Long lunch or simple supper, this prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe from Miss Polly’s Kitchen makes a perfect fuss-free meal. Easy yet impressive, this linguine makes a meal for many when served with garlic bread and rocket salad.
If you wish, you can omit the prosciutto to make this vegetarian-friendly.
Prosciutto and eggplant pasta recipe Serves 5–6
Ingredients: 3 eggplants, sliced into 1-2cm thick rounds Olive oil Salt and pepper 10 garlic cloves, crushed with the back of a knife and diced ¾ cup of parsley 2 packets of mini vine-ripened tomatoes, quartered 1 pack of cherry tomatoes A good pinch of chilli flakes 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 packet of dried linguine 2 packets of prosciutto (roughly 150g) 8 medium-size mozzarella balls Lots of basil (I used a whole plant from the supermarket)
Method: 1. Heat the oven to 190°C. 3. Line the sliced eggplant on a couple of baking trays, drizzle with olive oil then season well. Bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked. You want them soft in the middle. 4. In a deep pan on a medium heat, cook the garlic with oil, salt and pepper. 5. Mix in the parlsey and cook for a minute then add in the tomatoes, keeping half the cherry tomatoes to fold through at the end. 6. Cook the tomatoes for 10 minutes, add the chilli and balsamic and cook for another few minutes. 7. Cook the pasta in some salted water. Add the cooked eggplant into the tomato sauce. 8. Whilst the pasta is cooking, bake the prosciutto on a tray until crispy. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. 9. Drain the pasta and mix everything together. Top with the crispy prosciutto, mozzarella, remaining cherry tomatoes and lots of fresh basil. 10. Serve with garlic bread and a rocket salad.
Classic, elegant and timeless designs that don’t fall prey to fads or trends are an indelible signature of Conrad Architects, and the Australian practice has done itself proud with the exceptional Toorak Garden Residence. Set among historical houses and leafy streets in an upscale Melbourne suburb, this new-build is an expansive, modern-day ode to the classical Palladian garden villas of Europe.
SOPHIE BARSTOOLS BY EMMANUEL GALLINA FOR POLIFORM from Studio Italia.
Its scale is formidable while also conscientiously melding with its surrounding environment, core tenets of symmetry and proportion aiding in creating a solid structure that never appears overwhelming or off-balance.
A private entry court marks arrival into the abode, and once inside a beautifully sculptural staircase makes a bold first impression, rising up like an in-built piece of art. Impeccably finished in plaster with contrasting travertine stairs, its sweeping fluidity works to soften the otherwise stoic building’s form, its thick masonry walls and vast windows.
HOME HOTEL DINING TABLE BY JEAN-MARIE MASSAUD AND THE LEDA DINING CHAIRS BY ANTONIO CITTERIO FOR POLIFORM from Studio Italia.
The project’s windows in particular were an important part of the brief, informing the constant visual connection of this home with the garden and swimming pool. Therefore, the layout was rigorously planned to create a directional line of movement through the house, with numerous viewpoints bringing green vistas into every room — whether they be wide-scale and impressive or more intimate and contemplative. Repeating elements throughout create a cadence and geometric regularity that is vital when working with spaces of such a grand scale.
Inside, the Conrad Architects team have created a serene and unfussy environment with minimally-processed natural materials, where oak joinery and floors are given textural interest by a pairing of quartz countertops. Unfilled travertine forms the entry, stairs, outdoor paving and living area, and wraps the kitchen island bench; while in the powder room, hers-and-his ensuites and dressing rooms, varying marbles make sumptuous sanctuaries of these oft-used spaces.
TACCIA TABLE LAMP BY ACHILLE CASTIGLIONI FOR FLOS from ECC.
Hanging above the formal dining area, backdropped by the swimming pool and gardens, a showstopping lighting arrangement by Articolo dangles from above, with orbs of light illuminating Poliform’s dining table and chairs.
The harmonious dance between interior and exterior is continued even in more enclosed spaces like the main study — wrapped by dark stained oak joinery, its floor-to-ceiling sliding doors flood it in natural light, ensuring the majestic oak is anything but dour. Outside, a pool-house pavilion is visible, sitting perpendicular to the main building and housing a gym, lounge and bathroom.
