A toast to a Remix Gala to remember and the sponsors who made it shine

While spring may be the most unpredictable of the seasons, one thing’s for sure: Remix will party, rain or shine. Together with our treasured friends, talented creatives, and supportive sponsors, we hosted our inaugural Remix Gala—a celebration of a momentous year and the people who made it possible, while toasting to a future defined by creativity and connection.

To mark the new season, a new venue: Mechanics Bay. Large floor-to-ceiling windows, exposed beams, and unrivalled views of the harbour and Rangitoto Island—finessed with a cherry-on-top sunset—made for the perfect setting to host a more intimate gathering with our nearest and dearest.

Upon arrival, the scene was set with not one, but two, spectacular Volkswagen displays: a classic and a contemporary Golf.  The first, a 1988 Mk1 Golf GTI Cabriolet—the very first generation of the Golf GTI—came courtesy of its proud owner Martin, a member of VASK, New Zealand’s largest and longest-running VW/Audi enthusiast group. Imported from the UK and lovingly restored, Martin’s Cabriolet is now one of only a handful left in the country. For the Gala, our friends at Grace and Flora elevated the rarity further, adorning the car with a spring-inspired floral installation that cascaded from the back seat and across the lowered roof. Cherry blossoms, woody branches, and lush greenery transformed the GTI into a show-stopping backdrop for photos. Representing Volkswagen’s more modern GTI vehicles was the new Golf GTI Touring: the 8.5 generation of the iconic Golf and the ultimate marriage of sleek versus sporty. With its turbocharged engine that accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.9 seconds, GTI ‘Vienna’ leather sports seats, and eye-catching roof spoiler and chrome-plated tail pipes, it has the unmistakable yet modernised sporty signatures of the GTI. The Harman/Kardon premium sound system and 12.9-inch infotainment display cater to today's drivers who need a car to elevate their everyday experience. Refined, reliable, and effortlessly dynamic, it’s the GTI reimagined for today.

Inside, between greetings and photos, guests gravitated to the East Imperial bar to sample one of three bespoke cocktails. The Smoked Paloma quickly emerged as a crowd favourite, its mezcal smokiness lifted by the citrus notes of East Imperial Grapefruit Soda. The Golden Hour Spritz—Limoncello, gin, and East Imperial Yuzu Tonic—proved the perfect match for sunset views, while the Regal G&T offered a refined twist for classic cocktail lovers with gin and East Imperial Old World Tonic. As the night shifted from mingling to dancing, the menu evolved too. Guests refreshed with East Imperial RTDs, choosing from London Pink Gin & Rhubarb Tonic, London Dry Gin & Tonic, or Gin & Grapefruit Tonic.

Over at the De Kuyper by Hancocks bar, guests discovered a trio of cocktails that channelled tropical flavour for the warmer months ahead. The Let-That-Mango combined Flor De Caña Rum, De Kuyper Mango, lime juice, and fresh mango for a fruit-forward hit. The Ko-Sah-Mui Cooler offered a refreshing balance of Hayman’s Gin, De Kuyper Watermelon, lemon, and raspberry, finished with soda. Finally, the Passionfruit Paloma delivered a playful twist on a classic, blending El Jimador Blanco with De Kuyper Passionfruit, lime, and grapefruit soda.

Kāpiti fueled the party spirit with a decadent showcase of their hero and award-winning cheeses, presented as a lavish grazing table by The Great Catering Company, alongside charcuterie cups for guests on the go. Standouts included the Kikorangi Triple Cream Blue—rich, buttery, and beautifully marbled with blue veining; the Kakato Cumin Gouda—a Dutch-style cheese with fruity sweetness and a nutty finish; and the Gold-winning Kahikatea Camembert, famed for its soft, creamy body. Each cheese was elevated with thoughtful accompaniments of fruit, meats, and crackers, while bespoke drink pairings tied it all together: think Pakari Blackcurrant Cheddar with Asahi Nama Jokki, or Kahikatea Camembert with a Golden Hour Spritz featuring East Imperial’s Yuzu Tonic.

This year, we partnered with a brand that epitomises everything the Remix Gala stands for—superb style, fearless party spirit, and rhythm-charged energy. As our exclusive fragrance partner, Rabanne delivered in dazzling form, showcasing two of its most radiant scents: Million Gold For Her Parfum and Million Gold Elixir For Him. Their presence was felt throughout the evening—from the Rabanne-wrapped DJ booth and the fragrance samples in our goodie bags to a dedicated top-up station, where guests refreshed themselves with a spritz before returning to the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, Asahi kept spirits high—foam and all. Back by popular demand after its sell-out 2024 debut, the Asahi Super Dry Nama Jokki returned to New Zealand and made a splash at the Remix Spring Gala. The innovative self-foaming can quickly became a crowd favourite, with guests pulling back the lid to release a silky, draught-style foam that rose instantly to the top.

Thank you to SONNA STUDIOS for capturing the magic of the evening!