kingi, metita, non solo pizza

Do the right thing this Valentine’s Day, and make a dining reservation before it’s too late

3 Feb 2026

The simplest but most effective way to show that you care this Valentine’s Day is by booking a table at one of Auckland’s finest restaurants and letting the evening take care of itself. Despite the occasion still being over a week away, we have it on good authority that reservations are already filling fast, making now the moment to commit — lest you find yourself scrambling for a last-minute table that does neither you nor the occasion justice. From indulgent set menus and generous sharing platters to Champagne on arrival and desserts made with romance in mind, here’s where to celebrate on the 14th of February.

Ebisu

One of Auckland’s most beloved Japanese institutions is marking Valentine’s Day with a refined sharing platter designed for an intimate night out. Created expressly for two, the platter features tuna and salmon tartare, a nine-piece selection of pristine sashimi showcasing the day’s best cuts, rich wagyu nigiri finished with sweet soy and daikon oroshi, and classic tuna and spring onion hosomaki to round things out. Balanced, generous, and quietly luxurious, it’s a confident choice for couples who prefer elegance without excess. $100 per platter. Book here.

Azabu Mission Bay

Azabu Mission Bay marks the occasion with a refined sharing platter designed for two. The platter brings together citrus-cured white fish ceviche with leche de tigre and crisp tostada, a small selection of pristine sashimi, wagyu nigiri glazed with sweet soy and finished with daikon oroshi, and classic tuna and spring onion hosomaki. Clean, elegant, and perfectly balanced. $100 per platter. Book here.

Metita

Metita brings warmth and generosity to Valentine’s Day with a sharing-style à la carte menu inspired by Pacific flavours. The table might begin with corned beef buns and panikeke, before moving into wood-fired duck breast, roasted carrots, and vine tomato salad. Vibrant, soulful, and designed for sharing, it’s a celebration that feels heartfelt rather than formal. Book here.

Azabu Ponsonby

At Azabu Ponsonby, Valentine’s Day unfolds over a specially crafted set menu for dinner from 5pm. The evening begins with omakase sushi and sashimi, followed by dishes such as duck leg confit with orange soy and steamed bok choy, and Akaroa salmon miso yaki with saikyo miso and pickled red onion. Dessert brings a sense of theatre, with white chocolate and yuzu mousse served alongside Basque cheesecake, strawberry sorbet, and macerated strawberries. $115 per person, with lunch remaining à la carte. Book here.

Huami

Huami offers two distinct ways to celebrate, depending on the pace of your day. Lunch leans into the theatre of hand-made dim sum, with an array of delicate dumplings and yum cha classics designed for leisurely sharing. In the evening, the experience shifts up a gear with a $128 per person Valentine’s set menu, accompanied by two flutes of Perrier-Jouët Champagne. The multi-course dinner showcases Huami’s signature modern Chinese cuisine before finishing with a special Valentine’s dessert. For those wanting to elevate the occasion further, a single rose can be presented on arrival. Book here.

SkyBar

For couples who prefer to keep things light, SkyBar’s His & Her’s shared cocktail experience offers a relaxed but considered way to mark the occasion. Two signature cocktails are paired with hand-crafted chocolates from SUCRÉ by SkyCity, created specifically to be shared and savoured together. Available from Friday 13 through to Sunday 15 February, this is a polished pre- or post-dinner option. $49 for two, with pre-booking required. Book here.

Bivacco

With its prime harbourfront position and effortlessly social atmosphere, Bivacco is leaning into Valentine’s weekend rather than confining the celebration to a single night. From 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, diners can enjoy exclusive Valentine’s drink specials alongside a decadent dessert offering, designed to be the perfect finish to an afternoon or early evening spent overlooking the water. Paired with Bivacco’s signature Mediterranean-leaning menu and buzzy waterfront energy, it’s a relaxed, romantic option that still feels like an occasion. Book here.

MASU

MASU turns Valentine’s Day into an immersive evening of Japanese robata cooking and bold flavours. Expect flame-grilled king salmon, pristine sashimi, and hand-rolled maki prepared with MASU’s signature precision, alongside dishes straight from the robata grill that bring heat and theatre to the table. The evening concludes with a special Valentine’s dessert, designed to be shared. Energetic, refined, and reliably impressive. Book here.

The Grill

Romance at The Grill is expressed through produce and restraint. A seasonal à la carte menu showcases the best of New Zealand land and sea, from sustainably sourced coastal seafood to impeccably cooked cuts of beef. Whether opting for oysters to start or a decadent beef centrepiece, this is an experience built around classic flavours and an atmosphere that encourages lingering. Book here.

