DAME FRAN WILDE
TOKYO / BETTER HEALTH THROUGH PILATES / JAPANESE CHEF KNIFE ARTISTRY / SIMON GAULT / THE FAST FASHION THREAT
Journal.02
Welcome to Living
Just in time for some inspirational and entertaining winter reading, we’re proud to deliver the second edition of Living Magazine.
We were thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response from our communities to the inaugural issue of Living when it arrived on coffee tables towards the end of last year. In deciding to produce such a title, we wanted to ensure the end result was packed with plenty of engaging content. We feel the debut issue hit the mark, and now the Generus Living team and I are excited to present the second edition. On this issue’s cover, we’re delighted to feature one of the country’s most well-known political and business personalities, Dame Fran Wilde. Someone for whom ‘community’ has continually been topof-mind across an impressive 40-plus years in the public eye, Dame Fran has achieved plenty in local and central government, as well as commercial governance in both the public and private sector. With local body elections once again imminent, she’s preparing to hit the hustings once more in her bid for the mayoralty of South Wairarapa. Our exclusive interview with Dame Fran begins over the page. Elsewhere in this issue, beginning on page 18 we take a journey to the always-exhilarating streets of Tokyo. From the heritage of Asakusa’s vibrant temples to the energetic shopping available in Akihabara (Tokyo’s “Electric Town”), the neighbourhoods of Japan’s biggest city offer plenty at every turn.
And I’m sure well-known chef Simon Gault will be no stranger to most of you. A fixture of New Zealand’s restaurant scene (and television screens), Simon takes us on a tour of his latest venture – Gault’s Deli in Auckland. But as you’ll read starting on page 24, the ‘foodie’ fixture is always thinking beyond the menu in terms of delivering healthy, premium fare to New Zealanders. There is plenty more to delve into besides, so on behalf of all of us at Generus Living, I hope you enjoy this second edition of Living
For all Living content and more visit: generus.co.nz
Graham Wilkinson Director Generus Living
A return to politics for the inimitable Dame Fran Wilde?
With a bid for the South Wairarapa mayoralty on the horizon, after more than two decades in the crucible of central and local Government Wilde is perhaps proving that politics runs in her blood. Or maybe it’s more an acute reminder of her desire to foster change. “If you’re serious, you’ve got to do something that will make a difference,” she tells us in this exclusive interview.
Photos: Vinesh Kumaran / Archives
Fran Wilde
Absolutely, positively Wilde.
When it comes to experience within the lion’s den of central and local government, few New Zealanders boast more political fortitude than Dame Fran Wilde.
As synonymous with the Fourth Labour Government as the Wellington City mayoralty, the list of battles she tackled head on – usually with notable success – during the tumultuous 1980s and 1990s is the stuff of legend. And she’s been fighting the good fight in other levels of office in the years since.
But reeling off a list of achievements won’t get you anywhere with Wilde. She bats career bullet points away with a sharp laugh, always keen to talk instead about challenges that lie ahead.
She grins broadly when I mention the Fran Wilde Walk – the name given to the main pedestrian approach into Sky Stadium on Wellington’s Waterloo Quay.
“Oh yes, well that was [former Wellington Mayor] Kerry Prendergast who orchestrated that. I certainly didn’t call it that!” she laughs. “I sold everything for sponsorship. Every single part of that stadium I would have sold for a sponsor to make it work. But then later on, Kerry decided to call that part of the complex the Fran Wilde Walk. I had no idea they were going to do it.”
Regardless, it’s proof positive in concrete and steel of the drive Wilde
has for change. Under her leadership the Wellington Regional Stadium Development Trust committed to a multipurpose stadium for the city, designating the portside railyard site as the ideal location. Totally committed to the cause, the Trust was able to implement the entire project, from blueprint to building work, in an impressively short space of time.
“We had good people, not just on the stadium project, but through my time as mayor,” she says. “It’s always a small team, but it’s vital to have a good one.”
Such was the breadth of the agenda Wilde took on during her 19921995 mayoralty, it’s easy to forget she held the office for only a single term before retiring.
While the stadium remains perhaps the city’s most visual reminder of the period today, other successes included commissioning the Moa Point wastewater plant, encouraging fibre installation, reinvigorating tourism, and introducing a new district plan that enabled people to live in the central city.
Another win – one recognisable at a national level – was Wilde’s work to establish ‘Absolutely Positively Wellington’ as the city’s tagline.
“That started as a little campaign that Saatchi & Saatchi had put together for The Evening Post. The idea behind it was to inject some positivity, to give Wellington small business a boost.
“Everybody loved it, but we thought it could be used more broadly. I got the councillors to agree that we needed to look at our brand and we all liked ‘Absolutely Positively Wellington’. The Evening Post agreed to give it to us, so with the help of Saatchi’s, we rebranded our whole vehicle fleet, our public notices, everything.
“We did it over time, but it caught on straight away. There aren’t many regional campaigns I can think of that resonated quite like that did.”
The power of the word has always been important to Wilde.
On leaving school she trained as a journalist, following in the footsteps of her father Maurice Kitching, ending up in the newsroom at the Evening Post before moving on to Radio New Zealand, among other organisations.
But politics beckoned, with Wilde destined to make news rather than simply report on it.
“I got involved in the Labour Party, as did many young people my age in the early 1970s, as a reaction to the excesses of the Muldoon Government. Muldoon just got worse and worse and some of us were saying, ‘Well, what can we do?’ And if you’re serious, you’ve got to do something that will make a difference. And the only thing was to get him out of office.
Prime Minister-elect, David Lange, with office holders in the fourth Labour Government on July 20, 1984. From left, Fran Wilde, Dr Michael Cullen, John Terris, Sir Basil Arthur, and Bill Jeffries. Image: Evening Post Archives.
Wilde with supporters after the passing of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, July 1986. Image: Evening Post Archives.
Wilde celebrates the Fourth Labour Government’s election to a second term with Island Bay MP, Liz Tennet on election night, August 17, 1987. Image: New Zealand Herald Archives.
“I ended up being selected for the Wellington Central seat for the 1981 election. It wasn’t considered winnable, but we did win it with the biggest swing in the country that year.”
In 1983 Wilde was appointed as Labour’s spokesperson for State Services by leader David Lange. The following year – on the evening of June 14 to be precise – the opportunity to achieve what had spearheaded her initial desire to enter the political field, arrived.
“Well, Muldoon went on national television and called a snap election. He hadn’t consulted, he just announced it. He went up to Government House where there was a dinner going on. I recall Geoffrey Palmer was at the dinner and then all of a sudden, the then Governor General was interrupted in the middle of it. There was Muldoon outside, drunk –we’ve all seen the footage from that night, that fact’s indisputable – and he says, ‘I’m calling an election.’”
