Once again, we summoned the denizens of Auckland to show our collective respect in recognising the efforts of those who make our day-to-day lives a little easier. It gives us great pleasure to share the most publicly admired businesses in the community. Congratulations to our 2024 Everyday Heroes.
Consistently Reliable Restaurants
Survival of the fittest has been the name of the hospitality game this year. It comes as no surprise that Viaduct Harbour stalwart Soul Bar & Bistro took out the top spot in this competitive category. If there’s one place we can always rely upon for fantastic hospitality, sensational food, and a rousing good time, it’s Soul. Coming in at an incredibly close second place is everybody’s favourite all-day and night Italian eatery, Amano, which continues to serve consistently delicious pasta and Italian cuisine after eight solid years of operation. While back in Viaduct Harbour, Asian-fusion eatery Hello Beasty has become a favourite of many. Small in size but mighty on flavour, there’s a reason it’s hard to snag a table here without a reservation.
Here, the clever and friendly team and ever-changing menu satisfies even the most frequent of diners, making Andiamo an undeniable community favourite.
Everyone’s favourite Japanese eatery, Azabu, continues to draw the crowds for its delicious and consistent take on Peruvian-inspired Japanese classics.
After 12 solid years of serving fantastic steamed pork buns and soup dumplings, Mark Wallbank’s Blue Breeze Inn continues its reign of Ponsonby Central.
A relative newcomer that’s small in stature, but bold in flavour, Ragtag has justified its high ranking amongst some of Auckland’s most iconic eateries.
Solidifying their status as the go-to in Birkenhead, Duo has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of discerning diners in the local neighbourhood, in a big way.
Summer is almost upon us and thus begins the tedious process of sunscreen selection (those who really carry out the precaution throughout the dead of winter are, admit it, few and far between). This year, instead of coating your face in a substance that resembles PVA glue or slathering it in a greasy, sticky formula — add one of these mighty formulations to your arsenal. Trust us, you will never look back.
Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen from Antipodes
MZ SKIN Expert UV Protector SPF50 from net-a-porter
NOBLE PANACEA The Energist Multi-Defence Cream SPF 50 from net-a-porter
Once again, we summoned the denizens of Auckland to show our collective respect in recognising the efforts of those who make our day-to-day lives a little easier. It gives us great pleasure to share the most publicly admired businesses in the community. Congratulations to our 2024 Everyday Heroes.
Best New Openings
Up against what has been further challenging economic times, despite the odds, this year has still seen some exceptional new openings. Gareth Stewart’s Middle Eastern-inspired eatery, Advieh in Commercial Bay, was the resounding winner, and for good reason. After a 30-year culinary career, Stewart is playing his finest tune yet. Advieh honours the flavour-filled nuances of Middle Eastern cuisine and enhances them further by employing locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to magical effect. While in Ellerslie, Hayden Phiskie (co-founder of Cotto and Ada) opened Bianca with a menu that dances with the seasons, as Phiskie builds dishes with vibrant, in-season ingredients, ensuring a constantly changing and delicious meal every visit. Parnell’s new addition Rhu, has evolved from just a daytime eatery to offer an exceptional evening service where the entire menu feels exciting. Here, seasonal and intriguing ingredients combine for a creative and immersive dining experience.
Metita, SkyCity Michael Meredith’s homage to his Pasifika community and the culmination of his decades-long career in cooking brings the richness of Polynesian culture to life on the plate, making it a crowd favourite.
Queens Rooftop, Commercial Bay Queens’ prime position makes it one of Auckland’s most popular and central spots for every occasion and one of the best locales to take in the city’s stunning surroundings.
San Ray, Ponsonby From the duo behind Cazador, newcomer San Ray offers vibrant, flavourful dishes that can be enjoyed from day to night. Winning early praise, this eatery is set for a long, bright future.
