Verve. November 2025. Issue 225.

This November, we soar to Waiheke with Heletranz to take in its heavenly delights. Plus, we’re enchanted by India and get wise with a look at education. NOVEMBER ‘25

Auckland’s lifestyle magazine.

FROM THE EDITOR

SHINE A LIGHT

We recently went to the premiere of Pike River at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre – a night hosted by John Campbell and attended by the film’s stars, Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm.

Also present were friends and family members affected by the 2010 Greymouth mining tragedy that claimed 29 lives, including the remarkable Anna Osborne and Sonya Rockhouse – the reluctant heroes whose tireless fight for justice inspired the film. A scattering of empty seats around the auditorium were left vacant in honour of those lost souls.

For all the esteemed guests from the world of media and entertainment, the event – the film, the fight –belonged, belongs, to the Greymouth community. A community that refuses to quit in its search for answers, for accountability, for truth.

In a night of profound poignancy, one of the most powerful moments came courtesy of Rowdy Durbridge, whose son Daniel Herk died in the mine. With a voice shaking with nerves and raw emotion, Rowdy revealed it was the second time he’d watched the film, and only now had he come to appreciate its worth. The first time, he admitted, he’d been too clouded by rage and bitterness, understandably triggered by what the film represents. But what right, he asked, did he have to project his own negativity onto something created with such care and such love?

A work of art. A thing of beauty. Words, and wisdom, we could all learn from.

Enjoy the issue – and go see that film.

Jamie

Editorial & Creative Directors

Arna Kennedy

Jamie Christian Desplaces

Graphic Designer / Social Media

Yamin Cook

Contributors

Aimée Ralfini, Jessica Weale, Karen McMillan, Lucy Kennedy, Paul Leuschke, Fletcher Sunde

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Wandering Waiheke 16 / A Summer at Man O’ War 26 / Honoured Guardians

Alluring India 54 / Inside India 66 / Taj Lake Palace

All About Learning 74 / Campus Creative

Art& Culture 110 / The Name’s Bond…

Ashbury Heights Lifestyle Village, Whangārei

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Discover

This is our time

You can tell a lot about a place by how quickly the banter starts. At Waterford Retirement Village in Hobsonville Point, it’s immediate. We pull five chairs up by the bar and, within minutes, talk turns to smoko stories on the Harbour Bridge, pool rivalries, Sunday bowls, and whether a tool workshop might spark even more camaraderie.

Pete kicks off, matter of fact. “We were in the same house for 36 years out south beside a golf course. It was very private, which we loved, until we retired. The privacy became isolation. And I was sick of cleaning gutters. Pine needles, fences, driveways, repeat.” He smiles. “We looked at two or three places in this block, then walked into the one we’ve got now and said, “this is us.”

Maintenance is the game changer here. The endless list of chores - gutters, fences, weeding, light bulbs - is gone, and with it the nagging mental load. “We don’t change a light bulb,” one of the lads says. “That’s Murray’s domain,” he adds, nodding to the village maintenance man. “You get a release from responsibilities,” Graham says. “You’re not spending your weekends catching up on the garden. You’ve got time back.”

Not that these four are sitting still. “The only problem with being retired is it’s too damn busy,” Doug laughs. “I don’t know where I found time to go to work.”

The majority of the guys admit they were skeptical at first. “We weren’t looking at a retirement village,” Pete says. “We wanted lock and leave. Apartments we saw elsewhere were narrow and pokey. Then we came here.”

Graham had his own turning point. “I used to walk the dog around the village and pop in for a chat,” he says. “One day it just clicked - this was the kind of place we could actually see ourselves in.” The move came easily after that. “We thought we’d miss our house and garden. It took about a week to settle. We haven’t missed it at all.”

When the talk turns to money, it’s not about what’s being left behind but how they’re making the most of what they have now. There’s laughter around the table as someone jokes about “joining the ski club – spending the kids’ inheritance.” It’s said with a grin, but the sentiment runs deeper. These days are about living fully and enjoying what they’ve worked hard for. And the kids? They’re right behind them. “They tell us, go for it,” one of the lads says. “They’ve got their own lives now. This is our time.”

What did surprise me was how definite they were about timing. “Don’t leave it too late,” John says. “You’ve got to move on in life.” Graham nods. “Memories are important,” he adds, “but you’ve still got to live your life.”

There’s a shared thread that runs through them - a kind of Kiwi ingenuity from another era, when you just got on with the job. It shows up in work stories that would make a health and safety manager faint. Pete remembers the days on big jobs. “I used to work under the Harbour Bridge putting sprinkler systems through the painter’s walkways. Cold, windy, no cherry picker high enough, so we got a Lofty in from Canada. You look back now and think, we were fearless. But you just did it.” These days, he says, getting on the roof to clear gutters is a hard no. “Your reactions aren’t what they were.”

If Waterford is the setting, the real engine is the people and the rituals they share. “Pool on Thursday gets busy,” they grin. “There’s a lot of blokes.” Bowls has grown on them, even the ones who didn’t play before. “When you get here, you think, it’s all there.” You don’t need any gear. You just get the key. The bowls are provided.”

Intervillage rivalry gets a special mention. “Proper rivalry,” someone says with satisfaction. When it comes to community, the blokes are all in. “It happens naturally,” Doug says. “This place isn’t too big, so you see people. When they arrive, they’re out to make friends. There’s a good atmosphere.” And for those who prefer quiet, there’s room for that too. “Some people like to keep to themselves,” John says. “We don’t even know them. That’s fine.”

We finish where we started, talking about the rhythm of life at Waterford. The bar and lounge are often alive with easy conversation, the hiss of the coffee machine and the sound of a pool game in the background. It’s relaxed and familiar, like a favourite local where everyone knows your name. Outside, paths wind toward the wharf and the breeze lifts off the water. “Try the walkway,” Graham says. “It’s beautiful.” It’s that mix of comfort, connection, and calm that makes Waterford feel less like a village and more like home.

Work’s overrated, they tell me. Time is the point. “This is our time,” Doug says again, steady and sure. In this place, with these people, it shows.

Scan the code to explore Waterford Village

Wandering Waiheke

Whether chasing adventure or savouring slow, sensory pleasures, Waiheke

Island has it

all.

Just a short hop from downtown, the island is a haven of sun-soaked vineyards, artisanal eateries, and breathtaking, rolling landscapes. Join us as we soar above by helicopter, arrive by boat, and explore its winding roads on a tour in an electric car.

Luxury, Redesigned

There’s something so thrilling about watching the City of Sails – its skyline, its volcanic cones, and its shimmering harbour – shrink beneath the blades of a helicopter.

It’s a rush of magic matched only by the sight of Waiheke’s rolling green hills and strings of vines rising into view after a spectacular flight across the Hauraki Gulf – every twist and turn offering a new perspective, moments that feels both exhilarating and impossibly serene all at once.

For nearly 35 years, Heletranz has been offering such perspectives, turning travel into an experience as memorable as the destination itself. Founded in 1991 by Tony and Julie Monk and later developed by John and Sofia Ambler, the company has become synonymous with stylish escapes. In 2019, Heletranz joined the Inflite Group, expanding its reach “while keeping that boutique, experience-led ethos”.

“Heletranz grew around the idea that a helicopter ride could be more than a means of transport – it could be an exclusive signature occasion,” says Inflite’s group marketing manager, Mauritz Badenhorst. “The focus remains on luxury, tailored experiences in Auckland, Waiheke and further afield, with curated itineraries that turn a short hop into a full day out.”

Though firmly in the luxury sphere, Mauritz emphasises that the offerings aren’t just about indulgence, but about creating unique, cinematic moments to “celebrate a special occasion in an extraordinary way”. That might mean soaring above the Sky Tower and Rangitoto’s crater or landing among the vines for tastings where guests can “step straight from their scenic seat to a sparkling glass”.

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What is some of your favourite feedback?

Our pilots are not only highly experienced but bring a deep passion for the land and environment they fly over. Guests consistently call out the smooth flights and concierge feel – with many noting it was a perfect gift or bucket-list flight.

What are some of the most memorable customer experiences?

Some frequent flyers are accustomed to luxury travel – for those guests the seamless convenience, friendly and reliable customer service, and quality

of our fleet are key factors. For other guests the experience becomes a one-in-a-lifetime memory. One of our signature Heletranz moments would be a proposal flight – a private orbit past the Sky Tower or a vineyard touchdown with everything pre-set. It’s the perfect blend of spectacle and ease: the team choreographs the timing, the landing, the table – you just pop the question!

What do you think makes Waiheke such a special destination?

With myriad accommodation and dining options, Waiheke has become the playground on Auckland’s doorstep. It’s

the island-of-wine mix: warm maritime microclimate, beaches, and a dense constellation of cellar doors. Helicopter access turns it into a friction-free long lunch or a remote east-end escape.

How do you put nervous flyers at ease? Safety is at the forefront of everything we do. Our experienced pilots will prioritise guest safety at all times, keeping them informed and at ease to ensure at have the most enjoyable experience.

How do you manage your environmental footprint?

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our business. The entire Inflite Group holds a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Certification, is Net Carbon Zero Certified by Toitu, and continuously recognised for our environmental responsibility and commitment to bestpractice operations.

Looking ahead, what are the big ambitions for Heletranz?

We’re dedicated to evolving with an ever-changing tourism industry. Our

ambition is to continue connecting people with the experiences they’ll cherish forever. Beyond tourism, we remain dedicated to the aviation industry itself. We’re investing in expansion of our Albany Heliport facilities to enable greater capacity for our specialist aviation management services and actively developing talent to help shape the future of the sector.

Our goal is to make aviation work better – for our aircraft owners, guests, our team, and the environment alike. We’re also deeply committed to environmental sustainability – having

HELETRANZ HIGHLIGHTS!

Waiheke heli-dining. Fly to a Waiheke vineyard for a threecourse long lunch to arrive in style, return by Heli or ferry – an easy, glamorous crowd-pleaser.

Auckland City & Volcanoes

Scenic Flight . Auckland’s most popular scenic flight, it’s around 20 minutes of sky-high “micro-luxury” incorporating the harbour, the skyline, and the craters.

Heli Hours. Frequent flyers can pre-purchase time to use through the year – “an uncomplicated way to make the extraordinary a habit”.

Meet-and-Greet. This airport service can fly you to the CBD, a vineyard, lodge, golf course or a private property.

Day trips & adventure. Go fishing, play golf, or do a coast-to-coast adventure. Curated combo packages can include taking in the likes of Hobbiton, Waitomo, cliff landings at the Bay of Islands, the Coromandel, and more! Auckland is Heletranz’s speciality but they fly regularly throughout North Island, with South Island flights also available.

held our CarbonZero status for over six years. Products like Ecoguided Helihiking on pest-free Hauraki Gulf Islands are the perfect way for travellers to experience New Zealand’s truly unique environment.

The Heletranz fleet includes the executive Agusta 109s Grand, a Bell 427, a Eurocopter EC130, Single and Twin-Engine Eurocopter Squirrels, and a Robinson R44. For more information, visit heletranz.co.nz

A Summer at Man O’ War

Looking for a summer escape? Set on the stunning eastern end of Waiheke Island, Man O’ War is where award-winning wines, coastal inspired menus and laidback adventure come together for the ultimate day-trip.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH THE VIEW

Just 90 minutes from downtown Auckland, the scenic journey is part of the allure. Cruise the Hauraki Gulf direct to Man O’ War Bay with Explore Group, or take a picturesque drive across the island on Fullers’ Eastern Explorer Bus.

A TASTE OF LOCAL HOSPITALITY

The beachfront Tasting Room & Restaurant is made for long, lazy afternoons. Grab a table under the pōhutukawa, enjoy a guided tasting, or pair your favourite drop with a coastal-inspired menu packed with fresh, local flavours. Over summer, there’s a popup lawn bar and kitchen and a lineup of Auckland’s finest DJs. The expansive lawn and beach access ensures there’s plenty of space for all ages to unwind and play.

MEET SWIFTSURE

– THE SOUTH ISLAND CONNECTION

New to the Tasting Room this summer, Swiftsure –the latest addition to the Man O’ War family – brings a taste of the South Island to the bay. Crafted with the same passion and pioneering spirit as Man O’ War’s Waiheke icons, Swiftsure celebrates coolerclimate winemaking – bold wines from alpine vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago.

Whether you’re a pinot devotee or just love discovering something new, this is your chance to experience Man O’ War through a fresh lens.

ADD AN ADVENTURE

See Waiheke from a new perspective with Man O’ War Forest Flight. Three dual ziplines and connecting boardwalks weave above and below ancient kauri canopies with epic island views. Designed for a range of ages and fitness levels it’s a gentle thrill and an unforgettable experience to share with family and friends – no fearlessness required.

A DAY WORTH THE JOURNEY

Whether you come for the wine, the views, or to simply slow down, Man O’ War makes it easy to make lasting memories. Book ahead for Forest Flight, tastings and dining, especially on weekends and public holidays, and let this summer be the one where you discover one of Waiheke’s most breathtaking corners.

Visit manowar.co.nz or forestflight.nz to plan your perfect day out.

Here to Serve

Waiheke’s The Island Grocer serves as a community hub where good food meets good company – a beloved spot that blends sustainability, local produce, and heartfelt connection!

“We’re third-generation islanders, and Waiheke’s been good to us, so this felt like a meaningful way to give something back – and keep busy while our two young daughters were still young enough to hang around with us,” owner Simon Cairns tells Verve.

“That was almost ten years ago now,” adds his wife, Nicky. “The girls have –wisely – moved on, but the shop’s still here – a little more worn, a lot more loved, and still run with the same spirit.”

How do you choose which local producers and artisans to partner with?

Our customers are super diverse, so we cover a lot of bases – ethical and organic shoppers, adventurous home cooks, and local chefs looking for hard to find

ingredients. We’re all about curating quality – not just products that taste or look good, but ones made with intent and care.

What role do you see The Island Grocer playing beyond just selling food?

Our whole story starts and ends on Waiheke. We’ve grown up here, raised kids here, and built friendships that go way beyond the shop counter. The Grocer isn’t polished or perfect – it’s lived-in, honest, and a bit chaotic at times, just like the island itself! For some of our regulars, this place is part of their daily routine – a chat, a laugh, a bit of community connection. That matters as much as the food.

What do you most love about being on the island?

The people. The eccentricity. The way everyone has a story. We get to see the best of it – locals, growers, travellers. There’s a real pride in feeding people here; most are conscious about what they eat and where it comes from. And we get to share a slice of the island’s character with every customer who walks through the door.

Being on an island must add to the challenge around sustainability?

It’s definitely a challenge, but we’ve found ways to make it work. The kitchen and cafe were introduced partly to repurpose second-tier produce and products

nearing expiry. It’s been a great way to eliminate waste and create something people actually love.

Any leftover food waste goes to Kai Conscious or local composters. And in our produce section we do our best to minimise anything packaged in plastic. Our general store offering focuses on organic, ethical, and sustainably made products. Food miles are trickier – most goods come via ferry – but we consolidate orders where possible and support local producers to cut down on unnecessary transport.

