Settle into the summer break with these excellent new TV series to watch now

26 Dec 2022

For anyone feeling like they’ve soaked up enough sun, take some time to soak in some of the best new television series to land on our various streaming services. From Emily Blunt as a revenge-driven Englishwoman in the 1800s Wild West, to the stranger-than-fiction retelling of how Chippendales came to be, these series run the gamut from compelling drama to lighthearted comedy and are sure to keep you thoroughly entertained.

The English
In this epic new show, Emily Blunt plays Lady Cornelia, an Englishwoman whose drive for revenge takes her to 1890s Wyoming, as she seeks out the man she believes is responsible for the death of her son and embarks on a perilous journey into unknown territory.

Welcome to Chippendales
Expect to be kept on the edge of your seat with this new true-crime drama, in which Kumail Nanjiani stars as Somen ‘Steve’ Banerjee, the Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire — and refused to let anything stand in his way.

The White House Plumbers
Justin Theroux and Woody Harrelson star as President Richard Nixon’s infamous political operatives G. Gordon Liddy and E. Howard Hunt — the masterminds of Watergate. The story of two men who undermined the President they were trying to protect, this new miniseries is a must-watch.

Blockbuster
Set in the last remaining Blockbuster store on Earth, this hilarious new comedy series follows the store’s hardworking manager and his ragtag team of staff as he strives to keep things running while the world rapidly changes around him.

1899
The fates of a group of migrants on a steamship travelling from London to New York take an unexpected turn when the vessel they are on, stumbles upon another mysterious migrant steamship, adrift on the open sea. What they will find on board will turn their passage to a promised land into a horrifying nightmare.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7OUQ9U2qIw

From Scratch
Starring Zoe Saldana, this romantic, drama mini-series is based on Tembi Locke’s bestselling memoir, and follows the story of an artist who falls in love with a chef in Italy — a relationship that takes the pair on a life-changing journey across cultures and continents.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBHKSQ4MrJE

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Meet the six beauty products our editors use every day and swear by

16 Dec 2022

In the name of research, our editors tend to spend a lot of time sourcing and trialling beauty products. We’ve found that there are those which instantly wow us, and others that have left a foul taste in our mouth (or blemish on our skin). More often than not, it’s hard to decipher those that are actually brilliant without investing a whole lot of time, money and wishful thinking. But, in a big to take you beyond the hype, we have managed to whittle down a short list of the products we use and swear by — the ones that really work.

The Eyelash Serum
RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner
This iconic serum became a mainstay in our routines earlier this year as we collectively opted out of lash extensions in favour of a more natural approach. Formulated to enhance eyelashes to their full potential, the swift, noticeable results have drawn compliments far and wide.

The Face Oil
Naked & Thriving Renew Face Serum
Every beauty regime calls for a purpose-made night-time serum for the time when your skin naturally regenerates. Naked & Thriving’s hero product is intensely hydrating and corrects and enhances by gently exfoliating skin with natural alpha hydroxy acids that refine and reveal a radiant and smooth complexion, all while you sleep.

The Eye Patches
Deepology Deepcare+ Serum-Infused Microdart Patches
More than a mere eye-patch, these serum-infused patches are versatile enough to use all over the face. Harnessing innovative, microdart technology to deliver a targeted serum deep into the skin’s dermal layers, this is the next level in at-home skin treatment. Hylauronic and amino acids, peptides and trehalose all come together to nourish fatigued, aged and dry skin, and significantly reduce wrinkles with time.

The Cult Skincare
Noble Panacea
If you haven’t heard of this skincare brand, it is widely considered the pinnacle of its kind. Created by a Nobel-Prize-winning chemist, Noble Panacea represents a breakthrough in skincare technology, and stands apart for its use of patented, OSMV™ Technology, which delivers active ingredients precisely into skin cells, improving their potency by up to tenfold and offering utterly unparalleled anti-aging results. Each of this brand’s products come as individually-packaged sachets, designed to guarantee the perfect daily dose and maintain the optimal potency of each formula.

The Whitener
Snow Teeth Whitening
Snow’s at-home teeth whitening system is a cut above the rest. Utilising ultra-concentrated (read: non-damaging) UV technology a patented serum, and a method that is controllable from your phone, beware of the numerous imitators, this product works wonders to restore teeth to their pearly white state in a matter of weeks.

The Body Buffer
Biotyspa Cellulite Cup
This small but mighty tool, works to reduce cellulite and tighten skin in the privacy of your own shower. Working on a similar principle as cupping, it breaks down cellulite by eliminating toxins and reducing water retention, flushing them from below the skin to leave a smooth dimple free surface.

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Heading south this summer? Odd Saint, Queenstown’s tastiest new eatery, is a must visit

16 Dec 2022

Queenstown is one southern destination that always provides a raft of culinary inspiration — thanks, in part, to the innovative minds at Future Hospitality Group. When we heard rumours that the group had opened a brand new spot, Odd Saint, it filled us with a new desire to head south for the summer to experience it ourselves.

You may know Future Hospitality Group from its current venues, a portfolio that includes Little Mez, Margo’s, and newly-minted ‘New Zealand’s Best Bar’, Little Blackwood. Odd Saint complements these impressive destinations but also sits as a unique establishment — a bistro-style eatery that puts a deliciously creative spin on an otherwise traditional menu, offering what the owners call ‘global soul food’.

The vision for Odd Saint’s space, which sits adjacent to the iconic St. Peter’s Church (hence the somewhat biblical name), is a cafe that caters as much to the early-morning brunch crowd as it does to those seeking an indulgent long lunch. Set in a sunny, north-facing spot, with a courtyard and garden area surrounded by trees and a vibrant fit-out designed by Studio Collective to foster a welcoming vibe, this eatery is both comfortable and cool.

At Odd Saint, food is a collaborative effort — in a sense. The inspiration for the menu was found in the various travels of new owners James Ace and Bert Haines, as well as Co-Owners Matt Tobin and his wife, Jamie Orr-Tobin. Executive Chef Tobin’s Midwest US lineage is on show too, where elements of American diner fare (although more refined) can be found on the menu, alongside a raft of classic dishes that showcase local ingredients in unique ways.

Here, dishes like the Po’Boys (a Lousiana classic) somehow sit perfectly alongside the likes of Duck Fried Rice and a refreshed version of a Kiwi Big Breakfast. It’s a delicious cultural melting pot of cuisines which, if you ask us, perfectly encapsulates the international destination that Queenstown has become.

“In Queenstown there are plenty of great cafes, but we felt no one was really pushing the boundaries beyond the standard staples,” Ace tells us. “So we decided to be a little bit brave, a little bit cheeky and bring a menu to the table that’s a little bit odd.”

And if you’re thirsty, you’re in for a treat here too. Alongside delicious eighthirty coffee, there’s an expansive menu of tasty tipples that features the best local wines and beers. These are served alongside coveted international labels and reimagined cocktails designed to capture the convivial essence of this locale.

Having only opened yesterday, we’d suggest Odd Saint as an essential stop-in on any southern summer travels. We’ve also been told that the plan is to expand into a dinner service in the new year, where we can expect similarly inspired fare all day long. It really is the kind of fun, tasty destination that Queenstown has been missing, solidifying Future Hospitality Group’s status as some of the best culinary and hospitality minds in the wider Otago region.

Odd Saint

1 Earl Street, Queenstown

www.oddsaint.co.nz

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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