If there’s a perfect poster girl for living authentically, it’s British-born, Sydney-based actress, Samantha Allsop — our Winter Issue coverstar. True authenticity, after all — as our Editor-in-chief wrote in her opening letter to this very magazine — is about choosing your values and living in alignment with them. This is something Allsop has done since a young age — deciding on a path that felt true to her, and pursuing her goals with intention and unwavering resolve. The result is a life she feels good about living.
In this issue, as well as our illuminating cover story with Allsop, we also speak to others whose pursuit of an authentic life has led them on remarkable paths. Matthew Ridge and David Ring have both shown immense bravery and resilience in reinventing themselves, and, in seeking a different way forward, found lives they’re proud of. Elsewhere, we look at authenticity through a different lens — delving into the preservation of true, authentic craftsmanship, speaking to globally revered creatives who are eschewing digitalisation in favour of tactile, hands-on artistry.
We also offer an extensive edit of everything worth enjoying this winter — from relishing Central Otago’s many spoils, to what to wear — both on and off the slopes, alongside a dedicated Watch and Jewellery special that is sure to inspire.
You’ll find an extensive round-up of the many compelling reasons to get out of the house to support our local hospitality industry this winter, and, as always, we lay out the design trends worth buying into, the latest in wellbeing, and a whole winter’s worth of books, films, shows, and live events to fill your cultural calendar.
If we have one hope for this issue, it’s that it inspires you to seek inspiration in the real world. The digital realm is an increasingly fraught and frightening place, demanding constant posturing and performance, but what we often fail to remember is that we have a choice to exist outside of it. In stepping offline, living in congruence with our values becomes much simpler.
So, fight the hunger for visibility, and embrace your true essence. After all, in an age of hyper-conformity, authenticity is the ultimate act of rebellion.
Our Winter Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets, or simply subscribe to the magazine below.
There is a plethora of tasty delights for foodies to enjoy this June — each the perfect, indulgent antidote to these cold winter days. From unmissable new menus to birthday celebrations to culinary collaborations, this is everything happening on Auckland’s dining scene this month.
For two nights only this June (21st & 22nd), Bar Magda is set to celebrate its fourth anniversary by teaming up with acclaimed Melbourne eatery Askal. Chefs John Rivera and Carlo Buenaventura will present a four-course menu blending Filipino, Māori, and Pasifika flavours, with optional wine pairings and bespoke cocktails adding to the experience.
Secure your spot here for June 21st, and here for June 22nd.
Or, if you can’t make it, Magda is keeping the party going with celebrations all month long — from a Locals Night with By The Bottle and A Thousand Gods wine on June 5th that sees a three course communal feast paired with tasting pours, to a Philippine Independence Day fiesta on June 12th, which, for just $85pp, includes dinner plus two punch cocktails.
Crispy Pork Belly & Pan Fried Brussel Sprouts from Queens new winter menu
Perched above the city, Queens Rooftop welcomes winter with a cosy new vibe and a fresh seasonal menu. Expect standout dishes like Oyster Kilpatrick, a nostalgic Whitebait Toastie, and 300g Wagyu Chuck Fillet, alongside a rotating Fish of the Day and bold vegetarian options. With skyline views, live music, and discreet weatherproofing, Queens remains Auckland’s go-to for elevated, all-season dining.
Discover the best of Kome with the $69 Set Menu, perfect for two or more. Featuring signature dishes like fresh sashimi with oysters, fireballs, eggplant tempura, and your choice of mains, this generous feast balances bold Korean spice with refined Japanese flavours. Each guest also enjoys a complimentary drink, with beer, sake, wine or a mocktail on offer.
Say hello to Origine’s latest indulgence — a rich, velvety chocolate mousse, served tableside from their brand-new dessert trolley. It’s part theatre, part nostalgia, and entirely irresistible. Whether you’re ending with something sweet or stopping by just for dessert, this decadent finale is worth the visit alone.
