Unearth the magic of the season with a truffle hunt at Kings Truffles

Kings Truffles has become a byword for excellence in New Zealand’s truffle scene. Supplying some of the finest black truffle in the country, the family-run operation is known not only for its premium product, but for its deep-rooted expertise and warm, hands-on approach. And while their truffles appear in top kitchens across the country, the true magic lies in the source — and they’re inviting you to experience it firsthand.

Each winter, Kings Truffles opens the gates to their beloved truffière for a series of exclusive truffle hunts. It’s a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes, witness the alchemy of nature, and to share in a moment of seasonal abundance. So, if you’re partial, and find yourself in Canterbury this season, add one of these unmissable experiences to your winter itinerary.

The Group Hunt

Sunday 20th July 2025, 10.30am — 12.30pm

This relaxed and convivial morning offers a chance to meet the Kings Truffles team (and their charismatic, highly-trained truffle dogs), learn about the science and mystery of truffle cultivation, and — best of all — uncover fresh truffles from the soil yourself. You’ll enjoy tastings onsite and plenty of time to ask questions and soak up the setting. Tickets are limited, and this annual event sells out quickly.

Private Hunts

Fridays in June, July, and August (Min 8 / Max 20 guests)

Tailored for truffle-loving friends, families or corporate groups, private hunts offer a bespoke, immersive experience. Discover truffle hunting techniques, savour freshly unearthed truffle, and perhaps opt to add on a picnic or even a helicopter ride. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary encounter.

kingstruffles.com

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Marking a new era in precision and poise, Omega’s Aqua Terra 30 mm launches in Japan

With quiet confidence and characteristically meticulous design, Omega has introduced a new chapter in its storied legacy of women’s watchmaking. The international launch of the Aqua Terra 30 mm, unveiled at an exclusive event in Kyoto Japan, signals a thoughtful evolution — one that acknowledges the changing rhythms of modern life while remaining rooted in the brand’s revered technical heritage.

Aislinn Derbez at OMEGA’s Aqua Terra Event in Kyoto
Marisa Abela at OMEGA’s Aqua Terra Event in Kyoto
Melissa Satta at OMEGA’s Aqua Terra Event in Kyoto
Karla Souza at OMEGA’s Aqua Terra Event in Kyoto

Held at Kyoto’s striking Shogunzuka Seiryuden, the event unfolded as an elegant evening of sensory discovery. Guests moved through voile-draped installations blending traditional Japanese artistry with modern design, gradually revealing the watch’s distinct expressions. With campaign ambassadors including Ashley Graham, Tems, and Ariana DeBose in attendance, the night celebrated both Omega’s technical innovation and the undeniable allure of the Aqua Terra 30 mm.

The twelve references that define the collection are each rendered in vibrant hues and elevated materials — think 18K Moonshine™ Gold and Sedna™ Gold, stainless steel, and seamless two-tone combinations. The case size, a first for the Aqua Terra line, offers a refined 30 mm silhouette, striking a balance between contemporary wearability and timeless elegance.

SeamasterAqua Terra, 30 mm in steel on steel
Seamaster Aqua Terra, 30 mm in steel ‑ Moonshine gold on steel ‑ Moonshine gold

Inside, however, lies the true revelation. Omega’s newly engineered calibres — the Master Chronometer Calibre 8750 and 8751 — are bespoke to this smaller scale. They exemplify the Maison’s commitment to mechanical mastery, with magnetic resistance to 15,000 gauss, a co-axial escapement, and a 48-hour power reserve. As President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann notes, “The most beautiful part of the watch is the one you cannot immediately see. Our new calibres represent Omega’s highest expression of precision engineering, hidden within yet defining the watch’s essence.” Here, what’s hidden defines everything.

