It’s always exciting when a popular hospitality purveyor extends their reach out of the central city. Known for some of the best and beefiest (sometimes literally) hot dogs in town, Good Dog Bad Dog currently has a pop-up running in Ormiston Town Centre in new south-east suburb Ormiston.
Located 5kms from Manukau City Centre, Ormiston Town Centre is abuzz with several well-known Auckland food outlets including Bird on a Wire and Daruma Ramen, and now Good Dog Bad Dog has joined the offering — their pop-up will lead the way for a permanent store, currently being built.
From left: Classic Dog; Chicken Hoagie.
Co-founded by David Lee and Oliver Simon, who are also the masterminds behind Commercial Bay eatery Gochu (chef Jason Kim also heads up that eatery), Good Dog Bad Dog has been roaringly popular for its unapologetically decadent ‘dogs. At the Ormiston pop-up, you’ll find a slightly more concise menu that includes their Classic Dog along with the Chopped Cheese, a hamburger-like concoction in a hotdog bun; Chilli Cheese Dog — combining a traditional frankfurter sausage with a house-made chilli mix and cheese topping — and crumbed Chicken Hoagie. Add fluffy potato tots or fries for sides, and you’re away laughing.
“We decided to go to Flat Bush/Ormiston as yum food like ours isn’t as freely available outside of the central suburbs,” says co-founder Simon. “It’s always pretty easy to get into a central Auckland mindset when you live and work in central, and often forget that the majority of Auckland doesn’t live in the CBD!”
Good Dog Bad Dog
Ormiston Town Centre
240 Ormiston Road,
Ormiston 2019
For the last five years, Jeuneora has created some of the best marine collagen and plant-based supplements around, building its reputation on offering beauty and wellness solutions that work via an inside-out approach (keep your gut healthy, and the rest will follow.) And while its powders will continue to help our various gut-based issues, now, the female-founded, New Zealand-based company is looking to further expand its reach into the beauty space by launching a comprehensive range of premium skincare, starting with what it is calling The Essential Seven.
The result of two years of planning, Jeuneora’s new skincare range is set to meet the high expectations of its savvy customers, with fun, luxurious and multi-tasking formulas that combine the latest ingredients to be simultaneously gentle and undeniably effective. Designed to support our skin’s natural microbiome, the dermatologist-approved Jeuneora range is not only suitable for all skin types but harnesses a number of carefully-chosen key ingredients that support the barrier of the dermis without corrupting its integrity or microflora. The range doesn’t claim to be 100% natural, rather the formulations use the power of nature with a helping hand from science to create a high efficacy range. The products are all New Zealand-made, vegan, cruelty-free and entirely devoid of nasties (meaning no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, palm oil, formaldehyde, SLS, SLES, TEA or DEA).
The Jeuneora Skincare range is made up of the MeltTheDay gentle gel cleanser, OhMyDays foaming cloud cleanser, #TBT age-defying serum, ThemGenes daily resculpting serum, GoLightly plump & protect day cream, GoNightly overnight repair cream and SuperSuper face oil. Each has its own area of expertise, ranging from cleansers that promise to remove the sins of the day to serums that swear to leave our skin bright and glowing to creams packed with powerful antioxidants for reducing signs of ageing, or supercharged with ultra-hydrating ingredients to leave our faces feeling impossibly soft. If you ask us, the SuperSuper face oil looks like it will be one of The Essential Seven’s hero products for its lightweight formula, and broad, multi-purpose use.
While the formulas themselves are impressive enough alone, Jeuneora has really hit a home run with its packaging — a cute, shelfie-worthy affair with sleek, soft-touch bottles and eye-catching colours. Importantly, Jeuneora’s packaging incorporates 20 percent post-consumer recycled plastic and the brand has ensured that every item is 100% recyclable through its free-to-use TerraCycle recycling scheme.
Officially available from today, this bold new range couldn’t have come at a better time. After all, whose skin doesn’t need a bit of extra TLC over the harsh winter months?
As ardent fans of architecture and design, we’re very excited at the prospect of the 10th annual Resene Architecture + Design Film Festival, which kicks off in Auckland this week at Rialto Cinemas.
Launching on Thursday, 6th of May, the festival’s line-up offers an inspiring array of films about architects that have left a legacy and lasting impact on contemporary design including Alvar Aalto, Mario Botta and Alfred Frey.
A particular focus on women in architecture shines this year with films that highlight the pioneering work and visions of designers like Charlotte Perriand, and others who have completely shaped movements like Bauhaus only to have history forget them.
Starting in Auckland, the festival then moves down to Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and while the entire lineup looks worthy of booking, here are our picks of the bunch.
Where Architects Live, 2014 Humans are a curious, voyeuristic bunch and any glimpse into the personal preferences of the world’s tastemakers is fascinating. Where Architects Live gives insight into the daily lives of eight leading designers, including Mario Bellini, David Chipperfield and the late Zaha Hadid, and into their homes. Combining more than 30 video contributions, this intimate look into the houses of architects all around the world from Tokyo to Berlin, Mumbai to Milan, showcases the multitudes of how we choose to live.
Aalto, 2020 One of the greatest modern architects of our time, Finnish designer Alvar Aalto’s work spanned architecture, furniture, textiles and glassware, as well as sculptures and paintings. It was characteristic of Aalto to treat each building as a complete work of art — right down to the furniture and light fittings. This film explores the formative relationships Aalto had over his lifetime with two remarkable women; his first wife, Aino, and second wife Elissa, shedding light on the impact they had on his work as equal architects and visionary designers in their own right.
Perriand chaise longue, 1929.
