We love a good film adaptation — even a bad one. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a beloved book receive the Hollywood treatment, even if some are better left alone.
One reimagining that we do have full faith in, is the upcoming adaptation of Freida McFadden’s best-selling novel of the same name, The Housemaid. With Paul Feig (A Simple Favour) and screenwriter Rebecca Sonnenshine at the helm, the film stars Sydney Sweeney (Euphoria) and Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls) in the title roles — and it’s safe to say that we’re already enticed.
Amanda Seyfried
In McFadden’s twisted psychological thriller, Millie Calloway (Sweeney) is a live-in maid with a complicated hidden past, working for a wealthy family that’s harbouring dark and sinister secrets of their own. As their erratic behaviour escalates, the maid realises that she’s trapped in a deadly game, but Nina (Seyfried) and Andrew Winchester (Brandon Sklenar, It Ends With Us) have no idea who they’re dealing with. Italian actor, singer and the face of Dolce & Gabbana, Michele Morrone, plays the family’s gardener, the only other potential witness privy to what might be going on inside the home.
The trailer — released by Lionsgate back in September — is set to a bone chilling rendition of Sabrina Carpenter’s Please, Please, Please and opens to an idyllic gated home, blanketed in snow. Throughout the film, the Winchester’s picture perfect home life unravels. Naturally, chaos ensues.
Sweeney and Seyfried star as maid and matriarch respectively in the upcoming film, scheduled to premiere in theatres across the US on Friday, December 19 2025.
In a bid to continue keeping Auckland’s CBD well-fed, cult favourite bagelry Goodness Gracious just opened a brand new outpost in Wynyard Quarter— marking it’s fourth location to date.
Situated in the popular dining district and flanked by local businesses, we suspect the newly minted cafe will become a hot favourite during the weekday lunchtime rush hour. Fans of the original Eden Terrace, Parnell and later Takapuna locations will already be well-versed in the GG menu — think the CAB, a creamy medley of chicken, avocado and bacon bits or the BLAT, layers of crispy bacon, fresh baby spinach, avocado, tomato, aioli and tomato relish, a vetted hangover cure all. As for the meat-free options? The Vege Salad — a satisfying combo of sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, seasonal greens, avocado, feta and quince — never fails.
The new space features a custom ordering system (counter, QR, and kiosk), allowing diners to conveniently grab-and-go or dine in and lounge awhile. In keeping with the three existing locations, the new Wynyard Quarter cafe carries Goodness Gracious’ signature style, featuring an industrial concrete fit-out, black steel framing, butcher tiles, soft timber and just the right amount of warmth.
When a simple salad for lunch just won’t suffice, we suggest making a beeline to Goodness Gracious’ new spot for the holy grail of stacked bagel sandwiches — you can thank us later.
The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki captures the soul of New Zealand in a singular, spectacular drive.
Few car brands in the world are as synonymous with luxury as Bentley. The British marque is defined by a carefully finessed balance of fine craftsmanship (with skills passed down through generations), engineering prowess, and a knack for tech integration. Still, it’s a penchant for future thinking that sets it apart. And nowhere is this more evident than in the recent unveiling of the first-ever Bentley Bentayga inspired by the captivating landscapes and unique heart and soul of New Zealand — the Bentley Mulliner Aoraki.
In 2023, our editor-in-chief embarked on a truly extraordinary journey with the storied marque, traversing one of the world’s most exceptional driving routes in what she described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Deep in the South Island, immersed in a world of design, wellbeing, and adventure (behind the wheel of Bentley’s fleet of models), the adventure not only offered the chance to experience and connect with the cars, but also an immersion into nature, witnessing some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. And it’s here, amongst the snow-capped mountains, sprawling tussock-covered plateaus, and breathtaking fiords, that the seed was planted for The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki, Bentley’s one-of-a-kind new model.
Named for New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, and drawing inspiration from our country’s captivating landscape, this unique vehicle was commissioned by Bentley Auckland and crafted by Mulliner, Bentley’s Bespoke Studio based in Crewe, England. The genesis of the New Zealand-inspired car was to craft something as spectacular and majestic as everything witnessed on the Extraordinary Journey.
“The Bentley Mulliner Aoraki was Named for Aoraki Mount Cook and draws inspiration from our country’s captivating landscape.”