Andiamo

Andiamo welcomes all forms of love with a three-course Valentine’s Day set menu from 5pm. Guests are greeted with a glass of G.H. Mumm Cordon Rosé before settling in over indulgent dishes created specifically for the evening, including a heart-shaped goat’s cheese and beetroot ravioli. At $110 per person, it’s a classic Valentine’s experience done with warmth and charm. Book here.

Advieh

Advieh marks Valentine’s Day with a specially curated set menu designed for sharing, savouring, and lingering. Priced at $120 per person, the experience showcases the restaurant’s signature Middle Eastern flavours, opening with local oysters dressed in finger lime and green hot sauce, raw yellowfin tuna with kataifi pastry and harissa, and crisp falafel with sunflower seed tahini and hung yoghurt. From there, expect grilled oyster mushrooms with Lebanese toum, a standout course of chopped Wapiti deer with potato galette and Aleppo pepper romesco, before choosing between market fish with smoked mussel vinaigrette or coastal lamb shoulder tagine with labneh and green chermoula. Thoughtful sides complete the table, making this a richly spiced, generously paced way to celebrate. An optional wine, prosecco, or handcrafted minute cocktail pairing is available for an additional $10 per person. Book here.

Gilt Brasserie

Valentine’s Day at Gilt is all about indulgence, generosity, and staying longer than planned. On Friday 13th February, diners can choose between the à la carte menu or a Valentine’s set offering, while Saturday, 14th is reserved for a four-course set menu designed expressly for sharing. Expect bold, crowd-pleasing brasserie dishes, a wine list that encourages another pour, and a dining room that hums from the moment you arrive. From 4pm across both nights, this is a celebration of love in all its forms. $145 per person, with Saturday shaping up to be the most coveted sitting. Book here.

Non Solo Pizza

At NSP, Valentine’s Day is all about sharing. A seafood antipasto brings together freshly shucked oysters with shallot vinegar, poached prawns with Mary Rose sauce, tender mussels, smoked salmon, seared tuna, and lemon, followed by a Valentine’s dessert special of strawberry panna cotta with fresh berries, coulis, and chantilly cream. Available alongside the à la carte dinner menu, it’s a relaxed and convivial way to celebrate. Book here.

Somm

Somm’s Valentine’s Day offering is built around indulgence and atmosphere. A three-course set menu opens with dishes such as kingfish tartare with mango, jalapeño and lime, buffalo mozzarella with heirloom tomato and melon, and crispy fried chicken with hot honey. Mains follow, with options including grilled market fish with sweetcorn and basil, grass-fed sirloin with green garlic herb butter, or eggplant schnitzel with chilli coconut sauce. Dessert comes in the form of peach melba with rosé, raspberry and vanilla ice cream. A flute of G.H. Mumm Grand Cordon on arrival and live music throughout the night complete the experience. $85 per person from 5pm. Book here.

Ortolana

Ortolana’s Valentine’s Day set menu is warm, seasonal, and designed for lingering. Entrées include market fish crudo with plum and nectarine, duck liver parfait with apple and orange chutney, or vegetarian options showcasing burrata, courgette, and heirloom tomatoes. Mains range from pappardelle with heirloom tomato and chilli butter to classic cacio e pepe with prosciutto, market fish with herb crème fraîche, or chicken cotoletta. Desserts finish things on a sweet note with tiramisu-inspired cake, vanilla panna cotta with strawberry and orange, or chocolate cremeux with whiskey crumb. $95 per person from 5pm. Book here.

Bar Magda

Bar Magda leans unapologetically into indulgence with a five-course surf-and-turf Valentine’s menu. The $150 per person experience begins with a welcome cocktail or Champagne before moving through luxurious bites such as scampi tacos, premium local seafood sourced from Connors Catch, and a standout wagyu steak course. Bold flavours and generous pacing make this one for couples who like to celebrate properly. Book here.

The Wine Room

The Wine Room brings Parisian romance to Valentine’s Day with an evening built on atmosphere as much as food. Live music, candlelight, and a chilled glass of Champagne on arrival set the tone, before Chef Ryan Moore guides diners through a curated selection of his most iconic dishes. For those inclined to elevate the experience further, a French-inspired wine pairing, hand-selected by David Nash, completes the journey. Elegant, intimate, and impeccably timed, it’s a night that understands romance is as much about rhythm as it is flavour. Book here.

Esther

For something altogether different, Esther’s Baked With Love High Tea runs across four dates beginning Saturday 14 February. A collaboration with Baby Buck, the experience blends Esther’s Mediterranean sensibility with nostalgic patisserie, including a reimagined Baby Bruce cake layered with chocolate and pistachio ganache, a refreshed dessert trolley featuring rosewater and raspberry cupcakes, hazelnut choux buns, and pistachio cannoli bites, alongside elevated savouries such as chicken souvlaki and pea and ricotta pastizzi. One lucky diner at each sitting will leave with a vintage cake. $89 per person, or $109 with bottomless prosecco. Book here.

