Latest news with #Baduzzi
Scoop
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Entertainment Group Comes Home To The Land Of The Long White Cloud — A Place Of Food, Wine & Legacy
AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 15 August 2025 - The Entertainment Group - the pre-eminent platform that helps Australians gain access to thousands of amazing offers, including access to some of the most prestigious dining experiences - today announced its return to New Zealand. The move to return to New Zealand underscores Entertainment Group's meaningful relationship with the Southern Hemisphere's culinary jewel. This new chapter marks a significant moment in the company's enduring legacy of supporting restaurants, communities, and charitable organisations across multiple markets including Australia and Bali - including a renewed focus on fundraising and community partnerships within New Zealand. It reflects the group's deep respect for the producers, chefs, winemakers, and food-lovers who have helped define New Zealand as one of the world's premier food and wine destinations, and its long-standing belief in using food as a force for connection, community, and positive impact. To mark the occasion, Entertainment is hosting an intimate lunch at Baduzzi - one of Auckland's most acclaimed restaurants, known for its Italian spirit and deep respect for New Zealand produce. The menu will spotlight the country's finest ingredients, with standout dishes such as Karitane crayfish meatballs and 11 days dry aged South Island grass fed scotch fillet each reflecting the richness of the local regions. Paired with exceptional wines from across Italy, the afternoon will pay homage to the craftsmanship and culinary innovation that make Aotearoa one of the world's most lauded food destinations. Advertisement - scroll to continue reading The soiree follows on from a fundraiser launch event in New Zealand last month where over 60 fundraising and charitable organisations including KidsCan, Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ were invited to Auckland's ASB Waterfront Theatre to meet with Entertainment staff to celebrate and discuss ways that the business can support these community organisations in their fundraising endeavours. 'Entertainment is back in Aotearoa with a clear mission - to champion the local food scene, support our partners, and deliver unforgettable experiences to our members,' said Heidi Halson, CEO of Entertainment Group. 'We are excited to be able to reconnect with the people and places that make New Zealand a true culinary destination, while continuing to give back through grassroots fundraising.' For over 30 years, Entertainment has helped drive real customers through Restaurants' doors while also supporting causes we all care about,' said Michael Dearth, owner of Baduzzi. 'After more than 10 years since we first commenced our relationship, we are still partnering with Entertainment Group because not only are they as passionate about hospitality as we are, they have an unwavering commitment to some of NZ's most important community organisations that are giving back in a meaningful way.' Entertainment made its first foray into New Zealand in 1999 and has 1500 merchant partners and more than 25 years in the market with a focus on including dining, experiences, retail and travel. Entertainment memberships give food lovers the chance to experience some of New Zealand's most beloved establishments. Dining highlights on the Entertainment platform across New Zealand include finedining and casual standouts like Baduzzi, The French Cafe, Regatta, Kol, Crab Shack, Shed5, Pravda, Boulcott Street Bistro Chillingworth Road - each celebrated for their distinctive flavours, superb service and unwavering commitment to local produce. Bringing together more than 15,000 merchants and raising $112 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians and New Zealanders to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need. About The Entertainment Group Entertainment Group is a leading provider of exclusive offers and experiences, connecting members with the best in dining, travel, retail, and leisure. With a rich history of supporting local businesses and charities, our digital membership platform offers unbeatable savings on restaurants, attractions, hotels, and everyday essentials. For over 30 years, Entertainment has helped millions of Australians and New Zealanders discover and enjoy premium experiences while giving back to the community. Through partnerships with thousands of merchants and fundraising organisations, Entertainment Group continues to deliver value and create meaningful connections. About The Entertainment Group Fundraising Fundraising is at the heart of what The Entertainment Group does and the business is motivated by the opportunity to help its fundraising partners make a difference. Bringing together more than over 15,000 merchants and raising $110 million for not-for-profit fundraising partners since its inception, the Entertainment Group (formerly known as the Entertainment Book) has been helping Australians to live their lives to the fullest while providing vital contributions to organisations in need. Up to 20% of a Membership sale goes directly to a Fundraiser chosen by the Member, which has been a key source of fundraising revenue for many Fundraisers over the years including primary and high schools, sports clubs, and community groups alike. With fundraising in the digital world, Entertainment can help introduce Fundraisers to a connected community and raise much-needed funds.
