The team at Soul have many tricks up their sleeves, but crafting delicious drinks (and putting on a damn good party) sits pretty high on the list — and this October, the vibrant waterfront eatery has teamed up with Absolut to deliver a spring celebration sure to lure you out of the house.
the clear one — absolut elyx, lillet blanc, orange bitters & orange zest
Soul has taken our favourite fun-maker (Absolut), mixing and mingling the many delightful spirits within the range to craft a series of libations that redefine everything you know about a classic cocktail. Whether you’re a devotee, an enthusiast, a fan or fanatic, you’ll find delight in every drop.
All available for a very reasonable $18 (particularly when you know the care that goes into crafting each drink), revellers will choose from a number of alluring elixirs, with something for every taste and proclivity (and to match every outfit).
‘The Clear One’ pairs Absolut Elyx, with Lillet Blanc, orange bitters, and orange zest, while ‘The Blue One’ is a heady mix of Absolut Peach, fresh peach, and blue curaçao, and ‘The Red One’ sees Absolut Wild Berri mixed with blackcurrant, acidified apple, pineapple, and soda.
And, in the essence of spring and to mark the beginning of longer days and lighter nights, Soul will be kicking off the weekend a little early every week in October, with mid-week funky fun from DJ’s Chris Keene, Raoul, Goldman Sax, Venetia, and Mac Mylo taking to the decks on Wednesdays and Thursday from 5—7pm.
Left to right: the clear one, the green one, the blue one & the red one
Soul’s Ab-SOUL-ut October is set to be an unmissable month-long celebration, bringing together the vibrancy of Soul with the iconic spirits of Absolut — inspiring city-siders to indulge in a little springtime celebration.
Loneliness is a rapidly spreading epidemic, with the elderly the most severely impacted. In fact, around 50 percent of over-60s have become at risk of social isolation, with one-third feeling a lack of companionship most of the time. Fortunately, charities such as Age Concern are working to provide critical emotional and social support to seniors struggling with solitude, ensuring they remain engaged and active members of society.
Age Concern
The Background
Age Concern New Zealand is a local charity dedicated to over-65s, promoting dignity, wellbeing, equity and respect amongst seniors. Through expert guidance and support services which respond to an individual’s bespoke needs, the charity works to ensure that older people stay connected with their family, friends and community, and have the support they need to thrive.
Age Concern
What They Do
Local Age Concerns throughout New Zealand are the first port of call for older people in their communities. On a macro level, the charity offers expertise and knowledge, providing national support and keeping the government and other national bodies informed on issues of concern for older people. On a micro level, Age Concern’s Dignity Champions are on-hand to support those struggling with loneliness, acting as a companion for isolated seniors, with regular visits and social activities amongst the services on offer.
Age Concern
How To Get Involved
If you want to support Age Concern and the important work they’re doing for the elderly of New Zealand, you can head to their website to donate, fundraise, volunteer as a dignity champion, and more. But no matter how you choose to support the charity — either with money or time, you’ll be making a difference to the lives of our local elderly population experiencing loneliness.
When it comes to adding the final details to a kitchen’s design, selecting lighting that complements material finishes without taking all the aesthetic glory is paramount. Rounded forms will help to soften a typically linear backdrop formed by bench tops and cabinetry.
A new lighting collection from Articolo Studios, Rolo unites glamour, modernist form and elegance. Taking design cues from an iconic design era, Rolo’s bold forms and fluid silhouettes feel both timely and timeless, emphasising exquisite geometry and simplistic beauty. The Rolo Collection comprises wall sconces, pendants, and lamps reminiscent of 1980s Milanese design while still remaining markedly contemporary.
Articolo Rolo wall sconce, facing backward from ECC
A seasonal change doesn’t require a full wardrobe overall — stick to a solid base of reliable essentials to ensure a smooth and chic transition into the warmer months ahead.
