If you’re already planning next year’s holidays, why not lock in a luxurious island getaway? With crystal clear waters, beautiful nature, and plenty of sunshine, Rarotonga is the perfect escape, and at the award-winning Te Vakaroa Villas resort, rest, relaxation and recuperation await.
An opulent retreat deserving of its accolade as the ‘Best South Pacific & Oceania Luxury Architectural Design Hotel’ in the World Travel Awards, Te Vakaroa Villas in Rarotonga is an oasis of tranquillity and refined elegance.
As you step into this exclusive haven, a sense of serenity will take hold, signalling the start of an extraordinary escape. The award-winning accommodation is nestled discreetly along the pristine beachfront of Muri Lagoon and comprises six luxurious villas, impeccably designed to merge with the Island’s natural allure, each offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Designed by renowned architect Lawrence Sumich, the resort harmoniously blends with its lush surroundings, where spacious interiors converge into outdoor spaces adorned with inviting loungers and a horizon-edged, heated infinity pool. The villas themselves are thoughtfully appointed and incredibly comfortable, offering convivial communal areas for dining and lounging as well as intimate spaces for relaxation, and moments of secluded repose.
Exquisite, daily tropical breakfasts are just the beginning of the culinary experiences here. With dining options ranging from Sails restaurant to the vibrant flavours found along the island road, guests can indulge in Rarotonga’s vibrant and flourishing culinary scene as well as its plentiful natural wonders.
From beachfront strolls to adventurous kayak expeditions, the Island’s many splendours beckon from the unparalleled vantage point this accommodation offers. The only dilemma will be deciding whether to venture out and explore or savour every moment within the embrace of this heavenly escape.
Need To Know
When to Visit: The best time to visit Rarotonga is between April and November, when the weather is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius.
How to get there: Air New Zealand flies direct from Auckland to Rarotonga. When you land on the island, you will be driven 20 minutes to Te Vakaroa Villas via private transfer.
Insider’s Tip: Exploring the Muri Lagoon is a must while on holiday here. Make time to hire a glass bottom boat, or embark on a wind surfing or sailing adventure. The Rarotonga Sailing Club at Muri Lagoon welcomes all visitors.
Words Margie Riddiford | PHOTOS Vaughan Brookfield | 27 Mar 2024
Having emerged as the region’s beacon of culinary and hospitality excellence since its opening last December, Ayrburn has been captivating both locals and visitors alike with its fusion of heritage charm, contemporary design and exceptional food and drink. And now, the popular destination has added another layer of intrigue to its repertoire, as it proudly unveils its latest gem: The Barrel Room.
Here, stepping inside feels like entering a hidden world, where time stands still and the promise of memorable nights abound. Set beyond a steel gate adorned with Ayrburn’s vineyard motif, The Barrel Room’s entrance is lined with 56 ageing wine barrels, setting the stage for the unique ambience that lies beyond. Located beneath the Burr Bar’s outdoor garden, this subterranean sanctuary marries cosy, thoughtful design with a sense of unparalleled privacy and sophistication. From its solid oak bar to its hand-painted mural depicting Ayrburn’s rich history, every detail here has been meticulously crafted to set the perfect scene and immerse guests in an atmosphere of opulence.
With a grand piano as the centrepiece. The Barrel Room is perfect for any occasion; with the ability to host up to 50 guests for intimate, seated candle-lit soirees, or many more for lively late-night gatherings, and everything in between. As Ayrburn continues to redefine the boundaries of hospitality, The Barrel Room stands as a testament to providing bespoke experiences that both deliver escapism and excellence.
As the weather cools down and a hint of cosiness settles in, we find ourselves seeking a touch of escapism. And for those who would rather curl up in front of the TV instead of with a new book in hand, we have delved into the captivating new TV series offering exactly that. From sweeping historical dramas to lavish ’60s comedies, propulsive mini-series and more, this is everything worth adding to your watch list right now.
3 Body Problem
From the creators of Game of Thrones, this new TV series (based on ‘Remembrances of Earth’s Past’ — a novel by Chinese author Liu Cixin) tells the story of a humanity confronting a terrifying cosmic threat initiated by a fateful experiment in 1960s China. Physics-defying mysteries, earth-shattering discoveries, and otherworldly connections collide to catastrophic effect in this complex, novel, and larger-than-life story.
Watch nowon Netflix
The Gentlemen
Theo James stars in The Gentlemen, a new series from Guy Ritchie that serves as a spin-off to his 2019 movie of the same name. Upon inheriting a large estate from his father, Eddie Halstead (played by James) discovers that the land is, in fact, part of Mickey Pearson’s cannabis-growing empire.