Duo

For one night only, Duo is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a decadent set menu that unapologetically leans into luxury. The Saturday 14th February experience brings together oysters, crayfish, caviar, wagyu, and an indulgent chocolate finale, all designed to be enjoyed alongside Duo’s standout wine offering. Intimate, refined, and resolutely indulgent, this is one for couples who like to celebrate properly. Book here.

kingi

Valentine’s Day at kingi is relaxed, elegant, and built for sharing. Guests begin with a glass of bubbles before a three-course menu unfolds featuring bright tuna crudo, Lumina lamb, and the freshest catch from local waters, all served to the table. For those wanting to elevate the start, a platter of Pacific oysters can be added. The evening finishes with a decadent dessert of chocolate and Otago cherries. $125 per person. Book here.

Fed Deli

For those celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day in a more relaxed fashion, Fed Deli keeps things comfort-forward with all-day brunch favourites and a special house-made tiramisu. Available from Friday 13 February from 11am and all day Saturday until sold out, the tiramisu is the perfect sweet finish to a casual, unfussy date. No bookings required.

Olle

At Olle, Valentine’s Day is an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. Running across two nights on the 13th and 14th of February, the experience centres on a thoughtfully composed set menu priced at $70 per person, with the option to add a $45 wine pairing. With seatings from 5pm, the evening is designed for sharing good food, enjoying generous hospitality, and settling in for a relaxed, intimate night out. Book here.

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These are the cultural highlights not to miss this February

3 Feb 2026

February is shaping up to be one of the most culturally charged months of the summer. From exhibitions and live performances to one-off happenings across Auckland, these are the events worth stepping out for, consider your cultural calendar sorted.

Sunrise Yoga

Where: Queens Wharf
When: Wednesday, 11 February, Wednesday, 18 February, Wednesday, 25 February, Wednesday, 4 March

Sunrise Yoga invites early risers to begin the day with intention, movement and uninterrupted harbour views. Held on Queens Wharf, these free sessions take place on Wednesdays 11, 18 and 25 February, and 4 March, from 7:00 am – 8:15am, as the sun rises over Te Waitematā. Open to all levels — from first-timers to seasoned yogis — simply bring a mat and ease into the morning. Tickets are free but essential, and with this being a popular fixture, early booking is strongly advised.

Lorde

Where: Spark Arena
When: 11th February 2026

It’s safe to say that whenever New Zealand’s prodigal daughter does anything — release an album, drop a new single, announce tour dates — we Kiwis are first in the door to support. Unsurprising, then, that fans were on the edge of their seats waiting for the announcement that Lorde was bringing her Ultrasound World Tour to the country. Kicking off at Spark Arena on 11th February, expect some of her most iconic tunes alongside songs from her recently released fourth studio album, Virgin.

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show

Where: SkyCity Theatre
When: 7th February 2026

Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show arrives at SkyCity Theatre for a single, spellbinding evening on 7 February 2025, with performances at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. This luminous reimagining of the beloved classic sees dancers glide across the stage in illuminated costumes, creating a shimmering interplay of movement, colour and light. Part ballet, part visual spectacle, it transforms a familiar fairytale into something altogether more immersive and contemporary — a theatrical experience designed to enchant audiences of all ages.

renda Nightingale, Running, 2024 acrylic on canvas 1900 x 2700 mm

Fugitives by Brenda Nightingale

Where: Sanderson
When: 4th February – 1st March

In Fugitives, Brenda Nightingale’s latest exhibition at Sanderson, the Ōtautahi Christchurch–based painter explores time as something felt rather than fixed. Through layered, reworked gestures and a recurring, half-seen canine form, the works move between abstraction and memory, presence and disappearance. Quiet and deeply considered, the exhibition invites viewers to pause — and notice time as it passes.

Danny Bhoy

Where: SkyCity Theatre
When: 9th — 10th February 2026

A follow-up to his sell-out 2015 show ‘Dear Epson…’ Danny Bhoy is bringing his new show ‘Dear World…’ to the SkyCity Theatre in February. A mixture of stand-up and theatre — a balance Bhoy deftly strikes thanks to his quick humour and stage presence — the show is a humorous commentary on the state of the world right now, centred around letters he has written to companies with complaints around their actions.

Auckland Pride Festival

Where: Auckland
When: 1st – 28th February 2026

February in Tāmaki Makaurau bursts with colour, connection and celebration with Auckland Pride Month, a city-wide tapestry of community, creativity and joy. From free activations at Proud Centres across the region to art, performance and expression that light up streets, galleries and stages, there’s something for every rainbow heart. Highlights include the vibrant Auckland Rainbow Parade down Ponsonby Road on 21st February, and a Pride Festival at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki on 28th February, packed with music, performance and colour. Embrace the spirit and join the celebrations.

