Stories

The Hempy Bar is a brand new snack from Christchurch-based hemp food company The Brothers Green and it is packed with nature’s most nutrient-rich seed. Hemp seeds are a natural protein containing all 20 amino acids and are a great source of Omega 3, making Hempy Bars a healthy alternative snack for children and adults. The Brothers Green won FoodStuffs’ FoodStarter competition last year with the bar, and that put it into South Island New Worlds. To cap the good vibes, the Hempy Bar comes in a compostable pouch and wrap. thebrothersgreen.co

If you are still to check out the world of variety at the city’s freshest new dining lane, Eats on Oxford, make sure you get along soon and take advantage of the launch promotions. There’s Happy Hour Monday and Tuesday (50% off selected items, 3 – 6pm) and the Early Bird special Wednesday to Friday (25% off selected items, 10am – noon). Dine in or take away, brunch, afternoon tea or dinner – Eats on Oxford has you covered. FB/eatsonoxford

Our good friends at Curiosity Gin have undergone an extreme (branding) makeover. Their sleek new 700ml bottles of locally distilled gin are sporting a bold new logo. We already know their gin stands out from the crowd and now, with the fresh new branding, their bottles will too. The Sydenham-based distillery is well worth a visit if you’ve never been, if only to embark on one of their tours. You’ll get a peek at where the magic happens along with some exclusive insider knowledge. The standard tour includes a lap around the distillery, a full gin tasting and a discount off any purchases made on the day. Curiosity's cellar door is another stop worth making next time the old liquor cabinet needs a re-stock. If gin isn’t the drop for you, they also distil their own Crux Vodka – which is as clean and crisp as the southern night sky –...

When Kiwi entrepreneur Sam Brown realised we didn’t have a national drink, he set about making one – and so The White Sheep Co came to life. How did you come up with such an interesting product? I was living overseas at the time and out having a few drinks with friends. We were all from different countries and decided to have a drink for each of our nationalities. We had some tequila for Mexico, brandy for France, whisky for Scotland and bourbon for USA. When it got to me, I drew a blank – there wasn’t a spirit that was truly unique to New Zealand. It was this night that put the spark in my mind to create something truly different that could represent New Zealand on the global stage. It took around three years of research and development while working full-time but The White Sheep Co finally launched at...

At his restaurant, Story, chef Shafeeq Ismail blends Indian flavours and local ingredients to create dishes that diners love to love. He tells Cityscape where he gets his inspiration, and how cricket helps him relax. How would you describe the cuisine you create? We create progressive international cuisine using local artisan produce and New Zealand ingredients with definite Indian flavours. All our wine and beer are handpicked to match the food and sourced locally and internationally from the best in the industry. How did you get started on your career as a chef? Way back in India I was always amazed by our street food vendors and chefs, who fascinated me with their technique and flavours. I have always been a foodie and felt the happiness in eating tasty food, and so I wanted to give the same happiness to others. What has been your path to where you are now?...

This nutrient-dense powder from Kiki Health will have your body looking and feeling radiant this spring. The 100 percent organic Alkaline Infusion powder uses Vitamin C from lemon-juice powder and acerola cherry powder, inulin from chicory root, calcium, magnesium and potassium to create this powerhouse supplement. Like waving a magic wand, the powder works to reduce fatigue, support your immune system, build collagen, improve your skin and aid digestion. Two teaspoons in water each day is all it takes to soak up the benefits of this natural energy and nutrient boost. kiki-health.co.nz

Koha Fitness is a state of the art club, but it’s the people – He tāngata! He tāngata! He tāngata! – that make it so special. At Koha Fitness, you’re family, which means they care about your wellness journey and help you to stay on track. With the latest equipment on offer, get in touch with the friendly team for a free one-week trial. kohafitness.co.nz/free

NZ’s premier laser tattoo removal and lightening specialists, Sacred Laser, have brought the best laser removal tools to town – the Medlite C6 and Picosure. Using these machines, the team can target all colours and ensure the best possible results using the correct wavelengths. The qualified technicians have been tattooed and had removal – they consider each project with the understanding and expertise gained from 20 years of experience in the tattoo industry. sacredlaser.co.nz

The Cityscape team test the Dermapen 4 and come away convinced of the benefits of personalised advanced skin treatments. By the time I walk through the doors of the day spa, my hands are growing increasingly clammy as my needle-related anxiety builds. But that’s why I have to do it – to conquer my fear and give the highly praised Dermapen 4 treatment a proper go. I’m filled with enough anxious energy to fill an Olympic-sized arena. But the spa’s treatment experts are Dermapen Gold Providers, which means I’m not just in good hands, I’m in the best. Brenna explains that the all-powerful Dermapen 4 promises to minimise signs of ageing and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars and pigmentation, among other things. The nifty little device uses microneedling to achieve said magic. Tiny needles lightly puncture the skin’s top layer, stimulating collagen and elastin and leaving you with plump and...

Lyn Davis learned first-hand from renowned hypnotherapist Andrew Newton how to help people with everything from anxiety to weight loss. She tells Cityscape what’s involved. How did you come to be a hypnotherapist? What did you do before that? When I left school I went to work in a bank, and one evening I went to see hypnotist Andrew Newton and we got talking at his show. We kept in touch and a year later, when he was back in New Zealand, he asked me to do some work for him, and I’ve never looked back. What inspires you to do what you do? I’ve always been a people person. I take after my mother, I love helping people – it seems natural – and I thought that hypnotherapy would be a good way of helping people. I read in the UK news about gastric band hypnosis and that really caught...

