A well-stocked cellar is (we think) one of life’s great pleasures, and an Amisfield subscription service is ensuring you’ll never be left wanting when the occasion arises to source a bottle of exceptional wine from within the comfort of your own home.
The acclaimed Amisfield Bistro & Cellar Door boasts one of the largest, single-estate vineyards in Central Otago, and Amisfield Wine Club is dedicated to offering wine connoisseurs, gastronomes and casual enthusiasts alike the opportunity to access a superior cellar offering with a large number of perks.
With no joining fee — just a commitment to purchasing two cases of 12 bottles per year — Amisfield Wine Club is a truly accessible way to sample the vineyard’s exquisite vintages. Members of the Amisfield Wine Club receive discounts on all Amisfield wines and at the restaurant itself, plus a personal allocation of new-release wines, access to exclusive pre-releases and select cellar and limited edition wines.
You can expect invitations to Amisfield events and a highlight is one complimentary wine masterclass per year for you and three guests — an in-depth, educational and informative wine tasting session, with an overview of the history of Amisfield Estate and the Central Otago region.
In further exciting news, 2021 is Amisfield’s first vintage from which all of the grapes (and subsequent wines) will be certified as organic, by BioGro New Zealand. The culmination of a five-year process, full organic status is no mean feat, and Amisfield’s organic conversion is part of a multitude of ongoing sustainability initiatives at Amisfield. The conversion has resulted in soil health and biodiversity improvements, plus greater differentiation of flavour profile from block to block as the vines are able to assert their own unique personality into each exquisite wine.
That being said, there’s never a better time to join Amisfield’s wine club, and with complimentary freight available for every subscription delivery in New Zealand and Australia, it’s a brilliant way to treat yourself — or another lucky recipient.
You must be 18 years or older to subscribe to this service.
Once again taking the lead in the bid to reduce plastic waste and offer cleaner, safer products for the home and body, Ecostore has just launched its new Cleaner Concentrates — and they’re genius.
Packed in tiny glass bottles with recyclable lids (creating 90 percent less plastic waste), the formulas are 10-times concentrated and are designed to be combined with tap water in reusable spray bottles. When mixed with water, they boast the exact same cleaning power as Ecostore’s regular 500ml spray cleaners.
“Every time our customer uses the new ecostore refill concentrate bottle, they use 90 percent less plastic waste because each spray head lasts for 24 refills,” says Ecostore group CEO Pablo Kraus. “This can make a 1.46kg of plastic saving and we can divert 6,450kgs of plastic waste from landfills each year.”
There are currently three variations of Cleaner Concentrate available, all made from plant-based ingredients and enabling the user to tackle different areas of the house with ease.
The Multi-Purpose Cleaner Refill Concentrate is an effective antibacterial cleaner that makes cleaning oil, food, dust and dirt a breeze. It can be used on hard household surfaces, bench tops, appliances and walls — while the Glass Cleaner Refill Concentrate is perfect for leaving a streak-free finish on windows, mirrors and glass surfaces.
The Bathroom and Shower Refill Concentrate cuts easily through dirt, soap scum and hard water spots using citric acid — a safer alternative to Benzalkonium Chloride that is proven to kill common household germs and bacteria.
The release of these new products couldn’t have come at a better time, with World Environment Day on Saturday 5th of June prompts us to once again be reminded that we have a long way to go in terms of reducing our plastic footprint. But by embracing this inspiring new initiative from Ecostore we can play a small part in the wider cause.
When it comes to individual progress, an accumulation of small actions carried out consistently everyday makes a difference, and with Ecostore’s Cleaner Concentrates, you can be sure that you can keep both your home and your conscience spick and span.
For Claudia Li, creativity has always been effortless. The Auckland and New York-based fashion designer grew up with a legacy of artists on her mother’s side and an art dealer father, from whom the urge to craft was intrinsically nurtured from a young age.
“Creativity wasn’t something they taught me,” she says, “it was baked into the way they lived, and it was normal.” This extended to a love of fashion, and when it came time for Li to study, fashion design seemed like a natural next step. Now, Li is one of the industry’s most exciting independent designers with a host of accolades and experience already under her belt.
