An uplifting monthly eclection of life, style and happenings.
This month, Verve delves into Africa and also visits some of the world's best sleep retreats. Plus, we discover the art of listening and how to make the best brunch.
FLARE A GLIMPSE OF INNER LIGHT
Fran Ninow
Co-editor
Late last year, while en-route to a function in the city, I experienced an unsettling jolt as the passenger car door was ripped open and my bag snatched. The invasion of my personal space was a shock, but nothing quite like the frustration and anger I have felt having my LinkedIn profile hacked this past month –not once, but three times by the same person, posing as ‘Katherine Lim’. Just one of those moments when one thinks “it wasn’t meant to be like this”. I have now added a two-factor-authentication to my LinkedIn sign in, which I am told will lessen the likelihood of this happening again. I certainly hope so.
By the time you’re browsing these pages, the 2024 Paralympics will be in full swing, and we’ll be marvelling at those remarkable individuals who’ve transformed adversity into opportunity. I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for these inspiring athletes – each one a living testament to the power of resilience. They remind us that it’s not the twists and turns life throws at us, but how we choose to navigate them, that truly defines who we are.
As always in creating the September issue of Verve, we have been driven by curating content that inspires, uplifts and adds something special to your day. Some of my favourite moments include our vibrant celebration of Africa – its lively culture, dynamic creative talent, and incredible travel destinations. I find the idea of sleep retreats – a growing wellness trend – intriguing, and Jamie Desplaces’ witty and insightful commentary on the role of dads during pregnancy really made me smile. This month’s fashion edit featuring ballet flats and leather totes is so up my street, and I for one will be celebrating the weekend’s more relaxed pace trialling a selection of those yummy brunch recipes.
I have no doubt that you will find something extra special in this issue too, and hope you will enjoy this celebration of spring.
Fran xx
Jude Mitchell
Co-editor
Lately, I’ve developed a fascination with Wabi-Sabi design – a style that celebrates imperfection. The Japanese philosophy is deeply rooted in nature and finds beauty and purpose in natural flaws and the lifecycle of things, as they are, imperfections and all.
What intrigues me about Wabi-Sabi is how it mirrors my own acceptance of imperfection. Life, in all its forms, is not perfect, and it shouldn’t be. Challenges and flaws are an integral part of our existence, whether in our homes, relationships, work, or friendships.
I recently had an interesting conversation with a friend and colleague whom I’ve known for 40 years after she called me out on an email in which I had accidentally copied in the wrong person. It was a genuine mistake, and so I apologised to that person, and he was not offended at all.
Maybe this was a way of the universe letting me know that we’re not all perfect and that we need to acknowledge our mistakes – imperfections are nothing to be ashamed of! This experience reinforced the value of embracing imperfection and of being authentic – even if it means showing our vulnerabilities.
Similarly, as for our beautiful African house in this issue – I’m sure that the owners embraced its imperfections!
Happy reading everyone,
Jude x
Green Eyes
The Art of September
Editors-in-Chief
Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell
Sub-editor/Senior Writer
Jamie Christian Desplaces
Head Graphic Designer
Arna Martin
Graphic Designer
Yamin Cook
Social Media
Yamin Cook
Contributors
Nikki Addison, Manish Kumar Arora, Lucy Kennedy, Tim Warren, Rawan Saadi, Dennis Knill, Milly Nolan, Paul Leuschke, Aimée Ralfini, Helene Ravlich and Bella Sampson.
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Published by Verve Magazine Ltd 13 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
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ISSN 2253-1300 (print) ISSN 2253-1319 (online)
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Fran Ninow: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz
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Verve is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free lifestyle magazine delivered to cafés and businesses in Devonport, Epsom, Ellerslie, Herne Bay, Kohimarama, Meadowbank, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Remuera, St Mary’s Bay and Takapuna. Verve is placed in magazine stands for free collection from locations in Auckland City, Devonport, Epsom, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Mairangi Bay, Milford, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby, Remuera, St. Heliers, Stonefields, Takapuna and in domestic terminal Auckland Airport. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz for exact locations these magazine stands. Verve is also available in ebook format.
Visit vervemagazine.co.nz to sign up for your free monthly ebook. Verve is printed by Blue Star, 8 Collard Place, Henderson, Auckland. It is distributed by Verve, ERC Contracting and Mailchimp.
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.
Verve ’ s monthly round up of what’s new, interesting, and happening… in a paragraph!
A new, simple blood test developed and co-funded by Parkinson’s UK could predict Parkinson’s disease seven years before symptoms show. Researchers believe that early diagnosis will help hamper or even stop the disease from taking hold. “Finding biological markers that can be identified and measured in the blood is much less invasive than a lumbar puncture, which is being used more and more in clinical research,” says Professor David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson's UK. A lumbar puncture involves tapping and sampling spinal fluid whereas the new method uses AI to analyse samples of blood – so far with 100% accuracy. Another AI system has shown similar potential in another field, this time breast cancer research. According to a study published in Radiology, a journal of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), a state-of-the-art system called AsymMirai – based on the Mirai deep-learning algorithm – can predict breast cancer, from mammograms, up to five years in advance.
Researchers believe that they may have found evidence of an enormous underground cave on the moon which can be entered via the surface, making it a potential site for a lunar base. Data collected by Nasa’s lunar reconnaissance orbiter (LRO) shows the cave can be reached via the moon’s deepest known pit, the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility), which is an ancient lava plain where Neil Armstrong took his “giant leap for mankind” from Apollo 11. The pit is the deepest so far discovered on the moon, and the cave, believed to be an empty lava tube, measures 80 metres by 45 metres, sits about 150 metres beneath the surface, and could contain water ice. Study author Leonardo Carrer says: “The main advantage of caves is that they make available the main structural parts of a possible human base without requiring complex construction activities.” They also provide protection from the massively varying surface temperatures between day and night as well as harmful cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorites.
It turns out that women’s love of handbags may be almost evolutionary thanks to the discovery of ancient carvings that predate even the likes of makeup, perfumes and hairbrushes! The artworks – some of which are 12,000 years old – have been found in sites around the world, among the earliest are carved upon the ruins of the ancient megalithic temple Göbekli Tepe in Turkey. Similar motifs sit in Mexico, Iraq, and around South America, adorning walls, columns, and statues. While some archaeologists claim the works are more likely to be baskets, others are adamant that they’re the original must-have clutch. The first modern-day handbag was designed in the UK by industrialist and confectionary entrepreneur Samuel Parkinson so that his wife could carry belongings which wouldn’t fit in her purse.
Memory of a Goldfish? You Wish! It turns out that fish aren’t so forgetful after all. Though the creatures do generally possess relatively small brains when measured against fellow vertebrates, researchers have discovered some species to have memories that last for many months, as well as having the ability to avoid pain and danger, seek out reward and navigate mazes. Some fish even use tools such as holding rocks in their mouths and using them to smash open shellfish for food, while others, like the cleaner wrasse, form symbiotic relationships with other fish by cleaning them to stop themselves from becoming prey. Perhaps the biggest, fishiest misconception of all – that goldish have three-second memories – is absolutely untrue, with studies showing that they can often remember which part of their tank they are usually fed from, while being able to recognise other goldfish and also escape nets.
Forget about prolonging your life, or even making you healthier, a recently released US study of hundreds of thousands of adults has concluded that taking a daily multivitamin may actually increase the risk of early death. Researchers at Maryland’s National Cancer Institute analysed data from three major US health studies that began in the 1990s and covered 390,124 adults. Shockingly, there was a 4% increase in the mortality rate of users in the first years of follow-up. Dr Neal Barnard, an adjunct professor of medicine at George Washington University and co-author of a commentary published alongside the study, says “multivitamins overpromise and underdeliver”. There are, however, some caveats. The greater risk of death may in part be due to the trend in people taking vitamins once they become seriously ill. Also, some research shows that multivitamins may help slow cognitive decline in the elderly while taking other vitamins can be beneficial in specific cases such as with certain deficiencies. Generally speaking, however, a healthy diet is king.
They’re among the most detested of creatures in cities around the world, commonly called “flying rats” or “rodents of the sky”. But for millennia, pigeons were adored, sometimes to the point of worship. Some Mughal Emperors kept pigeons in their thousands, while Charles Darwin was so fascinated by them that he had a flock of 90. Among their most fascinating traits is that they are one of only three birds (along with the flamingo and male emperor penguins) that produce milk (both papa and mamma pigeon can produce it, from part of their oesophagus, to feed their young). But most heartbreaking about these humble birds – which belong to the same family as doves and the dodo and delivered essential messages during both world wars – is that the reason that they’re so happy to hang out around our city streets is because they’re descendants of discarded domesticated birds. Studies have even shown that feral pigeons actively choose to walk, fly and nest around us and our architecture rather than seek the shelter of seemingly more welcoming forests.
Ski Resorts and Desert Safaris
When we think of Africa we think of safaris and deserts, but in reality, the geographic landscape of this continent is much more diverse. Morocco is proof that you can have it all, a country where you can plan both skiing and a safari on the same trip. The Atlas Mountains, which span the northern parts of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, are a popular spot for hikers and skiing enthusiasts. The Oukaimaden Ski Station in northern Morocco is open from December to April, offering slopes for all experience levels. It’s 80km from Marrakech, where you can book a camel safari tour through parts of the Sahara. So, nothing is stopping you from skiing down a snowy mountain and then riding a camel through one of the world's largest deserts in the span of a few days on your next African excursion.
moroccodesertsafari.com
skiresort.info/ski-resorts/atlas-mountains
Pink Plaster Architecture
It is no doubt that Africa is home to a myriad of unique architectural structures, offering a spectrum of traditional and modern designs. Kenyan-based studio, Mehta Architecture, has lived up to the legacy with one of their newest villas, UA House, in Kilifi town on the edge of Takaungu Creek. It has sparked something of a buzz with its pinkplastered walls. The salvaged limestone which makes up these walls is covered in lime plaster that has been mixed with quarry dust to give it that pink shade. Aside from its distinct colour, the layout is made up of rectangular courtyards and rooms with plenty of open spaces to provide ventilation in a warm climate.
ARCHITECT — STUDIOMEHTA.COM
Lakin Ogunbanwo
Africa’s rich art scene is a mosaic of multifaceted artists, each with their own vision and methods of displaying their heritage. Nigerian photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo has taken fashion photography to a new level. Drawing his inspiration from African studio photography in the 1960s and 70s, he aims to showcase the raw nature of his Nigerian culture. His photographs are simple in their composition and vivid in their colour and meaning. His bestknown work often shows a Nigerian model, male or female, with either a traditional piece of clothing or an object covering their faces. Ogunbanwo’s aim has consistently been to shift away from the Western gaze of Nigerian culture to provide a more organic and authentic representation of his people.
lakinogunbanwo.com
If the incredible African tourism, art and architecture were not enough to impress you, Kenya has also been in the spotlight for its successful strides in financial innovation. In 2007, Kenya’s largest mobile operator launched M-Pesa, a new and advanced system where users can do the majority of their banking through a SIM card. This includes making payments and transferring money through SMS messages. Its main draw is its ability
to provide banking services even to those without a bank account. Over the years it has spread across the continent and is now the preferred method of payment through Africa. The technology has now also expanded to locations in Asia including India and Afghanistan as well as countries in Eastern Europe like Romania.
investopedia.com
Topping the Education Systems
Seychelles has been ranked the best in education across all African nations as well as making the top 50 list in the world. Its educational system has made headlines as being efficient in its delivery and results, surpassing schooling standards in countries such as Hungary and the United Arab Emirates. Its free and compulsory education system which began in the late 1970s has paid off as they have been able to meet six educational goals set out by Unesco. This included achieving a 50% improvement in adult literacy levels and gender equality in education. They have now set the blueprint for other African nations that are also working towards bettering their education levels.
fairplanet.org/editors-pick/theseychelles-education-system-africa/
Safari in a Hot Air Balloon
Who says you’ve got to safari on camelback or in a jeep? Why not see the scenery and biodiversity that Tanzania has to offer from a hot air balloon?
Serengeti Balloon Safaris offers a full hot air balloon experience in several locations including Serengeti, Ruaha and Tarangire. The packages include staying in a camp, getting up early to be fully prepared for take-off at sunrise, getting to see the marvellous landscapes of each location, and finishing off with breakfast once you land.
balloonsafaris.com
ARCHITECT —
PHOTOGRAPHY
A safari fantasy in Waterberg for British IT entrepreneur and adventurer Rory Sweet is not only architecturally spectacular, but a haven for the Jules Verne-ish interests of its owner... including a unique copper-domed observatory for stargazing.
Previous page: The design of The Observatory, the private bush villa at Leobo Private Reserve, is more like an African village than a single, modern dwelling. Its cellular design or accretion of huts, towers and domes clustering around the central living area and patio make for interesting relationships between its accumulation of parts. The tower houses an automated rotating observatory housing a 20-inch telescope for stargazing.
This page: Seen through the antique Indian doors the dining room reveals a four-metre-long hand-hewn table juxtaposed with a gigantic over-thetop chandelier made from an entire suspended hippopotamus skeleton.
Right page: In the main living area, the twin forms of a sunken circular lounge and a floating mezzanine “TV nest” create another of Leobo’s architectural “wow” moments.
In the main living area, the twin forms of a sunken circular lounge and a floating mezzanine “TV nest” create another of Leobo’s architectural “wow” moments.
Left page: Off the main living area, the kitchen combines modern, sophisticated features – Corian basins and worktops, telescopic roller drawers – clad in thinly sliced railways sleepers, combining a recycled local historical material, but made elegant rather than rustic. The butcher’s block is made from a leadwood tree trunk.
This page: The bar-armoire combines a design of “copper cubes offset against black mirror and thick African mahogany”, manufactured by fourthgeneration Italian cabinetmakers in Silvio’s family.
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This page: The veranda is shaded by an extended pergola supported by giant leadwood trunks. The stitched ceramic coffee table is built from handmade glazed ceramic tiles stitched together with leather thong or “riempie”.
Right page: The window seat in the library-cum-study below the observatory is one of Rory’s favourite spots in the house. He requested a space inspired by Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It is filled with artefacts, sculptures and books on topics ranging from rocket engineering to natural history and exploration.
Previous & left page: In the bedroom, the four-poster beds are made from hand-hewn and -polished leadwood. The woven swing seat, like the ottoman in the lounge, uses recycled fabrics. The fabrics are hand-dyed natural linen and wools in a quiet, natural palette to complement the colours of the surrounding landscape and bush.
This page: In the luxuriously large bathrooms, the ceiling was made casting the concrete onto wooden poles rather than shutter ply. The poles were removed, leaving behind the pattern. The corbelled bricks and oracle window in the shower create a dramatic sky-lit ambience that sums up how each room can be an adventure in itself.
The corbelled bricks and oracle window in the shower create a dramatic sky-lit ambience that sums up how each room can be an adventure in itself.
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A sunken fire-pit with builtin circular seating makes another vantage point from which to enjoy views of the foresty vegetation.
This page: The rondavels that house the bedrooms have extensive private decks. A sunken fire-pit with built-in circular seating makes another vantage point from which to enjoy views of the foresty vegetation. The carved reclining chair is a traditional African birthing chair.
Luxury is about more than five-star hotels, butler service and gourmet cuisine, especially in Africa.
True luxury can be having an incredible landscape all to yourself, or having local people proudly share their culture with you. It can be the luxury of time, the time to sit back, relax and absorb your surroundings. To sip a G&T after a thrilling day on safari against the backdrop of just another spectacular African sunset, the faint roar of lions in the distance... is pure luxury.
Travelling the vast, untamed landscapes of Africa, encountering wildlife in their natural habitats, witnessing traditional cultures and gazing in awe at impossibly starry night skies. This is the Africa that inspires boutique travel company World Journeys. Experts in tailor-made travel, luxury African safaris are their speciality.
Being in the right place at the right time to witness the Great Migration of plains game through the Serengeti, staying in a luxury lodge right in the heart of the Okavango Delta and tracking endangered rhino in the vast deserts of Namibia are just some examples of when an intimate knowledge of these incredible destinations is invaluable.
• under-canvas safaris offer that nostalgic Out of Africa atmosphere, with billowing curtains and tall tales around the firepit at night
• walking safaris with expert guides allow an immersive experience where all your senses are alive, and the smaller wonders are revealed
• mobile safaris see the camp moved seasonally to where the wildlife will be
Experience Kenya and Tanzania in luxury and style, visiting the wildlife hotspots of the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Fly between hand-picked exclusive safari camps, enjoying exceptional cuisine, impeccable service and thrilling wildlife encounters.
