With Halloween now upon us, it’s high time to make sure that all family members are costume-ready for October 31 — that includes any four-legged friends.
From food-inspired fits to Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl, there are few things in life that’ll spike your dopamine quite like trawling for dog-friendly Halloween costumes. Here are a handful of this year’s standouts.
Pirate
A pirate pug? Adorable. This one lends itself to the perfect owner-pet coordinated costume moment. Bonus points for the little Captain Hook paws.
Life of a Showgirl
Channel Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album and go full Showdog this spooky season. Nothing turns heads at the local dog park quite like top-to-toe sequins.
Dirty Martini
Serving as both an homage to the classic cocktail and a powerful way to reframe the dreaded cone, this dirty martini costume never gets old and is surprisingly easy to achieve.
Sometimes, a short work week calls for an impromptu takeaway dinner that hits all of the right notes with none of the fuss — think a crowd-pleasing mac & cheese or an even heartier bolognese. Enter, Needo — your trusty local purveyors of freshly-made pasta to-go, now with a brand new outpost in Auckland’s Mt Eden.
From its food truck conception back in 2013, the Mt Eden eatery marks Needo’s fourth locale to date, joining a line-up that includes Auckland’s CBD, Commercial Bay, and Manawa Bay. The formula here is relatively simple: wholesome and hearty portions of freshly-made pasta alongside pizza by the slice and a handful of trusty salads and sides, boasting the kind of quality, convenience and nostalgia previously reserved for a home-cooked meal.
Needo Mt Eden. Creamy Mushroom Spaghetti
The menu here reads like a run-list of tried and true favourites; think creamy carbonara and mushroom spaghetti, heaped with nutty parmesan cheese, or the red sauce-dominant pomodoro macaroni, best mopped up with warm garlic knots or buttery garlic brioche.
POMODORO Macaroni
If the mood for casual Italian strikes, we suggest leaving dinner plans up to the pros and making a beeline for Needo’s new outpost. While diners are welcome to stay and enjoy the relaxed yet contemporary atmosphere at all four Needo restaurants, the grab-and-go convenience here makes it easier than ever to enjoy homemade quality Italian in the comfort of home. No judgement here.
Few Auckland eateries hold the culinary clout of the Michael Meredith helmed Metita. In fact, it’s hard to believe that the SkyCity eatery was only established two years ago.
To celebrate Metita’s second birthday, the award-winning restaurant will partner with Apéro’s chef Leslie Hottiaux, in a milestone event that brings together two highly acclaimed chefs at the very top of their game.
Left: Leslie Hottiaux of Apéro. Right: Wood-Fired Duck Breast
On Wednesday November 12th, from 6pm onwards, Metita’s guests will be treated to an 11-dish French Polynesian feast of epic proportions, featuring a menu that blends the very heart and soul of the Pacific, heralding chef Meredith’s Samoan lineage, with the refinement of French cuisine — reminiscent of what you’d expect from the K-Road mainstay. On arrival, guests will receive a cocktail and a series of reimagined snacks, followed with a menu that delights the senses at every turn. It’s a fitting culmination of culture and craft from two of the country’s finest.
Metita
“When I thought about how to celebrate Metita turning two, I wanted to do something that truly reflects what I love most about food — connection, collaboration, and culture,” says chef Meredith.
“For me, Apéro has always been one of Auckland’s most special restaurants. Leslie and Mo have created a space that feels honest and soulful and Leslie’s cooking has this ability to transport you somewhere else entirely. So, to mark our second birthday, Leslie will join me in the kitchen, blending French cuisine with the warmth and depth of Pacific flavours, to create something unique.”
Left: Tuna, buffalo curd with watermelon. Right: Michael Meredith
A culinary collaboration of this calibre doesn’t come around all too often, so be sure to secure your tickets for what’s destined to be one unforgettable night.
Bookings are now open for Wednesday, 12th November. Secure your spot here.
What happens when you task three chefs at the very top of their game with creating a snack to pair with the world’s most renowned champagne? A bite-sized morsel of magic, that’s what.
