Being writers ourselves, we could wax lyrical about how much we look forward to the Auckland Writers Festival line-up every year. And truthfully, our local literary festival is one of the best, bringing some of the most epic writers to our shores year after year. The 2023 Auckland Writers Festival programme sees a return to the original, 100 percent in-person format, hosting more than 160 live events spanning six days in late May. But with such a stacked line-up, including a raft of esteemed international figures to compliment our local talents, we have cherry-picked this year’s highlights so you can book your space — STAT.
On Never Giving Up: Bernadine Evaristo Thanks partly to the unprecedented success of Girl, Woman, Other, Bernardine Evaristo has swiftly become a household name that defies genre or reader. Often joking that she is an ‘overnight success four decades in the making’, the Booker Prize winner lands on our shores to share her memoir Manifesto: On Never Giving Up. In conversation with Paula Morris, Evaristo will discuss the depth and breadth of her career and how she has used her newfound notoriety to champion others’ creative work and rights, especially writers of colour. Saturday the 20th of May, 5.30pm — 6.30pm
Kim Hill in Conversation with Double Pulitzer Prize-Winning Colson Whitehead Colson Whitehead, a two-time recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, is a rare talent in the literary world. He is the only writer to receive consecutive awards for his thought-provoking works, including his best-selling novels, The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys., widely acclaimed for their unflinching portrayal of racial injustice, delivered with a biting wit that can only be described as lived. His latest novel, Harlem Shuffle, is the first in a trilogy set against the backdrop of the civil rights era, exploring the themes of crime and heist. In conversation with the always-probing Kim Hill, Whitehead will delve into what inspires him to create his art, shedding light on his creative process and the motivation behind his exceptional storytelling. Friday the 19th of May, 8.30pm — 9.30pm
Birnam Wood: Eleanor Catton Arguably one of our most brilliant literary exports, having gained global recognition for the genre-bending epic The Luminaries, Eleanor Catton’s latest novel has already been released to great acclaim — and now she brings it to the 2023 Auckland Writers Festival to talk with Noelle McCarthy about what compelled her to write this epic romp through our national parks, with rare earth mining, deep surveillance, guerrilla gardening and so much more. Catton will also join Bernardine Evaristo and Shehan Karunatilaka for a separate panel discussion on the complexities of winning The Booker Prize. Saturday the 20th of May, 7pm — 8pm
Life Beyond The Clock: Jenny Odell Jenny Odell, acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy, has become an essential voice in our modern society. Her fiercely intelligent and original approach confronts the relentless demands on our time and focus, dismantling the pervasive cult of efficiency. Her latest book, Saving Time: Discovering a Life Beyond the Clock, delves deeply into the fundamental structure of our society, revealing that the clock we live by is designed for profit, not people. This intimate discussion promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the cultural moment in which we find ourselves, with attendance essential for any with a semblance of social curiosity. Tuesday the 16th of May, 8.30pm — 9.30pm
Bonus Event: The Art of Noticing: A Masterclass with Jenny Odell. This masterclass offers an opportunity for a select few to learn from the inimitable mind of Odell — who credits much of her literary mastery to the subtle act of observation. Tickets and more information are available here.
Streetside Britomart Taking over the inner-city precinct, here, performers, poets and writers of all creeds converge for a night-long affair of readings, declarations and live storytelling to reclaim the land they stand on. Festival organisers describe this as one of their favourite events, year after year. The 15-minute showcases facilitate a spirited and constantly moving experience, where local literary minds are finally given a soapbox to stand upon — and we wait in great anticipation for what they have to say. Friday the 19th of May, 6.15pm — 7.45am
When Peter and Sarah Wren finally passed over the Bambina baton last year after spending a quarter-century at its helm, the question on everyone’s mind was, ‘what comes next for the duo?’. Well, the answer is finally coming to fruition this week as the delightful new all-day bistro and eatery Spring, set to open tomorrow in the heart of Remuera’s new dining precinct.
Left: Spring interior by Katie Lockhart. Right: Fish crudo, salsa verde, fennel.
Inviting me for a walk-through a few days before opening, Sarah explains that food was always intended to be the focus of this new space. Open every day, from 7.30am until 10pm, serving ‘simple food, done well’ was a non-negotiable. “Spring is all about offering delicious, unfussy food, with great ingredients and plenty of flavour,” she shares. Having seen the offering first-hand, I can attest that this brief has been executed flawlessly. The menus here are unique, concise and utterly appealing, and importantly, evolve with the needs of the day.
