The Aotearoa Festival of Architecture — VALPARAISO PAVILLION, photo by Felipe Fontecilla

From design festivals to unmissable exhibitions and theatre, our September Culture Guide has everything you need to book this month

Words Sjaan Askwith | 4 Sep 2024

Spring has sprung, and with it comes an exceptional line-up of cultural events inspiring you to get out and about. From a festival of architecture to incredible theatrical events to exhibitions you won’t want to miss, our September Culture Guide is filled with everything you need to keep you happily busy this month.

The Aotearoa Festival of Architecture

When & Where: Monday 16th — Sunday 29th September, various locations country-wide

Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects has unveil this year’s Festival of Architecture programme — packed with inspiring events across the month of September. Not just about architecture, this unmissable event shines a spotlight on the capacity great design has to elevate life in Aotearoa, with a number of free open to all. Don’t miss the 2024 Resene Sir Ian Athfield Memorial Lecture, featuring Sebastián Irarrázaval — renowned architect and educator from Santiago, Chile, and the illuminating Architecture Women NZ Pecha Kucha presentation event, which celebrates the incredible contributions of female architects in Aotearoa. Dive into the details and secure your spot here.

Modern Women: Flight of Time

When & Where: From now until 23rd February 2025, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

This fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition explores the pivotal role of female artists in the shaping and development of New Zealand’s modern art, from 1920 to 1970, revealing new connections, previously hidden themes and revelling in the theatre of modern art.

Sandra Bushby

When & Where: From now until Saturday 14th September, Sumer Fine Art, Auckland

Sumer Gallery presents Pouring Light, an exhibition of new paintings by Sandra Bushby. Inspired by Joanna Margaret Paul, Bushby explores the intersection of poetry and painting through vivid colors, rhythmic forms, and spontaneous processes. Her work captures the dynamic interplay between emergence, erasure, and renewal in art.

In Other Words

When & Where: Tuesday 3rd — Sunday 15th September, Q Theatre, Auckland

For the first time, celebrated actors and partners in life, Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Michael Hurst perform together in In Other Words — a touching two-hander connected by Frank Sinatra’s music. This intimate love story explores the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and the power of music to connect us with the past, present, and future. Meet Arthur and Jane as they navigate love and illness in a production filled with life’s frustrations and humour.

Girls & Boys

When & Where: Tuesday 10th — Sunday 22nd September, ASB Waterfront Theatre, Auckland

Experience the pulse-pounding London sensation starring Beatriz Romilly in a tour-de-force performance. This shattering, solo drama by Tony Award-winning playwright Dennis Kelly begins with a chance encounter at a Naples airport and unravels a family’s dark secrets. Raw, passionate, and provocative, it explores gender politics and the shadowy side of love.

Auckland Fringe Festival

When & Where: From now until Sunday 22nd September, various locations across Auckland

After a year’s hiatus the festival that showcases the gloriously experimental and wildly innovative arts of Tāmaki is back. Featuring 56 acts across 14 performance spaces it’s time to celebrate with all of the wacky, political, funny and creative artists that will come together across the festival. This year’s programme is bursting with different genres and teeming with some clever, inspired and downright silly concepts. From burlesque to street dance, documentary theatre to comedy, and spoken word to music, this festival has it all. There’s even a magic show, a rain machine, and a human-sized fly.

Rigoletto Opera, photo by Keith Saunders

New Zealand Opera’s Rigoletto by Verdi

When & Where: Thursday 19th — Wednesday 25th September, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland

One of the greatest and most popular operas of all time, Verdi’s Rigoletto is set to be an unmissable performance. Set in 1950s Italy, this tragic tale of love, power, and revenge is a cornerstone of the operatic canon. Featuring iconic tunes like ‘La donna è mobile’ and a star-studded Kiwi and international cast, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, and the NZ Opera chorus, sung in Italian with English surtitles, this production is a bucket-list event.

Ngā Rorirori

When & Where: Thursday 12th September — Friday 4th October, various locations country-wide

Celebrating 20 years of Tawata Productions, the acclaimed company takes their genre-bending, groundbreaking work Ngā Rorirori on tour. Directed by Hone Kouka, this unique production blends contemporary dance, theatre, farcical storytelling, and digital recording, as it humorously explores one whānau’s relationship with their land and a brother’s quest to commercialise their coastline, in a fusion of theatre and dance reminiscent of a silent film.

