Woven into the DNA of Denizen, is a desire to celebrate the success of New Zealanders who have not only dared to dream big but have pursued those dreams with dedication, passion and persistence. People who have sought out their own ideas of ‘happy ever after’ with fearlessness and fortitude. Hannah O’Neill is one such person. The cover star of our Spring Issue is a ballerina of international acclaim, and has been quietly working her way up the ranks of the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet, recently achieving étoile status — the top of the top of the ballet world writ large.
O’neill’s inspiring cover story sets the tone for our Spring Issue, a magazine filled with interesting people across gastronomy, design, fashion and culture. From our interview with renowned chef, Michael Meredith (who unveils the concept of his new restaurant venture), to a deep dive into the life and career of esteemed author Witi Ihimaera, to an exclusive talk with facialist to-the-stars, Melanie Grant, there is a litany of inspiring individuals in this issue, promising to carry you into spring with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future.
Our fashion and design pages are filled with everything to keep your wardrobes and homes looking sleek and stylish for the season ahead. While our culture section delivers a comprehensive line up of everything to read, watch and listen to over the coming months.
If it’s escapism you seek, look no further than our Navigator pages, this issue is dedicated to the very best of Paris. If you’re one of the lucky ones heading to the City of Light in the next few months, you’re going to want to consult our guidebook on where to stay, where to eat, drink and be merry, and the best places to get your cultural fix.
And if, while you are perusing our pages, you see something you particularly like, keep an eye out for our dedicated QR codes, positioned in the corner of almost every page. By simply scanning the code with your phone camera and clicking on the link, you will be taken directly to our curated edit of shoppable pieces and stories from the magazine.
Out now, our inspiring Spring Issue is available at all good newsagents and supermarkets.
Spring might be around the corner but it certainly isn’t here yet, meaning that we still have plenty of use for our winter fashions, and can find any excuse to add another pair of boots or a jacket or two to our wardrobes.
Here, we round up a range of sleek and practical men’s and womenswear jackets to buy now, from lighter, layering pieces perfect for warmer weather, to heavier styles, ideal for keeping us cosy on particularly inclement days.
Shop our curated edit of jackets to buy now below.
Tiffany & Co. has unveiled Blue Book 2023: Out of the Blue, a remarkable high jewellery collection celebrating the enchanting marine creations that fascinated designer Jean Schlumberger. Designed by Nathalie Verdeille (Tiffany’s Chief Artistic Officer of Jewellery and High Jewellery) in a way that honours Schlumberger’s indelible legacy, these extraordinary pieces reinvent iconic sea-inspired motifs with stunning geometric forms and sparkling precious stones.
Brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold with sapphires, tanzanites, moonstones and diamonds
Necklace in platinum with a black opal and diamonds. transformable design
Partially set casting of the Jellyfish brooch and loose moonstones alongside the gouache rendering.
Brooch in platinum and 18k yellow gold with unenhanced padparadscha sapphires, rubellites and diamonds
Bracelet in platinum with a black opal and diamonds
An artisan compares the wax model of the transformable Shell necklace to the gouache rendering.
Ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold with a Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond and white diamonds.
Necklace in platinum and 18k yellow gold with tanzanites and diamonds.
From new womenswear collections to trending styles for men, to a raft of handbags, accessories, shoes, sunglasses, exquisite jewellery and highly-collectable watches, the Coveted pages of our Spring Issue are full of everything to keep you feeling ahead of the style game this season. Here, we have rounded up all our hero pieces from the pages of our latest magazine in one, easy-to-shop edit, so that you can have the latest fashion at your fingertips, just in time for spring.
From the pages of our Spring Issue straight to your screens, our curated edit of the very best pieces of design are now at your fingertips. Featuring showstopping occasional chairs, lounge-worthy sofas, sleek bathware, refined lighting, essential outdoor additions (which should be ordered now in the lead-up to summer) and other covetable furnishings, this shoppable edit allows you to explore all the hero design pieces from our recently unveiled Spring Issue.
If you’ve been flicking through the glossy Wellbeing pages of our newly-released Spring Issue, we have rounded up all the products that might have caught your eye and included them in our curated, shopping edit below. From life-changing face oils to haircare that will give you long, luscious locks, to a concise line-up of makeup for a glowing visage, these are the hero wellness products from our Spring Issue.
As spring edges nearer and the sun emerges from behind the clouds, we are increasingly drawn to the waterfront, or more specifically, to one of our favourite Viaduct Harbour venues, Bivacco. Not only does Bivacco occupy the best corner site in the whole area, but it also offers the kinds of food and drinks that make after-work libations a very appealing prospect. And now, its clever culinary team are introducing a delicious new bite-and-beverage combo that is giving us even more of an excuse to knock off early and pull up a chair by the bar. Introducing Bivacco’s Mini Lobster Rolls and Tini Martinis.