Trivet, CBD In our opinion, anything Chef Wallace Mua has a culinary hand in is well worth eating. Clearly, the public agrees, as his new venture, the impressive all-day bistro, Trivet, is drawing attention to Mua’s world-class culinary repertoire.
Nami, Ponsonby Taking inspiration from record bars of the 80s, this bar and casual eatery proves that we love laid-back establishments, too. Here, the cocktails transport you to far-flung places, while the food is centred on Korean cuisine.
Precinct Properties has unveiled a series of beautifully-appointed, architecturally-designed office suites, conceived to meet the demands of high-end businesses seeking an elevated workspace in Auckland’s CBD.
Offering a refined office solution perfect for smaller teams (with capacity for up to 20), these architectural spaces provide a seamless, move-in-ready experience. With lease terms beginning at two years, businesses can quickly settle into an elevated space with no additional investment in fit-outs — in a number of the city’s most desirable locations.
Precinct Suites combines the best of environment and design, with the latest two locations strategically nestled within Commercial Bay’s iconic Deloitte and Aon Centre office towers. Commercial Bay is home to over 10,000 of New Zealand’s leading talent, creating a thriving hub for collaboration — going beyond an office to present a platform for growth. Moreover, the bustling precinct makes for a vibrant working environment, with everything you need directly on your doorstep — from hospitality to retail, fitness, entertainment, and accommodation, with sweeping views of the Waitematā Harbour.
Elegantly appointed in partnership with some of the country’s top designers, each suite has been carefully curated in partnership with Harrows. The shared lobby spaces on these exclusive floors feature custom pieces from the likes of Simon James and Tim Webber, enhanced by art from Kiran McKinnon and sculptural works by Walk in the Park.
With prime offices now available within both the Deloitte Centre and Aon Centre — with three spaces remaining in each, and five suites within a soon-to-launch Wynyard Quarter locale, Precinct Suites offers businesses a chance to establish themselves in some of Auckland’s most desirable business hubs, where sophistication meets practicality, and potential meets possibility.
To learn more, or to capitalise on this incredible opportunity and secure one of the last remaining spaces, contact Precinct Suites directly on 0272593309.
The delicate balance between heritage allure and modern comforts characterises this meticulously restored Victorian terrace, where each element tells a unique story, combining to create something unique to its discerning inhabitants.
Drawing inspiration, in part, from Yarraville’s industrial roots, Wren House embraces a somewhat traditional aesthetic, utilising brickwork painted white to match the Victorian heritage frontage, achieving a harmonious blend between the restored and modern sections of the house. Dark window frames provide a striking contrast, while fluted glass at the rear of the first floor ensures privacy. The design team focused on retaining the home’s original configurations and period-specific details, and while there was a lot of restoration to undertake, maintaining the home’s character was key.
“Luxurious materials and striking furniture pieces add a touch of glamour, while soft textures and subtle hues create an ambiance of tranquillity and warmth. ”
To accommodate the growing family’s needs, Mim Design replaced the cramped lean-to with a modern, two-story brick extension. This new addition features ample storage and maximises the modest site, creating a spacious, open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area on the ground floor, with two additional bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper level. The transition from timber floors to chalk in-situ concrete opens up the space dramatically, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light.
The interior unfolds as a testament to the homeowners’ passion for design and Mim Design’s commitment to personalisation. Vintage Murano glass, original fireplaces, sash windows, and intricate ceiling roses pay homage to the home’s history, preserving its timeless appeal while reflecting the owners’ discerning taste.
At the heart of the home lies an open-plan living area bathed in natural light, with floor-to-ceiling windows inviting the outdoors in. Luxurious materials and striking furniture pieces add a touch of glamour, while soft textures and subtle hues create an ambiance of tranquillity and calm.
Throughout Wren House, the use of cohesive colour brings a warmth and depth to interiors, bridging the old and new spaces seamlessly. Integral to the interiors was accommodating for the owners’ extensive collection of designer furniture, artwork and ceramics. From bold prints to soft hued furniture, objets d’art to striking accents (such as a blush marble in the ensuite), each element contributes to the home’s harmonious balance of elegance and exuberance.