Breakfast salad, bacon, tomato, avocado.
Breakfast is a delicious edit of beloved classics, and lunch caters to lighter meals (including the tuna salad, a nod to an iconic Bambina staple) alongside a trio of housemade flatbreads designed to share and that will remain on the menu throughout the afternoon. Dinner eventually shifts into a traditional multi-course, bistro-style menu. Here, the owner’s indisputable favourite is the fish crudo, topped with a housemade salsa verde and fennel — with the fish supplied by local legends, Kiwifish. In fact, at Spring, the owners have committed to working with the best local suppliers, drawing on longstanding relationships with Wild Wheat and Allpress, to preserve quality as the cornerstone of their offering.
Left: Black garlic, mozzarella and rosemary flatbread. Right: Spring exterior.
Everything here is fresh, including the kitchen team, who, when I visit, is going through the menu and putting last-minute touches on it to ensure that the execution is nothing short of brilliant. It is an entirely new team that the Wrens have called upon, drawing on both local and international talent to form a formidable force. It is an area in which the duo have a lot of experience, Sarah tells me, and the result is a crew they feel confident can transform their vision into a palpable reality.
But admittedly, the first thing I notice is the space itself — and with a fit-out this gorgeous, how can one not? It was designed with the Midas touch of Katie Lockhart, who worked with the Wrens on a subtle Bambina refresh sometime ago, too. At Spring, the renowned interior designer has drawn on local and international inspiration to create the perfect space that emulates the Wren’s intention of a chic yet approachable destination where it feels warm and accommodating for diners while still standing apart from the crowd.
Serloin, chimichurri, parmagiano, rocket.
Spring is able to seat 70 across its impressive floor plan, complete with outdoor patio dining that Sarah and I agree is somewhat reminiscent of Australia’s internationally renowned The Calile and a mezzanine that also sports its own upstairs bar, which eventually will open to foster a secondary, intimate space.
Despite the fact that doors to Remuera’s Spring don’t officially open until tomorrow (Thursday the 23rd of March), it is evident that the destination has indeed hit the mark. Sarah tells me that it genuinely was a fantastic opportunity in the area. As a longtime Ponsonby resident, she’s excited to branch out of her postcode and get to know a new side of Auckland’s dining scene. Although, we have a sneaking suspicion that Spring will play a significant role in shaping it, too.
Opening hours: Tuesday — Saturday, 7.30am until 10pm
Oh, pampering, how we adore you. There’s nothing quite like walking into a calm beauty therapist or spa, with that delicious anticipatory sense that you’re going to feel (and often look) much better walking out. Having tried our hands at administering our own at-home treatments over the recent years, we have an even greater appreciation of the experts who make it all seem so easy. And here, we present our definitive guide to the most deft at their craft.
Rishika Lata, Park Hyatt Having brought her passion to every day in the beauty industry for over five years, Rishika Lata enjoys all aspects of her chosen vocation at Park Hyatt’s sumptuous spa, from educating clients on their skin to seeing incredible results after a session. One of her favourite and most requested treatments is Park Hyatt’s Ultimate Haute Couture Facial (read more about this luxurious facial here), and Lata will have you immediately at ease with her personable disposition, leaving you relaxed and most importantly glowing after a bit of self-care.
Catherine Anderson, The Facialist Wielding her “magic touch” from renowned City Works Depot beauty studio The Facialist, Catherine Anderson is deeply passionate about enabling people to feel beautiful and confident in their skin — as well as assisting with their overall wellbeing. With a quiet intuition and customer-led focus, she customises each facial treatment to suit the individual (as is The Facialist’s philosophy), and her background in massage therapy means a session with Anderson will have you floating. Our current obsession is The Supernatural Emma Lewisham Facial, a premium 60-minute treatment that employs some of the local brand’s most beloved products alongside The Facialist’s signature manual lymphatic drainage massage for dramatically elevated results in skin regeneration.
Lena Yakimchuk, Spring Spa Ponsonby Hailing originally from Kyrgyzstan, Lena Yakimchuk is a beloved beauty therapist for her ability to tailor her clients’ treatments to their individual needs, and her passion that shines through in each and every appointment. While adept at all facials, her signature treatments are the Spring Spa X Augustinus Bader Methode Facial, and the Signature LED Light Treatment Facial. With Yakimchuk, you can be sure you’ll reach your skin goals while feeling utterly pampered at the same time.
