The Grill

We present Denizen’s definitive guide to Father’s Day dining

Words Sjaan Askwith | 20 Aug 2025

It’s universally known that the way to a man’s heart is often through his stomach — and on Father’s Day, a meal shared is not only the perfect gift, but the perfect way to spend some quality time connecting with our beloved dads.

This year, there is a number of exciting (and very tasty) happens sure to make Dad feel special — from special set menus to bespoke dishes and flavourful feasts galore. Or, keep it simple and head to Dad’s go-to haunt. Either way, you’ll be putting your siblings (and their yearly sock bouquet) to shame.

The Best of Father’s Day Dining

Jervois Steak House

This Father’s Day, JSH is opening its doors for Sunday lunch (between 12—4pm) with a special offering worth treating dad to. Enjoy a two-course set menu of seasonal dishes, premium cuts, and a signature side for $79pp, or explore the full à la carte menu. A kids menu is also available, making it the perfect way to share a memorable meal with the whole family.

Book here.

Gilt

This Father’s Day, Gilt invites you to enjoy a lunch made for lingering. Enjoy the full à la carte menu alongside indulgent classics crafted for the occasion — from fruits de mer tartare and old-school prawn cocktails to Harmony pork rack and warm steamed pudding. Thoughtful, delicious, and just the right amount of indulgent, it’s the perfect excuse to forget the socks and give Dad something he truly wants.

Book here.

Azabu

Celebrate Dad with Azabu’s one-day-only Father’s Day Platter ($150 for two), featuring sashimi, wagyu tartare on crispy rice, popcorn shrimp tempura, yakiniku beef fillet, and more. Available at both Ponsonby and Mission Bay. Plus, if you dine at any of Savor’s Japanese venues, you’ll also go in the draw to win a foodie escape to Tokyo.

Book here for Ponsonby.
Book here for Mission Bay.

Soul Bar & Bistro

This Father’s Day, Soul has a three-course set menu feast worthy of any deserving dad. From tuna tartare and prawn & saffron casarecce to Speckle Park sirloin and indulgent chocolate Irish coffee, the menu is packed with flavour and a few treats he definitely won’t cook at home. Available all day for $55pp, with a kids’ menu and full à la carte also on offer. Bookings essential.

Book here.

Masu

This Father’s Day at Masu, celebrate Dad with a Japanese feast featuring all his favourites. Enjoy fresh sashimi, tsukune sliders, South Waikato lamb cutlets, and Kagoshima wagyu beef — a dinner that’s as generous in flavour as it is in thought.

Book here.

Ebisu

This Father’s Day, Ebisu is serving up something truly special. Across the weekend, the ever-popular Oki No sushi feast takes centre stage — an abundant spread designed to spoil Dad. Think endless sashimi and freshly rolled sushi, alongside rotating hot dishes, a live noodle station, and decadent desserts to finish. Available for lunch on both Saturday and Sunday, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate Dad.

Book here.

The Grill

At The Grill, you’ll find a dinner truly deserving of the occasion. Enjoy the eatery’s signature Beef Wellington, expertly crafted and served with two sides of your choice, finished with a rich red wine jus. Pre-order by 31st August for a special price of $150 — the best way to spoil the old boy this Father’s Day.

Book here.

The Lodge’s 28-day dry aged NY strip, steak jus, confit garlic

The Lodge Bar & Dining

This Father’s Day, make it a celebration to remember at The Lodge Bar. Enjoy a leisurely lunch with wine or a relaxed dinner with a view, all from the delcious à la carte menu. Savour each dish, soak up the surroundings, and spend the day in good company — exactly what Dad deserves.

Book here.

Bivacco

Treat Dad to Bivacco’s Raw & Roast feast — endless plates of succulent roasts with all the trimmings, fresh pizza, pasta, and antipasti to start. Go big with the new Raw Seafood Platter, and toast the occasion with $10 Peroni, $15 cocktails, or $65 bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus. Salut.

