Left to right: Bar Magda, Onslow & Jervois Steak House

Denizen’s Definitive May Dining Guide

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Apr 2025

There is a plethora of tasty happenings for foodies to enjoy this May — offering an indulgent salve to the impending winter weather. From culinary celebrations to epic events and unmissable special menus, here is everything happening on Auckland’s dining scene this month.

PonsonBurger Returns

Jacuzzi, The Blue Breeze Inn, Farina, Azabu & San Ray

PonsonBurger returns to Ponsonby from 26th May — 8th June, celebrating International Burger Day with two weeks of burger-fuelled fun. More than 30 venues are serving up classic, creative, and limited-edition burgers, bundles, and pop-ups. Must-visit destinations high up our list include Azabu, The Blue Breeze Inn, Jacuzzi, Farina, and Sidart — each of which is serving up a mouthwatering dish that speaks to the venue’s unique essence. Explore the full line-up, delectable menus, and plan your hit list at here.

SkyCity Delish

This winter, SkyCity invites you to indulge in Delish — three months of unforgettable dining, immersive events, and nostalgic comforts. From open-flame feasts and exclusive chef collaborations to heartwarming Matariki celebrations, it’s a season made for gathering. Enjoy crafted menus across SkyCity’s award-winning restaurants, free parking with every qualifying spend, and special experiences like Masu’s fiery counter dining and The Grill’s Matariki event.

Secure your spot here.

Onslow’s Martini Trolley Returns

martini, made table side and finished with a blue cheese-stuffed olive

Onslow’s iconic Martini Trolley has made its much-anticipated return, reviving the art of tableside service with a luxurious twist. First introduced by the Emetts in 2020, the trolley now features premium gins, vodkas, and indulgent garnishes like caviar-stuffed olives. It’s classic hospitality reimagined — bringing sophistication, a touch of theatre, and perfectly tailored Martinis back to the heart of Onslow’s dining experience.

Express Lunches at Gochu

If it’s a quick but delicious lunch you’re after, head down to Commercial Bay dining destination Gochu for an unmissable midday deal. From Monday to Friday, diners can discover a delicious Express Lunch menu for $39, comprising four courses of small plates with a rotating cast of dishes — all prepared in 30 minutes or under. Taking the idea of a quick bite and elevating it, Gochu’s new lunch offering is the perfect excuse to escape the office for a midday break.

Book a table here.

The Wine Room Sunday Roast Series

Introducing Chef Ryan Moore’s Proper Sunday Roast at The Wine Room: a new winter tradition starting Sunday, 4th May. For six weeks, indulge in an elevated three-course Sunday roast with all the classic trimmings and expertly paired wines. Enjoy Champagne, canapés, and house-made desserts in the cosy Private Dining Room, with only 20 seats per sitting.

Book your spot here.

Master & Margherita Pizza Bar

Grey Lynn favourite The Master & Margherita brings its beloved woodfired pizzas, fresh pastas, and European-inspired flair to Birkenhead. Set in a welcoming new space, the outpost delivers the same artisanal approach — think hand-stretched dough, house-made sauces, and thoughtfully curated wines. Whether it’s a casual catch-up or a cosy date night, Birkenhead locals can now savour the magic that made the original venue a fast favourite.

Aotearoa High Tea in The Libraries

High Tea in The Libraries at The Hotel Britomart invites guests to indulge in a refined experience that blends Aotearoa’s rich history, art, design, and culinary excellence. Executive Chef Andrew Lautenbach’s seasonal, sustainably sourced delicacies are paired with No1 Family Estate Assemblé and Zealong teas. Set in the elegant, heritage-rich surroundings of The Libraries, this exclusive event offers an unforgettable cultural experience.

Secure your spot here.

Advieh’s On The Fly Menu

This month at Advieh, you can enjoy a delicious multi-course sharing feast on the fly, with the eatery presenting a menu designed to get guests in and out within an hour. For a very modest $39 per person, diners in a rush can enjoy freshly baked Turkish pide and house hummus, your choice of Persian spice fried chicken, lamb neck shawarma, or pumpkin with whipped tahini, and a vibrant witloof and little gem lettuce salad with whipped green feta, chopped almonds, and pickled garlic — all within the hour.

Book a table here.

Bar Magda New Dishes

Tamales of sweetcorn and coconut with yellow pepper salsa and jalapeño

Bar Magda’s inventive dishes and exceptional drinks are a constant delight for us at the Denizen office. This month, Carlo Buenaventura and his team have introduced vibrant new menu items, including Green Lip Mussel Escabeche with feijoa vinegar, Sweetcorn & Coconut Tamales, Clam & Hokkaido Scallop Dumplings, and a tropical Coconut & Vanilla Semifreddo. Each dish offers a unique, mouthwatering experience.