The 1984 general election remains one of the most significant in New Zealand history. Hoping to catch the opposition Labour Party underprepared, Prime Minister Robert Muldoon’s announcement of a snap election in one month’s time backfired spectacularly, with a heavy defeat for the National Party.
Yet, despite pervasive economic uncertainty and an audible chorus of dissatisfaction within both Muldoon’s cabinet and out on the street, Wilde realised plenty of work would still need to be done to secure a victory for Labour.
“The night the snap election was announced we swung into action in Wellington Central – it was on!” she recalls. “We had a huge electorate machine in those days and were able to get organised. By the next morning, we had stalls set up around the city encouraging commuters to enrol to vote. We had these posters printed saying ‘Don’t let the government steal your vote! Enrol here!’ We were all over town and we managed it in a few hours overnight.”
Wilde retained the Wellington Central seat at the subsequent general election on July 14. Yet, one of her biggest battles – one that would engender outrage and even death threats from some corners of New Zealand society – remained ahead.
“After the general election I was made Whip for our caucus, together with Michael Cullen. Since I wasn’t a Minister, I was able to introduce a Private Members Bill. I’d been working on gay law reform since entering Parliament three years previously and I introduced the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, to decriminalise sex between consenting adult males.”
The polarising Bill was vehemently opposed in several sectors and became a major issue.
“It was a tough campaign but absolutely necessary. I had to travel all over the country, attending community meetings and doing talkback radio – fortunately there was no social media in those days. I received thousands of letters, many quite terrible and threatening, including death threats – I became very worried about my children’s safety.
“But at the same time, there was huge support from many people too. During the time the Bill was before Parliament we managed to break down common stereotypes, helping persuade MPs that they were
“
The night the snap election was announced we swung into action. We had a huge electorate machine in those days and were able to get organised. By the next morning, we had stalls set up around the city encouraging commuters to enrol to vote. We had these posters printed saying ‘Don’t let the government steal your vote! Enrol here!”
politically safe to vote for it. I’m very proud that it’s nearly 40 years since it was passed into law.”
During the same term of Parliament, Wilde would shepherd through the Adult Adoption Information Bill. While not as contentious as gay law reform, it was nonetheless a difficult issue for many, but was passed by Parliament, allowing adopted children and birth parents to obtain information about each other.
Portfolios covering Housing, Conservation and Pacific Island Affairs would follow, with Wilde appointed Minister for Disarmament and Arms Control in the second term of the Fourth Labour Government, as well as Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
“At the same time the economy here was in huge upheaval as we deregulated and withdrew subsidies. It was a turbulent time to be in Parliament. It was never dull,” she says.
Despite the all-consuming pace of central government, Labour’s loss to National in the 1990 general election appeared as a sea change moment for Wilde. Confessing that being in opposition “wasn’t why I entered Parliament – I wanted to get things done”, a long period on the other side of the House seemed inevitable all the same.
She entered the Wellington mayoral race and won, becoming the first woman to hold the role. She resigned from Parliament immediately after the election and led a successful Council in Wellington, with many initiatives. Following her decision to step down from the mayoralty for personal reasons, after only one term, Wilde thought that was the end of her political career. She took on some boards and then became the CEO of the New Zealand Trade Development Board, staying for six years and overseeing its amalgamation with Business New Zealand to form New Zealand Trade & Enterprise.
Today, Wilde’s CV features an impressive list of roles in business, having chaired entities as diverse as Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, Housing New Zealand, Wellington Waterfront Limited, Auckland Light Rail, New Zealand International Arts Festival, the Remuneration Authority, Whanau Awhina Plunket and the Asia New Zealand Foundation. She has done a reasonable amount of work in infrastructure and has also been a Crown negotiator for Treaty of Waitangi Settlements.
“I’ve had a wonderful portfolio of jobs over the last 10 years or so and have been able to manage work in order to travel to see my grandchildren overseas,” she says.
And now, a return to politics? With a bid for the South Wairarapa mayoralty on the horizon, Wilde is perhaps proving that politics runs in her blood. Or maybe it’s more an acute reminder of her desire to foster change.
“When I left the Regional Council, I had no intention of ever entering
politics again and I got on with my governance career.
Then, last year a friend suggested I should run for mayor of South Wairarapa.
“At first it seemed like a crazy idea, but after some thought I realised it would be perfect for me. I have experience in leadership and know how to make decisions, along with a big network of relationships. Importantly, the district has big, difficult issues and I feel I can offer the clear, strong leadership required. And being mayor here would mean I could sleep in my own bed at night!” she laughs.
Together with husband Chris, Wilde has continually spent time in the Wairarapa over the last 20 years, first in a 160-year-old farm cottage which the couple gradually restored as a weekend getaway property, and latterly in a ‘passive’ residential home in Greytown, surrounded by bountiful gardens – Wilde’s only “hobby”, she admits, aside from work.
“Wairarapa is an incredible place to live. It has a host of physical attractions – a continental-type climate and vast areas of rural land. Beaches, hills to explore, award-winning wineries, and all only an hour from Wellington City. Who wouldn’t want to live here and try to make it even more amazing than it already is?”
As fervent as her enthusiasm is for what the Wairarapa offers, Wilde remains realistic about the challenges the region faces.
“Like all corners of New Zealand there are some really gnarly issues here. Wairarapa has seen population growth through migration. But slowing that is the current hold on new building consents, because of water and wastewater issues in Greytown and Martinborough. This is really affecting local tradies and other businesses. We need to get on top of deferred maintenance to get the local economy going again.
“The tourism and hospitality sectors have grown immensely, which is fantastic. We now have the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve here, for example, which gets people into the region for more than a day at a time. But we need more investment in tourism, primary sectors and other areas to create high value jobs.“When you put yourself out there for the mayoralty, the first step is meeting people and listening to them. That’s what I’m doing now – meeting and listening. I’m in listening mode, finding out what their issues are. The community spirit is very strong in each of our three small towns though.”
After all these years in the public eye, Dame Fran still has the energy to bring about change.
“Am I too old to be mayor? Absolutely not. I still have much to do and the ability to do it. But I also have the judgement that comes with age and experience. I know that will be helpful.
“Oh, and by the way,” she adds with a smile, “I’m younger than the current and previous Presidents of the United States. Just so you know.”
Colour and light
After an incredible transformation, Category 1 Heritage Listed Building Pearson House is once again a vibrant centre of community life, having been reimagined as a key component of the meticulously designed Foundation development in Parnell. We spoke to interior designer Stewart Harris about the inspiration behind this truly unique project.
Photos: Jahl Marshall
Built in 1926 and situated on Titoki Street facing the Auckland Domain, Pearson House was originally created as a residence catering to the needs of blind men, helping to ensure the blind were a constant public presence in the city. Nearly one hundred years on, it has been fully revitalised as part of Generus Living’s Foundation development.