NZ Herald
14-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Society Insider: Property developer Nigel McKenna and spa star Sarisa Nasinprom to wed; inside Jaimee Lupton and Nick Mowbray's trip to the US; celeb stylist Gab Waller's visit to NZ with The Luxury Network
Property developer Nigel McKenna has given fiancee Sarisa Nasinprom this Weir and Sons engagement ring. 'Nigel took me to a private dinner at Baduzzi, hosted by Michael Dearth, to mark the occasion,' Nasinprom tells Society Insider. 'At dinner, Nigel reached into his pocket and took out a small case, inside which was the ring, still the most beautiful ring I'd ever seen. 'I was dazzled and almost speechless. All I can remember is saying yes and yes again.' It wasn't the first time McKenna had propositioned Nasinprom, but this time it was with her dream ring. 'On our first anniversary, Nigel took me to stay at the Belmond Splendido, in Portofino, a wonderfully romantic hideaway on the Italian Riviera and a place I had long dreamed of going to,' says Nasinprom. 'There he proposed to me – but he had no ring.' Nigel McKenna and Sarisa Nasinprom have been engaged for two years and are now planning their wedding for 2026 in Thailand. Five months later, McKenna took Nasinprom to Dublin, a city close to his heart and where he'd gone to university. 'Nigel surprised me once again when he took me to Weir and Sons, the city's oldest jewellery store. There we selected the stunning ring that he gave me last week,' – a three-carat oval-shaped diamond solitaire. Why did it take two years to give it to her? Nasinprom, 39, says any time she asked when she might get the ring, he would smile and say, 'We have to plan our wedding properly'. Nasinprom moved to New Zealand from Thailand nine years ago. She has qualifications in tourism, hotel management, and property investment, and has worked at luxury hotels and spas throughout Asia, Europe, and the US. She also has a diploma in Business Management from Economic Development NZ. After meeting McKenna in 2022, the pair found they had many things in common. 'Nigel and I fell in love very, very quickly and we became inseparable,' she says. Sarisa Nasinprom and Nigel McKenna share a love of travel. UK-born and raised McKenna, 62, has helmed multimillion-dollar projects including The Metropolis, Lighter Quay, The Quadrant, The Sebel, and the Sofitel in Auckland; the Hilton in Queenstown; and InterContinental in Fiji. He is the founder and chairman of a multibillion-dollar property development company Templeton Group. The pair have travelled extensively together, researching the world's best luxury hotels and spas in Asia and Europe for McKenna's developments and to develop an ambition of Nasinprom's, to open her own world-class luxury spa and wellness centre. The Abstract Hotel on Upper Queen St. Early last year, Templeton Group opened The Abstract, a $100m New York-style boutique hotel and residences on Upper Queen St. On the hotel's ground floor is Nasinprom's luxury spa and wellness centre Sa-Ni, a traditional Thai spa that focuses on relaxation, meditation, mindfulness and healing. It won the Luxury Traditional Thai and Best Interior Design categories for Australia and Oceania, and the Luxury Urban Escape category for Australasia at the World Luxury Spa Awards in 2024. Property developer Nigel McKenna with partner Sarisa Nasinprom, who is at the helm of new luxury spa and wellness centre Sa-Ni. The spa is part of new boutique hotel Abstract on Upper Queen St, developed by McKenna's Templeton Group. The couple have new Sa-Ni offerings in the pipeline in two new Templeton Group developments, Warkworth Ridge, north of Auckland, and in Central Otago at Waikerikeri Station. Nasinprom loves McKenna's romantic side and the pair are now looking forward to their 2026 wedding. After scouting numerous locations, the pair have settled on the luxurious Four Seasons Resort in Chiang Mai, in Thailand early next year. Inside Jaimee Lupton and Nick Mowbray's celeb-spotted trip to the US Nick Mowbray, Ryan Reynolds, Jaimee Lupton and Blake Lively pose in the Restoration Hardware building in New York. Billionaire Zuru co-founder Nick Mowbray and his fiancee, beauty entrepreneur Jaimee Lupton, hit headlines this week with their celebrity dinner date. The couple, who have been travelling throughout the US with their 1-year-old daughter Noa, had dinner in New York with their good