In a world where comments, shares and reactions are currency and influencers are well, influential, I realise I might sound a little stale if I share a warning about the dangers of too much of an obsession with social media. Before you imagine my words in the voice of your grandmother warning you not to […]
I instantly fell in love with the Note 7 when it came out. Then the news started to come out and all of a sudden my open love letters to the phone on social media began to get responses like “blown up any planes with it yet?” Samsung eventually figured out that the fault was […]
One of the things that makes New Zealand interesting is its short history. In places like Europe, Asia and the Middle East, a century feels like almost nothing, as you can travel along roads and live in buildings that are hundreds and even thousands of years old. History is not such an everyday part of […]
One of the best things about New Zealand is the generosity and egalitarian spirit of our people.New Zealand is the second most charitable country in the world, according to a recent report by the Charities Aid Foundation. Around 400,000 New Zealanders give in some way every week, with more than a million giving each year. […]
You’ve heard the saying “Do something you enjoy”? Like many journeys, my latest business adventure started with something I am passionate about. As an avid wine enthusiast, and after collecting for more than 20 years, I decided to join the Waiheke winemaking community and create my own wine label. The experience has taught me valuable […]
New Zealand has an interesting relationship with art. It gets little coverage in our sports-obsessed nation yet New Zealanders are more in touch with their artistic side than we think. And while New Zealand produces some world-class artists, funding is limited and the sector doesn’t attract as much philanthropic support as it needs. Art is […]
Recent global events remind me how lucky I am to call New Zealand home. There have been terrorist attacks in countries including the USA, Iraq France and Turkey in recent weeks, and the political and economic turmoil in Europe, headlined by the ongoing migrant crisis and the surprise Brexit result. New Zealand has its own […]
The Global Financial Crisis in 2008 was centred on the world having too much debt and yet today there is even more debt and more inequality. We all feel something isn’t right with the world, but the game keeps playing. We simply cannot keep borrowing more, even with low interest rates. Eventually it doesn’t matter […]
As a former member of the Royal Navy I still sail regularly, recently joining the crew of the classic yacht, Waitangi. She is a beautiful yacht first launched in 1894. Previously I competed up to 40 times a year in various countries. My work life as the owner of a group of trust companies can […]
Walking, hiking, tramping – they’re Kiwi traditions that everyone loves. There are a wide variety of walks around the country to suit anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an old hand, there’s a walk out there for you. Here at the M2 office, we’re big fans of anything that’s fun, active, and gives […]
JUST DO IT Last month I wrote about the realisation that, no matter what time of life you are at, retirement will come upon you at some stage (whether you like it or not). Whether you choose to retire early or are faced with having to, the earlier you start planning the better. We all […]
It will make you happier, more profitable and give you more free time, and this one strategy will carry on giving right through your life. The cost of working around a mess, looking for something in an overfull storage room, carrying too large a range of stock, producing small production runs makes our world busy, […]
Having a great company culture is not an option; it is absolutely fundamental to growing a thriving, successful organisation. It is important to understand however, that as a company grows, the culture evolves with it. As an organisation evolves it develops in a direction that is good for both the business and its people. An […]
As the cooler months approach, the days start getting short and the nights start getting chillier. At this time of year with more germs floating around and a greater chance of coming into contact with infectious bacteria or viruses it is important to keep yourself fit and healthy. There are a number of precautions you […]
Fiat money is paper money that comes into existence by government law. It is not valued to any ‘objective standard’ like gold or silver, so governments can produce as much money as they like. When you hear the expression ‘printing money’, that’s what is being referred to. The widely held view amongst economists is that […]
A couple of years ago Pure SEO, one of my companies, was declared the only New Zealand winner of the Google Engage All Stars Competition. The prize was an all-expenses-paid trip to the Googleplex in San Francisco, the epicentre of the Google empire. Among the amazing people I met at Google HQ was a guy […]
I remember when I was young thinking how old my parents were and how I could never imagine getting to their age. Now here I am, older than they were at the time. Like many people I had my life planned out – go to school, go to University, get a job to make money […]
So much stimulus, and yet no growth and negligible inflation. We are overloaded with debt, so lowering interest rates and encouraging people to borrow is not a sustainable economic strategy. It’s like giving beers to an alcoholic. In the movie of the same name, Morpheus eludes to the existence of the matrix, “You know something […]
In late 2009, a few months after immigrating to New Zealand from England with my wife, we invested $200 in a website template and with my ageing laptop, sat in our rented flat and started Pure SEO. Seven years later, I have one of the fastest growing businesses in New Zealand. I’ve grown a business […]
To be able to see things from the perspective of your children or a new staff member or your customer, gives you a serious advantage over your peers and any competition! This article was going to be about the best things I have learnt from my 9 year old daughter when I realized there is […]
It’s Friday, so what do you have lined up tonight? Because heads up for Whiskey lovers, a new Single Malt hit NZ yesterday, the Ardbeg An Oa. Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, says, “Ardbeg An Oa’s rounded and subtly smoky aromas reflect all the contrasts of the Mull […]
