Curling up or winding down with a pager turner is one of the best feelings there is. From the highly anticipated new release by Irish author Sally Rooney, to Miranda Cowley Heller’s praised debut, these are the novels to read now.
Beautiful World, Where Are Youby Sally Rooney Best-selling author Sally Rooney is back with her third novel. Following four people — Alice, Felix, Eileen, and Simon — as they navigate desire, friendships and the world around them, Rooney explores the beauty and fragility of youth.
The Tally Stick by Carl Nixon The Chamberlain family disappeared in 1974, yet in 2010 the remains of their eldest child were found, showing he lived four years longer than this — how and why, must be discovered. From one of New Zealand’s leading writers, this is chilling yet compulsively readable fiction.
Widespread Panicby James Ellroy From the noir maestro, Widespread Panic immerses us in the seedy underground of a 1950s Hollywood teeming with corruption, paranoia, sin and redemption. Centred on notorious LA cop Freddy Otash, whose real life inspired the subject matter, this is Ellroy at his staccato-beat-best.
The Paper Palaceby Miranda Cowley Heller Elle Bishop is a 50-year-old, happily married mother of three, but one July while staying at her summer home The Paper Palace, a passionate encounter forces her to make some life-changing decisions, reckoning with what happens when the secrets of the past catch up to the present.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris Blending the dynamism of a thriller or clever mystery with sly, social commentary, this book is being touted as an electric, audacious debut. Nelly is the only Black employee at a New York book publisher — until Hazel comes along. Initially, she thinks they can be allies, until a string of tense events makes it clear there’s something far more sinister going on.
With our homes and interiors acting as a reflection of our own personal needs and tastes, it’s understandable that we would want to embrace a point of difference. After all, who wants to be going about their day-to-day in an environment that mimics everybody else’s?
Brand new home decor destination Peggy has arrived to provide truly unique pieces for those wishing to bring some colour to their abode. Founded by the team behind leading lighting specialist Fourth Dimension, this playful venture is the result of a global search for extraordinary objects to decorate the home.
From eye-catching art to fantastical furniture, striking lighting and sculptural planters, Peggy’s idiosyncratic collection pushes the boundaries of home decor to bring something truly unique to New Zealand houses. Here, we introduce a selection of the international brands available at Peggy, with more makers and products to be launched monthly.
From left: Qeeboo Ribbon Chair and Cherry Lamp.
Qeeboo Whimsy and intrigue collide in the world of Qeeboo, an Italian design brand founded by Stefano Giovannoni that reinterprets everyday objects in extraordinary ways. Find a wide selection of Qeeboo’s pieces at Peggy, including the chrome-finish Cherry Lamp, the romantic Ribbon Chair, and the adorable Rabbit Lamp.
Leblon Delienne Known for its ‘pop sculptures’ of famous pop culture icons, French brand Leblon Delienne is a favourite the world over for its collaborations with internationally renowned designers. Signature pieces include charming interpretations of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, rendered in varying sizes and finishes that make for a striking conversation piece.
The Skateroom Andy Warhol wall-mounted boards.
The Skateroom As with so many design brands that thrive on collaboration, The Skateroom is much more than just the sum of its parts. Based in Belgium, it brings together major players in the cultural zeitgeist to create iconic and eye-catching boards – all while donating a hefty portion of its profits to fund social projects. At Peggy, you’ll find boards decorated with designs by Warhol, Peanuts and Basquiat, all ready to be mounted on the wall.
Ligne Blanche The candles from this Parisian brand will have you breathing a scented sigh of relief, as they add both visual and olfactory beauty to the room. Its collaboration with pop-art legend Andy Warhol is suitably colourful, with Peggy stocking both floral and Campbells Soup renditions.
Ottmar Hörl The designs of German artist Ottmar Hörl are delightfully cheeky, with his naughty gnome adding a hefty pinch of personality wherever he’s placed.
Designs from Slide.
Slide With their adorably simplistic shapes, the lamps and accessories from Milano brand Slide are playful yet elegant. We love the Acquaglobo Floating Lamp, an impressive solution for creating pool-perched ambience.