Mulliner set to work, crafting a material and colour combination that captured several elements of Aotearoa’s unique environment, and the result is a vehicle of rare distinction. The Mulliner Aoraki’s Anthracite over Cyprus duo-tone exterior nods to the craggy hues of alpine rock, while tussock-covered plateaus are represented in Khamun contrast hand-painted pinstriping to the carbon fibre styling.
Inside, the cabin is a masterclass in bespoke design, from the Open Pore Galaxy Stone centre console to the richly grained ‘Kea Green’ leather accents — a nod to the South Island’s mischievous native parrot. Even the six o’clock steering wheel spoke and grab handles are finished in this deep olive-emerald shade, subtly tying in the colour story of Fiordland’s forested valleys.
Beyond aesthetics, the car has been engineered with both urban and off-road exploration in mind. Built on a foundation of performance and comfort, it comes equipped with Bentley’s Touring and All-Terrain Specifications, ensuring capability on even the most rugged backcountry roads. A bespoke, colour-matched roof box offers additional storage for longer escapes, while 22-inch Azure Wheels in Beluga Gloss with Cyprus pockets provide an effortlessly elegant stance. Inside, acoustic privacy glass, mood lighting, and a B&O for Bentley audio system create a cocooned, cinematic experience for passengers.
A tribute to (and reminder of) New Zealand’s spectacular natural environment and a true collector’s item, the Bentley Mulliner Aoraki is not only a masterpiece, but also a testament to how powerful a sense of connection can be — and a nod to Bentley’s ever-evolving ambition.
Every so often, we could all use a gentle nudge in the right direction when it comes to dining out. This season, that nudge is towards Somm Wine Bar & Bistro on Auckland’s Princes Wharf.
After a typically wet and weary Auckland winter, warmer climes and lighter spring menu edits usher in a welcome change. In keeping with their expansive local wine list (conveniently available by the glass) and a plethora of gastro offerings to boot, Somm’s October menu edit has arrived at precisely the right time.
Featuring lighter bites to share, like the crispy chilli salt squid alongside heartier mainstays like Venison bourguignon, leave the wine pairings up to the seasoned sommeliers and consider yourself in very safe hands.
Left to right: Crumbed green olive salad & Chilli salt squid
For a Friday night wine that quietly segues into dinner by the water, we can attest that the smaller shared plates here leave no crumbs. Somm’s green olive salad with rocket, pear and walnut sits neatly alongside a robust Chardonnay list, while the crab toasts offer a satisfying and flavour-filled bite.
Tucked into Princes Wharf with front-row harbour views, this wine bar and bistro is the kind of place you plan to pop into for a glass and yet somehow end up staying all evening. The cellar is a love letter to New Zealand’s best producers — with an ever-evolving food menu that echoes the same sentiment.
There’s something to be said about updating your sleepwear as frequently as you do your wardrobe. After all, you likely spend more time in it than anything else, and luxurious fabrics and chic cuts go a long way.
Perfectly timed to coincide with springtime clear-outs and wardrobe refreshes, this month sees the unveiling of the highly anticipated Papinelle x Karen Walker sleepwear collection, entitled Garden Reverie, designed to celebrate femininity through elevated floral prints and muted hues.
Love Letter Full Length PJ
This limited-edition, luxury collection invites wearers to slow down and unwind in style, a dreamy ode to nature. Here, Karen Walker’s whimsical prints and romantic florals take centre stage, effortlessly paired with Papinelle’s renowned lightweight, eco-friendly fabrics across a range of separates — from short and full-length pyjamas to nightgowns and robes. This year’s collection also offers a Mum and Mini addition, with children’s sizing now available in selected styles.
The collaborative collection between the two legacy brands — now in its seventh year — is both refined and utterly relaxed, offering a line of sleepwear that not only looks chic but feels like a soft, airy dreamscape. Whether you’re lounging on a sunny spring morning or drifting off for a peaceful night’s sleep, this edit brings a softened elegance and contemporary whimsy to downtime.
Karen Walker Love Letter Crop Boxer PJ from Papinelle
Karen Walker Love Letter Flutter Boxer PJ from Papinelle
Karen Walker Love Letter Silk Wrap PJ from Papinelle
Karen Walker Seersucker Stripe Full Length PJ Set from Papinelle
Going beyond aesthetics alone, the collection was conceived to conjure a serene sense of relaxation, and a momentary escape from the bustle of life. “Pyjamas should work for sleeping, lounging or spending a whole day in them,” says designer Karen Walker. “Papinelle’s fabrics are key, from cottons to machine-washable silk, and our prints bring them to life, making every piece practical, beautiful and chic enough to live in all day.”