Book here.

Huami

Celebrate Father’s Day with a yum cha lunch at Huami. Enjoy signature dim sums, from steamed prawn and squid ink dumplings to Peking duck pancakes and wok-fried dishes, for an authentic family feast. Mention Father’s Day when booking, and Dad will receive a complimentary sample dish from the chef, too!

Book here.

Esther

The father of all roasts is back this Father’s Day. Esther’s Mediterranean twist on the classic Sunday roast brings slow-roasted Speckle Park rib-eye, duck-fat roast potatoes, char-grilled leeks with pistachio pesto, and Grandma’s carrots to the table. Finish with a Yorkshire soufflé with rhubarb strawberry compote and Chantilly, all for just $49pp (with $10 beers).

Book here.

Onslow

Celebrate Father’s Day at Onslow with a specially curated four-course Long Lunch. From 11.30am–3.30pm, savour seasonal flavours and generous portions, from Bluff pāua and Venison Wellington to warm Sticky Date Pudding. At $125 per person, it’s the perfect way to slow down, raise a glass, and enjoy a memorable Sunday together.

Book here.

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Savor Festival is back — and we have everything you need to know to enjoy this unmissable culinary event

Words Sjaan Askwith | 20 Aug 2025

There’s a culinary extravaganza that’s impossible to overlook this spring, with over 80 sensational events unfolding across 60 days at 16 of Auckland’s premier venues. Whether you’re a devoted foodie or simply keen to make the most of the season, Savor Festival promises something for every appetite — from relaxed daytime lunches to elevated dinners.

Expect show-stopping events like Wagyu soirées at Ebisu, Aperol-fueled Ladies’ Lunches at Bivacco, and Campari-charged Italian Long Lunches at Non Solo Pizza.

You’ll also find a host of irresistible offers across the festival, with $35 two-course lunches and $55 dinners, available at standout spots like Bivacco, Ortolana, Ebisu, Non Solo Pizza, and Azabu Ponsonby, and Azabu Mission Bay. Whether you’re looking for an easy mid-week bite or a decadent night out, there’s a flavour experience to match every mood, complete with festival menus, specialty cocktails, beer deals, and more.

Savor’s spring food festival promises to surprise, delight and captivate this spring, and throughout the season, consider Denizen your go-to resource for what’s on and when. Below is a snapshot of what’s to come, including a few unmissable events we suggest securing your tickets to, stat, before they sell out.

Sip & Savor

When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from now till the 28th of September
Where: Azabu Ponsonby & Azabu Mission Bay

Join Azabu for a bottomless experience like no other. Come for the flavour-forward Japanese-Peruvian set menu, stay for the vibey atmosphere and bottomless Suntory cocktails. Enjoy a carefully curated selection of signature dishes — from delicate sashimi to succulent grilled meats — paired with bottomless Japanese-inspired cocktails, Asahi beer, or a new favourite non-alcoholic creation from Barnes & Brown.

Book here for Azabu Ponsonby.
Book here for Azabu Mission Bay.

Cork & Fork

When: Tuesdays — Saturdays from 5pm — 9.30pm, from now till the 12th October
Where: Ortolana

Join Ortolana for Cork and Fork, a mid-week celebration of community and local produce. This is true farm-to-table dining, with a seasonal menu crafted from nearby growers. Bring your own bottle for just $15 corkage, and pair it with your favourites (or discover something new) to create an Ortolana experience that’s entirely your own.

Book here.

Aperol Ladies Lunch

When: Monday — Saturday, from now till 12th October
Where: Bivacco

Fancy a shopping spree worth over $2,500? Gather your friends and join Bivacco for the Aperol Ladies Lunch, where every booking gives you the chance to win one of four Superette shopping sprees. Enjoy a curated set menu of seasonal shared dishes, perfectly paired with refreshing Aperol cocktails. Vibrant flavours, flowing drinks, and a lively, social atmosphere make it the perfect indulgence — for birthdays, catch-ups, or simply a well-deserved evening of revelry.