The $17 million Pearson House upgrade involved bringing the original colonnade back to life, seamlessly linking the Drawing Room and a Reading Room and establishing a café at ground level. Upstairs has been redesigned to house a luxurious boutique cinema, billiard room, lounge, an art studio, cardio studio and wellbeing suite.
And at the centre of this transformation was the visionary eye of award-winning interior designer Stewart Harris, of Macintosh Harris.
The choice of absolutely everything – from the room-by-room colour palettes to the furnishings and even the tableware – was overseen by Stewart, with the building’s Neo-Georgian design providing a faithfully followed template.
“I imagined how one would journey through the spaces, and how that should be an uplifting experience, with bursts of light and
colour along the journey,” says Stewart. “The Georgians liked to use bright colours, so the spaces had to be very colourful, very joyful, something that is very uplifting as you move through it.
“And so, we have pinks, we have blue staircases, we have beautiful pale turquoise. The Georgians were very fond of pea green, so the reading room features a pea green palette, with green being very conducive to calmness and reading. Then we bounce it up a bit when you get into the drawing room and the reception room with the brighter turquoise, something that’s going to really lift your spirit when you go in there.”
Stewart even utilised colour and design as an impetus for activity within the building.
“We dressed the staircases in a contemporary version of what you would have seen in a Neo-Georgian home. The palette is very striking here, as we want to encourage people to walk up the stairs if they’re able, rather than go in the lift. That’s the theory of course – you want to promote walking as an activity as much as possible when you live in this kind of environment,” he says.
Beyond the period-correct colours used throughout Pearson House, fixtures and
“
I
imagined how one would journey through the spaces, and how that should be an uplifting experience, with bursts of light and colour along the journey. The Georgians liked to use bright colours, so the spaces had to be very colourful, very joyful. ”
furnishings also needed to reflect the building’s heritage while retaining a sense of modernity and first-class comfort for visitors. The solution called for a hybridised approach from Stewart, combining, for example, selected wallcoverings and artworks which link the old with the new, creating a collection of the contemporary and the traditional.
This approach extended to seeking out the best of the best from modern suppliers.
“When I started on the project, I had always thought we would use Chippendale furniture, or furniture of the era. As I searched, here in New Zealand, it was difficult to find and so I was forced to look at other solutions, which is when I chanced upon a company that provides what I call ‘American proportioned’ furniture.
“One of the challenges of designing with later life living in mind is seat height and depth; these need to be comfortable and the proportions of the furniture we’ve opted for here is tailormade to the age group. Italian seating, for example, isn’t appropriate here as its generally way too low and too deep. But the American design range was perfect for Pearson House, from both a scale and style point-of-view.”
Naturally, in an environment such as Pearson House, careful curation of select antique items
remains a large part of what Stewart does. But in every passion purchase, there also must be a degree of practicality.
“We managed to find beautiful antique pieces in order to mix with the modern furniture, and modern chandeliers designed in the style of the era. But yes, I want to vet every item of ornamentation, every piece of crystalware, every book in the reading room.
“I want to ensure the teaspoons we choose feature the right curve at the bottom of your hand so when you use it, it doesn’t dent your palm. I like, if I can, to be involved in all of that. There are obviously other people involved and other opinions and criteria as well, but we also need to be cognisant of flexibility, cleanability, and serviceability in everything we choose.”
With Pearson House being the heritage centrepiece of an otherwise modern, purpose-built retirement precinct, Stewart also had to weave a continual link between the contemporary new builds and the existing Neo-Georgian building.
“Pearson House is an amazing place for socialising, with great food, maybe the odd glass of wine: somewhere joyful. So, that’s kind of what started the story of how we’ve linked all the buildings together,” he says.
“Knowing that there were going to be four major components in the project – and three
would be purpose built modern buildings –I felt I should bring connection through art. I wanted something that wasn’t going to be too pivotal, but something that the residents would know, possibly, and would understand the stories behind them.”
Stewart decided upon De Gournay wallpaper murals as a centrepiece for each foyer in the Nathan Residences. In keeping with the colourful style of De Gournay, Stewart says walking into Pearson House is like walking “through” a De Gournay, linking the old and new.
Generus Living worked closely with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Auckland Council during the restoration of Pearson House. The result is a sympathetically renovated building that is better than new.
“A lot of what was actually in the building wasn’t at its best. For example, there were beams running through the major rooms that didn’t even have cornices, they just had
a little coving. Providing space in the ceilings for all the services meant we needed to drop the ceilings, but in doing so, this allowed us to add more suitable decorative corners.
“One of the biggest challenges was getting rid of the mismatching woodwork used throughout the building. The doors and floors weren’t in good condition. So, layering over the top of that with paint or new timber floors became essential. Everything that was done, heritage-wise, and in terms of introducing a new look and feel, has been sympathetic to what was there before. But it’s also contemporised it hugely.”
And Stewart’s favourite room?
“I think it’s probably the drawing room because it’s flanked by the collonade and the reading room, but in its own right it’s probably the most classic of the rooms. But I know residents and guests will enjoy every space the building has to offer. It’s certainly the beginning of a new era for Pearson House.”
Travel
Tokyo
Tokyo has never been easier to visit.
Whether it’s the timeless rituals of an ancient culture, or the bedazzling bright neon of some of the world’s most vibrant shopping and eating districts you wish to explore, there is something for every traveller to savour in this most remarkable of cities.
Tokyo tales
A New Year whirlwind tour through some of Tokyo’s most iconic areas reveals uniquely characterful districts where culture, history, and urban thrills collide.
WORDS Dee Vermeulen
PHOTOS Adobe / Dee Vermeulen
If you’ve never been, Tokyo will inevitably feel like a whirlwind, regardless of the duration of your visit, as there’s simply an impossible number of things to see and do. Having visited extensively, it can still feel unfamiliar… but in a thoroughly exciting way. And while Spring (March to May) offers the stunning cherry blossom season, my favourite time to visit Tokyo is actually in winter. For this trip, I travelled between late December and early January. With brisk, clear days, it’s a lovely time of year to enjoy the city’s relentless energy and its mix of ancient traditions with futuristic excitement. And it’s the season outside that has led me to select four of my favourite destinations – Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, and Akihabara. These locales are sometimes criticised as overly touristy. However, I feel so much of that misguided opinion relates to Tokyo’s energy-sapping heat in summer. Trust me, with more of a bite in the air these distinctly different districts offer unique, captivating days and nights brimming with surprises, and are all must-see locations on any Tokyo trip.
Asakusa: Temple Town and Nakamise Street Delights
Asakusa is Tokyo’s oldest district and walking towards its impressive Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon), you feel transported back to another era. The gate, with its iconic giant red
lantern, provides the perfect photo backdrop for excited tourists. Dominating the neighbourhood is Sens�-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple, founded in 628 AD.