To celebrate Peggy’s exciting launch, we are delighted to have a Leblon Delienne Mickey Mouse to give away to one lucky Denizen, worth $895. A universal icon of pop culture, this chromed version is an ultra-design Mickey, made in France. Standing 30cm high, with a depth of 12.5cm and width of 18.5cm, it’s a charming addition to any room.
A few years ago, Aldrin and Laura Tabora decided to share their love of Filipino cuisine all over Auckland with their own Food Truck — Hapunan. The husband and wife team worked in the hospitality industry, and a recent trip to Aldrin’s home city of Manila had re-ignited their interest in its bustling food scene.
With their full-of-flavour fare gaining traction back here, they have opened a dedicated takeaway pitstop so fans always know where they can get their fix. Inspired by their cute leaf-printed caravan that is still on-the-go (when it is safe to do so), the petite permanent outpost in Huapai is an essential stop if you’re going for a weekend drive or walk out west.
On the menu, Hapunan serves up traditional dishes with a twist. For starters, we can’t go past the Prawn Siomai, which sees prawns, bamboo shoots and mixed vegetables freshly steamed in a light pastry, and served with ginger soy dressing and chilli garlic oil — or the Pata Tim, which layers pulled pork hock in a steamed bao bun, topped with pickled cucumber, fresh coriander and chilli.
As a main event, the classic Adobo Del Diablo marinates chicken thighs in a rich coconut cream sauce with turmeric, bay leaves and peppercorn, then is served with atsara slaw and coconut rice. Rich but balanced, the Beef Kare Kare is slow-braised for 18 hours and served with an extra thick and smooth peanut butter sauce, topped with crispy bagoong (a Filipino sautéed shrimp paste).
Along with the savoury dishes, the beloved Buko Leche Flan dessert is essentially a coconut crème caramel topped with toasted coconut chips and jackfruit crumbs. Another must-try is the Ube Pandesal — a unique purple doughnut filled with ice cream and topped with toasted coconut for a feast for the eyes, as well as the tastebuds.
Driving up demand for a modern spin on Filipino fare, Hapunan is well worth a drive-by when you are next in Huapai.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm-3pm & 4pm-8pm
There’s no denying that certain vintage furniture items are having a moment. Even if you don’t know their name or origin, you’ll have seen them on tastefully curated blogs and #interiorgoals Instagram feeds. While true design aficionados may argue that, for pieces like Bellini’s Camaleonda sofa and Breuer’s Cesca chair, the ‘moment’ began as soon as they were introduced to market and has continued to grow ever since, it’s gratifying to see that truly innovative designs can transcend trends and eras to retain their value and cult status.
Many styles have been reissued in contemporary fabrications and materials by present-day manufacturers, while some require a little more digging to find originals. These are some of the most sought after designs from the past, today.
Left to right: Toio floor lamp; Camaleonda sofa.
Toio floor lamp by Achille & Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos Known for their industrial design style, brothers Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni were inspired by a 300-watt car headlight when creating the Toio floor lamp. A truly unique piece, the bulb is angled to provide indirect lighting, and while the original style was created in 1962, it is still in production today via Flos. Available locally from ECC.
Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia No matter what fabrication it’s crafted in, the Camaleonda is one of the most recognisable sofas of the moment. Originally introduced by Mario Bellini in 1972, and reissued by B&B Italia in 2020, Camaleonda was one of the first modular sofas to go mainstream, and its bobbly, bulbous form and low-slung silhouette has gone on to influence modular sofa designs ever since. Available locally from Matisse.
Pumpkin armchair and ottoman pictured in this South Yarra Residence by Fiona Lynch.
Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset The comfortable shell and voluptuous appearance of Pierre Paulin’s Pumpkin armchair has made it an enduring favourite for over 40 years. Originally designed for the private apartments of Claude and Georges Pompidou at the Elysée Palace, it is now in large-scale production by Ligne Roset and is available as an armchair with or without a headrest, loveseat or sofa, and an ottoman. Available locally from Ligne Roset.
Soriana sofa and armchairs pictured in Kelly Wearstler’s Malibu home.