This polished yet welcoming home exudes a sense of calm luxury, with an inspired and mutually admiring exchange between contemporary and historical design principles, resulting in a magnificent family home to treasure.
While indoor plants are a timeless interior accessory, there’s far more to these leafy fellows than meets the eye. The plants you choose can seriously benefit your wellbeing in a multitude of ways when placed in a particular room or space — from being all-natural sleep inducers in the bedroom to offering a helping hand in the kitchen. We’ve hunted down the perfect plant for every room in the house so you create your own indoor oasis.
Bedroom:Lavender Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? Beyond being a beautiful, ornamental addition to the bedroom, placing a flowering lavender plant in there is thought to often result in better sleep, boosted moods and reduced anxiety. There are a truckload of pillow sprays, essential oils and sleep masks on the market that are created with a quality night’s shut-eye in mind, but nothing compares to the real thing.
Bathroom:Aloe Vera An absolute wonder plant, Aloe Vera is a multifaceted miracle of nature that couldn’t be more suited to the bathroom. Serving as a first aid kit, (its antibacterial and antioxidant properties lend themselves to anything from mosquito bites to burns), a moisturiser, a lip balm, and even as an all-natural mouthwash, a potted Aloe plant might just be the most beneficial botanical there is — plus, its thick, rubbery, short-stemmed leaves create an ideal sink-side decoration.
Kitchen:Mint Any plant in the kitchen should be part of a herb garden — the more edible the better, we think. Begin your collection with a mint potted plant — fitting in right at home on your sun-drenched kitchen windowsill, a mint plant not only makes a cute interior addition but it also serves as a helping hand to all your culinary needs (read: mojitos), all while filling the air with a subtle, refreshing aroma. Wanting to grow the family? Add more potted plants filled with basil, coriander and rosemary to give the mint some company.
Office/Study:Spider Plant Not only can plants help purify and humidify the air, they can also boost brainpower. A 2005 study at the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England, found that students demonstrated 70 percent greater attentiveness when taught in a room containing plants, whereas a worldwide 2011 study found that houseplants in an office setting can both prevent fatigue and improve your attention span. A spider plant’s grass-like foliage serves as a mature, attractive (home) office accent. We see a promotion on the horizon.
Dining room: Orchid A vibrant, purple orchid flower not only makes a lively table arrangement — serving as a serious conversation starter for when you’re entertaining — but its subtle, sweet aroma has also been known to trigger a positive change in people’s emotions. The best part? Orchids are seriously low-maintenance, in fact overwatering is the most common way to kill them, so if you forget to show them some love for a week or three, they’ll still be blooming beautifully as your table centrepiece.
Living Room:The Fiddle-Leaf Fig The bigger and leafier the plant, the better it is for clearing the air — perfect for the room in which you spend most of your time. The fiddle-leaf fig, aka Ficus lyrata, is a bigger plant that stretches out its large, violin-shaped leaves to serve as the perfect ornamental accent in the corner of a living space. It will need a large pot, (one that ties in perfectly with your interior colour scheme, of course) and watering regularly.
Hallway:Lemongrass While not technically a room per se, the hallway of your home shouldn’t be overlooked — it too needs a green touch. Lining the front hall of your home with a lemongrass plant or two gives far more than just interior aesthetics, the strong scent that emanates from the leaves can also serve as a pest deterrent, meaning that any unwelcome crawlies should stay firmly on the other side of the door.
What we wouldn’t give to walk into Amano with our nearest and dearest, be seated underneath the soaring ceilings and everlasting floral arrangements, and have a plate of its beloved pasta set down in front of us. While, unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions it’s not currently possible to dine in-situ, the modern Italian favourite has made sure we don’t miss out on our carby cravings by launching a takeaway menu of its hot-ticket dishes.
Make sure you’ve worked up an appetite, because you’ll want to get amongst the full selection of pastas, starters, breads, salads and desserts. The fan favourite scampi chitarra is back on the menu, after not being available for a while due to seasonality. There’s also spaghetti cacio e pepe, shorthorn beef and Hampshire pork bolognese on tagliatelle, and casarecci (an extruded semolina pasta) with basil, ricotta and pine nuts.
Left to right: bolognese on tagliatelle; beef carpaccio.