Book your table here.

Ockhee’s Brunch Menu

Modern Korean favourite Ockhee has recently unveiled a brunch offering, turning their unique spin on Seoul cuisine into a host of delectable dishes perfect for the first meal of the day. Think crispy fried chicken waffles, Korean-style ragu on toast, and cinnamon sugar chips. Sublime.

Book a table here.

Jervois Steak House’s Caviar Service

Luxury takes centre stage at Jervois Steak House with the launch of its refined Caviar Service. Presented with brioche, gaufrettes, crème fraîche, and chives, diners can choose between Siberian Ossetra Superior ($180) and Imperial Osceitra ($230). Served in their original tins over ice, this elegant experience adds a new layer of indulgence to JSH’s bold, premium dining ethos.

Book a table here.

Hello Beasty’s New Menu

Hello Beasty turns up the heat with a fresh wave of bold, seasonal dishes. Highlights include the vibrant Beasty Sashimi Selection, fluffy Shokupan with miso brown butter, crispy-skinned Pork Belly with celeriac kimchi, and the much-loved Korean BBQ Chicken. Plus, a new spin on their signature Okonomiyaki with confit duck. Fusion, comfort, and creativity combine.

Book a table here.

Masu New Lunch Menu

Masu brings its signature Japanese flair to the lunch crowd with a new express menu, available Wednesdays and Thursdays in Auckland’s CBD. Here, enjoy flavour-packed donburi bowls, melt-in-your-mouth sashimi, and standout sides — perfect for a satisfying midday break. Quick, delicious, and an enduring crowd-pleaser, Masu will be opening its door early from May 14th, with complimentary parking at SkyCity when you spend $40 or more.

Book a table here.

Ki Māha’s Mekong Night

Waiheke’s Ki Māha presents Mekong Night — a one-off culinary journey inspired by the flavours of Southeast Asia, taking place on Thursday 15th May from 5.30pm. Chefs Dominique Parat and Vicky Shah serve a vibrant à la carte menu rich in spice, smoke, and soul, from tempura soft shell crab to soy-marinated wagyu and Thai red curry duck. A bold, flavour-packed evening awaits.

Book your spot here.

Gastronomy

Azabu Ponsonby & Mission Bay unveil delicious new menus, and we’ve got two dining experiences up for grabs

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Presenting four irresistible reasons to book a table at Bar Magda this weekend

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Apr 2025

A go-to eatery for all of us here in the Denizen office, Bar Magda is always a good time. The food is ever-delicious and impressibly inventive, and the drinks are second-to-none, so we’re always thrilled to see new dishes joining the fold. This month, Carlo Buenaventura and his team have been busy in the kitchen, dreaming up a host of delightful new menu items that sound as wonderfully vibrant as they look. Here, we share the four dishes that have our attention, and if you find yourself making a booking — we’ll likely see you there.

Escabeche of Green Lip Mussels

Bright and brilliant, this escabeche of green lip mussels sings with the tang of feijoa vinegar, layered with green garlic and crisp fennel for a vibrant, textural celebration of coastal freshness.

Tamales of Sweetcorn & Coconut

Sweetcorn and coconut tamales offer a delicate, creamy bite, perfectly balanced by a zesty yellow pepper salsa and a subtle kick of jalapeño — comforting and irresistibly moreish.

Clam & Hokkaido Scallop Dumplings

Delicate clam and Hokkaido scallop dumplings bathe in a tangy soured tomato sauce, lifted by fragrant chilli oil and tender tak choy — a bold, elegant fusion of land and sea.

Coconut & Vanilla Semifreddo

Light yet indulgent, this coconut and vanilla semifreddo is swirled with vibrant cherry and pineapple — tropical, creamy, and just the right balance of tart and sweet to finish.

barmagda.co.nz

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Wondering what to watch this autumn? Discover these unmissable new shows & films

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Apr 2025

	New Movies	New TV Series

	New Movies	New TV Series

If you’re feeling indecisive or uninspired about what to watch next, let this concise list guide you in the right direction.

New Movies

Black Bag

In cinemas now

Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender star in Black Bag, a taut mystery-thriller from Steven Soderbergh. When elite intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is accused of treason, her husband — a legendary spy himself — faces a harrowing choice between loyalty to his wife or his country. Written by David Koepp and featuring Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris, and Pierce Brosnan, this gripping drama blends espionage with searing emotional stakes.