friends, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Lupton, who likes to remain tight-lipped about her high-profile friendships, wouldn't comment about how their couples' dinner went, but was a little more forthcoming to Society Insider about the business trip. She and her family have been in the States since early April, travelling back and forth between the West and East coasts. In Los Angeles, Mowbray and Lupton rented a palatial mansion with panoramic views of the Pacific, while in New York, they stayed at the Fouquet Hotel in Tribeca, where suites range in price up to US$3000 (NZ$5000) per night. Lupton has been busy with beauty launches and marketing for her brands, Monday Haircare and her new product ranges, Being Haircare, DAISE Beauty and Laura Polko Los Angeles, a collaboration with award-winning hair stylist Laura Polko. The three new brands were launched across the US into Target, Walmart and Ultra Beauty. Last month, Lupton and Polko launched their collab range at celebrity hotspot Alba Restaurant on Melrose Avenue. Jaimee Lupton and Laura Polko launched their new range at celebrity hotspot Alba Restaurant on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Amongst the industry heavyweights in attendance was celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta, who is a behemoth in the industry and has a beauty brand under his own name. While in California, Lupton, 32, and Mowbray, 40, attended Stagecoach in the Coachella Valley. Back in New York last weekend, the couple went for dinner with Reynolds, 48, and Lively, 37. The foursome dined in the Meatpacking District at A-List hangout RH Rooftop Restaurant at the Restoration Hardware building, which features a glass roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views. They also enjoyed the wine terrace, which overlooks One World Trade Centre and the Hudson River. Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Nick Mowbray and Jaimee Lupton on the RH Rooftop Restaurant - the wine terrace overlooks One World Trade Centre and the Hudson River. Sources tell Society Insider the foursome, who were introduced by mutual friends, have been friends for many years, even though Lupton and Lively are now competing in the FMCG beauty market. Last year, Lively launched her brand, Blake Brown, a range of shampoos and masks, which became Target's largest hair care launch in history. In December, Lively accepted the 'newcomer of the year' award at the 2024 Beauty Inc Awards in New York. Lupton's global juggernaut Monday Haircare has won several major beauty awards from the likes of Cosmo, Glamour and InStyle magazines and has been the No 1 most-loved haircare brand on TikTok. Jaimee Lupton was a guest speaker last week at the WWD Beauty Summit at the Cipriani Hotel in Lower Manhattan. Lupton was said to be fizzing after being a guest speaker last week at the WWD Beauty Summit at the Cipriani Hotel in Lower Manhattan. Sources say Lupton was thrilled to speak at the summit in front of 400 industry leaders; even Mowbray was proud. Lupton spoke alongside a selection of big names, including James Dyson, the inventor and founder of Dyson, Sara Blakely, the Inventor & Founder of Spanx and Stéphane de La Faverie, president and CEO of Estee Lauder. The Hollywood stars and Kiwi billionaire couples may catch up again in New Zealand soon, over a football match. Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club that has been owned by Reynolds since 2021, plays the Wellington Phoenix at the capital's Sky Stadium in July. Entrepreneur Sofia Ambler's Luxury life LA-based celebrity stylist Gab Waller has been jetting around New Zealand as a guest of The Luxury Network. Australian stylist to the stars, Gab Waller, has been jetting around New Zealand for two high-profile sold-out events as part of her work with The Luxury Network NZ. LA-based Waller, whose celebrity clients include Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Hailey Bieber and Khloe Kardashian, tells Society Insider she's had a 'wonderful' time. 