The final week of school holidays can mean scrambling by parents desperately trying to keep boredom at bay. Because once you’ve exhausted the museum and art gallery trips, excursions to parks, playdates with friends and visits to local cafes for fluffies and treats, a sense of fatigue can set in, something that can only be remedied by a place that caters to the whole family (parents included).
Enter Live Wire’s new Birkenhead Super Park. Opening as New Zealand’s largest entertainment centre, this thrilling spot in Highbury Mall offers a foam pit, rock climbing, a trampoline park, an inflatable world, endless arcade games, luxury curling and bowling alleys and glow-in-the-dark lazer tag, instantly making it the ultimate destination for kids with energy to burn.
But that isn’t all that it offers. Local hospitality veterans, The Fraser Brothers, have come on board to create a comprehensive food and drink offering across three, in-house venues that provide a range of delicious options for parents who just want to put their feet up.
From Three Brothers, a lunch and dinner spot with a menu boasting classic burgers, fried chicken, pizza and tasty sides (officially open from midday tomorrow), to Ollie’s Parlour, a bar serving beers, GH Mumm Champagne, cocktails and mocktails, to George’s Gelato, the perfect dessert drop-in, there truly is something for everyone.
To celebrate the opening of this epic new entertainment destination, we are giving away an experience for six people worth $600. Including an all-access pass as well as lunch (or dinner) with drinks for adults and kids at Three Brothers, this giveaway is the perfect opportunity to sample everything that Live Wire’s new Birkenhead spot has to offer.
To enter the competition, head to our Instagram. T&Cs apply. This giveaway is now closed.
When it comes to everyday dressing, particularly at this time of year, a collection of elevated basics is essential for making every outfit look effortless. Now, as we all examine our shopping habits in a bid to buy things that will last more than one season, there’s never been a better time to focus on wardrobe foundations — layering pieces that will stand you in good sartorial stead.
No matter what your individual style is, a pair of classic denim jeans, some simple knitwear or a utilitarian jacket will take the hassle out of everyday dressing and give your looks a slick edge. Want to build a truly timeless wardrobe? These are the essential pieces you need.
From the left: Crazy mix leather denim blousonfrom Louis Vuitton, Military Jacket from Workshop, Wool trousers from Gucci.
From the left: New Stretch denim jeans from Prada, Kurow cable turtleneck sweater from Bonz, Suede Harrington Jacket from Burberry, Suede jacket and chino pants from Dadelszen.
Honestly, there is never a better time to head to the movies than winter. It’s a chance to shake obligations to laborious occasions in favour of cosy nights spent with a bucket of popcorn, losing yourself in the comfort and novelty of it all. In anticipation of the New Zealand International Film Festival arriving in Auckland later this month, we’ve been getting ourselves all kinds of excited for the movies — and we think you should too.
This year, the impressive programme returns to the big screen for the first time since pre-pandemic, and the 74–title strong line-up definitely makes up for lost time. Living up to its reputation as the country’s premiere film festival, it brings titles direct from Cannes, Sundance and other major festivals, allowing New Zealand audiences access to some of the most talk-about films in the world right now.
While we would truly love to go to every film, we recognise that it’s not feasible for most, so we’ve taken the time to go through the progremme and present the titles of 2022 that we think simply cannot be missed.
Aftersunby Charlotte Wells Should you find yourself with a sense of déjà vu, it is likely because of Normal People’s Paul Mezcal’s inimitable talents gracing your screen once more. Aftersun is an evocative 90s story that explores the notions of nostalgia and tenderness. Dancing on the relationship between father and daughter, the emotional narrative depicts the reality of post-divorce parenting for many. Through a collation of flashbacks, home videos and memories, it shows how important moments in our lives play out to the inevitable end.
Closeby Lukas Dhont After coming home with the Cannes 2022 Grand Prix award (shared with Stars at Noon), the Lukas Dhont memoir-inspired film is a firm frontrunner in our eyes. Deeply reminiscent of the friendships of yesteryear, the director considers the fragility of teenage bonds and how they may translate to the outside world. Close is the result of honest direction and spectacular performance, in a film that reaches out to lonely hearts.
Gloriavaleby Fergus Grady & Noel Smyth One of our country’s greatest fascinations is that of Gloriavale. Just how this ‘community’ came to such prominence on the outskirts of the West Coast and its role in our collective understanding of cults and Christianity poses more questions than answers. Yet in this documentary, premiering at this year’s NZIFF, Gloriavale gets the close-up that it desperately needs, thanks to the determined vision of Noel Smyth and Fergus Grady, who follow a surviving family as they re-pave their way into South Island society.
Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, a Journey, a Songby Dan Geller & Dayna Goldfine Perhaps the most iconic tale of rejection is Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’; a song initially rejected from an album that, against all odds, became one of the most famous songs in the world. That ‘Hallelujah’ was inextricably linked with the story of Cohen’s life is explored in this film that dives into the artist’s legacy in a beautiful, compelling and emotional piece of work.
A House Made Of Splintersby Simon Lereng Wilmont A confronting reality for Ukrainians, yet one we feel somewhat removed from in our safe corner of the world, Simon Lereng Wilmont’s Sundance award-winning documentary is an intimate and gut-wrenching observation of children housed in a refuge. Filmed in pre-war Ukraine, what we now know about the tragedy consuming this part of the world makes the tale all the more confronting, but all the more essential.
Stars At Noonby Claire Denis In perhaps the most realistic interpretation of Pretty Woman, the second winner of Cannes’ Grand Prix has been described as a ‘slow-motion erotic thriller’. The film features the rising talents of Margaret Qualley and Conversations With Friends’ Joe Alwyn, where Qualley’s Trish, a journalist moonlighting as a sex worker stranded in Nicaragua, provides one of the most addictive and confronting performances we’ve been promised in some time.
New Zealand International Film Festival’s Auckland dates run from Thursday the 28th of July until Sunday the 7th of August. More locations throughout the country, dates and the full programme can be found online.
It might surprise you to hear that there is no universal standard when it comes to the right shade of white to use in your home. In fact, it takes a trained eye and a honed sensibility to execute white walls and finishes that don’t make a space feel cold or uninviting. Here, the experts at Shelley Ferguson Studio have used a light neutral palette of Resene Blanc on the walls, ceilings and fixtures of this home, transforming it into a sophisticated sanctuary for its busy owners, and creating a warm, textural quality in the process.
Wanting to avoid bright white tones, the designers utilised different strengths of Resene Blanc to imbue softness instead and showcase the home’s special materiality. Rockcote plaster in Resene Blanc was used to achieve a cohesive look and built-in lacquered cabinetry was treated to coats of Resene Half Blanc, while Resene Blanc was also used on the dining area bar to match the room’s moodier vibe.
Elsewhere, Resene Quarter Blanc was used on the ceilings, walls and trims to minimise the number of hard lines throughout the home and achieve a seamless finish. The same neutral tone was also used on all the doors and frames, with finishes altered for practicality. (Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen on the walls, Resene SpaceCote Flat on the ceilings and easy-to-clean Resene Lustacryl semi-gloss on the architraves, doors and window frames).
Even the bathrooms were made to tie in tonally with the living spaces, where Resene Kitchen & Bathroom paint in Resene Quarter Blanc ensured a consistent aesthetic.
A masterclass in how neutrals can be deployed in different ways, Shelley Ferguson Studio’s clever use of this versatile Resene palette has resulted in a calm, chic home that offers an escape from the busyness of everyday life and proves the power of considered colour.
Diamonds might be forever, but nothing feels as personal or as eye-catching as a coloured stone. Promising to add depth and dimension to any precious jewellery collection, coloured stones are finding favour with collectors seeking some pizzazz from their most special pieces, and nowhere does them quite like Sutcliffe Jewellery.
Whether your tastes lie with an eye-catching emerald or with something more along the lines of a ruby or an aquamarine, Sutcliffe Jewellery offers a variety of beautifully-designed, unique pieces in a wide range of stones and configurations. (Hardly surprising given its reputation for offering some of the highest-quality gems and most sought-after craftsmanship in Auckland.) Recognising the power of a coloured stone, Sutcliffe’s range proves how opting for bold tones will deliver personality to your jewllery collection and ensure that every piece you buy is truly a reflection of you.
So, the next time you think about investing in a new piece, be it a pair of earrings, a stunning pendant or a cocktail ring, consider a visit to Sutcliffe. There, you will be able to peruse the comprehensive collections or speak to one of the experts about creating something bespoke. Whatever your taste, it’s time to swap out straight diamonds for something a little more fun.
Right: A divine love peach morganite rose gold earrings, I see fire morganite and diamond earrings.
