The beauty of an evening bag is the way it can tie an outfit together. Especially when accompanied by an arresting ring or wristwatch. When prepping your wardrobe for party season, ensure you’re armed with a cache of bags and adornments that will take any outfit from day to evening with ease.
In a bid to provide you with some inspiration, we have included a curated edit of some of our favourite combinations.
Meet Redeem, the soda brand created by the team behind The Collective, the premium dairy company renowned for the unique yoghurts it creates by collaborating with chefs like Al Brown. Redeem is redefining soda with its new range of kefir soda that comes in four different flavours — Natural Ginger, Charcola, Mandarin Yuzu and Raspberry Hibiscus.
For those of you unfamiliar with what kefir soda is, listen up, as it’s about to become the hottest beverage around. Each bottle of Redeem’s Kefir Soda contains less than a teaspoon of sugar and has been created through a process of fermentation that means it is rich in probiotics. Redeem ferments and brews kefir cultures (a particular SCOBY comprising over 30 different probiotic culture strains) with natural, certified organic ingredients such as aromatic ginger, sweet raisins and zesty lemon, to create its delicious flavours. It may sound similar to kombucha, but Redeem’s Kefir Soda is rising above the other fermented drinks on the market for its particularly low sugar content and inclusion of a more diverse range of probiotic strains.
And while this drink is undeniably good for the body, it’s also working to benefit the world. Redeem has gone beyond just employing sustainable packing and has opted to take part in the One Percent for the Planet initiative. This sees one percent of all sales made by the company donated to ‘Trees that Count’ in order to support the planting of native trees in New Zealand. More trees means increased biodiversity, cleaner waterways and improved air quality, and at a time when climate and the environment could not be more important, it’s a worthy cause indeed.
Redeem Kefir Soda is available in selected stores and cafes. For more information, click here.
An issue designed to encourage and ignite change, it’s in our freshly released spring magazine that you can expect to find some seriously inspirational content.
In our gastronomy section, we cut through the greenwashing and look at the most sustainable dishes being served in Auckland, alongside deep dive into the ways some of our hospitality entities, including SKYCITY and Viaduct Harbour are embracing the idea of sustainability in a very real, very tangible way.
Compelling profiles on some seriously game-changing New Zealander’s are featured to serve as an example of how to break the mould, including pieces on Lee Gibson, a Lead Footwear Designer at Nike, Dane Mitchell, whose work, Post Hoc, is currently showing at the Venice Biennale and Tom Gould, a talented photographer and filmmaker on the rise — alongside a raft of other people striving to effect change in their own ways, in their own industries.
Delve into our thought-provoking piece on Climate Change — which delivers a side of the argument that is rarely addressed — or our seven-page exploration of the landscape of philanthropy in New Zealand. This issue also highlights on conscious, ethical fashion and features an intriguing feature by Sophie Gilmour of Delicious Business, who speaks to the key things hospitality owner/operators should be considering when it comes to making their businesses successful.
And between the sleek photoshoot by Steven Chee and Jess Pecoraro, the new season trend pages in our fashion section and a deep dive into whether we’re paying too high a personal price for technological advancement, you can guarantee there is much to ruminate on.
So whether you’re looking to make some lifestyle changes in the lead up to summer, or are simply seeking a change of perspective, Denizen’s shiny new Spring Issue is what you should be reading right now.
Denizen is available at all good newsagents and selected supermarkets. To ensure you never miss an issue, subscribe here.
When wet weather strikes, ditch the sofa and Friends reruns and instead, duck for cover inside one of these cosy hideaways.
Boutique bookstores Rain is falling. It’s hitting the windows in a rhythmic, hypnotizing fashion, conjuring whale-song-esque relaxation feels. You’re curled up in an armchair with a great book in one hand and a soul-warming cup of tea in the other. Idyllic, no? In a day and age blighted by social media addiction, it can be hard to remember the last time we took a breather and immersed ourselves in a good old-fashioned book. From the Jervois Road drop-in Novel, to the comprehensive selection at The Women’s Bookshop to Mount Eden gem Time Out, there are a number of places to go to find your next page-turner perfect for a day like today.
