As one of New Zealand’s most revered hair stylists and makeup artists, Kiekie Stanners is well-versed in the art of using hair styling tools to effortlessly achieve the most glamorous of looks. For this issue’s cover shoot with actress Lydia Peckham, Stanners opted for two contrasting but equally stunning looks — styled using Shark’s range of powerful and versatile hair tools. Here, she talks us through the easy recreation of Lydia’s bouncy, voluminous look, and her slick and straight style, using Shark’s styling tools at home.
A well-designed bathroom should feel like a sanctuary of calm — the space to which you can retire and find solace after a long day. From selecting a bath that marries form with function to choosing striking finishes and simple but sufficiently impactful tapware, there are many ways to ensure that your bathroom is the kind of haven of relaxation it ought to be.
When looking for hero pieces or fixtures that will give any bathroom an upgrade without requiring a full-scale change, it is to Robertson Bathware that we always turn. With some of the best brands and high-quality pieces in the world, right on our doorstep, Robertson is the place we trust with our most intimate spaces — its impeccably curated collection promising to transform even the simplest bathroom into a bona fide sanctuary.
Here, we round up the furnishings and fixtures that have us inspired, all available to shop now.
Whether cosied by the fire or sprawled in the sun, there is always occasion for a good book, no matter where the season may take you. Here, we deliver a line-up of recently released, unmissable reads that run the gamut from moving memoirs to gripping novels to escapist reads.
In the new thriller from this New York Times bestselling author, secrets swirl in ‘The Manor’. Sparked by a locked room murder, the narrative unfolds like a sinister puzzle, compelling readers to decipher each twist and turn. As alliances crumble and hidden agendas surface, a gripping tale of deception and intrigue unfurls, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
This riveting debut novel delves into the lives of two sisters set against El Salvador’s tumultuous history. Raised under a brutal dictator, Graciela and Consuelo navigate a world of cruelty and survival, and after fleeing genocide, their journey spans continents, haunted by the ghosts of their past. With rich storytelling and vivid imagery, this searing narrative redefines history and mythology.
An exploration of love, life and the quest for fulfilment, this debut unfolds as Lauren returns home to a husband she doesn’t recognise. Quickly, her life takes on a kaleidoscopic shift, as new husbands are introduced via a mysterious attic. Exploring themes of choice, identity and the pursuit of happiness, this story navigates the complexities of modern relationships with humour and poignancy.
In her poignant debut, O’Connor takes us to a remote Welsh island where the life of Manod, a woman longing to escape the confines of her insular community, is transformed by two visiting ethnographers who present an opportunity for freedom and self-discovery. With transportive storytelling and sharp wit, this novel delves into the tension between individual aspirations and community ties with tenderness and heart.
Lauded author of the Outline trilogy, Rachel Cusk, once again seamlessly blends fiction and reality, delving into profound themes with a delicate touch. At the heart of Parade’s narrative lies G, an artist whose existence embodies a multitude of realities. Through Cusk’s evocative storytelling, the novel unfolds as a poignant exploration of identity, artistry, and the intricate tapestry of the human experience.
In Riley Sager’s gripping new thriller, Ethan Marsh confronts the haunting disappearance of his childhood friend on a fateful night. As secrets resurface, Ethan delves into a maze of dark revelations, uncovering eerie occurrences in his idyllic neighbourhood, culminating in a chilling journey into the woods. With masterful storytelling and pulse-pounding twists, Sager keeps readers guessing until the final page.
Set in 1975 Adirondacks, The God of the Woods delves into the mystery surrounding Barbara Van Laar’s vanishing, unearthing profound family secrets along the way. Blending knotty thrills with poignant family portraits, Moore explores complex subject matter with heart. Through the exploration of community dynamics, Moore delivers a gripping literary thriller that captivates from start to finish.
