Latest fromCanvas magazine

Kiwi who made the stars shine
Great actors thrive under great teachers. Alan Perrott talks with the “great” of Britain’s theatrical tutors — Kiwi Ken Rea.

Around the world in 196 books
Realising her bookshelves were a bit on the parochial side, Ann Morgan embarked on a quest to read a book from every country over the course of a year, and blog about it. The response from bibliophiles around the globe was a story in itself.

Dear D&P: My friend is lying about how she got slim
My best friend had her stomach stapled and is really slim now, but tells everyone it was done through dieting and exercise and that is just not true. Shall I squeal?

Brunch: Kaos Cafe, Pukekohe
The look is definitely set at 33RPM. Kaos is a homage to music and vinyl — there are LP album covers on the walls — and to 70s style, with the decor leaning heavily on retro furniture and fixtures.

Taylor Swift suits single life
She has record-breaking sales and secure friendships - not to mention a steely grip on her digital copyright - what on earth does Taylor Swift have to worry about? Plenty, she tells Mark Sutherland in an exclusive interview.

James Griffin: Winston is coming
As he rides his steel dragon across the roads and byways of The North Lands, the Dark Lord, leader of House First, is happy.

Review: Ombra, Wellington
A Wellington restaurant specialises in temptingly priced small plates of authentic Italian fare.

Leanne Pooley: The Big C
As a documentary-maker, Leanne Pooley had seen what serious illnesses can do. Now she is the patient. Here, she tells what happened when she was diagnosed with cancer and what it has taught her.

In praise of Johannesburg
For John Simpson, gritty, sunny Johannesburg is South Africa's golden city.

Brunch: Charlie and George, Mt Wellington
A Welcoming cafe in Mt Wellington offers a menu and coffee worth a trek across Auckland.

Dear D&P: My fiance won't let me get bum implants
I really want to get bum implants as mine is flat, and people have always made jokes about it. But my fiance says we cannot afford it.

Picture this: Living without TV
Mention the storyline from one of the current batch of great TV shows to Alan Perrott and you’ll likely get a blank stare. Since his telly went on the blink at the start of this year, he and his family have tuned out. Does he miss it?

Portrait of an artist: Billy Apple
More than 50 years ago an artist from Auckland changed his name to Billy Apple and became a living brand. On the eve of a major retrospective of his life’s work, he talked to Greg Dixon about his past, his present and his future.

James Griffin: An update from The Zone
Dear citizens of the Free World, I bring you further missives from The Zone, the suburb formerly known as Grey Lynn.

Review: Regatta Bar and Eatery, Takapuna
Regatta drops anchor with one of the best views in town complemented by a nautical theme and satisfying seafood.

Should I worry about porn?
Fashion designer Denise L’Estrange-Corbet and her daughter Pebbles answer your agonising questions.

Brunch: Basalt, Howick
Howick has a good number of eateries on the main strip but we liked the open space of Basalt, and the modern menu.

Books: The boatman's call
Never mind the name, Kazuo Ishiguro is one of the best British writers in the business, and his dazzling latest novel, The Buried Giant, may just be his best yet.

Books: Out of violence comes love
Sometimes, as a reviewer, it pays to wait a few days after finishing a book before beginning the review.

Sneaky Feelings: A sentimental education
Almost 30 years ago, Dunedin band Sneaky Feelings released one the finest local singles of the 1980s. Greg Dixon sings its praises still.

James Griffin: The Department of Everyday Evil
I have this version of hell, in my head, where it is like this giant faceless corporation, where the souls of the damned serve out eternity in mindless bureaucratic servitude.

Wine: Longing for robust reds
Tired of summer whites and rosé wines? Longing for a robust red even if you have to match it with fish and salad? Help is at hand ...

Review: Fleur's Place, Otago
The Otago restaurant and its host are world famous — the seafood for its freshness and the host for her good humour.

Dear D&P: I got a toenail infection from my friend's nailbar
My friend has a nailbar in her house, and I got a really bad toenail infection after going there but she says it has nothing to do with her.

The truth about 'Hollywood Moms'
Were the pushy parents of Brooke Shields, Judy Garland, Shirley Temple and other Hollywood stars really as bad as all that, asks Geoffrey Macnab.