In reading through the transcript of the interview with our M2 Champagne Bollinger, Man of the Year for 2017, Peter Burling; I was reminded of something that is becoming more and more a consideration lately. The concept of drive. What is it that really gives us the momentum to push through the pain of training? […]
Our placement on the great timeline of existence has us nestled in a rather peculiar spot. Columbus, Tasman, Magellan, De Gama – they’ve already done all the Earth exploring for us. The cosmos, however, is the great frontier we have yet to conquer. Humanity has always looked to the stars, gazing into the speckled abyss […]
Humans have been manipulating nature and been playing “God” for quite sometime. Carrots were originally purple but we’ve bred them to look orange. Canines have been bred in all shapes and sizes to suit practical purposes like hunting, but also because we think it’s cute to have pooches with squishy faces – regardless of breathing […]
Spider-Man has a long list of much sought after superpowers and abilities – super strength, agility, super speed, heightened perception. These all run the conventional gamut of a typical superhero’s repertoire, but his defining power is his web-shooting. Traversing through New York from web to web, ensnaring evil doers in cocoons of spider-silk – it’s […]
More than 20 years ago, a young Richie Hardcore entered the ring, about to look his very first opponent in the eye, with one goal – to be the last man standing. It’s hard to imagine what would have been going through his mind as the bell rang to signal the fight to commence. It would also have been impossible for […]
Propel (the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of radio-controlled devices) has recently released a new toy on the market, launching gaming and high-tech droning into the next galaxy. With The Last Jedi having hit the big screen last month, and more themed merchandise arriving on shelves around the country, Star Wars-mania is well and truly […]
Extending the annual Islay Whisky Festival – Feis Ile – in Scotland slightly, Ardbeg Day will be celebrated in New Zealand on Saturday June 3. The celebrations stretch across the country in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington. There will be celebrations along with the official release of the limited edition Ardbeg Kelpie for purchase, paired canapes […]
This museum in Marrakech focuses entirely on the life and career of famed fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The 43,060 square foot space has been designed in true Parisian style by French architecture firm Studio KO. The building itself incorporates Moroccan earth bricks and cubic forms to blend into the sleek desert surroundings. To pay […]
Gorillaz has been a project that has continued to defy expectations. Started in collaboration between Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, the band has somehow bridged the gap between hip-hop and alternative rock. Casual fans can appreciate the music for what it is, while those willing to dive into the Gorillaz mythology are rewarded with a rich story […]
If you think that land value continuously growing in value is for suckers then consider this $2 million luxury floating home, the Arkup. Not only do you no longer need to worry about earthquakes, but according to its creators it’s also hurricane proof. As you can see by its roof, it relies on renewable energy and being […]
Best-selling author of I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic and 11 other well-known titles, Lagercrantz is a man who wears numerous hats. One moment he is a journalist, the next he is a biographer, the next a ghost-writer, then a novelist. A man of sheer talent and verve. Born in Solna in 1962 to Olof Lagercrantz (a […]
Up in the northern reaches of Sweden, just before Norway’s frozen coastline is a golden egg sitting in a snowy field at Luossabacken in Kiruna. Built by Bigert & Bergström, it’s more than just art. The egg is a sauna that just happens to be made out of stainless golden mirror sheeting. The symbolism behind the egg runs […]
Oh the horror, December. It’s a magical time to recollect that you have no idea where your year went, while being bludgeoned with red and green tinsel. November has already seen the first wave of terrible Christmas movies, so we can skim past those onto better things. Star Wars: The Last Jedi […]
Becoming New Zealand’s greatest-ever batsman is a matter of how soon and not if for Black Caps Captain, Kane Williamson. Comparisons are often made in the game of cricket because of the importance of statistics, and the diminutive run machine is not only on an autobahn to overtake late legend Martin Crowe’s records, but he […]
If there’s one thing China can do it’s massive stuff quickly. The Tianjin Binhai Library on the coast of the Yellow Sea is no exception. Designed with the help of Netherlands-based architecture and urban design practice, MVRDV, the Tianjin Binhai Library is 33,700m2 with enough space for 1.2 million books. Incredibly, it was built in under three years due […]
The spectacular Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights, over Canada is sighted from the International Space Station near the highest point of its orbital path. The station’s main solar arrays are seen in the left foreground. This photograph was taken by a member of the Expedition 53 crew aboard the station on September 15, 2017. […]
When Samsung shoulder tapped Shaun Johnson as their new ambassador for the Gear S3 Frontier connected smartwatch, they saw the opportunity to show people just how versatile this smartwatch could be. Best known for his work on the field, Johnson also has a range of business and collaboration projects on the go – including his […]