This stunning yet disquieting novel intimately chronicles the journey of three sisters as they confront love, loss, grief, and hope in a world teetering on the brink of collapse. Bound by the task of unravelling their deceased father’s legacy, they unearth a labyrinth of dark truths, unveiling their own profound destinies. As revelations surface, the sisters grapple with the weight of their newfound purpose.
With luscious prose and a captivating plot, Trent’s powerful, unforgettable memoir will haunt you with its beauty and truth — telling the tale of a girl who escapes her gritty childhood as a preschool drug dealer in rural Indiana, only to find that no one can really escape their past without first confronting it — prompting a heartbreaking and heart-making journey back home.
Julie Satow delves into history with meticulous detail to unveil the fascinating stories of the trailblazing women who shaped New York City’s iconic Fifth Avenue’s cultural and commercial landscape. An enlightening and empowering read that celebrates the resilience and ingenuity of women throughout history, with a charming dose of glitz and glam.
Ten years on, Gordon is back with the follow-up to her bestselling memoir. Now perimenopausal, the writer questions what she got wrong, interrogating the nuances of life at middle-age. From burnout and binge eating, to fluctuating hormones and the endless battle to stay sober, Mad Woman explores the most difficult lessons she’s learned over the last decade — to a relatable and reassuring effect.
Fusing personal essays and cultural critique, Mean Boys is a tale of coming of age in a volatile, image-obsessed world. Investigating exile and return, transgression and forgiveness, and the value of faith and friendship in a world designed to make us want what is bad for us, this is a memoir that will challenge and change you.
Mother and entrepreneur Sarah Lindsay has unveiled a captivating debut that traverses the journey from girlhood to motherhood, exploring the ebbs and flows of love and reinvention. With lyrical prose, Lindsay takes readers on a journey through cityscapes, scented gardens, and twilight landscapes, exploring themes of self-discovery and the interconnectedness of women and nature.
In this astonishing debut, a collection of richly-imagined, interconnected short stories explore the lives of a group Black-British Londoners as they navigate the notion of connection — in all of its myriad forms. From friendship and romance, to community, independence, and the relationships that shape us, For Such a Time as This deftly explores what it means to be human.
From the Nobel Prize–winning author of Klara and the Sun and Never Let Me Go comes a stunningly illustrated volume of lyrics, written for the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated jazz singer Stacey Kent. This exquisite coming together of the literary and musical worlds comprises the lyrics of sixteen songs — each infused with a sense of yearning, melancholy, love, and the romance of travel and subliminal spaces.
A quintessential wardrobe all-rounder that pairs equally well with jeans or an evening gown, the full-length woollen coat is an enduring staple. As timeless as it is universally flattering, the overcoat is perfect for adding a bit of tailored polish to any look, and reigns supreme as the hero of winter dressing.
Neutral colours will prove timeless, while sculptural silhouettes can offer a point of difference — whether you’re drawn to an oversized shape or a belt to cinch. Here, we round up the cosy, chic and ever-versatile woollen coats we’re currently coveting.
Silestone XM by Cosentino’s new range, created in collaboration with iconic design visionaries Formafantasma, is setting a new benchmark for sustainable stone surfaces.
When it comes to selecting surfaces for your home, there is one company setting themselves apart with the groundbreaking strides it’s making on the sustainability front, with products as visually striking as they are environmentally friendly. Cosentino has long proved itself as pioneers in design-led surfaces for the world of architecture and design — their new product, Silestone XM by Cosentino, created in collaboration with Formafantasma, only furthering their standing in this space.
A custom-made kitchen island and wall cladding in Earthic, Raw D by Cosentino
The collection’s six colours run the gamut from subtle neutrals to strong design statements. Ffrom 01 adds depth to any space, drawing the eye with its speckled pattern, perfectly suited to cladding or flooring. Raw A offers a soft, more neutral backdrop — it’s dark vein over a white background evoking a sense of natural elegance, reminiscent of stones found in nature. Elsewhere in the collection, the dark, natural rock backdrop of Raw D brings a solid elegance to bathroom or kitchen surfaces, and Ffrom 03 offers a mesmerising and anthracite background resembling the night sky.