Claudia Li.
Raised between New Zealand and Singapore, Li moved to London, aged 19 to study at Central Saint Martins and was then recommended to the Parsons MFA programme which prompted a move to New York. “That was one of the best career-defining decisions I have ever made,” she says.
What followed were stints on the design teams for Brandon Maxwell’s Haus of Gaga label and at JW Anderson, and in 2015, Li debuted the first collection under her own, eponymous label at New York Fashion Week.
Claudia Li Fall 20.
With its bold, colourful and irreverent aesthetic, Claudia Li the label has been worn by a host of powerful celebrities, tastemakers and even politicians — Michelle Obama, Karlie Kloss, Eva Chen, and Bella Hadid, to name a few. In 2017, Li was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 Art and Style honouree.
Although Li’s CV boasts the kind of work experience most designers would dream of, one of the main things she’s learned is also fundamentally simple. “I’ve learned so much from my past experiences, but I think the most important lessons I learned are to be kind and be grateful”, she says.
Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner wearing Claudia Li.
“I really love the fact that everyone on my team is genuinely kind and down to earth. I am really lucky to have such an amazing team and together we’ve created an awesome working environment which is essential to produce great work.”
Having returned to Auckland due to the pandemic, Li says the past year has been both challenging and enlightening. “I’ve been rethinking the whole system we base our business on. How, when and what we create. How, when and what we sell,” she says. “I think in some ways, the pandemic ‘pause’ really made the noise go away, at least for me.”
An accelerating system of ‘more, next, new, fast’ needed to be rethought, says Li, and she’s now working on moving her brand forward in a more conscious way, working with her New York team and establishing more of a base in New Zealand as she does so.
Essentially, Li is aiming to do much more than just feed into the never ending appetite for newness. Designing is her way of sharing a narrative and sparking connection. “Some of us don’t just want to sell clothes, we’re also trying to connect with our audiences on an emotional level. We’re trying to tell our stories.”
You’d never call them complacent, as the duo behind Culprit, Little Culprit, Lowbrow and Nook has just opened a sweet new coffee shop in the central city. Named Double Double, the freshly minted cafe is located right next to Elliot Stables, a java-slinging oasis in the middle of it all.
The opportunity to open Double Double came about a few months ago, says co-owner Jordan MacDonald, and what solidified it was the layout of the space when they checked it out initially. “It had great bones,” says MacDonald, “with a brick wall, high stud and a banquette that we could see would be beautiful re-covered.”
The interior is small — only around 10 seats — and there’s no kitchen, meaning it’s a slightly more low-maintenance affair than their other restaurants. However, they’ve made sure the offering is still characteristically delicious with toasted sandwiches, baked goods from Ponsonby bakery Il Forno (where Lowbrow’s buns are made), Coffee Supreme coffee, and some outrageously good sweet treats invented by MacDonald and co-chef and owner Kyle Street.
Double Double’s toasted sandwiches are all made with Il Forno focaccia, and you’ll find flavours like Truffle & Cheese, comprising truffle salt, gruyere bechamel and mushroom paste; a mortadella, swiss cheese, rocket, red pepper and mayo iteration; chicken schnitzel with rocket, mozzarella and tomato kasundi; and grilled eggplant, red pepper jam, mozzarella and rocket. There will also be specials and the menu will likely change seasonally.
The sweets selection is like nothing you’ll find anywhere else. Cornflake Crack Brownie is a heavenly combination of chocolate brownie base topped with a caramelised cornflake layer. Peanut butter and jam drop cookies are like a supreme version of a Shrewsberry biscuit, and there’s a pretzel loaf cake with golden syrup icing, a gluten-free sweet granola slice — and more.
Like the sandwich selection, the selection may change depending on what’s popular and/or seasonal. We can confidently say this will be a must-visit for breakfast and lunchtime punters who are after some of the tastiest coffee, sandwiches and sweet treats in town.
Fostering a spirit of community and connection has long been a cornerstone pursuit for Maggie Hewitt, founder of lauded New Zealand fashion brand Maggie Marilyn. This philosophy was shown to be more starkly important than ever throughout the last year, and when it came to designing her latest ‘Forever’ capsule additions, it was from a renewed emphasis on togetherness that Hewitt drew her inspiration.