Laneway Festival

Where: Western Springs Stadium
When: 5th February 2026

Laneway is always a leading light in Auckland’s cultural calendar, bringing some of the biggest names in music to the city for a late summer day. This year is no different, with a number of big international names featured, including Chappell Roan, The Dare, Pink Pantheress, Role Model, Wet Leg, Mt. Joy and Wolf Alice alongside leading local stars Benee, 9lives and Lontalius.

Auckland Sail GP

Where: Wynyard Point Race Stadium
When: 14th — 15th February 2026

A key event in Auckland’s annual sporting calendar, Sail GP has come a long way since its first race in 2019. Watch the boats live in action in Auckland, either from the race stadium in Wynyard Quarter or on board a vessel in the harbour, for a day that combines sun and sea with the adrenaline hit of high-speed racing. The record-setting stadium at Wynyard Point is set to be even bigger this year, with a 30% increase in capacity.

Auckland Shakespeare in the Park

Where: The PumpHouse Theatre, Auckland
When: 16th January — 14th February 2026

Taking place in the outdoor ampthitheare at The PumpHouse in Takapuna, Auckland’s Shakespeare in the Park has been bringing The Bard’s literary performances to Auckland for thirty years now. This year, two of the auteur’s most famed works, Romeo & Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing, will be brought to the stage by a dynamic local cast. Watching the drama fold out as the sun dips below Lake Pupuke is a true theatrical moment not to be missed.

Celebrate Lunar New Year

From mid-February, Auckland welcomes the Lunar New Year with a city-wide celebration rich in ritual, colour and contemporary flair. Mark the moment with a free lion dance performance at Britomart on 17 February, as Takutai Square comes alive in honour of the Year of the Horse. Feast your way through Lunar New Year Street Food Markets at SkyCity Auckland from 13–21 February, before the festivities culminate at the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival at Manukau Sports Bowl from 26 February to 1 March — four luminous nights of lanterns, live performances and celebration. Consider this your cue to eat well, linger longer, and welcome the year ahead in unmistakable Auckland style.

Pop to Present

Where: Auckland Art Gallery
When: 8th November 2025 — 15th March 2026

A must-see exhibition for all admirers of art featuring styles that have shaped American art since 1945. From Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism and Photorealism along with Pattern and Decoration artists, Pop to Present features a phenomenal back catalogue of American Art, on loan from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This unparalleled exhibition will feature 52 compelling works that have shaped American art and culture, offering and up-close and personal view of works by Andy Warhol, Benny Andrews, Rosalyn Drexler, Elaine de Kooning, Willem de Kooning, Helen Frankenthaler, Roy Lichtenstein, Mark Rothko, Kiki Smith, Clyfford Still, and Cy Twombly, among others.

An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi

Where: Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
When: 21st February 2026

Yotam Ottolenghi fundamentally changed the way we cook and eat around the world. Before Ottolenghi, spice cupboards in the western world were devoid of sumac and za’atar, fridges had never seen pomegrante molasses or harissa before. Then, in 2008, the ground shifted with his first cookbook, Ottolenghi, which started a culinary revolution — these days, if you eat an aubergine salad, a shakshuka, or something groundbreaking with a vegetable, you likely have Ottolenghi to thank. An Evening with Yotam Ottolenghi promises to be a delicious affair, combining live demonstrations, storytelling and conversations with the audience as Ottolenghi cooks some of his key dishes while sharing key tidbits from his storied career.

Prima Facie

Where: ASB Waterfront Theatre
When: 27th February 2026

Returning for one night only, Suzie Miller’s Olivier and Tony award-winning one-woman performance Prima Facie will come to the ABS Waterfront Theatre on 27th February. Cassandra Woodhouse is dazzling in the role of Tessa Ensler, an impressive criminal defense lawyer who comes face to face with the other side of her work after being sexually assaulted by a coworker. Interrogating patriarchal power and class dynamics, Prima Facie is a bold, powerful show.

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Heading away for the long weekend? Here’s what to press play on

3 Feb 2026

Whether you’re heading away or staying put, this long weekend calls for a considered listening edit. Billie Eilish’s Wildflower offers a soft, reflective moment, while Fred again.. and Young Thug’s Scared brings a sharper, late-afternoon energy. For something more conversational, After Work Drinks with Isabelle Truman and Grace O’Neill remains an easy favourite, blending culture, humour and group-chat insight. Cambon Podcasts with Chanel rounds things out with fashion-forward conversations and a distinctly Parisian polish. Press play and let the weekend unfold.