Often overlooked, particularly when it comes to the finer details, bathrooms are arguably the room of the home that we turn to most frequently to find solace and repose. From sinking into a hot bath after a long day, to washing the day away in a striking shower, a well-designed bathroom should sit as a refined retreat within the home — reflecting the needs of its inhabitants.
Matisse, who we have long turned to for all things bathroom design, particularly when it comes to bespoke tapware, have recently welcomed Gessi to the fold — further building on its extensive offering, offering 20% off the entire range for the month of October*. Gessi, specialists in Italian-made designs, have been synonymous with innovation and luxury for over three decades, revolutionising bathroom design with a unique ‘Haute Culture’ approach. From tapware to mixers and fixtures, Gessi is renowned for their luxurious, innovative textures and a wide variety of finishes, blending material, form, and technique to create cultural value.
With a design philosophy which combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, Gessi’s products, from sleek faucets to sculptural bathtubs, embody artistic expression and practical elegance. Sustainability is key, with eco-friendly practices and water-saving technologies integrated into every design, making Gessi a favourite in luxury hotels and residences worldwide.
With myriad finishes to select from, from woven stainless steel to imprinted surfaces and polished or matte options, Gessi offers the versatility to easily upgrade any bathroom without the need for a complete overhaul.
The brand’s Origini Collection draws inspiration from the pristine beauty of untouched landscapes and the rhythmic flow of water, transporting the essence of nature into the heart of modern bathroom design, while, for those seeking something precious that plays on customisation, the geometric and sinuous volumes of the Anello Collection are sure to add a elegant and feminine touch to any design-led space.
With an innate ability to instil beauty into everyday objects, Gessi’s striking products are crafted with exclusive techniques and highly artisanal processes. From textured applications to Lacquered, Galvanic, PVD and GHRC, the maker’s materiality is distinct and incomparable.
The Venti20 Collection captures this essence wholly, inviting rediscovery of the grace and invigorating spirit of the Roaring Twenties, drawing inspiration from the remarkable era with its unrivalled elegance and decadence.
Whether you’re seeking to make a full-scale change, or a small-scale upgrade, Gessi is the obvious choice — with some of the most statement-making and high-quality fixtures and finishes on offer, merging art, technology, and sustainability in an extensive collection sure to transform even the simplest of bathroom into a luxurious retreat.
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 slick and straight look, using Shark’s styling tools at home.
Slick and Straight
Achieve The Look
Kiekie Stanners, hair stylist and makeup artist
“To achieve Lydia’s slick, straight look, I spritzed the hair to dampen. Following this, I used the Shark SpeedStyle with the Styling Concentrator attachment to blowout the hair in small sections, starting with lower layers first, followed by sectioning and parting the hair at the front to ensure a smooth, sleek finish. Once the hair was sleek and straight, I switched attachments to the RapidGloss Finisher for the ultimate smooth and shiny finish. Here, I took small, 5cm sections of hair, gently lifted it with a tail comb, and ran the tool over the section from the scalp down, smoothing the hair downwards from roots to ends. To finish, I ran a smoothing cream over the hair to highlight the shine, focusing on the parting and smoothing over the crown.”
Slick and Straight
Get The Look
SpeedStyle RapidGloss Finisher & High-Velocity Dryer from Shark
ORIBE Supershine Moisturizing Cream from net-a-porter
PHILIP KINGSLEY Finishing Touch Flexible Hold Mist from Sephora
Vincent Van Duysen’s modern kitchen masterpiece for Molteni&C epitomises the star designer’s sophisticated and refined signature aesthetic.
Creating a dynamic and elegant kitchen environment, Vincent Van Duysen’s VVD Kitchen showcases the interplay of alternating materials and the balance of solids and voids that contribute to a sophisticated yet lively space.
Details such as the reimagining of the recessed handle with a modern and sophisticated twist, and emphasising the contrast between slim side and end units, along with using substantial, thick worktops that feature stone sink bowls, break the linearity of the design.
Generous pull-out trays, open-ended drawers, and under-top trolleys enhance functionality, while an aluminium, load-bearing structure allows for compositions that are completely suspended from the floor.