Omega’s highest expression of precision engineering

This sense of personal discovery is echoed in the accompanying campaign, ‘My Little Secret‘, which casts the Aqua Terra as both an intimate treasure and a conversation starter. Through rhythmic, cinematic vignettes, the watch is passed between six global women of influence — including
Academy Award-winning actress Ariana DeBose, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Tems,
model, entrepreneur, and advocate Ashley Graham, K-pop artist Danielle Marsh, BAFTA-winning actress Marisa Abela, and Sunday Rose Kidman Urban — each styling it in their own intuitive way. The message? Some things are simply too beautiful to keep to yourself.

Left to right: Tems, Ariana DeBose, Ashley Graham & Sunday Rose Kidman Urban

At once deeply personal and universally elegant, the Aqua Terra 30 mm is Omega at its most discreetly daring — a technical triumph wrapped in quiet luxury.

partridgejewellers.com

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These are the best elevated Sunday roasts in town

Come winter, when the inclement weather sets in and all you crave is comfort, a Sunday roast is perhaps the most satisfying, soul-warming salve on offer. Dating back to medieval England, what was once a post-church tradition has evolved into a weekly ritual at dinner tables across the country — and many of the city’s most loved eateries are stepping things up a notch to spare you the dishes and take the once-humble roast to delicious new heights.

Here, we round up the best elevated takes on a Sunday roast in the city, from speciality cuts with curated trimmings to all-out feasts, so all that’s left to do is see out the week in style.

Jervois Steak House

Jervois Steak House

Jervois Steak House has resurrected its famed wagyu Sunday roast, perfect for winter indulgence. Ending each week with a comforting feast, here, the star of the show is a 12‑hour slow‑cooked Southern Stations wagyu rump — tender, rich, and utterly melt‑in‑the‑mouth. It’s served with all the comforts of tradition: wagyu‑fat roasted potatoes, creamy potato gratin, pillowy Yorkshire puddings, seasonal veg, and a glossy house‑made jus. Priced at $79pp (minimum two), with a $15 house wine option, JSH’s roast is available from 5pm every Sunday through June, July, and August — first‑come, first‑served, so book early!

The Pantry at Park Hyatt

The Pantry at Park Hyatt

The Pantry at Park Hyatt Auckland takes Sunday roast up a notch with its cosy waterfront setting in Wynyard Quarter. Every Sunday from 5pm–8pm, guests can indulge in a rotating roast — think perfectly seared meats — accompanied by seasonal vegetables, golden potatoes, and rich house-made gravy, all for just $38 per person. Ideal for ending the week in style, this offering brings warmth and simplicity without compromise. Gather family or friends, book a table, and treat yourselves to a comforting, quality roast by the water.

Hotel Ponsonby

Hotel Ponsonby

Hotel Ponsonby’s take on the Sunday roast is as delicious as one would expect, given the lively spot’s reputation on the food front. Choose between roasted picanha with horseradish and pink peppercorn gravy ($36) or a slow-roasted butternut pumpkin version with mushroom gravy ($32) — both served with crispy potatoes, glazed purple carrots, and Yorkshire pudding. It’s a contemporary, flavour-forward update on tradition, best paired with a wine match or something from the aperitif list. For dessert, don’t miss the mezcal-laced sticky toffee pudding with miso caramel and fig cream, or the lemon tart with bay leaf mascarpone, accompanied by a digestif to finish with a flourish.

Ki Māha

Ki Māha

Ki Māha delivers a sumptuous coastal twist on the classic Sunday roast. Set against the fireside ambiance of Onetangi Beach, this winter’s offering features a slow-roasted Lumina lamb shoulder nestled alongside crispy duck-fat potatoes, golden Yorkshire puddings, and pan-seared broccolini — with ethically farmed meats and seasonal produce taking centre stage. Available all day, this hearty feast can be paired for two with a bottle of Ki Māha’s Black Label Syrah for $169.

Bivacco

Bivacco

While not a classic roast, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast is more than worthy of a mention on this list. From 11 am to 4 pm, this lavish buffet celebrates seafood, wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and a succulent carvery featuring prime beef, pork belly and lamb leg roast stuffed with Italian sausage. Seasonal antipasti, roast veggies, and duck-fat potatoes ensure you won’t go hungry, before capping it all off at the dessert station with tiramisu, pavlova, carrot cake and more. Add cocktails, champagne specials, and live DJs for a truly lively Sunday experience — all for $85pp ($35 for kids).

