Verve. February 2024. Issue 204. by Verve Magazine

An uplifting monthly eclection of life, style and happenings.

FEBRUARY 2024

Yuka O’Shannessy,

director of art platform Public Record, inspires as we head into 2024, as does another jaunt to the jewel that is Waiheke, and a selection of jewels for Valentine’s Day!

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Editors’ Notes

Fran Ninow

Jude Mitchell

Sometimes a poem just strikes at a precise moment. When I heard Small Kindnesses, by Danusha Laméris, being read, it felt so right and utterly necessary for our time – this year in particular. It celebrates how minor, automatic deeds of graciousness within a community shine bright, adding hope that, given time, everything will turn out okay. So touching are her words that I felt compelled to share them – I hope that you don’t mind me using this space to do so.

The image of Gerard, myself and Arabella depicts our summer evenings at Whau Whau.

Co-editor

Small Kindnesses By Danusha Laméris

Co-editor

Our sun-drenched days over Christmas slowly turned into stunning evenings where we would share delicious food usually cooked on our open fire. The heat, as you can imagine, is intense. Cooking on an open fire is a ritual, a labour of love that transforms simple ingredients and recipes into delicious, five-star meals. We sit at an outdoor table, pictured above, using silver cutlery and pewter plates, savouring the unique juxtaposition amidst open flames, sand, and sea.

I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you” when someone sneezes, a leftover from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying. And sometimes, when you spill lemons from your grocery bag, someone else will help you pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other. We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot, and to say thank you to the person handing it. To smile at them and for them to smile back. For the waitress to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder, and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass. We have so little of each other, now. So far from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange. What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here, have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.”

Moss, my granddaughter became the radiant centre of our family. Her laughter, her excitement and carefree spirit was truly a joy to witness. Building sandcastles on the beach, walking on sharp rocks, all part of a typical, Kiwi holiday.

Wishing you all a wonderful and meaningful 2024 filled with vitality, vigour and of course Verve. And thank you for coming on this journey with us.

Jude xxxx

I wonder what 2024 is going to present to us all? We have delivered you with our first issue of the year; it has a couple of outstanding homes. Be sure to take a good look at them. They certainly continue to inspire me, and I always seem to find one aspect to place in my own home. So, all the best for the year. Let’s hope we can all travel, see family, meet up with friends, and make it all stressfree.

Fran x Up Front

What’s Inside Up Front 12

In Short

112

Heart Veld Home & Design 28

Frey House II

A Waiheke Haven

Faith and Bravery

Beauty & Health 58

Island Life 43

Comfort, Reimagined

Food & Wine 80

Taste & Drink Art & About 94

Artistic Vision of Yuka

In Harmony

An Apple a Day…

108

A to Z of Waiheke 46

Wine, Dine, and Unwind 50

Taste of Paradise

Fashion 70

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Sub-editor/Senior Writer Jamie Christian Desplaces

Published by Verve Magazine Ltd 13 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021

Graphic Designer Yamin Cook Social Media Yamin Cook

Intern

Tamami Itozawa Contributors Manish Kumar Arora, Lucy Kennedy, Dennis Knill, Milly Nolan, Paul Leuschke, Aimée Ralfini, Helene Ravlich and Bella Sampson.

Journeys 112

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa

History of the Handbag

Editors-in-Chief Fran Ninow and Jude Mitchell

Head Graphic Designer Arna Martin

On the Bookshelf

Rise and Shine

GST 90 378 074 ISSN 2253-1300 (print) ISSN 2253-1319 (online) Editorial Enquiries (+64) 9 520 5939 Fran Ninow: fran@vervemagazine.co.nz Jude Mitchell: jude@vervemagazine.co.nz Advertising Enquiries danielle@vervemagazine.co.nz fran@vervemagazine.co.nz jude@vervemagazine.co.nz kate@vervemagazine.co.nz pambrown@xtra.co.nz

Cover - Photography: Masami Ono Exhibition: A Silent Correspondence Artists: Aona Hayashi & Justin Hoffman 25 Jan – 18 Feb at Public Record Verve is published monthly (except in January) and has an estimated readership of 60,000. It is a free lifestyle magazine delivered to cafés and businesses in Devonport, Epsom, Ellerslie, Herne Bay, Kohimarama, Meadowbank, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Remuera, St Mary’s Bay and Takapuna. Verve is placed in magazine stands for free collection from locations in Auckland City, Devonport, Epsom, Grey Lynn, Herne Bay, Mairangi Bay, Milford, Mission Bay, Newmarket, Parnell, Ponsonby, Remuera, St. Heliers, Stonefields, Takapuna and in domestic terminal Auckland Airport. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz for exact locations these magazine stands. Verve is also available from all popular cafés in its main distribution areas as well as in ebook format. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz to sign up for your free monthly ebook. Verve is printed by Blue Star, 8 Collard Place, Henderson, Auckland. It is distributed by Verve, ERC Contracting and Mailchimp.

The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission in writing of the copyright owner. Any material submitted for publication is at the owner’s

Up Front

risk. Neither Verve Magazine Ltd nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every e ort has been made to ensure accuracy of information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot accept any liability for inaccuracies that may occur. The views and suggestions expressed in this magazine are those of individual contributors and are not necessarily supported by Verve Magazine Ltd.

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In Short Verve’s monthly round up of what’s new, interesting, and happening… in a paragraph!

Walking the Plonk

The mysteries of Davy Jones’s locker have been long pondered, but you probably didn’t realise it now also serves as a high-end wine cellar! It all started in 2010 when a group of divers in Finland’s Åland archipelago discovered an 1852 shipwreck that housed 145 bottles of champagne 160ft below the surface. Philippe Jeandet, a professor of food biochemistry at the University of Reims, described the found wine as “incredible” and unlike anything he’d ever tasted. Three years later, a case of Château Gruaud-Larose from the 1872 wreck of the Marie-Thérèse was sold for US$17,600. Such discoveries have led to an innovative new industry known as ‘undersea ageing’ whereby winemakers deliberately submerge bottles in the ocean – and it’s worth around $12 billion per year. Though there’s still little hard science to back up the claims, it’s believed that the increase pressure, constant cool temperature, and lack of light or oxygen, combined with the gentle motion of the water, enhances the ageing process. Lucy Edwards, a champagne expert and founder of industry magazine Champagne Everyday, tells the Guardian that many people consider it a marketing gimmick, but “there is a difference, however slight”.

Up Front

Having a Ball

A most compelling addition to contemporary architecture, Sphere in Las Vegas sits in the Venetian Resort at the east end of the city’s Strip. Designed by stadium specialist architects Populous, the enormous spherical building rises 157m above the city and surrounding desert, its exterior adorned with 1.2 million LEDs which display high-res animations and images, which have transformed it into the likes of a giant basketball, pumpkin, and eyeball. The largest building of its kind in the world, the interior is just as impressive, up to 20,000 spectators able to marvel at the arching 54,000-sqm LED screen – also the largest in the world – offering the ultimate, immersive cinematic experience (think of a planetarium on some serious steroids). It also serves as a live venue, with acts such as U2 who performed at the building’s unveiling last year, making the most of the venue’s 160,000-speaker surround-sound system. “If you’ve ever been planning a trip to Las Vegas, now is your time,” writes Elmo Keep for Escape. “Sphere is a benchmark in 21st century art and design, and to see live music within it is an experience that is flatout worth it.”

Signs of the Times

The most romantic of acts unfortunately does not have the most romantic of origins. Rings were given in antiquity as a sign of ownership, the Egyptians opting for reed and hemp bands, and the Romans the more durable ivory, flint, or metals such as copper and iron, and later, gold. It wasn’t until 850 CE that the rings were officially recognised as an intent to marry, by Pope Nicholas I, and it would be another 600 years before the first diamond is thought to have appeared on an engagement ring, given by Archduke Maximilian of Austria, to Mary of Burgundy. But, continuing the unromantic theme, the ‘traditional’ diamond ring trend wasn’t cemented until halfway through the 20th century when British mining company De Beers launched an advertising campaign under the cleverly catchy tagline “diamonds are forever”. More recent trends have seen diamonds fall out of favour to be replaced by more ethical – and less expensive – stones. Or, as Belinda Luscombe writes for Time: “I put it down to people coming to their senses. Diamond engagement rings are corny.”

Brain Drain

It was arguably the most famous brain of (at least) the 20th century and even after his death, Albert Einstein’s grey matter continued to awe. Having passed away in 1955, aged 76, of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, the physicist was cremated. His brain, however, was removed to “shed light on one of nature’s greatest mysteries – the secret of genius,” so wrote the New York Times. The brain was controversially taken – some say stolen! – by pathologist Thomas Stoltz Harvey, who then went silent until being tracked down by investigative reporter Steven Levy in 1978. The brain had been cut into 240 pieces and sent to various scientists to study, many of whom reported the brain to be fairly ‘average’ in makeup. More recent sophisticated evaluations have shown Einstein’s brain to be wider in the region responsible for spatial cognition and mathematical thought, and to possess an extra ridge on the mid-frontal lobe, which is responsible for memory and planning. Harvey never got all of Einstein’s brain back, and many pieces remain missing. It wasn’t just (part of) Einstein’s brain that Harvey lost, either – he lost his job, his marriage, and his career.

Byron Bay a Dreamin’

If you’re on the lookout for a last-minute summer-slash-Valentine escape – or planning for a future sunny sojourn – look no further than Byron Bay’s Sun Ranch, whose “unique design that riffs off everything from California in the ‘70s, spaghetti westerns, Spain, Mexico and the Bryon lifestyle”. Set on more than 23 hectares of lush Byron backcountry, the luxurious, nostalgic estate incorporates vibrantly coloured rooms around an azure pool complemented by six off-grid timber barns with views of green rolling hills, and a private suite that “looks like it's been plucked straight from a stylised country music video”. After a salty margarita or ice-cold beer welcome, up to 32 guests can enjoy the Argentinian barbecue, wood-fired sauna, badminton court, e-bikes, and tailored experiences such as surfing, yoga, horse riding and meals crafted by a former MasterChef contestant, Pip Sumback. Co-founder Julia Ashwood says the aim is to make guests feel brave, inspired, and loved at their “hotel of good times”.

New New Year ‘Diets’

It turns out that sitting down for a good scarefest increases not just our heartrates, but our calorie-burning capabilities too. Research has shown that watching a horror flick can burn nearly 200 calories – the equivalent of a small chocolate bar. Of the films studied, The Shining, The Exorcist, and Jaws came out on top. Other fun and unusual ways to expend some extra kilojoules include the best medicine, laughter, which increases the metabolic rate by up to 20%; taking up the guitar, which burns 140 calories per hour, rising to 200 if you do it while standing up; and donating blood, which also comes with the added benefits of lowering inflammatory markers, increasing antioxidant activity, and reducing your risk of heart disease, while of course helping others. And if you can have sex for an hour, expect to shed 300 calories, each!

February 2024

Heart Veld

WORDS — GRAHAM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHY — GREG COX ARCHITECTS — JOHAN WENTZEL l GRETE VAN AS W DESIGN l ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

A glass and thatch holiday home in the foothills of Waterberg Mountains offers endless views of pristine bushveld where earth meets sky, and the architecture brings depth and complexity to the experience of being there.

Left page: The fireplace is the focal point of the main living area, a counterpoint to the seating area at the opposite end of the room. With the glass walls pushed aside, the distinction between inside and outside is all but invisible. Ladders lead up to the tops of the solid section above the kitchen, which are used as loft bedrooms for spillover guests. Top right: The dining area, opposite the kitchen is similarly simple and subtle, subservient to the setting. Bottom right: The seating area is simply and tastefully furnished, positioned to make the most of the 270-degree views from the main living pavilion with access to the deck from two sides. The glass gables on the western side not only make the absolute most of the views, allowing views of the sky, but also makes the volume from the outside less imposing.

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February 2024

Home & Design

February 2024

Above: The swimming pool, positioned in front of the deck, is on a lower level. “We dropped the swimming pool level down, so you don’t see it from the deck,” says owner Johan. It doesn’t interfere with the view at all, but creates quite spectacular views of its own. Left page: The central concept of the house is exemplified by the deck – the ultimate concept for the design is that it is a viewing platform. The deck creates a horizontal line that underlines the view, and its parallel lines carry the eye out over the valley. 21

February 2024

Right and right page: “The main bedroom has the perfect view,” says Johan. “Again, it’s open. When you’re in the bed, it feels like you’re in the veld. You’ve just got a bit of shelter above and around you. It’s almost incidental.” Roller blinds of tent fabric provide privacy or a sense of containment. Bottom: The bathrooms are housed in the solid sections of the bedroom pavilions. They are designed as wet rooms, with open showers. “Bathrooms – in theory the same planning as the kitchen and the bar, with the view to the outside. But comfortable. No shower doors. Just walking through on to the deck. The basins are like the ones you get on trains – stainless steel train basins. It’s supposed to be a farm language, just refined.”

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Home & Design

A boma is located on the landscape, designed for evening when it provides a sheltered nook to light a fire and enjoy the view over sundowners.

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Builder of Dreams Designed as “a beach house in the city” by boutique architectural firm Architektur, 202 Riddell Road, in Glendowie, was recently bestowed a Regional Award from the Architectural Designers of New Zealand.

“The clients had purchased a 30-year-old olive tree which became the focus of the courtyard,” says company founder Scott Fowler. “The paving of the courtyard is the same as the interior tiles so when the doors are open, there’s a seamless transition between inside and out.” Indeed, it was the U-shaped design that particularly impressed the judges, who also expressed admiration for the southern stone wall beneath a floating low-pitched roof that reveals trees beyond. As fans of modernist architecture, the clients desired an “exquisite glass box” with exposed material finishes to create that coastal-meets-urban feel. The site’s sunny disposition is further enhanced by the central courtyard, deliberately positioned to capture the maximum rays.

“That sunlight is absorbed by the solid porcelain floor tiles and highly insulated slab below in the morning, and then radiates that heat back into the space during the evening. The abundance of glass is low e-double glazed to retain as much heat in winter and reduce heat gain in summer.” With over 30 years’ industry experience – including a stint in Switzerland, which inspired the name Architektur – Scott knows what works best well beyond the confines of an architecture studio. He has renovated several homes, including major internal and external alterations, as well as subdividing and building new homes on new sites. “No matter what the project – a new home, a bach, renovation or alteration – being a small, locally-owned business allows me to truly value the personal touch,” says Scott. “I’m happy to take on smaller jobs sometimes overlooked by larger firms. It’s all about dedicating myself to clients, and making their dreams come true.”

February 2024

A Mastery in Modernism:

Frey House II ARCHITECT — ALBERT FREY PHOTOGRAPHY — LANCE GERBER

February 2024

Home & Design

Built around a boulder, Albert Frey's iconic Palm Springs sanctuary, Frey House II, perches 300 feet above the city, showcasing desert modernism. Completed in 1964, the Swiss-born architect's creation is a seamless blend of style elements, featuring rectilinear forms, open floorplans, and a visual weightlessness that harmonises with the landscape. Initially an 80-squaremetre space, it expanded in 1967 to include a 30-square-metre guest room. Frey positioned the house in such a way that it offers unobstructed views of the Coachella Valley from the glass-walled structure. Donated to the Palm Springs Art Museum in 1998, his masterpiece embodies innovative design and a deep connection to nature, and reflects his architectural brilliance.

Previous page: The expansive floorto-ceiling sliding glass walls not only provide breathtaking panoramic views but also enhance the home's energy efficiency. Positioned with an east-west orientation, the structure leverages passive solar heat and cooling during the peak intensity of the northern summer and southern winter sun.

This page: Initially deemed a 'crazy' concept by Palm Springs City Hall, the residence stood at an elevation surpassing all others in Palm Springs upon its completion. Presently, it stands as one of only two architecturally significant structures within the permanent collection of the Palm Springs Art Museum.

February 2024

Above: While it might escape attention from the pool and deck, beneath the projecting platform lies the residence's carport. Yet, ascending the external staircase unveils the intriguing fact that the pool is constructed above the cantilevered cement block wall, serving as the ceiling for the carport.

Above right: The staggered elevation of the house broadens the visual presence and optimises the available physical space. Ascending a few steps from the pool leads to the main level, featuring the primary bedroom, living room, and kitchen. Continuing upward by three more steps reveals a versatile dining/work area and a bathroom. Left: Frey ingeniously brought the outdoors in, centring the home around a large boulder – a rugged tribute to the striking mountain scenery. Interior spaces radiate from the boulder, delineated by unobtrusive built-ins that prioritise clear sightlines and enhance functionality.

Home & Design

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February 2024

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Wonderwall How does Nu-Wall compare with other cladding products?

Because it’s lightweight and durable, and won’t rot, delaminate, or crack, Nu-Wall is the ideal cladding material. Also, the low maintenance requirements compared with other products in terms of painting and repairs and so forth means it is the most cost-effective option out there. How long will Nu-Wall last, and what guarantees do you offer?

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

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

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

Is Nu-Wall resistant to impact damage?

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

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

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

Yes, it can. Like any metal surface the temperature can get hot, especially in summer. The insulation stops the heat entering the home just as the heat from a corrugated iron roof is insulated from inside the house. Are there other applications for Nu-Wall?