Soriana seating by Afra & Tobia Scarpa for Cassina Another gem from the mid-century modern era, the Soriana sofa and seating designed in 1969 and renowned for fetching high prices on vintage and resale furniture sites, has long been admired for its soft quirky bundled form. Recognising the sofa’s new-found appeal, Cassina, have this year, reissued the Soriana sofa and armchair making access to this much loved classic all the more easier. Available locally from Matisse.
Left to right: Cesca chair pictured in the AVIAN APARTMENT BY ALICIA HOLGAR; Ekstrem chair.
Cesca chair by Marcel Breuer for Knoll Nearly 100 years old, this design is still one of Marcel Breuer’s most recognisable. Marrying traditional craftsmanship with industrial methods and materials, its cantilevered form is both sturdy and weightless, a true design icon. Available locally from Studio Italia.
Ekstrem chair by Terje Ekstrom A boundary-pushing piece, this chair by Norweigian designer Terje Ekstrom embodies 80s eccentricity. It is certainly an of-the-moment piece, its undulating form making a statement in the interiors of many global tastemakers, and both original vintage and reissued versions are available in a variety of eye-catching shades. Available from Varier Chairs.
D.655.2 sideboard
D.655.2 sideboard by Gio Ponti for Molteni&C The D.655.2 was designed in several instalments between 1952 and 1955, and is now manufactured by Molteni&C. To this day, it makes a statement with hand painted white drawer fronts, overlaid cleverly with various woods including elm, Italian walnut, mahogany and rosewood, that double as drawer handles. Available locally from Dawson & Co.
523 / 524 Tabourets stool and Pacha lounge chair.
Pacha lounge chair by Pierre Paulin for Gubi Ahead of its time in 1975 and still coveted today, Pierre Paulin’s Pacha Lounge chair conjures the sensation of sitting on a cloud. While it might seem a simple idea, the lack of legs on the seat was pioneering at the time, a bastion of low-level and more relaxed living that replaced austere, post-war design. Available locally from Cult Design.
523 / 524 Tabourets stools by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina When she first designed these stools between the years of 1953 and 1961, Charlotte Perriand (one of the founders of the Modernist movement) was aiming to elevate a shepherd’s milking stool, creating a version that is still beloved today for its simple yet stylised appearance. It was reissued by Cassina in 2011, and when paired or grouped together the Tabourets make for both charming seats or side tables. Available locally from Matisse.
Ghost Chair.
Ghost chair by Cini Boeri for Fiam Italia This groundbreaking chair is crafted from glass, its curved formation a feat of truly ingenious design. Italian designer Cini Boeri was initially unsure if she even wanted to make a chair out of glass, but her initial misgivings were outweighed by the desire to rise to the challenge and the result has been a design icon ever since its inception in the late 80s. Available locally from ECC.
Left to right: Little Petra armchair; Model S22 candle holder.
Little Petra armchair VB1 by Viggo Boesen for &Tradition Clearly innovative seating endures, as shown by this tactile expression of archetypal Danish design, Little Petra. Initially released in 1938, it was created by architect Viggo Boesen, who became one of the key figures in Denmark’s signature 1930s design movement, named ‘funkis style’. Available locally from Cult Design.
Model S22 candle holderby Werner Stoff & Hans Nagel for Stoff Copenhagen First produced in 1967 by German metalworking factory Nagel, the Model S22 makes for an ingenious decorative piece. Its tri-fold modular design can be built upon at the whim of the user, and can be arranged in any number of ways to construct a unique, inverted take on a chandelier. Available locally from Good Form.
Having swiftly become an artist to watch since completing her Masters in Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury (ILAM), Zara Dolan’s moving series of work, Monotypes, has made its way to Sanderson Contemporary.
The Irish born, New Zealand based talent (who also holds an Honours Degree in Fine Arts from Ireland) is known for creating intense, sensory experiences through painterly commotion and bursts of colour. Her one-off monotype prints, created on a large traditional printmaking press, replicate and refine that same dynamic energy, as a suspended moment of lively animation.
From left to right: S-3-HR-#A17D93-SC, 2021, Monotype print on Fabriano Accademia paper, 780 x 600mm, framed; S-1-SW-#121210-SC, 2021, Monotype print on Fabriano Accademia paper , 600 x 780mm, framed.