Charlotte Perriand, Pioneer in the Art of Living, 2019 A founder of the Modernist movement, French architect and designer Charlotte Perriand ranks among the great creative geniuses of the 20th Century — yet, compared to her male contemporaries like Le Corbusier, her 75-year career is relatively unknown. This documentary explores her trajectory from her own perspective, an extraordinary woman who pushed the boundaries of modern design.
Nakashima House, New Hope, Pennsylvania. Photo: Ezra Stoller.
George Nakashima: Woodworker, 2020 If beautifully made furniture is what gets you going, this documentary is one for you. It explores the lasting legacy of iconic Japanese-American furniture maker George Nakashima, who changed woodworking by embracing the ‘imperfections’ and natural character of nature.
The Gardener, 2016 Not forgetting that a building’s surroundings are often just as important as the architecture and interiors themselves, this film profiles renowned horticulturalist Francis Cabot and his signature creation, the gardens of Les Quatre Vents in Quebec. One of the world’s foremost private gardens, it was created over 75 years and three generations and is an enchanting masterpiece of the 21st Century. Green thumbs, you’ll love this.
The Resene Architecture + Design Film Festival is showing at Rialto Cinemas in Auckland from Thursday, 6th of May — Wednesday, 19th of May Find the full programme here.
When contemplating what to queue up next on the playlist, why not dive into compelling new offerings from fresh faces and old favourites alike? From homegrown to international talent, get acquainted with the music we have on repeat.
NEW ARTISTS Arlo Parks Having just released her debut album to widespread critical acclaim, this British singer-songwriter-poet is firmly on our ones-to-watch list. Combining poignant lyricism with her warm, airy, natural voice, Parks has a distinct way of cutting through the noise.
Mustafa.
Mustafa Hip hop / Islamic music Recently releasing a moving track dedicated to loved ones he has lost to gun violence, 24-year-old Canadian poet-turned-singer Mustafa (also known as Mustafa the Poet) is garnering more and more attention for his authentic, soulful sound and clear, heartfelt messages.
Molly Payton.
Molly Payton Rock Inspired by rock and roll bands of the 60s and 70s, 19-year-old Kiwi (although she has called London home for the last few years) Molly Payton sings with a deep richness that belies her age and has recently released her EP ‘Porcupine’ which received critical acclaim.
Claire Chicha.
Spill Tab Alternative/Indie This US-based, singer-producer duo (Claire Chicha and David Marinelli) is making waves for its intimate brand of pop and dreamy vocals. Reminiscent of Billie Eilish, Chicha’s soft voice has a distinct character and the duo’s tracks are captivating and memorable.
From left: Home; Heaux Tales; When You See Yourself; Sound Ancestors.
NEW ALBUMS Home Rhye Canadian singer-songwriter Michael Milosh’s ethereal, androgynous falsetto rings through every song on Rhye’s sensual new album. Not deviating too far from its signature, soft-pop sound, this album includes ghostly cantos by the Danish National Girls Choir, sultry lyrics brimming with innuendo and the sleek, rhythmic baselines we’ve come to expect. Song: Beautiful
Heaux Tales Jazmine Sullivan Comprising eight songs connected by spoken-word interludes by different women, Jazmine Sullivan’s fourth album is a meditation on the loss and gain to be found in sex and love. Allowing her powerful voice to shine through, the artist tells intimate stories that draw the listener in — each song a reminder of her incredible talent. Song: Lost One
When You See Yourself Kings of Leon Four years after their last release, Kings of Leon are back with a highly-anticipated new album — proclaiming it to be the one of which they are most proud. Recorded in Nashville’s iconic Blackbird studios alongside Grammy-Award-winning producer Markus Dravs, this is a return to form for the lauded rock group. Song: 100,000 People
Sound Ancestors Madlib with Four Tet Groundbreaking hip-hop producer Madlib (Jahri Massamba Unit) collaborates with DJ and producer Four Tet on this extraordinary record. Combining reggae beats, jazz riffs and poignant storytelling, this album sees its creators embark on a journey through the lineage of Black music. Song: Road of The Lonely Ones
When it comes to dining out in winter, we crave warming, flavourful dishes and a cosy, cocooning environment in which to enjoy them. While this week’s opening of their new venture may have been in the works for over two years, hospitality duo Krishna Botica and Tony McGeorge are right on time with Ghost Street.
Situated beneath their recently relocated (and eternally popular) restaurant Cafe Hanoi, Ghost Street has made itself at home in what was previously 1885 Basement. The subterranean space was given a thoughtful interior refresh by Dajiang Tai and James Ting of Cheshire Architects, an elevated yet approachable reimagining of the bustling hole-in-the-wall eateries that run along Beijing’s famous food street from which this eatery takes its name.
Textural and transportative, the 82-seat space presents all manner of options for differing group sizes — as perfect for an intimate date night as a rousing meal with friends, a business lunch and more. A 44-seat private dining room will also open on the 1st of June. A long, stool-lined, shared table runs in between the central pillars of the room, with an open kitchen giving diners ample view of executive chef Nathan Houpapa and head chef Khai Yee ‘KK’ Khor leading the culinary action.
The idea behind Ghost Street, Botica tells us, was to hone in on aspects of Chinese cuisine that the team feels passionate about. As with Cafe Hanoi, Xuxu Dumpling Bar and Saan, the eatery celebrates Asian cuisine while combining it with a Western-style beverage offering — at Ghost Street, this takes the form of aromatic cocktails that contain spices, bitters and herbs, almost like a Chinese apothecary, plus a curated selection of Champagne, wine and beer.