Strings Under the Stars

When & Where: 19th — 21st & 26th — 28th September, Stardome Observatory and Planetarium

Music and space converge at Strings Under the Stars — an unmissable show presented by Stardome and Auckland Philharmonia. This stellar series offers a performance by a string quartet of Auckland Philharmonia musicians and a captivating journey through space, with selections from Holst’s iconic work, The Planets, and the premiere of a new piece by New Zealand composer Kirsten Strom, commissioned by Auckland Philharmonia, accompanied by a planetarium show that’s intricately designed to both complement and elevate the transcendent music.

World of Wearable Art

When & Where: Thursday 26th September — Sunday 13th October, TSB Arena, Wellington

Imagination becomes reality in the 2024 WOW show: Dream Awake. Explore six awe-inspiring realms, where the boundaries of theatrical spectacle, live music, dance, aerial choreography and wearable art are pushed to the extreme. Every night of the show season is a spectacular visual feast, offering a theatrical spectacle unmatched in both scale and impact.

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Denizen Dining Guide: We round up all of the unmissable foodie happenings across the month of September

Words Sjaan Askwith | 4 Sep 2024

Spring is finally here, and with it is a raft of delicious dining experiences that are set to help lift us right out of our winter slump. From a central city block party to mouth-watering events, spring solstice celebrations, seasonal set menus, long lunches and more, here we present our definitive September Dining Guide.

Celebrate Spring at SkyCity

SkyCity’s signature restaurants have curated delicious seasonal menus highlighting spring flavours and ingredients, all including a glass of wine from Nautilus. Each eatery utilises the seasonal offerings in a unique way, as they refresh favourite dishes and craft exciting new ones with the spoils of spring front and centre. Plus, guests that dine at SkyCity throughout the month of September will receive free parking, making a meal in the heart of the city simpler than ever.

Head to Norma Taps for their Bledisloe Block Party

Bledisloe Block Party at Norma Taps

Norma Taps is set to transform the City Works Depot car park into an electrifying outdoor event this September, hosting a block party from 3pm — 11pm on Saturday 21st September centred around the highly anticipated upcoming Bledisloe Cup clash between the All Blacks and Australia.

The match will be shown on a massive LED screen, with commentary from the entertaining voices of The Alternative Commentary Collective, while Norma Taps’ signature kegged cocktails will be flowing at the outdoor bar, paired with a selection of game day dishes like smashed burgers, and an outdoor stage featuring top local DJs who will keep the energy alive post-match.

Secure your spot here.

Left: Bar Magda’s third vintage: 2023 Magda Fantasy. Right: Signature lamb ribs off Bar Magda’s Aperitivo hour menu

Aperitivo Hour & a New Vintage at Bar Magda

Bar Magda’s Aperitivo Hour is back, just in time for spring, with a number of satiating drinks and tantalising dishes set to fill the early hours of the evening. Everyday, from 5 — 6.30pm, you’ll find $15 cocktails, including spritz, the Magdarita, and Negronis, alongside a delicious selection of $15 and $9 snacks. For the former, you’ll find Barry’s Bay parmesan custard with house made focaccia, grilled chicken and duck parfait on brioche, and a terrine of spiced ham and crab fat mayo with toasts, while for the latter, you’ll discover lumpia of crab and prawn with plum sweet chilli, barbecue skewers of pork or chicken with satti sauce, and Magda’s signature lamb ribs with green sambal soft herbs. Or, if you’re hungry and wanting to trust the chef (which is always recommended when Carlo Buenaventura is on the tools), grab a snack feast for $50 or $65 — ideal for two.

In addition, Bar Magda is releasing its third vintage this month: 2023 Magda Fantasy. Made by Brood Fermentation from Moutere, Nelson, this wine was specifically made to complement the unique flavour profile of Bar Magda’s culinary offering — with two labels, one in English, and one in Filipino. Farmed organically on clay soils, Magda Fantasy is a bright, fruitful, aromatic blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtztraminer, fermented with indigenous yeast in oak with extended barrel time — resulting in a rich, lightly oxidative drop with notes of apricot, fennel seed, nutmeg, honey and thyme.

Book a table here.