Auckland Art Gallery Auckland Art Gallery is home to a panoply of significant New Zealand art, making it the ideal place to take cover. Plunge into the contemporary, historic and modern works that are a mainstay, or immerse yourself in one of Auckland Art Gallery’s brilliantly thought-provoking exhibitions (currently it’s the incredible Frances Hodgkins European Journeys — on until 1st September). Open seven days a week, Auckland Art Gallery is a no-brainer for downcast weather days. Wellesley Street East, CBD
Go to the cinema The Capitol Cinema, to be exact. This Dominion Road gem offers the classic, old-school cinematic experience and is always showing a range of interesting, current and blockbusting movies. And, if the rain has subsided when you emerge from the movies, head to one of Dominion Road’s many delicious dining destinations for a feed unlike any other you’d find in Auckland. But be sure to consult our definitive dining guide to Dominion Road first, here. 610 Dominion Road
Eat your way through the rain Whether it’s to get some work done, to catch up with a friend or to simply sit for a few hours with a book and some delicious food, Auckland’s hospitality offering is comprehensive. From Ozone’s all-day menu and perfectly-brewed coffees to Andiamo’s cosy ambience and delicious, Italian food, if you feel overwhelmed with the vast and varied array, see our round-up of the best new openings of 2019 so far.
Wintergardens It may be raining outside but fear not; inside the Winter Gardens awaits a light-filled paradise. Saturated blooms blossoming from lush green palms adorn the glass walls and vast gardens, while still waters shimmer under the glare of the overhead lamps. Visiting the Auckland Domain Wintergardens is like stepping out of rainy Auckland and immersing yourself in a lush, tropical nirvana, complete with an on-site cafe for a relaxed afternoon pick-me-up. The best part? Admission is free. Wintergarden Road, Parnell
The Domain Wintergardens
Meditation Auckland As if you need an excuse, Meditation Auckland is offering free ‘Learn Meditation’ courses. With the daily grudges of city life combined with the dampening effects of miserable weather, a meditation session might be just what your strained mind, body and soul are pining after. A typical course involves two guided meditations focusing on breathing and concentration techniques, lead by class givers who have studied under the guidance of Sri Chinmoy, (an Indian spiritual leader who totally knows his stuff). Class locations in various places around Auckland, for the full list, check here.
Go to the ballet The RNZB’s Bold Moves is on at the moment and is offering the ultimate temporary escape from this blustery weather. Featuring works by George Balanchine, William Forsythe and Andrea Schermoly, this compilation of incredible pieces moves through definitive danceworks from different decades and is a captivating exploration of how dance has captured the zeitgeist over the years. On until 15th September, buy tickets here.
So, is the new incarnation of this hallowed marque the ultimate family vehicle? Watch to find out.
Our automotive series Driving Miss Duncan is back. And this time, Denizen’s resident car expert, Rachelle Duncan is taking the new Land Rover Discovery off the beaten track in search of some farm-grown, organic produce.
Over the course of her intrepid day trip — between picking up veggies, stopping for a cup of tea and trying to corral a cow into the Discovery’s boot — Miss Duncan discovers that the fifth generation of this much-loved marque has seriously upped the ante on all its bells and whistles — without losing any of the charm that made it such a lauded family car in the first place.
For one, it looks sleeker than previous incarnations. The rear of the car pays homage to the Discovery’s rich lineage, with its asymmetrical back and offset number plate, while the body feels more elegantly proportioned and modernised thanks to touches like sleek wraparound LED headlights. It has also lost a whopping 480 kilograms thanks to a new monocoque body that is 83 percent aluminium.
And even though it’s still relatively big-boned, the new Discovery whips around town with agility and grace, its ride is smooth and it sports a sophisticated look that makes it feel as at-home on unsealed country roads as it is on the mean streets of Herne Bay. Not to mention the fact that a 360-degree camera and ingenious parking assist feature make this car a breeze to park — even in the heart of the city.