Opus

Coming soon

Opus is a highly anticipated horror-thriller set to redefine the genre. The film follows journalist Ariel Ecton (Ayo Edebiri) as she uncovers dark secrets within the secluded compound of a vanished pop star turned enigmatic cult leader, played by John Malkovich. Mark Anthony Green’s directorial debut promises a gripping exploration of power, obsession, and mystery in this chilling, character-driven tale.

The Alto Knights

Coming soon

Robert De Niro takes on dual roles as notorious 1950s mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello in The Alto Knights, directed by Oscar-winner Barry Levinson. This riveting crime biopic explores the power struggles within New York’s Genovese crime family, including Genovese’s failed assassination of Costello. With a stellar cast featuring Debra Messing, Kathrine Narducci, and Cosmo Jarvis, the film promises a masterful return to the gangster genre.

Small Things Like These

In cinemas now

Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy leads this powerful adaptation of Claire Keegan’s novella. Set in 1985 Ireland, a coal merchant’s quiet life is upended by a haunting discovery, forcing him to reckon with his past and the town’s silent complicity in hidden injustices.

Warfare

In cinemas now

Alex Garland’s Warfare is an enthralling drama set during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2006. Starring D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, and Joseph Quinn, the film immerses audiences within a Navy SEAL platoon stationed in an Iraqi home, navigating insurgent territory. Co-written by Iraq War veteran Ray Mendoza, this real-time, visceral story offers an unflinching portrayal of modern warfare through the memories of those who lived it.

The Amateur

In cinemas now

Rami Malek and Hugh Jackman star in The Amateur, a gripping thriller directed by James Hawes. After CIA cryptographer Charlie Heller loses his wife in a London terrorist attack, he blackmails the agency into training him as a field operative. Armed with newfound skills and brilliant intellect, Heller embarks on a globe-trotting quest for revenge. Co-starring Rachel Brosnahan and Laurence Fishburne, this intense adaptation of the 1981 novel promises high-stakes espionage and soul-stirring depth.

Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua — Two Worlds

Coming soon

This moving documentary offers an intimate, four-year portrait of acclaimed local musician Marlon Williams as he embarks on his most personal project yet — writing and recording his first te reo Māori album. A compelling exploration of identity, language, and artistry.

New TV Series

The Studio

Watch now on Apple TV+

Seth Rogen’s The Studio is a sharp, 10-episode comedy starring Rogen as Matt Remick, the ambitious new head of Continental Studios. Tasked with navigating Hollywood’s cut-throat world, Remick and his team juggle fragile egos, corporate chaos, and their own insecurities while striving to keep the art of film making alive. From glittering award shows to behind-the-scenes drama, every decision could mean triumph, or disaster, for their struggling studio.

Carême

Watch now on Apple TV+

Carême brings to life the thrilling rise of Antonin Carême, the world’s first celebrity chef, who is drawn into the world of espionage in Napoleon’s Europe. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Martin Bourboulon and starring Benjamin Voisin, the series blends culinary artistry, political intrigue, and high-stakes ambition in a richly detailed historical drama.

Your Friends and Neighbours

Watch now on Apple TV+

In the highly anticipated drama Your Friends and Neighbours, Emmy winner Jon Hamm stars as Andrew Cooper — a disgraced hedge fund manager navigating a messy divorce. Desperate to keep up appearances, ‘Coop’ begins stealing from his affluent Vestment Village neighbours, only to uncover dark secrets lurking behind their pristine façades. What begins as survival spirals into danger in this gripping tale of moral collapse.

We Were Liars

Coming soon to Prime Video

Gripping physiological thriller We Were Liars debuts this season, bringing E. Lockhart’s bestselling novel to life. Helmed by Julie Plec, this Gen Z drama follows the wealthy Sinclair family’s idyllic summers, shattered by dark secrets. Starring Emily Alyn Lind, Subham Maheshwari, and Mamie Gummer, the series explores the haunting, inescapable consequences of past mistakes.

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This delicious culinary celebration brings comfort, creativity, and a hint of nostalgia to the table

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Apr 2025

As the crispness of autumn settles in, SkyCity is inviting us to lean into the warmth of shared culinary experiences with ‘Delish’ — a seasonal celebration of dining that brings the skill and storied histories of some of the city’s top chefs to the fore.

At the heart of this three-month-long event is ‘A Chef’s Story’ — an evocative new series that sees some of Auckland’s most celebrated head chefs turning memory into menu. Each dish is a chapter drawn from the past — a beloved childhood comfort, reimagined with the innovation and spirit that defines SkyCity’s award-winning restaurants today.

