Verve December 2013 Issue

Verve Auckland’s Boutique Magazine.

The Christmas Issue

DECEMBER 2013

DECEMBER 2013 — FASHION BEAUTY HEALTH HOME ARTS FOOD WINE TRAVEL SOCIETY

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DECEMBER 2013

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Win with Verve This Month!

Entering Verve’s competitions is simple. Like our page on Facebook, facebook.com/VerveMagazine, then visit our website, www.vervemagazine.co.nz and click on the competitions tab at the top of the page. Good Luck!

WIN WITH VERVE & SKIN INSTITUTE Synergie Practitioner Uberzinc Help combat free radical damage caused by UV light and environmental damage with Synergie Practitioner Uberzinc – a luxurious daily moisturiser with 21% zinc oxide added to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

Suitable for all skin types.

UP FOR GRABS: 2 x Synergie Practitioner Uberzinc daily moisturiser (50ml) worth $137 each! *To enter simply follow the instructions above. Conditions apply.

WIN WITH VERVE & BEE PURE Bee venom creams are the best natural alternative to botox.

The minute amounts of purified venom in the creams fools the skin into thinking it has been irritated by melittin, which is the active ingredient. The skin is stimulated to produce collagen and elastin (proteins and fibres that keep skin plumped and taut) and the overall benefit is a younger, tighter skin with fine lines and wrinkles smoothed out.

UP FOR GRABS: 1 Bee Pure pack worth $199! *To enter simply follow the instructions above. Conditions apply.

Read more about Bee Pure on page 57 of the November issue!

Bee Pure products are only available online from the official Bee Pure web store www.beepure.co.nz

WIN WITH VERVE & GOSS LINGERIE Add a touch of glamour. Give a gift of GOSS Lingerie this Christmas. GOSS Lingerie specialises in hand-made in New Zealand, beautifully crafted lingerie in luxurious laces, silks, satins and mesh fabrics.

Each piece is presented in its own garment bag and is beautifully boxed and gift wrapped.

Let her choose from our exquisite limited edition selection.

UP FOR GRABS: 1 X GOSS Gift Voucher to the value of $250!

Valid for 12 months. Redeem at www.gosslingerie.com *To enter simply follow the instructions above.

Conditions apply Read more about GOSS Lingerie on page 57!

Jun Developments Ltd. / Developers of middle to high-end residential and commercial properties / Involved in award winning projects for the past 10 years

Jun Developments Ltd. for Capital and repair projects including system replacements, roof replacements, and other infrastructure upgrades Tenant Upfits and Improvements Facility Renovations Speculative ground-up development Development and Construction Management Property Management Strategic Real Estate Consulting Financing Asset and Investment Management

“Combined with our knowledge and continual research of the market and what is needed by individuals and tenants we have found our niche market. Which is a hands-on approach to dealing with architects, engineers, council and contractors.

We provide a boutique approach to our business, which is built on tight honest relationships with all parties. This allows the projects to run in unison and smoothly. We treat every project as if they were our own and believe this is essential in ensuring that the key issues of cost, time, quality and above all, client satisfaction, can be realized.

We pride ourselves on accomplishing the stated project objectives. Key project management responsibilities include creating clear and attainable project objectives, building the project requirements, and managing the constraints, like cost, time, scope, and quality.”

Level 14 The AIG Building 41 Shortland Street, Auckland 09 362 0033 www.jungroup.co.nz info@jungroup.co.nz

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Editors’ Note As the saying goes, all we want for Christmas is……

The Verve family is made up of our readers, writers, advertisers and our staff. So in the spirit of the saying, all we want for our family this Christmas and New Year is happiness, and a wonderful time with their families.

“The magazines arrived today and the covers look AMAZING!”

Something that has been really special to us this year is that after each issue of Verve is released we have received truly heartwarming feedback from our Verve family.

Here a few examples of the messages we have been sent:

These words of encouragement are so energising, and keep us going from one issue to the next.

We thank you for this!

“I have just finished reading the Verve Magazine – wonderful articles, so inspirational.”

“Once again Verve has excelled.

What a fantastic magazine: I marvel at the high standard.

So tasteful and interesting.

Congrats Verve team on a great achievement, and thanks for sharing it with us.”

“I don’t know how you do it, Jude and Fran, but you do – wonderful issue once again.”

“I thought it was an AWESOME article.”

“Thank you both, you have made my day.”

Verve December is our holiday reading issue, filled with ideas for gifts, excellent articles and pieces of interest. We hope you enjoy poring over the pages and we look forward to a 2014 full of enthusiasm, opportunity and success.

We wish you all the best for the festive season.

THOUGHT FOR 2014 Without ambition one starts nothing.

Without work one finishes nothing. The prize will not be sent to you. You have to win it. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Editors’ Pick: LONGBLACK Socks LONGBLACK is a premium sock that is delivered as fresh as the newly roasted beans at your local café in Auckland. LONGBLACK socks are also packaged with local baristas’ beans each and every week in a specially designed package in order to lock in the aroma of roasted beans included in each pack. www.longblacksocks.com

Next issue, Verve February — VALENTINES DAY & DESIGNER EVERYTHING!

VerveMagazine — Editors-in-chief: Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell Writers: Inger-Lisa Hurst and Jamie Desplaces Layout Design: J. David Contributors: Neil Gussey, Raewyn Gilkes (cargocollective.com/ raewynpatricia), Paris Mitchell, Julien Erwin, Jean-Christophe Poizat, Shirani Alfreds, Melissa Kachelhoffer, Ryan Renwick, Jackie O’Fee and Angus Brown

Published by Verve Magazine Ltd. Level 1, 430 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 1023 PO Box 99-288, Newmarket, Auckland 1149 GST: 90 378 074 ISSN 2253-1300 (Print) ISSN 2253-1319 (Online) Advertising enquiries: P: +64 9 520 5939 E: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz Editorial enquiries: P: +64 9 520 5939 E: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz Subcriptions: www.vervemagazine.co.nz/subscribe.html

VERVE MAGAZINE is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 40,000. It is a free community/ lifestyle magazine delivered to selected homes, cafés and businesses in the following areas: Parnell, Newmarket, Remuera, Epsom, Mission Bay, Kohimarama, Herne Bay and Stonefields. Copies of Verve Magazine are also available from: Parnell Inc., The Strand Vet, Home Ideas Centre, Just Rentals – Meadowbank, LJ Hooker – Remuera, Frame by Frame, Constant Cravings, Barfoot & Thompson Parnell, Quest Hotels – Parnell, Remuera, and Newmarket, Parnell Community Centre and Library, Verve Café, Robert Harris – Remuera, Teed Street Larder and Level 1, 430 Broadway, Newmarket (above Mini showroom). Verve is also available from all popular cafés in its main distribution areas as well as in E-book format.

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

COVER Part of Verve’s “A Summer Daze” (p49) Shot by Neil Gussey Model wears: Libertey top in red Miss Crabb, Antoinette tulle and beading top A La Robe, Tulle Evening skirt Liz Mitchell, Cat Paw gemstone necklace Meadowlark, Faceted Pendant necklace Meadowlark.

DECEMBER 2013

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Team McMillan BMW

Newmarket

THE NEW BENCHMARK. THE ALL- NEW BMW X5 HAS ARRIVED. The first generation BMW X5 invented the Sports Activity Vehicle class. It was the first of its kind, combining all-wheel-drive capabilities with the kind of luxury, performance and driving dynamics you could only find in a BMW. The second generation BMW X5 continued this winning formula delivering class-leading dominance, making it New Zealand’s best selling premium SUV. But now a new benchmark is about to be set. The much anticipated third generation BMW X5 has finally arrived in New Zealand, bringing with it entirely new levels of performance and innovation.

• CONNECTED DRIVE FEATURES INCLUDING: - BMW HEAD-UP DISPLAY

Drive away from*

129,000

$

- PARK DISTANCE CONTROL WITH 360 DEGREE SURROUND VIEW - ADAPTIVE BI-XENON HEADLIGHTS WITH HIGH BEAM ASSIST - DRIVING ASSISTANT SAFETY SUITE

or

441

$

per weekˆ

•

iDRIVE TOUCHPAD CONTROLLER

•

NAVIGATION SYSTEM PROFESSIONAL

•

FULLY-AUTOMATIC TAILGATE OPERATION

•

THIRD ROW SEVEN SEAT OPTION

Visit Team McMillan BMW today to test drive the all-new BMW X5 and find out why BMW is the number one selling premium vehicle in New Zealand and around the world.

*Offer based on Drive Away Price. Finance offer based on Loan agreement consisting of a 36 month contract, 10.99% interest rate with a 20% deposit and a fi nal payment of $64,000 for the X5 30d. Drive Away Price is the BMW recommended retail price for the purchase of a new unregistered BMW. It includes GST, fi rst full tank of fuel, 12-month registration, and all other costs required for fi nal delivery of the vehicle. Offer expires 31/12/2013 and is subject to BMW Financial Services lending criteria.

BMW2510

Team McMillan BMW 7-15 Great South Road, Newmarket. 09 524 3300 www.teambmw.com

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Contents WIN WITH VERVE! 04 + 10

GIFTED IDEAS 17.

Celebrating Christmas: Gifts for the whole family

54.

The World of Greg Lauren – Design

58.

Distilled Summer

BEAUTY & HEALTH 59.

37.

Holiday 13

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Red Seal Cares

Store Directory On the Net

FASHION

62.

65.

Panchkarma

FOOD4THOUGHT 76.

Mandarin Dumpling & Bar

80.

92.

Book Reviews

94.

Finding Heaven

Tis’ the Season

JOURNEYS

82.

98.

A Whole Lotta Flair

87.

Petite Kitchen’s Nut Butter Chocolate with Pistachios and Lemon Zest Recipe

102.

Rarotonga

Classic Gifts

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A Summer Daze

The Department Stores Coming up at the Movies The Men’s Shed The Ultimate Christmas Gift

Hands to Bathe – Imagining a Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary

124.

Best Places to Chill

BUSINESS & SOCIETY

Edwards Valuations

122.

101.

ART & ABOUT

47.

Q&A with Santa

PETS

HOME

A Little More Beauty

121.

Virgins and More, In Seville

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YOUNG AT HEART

Femme Fatales

Top Reasons to Feed a Raw Meaty Bone Diet

125.

Summer Survival Tips For Your Furry Buddies

LAST WORDS 126.

Tower of David

DECEMBER 2013

YOU’LL NEED A BIGGER STOCKING.

MINI RAY $29,200 DRIVE AWAY.

At only $29,200 drive away or $92 a week*, MINI RAY deserves a place on your Christmas wish list. Experience MINI’s legendary go-kart handling, iconic styling, customisable design options and smart safety features. Plus a new MINI RAY includes MINI’s 3 Year Scheduled Servicing, Warranty Plan and Roadside Assistance.

So all you’ll need is a gift tag to go with the tiny price tag on a MINI RAY. Visit the Team McMillan MINI Garage for a test drive or go to MINI.CO.NZ for more information.

Team McMillan MINI Garage, 430 Broadway, Newmarket, 0800 548 352. *Offer based on Drive Away Price. Finance offer based on Loan agreement consisting of a 36 month contract, 10.95% interest rate with a 25% deposit and a fi nal payment of $14,308. A documentation fee of $250 applies.

Offer expires 31/12/2013 and is subject to BMW Financial Services lending criteria.

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Win with Verve This Month!

Entering Verve’s competitions is simple. Like our page on Facebook, facebook.com/VerveMagazine, then visit our website, www.vervemagazine.co.nz and click on the competitions tab at the top of the page. Good Luck!

WIN WITH VERVE & COOLA

WIN WITH VERVE & BLUNT UMBRELLAS

We have two COOLA Organic Suncare prize packs to give away, valued at $155. In each you’ll find COOLA Mineral Face SPF20 Rose Essence Tint, COOLA Sports Spray SPF30 Piña Colada and COOLA Classic Face SPF30 Cucumber.

A BLUNT UMBRELLA’S NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS There’s more to a Blunt umbrella than keeping the rain off you – these tough umbrellas are made from strong stuff, which means even if it’s blowing a gust out there, the weather won’t dampen your spirits.

Healthy sunscreens people love to wear!

UP FOR GRABS: 2 x COOLA Organic Suncare prize packs! * To enter pop over to the www.facebook.com/ COOLANewZealand and hit a big LIKE! Conditions apply.

WIN WITH VERVE & BEATS Beats Studio Headphones The world’s most famous headphone has been completely redesigned and reimagined.

The New Beats Studio is lighter, sexier, stronger, and more comfortable than ever before, with reengineered sound and smooth design. Available from: JB HiFi, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, The Mix Foundation and Real Groovy.

Most umbrellas fail to keep their owners happy – collapsing, turning inside out and tearing in the lightest of wind and rain conditions.

Blunt umbrellas are different. They’re made to last – thanks to their revolutionary design. So make someone’s Christmas – buy a Kiwidesigned Blunt umbrella that will last longer than the festive season.

UP FOR GRABS: 1 x Blunt’s brand new G2 Umbrella in a colour of your choice! *To enter simply follow the instructions above. Conditions apply.

WIN WITH VERVE & FREEDOM FARMS A Happy Ham Makes For A Happy Christmas Treat: Freedom Farms introduces their new Little Honey Ham This lean, manuka honey cured and naturally wood smoked Little Honey Ham is an ideal festive treat for smaller families and individuals not wanting to miss out, who also care about where their ham came from.

Little Honey Hams are available at specialty stores and supermarkets nationwide. www.freedomfarms.co.nz

UP FOR GRABS: 1 x Little Honey Ham

UP FOR GRABS: 1 x Beats Studio Headphones worth $499! *To enter simply follow the instructions above.

Conditions apply.

WIN WITH VERVE & PRECIOUS The perfect wipe for your precious baby.

New Precious Sensitive Bamboo Water Wipes are biodegradable and contain the absolute minimum in additives for sensitive and delicate skins. They use bamboo that is not chlorine bleached and is farmed so does not deplete natural forests.

New Precious Sensitive Bamboo Water Wipes retail at $5.99 for a pack of 80 from Countdown Supermarkets nationwide.

UP FOR GRABS: 2 x Precious hampers worth $100! *To enter simply follow the instructions above.

Conditions apply.

*To enter simply follow the instructions above.

Conditions apply.

WIN WITH VERVE & WELEDA 3 ESSENTIAL SUMMER SURVIVAL PRODUCTS BY WELEDA These 3 Weleda natural remedies are economical, small, compact – and ideally sized for throwing into your handbag for travel, a family road trip, a hike or a picnic. A set of Arnica Cream, Calendula Healing Cream and Combudoron Spray – will tackle a multitude of summer ailments. www.weleda.co.nz UP FOR GRABS: 1 Weleda’s Summer Survival Kit! Each kit includes 1x Weleda Arnica Cream ($19.90 36ml), 1 x Weleda Calendula Healing Cream ($19.90 36ml) and 1 x Weleda Combudoron Spray ($19.90 30ml) *To enter simply follow the instructions above.

Conditions apply.

DECEMBER 2013

AUTHENTIC LIVING for ACTIVE BABY BOOMERS

V I CTORI A AUCKLAND You’re a Baby Boomer looking to change your lifestyle.

A fabulous time where life’s your oyster!

You may be single or with a friend, partner or spouse. You’re active, still love a challenge, want the most out of life. Leave behind the big house, maintenance, lawns and gardens.

Time for living. Time for beach house, adventures, international travel.

Probably still in business, but now changing gear. Up or Down.

Perhaps there’s family coming and going.

Club Life Victoria may be the new place for you. Freehold apartments from 60 to 180 sqm. Individual decor design. 1 or 2 secure garage carparks and spacious storage lockers.

Planned and developed by locals for locals. Right here in Auckland’s own Victoria Quarter.

Approximately an acre on the corner of Sam Wrigley and Union streets.

A prime site with compelling views of the city, harbour and to the west.

Lots of fabulous and practical amenities and services, never before offered to this extent.

All owned by the residents for their exclusive use and that of their guests.

Professional and expert management to protect your privacy, lifestyle and asset.

Adjacent to Sale Street restaurants, Victoria Park market, and the new City Works Depot.

Minutes to the city centre, Ponsonby, the waterfront, the best supermarket in Auckland, Victoria and Western Parks and all motorways.

Introductory prices from $439,000 to around $1.5 million on a freehold unit title.

Very reasonable body corporate fees.

Extensive showroom on site Come on your own, come with a partner or put together a group of your “like minded” friends who may be interested and book for an on-site Club Life Victoria “show and tell.”

Talk with Virgil on 021 883 193 or email virgil@freshrealty.co.nz or go to freshrealty.co.nz, click on Club Life and enter your details.

FR_VE_CL_25_11

Fresh Realty Ltd (Licensed REAA 2008)

BRAND NEW LIVING OPPORTUNITIES

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LUXURY 3 oR 6 baY of isLands

purerua peninsula

soUth pacific ocean

hole in the rock

cape wiwiki

baY of isLands deep water cove URUpUKapUKa isLand

black Rocks

cape brett peninsula

moturua island

RobeRton isLand oke bay

RU

waitangi treaty house

ss L

opUa

eL

paihia

whangamumu harbour (former whaling station)

DECEMBER 2013

night cRUise

These summertime cruises are fantastic.

On your dream-come-true cruise around the Bay of Islands you’ll discover uninhabited sanctuary islands, watch dolphins at play, visit fascinating historic places and enjoy the finest cuisine served with endless sea views.

Life on board “Island Passage” delivers equal quantities of luxury, fun and soft adventure. You’ll get the rest and relaxation you’ve been waiting for, accompanied by your choice of mild or wild outdoor experiences – fishing, kayaking, hiking and swimming. Our helpful, charming 10 crew will ensure that every moment is pure pleasure.

The 144 islands that make up the Bay of Islands are a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You’ll discover perfect beaches, untouched native forests, fabulous day walks and interesting historic sites. Nearly a century ago this area was named ‘the angler’s Eldorado’ by Zane Grey, and in terms of New Zealand’s history it’s the birthplace of our nation.

contact YoUR tRaveL agent oR

www.isLandescapecRUises.com 0800 58 1717 info@isLandescape.co.nz

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The best of Parnell Art/Design/Fashion & Health

INTERNATIONAL ART CENTRE

BARAN DE BORDEAUX

VIVA MINI SPA ELIZAPESI

“Empty Your Wardrobes!”

Accepting Summer Designer Stock NOW

NU TO U MARK MAPLE

CAVIT & CO

JAY ACUPUNCTURE

All you need in PARNELL

STOCKISTS INFO: Baran de Bordeaux: 367 Parnell Road (09) 307 1201 www.frenchantiques.co.nz. Cavit & Co: 547a Parnell Road (09) 358 3771 www.cavitco.com. Elizapesi: 3/237 Parnell Road (09) 357 0767.

International Art Centre: 272 Parnell Road (09) 366 6045 www.internationalartcentre.co.nz (pictured: Brian Dahlberg ‘The Beer Fridge’ Mangawhai Heads -– detail). Jay Acupuncture: 252 Parnell Road (09) 309 8002 www.jayacupuncture.com. Mark Maple: 128 Parnell Road (09) 379 7737 www.markmaple.co.nz. Nu To U: 385 Parnell Road (09) 377 9235. Viva Mini Spa: 22 Gibraltar Crescent, Parnell 0800 337 873 | www.vivaspa.co.nz.

DECEMBER 2013

Memorable gifts... ...for the special people in your life.

In store now is an exquisite selection of gifts including new season Frette fine Italian bed linen, picture frames, crystal, scented candles, perfumes, porcelain and country glassware.

Everything available exclusively to Cavit&Co. We also provide a gift wrapping service.

Cavit&Co provide the finest furniture and accessory collections from around the world including Ralph Lauren Home, Baker, McGuire, Bolier, Lalique, Baxter, Frette, William Yeoward and Verellen.

Auckland 547a Parnell Road, Parnell 1052 | Tel +64 9 358 3771 | Email info@cavitco.com Arrowtown 18 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302 | Tel +64 3 442 0128 www.cavitco.com

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GIFTED IDEAS Celebrating Christmas

TRUMPS

You will find an extensive range of exquisite homeware and gifts for those who appreciate quality and beauty. Whether you’re looking for that special something or just the right finishing touch for your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, Trumps store has an amazing variety to choose from.

320 Remuera Rd, Remuera (09) 520 1215 trumps@ihug.co.nz

Gift ideas at Trumps — 1.

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New Zealand made quality souvenirs: merino, possum, alpaca Collectable electric Christmas toys Wide range Christmas decorations and crackers French wine decanters and glasses Unique designer tableware High quality European cookware “Cabbage” dinnerware in green and white from Portugal Iittala glassware from Finland French perfume room mist and pillow spray Baksana house slippers in four colours Beach towels made in Portugal and England 2

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Happy Holidays!

Fashion Life

Tradition is so often thrown out the window, but not at Christmas time. Christmas and the traditions that go with this special day will never go out of fashion. Some of the traditions we love are Christmas trees – that fragrance of pine and the gorgeous decorations we hang from the boughs; Christmas turkey, roasted to perfection perfection, served with a piquant turkey stuffing; smooching below the mistletoe!

1. Boat tea light holder — $35 2. Bone china teacup sets — $45 3. 60x60 cm tablecloth — $16 4. 160x230 cm tablecloth — $89 5. French iron craft — $80

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Probably the tradition that stands out most, especially for children and young people, is the practice of swapping beautifully wrapped gifts and cards. So in the weeks prior to 25 December, we are driven to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones… which can at times be a bit of a conundrum.

To assist with this enjoyable, frustrating, rewarding task, Verve brings you their gift ideas supplement.

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Go – shop till you drop.

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Contents For Her 20 For Him 24 For the kids 27 For the home & bach 29 Directory 37

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Remuera Mall, 319 Remuera Road (09) 529 7588 dahai992003@hotmail.com 19

Decléor — 2013 Christmas Collection Add a little sparkle this Christmas with Decléor’s ‘Sparkling Nature’ aromagift coffrets. Enriched with 100% pure, natural and preservative-free essential oils, the range includes a men’s skincare set and a body collection to ensure the perfect present for everyone on your list (yourself included!). Email your full name and delivery address to info@decleor.co.nz to join our mailing list, and the first 30 subscribers will receive free travel-size samples. www.decleor.co.nz 0800 105 107

Molly N A range of Christmas gift ideas available in store now.

567 Manukau Road, Epsom (09) 638 4668 39 Heuheu St, Taupo (07) 378 8118 www.mollyn.co.nz 20

Linden Leaves With organic ingredients and unique, beautiful, stylishly turned out products there’s something to impress even the hardest to buy for at Linden Leaves.

Pamper yourself from their beautiful range or even pop down the road for a cheeky white wine while they wrap!

317 Parnell Rd (09) 309 0015 www.lindenleaves.com www.facebook.com/lindenleaves

Regalia Regalia, located in the heart of the Ellerslie shopping strip.

Stockists of Sabatini, Joseph Ribkoff, Moss & Spy (pictured), George, Cartise, Muse, Maggy London and Didier Parakia.

Jewellery, scarfs, handbags and shoes – all available at Regalia.

111 Main Highway, Ellerslie (09) 525 6551 21

Gifted Ideas!

— stockists details on page 37

— Bora Bora Day Spa

— Basler

Pictured: Bora Bora Day Spa special Christmas package provides two hours of pampering, at ONLY 140$ * — 20-minute individual sauna — Body scrub by THALGO (micronised marine algae) — One-hour massage (Californian, hot stone or Tahitian) For bookings visit: www.boraboradayspa.co.nz (09) 379 3433 Gift vouchers also available

Pictured: At 50% off, these BAGITALI genuine Italian handbags are ideal as superb Christmas presents.

Pictured is a classic freestanding style in Ostrich print leather. Also smaller bags in a variety of styles and colours. Available at Basler, Remuera

*valid until 25/12/2013 www.tinine.com.au

— GOSS

— Deck Design

Pictured: Give a gift of GOSS Lingerie this Christmas. This exquisite Limited Edition Camisole and Brief Set made in gorgeous embroidered mesh makes the perfect gift this Christmas. Available in Small, Medium and Large $250.00. View the GOSS Lingerie collection online at www.gosslingerie.com or visit the showroom at 6 Emilia Nixon Lane, Stonefields. Viewing hours: 10am to 4pm. Monday to Saturday until 24th December 2013. If you wish to visit outside these times please call to arrange.

Pictured: Deck Design’s new indoor range is handmade in Hawke’s Bay, using only premium-quality NZ sheepskins. Available in three colours and two sizes, these luxurious beanbags offer comfort and durability as well as undeniable modernity.

Prices start at $1200.

— Mission Bay Gift Vouchers

Pictured: We have the answer to that eternal question… what do you give the person who has everything? Mission Bay, The Promenade Gift Vouchers of course! Gift vouchers are redeemable at our cafés, restaurants and bars as well as the businesses listed on the gift voucher page at www.missionbay.co.nz. Purchase vouchers online or at Amcal Mission Bay Pharmacy – 3 Patteson Ave, Mission Bay. 22

— Bare Waxing & Skin Centre

Pictured: Purchase a beautiful gift voucher to the value of $50 or more and receive a FREE OPI polish valued at $24.90.

Bare Waxing & Skin Centre – for all your beauty and grooming requirements this summer.

Pictured: Champagne Pink Serenity Ring from Lisa Hoskin. $250

Pictured: Feminine and elegant, Calvin Klein Impulsive is imbued with a delicate sensuality. The appeal of this Swiss-made timepiece lies in its refined construction and flowing lines. The mirror dial is integrated within the fine Milanese mesh bracelet. Available at Zlato

Pictured: The stunning Lake Series is inspired by fresh summer colours featuring mother-of-pearl, opal, and lapis lazuli, complemented by a strand of fresh water pearls.

This collection is individually designed and created locally by Neil Hanna.

Pictured: Birkenstock Summer — lots of styles and colours, regular and narrow fittings. Gift vouchers available! Available at Birkenstock 23

FOR

Him

GUSTO & GRACE Have you discovered Gusto & Grace? The best ‘little’ store in Two Double Seven, Newmarket.

Cufflinks, clocks, and the distinguished Royal London watches (pictured) and of course great brands like Boh Runga, Najo & Georgini jewellery.

Gusto & Grace Westfield ‘Two Double Seven’ — 277 Broadway, Newmarket (09) 524-5766

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www.gustoandgrace.co.nz | 277@gustoandgrace.co.nz

Personal Best Gifts Now in our 21st year of trading, and in our new Osborne Street Newmarket location, Personal Best Gifts continues to offer our unique range of gift ideas. While we specialise in mens gifts, we have a wide variety of women’s, men’s, and children’s gifts for all ages.

19b Osborne Street, Newmarket (09) 529 1516 www.personalbest.co.nz

Auckland Seafood School The newly released ‘Complete New Zealand Seafood Cookbook’ is available for purchase from the Auckland Seafood School and leading retailers. 250+ recipes, tips and techniques to identify, select and cook seafood. (Photography by Sean Shadbolt).

RRP $60.

Cooking School gift vouchers are also available.

Purchase online at: www.aucklandseafoodschool.co.nz

Level 1/22-32 Jellicoe St, Freemans Bay (09) 379 1497 aucklandseafoodschool.co.nz 25

Gifted Ideas!

