Spring has always carried a certain sense of promise. It’s the season of renewal and fresh starts, and with it comes the chance to pause and take stock of the moments that matter. Some of these milestones are obvious, commanding attention and celebration, while others are quieter, unfolding in ways that might slip by unnoticed unless we choose to honour them. This issue is a celebration of both — the grand markers and the subtler shifts that, together, define a life well lived.
At the heart of Denizen’s Spring Issue is our coverstar Zoe Hobbs, whose rise in world athletics has been nothing short of extraordinary. Beyond the track, we discover that her candour and resilience reveal a story as much about personal growth as it is professional triumph.
We also speak to artist George Byrne, whose distinct creative voice was forged only after years spent on a different path; a reminder that milestones don’t always arrive on cue. Elsewhere, we highlight the journeys of those whose lives have been punctuated by unexpected turns, showing that success is rarely linear, and meaning is found as much in the detours as in the destination.
Alongside these stories, you’ll find our usual edit of everything worth coveting for spring. We spotlight the fashion and jewellery to invest in now, delve into the design trends carrying us into the warmer months, and explore how to create spaces that reflect your unique sense of style.
In Wellbeing, we explore the seemingly unstoppable rise of Pilates, speaking to a host of local operators, each of which are approaching the global phenomenon in their own way.
New this season is our Milestones, Marriages & Momentous Occasions pillar — a dedicated space to celebrate life’s defining moments, both traditional and unexpected. From weddings to momentous birthdays and smaller moments of note, we shine a light on the milestones that shape us, offering inspiration on how to mark them in meaningful ways. Elsewhere, our Culture section presents the books, films, exhibitions, and performances set to enliven your spring calendar.
In keeping with the spirit of the season, our Spring Issue is imbued with a palpable sense of celebration, focusing on moments both spectacular and subtle. We hope its pages inspire you to stop, pause, and mark the milestones, however they arrive. Because what’s life if not for living (with a fabulous party or two along the way).
Denizen’s Spring Issue is available now at all good newsagents and supermarkets, or subscribe below to have it delivered directly to your door.
When the night’s winding down, but you’re not quite ready to call it, a perfectly poured nightcap is the answer. From sultry speakeasies and low-lit eateries to refined rooftop bars serving classics with a twist, we’ve rounded up the city’s best late-night spots to savour one last drink.
A luxe twist on the classic, where miso-butter-washed vodka brings a silky depth to bright clarified pineapple and Chambord’s berry richness. Queens’ French Martini is smooth, layered, and a little indulgent — just how we like it.
Taking the timeless classic eastward, where gin’s crispness is softened by Lillet Blanc and the delicate sweetness of umeshu. Azabu’s Nippon Negroni is elegant, light, and quietly complex; a Negroni with a distinctly Japanese sensibility.
Layering Irish whiskey with a silky peanut butter twist, rounded by rich Oloroso and a touch of maple, with chocolate bitters to finish. Soul’s ‘Peanut Nutter’ is indulgence in a glass — smooth, nutty, and a little unexpected.
Built on your choice of Haku Vodka or Roku Gin, with Shiso Shochu and Vermouth, shaken ice-cold and poured straight into a chilled glass, Kemuri Hi-Fi’s Martini is clean, complex and quietly distinctive. Served with a ponzu olive and a slick of local extra virgin olive oil to finish, this signature cocktail is elegant with an umami edge.
Taking Tanduay aged rum and folding in the tropical sweetness of banana peel and jackfruit, with the lift of barrel-aged Peychaud’s. Bar Magda’s ‘Tyrone’s Turon’ is smooth, unexpected, and irresistibly moreish; a playful nod to Filipino flavours.
This is a not-so-classic Negroni with a decadent black forest twist. Cacao-infused Campari, cherry-washed Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and gin come together in a darkly rich, fruit-forward reimagining of the timeless classic.
A decadent nightcap that drinks like dessert — silky, indulgent, and laced with the familiar allure of coffee and cocoa. Andiamo’s ‘Tiramisu Martini’ is the end of night treat that closes the evening on a sweet, sophisticated note.