Direct and intuitive, Dolan acts as an emotive intermediary in her mark-making process to create artistic order through the creative chaos. While the repeated motions follow an exacting method, each iteration ends up unique and immediate in its own right — perhaps a comment on the power of expression. Skillfully confusing the foreground and middle distance (with elements pushing forward and sinking back in a textural double exposure) creates a lyrical atmosphere we find it hard to look away from.
XXL – 4L/8C – SPBR – OPOS – Autumn/1, 2021, Oil paint and oil stick on canvas, 2015 x 1500mm.
Like in Dolan’s oil paintings, form translates into movement in carefully composed arrangements that appreciate the weight of each expressive brushstroke. Inspired by the valley where she lives in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, the abstract paintings are another aspect of Dolan’s spirited translations of the feeling of being in nature, as she represents what the landscape means to her.
Sanderson Contemporary is currently closed under level 3, but you can view all its latest exhibitions online.
How someone decides to give birth is one of the most personal decisions one can make, and some enlist a doula to make the overall experience that much more comfortable. The ancient practice is relatively new in this country, so we ask trained doula Sarah Merfield (also known as Sarah the Doula) to shed more light on what a doula does and who can benefit from having one.
The history: “Doula comes from an ancient Greek word, meaning ‘a woman who serves.’ The role is to serve the labouring person and offer support to the birthing partner. Doulas have been around for centuries, but weren’t officially trained. They were family — mothers, aunts and sisters. Women dominated birth, but when hospital births and obstetrics became more popular in the last century, they were replaced with medical teams, and those supporting birthing women lost their knowledge and skills. The doula role, as we know it, was born in the 70s to fulfil the need.
The service: A doula provides non-medical, continuous emotional and physical support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They ‘mother the mother’, provide pain management techniques and offer suggestions and guidance to the birthing partner. A doula is there continuously to give encouragement, to help her focus and offer evidence-based comfort measures, support and knowledge to her and their support person. They assist with births at home, in birthing centres and in hospitals.
Who can benefit: Anyone who wishes to have continuity of care or needs extra support. We all have moments in our lives when we feel overwhelmed and under pressure. Babies don’t come with manuals.
When they help: Here in New Zealand, most doulas offer birth and postpartum support. Postpartum doulas support the mother with her recovery, prepare nutritious meals, assist with newborn routines, and are invaluable when family support isn’t readily available. Some doulas offer full-spectrum services — bereavement, abortion, adoption and loss including miscarriage and stillborn. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises the postnatal period is a crucial phase in the lives of new mothers and their babies.
Sarah’s story: Like many doulas, it found me. I never grew up thinking I wanted to be a doula, but when I look at the experience I have gained as a live-in nanny, having my own family and working in early childhood education, it was all leading me to this. A chance conversation with my daughter, who had met a doula, sparked something in her and me, and it set me on a path to do the DONA birth and postpartum training. I haven’t looked back. I feel privileged to be at the birth of a new life and love fostering confidence and helping families navigate those first months.
Key questions to ask your prospective doula: Ask to meet them, as you can gauge far more whether they’ll be suitable for you. Connection, to me, is the most important thing when I meet clients. Being supported is fabulous but finding someone you feel a connection with and knowing they are in your corner is invaluable. To be confident and in the right headspace, you need to feel secure and confident that everyone on your birthing team meets your needs.
Other helpful questions are: • How many clients do they take on a month? • How do they juggle that with birth being so unpredictable? • What is their birthing experience? • Are they trained? • Why did they become a doula? • What’s the best thing about being a doula? At the end of the initial meeting, think about how you felt, whether you felt a connection and were at ease.
A growing tradition: There are so many more doulas now, which is excellent. It is still a relatively new concept here in New Zealand but it’s gaining more popularity. It means that more women have the opportunity to be supported, that they have different choices and they can find the support right for them. With the maternity system under pressure, engaging a doula is the one constant thing. We are with you from early labour until the baby arrives. I think people have realised, and Covid has taught us, that there’s no such thing as ‘too much’ support.”