From left: Bow Beauty 14.41-carat, Essence 9.44ct cushion shaped emerald and diamond ring, cushion cut, aquamarine and diamond ring, Heaven Shines 1.28ct, Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring.
You can judge the evolution of a city by its rooftop bars. This elevated style of watering hole is a native breed of the busy metropolis, a necessary hideaway that rises above the fray with views that remind us of the beauty to be found in a concrete jungle. Because as you sit on top of a building, cocktail in hand, watching the sun fall below an urban skyline, you know that you are part of something bigger than yourself, something truly cosmopolitan, and the city feels full of potential again.
So, it is with great excitement that we unveil Auckland’s newest rooftop bar, Sunset, a sleek, elegant space nestled on the top floor of the Sudima Hotel, and the latest in a raft of rooftop hospitality taking happy hour to new heights.
Inspired by rooftop bars around the world and created with a desire to celebrate the unique beauty of Auckland’s metropolis, Sunset was designed as a place to which us city-dwellers could escape after a long day. Here, satiating drinks and tasty food collide in a sumptuous setting designed by the renowned team at CTRL Space, who paired inviting pastel shades and tactile touches of timber, tiles and stone with curved ceiling details and banquettes — a nod to the 1970s although with a distinctly contemporary feel. And despite it being divided into various indoor seating zones and a sweeping outdoor terrace, Sunset offers unobstructed views across Westhaven and the Waitematā to Ponsonby and the Waitākere ranges, from wherever you decide to park up.
Beyond its spectacular good-looks, Sunset has some serious culinary grunt behind it, too, driven by a team of industry-leading creatives helmed by creative consultant, Andrew Glenn (founder of The Oyster Inn). “Sunset is a 21st-century version of a ‘literary salon’ of sorts,” Glenn tells us, “it is a chic place to meet, mingle, exchange and enjoy, with a fantastic backdrop of the city’s glittering lights after dark… stylish but not pretentious, contemporary yet comfortable.”
The unique bar offering has been designed by Dana Johnston (founder of iconic bars like 1885, 46 & York and Pineapple on Parnell) and Mikey Ball (globally sought-after consultant and former head bartender of award-winning London bars Milk & Honey and Dandelyan) and comprises a seasonal menu of exceptionally-delicious bespoke cocktails alongside a comprehensive and eclectic wine list (directed by Simon Kelly) with vintages that span New Zealand, South Africa, Lebanon, France and more.
The menu is also the result of a collaboration, seeing Executive Chef Harmeet Singh Nanda (also behind the Sudima’s ground-floor restaurant, East) team up with Maximus Perry and Samson Stewart (the duo behind Christchurch restaurant, 5th Street), to create dishes inspired by the Mumbai street food of the chef’s childhood, reimagined with more global flavours. (Think sliders with potato hash, plum chutney, feta and coriander, or lamb skewers with Clevedon buffalo curd or koftas with whipped garlic toum, white onion and parsley salad.)
And if all this wasn’t enticing enough, DJ Cam Robertson (founder of Paris is Burning) has come on board to create the ultimate sundowner soundtrack — drawing on his vast international experience to curate mood-enhancing music and offer DJ Sunset Sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (Don’t miss the legendary Nathan Haines and Jaimie Webster-Haines as they takeover Sunset Sessions on the 30th of July and the 6th of August.)
Open now, the timely arrival of Sunset points to the ways in which Auckland is growing up. A highly-considered offering befitting of the bustling, international metropolis this city is becoming, Sunset is the perfect inner-city spot to escape to at the end of a long week, and is exactly where you’ll find us this weekend.
Opening hours: Thursday – Saturday, 4pm until late.
Sunset
10th floor, Sudima Auckland City Hotel
63-67 Nelson Street
Auckland
Restraint is often a word used lightly in the design sphere, but it is a concept exemplified in House Fin — a family home designed with longevity in mind. The clients, a young, growing family, wanted a house that would ebb, flow and ultimately evolve with their needs while still retaining the core of the building’s Edwardian history, in sync with other 1900s homes in the neighbourhood. The result brings a new sense and purpose to the existing family home.
Set in Melbourne’s southeast, House Fin’s renovation feels subtle at first glance, but look a little closer and you’ll see how the intricacies of this build are worthy of attention. In reality, the scale of work undertaken by CJH Studio was mighty, with a whole new floor plan created that harnessed the beauty of the historic architecture while adding contemporary details and necessary cohesiveness.