With the sweet aroma of incense in the air, locals flock to Tokyo’s temples on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day for hatsum�de (translated as “first prayer”). With street food vendors and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a very pleasant place to ring in the new year – literally, in fact, as Sens�-ji temple rings its bell 108 times. A tradition called “Joya no Kane,” this symbolises the cleansing of 108 worldly desires as the new year arrives. Watching the rituals unfold is mesmerising, with locals tossing coins, clapping hands, and bowing respectfully, whispering heartfelt prayers.
Spiritual calm can also give way to retail heaven in Asakusa’s many market streets and malls. Busy, but not intimidating, the district offers so much for the senses in just a few city blocks.
Ueno: Parks, Wishes, and the Bustle of Ameyoko Street
Ueno is renowned for its expansive parks, cultural treasures, and vibrant street life. It definitely deserves a couple of days to appreciate attractions which seem more sprawling than other densely packed Tokyo districts.
Ueno Park – one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks – is a green oasis filled with museums, temples, and statues and, for me, was the ideal place to reflect on the year past and manifest the year ahead. For all its craziness,
Ueno Park – one of Tokyo’s oldest public parks – is a green oasis filled with museums, temples, and statues and, for me, was the ideal place to reflect on the year past and manifest the year ahead. ”
Japan’s people are inherently respectful of each other’s environment, so the vibe is serene and calming. Take the time to sit on the edge of Shinobazu pond and admire the meticulously manicured lotus beds and cherry blossom trees, or wander through the Ueno Toshogu Peony Garden.
While in Ueno, I also can’t recommend Tokyo’s National Museum highly enough with its vast display of Japanese heritage artworks, Samurai artifacts and other intriguing curios.
A short walk from the serenity of the park plunges you into the energetic chaos of Ameyoko Street. Historically a black-market area after World War II, today Ameyoko is a colourful shopping haven. This bustling boulevard is packed with seafood stalls, streetfood vendors selling takoyaki (octopus balls) and other delights. There’s also no shortage of Teppanyaki, Ramen, Wagyu or Yakitori restaurants.
There are plenty of quirky stores overflowing onto the street with clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Haggling is common and not something to be nervous about. As the evening nears, neon lights flicker into life and performers add to Ameyoko Street’s exciting energy.
Shibuya: The Heartbeat of Tokyo
Shibuya is of course famous for its chaotic yet thoroughly synchronised scramble crossing – the busiest crosswalk in the world. The experience of walking along with thousands of pedestrians flooding the street from every direction when the lights change feels like being part of an orchestrated dance. It’s both exhilarating and orderly.
Nearby, the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited patiently for his owner daily, serves as a poignant meeting point and popular photo spot. His bronze likeness, surrounded by visitors posing happily, symbolises unwavering loyalty.
But I came to Shibuya for one thing –shopping. And this bustling district does not disappoint.
At every turn there are towering shopping malls, such as Shibuya 109, which house endless boutiques and bustling cafes.
Amidst a growing fast fashion and waste crisis, I love the fact that Japan embraces thrifting so openly. Used clothing stores are everywhere and as Japan has a strong culture of caring for belongings, items are often like new. From vintage clothing to the latest in luxury brands, you can find anything and everything. Expect the credit card to be wellused by the end of a day out.
Akihabara: Tokyo’s Electric Town
From the fashion-forward energy of Shibuya, the next destination, Akihabara, promises a high-tech plunge into Tokyo’s famed electronics district.
Known affectionately as “Akiba”, this district dazzles with neon billboards, colossal manga art advertisements, and endless rows of electronic goods.
Once famous primarily for its electronic markets, Akihabara has evolved into a paradise for anime enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados. Streets are lined with multi-level shops selling everything from vintage video games to the latest hightech gadgets. Cosplay cafés and themed eateries offer immersive experiences, transporting visitors into their favourite anime worlds.
Bic Camera and Yodobashi Akiba are a must for any technology enthusiasts, where you’ll find anything from rice cookers to face massagers and yes, Japanese toilet seats.
Exploring Tokyo through Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, and Akihabara gives the visitor a sense of stepping between worlds.
From serene temples and traditional street markets, to bustling urban intersections and vibrant subcultures, each neighbourhood offered distinct flavours, weaving together a tapestry rich in history, culture, and modernity.
These districts may sometimes get a bad rap as obvious tourist trap destinations, but that’s not a fair critique. If you’re looking for a rich and diverse snapshot of Tokyo, these four districts offer an accessible way to do it, especially if time is limited.
Eat & Drink
Simon Gault
While cooking is inarguably in Simon Gault’s very DNA, it’s when you start talking to him about the fresh, premium ingredients he uses in his favourite dishes that you see the passion for what he does really ignite. Welcome to Gault’s Deli.
Artisanal Japanese knives
With many specialised blade designs tailored to specific culinary tasks, opting for a meticulously hand-crafted Japanese chef’s knife is growing in popularity for the seasoned home cook. We delve into what exactly separates your ‘Santoku’ from your ‘Gyuto’.
Foodie revolution
What we eat, when we eat and how we eat.
Famed chef Simon Gault has set out to alter Kiwis’ expectations of great food, enjoyed well.
Simon Gault might have left the high-profile restaurant scene behind, but says he still gets his restaurant “fix” from his cookery school. It’s just one facet of Gault’s Deli; the onestop-shop for food lovers the well-known chef established in the Auckland suburb of St. Johns in 2023.
Hosted by Gault in his inimitable entertaining style, the Gault’s Deli classes for small groups of between 10 and 20 have been a hit and regularly sell out.
“The classes are loads of fun – everyone has a blast regardless of whether they’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner,”
Gault says. “I love taking people on a journey with food and really getting them to appreciate top quality ingredients. Whether we’re mastering the art of a Beef Wellington or cooking with delicious Sri Lankan flavours, the idea is that class participants have a memorable, entertaining time while learning something new.”
Kids can get in on the act as well, with Gault running holiday programmes at the purpose designed facility. Hand stretching dough and cooking a pizza from scratch is a firm favourite among junior future chefs, he says. And it was Gault’s own daughter that indirectly led him in this different career trajectory.
“Restaurants bring with them plenty of long hours and late nights. I remember my
daughter Hazel had recently turned three and I realised I was just working all the time, not seeing her as much as I wanted to. I thought, ‘This restaurant thing isn’t for me anymore. I want her to remember me as a dad.’”
Gault’s Deli was an amalgamation of ideas. While cooking is in Gault’s very DNA, it’s when you start talking to him about the actual ingredients in his favourite dishes that you see the passion for what he does really ignite.
“The wholesale distribution side of the business was born out of frustration at not having access to the amazing products I could get with ease in places like Italy and Spain. Oils, balsamic vinegars, fresh cheese, premium dry goods – it’s a real struggle to find the best of this sort of stuff in mainstream stores in New Zealand. So, with plenty of contacts in Europe, we set out to change that.”
Today, Gault’s supply network caters for the requirements of restaurants all over the country. But in bringing the same ingredients and products to the general public, Gault delights in educating home cooks on just what they’ve been missing out on and demystifying the idea of a deli-style shopping experience.
