Just like many other young Kiwis fleeing the nest to not necessarily greener but most definitely larger pastures, these five New Zealand faces are giving across the ditch a run for its money.
For models Grace, Sydney, Mia, Noah and Jed, Sydney has quickly become a place to call home. Each navigating their new lives in the form of favourite coffee spots, best dance gaffs, hidden gems and everything that comes with being a Sydneysider.
Shot by New Zealand's very own Sophia Doak, who we put straight to work, touching down to her new stomping ground just three days before the shoot and accompanied by local style legend Monique Moynihan and beauty guru Claire Thomson, this exclusive visual symphony was destined to be greater than great.
Using Rose Bay and North Bondi on a calm Autumn afternoon as a backdrop, the soon-to-be-famous five sported some of fashion's most cultivated pieces (we’re looking at you, Bottega Veneta silver woven pants!), resulting in a dreamy collation that we can't help but feel an oozing sense of pride and patriotism about.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of picking up your life and moving it to a foreign land, you know that it takes a cup of bravery, a sprinkle of courage and a big ole scoop of uncertainty… Which, of course, is the most exciting part. So if you’re thinking of taking the jump, let these newfound Sydney locals convince you why “you should just do it!”
Grace Cox
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Chatty, happy, and caring.
What made you want to take the jump across the ditch?
As much as I absolutely adore my home in New Zealand, for the past couple of years I have been itching to get out and travel. When I got presented the opportunity to move to Sydney to pursue a career in modelling, I was beyond excited. Everything about Sydney excites me: the beaches, the culture and the people.
How is it going so far?
I couldn’t have asked for a better first experience in Sydney! My lovely agents at Priscilla’s made me feel very welcome. Not long after moving, I met some beautiful new friends. I am very grateful for the opportunities that were presented to me while in Sydney.
Describe Sydney living in 3 words:
Luxurious, beautiful and vibrant.
What’s the biggest difference in modelling in Oz in comparison to Aotearoa?
There is a lot more happening in Sydney. There is a lot of work, and the opportunities to work with amazing brands, photographers and stylists is much larger.
What was the biggest shock of moving to Sydney?
I couldn’t believe how great the work-life balance is here in Sydney. Everyone seems to have done a million things before they even start their workday and then continue their lives after work catching up with friends.
Besides family and friends, what’s the one thing you miss most about Aotearoa?
I would have to say the road trips through to Queenstown during the university breaks. I was very lucky last year to live only a couple of hours from New Zealand’s beautiful ski slopes in Queenstown. Nothing beats a Kiwi road trip with your mates.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about making the move, but may be a little hesitant?
Just do it! It’s the best move, Sydney is a very welcoming city. Especially if you are a Kiwi, there is very minor cultural difference, so it feels like home instantly. I would say the best thing you can do is put yourself outside your comfort zone, in terms of meeting people. It’s wild how many people you meet when you are outside the comfort of your own bubble at home.
What does the perfect Sydney Sunday look like for you?
My Sydney Sundays always involved a trip to the markets and a walk along the coastline from Coogee to Bondi. That walk never fails to amaze me.
What’s next for you?
I’m writing this from Sydney airport about to head back to New Zealand for a top-up of family and friends before I head off to Japan for two months!
Insider knowledge:
Favourite coffee spot?
Zey Cafe, on Queen Street in Woollahra was my go-to.
Best shopping spot?
The markets in Glebe never disappoint! I found a few of my favourite pieces there, and there is something there for everyone.
A hidden city gem only insiders would know?
There are some really cool hidden jazz nights scattered around the city where I always have a fun night with my friends.
Best dance spot?
Sussudio is a popular place on a night out; always a good time.
The best-underrated tourist spot?
Most tourists always head to Bondi Beach however I believe the most beautiful spot in Sydney is Gordon’s Bay. You can spend the day sunbathing on the rocks or going snorkelling.
Favourite place for a bite to eat?
Definitely Tottis!
Tottis do the best Italian, as well as a delicious margarita.
Mia Arlove
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Generous, loving, Intuitive.
What made you want to take the jump across the ditch?
Encouragement from my family - I also felt I had a really great support system and knew I had people to support me if I felt like things were going wrong.
I wanted to see how far I could push myself.
How is it going so far?
It's been an amazing experience so far. It's going well; I’ve found some really great friends who love and care about me. My agency is amazing and supports me day to day. I do miss home a lot, but I have the support of those around me and back home to keep going.
Describe Sydney living in 3 words.
Fast, expensive, busy.
What’s the biggest difference in modelling in Oz in comparison to Aotearoa?
There’s a sense of community and family with the other models.
What was the biggest shock of moving to Sydney?
