Two immersive nights, two eras of romance

Wednesday, 20 August 2025

At the Netherfield Ball the elegance of Austen and the charm of Bridgerton will collide.

Today

Illicit Love is a bold, prohibition-style speakeasy experience that transports you into the seductive underbelly of the 1920s - right here on the Kāpiti Coast. Hosted at The Bond Store in Paraparaumu, this immersive event invites you to slip past secret keepers into an intoxicating world of jazz, cocktails, and clandestine charm.

Live music arranged by Jess Deacon and local actors create mischievous scenes while award-winning spirits from The Bond Store fuel the night. You’ll dine on shared plates curated by Seriously Pickled, showcasing as many local ingredients as possible. Dust off your flapper dresses and pinstripes, bring your partner in crime - and don’t forget: the password’s at the door. (Illicit Love has a second outing on August 23 if you need a bit of time to put your outfit together!)

Coming up

Johnon Macdonald is the chef and co-owner of Koji and Rosella

Netherfield Ball is your chance to step straight into a Jane Austen novel. For one enchanting evening Homewood (the historic residence of the British High Commissioner) transforms into a Regency-era ballroom. Expect candlelight, live music, love-potion cocktails, and canapés made with ingredients from Homewood’s own gardens. It promises to be a night of romance and revelry, where the elegance of Austen and the charm of Bridgerton collide.

Chef of the day

Johnon Macdonald, chef and co-owner of Koji and Rosella, both part of Good Vibes Hospitality in Wellington.

Which event are you a part of?

Rosella’s Battle of the Wine Regions - three wine regions, epic food, a bit of friendly rivalry, and all for a great cause supporting Heart Kids NZ.

What does this year’s festival theme Food is Love mean to you?

Food is how we show we care. It’s the simplest way of bringing people closer and creating moments where you take a bite and feel looked after. The flavours, the craft, the little details – it’s love on a plate!

What are you looking forward to in VWOAP?

The way it brings chefs, producers, and diners together, filling the city with energy and creativity.

Why do you love Wellington?

Wellington’s got real heart – it champions its people, its food, and its culture. You can wander a single block and find world-class eats, incredible coffee, and a friendly face. It’s creative, it’s bold, and it never stops inspiring me.

For more information on Visa Wellington on a Plate and tickets: visawoap.com