Right: Capitol Complex chair by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse.
Larger rooms were created, ensuites added, and a range of storage spaces included to maximise the space already on offer. For the designers, the aim of the renovation was to create a blank space of sorts that could be altered to suit the growing family for which it was intended. Here, trends are only lightly considered and neutral hues favoured, allowing both art and furniture to speak to the space’s personality, and a sense of timelessness to prevail.
From left: Togo fireside chair by Michel Ducaroy for Ligne Roset, Shimmer table by Patricia Urquiola for Glas Italia from ECC.
Much of the architecture pays homage to the history of the address, right down to the ornate fireplace and hearth. Curvature is considered but adds a decidedly modern twist (where spaces call for it), such as in closets and on counter-tops or the way in which vertical tiles have been wrapped elegantly around the master bathtub. We see this motif repeated in furnishings too, from a bulbous sofa to rounded light fixtures and wall sconces throughout, as well as the arched doorways that connect the spaces of the home.
Tufty bedby Patricia Urquiola for B&B Italia from Matisse, Atollo table lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce from ECC.
It is in its simplicity that the beauty of House Fin is found. With light-flooded rooms and just enough curtains to filter the outside world, it becomes a space where one could spend one’s days quite easily. There would be almost an element of hygge because of the home’s cosy nature, if only hygge were refined and chic. After all, when raising a new family in a home, comfort is as essential as elevated design, and perfection is found when both are brought into harmony. Most importantly, House Fin is a space that feels completely and utterly liveable, until the next iteration of the address inevitably takes shape.
When it comes to jewellery, it can be easy to fall into the habit of wearing the same, sentimental pieces every day. But if current trends tell us anything, it is that having a jewellery wardrobe stocked with pieces that are as elegant as they are versatile, is essential. And with some of our favourite fashion muses offering a masterclass in how to layer jewellery, our desire to expand our own collections with bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings that offer classic shapes with a modern twist is at an all time high.
Luckily, there is one local purveyor to whom we can turn to find pieces that fit the bill perfectly. Michael Hill has been influencing jewellery trends for more than 40years, and beyond its coveted engagement rings and special, signature pieces, the brand’s New Classics edit is the ideal place to find jewellery you will want to wear all the time. Here, we offer a rundown of what to consider when looking for everyday pieces to build your own jewellery wardrobe, and why Michael Hill has everything you need.
Consider the classics Timeless, modern essentials should form the foundation of any jewellery collection. Think simple tennis bracelets or refined rings that act as a base layer or a springboard for layering. The New Classics edit pairs timeless designs with inspired touches that both embrace trends and consider longevity as essential.
Invest in statement designs to update a layered look Trends are here for a reason, and a layered look that brings together simple classics with coveted on-trend pieces is a way to extend the lifespan of your jewellery. With these trends, consider new shapes and materials fresh from the runway, or make bold choices that speak to your individuality, like these statement-making new paperclip earrings, adorned in diamonds, or for a more subtle statement, these exquisite necklaces from Michael Hill’s Serendipity Collection. This is an easy way to both embrace your creative expression while retaining the all-important sense of timelessness that should underpin any piece you purchase.
Introduce pearls for something different Baroque pearls are having a moment and offer the perfect way to elevate an everyday look with some sophistication. Able to feel simultaneously fun, flirty and elevated, a piece like this simple pair of Baroque pearl studs speak to lasting style, and are an easy way to embrace the trend. Incorporated simply as a final touch, or layered with other pearl-lined pieces for a more statement-making look, the use of pearls extends beyond the classics alone, to pieces that are chic and refreshingly modern.
You can never have too many stackable rings With a light touch, sentimental pieces are best adorned with layered, stackable rings. Subtlety on the hands is being replaced with a look that embraces a bit of necessary opulence when it comes to dressing the fingers. Our advice? Don’t hold back on stacking multiple rings by combining simple, timeless pieces with more showstopping ones. Pieces like this yellow gold French Curve ring are a solid starting point.
Mix your materials While the idea of the past has been to label yourself a gold or silver wearer, inviting a mixture of both adds a refreshing and eclectic look to your collection that adds intrigue and curiosity when executed well. If you’re strictly a gold wearer, consider a silver ring in a stack, or add some gold hoops to otherwise silver ears for a more exciting look. A longtime proponent of mixing metals, Michael Hill’s new season edit of silver and gold pieces will bring your everyday looks to life.