7-day luxury fly-in safari worldjourneys.co.nz/package/ fly-around-east-africa/
• luxury rail journeys with Rovos Rail i nclude safaris, golf and more
• fly-in safaris take you directly into to remote and pristine wilderness areas, allowing more time on safari and less time on dusty roads
Importantly, all of World Journeys safaris options are with operators who have conservation at their core.
Contact your travel agent, or World Journeys on 0800 117311
worldjourneys.co.nz
Preparation time: 20 minutes, plus overnight marinating
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4 – 6
The name itself tells a story: it’s from the Dutch colonisers, and it means “to grill meat on an open fire”. The dish has travelled through history, from colonisation through Apartheid, and into the Rainbow Nation. Today it is recognised as one of South Africa’s best-loved party dishes. A braai generally includes a variety of grilled meats, as well as a delicious sweet and smoky sauce that we call monkey gland sauce, which, I must say right away, does not include any monkey glands. It usually includes marinated lamb chops and chicken wings, and is commonly served with grilled butter corn, pap, and chakalaka.
Ingredients
FOR THE MONKEY GLAND SAUCE
5 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, grated
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ground coriander
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
2 ripe tomatoes, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste (puree)
¼ cup (60ml) Worcestershire sauce
3½ tablespoons (50ml) balsamic vinegar
1 cup (240ml) barbecue sauce
(use your favourite)
5 tablespoons apricot jam salt and pepper, to taste
FOR THE MEAT
1 kg lamb chops
1 kg chicken wings
For the monkey gland sauce, put the oil in a large pot over medium–high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, to give it some colour. As soon as it’s brown, add the garlic and cook for 3 minutes.
Once the garlic and onions are brown and sweated off, add the coriander, bay leaves, brown sugar, smoked paprika, grated tomatoes, and tomato paste (puree). Let it cook for 3 minutes and then stir in the Worcestershire sauce, generous ¾ cup (200ml) of water, and the balsamic vinegar to deglaze, then let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the barbecue sauce and apricot jam and let simmer for a further 5 minutes. Finally, add salt to balance off the sweetness.
To prepare the meat, marinate the lamb chops and chicken overnight in half of the monkey gland sauce. Preheat a barbecue grill or braai to high (220°C).
Bring the marinated meat to room temperature 20 minutes before cooking. Season with salt and black pepper.
Grill the lamb chops for 4 minutes on each side, then place the lamb on the side of the grill or braai where the heat is lower for 5 minutes. About 30 seconds before removing the lamb from the grill/braai, glaze it with a little of the remaining monkey gland sauce and place it on a tray.
Lower the heat to 180°C, add the chicken wings and cook for 8 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
Drizzle the remaining monkey gland sauce on top of the meat and serve hot.
Recipe extracted from The Contemporary African Kitchen by Alexander Smalls published by Phaidon, RRP $75.
On sale from 8 October.
PHOTOGRAPHY: BEA DA COSTA
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Serves: 6
My mom would make this for special occasions, like Eid, and served it on a big silver platter called a saniya . As soon as it was time to eat, we would dive into the plate with our hands. After the meal, the tasty aroma of the dish would be on my skin, and no matter the number of times I washed my hands, it wouldn’t leave, and I was happy to remember the dish. Here I’m sharing my own recipe, filled with my mom’s bold and rich flavours— one that will surely make you want to dig in with your hands! This popular dish comes from the Swahili people who reside on the East African coast, from Uganda to Kenya, and including Tanzania. Their Arab influences are evident throughout the food and culture in the region and show up deliciously in this dish. My mom served this dish with yogurt curd, cabbage salad, and blended green chilli on the side.
Ingredients
FOR THE RICE
2½ cups (500g) basmati rice, washed and rinsed
3 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
205g canned coconut cream
1 tablespoon ghee
1 cup (150g) raisins
FOR THE CHICKEN
¼ cup (60ml) vegetable or sunflower oil
4 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
½ teaspoon black peppercorns
3 cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garam masala
1kg chicken, cut into 6–8 pieces
1 teaspoon ginger paste
1 teaspoon garlic paste
2 finely grated carrots
(for thickness and sweetness)
2 chicken bouillon (stock) cubes
3 tablespoons tomato paste (puree)
½ cup (120ml) plain yogurt
salt, to taste
Fill a pot with 3 cups (750ml) of water and bring to a boil over medium–high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then add the rice, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick, and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the water is almost gone and the rice is almost dry.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the coconut cream. After 2 minutes, add the ghee and raisins (set aside a few to garnish), then cover and steam on low heat for 15 minutes.
For the chicken, place a medium pot over medium heat and add the oil. Add all the whole spices (whole cloves, bay leaves, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick) and cook for a little less than 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the ground spices (turmeric, paprika, and garam masala), then add the chicken pieces and stir to seal for about 5 minutes.
Add the ginger and garlic pastes followed by the grated carrots, and keep stirring gently. Add the chicken stock cubes and continue to stir until the flavours combine. Then add the tomato paste (puree) and 1 cup (240ml) of water and let it come to a boil.
Add salt to taste, then reduce the heat to low. Add the plain yogurt and stir, then let simmer for 25 minutes (the gravy has to be thick and rich and the chicken soft), or until the chicken is cooked through.
Plate the chicken on top of the rice, and sprinkle over the crispy onions. Serve with boiled eggs, and banana, and garnish with coriander and the reserved raisins.
TO SERVE
3 onions, julienned, fried until crispy 6 hard-boiled eggs, halved
6 ripe bananas, peeled and halved on the diagonal coriander to garnish
Recipe extracted from The Contemporary African Kitchen by Alexander Smalls published by Phaidon, RRP $75.
On sale from 8 October.
PHOTOGRAPHY: BEA DA COSTA
From the remote expanses of the Kalahari Desert bordering the Okavango Delta emerges Africa’s most exquisite basketry, revered for its artistry.
Baskets crafted during the late 1970s are particularly prized and seldom seen in today’s market.
Michael Yoffe, along with his family, embarked on a three-year assignment in Botswana from 1976 to 1978 under the auspices of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Serving as a Handicraft Development and Export Advisor, Yoffe played a pivotal role in establishing Botswana as the premier source of Africa’s finest and most creative basketry. His initiatives led to prestigious placements of Botswana basketry in international museum collections such as the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and facilitated entry into high-end global retail markets. During his tenure, Yoffe significantly expanded and elevated Botswanacraft, a governmentfunded project in collaboration with UNDP/UNCTAD, into one of Africa’s most successful handicraft export institutions. This success translated into a vital source of sustainable income for various communities, including Mbukushu refugees fleeing the Angolan war, and remote tribal communities like the Yei, Sans, and Herero, through strategic development and marketing of their indigenous handicrafts.
The basketry of the Mubukush, Yei, and River bush tribes of Botswana reflects a profound connection to their
natural environment and a rich cultural heritage. Designs, steeped in symbolism and tradition, depict events from daily life, hunting expeditions, omens, and natural phenomena. Each basket tells a unique story, with motifs like ‘The Flight of the Swallow’ symbolising the auspicious arrival of the first rains, or ‘Tears of the Giraffe,’ commemorating the noble creature’s demise during the hunt.
Crafted using Mokolwane palm fiber harvested sustainably from the banks of the Okavango Delta, these coil baskets serve both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes. Traditionally, they were employed for food storage, winnowing maize, and brewing beer, with the finest pieces reserved for special occasions like weddings or the birth of a child. Basket making is an integral part of daily life, with initiation into the craft considered a rite of passage for young girls.
Michael Yoffe’s dedication to preserving indigenous crafts spanned over three decades and saw him serve as Handicraft Advisor to the UN, with postings across Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Caribbean. Trained as a textile designer at the Rhode Island School of Design, Yoffe’s scholarship and mission aimed to elevate indigenous crafts and safeguard cultural heritage. His legacy lives on through the development of
high-end export markets, ensuring sustainable income for vulnerable rural communities.
Retiring in Auckland, alongside his late wife Susan, a Kiwi, Yoffe’s home became a testament to his passion, adorned with collections reflecting his extraordinary career. In his final chapter, he immersed himself in photography, painting, and hosting ‘art nights with Mike,’ where friends gathered to enjoy his culinary creations and captivating storytelling.
The Botswana Basketry of the Michael Yoffe Estate Exhibition is on now at Madder and Rouge, 25 Teed Street, Newmarket.
“Zama zama is like gambling, but the better part of gambling. If you go in the mine, you are sure that you may come up with something.”
These are the opening lines of the gripping 2022 documentary, We are Zama Zama, which follows migrants “eking a living in the depths of South Africa’s abandoned gold mines”.
The illegal practice has been described by CNN as possibly “the world’s worst job”, with miners having to contend with coffin-like claustrophobia, descending steep narrow tunnels using ragged rope and with no proper climbing equipment. Similarly, the tools used to extract the precious deposits from forgotten veins are just as rudimentary – well-worn mallets and chisels pound at rock under the dim glow of bicycle headlamps. Climbing up is an even tougher task than going down. In both directions, the risk of getting struck by dislodged basketball-sized boulders by fellow miners above is very real. Then there are the tunnel collapses to contend with. Deaths are common; camaraderie distracts from the extreme danger.
“Of course, I don’t like this job, and I am scared all the time,” Respect Moyo tells the news channel, “but there is nowhere else I can find work.”
Fatalities are not always caused by falls or falling debris, there are turf wars to contend with, too. In 2014, a rival gang stole gold and trapped around 200 zama zamas down an abandoned mine by blocking the exits. Some of the miners were rescued, but an unknown number perished in the darkness. It’s not uncommon for miners to be attacked while underground or robbed at gunpoint for their gold-bearing rocks – or, less common, diamonds – once they emerge from the blackness and into the blinding, dusty sunlight.
Unsurprisingly, mining companies view zama zamas with contempt. The South Africa Chamber of Mines says that the migrant miners have cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars, with criminal networks often overseeing the operations and smuggling gold and gems to international buyers.
But zama zamas are usually desperate people. They have crossed borders only to find new horrors. The men mine, the women crush rocks by hand, and gangster overloads keep
watch. If the falling rocks, the beatings, or the bullets don’t kill them, the toxic dust almost certainly will, one day.
“I’m not stealing from somebody,” says Rogers ‘Bhekani’ Mumpande in the documentary. “I’m working for myself. I risk for my own reasons. Just, I’m stranded. That’s the only job I know, which I can do.”
Earlier this year, zama zamas' homes were burned to the ground by disgruntled locals in the Bushbuckridge municipality where tensions have been brewing for some time, with locals accusing the miners of taking over their towns. Then there are their gangster bosses.
“These people have bigger guns than those of the police,” community leader Thabang Molepo tells Johannesburg publication The Sowetan. “We are scared to go out at night.”
A former illegal miner revealed that he stopped going underground because of new groups bullying him into sharing his spoils.
The Covid pandemic and now rising living costs and political and economic uncertainty has meant that illegal mining activities have spilled over from South Africa’s 6,000-plus abandoned mines into ones that are operational. Zama zama numbers are on the rise.
"Africa's f***ed up. We don't have jobs, all we have is minerals – but they're being looted by the West," an unemployed mechanical engineer who didn't want to be named, tells NPR. "This is our Africa. This is our land. These are our minerals."
There is no literal translation of the term ‘zama zama’. It comes from a Zulu colloquial term that loosely means “trying your luck”.
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JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
Just as death and taxes are life’s only certainties, sleep is among its few necessities – right up there alongside food and water (tiredness is also more likely to increase hunger as it causes a drop in the appetite-regulating hormone, leptin).
We can even function for longer without food than we can without sleep, but the problem is that most of us don’t get enough of it.
Not getting enough shuteye doesn’t just lead to grogginess, it can have serious impacts on our physical and mental health while also affecting the likes of our driving ability and workplace productivity (in Japan, workplace napping is often encouraged as it can be interpreted as a sign of exhaustion from overwork). Lack of sleep can even make us more prone to serious illness and, if it continues for long enough, reduce life expectancy. Little wonder sleep tourism is the latest wellness trend taking the world by storm.
A sleep retreat is a specialised destination that offers the sleepstarved a space to disconnect, decompress, and doze. Sleeping aside, it may also offer guests the opportunity to take part in the likes of yoga, meditation,
massage, and breathwork classes, alongside treatments such as floatation therapy and aromatherapy, with rooms kitted out with the likes of crystals, sound machines, and pillow menus. Some luxury retreats will even offer workshops and consultations with sleep experts.
Sleep is most definitely ‘in’, with travel industry insiders commenting how sleep tourism has skyrocketed since the pandemic, leading companies to cater to the trend. According to travel industry news site Skift, most travellers are now willing to fork out for premium packages with sleep-focused amenities while the Global Wellness Institute estimates sleep tourism to be worth USD$1.4 trillion by 2027. Society is tired!
Establishments in major centres have reported that they’re having to close early because of a lack of late-night patrons, while social media is awash with younger generations bragging about their bedtime routines and how
much shuteye they get. Some are even saying that the rejection of alcohol by gen Z is at least partly driven by its tendency to disrupt sleep.
A survey by the Hilton late last year found that the top reason for holidaying in 2024 was to “rest and restore”, with sleep named as the main priority, leading to the establishment of a series of sleep retreats at a handful of their hotels in partnership with sleep science expert Dr Rebecca Robbins.
“Understanding the vital role sleep plays in our lives goes much deeper than just knowing we need it,” says Dr Robbins. “It’s about nurturing and prioritising it, especially in our fast-moving word where being constantly on the go is the norm.”
Aside from offering the Hilton’s usual wellness facilities, the retreats provide an “all-encompassing journey into the science and practice of achieving
restful, restorative sleep” with the opportunity to participate in activities, discussions, strategies and meditations led by Dr Robbins. “Collaborating with Hilton to bridge the gap between sleep science and its practical, everyday application excites me,” she adds, “and our retreats serve as a wonderful demonstration of how this knowledge can be brought to life – whether traveling or at home.”
A couple of years back, in partnership with the World Sleep Society – and to coincide with World Sleep Day – Cordis Auckland launched Sleep Matters by Chuan. The in-room sleep wellness programme incorporates essential oils for bathtime, a sleep magazine, sleep tips, and ear auricular acupuncture therapy, much of which can be enjoyed from the hotel’s signature ‘dream beds’.
“There is a direct link to guest sleep quality and their happiness with their hotel,” Bob van den Oord, thenregional vice president of operations of Langham Hospitality Group – whose portfolio includes Cordis – said at the time. “Sleep Matters by Chuan is deliberately designed to enhance the wellness of our guests with new rituals and habits that they can take home and use long after they have stayed with us.”
We take a look at hotels offering similar experiences around the world…
The Cadogan, London
Provided in partnership with Harley Street hypnotherapist and sleep expert Malminder Gill, the Sleep Concierge is a complimentary service at the luxury Cadogan hotel in the UK capital. Guests can make use of the in-house meditation app along with a pillow menu and pillow mist, an optional weighted blanket, and a specially developed bedtime tea. You need to book in advance for the one-on-one with Malminder Gill.
Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort, Hawaii
On the Hawaiian island of Lanai, expert sleep practitioners host the Rest and Recovery package at the Four Seasons resort of Sensai Lanai, with custom itineraries tailored to guests’ specific sleep goals. The package also includes the likes of forest bathing, yoga, uberluxe lodgings, and dining by Nobu.
Six Senses, Ibiza
“There is a direct link to guest sleep quality and their happiness with their hotel.”
Shanti Maurice, Mauritius What better site for a sleep retreat than a tiny tropical island in the Indian Ocean? The Shanti Sleep and Recovery Programme is a five-day package that begins with a wellness consultation to pinpoint potential sleeping problems and continues with relaxation techniques that include personalised yoga, Tibetan sound massage, and sleep therapy sessions.
Ibiza might not be the most obvious destination for dreamland, but away from the party hubs it offers some of the region’s most breathtaking – and relaxing – experiences, few more so this hotel. Positioned on Spain’s Balearic archipelago, the hotel doesn’t just offer dreamy views but a sleep programme that incorporates a consultation with the resident sleep doctor along with the likes of a wellness screening, yoga, meditation, massage, and sleep tracking for the duration of your stay.
Kamalaya, Thailand
You can opt for programmes that last for up to three weeks at this multiaward-winning wellness resort on the spectacular island of Koh Sumai. Experts on hand to ensure you have a restful stay – and sleep-filled life beyond! – include a life enhancement mentor, mindfulness teacher, naturopath, and Chinese medical practitioner offering everything from massages to meditation to reflexology classes.