Book here.

Oki No

When: Saturdays 11am — 4pm, 23rd August — 11th October
Where: Ebisu

Oki No Sushi Saturdays serve up an elevated Japanese-style buffet, offering endless fresh sushi, sashimi, and crisp salads. Guests can feast on market-fresh rolls, a noodle station with soba and poached prawn cocktails, a rotating selection of hot dishes including Big Glory Bay salmon, teriyaki roasted beef, and more, plus decadent desserts like Honey Coconut Custard and Chocolate Brownie.

Book here.

Long Lunch at NSP

When: Saturdays, 23rd August — 11th October
Where: Non Solo Pizza

Non Solo Pizza’s Italian Long Lunch is set to get a Campari twist every Saturday. Enjoy a three-course set menu of favourites like Burrata, Beef Carpaccio, and Roasted Market Fish for $55 per person, with the option to upgrade to bottomless Prosecco and Campari cocktails. Perfect for gathering friends and lingering over lunch in one of the city’s most beloved destinations.

Book here.

Sunday Feast at Non Solo Pizza

When: Sundays, 24th August — 12th October
Where: Non Solo Pizza

Non Solo Pizza’s Sunday Feast brings the spirit of Italy to the table with an abundant buffet of handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, seasonal salads, slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, and indulgent dolci. Perfect for groups and celebrations, it’s relaxed, joyful dining at its best — elevated with Campari cocktails, beers, and bubbles. $85 per person, and just $35 for children aged 5–12.

Book here.

Raw & Roast

When: Sundays, 24th August — 12th October
Where: Bivacco

Bivacco’s Raw & Roast Sundays bring indulgence to the table with generous stations of roast meats, seafood, seasonal salads, woodfired pizza, and pasta served straight from the parmesan wheel. Add a Raw Seafood Platter brimming with oysters, clams, and crudo for just $25 per person, and enjoy bottles of Cloudy Bay Pelorus for $65. At $85 per person (half price for children), it’s a Sunday ritual worth making time for.

Book here.

Penfolds Presents Mitch Orr: A Night of Culinary Exploration & Fantastic Flavours

When: Wednesday, 15th October
Where: Bivacco

For one night only, Bivacco welcomes Sydney’s acclaimed chef Mitch Orr — crowned the Josephine Pingnolet Young Chef of the Year and now culinary director of the soon-to-open 25hours in the Olympia Hotel in Sydney. With a career spanning celebrated kitchens including Acme and Kiln at Sydney’s Ace Hotel, Orr has built a reputation for bold, inventive cooking that redefines the boundaries of Italian cuisine.

Flying in exclusively for the Savor Festival, Orr will craft a one-off menu that showcases his signature flair, dishes layered with originality, and flavours designed to surprise and delight. This is a rare opportunity to experience the creativity of one of Australia’s most dynamic chefs, right here in Auckland. Tickets are limited for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of culinary innovation.

Book here.

Colin Fassnidge: A Night of Fire, Flavour & Fine Whisky

When: Wednesday, 24th September
Where: Bivacco

For one night only, celebrated chef Colin Fassnidge brings his bold, flame-grilled style to Bivacco in partnership with Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. Guests will enjoy a bespoke multi-course menu showcasing Fassnidge’s signature nose-to-tail cooking, paired with a curated selection of Glenfiddich expressions. Set on the waterfront, it promises an evening of exceptional food, premium whisky, and unforgettable hospitality.

Book here.

Wagyu Deluxe Dinner with Robert Mondavi Wines

When: October 1st
Where: Ebisu

Indulge in an exclusive Wagyu Deluxe Dinner on October 1st, paired with exceptional wines from California’s renowned Robert Mondavi Winery. Hosted by Anna Hine, the evening celebrates the richness of Australian and New Zealand Wagyu across five expertly crafted courses, each matched with a curated wine. Tickets are $165 per person, including a welcome Hennessy cocktail and four paired wines — a refined feast for lovers of bold flavours and fine dining.

