Verve. November 2024. Issue 214.

A feast for the senses awaits this month by way of a bumper Best in Build, best in bar snacks, and journeys to Fiordland, our crafty capital, and Cuba .

EXCLUSIVE

ITALIAN BRAND

FROM THE EDITOR

SPACE, TIME… AND LOVE

“Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space,” muses Anne Hathaway’s character, Amelia Brand, in Christopher Nolan’s seminal Interstellar – a sciencefiction film only in disguise. For all its time-bending, gravity-defying, existential philosophising, for all its wormholes, black holes and occasional plot holes, it is not science that pulsates at the film’s thermonuclear core, but love: platonic love; romantic love; and most profoundly, love of the parental kind.

Quantifying parental love is, of course, far more complex than quantum mechanics! A confusing, all-encompassing cocktail of adoration, fear, concern, and pride. A cocktail that takes up so much emotional space – and time! – that when my wife announced that she was expecting our second child, one of my first reactions was how the hell will it be possible to love another person as much as I love our firstborn? I was reassured to learn that this is a common, if reluctantly admitted, reaction of parents-to-be the second time around, and soon realised that, unlike the first time around, I wasn’t going into this blind. I was prepared – as can be – for that emotional cocktail to come. For love doesn’t just transcend space and time – like the

universe, it is infinite and self-perpetuating. So, when our second son arrived just a few weeks ago, I was already head over heels in love with him.

Taking up much space – and time! – of this November issue is our inaugural Best in Build, a feature that celebrates those who design architecture to those who build it and decorate it and everything in between. We’re thrilled with how the feature has taken shape – the entire Verve team has done a monumental job of building it, but Kate Holloway deserves an especially big shoutout for how’s she’s run with it, too.

And lastly, a shoutout to Fran and Jude who, in celebrating their 20th anniversary of founding Verve, have decided to take a very well-earned rest. Arna and I are honoured to have been entrusted to take the reins and invite our loyal readers and advertisers to join us for this exciting new chapter. A journey that has begun with a move to a new Kingsland HQ… which we absolutely love.

Enjoy the issue.

Jamie

Publishers

Fran Ninow

Jude Mitchell

Editorial & Creative Directors

Arna Kennedy

Jamie Christian Desplaces

Graphic Designer / Social Media

Yamin Cook

Contributors

Aimée Ralfini, Bella Sampson, Dennis Knill, Lucy Kennedy, Manish Kumar Arora, Milly Nolan, Rawan Saadi

Subscriptions vervemagazine.co.nz/shop

Published by Verve Magazine Limited Level 1, 463 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021

Editorial Enquiries arna@vervemagazine.co.nz jamie@vervemagazine.co.nz

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

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Cover Photography: Chris Chen. Extracted from Happy Hour Snacks by Bec Vrana Dickinson, published by Hardie Grant Books.

Verve is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free lifestyle magazine delivered to cafés and businesses throughout Auckland. For distribution details or to sign up for your free monthly digital copy please visit our website vervemagazine.co.nz

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

PHOTO: JAMIE & TOMMY

INTRODUCING

Best in Build

The best and brightest in architecture and interior design have been found. Bold looks, transformative designs and innovative industry leaders, not to mention inspirational ideas for your next renovation.

The finest in construction, flooring, lighting, decor and much more have been handpicked to ensure your next remodel is a memorable one. This includes interviews and insights from the most influential and successful professionals in the game.

One Saint Stephens

When it comes to luxury apartment living it’s hard to look beyond One Saint Stephens, located adjacent to the Holy Trinity Cathedral at the very top of Auckland’s desirable city-fringe suburb of Parnell.

Not only do the apartments speak to unassuming luxury in their scale and designer features, but the accompanying access to ground floor amenities provide an altogether enviable lifestyle.

Many agree, with 24 of the 28 apartments at One Saint Stephens already purchased and only penthouse

and sub-penthouse options remaining. With completion imminent, the vision depicted in these renders is fast becoming a reality.

The views from these apartments need to be seen to be believed. And seeing firsthand is now possible, by private appointment with the developer. With the twinkling city lights by night to the twinkling Waitematā Harbour by day, the wraparound views not only encompass some of Auckland’s finest heritage listed buildings, but also a surprising amount of leafy green for such a convenient locale.

Inside the apartment, there are many special touches that are familiar to those with luxury homes but rarely seen in apartment living: large, walk-in sculleries; gas fireplaces with travertine hearths; gallery spaces for art, and designer Ambitec plaster finishes, just to name a few.

The amenities of One Saint Stephens act as an extension of one’s apartment. Focussed on two main areas of wellness and entertaining, the resplendent spaces are available for residents and their guests and can even be booked for exclusive use.

In the wellness zone, a luxurious sauna and steam room are joined by a soak pool for the ultimate indulgent experience. It flows to a heated outdoor pool with outdoor lounge and dining options – primed for a BBQ in the summer sun with friends. Catering

for such a gathering is supported by a chef’s kitchen, replete with Gaggenau appliances, which sits conveniently behind the indoor dining area for 10. Marry that with a lounge area for a morning coffee, a quiet read of a magazine or evening aperitif, and a private speakeasy-style bar for a postdinner nightcap or to view a sporting match – and the entertaining options just multiplied.

One Saint Stephens expounds the ease of apartment living. From the license plate recognition into the showroom inspired garaging, storage rooms – rather than lockers – to house hobbies, and a secure building for peace of mind, the apartments on offer provide more than just a lock and leave lifestyle. It’s a holistic luxury of apartment living without compromise or comparison. onesaintstephens.co.nz

“To accompany the outdoor pool, the interior wellness zone has a luxurious sauna, steam room, and soak pool for the ultimate indulgent experience.”

Belvedere. A different calibre.

Rising from its elevated position nestled between Remuera and Ellerslie, Belvedere at The Hill reveals sweeping vistas across the Auckland isthmus. Proudly brought to you by the trusted team at Fletcher Living with elegant architecture by Warren and Mahoney. Belvedere’s well-appointed apartments are designed as paragons of high-end living.

Apartment living, redefined .

Timeless modernism and inspired materials draw from the surrounding landscape. Carefully considered design specifications for each home deliver unparalleled elegance and comfort. Varied layouts and colour palettes offer a range of options for different tastes and budgets, all with inspiring views over the landscape.

A new perspective on design.

Belvedere’s sculpted exteriors by Warren and Mahoney emulate the nearby Ellerslie Racecourse trackside. Curves, patterns and full-depth landscaping create a cohesive design with generous living spaces that allow for entertaining and sumptuous furnishings inside and out.

Be part of this new era of living

Belvedere’s generous one, two and three bedroom apartments are selling now.

Visit the Experience Centre for more:

99 Ladies Mile, Remuera

Open daily 10am - 4pm Wednesdays 12-4pm

Reframe your view .

Located at the heart of The Hill community, Belvedere is flanked by gardens, walkways and a planned cafe. Privacy, security and convenience is paramount with controlled entry access, underground car parking and dedicated storage for each apartment.

Impeccably designed to maximise views, light and space, Chelsea Rise apartments are beautifully appointed with European appliances and quality fixtures, and feature generously sized private balconies. Amenities include landscaped gardens, Residents’ Lounge & Shared Workspace, and a 24/7 in-house gym. Birkenhead Village’s cafes, shops, public transport and entertainment options are right on the doorstep, and it’s an easy stroll to nearby nature walks. The stunning North Shore beaches are but a short drive away.

With a range of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments - some featuring a flexi space - and four opulent penthouses, apartments in Chelsea Rise will be highly sought-after when finished. There are plenty of options for your dream lifestyle in Chelsea Rise, including interior design choices from our curated palette, as well as customisable floor plans.

Just 8kms from the CBD, these architecturally designed apartments on Birkenhead’s sun-soaked ridge are brought to you by an award-winning New Zealand developer.

Visit our showroom & take a 3D tour, by appointment

chelsearise.co.nz | Darren 021 442 442

Construction starts early 2025, with completion estimated for late 2026.

Natalie Du Bois

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Verve finds inspiration with Natalie Du Bois, owner and director of Du Bois Design.

What sparked your interest in design… and what about it continues to inspire you?

My first real memory of falling in love with design goes back to my childhood when my parents gave me the freedom to redecorate my bedroom. It was such an empowering moment! However, my path into interior design wasn’t direct. After high school, I began training as a chef, but the desire to design never left me. I qualified as an interior designer in Cape Town. My journey then took me to London, where I specialised in kitchen and interior furniture design before finally making my way to New Zealand. Each step along the way has given me a unique perspective, blending creativity with functionality, especially when it comes to designing highly technical spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

How important is collaboration with clients during the process?

Collaboration with my clients is key. I firmly believe that the best designs come from a strong partnership, where the designer listens to the client’s needs while bringing their professional experience to the table. It’s equally important for the

client to trust the designer’s expertise, which creates mutual respect.

Design is not just about the visual, it’s also about understanding how spaces function and ensuring everything works seamlessly. This is especially true for kitchens and bathrooms, which are highly technical spaces. Mistakes in these areas can be expensive to fix, which is why hiring a designer with expertise is essential.

Additionally, the design industry is constantly evolving, and I believe it’s crucial to stay informed about new products, materials, and trends. I spend a lot of time attending design conferences, educational presentations, and international shows to keep up with what’s current and to ensure I’m offering my clients the most up-to-date solutions.

Do you have favourite themes, styles or materials to work with?

One of the things I love most is the opportunity to work with a variety of interior styles. I enjoy creating everything from sleek, modern spaces to more classic, traditional environments. My goal is always to craft interiors that are unique to my clients while still being pleasing to others.

I’m particularly drawn to natural elements. I’m a huge fan of natural stone for surfaces – it’s like functional art in the home. I also love working with natural timber. These materials ground us in the environment and add authenticity. You’ll often see a mix of stone, timber, and metals in my projects, as I find they add a sense of timelessness.

Where would we most likely find you when not designing?!

Usually immersed in the world of food! Whether it’s exploring the amazing cafes and restaurants we have here or cooking and entertaining at home, food is a big passion of mine. I also have a special interest in healthy, natural, and glutenfree options, as I have an autoimmune condition that prevents me from eating gluten. This personal connection to food has deepened my appreciation for how important the spaces where we cook, eat, and gather really are.

@du_bois_design | duboisdesign.co.nz

Best in Architecture

Leuschke Kahn Architects leuschkekahn.co.nz

Leuschke Kahn Architects is a design-led architectural practice.

While offering a full professional service, they are focused on working closely with clients to achieve their brief.

They create beautiful new and renovated homes, and holiday houses for happy clients.

Artis Homes artishomes.co.nz

Artis Homes craft quality, space-efficient abodes with a playful, modular design approach; keeping a close eye on the budget without sacrificing architectural delight. They believe a beautiful home celebrates the small, everyday moments that make life special. Each Artis home captures these moments with carefully crafted design options, tailored to your personality and land. Their streamlined design-build process guarantees fun, engagement and cost transparency, guiding you seamlessly from concept to keys.

Box™ is Auckland’s leading design-and-build company, creating homes rich in character and soul. With architects and builders working together under one roof, they seamlessly balance creativity with construction expertise. Every project is a true collaboration, resulting in homes as unique as the people who live in them. Experience the effortless integration of design and build with Box™ – where creativity meets craft.

Matter Architects matterarchitects.co.nz

Matter is recognised for their contributions to architecture, urban planning, art, and design. They emphasise an ethical, transparent, and collaborative approach to achieve optimal outcomes that are context specific and meet client needs. Their careful and detailed approach to actualising ideas, high quality processes, and effective communication ensures that client aspirations are well planned and achieved.

SUNDAY Architects | sundayarchitects.co.nz

SUNDAY Architects believes that beautifully considered design can surpass the constraints of project budgets, a philosophy perfectly suited to the currently unprecedented costs of building. The up-and-coming boutique firm is quietly compiling an impressive body of work that is relaxed and refined, celebrating everyday moments through design imbued with excellence, integrity, and substance.

Box™ | box.co.nz

Matter Architects

BEST IN ARCHITECTURE

A chat with Matter Architects director, Jonathan Smith.

What is the core of Matter?

The core of Matter is relationships. We’re here to help people into a more enjoyable, functional, and invigorating place. We’re known for our creativity and innovation within our architecture, while emphasising functionality and aesthetics. We prioritise sustainability and draw upon site context and client needs to create a deep connection with our clients and their property. We have a highly collaborative approach with clients and the project team. Our work typically reflects a blend of modern architecture with a strong sense of place, aiming to enhance the user experience while respecting the context of each project.

What inspires your team to stand out?

Autonomy in the way we work, the creative process, and design. The culture within our practice allows for new ideas and approaches to work through the critique process. This allows us to push boundaries while maintaining a shared vision. Our clients are welcomed into this culture, motivating all involved to work together toward a common goal. We have a growth mindset where we encourage continuous learning and development. Whether it be a city heritage walk,

teaching at the university, lobbying council, creating new building materials, or meeting with experts in niche design areas, we embrace these opportunities and reflect our learnings within our projects.

What do your clients enjoy most about working together on projects?

Not to assume, but perhaps it’s the ability to be heard and collaborate directly on their project. Clients often show appreciation for the way we listen and respond to their requirements. We are in a serious industry but the process must still be enjoyable with a good portion of playfulness added in.

All clients love the VR walkthroughs as well!

What advice do you have for upcoming architects?

Love what you do – architecture should be a source.

One aspect I missed out on in my early career was a mentor. My advice would include: build relationships with peers, mentors, and professionals in the field; attend industry events; and join professional organisations.

Relationships are critical to a successful outcome. Develop strong verbal and

written communication skills. Being able to articulate your ideas clearly is crucial when working with clients and collaborators.

And be open to critique and feedback: it’s coming your way.

How does your team stay motivated and creative?

Being part of the process in which something materialises from imagination into reality and makes people’s lives more enjoyable is incredibly rewarding. As a team, we are driven by the opportunity of making great things for our clients.

As a team, we have also been together for many years, riding the rollercoaster that is our industry. We understand the value of a supportive environment for sharing of knowledge but perhaps more importantly, for general catchups and looking out for each other. Again, the relationships within your practice are critical to the success of the outcomes produced.

Pick Pocketspace

INTERIOR DESIGNER

A quick catchup with interior designer and Pocketspace founder and director Laura Heynike.

Sum up your interior design style in a sentence or few words…

Confident and considered, with a dash of wild colour.

Your house is on fire, what do you grab first?

It would be rude to not save my kids… but I am very attached to a beautiful piece of Lladró from my parents.

What’s your all-time favourite piece of design?

My favourite comes from natureshells. The varied shaped designs, lines, colours, rough and smooth textures are incredible, and an awesome source of design inspiration.

Favourite plant?

For indoors I don't think you can go wrong with a bridal veil, but my all-time favourite to have in the garden would be an ebony leucadendron, it pairs well with any floral bunch you get gifted to bulk up the display.

Books for the coffee table?

I'm actually not a fan of coffee table books. The idea seems like it’s from a few decades ago so that people seemed educated or that they have good taste with books they've probably read once. But they become faded. I'm a statementsculpture-on-the-coffee-table kind of gal!

Bright or dimmed lights?

Dimmed lights, and please do not buy the bright pancake downlights that are in everyone's homes at the moment. A good interior scheme should have varied light levels that add interest to how we experience a room and that accommodates task, accent, and decorative needs.

Go-to dinner party dish?

Chelsea Winter’s strawberry and white chocolate cheesecake.

From a recipe book, or freestyle it?

I'm a huge freestyler when it comes to cooking mains or canapes, but this dessert is strictly textbook!

What should – and shouldn’t be –on every dining table?

Fabric napkins in place of paper towels or paper serviettes.

Finally, favourite bathroom cabinet treat?

Kiehl’s face mask – running a business and with two kids under four, I need a bit of a rejuvenating treat every now and then!

This project by Leuschke Kahn Architects is a replica villa with additions. The existing villa was deemed to be in such bad repair that it could be demolished with the condition that its street facade be faithfully duplicated.

The site is in a character zone where Council demands the street frontage is villa while the back of the house can be modern.

The original villa was built above street level, so we were able to dig out the hill to create a basement level in the new house. We retained the western side boundary to allow western glazing and light into the basement.

The client's brief was for a modern house but with all the positive features of a villa: the character, the detailing, high ceilings, generous room proportions, and a simple layout. The clients lived in a villa and didn't want a modern glass box.

INTRODUCING

Grey Lynn House

However, they did want garaging, insulation, light, and outlook which are lacking in traditional villas and of course a modern layout to suit today's family lifestyle.

Apart from garaging, the basement houses a large media room with a discrete bar, a warming fireplace, and a large, west-facing glass wall. There is also a home office which is away from the family noise upstairs. The pool area, a level above, can be accessed by an exterior stair.

The main level has generous children's bedrooms and main living area which opens out onto a covered terrace and swimming pool via huge, north-facing double-glazed sliding doors. The terrace louvres open to allow sun onto the terrace and light into the house. An outdoor fire enhances the outdoor experience.

Tucked under the roof on the third level is the parent's zone, main bedroom, ensuite, and walk-in dressing area.

A timber-clad stair with metal balustrade and overhead glazing unites the levels and brings light down into the house.

The detailing is modern but gives a nod to the past. Panelled doors and stepped skirting boards. High ceilings, timber flooring for warmth, carrara ceramic tiled bathrooms, and marble bench tops all acknowledge the villa’s material history.

Lawns have gone in favour of a swimming pool, gardens and boundary hedging for privacy.

The result is a home with personality, appropriate to its character neighbourhood, while offering our clients all the benefits of a modern house. The house is a wonderful backdrop to family life and adult entertaining that answered the clients brief and more.

paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz 021 894 895 leuschkekahn.co.nz

The detailing is modern but gives a nod to the past. Panelled doors and stepped skirting boards.

Best in Bathrooms

Tonic Tiles | tonictiles.co.nz

The Room range. Emotional, refined, contemporary, timeless, charming. The Room describes the expressive opulence of a selection of quality marbles, interpreted in a welcoming, modern language. The Aqua onyx marble is made up of sedimentary limestone coloured by spring water and infiltration. Of Asiatic origin, it is a mineral that stands out for its shiny transparency effect on the surface, a feature that makes it extremely rare and particularly suited to interior design objects with a strong hint of exclusivity.

George Street Linen | georgestreetlinen.com

Wrap yourself in spa-like luxury with George Street Linen’s cotton bath sheets and bath towels. From zesty Lime to elegant Violet, and bold Fuchsia, there’s a shade to match every mood and aesthetic. With summer nearly here, there’s no better time to refresh your bathroom with a pop of colour and the comforting feel of a brand-new, fluffy towel.

A Green Canvas

Verve catches up with artist and gardener

Katie Battersby.

What do you love most about your work?