Mini Lobster Rolls with Hendrick’s Gin Original Dry Martini
Created as a satiating (but not too heavy) snack, Bivacco’s Mini Lobster Rolls and Tini Martinis make for the perfect marriage — the rich, buttery flavours of the lobster offset by the crisp, botanical notes of the Hendrick’s Gin that makes up the base of the martinis. For the former, diners can expect small, pillowy-soft (and generously-buttered) buns, filled with chopped lobster meat, New England mayonnaise and an array of herbs and spices. While for the latter, guests are able to choose from three Tini Matini options, each offering a different expression of Hendrick’s Gin: Original, Neptunia and Lunar.
Left to Right: Hendrick’s Gin Original Dry Martini, Lunar Martini & Neptunia Martini
While the Original Dry Martini just sees the classic pairing of Hendrick’s Gin with Extra Dry Vermouth and Cournichon, the Neptunia Martini offers something distinctly different, where Hendrick’s Neptunia Gin (with its coastal flavours and seaside expression) is paired with prosecco, passionfruit and kaffir leaf. The Lunar Martini is another take still, where Hendrick’s Lunar Gin (a smooth and alluring drop boasting floral essences and notes of warm, heady spice) is combined with rhubarb, Martini Bianco and fennel frond.
Lobster Rolls & Hendrick’s Neptunia Martini
Able to be ordered at Bivacco’s bar as a pairing for $20 (or individually at $15 for the Lobster Roll and $10 for the Tini Martini) this new Mini Lobster Roll and Tini Martini combo promises to hit the spot every time, whether you’re just starting your evening, catching up with friends for a drink, or seeking a simple but delicious, after-work bite.
Yes, the weather might be grim out there, but there’s nothing like some beautiful new boots to put a bit of pep in your step. Designed to elevate any winter outfit, these chic and versatile styles will see you through the remainder of the season, promising to be as practical against wintry days as they are beautiful when layered with your favourite suit-pants, dresses, skirts and more. Without further ado, these are the boots to buy now.
While typically, flowers are favoured for special occasions, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and for cheering someone up who might be having a bad day, they are also just beautiful to have around the house — the best way to bring life to a space (particularly while the weather remains decidedly wintry). So, in the name of encouraging you to get out and pick up some fresh flowers for no other reason than to simply infuse your home with some fresh colour, we have rounded up the best florists in Auckland — you’re welcome.
Inspired by her passion for connecting with people and with nature, Hannah Low started Grace and Flora in 2017, and then, in 2021, moved her operation to the exquisite Faradays luxury department store. There, visitors will find Low’s exceptional arrangements at the entrance of the shop, filling the space with an air of colourful optimism. After all, Low’s bouquets are beloved for their big, bold presence and their sculptural shapes, and are perfectly suited to sit alongside the latest collections from the likes of Loewe, Celine and more.
Founded by Kelly Karam, who has been in the floristry business for over 20 years, Blush has become a household name for those in search of a luxurious bouquet or arrangement. The company imparts floral finesse to countless weddings and events, while also brightening up everyday occasions for customers from its retail store in Commercial Bay.
Inspired by the flower artisans of Paris’ Montmartre, Florist Millie Austin started La Femme Fleur nearly 10 years ago with a flower truck in Cox’s Bay. Now based in Remuera’s Bloodworth Park, Austin is continuing to build on her already-prolific reputation as a master of her art, creating eye-popping bouquets that play with exquisite colour combinations and high-quality blooms, always sourced fresh from growers and wrapped in La Femme Fleur’s decidedly chic (and unassuming) brown paper.
Helmed by Isabel Johnston and Lydia Reusser, Isadia is a floristry studio that creates arrangements that feel more akin to art than the typical bouquet. Known for their intuitive and naturalistic floral creations, this duo has built a name for the unique ways in which they fashion locally-sourced, seasonal flowers into unstructured but elegant ensembles. If you’re looking for something slightly out of the ordinary but utterly breathtaking, look no further.
Known for their unconventional approach, the team at The Botanist is well versed in creating floral arrangements that are perfectly balanced between wild and polished. From corporate to weddings and individual clients, there is no occasion that doesn’t benefit from The Botanist’s impressive and unique aesthetic.
Established in 1990, Flowers After Hours draws inspiration from the worlds of fashion and design to inform its stunning floral creations. From their colourful Parnell store, this team of talented florists lend their hands to an array of blooming beauties with the same degree of utmost passion every time.
As renowned for its striking wedding and event installations as it is for the more simple bouquets it creates out of its Ponsonby Central studio, Rose Tinted Flowers has long been a fixture on the Auckland florist scene. There, the team creates whimsical, sometimes surprising combinations that never fail to delight with their perfectly put-together palettes and eye-catching ensembles.
