‘
Tom Hiddleston spotted filming
Sir Ed flick in Queenstown 31 S
PEP IN HER STEP
How to wear Molly Gordon’s look
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Beehive is acting like they’re worried and panicked 23
There is an unsettling rise of eating disorders in NZ – is social media to blame?
During the past decade, the number of people with eating disorders in New Zealand has been steadily increasing. The causes behind the illness are complex but specialists agree social media is contributing.
Reporter EvadeJongtalks to experts, those who have suffered from the disorder, explores how an online world crafted by algorithms has inflamed the problem and asks who is to blame for this harmful content?
THE LIFE AND NEAR DEATH OF THE SHIELD
• Marvel at the ancient cities of the Silk Road
• Wander the vibrant bazaars and blue-tiled mosques of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
• Witness the fiery glow of the Darvaza Gas Crater, known as the ‘Door to Hell’
• Visit Soviet-era relics, yurts and remote mountain villages in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and beyond
• Travel in comfort with expert local guides, premium stays and authentic cultural experiences INSPIRING FEATURES
• Explore the vast desert landscapes of Turkmenistan and the ruins of Merv and Mary
• Discover stunning alpine scenery in Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon and Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Lake
• Climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya
• Discover sacred temples and UNESCO-listed ruins in Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
• Journey by scenic rail through Sri Lanka’s lush tea country to Nuwara Eliya
•
• Stroll the cobbled lanes of Galle Fort and relax on Bentota’s golden beaches
• Unwind in the Maldives for four blissful nights in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise seas
Cherie Howie
The parents of missing French teen Eloi Rolland have returned to New Zealand.
Thierry and Catherine Rolland
posted an ad in a Central Otago newspaper seeking sightings of their son, who hasn t been seen since he disappeared from West Auckland on March 7, 2020
That morning, the 18-year-old searched Google Maps for directions to Piha about 5am, catching a bus, a train and walking 11km in an hour and 46 minutes before turning on to Piha Rd just after 9am
Since then, despite multiple searches and a police investigation, Rolland’s fate remains unknown
In 2022, after the Covid-19 lockdowns and border closures that began just after the teen’s disappearance his parents came to New Zealand in the hope of finding their son
Last month they returned this time focusing their efforts on the South Island because a French tourist had reported speaking to Rolland in Te Anau a few days after his disappearance according to the July 31 ad
“We are currently back in New Zealand touring the South Island to continue our search for Eloi in the hope he may be alive ”
They were halfway through their journey, wrote the couple, who couldn’t immediately be contacted by the Herald
“We love him very much and need to know if he is alive and healthy ”
The couple have set up a Facebook page as part of their search titled Missing ELOI JEAN Rolland
They encouraged people with any sightings or information to contact police on 105,
citing the reference number 200310/8987
The police file on Rolland remains open and police have said no evidence has been found that suggests he was the victim of foul play
Waitemata Police Detective Inspector Callum McNeill said police looked into the Te Anau sighting at the time it was made, but found
nothing to support it, The Press reported
Rolland arrived in New Zealand in September 2019 to learn English but while his first months passed smoothly his life later began to unravel
An unreciprocated love interest towards a fellow student and deteriorating mental health created issues with his host families and employers, and worried his language school tutor so much she thought he needed to return to France
The Montpellier native was fired from two hospitality jobs, one after he ran around dining tables saying he had coronavirus
He also had a 3am encounter with high-profile restaurateur Leo Molloy
Before his disappearance, a plane ticket was booked for Rolland to return home on March 20, 2020
He promised his mother he would collect sand from Piha Beach for her as a souvenir first
In 2022, McNeill told the Herald he thought it was unlikely Rolland made it to the black sands of Piha Beach
“My thoughts are still the bush He s potentially tried to take a shortcut to the beach and didn t realise how far that would be and overestimated his abilities
“It s pretty gnarly in there It is possible he’s just thought, ‘Well, I think it’s a straight line down here shouldn’t be a problem , and maybe he s come to grief in the bush somewhere ”
Tom Rose
global travel company with operations in New Zealand says it will move some Europe tours out of peak season, as Kiwis try to avoid increasingly dangerous and disruptive weather in the continent
Popular destinations such as Italy, Spain and Portugal are no longer summer hotspots, with tourists increasingly opting to travel to those locations in spring instead
David a Kiwi currently travelling through Southern Europe, said being outside during Greece s most recent heatwave “felt like being in an oven”
In Athens, his group managed to visit the Acropolis the day before the ruins were partially shut over extreme temperatures
When the heat was at its worst people would stay indoors or “stick to the shade as much as possible” throughout the day although after 6pm the streets filled back up again
Intrepid Travel, which sees more New Zealanders join its tours per capita than any other country, has made a significant operational shift in response to travellers’ concerns
Intrepid s Australia and New Zealand managing director Brett Mitchell said it s now evolving how and when we run” Europe tours moving some to the Iberian Peninsula out of peak season (June to August) and into April, May and September
The company has also made itinerary tweaks, like visiting attractions earlier or later “when it s cooler and less crowded”
“For the first time over half (55%) of our travellers to Southern Europe are booking in the shoulder seasons,” Mitchell said
“Destinations like Italy Spain and Portugal are still incredibly popular, but we’re seeing demand shift to spring and autumn when it s cooler and less crowded ” June 2025 was Western Europe’s hottest on record with temperatures exceeding 40C in some cities
Fires have ravaged Greece North
Macedonia and other parts of the Balkans this month as extreme heat continued to roast the region
David who is now in Albania said they could “see the wildfires on the hills” and “firefighters tending to [the flames]” during a coastal drive
Temperatures have since dropped to about 30C, and with the ability to swim at the beach the heat wasn’t as unbearable as it was in Athens
“Everyone goes for ‘Euro summer’
you expect it’ll be hot you still have fun,” he said
Insurers are also witnessing the consequences of climate-related disruption play out through rising claims
“We’re definitely seeing increases,” said Allianz New Zealand managing director Kevin Blyth “Those one-in100-year floods are becoming far more prominent and far more prevalent than once in 100 years ”
Data from Southern Cross Travel Insurance (SCTI) shows nearly three in four New Zealanders think travel insurance has grown more important because of climate change
Jess Strange, SCTI’s chief customer officer, said it “certainly feels like travellers are making more climaterelated claims
The company paid out over $593,000 across 425 claims related to cyclones, fires, floods, heatwaves, storms and turbulence between July 2024 and July 2025
One family claimed over $25,000 in accommodation and airfare costs after their flights from Tokyo were cancelled when the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods closed Auckland Airport
Strange said the earliest flights available for the family were two weeks later via Kuala Lumpur
“Then bad luck struck again with that flight cancelled due to Cyclone Gabrielle ”
They managed to return to Auckland on February 17 three weeks later than originally planned
The increasing frequency of such events is making travellers more cautious and engaging them more
with their insurance policies, Strange said “There s significant media coverage traditional and social and our customers are experiencing extreme weather events first-hand ” House of Travel chief executive
David Coombes said how Kiwis book Europe travel is changing fast
“Our early September bookings are 141% higher than mid-July and the first week of September will be our busiest week for customer departures to Europe this year ” Cooler and less crowded destinations are also seeing a surge in bookings and Intrepid has opened its first Northern Europe office in Copenhagen to manage the influx
“Between June and August, we ve seen strong growth in Norway, Estonia, Lithuania and Iceland,” Mitchell said
“For travellers from ANZ alone, Iceland bookings are up 46% year-onyear for those months, with Serbia (+27%) Estonia (+20%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (+18%) also climbing ” Mitchell said bookings to Italy in the shoulder seasons alone have risen 16% in the past year
“This shift spreads tourism more evenly across the year, which is better for our travellers and better for local communities ”
With weather-related disruptions affecting everything from flight paths to cruise itineraries insurance providers are encouraging customers to think ahead
“Every insurance policy is different, Coombes said.
“Many policies won t cover you if you choose not to travel due to adverse weather or if there were warnings or advisories in place before you left New Zealand ” But rather than cancelling tours or discouraging travel to affected destinations, Intrepid wants to build a tourism model that works with a changing climate
“We believe the most important thing we can do is not stop travelling to these places rather adjust the way that we travel to ensure the best possible traveller experience
“For us, this means small group, locally-led visitation that works in concert with the people and places that we visit ”
As extreme weather becomes more prevalent worldwide Mitchell said they expect climate-related questions will inevitably “play a greater role in travel planning going forward”
our immune s stem ith L po-Spheric itamin
Why do some of us think nothing of spending over $5 a day on a cup of high-strength caffeine and yet resist paying a little over half that for something to support a healthy immune system?
Do you do it yourself? Is there a habit you could break that, if replaced with something more beneficial, can help you live and feel your best?
Livon Lypospheric, with 1000 mg of Vitamin C, 1000 mg of essential phospholipids, and good levels of Choline, could be the answer
Livon has no genetic modification, is sugar-free, gluten-free and entirely suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle Thousands of Kiwis already use Livon Lypospheric daily
Maybe you should try it for yourself But make sure you ’ re choosing the right brand for you Lypo with a Y is your
Families are paying a premium to live near Auckland's most exclusive schools, write Ben Leahy and Chris Knox
New data has revealed the $600,000 premium Auckland parents pay to live in the zones of the city s most exclusive public schools
A typical house now costs $1 39 million in the zones of high schools located among the top-third most expensive areas in the city, the Herald and Valocity analysis of 55 secondary and 282 primary schools found
That s $594,711 higher than the typical cost of a home near a secondary school with a zone located among the least expensive areas
The new data also shows East Auckland s Glendowie College has the most expensive zone in the city with a median $1 9m value in 2025
The fastest price growth since 2014 has been Rodney College s zone in the city s north jumping 114%, while primary school zones have even bigger differences
Homes in zones of primary schools in the top-fifth most expensive areas in the city were $914,899 – or 123% – higher than those in the least expensive areas
Wayne Shum, senior research analyst with Valocity, said the $600,000 premium might make some parents think twice about paying extra to live in Auckland’s famous Double Grammar Zone (Auckland Grammar and Epsom Girls Grammar)
He said 5% interest on $600,000 would equate to about $30,000 annual interest payments or roughly the cost of private school fees
“Staying in a bigger house outside Double Grammar Zone and sending your child to a private school might be a better choice than living in an apartment with a teenager,” he joked
The premium reveals the financial considerations some parents will face if they choose to move inside the zone of their chosen secondary
school And it could become even harder if the trend towards blocking out-of-zone students continues.
North Shore school Rangitoto College recently announced it wouldn t be accepting out-of-zone students in 2026, meaning only children living within its zone will be able to enrol at the school
Mount Albert Grammar has signalled it may not accept out-of-zone students next year and other popular public schools are also limiting places
One West Auckland mum told the Herald last month her family s life had been put on hold as a result of school zoning changes
They had their son accepted into Westlake Boys as an out-of-zone student a few years back but it now looked like they wouldn t be able to get their daughter into a similar North Shore public school next year They tried running the sums to see if they could move into a North Shore zone but found it unaffordable she said
Homeowner Tom Rawson is an-
TYPICALPRICES:
• Top third: $1.399m
• Middle third: $1.017m
• Bottom third: $795,194
KEYINSIGHTS:
• Difference between top third and bottom third: $594,711
• Between top third and middle third: $372,590
• Between middle third and bottom third: $222,121
PRIMARYZONE
TYPICALPRICES:
• Top fifth: $1.657m
• Second: $1.220m
• Third: $1.004m
• Fourth: $870,562
• Bottom fifth: $741,859
KEYINSIGHTS:
• Difference between top fifth and bottom fifth: $914,899
other who told the Herald earlier that he bought in Glendowie College s zone because he believed he was saving money in the long run
While many parents prioritise school zones in choosing where to live, schools do not necessarily lead the way in driving housing prices up
Other forces such as the type of housing can play bigger roles, Shum said
School zones are “probably less of a house price driver than they were previously”, he said
Areas with more townhouses and apartments will typically have lower median prices than areas that don t because these smaller homes are generally cheaper and drag the overall price down with them he said
That also highlights what might be a surprising find to some from the analysis the exclusive Double Grammar Zone has not kept up with the value rises of its peers in the top-third of school zones
The Herald compared prices
across an 11-year time frame from 2014 to 2025, based on data available from Valocity.
Over that time, the typical prices in Auckland Grammar School and Epsom Girls Grammar s overlapping zones in the city s inner suburbs had risen 47% or $481,000
By contrast, the typical price in all the other school zones among the top-third most expensive areas had gone up 60% or $522,000
Shum said the Double Grammar Zone had likely not kept up because more apartments and townhouses have been built in its zone than Glendowie’s, for instance
Among other key findings, Epsom Girls Grammar, at $1 7m and Macleans College at $1 67m were the next two most expensive zones behind Glendowie
Epsom Normal Primary School was the most expensive zone of any school at $2 98m followed by Victoria Avenue School in Remuera at $2 52m
2pm & 4.30pm, Saturday 23 August Aotea Centre
Adam Pearse
Foreign tourists will face a $20 to $40 charge when they visit some of the country’s most popular Department of Conservation sites and walking tracks.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the new charge at the National Party conference in Christchurch yesterday afternoon.
The fee would apply initially to Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, the Milford Track, and Aoraki Mt Cook, where foreigners often make up 80% of all visitors, according to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.
It’s only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution of between $20 and $40 per person.
Tama Potaka, Conservation Minister
“Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change. But I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free.
“It’s only fair that at these special locations, foreign visitors make an additional contribution of between $20 and $40 per person.”
Potaka said it would result in up to $62 million per year in revenue, which would be “directly reinvested” into DoC sites. New Zealanders would not face the charge.
Reform to the Conservation Act was also announced to address what Luxon described as a “totally broken” concessions regime.“Outdated rules mean we’ve got examples of modern e-bike users being turned away from potential touring opportunities because they have to be considered as proper vehicles,” he said.
“And tourism on the Routeburn is being held up because the trail crosses artificial boundaries, with different rules and different limits.”
●Editorial: Foreign tourist fee a no-brainer, p20
MFor hundreds of years, Ngapuhi bathed in the mineral-rich hot water bubbling from Ngawha Springs, renowned for their healing and restorative powers. Michael Botur drops by for a soak in what is now a tourist attraction.
oana Cross remembers when Ngawha Springs were little more than a series of muddy pools linked by wooden paths and fringed with flax bushes
“Rustic” is the word she uses to describe the springs It cost just a few dollars for a soak in the pools which, before 2019, were run by volunteers
Cross now manages what has become a major tourist attraction in Northland after a $4 3 million revamp, the result of a decade of planning by Parahirahi Ngawha Waiariki Trust amid a divisive and still-unresolved Waitangi Tribunal claim by Ngapuhi
Several government agencies helped fund the redevelopment of the 16 main pools, completed in April 2021, which included stain-resistant buildings and changing rooms set back from the fumes, new carvings, a teahouse and a manuka palisade fence an improvement on the sulphur-stained planks held together with wire and crates
“We didn’t even have fencing in some parts when I was a child ” Cross recalls “The pools were really basic the floors were muddy When I volunteered as a teenager we had wooden paths The complex itself the
wood, the nails, deteriorated really quickly because of the minerals in the air and there were lots of sulphur deposits ” Eleven pou (carved post-statues) have been installed representing the tupuna (ancestors) of the Parahirahi
Ngawha Springs has always been a go-to place for my whanau over many generations, Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro
hapu The carver also created likenesses of the pools’ guardian taniwha Takuere said to sometimes appear through early morning rainbows in the mist
who
or volunteers are now employed at the springs, learning customer service, computer skills or mirimiri (traditional Maori massage)
The “World Famous in Northland” hot springs, 5km east of Kaikohe, expanded after the trust bought eight private pools on land once owned by the Ginn family It has leased the use of seven other pools, traditionally known as The Domain, from the Far North District Council
Despite the upgrade, Northlandborn Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro was impressed that the pools themselves mostly remained the same as she remembered when she visited earlier this year
Ngawha Springs has always been a go-to place for my whanau over many generations,” she said “My grandmother lived at Ngawha
“We have visited the springs over the past 60-plus years to soothe our aches and pains, to soak together in the warmth and chat together especially on cold nights, and to benefit from the mineral healing properties of the springs ” No matter who the
or visitors are, discretion remains part of
pools’ code Anybody can
What started as a routine car tidy-up for a Northland man ended with him holding a $200,000 surprise.
The man had bought the Strike bonus ticket from Pak’nSave Kaitaia for the Wednesday draw on November 13 last year.
The man, who wanted to remain anonymous, recalled hearing the supermarket had sold a winning $200,000 ticket last year but he never thought he’d have it
“I forgot I’d put some tickets in the glovebox,” he said.
pool and korero confidentially with anyone even though temperatures may rise. The hottest pools the Bulldog and Universal can hit almost 50C before being closed off to the public.
Chatting to strangers is exactly what regulars come for, trustee Nathan Bryers says, explaining the springs are a place for “good wananga” [education /knowledge].
“If you come to the early morning sessions, you hear from the old ones how to save the world,” Cross laughs.
On a crisp Friday evening in June, South Auckland couple Margaret and Ken Drury shared the Kotahitanga Pool with a stranger, chatting about Ukraine’s future.
In the Tane Mahuta pool, a onelegged man soaked with members of the Ngawha Trust who were preparing for a board meeting A bone-tired cyclist stopped in for his weekly dip, and a group of Aucklanders, supporting their ex-con mate talked about Kaikohe’s wonderful new drug rehab centre.
To ensure locals aren’t priced out of a soak, the trust has a tiered pricing structure: a two-hour session is $6 for locals; $15 for Northlanders; and $34 for other visitors.
The private pools, called Ngapuna (which means the springs/drinkable spring) have sandy bottoms and are bubblier than the muddier Ngawha Springs. The private pools are available on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at a cost $300 for a twohour session (two to 10 bathers). Extra bathers $30 each, maximum of 30 people.
The Ngapuna pools are open to the public on Monday and Tuesday; general entry, $20 per person; Northland concession, $10.
Cross says the trust wanted to look out for locals who had used the pools all their lives.
“They needed to have a price that reflected the economy in this town.”
By “reflecting the economy”, Cross means keeping prices affordable in New Zealand’s poorest region, where the median income is just $545 per week.
Feedback on trip review sites is mixed. On Yelp, a Californian gives the pools five stars and writes “This place is a hidden gem. It’s dirt cheap to get in and well, there’s lot of dirt all around.”
Others, on Ranker and TripAdvisor, have described the pools as “Small holes in the ground filled with
dubiously looking, stinky, muddy water” and warned it’s “A great place to meet locals and enjoy a warm bath, but you stink of rotten eggs for a long time afterward”.
Mangamuka’s Mate O’Sullivan has been bringing her two mokopuna up
This place is a hidden gem. It’s dirt cheap to get in and well, there’s lot of dirt all around.
Five-star review on Yelp
from Porirua to get to know the pools just like she did when she was their age. “There’s a lot of whakapapa korero (conversations about people’s ancestry) in the pools,” she says.
“I was cleaning it out last week when I saw the tickets and thought, ‘Hmm, I don’t think I’ve checked these.’”
The man writes the winning numbers down each week.
“So I went inside to grab my book
A Northland man found a $200,000 winning Lotto Strike ticket.
She feels “compelled to get the full tinana (body) stretch”, she says, including dunking her head, against the lifeguards’ repeated advice about the risk of amoebic meningitis. She believes the ritual helps with healing pain from old birth-related complications as well as the spiritual pain of partner Ivan passing away in 2024.
The mineral-rich Ngawha Springs (Ngawha means geothermal or boiling spring) have long been revered for their healing properties. The Solomon pool is said to be best for skin complaints; the Favourite is known for easing chest congestion.
The spring water is untreated but the pools are drained on Mondays and Tuesdays before they gradually refill with hot groundwater.
Some of the healing is spiritual and Ngawha Springs has traditionally been a place at which rival warriors could make peace. To this day, Bryers says, every visitor is expected to leave their beef at the door.
Cross says the pools are steadily becoming busier with 350 people a day coming at busy times like school holidays. “It’s a massive increase. Before [with the old pools] they didn’t have sessions. People just came and stayed all day if they wanted to.”
and looked back for the winning numbers from November.
“The first four matched my ticket and my first thought was, ‘Holy cow!’ I was very shocked,” he said.
The man said he couldn’t stop smiling after the win.
“It’s come in very handy for us it’s changed our life in a great way.”
Unbeknown to him, Lotto NZ had been set to ramp up efforts to track him down when he claimed his prize.
Lotto NZ’s head of corporate communications, Will Hine, said it had been perfect timing when the man claimed his prize.
“We were days away from reaching out to the winner’s bank, like we did recently with an unclaimed $500,000 prize in Auckland.
“We much prefer our winners find out they’ve won themselves it’s all part of the winning experience, so this is the best outcome for everyone,” Hine said.
A separate Northlander won $350,000 in this week’s Strike Four draw.
The Northland winner played on the MyLotto app.
Lotto NZ has urged players to check their tickets and the app to see if they have winnings to claim.
