With all of us leading increasingly busier lives, anything that has the potential to make mealtimes more streamlined is a welcome addition to the kitchen. The Ninja Foodi SmartLid 14-in-1 Multi Cooker can do just that, not only making cooking simpler, quicker, and more fuss-free but producing perfectly cooked meals time and time again.
A veritable one-stop-shop kitchen appliance, the multi cooker does it all — from baking and roasting to grilling, air frying, steaming, pressure cooking and more, offering a simple, speedy solution to busy mealtimes. With three modes and 14 functions, the possibilities are endless, with the ability to turn out everything from complete one-pot meals to starters and sides; healthy dishes to indulgent desserts.
The innovative SmartLid slider allows you to unlock pressure cooking, air frying and steam crisping without switching between appliances. In fact, the lid intelligently recognises which function you are using, and effortlessly toggles between three cooking modes, while the smart slider offers access to 14 modes to suit any of your cooking needs.
Offering an entirely new way of preparing family meals, the multi-cooker allows you to simultaneously steam and convection cook, meaning you can cook mains and sides at the same time, steaming and crisping in tandem to have a meal on the table for the family in under 30 minutes.
And, for those partial to the benefits of an air fryer, this clever appliance offers a steam air fry function, with the ability to quickly prepare fresh or frozen food, locking in moisture while crisping — meaning salmon fillets, potatoes, or roast meals are perfect every time. It’s also a master appliance when it comes to baking, with the moisture-locking steam bake function turning out epic cakes time and time again, while the prove and bake function means you’ll never buy bread again.
With the ability to deliver healthy, tasty, and perfectly cooked meals in a fraction of the time, The Ninja Foodi SmartLid 14-in-1 Multi Cooker is an essential appliance for busy families — taking both the guesswork and the legwork out of meal prep.
While the designer’s Westmoreland address suited him well across the past half-decade, Tim Webber was starting to feel that the space was too small for his ever-growing collection of products — comprised of both his own designs and the exceptional new brands joining the Tim Webber fold.
So, in seeking a new space to showcase the breadth of his offering, the designer sought to find a sizeable building in an accessible location that would allow furniture and lighting to breathe, and give Webber and his team the ability to create considered and curated ‘moments’ in the showroom.
A brief the new Tim Webber showroom in Grafton — a lofty, industrial building nestled in the midst of a number of notable showrooms, delivers on implicitly. The new location further builds on what is fast becoming the city’s burgeoning design destination, with the substantial space’s interior cleverly divided into disparate ‘rooms’, conjuring the experience of home.
“The idea was to create a space that felt elevated and welcoming,” says Webber, “Somewhere where people would feel relaxed and comfortable to spend time in.” He continues, “So being very conscious of treating all the surfaces with texture was important, and choosing finishes that compliment the furniture and lighting so it feels like a cohesive space for customers to experience.”
With an ever-growing edit of global and local brands, as well as Webber’s own expanding collection of furniture design, this new space sits as a thoughtful gallery, offering clients a new design destination.
When it comes to pregnancy dressing, we’ve come a long way. Once upon a time, the bump-wielding cohort was left with two options — mumu-esque dresses or elastic-waisted trousers (read: sweatpants). But oh how that has changed.
Now, a bump is the season’s hottest accessory, opening up a whole new world of sartorial choices and a chance for stylistic reinvention. Hailey Beiber, for one, has embraced pregnancy dressing wholeheartedly, carefully curating the perfect outfit for every occasion.
Here, we round up some of her most chic looks — from figure-hugging dresses to elevated activewear, and the tailoring that will take any thrown-together outfit from bland to brilliant.
Dunedin-based No8 Distillery is far more than simply a purveyor of exceptional spirits, it’s an ode to heritage and a commitment to the future. At its inception, No8 saw the coming together of two unlikely comrades from different worlds — Michael, an ex-military engineer with a background in coffee and chocolate production, and Julien, a French pastry chef. The pair hatched a plan to open a boutique distillery in the heart of Dunedin, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Julien outside his boutique distillery in the heart of Dunedin
No longer in the No8 fold, Michael’s incredible knack for flavour extraction, forged across 15 years in coffee roasting, brewing, and chocolate manufacturing, was fundamental to the brand’s early success, but it’s Julien’s native France and its influence that have proved foundational to the artisanal spirit and time-honoured craft of No8. Drawing upon family recipes, distilling knowledge, and a penchant for foraging, passed down through four generations, Julien infuses the brand and libations themselves with the essence of France — and it shows.