Spring is finally here, and with it comes a raft of delicious dining experiences that are set to help lift us right out of our winter slump. From unmissable high teas to mouth-watering events, cocktail-centric celebrations, seasonal set menus, long lunches and more, here we present our definitive September Dining Guide.
Metita is bringing the spirit of Tahiti to Auckland this September, with a special menu inspired by chef Michael Meredith’s recent travels through the islands. In partnership with Tahiti Tourism, Meredith has crafted a menu that captures the spirit of the Pacific with traditional flavours reimagined through a contemporary lens, presenting a rare chance to experience the depth, freshness, and cultural richness of Tahitian cuisine.
Later in the month, Somm is set to host an exclusive evening with Rockburn Wines, pairing a bespoke set menu with a curated wine flight that showcases the Central Otago label’s signature elegance. With the winemaker in attendance, it’s a rare chance to experience Rockburn’s craftsmanship alongside dishes designed to complement every pour.
Every Monday at Ellerslie’s beloved Bianca, there’s even more reason to gather around the table. For just $50, diners can enjoy a set menu featuring warm, house-baked focaccia, a choice of signature pasta, and a decadent dessert to finish. It’s the perfect way to start the week, offering exceptional value without compromising on quality. While the full à la carte menu is also available, this irresistible offer makes Mondays at Bianca an occasion worth marking in your calendar.
This September, a lineup of the city’s favourite spots — from The Grill and SkyBar to Cassia, Metita, Masu, Huami, Depot and Fed Deli — will be serving $12 G&Ts in partnership with Four Pillars Gin. A month-long excuse to get out and about and slip into spring.
This Father’s Day, The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart open their doors for an exclusive Aotearoa-inspired High Tea. Hosted in the richly layered heritage spaces, guests will begin with a glass of No1 Family Estate Assemblé before savouring teas from Zealong and three courses of seasonal savoury and sweet delicacies — crafted by Executive Chef Andrew Lautenbach and inspired by his favourite childhood treats. Taking place on Sunday, 7th September at 12pm, this special High Tea experience is $95 per guest.
Celebrate the artistry of Martinborough winemaking this September with The Wine Room’s Winemaker Series: ‘At the Table’ with Te Kairanga. On Wednesday 24th September, join winemaker John Kavanagh for a hosted tasting of Te Kairanga’s latest releases ($79pp), complemented by canapés from Executive Chef Ryan Moore. Then, on Thursday 25th September, experience an intimate five-course dinner in the Private Dining Room ($199pp), where John and David Nash will guide guests through Te Kairanga’s finest wines in perfect culinary harmony.
Secure your spot to the tasting here, and the dinner here.
Takapuna’s Hanoi Haven is marking its first year in business with a refreshed menu that celebrates the vibrancy of Vietnamese cuisine. Alongside beloved favourites, new dishes like Crispy Pork Belly, Five-Spice Roasted Duck, and caramel-glazed Stuffed Squid bring fresh flavour and flair to the table, joined by zesty salads and creative cocktails. It’s a delicious evolution that makes revisiting Hanoi Haven more tempting than ever.
Masu’s Bar Series returns this September with Kaza to Hana — an intimate evening of cocktails and cuisine celebrating spring’s arrival. Seated at the bar, guests will watch award-winning bartender Akira Ohki craft three seasonal cocktails, each paired with a bespoke dish — taking place on Thursdays across September.
On Wednesday, 4th September, Kingi is set to host a special four-course dinner honouring the dishes that have defined Tom Hishon’s five years at the helm. From snacks through to dessert, the menu revisits Tom’s favourite creations, celebrating Kingi’s enduring commitment to sustainable and innovative dining. Tickets are $140pp, and include four delicious courses.
This season brings fresh inspiration across the kitchens at SkyCity. The Grill showcases tender lamb with beetroot purée and kingfish crudo with mandarin and ponzu; Cassia introduces tandoori paneer and sesame chicken with green chilli and cashew; Masu delivers vibrant sashimi and gochujang lamb cutlets; and Metita highlights kingfish with lolo and wood-fired snapper.