Songs

Wildflower
Billie Eilish

Bittersweet
Madison Beer

I Just Might
Bruno Mars

STAY HERE 4 LIFE
A$AP Rocky and Brent Faiyaz

Scared
Fred Again and Young Thug

Folded
Kehlani

ALBUMS

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bunny

Mayhem
Lady Gaga

PODCASTS

Articles of Interest with Avery Trufelman

Smart, stylish, and deeply curious, Articles of Interest investigates the stories woven into what we wear. From the history of tartan to the politics of knock-offs, radio producer Avery Trufelman unpacks fashion’s hidden narratives for industry insiders and casual listeners alike.

Cambon Podcasts with Chanel

Produced by Chanel, the Cambon Podcasts is a series of intimate audio documentaries and conversations on fashion, literature, cinema, dance, and more. Featuring artists and friends of the House, each episode reveals the artistry and savoir-faire at the heart of cultural creation.

How to Know What’s Real with The Atlantic

Hosted by Megan Garber and Andrea Valdez, How to Know What’s Real explores truth in the age of AI, deepfakes, and misinformation. Part of The Atlantic’s How To series, it examines how technology reshapes our sense of reality — and what authenticity means today.

After Work Drinks with Isabelle Truman & Grace O’Neill

Equal parts witty and insightful, After Work Drinks blends pop culture, fashion, and social commentary with sharp personal anecdotes. Journalists Isabelle Truman and Grace O’Neill offer a weekly conversation that feels like catching up with your smartest, funniest friends.

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Clean or Toxic? How everyday home and personal care products impact your health

3 Feb 2026

We spend so much time thinking about what we eat and how we move, yet few of us question the silent cocktail of chemicals we breathe, absorb and rinse into our skin every day. The irony is that the products we buy to keep our homes clean and our bodies fresh may be quietly undermining our health and the long-term wellbeing of our families.

From body wash to laundry liquid, most conventional personal and home care products contain synthetic compounds known as endocrine disruptors — chemicals that interfere with the body’s hormones. These include phthalates, found in artificial fragrances; parabens, used as preservatives; and triclosan, a common antibacterial agent. The problem? They don’t simply rinse away. They accumulate in our bodies, our children’s bodies and our environment.

Science links long-term exposure to these disruptors with a range of chronic health concerns: fertility issues, thyroid disorders, hormonal imbalances and increased risk of breast and prostate cancers. For developing children, the risks are even more concerning, with studies connecting early exposure to behavioural disorders, metabolic disruption and immune irregularities.

Yet these ingredients often hide behind vague terms like “fragrance” or “cleaning agents”, invisible to the casual consumer. Even packaging that appears to be recycled, organic, or “eco-friendly” can be misleading. This is greenwashing, where marketing takes precedence over integrity, and it’s everywhere.

That’s why Ecostore has become such a prominent name in modern wellness. Founded in New Zealand over 30 years ago, the brand has consistently rejected shortcuts in favour of science, transparency, and ethics. Long before sustainability became a selling point, Ecostore was formulating products that avoided known irritants and toxins, using only plant- and mineral-based ingredients proven to be effective.

Their philosophy is rooted in rigorous research. Every formula is developed and tested in collaboration with environmental scientists and chemists to ensure safety and efficacy, and all ingredients are disclosed publicly. They exclude more than 20 classes of synthetic compounds, from parabens and SLS to optical brighteners, and replace them with naturally derived alternatives that clean effectively without harming people or planet.

Extra Gentle Jasmine & Harakeke Dish Liquid from Ecostore

Ecostore’s innovations extend beyond what’s inside the bottle. Their carbon-neutral production, sugar-based packaging and long-term commitment to circular design have made them one of the most awarded and respected ethical companies in the world. However, what matters most is the impact this has on the people at home. A low-toxin environment supports better hormonal balance, steadier energy, stronger immunity, and improved skin health —all major factors that determine how well we age.

It’s easy to underestimate the significance of this. Our skin absorbs up to 60 per cent of what we put on it, and the air inside our homes is often more polluted than the air outside, largely due to cleaning and fragrance products. By switching to safer alternatives, you reduce your body’s toxic load, protect your family from unnecessary exposure and support the systems that keep you well
for longer.

Ultra Sensitive Multi-purpose Cleaner from Ecostore

Fresh Linen Laundry Capsules Pouch from ecostore

This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about making informed, intentional choices and implementing small, consistent changes that compound into long-term well-being. Choosing ethical products like Ecostore isn’t just about the planet; it’s about your personal longevity, the health of your hormones, your organs, your skin, and your children’s future.

