With the onset of the colder months, nothing beats the solace of bundling into a snug, cozy corner and warming our chilly cockles in front of a crackling fire. Though with plummeting temperatures and fluctuations from freezing outdoors and blustery winds, to overheated workspaces and heat pump-dry homes, it is […]
With winter in the rear-view mirror and the change of seasons ushering in sunny showers and flowers finally in bloom, just as we naturally adjust our wardrobes to adapt to the warmer climes, our skincare routine calls for a refresh too. In adjusting to the warmer temperatures, higher UV […]
Wither Hills is a well respected wine brand here and around the globe, but behind the beautiful branding and labelling is a blend of hard work, weather and land variables, years of knowledge, science, craft and passion. Head winemaker, Matt Large takes us through the journey. Is there a […]
Feeling a bit sad after this winter? You’re not alone. Seasonal affective disorder is something that many Kiwis find themselves battling from – starting in May and lasting until around September. Most scientists are still scratching their heads on what causes the so-called winter blues, but most can agree that […]
Two things prompted me to write this article. The first, a diary reflection that Cameron Sims wrote when he was hitch hiking in the South Island after finishing his university degree and the second, an interview with Ben Shewyn, an expat Kiwi, owner of Attica restaurant, currently residing in Melbourne. […]
Well, to quote every email I have received since mid March, we are “living in uncertain times” and “learning to navigate our new normal”. That last one does throw me. I am unable to determine my left hand from my right, and often lose our vehicle in the supermarket car-park, […]
Of all beverages, rum has the renown for shaping the broad course of history. Arising from what was initially a by-product achieved from transforming sugarcane into sugar, the potent discovery of molasses or “black gold” fermented and distilled into the first “rums” swiftly surpassed the vast sugar economy, its genesis […]
Cleaner hands and bluer skies aside, a silver lining amidst these unprecedented times can be found in the way it is catalysing a renewed focus on supporting and celebrating Kiwi-grown businesses – many of whom are sustainably harnessing the unique biodiversity this country has to offer and who in turn […]
Someone rather cynical once said that youth is wasted on the young. And maybe they had a point. Youthfulness is just one of those things that we tend to appreciate more when it’s gone. And no amount of money can buy back time. There are, though, some clever ways to […]
In this year’s Golden Globes, host Ricky Gervais attempted to put Hollywood in its place. “If you win an award tonight, don’t use it as a platform to make a political speech,” he suggested during his opening monologue. “You’re in no position to lecture the public about anything, you know […]
I’d name my autobiography… Hmm, not sure. But if I wrote a book, it might be on connection and communication. We (or should I say I!) get into so many muddles in life when we speak from a place of shame, fear and ego, or are too scared of speaking […]
Mulan is one of the most iconic figures of Ancient China. First introduced to the Northern Dynasties in the 6th century poem, Ballad of Mulan, and later as the titular character in a 1998 Disney animated film, the daughter-turned-honoured-warrior has stood the test of time. Spirited, determined and skilled on […]
Tea spilling, cancel culture, call out culture — unless you’ve made the perhaps very wise decision to ‘cancel’ any connection you have to the internet, you’ve likely come across one or all of these terms. Even if you’re unsure about what these terms mean, you’ve probably clicked on at least […]
Lively discussion filled the foyer as the guests of our first Journey To Excellence forum chatted with colleagues and other guests in anticipation of the start of the event. Behind a few hefty doors was the Great Room at the Cordis Hotel, which was about to play host to the […]
The importance of unbiased journalism has been highlighted over recent years, of course with certain examples of voter manipulation and fake news. At the same time, the industry has faced unprecedented pressure from disruptive forces and new business models. It’s not all bad news though. We might still continue to […]
Bathrooms by Elite, as their name would suggest, are kind of obsessed with bathrooms. And while the other rooms in your home will of course have their uses, your bathroom will be where you prepare yourself for an amazing day or maybe unwind from a tough day. Whatever the day, […]
“It is the perfect fit for those needing space but looking for an easy-to-manoeuvre vehicle,” says David Hodge, Managing Director Mazda New Zealand, explaining the brand new Mazda CX-30. “It offers the best of both worlds, giving roominess and ample cargo space for around town and out of town adventures, […]
Up until this year, Dr. Hannah Wells was juggling life as a medical researcher in the field of biotech engineering, and a champion triathlete. Either one would be more than enough for any mere mortal. This year though, Hannah is throwing everything into her sport. Well as soon as lockdown […]
When I say to people, “I’m a whisky girl,” the response is usually a unanimous, “Really?! Didn’t picture you for a whisky person.” Being a young and petite Korean lass, I may not strike you as the Westie that necks Woodies on the weekends. However, for those who know Korean […]
Do you plaster #yeswayrose all over your Instagram account or are you yet to find one that really floats your boat? There’s so much more to rosé than the three P’s, Pale, Pink and Provence. Rosé has been in growth mode for several years and with a huge number of […]