Kate Michelmore, Skinography Kate’s instinctive way of knowing what each of her clients need draws on her ability to apply not only topical skincare but to also work closely with the internal support system. She combines holistic methods like Chakra techniques, energy work and crystal healing to truly restore and rejuvenate, from the ‘skinside out’. To book, click here.
Amelia Story, Room 9 Dedicated to finding solutions to the many skin conditions that affect us all. Room 9’s Director Amelia Story always facilitates a comfortable environment, and fosters a highly individualised treatment regime that combines the best of organic skincare with essential light and infusion technology.
Romy Burgess, Skin by Romy The holistic approach offered by Romy Burgess is unlike most we’ve encountered before. In her bespoke consultation, Burgess draws on her wealth of knowledge to examine not only what issues the skin may be struggling with, but the other external factors at play that may be standing in the way of your dream complexion too. Her gold standard treatment, the Deep Dive, gives you a personalised Skin Wellness Plan by email which includes skincare, nutrition, supplements and lifestyle suggestions, curated to meet your specific skin goals and lifestyle needs. You can learn more here.
Michelle Cook, Rosenthal If it’s a no-product facial you’re after, then Michelle is your woman. Offering a treatment free of slathering and caking, she instead employs the regenerating benefits of massage seeing the face, head and neck kneaded to a state of blissful relaxation. The process is designed to release facial tension (particularly good for jaw clenchers) and promote the natural flow of energy, all while helping to stimulate the skin’s natural cell rejuvenation and repairing process. To book, click here.
Morgan West, Skintopia Late last year I was delighted to experience a series of new Dermologica treatments at Skintopia, and had the great pleasure of meeting Morgan. Truly knowledgable about the skin, and the seemingly endless multitude of ways that hormones can influence it, it’s safe to say I’ve never walked out of a facial so satisfied that my skin’s needs have actually been met. No facial here is ever the same, with each treatment regime designed in phases around your skins individual needs, which can vary every time you visit. And with a treatment like this, it is so essential you find someone that can actually walk the walk — a rareity indeed. To discover the treatment menu, click here.
Nandika Singh, Malkia Beauty Nandika Singh, owner of Malkia Beauty, hails from a lineage of beauty therapists. Her grandmother’s famed milk baths and herbal facials drew admiration from Fijians, while her mother advanced the business to cater to loyal clientele. Singh embarked on her own journey at a tender age, self-taught in the art of leg waxing, until formal training at Elite International and CIDESCO. With a growing passion for skincare, Singh seeks to assist clients with their concerns and impart knowledge, through both face-to-face and online consultations.
Rosie Huggard, Tonic Skin & Body Harnessing the best of Sothys signature skincare range, a facial at this Old Titirangi Village spa is undeniably one of the best investments you can make in your skin. A long-standing facialist with an excellent reputation (touted as one of the best among Aucklanders in the know), we’d recommend the Sothys MD Booster Treatment for lasting results — a unique blend of aesthetic abrasion, needling and vibrational massage. Discover more about the treatment here.
Even the most discerning of diners will admit that few things hit the spot quite like an indulgent burger, and we count ourselves very lucky indeed that Auckland seems to be serving up an endless offering. Aficionados will be familiar with, Lucky Gs, which really has been a pioneer in the local smashburger movement (if you ask me, it is hard to beat these crispy caramelised patties). But even those unfamiliar with their brilliance should be delighted to know about the burger joint’s latest opening in Onehunga.
Now technically in Auckland Central (as of tomorrow), undeniably closer to the masses than their Kelston flagship, Lucky Gs Onehunga spot is ideal for a grab-and-go meal on those nights when you’re craving something indulgent, but the intimate, diner-style fit-out (crafted with deft hand) is also a cosy and cool spot to pull up a perch, should the cravings be too irresistible.
This second flagship store offers a similar delicious menu to its Kelston counterpart, a destination known to draw diners from as far as Hamilton — the burgers are just that good. But what makes Lucky Gs burgers so sought after? While they’re not the super-stacked, over-the-top style that has been popular in recent years, their beauty is in their relative simplicity.
Lucky Gs Onehunga uses smash patties for its hamburgers and cheeseburgers, a technique whereby the patty is pressed firmly down on the grill to flatten it, the Maillard reaction creating plenty of caramelisation in the craggy edges. They leave them slightly thicker than the usual smashed standard, for a more juicy burger. And as such, their burgers over the years have swiftly earned themselves a reputation as some of the City’s best. Make the trip to Onehunga yourself, and we’re confident you’ll soon see why.