This concept also became the catalyst for Maggie Marilyn’s exciting debut presentation at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2021, where the brand is showcasing its new capsule with a beautiful cinematic creation A Brave New World — today at5PM NZT. As the name would suggest, this feature explores the changed frontier we’ve now found ourselves in, gradually trying to emerge from the pandemic with optimism, empathy and inspiration.
The Bridgerton dress.
Maggie Marilyn founder Maggie Hewitt.
Shot across 120 acres of countryside at The Range in Byron Bay and directed by Duc Thinh Dong, A Brave New World drew on some of Australia’s brightest talents to create a spirited visual showcase for Maggie Marilyn’s latest designs. Producer Lauren Barge, photographer Dan Roberts and stylist Emma Kalfus lent their skills to the project, which features an enchanting cast of models and muses including Shimma Marie, Mahalia Handley and New Zealand’s own Manahou Mackay wearing the brand’s covetable pieces.
A palette of rich, chocolatey brown and buttery yellow is punctuated by enchanting pops of azure blue and shimmering gold; sumptuous cream and signature prints. We love the effortless silhouette of the Bobbi Boyfriend Pant and the matching chocolate Make A Livin’ blazer; the ankle-grazing George Carey coat in either check or bubblegum pink, and the showstopping Bridgerton dress.
The Bobbi Boyfriend pant.
Kingi.
For this collection and its subsequent showcase, Maggie Marilyn also partnered with two like-minded designers — footwear brand Nelson Made and jewellery designer Mineraleir — to create limited-edition, consciously made accessories that solidify the capsule’s aesthetic right down to the finer details.
True to Maggie Marilyn’s core pillar of sustainability, the new Forever pieces are timeless, intended for wear all year round. They are crafted from traceable and organic or repurposed fibres, made in New Zealand with a focus on responsible manufacturing and ethical practices. Once again, the brand has created pieces that will both add an exciting dose of freshness to our wardrobe, while being cherished for years to come.
In celebration of this highly-anticipated launch, Maggie Marilyn has offered to give one lucky Denizen reader the ultimate shopping experience worth $2,500. With this you’ll receive a personalised shopping session with Maggie Marilyn’s Head of Retail where you will walk away with a mixture of new Forever and Somewhere pieces followed by a delicious lunch for you and a friend at Kingi, Britomart.
Queenstown’s award-winning sensory experience, Luma is back after a year’s hiatus. Bringing together illuminated art, light sculpture, performance and community events over four days during Queen’s Birthday weekend, the event promises to enliven the Queenstown Gardens on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Working with over 500 contributors, from the established and renowned New Zealand light artist Angus Muir, to up-and-coming artists such as Christchurch creative Drew Hill, Luma is now in its seventh year, and it just keeps getting better.
As Muir notes, the Queenstown Gardens is a spectacular location thanks to its natural lack of ambient light, serving to highlight the installations that much more. While in 2019, Luma attracted nearly 60,000 domestic and international visitors, there’s hope that the 2021 iteration may be witnessed by even more.
So, if you’re thinking of spending your Queen’s Birthday weekend in Queenstown, we suggest you commit soon, as this cornerstone arts and culture event will be one you won’t want to miss.
Luma Festival
5pm-10pm,
Friday 4th — Monday 7th of June
Queenstown Gardens
These days, a fried chicken craving needn’t be fulfilled at a greasy fast food joint or on a bad hangover. From karaage to buttermilk, Korean fried to Southern-style, the number of eateries putting their own spin on this crunchy, tender, deep-fried delight is impressive to say the least — for which we count ourselves lucky. For your perusal, we’ve compiled the best places in Auckland to get a fix of the good stuff.
Azabu What do you get when you combine Peruvian and Japanese cuisine? Criminally tasty buttermilk karaage chicken with pickled daikon and mayo laced with aji amarillo — a yellow, fruity South American pepper. Both Ponsonby and Mission Bay locations have their own take on this classic dish, so you can get your fix wherever suits.
Gochu.