While reducing the use of single-use plastic has long been a key focus for many of us, we’re embracing Plastic Free July 2022 as a prompt to renew our efforts in various aspects of our lives. A worldwide movement initially started by The Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic Free July encourages us all to be a part of the solution by actively making better choices for the month that will, hopefully, continue long after July is over.
This year’s occurrence comes as we prepare for a host of single-use plastic items to be phased out and eventually banned by 2025. These include single-use plastic plates, bags, cotton buds, drinking straws, fruit labels and some polystyrene products, and a new government fund is also being launched to help find alternatives to plastics. With this in mind, there has never been a better time to reconsider our relationship with plastics.
Here are some ways throughout the home and the day that we can individually reduce our plastic usage — during Plastic Free July and beyond.
In the bathroom: Use shampoo and conditioner bars Clean, healthy hair, and without a plastic bottle in sight, shampoo and conditioner bars are the future of eco-friendly hair care. Last year, Ecostore released its first batch of the clever products (with the latest smoothing bar hitting shelves a few weeks ago) to very eager uptake; made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, they are vegan, 100 percent soap-free and have a mild pH.
For travelling, eco-conscious blogger Ethically Kate recommends cutting just what you need off your haircare bars, and drying them off before storing in a reusable container.
Clean smarter Ecostore’s genius Cleaner Concentrates are a clever way to reduce your plastic use when it comes time to make your bathroom sparkle. Packed in tiny glass bottles with recyclable lids (creating 90 percent less plastic waste), the formulas are 10-times concentrated and are designed to be combined with tap water in reusable spray bottles. The Bathroom and Shower Refill Concentrate cuts easily through dirt, soap scum and hard water spots using citric acid — a safer alternative to Benzalkonium Chloride that is proven to kill common household germs and bacteria.
In the kitchen: Wrap food and leftovers with compostable or biodegradable food wrap products. Technology has advanced to impressive degrees when it comes to replacements for cling wrap. Local company Compostic offers a compostable “plastic”-like wrap that is spookily close to the real thing, yet breaks down in 24 weeks in a home compost and 12 commercially. If a compost bin isn’t within reach, bee’s wax wrap is a good reusable option, and If You Care offers compostable baking paper, available from Huckleberry.
Other food and kitchen hacks for reducing plastic: Use wooden scrubbing brushes and kitchen tools. Use biodegradable bin liners. Use a keep cup. Use a reusable drink bottle. Use a glass or metal straw. Take your own container when ordering lunch to takeaway. Take a mason jar and reusable straw for smoothies. Take your own container to bulk bin stores (such as Sprout the Grocer or GoodFor Wholefood Refillery) to replenish pantry stocks of dried goods, spices and snacks. Buy cleaning products designed to reduce plastic waste, such as Ecostore’s aforementioned Cleaner Concentrates.
In the wardrobe: Wear a reusable face mask With mask-wearing required on Auckland’s public transport and on domestic flights, it’s time to consider the kinds of masks you wear regularly (and the impact they have). Rather than contribute to the many single-use masks that are landing in our oceans, purchase one or two reusable cloth masks — there are plenty available from both local and international makers here.
Prioritise buying clothes made from natural fibres If you’re after some new threads, make sure you look at the care label if plastic is something you’re looking to banish from your life. Polyester and cotton-blends are known as the styrofoam of the fashion world – impossible to recycle, when clothing made from this ends up in landfill it’s in there for the long haul. Materials like wool, silk, cotton, linen, merino, Tencel (made from wood pulp), hemp and even leather — provided it’s vegetable-dyed – are biodegradable options. Carry a reusable bag in your handbag Pretty self-explanatory — and with the plethora of canvas bags it’s possible to accumulate, why not keep one at the office too, just in case?
A much-loved presence on our social media and television screens, award-winning actor and comedian Tom Sainsbury is a man of many talents. His hilarious parodies are admired for their accurate portrayal of anyone from politicians to fictitious characters. With an uncanny ability to mimic their nuances, Sainsbury’s skits are entertainment gold. Here, he takes on the role of artist to share some personal intel in ink.
What do you look like?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What is your secret talent?
What’s your vice?
Who is your favourite cultural icon?
Who is your favourite character to parody?
Who have you enjoyed imitating recently?
What is something you’ve never done, but would like to?
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