From Friday October 31st, executive chefs Gareth Stewart, Ryan Moore and Paul Froggatt will each curate a bite-sized snack in collaboration with Dom Pérignon’s iconic 2013 Vintage — a well-balanced champagne that epitomises the luxury Maison’s unwavering commitment to creative and harmonious assemblage.
All three chefs will create their own signature bite to be served at their respective eateries — Advieh, The Wine Room, and ROKI Collection Queenstown — as a complimentary amuse bouche to sit in harmony with the standout vintage, orchestrating a single moment of culinary perfection.
With any glass of Dom Pérignon 2013 purchased from October 31st until December 10th, diners will be invited to experience this exclusive and collaborative culinary series firsthand, receiving a single chef-crafted bite at any one of the three venues. To really elevate the experience, buy a bottle of Vintage 2013 and receive up to six chef-crafted bites to be savoured among friends.
For Dom Pérignon, the pursuit of a vintage means an unyielding commitment to the harvest from a single year, immortalising a moment in time through process and precision. It’s this commitment to both legacy and time-honoured tradition that has solidified the luxury champagne house and its place in the history books.
The 2013 release is no exception. Widely recognised as a vintage with a signature profile that’s both luminous, expressive and full of contrast — it’s little wonder why this bottle deserves a bite-sized moment all of its own.
Here’s what to expect at all three eateries from October 31st onwards.
Chef Ryan Moore’s Signature Bite: Kingfish Rösti, Preserved Lemon, Nori Mustard, Shiso, Caviar.
The Wine Room by David Nash is Freemans Bay’s definitive wine-lovers’ retreat — blending boutique cellar, tasting theatre and intelligent bar fare. Executive Chef Ryan Moore has mastered the culinary offerings here, with his bite-sized kingfish rösti no exception. Hints of shiso and the acidity of preserved lemon take the traditional kingfish and champagne combination to all new heights.
Chef Paul Froggatt’s Signature Bite: Seaweed tempura of Green Asparagus wrapped in Dandelion, Sorrel, Aioli and fermented Lime with a Roast Chicken Hollandaise.
Offering a delightfully seasonal take on what might best elevate Dom Pérignon’s 2013 flavour profile, ROKI’s chef Paul Froggatt expertly cuts through the richness of the asparagus and creamy hollandaise, bringing the flavours of the South Island to the plate in one single and sublime mouthful.
Chef Gareth Stewart’s Signature Bite: Egg n’ Chips — Agria cooked in Wagyu Beef Tallow, Smoked Yolk, Caviar.
An inspired twist on the classic champagne and caviar combination, chef Gareth Stewart’s interpretation is bound to delight the senses. The saltiness of the caviar, starchiness of the potato and beef tallow paired with the subtle effervescence of Dom Pérignon’s 2013 vintage, create a heavenly contrast.
In Celtic tradition, the night of Halloween marked the worlds of the living and the dead becoming misty and blurred. From devil-worship to well-dressed cults, immerse yourself in the mingling realms of fashion and frights this October 31st, with our pick of the most stylish Halloween movies of all time.
