Dior x Technogym Collection

Denizen’s definitive Christmas Gift Guide: What to buy the person who loves fitness

16 Dec 2022

When thinking about what to buy the person who puts their health and well-being first, you can’t go wrong with a piece of designer sports equipment, a practical accessory or an activity they can fold into their daily routine. From high-end headphones to informative smart jewellery, here is our guide to gifting for the fitness fanatic.

Studio Reformer from Your Reformer
Create a Pilates studio experience in the comfort of your home with one of Your Reformer’s elegant-looking reformer machines. Simple and understated and available in two neutral colours, these machines have all the bells and whistles to accommodate any level of Pilates routine — from beginner to advanced — and will make working out at home easier than ever before.

Flash Reflex Training System Kit from BlazePod
On a mission to reinvent the idea of training for athletes and fitness fanatics, or for anyone seeking to break through barriers and reach their full potential, BlazePod created a groundbreaking new exercise system designed to provide an immersive training experience that can be done from anywhere. The Flash Reflex Training System works to heighten the senses and sharpen focus — whether you’re working on performance, fitness, or rehabilitation. The kits can be used to specifically help with different skills in sports like tennis, soccer, martial arts and more, and are connected to an app that delivers targeted information to help improve performance. This system is a must for any aspiring sportsperson.

AirPods max from Apple
A definite step up from the everyday AirPods, give someone the ultimate listening experience with a pair of Apple’s elegant take on headphones — the AirPods Max. Available in a range of colours and with in-build noise-cancelling capability, these headphones can offer up to 20 hours of listening on a single charge, and will deliver some serious oomph to your favourite summer playlists.

Oura Ring Gen3 from Oura
There is no better way to help someone keep on top of their New Year’s resolutions than with the ultimate smart ring, the Oura Ring Gen3. An innovative, engineering breakthrough, this ring is the sleekest piece of wearable tech on the market, able to accurately deliver informative health insights to its wearer via high-grade sensors that monitor sleep, activity, recovery, temperature, heart rate, stress, and more. Offering a simple but meticulous method of keeping track of health holistically, the Oura ring is a must for anyone seeking to understand how they can improve their sleep, fitness and wellbeing in a meaningful, long-lasting way.

Dumbbells from Louis Vuitton
Sporty pursuits are given a sophisticated edge with these monogrammed, two-kilogram dumbbells from Louis Vuitton. Proving that practicality need not get in the way of style — even when it comes to the daily workout — this iconic French Maison has paired the recognisable motif with Monogram Flower engraving at the end of each dumbbell, finishing them with soft, Epi-leather handles which just so happen to be resistant to perspiration marks.

Play Two Padel Racket from TWOTWO
Developed by legendary Swedish product designer Fredrik Magnusson, the Play Two Padel Racket is the best piece of sporting equipment for some on-court fun this summer. Featuring a mathematical 7° curve (optimising the resonance of the strike surface, and delivering incredibly smooth hits), an anti-vibration heart (which makes it more gentle on the player) and non-aerodynamic design (creating a non-laminar airflow, which allows the user to cut cleanly through the air), this racket is not only a feat of engineering, it also just looks really really good. So confident are the designers in their product, in fact, that the Two Padel Racket has a 90-day risk-free trial. The perfect gift for someone who loves to hit the court.

RecoveryAir Pro from Therabody
For the person who loves to push themselves to the limit, give them the gift of some much-needed R&R with Therabody’s innovative RecoveryAir Pro. This incredible tool harnesses customisable leg compression via unique inflation cycles to deliver pressure massage which flushes toxins, encourages circulation and speeds up recovery. Essential for any budding athlete.

