@olivecooke

Discover the holistic facial treatment you should be booking

Founded by holistic facialist Rachel Jackson, Rae blends sculpting massage, lymphatic drainage, and breathwork to refresh both skin and spirit. This spring, Rae’s signature treatment helps ease tension, boost glow and leave you feeling lighter, calmer and reconnected.

Rachel Jackson, founder of Rae

How does your signature treatment support a spring reset?

After a Rae signature sculpting treatment comes a feeling of lightness and rejuvenation — easing tension in the facial muscles, tissues and fascia. The blend of breathwork, lymphatic drainage, sculpting, and buccal massage clears stagnation, reduces puffiness and reconnects you to yourself, helping release winter’s built-up stress and restore flow, glow and balance.

Why do you feel this treatment or ritual is particularly suited to spring — are there physical or emotional benefits that come to the forefront at this time of year?

This treatment supports both physical and emotional reset — detoxifying the skin, releasing facial tension, and boosting circulation, while also calming the nervous system. When your body rests and resets, it naturally shows in your skin.

How do you tailor this experience to each client — what intuitive or technical steps guide you during the treatment?

Before each treatment, I consult with clients to understand their unique needs and tailor the session accordingly — adjusting techniques or focus areas as needed. During the treatment, I also “listen” to the body, sensing tension and blockages to help release what’s been held.

Are there any ingredients, tools, or techniques involved that are especially grounding, clarifying, or seasonally supportive?

I use beautiful natural facial oils like Sans [ceuticals], Milou, and Living Libations Seabuckthorn — calming, hydrating, and perfect for reviving the skin. Buccal massage helps release deep jaw tension, especially for TMJ or clenching, easing both physical and emotional stress. Regular lymphatic drainage also supports reducing puffiness and stagnation, and is a grounding practice you can continue at home.

What kind of shifts do clients tend to notice after the treatment?

Clients often say, “My skin felt amazing afterwards,” with reduced puffiness, smoother fine lines, and improved facial tone and jawline clarity. Many also feel deeply relaxed — some even fall asleep — and notice better sleep afterward. It’s a unique, renewing experience for each person.

What makes your space and your work feel different from a traditional facialist or skin clinic experience?

I’ve tried to create a safe, comfortable and soothing environment to signal to the nervous system that it can chill. It’s not a clinical space but one you can show up as your authentic self with no judgement and just be. The goal is relaxation and rejuvenation here and everyone is welcome.

raeface.co.nz

Wellbeing

Peptides are flooding your feed, but is your body actually ready for them?
Cora Studio: Setting the standard for modern wellness
When 100% of users reported instantly plumper skin, we had to try it for ourselves
Bibi, D.R.A.G (Dressed Resembling a God) & The Nutcracker

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

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.

South Korean singer Bibi

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.

Natasha Wright — Main Character

When & Where: Wednesday 15th October — Sunday 9th November, Sanderson

Sanderson presents Main Character, a new exhibition by New York–based New Zealand artist Natasha Wright. Known for her vivid, neo-expressionist canvases, Wright fuses figuration and abstraction to reframe the portrayal of women. Her layered works blur sensuality and strength, challenging conventional ideas of femininity with bold colour, confident line work, and an instinctively contemporary voice.

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, Designer Garth Badger of Chop Shop / Coffee Table and Lamp

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.

Bellevue by Michael McHugh, 1520 x 1520mm, Acrylic on Canvas, Framed

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: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children

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.

Culture

Denizen’s April culture guide: Everything to see, do and book tickets to this month
What to watch next: The addictive new series to have on your radar this April
Jon Tootill’s exhibition distils the rhythms of Aotearoa into form and colour
Chul's | Korean

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

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.