Yes, Nu-Wall is used for soffits, counter fronts and cabinets, doors and screens, 34

and suspended ceilings. Also, sectional garage doors are offered in Nu-Wall by most garage door manufacturers in New Zealand. Is Nu-Wall noisy in the rain?

No, the rain doesn’t have enough impact on a vertical surface to cause any noticeable noise. If damage is done to my Nu-Wall cladding, such as a car backing into it, how is it repaired?

This can be answered in two ways. For a slight dent or scratch the repair can be done in a similar way to automotive panel beating – touch up paints are available and body fillers can be used on the cladding if necessary. Where serious damage has occurred and the panel is ripped, the wall can be disassembled from the soffit down and the damaged panels replaced. Nu-Wall is assembled using screws, not nails, so all undamaged products can be re-used without replacement. Visit our Penrose showroom at 24 Greenpark Road to find out more!

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Crafting Skylines Aspect Roofing is a reputable, family-owned business that has been operating in Auckland for over 15 years. Established in 2007, Aspect has cultivated strong relationships with builders, development companies, and top roofing suppliers, and specialises in all types of long run roofing, from classic corrugate to modern architectural tray. We're incredibly fortunate to have a tight-knit, highly talented team of professional staff, many of whom have been with us since the beginning – we believe this speaks volumes about the positive working environment we have fostered at Aspect Roofing, and we strive to share that with our clients. We aim to provide an exceptional level of customer service on all projects from start to finish – and a big part of this is ensuring our workmanship is of the highest quality, with no detail spared. Having built our business almost exclusively through word of mouth from two small crews in 2007, to where we are today, with over 20 crews, seven project managers, and a large team of pricing and admin staff – we are confident in the service we provide being of an exceptional standard. The Skippers Road, Opito Bay project pictured is a real jewel in our crown. We are incredibly proud of our work here and were thrilled to pick up the Roofing Association NZ - 2023 Residential Roof of the Year award as recognition of the significant effort we put into crafting such a stunning roof.

February 2024

Auckland’s Oldest Kitchen Maker Elite Kitchens and Cabinets business was founded way back in 1958. While it might now, at the grand old age of 65 and qualify for a Gold Card, it remains at the forefront of kitchen and cabinetry design and service, servicing both commercial and residential markets throughout greater Auckland, North Waikato, and the Coromandel. Verve caught up with director Hamish Ross to discover what’s cooking at Elite and began by asking about the Elite Kitchens and Cabinets’ point of difference. “We work closely with clients to achieve their vision, while creating a functional, customised space to suit individual styles and budgets,” he says. “Listening is key. Not trying to put your mark on to their kitchen, while also offering advice so that it is still practical and achieves exactly what they’re after.” Combining clients’ dream visions with their Pinterest or inspiration images they supply allows Elite to create kitchens that are as practical as they are visually stunning: “We don’t limit designs to a single option, and we consult with clients throughout the process to guarantee satisfaction.”

Eco-friendly materials are sourced from the Laminex group and Prime Panels, while Elite’s spray painter follows sustainable practices, and benchtops with less silica and recycling options are available. “We’re happy to encourage clients and provide them with information regarding their environmental concerns,” says Hamish. “We’re a one-stop shop from design through to installation,” adds the boss. “ Our onsite factory allows clients to view their project prior to installation and to make any last minute tweaks before installation.” If you are thinking about making changes to your kitchen or laundry to make it better work for you, have a look at Elite Kitchens and Cabinets and make an appointment for a free consultation. Ph: 09 298 8388 Email info@elitekc.co.nz elitekc.co.nz

Consultation with other industry professionals is key, too. “We collaborate closely with architects, interior designers, suppliers, and contractors to ensure a smooth and stunning outcome for clients,” says Hamish. Scan the QR code to unlock an exclusive Elite Kitchens & Cabinets offer:

Though trends vary according to clients’ taste, lifestyle, and needs, Hamish says most people generally “lean towards either the Hamptons/Country style or the modern clean lines , with various textures and finishes”. There’s also a move away from the standard safe colours of whites and greys to “embrace bolder options and a greater variety of textures and natural materials”.

Home & Design

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Mellow Yellow? A couple of weeks ago I enjoyed seeing the award-winning movie, Poor Things. Bizarre and completely over the top, I found the combo of Holly Waddington’s eccentric costume design, brilliantly flaunted by the amazing Emma Stone, to be an exhilarating tour de force. Stone plays a character called Bella – almost all her outfits are unforgettable, but one that stood out for me was a cape, pac-a-mac style and brought out for emergencies. Striking in its yellowness, it echoed the yellow revival currently resurgent in both fashion and design. Yellow, reminiscent of road signs and highlighters, has an inherent visibility that extends beyond the screen. From iconic artworks like Van Gogh's ‘Sunflowers’ to the memorable yellow gown worn by Rihanna at the Met Gala, yellow has etched itself into cultural consciousness. In the realm of flowers, daisies, sunflowers, marigolds, and daffodils – all resplendently yellow – bear names that resonate with familiarity.

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Weathermaster’s search for the best solutions for New Zealand conditions brings you a range of innovative heavy-duty awnings that delivery unparallel functionality. With three styles to choose from, spanning up to seven metres and offering a massive fourmetre depth, they are perfect for decks, balconies, shops and restaurants and more.

The Weathermaster’ Alpha External Screen System represents the latest in design, styling and functionality. Offering a full suite of External Screen systems including: MagnaTrack, Side Tension Channel (STC), Cable Guide, Straight Drop, and Pivot Arm, the Weathermaster’ Alpha External Screen Range offers a common, aesthetically appealing look across all products with a solution to meet every customer’s need. Selected Alpha External Screen products can span 6.5 metres wide and can withstand wind speeds up to 185 km/h for a 3.5 metre wide screen.

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Exploring the allure of yellow, one can't help but be drawn to its associations with happiness, positivity, and optimism – qualities akin to sunshine. This radiant energy, whether reflected in art or infused into living spaces, has the power to transform and uplift. For those inspired to embrace the vibrancy of yellow, Resene ColorShops and the Resene website offer a comprehensive array of options, inviting you to immerse yourself in the joyous spectrum of this delightful colour.

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Serenity™ Cantilever Umbrella’s patented technology gives you years of trouble-free use thanks to expert engineering and advanced umbrella deployment systems. Lift your world of shade with ease. We also have umbrellas to suit your individual needs. Showroom 48E Lake Road, Northcote (By appointment only)

Design of February

Atelier Robotiq Large Pink Moon Twilight Set Pendant Lamp

Home & Design

STYLING — BELLA SAMPSON

Ross Gardam Modern Musk Pink Powdercoat Aluminum Pendant Light

Matteo Cibic The Kid Peach Bed Side Table

Monica Gasperini Orange Cabinet Marine Breynaert Pink Galaxy Candle Holder

Lagu Papillonne Salmon Pink Armchair

Sergio Prieto Contemporary Baleen Center Coffee Table

Muuto Connect Modular Sofa

Resene Salsa Wallpaper Collection 466423

Foscarini Binic Table Lamp

Rossana Orlandi Eos Ceramic Side Table

1stDibs Globe Floor Planter

February 2024

Faith and Bravery WORDS — PAUL LEUSCHKE

Architecture design is brave clients.

There is a saying, "I'm only as good as my clients allow me to be.” I admire the bravery of my clients. When they come to me, they don't really know what they are going to end up with, but they have faith and bravely start the design process. We can draw, sketch, and model the project but only a seasoned design architect really understands the feel of the spaces, the sizes of rooms, the flow. We visualise the end project before a spade hits the ground. I had one client who came to me because I had designed an Italian-inspired house and they ended up with a red tex-mex

Home & Design

house, which they loved. I designed an open plan holiday house for one client who then had to sell their house in the city because they realised it was just a collection of rooms and hallways and that it no longer worked for them. We only know what we know. Often the client’s brief is based on the existing, what they like, and what they don't like. A villa owner may ask for sun and warmth. As a hip young architectural student with a full head of hair I was asked to draw my ideal house and then the house I lived in. To my surprise they were the same; not so hip after all.

2.4m ceilings to 2.7m and now heading to 3.0m ceilings. Two storey houses to three, and now sometimes four storeys. Clients are brave as they have confidence in the architect making major financial decisions for them. My clients were youngish and fit and argued they didn't need a lift in their new large three storey house overlooking the harbour, but I explained to them a lift would be expected in a house of this value if they sold in the future. They tell me they use the lift most days. So, a big thank you to all my brave clients! paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz

Clients are brave because they are open to change, to things they didn't know they wanted or could have. We changed from

021 894 895

leuschkekahn.co.nz

Summer Living Jardin Oulala Trilogy

Jardin Fermob Luxembourg Low Armchair

Refined Living Artwood Anson Round Coffee Table Set 2

Design Warehouse Mayo Outdoor Relaxing Chair

Design Concepts Tank Stool Teak

Refined Living Artwood Layton Single Seater

Refined Living Artwood Layton 3 Seater Sofa

Design Warehouse Tola Organic Teak Side Table

Design Concepts Outdoor Led Speaker Lamp

February 2024

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Island Life

In Harmony

we-ar.com

We sit down with Jyoti Morningstar, founder of yoga and lifestyle brand WE-AR. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind WE-AR and how its ethos of eco-friendliness and sustainability is reflected in your clothing and accessories?

My inspiration for WE-AR came from my yogic practice. Yoga is a practical system that teaches us how to live in harmony with everything else. The name WE-AR is a universalising of the traditional mantra ‘so-ham’ which acknowledges ‘oneness’ or the interconnection of all things. This is the guiding ethos of everything we do at WE-AR which means we design and craft in a way that seeks to be harmonious for each individual and earth system along the way. Your product range spans from yoga clothing to cashmere and yoga accessories. How do you balance the diverse elements to maintain a cohesive brand identity?

My intention is to design for people’s experience rather than a product category so whether we’re working on a full length cashmere cardigan or a pair of organic yoga leggings, we’re thinking about how you’ll feel wearing it. Each piece needs to grant total comfort as well as a touch of individuality that graces the wearer with a unique edge and an atmosphere of timelessness. We want people to treasure their WE-AR pieces, so our aim is to make favourite clothes that their owners want to always have on hand and to travel through life wearing. How do you ensure that the online experience aligns with the peaceful and eco-conscious values of WE-AR?

We only have a couple of stores here in Aotearoa, and a couple in Bali, so our website is an important place for us to connect with our wider community. Our visual language aims to share our vision of living sun-kissed in love with the natural world. We avoid using aggressive sales tools and preference deep sharing about our values and practices in our ethos section. Impact data is shared via quantified animated graphics which are fed by third party life cycle assessment data for each garment. This means you can see the impact savings of your shopping cart before you check out. Our Sustainability Strategy and annual sustainability progress reports are published on our homepage so you can read about what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, we answer our phones and every email is answered by real humans who live and breathe WE-AR.

We’re currently working on an all-new site that we hope will increase the aliveness of our online offering. Your reward programme is highlighted on your website. Could you provide details on how this programme works and the benefits it offers to your customers?

Absolutely. Our loyalty programme is called KIN in acknowledgment that we exist because our community understands us. KIN is all about the perks – the more you engage, the more personalised and better the perks get! Members receive first notification of new collection drops, invites to activities and other stuff we’re getting up to, as well as first priority on limited edition product lines. Points are awarded for every purchase along with birthday treats and tier rewards. We aim to make KIN very fruitful as it’s our way of creating a gratitude circle to give back to our community. What do you most love about having a WE-AR retail outlet in Waiheke?

Waiheke is our home island. It’s the mother rock of who we are and what we do. Our island community is vibrant and comprises passionate and creative people who understand the value of things made mindfully. Waiheke has supported WEAR’s vision from day one and stood by us through the trickiness of lockdowns and other recent challenges. Our store team are all local and we relish the laidback, friendly fun of our regular community as well as the guests who flow through seasonally. Probably the most enjoyable aspect is that people are happier on Waiheke than they are in most places so working in the store is kind of like being at a party where everyone is having fun and we get to dress them for it! 43

February 2024

A to Z of

Waiheke a b c d e f g Island Life

Accommodation From cosy B&Bs to luxurious resorts, Waiheke offers diverse accommodation options, ensuring a comfortable stay for every visitor.

Bach A quintessential Kiwi beach house, a bach on Waiheke provides a charming retreat, often with stunning coastal views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cycling Explore the island’s beauty on two wheels, as Waiheke boasts scenic cycling routes for both leisurely rides and more adventurous biking experiences.

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Dog walking Enjoy the company of your furry friend on Waiheke’s dog-friendly beaches and parks, making it a delightful destination for pet lovers.

Explorer bus The Waiheke Explorer bus provides a convenient way to tour the island, offering hop-on hop-off services to major attractions and scenic spots.

Ferry The ferry ride to Waiheke provides a seamless transition from the urban bustle of Auckland to the tranquil charm of the island, offering passengers stunning views as they approach their island escape.

Golf Tee off against stunning backdrops at Waiheke’s golf courses, combining the love of the game with breathtaking views of the island’s landscapes.

Horse riding Experience Waiheke’s beauty on horseback and indulge yourself on the shorelines where the gentle sea breeze and the soothing sounds of the ocean accompany your equestrian journey along the sandy shores. Ice cream Indulge in the tropical paradise vibes as you enjoy creamy gelato on Waiheke Island, letting the vibrant flavours and cool sweetness transport you to a blissful state under the island sun. Jet skiing For thrill-seekers, jet skiing around Waiheke’s crystal-clear waters provides an exhilarating adventure with a splash of adrenaline.

Kayaking Paddle through the island’s coastal waters, discovering hidden coves and enjoying the serenity of Waiheke from the unique perspective of a kayak.

Local theatres Immerse yourself in Waiheke’s vibrant arts scene by attending performances at the local theatres, showcasing the island’s creative talent.

Museum of Waiheke Explore the island’s history and culture at the Museum of Waiheke, providing insights into the community’s past and present

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Nature Waiheke is a haven for nature lovers, offering diverse landscapes, hiking trails, and pristine beaches to appreciate the island’s natural beauty.

Oneroa Beach One of Waiheke’s iconic beaches, Oneroa Beach invites visitors to relax on its golden sands and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the nearby village.

Underwater experience Explore the marine wonders surrounding Waiheke through snorkelling or scuba diving, discovering vibrant underwater ecosystems and marine life. Vineyards Nestled on the sun-kissed slopes of Waiheke Island, the vineyards produce exquisite wines, inviting visitors to savour the taste of the island’s terroir in every glass.

Palm Beach A picturesque and serene destination, Palm Beach on Waiheke is known for its crystal-clear waters, providing a tropical escape.

Quaint villages Discover charming villages like Ostend, where quaint shops, cafes, and local markets capture the essence of Waiheke’s community spirit.

Restaurants Indulge in culinary delights at Waiheke’s diverse restaurants, offering a range of cuisines paired with the island’s renowned wines.

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Sculpture on the Gulf This biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition transforms the island into an art gallery, with stunning artworks set against Waiheke’s natural backdrop.

Te Matuku oysters Delight your tastebuds with Te Matuku oysters, a local delicacy harvested from the island’s waters, known for their exquisite flavour.

Wildflowers The meadows of Waiheke Island burst into a kaleidoscope of colours as wildflowers sway in the gentle breeze, creating a captivating display of nature’s artistry. Xmas in Waiheke Experience the festive season with a unique island flair, as Waiheke celebrates Christmas with special events, markets, and a joyful community spirit. Yacht Sail around Waiheke’s stunning coastline on a yacht, enjoying the freedom of the open sea and breathtaking island views.

Ziplining For an adrenaline rush, embark on a ziplining adventure on Waiheke, soaring through the treetops and enjoying panoramic views of the island’s landscapes.

February 2024

Wine, Dine, and Unwind

Delicious food, award-winning wine, and breathtaking views await at Waiheke’s Cable Bay winery. The vineyard venue is complex yet elegant, comprising a cellar door, restaurant, function and private dining spaces, and luxury accommodation. Verve sat down with Roxanne Guinee, General Manager to learn more.

cablebay.nz

Where luxury meets culinary excellence.

What can visitors expect from the menu?

Our menu has been created to please, and our talented head chef, Phillip Smith, sources local ingredients from New Zealand’s finest producers, as well as seasonal produce from our own organic kitchen gardens at the vineyard. The menu features favourites such as wood-fired pizzas and sharing platters, as well as beautifully plated market fish and meat dishes.

Can you tell us about your cellar door?

Cable Bay Vineyards welcomes visitors for wine tastings seven days a week. The cellar door is uniquely designed with an arched ceiling inspired by the wine barrels themselves, and full-length windows reveal our working winery – the perfect spot to sample our award-winning wines. Our friendly and knowledgeable wine specialists can talk you through the vineyard’s winemaking philosophy and tell you everything you want to know about our wines. What else is on offer?

Join us for a vineyard tour, a dessert and wine-pairing experience, or an extensive Connoisseur Tasting that includes a cheese and wine tasting in our Wine Library. For a contemporary, elegant-yet-relaxed dining experience, the Verandah restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a few hours in style. Nestled amongst our vineyards and olive trees, the floor-to-ceiling windows frame the stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf to Auckland city; a modern, effortlessly comfortable space with refreshing indoor-outdoor flow and sliding doors that open up over the lawn.