Wellbeing

We sit down with Lucy Caldwell and Bella Ireland, founders of the new self-tan-meets-skincare brand making waves

Gastronomy

Mānuka Phuel is a new natural energy source primed to fuel a new era of culture, creativity, and connection

Wellbeing

Elevate your beauty routine with the season’s simplest but most impactful trend — bold eyeliner

Experience the epic new film Babylon with a private cinema screening for you and 14 friends — worth over $1500

16 Dec 2022

While this year’s cinematic season might be close to its final curtain, there is plenty of cause for excitement still on the horizon, with a number of exceptional films set to land on our shores early next year. One you’ve likely heard about is Babylon (in cinemas on the 19th of January 2023), a Damien Chazelle-directed affair that showcases Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie at their most excellent, and speaks to the early days of Hollywood in all of its hedonistic glory. As such, we think the only way to celebrate Babylon’s release is with a luxurious celebration befitting its wild narrative, which is why we have teamed up with the recently-opened Silky Otter Ponsonby and Paramount Pictures to offer one lucky Denizen and 14 of their friends a private screening — complete with delicious food and beverages (delivered throughout the film, of course).

With all the hallmarks of a new classic, Babylon is an original epic set in early Hollywood — often referred to as the era’s golden age. It chronicles the triumphs, tribulations and teething issues of the industry’s stars during the great transition from silent to sound films in the late 1920s, and captures the chaotic glamour that is so entwined with our understanding of this era via stunning cinematography, detailed costumes and some truly excellent performances by its cast. Here ideas of indulgence, influence, sumptuous luxury and wild abandon are cleverly interwoven with performances by Pitt as Jack Conrad, a former silent-movie star trying to figure out where he fits in Hollywood’s new world, and a truly fantastic Robbie in the role of Nellie LaRoy, an up-and-coming actress on the cusp of a new age.

Despite Babylon being very much its own unique entity, industry insiders have already made comparisons to the likes of The Wolf of Wall Street and The Great Gatsby (in which Robbie and cast-mate/Executive Producer Tobey Mcguire have both starred, respectively), telling the tale of Hollywood in a way that only Chazelle, with his Academy-Award-winning eye, could do.

And if you haven’t had the chance to experience Ponsonby’s new cinema, Silky Otter, yet, we think there’s no better setting to watch a film of this calibre. Offering an intimate, comfortable and private theatre with large, luxurious chairs and personalised service, the experience of watching a movie at Silky Otter feels exactly the kind of atmosphere in which a film like Babylon should be enjoyed.

This competition is now closed.

Culture

Why Denizen supports B416 in banning under-16s from social media

Culture

Spanning travel, art, and design, these coffee table tomes are seriously worth poring over

Culture

A new way to experience Auckland’s cultural heart — together

Stay cool as the weather heats up with the new sunglasses to add to your collection

16 Dec 2022

Whether you lean towards accessories that are classic, adventurous or typically trend-driven, there is a raft of new sunglasses for men and women available to suit any style or taste. Because whatever you may think about the unusually rainy start to summer we’re having, a pair of reliable sunglasses is absolutely essential for any sleek, seasonal look — and will be your best friend when the sun does finally decide to show up.

Christian Dior sunglasses from Parker & Co.

Spike Rectangle sunglasses from Balenciaga, Celine Graphic S229 sunglasses from Parker&Co., Garrett Leight GOLDIE sun sunglasses from Parker&Co.

Loewe Flower sunglasses from Parker&Co.,Christian Dior bobby sunglasses from Parker&Co., SL 557 sunglasses from Saint Laurent.

Golden Mask sunglasses from Louis Vuitton, Valentino XXII Square Sunglasses from Faradays, Oval frame sunglasses from Gucci.

Cyclone Metal sunglasses from Louis Vuitton.

Garrett Leight NOVARRO S sunglasses Parker&Co., Reverse Xpander sunglasses from Balenciaga, SL 561 aviator sunglasses from Saint Laurent.

Garrett Leight Doc Sun sunglasses from Parker&Co., Moncler Pilot sunglasses from Moncler, Moscot shonda sun sunglasses from Parker&Co.

Rectangular sunglasses with interchangeable frame from Gucci, Symbole sunglasses from Prada, Valentino VI Rectangular Metal sunglasses from Faradays.