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Bar Magda's Noel’s charcoal steak

The Iconic Auckland Eats list is revealed, rounding up 100 of the region’s most delicious dishes

The 2025 Iconic Auckland Eats list, featuring 100 of Auckland’s top dishes as nominated by the public, has just been released — giving Aucklanders and those visiting a comprehensive guide to what to eat across the region. Developed annually, the list sits as a celebration of Auckland’s incredible, diverse culinary scene, highlighting beloved dishes in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Now in its fifth year, Iconic Auckland Eats was established by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited as a way to showcase the vibrancy of the region’s gastronomic offering, highlighting legendary dishes that range from fine dining to budget-friendly bites — covering everything in between, too. The 2025 list includes long-standing favourites, hidden gems, and exciting new discoveries, and the dishes, submitted for consideration by locals, capture the essence of Auckland, embodying the cultural melting pot and richness that makes the region so special.

Masu’s wagyu kimchi gyoza

When it comes to what’s included, many Denizen favourites made the cut — from Bar Magda’s Noel’s charcoal steak with soy butter, scallion, to Amano’s famous scampi pasta (swoon), Depot’s fish sliders — unsurprisingly on the list for five years running, Masu’s wagyu kimchi gyoza, and Hello Beasty’s moreish prawn & crab toast, making a very welcome return.

Amano’s famous scampi pasta

Icons like Eden Noodles’ dumplings in spicy sauce, FishSmith’s battered Westmere Butchery pork sausage, Gemmayze Street’s babaganouj, Federal Delicatessen’s chicken salad sandwich, Huami’s fruit wood roasted peking duck, and Cassia’s pani puri all feature, too, in amongst quirkier additions — from Rhu’s honey toast with whipped yoghurt and fruit, to Metita’s handpicked beef scotch, 55 day dry-aged, with palusami purée and ravigote, San Ray’s quinoa toast with smoked fish and pickled egg, Goat by Sid Chopra’s slow cooked goat marinated in aromatic spices, mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies, Tala’s raw ramen, and Ragtag’s duck carnitas tacos (a must try).

Hello Beasty’s moreish prawn & crab toast

As has been the case since the initiative’s inception, the variety of cuisines on the list reflects the incredible mix of ethnicities in Auckland, and each nominated dish has a story behind the submission, with locals sharing insight into what the dish means to them. This year saw record number of entries, with over 3,000 nomination food stories coming in.

Goat’s slow cooked goat marinated in aromatic spices, mustard oil, garlic, and green chilies

While reading through the thousands of submissions, Iconic Auckland Eats judges select their favourite entries that embody the list’s ethos. This year, five stand-out stories were chosen, with the writer of each receiving $500 worth of vouchers to spend at their top five restaurants featuring on the list.

So, be it inspiration for a venue to visit, or a specific dish to satisfy a craving, Iconic Auckland Eats’ top 100 list rounds up some of the top spots and dishes on menus across the region — sitting as an incredible resource for locals or those visiting from further afield.

iconiceats.co.nz

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Discover a luxurious new voyage inviting travellers to discover Australia’s last great wilderness

While Kiwis have long looked east for their Australian escapes, to the beachy cities lining the coast, the wild majesty of the Kimberley awaits to the west — remote, rugged, and unlike anywhere else on the continent. For those seeking something beyond the expected, Ponant Explorations invites travellers to rediscover this extraordinary frontier in unmatched style.

Back by popular demand, Ponant Explorations’ Fly, Stay & Cruise package offers the most seamless way to experience the Kimberley region: return flights from major New Zealand cities, pre-cruise accommodation, and an all-inclusive, 10-night small-ship expedition aboard the elegant 184 Le Jacques Cartier or 264 passenger Le Soléal — all wrapped into one effortless journey. With Ponant Explorations’ signature French-inspired service, curated excursions, and rare access to ancient rock art, secluded reefs, and untamed waterfalls, this is adventure, elevated.