Island Life

Are guests able to stay at Cable Bay?

Absolutely! We have two stunning accommodation options. The first is the one-bedroom guesthouse nestled between established gardens, olive trees and fruit orchards, with sweeping views towards Matiatia Bay, a peaceful sanctuary just a few minutes from Oneroa village. The guesthouse comprises a double bedroom with a large wardrobe and generously sized bathroom with shower and toilet. It’s completely self-contained and equipped with modern appliances, including an espresso machine, washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher. The second option is our luxury five-bedroom villa, located just off the vineyard. This grand house is split into two levels. The ground floor comprises a well-equipped kitchen, open living area and formal dining space, with one large double bedroom with gas fireplace and a separate bathroom. All spaces open onto a broad terrace with sheltered outdoor dining, a barbecue, and pool. The upper level boasts four bedrooms with three being spacious double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, complemented by delightful balconies offering magnificent bay views.

Luxurious botanical workshops and a renowned floral design course Join us at our Waiheke Island workroom with stunning views or abroad

Award-winning Craft distillery & Garden Bar Sip and celebrate summer with us Come for the gin, stay for the views! Indulge in tastings, tours, and expertly crafted cocktails while savoring shared platters. Romance your Valentine with our artisan, award-winning island spirits.

OPEN 11AM - 6PM WED - SUN

AVAILABLE FOR VENUE HIRE

WAIHEKEDISTILLING.CO.NZ INFO@WAIHEKEDISTILLING.CO.NZ 258 COWES BAY ROAD, WAIHEKE 09 372 7797

wildflowerwaiheke.com· @_thewildflowerschool vicki@wildflowerwaiheke.com · 027 442 0787

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN AND MEDITERRANEAN FLAVOURS

IN THE HEART OF ONEROA VILLAGE

Embracing nature’s imperfections. Experience timeless craftsmanship with our hand-crafted tables. Each piece is meticulously created using specially selected rare and beautiful native timbers, kauri, oak, walnut from around Aotearoa, with a range of sizes to suit your specific needs.

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C O N TA C T U S MANAGER • SAMMI-JO LEYDEN MANAGER@FENICE.CO.NZ

Custom pieces available.

February 2024

Big Aroha Big Heart Big Aroha Tours is run by passionate locals Darren and Jane Rippingale. Let them show you the beauty and cultural richness of the island through a range of their exciting tours, pounamu jewellery and authentic art.

Nestled in the heart of Oneroa village, Glowing Sky proudly offers 100% NZ-made Merino and other limited edition garments, crafted with love in the picturesque South Island.

bigarohatours.co.nz arohaarts_waiheke darrenrippingaleart

122 Ocean View Rd, Waiheke 09 372 9707 • glowingsky.co.nz

PHOTOGRAPHY — Ella Winirangi Rippingale

Tamarienyd Chutn

Dive into group fun with our Stand Up Paddleboards

FROM JENNY'S KITCHEN

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Paddle With watsup This Summer This amazing chutney has been world famous on Waiheke for over 25 years.

Dive into adventure at Palm Beach Waiheke Island with our top-notch paddleboard, kayak, surfboard, and snorkel rentals. Experience personalised gear selection and local insights for a truly unforgettable outing!

The exotic taste, with its incredible depth of flavour, is quite simply deliciously addictive with everything. Try it at Saturday morning’s Ostend Market. If you miss the market, there are many retailers on the island, (and all over New Zealand).

CALL US OR BOOK ONLINE 0800 WATSUP (928787) ‧ WATSUPWAIHEKE.CO.NZ

FIND IT AT JENNYSKITCHEN.CO.NZ

Island Life

We specialise in setting up beautiful homes to succeed, practically

refresh your home with flooring

That means we ensure they can’t ﬂood, they can’t sink, their toilets empty and they are supplied with drinkable water. It’s not pretty but if you get the basics right then pretty comes later and lasts longer. Geotechnical

Civil Engineering

Stormwater

Drinking Water

Wastewater

Project & Contract Management

Discover flooring solutions for every budget - from warm wool carpets to durable waterproof options like rigid flooring and chic vinyl planks. Explore laminate, engineered timber, rugs, and ceramic tiles in our showroom. Our friendly team is dedicated to bringing quality and style to your space.

For advice, feasibility studies and engineering solutions, contact our expert team.

09 445 8338 enquiries@gwe.co.nz

Find us at 13-19 Belgium St Waiheke Island

09 372 3455 CARPETCOURT.NZ

THE ULTIMATE TECH DESTINATION on Waiheke Island Waiheke’s landscaping and environmental management experts

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Televisions Headphones and earbuds Bluetooth and wireless speakers New and ex lease phones PC and office Peripherals Gaming consoles and accessories And much, much more!

Catherine Carbajal | BApplSc, MEnvMgt ISA Certified Arborist NZ-0212A

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VISIT US

2/4A TOTARA ROAD, ONETANGI, WAIHEKE ISLAND • 09 372 2215

+64 21 1234 908 integratedlandscaping.co.nz

February 2024

Taste of Paradise the official Waiheke Wine Tours, they stand out for fully Embark on a cork-popping, Asguided private tours, meticulously arranged with their vineyard partners. Offering daily wine tours accessible through a scenic grape-crushing adventure 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, these tours guarantee the best of the island’s wonders. with Waiheke Wine Tours Choose from various tour options or let them craft a bespoke Carefully selected vineyards ensure top-quality – your passport to the most experience. wines, complemented by breathtaking views. Add-ons like gin or craft beer tastings, olive grove visits, and shopping enhance fabulous experiences on the experience. Benefit from the boundless local knowledge of Tour Guides, Waiheke Island who tailor commentary. Immaculate vehicles and professional service ensure a safe, comfortable journey, with options for bus tours accommodating larger groups of up to 120 passengers.

waiheke-winetours.co.nz waihekewinetours@gmail.com 09 372 7342

Book now for an adventure that promises excellence, creating cherished memories from start to finish. Explore the wonders of Waiheke Island with confidence, knowing that your journey will be seamless and unforgettable.

Island Life

A Waiheke Haven Be My Guest Waiheke Conveniently located just fiveminutes’ walk from a secluded bay and a short distance from Oneroa Village, renowned vineyards such as Cable Bay and Mudbrick – and the Auckland ferry! Nikau Estate offers both seclusion and accessibility in one unforgettable package.

The views alone are worth the trip. Nestled within the exclusive Matiatia Estate, this architecturally designed, family friendly haven – having recently benefited from a five-month renovation – stands as a testament to refined luxury. Enveloped by 10 acres of pristine land, this two-story residence basks in an enchanting ambiance, boasting panoramic, 360-degree sea views that stretch across the Hauraki Gulf. Bathed in sunlight throughout the day, the property exudes a magical charm, accentuated by a

recently renovated solar-heated pool and a pristine new spa on an expansive threefloor deck. The residence showcases a central entrance stairway that leads into an expansive open-plan space encompassing the living, dining, and kitchen areas. Sliding doors seamlessly connect each space to the mesmerizing pool deck, flanked by additional decks at either end, all with sea views. The sprawling lawn, gas barbecue, and solar-heated swimming pool create an inviting outdoor oasis. Guests can walk down along the huge lawn directly to the beachside in as little as five minutes. The master bedroom, strategically positioned at the northern end of the house, features windows on three sides, a wardrobe, and an ensuite. This retreat

opens directly onto the pool on one side and the lush lawn on the other. Two additional bedrooms on the lower level, each with a splittable king bed, ensuites, and sea views, provide a serene escape. The upper level unveils a spacious bedroom with ensuite, a splittable king bed, and a sea view. For guaranteed luxury and comfort allyear year-round, the residence is equipped with underfloor vented heating/cooling, a gas fire, and a wood fire. Enjoy treats like a Sonos sound system, smart TV, and a kitchen bulging with all the mod cons, along with private beach access that also leads to the island's most famous track, Matiatia Walk, as well as Owhanake Bay. bemyguestwaiheke.co.nz/holidayhomes/island-waiheke/delamoreestate/nikau-estate

February 2024

Planorama Consulting planorama.co.nz

Nicole established Planorama on Waiheke 16 years ago and has extensive, specialist knowledge of the Hauraki Gulf Islands. The Planorama team offers quality, cost-effective planning advice including development and subdivision feasibility, potential for additional accommodation including minor units / tiny homes, and we prepare all types of resource consent applications. Call us today for a 1-hour consultation and assessment of your concept, free of charge. Nicole Bremner, BPlan (Hons), MNZPI nicole@planorama.co.nz 09 372 9266 / 027 204 6210

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Island Life

Seven Reasons Why Mindful tidying is important: what ‘sparks joy’ makes your life more meaningful.

Marie Kondo’s tidying method, setting your feelings as the criteria for decision-making – i.e. knowing what ‘sparks joy’ – is a mindful way of not only organising physical spaces, but also creating a lifestyle surrounded by what you love. Here are seven reasons why mindful tidying enriches your life. 1. Visualising your ideal lifestyle Marie Kondo’s method encourages you to visualise your ideal lifestyle before starting the tidying process. This envisionment serves as a guide, helping to determine which possessions align with the life you want to lead. The focus is on creating a living space that supports your goals and aspirations and contributes to your overall wellbeing. 2. Focus on joy and positivity The core principle of Marie Kondo’s method is to keep only those items that spark joy. This emphasis on joy and positivity extends to various aspects of your life. By cultivating a mindset that values happiness and fulfilment, you may find yourself making choices that align more closely with your true desires and aspirations. 3. Intentional decision-making Mindful tidying encourages intentional decisionmaking when it comes to possessions. It prompts you to consider whether an item truly adds value to your life and aligns with your goals. This intentionality can be applied to other areas of decision making, fostering a more purposeful approach to various aspects of your lifestyle.

February 2024

4. Emphasis on experiences over material possessions As you evaluate your belongings based on joy, you may find that your priorities shift towards valuing experiences over material possessions. By cultivating a respectful connection with each item, people will find more value in significance and experiences rather than merely possessing items. This change in perspective can lead to a lifestyle that prioritises meaningful activities, relationships, and personal growth over the accumulation of things. 5. Creating a positive home environment Tidying is not just about organising – it’s about creating a positive and harmonious home environment. By letting go of excess and surrounding yourself with items that spark joy, you can experience a sense of calm and wellbeing in your living spaces. 6. Sustainable living Mindful tidying may lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. By being intentional about what you bring into your home, you reduce unnecessary consumption and waste. This shift towards mindful consumption aligns with broader sustainability goals and a more environmentally conscious way of living. 7. Appreciation for the present The ultimate spark joy of tidying is the mindset to appreciate what you currently have. By surrounding yourself only with items that bring joy and meaning to your life, you can develop a deeper appreciation for each item. This mindful attitude towards possessions will let you cherish what you have in your present life regardless of material possessions or immaterial experiences.

Marie Kondo’s method of mindful tidying is not just about organising physical spaces; it’s about creating a lifestyle that aligns with your values, brings you joy, and promotes a sense of well-being. The transformative effects can extend beyond your home, positively influencing how you live your moment and approach various aspects of your life.

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clinic42.co.nz

Clinic 42 Short-Term Fixes vs Long-Term Goals.

There has been lots of debate about dermal fillers versus bio stimulators over the last few years but with more choice in cosmetic procedures than ever before how do you decide what treatment to choose? And is it really as simple as this versus that. You might have also heard all sorts of talk in the media about how fillers are ‘out’, and bio stimulators are ‘in’. Does this remind anyone of skinny jeans?! Some celebrities have even come out to talk about how they have chosen to have their fillers dissolved in order to achieve a more natural look. Could this be the same celebrities that once claimed they hadn’t undergone any work, yet have become barely recognisable? Fortunately, here in New Zealand the trend has always been towards a soft and natural look and when it comes to filler removal the majority of patients seen at Clinic 42 have either been treated overseas or elsewhere by inexperienced practitioners. For those of you who are new to cosmetic medicine, let me break it down in layperson’s terms. The three most powerful tools (or products) in cosmetic medicine which can potentially help and where most patients start are:

Beauty & Health

1. Botulinum toxin – softens and aids in prevention of fine lines and wrinkles and reduces excess sweating. Still the most requested cosmetic procedures in the world. 2. Dermal fillers – restore volume and fullness lost from ageing, weight loss etc. They can also be used to enhance facial shape and are popular to create fuller lips. 3. Bio stimulators – stimulate the body to lay down new elastin and collagen, creating a firmer more luminous appearance. If you’re starting your cosmetic treatments at an earlier age (how lucky are you being born in the era of bio stims!) you may well want to swap bio stimulators and dermal fillers around to maintain plump luminous youthful appearing skin as long as possible. The main thing to remember about bio stimulators is that they’re not going to give you visible results as you leave the clinic; they are a slow burn product so think of it as a long-term investment in your skin. The majority of patients who have incorporated it into their treatment schedules are having it post-dermal

filler for volume loss as an icing on the cake treatment, or are younger patients who lack moisture and are looking to restore the glow. But in the end, there is no one product that does it all, no quick fixes, and no bargain basement options. Be very wary of anyone who claims that there are. It very much comes down to your individual concerns and goals, sitting down and discussing these with your practitioner, and deciding on what you are comfortable with. Not everyone has the same pain tolerance level or budget, and of course there’s the skill of your practitioner and the products they have available to them. Here at Clinic 42 we are fortunate to have some of the most experienced doctors and nurses in the industry as well as access to a broad range of brands.

If you’re interested in finding out more about any of the treatments available at Clinic 42, visit the website clinic42.co.nz .

Valentines Beauty Picks Indulge in the art of self-care with our curated beauty essentials perfect for gifting this Valentine’s. Explore our carefully selected monthly picks that embody elegance and thoughtfulness, making each item a delightful gesture for the season of love. 1

1. Dust&Glow Powder Based Daily Polisher Face Microexfoliant 2. Dust&Glow Haircare Duo for Dry & Coloured Hair 3. Biome Perfecting Oil 4. Dust&Glow Dry Shampoo & Styling powder 5. Biome Perfecting Oil 6. Biome Perfecting Oil 7. Girls Get Off Missy 8. Girls Get Off DeeDee 9. EVOLVE Organic Beauty Skincare Range 9

February 2024

Comfort, Reimagined Experience an unrivalled, luxurious slumber like no other on the Comfi Luxe, a groundbreaking mattress that promises to redefine your nightly rest. Proudly crafted in New Zealand by New Zealand’s largest bed manufacturer of 80 years, Vicki and Susie introduce the Comfi Luxe, an innovative commercial-grade double pocket system that’s, excitingly, the first of its kind in New Zealand. This revolutionary mattress transcends traditional sleep technology, and what’s more, you don’t need to spend like royalty to feel like you are sleeping in a sanctuary. Pay 50% less than big box retail for luxury, there’s no sales price confusion by going direct to Comfi. Engineered to provide exceptional support, the Comfi Luxe Mattress minimises partner disturbance, for an undisturbed and blissful night's sleep for all! This innovative design also addresses the age-old challenge of temperature regulation with the addition of an extra layer of mini pockets to facilitate increased airflow, allowing your body to maintain an optimal temperature throughout the night, leaving you refreshed and revitalised each morning.

Beauty & Health

Enhancing the luxury are dual layers of natural organic latex providing gentle cushioning and buoyant support with the added benefit of being naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. The hole-punched layer allows for air flow and to draw heat and moisture away from the body and mattress to also help regulate body temperature. Comfi Luxe takes pride in crafting New Zealand Alpaca wool into the top layer – its hollow fibres enhance breathability and temperature control, surpassing the properties of traditional lamb's wool. Hypoallergenic and devoid of lanolin, alpaca wool contributes to a superior sleep experience. Alpaca wool's exceptional properties – warmth, strength, and lightness – make it the epitome of luxury. Committed to customer satisfaction, Comfi offers a 100-night Rest Easy trial and a 10-year warranty with every new Comfi bed. But first, Susie and Vicki invite you to their Comfi Hub to find out for yourself! Pop in or book a private or an in-person appointment by visiting their website.

For the whole of February, they are giving away two luxury pillows and a mattress protector worth $400 with all Queen, King, Super King, California King Comfi Luxe and Super Natural mattress purchases. Find the Comfi Hub at 347 Parnell Road. comfi.co.nz Instagram: @comfi_sleep

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An Apple a Day… WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Once considered a “peasant vinegar”, apple cider vinegar is now one of the most fashionable of ‘superfoods’, billed as a panacea to all manner of life’s ills – and no doubt playing a leading role in many a new year resolution. But is it worth the hype?