Watch now on Netflix
Palm Royale
This lavish 60s comedy charts the story of an ambitious underdog desperately scheming her way into Miami’s seemingly impenetrable high society beach club. With a star-studded cast including Kristen Wiig, Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, Alison Janney, Kaia Gerber and Ricky Martin, Palm Royale is as ridiculous as it is addictive — and promises sun-soaked, sartorial escapism at its finest.
Watch now on Apple TV+
Sugar
The detective noir genre is staging a comeback in this new TV series starring Colin Farrell. In Sugar, Farrell plays a private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As he explores her disappearance, he also unearths the Siegel’s deepest and most sinister family secrets, leading to a case far bigger than he could have imagined.
Coming soon toApple TV+
The Regime
This propulsive miniseries offers a compelling glimpse into a dystopian future where a totalitarian regime rules with an iron fist, dominating every facet of society. Amidst this oppressive backdrop, disparate individuals find themselves drawn into a perilous struggle for liberation. As alliances form and fractures deepen, The Regime delves into themes of power, resistance, and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. With gripping storytelling and thought-provoking narrative, Kate Winslet stars in this in-depth exploration of societal control and individual defiance.
Watch now on Neon
The Sympathizer
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, The Sympathizer stars Robert Downey Jr. as a master of disguise — portraying all of the characters that make up the vague notion of ‘The Man’ in a tale of a Viet Cong spy infiltrating the South Vietnamese community in 1970s Los Angeles. Navigating themes of loyalty, betrayal, and cultural displacement with gripping intensity, this cross-culture satire explores a tapestry of complex characters and historical context, promising a riveting and thought-provoking exploration of self.
Coming soon to Neon
A Gentleman in Moscow
Real life lovers Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth Winstead star in this sweeping adaptation of the historical fictional novel of the same name. McGregor masterfully portrays Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian aristocrat exiled to house arrest in an attic hotel room post-Revolution, in this riches to rags epic that charts friendship, family and love.
Coming soonto Paramount+
Ripley
Notorious conman Tom Ripley is played by Andrew Scott in this fresh take on the story that acted as the premise for the 1999 movie The Talented Mr Ripley. Originally based on Patricia Highsmith’s novels, this mini-series sees Ripley living in New York in the 60s, charting his complex life on the wrong side of the law.
Coming soon to Netflix
Fallout
The murky, post-apocalyptic world of the Fallout video game franchise has been masterfully brought to life in this subversive and darkly funny screen adaptation by the creators of Westworld. Walton Goggins, Ella Purnell, and Kyle MacLachlan star in the live-action remake, where a diverse cast navigate Fallout’s retro-futuristic, nuclear war-torn world.
Nestled in the heart of Auckland’s design district, at 130 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Matisse’s new showroom not only marks a moment of evolution for the brand, but stands as the embodiment of the elevated and globally-renowned design on which Matisse has built its reputation. From its incredible layout to its fine finishes, this new showroom is a celebration of 12 of the most renowned international furniture, kitchen, bathroom and lighting marques under one roof, and has come together in such a way as to rival any design showroom of a similar ilk around the world.
Here, a tone of calm sophistication is set from the entrance, where two walls finished in Patricia Urquiola bricks stand alongside a small but beautifully landscaped garden, dotted with deciduous trees. It is an apt introduction to the perfectly-realised spaces that lie beyond.
The first thing you notice upon entering Matisse’s showroom is its eye-watering scale. From the sprawling ground floor, curated almost like a gallery and bathed in natural light, to the two upper levels, here, soaring ceilings are paired with contrasting material finishes — warm timber alongside cool concrete and metal — to deliver spaces that feel both vast and inviting. There is even a 25-year-old olive tree standing proudly in the showroom’s centre, casting the pieces around it in a soft, natural light, and serving as a reminder of the European origins of Matisse’s sought-after stable of brands.
Venture inside further and you’ll come across a series of exceptional kitchens, from the Antonio Citterio iteration in vintage stainless steel and black peppered veneer, to the sleek Arclinea design, uniquely finished in bronzed stainless steel and boasting a scullery space hidden behind beautiful tri-folding doors.
The main area of the showroom has been specifically curated by B&B Italia and Maxalto, showcasing the best designs from each of their catalogues and comprising floor-to-ceiling wall units, large scale sofas and coffee tables in exquisite finishes. There are also two incredible staircases rendered in recycled New Zealand Rimu timber with metal balustrades, designed to lead you up to the bridge and mezzanine level, where you can discover brands like Rimadesio, Arrital, Cassina, Moroso, Gessi, Herman Miller, AntonioLupi and Agape, all of which are exclusive to Matisse in New Zealand.