Across the range you’ll find something for everyone, from buttery yellow seersucker to soft florals in a variety of pastel hues, with a wide range of cuts to choose from — dependant on what makes you feel your best, and will inspire relaxation.
Lilies Crop PJ
Perfect for both home lounging and even casual outings, the Garden Reverie collection cleverly blurs the line between sleepwear and daywear, offering versatility with a refined twist, and turning downtime into a luxurious escape.
To celebrate the new Papinelle x Karen Walker collaboration, we’re giving away one set of pyjamas from the new collection, up to the value of $430. Consider gifting to someone special or treat yourself with the ultimate in elevated sleepwear.
The full Garden Reverie collection can be purchased online now and from Papinelle boutiques.
Before the neighbourhood runners incite a riot on their morning route — first let us explain. While pounding the pavement as the sun rises is by no means bad, doing so at dusk might just be better for you.
1. Less chance of injury
While you may have been sitting at a computer all day, as dusk sets in, your body is in peak condition — core temperature is elevated and the body is ready to respond to terrain change — more so than when you first rolled groggily out of bed.
2. Blow off some steam
How often do you wake up with pent up stress? We thought so. Hitting the streets after a long day at work can provide the stress and endorphin release that you — and the people you come home to — actually need.
3. Burn more
Your metabolism may take a little while to kick in after fasting all night, but a pre-dinner run when your metabolism is already fully functional will help burn calories well into the night and likely influence you to eat cleaner at dinner time. The added bonus of a dusk run? There will be significantly less temptation to indulge in any late night sweet treats.
4. Sleep Better
Previous studies may suggest that vigorous exercise shortly before bedtime disturbs sleep however a recent study proved the complete opposite, with participants drifting off 30 minutes post-exercise, possibly due to reduced blood pressure. Meanwhile, the jury is still out on sugar and screens, two major sleep disruptors.
Hot off a wildly successful few years stateside, New York-based contemporary artist Natasha Wright is now set to take up residence at her New Zealand gallery Sanderson, with an anticipated new solo show entitled Main Character — scheduled to run from Wednesday, October 15, through until November 9.
The show will feature nine original works fresh from Wright’s Brooklyn studio. Each is a celebration of the sinuous female form, rendered through Wright’s multilayered social commentary. Through the tactility of paint, Wright’s sweeping canvases are awash in muddied pinks and warming honey hues, each stroke a celebration of womanhood at its most elusive.
Main Character, 2025, by Natasha Wright, Oil on canvas, 1220 x 1525 mm
Main Character “emphasises the interchangeability between the ideal woman and the physical and cultural history that shapes her long hair and lovely waist.” Wright is, and perhaps always has been, unpacking what it truly means to be living in your feminine.
Best known for “exploring the dichotomies of womanhood and the gender-driven power dynamics perpetuated in popular culture,” Wright is an artist whose message has continued to evolve in a captivating way. Living and working in New York for almost a decade, the New Zealander has developed a distinct creative language that marries various iterations of the female form with the rich qualities of oil paint. Wright’s pieces draw the onlooker in with calligraphic brushstrokes, evocative colours, layered techniques and compelling forms.
Waist – Deep, 2025, by Natasha Wright, Oil on canvas, 1525 x 1780 mm
For Wright, the main character’s humanity is firmly located in her body — and in a time when a woman’s right to choose is wildly under threat in the United States, Wright’s work feels more necessary now than ever.
See here for the Issue 50 cover story on Natasha Wright.
With a whole host of free exhibitions currently on show, read on to learn more about what’s on our radar this season.
celebrate the life and work of prolific New Zealand artist, Louise Bourgeois, at ‘Louise Bourgeois: In Private View’
01. Louise Bourgeois: In Private View
Louise Bourgeois: In Private View celebrates the life and work of prolific French American artist, Louise Bourgeois. This free exhibit — on show until May 2026 — brings together a selection of works sourced from a private collection, available to the public for the very first time. The exhibition spans over six decades of Bourgeois’ highly influential career, from early paint studies to a fabric piece from the final year of her life. Widely known for her sculptures and installations, Bourgeois’ work explored the surreal and the subconscious, often drawing from her own personal experience.