Auckland lawyer helped victims of $60m scam
Matt Nippert
Ahsan Ali Syed, who ran a sophisticated and globespanning $60 million advance-fee scam that took in some of New Zealand and Australia s biggest property developers, has been found guilty of fraud and sentenced to six and a half years in prison
Last week, a judge at the Zurich District Court in Switzerland found Syed, 52, guilty on 14 counts of commercial fraud, and not guilty on two similar charges, after a two-day hearing and a quest for justice that stretched back more than a decade
The prosecution and associated recovery action that froze Swiss bank accounts and an apartment beside Lake Geneva, was largely spearheaded by Auckland-based lawyer and former policeman Mark van Leewarden after complaints about Syed’s Western Gulf Advisory (WGA)
Van Leewarden’s firm Warden Consulting, had been working the case since he was first commissioned by New Zealand businessmen in 2011 seeking to recover millions in upfront loan fees charged by WGA for
hundred-million-dollar lines of credit that never eventuated
“I d rank it No 1 There’s some good results from bigger cases but this one was very satisfying,” he said
“Because it was so difficult and it took so long He raised every single obstacle that he possibly could to avoid ending up at a substantive hearing ”
Van Leewarden said parallel recovery action against Syed and WGA had recovered $7m, which was distributed in 2022 and gave his clients returns of 18c on the dollar
We would regard 10% as a good recovery So 18% is really good, he said
“And then of course, subsequent to that, he s arrested and he’s convicted I suppose it s a small consolation to the victims, some of them were completely decimated, financially, emotionally and physically ”
Warden said Syed is contesting the guilty verdicts, and the Swiss justice system extends the presumption of innocence until proven guilty until the appeals process is exhausted
Reports from the time WGA was active in 2010-11 reveal Wellington Phoenix owner and Apprentice New Zealand host Terry Serepisos and former NZ Mint owner Gary McNabb were among the New Zealand victims of the multimillion-dollar fraud
WGA made generous-looking loan offers to a number of businessmen and developers suffering through the post-Global Financial Crisis credit crunch in 2010-11 No clients ever
these sums of money to finance a luxurious lifestyle for himself and his family,” the indictment said
Proceeds were used by Syed to buy a private jet and a football team
received loans Swiss prosecutors claim, with WGA allegedly just a vehicle to fleece victims
“[The] sole interest and intention was that these companies would transfer the largest possible sums of money to [Syed] or the Western Gulf Advisory group and that he could use
During Terry Serepisos struggles against liquidation in late 2010 and 2011 Syed was said to be considering becoming a co-owner of the Wellington Phoenix
Van Leewarden first became involved chasing Syed by representing McNabb, but over time he signed up other victims to broaden the case, split costs and increase possible recoveries
The trail led from Syed s birthplace in India to London, where he presented as a finance tycoon and conducted due diligence purportedly considering an offer for English Premier League team Blackburn Rovers
He became a short-lived local hero by buying an ailing La Liga team in 2010, though the team soon collapsed into bankruptcy once alarms started being sounded about WGA
Victims were targeted mostly in New Zealand and Australia typically businessmen down to their last few million and desperate for refinancing
The multiple jurisdictions made it difficult for any single national authority to take responsibility for the case van Leewarden said
“That’s the way that they operate,
and generally they’re going to get away with it unless there s a real overall focus on it,” he said
After the balloon went up and complaints of fraud began circulating in the media and courtrooms Syed retreated to Bahrain and spent more than six years contesting fraud claims pushed by van Leewarden that ended in disappointment
Van Leewarden chooses his words carefully talking about justice in the Gulf enclave: “I had a number of briefings with the prosecutors in Bahrain They didn t really have an appetite for the case, and they seemed anyway to arrive at a position whereby what had happened were just normal commercial transactions
Syed then fled to Turkey, becoming a citizen there and abandoning his Indian passport, before authorities in Ankara stripped him of citizenship in 2022 and he relocated once more to London
It was then late 2022 and, arriving at London airport, Syed s luck finally ran out
Arrested by English police on a 2013 Swiss warrant for fraud that demanded extradition, Syed spent two years behind bars in Britain before his appeals against being deported were exhausted
In late 2024 he made his final journey to Switzerland where Swiss prosecutors and a New Zealand private investigator were waiting for him to finally face the music
From the dining table to the couch cushions, it’s all available to buy. Whether you’re after the whole look or just a few favourite pieces, it’s all there to make your new villa feel like home from day one.
Bliss Novotel Bali Nusa Dua
Relaxationmeetsfunatthisindulgentsanctuarywithasprawlingtwo-tier lagoonpool,tranquilspaandfourdiningvenues
Your handpicked inclusions:
• SixnightsinaDeluxeRoomwithaprivatebalconyandtropicalgardenviews
• DailybuffetbreakfastatTheSquare
• DailychoiceoflunchordinneratTheSquare,plus15%offdiningatselectvenues
• Dailyfree-flowdrinkshouratGourmetBar
• One60-minutemassageperadult,plus25%offtreatmentsatInBalanceSpa
• CANNABalibeachclubentrywithafreecocktailperadult
Watercare dashes attempts to sell $14m block
Catherine Smith
Four neighbours surrounded by a sea of earthworks and diggers have pulled their homes from sale after failing to find a buyer
The lifestyle blocks on Auckland s northern fringe had been on the market for just over a year, with the owners pinning their hopes on a developer buying all four Barfoot & Thompson listing agent Eddie Zhao told OneRoof an offer fell through after Watercare announced no new developments in the area would be able to hook up to its water and wastewater networks until at least 2031
“The price per hectare that developers are prepared to pay depends on things like the land contour and the percentage of usable land The prospective purchaser said he was unlikely to get approval and would have to wait until [Watercare’s new treatment plant at] Army Bay was ready ”
the house and will stay here,” he said “It s still a lovely place to live ”
The land abuts a 433-home affordable housing project dubbed Strathmill, being spearheaded by Myland Partners and unaffected by the Watercare announcement
Director Andrew Fawcet told OneRoof 80% of the development had been pre-sold with the houses now under construction
Strathmill had infrastructure in place to ensure full connection to water and wastewater “Our project remains unaffected by zoning constraints as our infrastructure planning and approvals are very welladvanced, he said
head of wastewater planning said the zones aimed to give clarity to developers
“Last year we were receiving regular requests from developers for information about the capacity of our water and wastewater networks In response we developed network capacity maps to give them clearer guidance on where growth is supported and where closer monitoring is in place These maps were recently refreshed to make them easier to understand, he told OneRoof
There are many factors that determine whether a property sells, with our network capacity being one of these We acknowledge that our network capacity can influence the sale of a property where the intended buyer is planning to change the use of that land This is not unique to the Hibiscus Coast
“A lot of people did not know It was shocking; there was no warning They did not tell us until it happened,”
Zhao told OneRoof Ray White Orewa business owner
Dylan Turner who has sold much of the development land and finished plots in the area told OneRoof that developers would typically pay between $1 5m and $2 6m per hectare for land, a premium of 20% or 30% over RV “If they get an intensification per-
Zhao said parts of West Auckland were similarly affected by Watercare s announcement made at the end of last year OneRoof has previously reported that developers face selling sites at a loss after their properties were “red-zoned” by Watercare
mit, they might pay more They can do on-site catchment plants as mitigation ” Turner said, pointing to developments in other parts of Auckland that are currently doing so
The four homes on West Hoe Heights used to be surrounded by farmland and bush but are now hemmed in by diggers and the hundreds of townhouses that have sprung up on the edge of nearby Orewa
One of the owners, Trevor Knox, told OneRoof that the group was making fresh plans “We love our house; we have got good neighbours So, we are now spending money on
Bayleys head of insights Chris Farhi said Watercare s change of tack created risk and disruption for developers It is good to have clarity around these things, but what it means is that developers who might have typically operated in markets like Auckland pivot to other centres
“We have seen a big pivot to Queenstown-Lakes, Hamilton and Tauranga There is a view that development [there] can be a little more streamlined that councils are a little more straight forward ”
Farhi said it was a challenge for councils and developers, who both wanted to get more housing in the market “Developers can be quite nimble around what they are doing versus councils that have really longterm views ” Andrew Deutschle, Watercare
“Where possible, we softened the release of network capacity limitations by allowing developers with existing resource or building consents to connect when they re ready The examples are in Warkworth and Wellsford where major programmes of work are under way to upgrade treatment plants and pipes
“On the Hibiscus Coast we will invest about $500 million in wastewater infrastructure between now and 2034, and that includes a major upgrade to the Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant ”
Property investor and founder of Opes Partners, Andrew Nicol says he aims to always own more properties than his age He’s 41 now and has 43 properties
“I come from a family where we knew nothing about money ” he says “Other than the fact we didn t have any ”
But growing up in the workingclass Christchurch suburb of Waltham, he was determined to understand it Nichol considered going to university but found his way to a banking job that allowed him to learn about wealth
“I started to learn a bit more about clients that had quite a bit of money, and the common theme among those clients was that they were property investors people that just had normal jobs You might get, get a truck driver and a teacher, and they’re on modest incomes, but they own like four or five properties ” That made him realise he wanted to be a property investor “So everything in my being for the last 20 years has been about property investment and making money off property ” Nicol doesn’t actually recommend that aspirational investors follow his path which he describes as being far too risky for most people
That was the logic behind setting up Opes Partners
I thought there s gotta be a better way for people to get advice and for me to share my experiences with people ”
So 13 years ago he started the property investment advice company
The company has grown dramatically, as has his own portfolio
other third and then we went house shopping
The numbers are bigger now, he concedes
But it s too easy to look back and compare what the relevant number 20 years ago with the numbers now, he says
Opes Partners founder, property investor Andrew Nicol.
did it the same way, hustling She worked as a waitress Then she worked at a day spa After school She worked for her mom’s company ”
There s no special secret to it, he says “I think the secret to success, having owned a number of businesses is work harder than everyone else
investors going out there outbidding first-home buyers and the first-home buyers just don’t stand a chance That s just not the case
There are currently more firsthome buyers in the market than there have been in generations, he says “I do think we should be encouraging first-home buyers I think the problem with first-home buyers sometimes is that it’s hard and nowadays we don’t like it when something s hard and we don’t work towards it, we just complain ”
The other issue many economic commentators have with New Zealand s property obsession is that it is non-productive, inflating Australian bank profits and draining our current account
Shouldn t we aim to be more sophisticated in our investing habits?
I think there is some truth to that, Nicol says “I think that we need to be better savers, and we do need to have a bit more of an understanding of our managed funds
But it will take a long time to reeducate people, he says
He’s come a long way from the first investment he made in Christchurch 22 years ago So have the numbers involved in buying a house
“The first house I ever bought at 19, was $230,000 I only needed to have a 5% deposit ” he says
“I managed to save about twothirds of my deposit And my girlfriend at the time, she d saved the
“The way I did it is I hustled until I could achieve what I wanted to achieve, and too many people make an excuse for themself and say well I’m not buying back then It’s too expensive now ”
“Houses are expensive That ll be the biggest transaction you make in your life It should be hard ”
But it remains achievable he says
“I met a girl the other day on our podcast and she bought her property at 18 She s better than me And she
“There s no magic bullet to making money You’ve just gotta grind ” Nicol is well aware that some of his comments upset people and that property developers are polarising in New Zealand
“It’s become a bit of a political football [There’s] the whole argument is that it’s hard for first-home buyers and there seems to be this misconception out there I think it it is a little bit of political spin That grubby
“So for most of us, we’ve made our money through property accidentally We bought a house because we wanted somewhere to live It went up in value and we’ve made some money So then it s natural to have that bias towards well it worked for me, then great, I’m gonna go do it again ”
Money Talks is available on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The Foundation is about retirement without compromise It is a place for you to enjoy your retirement years with security, vitality and engagement The Nathan Residences are now complete, and plans are available for the next stage - Abbott Residences
Adult-Only P&O Cruises Half-World Voyage from Southampton to Sydney with London City Escape
Your Holiday Includes
Full-Board Cruise
48 night full-board adultonly cruise on board Arcadia
Visiting: Southampton, Lisbon, Madeira, Tenerife, Saint Vincent, Praia, Dakar, Walvis Bay, Cape Town (overnight in port), Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Réunion, Port Louis, Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney (overnight in port)
Complimentary Inside to Sea View upgrade
Complimentary Hotel Stay
1 night four-star hotel stay in London at The Tower Hotel London
Complimentary Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Auckland departure –regional flights available Overnight flight
Your Holiday Includes
Full-Board Cruise
21 night full-board cruise on board Queen Victoria
Visiting*: Barcelona, Toulon, Livorno, Ibiza, Valencia, Barcelona, Alghero, Ajaccio, Messina Strait (scenic cruising), Messina, Salerno, Civitavecchia, Messina Strait (scenic cruising), Kefalonia, Corfu, Kotor, Split, Trieste Hotel Stays
1 night
2 night four-star hotel
in Lake Iseo at the Araba Fenice
3 night four-star stay in Lake Maggiore at the Zacchera Hotels Collection
All hotel stays include breakfast
Escorted Tour
Lake Como tour
Rail Journey
Scenic rail journey through the Swiss Alps on board the Bernina Red Train
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Auckland
hy intelligence goes yond school grades 19 h ey 18-19
Woman’s spiral into eating disorder and how social media algorithms inflamed it
Eva de Jong
plastic surgery the effect it had on her was always the same
hen Rose s eating disorder began spiralling out of control, her phone seemed to know too
Each time she opened Instagram or TikTok, there were endless images of flawless bodies and flat toned stomachs at all angles that she mindlessly absorbed It didn’t matter if the images were photoshopped or were selling a product or advertisement and that most of the influencers had undergone extensive
When she looked for recipes or meals, the algorithm would start feeding her diet content and What I Eat in A Day” videos
“They’d be standing there in their sports bra chopping their courgettes with the cutest little waist and I’d just think I need that ” she said Rose’s feed became a very dark hole she would crawl into “I can’t separate myself from what I’m seeing on my phone it’s just too hard I might start off looking at pictures of dogs but eventually I’d get
a model in nice clothes and I d flick over to my main page and it’d be people doing body checks and I d start comparing myself ” She says it brought on a feeling of terrible pressure, like the air was being sucked out of her lungs, reminding her that she needed to purge or starve herself to be worthy enough It got progressively worse When Rose’s mother died in 2012 it was like the floodgates opening Her mother had also dealt with anorexia so extreme dieting behaviours were normalised for Rose
After her mother s death, Rose developed bulimia with bingeing and vomiting tendencies that became a vicious cycle
When she traces back to the time when her eating disorder began spiralling, it correlated with spending more hours on Instagram
She was 17 years old and had little adult supervision around her making her slide into harmful habits even deeper
“One hundred per cent of my daily thinking just became about food and how to avoid it, or how to get the food and purge it ” Rose said
Everything is punishment It is just the most shameful thing, and you hide it from everyone You become increasingly insulated and distant from the whole world
” New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic director Kellie Lavender says the past decade has revealed a disturbing trend
“It’s a massive increase ” Lavender said
“Quite frighteningly for the first time recently, research from Australia highlighted that over 11 000
individuals in the the five to nine-year-old age group presented with an eating disorder.”
Previously, data had not even been captured for this age group due to there being such low levels of presentations for eating disorders.
A University of Otago study found a four-fold increase in eating disorder hospitalisations between 2009 and 2024.
Evidence from 50 studies in 17 countries in a 2023 international report indicated social media usage led to body image concerns, eating disorders and disordered eating.
Lavender says that lack of conclusive research means it is difficult to conclude that social media is the reason behind the rise in eating disorders because the causative factors of the illness are highlycomplex.
However, the growth of eating disorders in New Zealand’s population marks a troubling reality for young people living in a world dominated by social media.
Auckland University research
fellow Dr Samantha Marsh, who devotes her spare time to research into social media harm, says algorithms are designed to produce endlessly refreshing, highly personalised content that is based on the model of slot machines at a casino.
“A recent study showed that about 80% of girls say that when they’re on those platforms, it’s had a negative impact on the way they view themselves and how they look,” Marsh said.
Instead of seeing a balance of posts, a person with an eating disorder will inevitably see online content they are obsessing over or even trying to avoid.
“The content isn’t about what is of interest to you necessarily, it’s what people can’t look away from. Outrage, disgust and being scared by something are things we pay attention to,” Marsh said.
The algorithm will pick up on the fact a person with an eating disorder is hovering on, liking or commenting on nutrition-related content and push even more of these posts to their feed, she says.
Starship Children’s Hospital child psychiatrist and paediatrician Hiran Thabrew works with severe cases of young people who have spent time in hospital for eating disorders
Thabrew says the highest risk group for adverse mental health effects from social media is women and younger girls, specifically 13 to 15-year-old girls.
However, the rise of pro-steroid, muscle-building gym content on TikTok and other apps could be driving rates of body dysmorphia in young males due to increased exposure to unrealistic body types.
“For boys, it’s not quite the same. It’s not so much being thin as having abs and having muscles. Those perceptions of muscularity and certain shapes are becoming more apparent,” Thabrew said.
“It’s the sportier boys who are very much into gym culture that are the most vulnerable subgroup.”
In her assessments with patients at the clinic, Lavender asks them about their social media habits and whether they follow “thinspiration” or “fitspiration” influencers. “The look is validated and glorified, it almost becomes like an achievement, the less calories you have or the thigh gap,” she said.
In a first-of-its-kind research study in February 2025, University of Sydney senior lecturer and dietitian Dr Rajshri Roy examined 250 different posts regarding nutrition trends on TikTok.
The study found that TikTok’s policies failed to prevent misleading nutrition content from going viral, allowing harmful posts to gain traction before being factchecked or removed.
Dr Samantha Marsh says algorithms are designed to produce endlessly refreshing, highly personalised content that is based on the model of slot machines at a casino.
Photo / Dean Purcell
Sensationalised or controversial nutrition claims often attracted more attention, particularly on platforms that were driven by virality, like TikTok.
Of the 250 posts, 90% failed to point out the risks and benefits of the advice presented.
Weight-loss content was the most prevalent topic, making up 34% of posts.
Health and wellness influencers produced 32% of the posts, whereas just 5% were from dietitians and 3% from health professionals.
Roy said adolescent girls were particularly at risk.
“In terms of what exactly is causing this, there still needs to be further research but social comparison, internalisation of appearance ideals and self-objectification seem to be the mechanisms connecting social media use to eating disorder risk,” she said.
From Lavender’s perspective, the amount of time a person was spending on social media was crucial, as higher phone use could lead to increased feelings of pressure to uphold or achieve a certain body standard.
“It feels like we’re swimming upstream in terms of trying to change people’s attitudes to what beauty is,” she said.
“That seduction of the beauty ideal is so powerful. That you’re going to be happier, that you’re going to have more friends and more romantic options.”
Often, the content being delivered to people was highly aesthetic and hidden beneath the veil of a “wellness lifestyle”
that was innocently sharing healthy eating tips or fitness advice.
However, much of the messaging focused obsessively on extreme fitness goals, weight loss or obtaining muscle
‘
The look is validated and glorified, it almost becomes like an achievement, the less calories you have or the thigh gap.
Thabrew agrees, adding that social media companies were probably “quite agnostic” about what was on their sites, which made it difficult when it came to reforming the harm caused by platforms.
“It’s really hard, isn’t it, when it comes to those companies because they’re there to make money and they make it off of their algorithms and how much people interact with things.”
Among experts, there’s a general consensus that a link exists between social media use and New Zealand’s increase in eating disorders, but in terms of how to address the harmful content, there’s no clear answer.
For some specialists, it’s important that the pressure gets placed on tech companies to reform their algorithms, but others believe individuals need to monitor their own content and young people should be educated on the potential harms.
Lavender
New Zealand Eating Disorders Clinic director Kellie
mass in unhealthy ways for males and, overall, equated body goals with personal success.
Marsh said social media companies were making upwards of $11 billion per year through advertising to children alone.
“In order to make their product safer, they’re going to have to take away all the things that hold attention and that’s their business model,” she said.
“I kind of see it a little bit like tobacco companies, where it would be like getting them to take out the nicotine from their products it’s never going to happen.”
Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora, who spent most of her teenage years fighting anorexia, says social media can also be a source of hope for people.
“Social media isn’t inherently good or bad and there isn’t a single cause of eating disorders, but for many young people, it can add another layer of complexity,” Mora said.
“Content like ‘What I Eat in A Day’ videos and body checking aren’t helpful and can be really triggering, especially for someone already struggling.
“But I’ve also seen the flipside of social media where people find stories like their own and, through that realise they’re not alone, and are encouraged to reach out for help.”
Thabrew said there were positive aspects of social media such as increased
Health data showed Maori accessed treatment at disproportionately low rates.
“Eating disorders seem to be underidentified among Maori, in part due to stereotypes about who is impacted by eating disorders,” it said in the report
An Auckland University study highlighted a 50% increase in hospital admissions for eating disorders during the Covid lockdowns, also disproportionally affecting Maori.
Grady said Health NZ had invested significantly in easy-to-access primary mental health services such as early intervention access and choice services, including integrated services accessed through GPs and Maori, Pacific and youth services.
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey is currently working on a refresh of New Zealand’s eating disorders strategy, which has not been updated for 16 years.
The strategy document Future DirectionsforEating DisordersServices is due to be published in September.
Grady said it would help to identify opportunities for service improvement and highlight areas for future investment
TikTok other could rates of dysmor young
health literacy and a sense of connection or community for isolated individuals.
“I think parents have a big role in terms of making social media available to kids in an age-appropriate manner and also keeping an eye on what their kids are using and watching,” he said.
Roy said placing the burden on young people or parents to moderate their social media exposure was “unrealistic and inequitable”, because of the scale and speed of algorithm-driven content.
“I personally think tech companies must increase transparency and take
Voices of Hope co-founder Genevieve Mora spent most of her teenage years fighting anorexia.
accountability for how their algorithms amplify inaccurate, harmful content, especially when engagement is prioritised over credibility,” she said.
“I also believe that governments have a role to play in regulating digital environments, ensuring platforms implement stronger safeguards around health information and partner with experts to elevate evidence-based content.”
Research in this area was limited as algorithmic models on these platforms were notoriously hard to access, because the companies weren’t transparent with them she said.
An international trend of increasing demand for eating disorder services was being experienced in New Zealand as well, according to Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora mental health and addictions service enhancement national director Phil Grady.
“Eating disorders vary in intensity, severity and duration and most individuals with an eating disorder can be treated on an outpatient basis,” Grady said.
“When a person is referred to a specialist service, they are triaged, with people who have the highest need prioritised and seen urgently.”
Mora said the eating disorder sector was “incredibly under-resourced”, both in funding and in specialist support.
“We see too many individuals struggling alone because they either don’t meet outdated criteria for care or the services simply don’t have capacity to support them,” she said.
“There are so many passionate, dedicated people working in this space doing everything they can, but the reality
is there just isn’t enough access for the number of people who need help.”
In Budget 2022, the Government allocated $3.95 million over four years to increase staffing for clinical roles in specialist eating disorder services.
This was the last significant investment the Government has made into eating disorder services.
Grady said “recruitment was ongoing” and had always been planned to be staged over four years.
To date, 6.2 fulltime-equivalent (FTE) roles had been recruited of 8.5 additional FTE roles budgeted for the 2024/25 financial year.
In a briefing report to the Minister of Health from the Ministry of Health and Health NZ in March 2024, data showed many services responding to eating disorders were “under significant demand pressure”.
“The regional specialist model offers high-quality support but requires some people to travel away from family and other support to receive treatment and at times struggles to meet demand in a timely manner,” the report said.
“Medical re-feeding services provided in general hospitals are often not well equipped to manage the demand and complexities related to people who experience an eating disorder.”
Mora said early intervention for eating disorders was key and the services needed to reflect that.
There was also concerning evidence of inequity in treatment for Maori with eating disorders.
A report published by the Journalof EatingDisorders last year said that Maori experienced eating disorders at higher rates than non-Maori however Ministry of
‘I caused so much damage to my body’
At 31, Rose is now dealing with the aftermath of 15 years of an eating disorder consuming her life.
In the grips of her illness, she began pushing people away who would ask too many questions, leaving her extremely isolated in adulthood.
“With an eating disorder, you’re not really living with your values, you might say you’re an honest person but you’re lying all the time and hiding it from people,” she said.
Recovery has now become essential to her and she feels as if part of that process requires her to relearn how to be an adult. Time she once spent unwittingly devoted to her illness is now empty and she is trying to fill it with new hobbies and lasting friendships.
However, the damage caused by her illness is not just emotional it has had a lasting impact on her body. She has been fitted with veneers to replace the eroded enamel of her teeth caused by vomiting.
Prolonged periods of malnutrition have led to her developing osteopenia a condition where bone density is lower than normal, and she is dealing with ongoing gastrointestinal issues due to the harm to her digestive system.
Fertility is a big question mark for Rose and she is unsure whether she will be able to easily have children in the future.
“I caused so much damage to my body,” she said.