Can you share some of the most satisfying moments of your journey so far?

Honestly, it’s the daily stuff – the staff banter, the regulars, the unexpected conversations. Launching new products, watching people discover something new, or just seeing the café humming along on a sunny morning. It’s not glamorous, but it’s real, and that’s what keeps us coming back.

Any exciting upcoming projects that you’d like to share?

We’ve just rolled out a daily salad bar, and acai bowls and smoothies are back for summer. We’ll be introducing some ‘own brand’ products, too. Beyond that, we’re just looking forward to a brilliant summer!

110 Ocean View Road, Oneroa

With the largest fleet of modern vehicles, Waiheke Executive Transport makes travel easy and comfortable. Enjoy personalised service for weddings, corporate events, or bespoke wine tours. Travel with class on Waiheke Island.

Summer Starts Here

Tucked away on a quiet no-exit road, this substantial and beautifully designed home was built 16 years ago with family living in mind.

bayleys.co.nz

Generously proportioned and filled with natural light, it offers flexible spaces ideal for both permanent living and relaxed island escapes

The upper levels feature a sunny, openplan living area and a luxurious master suite – complete with a private deck that captures stunning views over Enclosure Bay, native bush, and the McKenzie Reserve. Throughout the home, large windows frame ever-changing views of the sea and birdlife, creating a true sense of connection to nature.

Multiple living zones both inside and out provide exceptional versatility for entertaining, working from home, or hosting family and friends. A sun-filled

reading nook offers the perfect corner to unwind with a book, while the media area and spacious open-plan kitchen, living, and dining flow seamlessly onto the expansive deck for alfresco dining. The well-appointed kitchen features a walk-in pantry and wine cellar –practical, generous, and designed for everyday ease.

The guest level includes three additional bedrooms, a bathroom, storage, and laundry, as well as the everessential outdoor shower – perfect after a swim at nearby Enclosure Bay.

Outside, the large near-flat lawn offers space for play, relaxation, or even a summertime marquee. A storage shed provides room for gardening tools and beach gear. Enclosure Bay is just a short, flat three-minute walk with Sandy Bay having beach ramp access for launching a Sealegs or boat.

This is a home you’ll need to experience in person –serene, spacious, and surrounded by nature. There’s so much to see and love here.

Open Homes from Saturday, 1 November onwards - every Saturday and Sunday, 11:00–11:30am. Call Jacob Heatley-Adams on 027 329 7382 for more information.

bayleys.co.nz/listings/residential/auckland/ waiheke-island/11-empire-avenue-oneroa-2157801

W in on Waiheke with Verve

Entering is simple. Visit vervemagazine.co.nz and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine.

THE DESIGN LINE

Transform your space with custom-made window furnishings from The Design Line. Based on Waiheke Island, they offer a wide range of blinds, curtains, and shutters tailored to your home’s unique style. With a free, no-obligation consultation within your home, you get expert advice and professional, honest service from a local you can trust.

WIN a $250 discount on any blind or shutter order.

WE-AR

Inspired by nature and the endless artistry of the human form in all its mystery and glory, WE-AR design collections of simple yet unique pieces. Discover sustainable style that feels as good as it looks. WE-AR mindfully designs a selection of movement wear and island essentials for women and men, with stores in Waiheke Island, Ponsonby, and Bali.

WIN a $500 voucher and embrace the art of conscious fashion.

GREEN ADVENTURES

Perfectly positioned in the island’s wine country, and with free transfers included, EcoZip Adventures places you close to Waiheke’s finest vineyards, beaches and dining. An unforgettable adventure that blends elegance, exhilaration, and environmental care.

WIN a prize package for two, including return ferry tickets with Fullers360, a zipline and forest walk, and lunch at The Heke. To celebrate your visit, EcoZip will also plant 10 native trees in your name.

Discover the true taste of Waiheke with a garden-to-table long lunch for four at Te Motu Vineyard. Explore the estate’s working market garden before enjoying a seasonal lunch at The Shed, where produce harvested steps away is paired with acclaimed wines, followed by a private VIP tasting experience.

WIN a garden-to-table long lunch experience for four, including a market garden tour and VIP wine tasting, valued at over $800.

BEAUTY ON OCEANVIEW

So Quaint is a charming little beauty salon nestled in the heart of Oneroa. They offer a wide range of professional services including manicures and pedicures, powder dip and gels, relaxing massages, lash extensions and brows, body bronzing, waxing, facials and microdermabrasion, all alongside a fabulous selection of premium beauty products. Bridal packages are also available. soquaintbeauty.co.nz

WIN Tasty Indulgence Treatment Package, including a return ferry ticket, valued at $337.

Discover the magic of Waiheke Island on a 5-star rated electric bike adventure! eRide Waiheke lets you effortlessly explore the island’s rolling hills, stunning beaches, and world-class vineyards. The popular self-guided 5 Bays Ride loop showcases Waiheke’s beautiful northern coastline and hidden gems at your own pace.

WIN a 5 Bays Ride e-bike hire for two! The perfect eco-friendly escape for genuine wellbeing.

KAITIAKI LODGE

Honoured Guardians

The word kaitiaki means guardianship in te reo. Māori have always understood that we don’t own property or land, rather we are the custodians of it during our time here.

Kaitiaki Lodge is luxury lodge located in Onetangi on Waiheke Island.

Designed by renowned architect Leon Bieldt, every element has been thoughtfully considered for quality, functionality and environmental sustainability.

The lodge has five large bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, two living rooms, a home-office, swimming pool, hot tub and even a private 20-minute nature walk. It has it all, making it a wonderful spot for family holidays, getting together with friends, corporate getaways, or luxury retreats.

Upon entering the house, you're greeted by a stunning interior by Two Birds Design. With sustainable materials throughout, the interior fuses dark natural tones with a huge amount of light courtesy of floor-to-ceiling widows.

On the top floor, you'll will find the main living area, kitchen and the master suite.

Situated overlooking acres of unspoilt native bush with the Hauraki Gulf beyond, the setting is simply spectacular. Sitting on the veranda with a glass of local wine, the light glistening on the ocean and the sound of native birdsong in the air, you'd never believe that downtown Auckland is only 40 minutes away.

A large custom-made dining table seats 10 comfortably and the bespoke wraparound sofa takes advantage of the magnificent views over the native bush and the ocean beyond.

Outside the living area is a large entertaining deck with lounge furniture, huge automated awnings to keep the sun off and a fireplace to keep you warm on colder nights.

The kitchen is state-of-the-art with Fisher and Paykal appliances, induction and gas hobs, large fridge freezer and an espresso machine. There is also a new webber gas barbecue by the pool for al fresco dining.

A carefully considered bar area and large kitchen island offers a great social space that flows into the rest of the living area.

Heading downstairs you reach the guest suites. At the bottom of the stairs is another large lounge area with an amazingly comfortable bespoke sofa and a large smart TV. In this area you'll find a wet bar with its own fridge freezer – perfect for preparing your poolside cocktails.

At either end of the lower level you will find two large bedrooms, giving a total of four bedrooms downstairs as well as the master suite upstairs. The downstairs bedrooms have split king beds meaning they can be configured as a king double or two king singles and each pair of bedrooms has a luxurious bathroom with walk-in shower and underfloor heating.

The lounge area leads outside to the heated pool and hot tub, with enough space for everyone to enjoy the summer sun or lounge in the shade of one of the large cantilevered umbrellas. If you're feeling more adventurous you can take a stroll through 10 acres of private nature reserve. A carefully constructed a track that winds its way through the forest carefully cultivated to protect the native species of plant and birds that are abundant in the area. You will see (or hear) tūī (parson bird), kererū (wood pigeon), kākā (bush parrot), ruru (morepork – our native owl), pīwakawaka (fantails) and much more.

On the top floor is the master suite, complete with a stunning bathroom and breathtaking views of the forest and ocean beyond.

To complete the top floor there is an office area with a dedicated desk space and a small water closet.

Kaitiaki Lodge is a truly special place, where modern amenities and luxury seamlessly blend with the natural environment creating

a tranquil and relaxing space that is sure to create many incredible memories for years to come.

Powered by a solar array on the roof and with a state-of-the-art water capture and treatment system this is a luxury experience with a small footprint.

Only on Waiheke can you enjoy this level of privacy whilst remaining so connected.

Batch winery and restaurant, EcoZip Adventures and scenic flights all available within walking distance. A little further afield you will reach the wonderful Onetangi Beach with a selection of bars and restaurants and the Onetangi Road with some of the islands best wineries and breweries. Just a few minutes' drive further away are all the shops, cafes bars and restaurants of Ostend and Oneroa. For more information or to book vist waihekeunlimited.co.nz

Nestled in the heart of Waiheke Island, the lodge is surrounded by 10 acres of pristine native bush.

COMING SOON TO WAIHEKE:

A Bistro Among The Olive Trees

Allpress Olive Groves are olive farmers, millers and expert blenders from Waiheke Island – a unique region with its own microclimate producing world-class extra virgin olive oil: “From our island groves to your table, our oils embody the bright, clean flavours of our place.”

This summer, they’re set to open Bistro Allpress. The concept is simple but special: a relaxed, elegant dining experience that lets their Waihekegrown olive oil shine.

“We’ve always valued quality and simplicity,” says founder Michael Allpress. “With the bistro, it’s about sharing what we love – good produce, good oil, and that warm, unpretentious hospitality that makes you want to come back.”

From coffee to olives

When Michael Allpress sold his global espresso business in 2019, he wasn’t exactly planning on jumping straight into olives. But as it turns out, flavour is a hard habit to break.

In 2021, he took over the iconic Rangihoua Estate and number 29, combining them with his own olive grove and forming what is now Allpress Olive Groves. Since then, they’ve been producing some of the country’s most awarded extra virgin olive oils.

Recently, they’ve restored the onsite mill and opened their brand-new tasting room in their stunningly renovated space, ready to welcome visitors from all over New Zealand and beyond. Up next, Bistro Allpress – a place for people to eat, relax and feel at home.

Set to open mid-November, the bistro will offer an evolving, seasonal menu designed around local and NZ ingredients and, of course, their olive

oils. Think fresh sourdough from their inhouse bakery served with new season extra virgin olive oil, rotisserie chicken and roast veg, fresh fish, and olive wood fired pizza. Dishes will incorporate oils all milled and blended on site. And for dessert? An olive oil chocolate mousse, naturally.

The space itself will be tucked into the surrounding native bush, with indooroutdoor seating and a view over the groves. The design is simple and warm – inspired by the land but not trying too hard to be rustic.

For a causal dining experience, enjoy the sun-drenched courtyard with pizza kitchen and bar, perfect for those long summer days ahead.

The drinks list will feature wines and craft beers on tap, with a few clever olive-oil-infused cocktails in the mix.

The whole experience

What sets Bistro Allpress apart isn’t just the food – it’s the whole experience. Before or after your meal, you’ll be able to explore the groves, pop into the tasting room, or take a look at the mill to see how the oil is actually made. It’s a rare chance to see the full journey of an ingredient – from tree to mill to plate –all in one place.

And if lunch isn’t enough? They also have a collection of luxury holiday accommodation tucked away in the olive groves. A stay that combines wine, walks, and waking up to birdsong and a splash of olive oil on your morning eggs? Yes, please.

Why Waiheke?

Waiheke Island has long been known for its wine scene, beaches and laid-back charm. But Allpress Olive Groves is adding another layer to the island’s appeal – one that celebrates olives as more than just something you nibble with a glass of rosé. Here, they’re the hero.

“There’s something really special about the micro-climate here,” says Michael. “The sunlight, the soil, the wind – it all contributes to growing incredible olives.”

This new chapter feels like a natural next step. It’s food with integrity. It’s not fancy for the sake of it. It’s honest, thoughtful and rooted in place – a reflection of everything the Allpress team has been building quietly over the past few years.

So, when can you book?

The bistro is expected to open its doors mid-November, with reservations opening soon via their website. The kitchen team is currently testing the menus and the team is hiring local staff to bring it all to life.

While it’s still a work in progress, one thing’s clear: this will be a must-visit for anyone who loves good food, beautiful places, and that understated kind of luxury that doesn’t need to shout.

Until then, you can visit the tasting room (open daily) or stay updated on the launch via allpressolivegroves.co.nz or Instagram @allpressolivegroves.

Views & Vino

The Vino Vino terrace offers the one of the best dining views in all of Aotearoa, and thanks to its owner Connie Adao, boasts a menu to match.

“Like for many, my first influence was from within the family –from my gran,” Connie tells Verve . “She was a naturally talented home chef, and I loved learning from her.”

Born and raised in Argentina – and a Kiwi citizen since 2008 – Connie learnt the art of open-fire cooking under the superstar Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. “He has been the most influential figure in Argentine cuisine during the last 30 years, and I was incredibly lucky to become one of his closest disciples,” beams Connie.

“I started working in Francis’s office as a part-time job during university, and to both our surprise, we discovered I had the makings of a professional chef! I worked for Francis for over a decade and learnt so much from him. He is the closest I have ever met to a true creative genius, as well as being a lovely, charming person. We remain great friends.”

During her 12 years with Team Mallmann, Connie rose to become general manager and head chef, gaining international recognition in 2002 when 1884 Restaurant, which she set up and led for six years in Mendoza, was ranked seventh in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants by London’s Restaurant Magazine.

Life took a new turn when Connie married a New Zealand diplomat. “I spent my early years as a new Kiwi in Wellington and at New Zealand’s Embassy in China, where he was Ambassador for six years,” she explains. “After that, we had the chance to decide where to make our base and bring up our two sons, and we chose Waiheke.”

Connie’s island career began as head chef at Stonyridge Vineyard, before she seized the chance to purchase Vino Vino in 2021. “Our pole star is love of cooking, expressed in delicious, quality food that is also good value,” she says. “Our goal is to make sure all our guests feel really well looked after and leave happy that they’ve enjoyed a delicious and healthy meal at a fair price. Nothing makes us happier than having customers return regularly, which happily many do.”

Her menu reflects her dual identity. “After more than 20 years here, I feel both Argentine and Kiwi,” she says. “My classic Argentine dish would be eye fillet steak followed by flan, Argentina’s version of crème caramel. My classic Kiwi dish would be pan-fried snapper followed by pavlova.”

Can you tell us about the restaurant’s role in the community?

“Waiheke is a very seasonal destination, and we depend greatly on the loyalty of locals during quieter months. Our staff, of course, also includes many members of our local community and we are proud to contribute to the livelihood in that way, as well as supporting a range of good causes and charities.”

What do you most love about living on the island?

“The lovely and diverse local community. The breathtaking natural beauty. And the fun of having lots of interesting visitors coming to the island from all over the country and world. Oh, and the wineries, of course!”

And finally, when not hard at work, where would we most likely find you?

“Cooking and my family are my two passions in life. When I’m not at Vino Vino, I’ll be at home with my husband and our two sons. I love pottering around in the garden and going for walks on the beach.”