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 Nautilus Estate Sauvignon Blanc (all for a modest $49pp) to the picture-perfect water-side setting and floral-festooned entrance, and, of course, an ever-lively vibe, there truly is nowhere better to celebrate the season in style. Now running from 11am — 3pm daily until October 5th, bookings are essential, so rally the troops and lock in long lunch, Soul style.
Ponsonby’s Kol is adding a playful twist to dining this September, introducing a ‘Pay As You Feel’ set menu every Thursday evening. Created by husband-and-wife duo Ruchi and Sapan Parikh, the initiative invites guests to enjoy Kol’s vibrant cooking while supporting a good cause, with 20% of proceeds donated to KiwiHarvest, Starship Foundation, Auckland City Mission, and Make-A-Wish.
JW Marriott Auckland has reimagined its High Tea, unveiling an elegant new experience at Forum Bar, the hotel’s lobby lounge. Inspired by the beauty of the Waitākere landscapes, the menu balances refined patisserie and savoury bites with seasonal specialties, served alongside tea, coffee, or optional champagne and caviar. With treats like spanakopita cannoli, Fromage Blanc sandwiches, Opera Cake and scones, plus a dedicated kids’ menu, it’s a refined ritual designed for all ages.
Downtown, Deli di Bossi (two doors down from Bossi restaurant) has captured the flavour of Italy in a cup with its must-try Tiramisu Coffee. The perfect weekend indulgence, the drink blends espresso, mascarpone, and milk, with a dusting of chocolate and a house-made biscotti, resulting in an indulgent treat that’s already become the talk of the town.
Few items in a wardrobe work harder than the humble white tee. Universally flattering, endlessly versatile, and eternally stylish, it’s the foundation every outfit deserves. Whether dressed up or pared back, this staple proves time and again that simplicity is the ultimate statement. Here, we share a few fresh ways to style it for any occasion.
Spring hosts, take note. A table dressed with care has the power to transform even the simplest meal into a celebratory occasion, and it’s well-known that the right setting makes all the difference. Whether you’re planning an alfresco brunch, a long lunch with friends, or an elegant evening affair, our curation of inspired spring table settings will ensure your gatherings strike just the right note. From fresh florals to sun-washed palettes and breezy coastal touches, consider this your guide to creating tablescapes that are as inviting as the season itself.
This Father’s Day, if you really want to go all-out, forget the socks and whisky and lean into the timeless appreciation of a watch. Beyond their legendary craftsmanship, a Rolex tells a story and embodies a lifestyle, making it the ultimate way to celebrate the father figure who has shaped yours. Whether his world revolves around boardrooms, boarding gates, mountain trails, or impeccable style, there’s a Rolex to match his pace and personality.
Eden Terrace’s Parable House is part café, part living room, and part refuge — a place to slow down. Created by husband-and-wife duo Danny Lee and Dianne Cho (previously of Rumours Coffee), it’s a project close to their hearts, steeped in both experience and sentiment. For Lee, it builds on eight years in specialty coffee; for Cho, it’s a continuation of her shift from the corporate world to a career in hospitality. Together, they’ve translated their journey into something tangible, “Parable House is a place for shared moments, new beginnings, and stories waiting to unfold,” they tell me. “We want people to feel at home — to relax, enjoy good food and coffee, and take their time.” That ethos shines through everything here — from the menu to the design to the ambience.
hibiscus-poached pear with yoghurt
Food is thoughtful and comforting, with light meals and cabinet treats that lean seasonal. Morning regulars will appreciate the hibiscus-poached pear with yoghurt, or the pillowy potato bun stuffed with egg, cheddar, and chive-garlic mayo. Later in the day, the grilled leeks and the house-made meatballs are a standouts. The focus is on dishes that are simple on paper, but quickly become favourites worth returning for.
potato bun stuffed with egg, cheddar, and chive-garlic mayo
Given Lee’s background, exceptional coffee, unsurprisingly, is at the heart the offering. Parable’s brew bar rotates filter offerings from both New Zealand roasters and rare international lots, giving enthusiasts a chance to try something new every visit. Currently, espresso drinkers will find a Washed Colombian Gaitania on bar, roasted to showcase clarity and sweetness — something that will change as Lee and the team discover alluring new roasts.
