Hosting a mid-winter dinner party? We’ve found the perfect centrepiece

There is an art to hosting a dinner party. From offering a thoughtful beverage selection to presenting a series of delicate nibbles designed to whet your guests’ appetites, the etiquette around entertaining requires that any host has all the right accoutrements to ensure success. And we’ve discovered the perfect, multi-purpose centrepiece from Christofle to do just that.

Christofle’s Mood Party tray — is an extension of the brand’s iconic Mood collection, and is a piece that fits perfectly with the requirements of the modern dinner party. Anchored by the classic luxury of Christofle, this polished steel tray boasts six compartments of varying sizes made from Limoges porcelain and both a central, circular compartment and presentation board made from walnut.

For longstanding fans of Christofle, the beauty of this tray is that the middle has been designed to snuggly fit the Mood Party set, a 24-piece silver-plated cutlery set in the shape of a sleek, oval egg that includes silver-plated butter knives, small spoons, cocktail picks and two-tine forks. This ensures that whatever you choose to fill your party tray’s compartments with, everything can be elegantly accessed by guests without the need for fingers.

Taking this idea one step further, Christofle has recently added another design to its Mood collection, in the form of the Mood Asia tray. Here, the brand has created a centrepiece specifically for enjoying a variety of Asian cuisine, including sushi, maki, tempura, dim sum and more. With increased compartments to offer wider variety, this particular iteration of the Mood party tray is only complete with Christofle’s Mood Asia cutlery set placed in the centre, which includes silver-plated chopsticks, chopstick rests, broth spoons and dessert forks. 

So, whether you’re hosting a full-scale dinner party or a more casual, cocktail-and-nibbles affair, Christofle’s Mood party trays are clever, sophisticated centrepieces. From their practical design to their luxurious finish to the way in which one can incorporate their favourite Christofle cutlery set in the middle, this unique piece is essential for any and all at-home entertaining.

Design

The dining table designed to bring everyone together
A softer surface: The rise of tonal, textured interiors
We delve into the life and storied career of architect and designer, Antonio Citterio, via some of his most iconic pieces

Here’s how to embrace the bold colour trend in your kitchen without the lifetime commitment

Where design trends continue to captivate us is in the bold and tenacious use of colour throughout the home. Finally, there is an unspoken acceptance that the neutral, muted palette is behind us, and the home no longer needs to be void of personality to feel cool. Recently, we’ve encountered a number of bold colour trends, from hues of royal blue and dark forest greens to the undisputed tone of the moment, Barbie pink. And while all these colours are undeniably appealing, to use them in the home has typically required a degree of commitment by a homeowner unafraid to make bold, lasting choices— until now. LG’s latest appliance, the InstaView Fridge with MoodUP®, argues the case for an eye-catching colour palette that can be as flippant and fleeting as you desire, revolutionising our kitchens with colour.

As far as innovation and adaptability are concerned, the new LG MoodUP® fridge is a genuinely revolutionary appliance that endeavours to reimagine the kitchen space with the most attentive level of personalisation. Its signature, colour-changing doors are customisable, boasting tones that can be switched on a whim (to suit any mood or aesthetic desire). As such, this new fridge, with external LED panels installed on its doors, provides up to an astonishing 170,000 colour combinations to suit any mood, moment or interior trend. (All of which can be controlled through the LG ThinQ® app, which allows you to monitor your fridge from your device, and make the most of the fridge’s inbuilt Bluetooth speakers to ensure the vibes are always high, too.)

Despite the kitchen being one of the spaces we spend most of our time at home, it’s also one of the rooms in which, design-wise, we play it safe. The palette has traditionally been concerned with whites, silvers, and the occasional indulgence of a matte black detail here or a brass tap there. MoodUP® acts as the antithesis to this approach, injecting personality and colour into this space to make it feel lively, convivial and connected to the home in which it stands. And the beauty is that colour here isn’t a lifetime commitment, thanks to the ability to customise colours on the panels at any time. As a further commitment to innovation, LG’s introduction of the InstaView® panel also allows the user an immediate preview of the fridge’s contents with a simple knock-twice feature — making it both convenient and cool.

