The sun is out in full force this week, which means that sun protection is at the top of the agenda. Instead of coating yourself in a substance that resembles PVA glue or slathering your skin in a greasy, sticky formula — add one of these mighty formulations to your arsenal. Trust us, you will never look back.
Here, we round up the best protectants for your face, body, and hair this season.
Emerging off the ferry at Matiatia Bay on Waiheke feels a little like entering another planet. With the city of sails in the rearview mirror, you switch onto island time, ready to take to the beaches, vineyards and restaurants with a renewed sense of vigour.
Unsurprisingly, as one of the country’s key wine destinations, Waiheke has established itself as a key culinary player too. Ki Māha is a shining light in the island’s restaurant crown, serving up seasonal fare in inarguably one of the most beautiful settings in the country, the shores of Onetangi Beach beaming in through the vaulted glass front.
Ki Māha has an elegant menu that takes advantage of the abundant natural larder on Waiheke. With food this good, it is intuitive that you pair it with fabulous wine, too, so it should come as no surprise that champagne heavyweights Veuve Clicquot are bringing their famed fizz to Waiheke’s northern shores for a Summer Sun pop-up.
Sunset savants will want to make a beeline for the restaurant between 3-5pm Monday to Saturday for Solaire Sunset Hour, which sees specially priced glasses of Veuve and, as a one-off, Veuve Clicquot Rosé by the glass — a rarity as this blush-hued bubbles is usually available by the bottle only.
To bring the best of Veuve to life, a special menu of canapés and snacks will be served, with dishes like delicate yellow in tuna tartlets with caviar and lemon verbena, vindaloo fries with spiced mayo, and prawn toast with chipotle mayo, all designed to pair with Veuve’s structured, well-balanced palate.
Not ready to let the weekend go? Head to Ki Māha on Sundays between 3-6pm for Veuve Clicquot’s take on a Sunday session. Think seafood towers, roaming champagne trolleys, and DJs on the decks to keep the energy high.
Our pick of the bunch, though, is The Sunny Side Up Brunch. On the second Sunday of every month from December 14, there will be a multi-course feast featuring caviar on toast, crayfish omelettes and, of course, many glasses of Veuve Clicquot.
Guided by haka expert Michael Steedman, Föenander Galleries presents a unique cultural culmination this December, opening on Friday 5th December. Aptly named Haka, this collaborative exhibition examines the role of our national expression through diverse sculptural practice. The traditional Māori war dance — instantly recognisable but often misunderstood — first reached international audiences in 1888, when the New Zealand Native Rugby Team performed ‘Ka Mate’ on tour in Britain. Despite mixed reactions, the haka became an enduring symbol of New Zealand’s cultural and sporting pride, a sacred dichotomy that has been closely examined ever since.
Föenander Galleries’ Haka exhibition will feature works by Chris Bailey, Israel Tangaroa Birch, Anton Forde, Robert Jahnke, Shiree Reihana and Dorothy Waetford. Each acclaimed New Zealand artist explores the haka from their perspective, drawing on ancestral tradition, the natural world, and the preservation of Māori history. This collaborative effort marks a poignant moment in our culture and opens an essential dialogue that should not be overlooked.
Endeavouring to answer the question ‘what is haka?’, each piece is anchored in the war dance, from the physical representation in Chris Bailey’s Kaitiaki sculpture, to Robert Jahnke’s A Matter of Principle ii, which uses iconography, light and reflection to explore Eurocentric educational narratives in New Zealand’s history. One only needs to look at the response to Hana-Rāwhiti Maipi-Clarke’s haka as protest in parliament late last year to see that the haka remains greatly misunderstood. Through this exhibition, each piece aims to investigate this performance that holds such a key facet of New Zealand culture and the way it intermingles with Aotearoa in the present day.
It’s a fitting closure to a year where the Waitangi Treaty Principles Bill dominated much of the political discourse, redefining how we interact with Māori culture as a country. Through analysing this dance that is so key to Aotearoa — both through its time on the world stage at All Blacks games and through its inherent connection to the identity of Māori — these pieces of art attempt to explore the depth of the haka; past, present and future.
Exhibition dates: Friday 5th December — Wednesday 24th December
1 Faraday Street
Parnell
Auckland
Set within Melbourne’s leafy inner suburbs, Malvern Residence III by Studio Tate is a home that speaks to connection, to landscape, to family, and to the quiet luxuries of everyday life.