Book here.

$35 Lunches & $55 Dinners

When: Available at select Savor venues from now until 12th October
Where: Bivacco, Non Solo Pizza, Ebisu, Ortolana, Azabu Ponsonby & Azabu Mission Bay

Celebrate the Savor Food Festival with a selection of familiar favourites and inventive new dishes at Bivacco, NSP, Ebisu, Ortolana, Azabu Ponsonby, Azabu Mission Bay.

Asahi, Peroni & Cocktail Specials at All Venues

When: Available at select Savor venues from now until 12th October
Where: Bivacco, Non Solo Pizza, Ebisu, Azabu Ponsonby, Azabu Mission Bay, Ortolana & Amano

And, if you want to get amongst the festival atmosphere on a whim, there are a number of enticing drinks deals running throughout at multiple venues, including $10 Asahi and Peroni, and $15 cocktails available across participating venues throughout the festival. Whether you’re lingering over lunch, toasting with friends, or winding down after a night of indulgence, these delicious deals make it easy to sip, savour, and soak up the vibrant Savor Festival atmosphere.

savor.co.nz

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How to integrate primary colours into your wardrobe

Words Sjaan Askwith | 19 Aug 2025

Primary colours (red, blue, and yellow, in case it’s been a while since your schooling days) are making a vibrant comeback, offering a refreshing departure from pastels and neutrals. These foundational hues inject energy and confidence into any wardrobe, whether you’re aiming for a statement look or a subtle pop of colour. Here, we look at how best to embrace these trending hues while still keeping things chic and considered.

Red.

To incorporate the boldest of the primary colours into your wardrobe, start small. Consider pairing a red tee, shirt, or jacket with casual jeans or shorts for a look that is equal parts casual and commanding. For a more daring ensemble, go top-to-toe, either with a dress or co-ord, creating a cohesive and striking ensemble. Red accessories, like a bright clutch, bag, sunglasses or shoes can also add a touch of flair to neutral looks, making them pop without overwhelming the outfit.

Yellow.

Yellow infuses outfits with an welcome hint of warmth and optimism. A richly saturated yellow bag or jacket can brighten up a simple jeans and white button-up shirt combination, adding a playful touch. Or, for a bolder approach, a yellow skirt or pair of pants combined with tailored pieces creates a striking contrast, making a statement without being too loud. Of course, butter is the colour of the moment, meaning that adding a yellow piece to your wardrobe has never been more accessible.

Blue.

Blue offers versatility and depth, making it a staple in any wardrobe. An oversized blue shirt paired with just about anything creates a breezy and sophisticated weekend look, or for something more polished, a bold blue dress can transition seamlessly from day to night (just swap our your flats for heels or boots). Or, if you really want to lean in, opt for a full blue ensemble — pairing denim with a pop of blue via a jacket, jersey, or tee, for a look that’s both chic and effortlessly cool.

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If you’re heading to New Zealand Fashion Week, consult our guide on where to eat, drink, stay, and play

Words Sjaan Askwith | 15 Aug 2025

As New Zealand Fashion Week sets the city abuzz from the 25th to the 31st of August, Auckland becomes a vibrant mecca, as the energy from the runway spills onto the bustling streets. In just 48 hours, you can immerse yourself in the city’s most chic corners, balancing shows with indulgent eats, luxe stays, and culture-rich diversions. Whether you’re here for the fashion, the creativity, or simply the vibe, this guide will help you make the most of your 2025 New Zealand Fashion Week.

Thursday 28th Aug.