With immediate flexibility in mind, the MoodUP® fridge asserts itself as an appliance that never goes out of style. Instead, it adapts to the seasons, and some would suggest, is even informing new trends in our most inhabited space in the home. Finally, we can embrace bold, beautiful colours to suit an occasion or mood, without worrying whether we’ll tire of their presence — and thank goodness for that.

Shop The Latest & Greatest Appliances

LG MoodUP Fridge
French Door Fridge with MoodUP® Door Panels
from LG
LG MoodUp Fridge
French Door Fridge with MoodUP® Door Panels
from LG
CordZero® Auto Emptying Handstick + Power Mop Vac
from LG
WashTower™ All-In-One Stacked Washer Dryer
from LG

lg.com/nz

Design

The dining table designed to bring everyone together
A softer surface: The rise of tonal, textured interiors
We delve into the life and storied career of architect and designer, Antonio Citterio, via some of his most iconic pieces
Burberry Fall 23

Embrace loud luxury with the new ‘neo-punk’ trend you need to know

‘Neo-punk’ is here and it’s time to swap simple style and quiet luxury for slogan tees, statement-making boots, bold prints and yes, studs. Creating loud looks that balance feminine details with masculine silhouettes, the ‘neo-punk’ trend is almost the antithesis of the sleek, understated elegance that is everywhere at the moment and will have you hanging up your blazers and putting on an attitude instead. 

Neo-punk trend, Valentino Fall 23
Valentino Fall 23
Neo-punk fashion trend
Anine Bing Tiger Sweatshirt from Muse
Neo-punk fashion trend
Givenchy Zebra Stripe Mini Bag from Faradays
Neo-punk fashion trend
HALFBOY Oversized distressed leather vest from Net-a-Porter
Neo-punk fashion trend
3.1 PHILLIP LIM Black Kate Boots from Ssense
Neo-punk fashion trend
Goddess Oversized T-shirt from Versace
Neo-punk fashion trend
TWIN-SET from Christian Dior
Neo-punk fashion trend
HardWear Link Earrings from Tiffany & Co.
Neo-punk fashion trend
Embossed monogram
mini skirt from Louis Vuitton
Neo-punk trend, Burberry Fall 23
Burberry Fall 23

Coveted

Arc’teryx is opening its First New Zealand store at Commercial Bay
Style Icon: Viky Rader
The Suede Handbags our editors are currently coveting

Your first look at the new Forest — Plabita Florence’s intriguing, plant-based restaurant is back and better than ever

It was back in 2018 that Plabita Florence first burst onto Auckland’s dining scene with a pop-up series that she called Forest. Serving an array of groundbreaking, plant-based cuisine that used unexpected flavours and unique ingredients to harness the potential of vegetarian food in a way that no one had done before, Florence quickly grew Forest from pop-up to permanent space, taking up residence on Symonds Street in 2020. The restaurant was cosy and inviting, with seating for up to 17 patrons only and a three-course set menu that changed every week, designed to showcase the freshest seasonal produce with a particular focus on highlighting the untapped potential of some of the lesser-used vegetables.

But earlier this year, Florence closed her Symonds Street address to expand the Forest concept yet again and now, she has finally opened the doors to the newest iteration of her renowned restaurant, with a charming space on Dominion Road.

“At Symonds Street, we used to change the menu every single week and often heard people complain that they’d missed a dish they wanted to try,” Florence tells me. “I put in a hell of a lot of culinary research through that weekly practice of changing the menu though, and now I feel like it’s time to turn the learnings from that into more of a classic menu.”

At the new Forest, diners will find a more traditionally structured, a la carte menu that marries mainstay dishes with seasonal specials and still plays into Florence’s experimental, exciting and exceptional culinary approach. From entree-sized snacks like ‘Upside-down Broccoli’, which sees the vegetable lightly-battered, fried and served head down in a pool of green-olive mayo, to larger mains that are designed to share and a number of mouthwatering sides and add-ons like Florets Bakery sourdough served warm with ‘old wine butter’, which Florence explains as “wine dregs reduced to a tasty syrup and whipped through with warm, salty butter,” the food offering at Forest is, as expected, a gastronomic journey.