In Malvern Residence III, Studio Tate has crafted a home that is both playful and refined, weaving together tactile finishes, layered colour, and unexpected design details that breathe life into each and every corner. The L-shaped plan embraces a central courtyard, pool, and tiered garden, while a series of terraced floors nestle the home into its natural slope, creating a dialogue between form and landscape.
Inside, the design draws on the soothing principles of Wabi-Sabi, celebrating the tactile, the handmade, and the imperfect. Textural surfaces, from palladiana flooring to hand-glazed tiles and veined marble, lend depth and warmth, while Studio Tate’s signature colour accents infuse spirit, spanning soft blush tones, powder blues, and deep verdant greens. Each shade is carefully placed to enhance mood, enrich function, and inspire emotional resonance.
The home’s flow begins with a dramatic double-height entry void, leading into an open, inviting kitchen and dining hub where brass detailing and a hidden bar lined with Yves Klein blue cabinetry bring glamour to moments of family life. Beyond, a sunken lounge framed by exposed brick and garden views grounds the scheme in comfort and connection. Upstairs, bedrooms and private living zones balance serenity with adaptability, designed to evolve as the children grow. A ‘cosy corner’ invites play and togetherness, while the primary suite offers calm reprieve, enriched by crafted stonework and layered textures.
Throughout, craftsmanship is elevated, with joinery, stone inlays, bespoke lighting, and artisanal hardware introducing notes of refinement against a warm, homely canvas. The result is a residence that balances luxury with liveability — a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal, perfectly befitting the ebbs and flows of family life.
Malvern Residence III is built on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations.
The perfect gift is something you wouldn’t necessarily buy for yourself but find yourself wanting anyway. A small luxury. Something that’s beautiful and a little frivolous but ultimately practical. The perfect gift, quite often, is a coffee table book.
These beautiful tomes are informative and decorative, both entertainment and an item you’ll cherish for years to come. They’re read by you and your guests, but they also look just as good sitting pretty on a side table or taking centre stage on a bookcase.
From books rhapsodising about the art of the modern treehouse for the budding architect in your life, to an artful homage to the America’s Cup, and even kids’ books the little ones will want to keep on display, these are the ultimate coffee table books to buy this Christmas.
by Tashcen
Defined by Marc Newson’s visionary design, the America’s Cup Art Edition is an exquisite homage to sailing’s most prestigious event. Seamlessly merging art and innovation, its sculptural form captures the Cup’s dynamic spirit, while refined craftsmanship elevates it to collectible status. A celebration of heritage and modernity, this limited edition embodies the creative daring that continues to propel both design and competitive sailing forward.
by Rizzoli
This tantalising tome is an exploration of the creative dialogue between fashion and contemporary art. Showcasing reinterpretations of the iconic Lady Dior bag, Dior Lady Art highlights how 99 visionary artists have transformed the emblematic accessory into sculptural expressions of culture, identity, and imagination. A testament to Dior’s enduring allure and the boundless possibilities of artistic collaboration.
by Rizzoli
A sumptuous tribute to one of history’s most iconic sports cars. Celebrating Italian craftsmanship and visionary engineering, this collectible edition traces the Stradale’s daring design and racing pedigree, revealing how it redefined automotive beauty. Rich imagery and thoughtful storytelling capture a legacy where ambition met artistry, embodying Alfa Romeo’s fearless pursuit of elegance, performance, and innovation.
by Taschen
An evocative visual memoir, chronicling the Weber’s intimate journey through art, youth, and desire. With Weber’s signature warmth and cinematic eye, the book captures fleeting moments of beauty and self-discovery, blurring the boundaries between fashion, portraiture, and storytelling. It’s a tactile celebration of curiosity and sensuality, and a testament to the transformative power of image-making and artistic exploration.
by Phaidon
A powerful compendium celebrating female visionaries, pioneers, and creatives reshaping culture today. Spanning art, design, science, and activism, the book captures a vibrant tapestry of influence and achievement. Through compelling imagery and thoughtful essays, it honours women whose ideas and actions continue to redefine possibility in an inspiring testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of female leadership worldwide.
by Assouline
A refined homage to fashion’s most legendary accessories. Celebrating timeless craftsmanship and cultural impact, it traces the stories behind coveted designs that have defined eras and inspired generations. With rich photography and thoughtful commentary, the volume explores how these enduring creations transcend trends, becoming symbols of style, heritage, and artistry.