Lavender said eating disorders like anorexia were critical illnesses that caused severe and potentially chronic outcomes for individuals.
They were “incredibly dangerous” she said.
Rose made the decision to deactivate her Instagram and TikTok accounts to protect herself from harmful, triggering content and since doing this, she says she has been “much happier”.
She has found she is naturally comparing herself less to others.
Of course she wants to be on these apps most of her friends are on them but her newfound ignorance of what is trending has been worth it.
Despite the fact she struggles to think positively about the look of her body, she keeps reminding herself its healthy functioning will enable her to be physically capable and to live well.
She is eager to take up horse riding and find exercise that will bring her joy.
It’s not an easy road ahead and she is attending regular sessions with an eating disorder specialist in the hopes of making a full recovery.
For now, her thoughts are a little quieter.
●Rose’s name was changed for this story to protect her anonymity.
With his first book, Disobedient Teaching, Welby Ings reshaped the way we think about education. In his new book, Invisible Intelligence, he tells Greg Bruce we ’ re thinking about intelligence all wrong, and why ‘love matters’.
The first thing Welby Ings wants you to know is that your child s grades tell you nothing about their intelligence
He should know He couldn t read or write until he was 15 and believed he was dumb, but went on to get a PhD and build a glittering career in academia
Ings says he wasn t dyslexic or lazy he just processed language differently He preferred to draw and make things than to write about them
Although he saw himself as a failure for failing to meet what the system deemed to be the “correct” pace of learning he says his parents and two of his teachers refused to believe there was anything wrong with him. Their support prevented him from opting out He went on to teacher s college, then got a degree in design, and finally gained his PhD from AUT in 2005
He is now a professor at AUT and has received a spate of awards including the Prime Minister s Award for Tertiary Teaching Excellence, the NZ Government Award for Sustained Tertiary Teaching Excellence and the inaugural AUT medal for his contribution to learning and research
In other words, Ings is now in the delicate situation of having reached the very pinnacle of a system he is deeply critical of
He qualified as a teacher in 1976 and went on to teach in both primary and secondary schools but “fled” those environments where he was forced to test and score children by measures he didn’t agree with and “wriggled” his way into the corner of education where he no longer has to Now, he supervises PhD candidates who are given the greatest amount of time to develop their ideas and who receive feedback rather than grades I taught woodwork in a class with 28 people I know what that is, and I know that you can t really do a good job You can do an adequate job
‘It’s not the only
You can help people, but the logistics are not right You just can’t You can t do it
He rejects the accoutrements of traditional education: standardised assessment regimes, grading, prepackaged “teacher-proof” curricula, streaming and milestoning
“Don t think that the comparative grades that come back from school are an adequate description of your child ” he says “Don’t fall into that trap Be very careful about milestones because every one of us is unique and the milestones are there to systematise something They’re not there to understand the complexity of the human being They’re there to
set up a system And if your child doesn’t meet the walking deadline the talking deadline, the spelling level, the maths computation . . They may not be flawed They might just not be meeting that milestone It s not the only milestone It’s not the only road ” Ings suggests that rather than trying to make children into an ideal as defined by the system, parents should instead try to understand their children s strengths and use those as building blocks It s what we call an appreciative approach It’s not soft It’s a strengthbased way of looking at education ”
Ings says his new book is not a manifesto (“I’m too flawed to be writing a manifesto”) but he believes the goal of education is to “enable the most luxuriant growth from the seed of a human being”. To teachers, he says, you should “know the limitations of the system so well that you can work to the advantage of people who are in that system so you achieve as close as possible to the same thing”.
Ings describes himself as a “humanist” and learning as a “human endeavour”. He believes effective teaching is to be found inside human relationships. He says learning is “embodied and it’s social, and it’s emotional”. What it’s not, he says, is “cognitive mechanics”.
“It seems to me that the bottom line is that learning and the growth of learning is a human activity undertaken in close proximity between human beings.” He doesn’t believe a grand redesign of the education system will fix it, and neither does he believe in “reformist visions”. He believes we should be “infecting the system with higher levels of humanity”.
In InvisibleIntelligence, he writes of the importance of things that don’t get mentioned much in discussions about education, such as love.
“Love matters. When you are struggling as a learner, this love often feels like belief… You cling to someone else’s belief in you when your own faith is no longer strong enough.” Besides love he believes time and
work are the other critical elements in an effective education.
Ings says now: “Of those three things, school is only well equipped for the last one: work. It’s hugely under-resourced for time and it’s under-resourced I know it sounds strange for love. Because that requires you to know somebody, and when you’ve got 28 people in your class, it’s very difficult, and that class is going to either change at the end of an hour or at the end of the year. It’s not fair to ask somebody to have that level of insight.”
But is all this really necessary? Is our system really so flawed?
Plenty of New Zealanders have excelled at school, got good grades and gone on to successful careers. Is it wrong for these people to hope for the same for their children? To them,
Ings says:
“I’ve taught your kids. They come in here with their golden trajectory glowing behind them and they’re terrified. They’ve learned strategy. And when it comes to actually having independent thought, they’re afraid to take risks, they’re afraid to go into the unknown. They become disparaging as a defence, or dismissive, going: ‘That’s rubbish. I’m not interested in that’.
“They’re deeply injured. They’re some of the most difficult people to help heal Because they have learned strategies to conform to an ideal of what intelligence is and it has disabled their ability to really think.”
Ings rarely talks about the economic value of education, either for the person receiving the education, or for the country as a whole.
In announcing the defunding of humanities and social sciences from the Marsden Fund earlier this year, Judith Collins, in her capacity as Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, said the changes were being made to help “lift our economic growth” and said, “We are focused on a system that supports growth, and a science sector that drives high-tech, high-productivity, high-value businesses and jobs.”
Ings says New Zealand has a long history of electing business leaders to positions of power: “Too often we trust the leadership of a nation to people who have shown expertise in business. But a nation is not a business. It’s not a business. It’s much more than that.”
“When people would start using that language like ‘We fix it with growth’ or that the solution will lie economically, you go. ‘How’s that going for you?”
The point of Ings’ book is not to suggest that what our children are taught in school is wrong, but that much of value is not taught at all, and that, as a result, the system is failing too many people. Intelligence is diverse, he says, and we need to be careful about labelling things as problems when they are just signs of difference.
“Talent that looks very different is vulnerable. It’s vulnerable. And it’s vulnerable to systems that say it’s redundant talent.”
He says more than a third of the PhD candidates he supervises are managing physical or mental health issues.
“These are brilliant brilliant people. And they have risen inside this antithetical system called the Academy. They’ve risen and they are uneven. It’s part of their brilliance that they are uneven. An education for them is about knowing what you’re good at so you can work out how to most productively use what you have, so you know where the gaps are that have to be filled in and you can fill them with the minimum that’s needed to get them working.”
Great sportspeople succeed, he says, not because they’re excellent in every aspect of sport, but because they’ve used their strengths and filled in the gaps to achieve success in the area in which they’re strongest.
“They take an appreciative approach. And it’s interesting because we see it in very high-end performance stuff. We know it Yet we don’t necessarily do it in education.”
Ings is primarily known as a teacher and thinker but he is also a designer, a filmmaker, a writer and a creator. He says he wants to leave something of value in the world, and he is very specific about what he wants that to be: craft He is involved with, and attracted to, craft across many fields: thought, design, literature, furniture, film, music.
“And one of the reasons is that craft often lasts and craft can transcend momentary flickers of fashion. It can go beyond those things. So I try to leave behind crafted things, knowing that they are all flawed. They’re not ideals, but I’m proud of them.
“Everything I look at I can still find the flaw in it. I can still go: ‘I should have cut that scene, that beat.’ I was reading something that I’ve written years and years ago and thinking, ‘Oh shit! That’s terrible! It’s terrible!’ And you go: ‘No, no, it’s not terrible. There are things that you’d change now…”’
As a self-described optimist, he believes all this is fixable and says the first thing that needs to happen is a change in the ratio of teachers to students. He also believes in using new and emerging systems to cut down on the administrative load so teachers have more time to be with students “growing the garden” instead of “counting how much fertiliser there is in the shed out the back”.
Ings is trying to articulate something valuable about the idea of value, but it’s not immediately clear exactly what that is. He tells a story about a moment a few years ago, when he was at a film festival in Scandinavia that was screening one of his films. At the time, he thought he was about to lose his job at AUT.
“The cinema screen there goes just beyond your peripheral vision, so you see the whole film with all your vision, and the sound was brilliant and I sat there naked in a room full of people on the other side of the world, knowing that they could see my imagination with all this exquisite clarity, and I was terrified and proud at the same time.”
This is of value, he says, “Because it reminds us of what we can be”. What he doesn’t need to add: like a great teacher.
Foreign tourists will now face a $20 to $40 fee when they visit some of the country’s most popular sites and walking tracks
It’s an idea that has been discussed for several years
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon finally announced the new charge at the National Party conference in Christchurch yesterday afternoon
The fees will apply to Department of Conservation (DoC) sites, initially to Cathedral Cove/Te Whanganui-a-Hei, the Tongariro Crossing, the Milford Track and Aoraki Mt Cook
Those who have been lucky enough to visit these sites know how busy they have become as years have passed
According to Conservation Minister Tama Potaka, foreigners can now make up 80% of the total visitors
It’s only right then that if we are willing to open up our precious places and taonga for the world, then the world should help us maintain them for future generations
Tourists make a massive contribution to our economy, and no one wants that to change Potaka said But I have heard many times from friends visiting from overseas their shock that they can visit some of the most beautiful places in the world for free
Many of us have travelled overseas and are familiar with the idea of paying a similar fee to see a country’s great sights
Having often spent thousands of dollars on airfares already, it would take a particular type of Scrooge to mutter and
Who would have thought butter would become such a hot topic? But it has. It’s reminiscent of the toilet paper frenzy at the start of the Covid pandemic, although that was caused by the fear of being caught short, while now, it’s the high price of an everyday staple that has got people riled up.
In her opinion article, “The slippery slope that is butter” Heather du PlessisAllan says: “We are being irrational about the price of butter,” and “We simply have to pay the price that we pay.” I agree.
I’d suggest those who are concerned about it look at what’s in their trolley before going to the checkout, and remove an impulse item or a non-essential item. The money saved by doing that will offset the butter price increase.
LorraineKidd,Warkworth.
Heather du Plessis-Allan obviously does not bake, telling us to use margarine or plant-based alternatives to butter. I bake one cake and one batch of biscuits a week Butter has two ingredients: milk and salt. A plant-based substitute: 10 ingredients, plus preservatives and colouring If you need to melt a butter substitute, it melts as water. Try making a white sauce using an alternative to butter. Yes, I do moan about the price of butter, but I will not use “chemical butter”, preferring a natural and NZ-made product. WendyGalloway,Omokoroa.
moan about paying a $20 to $40 fee
The money that is generated from this scheme, however, must be used to help protect and maintain these places
Potaka said it would result in up to $62 million per year in revenue and he promised it would be “directly reinvested into DoC sites
Every tourist operator and Kiwi should ensure they hold this and the next government to that promise
Another promise was that New Zealanders would not be hit with the charge We already enjoy similar schemes with some of our museums
The foreign tourist fee should be an easy political win for the Government, and Luxon is unlikely to face any serious opposition to the move
A no-brainer which now only leaves us wondering why we didn’t make the move sooner
This paper is subject Media Council
● Complaints to formalcomplaints@nzher
● If unsatisfied, referred to the New Council: PO Box Wellington 6143, info@mediacouncil.org.nz
● Details and online at: mediacouncil.org.nz
Winston Peters says immigrants are changing the fabric of our society. I wonder if he has been to Middlemore Hospital recently?
We have, of necessity, spent much of the past three weeks there. Were it not for immigrants, the whole fabric of the working hospital would collapse. Specialists, doctors, nurses, orderlies. Wonderful, compassionate, skilled people all seem to be from overseas.
Linley Jones is grateful for Middlemore Hospital’s compassionate and skilled staff from overseas but asks where are the New Zealandtrained health professionals.
Photo / Jason Dorday
But where are the New Zealandtrained health professionals? Why are NZ graduating nurses unable to get jobs here? It seems so foolish to spend money training more health workers. Spend the money to entice those already qualified to stay here in NZ. LinleyJones, HalfMoonBay.
1 What is the percentage of the tariffs the US recently placed on NZ goods?
2 Prince once recorded the soundtrack to which superhero movie?
3 In which country did halloumi originate?
4 Mauve is derived from a word in which language?
5 The Pink and White Terraces disappeared after which natural disaster?
6 Who was the first woman to sign with the UFC?
7 Maurice White was the bandleader of which popular funk act?
8 Which 2000s cartoon series features the characters Gazpacho and Shnitzel?
9 What is the powerhouse of the cell?
10 The famous horse Phar Lap died in which country?
Trades v university
I agree with Trevor Green’s letter (July 27) stating that “trades are not secondary to academia but are equal”. In fact, at a time when many university departments seem more intent on indoctrination rather than education, a trade would seem a better bet in a world that wants to ignore objective truths.
His statement taking exception to Chris Hipkins’ derogatory comments about education and the trades would seem to endorse this, given that Hipkins, at one point, had difficulty making an objective comment about how to define a woman.
This from a man who majored in criminology and politics at university. I am pretty sure that any tradie who came to my door to do a job would have no trouble defining a woman. But then again, why would anyone bother to ask the tradie such a question, given that he or she wouldn’t find that necessary to do the job?
BernardWalker,MtMaunganui.
A simple life
Would life be simpler, easier, cheaper, happier and safer without TV, mobile phones, iPads, e-scooters and the coalition Government?
BruceTubb,Devonport.
Are we losing our Kiwi identity?
One has been fortunate enough to spend a few days across the Ditch in the sun.
for less than half price?
Neither It was something entirely different, something that we are fast losing in the big cities our Kiwi identity.
In this instance, it was in Far North Queensland. So, what was the biggest impact: the $1 bus fare from suburb to city or the second bottle of good NZ wine
It was great to see a bus driver get out of his seat and put down a ramp for a woman with a pushchair, and he smiled while doing it. Being able to understand what the shopkeeper said and a “Thanks, darl” to boot. Plus, they walk on the left-hand side of the footpath.
Politicians need to understand that this identity is more important than a few extra measly dollars. RegDempster,Albany.
Speed up the negotiations
Getting those dropkicks (to quote David Seymour) to register early will streamline the process.
So would negotiating with potential coalition partners before an election and sorting out their key non-negotiable issues so the voting public can decide which freak show
they would prefer next three years. Both could speed one by denying v other by increasi choice. Best of all, Australian system voting. Aren’t the majori Seymour claiming “bantamweight” coalition, just tipping 8% support? SteveRussell,Hillcrest. DREAM
BORA BORA for every budget
In this Herald on Sunday series, we ask well-known Aucklanders for their favourite spots in the city. This week, soprano Olivia Forbes takes us on a
Favouritebeach?
I would have to say Whangamata It is always filled with people, no matter the season, and makes for a great spot to swim and people-watch.
Favourite brunchspot?
Blue on Franklin Rd. This hidden gem has incredible European-inspired dishes and a lively atmosphere.
Favourite restaurantfor dinner withfriends?
Coco’s Cantina on K Road. This restaurant is always bustling with people, and the indoor/outdoor seating makes it the perfect spot to go with a big group of friends, no matter the time of year.
Favourite place totake a visitor?
To the top of North Head. Not only do you get an amazing lookout back to the city, but the view out across the harbour is incredible.
Favourite spot tofinish a night out?
I’m not too much of a night owl, so usually I’m tucked up in bed with a cup of peppermint tea.
Favourite place toget coffee?
Beau deli. Great coffee, great food and friendly staff, can’t get much better.
Favourite fish-and-chipshop?
Fishsmith in Herne Bay. This cosy fish and chip shop is perfect for a midwinter meal and the perfect takeaway for a picnic just down the road on Herne Bay Beach in summer.
Favourite trail fora hike? I love Rangitoto. Hop on the ferry and, once you arrive, head up to the crater. It’s a great day trip and the views from the top are stunning.
Favourite venue fora gig?
The Auckland Town Hall. This space caters to performances of all kinds, whether that be dance, acoustic, orchestral, operatic or ensemble, it’s got it all. Equally as good would have to be the Holy Trinity Cathedral: not only is it an acoustic treat as an audience member, but such a special space to perform. It is made for music.
Favourite place tofind a bargain? Any local market I love the Grey Lynn farmers’ market for fresh produce or, if you have the chance, to head up north to the Matakana Saturday markets.
● OliviaForbes joinstheAuckland OperaStudioand FriendsofHoly TrinityCathedralfor aGrandOpera Galaat HolyTrinityCathedral, Parnell,on Friday,August8. Bookticketsat aucklandoperastudio.co.nz
Something s shifted in the Government’s vibe The Beehive’s acting like they’re worried Or panicking
They’re doing weird things Last week it was beating up on the Fonterra CEO
This week it was manufacturing a controversy about farm kids collecting eggs
And announcing an announcement on scaffolding health and safety that was so devoid of detail they were asked to explain what they were actually announcing And then there was banning credit card surcharges
Of all of the above, it s the ban that s going to give them ongoing headaches
On the face of it it s great retail politics
Everyone hates being stung 2% for using the credit card at the sushi shop But there will be consequences
the source of the problem, which is banks and credit card companies charging too much for a basic service
Ministers choosing to beat up on Kiwi retailers instead of sorting out big foreign bankers is bizarre Even more so because SME owners are traditionally National Party and right-leaning voters The Government is burning its own support base here
Which brings us to the weirdness of this It should have been entirely predictable that this would blow back badly So why did they do it?
The surcharge is there because it costs to use your credit card Someone has to pay for it Either you or the retailer
Currently, it’s you in the form of the surcharge After the ban, it ll be the retailer
And we’re talking a lot of money
Interchange fees alone the fees Visa and Mastercard charge suck nearly $1 billion out of New Zealand businesses a year
Interchange fees suck nearly $1 billion out of New Zealand businesses a year.
they’ll get it back by upping the price on products
So, while the Government can sell the story that they re saving consumers money through the ban they’re not
merchant fee Once the ban kicks in the travel agent will essentially be helping the family pay for their holiday
Are they so desperate to get good coverage that they take any half-baked idea pitched at them by a minister at the weekend to announce the following Monday? Did they run out of time to interrogate the idea before announcing it? Or did they anticipate all the problems but ignore them in their desperation to get a cost-of-living announcement out?
It also begs the question why are they so panicked?
The answer is probably that it’s not just the Government’s vibe that has shifted It’s the country’s vibe too
It’s the middle of this Government’s term and the middle of winter and the tail end of a very long and hard recession
Pity the poor travel agents especially
Add what retail banks charge on top of that and we’re talking several billion apparently
One retailer reckons they were paying $2500 a month just in merchant fees
That’s $30 000 a year They realised they were basically subsidising everyone’s credit card loyalty schemes So they introduced the surcharge
No savvy small or medium-sized retailer will suck up a cost like that If they can t get that back through a surcharge,
Let’s say they book flights to London for a family of four at the cost of $15 000 If the family put it on the credit card which most of us would do, there is a $225
So, you can see why retailers are up in arms They re so angry they’ve managed to mobilise the country’s chambers of commerce into banding together in a statement criticising the ban
Their point is a fair one: the Government should really be dealing with
Ministers choosing to beat up on Kiwi retailers instead of sorting out big foreign bankers is bizarre.
The goodwill towards the coalition Government is suddenly depleting It’s possibly recoverable Summer and an economic recovery should improve things again But even when we’re warm and flush it won’t stop the Government stuffing things up itself if it keeps making weird announcements like this
Watch now for how they get out of this And they ll have to They can t be doing this to their own voter base just months out from next year s election
An unpopular government, struggling in the polls and facing the prospect of election defeat in a year’s time, tries to change the law to block 100,000 mostly young and indigenous people from voting
It sounds like something out of a developing country but it’s Aotearoa New Zealand in 2025
Let s be honest, stopping people from voting is the whole point of the Government’s new law
There s no good reason to remove election-day enrolment, which has been in place since 2020 And there’s certainly no reason to remove the ability to enrol during the advance voting period. You ve been able to enrol up to the day before election day since 1993
Trying to make sure only the ‘right’ people are voting is dangerous, antidemocratic thinking.
The Government plans to end election-day enrolment risking access for 100,000 voters.
Photo / Andrew Warner
Maori, disengaged or alienated from the structures of power and wealth in this country because those people are unlikely to vote for a Government that works in the interests of the wealthy and powerful
The idea that election-day enrolment was delaying the official results is also nonsense Whether people update their enrolment details two weeks before the election or on election day that form still has to be processed and their information updated It’s the same amount of workers time, either way The Government can just hire more people to do it after election day, rather than before, and the job will get done on time
leaders in votes for Maori, votes for women, removing the propertyownership test We don’t have people queuing for hours like in the United States
But now the Government wants to use bureaucracy to trip people up and stop them voting Even Judith Collins has said it is wrong: The proposal for a 13-day registration deadline appears to constitute an unjustified limit on s12 of the NZBORA [the right to vote] The accepted starting point is the fundamental importance of the right to vote within a liberal democracy A compelling justification is required to limit that right ”
Since when has the supposedly libertarian Act Party loved bureaucracy? Truth is, we know why the Government is doing this It s a Government that s failing to deliver and fading in the polls
In most recent polls, Labour has been ahead of National Forty-eight per cent of voters say it s time for a new Government
Only 38% want to give this Government a second chance
So they’re trying to screw the scrum in their favour
The Government knows full well that these New Zealanders who have the same right to vote as anyone else, are less likely to be familiar with the rules around registration
Don’t give me the “well they should sort out their enrolment details earlier” line I thought National and Act were against bureaucracy? And now they’re saying you should lose your right to vote unless you know about the bureaucracy of voter enrolment and tick the state’s forms well ahead of time?
We should be making it as easy as possible for people to exercise their right to vote Aotearoa New Zealand has a good record in that regard We were world
The Deputy Prime Minister says you re a “dropkick” if you don t get your registration sorted well before the election But why shouldn t a person be able to come along on election day or in the early voting period cast their vote and, if their enrolment details need updating do it at the same time? Why force us to use an inefficient, two-step process?
David Seymour let it slip with his “dropkicks” comment Act MP Todd Stephenson put it even more bluntly: “It’s outrageous that someone completely disengaged and lazy can rock up to the voting booth get registered there and then and then vote to tax other people’s money away ”
Trying to make sure only the “right” people are voting is dangerous, antidemocratic thinking
We all know this change is about setting up barriers for people who are young
The Government also knows there will be many people, Kiwis not as politically engaged as you and me, dear reader, but no less worthy of the vote, who will turn up to a polling place on election day or during the advance voting period thinking that they can update their registration at the same time as they vote because that s how it has been and they haven t heard about the change and be turned away under this new law
Democracy is meant to be a contest of ideas And it is fundamental to democracy that the voters choose the Government not the other way around
If the Government wants to be reelected, it should give people a reason to vote for it not try to exclude voters it doesn t like
● Shane TePou(NgaiTuhoe) isa commentator,bloggerandformer LabourPartyactivist.
