Verve. December 2025. Issue 226.

DECEMBER ‘25 / JANUARY ‘26

Laneway Festival Lands Chappell Roan

Two stunning developments. One incredible location.

Welcome to Hudson Warkworth, a new residential development and village like no other.

Set in the heart of the Kowhai Coast, Hudson Warkworth features two stunning new developments - the incredible homes, sections and superb views of the estate we call Hudson Grounds, surrounded by the planned resort-style living of Hudson Villages.

hudsonwarkworth.nz

Connecting Community

Hudson Warkworth began as a luxury village for those between a large family home and a traditional retirement setting.

It has now evolved into creating a vibrant, connected community where residents young and older can live side by side – meeting on walkways, sharing a pilates class, and socialising in spaces such as the Clubhouse. Set in the heart of the Kowhai Coast, Hudson Warkworth features two stunning new developments – the incredible homes, sections and superb views of the estate we call Hudson Grounds, surrounded by the planned resort-style living of Hudson Villages. Head of Sales Kim Clementson tells us more.

Who are your intended residents for the two projects?

Hudson Grounds is a picture-pretty, bush clad neighbourhood where beautiful, architecturally designed homes are being built. Homeowners will have exclusive access to [planned] world-class facilities and we expect the value of these properties to reflect this.

Hudson Village will resonate with homeowners aged 65-plus wanting to downsize but upgrade their lives, with conveniences like the planned concierge services, onsite bar and restaurant, manicured gardens, and state-of-the-art facilities. Like Hudson Grounds residents, they’ll be excited about the close proximity and lifestyle opportunities that the greater rural Warkworth and Matakana coast areas offer.

How rigid are the design guidelines if someone wants to use their own architect?

Our vision is based on the rural character of the Warkworth area and compliments the environment. We want to ensure that

there is a high architectural standard without onerous restrictions. Drawing inspiration from rural and farm buildings, there’ll be pitched roofs and light natural materials and colours. We have six stunning homes underway –three of these are for sale and will be move-in ready by June 2026.”

Can you tell us more about the amenities and services on offer?

The Clubhouse will be a striking, all-timber, three-level barn like structure designed by Peddlethorp Architects. It will house Village-only amenities on the ground and second floors including a private lounge, a snooker room and wine bar, a library and multi-purpose rooms that await resident input to align interests. The road level will include a cafe, restaurant, and bar open to the public.

The planned Health Club will have a three-lane swimming pool, fully equipped gym, pilates studio, chiropractic and wellness services, spas, sauna and therapy rooms, and is available to all Village and Grounds residents over the age of 18.

A Summer House is planned alongside the river where all Hudson residents are welcomed to bring family and friends together to enjoy picnics, barbecues and private gatherings, as well as the planned walkways through expansive bush and river frontage.

Finally, a concierge service will provide support for both Village and Grounds residents looking for assistance with travel, events, transport or home management.

What is the timeline for the different stages of Hudson Grounds, and how do these align with the construction of Hudson Village amenities?

Hudson Grounds Stage 1–12 Lots has been released and it looks incredible.  Stage 2 – 22 Lots is complete though not yet released.  Stage 3 is well underway. We expect construction of Hudson Village to begin in February 2026, with the first stage of villas and the Clubhouse due to be completed in June 2027.  Construction of the Health Club is scheduled to begin in January 2027.

Can you tell us about environmental protections in place?

Forming part of our original inspiration, the bush has remained intact and is protected by covenants with the exception of a walkway that will both skirt around and filter through some of the bush and river boundary. A full-time gardening team will keep both developments and the walkways pristine year-round, protecting the land and enhancing the long-term value of resident investments.

For further information, give Kim Clementson a call on 027 496 4363 or email at kim@hudsonwarkworth.nz

WHAT ’S

Down Under 29 / Where Science Meets Art

Ho Ho Ho! 62 / Divine Design

A Shore Thing 80 / Takapuna: Be Tempted

Skin Deep 127 / Rooted

Art & Culture

128 / The Femininomenon

Journeys

140 / Nature’s Private Playground

Margaret

From left to right: Graham, Peter, John, Doug

Pat Cedric and Jen

Anne and Bob

The Best is Yet to Come

“don’t tell the kids we’re having more fun than them.

It’s been a year of stories from our residents at Waterford Village - and what a collection they’ve been. From solo movers to lifelong couples, from quiet confidence to boisterous banter, every person we’ve met this year has added another brushstroke to the picture of village life. What stands out most is how different their paths have been, yet how similar the feeling is once they arrive: lightness, laughter, and a sense of being exactly where they’re meant to be.

It started with Margaret McLean, whose story back in April set the tone. Her work once took her the length of the country, visiting communities and clients across New Zealand. When the travel finally stopped, she looked for a new kind of freedom – one rooted in connection. “I knew I wanted to move while I was still young and fit enough to enjoy it,” she said. Within weeks of settling into her apartment, she woke one morning with that rare certainty: she’d made the right decision.

Then came Jen and Cedric Murray, the couple whose laughter filled our May pages. After decades surrounded by classrooms and community, the quiet of retirement caught them off guard. “We didn’t feel like our better selves without that interaction,” Jen said. Their countryside home in Whenuapai, with its generous garden and space for family, had grown still. “We realised we’ve still got another beginning in us,” Cedric said. At Waterford, they’ve found it – neighbours who stop to chat, the rhythm of social life. He’s a bit of a legend,” Jen teased, and Cedric – ever modest – grinned, pretending not to agree.

In June, Bob and Anne Campton showed us that big moves can still happen after fifty years of marriage. They’ve lived everywhere from Christchurch to Hong Kong, but Waterford offered something new - ease. “We’ve always loved apartment living,” Bob said. “But this time it comes with peace of mind.” Their apartment, with its wraparound balcony and room for visiting family, is filled with light and laughter.

“With the grandchildren, it’s lovely having somewhere they’re welcome,” Anne said. “We’ve found the balance between independence and connection.”

October brought us Pat, whose story was as grounded as it was inspiring. After 44 years in teaching, she approached her move with a clear head and a full heart. “I didn’t want to place a

burden of care on my family,” she said. “Moving here was my decision - my way of staying independent.” These days, she’s busier than ever - running the bar roster, attending Zumba, and still making time for the theatre. Her family describe Waterford as “a resort,” and Pat doesn’t disagree. “It’s the best of both worlds,” she said, “and the best decision I’ve made.”

And then came November’s crew - the Waterford lads. Doug, Pete, Graham, and John have become part of the fabric of the place. You’ll find them at the bar; pool cues in hand, telling stories that grow a little taller with each retelling. “You get your time back here,” Graham said. “That’s the difference.” Pete nodded. “We don’t change light bulbs anymore – that’s Murray’s domain.” Doug, the self-appointed social secretary, had the last word: “Retired? Hardly. The only problem is being too damn busy.”

“Don’t tell the kids we’re having more fun than them.” That line - delivered with a wink and a grin - sums up the spirit of this place better than any statistic ever could. Every story this year has circled back to the same truth: this isn’t a quiet chapter; it’s a new one. A chapter filled with freedom, friends, and laughter that carries down the hallways long after the conversation ends.

From Margaret’s fresh start to Jen and Cedric’s rediscovered spark, from Bob and Anne’s balance to Pat’s independence, and from the lads’ easy camaraderie to the warmth that ties it all together, Waterford has proved again and again that life doesn’t stop changing. It just keeps getting better.

As another year closes, the sentiment rings true. The banter’s still going, the coffee’s still on, and the best, as they say, is yet to come.

Waterford Village, Hobsonville

waterfordvillage.co.nz

FROM THE EDITOR

BACK TO THE FUTURE

Wow, what a year it’s been…

We hope you’ve enjoyed the new-look Verve as it has evolved throughout 2025. This free, independent magazine exists only because of the loyal support of our readers and advertisers who continue to recognise the value of print media in all its forms. We’re truly grateful – thank you.

My thanks also go to everyone at Verve : our inspirational contributors; our ever-creative designer, Yamin; and our tireless sales team – Fran, Kate, Pam, and Vernene – the unsung heroes behind the scenes. And a special thank you to Arna, who began this journey as a business and creative partner and who has become a close and dear friend.

With Chappell Roan set to headline Laneway, this issue celebrates summer – from the joy of barbecuing to the beauty of Takapuna on the North Shore. We also hop across the ditch for a wander through Melbourne, Darwin, and Hobart, and attend the World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards in Perth.

I’ve travelled to Australia semiregularly over the years, but a recent trip to Sydney made me realise I hadn’t actually set foot in that city since I lived there 16 years ago. Streets once so familiar reminded me of a life that now feels so distant – a time before fatherhood, before marriage, before even meeting the best friends with whom I was now walking those roads. It was, at times, strangely disorientating, as though I’d flown for three hours but travelled back 16 years.

And what a wonderful 16 years they’ve been – but, my god, where have they gone?

It was a late flight back to Auckland, and as I stepped out of my Uber into the balmy November night, two toddler eyes blinked excitedly at me from behind his bedroom blinds.

And, for a moment, time stood still.

Enjoy the issue, have a wonderful Christmas break, and we’ll see you next year.

Jamie

Editorial & Creative Directors

Arna Kennedy

Jamie Christian Desplaces

Graphic Designer / Social Media

Yamin Cook

Contributors

Aimée Ralfini, Denise Stephens, Eleanor Hughes, Jessica Weale, Karen McMillan, Lucy Kennedy, Paul Leuschke, Scott Murphy, Tim Warren

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GARRETT FRAME (5X7) SADDLE OR BLACK LEATHER $552 EACH

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Beach Oasis

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Set in a secluded location, this family home’s discreet architectural charms connect its occupants with a unique beachfront setting.

“You’re there, but you’re not visible,” says Nele Vermaak with a smile, describing the uniquely private position of her recently renovated family home. Secluded, peaceful, and tucked away from the world, it’s exactly how Nele, her husband Kevin, and their children, prefer to live. The neighbourhood is intimate and close-knit — the kind of place where families settle in for decades.

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Their home was originally the first built structure on the site, dating back to a small farm that stood here over a century ago.

When it came time to renovate, Nele understood that careful planning - and plenty of patience - would be essential. The Vermaaks enlisted architects, whose expertise in heritage-sensitive projects proved invaluable. The brief was simple: transform their compact single-storey cottage into a double-storey family home, add light and space, and retain the relaxed warmth of a beachside bungalow.

Two years of meticulous planning followed, ensuring the design satisfied neighbours, authorities, and the family themselves.

Once construction began, the Vermaaks moved out, and the vision was brought to life over nearly two more years.

Nele, acting as project manager, used her intimate understanding of the sun, shade, and wind to guide countless decisions. The home’s construction relies heavily on wood - even the roof - anchored by concrete floors and essential structural walls, with specialist carpenters and craftsmen shaping every detail.

The spacious, light-filled kitchen (left) has been designed for everyday usability. Combining wooden cabinetry and including glass-fronted storage cupboards that make locating what’s needed at any time a cinch – with cream stone countertops the kitchen is a model of warm minimalism.

Large sliding and folding glass doors open the spacious indoor living area to the front deck. The choice of a low daybed that

doesn’t interrupt the views in front of the glass doors here is inspired as was the large and comfortable couch. Bespoke built-in storage (above) is deployed as a drinks cabinet, and in the right-hand corner of the room is the stairway access to their daughter's bedroom, which like her mother’s childhood bedroom before her, is tucked into a cleverly designed mezzanine space that affords it both privacy and a unique, ship’s cabin-style charm.

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The renovated home now opens beautifully in all directions. Situated behind the main living space is an informal lounge (left) that also multitasks as a reading room and a play area for the Vermaaks’ children.

An indoor dining area (above), is open plan to the main living space, is furnished with a custom-made furniture.

Inside, every centimetre has been designed with purpose. With a sailor for a father, Nele appreciates the “boatlike cleverness” of storage and layout,

ensuring that nothing is wasted and everything has its place. The main bedroom is simple, tranquil and with subtle touches of colour and texture.

With a place for everything and everything in its place, the main bathroom is sleek yet laid-back, with a built-in vanity and wooden storage drawers.

For interiors, Nele aimed for simplicity, warmth, and a sense of home. Natural wood connects indoors to outdoors. The result is relaxed, beachy, and comfortable, with bold accents - from oversized sofas to textured rugs - adding personality.

A classic wooden porthole window (right) gives a glimpse of the outdoor shower.

Described by a close friend as an “oasis,” the home balances sensitive architecture with laid-back charm. The house reflects the Vermaaks’ desire to stay connected with nature while embracing a design aesthetic that feels thoughtful, timeless, and deeply personal.

THE LUCKY COUNTRY

From the sizzling far north to the cool-climate charm of Tasmania, we savour Australia’s rich and wonderful contrasts. We wander the lanes of Melbourne, taste our way around Hobart, sing our hearts out in Sydney, and head to the World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards in Perth.

Our Wondrous Planet

Sit peacefully within the heart of a tree, feel a snow

leopard’s cold nose, and help coral spawn beneath the full moon. This is Our Wondrous Planet.

In the new world-class multisensory gallery at Melbourne Museum, visitors find themselves miraculously intertwined in the earth’s intricate, interconnected systems, leaving empowered to nurture the planet for years to come.

Spanning 1,800sqm across the first floor of the architecturally designed museum, Our Wondrous Planet is the most expansive science and biodiversity gallery in Museums Victoria’s history. With vibrant colours and interactives, the gallery takes visitors on an exploratory journey across the earth. From the reef to rainforest, ice to soil, each vital ecosystem plays a major role in the health of our global systems.

Reflecting on its ambition, New Zealandborn CEO and Director Lynley Crosswell says: “We set ourselves a challenge to make a multisensory exhibition that will explore a subject as epic and vast as the natural history of the interconnected planet.

“Our Wondrous Planet is a place to discover life’s extraordinary spectacle and incredible improbability through compelling stories. This beautiful experience artfully showcases Museums Victoria’s unique collections and expertise that will leave visitors astonished.”

Bidjigal/Dharawel man Ray Timbery adds: “When you gain knowledge of

PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM CARRAFA | SOURCE: MUSEUMS VICTORIA

PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM CARRAFA | SOURCE: MUSEUMS VICTORIA

something, you actually start to respect it. When you respect it, you learn to love it. And when you love it, you care for it.”

Global First People’s wisdom and stories are woven throughout Our Wondrous Planet, inspiring connection and reciprocity to country. In the reflective First Peoples-led space, Our Roots, visitors will feel this sense of care to nature.

The Our Family portion of the exhibition showcases hundreds of taxidermied animals, many of which were part of

Melbourne Museum’s much loved Wild gallery and reveal the human connection to all other living things through the visual ‘tree of life’.

Our Moment is an interactive multimedia space encouraging visitors to work together to address ecological problems facing our planet.

Our Wondrous Planet is a gallery for our times which shows that everything in nature’s dynamic living network is truly interconnected, and every single person can make a difference.

Admission to Our Wondrous Planet is free with museum entry. For further information visit the Melbourne Museum website: museumsvictoria.com.au/ melbournemuseum

Museums Victoria also offer guided tours of Melbourne Museum where you can find out more about iconic collection items, the history of Victoria, and the history of the museum itself. Find out more at museumsvictoria.com.au/ museums-victoria-tours

THE SMALL CITY

Big on Food

The

brick wall in the botanical gardens looks like just another relic of Tasmania’s convict past, until I hear the story behind it.

WORDS — DENISE STEPHENS

IMAGE: HOBART WATERFRONT AT SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHER: LUKE TSCHARKE

In 1829, Governor Sir George Arthur ordered the building of a heated wall so that exotic plants could thrive in Tasmania’s cold climate, and Australia’s first pineapples were grown in a glasshouse attached to the wall. Even in the colony’s early years, locals aspired to the finer things in life.

Today Hobart continues this heritage of fine food, but with a focus on local produce. Standing on the summit of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, I survey the coast dotted with islands, and the green valleys and hills surrounding the city. This environment produced the excellent seafood, fruit, vegetables, and cheese that I will eat over the following days.

My local food journey starts on Pennicott’s Seafood Seduction cruise with crew Earl and Kate.

“The beauty of this trip is that we don’t know where we’re going until the day” explains Earl, outlining a route down the east coast of Bruny Island. Bull Bay is the first stop for a morning tea of oysters, at first raw, and then cooked in white wine. While guests sip Tasmanian sparkling wine, Earl snorkels for sea urchins.

The boat cruises past rocky cliffs where seals basks and sea eagles fly overhead.

Kate prepares a platter with sourdough, local cheddar, brie and blue cheese, smoked tuna, berries, and sea urchin sashimi. Earl dives again, now for abalone.

Back towards Hobart, we moor in a sheltered cove for lunch, which includes sashimi of salmon, lobster, and abalone, and a selection of craft beer, local wines, and fruit juices.

Landlubbers have plenty of seafood options on shore, such as Mures waterfront restaurants. In the Upper Deck restaurant, I order Tasmanian wild fish and chips, enjoying the view over Victoria Dock where yachts bob in a basin surrounded by 19th-century warehouses.

Another restaurant with a view is Faro at the Museum of Old and New Art, in a wing suspended over the River Derwent. The museum has an eclectic and sometimes unconventional collection, including works by Ai Weiwei, James Turrell and many others.

At Faro, each dish is a work of art. Ingredients from the land such as mushrooms and wild deer feature on the menu, with crab and seaweed marmalade coming from the sea.

I order Oops I Dropped the Tart and marvel at a fractured tart covered in heirloom tomatoes, surrounded by dots of exquisite flavour – pistachio cream, lemon verbena, basil, and yuzu gel.

Dessert is spectacular – an iridescent orb of cheesecake and fruit served in an abalone shell - pictured above.

Following an afternoon of art and food, I take the ferry back to the city where my hotel is a short walk from the wharf in

IMAGE: MUSEUM OF OLD AND NEW ART, HOBART, TASMANIA PHOTOGRAPHY: MONA/JESSE HUNNIFORD IMAGE COURTESY OF THE ARTISTS AND MONA, TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

IMAGE: DESSERT, FARO

the heart of Hobart’s heritage area. The Tasman is spread across buildings from three centuries and has recently received a Michelin key.

I’m lucky enough to be in the 1840’s Georgian-style building, where I arrive to find my room already heated by a blazing gas fire. The room retains a 19th century ambiance with tall windows and high ceiling. In a guest lounge cabinets display archaeological finds from the site. Wall panels tell the building’s story as a hospital, government offices, and now a hotel.

The hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Peppina, is buzzing with locals when I go for dinner. Classic Italian gnocchi is followed by cannoli for dessert – but what I liked most about the restaurant is its sensational breakfast buffet.

When I entered Peppina the next morning, bowls, platters and baskets are arranged on counters by the kitchen. Staff immediately take my order for

coffee and eggs, and then I head for the buffet. Selecting from the tantalising assortment of charcuterie, cheeses, salads, and breads is difficult.

There is plenty of seasonal fresh fruit, including the apples for which Tasmania is famed, and an enormous bowl of juicy strawberries. My favourites are the silky pannacotta, and petite pastries with pistachio cream filling.

On Saturday morning I’m awoken by sounds outside. A quick peek through the window confirms vendors are setting up stalls for the Salamanca Market. The area around Salamanca Place is one of Hobart’s oldest, with convict-built stone buildings that housed sailors’ pubs and warehouses. The pubs remain, while boutiques and businesses fill the warehouses.

A stall selling sourdough donuts catches my eye – I choose a lemon curd then meander through the market. The variety of food products includes fruit leathers,

cookies, and interesting condiments such as sloe and damson paste. Boutique distilling is popular – with several stalls selling whisky and gin. Crafts are also sold too, with artisans displaying woodwork, pottery, and textiles.

On Sunday I visit Farm Gate Market which is much smaller than Salamanca, focusing on local food. After drinking a long black, I pick up some beans from South Roast Coffee, a micro-roastery in the bush on the Tasman Peninsula. Autumn fruit is piled high, with plump purple figs sold by the kilo. Trays of mushrooms are surprisingly colourful, with portobellos, oyster mushrooms, and chanterelles.

Hobart may be small in size, but it’s an unbelievable holiday destination, rich in scenery, and boasting an abundance of delicious local food.

Denise Stephens was hosted by Tourism Tasmania.

IMAGE: THE TASMAN PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM GIBSON

Fresh Sophistication

WORDS — TIM WARREN

Western Australia has long suffered from the ‘tyranny of distance’ and is often reduced in the global imagination to mining booms and quokka selfies. Yet cultural isolation is a myth.