Calling on the expertise of Formafantasma, an iconic, research-based design studio, the technologically-advanced collection explores innovative and sustainable material sources, proposing a novel approach to surface design.
As is the case across much of Cosentino’s offering, these products are stain, scratch, and heat resistant — thanks, in large part, to the Hybriq+ technology, setting them apart from similar surfaces that rely solely on the use of traditional mined materials that don’t stack up when it comes to durability. As such, the brand offers a 25-year warranty on all Silestone products. The Earthic range incorporates up to 30 percent recycled components into its eco-conscious surfaces, with a maximum of 10 percent silica content derived from researched production processes and composition. Marrying selected minerals, recycled glass, PET, bio-resin, and Dekton fragments to reduce raw material extraction, the Earthic range has been developed in a way that limits soil erosion and CO2 emissions, its production processes powered by 100 percent certified renewable electricity, using 99 percent recycled water.
A waterfall kitchen island and splashback in Earthic, Raw A by Cosentino
Despite an impressive standing in sustainability, the products have maintained the same level of performance, without compromising on the high-quality design and colour depth the brand is known for. As a result, Earthic offers endless applications — from flooring and cladding to bespoke furniture and surfaces within the kitchen, bathroom, and beyond, easily slotting into any design-led space to offer a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
Deftly harnessing the power of technology to create solutions that not only improve the visual impact of our homes, but contribute to the forward momentum of sustainable design, Cosentino continues to solidify themselves as the benchmark for surface performance — Silestone XM by Cosentino setting this in stone.
Shark Beauty burst onto the hairstyling scene late last year and gave the category a much-needed shake-up — introducing a series of seriously impressive, powerful tools that not only get the job done to impressive effect but have been crafted with all hair types in mind, bringing diversity to the fore in a category that is seriously lacking it.
Shark’s FlexStyle tool quickly gained a cult following across both Australia and New Zealand, lauded for its ability to transition easily between a powerful, fast hairdryer and an ultra-versatile multi-styler (sans heat damage).
One twist is all it takes to flex from one function to the other with Shark’s clever styling and drying tool, unlocking the ability to curl, volumise, smooth, and dry in one compact hair styler — making styling quicker and easier than ever (and swerving a bathroom left in a state of cord-jumbled disarray).
Shark prides itself on its unique capacity to cater to all hair kinds and any skill set. From straight to wavy, curly to coiled, long to cropped, Shark’s multi-stylers do it all, and take care of hair while delivering results.
The multitude of versatile styling attachments easily slot onto the styling wand and hair dryer, unlocking the power to explore endless hairstyles. So, whether you seek super smooth and sleek tresses, bouncy, voluminous waves, tight, neat curls, or wild and wonderful coiffures — this clever tool does it all.
Overlooking a picturesque bay in Northern Sydney, this family home honours the natural beauty and tranquillity of its location. Gently curved to mimic the flow of the bay with a sand-inspired texture and tone, the serene home plays out across three storeys. Each level is designated a unique purpose and energy—beginning in the basement rumpus room.
Miniforms Soda coffee table from Matisse and Flos Taccia table lamp from ECC
Surface sconce from Studio Henry Wilson
The space is wholly devoted to fun, where family and guests can gather and entertain. Stepping outside, an external passage leads to the pool, which sits like a sculpture in the landscape. Its curved form is inspired by the outline of the bay, expanding from sandy cove to open ocean. The pool’s modest scale was a deliberate move by the architect, who chose to restrain outdoor living and prioritise proximity to the beach so the house could sit forward on the site, creating the illusion that it hovers over the water.