by Rizzoli
A striking exploration of architecture in harmony with nature. Showcasing Takada’s signature approach, the book highlights designs that blur the boundaries between interior, exterior, and landscape. Through lush imagery and thoughtful narrative, it celebrates organic forms, natural materials, and light-filled spaces, revealing how architecture can feel alive, immersive, and intrinsically connected to the environment it inhabits.
by Tashen
Suspended between earth and sky, Modern Tree Houses showcases visionary retreats that merge design ingenuity with nature’s tranquillity. Featuring visionary architects and spectacular settings, it redefines the classic tree house as sustainable, sculptural living. With striking photography and insightful commentary, this collectable tome celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and nature’s ephemeral beauty.
by Phaidon
Acclaimed chef Jeremy Fox reimagines carnivorous cooking, in his new book On Meat, with over 160 recipes that champion creativity, sustainability, and zero-waste principles. From deli favourites to hearty mains, this ambitious follow-up to On Vegetables offers inspiration and expertise for every meat-loving home cook.
by Rizzoli
A celebration of citrus in all its glory, Squeeze Me pairs fifty lemon-forward recipes from River Café’s Ruthie Rogers with striking artworks by Ed Ruscha. Together, they transform the humble lemon into a culinary and artistic icon.
by Tim Siadatan
London’s cult pasta restaurant brings its magic home in Padella. With classics like Pici Cacio e Pepe and fresh new creations, this debut cookbook reveals the secrets, techniques, and soulful recipes that make pasta unforgettably simple, seasonal, and utterly delicious.
by Alexina Anatole
Building on the success of her acclaimed debut Bitter, Alexina Anatole returns with Sweet — a joyful exploration of 80 recipes celebrating the many shades of sweetness. From cosy bakes to dazzling desserts, it’s a delicious ode to flavour, comfort, and creativity.
by Alison Roman
Championing the art of pantry cooking, Alison Roman’s Something from Nothing features over 100 unfussy, flavour-forward recipes. From crisp bean bakes to saucy pastas, it proves that with a few jars and cans, dinnertime magic is always within reach.
by Phaidon
Effortless cooking meets global inspiration in One Pot by Phaidon, a collection of inventive recipes designed for maximum flavour with minimal fuss. Highlighting diverse cuisines and clever techniques, it turns simple ingredients into vibrant, satisfying meals, all from a single vessel. Beautifully photographed and thoughtfully curated, this book redefines convenience as both elegant and deeply delicious.
by Phaidon
Whimsical and full of charm, Cake is a delightful children’s book celebrating baking’s universal joy. Playful illustrations introduce cakes worldwide, connecting cultures through sweetness and creativity. Perfect for inspiring curiosity and kitchen fun, this cheerful volume shows how cake sparks wonder and togetherness.
by Little People, Big Dreams
A charming holiday treasure for young readers, this advent calendar-style collection features 24 mini biographies of inspiring figures, transforming the countdown to Christmas into a journey of discovery and empowerment. Beautifully designed and brimming with curiosity, this festive book sparks imagination and celebrates big dreams.
by Sven Völker
Step into a gallery where geometry sparks imagination. Sven Völker’s The Museum of Shapes transforms circles, squares, and triangles into vibrant characters, introducing young readers to the beauty of design, balance, and creativity in a way that feels both fun and profound.
by Rizzoli
Journey through the animal kingdom with this charming book — a vibrant exploration designed to delight and educate young readers. Each letter unveils a captivating creature, pairing playful illustrations with engaging facts, inviting children to discover the alphabet while exploring the world’s diverse wildlife.
by Tess Thomas and
Kamwei Fong
A tender, beautifully illustrated story about friendship, resilience, and self-acceptance. Following Shibu, a cat with an unusually long tail, the book explores themes of difference and belonging with gentle humour and warmth. Its lyrical prose and expressive artwork create a heartfelt reading experience that encourages children to embrace individuality and find strength in what makes them unique.
by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Beloved children’s author Michael Rosen and illustrator Helen Oxenbury join forces for a playful story about mistakes, surprises, and finding joy in the unexpected. Brimming with wit and warmth, it captures the joy of childhood mishaps in all their messy, marvellous glory.
by Mikey Please
Step into a whimsical world with this imaginative tale brimming with wit and wonder. Blending playful narrative and striking illustrations, it follows an offbeat adventure where curiosity and creativity reshape the ordinary, inviting readers of all ages to see the world through magic, humour, and boundless possibility.