Jack Stott at Depot pays homage to the Sunday roasts of his youth with slow-cooked lamb neck, creamed cavolo nero, and Yorkshire pudding — soulful, hearty, and unpretentious. At Masu, Jun Bae takes a more ethereal route, blending smoky octopus with miso dashi mash and the lively zest of kim-chimishuri in a tribute to the rich, layered flavours of his Korean upbringing.

Meanwhile, Metita’s Arinut Sachdeva captures the essence of the Pacific with a bright, salt-cured kingfish dish, where fermented chilli and tipolo citrus dance on the plate. Over at The Grill, Shiva Kudav draws from his southern Indian roots to pair tender lamb noisette with smoked kumara and mangosteen jus — a soulful expression of old-world tradition meeting new-world technique.

Cassia’s Ketan Joshi and Federal Delicatessen’s Megan Cruickshank round out the series with their own delicious memories — from Joshi’s black sesame-slicked chicken to Cruikshank’s deli-style meatloaf drenched in rich, dripping gravy.

Beyond these deeply personal plates, which are available across the entire celebration, Delish offers even more reasons to gather. Under the Gather & Toast banner, groups of four or more dining at The Grill, Metita, Cassia or Masu can enjoy specially curated seasonal menus, paired with a glass of Nautilus wine (or a considered non-alcoholic alternative). Whether you’re toasting a birthday, a midwinter milestone, or simply looking for an excuse to get out and about across the cooler months, SkyCity sets the scene with generous tables and intimate private dining spaces.

There is also an events programme running across the three months, with Nic Watt firing up the robata grill to host the Counter Dining Experience at Masu every Thursday in June, Chefs Patrick Ikinofo and Kia Kanuta joining forces to host an illuminating Matariki event at The Grill on June 18th, and on 30th July, Sid and Chand Sahrawat will bring together Cassia chefs from the past and present for the Cassia Full Circle Feast.

Left: Patrick Ikinofo. Right: Kia Kanuta

Adding even more allure to the winter calendar, guests can enjoy free parking when dining between May and July — a thoughtful gesture that ensures every visit is effortlessly inviting.

This season, SkyCity’s Delish presents a host of reasons to step out of your culinary comfort zone and try something new. Whether its immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of one of the precinct’s lauded chef’s homelands through their nostalgic creations, or gathering a group for a convivial meal to celebrate the year’s mid-point, you’ll find it all — and more — at SkyCity.

skycity/delish.co.nz

Gastronomy

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Our May Culture Guide has everything to see, do, and book tickets to this month

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Apr 2025

The cultural calendar for May is the year’s busiest yet, with everything from musical performances to captivating theatre, world-class comedy, festivals, ballet, opera, exhibitions and more. Here, we round up the many events you don’t want to miss.

Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail

When & Where: From now until Wednesday 14th May, Viaduct Harbour

Explore the Aotearoa Art Fair Sculpture Trail at Viaduct Harbour from now until May 14th. This free open-air exhibition features large-scale works by leading contemporary artists, including Lisa Reihana’s 15-metre floating sculpture, “Te Wheke-a-Muturangi,” inspired by Māori cosmology. Experience art seamlessly integrated into Auckland’s waterfront landscape.

Auckland Writer’s Festival

When & Where: Tuesday 13th — Sunday 18th May, various locations Auckland-wide

Auckland Writer’s Festival is returning this May, with a number of major literary voices taking to the stage to discuss the nuances of their work, alongside an impressive list of local talent that is just as worthy of your attention. Secure your tickets early to get up close and personal with some of the world’s greatest writers.

Public Record at Silo 6 & Hau

When & Where: Wednesday 30th April — Sunday 4th May, Silo Park

Discover Public Record at Silo 6 from April 30th to May 4th — a free, interactive arts and crafts exhibition featuring local and international artists across ceramics, textiles, and weaving. And don’t miss Hau on May 2nd — a groundbreaking live, immersive show blending sound, fashion, and movement, including music by renowned composer Eve de Castro-Robinson, directed by Eve and Yuka O’Shannessy from Public Record.

New Zealand International Comedy Festival

When & Where: Friday 2nd — Sunday 25th May, various locations country-wide

With a lineup of more than 150 local and international comedians, the New Zealand Comedy Festival is back this May, filled to the brim with laughter. Comedy heavyweights like Guy Williams and Felicity Ward are set to grace the stage, ready to deliver unforgettable performances alongside a slew of local talent.

Naomi Faifai at The Frame

When & Where: From Friday 2nd May, Frame Gallery

Don’t miss Inner Workings by Naomi Faifai — a vibrant solo show exploring identity, place, and self-acceptance through mixed media works rich in colour and personal symbolism. On at The Frame Workshop and Gallery from May 2nd, with an opening night and artist talk on the 1st of May.