Liam Dann
The trouble is, we re still in the aftermath of the last big spend-up, which went on too long
of recovery are in place
and I m very glad I did
Ive been at home this week with one of those annoyingly complex health issues that keep you guessing and worrying
All those questions and doubts
Am I feeling better? I think so No, maybe not
Are these the right antibiotics? Are the antibiotics making me feel sick?
I do feel a little better I think But it s taking longer than I expected
Maybe I should see the doctor again Or am I just being impatient?
Ugh so much uncertainty
Hopefully, those who’ve tuned in for a fresh read on the state of the economy can see where this is going
Never let a metaphor go by, I say.
Anyway, here’s me and the New Zealand economy, both sick in the midst of a miserable wet winter and worrying about whether our recoveries have stalled
Labour’s stimulus, once we got through the initial Covid shock, did clash with a private sector boom and exacerbated inflation
That muddied the political narrative
It made it inevitable that the incoming centre-right coalition would cut back despite the extra damage that would do to economic growth
In the context of using fiscal policy to drive economic prosperity, you can make a good case that successive governments have got things completely arse about face
You’d expect this argument from the left
But Christopher Luxon and Nicola Willis are being savaged even more aggressively from their right flank
The monetarists, the supply-side guys, the neo-liberals (whatever you want to call them) are berating the Government for not dealing with the national debt and Crown deficit by administering a
Step back a bit from the mess of ugly recent economic data the second quarter sucked we get it!
What are we actually experiencing?
The labour market is tough Unemployment is rising, and new job creation is almost non-existent
But this is not a surprise In fact, while economists do get things wrong, they ve been forecasting unemployment to be about where it is now for more than a year
We know it’s one of the last pieces of data to turn in any recovery
Unfortunately, it is now overlapping with an unwanted and unexpected spike in inflation
Like a jump scare in the final scene of a horror movie food prices (with rates and power and insurance) have conspired to pause Reserve Bank rate cuts and rattled our faith in the recovery
Then there are tariffs and global unrest and all of that
It s not really surprising that it all feels bleak
As anyone with Australian cousins will know sometimes it s healthy to be slapped in the face with a slightly condescending, external view of the New Zealand condition
Bloxham told me his forecasts currently make him one of the gloomiest economists on Australian growth
However, he’s one of the most positive on New Zealand growth
Last year New Zealand had the single largest contraction of any economy in the developed world, Bloxham points out
That inevitably comes with a hangover But if you believe in the fundamentals of the New Zealand economy which he does there is no reason to assume the cycle won t turn
“I suspect why I’m a little bit more upbeat than others is I sit in Sydney and watch it from the outside and go: hey you’ve got two big forces at work that are set to continue to lift growth and give you a recovery,” he says
No prizes for guessing those two forces falling interest rates and booming agricultural commodity prices.
The money flowing into the rural economy must eventually flow through to the cities and lift growth, Bloxham says
A run of negative data has knocked the wind out of the nation’s sails
The bad vibes are being pushed along by a strong political current
Both the left and right are telling us that the Government has prescribed the wrong medicine
The left blames the Government for cutting spending into a downturn
The logic is pretty simple
Hey, you’ve got two big forces at work that are set to continue to lift growth and give you a recovery.
Paul Bloxham on NZ’s economy
Rogernomics-style reboot of the whole economy
It won t happen overnight, but it will happen (my words, not his)
We ve had a big downswing, which means we re due a pretty big upswing to get back to trend he says
And we’ve got monetary policy and the terms of trade in place to drive that cyclical upswing
Any good Keynesian will tell you, when demand in the private sector falls that s the time for the Government to come to the party
Borrow a bit more, don’t slash and burn civil service hire more teachers and nurses, build more stuff it won’t be inflationary because it won’t be crowding out private sector competition which is in recession
I doubt that would make the current downturn any more pleasant, but they argue it couldn’t be much worse And the payoff would be longer-term gains as the economy found a more productive and financially secure baseline
Both arguments can be compelling and if nothing else add to the concern that the current strategy of subtle marketoriented tweaks risks underdelivering on all sides
But through all of this gloom one thing we need to remember is that most economists still believe the foundations
So it s a bit ironic to be writing an optimistic take on the economy, especially given the rough week stuck at home that I‘ve just had
My view wouldn t have been so upbeat if I hadn t been woken from my sick bed on Friday morning by a text from investment bank HSBC s Australian head of communications
He was asking how far away I was from my scheduled meeting with their global chief economist Janet Henry and and Australia-New Zealand chief economist Paul Bloxham
Oops I was a long way away
But they kindly let me Zoom in later
All cycles look different We always ask the same question going through: oh, it’s not quite happening as quickly as we thought
“The question you ask yourself is: is that because it’s not working? Is it that interest rates aren’t going to have the same effect? That a positive-terms-oftrade shock won’t have the same effect? Or are things just a bit different this time around?”
Great question And look the sun’s finally out and I think my head’s clearing Time to go for a walk and ponder it all
KiwiSaver’s $110 billion fund isn’t benefiting self-employed Kiwis equally due to the lack of employer contributions.
With $110 billion in funds under management and growing KiwiSaver is making a dent in Kiwis retirement shortfall but there s one group of New Zealanders who aren t benefiting to the same extent
Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders are self-employed according to Infometrics it’s about one in six workers
For them, there is no “employer” to match their contributions, which significantly diminishes the attractiveness of KiwiSaver and the pace at which their funds grow
Many in that situation opt to only contribute the amount required to get the maximum Government tax credit (and some don’t even do that) But in this year’s Budget that tax credit was halved meaning you’ll get a maximum of $260 72 from the Government provided you contribute at least $1042 86/year (and earn under $180,000)
While that further waters down the appeal for the self-employed in fairness it s still a 25% return and even before that change if that was all you were saving for retirement, you d likely fall short of what you need
A report from the Retirement Commission last year suggested the Government increase its contribution for those who don’t benefit from employermatching but I wouldn t hold your breath, especially when time is of the essence
So, if you’re self-employed, what should you be doing with your KiwiSaver to ensure you re on track for retirement?
Start withsome number crunching
I know, I know, “figure out how much you’ll need” sounds like tired advice. But it can be difficult to prioritise money going anywhere except into your bank account to fund your current existence unless you have a clear idea of why directing it elsewhere is essential.
That starts with figuring out how much you might need in retirement and what you’re currently on track to have.
Websites like Sorted have brilliant calculators that can help you establish how much you’d have each week in retirement based on your current KiwiSaver settings a number that might provide a wake-up call
Consider the beststrategy for contributing
One of the biggest challenges when you’re self-employed is managing income fluctuations.
Some months are killer, some are anaemic and it’s tricky to manage even just your regular fixed costs amid those ups and downs, let alone KiwiSaver.
It’s therefore worth considering how to make it work for your situation to ensure it happens. For example, you could contribute a percentage of every invoice, so when times are lean less goes in, and vice versa.
You could align payments based on the seasonality of your income or contribute a percentage of your profits when you do your GST (if GST registered) to ensure they happen.
You could do a lump sum before the annual KiwiSaver balance date of June 30, but often big dollops of money are harder to find than smaller, regular amounts.
Whichever method you choose, double check before June 30 that at the
absolute minimum you’ll qualify for the maximum Government tax credit.
Review yourfund type
I’m beating a familiar drum here, I know but I still come across people in their 40s who have perplexingly chosen “conservative” funds, when they have decades before they can access their KiwiSaver, and are potentially missing out on significant returns. Don’t make the same mistake.
Consider a company structure
I’ll preface this point by saying: get good accounting advice, as there are many things to consider here aside from just your KiwiSaver.
But to get you thinking if you’re operating as a sole trader, you and the business are one and the same, whereas if you form a company, the business is a separate legal entity.
If you only take drawings from that company, as many business owners do, anything you put into KiwiSaver will be considered a drawing and taxed accordingly.
However, if you pay yourself a PAYE salary as an employee of your company, the company contributes the “employer” side of your KiwiSaver contributions, which becomes a tax-deductible business expense (noting here that employers pay an Employment Superannuation Contribution Tax based on the employee’s tax rate, reducing the amount that goes
into the employee’s account).
This isn’t about avoiding tax but using legitimate structures to ensure you utilise a system that is currently not designed well for anyone who isn’t an employee. But I repeat take professional advice.
Can you sellyour business?
KiwiSaver may not make up the entirety of your retirement nest egg even if you are an employee, benefiting from employer contributions, but the case for diversification goes double for those in business and contributing less and your business could be one of those irons on the fire.
For many small business owners, however, you are the business and as soon as you’re not working in it, it ceases to make money or be worth anything. But some could grow their business into something that has a life beyond their working years, and therefore potentially have some realisable value. I’m peppering in “some” “could” and “potentially” because it isn’t necessarily easy. It involves succession planning, investing in business assets, systems, IP, keeping personal costs separate, maximising profit, perhaps vendor financing.
In short, it’s not a small task, but if you have enough time and energy, there’s potential. Just don’t make it your only plan business cycles can disrupt even the best-laid plans which is why including KiwiSaver in your retirement planning mix is still worth considering.
High listing volumes and uncertainty in the employment market and wider economy have blunted the effect of falling interest rates
New Zealand s house prices are stuck in a rut, despite lower interest rates providing buyers with access to more credit That’s good news for first-home buyers but challenging for vendors who bought at the height of the market
The latest figures from OneRoof and its data partner, Valocity, highlight the sluggishness in the housing market, a year after the country’s major banks began cutting mortgage rates
The nationwide average property value fell 0 1% ($1000) annually to $961 000 with the last three months particularly challenging for sellers as values dropped nearly 1%.
Of the country’s 16 regions, only six recorded annual property value growth with the strongest lifts in West Coast (+3%), Canterbury (+2 3% and now back to market peak), and Southland (+2%)
Property values in just one North Island region, Taranaki, increased year-on-year, although only slightly, at 0 1%
Northland values were flat, but property values across the rest of the North Island were down on average 1% Wellington was hardest hit, with its average property value dropping 4% ($35,000) to $845,000
Auckland’s average property value dropped 0 7% ($9000) to $1 27 million largely driven by a harsh winter market, which has seen values drop by almost 2% over the last three months
Just two regions saw value growth in the three months to the end of July Canterbury up 0 6% and Northland, up 1 1% driven by increased sales activity by firsthome buyers in Kaipara and the Far North, and some big-ticket sales in the Bay of Islands
Keeping a lid on price growth in many regions (and actively depressing prices in others) are high listing volumes and uncertainty in the employment market and wider economy
These have blunted the effect of falling interest rates FOMO, briefly at play in October and November last year, is largely absent with buyers in no hurry to purchase
Those holding out for a bargain have benefited from favourable buying conditions not least of which is cheaper credit
Since July 2024 the average oneyear rate has dropped by two percentage points from just over 7% to 5%, while the average 18-month rate has dropped from almost 7% to below 5% The OCR, over the same period was reduced from 5 5% to
Hawke’s Bay $785000 -0 60% ManawatuWhanganui $604,000 -0 80%
Marlborough $765000 -1 80%
Nelson $795,000 -1 50%
Northland
Source:
3 25%, its lowest level in three years
Market commentators are increasingly finding the market to be one of the friendliest in years for firsthome buyers
Independent economist and OneRoof columnist Tony Alexander has commented, following recent surveys of real estate agents and investors: “First-home buyers face relatively little competition in the market and time is on their side “Investor interest in the market is weak because maintenance costs including meeting Healthy Homes standards rates and insurance are high Tenants are also perceived to be in short supply and the ability to raise rents to recoup higher costs is limited ”
The triumph of first-time buyers is evident in Christchurch, where relatively affordable prices and access to employment have helped lift the city s average property value by almost 2% annually to $800,000 just $2000 shy of its post-Covid peak
The listings that have hit the Christchurch market are mostly at price points that first-time buyers can afford And while the city s busy auction market is geared to drive competition, there have been few cases of runaway prices
The only other major metro to enjoy annual price growth was Queenstown-Lakes Its average property value rose 0 5% to just over $2m, but the market there has slowed in the last three months
Wellington City has reaped little from the cuts in interest rates, with its average property dropping 5 5% ($55,000) annually and 2% in the last three months to $938,000 its lowest level in almost five years Since market peak more than three years ago, the capital’s average property value has dropped almost 30% ($400,000)
Suburb winnersand losers
The analysis found 123 suburbs where property values have hit a new high or are less than 2% below their post-Covid peak. All but six are in the South Island.
Of the 912 suburbs with 20 or more settled sales in the last 12 months, 347 recorded value growth over the
quarter and 428 were up year-onyear.
The biggest quarterly increases at the end of July were in Great Barrier Island / Aotea Island, Auckland (+5.5%); Mataura, Gore (+5.2%); Kaitaia, Far North (+5%); Mangawhai, Kaipara (+4.3%); and Waiheke Island, Auckland (+4.2%).
The biggest annual increases were in Kaiteriteri, Tasman (+10.4%); Lake Hayes, Queenstown-Lakes (+10.2%); Cracroft, Christchurch (+9.8%); Moana, Grey (+9.8%); and Cobden, Grey (+9.6%). Value growth for all five has slowed in the last three months, with Moana and Cobden dropping in value.
Auckland and Wellington dominate the list of falling suburbs, although the Hamilton suburb of Peacocke recorded the biggest quarterly drop. Its average property value tumbled 6.1% over the last three months to $1.04m. Wellington Central suffered the biggest annual drop a plunge of 16.1% to $465,000.
The chill running through Wellington’s housing market has seen property values in 11 suburbs in the city now lower than they were in July 2020, with Wellington Central and Mount Victoria suffering the steepest five-year drops (-14.2% and -11.2% respectively).
The biggest dollar gains over the last 12 months were in Lake Hayes (+$266,000), Arrowtown (+$252,000), and Point Wells (+$216,000), while the biggest dollar losses over the same period were in Whitford (-$306,000), Oriental Bay (-$245,000), and Seatoun (-$121,000).
The figures also showed 28 suburbs fell out of the $1m club in the last 12 months, but that prices in 35 suburbs, mostly in Canterbury, crossed the $1m mark.
● OwenVaughan iseditorof OneRoof.co.nz. Youcancontact
Zuru Group’s founders and co-CEOs, brothers Mat and Nick Mowbray, are New Zealand s wealthiest siblings, with a combined net worth estimated at more than $20 billion
Their sister, Anna Mowbray, also a co-founder of Zuru, left the company three years ago to pursue new ventures and is now estimated to be worth more than $500 million
So, who helps run their companies? Who do they take advice from or call on to help broker those all-important business deals? Who assists in managing their schedules, designing their homes, and planning their parties? And when they are not working and want to unwind, who makes up their close social circles?
ALL INTHE FAMILY
While growing up in the Waikato, it was family matriarch, Linda Mowbray, who taught her four children, Andrew, 46, Mathew (Mat), 44, Anna, 42, and Nicholas (Nick), 40, that there is no such word as can’t.
Strong women run in the family: their grandmother, Margaret Mowbray, was mayoress of Hamilton.
The siblings get their entrepreneurial spirit from their father, Harry, who worked in the pulp and paper industry as an engineer, and built a portfolio of properties and farms. The family moved to a 2ha lifestyle block near Cambridge in the late 80s to be close to the co-ed private school St Peter’s, which all of the children attended.
When Mat was 10, Harry helped him develop a model hot air balloon, which won several competitions and science fairs. Guru Toys was born, and the family shipped toys all around the world while the children were in high school.
In 2004, a year after Mat and Nick began transforming Guru into a global toy giant Zuru by relocating to China Harry fulfilled a long-held dream: to buy and develop the derelict Matangi Dairy Factory.
The 10 former dairy factory buildings on almost 4ha in Waikato were turned into a business hub.
Harry had more than 20 small businesses work out of the site, one of which was son Andrew’s cashless payment system for festivals, AWOP (Another Way of Paying).
The following year, Anna joined Nick and Mat in China, and the rest is history.
Harry and Linda now have 13 grandchildren: Andrew and wife Karen have three children and live in the Waikato; Mat and wife Christina have four; Anna has three from her first husband, along with husband Ali Williams’ two children; and Nick has one, daughter Noa.
The whole Mowbray family came together on Fiji’s exclusive Kokomo Private Island last year, for Anna and Ali’s wedding.
Christina stina Tang made the Barfoot and Thompson salesperson who sold the Coatesville mansion formerly owned by Kim Dotcom to Nick, Anna and Mat Mowbray for just over $30 million.
A spark ignited with Mat and Christina and, nine years later, the pair have four children two boys and twin girls, all under the age of 5.
The family has been based mostly in Hong Kong, the location of Zuru’s global headquarters.
Christina originates from China and once worked in marketing for FMCG company Procter & Gamble, which prepared her for her current role as CEO of Zuru Edge for the greater China area.
The family spends a lot of time in New Zealand, having enjoyed many Christmases at the Coatesville mansion, now named Mahoenui. Last summer, they spent time aboard the Mowbray family’s 40m superyacht, Mahoenui, and returned in July for some winter sailing, followed by a visit to Queenstown.
Nick
Jaimee Lupton has been with Nick for more than seven years, although the pair have been friends for 12, having met in 2013. They have been engaged for more than three years.
No immediate plans. Jaimee graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Communication Studies.
During her years in Sydney, while working at luxury PR firm Black Communications, Jaimee formed a close-knit circle of friends that included rich-list heiress Sophie Heatley, along with Cam and Amy Robertson.
Many of her friends have also become close friends of Nick. Jaimee, Nick, Mat and Christina all attended Heatley’s June nuptials to Tyler Martin in Maui. Cam Robertson, who now works for Forsyth Barr, has been the go-to
DJ at many of Jaimee and Nick’s parties.
When Jaimee co-founded Monday Haircare five years ago, she couldn’t have done it without her Sydneybased former colleague Juliana Krost. The pair worked together at Black, and when Monday Haircare launched, Juliana was made marketing manager.
She went on to become the global head of marketing for Zuru Edge Beauty and, alongside Jaimee,
Above, Mat Mowbray and wife Christina Tang, Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray, Jaimee Lupton and Nick Mowbray.
/ Herald composite
Left, Matthew Banfield, Hannah Morris, Jaimee Lupton and Nick Mowbray.
Photo / Instagram
launched several products earlier this year including DAISE Beauty and Laura Polko Los Angeles. Juliana stepped down in June to spend more time with her family.
Jaimee is also close to her lookalike sister Morgan and her fiance, property developer and investor Tim McGoldrick.
Tim’s family are very close to Graeme and Robyn Hart and their family. His sister, broadcaster Laura
The glamorous parties, the exotic holidays, the hook-ups, the break-ups, the scandals and the multimillion-dollar business deals this new column unveils how the other half lives.
Contact: society-ins der@nzme co nz
On social media: @ricardosimich
Anna andAli
Society Insider revealed in 2019 that Anna was dating former All Black Ali Williams. After travelling back and forth between Asia and New Zealand, in 2020 she made the permanent move home with her three children to be with Ali
The couple purchased a 4530sq m Westmere property in 2021 for $24 million. The property sits on a headland jutting into the Waitemata Harbour.
They became engaged the following year.
Anna and Ali’s slice of paradise has generated headlines from them demolishing and rebuilding, through to recently gaining permission to land a helicopter in their back garden.
Anna started to step away from Zuru in 2022 and began building the blocks of her recruitment site, Zeil, which she launched in 2023.
The pair are said to have gelled very well with Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker.
Months later, the trio were joined in their ownership by three former All Whites Winston Reid, Tim Brown and Noah Hickey and Allbirds cofounder Tim Brown.
NBA star Steven Adams joined a few months after that Anna invested $20 million last year in Rob Fyfe’s Recorp business.
The purpose-built, $100m+ manufacturing plant in Manukau produces 550 million cans annually at a lightning pace of 1850 cans per minute. Investing alongside Anna and Rob were Forsyth Barr executive director Jonty Edgar, chief executive of Wyborn Capital Justin Wyborn, and former Sistema Plastics’ founder Brendan Lindsay.
founded nappy business Rascal + Friends with his sister Louise Stainthorpe in 2015.
In 2016, Nick and Matthew invested in the firm now called Rascals with Matthew becoming the international COO and a founding partner.
In 2020, Grant stepped away from Rascals and started his own FMCG company MOXX Brands, which has distribution in more than 6000 stores across five countries, including Walmart and Target in the US, and Woolworths and Coles in Australia. Rascals was the start of Zuru entering the FMCG market under the banner Zuru Edge, utilising all the automation and innovation Zuru achieved in China’s “Silicon Valley”, Shenzhen.
Zuru Edge’s FMCG portfolio now includes the divisions Baby, Pet, Health, Wellness and Beauty, Household and Home, and Confectionery, which launched last year and is headed by former Zuru Toys’ global sales director, Henry makes the group, Zuru Edge also Nick buddy. The pair own, and in he US
When Anna left Zuru, she took executive Brittany Earl with her to the smart College Hill offices where, at last count, Zeil has more than 20 staff. Earl is executive assistant to CEO Anna.
Property records show Anna purchased the large office building, which has a CV of nearly $20m Anna and Ali became co-owners of Auckland FC in March last year, with majority owner, US billionaire Bill Foley.
McGoldrick, had her 2014 wedding reception at Robyn and Graeme’s Glendowie mansion.
It was only natural then that Jaimee and Nick would become friendly with Tim’s great mate Harry Hart, Graeme and Robyn’s son.
Nick and Harry host an annual golf tournament called the Closeburn Classic in Queenstown.
This year, Anna became part of the female powerhouse team of the B416 Campaign, co-founded and chaired by entrepreneur Cecilia Robinson and Anna Curzon, a former board director at Xero. Also involved is Malindi McLean, the CEO of Outward Bound New Zealand. The lobby group is advocating for a minimum age of 16 to access social media in New Zealand and has received support from former Black Stick Gemma McCaw and media personality
Matilda Green and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Nick’s schoolfriends
Matthew Banfield was in the first XV with Nick at St Peter’s School, Cambridge. While Nick was in China, Matthew was at Canterbury University completing a Bachelor of Commerce, later working for Credit Suisse in Hong Kong. Grant Taylor, who was also on the first XV with Nick and Matthew,
Matthew and his who works marketing on an epic trekking to see safari in the in Tanzania,
right-hand man Group in became COO more than core divisions: Toys, Edge and Tech.
Michael worked in various financial roles in the UK, before returning to New Zealand in 2007 to work for the Queenslandbased multimillionaire Peabody family.
He became chief executive of the Peabody family’s Craggy Range Winery in Hawke’s Bay, as well as being a director of the Peabody Family Office, looking after the family’s mining services, waste management, property development and investment businesses.
Michael is married to fellow
accountant Nina, who also worked in the Hawke’s Bay winery trade.
At the beginning of last year, Michael became a director in Zuru New Zealand Limited alongside Nick and Mat, a directorship previously held by Anna.