Rear Window (1954)
Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window may have found its thrill in the themes of voyeurism, but watching Grace Kelly’s stylish turn is what really entices us to this acclaimed film. As fashion model Lisa Fremont (who is the girlfriend of a home-bound photographer who suspects one of his neighbours is a murderer), Kelly is dressed by revered costume designer Edith Head in the elegant height of 50s fashion — from the Parisian New Look complete with a pearl choker to a flowing silk and chiffon nightgown. Style level: 9/10 Spook level 5/10
The Birds (1963)
Yes, another Hitchcock — but as any aficionado will know, The Birds is one of the director’s most masterful movies. Adapted from a short story by the equally epic gothic writer Daphne du Maurier, it is a full-colour horror to cacophonous sound effects. Tippi Hedren donned the now iconic Chanel-inspired ‘eau de nil’ green skirt suit for the main scenes of running-scared socialite Melanie Davis. As well as its sleek fashions, the film has stood the test of time thanks to its cinematography technique and chic. Style level: 8/10 Spook level 6/10
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Scream queen Winona Ryder returns to the big screen in this reimagined cult classic. Almost three decades after the original 1988 film hit cinemas, Lydia Deetz returns, this time as a mother, struggling to protect her teenage daughter (played by Wednesday‘s Jenna Ortega) from a haunting of her own. With Tim Burton returning to the director’s chair and featuring much of the original cast that includes the likes of Michael Keaton and Catherine O’Hara, the 2024 remake boasts a stellar line-up, with the addition of Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe. As far as the wardrobe goes — expertly led by costume designer Colleen Atwood — expect plenty of 1980s nostalgia, goth-glam peplums, wide stripes and suiting (synonymous with Ryder’s own personal style). Style level: 8/10 Spook level: 5/10
Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)
Another carefully executed remake, the follow up to the beloved 1993 original sees the return of our favourite trio of witches, with Bette Middler, Sarah Jessica-Parker and Kathy Najimy all reprising their original roles. Designer Salvador Perez takes the reigns from original costume designer Mary E. Vogt, paying homage to the first film with sumptuous fabrics, lush velvets, plenty of corseting and chiffon. The sequel picks up 29 years after the sisters were resurrected by the Black Flame Candle, and follows Salem teenagers Becca and Izzy, as they prepare to celebrate Halloween and Becca’s 16th birthday. Naturally, the plot thickens and misadventure takes hold of the witchy town of Salem once the witches get involved. Style level: 7.5/10 Spook level: 3/10
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Starring Mia Farrow as a wide-eyed Rosemary, this psychological thriller had a notable impact on both cinema-goers and fashion designers. The sixties shifts and pinafores became emblematic of the era, with references since seen in the collections of Miuccia Prada and Joseph Altuzarra. While the film is slow to start — especially for modern movie watchers — the subject matter (being impregnated by the devil) is certainly disturbing, and it has some of the most suspenseful scenes we’ve seen. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 7/10
Carrie (1976)
The film that catapulted Sissy Spacek and John Travolta to fame, Carrie is a horror for the ages. It follows what happens after the titular character unleashes her telekinetic powers at her school ball, after being humiliated by her classmates. The most profound pink gown ever worn to a prom, it starts as a soft silk slip before it becomes blood-soaked. Talk about killer style. Style level: 6/10 Spook level: 6/10
The Hunger (1983)
Capturing the timeless beauty of Catherine Deneuve, the cruel elegance of David Bowie, and the open sensuality of Susan Sarandon, The Hunger created the most stylish vampire love triangle on-screen (and there’ve been a few). For Tony Scott’s directorial debut, no expense was spared on the costuming, which included Yves Saint Laurent suits and historical costumes by the Tirelli tailoring house. Okay, so the ’80s effects are not so riveting now, but the perverse fear portrayed will still get your heart racing. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 4/10
Heavenly Creatures (1994)
One of the most haunting films in recent memory, the Peter Jackson classic stars a young Kate Winslet alongside our very own Melanie Lynskey. The film documents the true crime story of the notorious 1954 Parker–Hulme murder case in Christchurch, New Zealand, examining the relationship between teenage girls — Pauline Parker and Juliet Hulme — ahead of the brutal killing of Parker’s mother. Wardrobe designer Ngila Dickson perfects the cinched ’50s silhouette throughout, bringing an ultra feminine quality to a truly gruesome crime thriller. Spanning cinematic genres and eerily disturbing from start to finish, Heavenly Creatures stays with you long after the final credits roll.
Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 5/10
Death Becomes Her (1992)
In an eternal quest for youth, rivals Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn become undead Beverly Hills style icons in this cult classic film. As well as their iconic gowns, Isabella Rossellini’s dark-arts character, Lisle Von Rhuman, manages to wear the witchcraft that is bejewelled crop tops. While it’s much more fun than fright, this ahead-of-its-time feminist film is worth a watch. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 3/10
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1993)
Francis Ford Coppola’s naughty-nineties horror starring Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves and Anthony Hopkins takes from the original Dracula novel, and dresses it up to a vampish vampiric effect. Like most cult classics, it’s a camp feast that keeps our attention through the co-ordinated costuming more than anything else — especially Dracula’s bride’s outlandish lace coffin-gown. Style level: 6/10 Spook level: 4/10
Practical Magic (1998)
While it’s categorised as a romance fantasy, there are elements of Practical Magic that are certainly horrifying. Based on the novel by Alice Hoffman, it sees sister witches — played by Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman — become deathly unlucky in love. At the peak of 90s style, Kidman’s character, in particular, has become a bewitching style icon. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 3/10
American Psycho (2000)
As the best dressed potential serial killer we know, Patrick Bateman sure knows how to select a sharply tailored suit, and a transparent raincoat to boot. Christian Bale really throws himself at his immoral investment banker character who dresses to kill — making him fashionable fodder for a last-minute Halloween costume too. While the film is much more enjoyable to sit through than the more despicably detailed novel by Bret Easton Ellis, it’s still not for the faint-hearted. Style level: 8/10 Spook level: 8/10
Suspiria (2018)
A remake of the menacing ballet thriller of the 70s, the latest Suspiria from Luca Guadagnino tells the story of the ambitious characters and coven through show-stopping costumes. With something much more sinister playing out behind the scenes at the dance academy, there are clues in every detailed item of clothing worn by Susie, played impeccably by Dakota Johnson, and Madam Blanc, terrifying embodied by Tilda Swinton. Style level: 7/10 Spook level: 8/10
Midsommar (2019)
This folk horror is one of Ari Aster’s most watchable scary movies, its sunny disposition and a stellar performance by Florence Pugh distracting from its scarcely interspersed, gory scenes. From the interesting interiors to one very stylish long-lunch in the meadow, the mise-en-scène is simply mesmerising. Inspired by traditional Swedish festival costumes, the folkdräkt, the white embroidered smocks have garnered a fashion-following, despite their more sinister symbolism in the film. Style level: 8/10 Spook level: 7/10
If the term “hotel bar” conjures up images of a tired lobby with an equally tired menu, you wouldn’t be alone. Thankfully, Estelle’s — the newly minted, Spanish-inspired wine and cocktail bar situated inside Auckland’s Grand Millennium Hotel, is going to leave you floored.
Set to open on Wednesday, October 29 Estelle’s offers elevated Mediterranean fare alongside a carefully curated drinks menu — a combination seldom found in Auckland’s CBD. The space itself has been artfully redesigned by Paul Izzard and now better echos the elevated new menu and Spanish-leaning cuisine, bolstered by an interior palette of rich mahogany and sultry garnet reds.
Pan con tomate
Authentic Spanish raciones and traditional tapas serve as the best supporting act to Estrella Damm, conveniently available on tap, while the cocktail menu reads as a well-balanced revisit of the classics. We’d be remiss not to call out Estelle’s Dirty Negroni by name, with its gin sous vide in Manuka-smoked olives, or the slightly smokier Paradise: a heady combination of dark rum, Tio Pepe, yuzu and coconut. For those in the mood for something slightly pared back, the robust wine list features everything from Dom Pérignon 2012 to Ruinart Blanc de Blanc and Spanish Cavas, all situated neatly alongside standouts from acclaimed New Zealand producers such as Cloudy Bay, Prophet’s Rock and Mon Cheval.
In keeping with the performative quality of an authentic Spanish dining experience, the kitchen has been carefully reoriented to offer patrons full view of the chefs at work. Now, with cocktail in hand, guests can soak up the electric energy and atmosphere, as chefs slice premium jamón with precision, assemble delicately doused anchovies on bite-sized toasts, and pour cocktails with flair. What’s more, Estelle’s non-alcoholic menu well and truly measures up to its boozier counterpart, with considered combinations like the Summer to Autumn —a balanced blend of raspberry tea, watermelon syrup, vanilla and lemon juice, topped with ginger ale — the ideal zero-percent, happy hour refreshment.
“Estelle’s is about bringing the essence of Mediterranean dining to Auckland, that beautiful spontaneity and conviviality you experience in Spanish tapas bars and European lounges,” explains executive chef, James Kenny. “We wanted to create a space where the bar is part of the theatre — where guests can watch their food being prepared with the same care and flair you’d find in Barcelona. Our menu celebrates premium Spanish ingredients and traditional techniques, but it’s really about bringing people together.”
