Handbags: the functional status symbol. Often a deeply personal expression of taste, lifestyle, and the odd snack stash. The handbag world in 2025 continues its ongoing balancing act, honouring heritage while embracing new trends, innovation, sustainability, and, occasionally, technology that nobody asked for. For the true icons of the handbag […]
This is a flat-out understatement, but it is a weird time in the world. A major epicentre to this is, of course, the inauguration of President Trump in the US and the whiplash-inducing ideological pendulum swing of the tech industry. An industry with a traditional liberal bias. Apparently, though, this […]
With over three decades of experience in sales leadership, Sita Proud knows what it takes to lead with impact. From building high-performing teams to navigating uncertainty with resilience, she’s mastered the art of balancing authority with inclusivity. How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? My perspective on leadership has evolved a lot over time. Early in my career, I was focused on proving myself – delivering results, building credibility, and trying to be the smartest person in the room. It […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? I believe effective leadership is about fostering rapid, transformative, and sustainable growth – both personally and professionally – by creating an environment where people feel valued, connected and challenged. My definition of effective leadership has definitely […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? Effective leadership, to me, means empowering others to achieve their full potential while working towards a common goal. Over time, I’ve come to realise that leadership is not just about achieving results but also about creating […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? I believe strong leaders foster a culture of excellence, bring grit and unwavering determination and get everyone swimming in the same direction. You’ve got to be outwardly focused so putting the team and organisation above yourself. […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? Having a clear view of where we are going and being able to communicate that in a way that brings your teams onboard too. I think it’s important to lead by example and demonstrate the behavior […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? Over time I have developed a strong belief that leadership is about trust, and about creating space and opportunities so people can unlock their full potential. As a leader, my role isn’t telling people how to […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? I believe that effective leadership is about really knowing your team – what’s important to them in their lives – both professionally and personally. Only then can you provide them with the growth opportunities that align […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? Over time, my understanding of effective leadership has evolved from focusing primarily on task-oriented management to a deeper appreciation of emotional intelligence and relationship-building. Early on, I might have thought it was about clear direction and […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved? Twenty years ago, I would have said that effective leadership is about setting a vision and inspiring others to follow you. Over time that has shifted to investing more time in aligning leaders to a vision, creating space […]
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time? My understanding of leadership has evolved through a few pivotal moments in my career. One of the most transformative experiences was working under a leader who profoundly shaped my growth and confidence and taught me what great […]
By its nature, recruitment is one of those industries that is constantly dynamic, nuanced, multifaceted, and connected to the success of a wider economy. At Dynamix Recruitment, two women – Lisa Bennett, the Managing Director, and Renee Sharp, the Finance Director, are leading the way with a combined expertise that […]
In this issue, we dive into the world of Chelsea Winter, our cover star, whose journey from MasterChef winner to celebrated cookbook author has been anything but ordinary. In Tasty, her latest cookbook, Chelsea brings us more than just recipes — she offers a glimpse into a life lived with […]
I always labour over these notes and I write them last, much to the annoyance of the design team. I don’t know why. It’s a simple enough task; sell the tease of the magazine’s content, sum up a few key takeaways that might elevate this issue above others beside it […]
Having recently gone through the admissions process for our daughter, I have a newfound appreciation of the myriad of information, details and questions that parents have to navigate when setting the path for their child’s education. It’s almost like you need a degree in education admissions to do it properly. […]
Any quick squizz at the latest tech news is all it takes to remind one that humanity is as obsessed with moving as far away from its early cave-dwelling prehistoric existence as possible. From space travel to self-driving cars to artificial general intelligence, to those fake plants that dance when […]
Hidden away in the busting heart of Auckland, an urban retreat awaits at the Luxe Spa at Pullman, where you can drop the to-do lists, meeting requests, and all those other things that add to the stress of daily life for a moment of tranquil reprieve. But the Luxe Spa […]
As the Winemaker for Spy Valley, Emily Gaspard-Clark has continued a legacy of innovative winemaking techniques and a deep respect for the terroir. In 2019, Emily’s talents were recognised nationally when she clinched the prestigious title of Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year. This accolade not only celebrated […]