The thoughtful layout and striking finishes of the showroom were created in collaboration with the clever team at Bureaux, whose expertise was called on to bring Matisse’s vision to life. From the metal pillars with inlaid timber, to the aforementioned Patricia Urquiola bricks, to the recycled timber and concrete floors to the breathtaking full-height curtains, Bureaux’s unique eye was able to bring a number of disparate ideas together in harmony, and the result is truly spectacular.
Ultimately, Matisse’s move to 130 St Georges Bay Road is more than just a relocation; it is the dawn of an exciting new era for the brand as it continues to give discerning New Zealanders access to the world’s finest design brands and residential furnishings. After nearly four decades in business, Matisse knows its clientele intimately, and is answering their collective call for a more international level of choice and sophistication when it comes to their interiors. This showroom is the manifestation of that aim.
It is also Matisse’s promise to continue building on its already incredible legacy, and its commitment to bringing the best of classic and contemporary European design to our shores, with renewed vigour and a refreshed vision for the future.
It’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it. In the lead-up to Easter, we’ve eaten our way through an inordinate amount of hot cross buns in a bid to definitively uncover those which reigns supreme. Whether you’re more of a heavy fruit, heavy spice lover, partial to an indulgent chocolate iteration, a fan of a classic with lashings of butter, or looking for something different entirely, we’ve tasted (and rated) them all.
Here, we present our guide to the best of the best, including something for every taste preference — mapping out our personal favourites across all of the important categories. Enjoy.
This year’s breakthrough hero, ladies & gents! Beabea’s has quickly become known for its unique, modern and honestly, utterly delicious takes on traditional Kiwi bakery fare, and their hot cross buns do not deviate. Crafted using a three-day sourdough, multi-dough process, these fluffy morsels are inspired by Panettone, the Italian Christmas bread, making them impossibly light and airy. Ben & Sarah, the clever duo behind Beabea’s, blended cinnamon, pimento, cardamom, white pepper and a few others secret spices to create buns with a comforting warmth and not “a punch in the face” (their words!). The juicy fruit — poached South African sultanas and house-made orange peel, is a timely labour of love. And finally, perhaps the most genius addition, once the buns are out of the oven, they’re finished with an Honest rum and tart apple glaze which adds a stunning touch of brightness. Honestly, sublime. Sarah eats hers fresh out of the over with a lick of salted butter, but Ben likes to mix it up and pair his with peanut butter or blue cheese. Over to you!
Texture: Pillowy clouds (light, airy, with the perfect bite). Crust: Soft and sticky with a healthy dose of rum and apple glaze. Serving: In our opinion, these are best served fresh with no butter, exactly as God intended — toast from day two onwards. Price: $4 each, or $22 per half dozen
With outposts in Mount Eden and Wynyard Quarter, Mibo has become somewhat of a go-to for sweet delights thanks to its stunning line-up of baked goods — but their hot cross buns are in a league of their own entirely. The crust is impossibly glossy and subtly sweet, while the utterly perfect spice blend is beautifully offset by the hearty fruit ratio (raisins soaked and cooked in orange juice and zest). And, while all of these elements are undeniably delicious, the bun’s consistency is the real hero here. Pillowy soft and bouncy, but still with a decent bite — reminiscent of an impossibly fresh bread roll, boasting, dare I say it, the perfect amount of moisture. We devoured most of these straight from the box, sans butter, and they were perfect just as they came, but lightly toasted with butter was tasty too.
Texture: Soft and bouncy, 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 at all on top, adding a slab of cold butter will up the ante. Recommend lightly toasting after day one. Price: $6 each
We are huge fans of Knead on Benson here at Denizen, along with everyone else in Auckland (if the full sidewalk on Saturday mornings is anything to go by) and we weren’t even slightly surprised to learn that their hot cross buns are just as exceptional as the rest of their delightful cabinet and flavourful menu. These buns — nicknamed ‘The Big Softie’ and boasting the silver medal in BIANZ’s The Great NZ Hot Cross Bun Competition for 2024, exit the oven impossibly soft and airy, and stay that way for days (unlike many others). While devouring, you’ll find a generous amount of fruit, evenly distributed so not to overpower, and a balanced level of spice. And while the buns are light for sure, they still have a touch of bite, and one of the highest moisture levels we have encountered on our tastings.