Mim Design’s intimate collaboration with the homeowners ultimately led to a highly personalised sanctuary that embodies their unique lifestyle and idiosyncratic aesthetic. By preserving the home’s heritage charm while integrating contemporary character, Wren House stands as a timeless testament to transitional design, poised to enrich the family’s lives for years to come.
Wren House is built on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation.
With the sun shining brightly and the hum of sunny optimism that the promise of summer brings in the air, there’s never been a better time to indulge in Friday drinks with your colleagues. And when it comes to choosing the perfect spot, these are the establishments we’d never look past — from rooftop bars to quaint neighbourhood locales and everything in between, here, we round up the best of the best. Salute!
Although one of our favourite inner-city haunts for a delicious dinner, Alma is also the perfect place for an after-work drink, too. This Britomart spot offers a burgeoning wine list and reliable cocktails (including a 0% alcohol list for sober friends), and a number of spots that are the ideal possie to watch the world go by.
Otto hour is a must at Andiamo — you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend a Friday afternoon. Between 4-5pm daily, revellers can enjoy an elevated selection of drinks priced at a modest $8 (Otto means eight in Italian). We encourage you to perch at one of Andiamo’s highly sought-after outdoor tables surrounding the Jervois Road post and live la dolce vita.
Those lucky enough to nab a seat at this Ponsonby Road wine bar have something to celebrate. With a menu that focuses mostly on wine, and just enough on the ever-changing aperitivo menu to accompany it, here you’ll find the ideal place to mark the end of the week (while escaping the inner city crowds).
It’s no secret that Bar Magda is a favourite amongst Team Denizen, and a more than perfect spot for after-work drinks. With an extensive, ever-changing wine list and some of the very best cocktails in town, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot to celebrate the week that was. We’ll see you there.
For those who work in the Inner West, Bar Martin has you covered. A perpetually popular, bustling neighbourhood bar with a larger-than-life wine menu, and a few favourite beers, this humble spot has put Mount Albert on the map.
Ponsonby’s Beau is always busy after the work day ends. Part-restaurant and part-wine bar, the courtyard makes a gorgeous place to send off the week. With an extensive wine menu and utterly delicious food to match, it’s just another of the inner-city’s great offerings when it comes to after-work drinks.
The perfect setting for summer satiation, with tasty food, seasonal drinks, and often a DJ spinning lively tunes, Bivacco is the perfect post-work locale. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up.
K’ Road’s Candela brings a taste of Spain and Latin America to the vibrant strip, perfect for after-work drinks. With chef-owner Matt Ross crafting refined Latin-fusion small plates and a cosy, inviting space, Candela channels the lively spirit of a Spanish tascas, with epic cocktails, wine, and a playlist to match the night’s energy.
A crown jewel on Auckland’s waterfront is Park Hyatt’s Captain’s Bar. Offering a number of fine rums, and extensive cocktails to be enjoyed on the terrace with views to rival the City’s best, this is an under-the-radar spot for an end-of-week wind-down.
Boasting a sprawling, sun-soaked terrace (the largest in Central Auckland), rotating DJs, a stunning fit-out, and a meticulously crafted food and drink menu (no wonder too, with hospitality maestro Fraser Kirby at the helm) — with a brand new menu for the summer season, Darling on Drake is the hottest new opening in Auckland and is the perfect place to be for some post-work sundowners.
Esther Courtyard at QT Auckland is the city’s newest locale perfectly befitted to after work drinks. With Mediterranean-inspired bites, wood-fired pizzettas, and refreshing cocktails, it’s a slice of European seaside charm right on the harbour. Relax under striped umbrellas and soak in the sun with friends, savouring the vibrant flavours and laid-back atmosphere that make summer evenings unforgettable.