“I try to make things delicious first, and play with them after that,” Florence tells me, explaining how her approach to food had changed since those early, experimental pop-up days. “No one cares how clever you are as a chef if it doesn’t taste good first,” she continues, “I think that’s a lesson we all have to learn at some point.”

Despite the slight format change to Forest’s menu, Florence is still keeping seasonality close. By harnessing what is in season, Florence hopes that her diners might garner a deeper understanding of how to cook and eat in line with it, and by extension, how to adopt a more sustainable, waste-conscious approach to dining.

But beyond all that, she wants people to have fun, to feel welcome and to expand their palettes. In fact, the whole underlying idea of the new Forest space has been to capture a kind of child-like whimsy, where the interiors (complete with crayon-decorated walls, interior foliage and beautifully rich tones) make for a playful, unpretentious vibe. Bringing them to life was, it seems, a family-friends affair, with Florence crediting her brother for helping with the build, her grandmother for coming out of retirement to create the striking stained-glass window above the front door, her friends Hannah Broatch and Mason Rattray of Hatch Workshop for their design contributions (including hand building the cork table tops) and Emile Drescher for his exceptional woodwork.

Florence hopes that her dishes will be able to tap into that wonderful intrigue of childhood too and ignite the imaginations of her diners, emphasising to me that there’s no need for dining out to feel stuffy. “I think it should be special,” she articulates, “but it can also be funny, silly or a bit surprising… I like to do something different.”

Now, the result of Florence’s vision is finally being realised, with the doors to Forest having officially opened from this morning. Given that originally, this day was supposed to be back in January, this is a big moment for the restaurateur. “Being able to open our doors feels huge,” Florence says, lamenting the significant and frustrating construction delays she came up against in her journey to get to this point. “I’m excited to get back to cooking for people and doing something I’m good at!” Along with being open for dinners, Forest will also, for the first time, be open during the day too. From 7am, the team will be serving Kokako coffee and satiating bites (including a particularly delicious-looking olive oil cake with rhubarb, runny custard and a dusting of apple skin sherbet).

So whether you’ve long followed Florence and her exciting offerings at Forest over the years, or are just discovering her unique culinary approach now, she is a chef to know and her restaurant a spot to keep firmly on your radar.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Saturday, 7am until 2pm
Wednesday — Saturday, 6pm until 10pm

Forest

243 Dominion Road
Auckland

https://www.forestrestaurant.co.nz/

Gastronomy

Long live the long lunch: Ki Māha for King’s Birthday
Why SkyCity’s DELISH is Auckland’s most comforting culinary event this winter
K’ Road’s newest café doubles as a quietly cool concept store
Ukiyo Dining Chairs by Monica Armani for Tribu

Meet the new outdoor collection we’re coveting for the summer season ahead

In the ever-evolving world of outdoor design, one pioneering brand has been working to redefine the concept of al fresco living since the 90s, creating collections that position our outdoor spaces as extensions of indoor luxury. Belgian brand Tribù was founded as a family business and has grown over nearly three decades to become an internationally-acclaimed powerhouse, with a commitment to timeless elegance, impeccable style and enduring quality that has ensured its collections stand the test of time.

Now, the brand has unveiled its new Ukiyo Collection, a testament to Tribù’s unwavering dedication to innovation. Teaming up with visionary designer Monica Armani, this enchanting collection was inspired by her enthralling journey through Japan, during which time Armani was captivated by the intricate signs and shapes of classical Japanese architecture, along with the artistry that permeates everyday objects. As such, Ukiyo marries Japanese finesse with Tribù’s inimitable luxury, fast becoming the collection we are coveting for the long, languid afternoons of the warm season ahead.

Incorporating the essence of Japanese culture, Ukiyo draws inspiration from Japanese writing, each piece imbued with a delicate balance of curved lines and linear edges. Armani’s artistry shines as she masterfully weaves tradition into a contemporary tapestry, creating a collection that speaks to current trends without feeling dictated by them. A collection made to last for years to come.