Perth welcomes up to 27 international arrivals daily, directly from the likes of London, Paris, Johannesburg, and Southeast Asia, alongside my own flight from Auckland. A week spent traversing its coast and hinterland reveals a destination that has matured into a sophisticated player on the world stage, blending natural features with world class hospitality.

Perth has shed its former reputation as a big country town. With the colossal Optus

Stadium, global juggernauts like Coldplay and Metallica visit, alongside major sporting fixtures from the Rugby World Cup to the Ashes series. Checking into the Crown Towers, the quality ambition is apparent. This is not merely a hotel, but a resort complex recognised rightfully by Forbes as one of the world's finest.

Walking through the vast foyer, I encountered a rare exhibition of original Terracotta Warriors on loan from China, a cultural coup that underscores the venue's prestige. The private Crystal Club lounge provided the perfect vantage point for sunset drinks on the west-facing balcony, watching the light fade over the city and immense Swan river.

continued over page

IMAGE: CROWN TOWERS

Dining options within the complex are equally impressive, from Epicurean and its staggering buffet to Bistro Guillaume, channelling classic Parisian fare. Over a textbook cheese soufflé and steak tartare, the bustle of the room felt more like France than Australia.

A walking tour of the city showed Perth to be inviting, clean, and undeniably new in parts, particularly the soon-to-open university and Elizabeth Quay waterfront. Yet the real charm lies in the repurposed heritage spaces, such as the State Buildings. Once government administrative offices, they now house high-end retail and wine bars, The City's is honouring its history while modernising.

Just an hour east in the Perth Hills, this developing wine region offers a country charm. Morning tea at The Flackyard was an education in A-grade “bush tucker”. Owners Nik and Emily source ingredients almost exclusively from First Nations producers, creating dishes that are both ethical and delicious, paired with complex non-alcoholic beverages.

The beverage theme continued at Lion Mill Vineyards, a small, couple-run estate that contrasts sharply with the industrial scale of larger producers. Nearby, the Beelu Forest Distilling Company utilises the region's granite-filtered water to produce spirits of startling clarity.

Accommodation in the Hills matches the landscape’s serenity. Amaroo Retreat provides an adults-only escape where luxury chalets feature private spas on decks facing the bushland. Quiet and secluded, one feels entirely removed from the modern world. Another highlight was La Fattoria. Run by a fourth-generation

Sicilian family, the “Nonna’s Table” experience is a long, lazy affair celebrating local produce and Italian wine varietals. In the southerly Margaret River region, the landscape shifts to a more lush, manicured landscape with vines that have made the area world-famous. The region is honeycombed with limestone caves, offering a cooling break from the sun. We emerged to visit Yallingup Beach, a classic Australian scene of white sand and a protected lagoon before the vast rolling expanse of the Indian ocean.

Margaret River is well developed and the drive south revealed a family-friendly side to the region. Lunch was at the Masseria restaurant at the beautiful Cherubino vineyards. We also visited Hayshed Wines, a large operation nestled in a valley protected by gum trees.

The final day brought us to Voyager Estate, a destination defined by its mature gardens and “wine-first” philosophy. A sumptuous and creative tasting menu here showcased the estate's commitment to excellence, with the standout dish being a unique aged, dried, pressed lamb.

The week peaked in the World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards (see next page) at Amelia Park Wines, but the trip concluded in the port city of Fremantle. Dropping bags at the Garde Hotel, a new boutique property, the final meal was at Emily Taylor. Tucked away in a limestone courtyard, its Asian-fusion shared plates and relaxed service felt like a microcosm of Western Australia today: confident, diverse, and effortlessly welcoming for anyone seeking a destination for food or family – or wine of course!

IMAGE: YALLINGUP BEACH

Where Science Meets Art

WORDS — TIM WARREN

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards convened at Amelia Park Wines in Margaret River, transforming the rural Western Australian estate into a global celebration.

Vineyard owners and winemakers walked the red carpet in formal attire, identified by distinctive red scarves. The near-perfect weather and the stunning surroundings all built the atmosphere that balanced the region's viticulture prowess with the excitement of the awards, as representatives from 15 countries across six continents gathered as members of the global media attended to record the event.

This evening marked the crescendo of a week spent traversing Perth and the south of the state. From the urban development of Perth to the emerging vineyards of the nearby hills and the unique geographic identity of the southern river region, there is a clear ambition to court the global traveller.

Organised by London’s William Reed, the World’s 50 Best Vineyards distinguishes itself from typical ‘wine-only’ competitions, by assessing the complete visitor experience. The ranking is determined by an academy comprising more than 700 leading wine experts and travel writers from across

the globe. Dividing the world into 20 geographical regions, judging is based on flexible criteria across architecture and ambiance to food, wine, and service.

Accompanied by the reserve selection of the host wines, the event showcased local culinary excellence. A beautiful didgeridoo performance by Josh, a local elder, acknowledged the region's indigenous history before the ceremony commenced. After two hours of cocktail reception, the crowd of 180 moved to the restaurant for the pronouncement of the rankings.

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VIK, located in Chile’s Millahue Valley, took the number one spot to much applause. A 4,300-hectare estate with 327 hectares in vines was launched by Alexander and Carrie Vik in 2004. The property represents an extraordinary fusion of science, art, and nature. Chief winemaker Cristian Vallejo oversees a holistic process that draws heavily on science yet often borders on the mystical; the team employs a wide variety of techniques such as burying amphorae filled with wine in the earth, to be unearthed on the solstice.

Germany’s Schloss Johannisberg was named the Best Vineyard in Europe. North American honours went to Jordan Vineyard & Winery in the Alexander Valley, while South Africa’s Klein Constantia took the title for Africa.

The circuit was completed by Japan’s 98Wines winning in Asia and New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay claiming the Best Vineyard in Australasia.

The ranking underscores a pivotal shift in the industry: the vineyard has evolved from a production facility into a primary destination for high-end experience tourism. Travellers now demand an immersion that extends beyond the tasting room to include visual aspects, wellness, fine dining, and hospitality. 2025 winner VIK epitomises this evolution.

DOWN UNDER TOPS

Cloudy Bay appeared at number 26, earning the title of Best Vineyard in Australasia, joined by Rippon at 44. Australia’s sole representative was Henschke at number 47. New Zealand however dominated the 51-100 extension with five entries: Wairau River Wines (#52), Greystone Winery (#89), Kumeu River Wines (#90), Felton Road (#98), and Ata Rangi (#100).

theworlds50best.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: VIK, BODEGA ENTRADA - WORLD’ S 50 BEST VINEYARDS, NUMBER 1

In Harmony

WORDS — SHANE ADAMS

PHOTOGRAPHY: PETER BENNETTS

By the time I arrive at 1 Hotel Melbourne, the Yarra has turned to liquid silver. The new arrival to Australia’s cultural capital doesn’t shout its luxury – it breathes it.

Timber, stone, greenery, and light all seem to move in rhythm. From the moment I step inside, I can feel the city soften.

A landmark reborn

The hotel occupies the restored Goods Shed No. 5, Melbourne’s last remaining heritage wharf shed. Its century-old bones –bluestone, steel, and weathered timber – have been meticulously revived, creating a space that hums with both nostalgia and intent. More than 4,500sqm of reclaimed timber flow through the design, while lush ferns and native plants cascade from walls and ceilings.

The result is a living building – a biophilic masterpiece where history and sustainability intertwine. Even the front desk, hewn from repurposed elm trees salvaged from the city’s Metro Tunnel project, tells a story of renewal.

Check in, slow down

My room overlooks the Yarra River, framed by floor-to-ceiling glass. The palette is warm and tactile: linen, moss, and aged wood. The walls, made from discarded railway sleepers, still bear the faint scent of sun-warmed timber. A reclaimed pier plank displays my room number; above it, a wisp of preserved moss adds a poetic touch.

It’s the kind of room that slows your pulse. I open the window – one of the 85% designed to do so – and let in the cool river air. Outside, the hum of trams mingles with the whisper of water. Inside, everything feels balanced – design with purpose rather than excess.

IMAGE: HERE BY MIKE

Dinner: from here, with heart

As twilight settles, I head downstairs to From Here by Mike, the signature restaurant from acclaimed chef Mike McEnearney. The space glows in soft amber, all raw textures and reclaimed wood, like a modern-day hearth. There’s a sense of ease –unhurried, grounded, unmistakably Melbourne.

We begin with a beef tartare, hand-chopped and folded with native mustard, pickled shallots, and a touch of smoked salt, topped with a golden organic egg yolk. It’s served with crisp flatbread, still warm from the oven – rich yet fresh, silky yet structured. My partner chooses the wild mushrooms on flatbread, a tumble of buttery chanterelles and thyme on blistered dough, their aroma filling the table like the promise of rain.

Then arrives the T-bone steak, simple, generous, and perfectly cooked over open flame. It rests on a wooden board with an assortment of mustards and a sharp horseradish cream, allowing the meat’s natural sweetness to shine. Beside it, a side of roast pumpkin steals the spotlight – golden-edged and caramelised, drizzled with a pomegranate jus that brings brightness and lift. It’s the kind of dish that feels both elemental and refined – proof that confidence in ingredients needs little embellishment.

I pair it with a biodynamic Yarra Valley shiraz, its spice and soft tannins wrapping around the meal like a well-fitted coat. Dessert is a chocolate ganache tart laced with wattleseed and

crowned with olive-oil ice cream – indulgent yet graceful, the perfect closing note.

Night moves

Later, I drift into Crane Bar & Lounge, where a DJ spins lowtempo tracks beneath a canopy of hanging ferns. The crowd is an easy blend of locals and travellers, conversations looping over botanical cocktails of lemon myrtle, basil, and wild honey. Outside, the restored Malcolm Moore crane glows softly against the skyline – a sculptural echo of Melbourne’s maritime soul reborn in light.

The future, rooted in the past

By the time I check out the next morning, I’ve come to understand 1 Hotel Melbourne’s quiet revolution. It doesn’t seek to impress with opulence but with intention. Every material, every flavour, every sound feels connected – to nature, to craft, to conscience.

This is luxury with a heartbeat: a hotel that restores rather than consumes, that connects rather than isolates.

As I step back into the hum of the city, the scent of timber and smoke lingers – a reminder that the most inspiring stays don’t just leave you rested. They leave you realigned.

For more information or to book your room visit 1hotels.com

IMAGE: CRANE BAR & LOUNGE

Tripping Top End

WORDS — ELEANOR HUGHES

Escaping New Zealand’s wintery August, we arrive in Darwin to 30°C and Northern Territory’s dry

In wet season, November through to April, roads can be impassable and our Jucy Coaster campervan would be unavailable, Star RV’s depot closed.

Groceries stashed in cupboards and 50L chilly bin-style fridge, we head southeast. On the dusty, red trail at Ubirr we walk past centuriesold Aboriginal-painted fish, dog-like animals, handprints and figures in shades of yellow, orange, red and brown decorating rock faces. Viewed from a rock lookout, the sun drops beyond verdant wetlands, streaking the sky orange as black and white birds cause a commotion. In darkness, we drive to

Jabiru’s Kakadu Lodge and camping ground, happy there’s no need to unpack or set anything up.

Arnhem Land, around 97,000sq-km, is Aboriginal-owned. Permits are needed to visit, hence we take a day tour. We learn of spirits creating trade paths, ancient burial traditions and sacred sites, what different characters depict at rock art sites and visit Gunbalanya community. The remote Aboriginal

town’s art centre employs 400. Bark art, woven baskets and jewellery, paintings and didgeridoos all tempt.

At Jabiru’s Bowali Visitor Centre I learn more about Aboriginal culture as well as of Kakadu National Park’s landscapes, the World Heritage Site we drive. There’s stone country, savanna woodlands, monsoon forests, billabongs, tidal flats and flood plains.

IMAGE: ARNHEM HIGHWAY

At Nawurlandja, a rock lookout reveals a vast, flat, savannah woodland, a shadowy range wavering across the horizon and an island-like escarpment. At Nourlangie, a short drive away, a 1.5km loop leads through an outdoor gallery of rock art on sandstone walls, some painted 20,000 years ago.

Cooinda’s Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre tells of creation stories and old ways. Nearby, Yellow Water Campground has a pool and bistro, but we’re barely there before cruising Yellow River on a sunset cruise. Crocodiles lie on banks or float like logs, a darter bird spears a fish with its long, pointed beak, and a red-crested, black and white ‘Jesus’ bird stalks across lily pads.

Southwest, through rust-red landscape, we reach the 1870s gold mining town of Pine Creek. A stamper battery, steam engine and other mining artefacts mark its start. The Shed, a car museum with a resident blue-tongued lizard, displays Holdens of all ages, and motorbikes.

We continue southwards to the home of Katherine Gorge, Nitmiluk National

Park. Its camping ground pool is refreshing in the heat before we cook dinner in the back of the campervan. Katherine River snakes through its wide, first gorge where small, sandy beaches bear the prints of crocodiles. We cruise its bends, dwarfed by towering red and orange rock walls. We walk 400m across rock to a smaller, boat for the narrower second gorge. Its walls cast shadows across greenish water. In the short, third gorge, a freshwater crocodile basks on a rock. We return to the second to swim in cool, clear pools.

Further south, I drift with the current, on a noodle, along the tepid, thermal Bitter Springs, in Elsey National Park.

Returning to Katherine, a flat, sleepy town of around 10,000, we hear how horses are broken in and mustering dogs trained at Outback Experience. At Katherine Museum, I discover Russian farmers farmed peanuts here, and read about the Flying Doctors, and second world war bombing of the town.

Nitmiluk National Park’s Edith Falls are picturesque. A waterfall tumbles down a reddish-brown cliff into the upper pool

we swim in. Walking on the 2.6km trail gives views of the middle waterfall. Far below, amidst greenery, its whitewater slashes orange rocks to tumble into a deep blue pool. Descending, we find the lower pool partially hemmed by vertical rock.

Litchfield Tourist Park, within Litchfield National Park, is our final stop. We get up close to elongated, orientated north-south, magnetic mounds at the Magnetic Termite Mound site.

Florence Creek runs between reddish, chocolate-coloured rock forming Buley Rock Holes where people soak. We follow it, finding more picturesque pools tucked in shady, lush monsoon forest, to Florence Falls which cascades into a pool circled by pink and orange rock cliffs. Wangi Falls spills over sandstone rock into a large plunge pool.

Then, we head for Darwin, our home away from home, ending our 1,500km journey through the red Top End.

The Jucy Campervan was provided to Eleanor by Star RV.

IMAGE: YELLOW WATER BILLABONG AT DAWN

Bring It on Down, Under

WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Towards the end of November, in São Paulo, Brazil, Oasis played the final sold-out show of a phenomenal world tour that was never supposed to happen. A couple of weeks earlier, they were in Sydney.

It was to be the fourth time I’d seen the band live. The previous was at Finsbury Park in London in 2002, a raucous, rain-lashed gig so wet and so warm that a swirling fog of sweat hung above the mud-caked crowd like a weather event. And the first time being the record-breaking Knebworth shows in 1996, when a band barely two years removed from half-empty local pubs played to a quarter-of-a-million ecstatic souls across two balmy, barmy nights.

But something about this tour felt even more historic. And more euphoric, too.

Part of Oasis’s early rock ‘n’ roll allure was their unpredictability, with brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher’s relationship famously volatile (no doubt shaped by growing up with appalling domestic violence – a young Noel, who bore the brunt of it, developed a years-long stammer and the songwriter would later quip that his father “beat the talent into me”). A final explosive clash backstage in Paris in 2009 saw the band – and the brothers – appear to break up for good.

Insults flew via interviews in the press, but Noel and Liam reportedly didn’t speak in person for the best part of 15 years. And then…

In August 2024, came the statement: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned…”

Oasis was reforming.

Shows sold out with such speed it was said to have even taken the band and their management by surprise. When they walked out for their first gig, in Cardiff, holding each-other’s hands aloft, Noel – usually composed to the point of coldness – was visibly overcome with emotion. The Gallaghers made that entry

standard; footage of hardy-looking grown men in the crowds also overcome with emotion went viral.

The band landed in Australia on the back of pretty much blanket five-star reviews. In the UK, Ireland, and North America, the gigs had been compared to being at football matches where “everyone supported the same team”. Rolling Stone magazine said the tour was “all about the joy of positive masculinity” that “brought out the best in lots of dudes”.

It was no different across the ditch where it seemed you could barely walk ten paces without bumping into someone in an Oasis t-shirt in downtown Sydney. Outside the Accor Stadium, bucket-hatted crowds of all ages congregated hours before the gig to drink and dance to 90s-themed DJs in dedicated fan zones. A true festival vibe.

And then the brothers walked out to a deafening roar…

Two songs in – and 23 years since I last heard it live – Noel stepped up for the chorus of ‘Acquiesce’ alongside his little brother to holler, “Because we need each other, we believe in one another….” And a tear may have welled in this writer’s eye.

The band have never sounded more on form or alive. They’ve certainly never expressed such affection on stage. Their hopeful, communal terrace anthems like ‘Live Forever’, ‘Wonderwall’, and, of course, ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, are designed to be sung with your arm around your best mates’ – or even strangers’ – shoulders and there was plenty of that on this most joyous, celebratory of nights.

“Thanks for putting up with us,” said Liam at the gig’s climax. And as the closing notes echoed into the ether, above us, fireworks exploded, like a champagne supernova in the sky.

Home Grown

On 21 July 1969, as Neil Armstrong took “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”, Bill Taylor took his own first steps onto a very different kind of soil that was to become his family’s estate in South Australia’s Clare Valley.

However, the Taylor family’s connection to Clare Valley began even earlier –way back in in the late 1950s when, as Sydney wine merchants, they partnered with the Clare Valley Cooperative to bottle and distribute wines under the Chateau Clare label. Inspired by Bordeaux’s great estates, the label set out to find the perfect site to craft wines to rival the best in the world. Their search brought them to the Wakefield River – and the journey that began on that moon-landing day continues today.

“Those first vines in 1969 was the biggest planting of cabernet sauvignon in the southern hemisphere at the time” company director, Justin Taylor, tells Verve . “Over the last 55 years the different generations have embraced innovation at both a varietal and range level.”

How do you ensure the winery evolves while still respecting the legacy of previous generations?

“The philosophy is new world wines that exhibit old world finesse, our wines must improve with every vintage but be true to the house style we have developed at Taylors Wines of the past 53 vintages.”

Caring for the legacy of something started by your grandfather, and developed by your father, says Justin, is something that inspires great pride, “encouraging you to contribute your bit to current chapter of the journey”.

Though, that’s not to say it’s always smooth sailing!

“There have definitely been some interesting disagreements and debates over the years, particularly in the area of oak and regionality. My father had very clear ideas on what oak goes with what wine varieties.”

His father, he says, “would bleed cabernet sauvignon if cut!” and insists that they are a “cab house”: “We just have so much history with that varietal, the love of Cabernet, show success, real history.”

Sustainability is becoming an everincreasing part of the Taylors’ story, too.“It’s something we take very seriously,” says Justin. “We signed up to Science Based Targets as part of the Paris Climate Agreement, and we are hitting our emissions reduction

“My father had very clear ideas on what oak goes with what wine varieties.”

targets to reduce our emissions by 50% by 2030.”

It’s all part of a masterplan to ensure the legacy continues to ensure “opportunities for generation four to join the business”.

“We explore all the consumer trends the industry creates, and I love what we are doing in the Chardonnay space.”

And as for a perfect pairing to showcase Taylors wines at their best? “Riesling and oysters – say no more!”

Hearthe Fruit Mince Pies

MAKES: 24

EQUIPMENT: 24 individual pie tins or two 12-hole non-stick muffin trays, star-shaped cookie cutter

INGREDIENTS

Fruit mince

500g green cooking apples, such as granny smiths, peeled and diced into 5mm cubes

Zest and juice of 1 orange

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

250g (1 cup) butter

350g raisins

225g sultanas

225g (11/2 cups) currants

METHOD

For the fruit mince, combine all the ingredients except the brandy in a large baking dish, cover with plastic wrap and allow to macerate until the apples have given off their juice and the dried fruit has plumped (ideally overnight). Occasionally turn over the mix with a spoon.

When the dried fruit has expanded, heat the oven to 130˚C (120˚C convection oven), replace the plastic wrap with foil and bake for 2 hours until the mix has darkened but before the diced apple has fully dissolved. Remove from the oven and immediately add the brandy and mix through. Allow to cool, transfer to a clean ceramic or plastic container, seal and refrigerate until needed.

