This independent magazine has finally made its way to NZ — and it makes for an utterly unique read

Quirky, thought-provoking and entirely unfiltered, Neverland is unique, to say the least. Here at Denizen, we’re forever on the hunt for out-of-the-box celebrations of creativity, content that inspires us to think differently and see the world through another lens, and this homemade magazine has barrelled onto our cultural radar for that reason exactly. Now in its seventh issue, Neverland zine is finally making its way to New Zealand after spending its short tenure of life over in Bali, and we suspect its going to make some serious waves this side of the Tasman.

In what can only be described as founder Oliver Green’s whacky yet intelligent stream of consciousness in paper format, Neverland comprises artwork, poetry, sketches and long-form articles. The pieces featured are often confronting, but never for a second are they boring or lacklustre, and we can guarantee that you’ll come away from it feeling as though you’ve experienced something… even if you can’t quite put your finger on what exactly that is.

In celebration of Neverland’s New Zealand launch, Green has produced an accompanying collection of t-shirts, in two distinctive designs, and a range of bespoke dog tags, available to purchase from Knowear in Ponsonby. The magazine, however, is free, and if that’s not enough reason to dip your toes into something new and exciting, then we don’t know what is — trust us, you won’t be disappointed.

NB: Do you want to know what else is free? A sticker pack and your name in the draw to win a Neverland t-shirt — all you have to do is follow @neverlandzine on Instagram. Easy.

Oliver Green, founder of Neverland magazine

Culture

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Stella McCartney for LVMH

3 brands that are paving the way for a more sustainable future in fashion

As more and more brands fold sustainability into their ethos, it’s promising to see the progress in the industry at large. From the consignment craze to Stella McCartney’s inimitable reign, these are some of the most significant recent happenings in the space.

Stella McCartney teams up with LVMH
In a move that surprised industry insiders, Stella McCartney recently announced a new partnership with luxury fashion conglomerate LVMH. Alongside the group buying a minority stake in McCartney’s renowned, eponymous label (of which the designer will remain creative director and majority shareholder), Stella McCartney herself will become LVMH’s special advisor on sustainability. This comes just over a year after McCartney cut ties with LVMH’s rival group, Kering (with whom she had a 50-50 partnership), and signifies how the biggest players in fashion are starting to make sustainability a number one priority. 

The Real Real goes public
Pioneering luxury consignment retailer (with both an online platform and physical stores in Los Angeles and New York) The Real Real, raised $300 million in its first public share offering in June this year, seeing its shares jump almost 50 percent in the first few minutes of trading. Giving the company a preliminary market value of around US$2.5billion, it was a move that spoke to the burgeoning popularity of second-hand fashion in today’s more eco-aware, sustainability-driven climate. It seems the only way is up for The Real Real and we’ll be watching this space with interest.

Net-A-Porter launches sustainability platform
Earlier this year, online retail giant Net-A-Porter launched a new platform dedicated to sustainable fashion. Making it easier than ever for its customers to identify and connect with environmentally-friendly, sustainable brands, Net-A-Porter kicked things off with a number of exclusive capsule collections — including one from New Zealand’s own Maggie Marilyn. “Our aim,” articulated Net-A-Porter’s Global Buying Director, Elizabeth von der Goltz, “is to give a voice to the brands that are truly making positive changes.”A worthwhile mandate indeed.

Coveted

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Denizen’s foolproof guide to ordering takeaway food for delivery

At the Denizen, getting lunch delivered to the office is almost a daily ritual. After a saga of trial and error, we have become knowledgable and highly skilled professionals in this area of expertise. It was a learning process but we’ve cultivated a series of pointers that we swear by which you should take into consideration the next time you order a meal for delivery.

Be careful of noods
Getting a deep container of carby noodles seems like a splendid idea until it arrives on your doorstep, soft and mushy from being in the heat for far too long. You’re lucky if the noodles haven’t stuck together like glue and formed a big clump that you can pick up with a single utensil. Nevertheless, the fresh herbs that are sprinkled on top have lost their vibrancy and aroma, followed by the lukewarm temperature of the noodles which doesn’t make the experience any better. You would think that popping it in the microwave will be the ultimate problem solver until you realise that the extra heat has made your noodles turn ever soggier.

Beware of bread
Speaking of soggy food, anything with bread is a possible red flag. When you order a burger in a restaurant, the juiciness stays within the patty as the sauces slowly seep into the fluffy, toasted buns. However, during its delivery journey, you risk the sauce soaking the buns, turning them cold and the patty can turn dry and overcook from being left in its own heat for too long.