Yukhoe Bibimbap, beef tartare rice bowl
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

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you

Soul Bar & Bistro is painting Viaduct Harbour red for Campari Month

From now until the end of September, Soul Bar & Bistro is painting the Viaduct red with a month-long celebration of Campari, the world’s most iconic aperitif. For four weeks straight, the waterfront favourite will be serving up a menu of bold, bittersweet cocktails and dishes designed to showcase Campari in all its vibrant glory.

Soul Bar & Bistro

Expect to find classics with a twist, from juicy, cloud-like Garibaldis to perfectly balanced Negronis, alongside more playful creations, like the Soulbird, a tiki-style escape tempered with Campari’s trademark bite, or the decadent Black Forest, which layers vodka, cacao, and raspberry jam into dessert-in-a-glass. For something floral and refined, the Bitter Rose brings a delicate blend of amaros and fruit, while even the sober-curious can join the party with non-alc sips like the Nogroni and Coral Kiss.

Left: SOULbird. Right: Classic negroni

Campari Month isn’t just about cocktails, either. On the food front, Soul is dishing up Negroni rigatoni (with or without prawns), plus a silky orange blossom panna cotta crowned with Campari jelly in the perfect bittersweet finale. Add to that a series of special events, from an intimate Campari Masterclasses (15th October) to a lavish Campari Long Lunch (18th October), and there are plenty of reasons to get involved.

And in true Soul style, there’s purpose behind the pleasure: for every Negroni ordered, $1 goes to Negroni Week in support of the Slow Food Movement. So raise a glass, savour the season, and let Campari Month carry you into spring.

When: Every day from now until Sunday, 19th October

soulbar.co.nz

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you

Turns out the benefits of folic acid extend beyond pregnancy — here’s why you might want to consider supplementing

Folic acid has long been framed as a ‘pregnancy vitamin,’ prescribed for its well-documented role in foetal development. But to pigeonhole it solely in that space is to miss the breadth of its benefits — ones that extend far beyond the maternity ward and into everyday wellbeing.

At its core, folic acid (the synthetic form of folate, or vitamin B9) is an unsung multitasker. It’s essential for DNA synthesis and cell repair, meaning it underpins everything from skin renewal to hair growth. For those concerned with ageing gracefully (aren’t we all?), it quietly supports cardiovascular health by helping regulate homocysteine levels — an amino acid linked to heart disease when elevated. It’s also been linked to improved brain function, with emerging research suggesting that adequate folate levels may help slow cognitive decline and support mental clarity as we age.

Energy is another area where folic acid has an influence. By aiding in the production of red blood cells, it supports oxygen transport throughout the body, staving off fatigue and boosting overall vitality. Athletes, frequent travellers, or anyone balancing high-demand schedules may notice the difference that optimal folate levels can make.

While leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains offer natural sources, supplementation provides an easy, consistent way to ensure the body’s needs are met — especially in times of stress.

The upshot is that folic acid isn’t just for expectant mothers. It’s an often-overlooked cornerstone of long-term health, one that bolsters the body’s most fundamental functions, making it a supplement worth considering for anyone invested in resilience, energy, and longevity.

Wellbeing

Peptides are flooding your feed, but is your body actually ready for them?
Cora Studio: Setting the standard for modern wellness
When 100% of users reported instantly plumper skin, we had to try it for ourselves

Meet Water Boy — the laid-back new beachfront local in the heart of St Heliers

The essence of a good pub goes well beyond what’s on the plates or poured into the glasses. It’s about how you feel when you step through the doors, and for partners Patrick Kean and Victoria Blake, the duo behind Remuera favourite The Corner, that feeling is everything. Their new venture, Water Boy, set right on the water in St Heliers, has been designed around that sense — imagined as a laid-back spot that locals and those coming from further afield can step into and instantly feel at ease.

Kean is no stranger to hospitality, not only thanks to the past decade he’s spent building The Corner, but the decades prior, watching his father’s flourishing career in the brewing industry; his grandfather’s before that, and the time he spent working in pubs and food and beverage sales thereafter. “The idea was to take everything we’ve learned so far, and create a modern seaside pub,” he tells me. “We wanted Water Boy to be relaxed, approachable, and full of energy — somewhere locals could treat as an extension of their living room.”