Snow Machine at Ayrburn

The Snow Machine Festival returns to Queenstown from 4th — 8th September, with Ayrburn hosting a new daytime après experience at The Dell, with a bespoke line-up of live performances. On Saturday 7th September, Ayrburn will play host to a special event, with live music featuring Middle Kids and LadyHawke, or, if it’s culinary delights that you seek, indulge in a Wine & Tapas sitting, which will take place in The Manure Room daily at 11am or 1.30pm, or experience an iconic Poof Doof Drag Brunch on Friday 6th Sept at 11am. The dining destination is also opening up The Barrel Room for an indulgent Long Lunch on Saturday 7 September where, from 12pm, you’ll be treated to Ayrburn’s feast menu and a three hour drinks package, as well as ticket to The Dell event.

Secure your spot here.

Enjoy a glass of nautilus estate sauvignon blanc (left) alongside a three-course meal, including either the market fish or chicken dijonnaise for the main course (right)

Soul’s Ladies Lunch is Back

The original Ladies Lunch is back at Soul Bar & Bistro just in time for spring, and trust us when we say there is no better way to while away an afternoon with your girlfriends. From a delectable three-course meal to a glass of springtime bubbles to the picture-perfect water-wide setting and floral-festooned entrance, and, of course, an ever-lively vibe, there truly is nowhere better to celebrate the season in style.

Secure your spot here.

Celebrate Negroni Week with a Flight at QT

Step into the House of Campari this September at QT Hotels across New Zealand. In celebration of Negroni Week (16th — 22nd September) Rooftop at QT will not only be slinging happy hour negronis (with $14 classics from 4 — 5pm daily), you’ll also find a Negroni tasting flight on offer. If you choose to indulge in the flight, vote for your favourite to be in to win a staycation at a New Zealand QT of your choice along with a bespoke Campari bar kit. While key celebrations will be taking place during Negroni Week, QT’s Bitter & Twisted negroni menus will be available until October 21st.

General Manager of Dog Point Vineyard, Matt Sutherland

Dog Point Winemakers Dinner at Advieh

On September 25th, indulge in a five-course menu meticulously crafted by Advieh’s partner chef, Gareth Stewart. Each dish showcases the bold and innovative flavours that define Advieh, perfectly complemented by Dog Point Wines, which are celebrated for their organic practices and the rich heritage of their Marlborough vineyard. Matt Sutherland, General Manager of Dog Point Vineyard, will be in attendance, sharing his extensive expertise in winemaking and offering insights into the vineyard’s history, Dog Point’s meticulous organic practices, and the unique characteristics that make each Dog Point wine truly remarkable. Tickets are $159 and include five courses and wine pairings.

Secure your spot here.

The Lodge Bar & Dining’s Spring Snacks Special

As Commercial Bay kicks off its spring solstice celebrations, The Lodge Bar & Dining is serving up a delectable snacks special, serving as the perfect accompaniment to a few afternoon drinks looking out over the sparkling Waitematā. Here, you’ll find meat pie croquettes with smoked cheddar, a selection of cheeses with quince, honeycomb and crackers, marinated olives, and (of course) a hearty bowl of fries with spicy ketchup and blue cheese aioli, all for $82 — serving two to four, depending on how hungry you are.

The Lodge Bar & Dining’s Solstice Snack Special

Solstice by Commercial Bay

Commercial Bay is pulling out all of the stops this solstice (13th — 15th September), with a number of fantastic offers running across the three-day event. At Queens Rooftop, you’ll find a glass of Piper-Heidsieck bubbles and a crayfish and kawakawa aioli brioche roll for $40, while, at Origine thirsty punters will discover two cocktails for $30. There are several other tasty happenings taking place, the details of which you’ll find here.

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In partnership with Fisher & Paykel, we’re giving away an exclusive Mastery of Temperature wine experience with Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas — enter now

Words Sjaan Askwith | 4 Sep 2024

One of the first things Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas will tell you at Fisher & Paykel’s luxuriously appointed wine experience space is that wine inherently does not want to survive. “A wine collection is an investment that deserves specialised care — wine is organic, evolving as it ages, and it’s more fragile than you might think. When it comes to looking after wine — trust and integrity are everything.”

Douglas — an advisor to Fisher & Paykel on all things wine — knows what he’s talking about. Since 1969, when the first examination was first held at Vintners Hall, London, just over 280 people have earned the title Master Sommelier. Douglas is one of them — and New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier. He knows vintages and varieties, and he knows that if you cellar wine in the right climate, serve it at the right temperature, and pair it with the right food, you’ll maximise the enjoyment of every glass.