I’m an artist. My garden and what I grow is a continuous source of inspiration. I oscillate between garden and studio daily as one informs the other. I feel connected to the seasons, from the dormancy of winter to the rapid growth of spring. I’m amazed by new growth and equally by decay.

How would you describe your work, do you have a particular style?

We have inherited a formal garden which we endeavour to maintain and add to. One of its defining characteristics is the established trees – the symmetry is slowly being undone by huge roots as it rewilds itself. I have a kitchen garden and a studio garden I like to plant seasonally. There aren’t any rules and it’s fairly eclectic.

Can you share what trends or changes you are seeing in New Zealand in landscape design and everyday gardening?

Gardening is having a renaissance. It’s a counterpoint to consumer culture and a return to creative culture. Beyond that, it’s about slowing down and reconnecting to nature and the seasons. Getting dirt under your nails is cathartic, serotonin enhancing, and generally good for you!

You’re one of the designers at this year’s Auckland Garden Designfest, can you tell us a bit about the event and your featured garden?

We live in an historic house with a heritage garden. My garden and my studios will be open for people to visit. I’m lucky enough to have two studios, one in the garden where I paint, and then a clean space to view and store my work inside the house. Hopefully people will enjoy seeing my work in the garden setting in which they were created.

The Auckland Garden Designfest is on 23-24 November, 10am - 4pm, see more here gardendesignfest.co.nz

Carved from Culture

Jade Kake is an architectural designer, writer, housing advocate, and founder of Matakohe Architecture + Urbanism based in Te Tai Tokerau Northland.

“My formative years were spent around people who genuinely and passionately believed in environmental conservation, rural regeneration and community building,” she tells Verve . “This shaped my worldview, and ideas about who and what architecture is for.”

It was an upbringing in the ‘Rainbow Region’ of New South Wales where her parents were “tree change hippies” and founding members of an ecocommunity.

“Through my mum – who is Māori – and my koroheke – affectionately known as ‘Pop’ – and his siblings, I grew up with a strong connection to my taha Māori,” continues Jade. “The intertwining of these formative elements in my late

teens and early 20s solidified my ideas about the role of people and culture in shaping our physical environments, and architecture as a tool towards achieving this.”

How important is community consultation in designing Māori buildings?

For most of our projects, a Māori community or group is the client. For these types of projects, we facilitate a co-design process that engages our client group in a series of wānanga. We often leave feeling as though the community has collectively made all of the key design decisions, and that our role as the architect is simply to draw it up and incorporate any other technical information.

Can you describe how Māori architecture reflects Māori culture?

I have been increasingly thinking about this as a set of four factors: whakatakoto/ layout; āhuatanga/form; ngā rawa/ materials; and ngā tauira/motif. I haven’t yet decided whether tikanga should be its own factor or whether this can be captured in the layout. The careful separation of tapu and noa is, in my view, the most important consideration in Māori architecture, with the related but separate concern of facilitation cultural protocol. How the building –and the spaces in between – function is fundamentally important, more so than motif or materials, which ultimately exist in support of the culturally-patterned relationships and behaviours that buildings reinforce or facilitate.

PHOTO: SARA ORME

AND URBANISM (HAPŪ-APPOINTED DESIGNERS / CULTURAL DESIGN LEAD)

Is storytelling incorporated into your architectural designs?

We have a reasonably structured process whereby we work collaboratively with knowledge holders to identify landmarks, stories and genealogy, as well as broader cultural themes and values. From there, we work collaboratively to identify the best opportunities for expression through design, and to develop some very early conceptual thinking to present back to hapū knowledge holders for their input.

How do you adapt traditional materials for modern construction?

Traditionally, our everyday whare were light, easy-to-dismantle structures constructed of readily available materials. Pre-colonisation, wharepuni, and pātaka may have included timber elements, some of which may have been carved. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that large, fully carved whare whakairo emerged as a distinct architectural typology. Unfortunately, the Tohunga Suppression Act 1907 and the raupō ordinances of the 1840s meant that much of our traditional building knowledge was lost or went underground.

The contemporary idea of hybrid materials is interesting but still largely unrealised and certainly not in a

mainstream sense. Some of ways in which hybrid materials have been developed and applied include the use of muka – harakeke fibre – in uku/earth walls, and the use of native hardwoods, to create timber shingles. Some of the other areas of untapped potential include the use of tōtara bark as insulation.

And how do you balance traditional Māori design elements with contemporary practices?

I’ve had a few conversations with carvers, and generally, the consensus is that even the best attempts at traditional constructions have carvings as add-ons to the main structure. Our building industry is highly regulated, and it’s difficult for structural engineers to certify carved timber as structural elements. There’s some interesting work underway in academia which is extremely promising, but on the whole yet to be translated into practice.

How does Māori architecture incorporate environmental sustainability?

Inherently. Within our practice, most of our clients are Māori, and within the early stages of briefing there’s always a strong drive towards environmental sustainability as a fundamental ethos, considering our impact on Papatūānuku, waterways, our non-human kin,

and the lifecycle of materials. Social sustainability is often at the forefront, considering ways to utilise local, minimally processed materials and labour.

Where do you see the future of Māori architecture heading, both in Aotearoa and globally?

I’m a big fan of speculative fiction, and Māori futurism – as a subset of Indigenous futurism – is an idea that has captured our collective creative imagination. Think the cover of Pātea Māori Club’s Poi E album of 1987 – the future is Māori, and we are only limited by our collective imagination and ambition. Let’s keep working together to imagine more hopeful and emancipatory futures.

IMAGES: TE IWITAHI WHANGĀREI CIVIC CENTRE, TEAM AVERY ARCHITECTS IN COLLABORATION WITH MATAKOHE ARCHITECTURE

Best in Builders & Construction

Landmark Homes Central West landmarkhomes.co.nz

Landmark Central West are proud of their commitment to quality and innovation by creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. All kitchens serve as the heart of the home, a central hub for both daily life and socialising. Inspired by your ideas and creativity, they love creating homes that owners are excited about and want to show off. They’d love to help create your unique Landmark.

MCNZ Group

mcnzgroup.nz

MCNZ Group is a leader in delivering specialised workforce solutions across New Zealand and Australasia. With an extensive network of exclusive subcontractors, they provide expert services that set them apart in the industry.

From roofing, tiling, and commercial or residential painting, to more specialised services such as waterproofing, fabrication, and construction cleaning, MCNZ Group is able to provide the skilled workforce for every need. Their offerings extend to building wash and maintenance, traffic control, graffiti management, as well as security and plumbing, ensuring a comprehensive service portfolio.

Known for reliability and high-quality results, MCNZ Group is the trusted partner for industries seeking expertise in formwork, restoration services, and beyond. Their commitment to delivering tailored solutions ensures all industry requirements are met with efficiency and professionalism.

Ellie 021 053 3331 | ellie@mcnzgroup.nz

QBS Construction | qbsconstruction.co.nz

QBS Construction provides high-quality, innovative building solutions with a skilled team dedicated to excellence. Renowned in Auckland as a leading residential construction company, they emphasise the importance of choosing the right builder for your project. Their focus on communication, trust, and dedication ensures that every project is a success, truly setting them apart in the industry.

Best in Cladding

COLORSTEEL® colorsteel.co.nz

Transform your home’s exterior with COLORSTEEL® cladding, where architectural form meets function. Designed with a focus on clean lines and modern appeal, this next-generation cladding offers both aesthetic elegance and high performance. Its advanced coating, made with ACTIVATE™ technology, provides enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, perfect for withstanding New Zealand’s unique environments. With a warranty of up to 50 years, COLORSTEEL® cladding offers the ultimate blend of style and longevity.

100% New Zealand grown and manufactured, Abodo’s uniquely crafted Vulcan Cladding feature timber cladding range is Forest Stewardship Council® certified and thermally modified for enhanced performance. Builder-friendly and available in a range of architectural profiles, Vulcan Cladding can be precoated to suit your design aesthetics, whether in light, medium or dark colours.

Abodo | abodo.co.nz

Built Better

How does Nu-Wall compare with other cladding products?

Nu-Wall uses 85% recycled aluminium and made right here in New Zealand, supporting NZ businesses. Nu-Wall keeps our carbon footprint to a minimum. Because it’s lightweight and durable, and won’t rot, delaminate, or crack, Nu-Wall is the ideal cladding material. Also, the low maintenance requirements compared with other products in terms of painting and repairs and so forth means it is the most cost-effective option out there.

How long will Nu-Wall last, and what guarantees do you offer?

There is a Nu-Wall 100-year guarantee that the aluminium substrate will remain weather tight. The surface coatings have separate manufacturer warranties depending on the coating grade and against integrity and colour loss up to 25 years.

In what lengths is Nu-Wall available?

All Nu-Wall profiles can be supplied up to 6.5m long, with some profiles being able to be supplied longer—up to 8.3m in some cases. For many projects, profiles are supplied in custom lengths, calculated to minimise unusable waste.

Is Nu-Wall suitable for marine or harsh environments?

Absolutely. With a choice of baked powder coat or anodised finishes in several grades, Nu-Wall suits the toughest conditions. Remember that NuWall won’t rot, crack, or delaminate.

Is Nu-Wall resistant to impact damage?

Yes, with a buttressed wall thickness of 1.5mm, Nu-Wall is resistant to all but a determined attack. Rugby balls and the like will have no effect. Cricket balls could dent the surfaces.

What colours are available?

Nu-Wall comes in approximately 90 standard powder coat finishes, but that’s just the start. Just about any custom colour is available to match your taste or interior design.

What thermal properties does Nu-Wall have?

Like most cladding, Nu-Wall relies on the insulation in the walls to maintain the internal temperature. Corrugated iron roofs are the same, insulation is essential to create a comfortable temperature gradient.

Does Nu-Wall get hot in the sun?

Yes, it can. Like any metal surface the temperature can get hot, especially in summer. The insulation stops the heat entering the home just as the heat from a corrugated iron roof is insulated from inside the house.

Are there other applications for Nu-Wall?

Yes, Nu-Wall is used for soffits, counter fronts and cabinets, doors and screens, and suspended ceilings. Also, sectional garage doors are offered in Nu-Wall by most garage door manufacturers in New Zealand.

Is Nu-Wall noisy in the rain?

No, the rain doesn’t have enough impact on a vertical surface to cause any noticeable noise.

If damage is done to my Nu-Wall cladding, such as a car backing into it, how is it repaired?

This can be answered in two ways. For a slight dent or scratch the repair can be done in a similar way to automotive panel beating – touch up paints are available and body fillers can be used on the cladding if necessary. Where serious damage has occurred and the panel is ripped, the wall can be disassembled from the soffit down and the damaged panels replaced. Nu-Wall is assembled using screws, not nails, so all undamaged products can be re-used without replacement.

Visit our Penrose showroom at 24 Greenpark Road to find out more!

nuwall.co.nz

Best in Doors & Staircases

Continental Stairs | stairs.co.nz

With more than 42 years’ experience, Continental Stairs is a trusted leader in stair manufacturing, enhancing countless spaces with high-quality stairs, handrails and balustrades. Let them assist you in crafting the perfect staircase for your area.

Opening Doors openingdoors.co.nz

Opening Doors makes selecting and purchasing doors and hardware simple and enjoyable. With years of experience, their knowledgeable staff are ready to assist architects, builders, and homeowners with personalized service. Whether you’re working on a new project or renovation, Opening Doors offers expert guidance and free quotes to get things started. Contact the team today to experience hassle-free door solutions.

Framework Doors | frameworkdoors.com

Framework Doors is an Auckland-based, New Zealand-owned and -operated company that creates beautiful, functional, and secure steel doors to transform your home and improve everyday living. Enjoy increased natural light, passive airflow, and peace of mind knowing children and pets are safe, and unwanted visitors are deterred.

Framework: for beautiful peace of mind.

info@frameworkdoors.com Instagram: frameworkdoors

Best in Electrical

East Coast Bays Electrical | eastcoastbayselectrical.co.nz

For over 40 years, East Coast Bays Electrical has been Auckland’s trusted choice for high-quality, reliable electrical services. From industrial to residential and commercial installations to specialised lighting, and data setups, their experienced, professional team ensures every job is done to perfection. With a commitment to exceptional service and competitive pricing, East Coast Bays Electrical offers a seamless, stress-free experience backed by expertise. Trust them for precision, professionalism, and peace of mind across all your electrical needs.

Harbour Electrical

harbourelectrical.co.nz

Your boutique electrical company specialising in exclusive new builds and high-end renovations, including commercial installations, shop, restaurant and bar fitouts.

Experts in all electrical solutions, they believe that more work done at the start of a project can significantly reduce any time wasted and mistakes made on site. The team not only consists of highly skilled and qualified electricians, but a solid support team in the office who deliver innovative, impressive and creative lighting designs and plans. Their sound and accurate quoting software provides flawless electrical plans that make them leaders in their field.

Harbour Electrical guarantees exceptional attention to detail from start to finish. They’re driven by a passion for problem solving and achieving your dream result. That’s why you need Harbour Electrical on your team.

0800 133 233

Design of November

STYLING BELLA SAMPSON

James Dunlop Textiles Mokum Fabrics

Resene Tropical House Wallpaper Collection 687941

Lapalma ADD Sofa

Tom Dixon Melt chandelier

Kovacs Design Furniture Baxter Chair

Glas Italia Crystal coffee table

Cassina Rio coffee table

Ferm Living Entire tapestry blanket

Karakter TriAngle side table

ECC Tank vase

Marimekko Urna Vase - Olive

Best in Flooring

Bremworth bremworth.co.nz

Enrich your home from the ground up. Voted New Zealand’s most trusted carpet brand for 11 consecutive years, Bremworth proudly crafts NZ wool carpets and rugs. Sink your toes into Te Aroha, a new sumptuous chunky pile with a colour pallete of rich mineral tones. Bring natural elegance to any space with Bremworth.

Flooring Studio can change your dream into reality. They have a wide range of flooring options from European oak timber, laminates to the luxury of Bremworth NZ wool carpets. With the help of their instore interior designer to bring your ideas together for a faultless flow. Visit their beautiful showroom for a free consultation.

Flooring Xtra | flooringxtra.co.nz

Bringing you the best range of premium carpet and hard flooring from New Zealand’s leading flooring suppliers. Let their expert team guide you from inspiration right through to installation and enjoy peace of mind with a lifetime workmanship warranty. Visit them today at one of 61 stores nationwide.

Vibes represents a return to the neutrality of stone. A naturalness that ties in with your own most intimate and deep interior being. And that makes it unique. A harmonious and primordial style that interprets minimalism not as a sacrifice, but as a perfect balance of our way of life.

Flooring Studio flooringstudio.co.nz

Tonic Tiles tonictiles.co.nz

Best in Furniture

Allium | alliuminteriors.co.nz

Allium’s furniture collection is a testament to timeless design and bespoke craftsmanship. Each piece is designed and made in New Zealand, with a focus on high-quality, contemporary upholstery that complements any home. From statement sofas to refined chairs, Allium’s range provides clients with unique, beautifully made furnishings that bring luxury and sophistication into every living space.

Lore | lore.co.nz

Lore Furniture combines timeless elegance with eco-friendly craftsmanship. Made in New Zealand from renewable resources, their collections exemplify sustainability without compromising style. Each piece is designed to enhance any home, ensuring longevity and sophistication while setting the standard in eco-friendly furniture production. Choose Lore for a beautiful and responsible addition to your living space.

Italia | studioitalia.co.nz

Studio Italia is proud to exclusively represent leading Italian furniture design brands including Poliform, Flexform, Living Divani, Knoll and many more. Their passion is to deliver the design and expert craftsmanship of Italy to discerning New Zealanders. The Studio Italia showroom in Grafton offers an elegant, boutique shopping experience, making the best in quality Italian designer furniture, wardrobes and kitchens available here.

Studio

Best in Gas Fitting

Pivotal Gas & Plumbing pivotalnz.com

Pivotal is your trusted go-to for expert gas fitting and plumbing services across Auckland and the Coromandel. With over 20 years of experience, this New Zealand family-owned business takes pride in delivering reliable, honest service. Whether it’s a small repair or a major installation, their skilled team is committed to providing top-quality workmanship you can trust. Call on 021 814 879 or email at office@pivotalnz.com.

Prentice Solutions | prenticesolutions.co.nz

Prentice Solutions installs, repairs and maintains all gas equipment and appliances. They are licensed and expert at taking care of all forms of gas appliances, including cookers, fires, water heaters, for both domestics and commercial applications.

Prentice Solutions ensures a high level of safety and efficiency of gas installations, by a team you can trust. Contact them now on 0800 PIPING or info@prenticesolutions.co.nz.

Best in Heating & Cooling

Discover the warmth and elegance of Naked Flame’s Biofuel fireplaces. Located on Barrys Point Road, Takapuna, Naked Flame is New Zealand’s leading biofuel fireplace destination. Specialising in eco-friendly, flueless fireplaces from brands like Ecosmart, Vauni, Planika, and Cocoon Fires, Naked Flame offers stylish, modern heating solutions without the need for a chimney or consent. Their knowledgeable, friendly team ensures you find the ideal fireplace for any space, blending design with sustainability. Transform your home into a cosy sanctuary – visit Naked Flame and embrace the warmth.

Oneair oneair.co.nz

“No ugly boxes on walls” and a compact outdoor unit was the heating and cooling design brief for this west Auckland home.

OneAir’s solution was a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries system incorporating three ducted indoor units powered by a single KX Micro 15.5kW VRF outdoor unit; which, at just 845mm high, was easily hidden away underneath the deck.

In collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries mhiheatpumps.co.nz

Comfort Solutions comfortsolutions.co.nz

Comfort Solutions provides exceptional heating, air conditioning, and ventilation for discerning homeowners and businesses throughout Auckland. With over 30 years of experience, their expert team designs bespoke solutions tailored to high-end residences and commercial spaces. From elegant wall units to sophisticated ducted systems, Comfort Solutions ensures unparalleled comfort and air quality. Contact them today for a complimentary consultation to create the perfect environment for luxurious living.

Naked Flame nakedflame.nz

Best in Home Staging

Amazing Interiors

Elevate your home’s value with Amazing Interiors’ staging.

Amazing Interiors create spaces across Auckland that captivate attention and elevate your chances of a faster, highervalue sale. As one of Auckland’s founding home staging companies, they bring decades of experience and an acute knowledge of Auckland’s real estate pulse.

Whether you're seeking a full-stage transformation or enhancement, their

internationally award-winning team specialises in curating spaces that strategically resonate with buyers, speed up the sale process and elevate your home’s market value.

From contemporary townhouses to classic villas, they design with precision and the latest trends, creating environments that inspire.

Amazing Interiors don’t just stage homes—they curate lifestyles that buyers can’t resist.