The space itself feels lived-in but elevated — flooded with natural light, softened by sofas, and grounded with communal tables, “We designed Parable House to feel warm and welcoming — like stepping into someone’s home,” says Lee. Creative collaborator Young Do (behind Rumours, Dose, and Richmond) helped shape the interiors, striking a careful balance between café and sanctuary.
In addition to the food and coffee on offer, Lee and Cho have curated an edit of homewares to shop, each of which reflect the spirit of Parable House.
More than simply a spot to grab a bite, this alluring new space offers a place to pause. And, with further menu items, drinks, and interior touches to come, Parable story is just beginning.
This October, Auckland diners are in for a rare treat. As part of Savor Festival, Bivacco is set to play host to one of Australia’s most exciting culinary voices, Mitch Orr — presented by Penfolds. For one night only, the revered chef, best known for his cult restaurants Acme and Kiln, will bring his irreverent, flavour-first approach across the Tasman. Orr will craft a bespoke menu that captures the creativity and energy that have made him a defining figure in Sydney’s dining scene. Ahead of his one-night-only New Zealand debut, we look at the storied career of Sydney’s King of Cool.
There are chefs who master tradition, and then there’s Mitch Orr — a culinary shape-shifter who’s made a name by breaking all the rules and still coming out on top. Affectionately dubbed the ‘Prince of Pasta’, Orr has spent the better part of two decades reimagining what a bowl of noodles can be — not with reverence, but with irreverent, flavour-first flair that blends Italian structure with the deep, addictive umami of Japanese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
“He’s a connector, a challenger, and a charismatic disruptor who brings people together — often over something deceptively simple, like a Jatz cracker dressed to the nines.”
From humble beginnings in a Western Sydney pub kitchen, Orr’s trajectory has been anything but expected. He trained under some of the city’s most lauded chefs at Pilu at Freshwater and Sepia, before heading to the culinary mecca of Italy to join the team at Osteria Francescana — an experience that added depth and daring to his already electric style. It was here that he sharpened his precision while absorbing the artistry of a kitchen that balanced tradition and innovation in equal measure. These lessons would later become the backbone of his own approach: technical mastery paired with a refusal to be boxed in.
The OG macaroni from Acme, Sydney
Charcoal calamarata from Acme, Sydney
But it was back home, in the thick of Sydney’s dining scene, where he made his biggest mark. At Acme, the cult-favourite Rushcutters Bay spot he co-owned and helmed, Orr built a loyal following and racked up an armful of accolades. It was one of those rare restaurants where everything just clicked: food, wine, music, design, the attitude of the floor staff — all of it curated with the same meticulous thought. The pasta was playful yet polished (think pig’s head macaroni or linguine laced with black garlic and burnt chilli), and the atmosphere invited everyone in, from industry insiders to curious first-timers. Acme wasn’t just a place to eat; it was a full-throttle expression of what a modern, inclusive, and exciting dining experience could be. Its influence, in menu style, service approach, and even soundtrack, continues to ripple through Sydney’s most progressive kitchens today.
Jatz from Kiln, Sydney
Then came Kiln — a rooftop revelation at Ace Hotel Sydney that flipped the script on what hotel dining could look like. With fire at its core and a menu that echoed Orr’s signature fusion of finesse and comfort, Kiln was a hit from the jump. It earned a slew of awards, including Best New Restaurant and a Good Food Guide hat in its first year, reaffirming the chef’s position at the forefront of Australia’s food culture. It was the kind of restaurant that reminded diners how thrilling it could be to eat somewhere that was both unpretentious and uncompromising — where a plate of anchovy-garnished Jatz could sit comfortably alongside wood-fired marron or aged duck.