— Poco Cufflinks

— Beats Studio Headphones

Pictured: Poco Cufflinks, made in New Zealand in sterling silver, from vintage typewriters, can be made to order by Christmas. These special gifts are ideal for the man who is celebrating, has everything or about to walk up the aisle. Order any combination of letters, numbers or uppercase !@#?: etc. and choose with black or white background. Available from Sanders of Remuera – Jewellers

Pictured: Beats Studio Headphones, the world’s most famous headphone has been completely redesigned and reimagined.

The New Beats Studio is lighter, sexier, stronger, and more comfortable than ever before, with reengineered sound and smooth design. Available from: JB HiFi, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, The Mix Foundation and Real Groovy.

— SeventySix Design

Pictured: Seventysixdesign has a great range of superbly crafted gents rings in sterling silver and gold.

Robots, skulls, signet rings, all made onsite in the workshop.

Great gift ideas, starting at $350.

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— stockists details on page 37

— Deck Design

Pictured: Deck’s weatherproof sailcloth range of furnishings are all handcrafted by New Zealand sailmakers, and can be made to order with bespoke detailing. Prices from $245. Deck Design Store’s range now also includes an indoor range of luxurious sheepskin beanbags. www.deckdesignstore.com

FOR THE

NATURE BABY Made with love for your baby, the Nature Baby range always respects the best ethical and environmental practices. The collection includes certified organic cotton baby and kids wear and a unique collection of toys to inspire little imaginations.

118 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket 0800 222 920 www.naturebaby.co.nz

Pictured: Maurice wears an organic cotton Grandpa Tee $29.95 27

Pictured: The Steven Alan Reverse Seam Shirt is our signature style; now for the young ones as well just like their stylish mothers and fathers! Available for 18 months to 6 years.

Pictured: Candy Store charm bracelet, Bon Bon studs and Candy Cane charm. Made of 18-carat gold, pink sapphire and diamond trinkets. All from The Candy Store Collection by Little Darling Co.

Pictured: Baby fashion ideas for Christmas Day! Dimples has Christmas Day fashion for your young ones sorted. Come in to one of our stores or look online to see all the fabulous Dimples gifts.

Pictured: ‘Wonderland Babydoll Dress’ from KAF Kids. KAF Kids is a New Zealand business specializing in designer clothes for girls aged 1-14. With an emphasis on quality design, owner Kristen Fordham and her team design and manufacturer everything in the workroom behind her Herne Bay store.

28 — stockists details on page 37

FOR THE

Home

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3

4

5

6

7

8 Gifted ideas at Allium —

1. Rice Melamine Japanese Bird Bowl $26.90 2. Orla Kiely Beach Towel $99 3. Palm Beach Collection Candle $49.50 4. Orla Kiely Melamine Containers, set of 3 $89 5. Rice Melamine Bird Plate $26.90 6. Fringe Studio J’Adore Vase $52.90 7. Karlsson Wood & Steel Clock $115 8. Rice melamine cups from $9.90 11 Teed Street, Newmarket (09) 524 4242 www.alliuminteriors.co.nz 29

Verve’s Wish List!

1

2

3

Christiana scented candles in beautiful cut glass container. Scents include Gardenia, vanilla nutmeg, lemongrass, aspen flower, green tea, cucumber & Melon.

4

5

6

French hand-painted ply wood lamps from A+E Gallery.

Various colours options available.

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7

8

Auckland Art Scape 100% cotton 10 tea towel

by Tufutree

Pictured: 1. Citta Design Anchor beach towel from Corso de’ Fiori – $59.90. 2. Hand thrown ‘Milk Jugs’ by Hawkes Bay potter Kim Morgan from A+E Gallery – from $50. 3. Christiana scented candles in beautiful cut glass container from Harrowset Hall – $29.50. 4. Baby safe wooden rattles, finished with rice bran oil. Handcrafted in Hawkes Bay from A+E Gallery – approx. 12 x 4 cm $40.00 each. 5. Beautiful silver jewellery box – a gift to treasure from Harowset Hall – $149. 6. French hand-painted ply wood lamps – bedside light 29cm high x 20cm wide $275.00, table top light 25.5cm high x 30cm wide $315.00 from A+E Gallery. 7. Lothantique J’entends la Mar Fragrance Diffuser from Corso de’ Fiori – $74.90. 8. Cote ‘Noire Travel laundry set. A useful gift for the holiday season which includes 4 liquid laundry liquids laundry powder and wooden pegs from Harrowset Hall – $49.50. 9. Naterra Linda Hand bag from Corso de’ Fiori – $229. 10. Have fun spotting famous landmarks including Auckland Art Gallery with this bright Auckland Art Scape product range exclusive to the Gallery shop. Tea Towel $16

30 — stockists details on page 37

Pictured: The Ivy House is the New Zealand home of Armadillo&Co Australia. We have beautiful handwoven rugs and entrance mats for all the feet that will come and go this Christmas. Please visit us at 238 Jervois Rd Herne Bay or www.theivyhouse.co.nz

Pictured: Glass storage boxes from the Danish brand House Doctor priced from $38.00.

Available from The General Trading Co — stocking everything you might need to make your home beautiful.

Pictured: Malle W Trousseau – The Cooking Tray A collection of the best cooking utensils in the world. Every single product was selected on the basis of its unique functionality, design and quality. The Cooking Tray includes 11 Items: Cast Iron Casserole, Frying Pan, Pallet Knife, Slope Sided Saucepan, Dish Cloths (includes 2), Glass Container, Cast Iron Pan, Trivet, Pot holders ( includes 2) Price $1,995.

Available from Corso de’ Fiori.

Pictured: Mary Kelly Kilims – providing kilim rugs and runners, saddle bags, cushions, kilim-covered stools, leather and kilim bags and overdyed and patchwork rugs! Open every Thursday between now and Christmas, 10am to 4pm.

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Gifted Ideas!

— Cosi Fan Tutte

— La Cerise Sur la Gateaux

Pictured: Cosi Fan Tutte eagerly welcomes the arrival every month of the Jeanne D’arc magazine direct from Denmark at $20.

Pictured: Delightful tea towels and cards from French brand La Cerise sur le Gâteau (The Cherry on the Cake). Created by artist Anne Hubert and printed on Portuguese linen with silk-screen techniques and waterbased ink resulting in less environmental impact.

Price — $29.90. Available from Corso de’ Fiori

Full of French-inspired nordic designs, Cosi Fan Tutte stocks Maileg, Laguiole, Durance, Savon and Jeanne d’arc home ranges.

Relocated into Devonport village 73 Victoria Road, (opposite BNZ)

— Baobab Collection —

— Deck Design

Pictured: Baobab’s latest collection inspired by mountain ranges has four styles available to collect – Everest, Mont Blanc, McKinley and Kilimanjaro. Stunning aromas and covered in a beautiful faux fur, these are a truly exquisite addition to any home. Prices from $190. Available from Corso de’ Fiori

Pictured: Oversized Sailcloth Beach Bag, which includes a large internal zip pocket. Made from boat sails and handmade in New Zealand. Don’t miss out on the reduced Christmas price of $245 – including delivery!

— Lenox – Adorn Crystal

— Styled Balloons

Pictured: Lenox has arrived in New Zealand – this famous American brand has 124 years of pedigree, supplies the White House with tableware and is a household name in crystal, dinnerware and giftware in the USA.

Pictured: Creative styling, design and production for events and weddings - because life is too short for boring.

The Mountain Range

From the White House to your House. www.lenoxnz.co.nz

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— stockists details on page 37

Plus makers of the famous jumbo balloons - the perfect Christmas gift or to decorate your home. www.stylednz.com

Momo Living Clockwise from top left: 1. Stainless steel garden tool set 2. Tealight candles 3. Bone china cup and saucer 4. Big selection of prints 5. Cushion with New Zealand artwork 6. Tea trolly with gift ideas and silver drum stool

479 Parnell Road, Parnell (09) 377 0388 www.momoliving.co.nz

Bethells Beach Cottages Shop Trude Bethell’s inspired designs using nature’s best fabrics include fine chatreuse silk scarves in two sizes – small or large, printed cotton cushions (5 designs in each), 100% merino throws and greeting quaint ‘seed’ cards.

“Walking with my camera in nature guides me to colours, patterns and creative elements that bathe the soul.”

— Trude Bethell

Online or by appointment — www.bethellsbeach.com (09) 810 9581 33

Gifted Ideas!

— Perch Home

— Vaniyé Patisserie

Pictured: The iconic “Lotus” pattern is by many considered one of the most powerful examples of timeless Scandinavian design. Now re-launched these bowls make the perfect gift for any lover of mid-century design.

Pictured: Designer ‘Bûches de Noël’ collection (French Christmas Yule logs) from Patisserie Vaniyé in Parnell (available for pre-orders only). Beautifully handcrafted cakes and patisseries perfect for parties and gatherings during this festive season.

— Epicurean Books

— Di Casa

Pictured: Whether you’re a professional chef or an enthusiastic amateur, we stock a huge range of cookbooks to inspire great Christmas presents. Epicurean Books – books for cooks

Pictured: Finally candles that you will love and so will he!

L’Ascari Man Candles come in sufficiently masculine scents - ‘Old Oak Tree’, ‘Sawdust’ and ‘Espresso’. Exclusively in Auckland from Di Casa – European-styled furniture and home accessories.

“Never eat more than you can lift this Christmas” – Miss Piggy

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— stockists details on page 37

— House of Knives

— Republic Home

Pictured: Just landed!

Wide based crystalline decanters that ensure the perfect aeration of your wine. We also have pulled stem glasses – elegant, seamless, extremely durable and with the appearance of a mouth blown glass – and very reasonably priced.

Made in EU.

Pictured: The Mateus range mixes contemporary Swedish design with the earthy craftsmanship of experienced artisans who make and paint these pieces by hand in Portugal. Each individual piece is truly unique and has patterns, shapes and colours influenced by the world of fashion. Available at Republic Home.

Pictured: Choosing a gift for a food lover? Choose a Farro Fresh gift card! Struggling with gift ideas for the food lover in your life? Why not pick up a Farro Fresh gift card and load it with a chosen amount so that friends and family choose their favourite Farro treats.

Buy instore or online at farrofresh.co.nz

Pictured: Cosi Fan Tutte eagerly welcomes the arrival every month of the Jeanne D’arc magazine direct from Denmark $20. Full of French Inspired Nordic Designs. Cosi Fan Tutte stocks Maileg.Laguiole.Durance.Savon.

Jeanne d’ arc home range. Relocated into Devonport village 73 Victoria Road, opposite BNZ.

Pictured: Gorgeous has the perfect Christmas gift for mum, dad, grandmother, grandfather, and even the in-laws.

We have divine Ralph Lauren thick and thirsty towels; the full range of Savon de Marseille (at the best prices in the Eastern suburbs); and bling-bling photo frames straight from Rodeo Drive LA. Call in for that special Christmas gift for those significant people in your life.

Pictured clockwise from top left: Michael Smither; Two Blue and White Cups 18/85, Susan Haywood-Smith; A Song Bird Soars 14/100, Russell Jackson; Cow 1224 Mt Eden 5/25, Michael Smither; White Hatch Cover, Screenprint 21/34. All available from Mt Eden Framers

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Indie Home Collective Located at 51 Nuffield Street, Newmarket, Indie Home Collective offers a carefully curated collection of pieces for the home, including unique items sourced locally and from around the world.

Filled with furniture, homewares, jewellery, candles, lighting, fresh market flowers and more, Indie Home Collective captures a modern and industrial style with an organic, eclectic twist. A place to visit, shop and feel truly inspired.

Shop Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 5.00pm Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm Monday – closed 51 Nuffield Street, Newmarket (09) 524 6971 info@indiehomecollective.com facebook/indie home collective

Windflower Beautiful and unique Christmas gift ideas, wrapped and ready to go. Homewares, cushions, body products, chocolates, handbags, candles, stationary and fresh flowers!

Shop Hours Weekdays 8:30am – 5:30pm Weekends 10:00am – 4:00pm

3/99 Parnell Road, Parnell (09) 377 8186 facebook.com/WindflowerParnell 36

Directory

A — A La Robe 415 Parnell Road, Parnell (09) 369 5387 www.alarobe.com — Allium 11 Teed Street, Newmarket (09) 524 4242 www.alliuminteriors.co.nz — Amcal Mission Bay Pharmacy 3 Patteson Ave, Mission Bay 09 521 0880 www.missionbay.co.nz — Auckland Art Gallery Corner Kitchener and Wellesley Streets, Auckland CBD (09) 379 1349 www.aucklandartgallery.com — Auckland Seafood School Level 1/22-32 Jellicoe St, Freemans Bay (09) 379 1497 aucklandseafoodschool.co.nz — B — Bare Waxing & Skin Centre 127 Apirana Ave, Glen Innes (downstairs from Contours Gym) (09) 528 0800 www.barewaxing.co.nz — Basler Remuera Mall 319 Remuera Rd (09) 524 9722 www.tinine.com.au — Beats Available from: JB HiFi, Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, The Mix Foundation and Real Groovy au.beatsbydre.com — Bethells Beach Cottages Shop Online or by appointment— (09) 810 9581 www.bethellsbeach.com — Birkenstock 8 Station Square, 240A Broadway (09) 520 0985 www.birkenstock.co.nz — Bora Bora Day Spa 2a Cowie Street Parnell (09) 379 3433 www.boraboradayspa.co.nz — C — Cosi Fan Tutte 73 Victoria Road, Devenport (09) 446 0750 www.cosifantutte.co.nz — Corso de’ Fiori The Foundation, 8 George St, Newmarket, 09 307 9166 corso.co.nz — D — Decléor www.decleor.co.nz 0800 105 107 — Di Casa The Arcade, Shop 5, 182 Jervois Road, Herne Bay (09) 378 8245 www.dicasa.co.nz

— Dimples 23 Crowhurst St, Newmarket | (09) 523 4161 29 Surrey Cres, Grey Lynn | (09) 360 2000 www.dimples.co.nz — E — Epicurean Books 57 Nuffield St , Newmarket (09) 520 2512 www.epicureanbooks.co.nz — F — Fashion Life Remuera Mall, 319 Remuera Road (09) 529 7588 dahai992003@hotmail.com — Farro Fresh Food www.farrofresh.co.nz — G — Gorgeous 76 Coates Ave, Orakei (09) 523 5962 — GOSS Lingerie 027 443 7937 www.gosslingerie.com — Gusto & Grace Westfield “Two Double Seven” 277 Broadway, Newmarket (09) 524-5766 www.gustoandgrace.co.nz — H — House of Knives 24 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden 09 302 2980 auckland@houseofknives.co.nz — I — Indie Home Collective 51 Nuffield Street, Newmarket (09) 524 6971 info@indiehomecollective.com facebook/indie home collective — J — Jetset Bohemian 35c Surrey Cres, Grey Lyn (09) 360 4581 jetsetbohemian@xtra.co.nz — K — L — LENOX – Raines Homewares 6 Silverfield, Glenfield (09) 443 3553 www.raineshomewares.co.nz — Linden Leaves 317 Parnell Rd (09) 309 0015 www.lindenleaves.com — Lisa Hoskin Jewellery 5 Emily Place, Auckland City (09) 307 1506 www.lisahoskin.co.nz

— Little Darling Co. (09) 418 4167 www.littledarling.co | info@littledarling.co — Liz Mitchell 196 Great North Road, Grey Lynn (09) 360 5047 www.lizmitchell.co.nz — M — Meadowlark www.meadowlark.co.nz — Mary Kelly Kilims 53 Wood Street, Freemans Bay (09) 361 6130 or 021 211 8904 www.marykellykilims.co.nz — Miss Crabb 41 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby (09) 361 3322 www.misscrabb.com — Molly N 567 Manukau Road, Epsom (09) 638 4668 39 Heuheu St, Taupo | (07) 378 8118 www.mollyn.co.nz — Momo Living 479 Parnell Road, Parnell (09) 377 0388 www.momoliving.co.nz — Mt Eden Framers Gallery 453e Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden (09) 638 6895 www.mtedenart.co.nz — N — Nature Baby 118 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket 0800 222 920 www.naturebaby.co.nz — Neil Hanna 021 611 220 www.neilhanna.com — New Face 5 Morgan Street, Newmarket (Off Carlton Gore Rd) 0800 NEW FACE (0800 639 3223) www.newface.co.nz — O — P — Pascoes www.pascoes.co.nz — Perch Home (09) 908 3004 help@perchhome.co.nz www.perchhomewares.co.nz — Personal Best 19b Osborne Street, Newmarket (09) 529 1516 www.personalbest.co.nz — Q — R — Republic Home 3 Pompallier Terrace, Ponsonby (09) 361 1137 www.republichome.com

— Regalia 111 Main Highway, Ellerslie (09) 525 6551 — S — Sanders of Remuera – Jewellers 385 Remuera Road, Remuera (09) 520 3630 mark@sandersjewellers.co.nz — SeventySix Design 14 Jervois Road, Ponsonby (09) 376 0676 www.seventysixdesign.co.nz — Steve Alan www.stevealan.co.nz — Styled NZ Hannah: 021 126 7446 or Bridgette: 021 688 716 styled.nz@gmail.com www.stylednz.com — Sunglass Hut www.sunglasshut.co.nz — T — Tigerlily 22 Osborne Street, Newmarket (09) 529 0172 www.tigerlilyswimwear.com.au — The General Trading Co. 199a Main Highway Ellerslie (09) 376 0582 generaltrading.co.nz — The Ivy House 238 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay (09) 360 8986 www.theivyhouse.co.nz — Trumps 320 Remuera Rd, Remuera (09) 520 1215 trumps@ihug.co.nz — U — V — Vaniye Patisserie 1/7 Windsor St, Parnell 09 307 0839 www.vaniye.com — W — Windflower 3/99 Parnell Road, Parnell (09) 377 8186 facebook.com/WindflowerParnell — X — Y — Z — Zlato 125 Parnell Road, Parnell (09) 307 0339 www.zlato.co.nz

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On the Net

Stuck at work all the way through till 24th December with no hope of a few spare hours to browse the shops and relish in some good old traditional christmas shopping? No problem. Help is at hand. The team at Verve brainstormed a few of their favourite online shopping sites for a stylish, sophisticated, quick and easy Christmas shopping solution.

MONOCLE www.monocle.com/shop/

REMODELISTA www.remodelista.com/shop

Monocle.com/shop is the online retail extension of this favourite travel and lifestyle magazine. This online space showcases an evolving collection of brand-approved fashion and lifestyle products, including Monocle x Comme des Garçons candles from Paris, passport holders from Belgian luxury brand Delvaux, Choux à la Crème notebooks from Lebanon, and swim trunks from Italian designer Alberto Aspesi. The signature black and white header brings together a host of Monocle-branded products like the Expo travel poster series, compilation CDs from the Monocle Live concert series, and editor-vetted items like Japanese cookbooks that have appeared in the magazine.

Monocle ships worldwide.

Remodelista, sourcebook for considered living, started in the Mill Valley, CA, living room of Julie Carlson. An erstwhile New Yorker magazine copy editor with a great eye for design, Carlson pretty much lived on her Macbook when she moved to Northern California. She spent her days scouring every fibre of the Internet for cool stuff, while dealing with a remodel in 2007. The confluence of those things – surfing and remodelling – gave her the idea for the blog, which was born in the summer of that year, with help from three friends. Remodelista captivated people obsessed with stylish home objets; architects and designers started following it, too. Now, only six years later, Remodelista is followed (religiously in Verve’s case) by global millions. Happily for those obsessed with their daily style fix, Remodelista is now home to an online shop where with a tap of a screen and a flash of that debit card, one can purchase the beauties seen in those gorgeous visuals.

LETLIV www.letliv.co.nz

ETSY www.etsy.com

Let Liv means easy life in Danish & that’s how it should be!

Founded in 2012, Let Liv is a homeware and accessories store with an emphasis on clean, Scandinavian-style design as well as innovative but simple products from around the world. There are a range of gifts for around the home, for the baby and little accessories including jewellery, that all have a unique feel to them. These gifts are perfect for anyone who appreciates the innovation, simplicity and distinctive look of different products.

Etsy is an online marketplace where people all around the world buy and sell unique goods. There are countless vintage and homemade products on here, perfect for the artsy and creative type. Etsy has a wide range of products from clothes for women, men and kids to home products and artwork. Browsing through this vast marketplace may take hours, but you’ll be sure to find the perfect present for a loved one!

DECEMBER 2013

gifts

for him

her

and you

@277newmarket fashion, food, gifts galore, and everything you need for the festive season.

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www.coolcowrugs.co.nz ph: 02 1 02 9 2 0 48 8

ONLINE STORE, POP UPS AND IN HOME CONSULTATIONS

In home consultations — we will bring hides/rugs to your home to view Natural, dyed, printed and metalic hides Cow hide patchwork rugs and cushion covers Prices from $550

77 BROADWAY NEWMARKET

Chr you

77 Broad

Classic Christmas Gifts

Verve takes a look at the stories behind some of the most iconic festive gifts.

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

CHANEL NO. 5

MISTLETOE

LOUIS VUITTON LUGGAGE

The first perfume from the iconic Parisian fashion house, Chanel No. 5 was released in 1921 and has been a mainstay of the fragrance world ever since. Endorsed by a raft of celebrity names, sometimes officially, sometimes not, such as Marilyn Monroe and Vogue, it’s as famous for its artistic ads as it is for its scent. Though Brad Pitt’s commercial last year was just plain weird.

What better present than a Christmas kiss? There are varying legends as to the origins of that sacred smooch but it is widely accepted to have originated in Europe (though most species of the plant are found in the tropics). One such myth involves the Scandinavian goddess Frigga, who blessed everything on Earth so that nothing would harm her son, Baldar. But she forgot about mistletoe.

Enraged with jealously, Loki, the god of mischief, used a poisonous mistletoe dart to kill Baldar. Frigga decreed that from then on, mistletoe shall be considered a sign of peace, and that all who passed by it would be gifted a kiss.

Founded in France in 1854, the legendary label still makes all luggage by hand. The first travelling trunk was released four years after the label’s establishment, and in 1913 Vuitton opened the largest travelgoods store on Earth, on the ChampsÉlysées. The company’s influence soon spread throughout the western world, and the iconic Speedy and Neverfull bags are now among the planet’s most popular.

From 2006–2012 Louis Vuitton was the globe’s most valuable luxury brand.

BARBIE Still looking fabulous at 54, Barbie has not been without controversy during her years at the top, most noticeably accusations that she creates an unrealistic body image (her waistline was widened some years ago). Over a billion dolls sold and counting, makers Mattel claim an astonishing three dolls are purchased every second. Collecting them is big business too – a sixties model fetched $21,000 at London’s Christie’s in 2006.

THE CHRISTMAS SWEATER Once the object of scorn, the epitome of all things tacky, the humble Christmas sweater has made somewhat of a resurgence in recent years with the likes of Burberry and Jil Sander getting in on the act. Sweater-themed parties are all the rage, and there are even a host of dedicated online stores such as Butt Ugly Sweaters, Tipsy Elves and My Ugly Christmas Sweater. Granny can embarrass you no more.

SEIKO WATCHES The first wristwatch to be released under the iconic Seiko label arrived in 1924, but the company had been established far earlier. In 1881, K. Hattori opened a watch and jewellery store in Tokyo, later trading under the name Seikosha, or House of Exquisite Workmanship. The Astron came out in the 1969, the world’s first ever production quartz watch and hot its heels was the premier quartz chronograph.

The 5 series and King Seiko are highly collectable models, while the Credor Juri boasts a price-tag of over $680,000.

DECEMBER 2013

43

you are the power.

PREMIER. Thanks to a rotor that spins at up to 100,000 rpm, Seiko Kinetic converts your every movement into power, so no battery change is ever required. The Direct Drive system allows you to see the energy you put into the watch as you wind it. 30 day power reserve. With Kinetic Direct Drive, you are the power. seiko.co.nz

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A Little More Beauty Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

DECEMBER 2013

45

FASHION – GEN C

“My instincts have always indicated that I would somehow be involved in the creative industry,” says Georgia Pratt. “I harboured many dreams as a child. For the longest time I thought I’d be a make-up artist or illustrator, but as I entered my teens I began to take a real interest in fashion. Though, I’ve never lost sight of those earlier yearnings.”

The Aucklander’s artistic leanings took her to AUT. She graduated from there in 2011 to embark upon a career in fashion design. However, while studying, Georgia had modelled part-time, an endeavour that last year led to her being signed by Ford model agency in New York. Now with Muse, she is one of the industry’s leading plus-size models. She tells me that living in the Big Apple has strengthened both her ideals and approach to design. I ask Georgia if her experience on the other side of the camera has resulted in a deeper understanding of her craft.

“On some level they definitely impact each other, but only slightly. I love that I get to experience both sides, having gone from the rawness of the initial stages of design and production, to being the person wearing the samples. I am always watching from afar, learning as much as I can and I’m definitely beginning to understand a lot more about how the commercial world works.”

Were you apprehensive about modelling?

“There’s always been a part of me that feels great apprehension before starting something new. When I began modelling as a student it wasn’t something I thought too seriously about. But making the move to a new country definitely bought some anxiety and pressure. Sometimes your gut will override that though, and you know the risk is worth taking.”

She says many girls begin work straightsized then being at a different time or place with their bodies, progress to working as plus-sized models. “There are a lot of girls who have made transitions between sizes,” Georgia continues. “I’m lucky because I get to work with all sorts of women. Everyone has been a pleasure to work with, we have fun. Mostly, they are all supportive.”

Georgia feels her Kiwi upbringing had well prepared her for her American move.

“There is a particular calmness that we are known for in a professional context. Being a New Zealander in a city and industry like this makes me feel fortunate that I had an open-minded upbringing, immersed in multiculturalism.” Georgia plans to move back home one day, but for now, at this stage in her life and career, New York is the perfect spot. When not working, we’d likely find her cooking or exploring her adopted city. “I was recently introduced to some amazing flea markets on 25th Street in an old car-park,” she says. “It is an incredible treasure trove of all kinds of wonderful pieces of history. My friends and I love going for brunch. Five Leaves in Greenpoint do the best ricotta hotcakes and artichoke mushroom toast. And of course, the MET is a firm favourite.”

Georgia’s proudest achievement remains her collection that was put into production before she moved Stateside. Long-term, she wishes to design full-time and “still be able to have a voice and influence in the world of modelling”. I finish by asking Georgia who, in history, she would choose to design, model for and photograph.

“I’d like to have designed Tala Birell’s or Mary Wigman’s wardrobe and modelled for Jil Sander or Calvin Klein in the 90s,” she says. “As for who I’d photograph, that would have to be my mother in her youth.”

Photos by Lily Cumings (opposite page) and Russ Flatt.

“...while studying, Georgia had modelled part-time, an endeavour that last year led to her being signed by Ford model agency in New York.

Now with Muse, she is one of the industry’s leading plussize models. She tells me that living in the Big Apple has strengthened both her ideals and approach to design”

www.thecarpentersdaughter.co.nz

592 Mt Albert Road, Auckland // Ph:09 624 1715 1 Main Road, Tirau // Ph:07 883 1472

euphoria mela purdie e-design chocolat jacki peters sakaguchi obi lucabella not your duaghters jeans +more

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CURVY CONFIDENCE IN SIZES 14 - 26

zebrano Select exquisite NZ & Australian designer labels, sizes 14+ .... & express your style.