When it came to choosing a destination, St Heliers felt like a natural fit. This was not only down to the fact that both Kean and Blake’s families have lived in the neighbourhood for decades, but because the village feel and proximity to the water lent itself to the overall vibe the pair were seeking to cultivate. “It was an obvious choice, right on the beach, where people can stroll in after a swim or a walk with their dog, grab a drink, and feel at home,” says Kean.

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET BITES

The space plays perfectly into this ethos, designed by the experts at CTRL Space. The interiors lean light, bright, and breezy, opening out to the water and creating a place that’s distinctly beachside, but never precious. “The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, very much a locals’ pub by the sea,” says Kean. “You’ll see sports on the screens, groups of mates hanging out, families sharing pizzas, and neighbours dropping in after a beach walk with their dogs. We want it to feel easy, inclusive, and distinctly part of the community.” From what we’ve seen, it’s set to deliver on all fronts.

FRESH PACIFIC OYSTERS

Hospitality heavyweights Benny Lee and Jono Lewington have been brought on to round out the offering — Lee leading with a drinks list that balances easy tap beers with cocktails that “feel a little bit special without being fussy” according to Kean, and Lewington (formerly of Barulho) crafting a food menu that’s approachable but quality-driven. Think oysters, pizzas, pub staples, and seasonal plates with a coastal sensibility, with the likes of smoked beef brisket bites and kingfish tiradito amongst the standouts. “Food is at the heart of what we do,” Kean explains. “We wanted [the menu] to work whether you’re coming in for a bite with friends, celebrating with a group, or grabbing something easy with the family.”

Drawing on the breezy yet elevated nature of Sydney and Melbourne’s easy-going pub culture, Water Boy is as much about community as it is about great food and drink. With a local focus and universal appeal, it’s an extension of Kean and Blake’s hospitality philosophy: to create venues that feel personal, familiar, and easy to return to — again and again.

Opening Hours:
12pm — late, Monday — Sunday

waterboystheliers.co.nz

Water Boy

413 Tamaki Drive,
St Heliers,
Auckland

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you
Mitch Orr

Lauded Australian chef Mitch Orr is in town for a one-night-only event, and we’ve got a table up for grabs

On October 15th, Bivacco plays host to one of Sydney’s most exciting culinary voices, Mitch Orr, for a one-night-only dinner presented by Penfolds. Celebrated for infusing Japanese and South Asian flavours into Italian foundations, Orr will bring his irreverent, flavour-first style to Auckland for the very first time, and we’ve got a table for four up for grabs.

The evening features four imaginative courses, each paired with a Penfolds pour, from Champagne Brut Cuvée to the legendary Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon. The menu is yet to be revealed, but given Orr’s pedigree, it will be a feast to remember. To win a table for four (valued at $660) and experience this rare culinary collaboration, enter below.

Win a table to Penfolds one night only culinary event with Mitch Orr
Be in to win a table for you and three of your friends to a night of culinary exploration and fantastic flavours at Bivacco, as Penfolds presents award winning chef Mitch Orr, worth — $660.
Taking place at Bivacco on Wednesday the 15th of Oct at 7pm, this almost sold out event is not to be missed.

Entries close Monday, 6th October 2025 at 10:00am.

The winner will be contacted privately via email. The prize must be redeemed at 7.00 pm Wednesday, 15 October 2025, at Bivacco, Auckland and cannot be exchanged for cash. The winner and their guests must be 18 years and over and are responsible for arranging transport to and from the venue.

