Beef & Ricotta Meatballs & Lamb Shank Ragù & Mozzarella Pie

World-class hospitality and unrivalled golf tech collide at Flush Golf & Bar Ziti — Britomart’s new golfer’s playground

Words Sjaan Askwith | 26 Sep 2025

In the heart of Britomart, two adjoining new venues have opened their doors, combining exceptional hospitality from Savor Group (famous for eateries such as Amano, Non Solo Pizza, and Bivacco), and the latest in golf simulation tech to create a venue for play, competition, and
connection.

At Bar Ziti, a laneway bar and Italian kitchen, you’ll find casual, produce-led fare sure to satisfy. Small plates take centre stage, with the likes of wood-fired pizzas, hand-rolled pastas and perfectly crisp calamari available from lunch ‘til late. The menu leans into Italian classics with a modern edge — think brisket lasagne croquettes finished with Parmesan, prawn spaghettoni rich with lobster bisque and nduja butter, and a comforting lamb shank ragù pie. For something to share, the cured meat plate or a round of garlic pizza bread makes the perfect start. It’s generous, flavour-packed food designed to mix, match, and linger over.

Top to bottom: Charred Iceberg, Brisket Lasagne Croquette, Chicken Liver Parfait, Beef & Ricotta Meatballs, Cured Meat Plate, Kingfish Crudo & Cucumber & Stracciatella

But it’s not just about the food. Bar Ziti is your new Britomart go-to, where ice-cold Peroni pours straight from the tap, cocktails are playful with a polished edge, and the wine list balances local drops with international intrigue. The atmosphere blends laneway ease with sharp service, making it just as suited to an after-work spritz as it is to a long weekend dinner.

For Britomart locals, city workers, and travellers alike, it’s a space to unwind with a drink in hand and something delicious on the table. And, in true Italian style, Ziti is also bringing Aperitivo culture to town. From Monday to Friday, kick things off with complimentary small bites and drinks in the early evening, starting Wednesday, October 1st.

Be it a pre-golf bite and beer, a post-swing meal and debrief, or just a lively spot to settle in for something delicious (even if you’ve never swung a club in your life), Bar Ziti delivers on all fronts.

Right next door at Flush Golf, a Trackman golf simulator awaits. The gold standard in golf tech, Trackman is tour-proven and player-approved, combining radar and high-speed cameras to capture every nuance of your swing and ball flight, delivering instant feedback, stunning visuals, and the most realistic indoor golf experience you can have — without stepping onto a fairway.

Designed as a true golfer’s playground, Flush redefines urban golf, with everything from exclusive memberships and private coaching to high-energy leagues and social nights (complete with post-round drinks). Marcus Wheelhouse — one of New Zealand’s most respected golf coaches — and a dedicated team are also on hand to offer world-class golf coaching. Regardless of whether you’re brand new to the game or chasing your personal best, they’ll help you unlock your full potential. And, if you like to level up your social golf and get competitive, there are plenty of opportunities to prove your prowess — from a weekly Wednesday night cup after work, to the six-week spring league, kicking off on October 6th.

If you prefer to keep your dining course-side, too, a dedicated Flush menu delivers everything you need to feed your possie on the virtual course, from bite-sized burgers, wood-fired pizza, and fried chicken to cold beer and cocktails, so you won’t miss a beat.

If Flush Golf sounds like a bit of you, make sure to secure a foundation membership in the coming weeks, or simply turn up any time you fancy to give it a go — walk-ins are always welcome. And if you’re looking for a tasty bite in the heart of the city, we’ll see you at Bar Ziti.

Bar Ziti Opening Hours:
Monday — Sunday, 6:30am until 11pm

Special Hours: Friday 26th — Sunday 28th Sept, 11am until 11pm

savor.co.nz/bar-ziti

Flush Golf Opening Hours:
Monday — Sunday, 6.30am until 11pm

savor.co.nz/flush-golf

Bar Ziti & Flush Golf

48 Custom Street East,
Auckland CBD

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Have you tried? Taco Amaiz is serving up some of the best Mexican in the city

Words Sjaan Askwith | 26 Sep 2025

There’s a low-key eatery slowly and quietly becoming one of the top spots to find a true taste of Mexico in Auckland. Taco Amaiz, now with outposts at both Elliot Stables and in the heart of Parnell at 269, is a taqueria centred on good, hearty, authentic Mexican cuisine — no frills, just delicious, quality food.

