Last week we returned to one of our favourite places in Aotearoa - Craggy Range in Havelock North - for our second annual long lunch. What began as a shared idea centred around food, wine and connection came together once again as a day of conversation and considered hospitality.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Te Mata Peak and the surrounding landscape, guests arrived to welcome drinks on the terrace before moving inside for a long lunch thoughtfully paired with Craggy Range wines.

There is something about this setting - the scale, the light, the quiet movement of the land - that encourages you to slow down and take it all in. It’s a place that naturally invites reflection, and one that Juliette spoke about as a source of creative inspiration, when ideas have space to unfold.

"I feel most creative in environments like this," she said. "Often the best ideas arrive when I stop trying to force them. When I have the time to daydream."

It was a pleasure to gather with so many familiar and new faces, sharing time around the table and enjoying the atmosphere created so seamlessly by the Craggy Range team. Chef Casey McDonald’s menu was beautifully judged, and we were so pleased to have Mary-Jeanne (MJ) Peabody fly in from Brisbane to host the day, bringing warmth to every moment.

Beyond the setting and the food, what made the afternoon especially meaningful was the opportunity to bring women together in one space. Creating moments like this has always been an important part of what we do.

"In fashion we often move at speed. These lunches ask us to slow down," Juliette shared between courses. "Events like this create momentum - they remind us we’re not building things alone."

A highlight of the afternoon was the silent auction in support of the Heretaunga Women’s Centre. With contributions from Emma Lewisham and Craggy Range, together we raised $2,500 for this important local organisation, whose work supports women and families across Hawke’s Bay through advocacy, education and practical support.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day what it was. We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership and creating more moments like this in the future.