“The places and people we source products from are the best of the best. They’re long established, often family run enterprises that produce stuff that just tastes incredible. After I’d been in Italy, I realised that New Zealand parmesan just doesn’t make the grade –
PERFECT PIZZA!
Simon Gault’s cheat sheet for the best pizza possible with Gault’s Deli frozen pizza dough.
1. Store the dough in the fridge overnight (8–12 hours). Leave it on the bench for 2–4 hours before shaping. It should feel relaxed, puffy, and stretchy.
2. The dough must always be covered in an airtight container or Glad Wrap in a bowl. “Buccia” (hard, dry skin) means you won’t be able to stretch it.
3. Use your fingertips to gently stretch the dough from the centre outward. Avoid using a rolling pin as it flattens all those lovely air bubbles that make your crust airy and delicious.
4. If your dough is ‘snapping back’ when stretched, cover it with a damp tea towel and let it rest for another 15–20 minutes. Don’t fight it – the dough needs to relax before it stretches properly.
5. Is it feeling sticky? A little stickiness means it’s well-hydrated and lively. Lightly flour your hands and bench – but not too much, or you’ll dry it out.
6. Don’t let a hole while stretching get you down. Pinch the dough around the hole and press it back together. Flip it over so the patched side is underneath – it’ll seal as it cooks.
7. Go easy on the toppings – simple pizzas often taste the best. But finish with a flourish – olive oil, salt, or something a bit cheeky.
same with buffalo mozzarella. But everyone just accepts that and goes with what’s available in the supermarket chiller.
“We started air freighting cheeses in from Italy and our parmesan is next level. It has this amazing saltiness to it, and it’s aged in old historic store buildings for between 24 and 36 months. But here’s the thing – you might pay $14.20 for 100g of regular parmesan in the supermarket. But from our place it’s the genuine article and it’s $17.20 for 200g. It’s the same with a lot of our product – it’s absolute top quality but remains far less expensive than many people’s perception of deli bought items are.”
Gault’s foodie revolution doesn’t end with... well, food, either. Never short of energy, the 60-year-old has recently established an intensive science-based 21-day health education programme.
Developed in partnership with metabolic nutritionist Sean Robertson, Gault’s guide to better living revolves around the ‘4 Wheels of Health’ framework. Participants follow a set of guidelines supplemented by videos, tips and tricks and further online support. Focusing on nutrition, gut health, sleep and timed eating – and, naturally, augmented with plenty of healthy recipes he has developed especially for the programme – Gault says he’s living proof of
its benefits, without having had to survive on “twigs and berries” to see progress.
“The 4 Wheels process made a huge difference to my life, and the whole process of transformation was actually enjoyable. I lost 32kg over time, although the programme isn’t about weight loss – it’s a full lifestyle change process. I always say to participants that weight loss should be regarded as a side effect of regaining good general health.”
Gault says being mindful of what, not how much, is being eaten is key. And that comes back to good, fresh ingredients.
“Gut bacteria is the ultimate window on health – and good bacteria comes from healthy ingredients. Seventy percent of supermarket trolleys contain highly processed foods, but through mindfulness around what food is being eaten, and when, we can make such a difference to how we feel when we’re awake and how we rejuvenate while we sleep. It’s really clever science, and it certainly isn’t about sacrificing good food.”
From the pantry to the plate, Gault’s passion for what he does is as strong as ever. And if you’re stuck for ideas for a Thursday night dinner or that weekend picnic hamper, popping into Gault’s Deli and asking the man himself for a few ideas will no doubt be the passport to an amazing food journey of your own.
The slice is right
Made with age-old forging techniques carried over from Samurai sword makers and revered for its sharpness, balance, and precision, a hand-crafted Japanese knife is as much a work of art as it is an essential culinary tool.
If you’re an avid home chef, you might be familiar with the premium pedigree that Japanese knives enjoy in kitchens around the world. Unlike heavier Western knives, Japanese knives are known for their exceptional balance, and lightweight feel, which can make cooking more enjoyable and less physically demanding. No trip to Japan is complete without visiting an artisan knife store and perhaps bringing one home for yourself. And with the growing appreciation for Japanese cuisine and craftsmanship in New Zealand, many local specialist retailers offer a curated selection of handcrafted blades from Japanese blacksmiths.
But with many specialised blade designs tailored to specific culinary tasks, selecting the right Japanese knife may seem daunting.
Let’s remove some of the confusion by focussing on the three primary all-purpose knife styles, the distinctions between blade materials, and the art of Damascus forging – a craft that gives Japanese knife blades the literal edge.
The Three Main All-Purpose Knife Styles
Santoku (三徳包丁)
Meaning “three virtues”, the Santoku knife embodies versatility and is suitable for slicing, dicing, and chopping. With a blade length typically between 165mm and 180mm, it has a flat edge and a
‘sheepsfoot’ tip, curving down at an angle of approximately 60 degrees. This design promotes a more natural wrist position during use which is designed to help reduce fatigue and allow for efficient chopping motions. The Santoku is especially favoured in home kitchens for its user-friendly design and adaptability to various tasks.
Bunka (文化包丁)
The Bunka knife, translating to “culture knife”, is a versatile tool characterised by its distinctive reverse tanto or ‘K-tip’. This design provides a sharp point, ideal for intricate tasks like scoring vegetables or precise cuts in meat and fish. The Bunka’s blade typically ranges from 150mm to 180mm, making it agile and suitable for both detailed work and general chopping tasks.
Gyuto (牛刀)
The Gyuto, translating to “beef knife”, is the Japanese counterpart to the Western chef’s all-purpose knife. Its versatility makes it indispensable in both professional and home kitchens. Typically ranging from 210mm to 270mm in length, the Gyuto features a gentle curve from heel to tip, facilitating various cutting techniques. It’s adept at chopping, slicing, and dicing vegetables, meats, and fish. The knife’s pointed tip also allows for precision tasks, such as trimming sinew or making fine incisions.
While many Japanese knife styles exist, the three main “all purpose” blade designs are Santoku (Top), Bunka (Centre) and Gyuto (Bottom).
Stainless Steel vs. Blue Paper Steel
The choice of blade material significantly impacts a knife’s performance, maintenance, and longevity.
Stainless steel knives are prized for their resistance to rust and corrosion, making them relatively low maintenance items in the kitchen. They typically contain chromium, which enhances durability and ease-ofcare. However, while they offer good edge retention, they may not achieve the same sharpness or retain it as long as high-carbon steel knives.
Blue Paper Steel, or Aogami, is a highcarbon steel enriched with elements like chromium and tungsten. This composition offers exceptional hardness, allowing for a razor-sharp edge and superior edge retention. However, these knives are more susceptible to rust and require diligent maintenance –such as thorough drying after use and regular oiling – to prevent corrosion.