SNOOZE BUTTON
Until you can make that welldeserved sleep retreat booking, here are a few tips to create snoozeinducing routine at home:
• create the cosiest environment by investing in a weighted blanket, plush pillows, and some lavender mist
• before hitting the sack, take a soak in a warm bath infused with essential oils or sleep salts. A prebed meditation works wonders, too
avoiding eating for at least three hours before bedtime, though a soothing cup of sleepy tea such as camomile it recommended
• shut down those screens long before you plan on some shuteye and consider reading instead –it’s all about establishing a regular, relaxing routine before bed
Discover the southern tip of Africa on this tri-country adventure. Our Cruise & Tour holidays bring together all the joy of a cruise onboard the intimate Azamara Quest with all the exciting exploration of a Wendy Wu Tours land itinerary. On this holiday, you’ll begin with Wendy Wu Tours at Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park, experiencing the power and beauty of nature. There’s an exploration of Cape Town before boarding the ship to continue your travels eastwards along the coast, stopping to explore lively cities and spectacular wilderness as you go.
Q
An expedition across Asia, by land and sea incorporating a 12 night cruise aboard the elegant Celebrity Solstice. On this tour you’ll travel from the rich history of Beijing, through China to Hong Kong on the land part of the adventure, before boarding your cruise to follow the coast of Southeast Asia, stopping off at key destinations en route, to reach the marvellous modern metropolis of Singapore.
My stay at JetPark Auckland Airport Hotel & Conference Centre was more than just a stopover; it was an experience that left me feeling refreshed and cared for.
From the warm, family-like atmosphere to the thoughtful touches and highquality amenities, this hotel offers so much more than you might expect. Whether it’s your first port of call before a great Kiwi adventure or your last taste of New Zealand before you depart, JetPark Hotel ensures that you’ll leave with fond memories – and maybe even a new home away from home.
JetPark has hotels in Auckland, Hamilton, and Rotorua. The Auckland flagship is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a bustling hub where guests are treated like family. The team takes genuine pride in making you feel welcome, creating an atmosphere where you’re not just another traveller passing through, but a valued guest whose comfort genuinely matters.
Sustainability at the core
Sustainability is a core value influencing every aspect of the guest experience. The hotel is committed to doing the
right thing, from solar panels to managing food waste and reducing disposable items in the rooms. Local sourcing is also key; the restaurant serves up dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, and the artwork adorning the walls supports local artists. These efforts are quietly integrated into the guest experience, making you feel good about your stay.
A fresh, vibrant atmosphere and a deep sleep
The full refit in the last two years has resulted in a fresh and vibrant property with an uplifting ambiance. Light, modern décor, with splashes of colour and local art, give the spaces a lively feel. The hotel has over 220 rooms of 10 different types spread across four wings. Two wings offer standard room types, while a third is dedicated to apartment-style executive long stays. The fourth wing, completed in 2016, includes a conference centre and an additional 50 rooms, enabling large clients to host their own events.
One of the highlights of my stay was the view from my room. With a 180-degree vista, I could take in the sunrise over Auckland’s mountains – a breathtaking way to start the day. The room was also equipped with Sky, a most comfortable bed, with fabulous pillows, ensured a deep, restful sleep. The bathroom was generously sized and well-appointed with high-end amenities, clearly designed to meet all needs.
Little touches make a big difference
Jet Park's generous offering is evident. From the welcome treat in my room to the cookies and specialty teas, the hotel goes above and beyond to exceed expectations. Free fruit is available, and the hotel offers electric car charging stations and ample parking spaces, including options for campervans. These little touches transform Jet Park from a place to stay into a home away from home destination.
Eat well
Diverse and high-quality food options ensure every guest's palate is satisfied. The on-site restaurant, Flying Fish, caters to all tastes, from elegant dishes to a casual, all-day menus. I was delighted by the tuna tartare and Asian duck, both prepared to perfection. The restaurant's award-winning pastry chef won me over with a delicious millefeuille. In the morning, Flying Fish transforms into a bountiful breakfast buffet with a wide range of offerings to suit many cultural preferences. For those who prefer room service, the menu includes diet-friendly options and a kids' menu, ensuring everyone is well-fed and happy. The thoughtful inclusion of local produce adds an authentic Kiwi touch to the dining experience, making every meal memorable.
The stylish Lateurlere Bar (‘The Lat’) was a highlight on my visit, offering a selection of gins, mixers, and botanicals, plus NZ craft beer on tap and everything else you might want. The bar’s stylish indoor space spills into a charming beer garden, complete with a rocky water feature, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
JetPark Hotel’s commitment to its guests extends beyond comfort and convenience. A range of services designed to cater to all types of travellers. Pet-friendly rooms, children’s play areas, and flexible conference facilities with 12 different spaces ensure that everyone’s needs are met. A non-stop direct complimentary shuttle runs every 30 minutes, providing seamless transportation to and from the domestic and international terminals. If you drive to the hotel you can park for free for up to 10 days.
A nightly buffet dinner and Māori cultural show offer guests a taste of New Zealand’s rich heritage. The performers, a local family with deep ties to the area, bring both skill and a bit of cheeky fun to their performances, making it an enjoyable experience for both foreign and domestic travellers.
I visited Auckland Airport JetPark Hotel looking for more than just a convenient place to rest my head before an early flight. I wanted comfort, a dash of local charm, and Kiwi hospitality to see me through the journey ahead. I found all that and more at JetPark Hotel; it’s a family-owned gem.
tauposfloatplane.co.nz
Taupō’s Floatplane is one of the region’s top things to do.
Our high-wing Cessna 206 seaplane promises a scenic flight you won’t forget, with a water take-off (and landing), and unrestricted views of sparkling lakes, snow-capped peaks, geothermal wonders, surf beaches, and lush forest, including Tongariro National Park, the Bay of Plenty, and of course, Lake Taupō. Check out our scheduled scenic flights, or book one of our packaged combos.
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!
New Zealand start-up Ora is a remarkable story of innovation in the wellness industry, particularly in the realm of recovery and performance enhancement.
Founders Josh and Ryan had a clear vision to create an ice bath that was visually appealing, functional, and scientifically grounded. The first, launched in January 2024, sold out within just three weeks, highlighting the underestimated market demand and validating the product’s appeal. Ora has successfully expanded its reach throughout New Zealand and launched operations in the USA, servicing markets like California and New York. Demonstrating their commitment to innovation and quality, Ora has hired Emma Heatley, Dyson’s former Head of Product Design, to spearhead further new product development. The future
looks exciting for Ora on their journey to revolutionise the world of wellness solutions.
To learn more about Ora, head to oraicebaths.com and reach out at info@oraicebaths.com
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Great design is all about collaboration for architect Taulata Gjerqeku.
Can you share your journey to becoming an architect?
My journey began in Kosovo, where I started studying architecture. In 1999, I arrived in New Zealand as a refugee. Despite challenges, I was determined to continue my education and completed my studies at the University of Auckland, ready to make my mark as an architect.
What area of architecture are you passionate about?
I initially dreamed of changing the world with kinetic designs –architecture that’s dynamic and responsive to the environment. But then you think about the budget and other constraints! However, kinetic architecture remains my go-to when I need to reignite my passion.
What do you enjoy most about working with clients?
I love taking clients on a creative journey, understanding their needs, and ensuring they see themselves in the final design. Because of this collaboration, every project is unique. It’s a partnership, and there’s nothing more rewarding than getting it right.
How have things changed for women in the construction industry?
The industry is changing, and women are increasingly leading in construction. At Cato Bolam, it’s not uncommon to have a team of women leading a project, from the director to the lead engineer. Passion and perseverance have always been the key to my success.
Let Cato Bolam be your trusted partner in bringing your next project to life. Visit catobolam.co.nz to learn more.
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I have a love-hate relationship with villas.
I grew up in a big villa at the top of a hill in Epsom. It was cold and dark, and I remember there was a very fine dust that would fall from the ceiling. The cold mornings, the rattling windows on a stormy night, my father, not a perfect handyman, annually repairing and repainting something. The ladders came out and I knew it was spring.
I have since owned, lived in and worked in several villas, the gods laughing at me. I live in one today but its fully rebuilt, warm and bright and facing the sun.
What I do like about villas is the way people adapt them to suit their lifestyle. It's not always aesthetically pleasing or in sympathy, but it shows life and
that houses are for living in. I like the personality. Villas are more forgiving than modern houses mainly because we all think we know what a villa looks like and so accept it without judgement whereas with a modern house you are forced to judge it: do I like it, or don't I like it?
But villas aren't all the same. In fact, they can be similar but are all very different. In the old days when you built a villa you could have the rooms and corridor widened or narrowed, add bays, verandas, bigger, fancier windows, and have more detailing, all dependant on your budget.
People often say to me that villa is nice, and I suggest they take away the mature garden blocking some of the view and
WORDS PAUL LEUSCHKE
take a second look. Often, they are surprised by the awkward proportions
I have never understood why villas have 3.4m ceilings and 2m-high internal doors.
Dad came off the phone one day, put a new door in the hall and made Mum a makeshift kitchen on the side veranda so aunty and children had somewhere to live after she left her husband. Architecturally terrible, but practical and human. Just imagine how many council rules Dad broke.
paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz 021 894 895 leuschkekahn.co.nz
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There’s a new cleaning tool in town.
Rich Listers property guru Holly Cassidy knows a thing or two about presentation. She’s known for choosing the best of the best, whether it be furniture, art or – in this case – cleaning appliances (she’s recently partnered with the US’s number one vacuum brand in the US, Shark). We caught up with the reality TV star to get the details and discover her top property tips.
What are the most important things when presenting a home for sale?
Landscaping the gardens and washing the exterior of the home get buyers’ attention first and the phone ringing! It’s also important to declutter, storing anything away that’s not used. The more minimalist the better. Focus on cupboards and garage as buyers open everything! Finally, ensure that the paintwork is touched up or redone, it's amazing how this can brighten up the home.
Any trends you’ve noticed in the New Zealand housing market?
With new builds, people have moved away from multi-level to terraced housing, with body corps becoming less favourable. Villas and bungalows are known as safe investments, and if they’re maintained well Kiwis pay a premium to buy one.
What are some mistakes people make when selling property?
Many vendors don't interview enough agents. Marketing is always the last thought but should be a percentage of the home’s value. The home needs to be exposed to the right people and every home is different.
I try to give people three options: small, medium, and large. I explain what they’ll be missing with each budget and how that can affect the end result. An owner needs to have some skin in the game as much as the agent does.
Why did you choose to partner with the brand Shark?
Resale success hinges on the overall feel of the property, and cleanliness plays a significant role there. It might not be the most glamorous part of the process, but it's crucial so having the right gadgets can make a huge difference. The Shark HydroVac was a natural partnership, offering a perfect solution to help keep a home looking and feeling fresh in a fraction of the time because it’s three floor appliances in one.
Can you tell us about each function?
It saves so much time by being able to vacuum and mop simultaneously – before self-cleaning on the charging dock! It’s never been easier for them to keep their floors spotless and real estate-ready and can also be used to spot-clean area rugs or upholstery. The combination of powerful suction with hydromopping leaves a streak-free clean surface you can walk on almost immediately.
What do you love most about this appliance?
It does it all, and it does it fast, meaning more time spent enjoying the good things in life, like that glass of champagne, rather than spending it with a mop in hand!
The Shark HydroVac is now available from learning retailers and from sharkclean.co.nz; RRP $499.99.
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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
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Wondering about building instead of buying? Ready to turn your dreams into reality? With interest rates on the decline, build costs becoming more affordable and inflation easing, the timing couldn’t be better. Take action now, get ahead of the next upturn and enjoy the advantages of building in this favourable market. Let’s chat possibilities!
kitchensbydesign.co.nz
With the clients now empty nesters, they decided, two years after remodelling their kitchen with award-winning designer Michelle Gillbanks, to bring her back for the second touch of luxury, now in the ensuite.
The design brief was to ensure that any design was in keeping with the 1950s home, but to deliver glamour, storage, task lighting, and room for two to function in the space.
The most striking and exquisite design detail for the clients was the selection of the floor-to-ceiling large-format Italian tiles. A stunning mix of black, brass and white, they create an incredible artistic statement, defining the colour palette for the rest of the bathroom.
This dark-themed bathroom design with elegant touches of brass delivers a luxurious bathroom escape.
The removal of a large bath created a blank canvas for Michelle to redesign the space in its entirety. With customcabinetry designed and built for the homeowners, Michelle was able to personalise the storage and overall layout to give both users their own dedicated space. This provided more countertop space and now lends itself to having a full suite of amenities, including a double vanity and the provision for a large shower area.
The vanity delivers a lovely symmetry in the space, with two beautiful geometric crystal brass framed hanging pendants adding flair. The LED light shines directly onto the top of the crystal, reflecting intricate patterns onto the walls and ceilings, then two crisp, white vessel basins. The lighting plan includes an LED strip on a sensor, inserted around the toe kick, offering ambiance as well as practical illumination.
Brushed brass wall mounted spouts and mixers add just the right amount of glimmer. This theme then transfers
through into the rest of the bathroom, including the three brushed-brass vertical heated towel rails, shower slide with rain head, and finally, the reeded knobs on the vanity and tall cabinet, all in brushed brass.
Michelle had fun with the traditional tall unit, designing a detailed cornice with up lighting, and large grooved tapered posts to ground it. Then, matching the post detail at each end of the vanity makes it feel very cohesive.
The finishing detail in this renovation, was reinstating the original scotia to hold true to the brief and heritage of the home, which also flows through to the adjacent bedroom and the rest of the house.
The discerning touches of customised cabinetry, brass accents, lighting design and a stunning choice of Italian tiles are what make this brass black beauty really standout.
Design is individual to you and your space, so if you are looking to create your dream kitchen or bathroom, give Kitchens by Design a call on 09 379 3084, or visit the Newmarket showroom located at 9 Melrose Street, Newmarket. For inspiration, take a look at some fabulous projects at kitchensbydesign.co.nz
Richard Lyne, Selling Principal Ray White Kohimarama and lead agent for Lyne & Co, provides a boutique personalised service that prioritises relationships over transactions.
He knows that real estate is really all about people.
Having brokered record-breaking sales in the region over the past 22 years, Richard prides himself on his level of personalised service which, when combined with his in-depth market knowledge and community connections, promises exceptional results.
In 2023 Richard’s son Jackson, joined his team. Jackson has, of course grown
up around Auckland’s real estate market and it turns out he’s absorbed a lot over the years, leaving him well positioned to support the business. Over the past year, he’s also been honing his auctioneering skills, hosting five charity events for schools such as St Kent’s, Selwyn College and Kadimah School, and can’t wait to bring his energy to the real estate auction house over the coming months.
Richard – the Old Dog! – and Jackson – the Young Gun! – provide a dynamic
father-son team that embraces the Lyne & Co the mantra of ‘less secret, more agent’. What that means is that, like all good relationships, you can expect transparency and openness. And, like all good relationships, they’ll be with you throughout the entire journey… and beyond.
Call Richard on 021 687 000 email richard@lyneandco.co.nz or Jackson on 021 081 295 44 email jackson@lyneandco.co.nz
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This month Verve’s star teen reviewer LUCY KENNEDY finds a whole lotta laughter and experiences plenty of cringe with Colin from Accounts.
Colin from Accounts TVNZ+
Ashley is a chaotic millennial medical student recovering from a bad breakup. Gordon is a middle-aged owner of a microbrewery living a life of stasis. The two are thrown hilariously, haphazardly together when an impulsive action of Ashley’s and a mistake of Gordon’s leads them to the joint ownership of a high-needs, wheel-bound dog, named Colin. Together they navigate the perils of modern life, love, loss, and having to “express” a dog's bowels (note: does NOT look fun).
Colin from Accounts works because of its irreverence, its painfully cringe-worthy moments, witty one-liners, and honest relatability. It features a host of odious, lovable, and just plainly weird characters in fantastically awkward situations that both worsen and become funnier in tandem. For example, Ashley’s mother Lynelle is convinced she’s a death doula, Gordon’s workmate Bret has “Year 12 rugby photos” on his Tinder profile, Lynelle’s boyfriend Lee can’t be trusted with devices due to his creepy nature, and Ashley’s best friend is named Meggles … it’s unendingly funny.