Texture: Soft, plush and featherlight. Crust: Marmalade-esque glaze — sweet but not overpowering. Serving suggestion: Fresh really is best here, and a healthy spread of butter is a welcome addition. We suggest enjoying these at Knead, where they’re served with house-made earl-grey infused butter. Price: $6.50 each & $36 for a half dozen
Bread & Butter’s hot cross buns are organic, and made with a long fermentation time, which makes for a delicious flavour with depth, and decent amount of moistness. 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, and with no peel included, they’re less tart and more simple than others — in the best way. We suggest lightly toasting (to bring out the true magic of the long ferment) and topping with butter.
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. Price: $19.50 for a half dozen
Earmarked as some of last year’s (and the year before’s) office favourites, Wild Wheat’s 2024 buns had some remarkably big boots to fill. What we 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 they also have some real 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, which in our eyes, is pretty hard to beat.
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 if you’re really wanting to take in all the flavours. Price: $2.50 each & buy 11, get 12
Amano’s bakery is known City-wide for its bakery fare, so it was hardly surprising to discover that their hot cross buns (both chocolate and original) are something special, too. These buns are unique in texture — light and airy, but with a great amount of bite. The chocolate iteration is subtly sweet — definitely not overpoweringly so, and still has that hot cross bun feel that many flavoured iterations miss the mark on. These should come with a warning, given how addictive they are, and absolutely need to be bought in half dozens — as one will never be enough. An Easter staple in our humble opinions.
Texture: Light and airy with a delicious bite. Crust: Glossy with a slight stickiness. Serving suggestion: Fresh, no butter needed. Toast and top with butter from day two. Price: $3 each & $15 for a half dozen Other flavours available: Traditional
From French patisserie La Petite Fourchette (and their sister venue, Copain) comes some of the most authentic French buns we’ve tried. These unique takes are incredibly soft and spongy, evidently fresh from the oven, and decidedly French. Generously, we were allowed to sample both the traditional buns and the chocolate buns — and while the traditional were delicious, the chocolate was a stand out. More like a chocolate brioche than a hot cross bun per se, the soft, buttery bread was light and fresh, with chocolate chips smattered through in perfect ratio. These are the perfect Sunday morning, long weekend breakfast in bed companions, and could easily double as a tasty after dinner treat.
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. Price: $3.50 each & $19 for a half dozen Other flavours available: Traditional
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, 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.
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. Price: $3 each & $15 for a half dozen
Known for making some of the most sought-after patisserie and viennoiseries in town, Remuera-based bakery Mor has, unsurprisingly, mastered the hot cross bun this Easter. 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 2024 cohort. There is also a tantalising glaze that adds a touch of extra sweetness without overpowering the inherent nature of these morsels which are, at their heart, just really good, classic, moreish hot cross buns — exactly as you want them. They came with a sticky apricot jam and an utterly indulgent burnt butter, which, while not entirely necessary considering how good these buns are au naturale, were a welcome addition and a nice way to change things up.
Texture: Soft and fluffy with the perfect amount of bite. Crust: Coated with a subtly-sweet glaze, which beautifully softens the crust. Serving suggestion: Fresh from the oven is the dream, otherwise lightly toasted — topped with Mor’s salted, whipped burnt butter and in-house apricot jam. Sublime. Price: $5 each.
Ima Cuisine’s hot cross buns have been known to garner lines for miles, loved for their unique take which features a gooey custard cross — a delicious addition indeed. While the buns themselves are relatively dense, they still have a lightness to them, and the heady mix of currants, orange zest and spice makes for a tasty iteration indeed. These buns should always be enjoyed toasted so the butter seeps into the dense bread and the custard is warmed and caramelised.
Texture: Dense and delicious. Crust: Custard-laden and soft. Serving suggestion: Toasted, no butter needed. Price: $6.50 each & $39 for a half dozen
Florets has developed somewhat of a cult following since opening its doors in 2022, and for good reason. Known for producing some of the most wholesome, inventive breads and other baked goods in the City, the Grey Lynn-based bakery’s hot cross buns were sure to stand out. Here, a denser, almost yeasty bun produced with local organic flour is complimented deliciously by a trio of currants, sultanas, and a generous amount housemade peel, resulting in a more sophisticated, unique, but definitely delicious hot cross bun iteration.