For those who work near Three Lamps, one of the City’s favourite after-work drinks spots is right on your doorstep. We’re talking about Hotel Ponsonby of course. When that post-work sunset hits the courtyard on a Friday afternoon, there’s nothing better than having a Coconut Margarita in one hand and a bowl of crisp fries in the other… this is work drinks done right.
When the weather heats up, there’s only one thing for it come Friday afternoon… a frozen margarita, of course. Luckily for us, at Inca, the frozen margs are a modest $10 all day, every day — and they also happen to be among some of the best in town.
In a subterranean spot beneath Commercial Bay sits Kemuri Hi-Fi, a bespoke basement lounge bringing the essence of Tokyo’s jazz kissas to the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find an intimate, vibrant hub where high-quality drinks and curated music take centre stage (with a few Japanese bites thrown in for good measure) — a perfect spot to shake off the working day. The focus is on whisky, with an unmatched selection on offer, but the cocktails are world-class, and the champagne list is one of the best in the city.
Fondly dubbed ‘Culprit’s mischievous younger brother’, this locale offers a hole-in-the-wall take on drinks. Yet the scale is what makes the venue so palpable (alongside the famed cocktails), and the location is truly the cherry on top.
Located in the iconic space which once housed conch, Nami Record Bar blends 80s nostalgia with modern flair, bringing a soulful energy to Ponsonby Road. From vibrant cocktails and organic wines to Korean-inspired bites, this laid-back yet lively spot serves up good vibes alongside a curated selection of tunes. Come sundown, DJs spin records, setting the stage for an evening of laid-back revelry beneath the disco ball.
NSP’s aperitivo hour has us regularly spending late afternoons in its famed courtyard, enjoying a delicious drink and a selection of complimentary finger foods to tease our appetites. For those a little closer to town, Bar Non Solo is an extension of NSP’s offering, a Britomart mainstay that puts a sophisticated spin on after-work drinks. Here again you’ll be able to make the most of the legendary aperitivo hour, enjoyed with live DJs in a lively inner-city spot.
If you’re looking to change up your after-work drinks and try something new, look no further than Luke Jones andDave Lincoln of Honest Rum’s collaboration with Dan Pinto of Passa Passa — Norma Taps. Here, you’ll find mouthwatering bites, satiating seasonal drinks (all served on tap), live music and more, in a relaxed but sophisticated and very welcoming space.
Commercial Bay’s magnifique French destination Origine serves consistently delicious French fare with spectacular views to match, but it’s perhaps a lesser-known fact that they also have one of the best drinks lists in town. The eatery’s master mixologists have crafted an exceptional cocktail menu that sits alongside the most impressive French wine selection in the city. Round up your colleagues, select your satiation, and soak up the stunning vista. Santé!
Open from early morning until late into the night, this intimate, cosy spot is suitable for any situation — after-work drinks included. Sitting pretty in the heart of Britomart, you’ll do well to nab one of the outside tables and take in the bustling energy of the square, drink in hand. And if you’re setting up for a night on the town, be sure to order their take on an espresso martini with licor 43, reposado tequila, spiced syrup, it’s sublime.
Whether you’re seeking a cosy, after-work drink or a convivial catch up with friends, Palmer’s inviting interior gives way to a sweeping terrace that provides the perfect al fresco spot to revel in a beautiful afternoon. And even as the sun goes down, a roaring fire takes centre-stage outdoors, offering night-long warmth for those who choose to indulge in another round.
The only thing better than a rooftop bar is a rooftop bar as the sun goes down. Here, on the edge of Viaduct Harbour, Rooftop at QT is simply the most beautiful place for after-work drinks. Open seven days a week, it’s conveniently close enough to the office to warrant dropping in, but far enough away to feel like the ideal space to wind down.
Adored by many for its live music offerings, this Viaduct Harbour mainstay is the perfect blend of sea views, beer, wine & cocktails, live entertainment and a mouthwatering locally inspired menu — everything we crave when it comes to the end of the day.
