In this issue, as well as profiles of some of New Zealand’s most successful venture capital, private equity, and listed equity funds, we also showcase a new platform that links capital flow and export scale between Oceania and Asia, the Oceania Center. The opening of this platform and the link to the New Zealand fund […]
Tom Hiddleston snapped celebrating the official launch of Hulu on Disney+ at an exclusive cocktail reception hosted by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, along with special guest Bob Iger, on Friday evening in Los Angeles. (Disney/Brian Bowen Smith) Tom Hiddleston is living proof that dancing on Tik Tok isn’t a dead end pursuit of putting […]
Google founder Sergey Bren must be doing some spring cleaning and found that his biggest super yacht no longer brings him joy, because the elegant Dragonfly that he has owned since 2011 is now going on the market for the very first time since he picked it up brand new. Valued at $80 million it’s […]
Rolex was present for one of New Zealand’s proudest achievements. When you’re trying to conquer earth’s highest point it’s important to know the time. You can’t be late for important appointments. What would you tell people “sorry I’m late I was just making history.” As Tenzing and Hillary summited Mount Everest Sir Ed was wearing […]
This is Delicious AF Launched at the start of November 2024, Free AF have released its first-ever collection of alcohol-free bubbles. Their first two offerings are a Sparkling Rosé and a vibrant Sparkling Red – both exquisite in every way and sparkling AF of course. Perfect for celebrating life’s moments without accumulating any of life’s […]
Every once in a while, a wine comes along that really grabs your attention—not with some fancy label or over-the-top marketing, but with pure, undeniable quality. Yalumba’s 2021 Sanctum Cabernet Sauvignon is exactly that. Quietly showing up at a big competition, sweeping the awards, and leaving everyone scratching their heads, like, “Wait, how is this […]
Imagine, you’re a bunch of proto-humans smashing bones and figuring out tools for Stanley Kubrik when suddenly out of the sky appears a bottle of the finest Macallan ever made. Macallan wants to recreate this moment with their TIME: SPACE Collection to celebrate 200 years of business. Their first bottle is a pretty incredible achievement […]
When astronauts suit up for NASA’s Artemis III mission to the Moon, they won’t just be wearing gear built to survive the harshest environment known to man—they also be rocking some high-end Prada threads. The Italian luxury brand teamed up with Axiom Space to create the AxEMU spacesuit, which combines cutting-edge tech with sleek, designer […]
Just when you thought Crocs couldn’t be more offensive,they go ahead and make batmobile clogs. These are the crocs you deserve, not the crocs you need. To celebrate the most iconic batmobile of all time Crocs has developed a clog based on the 1989 Tim Burton classic. No Michael Keaton included. Priced at $139.99 and […]
Paul Guschlbauer seen during his photoshooting for the project “Volcano Flight” in Alaska, United States on June 12th, 2024 Paul Guschlbauer is a keen paraglider, and knew exactly what he had to do while touring Alaska and spotting a small island 284 kilometers from Anchorage. What he saw was Mount St. Augustine which last erupted […]
Photography by Jimmy Fontaine As a journalist, I feel oftentimes obliged to push away a degree of creativity for the stone-cold facts in my work. Less of the mumbo-jumbo, poetic stuff and more of the nitty-gritty, with a hint of tonal tempering. Once in a blue-moon, though, I do come across opportunities in my career […]
JessB is the type of artist that you just can’t ignore. Defined and dynamic, her poetic, witty and heart-felt lyrics to her highly-acclaimed rap songs act as a breath of fresh air that resonate on multiple levels. Since her break-through debut single in 2017, ‘Soul Free’, and her number of acclaimed projects, Jess has certainly […]
Greener sensors, circuit boards and other electronic devices are being developed by EU researchers to reduce unsustainably high levels of e-waste. To develop eco-friendly electronics such as sensors and circuit boards, Dr Valerio Beni is following the paper trail – literally. An expert in green chemistry at Swedish research institute RISE, Beni has switched his […]
In addition to generating clean energy, sea locations with turbines could be used to grow mussels, oysters and seaweed. Off the coasts of Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands dozens of wind farms whir away, helping Europe switch to renewable energy from fossil fuels. Some of those wind farms are also helping Europe do something […]
If you work on Wall Street as a Junior Partner then you might be putting in some wild hours. An entry level position at somewhere like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America can fetch in the ballpark of $200,000, so you might want to show your boss you’re worth the money they’re putting on you. […]
If I were to say to you, dear Reader: ‘Venom’, what images are conjured up in your head? The 2018 rap song by Eminem, perhaps? ‘Venom, (I got that) adrenaline momentum’. Gangster. Or maybe you think of Eddie Brock? Not as gangster as Eminem. Investigative journalist, rather, from Spider-Man’s Marvel-Sony Universe? Ya know, that character […]
Yorkshire-born Sean Connolly isn’t your typical chef. He’s built a reputation on breaking the rules and stripping food down to its essence. Over the past three decades, his no-nonsense approach has shaped award-winning restaurants like Esther at QT Auckland and Sean’s Kitchen in Adelaide. But for Sean, it’s never been about following trends or chasing […]
Million by Rabanne raises the bar with its intense, sensual notes. The fragrance reimagines masculine allure through an audacious blend of sandalwood, cardamom, and bergamot, with none other than Moses Sumney as its muse. We got a word in from Sumney about his musical influences, getting started, and his first encounters with fragrances, which surprisingly, […]