Beauty & Health

"Most people also say that they want to eat better in the new year. But how?” asks Dr Vincent, food scientist, clinical nutritionist and founder of health and wellness brand, Renovatio. “One solid action you can put into place is to take a bit of apple cider vinegar every day." Vinegar has been used for pickling, for preservation, for flavouring, and for medicinal purposes for at least 7,000 years. Legend has it that a courtier in Babylon around 5,000 BC discovered wine formed from a forgotten batch of grape juice, leading to the creation of vinegar, while Hippocrates in the 5th century BC used vinegar to treat wounds. Hannibal of Carthage was said to use boiling vinegar to help crack rocks blocking his army’s progression, and Cleopatra used it to make a love potion from dissolved pearls. But the first reliable documentation of both apple cider and apple cider vinegar, according to Reginald Smith, author of The Eternal Condiment, came with the Norman conquest of Britain in 1066. Centuries later, the concoction made its way across the Atlantic where, for many years, it was considered “peasant vinegar” writes Smith, unlike “high-class” malt vinegar which had to be imported. Possibly the first to realise the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar was US physician Dr DC Jarvis in his 1959 book, Folk Medicine. Since then, there have been numerous studies to varying degrees of success.

loss, reducing body fat, treating heartburn, and improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It even kills pathogens (“So you can use it to clean your fruits and vegetables like salad leaves before consuming them,” says Dr Vincent), and may help soothe skin conditions such as eczema. But it’s not just physical effects, other research has found that the vinegar may have potential for helping treat mental health issues like depression, too. Though, it should also be noted that apple cider vinegar’s ability to lower blood sugars could be problematic for diabetics who use insulin, and it should also be avoided by those suffering with gastroparesis, where food passes through the stomach slower than it should. Anyone on prescription medicine should consult their GP before incorporating apple cider vinegar into their diet also. And as for the best way of consuming it? Up to two tablespoons is generally the agreed-upon dosage, usually diluted in water, fruit juice or tea. It’s also a popular addition to salad dressings and vinaigrettes. (Those looking to treat hair or skin conditions should add a cupful to their bathwater). However you choose to consume apple cider vinegar, Dr Vincent recommends working the dosage into your daily routine to maximise its benefits, so as “you welcome in the new year, may you look forward to a year of better health!"

Acetic acid is the main component of the vinegar, formed by the sugars created through the fermenting process, and is believed to be behind many of its health benefits. Research published by BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies in 2021 found that apple cider vinegar lowered blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, while other studies have shown it to help with weight

February 2024

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February 2024

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Finding Purpose After many years in the corporate world, Janet Thompson, CEO of The Retreat NZ, a private residential alcohol rehab in Warkworth, found her passion in life – helping alcoholics. While her background spans general management and strategic planning at a senior level, both in the public and private sectors, Janet believes that it’s her personal experience of having walked in her guests’ shoes that puts her in a unique position to help. “I’m an alcoholic in recovery and have just celebrated 14 years of continuous sobriety,” she says. “One of the things that sets us apart at The Retreat NZ is that all of our staff are in recovery – we understand what it’s like to struggle with alcohol and we also know how hard it can be to get sober and stay sober without support.” Nestled amongst 12 hectares of native bush at the end of an unsealed road in Warkworth, The Retreat NZ is a registered charity and doesn’t receive government funding. It offers a range of programmes exclusively for people struggling with alcohol – from interventions and social detox to a 30-day residential programme and sober living houses. Guests from all professions and backgrounds travel from all over the country to participate in their programmes. A trained interventionist, Janet is passionate about working with families and employers to help their loved one and/or their workers find recovery. She is on a crusade to remove the stigma

of alcoholism and says it’s important that people recognise that it’s not a moral failing or a sign of weakness but a health condition that must be managed to avoid long-term negative health and social consequences, or even death. “We need to change society’s attitudes to alcoholics. Don’t look down on us with disgust and treat us as if we are useless - treat us with the empathy and care that you would someone who was suffering from any other long-term chronic health condition. “To anyone who is having a problem with alcohol, or who is watching someone they care about struggle, there is a way to get through this. You might feel lonely and isolated and even hopeless, but you don’t have to do this alone. In fact, it’s one thing that you can’t do alone and it’s OK to ask for help,” says Janet.

Find out more at theretreatnz.org.nz or call 0800 276 237 and be sure to visit our resources page for videos and other helpful information or email info@theretreat.org.nz Beauty & Health

Rise and Shine

Creating a healthy morning routine, so goes the consensus, sets the standard for the rest of the day. And it’s not just a trend of the digital age. WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Though the Romans considered it “a virtue” to rise early, author Frank McLynn reveals in his biography Marcus Aurelius: A Life that the emperorto-be was an “insomniac who hated getting out of bed in the morning”. Marcus Aurelius was well aware of this weak spot and the need for selfimprovement, noting in his personal meditations: “In the morning when you rise unwillingly, let this thought be present—I am rising to the work of a human being.” One of the most famous early risers of them all, Founding Father and polymath Benjamin Franklin, rose each day at 5am and planned each hour meticulously after contemplating, “What good shall I do today?”, while

Ludwig van Beethoven began his days by counting out exactly 60 beans of coffee for his morning joe. According to records kept by his son, Charles Dickens would rise with the sun and demand to be left alone until 2pm, sometimes penning up to 2,000 words per day as if “in a trance”. The award for the most self-indulgent – and unhealthy – start to the day perhaps goes to Winston Churchill who somehow managed to outmanoeuvre the Nazis while beginning each day with a hearty breakfast in bed accompanied by scotch and cigars. Though he woke at a respectable 7:30am, he’d spend the next few hours in bed consuming food and booze while reading newspapers and dictating to his secretaries before

February 2024

“You need to focus your decision-making energy. You need to routinise yourself.”

taking a bath around 11am, followed by a garden stroll. Jessica Jackson, psychologist and clinical strategy manager of mental health equity at Modern Health tells CNBC that it’s essential to begin the day free of stress – in today’s world meaning no immediate checking of emails and to-do lists which “tells your brain to go into panic mode.” Instead, we should begin with an intention meditation to be our “north star” for the day. “You can tell yourself, ‘My intention for today is to feel successful’ or ‘I want to be comfortable today’ and think about what you can realistically accomplish in the next 24 hours to feel that way,” Jackson adds. “It can also be a single, powerful word like ‘gratitude’ that will guide how you react to and reflect on whatever happens throughout the day.” And for further inspiration, Verve looks at how some of the more recent go-getters get going… Barack Obama The former president gets to bed around 1am and rises at 7am, shunning coffee for green tea, orange juice or water, then hitting the gym by 7:30am. “His logic was always, ‘The rest of my time will be more productive if you give me my workout time,’” says Jim Cauley, who managed Obama’s Senate campaign. Obama also chooses predominantly blue or grey suits to not tax his grey matter with time-wasting non-vital decisions, telling Vanity Fair: “You need to focus your decisionmaking energy. You need to routinise yourself.”

energy dip. Exercise and nutrition, he says, are also important components of a healthy morning routine. Tim Cook The Apple CEO is one of the earliest risers on the list, usually waking between 4am and 5am. How, going against the general advice, one of the first things he does is check emails and what’s going on I the world before his workout. “Before I go into the office, I go work out,” Cook tells the Dua Lipa podcast. “I spend an hour in the gym, usually doing strength training. And, I do no work during that period of time at all. I never check my phone–I’m just totally focused on working out.” In another interview, with the Australian Financial Review, Cook argues that “the early morning is yours” and easier to control, unlike the daytime when things “happen through the day that kind of blow you off course". Queen Elizabeth II Serving more than 70 years, Elizabeth II was the longest reigning British monarch, the second longest reigning in history (Louis XIV of France is top at more than 72 years), and lived to the grand old age of 96. Her morning routine comprised waking at 7:30am with English breakfast tea (Twinings, of course!) with a few biscuits in bed followed by a bath then breakfast – usually fruit and cereal – with her husband, Prince Phillip. She then caught up on the news before poring through her daily government documents. She was said to only take some time off for a few days around Christmas and Easter.

Andrew Huberman Neuroscientist, Stanford University professor, and podcaster Andrew Huberman is famed for his research on the effects of light on the brain so it’s no surprise that his morning routine revolves around exposure to the sun. Natural light exposure has been proven to help regulate the circadian rhythm, helping with sleep quality and wellbeing. “We’ve now learned that having a consistent to-sleep time, plus or minus an hour, maximises growth hormone release,” he tells GQ. “And so having a fairly consistent to-bed time, it's going to be almost as important as having a fairly consistent to-sleep time.” Our ideal “to-sleep time” is about seven hours after our afternoon

Gwyneth Paltrow From the Queen of the Commonwealth to the queen of wellness, Gwyneth Paltrow’s daily starts naturally have a big focus on self-care. The actor and founder of Goop has smoothies and cappuccinos for breakfast after her morning tongue scrape and oil pull. She also practises transcendental meditation and puts in around 90 minutes in the gym followed by dry body brushing (said to boost the lymphatic system, drain toxins, reduce puffiness, and exfoliate the skin), and a glass of celery juice. Midweek she mixes things up, telling her social media followers, “I start every Wednesday with a dance.”

Beauty & Health

Tony Robbins And from the queen of wellness to the king of self-help, motivational speaker and life coach Tony Robbins has an unsurprisingly military-grade morning routine that includes a cold plunge. He gets by on relatively little sleep (usually 3-5 hours), rising between 7am and 9am and first downs an “adrenal support cocktail” that comprises greens powder, vitamin C, and antioxidants, along with a handful of vitamin capsules. The rest of his routine comprises breathing exercises, visualisation and gratitude exercises, and an intense workout. "My whole focus is – how do you get the greatest result with the least amount of time or energy?" Robbins tells Business Insider. "Intensity trumps duration all day long." Staggeringly, he gets all of this done in 30 minutes!

MAKING THE MOST OF THE MORNING •

Morning routines don’t necessarily have to revolve around rising with the sun. Find your own ‘golden hour’ – the time when you feel most refreshed, alert, and focused. For some it’s 5am, for others it’s 8am, and that’s all good so long as it works best for you. Just stick to it.

• Tailor your routine, don’t simply try to copy one of your heroes – pick and chose some good habits from a selection of successful people, and try to incorporate something fun like listening to a podcast to keep yourself motivated and on track. Never let the routine become something that you dread. • Don’t neglect self-care. The emails and social media can wait, whether

it’s a skincare routine, a workout, a healthy breakfast, or all of the above, ensure you set a positive tone for the day. Even following unproductive days at work, at least at the very minimum you can be satisfied that you’ve been for a good run! • Speaking of breakfast – don’t bite off more than you can chew! Morning routines don’t need to be complicated, in fact the simpler the better, especially at the beginning. Start small and build over time, that way, you’re more likely to stick with them and less likely to feel a failure if you have a bad day or something unexpected happens and you don’t get everything done. Be flexible and prepared to roll with the punches after you roll out of bed!

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February 2024

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February 2024

History of the Handbag WORDS — MILLY NOLAN

Styles that defined the decades.

More than any other pinnacle of high fashion, a handbag serves as a portal to the past, encapsulating the essence of an era like no other fashion creation. Not only are handbags vessels for our belongings, but these iconic accessories are also symbols of style, status, and selfexpression. From the practicalitydriven ‘30s to the opulent excess of the ‘80s, groundbreaking designs have rightfully earned their place in handbag history over the decades. 1930s: In the 1930s, the Great Depression’s grip ushered in an era of conservative and practical fashion, leaving its imprint on handbag designs. Louis Vuitton, famed for its trunks and travel bags, took a bold step into handbags in 1930, birthing the Louis Vuitton Speedy. Crafted from waxed canvas embellished with the iconic monogram, the Speedy was a marriage of practicality and luxury. The Louis Vuitton Alma emerged in 1934, drawing inspiration from Paris’s Alma Bridge, becoming a timeless symbol of elegance and prestige.

Fashion

1940s: World War II cast a practical spell on 1940s fashion, challenging designers to navigate material scarcity with ingenuity. Gucci, post-war in 1947, epitomised this spirit with the Gucci Bamboo Top Handle handbag. Its bamboo handle, an unconventional design born of necessity, became an emblem of creativity, solidifying Gucci’s iconic status. 1950s: The post-war economic boom of the 1950s sparked a revolution in fashion, with cinched waists and fuller skirts dominating the scene. Women now needed smaller, structured handbags to complement their sophisticated looks. Enter Coco Chanel’s ground-breaking quilted-leather Chanel 2.55 in 1955, which departed from hand-carried norms with its innovative chain shoulder strap. Simultaneously, the Hermes Kelly attained must-have status when Grace Kelly used it to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi, solidifying its name and timeless allure.

1960s: The 1960s liberated women’s

fashion, steering younger generations away from traditional handbags. The iconic hobo-style Gucci Jackie 1961 handbag, inspired by Jackie Kennedy, epitomized the spirit of the ‘60s, while in 1965, the Louis Vuitton Speedy 25, inspired by Audrey Hepburn, was a chic an nimble adaptation of the original, offering a perfect blend of style and practicality.

1970s: The 1970s embraced diverse fashion, featuring bohemian, casual, and practical handbag styles. Shoulder bags with wider, longer straps became the trend, reflecting the carefree spirit of the time. Studio 54’s opening in 1977 marked a shift toward decadence, exemplified by the Whiting and Davis Mesh bag. From bohemian vibes to flashy club-goer styles, the ‘70s showcased a spectrum of handbag diversity.

ABOVE: ALAIA LE CŒUR BAG IN CALFSKIN NOIR FROM FARADAYS BELOW: BALENCIAGA, MONACO LARGE LEATHER SHOULDER BAG

1980s: The 1980s epitomized excess, with handbags emerging as paramount accessories for self-expression. The grand dame of ‘It Bags,’ the Hermès Birkin, made its debut in 1984, a result of

a chance encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight. Collaborating on the back of a paper sick-bag provided by the airline, they designed the ultimate carryall, unknowingly making fashion history. The Birkin bag quickly became a symbol of ultra-luxury, with A-listers showcasing its coveted status. The Chanel Double Flap, conceived by Karl Lagerfeld, also rose to prominence with its iconic interlocking CC logo. Simultaneously, Miuccia Prada revolutionized luxury with the introduction of nylon bags, notably the Prada Vela Backpack in 1984, challenging the norms of ultra-luxury by replacing traditional leather with nylon, thus making Tessuto nylon synonymous with Prada. 1990s: The 1990s held many definitive bag moments, including the Fendi Baguette – resulting from the collaborative genius of Karl Lagerfeld and Silvia Venturini Fendi. This petite pochette, meant to be slipped under the arm, introduced a new silhouette adorned with a bold FF clasp. The Baguette’s iconic status was solidified when Carrie Bradshaw famously sported a purple sequin version in Sex and the City. In 1999, John Galliano introduced the Dior Saddle Bag. Featuring a unique shape and diverse iterations, it quickly established itself as a cult creation of the late ‘90s. Named in honour of Princess Diana, who carried it on a trip to Paris, the Dior Lady Dior boxy quilted tophandle tote, featuring a dangling logo charm, is also iconic of this era. 2000s: As the new millennium dawned,

the allure of owning an ‘It-Bag’ became a cultural phenomenon, with anticipated launches commanding extensive wait lists. Balenciaga’s City Bag disrupted the fashion scene in 2001, renowned for its squishy, studded, and shapeless design, earning the nickname “motorcycle bag” and gaining rapid approval from the trendsetting elite, including Kate Moss. In 2005, the Chloe Paddington handbag captured enthusiasts’ attention with its distinctive padlock, and despite weighing over 1kg empty, all 8,000 units sold before hitting shelves. The Alexander Wang Rocco, featuring an incredibly heavy stud-embellished base, also emerged as a coveted accessory, further fuelling the era’s fascination with bold statement handbags.

February 2024

RIGHT: DEADLY PONIES, MR BELLO MIDI CABALLO MULE PLEAT

2010s: In the 2010s, the enduring

2020s: Despite retail challenges in 2020 during the pandemic, handbags have showcased resilience by retaining their value. Kicking off the decade, the ‘no logo’ trend and the reign of oversized bags dominated the scene, finding a balance between practicality and style. Bottega Veneta has continued to rise in popularity with their highly coveted

Bottega Veneta Pouch, Bottega Veneta Jodie Bag, and Bottega Veneta Hop Bag. The Saint Laurent iCare Tote has become the oversized It-Bag, while the maxi Fendi Origami Bag and Alaïa Fishnet Tote (following the success of their mesh ballet flats) are hot on its heels. Showcasing diversity in style and shape, the Loewe Puzzle, Balenciaga Monaco Bag, and Miu Miu Wanderer Matelassé Hobo have also emerged as must-have accessories thus far.

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It-Bag trend persisted. Phoebe Philo’s Celine Luggage Tote was minimalist yet personality-rich, swiftly earning a coveted spot on waiting lists amongst fashion enthusiasts. The Chloe Marcie, a creation by Hannah MacGibbon, added an equestrian touch with its curved, saddle-like front flap. In 2011, the Chanel Boy paid homage to Coco Chanel’s great love, Boy Capel, sustaining high demand. Debuting in the pre-fall 2019 collection, Daniel Lee’s Bottega Veneta The Cassette, with its distinct rectangular shape and oversized weave, achieved wild success. The remixes of the bag, including the squishier version, the Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette, were also highly coveted.