To make the pastry, place the flour, sugar, cinnamon and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle

225g mixed peel

350g brown sugar

50g slivered almonds

25g mixed spice

30g good-quality ground cinnamon

50g brandy

Pastry

1kg (3 cups) plain (all-purpose) flour, plus extra for dusting

200g caster sugar

40g good-quality ground cinnamon

750g (3 cups) cold butter

110g (approx 2) whole eggs

80g (approx 4) egg yolks

To garnish

Icing sugar

Dried cinnamon myrtle leaves, crushed

attachment and mix on medium speed until well combined, about 3–4 minutes. Scrape down the side of the bowl and push out any unmixed butter from the paddle. Continue to mix until all the butter is mixed into the dough.

Add the eggs and yolks and mix well until combined, about 1–2 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the dough is cold and hard, about 1 hour. The dough will be light in colour, brittle-looking and crumbly when handled.

Return the bowl to the mixer and mix again with the paddle until the dough is smooth, pliable and has deepened in colour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate until hard, approximately 1 hour.

To assemble the tarts, spray the individual pie tins or the muffin trays with a light film of oil. Preheat the oven to 160˚C.

Edited recipe extract from Modern Australian Baking by Christopher Thé, published by

Hardie Grant Books.

Dust your benchtop with flour and roll out the dough to a thickness of 3mm. Cut out twenty-four circles 8cm in diameter. Re-roll the pastry and cut out twentyfour stars using the star-shaped cookie cutter.

Carefully line the circles into the tins, pushing any air bubbles out from the bottom. The pastry should extend above the top of the tin – shape this into a ruffle. This decorative feature also makes removing the finished tart from the tin easier. Gently pinch together any cracks in the pastry to create a watertight surface. If the pastry has become warm, refrigerate again until rigid.

Fill the tart cases to the top with fruit mince, around 60g per tart. Apply a pastry star to each tart and sprinkle over a little chopped cinnamon myrtle.

Bake the tarts for 25 minutes, or until the pastry is a deep brown colour. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before removing from the tins, dusting with icing sugar and sprinkling with some extra cinnamon myrtle leaves.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

Pavlova with Mango and Rainforest Lychee

MAKES: 1x 20cm Pavlova SERVES: 8

INGREDIENTS

210g (approx 6) egg whites, at room temperature

400g (1 3/4 cups) caster sugar

5g cornflour

10g (1 teaspoon) white vinegar

6g (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

1g (1/4 teaspoon) cream of tartar

250g thick (double/heavy) cream

To garnish

2 ripe mangoes, peeled and sliced

60g rainforest lychees

20g pistachio nuts, unsalted, peeled and roughly chopped

Mango coulis

1 ripe mango (approx. 200g), peeled and sliced

20g caster sugar

Juice of 1 lime

Substitutions

Rainforest lychees for tinned lychees

METHOD

For the mango coulis, place the mango slices into a small pot and add 40g (2 tablespoons) water and the caster sugar. Cook over a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the mango has broken down. Add the lime juice and blend with a hand-held mixer until smooth. Adjust the viscosity of the coulis by adding more water if too thick or cooking a little longer if too thin. Transfer to a clean jar and allow to cool before use.

Preheat the oven to 150˚C.

Add the egg whites to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and whip on medium speed until opaque. Increase the speed to high, whisk to soft peaks, then add one-third of the sugar. Allow to mix for 1 minute, then add half of the remaining sugar and whisk for another minute. Finally, add the remaining sugar and whip until smooth and glossy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and continue to beat for another 10 minutes; this develops the structure of the meringue.

Mix the cornflour in a small bowl with the white vinegar and vanilla, then add to the mixer bowl. Whip for another minute, then remove from the mixer.

Edited recipe extract from Modern Australian

Baking by Christopher Thé, published by Hardie Grant Books.

Prepare a baking or pizza tray with baking paper and place on a turntable. Dollop the meringue on the paper and shape it into a round with a palette knife, bringing the meringue upwards while spinning the turntable. Get creative with the shaping.

Place the meringue in the oven and immediately drop the temperature to 90˚C. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, then switch the oven off and leave the door ajar. Allow the pavlova to cool in the oven for 3–4 hours.

When cool, whip the cream and spoon into the centre of the pavlova. Spoon the mango coulis into the crevices and dives formed by the cream, and garnish with the mango slices, lychees and chopped pistachio nuts. Serve immediately.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

Mini Plum Puddings with Illawarra Plum

MAKES: 12 Individual Puddings

EQUIPMENT: 12 individual silicone pudding moulds

INGREDIENTS

Fruits and nuts

180g currants

180g raisins

180g sultanas

180g mixed fruit

45g slivered almonds

200g rum

Plum pudding

180g butter

6g (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract

180g brown sugar

220g (approx. 4) whole eggs

120g plain flour

20g ground nutmeg

2g (1/4 teaspoon) bicarbonate of soda

2g (1/2 teaspoon) fine salt

6g mixed spice

90g fresh sourdough breadcrumbs

Royal icing

55g (approx. 1) egg white

300g icing sugar, sifted Squeeze of lemon juice

To garnish

Illawarra plums

Small native leaves and flowers (such as Geraldton wax)

Substitutions

Illawarra plums for cherries or riberries

METHOD

For the fruits and nuts, add all the ingredients to a ceramic dish with the rum and mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and leave for about 3 days. Turn over with a spoon a couple of times a day until the fruit has absorbed the rum and is plump.

To make the plum pudding, add the butter, vanilla and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and cream together until light. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating between additions. Mix together the dry

ingredients in another bowl and fold into the wet ingredients, then mix in soaked fruits.

Transfer the mix into twelve silicone pudding moulds and steam them. You can do this either in a steam oven or using a double boiler. Place one pot with holes in the base inside another pot filled halfway with water. Place the puddings inside and cover the top pot. Bring to a simmer over a medium heat and steam for 30 minutes, or until the mixture is set. The puddings are ready when a skewer inserted in the middle of a pudding comes out clean and the internal temperature reaches 98˚C. Allow to cool in the moulds then unmould.

Edited recipe extract from Modern Australian Baking by Christopher Thé, published by

Hardie Grant Books.

To make the royal icing, place the egg white in a bowl and add the sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip the mixture until stiff then add a squeeze of lemon juice and whip until smooth. Add water, drop by drop, until it reaches a dripping consistency. You can test this by spooning a little icing over a mould to see if it runs and holds down the side.

Transfer the icing to a piping (icing) bag fitted with a fine, plain nozzle and pipe the top of each pudding to resemble dripping custard. Before the icing has a chance to harden, top with an Illawarra plum, and a native leaf and flower.

PHOTOGRAPHY: CHRIS CHEN

SPARE RIBS

It was around a million years ago when our human ancestors first began cooking meat over open fires.

COLUMBUS GRILLS

One of the most interesting lesser-known facts about Christopher Columbus is that his voyages helped introduce barbecuing to the wider world. On the island of what is now Hispaniola, he encountered the Taíno people, who slowcooked meat over indirect flames. It was a method that they called barabicu, later adapted into the Spanish barbecoa Today, barbecue thrives across the Caribbean, with dishes like lechón, Puerto Rico’s national roasted suckling pig.

USA BBQ

Though barbecue wasn’t invented in the USA, it might well be the nation most associated with it. Americans spend well over $1 billion on grills and barbecues each year, with southern states like the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and Missouri being barbecue heartlands. Each region boasts their own traditions, from pork-based classics to beefy briskets. The largest cookoff, Kansas City’s American Royal, attracts more than 500 teams annually.

BRING AND BRAAI

Barbecue culture in Africa began with the Afrikaner tradition of the braai – Afrikaans for ‘grill’ – a social gathering now especially beloved across South Africa. Guests bring dishes to share, grilling meats such as sausages (boerewors), pork chops, and rock lobster over open fires. A signature side is pap – a thick maize porridge served with tomato sauce, chakalaka, or monkey gland sauce.

KIWIS KNOW HOW

Earlier this year, West Auckland brothers Matt and Craig Alexander made barbecue history by becoming the first international team – called Cook Cartel – to win the grand champion title at Meatstock Sydney. Grilling against Australia’s best, the duo achieved a perfect score of 250 for their smoked meats. Also this year, Christchurch made history by hosting New Zealand’s first-ever rib cookoff, Smoke in the Park — drawing 53 entries and ranking as the third-largest rib competition globally. The barbecue competition attracted around 200 pitmasters from around the world.

GO GOGIGUI!

Like so much Korean culture, the Korean barbecue, or gogigui, has become a global trend in recent years. However, its origins stretch back nearly 2,000 years. Modern favourites like galbi (grilled beef short ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) evolved from maekjeok , an ancient skewered, marinated beef dish. Today, gogigui restaurants worldwide celebrate Korea’s long tradition of sweet–savoury, flame-grilled flavour.

FIRE, FLAVOUR & THE

Joy of Outdoor Cooking

Aussie Butcher New Lynn

THE HOME OF REUBENS

There’s something unmistakably New Zealand about cooking outdoors. The fire is lit, the conversation slows, and time seems to stretch just a little longer.

Barbecuing isn’t just about food – it’s about connection, simplicity, and enjoying good company in the open air.

At Aussie Butcher New Lynn, outdoor cooking starts well before the grill is hot. It begins with choosing the right cut of meat, prepared properly, and suited to how it will be cooked over fire.

Whether you’re grilling over high heat or settling in for a slow smoke, quality matters. Thick-cut ribeye and sirloin deliver bold flavour with minimal effort. Lamb racks and butterflied legs are made for sharing and shine when cooked over coals. For the low-and-slow enthusiasts, brisket and short ribs reward patience with incredible depth and tenderness. Well-made sausages and burger patties remain the backbone of any great barbecue – reliable, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavour.

The team at Aussie Butcher New Lynn believe great barbecue doesn’t need to be complicated. Good meat, simple seasoning, and understanding when to step back and let the fire do its work. It’s a return to basics that more home cooks are embracing – fewer ingredients, better produce, and confidence at the grill.

Run by local owner Reuben Sharples, Aussie Butcher New Lynn is proudly embedded in its community –supporting local schools and sports clubs and working closely with foodrescue charity Fair Food to help feed families in need.

A good butcher is more than a place to buy meat – it’s a place to learn. Whether you’re attempting your first brisket or planning a relaxed family barbecue, the team is always happy to share advice.

Aussie Butcher New Lynn, Premium meat, prepared with care – made for the fire.

10 Margan Ave, New Lynn aussiebutchernewlynn.co.nz

BBQ TIPS FROM THE BUTCHER

Start hot, then move the meat: Sear over high heat for flavour, then finish indirectly.

Season early, sauce late: Rubs go on first; sugary sauces can burn if added too soon.

Rest your meat: Five to ten minutes off the grill makes all the difference to juiciness.

Don’t rush low-and-slow: Good brisket can’t be hurried – patience is key.

This barbecue season, fire up the grill, slow things down, and enjoy outdoor cooking done well.

Outstanding!

Outdoor Concepts is a standout in New Zealand when it comes to outdoor cooking.

Specialising in complete outdoor cooking solutions, their offerings include premium barbecues, pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens designed to elevate your alfresco living to the next level. With a product range that spans charcoal, gas, pellet and electric barbecues by top-tier brands, they’re the brand that both professionals and enthusiasts trust.

What also sets Outdoor Concepts apart is that they treat outdoor cooking as a lifestyle, not an afterthought. The

team is expert in helping you integrate high performance cooking equipment into your outdoor space – whether that be a built-in kitchen for serious entertaining or a compact pizza oven for weekend family fun. With their hands-on showroom, expert advice and wide brand selection, you’ll get guidance and gear to cook beautifully outdoors, whatever the style or size of your space.

Shop the Gozney range at Outdoor Concepts, available in store and online at outdoorconcepts.co.nz

IMAGE: GOZNEY ARC COMPACT OVEN

Brown-Sugar Chicken

PREP 15 minutes

COOK 1 hour

SERVES 4

This glaze has a great sweet and savoury balance. Basting during the roasting process helps make everything sticky and caramelised. The marinade is flexible – add a bit more of something, omit something else, it will still be delicious. Serve with mash.

INGREDIENTS

1 chicken, halved (or you can use 4 thigh pieces)

Brown-sugar marinade

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

3 garlic cloves, grated

1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra, for greasing

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper

METHOD

Set up a bush or camping oven, or pre-heat a conventional oven to 200°C. Grease the base of your oven or a baking pan or tray with a bit of extra oil.

Place the chicken on the base or pan, skin-side up.

Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside a small portion of the glaze to use as a baste during cooking. Then use the rest to brush the chicken all over, ensuring it’s well coated.

Place the chicken in the pre-heated oven. Roast for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Baste the chicken with the reserved glaze every 15–20 minutes. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover the chicken loosely with foil.

The chicken is done when the juices run clear when you pierce it. The skin should be golden and crispy from the glaze. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Available now.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LANDI BRADSHAW, T W BAKER & TOM FORREST

Edited recipe extract from Gone Bush by Outback by Tom and Grandad, published by Pantera Press.

Bacon-Wrapped Barra

PREP 10 minutes

COOK 10 minutes SERVES 4

Nothing beats fresh fish cooked over coals! Wrapping the barramundi in crispy bacon keeps the fish moist and adds an extra layer of smoky flavour. Serve it up with grilled asparagus for a quick and easy bush meal. If you’re not a fish fan, the bacon-wrapped chicken over the page is a great alternative. You can even wrap the asparagus in extra bacon before grilling – it makes a delicious snack.

INGREDIENTS

4 barramundi fillets (or any firm white fish)

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Salt and pepper

8 rashers streaky bacon

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 bunches asparagus

METHOD

Set a large pan or grill plate over a bush or camping stove, or over medium heat. You can also use a BBQ.

Season the barramundi fillets with a squeeze of lemon juice (saving the rest for serving) as well as salt and pepper.

Wrap each fillet with 2 rashers of bacon, securing with toothpicks or skewers if needed.

Add half the oil to the pan or grill, then cook the wrapped barra for 4–5 minutes per side, until the bacon is crispy and the fish is cooked through.

Meanwhile, toss the asparagus with the remaining oil and season with salt and pepper. If there’s room, cook the asparagus alongside the fish after you’ve flipped it to the second side. Otherwise remove the fish from the pan once it’s cooked and cook the asparagus for 3–4 minutes, until slightly charred.

Serve everything up with an extra squeeze of lemon.

Edited recipe extract from Gone Bush by Outback by Tom and Grandad, published by Pantera Press. Available now.

PHOTOGRAPHY: LANDI BRADSHAW, T W BAKER & TOM FORREST

SWIMMING UNDER THE SKY

With summer upon us, what better time to highlight some of our nation’s best outdoor swimming spots!

ST CLAIR HOT SALT WATER POOL, DUNEDIN

Aotearoa’s answer to Bondi’s iconic pool, St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, is another saltwater offering, positioned at the end of its namesake beach. Without doubt one New Zealand’s most impressive outdoor pools, it has been hosting bathers since the late 19th century – a unique experience that affords the loveliest ocean views and an atmosphere to match. The heated lane pool (28C) is accompanied by a paddling pool and hosts activities like aqua jogging.

IMAGE: ST CLAIR HOT SALT WATER POOL, DUNEDIN

PARNELL BATHS, AUCKLAND

This seaside hotspot as been entertaining Aucklanders for more than a century. The 60-metre saltwater lane pool – the largest of its kind Aotearoa – is accompanied by heated lido and spa pools. The interactive aqua playground along with toddlers’ area family pool means that there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained – as well as ice cream and hot chips from the cafe.

LUSTY’S LAGOON, LAKE TAUPŌ HOLIDAY RESORT

This one takes holiday vibes to another level being New Zealand’s only lagoon-style pool that features a swim-up bar. But this place doesn’t just cater to the adults thanks to an onsite ice cream parlour and a children’s pool – and that’s before you get to the water slides and fountains and a diving cave. A giant screen means guests can catch a movie from the comfort of a sun lounger or heated pool once the sun goes down.

IMAGE: PARNELL BATHS, AUCKLAND

IMAGE: LUSTY’S LAGOON, LAKE TAUPŌ HOLIDAY RESORT

ŌPUKE THERMAL POOLS AND SPA, METHVEN

The soothing and sophisticated Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa are “sourced from the mountains and warmed by the sun”. An adult-exclusive area features a swimup bar and solar powered tubs while the day spa offers signature treatments that blend traditional Māori and modern techniques. Family friendly zones host a lazy river and starlit caves, all under the spectacular gaze of the towering Southern Alps.

MOUNT HOT POOLS, MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Though the Mount Hot Pools bathe in the shadow of the gorgeous Mauao there’s plenty of warmth courtesy of pools that range from 32-39°C and that are infused with natural salt that promises to help restore mineral balance (ocean water is pumped in via nearby Pilot Bay). Other treats include private pools and massage treatments. Come nightfall, the outdoor complex takes on a whole different kind of magic.

Pool & Spa Specialists

Pool Doctor has been caring for swimming pools and spas from 191 Archers Road, Glenfield since 1976.

Pool Doctor focuses on your pool and spa health! Come and visit the Pool Doctor shop for free instore water tests and advice. We have all the necessary chemicals, parts, and accessories to make pool and spa chores a breeze. Our shop is supported by our service and valet technicians to make house calls as needed.

Visit or book a service with Pool Doctor today pooldoctor.co.nz

A

Sulis Hot Tub isn’t just placed, it belongs.

Each tub is a hand crafted bespoke piece, shaped to reflect the geometry of the environment it inhabits.

Architectural lines complement homes; natural finishes echo the landscape. Every detail is intentional, every design a conversation between craft and place.

Owning a Sulis tub means curating a space that speaks of who you are, how you live and the values you hold.

It is both sanctuary and statement of design that elevates everyday rituals into experiences of belonging.

To discover more summer moments, follow Sulis Hot Tubs and explore the collection at sulis.co.nz

CASCADE.CO.NZ

0800 CASCADE (227223) 2/151D MARUA RD, ELLERSLIE

New Zealand–wide company Cascade Swimming Pools, based in Auckland, designs and builds custom in-ground and above-ground swimming pools tailored to your lifestyle and budget.

Supermums in Japan

Over a year on from their wonderful gold-medal performance in the women’s double sculls at the Paris Olympics, Kiwi rowers Lucy Spoors and Brooke Francis are still balancing elite sport with motherhood.

IMAGE: TOKYO SKYTREE

It was such a treat to finally explore the streets, enjoy the food, and really soak up the culture.

Their latest adventure took them to Japan as ambassadors for Mazda, where the inspiring pair – affectionately known as the ‘supermums’ – immersed themselves in the country’s culture, crafts, and cuisine. It was a long-awaited chance to experience the Japan they’d barely glimpsed in 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

“That was such a different trip as you’re there with a sole focus on the Games, but also Tokyo was in complete lockdown,” recalls Brooke. “So, we experienced almost nothing of Japan. What I did remember from last time was how kind and welcoming everyone was, and we also felt the same on this trip. It was such a treat to finally explore the streets, enjoy the food, and really soak up the culture.”

“I left after the Tokyo Olympics knowing I wanted to go back too,” adds Lucy. “This time around it certainly exceeded my expectations and now I want to go back again! It’s amazing how you can be standing under the Tokyo Skytree and then five minutes down the road you’re

in a temple built in 645. It’s just such a country of contrasts.”

A standout of the trip was a kintsugi workshop with Master Taku –coincidentally a former rowing champion who has dedicated himself to the intricate art of repairing broken ceramics.

“Athletes put so much time and energy into chasing their goals, and you can see that same passion and focus in the way he approaches kintsugi,” Brooke tells Verve. “It’s like he’s channelled all that drive from rowing straight into his art.”

Lucy says that he made the whole class very easy to follow: “We introduced ourselves to him after the class and talked about rowing and have stayed in touch since. If we ever go back to Tokyo, we’ll be sure to visit him again.”

The philosophy of kintsugi – embracing beauty in imperfection – struck a chord with both women. As Brooke states: “Both rowing and motherhood were perfectly imperfect experiences that

pushed us to our limits. Yet in their own ways they also brought out the very best in us.”

Japan’s iconic food culture left big impressions too – though as a vegetarian, Brooke admits that she sometimes found it tricky to navigate: “All the dishes looked and smelt amazing but almost all of them contained meat. I did find amazing ramen in Takeshita Street though, which was a highlight.”

Lucy, however, was in her element: “I don’t think I ate anything that I wasn’t impressed with! The ramen, the sushi, sashimi, okonomiyaki – everything was delicious. I’d be embarrassed to say how many times we went into a 7-Eleven, but every time we came out with something new to try. Chocolate-covered muscat grapes have left an impression on me!”

