Though Aotearoa is nowhere near cold enough for the number of winter coats we've saved on Depop, the arrival of daylight savings is still heavy on our hearts. It won't be long before we'll be walking out the door at 5pm to find the sun has already set. But don't put that SPF away just yet — meet these 9 fresh faces from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Their positive rays are more effective than any Vitamin D on pharmacy shelves.
Lucky for us, they're willing to share some valuable tips about their hometown — the best place for a feed, where to shop for vintage and where they can be found on a Saturday night. For some it's cuddling up in a blanket watching Sex and the City, for others it's drinking from a sangria jug under the dim lights of Karangahape Road’s Wine Cellar. We’re all about balance here at CPC!
Speaking of balance, take a moment from the hustle and bustle of your day-to-day to say a warm hello to Alice, Ryder, Michelle, Quinn, Maxwell, Kaleb, Wumi, Chloe, and Sinjun.
Name: Wumi
Nickname: Still waiting for someone to give me one!
Star sign: Aquarius
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
I feel very safe here. When I walk down the street I bump into people in my community and it's given me a real sense of belonging.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Wrapped in a blanket with my flatmates watching Sex and the City.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
Modicum Cafe in Eden Terrace.
Best place for vintage?
Small town op shops.
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
'Hi-Def Multinational' - Kōtiro. It's beautiful and genre-defying.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Travel!
Name: Chloe
Nickname: ChloBo
Star sign: Taurus
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
I grew up living in the Motueka Valley which is on the top of the South Island, on an eco community called Temanawa Eco Village. We moved here from the Netherlands when I was 5 to start a new more conscious way of living, my Dad built and designed 6 homes on a mountain in the valley of Motueka. That now house 6 different families, we use only eco products and eat 80% organic wholefoods. I only came to Auckland recently and think that the way I grew up made me really appreciate a slower paced lifestyle filled with nature's wonders, such as healthy eating and being in the bush listening to the birds. I think for me living in Tāmaki Makaurau has forced me to adapt finding a way to lead a conscious healthy lifestyle in a concrete jungle.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Honestly probably in bed with a cup of chai tea and some dark chocolate. Or if I am feeling wild I will be at a small music venue with a kombucha in hand dancing the night away. I really love the Nana life!!
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
My favorite spot for amazing food is "Little Bird Cafe". They do refined sugar free, gluten free, vegan and 100% organic meals which actually taste incredible despite being so healthy. The dessert cabinet is life changing and will give you another perspective on how delicious wholefoods can be.
Best place for vintage?
My personal favorite is Crushes On K Road, they sell a mixture of handmade crafts and body balms, vintage clothing all Copenhagen/Scandi inspired which is right up my alley.
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
It's an album by Salute called 'Condition'. My favorite song on there is called 'All About U'. It's such a vibey electronic synth heavy album mixed with some afro beats. Puts me in a great mood and definitely cannot stop dancing when I am listening to it.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
I am looking forward to travelling the world with my job as a model, first stop is Sydney for fashion week. I have also just signed with an amazing agency in Sydney who I am very excited to start working with. And then I will go to Europe, my family is renting a home in Greece for 4 months so I will dip in and out of the Greek Islands.
This year is really going to be the best yet to come for me. I feel everything is aligning and it's the first year in my life where I truly feel comfortable and happy in my own skin, unleashing that unapologetically myself Goddess energy!!!
Name: Sin Jun Chong
Nickname: JunJun
Star sign: Capricorn
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
It has allowed me to just be myself and sometimes embrace vulnerability in order to grow.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Enjoying the city lights.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is…
The Water Drop Vegetarian Cafe for sure.
Best place for vintage?
Tatty's and Trademe :)
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
Agust D's 'D-2'.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Going out and just exploring more of New Zealand.
Name: Michelle
Nickname: Mich/Michey lol
Star sign: Virgo
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
Coming from a mixed ethnic background myself, and growing up in a city as diverse as Tāmaki Makaurau, it has definitely taught me to take a different approach to life and use it as a learning opportunity to listen and learn from people who have different perspectives and come from different backgrounds.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Depending on the kind of week I have had, either out with the girls for a drink and some yummy food, or at home with takeout and trying to catch up on sleep if it's been a hectic week.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is…
Wok 'n Noodle or White and Wongs.