Over the last week in Auckland, no doubt many of us will have taken full advantage of being able to see friends and loved ones, one bubble at a time in an outdoor space. Whether that be for a stroll, taking children for a playground playdate or a picnic, reconnecting with our people face-to-face does wonders for the soul after nearly eight weeks of isolation.
Speaking of picnics, should you wish to bring along something truly special to your next one, then Park Hyatt Auckland has you sorted with its incredible afternoon tea boxes. Available every weekend, Friday to Sunday, there are various options catering to both concise and larger gatherings (up to 10 people, of course).
Each box contains a scrumptious selection of sweet and savoury treats, similar to what would be served for Park Hyatt’s famous Afternoon Tea in non-lockdown times. The individual offer, $55 per person or $29 per person for children, comes with a combination of five sweet and five savoury treats, plus a choice of tea, with vegetarian options available.
Should you be breaking bread (so to speak) with a group of four or more, then the offering only gets more indulgent. The ‘luxe picnic’ for four includes a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Champagne, for $290, while the ‘extravaganza picnic’ for 10 comprises a truly indulgent selection of treats — plus two bottles of Champagne to really take things up a notch. In both boxes, expect the likes of parmesan éclairs and bacon & egg quiche; salmon & dill sandwiches and ham brie & chutney rolls; strawberry shortcake, dulcey honey petit gateaux; salted caramel chocolate tart… and more. A choice of tea for the group is also included.
If you’re anything like us, you’re already salivating at the thought of this delicious selection, so we suggest you ready the picnic blanket, check the forecast for a sunny day and place your order here. Park Hyatt requires 24 hours notice before pick-up at The Pantry between 12pm and 2pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 99 Halsey Street.
To celebrate, we have one Extravaganza Picnic Box to give away to one lucky Denizen, worth $630. Feeding 10 people, it contains a mouth-watering selection of savoury and sweet treats, plus refreshments — the perfect way to take your level 3 picnic to the next level.
Founded in 1952, Danish design company BoConcept has been a leader in the realm of contemporary yet timeless, minimal yet customisable furniture for decades. Thanks to its core tenets of meticulous craftsmanship, utmost attention to detail and exceptional materials, the global furniture retailer has not only grown to hundreds of stores spanning six continents, but has done so without compromising its reputation for excellence and design with integrity.
That the company’s designs are able to be personalised is also central to its offering, with around 80-to-90 percent of its furniture able to be adapted for size, colour, components or material. Individuality joins functionality to create long-beloved pieces, integrating within (and enhancing) a wide variety of lifestyles and aesthetics.
BoConcept recently tapped The Design Chaser’s Michelle Halford to style a few of its pieces in her incredibly chic living space, including the Modena sofa and the Bermuda footstool. Given her love of the Scandinavian aesthetic, the interior stylist, design consultant and influencer has long been a fan of the brand, and the aforementioned versatility also appealed greatly when it came to selecting a size of sofa and finish of fabrics.
Left: BoConcept’s Bermuda footstool. Right: The Modena sofa’s rounded edges pair beautifully with those of the Bermuda footstool.
With its organic yet refined silhouette and softly curved edges, the Modena sofa was designed by Morten Georgsen to bridge the gap between casual comfort and elevated elegance. Halford, who chose to upholster both the sofa and the Bermuda footstool in BoConcept’s Lazio fabric, loves that the sofa complements her existing Danish-designed pieces while refreshing the space.
A textural bouclé, Lazio is the perfect tactile finish for minimalist forms, delivering a hefty dose of dimension and softness. With the warm, white shade of the Modena sofa and grey-undertoned beige for the Bermuda footstool, the overall effect is peaceful, sophisticated and tonally cohesive, with plenty of interest from varying textures and shapes — perfectly in keeping with the aesthetic both BoConcept and Halford hold dear.
As a bastion of Italian cuisine, the humble, hearty pizza never fails to delight both the eyes and the stomach. While there are many establishments serving up laudable renditions of arguably the greatest gift Italy ever gave the world (followed closely by pasta, Peroni and gelato), we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites — available via takeaways during Auckland’s level 3 lockdown.