Ballantynes menswear buyer Jack O’Halloran shares his style tips for a sartorial spring. All things linen are a spring/summer must. From linen shirts to suits (1), it’s the ideal option for the warmer months while maintaining a fashionable, semi-formal appearance. Pastel colours of light blue, pink and beige are an easy way for men to achieve soft touches of style in their wardrobe. Combine with a pair of loafers (6) or white sneakers (4) to complete the look. If you are seeking inspo from the celebs, Lewis Hamilton and David Beckham would have to be my favourites right now. Lewis Hamilton, who in 2018 launched a collab with Tommy Hilfiger, isn’t afraid to go bold, and always sports a pop of colour (3). He is often seen wearing a cross-body bag and large script branding, a trend that will continue into summer. David Beckham knows how to wear the staple fashion...

For the serious gym junkies out there, Ballantynes has a new brand just for you. REC GEN is a functional sport and lifestyle brand designed in Sydney and tested under the most rigorous conditions, so you know its meticulously constructed fabrics will last the distance, workout after workout. And as you might expect, REC GEN’s commitment to environmental sustainability and non-impactful processes is at the core of everything they do. ballantynes.co.nz

Eswardutt oozes subtle elegance and sophistication courtesy of creative director Elishah Eswardutt. Every garment is designed and constructed in New Zealand. Exclusive design, opulent fabrication and chic details define the brand and its vision. eswardutt.com

Leader of the New Zealand fashion scene, Karen Walker, has launched a spectacular collection of bespoke bridal wear and eye-catching engagement rings and bands. These can be purchased from Karen Walker Atelier Auckland, where people can try on and discuss wedding day outfits and jewellery by private appointment. Sitting down with a trusted member of her Walker’s team ensures your every need is met, and that you really are the star of your special day. The selection of dresses is based on some of Walker’s most iconic pieces, all of which have been given a new and innovative twist. The two well-tailored suits are sure to have even the most unconventional brides feeling over the moon, too. Dresses range from $1,450 to $4,250 and will be made in Karen Walker’s Grey Lynn studio. The jewellery collection is equally as diverse, offering everything from dramatic geometric settings to simple gold wedding bands....

Fashion stylist Josie Pasane tells Cityscape why she loves what she does, and her favourite misconceptions about it as well. What’s the best part about styling for a living? I have so much love and passion for what I do. I am extremely thankful for the career I’ve created for myself – it has always come naturally to me. The most fun part of styling for a living is seeing my clients get excited for looks that I create for them. I was always fascinated by the idea and knew deep down in my heart I could do it, but I was so scared because I had no idea where to start. It's such a blessing to be able to do what I love every day and work with clients who inspire me. How did you get your start in the fashion industry? I started in the fashion industry in 2007....

Dedicated fashionista Vanessa Ortynsky reviews the hits and highlights of New Zealand Fashion Week 2019. From Kate Sylvester’s heartfelt tribute to her parents, Paris Georgia’s flawlessly sleek runway debut and Stolen Girlfriends Club’s immersive, jaw-dropping show, New Zealand Fashion Week 2019 was the perfect time to celebrate our talented designers here in Aotearoa and take note of future trends. NZFW 19 returned to its roots at Auckland Town Hall with a full takeover of Aotea Square. With sustainability and inclusion at the forefront this year, we saw more diverse casting as well as responsibly made collections from our favourite designers new and old. Stolen Girlfriends Club The highlight of every NZFW is the Stolen Girlfriends Club show, which took place outdoors at the Avondale Racecourse this year, transformed into what felt like a Berlin nightclub with a techno soundtrack, barrels of fire lining the runway, and an army of brooding models....

Ever wondered what guides a fashion buyer’s decisions? Ballantynes’ Georgie Mears tells Cityscape it’s a blend of instinct and data. Georgie Mears began her career as a buyer 3½ years ago at Ballantynes, working under the senior buyer. Six months on she was buying for the Contemporary Lounge on her own, and then later started buying for the women’s footwear department. About a year ago she took on the Designer Atrium as well and now buys for all three departments. Were you in fashion before your role at Ballantynes? I completed my Bachelor of Design majoring in fashion as well as a business diploma at Otago Polytechnic. Determined to get a head start I moved straight to Melbourne, where all major fashion head offices are for the Australasian market. I started in retail on the shop floor and worked my way up into management, then to visual merchandising, while juggling a...

Stuck for how to turn your backyard into an urban oasis? Canopy Landscape Architects’ Julie Greenslade and Paul Roper-Gee have some ideas. The days are getting longer and the sap is rising, so this is a great time to get stuck into the garden and make the most of your outdoor areas. If your yard needs a makeover, there are some important things to consider. Your outdoor space may be separate but it will still need to form a strong relationship with the house. In planning your garden, consider sun, shade, shelter and creating well-proportioned spaces, and remember that all gardens mature and change over time so try to visualise just how big those new plants will become. With these principles in place, you can personalise the spaces to suit your lifestyle and complement your house. Here’s three design ideas to help make the most of your garden: Birds and bees...