Damascus Forging
Damascus steel is renowned for its distinctive wavy pattern and enjoys a rich history dating back to ancient sword-making techniques. In modern knife crafting, Damascus forging involves layering multiple steels, forging them together, and then manipulating the billet to create intricate patterns. This process not only results in a visually stunning blade, but also combines the desirable properties of different steels, promoting attributes like hardness and flexibility.
Whether you opt for the versatility of a Gyuto, the compact efficiency of a Santoku, or the precision of a Bunka, each knife offers unique advantages. Similarly, choosing between stainless steel and blue steel depends on your priorities between ease of maintenance and superior sharpness. Investing in a high-quality Japanese knife is not just about acquiring a kitchen tool. It’s also about embracing a piece of functional art steeped in centuries of craftsmanship and culture.
Health & Living
Fast fashion
Ultra-fast-fashion retailers have made a substantial impact both here and overseas. But what exactly does this new model –emphasising the rapid production and distribution of inexpensive clothing online – really entail for both the fashion industry and the environment?
Pilates
With age, it’s common for joints to stiffen and flexibility to decline, leading to discomfort and a reduced range of motion. Pilates – incorporating slow, deliberate stretching that improves flexibility and gently encourages joint movement without overexertion – is increasingly seen as a thoroughly beneficial way to enhance overall well-being for people of all ages.
Stronger with every stretch
As we age, staying active becomes more than a lifestyle choice. It’s essential for maintaining independence, mobility, and quality of life. Among the many exercise options available, Pilates stands out as a particularly effective and gentle form of movement for people of all ages.
Originally developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th Century, the popular exercise method focuses on controlled movements, core strength, and mindful breathing. Today, it’s gaining popularity with older adults seeking to stay strong, flexible, and balanced –both physically and mentally.
One of the biggest concerns for older adults is the gradual loss of muscle mass, particularly in the core muscles that support the spine and pelvis. Weak core muscles can lead to poor posture, lower back pain, and an increased risk of falls. Pilates directly targets these muscles, helping to improve stability, align the spine, and support everyday movements such as standing up from a chair or walking up stairs. Simply put, a stronger core often translates to greater confidence in mobility. Pilates addresses the common risk of falls by enhancing balance and proprioception (the body’s sense of spatial awareness). Movements that challenge balance while engaging stabilising muscles help train the body to react more effectively to changes in terrain or posture. Over time, this can significantly reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
With age, it’s common for joints to stiffen and flexibility to decline, leading to discomfort and a reduced range of motion. Pilates incorporates slow, deliberate stretching that improves flexibility and gently encourages joint movement without overexertion.
This can be especially beneficial for those managing arthritis or other joint-related conditions. Because many Pilates exercises are low impact, they minimise strain while still enhancing suppleness and circulation. Beyond body movement, Pilates is as much about the mind as it is about the body. With its emphasis on breath, focus, and mindful movement, it offers a meditative quality that promotes mental clarity and reduces stress. For many, this mind-body connection becomes a powerful tool for managing anxiety, improving mood, and enhancing overall well-being.
One of the most appealing aspects of Pilates is its adaptability. Whether you’re a retired athlete or have been sedentary for years, Pilates can be tailored to meet you where you are.
THE RIGHT CLASS FOR YOU
There are various Pilates class types to suit different needs and comfort levels.
Mat Pilates
Performed on the floor using a mat, this style uses your body weight for resistance and often includes props like bands, rings, and small balls.
Reformer Pilates
Uses a specialised piece of equipment called a Reformer to add adjustable resistance and support, this style of Pilates is ideal for those wanting to build strength with added stability.
Chair-based or Gentle Pilates
Tailored specifically for older adults or those with limited mobility, these classes focus on safe, accessible movement in a supported environment.
Exercises can be performed on a mat, with props like resistance bands or balls, or using equipment such as the Reformer, which offers support and resistance. In response to growing demand, many New Zealand Pilates studios are now offering classes specifically designed for senior age groups. These sessions often move at a gentler pace and place added emphasis on balance, joint mobility, and safe transitions. Pilates offers more than just exercise - it’s a pathway to better health, balance, and mindful movement. As more New Zealanders discover its physical and mental benefits, Pilates is becoming a key component of a well-rounded, active lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to improve strength, increase flexibility, support recovery, or simply take time to care for yourself, Pilates provides a gentle yet effective way to enhance your overall wellbeing.
The threadunravelling
A new fashion trend is emerging, and its one you may not want to follow. ‘Fast fashion’ is a model that emphasises rapid production and turnover of inexpensive clothing, catering to ever-changing consumer tastes. While it democratises style with affordable prices, the profound environmental and social costs are being overlooked.
It’s not something we give much thought to today, but many may recall 20 years ago consumers could buy a jumper for winter, revisit the store two or three months later and there’s every chance that item was still a stocked shelf item. Now, there is a seemingly endless selection of styles available with entire lines interchanged monthly.
On the face of things, that seems progressive. A richer consumer experience where even those with relatively humble budgets can access trends fresh from fashion magazines and catwalks.
But the convenience of affordable, immediately accessible fashion isn’t without a cost.
One significant concern we’ve all probably noticed increasingly, is the diminishing quality of garments. A lost button or torn stitch may seem innocuous enough on occasion, but research suggest that over the past 15 years, the frequency with which we are wearing items has decreased by approximately 36%, with many pieces discarded after just seven to 10 wears.
This throwaway mentality is exacerbated by the proliferation of cheaply made clothing
that often lacks durability. For example, Ghana’s Kantamanto Market – a global hub for processing second-hand apparel – is bursting at its seams as vendors struggle with an influx of low-quality garments from Western countries, many of which are unsellable and contribute to environmental degradation.
Approximately 15 million garments arrive in Ghana every week, most of them at Kantamanto, and about 40% will eventually end up as waste. The volume being imported today far exceeds available production space and, as a result, we are seeing nearby coastlines littered with unwanted items. Likewise, in Chile’s Atacama Desert, vast quantities of discarded clothing, including recognisable brands we see every day, accumulate in illegal dumps. Even before the garments become throwaway items, the environmental toll of the fashion industry is simply staggering. Next to Agriculture, the industry stands as the second-largest consumer of water globally, with approximately 93 billion cubic meters utilised annually. For perspective, producing a single cotton shirt is said to require about 2600 litres of water, and a pair of jeans demands up to 7,500 litres.
Left: Research shows many clothing items today are discarded after being worn less than ten times.
Below: Approximately 15 million garments arrive in Ghana every week about 40% will eventually end up as waste.