Take the Ukiyo lounge chair and armchair for instance, both pieces that play with subtle curvature and rigid lines to present as pieces of sophisticated but utterly seamless design. And while the former invites relaxed lounging and the latter is a more upright affair perfect for around any outdoor dining table, both exemplify the striking potential of a more understated, considered approach. Similarly, Tribù’s Ukiyo coffee table is a bastion of elegance, where brushstroke-like curves collide with a taut, linear silhouette and a tabletop in either ceramic or teak.

Beyond its awe-inspiring beauty, Ukiyo embodies Tribù’s steadfast commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. The collection showcases the brand’s passion for using solid materials that can withstand any weather condition, promising versatility and durability as much as beauty and sleek style.

The Ukiyo Collection not only pays homage to the Japanese aesthetic but also encapsulates the brand’s core values. Tribù’s respect for the environment and dedication to social responsibility is mirrored in every meticulously-crafted element, where the charm of ancient Japan harmoniously converges with Tribù’s signature style. Luckily for us, these pieces are available locally from Dawson & Co. and with summertime around the corner, now is the best time to get your al fresco space in order and ensure you secure the pieces you need for outdoor lounging.

Design

The dining table designed to bring everyone together
A softer surface: The rise of tonal, textured interiors
We delve into the life and storied career of architect and designer, Antonio Citterio, via some of his most iconic pieces
Chefs Tom Hishon & Wallace (Uelese) Mua of Kingi
Head Chef Kia Kanuta & Sous Chef Mauro Cancado of Ada
Petra Galler of Butter Butter

Bite-sized: Four pieces of food news you need to know this week

In Auckland’s vast dining landscape, there is always something exciting happening. Here, from limited-time pop-ups to new menus and more, we have rounded up four of the bite-sized, food news that we think you should know about this week.

Butter Butter pop-up at Modicum Cafe

Butter Butter Cake

If you find yourself with a sweet tooth this Saturday (the 29th of July), you simply must pay a visit to Modicum Cafe on Upper Queen Street, where Petra Galler of Butter Butter will be on site serving a mouthwatering selection of cakes, tarts, galettes and more. There will also be beautiful blooms available from lauded local florist Ruth Fiona and plenty of perfectly-brewed coffee to boot.

A culinary evolution & new menu at Ada by Head Chef Kia Kanuta

Left: Kingfish on Rēwena Fried Bread Right: Squid Ink Spaghetti

Popular Grey Lynn restaurant Ada (located at the base of The Convent Hotel) has a new head chef and an entirely new culinary approach. Chef Kia Kanuta (formerly in the kitchens of places like Prego, Cafe Hanoi, Mudbrick, Pici and more) has drawn from his cultural background and upbringing, his experiences in the kitchen and New Zealand’s abundant ingredients to reimagine the restaurant’s menu as a celebration of Aotearoa and of the connection between people, food and the land. Not only has each dish been inspired by its creator’s experiences to carry its own story, but the vast and varied scope of this new menu is incredible. In the mouth-watering line-up, standout dishes include hāngī potatoes with chevre and porcini soil, heritage carrots served with buffalo curd, hāngī pork belly with potato mousse, rēwana fried bread with oyster mushrooms and blue cheese, or topped with delicate kingfish, and even a squid ink spaghetti served with paua, cockles, cream and nduja. Progressive, full of flavour, imbued with history and cultural gravitas and promising a thoroughly memorable dining experience, Ada’s new offering is exceptional. Book this restaurant for your next dinner out.

New breakfast dishes and extended weekend hours at Kingi

Left: Breakfast Flatbread Right: Huevos Rancheros

This delicious restaurant set at the base of Hotel Britomart and helmed by Tom Hishon has recently added a raft of new dishes to its breakfast menu, alongside altering its weekend hours to open from 7am until 2:30pm (so that you can enjoy Kingi’s ‘breakfast’ offering all day).