Founded by two Mexican chefs, Taco Amaiz is built on roots that run deep in Northern Mexico. It’s here that recipes were learned by the duo the traditional way — in family kitchens, around crowded tables, and always with a sense of community. That same spirit now permeates Taco Amaiz’s two Auckland outposts, where every detail is designed to feel warm, humble, and above all, authentic.

The menu centres around hand-pressed corn tortillas, layered with slow-cooked meats and vibrant toppings that showcase the richness of time-honoured cuisine. Birria takes pride of place — the aromatic, slow-braised beef that’s a cornerstone of Mexican cooking — and at Taco Amaiz, it’s celebrated in inventive forms too, like their already cult-favourite birria ramen. There are additional favourites to be found too, such as fresh, tasty quesadillas, burritos, and flavourful rice bowls. These are dishes that refuse shortcuts, cooked low and slow, with flavour unfolding in every bite.

While the food sings of heritage, the philosophy is equally contemporary: source locally, cook seasonally, and keep it uncompromising. The result is an experience that balances simplicity with soul. It’s designed not just an eatery, but a gathering place, somewhere to linger with friends, order another round of tacos, and feel transported without leaving town.

For those seeking a place where food feels both familiar and transformative, Taco Amaiz is a reminder of why honest cooking, done well, always amazes.

Opening hours:
Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 9pm

tacoamaiz.com

Taco Amaiz

Elliott Stables,
39 Elliott Street,
Auckland CBD

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We chat to Reform’s Auckland owners about the studios’ unique take on reformer Pilates

25 Sep 2025

Reform has redefined reformer Pilates with a method rooted in innovative programming, functional movement, and genuine inclusivity. With multiple studios up and down the country and a loyal following, the Reform approach is simple: train for real life.

“We don’t take ourselves too seriously,” say Reform’s Auckland franchise owners, “but we are serious about how we move.” Every class is defined by intent, variety, and challenge. “At Reform, our classes are designed to promote better movement, not just in the studio, but in real life.” Whether it’s a stronger golf swing, gardening without pain, lifting kids with confidence, or simply moving through daily life with more ease, “We train for what matters most outside of class.”

Clients return for the depth of benefit they feel, even if they can’t always name it. “Our movement protocols work in layers, creating impact far beyond the obvious.” Every class leaves you a more efficient mover, and over time that compounds into an addictive reward system. The sessions are challenging, so you leave knowing there’s more to strive for. The most common feedback? People simply feel better. “We share incredible client stories — and while we’re not front-line responders, we know we advocate for both longer life expectancy and better life fulfilment.”

Each class follows a proven protocol: warm-up, ramp-up, and grounding finish. “Across this, we train the full spectrum of movement — postural control, balance, deceleration, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, and responding to load — leaving the body energised, not exhausted,” they say.

Rooted in reformer Pilates, Reform blends the latest science with conventional strength protocols. No gimmicks, no trends, just intelligent programming, functional strength, and a deep respect for how real bodies move through real life. “The challenge is always optional — a tool, not a test — and we celebrate those who move best for their ability, not just the best in the room.”

reformfitness.co.nz

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Resene is making a strong case for nostalgia this season — here’s how to harness the trend

25 Sep 2025

In the world of interiors, contrast is everything, and this season, the high-impact pairing of soft baby blue with striking red is reasserting itself as the colour story to watch.

Togo small settee from Ligne Roset, Byron Bay book from Ligne Roset, Chronicle coffee table from Tim Webber, Spotlight table lamp from Tim Webber, Calcada rug in hazelnut from Designer Rugs

Once associated with traditional Americana, the blue-and-red combination is now enjoying a thoroughly modern makeover — one that plays with tone, proportion, and texture to evoke elegance, energy, and effortless sophistication. In this new palette, cool, powdery blues dominate the space, setting a serene, expansive base. Think Resene’s Time Out or Breathless — soft yet grounded hues that offer calm and neutrality with just a hint of nostalgic charm. Against this, accents in pops of red appear like punctuation marks, delivering welcome moments of visual tension.

Chronicle coffee table from Tim Webber, Lema modular sofa from Tim Webber, Calcada rug in hazelnut from Designer Rugs, Dedali vase by Ferm Living from Slow Store, Byron Bay book from Ligne Roset and Louis Vuitton book from Ligne Roset

From crimson to coral, even the smallest touch of Resene’s Smashing, Tall Poppy, or Red Hot can shift the mood. It’s all about balance — let the blue breathe across walls and key upholstery, and use red with intention to bring dynamism and depth. Brass detailing and cream or ivory-toned neutrals add warmth and elegance, preventing the scheme from veering too severe.