Mitch Orr
Orr’s reach extends far beyond his own kitchens. His pop-ups and collaborations have taken him to London, Singapore, Denmark, Melbourne, and Perth, each time bringing a taste of Sydney’s boundary-pushing dining scene to a global audience. Back home, he’s a mentor to young chefs and a respected voice in the industry, frequently lending his insight to media outlets and podcasts. His commitment to community runs deep, with considered ambassadorships for organisations like Two Good Co, OzHarvest and Plate It Forward, where he donates his time and skills to support vulnerable communities.
Whether collaborating with chefs overseas, mentoring the next wave of talent, or championing accessible dining, Orr has always been about more than just the plate. He’s a connector, a challenger, and a charismatic disruptor who brings people together — often over something deceptively simple, like a Jatz cracker dressed to the nines.
Now, as he steps away from Kiln and into the next phase of his career as culinary director of the soon-to-open 25hours in the Olympia Hotel in Sydney, one thing’s certain: wherever Mitch Orr goes, flavour follows — and the industry watches closely.
Sample Mitch Orr’s mastery first-hand on Thursday, 15th October as he steps into the kitchen at Bivacco for one night only, curating a menu for Penfolds as part of Savor Group’s annual Savor Festival.
Peptides are fast-becoming a hot commodity in beauty, and for good reason. These powerhouse amino acid chains form the building blocks of powerful proteins essential for visibly youthful skin, and brands are taking note. Legacy beauty company Elizabeth Arden, for one, has harnessed the potent power of peptides in its latest innovation — the new HA + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Serum and HA + Peptides Ceramide Water Cream, both of which are proven to visibly firm and restore skin’s youthful bounce.
Delivering long-lasting plumping hydration, the newly improved Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Capsules Hydra-Plumping Serum, and the all-new Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Hydra-Plumping Water Cream build on the original (much-loved) formula, with enhanced hydrating and volumising ingredients to hydrate, plump, and improve skin elasticity by retaining moisture.
Think of this as filler in a capsule. This powerhouse serum combines Size-Shifting Hyaluronic Acid with collagen-supporting Peptides to deliver visible plump and firming power. Micro-HA penetrates deep before expanding to smooth and volumise from within, while Peptides support natural collagen for enhanced contours and lasting bounce. Each biodegradable capsule ensures optimal potency, with skin looking instantly plumper and more defined.
Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides Ceramide Hydra-Plumping Water Cream
Best For: Hydration, firming, plumping
This lightweight cream also has a filler effect, drenching skin in up to 240 hours of hydration. Advanced 5D Hyaluronic Acid penetrates multiple layers for both instant and lasting plumpness, while phytoceramides, peptides, and exosomes reinforce the barrier and support collagen. Skin is left firmer, smoother, and radiantly refreshed.
Hyaluronic Acid has long been touted as the pinnacle of modern skincare, celebrated for its ability to hydrate and plump. Now, peptides are stepping into the spotlight as the industry’s next powerhouse ingredient, supporting collagen and visibly restoring firmness. Elizabeth Arden’s new HA + Peptides innovations seamlessly unite these two forces, making them the perfect introduction for anyone looking to elevate their routine with advanced benefits that deliver both instantly and over time.
There are times when my work affords me the opportunity to experience something truly historic. I recently had the privilege of being among the first to view Tiffany & Co. Legendary Legacy: A Landmark Exhibition in Bangkok. A rare opportunity to experience Jean Schlumberger’s fantastical world just as I imagine he would have intended.
Curated by Tiffany’s Director of Archives and Heritage, Christopher Young, the exhibition draws together more than 50 works, some from the Tiffany Archives and others on loan from distinguished private collections. The pieces on display are both a retrospective and a revelation of historical design brilliance. They remain startlingly modern and heavily influential for Tiffany and its designs today.