The propertyman
While Zuru Group headquarters is located in Hong Kong, and the main manufacturing is done in China’s Shenzhen, Zuru is expanding at a rapid pace. The company appointed a global property development manager, Matt Ganley, who has worked for the firm for more than two years.
Matt was a King’s College student who achieved his bachelor’s in commerce and property and worked for a project management company, RCP.
At last count, Zuru had 30 locations around the globe, and continues to grow
This year alone, Zuru
Auckland took over the fourbuilding campus vacated at the end of last year by Spark New Zealand, to create a Zuru Centre of Excellence (CoE) a hub in which to foster innovation Auckland follows Zuru Los Angeles, which in 2023 built a CoE in El Segundo. Construction has started on another CoE in Seattle.
Zuru has also this year opened offices and a showroom in Warsaw, Poland and Minneapolis, US, and purchased a building in Toronto, Canada. Other locations said to be planned for this year include Paris, Madrid, Mexico City and Copenhagen.
Most exciting for expat Kiwis is what Zuru is doing in London. They have started work on creating a 5110sq m space in Islington, divided into tenancies that range from 140sq m up to 836sq m. Called Zuru House, it is designed to be a hub for Kiwi businesses in the heart of London.
At the opening of the new Auckland CoE, earlier this year, Matt Ganley told the Herald that the offices were designed by the Zuru architectural design studio in Los Angeles, with all furniture and key fittings produced and delivered by their Zuru housing tech team in China.
The engineergrowing Tech
Zuru Tech is the building arm of the company It promises to revolutionise the construction industry through technology and automation, aiming to sustainably produce houses at a lower cost, using prefabricated methods.
Bowden, Amy
Health andwellbeing
At the Coatesville mansion, the state-of-the-art wellness spa and gym is staffed depending on the occasion.
Nick and Jaimee’s good friends, wellness couple Esther Cronin and Dominic Bowden, are known to take the couple through their paces, as is private Pilates instructor Anna Miles.
Nick and Jaimee also have two very special doctors in their lives at Gingernut Angels, the IVF charity Jaimee
beachfront of Malibu, destroyed by wildfires last year.
While Mat focuses on engineering and technology, Nick is focused on the commercial side and expansion.
Zuru Tech’s product design director is Kiwi engineer Craig Shannon, who graduated from Auckland University and went on to work for Fisher & Paykel appliances and Globex Engineering in Auckland.
At the China Economic Summit in Auckland earlier this month, Nick told the audience that Zuru had purchased a 10ha factory in China large enough to produce the equivalent of 10,000sq m of buildings every day. Nick added that one of the first projects will be building 12 properties to redevelop the
Zuru Tech originated in Milan, but over the years has had a team of 300 based around the globe, with other offices in India, Los Angeles and Auckland.
When Craig visited the test factory in Shenzhen to collaborate with the team, he described the machinery they have developed there as nothing short of remarkable.
Nick says Zuru Tech has 600 hardware and software engineers working full-time on the development of its permanent factory in China.
The trademarkman Los Angeles-based lawyer Eric Olavson is Zuru Toys’ general counsel.
Eric attended the prestigious George Washington University Law School in Washington, DC, where he spent time on the university’s AmericanIntellectualPropertyLaw Association(AIPLA)QuarterlyJournal
with Heletranz on Rosedale Rd in Albany.
Over at the Coatesville mansion, helicopter landings are not an issue.
Insiders tell Society Insider that it takes more than two executive assistants to run Mat, Christina, Jaimee and Nick’s homes and lives.
At Coatesville, there are, of course, numerous staff to keep the 22.6ha manicured, including a house manager.
When it came to the multimilliondollar refurbishment of Coatesville, which was finished at the end of 2023, Jaimee worked closely with Rufus Knight, from the interior design and architecture studio Knight Associates. The pair are said to be collaborating on the finishing touches of Jaimee and Nick’s Te Arai house north of Auckland, understood to have been designed by architect Jess Walker. Jess is the co-founder of Bureaux, an architecture and interior design firm responsible for beautiful and sustainable homes throughout New Zealand.
For special occasions at Coatesville, both Jaimee and Christina like to use Little White Table to create dream outdoor settings. Owned by Kathryn Tasker, the company has already delivered numerous special occasions at the mansion.
set up last year in honour of their daughter. Gingernut was born too early in March 2022 after a much-triedfor IVF pregnancy. Dr Mary Birdsall is a gynaecologist and obstetrician with a special interest in reproductive medicine and a passion for fertility preservation.
She is part of the charities advisory network, along with leading gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Devashana Gupta, who practices at Auckland’s Repromed.
as an editorial staff member.
Before Eric joined Zuru, he worked as an associate attorney for US law firm Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig in their litigation and intellectual property group.
During his time there, Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig gained a huge win of US$24.5m plus lawyer fees for Zuru Toys’ Water Balloon Patent case against TeleBrands Corporation, which infringed two patents on a water balloon device.
The toy was Zuru’s best-selling Bunch O Balloons, which is protected by numerous US patents and is produced by Zuru under a licence with Tinnus Enterprises.
Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig has also represented Zuru in legal battles with Danish toy giant Lego Group in the US.
In New Zealand, Chapman Tripp acted for Zuru at the High Court and Court of Appeal proceedings concerning trademark infringement and the permissibility of certain product packaging claims.
The glamsquads
In-demand hair stylist Joshua Scott is known to be used by both Jaimee and Christina, while Anna prefers Robyn Munro for hair and Kate Solley for special occasion makeup.
Anna is a regular of Remuera-
based fashion designer Blair Wheeler, who famously designed a superherostyle creation for Mowbray’s 40th and many other costumes for both Anna and Ali’s themed parties.
Blair is known to keep Anna looking sharp in couture styles for business and cocktail occasions.
Homes andgardens
When it came to Anna and Ali’s Westmere home interiors, good friend and bridesmaid Shelley Ferguson worked closely with Anna. Ferguson, who is a Westmere local, and her husband, Steven, lent their support to Anna and Ali in their Auckland Council submission to build a helipad as part of the redevelopment of their property. Steven said, “Locals use chainsaws, lawnmowers, motorbikes and motorboats, and I don’t see how this is any different.”
Fellow bridesmaid and good friend Julia Leuchars, who is a designer at Trelise Cooper, also supported the application.
Anna and Ali chose ChanceryGreen lawyer Chris Simmons to represent them in the bid.
Simmons was pleased with the independent hearings panel that endorsed his and his team’s argument. Ali and Anna house their chopper
Jaimee and Nick’s daughter Noa’s first birthday was a strawberry shortcake dream with pink tables and chairs and a cart covered in red and white check fabric with balloons galore. A year before that, for Jaimee and Nick’s baby shower, the accents were white.
Tasker outdid herself earlier this year by turning the Coatesville tennis court and surroundings into a stunning Zuru Country Club for a staff gathering.
As for their famous nighttime parties, Jaimee and Nick are known to turn to design and lighting extraordinaire
Angus Muir to create the right ambience.
Muir has exhibited around the world, including in Singapore and London, and Sydney’s Vivid, and LUMA in Queenstown.
At their Halloween haunted house party at their $24m Marine Parade home in Herne Bay last year, Angus decorated the house, including a mirrored DJ room, an asylum and a forest room.
Jaimee and Nick used South Island Creative Mel Kong to make Nick’s recent 40th at Queenstown hospitality venue Ayrburn extra special.
To create the extravaganza, Kong worked with After the Rock Weddings to take the event to the next level.
The entrance had a long Tiffany blue carpet with billowing forestgreen silk curtains, with the theme taken inside with masses of blue hydrangeas.
Mat and Christina used Kong’s luxury travel business for their Queenstown getaway last month.
Hollywood A-lister shooting new film where he plays Sir Edmund Hillary, with locations including The Remarkables
English actor Tom Hiddleston has been spotted in Queenstown this week as he films a movie playing New Zealand s greatest mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary
Hiddleston stars as the Kiwi legend in the biopic of Hillary s sherpa climbing companion Tenzing Norgay, who completed the world first summit of Mt Everest, with Hillary, in 1953
In the Herald exclusive photographs, taken near The Remarkables this week Hiddleston is seen in cold weather gear with a bag slung around his shoulder
Film crew are pictured offloading props and equipment including oldstyle climbing gear, from helicopters
Shooting of the movie Tenzing is believed to have taken place on Single Cone
Before arriving at The Remarkables, filming took place on Aoraki/Mt Cook
The Department of Conservation (DoC) announced in June that it had approved filming on Malte Brun Pass near the Tasman Glacier and near the Hochstetter Icefall on the eastern side of the mountain
The location will “double” as Everest base camp and the famous
Hillary Step on the world’s highest peak, said DoC
The film also stars Oscar-winner Willem Dafoe as Colonel John Hunt, the British Army officer who led the expedition Genden Phuntsok plays the titular sherpa, while Irish actor Caitrıona Balfe features as Jill Henderson the secretary of the Himalayan Club and a friend of Norgay’s who helped
organise journeys up Mt Everest
Tenzing is produced by See-Saw Films which also produced Oscarwinning movie The King s Speech and Jane Campion film The Power of the Dog
The film’s rights belong to Apple after its film studio, Apple Studios LLC won an auction at the Cannes Film Festival, in May last year Australian documentarian
Jennifer Peedom is directing the picture
Peedom is best known for her 2015 documentary Sherpa which was nominated for best documentary at the 2016 Baftas
The script has been written by fellow Australian Luke Davies, whose 2016 film Lion received an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay
6am Takaro Tribe 3 0
6.30 Kea Kids News 3 0
7am Religious Programmes
9am Tagata Pasifika 0
9.30 Rugby League: NRL Dragons v Raiders
9 45 Rugby League: NRL Sea Eagles v Roosters
10am Golf: PGA Tour 0 3M Open
11am Golf: LPGA Tour 0 Womens Scottish Open
Noon Rugby: Australia v British and Irish Lions (RPL) Third Test
2pm Motorsport: Monster Jam 0
3pm Rugby League: NRLW Tigers v Roosters
3.15 Rugby League: NRLW Broncos v Sharks
3 30 Rugby League: NRLW (DLY) 0 Cowboys v Warriors
5.15 Rugby League: NRL Warriors v Dolphins
5 30 Rugby Nation
6pm The 100K Drop 0
7pm
6
30 Tagata Pasifika Noon Fresh
Mauri Reo Mauri Ora Kura Tuatahi 3 1pm Thailand’s Wild Side 3 2pm Matau Bros Gone Fishing PG 3
2.30 Hoiho Riding on 3 3pm Takaro Tribe 3 3 30 Mauri Reo Mauri Ora 3 3 40 Mauri Reo Mauri Ora Kura Tuatahi 3
4.10 Toku Reo Kokara
4.30 Mauri Reo Mauri Ora 3
5 30 Mauri Reo Mauri Ora Wharekura 6pm Homesteads 3
6.30 Sachie’s Kitchen 3
7pm Te Hokinga Mai: The Return 3
7 30 The Frontier PG 3
8.30 Hikina te Manuka Waitangi is a big week for the whanau; Ngaroimata asks Hana-Rawhiti MaipiClarke what it takes to be in the Beehive; Karahina talks to Eru Kapa-Kingi about being a good Maori man
8.45 M Moonlight M 2016 Drama 10.45 Closedown
Steve Witkoff’s visit intended to understanding of humanitarian
President Donald Trump’s special envoy promised a plan to deliver more food to Gaza after inspecting a USbacked distribution centre, as the United Nations said Israeli forces had killed hundreds of hungry Palestinians waiting for aid over the past two months
The visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff came as a report from global advocacy group Human Rights Watch accused Israeli forces of presiding over regular bloodbaths close to aid points run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF)
The UN human rights office in the Palestinian territories said at least 1373 Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza had been killed since May 27 105 of them in the last two days of July
“Most of these killings were committed by the Israeli military,” the UN office said breaking down the death toll into 859 killed near GHF sites and 514 along routes used by UN and aid agency convoys
Witkoff said he had spent more than five hours inside Gaza, in an online post accompanied by a photograph of himself wearing a protective vest and meeting staff at a GHF distribution centre
The visit intended to give Trump “a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and help craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid to the people of Gaza, Witkoff said Trump echoed this in a phone call with US news site Axios touting a plan to “get people fed”
The US President did not say whether his plan would involve reinforcing GHF or a whole new mechanism, the report said
The GHF largely sidelined the longstanding UN-led aid distribution system in Gaza just as Israel in late May began easing a more than two-month aid blockade that exacerbated existing shortages
The foundation said it had delivered its 100-millionth meal in Gaza during the visit by Witkoff and US Ambassador Mike Huckabee
In its report on the GHF centres, Human Rights Watch accused the
Sheriff Knight, known as the ‘Dancing Cowboy’, leads the line dance during the recent International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day in Nairobi
Israeli military of a weapon of wa
“Israeli forces erately starving P but they are now almost every day seek food for t
HRW s associate director, Belkis W US-backed Isr vate contractors flawed, militaris system that distributions into
The Israeli m sponse that the pendently, but th near aid sites to delivery of food” w mise any fri civilian populatio
The military trying to preven and said it was c of reported deat
Witkoff held Prime Minister Be who has vowed and rescue host
Palestinian group s October 2023 at tack that triggered the war
But Netanyahu is under mounting international pressure to end the bloodshed that has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians according to Hamas-run Gaza s health ministry and threatened many more with famine
Following his discussions with Witkoff, Netanyahu met Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul who warned that “the humanitarian disaster in Gaza is beyond imagination”, and urged Israel “to provide humanitarian and medical aid to prevent mass starvation from becoming a reality”
Responding to AFP, the Israeli military said any “intentional harm to civilians and especially to children is strictly prohibited” by international law and the Army s orders
After Witkoff’s Gaza visit, the armed wing of Hamas released a short online video showing 24-yearold Israeli hostage Evyatar David looking emaciated and weak in a narrow concrete tunnel AFP
The party is in Kenya, but the vibe is distinctly Americana: a sea of cowboy hats and boots with a soundtrack of whiskey-soaked tales about heartbreak and good ol’ boys.
Kenya has become the unlikely home of a growing country music scene, possibly the biggest in Africa, as testified by the thousands linedancing in a field in the capital Nairobi for International Cowboys and Cowgirls Day recently.
The festival crowd went wild for the king of the local country scene,
“Sir Elvis” Otieno, as his deep baritone belted out classics like Take MeHome,Country Roads mixed with newer hits like Downtothe Honkytonk
Sir Elvis’s parents named him after another musical monarch who died a few months before he was born in 1977, and then raised him on a diet of country legends like Jim Reeves and Alan Jackson. “When I started out it was a very tiny genre” in Kenya, he told AFP at the festival. “It’s a dream come true to see a crowd like
this today.” There are links, he said, to local traditions, particularly the story-telling music of the Kikuyu tribe known as Mugithi.
“Kikuyu folk music has the same kind of language, they draw from each other quite a bit,” said Sir Elvis. “It’s really crazy so many thousands of miles apart, but the messaging is the same.”
Anne Anene, 26, still remembers the song that turned her into a country music fan: Dolly Parton’s Do IEver CrossYourMind?
Ghislaine Maxwell, the accomplice of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has been moved from a prison in Florida to a minimum security facility in Texas, the Bureau of Prisons said, triggering an angry reaction from some of their victims.
No reason was given for Maxwell’s transfer but it comes a week after a top Justice Department official met with her to ask questions
Ghislai Maxwell
about Epstein, who died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial for allegedly sex trafficking underage girls.
“We can confirm Ghislaine Maxwell is in the custody of the Federal Bureau of
Prisons at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Bryan in Bryan, Texas,” a Bureau of Prisons spokesman said.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, interviewed Maxwell for two days at a Florida courthouse last week in a highly unusual meeting between a convicted felon and high-ranking Justice official.
“Her songs always speak to me because they always have deep messages, and they usually tell a story of what I go through,” said Anene, a customer service representative for a health insurance firm. “I’ve always hoped to go to Texas or Nashville one day,” she added. “I’d like to visit the ranches, I like horse riding, I like the ranch kind of life the quiet, the calm.”
The clothes are also a big part of the appeal.
The festival was organised by Reja
Manyeki, who runs a clothing and events company called Cowboys and Cowgirls. It was still pretty niche when he opened in 2018 but “now people love country music. It touches all corners (of society).
“We do cowboy-themed events, birthdays, weddings, end-of-year parties Now everyone comes, even schools.”
Big farming and Christian communities also make Kenya fertile ground for country and gospel music. For “King George” Gustavo,
lead MC of the festival it is the tales of everyday life that keep him hooked and ensures he listens to Alan Jackson “every single day”.
“The lyrics speak to life, love, hate, forgiveness, cheating, drinking .” he said. “You identify with that, and then obviously there’s a bit of dancing.”
Anene, the Dolly Parton fan, says country music is also an escape. “In this world full of confusion, full of drama, country music is the only thing that makes sense to me. It has made me find peace.” AFP
President Donald Trump has deployed two nuclear submarines into tactical positions after online threats from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, escalating tensions between the two nuclear superpowers as Trump’s frustration against Moscow mounts.
Trump said on social media that Medvedev’s “highly provocative statements” led him to despatch the submarines “just in case these foolish and inflammatory statements are more than just that”.
“Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences,” said Trump, “I hope this will not be one of those instances.”
Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s security council, had referenced the Soviet Union’s emergency nuclear strike capabilities in a Telegram post telling Trump to imagine the Walking Dead Hours later, Trump said he deployed the submarines because Medvedev’s “threat” was inappropriate. “A threat was made so we just have to be very careful,” he said.
The Pentagon would not comment on the deployment of resources that typically operate in secret, and experts said it was more likely Trump intended to send a message than propel the world’s superpowers toward armed conflict. But the rare invocation of nuclear force appeared to reflect Trump’s deepening displeasure with Russia over its continued war on Ukraine.
Retired Marine Colonel Mark Cancian described the announcement as “signalling in its purest form”, noting that while the US submarine fleet can conduct cruise and ballistic missile strikes, its role here is primarily deterrence and counterstrike.
Medvedev had also targeted Trump over his ceasefire deadline with Ukraine. Trump has threatened additional sanctions on Moscow and secondary measures against buyers of Russian oil if Russia does not agree to a ceasefire within 10 days.
Washington Post
Blanche has declined so far to say what was discussed but Maxwell’s lawyer, David Markus, said she answered every question she was asked.
Maxwell has offered to testify before Congress about Epstein if given immunity and has also reportedly been seeking a pardon from Trump, a one-time close friend of Epstein. She had been subpoenaed to give
a deposition to the House Oversight Committee on August 11, but Politico reported that it had been postponed indefinitely.
The former British socialite is serving a 20-year sentence after being convicted in 2021 of recruiting underage girls for Epstein.
Two women who said they were sexually abused by Epstein and Maxwell and the family of another ac-
cuser who recently committed suicide condemned the prison transfer.
“It is with horror and outrage that we object to the preferential treatment convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell has received,” Annie and Maria Farmer and the family of Virginia Giuffre said in a statement.
“Ghislaine Maxwell is a sexual
Copper production stops
Work has paused at Chile’s El Teniente underground copper mine, the largest in the world, amid a search for five miners missing after a partial cave-in, the country’s mining minister said. One miner was killed after the mine which produces nearly 7% of Chile’s copper, or more than 350,000 tons last year partly collapsed after a magnitude 4.2 earthquake. Nine others were injured. El Teniente, in the city of Rancagua, about 100km from Chile’s capital, Santiago, is responsible for nearly a quarter of global copper supply, which contributes 10 to 15% to its GDP. The valuable metal is used in wiring, motors and renewable energy generation
Queen’s wheels for sale
Queen Elizabeth II’s personal Range Rover is up for auction. The car, which the former monarch used from 2006 until 2008, has a distinctive hood ornament of a labrador with a grouse in its mouth, as well as bespoke features that mark its former duties, including the side steps, mud flaps, a madeto-measure dog guard for Elizabeth II’s beloved canine companions, and enhanced internal wiring for security and communications. Iconic Auctioneers estimates the vehicle, which has driven 190,000km and is backed by a documented service history, will sell for between £50,000 ($112,000) and £70,000 when it is offered at the Silverstone Festival on August 23.
predator who physically assaulted minor children on multiple occasions, and she should never be shown any leniency. Yet, without any notification to the Maxwell victims, the Government overnight has moved Maxwell to a minimum security luxury prison in Texas. This move smacks of a cover-up. The victims deserve better.”
A woman in Japan was sent to hospital unconscious after an apparent bear attack outside a facility for people with disabilities, police say. An increasing number of wild bears have been spotted in residential areas in Japan in recent years, resulting in more attacks and deaths. According to government data, bears attacked 85 people in the year ending March 2025, with three people killed. In the previous year, there were 219 attacks and six deaths. Akita region decided last week to extend its bear alert until September, citing “frequent bear sightings and high risk of encountering a bear”. Last month, a bear sighting prompted organisers of a golf tournament to cancel the opening day. And in June, a bear roaming the runway forced the Yamagata Airport to cancel flights. Climate change affecting food sources and hibernation times, with depopulation caused by an ageing society, are causing bears to venture into towns more frequently, scientists say. - AFP
ABANDON ACHE 100 Marua Rd, Ellerslie, quality massage. Best price. 580 0918 or 021-254-4933.
ABANDON ACHE 191 Penrose Rd, Mt Wel ington Deep tissue relaxing massage. 09-527-2588
ABANDON ACHE 22 Jellicoe Rd, Panmure. Ph 027-777-8666 or www.brendasmassage.co.nz
ABANDON ACHE best deep tissue relaxing massage. 7 days, 9am to 10pm 2/8 Inverness Rd, Browns Bay 022-526-8885.
ABANDON ACHE deep tissue relaxing massage. 7 days, 9am to 10pm. 151A Kitchener Rd Milford, ph 022-5517-999.
AMAZING NEW Thai Massage, freshly renovated, E ers ie Specials. Phone 021-087-08066
Therapeutic
massage
MASSAGE, nice staff, good service, patient, clean premises, Dominion Rd, Ph 629-2118.
Thai massage Sandringham Rd Ti l 11pm 021378101 / 0212940524.
BODY oil massage, clean room, deep tissue, shower avail Balmoral. 0211255799
NEW LADY Massage Good massage and service. Albany Village. Ph 021-2523-983
NEW OPENING massage, ful body oil massage/deep tissue, clean. Mt Eden, Ph 020 435 7999 NEW STAFF from Thailand, Full body oil massage, back/ shoulder Ellerslie 021-268-0758.
THA relaxing massage and therapy with experienced Thai staff. Blockhouse Bay. Ph 027-405-5152
THA STYLE full body oil massage, new staff. Easy parking, Panmure. 020-486-0905.
HARWOOD, Blake Martin. 14 June 1987 20 years ago In memory of son, grandson, mate who touched many, known Your de courageous, We understand You had a charmed was short, but full of endless Forever remembered, missed. Your Mum xxx Edwards.
