Appeal to your inner bard, or someone else’s, with a book of acclaimed poetry. Whether you pick these collections up at a whim for a bite-sized verse or get stuck in and immerse yourself, these are three luminous poetic voices to know now.
Call Us What We Carryby Amanda Gorman Commanding the world’s attention when she read her verse ‘The Hill We Climb’ at U.S. President Biden’s inauguration, Amanda Gorman is one of the brightest poetic voices of her generation. Her debut collection Call Us What We Carry explores grief and healing, hope and identity. “For me, this book is a receptacle, a time capsule both made by and for its era,” said Gorman. “What is poetry if not a mirror for our present and a message for our future?”
Rotten Days in Late Summerby Ralf Webb Direct and insightful, sharp yet tender, this debut has been hailed as a vital new arrival in British poetry. Describing the complexities of life with ease, it ruminates on Webb’s formative years spent in the UK’s West Country, examining wider issues of youth and class, love, illness and death, mental health and masculinity, all with his clear-eyed prose.
Poems 1962-2020by Louise Glück Become immersed in the world of the quietly visionary Louise Glück with this career-spanning book. Winner of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Literature, Glück is known and loved for her sparse yet intimate writing; the intelligence and wisdom of her voice. Get to know its evolutions with this volume of the twelve collections Glück has published to date.
When architect and photographer Tom Ferguson was approached to renovate this Surry Hills, heritage-listed terrace house, he was prepared for a challenge. The former boarding house had been sitting derelict for 20 years, but with four storeys and grand frontage, its beautiful bones were ripe for both restoration and modernisation.
The resulting abode has been expertly realised with refined elegance, a tempered backdrop that allows for the furniture and artworks of its residents to shine.
Left: French Door integrated refrigerator, 90cm (with clients own cabinetry doors) RS90A1. Right: Classic style Freestanding cooker in Black, 90cm OR90SCG6B1.
On the main level, the kitchen is located a few steps down from the dining room. “As it’s relatively concise, it was very important we integrated as much as possible into the joinery, to maximise space,” says Ferguson. This included appliances, with Fisher & Paykel proving the natural choice thanks to its expansive range that allows for ultimate freedom of expression.
While the Classic style Freestanding cooker is exposed to form an attractive focal point, a fully integrated Dishwasher was opted for, and a French Door integrated refrigerator behind the client’s own cabinetry. This harmonious arrangement offers a kitchen to be enjoyed, or as Ferguson puts it “a kitchen that is comfortable to hang out in and live in, rather than just a functional space.”
A thoughtful treatment indeed of a room that is so often the heart of the home.
I first experienced the rugged beauty of Aotea, Great Barrier Island, for an Easter camping trip around seven years ago, and it has had a firm hold on me ever since. This summer will mark my third year ringing in a new one on the island with some of my favourite people, and taking some much-needed time away from it all.
Larger than you might expect (285km2 compared to Waiheke Island’s 92km2) there’s plenty to see and do on Barrier, but the fact that it is just that bit further from mainland Auckland — and has no reticulated power or water — means life is a little more off the grid. And locals like to keep it that way. Get there on a 30-minute flight from Auckland on a small plane or take the four-and-a-half-hour journey on the Sealink ferry (this way you can also take your car).
Oruawharo Beach House
Oruawharo Cottage
Where to stay When you want to escape from it all but not sacrifice creature comforts, I suggest booking one of the Oruawharo properties —there’s a four-bedroom Beach House or a two-bedroom Cottage on a 16-acre expanse of secluded land, 50 metres from the beach. Both were designed by renowned firm Fearon Hay Architects; the main beach house is a 185sqm, L-shaped building with breathtaking ocean views, high-spec facilities, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a central entertaining courtyard and full-length glass doors that open completely to the elements. The adjacent cottage can be booked separately; perfect for smaller groups, it is special in its own right with two bedrooms, two ensuites and a well-appointed kitchen. Both properties allow you to self-cater with ease and enjoy the sweeping beach vistas.
Where to soak An easy 45-minute walk through expansive bushlands will take you to the Kaitoke Hot Springs, a sulphurous, naturally heated stream with various deeper pools dotted along its length. If you’re feeling adventurous, head along at sundown (don’t forget to take a head torch) for a nighttime soak under the most incredible starry sky. (The whole of Aotea is a Dark Sky Sanctuary.)