Katherine Throne, The Price of Love, 2025, oil on canvas from Sanderson

Aotearoa Art Fair

When & Where: Thursday 1st — Sunday 4th May, Viaduct Events Centre

One of the most significant cultural events of the year, the Aotearoa Art Fair returns to Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre this May. Offering collectors and art lovers the chance to view and purchase contemporary art from leading galleries showcasing the work of emerging and established artists across Australasia, the fair will feature hundreds of works on display — from painting to sculpture, print to ceramics — ensuring there’s something for everyone.

May Art Fair

When & Where: Friday 2nd — Sunday 4th May, 3 East Street, Auckland

May is a dynamic new gallery-led art fair, hosting a small number of contemporary galleries from Aotearoa and abroad at the beginning of May. Presenting emerging artists from Aotearoa and the Pacific, the fair is an alternative exploration of art and creativity in Aotearoa.

RNZB’s The Firebird & My Brilliant Career

When & Where: Wednesday 30th April — Sunday 1st June, various locations country-wide

The Royal New Zealand Ballet presents The Firebird and My Brilliant Career, a compelling double bill of storytelling and movement. Loughlan Prior’s visually stunning The Firebird returns, while Cathy Marston’s My Brilliant Career, inspired by Miles Franklin’s novel, makes its New Zealand debut. This powerful season tours nationwide, promising an unforgettable ballet experience.

Darkfield

When & Where: Wednesday 7th May — Sunday 8th June, Aotea Square

Step into the unknown as Darkfield brings its acclaimed immersive experiences to Aotearoa for the first time. Launching on the 7th of May at Aotea Square, two unique encounters, Séance and Flight, plunge audiences into pitch-black worlds using 360-degree sound and spine-tingling storytelling. Presented by Auckland Live and Realscape Productions, these thrilling 20-minute journeys blur the boundaries between reality, fear, and imagination.

La bohème

When & Where: Thursday 29th May — Sunday 6th July, various locations country-wide

Puccini’s La bohème returns in a breathtaking NZ Opera season, capturing love, loss, and resilience in bohemian Paris. With soaring melodies and an achingly human story, this timeless masterpiece promises grandeur, heartbreak, and unforgettable beauty.

Resene Architecture and Design Film Fesitval: The Chodge

Resene Architecture and Design Film Festival

When & Where: Thursday 1st May — Wednesday 25th June, various locations country-wide

The 14th Resene Architecture & Design Film Festival brings a curated selection of global and local documentaries to 14 cinemas across New Zealand, celebrating design innovation, creativity, and architectural storytelling through the lens of creative cinema.

Darklight: A Descent into Colour

When & Where: Friday 2nd — Sunday 4th May, 9/11 Durham Lane, Auckland

Enter into the sublime with DarkLight — a groundbreaking immersive light exhibition by Angus Muir Design. Journey through darkness as light shifts, fractures, and transforms across three awe-inspiring stages. Housed in Auckland’s historic BRAD’s building, this sensory experience invites you to see light — and yourself — in an entirely new way.

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express

When & Where: Now until Saturday 10th May, ASB Waterfront Theatre

Step aboard the luxurious Orient Express for a thrilling night of intrigue and suspense. Cameron Rhodes stars as Poirot in Ken Ludwig’s clever stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s classic whodunnit — where every passenger is a suspect.

The Play That Goes Wrong

When & Where: Wednesday 14th May — Sunday 1st June, ASB Waterfront Theatre

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary Tour, The Play That Goes Wrong returns to Auckland this May. A riotous mix of Monty Python and Sherlock Holmes, this Olivier and Tony Award-winning hit delivers total mayhem, collapsing sets, and laugh-out-loud chaos. The longest-running comedy in London, where everything goes hilariously wrong.

Sanderson — Aotearoa Art Fair 2025

When & Where: Thursday 1st — Sunday 4th May, Viaduct Events Centre

Sanderson will showcase a dynamic group of four women artists at the Aotearoa Art Fair 2025, including Kāryn Taylor, Katherine Throne, Mickey Smith, and Molly Timmins (Ngāpuhi). Featured works will span illuminated light boxes, floral paintings, large-scale photography, and vivid abstracts, alongside small sculptures by revered sculptor Ray Haydon.

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We sit down with artist Mickey Smith to discuss her captivating works and latest exhibition

Words Sjaan Askwith | 30 Apr 2025

American-born, New Zealand-based artist Mickey Smith discusses her latest body of work ahead of its unveiling at Sanderson, as she switches her focus from the contents of meticulously laid-out libraries to “wild and homeless” second-hand books.