DECEMBER 2013

A Summer Daze PHOTOGRAPHY — NEIL GUSSEY HAIR & MAKEUP — IMELETA KELLETT STYLING — VERVE MODEL — ASHLEIGH JANSEN Stockists details — page 37

This page — Sophia dress in red, A La Robe

47

Below: Fleetwood Mac Dree in creme chiffon Miss Crabb, The Goa Tara/ Miranda bikini Tigerlily, Stacker ring Meadowlark, Faceted Pendant necklace Meadowlark, Faceted charm necklace Meadowlark

Above left and right: Spring Leap Dress in creme Miss Crabb, Silver arm cuff Jetset Bohemian, Stacker ring Meadowlark, Faceted Pendant necklace Meadowlark, Faceted charm necklace Meadowlark, Slip stylists own

This page: Sophia Dress in red A La Robe, Mesh detail top Jetset Bohemian, Silver arm cuff Jetset Bohemian, Silver beaded necklace Jetset Bohemian

This page: Daisy silk organza top Liz Mitchell, Garbo pant in white Liz Mitchell, Prada sunglasses Sunglass Hut, Stacker ring Meadowlark, Sterling Silver and Freshwater Pearl Double Strand necklace worn as bracelet Pascoes, Sterling Silver and Freshwater Pearl 10mm Earrings Pascoes, Sterling Silver, Freshwater Pearl and CZ Ring Pascoes Opposite page: Sunrise Dress in red Miss Crabb, DKNY sunglasses Sunglass Hut, Silver arm cuff Jetset Bohemian, Faceted Pendant necklace Meadowlark, Faceted charm necklace Meadowlark

This page: Silk Chiffon halter top Liz Mitchell, Pavlova skirt A La Robe, Allegory dress in creme raffia Miss Crabb, 9ct Gold 8x65mm Solid Bangle Pascoes, 9ct Gold 6x65mm Solid Bangle Pascoes, 9ct Gold Filigree Ring Pascoes, 9ct Gold 45cm Solid Belcher Necklace With Bolt Ring Pascoes

Tamsin Cooper Anniversary vintage shoulder bag

114 Main Highway Ellerslie 09 579 3535 Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm | Sat 10am-4pm

Stunning Dresses for Christmas celebrations and family BBQ’s

Designer Clothing & Accessories Tamsin Cooper Cosmos Jewellery Bag

Tamsin Cooper Anniversary Overnight Bag

Tamsin Cooper Evening Clutch Purse

Tamsin Cooper Corsage Rose Silk Brooch

Eastridge Shopping Mission Bay Eastridge Shopping CentreCentre, Mission Bay, Auckland Ph 09 528 4599 Ph 09 528 4599

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 6.30pm, Sunday 9am - 4.30pm Hours: Monday–Saturday 9am-6:30pm, Sunday 9am-4:30pm

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Anthony Kedis

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Stevie Nicks

by Soles $169.90

111 Main Highway, Ellerslie (09) 525 6551 Hours Mon, Wed, Fri —10am-5:30pm Thurs —10am-6pm Saturday —10am -5pm

Helati

by Zola $189.90

Toucan Sam

by Soles $109.90

www.mischiefshoes.co.nz

226 Broadway, Newmarket (09) 522 6772 // 24 Milford Road, Milford (09) 489 2186

DECEMBER 2013

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The World of Greg Lauren –Design Words: Shirani Alfreds

Imagine being an exceptionally goodlooking, deeply creative man with ivyleague credentials and success in acting, art and fashion. Oh yes, and you live in LA married to actress Elizabeth Berkley with a one-year-old son named Sky Cole.

Welcome to the world of Greg Lauren.

That’s right, Greg, not Ralph, though the two are in fact related. Greg is the nephew of Ralph, but has an impressive biography of his own in an astonishing array of creative fields. With an art history degree from Princeton University, his debut in acting was made on Melrose Place leading to roles in Batman Forever, A Time to Kill, The Practice, The Young and the Restless and The Wedding Planner. A successful painter, his nude works sell for as much as (US)$15000 to the likes of Renee Zellweger, Demi Moore, Ben Stiller and Cuba Gooding Jr. With a fascination for the heroic, he has also created cover art for iconic DC Comics series’ such as Batman.

His move into fashion may not be surprising given his lineage, but far from stepping into the tailored, ‘classic American’ steps of his uncle, Greg’s

designs are decidedly deconstructionist, a natural evolution of his interests and abilities. “My journey has always been about identity,” he says, admitting to “worshipping heroes”. In a 2004 oil and paper exhibition ‘Hero’, he featured black and white figures of Batman and Wonderwoman. In 2009, the installation ‘Alteration’ featured sculptures of uniforms, suits, shirts, boots and accessories of Japanese paper that he hand sewed and manipulated creating impressions of wool, cotton and gabardine with frayed edges, creases, wrinkles and folds. Wearable garments from “repurposed materials

His move into fashion may not be surprising given his lineage, but far from stepping into the tailored, ‘classic American’ steps of his uncle, Greg’s designs are decidedly deconstructionist, a natural evolution of his interests and abilities.

that challenged the classic proportions of traditional menswear” were also presented. After those successes, the first Greg Lauren Collection debuted at Barneys, New York in February 2011 combining “forgotten materials” (as he likes to describe repurposed fabrics that he uses) for a modern line of deconstructed suits, field jackets and tuxedos.

“The clothes come to life when worn,” says the lady at Siena boutique in Parnell as I finger a beautifully textured shirt with ribbon intertwining its spine. Indeed each garment appears to reflect the romantic and slightly surreal journey it has been on in Greg’s world to exist. “I’m sure” I reply.

At least, my inner superhero imagines it so.

Greg Lauren’s designs are found exclusively in New Zealand at Siena, Parnell (www.sienahome.co.nz). Carolyn Viskovich, Siena’s owner, imported his designs after meeting the ‘driven, passionate’ and ‘very likeable’ man at his studio in LA last year. The latest collection incorporates accessories and he has also created a limited-edition fragrance sold by Barneys, New York www.greglauren.com.

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Your questions answered by

HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS

Meghan Maher Repertoire’s Style Director A lot of my friends love linen. What’s all the fuss about?

Linen is a natural fiber so it breaths easily and wicks moisture from the body keeping you cool and comfortable even in full length styles.

A well made soft linen jacket is a must-have in your wardrobe this summer. It is the most current, elegant and comfortable way to get arm coverage and looks great teamed up with all types of pants and skirts.

Other benefits of linen are: • It’s a classic fabric that never dates or goes out of fashion • Does not cause allergic reactions • It is lint free • It does not accumulate static • It resists dirt/stains • It is long lasting and durable • It gets softer and handles more beautifully the more it is washed • It’s universally accepted as a highly sophisticated fabric.

Summer dressing requires less layering and more showing of skin to ensure we remain cool during the hotter months. It is for this reason that we love and use a lot of linen in our collection.

It’s that time of year when we all start the very busy slide into Christmas. For most of us, that means we can look forward to a few days or weeks off, and so it’s time to think about your summer holiday essentials. To help with your planning, I’ve compiled a bit of a list of the essentials.

In New Zealand, enjoying the summer sun means time at the beach or pool, beside a lake or river, so first and foremost, we need a swimsuit that we feel great in. That is different for everyone – a bikini, a glamorous one piece or a tummy flattering ‘tank-ini’. Over this you need a cover up. Rather than a t-shirt and boardies, try something more feminine. Like to cover your arms? Think caftan style – and how long it is, is up to you. Not bothered? Look for a simple dress to throw over the swimsuit.

Being summer, you can either go for a gorgeous print and lots of colour or classic white.

Shorts are a key summer piece – go either tailored and smart (check Country Road or Esprit), or the classic denim (Just Jeans have a great range of varying lengths at great prices). To be honest though, many of us look better in a sundress than a pair of shorts.

Whatever your choice, avoid ¾ pants as these are truly unflattering!

Atom Top - Paisley Print / Bermuda Short - Indigo

Naturally beautiful in Linen Many of us want something special for Christmas day or cocktails at sunset. Go for a little glam factor and try something with a bit of sparkle. Summer time demands colour and there is plenty of choice in the stores, so no excuses! Keeping it simple is the order of the day, and no-one wants to spend Christmas day feeling like they need to hold their tummy in, so avoid anything overly structured.

Add a pair of sparkly sandals and you’re ready for anything.

You’ll also want a few fabulous casual pieces that keep you looking cool during the hot summer months. Look for easy summer dresses of varying lengths, light t-shirts, tanks and tops and a pair of light coloured jeans or relaxed print baggies.

Last essential: have fun and enjoy your summer break!

Jackie O’Fee is the owner of Signature Style, Auckland’s leading personal stylists. They love to help men and women look fantastic and their services make WONDERFUL Christmas gifts. Find them at 35 Broadway in Newmarket or check them out on the web: signaturestyle.co.nz See Signature Style’s ad in Verve’s Market Place on page 129.

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GOSS Lingerie

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Add a touch of glamour. Give a gift of GOSS Lingerie this Christmas.

We have teamed our favourite pieces together to offer you special Christmas gift sets to choose from.

GOSS Lingerie specialises in beautifully crafted lingerie in luxurious laces, silks, satins and mesh fabrics, all made in New Zealand by hand.

Each piece is presented in its own garment bag and is beautifully boxed with a gorgeous ribbon.

The elegant style and alluring silhouette of each garment will add a touch of glamour to your wardrobe, trousseau or stylish getaway.

Treat yourself or give a wonderful gift to someone special.

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GENTLEMEN — If you need help choosing the right gift, or are not sure of which size you need, please call us and we can assist you with your selection.

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At GOSS Lingerie we love to inspire.

Whatever the occasion, we can assist you in making the perfect selection for that special someone.

Alternatively, to ensure the fit is perfect without the pressure of selection on your shoulders, you can simply purchase a gift voucher and leave the choosing to her.

We love to design and tailor our garments to fit all sizes. However, due to the exclusive nature of our range we can only carry a limited number of standard sizes.

Standard sizes are in stock and all sizes can be made to order.

Purchase online or visit our Auckland showroom to view the collection.

Goss is giving one lucky reader a special gift for Christmas. To find out more, go to page 4!

1. Claudia Cami & Brief Set The gorgeous embroidered mesh in this limited-edition two-piece set makes a stunning addition to a stocking. $250.00

2. Lilly Robe & Slip Set Sabine full-length slip and this exquisite full length Lilly Robe in Venetian lace is stunning in black. Who can resist it? $600.00

3. Christy Robe & Slip Set Sabine full-length slip and this elegant full length Christy Robe is made in a heavier weight lace with a scalloped edge. Too beautiful to hide away. $600.00

4. Vivienne Robe & Slip Set Sabine full-length slip and this beautifully draping full length Vivienne Robe with French seams contains lycra, giving a luxurious feel. $600.00

VIEW COLLECTION AT 6 Emilia Nixon Lane, Stonefields 027 443 7937 www.gosslingerie.com | sales@gosslingerie.com HOURS Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, until 24th December 2013.

If you wish to visit outside these times please call to arrange.

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DISTILLED SUMMER Fashion by: Paris Mitchell

RUBY showcased their autumn/winter 2014 collection ‘THE DREAMERS’ The sun-bleached tie-dye denim was a hit print that walked the catwalk in denim, t-shirting and the softest fine-knit scraves. The charming and youthful element RUBY is so well known for was added with metallics and textured black party dresses that all RUBY girls will be dying to wear.

SHIRT 101 – ESSENTIAL SHIRTS FOR SUMMER

AUT ROOKIE FASHION SHOW 2013 Equipment signature silk blouse in army green. $329 Available from shopbop.com

Guests were treated to collections with volume, experimental proportions, lasercut and moulded leather, colour palettes that went from monochromatic to strong, bright and dynamic, and fabrics that are pushing new boundaries.

Twenty-SevenNames Cloudy Days shirt. $410 Available from twentysevennames.co.nz

VINTAGE FINDS: THANX GOD I’M A V.I.P STORE 12 RUE DE LANCRY PARIS 75010 PH: +33 (0)1 42 03 02 09

THANX GOD I’M A VIP was founded in 1994 by Sylvie Chateigner. It’s a boutique store set on two levels just footsteps away from Place de la Republique. The ground floor displays an impeccable selection of items from some of the most prestigious fashion houses: Hermes, YSL, Chanel, Lanvin, Burberrys. Additionally, one can also find another collection of pieces at more affordable prices – no compromise on quality or the details that makes them so special.

Visit the online store to discover and enjoy vintage pieces from around the world. www.thanxgod.com

The menswear looks

by Samuel Baxter Huntington (middle), Joseph Mow (right) were standouts…

And of course Thistle Brown’s knitwear collection (left).

DECEMBER 2013

HOLIDAY 13

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DIPTYQUE PINE WOOD CANDLE, $130 The holiday season has arrived – the woody perfume emitted by snowcovered pine trees mixes in with the scents of hinoki, a Japanese cypress used to make simple, robust futniture.

The perfume is raw, smoky and lightly veiled in galbanum, cedar and patchouli.

Beauty by: Paris Mitchell

MANUKA DOCTOR APIREFINE The latest range from high-performance skincare brand Manuka Doctor – ApiRefine – includes a combination of powerful age-defying and skinrefining products, specifically designed to deliver instant effects and long-term, age-defying results where you need it, when you need it. Skin is left feeling brighter, firmer and visibly younger.

For stockist details please visit www.manukadr.co.nz or phone (09) 300 3025.

Available at www.meccacosmetica.co.nz

OSMOSIS INTRODUCES CATALYST AC-11

SUN-SATION SUMMER SUN ESSENTIALS. $75 Have fun in the sun this summer season with these protective SPF essesntials for face and lips. The ultimate SPF power pair, these must-haves shield your skin from the sun whilst nourishing and hydrating skin and lips. The set contains To Save Face SPF 30+ Facial Sunscreen (100g) and Lip de-Luscious SPF 25 Lip Protectant (12g).

Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Targeted Wrinkle Filler.

RRP $29.95 (15ml) Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Flawless- Advanced Skincare Primer. RRP $37.95 (30ml) Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Radiance Serum.

RRP $35.95 (30ml)

WIN WITH VERVE & MANUKA DOCTOR! UP FOR GRABS: One lucky reader will receive each of the above!

Visit our website www.vervemagazine.co.nz and click on the competitions button to enter! *Conditions apply.

Available at www.meccacosmetica.co.nz The core secret of all Catalyst formulations is it’s Zinc Finger Technology. Zinc Finger Technology provides the tools the skin needs to repair DNA and cellular damage as well as stimulate collagen production. Catalyst AC11 contains aloe, zinc and vitamin E, which makes it more soothing. The combination of technologies makes this a remarkable product for ageing, capillaries, pigmentation, skin tags and more. $189 For stockists visit www.osmosisskincare.co.nz

BEAUTIFUL BROWS Beautifully shaped semi-permanent eyebrows now come in a powders. You can choose from different brow powders shades that will blend with any skin tone and choose from three stencils – a natural shape, a slightly bolder shape or go exotically thick! A sweat-proof, smudge-proof and water-resistant product that can be applied by anyone who wants the perfect up-swept arch to open their eye and frame their face. $85.00 Brooke Shields – Brow Beauty Muse

For stockists phone 0800 223 288

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BEAUTY & HEALTH

DOUBLING UP FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

BRIGHT & BEAUTY-FULL GIFTS FROM MORE THAN SKIN TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS SPARKLE As Ponsonby’s premier beauty destination, More Than Skin Urban Spa is the perfect inner-city retreat. Their internationally qualified, expert therapists offer a range of essential spa treatments and salon services. And, with a selection of indulgent Christmas gift ideas now in-salon, they can help you find affordably luxurious treats for even the hardest-to-buy-for person.

If you need a little inspiration this year, look no further than their variety of beautifully presented gift vouchers. We love the limited edition ‘Joy – the Essence of Christmas’ package, which includes an indulgent Joyce Blok Facial, along with a soothing Back, Neck & Shoulder Aroma-Massage and a special yuletide decoration to celebrate the holiday season (1.5hrs, $150).

The two largest breast cancer not-for-profit organisations today announce their partnership to fund crucial breast cancer research with a combined pool of $400,000.

The Breast Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) and the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF) announced a tripartite research initiative focused on New Zealand women.

Joining the not-for-profits’ initiative is the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC), the principal Crown agency responsible for managing the government’s investment in public health research.

“The research funded will be innovative and we’re proud to be collaborating with other organisations to promote this initiative,” says Tony Moffatt, Chair of BCRT. “We see no boundaries when looking for ways to improve and ultimately ensure breast cancer survival through early detection, predictive diagnosis, targeted treatments, predictive responses to treatments, and prevention.” Justine Smyth, Chair of NZBCF comments, “We know there are many talented Kiwi breast cancer researchers, but there’s also a desperate shortage of funds. My hope is that by pooling our resources, we’ll enable a real breakthrough in breast cancer diagnosis or treatment.”

Applications are invited to the fund and are due by 12pm, Wednesday 11 December 2013.

“We’re excited to see the applications and look forward to being able to kick-start research that can potentially save many New Zealand lives,” says Dr Robin Olds, chief executive, of the Health Research Council of New Zealand About BCRT and the NZBCF: The Breast Cancer Research Trust’s mission is to find a cure for breast cancer by 2018. The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation invests in awareness programmes, research and medical scholarships in its mission to stop NZ women developing and dying of breast cancer.

For more information visit: www.breastcancercure.org.nz www.hrc.govt.nz www.nzbcf.org.nz

In addition, More Than Skin Urban Spa also has a glittering array of gift sets and stocking fillers available online and insalon. Their gorgeous Christmas collections from Joyce Blok Professional Skin Care and DECLÉOR Aroma-Skin Care are packed with everyday basics and coveted cult classics, ready to pop straight under the tree. Don’t forget to reward yourself with one of these tempting must-haves as well, and save Santa the challenge of filling your Christmas wish list.

For your convenience, Ponsonby Urban Spa has extended their opening hours from the 9th December, although pre-Christmas appointments are filling extremely quickly. Call Vanessa and the team today on Ph: 361 2231 to book your favourite treatments and get your festive season shopping wrapped up.

And yes, they are open between Christmas and New Year!

More Than Skin Urban Spa (09) 361 2231 100 College Hill, Ponsonby www.morethanskin.co.nz

DECEMBER 2013

joy

today you gave her

More Than Skin vouchers – the perfect gift this Christmas We know she’ll love ‘Joy’ our festive gift voucher.

Beautifully packaged and ready to pop straight under the tree.

Available in-salon or with FREE delivery online now.

www.morethanskin.co.nz More Than Skin Ponsonby • Ph 361 2231 • 100 College Hill Other More Than Skin salons: Albany Day Spa Ph 414 4140 • Howick Day Spa Ph 533 9694 • Manukau Ph 263 4516 To receive our latest promotions, updates & newsletters: Email info@morethanskin.co.nz to join our mailing list ‘Like’ our page at www.facebook.com/morethanskin

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Red Seal Cares Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

“We love to camp,” says Rosi Hilke, pharmacist and co-owner of Red Seal along with her husband, Rolf. “Once at Whananaki we came across a fellow camper and shared a cup of tea with him. He told us he had the most beautiful tea and that he’d drop some off the following morning, which he did. It was Red Seal’s Black Adder!”

It was an especially satisfying moment for Rosi as the uniquely flavoured brew (“You either love it or you hate it”) was her recipe, taking over a year to perfect. Black Adder, she says, is the perfect foil to those sugary cravings. Rosi expresses her concern for New Zealand’s growing obesity problem and the continued dominance on store shelves of preservative-laden unhealthy treats. In fact, Red Seal were the first company to introduce green tea to the nation’s supermarkets. “That’s something we’re very proud of because it started a trend,” says Rolf. “I believe in making a product available to everyone.

That’s more important than profit. We want health to be affordable to the average Kiwi. Our philosophy is to help you to live the best life you can.”

Julie Fergusson is Red Seal’s naturopath: “Our flavoured teas are mainly developed for enjoyment, but the herbs also offer a therapeutic response. Plus, there are also the antioxidants, anti-ageing and cancer-fighting properties to name but a few advantages.” Julie has been with the company for ten years and there are others who have been there even longer. Rolf and Rosi liken it to a family. Even one of their sons, Bjorn, is now on board and will one day take over. The amiable German-born couple bought the company having moved from Japan over two decades ago where Rolf worked for a multi-national pharmaceutical firm. “In one way Red Seal hasn’t changed in 23 years because there are so many of the same faces here,” he says. “They are passionate about what we do and enjoy the environment. But at the same time, we have moved the company forward to have the consumer more engaged in how and what we are doing because we are a New Zealand brand. Our logo also changed from a triangle to a pair of cradling hands to symbolise caring for people.”

This year sees the iconic Kiwi firm celebrate its 90th year.

Their appetite for well-being is palpable. Staff are always a phone call away, willing and able to share their scientific and naturopathic knowledge. Rosi and Rolf feel that as a nation, “we need to go back to basics”. Avid practitioners of yoga, they believe deeply in an organic and, where possible, selfsustaining lifestyle. Rosi smiles that even the inhabitants of her worm farm enjoy devouring her used Red Seal tea bags. Of course, there’s more to Red Seal than simply tea. Other natural products include soaps, supplements, sea salt, molasses, UMF honey and toothpastes.

Above: Rosi and Rolf Hilke

“Our toothpastes do not have fluoride,” says Rosi.

“There is no doubt that it’s needed for your teeth, but we have it in our water every day. We want to be the company that provides alternatives.

Mainstream brands are packed with chemicals, including anti-bacterial agents, which also kill the good bacteria in our bodies. With the herbs we use, we don’t believe fluoride is necessary.”

“Our toothpastes do not have fluoride,” says Rosi. “There is no doubt that it’s needed for your teeth, but we have it in our water every day. We want to be the company that provides alternatives. Mainstream brands are packed with chemicals, including anti-bacterial agents, which also kill the good bacteria in our bodies. With the herbs we use, we don’t believe fluoride is necessary.” Rosi says they have a couple of exciting projects lined up and is especially excited about a toothpaste that will be an “amazing” world-first.

“We love coming to work,” adds Rolf. “I mean, it’s not like we have to get up in the morning and say, ‘oh, we have to go the office today’. It’s fascinating for us because of the love, the passion and the rapport we have both with our staff and the public. We get so much amazing feedback about our products and that makes it all worthwhile.”

DECEMBER 2013

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We ma k e t he

CHOICE THIS EASY

FOOD FOCUS: QUINOA Words: Ryan Renwick

It’s increasingly difficult to find a restaurant that isn’t using quinoa in some form right now.

So what is quinoa (pronounced “keen-wa”)? It originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru and was successfully domesticated 3000 to 4000 years ago. To the Inca people of this region in the 13th century it was a sacred grain, referred to as chisaya mama or “mother of all grains,” and as a ritual the Inca emperor sowed the first seeds of the season.

However it is not a grain, it is a pseudo-cereal (non-grass).

With all the conflicting evidence about the safety of adding fluoride to drinking water and toothpastes – it’s hard to know if fluoride is a risk or not.

What we believe is that people should

Quinoa has fantastic nutritional benefits, more notably for those who are vegetarian or vegan. The key vitamin here is B6, which performs a wide variety of functions in the body and is extremely versatile, with involvement in more than 100 enzyme reactions, mostly concerned with protein metabolism.

This means it helps to break down carbohydrates and fats and releases them as energy. It also plays a role in cognitive development, immune function and haemoglobin formation.

100g of uncooked quinoa provide 38% of your daily B6 intake needs.

Quinoa’s protein content per 100 calories is higher than brown rice, potatoes, barley and millet, but is less than wild rice and oats. This makes it a great substitute for your evening meals’ starch component.

have a choice.

That’s why our qualified pharmacists and naturopaths have developed a range of toothpastes from natural ingredients.

Ingredients that are effective at maintaining healthy white teeth and gums along with lasting fresh breath – without added fluoride.

So why take a risk next time you’re shopping for toothpaste?

Take Red Seal instead.

One serving of 100g uncooked quinoa provides:

Protein 14g Total fats 6g Polyunsaturated fat 3.3g Carbohydrates 64g Fibre 7g Vitamin B6 0.5mg

www.redseal.co.nz

Ryan is a chef in a nutritionally founded restaurant focusing on the wellbeing of their clients, situated on Australia’s Gold Coast. He is also involved in his own catering company and a nutritional consulting company start-up. When he is not working, Ryan likes to compete in triathlons and makes his first international debut at the Auckland half Ironman in January.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FROM PARNELL DENTISTRY!

WALK & RUN IN COMFORT

December already! I know we always bemoan how fast the year flies past, but 2013 does seem to have been a particularly quick one. For those of you pondering a different but useful gift this year, pop in to see our array of electric toothbrushes and hygiene products. We can even gift wrap for you! Remember we stock bad breath products from Therabreath, USA.

Summer is almost upon us but if you suffer from fungal nail disease, you won’t be so keen on busting out the jandals and sandals and exposing your toes to the outside world.

Maybe purchase a voucher for a dental examination or hygienist visit for someone who doesn’t prioritise themselves – many of us put everyone else’s needs first above our own.

Onychomycosis is a fungus that feeds on the structural protein within your nails. It is found in one in three adults and causes the nail to become yellow, discoloured and brittle. What many people don’t realise is that this problem is easily treated using our Clear Nail Laser – a fast and safe procedure that generates enough heat to kill the underlying fungal colony.

We still have some appointments left before Christmas for any last-minute dental treatment wishes, but times are filling fast so get in quick for your preferred time. Get that tooth-whitening so your smile is dazzling for Christmas or get that broken or bothersome tooth looked at, so it won’t ruin your holiday at the beach. Even if it’s just being able to tick the box and begin 2014 knowing you have done your annual check up and clean.

We will be wishing Clare Goldwater farewell for now as she takes her maternity leave and wish her good luck.

We will be taking our last appointments for 2013 on December 23rd. We wish to thank all our patients for their custom this year and wish them and their families a happy and safe festive season. We look forward to being of service again in 2014.

— Parnell Dentistry Team

Andrea Copplestone BDS Andrea Copplestone BDS(Otago) (Otago) Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Andrea Copplestone BDS (Otago) JessicaFleet Gordon Hygienist/Therapist Michelle Hygienist/Therapist BHSc from Parnell Dentistry Jessica Gordon - Hygienist/Therapist

Andrea Copplestone BDS (Otago) Andrea Copplestone BDS (Otago) Andrea Copplestone BDS (Otago) Andrea Copplestone BDS (Otago) Clare -Goldwater BDS(Otago) Jessica Gordon Hygienist/Therapist “We are dedicated to giving you high quality care Michelle Fleet Hygienist/Therapist BHSc “For healthy mouth and a fabulous smile” Jessica Gordon -giving Hygienist/Therapist “We a are dedicated to high quality care Kelvin Kwong BDSyou (Otago) and excellent service. ” Michelle Fleet - Hygienist/Therapist and excellent service.” BHSc Free car parking | Late nights | Kid’s Club “We are dedicated to giving high quality care “For mouth andyou a fabulous smile” “We a arehealthy dedicated to giving you high quality care Freeand car parking | service.