The chance to travel together without strict training schedules was a luxury that the rowers embraced. “It was such a novelty to get to travel with Lucy and not have to train,” Brooke admits. “Normally training takes up our day and

IMAGE: LUCY SPOORS AND BROOKE FRANCIS, JAPAN OLYMPICS 2021

we don’t have time or energy to look around when we travel. In saying that, we still woke up every morning and went for a run before we started the day!”

Lucy found the experience especially meaningful. “So much of our time together is naturally dictated by

training and competitions,” she says. “This time it was just us exploring a city we felt we missed out on in 2021. I’ll forever be grateful for that. We also bought home kids’ learning chopsticks for Rupert and Keira, so I’m looking forward to watching them have a sushi date together when they master those!”

As Mazda ambassadors, the rowers were also able to gain a deeper understanding of the brand’s design philosophy thanks to a visit to Mazda Trans Aoyama, an a brand new, stateof-the-art concept showroom in Tokyo.

“Before the trip I thought I understood the craft in Mazda design and products,” Brooke says. “But seeing it with my own eyes gives me another level of appreciation for the care in everything I saw in Japan. There was beautiful detail even in the small and mundane. And seeing the new CX-5, you could see that every detail was thought out and practical as well as beautiful.”

And, of course, there were still some ‘supermum’ moments, too, as Brooke took the opportunity to travel with one of her little ones. “Flynn was such a little legend napping his way around the city,” she beams. “He travelled in the front pack each day and handled all of the travel with ease. Having my husband Jeff and ‘Aunty Lucy’ around as extra pairs of hands made things easier as well!”

IMAGE: MAZDA TRANS AOYAMA

IMAGE: THE JAPANESE ART OF KINTSUGI

Waste-Free Wrapping

A beautifully wrapped gift adds to the theatre and the anticipation of giving – and receiving – a gift.

But as awareness grows around the wastefulness of single-use wrapping paper, many are looking for alternatives, especially with the festive season upon us. Step forward, furoshiki.

This Japanese tradition of wrapping and carrying objects in cloth may be a practice with over 1,300 years of history, but it’s becoming more and more relevant in modern society.

While the word furoshiki today refers to both the wrapping cloth and the technique itself, its origins can be traced back to the Nara period (710–794), when a precursor fabric called tsutsumi was used to protect valuable items. By the 15th century, the cloth had found a new purpose at public bathhouses, where people bundled their belongings in patterned squares of fabric. The name was born from: furo meaning bath, and shiki meaning spread or mat.

And so, from those humble origins, grew an artform. According to Kyotobased manufacturer Yamada Sen-i – the

company behind the beloved Japanese crafts brand Musubi Kiln – the cloth’s charm lies in its functionality as much as its beauty.

The nearly square furoshiki (a gift is easier wrapped if the cloth isn’t quite symmetrical) should be roughly three times the size of the item it wraps – the most common sizes are 50, 70 and 100 centimetres.

Furoshiki are decorated with auspicious motifs like cranes, turtles and pine trees which often symbolise longevity or good fortune, and though traditionally they were made from silk but sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester are now more common.

The technique itself is couldn’t be simpler. Many wrappers begin by placing the fabric in a diamond orientation before tying corners together using the classic ma-musubi – a knot often finished with a soft bow. Reversible fabrics are especially popular for the way they create a contrast of colour when pulled through

the knot – a subtle flourish that is very much part of the classic aesthetic.

And its uses go far beyond gift-giving. In Japan, where plastic bags are no longer free, furoshiki have become a practical everyday alternative, transforming effortlessly into handbags, bottle carriers, lunch wraps, travel organisers and even wall art.

In a season during which we generate much waste, furoshiki offers a way to wrap things we value without harming the world that they come from.

Divine Design

Verve takes a sleigh ride to some of the world’s most beautiful – and unusual – churches.

CATHEDRAL OF BRASILIA, BRAZIL

This unforgettable hyperboloid building – constructed to resemble a crown – was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer who was famed for his curving creations. It was consecrated in 1968 – 10 years after construction commenced – and didn’t open for another couple of years. Initially meant as a publicly funded interfaith space, building stalled following the ending of President Juscelino Kubitschek’s term in 1961 and the site was handed over to the Catholic Church. It now boasts Spanish bells, an altar donated by Pope Paul VI, 16 curved concrete columns, angel sculptures, and a spectacular stained-glass ceiling.

BASÍLICA DE LA SAGRADA FAMILIA, SPAIN (left)

“It is not a disappointment that I will not be able to finish the temple,” mused the legendary Antoni Gaudí of his expressionist magnum opus, the Sagrada Familia. “I will grow old, but others will come after me. What must be always preserved is the spirit of the work; its life will depend on the generations that transmit this spirit and bring it to life.”

When the architect died in 1926, the monument was barely a quarter complete, and such was its preliminary awe-inspiring magnificence that it has been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site for decades already, drawing millions of visitors each year. Bursting from the bustling streets of Barcelona, the basilica blends gothic and art nouveau forms, with three breathtaking facades representing the Nativity, the Passion, and the Glory of Christ.

Reaching for the heavens, high above the cityscape, 18 spindle-shaped towers represent an array of biblical figures including the 12 apostles, Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. Gaudí’s tomb rests beneath the basilica which is presently the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world. The cathedral is due to for completion in 2026 to mark the centenary of Gaudí’s death – and 100 years earlier than the architect predicted.

IMAGE: SAINT BASIL’S CATHEDRAL, RUSSIA

CADET CHAPEL, USA

This Colorado Air Force Academy church is reminiscent of a row of fighter jets about to accelerate into the heavens. The 150-foot campus centrepiece, designed by the legendary SOM studio, is rightly revered as among the most beautiful examples of modern American academic architecture, its 17 aluminium spires comprising hundreds of tetrahedrons and covered in stained glass. The state’s most visited manmade attraction houses Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish chapels, each one unique. A winner of the American Institute of Architects’ Twenty-five Year Award.

SAINT BASIL’S CATHEDRAL, RUSSIA

Saint Basil’s Cathedral – originally called Trinity Cathedral, and now known officially as Pokrovsky Cathedral – stands proudly at the southern end of Moscow’s Red Square. The fairytale-like structure was built between 1555 and 1561, under the orders of Ivan the Terrible, who, so goes the legend, had the architects blinded so that they may never again design such a masterpiece. The myth is just that, but there is still much not known about the cathedral.

Five hundred years later the identity of the architects’ is still disputed. The most likely suspects are Barma and Postnik Yakovlev, however, some argue that this may have been one person, with ‘Barma’ being Postnik’s nickname!

“It’s really surprising how some of the most basic facts are not really verifiable,” historian and author of Journeys through the Russian Empire, William Brumfield, tells CNN. “We encounter

this problem many times in the history of Russian architecture, even as late as the 18th century. There were many fires, invasions, cataclysms. Moscow burned in 1812 during the Napoleonic invasion. The documents are often just not there.”

Having survived Napoleon, the building was later nearly razed under Stalin’s reign, but now stands as a cultural and national symbol, topped by those iconic colourful onion domes that were added during the rebuild following an apocalyptic fire in 1583.

PHOTOGRAPHY: TREVOR COKLEY, US AIR FORCE - CADET CHAPEL, USA

BUDIR BLACK CHURCH, ICELAND

One of this most photogenic of country’s most photographed locations, this striking black church –known locally as Búðakirkja – is built on the remote Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and sits surrounded by rugged mountains, lava fields, and coastline.

According to legend, the site of this early 18th-century structure was decided upon by firing arrows into the air and seeing where they landed. The black resin coating is for protection against the harsh climate. Generally closed to the public, it is, unsurprisingly, a highly sought after wedding venue as well as a tourist attraction.

IMAGE: BUDIR BLACK CHURCH, ICELAND

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

1. George Street Linen | georgestreetlinen.com

Made with Liberty Pillowcases. Printed in Italy and crafted exclusively for George Street Linen, these cotton poplin pillowcases are available in a selection of timeless Liberty prints. From $99.95.

2. Becca Project | beccaproject.co.nz

Body Oil 100ml; $71.

3. Becca Project | beccaproject.co.nz Body Oil 30ml; $39.95.

4. Ninja Kitchen | ninjakitchen.co.nz

Ninja Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine. Introducing the Ninja Luxe Café; a 3-in-1 system that fuses espresso, cold brew, and filter coffee into one sleek design; $1,099.99.

5. Jens Hansen | jenshansen.co.nz

Handcrafted happiness in white, red or white gold. The Jens Hansen Golden Kiwi, yellow gold; $3,580.

6. The Poi Room | thepoiroom.co.nz

Pacifica Orange and Copper Putiputi (Flower) by Anna Gedson. Traditional weaving with contemporary materials, hand-woven copper and powder-coated aluminium over a supportive timber base; $700.

7. Osmosis Beauty | osmosisskin.co.nz Summer Cooling Enzyme Mask; $126.

8. Allium | alliuminteriors.co.nz

Nel Lusso Monterey Old Fashion Glass; $21.50 each.

9. Abel | abelfragrance.com

100% natural perfume made by master perfumer Isaac Sinclair and Dr Fanny Grau. Cobalt Amber 50ml EDP, a sweet sultry, silky smooth, golden amber. Creamy vanilla dripping with crushed juniper and pink peppercorn. A modern-day muse; $330.

10. Kayu Studio | kayustudio.co.nz

Maku Marble Backgammon Set. A timeless game, reimagined in handcrafted natural marble and teak; $639.

LAB BROW BAR

Give the gift of beautiful brows! A Lab Brow Bar voucher is the ultimate crowd pleaser, from your teenage niece discovering her style to your grandma who loves feeling polished. With expert brow and lash treatments, stylish salons, and a warm, welcoming team, it’s a thoughtful treat that makes everyone feel confident, cared for, and effortlessly refined. Because great brows never go out of style.

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JENS HANSEN

Lovely to wear, and easy to love. These Love Stories earrings are handcrafted in sterling silver, or in yellow, red or white gold. Customisable and set with sparkling diamonds, they’re made to move from day to evening, season to season. The perfect gift – a love story she can wear, every single day. Jens Hansen Round Love Stories Earrings in yellow gold; $2,390.

jenshansen.co.nz

1. LuxeSticks | luxesticks.com

Cloud bag with LuxeSticks. Effortless, ecofriendly, and oh-so-chic. LuxeSticks brings all the selfcare to your fingertips.

2. The Poi Room | thepoiroom.co.nz

Small Hot Pocket – Cobalt by Philip Stokes. Exquisite hand-blown glass vessel with texture and opacity variations that capture light through every moment; $395.

3. George Street Linen | georgestreetlinen.com

Made with Liberty Bath Robe. Made with Liberty fabric and printed in Italy exclusively for George Street Linen, this cotton poplin robe features Adelphi Voyage, a richly detailed paisley drawn from 19th-century shawl designs. $249.

4. George Street Linen | georgestreetlinen.com Mulberry Silk Pillowcase. A pillowcase made from pure mulberry silk, it’s breathable, gentle on skin and hair, and naturally hypoallergenic. From $44.97.

5. ibodynz | ibodynz.com

ibodynz Gift-Box. Inspired by Nature. Perfected by Science. This beautifully curated box includes serums, creams and cleanser; $339.

6. LOVE IN A JEWEL | loveinajewel.co.nz

The Ash Solitaire Diamond Pendant - yellow gold with a 0.75ct Lab Diamond; $2,599.

7. LOVE IN A JEWEL | loveinajewel.co.nz

The Ash Solitaire Diamond Ring - yellow gold with a 0.75ct Lab Diamond; $3,199.

8. Allium | alliuminteriors.co.nz

Sunnylife Luxe Floating Chair Casa Cream; $215.

9. The Poi Room | thepoiroom.co.nz

Citrine, Brass, Rubber and NZ Pounamu Necklace with Stand by Neil Adcock. A refined medieval influence fused with contemporary form. This showstopping art piece rests on its bespoke stand when not being worn; $4,950.

1O. HerbertandWilks | herbertandwilks.co.nz

Hydrangea & Aquamarine Stud Earrings. Silver hydrangea studs paired with aquamarine beads in a fresh, modern botanical design, a botanical bloom in silver; $195.

OSMOSIS BEAUTY

Introducing the Blemish Control Essentials by Osmosis ($354). This powerful, four-step treatment is designed to purify, balance, and repair. Featuring their bestselling Clarify Clearing Retinal Serum and Extract Purifying Charcoal Mask, this collection helps to detoxify, normalise oil production, and strengthen the skin's barrier. Achieve a healthier, clearer complexion with advanced formulas, expertly designed to heal, not harm, the skin.

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CORSO INTERIORS

For those who love things made well, Corso Interiors brings together thoughtful gifts, homeware, and furniture made to last. Among them is the Black Pearls candle by Baobab, its ginger and black rose notes wrapped in hand-blown glass, available in three sizes. Visit them on the border of Parnell and Newmarket for distinctive, curated style. 8 George St, Newmarket, 09 307 9166.

corso.co.nz

1. Corso Interiors | corso.co.nz

Schott Zwiesel Sensa wine glasses; $23 each.

2. Scapegrace Distilling Co | scapegracedistillery.com

Scapegrace Distilling Co. has earned one of its biggest honours yet, with it’s Vanguard whisky winning Best New Zealand Single Malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

3. Molly Woppy | mollywoppy.co.nz

Add a dash of joy to the festive season with these handcrafted Gingerbread Snowmen – spiced to perfection, dipped in silky white choc, and sprinkled with a little holiday cheer. Baked in small batches with premium ingredients and warm gingerbread spices, these charming snowmen bring smiles with every bite.

4. Chuffed Gifts | chuffedgifts.co.nz

Try Something New. Over 118 experience options for one or two people, valid for two years; $119.

5. groundd | groundd.nz

Groundd Weighted Blanket 2.0; from $175. Good sleep isn’t luck. It’s design.

6. Cathy Pope | cathypope.co.nz

Contessa Gold Necklace; $229.

7. Lab Brow Bar | labbrowbar.com

Give the gift of beautiful brows! A Lab Brow Bar voucher suits everyone - from teens finding their style to grandmas who love feeling polished. With expert brow and lash treatments and a warm, welcoming team, it’s a thoughtful treat that boosts confidence and never goes out of style.

8. HerbertandWilks | herbertandwilks.co.nz

Hydrangea Flower Necklace with Aquamarine Beads. A hand-sculpted silver hydrangea accented with aquamarine beads in a fresh, contemporary necklace, sterling silver; $195.

9. LuxeSticks | luxesticks.com

LuxeSticks Clay Mask Sticks. Meet LuxeSticks’ bold new look – the original skincare-in-a-stick, with the same award-winning glow. The ultimate gift this festive season.

10. Stardome | stardome.org.nz

Heebie Jeebies Aero Rocket. Experience the thrill of launching your own Aero Rocket! With its airpowered technology, this stomp rocket is easy for all ages to use. Suitable for ages 3 and up; $23.

LOVE IN A JEWEL

The new Pear Ash Diamond Pendant holds ashes safely behind the diamond forever. This two-carat lab diamond pendant has been designed by award-winning goldsmith, Joachim van Oostrum with a special compartment to safely hold your loved one’s ashes for eternity. Available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum.

A beautiful and enduring way to hold your love close.

studio@loveinajewel.co.nz loveinajewel.co.nz

groundd

The groundd weighted blankets are expertly designed to help reduce anxiety, improve relaxation, and support deeper, more restorative sleep. With beautiful sustainable fabrics and more five-star reviews than any other NZ brand, they inspire Kiwi customers all over the country to take control of their sleep health and journey to better rest. So, give the gift of better rest!

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1. George Street Linen | georgestreetlinen.com

Super Pile Towels. Woven from the finest long-staple cotton and garmentdyed for a cloud-like finish, these Super Pile towels are soft, weighty, and beautifully absorbent. From $19.95.

2. LuxeSticks | luxesticks.com

The glow they’ll love. LuxeSticks Limited Edition Holiday Boxes make selfcare the ultimate gift for anyone.

3. Stardome | stardome.org.nz

Clementoni Science & Play Mechanics

Floating Shuttle. Build a shuttle that teaches about physics principles. Features include adjustable ailerons, a cargo hold that opens, and a robotic arm (Canadarm) inside.

Suitable for ages 8 and up; $49.

4. Kayu Studio | kayustudio.co.nz

Kayu Signature Volcanic Rock Diffuser. A unique and sustainable way to diffuse fragrance; $110.

5. Corso Interiors | corso.co.nz

House Doctor Grab candle holder; $44.90.

6. Becca Project | beccaproject.co.nz

Essential Oil Solid Perfume; $42.50.

7. Stardome | stardome.org.nz

ROKR Mechanical Orrery 3D Wooden Puzzle. Explore the Solar System with this plywood solar system building kit. Turn the handle to make the sun actually shine! Suitable for ages 14 and up; $150.

BECCA PROJECT

Becca Project’s natural body oils and solid perfume balms are formulated to deeply hydrate while leaving a beautiful, lingering fragrance on the skin. Powered by restorative essential oils and NATCO natural origin scents, each blend helps to soften, smooth, and protect, supporting daily wellbeing and turning everyday routines into grounding rituals. Hydrate. Glow. Smell incredible.

beccaproject.co.nz

CHUFFED GIFT - NEW ZEALAND’S EXPERIENCE GIFT

89% prefer receiving experiences as gifts. This Christmas, give something they’ll never forget. A Chuffed Gift gives them the choice from up to 150 of New Zealand’s best experiences, including skydiving, scenic getaways, wine tours, and wildlife encounters. Every Chuffed Gift is packed with adventure, joy, and memories waiting to be made. The kind of gift they’ll cherish forever.

chuffedgifts.co.nz

Jiwa Tea Pot. Handmade in Java, Indonesia; $79.

Totara Street, Mount Maunganui

LuxeSticks

LuxeSticks, the original skincare-in-astick top selling brand, is the perfect gift for effortless selfcare this season. Loved for its award-winning formulas and travel-friendly design, LuxeSticks has just unveiled its brand-new, eco-friendly packaging that’s sleek, modern, and recyclable. Plus, don’t miss the limitededition Christmas Glow Boxes, featuring their bestselling clay and serum sticks in festive, ready-to-gift sets. Give the gift of glowing skin, anywhere, anytime, with LuxeSticks.

luxesticks.com

1. TRAIN SET

Toy trains have captivated children since the early 19th century, beginning with simple wooden pullalong models before German makers like Märklin introduced metal clockwork versions. By the 1920s, electric trains from Lionel and Hornby transformed play, mimicking real railways with tracks, signals, and stations. As rail travel shaped modern life, miniature trains offered a magical way to control, imagine, and recreate the world in motion – an enduring fascination that continues to this day.

2. LET IT SNOW

Inspired by a shoemaker’s water-filled magnifying globe, in 1900, Viennese craftsman Erwin Perzy I placed an Edison bulb behind one and added reflective particles that floated like snow having been tasked with creating a low-cost way of lighting operating rooms. And inadvertently created the snow globe! Initially housing tiny pewter churches, the items soon become much loved souvenirs across Europe and were later adopted as Christmas ornaments with festive figures like snowmen inside, and sold in New York department stores.

The Joy of Toys

The stories behind some iconic playthings…

3. YO-YO

In 1928, Chicago businessman Donald F Duncan Sr witnessed Philippine immigrant Pedro Flores demonstrate his yo-yo skills in the streets of San Francisco, and funded him to set up a company. Flores trademarked the name ‘yo-yo’ which means ‘come-come’ in his native language. Though the pair popularised the yo-yo in the West, its origins date centuries, certainly to Ancient Greece, and possibly even further back in China, making it one of the world’s oldest toys.

4. TEDDY BEAR

The teddy bear was famously named after President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt who was the subject of a newspaper cartoon depicting his refusal to shoot a captured bear on a hunting trip in 1902. Inspired, Brooklyn shopkeepers Morris and Rose Michtom created “Teddy’s bear”, launching it commercially in 1903. At almost the same time in Germany, toymaker Richard Steiff developed a jointed plush bear that debuted at the 1903 Leipzig Toy Fair, helping spark an international craze.

5. THE NUTCRACKER

Wooden nutcracker figures originate in the 17thcentury ‘toy corner’ of the Erzgebirge region of Germany, known as the Ore Mountains. As the mining industry declined, so woodcarving became a key craft from which was born the iconic figurines known as the nutcrackers. By the late 19th century, they had become traditional local gifts, but their status as an iconic Christmas toy was cemented by the release of The Nutcracker ballet and later when returning American soldiers brought them home after the second world war.

