Poring over industry data, it’s clear millennials and (drinking age) Gen Z’ers are imbibing less alcoholic beverages than their predecessors. While there are many factors at play, one of the main reasons given is the want of wellbeing — which is only amplified by time spent in lockdowns.
“We are more aware than ever how alcohol fuels a range of mental and physical health issues,” says Tyler Martin and Sophie Heatley of Yes You Can. “Being stuck at home, we naturally found ourselves drinking less and noticing a huge change in how we felt. We don’t want to give up how ‘clear’ we feel as we navigate what the world looks like moving forward.”
Taking matters into their own hands, the couple developed a beverage brand that challenged preconceptions of the non-alcoholic category — Yes You Can. Over months of refining its formula alongside world-class mixologists and food technologists, they created a multidimensional flavour profile that actually tastes and feels like classic alcoholic cocktails. Its proprietary ‘Flashback’ blend of all natural botanical extracts creates a burn at the back of the throat — without leading to those other kinds of ‘flashbacks’ after a night out drinking.
Yes You Can launched in September 2021 with three flavours to sip and savour — a zesty orange Spritz, a refreshing G&T, and a highball, but low- stakes, Dark & Stormy. While Covid restrictions affected hospitality sales at first, they had a successful soft launch online and were inundated with distributor requests for New Zealand and Australia (the latter is where they are currently based). Most immediately, they’re thrilled when they see someone holding one of their cans, or even seeing them squashed in a recycling pile on a morning walk around their Sydney suburb.
Martin, who was an Olympic Water Polo player before starting a sportswear brand, and Heatley, a New Zealander who worked at Google before pursuing postgraduate studies in Psychology, see themselves as being a small part of the cultural shift for those who wish to be sober, or even slightly more sensible. “A shift where mindful drinking and essentially mindful socialising is the new norm.”
The plan is to rapidly expand Yes You Can, including its global product range, distribution, talent, marketing and strategic investment. Cracking open the mindful drinking movement, while cultivating devoted followers? Why yes, they can.
It’s always a good time to think about what you could be doing to give back to the community and those in need. In this series, we highlight initiatives that we deem worthy of your support — and this is certainly true of the youth support and mentoring organisation I Have a Dream.
The Philosophy Founded in 2003, the team at I Have a Dream believes all children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, working from the ground up to affect positive, long-term, generational change. The programme is based on the original work of the U.S. foundation of the same name, and focuses on providing children and young people with access to the resources they need to succeed, academically and otherwise — along with consistent, caring adults (known as Navigators) to guide and support them.
Who they are The foundation is helmed by CEO Chris Twiss, who has joined the team after over 25 years in venture capital and private equity investment and technology innovation spaces. Trustees are renowned fashion designer Kiri Nathan, Chief Executive of Ki A Ora Ngātiwai health trust Lynette Stewart CNZM and Director of Educational Initiatives at the University of Auckland, Professor Graeme Aitken, while Ice Angels founding member Scott Gilmour is the chairperson. On the ground is a dedicated team of Navigators who, guided by Team Manager Mo Matautia-Tepania, currently work within the Tikipunga, Otangarei and Totara Grove communities of Whangārei.
What they do Working with its Dream Partner Schools, I Have a Dream offers the services of a consistent, caring adult (Navigator) for up to 15 years of a child’s schooling life, providing mentoring, tutoring, life coaching and support. Aiming to instil values of higher education, career aspirations and life success, they ensure every child has the resources, opportunities and networks they need to succeed. At this stage, the intention is to be present in the Whangārei community for a long time, working holistically and in partnership with family, schools and the wider community.
How to get involved There are several avenues for supporting I Have a Dream. A number of volunteer positions are available — on a regular or as-needed basis, such as after-school programme assistants, mentors, tutors, guest speakers and more. If you have a particular skill you wish to share, get in touch and let them know. Should you want to do something even more impactful, signing up to be a mentor is hugely rewarding for both the mentor and mentee. For at least a year (but ideally long term), mentors are a consistent, dependable and respectful presence in a young person’s life, providing one-to-one guidance, support and encouragement — and demonstrating how valuable a good role model can be.
