High-octane hedonism defined the aesthetic of the 80s, including in jewellery, where too much was never enough, and (thanks largely to Madonna) the pearl reigned supreme. Embrace the spirit of more-is-more, with these special pieces to treasure.
A team of experts in naval architecture, design, build, upholstery, marine electronics and engineering came together to inform the design of Machina, a top-of-the-line, luxury RIB boat, built in New Zealand by JP Ribs, and now operating charters out of Auckland.
From its twin 300 horsepower engines to its beautiful hand-stitched upholstery — the same as the one used by Porsche — Machina broke all the rules to become a world class vessel, and has positioned itself as the ultimate day-trip on the water.
With a top speed of 44 knots (around 81km), Machina can zip from Auckland to Waiheke Island in 20 minutes where passengers can enjoy a long lunch at a winery. Or, a custom itinerary can be created, whether it’s an adventure around the Hauraki Gulf or island hopping while Machina’s catering partners On Board Kitchen serve up freshly-shucked oysters and Dom Pérignon Champagne, alongside substantial organic platters and drink pairings.
Crucially, Machina is offering special packages for the upcoming Prada Cup (part of the America’s Cup), which will allow passengers to get up close and personal with all the sailing action. (Early bookings are essential.)
With the calibre of new books being released, there’s no better time to lose yourself in the pages of a great tome. These are our top picks of the deliciously compulsive page-turners that will have you absorbed for the duration of any beach trip or pool-lounging session.
Just Like You by Nick Hornby
A tale about how love works in mysterious ways, Nick Hornby’s new novel takes a hilarious look at the very human act of falling head-over-heels in love with the person you would least expect.
Memorial by Bryan Washington
One of the most widely-talked about novels of the season, this story is one of family in all its forms. Proving himself an intimate storyteller, Bryan Washington pens real, vulnerable characters and a feel-good narrative that will leave you questioning the nature of love.
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
A society wedding, ex-best-friends and the kinds of cleverly and compassionately-rendered relationships that you might expect from the award-winning author of Mrs. Everything, this novel is a fun, witty and moving read.
The Regrets by Amy Bonnaffons
In this acclaimed debut, a love story of paranormal proportions between Rachel (a living woman) and Thomas, the man she keeps seeing at her bus stop, takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that he is, in fact, dead. Playful, earnest and imaginative, this is not the romantic story of old.
The Return by Nicholas Sparks
From the author behind such classics as The Notebook and Nights in Rodanthe, Nicholas Sparks is back just in time for the season of summer love. The story follows an American navy doctor who was injured in Afghanistan, and who, after returning home, finds himself embroiled in the secret lives of two women that will ultimately change his life.
Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan by Omid Scobie & Carolyn Durand
However you feel about the young royals, it is almost impossible to escape their controversies. So, if you need a laugh this summer, why not embrace their ‘story’ in all its ghost-written, gossipy goodness. This sensationalist biography is perfect for the beach (if for no other reason than to help you drift into an afternoon nap).
The Arrest by Jonathan Lethem
From the award-winning author of Motherless Brooklyn comes a novel with an intriguing premise: it takes place after a global event, ‘The Arrest,’ has caused all electronics and appliances to stop working. In this world, we meet Sandy, a once-successful screenwriter whose quiet existence is upended by a man from his past riding in on a nuclear-powered supercar.
The Nightworkers by Brian Selfon
This perfectly-plotted, surprisingly funny thriller follows Shecky Keenan, head of a small-time family crime syndicate in Brooklyn, who strives to live a relatively quiet life before a large sum of money goes missing.
Internationally venerated, New Zealand-born chef Matt Lambert has recently returned to our shores to helm Rodd & Gunn’s The Lodge Bar & Dining in Auckland and Queenstown’s The Lodge Bar. Having overseen operations from New York since 2017, Lambert is now able to do so directly, and is excited to evolve the offering even further now he’s back on home soil.
To celebrate his homecoming just in time for summer, Lambert shares three easy recipes to cook on the grill — beachside or at home. Deep, smoky grilled flavours are a huge part of The Lodge Bar’s offering, and Lambert is as expert as they come at utilising the delicious caramelisation of cooking over charcoal.
Kingfish collar is one of the most delicious yet underrated cuts of fish, says Lambert, due to its position on the fish as one that does the least amount of work. It also has the highest amount of fat content, meaning it’s incredibly tender and juicy when cooked.