Takapuna: Be Tempted…

Takapuna blends richheritage with historic fortifications, vibrant arts, boutiques and an abundance of outdoor pursuits, offering Aucklanders a dynamic, coastal experience like no other!

TAKAPUNA SPRINGS

The name Takapuna comes from a sacred volcanic spring at the base of Maungauika North Head, called so by Taikehu, captain of the Tainui waka because it reminded him of a spring in Hawaiki. The word ‘puna’ means ‘spring’, while ‘taka’ likely refers to a knoll. Over time, Ngāi Tai Manawaiti settled in this area and used ‘Takapuna’ not only for the spring but for the headland and surrounding coastline. The spring, which provided sustenance to Māori and Pākehā for generations, was declared a wāhi tapu but was accidentally blocked around 1900 by military engineers digging the tunnels beneath Maungauika North Head.

TAKAPUNA NOW

Takapuna has evolved into the North Shore’s true metropolitan heart – a vibrant centre of commerce, culture and coastal living. Once a laid-back beach suburb, it’s now a bustling destination for hospitality and boutique retail, with cafes, bars and independent stores drawing visitors from across Tāmaki Makaurau. Significant council and private investment have transformed the precinct, including a refreshed high street, a spacious new town square, and a 420-space high-rise car park improving access. Alongside the upgraded beach playground and modern facilities, Takapuna blends urban energy with seaside charm, cementing its status as the Shore’s premier place to work, shop and play.

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December / January

GETTING CREATIVE

Many might be surprised to learn just how much of a vibrant hub of art and culture, Takapuna is, blending public installations, theatre, galleries, and community creativity. Highlights include the interactive Soapbox sculpture by Olivia Collinson, Prue Fea, Vanessa Coxhead, and Jasmax, which invites people to speak out and honours women’s suffrage. At the Takapuna Library, the restored Te Ika-a-Māui ceramic mural by E Mervyn Taylor reflects Māori myth and modern technology, while the Mataoho Wall by Brett Graham in Hurstmere Green celebrates Māori volcanic legends in basalt with bilingual verses. The Bruce Mason Centre and the PumpHouse Theatre offer rich performance art, while Art by the Sea and Lake House Arts Centre support local artists through exhibitions and classes.

SURF ‘N’ SOCIAL

Takapuna’s beachfront has blossomed into one of Auckland’s most exciting dining and drinking precincts, pairing sweeping ocean views with a growing reputation as a true foodie destination. From sun-soaked rooftop spots like Takapuna Surf Club to elegant beachside restaurants there’s now a venue for every mood. Regatta Bar & Eatery remains a perennial favourite for its breezy coastal atmosphere and fresh seafood, while the likes of KiwiYo or Duck Island offer the chance to cool down with something sweet. And once the sun sets, you can catch a film at Takapuna Beachside Cinemas.

IMAGE: THE PUMPHOUSE THEATRE

IMAGE: TAKAPUNA SURF CLUB

IMAGE: TAKAPUNA BEACH LOOKING ACROSS TO RANGITOTO ISLAND

CITY OF TAILS

As if Takapuna wasn’t already awesome enough, it’s also one of Auckland’s most pooch-friendly suburbs offering a mix of beaches, cafes, and walking spots. Takapuna Beach is, of course, the main attraction, with generous off-lead hours in the mornings and extended freedom through winter, while nearby St Leonards Beach provides yearround off-leash play. Some of the area’s welcoming cafes like Street Organics, Moak, Centro and Seven Hills, may even offer treats or puppachinos! Grooming is easy with Masami Dog Salon and OFP close by, not to mention the scenic walks around Lake Pupuke, Thorne Bay and the coastal path to Milford providing beautiful backdrops for doggy photos.

SHOPPING ON THE SHORE

For some festive shopping with a different kind of cheer, Takapuna offers a mix of boutique stores, high-street brands, and artisanal shops that make finding gifts easy and enjoyable. Hurstmere Road and surrounding streets are lined with fashion, homewares, and specialty stores, while those legendary local cafes provide the perfect spot to recharge between errands. Pop-up markets and seasonal events add to the holiday atmosphere, giving shoppers a taste of community spirit alongside their retail therapy. With convenient parking and a vibrant, walkable centre, Takapuna combines festive fun, variety, and coastal charm, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed and rewarding Christmas shopping experience.

IMAGE: TAKAPUNA CHRISTMAS MARKET

IMAGE: STREET ORGANICS

A Love Letter to Less-is-More

WORDS —

JESSICA WEALE

Dante’s is more than just a neighbourhood favourite. It’s the home of Enis Bacova’s passion for life, perfectly balanced dough, honest flavours and the beauty of keeping things simple.

Just back from the beach, Dante’s in Takapuna tucks itself into a small courtyard-style Laneway Festival. It’s relaxed, open and easy to slip into. The staff greet you with genuine smiles, the wood-fired oven holds steady warmth amongst the rhythm of chefs, and the aroma of San Marzano tomatoes, pancetta and truffle float out of the kitchen.

We were greeted by owner and chef Enis Bacova. And meeting him is like discovering that secret ingredient in a dish you already adore.

On this sunny afternoon we started with the Arancini Ragu, warm morsels of handcrafted risotto, mozzarella and beef ragu, resting in sweet, silky San Marzano tomatoes, which I could have eaten by the spoonful. These, and the Crocchè Napoletana, filled with garlicy, buttery mashed potato and parmesan cheese, both disappeared very quickly.

While waiting for our pizza, and a large glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo to breathe, Enis began talking about the thing he is most excited about: the dough itself.

He explained that dough behaves like a living thing. The yeast responds to everything around it, from humidity and temperature, to perhaps

the most important thing of all, the person making it. He talked about how dough reflects the intuition, mood and touch of the maker, which is part of the craft but also the reason consistency can be so difficult across different kitchens.

After years of trial and error, he developed a system that standardises the dough-making process with mathematical precision. A machine that removes guesswork and environmental variables. One that produces quality, identical dough, every time. The ratios, hydration levels and timing are so tightly controlled that even a complete beginner could create the same result as a seasoned chef.

And this isn’t something he plans to keep a secret either. In January he’ll be presenting it at the Gulfood trade show in Dubai, in partnership with Mulino Caputo, one of Italy’s most respected flour producers. During the demonstration Enis will get random audience members to make dough using his method, all with a world-renowned pizzaiuolo evaluating the results. His aim is simple: lift the baseline for pizza, and by default, the whole industry will raise in quality.

After all this talk of dough, our pizza arrived. An awardwinning one at that. The Tomato Colorato pizza. This was the definition of simple, quality ingredients turned into something that’s sure to be that thing you crave when someone asks you: “Where should we go to eat?”

Enis returned with scissors in hand, first to cut open the fresh burrata which settled itself comfortably in every corner, and then to cut through the crispy, light, fragrant crust. He lifted the slice to reveal the structure inside, an open, honeycombed network you only get with high-hydration dough. All these technical bits aside, it’s hard to put into words how simply delicious this was.

The pizza was followed by a lovingly cooked risotto, filled with pancetta, mushrooms, truffle and a comforting feeling of what I can only describe as home.

Once we’d eaten, Enis sat with us and we spoke more, creating the feeling of being around the dinner table, another little echo of that ‘home’ feeling. It became easy to see why Dante’s has such a cult following. Inside, the kitchen works in a smooth, steady rhythm, it’s warm and unpretentious and the sort of place you just end up staying longer than you intend.

We learnt more about his background. Enis was born in Albania from very highly educated parents in medicine and engineering. He trained as a violinist from a young age and played professionally for years, something he still brings into the restaurant on the odd occasion. Italian food was part of his daily life thanks to the spill of Italian radio and TV across the

Adriatic, along with the recipes he learnt from his grandmother who cooked for an Italian family during the second world war.

He came to New Zealand young enough to catch the opportunity here, and mature enough to understand it and chase it. He began his journey in hospitality as a dishwasher, something he believes every serious chef should experience. Quickly moving through the ranks, he worked for other wellknown restaurants in NZ and Australia, before returning to Auckland after a serious motorbike accident. While recovering, he completed an MBA and eventually crossed paths with Dante’s in Ponsonby where he saw potential to rebuild the business from the inside out.

Today he is one of the most decorated pizza makers working in Australasia, with global recognition to match. Third in the world in 2023 and second in 2024. The awards sit in the Takapuna space quietly, but not unseen, and nor should they be. He has recently rebranded the business to ‘Dante’s by Enis Bacova’ to acknowledge the work behind the name, and also to avoid an ongoing question of, “Are you Dante?” (which we may or may not have asked, ourselves).

Despite everything, his philosophy remains grounded. “Simplicity is key,” he says. “The moment you try to play with simplicity, you just mess it up.”

Sitting there with a very happy belly, I couldn’t agree more.

2/40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, 09 486 3668 dantes.co.nz/locations/dantes-takapuna

Etched in Stone and Sea

Perfectly positioned, this stunning four-level architectural property rises above the expansive views of the Hauraki Gulf – a bold study in light, permanence, and the inspiring beauty of New Zealand coastal living.

Created by award-winning Auckland studio Hulena Architects, the property appears carved from the landscape itself – its form tiered and deliberate.

The home feels alive with its setting, the basalt facade catches the light like a sculpture, the air carries the sound of waves, and every line of sight draws you back to the sea.

Built in 2014 by renowned Auckland builders Good Brothers to an exceptionally high standard, the home offers an extremely private residence with everything you could wish for in a luxury waterfront home.

Spanning approximately 1400sqm, the layout is highly functional, perfectly designed for multigenerational living and entertaining. It unfolds in layers with the main level featuring walls of glass opening to the ocean in the east and a sheltered grass courtyard in the west. Anchored with pale oak floors, this level features expansive openplan spaces, include a lounge with fireplace plus a dining area, each opening to the courtyard and huge terraces overlooking the ocean.

continued over page

The generous kitchen features a living area overlooking the water. The large office with meeting space and a secondary media room are in a dedicated wing.

The top floor is home to the master suite with unimpeded 240-degree views of the ocean, it features a walk-in robe, spacious ensuite, and unfolds seamlessly to a big deck to maximise the sweeping views. Two additional family bedrooms with ensuites and walk-in wardrobes, along with two separate studies or library are also on this level.

The Lower level includes three spacious ensuite bedrooms, one with its own self-contained kitchen making an apartment-like suite, and these all open onto a quiet terrace overlooking the ocean. Also on this level are a gym with and a bathroom, steam room, and a multi-media cinema. The Garage level provides car parking for at least six vehicles with two electric charge stations and a large laundry opening to the outdoors.

The 17-metre indoor/outdoor infinity pool extends past the living room and decks toward the horizon. Multiple courtyards and terraces invite calm and connection to the dramatic views at every turn.

This residence has been engineered for permanence, the exterior features a robust yet refined palette of split-face and sawn basalt cladding, paired with honed and flamed basalt paving that flows seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. This striking contemporary design is both a sanctuary and a statement, a home that embodies security, legacy, and timeless architectural significance on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.”

Rarely does a property of this calibre become available. Positioned within an easy commute to top schools and Auckland’s CBD this stunning residence transcends the ordinary, a home where architecture and landscape are in perfect harmony.

Contact Victoria Bidwell on 021 947 080 victoria.bidwell@bayleys.co.nz bayleys.co.nz/1451779 Bayleys Real Estate Ltd, Takapuna

Design of December

Trenzseater Litta Longue Armchair

Resene Avocado

1. ECC Lighting Saki Sofa 2. Kovacs Design Furniture Park-A Tables 3. Mr Ralph 90cm Bubble Saucer Pendant 4. Design Italia Bellagio Swivel Lounge Chair (Perseide Olive Green) 5. Cam Barrett Romy 35 Lamp 6. BoConcept Carmo Sofa in Green Skagen 7. Jardin Funambule Cloakroom Bench in Pesto 8. Jardin New Modern Dining Table 110cm Round - Recycled Oak in Graphite Black 9. BoConcept Paris Table Lamp 10. Trenzseater Borchard Bar Cabinet

4 Lewis Lane, Coatesville

Luxury Epitomised

The epitome of luxury, this breathtaking northern French chateau-style residence is set on 2.28ha (5.64ac) of manicured grounds.

Created by Masonry Design Solutions Ltd under Mark Wilson and built by award-winning Richard Davidson Builders, this home blends timeless elegance with modern ease.

The generous 650sqm floor area includes a formal lounge with lofty ceilings and refined detailing that provides an elegant setting for hosting, along with a formal dining room that impresses with French glass beaded wallpaper. The open-plan family living and dining area flows into a gourmet kitchen designed for both relaxed family life and effortless entertaining.

The palatial master suite includes a spacious dressing room and elegant ensuite. A large guest bedroom features a striking double-height ceiling and its own ensuite. Children will love their own dedicated wing with a roomy lounge/media space, three bedrooms, and two well-appointed bathrooms. A stylish billiards room adds another option for recreation and socialising.

Outdoors, the property unfolds like a private resort, offering a heated swimming pool, spa pool, tennis court, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The expansive loggia with a fireplace provides a superb all-weather retreat, perfect for gatherings or quiet moments overlooking the flat lawns, paddocks, and post-and-rail fencing –an elevated setting which offers both privacy and picturesque views.

Comfort is prioritised with a sophisticated home automation system, underfloor heating powered by a high-performance heat pump, an HRV ventilation system, and solar hot water heating for improved energy efficiency.

Practical features include a large storage concrete-floored shed suitable for a helicopter or motorhome, a spacious barn, and a well-placed utility room between the triple garage and laundry. Automated gates, a security camera system, and a wide curbed driveway ensure ease, safety, and ample parking.

This residence is more than a home –it's a magnificent haven. Explore the possibilities and imagine the memories waiting to be made.

Call Nicky White on 021 754 667 for more information or email nicky@nickywhite.co.nz

DRESS CIRCLE COATESVILLE LODGE, EAGLE HEIGHTS

186 Glenmore Road, Coatesville

Soaring Style

Soaring high above the valley with incredible views in every direction, this stunning 640sqm (approx) single-level masonry home – complete with a separate guest house and garaging for six cars – is nothing short of phenomenal.

Every detail of this Central Coatesville gem has been thoughtfully crafted to maximise sunshine, privacy, and panoramic vistas, making it the perfect haven for extended family living. Beyond secure electric gates, a grand entrance immediately sets the tone for luxurious living, framed by uninterrupted 360-degree views including the Sky Tower and city skyline.

The beautifully landscaped sheltered courtyard, framed with tropical planting, leads you to an impressive schist entrance flanked by a divine powder room and enormous coat closet. Step through to the expansive great room where a sleek designer kitchen and spacious scullery anchor the openplan layout. The dining and lounge areas, complete with an impressive fireplace and oversized joinery, flow seamlessly to an exceptional undercover entertaining zone with outdoor fire and built-in barbecue – all set against spectacular Coatesville valley sunsets.

Enhancing the entertaining options, a beautifully appointed wet bar with its own lounge and outdoor servery sits to the left of the great room. A charming ‘coffee nook’ captures the eastern morning sun, while low-maintenance grounds with a robotic mower offer plenty of adventure space for children. The left wing hosts a luxurious master suite with a lavish ensuite, two generous dressing rooms, and breathtaking views across to the heated swimming pool complex, along with direct spa access. This adult retreat also includes a dedicated office, fully equipped gym, and sauna.

The right wing features four spacious bedrooms with built-in wardrobes, two modern family bathrooms, and a versatile living/rumpus room – ideal for families or multi-generational living.

Through the designated laundry awaits the six-car garage complete with a golf simulator that doubles as a movie screen. Oversized joinery, gallery hallways, and expansive windows elevate the home’s architectural presence throughout. A beautifully finished two-bedroom, one-bathroom minor dwelling mirrors the quality of the main home. The current owners are now downsizing, leaving this extraordinary property ready for its next chapter.

Call Nicky White on 021 754 667 for more information or email nicky@nickywhite.co.nz

Stylish Masonry

Designer Living

Grace Hill Country Estate is known for its premium properties and generous sections, and this home – designed and built by Nautica Homes – stands out even here.

Crafted in masonary and cedar, the Nautica-built home offers refined contemporary living across approximately 1.94ha (around 5 acres) of flat, usable land. The setting is exceptional: expansive level grounds wrap around the residence, providing the freedom to create paddocks, add landscaping, or simply enjoy the sweeping open lawn. It’s a rare mix of space, privacy, and modern style – all within easy reach of motorway access.

Key features include:

· Six spacious bedrooms (the sixth working beautifully as a private lounge, office, or media room).

· A standout primary suite offering complete privacy and elevated views.

Vaulted ceilings and engineered dark oak flooring throughout.

A dedicated media lounge plus multiple light-filled living zones.

A n all-weather loggia with outdoor fi replace and built-in speakers.

· Sleek, dark-toned designer kitchen with granite benchtops, dual ovens, gas hobs, and a butler’s pantry.

D ucted central heating and cooling, powder room, and separate laundry.

Triple-car garage with excellent storage.

Created for those who appreciate design, function, and lifestyle, this home is just 10 minutes from Albany’s amenities, with easy access to North Shore schools, bus routes, and around 27km from the Auckland CBD.

Locked In

Commonwealth Vault offers investors a smart, futurefocused way to strengthen their portfolios with tangible assets that hold their value long term.

Now, with a newly secured College Hill facility featuring private safety deposit boxes, Commonwealth Vault is making it easier than ever for customers to buy, store and protect their precious metals with total confidence. General manager Myles Chandler sits down with Verve

Many readers will be more familiar with stocks and bonds than bullion. Could you walk us through its key advantages?

Actions speak louder than words: the central banks that actually print paper money still want gold on their balance sheets. The key advantages are that in times of uncertainty or crises when paper currencies may take a hit, gold and silver holds or increases value, and gold has a long term expected return roughly equal to inflation plus a small premium.

There’s a perception that investing in precious metals is speculative, or only for the very wealthy. That perception doesn’t hold up. Gold – and especially silver – has been the way ordinary people traditionally put a little aside. With silver coins at around $100 and the wide range of smaller gold bars, little amounts can be purchased and stored by everyone. Of course, gold and silver can swing 20% in a year but if you’re in it for the long term, these swings are only noise.

You emphasise the “safe-haven” qualities of bullion. Could you explain more?

Gold and silver earn safe-haven status by acting as a reliable store of value during periods of economic turbulence. Being in

Protect what matters. Book your safe deposit box at Commonwealth Vault.

control of your own gold and silver means you’re not beholden to any single government's actions or central bank inflation. Gold has never gone to zero; hundreds of paper currencies have.

Tell us about the new storage facility in College Hill. Our state-of-the art Hargreaves Street facility offers rental safe deposit boxes of various sizes, including outright purchase. What sets our vault apart is the fact that it’s drive in, meaning customers have total security. The vault has multi-layered, 24-hour security and monitoring, including cameras and sensors. Your face and fingerprint are scanned before access is granted, and staff accompany each person into the vault as a staff master key is required – as well as your personal key – to open your box. Comfortable, secure private viewing rooms are available, and bullion purchases can be delivered straight there.

What should everyone know about this kind of investment?

The most important thing is not the buying of gold and silver, but the selling of it. So, it’s vital you buy from a recognised dealer and buy bars or coins that are universally recognised like Canadian Maple, American Eagle/Buffalo, Vienna Philharmonic, or 1oz government-minted coins. Secondly, people who buy ‘rare’ gold coins from TV shopping channels or local coin shows vastly overpay and never recoup value. Finally, keeping everything at home ‘because banks aren’t safe’ is a recipe for disaster as the size, value and easy sale of bullion means your home safe is an easy target

How do you see the role of tangible assets evolving in a world that is increasingly digital?

To look ahead, we need to look back. Gold and silver have been accepted as money for more than 3,000 years. Tangible assets like gold and silver that you own and control will continue to protect your purchasing power for the next 3,000 years.

Join the growing number of New Zealanders choosing to protect their future with precious metals. To get started visit commonwealthvault.co.nz . 30 Hargreaves Street, St Marys Bay.

SUMMER DESIGN CLINIC

Get expert advice before you start your 2026 Project!

If you’re planning to renovate, extend or build in 2026, our Free December Design Clinic, is the ideal opportunity to get the clarity you need before the new year begins. Book a one-on-one online or in-person 45–60 minutes session from the 1–19 Dec. where the team will review your ideas and give you personalised guidance.