Epolito’s, Grey Lynn Merging traditional Italian flavours with New York’s signature thin-crust pies, the pizza at this Grey Lynn local demonstrates what beauty can be born when cultures collide. The East Side (artichoke, lemon and parmesan) and On Madison (black olive, roasted garlic and feta) are two of our favourites, though any flavour will do you right.
Spiga, Remuera The sensational new Spiga restaurant (tucked behind the Remuera shops) is offering its authentic Italian feasts via takeaway. As well as classic pizzas, we recommend trying the little bit different, but oh so delicious, freshly sliced prosciutto served with deep-fried pizza dough balls.
Dante’s, Ponsonby, Takapuna, Queen’s Rise, Eastridge Dante’s Pizzaiolo (specialist pizza chefs) take their wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza seriously — they look for a super light, fluffy crust made from good sourdough with crispy and charred spots. First in Auckland to receive Italy’s prestigious Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN) prize, their takeaways will take dinner to the next level.
East Street Hall, Auckland Central Modern canteen and club East Street is used to bringing the good vibes on location, but they are switching things up this lockdown by offering a classic takeaway pizza menu. Pre-orders will be taken by landline from 4pm each day, with more delicious details on their Instagram.
Non Solo Pizza.
Non Solo Pizza, Parnell A neighbourhood favourite for over 25 years, Non Solo Pizza welcomes all with open arms — and nothing feels like a virtual hug, in the meantime, more than one of its delicious pizzas. Our top pick is the Porchetta with slow-cooked pork, roasted mushrooms and rosemary.
Umu, Kingsland This eatery’s sourdough pizzas hit the spot every time. Petite enough to eat a whole one to yourself (although, they’re definitely not stingy), the exceptional dough and beautifully fresh ingredients will help to ensure you don’t feel ultra weighed down afterwards.
Lilian, Grey Lynn The perennially busy Grey Lynn osteria always draws a crowd for its delicious food and beverage offering, and its delightfully doughy pizzas are a large part of this appeal. We love the signature prosciutto, grape, parmesan and thyme, or the mushrooms provolone, pesto, pinenuts and oregano.
Farina, Ponsonby Ponsonby Road corner cutie Farina has been an enduring go-to since it opened in 2014, and while its menu of pasta dishes and ‘secondi’ like cotoletta are filled with delicious bites, it’s the pizza we’re highlighting this time. Farina’s Napoletana pizzas are all delicious from the first bite to the last.
Francesca’s Pizzeria, Point Chevalier Makers of truly authentic Italian pizza, the finest dish on the menu might just be ‘Francesca’s Choice’. Layering tomato, mozzarella, spinach, salami and eggplant on a light, wood-fired base then finishing it all with a sprinkling of chilli, we recommend grabbing one to go or perching up at the window to enjoy.
The Master and Margherita.
The Master and Margherita, Grey Lynn Chef Ivan Janic specialises in perfectly wood-fired, Roman-style pizza at Surrey Crescent outpost The Master and Margherita. Thinner and wider in diameter than their Neapolitan counterparts, these 15-inch sourdough beauties have a pillowy crust yet aren’t super doughy overall, which lends a welcome lightness.
Toto Pizza, CBD When the occasion calls for a metre-long pizza (and this lockdown does), there’s no one else we would turn to but the doughy dab hands, known fondly as Toto’s. Go for a half-and-half or a full metre of one flavour for takeaway — we like the never-fail Boscaiola (the truffle, mushroom one) or the Parma (prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, parmesan and basil).
Prego, Ponsonby Purveyors of all things delicious and Italian, these culinary maestros certainly don’t drop the ball when it comes to their pizzas. The hefty selection has something for any craving; a particular must is the bianca with truffle mushrooms, white mozzarella, ham, rocket and grana padano.
Di Vino Bistro, Parnell The generous selection on offer at this Parnell favourite can make for a difficult dining decision. But with no bad choices on the takeaway menu, there’s really no going wrong. If you do prefer a little guidance, however, the Napoli hits the mark, every time.
Green Door Pizza, Newmarket New York-style-meets Napolese pizza, with a sourdough base that results in a perfectly crisp, puffy crust is what you can expect to get at Green Door Pizza. You’ll find classics like a margherita and pepperoni, alongside a mushroom pizza with shallots, raclette vincotto and thyme, and a very appealing mortadella combination with fresh mozzarella, olives, roasted red peppers and guindilla chilli.