Coveted

Watch the Gucci’s Cruise 2026 fashion show via livestream, as the House heads back to its roots

Coveted

Shop the Edit: Dark romance is the sartorial trend of the season, and these are the pieces we’re coveting

Coveted

Met Gala 2025: Our guide to the best looks from the biggest night out in fashion

Become the ultimate summer host with Chef Hercules Noble’s three delicious cocktail recipes

PHOTOS Clara-Jane Follas | 15 Dec 2022

In a bid to elevate summer hosting sessions, we called on Chef Hercules Noble to create a trio of summer cocktails guaranteed to impress any guest. After all, hosting should be a seamless process with an impressive end result, and Noble’s selection of tipples offer just this. Using Schweppes’ most beloved cans of fizz, the result is a raft of refreshing, modern classics perfect for sipping on all summer long.

According to Noble, the key to cocktail success is a little bit of preparation, such as extracting your own cucumber water for a refreshing Moscow Mule (as simple as blending and squeezing) or making your own sugar syrup for a Whisky Fizz (that can be adapted with your favourite fruits and spices). For Noble’s take on a frozen negroni, the Cherry Boulevardier, all you need is a blender to create a big batch at once — idyllic for summer hosting.

Once you’ve nailed the basics, which are surprisingly easy to do, you can get creative with your own takes on the recipes that follow. Noble has swapped the Mule’s traditional Ginger Ale for Schweppes Soda Water, making it a lower-carb take that retains its vibrant hue. Elements like egg white in the Whisky Fizz add to the theatrics (the hallmark of impressive cocktails), making them sure to impress but easy to put together in a moment, so guests never go thirsty.

One last step? Always be sure to chill your glasses. For Noble, this is as non-negotiable as a Negroni.

Please enjoy responsibly.

Gastronomy

Meet Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits — the new wine retail destination, bar, and café you need to know

Gastronomy

SO/ Auckland and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon have teamed up for the caviar event of the season

Gastronomy

Helping us end any week on a high note, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast isn’t to be missed

Using sleek Devon pieces, Te Arai Links has created the perfect outdoor spaces

PHOTOS Ricky Robinson & Jono Parker | 15 Dec 2022

While we know that New Zealand has a reputation for being one of the most sought-after golfing destinations in the world, there is one new addition that proves it. Te Arai Links is a brand new golf course and accommodation tucked into a picturesque, coastal landscape about an hour north of Auckland. Designed as much for avid golfers as it is for those who love good hospitality, or anyone simply seeking an incredible setting to which they can escape, Te Arai is made up of two pure links courses (one designed by the world-renowned Coore & Crenshaw and the other by Tom Doak — responsible for the course at Tara Iti), as well as a selection of architectural accommodation designed by Studio John Irving, alongside an elevated restaurant and a casual eatery on the putting green.

Here, design has been put at the forefront, with every inch of Te Arai offering a masterclass in restrained luxury. This, of course, includes the furniture. Pieces that balance practicality with polish, like the Jackson Easy Chair and Porter Side Table by Devon, help to create the perfect nooks in which guests can sit back, relax and take in their breathtaking surroundings, or observe all the action on the green.

In fact, the use of Devon’s outdoor pieces makes perfect sense in the context of Te Arai’s overarching design approach. For nearly 50 years, this local brand has released collections that prove how practical materials and long-lasting design can actually be used to enhance the aesthetic of any space. Devon has mastered a delicate (and rare) balance in its pieces, creating pieces that will both withstand the New Zealand elements for years and look sleek and sophisticated in any kind of outdoor space. See inside Te Arai’s impressive accommodations below.

Porter Side Table and Jackson Easy Chair by Devon

Design

Master the perfect serve with this luxurious caviar set

Design

We’ve consulted the experts at Resene on the colour trend of the year

Design

Become the host with the most with Molteni&C’s most versatile kitchen yet

Your first look at Bunty’s — the North Shore’s new burger and brew joint, open just in time for summer

14 Dec 2022

A site formerly known as Blake’s Providore has been given a new lease on life with an utterly tasty and totally cool reimagining. It is now Bunty’s, a burger restaurant and bar that is already delighting North Shore locals — and we have your first look.

Named after owner Blake Allnutt’s Grandma, who shared in his love of food, Bunty’s is set in the heart of Milford and is the kind of destination every neighbourhood needs. Serving simple but mouthwatering burgers alongside an array of small plates and a winelist brimming with beautiful local drops, it’s an easy restaurant that the owner and chef created to fill a void in the area’s dining scene.