While it’s true that the trench coat never falls out of favour, this season has served up some particularly alluring takes on the timeless style (it’s no surprise that it was a street style mainstay at fashion week). And as the autumnal chill sets in, giving us all a glimpse of what to expect in the coming months, the prospect of outerwear that will not only keep us dry on drizzly days but that can be used to elevate almost any look (even leisure wear) is more appealing than ever.
From trench coats in timeless beige to those in sleek leather and even iterations that make a case for colour, there is plenty here to prove that the arrival of wintry weather needn’t be all bad news. Shop our curated edit below.
Trench Coat Reimagined
While we’re all familiar with the appeal of the classic trench coat (see below) there is an argument to be made for a more modern take, too. Here, the iconic style has been rendered in bright colours, contemporary shapes and sleek leather, offering a statement-making twist on the staple.
From left: Double-breasted leather trench coat from Prada, Long Trench from Saint Laurent, Waterloo Trench Coat from Burberry, Crinkle Effect Metallized Trench Coat from Louis Vuitton, Belted leather trench coat from Gucci.
Can’t Beat a Classic
There is something about the beige trench that simply never fails. Whether it is precisely tailored and demure, or garishly voluminous, this style of coat, worn over virtually any look, will take your style credit to the next level. After all, there is a reason that it has remained a staple of the sartorially-savvy throughout a number of decades and trends. You will never fall foul of fashion with a piece like this in your wardrobe.
From left: Trench Coat from Saint Laurent, Oversized trench coat from Balenciaga, EKD Cotton Gabardine Trench Coat from Burberry, Acne Studios trench coat from Workshop, Loewe Cape-effect cotton-gabardine trench coat from Faradays.
We’re on the hunt for an exceptional senior sales and marketing aficionado to join what is arguably the most successful magazine and website in the New Zealand market today. The successful candidate will be utterly self-motivated, possess an inherent desire to achieve, and have an acute understanding of the finer things in life. They will also have an unwavering desire to manage ongoing relationships with a highly coveted portfolio of clients that includes some of the world’s most desirable luxury brands.
The successful applicant will have a proven track record of achieving exceptional sales results, all while maintaining strong relationships with clients. An intimate understanding of all aspects of media from print publishing, to online and social media. The successful candidate will form part of an incredibly passionate and committed team who work hard but also regularly enjoy the fruits of their labour by dabbling in the art of living well. We are looking for someone with an outstanding personality, an eye for detail, excellent communication skills, a good head for numbers, an eye for luxury and fantastic people skills.
This position requires you to: – Meet and exceed budgets set by the publisher via a combination of planned brand advertising and integrated marketing campaigns
–Develop media plans and strategies that are aligned with a client’s objectives – Have an acute understanding of website and social media analytics and strategies and how to implement effective campaigns – Collaborate with the editorial team on ideas and strategy
– Become an expert on successfully executing advertising programmes for a range of clients
– Complete post-campaign wrap-up and analysis
– Attend a variety of events as a representative of Denizen
You are: 1. Proven: You’ll have a minimum of five years of successful sales achievements in advertising, marketing, media, luxury or public relations. 2. Driven: You are utterly driven to achieve and exceed budgets using your proven skills, personality and expertise. Failure is not an option for you. 3. Strategic: A balance of creativity and strategy guide your decision-making. You are an organised multi-tasker with an eye for detail in a fast-paced, changing environment. 4. Communicative: Whether written or orally, your communication skills are outstanding in any context. Your interactions with clients and coworkers move business forward in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. 5. Solutions-oriented: Your can-do attitude is contagious. You tackle projects from a strategic and creative approach with nothing standing in your way of achieving the end goal.
This role is a senior position within the business and therefore the remuneration is extremely attractive for the right candidate who is capable of continuing to build on the success of what is already New Zealand’s most admired and successful luxury media platform.
From the Platner to the Serie Up, these are the chairs that can be identified by a single word. Designed by icons, they have each become symbols in their own right, utterly timeless pieces that not only made a significant impact when they first arrived but have endured through the ages, and are arguably more in demand now than ever before. Here, we present the iconic armchairs that any design-forward interior should include.