Both Houpapa and Khor have a particular affinity for Chinese food, and Ghost Street’s menu offers rustic, seasonal dishes from throughout the country with a particular emphasis on those from the western cities of Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, and Xi’an. A research trip in China two years ago saw the team curate a collection of dishes that pack a flavourful punch, with a balanced selection that means you can hit all manner of taste profiles from tart and vinegary to savoury, to both sichuan and hot spice.
Chinese pickles with fried wonton skins are an ideal way to start, and the pickle bowl is generous enough that you can cleanse your palate in between other bites. Scallop wontons are beautifully silky, layered in a shallow gingery broth laced with numbing sichuan oil. We found the vege fried rice to be extremely moreish yet non-stodgy, and we are told KK’s special fried rice with tiger prawn tails and XO sauce is another must-order.
Biang Biang noodles are already being touted as somewhat of a signature, and whole steamed Australian king prawns are a delicious dish to roll up your sleeves for, arriving in their shells on top of an umami tangle of glass noodles and stuffed with fried garlic. The full menu is comprehensive yet not overwhelming, with plenty to satisfy both carnivores and vegetarians alike. We also loved the sichuan eggplant — spicy and jammy, it melts in the mouth and is topped with sesame seeds and fresh chilli.
It’s not something we’d usually mention, but even the menu design is clever — tick a box next to the dishes you want, hand it over and you’ll be saved all the back and forth of yelling over the table to your waitperson.
As they are wont to do with their other openings, Ghost Street’s team has identified a gap in their neighbourhood’s offering and filled it in the best way possible. We suggest you get yourself down there to try it for yourself.
Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday: 5PM — close (around 10PM) Thursday: 12 noon — close (around 10PM) Friday: 12 noon — late (around midnight) Saturday: 5PM — late (around midnight) Sunday: 5PM — close (around 10PM)
Ghost Street
Basement Floor,
27 Galway Street,
Britomart
Access via Tuawhiti Lane (adjacent to Hotel Britomart)
Among young New Zealand creatives with their sights set on fame and fortune, a voyage overseas is a well-trodden tradition. For 22-year-old actor Erana James, however, Hollywood came to her, offering a central role in the Amazon Prime Video series The Wilds.
Filmed in Auckland, it was touted as the breakout hit of the season upon its release in December 2020 (with a second season confirmed soon after), and thanks to the show’s success James has been catapulted onto the global stage.
The Wilds follows eight young women who, following a plane crash, are washed up on a desert island. Described as a successor of Lord of the Flies, or Lost (but with teenage girls), the show has been praised for its relatable portrayals of a range of young women from diverse backgrounds, and its stars have garnered dedicated fanbases that grow seemingly by the minute.
James as Toni Shalifoe in Prime Video’s The Wilds.
For James, who plays tomboy Toni Shalifoe and was the only main cast member from Aotearoa, the opportunity to shoot her first American TV show on home soil was a dream. “It was so amazing,” she tells me. “It’s the type of job that can change your life a little bit, because you get thrown out of life as you know it for such a long time.”
Having a strong female support system throughout the filming process was also incredible, she says, reflecting on the opportunity to work with industry legends such as the late Jamie Tarses, producer Amy Harris and writer Sarah Streicher, as well as her other female co-stars.
James was born in Whangārei and moved to Wellington when she was 10, where she got into acting at the age of 14 — her mother manages performing arts school Rata Studios. There, James was mentored by actor and renowned acting coach Miranda Harcourt, which led to the then-17-year-old being cast in her first local breakout role as Laura Chant in the Margaret Mahy film-adaption, The Changeover. A year after that was released, she was cast in The Wilds.
“I never really thought it would be something I’d do full time,” says James of her accelerating acting career. “But, I’ve been very willingly thrown into this crazy job at the moment, that I hope will continue to go well.”
Poised, eloquent and wise beyond her years, James speaks candidly about her journey and keeping her head in a notoriously difficult industry. She’s getting used to having more eyes on her than ever before, including a social media following of over 218,000, but she’s also not afraid to speak out for what she’s passionate about.
“I have always been and will always be passionate about indigenous culture, having indigenous culture be at the forefront of the education system and being able to play indigenous characters,” says James, who is Māori from Ngāti Whātua-o-Ōrākei hapū on her father’s side. “Telling those stories through the right lenses has always been [important]… and also changing the narrative around the types of women we see in film.”
Coming off the back of playing Toni, an openly gay character, James is delighted by the outpouring of positive messages she received from the LGBTQ+ community, telling her they felt seen and represented by her portrayal. “It just means the world.”
When it comes to preparing for a role, part of what makes James so compelling to watch is her skill in finding a balance between inhabiting a character and being herself. “My acting coach [Miranda Harcourt] speaks about finding the naturalism in the story you’re telling,” she says, “so, whatever part of myself I can activate for whatever character I’m playing — stronger, dull that back, push that further — if there’s already truth in that [emotion] in me, then I hope the truth comes through in that character.”
Ask James about who or what is inspiring her, and she’s quick to praise her brother, Ethan James, who also works in the industry as a 1st Assistant Camera (also known as a focus puller) naming him as her “biggest inspiration and drive.” And, as far as dream roles are concerned? “I have always wanted to work with Jane Campion, so whatever role she wants to give me!”
This year, James will be filming season two of The Wilds for several months, and after that, she’s looking forward to diving into more work. We’re sure she’ll have her pick of any number of amazing roles.
It’s always a good time to think about what you could be doing to give back to the community and those in need. It can, however, occasionally be a little confusing trying to figure out what the best use of your funds or your time will be. In this new series, we’re highlighting initiatives that we deem worthy of your support. First up is Auckland community-driven food service Sunday Blessings.