Full Terms & Conditions apply.
Name
Date of Birth
Age Declaration
Newsletter Opt In
Terms & Conditions

savor.co.nz/mitch-orr

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you
Lonsdale Olive Floor Rug from Baya

Baya’s new collection brings enduring design to the fore — these are our editors’ picks

With each new release, Baya refines the language of living, elevating soft furnishings from final details to foundational elements of a well-designed space. The luxury textile brand’s Summer 2025/26 collection (which launches this month) continues this evolution with quiet confidence, presenting a study in texture, tone, and form that invites spaces to feel both grounded and alive.

Baya’s head designer Hannah Middleton leads with restraint and intention, focusing on material integrity, sculptural silhouettes, and enduring palettes that reject the transience of trend. This season, wool, linen, cotton, and velvet once again form the foundation, celebrated not just for their tactility and durability, but for their capacity to bring depth and resonance to contemporary interiors.

The season’s palette is intentionally muted, designed to foster a sense of restoration. Deep greens, soft browns, and pale blues are punctuated by chestnut pink, a gentle counterpoint that lifts without overwhelming. “These colours work best when paired with natural textures like wool, timber, and ceramic,” notes Middleton, emphasising the sensory impact of immersion.

Beyond the interior, Baya’s outdoor collection continues to expand with pieces entirely made from recycled PET. Durable yet decadent, these cushions and rugs are designed with the same aesthetic integrity as their indoor counterparts, bringing a sense of ease and intention to open-air living.

Here, we share our editors’ picks from the collection, as well as a few updated pieces that have our attention, all of which have the capacity to transform a space.

Marlow Wine floor rug from Baya

01. Marlow Rug

Anchoring the Summer 2025/26 collection is the Marlow rug, a striking introduction to Baya’s growing design lexicon. Its architectural profile and interplay of clay-pink loops against burgundy cut pile create a dialogue between softness and structure, crafted entirely from New Zealand wool.

Sandringham Rug in Rosewood from Baya

02. Sandringham Rug

This season, the much-loved Sandringham rug returns in new hues of Aquamarine and Rosewood, expanding the palette with rich washes of colour that subtly soften the brand’s earth-driven aesthetic.

03. Elliot Bolster & 04. Edward Cushion

The introduction of two new cushion formats — Elliot, a bolster, and Edward, a boxed design, underscores Baya’s commitment to comfort as an art form. Rendered in decadent velvet tones of chocolate and thyme green, each piece is detailed with striped linen gussets, bringing layered contrast and a subtle architectural edge to familiar forms.

Lonsdale Olive Floor Rug from Baya

05. Lonsdale Rug

Woven from recycled PET fibres, the Lonsdale rug (a favourite of Baya designer Hannah Middleton) lends durability and warmth to outdoor spaces. Available in cumin, eucalyptus, or olive, its contemporary yet timeless flatweave design is crafted from 450 saved plastic bottles. This season, a new 300×400 size offers an expansive foundation for larger settings.

Rhodes Teak Floor Rug from Baya

06. Rhodes Rug

In mottled slate or teak, the Rhodes rug brings soft texture and casual ease with its handwoven PET yarn and relaxed fringe. Repurposing 759 bottles, it’s both resilient and refined — now offered in a generous 300×400 size to suit larger living or entertaining zones.

As always, Baya’s summer edit continues the brand’s quiet progression. Centred on rigorous design and crafted for the rhythm of everyday life, the collection reaffirms Baya’s place at the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary expression.

bayaliving.com

Design

The Easter table worth lingering over, and how to set one your guests won’t forget
Poliform’s Owen armchair makes a case for sculptural comfort
Arthur Casas, Su Casa: Inside the iconic architect’s own apartment
Tom Dixon Bell Portable Lamp from ECC

Don’t miss your chance to shop up to 40% off all portable lamps at ECC — these are our sale picks

For design purists, cordless lamps hold their own aesthetic power by removing the visual clutter of wires, and allowing the space for creativity to flourish. With ECC’s current sale offering up to 40% off all portable lamps, now is the perfect time to invest in a piece that feels as functional as it is beautiful.