Best in Lighting

Lightplan | lightplan.co.nz

Prospect House is a contemporary new family home with a sense of ease and livability that enjoys a connection to Maungawhau. Lightplan carefully considered the lighting design, bringing life to the home’s rich palette of materials and charts the passing of time. Ultimately what elevates the home is the sense of serenity one feels when there.

Good Form goodform.co.nz

Good Form represents a curated selection of brands that share their passion for authentic design and thoughtful living. Their selection of designer lighting is guided by a reverence for the beauty and functionality of a well-designed light. They offer a curated selection of classic and contemporary lighting from some of the world's most celebrated makers and designers.

Taylor | eunicetaylor.co.nz

Established in 1925 by its eponymous founder, Eunice Taylor continues to provide the finest handcrafted shades for Auckland’s discerning clientele. Eunice Taylor represents renowned designer brands, including Arteriors, Boyd Blue, and Visual Comfort, alongside bespoke lighting and collections of outdoor, ceramic, and wrought-iron lighting crafted locally. From large-scale commercial projects to bespoke residential spaces, the experienced team offers tailored lighting solutions for projects of every scale. Their guiding ethos: delivering beautiful, functional lighting by designers, for designers.

Eunice

Best in Interior Designers

Allium alliuminteriors.co.nz

In interior design, Allium is a creative powerhouse, providing a wealth of vibrant ideas and products for every style—whether minimal, exotic, or vintage. Stocking an extensive range of European, American, Australian, and New Zealand furnishings, wallpaper, and decor, Allium offers clients an inspiring blend of international flair and local artistry. With one-on-one consultations available, the team of Jo, Annabel and Wendy is here to help customers create homes that are joyful, soulful, and innovative.

Amazing Interiors | amazinginteriors.co.nz

Go visit Amazing Interiors at their playground of design in Howick to discover a display of luxurious, exquisite interiors and on-the-spot design advice, or book in for an in-home interior design consultation.

Retail Showroom

027 215 5297 3/78 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland

Space Studio | spacestudio.co.nz

Internationally award-winning design firm Space Studio has crafted luxury interiors throughout New Zealand and Oceania since 2004. Specialising in hotels and resorts across Asia-Pacific, they are leaders in hospitality design through a commitment to talent, international research, and structured practices. Comprehensive FF&E and OS&E procurement services cover every stage, from budgeting to final placement, supported by a network of trusted global suppliers. Additionally, their expertise in luxury residential design brings meticulously curated, high-end spaces to private homes and executive apartments.

Lo & Co loandcointeriors.com.au

Lo & Co is an Australian architectural hardware company dedicated to creating quality architectural hardware.

Each piece, produced from solid brass and marble, is meticulously designed in-house, manufactured with utmost attention to detail, and finished by hand.

Lo & Co continues to bring design-forward pieces into their architectural hardware collection in several exciting new finishes and marbles.

Places and Graces | placesandgraces.com/holidayholiday

Places and Graces is the studio you partner with for a holiday home that reflects you. It’s the place to go for something a little unexpected. For playful use of colour. And for a collaborative process. Places & Graces is led by Kate Alexander, a designer with 25-plus years of experience. She works with clients on their holiday homes – creating a story that comes to life through every touchpoint. “Holidays are precious,” she says. “Let’s make sure you spend them in a precious place.”

Nicola Manning Design is an award-winning interior design studio renowned for creating beautiful and functional kitchens. Nicola, an Elite-level designer of the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association, and her team, promise to seamlessly guide you from a full and thorough briefing to concept designs, detailed drawings and renders, through to the completed installed kitchen.

Nicola Manning Design nmdesign.co.nz

Outdoor Design

8.

1. Lujo Bean Bag Lounger – Indoor X Out

2. Design Warehouse Francesca Poufs

3. Design Warehouse Lilly Outdoor Wing Lounge Chair

4. Refined Living Artwood San Diego Single Seater

5. Jardin Combo Balad Lamp 38cm + Offset Stand

6. Lujo Ko Lanta Collection Sun Lounger

7. Refined Living Artwood Palermo Dining Table

Refined Living Artwood Santa Monica

Dining chair in Classic Grey

9. Jardin Sixties Collection

Best in Landscaping

Luijten Landscaping luijten.co.nz

Luijten Landscaping is an award-winning landscape design and build company specialising in transforming residential outdoor spaces into personalised sanctuaries. With a strong focus on innovation and craftsmanship, they offer a comprehensive range of services, from concept design to project completion. Their expertise ensures every project brings your vision to life, creating beautiful and functional environments for homeowners.

In line with the latest living and gardening demands where traditional porcelain stoneware for outside use with a normal thickness is completed with the thicker 20mm proposal. The ideal solution for walkways, terraces, patios and projects around gardens, courtyards, and swimming pools. Synonymous with high-tech performance and being long lasting, its mechanical features completely porosity-free and frost-proof, 20 mm product that can be cleaned easily, is solid and eco-sustainable.

Tonic Tiles tonictiles.co.nz

Best in Kitchens

Elite Kitchen and Cabinets

elitekc.co.nz | (09) 298 8388

Elite Kitchen and Cabinets are the longest-running kitchen suppliers and manufacturers in Auckland, with a heritage stretching back over 67 years. During that time, they have grown to become leaders in the industry – driven by the simple philosophy of inspiring better living through purposeful design.

From the largest high end kitchens and sculleries, to small kitchenettes, Elite does them all. They also design and manufacture custom laundries, entertainment units, window seats and wardrobes. Elite Kitchens and Cabinets have the ideas to exceed your dreams while working within your budget to transform your living.

Whether you prefer a modern or a traditional style, calming neutrals or

dramatically dark spaces, playful pastels or bold and beautiful tones, minimalist or maximalist design – they can help you bring your dream kitchen and cabinetry to life.

Visit their showroom or chat to one of their friendly Elite designers to book a free design consultation.

Quote ‘Best in Build’ at your design consultation and Elite will give you free installation (terms and conditions apply).

Mid-century Modern

kitchensbydesign.co.nz

The quest for a beautifully designed and well-manufactured kitchen was important to the client so they sought a custom design solution from Kitchens by Design.

The brief for this kitchen was to deliver an inviting environment that maximised the compact area with clean lines, a thoughtful floorplan, smart storage solutions, and a cohesive colour palette of warm earth tones. “This kitchen, for a young family, is located on the second storey of their home and positioned to take full advantage of extensive sea views,” says designer Karen Brown from Kitchens By Design.

One of the key measures of success for any new kitchen is how well it meets the client’s brief in design, aesthetics, and quality.

"There was an extensive amount of collaboration and trust with this client to deliver a custom-built kitchen, with the perfect blend of style and functionality, and one that they now absolutely love.”

By combining stained American oak doors and fine framed profiles we were able to give the design a classic element, delivering a stylish and functional space inspired by mid-century modern aesthetics. The stained American oak, paired with a softly patterned stone benchtop, creates a beautiful and harmonious design that balances warmth with elegance.

Small metal finger-pull handles, discreet and functional, are integrated seamlessly, adding a modern touch, while ensuring ease of use without detracting from the overall look. Both materials are durable, with the stone resistant to scratches and stains, with gorgeously finished oak able to withstand daily use.

“The rich, warm tones of the stained oak provide a cosy feel, while the stone adds a touch of sophistication,” says Karen. The contrast between the organic grain of the wood and the subtle patterns in the stone create visual interest and the tactile experience is further enriched by the smooth surface of the stone in contrast to the textured finish of the oak.

The space is now so functional, creating the perfect balance between aesthetics

and curated design. Karen says that the homeowners are so grateful for the meticulous attention to detail spanning the design, the build and seamless installation, delivering a gorgeous kitchen from the team at Kitchens by Design.

The experienced team at Kitchens By Design offers an integrated design-tocompletion service. If you’re looking for a new kitchen, please call (09) 379 3084 to make an appointment with one of their designers.

Kitchens By Design’s showroom is located at 9 Melrose Street, Newmarket. For inspiration, take a look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz

Yourspace Developments | ysdl.co.nz

Yourspace Developments offers designer kitchens and luxury cabinetry for both domestic and commercial fitouts. From modern kitchens and bathroom renovations to custom cabinetry for bedrooms and living spaces, they deliver premium craftsmanship. Working with top Auckland design firms, they produce high-standard commercial fitouts. Contact Yourspace for expertly hand-built, New Zealand-made cabinetry.

AUTHENTIC GERMAN KITCHENS

Best in Outdoor Heating

PHOTO: SOLO STOVE FIRE PIT, THE FIREPLACE

No Smoke with Fire

Outdoor heating and cooking: built for bringing people together.

New Zealanders love spending time in their outdoor spaces, entertaining friends and family. Whether hosting a gathering, having a family barbecue, or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, a well-built outdoor fire can enhance the ambiance and create a focal point for your outdoor setting.

A legacy of quality : Jetmaster Fireplaces

For over 40 years, Jetmaster has led the way in providing top-quality, great-value indoor and outdoor wood fireplaces. The Jetmaster Alfresco Universal, Quadro, and Contractor wood fires provide options to suit a range of outdoor areas. These fireplaces create a warm and inviting environment and are built to provide lasting enjoyment, especially in cooler months.

Introducing the Focus Range: suspended 360° rotating fires

These fires create a striking visual effect, often appearing as though the flames are defying gravity or burning in mid-air, providing a unique focal point in outdoor settings.

The Solo Stove and Hearthstone Range: expanding the heart of your home

The Solo Stove and Hearthstone

ranges extend the heart of your home to your backyard. With fire pits, fire pit grills, and a wood-fired pizza oven, you can perfect the ‘gather round’ experience. Made from durable cast iron, Hearthstone products are built to last. Solo Stove's stainless-steel products are built for the backyard and beyond, and are lightweight, and smokeless.

A simple guide to creating a cosy and inviting outdoor space

Consider the type of outdoor fire that best suits your needs and the layout of your entertaining area:

suspended fire: a striking centrepiece that allows users to sit around the fire

· fire pit : popular for their versatility and 360-degree view of the flames

inbuilt fireplace: for a more permanent option, made from stone, brick, or metal. These can be customised with mantels and seating areas for a formal look

cooking appliance: when choosing a fireplace or fire pit that doubles as a cooking appliance, select one that aligns with your culinary preferences and outdoor setup

The placement of your outdoor fire feature is crucial for both safety and usability. Think about the flow of movement in your outdoor area:

central versus corner placement proximity to seating · accessibility to amenities wind protection

The materials you choose for your fire feature and its surroundings can significantly impact the overall look and feel. Stone, brick, concrete and metals are durable materials that provide a classic, timeless look, ideal for natural landscapes.

Designing and building an outdoor fire for your entertaining area can enhance the atmosphere, provide warmth, and create a memorable gathering space for friends and family. By choosing the right type of fire, carefully planning the location, building a safe and sturdy structure, you can enjoy the beauty and comfort of an outdoor fire for years to come.

The team at The Fireplace can assist in selecting the right fire for your needs. thefireplace.co.nz

Ultimate Outdoor Spaces

admin@ultimateoutdoorspaces.co.nz 021 123 4515 | 027 280 5509

ultimateoutdoorspaces.co.nz

Transform your outdoor living space with the timeless beauty and warmth of the Mahuika Outdoor Fireplaces and Fire Pits from Ultimate Outdoor Living, crafted from durable Corten weathering steel.

Mahuika Outdoor Fireplaces | Available in three sizes:

Mahuika Iti - 1m

Mahuika - 1.5m

Mahuika Nui - 1.8m

Best in Outdoor Living

Refined Living offers a stunning range of Artwood Outdoor furniture All Weather Wicker and Solid Teak Outdoor Furniture, the perfect option for elegant seating and dining for your outdoor entertaining area.

Artwood’s classic wicker-style outdoor furniture is created on a rustproof powder-coated aluminium frame, using handwoven polyethylene weave to produce a classic natural or black finish with extreme durability. Beautiful outdoor furniture you will love for years to come!

| jardin.co.nz

Embrace the art of outdoor living with Fermob, available exclusively at Jardin. Known for its distinctive design and premium craftsmanship, Fermob’s outdoor furniture transforms any space into an everyday retreat. Whether you’re entertaining or unwinding, the high-quality materials and timeless aesthetic bring a touch of elegance to every moment. Redefine your outdoor experience with pieces that are as durable as they are beautiful—crafted for life, made for you.

Weathermaster

weathermasterak.co.nz

Showroom 48E Lake Road · 021 274 7447

sales@weathermasterak.co.nz

Jardin

Refined Living refinedliving.nz

BoConcept’s new Cancún collection, designed with Morten Georgsen, offers a modern outdoor living experience. Featuring minimalist, curved forms, the collection includes versatile, stackable dining chairs, lounge chairs, tables, and sofas. Built for comfort and durability, Cancún brings the vibrant spirit of outdoor living, seamlessly blending style and functionality for patios, terraces, and gardens.

Enhance your outdoor living with NZ Louvres’ premium louvre opening roof. Their innovative, weatherproof designs let you control light, shade, and airflow at the touch of a button. Through sophisticated, elegant, durable, and bespoke designs, NZ Louvres create the perfect outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying your outdoor space with friends and family.

LA Imports

laimports.co.nz

The Santorini Collection by Landgrave is crafted from sand-cast aluminium and designed to withstand New Zealand’s challenging climate.

This collection is a smart option for the country’s salt-air conditions due to its rust-free nature, quick-drying ability, and long-lasting powder-coated finish.

LA Imports has been supplying this quality outdoor furniture to New Zealand for over 30 years. A solid investment for your summer living.

Visit the showroom.

86 Lunn Ave, Stonefields, Auckland showroom@laimports.co.nz 09 580 0120

NZ Louvres nzlouvres.co.nz

BoConcept | boconcept.co.nz

BoConcept

Celebrating 25 years, BoConcept’s Indivi sofa has remained a timeless favourite, offering modern, modular design that adapts to any space.

First introduced as BoConcept’s original customisable sofa, Indivi has evolved with the times while staying true to its core principle: endless customisation.

With a wide selection of fabrics, leg designs, and seat configurations, you can truly make Indivi your own, whether you prefer a classic three-seater, a chaise longue, or a spacious corner sofa.

The 2024 update brings exciting improvements to both design and comfort. Seating comfort has been elevated with upgraded foam that holds its shape longer, while the backrest has been re-engineered for better support. A new curved armrest and optional sofa legs in black or natural oak add contemporary elegance to its already sleek aesthetic.

Indivi’s flexibility in customisation is unparalleled. BoConcept’s Interior Design Service helps customers create the perfect sofa for their homes, offering expert advice and 3D design tools to visualise the ideal configuration.

For 25 years, Indivi has proven to be a sofa that’s not just beautiful but built to last – a true BoConcept classic. Visit the BoConcept showroom on level 3 at BLOC, 20 Normanby Road, Mt Eden. boconcept.co.nz

Outdoor Trend Setters

Can you share the design philosophy behind Design Warehouse?

Our philosophy over the past 35 years has been about displaying and stocking designs across the full design spectrum, from the latest trends of the day through to the traditional timeless models. Our current Parnell showroom has the country’s biggest range and selection of quality outdoor furniture. We also carry all models in stock in substantial quantities in our distribution warehouse meaning we can supply and deliver immediately – whether for a home or commercial project. Our size also enables us to offer far lower prices. This is what sets us apart!

How do you approach balancing form and function?

Form versus function has changed significantly over the last 30-plus years, with function taking on just as much importance. This is largely due to outdoor spaces now being viewed as extra living areas. People still want good design, but comfort is very much a pre-requisite now and ultimately now you can have both at the same time. Our range of models reflect both.

Could you explain the process behind selecting and sourcing materials?

We only use the highest quality materials, and we have had longstanding relationships of over 20 years with most of our suppliers and factories. Whether it be teak, concrete, aluminium, stainless steel, wicker, rope and outdoor fabrics,

if it isn’t the best material available, we simply don’t manufacture and sell it. All our products will stand up to the NZ outdoor elements year in, year out.

How does Design Warehouse ensure products are environmentally friendly as can be?

We’ve always ensured that our factories are sourcing and using sustainable and renewable raw materials and processes and are able to provide us the required certifications to prove they are doing so.

What are the biggest trends in outdoor living spaces and what do you think will be the most exciting upcoming trends and innovations?

Predicting this is difficult. Trends tend to be led by Europe, and it can take 2-3 years before they catch on in other markets. Often, we’ve been early to the market, and it has taken a couple of seasons before gaining good traction, but that can happen when trying to be at the forefront of where the market is heading.

You must be excited about your upcoming move, what can customers expect from the new showroom?

Yes, we are very excited! We’ve created another massive showroom in a great furniture area at 25 Nugent Street, just off Khyber Pass. Some of our neighbours include Studio Italia, ECC, Simon James Design, and more, so we’re excited to be joining the go-to area for high-end furniture.

Any other upcoming projects, news or collections that you’d like to share?

We’ve just launched our new website for our Italian indoor furniture collections (designitalia.co.nz). All of our Design Italia indoor upholstery collections are designed and made in Italy using Italianmade fabrics. Like our outdoor furniture ranges, we carry all models in stock with immediate availability, so no lead times, and again, at lower prices.

We’re incorporating a purpose-built mezzanine into our new Nugent Street showroom specifically to display all of our Design Italia indoor furniture ranges.

BEST IN OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Verve pulls up a pew with Design Warehouse managing director Nigel Richardson.

Best in Painters & Decorators

Quality Decorators Ltd specialises in painting and decorating, offering comprehensive services for both interior and exterior spaces. Led by Director Aaron Murray, who brings over 25 years of experience to the team, the company excels as Master Painters in colonial restoration, carpentry, GIB stopping, roof painting, wallpaper, and wood treatments. Contact them at 022 609 8437 or qualitydecorators@hotmail.com for expert craftsmanship in every project.

Resene resene.co.nz

Resene has everything you need for your decorating project, from quality colour and paints, decorating accessories and professional advice to help you get a superb finish on your project inside or out. Choose from thousands of colours or let us create a custom colour match for you. Complement your paint choices with our wide range of wallpaper, wall decals, and curtains to bring the complete look together.

Martin Decorating martindecorating.co.nz

Painting professionals providing the highest quality of work – they will do it once and do it right! With over 25 years’ experience they provide a complete range of interior and exterior painting services for both residential and commercial customers throughout the Auckland area. Every member of the team is experienced, qualified and knowledgeable in all aspects of painting and decorating.

Quality Decorators Ltd Facebook: Quality Decorating

Best in Plumbers

Prentice Solutions prenticesolutions.co.nz

Prentice Solutions are reliable, trustworthy and Registered Master Plumbers, based on the North Shore in Auckland. From residential to commercial plumbing, they can provide practical and expert solutions for all plumbing needs.

If you are building new, renovating or in need of plumbing repairs, Prentice Solutions will provide top quality workmanship and repairs. Contact them now on 0800 PIPING or info@prenticesolutions.co.nz.