With Love

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February 2024

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOHNNIE CRAWFORD

269 PARNELL ROAD

HARVEY'S HAVEN You may not have heard of Kevin Harvey, but his vision is set to bring new life into old Parnell this year. Unless you're a long-term resident of Parnell, or part of the Auckland commercial property scene, you may not have heard of Kevin Harvey. He and his siblings (Nancy and Tom) are surprisingly under-the-radar for people who hold such fascinating snapshots of Auckland's history in their memory. While Kevin and his siblings own a large portion of the tenancies in Parnell – and some in Ponsonby, too – it’s never just been about building an empire. Kevin Harvey is all about people, something he clearly learned from his dad, Les, affectionately known as the ‘founding father’ of Parnell. You may have seen Les’s statue outside Paynes Tailors on Parnell Road. Even though he passed away nearly 30 years ago, he still beams bright-eyed at passers-by, immortalised welcoming visitors to the suburb. Real flowers sprout around his bronze knees in a burst of colour and sunshine – two of his favourite things. Kevin fondly

remembers his dad’s poetic notes describing his passion for preserving the buildings and spaces in urban settings so “the sunshine could still dance on the ground”. He’s perhaps best known for buying and restoring an area of dilapidated houses in the 70s and converting them into shops, eateries, and boutiques run by artisans, sowing the seeds of today’s ‘Parnell Village’. But this about Kevin, who’s always had a fascination with other countries and their cultures and is bringing this love to life in a project that promises to breathe vibrancy back into this sleepy suburb in 2024. In the 80s, Kevin backpacked through places like Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal where he spent one night in a hut with a “lovely” local family that shared “such a spirit of community that I’ll never forget”. It wasn’t the first time he’d experienced this, though. Reflecting on his wonderful childhood growing up in Auckland he says: “Dad always became firm friends with his tenants so we would be invited into Greek, Croatian and Italian homes

– some of the first wave of immigrants. I loved that vitality. I’ve always thought us New Zealanders were a bit constipated really, but whenever I’ve been into immigrant homes – or Māori homes or Pacific communities – it always feels so warm and welcoming.”

of great food, cooked on barbecues or hibachis all served in small portions so people can grab simple tapas from all around the Mediterranean and eat them at long communal tables, catching up with old friends and making new ones.

It’s always been Kevin’s dream to transport something of that vibrancy and sense of community to Parnell. “We need a bit of livening up around here" he laughs. And it’s not just about people. Kevin has long been fascinated by food on his travels – from whole beasts cooked over open flames in the Middle East to anchovies fresh of the boats in the south of Italy. He loves the feeling of sharing simple, but incredible-tasting authentic food made by people who’ve been making it for years.

“My main focus is that the food be authentic and made by producers who are truly passionate about what they do.

So that’s the plan – a market incorporated with a few permanent spaces like restaurants, shops and a Latino bar, at 269 Parnell Road Harvey envisages live music, dancing, live theatre, international festival movies, wine glasses clinking, and the smells

“People are intrinsically fabulous, and I want this to be a place where people feel good about themselves. I want it to have wild colour and not be sterile. Back in the 70s, Dad created a wonderful place filled with people and colour and it was so alive with hippies, street music and artists and people making beautiful things. My idea is a little different, but I want it to have that joyous feel too. People need this. We’ve all been through too much with Covid and everything. We need some fun, and I want to help bring some colour, life, and joy back to Parnell. And my siblings and I want to protect and continue what Dad began and created.”

And there’s no doubt he will. His passion for the project is clear, and the initial construction already reflects his love for non-conformist design: balconies adorned with wrought-iron set against a saffron-hued plaster facade, and small Gaudi-esque touches all over the place indicate the fun to come. The septuagenarian says: "I imagine it being filled with a lot of people who look the exact opposite to me, although the oldies will be welcome too. “I know it’s all pure indulgence of my own dreams, but I really hope 269 is where everyone will feel welcome. If you’re a family coming for pizza, or young people drinking cocktails, or food lovers looking for something interesting from somewhere else in the world. I want other people to have that same feeling I had of community in Nepal and other places around the world. We all need other humans and to share good food and company. That’s what life is about - the simple things and connecting with other people.” We’re sure Les would approve. 269.co.nz

February 2024

Let’s Taste & Drink Eat Out Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on Church Road’s new range of Gwen wines.

Although our wine culture is relatively young, Hawke’s Bay, with more than 100 vineyards, is the oldest wine region in the country and second only to Marlborough in size. With hot summers and crisp autumn days and an unbeatable environment for vines to thrive, grape-wise, there’s nothing that cannot be grown here. Founded in 1897, Church Road is one of our oldest wineries and the first in New Zealand to craft high quality Bordeaux reds. Previous owner Tom McDonald blazed a trail in the 1950s proving the region’s suitability for growing red varietals, most notably the country’s first cabernet sauvignon in 1949. Today, Church Road is at the forefront of Hawke’s Bay’s traditional winemaking techniques, producing some of our most highly acclaimed award-winning wines. Among the several label tiers from the wineries stable is the new Gwen series, named in the honour of Tom’s wife Florence Gwendolyn Brown. Chris Scott, chief winemaker, using his expertise and passion has overseen the introduction of many new varietals, collecting some major trophies along the way.

’20 Church Road Gwen pinot gris; RRP $25.

Medium to full bodied with a low but crisp acidity and inviting aromas and a bouquet of spice loaded with fruity flavours makes for great balance and appeal. Serve with seafood, chicken, pork, pasta, summer salads, and creamy cheeses.

’20 Church Road Gwen rose RRP; $25.

An appealing, full bodied and concentrated example, crafted with a crisp dry finish that displays lots of floral and fruit intensity with plenty of flavour on the palate. Pair with shellfish, chicken, pork, Asian dishes, cured meats, and green salads.

Food & Wine

DENNIS and ROSAMUND KNILL At last, Auckland has a modern Thai restaurant in the form of Red Elephant. Its elegant decor complements food that’s all about freshness and a menu that turns out skilled versions of Thai classics. Hidden away in a nondescript part of Khyber Pass is a tasteful refit that has seen a fabulous transformation from what was a dated eatery into a venue offering an upmarket dining experience. Red Elephant turns out a much imitated but rarely matched menu of modern Thai food rendered with a sense of balanced polish with an eye to authenticity. There is real excitement on the menu. For entrees ($10.50), you might begin with curry puffs, chicken satay, Thai fish cakes, spring rolls, prawns, or chicken wings. Though modern twists keep things interesting, the culinary adventure continues with a long list selection of dishes ranging from appetisers, soup, salads, noodles, rice, curry, stir-fry, and vegetarian, rounded off with chef’s specials and set menus for larger groups. For traditionists, standouts are green curry ($36) of chicken, beef or pork with coconut milk, sweet basil and vegetables; mussaman ($36) Thai curry of braised lamb pieces with kumara in a spicy rich sauce; whole steamed snapper ($49) with spring onions served with ginger and soy sauce; rice noodles ($32) with chicken, beef or pork served with vegetables; Thai noodles ($32) with sliced chicken, prawns, bean sprouts and spring onion; and pad Thai ($36) with tofu and vegetables. Even when you think you’re done, it’s hard not to be swayed by one of their onsong desserts such as banana fritter ($18) served with coconut milk and ice cream. In keeping with the theme, the wine list divides its loyalties between local and imported vintages from some of the very best producers. And the verdict? The cost of a meal here can add up but in truth its probably worth a bit extra for the smiling wait staff, efficient service, and food that treads a line between fresh and comforting. It’s no wonder the regulars look content! Menu: 8.5; cuisine: 8.5; wine list: 8; service: 8.5; decor: 8.5; value for money: 8.5. 195 Khyber Pass, Newmarket. Tel: 09 379 8704. Lunch Monday-Friday, dinner 7 days. redelephant.co.nz

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RATED

REVIEWS 27

La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2022

Prices valid until February 29th 2024 unless sold out prior. Wine bottles are 750ml unless otherwise stated. Fine Wine Delivery supports the sensible service and consumption of alcohol. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years.

15-Minute Black Dhal This is a shortcut recipe for a quick, creamy, deeply flavoursome dhal. Traditional black dhal uses black urad dhal (lentils), but cooking those from scratch takes a long time, so we’ve swapped them for precooked Puy lentils so that you can get lunch on the table in 15-minutes, making it an easy option for a quick lunch. The chilli, ginger, red onion and coriander give it a punchy flavour that’s equally warming and invigorating.

Serves 2 15 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium red onion, finely chopped small chunk of ginger (about 2cm), peeled and finely chopped 1 long green chilli, finely chopped 1 × 250g pack of cooked Puy lentils or 1 × 400g tin of green lentils, drained and rinsed 1 heaped tablespoon tomato purée 125ml coconut cream, plus extra to serve 2 teaspoons medium curry powder 2 large handfuls of spinach (about 100g) juice of ½ lemon ½ bunch of coriander (about 10–15g), roughly chopped sea salt

Warm the olive oil in a saucepan set over a medium heat. Set aside about a third of each of the chopped onion, ginger and chilli, then add the remainder to the pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes, until soft and fragrant. While the onion is cooking, add 2 tablespoons of lentils, the tomato purée, coconut cream, curry powder and a pinch of salt to a food processor or mini chopper and blitz until completely smooth. Add the spice paste to the onions and cook for another minute, then add the remaining lentils and 200ml of boiling water. Bring to a simmer then add the spinach and lemon juice, stirring until the spinach has wilted. Taste to check the seasoning and adjust as needed. Divide the dhal between serving bowls and scatter over the reserved onion, ginger and chilli, followed by the coriander, a pinch of salt and an extra spoonful of coconut cream. If you don’t have any coconut cream, swap it for coconut yoghurt, stirring it all in at the end.

Recipe extracted from Healthy Made Simple by Ella Mills, published by Yellow Kite, RRP $39.99. Food & Wine

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE WINFIELD

February 2024

Herby Jewelled Rice with Roasted Aubergine, Walnuts, Mint and Pomegranate I have a feeling that this will be one of the most popular recipes in the book. It’s beautifully fresh and vibrant, with the pomegranates, parsley, lemon and rocket, while the harissa gives it a lovely warmth, and the aubergine and walnuts a little earthiness. I make this for friends a lot and it’s always a hit. It’s a nice recipe to double up so that you can use the leftovers as an on-the-go lunch.

Serves 2 30 minutes

2 servings of brown basmati rice (about 50g per person) 2 aubergines, cut into thin half moons (about 1cm thick) 1 tablespoon harissa 1 tablespoon olive oil large handful of walnuts (about 75g), roughly chopped 200g pomegranate seeds ½ bunch of flat-leaf parsley (about 10–15g), roughly chopped ½ bunch of mint (about 10–15g), roughly chopped large handful of rocket (about 50g) sea salt and black pepper For the Harissa Dressing

1 teaspoon harissa 2 tablespoons olive oil juice of ½ lemon

Preheat the oven to 180°C fan. Bring 300ml salted water to the boil in a small saucepan, add the rice then cover with a lid and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until all the water has been absorbed. Leave to stand until everything else is ready and fluff with a fork before serving. Once you’ve got the rice going, put the aubergine, harissa and olive oil on to a large baking tray and season generously with salt and pepper. Give it a really good stir so that the aubergine is coated in harissa and olive oil (using your hands helps with this!). Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once, until the aubergine is tender. When the aubergine has about 5 minutes left, scatter over the walnuts and return the baking tray to the oven. To serve, toss the cooked aubergine and walnuts with the rice, pomegranate seeds, parsley, mint and rocket. Mix the dressing ingredients, pour over the salad, then taste to check the seasoning and divide between plates.

Recipe extracted from Healthy Made Simple by Ella Mills, published by Yellow Kite, RRP $39.99. Food & Wine

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE WINFIELD

February 2024

Roasted Pepper, Thyme and Butter Bean Tray Bake This is a great way of getting lots of flavour on the table in no time. Using a jar of peppers with thyme and harissa instantly transforms a handful of simple ingredients into something special.

Serves 4 30 minutes

2 aubergines, cut into 1cm dice 2 courgettes, cut into 1cm dice 4 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra to serve 300g orzo 2 tablespoons harissa 1 × 400g tin of cherry tomatoes 1 × 400g tin of butter beans, drained 1 × 300–400g jar of roasted peppers in oil, drained and diced, plus about 2 tablespoons of the oil to serve 2 large handfuls of rocket (about 100g) sea salt and black pepper

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Tip the aubergine, courgette, garlic, thyme and olive oil into a large baking tray. Add a big pinch of salt, stir and roast for 10 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and add the orzo, harissa, tomatoes, butter beans and roasted peppers. Fill the empty tomato tin with water and pour this in too. Add a big pinch of salt, lots of pepper, stir everything together then level the surface. It’s important to season the pasta really well here so that you get maximum flavour. Return the tray to the oven for 18–20 minutes, until the orzo is cooked but still has a bite to it – it will continue to absorb liquid and cook as it cools. To serve, spoon the orzo mixture on to plates, scatter over a handful of rocket and drizzle with a little of the olive oil from the pepper jar. For little ones, swap the harissa for pesto.

Recipe extracted from Healthy Made Simple by Ella Mills, published by Yellow Kite, RRP $39.99. Food & Wine

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE WINFIELD

February 2024

Caramelised Onion and Chickpea Flatbreads We ate so many flatbreads in Egypt — a lot of them served with chickpeas or hummus. Once we returned home I had this idea to combine spiced chickpeas, caramelised onion and flatbread and the outcome was pure heaven.

Serves 4 45 minutes GFO NF Bread

2 ½ cups plain or gluten-free flour 1 ½ cups lukewarm water ½ tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt Topping

2 Tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 Tbsp maple syrup 200 g can chickpeas, drained and washed 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp garlic powder 1 Tbsp dried mixed herbs salt

Preheat the oven to 200°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. In a bowl combine all the bread ingredients, mix well and set aside. Heat the oil over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for around 10 minutes until soft. Add in the maple syrup and cook for a further 2–3 minutes. Set aside. In a bowl combine the chickpeas, paprika and garlic powder. Toss to coat. Pour the bread mixture onto the baking tray and use your wet fingers to spread out into one large flatbread. Top with the spiced chickpeas, caramelised onion, dried mixed herbs and a little salt. Bake in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes, then move to the top of the oven for 5 minutes so the chickpeas can brown slightly. Remove from the oven and slice into pieces.

Recipe extracted from Healthy Kelsi Travel Kitchen by Kelsi Boocock, published by David Bateman Ltd, RRP $49.99. Food & Wine

February 2024

Golden Smoothie Bowl One of my favourite things about Hawai'i is the abundance of fresh fruit and smoothie bowls. The best smoothie bowls come from the Sunrise Shack on the North Shore of O‘ahu. This recipe was inspired by their tropical bowl which is filled with sweet and delicious fruits like mango and pineapple.

Serves 1 10 minutes GFO NF

1 frozen banana ½ cup frozen mango ½ cup frozen pineapple ½ tsp ground turmeric 1 Tbsp hemp seeds ¼ – ½ cup plant milk Topping

Granola, gluten-free and nut-free optional Banana, sliced Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Top with the granola and sliced banana.

Recipe extracted from Healthy Kelsi Travel Kitchen by Kelsi Boocock, published by David Bateman Ltd, RRP $49.99. Food & Wine

February 2024

Lemon Pistachio Loaf This loaf was inspired by one of the loaves I had at the famous Marrakech coffee shop Bacha. It has such a subtle flavour but is also super satisfying. The nutty pistachio taste blends so well with the olive oil and lemon. It’s not super sweet so I recommend serving it with a little honey drizzled over the top.

Serves 8 1 hour GFO

2¼ cups plain or gluten-free flour 2 tsp baking powder ½ cup agave or brown rice syrup 1 cup pistachios 1 medium-sized avocado 2/3 cup plant-based milk 1/3 cup olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper. Sift the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Combine the agave, pistachios, avocado, milk, olive oil, lemon juice and vanilla in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into the flour and fold to combine. Tip into the loaf tin and bake for 50 minutes until golden and cooked through. Top with a drizzle of honey and extra pistachios. Serve with vegan butter.

To serve

honey pistachios vegan butter

Recipe extracted from Healthy Kelsi Travel Kitchen by Kelsi Boocock, published by David Bateman Ltd, RRP $49.99. Food & Wine

PHOTOGRAPHY: CLAIRE WINFIELD

February 2024

Artistic Vision of Yuka Curating art beyond time and culture Verve chats with Yuka O’Shannessy, the inspiring director of Public Record – a platform that curates craftworks made from raw materials with unique processes by artisans from New Zealand, Japan, and around the world. What led you to New Zealand? My journey to New Zealand began after my career as a marathon runner ended due to an injury. Having had the opportunity to travel abroad as an athlete, I developed an interest in English. Also, my best friend was in New Zealand, prompting me to visit her and study English here. It was at the time that I met my husband before my visa expired – and now we’ve been married for 18 years!

Art & About

How did you overcome the time transitioning to your new career from being an athlete? The transition took about two years. I faced uncertainties and even spent a whole month just staying in bed. However, my family and friends were great supporters during that period, and since then, I’ve always tried to surround myself with people I love. It's also important to talk to others, go see things outside, experience as many things as possible, and try to understand what you love. It’s okay to take time to think until it becomes clear what you want to do next, but never stop! How has your experience in New Zealand changed your perceptions of fashion and beauty? In Japan, I feel there’s a strong pressure to follow trends. People there tend to choose an item because everyone else has it. Whereas in New Zealand, each person has one’s own style which is not affected by trends. With the absence of major trendsetters and a limited range of available items, along with a deep connection to nature and high environmental awareness, people here tend to avoid unnecessary purchases. I really appreciate their mindset of choosing only things that they genuinely

love. That’s why the artworks in my gallery are selected based on what I find beautiful. What inspired you to establish Public Record, and what distinguishes it from other galleries? The inspiration to create Public Record arose from a passion for working on something timeless that transcends borders. What sets it apart is my dual role as a director and creator – as I am also a designer of my fashion brand Yuka&Tristan – so I know what it’s like

PHOTOS: MASAMI ONO

to create. I usually engage in numerous conversations with artists, visit them in person, and witness the process of creating artwork before holding an exhibition. By the time an exhibition takes place, I have a comprehensive understanding of the artist’s creative process. That’s why, my captions can be so enthusiastic when promoting them on social media. I proudly consider myself their number one fan! What kind of place would you like Public Record to be? As art possesses the power to touch hearts without relying on words, I want people to enjoy art beyond any confines of national borders. I aim to create a space for artists and communities to interact, not just culturally but also in terms of sharing techniques and forming connections. Especially in a young country like New Zealand, I hope we can offer something new to learn and grow through this exchange.