Here, we’ve rounded up our top picks from the sale, from sleek, sculptural lamps that double as design statements to practical companions for everyday use.

Tom Dixon Stone Portable lamp from ECC
Marset Bicoca lamp from ECC
Ambientec Turn Lamp from ECC
Bocci 14P Lamp from ECC
Tom Dixon Bell Portable Lamp from ECC
Royal Bontania Ropy lamp from ECC
Flos Bon jour unplugged lamp from ECC
Bover Tanit M/29/R lamp from ECC
Tom Dixon Melt Portable lamp from ECC

ecc.co.nz

Design

The Easter table worth lingering over, and how to set one your guests won’t forget
Poliform’s Owen armchair makes a case for sculptural comfort
Arthur Casas, Su Casa: Inside the iconic architect’s own apartment
Left to right: Metita, Masu, Cassia

SkyCity’s Served is making a welcome return, presenting a culinary trip around the world

SkyCity has long been known for its unique ability to cater to any kind of occasion, so diverse is the precinct’s array of award-winning eateries. The dazzling dining experiences at SkyCity run the gamut of cuisines, while the many vibrant venues ensure there’s something for everyone — and this October and November, the destination’s culinary celebration, Served, returns for its second series.

Bolder and more flavour-packed than ever, Served spotlights SkyCity’s acclaimed dining precinct and chef talent with two months of bespoke menus, special events, and unmissable experiences. The 2025 programme launches with SkyCity’s first-ever progressive dinner, an exclusive evening that will see Masu, Metita and Cassia close their doors to the public for one night only. Guests will embark on a culinary tour hosted by Nic Watt, Michael Meredith and Sid Sahrawat, with industry names Chand Sahrawat, Kelli Brett and Nicola Chan leading each group through this extraordinary dining journey.

Throughout the series, each restaurant will showcase what it does best with unique menus and offers that speak to its culinary identity. Cassia will present a Diwali menu in celebration of the festival of lights, while Metita revisits its most iconic snacks for a flavourful Pacific journey. The Grill is championing a five-course beef menu that celebrates the skill of its chefs and the craftsmanship of its artisan suppliers. With further highlights to come — including a special collaboration for Metita’s second birthday and a Huami x Perrier-Jouët Garden celebration in November — Served promises an unforgettable season of dining at SkyCity.

SkyCity Served
Exclusive Events

Sid Sahrawat for Cassia

Served Culinary Tour

When: Tuesday, 30th September$195pp — book now

Three restaurants, three chefs, three unforgettable courses. Travel from Japan at Masu, across the Pacific at Metita, and into India at Cassia on a hosted progressive dinner. With premium wine pairings and personal hosting from Nic Watt, Michael Meredith, and Sid Sahrawat, this one-night-only event is the ultimate dining adventure.

Al Brown’s Down and Dirty “Dego” at Fed Deli

When: Tuesday, 21st October$90pp — book now

Get ready for a gritty, flavour-packed night as Al Brown serves up New York soul with a Kiwi twist. Expect bold flavours, cult classics, and plenty of personality in this one-off set menu with beverage matches.

Nic Watt for Masu

Issho Ni — Masu x Tunki

When: Thursday 9th October, 6pm$168 pp — book now

One night. Two chefs. Five courses of fire. Krish Dutt reunites with Nic Watt to create a Japanese–Nikkei collaboration bursting with energy, heat, and flavour. A rare opportunity to experience two culinary talents pushing the boundaries together.

The Grill: Wild at Heart with Torbreck Wines

When: Tuesday, 28th October, 6pm$250pp — book now

A feast for serious food and wine lovers. The Grill’s nose-to-tail menu meets the bold flavours of Barossa Valley’s Torbreck Wines, guided by winemaker Sacha Timaeus. An evening of trans-Tasman excellence showcasing the best of Aotearoa produce and Australia’s iconic reds.

Huami

The Champagne Garden Perrier-Jouët x Huami

When: Details to be announced!

