As the saying goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch, but for American Express Platinum Card® Members, by simply spending $150 or more on their American Express Platinum Card at one of its extensive list of Dining Collection restaurants, they’ll receive a dining credit of $150, twice a year, up to $300 per year.
With a broad and enticing list of participating eateries, there’s something for everyone. From the eternally popular Italian all-day restaurant Amano to Jervois Steakhouse, Michael Meredith’s acclaimed new eatery Mr Morris, the seafood-centric Harbourside or Nic Watt’s Japanese eatery Masu at SkyCity — to name just a few.
The Platinum Card dining credit is just one of the many benefits of being an American Express Platinum Card Member. And what’s more, with the recent launch of its shiny new metal card adding some style and cachet to the Card Member experience, if you’re not currently an American Express Platinum Card Member sign up today to reap the benefits.
Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
Apply today for the new metal Platinum Card® by clicking here.
A pair of chic, white sneakers is about as essential to a well-curated wardrobe as a black blazer or some perfectly-fitting jeans. In fact, we would argue that without them, any sartorial line-up would feel distinctly lacking, left to suffer from the absence of shoes that can transport their wearers from casual occasions to more dressed-up affairs with very little effort.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that renowned Parisian Maison, Christian Dior has unveiled its own take on the classic white kick, recently releasing its new Dior-ID sneakers to guffaws from new-wave shoe enthusiasts and longtime followers of the brand alike. Bold, contemporary and distinctly ‘Dior,’ this highly-anticipated new style is only adding to the brand’s upward-trending sneaker cred, which was given a recent boost in light of last year’s major moment with the Dior Air Jordan 1.
Offering a structured take on the style we know and love, the new Dior-ID sneakers are made in Italy from luxurious, calfskin leather and boast a low-top silhouette and platform sole. The design reinvents vintage motifs with interesting, tonal details that work (while retaining the style’s necessary simplicity) to ensure these sneakers feel like a fresh evolution.
Available now from Dior’s Queen Street boutique, the Dior-ID sneakers come in a range of colourways, from a simple navy, white, black and nude to more playful green, red and silver, and are rapidly establishing themselves as the sneakers of the season.
The world of superyachts is shrouded in the kind of uber-luxury that most can only gawk at from the shore, but for Isaac Burrough — a Kiwi designer for whom these vessels have become a professional pursuit — it’s a world of opportunity. “I grew up around boats, and I knew that I wanted to be a boat designer from a young age,” Burrough explains, crediting his entrée into superyacht design to landing an assistant-designer role at Dutch company, Feadship, creating some of the world’s most impressive seafaring vessels from scratch. (Feadship is one of a very small global contingent who can truly claim to make custom superyachts.)
After cutting his teeth in lofty places, Burrough eventually decided to start his own studio, which has seen him continue to consult as a superyacht designer for other companies, where he helps them move from concept to completion. So far, his expertise has contributed to the completion of eight superyachts, with a few more still being built. Under his own name, Burrough has also developed a number of intriguing superyacht designs, the most notable of which became something of an Internet sensation when it was unveiled last year.
Named Kiwa, (after one of the Māori Gods of the sea), Burrough’s conceptual superyacht garnered attention for its emphasis on sustainability, something that others of its kind haven’t historically deemed a priority. “Superyachts use diesel generators to produce power,” Burrough explains, “but there has been a push in the industry towards more efficient hulls and powertrains to reduce environmental impact.” The way this idea manifested in Kiwa, was via a series of solar panels, applied by Burrough in such a way as to enhance the yacht’s sleek aesthetic (rather than being a necessary eyesore, as they so often are). “Now, I just need a client who wants to build it,” says Burrough, steadfast in his vision to develop Kiwa beyond concept alone.
But, as Burrough says, building his own design studio while still consulting as a freelancer on live projects affords him the freedom to dream up ideas like Kiwa, that serve to push the boundaries of expectation and cement his innovative reputation in the industry. “I want to encourage people to think about things in new ways and to encourage the industry to do better,” he says, “to use different materials and processes from the ones superyacht designers have been using for years.”
Having recently relocated from Amsterdam back to New Zealand, Burrough is bringing his wealth of knowledge from working in the European market to a new audience and client base, for whom the idea of sustainability on the sea is already pushing to the forefront.
This weekend, the Auckland Rainbow Pride Parade and the Ponsonby Street Festival are finally going ahead after a series of postponements due to Covid-19 restrictions. On Saturday, 27th of March, the much-anticipated, all-day event will see folk from all around the city coming together to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of our rainbow communities.