Wildly misunderstood and extremely luxurious, caviar has had a reputational overhaul in recent years. Caviar bumps became the snack du jour in 2022, quickly popping on bar and restaurant menus across London and New York. But chefs in the know have been utilising caviar’s buttery, briny notes for years to add an elegant lift to everything from silky chawanmushi to opaque slices of sashimi.
The ingredient’s rise has come alongside a renewed love for martinis and a doubling down on our collective penchant for champagne. And as we settle into the roaring twenties, ready to spend our house deposits on life’s little luxuries, restaurants across Auckland are showcasing black gold in all its glory. Whether it’s bumps of oscietra or vibrant pearls of salmon roe, grab a glass of bubbles and ready your pearl spoon — go on, you deserve it.
If you want to do caviar properly — we’re talking crème fraîche, brioche, gaufrettes, chives, the full monty — then head to Jervois Steak House. As if this bastion of exceptional grilled meats wasn’t already wonderful enough, earlier this year they added a caviar service featuring the option of Siberian Ossetra Superior or Imperial Osceitra. Pair it with a glass of Mumm Cordon Rouge, and follow it up with a charred steak with all the necessary accoutrement for one of those meals that will go down in history.
If you’re looking for an education in the versatility of ikura caviar sourced from some of New Zealand’s finest salmon, head to Kingi where the vibrant roe is served in a multitude of ways. It might be found perched atop a Mount Cook salmon rillette, on a confit salmon fillet, or even as a garnish on your pre-dinner cocktail.
For a masterclass in high/low pairing, set your coordinates for Onslow where Josh Emett and his team are using caviar in a downright gluttonous fashion; scooping a pile of ossetra caviar on top of a cripsy golden piece of friend chicken paired with the acidic hit of tendrils of verdant courgette pickle. Find yourself to be more of a purist? Add Onslow’s caviar service onto your booking, with everything from single bumps to tins of ossetra accompanied by chopped egg, chives, crème fraîche and brioche.
Unsurprisingly, given its delicate flavour and hallmarks of quality, caviar has become a common ingredient in high end Japanese cooking. Take Kureta as a key example of that. The restaurant made quite a splash when it opened in November for its elevated take on teppanyaki. Caviar features throughout the menu, arriving atop a tangle of wagyu yakishabu topped with kina sauce, as delicate orange pearls sitting dantily on pearlescent scallops, or to decorate impressive piles of sashimi.
While the menu at Lillius is fluid and ever-changing, the Newton fine dining restaurant has a penchant for caviar which may see ossetra spooned atop a snack at the start of your meal, or salmon roe bringing a visual vibrance and briny dash to a dish. Keep an eye on their one-off collaborative dinners, too — a recent event saw chef Fraser McCarthy designing a menu that centred around Sturgeon Valley caviar.
Knowledge of precious stones and the pursuit of excellence have been at the heart of Van Cleef & Arpels’ history and identity since its founding in 1906. Over more than a century, the Maison has demonstrated an unrivalled affinity for diamonds, combining technical precision with poetic imagination. Each creation begins with the careful selection of gemstones for their purity and brilliance, before being transformed by master craftspeople into works that embody harmony, light, and movement.
The Maison’s Classic High Jewellery reflects this legacy through six enduring collections: Flowerlace, Snowflake, Folie des Prés, Palmyre, À Cheval and Olympia, each a testament to its expert savoir-faire and pursuit of beauty. Together, they express inspirations that have long guided Van Cleef & Arpels: the delicacy of nature, the elegance of couture, and the refinement of the decorative arts. Every jewel, from the airy filigree of Flowerlace to the fluid brilliance of Palmyre, reveals the balance of structure and softness that defines the Maison’s style.
Among these, the À Cheval Classic High Jewellery collection is a particularly striking example of the Art Deco period’s influence. This era continues to inspire the Maison’s sense of geometry and proportion. Launched in 1981, the À Cheval collection captures the purity of diamond brilliance through an intricate setting technique in which gemstones are hand-linked into a flexible, seamless mesh. Its overlapping design recalls the sculptural symmetry of 1930s jewellery while remaining thoroughly contemporary.
The À Cheval necklace and earrings extend this heritage. The necklace, ingeniously designed to transform into two bracelets, reflects Van Cleef & Arpels’ fascination with metamorphosis, while the earrings’ detachable pendants lend modern versatility to their radiant form. Together, these creations reaffirm the Maison’s dedication to timeless artistry, technical mastery and light captured in motion.