The philosophy Sunday Blessings Auckland was formed in 2018 to address its founders’ commonly held belief that no one should have to rummage through a rubbish bin for food. That same year, a report by the United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization found that 14 percent of New Zealanders experience regular food insecurity. This figure is likely to have grown significantly in the aftermath of Covid-19, and Sunday Blessings Auckland aims to combat this by providing nourishing, hot meals to those in need.
Who they are Sunday Blessings Auckland was founded by Laurie McLeod, Audrey Van Ryn and Danielle LeGallais, and involves a rotating roster of kind volunteers who get involved every week.
What they do Utilising community surplus food and volunteers, Sunday Blessings Auckland feeds around 160 people every Sunday at the Ellen Melville Centre on Freyberg Place, in the Auckland CBD, having served more than 26,000 meals since it was formed. The once-a-week service is often increased with an impromptu meal when they have a surplus of food donations, and the initiative helps to alleviate food waste overall by working with local hospitality businesses to repurpose their excess food.
Co-founder LeGallais also frequently speaks to audiences about how to get involved in community work, simultaneously aiming to help shift negative preconceptions about the un-homed. This year, as well as the food-focused aspect of Sunday Blessings, LeGallais says the team will be moving into offering advocacy services in an effort to empower the community.
Who they work alongside Sunday Blessings partners with various other important initiatives and charities to offer even more than a nourishing meal at the gathering site. These include Orange Sky, which provides free laundry and showers to people experiencing homelessness, and registered charity Tender Love & Care.
Not-for-profit repurposed clothing initiative Koha Apparel joins Sunday Blessings once a month, and loyal yet unofficial supporters include Glendowie Primary School’s staff and students, both St Georges and Kings College rowing clubs, and community group Brown Pride NZ.
Several hospitality organisations and retailers also regularly support eliminating food insecurity with less waste practices using Sunday Blessings, including Bluebells Cakery, AUT Events and its Newsfeed Cafe, Refuel Cafe in Onehunga and more.
How to get involved A roster on the Sunday Blessings website that is simple to complete makes it very easy to get involved. Find links to two Google Doc sheets, one to volunteer for serving and one to volunteer to cook. Anything could be on the menu, including baked cakes and biscuits, pizzas, stews, soups, sausage rolls or sandwiches. Sunday Blessings is unique in that it takes perishable items for people to eat (as long as they’re still unspoiled, of course).
It’s also a great thing to get the whole family involved in, especially young children, who will benefit from seeing the value of compassion at a young age. As the Sunday Blessings team says: “don’t underestimate the power of a warm smile from someone giving their time and food.”
It can be difficult to know what exactly to wear at this time of year. As temperatures take a dive but days can still deliver warmth, getting dressed in the morning can prove tricky. So, considering that one of our favourite fashion go-tos, Workshop, has recently had an influx of new pieces from the likes of Isabel Marant, Acne Studios and Ganni, we thought it high time we rounded up some of the looks we plan on wearing to get through this funny, in-between time. (And hopefully, give you the inspiration you need.)
Fragrance has the power to influence our emotions and moods, so why not reach for something uplifting? Kate Spade New York’s newly-launched, eponymous fragrance is inspired by the fashion house’s vibrant, clever essence, which has celebrated women and their sense of individuality since its launch in 1993.
A joyfully feminine perfume, Kate Spade New York harnesses a combination of fruity and floral notes— in particular, wild strawberry. Perfumer Marie Salamagne of renowned Swiss fragrance company Firmenich aimed to pay tribute to the lush red fruit, capturing its unique scent and tempering it with rose essence.
A top note of bergamot adds a sparkling, citrus element, while the floral heart combines that rose essence with freesia. Base notes of ambroxan and cashmeran add a slightly musky, woody depth, ensuring this fragrance is not simply sweet frivolity.
For Kate Spade New York’s launch, dancer Maddie Ziegler lent her rhythmic talents in a free-spirited campaign capturing spontaneous celebration. Shot against the iconic New York City skyline, Ziegler and her friends embody the unbridled joy that comes with feeling authentically yourself — a sensibility we hope to channel, while smelling delicious in the process.
After having to be cancelled in 2020 due to unfortunate circumstances we’re all very familiar with, Auckland Writers Festival is back with a bang this year. Bringing us a smashing selection of the best writers and thinkers from here and abroad, the Festival is a place for all to celebrate the world of books and ideas, enriching the culture of our city from the 11th — 16th of May.
If you’d like some guidance on what to book from the excellent selection of sessions, here are the events we’re looking forward to seeing at the 2021 Auckland Writers Festival.
Left: Neil Gaiman. Right: Kazuo Ishiguro.
The Universe of Story: Neil Gaiman Famed British author Neil Gaiman will be here in person (he’s currently living in Hawke’s Bay with his partner, musician Amanda Palmer) to espouse on the art of storytelling that he’s beloved for the world over, following the recent publication of updated collection The Neil Gaiman Reader: Selected Fiction. Containing 50 of his short stories plus excerpts from American Gods, Neverwhere and more, the book showcases Gaiman’s range and prowess as one of the world’s most talented contemporary writers — one that has sold over 50 million books, no less. Catch him in conversation with author Nic Low on Sunday, 16th of May.
A Nobel Life: Kazuo Ishiguro Those who have read his books can’t help but love the restrained yet poignant prose of Nobel Laureate Kazuo Ishiguro. The author of acclaimed novels like The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go has released a brilliant new book that is, once again, garnering hefty praise. Klara and the Sun tells the story of an artificial being in search of the family that will fulfil the purpose she was created for. Through Klara’s eyes we see both beautiful and cruel aspects of human nature anew, and ask the question: what does it mean to love? See Ishiguro in conversation with Michelle Langstone via livestream on Saturday, 15th of May, discussing his life’s work.