New for 2026, Australia’s West Coast Odyssey extends the journey from Broome to Fremantle (or reverse), unveiling UNESCO-listed wonders from Shark Bay to Ningaloo Coast. Here, sea lions, coral reefs, and centuries-old Aboriginal heritage coalesce in an 11-day voyage along one of the world’s most captivating coastlines.

Enjoy a Champagne Surprise on the King George River

The Darwin to Broome voyage (or reverse), Australia’s Iconic Kimberley voyage reveals a land shaped by time and tide. Over 11 days aboard Le Jacques Cartier or Le Soléal, guests are immersed in a cinematic landscape of towering gorges, ancient First Nation rock art (including a privileged visit to the sacred Gwion Gwion rock painting site estimated to be around 12,000 years old) and thriving wildlife. From the thunderous Twin Falls of the King George River to the crocodile-laced mangroves of the Hunter River, every day offers a new chapter in Australia’s last true wilderness.

Exploring the humbling landscape of the King George River on Zodiac

Whether tracing the King George River’s dramatic gorges or drifting through the Montebello Islands, every moment is infused with Ponant Explorations’ signature blend of luxury and immersion. Designed for those seeking stress-free adventure without compromise, these all-inclusive journeys take care of every detail — offering Kiwis a seamless, elevated way to discover Australia’s most remote and remarkable coastlines.

The Kimberley may be close to home, but it feels truly a world away.

au.ponant.com

*Package offer valid on new bookings only for 2026 Kimberley Luxury Expeditions itineraries. More conditions apply. Visit au.ponant.com/fly-stay-cruise-2026 for full terms and conditions. Advertised price is in Australia dollars (AUD), per person in a Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3. Price is correct at time of publishing and may change at any time without notice.

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The new movies & series to watch this week

With yet another long weekend on the horizon, we’re loading up a cache of captivating new shows and planning a trip or two to the cinema. There is plenty to choose from on the new releases front, from Wes Anderson’s latest to side-splitting stand up, returning favourites back for a second season, and a romantic comedy that places Dakota Johnson in a love triangle with Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans — need we say more?

Materialists

When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans

Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans star in Materialists, a sharp romantic comedy directed by Past Lives filmmaker Celine Song. Set in New York, the film follows a high-end matchmaker (Johnson) who becomes caught up in a love triangle of sorts with her ex (Evans) and her potential perfect match (Pascal). 


The Phoenician Scheme

When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Scarlett Johansson

Wes Anderson’s latest film is a stylish espionage drama woven with betrayal and intrigue. Benicio del Toro stars as Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy patriarch entangled in a morally complex scheme alongside his daughter (Mia Threapleton), amid an all-star cast featuring Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson.


Echo Valley

When & Where to Watch: Out now, Apple TV+
Starring: Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney

In Echo Valley, Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney deliver a gripping thriller about a mother’s desperate fight to protect her daughter. When Claire (Sweeney) arrives bloodied and hysterical, Kate (Moore) unravels a harrowing truth, testing the limits of love and sacrifice. A taut, emotional journey from director Michael Pearce and writer Brad Ingelsby.


The Ritual

When & Where to Watch:  Out now, Apple TV+
Starring: Al Pacino, Ashley Greene, and Dan Stevens

Al Pacino plays a seasoned exorcist in The Ritual, pulled into a harrowing case involving a possessed young woman, alongside Dan Stevens as a conflicted priest. Directed by David Midell, the film, inspired by true events, tows the line between psychological drama and supernatural horror.


Atsuko Okatsuka: Father

When & Where to Watch: Out now, Disney+
Starring: Atsuko Okatsuka

In Atsuko Okatsuka: Father, the acclaimed comedian returns with a disarmingly personal stand-up special that blends offbeat humour with heartfelt storytelling. Weaving tales of family, identity, and the surreal moments of everyday life, Okatsuka delivers a sharp, hilarious, and deeply human hour that cements her as one of comedy’s most original voices.