The show is written, acted, and created by Harriet Dyer (Ashley) and Patrick Brummel (Gordon), real-life married Australian couple. Part of the addictiveness of the show must come from this wonderful chemistry and collaboration between the two, as well as the authentically Australian feel. Prepare to become addicted to a comedic, relatable, honest TV series. A meet-cute in the strangest of ways, Colin from Accounts promises to have you laughing from start to finish.
Available to view on TVNZ+. 4 stars. Instagram: @lucykennedyreviews
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Before the birth of our first child, I bought a t-shirt with the lyrics of the chorus of the legendary 80s hit, ‘Push It’, by hip hop duo, Salt-N-Pepa, which I thought might lighten the mood come ‘labour day’.
For those unfamiliar with the dancefloor-filler, the song’s chorus, sung over an irritatingly catchy electronic hook, goes: “Ah, push it, push it real good. Ah, push it, push it real good…” over and over until it’s stuck in your head for the rest of your life. However, the night that my wife went into labour, something in the back of my mind – we’ll call it intuition, or perhaps a guardian angel – stopped me from donning said tee.
Though my goddess of a wife was a real warrior that night (already 8cm dilated by the time that we arrived at the birthing unit!), doing it all-natural, all of the way, didn’t quite go to plan and an ambulance had to be called to ferry us to the hospital for the final act of the delivery.
Yes, sat in that ambulance as my poor wife screamed in agony, I was very thankful to not be wearing that stupid t-shirt with ‘push it’ scrawled across the chest, and ‘push it real good’ across the back. I doubt that the paramedics would have seen the funny side, either. The obstetrician who affixed the suction cup-like ventouse to my son’s head to help my wife push him out certainly wouldn’t have.
And so, from my very limited experience, the first piece of advice I’d always give first-time fathers-to-be is that no matter how excited you are – or, more importantly, how funny you think you may be – there will be plenty of time for dad jokes later. Labour is not that time.
Dad joking aside, while most of the focus is rightly on the mother and child throughout the pregnancy and after the birth, it can also be a challenging time for us men. Twentieth-century author and cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead once famously wrote that “motherhood is a biological necessity, but fatherhood is a social invention”, but research shows that just as a woman’s body alters, men’s bodies, too, change with the onset of fatherhood.
In a far more recent book, Father Time: A Natural History of Men and Babies, anthropologist Sarah Blaffer Hrdy discuses how men and women possess brains and genes that are strikingly similar with each able to do things that would usually be associated with the other. It has been observed that, like women, men’s hormonal levels fluctuate following the arrival of a new baby.
Studies have shown that, when holding their newborns, new dads get boosts of oxytocin – which is vital for bonding – while a drop in testosterone levels during the first stages of fatherhood is believed to help reset priorities from pursuing partnerships to focusing on family. Research has also shown that a reduction in grey matter – as happens with mums – not only helps focus the bonding process but could also even lead to poor sleep and postpartum depression. A study of gay fathers found that those who were the primary caregivers experienced activation of the emotional processing centre of the brain similar to that of mothers who were primary caregivers.
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The more actively involved the father, the better for the baby too, with positive repercussions that can last a lifetime. Children of hands-on dads are more likely to have better mental and physical health, be more social, have higher self-esteem, have less behavioural problems, and do better at school. The past half-century has seen a great shift in paternal responsibility with the average father doing more than three times the amount of daily childcare than their 1970s counterparts – helped in no small part by the greater opportunities to work from home (before the Industrial Revolution, men also tended to spend more time with the kids).
Finland is thought to be the only country where men spend more time with their children than mothers, aided by a generous paternity leave and world leading universal daycare system, while Aka men – nomadic hunter-gatherers that inhabit the forests of central Africa – are rarely out of reach of their children, and are famed for their affectionate approach to fatherhood which even involves allowing their kids to suckle their nipples to calm crying.
“For too long, simplistic interpretations of biology have been used to argue that traditional gender roles, in which women take on primary responsibility for childcare, are natural and immutable,” writes author Dr Jonathon Kennedy for the Guardian. “We now know that biology can, in fact, free women and men from these binary straitjackets.”
The nipple thing might be taking things a little too far, though.
The past half-century has seen a great shift in paternal responsibility with the average father doing more than three times the amount of daily childcare than their 1970s counterparts...
Profhilo Structura was launched last month at the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine (NZSCM) conference in Queenstown with New Zealand being the fourth country in the world to get this new, exciting and innovative product. Dr Ellen Selkon of Clinic 42 was the first injector in NZ to gain experience with this new and innovative product.
Structura offers patients the opportunity not to radically change their appearance; but to improve their look, correct small defects and have a fresher overall appearance.
Structura is designed to lift without widening. By improving adipose (fat) tissue though ‘lipolifting’, Structura helps restore facial structure, lifting and supporting the mid-face, thereby reducing wrinkles and giving a general improvement in the overall appearance of the skin.
It’s the only product on the market to help reverse the ageing of the fat cells in the face. The superficial fat cells that age are responsible for a lot of contour changes that we see on the face as we age and by reversing this process you create lift and a rejuvenated look.
It works on a cellular level enhancing collagen, elastin and restoring fat cells to enhance the superficial fat layer in the face.
Patients are characterised as either Sinkers or Saggers, which everyone over the age of 35 can probably relate to. If you have a thinner skin and tissue density, and increased visibility of your underlying bone structure giving a sunken in or hollowed appearance, then you are most likely a Sinker. While if your skin is thicker or denser, there is some laxity, and your jowls are an area of concern, or you feel heavier towards the lower half of your face, you might be a Sagger.
These categories help guide the practitioner in their treatment approach and discussion with the patient. But ultimately each treatment will be tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
Sinkers may need maximum vertical structural support to enhance that sunken in appearance, Saggers need
both horizontal and vertical lifting to counteract the changes in fat as they age.
The result however will not be a widening of the face which can sometimes occur with overtreatment using traditional fillers.
The treatment regime follows the same protocol as traditional Profhilo and Profhilo Body, 2 treatments with a 30-day interval, then 4-6-monthly maintenance treatments.
Cost: $900 per treatment
Treatment Time: 30 mins
If you are interested in booking an appointment or finding out more about any of the treatments available at Clinic 42, visit our website at clinic42.co.nz or contact our reception 09 638 4242 or reception@clinic42.co.nz
PROFHILO® STRUCTURA containing low and high molecular weight Hyaluronic acid is a class 3 medical device for face treatment and for restoring adipose tissues -in the dermal tissue repair process, and in cases of acne scars. PROFHILO® STRUCTURA has risks and benefits. Do not use it along with treatments such as laser resurfacing or medium/deep skin peeling. Do not inject into inflamed areas or intravenously or intramuscularly. Possible side effects are pain, itching or swelling at the injection site. Dermocosmetica Pty Ltd. Auckland. TAPS BG4145.
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Around one in five women have trouble with their periods, sometimes leading to significant health issues including anaemia, tiredness, lethargy, weakness, dizziness, and possibly even the need for blood transfusion. Dr Anil explores some potential issues and solutions.
For most women it’s down to hormonal changes, but it can also be due to growth in the muscle layer of the womb known as fibroids, as well as thickening and polyps of the lining of the uterus. Occasionally, it can be due to uterine cancer. Bleeding disorders and the old-fashioned copper IUCD can cause it, also.
Investigation
Your GP may undertake some blood tests to check for anaemia and iron levels and possibly an ultrasound scan to check the uterus. You may be referred to a gynaecologist, and later may need a biopsy of the lining (like a hysteroscopy), where a thin telescope is used to look inside the uterus, under an anaesthetic.
Treatment
Options vary and might include relatively simple things like the combined pill or certain anti-inflammatory medication. It may also involve tablets such as tranexamic acid – which can reduce flow – and, additionally, sometimes hormone medications.
A big advance around 25 years ago was Mirena, which is a type of IUD that releases progesterone – which can last for up to five years or longer – and has around an 80% success rate for period problems. Iron tablets or syrup or infusions may be needed to replace iron.
Various operations, include endometrial ablation – the use of heat energy to try and permanently disrupt the lining of the womb, under an anaesthetic. Sometimes an operation
to remove fibroids is needed while retaining the uterus and therefore retaining fertility.
Finally, a hysterectomy involves removing the uterus and therefore offers 100% success with the periods. This needs careful discussion and is mostly done via laparoscopically or with assistance from the Da Vinci robot – both are keyhole surgeries with massively improved recovery.
If you’re having heavy and painful periods, you need to see your family doctor or a gynaecologist to discuss investigation and management options. Only a careful assessment can help exclude anything serious and encourage a return to good health.
When women have post-menopausal bleeding or irregular ongoing bleeding after being on hormone replacement therapy (also known as menopausal hormone treatment), this needs timely investigation. This might require a pelvic ultrasound scan and possibly a biopsy of the lining to exclude uterine tumours.
Whilst most of the time episodes of bleeding are harmless and not due to sinister causes, it’s important that you see your GP or a gynaecologist (or both) to manage these safely. If picked up fairly early, uterine cancer is almost always effectively and permanently treated.
Based at Ascot Central in Greenlane/Remuera, Dr Anil Sharma also holds visiting clinics in Hobsonville, Takapuna and Ponsonby. He operates out of Ascot and Brightside hospitals, providing accessible, top-tier care to his patients.
$300 PER AREA
We can do 4 areas at once BEFORE TREATMENT AFTER FOUR TREATMENTS
Meet a satisfied client who achieved great results after four successful sessions.
I’m thrilled to share my client’s transformation at 73 years old—she's gone from struggling with unwanted midsection fat to feeling fabulous, just in time for her overseas trip with her husband.
Want this to be you?
With our Spring Deal of just $300 per area, it's the perfect time to start your transformation!
We can treat up to four areas at once, so if you're looking to achieve a stunning summer makeover like this happy client, now is your chance.
Her husband even called to say, "I didn’t believe it would work, but now I have to admit—my wife looks amazing! I’ve always thought she was beautiful, but this has truly boosted her confidence, especially while shopping for new swimwear."
As they say, a happy wife means a happy life! Remember, 70 is the new 50—go girl!
We guarantee full-body contouring using Cool Body Fat Freezing Technology. To book, call 09 360 0055 or call Yvonne on 021 923 430 for a free consultation.
WORDS
JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
“The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply,” writes Roy T Bennet in The Light in the Heart.
“When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” Indeed, one of the most fundamental communication skills is often the most overlooked: listening. Or ‘active listening’ to be more precise.
Active listening is a term that was first coined by American psychologists Carl Rogers and Richard Farson as the result of years’ long research as to what made a good counsellor. Their 1957 book, Active Listening, was written as a therapeutic technique to encourage positive changes in clients. The men remark upon the importance of getting “inside the speaker” to grasp, from their point of view, “just what he is communicating to us”. “More than that,” they continue, “we must convey to the speaker that we are seeing things from his point of view.”
Studies have also shown that up to 65% of our communication is nonverbal, so paying attention to these cues might, at times be more revealing than what the person opposite you is actually saying. And being a good listener is about so much more than simply staying quiet, nodding and repeating back what is said in an attempt to appear engaged.
“Active listening involves mastering a whole host of other skills – from learning how to read subtle cues to controlling your own emotional response,” writes author and podcaster Amy Gallo, for the Harvard Business Review. “It requires both empathy and self-awareness.”
Some more points to consider in order to master listening well include:
• avoiding interrupting the speaker to demonstrate both patience and respect
summarising and paraphrasing what t he speaker has said to show that they have been understood
asking open-ended questions as a means of continuing and deepening the conversation and encouraging
the other person to expand on their thoughts. This is an excellent way of showing genuine interest
• practising empathy to try to understand the speaker’s perspective and feelings, while being open minded and non-judgemental – a surefire way to build trust and rapport
• maintaining good eye contact is another essential ingredient of active listening, but don’t focus so much on the other person that it becomes weird! Aim for 4-5 seconds of eye contact before briefly looking away
providing feedback is another way of showing the other person that you are fully engaged and present during the conversation
Leadership consultants Jack Zenger and Joseph Folkman recommend that rather thinking of listening as a way of absorbing information like a sponge, it should be considered a “trampoline that gives the speaker’s thoughts energy, acceleration, height, and amplification”.
Employees that feel heard are nearly five times more likely to feel empowered to perform to the best of their ability.
They devised a six-level system of listening:
• level one is for creating a safe environment where anything can be discussed
• level two requires all distractions –mainly the digital kind! – to be removed
• thirdly, aim to understand the main t hrust of what the speaker is saying
• level four requires paying attention t hose nonverbal cues
next, acknowledge the speaker’s emotions and the last level requires asking t houghtful – and thought-provoking –questions
One study concluded that sales professionals that mastered active listening boosted their revenue by 120%, while other research has shown it to be an essential element of successful
leadership. As Jim Collins writes in his bestselling book, Good to Great, the best leaders understand that ‘having your say’ and ‘having the opportunity to be heard’ are not the same thing, so they therefore go about creating a culture for “truth to be heard”.
Employees that feel heard are nearly five times more likely to feel empowered to perform to the best of their ability, yet a LinkedIn survey of 14,000 workers found that only 8% considered their leaders to be great listeners and communicators.
"Ultimately, it shows respect and value for the other person’s needs, concerns, and ideas as the listener is actively signalling the other person matters to them," Dr Sabrina Romanoff tells Verywell Mind. “It helps people feel more understood.”
What led you to become involved in the world of mushroom supplements?
Over the years, our interest in fungi had been steadily growing, and while looking for ways to improve our own health, we came across the unique benefits mushrooms can offer. Their use in traditional medicine spans centuries, and today, modern science is beginning to validate many of these age-old practices. Experiencing these effects personally – from enhanced focus to stronger immunity and gut health – reinforced our belief in the power of mushrooms. Flow State became our platform to share these natural solutions, making the benefits of these extraordinary fungi accessible to a wider community.
What does transparency mean to Flow State?
Transparency means being as open as possible about our products and processes. We carefully source our organic mushroom extracts from trusted partners and rigorously test each batch in New Zealand for purity and potency. Our customers deserve to know exactly what they’re consuming, and we take pride in providing clear, accessible information about our products on our website. This dedication to transparency is a key part of our commitment to quality and integrity.
The Flow On Effect is an incredible initiative; can you tell our readers about this?
The Flow On Effect is our way of giving back. Every month, we donate $500 to a New Zealand charity or nonprofit nominated by our customers.
It’s a unique way of supporting the community, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
What excites you most about the future of Flow State?
We’re excited about the future of Flow State because there’s so much potential to expand our impact. The amazing feedback we receive from our customers fuels our passion and confirms that these products are truly making a difference in people’s lives. We’re eager to introduce new products that make the benefits of mushrooms even more accessible, and we’re thrilled to continue supporting our community’s health and well-being in meaningful ways.
Could you highlight one of your most popular products and explain why it resonates so well with your customers?
Our MyComplete blend is a favourite among customers looking for an all-
in-one solution. It combines six of the world’s most renowned mushrooms, including lion’s mane, reishi, and turkey tail. This powerful combination supports cognitive function, immune health, and stress management, making it an easy choice for overall wellness.
flowstate.nz
While massage helps relax body and mind, Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, is different. It aims to heal rather than provide gentle relaxation. The clinical benefits of Thai massage include reducing pain and muscle stiffness, and improving joint mobility.
Free-flowing energy
Nuad Thai involves a traditional set of full-body massage techniques – deep tissue pressure, passive stretching and physical manipulation into yoga-like poses – which have been practiced for thousands of years.
The theory behind the therapy views the body as having 10 main energy lines called sen lines. Energy moves throughout the body following these lines. When the flow of energy is blocked bodily dysfunction, then discomfort and pain can follow. Thai
massage seeks to open up these energy lines and release the energy flow through three main methods: deep pressure massage · manipulating the energy lines through body movements stretching muscles and joints
A cultural treasure
Traditional Thai massage is recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. The Thai government regulates its techniques and controls training, certification and oversight.
Not all massage therapists who offer Thai massage can properly perform Nuad Thai. Some have been trained only on short term courses, so do not have the skills, experience or understanding needed to provide Thai massage therapy. If you want to achieve the full benefits of Thai massage, make sure your therapist has been trained and certified to a high level.
Skin by Nature is a plant-based, modern minimalist skincare range founded by Deanna Collins who believes that when it comes to skincare, less is more.
The ingredients used to formulate the skincare which includes products to repair and strengthen the skin barrier, have all been carefully selected to bring potent, effective, plant-based skincare suitable for all skin types. The products are especially great for those with sensitive skin, or who suffer from eczema or psoriasis. The product excellence is reflected in its impressive customer feedback.