Neighbouring Tokki (the delicious Korean restaurant that foodies can’t stop talking about) and Dear Friends, Bunty’s presence confirms that Milford’s Kitchener Road precinct is an up-and-coming culinary destination to keep on our radar. And, given that long summer beach days are now upon us, we’re excited for what’s to come.

Having grown up in Milford, Allnutt began his culinary career at age 15. It eventually took him to London, where he worked in large-scale catering companies and as a private chef for a decade. But eventually, the allure of New Zealand prompted his return, allowing us all the chance to enjoy his particular culinary flair from the heart of his hometown. “It’s a nice little community, and the food scene here is really evolving,” he tells me.

At Bunty’s, burgers are the hero of the menu. Using only the best local ingredients (100% Angus mince from nearby Well Hung butchery and soft potato buns from Bread & Butter), and homemade sauces, Allnutt makes the fast-food delicacy look and taste like something of an art form — all while keeping things surprisingly simple. “My ideal burger is simple — good meat, cheese, homemade sauces and a soft bun — the way it should be,” Allnutt explains.

However, the chef isn’t afraid to get a little more complex when it comes to the wine list, where diners will find Pét-Nats, chilled reds, and innovative, funky wines from small, southern labels. As Allnutt explains, he wanted to keep it fresh and support local vineyards in the process. Couple this with beers from Behemoth Brewing Company on tap, alongside a spritz menu to be introduced as the summer continues, and Bunty’s is quickly sounding like the place to be a Friday night with friends, rather than just a joint for grabbing a delicious burger to devour at home (although you can do that too).

With the fit-out mostly designed, managed and executed by Allnutt himself, it’s safe to say that the quick three-month journey to create this elevated diner has been a labour of love. But if what we have already seen is anything to go by, Allnutt’s effort has been more than worth it. And now that the stress of opening is out of the way, the team can finally get back to the kitchen and allow Bunty’s to grow into the welcoming neighbourhood spot it was designed to be.

Opening hours:
Wednesday — Saturday, 4pm until late.
Sunday, 3pm until late.
Closed Monday & Tuesday.

Bunty's

89 Kitchener Road,
Milford, North Shore

www.instagram.com/buntys_burgers

Gastronomy

Meet Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits — the new wine retail destination, bar, and café you need to know

Gastronomy

SO/ Auckland and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon have teamed up for the caviar event of the season

Gastronomy

Helping us end any week on a high note, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast isn’t to be missed

Art Market: Find the perfect piece of art for your home with our inspiring curation

Enhance your interior and expand your outlook with these thought-provoking works of art. From mesmerising wall pieces to exquisite sculptures, you can revamp any area into a gallery showcasing tasteful and intriguing masterpieces.

← GO BACK

SEE ALL SLIDES |

Landscape panel in memory of Daisy Le Cren [13] by Colin McCahon

1976
$48,000
Acrylic on card
310 x 360mm, framed
Available from Gow Langsford Gallery

A-80 by Alberto Garcia-Alvarez

1991
Mixed media on aluminium
640 x 495mm
Available from Tim Melville Gallery

Unfolding 1 by Stephen Ellis

2022
$7,250
Coloured pencil on lana paper
530 x 530 x 85mm, framed
Available from Sanderson Contemporary

The New Noah II by Billie Culy

2021
Inkjet print and acrylic on 308gsm Hahnemuehle photo rag cotton
610 x 610mm, framed
Available from KAUKAU

Kōwhiti Āmio Mā by Robert Jahnke

2022
$30,000
Cast acrylic, unique work MDF, timber, mirror pane, mirror, neon, electricity
850 x 850 x 170mm
Available from Lightworx Queenstown

Before And After And Knowledge Of Oneself by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

2022
POA
Oil, and oil crayon on Belgium linen
1120 x 1020mm
Available from FHE Galleries

Stitches and Thickets by Molly Timmins

2022
$1,750
Embroidery on linen
460 x 400mm
Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Silver Forked Sky by Chris Heaphy