Occasionally we get told “M2 you cover too many watches”, to that we say… Nothing usually, it goes right into our spam folder. We are unrepentant watch nerds here, but it’s been a hot minute since we covered a smart watch by one of our favourite brands TAG Heuer. TAG, alongside Redbull launched the TAG […]
There are two famous boots in this world. Maybe three if we’re counting the classic kiwi gumboot. Doc Martens defined the punks and Timberlands defined everybody else. Timberlands and it’s iconic yellow look has been gracing the feet of everybody from tradies, hikers and superstars alike since 1973. When you think of them it’s hard […]
We’ve always been massive fans of Tag Heuer, so it’s exciting to announce the news that they’ve finally landed on our fair shores after mucking around building 11 boutiques across Australia. We’ve always relied upon Partridge Jewellers for all our TAG needs, and with the launch of the new TAG HEUER boutique there is no […]
Photography by Mikael Jansson Creative Direction by Trey Laird & Team Laird The man the myth the legend David Beckham just got his first photocall to style for his multi-year collab with fashion house BOSS. Alongside him, Nigerian singer-songwriter Burna Boy and South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk joined the cast alongside returning talent and iconic […]
It’s curious that everyone likes the smell of fresh cut grass, or the smell the world gets after a good rain but rarely does anyone go out of their way to actually make an effort to smell like this. While no perfumer is crazy enough to bottle “wet smell” they are at least willing to […]
The CRAFTED collection of legacy leather pieces from Parisian draws on over a 100 years of making in New Zealand. Parisian Crafted is about small batch editions, fusing vintage workmanship with considered simplicity. Genuine materials that each have their own story are used to create investment pieces that over time will also tell yours. Together […]
Ferrari introduced us to their brand new supercar in October. the F80 is their most powerful car to ever roll out the gates of the Ferrari factory thanks to it’s v6-hybrid powertrain pulling a combined power of 1200 hp. The architecture of the powertrain was ripped directly from the 499p which has proven it’s worth […]
The McLaren F1 and McLaren P1TM have paved the way for their latest lovechild, the brand new W1. This marks a new chapter in Mclaren’s ‘1’ lineage, and what a chapter it is. It’s equally at home on road and track as the fastest-lapping and fastest accelerating McLaren road-legal supercar yet made. I remember the […]
When someone calls and says, “Would you like to drive the new Maserati GT,” there’s only one answer. So without any hesitation, I locked in a date. There are a lot of cars badged ‘GT’, yet few deserve it. This car does. GranTurismo means great drive, and what it means in car circles is a […]
I’m seated in an electric blue Corvette Stingray with a huge smile on my face, I haven’t been this excited to drive a car in months. First appearing on race tracks in the ’50s and showrooms in the ’60s, it’s an icon with a cult following. A classic that got me into cars yet I’m […]
Picture the scene: Sean Connery, a suave tuxedo, and the gleam of a Rolls-Royce Phantom III taking centre stage. It’s been 60 years since Goldfinger hit the cinemas, and while Bond has a whole arsenal of gadgets up his sleeve, who would have thought one of the deadliest tools in Auric Goldfinger’s collection wasn’t hidden […]
Photography by Jake Hoare The R12 is the latest iteration in BMW Motorrad’s retro lineup, replacing the popular R nineT. It offers a blend of classic styling and modern technology, to satisfy both nostalgic riders and those looking for a more refined experience. With its iconic air-cooled boxer twin engine, updated chassis, and an array […]
In a vehicular sense, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is an icon. Since its launch in 1990, the series has pushed SUV innovation and technology while negotiating that fine intersection between off-road and on-road performance, toughness, comfort, and style. Over the decades, the Prado has represented the culmination of leading-edge tech, refinement, and ruggedness rolled […]
Our favourite Yacht show of the year has been and gone. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the most impressive yachts of the season. They’re always a wonder of engineering, design, and fashion. Boatyards sit down and ask “How much luxury would you like?” and their patrons open their wallet and say “yes.” The question […]
At least once in your life you need to visit the Aegean Islands surrounded by the beautiful blue Mediterranean waters. Previously a bit of a hike it could take a day out of your trip just getting to your choice of islands after you arrive in Athens. While I’m a big believer in cliches and […]
Living In New Zealand means some of the only times we come into contact with the concrete paranoia of WWII is looking at the old pillboxes dotting our ports. Europe still lives with these reminders within their cities and as such have had to find creative ways to integrate them into their peacetime lifestyles. None […]
To truly take care of our planet’s health as well as our nation’s economy we need to take a multifaceted approach. Banning plastic bags and straws is all well and good but you can’t just sit around and wait for the world to get better after that. The planet doesn’t care if we’re trading carbon […]
The legendary asset manager Warren Buffet just saw his company Berkshire Hathaway ping over into a $1 trillion company. This is notable because first of all, a trillion dollars. Second of all it’s the first non-tech company to reach this milestone. Started in 1939 as a humble textile manufacturer the company has grown and morphed […]