Skin by Nature is dedicated to creating and formulating, ethical, and effective formulas, designed for all skin types and concerns. We're here to support you on your journey to healthy glowing skin.
Modern Thai massage
In modern spas throughout the world, traditional Thai massage is often combined with aromatherapy oils to aid relaxation during your massage. Modern spas provide traditional linen garments to wear during your Thai massage.
Sa-Ni Massage and Spa, 8 Upper Queen Street, 09 320 1742 sa-ni.co.nz
Shop online at skinbynature.co.nz
Instagram: @skinbynaturenz
Email: skinbynaturenz@gmail.com
Finesse Face and Body Clinic is proud to be the first truSculpt iD provider in New Zealand, as part of an exclusive partnership with Cutera.
How does truSculpt iD work?
truSculpt iD uses a unique form of monopolar radio frequency energy that penetrates evenly and deeply and is able to treat deep into the entire fat pad - from skin to muscle. Once the applicators have been placed on target fatty areas, heat is dispersed evenly through a ‘skin-like’ adhesive that causes irreparable damage to the fat cell walls which the body metabolizes and removes permanently over the next 12 weeks. Real-time temperature control and monitoring sensors ensure a constant the therapeutic temperature is maintained for 10 minutes to ensure maximum fat disruption, resulting in 24% fat reduction with every treatment. Patient comfort is supported through the highly engineered skin adhesives and temperature control mechanism to keep the skin cooler than the underlying fat.
How is truSculpt iD treatment performed?
The initial consultation is performed to assess and discuss an individual’s concerns and desired aesthetic goals, then a tailored and customized treatment plan will be created. A total of six handpieces can be used per 15-minute treatment, and four sessions of 6 hp can be treated on the same day. (This is the equivalent of 3 x CoolSculpt Max or 12 Sculptsure applicators). Once medical consent is completed skin adhesives are attached to the skin overlying the fat pocket followed by the handsfree applicators. The treatment area is wrapped in a cummerbund to minimize movement of handpieces during treatment. After 15 minutes of warmth is distributed into the tissue, the adhesives, handpieces and cummerbund are removed and the patient can return to normal activities.
TruSculpt iD is the latest technology available to permanently and non-invasively remove body fat. “We have been leaders in non-invasive cellulite and body contouring treatments in Auckland for 22 years,” says Sue Crake, owner of the Remuera Salon. Before
How do I know if I am a candidate?
truSculpt iD is the latest in non-invasive fat removal procedures in minimizing treatment time, maximizing results and comfort whilst reducing downtime (there is none!). truSculpt iD is a great treatment for targeting stubborn fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise, or for a more global debulking option. truSculpt iD is not restricted by BMI or skin laxity concerns, making it a great alternative to cryotherapies. To learn more about if you’re a suitable candidate, book into Rumera Salon.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on initial assessment and patient goals will determine the best course of treatment tailored to you, however patients will only require one treatment. Whether one or two treatments are required, all patients will see an effect at 12 weeks.
Is the treatment painful?
No! Patients report the treatment feels like getting into a hot bath. The heat at first can be a little intense, but just like a bath you become accustom to the feeling and adjust to the treatment. There is no pain, no downtime and no massage required. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after with most patients only experiences some mild redness on the treatment zone which subsides in a couple of hours.
How long before I see my results?
Clients will begin to see a change in their silhouette from 6 – 8 weeks post treatment, but maximum results are achieved at week 12. Changes in skin quality, tone and texture are usually seen earlier. Each area can be treated once per 12-weeks but other areas can be treated before then.
NZ MedSafe approved for permanent reduction of 24% fat (*shown through ultrasound clinical trials)
15-minute treatment (half the time, and twice the treatment area vs cryotherapies largest applicator)
No discomfort & No Downtime – resume normal activities immediately after Customizable and flexible treatment opportunities depending your body and goals
No BMI restrictions
Male & Female suited
Skin tightening – post partum suitability
Treatment areas: abdomen (upper, mid and lower), flanks (love handles), upper back fat, lower back fat, inner thighs, outer thighs, arms and under the chin.
after one treatment Before
weeks after one treatment
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
Dive into an adventurous weekend with Atomic EV Fliteschool on the beautiful Bon Accord Harbour, Kawau Island. Combine luxury with the thrill of a new sport, and embrace the freedom of the ocean. Your package includes:
13 - 15 SEPT
Fliteboard Lessons ×2
Daily Paddleboard or Wharf Yoga Daily
Forest Meditation
Relaxing Massage
Delicious Cuisine
Eco-luxe Accommodation
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Access to Parohe’s Wellness Facilities ·
Based at Greenwood's Corner in Epsom, Clothinggirl Designer Recycle stocks an amazing range of local and international designer labels, stock samples and end of lines. We cater for sizes 6 to 22 and offer free in-store styling.
Open 6 days with free parking right outside CLOTHINGGIRL DESIGNER RECYCLE 09 623 0993
553 MANUKAU ROAD EPSOM
Best known as the CEO of Slime Princess, she is also a SCOT Foundation Ambassador and more recently Miss Asia-Pacific International New Zealand 2024. She’s also engaged in charity work to empower tamariki through outreach programmes and events. We catch up with her to learn more.
You started Slime Princess when you were 11 years old. What gave you the idea?
At a primary school science fair I discovered slime while researching oobleck. I shared my recipe with classmates who loved it so much that I started selling it. It became so popular that I ran out of stock and convinced my supportive parents to invest in my business, ‘Slime Princess’. With their help, I launched my brand, created a logo, and started selling at markets, learning valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and gaining media attention, including radio, TV, and frontpage coverage in the NZ Herald
What advice do you have for other young aspiring entrepreneurs?
Just go for it! There’s always a risk of something going wrong but focus on mitigating those risks and embrace the journey.
How do you use your platform to raise awareness about the need for equality and inclusivity?
As a young entrepreneur with a multicultural heritage, I champion equality and inclusivity through various initiatives. My business is a platform to inspire diverse youth, showing that success is achievable with passion and determination. I advocate for equal opportunities and inclusive spaces, participating
in racial equality speeches, women and youth empowerment events, and serving as an ambassador for the Scot Foundation, focusing on youth empowerment and education.
What kind of advocacy and outreach work do you do? What do you love about it?
I strive to provide tamariki with knowledge, resources, and a temporary but meaningful support network, making sure they know that someone cares for them.
When did you decide you wanted to take part in beauty pageants?
My interest in pageantry began as a Year 10 research assignment on beauty queens. I consider myself an ‘accidental beauty queen,’ with my first experience at Miss Philippines-New Zealand 2023. It helped me rediscover confidence, embrace my culture, and continually improve myself, accepting my uniqueness – including my flaws.
What can we expect to hear about Katharina Weischede next?
As New Zealand's representative at the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant, I aim to highlight our nation's beauty and advocate for causes like youth empowerment and inclusivity. Professionally, I aspire to excel as a lawyer, championing justice and fairness. I’ll also expand my business and charity work, particularly through initiatives like "Help me, help them," fostering community support.
Read more about Katharina’s story katharinaweischede.com and get your hands on some slime at slimeprincess.co.nz
Nothing says ‘weekend’ quite like brunch.
What could be more indulgent than treating yourself to an early afternoon feast after some much-needed beauty sleep? It’s precisely this slow-paced routine that makes brunch not just a meal, but an experience to help you recover from a hectic week.
Brunch as we know it today officially started in 1895 and the man we have to thank for this tradition is British writer Guy Beringer. In a Hunter’s Weekly article, Beringer suggested that instead of having the typical early dinner after church, why not have a breakfast and lunch combination at noon? The idea quickly gained popularity and by the 1920s it was widespread in American hotels. Fast forward a century and we’re just as in love with this meal as people were a hundred years ago.
The best thing about brunch has to be the expansive menu. The choices are just about limitless but as always, we have our favourite dishes at our favourite brunch spots in central Auckland.
First up is Bestie Cafe on Karangahape Road, known for its lively atmosphere, a nice view of the Sky Tower and its popular chilli fried eggs. If you’re looking for something a little fancier, The Candy Shop on Osborne Street has got you covered with their highly recommended bibimbap and the viral croffles for dessert. Our final pick has got to be Federal Deli, offering a wide selection of classic New York deli dishes including their famous bagels and sandwiches.
But sometimes you'd just rather stay in –especially on a lazy Sunday morning – and over the following pages are some recipes for some perfect home-cooked wholesomeness...
Makes 2 tortillas
We make these whenever we’re in a hurry but need something more than a slice of toast! This is a really quick breakfast or lunch fix. The feta goes lovely and crispy and the egg yolk serves as your sauce.
Ingredients
200g feta
1 avocado Juice of ½ lemon
1 tbsp tahini
1 tsp chilli flakes
2 spring onions, sliced
2 small tortillas
2 eggs
Chilli sauce, to serve (optional)
Directions
Add 20g of the feta to a food processor with the avocado, lemon juice, tahini, chilli flakes and the white part of the spring onions. Process until smooth and whipped, then set aside.
Heat a non-stick frying pan until hot, then toast each tortilla in the pan on both sides until nice and brown. Remove and set aside. With the pan still over the heat, crumble half the remaining feta around the side of the pan. If the pan gets too hot (and the feta is starting to burn), remove from the heat and let it cool a little before returning to the heat.
Crack one of the eggs into a little pot and gently tip it into the centre of the pan with the feta. As it starts to cook, cover with a lid to cook the egg to your taste, then leave in the pan for a minute to set before removing. The feta will become crispy as it cooks.
Spread a tortilla with a heaped tablespoon of the whipped feta and avocado. Use a fish slice to carefully lift the fried feta and egg out of the pan and slide onto the tortilla. Repeat with the remaining feta, egg, tortilla and whipped feta to make one more.
To serve, sprinkle with the remaining green spring onion and fold each tortilla in half. Eat straight away, with chilli sauce, if desired.
Tip
The whipped feta and avo will keep in a tub in the fridge for a couple of days and still stay green.
Recipe extracted from John and Lisa's Kitchen: Everyday Recipes From a Professional Chef and a Home Cook by John Torode MBE and Lisa Faulkner, published by Quadrille, RRP $59.99.
PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN JONES
Serves 4
Growing up in Malaysia, nasi lemak was something Helen ate a lot of. Wrapped in banana leaves and day-old newspaper, the little packs of coconut rice, spicy sambal, egg and cucumber are sold on nearly every street corner. While this recipe is very much not nasi lemak, it is nevertheless inspired by it. The egg and tomato sauce mingling in the pan reminds us, at the same time, of the Middle Eastern shakshuka which Yotam grew up eating. Serve with rice, flatbread or any bread you like.
Ingredients
1½ tsp fennel seeds
2 whole cloves
Seeds from 2 cardamom pods
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1½ tbsp medium curry powder
60ml olive oil
½ tsp black mustard seeds
20 curry leaves
1 red onion, halved and thinly sliced (160g)
10g ginger, peeled and finely grated
5 garlic cloves, crushed
10g coriander, stalks finely chopped and leaves to serve
150g datterini (or cherry) tomatoes
2tsp sambal oelek
1 x 400g tin of crushed tomatoes
100ml tamarind concentrate
300ml water
15g palm (or light soft brown) sugar
5 eggs
Salt and black pepper
This can be made in advance, up to the point just before the eggs are cracked into the sambal. The sambal lasts well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Put the fennel seeds, cloves and cardamom seeds into a small dry frying pan and place on a medium-low heat. Toast lightly for about 2 minutes, until fragrant, then grind to a powder in a spice grinder or a pestle and mortar. Add the cinnamon and curry powder and set aside.
Put 3 tablespoons of the oil into a large sauté pan (for which you have a lid) – about 26cm wide – and place on a medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and 10 curry leaves and cook for 1 minute, until the seeds begin to pop. Add the onion and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are starting to colour. Add the ginger, garlic, coriander stalks and fresh tomatoes, cook for another 5 minutes, then add the fennel spice mix. Cook for 2 minutes, until fragrant, then add the sambal oelek, tinned tomatoes, tamarind, water, sugar and 1¼ teaspoons of salt. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 20–25 minutes, uncovered, until thickened.
Crack the eggs into the sambal and sprinkle a little salt and pepper over each egg. Cover the pan and cook for 7–8 minutes, until the egg whites are fully cooked and the yolks are soft.
Meanwhile, put the remaining tablespoon of oil into a small pan and place on a medium heat. Add the rest of the curry leaves, cook for about a minute, until very fragrant, then remove from the heat. When the eggs are ready, drizzle the oil and fried curry leaves over the eggs, scatter over the coriander leaves, and serve.
Recipe extracted from Ottolenghi Comfort, by Yotam Ottolenghi and Helen Goh, published by Ebury Press, RRP $70.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Full of texture, five different cereals, grains, and seeds, fresh local pecans from Three Sisters Garden, chewy morsels of dates and golden raisins, and a totally addictive combination of brown butter and spices, this granola has become my go-to snack. So much so that the sous chefs hide it from me; my daily snacks were throwing off the pars. We serve it with house-made yogurt, seasonal fruit, a drizzle of olive oil, and leaves of herbs and flowers. But you do you. Add a dice of juicy fresh fruit like apples or berries, or maybe pomegranates, mandarin slices, grapes tossed with lemon—whatever you crave, whatever looks good at the market, whatever keeps you going through the day.
Ingredients
Candied Pecans
2 cups (220g) pecans
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup (50g) sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
Turmeric Granola
¼ cup (50g) millet
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (60g) quinoa
1 ¾ cup (160g) rolled oats
¼ cup (100g) sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
90g butter
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon ground fenugreek
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup (75g) honey
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons (70g) brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (60g) golden raisins, chopped
¼ cup + 1 tablespoon (50g) dates, chopped
Directions
Make the Candied Pecans
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the pecans on the baking sheet and toast for 7 minutes. Remove from the oven but leave the oven on. Combine the honey, sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the toasted pecans and stir with a heatproof spatula, coating the nuts in the syrup. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring constantly, until there is no liquid left at the bottom of the pan. Transfer the nuts back to the parchmentlined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, until the pecans are nicely caramelized and no longer sticky.
Make the Turmeric Granola
With the oven still at 180°C, line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Bring 1 litre of water to a boil in a saucepan set over high heat. Remove from the heat and add the millet and quinoa. Soak for 30 minutes, then drain. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook until the solids are golden brown and lightly caramelized with a nutty fragrance. Add the turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, and black pepper, then immediately remove from the heat. Add this butterspice mixture to the oat mixture and stir to combine. In a separate large saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, and salt. Cook over low heat until melted and smooth, then pour in the oat mixture and the soaked grains. Stir thoroughly to combine. Spread the mixture out on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes, rotating the pan and stirring the mixture every 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the candied pecans, raisins, and dates. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
Recipe extracted from The Lula Café Cookbook, by Jason Hammel, published by Phaidon, RRP $80.
PHOTOGRAPHY: CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ
Serves 4
A socca is farinata by another name, a crêpe-like chickpea snack originally from the Italian Riviera. Our version is more pancake than flatbread, especially since our kitchen is set up for brunch with a large cast iron gas griddle. Instead of baking the traditionally unleavened batter in the oven, we add yeast and cook it like pancakes on the griddle, creating something more like a chickpea blini. This is a great gluten-free snack and can be served with caviar if you’re feeling luxe.
Socca
¾ cup (100g) chickpea flour, tablespoon alternative gluten-free flour
½ teaspoon active dried yeast
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
Vegetable oil spray
Chickpea Crumble
1 cup (135g) canned (tinned) chickpeas
1 teaspoon toasted caraway seeds
½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
¼ teaspoon ginger powder
½ teaspoon granulated onion
Salt
Charred Apple Honey
1 apple (200g), peeled, cored, and diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup (340g) honey
10g piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
Compressed Apple
115g apple, halved and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Small pinch salt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
To Serve
160g Ricotta
Thyme sprigs
Food & Wine
Make the socca
Add all the ingredients except the vegetable spray to a blender with a generous 1 cup (255g) water and purée for 4 minutes. Transfer to an airtight container and rest at room temperature for 2 hours. (At this point you can refrigerate for up to 8 hours, but bring the batter back to room temperature before using it.) Heat a nonstick skillet (frying pan) or griddle to medium, greased with a generous amount of vegetable spray. Scoop 50g dollops of batter into the pan, cooking them like pancakes. Flip when crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
Make the chickpea crumble
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy pot to 180°C or until a cube of bread browns in 30 seconds. Drain and dry the chickpeas by spreading out on paper towels, then fry the chickpeas until dark golden and crispy, 2–3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season with salt. Crush the toasted caraway in a mortar and pestle, then crush the fried chickpeas with a mallet or the bottom of a mixing bowl. Combine the chickpeas and the caraway, then add the grated and dried ginger and granulated onion. Check for seasoning.