'The guests were wonderful,' she says, of the $195 per person event at Bistro Saine, 'and I enjoyed working with Laura McGoldrick again, the event MC'. Waller regaled her audience with current fashion trends and explained how she puts together her monthly Hot List in US Vogue. It's her second time to NZ, and she says this visit has been 'even more exciting... with adventures and experiences... I'm thrilled to have returned'. As with her first visit last May, Waller's visit has been in conjunction with The Luxury Network New Zealand, the NZ arm of a global luxury marketing group representing more than 500 brand members worldwide. Scarlett Wood, Cecilia Lambie, Laura McGoldrick, Pip Edwards and Sofia Ambler at the Luxury Network Event last year. As well as Waller, at the end of last year, TLN NZ also brought over Australian fashion legend Pip Edwards to a sell-out event at the Park Hyatt, followed by a retreat north of Auckland at Parihoa Farm. McGoldrick has been the MC for all three of those TLN events and tells Society Insider it was lovely to work with the team again. Celebrity stylist Gab Waller's clients include Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Hailey Bieber and Khloe Kardashian. 'Gab is gorgeous, she is so lovely and such a powerhouse in the fashion space, so to speak, with her has been awesome,' says McGoldrick. 'I know all the shopping fans in the audience loved her insights.' Yesterday, Waller flew to Hawke's Bay on a Cessna Citation Ultra private jet to Hawke's Bay, where she hosted a one-night retreat for 12 people at Black Barn Retreats, with tickets priced up to $3500. TLN NZ is owned by Sofia Ambler, a Swedish-born, Auckland-based private aviation entrepreneur. Initially looking to join TLN with her helicopter business, Heletranz Helicopters, Ambler ended up owning its New Zealand arm instead. 'I love bringing people together,' Ambler tells Society Insider. 'For me it started as a way to work with like-minded brands to Heletranz.' Heletranz and NZ Jet owners Sofia and John Ambler beside their Cessna Citation Ultra private jet. Ambler and her Kiwi husband, pilot John, moved to New Zealand 12 years ago to buy Heletranz and have taken it from a fleet of two to 14 helicopters. They started NZ Jet four years ago, catering to the growing demand for private jet services. Before moving to NZ, Ambler lived in Hong Kong where she worked for leading capital markets and investment group CSLA. As Ambler grew The Luxury Network business, she brought on Sotheby's real estate senior international director Scarlett Wood, followed by fellow Swede – and Ambler's former Lund University alum – global corporate whiz Cecilia Lambie. Sofia Ambler, Cecilia Lambie and Scarlett Wood. Lambie, who has lived in New Zealand for 22 years, started her career in management consulting, working in Sweden, Italy and Switzerland, followed by global telecommunications, working in Hong Kong, Sydney and Tokyo. Since then, Lambie has launched another business called My Luxury Channel, which sells affordable everyday luxury items through livestreaming and e-commerce. Wood previously worked in private banking for high-net-worth clients in China and says she takes pride in connecting like-minded businesses and discerning clients with TLN. 'Every brand within the network is carefully vetted before joining, ensuring we uphold a duty of care to our members and the valued relationships they have built up over time,' says Wood. 'It's all about networking, connecting people and delivering value.' The three women, who are also all busy mums, have developed a network of 'first in class brands' in luxury jewellery, automotive, fashion, hospitality, lodges and more. TLN's NZ brands and affiliates include Hartfield Jewellers, Tiffany & Co, Lamborghini, Westfield NZ, Park Hyatt, Eagles Nest, The Spa Nomad and local fashion brands including Maggie Marilynn and Cailtin Crisp. In the past year alone, Ambler says TLN and its exclusive database of 2000 high net worth private clients, worked with more than 30 brands. Many are members and others are affiliates for specific events and digital campaigns. Sutcliffe Jewellery of Parnell has been a member of TLN for five years and its owner, Brent Sutcliffe, tells Society Insider that working with the network has led to more than $1 million in sales. Ambler says TLN helps facilitate new business development activities between top-end companies. Cecilia Lambie and Sofia Ambler. Events and experiences can be a masterclass in precious gemstones or whiskey; other experiences range from lunches, wellness retreats, to luxury car drive days. After her NZ visit, TLN NZ has organised with TLN's Australian arm, for Waller to host luncheons and other activations in Sydney at The Ivy Sunroom and at the newly opened and hard-to-get-into Maison Bâtard in Melbourne, before she heads back