This seat is a stunning example of mid-century modern design. Its sculptural form effortlessly combines curves and angles, resulting in a piece that is both balanced and visually striking. With the human body in mind, the armchair’s inviting shape is carefully crafted for maximum comfort, making it the perfect seat to sink into. Every detail has been meticulously executed, and now undoubtedly a timeless classic, the Delfino Armchair is sure to effortlessly elevate any interior design.
Released in 1969, this avant-garde chair challenges conventional design with its original shape and unique construction. The chair’s polyurethane foam shell is poured into a mould and expands to create a one-of-a-kind form that is as comfortable as it is visually striking. Available in a range of colours and fabrics, the Serie Up 2000 is a versatile choice for a variety of interiors and exemplifies how a designer’s imagination and experimentation can create a timeless object of functional art.
First created in 1928, the LC2 Armchair was the product of a collaboration between Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand who were all part of the Le Corbusier studio in Paris. The chair’s design was revolutionary at the time, with its emphasis on clean, geometric lines and the use of tubular steel frames, and is now widely considered a masterpiece of modernist design. An enduring classic this chair continues to be a highly sought-after piece for design enthusiasts and collectors alike.
First introduced in 1966, the Platner Dining Chair boasts an iconic silhouette created by a unique construction method where hundreds of vertical steel rods are welded to circular frames and finished with a comfortable, upholstered seat and backrest. A stunning example of how innovative materials and an eye for detail can result in a truly timeless piece of furniture, the Platner remains a popular choice among those in the know.
The idea of investing in property is an inherently Kiwi paradigm. It’s something that most of us have been told from an early age to do as soon (and as often) as we can. But what if there were other avenues and models of investment available to us that delivered similar opportunities for those sought-after capital gains? (Without having to purchase an entire property yourself.) This fascinating space is being harnessed by local investment company Fortland Capital, whose unique offering is breaking wide-open investment opportunities like never before.
This is how it works. Fortland Capital’s experts identify a promising parcel of land in a high-demand, city-fringe area, before acquiring it and syndicating it to investors, offering proportional ownership and allowing the investment to run debt-free. The team then works with best-in-class development consultants to prepare the land to foster future communities. It undertakes strategic master planning and shepherds the land through cumbersome zoning and resource consent processes, which essentially enhances its pre-developed value. The final step is the divestment of the land with returns for investors, measured in multiples. Basically, the land is identified and managed by Fortland Capital, prepared for development and sold for the purposes of urbanisation — all without you, the investor, really having to lift a finger at all.
Not only is this a straightforward way to invest in property, but it is a clever solution to the huge growth that a number of our city centres have been experiencing. After all, New Zealand’s burgeoning population is already creating a significant housing shortage. Now more than ever, there is a huge need for thinking outside the box when it comes to future-proofing our communities, and indeed, creating new ones in the process.
Ultimately the community investment offered by Fortland Capital is an entirely unique model. There really hasn’t been anything like it on offer in New Zealand before. At its heart, the aim here is to unlock the future potential of our growing cities, utilise the resources at our disposal, and take the kind of long-term, big-picture view that we need if our urban infrastructure is to keep up with demand. Here, the idea of positive urban change is married with the appealing potential for capital gains, and beyond that, it gives members of a community the opportunity to not only buy into a piece of land that could affect their future but to have a say in it and benefit from it in a very tangible way, too.
Currently, Fortland Capital has The Kāmahi Land Fund open to investors, which is acquiring 62 hectares in Karaka, Auckland. The minimum investment is $50,000, with a targeted 38.4% annualised return on investment, and it is open to wholesale investors only. (Fortland’s ownership model effectively fractionalises the land asset, making it a viable investment for a number of investors with $50,000 or more.) Importantly, embarking on a community investment with Fortland is a medium to long-term commitment given that Fortland’s pre-development process could take up to seven years to be enhanced with plan changes, master planning and consents. Although given the huge potential created by the process, we’re sure any wait will be worth it.
Disclaimer: The Kāmahi Land Fund is available only to Wholesale Investors as defined under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. An eligible investor certificate, or safe harbour certificate, in a form satisfactory to the Manager will be required, together with any other evidence that the Manager requires in order to confirm wholesale investor status. This is a strict requirement. The targeted annualised return on investment projection is not guaranteed in any respect, and is based a series of assumptions in respect of sale exit value, time, and other factors. There are inherent risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially and may or may not materialise. Please refer to the Important Information and Disclaimer Section at the front of the Information Memorandum (IM) for more detail on this. The actual returns are likely to differ from the projected figures. Investors are encouraged to review all information provided in the IM and to conduct their own due diligence on the information provided.