As the organisation is completely privately funded, it relies on the support of generous donors to operate, so financial contributions are welcomed via one-off or recurring payments. Monetary donations can enable a child to participate in an event or programme they might have otherwise been denied, and ongoing monthly payments will enable a child to receive the entire I Have a Dream programme and Navigator support.
When a chef is at the top of their game, they create far more than just a plate of food. Often, they are crafting a narrative, celebrating both culture and tradition; innovation and provenance. The amount of drive, inventiveness and skill demonstrated by many of our local chefs is, we think, certainly worth celebrating. Have your say below, and remember, you can nominate anyone you think we may have missed.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Chef’ Shortlist:
Since ancient times, homeowners have designed their personal spaces with the hope of finding a sense of inner calm. From the Chinese feng shui to a Roman penchant for earth tones, we’ve sought to restore a natural balance. After all our time staying indoors, creating a living environment that meets our biophilia is of utmost importance.
Whether tranquillity comes from an artfully designed infrared sauna or artisanal backdrops, the crucial element of all of the following interior interests is that they give us a sense of accomplishment and closure, as we prepare to move forward.
Beverly Hills Home by Jeremiah Brent.
Homegrown Health One’s individual wellbeing has never been so top of mind, and as we become ever more self-sufficient from the home, adding life-enhancing upgrades to the interior mix is only increasing. While previously it might have been a garage or basement featuring one or two pieces of equipment, the home gym now far surpasses the basics and is being transformed into the wellness hub of our dreams. From steam or infrared saunas to full-length lap pools, dedicated meditation spaces and workout rooms that boast picturesque views, people are wanting to enjoy both a sweat session and serenity under their very own roofs. Thoughtful features like extra sound-proofing, under-floor heating and sophisticated ventilation are practical touches that add a sensation of separation and comfort, so residents can take the time to truly switch off.
Hillside Residence by MASS Beverly.
Tech Touches The digital revolution continues, and constant new advances mean high-tech homes are embraced by designers and residents alike. Increasingly sophisticated virtual design tools support the ability to further streamline the creative process around renovating and building, while home automation has never been smarter thanks to innovative gadgets and devices. Control the heating, adjust the lighting or check who’s at the door with a tap of your smartphone screen, or make sure you can breathe easy with new-generation air-filtration technologies.
Left: Home by Jake Arnold. Right: Cheviot Hills by Studio Life/Style.
Artisanal Backdrops While many of us embrace natural materials within our furniture and furnishings, why not imbue the very walls of your home with the same warmth? In recent years, there’s been a clear movement towards utilising Venetian plaster and lime wash — and this shows no signs of slowing down. A blessed departure from the Tuscan trend of the 80s and 90s, today’s expression of this ancient technique is enchanting when wielded tastefully. Rendered in earthy and neutral tones, the method is a beautiful way to add interest and depth to the room, while still complementing minimal aesthetics. It’s also eco-friendly, usually containing no added plastics or chemicals. The Japanese concept of wabi-sabi is all about finding beauty in imperfection; with Venetian plaster and lime wash often displaying visible brushstrokes and texture, it’s an utterly chic way to invite this feeling into your abode.
Curve Your Enthusiasm Smooth, contoured curves are said to be perceived in the subconscious as safe and welcoming. It makes sense, then, that we’re drawn to these looping lines as many other things seem to fall sideways in the outside world. The severe, straight lines of 20th-Century modernism that have been the benchmark of refined design are bending to our intrinsic affinity for the shapes we see in nature. In sculptured sofas and armchairs, in particular, curves have an added benefit of being able to embrace the sitter. Round them out with other curvilinear shapes, and you will come full circle in creating a heart-warming abode that acts as a new kind of aesthetic sanctuary. The ultimate luxury in life, after all, is comfort.
L.A.Studio Interiorismo featuring the Camaleonda sofa by B&B Italia available from Matisse.
Returning to Form They say good design is intelligence made visible, and as classic styles continue to reappear in our homes, the importance of these pieces is made even more clear. Introducing an iconic design into your home lends a new beginning to a piece that already has a storied history. The Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia is an award-winning postmodern Italian piece that changed the way we think about upholstered furniture. Its generous curves and mastered materiality opened the doors to the freer lifestyles we continue to seek. From Akari lanterns by Isamu Noguchi hanging from the ceilings, down to the Eames lounge chair by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller and the Wiggle chair by Frank Gehry, there’s a whole catalogue of archetypal designs to make your own.