Can you tell us about your background and what made you decide to become an artist?

I’m the only child of a teenage mother and a truck driver, born and raised in Minnesota, where the cold is relentless but builds character. I have brothers older than my mother. I’m the first in my family to receive a university degree and move out of the country. I met my late Kiwi husband in a dive bar in Minneapolis. We moved our little family from New York to New Zealand 13 years ago.

Knowing I’d become a photographer from a very, very young age, becoming an artist was more happenstance. When I applied for university, I was awarded a scholarship for the art department instead of the journalism department. Terrified because I couldn’t draw, I reluctantly accepted. As soon as I was introduced to conceptual art, it was clear I’d found my calling.

Left: Modern Culinary Art by Mickey Smith, 2023, archival pigment print on Hahnemühle photo rag. Right: The Subantarctic by Mickey Smith, 2023, archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag

You are known for your photographic imagery of books and physical texts. Where did the inspiration for this come from?

The affair with books began over twenty years ago, during an artist residency on a small island in Rainy Lake in Northern Minnesota. Each building on the island was lined with books, over 15,000 volumes. Naturally, all the artists were inspired by the collection, but one afternoon I turned my camera toward them and spent many long summer days obsessively photographing the spines.

Once I was back in the city, I dove into the stacks at the public library. It began as an exploration of overlooked printed materials — bound periodicals, reference volumes, institutional texts — finding titles like MONEY bound in green and VOGUE bound in shades of grey. Since then I’ve worked almost exclusively in libraries, photographing books and archives worldwide. Today I’m particularly interested in the social significance of books, libraries, their physical existence and disappearance.

You currently have a public exhibition Morphologies touring the United States. Can you tell us a bit about that show and the story behind it? 

Morphologies is a touring exhibition that explores the power of language, knowledge, books and archives. The title Morphologies references the study of forms — both linguistic and physical —underscoring how words and books shape our understanding of culture and history. Alongside works from earlier works from the Volume, Believe You Me and Denudation series, I’ve created several large-scale installations, including Platform Vol. I (made of 3,276 discarded library journals) and a Stack Vol.I (created from old shelving and 98 years of shredded National Geographic magazines). The exhibition invites viewers to consider what happens to knowledge when its physical form fades from public view.

You recently won the Molly Morpeth Our Place Magazine Merit Award for your artwork ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE. What made you choose that work as your entering piece?  

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is part of an ongoing project titled Volume, which features bound periodicals and journals found in public libraries at large-scale. These books are not touched, artificially lit, or manipulated — rather created by the librarian, found and photographed in the stacks as positioned by the last reader. It takes a great deal of patience and intuition to find the right combination of factors which make a title resonate. Although I’d noticed this particular journal years before, AI did not demand my attention until 2024. And it wasn’t until my camera was on the tripod did “art intel” reveal itself.

Louis Menand wrote of my work, “One important thing about the images is their found-ness. The photographs are taken from life; they’re not made from props in a studio. The artist was on a library safari.”

Your upcoming exhibition Domesticated opens at Sanderson on April 29th. Can you tell us a bit about this exhibition and what people will have to look forward to?

After decades of meticulously working in libraries, Domesticated features titles from my new found location of interest – second hand bookshops. Distant cousins, these “wild and homeless books” exude a palpable history. As I study the collections I find myself contemplating where they have come from? Who loved them? Will they find another home? The Domesticated collection is more nostalgic than previous collections – more colourful, less serious, with the occasional dark undercurrent of domesticity at play.

DAILY DEVOTION (detail), 2025, archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag

You are also showing at the Aotearoa Art Fair this year. What are you showing at the stand?

My solo exhibition is on concurrently with the Aotearoa Art Fair so the fair is going to feature an extension of the Domesticated series. With so many new titles to choose from, we decided the new collection should span both venues. The art fair have partnered with Sanderson to make the April 29th opening a VIP event, which is exciting.

Tell us one thing about you that people wouldn’t know.

Currently obsessed with rare chained libraries, I’m plotting a journey to capture the last surviving collections on the earth.

Exhibition dates:
Domesticated by Mickey Smith: 29 April — 25 May 2025

sanderson/mickeysmith.co.nz

Sanderson Gallery
Osborne Lane
2-4 Kent Street
Newmarket
Auckland 1023

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Mother’s Day gifting to celebrate every kind of mother

Words Sjaan Askwith | 28 Apr 2025

In the increasingly fast-paced world we live in, mothers are often the axis from which it all spins, carrying not only the tangible tasks, but the invisible weight of caregiving too — so much of which happens out of plain sight. Modern motherhood takes myriad forms, from traditional parenting to unconventional households, single mums and step mums to nurturing grandmothers, loving aunties, and chosen family, and every type of mother figure deserves acknowledgement for all that she does. And there’s no better time to show your appreciation than on Mother’s Day.