Pivotal Gas & Plumbing pivotalnz.com

Pivotal is your trusted go-to for expert gas fitting and plumbing services across Auckland and the Coromandel. With over 20 years of experience, this New Zealand family-owned business takes pride in delivering reliable, honest service. Whether it’s a small repair or a major installation, their skilled team is committed to providing top-quality workmanship you can trust. Call on 021 814 879 or email at office@pivotalnz.com.

Martin Plumbing & Gas | martinplumbing.co.nz

Martin Plumbing & Gas Services offers expert plumbing, roofing, and gas solutions across Auckland with a skilled team of qualified professionals. For over 40 years, Martin Plumbing & Gas has built a reputation for reliable service and quality, handling everything from residential repairs and new housing to complex commercial installations. Known for their industry expertise and trusted client relationships, they remain a top choice for plumbing and gas solutions across Auckland. Call 027 482 4503 for expert service today.

Best in Pools

The Pool Company | thepoolcompany.nz

The Pool Company offers a full range of services, from new builds and renovations to repairs and ongoing maintenance. With a focus on quality and precision, their team ensures pools and spas are expertly crafted and meticulously maintained. If you’re looking for an experienced team for your pool project, contact Declan at 021 141 8141 to discuss your plans today.

Frontier Pools | frontierpools.co.nz

It takes construction experts with a designer’s eye to turn your dream pool into a reality – careful planning, creativity, vision and years of expertise as a custom concrete pool builder. The Frontier Pools team has specialised in architectural and custom pool building for nearly 50 years, and bring both design and construction skills to any project.

Tonic Tiles | tonictiles.co.nz

Travertino Argentum is a highly contemporary interpretation of the beauty of travertine, a marble with a naturally modern hue. In the proposal, this chromatic modulation highlights the alternation of veining, with veils of colour that has always enhanced the charm of this inspirational stone. The overall effect is an alchemy of warm and delicate nuance, perfect for bringing multiple styles to life. All this in the name of a contemporary yet timeless comfort totally consistent with the immortal allure of travertine.

Best in Renovations

Build & Construct buildandconstruct.co.nz

Build & Construct delivers exceptional carpentry with a commitment to quality craftsmanship and transparent communication. Specialising in renovations, extensions, and new builds, they pride themselves on building trusted client relationships throughout the project journey. No job is too big or small for their team, and they are proud members of the New Zealand Certified Builders Association. Partner with Build & Construct to bring your vision to life.

Blackstone Project Management

blackstonepm.co.nz

Instagram: @blackstonepmnz

Facebook: blackstoneprojectmanagement

Blackstone Project Management is dedicated to transforming houses into homes with care, trust, and expertise.

They understand that home renovation is a deeply personal journey, and pride themselves on being a reliable partner throughout the process. Blackstone’s approach centres around listening to clients’ needs, bringing their vision to life, and ensuring that every detail reflects the character of the clients’ home.

Blackstone’s clients entrust them because they prioritise transparency, clear communication, and delivering promises. From the first consultation to project completion, Blackstone Project Management ensures clients’ renovations are stress-free and tailored to their lifestyles. With a strong reputation built on reliability, quality workmanship, and attention to detail, Blackstone is proud to be the trusted choice for homeowners across Auckland.

They treat every project as if it were their own, delivering results that not only enhance the comfort and beauty of clients’ homes, but also add long-term value. Their commitment to excellence has earned them a loyal client base, many of whom have left glowing reviews online!

Whether it’s a refresh, extension, or a complete transformation, Blackstone Project Management will provide the expertise, care, and attention your home deserves.

Best in Roofing

COLORSTEEL® | colorsteel.co.nz

For a roof that defines both sophistication and resilience, COLORSTEEL® roofing is the pinnacle of design-led innovation. Crafted with precision and strength, this next-generation roofing solution offers enhanced protection while elevating your home’s visual impact. Engineered to resist the elements, COLORSTEEL® roofing with ACTIVATE™ technology comes with a warranty of up to 50 years, delivering peace of mind and enduring beauty for decades to come.

IMAGE: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG STUDIO HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK

Best in Rainwater Systems

At Continuous Group, we're all about rainwater systems.

That means we focus solely on fascia, spouting, downpipes and rainwater heads. We believe that installing a high-quality rainwater system requires specialist knowledge and experience ensuring the system fits perfectly with your build.

Our systems aren't like Lego pieces that snap together, our installers draw on decades of experience across thousands of jobs to ensure the installation is

done right first time, and don’t settle for anything less. Choose from a range of painted coil or lifelong copper, using Continuous Spouting for your next respout or new build project will ensure a rainwater system that is not only functional but meets even the most complex of designs.

continuous.co.nz

Best in Windows

Warm Windows warmwindows.co.nz

Visit Warm Windows’ City Showroom to explore the sleek design and energy efficiency of recessed uPVC installations! Experience the benefits firsthand – improved insulation, soundproofing, and a modern, flush finish. See how recessed windows can transform your home’s look and performance.

Stop by today and discover the future of home comfort! Find them at 52 Upper Queen Street, Newton, Auckland.

Warm Windows

Why choose uPVC for your home?

Energy efficiency: uPVC provides excellent insulation, reducing energy consumption, and lowering power bills, while creating a more comfortable living environment.

Durability : engineered to withstand New Zealand’s harsh climates, uPVC is resistant to corrosion, warping, and UV damage – perfect for coastal and highsunlight areas.

Low maintenance: unlike timber, uPVC requires only occasional cleaning, saving homeowners time and money on upkeep.

Soundproofing : uPVC offers excellent noise reduction, creating quiet, peaceful homes.

Design Flexibility : Available in a range of colors and finishes, uPVC can complement any style—whether modern or classic—without sacrificing performance.

Parnell Property: Coastal Resilience and Soundproofing

In Parnell, a home in a high-traffic area needed windows and doors that could effectively reduce urban noise. We replaced the outdated frames with our welded uPVC frames, manufactured to create an airtight seal for superior sound insulation, which significantly reduced outside noise and provided a tranquil living space in a busy urban setting.

Karaka Property: Modern Style with Weather Protection

A full-home renovation in Karaka called for a contemporary design and materials that could withstand coastal weather. We installed sleek anthracite-coloured uPVC windows and doors from the Aludec lamination range which mimics the look and feel of powder-coated aluminium, providing a stylish yet durable solution. Given the home’s exposure to intense sunlight and salty air, we use profiles

specially formulated from a tropical blend uPVC, lamination that uses Cool Colour Plus technology and hardware that resists UV damage, fading, and salt corrosion.

Pahurehure Property: Classic Charm and Low Maintenance

In Pahurehure, a long-term project replaced windows and doors in a charming suburban home. The homeowners wanted to retain the traditional look of timber but eliminate the maintenance hassles. We selected Turner Oak Walnut finished uPVC frames from the Woodec lamination range which mimic the warmth and beauty of wood while offering superior durability. Unlike timber, uPVC requires no sanding, painting, or sealing, and it resists warping and fading. The new windows not only enhanced the home’s classic aesthetic but also provided yearround comfort, with uPVC’s thermal insulation helping maintain a stable indoor climate and reducing energy bills.

Transform Your Home with Warm Windows

At Warm Windows, we offer uPVC solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking energy efficiency, soundproofing, or a low-maintenance upgrade, our uPVC windows and doors can elevate your home’s comfort and style. Warm Windows adds value to your home by guiding you toward a more comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient space, using the latest window technology at an

affordable price. Our uPVC windows blend efficiency with aesthetics, empowering you to design a space that reflects your unique style.

We collaborate with homeowners, architects, builders, and developers to customise solutions for new homes, commercial builds, and renovations. With a commitment to customisation, high-quality materials, innovative technology, and exceptional customer service, Warm Windows stands out. From the moment you step into our showroom, through each phase of consultation and customisation to precise installation and comprehensive aftercare, you can expect a smooth and reliable process. This customercentric approach isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about delivering peace of mind and building lasting relationships.

Visit our new showroom at 52 Upper Queen Street, Newton, Auckland and consult with one of our expert advisors for personalised guidance on your investment.

Tiny Homes, Big Appeal

Shaye Boddington is transforming the perception of tiny homes by blending space efficiency with luxury, carving out a niche in the tiny house movement.

Catering to a diverse clientele – from single parents to retirees –Shaye’s Tiny Homes, under 60m², offer not just downsizing but a liberating lifestyle. “We’re not the cheapest in town, because we pride ourselves on high-quality design and finishes,” she says.

Many retirees, in particular, are selling their large properties and investing in Shaye’s homes for simpler, clutter-free living without sacrificing quality or comfort. “It’s important that they still live in a house that they are proud of,” says Shaye.

Far from being a minimalist’s retreat, these tiny homes cater to those looking for high-quality living on a smaller scale. Tailored finishes like underfloor heating, expansive kitchens, and even built-in spas prove that tiny living doesn’t mean compromising on luxury. Today, her designs are licensed globally, resonating with homeowners from New Zealand to the USA and beyond.

What sets Shaye’s designs apart is her groundbreaking fullheight mezzanine walkways, allowing for spacious movement in lofted areas – an innovation now adopted by tiny house builders worldwide. The homes are constructed with quality materials and while most designs are on wheels, there are also more permanent options. Shaye’s clients enjoy creative spaces that suit their lifestyle and preferences, and for many, these homes represent the perfect balance between downsizing and maintaining a beautiful, functional space.

A perfect example of the appeal of tiny living is Shaye’s parents, Sheila and Noel, who now reside in one of her homes and are also involved in the business. “We decided to go tiny, and now we live on a beautiful lifestyle block,” says Sheila. “It’s easy to

keep clean, we can lock up and leave whenever we want, and we’ve freed up cash to do fun things in our old age. Even if we won the lottery, we’d still choose to live tiny.”

From retirees to single parents, Shaye’s Tiny Homes prove that downsizing doesn’t mean giving up on a dream home – it’s about reimagining what a home can be. For those seeking financial freedom, simplicity, or sustainability, these homes offer a thoughtful, high-quality alternative that perfectly balances elegance and practicality.

PHOTOS: SOULSISTERS-PHOTOGRAPHY.CO.NZ

SHARING IS CARING

DESIGNER RUGS × LIGNE ROSET

Inspired living just got better with two superior brands forming a united front for viewing.

The prominent Designer Rugs showroom, known for its visual aesthetics, has opened its doors to Ligne Roset and its owners Matt Dickson and Monica Tischler.

A focal point for all things design, the combined space is providing a visual feast of superior quality rugs and iconic furniture pieces.

“Collaborating together just makes sense and the feedback has been enormously positive,” says Laura Furey.

“These exquisite rugs bring our collection to life in an entirely new way and help clients to better visualise Ligne Roset pieces in their home,” Matt and Monica add.

The Directory

When working on your home, finding the right professionals is essential . From trusted builders and electricians to landscapers and interior designers, this directory features a range of reliable companies dedicated to making your home improvement projects seamless and successful. at.space atspace.co.nz

INTERIOR STUDIO

The Auckland-based award-winning studio’s small but visionary team deliver spaces that matter; homes of character and depth, layers and nuances – spaces to love.

Elephant Plasterboard elephantplasterboard.co.nz

INTERIOR LININGS

Elevate your project with Elephant Plasterboard – supplying highquality plasterboard for over 30 years throughout New Zealand.

MK Interiors mkinteriorsandstaging.co.nz

INTERIOR STUDIO

MK Interiors, a small family business in South Auckland, specialises in eclectic, cutting-edge design that adds style and value to homes.

PaintPlus paintplus.co.nz PAINT

PaintPlus. Better paint, made better.

Planet conscious paint delivering beautiful results.

Toitū net carbonzero certified organisation, Eco Choice Aotearoa certified.

TopMark Electrical topmarkelectrical.co.nz

ELECTRICIANS

TopMark Electrical are proud leaders in their industry, specialising in intelligent homes that work for their clients. Phone them today on 0800 TOP MARK.

Said Studio saidstudio.co.nz

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Said Studio creates luxury interiors, blending thoughtful design with personal stories, tailored for both new builds and renovations.

Sonya Cotter Design sonyacotterdesign.co.nz

INTERIOR STUDIO

Sonya Cotter Design, a leading interior design studio specialising in contemporary luxury. Collaborate with them to craft personalised interiors that embody your unique vision.

Twill Interiors twill.co.nz

INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Twill Interiors design flowing spaces that evoke emotion, creating homes that support and nurture thriving lives.

Wardrobe World wardrobeworld.co.nz

BESPOKE WARDROBES

Transform your space with bespoke wardrobe designs tailored to your needs. They specialise in creating custommade wardrobes with a perfect blend of functionality and style.

Heart of Glass

WORDS

PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAHAM WOOD

GREG COX

This minimalist pavilion set in the landscape of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site is a modernist-inspired yet uniquely African ‘glass box’ structure with a rich and complex local resonance.

Previous page: The utter simplicity of brothers Lee and Wesley De Wit's family’s modernist-inspired pavilion in The Cradle of Humankind is deceptive. Not only does it attain a complex and delicate aesthetic balance between its levels and volumes, but it also continues a dialogue with the landscape that does justice to its setting of mankind’s earliest origins.

This page: The lower stairs of the pavilion are reminiscent of Mies van der Rohe’s famous Farnsworth House, at times making the pavilion seem as if it is floating despite its being rooted to the ground by a base of locally quarried rock. Together with the staircase leading to the roof and the horizontal pattern of the interior shelves, they create an interesting visual interaction between the different levels of the site. The glass doors of the pavilion slide away, opening the interior to the elements and making it possible to see right through the pavilion so that it frames its surroundings rather than disrupting them.

The deck that runs along the front of the pavilion not only aesthetically unites the tower and pavilions, almost like a shadow of the tower, but also includes a built-in seating area.

These pages : The second pavilion has been dubbed the ‘fire house’. Its darker, sheltering, enclosed interior space and fireplace hint at the caves early hominids living in the area might have inhabited, and create a counterpoint to the lightness of the main pavilion. The walls have been drip painted by Wesley’s wife, German artist Tatjana Doll, using Plascon enamels.

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This page: The interior of the ‘fire house’ has been painted by Tatjana Doll, using mud from the farm mixed with bonding liquid. This represents the building continuing to respond to its natural setting, accommodating another layer of interaction with its environment. The lighting of the ‘fire house’ is cleverly controlled, filtering from the side and above, conjuring a subterranean, cavelike atmosphere. The artwork above the

fireplace is by Stefanus Rademeyer, who is well known for exploring nature’s underlying mathematical patterns and recreating them with algorithms that represent nature’s deep, hidden logic and structures.

Right page: The dim interior of the ‘fire house’ can be opened to its surrounds by retracting a sliding door.

These pages : Lee designed the builtin units inside the pavilion, including the shelf and kitchen island, so that additional furnishings would be all but unnecessary.

The pavilion is in many ways an experiment in excluding traditional household paraphernalia, creating a minimalist lifestyle to match its ‘less is more’ aesthetic.

The pavilion is in many ways an experiment in excluding traditional household paraphernalia, creating a minimalist lifestyle to match its ‘less is more’ aesthetic.

Left page: The sleeping area can be enclosed with a curtain on an oval ceiling rail. The pavilion’s interior divisions are suggested rather than delineated with physical structures. The bed and shelving unit in the sleeping area were also designed by Lee.

This page: The WC is secreted below the stairs that lead to the roof, and is the only enclosed interior space in the pavilion.

The bath area is located between the living and sleeping quarters, doing away with the traditional idea of a bathroom. The bath is sunken into the floor, which creates a feeling of being submerged. The bath makes one of the best vantage points from which to enjoy the views from the pavilion.

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Resene Colorwood Bask

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The outdoor shower is a luxury that creates an opportunity to engage with the surroundings with a sense of challenge and luxury fitting hand in hand.

The Real Deal

With over 11 years’ experience in real estate, Jayne Kiely is a familiar face in the industry, and currently hosts TVNZ's

Location, Location, Location.

She’s also the lead agent for Kiely&Co at Megan Jaffe Real Estate of Ray White Remuera, an all-female team dedicated to serving clients from the Bays to Remuera, “ensuring that people come first… followed by properties”.

Other members of the team are Amy Robertson, Sales Agent, and Business Manager Dinusha Sujani.

“Whether you're downsizing after 25 years in your family home, buying your first property, or preparing for a family move, we help to manage everything for our customers,” Jayne tells Verve . “We understand that selling a home is often an emotional journey, and we strive to reduce the stress and make it a more enjoyable process instead.”

From decluttering and staging to offering access to a personal handyman for premarket preparations, no task is too small or too big for the team. Their focus is on delivering the best results, ensuring that every home gets the attention it deserves and attracts the right buyers.

“Our marketing strategies are tailored to each property and budget,” adds Amy. “Leveraging Jayne’s broadcasting expertise, we create high-quality, engaging videos, while Dinusha and I bring our backgrounds in advertising,

marketing, and PR to develop impactful campaigns that resonate with potential buyers.”

How did the team at Megan Jaffe Real Estate come about?

Recently moving back into the Ray White Remuera office seemed natural for Jayne. She began her career in the Remuera office and the transition back there with Amy and Dinusha felt like it was the right timing. To establish an all-female real estate team focused on properties from the Bays to Remuera just seemed like the right decision for us.

The team went from strength to strength when Dinusha decided to join – after working together previously for five years with Jayne. Their database of clients is across Remuera and the Eastern Bays and to work from the number one office globally for Ray White is the perfect fit to service their clients in the best way possible.

Tell us about working in a team of all women?

Working in an all-female team creates a unique environment with shared values of honesty, integrity, and family. We believe women get the job done with exceptional communication throughout every campaign, ensuring a smooth experience for our clients.

Any advice to potential sellers in this market?

For potential sellers navigating this market, our advice is simple: choose an agent who not only delivers results but also with whom you feel a genuine connection. You’ll be working closely together throughout the process.

How does your team stand out?

We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients. It’s not just about selling property; it’s about understanding the families behind those homes and what makes each one special.

What do your customers enjoy most about working with you?

Our clients frequently tell us: “You’re different from other real estate agents.”

We take that as a testament to our commitment to excellence. We’re here for you, even after the sale is complete, ensuring our customers remain clients for life.

Megan Jaffe Ray White Remuera Licensed (REAA 2008) 411 Remuera Road, Remuera Jayne 021 352 007 Amy 0274 820 100

Get Blown Away

Not content with being the nation’s political capital, Wellington is Aotearoa’s craft beer capital and our movie mecca to boot.

Indeed, when the sun’s a beating down on that majestic green hilly harbour, dotted with colourful villas, it’s film-script beautiful, while the city spaces host some of our coolest bars, eateries, hotels, and attractions as well.