153 Ocean View Road, Oneroa vinovino.co.nz

PLACEMAKERS WAIHEKE

Based on Waiheke, PlaceMakers has everything you need for summer projects. From decking and fencing to kitchens and heating, their range ensures your home is ready for BBQ season and beyond.

placemakers.co.nz

Set

Ezi Car Rental

Serenity meets serendipity for Verve, thanks to Toyota’s Ezi Car Rental and SeaLink. by Toyota

Amidst planning a trip to Waiheke last month to meet the generous hosts of our new island stands (at Vino Vino, and the Island Grocer), we received a timely call with an invitation to test out Toyota’s bZ4X courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. So, with some suncream slopped and a bounty of our beautiful magazines in the boot, Verve made for the Hauraki Gulf paradise.

Ezi Car Rental by Toyota is part of the company’s wider commitment to mobility, community, and sustainability – aiming to provide Kiwis with flexible, reliable options for getting around. We took the wheel of Toyota’s first-ever battery electric vehicle in New Zealand: the bZ4X (the bZ, if you’re wondering, stands for ‘beyond zero’, Toyota’s vision for a carbon-neutral future, while 4X refers to its midsize SUV platform and capable all-wheeldrive performance).

The handsome bZ4X feels perfectly suited to antipodean lifestyles. It’s a vehicle built for everyday driving yet ready for weekend adventures...

Our convenient pickup point was the Ezi Rental location at 167 Beach Road, Auckland Central, with an equally convenient point of departure at SeaLink’s newly opened downtown passenger and vehicle ferry terminal at Hamer Street in Wynyard Quarter – a central new gateway to Waiheke Island. With up to seven sailings per day, flexible booking options, and smooth vehicle boarding, the journey is as stress-free as it gets – helped by a small but well-stocked onboard eatery! Simply drive aboard, sit back, and enjoy those ocean views…

Once on sunny Waiheke, the bZ4X soon also shines. Its electric powertrain delivers instant torque for confident acceleration up the island’s steep and winding roads, while regenerative braking helps extend range. The cabin remains quiet, composed, and blissfully chilled (even its supremely comfortable seats are air conditioned), and an intuitive infotainment system keeps us well connected. Visibility is excellent, aided by a 360-degree camera system for manoeuvring through tight village streets.

With an estimated range of up to 485km on a full charge, the bZ4X is more than suited for day trips around the island. Waiheke's growing network of public charging stations (four so far) ensures you can easily top up while enjoying local attractions – such as lunch at Charlie Farley’s. The laid-

back beachside bar and eatery overlooks the golden sands of Onetangi Beach and is the perfect spot to unwind with a casual meal, sip on something cold, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

The handsome bZ4X feels perfectly suited to antipodean lifestyles. It’s a vehicle built for everyday driving yet ready for weekend adventures – the 750kg braked and unbraked towing capacity allows the bZ4X to effortlessly haul small trailers, lightweight boats, jet skis, and camping gear. Its design is sleek and modern, with a distinctive front profile and aerodynamic lines that reflect both its strength and its efficiency.

The Toyota bZ4X is part of Toyota’s proud promise to support New Zealand’s electrification journey with accessible, capable, and affordable low-emission vehicles. Paired with SeaLink’s new terminal and Ezi Car Rental’s flexibility, it’s proof that sustainability and convenience can go hand in hand while exploring our wondrous land.

If you’re looking for a Waiheke escape from Auckland City, you can book your car through Ezi Rental by Toyota and your ferry online at sealink.co.nz

Luxury Lodging, Island-style

Located on beautiful Waiheke Island,

Delamore Lodge is only a hop, skip and a jump from downtown – yet it feels worlds away.

Entering the property's pristine grounds immediately invokes a sense of calm and clarity. Lush green gardens, a vibrant olive grove, and breathtaking views of Owhanake Bay are waiting to greet guests, complemented by the peaceful sound of birdsong.

This luxury lodge has everything you need for a restorative getaway. Recently awarded a 2025 Michelin Key, decadent dining onsite includes gourmet breakfasts and a three- or five-course set menu made from local produce and

paired with exceptional wines from nearby vineyards that are – dare we say –some of the best in the country.

High-end amenities including a luxury spa with New Zealand-made skincare products, a heated infinity pool with a million-dollar view, steamy sauna, and well-stocked library mean guests don’t even need to set foot off the property during their stay (but should they wish to, the lodge is conveniently located near the best that Waiheke has to offer).

The lodge’s Ataahua Owners Villa is nestled in a private corner of the grounds (‘Ataahua’ translates as ‘beautiful’ in te reo) with bedrooms that boast dazzling sea views of the shimmering Hauraki Gulf and spacious ensuite bathrooms with rainfall showers. A full modern kitchen awaits, with the option of the lodge’s executive chef whipping up a private meal.

For more information visit delamorelodge.com

Design of November

Constructive Change

Architectural design is change.

When it comes to the built environment, no one likes change. It seems we want the world to stand still while we upgrade clothes, technology and cars. But don't change your house next to me.

It’s a mystery why some changes are welcomed, even demanded, while others we find upsetting.

I tell my clients to expect their neighbours to be worried and upset when you are building or renovating. It seems to be natural and universal. What are we worried about?

Yes, there will be noise, dust and more traffic in the street. But that upgraded house will add value to the street. You might get a new common fence to replace the existing dilapidated one. You might get a newly painted neighbour to look

at – no more peeling paint and rotting weatherboards. Stormwater may stop running through your property.

On one project, the site was run down and overgrown and probably home to rats. The neighbours wrote to the council complaining about its state but as soon as the property was cleared and building started the neighbours got involved and objected to the new development.

If the homeowner has a Resource and a Building consent what they do on their site is none of your business – as long as they adhere to those consents. If they depart from the consents, you are within your rights to call the council.

If the neighbour wants to or needs to break one of the planning rules they will need your agreement to it. Before you

object, think of the upside for you. Maybe it's only a small non-compliance having a minor effect on you, but a major effect on the neighbour's house planning.

And homeowners building or renovating should expect the neighbours to be upset and not react with indignation and hostility.

So, when your neighbour begins a project, look at the advantages, rather than having the knee jerk reaction of trying to get involved or stopping it.

paul@leuschkekahn.co.nz 021 894 895 leuschkekahn.co.nz

Effortless Comfort

Create your ideal outdoor space with Suncraft’s versatile modular furniture – crafted to the highest standards for comfort, durability, and style.

Water-repellent and easy to maintain, it’s built to handle wind and weather all year round while offering a soft, cosy feel. Whether you’re after a relaxed lounge or a spacious entertaining area, the modular system allows you to configure the perfect layout with ease. Integrated tables can be added for extra functionality and a seamless, stylish finish.

Shop the range in store now at authorised retailer Bob and Friends located at 253 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby.

Outdoor Living

Custom Designed

INSIDE INDIA

From steaming, spiced chai on chaotic street corners to barbershops beneath banyan trees, decorated trucks, and legendary trains and buildings, India’s daily life and landscapes pulsate with colour, craftsmanship, and centuries of tradition.

ANCIENT ARCHITECTURE

India brims with architectural masterpieces that trace the country’s cultural tapestry. The most famous is undoubtedly the Taj Mahal, Agra’s fabled marble icon of love. In the “Pink City” of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal is a star attraction, the palace’s facade of oriel windows once allowing royal ladies private views of festivals below, while the nearby Amer Fort combines Hindu and Mughal styles with mirrored halls and grand courtyards.

Delhi’s Qutub Minar – the world’s tallest brick minaret – and Humayun’s Tomb – India’s first garden-tomb – both herald Mughal architectural innovations. India Gate, also in Delhi, is a colonialera war memorial of imposing grandeur, while Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple, a celestial chariot, embodies myth, stone, and scale.

TEA OFF

Enjoyed on bustling street corners, at busy train platforms, in idyllic gardens, and everywhere in between, tea is woven into every-day life in India. The country consumes around 800,000 tonnes annually, and only China exports more. Though the industry as its known today began under British colonial rule, herbal tea has been tied to Ayurveda since antiquity. Over generations, Indians have put their own spin on the brew, infusing it with milk, sugar, and spices like cardamom, ginger, pepper, and cloves, and serving it even in earthen kulhars (small clay pots).

Iconic tea-regions like Assam, Darjeeling, and the Kangra Valley each offer unique flavours shaped by altitude, climate, and tradition. Visiting the estates lets travellers see tea’s journey – from bush to cup – and savour it alongside local snacks, hospitality, and sweeping landscapes!

TRUCK ART

Across India – and the wider South Asia region – decorated trucks are far more than freight carriers; they’re personal, moving works of art. Often travelling hundreds of kilometres a day and spending months away from home, drivers transform their trucks into dulhans (brides), lavishing them with tassels, mirrors, fabrics and pompoms. In the city of Indore, for instance, interiors are often as vibrant as wedding chambers, bursting with colour and pattern, while in Jaipur, the artwork becomes a visual autobiography, reflecting faith, humour, and dreams. In Jodhpur, the influence of cinema billboards, pop art and psychedelia often fill every available inch of metal with imagery. Whatever the region, the decorated truck remains a rolling expression of its driver’s pride, identity and imagination.

TRAINS OF THOUGHT

India’s railways are the stuff of legend, weaving through mountains, jungles, deserts and coasts. The Unesco-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway climbs through misty tea gardens and colonial hill stations, while the Kalka–Shimla Express –another Unesco site – winds past deep valleys and pine forests into the Himalayan foothills. Along the west coast, the Goa Express reveals waterf;alls and lush jungle as it skirts the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats.

For grandeur, few compare to Rajasthan’s Palace on Wheels , where guests dine and sleep like maharajas aboard vintage coaches bound for Jaipur and Jaisalmer. Whether aboard a luxury liner or a rattling narrow-gauge carriage, India’s trains perfectly capture the country’s contrasts, each line offering not just a journey through place, but through India’s living history.

WILD INDIA

India offers some of the world’s most unforgettable wildlife encounters. In Assam’s Kaziranga National Park, grasslands and marshes shelter the majority of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceros, along with swamp deer, wild water buffalo, and more. Nagarahole in Karnataka combines dense jungle, bamboo thickets, and rivers prowled by tigers, elephants and aquatic birds. In Rajasthan, Keoladeo National Park is a compact haven for migratory waterfowl, hosting species from Siberia and Central Asia during winter. For high-altitude wonders, Hemis National Park in Ladakh is among the very best places to glimpse elusive snow leopards.

HAIR RAISING

Indian barbershops are far more than places for a haircut – they’re community hubs and spaces that offer a social refuge. Unemployed and young men frequent them, not always for grooming, but for the companionship and conversation. On nearly every busy street corner in India, you’ll find a barbershop or stall of some kind – sometimes just a single chair placed under the shade of a tree, a broken mirror propped against a wall, a few basic tools, and plenty of stories.

worldjourneys.co.nz

India Together

India is a kaleidoscope of colours, history, traditions, cultures and cuisine – it’s a lot!

Despite its undeniable allure to the traveller, there can be a hesitation to venture there alone. With this in mind, Auckland-based boutique travel company World Journeys has created a women-only small group tour designed to overcome hesitations and replace them with meaningful connections and authentic experiences. Travelling in a small group, they say, allows these experiences to be shared, offering the freedom to immerse yourself fully in the vibrant culture and breathtaking sights of India.

Why women only? Some single travellers are not comfortable travelling in a group of couples, some are keen to travel with a friend – and even to extend their friend group –while others simply prefer the company of other women. There’s a different dynamic, a comfortable sense of shared experience, a relaxed camaraderie.

This adventure begins in Kolkata, indulging in rich Bengali traditions, colourful markets, and delicious cuisine. From there, it’s on to the iconic

TAJ MAHAL, AGRA

Taj Mahal in Agra – a timeless symbol of love and one of the world’s most spectacular monuments. The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is where the romantic palaces and bustling bazaars of Rajasthan really kick in, transporting you back in time. In Udaipur, witness tranquil lake palaces and lively markets, offering a perfect blend of serenity and vibrant local life. Finally, explore Delhi’s famed markets and enjoy a farewell dinner that promises to be the perfect culmination of your journey.

Led by a seasoned World Journeys host – all the way from Auckland and back – every step is guided with care and expertise. This adventure will bring stunning sights, unique insights, new friendships, and unforgettable memories, because travel is better when shared with inspiring women.

For details contact your Travel Agent, or World Journeys 0800 117311 worldjourneys.co.nz

THE COLOURS OF INDIA

15-DAY WOMEN-ONLY SMALL GROUP TOUR

Dive into the colour, culture, traditions and food of India in this fully escorted small group tour through colourful Rajasthan and West Bengal.

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES:

Old and New Delhi

Join a morning yoga session in the Lodhi Gardens before diving into the chaotic bazaars of Old Delhi and the cosmopolitan vibe of New Delhi.

Sunrise at the Taj Mahal .

Witness the iconic Taj Mahal blush in the glow of dawn, a moment of breathtaking beauty.

Lunch at Sheroes Cafe

Share a meal and heartfelt stories with incredible women who are survivors of acid attacks, working to challenge societal norms.

A North Indian cooking class

Visit a family home in Jaipur for an authentic Rajasthani cooking class, enjoying dinner with the family.

Pottery and textile workshops .

Connect with your creative side and learn about ancient techniques.

FACT FILE:

• Duration 15 days/14 nights

• Departs 18 April 2026

Max group size 10

Return flights from NZ included

• Tipping included, and handled by the host

Guaranteed to go!

Vada

Lentil fritters

Another dish mentioned in ancient literature is Vada. These fritters come in several forms, but all use lentils – washed, soaked and ground with spices, then lightly fermented and deep-fried and eaten with chutney. To date, Indian society loves vada for breakfast, as an accompaniment to lunch, or as a snack for afternoon tea. From street vendors to homes and temples, vada is still popular for its flavour and versatility.

INGREDIENTS

400g urad dal

15g crushed black peppercorns

40g piece fresh ginger, grated

60g (1/3 cup) rice flour

Vegetable oil, for deep-frying

Coconut peanut chutney

½ tablespoon vegetable oil

30g peanuts, shelled

200g freshly grated coconut

10g fresh turmeric, peeled

5g jaggery

10g tamarind paste

1 tablespoon ghee

1 teaspoon mustard seeds

1 curry leaf sprig, leaves stripped

2 pinches of asafoetida

Utensils

Vaghariyu or small pot

METHOD

Wash the urad dal a couple of times in cold running water, then soak in a bowl of cold water for at least 3 hours.

Drain the dal and blitz in a blender or grind with a wet stone grinder into an almost-smooth paste. Add water if needed to adjust the consistency, but remember that the batter needs to be thick.

Place in a bowl and ‘whisk’ the batter with your fingers for 5–6 minutes until light and airy.

Add salt to taste, the black pepper, ginger and rice flour. Mix well and set aside for 2 hours to ferment a little.

To make the coconut peanut chutney, heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium–low heat and roast the peanuts for 8 minutes, then remove.

Add the peanuts to a blender with the coconut, fresh turmeric, jaggery, tamarind paste and a pinch of salt. Add a little water and blend to a smooth paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl.

Edited recipe extract from The Food of Bharat by Helly Raichura, published by Hardie Grant Books. Available now.