Moooi Meshmatics chandelier from ECC and Zanotta Tod small table from Studio Italia
Flos Casting lamp from ECC
The kitchen, living and dining spread across the level above, forming the home’s core. A 12-metre stretch of glazing frames the exquisite ocean view and filters light into the elegantly pared-back space. Cautious not to compete with the outlook, the architect utilised an impressive sense of restraint throughout the interior, embracing organic tones and rich texture. Sandstone walls travel through the home and out into the landscape, anchoring the house in the site, while timber slatting creates playful shadows within. A generous butler’s pantry hides the cooking equipment and accessories behind a towering mirrored panel, which allows the kitchen a minimalist aesthetic. The architect leveraged off this clean palette to introduce a chunky marble island centrepiece.
BassamFellows Circular counter stools from Simon James and Artemide Nessino table lamp from ECC
Christopher Boots Petra Ring light from ECC
A light-filled staircase tucked behind the kitchen leads to the private quarters upstairs. Again, Blanchford has prioritised a connection to the surroundings by opening the bedrooms to plant-bordered balconies. In a moment of pure joy, a round window set into the primary suite’s balcony floor allows the owners to interact with the pool and beach below.
Elsewhere, landscaped courtyards cement the tranquil tone, demonstrating the significance of the spaces between the built form.
A cohesive palette, generous sense of scale and composure culminate in a remarkably beautiful home. Yet the Shelly Beach house still allows the landscape to take the lead. Recessive to the view, built to absorb and honour its waterfront setting, the home serves the environment, its owners and design.
It’s no secret that the head-turning, heart-breaking colour of love has staged a statement-making comeback this year and solidified itself as the bold and brilliant colour we all need more of in our wardrobes. Now, a deeper, more subtle (but equally as impactful) variation of the hue is making its way into our jewellery collections — pomegranate.
Here, we round up the pomegranate jewels that our editors are coveting — from ruby rings to burgundy leather-strapped watches, and a veritable spectrum of delights in between.
Whether you want to hydrate, calm or illuminate your skin, sheet masks are one of the best ways to fast-track a brighter, fresher-looking complexion. Inevitably prompting Silence of the Lambs jokes from any onlookers, each mask is designed to mimic the shape of a face, laden with a purpose-driven serum and hydrating elements such as hyaluronic acid or formulas that pack a collagen-infused punch. Our tip is to keep a handful in the fridge as the chilled mask helps to firm up a tired, puffy face for the ultimate self-care. Here are the best sheet masks to try now.
The modular furniture maestros at USM have launched a new shade designed to blend seamlessly into any interior style while sitting harmoniously alongside any colour palate.
USM Modular Furniture’s beloved Haller storage systems, known for their vibrant yellow, stark black, and cool grey hues (with 14 colours on offer), now feature a new addition: olive green. This special-edition shade, used across the company’s familiar credenza, media console, storage unit, serving cart, and more, strikes a perfect balance between warm and cool tones, blending seamlessly into any design style.
USM Haller lowboy. Sara Bruce’s private residence, photographed by Jono Parker.
Left: USM Haller writing desk. Sara Bruce’s private residence, photographed by Jono Parker. Right: USM Haller bar trolley
Each piece is built from powder-coated sheet-steel panels joined together with chromed tubes and ball connectors that form a frame. This modularity allows you to add or subtract from your unit to fit your storage or display needs. With USM Modular Furniture, you get to be the designer, creating something completely original and unique to your needs. This new olive green shade enhances the versatility and aesthetic appeal of the USM Haller systems, offering a stylish and functional solution for modern interiors.
With all of us leading increasingly busier lives, anything that has the potential to make mealtimes more streamlined is a welcome addition to the kitchen. The Ninja Foodi SmartLid 14-in-1 Multi Cooker can do just that, not only making cooking simpler, quicker, and more fuss-free but producing perfectly cooked meals time and time again.
A veritable one-stop-shop kitchen appliance, the multi cooker does it all — from baking and roasting to grilling, air frying, steaming, pressure cooking and more, offering a simple, speedy solution to busy mealtimes. With three modes and 14 functions, the possibilities are endless, with the ability to turn out everything from complete one-pot meals to starters and sides; healthy dishes to indulgent desserts.