Gilda of prawn with charred pineapple and jamón
Small bites successfully herald the shores of San Sebastián, like the caña de lomo, de bellota and chorizo paired with guindillas peppers. The authentic Spanish starter, gilda, receive a refined edit, featuring prawns with charred pineapple and jamón or pan con tomate with sourdough and Ortiz anchovies, and Asparagus topped with jamón, manchego, watercress, topped with a Spanish-style fried egg.
Pickled mussles on toast
To finish, it would be hard to surpass the traditional Crème Catalana with orange, cinnamon, and vanilla, or the Malaga raisin ice cream with Pedro Ximénez sherry and almonds. The Leche Frites — the Spanish donut — serve as a bite-sized churro, dusted with cinnamon sugar. A selection of Spanish cheeses, muscatel grapes and honeycomb provide the perfect after dark treat.
Malaga raisin ice cream with Pedro Ximénez sherry and almonds
Estelle’s joins an impressive cohort of existing gastronomic offerings that includes Ember, the Aviary lobby bar, Katsura Japanese Cuisine and sensory dining experience, Dans le Noir, positioning the Grand Millennium Hotel as a dining destination not to be overlooked.
Now available in New Zealand exclusively through Dawson & Co., Kett delivers timeless furniture defined by craft, place, and enduring details.
Kett is a furniture brand founded on the idea that design should be inspired by place. Under the direction of lead designer Justin Hutchinson, the brand collaborates with craftspeople in Italy, Indonesia, and Australia to create collections that balance timeless craftsmanship with contemporary form. Each piece reflects the character of the environments that inspire it. From rugged coastlines to urban skylines, these references are distilled into furniture that feels grounded, enduring, and deeply considered.
Portland dining table and chairs by Kett from Dawson & Co.
The Portland Arc Dining Table epitomises this approach, its gently curved timber legs recalling the protection of natural bays, while its solid surface conveys both strength and permanence. It finds a natural companion in the Portland chair, a design defined by curvaceous elegance, crafted from solid ash and finished with upholstery that is tailored to order. Together, they articulate a dining experience where sculptural presence meets everyday ease.
In living areas, the Erskine Sofa demonstrates Kett’s gift for soft yet architectural gestures. Sweeping arms and fine French seams frame generous cushioning, offering an invitation to settle into moments of conversation or repose. By contrast, the Frame Living Collection takes a more technical approach, integrating storage and technology into a modular, wall-mounted system that is at once functional and discreet, with materials chosen for both their sustainable standing and with a healthy home in mind.
Every Kett piece is made with longevity at its core, combining traditional methods with modern precision. With a network of treasured collaborators, including timber suppliers from Italy, teak specialists in Indonesia, and their Melbourne upholstery atelier, each design is crafted with the intention of lasting decades. In an age of fleeting trends, Kett’s collections endure as furniture to live with, cherish, and pass on.
Shop the Kett range in store at Dawson & Co.’s Parnell Gallery or North Shore Gallery.
Hitting the open road this long weekend? Here is our definitive guide to the best new music and illuminating podcasts to keep in rotation.
Soul-Stirring New Albums
Madonna
Veronica Electronica
The cult gem in Madonna’s expansive catalogue, Veronica Electronica is a bold remix album that pulses with late-90s club energy. Reimagining tracks from Ray of Light through a kaleidoscopic, electronic lens, it reveals the Queen of Pop at her most experimental, embracing the underground while staying unmistakably Madonna.
Olivia Dean
The Art of Loving
The wildly successful sophomore record from the British singing-songwriting sensation, The Art of Loving charts Dean’s ascension to the very top of her game. With Dean’s warm, neo-soul vocals front and centre throughout, this is the kind of album that stands on its own and showcases the full breadth of Dean’s range and lyricism. If your only reference for the 26-year-old is the viral Man I Need, spend a little time with this body of work and expand your repertoire.
Ed Sheeran
Play
With Play, Ed Sheeran leans into his pop sensibilities, delivering an album that’s equal parts infectious and intimate. Built on rhythmic guitar loops, catchy hooks, and Sheeran’s conversational lyricism, it feels like a spontaneous jam turned chart-ready album. There’s an easy charm to the music, it’s effortless, upbeat, and laced with a touch of romantic mischief.