Cuba Quarter

Brimming with colourful street art, characters, bars, and cafes, Wellington’s Cuba Quarter exudes the vibrant energy of the Caribbean enclave from which it borrows its name. But you may be surprised to learn that this downtown neighbourhood’s association with the country of Cuba came later – the area was actually named after a settler ship that arrived in 1840. The street soon became a Wellington focal point, home to the likes of grocers, butchers, inns, and even a violin maker. Those Victorian enterprises have long since been replaced by vintage clothing stores, craft beer bars, and Havanan-inspired hangouts that infuse the district with its beautiful, bohemian energy, and it now wears its Cuba title with pride.

Festival Life!

The Cuba Quarter also host some major events, with an obvious highlight being CubaDupa, a weekend-long festival that takes place in March to celebrate the city’s – and New Zealand’s – art, music, theatre, dance, food, and more!

The district is also a destination of Aotearoa’s longest-running Pride Festival which runs for a couple of weeks, usually beginning late February.

The Wellington Food & Wine Festival is another awesome summer event, one that brings together eateries, wineries, and microbreweries at Waitangi Park on the Waterfront which is also the setting of the Wellington Pasifika Festival, a free, whānau-friendly festival that celebrates our Pacific communities through art, performances and food.

Crafty Capital

Dubbed waipiro (stinking water) by Māori, alcohol arrived in Aotearoa thanks to early European settlers. Captain Cook is thought to be the country’s first beer brewer when he concocted a batch in 1773, to help combat scurvy, using rimu branches, leaves, and molasses. Though the brew got decent reviews from Cook’s crew at the time, Lion Brewery’s recreation 200 years later wasn’t so well received! In 1835, London-born Jewish trader Joel Polack opened New Zealand’s first brewery in Kororāreka, though it would be about a century more until a beer industry proper was established, and most of the 20th century dominated by the duopoly of Lion and DB.

Now there are around 200 craft breweries in New Zealand, and a good chunk of those are in Wellington – for a complete list of brewpubs, replete with a handy bar map, check out craftbeercapital.com

Don’t Miss

A world-leading interactive educational institution, the majestic Te Papa Tongarewa , is the nation’s largest museum whose name translates as “box of treasures”. The treasures number in excess of 800,000, including the national art collection, and the world’s largest colossal squid specimen, caught near Antarctica. Fun fact: the museum is built upon rubber and lead shock absorbers that allow it to safely move up to 50cm in any direction during an earthquake and boasts enough reinforced steel to stretch all the way to Sydney.

Named by Time magazine as one of the word’s top places, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne is sprawling 225-hectare estate that aims to return to its pre-human state within the next 500 years. More than 30km of trails wind through an incredible city wilderness that harbours the likes of the kākā, giant wētā, and tuatara. The magical guided twilight and night tours-by-torchlight mean the opportunity to witness glowworms, kiwi, and the morepork, too.

Movie Magic

See how much of the Middle-earth magic was made for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, as well as models, costumes and props for a slew of other productions like Avatar, King Kong, and the Thunderbirds film, at the Wētā Workshop. The Oscar-laden team even offers visitors the chance to learn how to sculpt, create props, fake blood and wounds, and more, by way of their various tour options. There are also offsite trips to various filming locations around the area as well as the iconic Wellington Blown Away sign which pays homage to Hollywood’s famous hillside symbol. Incredible to think that this multi-, multi-winning workshop started out as a passion project in the Wellington flat of founders Richard and Taylor and Tania Rodger more than 30 years ago. Richard, a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to film, and former New Zealander of the Year, can still be often seen with his team on the workshop floor.

Lord Leon

A graduate of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School,

Leon Wadham has established himself as a seasoned actor and one to watch.

His movie leads include Under the Mountain, Shopping, and the 2016 remake of Goodbye Pork Pie, as well as major roles in TV shows like Go Girls, The Brokenwood Mysteries, and The Bad Seed.

With him having recently wrapped up shooting the second season of Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power in the UK, Verve caught up with the Wellington-born actor for a few insider tips about our capital.

What are your favourite memories of growing up in Wellington, and where were your favourite places to hang out as a kid?

I grew up in Karori and lived there until my first year out of drama school. As a kid I spent a lot of time in Ben Burn Park, climbing up and falling out of trees, and most of the summer in the original outdoor Karori pool.

When did you first become aware of Lord of the Rings, and did growing up in Wellington shape your appreciation of it?

I was in primary school when they announced that Peter Jackson was adapting the trilogy. My mum, who was already a fan, brought all the books home and said that it was time to read up, pronto. Living in Wellington as those films were released was thrilling – everybody knew somebody who'd worked on it, even though most of us weren't connected to the film industry. It was a massive source of pride, and genuinely made it feel like anything was possible.

Can you tell us about the local arts scene, and how Wellington supports emerging actors and artists?

I did my first show after high school at Bats Theatre and have returned to that venue time and time again as a performer,

maker and director, including this year, with Alice Snedden's comedy show Highly Credible. I've worked with various other venues and companies around the city, but aside from my time at Toi Whakaari, it's the spirit of Bats that has most shaped me. I realised early on that there's no ‘ladder’ that you climb in the arts in this country, you just develop things of larger or smaller scale depending on the moment we're in or what you can contribute to a project. Wellington's a great place to do that because the community is relatively small and the contributors fairly accessible – it's easy to connect people, and you can usually find the right way forward.

Do you have a go-to café or restaurant in Wellington that you would recommend to visitors?

Go to Customs, it’s the flagship cafe co-owned by Coffee Supreme and one of their employees.

And best place for a cocktail? Crumpet.

Favourite craft beer pub? Fortune Favours.

And favourite craft beer?

Oh, I don't want one, thanks though! But if you do, any of the selection at Fortune Favours would be a great option!

Any hidden Wellington gems you’d like to share?

You should go to my friend Emma's house in Mt Vic – she has a lovely view!

IMAGE: MATT GRACE - PRIME VIDEO

The Taste Tester

It was through her role at Plant & Food Research (PFR) that beer expert Amy Paisley discovered her passion for craft brews and New Zealand hops.

“The potential of those hops to create unique flavours in local and international beers is really exciting,” Amy tells Verve.

“I have continued that journey through the industry, most recently at Garage Project and before that Te Aro Brewing Company as well as my own business, Brewtopia, supplying home brewing ingredients and equipment.”

Amy worked at PFR for over 10 years as a research associate in the Sensory and Consumer Science team which predominantly involved looking for a particular aroma in newly-bred hop varieties by way of smelling dried hop cones or tasting beers. While there, she also learned to harvest and brew. It’s safe to say that what this hop analyst doesn’t know about beer just ain’t worth knowing!

How do brewers come up with their flavours, and are there any particularly unusual ones that you’ve come across?

Seasons and seasonal produce can be inspiration for beers, or annual celebrations such as Hot Cross Bun Cider from Morningcider at Easter, or a pumpkin stout at Halloween. Different countries can be an inspiration, too, through specific ingredients like yuzu, wasabi or sake from Japan, as with the recent Garage Project Yuzu-inspired beers – Yuzukoshō is a kettle-soured pilsner, with green chilli and yuzu zest.

What directs the taste and strength of craft beers?

Good quality, local ingredients contribute to the quality, variety and intensity of flavour in craft beers, especially our New Zealand hops which have unique flavour and aroma profiles compared to UK or US hops. Hops like other horticultural products are sensitive to terroir and this

makes them unique to each location. NZ hops are known for their dank, tropical and citrus characteristics. Nelson Sauvin, one of our most popular varieties, has unique sauvignon blanc aromas and flavours along with passionfruit and citrus.

What is the biggest difference between how craft and mainstream beers are brewed?

Probably volume. Craft breweries are much smaller which allows more flexibility in what they brew, and also a wider variety of ingredients can be used and experimented with on a smaller scale.

Is craft beer in any way healthier?

There are some studies that suggest it can be. The use of good quality ingredients as well as less filtering and heat treatment during production than mainstream beers indicate they could be healthier. Low ABV and 0% beers are a very healthy option. Beer in general is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, so can be healthy in moderation.

Does NZ craft beer have any unique characteristics?

As I mentioned earlier, NZ hops are unique, but we also grow the barley and wheat that is used in brewing too. Gladfields and Malteurop are local companies growing and malting their own malt, so this also adds to the uniqueness of NZ beers.

How are craft brewers becoming more sustainable?

By buying local ingredients rather than shipping it from overseas. Offsetting carbon production by tree

planting, for example, and capturing CO2 during the fermentation process.

What are some of the latest craft beer trends?

Hazy styles have been a trend for a while now but are still proving to be very popular with consumers. Lower ABV and 0% beers are the fastest growing category. Craft breweries are diversifying, not only producing beer but other alcoholic drinks like seltzers. Low-carb beers are increasing in demand as people are looking for healthier options, too, whilst still being able to indulge in a beer.

How has the popularity of craft beer changed the way people think about beer?

I think people now appreciate that beer is not just an ale or a lager. It’s a category that includes a vast variety of styles, from a 2% salted gose to a 12% oyster stout, and everything in between. This has led to a greater appreciation of beer as a drink that can be paired with many foods just as wine can.

Any favourite or unusual food pairing recommendations?

The classics, like stout and chocolate. Or anything salty with ale or lager. More unusual would be cheese and stout or IPA. Sour beers cut through fat so fried food is good with sour beer.

Craft breweries are diversifying, not only producing beer but other alcoholic drinks like seltzers.

What do you look for when judging a good craft beer?

That it is true to style and has no faults. For example, an American IPA is a hoppy, clear ale that is within 5.5%-7.5% ABV and has no faults such as diacetyl. This fault adds a buttery, caramel, or even meaty aroma and flavour to the beer which masks the hops.

Finally, what’s your favourite beer?

Not very exciting, but I love a West Coast IPA with hoppy, bright, crisp, very fruity hop flavours, and am recently enjoying those that have the bitterness dialled back.

The Intrepid Hotel | theintrepidhotel.com

Among the capital’s coolest lodgings, the atmospheric Intrepid Hotel is just a brief stroll from Cuba Street, in the vibrant Te Aro neighbourhood. Springing from the 1909 office and warehouse building of the Cadbury Chocolate company, rooms retain original architectural features and sport unique rugs and artworks along with eco-toiletries, a 50-inch TV, free Wi-Fi, drinks, snacks, tea, and coffee.

Wellington Zoo | wellingtonzoo.com

Planning a trip to Wellington? Put something amazing in the calendar with a visit to Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo to catch a glimpse of ghost cats Asha and Manju, the only snow leopards in Aotearoa. If you’re wanting to really make the most of your time in the capital, book a Snow Leopard Close Encounter and prepare for an experience like no other…

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

CUBAN DANCE CLASS GIVEAWAY

LEARN THE RHYTHMS OF SALSA

Join Cuban dance maestro Vivio at The Cuban Groove for vibrant Salsa classes where you will learn the authentic beats and moves of Cuba. Beginners’ classes are held in Grey Lynn Library Hall every Wednesday night from 6.30pm so grab your chance to dance, laugh, get fit and connect! More info at: facebook.com/thecubangroove

WIN one of three pairs of 4-class concession cards for you and a friend! Each pair of concession cards is valued at $168.

IMAGE: DOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

¿Que bola? Cuba

A country of revolution and revelry, colourful, cultural Cuba is also famed for its sun-kissed architecture, cocktails, cigars, and classic cars. Verve hitches a ride to the Caribbean icon.

¿Que bola? Cuba

Fábrica de Arte Cubano

Once named by Time magazine as one of the world’s 100 Greatest Places, the Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Cuban Art Factory) was established under the direction of legendary local Latin Grammy-winning musician X Alfonso. Springing from an old cooking oil factory, it’s now an art gallery-cumeatery-cum-nightclub – and one of the coolest venues in Havana.

Old Havana

Cuba is home to nine Unesco sites including the Viales Valley and Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, but none probably as well-known as the uberInstagrammable neighbourhood of Old Havana. The old town suburb of Cuba’s capital is famed for its classic cars cruising in the shadow of colourful architecture that incorporates the likes of neoclassical, art deco, and art nouveau styles. (One of the main reasons for the plethora of vintage automobiles in Cuba is because of the 1962 US trade embargo that banned the import and export of goods between the nations.)

Feel the Groove

A love of music courses through the souls of all Cubans, and there are few better places in the world to experience live acts than the Caribbean nation, whose influences have arrived from all over the world. You don’t need to visit the bars and clubs with your dancing shoes either, for street musicians abound here! Keep an eye – and ear – out for Cuba’s folklórico (traditional Latin American dance) troupes.

Museo de la Revolución

Learn of Cuba’s gripping past at the Museo de la Revolución (National Museum of Revolution). The museum chronicles times before, during and after the revolution, with exhibits that include contemporary photography and even blood-stained uniforms. There are areas dedicated to Fidel Castro and Che Guevera, including the tank used by Castro during the Bay of Pigs invasion. The setting in the old Presidential Palace only adds to the sense of history.

CAN’T MISS CUBA

IMAGE: CUBA VINALES

Hike Pico Turquino

It’s not any easy walk – depending on the route you’ll need to set aside one or two days – and guides are mandatory, but the views from atop of Pico Turquino, Cuba’s tallest summit at 1,972m, are well worth the puff. But it’s not just about the vistas up here, you’ll get to witness cloud-kissed rainforest and birdlife, and a bronze bust of national hero of Cuban independence José Martí. There’s also the opportunity of a side trip to Fidel Castro’s wartime jungle HQ, called La Plata.

CUBAN CUBISM

Born in 1902 to a Chinese father and an Afro-Cuban mother of Spanish descent, Wilfred Lam would become a “pivotal figure” of Latin American modern art, and among the most influential of the 20th century. After graduating from Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes San Alejandro in Havana, he won a scholarship for Madrid’s Museo del Prado before moving to Paris where he found friends and admirers in the likes of Pablo Picasso and the poet André Breton. In 1940, Lam fled the French capital following the Nazi occupation, hitching a ride aboard a cargo ship for the perilous

voyage back to Cuba where he developed his unique cocktail of cubist-meetssurrealist style – which also merged African and European philosophies. Lam’s work has been regularly shown at some of the world’s leading galleries such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and London’s Tate. He died in 1982.

CUBAN MOVES

Few know how to groove quite like the Cubans. Through its rich Caribbean, African, and Spanish influences, the

island developed its official national dance of the danzón in the 19th century, from which others were born and have long since been embraced the world over. None more so, perhaps, than salsa, a combination of other Cuban styles, the son, the mambo, and the rumba. The lively cha-cha-cha is loved for its fun, flirtatious nature that involves syncopated footwork and plenty of hip gyrating! Even the novelty conga dance line originated from the Cuban carnival dance for the same name.

IMAGE: PICO TURQUINO

TAKE A DIP

Cuba’s nearly 7,000km of coastline cradles some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, all kissed by clear, tropical seas. Here are three of the best.

Varadero. this sugar-sanded gem is known as “the pearl of northern Cuba” for good reason. Think dunes bordered by whispering palms, shallow and warm turquoise waters and restaurants and bars nearby.

Playa Pilar. Often referred to as the island nation’s most beautiful beach, Playa Pilar was a favourite hangout of Ernest Hemingway who spent a good chunk of his life in Cuba. The powdery white sands and pristine waters are popular with boaties, snorkellers and windsurfers.

Playa Ancón . By some distance, the vast majority of Cuba’s hotels and tourist hotspots are located along the northern coast. Playa Ancón is one of the country’s best remote paradises, tucked away on the southern coast’s Ancón Peninsula not too far from the pretty colonial town of Trinidad.

SMOKED

In the late 15th century, Spanish sailors returned from Cuba (and other Caribbean and South American countries) with reports of folk holding “a firebrand of weeds in their hands to take in the fragrant smoke”. The tobacco plant – named locally as cohiba, a name still used by a major cigar brand today – had arrived in Cuba from South America around 3,500 years earlier. The Spanish colonists took an immediate shine to the crop and began cultivating it almost immediately – playing a significant role in introducing it to Europe, Asia, and Africa. The 1800s were known as the “golden age” for the Cuban cigar – by 1859, there were more than 10,000 plantations around Cuba, with Havana housing around 1,300 factories – and the era produced many major brands that are still in existence today. Around 100 million premium cigars are now made each year by hand by professional rollers known as torcedores.

IMAGE: CAYO GUILLERMO AND PLAYA PILAR, CUBA

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes

Cuban Paella

COOKING TIME: 35 minutes

SERVES: 8

This dish can be accompanied with sliced bread toasted in a frying pan with olive oil and garlic.

Ingredients

6 tablespoons olive oil

1 dried sausage (about 75g), thinly sliced

5 cups (1.2 litres) fish stock

1 teaspoon saffron

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon ground white pepper

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 sprig parsley, finely chopped

1 medium white onion, finely chopped

1 large pickled pepper (140g), julienned

250g boneless, skinless chicken breast

cut into strips

200g pork loin or tenderloin, diced

180g squid, cleaned

¾ cup (150g) chopped octopus

300g crabmeat

300g peeled, deveined prawns

300g swordfish steaks, cut into 2–3cm cubes

3½ cups (800g) Valencia rice

1 tablespoon vinegar

1 cup (240ml) dry white wine

1½ tablespoons salt

½ cup (120g) seasoned passata

2 dried bay leaves

1 large cooked lobster tail (220g)

10 mussels

Lime slices, for garnish

bola? Cuba

Recipe extracted from Cuba The Cookbook by Madelaine Vazquez Galvez and Imogene Tondre, published by Phaidon, RRP $75.

Directions

In a large wok, heat 5 tablespoons of the olive oil over mediumlow heat. Add the sausage and sauté, stirring regularly, until the fat begins to render, about 3 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a blender (set the wok aside). To the blender add 1 cup (240ml) of the stock, the saffron, paprika, white pepper, garlic, and parsley. Blend these ingredients and set them aside.

Return the wok to medium-low heat. Add the onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the pickled pepper and sauté for 1 minute. Add the chicken and pork and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the squid, octopus, crab, and prawns and sauté until lightly browned, 1 minute. Add the fish and stir. Pour the rice over all these other ingredients and cook, stirring with a wooden spoon, for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the remaining 4 cups (950ml) fish stock, the vinegar, wine, and 1 tablespoon of the salt. (The stock should completely cover the rice.) Add the sausage and seasoned passata and cook for 7 more minutes. Add the bay leaves. Put the lobster tail in the middle of the paella, and surround it with the mussels. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon salt.

Reduce the heat, cover, and cook until the rice is fluffy, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the paella sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over the top. Serve hot in a bowl or clay pot decorated with lime slices.