The innovative SmartLid slider allows you to unlock pressure cooking, air frying and steam crisping without switching between appliances. In fact, the lid intelligently recognises which function you are using, and effortlessly toggles between three cooking modes, while the smart slider offers access to 14 modes to suit any of your cooking needs.
Offering an entirely new way of preparing family meals, the multi-cooker allows you to simultaneously steam and convection cook, meaning you can cook mains and sides at the same time, steaming and crisping in tandem to have a meal on the table for the family in under 30 minutes.
And, for those partial to the benefits of an air fryer, this clever appliance offers a steam air fry function, with the ability to quickly prepare fresh or frozen food, locking in moisture while crisping — meaning salmon fillets, potatoes, or roast meals are perfect every time. It’s also a master appliance when it comes to baking, with the moisture-locking steam bake function turning out epic cakes time and time again, while the prove and bake function means you’ll never buy bread again.
With the ability to deliver healthy, tasty, and perfectly cooked meals in a fraction of the time, The Ninja Foodi SmartLid 14-in-1 Multi Cooker is an essential appliance for busy families — taking both the guesswork and the legwork out of meal prep.
While the designer’s Westmoreland address suited him well across the past half-decade, Tim Webber was starting to feel that the space was too small for his ever-growing collection of products — comprised of both his own designs and the exceptional new brands joining the Tim Webber fold.
So, in seeking a new space to showcase the breadth of his offering, the designer sought to find a sizeable building in an accessible location that would allow furniture and lighting to breathe, and give Webber and his team the ability to create considered and curated ‘moments’ in the showroom.
A brief the new Tim Webber showroom in Grafton — a lofty, industrial building nestled in the midst of a number of notable showrooms, delivers on implicitly. The new location further builds on what is fast becoming the city’s burgeoning design destination, with the substantial space’s interior cleverly divided into disparate ‘rooms’, conjuring the experience of home.
“The idea was to create a space that felt elevated and welcoming,” says Webber, “Somewhere where people would feel relaxed and comfortable to spend time in.” He continues, “So being very conscious of treating all the surfaces with texture was important, and choosing finishes that compliment the furniture and lighting so it feels like a cohesive space for customers to experience.”
With an ever-growing edit of global and local brands, as well as Webber’s own expanding collection of furniture design, this new space sits as a thoughtful gallery, offering clients a new design destination.
When it comes to pregnancy dressing, we’ve come a long way. Once upon a time, the bump-wielding cohort was left with two options — mumu-esque dresses or elastic-waisted trousers (read: sweatpants). But oh how that has changed.
Now, a bump is the season’s hottest accessory, opening up a whole new world of sartorial choices and a chance for stylistic reinvention. Hailey Beiber, for one, has embraced pregnancy dressing wholeheartedly, carefully curating the perfect outfit for every occasion.
Here, we round up some of her most chic looks — from figure-hugging dresses to elevated activewear, and the tailoring that will take any thrown-together outfit from bland to brilliant.
Ignore the saying ‘blue and green should not been seen’ and opt for vibrant stones in the colours of the deep sea. From striking rings in classic and contemporary cuts to earrings that make a statement, these are the ocean-hued jewels we’re coveting this spring.
Lexus continues to be an authority on electric vehicles — with the sleek 2023 Lexus RZ 450e marking a new age of battery electric vehicles for the luxury marque. Offering the unique driving experience Lexus has become known for, with both substance and style at the fore, the RZ further builds on Lexus’ already exceptional offering as it continues to transition into a BEV (battery-electric vehicle)-centred company.
The RZ not only cements the brand’s standing in the EV space, but proves that the meticulous design Lexus has upheld since its inception in the 80s can translate into their electric vehicles. Craftsmanship and a spirit of excellence have long been the central axis in Lexus vehicles, with the Japanese marque’s Takumi masters some of the world’s most adept car manufacturers. The 2023 RZ 450e is the halo model of the Lexus Electrified vision, and as such, has been developed to offer a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is visually striking, and exhilarating to drive.