Because the truth is simple, a healthy life starts in a healthy home. And sometimes, longevity begins not in a clinic or a supplement, but in the quiet decision to read the label and make more informed choices for you and your family.

ecostore.com

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The outdoor dining furniture that makes summer entertaining linger longer

3 Feb 2026

With the sunshine upon us, now is the time to extend the season by elevating your outdoor dining area. Treat terraces and patios with the same care and style as indoor spaces, think grand tables complemented by comfortable chairs. Ready to elevate your al fresco experience? Shop the edit and bring this season’s most stylish outdoor dining looks to your home.

Tom Dixon Groove armchair, Groove side chair, Groove obround table, Groove stool and Melt large portable light from ECC

Expormim Obi dining armchair. Brand available at ECC.

Curve outdoor concrete triad dining table from Design Warehouse

Kett Forrest Elliptical dining table from Dawson & Co.

Piet Boon Kekke outdoor dining chair from ECC

Flexform Kim outdoor armchair from Studio Italia

Monte Carlo round teak dining table from Design Warehouse

Alinea Angelo M dining table from Studio Italia

Poliform Magnolia chair from Studio Italia

Kettal Mesh outdoor dining table from studio Italia

Tribù Lucca dining table and armchair from Dawson & Co.

Molteni&C Arc Outdoor Dining Table from Dawson & Co.

Minotti Yoko Cord Outdoor dining Little Armchair from ECC

Kettal Giro folding dining chairs from Studio Italia

Paola Lenti Sciara Dining Table from ECC

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Time, Presence, and the Fugitive Mark: Brenda Nightingale at Sanderson

2 Feb 2026

Time is never neutral in the work of Brenda Nightingale. It presses, lingers, escapes. In Fugitives, her latest exhibition at Sanderson, the Ōtautahi Christchurch–based painter turns abstraction into a meditation on presence, and its inevitable disappearance.

Brenda Nightingale, Running, 2024 acrylic on canvas 1900 x 2700 mm

Nightingale’s practice is deeply rooted in place and repetition. A graduate of the University of Canterbury School of Fine Arts, with both a Bachelor’s and Master of Fine Arts, she has spent decades teaching and shaping emerging artists across Aotearoa, most recently as Head of Department at Hagley College. That discipline, of looking, returning, reworking, underpins the intensity of these new large-scale canvases.

Brenda Nightingale, In the Kitchen, 2024
acrylic on canvas, 850 x 600 mm

Brenda Nightingale, Variegated Form, 2024 acrylic on canvas, 1000 x 1200 mm

Fugitives draws conceptual strength from the writing of New Zealand poet Ursula Bethell, whose reflections on time and presence were shaped by solitary hours gardening on the Cashmere Hills. More than 70 years later, in the same landscape, Nightingale responds not with words but with gesture. Paint is layered urgently, worked and reworked, carrying what she describes as “the burden of time’s omnipresence”.

Across the exhibition, a dog appears and disappears, half-seen, half-remembered. Is it a memory, a premonition, or simply a trace left behind? Through Nightingale’s push and pull between figuration and abstraction, the animal becomes a fugitive marker of movement, anchoring the work in lived experience while refusing narrative certainty. It is a reminder that time cannot be held, only briefly noticed.

Brenda Nightingale, Barking, 2024 acrylic on canvas 600 × 850 mm

Nightingale’s work sits in major public and private collections, including Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū and The Fletcher Trust Collection. She is also known for her artist’s books, including Christchurch Hills 2010–2012, produced in the aftermath of the city’s earthquakes. Today, she lives, paints, and gardens in Diamond Harbour, continuing a practice grounded in observation, labour, and quiet perseverance.

Fugitives is not a loud exhibition. It is patient, restorative, and deeply felt, asking viewers to consider not just what they see, but when they are seeing it.

Exhibition opening:
Wednesday, 4th February, 5.30 – 7 pm

sanderson.co.nz

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Kelmarna Farm Dinners are back this February, with a full rota of unmissable dining experiences

30 Jan 2026

This February, Kelmarna Farm Dinners return for 2026, bringing a tightly curated series of four summer evenings of outdoor dining to one of Auckland’s most treasured green spaces. For those unfamiliar with the destination, Kelmarna Organic Gardens were established in 1981 and have long served as a working model of sustainability in an urban setting.

Across four nights, some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most thoughtful chefs will create produce-led, multi-course menus inspired by what is growing in the gardens at peak summer. Guests will dine communally, al fresco, surrounded by the beds, trees and flowers that supply the kitchen — turning food miles into food metres, and anchoring each meal firmly in place.