After an instant sell-out first round, Taste of Tuawhiti progressive dinner is back on June 17th, bringing together three of Auckland’s most celebrated restaurants — Kingi, Café Hanoi, and Ghost Street. The evening begins at The Hotel Britomart, where guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbles before discovering their first dining destination. From there, diners move between the three venues, experiencing a thoughtfully curated three-course menu with expertly matched wines. At Kingi, expect a celebration of sustainably sourced seafood, Café Hanoi brings its signature Vietnamese flair, and Ghost Street delivers bold, Beijing-inspired flavours.
Every Tuesday from 4pm at Birkenhead’s Osteria Uno, you’ll find a $20 rigatoni menu alluring us our of our homes mid-week. The menu comprises classic alla vodka, a tasty pork and fennel ragu, or king prawn, watercress and wakame — meaning there’s something for everyone. Add a glass of wine to the mix from their impressive offering, and you’ve go yourself a perfect Tuesday evening — without breaking the bank.
Takapuna Surf Club’s seasonal menu is bursting with flavour. Start with golden puff bread, then dive into melting beef cheeks, silky prawn pasta, or a hearty stuffed kumara. Lighter fare comes via a zesty grilled chicken salad, while the pizza lineup now includes three new stars: smoky pancetta, creamy mortadella, and the bold, briny puttanesca. The kids’ menu is a winner, too, and the new burger additions are worth the trip alone.
Head to Advieh on Saturday 14 June between 7pm — 9pm, and you’ll be able to pair your dishes with a delicious, pickle-infused martini that’s guaranteed to become your new go-to drop. Not all ‘pickltinis’ are created equal — and Big Dill Pickle Gin will be putting their best foot forward, pairing their perfectly savoury, herbaceous gin (infused with real pickles and spices like dill, coriander, and caraway) with a line-up of unexpected snacks and unique pickles, specially sourced to complement Advieh’s bold, spice-driven Middle Eastern fare.
This one-night-only collaboration is part of a spirited partnership that began back in 2023, when Advieh’s bar manager Sophie first met Big Dill’s founder Egor. What started as a spontaneous chat over botanicals and flavour philosophy has evolved into a culinary celebration of creativity, contrast and genuine flavour harmony. It’s not your average cocktail pairing — it’s a night for the curious, the bold, and anyone who thinks dinner should come with a little extra punch.
The beloved Silo Park Night Markets are back every Friday, 5–11pm, with over 100 vibrant stalls. From island donuts and smoky BBQ to Korean burgers, dumplings, fresh produce, and decadent desserts, it’s a flavour-packed evening in Wynyard Quarter. Bring your appetite, gather your crew, and feast your way through a global street food celebration under the stars.
The SEARED TUNA (left) and Whole Roasted Beef Sirloin (right) from Bivacco’s Winter Feast
Bivacco’s Winter Feast is your new Sunday ritual — an indulgent, ever-evolving buffet brimming with seasonal seafood, succulent roasts, woodfired pizzas and decadent desserts. Designed for leisurely lunches with family and friends, it’s generous, joy-filled dining at its finest. Children under 12 feast for half-price or choose from the kids’ menu, so the whole family can get in on the fun.
Every Saturday, Ebisu offers a lavish Japanese feast like no other. Think unlimited chef’s selection sushi, sashimi, maki rolls and more — crafted with premium ingredients and served in sleek surrounds. Designed for indulgence and perfect for group celebrations, this bottomless experience promises a standout Saturday with serious flavour. Bookings essential.
Celebrate the season in style at Gather & Toast — part of SkyCity’s winter-long culinary showcase, Delish. Featuring a rotating line-up of top eateries and exclusive menus, it’s a delicious way to explore the best of the precinct, from cosy comfort food to refined bites. Limited-time dishes, warming drinks, and a festive buzz await.
Start your morning right with breakfast at Lebanese Grocer. From 10am to 12pm daily, enjoy house-made toasties with Lebanese quince jam, signature three-cheese blends, and Yola’s fragrant za’atar. It’s a warm, flavourful start to the day — simple, soulful, and delicious.
Beloved Ponsonby restaurant Kol is entering an exciting new era as Sapan and Ruchi Parikh take the reins from Sid and Chand Sahrawat. Backed by mentorship and bringing flair from their acclaimed North Shore eateries, the Parikhs promise to honour Kol’s flame-fired Indian roots — while adding fresh flavour, familiar faces, and a few delicious surprises to come.