Left: Patricia Grace. Right: Garance Dore.
From the Centre: Patricia Grace One of New Zealand’s most celebrated authors, Patricia Grace will be talking about the experiences that have shaped her life, books and distinctive voice following the publication of her new memoir From the Centre: A writer’s life — out on the 4th of May. Having penned multiple beloved novels, short stories, and children’s books including Potiki, Cousins (which has been adapted into a major film, in cinemas now) and Tu, Grace is sure to have plenty of wisdom and inspiring words to share, in conversation with Nic Low on Saturday, 15th of May.
A Question of Style: Garance Doré One of the original fashion bloggers that kicked off the influencer movement, Garance Doré’s story is far from predictable. Having found what others would deem the pinnacle of success in the fashion industry, Doré walked away from it all in 2015 shortly after publishing her first book — New York Times bestseller Love X Style X Life — to find what made her truly happy. With a weekly subscription newsletter sharing personal, philosophical and often hilarious insights about her life, Doré speaks with Wendy Petrie via livestream about her journey on Friday, 14th of May.
Left: Ai Weiwei. Right: Behrouz Boochani.
Conversations: Ai Weiwei The chance to hear directly from such an important, cultural figure is one we are excited about, as Ai Weiwei joins the festival via livestream to discuss his latest book Conversations. Chronicling candid discussions with critical thinkers, including Andrew Solomon and Evan Osnos, Weiwei touches on his relationship with China, the meaning of citizenship, how to make art, and technology as a tool for freedom of oppression. He will be talking to film-maker Chelsea Winstanley on Friday, 14th of May.
No Friend but the Mountains: Behrouz Boochani Sometimes, in life, it’s good to have things put in perspective, and Behrouz Boochani’s story is sure to help with that. The Kurdish-Iranian journalist became a political prisoner after fleeing from Iran in 2013, detained indefinitely in the Australian-run Manus Regional Processing Centre, Papua New Guinea. On a smuggled mobile phone, he chronicled six years in the centre, tapped out in Farsi in a series of single messages, and subsequently translated into English by Omid Tofighian. The result was his book No Friend But The Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison, which went on to win a host of literary prizes. Now resident in New Zealand, Boochani speaks with Julie Hill on Friday, 14th of May.
From left: Reb Fountain, Tom Scott, Marlon Williams, Moana Maniapoto.
A Celebration of Song: Reb, Tom, Marlon & Moana The craft of songwriting is often just as much of a beautiful mystery as authors penning novels. Three of Aotearoa’s most esteemed musicians Reb Fountain, Tom Scott and Marlon Williams, will join fellow singer Moana Maniapoto to dissect their artistry and inspirations. Completing the conversation will be acoustic performances, making this session one to prioritise for both literary and music fans on Thursday, 13th of May.
Curating the perfect wardrobe is all about nailing the basics. Build a solid foundation first, and then indulge in some of your more wild sartorial pursuits. To get you started, here is a list of simple essentials that will stand you in good stead for the season ahead.
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A Pair of Standout Sneakers
A Pair of Standout Sneakers
There are sneakers and then there are sneakers, and these ones from Prada are deemed (in our book, at least) essential for the casual ‘cool’ and intriguing detail they promise to bring to an otherwise straightforward outfit.
A casual, collared shirt should sit at the heart of your repertoire. Easy to wear with anything, this piece will lend a certain formality to outfits that call for more than just a casual look.
Every man needs a bag that says, ‘I’ve travelled’ without looking like it actually says ‘backward through a bush, that is.’ Cast aside the luggage you’ve been pulling off your top shelf for years, and invest in a smart, sleek-looking bag that will add to your sartorial prowess, not detract from it.
In an age when comfort has become key, an all-purpose sweater is non-negotiable. Opting for something that is a step up from slouchy without feeling too high-end means that you will be able to pair it with anything.
A scarf will prove perhaps the most useful accessory in your wardrobe, particularly in the face of changing temperatures. Whether used as sleek layering or a heavy-duty coverup this piece is as stylish as it is user-friendly.
Not only are they practical, sophisticated, and destined to give you an air of mystery, but dark shades will also be your best friend when trying to mask a previous night’s conviviality.
Secure, reliable and always there to pull things up when you’re feeling down, a classic belt is a must in any man’s wardrobe. Start with one in solid black leather before adding brown, beige, or more detailed iterations to your repertoire.
A lightweight jacket should always be on hand for days when one layer simply will not do. Opt for a style that is elegant and understated so as to be able to wear it with everything.
A box of Cadbury Roses is a Kiwi classic. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone in New Zealand who doesn’t have some kind of special ritual or memory attached to these colourful, chocolate morsels. For me, a box of Cadbury Roses conjures memories of my grandad, who used to always keep them by the side of his bed (and would occasionally offer me one, as a treat). It’s hardly surprising then, that as Mother’s Day rolls around again and we start thinking about all the little things we can do to spoil the important women in our lives, a box of Cadbury Roses chocolates is firmly on the list. And this year, the box we all know and love has been given a bold reimagining, thanks to local illustrator Bonnie Brown — also known as Studio Bon.
Commissioned by Cadbury to design a limited-edition Cadbury Roses box, specifically for Mother’s Day, Brown took to the project with a fresh, feminine perspective and her signature, vibrant style, creating a design that was eye-catching and sure to stand out on the shelves. “I was a bit nervous,” Brown divulges, when asked how she felt at the prospect of redesigning what has become such a recognisable box. “Kiwis immediately associate Cadbury Roses with that classic, bright blue colour so I knew I had to create something that stood out in the same way, but that also felt unique and special.”