The 2026 series opens with Elie Assaf of Lebanese Grocer, whose generous mezze-style menu draws on family recipes and the vibrant flavours of his Lebanese heritage. Kane Wilson of Someplace Somewhere follows with a fire-led, fermentation-driven menu shaped by both farmed and foraged produce, and informed by modern Japanese influences. Joe O’Connell, executive chef of Newmarket favourite MAMA, brings a family-style Italian feast celebrating Kelmarna’s summer harvest through bold, comforting flavours and a low-waste philosophy. Closing the series, Georgia van Prehn presents a fully vegetarian, grazing-style dinner — a playful, Mediterranean-inspired expression of peak produce that reflects her long-standing commitment to seasonal, minimal-waste cooking.

Proceeds from the series directly support Kelmarna’s community-focused educational and therapeutic initiatives, with 50% of Farm Dinner profits returning to the charitable trust.

Kelmarna Farm Dinners 2026 will run across four nights in February on the following dates:
Wednesday 11 February: Elie Assaf, Lebanese Grocer (6–9pm, shared mezze-style menu)
Friday 13 February: Kane Wilson, Someplace Somewhere (6–9pm, four-courses)
Wednesday 18 February: Joe O’Connell, MAMA (6–9pm, four-course Italian feast)
Friday 20 February: Georgia van Prehn (6–9pm, three-course vegetarian grazing menu)

A quietly powerful reminder that some of the city’s most memorable meals still begin in the soil.

kelmarna.co.nz

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant

Gastronomy

This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away

Gastronomy

The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you

Show your significant other some love with our definitive Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

29 Jan 2026

Forgo the usual roses and chocolates this Valentine’s Day in favour of a token of love that shows your other half you know them best. From non-conventional jewellery for her to thoughtful homewares for him (and plenty to inspire self-gifting, too), here, we present our definitive Valentine’s Day gift guide.

Gifts For

Her

Heart Organic Cotton Socks from Papinelle

Saint Laurent SL 832 001 Black sunglasses from Sunglass Bar

Red ‘Drop’ Napkin Set from Fourth Street

Valentine’s Day bouquet from La Femme Fleur

Astier de Villatte
Heart Ring Cup from Tessuti

Vintage Alhambra bracelet rose gold from Van Cleef & Arpels

Smooth, Repair, and Firm Retinol Gift Set from Elizabeth Arden

Jessica McCormac Signature 0.50ct Ruby Heart Shaped Gypsets from Simon James

Saint Laurent Amalia crêpe satin pump from MyTheresa

Throwing Doubles
Playing Card Set from Moda Operandi

Serpenti Cuoricino Mini top handle bag from Bvlgari

Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask from Mecca

Christofle Premiere edition scented candle from Studio of Tableware

2 Bordeaux Wine Glasses from Maison Balzac

Service or Amount Gift Voucher from Clinic 42

Judith Leiber Couture
Miniature Got a Light? Crystal Clutch from Moda Operandi

Dyson Supersonic Nural Intelligent Hair Dryer from Mecca

Hearts-a-flutter
Diamond ring from Sutcliffe

Tiffany Lock Earrings from Tiffany & Co.

Valentine’s Day Collection – Box of 6 from J’Aime

Enchanted Masquerade perfume from Floral Street

Pink Mother-of-pearl hardware watch from Tiffany & Co

Kiki de Montparnase camisole from Farfetch

Moët & Chandon Rose 2015 from the Wine Room

La Panthère Eau de Toilette from Cartier

Sacred Heart large velvet jewellery box from Net-A-Porter

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette from Mecca

Roberto Coin Yellow Gold Princess Flower Stud Earrings from Partridge

Amore Hand-Blown Murano Glass Portable Table Light from Green Wolf Lighting

Allegra Baciami Eau de Parfum from BVLGARI

Moda Domus
Trompe l’Oeil Ceramic Heart Dish from Moda Operandi

Perlée secret pendant watch from Van Cleef & Arpels

NOUR HAMMOUR Leather gloves from Net-a-porter

Mario Testino. I Love You. A celebration of weddings book from Taschen

Gifts For

Him

Playing Cards with Jessalyn Brooks from Fourth Street

The Old Fashioned Ice Sphere Gift Box from Bariletto

Full Body Red Light Mat from Higher Dose

Octagon Cut Millenia Cufflinks From Swarovski

Burgundy Calfskin 6-credit Card Wallet from Cartier

Fope Vendôme Men’s Flex’it Bracelet from Partridge

Au Départ argyle cigar case from Farfetch

Missoni zigzag-print bathrobe from Farfetch

Christofle Concorde Variations Gold Case from Studio of Tableware

T1 Narrow Hinged Bangle from Tiffany & Co.