Left: Image Courtesy of Aotea. Right: Palmer’s Track.
Best spots to swim and surf If visiting Barrier in the summer, swimming every day (or multiple times a day) is a given. Many of the beaches are popular for both swimming and surfing — for those after calmer waters, head to Kaitoke, Blind Bay and Harataonga, whereas Awana, Medlands, Whangapoua and Okiwi usually have bigger, rolling waves to catch. Make sure you check the forecast as many of the beaches can be calm one day and more surfable the next.
My Fat Puku
Where to eat When we stay on Barrier for longer than a weekend, we self-cater by checking food boxes onto the plane or taking them with us in the car on the ferry. The island’s general stores in Tryphena, Claris, Whangaparapara and Port Fitzroy also sell a good variety of supplies including fresh produce, milk and bread and liquor. Plan ahead and you could also order organic produce boxes from Okiwi Passion, a small independent farm in Okiwi Basin.
There are plenty of options for when cooking gets tiresome — Swallow Burger is a tiny hut that does some of the best burgers on or off the island, which the queues will attest to; stop into My Fat Puku for coffee and lunch during the day or woodfired pizzas at night; and Pa Beach Cafe is also a great spot for brunch, lunch, coffee and cabinet treats.
Left: Aotea Brewing. Right: Island Gin
Where to drink Find plenty of options to slake one’s thirst, including take-home bottles from award-winning distillery Island Gin(also available for purchase at Okiwi Passion), and beer company and refillery Aotea Brewing. Should you want someone else to take care of the pint-pouring, Currach Irish Pub in Tryphena is a beloved pitstop for a brew. The pub also does a great wood-fired pizza and hot chips, and is usually heaving. As such, don’t be surprised if you bump into someone you know.
Mt Hobson
Where to walk The journey to the summit of Mt Hobson offers many opportunities to admire the majesty of nature. There are two routes — the Kaiaraara Track, which is a full day’s walk around three hours each way from Port Fitzroy, or take Palmer’s Track via Windy Canyon. I recommend the latter, with both Windy Canyon and Palmer’s Track offering spectacular views in many directions as you traverse the ridge. Just be sure you’re prepared to walk up many stairs in the initial 15-minute climb up to Windy Canyon. Seriously, it’s a burner. But, it’s worth it, especially when you’re likely to spot the native kākāriki and kākā that love the area.
Elsewhere, the Dolphin Bay/Ross Bay Track is a sweet bushwalk, steep and rocky in places, that ends at two different, private bays depending on which turn you take along the way. From Tryphena, drive 1km along Cape Barrier Road and park at the entrance, then commence the 3-hour return walk. Follow the track to Dolphin Bay or take a fork 25 minutes into the walk for Ross Bay — both are secluded and boast some of the clearest waters to be found on the island, perfect for swimming, snorkelling or even fishing. Take a picnic and you’ve got yourself a nice day trip.
What happens when a bottle of Peroni beer meets the quintessential ingredients of a margarita? Why a ‘largarita’ of course. This clever recipe creates a refreshing, bubbly cocktail that’s perfect for toasting to the weekend.
Method: 1. Combine tequila, lime juice and Cointreau in a shaker. 2. Add ice to just above the level of the liquid and shake for 5 seconds. 3. Strain into glasses filled with ice and top with Peroni. Garnish with lime zest.
Add extra lime slices or salt the rim of your glass for an extra finishing touch.
Looking for a soundtrack for your summer? These new and recently released albums deserve to be queued up for a groove-worthy ambience.
This Is What It Feels Likeby Gracie Abrams Gracie Abrams cultivated a following on social media far before she began officially recording songs, for her intimate, plaintive ballads sung to camera with usually only her guitar or sparsely played piano. The daughter of American film director J.J Abrams, she’s fast becoming a star in her own right and this is solidified with the release of her debut This Is What It Feels Like — it’ll make you simultaneously long for young love in all its tumultuous glory, and be glad if you’re past that stage of life.
The Overflowby French For Rabbits Local band French For Rabbit’s third album weaves dark and anthemic tunes around folk-pop hooks — and is quintessentially absorbing. Led by Brooke Singer, let the dreamy yet catchy melodies provide the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing summer afternoon reverie.