On the menu, new additions include smoked kahawai with slow-poached eggs, nduja hollandaise and potato rosti, Fiordland Wapiti mince on toast with mushrooms and goats curd and a banana pancake stack with hazelnut, raspberry and white chocolate crèmeux. As Hishon himself tells us, “I’m a breakfast person and there is nothing better than to be able to eat breakfast all day on the weekend! Kingi’s new weekend breakfast hours have been designed with this in mind.“

The Long Weekend’s Takeover at Ooh-Fa

The Long Weekend’s — Ooh-Fa

After spending 12 weeks doing pop-ups in one of Australia’s top restaurants, Jay Elbrihi and David Aznar of 2Gather_Lab are embarking on an international tour — The Long Weekend — taking their unique culinary offering (that marries the duo’s Australian/Syrian and Algerian/Spanish backgrounds to focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine as well as exploring wild food, fermentation and native regeneration) to the world.

Their first stop is an unmissable, one-night-only event at Ooh-Fa, with a dinner designed to showcase wild food, foraged from around New Zealand and Australia, the best local seafood as well as some wild game. There will also be delicious natural wines from antipodean producers, alongside a selection of signature cocktails. Taking place on Monday the 31st of July from 5pm, the whole experience will be rolled out over a five-course menu for $120 per head. This is one you don’t want to miss.

Gastronomy

Long live the long lunch: Ki Māha for King’s Birthday
Why SkyCity’s DELISH is Auckland’s most comforting culinary event this winter
K’ Road’s newest café doubles as a quietly cool concept store
Chanel Resort 2024

Want healthy hair and glowing winter skin? See our edit of noteworthy beauty products and treatments to use now

It is in the middle of the year that our hair and skin regimens can take a hit. Whether it’s because we can’t be bothered with the upkeep of beauty products or simply because winter’s harsh climate makes everything feel more dull, now is actually the best time to focus on your beauty routine. Helping you get the most out of the time spent slathering oils on your skin and treatments in your hair, we have rounded up some of the most noteworthy beauty products from skincare to makeup to haircare and more, to start using now. (And a few treatments to spoil yourself with, for good measure.)

Max Mara Resort 24

Skincare

FACEGYM PRO FROM MECCA
Skin Reset Eye Crème from Emma Lewisham
Activist Green Botanical Serum from Ines Store
Codage Exfoliating Balm from Spring Spa
Sothys Organics Body Multi-purpose Protective Balm from Sothys
Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum from Spring Store
Carolina Herrera Resort 24

Makeup

Sisley Le Phyto Rouge Lipstick from Smith & Caughey’s
Maryse Mineral Tint Dahlia from Simon James
PRESSED FINISHING POWDER from LILY LOLO
Kosas The Sun Show Glowy Warmth Bronze from Mecca
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Pink from Dior

Christian Dior Cruise 24

Haircare

Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist from Mecca
Oribe Serene Scalp Oil Control Dry Shampoo Powder from Net-A-Porter
Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment from Spring Store

Fragrance

Tom Ford Electric Cherry EDP from Smith & Caughey’s
Sala Winter Incense from Sala
Maison Francis Kurkdijan Aqua Media Cologne Forte EDP from Mecca

Supplements & Treatments

Spring Wellbeing Experience from Spring Spa
Mother Made Mood Ashwagandha from Mother Made
The Beauty Chef Clear Skin from Sephora
Hana Therapeutic Massage from Hana

Wellbeing

The grounding movement may just be one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your mental and physical health
Eight nourishing foods to support your immunity
The next-generation toxin promising speed, subtlety and rare staying power

From alluring anthologies to gripping novels, these are the books we’re reading this winter

With the mid-winter weather making the thought of tucking into bed early more appealing than ever, we have been turning to the latest and greatest in newly-released literature for our evening entertainment. After all, what better time than now to lose yourself in a good book? The kind of book that keeps you up into the wee hours, and gives you something to talk about at midwinter dinner parties. From a series of anthologies that offer fresh perspectives to some inspiring novels, these are our editors’ picks of the books of the season. Read at your leisure.