Late nights excellent ” Freeand car parking Late nights excellent| service. ” Free car | Late nights | Kid’s Club 379 0709 Ph parking 379Ph 0709 or 0800 FLOSSIT Ph 379 0709 or 0800Parnell FLOSSIT 177 (Ground Floor) Rd Free car parking | Late 177 (Suite A) Parnell Rd,nights Parnell Free car parking | Late nights 177 (Suite A) Parnell Rd, Parnell reception@parnelldentistry.co.nz reception@parnelldentistry.co.nz 379 0709 Ph 379Ph 0709 or 0800 FLOSSIT reception@parnelldentistry.co.nz Ph 379 0709 or 0800Parnell FLOSSIT 177 (Ground Floor) Rd 177 (Suite A) Parnell Rd, Parnell 177 (Suite A) Parnell Rd, Parnell reception@parnelldentistry.co.nz reception@parnelldentistry.co.nz reception@parnelldentistry.co.nz Associated Teeth Whitening Centre Associated Teeth Whitening Centre Associated Teeth Whitening Centre Associated Teeth Whitening Centre

But don’t worry because help is at hand with Greenlane Podiatry Clinic’s state-of-the-art laser treatment.

Greenlane Podiatry Clinic, headed up by podiatrist Lisa Hinchcliff, specialises not only in fungal nail disease but a range of other issues from foot and leg pain, to chronic conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, to skin problems like corns and calluses. Bringing with her over 20 years of experience, Lisa is joined by three other friendly and professional registered podiatrists, who are all dedicated to working alongside you to solve your foot and leg problems.

To get your feet in tip-top shape for summer see the team at Greenlane Podiatry Clinic, 626 Great South Road, Greenlane. For appointments phone 524-2599 or visit www.greenlanepodiatry.co.nz for more information.

PANCHKARMA

EXPERIENCE THE REJUVENATING POWER OF PANCHKARMA AT PLANET AYURVEDA Words: Angus Brown

Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity”.

— Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) We consider spring-cleaning our homes an absolute necessity, but should we be doing the same thing for our bodies and minds too? According to Australasia’s leading Ayurvedic exponent, Dr Ajit, the answer is a resounding yes! He says that one of the underlying principles of Ayurveda (Sanskrit for the science of life) is that if the body-mind is restored to balance, it will heal itself. Ayurveda does this by harmonising the three energies (or doshas) of the body – vata, pitta and kapha.

Despite Ayurveda’s increasing popularity in the west as a natural alternative to traditional allopathic medicine, most people are unlikely to have heard about Panchkarma. Meaning five actions, it represents a systematic process of detoxifying and rejuvenating the body-mind at a very deep level. According to Dr Ajit, this can in fact be so deep that after the treatment a person may “feel five years younger than their chronological age”.

The process takes between one and 15 days, depending on a person’s condition as well as their financial and time constraints.

Dr Ajit says panchkarma can be used to treat a plethora of conditions including stress, weight issues, chronic fatigue syndrome and even MS, although anyone will benefit from it.

However, he is careful to point out that Ayurveda is not a quick fix and that to truly benefit from it, people need to embrace healthier, more aware lifestyles than they may have hitherto enjoyed. It’s about raising the person’s awareness and giving them the tools to look after themselves properly. Otherwise, if you’re just looking for a little R&R, a week at Gwinganna and the occasional alcohol-free day might be more up your alley.

For the more committed soul, you’ll be looking at: deep tissue massage provided simultaneously by two highly trained Ayurvedic masseurs using large quantities of medicated oil (up to 800ml), herbalised steam-chamber oil absorption to draw the accumulated toxins into the gut, followed up by medicated cleansing and rejuvenating enemas to flush them out of the body. The process is rounded off with Shirodhara, which calms the nervous system via a continuous, rhythmic flow of warm medicated oil poured gently onto the third eye area, alleviating stress and anxiety and restoring equanimity to the mind.

For more info visit www.planetayurveda.co.nz

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NEWMARKET OPTOMETRIST URGES LOCALS TO PUT VISION FIRST THIS SUMMER

Auckland resident, 44-year-old Jason Harris, is a self-employed construction worker who spends most of the day outside and knows the effects of the sun on his eyes all too well.

“The glare makes me get headaches and feel tired, which affects my performance at work. I’m also a keen fisherman so am out on the water a lot,” says Mr Harris.

Mrs Liu says sun-related conditions can have serious consequences, including vision loss and even blindness.

“It’s a must for spec-wearers and particularly for builders and people who spend a lot of time working outdoors, to invest in prescription sunglasses or to wear contact lenses so they can keep their eyes protected while maintaining optimal vision,” says Mrs Liu. “My prescription sunglasses mean I can focus better at work, which is extremely important in construction,” says Mr Harris.

Good prescription sunglasses with polarised lenses eliminate 99.9 per cent of glare that is created with reflective surfaces, improving vision and making wearing glasses more comfortable.

Sun exposure can have serious eye-health consequences, including vision loss and even blindness.

As we head into the warmer months with long, sun-filled days, Specsavers Newmarket optometrist Ada Liu is urging local residents to think about their eye health.

“We often remember to protect our skin from the sun but people seem to forget it can be just as damaging to the eyes.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight contributes towards eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts,” says Mrs Liu.

New Face

Laser and Cosmetic Clinic

“Auckland’s Cosmetic and Laser Hair Removal Specialist for Women” We are Auckland’s specialist in Permanent Laser HAIR Removal and also treating Vascular and Pigmented Lesions

with the most advanced machine One of a Kind in Auckland.

“BE LASERWISE” For a free consultation call - 0800 NEW FACE Address: 5 Morgan Street (Off Carlton Gore Rd), Newmarket

Opening Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat:10am to 6pm Thu: 10am to 7pm | Sun: Closed

Phone: 0800 NEW FACE (0800 639 3223) Email: contact@newface.co.nz Web: newface.co.nz MISS UNIVERSE NZ 2011

Look good this summer thanks to Specsavers’ new designer sunglasses collection, which includes more than 60 frames from brands such as Alex Perry, Tommy Hilfiger, Country Road and Osiris Eyewear.

Specsavers is currently offering FREE polarising, which means there’s no reason to go without your prescription sunglasses this summer. To view the full the range, visit www.specsavers.co.nz One lucky winner will receive a voucher for two pairs of designer glasses from Specsavers, valued at $800!

To enter, answer: What percentage of glare is eliminated with polarised lenses? Answer: 99.9%

DECEMBER 2013

How Old is Your Skin?

Get the answers at Caci To take the full version of the scientifically developed Skin Age test, just call us to make an appointment for a free Skin Evaluation and we will gift you a Microdermabrasion treatment valued at $100.*

free Microdermabrasion valued at $100*

Phone us today for your FREE consultation with our Treatment Co-ordinator *This ad must be presented at Skin evaluation. The Microdermabrasion is non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash. The gift must be redeemed within 1 month of Skin Evaluation. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offers. Offer only available at Caci Newmarket & Epsom until January 31st 2014.

Caci Newmarket 53 Davis Cres | 09 524 2784 Caci Epsom 409b Manukau Rd | 09 638 8933

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PLEASE LET MY BODY SURVIVE THE SILLY SEASON!

PUTTING THINGS IN MOTION!

The silly season can take its toll as we attend all the end-of-year functions and parties. Keep in mind it is only a couple of weeks – and life is short, so don’t deprive yourselves of having a good time! We tend to stress about all that unhealthy food and drink, undoing the whole year’s good work.

But the good news is, it is not the end of the world. If you keep the following tips and tricks in mind you will survive the silly season with minimal “damage”.

A typical modern diet often consists of refined carbohydrates, processed food full of chemicals, artificial ingredients and preservatives. Even if you only eat these sorts of foods occasionally, an accumulation of poorly digested foodstuffs (our bodies are designed to eat what nature provides) can build up – hiding in the recesses of our digestive system. By middle age it’s possible to have several kilos of unprocessed faecal matter stored in your colon that eludes even the most dramatic of bowel motions!

1. If You Don’t Love It, Don’t Eat It. Learning to be selective will prove to be a very helpful skill this season. You don’t need to eat everything that’s on offer and by controlling your portions you can control your calorie intake but still enjoy your favourite foods. Remember: smaller plate = smaller portions = fewer calories.

The best way to rid yourself of these nasty deposits is with a bowel cleanse. A cleanse will gently remove waste material, heavy metals and environmental toxins, also stored in fat deposits within the body. The fewer the toxins hiding out in the colon, the more the body is able to process these out of the fat cells. The results, therefore, of a bowel cleanse can include weight loss and fat reduction!

2. Enjoy the Proteins.

By nature, protein has a filling-up effect so fill up on lean proteins. You still leave satisfied and avoid other highcarb food items. Protein also stimulates the release of the hormone glucagon – this helps your body process carbohydrates more effectively.

3. Avoid Liquid Calories.

Most brewed, mixed, and processed beverages contain a huge amount of calories. They do nothing to fill you up but quickly skyrocket your number of CCPs (Calories Consumed per Party).

So beware of the calories you drink. Have a flavoured sparkling water or, if you do want to splash out, have red rather than white wine (less carbs and more antioxidants), carb-/calorie-light beer, and alternate your drinks one-for-one with water. My favourite in-between drink is soda, lime and bitters.

HEALTH & WELLBEING WITH LULU Brought to you by Huckleberry Farms

Your digestive system is the engine of your body; the cleaner it is running, the more energy you will have. After a cleanse, it is encouraged that you make a change to your lifestyle by feeding your body the food it was designed to run on. You will absolutely notice a difference: more energy, clear skin, better sleep, a clear head and a sense of wellness and being at one with Mother Nature. It’s a wonderful feeling!

Try the lifestream Cleanse Kit (available through www.huckleberryfarms.co.nz). It did wonders for me!

Lulu Alach

4. Arrive Full.

Ever gone to the supermarket feeling hungry? How did that turn out? Same thing happens when you show up to a party with a growling stomach. Arrive full, and don’t becoming a slave to the growl.

5. Increase Physical Activities.

Exercise on the morning of a party or big event. The morning is better because you will be less likely to get distracted by other things. So plan to expend more calories (ie. exercise) on the days you know you will be eating and drinking more.

Till next time, Melissa

Melissa-Anne Smit Director 101 Fitness www.101fitness.co.nz

Lulu is passionate about health and wellbeing and is committed to helping people live happier, healthier lives. If you have any questions or feedback for Lulu please email: lulu@vervemagazine.co.nz

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS MY FRONT TEETH STRAIGHT VERVE INTERVIEWS DR. KAREN HARRIS Karen Harris is a diminutive powerhouse of energy and dental knowledge. Owning a top general and cosmetic practice on the Terrace in Wellington central CBD, she has now located herself just down the road, at Meadowbank Dental Centre. Karen has been practising dentistry for over 20 years, and her CV is impressive. Employing the very latest in advanced dental technology, she offers a wide range of solutions to any dental dilemmas, including amazing Magic Braces.

Verve chats to Karen and finds out more about this revolutionary new treatment for straightening teeth.

Verve: What are Magic Braces?

Karen: They are a type of orthodontic treatment that combines traditional with the latest technology .Your teeth can be aligned quickly, yet safely, more quickly than conventional braces, achieving great results within six to seven months. Using clear ceramic braces and a white wire rather than a silver wire, Magic Braces are so discreet, they are almost invisible.

The speed at which results are achieved: Only six to seven months vs. years when using conventional braces.

Magic Braces are almost invisible, blending seamlessly with your teeth; hardly anyone will even know that you are wearing braces.

V. How affordable are Magic Braces?

K. Very affordable! You will save thousands of dollars. Plus we offer interest-free finance options.

V. Magic Braces vs. clear aligners: which is for me?

K. Clear aligners are effective for some patients, however they often cannot treat more difficult cases, have a much

SIX MONTHS. A beautiful new smile is now yours in only a few short months – thanks to Magic Braces TM by Smilefast TM Forget metal braces and costly treatment that lasts two or three years. Magic Braces are designed to have a great smile in a short amount of time.

V: How do I know if I need Magic Braces?

K. Magic Braces are designed with the adult’s needs in mind, and can be worn by anyone aged 18 and upward. Some of the problems that they address are crooked teeth, spacing, teeth that are crowded or overlapping, and protruding teeth. If your teeth fit into any of these categories or if you are not happy with how you look, Magic Braces could be just what you need.

V: What makes Magic Braces ‘magic?’

K. The new technology that has gone in to designing Magic Braces.

STRAIGHT TEETH.

— After 7 months of treatment!

Magic Braces are almost invisible, blending seamlessly with your teeth; hardly anyone will even know that you are wearing braces. longer treatment time and results are not as predictable as with fixed braces like Magic Braces. Magic Braces are the ideal alternative and many patients agree.

Why? The reasons are simple: with Magic Braces you get a better result in a much faster time, that also costs far less.

For more on Karen Harris and Magic Braces, visit www.thedentist.co.nz

Stop hiding your smile and speak to us today about how we can get you started on your new smile.

Call us on 09 528 3146 to find out about our fantastic introductory offer. Interest free options available. Terms and conditions apply.

If Magic Braces TM are not for you we can offer a range of orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry options, including Invisalign.

Meadowbank Dental 93 St Johns Road Meadowbank Auckland 09 528 3146

www.remuerarise.co.nz

Remuera Rise

HURRY!

Only a few water view apartments left!

Retire in the lap of luxury. Why choose ordinary when you can have extraordinary?

Call Michelle on 0800 00 15 85 to make an appointment NOW

Remuera Rise is registered under the Retirement Villages Act 2003. Registration number 2557887

If you’re looking for a retirement lifestyle that is luxurious and intimate - a place where you can enjoy the highest level of personalised service, privacy and care - Remuera Rise is for you.

This deluxe new complex offers: • • • •

30 James Cook Crescent, Remuera. Phone 0800 00 15 85 to view.

RESTAURAN T & CAF É, BAR , LO U N G E , LIBRA RY, ACT IVIT IE S RO O M, GYM, SWI M M I NG PO OL & S PA , HAI R SALON, 24 HO UR EM ERG ENCY CAL L , B O UTI QUE CARE FACI L IT Y.

VE R VE _J14338

Light, spacious apartments with stunning water views (be quick - selling fast) Fixed weekly fee for life – so you can budget now and into the future Boutique village living - where everyone knows your name Stylish facilities – including an upmarket café and fine dining area where you can socialise with fellow-residents, family and friends • A stunning indoor heated swimming pool and spa – for the enjoyment of all residents • Affordable independent living with personalised care packages available – giving you the ultimate flexibility

MouthMatters work with both young and old, to help stop bad habits that affect the mouth and airways.

Dr Bill Daniels, Dr Anton Wiles, Dr Candida Hatherley

Marnie Pugh is our resident MouthMatters mastermind in the Breathe-Easy™ Buteyko method, Myofunctional and Thumbsucking therapies. She’s been coaching patients in these worth techniques since 2007 and has hundreds $ of grateful patients who can vouch RRP for the success of her methods and approach. Kids especially love seeing Marnie as she gets on their level and makes the programme fun and easy to understand.

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Breathe-Easy™ Buteyko Method Workshops and consultations for kids and adults who suffer from asthma, allergies and anxiety, teaching correct breathing patterns in conjunction with tips on exercise, nutrition and sleep, to make a real difference to everyday health.

Myofunctional Therapy

Skin / Melanoma Checks (incl. MoleMate)

Techniques that help retrain the tongue and facial muscles used at rest, for chewing and for swallowing that are interfering with development of the face and jaw. Marnie is the only practicing Myofunctional therapist in NZ and trained extensively in the USA under two of the world leaders in Myofunctional therapy.

Thumb-sucking Therapy

Airlie Court, 320 Remuera Road, Remuera

Monday - Friday 8am to 6pm, Late Night Thursday by appointment.

Free Roof Top Parking

Thumb-sucking is common for infants, but as they grow older it can lead to a number of problems that may require orthodontic treatment. We provide kids and their parents with the tools to help stop thumb-sucking for good. Our Thumb-sucking Quit Kit includes progress charts, control-it cream, fidget digit and follow up support calls checking on progress.

09 524 0424 hello@mouthmatters.co.nz www.mouthmatters.co.nz 19 Alpers Ave, Newmarket

DECEMBER 2013

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Finally, a Non-Injectable Hyaluron Filler – That Lasts!

Finesse Face and Body Clinic is delighted to lead the way in a brandnew skin treatment that plumps and hydrates the skin.

The popular Remuera clinic is the first in Auckland to introduce SkinCoach Hyaluron non-injectable facial filler. Developed in Germany, this anti-ageing treatment has been extremely popular in Europe for the past five years, promising instant results that can last up to three months.

BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY Hyaluronic acid is the clear non-allergenic liquid polysaccharide (a natural sugar compound) found in connective, epithelial and neural tissues, reported to be capable of storing up to 1000 times its own weight in water. Hyaluron is widely found between skin cells in the dermal tissue.

The more hyaluron that sits between the cells, the greater the amount of water that can be stored. Young and healthy skin consists of about 70% water. The share of hyaluron in the dermal tissue is an essential element for flexibility and elasticity. In part it is the ability of a young skin to store water that creates that beautiful cushioned look. However, as we age, the body’s own production of hyaluronic acid decreases, resulting in the development of wrinkles.

Treatments using hyaluronic acid to combat wrinkles have fast been evolving over the past two decades, however until recently, the only way to replace hyaluron was to inject it. Now, thanks to the culmination of research and development in consultation with Dr Hasert, a member of the International Association for Aesthetic Medicine, and Hungarian cosmetic surgeon and anti-ageing specialist, Krisztina

Kecskemeti, the SkinCoach programme solves this problem.

With specially formulated hyaluron products, a unique massage technique and a low-level cold laser, the particles are activated to create a Lego-like structure around the cells and therefore survive much longer. The result is impressive and an immediately visible effect is observed.

THE TREATMENT The SkinCoach Non-injectable Filler Facial is a totally painless, calming and relaxing treatment, very much like a wellbeing facial. A Finesse Face and Body therapist will first apply a gentle peel to the skin to remove any dead skin cells, allowing for maximum product penetration. A cool laser is then applied to the skin (face, neck or décolletage). Next, warmed hyularon is applied to the skin using a special “tapping massage” technique. You will be amazed at how much hyaluron your skin absorbs. Finally, the cold laser is re-applied to assist with the hyaluron bonding.

BEFORE

AFTER

This treatment is exclusive to Finesse Face and Body Clinic

Two initial sessions 2-3 weeks apart, are recommended (results last up to 3 months) with top-up treatments generally every 6-8 weeks thereafter. Your therapist will assess your skin and explain the process. Finesse recommends the use of special hyaluronic capsules several days before each treatment to increase the body’s ability to bond with the hyaluronic acid.

to rebuild and protect collagen - and increases collagen activity up to 128% in two weeks. It will also maintain the youthful volume, glow and hydration of your skin”.

COST AND TIME The Non-Injectable Filler Facial performed by a professionally trained Finesse Face and Body therapist takes one hour, and costs $220.00. Top-up treatments costing $160.00 are recommended.

Package of 3 top-ups is $390.00.

Finesse manager, Sue Crake, who has owned the salon for over 10 years says: “SkinCoach Hyaluron is a fantastic treatment to have prior to a special event or wedding. I’m really excited we’re able to offer it in New Zealand, especially as it has been available in Australia for over a year now. This amazing treatment helps

For more information or to book a free consultation call Finesse Face and Body Clinic on (09) 520 5331 or visit www.finessefaceandbody.co.nz

NEW Non Injectable Hydrating Treatment from Germany NEW Non Injectable Hydrating Treatment NEW Non Injectable Hydrating Treatment from Germany from Germany

Lasts 6-8 Weeks Instant, Visible Results Lasts 6-8 Weeks No Injections Instant, Visible NoResults Pain Lasts 6-8 Weeks No Injections NoVisible Downtime Instant, Results No Pain Hydrates and Plumps NoDowntime Injections No Affordable Pain Hydrates and No Plumps No Affordable Downtime Hydrates and Plumps Affordable

After After

Before Before

Results shown, over one to two treatments. Results vary depending on hydration of the skin.

Results shown, After Before over one to two treatments. Results vary depending on hydration of the skin.

Results shown, over one to two treatments. Results vary depending on hydration of the skin.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Address: 591A591A Remuera Road, Address: Remuera Road, CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Upland RoadRoad Shops Upland Shops (upstairs, next to RMVC medical (upstairs, next to RMVC medical centre) Address: 591A Remuera Road, centre) Phone: 09 520 5331 Phone: 09 520 5331 Upland Road Shops www.finessefaceandbody.co.nz www.finessefaceandbody.co.nz (upstairs, next to RMVC medical centre) Phone: 09 520 5331 www.finessefaceandbody.co.nz

NEW Non Injectable Hydrating Treatment from Germany

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HOME

The Department Stores Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

Mining, machining, engineering and empire-building aside, one of the most significant (and significantly overlooked) outcomes of the Industrial Revolution was the birth of consumerism. As the West’s pockets bulged, so the ever expanding middle- and upper-classes needed somewhere to splash their cash as they fast outgrew the small stores of London, Paris and New York. The first official department store was likely Harding, Howell & Co., which opened its doors on London’s Pall Mall in 1796.

The concept soon spread throughout the country, and then, via Europe, the world.

Ballantynes was New Zealand’s first, opening in Christchurch in 1854. A stoic icon, it escaped serious damage in the 2011 quake and still trades today.

In 1880, Marianne Smith opened a drapery in Auckland, which is now the city’s oldest department store, Smith & Caughey’s. Seventeen years earlier in Wellington, John Kirkcaldie and Robert Stains opened their eponymous shop doors for the first time. Moving to the current location in 1868 at Lambton Quay, it remains New Zealand’s only department store with just one branch.

The 19th and early 20th centuries saw them become not only shopping meccas, but status symbols; places to meet and to be seen. They’d often be adorned with an extravagant clock as the smell of freshly brewed tea and sticky baked goods hung in the air and mingled with the sweet scents of the ladies’ sections. They suffered a dip in popularity later in the 1900s but, as with all things fashion, have since made a roaring return (see The Department Store in Takapuna as a prime example).

And without them, there would have been no malls.

With the festive season upon us, we decided to showcase some more of the greatest establishments from across the globe. For come Christmas, filled with over-the-top decorations, carols and smiling faces, they are undoubtedly the most magical places to shop.

GALERIES LAFAYETTE, PARIS

GUM, MOSCOW

A ten-storey consumer paradise and stunning work of architecture to boot, Galeries Lafayette began life as a humble corner store in the French capital. The mesmeric building incorporates a massive glass and steel dome that can be viewed from countless Art Nouveau staircases.

There are further branches in New York, Casablanca, Berlin, Jakarta and Dubai.

Architecturally speaking, Moscow’s GUM is possibly the most impressive store on the list. Facing the capital’s fabled Red Square, the glass-roofed structure is beautifully illuminated come nightfall. For a period, Joseph Stalin used the building as office space and following his death it was returned to its rightful purpose.

BARNEYS, NEW YORK

ISETAN, TOKYO

One of three flagship stores (the other two are in Chicago and Beverly Hills), Barneys of New York sits on the legendary Madison Avenue. The first branch was set up in Manhattan, 1923, by a Mr Barney Pressman using money raised through pawning his wife’s engagement ring. A gamble that clearly paid off, there are now over 40 stores across the United States.

Japan’s leading department group has its flagship store in Tokyo. Established in 1886 by Tanji Kosuge, it is the destination of choice for designers to showcase their newest wares. Further branches are to be found throughout China, Taiwan, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

MYER, MELBOURNE

LA RINASCENTE, MILAN

Who’d have guessed that when Russian immigrant Sidney Myer set up shop in 1899 it would evolve into Australia’s greatest department store chain? With his brother Elcon on board, in 1911 they opened the first Melbourne location on Bourke Street, the road that still cradles the group’s iconic flagship store. Photo by Dianna Snape.

La Rinascente can trace its roots as far back as 1865 when the Boccini brothers formed a ready-to-wear tailoring service. Not only does it now sell every premium product imaginable, but rests on one Europe’s finest sites and boasts a spectacular view of Milan’s stunning cathedral, or Duomo.

DECEMBER 2013

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09 638 8463 | www.lahood.co.nz 104 Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden, Auckland

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Merry Christmas from the team at

Window Design Interiors manufacture soft furnishings…

Drapery, Headboards, Cushions and everything in between.

We are also suppliers of window treatments including roller blinds, wooden & aluminium venetian blinds, and shutters.

All are custom-made to suit your style, décor and budget.

Our interior design consultants are on hand to help with the selection process and technical advice on product suitability.

The stunning new Catherine Martin Metropolis Collection from Mokum is currently on display in our showroom, (see image below) The five coordinating sumptuous fabric and wallpaper designs reference the early 1920s.

The palette is mostly neutral, with accents of metallic and jolts of teal, while textures vary in keeping with what was considered ‘on trend’ in the 1920’s, offering both drapery and upholstery.

INSURANCE: DO YOU HAVE THE COVER TO REPLACE YOUR HOME? We are now all well aware that we must specify to our insurer the cost to replace our homes. In the local area that this magazine circulates, the homes are far superior to that catered for by the online calculators. The variables involved are numerous and can’t be assessed lightly by a few brief parameters or questions. Employing a registered valuer or quantity surveyor to assess your home will give you an accurate assessment of your replacement cost and the other costs now required by your insurer. Our assessments are based upon analysis of building contracts and a myriad of data collection points to accurately assess a true rebuild cost should disaster strike. It is our experience that when referring back to an online calculator they invariably underestimate the rebuild cost.

The disaster that hit Christchurch has been far worse for those that are either un-insured or under insured. Is it worth running the risk of not being able to rebuild your most prized asset? We don’t believe so. You probably don’t need a new assessment every year but starting at the correct level, then having biannual updates is not expensive for the peace of mind accurate, independent advice gives. Edwards Valuations specialise in residential property valuations for not only market-related purposes but also replacement insurance. Be ready when your insurance renewal is due and have a qualified assessment of your home and rental properties.

edwards valuations Registered Property Valuers Residential Specialists Rely on us for accuracy Our showroom is open to the public Monday – Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm 130 Marua Road, Ellerslie, Auckland Ph: 09 525 1675

Jonathan Edwards 021 965 903 www.valuer.co.nz

www.windowdesigninteriors.co.nz

My knowledge is your property

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Mandarin Dumpling &Bar STEAMING UP THE VIBRANT FLAVOURS OF CHINESE

Transformed from what used to be an old dust-bin alley, Fort Lane has morphed into a funky hospitality precinct. One of the newest additions, Mandarin Dumpling & Bar, is adding a very special and extremely modern feel to Auckland’s Chinese cuisine scene.

Situated below ground level in a cellar, Mandarin Dumpling & Bar offers an atmospheric vibe, cheerful staff, great service and a bounty of exquisite tastes, celebrating the vibrant, fresher side of this ancient cuisine.