Innovation is a hallmark of this design, seen in the technological details such as the built-in LED strip light and the aluminium profile that discreetly shapes the door handle for improved grip. The innovative pivot hinge enables doors to open 180°, maximising the usability of internal spaces. The addition of Bright wall units, featuring transparent glass doors and soft-closing micro-hinges, gives the kitchen a new architectural look, combining practicality with refined aesthetics.
Celebrating 25 years, Ashoka diamonds stand as a pinnacle of rarity and craftsmanship in the world of fine jewellery. Renowned for their distinctive cut, which less than one percent of diamond roughs qualify for, these rare and covetable stones are celebrated for their unique shape and meticulous faceting. Prized for their brilliance, each exquisite gem is not only a symbol of opulence, but a testament to artistry and precision.
Here, we round up our editors’ picks, from striking trilogy rings to statement-making necklaces.
Stretching on for 7.3km from Mount Eden to Mount Roskill, Dominion Road boasts an array of cafes and restaurants. And with so many options available, simply choosing one place to go is an almost impossible task. As such, we have rounded up a list of some of our favourites, whether you’re in search of a morning coffee, a lunchtime drop-in, or a delicious dinner and drinks.
Keep in mind, however, that while we’re sure you’ll find something you’ll like at one of the places we recommend, spontaneity and taking chances are two key factors to getting the most out of Dominion Road. So just as we underwent a process of trial and error, if you come across an off-the-beaten-track spot that you want to try, we encourage you to do so. The real beauty of this road is that it contains some of the most delightful hidden gems in the city.
Although Dominion Road is renowned for its varied options when it comes to Asian cuisine, it’s also home to one of the best French bakeries in Auckland. La Voie Francaise has become a destination spot with punters lining up out the door on weekend mornings just to get their pastry fix. This bakery is also one of the rare ones in town that makes a kouign-amann, which is a croissant that has been coated in sugar and caramelised to provide the ultimate crispy, buttery experience. 875 Dominion Road
Dominion Road locals swear by Forage Cafe because apparently, the baristas at this place brew the best coffee in the neighbourhood. This spot also has a variety of sandwiches, sweets and savoury dishes on offer that change regularly, and seasonal salads that can be served with a choice of spiced lamb, shredded chicken or halloumi. 90 Dominion Road
Try something different and have a Chinese style breakfast at Bunhut. Rather than falling back on the classic eggs on toast, step out of your comfort zone and opt for a jian bing guo zi. It’s a Chinese savoury crepe made from a light batter and fried egg, slathered with hoisin and chilli sauce and then filled with shredded vegetables and a fried bread stick. If you’re wanting something sweet, however, a simple red bean steamed bun accompanied by a warm glass of soy milk will do the trick. 563 Dominion Road
Should a craving for excellent Turkish food hit you, we recommend you hot-foot it to Paasha Turkish Kitchen, stat. Prioritising high quality ingredients and truly mouth watering grill techniques with their shish kebabs, hot flat bread wraps, pita pockets and more, this spot is the place to go for some of the best Turkish takeaway in town. 261 Dominion Road
Noodles are, after all, what most people come to Dominion Road for and Chongqing is one of the best places to get them. The broth of these noodles is less oily than other places we have tried but still contains the same amounts of spice and flavour. The rice noodles with braised beef is a dish you can never go wrong with. The beef is so tender that it melts in your mouth while the chewy texture of the noodles contrasts against the soft, succulent meat. 215 Dominion Road
Opening during lockdown adjacent to their stalwart eatery on Dominion Road, Cazador Deli — much like the eatery itself, stands out for its incredible game offering. Unsurprising, then, that the deli also knows a thing or two about the makings of an epic sandwich. There’s plenty to choose from, and the options are ever-changing, and the best bit is you can grab some tasty supplies for dinner while picking up lunch. 854 Dominion Road