Chris Pine is the classic ladies man, designed in a lab somewhere as a weaponised human being with the set purpose of breaking hearts wherever he goes. Born in Los Angeles to Robert Pine and Gwynne Gilford, both of whom who are actors (Robert was a CHiPs co-star). It seems natural in hindsight that the […]
Blade Runner 2049 It’s not every year an old beloved franchise is resuscitated to sell a couple more movie tickets. Actually, wait, it is… but this one’s different, I swear. Ryan Gosling picks up the reigns as the new Blade Runner taking out replicants. It plays with the themes of the original and advances the mystery. […]
I used to write ordered lists of which Marvel Universe movies you should watch in order to see whichever is the latest Avengers film to come out. But now that the cinematic universe contains 17 movies, I’ve sort of given up on that. But if you do want at least a modicum of back story, then […]
Three Days And A Life Pierre Lemaitre Reading this book for me was like watching a great arthouse film. Lemaitre, who Stephen King says is “a really excellent suspense novelist”, had me gripped from the opening pages. I really felt for our lead character and wondered what was he going to do. How do you […]
I cannot imagine a world in which James Patterson’s novels are not in it. Plucking a Patterson work from my bookshelf feels like a spiritual ritual, almost. The esteemed 70-year-old New York-born author’s accomplished style of narration, and his vibrant, nail-biting prose submerged in alarming twists and turns, is still going strong in the literary […]
Picture the scene: you’ve just finished work. You and a dozen other professionals and students are standing around, gormlessly gazing into smartphones. A queue forms as the bus arrives and patrons tap their HOP cards as they begin to board. The location of your bus stop and the time you finish work means you can […]
A harvest gold complexion and a fiery-but-curious sweet toffee texture, Ardbeg An Oa is a magical addition welcomed to the Islay Malts. Layered with a plethora of different flavours, the complex whiskey contains an illuminating exploration of age-old techniques. Gathering Vats combine different casks to marry flavours together; the tastes and emotions that Ardbeg have […]
What could a man want more than all-you-can-eat ribs? Look no further than The Culpeper, perfectly situated right in the heart of Auckland City’s Princess Wharf. Another great eatery by the Nourish Group, who are already well known for top restaurants such as Euro, Fish and Crab Shack, to name a few. With Head Chef […]
If you haven’t already heard or seen, Apple was back again in September and both the new iPhone and keynote address left many asking questions. We offer a brief overview of this much-anticipated event. There are a few points of significance in the 2017 iPhone X (said ten) launch and keynote address that are extra-special. […]
A generation after the world-beating deeds of the late Possum Bourne, rally star Hayden Paddon has once again put Kiwi drivers on the map. The Hyundai driver has become a fixture on the world’s loose roads for the past four years and has been supremely competitive when all the stars align. In such a condensed […]
Whether you’re willing to forgo creature comforts for a one-of-a-kind experience in a traditional Navajo Indian hut, or still living lavishly without the swarms of tourists and lacklustre room service, we’ve compiled six off-the-beaten-path holiday rentals to help you temporarily forget your woes and fulfil your fantasies of solitude. Bridge Studio – Fogo Island, Canada It’s […]
If asked, what would you say male mental health looked like in New Zealand? Would you say that it looks well, or that it is struggling? That it needs more funding from the government? Better support? A louder voice? It seems we’ve got one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with males accounting […]
Mike Horn has circumnavigated the globe more times than a NASA satellite. He’s climbed to the top of numerous 8000+ metre peaks (without oxygen), walked unassisted to both Poles and all the way around the North one, swam the Amazon, played with sharks and piranhas and even had a lap dance from a polar bear. With […]
Everyone bar none knows about NASA. The American space juggernaut has been around since the late 1950s and was responsible for the first manned mission to the moon. That said, the organisation has an almost mythical feel to it from here in New Zealand. We see the news about the missions, astronauts and even watch […]
After the recent Release of their hit singles ‘Run’ and ‘the sky is a neighbourhood’, We had a chance to sit down and talk with the Foo Fighters lead guitarist, Chris Shiflett, about the new album concrete and gold. From the challenges of balacing his family life, to the highlights of his career, we give […]
Summer is only a few months away and it is time to look at updating our warm-weather wardrobe. We had a chat with Working Style’s Creative Director, Karl Clausen about their new Spring / Summer ‘17 collection and what trends we should be keeping an eye on as Summer arrives. How long do you spend […]
The latest in all things style, from fashion to fragrance – we bring you the best from the brands you need to know about. Above: Dane Dehaan for the Prada La’Homme Intense Campaign THE WEEKND The Weeknd recently announced, with a post on his Instagram to his 15 million-something followers, that he is again collaborating […]
The epitome of luxury, located in the epicentre of Italy’s fashion capital, staying at his hotel should be a no-brainer for fashion lovers, admirers and seekers alike. Milan Fashion Week was established in 1958 and is the third of the global Big Four Fashion Weeks, the others beginning in New York, followed by London, and […]
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which opened in late September is the largest museum of contemporary African art in the world. Made from grain silos decommissioned in 2001, its exterior looks bland and squat. However its interior is an amazing cutaway of concrete tubes. To create such a striking piece of architecture the developers put 500 million […]
Spring has sprung and it might be time for you to look at a new fragrance to match the season. We have curated our top picks that will have you smelling like a God… of sorts.