“I grew up between two French regions with a strong food and beverage identity: Trouville-Deauville in Normandy, known for its apple trees, cider, Calvados, cows, and seafood, and Grenoble in Isère, famous for its walnut trees, berries, beer, cheese, and proximity to the Chartreuse distillery,” he tells me, “These regions provided a rich backdrop for my culinary and distilling journey, shaping my skills and passion from a young age.” In Normandy, Julian discovered the joys of cooking and spirit making with his grandparents. From the age of seven, he would assist his grandmother in making cider — a memory the ex-pastry chef holds dear, “I would pick apples from our various family properties and use an old wooden press to crush and extract the apple juice, which we then turned into cider and Calvados. Our family orchard was a veritable Eden, with pears, apricots, and plums similar to those found in Central Otago.”
Julien Mixing No8 Distillery
In fact, Julian’s grandmother, Thérèse, played a significant role in his life, “I was very close to her, and in her honour, I named my first 80-litre still in Dunedin after her. She taught me how to make preserves and jams, cook with seasonal produce from the garden, and use flowers and herbs in recipes. Her teachings were more than just culinary lessons; they were life lessons about respecting nature and the bounty it provides.”
As he grew older, he was afforded more responsibility when it came to production, and as the family set about their yearly reunions, coming together to make spirits, Julien’s role advanced. Meanwhile, his uncle opened a restaurant at the largest ski resort in the Alps, Les 2 Alpes, and the eager teenager was keen to muck in wherever he could — but it was the foraging and liqueur making that thrilled him the most, “One of the unique aspects of this restaurant was offering a house digestif at the end of dinner,” he tells me, “In the Alps, it’s common to make your own liqueurs by soaking plants, herbs, fruits, and flowers. My uncle and I would hike to forage the iconic Genepi flower, which produces a sweet, herby, green liqueur similar to Chartreuse, for the restaurant’s digestif.”
No8 Distillery’s Moka Gin
From liqueurs, moving on to spirits was a natural progression, and by 15 Julien had learned how to use the pot still, and began experimenting with rum and vodka with his uncle, “We foraged everything,” he recounts, “He taught me about the edible flowers and herbs from the mountains, which we used for cooking and making various liqueurs like elderflower, verbena, walnut wine, and our famous Italian aunt’s limoncello.”
Given his upbringing, it was perhaps inevitable that Julian would eventually find himself in the world of food and drink. He worked as a chef and pastry chef for 18 years, including stints as senior sous chef and head pastry chef at Michelin-starred restaurants and 5-star hotels, but it wasn’t until he found himself running a café in Dunedin’s city centre, that he decided to give spirits production a go.
For Julien, different spirits suit different moods, and as such, he crafts spirits to appeal to different states of mind. The Horopito Gin the first product Julien created (winner of gold in the ‘Contemporary Style Gin’ category in the 2022 World Gin Awards), and is perfect for when you’re feeling bold and full of energy, while the Hibiscus Gin is somewhat of a ‘hug in a mug’ — perfectly suited to a slow Sunday afternoon.
No8 Hibiscus Gin Cocktail
There are currently five gins on offer, with Dunners Dry, Moka and Cherry Sloe joining Hibiscus and Horopito, available alongside vodka, limoncello, ouzo, elderflower and apricot liqueurs, and a French Absinthe, based on an authentic French recipe from 1926 handed down in Julien’s family over three generations. There are also plans to launch rum later this year, with 3-Year Golden Rum, Pineapple Rum and French Spiced Rum all soon to join the fold.
Ultimately, what Julian has created in No8 is a tribute to his native France and an ode to Kiwi ingenuity (the No. 8 wire mentality our country is known for). With an ever-growing oeuvre and a drive to constantly evolve, No8 is one to watch — and if the mounting awards are anything to go by, exactly what discerning drinkers should be sipping.
Ignore the saying ‘blue and green should not been seen’ and opt for vibrant stones in the colours of the deep sea. From striking rings in classic and contemporary cuts to earrings that make a statement, these are the ocean-hued jewels we’re coveting this spring.
A new five-star hotel has opened its doors in Auckland this week, and with it comes the return of beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill. Now with executive chef Touvai Poloniati at the helm, this welcome reincarnation, set within Horizon by SkyCity, offers a refined take on New Zealand’s finest steak and seafood, approached through a contemporary lens — with a focus on ingredients sourced locally.
Seafood Tower
While The Grill superfans (a cohort which we here at Denizen very much belong to) will be pleased to learn that the eatery doesn’t deviate too far from its predecessor, this new iteration does see a few welcome changes, bringing the ever-iconic eatery into the here-and-now.