Notes: Other seafood can also be used. Peas can be added just before removing the paella from the stove.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SIDNEY BENSIMON

Paella a la cubara

PREPARATION TIME:

25 minutes, plus 15 minutes resting time

Cuban Turnovers

Empanadillas criollas

COOKING TIME: 15 minutes

MAKES: 8 turnovers

Ingredients

75g minced pork

1 tablespoon salsa criolla (Cuban Sauce)

2 tablespoons dry white wine

2 tablespoons raw cane sugar

1 cup (135g) all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

5 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for frying

Directions

Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the minced pork and salsa criolla and sauté for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In a small pot, heat the wine, raw sugar, and 3 tablespoons water over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved. Set the syrup aside to cool.

In a medium bowl, pour the flour in a mound and add the salt. Make a well in the centre and pour the syrup and 5 tablespoons oil in the well. Gently mix, then knead until a smooth dough forms and set aside for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll out each portion with a rolling pin until 3mm thick. Cut out rounds using a small 11cm coffee saucer. Fill one half of each round with 1 tablespoon of the ground pork, then fold the dough in half and press to seal using a fork.

In a large frying pan, heat 5cm oil over medium heat until very hot. Working in batches, add the empanadillas and fry until golden-brown, 3-5 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes : The filling can also be made of a vegetable sauté, chicken, ham, or cheese. A teaspoon of baking powder can be added to the dough to make it crunchier.

¿Que bola? Cuba

Recipe extracted from Cuba The Cookbook by Madelaine Vazquez Galvez and Imogene Tondre, published by Phaidon, RRP $75.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SIDNEY BENSIMON

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Pimientos rellenos

PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes

Ingredients

300g minced beef

Salt ½ teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 medium white onion, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tablespoons dry white wine

3 tablespoons tomato sauce (seasoned passata)

1 cup (200g) cooked rice

2 eggs, whisked

1 cup (240ml) salsa criolla

½ cup (125ml) vegetable stock

6 large green bell peppers, the tops cut off and reserved, stemmed and seeded (see Note)

COOKING TIME: 1 hour SERVES: 6

Recipe extracted from Cuba The Cookbook by Madelaine Vazquez Galvez and Imogene Tondre, published by Phaidon, RRP $75.

Directions

Season the minced beef with ½ teaspoon salt and the paprika. Set aside.

In a medium frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in the wine and tomato sauce (seasoned passata) and cook for 8 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. Stir in the rice, then stir in the eggs and cook until firm, about 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and remove from the stove.

In a small bowl, combine the salsa criolla and the stock. Fill the bell peppers with the ground beef filling, then cover with the reserved tops. Arrange in a large pot and pour the salsa criolla mixture ontop. Cover and cook over low heat until soft, about 40 minutes.

Note : Though the traditional way to prepare this recipe is by cutting the tops off, the peppers can also be sliced in half lengthwise.

Countdown to Summer

As the weather warms and barbecues are dragged out onto decks up and down the country, our practitioners begin to get busier and busier.

Whether you’re catching up with friends more often or starting to attend office get-togethers, you’ll want to look your very best.

This time of year also signals looming work deadlines, children’s performances, pre-trip car maintenance, visiting relatives, Christmas present buying, pet sitter organising, and more.

So, remember to book in your preChristmas appointments, and remember to take a breath! A really deep breath, and count to 10. Because if you are stressed and tired you are more likely to bruise, swell and generally look like a hot mess, which is never our aim.

We want to help you look refreshed, like you don’t have a care in world. Like Christmas has been and gone without a hitch, like the relatives came and went without a single sideways glance, and like you have already been on a summer holiday on a tropical island!

Meanwhile, back in the real world, bruising, redness and swelling is a normal post-injection side effect and should always be planned for.

Erythema or redness of the skin is caused by hyperaemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries –the body’s reaction to any skin injury, including a needle prick.

Bruises (ecchymosis) form when the needle nicks one of the thousands of tiny blood vessels in our body, resulting in minor bleeding under the skin. Even the most experienced injectors still get bruising because these microscopic capillaries are invisible to the human eye.

Our own ability to clot and stop bleeding plays a big role in how significant this bruising is. Stress, alcohol, exercise, blood-thinning medication, and supplements and can all slow clotting.

Clinic 42 offers a wide range of antiwrinkle treatments, dermal fillers and bio-stimulatory options from all the major recognised pharmaceutical brands, as well as IPL, Dermapen 4, and a select range of medi peels and facials. So, planning your appointments ahead before your schedule becomes too demanding not only allows time for your treatments to work, but allows for any swelling, redness or bruising to subside before any big events.

This is especially important for any bridal parties trying to schedule multiple treatments in the lead up to the big day. Facials are also a big no-no the day of treatment as they promote blood flow and increase bruising. And we would remind everyone to avoid using your everyday makeup brushes and sponges or touching the injection area after treatment that day to help avoid infection.

For those just needing a quick pick me up or pamper the day before a big event you can always come in for the iS Clinical Facial that leaves your skin gorgeously hydrated and glowing or a Dermaplane to ensure your makeup sits perfectly.

If you haven’t already booked your treatments leading up to summer, Dr Eloise and the nurses still have appointments available so please contact reception 09 638 4242 or book via the website where you can find out more information on the wide range of treatment options available at clinic42.co.nz

1. Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 10 2. The Whitening Co.The Platinum Kit 3. Revlon Glow Filter in Medium 4. Medik8 Advanced Night Restore 5. Revlon Glow Filter in Light 6. Revlon Serum Concealer in Fair 7. Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Elixir 8. Bondi Sands Daydream Whipped Moisturiser 9. mesoestetic Firming Routine Gift 10. The Face Place The Ultimate Eye Collection by Revitalash 11. Emma Lewisham Supernatural Blemish Serum

Tailored to Your Wellbeing

Traditional Thai massage with a personal touch.

No two bodies are alike, and that’s why every Thai massage we offer is carefully tailored to your specific needs. My passion for traditional Thai massage stems from its unique ability to not only relax, but to heal, rejuvenate, and restore balance. The beauty of this ancient practice is in its adaptability – whether you’re looking for stress relief, pain management, or simply a moment to unwind, our experienced therapists craft each session to suit your wellbeing.

Taking time

Before every massage, we take the time to learn about you – your daily routines, any discomfort or tension, and what you hope to achieve through your session. This allows us to personalise the massage,

ensuring we focus on the areas where you need the most care. Using a combination of acupressure, deep tissue work, and gentle stretching, our therapists work along your body’s sen lines (energy pathways) to release blockages, improve circulation, and promote healing.

A treatment designed just for you

The result? A treatment designed just for you, where each movement is intended to help you feel more aligned, relaxed, and revitalised. You’ll leave not only feeling refreshed, but with long-lasting benefits that improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Your wellness journey is personal, and I am committed to making sure every

NORDIC KIWI – NORDIC WALKING

Nordic Walking is a fitness activity which uses specifically designed poles to enhance and intensify the natural way of walking. It’s essential to learn the correct technique, as the well-performed Nordic Walking action incorporates the upper body, improves posture and engages 90% of muscles, giving a ‘total body workout’.

nordicwalking.co.nz

guest’s experience supports their unique path to balance and vitality through a tailored Thai massage experience that nurtures both body and mind.

Sa-Ni Massage and Spa, 8 Upper Queen Street, 09 320 1742 sa-ni.co.nz

Sarisa Nasinprom

Sa-Ni Spa and Massage

Ayurveda on Your Doorstep

Ayurveda New Zealand is hosting its fifth Spring Cleanse Retreat at Parohe on Kawau Island from 14-17 November.

Sarita Blankenburg and her team are taking a small group of guests back to Parohe on Kawau Island for their fourday, three-night retreat.

An individual Ayurvedic consultation is scheduled prior to the retreat as part of the package, which gives guests the opportunity to address any health concerns and receive a customised retreat programme. It incorporates a personalised treatment plan, Ayurvedic medicine, and a dosha-specific diet.

Catering is managed by reputed Little Bird chef Gawain Cowley who prepares delicious Ayurvedic plant-based meals. An inspiring Ayurvedic cooking class demonstrating the principles of dosha-specific food preparation is also included.

Every guest can choose two treatments as part of the package, either an Ayurvedic massage, Ayurvedic facial, Shirodhara, as well as several other options.

The retreat programme also incorporates a workshop about Panchakarma –inspired by Sarita’s recent trip to India – during which Ayurvedic cleansing techniques are practised.

Every morning and evening there is a yoga practice with a restorative asana flow, pranayama, and meditation. Parohe offers a variety of tranquil venues for yoga classes.

There are three spaces still available for the November retreat. If you miss out, enquiries about the Ayurveda Autumn

Relax. Retreat.

Escape to Parohe Island Retreat, Kawau Island. Just three days with us is all you need to shake the winter blues, rejuvenate your spirit, and get summer ready. You're invited to enjoy:

Luxurious Accommodation

Full access to Wellness Facilities

Daily schedules

Nature Activities

Serene Relaxation Spaces

All meals and drinks included

New summer pricing. Enquire now.

Cleanse Retreat 27-30 March 2025 are welcome.

To find out more please contact AYURVEDA NZ, 386 Richmond Road, 021 144 5768, ayurvedanz.co.nz Instagram @ayurvedanz

French-Fried Scallops

GF / NF

DRINK MANZANILLA SHERRY

SNACKS 4–6

COMMITMENT QUICKIE

INGREDIENTS

1/2 bunch of curly parsley

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

16 scallops, shelled 80g butter

2 garlic cloves, sliced

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1/2 bunch of dill, roughly chopped

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

TOPPERS

Packet of French Fries chips (crisps) Shaved parmesan Lemon wedges

THE SUBS

CURLY PARSLEY flat-leaf (Italian) parsley /chives / extra dill

FISH SAUCE soy sauce / miso paste

DILL chives / extra parsley

FRENCH FRIES CHIPS crushed chips

Recipe extracted from Happy Hour Snacks by Bec Vrana Dickinson, published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $44.99.

It’s time to get PRO at pat-drying your PROteins. Meaning meats, fish, tofu, blah blah – I know you know. This removes excess moisture. Less moisture means less liquid evaporating as you cook, meaning more time for the protein to actually caramelise and brown, achieving a true sear.

DIRECTIONS

Finely chop the parsley stems and roughly chop the leaves.

Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium–high heat and leave for a few minutes to warm up. Pat the scallops dry with paper towel, then cook for 2–3 minutes each side, or until golden, being wary not to crowd the pan. Move the scallops to a serving plate.

Add the butter to the pan and scrape the base to release any leftover scallop-y bits. Leave the butter to foam, about 2 minutes, then add the garlic. Stir until smelling nutty and garlicky, around another 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the fish sauce, parsley, dill, lemon zest and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Give everything a little season, then pour the butter sauce over the scallops.

Top the scallops with French Fries and parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges. Skewer or fork them. Extra French fries on the side.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

Kimchi Garlic Bread

NF / VEG DRINK SOJU SNACKS 6–8 COMMITMENT MINOR INVESTMENT

INGREDIENTS

150g butter, at room temperature

1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red chilli paste)

2 spring onions (scallions), sliced

8 large garlic cloves, finely chopped or crushed

2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

1 sourdough bread loaf

300g vintage cheddar, grated

100g kimchi, sliced

THE SUBS

GOCHUJANG sriracha / chilli oil

GARLIC CLOVES 2 heaped tablespoons garlic paste

VINTAGE CHEDDAR regular cheddar / gouda /mozzarella / Comté / gruyere

Recipe extracted from Happy Hour Snacks by Bec Vrana Dickinson, published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $44.99.

Aversions to the smell of garlic confuse me. Again, I want to reiterate: wear the odour proudly. It’s the perfumed result of a well-made snack. As you would’ve guessed, that was to warm you up to the fact that there’s a lot of garlic here. If you’ve got a garlic press, this is the time to use it, or you could just use garlic paste. Remove the garlic smell from your hands by rubbing them over a cut lemon, if you don’t want to be propernouned ‘Garlic Girl’. (I have.)

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 220°C. Line a baking tray with foil.

Combine the butter, gochujang, spring onion, garlic and toasted sesame seeds in a bowl. Give the mixture a season.

Slice into the bread loaf, not going all the way through (but almost) – enough to keep the base attached. Place on the tray. Smear the butter between all the slices, then shove in the cheddar and kimchi. Wrap the stuffed loaf in foil.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Tear right into it with your hands. Garlic!

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

4 Ways Hot Chips

Truffle Cheese & Rosemary

BAKE WITH: grated truffle manchego, rosemary

TOP WITH: chilli flakes

DIP INTO: garlic aioli

Garam Masala & Kasundi

BAKE WITH: garam masala

TOP WITH: lime zest, coriander (cilantro)

DIP INTO: yoghurt, tomato kasundi

Five-Spice & Fried Shallot

BAKE WITH: Chinese five-spice, onion powder

TOP WITH: fried shallots

DIP INTO: chilli mayo’

Haloumi & Oregano

BAKE WITH: haloumi chunks, fennel, dried oregano

TOP WITH: lemon zest

DIP INTO: mixed olive dip

Frozen hot chips, like many other formats of frozen potato, are a gift – a freezer gift. Bake them according to the packet instructions, but don’t be afraid to bake longer for a better crunch. It’s an eye job. Or, better yet, an air fryer job. Seriously. As per, be generous with these toppings and don’t forget to season very well.

Recipe extracted from Happy Hour Snacks by Bec Vrana Dickinson, published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $44.99.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

Dough-nut Disturb

VEG SNACKS 6 COMMITMENT QUICKIE

INGREDIENTS

1 orange

250g cream cheese

60g (1/2 cup) icing sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons Frangelico

6 cinnamon-sugar doughnuts

TOPPERS

Roasted hazelnuts and pistachio nuts

Orange zest

THE SUBS

CREAM CHEESE mascarpone / crème fraiche

FRANGELICO amaretto / Kahlua

HAZELNUTS AND PISTACHIO NUTS walnuts /pecans / almonds

Recipe extracted from Happy Hour Snacks by Bec Vrana Dickinson, published by Hardie Grant Books, RRP $44.99.

Sure, the slow exiting ooze of jam or custard out of a doughnut is fun (not being sarcastic), but how about a spiked cream cheese frosting on top instead? I’m putting my thumbs up and so are you.

We’re using bought cinnamon-sugar doughnuts, because I believe they are the finest form of doughnut on the shelves, but you can always double up on the ooze and use some jam- or custard-filled ones instead. No one’s stopping you.

DIRECTIONS

Zest the orange then slice in half and juice.

Add the cream cheese, icing sugar, milk, cinnamon and Frangelico to a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy, around 2 minutes. Beat in some orange juice to taste.

Dollop some whipped cream cheese on top of each doughnut. Top with some nuts and orange zest. That’s it.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

Let’s Eat Out Taste & Drink

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

Renowned for its agriculture, fruit bowls, and great food and wine, Hawke’s Bay is one of our oldest wine regions. With over 100 vineyards it’s also our second largest wine region and known for producing award-winning wines like merlot, syrah, and cabernet blends.

One of its star wineries is Church Road – not only the engine room and one of the glamour estates, but also one of the oldest wineries in New Zealand. Established from humble beginnings in 1897, the historic cellar door is preserved in time with some of the best labels that money can buy.

Here are two of their wines that you might like to try.

‘22 Church Road Grand Reserve chardonnay; RRP $40.

A full-bodied weighty wine from French oak barrels that’s youthful and finely balanced. Ready to drink now. Pair with fish, seafood, chicken, and pasta.

‘21 Church Road Grand Reserve syrah; RRP $40. Fresh dark fruit joined with rich aromas and a light acidity balanced with flavour, texture, and fine tannins. Serve with roast beef, venison, lamb cutlets, and casseroles.

DENNIS and ROSAMUND KNILL

Since opening its doors, Park Hyatt Auckland has built a reputation for high-concept fare that has kept its signature restaurant on the gourmet map.

Onemata has not only retained its place as a favourite in Auckland’s crowded dining scene, but its Trust the Chef five-course menu takes eating out to a new level. The secret weapon is Brent Martin, the executive chef who has been part of the Hyatt family for 25 years.

As the culinary magic begins to unfold, it’s clear that Onemata is up to it with cutting edge fare that turns conventional cuisine on its head. Not before hunger and appetite have peaked, the gastronomic journey begins with appetising morsels of Southland crab and mayonnaise amuse bouche, washed down with champagne.

The sense of occasion continues with kahawai and butter pate served with heirloom carrots and radish followed by kingfish in a deliciously tangy nan jim sauce. Assured cooking arrives with lamb croquettes, ratatouille, onion labneh and a piquant salmon tartare, ginger dressing and ramen cracker. Next, slices of beef tenderloin on rice cracker enlivened with cream cheese and teriyaki sauce. With plates cleared, our main dish of duck breast with orange and ginger glaze and fried eggplant with babaganoush showed the variety and depth of seasonings in these astonishing dishes. Desserts were also sensationally good, chocolate prune and date hazelnut ganache with tonka bean ice cream and pistachio cake, ricotta cheese and apple sorbet – a fitting end to a delightful meal.

And the verdict? Servings are generous with dishes theatrically plated. For connoisseurs there’s an excellent selection of food paring wines served by an award-winning sommelier. Engaging service from ultra professional floor staff makes for a dining experience all the more special. Menu $120pp, wine pairing from $138pp.

Menu: 8.5; cuisine: 9; wine list: 9; service: 9.5; decor: 8.5; value for money: 8.5

99 Halsey Street, Phone 366 2500 onematarestaurant.co.nz

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

1. CaliWoods Stainless Bento Lunchbox, perfect for snacking! 2 CaliWoods Ultra-luxe CaliWoods Low Waste Shave Kit 3 . Day and Age Gry & Sif Christmas Cuteness Overload 4. Day and Age Remember Socks Are The Perfect Stocking Stuffer 5 Tuberose Oceania shell wall art by jones & co 6 Tuberose Miffy and friends bundle lights by Mr Maria 7 Tuberose Bone china mini shell bowl by jones & co 8 Tuberose Neom Organics pod and essential oil blend 9 petrefugegifts.co.nz Buzzy Bee Lick Mat for cats and dogs 10. Tuberose French cotton beach towel by inoui 11 . Strangely Normal Starstruck Black Shirt 12 . iPOP offers high-performance polarised sunglasses at an affordable price, delivering superior glare reduction and UV protection without compromising on quality.

Boutique Bliss

Tuberose is an eclectic gifts, homeware and design boutique in Remuera. Showcasing beautiful international products, including the transcendent range of home and body products from NEOM Organics. The luxurious range was created to enhance your physical and emotional health, while still looking aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

The 100% natural fragrances use only the purest essential oils to give you true wellbeing benefits to help you sleep better, stress less, boost your energy or lift your mood.