Heat the ghee in a vaghariyu or small pot over a medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the mustard seeds and, once they stop popping, add the curry leaves and asafoetida, then after a couple of seconds, pour over the chutney. Mix well, check the seasoning and set aside.

To test that the batter is fermented, drop a little into a glass of water. If it floats, enough air has been incorporated. If it doesn’t, whisk again with your fingers until the batter is fluffy enough that it floats when tested in the water.

Heat enough oil for deep-frying in a large saucepan until it reaches 150°C on a cooking thermometer. Drop about 30g of the batter into the oil with a spoon and deep-fry until golden on both sides, about 8–10 minutes.

If you prefer, you can shape your fritters into a doughnut shape before frying. Dip your hands in water, take 30g of batter and form a ball, then flatten into a thick disc. Gently press a hole through the middle to make a doughnut shape, then drop the vada into the hot oil and deep-fry until golden on both sides.

Serve with the coconut peanut chutney.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JANA LANGHORST & BRETT COLE

Kashmiri Kahwa

Warm saffron and spice tea

Saffron, which has origins in the Indus Valley Civilisation and Kashmir, is known as ‘the king of spices’ and was highly priced even at the time of the Silk Road route during the trade and migration period in India. In Kashmir, saffron grows in abundance, and the fields of purple flowers coating the landscape against the backdrop of the mountains is one of the most beautiful sights I’ve ever seen. Sipping kahwa in a shikara (wooden boat) on Dal Lake might have been touristy, but it felt complete! Kahwa is made with Kashmiri green tea, saffron, whole spices, rose petals, almonds and honey. This sweet, fragrant drink is poured out of a samovar, a traditional copper tea pot that has an inbuilt section for hot coal to keep the tea warm. I first tried it in Kashmir on a roadside in the early morning in Srinagar on our way to the saffron fields, and the taste of it still lingers in my memory.

INGREDIENTS

12–15 saffron threads, crushed with a mortar and pestle

1–2g loose-leaf green tea, or 1 tea bag

2 green cardamom pods, bruised

2.5cm cassia bark stick

2 whole cloves

¼ teaspoon dried rose petals, plus extra to garnish

10g honey

4 almonds, thinly slivered, to serve

Utensils

Samovar (copper Kashmiri tea pot) or a pot

Charcoal, for heating Wood chips can be used if charcoal is not available. (Light wood chips after placing them in the samovar cavity.)

METHOD

If you’re using a samovar, place hot coals in the centre of the samovar, then pour in 400ml water and add all the ingredients, except for the honey and almonds. The tea will come to the boil. Allow it to bubble gently for 5–7 minutes to develop the flavours. Pour into a cup, add the honey and almonds, and drink hot.

If you’re using a pot, combine all the ingredients, except the honey and almonds, in a pot with 400ml water and bring it to the boil over a high heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 7 minutes.

Once the flavours have developed, take it off the stove and let it sit for 1 hour, then place back over a high heat and bring to the boil again. Add the honey, then strain into cups, garnish with extra rose petals and serve with the slivered almonds.

Edited recipe extract from The Food of Bharat by Helly Raichura, published by Hardie Grant Books. Available now.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JANA LANGHORST & BRETT COLE

Baingan Sabji

Braised eggplant with spices and ginger

SERVES 2-3

In 2010, archaeologists Arunima Kashyap and Steve Weber used starch analysis to trace a handi (cooking vessel) made of earthenware which was excavated from Farmana in the Ghaggar-Hakra valley near modern-day Delhi. Through this analysis, they claimed they discovered the ‘proto’, or ‘original’ curry, which I would really call a sabji, or braised vegetable. Braised eggplant is prepared in most Indian regions, and each has its own unique take on the dish. The eggplants in this recipe are silky, and the spices are mild but flavourful. When I had just given birth to my son, I was given a special diet by my mother. It is believed that new mothers should eat certain foods when breastfeeding to aid a newborn’s digestion. What appeared most frequently on the menu was eggplant sabji with ginger, turmeric and black pepper cooked in ghee.

METHOD INGREDIENTS

20g piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped

10g garlic cloves, peeled 30ml sesame oil, or Ghee

800g eggplant, destemmed and cut into bite-sized cubes

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Finely chopped coriander and freshly ground black pepper, to garnish (optional)

Utensils

Kadhai or heavy-based wok

Always use fresh eggplant, as older aubergine doesn’t cook as well and out-of-season eggplant creates an unpleasant tingling sensation on the tip of the tongue.

Ghee, the cheat’s version

Makes 350g 500g (2 cups) unsalted butter

Utensils

Patili or heavy-based pot

Slotted spoon

Heat the butter in a patili or heavybased pot over a medium heat until it reaches 140°C on a cooking thermometer. Remove any impurities that rise to the surface with a slotted spoon. No pat is produced in this version.

Take the ghee off the heat, let it cool, then strain and store in an airtight container or sterilised glass jar at room temperature for up to 1 month.

Crush the ginger and garlic to a smooth paste with a mortar and pestle.

Heat the sesame oil in a kadhai or heavybased wok over a medium heat. Fry the crushed ginger and garlic till slightly brown, then add the eggplant.

Increase the heat to high, stir to coat the eggplant in the oil, then add the turmeric and salt to taste, and mix well. Cook for 1 minute.

Mix the eggplant one more time, scraping the bottom of the pot. Lower the heat to medium, cover the kadhai and cook for 7 minutes, stirring periodically, or until the eggplant is soft.

For a modern-day take, add some finely chopped coriander and some freshly ground black pepper to garnish. Serve with rice.

Edited recipe extract from The Food of Bharat by Helly Raichura, published by Hardie Grant Books. Available now.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JANA LANGHORST & BRETT COLE

UDAIPUR

Taj Lake Palace

Royalty meets fairytale at the Taj Lake Palace poised gracefully above the waters of Lake Pichola.

There are hotels that dazzle, and then there are those that seem to float between worlds. The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur, its white marble walls rising from the still surface of Lake Pichola, belongs firmly in the latter category.

From the moment your boat glides away from the city’s edge and the ripples carry you toward its glimmering silhouette, there’s a sense you’re crossing not just water, but centuries.

Built in 1746 as a royal summer retreat by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the palace remains an exquisite tribute to Mewar artistry. Each corridor unfolds into another vignette of regal life: intricate jali screens filtering golden light, domed pavilions reflected in the lake below, and courtyards scented with jasmine and rose.

Though impeccably restored by the Taj Hotels group, the property feels less like a hotel and more like a living museum of beauty and devotion.

Dining here is theatre. Traditional Rajasthani dishes are served, each plate a celebration of spice and ceremony. For something dreamlike, a private dinner can be arranged on the Lily Pond or Mewar Terrace, where candlelight dances on marble and the reflection of the palace trembles across the water. Even breakfast feels indulgent — taken on the terrace as the first boats cut across the morning mist. Beyond its obvious splendour, what sets this place apart is its stillness. Despite its fame, the Taj Lake Palace remains a sanctuary — a cocoon of calm in a country of exhilarating contrasts. It is the India of your imagination: poetic, proud, and impossibly romantic.

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At the heart of the palace, framed by arcades of carved marble and cascading bougainvillea, lies the Taj Lake Palace pool — a vision of stillness and shimmer. Floating high above the lake, it feels suspended between sky and water, its turquoise surface mirroring the shifting blues of Udaipur’s horizon.

Attendants glide past with chilled towels and rosescented water, while the call of temple bells drifts faintly across Lake Pichola.

By day, the pool invites languid swims under the Rajasthan sun; by dusk, it transforms into a quiet stage for reflection as lanterns flicker and the marble glows warm gold. It is not merely a place to cool off, but a scene from a bygone dynasty – serene, cinematic, utterly timeless.

Here, you will step into the opulent world of the Maharanas – the ultimate monarchs –who graced these halls for centuries.

Inside, every suite tells its own story. Hand-painted murals recall tales from Rajput legend, while antique furniture and mirrored mosaics reflect the craftsmanship of generations.

Step through arched windows and the outside world dissolves into silver water, distant hills, and the faint sound of temple bells drifting across the lake.

At sunset, the city turns to gold – City Palace glows on one shore, Jag Mandir on the other – and the Taj Lake Palace seems to hover weightless between them.

For bookings please visit tajhotels.com

Fire & Spice

WORDS — JESSICA WEALE

kolauckland.co.nz

In a peachy pink Ponsonby villa, fire meets finesse. Kol is where the warmth of Indian tradition dances with New Zealand’s freshest flavours.

Kol sits proudly on the edge of Auckland’s Western Park. Peachy-pink, green-trimmed and quietly playful, it feels both welcoming and well-established within the

neighbourhood. Inside, the mood shifts to something moodier and more refined yet soft thanks to diffused lighting and thoughtful design .

Pronounced ‘coal’, this Ponsonby highlight now thrives under the direction of Sapan and Ruchi Parikh who took the reins in mid-2025. They have reimagined the traditional Indian chulu, a clay stove used for slow cooking over firewood, into something contemporary and soulful. It’s clear that fire is the quiet hero here, lending smoke, spice and depth to even the simplest of ingredients.

We tried the set menu, a curated collection, Sapan explained, born from a series of event tastings that revealed the restaurant’s most loved dishes. It’s a clever and thoughtful way of listening to what guests like, and a great option if you’ve never been, allowing you to try a little of everything they do best.

Opening our eventful evening was the Beet Tikki. This had a comforting consistency, almost potato-like, but packed full of earthy flavours and paired with a mint yoghurt chutney that cut through with a perfectly sharp and refreshing lift. Coupled with this was the Lamb Taco. Tender, flame-licked and superbly seasoned meat with just

the right amount of heat, tucked in flatbread and brightened by pickled onion and coriander.

As someone who’s known to dodge the odd vegetable when there’s other options on the table, I did not expect the BBQ Broccoli to steal the show. But it did. It was charred and deeply flavoured through every floret. Smoke, spice, sweet… spectacular.

The main course, Tandoori Chicken with Curry Leaf and Cashew Sauce, was delightful. The chicken was gently blackened and extra juicy, sitting on the side of a generous helping of rich, tummy-warming sauce. Everything was all very well portioned too so you’re unlikely to run out of sauce and be left hunting around for where to dip your last piece of chicken.

The main was paired with a Kulcha, naan’s decadent cousin, liberally filled with goat’s cheese, porcini and truffle. It’s one of those dishes that doesn’t shout but is quietly smile-inducing. The kind that makes you pause mid conversation and just, nod.

Dessert arrived with a surprise. At first you’ll be surprised by the artistic display of a bold pink rosette bouncing off the black stone dish. And then you take a bite. The delicate Rice Pastry, tinted pink by beetroot’s natural dye, conceals a hidden burst of Boysenberry and White Chocolate Cheesecake.

One takeaway from dining at Kol, especially with the set menu, is that every dish feels thoughtfully portioned, never heavy or excessive. There were no fillers, or unnecessary bread or bulk, just layers of flavour, texture and spice with each dish standing confidently on its own.

Kol feels like a restaurant that is built on balance. Between tradition and innovation, fire and finesse, the familiar and the intriguing. It captures what Ponsonby does best. Blending the world’s flavours with a sense of home.

23 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn 021 379 700 info@kolauckland.co.nz

webbs.co.nz

Savouring Spice

WORDS — MARCUS ATKINSON

With more global cuisines now part of Aotearoa’s food scene, I’m often asked about pairing wines and drinks with spicier, more adventurous dishes.

As Head of Fine Wines & Whiskies at Webb’s, I’ve been exploring what complements bold flavours, especially those found in Indian cuisine.

Pairing wine with spice isn’t just about matching heat. It’s about balance. Off-dry Rieslings bring freshness and a touch of sweetness that works beautifully with butter chicken, Szechuan dishes or Vietnamese food. Gewürztraminer is a natural match for fragrant Thai cuisine. At Webb’s auctions, we often feature aged whites with the acidity and texture to handle spice well.

Sparkling wines are excellent with fried snacks and street food. Champagne, as my French aunties say, “se boit avec tout” – it goes with everything.

Lighter reds like Pinot Noir, Gamay or Grenache can pair nicely with lamb

rogan josh, biryani or tandoori chicken. Avoid heavy tannins and high alcohol, which tend to amplify heat.

Craft beer or dry cider also works well. Sammy Akuthota’s Chai Lounges in Auckland prove this with Indian street food served alongside local brews and cocktails. For something special, try aged rum or single malts with tropical or smoky notes.

Cheers! | Santé! | Sláinte! | Egészségére! | 饮胜! | 干杯!

MARCUS ATKINSON, DipWSET

Head of Fine Wines & Whiskies, Webb’s +64 27 929 5601 marcus@webbs.co.nz

INDIA AND

Tailored India Enlightenment

Private journeys for curious, discerning travellers, designed to go beyond the guidebook.

Dreaming of India but not sure group travel is your style? You’re not alone. Sarah Meikle of All India Permit Tours specialises in creating bespoke private and independent itineraries that blend luxury, local knowledge and unforgettable moments.

India is dazzling, but also complex. The distances are vast, the options are endless, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where decades of experience and insider connections make all the difference.

Whether you're travelling with friends, family or planning something just for yourself, All India Permit Tours can take care of every detail – from boutique accommodation and transport to incredible restaurants, curated shopping and immersive experiences. You set the pace; they handle the rest.

Itineraries are crafted using on-the-ground insight and longstanding relationships with India’s best drivers, guides and hosts. This isn’t the India you’ll find in a guidebook – it’s the India that locals love.

If group tours aren’t your thing, don’t let that stop you. Let them help you design a one-of-a-kind journey that’s entirely yours. All India Permit Tours designs fabulous Indian holidays and experiences. Learn more at allindiapermit.co.nz

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Quote VERVE when booking and receive NZ$500 worth of additional activities included in your itinerary for you and your travel companion (T&Cs apply).

WORDS — FLETCHER SUNDE

2,500 years ago in ancient India, a man was born who would change the way people thought about life and suffering forever.

His name was Siddhartha Gautama, though by the time he died he would be known as the Buddha, a ‘fully awakened one’. At the age of 35 he gained enlightenment and underwent a profound shift in his relationship to the world. He spent the next 55 years sharing what he had discovered: the unbecoming of the self-interested self and the pathway to end all suffering. India, the birthplace of Buddhism, remains steeped in spiritual history, sustained by generations devoted to inner freedom. Contemplating this can invite a few inquisitive questions: What would enlightenment be like today? Is it applicable to the modern world? What would it feel like to be enlightened? How would it change you?

Two of the most central qualities of enlightenment are the faculties of infinite compassion and infinite wisdom. What do these mean? Imagine your most compassionate self, the most loving, understanding, and accepting person you have ever been, overflowing with boundless, unconditional care. Now imagine that state is utterly immovable. No matter what happens, no matter how someone attempts to divide and break you, all you find within is an unshakable love and understanding. This is infinite compassion, a quality of a Buddha.

What about infinite wisdom? Imagine looking inside yourself and seeing with absolute certainty the reasons for the way things are. Second-guessing no longer exists, confusion and delusion are gone forever. You bring light to the concerns of others with penetrating clarity – with insight and vision that sees beneath the surface. The true nature of reality, in all its beauty and wonder, is at your fingertips. This is infinite wisdom, another characteristic of a Buddha.