Starter-style dishes that have us salivating are the beef carpaccio with salsa verde, parmesan and cured yolk, the burrata with asparagus, balsamic and pine nuts — and of course, the famous mozzarella foccacia di recco. Finish off with an espresso and mascarpone trifle, and perhaps a strawberry and dulcey ricotta cannolo, and it’ll be happy bellies all around.
It’s easy to place an order for contactless pick-up — simply order online on Savor’s website here. When it comes time to collect, drive to Amano, call the restaurant on 09 394 1416 and someone will bring your order out and place it in the boot of your car. Now that’s what we call meals on wheels.
Prize must be picked up from Amano (66 – 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland) and is subject to availability on the day. Prize cannot be exchanged for cash. Winner will be contacted privately via Instagram.
Curling up or winding down with a pager turner is one of the best feelings there is. From the highly anticipated new release by Irish author Sally Rooney, to Miranda Cowley Heller’s praised debut, these are the novels to read now.
Beautiful World, Where Are Youby Sally Rooney Best-selling author Sally Rooney is back with her third novel. Following four people — Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon — as they navigate desire, friendships and the world around them, Rooney explores the beauty and fragility of youth.
The Tally Stick by Carl Nixon The Chamberlain family disappeared in 1974, yet in 2010 the remains of their eldest child were found, showing he lived four years longer than this — how and why, must be discovered. From one of New Zealand’s leading writers, this is chilling yet compulsively readable fiction.
Widespread Panicby James Ellroy From the noir maestro, Widespread Panic immerses us in the seedy underground of a 1950s Hollywood teeming with corruption, paranoia, sin and redemption. Centred on notorious LA cop Freddy Otash, whose real life inspired the subject matter, this is Ellroy at his staccato-beat-best.
The Paper Palaceby Miranda Cowley Heller Elle Bishop is a 50-year-old, happily married mother of three, but one July while staying at her summer home The Paper Palace, a passionate encounter forces her to make some life-changing decisions, reckoning with what happens when the secrets of the past catch up to the present.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris Blending the dynamism of a thriller or clever mystery with sly, social commentary, this book is being touted as an electric, audacious debut. Nelly is the only Black employee at a New York book publisher — until Hazel comes along. Initially, she thinks they can be allies, until a string of tense events makes it clear there’s something far more sinister going on.
With our homes and interiors acting as a reflection of our own personal needs and tastes, it’s understandable that we would want to embrace a point of difference. After all, who wants to be going about their day-to-day in an environment that mimics everybody else’s?
Brand new home decor destination Peggy has arrived to provide truly unique pieces for those wishing to bring some colour to their abode. Founded by the team behind leading lighting specialist Fourth Dimension, this playful venture is the result of a global search for extraordinary objects to decorate the home.
From eye-catching art to fantastical furniture, striking lighting and sculptural planters, Peggy’s idiosyncratic collection pushes the boundaries of home decor to bring something truly unique to New Zealand houses. Here, we introduce a selection of the international brands available at Peggy, with more makers and products to be launched monthly.
From left: Qeeboo Ribbon Chair and Cherry Lamp.
Qeeboo Whimsy and intrigue collide in the world of Qeeboo, an Italian design brand founded by Stefano Giovannoni that reinterprets everyday objects in extraordinary ways. Find a wide selection of Qeeboo’s pieces at Peggy, including the chrome-finish Cherry Lamp, the romantic Ribbon Chair, and the adorable Rabbit Lamp.
Leblon Delienne Known for its ‘pop sculptures’ of famous pop culture icons, French brand Leblon Delienne is a favourite the world over for its collaborations with internationally renowned designers. Signature pieces include charming interpretations of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, rendered in varying sizes and finishes that make for a striking conversation piece.
The Skateroom Andy Warhol wall-mounted boards.
The Skateroom As with so many design brands that thrive on collaboration, The Skateroom is much more than just the sum of its parts. Based in Belgium, it brings together major players in the cultural zeitgeist to create iconic and eye-catching boards – all while donating a hefty portion of its profits to fund social projects. At Peggy, you’ll find boards decorated with designs by Warhol, Peanuts and Basquiat, all ready to be mounted on the wall.