“I think feminism is the worst thing that ever happened to women. Our job used to be no job. We had it so good!” – Ali Wong It’s a funny point but I think that our cover star Ali Wong is a contrarian example to this particular quip. She has […]
Welcome to an issue that’s all about embracing change and celebrating those who dare to reinvent themselves. As we unveil our cover, graced by none other than the sensational Taylor Swift, and share the compelling story of venture capitalist Laura Manson, we’re reminded of the sheer power and beauty in […]
Dreaming of an unforgettable escape? The post-pandemic world has made so many of us feel the time is now to embrace life through travel, promoting lofty Bucket Lists to To-Do lists as our perception of journeying has transformed from that nice extra in life to pretty much a primal need. […]
The arrival of spring is synonymous with a sense of renewal and rejuvenation as nature starts to awaken and we see some of the most uplifting colours on display, offering up the perfect opportunity to get inspired and breathe new life into our interior spaces. According to the lore of […]
Inside the enigmatic world of Jane Birkin – the style maven who redefined French chic and left behind a legacy that transcends generations. From her illustrious film and music career to the eponymous Birkin bag, we look at the life of a woman who turned simplicity into luxury. Amidst the […]
“A girl’s handbag is her secret treasure trove,” Sonia Rykiel once opined. Indeed, a handbag transcends its mere functional role, becoming an emblem of one’s tastes, memories, and even aspirations. This intimate accessory, held close, offers both a peek into its carrier’s soul and a testament to timeless fashion. […]
On November 12, 1993, an inaugural eight-person tournament with no weight class, no time limits, no judges and very few rules took place in Denver, Colorado, which would forever change the landscape of the martial arts world. It would determine the superior fighter in any and every fighting style […]
Three Kiwi women used investing to help secure a rewarding future and unlock possibilities. Growing an inheritance Hailey* Growing future wealth and learning investing in the process. When Hailey turned 21, she took over an investment portfolio which she had inherited from her grandparents, who had passed away […]
Everyone knows that sleep is essential but alas, the trials of modern life have seen to it that we are sleeping less and less each night than we were just ten years ago, causing a whole array of sleep issues to emerge and in turn, affect our quality of life. […]
Ah, Springtime… As the chill of winter fades and we start to feel the growing warmth of the sun on our skin, in the words of comedian Robin Williams, it’s “nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” but amidst the resurgence of life outside, a familiar ritual beckons – spring cleaning. […]
There’s something about the notion of sailing the seas and visiting exotic destinations that will move us in ways that local travel simply can’t replicate. And what better way to do this than in the company of world-class hospitality? Luxury cruises of the modern age are far more than just […]
City living has its allure. Ever-bustling with its bright lights and big crowds, it’s not hard to get caught up in the ceaseless pace, but the counterpoint to this is in seizing those moments to reclaim your inner peace by making the most of the lulls amidst the frenetic […]
From the moment you step off the cobbled lane into the rough-hewn mass punctuated with a constellation of sleek, irregularly-shaped windows, it’s clear that The Hotel Britomart is much, much more than just your regular city hotel. It seems its creators – the same folks that curated the heritage precinct […]
The so-called Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in a bold new era of AI, machine learning, robotics, and nanotechnology – of cutting-edge cyber-physical systems tasked with forging new ways of integrating technology with human life and society at large. While we can all appreciate the potential a new civilisational storyline […]
In the world of business, the concept of sustainability is ubiquitous with ESG practices forming the bedrock of most modern business strategies. Being seen to adopt a sustainability-first approach is one thing, but it’s another to translate that ambition into measurable results – for business leaders to make a material […]
From waxing and shaving to epilating and IPL, there are a myriad of hair removal methods out there all vying for our attention when it comes to minimising the fuss of being fuzz-free. Navigating these many different styles to find the perfect technique that works for you can be a […]
Is your brain a veritable sponge for wonderfully strange and obscure tidbits of general knowledge trivia? If so, odds are you could also be hankering for a friendly neighbourhood hotspot at which to flex your fine quizzing skills. Luxury hotel Cordis Auckland might just have the perfect venue to beat […]
As I write this note, Auckland has recently had another wet state of emergency, and a dramatic lightning strike. Economic storm clouds have also been hovering for some sectors. And as I look through the papers, the headlines seem to be a combination of negative stories about both. Both weather […]
I am excited to introduce you to the launch of the M2woman High Jewellery Collection, an annual celebration of the world’s most exquisite jewellery, presenting an unparalleled showcase of craftsmanship, the rich legacy of esteemed jewellery houses, and groundbreaking innovation. This exceptional guide pays homage to the harmonious fusion of […]