Valentineby Snail Mail Lindsey Jordan, who performs under the moniker Snail Mail, delves into the sometimes sublime and sometimes painful sides of love with her highly lauded second album. Sing along with Jordan’s endearingly unaffected vocals and snappy guitar riffs on this indie gem you’ll have on repeat.
Still Over Itby Summer Walker An R&B break-up album with plenty of bops, R&B songstress Summer Walker enchants with her smooth, effortless vocals on Still Over It. Featuring cameos from SZA, Omarion and more, the 25-year-old’s second studio release is as much an excellent backdrop for drinks or dinner as it is an emotive back-to-back listen.
Thank Youby Diana Ross The music legend’s 25th studio album embraces an evolution of her signature sound, with production from prolific pop producer Jack Antonoff. The title track is characteristically upbeat, with hints of Marvin Gaye Motown and Bee Gees-esque disco, while the whole album proves a feel-good soundtrack to enjoy this summer.
Things Take Time, Take Timeby Courtney Barnett Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett might be known for her delightfully deadpan delivery, but she’s feeling more confident than ever and it shows. Her most intimate record yet explores themes of love, renewal, healing and self-discovery.
Blue Banistersby Lana Del Rey The queen of the melancholy banger is back with her eighth studio album. It’s full of soulful songs that delve even deeper into her life, psyche and experiences, all with Del Rey’s recognisable soaring vocals.
Optimistby Finneas He’s a huge part of his sister Billie Eilish’s success, and Finneas proves it with his debut solo album. Catchy yet experimental, Optimist shows off his impressive talent across a range of styles — from melodic ballads to electro hits.
Sympathy for Lifeby Parquet Courts American band Parquet Courts was inspired by the likes of Primal Scream and Pink Floyd with Sympathy for Life, combining their trademark guitar-led rock with a more danceable sound that you can’t help but want to throw yourself around to.
The Lockdown Sessionsby Elton John He’s a huge fan of collaboration, and Elton John celebrates this with a diverse album of catchy co-songs, featuring everyone from Dua Lipa to Lil Nas X, Stevie Nicks (and Wonder), Nicki Minaj, Gorillaz and more.
I Don’t Live Here Anymoreby The War on Drugs The War on Drugs is a band adept at making anthemic, uplifting, classic-rock style albums; ideal for listening to while driving on the highway with the windows down. Their latest is no different — cue it up for your next road trip.
The end of the year is fast approaching. Perhaps you’re organising an at-home celebration or you’re away somewhere special; you might be staying in Auckland to enjoy all it has to offer, or attending a loved one’s soirée. Either way, you’ve got your outfit chosen, the perfect shoes and accessories to match — but what about your makeup?
Find all the beauty inspiration you need below; you might be a fan of a softly glamourous winged liner, or a full-blown purple smoky eye could be more suited to your style. We suggest keeping the focus mostly on your eyes, so any mask-wearing can be carried out without worrying about smudged lipstick. Here’s to seeing in the new year in the most beautiful way possible.
Lovely Lilac A sweep of colour on the eyelid is one of the easiest ways to make a makeup statement. Applied above by Dior Makeup Artist Sam Visser on model (and daughter of Cindy Crawford) Kaia Gerber, lilac is soft enough to not be garish, while still adding a pretty pop of colour. Curl your lashes, slick on plenty of black mascara, and finish with a brown-toned nude lip.
Left: Addison Rae by Nikki Makeup; Right: Jourdan Dunn.
She’s a Gem Face crystals don’t have to be OTT or costume-like, as shown with this look by celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolf — a.k.a @Nikki_Makeup. Start with an enhanced yet still relatively natural base; here, TikTok star Addison Rae has had her skin perfected with a rosy glow, while fluffy brows, a classic winged liner and fluttery lashes are beautiful with or without the added sparkles. A lip shade close to her natural colour completes the look, and the small crystals are bordered in a flattering way that echoes her eye shape.
Bombshell Beauty Jourdan Dunn is a supermodel, yes, but a look like this is almost universally flattering. An elongated liner is amped up with va-va-voom lashes, perfectly contoured skin, fluffy brows and a neutral lip. Why not also take a cue from her hair, and go for a sleek high ponytail? If you’re looking for a product that makes painting a fine liquid line a cinch, try Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner with a microtip, perfect for detail-oriented face decoration.