WONDERFUL re axing qual ty massage, 492/1 Manukau Rd, Epsom Ph 09 2000760 Download the NZ Herald app
Jesko wins Koral after being backed into hot favouritism, while Dictation impressive in taking Sydenham Hurdles
Michael Guerin
Speed is rarely the most important weapon for a steeplechaser but it was the crucial factor in Jesko landing a tidal wave of bets in the Koral at Riccarton yesterday.
The new star of New Zealand jumps racing was backed from $2.15 into $1.30 in the feature jumps race, the most important dress rehearsal for next Saturday’s Grand National Steeples.
Even in the rapidly changing world of gambling, where late market swings have become the norm, a $2.15 favourite starting at $1.30, particularlyin arace where all the form was widely exposed, is a huge move and one that saw champion jumper West Coast drift from $3 to $8.
But while the market said Jesko was unbeatable in the hands of co-trainer Shaun Fannin, he looked anything but at the 800m mark.
After travelling handy, he appeared to have key rival West Coast covered, but punters who took the short odds would have been nervous when Captains Run got up inside Jesko and put a length on him.
Fannin got Jesko over the second-last efficiently enough, then balanced him up and asked for a better jump at the last.
He got it, pushed the turbo button, and in three strides, the 4250m race was over.
Jesko showed the speed of a horse who was able to place in
a 2200m flat race just eight days earlier and was simply too fast for Captains Run and West Coast.
Those two were brave but heart and stamina were no match for leg speed on a day when Riccarton basked in sunshine rather than producing a winter bog.
The question now for the army of punters in love with Jesko is how much harder the 5600m of next Saturday’s Grand National Steeplechase will be.
The way (Jesko) got to the line gives me confidence he can win again next week.
Co-trainer Shaun Fannin
And whether Jesko’s younger legs can still outsprint his rivals, especially if the weather changes and the track is deeper.
Fannin, who trains Jesko with wife Hazel, thinks the horse can handle the more daunting challenge, especially as he can’t be rehandicapped for Saturday’s win.
“The way he got to the line gives me confidence he can win again next week,” said Fannin. Jesko is now $1.50 with the TAB to win the National, pushing West Coast out to $4.20 as he attempts to win the race for a fourth straight year.
Earlier in the programme, Dictation suggested he is the horse
to beat in next Saturday’s Grand National Hurdles when he bolted away in the Sydenham Hurdles. It was redemption for the Hastings jumper, as he had led and was about to win the same race last year before dislodging his jockey at the last fence, allowing Berry The Cash to win. A week later, Berry The Cash went on to win the Grand National for the second time, with Dictation’s co-trainer Paul Nelson opting to bypass the iconic race. That won’t be the case this year.
Dictation had already shown he has improved since last season when he won the Waikato Hurdles two starts ago, and the ease of his victory yesterday will worry connections of his rivals next week.
He was bold in front, relaxed after chancing two consecutive fences down the back straight and never really looked in danger of defeat.
He and Berry The Cash now share $2.60 equal favouritism for the Grand National Hurdle.
“I think he will improve with that run, too,” said Nelson. “He missed a little bit of work after he banged a leg following that Te Rapa win [Waikato Hurdles], so this will bring him on.” Helping Dictation further is the fact he won’t be rehandicapped for Saturday’s race, which means he will still have a 7kg swing in the weights over Berry The Cash when they go an extra 1100m.
But batters could do ‘a bit better’ despite beating Zimbabwe inside three days
CAlex Powell
aptain Mitch Santner said a great collective performance” enabled the Black Caps to beat Zimbabwe by nine wickets on the third day of the first test at Queens Sports Club yesterday
But while the bowlers had excelled, he said the batting could have been better in Bulawayo
Led by fast bowler Matt Henry, New Zealand bowled out Zimbabwe for 149 and 165 and needed only eight runs to win after taking a first-innings lead of 158
Henry was named player of the match taking nine wickets for 90 runs across the two innings
“There was more in it [the pitch] than we thought We held our lengths and lines ” said Santner who captained the Black Caps for the first time in a test in the absence of Tom Latham with a shoulder injury
It was New Zealand’s first test of the year and Henry’s performance came immediately after a triangular Twenty20 series won by the Black Caps in Harare, where Henry was player of the tournament
With the chop and change in formats, you’ve got to trust the work you ve put in, said Henry
“When you have assistance [from conditions], it was great we were able to exploit it ”
New Zealand were bowled out for 307 in their first innings, with the only major contributions coming from Devon Conway (88) and Daryl Mitchell (80)
“We could have batted a bit better,” said Santner “We had good intent We talked about getting partnerships together but didn t have many significant ones ”
Santner said there was concern about the condition of seamer Nathan Smith, who took 3-20 in the first innings of just his third test but could not take the field in the second innings because of an abdominal injury
“I feel for him. He bowled so well in the first innings but it doesn’t look good for him, said Santner
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine said his batsmen had shown more application than in two recent tests
The Black Caps celebrate a Zimbabwean dismissal on the way to a
against South Africa in Bulawayo
“There was a fair bit in the wicket but the guys tried to grind it out, he said Ervine said a key passage of play was on the first evening, when Conway and Will Young put on 92 without loss for the first wicket despite Zimbabwe bowling well
“I haven’t seen as much lateral movement as there was here for a while We could have easily picked up two or three [wickets] ” Santner took 4-27 in the second innings, while Henry and Will O’Rourke picked up three wickets each
Veteran left-handers Sean Williams (49) and Craig Ervine (22) shared a fifth-wicket stand of 57 while wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga (27) and fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani (19) put on 36 for the ninth wicket to make the Black Caps bat again New Zealand were hampered by the absence of Smith and O Rourke who was feeling stiffness after his morning spell
The teams meet again in the second test at the same venue from Thursday
The two-match series is not part of the World Test Championship
After bowling out their hosts for 165 with the final ball of the afternoon session New Zealand needed 14 deliveries to reel in their eight-run target for a nine-wicket victory, preserving their unbeaten record against Zimbabwe in test cricket
As the only seamer left standing after New Zealand lost Smith and O’Rourke, Henry s figures were his second-best in test cricket, even as he was denied a maiden 10-wicket haul, and left to settle for nine wickets for the third time in his career
And once the two sides returned from a comically timed tea break the Black Caps lost Conway but were otherwise untroubled to give Rob Walter his first test victory as New Zealand head coach Santner continued to showcase his worth as a test spinner since returning for New Zealand’s 3-0 series win in India last year.
And while he didn’t take the field after lunch, O Rourke also impressed, with his three wickets all among Zimbabwe s top four, showing an un-Kiwi hostility with ball in hand
For all the success that shortpitched bowling brought on day two, O Rourke going full yielded the first wicket of the morning, when he drew Nick Welch s edge through to Tom Blundell for four, after Zimbabwe had added just three runs to their overnight total at 34-3
Nightwatchman Vincent Masekesa ate up 40 balls for his two runs, before he also fell to O’Rourke as a bouncer took the glove and carried to Rachin Ravindra diving forward at short leg
At 53-4 Zimbabwe’s two senior batters Williams and Ervine came together and reduced the deficit to less than 100 runs
Smith s absence left the Black Caps with a serious hole in the bowling attack, filled by the part-time seamers of Mitchell and the less-than-effective spin of Michael Bracewell
A paddle-sweep for four by Ervine raised the 50 stand with Williams and took Zimbabwe past 100.
Santner s introduction earned the breakthrough as Williams was strangled down leg and caught by Blundell, one short of a half-century, ending the partnership on 57, and
leaving Zimbabwe on 110-5 Ervine fell in the next over when he edged Henry behind to Blundell for 22, with the hosts still 48 runs in arrears, as lunch arrived at 114-6 Tsiga was given a life on one after the break when he was put down by Bracewell off Henry
However Zimbabwe could only keep out Henry for so long, and Raza s skyward pull shot was accepted by Ravindra at midwicket at 119-7, leaving the hosts out of recognised batters
At the other end, Santner produced a classic spinner’s dismissal as a ball from around the wicket straightened past the outside edge of Newman Nyamhuri (one) and crashed into off-stump
But having bowled 11 consecutive overs either side of lunch Henry was rested and Zimbabwe were able to take the test to a fourth innings Batting at 10, Muzarabani took the attack to the spinners, notably Bracewell, as back-to-back boundaries cut the lead to single figures, and Tsiga hammered four past long-on to condemn the Black Caps to batting again with AFP
However, considering teams and drivers tend to spend the first day doing more than just setting the fastest times, Lawson was able to log 58 laps across both sessions and completed stints on all three tyre compounds.
“It’s been a little bit tricky for us,” said Lawson. “It’s fun to drive, it’s a very cool track, very full on. But with how small it is, with traffic management it’s quite tough. We have a bit of work to do as well
“It’s very close, as always, at the moment. If we can find some small things, it’ll make a big difference in terms of where we are.”
Lawson’s best lap time of the day, 1m 16.812s, was 1.188s off that of McLaren’s Lando Norris, who topped FP1 and FP2 with his mark of 1m 15.624s.
Norris’ best time was 0.291s quicker than his teammate, championship leader Oscar Piastri. Isack Hadjar managed fourth in
FP1 and eighth in FP2, where his best effort was 0.385s quicker than Lawson, his Racing Bullls teammate. Lawson has plenty of experience at the Hungaroring from his junior career, with a best result of sixth in the 2022 Formula Two sprint race. The 10 teams returned to the Hungaroring last night for FP3, before qualifying in the early hours of this morning. The Hungarian Grand Prix starts at 1am tonight.
The Ranfurly Shield New Zealand rugby’s iconic challenge trophy was back up for grabs yesterday. Mike Thorpe takes a look at the remarkable history of the Log o’ Wood dating back to 1904.
‘It s certainly a long time, isn t it? I thought we’d have done it before now, says Peter Sloane, the hooker from Northland s successful 1978 challenge
After five defences, Northland lost the Ranfurly Shield to Auckland and have been waiting 46 years to win it back Last night represented Northland’s latest attempt and they again fell short, losing 23-3 to Taranaki in New Plymouth
Northland were at long odds last night and Sloane recalls a similar situation when his side travelled to Manawatu all those years ago
“We were definitely a major underdog and we weren’t given a show at all That’s the beauty of the Ranfurly Shield If you get everything right on the day, you can achieve what you need to achieve ” says Sloane If Northland are successful, it ll be the 14th time the trophy has changed hands in the past decade
While the gloss has largely been removed from New Zealand’s premier domestic competition (and by gloss, read All Blacks), the 121-yearold Ranfurly Shield still provides a pulse for the NPC Players and fans (especially of a certain demographic) still hold it in the highest regard a symbol of provincial pride
“There’s no bigger trophy in New Zealand sport than the Ranfurly Shield, really,” says Sloane
However, there was a time when the Log o’ Wood was badly broken well before Hawke’s Bay players dropped it on a concrete floor in 2023 Before New Zealand Rugby held an inquiry as to the nature of the white powder that dusted it during the same ill-fated Magpies celebrations
Last time it was figuratively broken was way back when corner flags were obliterated by try-scoring wingers and the cricket pitch at Eden Park wasn’t dropped in it was visible all year round When big games were played in the afternoon on TV One
‘The Shield wasn’tdead at all’
By the September 18, 1993, “Shield Fever” had been sweated out. In some corners of the country, it had become hypothermic a chill so bad, it was on the verge of being terminal.
Or at least that’s how it felt for those without the Shield and little chance of their team winning it.
Auckland had held the Shield for 2926 days or eight whole years. In that time, their grip on the Shield was so monotonous, they began to take it on tour.
It seemed the Auckland rugby public was so disinterested in the lightweight challenges that the holders had to take it on the road to find a crowd.
That might have been true to some degree but what they found was provinces hungry for quality rugby and a shot at New Zealand rugby’s most coveted prize.
“If you went to those games in those towns, you know, the Shield wasn’t dead at all,” says All Blacks and
Auckland point-scoring machine
Grant Fox. He holds the record for the most points in Ranfurly Shield history, with 935 more points than many unions have scored.
In 1988, Auckland travelled to Te Kuiti to play King Country giving away the home advantage that holders had generally enjoyed since the Shield’s first defence in 1904.
“When you’ve held on to the Shield at home, the rest of the country are saying they want to see the Shield. We all bought into it,” says veteran All Blacks and Auckland flanker Alan Whetton.
“We thought if we’re good enough, we’ll hold on to it, and if not, so be it. But to see the crowds come out and support it, what it did to those provinces just ignited the Shield again, to give these provinces a chance to challenge for the Shield where they may never get an opportunity.”
Te Kuiti is 200km from Auckland but for the visitors, Rugby Park was a world away from Eden Park.
“I think a pig ran on to the field! There wasn’t any room to warm up that’s how small the sheds were. The crowd was stacked on the sidelines, and boy, they gave it to us,” says Whetton.
On one occasion, they took the Shield and their cheerleaders to Paeroa to play the Swamp Foxes of Thames Valley in front of 7000 locals.
I remember the vast crowd and that the last time we played them, we kept them out from [scoring] 100 points and hoped it wasn’t going to be the same,” says former Thames Valley winger Wayne Warlow.
It wasn’t the same but it was still a one-sided contest that finished 58-7 to the visitors. While the score would test a few memories now, nobody who was there could forget the spectacular team try scored by the hosts.
Launched from near the home side’s 22m line, the ball went through 10 sets of hands in one sweeping movement that travelled from the right side to Warlow on the left wing and finished back in the right corner by winger Kevin Handley.
It just seemed to be a bit surreal Things, for the first time in the game, just opened up and you could actually move. We got it into space and just took off,” says Warlow.
He moved to Waikato in 1991. This would not be his last Shield challenge.
Party inthe provinces
“I can tell you, the shindigs afterwards and the after-matches were just as important as the actual event, and they go down in history, I assure you,” says Whetton.
The Thames Valley after-match almost didn’t begin. Having expected a sizeable turnout for the post-game celebrations the following day, the venue was well stocked with refreshments. But the night before the game, the booze to keep thousands refreshed was allegedly uplifted by an organised crime syndicate.
The small-town tours kept coming
and so did the heavy scorelines.
In 1993, Auckland had taken it to Levin, Westport and lastly Oamaru where they dished out a 139-5 hiding to North Otago. They then returned home and belted a talented Wellington side 51-14. The Shield’s heartbeat was growing ever more faint as the greatest provincial team in New Zealand rugby history showed no signs of weakness.
“Someone had to turn up on Eden Park and play well to beat us because, you know, we weren’t a bad footy team,” says Fox.
The errors thatended an era That “someone” was John Mitchell and his band of nearly men from Waikato. They were “nearly men” because many were either denied an All Blacks career, or had limited opportunities, due to the men they were about to oppose. Captain of that unofficial club was Duane Monkley,
widely regarded as the greatest All Black that never was.
“When you run on to the paddock and you can believe in your forwards, that they’re going to match an All Blacks pack all we have to do as backs is just finish any chances off. And make sure we’re just up in their faces,” says Warlow.
Before they ran out on to Eden Park, Warren Gatland had asked his teammates to visualise the Shield in their shed.
“He goes, ‘Look, I’m telling you, it’s going to be on the table when we walk in the changing shed. If you can’t see it now, you don’t belong here’, sort of thing.
“And it was just like, ‘S***, imagine if it was here though?’ And then we all got on board, I suppose,” says Warlow. The Mooloo men planned to make life as uncomfortable as possible for the holders.
“Let’s get early points and see if it rattles them. And it did. I remember a big drop kick down field and JK [Sir John Kirwan] got it and he just throws this loopy pass to Foxy because Duane [Monkley] was right on him, and then bloody Rhys Ellison smashes Foxy, he throws it back again.
“He gets smashed by bloody someone else and we end up scoring. It was like, that’s not Auckland,” says Warlow.
The Shield in the sheds was getting easier to picture.
“We did that for the whole game, probably antagonised them a bit Loey [Richard Loe] was doing his bit to get under their skin. All legal, of course,” says Warlow with a smile.
Fox’s memory of the clash isn’t quite so vivid. He remembers more what happened after the final whistle, after their unthinkable reign was over. He recalls the disappointment
of his teammates and particularly new coach Graham Henry.
“When we won the Shield in ’85, Alex Wylie brought the Canterbury team into our dressing room to have a beer, right?
“I know there’s an official thing you do on the park afterwards when the captain hands it over to the other captain, but what resonated with me was the Canterbury team’s gesture in ’85. All those years later, we remembered that, and so we went through to the Waikato guys and had a beer with them.”
Warlow remembers the 1993 postmatch beers, too.
“When they came into the shed, Foxy and JK and all of them, it was almost like they were relieved. It was like a message to us to say, ‘Guys, just respect it’.
“Foxy, in particular, was just like, ‘It’s been a hard thing to hang on to for eight years’,” says Warlow.
The trip from Eden Park to Hamilton by bus is not long but it still provided enough time for the new holders to get into trouble. Warlow recalls the bus pulling over for a toilet stop as they headed south.
“We may have got in trouble for having a cauliflower fight up at Pukekohe there while we were having a pee. I think we got a bill for about, I don’t know, 40 cauli or so. The union were quite happy to pay it!”
For much of the country, Auckland’s reign may have admitted the Shield into palliative care but it had first fallen ill in 1982 when Canterbury, masterminded by the late Sir Alex “Grizz” Wylie, lifted the log against Wellington at Athletic Park.
They held the Shield for 25 successful challenges equalling the record held by Auckland (1960-63). They’d have broken the record by defeating their northern rivals at
described as “the second minute” of play.
Quinn detailed the sequence of events in his commentary naming Gary Whetton as the protagonist for stomping on the chest of Canterbury lock Chris England as he entered a ruck. He then suggested “the boot went in from Buchan” presumably in retaliation, before referee Keith Lawrence produced his red card.
Buchan was able to be replaced by Phil Cropper and this is where controversy enters the dimly lit corridors of skullduggery. Buchan stops to talk to Cropper before he runs on to Eden Park. The challengers were fully aware of the opportunity this situation presented.
At that time, teams didn’t have to have a reserve hooker on their bench.
“Bizarrely, there was a bit of a conversation at some time, and I can’t recall exactly when prior, around that anomaly,” says former Canterbury loosie Rob Penney.
The problem with that anomaly is that it wasn’t one on this occasion because everyone knew Cropper was up to it.
“There’s a little lucky break here for Canterbury, because Cropper is a former hooker. Even though we know him now as a flank forward,” says Quinn in commentary.
“Yeah, we all did,” says Whetton. “He has a well-documented history as a hooker.”
At the next scrum, Penney and Robbie Deans explain to referee Lawrence that they can’t scrum without a hooker. From that moment scrums are replaced by free kicks.
“One of the fastest games probably ever played,” says Penney.
And a stroke of luck for the challengers.
“Everyone was struggling with the power they had. Scrum time was always a disaster or very challenging when you played them up there, when you played them anywhere,” says Penney.
His opposing No 6 agrees.
“It certainly helped them because we were very dominant in the scrum in those days,” says Whetton. “But that just adds another bit of drama and a chapter to the Ranfurly Shield era, doesn’t it? Creates that history to talk about and, you know great!”
The match became a kicking contest between Fox and Canterbury sharpshooter Greg Coffey. Fox scored 29 of his team’s 33 points as the challengers fell short.
by some apathetic Aucklanders. The Eden Park residency was over, Ranfurly had left the building and it was back on tour.
Thirty-nine teams have held the Shield in the 32 years since, with an average Shield reign of just five successful defences. And it has got around.
Warlow wonders if the Shield needs another lengthy reign.
“When it moves around like it does, when someone’s got a stranglehold, I suppose it always feels more compelling that you’ve taken it off them,” he says.
In the past decade, the Shield has been held by Taranaki, Tasman, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Otago, Canterbury and Waikato. Many of them on multiple occasions.
All but two of New Zealand’s major provinces have had Shield success since 2004. Former Shield behemoths Auckland haven’t held it since 2008. Northland and Manawatu have waited the longest to reclaim the Log. Northland relieved Manawatu of the Shield in 1978 under supposedly controversial circumstances.
Reports from that time suggest the referee played six extra minutes before North Auckland (now Northland) kicked a penalty to lead 12-10.
“Rubbish,” says Sloane. “When we got the penalty, there was still a little time to go on the clock.
“When we got the penalty, it stemmed from a stoppage of play and there was a lineout. And me being the hooker, while the stoppage was on, I said to the team, ‘We’ve got every chance here, it’s just the next mistake it’ll go one way or the other’.
“The referee blows time on again and I go over to the lineout and throw the ball in and promptly throw the thing crooked. I was so embarrassed in front of the team.
“So it went 15 in and a scrum. We did a few changes with bigger guys on the right-hand side of the scrum, and I just said push to the right
“The halfback kindly fed it in a bit quick and we got a tighthead and he got caught offside.”
Stuart “Chippie” Semenoff kicked the penalty, his fourth of the match, to put the challengers ahead.
Lancaster Park in 1985 in what was later dubbed the “Match of the Century”. Instead, the 28-23 defeat marked the beginning of its stay at Eden Park a residency that lasted even longer than the famous stay of Elvis Presley’s at the International Hotel in Las Vegas.
Canterbury comesa cropper
Those two Shield eras combined saw just one successful challenge in 87 matches Two careful owners in 11 years.
The closest Auckland got to losing it in that eight-year retention was their second defence against a spirited Counties side 12-9 in 1985 and a much more memorable clash with Canterbury in 1990.
That match was shrouded in controversy, as John Buchan celebrating his 100th game for Canterbury was sent off in what legendary commentator Keith Quinn
“I don’t know if we’d have got out of there if we’d won it anyway. I think that they would have locked it away and probably sued us or something,” says Penney.
“There was a lot of emotion post that game. The changing rooms in Auckland at that time were just below ground level. They opened out just above footpath level and a few of them got kicked in, so glass splattered across the changing room floor,” recalls Penney.
Incidentally, Cropper’s next game for Canterbury saw him start against Otago the following season. At hooker.
Ranfurly backon tour
As Zinzan Brooke handed the Shield to John Mitchell on that spring afternoon in 1993, the embodiment of provincial rugby supremacy sat up and breathed again.
The 17-6 victory was cheered across the country possibly even
“What a lot of people don’t say is that there was a restart and obviously you want to retrieve the kickoff and then kick it out. Well, we didn’t. They got the ball back and [Jim] Carroll had a long attempt at a field goal that only just missed. And if that kick would have gone over, no one would be talking about how long it went.”
Sloane hopes the current Northland side get to experience the highs of winning the Shield.
“Perhaps it doesn’t mean quite as much as it did in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, but certainly something you want to get your hands on. And it can inspire a lot of people.”
The greats of the ’80s and ’90s believe the Old Log has new admirers.
“If you ask the players nowadays what the Shield means, I reckon it means just as much to them as it ever has throughout its history. I honestly do,” says Fox.
“It’s a special trophy and I think that responsibility is on all of us that have been blessed to be involved in any way to keep those stories alive,” says Penney.
“Long may the Shield continue. It’s a remarkable piece of wood,” says Whetton.