Texture: Heavier and denser, but with a softer, chewier centre (think sourdough). Crust: Firm with a decent bite, and not too sticky. Serving suggestion: Toasted in the oven with a generous amount of unsalted butter is sublime. Price: $6 each
Look, we all know Daily Bread’s hot cross buns are great (we’ve seen the billboards and the list of awards), and while the traditional are undeniably tasty, it was the apple iteration in collaboration with Farro that did it for us this year. With their signature sourdough base, which is as light and airy as it is moist, and a hearty dose of spice, paired with delicious chunks of perfectly cooked apple (retaining some bite), there’s really nothing not to like. We enjoyed the switch up, subbing out the raisins and sultanas for another fruit — perfect for the fussier, sultana haters amongst us, and as with their other six packs, these buns came wrapped in Daily Bread’s signature packaging — which is a nice touch, and means they keep fresh for longer than others.
Texture: Chewy, but somehow light and fluffy. And, yes, moist. Crust: Thin, delicate and and sticky. Serving: Toasted with lashings of salted butter. Price: $4.50 each ($5 toasted with butter) or $22 for a half dozen Other flavours available: Traditional, Chocolate & Ready to Bake
This Remuera bakery’s buns are ultra-soft, fluffy and sticky. This year sees two delicious iterations on offer; the traditional fruity bun (with notes of vanilla) and a decadent raspberry & white chocolate bun which, while definitely more sweet treat than hot cross bun, is not to be missed. These beautiful looking morsels, complete with bright fuchsia icing, were somehow both fluffy and dense, and fresh out of the oven, the smell of melted white chocolate wafting through the office was nothing short of mouthwatering — restraint is needed here.
Texture: Almost cakey in density. Crust: Bouncy, and semi-sticky. Serving suggestion: Toasted, or fresh out of the oven if you’re able, no butter needed. Price: TBC Other flavours available: Traditional
If you have yet to hear of Luna Bakehouse, we’re afraid you’ve been missing out. A charming Parisian bakery with an artful Asian-fusion flare, this is the place to go for unique sweet treats sure to satisfy — and the hot cross buns (if you can call them that) don’t deviate. With three flavours, including Nutella — which proved our favourite, biscoff, and classic buttercream, these Easter treats come in individual cups, mirroring Luna’s famed ‘cruffins’ (croissant muffins) and follow a similar style in texture. Light, bready and well balanced on the spice front, with just the right amount of fruit (a mix of raisins and citrus peel) and a decadent nutella filling.
Texture: Light, airy, bready. Crust: Light, thin and semi-glossy. Serving suggestion: Fresh, fresh, fresh. Price: $7 each Other flavours available: Biscoff & Classic Buttercream
Lucy’s has delivered for those of us that are sans gluten, with their limited edition gluten free (and vegan) hot cross buns. These tasty morsels are infused with a blend of punchy mixed spice, plump cranberries (a tasty addition), and fresh citrus. The cranberries really add something unique, which is more than welcome when you’ve been taste testing hot cross buns for weeks, and the texture, despite being gluten free, was really soft and fluffy. Gluten and dairy free, these are buns to be enjoyed by all.
Texture: Soft, fluffy, and a little chewy. Crust: Thin, delicate and a little sticky. Serving: Lightly toasted with butter (or a butter alt). Price: $24 for a half dozen
Photography bySteven Chee Styling byClaire Sullivan-Kraus Creative Direction byAnna Saveleva
Known for her work that explores the dichotomies of womanhood and the gender-driven power dynamics that are so perpetuated in popular culture, Natasha Wright is an artist whose message and métier has evolved in a captivating way. Living and working in New York for nearly a decade, the New Zealander has developed a distinct creative language that marries various iterations of the female form with the rich qualities of oil paint, her pieces, despite engaging with their subject in different ways, always drawing the onlooker in for their urgent brushstrokes, evocative colours, layered techniques and compelling forms. Now, on the back of Wright’s recent solo exhibition in Sydney and just as she is preparing to open another one in Auckland at Sanderson Contemporary, the artist gives us insight into her creativity, her craft and what we can expect from her upcoming show.
Being a full-time artist in any context is a notoriously difficult path to pursue. But to work full-time as an artist in New York City, particularly as someone who wasn’t born and bred there, is another challenge entirely. For Natasha Wright, a Kiwi artist who has called New York home since undertaking her Masters of Fine Arts at The New York Studio School in 2017, embracing this challenge has buoyed and bettered her work, the City as much a source of inspiration for her métier as it is a practical place to build her burgeoning following, both in the United States and across Australia and New Zealand too.
“I am influenced by everything around me,” Wright explains, “so just walking down the street in New York there are a number of things that might catch my eye, the tones on a billboard, the decay in a subway station, the texture of someone’s outfit.” She continues, “But beyond that, there are so many galleries and museums here, and such a big community of artists around me that, while the actual practice of making art can be lonely, I never feel isolated, I feel part of something bigger.” In fact, Wright’s first solo show in New York came about because a friend recommended that a gallerist visit her studio, resulting in an exhibition that thrust the artist into the spotlight soon after her studies and saw her, at the time, included in Harper’s Bazaar’s ‘The Five Best Female Art Exhibitions in New York City’ — a lofty but certainly deserved accolade.