Fun for the whole family, the carnival-style parade will move on its colourful way on foot and un-motorised floats — starting from Tole Street, down Ponsonby Road to Williamson Ave, encompassing dancing, performance and music, and key messaging from the community.
The day’s proceedings will begin from 11am with the Ponsonby Street Festival kicking off with market stalls and pop-ups. Ponsonby Road will be closed to traffic from 4:30pm, and the Parade then begins from 6pm, with live music, dancing, performances and on-street dining from 7pm.
Why not make a day of it, and get out there to support local retailers and hospitality businesses at the same time as our rainbow community? We suggest parking up at one of Ponsonby Road’s many excellent bars and eateries — peruse our list below and we suggest you make a booking quicksharp, or get there early to secure your spot.
SPQR This iconic Ponsonby Road restaurant is bound to be heaving from the get-go, but if you can suss a table it’ll be one of the best places to be. Keep the espresso martinis coming.
Blue Breeze Inn Blue Breeze’s outdoor tables are the perfect vantage point to see all the action, with a side of the fusion eatery’s delicious dumplings and bao buns.
Prego Got hangry children in tow? Pasta or pizza at stalwart Prego is just the ticket, and the vibe is sure to be humming.
Ponsonby Road Bistro Another icon of the strip with excellent outdoor seating, Ponsonby Road Bistro will have you sorted with its comforting menu of bistro fare. We’re particular fans of the chicken liver pâté and the confit duck.
Elmo’s Heading out for the day with a group? Elmo’s will cater to you with its varied menu of sharing dishes and pizzas. We can’t go past the burrata bar, either.
Chapel It’s an institution for a reason — park up at this iconic corner site for drinks in the ample sun. A great option for when you’re in it for the long haul.
Ockhee This Korean cutie will have you sorted with its tasty yet wholesome fare and drinks menu of natural wine, beer and clever twists on classic cocktails. Snag an outside seat and catch the parade near its starting point.
Conch Easy and inviting, Conch is just the place to relax with a beer in hand, and some tacos or other South American-style bites and watch the colourful action go by.
Rainbow Pride Parade & Ponsonby Street Festival Saturday, 27th of March Ponsonby Road
When it comes to massage, there is certainly a time and place for a gentle method that lulls the recipient into a state of soporific bliss. However, sometimes a firmer hand is required, and when this is the case we will be turning to East Day Spa’s brand new Thai massage.
The most recent addition to the world-class spa’s roster of beauty and wellness treatments, this oil free massage is not for the faint-hearted. A firm, strong massage that combines pressure point and acupressure therapy with assisted stretching, the East Thai massage is performed by master therapist Wii, whose experience hails from spa royalty palaces like the Mandarin Oriental and The Four Seasons Hotels.
Designed to relieve tension and improve flexibility, this massage is performed on a fully-clothed recipient (loose, comfortable clothing is encouraged, with East Day Spa providing soft pajama trousers to wear), and is recommended for those who love a strong, deep tissue experience.
To begin with, the body is warmed up through a combination of acupressure and deep compressions, before the therapist begins working through yoga-like stretching exercises that are tailored to each individual need. Whether the problem area is a tense neck and shoulders, sore legs or back, this highly-bespoke massage will be customised to address it, with no two sessions the same.
The effects are almost instantaneous — expect an increased range of motion, better posture and reduced joint pain. Rather than feeling like you need a nap afterwards, the East Thai massage will leave you feeling elongated, invigorated and energised, for far longer than just the duration of the appointment.
A sofa might be somewhere to put your feet up after a long day, and will inevitably end up being the place where you spend most of your time at home, but its merits should extend beyond comfort alone. The best sofas are the ones that weave comfort seamlessly into their inherent design while ensuring that considerations of the latter remain front and centre. In short, they should look as good as they feel. And from experience, finding pieces that fit that criteria is no mean feat.
Lucky then, that we have the design maestros at Simon James on hand to help us get that balance right. Recently, the team welcomed the new Collective Modular Sofa by Nonn into their showroom, and it has made a swift and impressive impact. Designed by Cameron Foggo — a New Zealand designer who now calls Australia home, and whose brand is known for its subtle, understated luxury — this sofa pairs soft, generously-proportioned upholstery (made uniquely from feather and foam) with a light, uncomplicated form. Its quality is evident in the fine craftsmanship that went into its creation, from the refined, steel base to the pinched corner technique used to give the sofa its sumptuous appearance.
Available in versatile finishes and configurations to suit a range of requirements and spaces, the Collective Modular sofa is set to be a design asset in any home, and will prove a piece that turns heads as much as it is the perfect place to put your feet up at the end of a long day.