Marking the first time Cadbury has ever collaborated with a Kiwi artist, the new, limited-edition Cadbury Roses are indeed special, and for more reasons than just the way they look. “The design was inspired by my upbringing in Nelson and Queenstown and having summers on the coast,” Brown explains, speaking to the undulating ribbons of colour that weave across the creamy, white background of the new boxes. “Projects like this are my favourite to work on,” she continues, “because there is a lot of creative freedom, but also real-world considerations to work within… and I like the challenge.”
Wanting to create something that would be perfect as a Mother’s Day gift, Brown’s contemporary twist on a Cadbury classic is a simple, delicious way to say thank you to those who have put so much of their time into raising us.
It’s no secret how much work goes into creating a delicious loaf of sourdough — many of us became well acquainted with the lengthy process during the first lockdown, and no doubt just as many decided it was best left to the experts.
For Maya Handley, a love for making sourdough began years before the concept of a pandemic had even entered our consciousness, leading her to create local micro bakery Kōpiko.
Now based in Oratia, West Auckland, Handley first began baking when she lived in the States for nearly 13 years — predominantly in New York. Having grown up in Auckland, Handley moved to America in 2005 where she initially worked in advertising before studying photography, pursuing a successful career as a freelance photographer in fashion and for architectural publications. Clearly, creativity runs strong in her family, as her sister Greta Villiger is Head of Design Pre Collection for fashion house Loewe.
It was during a regular trip upstate with her young family that Handley began making sourdough, mainly out of necessity due to the lack of well-stocked grocery stores in the area. What she found was the gentle rhythm of the loaf-making process reflected many of the aspects she loves in photography.
“It suited my personality and I was already in that mode of paying close attention to light, working within the constraints of the frame and my chosen device,” she tells me. “With bread making, it’s also quite repetitive and requires paying attention to subtle changes in something with three ingredients. Shifts in temperature, how it feels, the humidity on the day — all of these make a difference to the final outcome.”
As her bread fan base grew, Handley decided to enrol in Artisan Bread Making at the International Culinary Centre, learning from bread coordinator and chief instructor Johnson Yu, and upon returning to New Zealand in 2018 she established Kōpiko bakery.
Left: Maya Handley.
Of chief importance to Handley’s loaves is the use of 100 percent local grain that has been stored without chemicals (many grains are stored with chemicals to preserve it for a longer amount of time). She also incorporates the whole grain into her bread, upping the nutritional value immensely. “Most bread, even wholemeal bread, has large proportions of sifted white flour which sifts out the germ and bran,” she says. “The wheat germ is what contains the majority of the mineral and vitamin content, while the bran contains the fibre. Getting rid of these removes much of the nutritional potential of bread.”
Add to this the slow fermentation process, which helps the grain to be more easily digestible, plus the use of only sourdough starter and no instant yeast, and you have some of the most nutritious bread we’ve ever tried. It’s also extremely tasty, with a complex and savoury flavour that provides the perfect base to any topping from simple butter and sea salt to avocado, peanut butter and more.
So, how can you get your hands on a loaf of Kōpiko bread? Handley has created a genius business model whereby bread is available to purchase online by subscription on a weekly, fortnightly or one-off basis. This in turn allows Handley and her assistant baker Bridget McCarthy to plan exactly how many loaves they need to bake, and avoid any food waste.
Kōpiko’s seeded rye sourdough
Forget queuing in a store — Kōpiko delivers to a wide range of Auckland suburbs, from out west to central suburbs like Grey Lynn and Herne Bay, to Kingsland, Morningside and Mt Albert. They also set up at The Shed Collective food market in Oratia, and Titirangi Village Market every week — the markets are usually where they will test out new flavours in development, like an instantly popular oat porridge sourdough that sold out in half an hour.
While setting up Kōpiko has certainly been a labour of love, Handley says the process thus far has been extremely rewarding. “I didn’t know how much satisfaction I would get from seeing happy customers and having people come each Saturday to get their bread,” she enthuses. “That’s really rewarding and makes the work feel so worthwhile.”
She was stoked that people were trying their hand at sourdough baking during lockdown, because it has certainly fostered a wider appreciation for the craft. “I’ve noticed at the markets, people saying “oh my gosh, I had no idea how long it takes to make a loaf of sourdough,” she laughs. “Now people know all the effort and care that’s gone into making it. It’s like anything you try yourself, it gives you a greater appreciation for people that do it for you.”
Sumptuous and sexy, velvet has long been associated with luxury. From its tactile softness to the deep, jewel-like tones in which it is often rendered, this fabric might feel like the ultimate expression of opulence, but that does not exclude it from the modern home. When used correctly, a velvet piece is the perfect way to lend depth to a monochromatic, contemporary space — here’s how.
1. Subtle centrepiece Choose a velveteen pouf like this Amami one by Moooi to inject a soft sophistication into your living room.
2. Sculptural seating If your style is more bold, try adding an eye-catching piece like Gan-Rugs’ Grapy (by Kensaku Oshiro) to your space. As much a conversation-starter as it is a genuinely comfortable place to put your feet up.
3.Understated addition A more subtle approach might be to inject a swathe of velvet via a piece like Reflex’s Plisse Bench Seat. While it doesn’t cry out for attention, it will most definitely get it.
4. Just a touch If you would rather just dabble in this trend, employ it with a lighter touch. Accessories like Coco Republic’s Sara Scatter Cushion will offer a hint of velvet without ever feeling too much.