Another tip from Lambert is to not marinade it before grilling, but add the marinade towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from burning.
Ingredients:
Kingfish collar
Miso paste — supermarket-bought is fine
Olive oil
Method:
1. Drizzle the kingfish collar with olive oil, then place it on the grill. Move it around a good amount, so that you don’t just overcook one area and have it stick to the grill.
2. When the fish is almost entirely cooked, spread an even layer of miso paste on both sides and just cook until it’s caramelised.
3. When the fish is fully cooked (not medium or medium rare) take it off the grill and serve.
Let the year that was wash away under the swell of glorious salty waves, and slip into this season’s most holiday-ready luxury fashion. From effortless two-pieces to light outer layers, these are the pieces to ease you into a summer state of mind.
PHOTOGRAPHY Simon Upton
STYLING Jana Pokorny
HAIR & MAKE-UP Katie Angus
TALENT Zoe Barnard @ IMG and Tane Bowden @ Kult Australia.
Whether you want to add some vibes to a sunny BBQ, set the mood for a relaxing summer’s day or get hyped up with some disco beats, we recommend perusing this line-up of recently released albums. The likes of Kylie Minogue, Bruce Springsteen and more will see you in good stead to groove on through the summer months.
Kylie Minogue — DISCO
The 15th studio album from the queen of disco couldn’t have come at a better time. Just when we’re ready to throw on our glad rags and shake off the year that was, Kylie Minogue is here to ensure that we have the perfect soundtrack. Disco is brimming with bright, poppy tunes and is set to be the ultimate party album for the season ahead.
Song to start with: ‘Say Something’
Future Islands — As Long As You Are
Honest and heart-wrenching, the latest album from Indie-Synth group Future Islands is an euphoric ode to the realities of being human. From mellow, melodic beats to rousing, optimistic notes, the record is ultimately joyful, and will help us all end a tough year on a high note.
Song to start with: ‘For Sure’
Bruce Springsteen — Letter to You
Recorded in just five days, live in studio with the E Street Band, Springsteen’s new album sees the iconic artist taking stock of what is important in his life. Shedding the various personalities he adopted in previous records, his latest musical outing feels deeply personal — The Boss making peace with his past.
Song to start with: ‘Ghosts’
SAULT — Untitled (Rise)
This might be the fourth album in sixteen months for British R&B/Electronic duo, SAULT, but if you thought they were scraping the bottom of the barrel, you’d be wrong. Genre-bending and soulful, this record reflects the artists’ vast wellspring of musical inspiration, combined in a way that feels effortless on the ear.
Song to start with: ‘Free’
Matt Berninger — Serpentine Prison
Making his solo debut, The National’s Matt Berninger has released a thoughtful, exquisitely realised album that offers a true portrait of the artist himself — one of the 21st Century’s most recognisable and influential voices in rock.
Song to start with: ‘Oh Dearie’
Nubya Garcia — Source
Talented tenor saxophonist, Nubya Garcia has produced an energetic jazz album that flows through nuanced musical layers, articulated by the wonderfully expressive notes of the instrument she plays so well. A refreshing and engaging listen.
Song to start with: ‘Stand With Each Other’ [Feat. Ms MAURICE, Cassie Kinoshi, & Richie Seivwright]
Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams — Plastic Bouquet
This cross-continental collaborative album from acclaimed Canadian folk duo Kacy & Clayton and one of New Zealand’s greatest musical talents, Marlon Williams, soars with luminous harmonies and a beautifully melodic sound that spans Williams’ Pacific style of country music and North American folk.
Jay Electronica — Act II The Patents of Nobility (The Turn)
Known by fans as the ‘lost’ album, Jay Electronica’s new release was so delayed that it had achieved almost-mythical status. Leaked by fans online in an incomplete form, this album has been widely deemed an instant hip hop classic and is essential listening for any fans
of the genre.
Song to start with: ‘Real Magic’
Capturing beautiful bourgeoisie holidaymakers in the 70s, Slim Aarons’ iconic photographs evoke an almost-unattainable ‘cool.’ While you may not be able to travel there, taking your style cues from the shores of the Caribbean or the French Riviera will at least have you looking the part.