Left: A look by Makeup by Mario; Right: Hung Vanngo’s purple smoky eye.
Green Dream Green eye looks are having a moment. For an update on the classic black smoky eye, try something like this from Kim Kardashian’s favourite makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic — a.k.a Makeup by Mario. As he created it using his own makeup line, we can confirm that the palette is the Master Metallics eyeshadows in shade ‘4’, paired with Master Pigment Pro Pencil in ‘super black’. The pinky nude lip colour is the perfect pairing for this enchanting look.
Jewel-Toned Purples look incredible with brown and green eyes — this look by prolific makeup creative Hung Vanngo goes all in with a diffused royal purple, another alternative to a black smoky eye. Rosy blush and glossy lips finish the look — we think this palette would be ideal for creating it.
Left: Makeup by Mario’s 90s glam; Right: Smouldering liner by Patrick Ta.
Nineties Glam Another from Makeup by Mario, a soft, 90s-inspired beauty look never goes amiss. Use a black powder shadow to apply the winged eyeliner for a slightly softer effect, plenty of highlighter for glowing skin, and a nude lipliner and gloss on the lips.
Give ’em the Smoulder For a sultry black liner look, take inspiration from this beauty beat by Patrick Ta. He has enhanced actress Camila Marrone’s eyes into an even more almond shape with black, tight-lined eyeliner on the waterline and around the eye. The trick is to keep the most intense part of the liner close to the eye, while making sure it’s not so harsh by diffusing slightly with a blending brush. A product like Sothys’ Universal Eye Pencil is great for this, as it’s waterproof so won’t budge. Peachy blush and a nude lip complete this stunning combination, along with shining waves in her hair.
Now’s the time to feel the wind in our hair and sand between our toes. Get set for beach season with a sun-shielding bucket hat and a designer hold-all tote bag that fits all your summer essentials. These accessories are given the chic treatment with woven textures, leather accents and eye-catching motifs for an unforgettable holiday look.
GG canvas wide brim hat from Gucci; Bucket hat from Prada.
Summer is the time to truly relax and unwind. For the ultimate in cultural escapism, we recommend these moving memoirs. From the style and strife of the life of Christian Dior’s war-hero sister to the personal tales of beloved late chef Anthony Bourdain, these tomes will stay with you long after the last page.
Bourdain in Storiesby Laurie Woolever After the passing of Anthony Bourdain in 2018, those he influenced came together to celebrate his life of travelling nearly everywhere (and eating almost everything), while telling the stories of those he met along the way. His legacy has only grown since, and now his own story is told by his friends and colleagues. Bourdain’s long- time assistant and confidante interviewed nearly 100 people to put together this remarkably full and nuanced view of his life and work.
Miss Diorby Justine Picardie The life and style of Christian Dior have been documented in tomes over time, but what about his original muse, his sister Catherine Dior? Tulle- light traces of her can be found in the House of Dior’s archives but Justine Picardie’s research for Miss Dior took her back to Occupied France, where Christian mastered the art of couture and Catherine dedicated herself to the French Resistance. After being captured by the Gestapo and eventually escaping a ‘death march’, she sought a quiet life tending to her roses, as her strength and femininity continued to inspire Christian, who created the Miss Dior scent in her honour.
Leonard Cohen: The Mystical Roots of Geniusby Harry Freedman Born into a prominent and scholarly Jewish family in Canada, Leonard Cohen aspired to become a poet, before turning to songwriting and eventually recording his own compositions, — the rest is melodic history. Harry Freedman, a leading author of cultural and religious history, uncovers the myriad spiritual dimensions behind the lyrical legend. From ‘Suzanne’ and ‘Hallelujah’, which drew on his learnings in Judaism and Christianity, to his later life immersed in Zen Buddhism, this song-by-song memoir offers insight into Cohen’s inspirations as well as his soul’s imaginations.
My Bodyby Emily Ratajkowski In this refreshingly revelatory group of essays, model and actor Emily Ratajkowski shares her strikingly personal experiences while negotiating her own beauty, and the boundaries of power. After appearing in the infamous Blurred Lines music video in 2013, Ratajkowski shot to fame and purported a new take on feminism alongside bikini shots on her Instagram. Now, in this honest exploration of empowerment, Ratajkowski deftly discusses such complex topics and dares the reader to draw their own conclusions.