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a hearty roast, and this winter, Jervois Steak House revives its beloved tradition with the return of the wagyu Sunday roast — a soul-warming celebration of indulgence served fireside every Sunday through June, July, and August.
The experience begins with a delicate amuse bouche, a quiet nod to what’s to come. Then the main affair: premium Southern Stations wagyu rump, slow-cooked for 12 hours until melt-in-your-mouth tender. It arrives accompanied by all the hallmarks of a classic done right — crisp wagyu fat roasted potatoes, pillowy Yorkshire puddings, silky potato gratin, seasonal vegetables, and a glossy, rich house-made jus. It’s generous, nostalgic, and utterly unmissable.
At $79 per person (minimum two), this is winter dining as it should be — honest, hearty and enjoyed in good company. Add a $15 glass of house wine, and linger a little longer.
This year, there’s no need to pre-order your roast. Portions are limited and served on a first-come, first-served basis from 5pm every Sunday, so we recommend booking early in the day to avoid disappointment.
Equal parts entertainment and skincare, peel masks have done the rounds on and off for decades, filling the beauty cabinets of those who love a cheap thrill (or a not-so-cheap thrill, if recent iterations are anything to go by). But this latest round of ASMR-worthy masks brings something unique to the table: real results.
Packed with actives, from collagen to hyaluronic acid, peptides to A.H.A.’s, these satisfying masks leave skin feeling soft and supple, looking even and radiant, and shrinking pores and tightening skin in a way sheet masks could never. Clogging TikTok feeds and ostensibly unclogging pores, these bizarre-looking, satisfying-feeling beauty tools are applied to the face and left to sit — and set — for an allocated time period (usually 15 minutes), before being carefully peeled off à la Patrick Bateman in American Psycho, revealing a more radiant and replenished visage beneath.
Call it the endless allure of nostalgia, the undeniable sway of TikTok, or simply the promise of anything that actually improves the appearance of lacklustre skin, but it’s clear that sheet masks are back in a big way, and here to stay. Shop our picks below.
We have our sights set on a raft of cultural experiences over the coming months. From musical performances to captivating theatre, world-class comedy and more, these are the events you don’t want to miss.
Comedy superstar Jo Koy brings his Just Being Koy tour to New Zealand, delivering laugh-out-loud stories inspired by his wildly relatable family life. With sold-out shows worldwide and Netflix specials under his belt, expect big energy, sharp humour, and irresistible charm on stage.
When & Where: Wednesday 28th May — Sunday 22nd June, Sanderson Contemporary
In Dance, Dance, award-winning artist Kate van der Drift captures the complexities and paradoxes inherent in the concept of caring for the whenua (land) through cameraless photography. Created during her residency at Waitawa Regional Park, these ethereal lumen prints explore entanglements between nature and culture, colonisation and conservation — inviting us to reconsider what it means to care for whenua in a time of ecological precocity.
When & Where: Thursday 5th June, Auckland Town Hall
Teeks joins the Auckland Winter Series for a one-night-only performance at Auckland Town Hall, accompanied by a string sextet and piano. With his soul-stirring voice and signature emotional depth, the celebrated artist promises an unforgettable evening of new music and heartfelt favourites in a truly special setting.
When & Where: Saturday 7th June — Sunday 28th September, Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki
A landmark exhibition of visionary painting, A Century of Modern Art arrives exclusively in Auckland this June. On loan from the internationally-renowned Toledo Museum of Art, the exhibition features 57 masterworks by 53 groundbreaking artists — including Monet, van Gogh, Cezanne, Picasso, and Frankenthaler — charting the evolution of modern art from Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism.
When & Where: Friday 27th June — Sunday 27th July, Ayrburn, Queenstown
Ayrburn’s Winter Wonderland transforms Queenstown into a festive alpine escape, featuring dazzling Christmas lights, seasonal treats, and a charming ice-skating rink nestled in The Dell. Stroll beneath twinkling lights with a warm mulled wine or hot chocolate, and enjoy winter-inspired menus across the precinct. Entry to the light display is free; ice-skating sessions are ticketed and include skate hire.