The luxurious interior, with features like an infotainment touchscreen, heated seats (in every row), stacks of USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot, is almost as impressive as the car’s storage. It boasts 2,400 litres of load space, seven comfortable seats (the third row can be put up and down using the Land Rover InControl app), and an ample boot with the option of a pet ramp designed to get the family dog in and out with ease.
From its ‘Automatic Terrain Response’ that makes driving on unpredictable ground a breeze, to the way the Discovery meets the demands of family life, this SUV is, as Miss Duncan discovers, capable of handling anything.
In my mind, there aren’t many things that go together as well as champagne and snow. For me, being both an avid skier and something of a champagne enthusiast, it’s a combination that has been the backbone of many a fond winter memory. So, when I was presented with the opportunity to attend Veuve Clicquot’s annual Clicquot in the Snow event in Queenstown, it was an easy invitation to accept.
Now in its ninth year, the renowned three-day alpine experience lived up to its reputation by putting on a packed schedule full of exciting winter activities and glamorous events, all marked with flutes of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.
The trip kicked off with brunch at Provisions of Arrowtown, before we were whisked up to Snow Farm for a day of dog sledding. As we approached the pack of very excited, howling huskys, I have to admit a slight nervousness set in. It was the first day, and I really just hoped I wouldn’t end up face-first in the snow. Embarrassing myself in front of the rest of the group was not the tone I wanted to set for the weekend. Each of us had four dogs, and we were in full control of our own sleds, navigating them around the pristine, snow-laden track at a steady pace that felt more surreal than scary. It was definitely a highlight, especially when we were able to give the hounds a cuddle at the end.
We finished the day off with an amazing Italian feast at Ben Bayly’s new restaurant, Aosta, where we were treated to the likes of shaved paua kina pappardelle, Horopito hot smoked Fiordland lobster and a group favourite, the tortellini with buffalo curd, brown buttered chestnuts and wild mushrooms.
Considering that day two started with first tracks at 6am, it was lucky I didn’t overindulge in Veuve Clicquot Champagne the night before. As we cruised up Coronet Peak in darkness, the snow started to fall, making the early rise well worth it. There, we spent a few, glorious hours riding the chairlift and weaving down the runs. Despite the low visibility, navigating our way around the mountain as a pack wasn’t an issue at all, thanks to our ski jackets rendered in Clicquot’s signature, eye-catching Clicquot yellow.
After returning from the mountain, we had plenty of time to get ready for the hotly-anticipated Kathryn Wilson Spring/Summer 2019 show, held at the incredible Jack’s Point. The circus-themed soiree drew loyal fans of the brand from around the country, to swoon over the acclaimed designer’s latest shoe styles.
Left: Fliss Grennell making first tracks at Coronet Peak | Right: Beck Wadworth and Fliss Grennell at Kathryn Wilson’s Spring/Summer 2019 runway show
Day three started with a picturesque walk around Lake Wakatipu, and was followed by a delicious long lunch at Josh Emett’s Rata Restaurant. The five-course menu, which was expertly paired with variations of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, consisted of tasty dishes such as Big Glory Bay Salmon with spiced quince, fried cauliflower, curry oil vinaigrette and almonds, and roast Canter Valley duck with spiced carrot, pork and duck leg cassoulet with wild thyme.
Left: Josh Emett at Rata Restaurant
After some much-needed rest to prepare our stomachs for the next gastronomic affair, we cosied up at The Lodge Bar, in front of its roaring fireplace with a lavish spread and a glass (or two) of Veuve Clicquot’s fine French bubbles. It really was the ideal way to end what I consider the perfect winter getaway.
Clicquot in the Snow celebrations will continue throughout the month of August inviting locals and the Queenstown-bound alike to participate in the below activities:
Dog sledding: Take the helm yourself or ride along in the basket with an experienced musher guiding your journey with the Snow Farm Clicquot Husky Sledding Experience at Snow Farm
Eforea Spa Hilton Queenstown: Offering a Veuve Clicquot ‘Flute & Facial’ experience for the month of August, luxurious spa is a must-visit.