While the side profile of the RZ is unmistakably Lexus, the front and rear feature Lexus’ new, electrified look, with sleek lines and sharply angled lights speak to the brand’s evolution — establishing a dynamic new design direction for Lexus BEVs.
And, as Lexus places increasingly more emphasis on electric, the consideration of a sleek, functional at-home charging station has been pulled into focus. Given the importance we place on the design of our homes, it’s hardly surprising that the prospect of an unsightly EV charging station is enough to make the design-conscious among us break into a cold sweat. The idea of our driveways — often the first port-of-call for visitors, being visually overtaken by a garish, oversized charging station is a less-than-ideal scenario, but until now, there simply hasn’t been any other option.
This is where the Lexus-recommended Wallbox charging port, comes in. An ideal companion to a Lexus EV — in particular, Lexus’ RZ, as the the Wallbox’s slick, modular form perfectly compliments the vehicle’s unique and aerodynamic design, turning any driveway into a showcase of innovation and intrigue.
With plans to offer one hundred percent BEVs by 2035, it’s little wonder that the brand has a mind to the practicality and visual impact of charging stations, and, as Lexus continues to expand its electrified offering, the Lexus-recommended Wallbox charging port is a smart and sleek addition to the home, offering both practical functionality and stylish substance. The minimal and contemporary design seamlessly integrates with your home’s exterior, fitting any garage or non-covered external walls — a true game-changer for EV owners (or the EV curious).
Ultimately, the sleek Lexus RZ and the Lexus-recommended Wallbox speak not only to the brand’s exciting evolution into BEVs, but the design-led approach Lexus has long been known for — further building on an already strong case for going electric.
This August, Viaduct Harbour’s many vibrant eateries are banding together to offer a number of unmissable deals stretching across the entire month, inspiring us out of the house. Consult our guide below, and plan your visit, stat.
Eye serums are ultra-lightweight formulas designed specifically to instantly nourish the often neglected under-eye area. And, while we’d never turn our backs on a good eye cream, serums offer a more targeted approach, instantly tackling any specific concerns that you may have.
These hard-working eye-serum formulas are quick-absorbing and designed to combat a variety of issues, from dark circles and puffiness, to fine lines, wrinkles, texture and more.
The craving for a burger has got to be one of the most visceral food-related feelings. Even just thinking about eating one, you can almost taste the components — the patty, sauce, bun, pickles and salad.
Maybe it’s a spicy chicken burger you’re after, a decadent vegan burger or just a good ol’ hamburger. Whatever your craving, there’s no denying that the popularity of the delicious fast-food staple is only rising, further promoted by restaurants and pop-ups offering limited-time-only burgers that are here for a good time, not a long time.
Here are the most insane burgers that have us drooling right now, including some you have to be quick to catch.
This cult burger pop-up laid down permanent roots earlier this year, swiftly going from secret spot to one of the city’s most-loved grab-and-go joints. Baby G specialises in the ‘smash’-style patty, a technique whereby the patty is pressed firmly down on the grill to flatten it, creating even more deliciously craggy edges for caramelisation.
The Store is a Britomart icon and it can always be relied upon to deliver exactly what we need, when we need it the most — like this insanely good, classic Beef Burger, stacked with cheddar, pickles, burnt onion aioli and a healthy side of agria chips. And for a perfectly indulgent brunch option that satisfies any mid-morning craving, add bacon and a fried egg for a fully-loaded take.
There are several among us who could commiserate over the disappointment of arriving just as Parade‘s pretzel burgers have sold out — they are heavily in demand, sometimes disappearing before 7:30pm. And with good reason, for the house-made pretzel buns are truly something special. Should you get there in time for supply to be readily available, we can safely recommend any one of the burgers, and you won’t regret ordering a side of secret sauce fries on the side. With their Ponsonby Road location offering beers, burgers and all the comforts of dine-in, it’s a place you’ll find us time and time again.