Descending the steps we found a restaurant shaped by soft light that grazed raw brick, straw-filled cement framed with tiny beads of timber and hand-painted traditional Chinese cabinets. Beautiful grey-blue banquettes in buttoned felt are modeled on early 20th-century Chinese military uniforms, while industrial shelving creates a pantrylike feel with row upon row of bottled Chinese rice wine and chili sauce.

As soon as we were seated we were served a snack-sized portion of toasted nuts rolled in sesame seed. We looked through the menu whilst sampling a mocktail or two.

Our waitress suggested ordering plates to share, as then we would get to taste more of the menu items.

The menu, an exploration of China’s culinary heartland, ranges from fiercely spicy dishes, to the elegantly subtle seasoned kinds, with each item sized perfectly for sharing. We started off with a delicious, fresh Buddha salad, and enjoyed the crunch of Chinese cabbage and carrot in every bite. We then got our hands dirty to get the most of the Shanghai-style braised chicken wings, sticky with sweet soy sauce and five spice. We then moved onto their staple: dumplings, with the option of steamed or fried. We chose the prawn, crab and squid ink, which had a fantastic purple tinge to it, and a vegetarian option with egg, vermicelli, cabbage and spinach.

Even though we felt full to the brim, we could not resist the fried chicken nuggets, served on a plateful of chilli and onions.

Our favourite dish was left until last: the fried homemade tofu with capsicum, baby daikon and fragrant fish sauce. The tofu is created in house, and was cooked to perfection, crispy yet delicate.

A ‘happy ending’ to a meal at Mandarin has to be the moon cakes. A variation on a traditional Chinese dessert served during the Moon Festival, these frozen, all-natural treats come with a firmer green tea or more custard-like mango filling, encased in moist opaque rice pastry.

Complementing this culinary exploration is a drinks list shaped predominantly around craft brews, including Moa on tap, and boutique New Zealand wines, with more than 70 on offer.

Bookings are being taken for lunch and for groups of eight or more for dinner. www.mandarinrestaurant.co.nz

DECEMBER 2013

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Mad About Macarons From John Campbell to John Travolta, Fiona Tomlinson has snapped them all.

But she decided to put photographing famous people on hold to photograph dogs instead. Oh, and bake macarons.

“They have always been my main passions,” she chuckles. “Not that I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing before. It’s just that I’ve decided to tailor my life to do the things that I really, really love.” Her pastry chef uncle ran a couple of bakeries in Canada and inheriting his flair, Fiona’s lemon meringues are said to be legendary. Come birthdays and Christmases she was always inundated with requests. “In some ways, my macarons are like meringues,” she says.

“They’re not the typical fragile ones you often get. They’re gooey in the middle.

I’ve had some professional chefs tell me that they’re the best they’ve ever tasted.”

Fiona’s baking career opportunity arose out of the blue. A year after travelling through America (where she had been doing stories on macaron’s) she learnt that a lady from whom she had previously bought something on TradeMe was looking to sell her macaron business.

“The text came through at 10pm,” says Fiona. “I bought it on the spot. It was an impulse. It felt right.” The lady in question was leaving to pursue the love of her life, and Fiona, in turn, found another love for hers: “It’s so exciting. It has grown faster than I could have ever dreamed of.” She’s especially looking forward to showcasing some new and wholly unique recipes this festive season: Cherry and Wine, Gingerbread and Christmas Mint.

“They’re not the typical fragile ones you often get. They’re gooey in the middle. I’ve had some professional chefs tell me that they’re the best they’ve ever tasted.”

Things are going so well, she’s had to put aside the couple of dog books that she’s been working on. Though, she says, photographing canines and baking macarons aren’t all that different. “There’s no BS with a dog,” she laughs. “They pick up on everything. And you know what, so does the macaron batter! If you’re stressed, or rush them, they don’t like it. If you don’t love making those macarons, it’s as if they know. ” See www.macarons.co.nz for further details

Available from Madame Jojo’s, Farro Fresh, Baguette&Co facebook/macarons.co.nz

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FOOD 4 THOUGHT

Image by veganforthewin.wordpress.com

Tis’ the Season Words: Shirani Alfreds

With the silly season serving up all manner of excesses on a menu, it seems even sillier timing to learn about healthy eating and food options. Yet, the options listed below are not average faddish deprivation-based diets, but food movements based onphilosophies that will make you feel (and hopefully look) great. So whichever you choose, throw in a bit of the sensible with the silly and get a headstart to keeping your 2014 resolutions!

PRIMITIVELY PRIMAL The latest food movement to gain credibility with triathletes and ordinary mortals is Mark Sisson’s Primal Blueprint. It is based on controlling how genes express themselves in order to build the strongest, leanest, healthiest body possible taking clues from evolutionary biology. Geared to fuel your body to combat disease and reach its maximum potential, its guiding principles are: 1. Eat lots of plants and fresh meat 2. Avoid poisonous things 3. Move frequently at a slow pace

AGAINST ANIMAL… …cruelty.. Veganism is more than vegetarianism advocating refraining, consuming or using any animal products including those tested on animals. There are different categories and ethical or environmental veganism is based on the philosophy that the harvesting or industrial farming of animals is environmentally damaging and unsustainable. Vegan diets can offer protection against degenerative conditions such as heart disease. See more at www.vegansociety.co.nz FAIRLY FISHY Pescetarianism is vegetarianism including seafood based on findings that red meat is detrimental given high amounts of saturated fat, choline and carnitine. Eating fish raises HDL levels and is a great source of Omega-3 acids amongst other benefits.

It may be based on not treating fish on the same moral level as other animals, as a compromise to obtain nutrients not found in plants or a transition to vegetarianism. A 1999 study comparing mortality rates found that mortality from ischemic heart disease compared with meat eaters was 34% lower in pescetarians, 34% lower in vegetarians that consume dairy and egg, 26% lower in vegans and 20% lower in occasional meat-eaters.

4. Lift heavy things 5. Sprint once in a while 6. Get adequate sleep 7. Play 8. Get adequate sunlight 9. Avoid stupid mistakes 10. Use your brain See more at www.primalblueprint.com, www.marksdailyapple.com

Shop the Talk: Avoid just ‘shoptalk’ and Get the Goods!

Angelfood – Vegan, Dairy-free: www.angelfood.co.nz The Cruelty Free Shop – Vegan, Cruelty-free www.thecrueltyfreeshop.co.nz Jess’ Underground Kitchen – Paleo, Vegetarian pick-up-meals: www.myundergroundkitchen.com Wilder and Hunt – Paleo, sugar-free, grain-free supplies, café, ready-to-go meals: 15 Maskell Street, St Heliers The Wise Cicada – Organic: www.wisecicada.co.nz

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So, how do you serve caviar?

Generally speaking, the better the quality of caviar, the less you need “extras.” Many people like it plain on a little point of white toast, or with blinis, or even a slice of cold boiled potato. Or you can have it with chopped eggs whites, a little sour cream, even a tiny slice of mild onion or a caper or two.

Something to remember though – don’t use metal spoons to serve. There can be a chemical reaction, which is not so nice! Instead, use glass or horn. And don’t forget to put the Champagne in the fridge!

FRENCH CAVIAR Bonjour neighbours!

Here is a little quiz. What goes snap, crackle, pop? No, it’s not a breakfast cereal – it is the sensation you get when you put a little caviar on your tongue and gently press! And then there is a fresh sea-salt taste explosion, and finally a nutty aftertaste. Fantastic!

A bientôt, Jean-Christophe Maison Vauron 5 McColl Street, Newmarket (09) 529 0157

Caviar is amazing stuff – it’s the unfertilised eggs of the sturgeon fish. You may not know that some of the best caviar in the world is now produced in France – in the Gironde estuary in Bordeaux.

In past years the main source of caviar was the Caspian sea but because of pollution and over-fishing of wild sturgeon, which is now highly endangered, there’s a complete ban on the trade of caviar from the Caspian. Instead, we are lucky to get very high-quality farmed sturgeon caviar from France. It’s a long and expensive process – we wait seven or eight years to get to harvest. So we must enjoy every delicious salty little grain!

The Sturia Caviar we get at Maison Vauron has no preservatives; it’s lightly salted and you can be assured that it has gone through the most stringent health and quality systems.

‘Like’ us on Facebook! Search for ‘Divino Bistro’

ITALIAN Bistro & WINE BAR — 15 NICHOLLS LANE, CARLAW PARK, PARNELL (AROUND THE CORNER FROM ASB TENNIS STADIUM) 09 379 3848 — WWW.DIVINO.CO.NZ — Open MONDAY TO FRIDAY – 8:30AM - 10:30PM

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A Whole Lotta Flair Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

Few know bartending like Paul Franich. It’s a vocation that has taken him from some of the hippest joints in New Zealand to becoming brand ambassador for 42Below vodka in the US. He returned to these shores last year, having spent the best part of a decade based in the Big Apple.

“A great bartender is one that can not only make a drink, but entertain and hold a conversation,” says Franich. “The more comfortable people feel with the bartender, the more likely they will come back. Grumpy bartenders don’t make for good business.” Paul points to the fact that bartending has been considered a profession for over two centuries in America, with a well-established tipping system in place. There it’s often considered a lifelong career, whereas it has never had that kind of respect in New Zealand. An attitude he’s glad to see shift.

“Traditionally, Kiwis have seen hospitality as a student or holiday job, but perceptions are at last changing for the better. The industry is beginning to take itself far more seriously. I’m excited about what’s happening in Auckland at present with joints like Depot and The Engine Room.”

Such is Paul’s expertise he now runs his own consulting agency, offering advice on everything from floor layouts to drinks lists and even down to designing the actual bars. “A bar is like a kitchen,” he says. “It needs to be planned in a way that makes everything easier for the staff. There aren’t many in New Zealand specifically laid out as a working cocktail bar. In Auckland, I can’t think of one.” Until now. His latest project has seen him do just that. Working from scratch in what he describes as a “massive challenge”, Paul has overseen the design and opening of the bar at Josh Emett’s Ostro.

AVIATION NO 1 & 2 One of my favourite cocktails, and a great way to end the day and start the night.

There are two ways to make this cocktail, the original Aviation has Crème de Violette, which is sometimes hard to find, the No 2 is the same recipe minus the Violette.

and top with ground coconut.

Leave for 3-4 days in a warm spot, tasting regularly.

45mls coconut-infused rum 60mls fresh pineapple juice 25mls fresh lime juice Fill a tall glass with ice, add all ingredients and serve. Garnish with mint or a slice of pineapple.

The Aviation harks back to the early 20th century, but still has legs today.

NO. 1 50mls Tanqueray gin 20mls lemon juice 10mls maraschino liqueur 10mls Crème de Violette NO. 2 50mls Tanqueray gin 20mls Lemon Juice 20mls maraschino liqueur Add all ingredients to a shaker, fill with ice and shake vigorously.

Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cherry.

AMERICANO The Americano is a classic Italian aperitivo, created in Caffe Campari in the 1860s.

A bitter-sweet cocktail using Campari, sweet vermouth and topped with soda, perfect for a lunch, well perfect for anytime of the day.

I ask Paul about his favourite hang-outs.

25mls Campari 40mls sweet vermouth Soda orange peel to garnish

“Few places beat New York City,” he says. “There are bars and restaurants on every corner, and all evolving constantly. There’s a truly amazing cocktail bar in Boston called Drink. Here, Fukuko in Britomart has great food and cocktails, and Golden Dawn is always good for a beer or two. Mea Culpa and of course Ostro are the go-to watering holes to discover what’s new and tasty at the moment.”

Fill a wine glass with ice, add Campari and sweet vermouth, stir. Top with around 75-100mls of soda depending on taste.

Garnish with your orange peel.

Check out Pauls cocktail recipes for the festive season…

PINA COLADA The official beverage of Puerto Rico since 1978, the story I like is that the Pina Colada can be traced back to a pirate in the 1820s who would serve his crew this concoction to keep the crew morale high.

The best way to serve this cocktail is by infusing your own rum.

Take a 1 litre bottle of rum of your choice, empty 250mls

Champagne Gif ts or at Treat Yourself

DECEMBER 2013

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Liquorland Newmarket & Parnell Plus plenty of other gift packs and bubbly deals in store

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69 St Georges Bay Rd (off the Strand), Parnell Ph (09) 366 9361 www.lacigale.co.nz – bookings@lacigale.co.nz www.facebook.com/lacigalemarkets Hours – Shop and Café – open every day French Market – Saturday 8am-1.30pm, Sunday 9am-1.30pm French Bistro – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights from 6pm — BOOK NOW —

Christmas gifts and goodies

Open 7 days a week 57 Normanby Road, Mt Eden, Auckland T: 09 630 8751 E: info@sabato.co.nz www.sabato.co.nz

Columbus Coffee Until the mid-90s, New Zealand had been a nation of passionate tea-drinkers but the opening of Columbus Coffee’s first café in Auckland’s High Street back in 1995 helped alter the balance. Since then the brand has played a leading role in helping shape the world-class café culture we now have in New Zealand.

A former pharmacist, Julie Gibson has helmed Auckland Hospital’s Columbus Coffee since 2012: “We offer such a welcoming environment. We have served literally thousands of patients, doctors, nurses and hospital staff.” The café, she says, offers an escape, the chance for some patients to see people going about their normal lives while soaking up plenty of much-needed natural light.

Added to their fine coffee, prepared by highly skilled baristas, is Julie’s chef and a full kitchen. All food is freshly prepared using locally sourced produce, customers can choose from a deli cabinet or extensive a-la-carte menu. Also on offer is a new fresh take-home coffee range from Columbus’ Roast Master David Burton, which consists of small batch roasts of premium coffee beans personally sourced

by David from across the globe.

Because of her location Julie serves thousands of doctors, nurses and patients from the nearby Auckland Hospital. The Medical School is also across the road so many of the students come over and relax, study and lunch at her café.

Julie says, “It’s all about engaging with the customers,” and she feels that herself and her team have a special bond with many of their regulars. Whether that be making them a specially prepared meal, sitting down for a chat or sharing a laugh.

Sometimes, even a cry.

For further information visit www.columbuscoffee.co.nz or check out the Facebook page ColumbusCoffeeNZ. Top image by Raewyn Gilkes Left: Julie Gibson Image by Raewyn Gilkes

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL Grafton, Auckland 09 303 3155 www.columbuscoffee.co.nz HOURS Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 5pm Sat to Sun, 8am to 4:30. Public Holidays 9am to 4pm

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KIWI PAV CHOCOLATE

BY DEVONPORT CHOCOLATES

There has been a trend for local chocolatiers to create unique New Zealand flavours within their sweet treats. Devonport Chocolates have certainly done that with their new Kiwi-Pav chocolate! With little chunks of Kiwi-fruit and pavlova meringue, this gods-own flavour will delight young and old.

Fun artwork by Fraser Williamson further adds to the festive feel.

For more info visit www.devonportchocolates.co.nz

DESSERT DOJO COMING SOON! DESSERT DOJO – COLD STONE ICE CREAM – ICE CREAM, YOUR WAY Dessert Dojo is a family-owned business focused on providing innovative methods for serving top-quality ice cream whilst maintaining an exciting and memorable experience for our customers. Our stonemixing technique is what separates us from the rest! A custom-engineered cold stone facilitates the innovative mixing of ice cream with a variety of top-quality toppings (such as chocolate brownie, fruits and nuts just to name a few!) to create a divine-tasting dessert right in front of your eyes!

WHY DESSERT DOJO? What sets us apart from the rest? At Dessert Dojo we believe in providing an experience rather than just a product.

From the moment you walk in our doors you will instantly feel the exciting and welcoming environment whilst enjoying the best ice cream ever known to human-kind (and yeti-kind). Oh, Yeti is our friendly logo by the way!

I SEE, I’M VERY EXCITED!…WHEN AND WHERE THEN? Our grand opening will take place on Saturday the 14th December 2013.

Be sure to come around for great specials, an amazing environment and of course ridiculously good ice cream!

We are conveniently located by the intersection of Richmond Road/Picton Street and Ponsonby Road at 95C Ponsonby Road.

See ad below for more information!

NOW OPEN AT

95C PONSONBY ROAD Ice cream uniquely mixed with your choice of toppings!

We invite you to celebrate with us the opening of our first ever store!

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VERVE SHARES A PETITE KITCHEN RECIPE

Nut Butter Chocolate with Pistachios and Lemon Zest INGREDIENTS 1 cup of extra virgin coconut oil* 1/2 cup honey, maple or agave syrup 1/2 cup nut butter (I used almond, but peanut or cashew would work well also) 1/2 cup cocoa or cacao powder a pinch of sea salt

FOR TOPPING: 1/4 cup crushed pistachios zest of one lemon *you could also use cacao butter.

METHOD

In a small saucepan on very low heat, melt the honey, coconut oil and nut butter together. Stir in the cocoa and a pinch of salt if using. Whisk until smooth. Pour carefully into a small slice tin lined with baking paper. You could also use a small plastic container or kids’ shoe box lid.

Sprinkle with the pistachios and lemon zest, and then place in the freezer for 1-2 hours to set.

Remove from the freezer and transfer to flat surface. Carefully peel off the baking paper, then using your hands, break into pieces.

Makes around 15 large pieces. You can easily half the recipe to make a smaller quantity.

Best kept in the fridge or freezer. *gluten free *wheat free *grain free *dairy free *egg free *refined sugar free

Recipe and Image by Eleanor Ozich of Petite Kitchen www.petite-kitchen.com

VERVE’S CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Memories are made all the time, but the ones that stick with us forever - are those that have something deeply meaningful to hang from. A smell, an occasion, a dress, an image – can reignite pictures and feelings from the past – in a flash. Christmas is a time when thoughts go back to Christmases past. The Verve team recalls their very special Christmas memories.

DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS Christmas Day leaves an indelible impression on many children. In my case this is most definitely true. I remember so many of these special days as if they were yesterday.

KATHMANDU One of my best Christmas memories was on a winter’s trip to Nepal. My boyfriend and I had the good fortune of meeting a particularly kind and generous man from Kathmandu, called George.

Aged five, I lived in London on the Thames Canal, Prince Albert Road, a block or two from Regents Park. It was my first December in the Northern hemisphere, and all I wanted for Christmas was a white one. I wanted snow. I wanted to catch snowflakes on the sleeve of my coat, and then to check them through a magnifying glass to see those crystal shapes and patterns I had read about.

Even though George himself didn’t celebrate Christmas, he was kind enough to have us for a ‘Christmas dinner’ where we all exchanged local gifts. He gifted both of us great big scarves made from yak wool that we adore even today. All this after only knowing him for a couple of days.

Christmas day came and went. I spent hours at the window of our apartment just watching, waiting for snow. It did not happen. Boxing day, 26 December dawned. I slippered through to the kitchen, bleary eyed. Imagine my delight and surprise, when I looked out of the window, to see the world covered in a thick blanket of pristine snow.

PARIS My girlfriend booked us a mini-break to see Paris in 2005. I had been before on a school trip when I was 11, I think.

I remember being served up what I thought to be rather questionable, rather pungent beef. Turns out it was horse. 15 or so years later, it would be different.

It’s impossible to describe the beauty of Paris with mere words. It is impossible to capture the essence of Paris with a photograph or record its enchantment on film.

I have never forgotten that feeling of wonder.

PORTRAITS WITH A DIFFERENCE

- Fran CELEBRATIONS Our family has enough Irish in us that we know how to celebrate, and at Christmas everyone comes together for a long afternoon of song, dance, laughter and delicious shared food. No presents needed – just bring your voice and together weave warm memories and celebrate life.

- Jude

CONTACT US TODAY. www.bellephotography.co.nz bellephotography@xtra.co.nz 027- 454-7979

UP NORTH One Christmas, in 70s New Zealand, my parents rented a holiday home ‘up North’. It was on a farm. Being a city-bred kid I delighted in the flora and fauna.

There were baby ducklings in the pond, bright green frogs and eels – eew! Mum put Christmas stockings at the end of our beds and on Christmas morning. I remember pulling out a cute, fat, velvet piggy from mine that made me squeal with delight!

- Lulu

- Jess

Paris must be experienced. It must be seen, smelled and sipped. It was New Year’s Eve. We ate seafood just off the Champs-Élysées and drank bottle a wine. Maybe two. We had lost track of time and realised midnight was fast approaching. She hitched up her gown, removed her heels and I held her hand as we dashed through the crowded, cobbled Parisian streets, making it to the Eiffel Tower with minutes to spare.

As the clock struck twelve the iconic landmark glistened, further illuminated with crackling fireworks as cheers and tears filled the air. I turned to her and proposed. She said yes. We’re no longer together and should I decide to propose again, I’m now left with the rather impossible task of topping that.

– Jamie

DECEMBER 2013

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ART & ABOUT

CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra celebrates Christmas in traditional fashion this December, with two concerts at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell. The first is on the evening of Friday 13 December, while the other is the following afternoon.

The APO’s Christmas concerts are annual events, and offer a mix of appropriately themed orchestral music, along with songs and carols performed with choir and solo singer.

This year’s soloist is one of New Zealand’s favourite tenors Ben Makisi.

“Ben is a singer we’ve been happy to work with many times over the years,” says Ronan Tighe, the APO’s manager of artistic planning, and the person who programmed the concerts. “He’s a lyric tenor and known for the beauty of his voice, but he’s also incredibly versatile; in the past he’s sung with us in everything from show tunes to Verdi opera.”

For this Christmas concert, Makisi sings ‘Every Valley Shall Be Exalted’ from

Handel’s Messiah, the carol ‘O Holy Night’ and Schubert’s gorgeous ‘Ave Maria’.

The APO is also joined by The Graduate Choir NZ. The choir, led by its artistic director Terence Maskell, is a fixture of the APO’s Christmas concerts.

Who: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, with Brett Kelly, Ben Makisi, and the Graduate Choir NZ directed by Terence Maskell.

Brett Kelly, another returning favourite, conducts the concerts. As well as being a regular guest with the APO, Kelly regularly leads all of the major orchestras in his home country, Australia. His work has been heard by millions of people around the world, too – he was one of the conductors on the movie soundtrack to Happy Feet 2.

What: Celebrate Christmas

“Our Celebrate Christmas concerts have a great atmosphere,” says Tighe. “When the sun streams through the stained glass windows of the cathedral it’s really something. And the Friday night concert takes place around sunset. By the end of the concert the sun is down and the audience joins the choir in singing ‘Silent Night’; it’s quite magical.”

Tickets: $22-$59

Where: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell When: 7.30pm Friday 13 December, and 3pm Saturday 14 December

More information: apo.co.nz

Celebrate Christmas

apo.co.nz

7.30pm, Friday 13 December Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell 3pm, Saturday 14 December Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell Conductor Brett Kelly Graduate Choir NZ Director Terence Maskell Share the Christmas spirit with friends, family and the APO in a performance of much-loved carols and favourite Christmas music.

Top New Zealand tenor Ben Makisi performs ‘Every Valley Shall be Exalted’ from Messiah as well as the much-loved carol ‘O Holy Night’.

Book at apo.co.nz or call 09 623 1052

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Coming up at the Movies NIGHT TRAIN TO LISBON IN CINEMAS DEC 5 Raimund Gregorius (Jeremy Irons) is a high-school Latin teacher and an expert in ancient languages. His life is transformed following a mysterious encounter with a young Portuguese woman on the old Kirchenfeld Bridge in the beautiful Swiss city of Bern. Raimund is intrigued but the woman disappears, leaving behind her coat. Inside it he discovers a book by a Portuguese doctor called Amadeu de Prado, which contains a train ticket. He spontaneously decides to use it, setting off on an adventurous journey to Lisbon. Ultimately his journey transcends time and space, touching on matters of history, philosophy, and medicine, encountering love and evolving into a liberating search for the true meaning of life.

Directed by Bille August Starring Jeremy Irons, Melanie Laurent and Jack Huston Rated TBC | Runtime 111 minutes

PHILOMENA IN CINEMAS DEC 26 Philomena is the true story of one mother’s search for her lost son.

Falling pregnant as a teenager in Ireland in 1952, Philomena Lee was sent to the convent of Roscrea to be looked after as a “fallen woman”. When her baby was only a toddler, he was whisked away by the nuns to America for adoption. Philomena (Judi Dench) spent the next fifty years searching for him in vain. Then she met Martin Sixsmith, a world-weary journalist as cynical as Philomena was trusting. Together they set off for America on a journey that would not only reveal the extraordinary story of Philomena’s son, but also the powerful bond that grew between Philomena and Martin.

Directed by Stephen Frears Starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan Rated M Offensive language and sexual references Runtime 98 minutes

THE GILDED CAGE IN CINEMAS DEC 26 Writer/director Ruben Alves’ enormously charming, semiautobiographical Parisian comedy is the story of a loving, hardworking married couple whose long-held dream of returning to their homeland finally comes true – only to be secretly undermined by their friends and neighbours.

Directed by Ruben Alves Starring R ita Blanci, Joaquim De Almeida, Roland Giraud, Chantal Lauby, Barbara Cabrita, Lannick Gautry Rated TBC | Runtime 90 minutes

THE RAILWAY MAN IN CINEMAS JAN 23 Eric Lomax was one of thousands of Allied prisoners of war forced to work on the construction of the Thai/Burma railway during WW2. His experiences, after the secret radio he built to bring news and hope to his colleagues was discovered, left him traumatised and shut off from the world. Years later, he met Patti, a beautiful woman, on a train and fell in love. Patti was determined to rid Eric of his demons. Discovering that the young Japanese officer who haunted her husband was still alive, she faced a terrible decision.

Should Eric be given a chance to confront his tormentor? Would she stand by him, whatever he did?

Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky Starring Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Stellen Skarsgard, Jeremy Irvine, Hiroyuki Sanada Rated TBC | Runtime 116 minutes

DECEMBER 2013

BARFOOT & THOMPSON TWILIGHT SUMMER SERIES – WEDNESDAY, 11TH DECEMBER

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THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS GIFT The scene is familiar. Surrounded by holiday tunes and Santa Clause’s favourite colours, you’re buried deep in the Christmas shopping frenzy.

Candy canes start looking like weapons and wreaths like chokers.

Just thinking about it can be overwhelming, but gift giving is worth it, right? The answer is yes and no. Believe me, sometimes gifts can be damaging (aka—the time a friend of mine gave her boyfriend a self-help book).

Now, every gift has some thought behind it, and this Christmas I’m going to gift you something that I’ve given over ten years of deep thought, sincere consideration, and absolute attention.

If you or a friend is single, I have the perfect present for you this Christmas. I hope you take my idea seriously, because this December, I could save you time, money, and I might just change your life.

My name is Sasha Madarasz and I own Two’s Company – Auckland’s leading dating agency for single people. Our clients come to us because they are successful in most areas of their life but are simply not getting the opportunity to meet other single people who have commitment and long term in mind.

At Two’s Company that’s what we do. We can not promise chemistry or attraction. You may end up rubbing each other up the wrong way on the date. But...if we do take you on our books, then we will give you the opportunity to meet good single people who have also joined because they are ready for a relationship.

We can offer you the excitement and novelty of meeting other singles who are successful, interesting, matched to your wants and needs, and looking for someone to share their life with.

Dress up and party as the sun goes down!

A guaranteed night to remember, this is one of Auckland’s hottest Christmas events where the focus is as much on the horses as it is on the party.