You’d have to have your head in the sand not to know that the world we live in undoubtedly has a few environmental issues, with one of the biggest culprits being our global population and, especially, where it chooses to reside. Estimates predict there will be nine billion of us by 2050 and although there […]
Bermuda. June, 2017. The time is 1.31pm exactly. The pale sky is patterned with light grey clouds and seagulls squalling above. You look down at your Omega watch for what feels like the millionth time. There’s a light air about the ocean… an estimated nine-knot wind with the boat ebbing underneath you. You’re standing at […]
‘Tis the season for summer parties and Christmas functions. When the occasion calls for a suited look, opt for a tie that fits with the mood of the event. The summer season is home to some of the greatest and most fashionable events in the entire social calendar. Kicking that off was the Melbourne Cup, […]
Summer is finally here, well apparently… Be sure to be geared with the latest pieces to be looking on-trend this season. Huffer Following the celebration of their 20th Birthday, Huffer have delivered a strong Summer ‘17 Collection channelling warm Californian vibes. “Huffer Summer ’17 is electric blues and mellow yellows that get you from dusk […]
While we do like to explore and travel the world in style, it is important to get to know your own back yard before taking on the rest of the globe. And where better to start than in our capital city, Wellington. The bustling city is known as the most creative city in New Zealand […]
He knows how to dance. He knows how to sing. He’s funny, and intense…’ Givenchy Parfum’s chief executive officer described Aaron Taylor-Johnson when announcing him as the new face of Givenchy Gentleman Only. Born in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, just north-west of London, a young Taylor-Johnson attended the Jackie Palmer Stage School in High Wycombe, where […]
Summer is finally here. Fun fact: technically summer doesn’t actually start until December 21 in New Zealand and Australia, which is the meteorological start to the season while the ‘first of the month’ is chosen to make record-keeping simple, easy and clean. Anyway… Summer is mostly here, and it is time to wrangle together your best […]
Wit, style and fun are always appreciated when unwrapping any gift. With these original and imaginative design pieces, the enjoyment and good times are made to last. Showtime vases Jaime Hayon, a designer at the forefront of recent Spanish design, has created Showtime Vases combining the traditions and quality of Spanish ceramics with an edgy […]
It’s getting to that time of the year where people are starting to make their resolutions, so get a jump-start on yours with these essentials. Adidas X David Beckham Have you ever heard of the ‘runner’s high’? That rush of endorphins? That feeling of invincibility when running? Imagine getting that runner’s high whilst running on […]
Not long ago, on the east coast of golf-mad America, in North Carolina was a sneak peek into what could be simply described as the manufacturing of greatness – the American Dream on a conveyor belt. Filmed at the world-renowned Pinehurst courses was a collection of the world’s finest pint-sized golfers, and the stakes couldn’t […]
The Mazda VISION COUPE is a next-generation design vision model that showcases the ‘new elegance’ and draws upon Mazda’s long history of design. In creating the form of the body, the focus has been on stripping away everything that is unnecessary while bringing out the beauty of natural phenomena through exquisite, ever-changing patterns of light […]
BIG IN JAPAN – We took a trip to the Tokyo Motor Show at Big Sight events centre. Here are a few of our favourites. Toyota – Say-i The Concept-i integrates automotive technology with emotions (yes you heard that correctly). Using AI, Toyota is looking to turn cars from things into entities. Mercedes – AMG […]
Mazda’s Kodo (Soul of Motion) design language was first introduced to the world in 2010 in the form of the Shinari concept vehicle. The motivation behind this design ethos was, and very much still is, the ‘dynamic beauty of life’ and with its more muscular design characteristics, Shinari shows us that this form of motion […]
With the Laser Plumbing & Electrical HD 500 beginning to disappear in the rear view mirror, all eyes at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park are now focused on the summer. And with track days, driver training days, drift days and epic events such as Mad Mike’s Summer Bash and 4Guys Autobarn Legends of Bathurst, what a […]
First dates can be a nightmare – not the date itself (that’s a different story), I’m talking more about the pressure that surrounds it. It doesn’t help that the date is shrouded in anticipation (I assume from both sides) but if you’re the person organising it – trying to decide on the correct venue, whether […]
This year, we were delighted to present the partnership with Coach for our M2 Man of the Year Awards. As a lifestyle magazine that delivers all things luxury with a humbled approach, it was an obvious decision to create an alignment with Coach. It is a brand that pertains to quality craftsmanship, quirky creativity and […]
To catch a bullet in your hand or mouth takes skill and precision timing, or that’s what magicians and performance artists would have you believe. Of course, it’s a trick, but as a child, I used to watch in awe and wonder. What is not a trick, however, is the precision and timing that surrounds […]
The sky above you starts roaring, you feel the earth beneath you quivering and the crisp, whirling air feels like it’s forming icicles on your cheeks. But the lighting is perfect and the brewing tornado plummets to the ground below, you feel the clunk of your camera shutter opening to capture the moment. And you […]