Ace High-Top Golf Sneaker from J.Lindeberg

Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine from Ninja

A Man & His Kitchen cookbook from The Nile

Assouline Rolex collection book from Ligne Roset

Ralph Lauren Brennan Clock from Trenzseater

Intrecciato Soft Briefcase from Bottega Veneta

Reversible belt with rectangular buckle from Gucci

KYOSHO COLLECTION aviator sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage

Brunello Cucinelli Watch Roll from Mr Porter

Ami De Cœur virgin wool cardigan from Mytheresa

Stoneware Set of 2 Heart Mugs with Saucers from Le Creuset

Victorinox Huntsman X Drake Street pocket knife from Superette

Christofle Graphik Silver Cocktail Shaker from Studio of tableware

Coveted

Nineties minimalist fashion will forever be my fashion Love Story

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Recalibration over reinvention, Gucci’s Giglio and Borsetto refine the house codes

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Men’s loafers: The modern shoe redefining everyday style

Sfera is Northcote’s new modern Italian

29 Jan 2026

There’s a certain clarity that comes through when a restaurant is built by people who already share camaraderie, who aren’t trying to overcomplicate the brief. Sfera, the new Italian bistro now open at Northcote Point, is exactly that: a friends-and-whānau-led project grounded in community, consistency and food that’s meant to be enjoyed often, not over-analysed.

Sfera is the collaboration of childhood friends Matt Ross and Jack Reinsfield, alongside Jack’s mother, Loraine Reinsfield, who previously ran the much-loved Clarence Road Eatery for three years. What began as a conversation about refreshing that space evolved into something more ambitious but still deeply familiar. A long-held dream of opening an Italian restaurant that felt welcoming, reliable and rooted in its neighbourhood.

left to right: Matt Ross, Loraine Reinsfield, Jack Reinsfield, Camille

Jack leads the business as general manager, bringing recent experience from London back home to the family venture. Matt Ross, following the sale of Candela in 2025, takes charge of the kitchen and food direction, joined by Jack’s partner Camille, a recent Le Cordon Bleu graduate. Earlier this year, the core team travelled through Italy on an extended research and development trip, not chasing trends, but absorbing everyday dining culture and letting it quietly inform what Sfera would become.

left: Casarecce Pizza with pork and fennel ragout and fresh chilli. Right: Black tiger prawns with fennel butter and lemon

The menu is intentionally straightforward. Food is brought back to basics, with a focus on seafood, modern Italian sharing plates and fresh handmade pasta, each shape crafted daily from recipes designed for long lunches and generous tables. Pizza is a cornerstone, cooked in a Valoriani wood-fired oven shipped from Florence, striking a balance between Neapolitan softness and Roman structure. With dedicated pizza chef Vinnie producing more than 80 pizzas a day, care and consistency sit at the heart of the offering. Familiar favourites from Candela make a return, reimagined with a lighter, more refined touch.

Left: peach spritz and Limoncello spritz. Right: Te Kouma oysters with orange mignonette

The drinks programme mirrors the same philosophy. Italian-leaning wines inspired by regions such as Umbria and Puglia sit alongside standout New Zealand selections, supported by a short list of classic cocktails done well: limoncello spritz, peach spritz, or a perfectly chilled martini. Nothing fussy. Nothing forced.

The space itself is open, bright, and relaxed, with the pizza oven at the heart of the room. Located on a corner site with sea views and next to the Bridgeway Cinema, Sfera is designed to function as a true neighbourhood staple. Somewhere to bring kids, dogs, friends, family, or simply grab a takeaway pizza on the way home from the beach.

At its core, Sfera is about familiarity and ease. A place people can rely on, return to, and feel part of.

Opening hours:
Wednesday – Sunday
Breakfast 8am – 11.30am
Lunch & Dinner 11.30am – Late

sfera.co.nz

Sfera

124 Queen St
Northcote Point
Auckland

Gastronomy

Michelin-starred chef Matt Lambert opens his new Ponsonby restaurant

Gastronomy

This long weekend, Ki Māha makes the case that the best holiday is 35 minutes away

Gastronomy

The votes are in: These are the finest buns in town, as decided by you

Andiamo’s Sunday Service is taking care of the back-to-work blues

29 Jan 2026

With our weekly routines returning and the sun finally showing signs of summer, make the most of your weekends by heading to Andiamo for ‘Sunday Service’. Reviving their popular end-of-the-weekend gig, Andiamo presents a very good reason to gather a group for several hours of relaxed revelry, with drink offers, including selected beers and wine for only $10, a regular rotation of DJs each week, and the delicious dining the eatery has long been known for.

Say goodbye to the Monday blues and stretch the weekend to its social limits by having a drink or two, enjoying the tunes — each week brings a new DJ to soundtrack your sunset session with LV this Sunday, followed by Massimo and KTA in the following weeks. As the team at Andiamo suggest, “Light a candle, rally the crew, and say a little prayer… that your Mondays start late.”

Book your spot and join the congregation here.

andiamoeatery.co.nz

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