Intriguing Podcasts
Let’s Get Dressed
with Liv Perez
This weekly fashion podcast is hosted by journalist, Today Show style contributor, and trend authority Liv Perez. Each Monday, she dives deep with industry voices — from Julie Wainwright (The RealReal) to Tibi’s Amy Smilovic and Euphoria costume designer Heidi Bivens — offering insider tips and inspiration.
Your Undivided Attention
with Tristan Harris & Aza Raskin
A bi‑weekly podcast from the Centre for Humane Technology, hosted by Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin. The pair explore how emerging technologies shape our lives and society, unpacking the attention economy’s impact with leading thinkers — from AI ethics to digital democracy — while seeking paths toward a more humane future.
The Wellness Scoop
with Ella Mills & Rhiannon Lambert
This insightful podcast delivers practical, evidence-based advice from hosts Ella Mills (Deliciously Ella) and nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert. Each episode tackles a trending health topic — from gut health to fertility — offering clear, no-fuss insights to help you cut through the wellness noise and feel your best.
The A24 Podcast
with A24
With no host, no ads, and no structured format, this monthly series drops two creative minds — often an actor and a director — into free‑flowing conversation. From behind‑the‑scenes anecdotes to artistic philosophies, each episode offers intimate, unexpected insights from the talent behind some of the most talked about TV and film of our time.
For those of you that have been quietly counting the days and marking your calendars until Herne Bay mainstay Andiamo reopened its doors, we’re delighted to confirm that the wait is now finally over.
Lasagna Della Nonna with veal, pork and beef bolognese, béchamel
Officially reopening to a steadfast and true loyal following on Wednesday, October 22, the beloved Auckland eatery has quite literally never looked better. A glow-up that must be seen to be believed, Andiamo temporarily closed its doors for an interior refresh on September 26 — in what felt like the longest month in hospitality history.
The Foley Hospitality group first announced news of the temporary closure, much to our dismay, via Instagram, sharing that “after seven unforgettable years, it’s time for a change.”
“Our much-loved Jervois Road home is getting the attention it deserves,” the post read. “What’s changing? think more room to move, more fun, new menus, and perhaps most importantly — a refresh to our powder rooms.”
left: Bruschetta with smoked fish, green tomato, capers and lardo. Right: Vitello Tonnato with rose veal, tuna mayo and caperberry
Among the most notable changes, diners can expect to be thoroughly impressed by the melt-in-your-mouth bruschetta toasts topped smoked fish, green tomatoes and capers, or the deliciously shareable Vitello Tonnato with rose veal, tuna mayo and caper berries.
Sitting neatly alongside hero dishes with cult-like followings — think the chilli fried calamari, seven hour veal rigatoni, or the buttery riso verde; a perfectly springy combination of zucchini flower, fresh peas, fine herbs and feta — the newest gastronomic delights further bolster a menu that quite frankly needs no introduction.
Olive Oil Cake with mandarin, whipped ricotta and mandarin sorbet
A stalwart of the Jervois Road dining scene for over 30 years, Andiamo is that beloved local trattoria where tradition meets gentle evolution. The warm, bifold doorway spills into a bustling yet relaxed dining room where house‑made pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and fresh market fish grace the menus, all paired with an estate-led wine list and spritzes at the bar.
In case you needed any further encouragement to do Italian comfort for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or to simply park up in the afternoon sun and spend a little time reconnecting with the Avenues and the wine list — if Andiamo feels like coming home, then this is the homecoming we’ve been patiently waiting for.
Whether you’re the consummate host or your wares have little life left to give, there has never been a better time to refresh your home bar. From October 23 onwards, purveyors of the perfect party, Studio of Tableware, are running a sale on all things cocktail — think crystal flutes, coupes, muddlers, cocktail picks and brass bar tools. With the long weekend and the unofficial start of summer beckoning, we can practically hear the chinking already.
From sets to last a lifetime to the very gift-worthy Paderno Copper Cocktail Bundle, there is something to appease every palate.
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