Six races are played out in a fast-paced format before the festivities kick off at the Birdcage Bash afterparty (free entry for all on course).

Perfect for Christmas parties, an evening spent at the twilight races is also a fantastic excuse to meet, mix and mingle ‘til late.

• Further information and tickets are available from ellerslie.co.nz.

• Gates open 3:30pm and the first race will run at approximately 4:40pm.

• Last race at Ellerslie will run at approximately 7.50pm with the Birdcage Bash (R18) opening immediately after to all race-goers • Free parking • Tickets start from $10.00. Children under 15 years go free

This is the type of Christmas gift that keeps on giving. It’s about love and happiness! It’s glazed with adventure. Sending yourself or someone you know into the dating world is unique, and it just might alter the future in the most magnificent way.

Sasha Madarasz 0800-021-522 sasha@twoscompany.co.nz www.twoscompany.co.nz

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Book Reviews 1. MICHAEL COOPER’S 2014 BUYER’S GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND WINE Published by Hachette Always anxiously awaited by those who want to find the best buys for the entertainment season, new vintage releases and for that perfect extra gift to keep under the Christmas tree, Michael Cooper’s annual update on what to drink is possibly the most popular of holiday reading around. Not only does he taste over 3000 wines on your behalf, he then rates them by price, quality and variety, making it so easy to pick the right wine whatever the occasion. Worth buying for the comprehensive tasting notes alone, this newly updated edition will allow you to have all the information you need at your fingertips. Add an extra copy to your Christmas shopping list just in case that extra guest turns up. Start swotting from your own copy now. Wine snobs beware!

2. EAT – THE LITTLE BOOK OF FAST FOOD Nigel Slater Small- but beautifully formed and packaged, and a cookbook that could so easily become your new kitchen bible. This little wonder contains over 600 recipes for delicious quick dinners and lunches. In fact recipes for eating at all hours of the day. In his lovely, chatty, conversational style, Nigel Slater makes you want to conjure up delicious food from the very first pages to the endpapers and beyond. His philosophy of a simple but good end result, and of using the best ingredients but rather sparingly, makes this a serious contender for the best cookbook of the year. Enjoy what time you spend in the kitchen, but follow Nigel’s recipes, and you will have tons of time to relax elsewhere with nearest and dearest.

3.THE BIG NEW YORKER BOOK OF CATS Foreword by Anthony Lane A superb collection of articles, cartoons, illustrations and stories from the archives of one of the world’s most famous literary magazines.

The New Yorker magazine was first published back in 1925 and since then it has been a byword for clever erudite writing and a wonderful way to be introduced to a whole swathe of authors, some new and others famous Arcadia Bookshop 26 Osborne Street, Newmarket (09) 522 5211 www.arcadiabookshop.co.nz

favourites. This collection is perfect, not only for cat lovers and cat fanciers, but for those wanting to be amused and entertained in style. It’s a grand companion volume to last year’s hugely popular New Yorker Book of Dogs.

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4. GYPSY: A WORLD OF COLOUR AND INTERIORS Sibella Court A known name in the world of interior decorating, Sibella Court travels the world capturing the essence of various countries and incorporating their distinctive colour palettes into an inspiring book. Mixing the exotic with the everyday and the ancient with the most modern she shows you how to select the right tones for the way you want to decorate the spaces you live in. You don’t have to follow her ideas slavishly but she will point you in the right direction detailing how interiors can be transformed with the use of colour and texture. Gypsy: A World of Colours and Interiors is a super reference source and a book to refer to time and time again.

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DECEMBER 2013

ART MEETS ARCHITECTURE Miranda Brown has forged a successful career in the design and fashion industry and is now turning her creative entrepreneur skills to the property industry. Her latest venture is working alongside architects, interior designers and developers creating large- and small- scale art to beautify urban environments and interiors. The industry can view her art installations in the Jasmax entrance hall and mezzanine.

Large-scale art is not new to Brown, she was commissioned to create a permanent piece of public art for the New Lynn train station in 2009 and also created a temporary installation for Auckland Waterfront in 2011 for the Rugby World Cup. “Designing public art has provided great experience for me to scale up my art work, primarily my focus is to bring beauty and colour into the built environment reflecting nature and culture ” says Brown.

Brown spent years illustrating for her sustainable fashion label ‘Miranda Brown – Conscious Cloth’ and is using these illustrations to create large scale art works for walls of buildings. Interiors are also catered for with limited edition prints and soft furnishings, ideally suited for the home, a sustainable hotel chain or office fit-out. The illustrations are primarily patterns that mirror nature’s rhythm and geometry representing human interconnection with all life – birds and mandalas [circle designs] feature strongly in Miranda’s work.

Brown’s vision is to connect people to nature through her art. “I’m deeply inspired by nature and our connection to all life,” says Brown. “We all need to take some time to cherish life in all its forms and I think this is what comes out in my drawing.”

In her exhibition at Jasmax, the installations of birds will grace both external and internal walls. There are digital prints, laser-cut ply and metal printed, digital print furnishings including lamps and wallpaper. The exhibition is called ‘The Murmuration’ and runs for the next two months at Jasmax, 2 Marston St, Parnell.

Top: Murmuration side on Middle: Tane Top: Stairs and Huia

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Finding Heaven Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

As a founding member and lead singer of the Go-Go’s, Belinda Carlisle’s status as a rock icon was already assured well before she embarked upon her solo journey. Punk pioneers of Girl Power, the Go-Go’s were the first all-female act to use their own instruments to write and perform their own songs. Their 1982 debut Beauty and the Beat reached number one on the US Billboard album charts and stayed there for six weeks. The group went on to sell in excess of seven million records and are widely considered to be one of the most influential acts of the era. The dream come true, however, fast descended into a nightmare.

How many others get the chance to be Miss August? I have no problem with that magazine – it’s been around for over 60 years. It was honour. I have no problem with nudity either.” She reminds me the Go-Go’s were also the first female celebs to bare all for PETA’s ‘Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur’ campaign twenty years earlier. Speaking of young, unclothed pop stars, I ask Carlisle her thoughts on Miley Cyrus’ current chart and headline dominance.

“When you’re that young, with that kind of success, there is no positive way to handle it,” she says. “I see her and Justin Bieber acting out and I get it. I empathise with them. They’ve never had a chance to just be kids.”

The whole celebrity thing seems so much more intrusive nowadays?

“When we reached number one, I went on a four-day binge,” says Carlisle. “I remember being on the floor, crying and thinking, ‘I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve this’. Now I feel I totally deserve it, but it has taken a lot of work on myself to get to that point. Back then, the pressures of fame coupled with so much money, I felt I had to sabotage my happiness.”

Her drug and alcohol dependence lasted three decades and Carlisle tells me even without the success, she thinks she’d have still been an addict: “My substance abuse may not have been so extreme, and if I couldn’t have afforded coke, it would have been something else. It goes back to childhood, of having no love of oneself. When I was in the Go-Go’s, those in the music industry knew I had a problem. From 1990 to 2005, it had become an open secret.”

In 2001, Carlisle posed nude as a cover girl for Playboy. I ask if it was a subconscious attempt to bare her soul, as well as her body, to the world: “Oh no, I just did it because it was Playboy!

“I’m lucky that I went through my years at the top with no paparazzi and no camera phones, which I think are hideous. When I do have any kind of pap experience in LA, I find it annoying. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to deal with 24/7. But you know, they court it too, so they can’t expect too much sympathy.”

Belinda Carlisle is one of the first artists I remember being aware of hearing on the radio as a child (plus my mother was a huge fan). The single ‘Heaven is a Place on Earth’ was a phenomenon, topping the charts across the globe, including here in New Zealand. I ask Carlisle of her childhood musical memories. “Fifth Dimension’s ‘Aquarius’ I played over and over,” she says. “My parents bought me the 45. The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds had a big impact, especially growing up in southern California. They’re part of me on a cellular level.”

When I told people about this interview, your name was always met with genuine warmth. Do you find you seem to hold a special place in people’s hearts?

“Well, no-one’s ever come up to me to say they hate me! But, I guess some of

Carlisle’s defining moment came nearly nine years ago when she kicked her addictions for good. “You can’t carry on the way I was carrying on and expect to live,” she says. “It was an easy choice: live or die.” my songs, like ‘Heaven’, have become defining moments in people’s lives.”

Carlisle’s defining moment came nearly nine years ago when she kicked her addictions for good. “You can’t carry on the way I was carrying on and expect to live,” she says. “It was an easy choice: live or die.” Her marriage to Morgan Mason has lasted an incredible 28 years and they have a 21-year-old son, James. Since the mid-90s, they have lived between France and California.

Belinda has also spent a great deal of time in India, where she is involved with charitable causes and has set up her own textile business. She does yoga daily and also practices Nichiren Buddhism: “I started to get into to it towards the end of my drug years. Any sort of meditation makes you sit and face yourself. There was much dishonesty and many secrets in my life and it cleared a lot of Karma.”

Carlisle is considering taking a gap year next autumn to move to Bangkok. She wishes to travel and meditate, though “still do a little work”. The period of sobriety, she tells me, has been far more interesting than her previous 23 years of singing. I ask if she has experienced a re-birth. If she feels she has now had two lives. “I wouldn’t say that,” she smiles. “It feels like I’ve had about nine.”

Belinda Carlisle will be performing at the Bruce Mason Centre on 13th December

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VERVE INTERVIEWS

Serious Golfing Gals Interview: Inger-Lisa Hurst

Pauline Goldfinch, Juanita White and Rosie Wall are three successful businesswomen who also happen to be exceptional golfers.

Pauline is the manager of Barfoot and Thompson Parnell, managing a busy team of 25; Juanita runs a consultancy business as well as working as a tutor and Rosie is the founder of Parnell Physio Clinic, teaching Pilates as well as treating sports- and spine-related injuries.

Once a week the trio get together on the golf course to unwind from the busy working week, work on their golf swing and network.

Verve met with theinspiring women to catch up on all things business and golf.

Verve: How did the three of you meet?

Pauline: Interestingly we all met through sport, be it snow skiing, children’s junior rugby and now through golf. The three of us are keen participants and enjoy watching all sorts of different sports Rosie: Sport is such a great medium for friendships and networking.

V: How long have you played golf?

Pauline: I have been playing 39 years. I started as a junior and have continued through the years. A lot of my business contacts play golf. Now both my children play and belong to the Royal Auckland Golf Club.

Juanita: Off and on for 13 years. I love the sport more now as l understand the basics and the challenges of the game, which is really good for me. Having been a PE teacher l have played so many sports, but this one has got me totally focussed to improve and play well.

Rosie: I have played for probably 20 years. I guess some of my tennis buddies were taking up golf at the time (not that we’ve stopped playing tennis!) It’s fantastic to be able to play all levels together and there are a lot of fabulous courses for us to play in New Zealand. We play in tournaments all over the country and have discovered some amazing places and met some fabulous people.

V: What does it mean for you to get together as a group of golfers and businesswomen?

Pauline: Unanimously the attraction with golf is the challenge.

We all play businesswomen’s golf in the weekend and enjoy the

Left to right: Rosie, Pauline and Juanita

camaraderie, the diverse networking opportunities and being outside in a healthy environment. We get together to play golf as much as possible depending on work and family. We have been known to sneak away late on a Friday afternoon to combat the stresses of work.

Juanita: The club is very social so you always know someone out there. Some days you could be playing with three others all working in completely different industries and after a four hour round of golf you either become a patient, are inspired to buy something from them or you find some unlikely family connection. It’s all networking!

Rosie: We all look forward to our Saturday golf. It’s such a great balance after a busy week- the calm touch of nature and the opportunity to mix with a great group of businesswomen from a diverse selection of occupations.

V: What would your advice be to an amateur golfer and/or an entrepreneur starting up a business?

Pauline: My advice would for anyone starting out in business, any sort of business would be to use your network. Chat to people, be organised at all times and constantly push the boundaries. Network, network, network – real estate is the perfect career if you are a great networker – the opportunities are unlimited and no day is ever the same.

Juanita: When it comes to golf, get out there! Learn the game with lessons and from there, there is so much opportunity to grow. Starting up a business has its risks – keep challenging what you can do.

Rosie: For the golfer – practice makes perfect and Pilates makes it easy! For the entrepreneur – be organised. Keep pushing the boundaries and reinventing yourself.

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FOR THE BEST IN CHRISTMAS SHOPPING, COME TO GREENWOODS CORNER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Virgins And More In Seville Words: Liam Fennell

DECEMBER 2013

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JOURNEYS

I have never been in a city with so many virgins offering such exciting experiences! I am speaking about the streets, or calles of Seville, the capital of Spain’s southernmost region, Andalucía. Virgen de Luján, Virgen de Luz, and Virgen de Consolacíon are just a few of the many, and if you are lucky you may even see one of them processing down the street in a religious celebration.

Located on the Guadalquivir River and almost the exact antipodes of Auckland, Seville’s rich Catholic history also sees a church on almost every street.

Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most awe-inspiring, worthy of at least an hour’s exploration.

Its cavernous, gold-encrusted interior houses all sorts of treasures, including the tomb of history’s most famous explorer, Christopher Columbus, who attempts to rest in peace despite hordes of camerawielding tourists swirling about him.

Adjacent and connected to the Cathedral is the equally impressive Giralda Tower, a minaret left over from Moorish times when Andalucía was part of the Moslem Almorad Dynasty. Views of Seville from the tower are the best you will find.

Definitely not for the squeamish, you can also catch a bullfight in Seville’s La Maestranza bullring, one of the oldest in the world. It is a quintessentially Spanish experience not to be forgotten.

Other top places to see include two more UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Real Alcazar (originally a Moorish fortress and the oldest royal residence in Europe), and General Archive of the Indies, as well as the impressive Mudejar Plaza de España and more modern Metropol Parasol, the world’s largest wooden structure affectionately nicknamed “Las Setas” (The Mushrooms).

If retail therapy is more your cup of tea, the parallel streets of Sierpes and Tetúan are laden with boutiques and stores with local and international brands. For something a bit more artsy crafty, check out the labyrinth of streets in Barrio Santa Cruz behind the Alcazar.

Pack a pair of good walking shoes for a trip to Seville as walking is the best way to get around. Another option is Sevici, a bike rental system with an excellent bike path and stations conveniently scattered throughout the city. And whatever you do, always carry a map, GPS, or both! The winding medieval streets of Seville are a trap for even the most intrepid of travellers.

Accommodation wise, Seville has something for everyone’s budget. But if you want 5-star pampering in a centrally located boutique hotel, I recommend the Hotel Alma Sevilla. Located on Calle Santiago, this converted 18th-century

Located on the Guadalquivir River and almost the exact antipodes of Auckland, Seville’s rich Catholic history also sees a church on almost every street.

Seville Cathedral, the world’s largest gothic cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most awe-inspiring, worthy of at least an hour’s exploration. palace is equipped with every modern comfort coupled with luxurious charm.

Service is outstanding: thoughtful touches include bedtime chocolate treats and water brought to your room nightly.

When it’s time for some down time, look no further than Red House on Calle Amor de Dios. English-speaking Albero and his wife Cristina will make you feel welcome in their uber-cool, internationally flavoured cafe. Grab a café con leche, use the free Wi-Fi, drink in the atmosphere and admire local artwork adorning the walls.

For dinner or drinks, head to Hercules de La Alameda, or just La Alameda as the locals call it, a massive outdoor square lined with bars, restaurants, and clubs to tickle your every fancy. A favourite of mine is Duo Tapas on Calle Calatrava.

Everything on the menu is delish, including the Pulpo a la Gallega (Galicianstyle Octopus).

Afterwards, enjoy some free live music at Aníma on Calle Miguel Cid or Café Naima on Conde de Barajas.

And if you want to impress/amuse the locals with a bit of Andaluz, the local Spanish dialect, say “mi alma” (pronounced me areema) when addressing someone. It means “my soul,” an expression usually reserved for people you know very well, and akin to a Sevilliano arriving in New Zealand saying something like “sweet as bro.”

ACCOMMODATION Almasevilla.com FOOD/DRINK/MUSIC facebook.com/RedHouseArtFood facebook.com/Animagaleriataberna facebook.com/pages/NAIMA-CAFEJAZZ/120322509833 BIKE RENTAL sevici.com.es CITY INFORMATION www.exploreseville.com

Top to bottom: Metropol Parasol; Aníma’s live music; view from Giralda Tower; Macarena Opposite page: Virgin Mary of Seville Cathedral

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Waiheke Dreaming Words: Shirani Alfreds

I have often heard it said on Aotearoa’s soils “Why travel when we have it all here?”

Whilst this may at first seem limiting, the statement reflects a current global movement of travel – or lack of, rather. With busy lives and people wanting to preserve time, the “staycation” is popular for a quickie break. I’m not talking about the bach where you still have to cook, clean and pick up after the kids, but a real holiday, where you let someone else do that. It just so happens that our own (sub) tropical island of Waiheke offers a happy coincidence for all the elements for this real holiday: premium accommodation, superb service, spectacular settings and access to world-class wining and dining.

Only 40 minutes from Auckland… well! You just might leave feeling that perhaps, it is all here!

DELAMORE LODGE

FOSSIL COVE

Rated for service and style by Condé Naste, Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, Delamore Lodge offers jaw-dropping cliff-top views being moulded around the hillside of secluded Owhanake Bay. Exclusivity is maintained by the fact that there are only four guest suites and a twobedroom apartment. Luxury is epitomised by gourmet breakfasts in private grottos, gigantic bathtubs, an in-house spa, and an executive chef who customises finedining meals. Available by the suite or the whole property, rates start at $1316 per night for a double. www.delamorelodge.com

Go on then, book a bach if you must, however this lavish one has the option of maid and chef services so no cooking or cleaning if you choose! An architectural romantic masterpiece, it is set on 12 landscaped acres overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. Live it up with four large bedrooms and en-suites, a sophisticated tribal theme to the interior with a collection of Pacific and Polynesian artifacts and the best of modern luxury conveniences. At $3500 a night, a 50foot heated infinity pool with full-length solar shelf awaits your company, and arrive or travel in style with a helipad on property and Range Rover for bookings of seven days or longer. www.essenceofwaiheke.co.nz

THE BOAT SHED This property in Oneroa sets a definitive “Kiwi Bach” tone. “Stroll down to the beach, grab an ice-cream and dip your toes in the water” is recommended with their five guest suites and two bungalows designed to the same philosophy. Your luxury bach is enhanced with fine dining catered by chef Tibor Matus (‘Tibi’) and an extensive in-suite spa menu. Rent their styly Moke Togs at $150 a day and cruise the island! Suites start from $645 a night. www.boatshed.co.nz

Other recommended boutique luxury options are The Estate (from $545 a night) and Lavender Hill (from $495). Dining out at every meal is certainly an option with all the award-winning vineyards and restaurants! Do not miss relative newbie The Oyster Inn for a charming Cape Codtype setting, meal and views. www.theoysterinn.co.nz

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PLACES TO CHILL THIS SUMMER —

01—

TE WHAU Described by Wine International as “one of the most achingly beautiful and dramatic places a vineyard has ever taken root”, Te Whau Vineyard Restaurant is situated on a stunning cliff-top site with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City on lovely Waiheke Island – a quick ferry trip from downtown Auckland.

Te Whau’s multiple award-winning restaurant offers fresh New Zealand cuisine using top ingredients combined with a superior wine list of classic New Zealand wines, including their own five-star wines. Te Whau won best Rural Restaurant for four years and placed in the Top Ten of Auckland restaurants in the Metro/Emirates Restaurant Awards 2013.

Reservations advisable — 218 Te Whau Drive, Waiheke Island (09) 372 7191 www.tewhau.com | info@tewhau.com

Te Whau Vineyard Restaurant is situated on a stunning clifftop site with breathtaking 360degree views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland City on lovely Waiheke Island.

02 —

BETHELLS BEACH COTTAGES Natural luxury for humans being

Relax, retreat, rejuvenate, revitalise and recentre your heart and soul.

From the fresh rainwater collected and provided for drinking, to the wild poppies and family of quails convoying around the garden, everything and everywhere you look while staying at Bethells Beach Cottages, is nature’s finest, all set against the raw beauty of the West Coast.

The two cottages and one apartment are self-contained. Each has it’s own bbq area and parking right to the door! An open-air hot tub is perfect for stargazing and romance!

Trude Bethell (a fifth generation Bethell), Bethell’s Beach Cottage owner/operator, is also a celebrant and wedding planner extraordinaire: she will do it all for you!

The fabulous reception pavilion boasts an arty-wood panelled ceiling. Only 40 minutes from the CBD this is the perfect chill-out spot or wedding or corporate venue.

Wellness options available For more info visit bethellsbeach.com

03 —

STONYRIDGE Nestled in a shimmering valley of olive trees, colourful vines, and the aromas of the south of France, our Veranda Café is one of the most romantic and exotic venues in New Zealand for café dining, private functions, and weddings. Our summer menu was created by our chef Damien Babillaud. His sense for simple and fresh ingredients is the power of Stonyridge cuisine. We specialise in Waiheke Bordeaux wines by the glass or bottle. We also boast our own olives and olive oil, which are often not available elsewhere.

Stonyridge Vineyard 80 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island +64 9 372 88 22 Open 7 days for lunch and wine tastings Bookings Recommended info@stonyridge.com www.stonyridge.com

“One of the Top 10 Must-Visit Wineries in the World.”

– Robert Joseph, The Guardian, UK

“Te Henga, the perfect place, perfect weather, friends, family together made this the most perfect romantic wedding we could have imagined.

A fairytale come true – an idyllic beginning to the happy ever afters . . .

A big thank you to Trude & John, the special touches were wonderful.”

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The Isles of Captain Cook Words: Shirani Alfreds

They say not much has changed since the good captain discovered the Cook Islands in the 1700s. The first day back in Auckland after a week in Rarotonga feels a little like Rip Van Winkle coming down the mountain and it is suddenly odd to care about more than when happy hour is! Whilst the holiday lived up to every tropical expectation of azure skies, turquoise water and coconut trees swaying, the true luxury here is the laidback approach to time. The trip is highly recommended if all you want to do is beach languish and snorkel (with an ear out for the happy hour horn). However, you also have the option to do something if you must, as quad biking, jungle trekking, fishing or wandering around craft galleries are all options. Also, with over 240 square kilometres and 15 islands, playing Captain Cook and exploring them is not only feasible but appropriate.

So what advice can be offered for the visitor seeking an indulgent time out?

Where to Stay For more luxury, less castaway, stick to Rarotonga or Aitutaki. The Pacific Resorts are the only luxury resort group in the Cook Islands owning a hotel plus the self-catering Te Manava Luxury Villas

and Spa on Muri Beach and another hotel on Aitutaki (a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World). If romance is your game, child-free boutique resorts are The Little Polynesian, Muri Beach Club Hotel, Crown Beach Resort and Spa and self-catering Te Vakaroa Villas and The Royale Takitumu. Families or groups might prefer to hire houses so see www.holidayhomes.co.nz or www. cookislandsluxury.com. Whilst the entire island is accessible with a car or scooter, being based at Muri is convenient with walkable dining options, tours and the fact that it isn’t crowded.

Wine & Dine There are a few iconic establishments in Rarotonga with Tamarind House offering a romantic setting in a colonial bungalow. For a casual meal with quality seafood don’t miss Trader Jack’s in the heart of town. At Muri, Sails offers casual beachside dining with Rickshaw and La Casita further inland. The Flame Tree has an elegant feel and child-free establishments will offer fine dining. Le Bon Vivant, a delightful French deli with branches in town and Muri, is your onestop shop for good coffee, pastries and stocking gourmet indulgences.

FAST FACTS FOR RAROTONGA: September and October are the best times to visit as it is the tail end of winter and not as hot. Remember you are crossing the date line when making bookings! Air New Zealand flies directly but to get to other islands you will have to transfer to Air Rarotonga domestic flights. Day trips to Aitutaki are available at $459 per person (www. airraro.com). The local currency is NZD, which makes everything convenient. Hiring a scooter or car involves getting a local licence, which costs $20 at the police station and is issued after showing your NZ licence. A night at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga starts from $420, Te Manava Villas from $500 and Pacific Resort Aitutaki from $1080.

DO NOT MISS! / Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes for a day of snorkeling / BBQ and local culture with amusing antics / A romantic dinner at Tamarind House / Paddle boarding across Muri Lagoon / Snorkeling at Aroa Marine Reserve or Black Rock / Ika Mata - a local dish of raw fish marinated with coconut, lime and spices

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Carlaw Park

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BUSINESS & SOCIETY

The Men’s Shed Works Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

“It is a known fact that guys don’t network,” says Ross McEwan. “They don’t talk to people and tend to be more reserved, whereas women often have a better social group. When a man ends up sitting at home with nothing to do but watch TV, he may get depressed.

That’s when mental illness can set in.”

An innovative group of can-do Kiwi blokes are looking to combat this with Men’s Shed, a not-for-profit organisation on the North Shore. “It is primarily for guys that have retired, but we also get some who are still working,” adds Ross.

“There is no limit to who can come and what they can do.”

McEwan is on the executive board of MenzShed New Zealand and is chairman of the Men’s Shed North Shore Trust.

What started as a part-time hobby has become a nigh-on full-time endeavour.

Much his to wife’s disdain, he jokes.

The concept originated in 2005 in Australia where there are now over 900 registered sheds. In New Zealand there are 50, with more in the pipeline. This one in Glenfield was Auckland’s first custombuilt complex and was even designed by the group too. Completed last April, numbers have grown so rapidly they are already looking to expand. “There are not so many in the country like this one,” says Ross proudly. “We have 94 members, with more each month. Some are doing personal projects, while others are involved with projects for the community.

They can come and go as they like, there’s no compulsion.”

Ross leads the way from his office to the workspace where the sound of banter competes with the drone of drills and band-saws. “There is a great camaraderie,” he says. “Within ten minutes of a new guy entering, everyone is taking the Mickey out of each other. It’s a very comfortable environment.”

The men bring with them a host of skills such as carpentry, engineering, computing and electronics.

There’s even the odd artist too. They share their knowhow with each other and their community.

The men bring with them a host of skills such as carpentry, engineering, computing and electronics. There’s even the odd artist too. They share their knowhow with each other and their community. “We have been asked by the Ministry of Health and Refugee Support NZ to build bunk beds,” Ross tells me. “And we’ve fixed over 30 bikes for the local primary school – repaired punctures and brakes, that sort of thing.” They have worked on a range of other projects for the likes of Northcote Point crèche and Takapuna Presbyterian Support. Usually the Shed members work for free, though when they do need to charge the funds go back into helping others.

Money is raised through membership fees and they always welcome donations for materials and equipment.

Birkenhead Licensing Trust, Auckland Council and Kaipatiki local board are among those who have seen the potential and given grants. “Initially they were all a bit wary because of what it was and because there were not a lot of established sheds in the country,” says Ross. “Now we just say come down and have a look. Everyone sees how worthwhile it really is.”