Don’t fall in deep (fried)
The beauty of fried food is when it comes straight out of the sizzling oil, sprinkled with fresh seasoning and consumed right then and there. The magic of the golden, battered delicacy is lost by the time you get to bite into what used to be morsels of hot and crispy goodness. Instead, they’ve turned soggy, stodgy and unsatisfying which is not what your $6.99 delivery fee should be going towards.

Timing is key
If your fried-food cravings are too strong to dismiss and you’re adamant on not dining in the eatery, timing becomes more crucial than ever. Even sticking within the 15-25 minute range can be a gamble, and you have to be willing to take this bracket as not guaranteed. Speaking from experience, adding a leeway of an additional 10 minutes is recommended to prevent the frustration of unexpected delays.

Stay fresh and stay cool
It’s the dishes that were made to be served cold or room temperature that shine the brightest when it comes to getting food delivered. This includes sushi, doughnuts, salads and poké bowls, as there is no room for decreasing temperatures and disappointment. This way, you’re ensured to have the most similar experience as you would when dining in the restaurant, but even better as you’re tasting the same flavours in a potentially more comfortable environment.

Curry night is always right
Realistically speaking, ordering food via delivery is an occurrence that most commonly arises during the cold days, when the last thing you want to do is go out, venturing for food. In times like these, sushi and poke bowls don’t quite do the trick as all you crave is something warm and comforting and your best bet is a curry dish. If anything, curries taste better the longer you leave it and is the most microwaveable meal, so you can enjoy it hot no matter how long it takes to arrive. The rice may harden a tad but once you drench it in the reheated curry, it’s as if it came straight out of the steamer.

Gastronomy

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Kingfish crudo
Akarana Eatery
Yellowbelly flounder
Wood roasted cauliflower (on the left) and lamb shank pie (on the right)

Take a look inside Nic Watt’s newest waterfront venture

Renowned Auckland chef Nic Watt, Executive Chef of MASU in SkyCity, has taken his passion for the ocean and brought it to the waterfront location of Okahu Bay. As part of the development of the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, Watt has partnered with Akarana Yacht Club to open a brand new restaurant called Akarana Eatery. This newly opened establishment is set to be more than just a place to dine, but a welcoming space for the community to come together.

Akarana Eatery seats a total of 153 patrons but still manages to feel spacious and open. The high ceilings and wide glass windows open up the restaurant, allowing diners to feel comfortable, and the space boasts a clean palette of ocean hues. In terms of the food offerings, Chef Watt has designed a seafood-skewed but not solely focused menu. As a “third-generation boatie,” Watt tells me, he likes to showcase his love for the harbour through his dishes.

Free-range chicken liver pâté

The all-day eatery serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the menu features elements which hit a sense of familiarity. The offerings are intriguing, too, as Watt adds his own spin to traditional dishes by pushing gastronomic boundaries, serving them in a way that many people haven’t come across before. This is exemplified in dishes such as the red snapper buffalo wings — a deep-fried fish wing that resonates with a classic fried chicken wing, but the juicy chicken is replaced with a tender fish that cuts like butter. The chicken liver pâté was also another unique experience. Served on a crispy rye waffle instead of a baguette, we especially liked the way the checkered pattern of the waffle acted as cases and borders for the thick and creamy pâté.

Red snapper buffalo wings

Growing up around the Waitemata Harbour since childhood, Chef Watt has always been surrounded by the freshest marine life, leading him to be a big fan of seafood. But it wasn’t until Watt began his ventures in kitchens overseas that he realised the premium quality of New Zealand seafood. During this time he would come back to New Zealand every now and then, after missing his mother’s home-cooking, especially her Yellowbelly flounder — a dish that’s now on the menu at Akarana. Be sure to not skip the tail of the fish, as Watt heavily salts it to achieve an unbelievable level of crispiness and flavour, it’s not to be missed.

Burrata (on the left) Nic Watt & Kohu Road matcha ice-cream (on the right)

Seafood is not the only cuisine you’ll find at Akarana. In fact, some of our favourite dishes didn’t feature anything from the ocean, such as the lamb shank pie. The dish saw a rich and saucy lamb with the bone retained, left peeking through the buttery pastry. Served with smashed peas and a side of gravy, this is a delicious meal of pure comfort. The wood-roasted cauliflower sports a dark colour, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that it’s burnt. Watt cooks them over seasonal wood, which is currently cherry, for a unique aroma and depth in flavour, while they boast a heavenly crackle that is followed by crunchy almonds and creamy garlic mayo. Before you make your way out, don’t forget to get a scoop of Kohu Road ice cream to end your experience on a sweet note, Watt’s favourite is the matcha green tea flavour.