With the weekend fast approaching, what better time than now to think about how best to fill our days? Here, we round up three exciting events that cover shopping, food and culture, and will result in a well-rounded weekend, and time well spent.
Shop the Faradays Sale
Luxury fashion haven Faradays is set to kick off its highly-anticipated Biannual Sale this Friday, offering a wide variety of its coveted designer pieces at very appealing discounts. From brands like Loewe, Alaïa, Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Ginori 1735 and more, you’ll find ready to wear, footwear, bags, accessories, home decor and fragrance at up to 70 percent off — the perfect excuse to invest in something special for you or your home.
Eat burgers at the Baby G pop-up
Renowned for slinging some of the best burgers in town, famous pop-up Baby G is landing at East Street Hall tomorrow night (Friday) presenting what they have dubbed the ‘Authentic American.’ A pop-up that is running this Friday and next Friday only, we recommend getting in quick to secure one of Baby G’s highly sought-after, signature smash burgers. This is only on from 5pm until sold out, and we’re predicting that it will be very popular…
Catch a performance of Sydney Theatre Company’s The Picture of Dorian Gray
The iconic Sydney Theatre Company is bringing its exhilarating rendition of The Picture of Dorian Gray to Auckland, hot on the heels of a sold-out season in Australia. Hailed as a “dizzyingly beautiful tour de force” (The Guardian), this audacious reimagining of Wilde’s century-old fable of beauty (and a deal with the devil) sees one actor plating 26 characters, and marries traditional theatre with cutting-edge design and astonishing love video in a spectacular and multi-faceted performance. Kicking off at the Aotea Centre from this Saturday (the 18th of March) and running every night until next Saturday (the 25th of March) this is one you really don’t want to miss. Tickets available here.
It’s a tough job, but someone has got to do it. In the lead-up to Easter, we’ve eaten our way through a comprehensive selection of some of the best hot cross buns in Auckland in order to determine the specific composition of each one and, in turn, guide you to choose the best bun for your tastes. From fruit ratio to texture; crust thickness to whether we think the bun is better toasted or untoasted, and the all-important question of just how much butter, to use we’ve made sure to meticulously chart the strengths of each.
Now, without further ado, we present our comprehensive hot cross bun findings for Easter 2023:
This Remuera bakery’s buns are ultra-soft, fluffy and sticky. While the dough is quite sweet, they are coated with an espresso glaze leaving an aromatic, bittersweet finish. This year comes in two delicious iterations; the traditional fruity bun (with notes of vanilla) and a classic chocolate twist. One thing we will say is this bakery never scrimps on the taste testers. Two huge boxes arrived in our kitchen, with buns that are somehow both fluffy and dense, and fresh out of the oven, these were still warm with the spices wafting through the office nothing short of mouthwatering — restraint is needed here.
Traditional — Fruit ratio: 50% Texture: Almost cakey in density. Crust: Bouncy, and semi-sticky. Serving suggestion: Toasted, or fresh out of the oven if you’re able, with a light smear of butter.
Chocolate — Fruit ratio: N/A Texture: Similar to their traditional counterparts. Crust: Just the right amount of firm and sticky. Serving suggestion: Fresh, but still warm. No butter is needed here.
From Parnell’s Vaniyé Patisserie, these batches of hot cross buns are so hot, they are selling out as quickly as they come out of the oven. Baked by owner Sonia Haumonté and her team, the old-fashioned-style buns are made with rye flour and care, for a dense and full-of-flavour mouthful. A group of six buns are sealed in packaging to be able to be kept at room temperature — and to continue to bring joy — for four days.
Fruit ratio: 40% Texture: Dense and heavy — an almost rustic take. Crust: Light with a glaze. Serving suggestion: Toasted with lashings of butter.
When Daily Bread’s delivery landed at our office early in the morning, we knew we were in for a good day. Arriving in one of the bakery’s signature totes, these buns came wrapped in Daily Bread’s signature packaging — a nice touch, sure to keep them fresh for days to come. In both traditional and chocolate, the buns were ever so slightly still warm. And while I’ve never really been a fan of chocolate in bread, I had been told that these buns would change my mind. Post-indulgence, I stand by my personal opinion that traditional remains best, but Daily Bread’s chocolate version made a very compelling case for switching it up.