5. Everyday luxury Why not embrace velvet in something you walk past and use everyday? A piece like the Poliform Mad armchair will offer comfort and luxury in equal measure.
Soul Bar & Bistro is a stalwart for a reason. From its Viaduct Harbour location to its iconic dishes (hello ham-off-the-bone macaroni cheese) which seem to hold evergreen appeal, Soul is certainly a safe bet. But it’s actually much, much more, particularly when it announces (as it has done recently) a menu switch up — something we are very excited about, and you should be too.
Soul’s new dishes, conceived by the restaurant’s talented Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle, arrive just as autumn feels like it’s starting to set in. And with more blustery days than blue skies on the horizon, what better time than now to indulge in some truly heart-warming, satiating and delicious food?
From left: Duck and pumpkin tortelloni in duck leg brodo with orange oil; Hawke’s Bay lamb rack with Jerusalem artichoke and peanut rayu.
On the main menu, starter dishes like creamy burrata with pickled green walnut tapenade and sourdough and Ruakākā kingfish with citrus ponzu and finger lime, sit alongside larger dishes like duck and pumpkin tortelloni in a mouthwatering duck leg brodo with orange oil, Hawke’s Bay lamb rack with Jerusalem artichoke and peanut rayu, and an opulent crayfish capellini with caviar à l’américaine.
Even the dessert and vegetarian menus have been given a good shake-up, with a number of dishes landing on the former that we cannot wait to sink our teeth into. While you’ll be pleased to know that the gold leaf Snickers bar parfait has not gone anywhere, it now sits alongside a Granny Smith galette with apple butter and caramelised milk gelato, a passionfruit créme brûlée served with candied pistachio and curds, and a melt-in-your-mouth warm chocolate pudding with Frangelico and hazelnut icecream.
From left: Passionfruit créme brûlée with candied pistachio and curds; Warm chocolate pudding with Frangelico and hazelnut ice cream.
Vegetarians, prepare to delight in Soul’s new risotto Bianco with Jerusalem artichoke chips, or its tempura broccolini with broccoleaf and shiitake xo. Or if you’re feeling a little extra, perhaps the truffle capellini with cultured cream and parmesan will prove more up your alley.
However you choose to indulge, Soul Bar & Bistro’s selection of tasty new dishes offer something for everyone and have us booking a table, stat.
High-end hosiery is a non-negotiable as we prepare our wardrobes for winter. Not only will a good pair of tights extend the lifespan of your favourite summer pieces, but it will also prove one of the most useful accessories in your sartorial toolbox. This is how we’ll be wearing ours.
With sandals Worn with a pair of tights, our favourite sandals no longer need to be relegated to the back of our wardrobes over the winter months.
Under a mini Hair-raising hemlines are here to stay. We will be wearing ours with some sophisticated stockings for a look that feels entirely season-appropriate.
To add some pizzazz An outgoing mood might call for tights that are a touch bolder than the traditional styles. To change things up, we will be reaching for coloured, patterned or monogrammed hosiery.
Left to right: Saint Laurent black floral-jacquard tights from Net-A-Porter, GG Pattern tights from Gucci, Marine Serre black crescent moon fishnet tights from Browns Fashion, Falke pantyhose from Smith & Caughey’s
When we found out Grownup Donuts had opened a new outpost in the CBD, needless to say we were immediately trying to think of excuses to leave the office and travel over to that side of town.
Fabricated errands or not, we suggest you follow suit to the new site at number 2, Anzac Ave, for some of the best doughnuts in Auckland.
Founded by Daniel and Annie Black, Grownup Donuts started life as a regularly appearing stall around the city’s markets, and has now expanded to three permanent locations — Henderson Valley, Wairau Valley, and the new central city spot.
The company’s sweet delights are unique in that they are handmade every single day by the team of passionate bakers (who work, impressively, from 3AM), and are filled to the brim with original fillings. The philosophy centres around decadent treats that are supremely flavourful, but aren’t overly, artificially sweet or oily — crafted without added colours, preservatives or additives, these doughnuts are the real deal.
While the flavours change fortnightly, you can expect the likes of Belgian chocolate with roasted macadamia butter, or raspberry cheesecake; black sesame cream custard, passionfruit cheesecake — and much more.
Plant-based eaters can also rejoice because Grownup Donuts offers vegan flavours, which include mouthwatering combinations like crème brûlée with coconut cream, Belgian chocolate coconut and strawberry jam.
If you’re based in the city for work or study, or find yourself there in your downtime, and have even a slight sweet tooth, we suggest you make your way to the new store.
Available as a single serve filled doughnut, or in multiples from four and up to 100, bringing a box back to the office would ensure you suddenly have a lot of new friends. Although, we wouldn’t blame you if they didn’t make the journey.
Opening hours: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 9AM — 6:30PM (unless sold out prior) Saturday & Sunday: 10AM — 5PM (unless sold out prior) Closed Monday & Tuesday
Grownup Donuts 2 Anzac Avenue (on the corner next to the barbershop, access via Beach Rd)
If novels or non-fiction aren’t quite piquing your interest, why not turn your attention to these memoirs? Spanning tales from Hollywood royalty to an intimate examination of identity, these books make a compelling read.
The Beauty of Living Twice by Sharon Stone After a massive stroke stopped her career in its tracks, one of the world’s most recognisable actresses had to undergo a slow and arduous journey back to health. Set against the backdrop of a notoriously unforgiving industry, this memoir is a tale of triumph in the face of life-changing adversity.
Everybody Else is Perfect by Gabrielle Korn In this collection of deeply personal essays, the former editor-in-chief of Nylon offers a behind-the-scenes peek at what many would have said was a ‘perfect life.’ Touching on topics like internet feminism, commercialised body image and sexuality, this memoir is as darkly funny as it is achingly authentic.