Something that four lucky Denizens and their plus ones will have the opportunity to experience, indulging in a personalised Mastery of Temperature Wine Experience with food pairing at the solid tōtara and basalt-slab cellar and tasting space at Fisher & Paykel’s exquisite Auckland Experience Centre, led by Douglas himself.

This bespoke space was designed to showcase two things: the way seamlessly integrated Wine Column Cabinets elevate the architectural experience of wine in the home; and the way quality of care — constant, neutral climates, free from light strike and vibration — give your collection the best opportunity to age gracefully and build complexity over time.

As a wine advisor to Fisher & Paykel, Douglas has seen first-hand the brand’s obsession with detail and the way they bring craft and technology together to create the conditions for perfect cellaring and serving. Designed with ActiveSmart™ technology and Variable Temperature Zones, Column Wine Cabinets let you simply choose a mode — cellar, red, white and sparkling. Within each mode, you can further adjust the climate to suit the specifics of a wine.

For a Central Otago pinot noir, you might select at 14°C to reveal complex cherry, black plum and savoury notes. For a powerful Rhône blend or Amarone della Valpolicella, an extra degree or two can result in a better expression of flavour and rounded tannins. Similarly, the ideal serving temperature for champagne will vary depending on the specific wine’s age and type.

Douglas describes quality of care as measured in time, taste and enjoyment. “Ultimately, wine is made to be enjoyed. The care you take when selecting a special vintage or variety, and the commitment to careful cellaring, should culminate in a unique tasting experience. When it’s time to ease out a cork, or crack open a screw cap, the ability to adjust a zone within a cabinet to the optimal serving temperature heightens the quality of the experience. Maximising a bottle’s voice, its story and expressive qualities — and your own enjoyment.”

For those who, like us, take wine seriously, Fisher & Paykel’s wine care appliances are an essential addition to the home. From striking integrated Wine Columns that turn your collection into a beautiful design feature (while providing the best conditions for cellaring every vintage), to the new Under-Bench Wine Cabinets designed to pair perfectly with a full suite of kitchen appliances, Fisher & Paykel’s thoughtful, meticulously designed solutions revolutionise wine care.

fisherpaykel.com

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Craving a sojourn in the sun? Wakaya Island Resort is an idyllic escape not too far from home

3 Sep 2024

Offering an unmatched getaway, with world-class diving, picture-perfect surrounds, fantastic, fresh food and the warmest of welcomes, Wakaya Island Resort is an idyllic Fijian escape.

At Wakaya Island Resort, luxury is not just a promise — it’s a way of life. This exclusive Fijian hideaway blends impeccable service, exquisite accommodations, and bespoke experiences to offer an unforgettable escape. Nestled amid pristine white sand beaches and lush tropical forests, the resort is a stone’s throw from some of the world’s largest and most vibrant coral reefs, offering a true Fijian experience with world-class diving, stunning natural surroundings, and warm hospitality.

The resort’s exquisite accommodations feature nature-inspired designs that highlight the crystal-clear waters and lush landscape. Here, guests are invited to indulge in farm-to-table fare, crafted from the island’s own nutrient-rich volcanic soil — making every meal an authentic celebration of local flavours.

Wakaya Island Resort provides tailored experiences for every guest. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, you’ll find endless options from private hiking excursions to snorkelling, rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga sessions — all curated to inspire discovery and relaxation.

And for those looking to explore the stunning surrounds, this haven is also home to an impressive Marine Protected Area, offering exclusive access to vibrant coral reefs and lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife. Guests can discover the island’s rich biodiversity through guided nature walks and immersive cultural experiences.

And given the focus on sustainable luxury, Wakaya Island Resort incorporates eco-friendly practices into every aspect of its operations, so any holiday here also means you are supporting conservation efforts and the local communities.

From unparalleled relaxation to picture-perfect surrounds, exceptional, personalised service, and exclusive experiences, Wakaya Island Resort promises a serene, luxurious retreat in paradise.

Shop Our Editors’ Picks

What to Pack

Ribbed knit one-piece swimsuit from Prada

Anine Bing Large Leah Hobo Bag from Muse

MZ SKIN Expert UV Protector SPF50 from net-a-porter

LV Bliss Flat Comfort Mule from Louis Vuitton

Magda Butrym Crochet Bra Ribbed Knit Dress from Muse

La Prairie Skin Caviar The Mist from Faradays

EUGENIA KIM Mirabel sunhat from net-a-porter

wakayaislandresort.com

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