Akarana Eatery officially opens its doors to the public on Saturday, 7th September and the folks at Akarana are making a day out of it. Face painters and a live band will be assisting the launch, setting the tone of an all-inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

Opening hours:
7 days, 7am until 10pm

Gastronomy

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The beauty trend you should get on board with — according to your star sign

AriesGlossy lids
Pair your dynamic, quick Aries nature with some dewy eyelids to ensure you make an impression even when you’re flying by. Appealing to your competitive nature, this beautiful look will be a head-turner without feeling ‘too much.’

Taurus Gold flake
As the Zodiac’s lovers of luxury, you Taurus will naturally gravitate towards anything you can bask in — which makes this gilded trend perfect for you. From skin care products that include gold flake to makeup looks that incorporate golden, glowing pigments, however you incorporate this trend into your day-to-day, we can guarantee you’ll feel great doing it.

Gemini No makeup, perfect skin
Putting your focus on cultivating glowing, flawless skin will mean that all your overachieving can be done undisrupted by a makeup routine, Gemini. You’re busy. You don’t have time for primers or bronzers or complicated lids. Simply focus on your skincare routine and slap on some SPF before you leave the house. Chic.

Cancer90s revival
Tap into your penchant for sentimentality, Cancer, and embrace the cool return of the 90s to the beauty cabinet. Whether it’s a matte eyelid, a tonal lip liner or a peachy cheek, this moody trend will have you reliving your youth.

LeoExtreme winged liner
Delight your adoring fans, Leo, with this bold, brazen trend that will have everyone you pass doing a double-take. Extend the wing of a classic liquid liner all the way out to where it almost touches the edge of your brow, or simply double the width of the liner you would usually do and grab that spotlight with both hands.

VirgoBrows, brows, brows
There is something about fluffy, full brows that will appeal to your inner perfectionist, Virgo. In order to nail the statement brow, pick up a pencil and a gel and work on getting the arch just right. It will change the proportions of your face and make your whole look feel finished.

LibraAll about Blush
Balance the tones of your face, Libra, by buying into the all-over blush look. Pick a pink that suits your skin tone and apply the same one to cheeks, eyelids and lips for a monochromatic look that will satisfy your even-handed nature.

Scorpio — ‘Extra’ nails
Accent your passionate speeches with nails that do some of the talking for you. Tap into your inherent bravery to experiment with coloured, patterned and themed talons and wave them about ceremoniously when you speak.

SagittariusHigh-saturation colour
Pops of colour have been huge in beauty this year, and they’re something that will appeal to your enthusiastic, extroverted nature Sagittarius. Whether you smudge a neon hue on your lid, experiment with a bright lip or add some unexpected colour to your cheeks, this is a fun trend that will give new life to your look.

CapricornSmoky brown eyeshadow
We know, Capricorn, you have far more serious things to worry about than silly beauty trends. So in light of such, we would encourage you to embrace the sleek, brown smoky eye. An uncomplicated look to achieve, this is one that will accentuate your natural features without demanding attention — leaving you to get back to the task at hand.

AquariusFace appliqués
Ah Aquarius — you crazy cat you. Maintain your reputation for originality by going off-piste with your beauty look and embracing the face-sticker trend. If anyone can pull it off, you can.

Pisces Glitter eyes
Sure to appeal to your artistic nature, Pisces, the glittery lid will not only allow you to get creative with your look but will also enhance those big, wise, empathetic eyes of yours. Whether doing it in a bold or subtle way, this will enhance your kind nature while setting you apart from the rest.

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These limited edition, Amisfield kombuchas are set to be the drink of spring

Our favourite kombucha brand, Batchwell has just released two limited-edition drops, and they simply cannot go amiss. Say hello to the Motueka Hops and the Sauvignon Grape, the two, beer and wine-inspired flavours crafted by Batchwell, in collaboration with Motueka Hops and Amisfield Winery.

The Amisfield Sauvignon Grape Kombucha uses ripe grapes from the first stage of the fermentation process, which allows the flavours to flourish and develop throughout the brewing process. While the Motueka Hops rendition boasts a bold and unique floral aroma with notes of elderflower and refreshing lemon zest, and is truly one-of-a-kind. Giving the phrase ‘cracking open a cold one’ whole new meaning, this cool, refreshing drop is the beverage we’ll be keeping on hand for the warmer months to come.