With the rise of mis- and disinformation, hate and division, the world needs us, as individuals, to look inside and find the sparks of buddhahood. We should understand that compassion and wisdom are creative forces that bring people together to transcend the illusion of self-interest – the root of division. Choosing to meet the world with compassion and wisdom is itself an act of self and communal love and liberation. This is exactly what the Buddha and the mystics of ancient India stood for.

Fletcher Sunde is a certified meditation teacher; learn more at meditatewithfletch.co.nz

Campus Creative

From Oxford to Otago, these stunning campuses prove that inspiration stems from our surroundings.

OXFORD UNIVERSITY; UK

Though it’s the oldest university in the English-speaking world, there is no clear date of the foundation of Oxford University. However, teaching at the site has existed in some form since 1096. Its Bodleian Library, home to more than 12 million printed items, was one of the first in Europe and is second in size in the UK only to the British Library. Fun fact: the University of Oxford has produced over 30 UK prime ministers and countless Nobel laureates.

OLD LIBRARY, TRINITY COLLEGE; IRELAND

Built between 1712 and 1732, the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin is home to the Long Room, a beautiful 18th-century chamber lined with 200,000 of the library’s oldest books. Its many treasures include the Book of Kells , an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels created by Scottish monks around AD 800 on the island of Iona – and is one of the world’s most iconic medieval works. Other highlights include a rare copy of the 1916 Proclamation of the Irish Republic, and Ireland’s oldest harp, crafted from oak and willow in the 15th century and the inspiration behind the country’s national emblem.

UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND; AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

Founded in 1883, the University of Auckland blends heritage and modern innovation in the heart of the city. Its landmark ClockTower, inspired by the iconic Tom Tower of Oxford University and completed in 1926, showcases architect Roy Lippincott’s neo-Gothic vision. Crafted from locally quarried stone and adorned with carvings of native flora, it’s a uniquely New Zealand interpretation of tradition. Surrounded by Albert Park’s greenery, the tower remains a proud symbol of learning and culture. The award-winning Hiwa recreation centre continues this legacy, its sculptural form and light-filled spaces celebrating creativity and connection while promoting wellbeing – embodying the university’s enduring commitment to excellence and evolution.

ROLEX LEARNING CENTER; SWITZERLAND

Designed by Japanese architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA, the Rolex Learning Center at EPFL in Lausanne is a masterpiece of flowing space and form. Its 37,000-square-metre design – which includes a half-amillion volumes-strong library – replaces traditional floors and walls with gently undulating concrete that mirrors the Swiss landscape – and some say, even Swiss cheese, with its perforated concrete and glass shell! Instead of stairs, visitors move through smooth rises and dips, or glide in ‘inclined elevators’ – transparent glass lifts adapted for the building’s unique terrain. Beneath its lifted form, open-air spaces merge seamlessly with the surrounding campus.

OTAGO UNIVERSITY; AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

Our oldest university was founded in 1869, built by settlers from the Scottish Lowlands. The iconic Clocktower Building, completed in 1879 and modelled on Scotland’s University of Glasgow, rises from contrasting dark basalt and pale Ōamaru stone. Surrounding buildings such as the Archway, Geology, Marama and Allen Halls echo its Gothic Revival style, forming a picturesque quadrangle shaded by magnolia trees. Local materials like Leith Valley andesite, Port Chalmers bluestone and North Otago whitestone gave the campus its distinctive texture and colour palette, to help create the “Edinburgh of the South”.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO; USA

At just over 50 years old, University of California, San Diego is one of the younger major U.S. universities – yet it stands out for its bold architectural identity. From the early concrete work of Irving Gill at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography to the dramatic footprint of Geisel Library and the array of Brutalist structures framing the campus, UCSD captures the evolution

of modern architecture all in one place. Original master-planner Robert Alexander conceived 12 colleges arrayed along a grand pedestrian boulevard, inspired by Champs-Élysées in Paris. Though the full scheme was never realised, its ambitions still shaped the campus’s distinctive modernist character.

Wising Up

A look at learning and the learned around the world…

ENLIGHTENED AT LAST

Tibetan Buddhist nuns are spearheading an academic shift by finally gaining access to the highest monastic degrees that have been traditionally reserved for men for centuries, with Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, playing a key role in advocating for gender parity in education. Since the introduction of the geshema degree – which is roughly the equivalent to a doctorate in Buddhist philosophy – for nuns in the Tibetan government-in - exile’s Indian and Nepali communities, more women have become teachers, nuns, and community leaders. The movement is helping to preserve Tibetan Buddhist scholarship and culture while also redefining women’s roles within monastic institutions.

MORE MALES

Ahead of World Teachers’ Day, education experts called for more men to join early childhood teaching, warning that male educators are “on the brink of disappearing”. Dr Martyn Mills-Bayne of the University of South Australia says that men make up less than 4% of early childhood educators, with outdated gender stereotypes keeping those numbers so low. “Children, especially boys, need to see positive male role models in learning environments,” he says. “If we don’t normalise men in caring roles, we’re doing society a real disservice.” He believes that a more gender-diverse workforce would not only enrich education but also strengthen child safety while challenging toxic masculinity. “We need a national campaign that actively encourages men to see early childhood education as a rewarding career,” Dr Mills-Bayne says. “Teachers don’t just shape children – they shape communities.”

WHAT’S IN THE NUMBERS

From tally-marks scratched onto bone to the sleek digits on our smartphones, the story of numbers is a journey through the history of human thought. Basic tallies were first needed to track food and livestock, sowing the seeds of the origins of numerical systems. In India, mathematicians introduced the gamechanging concept of zero and a positional system, which travelled, via Arab scholars, into Europe and laid the foundations for algebra and calculus to be built. Numbers became the language of science and trade as well as human progress. As for the numbers one to ten? They likely emerged from the most immediate counting method available to early humans: fingers!

continues page 84

• Largest Independent School Group in New Zealand

• Four Diverse Campuses

• Cambridge 10 Top in World Students 2024

ALPHA BETS

Alpha School is San Francisco's newest and most expensive private institution – charging US$75,000 annually, even though students engage in just two hours of academic work per day. The rest of the day is focused on practical life skills like building sailboats, managing Airbnbs, and international travel. The school employs AIgenerated lesson plans and books, with human instructors acting as ‘guides’ who motivate students using a virtual currency called ‘Alpha bucks’. The school’s co-founder, MacKenzie Price, claims that Alpha students can learn 10 times faster than those in traditional education, while critics argue that the model lacks social learning and may not prepare students for realworld challenges. Alpha operates 14 campuses around the US, with plans for expansion.

There is much evidence that proves kids simply learn better on paper than on screens.

HAND SKILLS

Facing unprecedented concerns about the use of generative-AI tools like ChatGPT, many educators around the world are returning to handwritten tasks during class. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that sales of the once-ubiquitous exam booklets – or ‘blue books’ – have been on the rise at institutions like Texas A&M University and University of California, Berkeley. This mirrors broader back-to-basics trends in education elsewhere, such as Sweden’s recent emphasis on textbooks and handwriting over digital devices, which many experts believe better supports foundational learning and comprehension. There is much evidence that proves kids simply learn better on paper than on screens.

LEARNING LUNCHES

Several countries have embraced the idea that no child should learn on an empty stomach. Finland led the way in 1948 by offering free school meals to all students aged six to 16, with Sweden not far behind. Japan’s renowned kyuushoku programme ensures every primary student and teacher enjoys a nutritious, balanced meal each day, while South Korea has rapidly expanded free lunches nationwide following a public referendum. School canteens are oftens a reflection of their country’s traditional cuisines, with bento boxes and sushi in Japan and pizza and pasta often served to Italian kids. In India, you’ll find biryani, curry, and roti; in Mexico, burritos, tacos, and nachos; and in France, baguettes, quiche, and gratin.

At Kip McGrath, three exceptional educators — Jody O’Connell (St Heliers), Mari Botes (Stonefields), and Wanda Van Den Heever (Three Kings) — are leading the way in transforming learning across Auckland.

Their centres deliver more than just English and Maths tuition. Each program is personalised, curriculum-aligned, and taught by qualified teachers who know how to build confidence, close learning gaps, and inspire achievement.

From foundational skills to exam readiness, Kip McGrath’s proven approach helps students reach higher — and stay there. kipmcgrath.co.nz/st-heliers Contact us for a free assessment today.

Education is Changing

pinehurst.school.nz

Stability, balance and opportunity in a time of transition.

Education in New Zealand is changing. With NCEA undergoing review and new grading systems being trialled, many parents are asking the same question: “What does this mean for my child’s future?”

At Pinehurst School in Albany, these questions have a clear answer. For nearly 25 years, Pinehurst has offered the Cambridge International pathway – a qualification that is globally recognised, academically rigorous, and accepted by universities both here and overseas.

As an independent school with no zoning, Pinehurst welcomes families from across the city. While based in Albany, students travel from all over Auckland to access a Cambridge education in a school known for academic strength and strong pastoral care.

“The best thing for us is knowing what’s ahead. Cambridge has a clear pathway so we can see how it leads to university. It takes away the uncertainty, which is a relief with all the changes happening.”

Cambridge: proven and accessible

There’s a common perception that Cambridge is only for ‘top academic performers.’ Pinehurst’s experience shows otherwise. The programme is designed to be challenging but achievable, with a clear structure and regular milestones to build confidence.

Teachers at Pinehurst focus on breaking learning into manageable steps and offering personalised guidance. Small classes and strong pastoral care mean students don’t have to start as high achievers to succeed – curiosity, effort, and support make the difference.

Beyond Academics

Life at Pinehurst extends well beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to take part in sport, music, drama, leadership, and service activities,

ensuring they grow not just as learners but as people.

“My daughter discovered a passion for volunteer work, something she might never have found otherwise, it’s not just about results, it’s about giving them opportunities to try new things and gain confidence.”

This balance is intentional. While Cambridge provides the academic backbone, Pinehurst provides the breadth of experiences that prepare young people for life.

Ready for the world

Graduates from Pinehurst step out ready to thrive. Many secure places at top universities in New Zealand and overseas; others move directly into trades, training, or entrepreneurial ventures. Whatever their path, they carry with them the skills, discipline and global outlook that come from the Cambridge experience.

Change is coming. Pinehurst is ready. As New Zealand’s education system continues to evolve, Pinehurst’s commitment stays the same: to nurture confident, balanced young people who are prepared for whatever comes next.

Faith, brotherhood, confidence and opportunity.

We have only one chance to give our young men a high-quality secondary education. One that will lay down a foundation of faith and nurture a determination to succeed at the highest level in personal and professional life.

Sacred Heart College delivers an environment that allows our young men to excel in all aspects of school life. With outstanding academic results, state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated teachers, Sacred Heart College opens up a world of opportunity for your son.

It will develop his Catholic faith, fulfil his academic potential, and provide the platform for sporting and cultural excellence – building lifelong friendships and becoming a man of faith and character.

The College also offers a boarding option for students. Being part of the hostel community brings to life our Marist values of self-identity, trust, responsibility, self-discipline, respect, integrity and opportunity.

The Making of Marist Men.

Discover the difference for your son at www.sacredheart.school.nz

Wahine Leaders

When Auckland mums and passionate educators

Jenny Jefferson and Kelly Haysom went on maternity leave – they sparked a movement.

What began as a nap-time hustle has quickly grown into The Teacher’s Connections, a thriving nationwide network that’s redefining how families connect with trusted educators.

As both teachers, and mums, Jenny and Kelly understand firsthand the challenges of balancing work, parenting, and the need for reliable support. They were constantly asked, “Do you know a great tutor?” or “Can you recommend a babysitter you trust?” That’s when the idea took shape. They saw an opportunity to create something deeply meaningful: a platform grounded in trust and care where families could connect with qualified, police-checked teachers.

What sets The Teacher’s Connections apart is its foundation in relationships. Every educator in the network is a qualified teacher – someone who chose the profession out of a deep commitment to nurturing tamariki and helping young people thrive. Whether it’s tutoring, babysitting, or enrichment lessons like music and swimming, the focus is always on building meaningful, trusted relationships between families and educators. Whether it’s a tutor helping a child gain confidence, a babysitter who understands how children grow, or enrichment lessons that spark joy, every connection is focused on building meaningful relationships between families and educators.

“As teachers, we know that children flourish when they feel safe, seen and supported,” says Jenny. “We’ve built The Teacher’s Connections with heart, and that same philosophy guides everything we do.”

Since launching last year, the network has grown to include over 90 teachers across Aotearoa, with a core community right here in Tāmaki Makaurau. They’ve supported hundreds of Auckland students from Puhoi to Papakura, helping them grow in confidence both in and out of the classroom. Many of the teachers are, like Jenny and Kelly, also women balancing professional aspirations with family life. Jenny and Kelly are proud to be creating flexible, purpose-driven opportunities that allow educators to stay connected to their passion for teaching while prioritising their own whānau.

“At a time when record numbers of teachers are heading across the Tasman, we’re proud to be creating opportunities that keep educators inspired and connected,” adds Kelly. “We’ve seen so many educators rediscover their love for teaching through work that fits around their lives. It’s about more than just jobs – it’s about relationships that uplift everyone involved.”

Jenny and Kelly believe that one of the things that makes The Teacher’s Connections unique is the way wahine in business naturally prioritise relationships and people. Their approach is grounded in empathy, trust and connection – values that feel distinctly Kiwi. Their vision is simple but powerful: to support teachers, empower families and strengthen local communities, one meaningful connection at a time.

Learn more at theteachersconnections.com

Aiming High

Ever since seeing the movie Brave, Phoebe Newcombe thought archery was “super cool”, but didn't really consider it a real sport.

Then, in her first year of high school in 2021, saw an ad for a beginners’ archery course and thought she’d “give it a shot – pun intended!”

“I tried it and loved it right away!” Phobe tells Verve . “After the course ended, I went out and bought my own

equipment and started regularly competing in tournaments in 2022.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?

Making it into the NZ Youth Team in 2023 was pretty amazing, and I had an absolutely fantastic time in Australia with my teammates. In August, I competed in the 2025 World Archery Youth Champs in Canada and am now ranked 57th in the world, meaning I now have a profile on the World Archery website alongside the best archers in the world, which is so exciting!

Can you tell us a little about the training involved?

I usually shoot between three and five days a week, whether that's at the outdoor range at 60 meters, the indoor range at 18 meters, or close range at the target I have in my back garden. I will shoot anywhere between 70 and 150 arrows a day, depending on how I’m feeling and what I’m working on. On the days I’m not shooting, I go to the gym to

build strength in my upper body.

What’s the hardest skill to master?

I think the hardest skill for me is not getting worked up and stressed when things don’t go well. I’m a naturally worrisome person, so when I picked up archery, I brought those habits along too. When I first started competing with goals for international competitions, I found myself spiralling into worries and stressed myself out. Because archery is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, this spiralling didn’t help my performance, and I tanked at competitions when I should've been peaking. Fortunately, I was lucky to find a mental coach who specialises in archery, so I reached out to her and together we worked in finding strategies and techniques to deal with it.