Beyond water consumption, textile dyeing processes contribute to 20% of global wastewater, introducing toxic chemicals into rivers and seas, especially in regions with lax environmental regulations. Moreover, the fashion sector accounts for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions – surpassing the combined emissions from international flights and maritime shipping. The statistics are so astonishing they often read like misprints. Annually, the industry generates about 92 million tonnes of textile waste, equating to a garbage truck full of clothes being incinerated or sent to landfills every second. One hundred and ninety thousand garments are made every minute. At the current
trajectory, these statistics are going to increase dramatically over the next decade. And here in New Zealand, the fashion industry isn’t immune from the shift to fast fashion. In fact, a number of high-profile design houses, such as Kate Sylvester and Hej Hej, have closed their doors citing rising costs associated with producing garments using high quality fabrics. Ultra-fast-fashion retailers like Shein and Temu – which generally tout clothes made cheaply in China – have made a substantial impact both here and overseas. Research last year found that over three months, one in four New Zealanders surveyed purchased products from Temu. A further 14% of Kiwis were estimated to have bought from Shein.
As Viva fashion and creative director Dan Ahwa told the New Zealand Herald in April, he believes there is a disconnect between the consumer and local designers, where designers are trying to focus on good quality manufacturing.
“The manufacturers that we do have, we have to try and support because I think what people forget is they have the power to spend money not only on the brands, but they’re supporting a whole infrastructure behind the designers. It’s the patternmakers, it’s the suppliers, the logistics. There’s a whole industry of people that we need to get behind to really support the industry to see them survive,” he said.
Consumers can also make a difference by supporting sustainable brands, embracing second-hand shopping, and valuing quality over quantity. Conversely, the onus will increasingly be on established brands to prioritise ethical production, invest in sustainable materials, and implement recycling initiatives. In concert, policymakers will need to enforce ever tighter environmental regulations on the industry.
The allure of fast fashion is undeniable, but with conscious purchasing choices every consumer can mitigate the detrimental impacts of the industry and pave the way for a more sustainable fashion future.
Above: Textile waste in Bangladesh
Product Showcase
Thermomix TM7
thermomix.co.nz
The Thermomix TM7 is like having every useful cooking appliance in your entire kitchen sitting on your benchtop in one sleek, elegant, highly engineered form factor. Designed and built in Germany, the Thermomix combines state-ofthe-art technology for a multitude of uses with online access to over 100,000 guided recipes. Featuring dozens of cooking functions, the TM7 can weigh your ingredients, chop onions, mill sugar into caster sugar, or knead dough, to name just a few tasks. It’ll also allow you to save on time with layered cooking, meaning your sauce, rice, vegetables and proteins can all be cooked to perfection using just the one appliance.
JBL MA Receiver Series
jbl.co.nz
There’s no doubt the five-model JBL MA AV receiver series pack in all the high-end home entertainment tech you’d want for, featuring as they do 4K and 8K HDMI video, and Dolby Atmos audio capability. You can also stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth and network streaming services such as Apple Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast. There are also other plus points: one is the sleek minimalist look of the receivers, complementing any media set-up without being a boring black box. The other bonus is JBL’s excellent EZ Set EQ app, which provides easy-to-use room equalisation to get the best sound possible. This clever calibration app collects room acoustics data for each speaker group in under two minutes and can be done using an iOS or Android mobile device.
Ultrahuman Ring AIR
superette.co.nz
There are plenty of health-devoted apps these days, letting you measure all manner of vital sign with the scroll of a thumb. But the Ultrahuman Ring AIR takes this concept further –while giving you a little sparkle of fashion at the same time. The Ultrahuman Ring AIR is precisely that – a ring. Ultra lightweight (it’s made from titanium) and water-resistant, this sleek and subtle wearable provides real-time insights into heart rate variability (HRV), sleep, movement, and body temperature with the help of its companion app. It also features a six-day battery life, so will seamlessly fit into your day-to-day. And with three beautiful finishes to choose from, it’s the most stylish health tech accessory you could wish for.
Kindle Scribe noelleeming.co.nz
The Kindle has come a long way since its debut as a simple e-reader. The latest Kindle Scribe still offers access to possibly the world’s most comprehensive e-bookstore, but so much more. In Scribe guise, the Kindle is also a super powerful notetaking device for anyone who loves a list. The device’s 10.2” screen has a smooth, paper-like texture with an Active Canvas feature that automatically creates space for any annotations by shifting the on-screen text appropriately. The Kindle Scribe comes with a Premium Pen that doesn’t require any set-up to use, and you can choose between standard pen, fountain pen, marker, or pencil, and different stroke widths to match your preference. You’ll never buy another paper notebook again.
Jane Eppstein Continuum Collection
janeeppsteinjewellery.com
Long drawn to the smooth, fluid art and sculptures of the visionary Jean Arp, and the dreamlike works of Salvador Dali, a trip through Spain further inspired Wellington designer Jane Eppstein’s Continuum collection. The finely curated sixpiece range is composed of thoughtfully designed necklaces, earrings and a serene bangle. With its closed design, the Continuum Bangle holds an undulating feel, similar to a pulsing heartbeat. Jane says her approach to the design of this collection centred on creating energy, with each piece emanating a unique pulse that connects to its wearer.
Kowtow Landscapes Collection
kowtowclothing.com
An ode to the relationship between people and place, Kowtow’s Landscapes collection for Autumn/Winter celebrates the connection we have with our surroundings. The collection also reflects the brand’s commitment to circular design, ethical manufacturing, and the use of sustainably sourced fibres. Raw greige cotton is a recurring signature throughout the collection, which pays homage to the natural single fibre of Kowtow garments. Meanwhile, the unique Library Stripe Dress takes inspiration from library books and sees the study of book and magazine leaf edges interpreted to create defined stripes, mixing unexpected colours.
Omega Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite
partridgejewellers.com
Since landing on the Moon in 1969, the Omega Speedmaster has become eternally connected to the night sky. Now, the collection is celebrating that authentic affinity with the release of the new Speedmaster Moonphase Meteorite. This 43mm collection presents two different choices in stainless steel, with the face of each timepiece featuring a dial formed of iron meteorite. This ancient space material reveals a pattern of ribbon-like flecks that is unique in every watch. At 6 o’clock, the Moonphase indication shows two cabochon Moons, which have been crafted from genuine pieces of Moon meteorite. As they turn, they reveal the changing illuminations seen in the northern and southern hemispheres.
Camilla and Marc Autumn/Winter
nz.camillaandmarc.com
Inspired by the evocative world of fragrance and the intricacy of antique perfume bottles, the latest Camilla and Marc collection brings the multi-layered nature of fragrance to life, interpreting the top, middle, and base notes through light, texture, and mood. The notion of scent informs the collection’s design language, with liquid-inspired textures and intricate details. Creative director Camilla Freeman-Topper says layered mesh tops and structured tailoring reflect the tension between fragility and strength, while the navy pinstripe coat echoes delicate droplets of scent. Elsewhere, a black maxi dress, crafted in premium Japanese crepe, features cut-outs and mesh layering reminiscent of flowing liquid.