Anthologies


A Life of One’s Own: Nine Women Writers Begin Again
by Joanna Biggs

This book explores the unconventional paths taken by the likes of Mary Wollstonecraft, Virginia Woolf, George Eliot and Toni Morrison in carving out intellectual freedom for themselves. Joanna Biggs delves into the lives of these women, and the conditions necessary for them to produce their best work. It is a radical and intimate examination of the pursuit of intellectual fulfilment by women writers throughout history.

Buy the book  →

Quietly Hostile: Essays 
by Samantha Irby 

Dubbed one of the most anticipated books of the year, the newest work by Samantha Irby is a hilarious series of essays that give insight into the reality behind the author’s newfound popularity and fame. From flop sweats on red carpet premieres to adopting a deranged dog over the pandemic, Irby’s singular perspective and no-holds-barred approach will have you laughing out loud until the very last page.

Buy the book  →

In Vitro: On Longing and Transformation 
by Isabel Zapata

Challenging the traditional narratives around pregnancy, Isabel Zapata offers a thought-provoking meditation on in vitro fertilisation. Through diary and essay forms, this book presents as a candid and intimate account of bodily transformation and disruption, exploring the complexities of conception and motherhood that are often kept private. It will prove an important literary companion that opens up space for nuanced conversations around pregnancy.

Buy the book  →

Novels


Yellowface 
by R.F. Kuang

Exploring the consequences of cultural appropriation, erasure of Asian-American voices and racism in the publishing industry, this compelling story follows June, a struggling author who steals her friend Athena’s just-finished manuscript about Chinese labourers in World War I and publishes it under a pseudonym Juniper Song. As her book becomes a New York Times bestseller, June must confront the consequences of her actions and the emerging evidence threatening to shatter her lies. 

Buy the book  →

The Happy Couple 
by Naoise Dolan

Told with the author’s signature sparkly humour and ferocious wit, this new book charts the path of a soon-to-be-married couple, the best man, the bridesmaid and a guest. As the wedding approaches, the five lives intersect, as each grapples with personal struggles, searching for their own version of a happy ending. 

Buy the book  →

The Late Americans 
by Brendon Taylor

In this new novel by the award-winning author of Real Life and Filthy Animals, a group of young people in Iowa City navigate self-discovery, love and ambition over a volatile year. From Seamus, a frustrated poet, to Ivan, an aspiring banker, to Fatima, an independent worker whose relationships are complicated by her work ethic, and Noah, who experiences sex in a different way, the group is preparing for an uncertain future when they are forced to face a moment of reckoning that leaves them changed forever.

Buy the book  →

The Wind Knows My Name
by Isabel Allende

The newest novel by lauded author Isabel Allende weaves together the stories of two children separated by time and circumstance. From Nazi-occupied Vienna to present-day Arizona, the novel explores the devastating impact of war and immigration via richly-drawn characters and masterful storytelling, and is a poignant testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who survive unimaginable hardships and never lose hope.

Buy the book  →

Dances 
by Nicole Cuffy

This exceptional debut novel is centred around Cece Cordell, a young Black ballerina who becomes a principal dancer in the New York City Ballet. Despite her success, Cece feels like she doesn’t belong and begins to unravel the threads of her past. When faced with a difficult choice, she embarks on a journey to find her missing brother and reclaim the parts of herself lost to the traditional ballet world. This spellbinding and lyrical book speaks to women, art, power, and the quest for self-liberation.

Buy the book  →

The Celebrants 
by Steven Rowley

Twenty-eight years after a group of college friends make a pact to throw each other ‘living funerals’ after the tragic loss of one of their own, the pact takes on new meaning when one member receives an unexpected diagnosis, forcing them to confront old secrets and the realities of their middle-aged lives. A tribute to self-discovery and the enduring power of friendship, this novel is moving, thoughtful and deeply honest. 

Buy the book  →

Non-Fiction


The West: A New History in Fourteen Lives 
by Naoíse Mac Sweeny 

Penned by a prize-winning historian, this fascinating book challenges the origins of Western civilisation (namely, the notion that it stemmed from a single cultural inheritance) from ancient Greece to modern times. By exploring the lives of 14 remarkable individuals, the author debunks the myths and origin stories that underpin the story we thought we knew, and offers a bold new account of Western history that will reshape the way readers see the world around them. 