Once the 10 spots are filled, bookings will close. Book now at calendly.com/rosanna-box/house-design-clinic Have questions? Contact rosanna@box.co.nz

box.co.nz

Interiors that transcend time.

Suncraft transforms outdoor living with versatile modular furniture designed for comfort, durability, and timeless style. Built to withstand wind and weather year-round, the waterrepellent pieces are easy to maintain yet soft and inviting. From relaxed lounging to spacious entertaining, the modular system lets you create your perfect layout, with integrated tables adding seamless function and effortless sophistication.

suncraft.co.nz

eternointeriors.co.nz

Our vision is to redefine design by seamlessly blending creativity, functionality, and personalisation. We craft unforgettable spaces that tell your story and stand the test of time. Whether you're renovating, building new, or refreshing an existing home, we offer tailored interior design services to bring your vision to life. From design concept, and implementation through to installation we will be by your side.

We collaborate with a trusted team of industry experts across all trades to ensure every detail is executed with precision.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out so we can help make your dream a reality.

@eternointeriorsnz melissa@eternointeriors.co.nz

SUNCRAFT

Revealing the secret behind a

90 GROWTH IN REAL ESTATE BUSINESS

Top salespeople eventually spot the truth: They’re driving the results — not the brand on their business card.

So we built a model that puts the power back where it belongs. No franchise fees. No old-school overheads. Just full support, low costs, and a platform that lets you build your brand, not someone else’s; with the ability to leverage against explosive growth.

The proof is in the 21 AndCo agencies listing more property per salesperson than some of the biggest franchise groups across the country, and that’s momentum they’re able to tap into in order to scale their business - and now it’s your turn.

Top agents deserve to earn more, own more, and grow their business on their terms. This is your moment, it’s not a franchise, it’s bespoke - and it’s easier than ever to go out under your own name with the support of NZ’s fastest growing agency network.

IT’S IN THE NUMBERS - ANDCO IS THE BEST HOME FOR THE BEST AGENTS

Take the next step. Contact Kelly for a confidential conversation for more information.

resene.co.nz

A Fresh Coat of Christmas

As the year winds down and the festive rush picks up speed, there’s something grounding about looking to colour for a bit of calm. Christmas doesn’t have to be all tinsel and flashing lights – sometimes it’s the quieter tones that carry the season best.

Start with Resene Bright Red , a deep, confident red that evokes those December blooms. It’s a shade that feels celebratory without shouting, perfect for a feature wall or even just a few refreshed picture frames to warm up a living space before guests arrive.

Resene Forest Green , offers the ideal balance – a classic evergreen tone reminiscent of pine needles and wreaths. It’s grounding, steady, and pairs effortlessly with natural textures –think rimu, linen, and anything woven.

Together, red and green remain timeless, but still feel modern when kept matte and understated.

To soften the palette, introduce Resene Quarter Rice Cake Its clean, warm white brings breathing space to busier festive decor and acts as a gentle backdrop for candles and fairy lights. It’s also an easy way to freshen up trims or doorframes if you’re short on time!

For a touch of sparkle without going full metallic, look no further than Resene Gold Dust . A few brushstrokes on table accessories – a candleholder, a serving tray – add just enough festivity to feel intentional.

Together, these tones bring Christmas into the home in a way that feels calm, cohesive, and refreshingly grown-up.

Resene ColorShops and the Resene website offer a comprehensive array of options visit resene.co.nz

Continuous Group

At Continuous Group, they love helping homeowners create something different.

If you’re planning statement spouting to stand out from the neighbours’, talk to the team at Continuous Group. Whether it’s the elegant Half Round profile (pictured) or a completely custom design, they’ll create a system that compliments your home and makes a real impact.

They’ve got the expertise, the machinery and now their own powder coating plant to take on even the most complex spouting projects. Call us today to discuss your ideas.

continuous.co.nz

Resene Bright Red

Resene Quarter Rice Cake

Resene Gold Dust

Resene Forest Green

The Home Coffee Revolution

Ninja – long celebrated for pushing the boundaries of kitchen innovation – is entering the coffee arena with its boldest move yet.

The Ninja Luxe Café combines espresso, cold brew, and filter coffee in a single, sleek machine, offering professionalgrade precision for the home barista.

“Ninja has consistently challenged expectations of what’s possible in the kitchen, designing products that make advanced performance simple and accessible,” says Rohan Cooke of Golden Brown Coffee, who helped tailor features specifically for the ANZ market. “Luxe Café applies that same approach to one of the toughest categories: coffee. This is no mere countertop gadget, it’s a complete cafe system. Before Luxe Café, home baristas could waste an entire bag of beans just to dial in one perfect espresso shot. Luxe Café helps you master it in just three.”

For the Luxe Café promises to eliminate the guesswork and waste that often comes with home brewing. With features typically reserved for high-end machines, it delivers cafe-quality results with simple, intuitive controls.

The machine is designed for real-life coffee routines, with premium finishes including Stainless Steel, Midnight Black, Gunmetal, and Cyberspace, and a focus on everyday usability. Ninja has packed the Luxe Café with features that would impress even a professional barista. Barista Assist Technology guides every brew – from grind size and weight-based

dosing to automated adjustments of temperature and pressure – ensuring every cup is balanced and consistent. The Dual Froth System produces silky microfoam, thick froth, or cold foam, perfectly suited to both dairy and plantbased milk.

Other highlights include a 25-setting conical burr grinder, an assisted tamper for perfectly even espresso pucks, and weight-based dosing that tailors every shot automatically. Cold-pressed coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the slower, low-temperature extraction that delivers smooth, flavourful results – ideal for iced drinks or espresso martinis.

“No other machine at this price delivers this level of versatility, precision and performance,” adds Rohan. “With Luxe Café, you can create café-grade espressos, on-trend cold foams, and creative brews that keep pace with the latest in coffee culture.”

Whether you’re a casual coffee lover or a dedicated home barista, Luxe Café promises to turn your countertop into a complete cafe experience – without the long cafe queues!

Find out more at ninjakitchen.co.nz

Seamless Selling

Ray White Mount Eden realtor Claudia Wright grew up in a family of real estate agents in Wellington where she learnt all facets of the industry from staging through to selling.

Hear from one of Claudia’s satisfied clients below.

“We are very pleased we enlisted Claudia Wright to sell our property. Right from the start she showed enthusiasm and the drive to go the distance. Always contactable at any time and helped us navigate and remedy the numerous requests from the purchaser to make the deal happen. On top of that Claudia is reliable, engaging and professional in her approach to confidentially communicate to all parties to achieve the best outcome. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.” — Julian Snelgrove

You can email Claudia at claudia.wright@raywhite.com or call 022 040 2942 to find out more.

matrixsecurity.co.nz

Protection for Peace of Mind

Heading off on holiday should be a time for relaxation, not worrying about the safety of your home.

Matrix Security’s Holiday Hotlist Service provides a premium, expertly tailored solution designed to keep your property protected while you’re away.

Nothing deters opportunistic crime quite like a visible human presence. Matrix Security combines advanced technology with experienced officers to deliver a comprehensive and proactive approach to home protection. The Holiday Hotlist includes a minimum of two daily foot patrols, along with thorough checks of all exterior windows and doors, ensuring your home remains secure.

As an added convenience, officers can even handle the mail collection, newspaper removal, and junk-mail management, ensuring your home

looks lived-in. On request, officers can also bring in rubbish bins or water your plants. The service is fully adaptable designed to support your lifestyle and needs.

For clients travelling overseas or otherwise unreachable during their vacation, the Holiday Hotlist incorporates a personalised response plan. Should anything unusual occur, Matrix Security can contact your nominated emergency contacts and take swift, appropriate action on your behalf.

Matrix Security is trusted throughout Auckland’s most prestigious suburbs for its professionalism and premium home-security packages. Their 24/7 contact centre ensures a prompt response to alarm activations, security incidents, and client enquiries—providing an invaluable

layer of reassurance for homeowners. For those seeking continuous oversight, services such as CCTV video monitoring, video verification, and virtual patrols enhance on-theground patrols with smart, always-on surveillance.

Whether you’re spending the season at the beach, travelling overseas or simply enjoying a staycation, the Holiday Hotlist Service lets you relax, knowing your property is in capable hands. By combining experienced security officers, flexible personalised plans, and cutting-edge technology, Matrix Security delivers premium protection tailored for the summer months—and beyond.

For more information, visit the website at matrixsecurity.co.nz

Design Costs

Architecture design is control.

I love the Christmas holidays.

In February couples come to see me for a new house or an alteration. The man wonders how this happened, he just said, while on holiday, he was thinking of buying a bigger boat!

She is excited and he is worried about cost (a gender generalisation here) but the biggest worry for clients is the cost and how to control it.

Architects usually start a project working on a square-metre rate to determine a rough cost. Everyone talks square-metre rates but what does that rate include or exclude?

Recently a builder quoted my client a rather appealingly low square-metre rate, making them question mine. I asked the builder if his rate was inclusive of GST. It wasn't, so add 15%. It was for the house only, no driveway, no front gates, no landscaping, and it was for a basic house finish, laminate bench tops, not stone. Rather quickly his rate matched mine.

So be careful of square-metre rates.

Once a preliminary design and an outline specification describing the quality of finishes is produced, a quantity surveyor

(QS), can be engaged to prepare a budget estimate.

It's important the outline specification is detailed as the QS can only price what they have been told. Do you want extra high ceilings? Do you want steel joinery, plastered internal, ducted air-con, all varying the budget?

The budget estimate must have a contingency included. This contingency is for the unexpected issues that arise, usually its earthworks or drainage. Every house I have built for myself had unexpected drainage issues despite my best efforts.

It's at this preliminary stage the project budget can be finalised with adjustments to the plan or quality of finish.

So, why do projects go over budget?

Clients being unrealistic on cost. It's so hard to say no to a client. I usually get a quote for their demand, and that cost usually settles the issue.

Items being left out of the budget estimate. Include the kitchen appliances, not just the kitchen. Make sure the PC sums are reasonable. PC sums are amounts to cover items not yet picked, such as taps and light fittings.

WORDS PAUL LEUSCHKE

Client generated changes. Use the design stage to fully investigate the options, decide and stick to it.

Skimpy drawings. It is important a full set of good quality, detailed drawings are prepared, not just building consent documents. Good drawings, not just from the architect but from all consultants, allow the builder to price a project more accurately.

Not keeping to the construction programme. Bad weather and late suppliers can hold up the project meaning the on-site pace slows at your expense. Time is money when it comes to building.

Upping the quality. Builders, subcontractors and suppliers all want you to have the best, so will upsell you. It would be great if we all could own a Mercedes but we all can't afford one. Stick to your budget.

I have been through this process many times before and my rule is: keep to the budget.

paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz

021 894 895 leuschkekahn.co.nz

‘ROZZO’ from our latest Cruda Collection by Greg Natale, features large asymmetrical shapes pieced together like a mural. The design draws inspiration from textured reliefs and carved concrete panels of mid-century Brutalism, using layered and incised forms to create depth, rhythm, and shadow.

Customised to suit in both traditional hand-knotted and hand-tufted finishes.

1 Grosvenor St, Grey Lynn | 09 300 6116 | www.designerrugs.nz

Building for People

Scientist-turned-developer Kirsty Merriman

is quietly reshaping the future of urban living with a philosophy anchored in human-centred design. kirstymerriman.com

How was it changing from a corporate role to a role in construction?

Mercury versus Jupiter. Construction is a constant battle, full of ambiguity, personalities, some ridiculous legislation, and silos. But the reward of giving birth to a home from highly disparate items and rules? Beyond compare.

I can’t believe I ‘did’ 17 years in corporate. Construction is my natural habitat. I love being able to get truly stuck in and give it everything I can without being put into a box. I don’t have to conform.

Future-proofing is a major theme in your work. What constitutes ‘future proofing’?

It’s designing buildings that can adapt.

My designers don’t just follow the minimum requirements, they design responsibly. Technology changes. People’s lives change. The environment changes. Your home should be able to roll with all of that. Future-proofing isn’t an additional cost, it’s a long-term view to build adaptive capacity rather than planned obsolescence.

What misconceptions about ‘townhouse living’ in Auckland are you most determined to challenge?

The fundamental misconception is terminological: I don’t construct townhouses. I develop compact homes. They generally don’t share party walls. Because they are compact, it’s more affordable to enter desirable school zones

or live closer to transport links and more lock-and-leave suits many lifestyles. A better product can be delivered in a smaller package.

The Auckland market requires mediumdensity housing. My work creates homes that perform exceptionally well whilst utilising land efficiently at a price point that’s more attainable for those lockedout of these suburbs.

Your preference is for small clusters of homes as opposed to sprawling developments. How do you manage to balance neighbourliness and connection with privacy?

With deliberate spatial planning and architectural configuration, not driven by

maximised density. For example, the use of uPVC windows by Starke have high sound blocking. The decks have balustrades anchored to the side edges allowing for the addition of privacy louvres if needed. There are no windows that stare directly into your neighbour’s place.

The shared driveway and landscape garden create natural connection

points with these thoughtfully designed clusters often creating supportive microcommunities.

You personally manage every build and remove the head-contractor layer. Why take on that level of responsibility?

Managing the build directly means everyone gets fairly paid for quality work and held responsible for doing

good work, there isn’t a secondary trade squeeze once the contract is signed. If work doesn’t meet requirements, it gets sorted. This removes the usual pressure to cut costs or rush.

For buyers, this means the homes are built as planned. The trades are proud of their work that is why I choose them – we are a team.

Finally, what does a day in the life of Kirsty Merriman look like?

I have a semi-strict rule: in bed before midnight, out of bed after 4 am – not before. Early mornings are sacred. It starts with coffee, catching up on overnight business news. Then I add a very short upskill soundbite – at the moment it is all about my AI adoption.

My secret drug is a walk mid-day – a chance to think and, if I’m really lucky, a swim. Afternoons are usually computerbased with reports, spreadsheets, and dinner prep.

Into the evening, I’m video calling. When my bandwidth’s maxed: a good thriller or my piano sorts that out. My wee vice: a Drambuie on the deck, grabbing a peak of the Sky Tower and the Waitākeres.

Get in touch with Kirsty at kirstymerriman.com

santafeshutters.co.nz

Summer Sanctuary

How custom-made interior shutters transform sun-soaked spaces into serene summer retreats.

There’s something uniquely uplifting about a New Zealand summer. Long bright days and warm coastal breezes bring a sense of freedom, yet sun-soaked rooms can quickly become too bright or too warm to truly unwind. Creating a summer sanctuary is about shaping light and airflow so your home stays cool, calm and collected. Santa Fé shutters – crafted specifically for New Zealand homes and conditions – offer a refined, timeless way to achieve this balance.

More than just window coverings, Santa Fé’s interior shutters act as architectural features that bring structure, elegance and quiet order to any room.

Their adjustable louvres offer precise control over sunlight, softening harsh rays into gentle diffused patterns that instantly cool and calm the space. They’re ideal for bright living areas and north-facing bedrooms, where early morning light can be overwhelming.

Interior designers often choose shutters for the serenity they bring. Santa Fé’s finishes and design options complement any palette, from crisp coastal whites to warm hues or natural timbers.

For coastal homes, Santa Fé offers completely waterproof shutters designed to withstand rust, salt air and humidity

without compromising style. These durable options bring peace of mind to beachside living, retaining clean lines and smooth operation season after season. They're perfect for bathrooms, laundries or any room exposed to any moisture.

Convenience also plays a role in creating relaxed summer spaces. Santa Fé motorised shutters offer effortless control with the touch of a button, ideal for hard-to-reach windows and large feature areas. Motorisation keeps your home comfortable throughout the day, especially during the hottest hours, when manual adjustment can be difficult.

Whether refining a sun-drenched bedroom, creating a coastal retreat, or adding convenience to hard-to-reach spaces, Santa Fé shutters combine thoughtful design, beauty, durability and control to make every room a cool summer sanctuary.

Ready to create a calmer, beautifully balanced home? Book a complimentary in-home consultation with the Santa Fé experts.

Call 0508 274 888 or visit santafeshutters.co.nz

Custom Designed

Festivities at the Terraces

Celebrate Christmas Eve and New Year’s in style at The Terraces, where Head Chef Ranjit and his exceptional team have created festive menus designed to delight every sense.

Overlooking the stunning Tāmaki River, The Terraces offers an unforgettable setting for those who love delicious food, beautiful scenery, and warm, attentive service.

Until 23 December, enjoy a threecourse festive menu for $58 – perfect for individuals, small groups of up to 12, or even private functions of up to 180 guests. The restaurant is beautifully decorated for the holiday season, complete with a sparkling Christmas tree that truly sets the mood!

The three-course menus offer a generous selection of starters, mains, and desserts, all finished with homemade petit fours. Highlights include traditional Christmas turkey with cranberry and chestnut stuffing, and succulent Champagne ham. Each

dish is thoughtfully crafted by Chef Ranjit and his talented team to make your celebration utterly memorable.

If you have any food allergies, simply let them know when booking or on arrival. The team is trained to prepare your meal with care, and has detailed allergen information for every dish to ensure everyone enjoys a safe, stressfree festive experience.

Seats for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve sell out every year, and fast, so book now to avoid missing out! Treat yourself to exceptional dining, magical river views, and a festive atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of the season.

Visit the theterracesrestaurant.co.nz to explore the full menus and secure your booking today.

WIN WITH VERVE

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

FLORAL POET

Visit the gorgeous Floral Poet on Waiheke Island. One-off treasures, wedding florals and beautiful blooms – too much pretty all in one place! See for yourself at 114 Ocean View Road, Oneroa. Flowers and beautiful things can be ordered at floralpoet.co.nz

WIN a monthly bouquet valued at $150 for three months. Pick up in store.

JEUNEORA

- HORMONE HERO

Take charge of your hormones! Jeuneora’s latest innovation, Hormone Hero, is specifically formulated for women navigating hormonal changes – supporting mood, energy, and metabolic health with natural, science-backed ingredients. NZ-made, free from dairy, gluten, and GMOs. Oh, and it's already sold out!

WIN one of three Jeuneora’s Hormone Hero and feel your best every day, naturally; RRP $88.

AUCKLAND FOLK FESTIVAL

Returning to Kumeu Showgrounds over Auckland Anniversary Weekend, the Auckland Folk Festival is a three-day spectacular complete with an incredible music lineup from home and overseas, covered marquees, onsite camping, food trucks, workshops, market stalls and more!

WIN a weekend pass, including camping, over the weekend of 23-26 January. Choose from a double pass, or family pass which includes two adults and three children (children aged nine years and under can attend for free).

THE CONTEMPORARY GARDEN

Spanning the late 20th century to the present, The Contemporary Garden showcases 300 stunning gardens, from roof gardens to wildflower meadows, each celebrated with a large-format image and an insightful description. Published by Phaidon.

WIN a copy of The Contemporary Garden and deepen your understanding of the magic of gardening; RRP $100.

PHOTOGRAPHY: DANIEL BRUNSKIL

Love Your Skin? Protect It.

Even short bursts of sun exposure can contribute to collagen loss, dehydration, pigmentation and premature ageing. What many people don’t realise is that UVA rays, the ones responsible for longterm damage, can penetrate clouds and glass. This means your skin is still exposed while driving, sitting near windows or working in a brightly lit office.

As UV levels peak over December and January, protecting your skin becomes essential. 123456

Daily sunscreen is your first line of defence. Apply every morning and reapply every two hours when outdoors, swimming, sweating or spending extended time in direct sunlight. Reapplication is the step most people skip, yet it’s the one that keeps your protection effective throughout the day.

For even better results, pair your sunscreen with ingredients that support skin health. Antioxidants help defend against free-radical damage caused by UV exposure and blue light from phones

and computers. Barrier-strengthening serums with ceramides, peptides and hydrating actives help lock in moisture and support repair, especially during summer when your skin barrier is under extra stress.

Wearing SPF daily, including indoors, is one of the simplest ways to maintain healthy, bright and resilient skin. Invest in protection now and your complexion will continue to stay strong and glowing well beyond the summer season.

Our Top SPF Picks for Summer

1. Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

2. BioLumin-C SPF50

3. Protection Sport SPF50

4. Sheer Hydration SPF40

5. Versatile Tint SPF40

6. Jane Iredale PurePressed Base

Mineral Foundation SPF20

2/224 Kepa Road, Mission Bay 09 528 9010 lgskinclinic.co.nz

Dr Mirjana Janjic MD, FRNZCGP, Fellow CPCA, Board Certified Aesthetic Medicine Physician AAAMED, Diploma NZSCM

Cheers Without the Tears

The festive season is a wonderful time of year. It brings warm days, backyard barbecues, celebratory bubbles, and long summer evenings with friends and whānau. But for many New Zealanders, this period can also bring unwelcome discomfort in the form of heartburn and reflux.

Reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the oesophagus, causing that familiar burning sensation in the chest and throat. Symptoms often worsen over summer as we indulge in richer foods, enjoy a few extra drinks, and stay up later than usual.

Alcohol, particularly sparkling wine, beer, and cider, can relax the valve at the base of the oesophagus, often causing reflux. Paired with seasonal favourites like sausages, seafood, pavlova, and spicy marinades, it's easily understood why heartburn becomes a frequent problem.

Managing heartburn and reflux when the bubbles flow. are dedicated to exceptional patient care

Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help:

E njoy alcoholic beverages in moderation and consider alternating with water.

Smaller, more frequent meals can reduce pressure on the stomach, while minimising triggers such as citrus and tomato-based dishes.

· Avoid caffeine after midday – it relaxes the valve too.

A fter eating, avoid reclining straight away, opt for a relaxed stroll or summer swim instead.

If heartburn becomes persistent, interferes with sleep, or affects your quality of life, it’s worth investigating further. A gastroscopy is a minimally invasive, safe procedure that allows us to examine the oesophagus and stomach

With increased capacity, Waitemata Endoscopy offers greater access to a group of experienced Gastroenterologists and Surgeons, dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care.

Appointments are available within 7 working days for a Colonoscopy or Gastroscopy by matching you with the availability of our Specialists.

Talk to your GP about a referral to the Waitemata Endoscopy Group, or you can self-refer via:

using a thin tube with a camera. It is used to identify what’s causing your symptoms and help guide the best treatment for you.

At Waitematā Endoscopy, we aim to make taking a proactive approach to your gut health easy. We accept GP, specialist, and self-referrals via our website. Our experienced specialists can perform most Colonoscopy or Gastroscopy procedures for you within seven days of receiving the referral, when you let us match you with the availability of our 19 gastroenterologists and surgeons.

This summer, enjoy the bubbles without the burn. With a few simple steps and timely care when you need it, you can embrace the summer months in comfort. Cheers to sunshine, good food, and celebrations without the reflux!

Dr John Perry, Gastroenterologist & Endoscopist, Waitematā Endoscopy waitemataendoscopy.co.nz

SAINT BEAUTY

Saint Beauty is an advanced skin and laser clinic in the heart of St Heliers, offering cutting-edge BBL, Moxi laser, and bespoke advanced facials. Known for its refined, clinical approach with a calm boutique feel, the clinic delivers noticeable results without compromising comfort. Saint Beauty has quickly become a go-to destination for locals seeking luminous, healthier skin.

saintbeauty.nz

re-dental.co.nz

Celebrate the Smile Season

at Re-Dental clinic.

Book your November or December appointment for your chance to receive a Re-Dental Smile Gift.

The holidays are coming – and with them, the photos, the laughter, and those close-up moments that make the season special. It’s the perfect time to refresh your smile, prioritise your wellbeing, and treat your dental care as an act of selfcare.

At Re-Dental, every treatment is guided by precision, artistry, and calm expertise. From aesthetic enhancements to routine care, every detail is designed to feel personal, effortless, and uniquely you.

Enjoy a complimentary cosmetic consultation available until the end of the year*, a tailored, expert experience that explores every option for your smile.

*T&Cs apply

Book online at re-dental.co.nz 09 600 1739 info@re-dental.co.nz

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

Beauty Picks

1. mesoestetic anti wrinkle routine christmas gift set 2. Essano Vitamin C Fluid SPF50+ 3. Essano Moisturising Body SPF50+ 4. Elizabeth Arden Powder Blush in Blushing Mauve 02 5. Karen Murrell 06 Carnation Mist 6. Elizabeth Arden Highlighter in Rose Quartz Glow 11 7. Medik8 Luminous Lift Festive Kit 2025 8. Jeuneora Hormone Hero 9. Avène Cicalfate+ Multi-Protective

Fresh & Flowing

Heading to the beach has never felt smarter. Covertogs brings New Zealand designed and made swimwear crafted for women who want style, support, and sun protection in one. With SPF 50+, clever two-piece designs, built-in bras, a sleek front zip, and sizes 10-18, each piece blends confidence with comfort. Plus, get 10% off for all Verve customers with the promo code VERVE at covertogs.co.nz. Discount applies to full-price items only, valid until end of December.

a Covertogs

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Slide 9. Deadly Ponies Mr Penny Pouchette in Driftwood 10. Bailey Nelson Piper Sunglasses in Antique Tort

COVERTOGS SWIM COMBO

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Swimwear Slimline Round Neck, Long Sleeve Tankini Top in Black and Ruched Skirt in Black.

Inked Intentions

More than art, these tattoos hold history.

TA MOKO

GREEKS AND ROMANS

The Ancient Greeks, and later Romans, referred to tattoos as stigmata , often used to signify ownership, punishment, or religious affiliation. Slaves, criminals, and prisoners of war were tattooed to mark their status. Herodotus writes that after the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, surrendered Thebans were tattooed with King Xerxes’s marks, branding them as cowards. In contrast, Ancient Britons wore tattoos as marks of pride and status, with elaborate designs – often of beasts – adorning their bodies, leading the Romans to name one northern tribe Picti, meaning ‘painted people’.

MOKO KAURI MOKOKAURI.CO.NZ

Tā moko originated in Polynesia and evolved into a unique New Zealand form, with deep grooves carved into the skin using uhi (chisels) and mallets, then filled with pigment. Motifs such as spirals and rays carry meanings of identity, status, and genealogy. From the mid-19th century, Christian influence via missionaries, as well as colonisation, suppressed tā moko and by the 1920s only men continued the practice. The original bone chisels were eventually replaced by metal tools and later tattoo needles. A tā moko revival began in the 1970s, gaining momentum in the 1990s and 2000s, fuelled by Māori artists reclaiming cultural pride. IMAGE:

ANCIENT JAPAN

Japanese tattooing – or irezumi –dates back thousands of years. Early evidence appears on clay figurines from the Jōmon period (10,000 BCE) appearing to depict tattooed faces. In the Edo period (1603–1868), decorative full-body tattoos flourished among labourers and firemen, influenced by ukiyo-e woodblock prints. However, tattoos were also used to punish criminals – marking them as outcasts. In the Meiji era – which covered the late 19th and early 20th centuries – Japan outlawed tattooing to appear more ‘civilised’. Though the ban was lifted after the second world war, tattoos remain stigmatised, associated with the yakuza (organised crime groups). Today, traditional irezumi survives alongside modern styles, representing both cultural heritage and individual identity.

ANCIENT EGYPTIANS

The world’s oldest known tattoos were found on Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old European mummy –but the Ancient Egyptians weren’t far behind when it comes to inking their skin. Infrared scans have revealed tattoos on mummies from as early as 3350 BCE, including Gebelein Man, whose arm bears images of animals. A woman buried nearby had “S”-shaped marks and possible ritual symbols. Later mummies from the village of Deir el-Medina featured tattoos including animals, lotus flowers, and Wadjet eyes, implying religious connotations.

SAILOR INK

Western naval tattooing traces back to the late 1700s, when sailors on Captain Cook’s voyages encountered tattooed Polynesians and adopted the practice. By the early 19th century, British and American sailors were getting inked in ports around the world, with tattoos serving as mementos of foreign travel, spiritual protection, or rites of passage – a way for naval folk to display pride, identity, and experiences earned at sea. Common motifs included anchors, swallows, ships, and religious symbols.

NATIVE AMERICAN

For millennia, indigenous peoples across the Americas have used tattooing as sacred cultural expression, the practice often signifying family, tribal identity, social status, life milestones, or spiritual visions. Tattoos have been used to mark achievements in hunting or war, offer protection, or connect wearers to ancestors and spirit guides. Some even believed tattoos could heal ailments and ensure safe passage to the afterlife.

IMAGE: JAPANESE BACK TATTOO BY TOMTOM, SUNSET TATTOO NZ TOMTOMTATTOO.COM

Under the Skin

WORDS — SCOTT MURPHY

Celebs and tourists alike flaunt them, but across Asia bamboo tattooing is much more than just a surface design...

Travelling to Buscalan village in the Philippines is akin to going on a dangerous quest for hidden gold treasure. From Manila, it’s a mere 425km north, yet there are treacherous, impassable roads, uncertain transportation connections, and you sign your life away on the packed buses. You might get there in half a day. Then again, 24-hour trips are not uncommon.

“We’re not only preserving our national heritage by doing this, but we are also offering special benefits to the user,” says SomBath.

“Every design is carefully considered, created, and offers a unique meaning and power.”

Many intrepid global travellers make the trip though. This is partly due to the spectacular, lush mountains and green rice terraces that grace the remote mountainous village. But more often it’s because they want to get a special bamboo tattoo from Apo Whang-Od, who at 108, is likely to be the oldest tattoo artist in the world.

Daily, travellers book appointments with the one-time Vogue magazine cover star, who stands out in the village with her colourful hip-hop clothing, jewellery, and innate attitude. If they’re lucky, they’ll be the recipients of the mambabatok ’s (traditional Kalinga tribe tattooist) three dots which she taps out on a person’s upper arm.

“A key thing to know about bamboo tattooing is that it involves a traditional hand-poking technique where a bamboo stick with needles attached is used to manually puncture the skin and deposit ink, unlike modern tattoos done with electric machines,” says Whangod’s grandniece, Grace Palicas (Insta: @palicasgrace). “The method is more culturally authentic and considered to

be an artisan practice with origins in Batok traditions.”

The 29-year-old spent several years learning the 1,000-year-old artform from Whang-Od, ensuring that the bamboo tattooing lineage will continue. It’s believed that if someone outside the bloodline is taught, then the tattoos can become infected. As a modern mambabatok , Palicas, along with Ilyang Wigan (another bloodline successor), is doing all she can to keep the Batok tradition going.

Once placed on warriors for spiritual or military purposes, today’s tattoos generally have a personal, rather than tribal, meaning. But they can be just as elaborate, with precise geometric lines placed across arms, legs, chests, and more, via a process that can take multiple sessions and days.

Charcoal is mixed in equal parts with water to produce the ink, then the design is stencilled directly onto the skin. Afterwards, the bamboo tattoo process commences via a series of taps (and more ink).

“One of my favourite designs is a fern which is used for prosperity, abundance, and fertility,” says Palicas. “But I also like drawing mountains, which represents nature. I believe tattooing is part of a bigger picture for our culture in a global way of life.”

In Phuket, Thailand, over 2,000km away, the heavily tattooed, selfproclaimed “Bamboo “Man”, Prachitchai Daenglaoun (@InkByBambooman), can often be found laser focused on his customers while creating intricate designs across their bodies. “I’m the best,” he says with a smile while alongside his business partner Jack Tew. “There are dozens of so called ‘bamboo tattoo artists’ across Thailand – especially in Bangkok – but they tend to use machines and call it bamboo tattooing.”

Bamboo Man, who opened his store, Ink by Bamboo Man, in 2017, uses a stainless-steel bamboo stick for a variety of reasons, including hygiene, ease of design, and a sense of tradition. Though he does draw traditional Thai characters upon request, his style

leans towards elaborate works of art: “I especially like drawing widescreen Japanese comic characters.”

Farther north, in Bangkok itself, Sak Yant Bangkok (@sakyantbangkok) features one local and two foreign masters (also called Ajarns) who use a steel tattooing rod called a khem sak For hygienic purposes they use small needles in different sizes and shapes once, and once only. Both the Bangkok and Chiang Mai setups offer special Sak Yant tattoos, which are generally in Thai, and which can be blessed afterwards by a monk for a desired result.

“We offer a full explanation about the process and what’s going on in English,” says owner Silaporn Bangbuabal. “We also provide pictures and videos from the whole experience. Afterwards, guests can visit the Wat Bang Pra temple where many masters are influenced by the Wat Bang Pra lineage.”

Whether it involves hand tapping, intricate design, or rods of any sort, there is a healthy belief that both

bamboo tattooing and the spiritual experience behind tattoos – mainly found via Sak Yants – originated in Cambodia. Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie helped bring such tattoos into the mainstream when she showed her elaborate designs off after filming there. Though many tourists have gotten them since, the Cambodian artisans who practise the trade take it seriously, imbuing lengthy training and meaning into the artform.

The Federation of Khmer Sakyantra (federationofkhmersakyantra.com) is one of the best examples of this, the initiative started outside Siem Reap in 2014. There, several brothers have spent years practising their designs at the feet of their master, Say Tevent, who himself learnt bamboo tattooing from his own father.

“It’s generally believed that Sak Yants date back thousands of years in Cambodian culture, long before Thailand and elsewhere, though the Philippines is in its own arena in this regard,” says SomBath Sakk “Sak

Yants stem from the Khmer language, as ‘ yants ’ represent the designs and ‘sak ’ means to tap or tattoo.”

Though SomBath concedes that there are imitators, especially in Phnom Penh, the attention to detail that the Federation presents is gaining steady recognition for those who wish to have the genuine experience and article. Following a considerate consultation, the needles are sterilised and attached to a long bamboo rod which is used to push ink underneath the skin. The designs and mantras that are created across the body can represent whatever the recipient desires for long term use. Following the session, the tattoos are then blessed by the Master, who bestows upon it special powers.

“We’re not only preserving our national heritage by doing this, but we are also offering special benefits to the user,” says SomBath. “Every design is carefully considered, created, and offers a unique meaning and power.”

Rooted

Inspired by the idea of connection between artists, cultures, and the wider community, the Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention brings the diverse world of tattooing into one inclusive, family-friendly event.

With space to celebrate art, expression and story, this is where tattoo culture meets community. Founders Ben and Madeline Kaye explain more.

How do you choose which artists to feature at the convention?

Ben: From traditional tā moko and Pacific tattoo to modern realism, fine line, Japanese, neo-traditional, and beyond, our goal is to represent both local and international talent. We want the convention floor to reflect the global tattoo community and how diverse the community is here in Aotearoa.

Tattooing holds strong cultural significance in Māori and Pacific cultures – how do you honour that?

Ben: It’s about respect and understanding. Ensuring there’s space for tā moko and Pacific artists to

represent and express themselves. We have a range of tattoo talks happening over the weekend, one of which is by a very well respected moko artist. It’s a platform for artists to talk about their experiences, what tattooing and moko means for them and voice to help educate the general public.

What do you hope the long-term impact of Roots Auckland will be?

Madeline: Our hope is that Roots becomes more than just an annual event, that it serves as a platform for growth, education, and connection within the tattoo world. In Aotearoa, we want to help elevate tattooing as a respected artform, one that embraces both cultural heritage and modern creativity.

Globally, we’d love for Roots to be seen as an example of how a tattoo convention can be inclusive, family-friendly, and culturally aware. If we can inspire more collaboration, mutual respect, and appreciation for the diversity of tattooing, then we’ve achieved our purpose.

Organising a tattoo convention is no small feat!

Madeline: It’s definitely been a learnas-we-go experience! Being our very first convention, there’s been a lot of figuring things out in real time. We did a huge amount of research, asked a lot of questions, and spoke to other event organisers before officially deciding to go ahead with Roots and that definitely helped us set some expectations. But of course, once you’re in it, the reality can

be quite different! Budgets have been adjusted more than once, timelines always move faster than you think, and there are so many small details that you only learn by doing.

You host seminars and workshops. Are there any standout sessions you’re particularly proud of? How do you see education shaping the future of the tattoo community?

Ben: The biggest, and my first, was to 140 tattooists in Las Vegas. That's certainly a standout. Not only for the buzz and location, but for how responsive the audience was – and being mostly American they were pretty open and confident with questions. That was a lot of fun.

Access to tattoo education has changed dramatically in my 18 years in the industry and has allowed real artists to enter. This has pushed tattooing to new highs and really started a renaissance. I can’t wait to see where tattooing goes over the next 18 years.

For tattoo artists thinking of applying to be part of the convention, what advice or tips would you give them?

Madeline: Apply! Join us. Artists tend to internalise and have a lack of confidence about their work but don’t do that. At the least come along to visit if you’re not working, we’d love to have your support!

The Roots Auckland Tattoo Convention debuts at The Cloud on 14-15 March 2026. Find out more at aucklandroots.com

IMAGE: BEN AND MADELINE KAYE

IMAGE: DOM CARTER

The Femininomenon

When Chappell Roan steps onto the Laneway Festival ’26 stage this summer, it won’t just be a headline set, it will be a cultural moment.

In what seems a blink of an eye, the Missouri-born, LA-based pop powerhouse has erupted from cult favourite to global phenomenon, claiming six Grammy nominations, sparking a worldwide dance craze, and becoming, according to the critics, “your favourite artist’s favourite artist”. For the first time, she’s bringing her technicolour, queer-joy pageantry to Aotearoa.

“Chappell Roan is the artist of the moment – she’s bold, theatrical and completely herself, and bringing her to Aotearoa for the very first time feels huge,” she says festival director, Jessie Parker. “We can’t wait to see the outfits, the signs, the glitter. Auckland is about to be transformed.”

Chappell Roan knows a thing or two about transformation, of course. Growing up in Willard, Missouri, Chappell repressed feelings about her sexuality. After winning her school talent show at age 13, she first gained confidence to pursue her dreams of being a performer. At 16, she released ‘Die Young’, a brooding folk song that brought her a major label record deal, leading to her 2017 debut EP, School Nights, and her move to LA in 2018. “Back then, I liked being mysterious and serious,” says the singer.

Now, her music bursts with big emotions and big pop hooks that’s turned her into a generational star. After releasing her acclaimed debut album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess in 2023, she set off a full-blown cultural wave. Six of its tracks charted on the Hot 100, while ‘Good Luck, Babe!’ became the song of 2024, topping global year-end lists and making her a household name. Her Grammy-night performance of the 2020 sleeper hit ‘Pink Pony Club’ – about a small-town girl who finds belonging at a West Hollywood go-go bar, inspired by Chappell’s real-life experiences in LA – cemented her ascent.

“I wanted to prove that women in pop are multi-dimensional,” says Chappell. “It’s important for me to show that I’m not just some sexy pop star, I wallow in pain just as much as the next girl.”

Her willingness to be vulnerable – not to mention loudly, joyfully queer – has made her a beacon for fans who see themselves in her glitter-streaked fabulousness.

“I’m just trying to honour my inner child who thought she wasn’t worth anything,” says Chappell, “and prove to her that she actually is a really good person.”

After opening for Olivia Rodrigo on the GUTS tour, and selling out her own US, UK and European shows in minutes, she’s now teasing her next era. ‘The Giver’, the lesbian country anthem she debuted on SNL , became an instant fan favourite – and a reminder that she isn’t here to play by genre rules any more than she plays by societal ones. Her sets at Coachella, Governors Ball and Lollapalooza – the latter drawing a record-breaking 110,000 people – showed a performer drawing stadium-sized devotion long before she’s even filled one herself.

Which is precisely why Laneway Festival ’26 feels like such a coup.

“Auckland really does have some of the best music fans in the world – cool, kind, down to earth people who show up, know every lyric, and set the tone for the whole tour,” Jessie tells Verve “It’s why Laneway Festival in Tāmaki Makaurau is always one of our favourite days.”

The Laneway Festival audience is tailor-made for an artist whose shows have become a kind of participatory theatre. Expect western-glam costumes. Expect handmade signs. Expect the “HOT TO GO!” routine breaking out in every corner of the festival. And expect tears – and glitter! – everywhere.

For Chappell Roan, the stage is a playground, a protest, a drag bar, a diary entry, a neon-pink chapel where pop’s rules don’t apply. And for one ecstatic evening this summer, all of that will land right here, in Tāmaki Makaurau, for the very first time.

Laneway Festival ’26 isn’t just getting a headliner.

It’s getting a movement. We’ll see you there.