Make the charred apple honey
Toss the diced apples with the olive oil in a stainless-steel mixing bowl. On a gas or charcoal grill, char the apples until lightly browned and smoky, 5–7 minutes. Transfer the apples to a small pan with the honey and ginger, and heat on medium until simmering, then turn down the heat to its lowest setting and allow to simmer for at least 1 hour. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer or tamis.
Make the compressed apple
If, like me, you don’t have a Cryovac machine at home, simply toss all the ingredients together. If you do have a Cryovac, toss all the ingredients together, add them to a Cryo bag and compress at a high setting.
To Serve
Top each pancake with a spoonful of ricotta, a scattering of apple slices, a sprinkle of chickpea crumble, and a drizzle of charred apple honey. Garnish with thyme sprigs.
Recipe extracted from The Lula Café Cookbook, by Jason Hammel, published by Phaidon, RRP $80.
PHOTOGRAPHY: CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ
Serves 4
We have been making some version of polenta cakes with hollandaise since we opened in ’99—from spring romps with asparagus and salmon to autumnal versions with squash, brown butter, and sage.
This recipe came after a trip to the Green City Farmers' Market one August morning in the summer of 2021. Carmen peppers, grown by Jerry at Froggy Meadow Farm, are an American version of the corno di toro Italian varietal. Translated as “bull’s horn,” the name describes the pepper’s unusually long, tapered, hooked body, which gives people the mistaken impression that this pepper is going to be hot. It’s actually the sweetest, firmest, fleshiest pepper we know, and when I saw them at Jerry’s stand I immediately asked if we could buy them all. That summer we tried to preserve as many as possible by marinating them in vinegar and oil.
INGREDIENTS
Polenta Cakes
3 cups (720g) whole milk
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup (160g) yellow cornmeal
½ cup (70g) red heirloom cornmeal
(20g) grated Parmesan
Vegetable oil, for greasing
Sott’olio Peppers
450g Carmen peppers
Scant 1 cup (225g) blend oil
2 shallots (100g)
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1¾ tablespoons white wine vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
Cracked black pepper
Olive oil, to cover
Food & Wine
Recipe extracted from The Lula Café Cookbook, by Jason Hammel, published by Phaidon, RRP $80.
From Janie’s Mill in Illinois, we sourced the intensely aromatic “bloody butcher” cornmeal, flecked with red and white varieties of heirloom corn. Combining this richly flavored, coarse polenta with a standard yellow cornmeal gave us both the flavor and textures we wanted.
Feel free to follow this recipe in whole or in part. The cakes could be served on their own, with a side of crispy bacon for a simple breakfast, with a steak for dinner, or with roasted vegetables for a hearty meatfree entrée.
The recipe for the sott’olio of Carmen peppers yields nearly a full quart. It’s quite the process, so you might want to make a large batch and save the rest in the refrigerator for 7 days—for snacks or for spooning on bread or pasta. Save every ounce of that delicious oil!
Roasted Cauliflower
4 cups (350g) bite-sized cauliflower florets
2 teaspoons blend oil
Salt
Hollandaise
90g butter
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of cayenne pepper
To Serve
4 eggs
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
Dill sprigs
Shaved Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
continued over page
PHOTOGRAPHY: CAROLINA RODRIGUEZ
DIRECTIONS
MAKE THE POLENTA CAKES
In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk, 2 cups (475g) water, and salt to a simmer over medium high heat. Add both cornmeals in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously to keep lumps from forming. Stir to a porridge consistency. Reduce heat to low and cook, whisking regularly, for 30–40 minutes, until the mixture thickens and pulls away from the edge of the pot as you stir. Depending on the cornmeal, you may need to add water or extend the cooking time. Add the Parmesan, then taste and adjust the seasoning.
Lightly oil a 23 × 23cm baking dish. Spoon the polenta into the dish and spread out evenly. Cover with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. When thoroughly cold, punch out 8 circles with a 7.5cm biscuit (scone) cutter.
MAKE THE SOTT’OLIO PEPPERS
Char the peppers on the stove by placing them directly on the gas flame. Use a pair of tongs to turn the peppers and char all sides. Place in a bowl and cover with glad wrap. Rest for 30 minutes. Peel off the charred skin and remove the seeds. Cut into medium dice.
Meanwhile, heat the blend oil in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the whole shallots. They should be just covered in oil. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat. Cook slowly for 30 minutes until the shallots are super soft. Remove them from the oil with a slotted spoon and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add the sliced garlic to the same warm oil in the pan and cook slowly for 5 minutes, until soft. Transfer to the bowl with the shallots.
Add the peppers to the mixing bowl. Season with white wine vinegar, salt, and a little cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary; the peppers should be bright and punchy with flavor. Transfer to a lidded container and top with olive oil until covered. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Recipe extracted from The Lula Café Cookbook, by Jason Hammel, published by Phaidon, RRP $80.
Preheat the oven to 230C°.
In a mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the blend oil and a little salt until coated. Arrange in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10–15 minutes, or until lightly charred and tender, but not overcooked.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Keep warm.
Fill a medium saucepan with 4 cups (950g) water and bring to a light simmer over medium heat. In a stainless steel mixing bowl that will fit over the pot to create a double boiler, combine the egg yolks, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and cayenne. Whisk vigorously, then place on top of the pot of simmering water. Allow the eggs to heat for a few minutes, whisking continuously, then slowly add the butter, a little at a time, whisking vigorously between each addition. Continue until all the butter is incorporated and the hollandaise is thick and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt and set aside in a warm (but not hot) place.
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the polenta cakes on a parchment lined baking sheet and heat in the oven for 3–5 minutes, until warmed through. Warm 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sott’olio in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the roasted cauliflower and heat until sizzling. Add 1 cup of the sott’olio peppers, reduce the heat to low, and gently warm the vegetables. Cook the eggs in your preferred style; we do sunny-sideup. Place 2 polenta cakes on each of 4 plates. Spoon the cauliflower and pepper on the side. Place an egg on top of each plate and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the warm hollandaise on top. Garnish with hemp seeds, dill sprigs, and shavings of Parmesan.
Make impressive look easy
CATERING NOW AVAILABLE
Pre-order at kneadonbenson.co.nz
Minimum three days’ notice required.
76 Benson Road, Remuera
Open 7 days 6:30am - 4pm
Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on two new wines from St Hugo.
South Australia has a wealth of wine riches with the quality of their reds becoming more evident. Although the wine regions are spread right across the state, the Barossa and Coonawarra will always be worthy of a place in the king’s court. One of its 700plus wineries is St Hugo, a household name producing awardwinning wines that capture all that is great about Aussie reds.
O ver many decades St Hugo has built a legacy crafting fine wines from two of Australia’s most famous wine regions. Barossa is the acclaimed wine destination, but not to be outdone, Coonawarra, with its dense, concentrated red terra rossa soil, produces some of the best and richest reds in South Australia.
Here are two lovingly crafted wines from grapes harvested from both regions.
In 1996 there was a welcome addition to Auckland’s portfolio of Asian restaurants; 28 years on, it’s still turning out skilled versions of Thai classics.
A location among some of Auckland’s most expensive real estate is the first indication that this Asian eatery is more upmarket than most. With a menu of addictive fare, Thai Village is everything most Thai eateries are not. Thai food owes its uniqueness to the refined use of spices rather than herbs more than anything else. Although the menu is not long, this local bustling eatery continues to impress with a rarely matched menu showing polish, detail and an eye to authenticity. Classic stuff, all of it.
Entrees hard to beat range from spring rolls ($15.50) with minced pork, shrimps and vegetables; prawn and fish cakes ($18.50); chicken satay ($16.50); kari puff ($15.50); crumbed seaweed prawn rolls ($18.50); pork and prawns on toast ($18.50); and a mixed selection ($16.50).
’20 St Hugo cabernet sauvignon/shiraz; RRP $40.
This popular regional blend is bold and earthy with concentrated fruit and aromas that are clean and fresh on the nose. Ready to drink now. Pair with beef, lamb, pork and game.
’23 St Hugo grenache/shiraz/mataro; RRP $40.
A classy trifecta with fresh and vibrant flavours combined with mineral undertones and light tannins that flow onto the palate. Will cellar well. Best served with a Sunday roast, lamb and venison.
Such freshness and balance of flavour with mains is evident alongside lively interpretations of seafood, curries and noodles ($49.50 to $34.50). Each of these dishes have plenty of bite while there is plenty of oomph with soups, salads, and meat and poultry delights ($16.50 to $48.50). Steamed vegetables ($12); steamed jasmine rice ($3.50); and roti ($6) give the dishes a further lift. And when mains are cleared it’s hard not to be swayed by affogato ($18), a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a shot of Frangelico.
The wine list is a mix of boutique finds of you can’t-gowrong local and imported labels. For ale drinkers, there’s a selection of New Zealand and international beers.
And the verdict? The pace of the evening is leisurely and that suits the locals just fine. If you’re seeking some of the best Thai food in Auckland, with efficient and polite service to match, you’ll find it here. Two small details that would make all the difference: cold plates do not enhance hot meals and the noise from happy diners bouncing off the floor to ceiling windows.
Menu: 7.5; cuisine: 8.5; wine list: 7; service: 8; decor: 7.5; value for money: 8.
10/415 Remuera Road, Remuera, 09 523,3005. thaivillagerestaurant.co.nz
Aotearoa New Zealand’s emergency services comprise around 35,000 staff and volunteers who attend to over five million calls for help each year. The following pages honour some of our brave local heroes who dedicate their lives to serving the public, often putting themselves in harm’s way to help protect us from danger.
FIREFIGHTER
Based out of Manurewa Fire Station, Counties Manukau, senior firefighter Emma Carey knew that she wanted to become a firefighter for real during middle school “after I completed a project about firefighter Royd Kennedy who saved a young girl at a fuel tanker fire in Manukau in the 90s”.
However, her dream had been germinating for far longer.
“At three years old I was apparently rescuing my sister from the top of our backyard climbing frame – her in a princess outfit, myself in a firefighter's costume!” Emma tells Verve . “My great grandfather was a firefighter in Sussex, England in the early 30s, then in London as the war began, so it runs in our family!”
In 2013, aged 16, Emma began attending her local volunteer brigade, and formally joined the following year after passing her volunteer recruits’ course: “In 2018, I decided to join the Auckland brigade as a career firefighter, completing my 13week recruits' course in July 2018.”
Can you describe a typical day in the life of a firefighter?
“Arriving on station for the start of shift, we complete checks on our breathing apparatus as well as a verbal handover with the outgoing shift. Our days consist of training, equipment and appliance checks, completing home fire safety visits, educational school and preschool visits, visiting businesses within our response area to increase our knowledge of
hazardous sites, and, of course, attending any emergency calls that we receive. Our responses range from motor vehicle accidents to house fires to medical emergencies, and animal rescues and everything in between. The days are busy!”
Can you tell us a little about the training involved?
“The training isn’t just set around physical ability. Potential recruits must also be prepared for aptitude testing, which can often be more challenging than the physical component. Successful candidates then complete a 13-week training course at the National Training Centre in Rotorua, where they’ll learn all the basic skills required to be a firefighter. Once graduated, training continues on station with their crew. As firefighters, there are so many skills we must maintain, and we spend a lot of time training when we aren't attending emergencies.”
Such training, continues Emma, enables firefighters to respond “like clockwork, with every team member know their role – processes that help them remain safe even in the most hazardous environments.
“Working at motor vehicle accidents on high-speed roads can often be very dangerous for rescue crews, hence why you’ll often see multiple fire trucks ‘protecting the scene’. We always work as a team to save lives, especially in our co-response to critical medical emergencies with Hato Hone St John.”
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September 2024
“Knowing that each day, when someone is having potentially the worst day their life, we are there to help make a difference.”
What are some other challenges?
“Some challenging parts of the job include navigating heavy traffic when responding, and dealing with members of the public who are in an agitated state. But I think the most challenging thing for emergency service workers is attending calls where we see loss of life, especially when there are children involved.”
How do you deal with such things?
“As firefighters we are training frequently, so when we attend emergencies, we have all the tools available for us to assist. After particularly stressful incidents we always debrief. This helps us reflect on what went well and what we may have been able to do differently. But most importantly to hold space for the team to process the incident from start to finish. We have support services available if we need further support, especially after particularly traumatic incidents.”
Has being a firefighter changed or influenced your perspective on life?
“I’m thankful for the attributes and skills that I’ve been able to develop in my career so far – resilience, teamwork, and leadership, to name just a few. Firefighting has definitely led me to having a unique appreciation of life and influenced me to be the person I am today.”
Physical fitness aside, Emma says that firefighters must be competent communicators and problem solvers while being highly adaptable. I ask if more women are signing up for what has traditionally been a very male-dominated profession.
“Definitely. In Fire and Emergency New Zealand, currently 5.9% of career firefighters identify as female. I’m a great believer in ‘you can't be what you can't see’. As more women
start to choose careers in firefighting, the stigma that women are not capable of doing the job will slowly be disproven. Organisational culture, and how well we do inclusion has a huge part to play in our retention of wāhine firefighters. If we work to get that right, we will see the progression of women and other diverse groups wanting to be firefighters.”
Being able to work with “awesome people in high functioning team environments” are one of the many aspects that Emma finds most rewarding about her role, as well as teaching children about fire safety. “Most prominent though,” she continues, “is knowing that each day, when someone is having potentially the worst day their life, we are there to help make a difference.”
Born in South Korea, Bethany moved to Aotearoa with her family when she was only three years old. She was inspired to become a paramedic when a family member needed an ambulance and had the most “amazing and caring” treatment that “made my family and me feel reassured that everything would be okay”.
“What stuck with me was that he thanked me for my help and said I'd make a great paramedic,” Bethany tells Verve “A few years later, I joined Hato Hone St John as a volunteer, completed my Bachelor of Health Science in Paramedicine, and worked my way up to being a paramedic. I've now been working in Auckland as a frontline paramedic for three years, and best yet, that same paramedic from years ago became my mentor and dear friend!”
What advice would you now give to someone considering a career as a paramedic?
“It would be to ask yourself why you want to be a paramedic and why you'd be great at it. A common misconception is that it's all lights and sirens, cardiac arrests and car crashes, that's not the case. Talk to someone working in the role on what to expect as a frontline ambulance officer.”
What skills are required?
“Being empathetic with great communication skills. Being an open-minded and creative problem solver. Also, being culturally sensitive and adaptable to varying working environments, and having the ability to work with a diverse community.”
What are some of the most challenging aspects of the job?
“One of the biggest challenges would be dealing with violence and abuse. Hato Hone St John does have safety measures in place to help deal with these situations, but it can still be
stressful when you're treating an unwell patient and relatives or bystanders are being abusive or being unruly. Sometimes it's the patient! Most of the time, verbal de-escalation works well but it's still very unsettling.”
The very nature of the work means that regular exposure to traumatic incidents is “inevitable”, and Bethany says that everyone develops their own coping mechanisms to handle this. “I've come to learn that taking the time to process what's happened, accepting my emotions and talking about it with people I feel comfortable with helps me the most,” she says. “Hato Hone St John also have so many great support options in place to help us deal with this – such as counselling and peer support. Prioritising self-care like getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising has also been a great help to me.”
Being able to make a difference to someone’s day, adds the paramedic, is what brings her the most joy. “Every shift has its challenges and a fair amount of problem solving – all in the hopes of making a positive impact to our patients' health and wellbeing. In a role where not every outcome is a good one, any positive impact no matter how big or small brings about a great sense of reward.”
It has also offered her a new perspective on life.
“My role has made me realise that life is so short, unpredictable and often taken for granted,” she adds. “I make every effort to live in the moment, be more understanding of others and do my best to make a positive impact in my community.”
Paul Graham
CHAIR OF AUCKLAND LAND SEARCH AND RESCUE
Auckland Land Search and Rescue is a part of Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, a volunteer-based search and rescue organisation with over 3,000 trained search and rescue volunteers and operating from within 64 groups covering all of New Zealand.
“Auckland Land Search and Rescue works very closely with the Auckland Police Search and Rescue team, and we have a very good working relationship with them,” Paul tells Verve Paul, who’s work background is in the building industry, first became interested search and rescue volunteer work after completing a first aid course and volunteering with the Red Cross. He’s been involved with Auckland LandSAR for 25 years and is keen to stress that it’s “all about teamwork, and far from an individual sport”.