Traditional — Fruit ratio: 50% spice-soaked berries. Texture: Chewy, dense and, dare I say it, moist. Crust: Soft and sticky. Serving: Best fresh, no butter, exactly as God intended.
Chocolate — Fruit ratio: N/A — but chocolate heavy Texture: Dense but somehow light. Crust: Soft and spongey, with an essential layer of glazing. Serving: Fresh, and while they’re very good sans butter, sometimes a simple slather of salted butter can cut through the sweetness perfectly.
Bread & Butter’s hot cross buns are organic, and made with a long fermentation time, which results in a deliciously subtle flavour and moist texture. Their portion size is generous, and the addition of house-churned butter is a welcome touch. These buns arrived at the office so fresh they were still oozing and boasted a gently spiced flavour profile. These tasted delightful from the moment I tore into one, but in the commitment to journalistic integrity, I toasted half for comparison — and can attest it is best when slightly golden (toaster setting 1 or 2).
Fruit ratio: 40% (as a raisin-hater, this is the perfect amount). Texture: Light and fluffy, but still with a bit of weight to them. Crust: Chewy and sticky, and the cross itself was a nice added crunch. Serving suggestion: Lightly toasted, with a smear of soft butter. We’d substitute this for heavily salted butter if you have it at home.
Yael Schochat’s buns are famous in Auckland for their heavy, dense consistency and indulgent custard cross. The Ima team haven’t changed a thing this year, and why fix something if it ain’t broke? Jam-packed with candied fruit-peel, currants and sultanas, these buns should always be enjoyed toasted so the butter seeps into the dense bread and the custard is warmed and caramelised.
Fruit ratio: 45% Texture: Dense and delicious. Crust: Custard-laden and soft. Serving suggestion: Toasted, no butter needed.
Olaf’s hot cross buns are a must for lovers of a traditional hot cross bun with not too many bells and whistles. Deliciously light when fresh, they have a good amount of sweetness in both the dough and glaze but it’s not overpowering. Olaf keeps his buns simple, and to be honest — we appreciate that. Although, it does make them surprisingly easy to devour, and one does have to limit themselves from indulging in too many.
Fruit ratio: 25% Texture: Surprisingly light and fluffy. Crust: The middle ground of soft and firm, not too sticky, with a nice thick cross. Serving suggestion: Fresh, especially when delivered the day of, with a big smear of soft butter.
We’ve already waxed lyrical on pastry chef Callum Liddicoat’s Easter creations for Park Hyatt Auckland’s The Pantry over the years, and we’d do it all again. The traditional hot cross buns have this year been replaced with a custard-stuffed doughnut, a thoughtful addition that pushes the bounds of just what we can include here. But apart from the obvious, these doughnuts are an ode to tradition. Liddicoat’s signature recipe combines a brioche with a soft milk roll, packed with Earl Grey-soaked currants and sultanas, alongside traditional spices of cinnamon, ginger and allspice, and an added punch of black pepper, coriander and cardamom. Citrus peel, fresh lemon zest and a hint of tonka bean also bring these buns to a whole new level. Then filled with fresh vanilla custard and brushed with a spiced citrus glaze, you’ll never want a regular hot cross bun again.
Fruit ratio: 15% Texture: Soft, doughy, totally decadent (but not too sweet either). Crust: Soft, with a classic doughnut bite to it. Serving suggestion: Fresh, still warm, if you can manage.
Daniel Cruden, AKA Dan The Baker has done it again this year with his infamous, stout-infused bready buns. This Helensville micro-bakery’s hot cross buns are somewhat of a phenomenon across the City. Taking cues from their approach to traditional baking methods, they’re dense but delicious. And in collaboration with local brewers, Liberty Brewing, this year the Darkest Days Oat Stout is infused in the bun, and the added sultanas, raisins and candied fruit peel have been drunkenly soaked in more beer, to make these totally indulgent for the holidays.
Fruit ratio: 65% Texture: Dense and bread-like, with notes of its sourdough roots. Crust: Firm, crunchy and not too sticky. Serving suggestion: Ever so slightly toasted, with lashings of salted butter. Here, the insides seem to melt, and the exterior is nice and crispy.
Earmarked as some of last year’s office favourites, Wild Wheat’s 2023 buns had some remarkably big boots to fill. What I love about these buns is that the piped cross almost diffuses into the bun — it’s not the traditional, sometimes jawbreaking cross that we’ve come to know. And I appreciate the textural synergy. It’s not until you sink your teeth into them you realise that these buns have a lasting hint of vanilla, and with a seriously sticky top, in my eyes, they’re pretty hard to beat.