This year, legacy jeweller Michael Hill is inviting us all to take a moment to truly cherish the women who shape our worlds in ways both grand and unseen, in a celebration of every form of maternal love. Thoughtfully curated and beautifully crafted, Michael Hill’s collection is designed to honour every mother figure — making it effortless to find a piece as extraordinary as she is. As I look ahead to my third Mother’s Day as a mum, I’ve poured through the expansive offering — selecting a host of styles that will suit women of every taste and style (and perhaps a few pieces for myself, too).

For timeless and refined taste, a range of delicate pieces offer a quiet elegance, while, for the mums who prefer to make a bolder statement, there are plenty of dazzling diamonds sure to capture attention. Whether her style is classic, contemporary, or uniquely her own, Michael Hill offers countless pieces that feel deeply personal.

This Mother’s Day, give a gift that mirrors the mother in your life’s unique essence — a piece that shows exactly what she means to you. At Michael Hill, every detail is considered, every design intentional — because we all know that every mum deserves nothing less than extraordinary.

For the

On-The-Go Mum

Les Tien Serene Scalloped Shorts from Moda Operandi

Croissant Twist 15mm Hoop Earrings from Michael Hill

Alo Yoga Airlift high-rise leggings from MYtheresa

For the

Understated Mum

4.00 Carat TW Laboratory-Grown Diamond Tennis Necklace from Michael Hill

THE FRANKIE SHOP Lui poplin shirt from Net-a-porter

Certified 1.00 Carat TW Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings from Michael Hill

Gabriela Hearst Anjea Bodysuit from Moda Operandi

3.7mm Solid Round Bangle from Michael Hill

Tibi Crispy Nylon Winslow Pant from Muse

Jil Sander Leather loafers from Mytheresa

For the

Va-Va-Voom Mum

3.50 Carat TW Emerald Cut Laboratory-Grown Diamond Eternity Ring from Michael Hill

Magda Butrym Ruffle Sequin Gown from Muse

Christian Louboutin
Kate Max Veau Velours Pumps from MOda Operandi

Cushion Cut Green Amethyst Gemstone and 0.25 Carat TW Diamond Halo Ring from MIchael Hill

Rebecca Vallance Lulu gown dress from Farfetch

1.00 Carat TW Laboratory-Grown Graduated Diamond Tennis Necklace from Michael Hill

SIMKHAI Bridget Oyster Shell Clutch from Moda Operandi

Del Core Strapless Crepe Gown from Moda Operandi

For the

Does-It-All Mum

Sunray Round Signet Ring from Michael Hill

50cm Belcher and Paperclip Open Pendant Chain from Michael Hill

Victoria Beckham The Victoria Bag from Muse

2.00 Carat TW Flawless Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings from Michael Hill

ALAÏA Demi-Cœur Mules from Moda Operandi

For the

Grounded Mum

5mm Ball Stud Earrings from Michael Hill

Diamond Accent Scorpio Zodiac Pendant from Michael Hill

Loewe Signature floral sunglasses from Mytheresa

3.28 Carat TW Diamond Tennis Bracelet from Michael Hill

By Malene Birger Barbara Maxi Skirt from Moda Operandi

CHLOÉ Paravent embroidered raffia tote from Net-A-Porter

michaelhill.co.nz

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Hello Beasty’s vibrant new menu is filled with compelling reasons to book a table

Words Sjaan Askwith | 23 Apr 2025

Always delivering a bold, flavour-packed dining experience, Hello Beasty has once again refreshed its offering with a host of inventive new dishes — and the return of some much-loved favourites. With each plate thoughtfully crafted to balance comfort, creativity, and the best of the shifting seasons, there’s never been a better reason to book a table at everyone’s favourite fusion spot.

Here, we round up the dishes we’re loving, from fresh sashimi plates to comforting Japanese milk bread, and everything in between. Enjoy.

Beasty Sashimi Selection

A stunning showcase of fresh and flavourful seafood, Hello Beasty’s new sashimi selection sees Big Glory Bay salmon paired with garlic, chive, basil and finger lime; market tuna elevated with wasabi cream; and Ruakaka kingfish accented by a touch of charred jalapeño. Each bite is vibrant, fresh, and utterly moreish.