There are dumplings and then there are soup dumplings, otherwise referred to as xiaolongbao. Restaurants that serve this delicacy are hard to find in this city due to the fact that making them requires a high level of skill. Filled with rich meat soup, usually made from pork, the little xiaolongbao pockets from Jolin Shanghai are freshly made to order and boast thicker skins than traditional soup dumplings which imbues them with a chewier texture. 248 Dominion Road
Upon first glance, you might think that Tasca is just a little cafe. What you don’t see, however, is that this Spanish eatery has an olive garden and spacious courtyard out the back, making it the perfect spot for a long lunch. In terms of food, while there are many flavourful and delicious options, be sure to order the calamares — you’ll thank us later. 338 Dominion Road
Another delicacy that has people driving to Dominion Road is spicy dumplings. Sha Xian Snack’s dumplings are unique because diners are given the option to change their dumpling filling instead of having to settle for predominantly pork. Sha Xian Snack also serves an oyster pie which is a deep-fried morsel packed with pickled vegetables and a juicy oyster — truly a one-of-a-kind dish. 285 Dominion Road
Those seeking a buzzing, local spot in Mt Eden needn’t look further than welcoming gastropub The Bridgman, having taken over an iconic site in April last year. Opened by Sean Lee (with business partner Andy Barnett) The Bridgman is just what Dominion Road needed for a long time, and offers an elevated bar and bistro experience that has made it a popular watering hole for locals. With a delicious menu of satiating dishes (think a fresher take on traditional pub fare) and a comprehensive cocktail and drinks offering, this gastropub is the perfect drop-in for drinks with friends or an after-work bite. 234 Dominion Road
Take a break at casual eatery and bar, Ralph’s. With a variety of Parrotdog beers on tap, a wide selection of Garage Project brews and an impressive snack and burger menu, Ralph’s is the go-to spot for a quick refuel. The jalapeño poppers and curly fries are both absolute must-tries, but if you’re wanting more of a meal, make a beeline for the Easy Cheesy Wagyu beef burger. 225B Dominion Road
Despite being one of the newest kids on the block, esteemed chef Gleber Chaparro’s Parro has already carved out a solid reputation for serving up some of the city’s best eats. Mediterranean-inspired, Parro’s succinct, inventive menu comprises show-stopping mains and small plates for sharing, alongside an excellent wine list of predominantly natural wines, curated to perfectly accompany the tasty bites on offer. 359 Dominion Road
An intimate space that elevates the idea of the classic pizza parlour, Ooh-Fa is the second spot from the culinary minds behind Pici and has been perpetually popular since opening. From its comfortable, warm atmosphere (thanks to the woodfire oven and low lighting) to the considered menu of delectable pizzas and sides, this 22-seater restaurant is the perfect neighbourhood spot to drop into and catch up with friends over a slice or two and some delectable wine. We recommend booking to secure your spot. 357 Dominion Road
Plabita Florence’s intriguing, plant-based restaurant reopened it’s doors last year, much to the delight of local gastronomes. Serving an array of groundbreaking, plant-based cuisine that uses unexpected flavours and unique ingredients to harness the potential of vegetarian food in a way that no one has before, Florence’s Forest is a feast for the senses, and promises a culinary experience unlike anything else in the city. 243 Dominion Road
This iconic spot hardly needs any introduction, but if you haven’t visited Eden Noodles Cafe, we suggest you ask yourself what you’ve been doing this whole time. With locations now in the CBD and in Albany, diners city-wide can enjoy the signature sichuan-laced dishes from Eden Noodles — but we always love visiting the bustling Dominion Road outpost (provided the queue isn’t too long). Sign us up for some thick noodles with dandan sauce, some vegetarian dumplings in spicy sauce and, of course, a cucumber salad. 105 Dominion Road
Nestled smack bang in the middle of Dominion Road, Kookoo is a delicious dining destination serving authentic Korean cuisine with a few tasty twists. There are a number of inventive dishes worth indulging in, but the hero of the menu is without a doubt the Korean-style whole chicken, marinated for 24 hours to ensure tenderness and flavour and served with sticky rice. Best enjoyed with an ice-cold beer and great company, and perhaps a side of kimchi fried rice. 245 Dominion Road