The biggest shock was leaving my hometown (Waiheke Island), with a population of 10,000, to Sydney, with a population of 5 million.
Besides family and friends, what’s the one thing you miss most about Aotearoa?
Working on the beach in a pizza truck.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about making the move, but may be a little hesitant?
Without change, there is no growth. Always push yourself to be a better version of yourself- you never know what opportunities it can bring you.
What does the perfect Sydney Sunday look like for you?
Sleeping in and cooking all day.
What’s next for you?
Heading to London in August!
Insider knowledge:
Favourite coffee spot?
I don’t drink coffee, so haven’t found or looked for one.
Best shopping spot?
Newtown.
A hidden city gem on insiders would know?
The botanical gardens and pool at Redleaf beach.
Best dance spot?
My bathroom.
The best-underrated tourist spot?
The Blue Mountains.
Favourite place for a bite to eat?
City Manoosh.
Jed Munro
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Miscellaneous, eclectic, Musical.
What made you want to take the jump across the ditch?
I’d lived in Sydney before, but only in bite-sized amounts. When my partner and I got the opportunity to live here full-time, I jumped on it. The amount of life, warmth and soul in Sydney has me brimming with good vibes every single day.
How is it going so far?
Moving isn’t ever going to be easy, but every day that you wake up in Sydney is worth it for me- getting to live in the eastern suburbs, walking around such a huge metropolitan city, it’s incredible.
Describe Sydney living in 3 words.
Personal, expansive, soothing.
What’s the biggest difference in modelling in Oz in comparison to Aotearoa?
In Sydney, I think a model can have the best of both worlds. A close-knit relationship with your agency and other models in the business, but a market full of new artists and overflowing with talent. Every casting has someone you know; every job makes new connections.
What was the biggest shock of moving to Sydney? Was it the size, the people? Etc
The people in the best of ways- it feels like every time I met someone new, they had two other friends I was about to become inseparable with.
Besides family and friends, what’s the one thing you miss most about Aotearoa?
While I love Sydney’s urban-natural fusion, Aotearoa will always have my heart when it comes to accessible wilderness or just being able to drive out for 30 minutes and get lost in the bush for the day.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about making the move, but may be a little hesitant?
If you think it’s right for you, just go for it! Anything you love about your current spot, you’ll find it in spades over here, and for Kiwis, it’s not too much of a jump, to begin with.
What does the perfect Sydney Sunday look like for you?
Sitting on the balcony, watching the trees sway underneath me and sinking into my favourite music. Sydney is perfect for when there’s nothing left on your checklist, and it’s just time to vegetate with a book or a drink.
What’s next for you?
If I’m lucky, something completely different! If I’m lucky enough to be able to stick around, I’d love to become more involved in every conceivable local scene, work on my passions and improve me and mine’s quality of life.
Insider knowledge:
Favourite coffee spot?
The grumpy barista in Alexandria.
Best shopping spot?
Paddington markets!
A hidden city gem on insiders would know?
Club 77.
Best dance spot?
The Vanguard is definitely my go-to for a groove- Jazz night. There cannot be beaten.
The best-underrated tourist spot?
It’s a little out of the way but ku-ring-gai wildflower garden, without a doubt.
Favourite place for a bite to eat?
The backyard at the Alex! I ate there the first night I arrived and haven’t stopped thinking about their tacos since.
Sydney Johnson
Describe yourself in 3 words:
I always find this so hard to answer, and I’m not sure why, but I’d probably have to say that I am trustworthy, very friendly and good company to be around!
What made you want to take the jump across the ditch?
Maybe Namesake? [Laughs] I love Australia, and Sydney is an amazing city with endless opportunities of things to do. I love it here, and the new laid-back Aussie friends I’ve made, they have a certain open spirit about them. Also, just Bondi Beach itself haha
How is it going so far?
Good, I would say, things take time to happen, but I am enjoying the experience, working with my agency team & just living day to day, getting used to being away from home & Family. It's great to meet new people and revisit those I have met before to build relationships.
Describe Sydney living in 3 words.
Exciting, lively and adventurous.
What’s the biggest difference in modelling in Oz in comparison to Aotearoa?
I would definitely have to say it is a way bigger industry here, so a lot more girls, which makes it more competitive, educational, and also more work, so also more opportunity.
What was the biggest shock of moving to Sydney?
Probably the time it took getting used to the city and becoming familiar with certain areas, I used to get lost a bit. It feels almost like home now in the area I’m staying. People are also generally very kind and welcoming that I’ve met so far.
Besides family and friends, what’s the one thing you miss most about Aotearoa?
Probably Paasha on dominion road in Auckland, it’s the best Turkish food I’ve ever had!!! [Laughs], I am looking for a replacement here in Sydney! I’m sure I’ll stumble across it soon. The familiarity, I guess.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about making the move, but may be a little hesitant?