Batchwell’s limited kombuchas are available in selected local supermarkets around New Zealand as well as on their online store.

Gastronomy

Michael Meredith shares insight into the inspiration behind Metita’s new & most-loved dishes, plus we’ve got a delicious dining experience to giveaway
No plans for Anzac afternoon? Consider lunch at Sìso, where a new autumn menu awaits
Weekend Dining Agenda: Where to go and what to eat this weekend

New Zealand’s largest boating spectacle is coming back to the Viaduct Harbour

Come the 3rd of October, crowds will descend upon the glistening Viaduct Harbour to revel in the much-awaited Auckland On Water Boat Show. The country’s largest watercraft extravaganza is back for its 21st year, this time bringing with it over 200 domestic and international marine businesses, alongside a captivating array of goods from boat dealers and manufacturers.

This year’s exhibitors, from both near and far, are sure to keep boat enthusiasts inspired. Maritimo, for example, will be showcasing four prime examples of innovative design, each hand-crafted in Australia, alongside a medley of fine local talent derived from the likes of Smuggler Marine, Tectrax, Dickey Boats and The Yacht Collective. Set to deliver a completely unparalleled experience, this is New Zealand’s only event where guests can witness the vessels both on and off the water.

So whether you are hoping to invest joint ownership of a luxury vessel, treat yourself to a new watersport toy, catch up on equipment releases or merely take a look at how the other half lives when sea-bound, you can rest assured that the Auckland On Water Boat Show has everything to entertain any and all. While tickets are available on the door, those eager few who purchase early bird tickets online will go into the draw to win part of a huge prize pool — ensuring that the summer boating season really kicks off with a bang. To buy, click here.

The Auckland On Water Boat Show runs from 3rd – 6th October, from 10am – 6pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday.

Culture

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Food For Thought: The new approach to dieting isn’t what you would expect

Gone are the days of the hard-to-stick-to, the farfetched and the downright dangerous diets (how did the Cotton Ball diet become a thing?!) — today, the argument for a more relaxed approach to eating has seen a dismantling of diet culture. Right now everybody’s throwing caution to the wind with the new form of culinary inspiration: the anti-diet book. Packed with scientific information, compelling stories and plenty of myth-busting, anti-diet books are encouraging us to ignore everything we already know about wellness and health and learn something new. Essentially, that it’s time we all started enjoying food again. Hear hear.

Gene Eating
by Giles Yeo
Dr Yeo delves into the science of weight and obesity as he debunks everything we thought we knew about diets and dieting. Come for the facts, stay for Yeo’s self-deprecating humour.
Key Takeout: Genetics play a far greater role in our weight than you would think.

Just Eat It
by Laura Thomas
Registered nutritionist Laura Thomas PhD throws off the shackles of restrictive dieting and punishing exercise in favour of intuitive eating.
Key Takeout: We need to rely on our natural hunger and fullness cues, and learn how to distinguish between physical and emotional hunger. 

The No Need To Diet Book
by Pixie Turner
Turner encourages us to become a ‘diet rebel’ in this frank exposé of all the things we still get wrong about food and health — challenging misconceptions on everything from orthorexia to emotional eating. 
Key Takeout: We can cater to and understand eating disorders if we destigmatise and normalise the issue. 

Eat It Anyway
by Eve Simmons & Laura Dennison 
Eat it Anyway brings in experts to quash myths and provide an unbiased exploration of food — all alongside some seriously delicious recipes from prominent names in the food industry.
Key Takeout: We need to view food as the epicentre of an enjoyable life, one that brings people together and creates memories.

The F*ck It Diet: Eating Should Be Easy
by Caroline Dooner
With a unique, no-nonsense voice, Caroline Dooner — a former raw vegan and yo-yo dieter — dishes out all the truths alongside a hefty dollop of humour and even some self-care tools that can be carried out at home.
Key Takeout: Our bodies are actually hardwired against dieting, and diets actually make us even more fixated on food.

Is Butter a Carb?
by Helen West and Rosie Saunt
Registered dietitians and founders of The Rooted Project, Rosie Saunt and Helen West, tackle common misunderstandings as they explore the latest links between diet culture and weight stigma.
Key Takeout: Gut health is a key component when it comes to healthy, natural weight loss.

Wellbeing

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L'Americano

Newmarket Westfield’s Italian eatery is blurring the lines between retail and dining

Expectations have been high for the opening of New Zealand’s biggest shopping mall — Westfield Newmarket. Now, a section has finally opened its doors to the public and, after getting a taste of what’s to come, the hype has only intensified. Not least after the reveal of the new Italian eatery, L’Americano, created in collaboration with the renowned Australian interior showroom, Coco Republic.