Set on the 50th floor of Auckland’s most iconic landmark, SkyBar takes after-work drinks to a whole new level. A luxurious hideaway promising an exceptional culinary offering, inventive cocktails and a multi-sensory experience.
For those seeking an afternoon escape, paradise is found at Somm this summer, with a delicious happy hour running from 4-6pm daily. Know off work a little early to sip, savour and soak in the sunshine with a number of $8 drinks to choose from, as well as $11 cocktails. A considered selection of local wines is available, spanning all of the usual varietals (they are the experts, after all), alongside ice-cold Little Creatures larger, and the infamous Somm Spritz.
Viaduct Harbour stalwart, Soul, is perfect for a convivial drink with colleagues and friends alike. After all, its waterfront location offers incomparable views which, when paired with the atmosphere of a busy venue, makes for the beginnings of a very fun night.
Perfectly positioned to celebrate the spectacular beauty of Auckland’s landscape from above, Sunset is a place to which city-dwellers can escape after a long day in the office for a relaxing beverage or two. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting — all the makings of a perfect sundowner spot.
Set in an atmospheric spot within St. Kevin’s Arcade on K’Rd, Tappo is a laid-back wine bar with an exceptional menu of snacks and an even better drinks list. Here, the focus is on showcasing wines from small, biodynamic, and organic producers from around New Zealand and Italy, and the always knowledgeable staff are on hand to recommend something perfect for every taste, proclivity, and mood.
The Britomart precinct has a new lease on life with the return of people to the city post-holidays, and The Brit Pub & Eatery is a fitting place to unwind over an after-work beer (or whatever you fancy, the bar staff aren’t fussy). The cocktail jugs are perfect for sharing, and it’s a nice place to watch the day turn into night.
Housed in the most convenient of locations, this Commercial Bay outpost draws us in for after-work drinks thanks to its cosy atmosphere, satiating drinks and delicious menu by renowned Chef Matt Lambert.
Set in an atmospheric, underground spot on Queen Street, The Nightcar evokes after-dark sophistication with a film noir edge — with an impeccably crafted drinks list and late-night contemporary Chinese bites plus a number of tasty desserts. Open until 3am, this subterranean sanctuary is an ideal spot to make a night of it.
Twofold in Parnell brings a fresh twist to the classic pub experience, blending retro Americana charm with a curated drink selection, including tap beers, wines, and inventive cocktails. With an approachable menu of bright bites, hearty plates, and elevated bar snacks, this light-filled spot is perfect for gathering with friends, indulging in great flavours, and unwinding in a lively yet laid-back setting.
Tyler St Sport brings a fresh vibe to Britomart, combining elevated pub fare with the buzz of live sports. With inventive share plates, tap beers, and a cocktail list that shines, this is a spot where fans and foodies alike can gather in style. Heritage brick, open ceilings, and an inviting atmosphere make it a go-to for game day or any day.
Recently opening on a rooftop within the Commercial Bay precinct, Queens Rooftop boats 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, delicious food, and one of the best drinks lists in town. Open from 11am ’til late seven days a week, here, you can grab lunch, a post-work bite and glass of wine, or a late night (or two) — taking in the incredible views from the comfort of the well-heated and always-lively rooftop terrace.
Curvilinear shapes and rounded edges evoke an ease and relaxation not afforded to straight lines. Particularly impactful for adding artistic drama to a cleverly-conceived living area, curves also add a subtle sense of softness to a room.
From Emma Lewisham’s ultra hydrating Supernatural Sleeping Mask, rich in high-performing actives, to Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Night Cream, delivering powerful overnight recovery, there are a plethora of plumping, firming, and wrinkle-reducing nighttime treatments that are taking beauty sleep to a whole new realm — with results that extend well beyond the break of dawn.