When & Where:Saturday 7th June, Auckland Town Hall
Japanese Breakfast make their Aotearoa debut with The Melancholy Tour, performing their acclaimed new album For Melancholy Brunettes for one night only at Auckland Town Hall. Joining them are local dream-pop favourites Phoebe Rings, fresh off the release of their debut LP Aseurai. An unmissable night of lush, emotional soundscapes.
When & Where: Monday 9th — Friday 13th June, various locations country-wide
Ed Gamble brings his razor-sharp wit and trademark rants to NZ this June with Hot Diggity Dog, following his biggest UK tour yet. The Off Menu podcast host and Taskmaster champion hits Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland for three nights of unfiltered, self-deprecating, high-energy stand-up.
When & Where: Sunday 15th June — Sunday 27th July, various locations country-wide
The award-winning Prima Facie is set to tour the North Island this winter, starring Cassandra Woodhouse in a powerful one-woman performance. In Auckland and New Plymouth, select shows feature a double-header with Michael Hurst’s acclaimed The Golden Ass — presenting two masterful works in one unforgettable experience.
When & Where: Tuesday 3rd — Sunday 15th June, The Civic
The Auckland Live Cabaret Festival returns to The Civic this June, promising a dazzling lineup of performances. Highlights include the Olivier Award-winning La Clique, Reuben Kaye’s sharp satire, Georgia Lines’ soulful concert with special guests, Catherine Alcorn’s tribute in The Divine Miss Bette, and Prinnie Stevens’ powerful Lady Sings the Blues Volume 2. Experience an unforgettable celebration of music, comedy, and theatrical flair.
When & Where: Thursday 19th June, Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki
Experience Open Late: An Abstract Experiment at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki — a lively, after-hours celebration of A Century of Modern Art. With jazz, DJ sets, interactive art activities, food trucks, and a pop-up bar, this free event invites you to explore modernist masterpieces, soak in the atmosphere, and even create your own digital artwork.
When & Where: Tuesday 17th June — Saturday 5th July, ASB Waterfront Theatre
Sir Roger Hall’s End of Summer Time follows a retired farmer navigating big city life, with sharp humour and heart. Starring Andrew Grainger, this charming solo show is a love letter to Auckland and a hilarious reminder that it’s never too late to start over.
When & Where: Saturday 7th June, Freida Margolis, Auckland
Kickstart your weekend at the lively Freida Market, held on the first Saturday of every month at Freida Margolis in Grey Lynn. Discover a curated selection of pre-loved and vintage clothes, unique finds, freshly baked goods, seasonal flowers, vinyl, handmade crafts, and more. Enjoy tasty bites as vinyl spins in true Freida’s style, adding to the warm, community feel.
This year’s new watch releases are a testament to the irony that the world of horology never sits still. Showcasing groundbreaking movements and spectacular designs, here, we highlight some of the most impressive new timepieces that are remarkable for both their innovation and artistry.
Cartier Panthère
The latest Panthère timepiece beautifully merges the worlds of watchmaking and jewellery, drawing inspiration from the brand’s rich and iconic history. The striking ‘Toi & Moi’ bracelet features a three-dimensional feline on one side and a delicate watch face on the other, all brought to life with the sparkle of 1,103 brilliant-cut diamonds.
Van Cleef & Arpels Lady Arpels Bal des Amoureux Automate
Van Cleef & Arpels continues its exploration of Poetic Complications with the enchanting Bal des Amoureux. This watch, a sequel to 2010’s Pont des Amoureux, depicts a charming scene of a couple dancing at an outdoor café, sharing a kiss at both noon and midnight and holding hands throughout the day.
Tiffany & Co. presented a dazzling line-up that seamlessly blends heritage, innovation, and pure artistry. The Bird on a Rock Full Pavé Diamond watch boasts a staggering 1,362 diamonds on a white-gold case and bracelet, with mesmerising aquamarines adorning the bird’s perch. The Bird on a Rock Tsavorite watch introduces vibrant green tsavorites around its bezel, complemented by a diamond-studded bird and a striking green alligator strap. Meanwhile, the Twenty-Four Stone watch showcases over 700 diamonds in an intricate cross-stitch pattern, complete with a captivating rotating ring.