Available instore and online at tuberose.co.nz

1. Audrey Hootsoftly 2. Bartholomew Bear 3. Ondre Octopus

4. Chrissie Crab 5. Barnabus Pig 6. Selma Sloth 7. Stellan Sabre Tooth Tiger

1 & 2. French Country Collections Christmas range has been curated to sprinkle homes with warmth and festive charm. Their curated collection includes twinkling tea light houses, traditional decor and loveable Christmas characters. There is something to suit everyone and every corner of the home. Available online and at their Newmarket and Ponsonby stores. www.frenchcountry.co.nz

3. The LOVE IN A JEWEL Collection of Gold and Diamond Rings, Pendants and Charms all hold a handwritten note of love or ashes inside forever. 4. The LOVE IN A JEWEL Full Circle of Love gold and diamond Pendant holds a handwritten note of love or ashes inside forever - as seen on Seven Sharp. 5. Meet the Trash Species of Aotearoa New Zealand. Stop these creatures ending up in our oceans by supporting Sustainable Coastlines. Get your poster here sustainablecoastlines.org 6. Nicholas Jermyn Montana Collection - Piazza Paisley 7. The Bay Tree Melamine Pearl Platter Round 8. The Bay Tree Melamine Pearl Cake Stand 9. The Bay Tree Melamine Pearl Platter

Day and Age | dayandage.co.nz

Sthål is a bespoke ceramic range created by Swedish design duo Helena and Susanna with the desire to create shapes, colours and patterns that are completely out of the ordinary. Designs that will do justice to every dish, and evoke the right feel for any occasion. In fact the Arabesque collection was created with the intention of becoming future antiques, passed down through generations – and we feel that they’ve completely nailed it!

Ironclad Co. | ironcladpan.com

Ironclad Co., New Zealand’s premier cast-iron cookware brand, offers the perfect Christmas gifts for home cooks, professional chefs, and outdoor enthusiasts. Backed by their unique Three Generation Guarantee, their non-toxic cookware is free of harmful PFAS chemicals, ensuring a healthy, eco-friendly choice that will last for over 100 Christmases. Timeless quality, guaranteed. Prices start at $89.

Bags With a Conscience

Started by Kiwi Jacky McLaren, Borneo Bags is a social enterprise selling beautiful bags handmade from rattan and recycled plastic palette strapping by workers from the Penan tribe in Borneo whose lives are being devastated by deforestation. Profits from the bags are reinvested back into their community.

What inspired you to create Borneo Bags?

While trekking in Borneo, I witnessed the devastating effects of rainforest destruction on both wildlife, such as orangutans, and the semi-nomadic Penan tribe. The replacement of rainforest with palm oil plantations has deprived the Penan of essential resources like food, shelter, and medicinal plants.

What kinds of products do you sell?

What are they designed for?

The brand has grown to encompass all kinds of robust, beautiful, grocery and beach bags, exercise mat bags, and earrings. We can also custom make items like bathroom drawers, storage bags and baskets. Our mission is to provide consumers with high-quality, fashionable products that not only serve their daily needs but also contribute to the conservation of our planet. By collaborating with local artisans, Borneo Bags also champions community empowerment, providing fair wages and fostering skill development. Our commitment to ethical practices and environmental conservation positions Borneo Bags as a leader in sustainable fashion, inspiring positive change within the industry and beyond.

What materials are used and what are the bags’ key features?

Recycled pallet strapping gives bags unbeatable resilience, it's colourful, washable, bleachable, waterproof and doesn't rust or stain. The rattan used

for some bags is a natural fibre found only in primary rainforest. These items would easily compete with the ethnic weavings found in our museums and we sell them at a fraction of the price; they are collector's items without a doubt. Our hypoallergenic, lightweight earrings are fashioned from recycled bicycle inner tubes. The men have embraced this as a welcome alternative to working for the very logging companies that are destroying their livelihood.

How do sales impact the Penan community?

All profits are returned to the families to help with medical care, food, transport and education. We cannot stop the logging, but we can help mitigate the changes and shed a light on the devastating effects of logging and palm oil plantations. I give presentations to many groups to help spread the word.

You also started the Penan Women Project (PWP), can you tell us about it? I was partly instrumental in setting up the PWP and Penan Helping Hands – both now run by others in Borneo. Between us we’ve been able to do some remarkable things, like sponsoring children through school, including Lonnie Jalong, the first ever Penan child to gain a university degree. We’ve also helped combat sexual assaults by loggers and plantation owners; assisted with free health care; and provided settlements with clean water and solar lighting.

Where can people in New Zealand buy Borneo Bags?

We sell in more than 50 stores nationwide, but our website borneobags.com is a great starting point. From there customers can also message me directly by email or phone. You can also find me at Britomart Market most Saturdays and other markets over the summer.

How can consumers help the Penan further?

We also welcome donations, sponsorship of schoolchildren, and the opportunity to present to community or private groups. Referrals to retail outlets with an ethical bent are also appreciated!

An Ancient Art

Verve goes through the looking glass with founders of Monmouth Glass Studio, Stephen Bradbourne and Isaac Katzoff.

How did the idea for Monmouth Glass come about?

We officially formed Monmouth Glass in 2012 having been blowing glass together on a casual basis for a few years previously, helping each other make our own personal gallery and production pieces. Around this time, we started making a few lights for friends and then the opportunity to work with Cheshire Architects on the Ortolana restaurant fitout came along. This was a breakthrough moment for us and really opened our eyes to the potential of handmade glass lighting and the possibilities of working with architects and designers to create small- and largescale bespoke lighting solutions. We then took over running the glass studio we’d previously been hiring and formed our company.

Tell us about the process of handblown glass?

The glass blowing process is ancient, dating back to pre-Roman times. In

the studio we continue to honour these ancient traditions and techniques every day. Basically, everything starts with molten glass being gathered from the furnace on the end of a long metal blowpipe. The furnace is our main piece of equipment, it holds 200kg of molten glass and runs 24/7 keeping the glass at a constant temperature of 1,085C.

Once the initial gather of glass is on the blowpipe, colour and decoration can be added. Then, more layers or gathers of molten glass are added, depending on how big the finished piece needs to be. Once the desired amount of glass is on the blowpipe, the piece is inflated and shaped. The completed piece is then broken off and placed in a kiln to cool slowly overnight.

What happens at your glass workshops?

They are a cup-making experience and basic introduction to the glass blowing process aimed at absolute novices. The classes are two hours long, with up to four students, led by an experienced and knowledgeable tutor. Students receive a full studio induction and health and safety briefing followed by a demo from the tutor before being guided through making their own cup or object that they can take home to show off to friends and family!

Where do you get your inspiration for designs?

Initially from mid-century objects and design – not only in glass, but also looking

at ceramics, sculpture, furniture design, and architecture. Also, we find that a general knowledge of the broader glass history and an awareness contemporary makers and designers is a massive inspiration and source of ideas. Because so many of the largescale lighting projects we work on are site specific we are constantly coming up with bespoke solutions and designs which respond specifically to the brief we're given.

What do your clients love most about your products?

When they purchase a Monmouth product, they know they're getting a top quality, well -made, well-designed piece from New Zealand's leading glassblowing studio that will stand the test of time and be able to be handed down to the next generation.

1. Maison Margiela Gold & Blue Enamel Ring 2. Rat & Boa Havana Skirt 3. HEREU Puntera Ballerina Flats 4. Glowny Polly Lace Bustier in Ivory 5. Saint Laurent Off-White SL M115 Sunglasses 6. Mondo Mondo Multicolor Nan Necklace 7. Paris Georgia Elemental Ida Dress in Apple 8. Rat & Boa Cobra Blouse & Skirt 9. Harris Tapper Eve Dress 10. Paris Georgia Yellow Maxine Maxi Dress 11. Ruby Bounce Mesh Halter Top 12. Sandy Liang Smol Pouch In Ice Blue 13. Wynn Hamlynn Martha Camisole - Sky Blue

EVENTWEAR & BRIDAL

RELOCATED TO 2 6 MCCOLL ST, NEWMARKET

Select items are available for customization in both color and size. Crafted with precision in our in-house workroom or by our expert team in Europe.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT PARKING AVAILABLE | MODES.CO.NZ | 09 520 6 070

Tropicana

1. Peony Solstice Crop & Mid High Cut Pant 2. Rat & Boa Assisi Skirt 3. Peony Signature Scarf in Isles 4. Christopher Esber Jo Flip Flop 5. Hakea Swim Skirt in Earth 6. Sir Dawn Balconette & Swim Short 7. Miu Miu Miu Regard Sunglasses 8. Sir Renata Keyhole One Piece 9. GLOWNY GY Micro Bag in Midnight Noir 10. Sir Linocut Classic High Brief 11. Sir Palermo Shaped Balconette in Sciarpa Print 12. Sir Robbie Balconette One Piece

Summer School 2025

Immersive Creativity

Begin 2025 with a weeklong creative retreat at Corban Estate Arts Centre.

Whether you’re an experienced artist looking to extend your skill base, want to reconnect with your creative side, or are seeking an expressive outlet or professional development, Summer School offers inspiring creative workshops for adults of all artistic abilities.

With workshops led by highly regarded artists Sofia Athineou, Mandy Patmore, Julie Moselen, Wikuki Kingi of Whaotapu O Tāmaki Makaurau, Dominic Hoey, and Liz Mitchell , Corban Estate Arts Centre will be a hive of activity the week of 13-17 January 2025. Each tutor will bring their unique skills and personal flavour to a wide variety of adult art workshops.

Bookings are now open and make a perfect Christmas gift for art enthusiasts. Concessions are available for teachers and tertiary students. With limited spots, early booking is recommended to secure your place.

For more information and to book, visit ceac.org.nz or contact info@ceac.org.nz or call 09 838 4455.

Corban Estate Arts Centre 2 Mt Lebanon Lane, Henderson

The Art of Graham Young 2025

Calendar

The Art of November

CURATED BY AIMÉE RALFINI

ARTWORK: NEAL PALMER, STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’, COURTESY OF FÖENANDER GALLERIES

This November’s selection is buzzing with creativity and introspection.

At Artspace Aotearoa, Permissions pushes artistic boundaries, while Zara Dolan’s Pulse at Sanderson Contemporary dances with abstract expression. Neal Palmer’s Connections at Föenander Galleries invites you to lose yourself in nature’s embrace, and Veronica Herber’s Making My Way Home at Melanie Roger Gallery adds an atmospheric, delicate touch.

Permissions

Yana DombrowskyM’Baye, Dayle Palfreyman, August Ward

On until –21 December

The Chartwell Trust New Commissions programme is a keystone event in the Artspace Aotearoa calendar. The exhibition presents commissioned artwork by three emerging artists living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. This comes after a year of mentorship and support from senior artists.

In Permissions the artists are navigating the fluid role of the “emerging artist”, which affords an agility that allows them to occupy and trespass artistrun, public, and commercial spaces. Through film, sculpture, and painting, the artists in this exhibition explore what values guide them through their practice and through the world at large.

292 Karangahape Road Tāmaki Makaurau artspace-aotearoa.nz

FÖENANDER GALLERIES

Connections

Neal Palmer

On until –14 November

Connections explores our relationship with the montane forests of Aotearoa – and the sense of inner wellbeing and measurable physical reaction we have to these environments. With a focus on Auckland’s west coast, Palmer reflects the complexity of these forest environments by creating emotive forms of nature.

Neal Palmer is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated botanical painters, known for his larger scale works of native fauna. Neal Palmer has a BA Hons in Fine Art from Trent University in the UK and settled in New Zealand in 1998. Coming to terms with the natural environment of his new home, the artist engaged in painting again, finding a strong affinity with Aotearoa’s unique plant life.

1 Faraday Street, Parnell foenandergalleries.co.nz

SANDERSON CONTEMPORARY

Pulse

Zara Dolan

12 November – 8 December

Sanderson is pleased to present the exhibition Pulse, featuring a new suite of works by award-winning printmaker Zara Dolan. Drawing from abstract expressionist techniques, the mark-making is both deliberate and spontaneous, heavily influenced by the artist's choice of colours and the intricacies of the printing process. Swirling motifs extend purposefully off the page, suggesting their continuation beyond the paper's edge.

Zara Dolan is an Irish-born artist, based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, working with one-off monotype prints created on a traditional printmaking press. Dolan completed her master’s in fine arts at the University of Canterbury (ILAM) in 2021. In 2024 she won the Print Merit Award in the New Zealand Painting and Print Awards.

Osborne Lane 2 Kent Street Newmarket sanderson.co.nz

MELANIE ROGER GALLERY

Making My Way Home

Veronica Herber

14 November

– 7 December

New work by Veronica Herber – her first solo exhibition with Melanie Roger Gallery.

"Veronica Herber uses torn washi tape and graphite to create a visual space that feels smoky, shifting, mysterious and almost cosmic. The work could borrow an alternative title from the famous book of aesthetics by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki – In Praise of Shadows". – Justin Paton, Senior Curator, International Art, Art Gallery of NSW, 2024

Veronica Herber, a Tāmaki Makauraubased artist, has exhibited extensively in Aotearoa and internationally. Her work has featured four times at Sculpture by the Sea (Sydney) and three times at Sculpture on the Gulf (Waiheke), with installations in Mexico and Cuba. In 2015, she received the Arts Trust New Zealand Sculptor Award. Herber’s works on paper are part of the Chartwell Collection, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, The Arts House Trust, and various private collections across New Zealand.

444 Karangahape Rd, Newton melanierogergallery.com

Fiordland Explored

In late September, rain follows us on a water-taxi across the misty, 28km length of Lake

Manapouri, New Zealand’s second deepest lake.

Disembarking at its western arm, we’re driven over Wilmot Pass. Sporadically, along its 22 kilometres, water cascades down verdant, bush-covered sides. From a lookout, steep, dark cliffs hemming a wavering strip of still water is veiled in rain and low-hanging cloud, brightened by the white slash of Lady Alice Fall. It’s my first sight of Doubtful Sound where I’m joining Heritage Expeditions’ Heritage Explorer for a five-day Fiordland Explored Cruise.

We set sail late afternoon on glass-like sea. Waterfalls tumble within metres of each other down green-coated cliffs. Snowsprinkled peaks jut beyond; distant ranges form a black and white background. Inside the cosy lounge a TV screen displays a map of Fiordland where a red line moves between landmasses, plotting our course. As the anchor drops in Bradshaw Sound’s Precipice Cove, an arm off Doubtful, we share a delicious meal

WORDS

ELEANOR HUGHES

The rising sun spotlights snow-dusted peaks, gradually lighting cliff-shadowed sea.

with guides and crew in the bow’s dining area. The boat takes 18 guests, but there’s only eight on this cruise.

Evening is spent discovering what lies ahead cruising the longest sound, Doubtful, and deepest, Dusky… which are actually fiords cut by glaciers. The onboard library contains books on Fiordland and from reading I discover Precipice Cove was named for its perpendicular cliffs. There are sounds named after ship owners, Duck Cove so called because Captain James Cook shot 14 ducks there, and he ate crayfish in what is now Luncheon Cove. Many locations were named by Captain J L Stokes, mapping the South Island coastline in the mid-1850s from the Acheron, after officers, or the day’s events.

Voyaging, I learn of Fiordland’s history. Spending five weeks in Dusky Sound in 1773 replenishing and repairing the Resolution, Cook mapped the area. We visit Astronomer’s Point in Pickersgill Harbour, where they tied up and his astronomer, William Wells, fixed New Zealand’s geographical position. In Cook’s fight against scurvy, New Zealand’s first beer was brewed here, the first European house and boat built, and apparently the first European women and children landed. Whalers and sealers came here first too.

Then there’re Fiordland’s lost. A Māori tribe who conversed with Cook but were never seen again. The elusive takahe, only sighted by Europeans four times before 1948, and later found in nearby Murchison Valley. And 10 moose. Introduced from Canada for

game hunting in 1910, Eddie Herrick was commissioned in the 1920s to see if there was a viable hunting population left. For three months every year, over 30 years, he searched, finding four. The last photo of one was taken in 1953. Ken Tustin took over and set up trail cameras. An image captured in 1995 is believed to be of a moose. They remain elusive…

Cruising by Secretary, Breaksea, Resolution and Anchor Islands, I’m educated on these predator free sanctuaries. We visit Pigeon Island, where the country’s pioneer of conservation, Richard Henry, was based. Translocating little spotted kiwi and kakapo from the mainland to Resolution Island, he held them in a pungaconstructed pen. The stumps mark its outline nearby all that remains of his home, the fireplace.

On zodiac cruises to, and amongst, islands, I see kea perched in beech trees squawking, a seal pup frolicking in a rookery, once a sealing station, and whio,

blue ducks. Shags fly over; we spot an endangered yellowhead; grey warbler and bellbird trill. Sandy beaches host sparkling or colourful pebbles and bull kelp. I walk pristine, damp, native forests cloaked in moss and through landscapes of pampas grass, flax, and earth smeared orange and black as if fire has scorched it. On small islands, birch resemble giant bonsai and dracophyllum, turpentine shrub is plentiful, handy centuries ago to start fires.

The rising sun spotlights snow-dusted peaks, gradually lighting cliff-shadowed sea. Waterfalls dry up under blue sky days. From the vessel, I enjoy the peace and remoteness. Bush-coated cliffs and valleys reflect in the fiords’ tranquil waters, and I rush to the bow when bottlenose dolphins accompany us. Sunsets paint the sky orange; kiwis call in darkness.

Between it all we’re fed five-star worthy meals; cooked breakfasts, cereals and pastries, two-course lunches and

three-course dinners. I sometimes skip delicious-looking starters, except for the goat cheese and beetroot tartelette, to enjoy cheesecakes, tart, or mousse.

Departing by helicopter, I look down on the vastness of Dusky Sound and some of its 350-ish, bush-canopied, small islands dotting the silvery-blue sea. Beyond the twisting waterways and bush covered ranges hemming them, snowsprinkled peaks rise, sometimes falling away to green slopes. Snow resembles whipped meringue on loftier ones. High plateaus nestle lakes between jagged summits; rivers wend along valley floors.

Te Anau, on the tentacled inkblot of Lake Te Anau, marks civilisation. Pristine, peaceful Fiordland is left behind.

Running for Hope

At the time of writing, endurance athlete

Stefan Ozich is sheltering from “torrential rain and 60km-per-hour winds”.

He’s one month into a record-breaking attempt to raise $1 million by running the length of the country – via the Te Araroa Trail – twice, in 100 days. That’s a distance of 6,000km.

Stefan has embarked on this incredible journey in honour of his late brother, Jerome, who took his own life last year, and to raise money for the men’s mental health charity, The Last Chance Project. Stefan sat down with Verve before he left.

“My brother was one of the most freethinking, spiritually minded people I've ever known. He was just different. He inspired me a lot on my path because he

was older than me. I was the youngest in my family, so I sort of looked up to him.”

Stefan recalls his “gifted” brother’s ability to turn his hand to “basically anything”.

“He had an engineering degree and used to be a pretty well-known graffiti artist. Then he decided on a whim to start making sourdough, and then became a carpenter!”