Gochu There are many reasons to visit Commercial Bay’s modern Korean restaurant Gochu, and the fried chicken is a strong contender for the top of the list. Head chef Jason Kim has made sure his signature fried chicken is irresistibly sticky, crunchy and juicy. Heat seekers would do well to order ‘Jason’s fried chicken, but spicier’.
Hello Beasty.
Hello Beasty An essential addition to any order at this Viaduct favourite, Hello Beasty’s kaarage chicken is served with a sweet-leaning Japanese-style BBQ sauce. A lemon wedge on the side means you can cut through the richness with a refreshing zing of citrus — making this one seriously moreish dish.
The Chamberlain.
The Chamberlain A fresh new fried chicken menu has landed at Britomart bar and eatery The Chamberlain, and it’s described as being ‘tasty as cluck’. Tailored to your liking, you can pick from white meat (breast and wing), brown meat (thigh and drum), tender fillets or classic wings, and choose your spice level from four tongue-tingling options. Served with sliced bread and pickles, the only thing that could make it more perfect is pairing it with one of The Chamberlain’s 15 top-notch tap beers.
Nook.
Nook This St Kevins Arcade yakitori spot from the duo behind Lowbrow (read more about its irresistible wings below) and Culprit does great bite-sized pieces of karaage chicken. Free-range pieces of chicken thigh are lightly coated in delicious batter and served with delectable wasabi mayonnaise and a dusting of sesame salt. What more could you want?
Kai Eatery.
Kai Eatery If you like your fried chicken as big as your face, you’re in luck. Serving modern Taiwanese street food, Kai’s infamous ‘XL’ chicken is the Mount Everest of fried chicken — a mighty bite begging to be conquered. Take your pick from three flavours (original, five-spice or flame-kissed charcoal sauce). If you’re not up to the challenge, the fried chicken bites are a good option.
Ebisu As the home of some of the city’s best sushi and sashimi, Ebisu is our go-to when we’re seeking excellent Japanese fare. It’s no surprise then, that the Britomart stalwart has karaage chicken down to a delicious science. Served with crunchy, fresh mixed carrot salad and soy onion dressing, we even feel a little virtuous after polishing off this perfectly balanced dish.
Peach’s Hot Chicken.
Peach’s Hot Chicken Specialising in authentic Nashville hot chicken, Peach’s Hot Chicken is so popular the former food truck transitioned to a restaurant in East Auckland’s Panmure. Choose your spice level (ranging from mild to Holy Cluck — described as a religious experience) and enjoy it served on either a piece of soft white bread, inside a tender brioche bun, or piled atop waffles.
Simon & Lee’s KFC (Korean Fried Chicken).
Simon & Lee Get your hit of KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) at Simon & Lee, the Parnell eatery that indulges our desire to order chicken for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There’s the KFC chicken lunchbox, which pairs chicken with slaw, pickles, shoestring fries and aioli; chicken nibbles ranging in spice level up to ‘danger spicy’ (you’ve been warned); a fried chicken burger and finally the fried chicken bao. Consider this fried chicken heaven — complete with disposable gloves to keep your paws pristine.
Beau.
Beau Fans of Freaky (the now defunct CBD cafe) are eternally grateful that its famous fried chicken lives on at Beau. A triumph with sesame mayo, this Ponsonby wine bar makes fried chicken and a crisp glass of something good taste like the height of sophistication.
Winner Winner.
Winner Winner Born in Hamilton, this joint is so popular it’s since established branches in Wellington, Pukekohe and Takapuna. Specialising in all things chicken, these guys know a thing or two about creating a winning chicken dinner. Brined for 12 hours and fried in buttermilk, boneless bites can be ordered with ranch and pickles, in a sandwich or stuffed in a burger with white BBQ sauce and crispy onions. With three spice levels to keep any palate happy, this is the perfect quick pitstop for a no-frills feed.
Ockhee.
Ockhee Ponsonby Korean restaurant Ockhee serves up two different (yet equally delicious) takes on Korean fried chicken. The sweet chilli and a roasted peanut glaze is delightfully sticky and syrupy while spicy soy and sesame glazed has a deep umami flavour. We recommend pairing with the Chun Sa Chae noodle salad for a deliciously fresh contrast.