Crudo from L’Americano

Inspired by Matt Damon’s character in The Talented Mr. Ripley, the ambience of L’Americano is mysterious and classy with a slightly gloomy mood. The space seats up to almost 80 patrons, and is bustling with customers who are in attendance to receive their morning coffee and pastry, alongside those sitting down for a delicious meal. Some might find the concept of joining a furniture store with an eatery quite unusual, but trust us when we say that it works, and very well. Linking hospitality with its showroom allows Coco Republic a more active and lively space, which showcases a different approach to retail and, with the help of owner Antonio Crisci, the food served at L’Americano levels up to the quality of its retail goods.

For those of you who are unaware of Crisci, allow us to give you a brief introduction. He’s a visionary, and the man behind one of Waiheke Island’s most reputable restaurants, Poderi Crisci, and Auckland’s iconic Italian restaurant, Non-Solo Pizza. He has brought his rich knowledge and passion for Italian cuisine, learnt from his mum’s kitchen in Napoli, Southern Italy and poured it into his newest opening — L’Americano.

Cannelloni from L’Americano

The menu has been designed to showcase authentic Italian cuisine in its most delicious form, differentiating it from the usual brunch/cafe fare found around Auckland. With a crudo bar and a crostoni bar, and a menu that boasts breakfast dishes, numerous plates of pasta, salads, antipasti and desserts, you can rest assured there is something for everyone to enjoy. The entire menu has an underlying theme of simplicity, but perfectly executed, proving that sometimes less is more.

Italian influences are found in every dish. The breakfast sandwich, for example, features elements of Italian cuisine by replacing the traditional bacon with a rich and fatty, crispy pancetta. Our favourite dish, the cannelloni, was filled with creamy ricotta and spinach, drenched in a flavourful and comforting Napoli sauce and topped with mozzarella — you really can’t go wrong. For something fresher, we suggest you opt for the Crudo market fish, which is served with finger lime caviar, pickled cucumber, fresh chilli, aged balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil. This dish pairs perfectly with the wide variety of wines and cocktails on offer, which include the classic Negroni, Aperol Spritz and espresso martini.

Breakfast sandwich from L’Americano

Diners are welcome to sit either inside the eatery or within a section of Coco Republic itself, a concept which makes the two different spaces intertwine in an unexpectedly natural way. Together, they are redefining the concept of shopping mall dining and proving that hospitality and retail can truly go hand-in-hand.

Opening hours:
Monday to Wednesday — 8:30am until 7pm
Thursday & Friday — 8:30am until 9pm
Saturday & Sunday — 8:30am until 7pm

L'Americano

Shop 123 Level/1, 277 309 Broadway,
Newmarket

http://lamericano.co.nz/

Gastronomy

Michael Meredith shares insight into the inspiration behind Metita’s new & most-loved dishes, plus we’ve got a delicious dining experience to giveaway
No plans for Anzac afternoon? Consider lunch at Sìso, where a new autumn menu awaits
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Michelle makeup table

This furnishings brand is the epitome of refined and elegant European design

Established in 2001 in Italy, ByKepi boasts the refined, elegant luxury that has become so synonymous with European design. Each piece, hand-sewn and hand-carved by each adept craftsman of the 300-member ByKepi team, harmoniously blends this renowned, classic design with a unique approach to comfort, resulting in furniture for the lounge, dining room and bedroom that is as sublime and easy to use as it is to look upon.

L-R Stone Console Table, December Console Table,

Not merely creating pieces for every room of the home, but for every design personality, too, ByKepi offers a range of different styles and designs that can appeal to the refined minimalist just as much as they do the avant-garde.

L-R Soho Coffee Table, Donn Coffee Table, Viento Coffee Table, Viento Side Tables

Despite the brand’s ability to excel in seemingly every scope of furnishing, it’s ByKepi’s approach to the classic table that really has us hooked on their design offerings. Whether side, dining, console or the classic coffee, each table is a prime example of the Italian brand’s decadence. A strong use of opulent material, for example, plays ode to the luxury of the brand, like the rippling marble found in The Viento and The Donna from the Coffee Table collection, or the polished brass and refined stone harnessed in the December console and Stone console, each found in the Sideboards collection.

Exclusively stocked at local luxury furniture supplier, DeLux Interiors, it’s never been easier for Aucklanders to employ a dose of refined, European design into their homes.

Design

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