2022
Acrylic on Belgian linen
695 x 535mm
Available from Gow Langsford Gallery

Black Square with Fold by Anya Pesce

2021
POA
Hand-moulded polymethyl methacrylate
1220 x 1200 x 200mm
Available from FHE Galleries

Old New Energy by Josephine Cachemaille

2020
$2,000
Fired clay
350 x 270 x 120mm
Available from Sanderson Contemporary

Crystal Pickaxe by Gregor Kregar

2022
$6,500
Pink cast lead crystal and aluminium
900 x 480 x 100mm
Available from Gow Langsford Gallery

Resonance by Roger Murray

2022
$4,200
Resin, brass paint
700 x 700 x 45mm
Edition of 7
Available from {Suite} Gallery

Culture

Why Denizen supports B416 in banning under-16s from social media

Culture

Spanning travel, art, and design, these coffee table tomes are seriously worth poring over

Culture

A new way to experience Auckland’s cultural heart — together

We have teamed up with Omana Luxury Villa to give away an experience on Waiheke Island, worth over $2,700

13 Dec 2022

Set on four hectares of luscious land and boasting uninterrupted sea and forest views, meet the new Waiheke Island accommodation that has captured everyone’s attention — Omana Luxury Villa. Promising an unforgettable escape, Omana is made up of four spacious villas and provides a truly boutique experience, where personalised, private hospitality meets sophisticated luxury with a sustainable twist, all in a setting that showcases the absolute best this Island has to offer.

Inside each of Omana’s four villas, guests will be able to enjoy a fit-out that has been meticulously considered and finished with a range of pieces from local design haven, Sarsfield Brooke. And while every villa boasts its own panoramic view, sprawling balcony and access to the private beach below, each has been designed as its own entity, meaning that no two stays here will feel quite the same.

In Villa Surrender, for instance, guests can luxuriate in a pared-back but sophisticated palette, where ornate details are given a modern edge. Time spent in the sun is made all the more enjoyable thanks to the addition of a generous Isola round outdoor sofa and Scoop server table (both by Bullfrog) on the deck. Elsewhere, in Villa Serenity, guests can enjoy a more contemporary, tonal aesthetic where, in the bedroom, the head-turning Molokai headboard (custom-made by Sarsfield Brooke) sits between two Ludmilla side tables by Opera Contemporary of Italy. In the sleek little dining nook, guests can take their morning coffee at the Infinity dining table and Sharon dining chairs by Midj of Italy, while simultaneously taking in the extraordinary view.

Molokai headboard, custom made by Sarsfield Brooke, Ludmilla side tables by Opera Contemporary of Italy, Infinity dining table and Sharon dining chairs by Midj of Italy

Infinity dining table and Sharon dining chairs by Midj of Italy, Circle VII Loft original work on canvas by Javier Mateos of Novocuadro, Spain

Ultimately, the fit-outs across all four villas offer a masterclass in elevated design (literally and figuratively), allowing each room to stand as its own beautiful sanctuary that feels a far cry from the busyness of Auckland — despite being only a ferry ride away. Given how impressed we were with the experience on offer here, we thought what better time than now to offer one lucky Denizen the chance to win a two-night stay at Omana Luxury Villa, to take it all in for themselves. To enter the competition, fill out our form here.

Isola round outdoor sofa and Scoop server table by Bullfrog

This competition is now closed.

www.omanaluxuryvilla.com

Design

Master the perfect serve with this luxurious caviar set

Design

We’ve consulted the experts at Resene on the colour trend of the year

Design

Become the host with the most with Molteni&C’s most versatile kitchen yet

Elevate your summer hosting with Quarterpast’s delicious iced drinks and cocktails

13 Dec 2022

As we move into the heat of summer, it’s essential to have a cold beverage in hand, no matter the time of day. Thankfully, Quarterpast enables us to do just that with its delectable array of at-home iced drink concentrates and Mixology Bases for elevated takes on everyday drinks. Allowing us to whip up a thirst-quenching beverage at any time, Quarterpast’s products are simple to use, making them the perfect pantry staple or for hosting BBQs, brunches, and dinners at home.