Shokupan (Japanese Milk Bread)

Fluffy, feather-light and impossibly soft, Hello Beasty’s take on this cult classic comes with confit garlic, miso brown butter, and shio kombu. The bread melts in your mouth, while the rich, nutty butter and salty-umami notes offer an addictive depth of flavour. This is a must-order.

Crispy-Skin Pork Belly

A decadent dish of tender, crispy-skinned pork belly arrives with zesty celeriac kimchi, peppery perilla leaves, and a bold mustard kick — a dish that deftly balances richness with freshness and offers a truly unique take on a classic.

Korean BBQ Chicken

Back by (very) popular demand, Hello Beasty’s Korean BBQ Chicken makes a triumphant return this season. Served alongside chickpea, black garlic and sesame purée, with bright pickled cucumber yuzu and a burst of fresh turmeric, it’s every bit as delicious as you remember.

Shredded Confit Duck Okonomiyaki

Last, but certainly not least — a luxurious new spin on a Hello Beasty classic. This mung bean pancake, reimagined as a lighter, softer Japanese-style Okonomiyaki, is layered with confit duck, house-made spicy bulldog sauce, kewpie, kimchi and bonito — indulgent, comforting and irresistibly good.

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Three ways to pay your respects this Anzac Day

Words Sjaan Askwith | 23 Apr 2025

Since 1939, The Dawn Service has been an enduring tradition in New Zealand come Anzac Day, serving as a way to honour those lost to the war, and acknowledge servicemen and women both returned and still serving. This year, whether you plan to attend a service locally or pay your respects in other ways, there are a number of events around the city to choose from — here are three great options. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

An Evening of Moving Music on Anzac Eve at Kāhui St David’s

Thursday 24th April, 6.00pm — 8.00pm

On the eve of Anzac Day, St David’s is hosting an evening of musical performances in remembrance, also honouring the 28th Māori Battalion in this special event. In this new centre for music — Kāhui St David’s, there will be moving performances by musicians Horomona Horo (taonga pūoro), David Harvey (bagpipes), Ed Waaka (piano and vocal), Helen Lukman-Fox (pipe organ) and The Off Broadway Big in the newly restored, warm and glowing Great Hall.

Visit The Auckland War Memorial Museum

Friday 25th April, 6.00am—5.00pm

Following the Dawn Service, which kicks off at 6am and finishes at 6.45am — there is a choir performance within the grand foyer, and entry to the Museum is free for all on Anzac Day for those who wish to visit the commemorative galleries and to discover more about New Zealand’s history and involvement in WWI and WWII.

Attend a Parade & Service Locally

Friday 25th April, from 6am

All across the city, there are remembrance events taking place, inviting a moment of pause, reflection, and giving of thanks to those who sacrificed for our country. Parades are kicking off at different intervals across the day, with services taking place at community venues — from churches to halls and rugby clubs, in many instances, followed by a get-together at the local RSA (who need support more than ever). Find where your local event is taking place here.

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We’ve got the ultimate SkyCity package up for grabs this Mother’s Day — worth over $1k

Words Sjaan Askwith | 16 Apr 2025

Gastronomic bliss and refined relaxation abound at SkyCity, and this Mother’s Day, the team have combined a number of the exceptional delights on offer at the precinct to create the ultimate celebration for mum. Lord only knows that what we all really want for Mother’s Day (aside from a hand-drawn card and breakfast in bed, of course) is a moment to ourselves to relax in peace and quiet — and here you’ll find exactly that. And some.

Come Sunday, May 11th (or any day the lucky winner wishes to redeem their prize), one lucky mum will be treated to a luxurious evening in a grand deluxe room at The Grand by SkyCity (complete with valet parking). While there, East Day Spa’s decadent two-hour ‘This Is For You’ package awaits — complete with a soothing 60-minute full body massage to melt away tension and restore calm from head to toe, and a rejuvenating East Day Spa x Augustinus Bader Methode Facial, featuring LED light therapy and a sculpting gua sha ritual to deeply nourish and refine Mum’s complexion. Following which, there will be a $250 dinner voucher (for two) at one of the award-winning restaurants located within The Grand by SkyCity — with the option to choose from Michael Meredith’s Metita, Sid Sahrawat’s Cassia, or long-time favourite MASU by Nic Watt.

We can definitively say that this is the perfect present for your mum or mother figure this Mother’s Day. Combining a hint of luxury, complete and total relaxation, and an exceptional dining experience to top it all off, at SkyCity, mum will find the much-needed escape she undoubtedly deserves.

This Mother’s Day, treat mum to truly unforgettable experience combining rest, relaxation, and a necessary spot of indulgence. Enter here.

Win the ultimate SkyCity package

Enter Here

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skycityauckland.co.nz

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