoscopes

You’ll explore new avenues. Place yourself in newer surroundings and accept any invitations you’re sent because that ‘next career shift’ you’ve been waiting to enter your whole life will be right around the corner. This month promises opportunities to expand your career goals. You’ll approach your romantic relationships a little more differently trying to understand how you can help contribute to your partner’s life.

November –

December

Money flows swiftly to you (and, if you're not conservative, from you) from now to mid-April. Save it! Your plans for the future will change daily –be patient. Social, organisational and entertainment plans might go awry. Avoid new ventures, whether they're your own idea or someone else's suggestion. Only research, investigative, and from-the-past projects will be free of glitches.

January –

February

This will be a month of opportunity, negotiation or wrestling with a challenge – you’ll want to be free of the chains of chores. Your sexual, financial and ‘deep health’ zones grow more and more important – and generally lucky. This can lead to a lustful affair, an investment, or settlement – all of which open lifestyle doorways. Love will be a source of health.

–

January

The first two weeks of this month find you radiating irresistible charm, so use it wisely and reap the rewards. Money matters become more important later. You'll want to improve your finances, perhaps by finding a different job, or ways to earn cash from your hobbies, home, or passions. Possibilities and ideas spring up in your neighbourhood through friends.

–

This is not the time to be storing up any little niggles that could return like a hurricane later. Pay attention to your partner and don’t do anything that you know full well will upset them, even if it seems like an insignificant trifle to you. You’ll make solid advances socially, could make new friends, or might be attracted to a potential mate.

ARIES

March –19 April

Now is the perfect time to pursue creative interests and do something self-fulfilling and satisfying. Keep your head down at work and get on with your day-to-day business as quietly as you can. Your home life won’t be any great shakes either this month and there’s no life-changing event likely in the coming four weeks.

LEO 23 July –22 August

There may be a sudden change, a disturbance or unexpected event which introduces something new into your life which is likely to be of a challenging nature. A passionate approach to situations that deserve compassion is favoured as well as careful consideration of ethical matters. This period is indicating a time to rethink and resolve old issues, but breaking away from previous situations or decisions will be difficult.

TAURUS

20 April –20 May

New investment opportunities might expand your bank balance as well as a certain pay-raise, or a new job with great perks might land in your lap. You’re in a place of celebration to have finally found that perfect balance in romance and are focusing energies on keeping your happy place more accessible, allowing yourself to visualise the life you wish to live.

VIRGO 23 August –22 September

It’s time to get on with the next chapter of your life, and if you consciously and deliberately put your focus on getting started you’ll begin to see results. There’s a lot of recalibration and upgrade still taking place, to give your heart a chance to catch up. Pay attention to those places where you’re not feeling all in, especially where new chapters are beginning.

GEMINI

21 May –20 June

You’re looking for a new source of inspiration, or a message that reinvigorates you. You need to be careful, however, of not allowing the workplace to be your lone source of satisfaction. Treat your relationships with honesty and patience this month. Use the power of love as an active, restorative force for good. Take proactive steps to activate your dreams and meet your goals.

LIBRA 23 September –22 October

Your money flow remains strong but do staunch the ‘outward flow’ of spending and debt and the like. Investments previously made were a good idea, so continue to value them but don't make new ones. Your career scene is tricky – higher-ups are both impatient and cautious, and you, too, might blow hot and cold about your ambitions. Romance is highlighted, but love's road has a few potholes.

CANCER

June –

July

This could be a time when you decide to change careers, to start taking the necessary steps to move in that direction. Letting go of the past and not falling prey to idealism may be conditions you need to deal with first. Taking a practical approach is favoured which should include a careful assessment of past experience and what life has taught you so far.

Win

SUNBEAM ESPRESSO MACHINE

The Sunbeam Compact Barista Espresso Machine EMM2900SS is small and sleek creating delicious cafe-style coffee with velvety microfoam milk. This machine delivers precision and power, pouring just the right amount of coffee every time.  Perfect for those who are squeezed on space!

WIN We have 1x Sunbeam Compact Barista Espresso Machine to win; RRP $499.99.

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

DESIGNING GREEN

Be in to win a double pass to Auckland’s premier designer garden showcase, the Auckland Garden DesignFest! This unique weekend festival runs 26-27 November in celebration of New Zealand garden-design excellence while raising funds for charities Lifeline Aotearoa, Garden to Table, OKE, and KidsCan. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to tour 18 of Auckland’s stunning, professionally designed private gardens, and meet onsite with the designers. More information at gardendesignfest.co.nz

WIN We have 5x double passes valued at $130 each to giveaway.

SUMMER WITH SUNFLAIR

To celebrate the launch of Sunflair’s summer collections, we have a beautiful Sunflair gift pack valued at $400 to giveaway. For a chance to win, follow the instructions above and enter your answer to the question in the Sunflair space.

Name one Auckland stockist for Sunflair?

WIN 1x Sunflair prize pack including one size kaftan (RRP $240); beach bag (RRP $69.95); mini fast -drying carry bag (RRP $19.95); and a sun hat (RRP $59.95).

NEVÉ WOOD WICK CANDLE

Hand poured in New Zealand and inspired by Te Waipounamu’s striking Southern Alps, Nevé wood wick candles offer mesmerising scents and a captivating flame that crackle and burn for an eternity. Nevé's monthly candle subscription service means you’ll never be short of a little luxury to light up your home. neve.co.nz

WIN Receive a seasonally selected large size Nevé wood wick candle every month, for the next three months, valued at $174.

Erin Whiting Honesty. Energy.

Thinking of selling your home or curious about its market value? Request a free market appraisal with Erin today. email e.whiting@barfoot.co.nz or call 021 644