1. The Hotel Britomart. 2. Kingi. 3. Karen Walker & Adidas show. 4. Soul Bar & Bistro

Ease into your itinerary with a late-afternoon check-in at The Hotel Britomart, where considered design sets the tone for the evening ahead. Sip a pre-show cocktail at Kingi — the perfect spot to watch the city hum — before making your way to the Karen Walker x Adidas runway at 6pm. When the final looks have cleared the catwalk, keep the night alive with a late dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro, where harbour views and a lively crowd make for the ideal post-show backdrop.

Friday 29th Aug.

1. Beyond the Runway Panel: Skin Deep Presented by Ready & Reset. 2. Amano. 3. Rebe Trunk Show. 4. Auckland Art Gallery. 5. Darling

Start the day immersed in ideas at the 8am Speaker Series, Skin Deep: How Wellness is Shaping the Fashion Culture, presented by Ready&Reset. From there, stroll to Amano for a leisurely brunch before heading up Queen Street, pausing to explore some of the city’s most coveted luxury fashion and jewellery houses. Your next stop is Hotel Indigo for the Rebe trunk show, followed by an afternoon at the Auckland Art Gallery. As the day winds down, enjoy a late lunch or early dinner at Darling, then cap it all off with an 8pm Into the Archives show (heading to Alma for a cocktail if you have it in you).

Saturday 30th Aug.

1. La Petite Fourchette. 2. DIVA exhibition at Auckland Museum. 3. First Mates, Last Laugh. 4. Greatest Hits – Volume 1: The Best Looks of NZFW 2025. 5. Queens

Start the day with a coffee and pastry from La Petite Fourchette in Wynyard Quarter, the perfect prelude to the 10am Walk the Line show. Still riding the creative high, head to the museum for the dazzling DIVA exhibition, where fashion and artistry collide. Take your time over a long lunch at First Mates, Last Laugh, then get ready for the evening’s highlight — Greatest Hits: Volume 1 – The Best Looks of NZFW 2025 at 7pm. End the night at Queens, where dinner comes with a side of late-night buzz and a cocktail (or two).

aucklandnz.com

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One year on, Hanoi Haven is serving up even more delectable reasons to visit

Words Sjaan Askwith | 15 Aug 2025

A year after first bringing its vibrant, French-inflected take on modern Vietnamese dining to Takapuna, Hanoi Haven has only deepened its appeal. With a menu refresh introducing inventive new plates alongside steadfast favourites, this is the perfect moment to revisit (or discover) what makes it such a local treasure.

For the purists, the signature Cha Ca La Vong remains a non-negotiable — market fish marinated with turmeric and galangal, served with rice noodles and fresh herbs in a dish that sings with bright, layered flavour. The much-loved Ba La Lot — chargrilled beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves served with vermicelli noodles, fresh salad and a tangy fish dipping sauce — is another Hanoi classic that never disappoints.

Among the new arrivals, the Crispy Pork Belly offers an irresistible interplay of golden crackling and tender meat, while the Five-Spice Roasted Duck Cascade brings slow-simmered depth to succulent slices of duck in a rich oyster-ginger sauce. The Contemporary Stuffed Squid, filled with pork, prawns, and mushrooms then caramel-glazed, delivers a textural thrill that’s pure culinary theatre.

To start, a Roasted Duck Salad — fresh, zesty, and just sweet enough with grapes and carrot pickles — is a standout, while the Chilli Margarita offers a perfect hit of heat to sip alongside.

From long-held signatures to bold new dishes, Hanoi Haven’s menu reflects the same qualities that have carried it through its first year: flavour, vibrancy, and a knack for transporting you straight to the streets of Vietnam (no passport required).

Denizen’s Favourite Dishes

Left: New Crispy Pork Belly. Right: Hanoi Haven’s signature Roasted duck salad

New Five-spice roasted duck cascade dish

Chilli Margarita, New Contemporary stuffed squid

hanoihaven.co.nz

Hanoi Haven

40 Hurstmere Road
Takapuna
Auckland
0622

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Give your home a tactile transformation with this striking Fioranese tile collection at Obery

Words Sjaan Askwith | 15 Aug 2025

Sometimes, it’s the smallest shift that leaves the most lasting impression. The I Variegati collection by Fioranese offers exactly that — a simple yet impactful way to give your home a tactile transformation. Here, Italy’s centuries-old terracotta tradition is reimagined through the lens of modern industrial innovation, creating a porcelain stoneware that’s as durable as it is beautiful.