The Buccaneers — Season Two

When & Where to Watch: Out now, Apple TV+
Starring: Leighton Meester, Kristine Froseth, Guy Remmers, and Matthew Broome

The rebellious debutantes are back. In Season Two of The Buccaneers, alliances shift, hearts break, and the game of love grows even more treacherous. With Gilded Age glamour and biting wit, this glittering return dives deeper into the price of freedom — and what happens when girls refuse to play by the rules.


We Were Liars

When & Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Starring: Emily Alyn Lind, Caitlin FitzGerald, and Mamie Gummer

A dreamy summer. A privileged family. A terrible secret. We Were Liars unravels the haunting story of Cadence Sinclair Eastman and the fateful events that fracture everything she thought she knew. Atmospheric and emotionally charged, this adaptation of E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel is a slow-burn mystery about memory, love, and the lies we tell to survive.


The Waterfront

When & Where to Watch: June 19th, Netflix
Starring: Holt McCallany, Maria Bello, Jake Weary, and Melissa Benoist

From Scream and Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson, The Waterfront follows the Buckley family as they fight to save their crumbling North Carolina fishing empire. With financial pressures mounting, they turn to dangerous alliances — like a volatile drug smuggler played by Topher Grace. Family, crime, and legacy collide in this gripping coastal drama.

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Discover acclaimed chef Sean Connolly’s new dining destination & live music venue down south

Sean Connolly has once again expanded his horizons with the launch of Pavilion Bar & Kitchens. Framed by the dramatic backdrop of stunning scenery and humming with après-ski spirit, Pavilion Bar & Kitchens is Sean Connolly’s latest love letter to casual, yet elevated hospitality. Set in the heart of Queenstown, Pavilion is a lively, multi-sensory celebration of the beloved Central Otago region.

Sean Connolly

Open from early morning until late, seven days a week, Pavilion invites locals and travellers alike to gather, graze, and revel in the kind of generous, joyful dining that Connolly is renowned for. With three distinctly different offerings under one roof — Steak & Oyster Co., Ciao Brutto, and the Pavilion Bar — the venue is a spirited homage to both the culture and the landscape of this storied region.

Inside, the space is textured and tactile: natural basalt underfoot, aged leather banquettes fashioned from reclaimed sleepers, and glowing firepits set in boulders hauled from Timaru. Designed by Ignite with interiors by Izzard, the aesthetic draws directly from Queenstown’s alpine soul — raw, honest, and elemental.

Steak & Oyster Co.

At Steak & Oyster Co., Connolly’s signature tribute to surf and turf gets a Southern twist. Butcher-style counters and an open-fire grill set the tone for a menu of premium cuts and ocean-fresh seafood, all sourced from local growers and fishers who share Connolly’s reverence for quality, seasonal produce.

Ciao Brutto
Left: Pavilion Bar

Elsewhere within the sweeping space, Ciao Brutto keeps things rustic and raucous. Named after the affectionate Italian greeting, the pizzeria and pasta bar is anchored by twin wood-fired ovens with a dedicated dough room upstairs, producing up to 800 pizzas a day — each one a delicious ode to shared conviviality.

And then there’s the Pavilion Bar — a breezy, indoor-outdoor affair serving cocktails with local flair and a curated list of regional wines and craft brews. 

Add to that a rotating line-up of live music, DJs, and local performers, as well as exclusive private dining and dedicated event spaces, and you’ve got a venue that hums from morning flat whites to night-time negronis.

Left to Right: Sean Connolly & Tomoya Kodera

Behind it all is Connolly’s trusted team, including Executive Chef Tomoya Kodera, whose Japanese roots and Italian training bring finesse to every plate.

At once intimate and expansive, Pavilion is Queenstown’s new communal hub — where the fire’s always lit, the plates are passed generously, and good times roll long into the night.

pavilionqueenstown.com

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The food and drink that will improve your gut health

Gut health is big business. Crucial for overall wellbeing, the health of our gut plays a vital role in everything from digestion to nutrient absorption, immune function, and even mental health — so it’s little wonder that there’s an increasing focus on eating foods that support in bolstering its health. Here, as winter settles in and we’re all focused on keeping the ills and chills at bay, we round up six gut-loving foods that are simple to add into your daily diet in a bid to help you on your way.