Dan Carter 1598by Dan Carter This coffee table tome by Dan Carter is for rugby fans young and old. A celebration of a world-record test career — named 1598 after the number of points Carter won as an All Black. Rendered in a beautiful large format hardback, and with a foreword written by Richie McCaw, the test-by-test tale is paced with magnificent imagery. Get in quick to score one of a 1000 limited-edition signed copies that come aptly complete with boot laces as a bookmark.
1000 Years of Joys and Sorrowsby Ai Weiwei This is a century- long tale of China seen through artist Ai Weiwei’s own extraordinary life and the legacy of his father — the nation’s most celebrated, yet exiled, poet Ai Qing. A testament to the enduring power of art and the voice of freedom, it is a moving memoir.
Unboundby Tarana Burke The founder and activist behind the Me Too movement, Tarana Burke, debuts a powerful memoir about how she came to say those two simple yet transformative words. While empowering those who had experienced sexual assault, she learnt to confront her own with empathy, a power she has now shared with the world.
Is that a sapphire flower carefully closing its moonstone petals for the evening, and do we spy Neptune’s green tourmaline ring emerging from a sea of diamonds? Let your imagination run a little wild with these exquisite creations that draw sparkling inspiration from the bounty that is found in the beauty of the natural world.
Few cars elicit the same passion in their fans as the Alfa Romeo. While simultaneously boasting exceptional performance, attention to detail and Italian design pedigree, there’s an instinctive, intangible quality to the automobiles from this storied maker that make the heart skip a beat — although, in the case of Alfa Romeo’s 2021 Stelvio Quadrifoglio, it’s likely to be the Ferrari engineered 505-horse V6 engine that’s responsible for that.
A modern performance SUV, this car melds the power of Alfa Romeo’s most powerful sports sedan (the Giulia Quadrifoglio) with a safe, comfortable and easy-driving vehicle — and has twice won the award for SUV of the year. So, those looking for practicality that also responds like a champion racehorse when you put your foot down — you won’t be disappointed.
The 2021 Stelvio Quadrifoglio boasts a wide range of technological, connectivity, safety and aesthetic upgrades that have been key to its evolution since it was first launched in 2017.
The first thing onlookers will notice as you pull up are its signature unique, ergonomically sculptural exterior lines. Both eye-catching and sophisticated, the contemporary style of the Stelvio embraces a simplicity that belies its creative and technical complexity, all revolving around enveloping the driver in comfort.
Inside, the centre console has a tactile new design that imparts plenty of visual impact, and more storage space for the flotsam and jetsam we all tend to carry with us in this life. Also new are the steering wheel and leather-trimmed gear stick. Operationally, the new touchscreen infotainment system features a slickly updated interface design and specific screens to communicate vehicle performance.
Engine-wise, Alfa Romeo’s Stelvio Quadrifoglio is equipped with a 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo powerhouse, capable of letting rip 375kW and up to 600nm torque. In other words, enough to set a record lap time for a production SUV at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring race track.
The Stelvio’s 8-speed automatic transition prioritises fluid movement, allowing it to be driven comfortably on all terrains whether you’re heading out for a summer trip and encounter some back-country roads or are simply pulling in at the supermarket.
For those who are after a reliable commuting carryall, there’s no reason to be intimidated by the prospect of handling such power. One of the most comprehensive updates in the newest Stelvio model is what it calls its ‘Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems’ — or ADAs. These are designed to bridge the delicate balance between pure, unadulterated driving enjoyment, and increased support during heavier traffic or long trips.
Should you opt to switch it on, you’ll give the car control of certain operations like the accelerator, brakes and steering (while keeping your hands on the steering wheel, of course). From there, enjoy features like Lane Keeping Assist (which detects whether you’re veering off from your lane and actively intervenes to steer you back into your lane), Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist (keeping the car in the middle of the lane in heavy traffic) and more. No more jerking back-and-forth as you navigate already-irritating congestion, the Stelvio will enhance your experience without being intrusive.
With its Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo effortlessly balances innovation and heritage, power and control, to offer a comfortable, well-built SUV with plenty of nimble spark — making even just going from A to B a thoroughly enjoyable journey.
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