Aftershocks: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Identity by Nadia Owusu Abandoned as a baby in Tanzania, Nadia Owusu has inhabited many languages, homelands and identities in her life, drawing on this to pen a moving and timely memoir. It is the intimate story behind a hot-button topic — immigration and the division it seeds, as much in one’s own identity as in our contemporary discourse.
Consent: A Memoir by Vanessa Springora A powerful memoir from the woman who, thirty years ago, was the young teenage muse of one of France’s most celebrated literary figures, this story is one that explores how the relationship between a 13-year-old girl and a man in his fifties (who happened to be a notable writer) could remain so unexamined. Searingly honest and devastating in its revelations, this book is Springora reclaiming her story, shattering the silence of complicity.
A day to remember the sacrifices made by our forebears, ANZAC day offers an opportunity to stop and reflect with gratitude on the freedoms we take for granted. Alongside wearing a poppy and attending a dawn service, one of our favourite ways to commemorate the day is with a big batch of ANZAC biscuits, a nod to the versions that army wives and girlfriends would send their soldiers in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the wars (this particular formula favoured for containing ingredients that wouldn’t spoil easily).
Offering a slightly updated take on a classic, this recipe sees the traditional biscuit decadently dipped into Whittaker’s dark chocolate, taking the chewy, moreish morsels to a whole new level.
In our opinion, ANZAC biscuits are best when shared, so this ANZAC day, once you’ve paid your respects, whip up a batch or two of these tasty treats and invite some friends and family around to enjoy a cup of tea and a bikkie.
Ingredients 1 cup rolled oats
1 cup flour
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup soft brown sugar
¼ cup golden syrup
125g butter
2 tbsp boiling water
½ tsp baking soda
250g block Whittaker’s 50% Dark Chocolate
Method
1. Preheat oven to 160°C fan bake and line two oven trays with baking paper. 2. Combine rolled oats, flour, coconut and sugar in a bowl. 3. Heat together butter, golden syrup and water in a small saucepan until butter melts and then stir in the baking soda. Mix this into dry ingredients until well combined. 4. Roll the mixture into small balls (approx. 20) and place on trays, allowing sufficient room between each for spreading. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork. 5. Bake for 15 minutes (for a chewy biscuit) or 20 minutes for a crunchier biscuit. 6. Allow the biscuits to cool on the trays for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. 7. Once cool, melt a block of Whittaker’s 50% Dark Chocolate in a small bowl. Dip half of each biscuit in chocolate and place on a wire rack until set. 8. Keep in an airtight container for up to a week.
We’re always gratified to see a brand use its reach to influence customers for good, and there are currently several causes you can get behind while indulging in a spot of retail therapy. Here are three on our radar.
Witchery X Maticevski OCRF White Shirt
Witchery’s white shirt for ovarian cancer campaign has been running for 13 years now, and the issue it highlights is still as important as ever — with some frightening statistics.
The fifth most common cause of female cancer deaths in New Zealand, one woman dies of ovarian cancer every 48 hours and around 300 women are diagnosed with the disease every year on our shores.
While there are often no signs of early-stage ovarian cancer, see the New Zealand Cancer Society for potential signs and symptoms.
Over 50 percent of the community incorrectly believe that a smear test diagnoses ovarian cancer — it does not.
Currently, invasive surgery is the only way of detecting and accurately diagnosing ovarian cancer. Organisations like Witchery are donating towards cancer research in the hopes of developing an early detection test which could save the lives of 1.3 million women worldwide, over a decade
When detected and treated early, 80 to 100 percent of women will survive beyond five years, while only 20 to 30 percent will if it’s diagnosed at a late stage.
Designed in collaboration with renowned Australian designer, Toni Maticevski, sales of Witchery’s latest white shirt will see 100 percent of gross proceeds go to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Cos X OutLine
Helping LGBTIQ+ New Zealanders access support, information and a sense of community, OutLine is an extremely valuable national service. In a new charity partnership for Pride 2021, fashion retailer Cos has set up donation collection points for the organisation in its stores across the country until Sunday, 23rd of May.
In addition to collecting donations, a rainbow Pride, limited edition repurposed cotton tote bag will be given with each donation of $30 NZD and above, while stocks last. A way to give new life to leftover fabric, the tote is made from excess cotton unused by other designs. It’s durable, designed to last and 100 percent recyclable.
OutLine is an all-ages rainbow mental health organisation. They provide a nationwide, free and confidential 0800 support line for people who want to speak to a trained volunteer from the rainbow community, and also provide face-to-face specialist rainbow counselling and an Auckland-based trans and non-binary peer support service.
Donations raised from the Cos X OutLine campaign will be used to subsidise rainbow specialist counselling sessions for those who require financial assistance and provide training and regular supervision for the organisation’s volunteer call-takers.
Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman of label Camilla and Marc
Camilla and Marc — Ovaries. Talk About Them Another fashion brand taking a stand to help in the fight against ovarian cancer, Camilla and Marc launched ‘Ovaries. Talk About Them’ in 2020 to provide awareness and to directly fund research into an early detection test.
Having sadly lost their own mother 27 years ago to the disease, label founders and siblings Camilla Freeman-Topper and Marc Freeman have been motivated by their devastating, personal experience to provide awareness of, and wide scale direct research funding for, an early detection test led by Professor Caroline Ford at Ovarian Cancer research, UNSW.
A unisex line of limited-edition T-shirts and hoodies created by the brand sold like hot cakes, and while you had to be quick to snap up one of those, it’s still possible to donate directly to the campaign here.
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