FIORANESE, I VARIEGATI collection, colour Argilla

Inspired by the craftsmanship of Lombardia’s artisans, these tiles retain the distinctive streaks and tonal variations that make terracotta so enduringly captivating. The marble-like veining lends each surface a quietly decorative edge — never overpowering, always elegant — making them as suited to a serene kitchen backdrop as they are to a moody bathroom feature wall.

FIORANESE, I VARIEGATI collection, colour Cotto

FIORANESE, I VARIEGATI collection, colour Pece

Offered in a palette of timeless earthy shades — Avorio, Cipria, Cenere, Cotto, Argilla, and Pece — the collection invites you to layer warmth and texture into your interiors. Each hue works in harmony with both classic and contemporary styling, from pared-back minimalism to richly layered, heritage-inspired schemes.

FIORANESE | I VARIEGATI collection, colour Avorio

With their natural surface finish, these tiles are designed not just to be seen, but felt — the subtle undulations underfoot, the cool smoothness beneath your fingertips. It’s an understated luxury; a quiet conversation between past and present. And in bringing this material story into your home, you create a space that speaks with both history and modern confidence.

oberystudio.com

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Making a strong case for reinstating the working lunch, The Wine Room has unveiled an alluring new offering

Words Sjaan Askwith | 13 Aug 2025

At The Wine Room, even the midday meal is treated as a moment worth savouring. David Nash and Ryan Moore’s newly introduced Working Lunch makes a compelling case for elevating your next business meeting — proving that productivity and pleasure can share the same table.

For $55 per person, the format is deliciously simple: a bite to begin, a main to sustain, and a perfectly matched wine to tie it all together. In the spirit of efficiency, both wine and water arrive as soon as you’re seated, ensuring conversation flows without interruption. Mains are timed to your preference, creating space for both the exchange of ideas and the enjoyment of exceptional food.

While the menu is ever-changing, this week’s offers a considered pairing of comfort and craft. Think Truffle Bao — pillowy, fragrant, and irresistibly rich — followed by Cambridge Duck Leg with pumpkin seeds, nasturtium, and buttercup squash, a dish as textural as it is vibrant. To drink, you’ll be served a glass of 2023 Prophet’s Rock Home Vineyard, its layered depth and bright lift the perfect foil to the richness of the duck.

In true The Wine Room style, the menu shifts regularly, led by seasonality and availability, meaning no two working lunches need be the same. Whether sealing a deal, strategising the next big move, or simply carving out a civilised (or indulgent) hour in the day, this is a working lunch exactly as it should be, complete with great food, great wine, and a setting sure to impress.

thewineroom.nz

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The new movies to watch this month

Words Sjaan Askwith | 13 Aug 2025

Ready for your next film fix? This month’s lineup brings a mix of gripping thrillers, heartfelt dramas, and feel-good comedies — all either ready to stream or on the big screen. Whether you’re after edge-of-your-seat action or a comforting story to sink into, our edit of new releases has something to suit every mood.

Caught Stealing

When & Where to Watch: 28th August, In cinemas
Starring: Austin Butler, Bad Bunny, Matt Smith

In Caught Stealing, Austin Butler plays Hank Thompson, a former baseball phenom turned bartender whose life gets hilariously derailed when he agrees to watch his neighbor’s cat — and ends up in the crosshairs of New York’s 1990s criminal underworld. Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film boasts an star-studded cast including Zoë Kravitz and Bad Bunny.