Best place for vintage?
Savemart, New Lynn!!
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
'The Off-Season' by J. Cole.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Learning, understanding and growing!
Name: Ryder
Nickname: Angel
Star sign: Aquarius
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
It’s definitely had its pros and cons living in Tāmaki, but I’ve always been sure of myself so I would say it hasn’t really had too much of an impact.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
99.9% chance you’ll find me in town, enjoying a candlelit dinner & an expresso martini with my favourite people!
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
Mekong baby! *chefs kiss*
Best place for vintage?
Sinda vintage on K road! They are the best.
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
Summer walker, 'Over it'.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Creating more beautiful, everlasting memories with those special to me.
Name: Quinn Hill
Star sign: Pisces
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
I think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has meant I’ve grown up surrounded by diversity and has made me accepting and open minded.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Currently, I can be found at my flat playing Fortnite, but when case numbers die down I’ll be having a few drinks at Wine Cellar on K Rd.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
Sages in Pt Chev!
Best place for vintage?
Parlour on High St. You won’t necessarily find a SaveMart-esque bargain, but the curation is unmatched.
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
Steely Dan’s 'The Royal Scam'.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Completing some personal creative projects and putting them out into the world :)
Name: Maxwell Jardine
Nickname: Max
Star sign: Pisces
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
It has definitely made me into a more social person, and has influenced everything down to my music taste and fashion sense.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Probably roaming around Queen St or at a bar somewhere.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
Gotta be Tanpopo Ramen or Soul Bar!
Best place for vintage?
Search and Destroy or Tatty's for sure.
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
Hard question. Probably 'Crest' by Bladee.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Just meeting a bunch of new people. And shopping. Lots of shopping.
Name: Alice
Nickname: Keza
Star sign: Libra Sun, Leo Moon
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
Since moving to Tāmaki Makaurau, I have never felt so inspired and creative. We are fortunate enough to live in a city where you don’t have to go far to find a beach, forest, art museum, etc. Which is why I think we’ve got such great talent here. I’ve learnt how to embrace the energy of the environment and translate it into my craft.
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
Anywhere where there’s music, drinks and good food.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
Commercial Bay food court, you can find so many different cuisines there and the people are so lovely.
Best place for vintage?
Honestly I don’t shop vintage so I don’t even know. But somewhere around K road I assume, a lot of cool kids hang out there.
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
'Queen' by Nicki Minaj. Great things have happened to me in this past year so only an amazing album could describe it.
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
Moving to Australia!!! It’s all I talk and think about. I’m so ready for the next chapter of my life.
Name: Kaleb
Nickname: Simply just K!
Star sign: Gemini
How do you think living in Tāmaki Makaurau has impacted who you are?
Living here has opened so many more new doors for me! I think it’s definitely made me a more outgoing and adventurous person, always making new friends and trying new things :)
Where can you be found on a Saturday night?
On a Saturday night I’m definitely surrounded by friends and good times! You can find me almost anywhere on K Road.
The best place in Tāmaki Makaurau for a feed is...
St Pierre's has definitely always got me for those great deals and awesome sushi!
Best place for vintage?
Recycle boutique New Market definitely! You can always find something you like here with some amazing holy grail vintage finds!
What album is the soundtrack for the past year of your life?
Would definitely have to Say 'Ctrl' by Sza, such a classic album! It’s all about self discovery, control and growth!
What are you most looking forward to for 2022?
I’m mostly looking forward to all of the memories I’m going to make this year with discovering new friends and big opportunities that are awaiting me!
Features Writer: Yawynne Yem Photos: Nicole Brannen Fashion: Chloe Hill Beauty: India Wray Murane Fashion Assistant: Lilibeth Mackenzie
Alice, Chloe, Michelle, Ryder & Sin Jun are represented by N Management
Wumi is represented by Super
Kaleb & Maxwell are represented by 62 Management