For more info check out: www.mensshednorthshore.org.nz

PARNELL

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FIRST MONTH STORAGE

EXPIRES 31ST MARCH 2014. NEW CUSTOMERS AND SELECTED SIZES ONLY. 50% OFF THE STORAGE RENTAL ONLY. LIMIT (1X) DISCOUNT PER RENTAL AGREEMENT. STORAGE KING PARNELL ONLY. NO REFUND ON FREE PERIOD. CANNOT BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. MUST MENTION OFFER TO REDEEM. SEE IN STORE FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

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Femmes Fatales

Following the affair between Auckland mayor Len Brown and Bevan Chuang, Verve decided to take a look at some of history’s most notorious ‘other women’, including a certain Greek siren and ruler of Egypt who could teach those duplicitous men a thing or two about philandering.

Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

Hagar —

Christine Keeler —

Hagar is the first ‘other woman’ in recorded history. The Book of Genesis recounts a complicated tryst whereby Abraham’s wife, Sarah, offers her servant, Hagar, to her husband as a concubine amid fears that Sarah is barren. Abraham becomes a father aged 86 as Hagar gives birth to their son, Ishamael. Things get complicated when Sarah later also bears him a child.

The scarlet starlet who brought down married prominent British politician, John Profumo. Christine Keeler was a model and showgirl who mixed in the highest echelons of London society. She was also simultaneously sleeping with an alleged Russian spy, and all this at the height of the Cold War. The 1963 scandal, known as the Profumo Affair, has been the subject of a host of movies, plays, books and TV shows.

Ingrid Bergman — Married screen idol Ingrid Bergman’s image couldn’t have been more clean-cut following her saintly roles in movies such as The Bells of St Mary’s and Joan of Arc. Such was the outrage following her 1949 affair with Italian film director Roberto Rossellini, the scandal was discussed on the floor of the US Senate and Ed Sullivan scratched her from his interview list. The couple married a year later and had three children. She married a Swedish film producer in 1958, though that ended in divorce. Of course, she always had Paris.

Camilla Parker Bowles — In 1973, Camilla became an army wife to Andrew Parker Bowles, two years after first meeting and beginning relations with Prince Charles. Their affair is said to have resumed towards the end of her marriage, with her husband’s consent, and ended when Charles married Diana in 1981.

The affair resumed sometime during the royal marriage, with Diana famously branding Bowles as the third person in the relationship. Charles and Camilla finally

married in 2005 after years of a carefully choreographed public image makeover.

Monica Lewinsky — “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” was the now-infamous denial of President Bill Clinton following allegations of misconduct with a White House intern.

Turns out though, he did. In an eighteenmonth period, 22-year-old Lewinsky claimed to have had sexual relations with the President on nine separate occasions. Certain stains on that blue dress helped prove it, leading to Clinton’s impeachment in 1998. His successor, George W. Bush, started an illegal war and got off scot-free. Go figure.

Marla Maples — Serial ‘other woman’ and sometimeactress Marla Maples will always be remembered as the woman who stole Donald from Ivana Trump. The couple married and had a daughter, though later divorced following a suspected

DECEMBER 2013

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Left to right: Hagar; Ingrid Bergman; Christine Keeler; Monica Lewinsky; Marilyn Monroe; Cleopatra

Perhaps the most tragic figure on the list, tortured Monroe suffered three failed marriages and a fling with fellow screen icon Marlon Brando. However, it was her relationship with President John F Kennedy that was to cause her the biggest heartbreak. It has been suggested she sought solace from his brother, Bobby, when the President called off the fling.

tryst between Marla and her bodyguard.

Maples went on to become engaged to writer Norman Mailer’s son, Michael, who then delivered a fine dose of karma and called off the wedding to marry someone else.

Marilyn Monroe — Perhaps the most tragic figure on the list, tortured Monroe suffered three failed marriages and a fling with fellow screen icon Marlon Brando. However, it was her relationship with President John F. Kennedy that was to cause her the biggest heartbreak. It has been suggested she sought solace from his brother, Bobby, when the President called off the fling. Her death in 1962 was recorded as a ‘probable suicide’, though some believe the 36-year-old was murdered.

Cleopatra — The last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, Cleopatra married her brothers before

beginning an affair with Julius Caesar.

While solidifying her grip on her own throne, she is said to have had sons by Caesar, potentially also linking her to the head of Rome. Following Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra turned her attentions – and support – to Roman general Mark Antony who was battling Caesar’s legal heir, Augustus. Antony, was killed and Cleopatra committed suicide.

Ironically, Cleopatra’s most famous screen immortalisation came courtesy of Elizabeth Taylor, who, during filming, had a real-life affair with ‘Mark Antony’, played by Richard Burton. Both were married at the time. Taylor had six other husbands, marrying Burton twice.

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Big Buddy: Changing Lives Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

“I had been studying philosophy and came to realise that one of life’s great satisfactions is serving others in a meaningful way,” says Robin Johansen.

“That’s when I discovered Big Buddy. I’d already raised two sons, and thought I’d probably do it better a third time!”

Big Buddy is an award-winning charitable organisation that provides mentors for fatherless boys. One such boy is Graham Clark, who at the age of eight lost his dad. “I’d always made an effort to do the boy’s stuff with him,” says Graham’s mum, Debbie. “But the first time it hit me that he was missing that male bond was when we had an exchange student over from Asia. They hung out at the mall and bought some clothes and Graham said how nice it was to have the chance to go out with another bloke. I later discovered Big Buddy.”

Following a training and assessment period, volunteer men are paired with little buddies and asked to give two to three hours a week of their time along with a phone call. Support is provided by the Big Buddy staff as and when required.

Men are asked to make a year-long commitment but for most it becomes a lifelong journey.

“We clicked very quickly, he was a real neat kid,” says Robin. “We got into a rhythm and it’s still going seven years later. It has been a tremendous pleasure to watch this young man grow and overcome a host of personal challenges. Graham has become a fine

young man, someone I’m intensely proud of. He’s as close to being a son as could possibly be.”

“Robin is a very deep thinker so he has passed on much wisdom,” says Graham, now 19. “It has helped me deal with a lot of teenage stuff, I guess, girls and certain decisions with work and studying. Rob and I talked and decided it best I take a year out before I go to uni, to figure out what I really wanted to do in life. Just hearing it, him saying that he thought it was a good idea, really meant a lot.”

“Graham and I have always had a close relationship,” says Debbie. “But as boys get a bit older, you tend to just get those ‘grunt’ answers. There have been some major issues that he has felt more comfortable talking with Robin about.

Robin has been a fantastic father figure.”

Big Buddy is an awardwinning charitable organisation that provides mentors for fatherless boys.

One such boy is Graham Clark, who at the age of eight lost his dad. “I’d always made an effort to do the boy’s stuff with him,” says Graham’s mum, Debbie.

Graham has an older sister, Jess, and all relationships have blossomed so much that Graham’s family have regularly met up with Robin, his wife Helen, and their two sons, even spending Christmases and birthdays together. I ask Debbie what advice she would give to mothers considering a Big Buddy. “Welcome them with open arms,” she says.

“I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” adds Robin. “It has been so satisfying. It’s hard to verbalise what it is that feels so good. It’s a fantastic experience and I recommend it to anyone that has some spare time and is willing to sit and listen to a boy. It also gives us a fantastic opportunity to be a child again!”

Debbie says she was touched to discover that following their first outing, Robin put the photographs of their trip on a CD for Graham. The early memories of play and model-building are special, says Graham, but those that really stick in his mind are the times they spent “talking into the night about life”. “It’s something that I’d like to do when I’m older,” says Graham.

“I think there’s a lot of gratification both ways. Big Buddy is such a valuable program and I can’t stress enough how cool it is to have someone there if your father is not around.”

For more info visit www.bigbuddy.org.nz

Above: Graham and Robin

DECEMBER 2013

A PRIVATE MATTER Why online privacy issues should concern you There is an old truism in discussions about privacy that if you’ve got nothing to hide then you’ve got nothing to fear.

But as with most truisms, this one is based on some shonky assumptions. It assumes that anyone in a position of power (from a parking warden through to the Prime Minster) has only virtuous motives for using our private information. It assumes that no one else will ever get access to it, whether by accident or design. It assumes that the private details we hand over, should that be through the IRD, an online subscription, a Facebook post or a bus card registration, will only ever be used for the purpose of providing the service for which it is intended.

We know from experience that this isn’t the case. Recently it emerged that Auckland Transport was sharing private customer information from its ticketing system with third parties for commercial purposes. In the last year, both ACC and the Ministry of Social Development have infamously made privacy gaffes (through incompetence rather than malice, but the effect is the same.) Even in cases where it’s obvious that our personal information is being sold, such as on Facebook, we can be incredibly cavalier about it. It’s not so much the direct consequences of this behaviour that should worry us, but the unintended risks to which we’re exposed.

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These consequences will probably not involve a Hollywoodstyle plot where secret agents chase us across town because we made a snide remark about the Mayor, but they will make it easier for organised crime, maladjusted hackers, and individuals that have no right to your secrets to gain access.

I share many things online, everyday. Just like most people, I don’t let fear of a possible crime stop me from enjoying life. So rather than avoid online engagement, I choose to expect ethical behaviour from the businesses I deal with and to hold them to account when they don’t. It means shining a light on their approach to my privacy because, after all, if they’ve got nothing to hide, we’ve got nothing to fear.

James McGoram is an author, designer and the director of Messiah Studio, a web design company based in Parnell, Auckland.

Visit www.messiah.co.nz for your free online business guide.

RUDY’S TIPS ‘N TRICKS We have just launched our new website, www.rudys.co.nz, which has new laptops, tablets and PCs that you can purchase directly, back-up drives, all computer-related products and also links to our remote support and general information.

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As a special Christmas offer for December I am offering to bundle the SSD offer with a complimentary internal dust out of the laptop or PC and software tidy up of temp files and clutter in the operating system for only $59.00 including GST. Normal price $95.00

Instead of replacing your machine I can install a Solid State Drive or SSD to replace your existing hard drive. These SSDs can typically operate at up to 10 times the speed of a SATA mechanicaltype hard drive.

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MATTERS OF INTEREST: WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT? WORKING SMARTER TO SOLVE OUR CHALLENGES

SUPPORTING YOUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

The latest Annual Auckland Scorecard shows we cannot afford to let up on the challenges we face.

The scorecard is an unvarnished look at indicators that are central to Aucklanders’ lives, the future of our city, and effective KPIs for Auckland – strong communities, transport, the environment and the economy.

The 2013 scorecard shows we are doing well, but we continue to face some steep challenges.

Youth unemployment is not falling fast enough, so we are developing a Youth Employment Action Plan, to identify gaps and overlaps in existing services and deliver a very practical action plan to solve this social and economic time bomb.

We are working hard to make sure the Housing Accord delivers what it needs to for Aucklanders, and alongside this, we need to get a handle on the drivers of new housing costs, and be cleverer about how we use council land to deliver on affordability objectives.

We are in the midst of a transport transformation in Auckland – the final stages of rolling out integrated ticketing; electrification underway; overhauling bus routes and services; massive investment in our roading infrastructure continues; an active transport plan in the works; and discussion on the CRL has turned to when, not if.

For this transformation to succeed, we need to do things smarter with promotional and pricing strategies to drive public transport patronage and have greater focus on customer service, which I will incentivise through Auckland Transport’s statement of intent.

Economically, we need to look at new ways of doing things.

Public Private Partnerships are one mechanism we should take a good hard look at as a means to be more innovative in the delivery of infrastructure.

The water quality at our beaches is improving, a reflection of the ongoing investment in separating storm and waste water.

And on that note, enjoy Auckland’s wonderful beaches as we move into summer. Stay sun smart, safe around water, and best wishes for the festive season to you and your families.

It’s a sad fact that too many young people in New Zealand take their own lives, and a number of young people experience depression or mental health issues. How we can better equip our young people to deal with mental illness is an issue that keeps me awake at night.

Being a teenager can be difficult at the best of times, but having to deal with mental illness and depression on top of the everyday life can have a significant impact on what is a crucial time in their young lives.

Youth mental health issues can be complex and challenging to deal with, but there are a number of initiatives and projects underway to help young people facing these challenges.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Mental Health Project is dedicated to providing earlier and better help for young people experiencing mental health issues.

The $62 million four-year project brings together social services from the health and social sectors, communities, schools and online. It is designed to help young people who have, or may develop, mild to moderate mental health issues.

So far: — 36 decile three secondary schools are now offering schoolbased health services to 17,467 young people — Mental health training sessions have been delivered to 246 frontline youth services staff member — 30 additional secondary schools have successfully implemented positive behaviour for learning schoolwide programmes. This is on top of the 108 schools the Government already funded to provide school-wide programmes.

— All 20 DHBs have established or extended youth primary mental health services.

— Nationally, as at 31 March 2013, 90 per cent of 12 to 19 year olds were seen by alcohol or drug services within eight weeks of referral Our young people need to be supported and cherished. I hope that we start seeing the positive effect the initiatives are having in our communities. The investment we make in these young people will save lives.

Len Brown Mayor of Auckland

Hon Nikki Kaye MP for Auckland Central

DECEMBER 2013

CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE

KEEPING OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE IS KEY ‘What keeps you up at night’ was the subject I was given for this column.

Subsequently last night I was worrying about what on earth to write, which ironically kept me up. I still didn’t know but had faith that the next morning would provide the answers and a looming deadline would provide the motivation.

Notwithstanding kids jumping into bed, the cat meowing, tuis starting up at 4am, and the occasional police helicopter, I’m fortunate to sleep soundly.

I always took to heart my grandfather’s advice that worrying about something changes nothing. If you are genuinely concerned about something, don’t stay up all night worrying, do something about it.

My colleagues and I are deeply concerned too many children become an abuse statistic in this country, and we’re determined to do something about it.

Too often we see a neglected child’s face on the front page of the newspaper.

The National Government, led by John Key, wants to give every child a better start to life.

As part of our Children’s Action Plan we’ve expanded social workers in schools and hospitals, increased funding and services for children in care, and introduced Children’s Teams to work with at-risk children.

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It’s a hard question but I’m not alone when I answer ‘the future’. What keeps many of us up at night is ultimately the decisions we all make on a daily basis that shape and determine the future for our families and ourselves. Whether it’s about the next step in our careers, the next house, or school for our kids, it’s these kinds of things that all play on our minds.

I’m also guilty of reliving conversations I had with people earlier that day, or presentations I may have made. At the age of 40 I’m slowly learning not to worry so much about what people think of me, with one’s insecurities a curse if all you need is a good night’s sleep.

Now we’re introducing legislation to bring in better government accountability, better vetting and screening of people working with children, and better guardianship and protection laws.

My late maternal grandmother who died in the internationally tumultuous year of 1968 reportedly use to worry about what world my eldest brother was being born into. He’s now 47 and has had a wonderfully interesting life working and travelling around the world before settling down in Remuera a couple of years ago with his family.

We’re getting tough on people who abuse children. We will introduce Child Harm Prevention Orders that can be placed on adults who pose a serious risk to children, to prevent them from further interacting with children.

Just as my grandmother lost sleep worrying about my brother’s future, there are plenty of grandparents lying in bed at night in 2013 worrying about their grandchildren and wondering what will become of this world.

Where abusive parents go on to have further children, they will have to prove they are fit parents, or their baby will be removed.

At the moment the onus is on the State to prove a new-born baby is in danger. This leaves an innocent life at risk.

This is where we’ve got to have faith in the human spirit and the journey this world is taking. Faith that things are going to be fine for the next generation, and opportunities and experiences will only grow.

We are giving our courts the ability to step in and restrict the guardianship rights of birth parents in extreme cases, so abusive parents who have had their children removed cannot disrupt the children’s new, safe, and stable home with Home for Life carers.

My daughter Lucy was born 100 years after my maternal grandmother – 2005 verses 1905. She can expect to live into her 80s. My grandmother died aged 63. Lucy’s already been overseas three times. Her great-grandmother never left the country, which was not uncommon. She was a very learned and well-read person but times were just different.

We have committed to halt the rise in children who are physically abused, and to reduce current numbers by 5% by 2017 as part of our better public services targets.

For the long term, our reform of the welfare system is about helping parents into work and away from a life of dependence on the state. We know children growing up in a home where at least one parent is working, are better off in so many ways.

I wish you and your families Season’s Greetings and all the best for 2014. Thanks to Verve for another great year of an excellent magazine Paul Goldsmith MP National List MP based in Epsom www.paulgoldsmith.co.nz (09) 524 4930

The mind boggles as to what Lucy’s great grand-daughter will see and experience in the twenty-second century but keep the faith. It will be amazing and New Zealand will still be the envy of the world – if not more so.

I sleep relatively well most nights, albeit they’re getting hotter, because I faith in myself, my wonderful family and friends, and the future.

Enjoy another beautiful summer and sleep tight.

For more news and views please visit www.cameronbrewer.co.nz Cameron Brewer Councillor for Orakei

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MATTERS OF INTEREST CONT: JFK AND THE ORIGINAL NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET – 50 YEARS ON – THE LOSS IS STILL FELT The shocking events of 22 November 1963 (23rd NZ time), 50 years ago, when the popular U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was brutally shot dead as he rode with his beautiful young wife Jacqueline in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas will never be forgotten by anyone old enough to remember them.

Especially because of he and his brother Robert’s masterful handling of the Cuban Missile crisis in October 1962, which saw the world turn back from the brink of nuclear war, the youthful and charming Kennedy was at the peak of his popularity.

As well as being popular in the United States, the charismatic President had captured the imagination of people, specially young people, all over the world – including even school kids in New Zealand like me. What then are we to make of John Kennedy 50 years after his untimely and brutal assassination – about which many questions are still to be answered. While acknowledging later disclosures about his personal life and multiple illnesses were at odds with the carefully groomed image of a robustly healthy family man, in my assessment his historical contribution as a President far out-weigh the personal weaknesses.

So much so that the enormous gap Kennedy left behind has never really been filled. Kennedy came into office as a militant, sabre-rattling cold warrior but during his ‘thousand days’ especially after confronting and averting nuclear war, he grew in office. As the leader of the free world the 35th President transformed himself into leading advocate for world peace.

Kennedy ignored the advice of his military chiefs to invade Cuba and to send troops to Laos and instead set about achieving a nuclear test ban treaty with his opposite number in the Soviet Union – Nikita Krushchev. Kennedy’s move away from the cold war was best articulated in his famous commencement address to the American University in June 1963. In regard to the festering Vietnam conflict that Kennedy had inherited from his predecessor, he issued a directive to begin withdrawing the 16,000 U.S. military advisers – a thousand by the end of 1963 and the rest by the end of1995.

After his death his successor President Lyndon Johnson reversed that order and after securing his own re-election as a ‘peace candidate’ in 1964 immediately began escalating the war with heavy bombing and sending in US regular forces. By 1967 there were over half a million US troops as well as contingents from allied nations, including New Zealand, in Vietnam. The rest is history. Since the disastrous Vietnam War every US president has involved his country in wars – including President Obama.

It seems the promise of peace and social progress JFK offered his country and the world was brutally blown away – destroyed – along with the man on that dreadful day.

Mike Lee Councillor for Waitemata and Gulf

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! And with it are decorated shop windows, twinkling lights and Christmas trees…what a magical time of the year it is. I love everything about it, especially the food; Christmas puddings and fruit mince pies, and the special excitement that comes at Christmas. I have a one-year-old grandson James, so our Christmas will be extra special this year.

Our office at 40 St Johns Road, Meadowbank will soon be dressed for the season; with a fresh pine Christmas tree, musical Santa with singing reindeers, Christmas wreaths with lights and much more. Amongst all this festivity the Just Rentals office will be open for business and ready to help you find a home to rent for you and your family. We are a petfriendly office so include the cat or the dog, and we shall do our best to find you something.

End of December/January is a busy time of the year, as families are looking for homes within school zones ready for the start of the school year in February, and students are also busy looking. We help in all scenarios. Our catchment area is Meadowbank, Remuera, Parnell, St Johns, and Eastern Bays.

So call in and see us, we are only pleased to help and you will not be disappointed. We are a friendly and professional family office who really loves our work.

Finally, remember the animals at Christmas time, so many unwanted and so many unloved. You can donate pet food at your local supermarket as they usually have a bin for such things. The Lonely Meow is always looking for help and foster mums at this time of the year, so do give them a thought. Lets make it a happy Christmas for our pets too.

Merry Christmas and Happy Renting, The A Team of Rentals: Sylvia, Courtenay, Gloria and Christine

The friendly team specialising in home rentals and property management.

Visit our website at www.justrentals.co.nz 40 St Johns Road, Meadowbank Office Phone 09 528 4818 After Hours Phone 09 521 2539 Fax 09 528 4816 Email justrentals@xtra.co.nz

MERCY HOSPICE Remembrance Trees – Eastridge 09-24 December Each year, two weeks before Christmas, some very special Christmas trees arrive at the Eastridge shopping mall. These trees have been in Eastridge since 1984 and hold a special place in many Aucklanders’ hearts.

The Remembrance Trees are filled with baubles, handwritten with the names of loved ones who unfortunately won’t be around for Christmas this year. Volunteers generously donate their time to help man the trees and collect donations for Mercy Hospice.

The money raised from this event helps Mercy Hospice Auckland to continue to provide free palliative care to those in Auckland City with life-limiting illnesses.

The Remembrance trees will be at Eastridge from 09 - 24 December where you have the opportunity to honour and remember your loved ones with your very own Christmas bauble.

‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ Concert with Tim Beveridge & Julia Booth – 16 December at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell Local St Heliers-based singing sensation Tim Beveridge, is joined by Julia Booth to star in a Christmas Concert, an irresistible evening of music featuring a lavish selection of music from much-loved Christmas songs with a sprinkling of popular classics from Broadway to opera.

Also joining Tim and Julia will be violinist Jessica Hindin, the Aloha Ukulele Ladies, and young performers Lauren Towns (under-13 year winner of the NZ Aria) and Blake Jackson (second to Lauren in the NZ Aria).

With proceeds supporting Mercy Hospice Auckland and Dove House, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ promises to be the perfect early Christmas gift.

Monday 16 December Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell 6.30pm - Doors open, drinks and nibbles available to purchase (proceeds to Mercy Hospice Auckland and Dove House) 7.30pm - Concert $45 adult, $40 senior (65+), $30 children and students Tickets available at iTicket www.iticket.co.nz

Remember your loved one this C hristmas

and support MercyHospice Auckland

Hang a bauble on one of our remembrance trees

at these locations...

Westfield 277, Westfield St Lukes, Royal Oak Shopping Mall, Eastridge Shopping Centre, Mercy Hospice Shops, Mercy Hospice Auckland Reception, 61 College Hill, Ponsonby or online: www.mercyhospice.org.nz Proudly supported by

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RAY WHITE OF PARNELL

INVITES YOU TO DONATE NON-PERISHABLE FOOD FOR THE AUCKLAND CITY MISSION All through the year the Auckland City Mission distributes an estimated $2,000,000 worth of non-perishable food per year.

Christmas is no exception, as families struggle to feed their families and to have food on the table for Christmas day. Ray White Parnell would like to make sure those who are in need of a Christmas food parcel receive one.

We are asking the people of Parnell and surrounding districts to pop in to Ray White at 2 Heather Street Parnell, with your kind gift of non-perishable food.

We will collect your gift from the 2nd of December to the 21st of December 2013 at 2 Heather Street Parnell and drop the food off to the Auckland City Mission on the 23rd December 2013.

Your kindness will make a family in need have a very happy Christmas.

On behalf of the City Mission and Ray White Parnell we would like to thank you in anticipation for your kindness. Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you FOR MORE INFO CONTACT — Ray White Parnell 2 Heather Street Parnell (09) 623 3000 www.taylorrentals.co.nz

WHITE OF PARNELL INVITES YOU TO KAREN’S DOLL DISPLAYS RAYDONATE NON-PERISHABLE FOOD RAY WHITE OF PARNELL IN For the Auckland City Mission DONATE NON-PERISHA Each year at Christmas, Highwic has a very special visit from a group of antique bisque (unglazed porcelain) dolls, pictured here with their owner, under the Christmas tree in Highwic’s sitting room.

All through the year the Auckland City Mission distributes an estimated $2,000,000 worth of non-perishable food per year.

In 1992 Karen went to a Webb’s auction and made a successful bid for Rose, her first antique bisque doll. SheChristmas is no exception, as families struggle to feed their families and to have food on the table for Christmas day. continued to attend Webb’s auctions adding among others, Dolly Rae and Mavis. Cordy’s was also a favourite haunt.Ray White Parnell would like to make sure those who are in need of a Christmas Anne Marie was acquired from a friend who brought this food doll parcel receive one. out from America and offered her to Karen, especially for We are asking the people of Parnell and surrounding districts to pop in to Ray White display at Highwic.

For the Auckland City

All through the year the Auckland City Mission distrib

at 2 Heather Street Parnell, with your kind gift of no-perishable food.

The dolls that Karen obtains are often in a rather neglected worth of non-perishable foodst per year. nd state so she carefully cleans the bisque heads and has anyWe will collect your gift from the 2 of December to the 21 of December 2013 at 2 Heather Street Parnell and drop the food off to the Auckland City Mission on repairs to the bodies or re-stringing done professionally. All Karen has found is inspiration and enjoyment being a struggle to feed 2013. the 23rd December Christmas no exception, asfrom families her dolls are dressed in garments from the correct era. She member of the Auckland Dollmakers & Collectors Club and carefully washes and repairs the original old garments or has food onathe table foraChristmas day.

Your kindness will make family in need interested have very in happy recommends that anyone dollChristmas. making or collecting reproduction clothing made from old fabrics or newer cotton come to their meetings at Ferndale House, Mt Albert. The dolls or silk by a friend who is a very talented dolls’ costumer. On behalf of the City Mission and Ray White Parnell we would like to thank you in and Highwic’s Christmas decorations will be on display from Ray Parnell would like to make sure those who anticipationDecember for yourWhite kindness.

5 till January 5.

Very early on Karen realised that she had to limit the

food parcel receive one. collection to available space. Also, tastes change. She Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you therefore continues to sell earlier purchases so that someone HIGHWIC HOUSE — else can enjoy them and replaces these with dolls she really Open Wednesday – Sunday from 10:30am-4:30pm.

We are asking the people of Parnell and surrounding likes. Karen now has over 200 dolls but says that hers is not Closed Christmas day, open Boxing Day a large collection. Some people have many hundreds and at 2 Heather Street Parnell, with your kind gift of no-p (09) 524 5729 sometimes thousands of dolls in their collections.

We will collect your gift from the 2nd of December to

DECEMBER 2013

Success_delivers success We would like to wish you all a fabulous Festive Season! We’re going to be around over Christmas and New Year so don’t hesitate to give us a call!

John & Jane

We've now

D L O S 19 properties in just 14 weeks!

John Quiambao m: 021 0278 2708 e: john.q@raywhite.com Jane Horgan m: 021 528 818 e: jane.horgan@raywhite.com HB Realty Ltd (Licensed REAA 2008)

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ANIKA MOA RELEASES HER FIRST KIDS’ ALBUM What started as songs for her boys became Songs for Bubbas.

Musicians often draw on life experiences to drive their creativity, and nothing could be truer for Kiwi musician and mother, Anika Moa. Next week, the award-winning muso and 2013 Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards finalist releases her fifth album, Songs for Bubbas, a musical masterpiece inspired by her two-year-old twins.

KIDS ONLY! Exclusive shopping zone coming this holiday season to Seedling Remuera.