When we’re in the mood to really push the boat out, there’s one place we can’t look past: Sneaky Snacky. This popular joint cooks up some of the best fried chicken in town, both in the form of wings and a hot chicken sando. However, it’s the doughnut burger that has become Sneaky Snacky’s decadent signature, a shiny shrine to gluttony that probably shouldn’t be repeated too often, but in the name of balance, we say it’s a must-try.
Auckland’s OG beloved burger joint Burger Burger is a failsafe go-to for those craving comfort food, but don’t want to overdo it. With outposts now in Commercial Bay, Newmarket, Ponsonby, Takapuna, Torbay, and Mission Bay (plus a few out of town outposts), you never have to go far to find the eatery’s stalwart menu of burgers and satiating sides. The Kiwi Classic is hard to pass up — Burger Burger’s elevated take on a Kiwiburger, with NZ grass-fed beef, bacon, aged cheddar, pickles, cos lettuce, tomato, fried egg, beetroot, tomato jam, mustard and mayo, best eaten with a side of charred broccoli.
Luckily, unlike some of the other burgers on this list, there’s usually no shortage at vegan burger joint Wise Boys, which is not to say that they’re not just as in-demand. Saucy and decadent, our current favourite is the Spicy Buffalo Chick’n, which features Wise Boys original recipe Southern fried chick’n with spicy buffalo sauce, tangy apple slaw, jalapeños, pickles and vegan buttermilk ranch dressing — all on a toasted bun, and all with no animal products in sight.
Known for their no-fuss yet full-of-flavour burgers made with premium ingredients, the duo behind the Jo Bro’s Burgers food truck can be found all over the city at various markets, and we suggest you prioritise a visit if you see them parked up. Here, find a variety of flavour combinations from grass-fed beef to Wagyu patties, a vegan Beyond Meat version and a free-range chicken and free-range bacon burger. Follow them on social media to keep updated with where they’ll be next.
This Britomart pub is the perfect location for an easy afterwork knock-off, or a midday drink if the occasion calls for it. What many people often forget is that The Brit’s kitchen also offers a pretty delightful and positively elevated take on traditional pub grub, with their signature smashed Wagyu burger, served in a brioche bun with bacon, American cheese, pickles, mustard, relish and a side of shoestring fries, being one of the best bites in Britomart.
St Kevins Arcade’s resident fast-food-but-better outpost is one of our first ports of call for the ultimate burger thanks to its delightfully decadent ‘sando’ menu. And, while the whole menu is hard to fault, with the Hot Chicken sando, the ‘O-Fush’ and the Macdaddy all strong contenders for our favourite, it is the ‘Old Bae’ that has our hearts. Cornflake free range chicken thigh pairs perfectly with creamy swiss cheese, Old Bay mayo, pickled courgette, and a smattering of iceberg for a touch of virtuous greenery.
Since the minute it opened its doors, Hotel Ponsonby has been known for turning out some of the most elevated pub fare this side of London, and the bistro’s irresistible burgers are certainly no exception. Housed in a supremely tasty potato bun, the crumbed fish burger, with tartare, iceberg, and cheese is a failsafe order, washed down with an ice-cold glass of something tasty, of course.
Hotdog experts Good Dog Bad Dog have proved they also know their way around the flavours of a burger with their double cheeseburger hoagie. Served in a long bun, this indulgent burger features double smashed patties, double cheese, special sauce, pickles and onion.
Both Herne Bay locals and those from further afield know that this Jervois Road neighbourhood chippy is absolutely no joke. While most diners here opt for a healthy helping of the famed fish tacos, we can’t look past the Classic fish burger, which is so soft and incredibly fresh — just what we crave for those moments where you want something a little decadent, but not totally dirty. Of course, it’s best served with a side of the signature chips.