Buy the book  →

What an Owl Knows 
by Jennifer Ackerman

Delving into the captivating world of owls, renowned science and nature journalist Jennifer Ackerman explores the complex biology and natural history of these mysterious birds, and reveals new scientific discoveries about their brains and behaviours. Featuring over 260 species of owls, Ackerman describes the difficulty in studying and finding them due to their cryptic nature and nocturnal behaviour. Through personal field observations and scientific research, she provides insights into owls’ hunting skills, communication and sensory abilities, offering a fascinating picture of these enigmatic birds.

Buy the book  →

The Perfection Trap: Embracing the Power of Not Good Enough 
by Thomas Curran

This illuminating book, written by a renowned professor at the London School of Economics, explores how the pursuit of perfection can lead to burnout and depression and prevent us from achieving our goals. Highlighting the societal pressures that fuel our obsession with perfection (from workplace competition to social media comparisons and the quest for elite credentials) Curran offers a range of solutions for resisting this pressure and discovering a more purposeful and contented life. 

Buy the book  →

Anatomy of a Breakthrough: How to Get Unstuck and Thrive when it Matters Most
by Adam Atler

For anyone feeling stuck or overwhelmed in their career, in relationships or in their personal growth, Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter is the ultimate roadmap. This book offers invaluable insight on how to break free from unhelpful thoughts, habits and patterns via the inspiring stories of those who have achieved incredible breakthroughs. Ultimately it asks the question, why settle for mediocrity when you can thrive? Essential reading if you want your life to change. 

Buy the book  →

Tokens: The Future of Money 
by Rachel O’Dwyer


Tokens are the digital assets that, are transforming the way we perceive and interact with money. And as platforms take over the role of banks, we’re witnessing the emergence of a new economy, but is it a blessing or a curse? In this book, Rachel O’Dwyer proposes a collective approach to money as a transformative power. A must-read for anyone seeking to navigate this new world and shape a fairer future.

Buy the book  →

Dark Matter: The New Science of the Microbiome 
by Dr James Kinross

This is a fascinating and accessible book by scientist and surgeon Dr James Kinross about the importance of the microbiome, a genetic universe inside us that influences every aspect of our health. The book explains how the microbiome helped humans evolve and how it is being destroyed through modern lifestyles, antibiotics, and environmental damage. With scientific research and practical advice, Kinross explores the brave new world of the microbiome and its impact on human health, offering insight into how we can nurture this delicate ecosystem. 

Buy the book  →

Culture

In need of some comic relief? These are the best underrated comedy series worth a watch
Heading away for the long weekend? Here’s what to press play on
Why Mickey Smith’s new Sanderson exhibition deserves your full attention
Right: Salmon Poke Bowl

Serving classic brunch with an Asian-fusion twist, meet Ponsonby Road’s tasty new spot — Pilar

Having recently opened on Ponsonby Road, Pilar Cafe & Eatery is the suburb’s newest cafe serving perfectly roasted Rocket coffee, friendly service and unique daytime fare that marries Asian-fusion flavours with classic European brunch. The result is a must-try spot that puts an unexpected twist on those dishes that are perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or a quick before-work bite.

Pilar Cafe
Right: Blueberry Pancakes

Started by Siyuan Sheng who has been working as a chef in New Zealand for a decade, the idea for Pilar was born from Sheng’s desire to offer a place where people could not only find utterly delicious food, but also, a place to sit back and relax (even if only for a brief moment). “For me, a cafe is not only about providing food or coffee,” she tells us, “it is also a place where people can rest, which is what I love.”

Pilar Cafe
Left: Rocket coffee

On the menu, punters will discover a uniquely flavoursome mix of Asian-fusion flavours intertwined with traditional Kiwi cafe food — an intriguing combination. “We want to bring new, creative ideas to our customers,” Sheng reveals, citing Pilar’s chilly scramble with green onions and its corn fritters with basil pesto, sour cream, salsa, spinach and poached eggs and two early favourites on the menu. The distinctly tasty line-up also includes dishes like a fluffy blueberry pancake served with bacon and red-wine poached pear, salmon poke bowls, kimchi fried rice and a series of ever-changing, seasonal chef’s specials and daily sweet treats.