While you’re busy deciding which Seedling kit should go under the tree, why not give your kids the chance to do their own holiday shopping?

From 1 December to 24 December, we’ll be opening up an exclusive Kids Only Shopping Zone, where your youngsters can buy gifts for friends and family.

There’s a strict No Adults rule inside the zone, but your junior shoppers will get lots of help from our friendly team. Each product sells for a $10 Gift Token, so you can rest easy they won’t be breaking the bank. Plus, it gives you the chance to browse in our main Seedling store without little eyes watching your every move.

December 1-24, 10am-4pm daily 347 Remuera Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050

What started as spontaneous lullabies sung to her boys before bed has become a ten-track album of delightful ditties designed to entertain, educate and inspire babies, toddlers and young people.

Moa’s talent for song writing, great sense of humour, passion for the conservation of Te Reo Maori among young New Zealanders – and her knack for making animal noises – have come together to make Aotearoa’s newest childhood musical must-have.

The album includes eight original tracks and covers of two much-loved childhood classics, ‘Oma Rapeti’ and ‘You Are My Sunshine’. Kids will love ‘The Adventures of Barry and Taane!’, co-written with Azaria Universe for their two boys. There are three acoustic lullabies, ‘Little Bird’, ‘Go to Sleep’ and ‘Sweet Dreams’, designed to take bubs into a sweet slumber. Learning colours and numbers has never been more fun, with ‘Tahi, Rua, Toru, Wha’ and ‘Colours are Beautiful’.

Of her newest musical endeavour, Moa says “making music for little people has been deeply liberating. It’s very satisfying focusing your energy on creating music to entertain and delight, for love and laughter.”

Songs for Bubbas was recorded and co-produced with Anika’s long-term co-producer Andre Upston (Stolen Hill, In Swings the Tide and Love in Motion). It will be on sale from 29 November at selected retailers across Aotearoa, and available on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/nz/album/songs-for-bubbas/id738920307

DECEMBER 2013

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YOUNG @ HEART

Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas or Sinterklaas.

Who Was He? Words: Julien Erwin

The portly, jovial, mythical figure that we call Santa Claus is a total hybrid, part folklore and legend and part reality.

Whether you call him Santa Claus or Father Christmas, we all celebrate the coming of the white-bearded old man dressed in a red outfit complete with black belt and leather boots who lives at the North Pole and brings good cheer and gifts at Christmas time. Santa has a workshop filled with busy little elves that make and wrap presents and pack them onto his sleigh that is pulled by nine flying reindeer. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is the leader and his glowing nose lights the way across the night sky.

This is the lasting Christmas story that has woven its way into our modern-day celebrations and its hero, the cheerful, brightly clad, elderly fellow Santa Claus is a distillation of a variety of gift bearers.

One such gift bringer was the god Odin who, in ancient Germanic folklore, leads the “Wild Hunt”, a ghostly procession across the firmaments in the middle of the cold, bleak winter. Odin had a long white beard, wore a blue, hooded cloak and rode a grey steed called Sleipnir.

This legend was part of the Yuletide celebrations prior to the Christianisation of Germanic Europe.

The factual component of Santa Claus resides with Saint Nicholas, a Greek Christian bishop who lived in Myra, Byzantine Anatolia, now Turkey during the fourth century. He was renowned for his generosity to the poor.

In various parts of northern Europe, Saint Nicholas was referred to as “Sinterklaas” or De Goede Sint. He is depicted in long, red canonical robes wearing a tall bishop’s hat called a miter and holding a long gold-coloured, crosier – a traditional shepherd’s staff with a curled end. He had long white hair, a long white beard and rode a greyish-white horse. His special day is still celebrated with gift giving on the 5th December by many northern European countries.

The North Americans changed the name Sinterklaas to Santa Claus. The reindeer have a colourful genealogy – and are a wonderful combination of Odin’s white horse and Saint Nicholas’ grey steed and are even part Yule goat that was ridden by the Scandinavian gift-giver “Tomte”.

An interesting fact about Saint Nicholas is that, due to looting by both Bari and Venetian sailors, parts of his skeletal remains are buried in two places – Bari and Venice in Italy. Apart from being the patron saint of Moscow and Amsterdam, Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of a strange variety of groups that include sailors, children, pawnbrokers and archers.

In England, during Victorian times, Father Christmas wore green and, accompanied

by Scrooge, walked through the streets of London sprinkling the essence of Christmas. The celebration was moved from the 6th to the 25th of December, supposedly to coincide with the birth of the baby Jesus, though the exact date of this event remains contentious to this day.

The illustration of Father Christmas done by the English cartoonist Thomas Nast in 1881 is the most ubiquitous image of the loveable fellow in use today.

So, over time, and through the interweaving of fact and fable, we celebrate the Santa Claus or Father Christmas we have come to know and love, the rotund and jolly figure that rewards good children on Christmas Eve. Children write letters to him addressed to the North Pole, they put out food and refreshment for the reindeer to nourish them on their long nocturnal journey and are on their best behavior long before his arrival.

He is widely loved and is synonymous with good cheer and revelry, with laughter and fun, but most of all with the gifts he delivers during the night on Christmas Eve.

Image: Illustration by Thomas Nast

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VERVE Q&A WITH...

Santa Verve: First things first, can you tell us why you’re in Auckland?

Santa: I’m in Auckland thanks to the good people at ASB helping me build a lovely Santa’s Bach down at the Wynyard Christmas Quarter throughout December. It’s partly a break away from the cold climates of the North Pole, partly a chance to meet the wonderful families of New Zealand, and partly the logistics of being in a part of the world where Christmas starts first!... It celebrates the holiday before anyone else, so it gives me a nice cushion in terms of delivery times!

V: What do you think of it so far?

S: The trips I’ve made with Mr. Oliver Driver have been very pleasant indeed! I am enjoying the warmer weather (even if it means am redder than usual... oophf!) and the food is exceptional around the waterfront. I don’t think I could have picked a nicer place to set up operations.

V: So, by the sounds of it, you’re moving down-under not for a holiday but for work! Do you ever get time off?

S: I have “down time” – where I’m not immediately needed to do anything at my workshop. But as I am sure you can appreciate, I am constantly on call; be it problems with the naughty and nice list or changes in city planning. The more cities are built upon, the more I need to know about how to navigate my way around those densely populated areas.

V: How do you deal with stress?

S: A warm glass of milk, a mince pie, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that what I am doing brings so much joy to people around the world. It’s such a satisfying feeling that the stress just passes by. But I would be lying if I said I am never stressed – it’s the nature of the job.

V: What’s the most outrageous thing a child has asked you for?

S: I often get asked for very large items – a pony, an elephant, a giraffe. Perhaps the most outrageous thing I have ever been asked for was a shark… no tank to hold it in or anything, just a shark.

What does a child need a shark for? Mind you, what does a child need an elephant for?

V: What’s the most common thing people do to go from being on good list to the naughty list?

S: It builds up over time – small things such as lying are added up into an overall average to determine if they’re naughty or nice.

Lying is a common thing on the list. In terms of an immediate switch to the naughty list however, is cheating on a loved one.

Crimes that are dealt with by law enforcement are the same – but that’s a given.

V: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it would be?

S: I’d like people to think a little bit more about people other than themselves; as hypocritical that may sound coming from me!

V: Do you ever get sick of wearing red?

S: I do, but I like the different ways that red can be incorporated into my ensemble – be it with lining, or the stitching... or even my undergarments! Actually, I’ve been lucky enough to have the lovely people at WORLD look after me – they’re giving me a sassy new look for while I am in the country, so I am looking forward to seeing what they manage to unveil for me.

“Actually, I’ve been lucky enough to have the lovely people at WORLD look after me – they’re giving me a sassy new look for while I am in the country, so I am looking forward to seeing what they manage to unveil for me.”

V: What are your mottos for life?

S: Do unto others. Is it sensible? Would I like it to happen to me?

And have a merry Christmas (of course).

V: Is there anything you’re particularly jazzed about seeing or doing while you’re here?

S: I’m going to enjoy the weather, the fine hospitality that New Zealand is recognised for around the world, the beautiful scenery, and just meeting everyone from the South Pacific at the Bach.

What more can a jolly old man ask for?

V: Who are five celebrities, dead or alive, that you’d love to have around your dinner table?

S: Oscar Wilde, Mother Teresa, Conan O’Brien, Marilyn Monroe and Sonny Bill Williams. Everyone wants Sonny Bill Williams, right?

See Santa at ASB Santa’s Bach live in the Wynyard Christmas Quarter from 6-24 December. For a full Santa schedule, visit www.yourwaterfront.co.nz/christmas ASB Santa’s Bach embraces the true spirit of Christmas by asking families to BRING a present for Santa. Santa will then distribute these presents through the Auckland City Mission – making sure nobody goes without this holiday season.

Navy Museum Proud To Host Exclusive

Kermadec Exhibition Picture this – nine influential artists in a Navy ship with full military crew, and place them in one of the least disturbed oceanic regions on the planet.

The result is quite literally a work of art, which is set to be displayed in an exhibition of works entitled Hands to Bathe – Imagining a Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary, fittingly displayed at the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum on the picturesque shores of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.

Running until March 2014, the exhibition will document the 2011 voyage made by HMNZS Otago to the Kermadec Islands.

The ship was crammed with creative industry – nine artists from throughout Australasia, Department of Conservation staff, a politician and a well-known New Zealand broadcaster.

The PEW Environment Group invited the artists on the Kermadec voyage to experience and document an expanse of ocean that many scientists, conservationists, and cultural and business leaders believe should be protected as a global ocean legacy.

With an arsenal of pencils, paints and sketch pads, the artists steamed out of Auckland Harbour on May 10, 2011, bound for the 620,000-square-kilometre expanse of ocean known as the Kermadecs.

During the voyage, those on board experienced the true Navy tradition from which the exhibition gained its name. As Otago crossed the Tropic of Capricorn, she stopped and anchored in the middle of the ocean, and at the call “hands to bathe”, the ship’s captain, followed by officers, crew, artists, and DOC managers and volunteers jumped and dived from the ship’s deck into the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean – an experience many agreed they would never forget.

Located between New Zealand and Tonga, the Kermadecs straddle both tropical and temperate climates and are home to whales, turtles, sharks, seabirds, fish and deep-sea marine life. It is also home to a maze of underwater volcanoes and a 10,000-metre deep-sea trench.

The artists, Gregory O’Brien, Bruce Foster, Robin White, John Reynolds, Phil Dadson, John Pule, Jason O’Hara, Elizabeth Thomson and Fiona Hall were joined by then Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and broadcaster Marcus Lush. Each were free to roam Otago as she sailed north, and were soon exploring the stairwells, corridors and close-quarter living areas that would be their military-style accommodation over the following days.

As the New Zealand coast disappeared from the horizon, anticipation of the untouched land ahead began to build. The artists spent much of their time on deck sketching, filming and cataloguing their trip as Navy personnel worked diligently around them.

Arriving in the Kermadecs, the artists then prepared to experience life on Raoul Island with DOC staff. They were taken ashore aboard one of Otago’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats to begin the land-based leg of their artistic journey.

Artist Gregory O’Brien said the voyage was just the beginning of a much longer one, “one which has involved each of us exploring, questioning and coming to understand, in new and unexpected ways, the relationship between humanity and the oceanic environment,” he said.

Back in 2011, Otago’s Commanding Officer was Commander (CDR) Simon Rooke, who was “not too sure what to think” when tasked with taking the group of prominent artists to the Kermadecs.

“Back then my exposure to art was a few visits to the Auckland Art Gallery following my wife around, and supporting my daughter’s ballet,” he said.

But once the 11 artists and support team from the PEW Environment Group joined the ship in Devonport, CDR Rooke described meeting an incredibly enthusiastic and eclectic mix of people who quickly adapted to life aboard the ship.

“Within a few minutes there were drawings, photographs, poems, sketches, impressions, sound recordings and even artistic poses being created or considered. Our guests were almost instantly part of our ship,” he recalled.

Providing a safe, caring and highly stimulating educational environment for your child.

St Lukes Kindergarten is well established and offers an educational environment which is second to none in the Remuera area.

One of our teachers is dedicated to the full-time task of teaching numeracy and literacy skills to the children. Each child is given individual attention, and our results are subsequently excellent.

Session Times MORNING SESSION Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:45 am – 11:45 am Wednesday, Friday 8:45 am – 12:45 pm

AFTERNOON SESSION Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12:30 pm – 3:15 pm

CDR Rooke said that over the following two weeks many bonds were forged, creating a two-way education process between two very different worlds. Both sides had a common goal – to protect the unique environment of the islands and the marine life that call the Kermadecs home.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:45 am – 3:15 pm

“It truly was the fruits of our collective efforts that brought the Kermadec exhibition to life,” CDR Rooke said. “It was also entirely satisfying that the RNZN was able to assist and actively enable such a lasting legacy, and it is something I personally consider one of many great experiences during my command of Otago.”

Come in and meet the team

ALL DAY SESSION

130 Remuera Rd, 1050 PH: 09 520 0114 Opposite page: Artwork to be featured at the Hands to Bathe – Imagining a Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary exhibition

www.stlukeskindergarten.co.nz

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PETS

TEN TOP REASONS TO FEED A RAW MEATY BONES DIET We often get bogged down in the science of nutrition. With an overwhelming amount of nutritional information available, it’s sometimes hard to form a clear view of what is best for your pet.

We asked our raw-feeding pet owners for 10 good reasons to make the effort to convert from a highly processed pet food to a real-food diet of raw meaty bones.

Here’s what they had to say 1. Definitely number one – the stool is small in volume and much less offensive!

2. The dog no longer clears the room with his anti-social wind.

3. Optimal body weight is easily obtained and maintained.

4. Eliminate the need for expensive teeth cleaning – ripping and tearing at raw meaty bones means clean teeth, naturally.

5. Clean teeth and healthy digestion means no bad doggy breath.

6. A glowing healthy shine to the coat (due to all of those essential fatty acids).

7. A renewed interest in food – meal times become an exciting focus of the day.

8. Arthritic complaints disappear (with the high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin in the raw meaty bones, combined with normalising the pH of the body, and reducing triggers for inflammation).

9. Chronically itching dogs begin to sleep through the night. A relief for everyone!

10. You feel great yourself, it could be the extra sleep, or it could be just knowing that you have just made your pet’s life so much more interesting.

If that’s enough to convince you - come in to any of our five Auckland stores and start your pet on the road to optimal health.

Dr Lyn Thomson www.rawessentials.co.nz

THE STRAND VET 5 TOP PET TIPS FOR SUMMER SURVIVAL We all know how to prepare for the Christmas holidays – buy food, presents, refreshments and pack the car ready to go, right? But what about our four-legged family members? Here’s a check list to help ensure a great summer holiday for everyone.

1. Make sure microchips are A) reading and B) the information on the national database is current and up-to-date. This isn’t the case in a staggering eight out of 10 pets. How the system works is the microchip inserted needs to be checked via a scanner (we normally do this at their annual wellness check) and then current owner details checked and updated. If your pet is not chipped, a collar should be fitted two fingers tight with name tags and phone number attached.

2. Christmas day is all about spreading the cheer…something you may regret if feeding leftovers to your four-legged companions. Bouts of post-ham-bone diarrhoea and, even more serious, pancreatitis, can put paid to your celebrations with a trip to the Animal Emergency Centre. If your pet is off to kennels or cattery, help them adjust by not changing their diet. Stress combined with a change in diet can create all sorts of health issues.

DECEMBER 2013

3. Vaccinations aren’t magic – they need time to work. Make sure vaccinations are given at least two weeks prior to pet boarding for optimal immunity. Consider a lysine supplement (Flumax or Enisyl) if your cat gets stressed, is elderly or has previously had cat flu. Plug in a Feliway pheromone diffuser for cats staying at home as a change in routine, like a cat sitter, upsets them. They will be more likely to eat well and stay out of trouble if they are less stressed.

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THE ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTRE

WISHES YOU A SAFE AND RELAXING SUMMER!

4. Remember the weather. It’s finally summer and ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ applies to our pets too. Apply pet suntan lotion on ears and noses of light-coloured pets, make sure you have plenty of well-ventilated shade for pocket pets (especially if left at home with a carer) and remember parasite protection is essential for dogs, cats and rabbits. Clip their coat short, especially around the bottom, to help prevent life-threatening fly strike.

Heatstroke is a summer killer for dogs. Consider cooler travel times and have plenty of water in the car using moistened towels to cool them down if they are overheating (remember they don’t sweat like we do). For elderly cats make sure they have unrestricted access to clean water. If on the verge of kidney issues, dehydration can occur very quickly.

5. Pack the meds. By getting to know your animal companions well, we can make sure you have what you need to get them through the holiday period. Like an expert travel doctor we like to make sure you are well prepared for a trip. You may be travelling afar but we’re only a phone call away and could save an unnecessary trip back to town if you have the right medical kit and pet advice.

Dr Megan Alderson The Strand Veterinarian 114 The Strand, Parnell P: 09 377 6667 Please see our ad in Verve’s Market Place on page 128

Summer is just around the corner. Before you take off to your bach with your pets, ready to enjoy lots of boating, swimming and barbecues in the sun, have a look at these pointers. You don’t want your relaxing time to turn into a stressful time, visiting the emergency vet!

SUMMER PET CHECKLIST •

Is the property secure or can your cheeky little terrier sneak under the gate and your nosy Burmese cat jump the fence?

•

Keep a spare lead at the bach and have a secure area for your cat to get settled in nicely.

•

Have your local veterinary nurse check that microchips are in working order or ensure your pets wear a collar tag with your holiday contact details.

•

Are there any poisonous plants in the garden, such as lilies?

Peek over the fence to make sure the neighbour hasn’t put out any slug, snail or rat bait over the winter period.

•

If you take your pet on a boat, make sure the fish hooks stay well out of reach! Ensure pets can’t slide off into the water! Consider using a life vest!

•

Be aware that the temperature in your car will rise rapidly when you leave your pooch while you stand in queue at the ice cream shop. Heat stress can kill!

•

Your pets will love a good barbecue, but those leftover cooked bones won’t do them any good. Fatty food such as sausages may also cause problems.

•

Christmas is an exciting time and wrapping paper, ribbons, ornaments and chocolate are notorious for causing havoc, when eaten by pets.

•

Keep the details of the local vet at your holiday destination in your phone. Check out their opening hours.

For all your pet emergencies in Auckland, call us at the Animal Emergency Centre Dr Marieke Wijnen ANIMAL EMERGENCY CENTRE 97 Carrington Road, Mt Albert, T: 09 849 2121 Please see our ad in Verve’s Market Place on page 129

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LAST WORD

Tower of David Words: Jamie Christian Desplaces

Venezuela’s third-highest building, the Centro Financiero Confinanzas, protrudes from Caracas’ centre, just shy of two-hundred-metres tall. It stands incomplete, but not empty.

Funded by David Brillembourg, construction began in 1990 and the structure became known as the Tower of David. Dreamt up when the nation’s economy was on the rise, it was to be Venezuela’s answer to Wall Street, headquarters of banking giants Fogade.

Three years in, Brillembourg died. His tower, only 60% complete, was left in limbo. Further financial disaster struck the following year as the South American nation was plunged into a recession. The 45-storey tower remained abandoned for over a decade, symbolising Caracas’ drastic fall from grace.

In 2001, the government’s attempts to rid itself of the monolith ended in humiliating failure when a public auction failed to attract a single bid. Later plans to convert it into mayoral headquarters came to nothing. In October 2007 hundreds of citizens, fed-up with their nation’s housing shortage, stormed the building to claim the equivalent of squatters’ rights. And they’re still there.

A woman who was part of that group told the New Yorker earlier this year: “We entered as if into a cave, like pigs, all in there together.

Everyone was looking for a roof over their

heads, no one had anywhere to live and it was a solution.”

Remarkably, it has developed into a largely self-sustaining community of nearly 3000 people, all living on the first 27 floors. Some residents have vehicles and make use of the complex’s car-park. There is a doctor’s office, grocery stores, leisure areas, bars and even tailors. Small brick huts have been built within. But it is far from luxurious. Many walls are missing, and there are no lifts. Electricity and clean running water are scarce. Floors are without balconies, some are even without windows and it is not uncommon for people to fall to their deaths. Residents have made do with generators, or in some instances, tapping into the city’s power grid and water mains. Crime is rife, with some areas controlled and patrolled by armed gangsters.

Everything is dealt with ‘in-house’. There is no police force. There seems to be little urgency to rectify the situation.

The occupation started similar movements throughout Venezuela, with the homeless laying claim to derelict constructions. What bitter irony it is that what was supposed to be an edifice of corporate success, the ultimate banking boast, collapsed into a financial precipice, then grew into the world’s tallest slum.

Remarkably, it has developed into a largely self-sustaining community of nearly 3000 people, all living on the first 27 floors.

Some residents have vehicles and make use of the complex’s car-park.

There is a doctor’s office, grocery stores, leisure areas, bars and even tailors.

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VERVE’S MARKET PLACE

Select your gifts from the CaRRoL BoYeS range offering a unique combination of imagination, artistry and practicality, capturing the inherent quirkiness and functionality in design. Tease your desire, and treasure each piece for years to come. w: www.carrolboyes.co.nz www.carrolboyes.co.nz w: p: 09 09 479 479 36 3611 p: 11 | 021 663 611 e: info@carrolboyes.co.nz info@carrolboyes.co.nz e:

THE LITTLE CLINIC WITH A BIG HEART • Led by Dr Megan Alderson • Exceptional care & service • Fully equipped pet hospital • Boutique pet products 09 377 6667 114 The Strand, Parnell

TheStrand VETERINARIAN

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Colour • Style & Line • Wardrobe & Accessories Personal Shopping • Wardrobe Sort • Make-Up Gift Certificates

Visit www.osmosisskin.co.nz for more info and stockists information

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Revive a Deck & EZY DEck • No destructive water blasters used • Our cleaning process is a specialised deck treatment that gives better results and peace of mind.

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today!

Christine Lemalu − Personal Image Consultant Phone 522 1982 www.smitten.co.nz

NEW SHIPMENT IN STORE!

Thurs/Fri 10am-3pm & Saturday 10am-2pm (or by appointment) Ph: 09 580 0290 |185B Marua Road, Ellerslie (down drive after Alert Locksmiths)

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I’ve appreciated the local support this year. Enjoy the coming weeks with your friends and family.

My very best wishes for 2014.

Cameron Brewer Councillor for Orakei www.cameronbrewer.co.nz cameron.brewer@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz This message was privately-funded

100 Parnell Rd • 09 550 8749 Mon-Fri 10am-4pm • Sat 9:30am - 1pm

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www.vervemagazine.co.nz 4 local offices for your convenience

Auckland Central REMUERA OFFICE

CLEAR REALTY LIMITED Ɩ Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

Remuera Ellerslie Royal Oak Onehunga

For Sale $1,395,000

For Sale $1,670,000

Remuera Northern Slopes & Double Grammar

108 Orakei Road, REMUERA

Solid 50’s bungalow is set on a private 725m² section close to all the best schools. Three bedrooms, Lock up garaging, great future potential to extend, land bank or build your dream home. First time on the market in 32 years.

Boundless options exist with this substantial double grammar zone contemporary home. Free owing design over 3 levels provides alternatives for family or extended family living.3 living areas, formal dining & European kitchen. Something special here.

Peaceful, Private & Parklike

www.ljhooker.co.nz/P2GGFW Viewing as advertised

Explore Behind the Cedar Doors

www.ljhooker.co.nz/NWJGFW Viewing as advertised

Dianne Nichol 021 272 0975

523 7712 dianne@clearrealty.com

Alan Elliott

021 994 881 523 7713 alan@clearrealty.com

Glenn Baker

021 923 506 624 2719 glenn@clearrealty.com

8 Maaka Place, ST JOHNS

19 Hawkins Street, MEADOWBANK

Private garden setting providing family living at its best. This home boasts large living spaces with lounge & dining adjacent to an open plan kitchen and family room. A near new kitchen is ready for entertaining with indoor/outdoor ow to a covered patio.

Retro in style; You’re only limited by your imagination. 3 levels with multiple options. Work from home, large or extended family, bring your friends around to party on the deck. I’m beautiful, I just need someone with a good eye for the latest fashions & colours.

Prettiest Cul-de-sac

www.ljhooker.co.nz/P3BGFW Viewing as advertised

Cyprian Singh 021 529 188

csingh.aucklandcentral@ljh.co.nz Auction on site

2pm – 22/12/2013 (unless sold prior )

Retro Fit Me

www.ljhooker.co.nz/P33GFW Viewing as advertised

Glenn Baker

021 923 506 624 2719 glenn@clearrealty.com

Don Agnew 021 459 080

523 7718 don@clearrealty.com

The Team at Auckland Central wish you the “Compliments Of The Season” Opening doors ~ Buying a property with LJ Hooker Auckland Central. We don’t simply understand the property market, we understand the neighbourhoods that make it - from local amenities and schools to transport & community organisations. At LJ Hooker Auckland Central, our local knowledge make us a great place to start your search. Whether you’re a rst-time buyer or looking to expand an existingportfolio, we understand a property is so much more than bricks-and-mortar - it’s a place people want to call home.

Epsom Showcase Properties

DECEMBER 2013

4 local offices for your convenience

Remuera 520 8585 Ɩ Ellerslie 525 1773 Royal Oak 624 3900 Ɩ Onehunga 634 4050 CLEAR REALTY LIMITED Ɩ Licensed Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

145 The Drive, EPSOM

Lindy Lawton

The Magic of Tradition

This charming character 1920's bungalow offers real craftsmanship throughout. A truly comfortable home that has been loved for its multitude of both fabulous living spaces and generous ve bedroom accommodation. Offering the ultimate in family living and entertaining. From the rear deck, relax and keep an eye on the kids in the pool! - GZ. A wonderful place to call home!

Viewing as advertised

www.ljhooker.co.nz/P1BGFW

161 Gillies Avenue, EPSOM STATE OF THE ART - QUALITY INVESTMENT

021 222 3210 624 2710 lindy@clearrealty.com

Mike Symonds

021 330 307 624 2745 mike@clearrealty.com

Jan Honey

This classic homestead of approximately 410m² has been renovated to provide a specialist/ surgical/ medical centre with consulting rooms, operating theatre, and a recovery room. The 2165m² park-like grounds boasts 17 car parks for easy access.

Quality tenants offer a prime investment opportunity for your portfolio in the hub of Auckland’s medical precinct.

Tender 4pm – 18/12/2013 (unless sold prior). Viewing as advertised

www.ljhooker.co.nz/N76GFW

021 997 093 624 2727 jan@clearrealty.com

Glenn Baker

021 923 506 624 2719 glenn@clearrealty.com

We Are Open For & Doing The Business, This Holiday Season

LJ Hooker Auckland Central

Remuera Office | 565 Remuera Road, Remuera

131

(09) 520 8585

132

www.vervemagazine.co.nz

Free underlay with Studio carpet

Floor and Wall Tiles from $19/m2

Oak, Merbau & Bamboo Flooring from $69/m2

Valid until 20 December 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

228 Orakei Road Remuera www.jacobsens.co.nz www.flooringxtra.co.nz