KEY POINTS:
In the age of email and text messages, handwritten letters seem rather quaint. But what could be more special than receiving a letter from someone who has made the effort to sit down and write you something?
It was this philosophy that informed the decision to launch Rawlence and Horton, a new local luxury stationery company that provides personalised writing paper, business cards and calligraphy notes, among other things.
"The way the world has moved in terms of the internet, email and texting has led to a certain level of sloppiness or laziness in the way people communicate," says co-founder Michael Rawlence, who launched the company last year with business partner Roxanne Horton.
"I think people have been growing tired of this and are reverting to the tried and tested method of communicating - a handwritten note, which to be frank means a lot more to the recipient than a text or an email."
British born Rawlence is well-experienced in the world of luxury stationery, having previously part-owned another stationery company with clients that included the Beckhams, Madonna and Elton John. They also held the royal warrant to offer stationery to the Queen and Prince Charles.
Ten favourite things
1 The Hotel by unknown artist
I received this painting aged one as a gift and it continues to catch my attention. It is roughly six by five feet and very colourful with a collection of eclectic looking people all depicted behaving eccentrically in the various rooms: there is a high jump contest taking place in one room for example! It is a very stimulating piece and I enjoy the intrigue it causes those who are looking at it for the first time.
2 Omega Seamaster watch
This was an engagement present from my wife so it is special for that reason alone, but it is also a very handsome masculine watch which barely leaves my wrist. Whether playing tennis, golf or sub-aqua diving it goes with me everywhere.
3 New and Lingwood Monogrammed bespoke slippers
These were originally for my late father's 80th birthday and having the same initials they passed down to me. I never thought slippers could be so elegant with the handcraft just exquisite. Not only do they keep my feet warm in the winter but they remind me of my late great father, so, dual purpose for those reasons.
4 Tumbler glasses from La Verrerie de Biot
When I was living in the South of France, a popular place to take guests was Biot to buy the most beautiful and distinct glasses, jugs and candleholders. The highlight though was watching the glass blowers create these items through a combination of sand, fire and blowing; simply amazing. More practically, they are just great for a G and T!
5 Rawlence and Horton business cards
I'm very serious about this one and it isn't just because I offer this service. I believe the first impression has to be the right impression so I always derive a great deal of pride when I am complimented on handing over my business card. Mine are copperplate engraved - the Rolls-Royce of printing processes - in dark blue, with our logo blind-embossed on thick off-white card. Business cards should be an extension of a person or business.
6 Srixon Golf Clubs
An absolute God-send for me; a set of clubs that make me look better than I actually am. These clubs seem to have helped me hit the ball straighter than I ever used to and I am surprisingly enthusiastic about playing a round which is a big turnabout from before!
7 Andiamo Restaurant & Bar and The Marina
Before I lived in Auckland, I had drinks and dinner at Andiamo and knew that once I was here permanently it would be the perfect place for a quiet sauvignon blanc or one of their delicious modern European dishes. It combines the best of both worlds for me, the high energy trendy bar of a thriving metropolis with the charming and relaxed atmosphere of its unassuming dining area. I enjoy nothing more than coming here at any time of the year. Outside Auckland, I visit The Marina restaurant in Gisborne - a hidden jewel in a beautiful historic building; the restaurant is actually situated in what used to be the ballroom of the building which adds to its immense character. Having grown up in the South of France, the fact that it is a part- French owned and some staff are French, meant being able to brush up on my French which helped make it such a special experience.
8 Times Atlas of the World
A brilliant present that I was given a few years ago in London. I think an absolute must for every household is a good atlas. This is as comprehensive as you can get from the basic maps to all sorts of statistics on country demographics for the anoraks out there. I find knowing where countries are situated or where friends are going on holiday fascinating, and I must drive my wife to distraction by constantly referring to it!
9 My Barbour coat
An all-weather heavy-duty coat perfect for those outdoor pursuits in the New Zealand countryside. Whether falling in the mud or being soaked in rain, it is as durable and waterproof as one could want. It also retains warmth incredibly well. Money really well invested 10 years ago.
10 Platinum Wedding Band by Sutcliffe Jewellery
I wanted to get our wedding jewellery in New Zealand, which is when I came across Brent Sutcliffe's shop in Parnell.
His attention to detail and craftsmanship is second to none, which combines perfectly with the importance of the vows that it represents and I just love wearing my 4.5mm platinum band.