Ligne Blanche The candles from this Parisian brand will have you breathing a scented sigh of relief, as they add both visual and olfactory beauty to the room. Its collaboration with pop-art legend Andy Warhol is suitably colourful, with Peggy stocking both floral and Campbells Soup renditions.
Ottmar Hörl The designs of German artist Ottmar Hörl are delightfully cheeky, with his naughty gnome adding a hefty pinch of personality wherever he’s placed.
Designs from Slide.
Slide With their adorably simplistic shapes, the lamps and accessories from Milano brand Slide are playful yet elegant. We love the Acquaglobo Floating Lamp, an impressive solution for creating pool-perched ambience.
To celebrate Peggy’s exciting launch, we are delighted to have a Leblon Delienne Mickey Mouse to give away to one lucky Denizen, worth $895. A universal icon of pop culture, this chromed version is an ultra-design Mickey, made in France. Standing 30cm high, with a depth of 12.5cm and width of 18.5cm, it’s a charming addition to any room.
A few years ago, Aldrin and Laura Tabora decided to share their love of Filipino cuisine all over Auckland with their own Food Truck — Hapunan. The husband and wife team worked in the hospitality industry, and a recent trip to Aldrin’s home city of Manila had re-ignited their interest in its bustling food scene.
With their full-of-flavour fare gaining traction back here, they have opened a dedicated takeaway pitstop so fans always know where they can get their fix. Inspired by their cute leaf-printed caravan that is still on-the-go (when it is safe to do so), the petite permanent outpost in Huapai is an essential stop if you’re going for a weekend drive or walk out west.
On the menu, Hapunan serves up traditional dishes with a twist. For starters, we can’t go past the Prawn Siomai, which sees prawns, bamboo shoots and mixed vegetables freshly steamed in a light pastry, and served with ginger soy dressing and chilli garlic oil — or the Pata Tim, which layers pulled pork hock in a steamed bao bun, topped with pickled cucumber, fresh coriander and chilli.
As a main event, the classic Adobo Del Diablo marinates chicken thighs in a rich coconut cream sauce with turmeric, bay leaves and peppercorn, then is served with atsara slaw and coconut rice. Rich but balanced, the Beef Kare Kare is slow-braised for 18 hours and served with an extra thick and smooth peanut butter sauce, topped with crispy bagoong (a Filipino sautéed shrimp paste).
Along with the savoury dishes, the beloved Buko Leche Flan dessert is essentially a coconut crème caramel topped with toasted coconut chips and jackfruit crumbs. Another must-try is the Ube Pandesal — a unique purple doughnut filled with ice cream and topped with toasted coconut for a feast for the eyes, as well as the tastebuds.
Driving up demand for a modern spin on Filipino fare, Hapunan is well worth a drive-by when you are next in Huapai.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm-3pm & 4pm-8pm
There’s no denying that certain vintage furniture items are having a moment. Even if you don’t know their name or origin, you’ll have seen them on tastefully curated blogs and #interiorgoals Instagram feeds. While true design aficionados may argue that, for pieces like Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa and Breuer’s Cesca chair, the ‘moment’ began as soon as they were introduced to market and has continued to grow ever since, it’s gratifying to see that truly innovative designs can transcend trends and eras to retain their value and cult status.
Many styles have been reissued in contemporary fabrications and materials by present-day manufacturers, while some require a little more digging to find originals. These are some of the most sought after designs from the past, today.
Left to right: Toio floor lamp; Camaleonda sofa.
Toio floor lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos Known for their industrial design style, brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were inspired by a 300-watt car headlight when creating the Toio floor lamp. A truly unique piece, the bulb is angled to provide indirect lighting, and while the original style was created in 1962, it is still in production today via Flos. Available locally from ECC.
Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia No matter what fabrication it’s crafted in, the Camaleonda is one of the most recognisable sofas of the moment. Originally introduced by Mario Bellini in 1972, and reissued by B&B Italia in 2020, Camaleonda was one of the first modular sofas to go mainstream, and its bobbly, bulbous form and low-slung silhouette has gone on to influence modular sofa designs ever since. Available locally from Matisse.
Pumpkin armchair and ottoman pictured in this South Yarra Residence by Fiona Lynch.
Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset The comfortable shell and voluptuous appearance of Pierre Paulin’s Pumpkin armchair has made it an enduring favourite for over 40 years. Originally designed for the private apartments of Claude and Georges Pompidou at the Elysée Palace, it is now in large-scale production by Ligne Roset and is available as an armchair with or without a headrest, loveseat or sofa, and an ottoman. Available locally from Ligne Roset.
Soriana sofa and armchairs pictured in Kelly Wearstler’s Malibu home.
Soriana seating by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Another gem from the mid-century modern era, the Soriana sofa and seating designed in 1969 and renowned for fetching high prices on vintage and resale furniture sites, has long been admired for its soft quirky bundled form. Recognising the sofa’s new-found appeal, Cassina, have this year, reissued the Soriana sofa and armchair making access to this much loved classic all the more easier. Available locally from Matisse.
Left to right: Cesca chair pictured in the AVIAN APARTMENT BY ALICIA HOLGAR; Ekstrem chair.
Cesca chair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll Nearly 100 years old, this design is still one of Marcel Breuer’s most recognisable. Marrying traditional craftsmanship with industrial methods and materials, its cantilevered form is both sturdy and weightless, a true design icon. Available locally from Studio Italia.
Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrom A boundary-pushing piece, this chair by Norweigian designer Terje Ekstrom embodies 80s eccentricity. It is certainly an of-the-moment piece, its undulating form making a statement in the interiors of many global tastemakers, and both original vintage and reissued versions are available in a variety of eye-catching shades. Available from Varier Chairs.
D.655.2 sideboard
D.655.2 sideboard by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C The D.655.2 was designed in several instalments between 1952 and 1955, and is now manufactured by Molteni&C. To this day, it makes a statement with hand painted white drawer fronts, overlaid cleverly with various woods including elm, Italian walnut, mahogany and rosewood, that double as drawer handles. Available locally from Dawson & Co.
523 / 524 Tabourets stool and Pacha lounge chair.
Pacha lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Gubi Ahead of its time in 1975 and still coveted today, Pierre Paulin’s Pacha Lounge chair conjures the sensation of sitting on a cloud. While it might seem a simple idea, the lack of legs on the seat was pioneering at the time, a bastion of low-level and more relaxed living that replaced austere, post-war design. Available locally from Cult Design.
523 / 524 Tabourets stools by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina When she first designed these stools between the years of 1953 and 1961, Charlotte Perriand (one of the founders of the Modernist movement) was aiming to elevate a shepherd’s milking stool, creating a version that is still beloved today for its simple yet stylised appearance. It was reissued by Cassina in 2011, and when paired or grouped together the Tabourets make for both charming seats or side tables. Available locally from Matisse.
Ghost Chair.
Ghost chair by Cini Boeri for Fiam Italia This groundbreaking chair is crafted from glass, its curved formation a feat of truly ingenious design. Italian designer Cini Boeri was initially unsure if she even wanted to make a chair out of glass, but her initial misgivings were outweighed by the desire to rise to the challenge and the result has been a design icon ever since its inception in the late 80s. Available locally from ECC.
Left to right: Little Petra armchair; Model S22 candle holder.
Little Petra armchair VB1 by Viggo Boesen for &Tradition Clearly innovative seating endures, as shown by this tactile expression of archetypal Danish design, Little Petra. Initially released in 1938, it was created by architect Viggo Boesen, who became one of the key figures in Denmark’s signature 1930s design movement, named ‘funkis style’. Available locally from Cult Design.
Model S22 candle holderby Werner Stoff & Hans Nagel for Stoff Copenhagen First produced in 1967 by German metalworking factory Nagel, the Model S22 makes for an ingenious decorative piece. Its tri-fold modular design can be built upon at the whim of the user, and can be arranged in any number of ways to construct a unique, inverted take on a chandelier. Available locally from Good Form.
Having swiftly become an artist to watch since completing her Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury (ILAM), Zara Dolan’s moving series of work, Monotypes, has made its way to Sanderson Contemporary.
The Irish born, New Zealand based talent (who also holds an Honours Degree in Fine Arts from Ireland) is known for creating intense, sensory experiences through painterly commotion and bursts of colour. Her one-off monotype prints, created on a large traditional printmaking press, replicate and refine that same dynamic energy, as a suspended moment of lively animation.