Step into the light as Spring makes its grand reappearance. Warmer days see ditzy florals, bold checks and subtle stripes invigorated by a retro palette of poppy pastels and earthy hues. Photography by JONO PARKER Styling by Juvena Worsfold Models Max and maia @ 62 Models Hair and Makeup By Aimee Waterhouse-fitch Plants from Hireplants Above: Maia wears top […]
Garth Badger is heralded as one of the New Zealand’s leading image makers shooting across a broad range of subjects including advertising, fashion, sports and music. Somehow he found himself in Myanmar, a country that has only recently opened its borders, and is somewhat of an unexplored land for tourism. “It was sort of a […]
Motorsport dominates the global sporting landscape in October, with both hemispheres hosting their signature events as their respective seasons heat up: Formula 1 has its busiest month; the WRC finishes off its European window; and three Kiwis are neck and neck for Bathurst and beyond. NBA 2017/18 TIPS OFF It’s all about who can keep up […]
It’s time to remove those items of clothing from the floor and invest in a state of the art wardrobe and storage system that will change your life. As with cars, watches and shoes, it pays to obtain the very best – over time they reward you with not only the pleasure of enjoying a […]
Get into the best gear, and get your body ready for from the inside to make the most of your workout. NEW BALANCE If you are that way inclined, then you can understand the struggle of finding a performance shoe that looks just as good as it performs. The New Balance 574 Sport is a […]
Comvita* Propolis, sourced from the pristine and remote forests, is gently processed and tested to ensure it’s of the highest quality. Comvita is a global natural health company committed to the development of innovative products, backed by ongoing investment in scientific research. Since 1978, Comvita has developed relationships with New Zealand landowners to locate the […]
As the great English author and humorist, PG Wodehouse once stated: “To find a true man’s character, play golf with him.” Originating in Scotland in the 15th century, golf has become a serious pastime (or profession) for many. It is a game where players use a club and score shots depending on how close they […]
I vividly remember the first time I actually put skis on and hit (quite literally) the snow. I was in my late teens and full of bravado; I headed to the top of the chairlift, strapped on two planks of wood and shot down the slope – straight into a tree. The sensation was both […]
In many ways, roadies are the unsung heroes of the rock industry. They are the people that truly put the show together (and take it on the road), they are the pack horses, the backbone of touring rock. They travel from town to town taking care of the ‘behind the scenes’ business, virtually unseen and […]
Range Rover Velar New Range Rover Velar, showcasing the next chapter in Range Rover design DNA. Progressive design, refined finishing and exceptional driving capabilities. Mercedes-Benz The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is a high-performance hybrid said to produce over 1000hp and reach top speeds beyond 350km/h. The show car combines outstanding race track performance and day-to-day-suitable Formula 1 […]
Like many other New Zealanders, it’s around about now that I start thinking of my summer holidays. Where to go, where to stay, how to get there and what to do. There are so many options out there and, to be perfectly honest, even when we’ve agreed on a destination, pleasing the family in terms […]
From growing up in a small town in North Canterbury, to hosting his very own series, picked up by a global documentary giant – National Geographic – Ellis Emmett truly is an inspiration to get out there and get stuck into something you love and turn your ideas and dreams into a reality. We manage […]
“We attract into our lives what we are.” – Benjamin P. Hardy If you want to be successful, you must be willing to do what most people are unwilling to do, and unwilling to do what most people are all-too-willing to do. Most people aren’t successful. Most people will never be truly successful. If you […]
Starting a business can be both exciting and daunting, but in a country that prides itself on its ‘No. 8 wire’ mentality, and whose economy is comprised of 97 percent small businesses, it’s also somewhat a part of our DNA. From humble beginnings and with just $200 in my pocket, Pure SEO has grown to span three […]
A crucial process your business can go through is creating a set of values. I believe having a well thought out set of values is just as important as a business strategy. But putting them down on paper and ticking them off the list is not enough – you and your team must live and […]
One of the best things about my job is constantly being exposed to new and innovating things. Whether it is the latest and greatest marketing campaign, a new piece of technology or the latest iPhone, the space we get to play in every day is constantly changing, always improving and forever on the move. very […]