Jean Schlumberger The Bird on a Rock Full Pavé Diamond watch Tiffany & Co.
Jean Schlumberger The Bird on a Rock Tsavorite watch from Tiffany & Co.
Jean Schlumberger Twenty-Four Stone watch from Tiffany & Co.
The Aeterna watch represents a contemporary reimagining of Bvlgari’s iconic Serpenti, which first slithered onto the scene in 1948. It features an elegant white-gold curved case, with the head and bezel lavishly set with round brilliant-cut diamonds and a white-gold crown also adorned with diamonds. The striking green hands add a touch of beautiful contrast to the otherwise sparkling aesthetic.
For the first time in two decades, Cartier’s coveted jumping-hour timepiece is back to once again get enthusiasts excited by its minimalist apertures. The new Tank à Guichets is available in a selection of precious materials, including rose gold, yellow gold, and platinum.
Paiget’s Warhol timepiece offers a high degree of customisation, allowing buyers to select their preferred case material and add either a striking stone dial or a diamond-encrusted bezel. This particularly interesting variation is crafted in white gold with a rich brown tiger’s eye face.
Bvlgari has once again staked its claim to the title of the world’s thinnest tourbillon, measuring in at an astonishing 1.85mm. This marks Bvlgari’s tenth world record and the second time the Maison has surpassed its previous benchmark in the tourbillon category. The highly skeletonised Octo Finissimo Ultra continues to push the boundaries of slim and sleek timepieces.
Just two days before Watches and Wonders, the horological world was abuzz with the sighting of a new Rolex on Roger Federer’s Instagram. The Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first entirely new collection since 2012’s Sky-Dweller, hints at an angular Oysterquartz influence. The classic Jubilee bracelet is seamlessly integrated with the case, and the dial features a distinctive honeycomb pattern. Powering this newcomer is Rolex’s new Caliber 7135 with a cutting-edge Dynapulse escapement.
While most of the interest is about the new addition to the Rolex family, the latest iterations of the Oyster Perpetual in three divine matte pastel shades: pistachio, lavender, and beige, are definitely worth acknowledging. This new set of Oyster Perpetuals truly epitomises the spirit of Rolex, showcasing a brand that has clearly embraced a sense of fun and a willingness to take a few more chances.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Naissance de l’Amour is a masterstroke of poetic craftsmanship — an objet d’art that transcends time. Sculpted with the Maison’s signature finesse, this delicate creation captures the ephemeral beauty of love’s first bloom. Soft curves meet shimmering gemstones in a composition that feels both modern and timeless, imbued with emotion and artistry. It speaks to those who appreciate nuance — a sublime reminder that beauty lies in the quiet moments, where craftsmanship and feeling intertwine effortlessly.
Milan Design Week 2025 unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of innovation, where design narratives intertwined with performance, material exploration, and cultural homage. The city transformed into a dynamic stage, reflecting a collective yearning for immersive experiences and tactile authenticity.
Molteni&C’s Palazzo Molteni (brand available locally at Dawson & co.)
Milan again transformed into a global nexus of design innovation this April as it hosted the 64th edition of the Salone del Mobile and the expansive Fuorisalone. Over 1,000 happenings pulsed through historic streets and contemporary hubs, drawing a staggering 500,000-plus visitors keen to soak up the latest across ten vibrant design districts. This year’s theme, ‘Connected Worlds’ (‘Mondi Connessi’), was the connective tissue, inviting explorations into the interplay of nature, tech, and culture — how design, in essence, bridges the diverse facets of our lives.
“The theme underscored the role of design in fostering meaningful connections in an increasingly hybridised world.”
From AI-powered installations that made you think to sustainable urban mobility solutions that offered a glimpse of tomorrow, the ‘Connected Worlds’ theme underscored design’s pivotal role in forging meaningful connections in our increasingly hybrid reality. The week-long immersion wasn’t just about covetable furniture and lighting; it was about the alchemy of traditional craftsmanship meeting cutting-edge innovation, setting the stage for a future where design continues to unite and ignite our imaginations.