Yoghurt

Plain yoghurt is an unassuming powerhouse when it comes to gut health, packed with live probiotics that help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. It’s an easy addition to breakfasts, snacks or smoothies — just be sure to choose unsweetened, natural varieties for the most benefit.

Kefir

A dairy-based drink (although there are now also vegan options available), kefir is packed with more probiotics than regular yogurt. Its unique fermentation process also makes it easier to digest for those sensitive to lactose, making it a gentle gut ally.

Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut has long been used in German cuisine, loved for its flavourful zing and health benefits alike. Opt for unpasteurised versions (kept refrigerated), which still have the live cultures intact — this is what will boost your gut health with a dose of good bacteria. Beyond aiding digestion, it also supports immune health and pairs beautifully with everything from meats to salads.

Kimchi

A staple in Korean cuisine, kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish with chilli, packed with probiotics to support a healthy gut. Cabbage is also a prebiotic, making kimchi a double hit when it comes to gut health (same goes for sauerkraut). Regularly eating kimchi has been linked to reduced inflammation and improved gut flora diversity.

Kombucha

Perhaps one of the most enjoyable ways to up your intake of gut-loving probiotics, kombucha has fast risen through the ranks as a go-to beverage over the past few years, with seemingly endless flavour combinations keeping things interesting. The drink itself is fermented tea-based, making it beneficial in that it it’s packed with good bacteria that supports a healthy gut microbiome by balancing bacteria — aiding digestion and contributing to a stronger immune system in the process.

Bone Broth

Foods rich in collagen, such as bone broth, support gut health by healing the gut lining and benefitting the gut microbiome. Bone broth is also a source of gelatin, glutamine, and other amino acids that help reduce gut inflammation and support nutrient absorption. Plus, it’s delicious, versatile, and super simple to add to your day.

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Need some interior inspo? We take you inside an exquisite home in south-east Melbourne

This sensitively designed family home in south-east Melbourne is a masterclass in contrast, as Leeton Pointon Architects and CJH Studio balance pragmatism and playfulness with expert finesse.

Luna House is a home that doesn’t simply sit within its suburban streetscape; it emerges from it, sculptural and assured. Conceived by Leeton Pointon Architects, this Melbourne residence is a masterclass in both contrast and cohesion, where fluidity meets form, and texture and materiality combine to create a sanctuary of quiet drama.

Upon arrival, the absence of a front fence signals a departure from convention. The home engages with its surroundings rather than retreating from them, framed by a lush, layered landscape that feels more like a backdrop than a boundary. The structure beyond is a monolithic yet organic form, its curved surfaces and softened edges giving the impression of something naturally formed rather than carefully constructed. 

“…its curved surfaces and softened edges give the impression of something naturally formed rather than carefully constructed.” 

Puffball room divider & wall sconce by Matter Made from Simon James

Inside, this sense of harmony continues. There are no rigid delineations, and no abrupt transitions between spaces. Instead, zones unfold with a measured rhythm, guided by light, shifts in texture, and carefully conceived sightlines. A double-height void anchors the home, the sculptural staircase within both functional and poetic. Below, the social heart of the house flows seamlessly between living, dining, and outdoor spaces — the latter an extension of the home rather than an afterthought. Above, private retreats are thoughtfully zoned, separating parent’s and children’s areas to allow for both solitude and connection.

Indochine armchair by Cassina from Matisse
Left: Ruché bed from Ligne Roset, Cylinder Swing Arm wall light by Apparatus from ECC

Materiality is central to Luna House’s quiet grandeur. Walls of polished plaster curve and envelope, changing as the light does. A natural oxide render cloaks the exterior — its evolving patina lending the home an ever-changing depth. In the kitchen, a striking stone table anchors the space with a raw, tactile presence, its edges softened in deference to the home’s overarching language of curves and contours. Throughout, timber, linen, and handcrafted finishes temper the architectural boldness with warmth and intimacy.