Kingsland-based Kensal Flower Studio was initially started out of the home of owner Liv Wakem, who, after demand quickly grew for her beautiful bouquets, opened her own studio space on the Kingsland high street (and has never looked back). There is a lovely femininity to Liv’s blooms and the careful way she assembles each bouquet, characterised by bright, uplifting colours and a kind of organised chaos that really draws the eye.
After setting up her own, dream operation in 2018, Georgie Malyon has made a name for herself as a florist with a particularly artistic and sculptural eye. Greenpoint’s bouquets stand out for their meticulous and moody arrangements, where bold colours and unique blooms are brought together in showstopping harmony.
Started by Brook Thompson, Brooklyn Flowers is one florist we know we can rely on if in need of a last-minute bouquet. Offering same-day and ‘urgent’ delivery options, this Ponsonby mainstay will endeavour to whip together a beautiful bouquet, even if you’ve left it to the very last minute (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot). Offering the kinds of flowers that really will brighten up someone’s day, Brooklyn has become a go-to of ours for a reason.
Specialising in flowers for corporate events and functions, although also known to deliver some seriously impressive bouquets too, when called on to do so, Flowers of Franklin is easily one of the best florists in Auckland and is highly sought-after for its creations that err on the side of subtle sophistication.
Creating whimsical and unique floral arrangements, Anna Dobson started Where Rosemary Grows after a life-long love for floristry. Now, she actually grows most of her own flowers in her small Auckland cutting garden and only sources when she has to from a select few local growers. Her beautiful blooms are grown without chemical sprays and only with natural fertilisers, and her aesthetic reflects the naturalism of her process — perfectly romantic for the day of love.
This florist has been a Parnell institution for well over 70 years. In fact, it is believed to be the oldest existing florist business in Auckland (and possibly, New Zealand). Having honed their craft over such a long and storied history, the tea, Cartier for Flowers certainly knows what they’re doing, whether it’s for a small, personal bouquet or a more significant event installation or wedding.
Offering a range of stunning, individually-created bouquets tailored to exactly what you might need, Vida Flores, helmed by Davina Prankerd, should be on everyone’s list of go-to florists. Its arrangements offer a slightly modern twist on traditional bouquets, with vibrant flowers that promise to brighten up anyone’s day.
Another name that specialises in wedding and event blooms (but shouldn’t be passed up for an individual bouquet, either) Floracentric is a contemporary floristry studio offering arrangements that are sleek and sophisticated while also feeling decidedly modern and grounded in the now, each artistically put together in what feels like a careful and purposeful way.
Known for her bouquets that are wild, and romantic and that truly showcase the beauty of each, individual flower, Nina Powierza has been working in this industry for over 30 years — and her expertise shows. Nina for Flowers is one of Auckland’s most beloved florists for its blooms that promise to turn heads and brighten any room.
Over the last year, there has been a raft of utterly indulgent (and highly popular) burger pop-ups that have taken Auckland’s dining scene by storm. Characterised by their nature of only being on for a good time, not a long one (and drawing frenzied crowds as a result) there’s a new burger offering in town that is taking a more permanent approach (thank goodness). Benny The Jet is the latest concept out of the kitchen of the ever-popular Williams Eatery, set to kick off tonight and run every Friday for the foreseeable future.
Benny The Jet was conceived as a no-fuss, burger pop-up, with Williams’ Founder Charles Williams telling me, the intention was simply to make really, really good burgers, “the best burger we possibly can,” he says. “With that in mind, only one burger [a cheeseburger] is on the menu.” Here, the burgers feature succulent, beef-brisket patties, layers of gooey, melty cheese and a few obligatory pickles. (Vegetarians needn’t worry, you will have the option of replacing the brisket patty with an Impossible one.)
The Cheeseburger
It’s not just a one-off, either. Williams explains that burger night will take place every Friday for the foreseeable future, accompanied by art exhibitions and live jazz — the latter inspired by the torch the owners still hold for places like Golden Dawn. Auckland jazz maestros Joe Kaptein and Finn Scholes will regularly appear, with plenty more to join as the days get longer and we roll into summer.
With Benny The Jet, they’ve also seized the opportunity to work with their longtime friend Petra Leary to produce an exhibition of her most recent coveted drone photography works around the store, all of which will be available for purchase and on display for the foreseeable future.
And if you’re not after a burger (you’re probably in the wrong place), Williams tells me that a couple of extra sides include ‘bougie’ chicken nuggets and plenty of desserts to go around too. His advice is to come hungry. Basically, it’s burgers, art and jazz from 4pm every Friday — sounds like knock-off plans are sorted.
For more exclusive access to what the city has to offer, engaging content, excellent imagery and thought provoking commentary on the life that surrounds you, subscribe to Denizen magazine now.