Lise table and Monk chair by Molteni&C from Dawson & Co.
Minotti’s latest lounge set quietly amplified the power of refined modularity, blurring the lines between indoor sanctuary and outdoor oasis — a subtle nod to considered living.
Meanwhile, Molteni&C opened its striking new Palazzo, a space where neoclassical bones meet impeccably refined modernist design language. Creative Director Vincent Van Duysen conceived the interiors as the curated domain of an art and design aficionado, an incredible narrative unfolding across the building’s seven levels and over 3,000 square metres.
Left: SuperWire collection by Flos from ECC. Right: Swivel collection by Articolofrom ECC
Among the pieces on show in Palazzo Molteni was the reissue of Afra & Tobia Scarpa’s 1973 ‘Monk’ chair. This piece marked the genesis of a rich and enduring partnership between the design duo and the Italian manufacturer, quickly achieving cult status among the design cognoscenti. Molteni’s re-edition presents ‘Monk’ with a solid wood frame in American walnut, black oak, or coffee oak, and introduces a lower, wider armchair sibling.
“This year’s Milan Design Week underscored a shift toward deeper engagement with material, memory, and emotion.”
Christophe Delcourt’s Lise table is a study in graceful opposition, its two curved base structures intertwining to create a compelling visual statement. The tabletop comes in luxurious wood framed by a glossy lacquered edge or rich marble accented with a glossy steel rim, adding layers of refinement and tactile intrigue. The rim’s finish seamlessly echoes in the base, reinforcing material harmony and amplifying the table’s distinctive character. Whether commanding attention in a grand living space or acting as a focal point for intimate gatherings, Lise effortlessly blends sculptural beauty with everyday functionality.
Lighting too, ventured into thrilling new realms, with Flos dropping its Superwire collection — a dynamic interplay of wireframe structures that danced with light and shadow. Tom Dixon’s AW25 Collection continued his signature exploration of futuristic forms and iridescent finishes, crafting objects that felt ancient and otherworldly. Bocci’s The Numbers Between The Numbers installation captivated with its celestial arrangement of suspended glass orbs, each at a different height, casting an ethereal glow. Articolo’s Swivel Collection offered a more intimate counterpoint, presenting softly sculptural lighting pieces that whispered of craftsmanship, memory, and the quiet poetry of illumination.
USM introduced the Haller Soft Panel, a modular system that masterfully balances bold, structural clarity with acoustic softness — a direct response to the evolving needs of fluid modern spaces.
At Poliform, Jean-Marie Massaud’s Joan sofa embodied clean lines and generous proportions. Its minimalist design, drawing inspiration from the world of fashion, showcased impeccable lines and meticulous attention to detail. The new Leopold armchair featured an inviting, enveloping cushion cradled within a minimal wooden frame, emphasising its volume and visual lightness.
Antonio Citterio’s Loungescape seating system for Flexform is a chameleon, effortlessly adapting to transform the living space. Just as the contours of the land define a landscape, Loungescape shapes the home’s environment, becoming its nucleus and offering fresh perspectives on comfort and beauty.
At Henge, designer Tanju Özelgin, celebrated for his refined minimalism and architectural sensibility, unveiled “Oblio,” a sculptural sofa, and the “Audace” lounge chair, designed to integrate seamlessly into their surroundings.
Even the everyday took on an artistic edge, with Christofle and Charlotte Chesnais presenting a cutlery set that blurred the lines between functional design and modern sculpture.
This year’s Milan Design Week underscored a shift towards a deeper connection with material, memory, and emotion. It was a space where fashion’s flair, technology’s advancements, and traditional craft’s enduring spirit converged to shape a future of design that feels dynamic, inclusive, and undeniably human.
Is there anything better than a cache of captivating new shows cued up ahead of a long weekend? Many of these new series and seasons are releasing in the coming days, with the rest to follow in the coming weeks, running the gamut from twisty thrillers to a captivating slow-burn from much of the team behind Succession. Jeremy Allen White is back in fine form reprising his starring role in The Bear, The Gilded Age returns following a Emmy-nominated second season, and And Just Like That may get a special mention for the SATC fanatics amongst us, who simply can’t look away.