Do you have a method for dealing with setbacks?

You absolutely need to have a strategy for when things don’t go to plan, because that happens all the time.

continues page 92

How will your daughter make her mark?

The world is changing, and the role of women is changing even faster. At Dio, we prepare girls to embrace the future with confidence, resilience, and purpose. Our students grow into thinkers, creators, and leaders ready to make their mark on the world.

From academic excellence to arts, sport, and leadership, Dio offers every girl the chance to explore her passions and uncover new possibilities to become more than she ever imagined.

Because archery is an individual sport, if you mess up, it’s solely on you, which can get emotionally taxing. I find that if I’m facing a challenge and I’m struggling to get through it, it helps to step back and take a look at the overall situation. Just taking a breath and remembering that even though I may be going through something difficult right now, it won’t last forever.

Do you have any pre-competition rituals?

I believe that before a competition, having a positive mindset is everything. For me, that looks like listening to my favourite music, saying hi to people, and laughing with my friends. These are all things that make me happy and

relaxed, which is exactly the attitude I want to bring to competitions. If you’re not feeling good before a competition, you’re not going to have a good time during the competition, so at that point why are you shooting if not to have fun?

Do you have an inspirational personal mentor?

Find out more about Phoebe at worldarcherysport.com I

I look up to a lot of the world’s top archers, one of them is my hero, Penny Healey! She’s from Britain and became the world number one when she was only 18, which is insane. She’s so cool and is such a big inspiration for me, and I finally got to meet her this year. There’s also so many talented archers in New Zealand who I’m friends with and I look up to, and who are inspiring me

to follow in their footsteps to compete internationally.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about archery?

Just keep going. I know it sounds cliche, but if you’re going through a rough patch and feel like everything’s gone to custard, you just need to push through it, keep working hard, and trust in the process.

Book a tour to see our program today.

• Language • Literacy • Mathematics

• Child Play

• Self Confidence What our program delivers:

Summer Glow

Nordic Walking is a fitness activity which uses specifically designed poles to enhance and intensify the natural way of walking. It’s essential to learn the correct technique, as the well-performed Nordic Walking action incorporates the upper body, improves posture and engages 90% of muscles, giving a ‘total body workout’.

nordicwalking.co.nz

re-dental.co.nz

Celebrate the Smile Season

at Re-Dental clinic.

Book your November or December appointment for your chance to receive a Re-Dental Smile Gift.

The holidays are coming – and with them, the photos, the laughter, and those close-up moments that make the season special. It’s the perfect time to refresh your smile, prioritise your wellbeing, and treat your dental care as an act of selfcare.

At Re-Dental, every treatment is guided by precision, artistry, and calm expertise. From aesthetic

enhancements to routine care, every detail is designed to feel personal, effortless, and uniquely you.

Plus, enjoy a complimentary cosmetic consultation available until the end of the year*, a tailored, expert experience that explores every option for your smile. *T&Cs apply

Book online at re-dental.co.nz 09 600 1739 info@re-dental.co.nz

Building Beauty

In the evolving world of cosmetic medicine, the pursuit of timeless beauty is no longer about transformations – it’s about subtle restoration, regenerative care, and long-term skin health.

At the heart of this journey lies a trio of tools: HA dermal fillers, bio-stimulators, toxins and medical grade skincare. Each plays a distinct role.

HA dermal fillers

Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are the cornerstone of nonsurgical facial rejuvenation. Composed of a naturally occurring sugar molecule, HA attracts water and restores volume to areas that have hollowed with age – cheeks, temples, lips, and undereyes. Their effects are immediate, reversible, and versatile, making them ideal for first-time patients and precision work.

Bio-stimulators cannot perform optimally without a wellsupported facial structure. HA fillers fill deficits, smooth contours, and create a canvas upon which regenerative treatments can build. They’re especially vital in cases of significant volume loss, where bio-stimulators alone would be insufficient or too slow to deliver visible results.

Bio-stimulators & botulinum toxin A

Once the foundation is secure, bio-stimulators step in to maintain and reinforce. These injectables like Sculptra (PLLA), Radiesse (CaHA), and Profhilo Structura don’t just fill; they stimulate collagen production, gradually improving skin texture, elasticity, and firmness over time. This can also be important for those losing weight from GLP1 products as their skin foundations start to subside, as it were.

While HA fillers offer instant gratification, bio-stimulators are the long game ideal for patients seeking natural, enduring rejuvenation. However, they require a stable base (often provided by HA fillers) to work effectively.

IPL and skincare

With the structure and support in place, IPL and skincare often become the finishing touches. Medical-grade skincare enhances the results of injectables, improves skin tone and texture, and protects against environmental damage. From retinoids to antioxidants and peptides, these products elevate the outcome and prolong the benefits.

A harmonious approach

The synergy between HA fillers, bio-stimulators, IPL and medical grade skincare reflects a shift in cosmetic medicine toward preventative, regenerative, and layered treatments. Rather than chasing perfection, practitioners now aim to restore harmony, preserve identity, and support aging gracefully.

Choosing the right combination depends on individual anatomy, goals, and lifestyle. A skilled injector will assess whether the ‘foundation’ needs repair before initiating further collagen stimulation, ensuring results that are not only beautiful but biologically sound.

Final thoughts

Plastic surgery is having a surge in popularity but there are many reason patients choose not to go under the knife. So, while dermal filler has been pushed aside a bit recently it is still a vital part of cosmetic medicine. As in architecture, success lies in thoughtful planning and layered execution. HA dermal fillers are not just a cosmetic fix – they’re the structural base upon which lasting beauty is built. Bio-stimulators maintain and reinforce, while skincare adds the finishing flourish.

So, before you redecorate, make sure your foundation is strong. Because in the house of beauty, every layer matters.

BEFORE AFTER

To book a treatment or a complimentary consultation with one of Clinic 42’s nurses visit the website clinic42.co.nz / 096384242 / reception@clinic42.co.nz

Skin Reset

Hydrated, revived and event ready.

After months of cold air and heat pumps, even the healthiest skin can feel parched and lacklustre. As the festive season draws near, it’s the perfect time to revive, rehydrate, and protect your complexion.

For truly glowing skin, focus on deep hydration and barrier support. Professional treatments, paired with hydrating serums, antioxidants, peptides, and daily SPF, help restore balance, boost resilience, and keep your skin luminous all summer.

So, where to begin? Treatments that deliver hydration and renewal are ideal for a radiant holiday season. Dermalogica LuminFusion enhances skin smoothness and brightness with zero downtime, perfect for busy calendars. Add-on technologies such as NanoInfusion and LED red light therapy further boost vitality by stimulating repair and promoting a healthy glow from within.

For an instantly smoother look, Dermaplaning is another goto. This gentle exfoliating treatment removes dull surface cells and fine vellus hair ‘peach fuzz’, leaving skin soft, clear, and makeup-ready for festive events.

Healthy, well-cared-for skin not only looks radiant but performs better over time. Investing in your skin now builds long-term confidence so you can shine throughout the holidays and beyond.

New to LG Skin Clinic?

The first 10 clients to book their treatment and mention ‘Verve’ will receive $30 off. Your invitation to start the season glowing. T&C’s apply.

2/224 Kepa Road, Mission Bay 09 528 9010

Shnack Attack

Meet the Strawberry Shnack! NZ’s first ever plant based strawberry protein shake…

Joining its lineup of irresistible flavours, Shnack is launching a new strawberry shake – one that tastes like a classic strawberry milkshake, but is actually good for you.

The Kiwi brand is leading a shift towards healthier choices with a range that’s low-calorie, plant-based, low in sugar, and high in protein. After selling out multiple times, Shnack is introducing strawberry by popular demand. “Our Shnack community kept asking for strawberry, so we knew we had to make it happen,” says co-founder Kelsi Boocock. “It’s perfectly creamy, with that sweet strawberry flavour – it’s a household classic.”

Kelsi’s husband and Shnack’s Head of Operations, Andrew, adds: “Even though the can’s pink, I still grab one after the gym – real men can drink strawberry too!”

Each can packs 17g of plant-based protein, just 1g of sugar, and is completely dairyfree. Designed for beach days, gym bags, or late-night cravings, Shnack’s shakes are changing how people think about protein drinks – I making them taste good, feel good, and use ingredients you can trust.

Shnack was created by food influencer and cookbook author Kelsi Boocock, who has built a community of over 500,000 followers. Find out more at shnack.co.nz

The Spirit of Giving

1. ElenaPia Fashion Boutique | elenapiafashionboutique.co.nz

Italian Linen Women’s Dress; $126.75.

2. Aesop | aesop.co.nz

Bathroom Abundance Set.

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash 500ml

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm 75ml Olous Aromatique Room Spray 50ml Post-Poo Drops 100ml; $190.

3. Chuffed Gifts | chuffedgifts.co.nz

Experience Gift for Two (Discover). Over 72 experience options for two people, valid for two years; $189.

4. Jens Hansen | jenshansen.co.nz

Say it in gold. Jens Hansen Silk Wave Pendant in yellow gold; $2,780.

5. ghd | ghdhair.com

The cherry on top of everyone’s wish-lists! The ghd cherry chic limited edition helios™ professional hair dryer for ultimate styling control and 30% more shine; $405 includes complimentary wash bag valued at $50.

6. ghd | ghdhair.com

The ghd cherry chic limited edition chronos styler set for three times faster personalised styling; $510, includes complimentary vanity case valued at $99.

7. Glasshouse Fragrances | nz.glasshousefragrances.com

Light up the festive season with the iconic 760g Night Before Christmas candle from Glasshouse Fragrances. It fills the air with Dancing Sugar Plums, a blend of blackcurrant, plum, and spice that captures the magic of Christmas Eve. Luxurious, long-lasting, and utterly enchanting, it’s the ultimate centrepiece for holiday celebrations; $119.

8. Lankan Filling: Sri Lankan Soul, Australian Accent | publishing.hardiegrant.com

In Lankan Filling, O Tama Carey continues the journey from her acclaimed debut Lanka Food, presenting a vibrant, playful collection of Sri Lankan-inspired dishes that blend tradition with modern creativity; $65.

9. Strangely Normal | strangelynormal.com

50s Fishin’ Gals 100% cotton men’s shirt, custom fit available. Made in NZ; $189.

CHUFFED GIFTS � NEW ZEALAND’S EXPERIENCE GIFT

Give the joy of choice with a Chuffed Gift. Each one lets you choose from up to 150 of New Zealand’s best experiences, from relaxing escapes to epic adventures. Proudly supporting hundreds of local Kiwi businesses, every Chuffed Gift creates memories, sparks stories, and celebrates the best of Aotearoa.

chuffedgifts.co.nz

LOVE IN A JEWEL

The new Pear Ash Diamond Pendant holds ashes safely behind the diamond forever. This two-carat lab diamond pendant has been designed by award-winning goldsmith, Joachim van Oostrum with a special compartment to safely hold your loved one’s ashes for eternity. Available in yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum.

A beautiful and enduring way to hold your love close.

studio@loveinajewel.co.nz loveinajewel.co.nz

1. Le Creuset | lecreuset.co.nz

Signature Square Grillit 26cm in Nuit. Embrace one of the latest colours in Le Creuset kitchens. The Grillit locks in moisture and flavour, while fat drains away and collects below the ribs. Plus, the grilling grooves create authentic grill strips for great-looking food. Effortlessly prepare meat, fish and vegetables; $415.

2. Ultimate Ears | ultimateears.com

Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM 4 Black. Features super-powerful and immersive 360° sound, thundering bass, is water-, dust-, and drop-proof, and boasts stunning high-performance fabric; $429.95.

3. LOVE IN A JEWEL | loveinajewel.co.nz

The Ash Solitaire Diamond Pendant - yellow gold with a 0.75ct Lab Diamond; $2,599. The Ash Solitaire Diamond Ring - yellow gold with a 0.75ct Lab Diamond; $3,199.

4. The Contemporary Garden | phaidon.com

Spanning the late 20th century to the present, The Contemporary Garden showcases 300 stunning gardens, from roof gardens to wildflower meadows, each celebrated with a large-format image and an insightful description that will deepen the reader's understanding of the creators' work; $100.

5. Tom Ford | mecca.com

Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Set. This amber woody scent features oud notes, woods and spice. The gift set features 50ml eau de parfum bottle and 10ml travel spray; $520.

6. ElenaPia Fashion Boutique | elenapiafashionboutique.co.nz Moisture Lock Lip Balm; $24.

7. CIRCA | nz.circa.com.au

CIRCA’s limited edition White Fig & Cedar 300g candle is woody and inviting. This blend of white fig and cedar is softened with orchid and warm spice. It’s perfect for cosy corners, relaxed evenings or a touch of timeless calm; $51.95.

8. Lorna Jane | lornajane.nz

Essential Insulated Water Bottle. Whether you like your beverages ice-cold or piping hot, this 1-litre bottle ensures refreshing hydration throughout the day. With its sleek design and leak-proof cap, it's a must-have for staying hydrated on the go and is the perfect companion for your active lifestyle; $70.

9. Strangely Normal | strangelynormal.com

Bengal tigers 100% cotton men’s shirt, custom-fit available. Made in NZ; $199.

Travel light and sleep in luxury in a Silksak – your ultimate travel companion for cosy, protected sleep.

Whether you’re enjoying a weekend getaway, or heading off on a globetrotting expedition, you’ll love the divine softness and breathability of this 100% parachute silk for sleeping in.

Available in three styles, there’s one for every adventure!

silkiving.com

STRANGELY NORMAL

Birdlife 4 & 5 is the newest in the series of native bird prints by New Zealand design couple, Strangely Normal, est. 1977.

Known for their range of interesting mens printed shirts, off the rack and custom fitted. They also tailor suits made in their Auckland workroom.

Visit the O’Connell St store for the great range of hand selected accessories and beautiful prints.

strangelynormal.com

VERVE'S PICKS

1. SilkLiving | silkliving.com Silkspun Camisole and Pyjama Pants. Sleep in luxurious comfort in silk; $345 for the set.

2. groundd | groundd.nz

Signature Bamboo Sheets Set; from $240.

3. groundd | groundd.nz

Groundd Weighted Blanket 2.0; from $175. Good sleep isn't luck. It's design.

4. Untouched World | untouchedworld.com Maelyn Tee, 100% organic cotton; $339.

5. Untouched World | untouchedworld.com E-Gift Card (Online Use Only); from $50.

6. Città Design | cittadesign.com

Oversized Carryall Bag in Spirulina; $120.

7. Untouched World | untouchedworld.com Pua Zip Shirt, 100% ZQRX™ accredited merino; $299.

groundd

The groundd weighted blankets are expertly designed to help reduce anxiety, improve relaxation, and support deeper, more restorative sleep. With beautiful sustainable fabrics and more five-star reviews than any other NZ brand, they inspire Kiwi customers all over the country to take control of their sleep health and journey to better rest. So, give the gift of better rest!

In Search of Better Fibres

Untouched World offers a mindful alternative.

Brewed Protein™ fibre is a plantbased, lab-created material offering the performance of synthetics without the environmental cost.