“Luna House is an exploration of contrasts — softness and solidity, enclosure and openness, precision and playfulness.”

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the design — not as an overt statement, but as an inherent philosophy. Recycled materials from the site’s original structure find new purpose, while passive ventilation, thermal insulation, and concealed solar panels ensure the home is as considered in its function as it is in its form. Light, too, is a material here — dappled through sheer linen drapes, filtering through twig-screened apertures, shifting with the day to create an ever-changing ambience.

Tobi-Ishi coffee table by B&B Italia from Matisse

Furnishings, curated with a playful sophistication, echo the home’s sculptural essence. A Faye Toogood Puffball lamp stands as an artful punctuation in the hallway, while a pink onyx basin turns the act of washing your hands into a moment of quiet indulgence. In the living spaces, Cassina Indochine chairs and a Baxter sofa lend a sense of effortless luxury, reinforcing the home’s ethos — refined, yet inviting.

Luna House is an exploration of contrasts — softness and solidity, enclosure and openness, precision and playfulness. It’s a home that centralises the lives of its inhabitants, offering them not just shelter, but a place to explore, gather, and to simply be.

Get The Look
Valais swivel chair by Timothy Oulton from Dawson & Co.
Ceramique lamp by Flos from ECC
Lovett armchair by Soho Home from Design Central 
Taper bowl by Audo Copenhagen from Tim Webber
Soda square table by Miniforms from Matisse
Loai armchair by Poliform from Studio Italia
Plumy seating from Ligne Roset

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Mensa is the vibrant new eatery filling the Williams-sized void in our lives (and weekly dining agenda)

When Williams quietly closed its doors earlier this year, the absence was immediately felt — particularly on weekends, when its sunny corner spot would draw a lively crowd for brunch, lunch, afternoon drinks, and catch-ups over coffee. Now, a new arrival is set to fill the void. Enter: Mensa — a modern, Mediterranean-inspired eatery open seven days, set to breathe new life into the Wynyard Quarter corner of the waterfront.

The view from Mensa

Located on the ground floor of a newly completed building designed by Warren & Mahoney Architects, Mensa sits in one of the Quarter’s most enviable positions — with wraparound harbour views and a clear ambition to be more than just a café. Taking its name from the Latin word for ‘table’, Mensa is built on the idea of shared connection — a place where food brings people together and community is at the core.

Overnight-soaked porridge with steel cut oats, poached fruit, culture cream

Led by a seasoned hospitality team and backed by the Woozoo Group, Mensa’s offering is warm, thoughtful, and refreshingly unfussy. The all-day menu, designed by Reginaldo Richard (of Honey Bones, Williams, and Odettes fame), draws inspiration from the vibrancy of the Mediterranean, with classic dishes given a bright, contemporary spin.

French toast with poached pear with almond crisp, caramel, crème fraise and creme anglaise

As such, the menu boasts the likes of green falafel with garlic tahini, spiced eggplant, and pickled daikon, and decadent brioche French toast layered with poached pear, almond crisp and crème anglaise. Freshly made Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas are also a drawcard — perfect for a casual weekend lunch with friends or a grab-and-go option on the move.

left: Crisp pork hock toast with green paprika, poached egg, spiced seeds. Right: Sourdough Pizza with Potato, mozzarella, rosemary oil, herbs

Alongside a slick Allpress coffee setup, a small but curated list of local wines and beers is set to follow, creating space for relaxed afternoon drinks as the sun sinks behind the skyline.

With a strong sense of purpose and a palpable generosity of spirit, Mensa is here to restore the rhythm of weekend mornings and midweek catch-ups — and to become a cherished fixture of the waterfront that ticks all of the boxes.

Opening Hours:
Monday — Friday, 7am until 3pm

Saturday & Sunday, 8am until 3pm

instagram.com/mensa_wynyard

Mensa

Ground floor, Beca
124 Halsey Street
Auckland

Gastronomy

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