Ensemble returns to its founders

AUCKLAND, Today: From December 12, Ensemble will return to the hands of its original co-founders, Zoe Walker Ahwa and Rebecca Wadey, reclaiming its independent roots in the lifestyle media scene.

Launched in 2020 by Walker Ahwa, a former Viva associate editor, and Wadey, a brand strategist, Ensemble has become one of Aotearoa’s leading lifestyle platforms. Known for its “intelligence and whimsy,” it engages a diverse, predominantly female audience, with 30% aged 25-34.

Editor Zoe Walker Ahwa says, “We’re grateful for the opportunity to buy the brand back from Stuff. We’ll continue to nurture and grow Ensemble in the truly independent spirit with which we started it, pivoting where needed to reach our audience where they are, uplifting and agitating and (most importantly) having fun along the way.”

Partnerships director Rebecca Wadey highlights their strong audience connection. “Our highly engaged, influential and affluent audience – 28% with a HHI of over $ 200k – combine extremely well with our editorial integrity and authority,” she says.

Ensemble first launched with support from Aotearoa’s fashion leaders, partnering with The Spinoff and Viva. It was purchased by Stuff in 2021, a year after its debut.

Ensemble’s accolades include Best Digital Brand wins at the Magazine Publisher Association Awards in 2020 and 2021, and a silver at the INMA Awards in New York for its standout The Ensemble Edit event.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to buy the brand back from Stuff. We’ll continue to nurture and grow Ensemble in the truly independent spirit with which we started it.” – Zoe Walker Ahwa

With a presence spanning its website, newsletter, Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and in-person events, Ensemble continues to lead. Popular features include sustainable fashion shoots, wellness insights, and the influential “Nice Things We Spent Our Own Money On” column.

Walker Ahwa and Wadey, who currently hold roles within Stuff, will leave their positions in mid-December to fully focus on Ensemble’s next chapter.

Industry figures on Ensemble

Kate Sylvester
“Zoe and Rebecca have built a beautiful, kaleidoscope community around Ensemble. They’ve created a unique space and platform that has fantastic energy for creative, young Aotearoa to be seen and heard.”

Juliette Hogan
“Ensemble is fashion’s voice of authority in Aotearoa, celebrating our unique creativity and diversity. Zoe and Rebecca bring an unparalleled level of experience, understanding and connection to our industry and I admire and respect the intelligence, inquisitiveness, and that little bit of controversy that they bring to conversations around our lifestyle and fashion landscape.”

Karen Walker
“With Ensemble Zoe and Rebecca have built a worldly community that champions diversity and a wide range of talent and points of view from the local creative industries for a platform that’s truly a fresh and thoughtful take on fashion and culture.”

Elizabeth Findlay, Zambesi
“Ensemble has brought an exciting and fresh perspective to the fashion/lifestyle media. We respect the integrity and professionalism of the principals Zoe and Rebecca and look forward to our continuing  relationship.”

Emma Lewisham
“Zoe and Rebecca have pioneered what is today one of New Zealand’s leading lifestyle publications. Ensemble’s gravitas is a testament to the team’s formidable force in capturing and storytelling our local industry and beyond.”

Wynn Crawshaw, Wynn Hamlyn
“Ensemble has in a short time become the voice for arts and culture in Auckland. They bring an energy to their commentary that is positive and uplifting, but is also astute, because they know.”

• Zoe Walker Ahwa zoe@ensemblemagazine.co.nz
• Rebecca Wadey rebecca@ensemblemagazine.co.nz