What are your future goals for Public Record? Public Record was established right after lockdown. It’s been four years, and we’re finally settling down after going through the pandemic. As the director my current goals include to continue pursuing my values, building my team, establishing routes for creative exchange with other countries, and supporting artists in reaching global audiences. I aim to promote more cultural exchange, establish a community space, potentially a café, to make art more accessible, and take on various challenges. Could you tell us about the current exhibition? The current exhibition, A Silent Correspondence by Aona Hayashi and Justin Hoffman, is a collaborative exploration of intuitive mark-making, where both artists detach from their individual selves to focus on a simple motif, contributing to a dynamic landscape. This project harmoniously unites the two artists with a shared creative vision and aesthetic cohesion, transcending boundaries and cultural environments. Justin draws inspiration from Aona’s recent compendium, Kuromono, indicating a shared admiration and a quiet exchange between artists, emphasising the power of artistic expression and mutual understanding. The exhibition carries an unexpected unification of two creative worlds from different corners of the globe, showcasing the culmination of their exceptional efforts.

A SILENT CORRESPONDENCE 25 January – 18 February Artists: Aona Hayashi and Justin Hoffman AONA HAYASHI: Born in 1989 in Ishikawa prefecture, Hayashi resides in Tokyo and began artistic pursuits from an early age at Kuni Studio. After graduating from Kuwasawa Design School in 2010, she worked as an illustrator, focusing on still life’s in sumi ink. Hayashi, awarded the Suzuki Seichi Award in 2014, exhibits her abstract brush and ink paintings globally since 2010. Rooted in simple lines and circles, her abstracts explore the essence of being, detached from the self, and emanate from a state of near-quiescent consciousness. JUSTIN HOFFMAN: Born in 1974, Hoffman is an American ceramic artist and painter based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His dynamic works, influenced by Japanese ceramic artists, span sculpture, vessels, and three-dimensional objects. Embracing spontaneity, each piece is unique, created with layers of depth and texture. Hoffman has studied woodfiring in Japan under master potters and participated in a Noborigama firing in Seto, Japan. Operating from his private studio in Lafayette, CA, he approaches each creation like a blank canvas.

Public Record, 82 Ponsonby Road publicrecord.shop

February 2024

What's On in February

IMAGE: PRIDE

Art & About

WORDS — BELLA SAMPSON

RUSSELL HOWARD 9 February Aotea Centre

As we reel from one global crisis to the next, join Russell, ‘the uplifting Comedy King’, as he puts the world to rights in his own uniquely hilarious way. The comedian recently filmed his sixth series of The Russell Howard Hour where he shares his takes on stories dominating the cultural zeitgeist.

MERCURY BAY ART ESCAPE 2-3 and 9-10 March Hot Waves Cafe

The annual artist's open studio offers a unique opportunity to visit and chat with over 40 artists in their studios, learning more about their processes and inspiration; as well as the chance to purchase from them directly. Set in the stunning Coromandel, you’ll be surrounded by vibrant sights inside and outside of the studio.

ticketmaster.co.nz mercurybay-artescape.com

POP-UP GLOBE 10-25 February Skycity Theatre

Whether you’re in the mood for a riotous comedy or romantic tragedy the pop-up globe has you covered. This season, catch two of the Bard’s most beloved works: Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet performed with a beautiful Jacobean set and costumes; there’s a special Valentine's Day performance of the latter.

PRIDE 1-29 February Auckland

eventfinda.co.nz

MORNING MELODIES 12 February Bruce Mason Centre

The toe-tapping highlight of the Takapuna event calendar is back for its 23rd year with another fabulous lineup of monthly concerts held at the Bruce Mason Centre, perfect for all ages to enjoy. The 2024 season features returning favourite bands and brass ensembles, as well as some new additions.

aucklandpride.org.nz/whats-on

NZ HERALD PREMIER CONCERT SERIES 15 February Auckland Town Hall

16-28 February 10a Turua Street, St Heliers

Join Turua Gallery as they celebrate five years of showcasing the best of New Zealand art and artists. The gallery promises to treat its friends and community to “the most gorgeous collection of works” from the likes of Agate Rubene, Rachael Mayne, Paora Tiatoa, and Sara Landon, along with some very cool live music on opening night.

If you’re looking for a romantic event this month, the Auckland Philharmonia has you covered with their latest show, Passion and Mystery. Playing a glittering and intensely passionate selection from Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, and starting with a piece from the Brooklynbased New Zealand composer, Gemma Peacocke. apo.co.nz

aucklandlive.co.nz

TURUA GALLERY 5TH BIRTHDAY

As always, the Pride Month calendar is packed with events celebrating the culture, voices, talent and history that comes with Pride. From the parade to Big Gay Out, album releases, book events, drag shows, comedy, theatre and more. However you identify, you’re bound to find something that tickles your fancy.

FOOTNOTE NEW ZEALAND DANCE 1-2 March Q Theatre

Footnote New Zealand Dance returns with electrifying production IYKYK (If You Know You Know). Two exciting dance works present a game-like lens of viewing the human condition - how do you win at the game of life? What are the rules of the end of the world? qtheatre.co.nz

turuagallery.co.nz

February 2024

Tātai whetū ki te rangi, tātai tāngata ki te whenua

King’s School

Open Days 6 & 7 march 9.00am Register at kings.school.nz Accepting applications for 2026

FOCUSED ON BOYS

A dedicated Middle School for Years 7-10.

Do you have children going into Year 7 or Year 9 in 2025 or beyond? Don’t miss our upcoming information evenings and twilight tours! Come and hear about our unique Middle School environment that sets us apart and keeps them together. YEAR 7 Thursday 14 March 2024, from 5pm YEAR 9 Thursday 21 March 2024, from 5pm Register to attend at kristin.school.nz. Scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9, 2025. www.kristin.school.nz

Progress with vision, integrity and love.

New Year, New Estate Plan Navigating 2024’s busy beginnings. As the echoes of the holiday cheer fade away, and the calendar flips to 2024, the arrival of the new year brings a flurry of resolutions and fresh beginnings. In the hustle and bustle of the year already off to a brisk start, it’s easy to get swept up in the momentum of life’s demands. However, amidst this chaos, there lies a crucial yet overlooked goal that’s deserving of our attention: your estate plan. Your estate plan is a roadmap for the future, ensuring that your loved ones are provided for. As we navigate through a busy 2024, taking a moment to assess and update your estate plan becomes a powerful way to safeguard your legacy and secure a foundation for the uncertainties that lie ahead. What makes a good estate plan?

A well-crafted estate plan ensures that your assets are protected and your needs met during your lifetime and, once you have died. An estate plan can include the following elements: A Will. This stands as one of the most

recognizable features of estate planning, and rightfully so given its substantial role. A will empowers you to decide how you would like your assets distributed on your death and who you would like to appoint to carry out the administration of your estate. Everyone who has savings or other assets with a value of over $15,000 should have a will. It’s common to put off the need for a will, but if you want a say in the distribution of your possessions, then a well-crafted will protects the well-being of those left behind.

Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA). An EPA allows you to appoint a trusted individual (known as an "attorney") to represent you in decision making if you are incapable of making decisions for yourself due to mental incapacity.

There are two types of EPAs: · property: making financial decisions, including managing funds, property transactions, bills, and other financial matters · personal care and welfare: decisions related to health and overall wellbeing Getting EPA's in place is proactive and wise, ensuring the seamless and preferred management of your affairs in circumstances where you are not able to look after yourself. Without EPA's in place, your family or close friends would need to apply to the Family Court for an order to manage your financial affairs or to make decisions about your care and welfare. This is a time consuming and far more expensive exercise than simply making EPA's.

· settlor: the person who initiates the trust. · beneficiaries: those who stand to benefit from the trust. A trust deed, a legally binding document, outlines these three roles, as well as the instructions on how the trust is to be administered. The benefits of a family trust offer protection against risks associated with business uncertainties, or it can serve to allocate funds for the welfare and benefit of children and grandchildren, as well as the passing down of properties to younger generations.

Trusts. These prove invaluable for those seeking to safeguard their assets and ensure ongoing benefits for their family for years to come. Unlike a will which establishes the distribution of your estate upon passing, a family trust establishes legal ownership of assets from the moment of its creation.

A family trust may not be necessary or appropriate for everyone so it’s important to seek personalised legal advice.

A family trust comprises of three essential components:

Claire Endean – Director/Lawyer dawsonslawyers.co.nz | 09 272 0002

· trustees: the individuals who manage the trust

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If you have any questions about these matters, or would like to discuss your situation, please contact our friendly team at Dawsons Lawyers.

Mercury Bay Art Escape Open Studios Meet the artists and explore their studios from Tairua to Matarangi on the Coromandel peninsula’s east coast. Rich and eclectic mediums include painting, printmaking, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, photography, mosaics, and iron-mongering.

A mid-week experience is the Artists in Residence at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach, where you can see the artists at work. Follow us on Facebook or check our website for the Artists in Residence schedule. The Showcase Exhibition will open on Friday, 1 March at Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach with the talented FLOX as keynote speaker. As an aerosol and stencil artist, FLOX has been creating distinctive designs since 2003. Her trademark native birds, ferns and flowers are a celebration of Aotearoa's environmental taonga. We’re also extremely fortunate to have Sharon O'Brien from The Wharf Gallery Raglan, as the curator of the Showcase Exhibition. Hot Waves Café will feature the Artists Showcase Exhibition from 2 March until 9 April with one work from each member and group on display.

Tickets to the Gala Opening are available online from the Mercury Bay Art Escape website or email admin@ mercurybayartescape.com to order. Plan your trip by downloading the free guide from our website and book your accommodation at one of our supporting accommodation sponsors – Hot Water Beach Top 10 or Hahei Beach Resort; booking direct is always best. A big thank you to all our sponsors: Bayleys; Guthrie Bowron; The Coromandel Informer; Whitianga Waterways; Coromandel CFM; Creative NZ; Hot Water Beach TOP 10; The Little Gallery, Tairua & Whangamata; The Whitianga Gallery; The Pour House, Hahei; Stephensons Unichem, Whitianga; Hahei Beach Resort; and You Travel, Whitianga. For more information visit: mercurybayartescape.com Facebook: @mercurybayartescape Instagram: @mercurybayartescape

ARTWORK: HARBOR SERIES, SALLYSAMINS

OPEN STUDIOS Weekends of 2 & 3 March and 9 & 10 March COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Gala Opening - guest speaker, stencil & mural artist - FLOX Friday 1 March at 6pm - Tickets on our website

Showcase Exhibition 2 March - 9 April Hot Waves Café, Hot Water Beach Thank you to our sponsors

www.mercurybayartescape.com

The Art of February

CURATED BY— AIMÉE RALFINI

ARTWORK: SAM MITCHELL 2024, CURSE OF KNOWLEDGE - COURTESY OF MELANIE ROGER GALLERY

Summertime and the weather is easy, snapper’s jumping and the pollen counts high… Your daddy’s rich and your ma is good looking – so off to a gallery now, you must go buy… Art & About

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MASTERWORKS GALLERY Wide View 10 February – 9 March 2024

Galia Amsel, Emma Camden, Christine Cathie, Luke Jacomb, Layla Walter, Kate Fitzharris, Aaron Scythe, John Parker, John Roy, Stevei Houkāmau, Tui Emma Gillies & Sulieti Fieme'a Burrows, CoraAllan, Lafaiki-Twiss, May Trubuhovich, Jay Hutchinson, Jude Te Punga Nelson Neke Moa, Lisa Walker, Shelley Norton. Wide View celebrates some of the best contemporary artists in Aotearoa working across glass, ceramics, textiles and jewellery. Masterworks Gallery offers a professional venue specialising in contemporary craft/mahi and an opportunity for visitors to experience the excellence of the handmade from Aotearoa's talented artists.

MELANIE ROGER GALLERY The Curse of Knowledge Sam Mitchell 7 February – 2 March 2024

The Curse of Knowledge ponders the cognitive bias that occurs when an individual, who is communicating with others, assumes that others have information that is only available to themselves. Mitchell pulls apart this notion with her research into the lives of musicians, artists, writers and characters from religious and mythological histories. Her works are a sassy and subversive bricolage of painting media and eccentric imagery utilised to explore the potency of pictures.

444 Karangahape Rd, Newton. melanierogergallery.com

71 Upper Queen Street. masterworksgallery.co.nz

PAPAKURA ART GALLERY Tu'u tu'u i le loloto – Take it to the Deep Delicia Sampero 17 February – 23 March

Delicia Sampero is a multi-disciplinary artist with a background in dance. Awarded Deans Excellence Award for her Master of Cultural and Creative Practice (Hons) from the AUT in 2019, the artist has had over 50 exhibitions in New Zealand, France, Germany, USA and Samoa, with paintings held in private and public collections internationally. Tu'u tu'u i le loloto – Take it to the Deep meditates on the mysterious connections of all things inspirational to the artists’ practice; family, travel, creative friends, dance, spirituality and philosophy.

SANDERSON CONTEMPORARY Hero Brendan McGorry 20 February – 17 March

Hero features a new body of work focused on the artists’ granddaughter. The title Hero refers to the woman’s strength and courage in the face of adversity, having experienced hardship in her life at the tender age of 16. McGorry’s practice presents a pastiche of art historical references, the artist hearkens to particular artworks and artists in history, reframing and altering their quotations.

Osborne Lane / 2 Kent Street, Newmarket. sanderson.co.nz

10 Averill Street, Papakura. deliciasampero.com

SCULPTURE ON THE GULF Anything Could Happen 24 February – 24 March 2024

Featuring: Chris Booth, Steve Carr, Eddie Clemens, Nicholas Galanin, Brett Graham, Natalie Guy, Turumeke Harrington, Chevron Hassett, Lonnie Hutchinson, Simon Ingram, Ana Iti, Zac Langdon Pole, Yona Lee, Isabella Loudon, Dane Mitchell, Denis O’Connor, Seung Yul Oh, Marie Shannon, Oliver Stretton-Pow. It wouldn’t be summer with this outdoor show beckoning us to Waiheke for a day trip. The Matiatia coastal walkway will once again be transformed into an extraordinary outdoor gallery for Sculpture on the Gulf 2024. Only 35 minutes ferry ride from Tāmaki Makaurau, Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf takes us into the hearts and minds of some of our most exciting contemporary artists.

TWO ROOMS Bow Selina Foote 9 February – 9 March

Bow is a collection of works by Selina Foote from 2013 – a period that saw the artist developing her established methodological practice and reintroducing new compositional motifs. Drawing inspiration from the works of 19th-century women Impressionist painters such as Berthe Morisot and Mary Cassett, Foote distils, refines, and reduces areas of colour, light and line, building on the structural remnants of her source images, masterfully teasing and controlling line and colour to produce works that are radically divergent from their starting point.

16 Putiki Street, Newton. tworooms.co.nz

Matiatia, Waiheke Island. sotg.nz

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NORTH ISLAND T H E U LT I M AT E W E L L N E S S F E S T I VA L ART + MUSIC WELLNESS + FITNESS DANCE + MOVEMENT CULTURE + CONNECTION NATURE + SUSTAINABILITY ALL AGES + FAMILY FRIENDLY

AUCKLAND MARCH 7-10

The Art of Graham Young 2024 Calendar

Featuring 12 of the latest images from Graham’s popular range of paintings. Size: 240mm x 340mm From nostalgic baches on coastal beaches to quirky old buildings in forgotten rural places. This is a slice of Kiwiana for yourself, family and friends or for sending overseas.

On sale at leading booksellers and stationers or direct from grahamyoungartist.com

Box Office ABOVE: COUP DE CHANCE

PRISCILLA

When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who

In cinemas 1 February

is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments: a thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend . A film by Sofia Coppola, starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi.

Tomatometer: 83%

THE ZONE OF INTEREST In cinemas 15 February

Tomatometer: 91%

MAY DECEMBER In cinemas 15 February

Tomatometer: 90%

Art & About

COUP DE CHANCE In cinemas 22 February

Tomatometer: 84%

Jonathan Glazer’s (Under the Skin) masterful Cannes award-winner, The Zone of Interest, is a hypnotic and strikingly original film that dismantles human darkness in the face of evil. The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his wife Hedwig (Sandra Hüller), strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden next to the camp.