There’s nothing better than starting the morning with a refreshing iced coffee or tea, and Quarterpast’s offering is vast and varied, from Maple Iced Coffee to Sweet Chai and even Iced Black Tea with Peach. Even better, there’s a Decaf Iced Coffee for when you desire a delicious fix without the caffeine.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by QUARTERPAST (@quarterpast_nz)

For those wanting to dabble in some at-home bartending, Quarterpast’s Mixology Bases are a fuss-free way to concoct premium cocktails. Harnessing the flavour of cold-brewed fruit, they remove the need to squeeze citrus or muddle fruit and herbs — perfect for those wanting to avoid unnecessary mess.

We’ve previously shown just how easy it is to whip up a Quarterpast cocktail with our Crisp Apple Gin Fizz and Tahitian Lime & Mint Jalapeño Mule recipes, and there are so many more tipples to discover with the varied range of Mixology Bases. From Grenadine and Simple Sugar to Mulled Berries (perfect for Mulled Wine on Christmas Eve or mixed with still water and served cold) and Passionfruit. All you need are fresh garnishes and a little help from your liquor cabinet. If you are abstaining from alcohol or sober driving, the Mixology Bases allow you to make delectable mocktails and sodas too — the latter a perfect alternative to your standard fizzy drink, and suitable for the whole family.

The ideal essentials for summer festivities at home, you can’t go wrong with the flavourful Quarterpast beverages for hosting or as a thoughtful gift for an entertaining-loving friend. Discover more, including recipe inspiration galore, by following Quarterpast on Instagram and Facebook.

www.quarterpast.nz

Gastronomy

Meet Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits — the new wine retail destination, bar, and café you need to know

Gastronomy

SO/ Auckland and Mt Cook Alpine Salmon have teamed up for the caviar event of the season

Gastronomy

Helping us end any week on a high note, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast isn’t to be missed

Meet the sleek sofa proving how one simple piece can elevate an entire space

9 Dec 2022

A beautiful sofa really is the centrepiece of any good living room. Not only a place to converse with friends, curl up with a good book or totally relax after a long day, a sofa is also a piece that sets the tone of the space in which it sits. It is as much an aesthetic consideration as it is a practical one and so, when we come across an iteration that balances both ideas perfectly, we simply have to talk about it.

Kelly Hoppen’s Luna sofa, available locally (and exclusively) from Frobisher, is one such piece. Boasting a refined, architectural form that sees a subtly-undulating backrest meet an elongated, curved base and rounded, low-profile structure, this sofa offers comfort and contemporary style in equal measure. Upholstered in a neutral, textured fabric, the Luna may be understated in its design, but do not underestimate the impact it will have on your space. From its modern shape to its plush finish, this sofa will set the scene for a space that is design-led, minimal and perfectly curated — and is sure to be a talking point for anyone who comes to visit.

www.frobisher.co.nz

Wellbeing

Culture

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Coveted

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

Design

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

Landscape panel in memory of Daisy Le Cren [13] by Colin McCahon

Landscape panel in memory of Daisy Le Cren [13] by Colin McCahon

A-80 by Alberto Garcia-Alvarez

A-80 by Alberto Garcia-Alvarez

Unfolding 1 by Stephen Ellis

Unfolding 1 by Stephen Ellis

The New Noah II by Billie Culy

The New Noah II by Billie Culy

Kōwhiti Āmio Mā by Robert Jahnke

Kōwhiti Āmio Mā by Robert Jahnke

Before And After And Knowledge Of Oneself by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

Before And After And Knowledge Of Oneself by Antonia Perricone-Mrljak

Stitches and Thickets by Molly Timmins

Stitches and Thickets by Molly Timmins

Silver Forked Sky by Chris Heaphy

Silver Forked Sky by Chris Heaphy

Black Square with Fold by Anya Pesce

Black Square with Fold by Anya Pesce

Old New Energy by Josephine Cachemaille

Old New Energy by Josephine Cachemaille

Crystal Pickaxe by Gregor Kregar

Crystal Pickaxe by Gregor Kregar

Resonance by Roger Murray

Resonance by Roger Murray

Culture

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Design

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Gastronomy

Design

Connect with us

CURRENT ISSUE

Gastronomy, Style, Culture, Design, Wellbeing, Travel.

Sign up to the Denizen Weekly

Interested in Advertising?