Los Angeles home by landscape architect Chris Sosa.
Courting Green Spaces While we may be retreating indoors over autumn, we can still capture the pleasure of the great outdoors in elevated spaces. Carefully created courtyards, for example, bring breathing space to a home’s design — and adding an evergreen tree will quite literally enhance air quality. Offering shelter from the cool winds, these sophisticated sun traps will encourage more time outside. The introduction of floor-to-ceiling glass windows or doors will lead the eye to the calming scene, even if you don’t step out there often.
While keeping things fresh and exciting is the mark of any good restaurant, there is often one dish so beloved it would cause an uproar if it were to disappear from the menu. These dishes are a must-order, whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth; you want every moment to taste as good as that first bite. From tried-and-true staples to new indulgences, now is the time to have your say and crown your absolute favourite dish in town. If there’s any dish you think we may have overlooked, be sure to add it in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Dish’ Shortlist:
Those looking for ultra-effective skincare products that are also kind to the environment would do well to turn their face towards Sothys’ new Organics Range. Developed in the heart of the Corrèze, a stunningly beautiful region in central-southern France, the line is both certified organic and vegan, created within rigorous parameters using potent, precious natural ingredients.
Sothys Organics currently comprises four fresh products, and is recommended for normal to combination skin, young skin, and both men and women. If you already prioritise a natural or organic skincare, you’re sure to love this range.
Melt off the day (and any waterproof mascara) with the Cleansing Oil, formulated with oleo-extract of honeysuckle for use on both the face and eyes. Packed with antioxidants, this cleansing oil transforms into a milky emulsion when water is added, leaving the skin looking more radiant and feeling more supple and comfortable.
For that once-a-week scrub, the Skin Radiance Exfoliant delicately removes impurities with raspberry seeds and Camargue rice grains, while the Revitalising Hydrating Emulsion is a lightweight moisturiser for day and night that contains a complex of organic plant actives including birch sap which is one of the hero ingredients of the range.
Harvested in the border area between Cantal and Corrèze, birch sap is rich in minerals and sugars which impart revitalising and moisturising properties into the skin. Another hero ingredient, also present in the Hydrating Emulsion, is Alfalfa — renowned for its retinol-like activity that stimulates collagen synthesis by a reported 201 percent.
The Radiance Mask rounds out the selection, with birch sap bringing a splash of hydration to the visage. Hot tip: Leave this one on as a night cream, rubbing in the excess after it has sat on the skin for 10 minutes.
In keeping with Sothys’ commitment to the environment, all the materials used for the range’s packaging are recycled and/or recyclable, so you can rest easy knowing these are products that care for the earth as much as they care for your skin.
A thin line exists between indulgence and hedonism, but it’s one that — when traversed with care — can offer a taste of perfection. This is something that The Macallan understands deeply, and it allows them to create some of the most exquisite whiskies on the market. The latest addition, The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, is no different, but ushers in a new phase for the brand in both flavour and impact.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is the first limited-edition whisky in an innovative new series of single malts that will see the brand progress its journey towards sustainable packaging. And while this step towards sustainability is harmonious with the planet, it’s harmonious with the flavour too. Decadent chocolate is an art form akin to whisky, where subtle notes and flavours can be extracted with the slightest touch.
It’s a unison that has seen The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan embark on a journey to Girona, Spain, where she immersed herself in the world of chocolate, exploring the chocolate-making process and uncovering the distinctive flavour profiles, before developing the Rich Cacao alongside world-renowned pastry chef, Jordi Roca.
Purveyors of fine whisky may be familiar with the ritual of pairing the drop with chocolate, drawing on the complexity of the flavours available in both delights. The Macallan has taken it a step further by drawing upon these two rich characteristics in this most recent adaptation. The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao offers an aroma of chocolate fondant, honey, oak, zesty lime and ginger, with a palate of dark chocolate, honey, dates, vanilla and cinnamon. It results in a long, rich chocolate finish that is yet to be found in any other whisky made available to the premium market.