I would say they should just do it because it is an experience in itself, and it pushes you outside of your comfort zone, which is sooo good for you. It makes you stronger when you can do that, and gives you self-confidence; even if things don’t go as planned, it is exciting. You will always look back and feel grateful that you had gone on the adventure because not a lot of people have the opportunity or confidence to do it; it ends up making your life a bit more exciting & stories to tell. Go on the adventure!!
What does the perfect Sydney Sunday look like for you?
Probably going for a walk around the neighbourhood I’m staying in. I love being in Paddington. It's beautiful, and I’ll get myself a matcha and listen to a podcast or maybe read in a nice spot. I also love catching up with a friend for brunch if I can or finding something new to explore.
What’s next for you?
I am looking forward to heading back to NZ for NZFW; I can’t wait!! It will be great to be in the buzz of NZFW & work with the wonderful NZ designers & teams. I will go back & forth between NZ & Sydney, I think, and maybe try somewhere further afield once I am feeling ready. I have great agents, I trust them & they help me plan, so I’m just going with the flow and seeing how life unfolds at this point in time and where it may take me.
Insider knowledge:
Favourite coffee spot?
Tuckerbox in Paddington, it’s a cute hole-in-the-wall cafe; they do the best matcha and sticky chai lattes.
Best shopping spot?
Honestly not exactly too sure I don’t shop a lot. I am boring. But, there are good shops in Paddington down Oxford Street I know of, otherwise maybe a mall. Is that bad?
A hidden city gem on insiders would know?
This might be a random answer, but I love Orchard St cafe. It's in Paddington, and I also know it’s in Bondi. It's a nice environment to sit there and enjoy a coffee. They also have the best banana bread and other treats.
Best dance spot?
My Bathroom!! [Laughs] Honestly, I wouldn’t know I’m not much of a dancer or night owl these days.
The best-underrated tourist spot?
This is super random, but I love the bat colony at Centennial Park and have taken a few friends there. I love them. They are so cute and kind of peaceful to watch hanging from the trees; there are so many of them. It’s pretty amazing when you stand there and look up.
Favourite place for a bite to eat?
Fish Mkt takeout in North Bondi, omg, it’s the best take-out food I’ve ever had and so fresh, obviously not for you if you don’t like fish, but it’s my fav.
Noah Tumataroa
Describe yourself in 3 words:
Calm, kind and respectful.
What made you want to take the jump across the ditch?
Working opportunities and the weather is so much warmer!
How is it going so far?
It’s going well. I'd say I love Sydney and all the people I’ve met.
Describe Sydney living in 3 words.
Diverse, exciting and friendly.
What’s the biggest difference in modelling in Oz in comparison to Aotearoa?
The frequency and opportunity, there are so many more people and shoots going on in Australia. In NZ, I think it’s quite quiet/less stuff happening in the modelling world for me, at least.
What was the biggest shock of moving to Sydney?
The biggest shock for me was how busy Sydney is. There are so many more people than I’m used to! Very different to little Christchurch, where you know pretty much everyone there.
Besides family and friends, what’s the one thing you miss most about Aotearoa?
My golf clubs; I’m loving learning golf at the moment, so I think I miss them the most.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about making the move, but may be a little hesitant?
Just do it! There’s no time like the present; there are so many wonderful people and places to meet and visit you won’t regret it.
What does the perfect Sydney Sunday look like for you?
Some tunes, snacks and some friends all at the beach hanging out in summer.
What’s next for you?
I’d love to go to Europe soon, but we will see there are no concrete plans in place yet.
Insider knowledge:
Favourite coffee spot?
Weirdly, this pizza place called Sampa Pizza and Cafe. It’s a local place near me and has amazing coffee.
Best shopping spot?
The Glebe market is always a nice spot to shop.
A hidden city gem on insiders would know?
There’s this tiny banh mi shop on George Street, and you can only pay in cash. I'm not sure of the name, but it’s so good.
Best dance spot?
There are always some cool DJs at Sussudio in Kings Cross.
The best-underrated tourist spot?
Sydney Park is slept on for sure. It's super relaxing with all the nice waterways, and the pretty plants are lovely.
Favourite place for a bite to eat?
The Drunk Dumpling in Newtown is super cute and has yummy food.
Features Editor: Orion Scott Photos: Sophia Doak Fashion: Monique Moynihan Beauty: Claire Thomson
Grace is Represented by Priscillas & Super
Jed is Represented by Chadwick and 62 Management
Mia is Represented by Kult & Unique
Noah is represented by Kult, Unique & The Scouted
Sydney is Represented by Merci Management, Michael Hooker & Super
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which this shoot took place.