One of The Grill’s defining factors is the considerable emphasis the eatery places on sustainability — a commitment those at the helm of The Grill take very seriously indeed. Chef Touvai Poloniati and his team will collaborate closely with local artisans, fishermen, and farming families to ensure the best quality produce and best possible sourcing practices are upheld, resulting in some of the country’s best fare (we all know how exceptional fresh, local produce is).
400gm Mapari Meats scotch
This emphasis on quality is instantly observed on the menu, which sees the welcome return of classics like the infamous Beef Wellington for two and miso hollandaise — an essential accompaniment to just about anything, served alongside inventive new takes designed to excite the palate and showcase the best of New Zealand — from the land to the sea.
New Zealand beef, lamb, and seafood feature heavily on the menu, much of which is cooked over the eatery’s Montague grill, while elsewhere you’ll find Wild Venison Tartare with smoked egg yolk from the Cold Bar, Cazador Charcuterie, an incredible Seafood Tower, and an ever-changing fish of the day served with mussel butter and creamed brussels.
Right: Fish of the Day
The Grill’s cosy fireplace
Complementing the extensive menu, hand-selected wines from New Zealand’s top vineyards are set to enhance the dining experience, while an inventive edit of cocktails runs the gamut from party-starters to sophisticated sippers. When dining at The Grill, make sure to carve out some time to grab a drink by the cosy fireplace before or after dinner.
If a special occasion is on the cards, the private dining room, perfect for up to 12 guests, is a sublime spot within which to entertain a crowd. Here, you’ll find a bespoke menu on offer, curated with the particular needs of larger gatherings in mind, and an extensive drinks list sure to inspire indulgence and set a convivial tone. There’s also a private ensuite just off the dining room, making the experience all the more seamless.
The Grill’s Private Dining Room
With a firm commitment to quality, a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere, and a spacious outdoor courtyard offering a sublime spot to end the day, drink in hand, this new iteration of The Grill is set to fill the void in Auckland’s dining scene left by its predecessor. Making its triumphant return a welcome one indeed.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 5pm until late
Magda Butrym established her eponymous label a decade ago, her bold, spirited, and distinctly feminine vision quickly earning her a cult following. Her pieces (now available at Muse Boutique) embrace retro romanticism and celebrate the female form — empowering wearers to celebrate their uniqueness and “become their own muse”.
Born in Poland in the mid-eighties, Butrym found her start in fashion as a stylist, earning her stripes before branching out on her own in 2014. Starting small, the Polish designer created a few pieces for styling clients, but it wasn’t long before A-listers were banging the door down to secure a Butrym design.
Her early work as a stylist proved foundational, informing her designs which filled a gaping hole in a luxury market sorely lacking in elegant, sophisticated daywear. In a world of monotonous, casual sartorialism, Butrym found her footing in everyday staples with spirit; refined pieces that made the day-to-day feel a little more elevated. “The Magda woman exudes a timeless romance, seamlessly combining elegance with an alluring femininity. Her love for unique, modern designs is matched only by her appreciation for exceptional craftsmanship and the highest quality fabrics.” Olivia Vincent-Healy, owner of Muse (the exclusive stockist of Magda Butrym in New Zealand), says of the designer, telling us that the brand is exactly what her discerning clientele is currently seeking.
Left: Crepe high leg maxi dress from Muse. Right: Ruched rose appliqué midi skirt from Muse
Butrym’s uniqueness lies in how her designs speak to women’s innate femininity, with figure flattering dresses that hold one’s form just so, to structured blazers with exaggerated proportions designed to empower and make a statement, to sexy yet sophisticated swimwear, bold accessories, and elevated basics that sharpen even the most simple of outfits.
Long having looked to her heartland for inspiration, although very much observing borrowed influence through a contemporary lens, Butrym’s designs draw on clean lines and classic tailoring, with her hallmark floral motif a nod to post-Soviet upholstery. The designer collaborates with independent artisans across Poland, sourcing the highest quality fabrics and employing the skill of weavers, leathersmiths and hand-embroiders to craft roses, fringes, ruffles and lace — all of which find a place in her collections. Woven into designs that speak to the designer’s reverence and respect for the female form, artisanal motifs run the gamut from floral-festooned dresses to sculptural tanks and tees with built-in crochet bras, reminiscent of intricately woven doilies.
Astutely observant, Butrym possesses a rare ability to decipher what, exactly, modern women seek — how they want to not only dress, but feel. Empowered, feminine, sophisticated and elegant. Where many designers simply view the body as a figure on which to showcase their work, Butrym takes the opposite approach, crafting clothes to complement the female form, imbuing confidence in the wearer. Something that has remained the designer’s hallmark across the past decade, and only become more evident as Butrym — both the label and the designer, continues to evolve.