From left to right: S-3-HR-#A17D93-SC, 2021, Monotype print on Fabriano Accademia paper, 780 x 600mm, framed; S-1-SW-#121210-SC, 2021, Monotype print on Fabriano Accademia paper , 600 x 780mm, framed.
Direct and intuitive, Dolan acts as an emotive intermediary in her mark-making process to create artistic order through the creative chaos. While the repeated motions follow an exacting method, each iteration ends up unique and immediate in its own right — perhaps a comment on the power of expression. Skillfully confusing the foreground and middle distance (with elements pushing forward and sinking back in a textural double exposure) creates a lyrical atmosphere we find it hard to look away from.
XXL – 4L/8C – SPBR – OPOS – Autumn/1, 2021, Oil paint and oil stick on canvas, 2015 x 1500mm.
Like in Dolan’s oil paintings, form translates into movement in carefully composed arrangements that appreciate the weight of each expressive brushstroke. Inspired by the valley where she lives in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, the abstract paintings are another aspect of Dolan’s spirited translations of the feeling of being in nature, as she represents what the landscape means to her.
Sanderson Contemporary is currently closed under level 3, but you can view all its latest exhibitions online.
How someone decides to give birth is one of the most personal decisions one can make, and some enlist a doula to make the overall experience that much more comfortable. The ancient practice is relatively new in this country, so we ask trained doula Sarah Merfield (also known as Sarah the Doula) to shed more light on what a doula does and who can benefit from having one.
The history: “Doula comes from an ancient Greek word, meaning ‘a woman who serves.’ The role is to serve the labouring person and offer support to the birthing partner. Doulas have been around for centuries, but weren’t officially trained. They were family — mothers, aunts and sisters. Women dominated birth, but when hospital births and obstetrics became more popular in the last century, they were replaced with medical teams, and those supporting birthing women lost their knowledge and skills. The doula role, as we know it, was born in the 70s to fulfil the need.
The service: A doula provides non-medical, continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They ‘mother the mother’, provide pain management techniques and offer suggestions and guidance to the birthing partner. A doula is there continuously to give encouragement, to help her focus and offer evidence-based comfort measures, support and knowledge to her and their support person. They assist with births at home, in birthing centres and in hospitals.
Who can benefit: Anyone who wishes to have continuity of care or needs extra support. We all have moments in our lives when we feel overwhelmed and under pressure. Babies don’t come with manuals.
When they help: Here in New Zealand, most doulas offer birth and postpartum support. Postpartum doulas support the mother with her recovery, prepare nutritious meals, assist with newborn routines, and are invaluable when family support isn’t readily available. Some doulas offer full-spectrum services — bereavement, abortion, adoption and loss including miscarriage and stillborn. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises the postnatal period is a crucial phase in the lives of new mothers and their babies.
Sarah’s story: Like many doulas, it found me. I never grew up thinking I wanted to be a doula, but when I look at the experience I have gained as a live-in nanny, having my own family and working in early childhood education, it was all leading me to this. A chance conversation with my daughter, who had met a doula, sparked something in her and me, and it set me on a path to do the DONA birth and postpartum training. I haven’t looked back. I feel privileged to be at the birth of a new life and love fostering confidence and helping families navigate those first months.
Key questions to ask your prospective doula: Ask to meet them, as you can gauge far more whether they’ll be suitable for you. Connection, to me, is the most important thing when I meet clients. Being supported is fabulous but finding someone you feel a connection with and knowing they are in your corner is invaluable. To be confident and in the right headspace, you need to feel secure and confident that everyone on your birthing team meets your needs.
Other helpful questions are: • How many clients do they take on a month? • How do they juggle that with birth being so unpredictable? • What is their birthing experience? • Are they trained? • Why did they become a doula? • What’s the best thing about being a doula? At the end of the initial meeting, think about how you felt, whether you felt a connection and were at ease.
A growing tradition: There are so many more doulas now, which is excellent. It is still a relatively new concept here in New Zealand but it’s gaining more popularity. It means that more women have the opportunity to be supported, that they have different choices and they can find the support right for them. With the maternity system under pressure, engaging a doula is the one constant thing. We are with you from early labour until the baby arrives. I think people have realised, and Covid has taught us, that there’s no such thing as ‘too much’ support.”
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