Developed by Japanese biotech company Spiber, it’s made through precision fermentation using sustainably certified sugarcane. Picture brewing kombucha, but for fabric. The result? A luxurious, breathable fibre that’s free from petroleum and animal products.

Untouched World is proudly the first Aotearoa-based brand to work with this innovation, bringing it to their SS25 collection. By blending Brewed

Protein™ with 100% organic cotton, they’ve created garments that are soft, durable, and highly wearable, without pilling or plastic pollution. Environmentally, the difference is profound.

Compared to traditional fibres, Brewed Protein™ uses up to 99% less land and 97% less water, while reducing nutrient pollution by 82%. Plus, it biodegrades

in months, not centuries. Beyond the numbers, Brewed Protein™ reflects a deeper shift: one where technology and sustainability walk hand in hand, rooted in traceability and respect for community. It’s not just about what we wear, but how � and why � we wear it.

What if our clothing could care for the planet as much as it does our comfort? This might just be a beautiful beginning.

CLOTHINGGIRL

DESIGNER RECYCLE

Based

Mo-mentous

What started as a light-hearted challenge among friends in Melbourne in 2003 to bring back the tash has grown into a global movement for men’s health named Movember – now the world’s leading men’s health charity.

More than five million “Mo Bros” and “Mo Sisters” across 20 countries have joined the cause, raising funds and breaking down stigma around mental health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and more. For Movember is about far more than facial hair, it’s about changing the face of men’s health, one conversation – and one Mo – at a time.

A KIWI CRISIS

On average, men die six years earlier than women, often from preventable causes. In Aotearoa New Zealand, suicide is the leading cause of death for men aged 25-35, and three out of every four suicides are male. Around 13,500 Kiwi blokes are living with or beyond prostate cancer – the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men – while nearly 800 young men face testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer in younger males. These figures aren’t just statistics; they’re lives, families, and futures. Movember exists to change them – through awareness, research, and the simple power of starting a conversation.

GROW YOUR OWN

Every Mo sparks curiosity and awareness. Growing a moustache during the month of November is more than a style statement – it’s a show of solidarity for men’s health. Whether you’re channelling your inner Magnum P.I. or managing a fuzzy first attempt, every whisker counts. And it’s not just about cultivating whiskers – Mo can also stand for Movement, with funds raised via sponsored events such as running or walking 60km during the month of November, which translates as 1km for each of the 60 men lost to suicide every hour around the world.

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Earlier this year, Movember and New Zealand Rugby teamed up to officially launch the Ahead of the Game programme. “Young people are facing more pressures than ever – and boys in particular often struggle in silence,” says Tom Mulvaney, psychologist and Movember Director of Young Men’s Health Australasia. “This programme gives young players the language and confidence to open up and support each other – and shows them that their community has their back.” Movember has invested nearly $1 million to bring Ahead of the Game to life in New Zealand over the next three years, building on its success in Australia and the UK. “We’re proud to be delivering this world-class programme to young Kiwis – and we’re actively seeking partners to help scale its reach and long-term impact,” says Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember. “This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a gamechanging movement for young men’s mental health.”

Cuts and Conversations

For generations, barbershops have served as trusted community hangouts where conversations naturally flow and advise is easily shared.

Now, around the world, they’re evolving into places of even more meaning –centres for mental health support.

“The history of the barbershop has already created a space for men to speak about personal things,” says Fits, co-founder of the South Auckland twosevenfive Barbershop which hosts Cuts & Convos sessions in support of men’s mental health. The movement has since blossomed into the TWOSEVENFIVE Foundation to spread the message even further.

“But, over the last decade it has become the norm to open up about even more personal topics, with men becoming more comfortable to delve deeper into their feelings and emotions.”

Similarly, a few years back, Christchurch’s My Father’s Barbers became a haven for men to open up about mental health, thanks to founder Matt Brown’s empathetic approach rooted in his own past trauma. Through his initiative, She Is Not Your Rehab (also the name of his first book), the – now-closed – barbershop fostered healing, challenged stigma, and helped men break cycles of violence in a supportive community setting. He described his barbershop as “the lighthouse for the hood” where

men shed their trauma “like how a snake sheds their skin”.

Over in the US, The Confess Project, founded by Lorenzo Lewis served as the muse for “America’s First Mental Health Barbershop Movement” primarily aimed at providing accessible support to marginalised communities. It has now trained more than 4,000 barbers in dozens of cities across more than 30 states.

Barbering has long been about far more than keeping beards and hairlines looking shipshape. The profession dates back thousands of years to Ancient Egypt, where barbers were highly respected members of society. In Ancient Greece and Rome, barbershops were lively social hubs, and later, during the Middle Ages, they also performed surgery and dentistry, symbolised by the iconic red-and-white barber pole that still adorns the outside of barbershops the world over.

“We hold workshops guided by professionals such as Amend Movement and Mens Medicine,” says Fits. “I’ve learned some knowledge and tools through my own healing journey, and was inspired to share it with my community – my thought process was,

if I grew up in Māngere, and I've only just learned what I now know, how many other people in my community also don’t know?”

Fits says that the enormity of the power of the conversations really hit home when going through the original introductions and one of the guys just began to weep: “It became clear that a lot of our men are carrying a quite a bit.”

Topics that come up mostly tend to centre around feelings of sadness, grief, and anger.

“The barbershop is a man’s space, with open kōrero, and no judgement, and no egos,” Fits adds.

“You’re more than a barber, and it’s more than just cutting hair,” he continues when asked what advice he would give others thinking about getting involved.

“But it’s essential to do the work to heal your own wounds before trying to facilitate others. And when you do start, involve professionals as a backstop, because things can get heavy and take you out of your depth.”

Find out more at tsffoundation.org.nz

The Name’s Bond…

From Sean Connery’s suave killer to Daniel Craig’s bruised (slightly) more modern man, for more than six decades, James Bond has mirrored the changing face of politics, style, and masculinity…

SEAN CONNERY

Sean Connery set the gold standard for 007 when he first swaggered onto screens in 1962 in Dr. No. Menacing, and effortlessly stylish, Connery’s cool Bond embodied the mood of the Cold War era as he dispatched villains and seduced the most beautiful of women. After bowing out with You Only Live Twice (1967), he briefly handed over the martini to George Lazenby before returning for one last mission in Diamonds Are Forever (1971) and remains the Bond to which all others are compared.

GEORGE LAZENBY

By far the shortest-lived (official) James Bond, George Lazenby was a relative acting unknown, but the former model was credited with bringing a surprising vulnerability to the suave spy – so much so that he even earnt a Golden Globe nomination. Amazingly, it was his agent that persuaded the actor to leave the role, convinced that 007’s days were numbered. Reviews were mixed at the time, but now his interpretation is generally applauded for its depth.

ROGER MOORE

With an eyebrow raised, Roger Moore took up the mantle in the 1973 film Live and Let Die and immediately injected the secret agent with a lighter, more laid-back and cheeky charm. Smooth and stylish in equal measure, not all critics were convinced Moore had the chops to be a convincing 007, but audiences loved him and his cocky one-liners, and his seven-film, 12-year reign was the longest in the role until Daniel Craig.

continues over page

Brosnan’s gadget-laden Bond was credited with finding the middle ground between the cool of Connery and Moore’s charm...

TIMOTHY DALTON

Incredibly, when Dalton debuted as Bond in The Living Daylights in 1987, it was 19 years since he had first declined the role. The antithesis to Roger Moore’s incarnation, Dalton channelled the cold, calculating, and morally complex character of the Ian Flemming novels. Though Dalton’s serious take divided fans, critics praised his realism and intensity, and his steely, grounded Bond is now remembered as one of the most authentic.

PIERCE BROSNAN

Pierce Brosnan’s debut in 1995 in GoldenEye ushered Bond into the digital age. Brosnan’s gadget-laden Bond was credited with finding the middle ground between the cool of Connery and Moore’s charm, while also reflecting the changing gender politics of the 90s, with Dame Judi Dench’s M calling him out as a Cold War relic and a “sexist, misogynist dinosaur”.

DANIEL CRAIG

Daniel Craig’s arrival in Casino Royale in 2006 truly rebooted Bond for a new era – raw, bruised, and emotionally complex, swapping suave perfection for vulnerability and grit. This time, Dame Judi Dench called him “a Bond for today”, while Craig himself has described his Bond as “very lonely”. Finally, the casting of age-appropriate women such as Monica Bellucci in Spectre showed a significant shift in attitude, too.

FASHION PICKS

Dressed to Kill

Why a Divorce Coach?

NEEDS: Negotiate | Empathise Effective | Discover | Strategic

Have you ever experienced a relationship breakup, separation, or divorce? You’ll remember the emotional turmoil and instability it caused, not just for you, but for your family too.

Philippa is a qualified professional Divorce Coach, trained through the Divorce Coaches Academy in the USA, and a proud member of ADSI™ (Aotearoa Divorce and Separation Institute). She works with clients oneon-one, offering clarity, confidence, and tools to help navigate one of life’s most challenging transitions.

Philippa says that the most common issues faced include:

• Fear of the unknown.

• Uncertainty about whether to stay or leave.

• Anxiety around managing the home and finances. Difficulties communicating with an ex-partner.

• The complexities of co-parenting.

Philippa can help by:

• Offering practical tools to bring out the best version of yourself.

Teaching emotional regulation skills. Providing communication strategies to help reduce conflict.

• Supporting self-discovery based on your needs, wants, and values

• Guiding parents in creating coparenting plans focused on what’s best for the children.

Helping you look forward strategically and build a clear plan for the next chapter.

Success, Philippa says, is seeing a client move through their fears – developing inner-confidence, gaining clarity about their future, and understanding what they truly want and need moving forward.

If this resonates with you, schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to learn how Philippa can help you “Separate with Freedom”.

philippa.divorceneeds@gmail.com +64 (0) 21 537 654 | divorceneeds.com LinkedIn: philippa-dennis-15nz

Around Town

BLACK GRACE

21 November

The Civic Theatre

AN EVENING WITH PRISCILLA PRESLEY

20 November

Bruce Mason Centre

This November in a powerful celebration of dance, Black Grace Dance Company presents two iconic works – the world premiere by Neil Ieremia of If Ever There Was A Time alongside the legendary American choreographer Paul Taylor’s Esplanade .

WIN a double pass to the historic performance.

Visit vervemagazine.co.nz and click WIN then follow the directions.

blackgrace.co.nz

Following the release of her memoir Softly, As I Leave You. The actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist Priscilla Presley reflects on life beyond Elvis and her lasting impact on popular culture and philanthropy.

ticketmaster.co.nz

DOVE HOSPICE GARDEN RAMBLE

15 November

Various gardens around Auckland

Dove Hospice & Wellness invites garden enthusiasts and community members to their inaugural Garden Ramble. A rare opportunity to explore some of the most innovative and visually striking private gardens in Auckland’s Eastern Bays, all while supporting Dove Hospice’s care for people with lifelimiting illnesses.

dovehospice.org.nz

HIGHWIC SWEATPEA & PLANT FAIR

22 November

40 Gillies Avenue

Set in the picturesque grounds of Highwic, this event promises a wonderful day out. Visitors can browse plants, explore the gardens, enjoy hands-on activities, connect with fellow garden enthusiasts, and savour delicious coffee and food in a relaxed, community-focused setting.

visitheritage.co.nz

Tattoo competitions and seminars

Interactive

NZ SCULPTURE ONSHORE

8-23 November

Operetu Fort Takapuna

Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition boasts over 120 inspiring works – including towering sculptures, light and sound art, and site-specific installations –with proceeds supporting Women’s Refuge NZ.

nzsculptureonshore.co.nz

PIXIES

23-24 November

Auckland Town Hall

Pixies will tour New Zealand in 2025, performing two nights each in Auckland and Wellington. Night one features full performances of Bossanova and Trompe Le Monde , while night two offers a cross-catalogue set and tracks from their acclaimed new album The Night The Zombies Came

ticketmaster.co.nz

THE OTHERS WAY 2025

29 November

Karangahape Road

The Others Way is returning to Karangahape Road, uniting local and international talent across multiple stages for an unforgettable celebration of music and culture. From rising stars to acclaimed favourites, festival goers can explore diverse genres, energetic performances, and a buzzing street atmosphere at Tāmaki Makaurau’s beloved event.

theothersway.co.nz

WIN WITH VERVE

Entering is simple. Visit VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine .

Summer Races

Ellerslie’s iconic SkyCity Christmas Carnival returns for two big days – Boxing Day and New Year’s Day – with live racing, free family entertainment, hospitality and fashion all on course.

WIN three tickets to the Champagne Lawn (RRP $597) for the SkyCity Boxing Day Races. You’ll enjoy a welcome drink on arrival, lunch and something sweet to finish.

(Racecourse and hospitality terms and conditions apply. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash. For further information, visit ellerslie.co.nz)

Embrace the Power

Nestled within an active geothermal reserve, Hell’s Gate offers New Zealand’s only geothermal mud bath experience.

A treasured place of healing and revitalisation for Māori for more than 500 years, our geothermal mud is unique to this area and renowned for its therapeutic benefits and rejuvenating properties. hellsgate.co.nz

Begin your journey by immersing yourself in geothermal pools as you lather yourself head to toe in silky smooth mud. Relax as nature nurtures the body and mind, opening the pores and exfoliating, detoxifying and nourishing the skin, leaving it feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Following this indulgent experience, soothe the body in nutrient-rich sulphur spas while taking in the unique view over the geothermal landscape. Unwind to the sound of waterfalls and native birds or revitalise the body and take the plunge in the cold pool. Promoting relaxation, relieving aching muscles and

offering relief for various skin ailments, the healing waters of Tikitere have been sought out for centuries.

Immerse yourself in an active geothermal reserve and connect with nature in its most primal form at Hell’s Gate. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.

Visit hellsgate.co.nz for hours, tours, and shuttle details. Follow for inspiration at @HellsGateNZ.

351 State Highway 30, Tikitere, Rotorua 07 345 3151 info@hellsgate.co.nz

A Gift of Flockhill

Cradled in the heart of the South Island, Flockhill invites guests to immerse themselves in 36,000 acres of breathtaking alpine landscapes.

This legendary working sheep station combines luxury, adventure, and worldclass cuisine, offering spectacular experiences that are as unique as they are memorable.

For a truly indulgent experience, a $3,410 voucher covers a winter’s night in a Junior Suite, complete with all dining and the signature farm tour.

Gifting is simple and elegant. For recipients within New Zealand, vouchers can be beautifully gift-wrapped and mailed directly, ensuring a thoughtful presentation. Simply reply to your confirmation email with the recipient’s mailing address, and a carefully wrapped voucher ready to delight will be sent.

the festive season. They offer a timeless gift, far removed from the ordinary, that allows loved ones to explore, relax, and create memories against the backdrop of Aotearoa New Zealand’s stunning alpine scenery. Whether savouring fine dining, embarking on an adventure, or enjoying the serenity of the Southern Alps, a Flockhill experience is a gift that lingers in the memory long after the visit ends. flockhillnz.com

Flockhill gift vouchers put the choice in the hands of the recipient, allowing guests to tailor their visit to suit their desires. $450-$590 vouchers provide lunch or dinner for two at the renowned Sugarloaf restaurant, while $900 includes both a meal and a signature onproperty activity for two, with a choice of the farm tour, hiking, biking, or clay bird shooting. At an additional cost, guests can even arrive for lunch by helicopter.