May December is beloved filmmaker Todd Hayne’s latest feature examining fame, sexuality, and the lives of people on the periphery of mainstream society. The film finds married couple Gracie (Julianne Moore) and Joe (Charles Melton), 20 years after their notorious tabloid romance gripped the nation, buckling under the pressure of a visiting actress, Elizabeth (Natalie Portman), researching for a film about their past.

THE GREAT ESCAPER In cinemas 7 March

Tomatometer: 80%

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Woody Allen's Coup de Chance is a thrilling blend of romance and noir crime set against the enchanting backdrop of contemporary Paris. Hailed as Allen's best work in a decade, the French-language drama navigates the complexities of love, passion, and danger. Fanny and Jean, a seemingly perfect couple, find their lives entangled in a web of suspense and adultery after a chance encounter. With a beboppin' jazzy score, Allen's film, showcased at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, delivers an effortlessly enjoyable celebration of cosmopolitan life.

Inspired by true events, The Great Escaper, tells the story of octogenarian Bernard Jordan’s (Michael Caine) escape from his care home to attend the 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in France. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world – Bernie seemed to embody the defiant, ‘can-do’ spirit of a generation that was fast disappearing. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Rene (Glenda Jackson). Directed by Olivia Parker.

Ranfurly Village

A sense of

Community RETIREMENT LIVING WITH HERITAGE & CONNECTION

Retirement apartments selling from $625,000, to learn more call Bev Dyson 09 625 3420 539 Mt Albert Road, Three Kings ranfurlyvillage.co.nz

On the Bookshelf Summertime reads to relax with – books that will refresh and inspire. WORDS — KAREN MCMILLAN, bestselling author karenm.co.nz | nzbooklovers.co.nz

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE CHEESE

BE KIND TO YOUR MIND Julia Grace

Ellie and Sam Studd

An engaging blend of personal stories, science and interactive sections that will boost your mental health and give you excellent strategies for the days when you are feeling wobbly. The author is in demand as an international speaker and brings 30 years of teaching experience to this fun, accessible book. A generous, practical book you can keep for yourself or give to others.

The Studd family joke is that their veins run with brie instead of blood, and this book from siblings Ellie and Sam Studd oozes with that passion. It has everything you need to know about cheese: how to buy, store, cook, and match it with other food and wines. With 70 delicious recipes, it’s both practical and quirky. Macmillan, RRP $49.99

Jelly Buddy Publishing, RRP $29.99

Art & About

THE ITALIAN MARRIAGE Jenna Lo Bianco

LOVE, JUST IN Natalie Murray

In order to secure the future of his family estate in Florence, workaholic lawyer Matthew D'Adamo needs a wife to fulfil an ancient inheritance clause. His new ‘wife’ Sarah meets him for the first time in person at Sydney Airport, but it turns out they will need their wits about them in Italy as they compete with another potential heir for the inheritance. An enchanting, escapist rom-com.

Best friends since high school, Josie and Zac’s comfortable relationship is abruptly shattered when Zac’s fiancée dies in a car accident. Two years later, they reconnect, but things become very complicated. Love, Just In is the perfect beach read, but serious themes about anxiety and grief are gently layered through the book, providing just the right balance of escapism and food for thought.

Macmillan, RRP $37.99

Allen & Unwin, RRP $24.99

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Unve i l i ng th e B e s t Re t i r e m e n t Ad d re s s i n Au ck l an d 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 the show apartment is available to view by appointment. To view the show apartment or see the plans for the next stage of The Foundation, please contact Bev Dyson.

541 PARNELL ROAD

THE FOUNDATIONVILLAGE.CO.NZ

09 869 3947

Attention All Arts Lovers In March the Society of Arts Auckland kicks off its 2024 programme of expert speakers.

“We’re so happy to be able to present these top-quality speakers who will share their specialist knowledge,” says Society Chair, Nan Norris. “Our lectures are educational, entertaining and provide a social opportunity for members to share their interest in the arts.” The programme promises something for everyone, with a captivating mix of UK, Australian and New Zealand speakers such as architectural writer, John Walsh, who will present a Style Guide to New Zealand Cities, beautifully illustrated with photographs by Patrick

Reynolds. UK lecturers include Russian and European specialist Natalia Murray, highly regarded English art historian Sarah Burles, and Charlie Waite, one of the world’s leading landscape photographers. From Australia comes Kathleen Olive, whose speciality is the art and culture of Italy and Japan. The Arts Society Auckland meets on eight scheduled Wednesday evenings at the Rialto, Newmarket. dfasnz.org.nz/auckland

IMAGE: CHARLIE WAITE, WORLD-LEADING LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER

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movingmadeeasy.co.nz

Retirement residences designed with luxury in mind Summerset St Johns will be a sophisticated retirement haven right in the heart of the eastern suburbs, with breath taking views towards the sea, city, and neighbouring bush. The village will offer a range of sophisticated retirement residences, enviable resort style facilities, and Summerset’s renowned continuum of care, all of which will be fully operational from day one. The exquisite village centre with its bar and bistro will provide the perfect setting to catch up with family and friends while taking in the sweeping views out to Rangitoto. Summerset St Johns plans and pricing available now.* Love the life you choose

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*All Summerset homes are sold under a licence to occupy and are subject to availability. Image is artist impression as of January 2023. SUM5632_FP1

hotelchateauroyal.nc/fr/

Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa Pure bliss is just under three hours away!

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Last year felt like one of the wettest years we’ve ever experienced in Auckland, and so it was with great joy and great relief that we left the rain behind to luxuriate in the warmth and sunshine that is Nouméa. Our week-long sojourn in this sundrenched haven provided not just respite from Auckland’s wet, but a delightful immersion into the enchanting fusion of French sophistication and Pacific Island allure that is New Caledonia. The city exudes a palpable pride in its French identity, boasting a gastronomic tapestry rich in charcuteries, confectioners, bakers, and restaurants. From the culinary prowess of French chefs to a cityscape that effortlessly weaves together ornate colonial mansions and sleek modern edifices, Nouméa quickly captured our imagination. As this experience unfolded, we realised that possibly one of the aspects of our stay that we enjoyed the most, was the casual elegance and easy-going charm of our chosen accommodation. The discovery of Chateau Royal, the result of an online search for Local Resort, was a serendipitous find. Originally conceived as part of the Club Med family, Chateau Royal beckoned us, and we were so glad that it did – for our stay there was unforgettable for all the right reasons.

WORDS — FRAN NINOW

From the impeccable, well-appointed, spacious accommodation to the warm, friendly, and attentive staff, the exquisite dining experience, to the rejuvenating spa, every aspect was excellent.

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The beachfront deck boasted stunning views and a crystalclear icy pool, that just begged one to dive in. We loved the Aquatonic® Spa Pool so much that we indulged daily. Like an aquatic labyrinth, Aquatonic® Spa Pool incorporates water massage zones with jet and bubble baths, counter-current water walking, showers – all treating different body parts with different intensities and positionings – and other interesting water features. Conveniently located close to town and on a bus route, our accommodation oasis blended pristine cleanliness with captivating style and our stay there was truly pure holiday bliss. My favourite memory is a simple one – the sunset ritual. Held daily on the meticulously groomed front lawn, it’s enjoyed not only by those staying at the hotel, but by many residents of Nouméa who would stop by on their way home. Nestled in the comfortable embrace of a Chateau Royal deckchair (glass of chilled prosecco in hand), the view across the sandy shore and serene blue sea is always breathtaking. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, bidding adieu to yet another resplendent day, the hues of twilight cast a spell that will linger in our hearts forever.

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SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES & PLACES TO VISIT Arc en Ciel guided city tour of Noumea

Highly recommended. An excellent way to orient yourself to Noumea. arcenciel.nc/en/home Amedee Island day trip

If you can choose one thing to do while visiting Noumea, this is it! An all-round idyllic experience. amedeeisland.com/amedeelighthouse The Great South

IMAGE: AMEDEE ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

Book a guided tour with Toutazimut (booking required early) or to explore on your own. toutazimut.nc/en/home Ile des Pins newcaledonia.travel/nz/islands /ile-pins Baie des Citrons

Lemon Bay café Instagram: @lemonbaycafe Anse-Vata Bay

Le Roof Spectacular location perched over the water on the end of a pier over the Anse Vata Bay.

IMAGE: LE ROOF

cuenet.nc/roof

FUN FACTS NEW CALEDONIA

Orphelinat Bay

A Unesco World Heritage Site, New Caledonia boasts stunning lagoons and coral reefs which are among the world's finest due to their exceptional beauty, diversity, and the health of the ecosystem. Its 24,000-sq-km lagoon is one of the world's largest marine reserves.

Au péché mignon aupechemignon.nc/patisseries Plugs:

Local market

Power adaptors are the same as in Europe.

nouvellecaledonie.travel/destination/ noumea/marche-port-moselle

whatplug.info/from/newzealand/to/ newcaledonia

USEFUL TIPS

Money:

Port Moselle

Getting there: Air Calin: aircalin.co.nz/en Air New Zealand: airnewzealand.co.nz Highly recommended:

Hire a pocket Wi-Fi dongle and pick it up at the NC Pocket Wi-Fi shop on your arrival at the airport to use as your source of internet during the trip.

The Pacific franc is tied to the euro at a fixed exchange rate. The current rate is: 1 euro = 119.3 XPF. (We used a combination of local currency, and Visa and Mastercard.)

As a French overseas territory, all its residents are French citizens who all have the right to live and work in France without any restrictions, and vice versa. New Caledonia is home to one of the world’s largest nickel reserves. The Kanak people of New Caledonia (around 40% of the population) are indigenous Melanesians with rich traditions, cultural diversity, and a strong connection to their land.

More info: newcaledonia.travel

ncpocketwifi.com/en/top-up

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A Taste of Northern Italy WORDS — ELEANOR HUGHES

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On board the Ave Maria barge, my first delicious taste of northern Italy is of mozzarella buffalo, pasta, and a white chocolate ganache and wildberry tart. Beneath it, my placemat traces the cultural taster to come… from Mantua along canals, rivers, roads and trails to Venice by bike and barge.

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IMAGE: MANTUA

We cycle next morning from our mooring on Lago Inferiore, just outside Mantua’s old city wall, on a 32-km circuit. Two other lakes hem the historical centre, pink and white lilies spectacularly carpeting their surface close to shore. In Marmirolo, swallowtail battlements top the square clock tower and adjacent town hall denote the small town’s support of the emperor in the 11th and 12th centuries. Surrounding is a countryside of cornfields dotted with two-storeyed, square farmhouses. Hay rolls stuff dilapidated red-brick buildings; church spires mark distant villages. Back lakeside we whizz past fishermen with nets of thrashing fish… maybe bass or perch.

Museum of the Ride, grand, mechanical music machines dating from the 1800s to mid-1930s play boisterous music. I discover amusement parks began in the 18th century, then enjoy watching working models of bygone funfair rides.

Later, a guided tour through Mantua’s historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals impressive medieval and Renaissance palaces, basilicas, plazas, towers and churches. It’s a step back in time.

With rain forecast, plans change and the third day we ride a rural 23km to Mantovani Distillery where, for six generations, grappa has been produced. Ingesting it burns my insides! The hazelnut, limoncello, salted caramel, tiramisu, pistachio, and a few other liqueurs are way better… just as well I’m not riding further.

I breakfast on the two-hour cruise along the Mincio River, disembarking the Ave Maria at Governolo to cycle. Alongside the peaceful Po River, Italy’s longest, cornfields peter out; patchwork green fields border ploughed ones of beige clods; birch trees, grown for paper, stand soldier-like. Sporadic towns are a smattering of yellow, white and terracotta buildings. Bells ring twelve times from Bergantino’s church tower. We arrive to a deserted cobbled plaza, most of its pastel, doublestoreyed structures having closed until 3pm. In the Historical Journeys

Ten minutes’ cycling on, Caseificio Sociale Ballottara has tastings of their crumbly Grana Padano. The strong-flavoured cheese, made since the 12th century, is more-ish! After a total 50-km cycle, we rendezvous with the barge in Zelo. The town consists of a pub, church, pier and little else.

We bus to Ferrara, where the drawbridge is down across an aquamarine moat surrounding the 14th-century Este Castle. In the historical centre, overhead passageways cross river stone cobbled alleys lined with two and three-storey windowshuttered buildings. The rain puts a stop to further exploration and we drive onto Adri, once an Adriatic seaport but now 20km from the coast, to overnight on Ave Maria.

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IMAGE: ST MARK'S BASILICA IMAGE: BAGNI BEACH

Two hours cruising down Canal Bianco next morning brings us to Porto Viro to cycle a narrow strip of land cutting across a lagoon where fish are farmed, in Valle da Pesca. Men in overwater sheds used for harvesting clams make cages to trap invasive blue crab. Distant flamingo appear motionless in the quiet Po Delta.

Cruising to Murano Island for a glassblowing demonstration at Vetreria Artistica Gino Mazzuccato, its showroom featuring stunning, and gaudy, pieces, we then navigate Venice’s busy waterways. The bell tower, built in the 12th century as a lighthouse, dominates St Mark’s Square. We moor on opposite Guidecca Island.

Waves pound in on the Adriatic Coast’s sandy Bagni Beach where we lunch before finishing a blustery, 43-km ride in the historical centre of Chioggia, known as Little Venice. The Ave Maria delivers us to Pellestrina Island in the Venetian Lagoon. We dine on cuttlefish and baccala (a white fish), Chioggia famous for its fish market which we wander next morning. Market day, the main street running down to the harbourside is cluttered with clothing and shoe stalls, and crowds. I prefer the peaceful, quaint canals lined with small motorboats.

Our final day is on foot walking Venice’s picturesque canals finding surprises around every corner. But, despite its magic, I prefer the rural landscapes and uncrowded towns I cycled. The writer travelled as a guest of UTracks on their 8-day Veneto Bike and Boat Premium tour.

Back on narrow Pellestrina Island, we ride 9km north along its Venetian Lagoon coastline fringed with fishing and clam boats. Colourful, simple homes cluster its three small settlements. A 10-minute ferry ride delivers us to Lido Island. Northwards again, we cross the 13-km-long island 4.5km along at Malamocco, its original settlement, to cycle the Adriatic coastline. Cooled by a lunchtime swim at Spiaggia degli Alberoni beach, we continue on to the Ave Maria at Lido’s pier and the end of six day’s cycling.

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UTracks | utracks.com From the Camino de Santiago to the French Alps, the farmers’ markets of France to the waters of Italy and Croatia, whether you prefer walking or cycling, 2-star or 4-star, small group or self-guided, land, river or sea, UTracks helps you explore Europe exactly the way you want to. 0800 350 354 info@utracks.co.nz

Stay somewhere magical Step into a world of lavishly premium geodesic dome accommodation, explore the dramatic scenery, and discover the wonders of Lake Hāwea, near Wānaka. With all the creature comforts of a lavish home away from home, Cross Hill is the perfect place for a romantic summer getaway. Go on, you deserve to treat yourself to something truly special, Cross Hill Lodge and Domes in Lake Hāwea.

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

Come cycling in stunning Central Otago. Check-in with the experts, we personalise everything to your needs. Great multiday adventures for everyone. Two day fantastic rides. Long weekends and our awesome One Day Wonders. Lake Dunstan shuttles and bike hire.

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alpineluxurytours.co.nz

All Aboard! Verve takes a ride with founder of Alpine Luxury Tours, Lee Saunders. What motivated you to found Alpine Luxury Tours and how has it evolved?

The motivation came from within, to create and customise tours for the luxury market and meet amazing people from the world over and offer them bucket list experiences like never before. I’ve worked hard to make Alpine Luxury Tours what it is today, nurturing relationships with locals and agents and giving back to our environment through our sustainability programme. Having grown up in and around Queenstown, I know the region like the back of my hand; and if there’s somewhere I haven’t been, it’s likely because I know at least five places that beat it! What makes Alpine Luxury Tours so special?

We’ve worked hard over the years to create long-lasting relationships with landowners, businesses, and local suppliers, allowing us to provide exclusive, bespoke experiences. Our ability to be flexible and tailor tours gives our guests the very best experience. Our guides work tirelessly to provide a tour like no other.

surprising our guests with freshly shucked bluff oysters and champagne. An incredible experience beneath the towering waterfalls and hanging glacier above. A moment in time they’ll never forget. What advice would you give someone planning a trip to Queenstown for the first time, and why should they consider booking a tour with Alpine Luxury Tours as part of their itinerary?

Firstly, you’ve picked the best place to visit! Secondly, let us know your interests, location – we do cater for full New Zealand tours – timeline, and budget, then let us do the rest. We’ll cater to your needs and requirements and allow you to have the holiday of your dreams. Throw in a bucket list experience or two and you’ll remember this holiday for many years to come! To find out more call 027 257 4632 or email lee@alpineluxurytours.co.nz

What sort of vehicles do you use?

We use only Mercedes Luxury European vehicles with leather seats, more leg room, and the highest safety regulations. Our guests will remind us frequently how comfortable and accessible our vehicles are. We believe that if our guests are comfortable and at ease it transforms their experience from an okay one, to the luxury experience we provide. Your tours often include wine and culinary experiences. Tell us about your favourite food and wine pairing experience?