Ever since Schapiro’s flung open it’s Eden Terrace doors to excitement and great need, Aucklanders haven’t been able to get enough of the sports regalia and simple offerings. We praise this spot as being the glue that hold relationships together — offering every sport imaginable for one half, and divine food for the other. The one menu item we can’t look past is the BLT Cheeseburger, bringing the greatness of their humble burger, with the refreshing taste of the classic sandwich. Here, bacon, lettuce, tomato, American cheese, sauce, white onion, and pickles are all stuffed into a delicious, cloud-like bun.
This Dominion Road cornerstone perhaps hasn’t quite gotten the attention it deserves (yet), but we like it that way — it means we’re always guaranteed a mouthwatering burger. The team at Ralph’s specialise in smash burgers, and they’re some of the crispiest patties we’ve found in the city. While we can never look past the classic cheeseburger, exceptions are made when the double is on the menu. With double patties, double cheese, and all the usual trimmings, getting through one of these bad boys is survival of the fittest.
For those seeking a refreshing take on burger night, the newly-opened Burgout offers burgers that are a tasty Korean iteration of the American classic. The menu is concise and carefully conceived, with just five flavours to choose from, but we opt for the Signature burger time and time again. The soft buns are stuffed with a handmade beef patty marinated with Korean BBQ (bulgogi) sauce, crisp iceberg, and onion, which we think is best accompanied by a side of fries with owner Lee’s signature seasoning.
When winter rolls around and the chill sets in, it’s tempting to prioritise staying warm above all other considerations — including aesthetics. Luckily, there’s one piece of kit that never fails to keep us toasty while also imparting a hefty dose of style cred to an ensemble: the puffer jacket.
As designers continue to play with scale, colour and texture, the once utilitarian puffer jacket has found new fashion footing — and here, we explore the season’s most chic (and cosy) options.
Shop The Edit
The Power Puffer
Stella McCartney faux-leather puffer jacket from Farfetch
Long-Sleeved Pillow Puffer Jacket from Louis Vuitton
Nothing says sophisticated quite like a thoughtfully curated art collection. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adding to your cache, these inspiring pieces are sure to be a welcome addition to your walls.
In Return by Loren Marks, 2023, $9,950, Oil on canvas, 1500 x 1200 mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Fiordland Crested Penguin by Fiona Pardington, 2024, $25,000, Inkjet print on Hahnemühle paper, 1760 x 1400 mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
Untitled by Salome Tanuvasa, 2022, $5,500, Acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 950mm From Tim Melville
Untitled (Mask and Throw – Stick) by Graham Fletcher, 2024, $12,500, Oil on linen, 845 x 1070mm From Gow Langsford Gallery
Northern Lights by Kiran Mckinnon, 2024, $2,250, Acrylic on canvas, 430 x 350 mm From Suite Gallery
BOYS OWN by Mickey Smith, 2023, $5,750, Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Photo Rag, 1200mm x 800mm, edition of 10 From Sanderson Contemporary
Garden Wilding by Molly Timmins, 2024, $8,500, Oil on canvas, 2900 x 1900mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Internal Saboteur – Violet by MAICO CAMILO, 2024, $14,800, Acrylic on Canvas, 1800 x 1700 mm From Parnell Gallery
Maumahara VII by Simon Kaan, 2022, $16,500, Ink and oil on board, 1050 x 1355mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Untitled II by FATU FEU’U, 2021, $8,900, Acrylic on Fabriano Cotton Rag Paper, 980 x 680 mm From Parnell Gallery
Eti — whelm — horomi — shadows — rising — ātahanga — whitia by Heidi Brickell, 2021, $1,600, Cotton duck, cotton thread from painting’s edge, rabbit skin glue, 455 x 350 mm From Kaukau
Gravity and Grace by Natasha Wright, 2023, $14,900, Oil on canvas, 1525 x 1219mm From Sanderson Contemporary
Palette Painting 2 by Richard Maloy, 2022, $3,000, Canvas print in white float frame, 490.50 x 570 mm From Starkwhite Queenstown
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