Milestone birthdays rarely exceed a century, so for iconic New Zealand jewellers Partridge, to pay appropriate homage to its impressive history they’re delving to the vaults, creating a spectacular collection of jewellery that aptly honours this inspiring family legacy.
It’s a history most ‘heritage’ brands can only dream of. One name, six generations, and an unbroken history of family ownership that can be traced back to the birth of James Timothy Partridge in 1839 in the Devon, England town of Kingsbridge. Most ‘heritage’ brands these days are run by multi-conglomerates with not a family member amongst them.
160 years of business would be an extraordinary feat for almost any company, but the fact that this company, Partridge Jewellers, is a New Zealand one makes it even more so. Starting with the day in 1864 when a young James Partridge hung his own name above the shop he had inherited from his maternal grandfather, Partridge Jewellers has remained in the same family.
A young Cecil Partridge was widely praised for his intricate engraving work as evidenced by a silver salver presented to the young Queen Elizabeth on her Royal Tour of 1954.
In the late 1800s, James set sail with his wife and children to Canterbury, where they settled in the port town of Timaru and opened Partridge Jewellers on Church Street. The family then moved to Christchurch, and eventually James passed the business on to his three sons, Oswald, Roland and Linnaeus, who had all apprenticed as jewellers and engravers under their talented father.
It would be Linnaeus who carried the torch for the business, moving to Wellington in 1898 and being succeeded by his son Cecil upon his death in 1946. Cecil would be succeeded by his own son Ray, whose son Grant has now been steering the brand for almost 50 years.
“160 years of business would be an extraordinary feat for almost any company, but the fact that Partridge Jewellers is a New Zealand one makes it even more so”
Today, Partridge Jewellers boasts seven stores, with four in Auckland, and one each in Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown, the latter recently relocated to a more expansive premises that is helping to usher in a new era for the resort town’s retail offering. They boast an enviable array of brands from an international menu; classic American fare by David Yurman from New York City, playful Swiss pieces by Chopard, cult Parisian jeweller Messika and avant garde Milanese brand Vhernier, among others.
Left: Partridge Jewellers in Wellington’s Manners Mall. Right: The Cartier display within the new Queenstown boutique.
Further proving its depth in product, and for those for whom just one watch isn’t enough, they import safes and watch winders from Buben&Zorweg, a company famous for being one of the most luxurious of its type. These safes and multi-functional storage mechanisms typically reside within the world’s most esteemed watch salons or the private residences of an elite group of watch aficionados and collectors.
Partridge is not, however, simply a purveyor of fine timepieces and jewellery created by other people (not that there’s anything wrong with that — that’s exactly how Tiffany & Co. began in 1847.) The business is also a full-service watch and jewellery company, providing all the repairing, cleaning, and servicing of their customers’ goods, but also designing and creating their own jewels, from the most classic of solitaire engagement rings to show-stopping cocktail rings, every day fine jewellery and more directional diamond jewellery.
“The culmination of [Grant Partridge’s] love for exquisite stones will come to life via a unique collection of rare gems in unique settings, inspired by New Zealand’s landscape…”
“I have a long-standing love affair with coloured stones and diamonds,” says Grant Partridge. “Even after 48 years in the business, I spend my weekends in the office going through all of the individual stones, much like I did when I started out. The pleasure I gain from the stones and how they are brought to life by our designers, is what continues to motivate me today.”
One of the pieces from the upcoming 160th collection, inspired by Rotorua’s original Pink and White Terraces
This passion will be brought to life in a spectacular 160th collection that Partridge will debut later this year to celebrate the hugely significant birthday. The culmination of the current custodian’s love for exquisite stones will come to life via a unique collection of rare gems in unique settings, inspired by New Zealand’s landscape and Partridge’s unparalleled multi-generational story.
Further cementing the momentous milestone will be a sought-after selection of one-of-a-kind timepieces from the likes of Patek Philippe, Omega, Breguet, Tudor and many more, as well as special jewellery from iconic brands including Fabergé, FOPE and Pasquale Bruni which will be included in an exclusive catalogue scheduled for release later in the year.