Together, this duo proves that opposites not only attract, but harmonise. Whether you’re drawn to coastal calm or postmodern cool, Resene’s carefully curated palette makes it easy to tailor this colour story to your style.

Colours To Try

Resene Tall poppy, Resene Time out, Resene Half pearl lusta

resene.co.nz

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Denizen’s October Culture Guide has everything worth adding to your calendar this month

Words Sjaan Askwith | 25 Sep 2025

There’s plenty to get excited about on a culture front this October, with a bumper calendar of events spanning everything from thrilling theatre and ballet to exceptional exhibitions, comedy, live music, markets and more. Below, we round up everything worth attending.

Waka Painting Tribute to Wi by Simon Kaan, 2025, ink and oil on board, 1230 x 935 mm

Simon Kaan & Wi Taepa — Hiringa Nuku

When & Where: Now until 12th October, Sanderson

Sanderson presents Hiringa Nuku, a collaborative exhibition from Simon Kaan and Wi Taepa exploring the energy of the earth through painting and clay. Rooted in the tuakana–teina tradition of mentorship, the works embody the fluid, evolving dialogue between water and land, sky and clay, heritage and new perspective.

Dracula

When & Where: 10th & 11th October, The Civic

Ballet goes gothic in Dracula, a world premiere fusing Tchaikovsky, Bach, Stravinsky, and Rachmaninov. Choreographed by Joel Burke and performed by an international alumni cast, this darkly seductive reimagining promises ballet at its most haunting.

Cirque du Soleil

When & Where: Thursday 30th October — Sunday 9th November, Spark Arena

A dreamlike carnival between heaven and earth, Corteo is Cirque du Soleil at its most poetic. Featuring soaring acrobatics and a one-of-a-kind stage design, this whimsical production invites audiences into a dazzling world of joy, nostalgia, and breathtaking beauty.

Tami Neilson — Neon Cowgirl Tour

When & Where: 3rd — 12th October, various locations country-wide

Fresh from US stages alongside Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, country powerhouse Tami Neilson returns home with her Neon Cowgirl tour. With a soaring new album and a voice that’s won fans worldwide, Neilson brings her firebrand energy to Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, and Christchurch.

Bibi

When & Where: Wednesday 15th October, Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Bibi’s first world tour, Eve, promises an electrifying blend of genre-bending sound, raw emotion, and bold theatricality. Closing her acclaimed Era of Love series, the tour showcases dual personas, unforgettable visuals, and the magnetic presence that’s made her a star.

Winetopia

When & Where: 3rd — 4th October, Viaduct Events Centre

Celebrate a decade of Winetopia at Auckland’s Viaduct. Over 50 of New Zealand’s top wineries gather for a weekend of tastings, masterclasses, live music, and entertainment — a vibrant pop-up cellar door where every pour tells a story.

Good Form Makers Market

When & Where: 11th — 12th October, Good Form Gallery

For one weekend only, Good Form Gallery transforms into a vibrant hub of independent design. Featuring around 20 visionary makers, Makers Market is a tactile showcase of furniture, objects, and homeware that celebrates authenticity, ingenuity, and the next wave of Aotearoa design talent.

Strings Under the Stars

When & Where: 10th — 18th October, Stardome

Music and cosmos collide in Strings Under the Stars, as Auckland Philharmonia’s string quartet performs celestial compositions beneath Stardome’s immersive skies. Expect Beethoven and Debussy alongside a new work by Keith Moss, paired with a planetarium journey that transforms this concert into an interstellar experience.

Royal New Zealand Ballet’s The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker — Royal New Zealand Ballet

When & Where: 30th October — 20th December, various locations country-wide

The Royal New Zealand Ballet reimagines The Nutcracker for a Kiwi summer, set against the nostalgia of pōhutukawa blooms, barefoot cricket, and ice creams by the bach. Choreographed by Ty King-Wall, this magical production blends Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with uniquely local traditions for a dazzling festive season.

Rob Beckett

When & Where: Friday 10th — Monday 13th October, various locations country-wide

Rob Beckett is hitting the road with Giraffe, his brand new stand-up show. Expect big laughs, takeaway-fuelled tales, and a guaranteed good time from one of comedy’s most loveable loud-mouths.

Michael McHugh

When & Where: 4th — 20th October, Föenander Galleries

With over three decades of practice, Michael McHugh returns with a striking new body of work at Föenander. Layered abstractions shift between gestural mark-making and botanical forms, capturing both brooding intensity and vibrant energy in vivid, textural compositions.