“Sometimes I look at my work and wonder, how did I get here? But for me, the female form offers so many opportunities for expression, how women are depicted…”
Back then, Wright was at the start of establishing her creative voice, gaining cut-through for the ways in which she engaged with and expressed notions of the female form — a theme that has continued to define her pieces to this day. “My subject matter has been the same since I was about five years old and obsessed with drawing and fashion magazines,” Wright tells me, explaining how she would draw with her grandmother, who was also an artist and who taught her about art history and how to respect her materials. “The female form is the common thread, although I approach it in different ways,” she says. “Sometimes it’s more abstract, sometimes more figurative, but I’ve always been interested in exploring that middle ground between vulnerability and power, between softness and aggression.”
Camel-ebony GG canvas jumpsuit, Horsebit Joni platform loafers, earrings with G motif in metal with gold finish all from Gucci.
Indeed, it is the inherent dichotomies of womanhood, so present in Wright’s works, that make them compelling, with the artist choosing a continued exploration of femininity in its various guises as her central creative tenant (and discovering a rich wellspring of inspiration as a result). “Sometimes I look at my work and wonder, how did I get here?” Wright tells me, with a laugh, “but for me, the female form offers so many opportunities for expression,” she pauses, “whether I’m inspired by how women are depicted in advertising and fashion or women throughout history (from Mary Magdalena to The Three Graces) it not only allows me to engage with interesting concepts but also, is an incredible vessel for exploring paint.”
Clear blue-black mini dress, Marina Chain earrings both from Gucci.
Textured jacket, Textured mini skirt, Marina Chain earrings, Jackie Notte mini bag all from Gucci.
Underpinned by urgent, broad strokes and the kind of textural application that makes you want to reach out and touch the canvas, Wright’s painterly practice imbues her pieces with an immediacy and a richness of tone that serves to enhance her subject matter. In fact, the artist has spoken in the past of how the substance of paint has become an analogy for the body, used as a metaphor to create a skin of human experience. “Colour is really important in my work,” Wright explains, “and I choose to use oil paints because they are very luscious and malleable, which is important for the way I bring my pieces to life.”
Classic Rope jacket, Clear blue-black mini dress, Marina Chain earrings, Horsebit Joni platform loafers all from Gucci.
That process, the artist tells me, starts with a series of ink drawings that allow her to play with the composition and to deconstruct the image. Sometimes she will collage these drawings or experiment with multiple versions of the same idea, allowing her to collect her thoughts more freely before translating them onto the canvas. “I usually begin painting by working through my composition with oil paint that has been very thinned down with turpentine,” Wright tells me. “From there, I build up the surface with large brush strokes and huge swathes of colour and I work on multiple canvases at once in order to keep the paintings feeling fresh and immediate.” She continues, “For me, painting is emotional, not intellectual, so I have to operate from intuition.” I wonder how she knows when a piece is finished. “It’s a gut feeling,” she replies, “I just know when it doesn’t need anything more.”
“I treat my studio time like any other job… I have to be in there working at least five days a week, sometimes more”
Lately, Wright has been experimenting with scale, telling me how being increasingly ambitious with the size of her paintings (seeing her use larger brushes and forcing her to focus on the materiality and fluidity of the paint), has allowed her to explore more complex compositions with multiple figures. It has also given her latest works a different kind of impact, and from an onlooker’s perspective, it feels like a promising new era for the artist. “My subject will remain consistent but my work is becoming more abstract,” she explains, “I want my paintings to feel rhythmic and effortless, and on a larger scale they emulate this sense of power and confidence that hasn’t been as strong before.”
White shirt, Bright azure leather midi skirt, Horsebit Joni platform loafers, Marina Chain earrings, Marina Chain bracelet all from Gucci.
In her most recent body of work, set to be showcased in a solo exhibition at Sanderson Contemporary from the 16th of April until the 12th of May, Wright has delved into the significance of the female body as an icon, drawing on references from fashion, advertising and art history to speak to the representation of women throughout time.
“‘Les Biches’ is a darker, more complex series of paintings that address the psychological elements of a character, where the women balance a complicated polarity between the grotesque and the beautiful,” the artist explains. Here, each piece has been built-up in layers with flat brushes, used to apply broad swathes of thick oil paint that deliver a captivating tactility. Bright pops of colour feel urgent and impactful against the paintings’ dark backgrounds, while the female figures seem to inhabit an in-between space that links past and present; existing within a kind of classical painting canon while simultaneously expressing something that feels anchored in a contemporary context.