We have fantastic wine and food pairings but one that stands out was flying into Middle Earth Waterfalls via helicopter and

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Win

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

SPLORE

HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

Everyone’s favourite beachside festival is back! From 23-25 February at Auckland’s Tapapakanga Regional Park, Splore's eclectic music programme will be complemented by performing arts, a Saturday night Cabaret show, visual art installations, panel discussions, wellness practices, workshops, and a dedicated kids’ space. The family-friendly, sustainable festival has family-only camping zones too.

NZ label Hailwood is a favourite with the likes of Maggie Gyllenhaal, Tilda Swinton, and Lorde thanks to its stunning clothes and jewellery collections which includes these gorgeous Hera Hoops sterling silver wreath earrings, and rhodium silver-plated Libra Necklace which merges Cuban and rope chains. Go ahead, make someone’s Valentine’s Day! WIN one necklace and earring set valued at $544.

WIN a double pass with camping included, valued at $840.

(Winner's tickets cannot be on-sold.) Drawn Friday 16 February.

Five-star Sailing Enjoy a five-star service aboard a magnificent catamaran and relax in spaces that feel like a world-class hotel.

Then spend the day exploring new coastlines, islands, activities, and delectable dishes. And this adventure waiting to happen could be yours! WIN a dream private day charter for up to six guests aboard a luxury catamaran, valued at $3,200. Additional guests (up to 20) may be booked at $80 pp. Winners to use their prize prior to end of April 2024.

Win

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hotelchateauroyal.nc

Win Chateau Royal A proud jewel of the New Caledonian capital of Nouméa, the Chateau Royal Beach Resort & Spa overlooks Anse Vata Beach, with lagoon views from its bars and restaurants.

A range of well-appointed, airconditioned suites replete with the likes of rainfall showers and sea-facing balconies are backed by amenities that include a beachfront deck, pool, fitness centre, and the water feature-rich Spa Aquatonic. The manicured front lawn offers one of the island’s best spots to watch the sun go down – with a chilled glass of prosecco in hand, of course!

WIN a three-night stay for two in a standard one-bedroom suite with buffet breakfast, valued at $1,400.

voucher is valid for a year from 5 March 2024 until 5 March 2025

blackout dates applied from 21 December 2024 until 5 January 2025

date must be booked in advance to confirm the reservation. The offer is applicable for two persons upon availability. This offer is not refundable, non-changeable, non-transferrable.

Entering is simple. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine.

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Star Creatures WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

Mankind been searching for signs in celestial bodies for millennia, and though astrology is considered a load of old baloney by a good chunk of the population, it informed science right up until the Enlightenment of the 17th century when astrology and astronomy split. In his book, A Scheme of Heaven: The History of Astrology and the Search for Our Destiny in Data, Alexander Boxer calls astrology “an undeniable power” that reveals “the surprising ways in which everything, and all of us, are connected to each other across time and space”. Among the first to marry up the cosmos and the calendar were the farmers of

Ancient Egypt who noted that the midsummer rising of Sirius, the ‘Dog Star’, meant that the River Nile’s annual floods were imminent. And we can thank the Ancient Babylonians for advancing geometry and plotting the stars by way of sophisticated instruments such as the astrolabe which was adopted across classical Asian and European antiquity through to the Middle Ages.

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As for projecting animal characteristics upon the stars and the effect they may have upon those born ‘under’ them, well, those origins are a little less clear. “There’s some indication that cave art shows this idea that animals and things can be imbued with some kind of spirit form that then has an influence on you,” astronomer Sten Odenwald, director of Citizen Science at the NASA Space Science Education Consortium, tells Time. “And if you appease that spirit form, then you will have a successful hunt.” What is clear is that forms of astrology were adopted across ancient civilisations across continents. Though the Ancient Babylonians had already split the zodiac into 12 equal signs assigned names such as The Lion and The Great Twins, it is the Ancient Greek model that survives today. While western astrology follows the solar calendar, the Chinese zodiac is based on the lunar cycle, also with 12 animal signs each with their own traits, but with each one representing a year rather than a month. Step forward primal astrology which merges western and eastern astrology – and the 144 possible personality combinations – into one manageable chart: the primal zodiac whose animals include the orca, the Komodo dragon, and even the tyrannosaurus rex. It all began with the Primal Astrology website (primalastrology.com), which was founded in 2012 by Catholic school worker, tarot card reader, and self-confessed astrology nerd, ‘Simon Poindexter’ (not his real name), following three “miserable” years of work collating all of those traits and assigning them to what he believed to be the most relevant creatures. What started off as a labour of love with less than 300 total monthly visits, ballooned to 55,658 monthly visits within a year. Now the site gets around 150,000 clicks per month.

makes no sense’.” As to why he did it, the astrologer says that he believes that it was simply something “life wanted me to do”: “My number one thing is, always, anything I do, I want it to be timeless. I want everything I do, if I'm putting that much work into it, to be relevant 20 years from now.” Though many of his friends were bemused by his project, Simon says that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people seemingly “seeing themselves” in the descriptions that he has created. Even though astrology of any kind isn’t based on scientific study, Sten Odenwald argues that the reason it continues to fascinate is because of a psychological phenomenon known as “self-selection” which means people search for interpretations that line up with what we hope to be true. We magnify the positives, and forget about the negatives, he says, because it’s “just how we’re designed”. It reminds me of a social science experiment we once did at school involving handwriting analyses. We were all asked to write some text to be sent off and the following week we each received our results in individually sealed envelopes. I can still remember the audible astonishment as we each read assessments of our personalities so accurate it was as if the author had climbed inside our heads. As we all looked at each other in wide-eyed wonder, the teacher asked us all to pass our notes to the left. We’d all been given exactly the same text. Maybe we’re not so different after all, and there’s something just as magical about that, too.

“I used to kind of be embarrassed about it,” Simon tells Vice. “… I finally told my old coworkers, and they were all just like, ‘that

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Horoscopes AQUARIUS 20 January – 18 February

PISCES 19 February – 20 March

ARIES 21 March – 19 April

Horoscopes

This is a good period for business deals, especially ones dealing with finances. You’ll have an easier time dealing with your joint finances, loans, taxes, and debts. You have also have a relaxed time dealing with the darker side of life and serious issues. You want to be closer to people, beyond a superficial level, and crave more close intimacy with the people in your life.

You can have a harder time dealing with mental tasks with a group of people or by yourself, and work better when you have one partner. This is a good time to talk about your relationship with someone, or to form a new business partnership. This is a good placement for love relationships, and you can feel the love you have for people more easily.

TAURUS

You feel creative, inspired, and want to have some fun, and are able enjoy your life more than you have in a while. You recognise the importance of healthy relationships and strive to have that in your life. You’re willing to work on improving your existing relationships with loved ones. You can be intense and passionate, especially in love. You’re also more fair, mediating, and try to strike a balance.

GEMINI

20 April – 20 May

21 May – 20 June

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You feel drained emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and you need more time to yourself, away from other people who demand too much from you, but whom you don’t seem to be able to get away from.You want to run free, to travel and see the world, to submerge yourselves in other cultures, and to study other modes of thinking. You’re friendly and sociable, and don’t take much seriously in this period.

You will focus on your work, your responsibilities, and the things that you find no pleasure in and don’t care for, but you have to do them. You can have trouble with your loved ones, and if you’re seeing someone, you can decide it’s time to call it quits. You have an easier time facing the past, your issues, your subconscious, and your karma, and work on letting go.

manish@manishastrologer.com

CANCER 21 June – 22 July

LEO 23 July – 22 August

VIRGO 23 August – 22 September

WORDS— MANISH KUMAR ARORA

You may have financial opportunities presented to you that will give you more flexibility. You also feel more confident, secure, and sensual. Good relationships can be brought to the next level, and you become more committed. You can fulfil some commitments you’ve made, or give up on them. An old flame could also come back into your life, and you have to figure out what to do about it.

SCORPIO

You can have a period full of activity, and you’re going from one thing to the next, keeping busy. You can work on an important project that requires a lot of mental focus. You can reconnect with a sibling or embark on a big project in your community. You also feel more at ease with yourself emotionally, and can find a way to ground yourself internally.

SAGITTARIUS

Your energy this month is a little anxious and restless, and you need to keep busy. The busier you are, the more you have to do, the more energy you have. It’s time to get romance and leisure back. Find what you love now. Take up new hobbies, make new friends, or bring back the passion to your relationship, if attached. If single, put yourself back out there and open up

CAPRICORN

23 October – 21 November

22 November – 21 December

22 December – 19 January

your heart.

LIBRA 23 September – 22 October

You’re practical and want to meet your high expectations. You can feel that it’s time to embark on a new adventure and see what the world has to offer you. You see that it’s a big world out there. You may come across as more dependable, stubborn, and practical. It can be a good time to take on a second job, side gig for extra cash, or turn a hobby into a money-making venture.

You like being in the spotlight, and you want people to see what you’re doing. You’re willing to try new things, and opportunities can come to you more easily, or you make them for yourself. You’re less willing to compromise and negotiate, and only want to win, no matter what. Your competitive nature gets the better of you.You may also feel more in touch with your emotions.

You’ll have more communications regarding finance or in your career, make plans to achieve your goals, and think about the direction your life is taking and will plan changes, if necessary. You become interested in a spiritual subject, or explore your spiritual side. You may become privy to a secret, spend more time alone, or be presented with the opportunity to do something behind the scenes.

You stick with tradition, the things you know, and conventional methods. You don’t want to venture outside of your comfort zone, you feel that familiarity is best. You may come across as analytical, exacting, and discriminating. If single, you may meet someone through a relative, or who has a nurturing energy to them. If in a relationship, you try to connect with your partner on an emotional level.

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Riding the Silver Wave WORDS— HELENE RAVLICH

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Based out of Paihia in the spectacular Bay of Islands, Silver Wave Yacht Charters offers a truly five star experience on the water aboard a luxury yacht, with bespoke experiences ensuring unforgettable memories at every turn.

Owner and skipper Scott Farrand spent many years serving as Captain on superyachts in the Mediterranean and Middle East before returning to New Zealand and establishing the business, which is currently midway through an incredibly busy summer. The majority of their sailings have been private charters, guests enjoying the comforts of a luxury residence on the water as they take in some of the Bay of Islands’ most picturesque coastlines, pristine beaches, and a cluster of beautiful islands. “We have been testing the waters with a few shared cruises,” says Scott, “but the majority of our work is private charters. This summer we have had a lot of international guests who are staying at Northland’s luxury lodges booking Serenity to explore the wider islands, but having said that, an Auckland family just finished a ten night charter which was an incredible experience.” The choice is yours

When you opt for an experience exploring the waters on a Silver Wave charter, how you choose to do so is completely up to you. 132

Completely personalised itineraries are the order of the day, as when you charter a luxury yacht, you have the flexibility to customise your day – or days - out. With intimate knowledge of the picturesque Bay of Islands, Scott and his crew can help you choose from among the most captivating destinations, secret coves, and vibrant coastal towns to explore. So, whether you're seeking relaxation, exploration, or a touch of both, a luxury yacht is the key to unlocking the region’s treasures in the most exceptional way possible. “Some choose to not even leave the boat,” says Scott, “preferring to just lie back and enjoy the amenities and the spaciousness of it all.” “Our most popular package is definitely the six hour private charter,” adds Scott, “which involves a couple of hours sailing out into the Bay before we find a secluded spot for anchorage and let the day unfold.” When it comes to destinations, the possibilities are endless

Most of Serenity’s charters leave from

Paihia, Waitangi or Russell, with cruising grounds for overnight charters extending far beyond just the Bay of Islands. Sailing from North Cape at the top of the North Island to Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula (including all of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf), the possibilities really are endless. Scott’s personal favourite destination in the Bay of Islands is Waewaetorea Island, a hidden gem accessible only by private boat that is guaranteed to bring the wow factor. Its secluded beaches and crystalclear waters make it a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway, while Pipi Bay at Moturua Island is a great choice for those wanting to take in the natural beauty of the native bush and birdlife flourishing at the predator-free wildlife sanctuary. How many crew do I need?

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a do-it-yourself approach, we also offer a skipper-only charter option”. What will you find onboard Serenity?

Chosen personally by Scott and sailed to New Zealand from Greece, Scott likes to call Serenity “a floating luxury apartment, with four spacious cabins with ensuites and double berths and multiple alfresco entertaining spaces”. Choose from indoor and covered outdoor dining areas to enjoy meals with a view, with windows that allow the whole space to be opened up in order to enjoy the sea air. Even the solid foredeck has a large lounging and seating area, “another level of luxury and comfort that sets Serenity apart from other boats”. When it comes to experiencing the Bay of Islands, a luxury yacht charter stands as the epitome of opulence and adventure. It's high time to ride the Silver Wave.

February 2024

Treasuring the Past WORDS — JAMIE CHRISTIAN DESPLACES

From decorative wrought iron gates on an unassuming residential Avondale street, a lengthy gravel driveway stretches to a strip of vibrant white buildings in the shade of towering green trees. 134

From the roadside, a bright red phone and letter box can be seen contrasting against the Victorian structures. It’s an intriguing view. “My grandfather’s dream was to create a model village to replicate old Auckland,” says Clint Ryder as he welcomes me onto the two-acre site, Ryders. “He was always bringing stuff back and doing a little bit here, a little bit there. He was making a barber shop, a blacksmiths –building a world with a world. But the memorabilia side of things definitely took over! MOTAT actually started after my grandfather started collecting, and they came to meet him and used his model as a basis for their development.” The main long white building houses the original bar from Kelvin House on Hobson Street and various sporting, music, and entertainment paraphernalia including a giant Elvis statue, signed photos of Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, and still-boxed 80s toys, including from this writer’s favourite childhood TV show, The A-Team. Clint cracks us open a couple of cold ones and we shoot the breeze before taking a stroll around the grounds. His grandfather, Jack, he tells me, planned to have the bar serve as a train station, with a 1902 tram running up the drive. A former coachbuilder and the oldest of four brothers, Jack loved vehicles of all kinds. Adjacent to the bar, an old-school service station sits beneath a massive

Ford sign replete with vintage Shell petrol pumps. Inside, a Ford Model T ‘service truck’ sits with a towing hoist affixed to its rear end while Striling Moss’s racing suit from his first Grand Prix win in 1955 is framed for his “old friend” Jack in a nearby garage. “My great grandfather was an All Black in the 1900s, and he played for nearly every provincial team in New Zealand,” beams Clint. “He received mail from the king for representing his country, so that’s how this basically all started. My grandfather was a decent league player, but he had to give it up and then he got into collecting. That would have been around the 1950s.” Since then, Jack accumulated further treasures like the wheelhouse from the HMNZS Kiwi, the legendary minesweeper that destroyed a massive Japanese submarine during the second world war; the bilge pump from the Edwin Fox; a cannon from the Bounty (possibly, research is being carried out, but it’s definitely from a frigate from that era, from that region); and19thcentury ship menus, including from Titanic’s sister ship the Olympic. Clint hands me a manila folder bulging with yellowed newspaper and magazine clippings which reach back all the way

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“My grandfather’s dream was to create a model village to replicate old Auckland,” says Clint.

to the 60s, and from which I later learn that his grandfather’s eclectic cornucopia of collectibles led to the nickname “Junky Jack”. “I like getting them straight from the playing fields,” Jack told the Auckland Sun in 1987. “I’ve got football jerseys there still with the mud on them – I think that’s the way it should be.” His wife, Margaret, said that she abides her husband’s hobby because “he doesn’t drink and doesn’t smoke”. The sports memorabilia, comprising the likes of signed cricket bats – including from Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Geoffrey Boycott – balls, caps, and jerseys, was described as one of the country’s “most extraordinary” collections. There are signed photos of Jack with Bradman, Ali, and George Best, and he even got hold of the singlet Peter Snell wore when he won gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Ryders feels part-museum, part-film set, so it’s only fitting that there’s also a 60-seater movie theatre replete with a 35mm projector housed in a raised projector room at the back and adorned with original classic movie posters. “We were all in here watching the world cup last year!” says Clint. “I’m painting the theatre and putting up all the old enamel and tin signs of the advertisers that used to be in the picture houses.” More original signs are plastered to the exterior of a fascinating nearby two-storey tavern – most advertise the likes of whisky and Guinness, while another reads: one penny

for the New Zealand Herald – along with vintage vending machines for stamps, Nestle chocolate, and Kodak film. Clint plans to restore this building as a bar and permanent museum. Ryders was hard hit by the lockdowns, further compounded by the flooding last year which saw it closed for much of 2023. The site is up and running again, though not open to the public, instead hosting private functions for the likes of car clubs and senior groups with Clint in charge of cooking roast meals on the wood-fired ranges in the cinema building. Clint recalls “tagging along” with his grandfather on those expeditions, watching as he negotiated in hotel rooms, kitchens, bars, and living rooms with celebrities and sportspeople. As Clint got older, he would drive the pickup truck. From listening to Clint reminisce (and later from reading the clippings) it’s clear, I say as we bid farewell, that Jack was a real aimable bloke, and a real one-off. “Oh, he was,” says Clint, who then pauses. “But he was a tough negotiator too, it was either his way, or nothing, you know. He’d rather swap than take money, money just didn’t interest him. “He was a man years ahead of his time. He not only had a great eye for these artefacts, but understood their importance and how future generations would value them.”

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Luke Crockford. Connecting people with property 021 277 8565 Ray White Damerell Group Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

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