Founded in 2007, Pie Funds has emerged as a pioneering investment management firm in New Zealand, setting itself apart through its unique approach to funds management and commitment to client success. Pie’s headquarters can be found in Auckland, New Zealand, but its global presence extends well beyond, with the investment team spread across its New […]
Voluntas Group has announced the launch of Voluntas Elevate, a new strategic advisory firm aimed at supporting tech founders who have been overlooked by the traditional venture capital model. With offices in Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong, London, and Los Angeles, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of services focused on sustainable growth, capital acquisition, and […]
New Zealand is behind the world in financial-technology (fintech) disruption. A statement that might sound counter-intuitive to the patriots among us who still remember Aotearoa being a pioneer in the roll out of EFTPOS 30 years ago. But this is the founding thesis of Mike Burke and Marty Kerr, co-founders and Partners of the only […]
‘Buy land, my boy, they’re not making any more of it.’ So said Mark Twain when discussing how the value of real estate rises with a growing population, but his observation is just as relevant today with arable land. As the world’s populace swells, so does the pressure on our agricultural sector to produce more […]
The Oceania Center, perched along the shores of Haikou Bay in Hainan, is where New Zealand’s brightest brands meet China’s booming market. But as Chairman Kevin Sun will tell you, cracking the Chinese market isn’t just about shipping products across the sea—it’s about relationships, storytelling, and having a game plan. With over a decade of […]
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise industries, education is undergoing a transformation that promises to reshape how we prepare future leaders. In this exclusive interview, Nathan Villars, Principal of ACG Sunderland, offers his insights into the evolving role of AI in education and what it takes to thrive in a technology-driven landscape. Rather than […]
We often ask during interviews what the best thing our guest has ever been told. Often it’s a piece of advice that has impacted their lives so deeply it’s changed their entire course. Words are powerful, They’re scary powerful. They can change the world. That’s why people make such a fuss out of Elon Musk […]
Something has changed for men, something is in the air. Have you noticed it? In the last few years, it’s become increasingly acceptable for men to do things like go to the doctor and talk about their feelings, and take care of their appearance. Scroll back 10 years or so and were given the label […]
Earlier in the mag we discussed the providence of what watch Tenzing and Sir Edmund Hillary were wearing when they summited everest. Either way, this achievement helped kick off a movement from Rolex that has continued to this very day supporting the intrepid explorers who travel the world’s most inhospitable climates and geographies to understand […]
Usually our photo series focuses (no pun intended) on big picture stuff (ok pun intended). Recently with the advent of drones we’ve been able to see the world in entirely new ways. We’re able to see herds of animals crossing the plains of Africa like mites on a petri dish. We’ve gained a perspective on […]
Remember way back when you first learned to ride a bike? It probably involved a degree of fear and falling off the bike – I know it did for me! There was fear of falling off, fear of not being able to do it, and fear of being seen by others as failing. Picture a […]
Tom Fishburne, founder and CEO of Marketoonist, once said: “The best marketing doesn’t feel like marketing.” I love this quote because it encapsulates a very important facet of communication that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. It will be interesting to see if M2 reads this column before it gets published, because I thought […]
Have you ever found yourself holding back just when success seems within reach? Maybe you’re afraid of what success will bring—more responsibility, higher expectations, less time for friends or a loss of control. If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing self-sabotage. What Is Self-Sabotage? Self-sabotage is when our actions or thoughts undermine our progress, […]
Pi in the Sky Bower & Wilkins has scored one of the classiest looking individuals in the world to sport their earbuds, the legendary ball kicker David Beckham. He’s pictured wearing the Pi8, a beautifully crafted earbud with good ergonomics and high quality materials giving it that premium feel. Carbon cone drive units deliver less […]
After spending time with the Flip it was time to move onto the big boy star of the show, the Samsung Z Fold 6. While the Flip folds a regular phone in half, the Fold doubles the size of your phone out to the size of a tablet. What it loses in cuteness it makes […]
We finally folded here at M2 and got our hands on the new Galaxy Z Flip 6. Here’s our impressions after having a play. Over the years Samsung has managed to lure me away from my cheap throwaway smartphones to a more premium experience. The Z Flip 6 is perhaps the cutest experience I’ve had […]
Nosferatu Nosferatu is one of those classics that every film maker secretly wants to remake. This modern recreation is based on the 1922 version which in turn is based on the 1897 novel Dracula The film was written and directed by Robert Eggers who has been trying to get the film off the ground since […]
I’m not big on the whole crying thing, although as a fairly new dad I find I do it more now than I did when I was foot loose and fancy free. I say this because last night at a press screening for Robbie Williams “Better Man” I sat in a row of three guys […]
This year I haven’t managed to get to many movies on the big screen but somehow Cailee Spaeny has been in most of them. First at the beginning of the year she played the young photojournalist alongside Kirsten Dunst in the controversially uncontroversial Civil War by Alex Garland. Then, with barely any fanfair she’s the […]