The Shield is alive and well in 2025.
be handy
It might be something of a long shot but you wonder if room will be made in the 36-man All Blacks Rugby Championship squad for Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker tomorrow
If the selectors exercise their full quota of 36 players for the Rugby Championship squad, there will be room for three more players than the squad for the series against France as well as replacements for the four injured out of the two tests in Argentina and possibly the entire championship
The Pumas at home are a tough assignment, and with two home tests against the Springboks to follow, experimentation might be at a minimum
However and this is where Parker may come in there are still unanswered questions around the player or players best suited for the blindside flanker role Tupou Vaa’i performed well after being shifted there from lock and it’s a safe bet he will appear there against the Boks
However the selectors could be interested in increasing their options at No 6 after Parker was injured at
Paul Lewis
the wrong moment ahead of the French series, following a good Super Rugby campaign At 1 97m and 117kg, he could be the raw-boned blindside loosie and lineout option the All Blacks have been searching for and add to the depth being built
The question of who will come into the squad is blurred somewhat by the fact so many were injured and replaced during the French series
More than 33 were required, with prop George Bower, loose forwards Christian Lio-Willie and Dalton Papali’i, plus wing Emoni Narawa pressed into service
Injured out of Argentina and possibly longer are tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax, loosie Luke Jacobson, halfback Noah Hotham and wing Caleb Clarke Bower should remain Lomax s replacement and it seems likely the Hurricanes Peter Lakai will come in for Jacobson
The replacements for Hotham and Clarke will be intriguing particularly
at third halfback It’s a shame Hotham was injured, as he was putting together a good case to become No 2 halfback to Cam Roigard his mazy running style ideal off the bench for the All Blacks high-octane approach
It’s likely the selectors will plump for the international experience of the Blues’ Finlay Christie, even though he is said to be off to Britain rather than blooding new players such as Xavier Roe and Kyle Preston or recalling Folau Fakatava Preston has a chance he has a good kicking and support game
So assuming the four casualties will be replaced there’s still room for
three more players Parker could be one, a lock another, perhaps as a preliminary to captain Scott Barrett s sabbatical next year and a response to his recent calf tear and battering taken by his 81-test body
Barrett is expected to be available for the first test against the Pumas but could be rested in the second Josh Lord could come back into the squad, hopefully for an extended period without injuries affecting his progress Sam Darry was on the bench for Canterbury s 33-15 win in Wellington yesterday though might need more rugby to be considered
Meanwhile, the unlucky Clarke’s spot on the wing may go to Narawa though the panel haven’t yet seemed totally convinced of his worth; his place may depend on whether the brains trust want to give Rieko Ioane another chance at wing
He and Sevu Reece ended up the two specialist wings in the previous squad which looked a little imbalanced out wide
Clarke didn’t play, Will Jordan was preferred at fullback (correctly), there remain doubts about Reece at top level and Ioane hasn’t yet shone in his old position The All Blacks have ample cover for fullback but not many fast, finishing wings also able to deal with the high ball
Even if Reece is retained, the selectors may feel the need to trial
contenders at wing If he’d played much top rugby lately, Caleb Tangitau would be a prospect, but it may be that Chiefs wing Leroy Carter is of interest He is due to play for Bay of Plenty today but as a centre
That aside, the prospect of new All Blacks seems muted though it must be said that much of the new blood brought in for the French series was successful Hooker Brodie McAlister, prop Ollie Norris and fullback Ruben Love earned decent pass marks while new lock Fabian Holland achieved the biggest of ticks
Lakai s return to the squad may also obviate the need for Christian Lio-Willie who played well enough against the French without necessarily claiming a permanent spot That may open the door wider for Parker, as No 8 is well covered, with Wallace Sititi returning and Lakai also competent there (plus Ardie Savea, if needed)
Interestingly, Parker packed down at No 8 last night for Northland in their Ranfurly Shield challenge in Taranaki another strong string to his bow Chiefs colleague Samipeni Finau has not yet totally convinced at All Blacks level, though his last outing was his best so far Parker’s arrival could give the Waikato franchise three blindside flankers in the same squad surely something of a record, if it happens that way
Michael Burgess
There is now no doubt the Warriors are in a bit of a hole.
That might sound strange, given the team will end the weekend still inside the NRL’s top four but things have unravelled badly over the past two months. From the high of smashing the Sharks in early June arguably their best performance of the season they have dropped four of their last six matches, three at Go Media Stadium.
The once big gap between them and the chasing pack has evaporated, to the point where they could be pushed out of the top quartet by next weekend, with Brisbane, Penrith and Cronulla all ominously close.
An injury crisis has been a significant factor, with so many key players sidelined, but they have also lost their mojo, getting squeezed in key moments, as shown in costly home defeats to the Panthers and Titans.
Friday was a chance to change the scenario and they were oh-so-close. Leading 18-16 with just over a minute to play, the Warriors had to make one more tackle to seal a famous victory but instead, the Dolphins conjured a miracle, with their desperate fifthtackle play ending with a try to Jamayne Issako in the right corner for an improbable 20-18 win.
Given the circumstances, with eight frontline players out and a completely new spine, it was a remarkable effort by the Warriors to get so close. There was a lot to like about the performance a much superior effort than the Gold Coast contest last weekend as they fought back from a 16-6 deficit late in the first half.
But having worked so hard, they had to hang on, especially as the Dolphins had been reduced to 12 men in the 74th minute, after Felise Kaufusi’s awful tackle on Jacob Laban. But they couldn’t and were strangely passive in the final set and especially the last play.
Instead of pressuring the Dolphins, they hung off perhaps wary of shooting out of the line and paid the ultimate price, as the Dolphins shifted from one sideline to another before making space for Issako.
“It’s hard to take, obviously because it’s such a dramatic finish,” said Warriors coach Andrew Webster. “No
one’s going to lie here you get your hopes up, don’t you? You think, jeez, we’re close here and then it gets taken away from you. That’s hard but we have to move on.”
While proud of the team’s effort, he was frustrated with the concession, saying the Warriors could have done more to shut down the play.
“I felt like our body language could have been better and we could’ve had [12] guys standing in a straight line and it would have made it harder for them but we’ll learn from that.”
He was even more disappointed with the game management, as the
Warriors had things under control, with the Dolphins pinned on their line with less than four minutes to play.
“The game was in our hands at the end. We let them out. That’s the frustrating bit,” referring to a penalty gifted from a high tackle.
Webster defended the decision not to kick for goal with six minutes remaining, after the penalty from the Kaufusi sinbinning.
“That was my call. If they go short [from the kickoff], get the ball back and score, you never forgive yourself. You want to put them [down] there for the rest of the game, keep them there and don’t let them out.”
Overall, Webster found plenty of positives, with a tireless forward effort, spirited defence and some remarkable try-saving efforts and the spark and energy on attack, prompted by more than 300 running metres from Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.
“I was really proud that we bounced back a couple of times against some bad momentum. We were really dominant in that second half, winning the arm wrestles, and we put ourselves in a great position.
“We’ll learn lots from it; we’re not going to kick stones this week. We’ll go after the next challenge, learn and learn quickly.”
Webster didn’t have an update on Laban but the prognosis did not look good.
“He felt something pop in his leg,” said Webster, with the player later on crutches as he left the dressing room.
Friday’s team was reshaped, with Taine Tuaupiki at fullback, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at centre and Kurt Capewell returning to the second row and Webster indicated that was likely to continue.
“We had to just get the best players on the field,” said Webster. “Most of the decisions this week were pretty [simple].”
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf was understandably thrilled with the manner of the win, especially after his side lost gun centre Herbie Farnworth to injury early in the first half.
“We were so brave,” said Woolf. “We did so much defence in our own half, on our own line. I just thought we needed an opportunity. We left some tries out there, so I knew we had points in us.
“We probably just needed a little bit of luck, which we got with the penalty, and as soon as we got that, we were a chance.”
Bolters are unlikely change certain, when the All Blacks unveil their Rugby Championship squad tomorrow
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson will call up at least three additional players following the 3-0 sweep of the French in July to form his 36-man Rugby Championship squad
While stability will be widely evident, injury setbacks at halfback, wing and in the loose forwards coupled with the welcome return of some injured players signal movement in key areas
First the good news
The All Blacks forward pack will be significantly bolstered by the return of Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi, two dynamic figures who will impose another dimension to the attacking firepower and offloading after both missing the French series
Sititi was the All Blacks player of the year in his rookie test season, while Williams mobility skill, power and scrummaging marked him as one of the Crusaders most influential players before he played through knee-ligament issues in the Super Rugby final to leave him needing
All Blacks who could be picked for the Rugby Championship include: Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, Asafo Aumua, George Dyer, Peter Lakai, Finlay Christie, Emoni Narawa.
surgery Williams return could squeeze out fellow Crusaders loosehead prop George Bower after he was a late addition to the July squad
Starting tighthead prop Tyrel
Lomax will miss the opening two tests in Argentina while he recovers from hand surgery which will promote Fletcher Newell’s growing presence and likely add Chiefs counterpart George Dyer to the squad as temporary cover while veteran Ofa Tu’ungafasi works his way back from neck surgery
Elsewhere in the front row Asafo
Aumua s return after missing the July series against France with a hamstring issue will likely push Brodie McAlister out of the squad to strengthen the established hooking ranks
The All Blacks curiously selected five loose forwards in their July
squad, but with Sititi not the only returning incumbent Robertson will surely add more to his area of expertise, with attrition rates sure to hit hard against the combative Pumas and Springboks forward packs
Hurricanes loose forward Peter Lakai’s versatility and noted ball carrying is expected to be highly valued, particularly with Luke Jacobson ruled out for five weeks by the quad injury he sustained warming up for the third French test in Hamilton
Lakai was unavailable for July due to a knee injury but is likely to be included after impressing against France in Paris last November
The 22-year-old is certain to be a long-term feature of the All Blacks loose forward trio and will benefit from further exposure.
Others on the loose forward fringe, including Crusaders No 8 Christian Lio-Willie and Blues openside Dalton Papali i, face a nervous wait
Lio-Willie was elevated to the July squad after Sititi s withdrawal, while Papali’i featured off the bench in a widely changed All Blacks team in the third French test after missing selection in the original squad
The All Blacks are keeping a close
eye on Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker as he returns from injury with Northland in the NPC but he appears more likely to be called up for the northern tour
With the All Blacks expected to persist with switching Tupou Vaa’i to blindside flanker Naitoa Ah Kuoi could be included as additional locking cover, as captain Scott Barrett also returns from injury
Noah Hotham’s high ankle sprain that requires surgery comes at an unfortunate time after his impressive cameo off the bench in the third French test in Hamilton
Hotham was poised to seriously challenge Cortez Ratima for the right to deputise for Cam Roigard but will now be forced to wait for that chance
In Hotham’s absence, the All Blacks could turn to Crusaders halfback Kyle Preston, with his ability to kick off both feet a major asset, but with experience a possible concern among their No 9s, Finlay Christie is likely to be recalled despite the Newcastle Falcons reportedly chasing his services
Caleb Clarke s ankle injury shines a further light on the All Blacks’ struggles to replace Mark Tele a
The Blues wingers finished last
year as the All Blacks incumbent finishers, but with Tele’a leaving for three years in Japan after the NPC and Clarke sidelined, the edges remain unresolved
The All Blacks will push on with Sevu Reece and Rieko Ioane’s shift from centre to wing but must consider Chiefs wings Emoni Narawa, who was promoted from injury cover to start the second French test in Wellington and Leroy Carter
Anton Lienert-Brown’s shoulder complaint after returning from a broken collarbone for his first match in three months against France is not thought to be serious, which should ensure he is retained
Others among the bloated six midfielders selected in July could be nervous as Leicester Fainga’anuku s homecoming looms into view.
After returning from two years with French club Toulon, Fainga’anuku is unavailable until the All Blacks northern tour, leaving him to feature for Tasman in the NPC unless he s granted an injury exemption from the NZ Rugby board
Those in the All Blacks midfield and outside backs, though, will be looking over their shoulders at Fainga’anuku’s return
Champagne and opera
Restaurant month
Auckland turns up the heat this month with foodie experiences that invite Kiwis to play dance and explore while eating From musicfuelled walking tours to hands-on cooking classes and scavenger hunts with a twist this month-long celebration is packed with flavour and fun A standout event of Restaurant Month is The Great Noodle Run on August 23 where participants race across central Auckland solving riddles and slurping noodles Youll get a delicious challenge thats perfect for families dates or a spontaneous Saturday with friends Tickets are $48pp and include generous noodle servings at each location heartofthecity.co.nz/restaurant-month
Champagne and Opera Fridays at Bellini Bar offer an elegant escape for Kiwis looking for a touch of Europe in the heart of Auckland Set against the glittering Waitemata Harbour this free event at Hilton Auckland brings together live opera Champagne Pommery and gourmet bites Every Friday from 6 30 to 7 30pm guests can sip fine bubbles while rising stars from the New Zealand Opera School serenade the room Whether you ’ re an opera aficionado or simply curious this is a refined way to start your weekend Entry is free but seating is limited so reservations are recommended bellini.co.nz
Pride at the slopes
Winter Pride Queenstown returns from August 15 to 24 with more than 40 events celebrating love, diversity and community Set in New Zealands alpine playground this rainbow festival promises 10 unforgettable days of parties, ski adventures and heartfelt moments Festival-goers can hit the slopes during themed ski days at Cardrona and The Remarkables dance through epic apres-ski and enjoy nightly events
such as Balls & Bingo Enigma F2F Strip Night and drag shows at SkyCity Queenstown Daytime favourites include the Pride Park Run, Fierce Farmyard at Walter Peak and Superhero Day
Unmissable night parties include Hotel Lavender Lounge, Wiglit Just a Little Bit and the Hawaii Honeymoon closing session at Sundeck Visit winterpride co nz for tickets and updates
Improved Skyrail Soaring above one of the world’s oldest rainforests is about to get even better. Cairns Skyrail Rainforest Cableway has announced an $85 million redevelopment to mark its 30th anniversary The upgrade will feature whisper-quiet gondolas with floor-to-ceiling views, hightech cable systems, and a staged construction plan to minimise disruption while preserving the fragile ecosystem below After more than 100,000 hours of operation since it opened, this new chapter, set to be completed in 2027, reaffirms Skyrail’s commitment to sustainability and innovation and offers Kiwis an upgraded way to explore the Wet Tropics World Heritage rainforest in spectacular style Learn more at skyrail com au/ upgrade
Heading across the Ditch for the first time and don’t know where to start? Sydney and its surroundings are the perfect mix of urban culture and natural gems, writes Danielle Zollickhofer.
There is nothing like the serenity of a forest
The trees and wildlife almost seem to form a shield that the busyness of everyday life can’t perforate
There is nothing quite like walking through a forest of eucalyptus trees that is home to some national residents
Im in Port Stephens a charming little coastal town two-and-a-half-hours drive from Sydney More specifically Im at the Koala Sanctuary an eighthectare area of protected bushland run by the council and Port Stephens Koala Hospital which is within the sanctuary and helps care for and rehabilitate sick or orphaned koalas
While the intensive care units and rehabilitation yards arent open to the public, there is a large window into the clinical services area where visitors can observe non-invasive treatments (if any are scheduled)
The sanctuary also has eight permanent residents who cannot return to the wild one, for example is blind, and another has a leg deformity Visitors can see them while walking along a 225m-long elevated pathway that winds through the forest, but given their climbing abilities and love of long naps, it can feel like a tough game of Where’s Wally? Despite being solitary creatures two of the resident koalas get along well and can sometimes be found in the same tree During my visit they were not only close to each other but close to the
pathway as they munched on eucalyptus
For some, a few hours will be enough, but if you want to extend your stay, there are cosy glamping tents and rooms, as well as a pool and barbecue area There is no need to set an alarm for morning: you will wake up to the chatter of kookaburras and rainbow lorikeets
Cute koalas aren’t the only creatures to visit in
Port Stephens The azure waters are also home to humpback whales and dolphins
They are best visited via a boat tour, for example, through Moonshadow-TQC Cruises (although you can sometimes see them from the land, I’ve been told)
The company offers separate whale and dolphin experiences (and snorkelling trips), but during the Whale Watch Express tour we were lucky to see both species as well as seals and a range of seabirds Our fun knowledgeable guides said they had also seen hammerhead sharks
The wider Port Stephens area is known for the Stockton Bight Sand Dunes in the Worimi
Conservation Lands, the largest moving dunes in the Southern Hemisphere
Sand Dune Adventures, owned by Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council runs quad bike and sandboarding tours of the dunes, which are equally fun as they are informative
As a motorbike enthusiast, this was right up my alley, although I was among the slower part of the tour group: it took a bit of time getting used to going down steep slopes on four wheels
We stopped a few times and turned off the quads, allowing us to appreciate further the magnificence of the dunes which felt reminiscent of a desert vast and serene
In other places they provide a mesmerising vantage point of the ocean where we spotted whales breaching in the distance The dunes aren’t just beautiful our guide explained they are also a culturally significant site for the Worimi people and contain historic camp and burial sites as well as ancient middens with shell deposits and toolmaking artefacts
Next stop, Sydney
If someone who hasnt been to Sydney asked me to describe it Id say its something between New York and Auckland
The hustle and bustle that comes with being home to more than five million people (let that figure sink in for a second New Zealands entire population fits into Sydney) can be felt even from the comfort of a taxi Beautiful historic buildings, some of them very colourful, sit next to modern multi-storey apartments with panorama windows, and the more the CBD approaches the higher the buildings seem to get
There are lots of things to do, and you could easily spend a few days in the city alone
It’s well-connected, with a metro and bus network (and Ubers), so even though I believe there is no better way to get a feel for a city than by exploring it as a pedestrian there are plenty of opportunities to give your feet a break
As I was in the city for a good time not a long time I made a beeline for Sydneys icons the harbourfront with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge They are real stunners especially around sunset (even in winter) but that’s also why it is touristy
In the grand scheme of metropolis travel its not that bad though and there are plenty of spots to snap a selfie with the Harbour Bridge without being photobombed by strangers
The Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney Town Hall has 144 apartment-style rooms plus a pool and gym You can do your own cooking, which can be quite handy if you want to stay in after a big day of exploring Its right in the centre of the action and only a short walk from the metro station
If you want to treat yourself, the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth makes you feel like a celebrity No wonder: opened in 1966, it is Australias first international hotel and has hosted Princess Diana the Queen and Elton John among others A short walk from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge the perfectly located spot also has two restaurants and two bars
Sydney and Port Stephens are full of amazing food and dining experiences
In Sydney Tailor Room is an intimate cocktail bar with an innovative menu, inspired by fabric Instead of selecting a drink based on your alcohol of choice, you are inspired to try something new as the main menu only describes the character of the cocktail (fresh bright and fizzy for example) and doesn’t list the ingredients (although these are mentioned in the back of the menu)
The adjacent Dining Room a fine-dining restaurant boasts an original menu that
showcases seasonal produce I dont usually opt for meat or seafood but based on the recommendations of the staff I gave the caviar tartlets and the beef fillet a try and Im so glad I did
Another standout is Midden by Mark Olive, by the Opera House The stunning views of the Harbour Bridge pair well with the menu celebrating indigenous Australian cuisine
In Port Stephens, Little Beach Boathouse and Rick Stein at Bannisters both focus on the region’s seafood, but there are other options on the menu
If you come for dinner at the Little Beach Boathouse you might be lucky enough to see the local dolphin pod swimming by staff told me
Light Years Newcastle is also well worth a visit
The menu features modern Asian share-style dishes and signature cocktails (their wild truffled mushroom dumplings are a true highlight)
Everyone’s heard of Bali, but a beautiful island just a two-hour boat ride to the east remains a mystery to many travellers, writes local Leyla Rose
Affectionately nicknamed “Balis little sister” Lombok has all the beautiful nature of Bali beaches rainforests paddy fields and mountains but with none of the crowds and crazy traffic I was born and raised here and after a brief six-year stint abroad I’m back living on the island
The most well-known place in Lombok is the Gilis which are three small motor vehicle-free islands off the northwest coast Tourists often mistake them for part of Bali largely because of the direct speedboats between the two But even then its only Gili Trawangan (the largest island known for its party scene) that I would consider super touristy Gili Air is much more low-key with fewer bars and quieter beaches
Its my favourite of the three with plenty of great dining options Meanwhile Gili Meno is dubbed the honeymoon island for its peaceful serenity
On the south coast of Lombok, the town of Kuta is the main tourist hotspot (not to be mistaken for the notorious party city in Bali) I remember when it was just a sleepy village where surfers and backpackers went Nowadays its the most-visited place in Lombok with new villas, boutique hotels and restaurants constantly popping up Part of the reason for this growth is Kuta’s proximity to Lombok’s international airport, just a 30-minute drive away Another reason is the development of an international racetrack built as part of the Government’s “5 New Balis” a plan to diversify tourism beyond Bali
Despite the boom in visitors Kuta remains quiet compared to Bali Surrounding the town are miles of stunning coastline with everything
from huge stretches of white sands to secluded coves Some beaches such as Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak are more popular than others but even they are never crowded Most of the time you’ll enjoy beaches all to yourself and despite its
From top Gili Trawangan one of three small motor vehicle-free is ands off the northwest coast of Lombok; Senggigi has a good se ection of restaurants and resorts Mt Rinjani is Indonesias secondhighest volcano at 3726m
Photos / Unsplash supplied
growth, it’s still a top surf destination
For somewhere a little more laid-back the town of Senggigi on the west coast is the OG beach resort
It experienced its heyday in the 90s/early 2000s when it was popular for everyone from backpackers to families and older travellers
Although its less visited now theres still plenty to love with a good selection of restaurants and resorts and easy access to markets in the main city of Mataram For somewhere even quieter just a five-minute drive up the coast from Senggigi is the village of Mangsit where large hotels line the long stretch of beach A further 45 minutes north is the peaceful Sira Beach with its upscale resorts including The Sira Oberoi and Tugu Lombok
The north of Lombok is dominated by Mt Rinjani Indonesias second-highest volcano at 3726m This active volcano is a popular choice for keen hikers with routes that take between two and four days, depending on the length The scenery is worth the challenge with temperate rainforest, a beautiful crater lake and views of surrounding islands from the peak
Those less keen on hiking can visit Sembalun, a town at the bottom of the mountain and a starting point for the trek There are easier day hikes and viewpoints, as well as easy walks through the network of fields growing everything from strawberries to carrots and chillies Also nearby is Senaru an alternative starting point also known for its two waterfalls Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep
These can also be visited as part of a day trip from Senggigi which is about a two-hour drive away
If you want to slow down Lombok provides opportunities for that too Tetebatu is a personal favourite that I always recommend to visitors
Nestled in the verdant valleys at the foot of Mt Rinjani, this village in central Lombok is quite literally, a breath of fresh air There isn’t much by way of tourist infrastructure there are a few homestays and local cafes but that’s all you need
Its very much an agricultural village, surrounded by terraced rice paddies and vegetable fields After waking up early take a stroll along the paths that wind through the fields watching the sun rise from behind the volcano and lighting up the land in a soft golden glow
Then head into the Monkey Forest to spot the elusive black langur and end your walk with a
swim at the picturesque Sarang Walet Waterfall
To discover Lomboks best-kept secret head for the “Secret Gilis” This collection of islands off Lombok’s southwest coast sees only a tiny fraction of the visitors to the Gili Islands making it a tranquil beach escape My favourite island is Gili Asahan, where there are only a handful of resorts, such as Pearl Beach Resort dotted along the beach while another island with good accommodation options is Gili Gede It never fails to blow my mind just how stunning the crystal-clear waters surrounding these islands are for some of the best snorkelling and scuba diving in Lombok one of the activities
left the
you cant miss is an island-hopping boat trip from one spot to another Of course there are compromises to be made Lombok is a predominantly Muslim island so you won’t find the same Hindu culture with its many temples and colourful ceremonies Theres also much less of a party scene and shopping tends to lean more towards traditional markets and local handicrafts than upscale boutiques and malls
But if you ’ re willing to trade that for a more laid-back experience Lombok should be your next travel destination
Afive-hour drive outside Ho Chi Minh City, or about 1 5 hours from Nha Trang Airport, within the Nui Chua National Park lies Amanoi Nestled between the forested hills and the sea, this retreat blends comfort with connection, offering a true sense of place and people particularly the Cham people
The ethnic Cham are divided into three spiritual paths: Cham Balamon Cham Bani and Cham Islam
Descendants of the once-mighty Champa kingdom they each continue to practise centuries-old crafts rituals and spiritual philosophies; not as performances for visitors but as living traditions that shape daily life
Collaborating closely with the Cham Amanoi curates rare and intimate experiences that feel more like an introduction than an itinerary During our stay we stepped beyond the usual circuits and into five immersive experiences
1
Revisiting history at the Cham Museum
Tucked away in a modest building in Phan Rang Thap Cham the Cham Museum might not boast size but it brims with pride Under the guidance of Diem a knowledgeable Cham Bani woman, we explored sandstone sculptures, portraits and rare artefacts painstakingly preserved
What made this visit special wasnt just the collection, but Diem herself and the cultural context she offered: the layered symbology, the meaning behind the rituals and how Cham identity continues to evolve today in modern Vietnam
Those seeking a deeper understanding of Cham culture will find this museum to be a great starting point
2
Weaving in My Nghiep village
Cham weaving isn’t just decorative its symbolic In My Nghiep village sitting beside Cham weavers I watched as age-old geometric motifs emerged thread by thread Each pattern tells a story: of harvests ancient deities and cosmic beliefs At Amanoi these weavings are subtly integrated throughout the property From table runners and turndown gifts to other elements of interior design Its a powerful integration of community into luxury
Five immersive experiences give Ankita Mahabir a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s living Cham culture
Moulding clay at Bau Truc pottery village
A less than 10-minute drive from My Nghiep lies Bau Truc, one of Southeast Asias oldest continuously operating pottery villages Here instead of rotating the clay on a wheel the Cham women move around it Shaping terracotta entirely by hand they circle with intent their bodies becoming part of the shaping process No two pots are the same
I attempted to shape a pot Sadly mine turned out to be far from artistic much to the amused dismay of the gracious woman beside me who had been moulding clay for more than 60 years
4
Walking through time at Po Klong Garai temple
Rising dramatically against the blue sky the Po Klong Garai temple complex is among the best-preserved Cham monuments Built in the 13th century to honour King Po Klong Garai, the red sandstone towers, lingam-yoni shrines and carved reliefs give glimpses of a time when the Champa kingdom thrived
That said ceremonies are still held here during Cham festivals such as Kate, drawing worshippers in traditional dress, bearing offerings and citing ancestral prayers
While you can visit the above locations independently, we explored them with the help of Amanoi guide Michael as part of its “Kingdom of Cham” tour, which ended with a delicious lunch at a local gem we’d have never discovered alone
5
Receiving a blessing from a Cham master
One of the most profound moments of our journey was a private ceremony held in a sacred spot on Amanois grounds not marked on any map We met Master Da a Cham
Master, who led an ancestral blessing rarely seen outside Cham festivals
To the haunting tones of sacred instruments, his voice rose in song a delicate weave of animist, Hindu and Islamic influences The experience was not performative but deeply reverent, an invitation, however brief into a world few outsiders ever glimpse
The evening culminated in a six-course meal under the stars inspired by Cham cuisine from turmeric-laced curries and tamarind leaf soup to handcrafted chocolates etched with traditional motifs
Beyond the Cham encounters, travellers can explore the nearby fishing village of Vinh Hy, wander through the Ninh Thuan Stone Park or go trekking in Nui Chua National Park Guests at Amanoi can also climb to Goga Peak, which we did with our toddler quite easily (and in jandals not recommended)
To experience the Cham community through Amanoi is to be reminded that luxury is not always opulence Sometimes its about access Access to silence To ceremony To connection These were not “activities” checked off a list but meaningful encounters with a people whose culture continues to shape the soul of southern Vietnam quietly beautifully enduringly
e know what our immune system is about Its what fends off bugs and determines how long it takes us to recover from illnesses But this narrow view barely scratches the surface of its wide-ranging impact not only on our health but also our longevity, says immunologist Dr Jenna Macciochi Our immune system is the single greatest arbiter of both how long we live and the quality of those years, she writes in her new book Immune to Age: The Game-Changing Science of Lifetime Health Here are four habits to boost your immune system:
Do more exercise: Exercise not only improves overall health but enhances immune function “There are very few, if any things medicine can offer that come anywhere close to that magnitude of benefit ” says Macciochi It triggers a controlled inflammatory response that results in a “ super rise in anti-inflammatory kind of clean-up” and helps maintain thymus health for T cell production Stop snacking: People are eating almost all the time Macciochi says Constant snacking keeps the body in a prolonged fed state preventing the natural postmeal inflammation reset
Add anti-inflammatory foods to your meals: Olive oil, with its oleocanthal content, offers anti-inflammatory effects similar to ibuprofen If people want to invest in a longevity supplement I would say start with olive oil,” she says Diets rich in antioxidant foods, help mitigate chronic inflammation
Eat more fibre to improve gut health: With 70% of immune cells located along the digestive tract a healthy microbiome is essential Fibre from vegetables fruit and legumes supports the production of antiinflammatory short-chain fatty acids that keep the gut barrier strong Emily Craig, Daily Telegraph
When I got on the scale after a week in Greece I weighed a full 3kg more than I had done when I left I’d be lying if I said it didn’t bother me
As personal trainer Dalton Wong helpfully puts it “losing holiday weight is easy but you’ll never get back the time that you spend away
Yet the truth is that a sudden jump in weight can be jarring
Did all the cheese and pita bread I ate really do that much damage?