You don’t know what spicy food is until you’ve sampled the highest spice level at Hot & Spicy Pot. At this restaurant, what goes into your dish is all up to you. Just grab a stainless steel bowl, some tongs and get creative. With a variety of vegetables, noodles, meats and seafood on offer, all you need to do is pick and mix your favourites, tell the chefs how spicy you want to go and let them do the rest. Be warned though, that even the medium level of spice at this restaurant has been known to leave people teary-eyed, so you can only imagine what the effect of the top tier might be. 605 Dominion Road
Cheap and cheerful is the best way to explain Gogo Music Cafe. Although it has a few branches around Auckland, the one on Dominion Road is the original, the biggest and quite frankly, the best. Take a big group and order a bowl of the spicy chicken casserole with hand-pulled noodles, the $1 lamb skewers and some Tsing Tao beer. Devoured among Gogo Music Cafe’s loud and buzzing atmosphere, it’s a fun and memorable experience. 559 Dominion Road
Having joined the line-up at the start of last year, Mr Hao offers authentic bursts of Shanghai-inspired flavour with dishes such as the Numbing Chicken, a dish which sees gently fried chicken drowning in a delicious sea of chillies and numbing Sichuan peppers. Inspired by Shanghai’s late-night bar scene, Mr Hao is just the place for a relaxed get-together. Alongside the infamous Numbing Chicken, you’ll find a range of tasty skewers, noodles and irresistible grilled seafood, plus a refreshing tea cocktail on tap. 365 Dominion Road
This place is one of Dominion Road’s hidden gems and one that hasn’t failed us yet. Wang Wang Spring Pancake specialises in pancake wraps, similar to the ones used for Peking duck. But here, diners are given the freedom to order whatever meats and vegetables they want to fill their pancakes with. While everything is delicious, we recommend the stir fried shredded potato, the dry fried green beans with pork mince, and the fried eggplant with mushrooms and tofu. 704 Dominion Road
The chilli fried boneless chicken served here has made quite a name for itself and after you taste it, you’ll understand the hype. The chicken is seasoned with a copious amount of chilli and is perfectly cooked so that once you sample it for the first time, you’ll be addicted for life (seriously). The fried rice is also an excellent dish and is elevated to new heights when pork hock is added, seeing a thick, tasty sauce poured over the bed of fluffy rice. 557 Dominion Road
Forget being one of the best restaurants on Dominion Road, Cazador is one of the best spots in Auckland full stop. This restaurant serves unique dishes that showcase ethical ingredients and sustainable cooking principles by making use of all parts of the animal being served, instead of only offering cuts like the breast or belly. The menu changes depending on the availability of ingredients but the charcuterie platter is a staple and for good reason. Combined with its seamless service and lush ambience, Cazador is a must for any Aucklander. 854 Dominion Road
A cosy and compact Japanese eatery, Udon Works is home to some of the best noodle soups in town. Simple yet delicious, a big bowl of their warming broth with some thick udon noodles will leave you feeling like all is right with the world. Udon Works also has a menu of cold noodle dishes and delicious donburi with rice, with a variety of vegetable, meat and seafood options available — plus some of the best tempura we’ve tried. 633 Dominion Road
Take a trip to Meet Fresh for a Taiwanese take on dessert. Taiwanese desserts tend to be lighter, less sweet and lean more towards the refreshing side rather than being too sugary. The mango shaved ice is a fruity delight but if you want something more decadent, the freshly made waffles are always a good idea. 533 Dominion Road
Despite what the name of this bakery might indicate, it is certainly not your run-of-the-mill cake shop. The Gateau House specialises in South Korean pastries which include red-bean-filled buns that are topped with cookie crumble alongside a wide variety of delicate cakes. Our favourite is the kumara cake — a light and fluffy sponge layered with whipped cream and sweet potato mousse. 375 Dominion Road
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