to the US. While in Hawke's Bay, she stayed at the beautiful villa Summerlee and mixed up her wellness and self-care routines with golf at Cape Kidnappers. Party people of the week Paritai Drive theatre fundraiser Acting and broadcasting legend Louise Wallace and her husband Scott, group business director at DDB New Zealand, hosted a fundraiser last Thursday at their stunning Paritai Drive home. Billed as One Unforgettable Evening, the event was to raise money for their professional theatre company, Tadpole Theatre Productions. Louise Wallace at her Paritai Drive fundraiser for Tadpole Theatre Company. Photo / Norrie Montgomery The tone was set on arrival, with lychee martinis followed by a selection of French champagne and wines from Constellation Brands. Cocktails and canapes were followed by a delicious supper provided by Gatting's Events. Wallace began the evening by introducing her 'Dream Team' of well-heeled and monied fundraisers: Catherine Sandelin, Maria Ryder, Cathy Horton, Krissy Jackson, Angela Clatworthy, Rebecca Wilkinson and Jane Freeman. Director, actor and theatre luminary Simon Prast then gave a brief but inspiring talk on the value of live theatre as a whole and Tadpole in particular. Other high-profile actors present were Tadpole's artistic director Janice Finn, and former Outrageous Fortune star turned auctioneer extraordinaire Shane Cortese, who worked the room with aplomb alongside actor Jodie Dorday, to achieve a much-needed financial boost for Tadpole. Among the generous donors were Rich Listers The Winger Group owner Wayne Leach and wife Amanda, and arts philanthropist Chanelle Farmer. Other monied guests included property developer Richard Kroon and his wife Caroline, Spirit of Adventure Trust Chairman Stephen Fisher and his wife, interior designer Virginia; SIL Holding Company Limited Chairman Will Rouse and his wife Michelle; and former communications maven Sarah Paykel. Also generously showing their support were fashion designer Yvonne Bennetti and Sarah Hutchings, of Orsini Fine Jewellery. Tadpole celebrates its 21st production opening this week, Three Little Words starring Anna Jullienne and showing at Takapuna's Pump House Theatre. Kim and Nick Sharp. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Megan Baker-Smith and Tim Smith. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Virginia and Stephen Fisher. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Richard and Caroline Kroon. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Jodie and James Snell. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Will and Michelle Rouse. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Tracy Bishop and Chanelle Farmer. Photo / Norrie Montgomery A lift for lashes and limbs RevitaLash Cosmetics put beauty insiders, influencers and media personalities through a day of strength, stretch and eyelash envy at an exclusive event last Wednesday hosted at Reform Pilates in Newmarket. Annemarie Mason, Ineke Pronk and Tess Woolcock at RevitaLash's launch event at Reform Pilates in Newmarket. Photo / Anupum Singh The event was hosted by RevitaLash Cosmetics New Zealand distributor Kiara Cosmetics' director and young entrepreneur Annemarie Mason and general manager Ineke Pronk. They combined the launch of RevitaLash's Length Define Tubing Mascara, with luxe pilates classes. After working up a healthy glow, guests then refuelled with an indulgent wellness spread of raw vegan treats, Little Bird Organics bowls and juices from The Cartery. Among the wellness crew fluttering their eyelashes, were actors Rebekah Randall and Moni Meredith, bridal designer Trish Peng, broadcaster Wilhelmina Shrimpton, Mila Mae & Co founder Jenna Clark. Also seen stretching were influencers Casarah Cooper and Sarah Wallace, fashion stylist Sarah Stuart and beauty stylist Kaitlin Chapman. Sarah Stuart and Greta Kenyon. Photo / Anupum Singh Amanda Lovell and Sarah Wallace. Photo / Anupum Singh Moni Meredith and Rachel Warren. Photo / Anupum Singh Rebekah Randell and Jenna Clark. Photo / Anupum Singh Wilhelmina Shrimpton and Trish Peng. Photo / Anupum Singh Casarah Cooper and Kaitlin Chapman. Photo / Anupum Singh Ricardo Simich has been with the Herald since 2008 where he contributed to The Business Insider. In 2012 he took over Spy at the Herald on Sunday, which has since evolved into Society Insider. The weekly column gives a glimpse into the worlds of the rich and famous.