Mini bucket shoulder bag, Camel-ebony GG canvas jumpsuit, Horsebit Joni platform loafers, earrings with G motif in metal with gold finish all from Gucci.
“I feel like I’m finally arriving at the paintings that are closest to me,” says Wright. And for someone who has been painting consistently for over a decade, it is a statement that not only speaks to the time required for artists to evolve, but one that also showcases the inherent qualities that have contributed to Wright’s success. While her talent with a brush and canvas is undeniable, it is the ways in which her ability is coupled with a determined, driven and disciplined attitude that has seen her build a meaningful career in what can be such a fickle field. Talent, plus time, plus work ethic — clearly a winning formula.
“I treat my studio time like any other job,” Wright divulges, emphasising the importance of maintaining structure around her creativity, “And I have to be in there working at least five days a week, sometimes more when I’m preparing for a show.” That said, Wright articulates that she rarely allows the commercial realities of being a working artist impinge on her process. “I do try to put all of that part of my work to the side while I’m painting… the logistics, the expenses, the practicalities of running my studio and the idea of trying to appeal to everyone.” She pauses, “I think some of the best work is quite niche, and looking at the sizes of my most recent paintings, they’re really not practical at all,” she laughs, “but I have to do what feels right to me in the moment, and it’s so rewarding when it all comes together.”
Wool Silk top with crystal Embroidery, Gucci denim boyfriend pants both from Gucci.
Silk dress, Horsebit Joni platform loafers both from Gucci.
Now, it feels like Wright is in the midst of an evolution, one that is taking her paintings to the next level, both in size and composition. It is as though everything she has learned so far is starting to consolidate and crystallise, and her future looks bright as a result. “There have been many highs and lows and I have had to learn some tough lessons in resilience and tenacity,” she says. “When you’re working in the studio there are moments of feeling untouchable, and others when you feel like the most fragile person in the world.” She continues, “being an artist can be an incredibly uncertain path and it can take a lot of mental strength to persevere, but being able to pursue my passion has truly been the greatest privilege of my life. It’s something I am grateful for every day.”
Looking beyond her upcoming show, Wright indicates that she has some exciting projects on the horizon, including a possible international residency (the details of which she could not yet divulge), alongside continuing to build her practice and network in New York. One thing we do know is that aside from her consistent subject matter, Wright will never serve up the same thing twice, a quality that makes the work feel an apt representation of her.
“I like to think my work is always evolving,” she says. “Life is constantly changing and as I become more aware of who I am as a person, I think my painting changes too.” This willingness of Wright’s to embrace evolution just as she keeps elements of her offering consistent is, in my view, the secret to her longevity. As the great New York art critic Jerry Saltz said, “make something, learn something, and move on. Or you’ll be buried waist-deep in the big muddy of perfectionism,” which is a place I certainly don’t see Wright ending up anytime soon.
While many of the below watches might boast familiar silhouettes, their diamond-lined dials and similarly adorned bracelets promise to take any kind of collection to the next level. From Bulgari’s exceptional Serpenti Tubogas to a sparkling iteration of Cartier’s famous Baignoire, these sought-after styles are guaranteed to be on any collector’s wishlist.
As we leave what has been a lovely summer behind, we move into autumn with a sense, not of pessimism for the colder months ahead, but of promise, for what possibilities the middle of the year holds. In our highly-anticipated autumn issue, this idea of changing perspective and of being inspired comes through in the fascinating people we have interviewed — from our cover star, New York-based Kiwi artist Natasha Wright, whose métier has long focused on the female form, and whose star continues to rise in the highly-competitive New York art scene, to actor and director Rachel House, known for her impactful roles in some of the best films of our time, to a line-up of influential characters in local hospitality, who talk about how they have forged fruitful careers in what can be a misunderstood industry.
Elsewhere, we delve into the latest and greatest trends in fashion and design that you need to know for autumn, explore the iconic work of the Bouroullec brothers via their most recognisable furniture pieces, and speak with renowned designer Christopher Esber about his almost-15-year journey in fashion and what lies ahead.
In our Wellbeing section, alongside the new products and buzzwords you need to know about, we speak with Lukis Mac and Hellè Weston, a Kiwi couple, based in Los Angeles where they work with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and are spearheading an international breathwork movement via their company Owaken.