As Muse Boutique welcomes the coveted brand to the fold, we’ve curated an edit of the must-have pieces to shop now.
The Savor Food Festival is the gastronomic experience that should be on your radar this spring, with 70 exceptional events taking place across 60 days — at 18 of the city’s best venues. Set to dominate our culinary calendars in the coming months, the event offers fanatical foodies a full slate of unmissable events, one of which is set to take place soon at Britomart stalwart, Amano, with tickets on sale now.
Gastronomes and oenophiles alike will find sweet satiation as they indulge in a delectable dinner with Sir John Kirwan at Amano. Here, an exclusive dining experience will see guests enjoy a family-style, four-course dinner featuring Sir John Kirwan’s JK.14 wines paired with exceptional local produce by Amano’s Executive Chef Andrew Hanson.
Amano
JK will transport guests to Italy with tales of the vineyards his wines are from, and the connection to his family, while delectable dishes are paired with the vibrant wines of JK.14. Trevally Crudo with avocado and lime is enjoyed alongside the zesty Alice Verdeca, the tart notes of each beautifully complimentary, while Amano’s stand-out, whole roasted lamb shoulder finds its perfect pairing in two styles of classic Italian varietals: primitivo and malanotte.
To finish the evening on a high note, diners are invited to enjoy Acqua Di Cedro alongside a crisp, handmade cannolo filled with lime and ricotta. With four masterfully-crafted courses and six wines, this is one event you don’t want to miss, and with limited spaces up for grabs, we suggest securing your spot here today.
It is always exciting when one of our favourite design destinations, Studio Italia, announces its annual sale — the one time of the year that pieces from its covetable collections become more accessible than ever. Offering enticing discounts and immediate delivery on all items in store, Studio Italia is making a compelling case for an interior overhaul.
From the 9000 Sofa for Arflex to the Womb Armchair and Ottoman by Eero Saarinen for Knoll, the range of pieces included in this year’s sale will have you reimagining every room in your house. That said, Studio Italia’s annual sale is always very popular, so we suggest getting in quickly to snap up your favourite pieces. These are our top picks.
Lexus continues to be an authority on electric vehicles — with the sleek 2023 Lexus RZ 450e marking a new age of battery electric vehicles for the luxury marque. Offering the unique driving experience Lexus has become known for, with both substance and style at the fore, the RZ further builds on Lexus’ already exceptional offering as it continues to transition into a BEV (battery-electric vehicle)-centred company.
The RZ not only cements the brand’s standing in the EV space, but proves that the meticulous design Lexus has upheld since its inception in the 80s can translate into their electric vehicles. Craftsmanship and a spirit of excellence have long been the central axis in Lexus vehicles, with the Japanese marque’s Takumi masters some of the world’s most adept car manufacturers. The 2023 RZ 450e is the halo model of the Lexus Electrified vision, and as such, has been developed to offer a uniquely Lexus BEV that feels secure to ride in, is visually striking, and exhilarating to drive.
While the side profile of the RZ is unmistakably Lexus, the front and rear feature Lexus’ new, electrified look, with sleek lines and sharply angled lights speak to the brand’s evolution — establishing a dynamic new design direction for Lexus BEVs.
And, as Lexus places increasingly more emphasis on electric, the consideration of a sleek, functional at-home charging station has been pulled into focus. Given the importance we place on the design of our homes, it’s hardly surprising that the prospect of an unsightly EV charging station is enough to make the design-conscious among us break into a cold sweat. The idea of our driveways — often the first port-of-call for visitors, being visually overtaken by a garish, oversized charging station is a less-than-ideal scenario, but until now, there simply hasn’t been any other option.
This is where the Lexus-recommended Wallbox charging port, comes in. An ideal companion to a Lexus EV — in particular, Lexus’ RZ, as the the Wallbox’s slick, modular form perfectly compliments the vehicle’s unique and aerodynamic design, turning any driveway into a showcase of innovation and intrigue.
With plans to offer one hundred percent BEVs by 2035, it’s little wonder that the brand has a mind to the practicality and visual impact of charging stations, and, as Lexus continues to expand its electrified offering, the Lexus-recommended Wallbox charging port is a smart and sleek addition to the home, offering both practical functionality and stylish substance. The minimal and contemporary design seamlessly integrates with your home’s exterior, fitting any garage or non-covered external walls — a true game-changer for EV owners (or the EV curious).
Ultimately, the sleek Lexus RZ and the Lexus-recommended Wallbox speak not only to the brand’s exciting evolution into BEVs, but the design-led approach Lexus has long been known for — further building on an already strong case for going electric.
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