“We don’t really have specific roles as team members, our aim is to have everyone competent across a range of skills so they can be utilised in any role they’re put in to,” he adds. “I guess the only specific roles we have are team leaders, and each of them will comfortably swap between that role and that of a team member.”
Can you tell us about the training involved?
“Our training involves quite a range of skills. General skills include navigation and map work with compass and GPS; basic tracking skills; first aid scenarios; search methods; radio work; basic rope skills; and stretcher work. These are all the types of skills we’d likely need during a search and rescue operation.”
Can you share any particularly memorable rescue stories?
“A lot of the searches we do will be memorable one way or other, and not everything we do is a rescue. But some memorable ones include a vulnerable missing person who left their place of residence in the middle of the night. We weren’t called until the following afternoon and searched into the night. The next morning, we were back, the weather was terrible, and we located the missing person at lunchtime, down in a creek bed and in need of serious medical attention. It’s such a relief when they are transported away by ambulance.”
How do you deal with unsuccessful outcomes?
“Unfortunately, this is a part of what we do. There are times when the person we locate is deceased, or we’re on a search and rescue operation (SarOp) when the person is located deceased, but we’re indirectly involved. As a team, we have several ways of dealing with this. First up is a hot debrief with the team, talking about what we have just dealt with, and allowing everyone the chance to speak.
“We will also refer everyone directly involved for a welfare check from critical incident support, provided with support by Land Search and Rescue New Zealand, and will have team members check in with those involved, just to have a talk and to let them know we are there if and when needed.”
Can you tell us about the team of volunteers?
“In Auckland, we have a team of 36, and this ranges from new team members with six months’ experience, to the odd few with 25, 35 and up to 55 years’ experience. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and have different reasons for joining the team, but most common would be wanting to give back to the community and helping those in need. Of course, they all have a passion for search and rescue. And every one of them is a volunteer who freely gives their time.”
Sergeant Rhys Smith
YOUTH SERVICES SUPERVISOR
Rhys – who goes by the nickname Blocker and works in Auckland City West – wanted to be a police officer ever since he was a kid watching the TV show Chips , and later films like Point Break, Beverly Hills Cop and Bad Boys. “I loved the car chases and seeing the bad guys get arrested!” the sergeant tells Verve
What advice would you give others now considering a career in the police force?
“Finish your education, go get some life experience, go overseas, university or complete a trade, and don’t be afraid to make some mistakes or take a wrong turn. It will make you more resilient which you need as a police officer. If you are passionate about being a police officer then join up, you won’t regret it.”
Resilience and passion aside, Rhys cites common sense and a good sense of humour as being essential qualities of any police officer.
“I love all the community partners I get to work with,” he continues. “I won’t name them, but they know who they are and how much the police and I respect them in the area. I appreciate their passion and commitment. I especially love the volunteers in our community who always turn up, roll up their sleeves, and want to help anyway they can.”
Can you share a memorable experience where you felt you made a significant impact on someone’s life or the community?
“Our Youth Aid team works closely with agencies, schools, and community partners to improve the wellbeing of the rangatahi and their whānau. We strive to make a difference every day, however, over the years, some former youth offenders have
come into the station needing a little help with an issue. Due to our dedication, it is flattering that they trust my team and I always try to help. Often these former offenders have jobs, a girlfriend, a car, and are doing all the things a young adult should be doing. It’s just nice to see. It’s great when you get to chat to them as adults and reflect with them about their offending and share some crazy stories.”
How do you deal with the more dangerous aspects of your work?
“Generally training, experience, good communication and trusting your colleagues will get you through most dangerous experiences. If you stay calm and communicate, often dangerous experiences can be quickly deescalated.
“There is constant training in the police, whether online training modules, line-up training or formal training like tactics and firearms. You’re always learning. We also have our smartphones with several police apps so we can quickly access information.”
What are some of the biggest challenges facing law enforcement today?
“Recruitment and retention of staff. Policing can be stressful, and it is not for everyone. Being a police officer is not going to make you rich, but there are so many opportunities within, and most cops are pretty good people.”
Rhys truly relishes his role as a youth services supervisor. “I want to continue working with the community, reduce youth crime and improve the outlook for rangatahi through supporting them to remain in education,” he adds. “If I can work with the community to overcome the barriers causing low school attendance, then we can improve the wellbeing of not only that rangatahi, but their whānau and the entire community.”
His job, he says, has influenced him ways that he “probably won’t truly understand until well after I retire”.
“But I know I appreciate my wife, children, and friends and all their support and the fun times we have together. I think I appreciate the smaller things.”
WORDS
JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES
Beginning way back in March 2022, and due to close in Auckland on 19 November of this year, Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres World Tour has already set several records.
Chris Martin and co will also likely become the first band to achieve a tour gross exceeding US$1 billion, while the tour is on track to be the most attended of all time. But perhaps most impressive has been their commitment to cutting their carbon footprint.
Following the release of their eighth album, Everyday Life, in 2019, the band announced that they would not tour again until they could guarantee that the shows would be environmentally friendly. Admirably, Music of the Spheres has, so far, produced nearly 60% fewer emissions than their previous stadium tour which took place in 2016-17 – smashing their original target of 50%. The band will also plant a tree for every ticket sold (nine million and counting) in around 50 planting projects spread across more than 20 countries.
“Coldplay’s impact on the environment from touring is again setting a new standard for the entire music industry,” says Professor John E Fernandez of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Environmental Solutions Initiative. Aside from the tree-planting and avoidance of fossil fuels (“wherever possible”), the tour’s green credentials are boosted by of a range of cutting-edge technologies that ensures stage production is powered almost entirely with renewable, low-emission energy. These include solar photovoltaic panels positioned behind the stage and above the PA and delay towers to charge the show batteries, and the use of sustainable, palm oil-free biofuels. Most intriguing of all, energy is generated by way of kinetic floors which convert the
power of the fans’ dancing, along with electricity-generating power bikes that allow fans to charge the show batteries.
The good work continues away from the tour courtesy of Coldplay’s 10th album, Moon Music, which is due for release in October. Each vinyl copy will be pressed using nine plastic bottles recovered from consumer waste, reducing carbon emissions by 85%, while the CD edition will arrive on a new format named EcoCD, which is made from 90% recycled plastic leading to a 78% reduction in emissions compared with traditional CD manufacture.
Coldplay’s very final gig of the sprawling world tour will take place at Eden Park, something which Nick Sautner, the stadium’s CEO, describes as a “huge coup” for Auckland. “Coldplay’s global status, the band’s commitment to sustainability, and their ability to deliver unforgettable performances make them the perfect fit to perform at New Zealand’s national stadium,” he says.
continued over page
British music lovers’ vinyl habits are said to produce the same emissions as 400 people per year. Greener options are being developed, but traditional LPs are made using PVC that takes centuries to break down. Then there is the cost of transporting them. CDs pose similar issues, though they are far less weighty. So, it surely makes sense that streaming is the most sustainable way of enjoying music? Not necessarily – it’s all dependent on habits. It takes considerable energy to charge and power our devices to stream music that is transmitted from data stored on servers which also must be powered. Spotify reported that for 2023, their total greenhouse gas emissions were 280,355 tonnes (for comparison, in 2020, the whole of New Zealand produced 78.8 million tonnes), meaning for those that consume albums regularly, it may be greener to do so with physical copies.
The number of artists showing an interest in devising plans for greener tours has “exploded over the past three years”.
MIT’s Professor Fernandez says that the number of artists showing an interest in devising plans for greener tours has “exploded over the past three years”. Here are a few that sing for sustainability.
• In 2019, Mercury-nominated singersongwriter Nick Mulvey was the first artist to release a single – called In the Anthropocene – on ocean vinyl, which is made from plastic washed up on beaches.
• Vinyl copies of Billie Eilish’s latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, are pressed onto eco-vinyl, and all packaging is made from recycled material. The supporting tour is partnering with non-profit Reverb which promotes sustainability in the music industry, including initiatives like providing plant-based foods and donating a portion of profits to green projects.
Reverb has also worked with the likes of Pink, Fleetwood Mac and The 1975 to eliminate CO2 emissions equivalent to the removal of 29,000 passenger vehicles from the road for a year.
• In 2019, across a 34-date tour, Maroon 5 – also with the help of Reverb – eliminated more than 11,000 single-use plastic bottles from landfill and educated more than 23,000 concertgoers about sustainability through their EcoVillage.
For their Gigaton tour, Pearl Jam promised to donate US$200 per ton of CO2 as its minimum baseline (the carbon offset market averages between $1-15 per ton).
WORDS — KAREN MCMILLAN , bestselling author karenm.co.nz | nzbooklovers.co.nz
Cillín Hearns
In a leadership role Nathan’s dream promotion turned out to be a nightmare, and now he’s licking his wounds and climbing a mountain in his native Ireland. But during a mountain rescue, he learns invaluable skills about effective leadership. Cillín Hearns has provided a unique and engaging way to take theories about leadership and show them in practice. An invaluable read for any leader.
Results Coaching, RRP $35
THE SECRET LIFE OF FLYING
Captain Jeremy Burfoot
Are you a nervous flyer? Former pilot Jeremy Burfoot takes you behind the scenes of what happens when we fly in this part-memoir, part-guide to flying. We learn everything from how a plane stays up in the air to what pilots do when the plane is on autopilot. Written with humour, this is engaging and full of insight and useful information.
Pan Macmillan, RRP $39.95
FROM BREAKUP TO BREAKTHROUGH: BELIEVE IN YOU
Brenda H. James
A breakup is devastating, but in this empathic book, the author guides readers through the murky waters of a breakup to healing and recovery. She shares her story along with eight other women, creating an honest, practical book full of useful strategies so that they can step into the next stage of their lives with inner strength and confidence.
Raw and Real Publishing, RRP $23.95
THE PERI DIET
Jaime Rose Chambers
When it comes to perimenopause, many things are out of our hands, but one thing we can control is what we eat. Dietitian Jaime Rose Chambers reveals the importance of certain key nutrients at this time and shares the star ingredients to eat to ensure we're making the best of what we eat, along with 50 delicious recipes, myth-busting facts, kitchen hacks, and expert advice.
Pan Macmillan, RRP $44.95
CAPITAL JAZZ
16 – 20 October
Wellington
The Wellington Jazz Festival is set to return to the capital this October, featuring leading homegrown musicians and exciting international names. The festival will transform Te Whanganuia-Tara into a jazz haven with more than 152 events across the city. Festival highlights include multi-Grammy Award-winning artists, bassist and composer Marcus Miller, and vocalist and bassist Esperanza Spalding.
jazzfestival.nz
MOËT MOVIE NIGHTS
12 – 26 September
Palmers Bar
SOUNDS FUN FOR KIDS
22 September
The Tuning Fork
Treat yourself to a night out at Palmers Bar in their new theatre. Tickets include two glasses of Moët and a gourmet platter. This month, they’re showing the Barbara Streisand classic, Funny Girl.
palmerbar.nz
Join the multi-generational children's idol Suzy Cato, in her element. Sharing stories, singing songs, dancing and creating fun for little ones. Suzy will also bring musical guests with her.
moshtix.co.nz
CHOCOLATE & COFFEE FESTIVAL
28 – 29
September
The Cloud
This aptly named festival is an absolute treat for lovers of coffee and chocolate. Discover top local chocolatiers, coffee roasters, as well as indulgent coffee and chocolate-influenced products. A must-attend event for enthusiasts, showcasing the finest flavours and creations.
iticket.co.nz
GIRLS & BOYS
10 – 22
September
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Experience the riveting solo drama Girls & Boys, featuring Beatriz Romilly in a tour-de-force performance. Written by Tony Award-winner Dennis Kelly, this intense exploration of gender politics and love unravels on stage at Auckland Theatre Company. Raw, unflinching, and provocative fresh from a winning season on the West End.
atc.co.nz
R IGOLETTO
19, 21 & 25 September
Kiri Te Kawana Theatre
Experience the drama and elegance of Verdi’s timeless classic, Rigoletto in a slightly more modern setting of 1950s la dolce vita Italy. Featuring unforgettable melodies like ‘La donna è mobile’ and compelling storytelling, this opera has captivated audiences since its 1851 debut in Venice.
ticketmaster.co.nz
ART IN THE PARK
19 – 22 September
Eden Park
The most famous stage in Aotearoa hosts this unforgettable event celebrating art. Meet top local artists, explore unique exhibits, and enjoy a weekend of cultural enrichment. Experience interactive workshops, artist talks, and more at this worldclass show.
ticketmaster.co.nz
DAVID WALLIAMS
27 – 28
September
Kiri Te Kawana Theatre
The actor, comedian, television personality and author of countless children’s books brings two different shows to our shores. For adults, there’s An Audience with David Walliams, an outrageously cheeky live show, while for his younger fans, there’s The David Walliams Book Show.
ticketmaster.co.nz
David Kerr Photography
When I started my business many years ago, life was so very simple – no mobile phones, no computers and definitely no ‘Tik Toxic’ social media which leads to so much bullying. That is the very reason that I will be using a percentage of sales from my third coffee table book New Zealand Panorama to help fund I Am Hope, for them to deliver their free counselling for our youth suffering from depression.
The purpose of this connection between my book and I Am Hope is to encourage youth to put down their devices and get off social media, to inspire them to read a book that will get them outside to enjoy our great outdoors and provide the opportunity to talk to others.
With every copy of New Zealand Panorama purchased, 10% is donated to I Am Hope or Gumboot Friday, shop it now at nzinpictures.co.nz
King will be auctioning off each of these iconic framed photographic prints
Nine prints will be auctioned off to fund I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday, and one print will be auctioned off to fund The New Navigators Akarana Outreach Programme.
Rachel Rush is a renowned contemporary New Zealand artist celebrated for her two distinct styles. The raw intensity of gritty urban pieces (RUSH) alongside the tranquil beauty of alluring abstract works (Rachel Rush).
Her bold, emotive use of colour and striking characters has earned her international acclaim and a dedicated following of devoted collectors.
Rachel is Artist in Residence at SO/ Gallery (next door to the SO/ Hotel), where her work is on display and available for purchase. The gallery showcases her unique blend of chaos and calm, with unique monthly events planned.
Follow @rachel_rush_art and @so_auckland on Instagram for updates on Rachel’s work and event info.
SO/ Gallery is located at 57 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD. Rachel’s residency is in partnership with Flagstaff Gallery. To request a private viewing appointment email cary@flagstaff.nz
CURATED BY AIMÉE RALFINI
ARTWORK: NICK HERD, IN LOVE BUT LAZY, COURTESY OF FÖENANDER GALLERIES
Spring is here! A vibrant symphony of life and possibility. Let’s embrace this glorious season of renewal, where the fresh and new stretch upwards in a radiant dance towards the sunshine and rain. Nurture brilliance by visiting one (or some) of this month’s selected exhibitions…
AOTEAROA
This is the house that jack built
Andy Butler, Kerry Deane, Sara Gómez, Ming Ranginui, Ashleigh Taupaki, X&Y
On until – 5 October
What do you think of rich people? What do you think of poor people? These are the polarising questions asked by collaborative artist duo X&Y on the streets of Manhattan in their video work Rich Poor from 1977. Artspace Aotearoa presents their yearly group exhibition, This is the house that jack built. This exhibition brings together a 50year arc of artworks from local and international artists across practices and generations to answer our timely annual question “do I need territory?” Through film, sculpture, and sitespecific drawings each of the artists confronts audiences with perceptions of value, class, labour and ownership in present-day late capitalism.
292 Karangahape Road, Tāmaki Makaurau artspace-aotearoa.nz
FÖENANDER GALLERIES
In Love but Lazy
Nick Herd
12 September – 1 October
Known for his impasto technique, Herd has developed a distinctive style with a sophisticated palette and artistic restraint. His thick, textured strokes capture movement and life, exploring the performative nature of painting and the discharge of energy and anxiety. Herd’s recent still life series, both in paint and sculpted form, features radically layered textures and bold strokes, creating flowers that seem to move across the canvas. The evolving floral arrangements inspire dynamic paintings full of play and motion.
1 Faraday Street, Parnell foenandergalleries.co.nz
ANNA MILES GALLERY
Quadraphonic Coats
Vita Cochran
On until – 14 September
Described as multi-generational gatherings, Quadraphonic Coats takes us on a direct route to the wonder of the ordinary that resides in our wardrobes: the punctuation mark-like silhouettes of collars, cuffs and facings; the unexpected architecture of checked shirt sleeves. The DNA of these works is in the simplest most expedient forms of make-do quilting that retain the unaltered shapes of garment pieces.