Find out more at lanewayfestival.com/auckland

Around Town

CHRISTMAS CHEER

19 December

Auckland Town Hall

THE

22 January

Spark Arena

Auckland Philharmonia brings festive cheer to Auckland Town Hall in 2025, with Awhimai Fraser, Nic Kyle and The Graduate Choir delivering orchestral classics, modern Christmas favourites and beloved carols. A joyful, singalong celebration for whānau and friends.

aucklandphil.nz

ED SHEERAN

16 – 17 January

Go Media Stadium

The Last Dinner Party have announced details of a huge headline tour that spans the UK and Europe, with a major run of Australia and New Zealand shows, too They’ll make their New Zealand debut at Spark Arena for one night only on 22 January, joined by special guest Sir Chloe. A huge moment for the rising art-rock band.

ticketmaster.co.nz

COCA-COLA CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

13 December

Auckland Domain

Frontier Touring and MG Live announce Ed Sheeran’s return to New Zealand next January with his all-new Loop Tour. Following the release of his album Play, he’ll perform stadium shows in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, delivering surprises, new music and his biggest hits. A huge, unmissable 2026 tour.

aucklandlive.co.nz

Coca-Cola Christmas in the Park – the nation’s favourite festive party – returns with a huge night of free entertainment and spectacular fireworks in Auckland (and Christchurch). Since 1994 it’s grown into New Zealand’s biggest annual Christmas celebration, showcasing top homegrown talent and emerging stars for a joyful, family-friendly summer tradition.

coca-cola.com

IMAGE: THE LAST DINNER PARTY

LAST DINNER PARTY

SUMMER CONCERT TOUR 2026

29 January

Spark Arena

Greenstone Entertainment’s Summer Concert Tour returns in January with a powerhouse 2026 line-up featuring Iggy Pop, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and Zed. Auckland fans can catch this historic bill at Spark Arena, with further shows in Wānaka and Taupō.

greenstoneentertainment.co.nz

ONEREPUBLIC

4 February

Spark Arena

Grammy-nominated US band OneRepublic, fronted by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder, have announced their highly anticipated return to New Zealand with The Sweet Escape Tour in February 2026. Joining them as special guest is award-winning pop superstar Freya Ridings.

ticketmaster.co.nz

AUCKLAND LIVE CHRISTMAS IN AOTEA SQUARE

Until 21 December

Aotea Square

Auckland Council’s much-loved Christmas event returns with free live music, visual arts, karaoke, circus acts, family fun, and more! Across 24 days, the square becomes a festive hub with top local musicians, comedy, workshops and creative play – a vibrant celebration for all ages in the heart of the city.

aucklandlive.co.nz

SHAKESPEARE

IN THE PARK

18 January –15 February

The Pumphouse Outdoor Amphitheatre

Experience a magical Auckland summer with Shakespeare in the Park , the city’s only outdoor Shakespeare event. As the sun sets over Lake Pupuke, enjoy dynamic performances that bring the Bard’s classics vividly to life. With free entry for kids 12 and under, it’s an unforgettable, family-friendly night under the stars.

pumphouse.co.nz

IMAGE: ONEREPUBLIC

IMAGE: JOAN JETT

SKYCITY

NEW YEARS’ DAY RACES

TAB KARAKA MILLIONS CHAMPIONS DAY

SKYCITY BOXING DAY RACES FRI 26 DEC THU 1 JAN SAT 24 JAN SAT

FREE ENTRY & FREE KIDS’ ENTERTAINMENT RACEDAYS: GINGERNUTS SALVER RACEDAY SUN 11 JAN SUMMER RACEDAY

Art of December

As the city exhales into the season of light, the galleries answer with a chorus of new views.

Exhibitions this month lean into reflection and renewal – the quiet pulse of memory, the domestic reimagined, and stories reshaped by contemporary voices. These shows offer more than just escape from the heat; they invite us to stay attentive, to look longer, and to listen for the unexpected. Summer brings generosity to the arts – not in scale alone, but in spirit. These are the exhibitions that open the door to it.

artache.com

CURATED BY AIMÉE RALFINI

MELANIE ROGER GALLERY

Summer Matt Ellwood and more

5 December – 24 December

This December, they’re turning their window gallery into a seasonal celebration – a rotating presentation of works by represented and guest artists. Expect a bold mix of contemporary painting, sculptural objects, and vibrant colour palettes capturing the season in all its heat and shimmer. An energetic display timed for the holidays, offering an opportunity for collectors and visitors to discover new works on a sunny scale.

444 Karangahape Road, Karangahape Arts District melanierogergallery.com

SANDERSON CONTEMPORARY

Summer Exhibition 2025

Josephine Cachemaille, Kate van der Drift, Zara Dolan, and more

1 December — 28 January

Sanderson are pleased to present the Summer Exhibition 2025 – a dynamic group exhibition celebrating the range and diversity of contemporary practice in Aotearoa. Featuring works by Josephine Cachemaille, Kate van der Drift, Zara Dolan and others, this showcase brings together painting, photography, print and sculpture in a spirited conversation across materials, form and gesture. A radiant close to the year and welcoming start to the next.

Osborne Lane, Newmarket sanderson.co.nz

ARTWORK: MATT ELLWOOD, MADONNA AND CHILD , 2013

ARTWORK: KARL MAUGHAN, COLVILLE BAY , 2025, OIL ON CANVAS

STUDIO ONE TOI TŪ

Summer Exhibitions:

Domesticated / Someone To Watch Over Me / The Unspoken Is Felt Group Shows + Featured Artists

December — January

Studio One Toi Tū ushers in the season with three exhibitions that explore connection, care, and the lived spaces we move through. Domesticated reimagines the rituals and small architectures of daily life. Someone To Watch Over Me turns its attention to the tender act of holding one another in sight and thought. The Unspoken Is Felt brings together artists who work in the realm beyond language – where memory, gesture, and emotion take form.

Across these shows, the gallery becomes a gathering of shared experience and creative play. Sculpture, installation, drawing, and text weave a warm and thoughtful portrait of community at its most expansive.

1 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby studioone.org.nz

GOW LANGSFORD GALLERY

North West

Karl Maughan

22 November — 21 December

Karl Maughan’s work is among the most readily recognisable in Aotearoa and finds a home in the collections of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Christchurch Art Gallery, The Wallace Arts Trust, and Parliamentary Offices. His compositions use small dabs of colour repeated in detail to create dynamic garden scenes, while sky, or sometimes water, interrupts and folds into the space. In North West, he continues this powerful and immersive exploration of landscape, brilliance and botanical theatre.

26 Lorne Street, Auckland Central gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz

EDITOR’S PICK

INTERNATIONAL ART CENTRE

Summer Salon

Featuring Graham Kirk

1 December — 27 February

In this latest work, Kermit returns to Taranaki. Here he gazes in awe upon a spectacular golden sunset which is actually the view from the artist’s studio. Since 1955 the ever-popular Kermit is known for his gentle personality, sincerity and of course for ‘bein’ green’

202 Parnell Road, Parnell internationalartcentre.co.nz

ARTWORK: GRAHAM KIRK, KERMIT AND TARANAKI SUNSET , ACRYLIC ON BOARD

ARTWORK: SHINTARO & YOSHIKO NAKAHARA, EVERAFTER , 2024 (DIPTYCH)

timecapsulegallery.net

Christmas Exhibition

Sarah-Jane Smith’s Christmas exhibition of paintings in Devonport at the Time Capsule Gallery from 1 December to 2 January. Opening ceremony on 1 December at 6pm.

Programmes in the gallery throughout the month, talks, workshops, and other artistic activities with the painter.

Time Capsule Gallery

Art & Lectures

30 Victoria Road Devonport, Auckland

gallerytimecapsule@gmail.com | timecapsulegallery.net Celebrate art at the Time Capsule Gallery.

Featuring 12 of Graham’s latest paintings that capture the vibrant essence of Aotearoa New Zealand. From sun-drenched beaches and bustling local scenes to serene landscapes spanning both the North and South Islands.

homeeasesolutions.co.nz

Support that elevates living!

Kim Willis of Home Ease Solutions

Kim understands that asking for help isn’t always easy. Through her business, Home Ease Solutions, she offers a gentle, practical service for people who want to stay comfortable and independent in their own homes –especially older clients finding everyday tasks a little harder.

From thoughtful decluttering and home organisation to gardening, DIY projects, IT support, shopping, and accompanying clients to appointments, Kim provides the kind of quiet, reliable help that makes daily life feel lighter. Her warm, reassuring manner – and welltimed sense of humour! – helps people accept support without feeling they’re

burdening family, while giving loved ones confidence that someone capable and caring is there to lend a hand.

What makes Home Ease Solutions special is the personal touch Kim brings to every home. She understands that everyone’s needs are different, and tailors her approach with sensitivity, discretion, and genuine kindness. Her ‘one-stop’ style means she can take care of the practical tasks and small comforts that bring ease, calm, and confidence back into daily living.

Contact Kim today to find out how she can help you or someone you love.

Embrace the Power

Nestled within an active geothermal reserve, Hell’s Gate offers New Zealand’s only geothermal mud bath experience.

A treasured place of healing and revitalisation for Māori for more than 500 years, our geothermal mud is unique to this area and renowned for its therapeutic benefits and rejuvenating properties.

Begin your journey by immersing yourself in geothermal pools as you lather yourself head to toe in silky smooth mud. Relax as nature nurtures the body and mind, opening the pores and exfoliating, detoxifying and nourishing the skin, leaving it feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Following this indulgent experience, soothe the body in nutrient-rich sulphur spas while taking in the unique view over the geothermal landscape. Unwind to the sound of waterfalls and native birds or revitalise the body and take the plunge in the cold pool. Promoting relaxation, relieving aching muscles and

offering relief for various skin ailments, the healing waters of Tikitere have been sought out for centuries.

Immerse yourself in an active geothermal reserve and connect with nature in its most primal form at Hell’s Gate. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.

Visit hellsgate.co.nz for hours, tours, and shuttle details. Follow for inspiration at @HellsGateNZ.

351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 07 345 3151 info@hellsgate.co.nz

Join an exclusive property management company on Waiheke

Nature’s Private Playground

Blake House is the best-kept secret in the Poronui estate – a luxurious, exclusive-use family haven near Taupō, designed for those seeking genuine escape, deep connection, and the quiet magic of Aotearoa’s high country.

Tucked into the remote Taharua Valley, the villa feels worlds away from everyday life. Styled in classic hunting-lodge tradition, it’s a sanctuary made for multigenerational stays: grandparents unwinding by the fire, kids racing across the lawn, and parents taking a moment on the deck with a glass of wine as the sun drops behind the hills. Here, time slows. Conversation flows. And togetherness happens without trying.

“It’s about relationships and memories,” says Lodge Manager Claire Hall. “That’s what people take home.”

Inside, Blake House offers expansive living spaces, open fireplaces, and sweeping views across Poronui’s 6,500-hectare wilderness. Outside, the estate serves as a private playground. Adventurers can saddle up for horseback rides across rolling country, hike or mountain bike through 2,000 hectares of native bush, or try clay shooting, archery or a heli-adventure.

For those seeking a slower rhythm, why not indulge in a full-body massage or simply wander through crisp highcountry air, letting the quiet settle in.

And then there’s the fly-fishing – among the best on earth! Set at the headwaters of the Taharua and Mohaka rivers, these pristine, gin-clear streams offer some of the world’s most revered brown and rainbow trout fishing. “Poronui started with fly-fishing,” Claire explains. “These waters are incredibly special – and so are the people who come to experience them.”

Poronui’s immense landscape is just as unforgettable. Eucalyptus stands, regenerating mānuka, high ridgelines and open farmland stretch as far as the eye can see. Managing it all is both an art and an adventure. “You can have sun and

rainbows at one end of the property and snow or a deluge at the other,” Claire laughs. “It keeps us on our toes.”

Evenings at Blake House are all about connection. Poronui’s culinary team crafts menus that tell the story of the land, the seasons, and the artisans who grow and produce the ingredients. “In New Zealand we’re spoilt for seasonal produce, passionate growers, amazing artisans,” says Claire. “Here at Poronui, we host a dinner party every night. We like the menus to tell a story of the property, chef, and country.”

Dine together around the long table or step outside and feast beneath a sky thick with stars. Either way, meals become memories.

Poronui’s commitment to conservation runs through everything it does – from predator control and carbon forestry to protecting native beech forest for future generations. Guests become part

of that legacy, connecting not only with the land but with the people who have cared for it for decades.

“We’ve built something lasting here,” Claire says. “Not just infrastructure, but connections. The people are what make this place truly special.”

After 25 years at Poronui, Claire has witnessed countless families return, generation after generation. “It just gets better and better,” she reflects. “Many of the same amazing people, guests and friends are still part of the journey.”

Whether you’re standing on a high ridgeline with nothing but wilderness in sight, wading through a trout-filled river, or settling in by the fire with the people you love, Blake House offers that rare feeling of exhale. As Claire puts it: “It’s certainly a ‘wow’ moment for most.”

Ready to plan your escape? Discover Blake House and create your own family tradition at blakehousevilla.com

thefoundationvillage.co.nz

Elegant Living

With the Nathan Residences now complete, attention turns to The Foundation’s latest addition – the Abbott Residences.

Construction is progressing rapidly, with roofing underway and the first glimpses of its elegant limestone facade set to be revealed as scaffolding begins to come down.

Abbott Residences will offer homes tailored to both comfort and beauty. From light-filled living areas to practical layouts, these homes blend elegance with liveability, ensuring that style never comes at the expense of ease.

The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments boast classic design

with contemporary finishes, offering a canvas for personal expression. Generously proportioned the apartments offer large, full-height windows, double glazing, high ceilings, and integrated air-conditioning. Residents can enjoy the bright and airy environment, while chef’s kitchens, sculleries, and full laundry rooms, offer a clutter-free and comfortable lifestyle.

State-of-the-art security has also been a priority in the design with secure underground parking and keyless entry.

The Nathan Residences have set a high bar for modern retirement living, and Abbott Residences will soon add its own layer to the story. Atop of Abbott Residences, residents will be able to enjoy one of the development’s most exciting features: a rooftop conservatory with expansive views of the city and harbour.

An elevated sanctuary will serve as the perfect backdrop for sunset drinks, casual gatherings, or quiet moments of reflection. The Foundation is a community woven around culture, comfort, and vitality. The restored Pearson House now hums with life, providing an exclusive resident club featuring a stylish eatery, boutique cinema, art studio, cardio studio, lounges, wellbeing suite, and billiard room.

Generus Living, the group behind The Foundation, has been deliberate in crafting an environment where every detail counts. This meticulous attention is what ensures the precinct isn’t just beautiful, but deeply liveable, too. Contact us today to book a private tour of The Foundation or to view plans for the Abbott Residences.

For more information or to book a tour call 09 869 3947. thefoundationvillage.co.nz

Box Office

THE HISTORY OF SOUND

18 December

In 1917, music students Lionel and David bond at the Boston Conservatory over their love of folk songs. Years later, a letter reunites them and sparks a journey through rural Maine to collect traditional music – and a profound, unexpected romance. Their rediscovered connection, and the voices they preserve, alters Lionel’s life in ways he never anticipates. Starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor.

SENTIMENTAL VALUE

8 January

Sisters Nora and Agnes reconnect with their estranged father, Gustav, a once-celebrated director seeking a comeback. When Nora declines his offer of a lead role, she’s stunned to learn he’s handed it to an ambitious young Hollywood actress. As filming looms, the sisters must confront old wounds, shifting loyalties, and the chaos an American star brings into their tangled family dynamic.

MERCY

22 January

Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson star in this dystopian sci-fi thriller from the director of Wanted. In a future where justice is gamified, the system’s own inventor is accused of killing his wife. With just 90 minutes to review evidence and lower his “guilt” score below 92%, he must outwit the very machinery he created to survive.

THE CHORAL

29 January

In 1916, as the Western Front drains Ramsden’s Choral Society of its men, the determined committee recruits local boys and hires a new chorus master, the intense and enigmatic Dr Henry Guthrie. With conscription looming and tensions rising, the community discovers that making music together offers solace, solidarity, and a powerful answer to the turmoil reshaping their lives.

IMAGE: SENTIMENTAL VALUE

IMAGE: THE CHORAL

Location Meets Luxury

The Foundation is about retirement without compromise. It is a place for you to enjoy your retirement years with security, vitality and engagement. The Nathan Residences are now complete, and plans are available for the next stage – Abbott Residences.

Contact us today to book a private tour of The Foundation and experience its immense potential first-hand.

541 PARNELL ROAD09 869 3947

The Modern Family Tree

Why simple wills no longer work in complex families

Modern families rarely fit the traditional mould. Second marriages, stepchildren, new partners later in life, and children living across different households are now commonplace. While these relationships enrich our lives, they also create legal complexities that a standard will, or outdated trust simply can’t handle.

If your family has changed over the years, it may be time to consider whether your current estate plan still achieves what you want it to.

Why blended families pose unique risks

Many people assume their existing will is “good enough”, but blended families present challenges that standard templates don’t cover. Without proper planning, your assets may not end up where you intended. Common issues we see include:

• Risk of “Mirror Wills”:

Couples in blended families often create “mirror wills”, where each leaves their estate to the other, and on the death of the survivor, the combined estate is distributed among all children from both sides of the family. This structure can create a significant risk for the children of the first partner to die, as their inheritance becomes contingent on the goodwill of their step-parent.

• Claims under the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 (PRA): The PRA provides another avenue for claims that can disrupt testamentary

wishes in a blended family. If a willmaker leaves most of their estate to their children, the surviving spouse can elect to make a claim under the PRA.

Family Protection Act challenges: If your estate plan is unclear or favours one side of the family, disputes may arise, often resulting in costly and lengthy court involvement.

These risks can be avoided with a tailored plan that recognises your family’s unique shape.

Why simple wills often fall short:

A basic will does not provide enough structure for blended families, it may not offer:

• Flexibility, when balancing the needs of a new partner with obligations to children.

• Guidance for trustees on how to distribute assets fairly.

• Protection for assets brought into a relationship later in life.

• Certainty about how you want family heirlooms, personal items, or inherited property handled.

How a modern will, can protect your blended family:

• Protect children’s inheritances. Your will can clearly direct how particular assets (such as savings, investments or family heirlooms) are to pass to your biological children, helping

to ensure they are not unintentionally diluted or redirected.

• Support a new partner while safeguarding long-term intentions. Many people want to provide for a new spouse or partner but also preserve assets for their children. A will can include tailored clauses, such as rights to the family home or specific gifts, so both sets of interests are balanced fairly.

• Reduce the likelihood of disputes. A clear will, with specific instructions and up-to-date wording, significantly lowers the risk of disagreements between children, stepchildren and surviving partners. When your intentions are expressed plainly, they are easier to follow and harder to challenge.

Time for a review?

If your family circumstances have changed, whether through separation, remarriage, the arrival of new children or shifting family dynamics, your estate plan should change too. The best time to update it is before life becomes complicated.

If you would like advice tailored to your family situation, or if you would like a review of your will or trust, our friendly team is here to help.

Claire

Endean – Director/Lawyer dawsonslawyers.co.nz | 09 272 0002 Kohimarama | East Tamaki

A PLACE WHERE HERITAGE MEETS MODERN LIV ING.

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Apartments selling from $650,000.

Christmas Reads

Christmas gift giving – books the family will love.

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

THE BELL AND THE BLADE

Paullina Simons

Set in 1944, a group of Allied soldiers parachute into occupied Belgium and join forces with female resistance fighters to combat evil. They are hunted by an SS officer hellbent on their destruction as they race to prevent the bomb of all bombs from being created. Unlikely alliances and love blossom amid despair and danger. Heartbreaking but unputdownable – this is an epic novel that grips and doesn’t let go.

Pan Macmillan, RRP $38

NASH FALLS

David Baldacci

Walter Nash is a mild-mannered businessman with no special physical skills, until his life is turned upside down when the FBI recruits him to bring down the company he works for, which he discovers is a front for a criminal organisation. Walter is forced to learn skills he never thought he would need, destroying his perfect life and putting his family in danger as he fights for justice. Page-turning and unforgettable.

Pan Macmillan, RRP $38

THREE BIRDS RENOVATIONS:

VACAY VIBES AT HOME

Bonnie, Erin and Lana

I’m in love with Three Birds' home renovations, and their new book is divine, filled with renovations that transform homes from tired to vacation-vibe. The book includes inspirational before-andafter photographs and all the tips for achieving success with your own reno. They have money-saving tricks, spacesaving solutions and stunning style ideas. A gorgeous book full of invaluable advice.

Murdoch Books, RRP $45

ART DESTINATIONS:

70 PLACES TO SEE GREAT ART

This guide features 70 places around the world to see the best of art on the globe. It takes the readers from well-known international cities to out-of-the-way places. This is a beautiful, full-colour coffee table book to savour and enjoy, and it will spark many travel ideas for art lovers. From Cairo to New York to Wellington to Vanuatu, it inspires.

Lonely Planet, RRP $65

Crossing the line since 1989

We

•Relationship

CAP FERRAT TEAK LOUNGE CHAIR