Captain Morrow and the Sands of Time

When & Where: 21st October — 8th November, Q Theatre

A smash hit at the Edinburgh Fringe, Captain Morrow and the Sands of Time makes its Aotearoa debut this spring. Two actors, one musician, and no props conjure a riotous cast of pirates, sea gods, and monsters in a gloriously absurd 60-minute romp that’s part swashbuckling adventure, part comedic tour de force.

Artland

When & Where: Now until Sunday 19th July 2026, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Step into a world of wonder at Artland, the Auckland Art Gallery’s playful new installation by renowned Korean artist Do Ho Suh and his young daughters. Crafted from colourful modelling clay, this evolving, hands-on experience invites families to shape their own fantastical landscapes.

Dick Frizzell — The Weight of the World

When & Where: 4th — 25th October, Gow Langsford Onehunga

Dick Frizzell unveils a major new series of landscapes in The Weight of the World. With his signature wit and painterly assurance, Frizzell elevates everyday scenes — from poplar-lined paths to fishing huts — into grounded yet spectacular reflections on place and optimism.

The world premiere of *D.R.A.G*. at Q Theatre’s Loft

D.R.A.G (Dressed Resembling a God)

When & Where: 13th November — 6th December, Q Theatre Loft

Q Theatre’s Loft becomes Lady T’s, the hottest drag club in town, for the world premiere of D.R.A.G. Directed by designer and Silo collaborator Daniel Williams, this high-energy showcase sees Aotearoa drag icons battle it out for the crown in a dazzling celebration of artistry, activism, and unbridled glamour.

Trent Dalton — Love Stories

When & Where: 16th — 19th October, The Civic, Auckland

Critically acclaimed and heart-expanding, Love Stories brings Trent Dalton’s celebrated collection to the stage for just five performances. Adapted by Tim McGarry with additional writing by Dalton and Fiona Franzmann, and directed by Sam Strong, the production captures tales of love in all its forms — funny, moving, raw, and profoundly human. Inspired by Dalton’s conversations with everyday Australians, this poignant theatrical gem unfolds as a series of interwoven stories that ask one enduring question: What is love?

The Colour of Silence by Claudia Aalderink

Shift into Neutral

When & Where: 10th — 22nd October, Turua Gallery

Turua Gallery presents Shift into Neutral, a serene showcase of works by seven New Zealand artists. From abstract paintings to recycled beehive sculptures and ceramics, the exhibition highlights the quiet power of minimalism, texture, and a neutral palette.

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For new mums, Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces are the ultimate gift

PHOTOS Luke Foley-Martin | 25 Sep 2025

Moments that change everything deserve a gift worth equal weight, and Walker & Hall’s sentiment-rich pieces mark those life-altering beginnings with meaning.

Few milestones hold the magic and magnitude of becoming a mother. It’s a chapter that redefines life — from the exhilarating early days to the triumphs and tender moments of the first year, through to every Mother’s Day and beyond. Walker & Hall knows this implicitly (126 years of helping people mark life’s greatest moments will do that), curating timeless, sentiment-rich pieces that honour the extraordinary role of mum and live on as family treasures.

Think keepsakes she’ll wear daily — refined diamond studs, a timeless tennis bracelet, or a stunning statement ring, each imbued with memory and meaning. These are the kind of treasures that become part of her journey, quietly gathering significance with every milestone that follows. Whether it’s a sparkling push present, a jewel to mark the first year, or a gift that signifies a more personal milestone, each piece is a celebration in itself.

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For Mum

Jubilee Tennis Bracelet from Walker & Hall

The beauty of these thoughtful and enduring gifts lie not just in their beauty, but in their power to preserve a moment — distilling the joy, pride, and unbridled love of motherhood into something she can carry always — a lasting reminder of life’s most enduring bond.

walkerandhall.co.nz

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La Famiglia: Demna’s Gucci begins

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La Famiglia: Demna’s Gucci begins

Words Claire Sullivan | 24 Sep 2025

Gucci has never been a brand afraid of spectacle, and Demna’s highly anticipated debut at the helm of the Italian house has landed firmly at the centre of the cultural zeitgeist. Arriving as a surprise digital-first declaration of his intent was a lookbook titled La Famiglia shot by Catherine Opie. Why wait for the pomp of the runway? Instead, the designer placed narrative, immediacy, and strategic surprise at the heart of his Gucci vision.