Pilar Cafe
Cabinet Sandwiches

Here, the offering is wonderfully diverse with something to suit virtually any taste or proclivity. So whether you’re looking for a place to park up for an easy bite, or want a sunny, laid-back spot to catch up with someone for coffee, Pilar ticks the boxes in a big way. As Sheng explains, “Ponsonby is a busy area so I would like to provide a place where people can have a break from the busyness… like another home in the city.”

From its delectable food to its very good coffee and calm setting, Pilar is a place that should be on your radar. And when you’re met with Sheng’s exceptional service with a smile, you’ll likely want to make it your new regular.

Gastronomy

Long live the long lunch: Ki Māha for King’s Birthday
Why SkyCity’s DELISH is Auckland’s most comforting culinary event this winter
K’ Road’s newest café doubles as a quietly cool concept store
Matiatia Millhouse

Why the newest accommodation at Allpress Olive Groves will make you want to book a weekend on Waiheke

Allpress is a name familiar to most across the country, primarily for its connection to the most-loved coffee beans. But after stepping away from his coffee empire, founder Michael Allpress looked to his latest venture — world-class extra virgin olive oil grown on his native Waiheke Island. Since its founding in 2021, Allpress Olive Groves swiftly earned itself a spot as not only one of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the country but one of the most desirable destinations to visit and stay. And now, thanks to its latest addition — the Matiatia Millhouse — it really is a cut above the rest.

Allpress Olive Groves
Matiatia Millhouse

This destination exemplifies contemporary coastal living from its unique vantage point on the island’s northwestern tip, where views from the expansive windows across Matiatia Bay to Rangitoto Island are breathtaking. Designed to blend unobtrusively with nature, it sits among native bush and established gardens, where everything feels utterly calm. For a restful weekend, a well-stocked bookshelf and works by New Zealand artists Guy Ngan and David Hessel add a sense of home comfort.

number29

This joins three accommodation destinations, each as distinct, generous and warm as the next. Number29, The Ranch and Rangihoua Villa are all available for exclusive use, where each sits proudly on its own and offers a different reflection of the island’s vast offering. Yet they collectively provide the kind of stay that feels like a visit to a family lodge, where the intention is to celebrate considered design, outdoor cooking, relaxation and Waiheke’s idyllic natural environment. Set amongst the olive groves, it couldn’t be more heavenly.

Left: Rangihoua Villa Right: Rangihoua living area

Rangihoua Villa

When on Waiheke, aside from using the groves as a home base for a weekend away, Allpress Olive Groves also offers a signature tasting experience for guests or visitors to the island alike. With groves located across the entire expanse of the island, the beautiful new tasting room can be found at 56 Church Bay Road, conveniently amid some of Waiheke’s most beloved vineyards. Here, guests can enjoy the signature tasting experience and stock up on extra virgin olive oils from Rangihoua Estate, Allpress, and Number29, all single varietals and blends that capture the island in every bottle.

The Ranch outdoor cooking area

As Allpress says, “Extra virgin olive oils from Waiheke are some of the best in the world. This comes back to the island’s unique terroir, diverse varietals and climate.” With this in mind, it encourages us to look at olive oils from a different perspective. Where most discerning foodies can taste the difference between a good bottle and a run-of-the-mill blend, Allpress Olive Groves is encouraging us to consider our extra virgin olive oil with the same reverence we do wine, where we consider flavour profile, aromas and versatility.

Allpress Olive Groves
Rangihoua Villa

We also have on good authority that the vision for Allpress Olive Grove will soon be extending, with the foothills of Rangihoua Estate soon poised to be home to the flagship Allpress Bistro, a Tasting Room & Store, and a divine new events space. All the more reason to book a trip over to the isle sooner rather than later, we think.

allpressolivegroves.co.nz

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