Lowbrow.
Lowbrow As our go-to purveyors of fancy fast food, Lowbrow throws down a bloody good fried bird, taking its interpretation of this naughty nibble very seriously. The chicken sando is a thing of beauty, incorporating American cheese, iceberg, McClure’s pickles, and mac sauce with free-range chicken thigh, and the organic chicken wings… let’s just say a bucket disappears remarkably quickly.
Chop Chop’s Cobra Kai ramen with fried chicken.
Chop Chop Noodle House If ramen is the first thing you think of when Chop Chop comes to mind, fried chicken should be a close second. The Ponsonby noodle house can’t get enough of the stuff, whether its dripping with chilli sauce, crushed peanuts and yum yum mayo, crispy with hot Ssäm sauce or placed atop of a piping hot bowl of ramen as a delicious pièce de résistance.
As an SUV with a stellar reputation for both practicality and luxury, the Land Rover Discovery needs no introduction. What might need more of an introduction, however, are the facelifted features of the new Land Rover Discovery — freshly debuted in the New Zealand market this year, with an extremely impressive array of updates since Discovery’s last version.
Encompassing both the exterior and interior in a sleek design refresh, the new Disco also boasts superior technological updates such as a new, highly-intelligent infotainment system, plus even more capacity for both passengers and luggage. There are three tiers of model available on our shores; the R-Dynamic S, the R-Dynamic SE, and the R-Dynamic HSE.
Without further ado, here are the key updates to know about the Land Rover Discovery.
New style upgrades add even more refinement Forging ahead in its streamlining of exterior aesthetic elements, the front grille is now rendered in a more visually regular honeycomb-style, rather than the previous split frontage. Headlights and rear lights have also been updated; continuously-flowing LED lights now grace the front, replacing the former, dissected lights and new wheel designs are available in 20-to-22-inch, five split-spoke style.
Inside, the stylish updates continue, with a new steering wheel brought over from the latest Defender, and a new toggle-style gear selector. Seats have also been given a facelift with the second row now offering longer bases for improved under-thigh support, and the choice of materials spanning classic leather or a new, sustainable non-leather trim.
The most intuitive infotainment system yet allows for ultimate connection It’s always a joy when automobile technology is effortless (especially when you’re trying to concentrate on the road) and the Discovery’s new ‘Pivi Pro’ touchscreen interface not only incorporates a high-definition, 11.4inch touchscreen — that’s 48 percent larger than previous models — but it also facilitates advanced features such as an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot powered by a 4G LTE data connection, able to give real-time traffic-and-weather updates without any slow-down.
There are nine USB ports dotting the cabin, and it’s easier than ever to keep little ones entertained on longer journeys with novel tablet-holding accessories that can be set up in the rear seating. The Pivi Pro system also enables wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, while two Bluetooth devices can be connected at once — no more disagreements on that front.
More space than ever before makes every journey tremendously comfortable Even long-distance roadies can be undergone in a breeze thanks to seven genuine seats. The R-Dynamic S also incorporates heated 14-way electric front seats with a comfortable captain’s armrest, while the R-Dynamic SE is even more luxurious with heated 18-way electric memory front seats. The R-Dynamic HSE takes the overall comfort one step further with heated second-row seats as well. With all the seats folded down, there’s a vast 2485 litre boot volume, and 41.8 litres of cubby spaces means those belongings will be saved from rattling around in what is clearly a very roomy vehicle.
For those of us who lead a busy lifestyle (let’s face it, a frenetic mode of existence seems to be desirable social currency in the modern, Western world), finding ways to seamlessly integrate wellness practices into our everyday routine is essential. Note the key concept here: seamlessly. Too often, we find ourselves eschewing supplements that require excessive effort, even if they promise a host of positive benefits.
That is why, when we came across the dietary supplements by local company Botanistry, we were delighted to learn of their versatility. Taking the form of 100 percent plant-based powder formulations, Botanistry’s targeted supplements have been developed under the expert guidance of Ayurvedic practitioners, medical doctors and food technologists, each blend a balanced combination of five nutrient-dense plant ingredients.