Fruit ratio: 60% Texture: Soft, but still with some essential hardiness. Crust: Firm, but not chewy, covered in glaze. Serving suggestion: Fresh, with a solid smear of butter. Or toasted, without, it you’re really wanting to take in all the flavours.
From French patisserie La Petite Fourchette (and their sister venue, Copain) comes some of the most authentic French buns we’ve tried. Delivered first thing on a Monday morning on deadline week, a bag of 24 hot cross buns was exactly what we were craving. These were immediately soft and spongy, evidently fresh from the oven. Generously, we were allowed to sample both the traditional buns and the delicious chocolate brioche buns — the latter of which, on first look, were not the polarising chocolate bread, but a delicious traditional brioche with chocolate chips smattered through. Here , the traditional iteration has all the markings of a delicious hot cross bun — packed with fruit, perfectly spiced (when toasted the aromas are unbeatable). We also agreed that the chocolate brioche is the right amount of sweetness, and the chocolate chips aren’t overwhelming. Bread is light and unfortunately for my gluten intolerance, incredibly moreish.
Traditional — Fruit ratio: 50% — evened out by all the spices. Texture: Soft, bouncy. Almost melt in your mouth. Crust: On the softer side, still sticky. Serving suggestion: Fresh is best, but lightly toasted will do you well. Butter isn’t needed, but a light dollop always adds to it.
Chocolate Brioche — Fruit ratio: N/A — but the chocolate chips were perfect. Texture: Unspeakably soft. Crust: Squishy, but with the right amount of firmness. Serving suggestion: Fresh, no butter needed. There’s plenty of that in the batter.
Even wrapped up in their sleek, signature packaging, you’ll smell these buns before you see them. The box makes for a delightful, holiday-slanted gift, but what’s inside it is obviously the real treat to behold. Fort Greene’s bakers tell me that this is one of the craziest times of their year, and as such, the buns never stick around for long after Easter. And with that in mind, we’d suggest stocking up asap.
Fruit ratio: 50% Texture: Dense, almost more sourdough-like. When toasted they become thick and spongy. Crust: Firm, and not too sticky at all. These feel quite traditional in the scheme of it all, and somewhat virtuous enough that they could plausibly pass for breakfast. Serving suggestion: Toasted, with a healthy dollop of salted butter.
This year the delightful buns from Scratch Bakers (if you’re in the Victoria Park vicinity, you’ll be familiar with this spot), have been met with a showstopping pecan custard — as well as the traditional variety. The bakers here tell me that their traditional hot cross is made with a housemade Brandy and vanilla infused fruit mix. This is nine months in the making, combining dried fruits and citrus peel in brandy and vanilla, turning and mixing it every week. They then mix it in with the signature Scratch hot Ccoss mix and rest the dough overnight for the flavours to infuse. And then of course to top it off, for those that want it, a generous helping of spiced pecan custard is piped into the middle.
Fruit ratio: 25% — but the extra care in the spices doesn’t go unnoticed. Texture: Soft and sumptuous. Crust: Just the right amount of firmness and stickiness Serving suggestion: Fresh from the oven is best, where they’re still slightly warm. Lashings of butter are recommended for the traditional iteration, but with the pecan custard piped through, you’ll find it more than enough on it’s own.
Mor bakery.
Mor Bakery
Known for making some of the most sought-after patisserie and viennoiseries in town, online bakery Mor has created a delicious hot cross bun offering for Easter. Delivering the box of six buns still warm from the oven, the talented duo behind Mor is once again proving once again why their micro bakery has garnered such a stellar reputation. The buns balance their traditionally dense texture with a fluffy, light quality that gives them a superb mouthfeel — a little bit chewy and perfectly soft. The spice is right too, with each bun boasting that classic flavour we crave at this time of year, and one of the best fruit-to-bun ratios of the 2023 cohort. There is also a tantalising glaze that adds a touch of extra sweetness without overpowering the inherent nature of these morsel which are, at their heart, just really good, classic, moreish hot cross buns — exactly as you want them.
Fruit ratio: 30% – they hit the sweet spot here. Texture: Soft and fluffy underpinned by the perfect baseline density. Crust: Lacquered with an iridescent, subtly-sweet glaze. Serving suggestion: While these could just one devoured fresh and warm with nothing adding a slab of cold butter will up the ante. Recommend toasting after day one.
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