From left to right: Al Volo Bar Pizzeria Cucina, That’s Amore.
Al Volo Pizzeria Cucina , Mt Eden With their 150-year-old family recipe in tow, the team at Al Volo have been serving undeniably fantastic Neopolitan pizza since they opened in 2004 — and it has even been voted among the best in the world. We can’t go past the signature eponymous pizza, a lesson in the beauty of simplicity with buffalo mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh rocket, olive oil and parmesan.
That’s Amore, CBD Boasting one of the most extensive (and delicious) pizza menus in the CBD, That’s Amore brings a dose of Italian flavour to Courthouse Lane. You might have trouble choosing a flavour, but you’ll have no trouble eating these moreish and approachable pizzas.
Papa’s Italian Eatery, Kingsland When a pizzeria has been operating since 1984, they must be doing something right, and Papa’s Italian is one such place. From its colourful corner site on Sandringham Road, Papa’s is offering takeaway pies in both classic and more ‘guilty pleasure’ flavours, like apricot chicken and Hawaiian.
Elmo’s, Ponsonby Now that Ponsonby Road eatery Elmo’s is offering fresh pizza deliveries to our door, we have set our sights on its menu of wood-fired pizzas, from a classic Margherita or pork and fennel sausage pizza, to a vegan rendition with hemp sausages and cashew cheese.
For those that feel ready to get back into an exercise routine, a surefire way to get moving — and motivated — is a real-life group class or one-on-one training. A number of boutique fitness experiences are helping us get back into the gym by offering boutique, safely distanced sessions outside the studio door.
Left to right: Studio Box; Playground Fitness.
Studio Box Kick-starting things off, Studio Box is offering its high-octane body-and-mind workouts in an outdoor group class called Studio Outdoor. Held in the car park of its Newmarket location, each class can accommodate up to nine attendees from different bubbles. For those who would like something a little more private, Outdoor PT offers one-on-one or two-on-one training sessions, with boxing pad work and functional strength training.
Core Collective Elite reformer pilates practitioners Core Collective are getting into shape with a new initiative, The Pilates Garage. The team has set up eight socially distanced reformers in a vintage garage space in City Works Depot. The beginner, intermediate and prenatal classes are available at drop-in rates when booked through the Mindbody app. Being outside but undercover means you can tone up rain or shine.
Playground Fitness Known for its personalised group training experiences, Playground Fitness is taking things up a notch with its Outdoor Bootcamp. Offering its favourite classes — including Sweat and Lean & Mean — in the courtyard outside its Morningside studio, the nine-person classes promise to challenge you as you connect with others again, from 2-metres apart.
Left to right: Sweat Yoga & Hot Pilates; Fitness All Together.
Sweat Yoga & Hot Pilates Focussing on fluidity in motion and fluidity of mind, Sweat is taking its yoga and HIIT (high-intensity interval training) classes outside to its car parking area in Newmarket. It’s recommended that you bring your own mat — but weights, bands and yoga props are available to use on-site. Again, their favourite classes are available to book on the Mindbody app, with nine spaces per class.
Basecamp Power Yoga Creating a sense of community through movement, Grey Lynn-based Basecamp Power Yoga is taking over the communal Scrap Yard parking lot. The Lot Series has a timetable of classic classes, including power yoga, yin and Aoraki flow, so you can refine your form with real-time, non-glitchy feedback.
FAT Over lockdown, FAT has lived up to its acronym (Fitness All Together) and welcomed over 500 new people to its virtual exercise classes aiming to strengthen the mind and body during these challenging times. Now, it’s taking things to the next level with in-person, socially distanced HIIT classes for up to 10 people at a time at Silo Park.
Kcore Kcore’s High Performance Pilates provides a results-based workout to give you a leaner figure, fast. Not one to let a lockdown get in their way of feeling — and sharing — the burn, the team have now set up an outdoor Kcore studio with the necessary Reformers. Classes can be found undercover in the Victoria Park Markets.
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