The Better Sister
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Prime Video Starring: Jessica Biel, Elizabeth Banks, Corey Stoll & Kim Dickens
Secrets simmer and loyalties unravel in this sharp thriller based on Alafair Burke’s bestselling novel. When a prominent man is murdered, his widow and estranged ex-wife — sisters with a complicated past — are forced into uneasy alliance. Twisty, stylish, and emotionally charged, The Better Sister is a gripping dive into family, ambition, and betrayal.
Mountainhead
When & Where to Watch: May 31st, Neon Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef & Cory Michael Smith
From much of the team behind Succession, included Emmy-winning Jesse Armstrong, comes Mountainhead — another cautionary tale about billionaires and the messes they make. Equal parts psychological thriller and folklore-fuelled horror, the story follows a man who begins to unravel after returning to his remote hometown in the Rockies. As paranoia builds and reality fractures, the mountain may be hiding more than just memories. Expect eerie visuals, slow-burn suspense, and a haunting exploration of identity.
Stick
When & Where to Watch: June 4th, Apple TV+ Starring: Owen Wilson, Peter Dager, Marc Maron, Mariana Treviño & Lilli Kay
This offbeat dramedy centres on a former street magician-turned-reluctant life coach navigating fame, failure, and fatherhood. With dry wit and a tender heart, Stick balances absurdity with real emotional stakes. Anchored by a standout lead performance by none other than Owen Wilson, it’s a clever, character-driven gem with unexpected magic in the mundane.
The Bear — Season Four
When & Where to Watch: June 25th, Disney+ Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri & Ebon Moss-Bachrach
The kitchen heat’s still rising. In its fourth season, the critically acclaimed The Bear returns with even more tension, grit, and heart. As Carmy and his team chase culinary greatness, personal demons and professional pressure simmer dangerously close. Expect precision storytelling, raw emotion, and food that’ll haunt your dreams.
Picasso — The Legacy
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Prime Video (also showing on Sky Arts at 7pm on June 16th)
When Pablo Picasso died, he left behind 11 homes, 50,000 unseen works — and a fractured family tasked with settling his colossal estate. This intimate documentary unpacks the chaos, creativity, and charisma of a genius whose every love affair sparked a new artistic flame. Featuring rare archive footage and exclusive family interviews, it’s a revelatory portrait of an untamed legacy.
Sirens
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Netflix Starring: Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, and Kevin Bacon
In this darkly comedic limited series, sisters Devon (Meghann Fahy) and Simone (Milly Alcock) reunite at a lavish island estate owned by the enigmatic Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore) and her husband Peter (Kevin Bacon). As Devon uncovers unsettling truths about Michaela’s influence over Simone (read: cult-like worship), the weekend spirals into something much more.
And Just Like That — Season Three
When & Where to Watch: Out now, Neon & SkyGo Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis
While not a return everyone will be thrilled with, some of us still can’t look away from the SATC world. Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte are back (still no Samantha, sigh) — navigating love, loss, and life in their fifties with familiar glamour and new complications. Season three of And Just Like That brings fresh faces, fabulous outfits, and more Carrie and Aidan, reminding us that reinvention doesn’t end with age.
The Waterfront
When & Where to Watch: June 19th, Netflix Starring: Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, Melissa Benoist
From Scream and Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson, The Waterfront follows the Buckley family as they fight to save their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire. With financial pressures mounting, they turn to dangerous alliances — like a volatile drug smuggler played by Topher Grace. Family, crime, and legacy collide in this gripping coastal drama.