For escapism over the autumn months, look no further than our culture section, where we explore the best books, series, films and more to consume as the weather cools down. Or, for a more literal escapism, take inspiration from our Editor-in-chief, who surprised her family with a trip to one of Fiji’s most exclusive and exquisite destinations — Kokomo Private Island — and writes about her experience here.
All of that and so much more is to be found in the pages of our latest issue, out in all good newsagents and supermarkets now.
Sarcha Every and Leanne Crozier are true trailblazers in the world of executive recruitment. Co-founding Decipher Group 16 years ago, the pair made a name for themselves with an agency notoriously capable of quickly bolstering the success of their clients, and have since proven dynamic entrepreneurs and an unstoppable duo.
Here, Every and Crozier sit down in front of the camera as part of Porsche’s series, The Drive, to talk about being fuelled by collective ambition, the power of purposeful partnership, and their dual drive to constantly evolve. “The secret to being driven is actually looking at the future,” says Every. “What do you want your future to look like? If you work hard, and you work together as a team, you can make that a reality.”
The two women and their impressive, enduring partnership are a reminder that having drive doesn’t need to be a lonely pursuit — in fact, the support of others and the energy created from collaboration can fuel us just as much, or maybe even more.
March is officially in full swing, and, while we’re not quite ready to say hello to autumn just yet, there is one particular reason why we’re thrilled that the third month of the year is upon us — Bluffies! It is at this time of the year that ocean delicacies that are Bluff oysters, in all their delicious, refreshing, slurpable glory, are finally in abundance, and we plan on making the most of it. For those who are partial to a Bluffie or two, we suggest you take a look at our list below. These are the places in Auckland really doing the season justice.
What better way to celebrate Bluffie season than at this stunning Viaduct Harbour spot? Here, in the Bivacco restaurant you can enjoy half a dozen natural Bluff oysters for $25, or a dozen for $50, or have them served battered with Guindilla mayonnaise for $27.50 or $55 respectively. Taking its offering one step further, the clever culinary team at Bivacco has also dreamt up a special dish for the Bivacco Bar. This mouthwatering Crispy Bluff Oyster Sandwich with horseradish and iceberg is the perfect way to mark the season in style.
With its reputation for being home to some of the City’s finest seafood dishes, it comes as no surprise that Depot will be shucking Bluffs this season. As fresh as they come, and served in the most liveliest of locations, these are as good as it gets.
Advieh, the exceptional new Middle Eastern eatery sitting pretty within the new InterContinental Auckland, is shucking Bluff oysters this season. With sprawling views of Waitematā Harbour, this is a more than perfect spot to park up and enjoy these tasty morsels, priced at $8.5 each, or $100 for a dozen.
Adding to an already extensive list of reasons to visit Soul, the Viaduct Harbour stalwart is offering Bluffies this season, serving them up alongside their extensive list of libations and delicious menu. Unfortunately, the all-you-can-eat event has been and gone (you’ve got to be quick around here), but, catch dependant, Soul will be well stocked for the season ahead.
While, more often than not, it’s the delicious carnivorous offering that draws us in to Jervois Steak House, the clever team in the kitchen also knows a thing or two about seafood. As well as their new acqua pazza market fish and much-loved whitebait, prawns, scallops and more, here you’ll find freshly-shucked Bluffies (catch dependant) on offer.
City-siders will do well to make for The Glass Goose this Bluffie season, where you’ll be met with an exceptional price on the delectable delicacies. Here, you’ll find a dozen for a modest $40 (!!!) — served au naturel with mignonette, and best when paired with a crisp glass of Mumm. Divine.
Offering an entirely unique take on Bluff oysters, Korean eatery Gochu — known for their modern take on authentic Seoul flavours, is serving the delicacy with kimchi juice, leek oil, and pickled radish, for $7 each.
Herne Bay favourite Andiamo is adding oysters to the mix this season, available on a first-come, first-served basis (as they are known to fly out the door here!). Head along at lunchtime, try your luck at securing a dozen, and indulge in the delicious Autumn lunch menu while you’re there.
Head to our favourite Parnell dining institution to indulge in the best of the season, before enjoying one of NSP’s signature Italian long lunches or tasty dinners. Here, you can order either half a dozen or a full dozen (for $25 and $50 respectively), which will be served natural with either mignonette & lemon or Bacio Del Limone Granita. Or, you can order your Bluffies to come battered with a delicate lemon aioli. Perfection.
For those who are craving the delicacies but are low on time and simply can’t commit to a long lunch, Auckland Fish Market’s Billypot has you covered. Freshly shucked to order and takeaway-friendly, you can take these Bluffies wherever you like, for $7 each, or $60 a dozen.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