Trailer

The Roses

When & Where to Watch: 29th August, In cinemas
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Colman, Allison Janney

The Roses brings a delightfully twisted take on marital mayhem. When Theo’s career collapses while Ivy’s soars, beneath their picture-perfect family life lurks fierce rivalry and simmering resentment. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman lead this sharp, dark comedy directed by Jay Roach, with Allison Janney supporting.

Trailer

The Naked Gun

When & Where to Watch: 15th August, In cinemas
Starring: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson

The Naked Gun brings us back into hilariously absurd territory — now with Liam Neeson as bumbling detective Frank Drebin Jr. and Pamela Anderson as the irresistible femme fatale. It’s the movie that blessed us all with the pair’s real-life chemistry, making it one of this month’s most buzzed-about releases.

Trailer

The Thursday Murder Club

When & Where to Watch: 28th August, Netflix
Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley

The Thursday Murder Club is a murder-mystery comedy that follows four spirited retirees — played by Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie — who spend their Thursdays solving cold cases for fun. But when a real murder shakes their retirement community, their hobby becomes a high-stakes whodunit.

Trailer

Frankenstein

When & Where to Watch: November, Netflix
Starring: Ralph Ineson, Mia Goth, Jacob Elordi

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein arrives on Netflix this month with an emotionally charged, gothic retelling of Shelley’s classic. Oscar Isaac embodies the brilliant Dr. Frankenstein, while Mia Goth and Ralph Ineson support in key roles. Jacob Elordi’s Creature is a compelling mix of terror and pathos — del Toro’s most intimate monster yet.

Trailer

Workmates (NZ film)

When & Where to Watch: 21st August, In cinemas
Starring: Matt Whelan, Sophie Henderson

Workmates is a heartfelt Kiwi rom-com-drama about Lucy and Tom, best mates running a broke little theatre whose future — and friendship — is thrown into jeopardy after an accident. Directed by Curtis Vowell and written by (and starring) Sophie Henderson, it’s warm, funny, and steeped in Tāmaki Makaurau theatre culture.

Trailer

Grace: A Prayer for Peace (NZ film)

When & Where to Watch: In selected cinemas (NZIFF)
Starring: Robin White, Ebonie Fifita, Taeko Ogawa

GRACE — A Prayer for Peace unites filmmaker Dame Gaylene Preston and artist Dame Robin White (Ngāti Awa) in an extraordinary creative journey across Aotearoa, Kiribati, and Japan. More than a portrait, it’s a luminous exploration of art, connection, and the urgent need to protect what matters — blending beauty, humour, and humanity into a quietly transformative cinematic experience.

Trailer

The Map That Leads to You

When & Where to Watch: 20th August, Prime
Starring: Madelyn Cline, Josh Lucas, KJ Apa

The Map That Leads to You is a charming romantic drama that follows new grad Heather (Madelyn Cline) as she embarks on a European adventure with friends — only to have her plans upended when she meets Jack (Kiwi actor KJ Apa), a spontaneous stranger retracing his grandfather’s journey.

Trailer

Weapons

When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich

Weapons is a gritty, intense thriller featuring Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Alden Ehrenreich caught in a web of deception and danger. As alliances shift and secrets unravel, the stakes rise to a pulse-pounding climax.

Trailer

Freakier Friday

When & Where to Watch: In cinemas now
Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters

Freaky Friday returns with Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan reprising their iconic mother-daughter swap in this hilarious and heartfelt reboot. Joined by Julia Butters, the film mixes comedy, chaos, and family fun for all ages. Now playing in cinemas — the perfect feel-good watch to brighten your day.

Trailer

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Graff has officially opened its doors in New Zealand, bringing some of the world’s most coveted jewels to our shores

Words Sjaan Askwith | 13 Aug 2025

The world’s most spectacular diamonds have found a new address — and it’s right in the heart of Auckland. Graff, the storied British House renowned for acquiring, cutting, and crafting some of history’s most important stones, has officially opened the doors to its first New Zealand boutique — located at 45 Queen Street in the heart of the city’s luxury shopping district.