Wastelands: Wastelands – Brett Graham, Wastelands (installation view), 2024, wood, synthetic polymer paint, steel, found wagon wheels, macrocarpa wood, paint, oilbased acrylic lacquer, wax. Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, purchased with the assistance of the Patrons of the Auckland Art Gallery 2024
02. Brett Graham, Wastelands
Fresh off its presentation at the 60th Venice Biennale, gallery goers will be given the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with Brett Graham’s monumental sculpture, Wastelands. This commanding and historically significant piece — crafted from a combination of wood, steel, found wagon wheels, macrocarpa and acrylic lacquer wax — provides an emotive commentary on the Waikato-Tainui land conflict and the devastating effects on the tribal people and their land. Accompanied by a video installation, Graham’s work marks a significant acquisition for the gallery and is not to be missed.
03. Artland: An Installation by Do Ho Suh and children
Fit for the whole family, the whimsically collaborative, hands-on clay installation entitled Artland — designed by South Korean artist Do Ho Suh and his young daughters — is on show until July 2026. The installation features imaginative creatures and fantastical landscapes and invites visitors of all ages to sculpt their own creations.
Marvel at the eight-metre large fabric sculpture that appears suspended in space, hanging from the ceiling in the heart of the Gallery’s building. Identified as one of Suh’s most significant early pieces, North Wall is a vibrant green fabric sculpture, inspired by the artist’s father’s studio in Seoul and modelled after a traditional Korean scholar house. The piece — rendered using fabric techniques that have become synonymous with Suh’s practice — explores themes of longing, memory and cultural displacement.
Paul Gauguin Cow in Meadow, Rouen, 1884, oil on canvas, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, gift of Julian and Josie Robertson through the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation, 2023
05. The Robertson Gift: Paths through Modernity
For the modernists among us, prepare to marvel at a 15-piece donation of iconic works, courtesy of the estate of New York-based philanthropists, Julian and Josie Robertson.
Works include Modernist masterpieces by the likes of Braque, Cezanne, Dalí, Derain, Gauguin, Matisse and Picasso and will be free to view until February 2026.
Don’t miss the final Open Late Night of the year
What’s more, on Thursday October 16, the Auckland Art Gallery will once again open its doors after dark, for the largest and final Open Late Night of the year — a free admission event — will see the gallery’s North Atrium transform into a hive of activity, with live music, an assortment of food trucks and the Bourgeois Bar keeping gallery goers satiated from six until 9pm. Shop art and NZ-made from Auckland Art Gallery Shop here.
If your idea of celebrating involves sweeping lake views, architectural drama, and a guest list with multiple VIPs, Kinloch Manor delivers with cinematic flair. Whether you’re hosting a marquee wedding for 250, a golden anniversary for 20, or a wintery long-table dinner for your inner circle, this is a venue that adjusts to your vision.
Designed by Andrew Patterson, with interiors by Virginia Fisher (translation: design pedigree for days), this Central North Island destination pairs grand scale with quiet restraint. Kinloch is an architectural wonder perched above Lake Taupō — dramatic yet grounded, luxurious yet relaxed.
The events team is calm, confident, and brilliantly capable. Menus are crafted with organic produce from its sister property, Treetops, and the wine pairings are spot on. Rooms have stone fireplaces, deep tubs, and neutral tones, making them the kind of spaces you never want to leave.
If exclusivity and elegance are the brief, Kinloch is the answer.
More maximalist than minimal, the proof is in the pudding that our home — or rather the way a home is designed —can and should make us happier.
Backed by neuroscience and popularised by TikTok, interior design that boosts your serotonin levels and releases oxytocin is the ultimate end goal. Enter dopamine décor — a glass half-full approach to design that’s more emotive than it is trend-based.
While dopamine dressing might feel a little more straightforward — wear what makes you happy, essentially —both philosophies ultimately share the same principles. Think vibrant colours and prints that immediately elevate not only your home’s aesthetic but also uplift your mood, simultaneously activating neural pathways and releasing the feel good love hormones we crave. Think sumptuous statement sofas like Studio Italia’s ZaZa, rugs that spark memory of a milestone vacation or fabrications that soothe your senses or regulate your nervous system — the opportunities are endless.
2:1 Residence by Róisín Lafferty
While colour can and should be approached through a pared back lens for the more subdued, bolder hues are making their mark in the modern home and imbuing interiors with more personality and pep than ever before. So go on, get happy.
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