This venture into the unknown reflects The Macallan story, where a constant strive to be bold since founding the single-malt distillery in 1824.Paying homage to its chocolate inspiration, this edition is encased in a beautiful fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box, made using natural by-products in the chocolate-making process. The box is crafted without compromise using discarded husks from cacao pods and brings together The Macallan’s renowned craftsmanship with contemporary packaging techniques aimed at minimising waste.
To celebrate the release in a way that holds relevance and sentiment to New Zealanders on the other side of the world to the Scottish distillery, The Macallan has formed a unique partnership with New Zealand craft chocolatiers from Wellington Chocolate Factory to bring the story to life. This partnership will highlight the latest whisky offering with an immersive tasting experience that takes guests into the world of whisky and chocolates.
This marriage of two indulgent, artisan brands — each leaders in their respective fields — will give bibulous lovers of chocolate the opportunity to experience The Macallan, thanks to an intimate dining experience to be held at Wellington Chocolate Factory later this year.
The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is available at all premium liquor outlets nationwide; while stocks last.
Come for the food, stay for the service — in the hospitality game, never a truer word has been spoken. While the talented chefs set the menu, the service sets the scene for your meal, with staff putting their craft into motion day after day, night after night to deliver an unforgettable dining experience. From bartenders to maître d’s to wait staff, it’s time to celebrate the most outstanding service person. If there’s anyone you think we may have overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Most Outstanding Service Person’ Shortlist:
Fashion is going green in more ways than one with a bold resurgence of verdant tones set to stage a wardrobe takeover.
It could be argued that this whole thing started with Daniel Lee’s tenure at Bottega Veneta and the distinctive shade of Kelly green that became synonymous with the brand. (After all, who could forget the green extravaganza of Bottega Veneta’s Spring 2021 show?) But the trend that emerged a year ago has evolved, and the penchant for green has gone beyond eye-popping highlighter tones alone.
This season, verdant shades of fresh mint, earthy pistachio, deep jade, zesty lime and everything in between are being employed with wild abandon, and if there’s one thing to be taken away from green’s fashionable ascent, it is a reminder that colour (when employed correctly) isn’t something to be feared. It just takes commitment.
Here, we set out the green pieces our editors are coveting this season. From textured handbags to elegant jackets, this careful curation of accessories and ready-to-wear will have you participating in the trend like a pro—and will leave anyone who sees you green with envy.
Clockwise from top left: Loulou Studio Espanto Cotton Shirt from Workshop, Tina Sandals from Saint Laurent, Light GG canvas double-breasted jacket from Gucci, Christopher John Rogers Twill Wide Leg Pants from Net-a-porter, Bottega Veneta BV1122S Sunglasses from Superette International, Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps from Prada, Emilia Wickstead Taiga Cloqué Dress from Matches, Nanuskha Gather Bucket Bag from Muse.
Clockwise from top left: The Vampire’s Wife Falconetti Dress from Workshop, Dior Caro bag from Dior, Valentino Oversized Silk Faille Shirt from Net-a-porter, Bottega Veneta Leather Coat from Mytheresa, Walk’n’Dior sneaker from Dior, Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini shearling tote from Harrods, Double Ring mini wrap skirt from Louis Vuitton, Jessica McCormack Signature Emerald Cut Button Back Ring from Simon James.
Cheap and cheerful restaurants are arguably the backbone of our dining scene. Serving up affordable, insanely tasty food — we find ourselves coming back to these eateries again and again, proudly claiming our status as regulars. From excellent Mexican and slurp-worthy noodles to cracking curries and mouth watering burgers, it’s time to celebrate our city’s very best cheap and cheerful eateries. If there’s any establishment you think we may have overlooked, be sure to add them in the comment box.
Everybody who votes goes in the draw to win one of three $1000 vouchers to be spent at one of the American Express Local Dining Collection locations — a list of which can befound here.
Voting has now closed. The 2022 Denizen Hospo Heroes presented by American Express will be announced in the Winter issue of Denizen magazine (released on 23rd May, 2022).
The Denizen Hospo Heroes 2022 ‘Best Cheap & Cheerful’ Shortlist:
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