Inside, both the jewels and the space itself is like nothing New Zealand has seen before. Preserving the striking heritage building’s bones, the space has been entirely custom designed by Graff’s in-house design team, from the jewel-like display cases with faceted edges that echo the brilliance of the treasures within, to the serpentine counter that invites exploration, and the soft shimmer of celadon ceilings above.

Here, jewellery is treated as both art and legacy, exemplifying Graff’s position as a world leader in diamonds and gemstones of rarity, magnitude and distinction — an enduring family legacy which began when Laurence Graff founded the business in 1960.

A private VIP salon, discreetly tucked behind sliding doors and swathed in deep green and gold, houses Graff’s most extraordinary creations. Among them are one-of-a-kind high jewels that reflect the House’s rare ability to bring out the soul of each stone, a skill honed over decades and still overseen by members of the Graff family today.

Whether you’re seeking a piece to mark life’s grand milestones or simply looking to lose yourself in the world of wonder that is Graff, the Maison’s Queen Street boutique is an opulent portal into a world of brilliance and beauty.

graff.com

Graff

45 Queen Street
Auckland Central
Auckland
1010

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Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Words Sjaan Askwith | 8 Aug 2025

Carlo Buenaventura, contemporary Filipino eatery Bar Magda’s co-owner, has long been passionate about food and the connective quality it holds. “Food was a big part of my culture growing up in the Philippines,” he tells me. “It’s a means for us to gather and celebrate, whether it’s harvest season or Christmas, there’s always an excuse to have a fiesta of some sort, so that is where my love for hosting people and cooking for others started.”

Left to right: Ora king salmon molo dumplings & Rinquinquin with sparkling feijoa

Upon opening Bar Madga, Buenaventura set out to bring this same sense of celebration and community to Auckland’s hospitality scene, and the dining destination has quietly solidified itself as a go-to for everything from convivial gatherings to date nights and corporate dinners in a laid-back setting.

At Bar Madga, a hard-to-achieve balance of warm and personal hospitality (Carlo himself is often on the floor, greeting diners and guiding guests through the inventive yet approachable menu), excellent food, pitch-perfect drinks, and a laid-back yet elevated ambience has resulted in those who step through the doors instantly adding it to their list of go-to eateries. This, according to Buenaventura, is what has kept Bar Magda ticking over during the past few years when the industry has been anything but buoyant. “We all still have to live and socialise, and I think there’s a heavy focus on supporting local. We’re an owner-operated venue, and it’s great to see our loyal patrons choosing to come back frequently, choosing us for functions, and sending their networks to us too.”

Barbecue artichokes with chives, parsley sauce & black truffle

No stranger to hard work, and unafraid of moving with the times, Buenaventura has reimagined the eatery’s new wave Filipino offering to place a heavier emphasis on small plates for sharing. “Filipino cuisine is still quite niche and new to the majority in our local community, so these little bites give people a opportunity to try something different without having to commit to a full dish. It also works perfectly as snacks for guests just coming in for drinks.”

These dishes still showcase the best of Buenaventura and his clever culinary team’s creativity, with a host of things you may not have tried before but still feel familiar. “The lumpia of crab and prawn (spring roll) and the pork & duck albondigas (meatballs) were both new to the menu earlier this year, and have quickly become crowd-pleasers — they’re both a riff on my grandmas recipes,” he tells me. “Here at Bar Magda, the food is not just contemporary Filipino, its rooted in childhood nostalgia, family traditions, and recipes that champion the best of New Zealand’s local produce, making us the perfect blend of Kiwi and Filipino cuisine.”

With a host of must-try new dishes and creative cocktails, and Carlo and his team always on-hand to cater to each and every guest’s unique requirements, Bar Magda is the ultimate inner-city eatery that delivers both an exceptional meal and an exceptional experience, every time.

barmagda.co.nz

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