Grant Partridge with one of Partridge Jewellers highly skilled goldsmiths
“As the oldest watch and jewellery retailer continuously operated by the same family in New Zealand, this is a major milestone that we want to celebrate,” says Grant Partridge. “We are lucky to have an incredible relationship with many of our brands whose support of our 160th anniversary has been overwhelming. We are excited to offer our clients the opportunity to access some incredibly rare timepieces and jewellery in our part of the world”.
The company’s in-house offering, Partridge Collections, is created by a design team helmed by Designer Andrea Lethiers, and sees an extensive array of stunning pieces on offer, from fancy coloured diamond engagement rings to dramatic pendants, zodiac charms and letter pendants set with diamonds. While a bespoke design service gives clients the opportunity to create their dream engagement ring, special occasion necklace or bracelet from design, to stone sourcing, to completion. Or, if you just want a special message engraved on the case of a classic Cartier Tank, they can do that too.
Left: Designer Andrea Lethiers. Right: A highly skilled watchmaker at work in the business-certified Rolex workshop within Partridge.
Partridge may be New Zealand’s oldest continually run jeweller, and a rare example of any brand — of any industry — boasting six generations of history, but they’ve never rested on their laurels. They’re 160 years young and brimming with ideas for the future. We expect nothing less from this truly inspirational and progressive New Zealand brand.
Rose Gold Pallina Diamond Dress Ring from Partridge
Rose Gold and Diamond Heart Chain Necklace from Partridge
In a seamless blend of individuality and shared vision, Japanese artists Yoshiko and Shintaro Nakahara create a ‘third artist’ through their collaborative work. As they unveil their latest collection at Sanderson, they invite us into their unique creative world.
Exclusive Q&A
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves — your interests, your backgrounds?
Y: We both studied Fine Arts in Tokyo, but at different universities — Shintaro has a bachelor of Arts from Tama Art University and I have a bachelor of Fine Arts from Musashino Art University. We have called Aotearoa home for the past 18 years.
Can you tell us about your individual painting styles?
S: Yoshiko works very intricately and usually with black ink, while I work with bold strokes of colour. Often, people think when looking at our individual styles that my work has a more dynamic personality and Yoshiko is more precise and sensitive. But the funny truth is that it’s quite the opposite.
Everafter by Shintaro & Yoshiko Nakahara, 2024, ink and acrylic on canvas, 310 x 1220 mm, $10,500
You both have distinct artistic practices, but are known for your collaborative works, can you tell us how you came to make art together?
S: We started creating work together when we moved to New Zealand. When we started working together we knew it was important for us to keep an equal balance. Both of our practices come together on the canvas, and we are often surprised by the outcome.
Your practice has been described as a conversation — how do you communicate with each other on the canvas?
Y: The artworks develop without any verbal communication. We communicate only on the canvas through the painting and drawing process, and nothing is right or wrong. It develops naturally, with us each taking turns adding to the work. Our paintings are constantly changing, and even the person in charge changes during the process.
Perpetual by Shintaro & Yoshiko Nakahara, 2024, ink and acrylic on canvas, 1220 x 1220 mm, $12,550
Your paintings are often philosophical and contemplative, what are some wider themes you are exploring within your practice?
We draw inspiration from everyday life. Our current exhibition at Sanderson, Perpetual, uses waves as the central motif and looks at the concept of deep time.
Outside of your painting careers, you’re both horologists, working with luxury brands like Rolex. How has this influenced your artistic practice?
Working with world-famous horological companies like Rolex continuously teaches us about accuracy and precision. Using waves, our new exhibition has a strong focus on time as a theme. So perhaps our horological thinking has finally interlinked with our artistry.
Shintaro & Yoshiko Nakahara’s exhibition ‘Perpetual’ is on now at Sanderson Contemporary until the 10th of November 2024.
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