Probably not Wong says That jump wont just be fat but also water retention caused by eating a lot of salty food and probably a bit of fat depending on how much youve eaten
If youre someone who does a lot of strength training, you might even put on a bit of lean muscle mass, because youre giving your muscles the good rest and nutrients that they need to actually grow ”
As Wong reassures his clients, you would have to eat a truly enormous amount of food to put on 3kg of fat in a week
“Just putting on 45 grams requires “about 500 extra calories every day on top of the amount you need to maintain your weight ”
The reality is that a week of overindulgence likely wont make you gain more than a kilo at most even
if like me youve ended up reaching to the back of your wardrobe for a bigger pair of trousers
Its not all as simple as calories in calories out however
Your body has a set point that it really wants to stay at, says nutritionist Jenna Hope
Once you return from holiday, your body works hard to bring your weight back down to its usual levels, a process that can be masked by water weight and constipation
“A week or two or even three, outside of your norm might not actually cause weight gain at all because you aren’t causing any longterm changes to your metabolic activity ” so long as you go back to your normal habits
For this reason Wong advises that you avoid weighing yourself for four weeks after you get home
“Anything you see differently in the scales then might be actual fat but until then what youre seeing likely isnt real weight gain
Lauren Shirref, Daily Telegraph
Our top picks from the latest in food, fashion, beauty and lifestyle
She pioneered “Brat summer” last year with the release of her zeitgeisty album Brat; now Charli xcx is teaming up with Converse to release a limited-edition Chuck Taylor All Star This sneaker is designed to look lived-in and well-loved, just like Charli’s own battered pairs Using trompe-l oeil the canvas is printed with hyper-realistic rips and discolouration, while each pair features a Brat-etched lock and key on the heel The Signature All Star circular either with 365 or Angel, depending on which st inclined towards Available in black, brown,
patch is adorned eithe Charli era you’re most and white
Converse x Ch August 6 onlin
harli xcx Collection, $190, available from online at converse.com.au/newzealand.
Featuring four new professional curlers, ghd’s latest collection Chronos Curve is designed to speed up styling while protecting hair from heat damage. The latest tools maintain an optimum temperature of 185C throughout the barrel making it easy to create high-impact curls from beachy waves to a bouncy blowout Ghd Chronos Curve Collection, $340, available in salons department stores and f
salons, stores, from ghdhair com/nz
Dyson has unveiled its latest styling innovation, the Chitosan Multi-Use Styling Spray and New Zealand and Australia are the first in the world to get their hands on it Designed for allday hold (without that dreaded crunch), the spray locks in styles or revives second-day hair while maintaining shine, softness, and natural movement Save the bottle and buy a refill when you’ve run out
Dyson Chitosan Multi-Use Styling Spray, $130 (refills $115), available atdyson.co.nz.
A serene retreat nestled at Auckland’s boutique SO/ Hotel, SO/ Spa is a firm favourite for its luxury facials and bodycare rituals Now, the spa is welcoming French cosmeceuticals maison Codage Paris to the fold with four new bespoke treatments Pick from a one-hour Couture Facial or a 30-minute Couture Express, and two Codage body scrubs SO/ Spa therapist Caitlyn Fredericks, a Viva Beauty Therapist of the Year 2025 finalist, recommends the “super-customisable” Couture Facial SO/Spa, Customs St East & Gore St Auckland Central. Make a booking at so-hotels com/en/auckland/ wellness/spa/.
Yo cial loth d
Your special clothes deserve luxury care
ORE re, and does ctions and eight ystem arments water It’s eather ter y the Cabinet,
Fisher & Paykel’s Fabric Care Cabinet do just that The cabinet has four core func (refresh, dry, deodorise, and sanitise) an fabric care settings The configurable sy is designed to extend the life of your gar while reducing energy and conserving w also suitable for shoes, silk, wool, and lea Reset news editor Brenda Ward lusts aft one. She loves how it can freshen lightly worn clothes with steam and air to minimise t laundry load. Fisher & Paykel Series 11 Fabric Care C $5099, available in store or online.
In his more than 20 years as an architect, George Clarke has seen “staggeringly brave” building projects around the world Lucky for him, New Zealand has no shortage of them
From Great Barrier Island odysseys to Rakino Island hideouts living off the mainland is the name of the game in Clarke’s new series Homes in the Wild a project he described as a privilege to work on
“It’s not just the experience of exploring complicated builds in remote locations but also meeting the people and being part of that culture and being part of that place and just really enjoying it he says of his time in Aotearoa
While the Sunderland-born project professional is no stranger to our shores (his uncle lives locally) he had never set foot on some of our remote island paradises before his most recent visit
I think the consistent thing throughout is that many of the houses are sustainable, and theyre very much connected with nature, he says, marvelling at the ingenuity of some of the builds he witnessed
“All the houses we featured on this series are on islands You’re in very remote locations, so when you ’ re off grid and you ’ re thinking about power and water and drainage and sewage and all of those things by default you ’ ve got to have a sustainable approach to it ”
A trip to Great Barrier was a very special experience for him particularly because he had been reading up and learning about Maori culture
Architect extraordinaire George Clarke can’t get enough of Kiwi living, and in his latest show, he explores some of our wildest and most remote island builds. He tells Mitchell Hageman about his experience and his special connection to Aotearoa.
and history beforehand
“I met this amazing Maori guy called Rodney He showed me around the community and the buildings that they had as well as the symbolism around the architecture and why a certain animal or bird that was carved into the timber would look in a certain direction and how it would provide protection
Architecture is such a powerful thing It goes back thousands and thousands of years and to see that alive and kicking and vibrant within the Maori culture was a privilege for me to witness
While some of his favourite moments were during filming and through meeting locals, Clarke also relished the opportunity to explore on his own He gave a shout-out to the vibrant restaurants and bars of Ponsonby, and also one of our culinary greats
“I went to chef Al Browns bach, and I basically ate like a king, which was amazing ” he says It’s no secret Clarke lives and breathes architecture When we spoke to him he’d only just finished designing a building himself with his team
“Im an architect by trade and I’ll
and stand the test of time
We picked Clarkes brain for his best tips for a build, and he had an insightful response for any potential project starters as well “I’m not going to say it’s a mistake because I can understand why people do it and I’ve done it myself but sometimes you rule by your heart rather than your head ” he says
always be an architect Its all Ive ever wanted to be, he says Yes now Im a TV presenter, but I see myself as an architect on television I dont really see myself as a kind of celebrity or a TV presenter Im an architect who makes TV programmes I dont use the celebrity word, I can’t stand it It’s just not me at all ” When asked about the latest trends in architecture his response was given like a true master of his craft
“I don’t really do trends because I think trends make it sound like its all fashion and I don’t do fashion I do architecture For me the best buildings are ones that are timeless
But often with risk and daring to dream comes an overwhelming sense of reward
“Sometimes people get involved in projects and dont really fully understand what theyve taken on A phrase that I hear a lot is that if they realised how difficult it would have been at the beginning they would never have taken it on but they are glad they did
Clarke says Homes in the Wild doesnt just aim to be educational but also aspirational He says the concept of escapism and exploring it in detail was incredibly fulfilling
Its about architecture, yes, its about homes yes, its about design, yes, but it also felt like a bit of a travelogue
And judging by how he recalls his eyes being glued to the screen at the beauty of the footage, overseas audiences and Kiwis are in for a treat “It’s going to be one hell of an advert for New Zealand this series, I can tell you now ”
● George Clarke: Homes in the Wild launches on August 14 at 7 30pm on Sky Open, with all episodes available on NEON and Sky Go on that date
A Gourmet shop is due expand to t more Auck locations W
Geraldine J talks to the owner abou secret to hi
When gourmet baker
Lewis Mazza-Carson opened his pie shop in Auckland’s Karangahape Rd last year he made 50 pies They sold out in an hour
Soon punters were regularly queuing round the corner and down the hill at Pie Rollas on the corner of K Rd and Howe St in what used to be the old Thirsty Dog pub
All were fearful of missing out
Quite terrifying But good for business Mazza-Carson recalls
Within weeks the number had increased fivefold He aims to be selling 1000 pies a day by the end of the year and has plans to expand
The 20-year-old has recently opened a second pie shop in Newmarket and plans to open a third in Aucklands Britomart in early August and one in Ponsonby Central in late August or early September
In an era when it’s more common to read about a hospitality business closing, Mazza-Carson puts his success down to affordability
“Stuff is expensive Many people are not going out to eat at all Were in that well-priced range where you can enjoy this food but its affordable ”
Pie Rolla’s most popular and priciest pie brisket jalapeno and American cheese is $14 Mince and cheese or bacon and egg brekkie are $11 50 Spicy buffalo chicken and cheese and nacho libre (a chilli bean pie with sour cream salsa and coriander) are also firm favourites
Mazza-Carson has plans to expand the current list of seven options with choices like a lasagne pie a bolognaise pie and maybe a sweet one too
Its a simple recipe: home-made pastry with butter, flour free-range eggs, water and salt and fillings that are all made on site, including smoking the fish
Less than a year after opening his business Mazza-Carson won the Best Emerging Talent category in the peer-reviewed Lewisham Awards which celebrate the hospitality sector in June
His reaction was one of disbelief when his name was called out
“I really didn’t believe it at first [It was] a definite rush of relief ”
Mazza-Carsons road to success hasn’t been straightforward Not long
Overnight he went from being
Grey Lynn, helped to teach
“I had to learn how to cook within a week It was a very steep learning curve ”
The burn scars on his arms attest to his early kitchen attempts with regular 4 30am starts in the bakery Soon Pie Rollas was doing so well Mazza-Carson took over an adjacent restaurant space to convert it into a kitchen
Mazza-Carson admits he was somewhat naive about how business worked in the early days
The challenges that came with it I hadnt foreseen that I soon realised that nobody else is coming to save you If you dont do it it wont get done
Although his parents have a twothirds shareholding in the business they leave the running of the pie shop to their son However his father was put to work on Waitangi Day this year at the Laneway Festival at Western Springs Stadium, attended by 30,000 people
While Mazza-Carson and a mate were frantically baking pies at the bakery, his father was acting as delivery driver, taking the pies to a drop-off point at the stadium ready to be transferred to a food stall
“We ended up selling 1000 in four hours the first time wed done that number in a day ” Mazza-Carson says “That was the stuff of nightmares but a good day financially In any aspect of life quality hard work yields results and rewards no matter what ”
@lanaandelane
tudded collars wedge sneakers galaxy print and peplums the uniform du jour in the tumblr-fied days of 2012
Fast-forward 13 years, and peplums are back like they never left, as evidenced by The Bear star Molly Gordon last week in NYC The silhouette is divisive: for many of us its impossible to separate the peplum from the exaggerated ruffles that adorned almost every garment of the early 2010s (from bodyhugging neon dresses to workwear blouses)
Since then, the humble peplum has undergone a serious makeover and dare I say it’s not as bad as we thought? With time the style has evolved into a subtle sculptural flare that gently accentuates the figure: a more refined alternative to the dramatic flounce of yesteryear
Like Molly try pairing a strapless peplum top with sleek black trousers and pumps for an effortless nighttime look For day-to-day wear opt for a cotton peplum T-shirt with jeans and runners
Play around with proportions: a classic flare from the waistline can create and highlight shape while a peplum beneath the bust offers a more whimsical Lana Andelane
playful look
These hardy plants put on a spectacular display through rain, wind, and frost, writes
Gareth Carter
You may have noticed the days are slowly getting longer A quick walk around the garden after work bundled up in rain gear and warm layers brings a bit of joy
Though were in the heart of winter theres still surprising colour if you know where to look
Early magnolias are blooming, camellias are putting on a show daphne is beginning to flower, and many grevilleas are feeding birds with their nectar-rich blooms
This column’s focus, however, is on helleborus commonly known as Lenten roses or winter roses
These hardy plants put on a spectacular display through rain, wind and frost which is exactly when most of us would rather be beside a fireplace
Winter roses are prized for their ability to bring colour to the garden during the coldest months Their blooms also make excellent cut flowers lasting up to three weeks indoors
Some varieties start flowering as early as late May and can last into July while others bloom through July and continue into August or September
Their name Lenten rose comes from their blooming period coinciding with Lent in the Northern Hemisphere
Traditionally, hellebores were limited to white and pink hues, but breeding in recent years has significantly expanded the range
Now, youll find shades from white to deep black, as well as green, yellow, apricot, and striking spotted forms known as picotee There are even beautiful double-flowered varieties
Hellebores thrive in shady areas with well-drained humus-rich soil making them ideal for planting under trees or along the shady sides of fences and houses
They naturally occur in the deciduous forests and meadows of Eastern Europe where fallen leaves
ized
create rich organic matter and tree roots help maintain good drainage
You can recreate this at home by adding peat moss and planting under deciduous trees
They prefer a neutral to alkaline soil (higher pH), meaning they grow well with the likes of rhododendrons but may not thrive in very acidic soils In heavy clay areas, extra care is needed to improve drainage raised beds are one solution or again planting under trees helps as their roots draw moisture from the soil Just avoid conifers which can make the soil too dry
While hellebores are resilient they absolutely hate sitting in soggy soil
Theyll tolerate cold and snow but not wet boggy conditions They do better with dry soil than wet and while they can recover from drought they often wont survive excessive moisture
Mulching helps keep them cool and moist during summer adds organic matter and suppresses weeds The best time to mulch is in spring, when flower buds begin to appear and before new leaves grow
For Helleborus x orientalis
hybrids, cutting back the old leaves in spring is beneficial
Its not strictly necessary, but removing old foliage helps tidy the plant shows off the blooms better, and improves airflow reducing the risk of fungal disease
Keep any healthy leaves, and avoid cutting foliage on other hellebore species
Diseases are generally not a major concern with hellebores Their leaves are toxic to animals but most livestock instinctively avoid them
Aphids can be a nuisance in summer and don’t seem to mind the toxins
e e Their e ers
A spray of Yates Mavrik can handle these pests effectively
Hellebores are low-maintenance when it comes to fertiliser If you mulch yearly that usually provides enough nutrients However a light application of Novatec fertiliser and dolomite lime to add calcium can give them an extra boost Just be careful not to over-fertilise
Hellebores are a fantastic addition to any winter garden
Their blooms brighten the darkest season, they require little care, and their resilience makes them rewarding even for novice gardeners Just remember: good drainage is key
They can handle nearly anything except being waterlogged
Stay warm and enjoy your garden
● Gareth Carter is General Manager of Springvale Garden Centre For more gardening
his old-school dessert is pular for a couple of asons: it’s easy to make, d perfect for making ead as it needs to set ernight. Serve as is or th berries, poached asonal fruits, and tuiles
biscuits A sharpsting lemon such as sbon or Yen Ben is st to use here.
Ingredients
450ml cream
1⁄2 cup (110g) caster sugar
Grated zest of 1 lemon plus 75ml juice (approximately 1-2 lemons)
Method
Put the cream sugar and lemon zest into a large pan and bring to a simmer Cook gently for 3-4 minutes until the sugar has dissolved
Remove from the heat and whisk in the lemon juice Strain through a sieve to remove the lemon zest
Pour into serving glasses, ramekins or small bowls Cool, then refrigerate overnight to set the cream
To serve we topped our possets with the pulp of 3 passionfruit and a few shards of Spanish olive oil tortas
This classic chicken curry only takes 10 minutes to prepare in the morning. The little bit of extra morning effort is worth it when you get home and know you just have to organise some rice or naan bread, and a salad.
Serves 4
Ingredients
500g chicken thighs cut into large pieces
2 Tbsp oil
1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed
Thumb-sized piece ginger finely grated or chopped
3 Tbsp tikka curry paste
500ml passata
1 Tbsp tomato puree
2 Tbsp malt vinegar
1 Tbsp light brown sugar
1 cinnamon stick
5 cardamom pods
100ml cream
Handful fresh coriander
Method
Preheat the slow cooker
Season chicken with salt and pepper
Heat oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken in until it is golden brown on both sides Transfer to the slow cooker
In the same pan cook the onion garlic
and ginger until soft Add 1 Tbsp of malt vinegar to deglaze, then pour everything in the pan into the slow cooker
Add all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker except the cream and fresh coriander Stir well Then cover with the lid and let it cook for 5 to 7 hours
At the end of the cooking time stir in the cream and chopped coriander
Season to taste
Serve with rice or naan bread (or both!) fresh co nz