Jerome’s baking skills were so impressive that he won a national artisan award – little wonder that Stefan and his pals began calling him Jack, “as in, Jack of all trades”.

continues over page

“That was one of the things that was so difficult about his death, you know, because he was just so talented, and everyone had nothing but positive things to say about him. He just couldn’t see that in himself, which is the tragedy.”

Looking back, are there signs that others might be able to look out for in loved ones that may be suffering?

“The thing with Jerome, he was always changing things, which isn’t to say that people shouldn’t do that. But he was just constantly seeking, and I think it’s really important to find peace with who you are.”

A major organic food store had enquired about stocking Jerome’s loaves, a request that, says Stefan, not only overwhelmed his brother, but terrified him with the prospect of perhaps having to compromise.

“He felt that the endeavor would no longer be pure, so he refused to do it.”

Was Jerome a runner too?

“No, he was a yoga fiend!”

Do you think he sought out yoga to help with his mental health?

“I think that that was a part of it. He became vegetarian and very interested in spirituality and went deep into that. But again, it’s important to say that there are a lot of people in that space that have found real bliss.”

Faith, says Stefan, played a major role in helping him deal with Jerome’s passing.

“I grew up in a Catholic family, but never really understood what it meant. But then when Jerome died, I became very depressed – to the point of having suicidal ideation, which I had never experienced before. Faith became the cornerstone of my healing.”

“No matter where you go, there you are.”

Could you tell us about The Last Chance Project and how you came to be involved with it?

“It’s a mental health foundation that was established in 2022, and the only one of its kind in New Zealand. One of the guys on the board, Sam, is an old school friend. He reached out to me after Jerome died. The project is all about improving and supplying betterment for men, to provide physical, mental and spiritual nourishment, to really talk and understand their issues. It really resonated with me, and now I’m on the board, too.”

Do you think that we can do more as a society to address men’s mental health issues?

“I’m quite pragmatic in the sense that I feel it has to come down to the individual. If you want to examine it at a macro level, then there needs to be a whole different conversation around the infrastructure and how we’re targeting mental health. We’re not talking about lifestyles and the relationships individuals have with their friends and families. We’re not talking about addictions to drugs, to alcohol, to pornography, to hedonism. All of these things take a toll on the body, on the soul. It’s vital that we address it at a holistic level, starting with something as simple as diet. Our gut produces around 90% of our serotonin.”

Stefan acknowledges that his run will be the “one of the most painful things I’ve ever done in my life”.

“A big part of the preparation process is accepting that,” he continues. “But that’s not something I’m necessarily dreading. The things I’m most looking forward to, however, are being with my crew and being able to see this beautiful country, as well as hopefully raising plenty of money and awareness around the foundation.”

Stefan says that whenever he’s facing challenges in life, he recalls his mother’s words of wisdom: “She used to say, ‘No matter where you go, there you are’. I think that’s something that a lot of people can just meditate on.”

Moving Made Easy

Say goodbye to the stress and hassle.

Preparing your home for sale and relocating can be overwhelming. But it’s okay because Brynyce Owen and her son Tom have been helping people across all stages of the home sale and relocation journey since 2006. Moving Made Easy is based on the North Shore and mainly services the greater Auckland region from Warkworth to the Eastern Bays, as well as moving clients to the rest of New Zealand and overseas. We caught up with Brynyce to find out how they do it.

What inspired you to start Moving Made Easy?

My Christian mother bought me up to serve the community by helping older ladies to get organised. This voluntary work continued alongside my career in education and research and became an increasingly large part of my life.

What kind of services do you offer?

We provide a broad range of services including preparing your home ready for sale, downsizing, reorganising projects, and full end-to-end relocation services to name a few. We also support those who have lost a loved one, helping them sort everything in a caring and respectful manner. The key thing is that our services are uniquely tailored to clients’ specific requirements, which makes our approach unparalleled in New Zealand. A few examples of other services

include coordinating remedial works to a property, facilitating the donation of treasures to museums, or moving delicate collections and antiques.

Can you help people move overseas too?

Yes. Whilst we work mainly in the greater Auckland region, we have moved clients all over New Zealand as well as overseas on many occasions. We’ve also had clients who are out of the country and needed help with their New Zealand homes.

How do you manage moving valuables like artwork?

We’re very well known for our specialist expertise in dealing with antiques, artworks, and collections. Understanding the items we’re dealing with is critical to being able to handle them appropriately.

What are Moving Made Easy’s key business values?

Ethical practises, supporting others, and charitable voluntary work have been a massive part of my life, and these underpin Moving Made Easy. They sit comfortably with our key values of honesty, empathy, discretion, ecoconsciousness, and being a Christan family business. We pride ourselves on having repeat clients, their families and friends.

Does your business have any sustainability practices in place?

Yes, we do. We're very proud to be an eco-conscious business and work hard to reduce our environmental impact.

What are your top tips for people preparing to move properties?

Calling me sooner rather than later is a top tip! We can then work to tailor a service that will meet your unique needs. If starting to downsize, try tackling the linen cupboard first. Also, make sure you interview at least two real estate agents, builders and so on.

What do you love most about helping people through Moving Made Easy?

Since 2006, we've been privileged to be alongside our treasured clients, providing a unique individualised service to help them on their journey.

Ready to chat to Brynyce about how they can help?

Then visit movingmadeeasy.co.nz or call her on 021 0854 5339 now!

COME FOR THE PRIME LOCATION . STAY FOR THE PERMANENT VACATION .

Experience the next level of retirement living. Whether you’re after a central spot you can lock up and leave, or somewhere you’ll never want to, here’s your central oasis for both convenience and comfort.

Take a tour of the state-of-the-art apartments and amenities that put The Helier in a league of its own.

To book a private consultation, call Debbie Little on 09 356 1800. thehelier.co.nz

28 Waimarie Street, St Heliers, Auckland

Dream Companions

New Zealand’s first eldercare agency placing live-in and live-out companions with Aucklanders.

Dream Eldercare offers tailored in-home companionship and care to support older adults in maintaining independence and comfort, giving families peace of mind. With both live-in and live-out options, Dream Eldercare provides companionship and support based on individual needs, whether it’s spending quality time together, assisting with errands, or preparing meals. The service also focuses on stimulating engagement through shared activities like learning new skills, discussing different cultures, and enjoying social outings.

For clients starting with light household tasks like cleaning or cooking, Dream Eldercare will gradually introduce more personal care as needed, fostering trust and comfort. Companions assist with routine tasks, from attending appointments and outings to helping

with light personal care, medication reminders, and running errands.

Dream Eldercare offers three types of companionship: local live-out companions, mature live-in companions, and younger overseas au pair-style companions for extended terms. Each companion is carefully matched and thoroughly vetted, including police and reference checks, with first-aid certification for added safety.

Through trusted, consistent care, Dream Eldercare enhances quality of life and alleviates loneliness, supporting mental and emotional wellness for clients. To start, a no-obligation consultation and assessment helps determine personal care goals, preferences, and support needs. Families can then receive a tailored care plan and be matched with

a Dream Companion, ensuring a high standard of compassionate care and companionship.

To find out more or to lodge an enquiry, visit dreameldercare.co.nz or call Kristin Moolman 021 369 364.

Luxury Meets Location

The Foundation is without doubt, one of the most sought-after retirement locations in Auckland. The Nathan Residences are now complete and work is underway on the second building, Abbott Residences. This new development features a conservatory rooftop garden terrace with views overlooking the museum and harbour.

We are delighted to announce that appointments are now available to view the show apartment and plans for the Abbott Residences. Please arrange an appointment with Bev Dyson.

What's On in November

IMAGE: MOUSEY - PHOTO: NAOMI HAUSSMAN

WORDS BELLA SAMPSON

H.R. THE MUSICAL

6 – 8 November

Q Theatre

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK

15 November

Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

H.R. The Musical by Amy Mansfield explores the quirks and frustrations of modern work life through a comedic lens. You’ll recognise yourself, your peers and the everyday challenges in this bold collection of sketches. Covering classics and emerging phenomena like the Great Resignation, quiet quitting, or the horrors of restructuring.

qtheatre.co.nz

MOUSEY

23 November

Neck of the Woods

Join Mark Manson, the ineffable author of the New York Times bestselling novel, as he expands on teaching you how to give less of an F. The 2016 self-help book was an instant classic for its frank take on the finite amount of worry, care, and fear we expend.

aucklandlive.co.nz

A collection exploring the harmonious relationship between the mind & creativity

22 – 27

November

Turua Gallery

Small in name, major in talent. Celebrate the release of Mousey’s third album, The Dreams of Our Mothers’ Mothers! in this intimate show. The Silver Scroll nominee showcases her most lyrically vulnerable album yet, artfully toeing myriad emotions with her powerful presence.

undertheradar.co.nz

Rachael is a clinical psychologist and self-taught artist, known for her captivating large-scale gardenscapes. Rachael has mastered capturing the essence of a daisy bush alongside the intricate play of light and shadow through trees. Her intuitive brushwork allows for the paint to dance from brush to canvas, creating impressionistic garden pieces. Join us for the opening night and experience the floral emersion of Rachael’s sought after collection.

CAMPING

14 November – 7 December

Silo Theatre

Join Chris Parker, Tom Sainsbury, Kura Forrester, and Brynley Stent for a wild night of intense, sorry, in-tents comedy fun – think Rocky Horror meets French and Saunders. After a fantastic sold-out season in the 2016 NZ International Comedy Festival, the show has had a 2024 glow-up across all elements.

qtheatre.co.nz

AUCKLAND DESIGN GARDEN FEST

23 – 24

November

Across Auckland

If you’re searching for gardening inspiration or feel like pottering around, this premier festival has you covered. Featuring diverse curations from the most highly regarded design talent and exciting up-and-comers Auckland has to offer, as well as opportunities to meet the designers. Proceeds from the event will help Youthline and Dove Hospice and Wellness.

gardendesignfest.co.nz

THE PLANETS

23 November

Auckland Town Hall

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra present Gustav Holst’s distinct planetary-inspired orchestral suite. The intensity of his 20th-century piece ‘Mars’ can be seen as a clear influence on dramatic film musical scores decades later. ‘Jupiter’, naturally, has a joyful ring to it. The NZSO will also perform Elgar’s Violin Concerto.

ticketmaster.co.nz

JAMESEY HI-FI

21 – 23

November

Basement Theatre

Join James Mustapick for this multimedia extravaganza. Over the three nights, James, in betwixt his own sets, invites Auckland’s favourite comedians to perform their most chaotic and hilarious audio-visual presentations.

iticket.co.nz

Box Office

MEMORY

21 November

NEVER LOOK AWAY

14 November

Jessica Chastain and Peter Sarsgaard star in this lost memories drama from writer-director Michel Franco (Sundown). Sylvia (Chastain) is a social worker who leads a simple and structured life which is blown open when Saul (Sarsgaard) follows her home from their high school reunion. Their surprise encounter will profoundly impact them both as they open the door to the past.

MEMOIR OF A SNAIL

7 November

BRITISH & IRISH FILM FESTIVAL 2024

New Zealand-born CNN camerawoman Margaret Moth walks on the razor's edge between sanity and death. Her first assignment with CNN is to cover the riots that followed Indira Gandhi's assassination in India. She goes on to cover conflicts in Africa, the Middle East and fatally, the Bosnian war. In vivid, emotional detail, we see what Moth saw and how she in turn changed what we, the television viewer, saw. A rollicking ride through sex, drugs and war, Never Look Away is war from a female perspective; as you have never seen it before.

MY FREAKY FAMILY

14 November

From Academy Award-winning director Adam Elliot (Mary and Max, Harvie Krumpet). Grace Pudel is a lonely misfit with an affinity for collecting ornamental snails and an intense love for books. At a young age, when Grace is separated from her fire-breathing twin brother Gilbert, she falls into a spiral of anxiety and angst. Despite a continued series of hardships, inspiration and hope emerge when she strikes up an enduring friendship with an elderly eccentric woman named Pinky, who is full of grit and lust for life.

On the cusp of her 13th birthday, Betty Flood – budding musician and magical being – just wants to be like the rest of her fabulous, but very different family. So, why is her magical mum so against it? As Betty wrestles with this, she also learns the amazing truth about her family and discovers that the not so normal, the magical and the musical are all a part of her fabulously freaky family.

The British & Irish Film Festival is back for its second edition, bringing the best of the 2024 Toronto Film Festival lineup and selected Cannes Film Festival favourites to New Zealand cinemas. From Kerikeri to Dunedin, the festival will screen from 23 October to 13 November, at 30 locations in total. There is something for everyone in this year’s festival, so be sure to check out their programme at britishfilmfestival.co.nz

IMAGE: MEMORY

Residents

RYMAN’S AWARD WINNING LIFESTYLE

Our residents and their families have spoken loud and clear: Ryman is their top choice in retirement living. We’re proud to be recognised by Canstar Blue for having the Most Satisfied Customers, which complements our tenth win of Reader’s Digest’s Most Trusted Brand. As we celebrate 40 years since opening our first village, these recognitions reinforce Ryman’s commitment to exceptional care and excellence in retirement living.

DISCOVER THE LIFESTYLE SEARCH ‘RYMAN’

Eclectic Books

Reads that make an impact.

WORDS — KAREN MCMILLAN , bestselling author karenm.co.nz | nzbooklovers.co.nz

RECIPETIN EATS TONIGHT

Nagi Maehashi

If you are late to the RecipeTin Eats party, you still have time to discover the bestselling cookbooks by Nagi Maehashi that people are obsessing over. (Her website is viewed half-a-billion times annually!) Nagi has created food that’s easy to make but also divinely delicious. Let her new cookbook be your go-to guide for every night of the week.

Pan Macmillan, RRP $54.95

CALMONY

Jess Stuart

The eighth book by this popular New Zealand author, Jess Stuart has created a guidebook for living a more present, connected and purposeful life. Calmony is a must-read for anyone struggling with mental health issues or burnout or just wanting a happier life. Jess has practical steps towards contentment despite any external circumstances so you can lead a more fulfilled life. Readable, relatable, uplifting, and insightful.

Being Publishing, RRP $30

FROM HERE TO THE GREAT UNKNOWN

Lisa Marie Presley, Riley Keough

The only daughter of Elvis Presley, who was raised in Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley tells her story for the first time. This raw and riveting memoir was started before her death and faithfully completed by her daughter, Riley Keough. Touching and revealing.

Pan Macmillan, RRP $39.99

JAPAN: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Peter Shaw

It seems everyone wants to go to Japan currently, so this pocket-sized gem has everything you might want to know about this fascinating country. New Zealand author Peter Shaw has visited Japan numerous times and generously shares his knowledge. It’s a love letter about the country’s culture: its art, architecture, food, religion, history, and people. Read it and delight in all that Japan has to offer.

Six Point Press, RRP $45

Your diary should make for good reading

Summerset St Johns is open every weekend in November.

Situated right in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs, Summerset St Johns takes retirement living to a new level with luxuriously appointed apartments, serviced apartments, care suites, an exquisite village centre with a bar and bistro, enviable resort-style facilities and services, and breathtaking views.

There are a range of independent apartments starting from $1,350,000,* and to make it even easier, you can move in this year with a 25% deposit and then have up to six months to pay the balance# – including two years of no weekly fees following receipt of the balance.

There’s never been a better time to escape to this luxurious haven. But don’t take our word for it, make our Open Weekends in November one for the diary.

Love the life you choose.

Horoscopes

23

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

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

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

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

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

ARIES

21 March –

19 April

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

LEO

23 July –22 August

TAURUS

20 April –20 May

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

23 August –22 September

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

GEMINI

21 May –20 June

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

23 September –22 October

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

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

CANCER

21 June –

22 July

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

VIRGO

LIBRA

Lucy's Corner

This month Verve’s star reviewer LUCY KENNEDY gets grossed out by The Substance.

R16

In theatres now

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself?

Elisabeth Sparkle has. On her 50th birthday, she’s fired from her job as a TV aerobics instructor. Her years-long hard work paying off in stardom, success, and opportunities instantly evaporates as her hateful boss Harvey deems her no longer young or beautiful. Distraught Elisabeth abandons caution and tries The Substance – a chemical that enhances DNA with the promise of a 'better you'. What follows is an insane, gripping, unpredictable, unhinged whirlwind of blood, glitter, and disgusting gore.

But behind the gore, The Substance is a scathing examination of societal fear of women’s bodies and the patriarchal need to stave off the natural process of female ageing. The desperate need to remain youthful and beautiful, not only for self-esteem, but to sustain livelihoods, is encapsulated in a shocking body horror that will leave you reeling. It’s an exacerbation of the

already gory 'beauty industry', and the dangers of many cosmetic practices, highlighting that these establishments feed and profit off fears generated for women.

Demi Moore’s astonishing performance alone is reason enough to go watch what will surely leave a lasting impact on not only the subgenre of body horror, but the horror genre at large. The audience around me gasped, laughed, and groaned. The Substance is a movie you’ll want to discuss as soon as the credits roll. An absolute must-see. But be warned… it’s gross.

Instagram: @lucykennedyreviews

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles”

Tim Cahill

IMAGE: THE SUBSTANCE © MUBI

WELLS & CO

WELLS & CO

WELLS & CO

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS

We can help you with a wide range of legal issues including:

WELLS & CO

We can help you with a wide range of legal issues including:

•Company and Business Matters

We can help you with a wide range of legal issues including:

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS

•Company and Business Matters

•Company and Business Matters

•Wills, Trusts, Estates

•Wills, Trusts, Estates

•Residential and Commercial Property and Conveyancing

We can help you with a wide range of legal issues including:

•Wills, Trusts, Estates

•Company and Business Matters

•Relationship Property and Contracting-Out Agreements

•Residential and Commercial Property and Conveyancing

•Wills, Trusts, Estates

•Commercial Leases and Contracts

•Relationship Property and Contracting-Out Agreements

•Residential and Commercial Property and Conveyancing

•Commercial Leases and Contracts

•Residential and Commercial Property and Conveyancing

•Relationship Property and Contracting-Out Agreements

•Commercial Leases and Contracts

419 Remuera Road, Remuera m 520 4800 m Remuera@wellslawyers.co.nz

•Commercial Leases and Contracts

419 Remuera Road, Remuera m 520 4800 m Remuera@wellslawyers.co.nz

•Relationship Property and Contracting-Out Agreements

419 Remuera Road, Remuera m 520 4800 m Remuera@wellslawyers.co.nz

Ïn a class of its own.

199 Main Highway, Ellerslie 1051, Auckland 09 281 3 481 office@ellerslieveterinaryclinic.nz DISH OF THE MONTH RARE CHARGRILLED TUNA

Asparagus,

BIANCA STACKABLE DINING ARMCHAIRS WITH FEDERICO AGED TEAK ROUND DINING TABLE