Allbirds Tree Runner Go Travel
allbirds.co.nz
The brainchild of ex-All White Tim Brown and renewables expert Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds is a footwear and clothing company determined to do things differently for the environment. Its aim is to cut its carbon footprint in half by the end of 2025 and reduce it to near zero by 2030. Through using sustainable materials like merino wool fabric and sugarcane, and obsessively measuring its emissions, Allbirds says it’s more than halfway towards its goal. The Tree Runner Go Travel is an example of what Allbirds does best. Made from breathable tree fibre in its upper construction, this latest release delivers a lightweight design resulting in airy, nextlevel comfort and springy support. It’s also intended to be more ‘packable’, meaning it’s the perfect casual footwear for a weekend away, or every day.
Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask
caci.co.nz
The Skinsmiths LED Facial Mask allows you to bring the treatment clinic into your living room. Packed with 120 highperformance LEDs, this innovative mask uses Red and NearInfrared light to smooth out fine lines and boost skin repair. The mask has been designed for daily use, so it’s perfectly comfortable to wear. It is also completely wireless, which means you can enjoy professional-level skincare effortlessly and wherever in the home suits you best. It’s the ultimate athome upgrade for radiant, rejuvenated skin every day.
Nocs Provisions Field Issue Binoculars
nocsprovisions.co.nz
Featuring an oversized focus wheel and lightweight frame, the Nocs Provisions Field Issue binoculars have been designed to promote the highest quality glassing experience without compromising Nocs’ legendary packability. The rugged ‘no-slip’ grip keeps the binoculars protected and comfortable in-hand no matter what sort of environment you’re using them in, be it on the sideline of a test match or bird watching in the wild. Built to roam with confidence, Field Issue binoculars are waterproof with an IPX7 industry rating and are also fogproof with nitrogen-filled internal chambers, so moments of magic won’t be missed.
Sony WF-C710N Noise Cancelling Earbuds
sony.co.nz
Whether listening to your favourite music on your morning walk or whiling away flight time to see family with a musthear podcast episode, Sony’s new wireless noise cancelling WF-C710N earbuds are packed with great sound quality, comfortable in-ear design and new stylish colourways. Designed for comfort, the WF-C710N features impressive battery life and quick charging ability, allowing listeners to gain an extra 60 minutes of play time with just five minutes of charging. Along with effective noise cancelling for noisy environments, the WF-C710N earbuds also feature Ambient Sound mode, which captures ambient sound in your vicinity so you can enjoy a natural listening experience while staying connected to what’s happening around you.
Mrs Forsythe
Vivienne Lingard
Artistry Publishing | $38.00
Set in Wellington in the 1950s, ‘60s and ‘70s, Mrs Forsythe is a rather clever musing on motherhood.
Mrs Forsythe herself is a force to be reckoned with. A formidable woman with four adult children making their own lives, forced into retirement at age 60, her husband dead, she now finds herself for the first time free to pursue life as she wants to on her own terms.
Despite not being a particularly likeable character, you start to warm to her as you realise what lies behind her disagreeable nature. A highly intelligent woman, her education was thwarted because of her mother’s demands, and she never fulfilled her potential. Like many women at the time, she felt trapped into marriage and motherhood as it was the only role women were expected to take on.
To her family, there was coldness and remoteness, with Mrs Forsythe unable to show affection to her own children. Yet while she fails to impart warmth and caring into her own family, she can do so with strangers. It’s very reflective of the generation, that someone can be one way with others but then cold and demanding with their own children.
Mrs Forsythe is a real exploration of everyday life, and the situation women and families found themselves in during the middle decades of the last century. It’s a thought-provoking story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
A will and a way: On foot across France
Jennifer Andrewes
Parallel Lives | $34.95
“Walking off ” the symptoms of early-onset Parkinson’s Disease might sound naively optimistic, but that’s exactly what New Zealand author Jennifer Andrewes decided to do after her neurologist’s blunt forecast on the matter: life is short, mobility isn’t guaranteed.
With evidence that exercise can sometimes slow the progress of this terrible disease, Andrewes – already a keen walker and a life-long fan of France and French culture – decided to walk the Camino Trail. On local jaunts long and short (a five-day solo hike through the Abel Tasman National Park formed part of her pretrip training), Andrewes had already discovered the quiet rhythm of walking, mixed with the connection with nature and the joy of movement, lifted her spirits like she had never anticipated.
The Camino Trail – navigated by thousands of ‘pilgrims’ every year – isn’t for the faint of heart. The authentic trail takes walkers 1800km across France (there are other Camino routes in Portugal and Spain). The ancient pathway traverse’s mountain passes, mud tracks, beautiful hill country covered by vineyards and villages and towns.
Told in the form of a walking diary (and illustrated with plenty of colour photos from the trek), Andrewes’ tale is an engaging and inspiring one. Filled with humour, fear, excitement and exhaustion, this tale from the trail makes you feel like you’re right there alongside the author.
Stop. Look Both Ways
Murray Savidan
Ugly Hill Press | $70.00
Don’t be fooled by the monochromatic cover to Auckland photographer Murray Savidan’s retrospective of work – there is plenty of colour and life inside the book.
Covering 50 years of photographs captured between the 1960s and 2024, Stop. Look Both Ways offers a surprising chocolate box assortment of imagery captured by Savidan both in New Zealand and abroad.
From Auckland to Zanzibar, his candid street photography especially can be both beautiful and challenging, whether the figure in the frame is a homeless man in downtown Tokyo, or workers in a beautifully decorated Havana apothecary. People, but also places are important to Savidan, and as you turn the pages of this 200-plus page book, what at first seems like a randomised selection of photos soon reveals themes across many spreads.
Whether shot using fabulously expensive camera equipment or an iPhone, Savidan’s eye for the dramatic, the mundane and the surprising is wonderfully represented here.
Worth a listen
Keen on podcasts? Never given one a go? Here are a couple of recommendations for some worthwhile audio entertainment available to download for free.
No Such Thing As A Fish
BBC Radio
No Such Thing As A Fish is a weekly podcast in which researchers from the popular BBC panel show QI share the most bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious facts they’ve discovered over the last seven days. Presented by Dan Schreiber, James Harkin, Anna Ptaszynski and Andrew Hunter Murray, the podcast has become a bonafide cultural phenomenon, with over 550 episodes, multiple awards, and was even declared one of the Top Podcasts of the Decade by Spotify.
Kim Hill Wants To Know
Radio New Zealand
Legendary broadcaster Kim Hill might have left her regular weekend slot at RNZ, but you can still enjoy her inimitable interviewing style in podcast form. In episodes of Kim Hill Wants To Know, she has conversations with guests from around the world about topics that spark her interest. All manner of guests have appeared, from historian William Dalrymple and author Malcolm Gladwell to geneticist Dame Linda Partridge and some British bloke called Boris Johnson. These one-hour conversations never fail to engage.
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