In its Classic High Jewellery, Van Cleef & Arpels continues to honour its rich lineage while evolving with grace. Inspired by history yet illuminated by innovation, each piece stands as an enduring expression of brilliance.
Dress codes can be hard to read. Is a floor-length dress formal enough for black tie? What shoes constitute smart casual? And perhaps most terrifying of all, what exactly is cocktail-appropriate attire? If you find yourself with that divisive dress code this festive season, we have you covered. The perfect looks strike a considered balance between formality and ease. Think sculptural dresses, silk slips, or tailored separates for the ladies, and blazers over tees, loose trousers, and loafers for the lads.
From the effortless glamour of Alaïa, to the playful silhouettes from Staud and P. Johnson’s classic tailoring, here’s our ultimate guide to nailing a cocktail dress code this Christmas.
There are deceptively simple decor decisions that can take any space to the next level, from unique lighting in a living room to high octane headboards in the bedroom. Still, nothing quite brings a kitchen together like a statement benchtop.
Marazzi’s ‘The Top’, from design showroom Obery, brings a sense of effortless elegance to any home, whethere that’s as a top, backsplash, table, door or in tailor-made furnishings. A feat of technological innovation, these porcelain slabs can emulate a range of natural materials, and have the added benefit of being durable, ultra-resistant to stains, and easy to clean.
Given the material’s innate versatility, it lends itself to endless uses and visions, from striking benchtops to furnishing elements and surfaces, both within and outside of the home. The marble-look variation is particularly alluring, boasting the appearance and tactility of marble, without the distinct cut lines and parameters of natural stone.
Wander through London or Sydney when the clock strikes five on any given day, and you’ll be swept along with crowds of revellers spilling out onto pavements clutching frothy pints. Glasses clink, laughter floats along the breeze, and new friendships are forged as elbows bump against brick walls. A well-crafted gastro pub becomes the heart of how we gather and celebrate.
Auckland’s dining scene isn’t short on innovation, but the soul of true pub culture has long been absent from our city’s culinary tale. We’ve missed out on the post-work bonding and Sunday pints that shape the spirit of the aforementioned cities. Now, with Grey Lynn Firehouse poised to ignite the corner of Williamson and Pollen, that story is about to change.
Occupying — you guessed it — the former Grey Lynn fire station, this heritage building is the perfect space to open a top-quality pub, full of history and the kind of antique touches that echo the UK’s dark wood drinking dens that hold as much intrigue as they do pints of beer.
Hospitality duo Luke Jones and Dave Lincoln, the pair behind City Works’ Norma Taps, Honest, and Roundhouse Drinks Dept. bring not only their rich experience operating hospitality ventures in Auckland, but also lives steeped in classic pub culture. “Dave’s first job was pulling pints at The Horse & Trap, which his dad owned, and I spent 17 years living in the UK, where proper pub culture is woven into everyday life,” Jones tells The Denizen. “Grey Lynn Firehouse feels like the natural evolution of everything we’ve learned and loved along the way.”
The building has been painstakingly restored in collaboration with New Zealand and Japan-based Studio Tatami to produce a space that speaks to the firehouse’s past, the enticing warmth of British pubs, and a modern day Auckland watering hole. Warm minimalism helps to elevate the building’s architectural character, while two glowing fireplaces, twin bars, and a lively rooftop deck beckon guests to stick around long after sunset.
Ten rotating taps will pour everything from local lagers, craft brews and, of course, creamy pints of Guinness — it is a pub after all. Cocktails from the duo’s venture Roundhouse will be poured on tap, and a number of wines will be available to order by the glass and bottle. Meanwhile, the kitchen sees chef Kererū Wilson, formerly of Depot and Cazador, bringing his pedigree on the pans to a menu that reimagines classic pub fare. Think crispy chicken parm and perfect fish and chips, alongside steak au poivre, mussel escabeche and heirloom tomato salads.
What sets it apart, though, is its unique amount of outdoor space. In addition to the suntrap roof terrace, the entire ‘island’ that the firehouse inhabits is licensed, which means drinkers can spill out onto the pavement like they do across London. The verdict is in — this is set to be Auckland’s coolest new post-work hot spot. And, if this and Water Boy are anything to go by, we might finally be in the midst of our long-awaited pub renaissance.
Opening hours:
11.30 am – late, Tuesday — Sunday
instagram.com/greylynnfirehouse
Grey Lynn Firehouse
1 Williamson Ave
Grey Lynn
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