10/30 Upper Queen Street annamilesgallery.com
MELANIE ROGER GALLERY
Fitts, Hurley & Poppelwell
Emma Fitts, Gavin Hurley, Martin Poppelwell
28 August – 14 September
New explorative works by artists Emma Fitts, Gavin Hurley, and Martin Poppelwell, offer diverse interpretations of contemporary painting. Emma Fitts explores saturation, scribbling, and splashing of paint, engaging with materials like rope and mesh. Her work reflects themes of queer art histories and Modernist textiles. Gavin Hurley continues his playful exploration of portraiture, blending composite characters with birds inspired by Fernand Léger and floral interruptions that obscure faces, drawing from influences like Ben Shahn and Louise Henderson. Martin Poppelwell creates dynamic networks within his work, referencing Samuel Beckett's narratives. His varying scales and long titles reflect a temporal and cartesian narrative space.
444 Karangahape Road, Newton melanierogergallery.com
GALLERY
Floor Paintings
Amanda Gruenwald
14 September – 11 October
Amanda Gruenwald’s recent paintings explore a bold new direction, inspired by the accidental marks on her studio drop cloths. Her work navigates the space between intention and chance, using floor-based, unstretched canvases. Drawing from diverse art histories, her paintings develop a unique visual grammar, emphasising the connection between body, material, and mark-making. Gruenwald reinterprets aspects of her earlier work, incorporating techniques like pouring and aerosol application, creating new forms that open a fresh dimension in her practice. She lives and works in Tāmaki Makaurau.
142 Great North Road, Grey Lynn trishclark.co.nz
12 September
An island paradise, big business, and love and betrayal set the scene for this romantic comedy shot in the beautiful Cook Islands. A woman learns that her life is half lived after meeting a reclusive man who has closed himself off from the world to hide from the pain of his past. Featuring a stellar cast which includes Australian actress Kristy Wright (Home and Away) and Kiwi screen and theatre legends Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) and Ray Woolf.
A MISTAKE
10 October
T
19 September
A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Directed by Coralie Fargeat, and starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. Winner of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Screenplay.
MEGALOPOLIS
26 September
Based on the page-turning novel, A Mistake is a thrilling exploration of the dangerous ripple effects that can be triggered by a single human error. When expert surgeon Elizabeth Taylor (Elizabeth Banks) makes the decision to allow her young registrar, Richard Whitehead, to take charge of one small but delicate step during a routine surgery on a very sick young woman, a mistake is made that can’t be undone. Elizabeth’s efforts to protect Richard and herself come into conflict with the desperate need for black-and-white answers from the patient’s parents and the hospital’s single-minded attempts to protect their reputation. A film about human fallibility, and forgiveness.
A film by Francis Ford Coppola. A Roman Epic set in an imagined Modern America. The City of New Rome must change, causing conflict between Cesar Catilina, a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.
S tarring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmaneul, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf and Jon Voight.
Retirement residences designed with luxury in mind.
Settled back into a luxurious armchair perfectly positioned with uninterrupted views out to Rangitoto Island is one of the many pleasures that awaits at Summerset’s most state-of-the-art village yet, Summerset St Johns.
Set to be the envy of other retirement communities, Summerset St Johns boasts sweeping sights of Waitematā Harbour from the penthouses to the bowling green. It also hosts an elegant village centre and sophisticated retirement residences designed to impress.
“The facilities at Summerset St Johns will be incredible, along with extra services we will have on offer, like a chauffeur booking service, and a bistro with a fabulous menu.” says head of sales, Riet Bersma-Rees. “It’s the premium touches that set this village apart.”
Location, location, location
Set in the heart of the eastern suburbs with spectacular views towards the sea, city and neighbouring bush, Summerset St Johns’ location also offers easy access to an array of beaches, eateries, transport networks, shopping malls, walk and cycle ways, and the Remuera Golf Club.
Apartment living for retirees has never been so perfectly positioned, with everything you need right on your doorstep. This is a location you can be proud to call home, ensuring you get the most enjoyment out of your retirement.
Architecturally designed with you in mind
Summerset St Johns apartments offer everything you’d expect from inner city living, with services and facilities that make life easier in the long run.
The range of stunning homes are architecturally designed to maximise the apartment living lifestyle. These spacious homes feature contemporary open plan living, beautifully designed bathrooms with plenty of storage and subtle safety features, along with generous bedrooms with captivating views and a Juliette balcony, and a master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Everything you need for relaxing or entertaining with friends and family.
While not every apartment looks out to Rangitoto, each apartment location has been considered to maximise sunlight and views. For every resident who wants to live in the main apartment block with the hustle and bustle of village centre life, there’s another who’d prefer a quieter location to rest when they’re home. Regardless of where residents choose to live in this brand-new village, everyone will enjoy the stunning sea views out to Rangitoto from the village centre.
With a wide range of homes and floor plans to choose from including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, plus premium and penthouse options with enhanced interior design and views, there’s something to suit everyone. And for those who love to spend their retirement travelling, the lock and leave freedom of village living is just the cherry on top, meaning that you can travel knowing everything back home is safe and secure.
Village centre views
After a long day golfing, travelling, or visiting friends, it’s nice to come home and not need to think about cooking. With an onsite bistro and bar, they take care of the cooking and the cleanup, while you relax and enjoy your evening.
The elegant village centre exudes charm, with all the classic touches you’d expect in a retirement village. Residents will enjoy an indoor pool and spa, recreational bowling green, movie theatre, library, communal lounges with spectacular views, and much more. Their dedicated activities coordinator will also ensure there’s always a range of activities on offer, including local outings.
And for days when things need to be a little more organised, a chauffeur booking service is available. So, you can sit back, relax, and let their driver get to you to where you need to be.
Show suite open to view
While the village is being built, a fully fitted out show suite enables you to see firsthand what the kitchen, dining and bathrooms look like, giving you the assurance that if you choose to buy off a plan, you have a good understanding of the home you are getting.
Summerset St Johns is set to open later this year, along with the village centre and their continuum of care. If you’d like to make a private appointment to view plans and pricing, and view the show suite, contact the sales team today on 09 950 7982. Or pop into the show suite at a time that suits you. They’re open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm, at 400 Remuera Road, Remuera.
Love the life you choose.
23 August –22 September
23 September –
22 October
This is a time when you invest in yourself and in the people around you that you respect. Benefits may not be immediate, but they will surely arrive down the road. You’re especially companionable and open to new experiences, although perhaps starry-eyed at times. A romance begun now might be characterised by sensitivity, concern, and care, but it could also be a moody, clinging one.
23 October –21 November
Your energy levels run high and your pioneering instincts are strong. This is a fabulous period for charm and attractiveness. You have some big plans for the future and are devoted completely to them. People in sports, media and performing arts will benefit. Relationships begun now are egogratifying, dramatic, and dynamic. Because you are open to love and friendly gestures, you will attract loving people into your experience.
This month is strong for networking, friendships, and new approaches in your career. You’re inclined to use charm, gentle coaxing, and loving persuasion rather than more direct, forceful methods to get what you want. You will benefit from working on clearing up any problems that have cropped up with friends and lovers. Friendships and love might be renewed or revitalised. The relationship is likely to be sentimental, and perhaps somewhat insular.
22 November –21 December
22 December –19 January
You’re open to new ideas and stimulation, but experiment wisely and creatively. Don’t allow someone else to steamroll over your personal plans. A neglected matter from the past can re-emerge, or there can be a strong temptation to impulsively act on a secret desire. Sharing and comparing your spiritual, religious, or philosophical interests with a loved one may open up a whole new dimension of your relationship.
Surprises are in store, and they’re pointing you in new directions. There could also be surprising turns of events surrounding creative projects, romance, friends, and children at this time. Invitations to go out and have some fun should be grabbed, but try to keep one foot on the ground, particularly when it comes to money. Small risks, however, could very well pay off. You will show a stronger desire to define your relationships.
20 January –
18 February
You’re beginning a period best used for emotional renewal, tying up loose ends, and laying low. Your mood and attitude is conciliatory, and your need for love and approval heightened. You gain what you want through diplomacy or charm and by enlisting the support of your friends, rather than by being forthright and bold. You’re willing to make concessions in order to maintain harmony in your environment.
19 February –
20 March
ARIES
21 March –19 April
It’s a time when inspiration comes suddenly, and you might pick up new, and possibly radically different, interests or goals. Unexpected meetings, disruptions, or changes that point you in a new direction can occur now. Love requires emotional space and acceptance, and some of you could find love through or with friends and groups. This is a time for feeling personally hopeful, emotionally satisfied, and socially popular.
This is a time for incorporating imaginative, creative, and alternative methods into what you do. A humble approach does wonders for your professional life and reputation. This is not a time to push yourself or to be involved in activities that require intense competition or a great expenditure of energy. Cooperative, harmonious personal and professional relationships are more important to you at this time.
21 May –
20 June
TAURUS
20 April –
20 May
Career opportunities come knocking at your door this month and you are looked upon more favourably from those in higher positions. You are also coming across as an authority, and being your own boss is something some of you are leaning towards. Relationships begun now may be emotionally charged, domestic, potentially long-lasting, or somewhat private – and they run deep. A very easy going and easy energy is with you now.
You are looking to the future, not to the past, and the desire to leap forward into new and unexplored territory is powerful. Career goals, professional interests, or social standing could be catalysts for this process. Sharing longterm goals, hopes, dreams and wishes; treating your partner as a friend as well as a lover; or showing tolerance and acceptance could help bonds become more powerful.
21 June –22 July
You could feel as if you’re moving out of the dark and into the light, and you’re likely to find the spirit and motivation to embark on unusual or simply different adventures. There are some wonderful and perhaps surprising opportunities to do with travel or education this month. You are radiating energy that makes you more attractive, and, as a result, opportunities for romance are that much stronger.
LEO
23 July –22 August
Your powers of attraction skyrocket, and outstanding creative opportunities arise. You may be the go-to person for information and know-how. A pleasant, affectionate, relaxed, or courteous attitude eases your interactions now, and may open doors or help lighten troubled situations that you’ve lately been working with. New interests, and possibly love opportunities, might be part of the picture in the last week of the month.
With the introduction of the Trusts Act 2019 (the Trusts Act) bringing many changes to trust law, many people are considering whether a trust is still right for them. Here are three questions to consider when evaluating whether your trust is a useful asset planning tool.
Why did you establish the trust?
Did you establish your trust decades ago when you owned a business and wanted to protect your assets from creditors? You may have been told that forming a trust would protect your assets if you need rest home care or if you enter into a relationship.
It is important to assess whether the reasons you established the trust still exist or are still valid reasons for having a trust.
Are you aware of the provisions of the Trusts Act?
If you are a trustee of your trust or someone else’s trust it is important that you are familiar with Trusts Act and your duties as a trustee. There are now mandatory and default duties that trustees must carry out. These are set out in the Trusts Act but may have been modified by the Trust Deed. Your trust may still be a useful tool but you may need to make some amendments or upskill yourself to ensure you are complying with the Trust Act.
Are you comfortable with providing trust information to beneficiaries?
The Trust Act creates a presumption that “basic trust information” be disclosed to all beneficiaries of the trust. “Basic information” includes; the fact that a person is a beneficiary of the trust, the name and contact details of the trustee, and
the right of the beneficiary to request a copy of the terms of the trust or trust information. Beneficiaries can also request financial information.
It used to be common practice to include a large number of potential beneficiaries in a trust deed. Many of our clients are surprised to learn that their trust deed include the spouses of children and grandchildren as discretionary beneficiaries.
There are many factors that your legal advisor will consider when advising you on whether your trust is right for you. If you would like an assessment of your trust, contact us to book an appointment with one of the team at Dawsons Lawyers.
Claire Endean – Director/Lawyer dawsonslawyers.co.nz
| 09 272 0002
Elegant, refined, luxurious – this is retirement living as it should be.
Our award-winning building effortlessly blends into its environment, with spectacular 360 degree views that truly make the most of the Waitematā Harbour’s natural beauty.
Take in sunsets from the north-facing garden, beside an open fire. Unwind at the luxury day spa. Enjoy a three course meal from our fine-dining restaurant. Discover a new standard of sophistication in retirement living, at The Helier.
Book a private consultation. Call Debbie on 0800 333 688.
28 Waimarie Street, St Heliers, Auckland thehelier.co.nz
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS
We can help you with a wide range of legal issues including:
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
TWICE BAKED GOATS CHEESE SOUFFLÉ
DISH OF THE MONTH
Red wine glazed beetroot, fried jerusalem artichokes, hazelnut vinaigrette and watercress.
— 09 815 6636
506 PT CHEVALIER RD, AUCKLAND
PTCHEVBEACHCAFE.CO.NZ
PTCHEVBEACHCAFE
On the weekend of the 23-24 November Auckland Garden DesignFest will offer visitors the chance to tour up to 16 stunning, professionally designed private gardens, and meet their designers. The festival also celebrates Kiwi garden design excellence, while raising funds for Youthline, Garden to Table, Oke, Dove Hospice & Wellness and Rotary Newmarket.
WIN one of four double passes to Auckland’s premier designer garden showcase, valued at $140 each. gardendesignfest.co.nz
More than just your average vacuum, the Shark HydroVac 3-in-1 Cleaner vacuums, mops, and cleans itself with powerful suction and hydro mopping at the same time, giving you a surface you can walk on almost immediately. The HydroVac deep cleans all sorts of messes from hard floors to spot-cleaning carpets, area rugs to upholstery, from wet to dry, invisible to smelly, leaving a streak-free, clean surface. Available from leading retailers. sharkclean.co.nz
WIN a Shark HydroVac 3-in1 Cleaner; RRP $499.99.
Entering is simple. Visit VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine . GOOD LUCK!
Come to Taranaki and experience the coolest little culinary festival you’ve never heard of! Spring Feastival is a celebration of Taranaki’s extraordinary food scene. With more than 20 unique events put on by our talented chefs, growers, brewers, creators and entertainers, you’ll be treated to an experience like no other.
WIN a $250 voucher for Spring Feastival events and two free room nights at Hosking House Boutique Accommodation for the weekend of 2-6 October. Win
Forget the quarter-acre dream, with just a patio or small balcony you can still have a thriving food and flower garden! Fill your pots, hanging baskets or windowsill with a selection of Yates vegie seeds, and bring in the bees with a delightful burst of colourful blooms, all aided by Yates Thrive range of fertilisers.
WIN a Yates hamper containing everything you need to get your small garden underway in celebration of National Gardening Week.
If you’re a foodie wanting to try something new, Feastival Taranaki is one event you need to experience! You may know Taranaki for its gorgeous mounga, stunning coastal walkway and fabulous gardens, but did you know about its vibrant culinary scene?
Local food enthusiasts in the region have been working hard to ensure that Taranaki becomes known as a food and beverage destination, with opportunities around the mountain to experience its fabulous producers, restaurants, cafes and bars, venues, and accommodation providers.
Feastival encompasses all that and more! It’s a welcome addition to Taranaki’s lively event calendar, and locals in the know have been quietly enjoying Feastival’s seasonal weekends and sell-out events for years.
With more than 25 events scheduled across the weekend of October 2 – 6, Feastival Taranaki is an event that combines local food collaborations with the rich, seasonal bounty found in the region. The Spring platform is set to celebrate the amazing food
SPRING
grown in Taranaki, the talented people who create it, and the unique venues where it can be experienced.
With events based in Hawera, Stratford, Oakura, Egmont Village, Omata and New Plymouth, there’ll be everything from farm tours and harvests, to workshops, degustations and demonstrations. Not into handson experiences? Then you might enjoy a cocktail party, a high tea or tea party, a bottomless brunch, a barbeque afternoon, or a super long lunch. All events are unique to the weekend – you won’t find them anywhere or anytime else!
Spearheaded by the Taranaki Culinary Action Group, Feastival has been inspired by a group of local Taranaki food and beverage producers, restauranteurs, and event professionals who are
TARANAKI 2 - 6 OCTOBER
www.feastival.co.nz
passionate about the region, the food that it produces and the people that bring it to the table.
Now is the time to book your spring weekend in Taranaki. With amazing local accommodation offers available, and free transport to Feastival events outside of New Plymouth, it’s a long weekend getaway you won’t regret!
Come for the FEAST and enjoy all the flavour that Taranaki is ready to dish up.