There is a new wave of Kiwi men who want more from their wardrobes. Having transcended the tired combination of jeans-and-a-T-shirt, they instead, want to curate a collection that is purposeful, creatively-inspiring and unique to their individual styles. Accordingly, there has been a growing number of new, locally-designed menswear labels springing up to offer guys the kinds of pieces they want, these are are a few of our favourites.
Fantl Sport Golf wear is (despite being a somewhat niche market) ripe for a reimagining. Which is exactly what this dynamic new label is doing. Brothers Dan and Ezra Fantl create collections that are sleek and practical and able to be worn on and off the golf course. This new brand is delivering a much-needed element of ‘cool’ to a sport whose demographic seems to be trending younger every year.
Inward Goods Ltd
Inward Goods Ltd Born from the idea that to be truly authentic, one must look within, Inward Goods creates clothes that are timeless, pragmatic and carefully realised. Designed and produced in Auckland (via a process that supports a number of other local businesses) every piece is painstakingly made-to-order, which means that collections are selective and refined.
Thom Morison
Thom Morison Creating high-quality menswear with a classical, minimalist bent, Thom Morison not only makes great clothes but is another proponent of slow fashion. In fact, Morison himself works as the pattern maker in his Great North Road studio, sampling every piece in store as he fastidiously builds his collections — all handmade by local ateliers.
Wynn Hamlyn Menswear
Wynn Hamlyn Menswear Off the back of opening his first retail store in Commercial Bay, local designer Wynn Hamlyn is capitalising on his reputation for creating refined, quietly-confident womenswear to launch his first men’s collection, and our wardrobes are all the better for it. With clever knitwear, precise (but relaxed) tailoring and soft, sensual fabrics, this debut capsule heroes pieces that are wearable but unique, and will resonate with guys who care about how they dress but still like to have fun.
I never really thought of myself as an SUV driver. But after spending the last three years with an extremely small car (a relic of the 90s), the thought of investing in something bigger was, I have to say, appealing.
In the spirit of trying new things (and after seeking recommendations from a few people I trusted) I decided to dip my toe into the SUV pond by taking Jaguar’s new 2021 F-PACE for a spin — only to discover that I had, in fact, been an SUV driver all along. All I needed was the right car.
I have to preface my experience with a caveat. The new Jaguar F-PACE is a luxury SUV, which puts it firmly at the higher end of the market. Basically, this car combines the size, comfort and versatility of an SUV with the sleek elegance of a sports car, which gives it massive appeal from the outset.
To set the scene, the exact model of F-PACE I was testing was the P400 R-Dynamic HSE in Yulong White with slick, black wheels. It was high-spec and super powerful, and I was drawn in from the second I was handed the keys.
Boasting a recently enhanced exterior, my 2021 F-PACE carried some serious presence on the road. With its wide front grill, aerodynamically-enhanced front and rear bumpers and super-slim LED head and tail lights, this car was simultaneously streamlined and solid with sophisticated good looks that offered an early indication of what I could expect on the inside.
Sure enough, the F-PACE’s interior lived up to the hype and then some. Sitting in the driver’s seat, I couldn’t remember having ever been in a car that felt safe, luxurious and sporty, all at the same time. And while I was conscious of people’s heads turning as I passed them on the road, I was also distinctly aware of how cocooned and private I felt in the F-PACE’s cabin.
Inside, it seemed like Jaguar had spared no expense in ensuring the 2021’s fit-out left nothing to chance. Sumptuous, simple materials that felt well-made and long-lasting, were rendered in an elegant, monochromatic palette which kept me comfortable but ensured that my primary focus remained on what was important — the drive. And what a drive it was.
Thanks to the F-PACE’s new Drive Selector, I was able to quickly switch the car between zippy modes like ‘dynamic’ and smooth modes like ‘comfort’, all the while enjoying the peace and quiet that came with the car’s Active Noise Cancellation — an innovative system that worked to reduce noise pollution from outside the cabin. That said, I quickly learned not to be fooled by the F-PACE’s comfortable, quiet facade. Once I decided to give this car a little bit of pace, it sprung into action swiftly, drawing on its sporty heritage to morph into something that felt delightfully fun and quick off the mark — certainly not what I expected to find in an SUV.