The Gilded Age — Season Three
When & Where to Watch: June 23rd, Neon Starring: Carrie Coon, Morgan Spector, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski
Old money, new ambition — season three of The Gilded Age returns to the opulence of 1880s New York, where power, scandal, and status remain the city’s true currency. As rivalries deepen and fortunes shift, Julian Fellowes’ sumptuous, Emmy-nominated period drama continues to dazzle with grand sets, sharp dialogue, and an irresistable cast — old and new — set to shake up the screen. Plus, Carrie Coon is back in fine form, filling the The White Lotus-shaped hole in your heart,
Ginny & Georgia — Season Three
When & Where to Watch: June 5th, Netflix Starring: Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry
Georgia’s wedding ends in handcuffs, and now she’s on trial for murder. As the spotlight intensifies, Ginny is forced to reckon with the truth about her mother — and herself. Season three crackles with tension, dark humour, and the question at its heart: how do you love someone you’re not sure you can trust?
Art Direction Amber Armitage Photography Melanie Jenkins
This season, embrace the calming quality of sage green. Subtle yet sophisticated, it’s the perfect hue to refresh your home with balance, softness, and a touch of nature-inspired tranquillity. In a world where stillness is increasingly coveted, sage green is emerging as a serene staple in modern interiors. The shade’s muted, misty palette evokes a sense of rest and renewal — offering a gentle, grounded antidote to overstimulation.
Understated but never dull, this verdant shade captures the quiet luxury of nature and lends itself effortlessly to both minimalist and layered aesthetics. More than just a trending tone, sage green has become a go-to for its unique ability to soften spaces without sacrificing style. Whether enveloping a living room in organic calm or adding freshness to a bathroom or bedroom, sage shades feel both elevated and approachable.
To enhance its quiet charm, pair soft hues like Resene Peace with dusky whites, pale timber, and warm metallics. For a more defined contrast, look to pair deeper tones like Resene Spanish Green with natural textures — think stone, linen, or rattan. The beauty of sage lies in its adaptability: equally at home in a country-style kitchen as it is in a sleek, modern space.
Its cool undertone keeps things airy, while its green base subtly connects the indoors to the natural world. Balanced, bold, and ever-relevant, sage green is the modern neutral that brings fresh perspective — no matter the room or inhabitant’s aesthetic leaning.
What began as a personal escape has become one of Auckland’s most distinctive new bakeries. Founded by Cathy Fan — an electrical engineer-turned-baker — Fankery specialises in mochi-filled cakes, cookies, and tarts that fuse nostalgic Shanghainese flavours with inventive texture and technique.
Chunk Mochi-Filled Cookies
Fan was at a bit of a crossroads, and began taking comfort in preparing and enjoying the food she grew up with, “Baking became my escape,” she tells me, adding, “I poured my heart into creating everything I craved, shared the results online, and soon people began reaching out to order.” The business was born organically — the way many now are — beginning as a side hustle alongside Fan’s engineering job, and quickly transforming into a full-time pursuit.
Fakery has laid permanent roots in Newmarket
The signature item that started it all is the mochi-filled burnt Basque cheesecake, a rich, creamy number with a chewy centre. Fan’s chiffon-crepe cakes are a lighter option, layering airy sponge with flavoured creams and glutinous rice filling for a balanced bite. Smaller items like mochi cookies and seasonal tarts round out the core menu, with rotating monthly specials using house-made elements like nut butters and fruit compotes.
From Friday to Sunday, Fankery also serves a limited run of breads, including soft, fluffy Japanese milk bread (shokupan) and golden-topped polo buns — an homage to Fan’s childhood favourites.
Drinks have been given equal attention. The coffee is from Red Rabbit Single Origin Roasters, served alongside a standout menu of specialty and signature drinks. Highlights include the Ube Cream Matcha, tangyuan latte (with a mochi skewer), and the lychee sparkling Americano. The matcha is floral and unsweetened, the hojicha comes topped with peanut cream, and the yuzu Mont Blanc offers a citrusy lift. Every drink has been designed to match the attention to flavour detail found in the food.
Fankery is small, personal, and quietly ambitious. It’s a clear reflection of Fan’s journey — from illness to experimentation, and from engineering to entrepreneurship — and it delivers something distinct: indulgent but balanced treats with a textural twist. “Fankery is a direct reflection of my past, present, and the person I hope to grow into. I believe food is a universal love language that connects people across cultures,” Fan reflects. Whether you’re picking up a slice of cheesecake or settling in for a tangyuan latte, this is a bakery born from a unique place, that does things differently.
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