Clicquot Stargazing Experience: Take a Gondola ride to Bob’s Peak, situated high above Queenstown, and journey into the hidden world of the Southern night with paired dishes to Clicquot
Cru Bar and Stacks Pub: Offering a moreish ‘Flute and Fries’ pairing, sit back and relax with a flute of Veuve Clicquot paired with delicious truffle, parmesan fries
Wakatipu Grill: Head here during the month of August and choose from one of the three menu options paired with both Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label as well as an audacious La Grande Dame pairing.
To achieve more mental clarity, Christine Langdon decided to declutter her home, discovering in the process a number of gifts she had long forgotten about. For no other reason than simple sentimentality, she had held onto them, bound by the connection they represented between her and the person who had given them to her. That was when it clicked for Langdon.
The gesture of giving often overruled whatever the actual gift might be. It was a realisation that led her to establish The Good Registry and lead the charge towards new attitudes around modern-day gifting. Instead of encouraging physical presents (a practice that, as Langdon found out, can be hugely wasteful), Langdon’s platform supports the giving of donations in a loved one’s name to charitable organisations carrying out meaningful work. Over 60 charities are supported by The Good Registry, from animal welfare organisations to children and community support groups including Barnardos and Alzheimer’s NZ, to other areas like health and the environment.
The Good Registry facilitates the priceless act of giving while helping numerous causes and is working to eradicate waste by encouraging an end to physical gifts we simply don’t need.
Inherently functional and as charmingly decorative as a series of Russian dolls, nesting tables — as in, clustered coffee tables that comprise multiple surface shapes and heights — are offering an easy way to give your living room some added dimension. And while the type is certainly not new to the interior scene, a far sleeker, more contemporary take on the style has brought about a spectacular resurgence.
Instead of snuggly slotting right underneath one another, the new breed of nesting tables is designed to showcase a subtle overlap, where the outstretched, sculptural bases at varying heights can truly be displayed. Able to be made to suit any space, these tables will offer a unique point of difference in your home. As such, we’ve outlined three of our current favourites.
Last Friday evening saw an assortment of geometric lasers, undulating light installations and a neon archway illuminate Shed10 as it prepared to welcome a crowd of convivial partygoers, descending on the venue to celebrate our 2019 Denizen Heroes. The annual gala, presented by Chivas Regal proved an evening to remember. Mind-bending light features, courtesy of Angus Muir Design bathed the expansive spaces in an intriguing, after-dark glow, while the rousing tunes of guitarist ARLI, Nathan and Jaimie Haines and The Sweet Mix Kids ensured that once formalities we over, hitting the dance floor felt the only appropriate thing to do.
A purpose-built portrait studio took over one corner of the gala, where photographer extraordinaire Olivia Kirkpatrick snapped perfectly composed pictures of attendees (see those photos here), and dotted around the space were various food stalls, including a Chivas gelato stand offering deliciously creamy Chivas-infused Miann morsels coated in chocolate.
With the Chivas Regal bar serving an array of tantalising cocktails (devised by drinks specialists Black Pineapple Co.) including the crowd-pleasing Chivas Collins, the Shiso Heroic and the New Old Fashioned, and a jovial spirit driving a collectively good vibe on the night, it might have been our fourth Heroes Gala, but it was certainly the best one yet.
Taking into account the Black Tie dress code for Friday evening’s Heroes Gala, it would have been a great shame to have let the night pass without properly acknowledging all the effort attendees went to, in order to remain on theme. And where the guys had donned their best ties and shiny lapels and the women their fancy frocks or sleek suits, photographer Olivia Kirkpatrick was there with her camera to capture it all in poised perfection.
Setting up in the custom-built photographic studio we created, Kirkpatrick spent hours wrangling guests beneath the stoic arches into various configurations and poses that made us all look suave, composed and effortlessly cool in a way that, for most (and especially towards the end of the night), was certainly not effortless.
It resulted in a line-up of images that will keep this effervescent evening elegantly cemented in memory — until next year rolls around.
To see the rest of Olivia Kirkpatrick’s images from the photo studio, click here.
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