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty. – Winston Churchill Finding Opportunities are everywhere, as are difficulties, which is why the key to succeeding is to embrace difficulty, as inside lies the very element for which you search. The very act of living life is to […]
Age: 58 Occupation: Company Director, Montblanc. What is your morning routine? I get up reasonably early. Fortunately, I have a home office. I do a couple of hours of emailing and catching up on things that have happened overnight. Then I head to the gym. On the days I don’t do that, I take the […]
“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
We get amongst the vines and learn what goes into making Trinity Hill wines I‘m a rookie to the wine game… Let me correct myself, I’m a rookie to the art of wine. I say art, because as I realised after my time spent at Trinity Hill in the Hawke’s Bay, the spheres of Viticulture […]
Champagne has never been just a wine. It has long been recognised as something special, and until recent times, something that has only been enjoyed by nobility. Often referred to as, “the Nectar of the Gods”. Champagne can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region – an area that rarely sees […]
My younger brother is a chef and, being passionate about food, has always been very hands on when it comes to his craft. He always maintains that the passion and love for what you are creating comes through in the end product: “you can taste the love.” It is that same passion that comes through […]
Age: 38 Occupation: Business Owner, The Darkheart Beard Co. What’s your morning routine? I’m up at 5:30am most mornings for strength and conditioning clients. After that I have a coffee. Sit down, enjoy some sunshine with my dog. And then I’ll kind of start planning my day out. Watch a couple of motivational videos. Simon […]
Age: Close to 40 Occupation: DJ, Producer, Radio Guy. What’s your morning routine? My morning routine is being woken up by my two and a half year old daughter. We get up and watch cartoons. I make her breakfast. I make myself breakfast. Take her to day-care, then head off to the gym and get […]
I remember my friends earnestly telling me that the Xbox 360 and PS3 were going to be the end of the console generation. By the time our internet got good enough they’d tell me, the PS3 would be nothing more than a streaming device outsourcing the processing to some server farm on the opposite side […]
Bose has just introduced the SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker, its small but rugged portable speaker. It Measures just 9.5cms wide and deep, 3.8cms high, and weighing a mere 290 grams.. Tested beyond its IPX7 waterproof rating, the Micro lets you enjoy music, take and make calls, and access Siri or your Google Assistant The Micro is packed […]
When You Want Micro-USB, it’s Best to go With the Indestructible Option I have a cat at home and while we’re away the computer room stays locked up tight so the little bastard can’t go ratting through all my wires. This doesn’t keep other miscellaneous options safe though like my bedside charger. So looking through […]
We took to social media for your opinions on these hot topics. Most expensive road in the world An arterial road going between State Highway One at Sylvia Park to State Highway 20 in Auckland is estimated to cost $1.8 billion. the new iphone You can now pre-order the latest iPhone X, but the 256gb […]
Thor: Ragnarok I used to write ordered lists of which Marvel Universe movies you should watch in order to see whatever the latest Avengers film to come out. But now that the cinematic universe now contains 17 movies I’ve sort of given up on that. But if you do want at least a modicum of […]
So you’ve read all about how amazing the Xbox One X is, but while it’s an easy choice to pick the “most powerful console in the world” (I don’t really know why I put that in brackets, because it is) getting into the world of TV’s and knowing which one will work best for you […]
Stress is the body’s way of responding to life’s demands. While necessary for our survival, in modern times stress has become one of society’s main health challenges contributing to a raft of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, adrenal fatigue, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, depression and even cancer. Short term, stress is great for helping us...
27Following the launch of the MOMENTUM In-Ear Wireless neckband headphones at CES 2017, the new MOMENTUM Free expands Sennheiser’s range of Bluetooth ear-canal headphones. Sennheiser has a good reputation and they aren’t going to ruin it now. The headphones’ high-quality dynamic speaker system and custom-machined stainless steel in-ear sound tunnels deliver superior acoustic precision with a […]
It isn’t always easy to release equity when selling property. I had a client recently who intended to sell a property and retain the equity. It was needed to cover the cost of resource consent for another property he wanted to develop into town houses. But the bank was uncomfortable with his overall level of […]