The collision of the hippy and disco movements created a potent breeding ground for jewellery that combined chain motifs with glamorous details. From Elsa Peretti’s iconic Bone Cuff to timeless timepieces, these 70s-inspired jewellery pieces are sure to be cherished forever.
Many of the best eateries in town started life as a food truck, and we’ve got to say they’re often one of the best parts of any weekend market, music festival or cultural event. Here, we’ve collated some of the best food trucks in town to keep an eye on, from ramen to dumplings, ice cream to gluten-free fare.
Vege Bang Bang
An Auckland-based vegan food truck, Vege Bang Bang proves plant-based fare can be anything but boring.
Cinta Caravan
Real fruit ice cream is the essence of summer, and Cinta Caravan’s are some of the best. Choose from a vanilla, yoghurt or vegan coconut base, and add various berries, mango and banana.
Miso Ra
Popping up all over Auckland, chef Taku Hida brings his premium quality Tokyo Street Ramen to the people, and it never disappoints.
Noodlechick
Can’t eat gluten? No problem, when it comes to Noodlechick, Auckland’s first Coeliac Dining Out Programme-certified food truck. Offering gluten-free, plant powered bites, Noodlechick can be found serving up an Asian-fusion menu of handmade, coeliac-friendly noodles and dumplings.
Grown up Donuts
With permanent digs in Henderson and Wairau Valley, these indulgent donuts also appear regularly at markets around Auckland. You’re going to want to follow their social media to find out where, as these are unmissable.
Wood Spirit
Serving artisan Turkish flatbread (pide) from scratch, make sure to catch the goods from this “mobile wood-fired concept” next time it pops up at a market.
Akemi’s Gyoza
Akemi Obata is a gyoza aficionado, having grown up eating her grandmother’s handmade dumplings in Japan. We recommend seeking out Akemi’s Gyoza every Sunday at Clevedon Farmers Market.
Che Lucio BBQ
For Argentinian BBQ that can come to you, look no further than Che Lucio. Catering all manner of events, this truck is ideal for lovers of expertly cooked meat.
The Rolling Pin
Specialising in scrumptious handmade dumplings, whenever we see this food truck at an event, we can’t resist.
With the calibre of new books being released, there’s no better time to lose yourself in the pages of a great tome. These are our top picks of 2020’s best-sellers.
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
Debuting at number one on the New York Times Bestseller list, this exquisite novel follows two identical, light-skinned Black sisters, and the disparate roads that lead them to ultimately live very different lives. An engrossing, compassionate and provocative story about family and relationships, the book is set to be made into a limited series for HBO.
Anxious People by Frederik Backman
When a failed bank robber decides to take the attendees of an apartment open-home hostage, eight anxious strangers are forced to discover that they’re a lot more similar than they would have ever thought. A charming, wise and humorous look at friendship, forgiveness and hope.
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
Recently picked up by Netflix, this page-turner paints a powerful picture of its protagonist, a young woman moving through childhood, adolescence and adulthood, all the time trying to separate herself from her lineage, on a path to discovering who she truly is.
The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult
Jodi Picoult returns to our reading rotation with a shiny new novel. Centred around Dawn Edelstein who survives a plane crash during which her mind is flooded with memories of a man she saw 15 years ago (instead of her husband), this fascinating book explores second chances and will leave you with a fresh perspective.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
In Matt Haig’s fictional world, there is a library that exists between life and death. It is the place in which his touching story’s protagonist is able to redo her life; and live it in a way that doesn’t leave her with regrets. But her choices have serious repercussions, and soon, everything is at stake.
Trio by William Boyd
From acclaimed writer, William Boyd, comes a tale of comedy, tragedy and redemption. It is the summer of 1968, and a producer, a novelist and an actress are in the midst of making a ‘Swingin Sixties’ film in Brighton. Between their secret lives, hidden agendas, and the threat of their private lives spilling over into their public ones, the show must go on — but to what end?
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
Bravely and intelligently exploring an abusive relationship between Vanessa (a bright, promising high-school student) and her manipulative teacher, Kate Elizabeth Russell’s new novel is controversial and painful as the protagonist, armed with hindsight, looks back on what she thought had been her first love.
Love by Roddy Doyle
From an award-winning Irish author comes the story of two old friends who reconnect in Dublin for a night of reminiscing and storytelling. Through his thoughtful and gently comedic writing, Roddy Doyle speaks to the many different forms that love can take in all of our lives.
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