All of that aside, what really clinched it for me was the F-PACE’s practicality and efficiency. For someone who uses her car to drive to work, run errands that often involve packing clothing bags and boxes into the boot and soon, to transport a baby from A to Z, the F-PACE seemed to tick all the boxes. With its suite of new technology, including Jaguar’s latest PIVI Pro infotainment on an 11.4-inch HD touch screen, voice-activated control, a wireless charging port for my phone and a remote app that allowed me to check up on the car’s temperature and fuel levels, the F-PACE’s systems were easy to decipher and to communicate with. Everything felt integrated in a very simple, uncomplicated way, which, when you’ve got other things on your mind, is a godsend. Other features I loved included the F-PACE’s keyless entry (very handy with frequently-full hands), and its mammoth boot with a 650-litre capacity. My favourite feature, however, had to be the F-PACE’s super-clear 360-degree, 3D surround camera, which made manoeuvring into my narrow driveway a breeze and parallel parking virtually curb-proof. Add to the mix the fact that the F-PACE boasts a Five Star Euro NCAP safety rating (making it one of the safest cars in the market) and I was honestly left wondering if it had any faults at all.
Just like that, I was a convert, inducted into the easy, luxurious lifestyle that came with driving an SUV like this. And while I might have only had a few days with the new Jaguar F-PACE, there was something that stayed with me, even after the car was gone — the realisation that I would probably struggle to find anything else that lived up to my first experience.
It’s clear the Cordis was inspired by the natural beauty of New Zealand in conceiving its new bar space, Our Land Is Alive. Walking in, we were immediately struck by the calm, contemporary palette of natural tones and textures, anchored by an ethereal cloud mural (painted by local artist Ross Lewis) spreading out across the ceiling. In fact, small nods to New Zealand are everywhere, from a bar top made from rescued Kauri to the bar front crafted from Timaru bluestone, to the native plants and artistic menu design, created by local illustrator Erin Forsyth.
Find a range of expertly made cocktails.
Beyond the space itself, Our Land Is Alive captures the essence of New Zealand in its curated food and drinks that shine a light on local. Award-winning local wines and craft beers meet a range of Kiwi-made spirits that have been expertly mixed with unique New Zealand flavours and ingredients to offer a variety of refreshing libations. We only had to glance at the ‘White Cloud,’ for example, a smokey concoction made with Thomson Two-Tone whiskey, or the ‘Karangahape Side,’ crafted with Lighthouse gin, lime juice, cucumber and fresh mint, to know that a drink here would be a delicious affair.
Similarly, the food offering draws on the richness of New Zealand’s culinary landscape to provide classic bar snacks with a twist. Thanks to the vision of Cordis’ Executive Chef, Volker Marecek, Our Land Alive’s menu is a tasty mix of locally-sourced ingredients where charcuterie and cheese boards sit alongside the likes of free range lamb ribs and Cloudy Bay clams. As perfect for a quick, easy bite as it is for something more substantial.
The bar front is crafted from Timaru bluestone.
Ultimately, Our Land Alive is just about offering simple, straightforward Kiwi hospitality. Having cultivated an environment that is relaxed and sophisticated but (thanks to its sprawling outdoor area and generous space) is also conducive to a good time, this new, local gem is set to be our go-to next time we’re looking for somewhere to whet our whistles.
In an effort to tackle our “make-take-waste” culture, a group of consciously-minded local brands have banded together to draw attention to the vital need for action with Auckland’s inaugural refill event.
Taking place this Friday, 26th of March, and organised by Ecostore, along with Lewis Road Creamery, Chia Sisters, Again Again, Kōkako, The Food Truck Collective and Batchwell, the event will see each business set up in Britomart’s Takutai Square from 11AM until 2:30PM.
Visitors are encouraged to bring their own containers for special offers from each business — from a free Kōkako coffee if you bring your own reusable cup, to free Ecostore refills with purchase of a $3 limited edition aluminium refill bottle. The Food Truck Collective will also be providing tasty eats by Double Dutch Fries, Grownup Donuts, and more.
“Waste is a very large problem that can’t be fixed with just one solution, so businesses need to have many different options,” wrote representatives from the brands in an article for Stuff. With this refill event, they are aiming to reduce plastic waste by educating others about the incredibly important circular economy, through reuse and refilling. “We want to showcase how a business can take transformative action and inspire system-wide change.”
The circular economy is the future of effective waste management, better even than chucking our used packaging and items in the recycling bin, and ensuring they stay out of landfill by reusing and repurposing. Each year, says the group, 295 million single-use cups are sent to landfill in Aotearoa, all producing methane as they degrade.
While reuse systems are new and still take some working out, they are our best hope for combatting our emissions and staying true to our clean, green reputation. So, why not start by grabbing some of your containers from home, and heading down to Britomart on your lunch break, where these inspiring businesses will give you all the incentive you need to kick off some great new habits.
Refill Event by Ecostore Friday, 26th March 11AM — 2:30PM Takutai Square, Britomart
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