Garden of Imagination
The Depths of Beauty
The exhibition begins with Guadeloupe: An Island of Inspiration, a nod to the lush flora and fauna of Schlumberger’s Caribbean retreat. From there, the path spirals into the Garden of Imagination, where his reinterpretations of nature feel less like observation than dreamwork. His genius was never to replicate but to reimagine. Birds that shimmer with audacity, flowers caught in perpetual bloom, and sea creatures that seem alive with motion.
Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Starfish Earrings in platinum and 18k yellow gold earrings featuring over 4 total carats of unenhanced rubies
Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany Strawberry Brooch in 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum with Pink Sapphires Of over 16 Carats and Diamonds
The Elephant Head Clip (1968), on loan from the Joan and Jack Quinn Collection, is a masterclass in Schlumberger’s blend of whimsy and technical brilliance. Crafted in gold, platinum, diamonds, emeralds, turquoise, and enamel, it reflects his fascination with wildlife and his travels through Southeast Asia, where elephants are symbols of power, resilience, and royal heritage. Here in Bangkok, it resonated as both an artistic triumph and a cultural homage.
The Trophee de Vaillance brooch (1941)
The Elephant Head Clip (1968)
Other highlights spoke to the designer’s enduring dialogue with tastemakers of their time. The Trophée de Vaillance brooch (1941), commissioned by the then Vogue editor Diana Vreeland, gleamed with the same commanding confidence as the woman herself. “A Schlumberger lights up the whole room,” she famously remarked, a sentiment that proved true at the exhibition. The Hedges and Flowers necklace, meanwhile, felt almost couture in its construction, its yellow sapphires and turquoise pendants creating a bold collar that danced with light and dimensionality.
the Tiffany Diamond
What unites these works is Schlumberger’s singular visual language. A friend to Salvador Dalí and Elsa Schiaparelli, he shared their surrealist instinct for asymmetry, texture, and bold colour. His pieces were sculptural, dreamlike, and above all, alive. Sapphires, enamel, and turquoise weren’t simply beautiful adornments, but tools of drama and whimsy. Every jewel was meticulously constructed to be as remarkable on the reverse as it was on the front, a standard that Tiffany still upholds today.
But the pièce de résistance was, of course, the Tiffany Diamond. Something I have been lucky enough to view on two occasions now. Discovered in 1877 in South Africa’s Kimberley mines and cut the following year into its current 128.54-carat form, it remains one of the most storied gems in the world. Worn publicly only four times by Mary Whitehouse in 1957, Audrey Hepburn in 1961, Lady Gaga at the 2019 Academy Awards, and Beyoncé in Tiffany’s 2021 “About Love” campaign. Having been reset five times, its most recent incarnation, unveiled in 2023 for the reopening of The Landmark in New York, pays tribute to Schlumberger’s Bird on a Rock. In this extraordinary design, the diamond is surrounded by five diamond-encrusted birds and functions as a pendant or a brooch. Featuring more than 75 carats of diamonds and 10 pink sapphires (marking each eye of the five birds), and taking over 2,000 hours to craft, it epitomises both the unrivalled craftsmanship and the enduring dialogue between Schlumberger and Tiffany.
The week’s grand finale was unveiled to the world with the spectacle only Tiffany can command. Fans gathered outside One Bangkok to glimpse Asia’s brightest stars, each adorned in one of Schlumberger’s fantastical creations. Inside the gala, proud clients wore exquisite pieces from their private collections. Joan Quinn, the owner of some of the pieces on display, joined the party, all lending an unparalleled grandeur to the evening. Yet the true star of the night was Schlumberger, where his imagination glittered on necks and lapels.
With its delicate balance of tradition and modernity, Bangkok proved the perfect stage for Tiffany’s first Southeast Asian exhibition. Here, Schlumberger’s surrealist creatures and bold allegories of joy, transformation and metamorphosis felt utterly at home. Legendary Legacy is not just a retrospective; it is a reminder that true artistry transcends time, culture, and place, and that Jean Schlumberger’s extraordinary vision continues to shape Tiffany’s story today.
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