Celebrate the season in style with an elegant afternoon in the Huami Garden. Perrier-Jouët Champagne flows alongside delicate dim sum bites in a sparkling floral setting. Full details coming soon.

Metita Turns Two

When: Details to be announced!

Join Michael Meredith and the team at Metita for a special evening honouring Pacific flavours, community, and connection. Expect a collaborative menu and celebratory atmosphere, with more details to be revealed.

SkyCity Served
Exclusive Offers

Cassia

Cassia

Offer: Biryani Thursdays (must be pre-ordered 48 hours in advance) for $49pp — book now.
When: Thursdays, 5pm — 9.30pm

An elevated take on a timeless favourite. Enjoy chicken biryani served in a clay pot with your choice of three sides — perfect for two to share. Available Thursday evenings only.

Offer:  A festival of flavour for $95pp — book now
When: Tuesday — Saturday, 5pm — 9.30pm

Celebrate Diwali at Cassia with a vibrant menu that reimagines festival favourites. Designed for sharing, this feast brings family and friends together over aromatic snacks and Sid Sahrawat’s contemporary interpretations of India’s most beloved traditions.

Metita

Metita

Offer: An exploration of the Pacific for $83pp — book now
When: Tuesday — Saturday, from 5pm

Journey through the Pacific with Michael Meredith’s flavour-packed menu. Begin with iconic Metita snacks, move through fresh dishes like kingfish with mandarin and okra, and share hearty mains from roasted chicken to crispy pork hock. A Pasifik koko dessert completes this island-inspired experience.

The Grill

The Grill

Offer: Five-course set menu for $95pp — book now
When: Sunday — Thursday, 5pm — 9.30pm, Friday & Saturday, 5pm — 10pm

Discover a nose-to-tail celebration of sustainably farmed beef from Mapari Meats. This five-course menu champions local craftsmanship, from rump tartartlette and oxtail ragù to grilled oyster blade steak, finishing with a decadent chocolate dessert elevated by beef fat caramel.

Masu

Masu

Offer: Three-course set menu for $77 — book now
When: Monday — Sunday, from 5pm

Experience the freshness of spring with Masu’s seasonal menu. Highlights include sashimi with yuzu granita, udon with dashi beurre blanc, and a flame-grilled wagyu skewer from the robata — each dish crafted with Nic Watt’s signature precision and flair.

Huami

Huami

Offer: Three-course set menu for $70 — book now
When: Wednesday — Sunday, 5.30pm — 9.30pm

Step through Huami’s red doors for a modern journey through China’s regional cuisines. From fruit wood roasted duck with Australian mango to Mānuka honey black pepper beef and ginger-scented steamed fish, this sharing-style feast finishes with your choice of dessert.

Fed Deli

Fed Deli

Offer: A classic match with complimentary sides — book now
When:  Weekdays from 11.30am, Saturday — Sunday all day

Straight from NYC to Federal Street, Fed is bringing the diner nostalgia. Tuck into chopped cheese sandwiches served with a side of cherry pie, and score a free side with any Coca-Cola classic drink purchase. No frills, just comfort done right.

Depot

Depot

Offer: Oysters your way — book now
When:  Lunch and dinner daily from 11.30am

From freshly shucked to flame-licked, Depot is serving oysters every which way. Go classic with a Depot Doz, or mix it up with Buffalo Oysters, Kilpatrick style, or Bloody Mary shooters.

Cocktail Specials

Offer: $18 cocktails
Where: Fed Deli, Depot, Masu, Metita, Cassia, Huami, Andy’s, SkyBar, The Grill, Flare

Shaken, stirred, or spritzed, find your flavour across SkyCity venues with $18 cocktails, thanks to Suntory. From bold twists to refined classics, each pour is inspired by international flavours and crafted to sip with a story.

servedbyskycity.co.nz

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant
This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away
The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you