“There is one thing that 99 percent of failures and successful people have in common: they all hate doing the same things. The difference is successful people do them anyway.” – Darren Hardy “Higher success requires you to be a better version of yourself.” Prolific motivational speaker Jim Rohn said that, many years ago. “If you […]
Selling your home is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make. Once you’ve made the decision to sell, one of the first steps to ensuring you get the best price for your home is engaging a real estate agent that knows your area and the type of house you are selling. […]
Are you creating a positive legacy and proud of the life you live – YES or NO? If you answered “no” or “not always”, you can make your life different. You can choose to live a life you are proud of and the change is very achievable. Anyone can change, regardless of their circumstances, their […]
Break it down No, I am not writing about a bad boy band song from the 1990s, but how we go about setting our business, personal development or financial goals (insert eye roll here). Yes, another article on goal setting. There are so many articles and experts on the subject, however, the one thing I have […]
They say the only thing constant is change and nowhere does this feel truer than in the online landscape. So, this month I thought I would share my thoughts on trends and what’s in store when it comes to search marketing in 2018. User-centric wins If 2017 was ‘the year of the customer’, 2018 will […]
Whether you love it or hate it, Christmas is almost here. Aside from leaving you out of pocket for the best part of the following quarter, the season is a great time to increase your sales, improve your brand and reconnect with your clients and customers. Unless you have a relevant product or service to […]
Only the strongest in a species evolve and that’s because change is tough. To change means you have to be able to adapt to new conditions. Not everyone can do that. Familiarity is comforting – it’s safe. But if you want to grow – change is mandatory. You have to meddle in the unknown. Take […]
Champagne has long been the celebratory drink for all occasions. To be called Champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region and, to a large extent, winemakers use predominantly Pinot Noir (black) grapes mixed with Chablis (Chardonnay). Here is a selection some of our favourite bubbles for the festive season, including one of our […]
Age: 28 Occupation: Executive chef at Ostro What’s your morning routine? As soon as I wake up I make a short black for myself and start making breakfast. After, I get changed, walk to work, taking the same route as I do everyday. This makes it feel like a good start to the day! What […]
Age: 44 Occupation: Chief Hydration Officer What’s your morning routine? Exercise most mornings, clear urgent emails, have a 1Above Recovery drink with a Best Ugly Bagel and then get the kids to school. What are the top three things on your bucket list? Snowboard in Japan Intern at Tesla, Facebook or Google Further education at […]
Age: 45 Occupation: Photographer and AMP Scholarship Winner What’s your morning routine? I have to be honest and say I am not a morning person. So first thing in the morning my wife makes me a coffee in bed before anything else. Then it’s a quick check of my emails. I race around getting my three boys ready […]
The Huawei Mate 10 Series Jumps into the Superphone era. Huawei is making some bold claims about its new Mate 10 series. It’s biggest being the world’s first mobile AI-specific Neural Network Processing Unit, within its Kirin 970 AI mobile chipset. What does that even mean? Let’s find out! The Kirin 970 AI chipset’s specialised NPU, […]
Assassins Creed Origin From: Ubisoft Platform: Xbox One, PC, PS4 You slowly look to the left, spotting your target. Unable to fully scope the terrain you let your pet eagle scout the area from above and highlight enemies for you. Scaling the nearby building you wait for your target to get near. You dive towards […]
The age of never needing to worry about charging ever again is upon us with this handy pair of wireless earbuds developed by former Apple Engineers. That is at least the promise being made by ELWN, a company kickstarting its ELWN FIT Bluetooth Earbuds. Since ELWN earbuds are truly wireless, they run on a battery. However, with […]
It’s that time of year again, can you believe it? Christmas has a way of just appearing out of nowhere, even though we have an entire 12 months to prepare for it! The thing that gets me the most, however, is the question that starts popping up around about this time of year… “Hey honey, […]
We bring you some of our favourite pieces that will make great gifts for the season of giving. The art of gifting At Gift Bird we make giving easy. We’ve joined with Forest & Bird, you buy and we donate to the birds – a gift that goes on giving. Buy one Box and, go in […]
Peter Burling has been announced as the M2 Champagne Bollinger Man of the Year for 2017. The Emirates Team New Zealand Helmsman and America’s Cup Winner was announced at an exclusive awards ceremony on Thursday 9 November with fellow crew members Josh Junior and Guy Endean accepting the award on his behalf as Burling is […]
As much as we don’t want to admit it, we 40-plus guys have been using the classic cliché for years: “Kids, everything you’ve done (whether it be partying hard, drinking or drugs), your dads have done it all before.” And now, from a health perspective, we are starting to pay the price for those experiences! […]
The M2 Champagne Bollinger Man of the Year 2016 went to two time gold and one time silver medal winning Paralympian and blade running record breaker Liam Malone. He may have only had three years to prepare for Rio but as he has proven, he moves quickly. On and off the track. And this is […]