Available throughout the year, Flockhill vouchers are ideal for celebrating milestones, birthdays, anniversaries, or

Location Meets Luxury

The Foundation is about retirement without compromise. It is a place for you to enjoy your retirement years with security, vitality and engagement. The Nathan Residences are now complete, and plans are available for the next stage – Abbott Residences.

Contact us today to book a private tour of The Foundation and experience its immense potential first-hand.

541 PARNELL ROAD 09 869 3947

realliving.co.nz

Epsom Village

At Epsom Village , location isn’t just about convenience – it’s about connection.

Perfectly positioned on peaceful, tree-lined Ranfurly Road, this Real Living community offers residents the best of both worlds: the buzz of central Auckland just beyond the gates and the calm of a friendly, established village within.

For many, the village’s central setting is its greatest appeal. The Newmarket shopping district is just down the road, offering world-class retail, cafes, and restaurants. From browsing boutique stores to catching up with friends over coffee, residents enjoy everything Newmarket has to offer without the hassle of long drives or parking woes. Meanwhile, the charming Mt Eden Village is also nearby, with its laidback eateries, weekend markets, and community vibe.

Culture and recreation are at the heart of Epsom’s appeal. The much-loved Lido Cinema is only minutes away – the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon film. For those who prefer the outdoors, Cornwall Park provides a sprawling green haven close to home. Its walking tracks, heritage trees, and open spaces

make it ideal for daily exercise or leisurely strolls beneath the oaks.

The village’s connectivity is another key advantage. With easy access to both the motorway and Auckland Airport, travel is simple, whether it’s visiting family or embarking on an overseas adventure. Public transport options are excellent too, with regular bus routes connecting Epsom to Newmarket, the city centre, and major hospitals.

Inside the village, life is just as rewarding. Epsom Village fosters a genuine sense of community with a full calendar of social activities – from themed dinners and garden parties to quiz nights and exercise classes. The amenities are designed for comfort and connection, including a residents’ lounge, heated outdoor pool, games room, library, and beautifully maintained gardens. It’s a place where neighbours quickly become friends, and independence is supported by warmth and care.

Residents often say it’s the combination of lifestyle and location that makes

Epsom Village so special. As one longtime local puts it: “I chose Epsom Village mainly for its location. I can walk to the library, and Newmarket’s just a short bus ride away. Public transport couldn’t be more convenient!”

That accessibility extends to the homes themselves. With beautifully designed, low-maintenance apartments starting from $520,000, Epsom Village offers exceptional value in one of Auckland’s most sought-after suburbs. The contemporary, light-filled spaces are complemented by tranquil surroundings – ideal for those looking to downsize without compromise.

Epsom Village is where location meets lifestyle. Whether it’s a morning stroll through Cornwall Park, an afternoon film at the Lido, or an evening shared with friends in the village lounge, every day feels well-connected — and well-lived.

Epsom Village has open days between 11am – 2pm on 6, 13, and 20 November. For more information visit realliving.co.nz/village/epsom-village .

Kicking off the season with AFC

We’ve teamed up with Auckland FC (AFC), so this season, our cheer is louder than ever.

We have some very dedicated football fans across Aotearoa, and we can offer great stays across 42 Quest Apartment Hotels from Whangarei to Invercargill.

Whether you’re heading to the match or catching the game from the comfort of our apartment hotels, we’ll make sure your stay is a win every time.

Let’s make this season an epic one. QUESTAPARTMENTS.CO.NZ

Art of November

This month’s selections mark a refreshing shift – a new generation of artists rising from under the weight of presumption, bringing light, hope, and intelligent foresight to the cultural conversation.

FEATURED EXHIBITION

ARTSPACE AOTEAROA

Echo

Erika Holm, Ngaroma Riley, Tarika Sabherwal

On until 20 December

Echo, this year’s Chartwell Trust New Commissions exhibition, brings together rising voices Erika Holm, Ngaroma Riley, and Tarika Sabherwal. Guided by artist mentors Judy Darragh, Nova Paul, and Anoushka Akel, the trio have shaped bold new works in painting and sculpture that twist and reimagine the stories we inherit. Like the Shows’ namesake Echo, a Grecian mythological character cursed to repeat the last words spoken to her, these artists seek to break the curse of repetition in order to create new, future-oriented traditions.

292 Karangahape Road, Karangahape Arts District artspace-aotearoa.nz

OREXART

Beyond the Edge

Kathy Barber

On until 29 November

Kathy Barber’s new works drift beyond the map – landscapes unpinned, hovering between memory and imagination. Her brushwork, steeped in the quiet discipline of Japanese calligraphy, builds luminous layers that breathe and blur. Skies open through unseen clearings; horizons shimmer just out of reach. Long celebrated for the tactile depth of her surfaces, Barber now paints the in-between – that meditative space where place dissolves, and what’s felt becomes beautifully, deliberately unnameable.

221 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby orexart.co.nz

ANNA MILES GALLERY

Year of the Dragon

Johanna Pegler

8-29 November

Johanna Pegler paints with a quiet magic – landscapes that hum with mystery and memory, revealing the overlooked beauty of Aotearoa’s edges. Born in Tāmaki Makaurau in 1965 and trained at Elam, she spent 15 years at Waikawau Bay, where sea, sky, and solitude shaped her vision. After receiving the Sarjeant Gallery’s Tylee Residency in 2004, she settled in Whanganui – where her work continues to echo the wild poetry of place

10/30 Upper Queen Street, Karangahape Arts District annamilesgallery.com

MELANIE ROGER GALLERY

Retreat

Georgia Arnold

5-29 November

Georgia Arnold is a Tāmaki Makauraubased artist and educator whose practice unfolds like a curious conversation between thought and material. Moving fluidly across drawing, ceramics, painting, and sculpture, she embraces the beautiful mess of autobiography – where gesture, memory, and image blur into one another. Rooted in the realm of expanded drawing, Arnold’s work hums with playful tension and raw honesty. This marks her first solo exhibition with Melanie Roger Gallery.

444 Karangahape Road, Karangahape Arts District melanierogergallery.com

BERGMAN GALLERY

Held Between Moments

Sylvia Marsters

1-29 November 2025

Held Between Moments unveils a tender evolution in Sylvia Marsters’ practice. Known for her radiant portrayals of Cook Islands flora, she now welcomes the human form – soft silhouettes caught mid-thought, mid-step, midbreath. These figures drift through island light like memories made visible. Frangipani, gardenia and hibiscus still bloom in these new works, yet now they converse with presence and pause. Marsters captures that shimmering interval between being and remembering – where time loosens, and the heart quietly listens.

2 Newton Road, Karangahape Arts District bergmangallery.com

GOW LANGSFORD GALLERY

The Tree Collectors

Reuben Paterson

On until 15 November

Reuben Paterson’s The Tree Collectors shimmers like a celestial map – part memory, part myth, part glittering cosmos. Traversing land and sky, he threads together Māori cosmology and scientific wonder, black pearls and glass orbs into constellations that pulse with belonging. Each work feels like a navigation – of ancestry, light, and infinite return. Freshly named a 2025 Arts Laureate, Paterson continues to chart the arts with unmistakable brilliance and heart.

28-36 Wellesley Street East, Auckland Central gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz

EDITOR’S PICK

INTERNATIONAL ART CENTRE Summer Salon Group Show

On until 1 December

The International Art Centre’s eagerly anticipated annual Summer Salon features exciting new works by celebrated New Zealand and overseas artists. This tantalising mix of professional talent sees an outstanding offering of both large and small scale works. The landscape masterpieces of Simon Williams, the cubist canvases of James Watkins and others are completed by the Polynesianthemed paintings of Bruce Treloar.

202 Parnell Road, Parnell internationalartcentre.co.nz

Art by Niki Hill MFA

Dreamscape Isle

Digital art print

Framed under art glass

Limited edition: 10 (signed) 520mm x 660mm

Price $3,200

Dreamscape Isle exudes a cool, calm vibe, featuring a sparrow spirit gliding across a mystical, shadowless landscape, all set against a starry Matariki sky (the Pleiades star cluster). Niki captures her memory of an encounter with a sparrow, followed by a fleeting vision of a white spiritual light. It’s a moment that grants her courage and a profound sense of self-belief; peace amid pain and freedom from anxiety.

This piece originates from an original oil painting displayed in the Walker & Hall Waiheke Art Award 2025 exhibition, where it also appears on the cover of the exhibition catalogue.

ARTWORK: DREAMSCAPE ISLE , NIKI HILL

Dreamscape Isle art prints are available from the artist, Niki Hill. Niki has a Master’s degree in Fine Art from the Elam School of Fine Arts.

nicolasimpkinhill@gmail.com @ niki_simpkinhill nicolasimpkinhill.com 0274 740 532

Niki invites you to her Open Studio weekend on 15 – 16 November 2025 Opening hours 10am til 4pm both days.

27 Island Bay Rd, Beach Haven, Auckland

In association with: openstudioskaipatiki.co.nz

Art of Graham Young 2026 Calendar

Featuring 12 of Graham’s latest paintings that capture the vibrant essence of Aotearoa New Zealand. From sun-drenched beaches and bustling local scenes to serene landscapes spanning both the North and South Islands.

of 2026 Calendar

Launch Event

Be the first to view our final building

Gulf Rise is excited to announce the release of the final stage of our apartment buildings. We have saved the best for last!

It’s our pleasure to invite you to be among the first to enjoy an exclusive preview at our launch event. We’ll share an overview of our stunning new premium apartment designs, floor plans, and key details of this exciting final release.

To RSVP call Adelina on 021 835 131 or email gulfrisesales@metlifecare.co.nz with the names of all attendees and any dietary requirements. Don’t miss out, limited seats available!

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW RSVP event only

Monday 17 November

Presentation starts at 2.30pm

Gulf Rise

89 Symes Drive Red Beach

Following the presentation, join us for drinks and canapés, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and chat with the key members of the Metlifecare development, design, and sales team.

Box Office

FAMILIAR TOUCH

13 November

Amid the haze of fading memory and shifting desires, Ruth, a retired cook, quietly navigates her transition to assisted living. With grace, wit, and the enduring threads of her identity, she deals with her changing sense of self and her bonds with those who care for her. As her surroundings grow unfamiliar, something unexpected begins to take shape – what if we glow most warmly at the edges of memory?

JAY KELLY

20 November

The new film from Academy Award nominee Noah Baumbach follows famous movie actor Jay Kelly (George Clooney) and his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler) as they embark on a whirlwind and unexpectedly profound journey through Europe. Along the way, both men are forced to confront the choices they've made, the relationships with their loved ones, and the legacies they'll leave behind.

DIE, MY LOVE

27 November

Grace (Jennifer Lawrence), a writer and young mother, is slowly slipping into madness. Locked away in an old house in and around Montana, we see her acting increasingly agitated and erratic, leaving her companion, Jackson (Robert Pattinson), increasingly worried and helpless.

NUREMBERG

4 December

The Allies, led by the unyielding chief prosecutor, Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon), have the task of ensuring the Nazi regime answers for the unveiled horrors of the Holocaust while a US Army psychiatrist (Rami Malek) is locked in a dramatic psychological duel with former Reichsmarschall Herman Göring (Russell Crowe).

A PLACE WHERE HERITAGE MEETS MODERN LIV ING.

Ranfurly Village is a senior living community in central Auckland, offering independent living, assisted living, and care accommodations that provide a comprehensive range of care to support your needs.

Apartments selling from $650,000.

Inspiring reads

Eclectic reads that make an impact.

WORDS — KAREN MCMILLAN , bestselling author karenm.co.nz | nzbooklovers.co.nz

IT’S BEEN SIX WEEKS SINCE MY LAST CONFESSION

Peta Mathias

A collection of fabulous essays, Peta Mathias’s observations are irresistibly funny, insightful and a joy to read. As colourful as Peta herself, this wellknown personality shares eclectically from her life. From her hilarious Agony Aunt letters, cooking classes, and encounters with friends, lovers and the badly behaved, Peta approaches life with panache, in a book seasoned with wit and style.

Peta Mathias Books, RRP $38

THE HUMILIATION OF MILLICENT SALMOND

Jenny Lynch

This collection of short stories is like a decadent dessert with just the right amount of tart. These tales of greed, ambition, lust and betrayal are hugely entertaining. Jenny Lynch is an astute observer of human nature, and her stories are delightfully twisty, witty and surprising. An escapist treat, you can’t go past the first story, ‘Death by a Thousand Bites’ for short story perfection.

Mary Egan Publishing, RRP $38

HE PUĀWAI: A NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW ZEALAND FLOWERS

Philip Garnock-Jones

The stunning photography and text in this gorgeous coffee table book showcase 100 of Aotearoa’s most beautiful flowers. From kōwhai, mānuka, and pōhutukawa to other varieties you may not have heard of before, this book is a must-have for gardeners, foragers, and anyone interested in our natural beauty. Includes a viewer to see the flowers in spectacular 3D.

Auckland University Press, RRP $80

ELEGANT LEADERSHIP

Kris Cooper

The only leadership book you will need that finds the balance between pleasing people and making good choices. It focuses on day-to-day leadership, goalsetting, and regular reflection, so that your leadership is built up of micromoments, not just the difficult times and big moments. Kris Cooper offers insightful, straightforward advice which is practical and achievable. The book identifies core behaviours that work well and a framework for stretching further.

Quentin Wilson Publishing, RRP $40

Crossing the line since 1989

Award Winning Independent Bookseller womensbookshop.co.nz · books@womensbookshop.co.nz

Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby · 09 376 4399

AUCKLAND ELLERSLIE

Novotel wellbeing. Moments to make your life easy. vinovino.co.nz

Your seaside dining destination on Waiheke Island.

WIKERS TRACE MADE IN SPAIN tangosshoes.nz 164 Kitchener Rd, Milford 09 488 0495

BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS 72 -112 GREENLANE EAST, AUCKLAND 1051

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WIN WITH VERVE

Entering is simple. Visit VERVEMAGAZINE.CO.NZ and click WIN then follow the directions. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @vervemagazine .

24 Days of Christmas

Step into the magic of the season with the 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar from Glasshouse Fragrances Holiday Express collection. Each door reveals a fragrant surprise from candles to perfume and body treats – bringing daily moments of joy!

WIN this luxurious countdown that captures the wonder, warmth, and sparkle of Christmas in true Glasshouse style; RRP $320.

ghd cherry chic

Check into a season of high-glamour styling with the ghd cherry chic collection – a celebration of opulent aesthetic, seductiveness, and timeless charm. The revolutionary new ghd chronos is the perfect tool for the late check out girl. Three-times faster styling, delivering onestroke, high-definition results that last 24 hours.

WIN a ghd cherry chic limited edition chronos styler valued at $510 plus complimentary vanity case worth $99.

Christmas Catalogue Out Now