The collection of 37 looks is framed around archetypal characters, each carrying a fragment of what Demna calls the “Gucciness of Gucci.” These are not anonymous models but figures imbued with personality: La Principessa, La Diva, Miss Aperitivo, La Contessa. Each portrait feels like a member of an imagined Gucci family, a cast that spans fiery temperaments, social media devotees, Milanese doyennes and glittering bombshells. The effect is less about a singular silhouette and more about multiplicity, a spectrum of identities reflecting Gucci’s reach.

Heritage runs through the collection like a red thread. Guccio Gucci’s origins as a luggage-maker are acknowledged in a monogrammed travel trunk, while the house’s most enduring signatures reappear with modern energy. The Bamboo 1947 bag is proportioned anew, the Horsebit loafer resurfaces with head-to-toe abandon, and the Flora motif is reborn in a darker, nocturnal palette. The GG monogram covers everything from lens to loafer, signalling an all-or-nothing approach.

Silhouettes oscillate between extremes. A feathered opera coat sits alongside transparent hosiery dresses. Glamour extends into menswear, where tuxedo codes are subverted into black-tie swimwear and sheer tailoring. Central to the spirit is what the house calls “dressing for pleasure,” an unapologetically sensual attitude that feels entirely in tune with Demna’s taste for provocation.

Strategically, this release is more than a stylistic statement. By fragmenting Gucci into a vast family of characters, Demna offers not a singular aesthetic but a framework that can speak to different consumer identities, each recognising themselves in the cast. The storytelling is as much about resetting the brand’s perception as it is about clothes.

Demna’s initial first act will be followed later this week in Milan by the release of a short film directed by Spike Jonze and Halina Reijn, which will no doubt extend the narrative further and set the scene for Demna’s full runway reveal in February. For now, La Famiglia signals a Gucci era that is daring, extravagant and rooted in reinvention. The house’s future will not be built on continuity but on a willingness to reimagine its legacy.

gucci.com

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Chul’s is the tasty new Korean eatery in Commercial Bay that should be on your radar

Words Sjaan Askwith | 24 Sep 2025

Stepping into Chul’s feels less like dining out and more like being welcomed into a Korean home — exactly what founder Rex Chang intended. With nearly two decades in hospitality and a background in Japanese cuisine honed through formal training in Japan, Chang has long been a fixture of Auckland’s dining scene, helming Yume Izakaya for over 15 years before launching Kome Sake Bar in 2024. His latest venture, Chul’s, represents both a return to heritage and a fresh chapter.

Seafood soft tofu stew and veggie Korean rice roll

“When conceptualising the brand, I wanted a name that would be approachable, memorable, and culturally resonant,” says Chang. In Korea, “Chul-su and Young-hee” are symbolic, almost archetypal names, and from there, “Chul’s” was born — simple, familiar, and warm.

The menu is anchored by two quintessential Korean offerings: baekban, the everyday home-style set meal, and kimbap, the versatile comfort food that often accompanies picnics or gatherings. “Together, these dishes capture the essence of Chul’s — approachable, comforting, and authentically Korean,” Chang explains. The drinks list follows suit, weaving traditional Korean beverages with cocktails and a wine selection carefully chosen to complement the food.

Left: Seafood stew. Right: Chul’s takeaway Korean rice rolls

Design also plays its part. In collaboration with Studio Tatami, the interiors combine nostalgia with modern ease — a Korean neighbourhood eatery, reimagined for Auckland. “Our goal is for guests to experience culinary authenticity combined with cultural warmth,” says Chang. “Every dish should feel like it was prepared with the care of a mother’s hand.”

At its heart, Chul’s, according to Chang, is “a celebration of Korean soul food — simple, heartfelt, and rooted in tradition.” It’s a dining experience that extends beyond the plate, inviting guests to feel both comforted and connnected.

Opening Hours:
11am — 8pm, Monday — Wednesday
10am — 8pm, Thursday — Sunday

instagram/chulsnz

Chul's

Commercial Bay
Level 2 / 7 Queen St
Auckland Central

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All the best looks from London Fashion Week

24 Sep 2025

The second stop on the fashion month agenda was London, with Laura Weir, recently appointed CEO of the British Fashion Council, giving the event a welcome renewal. Burberry stole the show, taking over Perks Field in Kensington Palace with a show for the ages, drawing on Britain’s unrivalled festival scene, while our very own Emilia Wickstead delivered a masterclass in daring romanticism. Below, we round up some of the best looks from London Fashion Week.

Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear

Nanushka