Suitable for most lifestyle choices including vegan, keto and paleo diets, these organic health powders can be added to drinks and dishes any time of day — from soup to smoothies, salads, coffee, even salad dressings or sprinkled on toast.
The Boosting Ambers supplement is particularly appropriate for the winter months, promising to help promote better immunity. Containing turmeric, for anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C-rich lime zest, ginger, lemongrass and black pepper, this tangy, citrus-flavoured powder aims to help that immune system stay strong. We can vouch for it being delicious incorporated into a bowl of granola with fruit.
Beauty starts on the inside, and the Glowing Greens supplement is a testament to this (we love ours on a piece of avocado on toast). With mineral, vitamin and amino acid-rich Moringa powder, plus soothing peppermint, antioxidant-laden green tea and more, its main goal is to help revitalise and support skin health and metabolic function.
Botanistry currently offers a further two blends — Active Corals to help relieve muscle tension and stimulate circulation, and Digestive Jades to assist the digestive system and alleviate discomfort.
Taken daily, any of the brand’s clever supplements will harness both function and flavour to effortlessly deliver a dose of goodness — and when it comes to improving our day-to-day wellbeing, we can certainly get on board with that.
Holly Burgess (Ngāpuhi, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi) is one of New Zealand’s most exciting young fashion and portrait photographers. Increasingly in demand, the Loupe Agency-repped creative has a packed roster of clients clamouring to collaborate with her skilful eye, including Harris Tapper, Deadly Ponies, An Organised Life — plus, the pages of Denizen. A dynamic force whose reputation is a testament to her uplifting energy and beautiful imagery, here Burgess shares what’s inspiring her and what she’s enjoying currently.
What I do for a job described in one sentence: I am a photographer, I capture moments in time and space.
My personal style can be defined by: I don’t think it can be defined. My style is always in a state of flux, but vintage and retro op shop finds remain constant.
The last thing I bought and loved was: My Lady Shaka hoodie! Designed by Ngaumutane Jones. If I’m not wearing vintage I’m wearing my friends.
An unforgettable place I visited was: The Hokianga every time. It’s home.
The next place I’d like to go to: Back to the Hokianga! I am planning a shoot with cuzzie/model Roimata up there in a few weeks.
An object I would never part with is: My pounamu.
On my wish list is: I would love a pair of Prada loafers. My feet need a treat after wearing chunky sneakers on set from Monday to Friday.
When I was younger, I wanted to be: I always wanted to have a corporate job because I loved pantsuits (wore one to my year six formal even). I realised later it was fashion that I loved. Phew.
My favourite app is: I hate to admit it but … TikTok.
My guilty pleasure is: TikTok! Lol.
From left: JessB; RuPaul’s Drag Race, Burgess’ pounamu; Lady Shaka hoodie; Whose Futures? book; Emma Lewisham skincare; Prada loafers.
My secret talent is: Touch rugby.
My style icon is: My mum and aunties inspire me. I love that timeless aunty style.
The best book I’ve read in the last year is:Whose Futures? My sister Hana and her friend Te Kahuratai Painting wrote a book chapter about Māori futurisms. I am on journey learning about my whakapapa.
Three people I’d have dinner with, living or dead, are: My mum, her mum Maata, and her grandmother Te Hana. Our matriarchal line connecting me to the Hokianga.
I can’t miss an episode of: RuPaul’s Drag Race.
In my fridge you’ll always find: Chocolate, cheese and wine.
My favourite room in my house is: My bedroom. I currently have artwork from loved ones on all four walls.
I recently discovered: The West Coast of the South Island! Stunning.
My favourite website is: Pinterest.
A gadget I can’t do without is: My camera!
If price were not an issue, the one artist whose work I would collect is: Nikau Hindin.
The podcasts I listen to are:Nuku, After Work Drinks and Guys We F****D.
The best gift I ever received was: My taonga from my whānau.
The beauty product I can’t live without is: All Emma Lewisham products.
I have a collection of: 10-plus years of film negatives. I will get to archiving them one day.
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: When I was nervous my Dad would always tell me “it’s good to have butterflies, just let them fly in the same direction”. That will forever stick with me.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