What’s so special about The Face Place? Leading cosmetic medicine expert and entrepreneur, Dr. Catherine Stone, shares the secrets to her success and reveals why so many women trust in her clinic. The start of this new decade marks almost 20 years since you started The Face Place. If you […]
If like me, you vacillate between a morbid fear of isolation and complete social repulsion, any gathering can pose conversation conundrums. What do you chat about while holding a sausage in a piece of bread in one hand and a glass of wine in a plastic cup in the other, […]
Elephant Gin may be hand made in Germany, but its roots are still firmly in South Africa in more way than one. Its story was born there and many of the 14 botanicals used in its production still originate from Africa. Treating your home well is a lesson Elephant Gin […]
Running marathons – half or full – can be seen by many as a sport for the elite and committed athletes among us. However, some may argue running half marathons is a great way to keep fit and active and doesn’t require any super powers or supreme athletic ability. One […]
Most of our large corporates are appointing Heads of Diversity & Inclusion, they’re implementing D&I programmes left, right and centre. Bringing in external consultants, writing strategies, making major public statements about what they’re doing in the D&I “space”, where they’re at on their D&I “journey”..! We’re doing this because it’s […]
Here is a well known quote that has been attributed to Gandhi: “Be the change that you want to see in the world.” Unfortunately, Gandhi didn’t quite say those exact words, but regardless of how the quote came about, I think it is still an important one. Government, local governments, […]
Best advice I’ve been given… In business, probably “to hire the best, and not be greedy,” sage advice from Sir Richard Branson (via his books). In personal life, “not everything that screams the loudest is the most important” and “What others think of you is none of your business!” I […]
Over 600 engaged people joined us at the M2woman Journey to Excellence forum on 18 October at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland. Tania Domett from Cogo set the scene with her in-depth keynote, before Jason Reynolds from Quantum Movement shared some insights for building a great company culture. Debi Boffa, […]
Ageing is unavoidable, however, there’s something so beautiful about it. Our skin carries with it the wisdom and history we’ve gathered. We often forget this as we battle the pressures of being ‘selfie-ready’ while trying to embrace ageing gracefully. Our skin is more than just an aesthetic element and it […]
It wasn’t too long ago when many of us would scoff at the idea of eating a meal that didn’t include a portion of meat. It seems the old ‘meat and three veg’ adage has been ingrained in us Kiwis since we were young and for many of us, it’s […]
New Zealand has amazing winemakers in every wine region of our beautiful country and many of them are women. From the outside, the wine industry seems a male-dominated world, but in recent years it has seen a steep increase in young, talented and passionate women join its ranks. It was […]
The start of the new decade brings new goals and drivers for the next 10 years. For those with fitness goals in mind, whether they’re short term or long, it’s the work you put in that will get you there. Putting in that extra rep, running another 100 metres, or […]
Elizabeth McCall is one of the youngest female distillers in the U.S and probably the world. As the Assistant Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve, she has found success in a highly male-dominated world but, of course, her age and gender aren’t the only thing to talk about and maybe soon […]
Any colour as long as it’s black. While that is a broad-brush statement, this does seem to be the motto of architects everywhere – you see it in their clothes and in their cars, so little wonder it’s difficult to get them to incorporate much colour in a design. It […]
With rolling topography, views that stretch all the way to the Hen & Chickens Islands, and only five minutes from the spectacular Tara Iti golf course, securing a site at the Sandhills estate is like getting a hole in one. So in 2017 when Box™ was asked to conceptualise a […]
A perfect mixer to savour these warm afternoons is the Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Gin. I’m not saying just mix it with fresh air, I’ve got a recipe for you at the end of this article, but first let me tell you about the gin itself. Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is a […]
It was the great Marilyn Monroe that once said “Hollywood’s a place where they’ll pay you a thousand dollars for a kiss, and fifty cents for your soul”. The film industry is an ever changing landscape – exciting and scary, free and restricting – yet classic Hollywood cinema will always […]
On Friday 21 June, 450 guests at Pullman Auckland joined an expert panel of business leaders to discuss the hurdles to Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace and define the solutions. The panel featured Rebecca Thomas, Founder and CEO of Mint Asset Management; Kaye-Maree Dunn, Director of Indigital Blockchain Limited; […]
On Friday 21 June, 450 guests at Pullman Auckland joined an expert panel of business leaders to discuss the hurdles to Diversity & Inclusion in the workplace and define the solutions. The panel featured Rebecca Thomas, Founder and CEO of Mint Asset Management; Kaye-Maree Dunn, Director of Indigital Blockchain Limited; […]
Cryptocurrency made headlines for what seemed like months on end last year as Bitcoin’s value soared to previously unheard of heights. Thousands rushed to purchase cryptocurrency in the hopes of being able to become overnight millionaires, as many who already owned the currency did. You may have heard all the […]
