Herald on Sunday 7th December 2025

‘NEARLY BROKEME’

ChrisCairnsfacesuponcricket, cancerandhismarriageclosing

TheKiwicricketlegendhasbeen throughitall–fromthehighsof internationalstardomasoneofthe game’sgreatall-rounderstothelows ofmatch-fixingallegations,aseriesof life-changingillnesseswhichlefthim inawheelchairand,morerecently, breakingupwithhiswife,Mel,after 13yearsofmarriage.Inafrankand exclusiveinterview,hetalksto MarkCrysellabouthislifeandhis hopesforthefuture. Fullstory,15-17

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Flyingsaucer-likecloudshover

MtRuapehurunner spotsrarelenticular cloudoften mistakenforUFOs

Amysteriouslargecloudwas snappedatabout6.30am yesterdaybyAucklander MatthewBellduringarun aroundMtRuapehu.

ThephenomenonwasalsospottedfurtherwestnearMtTaranaki withseveralpeoplepostingpictures tosocialmedia.

CraigJeffrey,JennyOakleyand MichelleMaloneallspottedthe formationatStratfordandapostto theTaranakiWeatherFacebookpage describedaphotographsentinby BeverleyPrankerdaslenticular clouds,formedbystrongwindsaloft hittingthemountaininitiatingwaves intheatmosphere.

MetServicedescribesthecloudsas lens-shapedorographicwaveclouds formedwhentheairisstableand windsblowacrosshillsandmountain fromthesameorsimilardirectionat differentheightsthroughthetroposphere.

Thebaseofthecloudsgenerally formbetween2000mand5000m altitudeandformcurvedlayers appearinglikeflyingsaucers.They forminthecrestsofthesewaves

wheremoistaircoolsandcondenses, buttheairmovesthroughthecloud, makingitseemfixedinplace.

Whilebeautifulandsometimes mistakenforUFOs,theysignalsignificantturbulence,awarningfor aircraft,thoughusefulforgliderpilots

whocanusetheunstableairtoclimb higherintotheatmosphere.

LenticularcomefromtheLatin wordlens,meaninglentil-shaped. Thecloudsarecommonlyseennear tallermountainsthatreachstronger windsathigher-altitude,theycan

sometimesbeseenoversmallerhills andrangesandwiththepredominant windscomingfromthewestareoften seendownwindtotheeastof mountainsandhills.

SatelliteimagesofNewZealand showedsubstantialcloudoverTaranaki,thecentralplateauandthe lowerhalfoftheNorthIslandatthe timethephotographwastaken.By midday,however,thecloudhad clearednortheastwardleavingthe majorityofKiwisbaskinginglorious summersunshine.

Pensionerinagonyastaxi takesthreehourstoarrive

Agencyprobes

elderlyman'sordeal afterlongwaitfor ridetotreatment

NatashaGordon

Apensionersaysheendured threehoursofagony waitingforataxitotake himtoamedicalclinicafter hefellinhishome.

RobertOsborne,74,calledStJohn thedayafterhewasinjuredinafall inhisDevonporthome.Helater foundouthetorehismeniscusand radialcollateralligament.

Heoriginallyrestedandtookpain medicationathome,buteventually decidedtogetsomehelpthenext afternoon,onNovember24,because thepainbecamesosevere.

“Itstartedtogetbloodypainful.So Irangtheambulance,”hesaid.

Osbornesaidafterashortvideo consultation,StJohncalledAuckland Co-optaxi.Heclaimsthetaxicompanywascalledabout2pmtotake himtoamedicalclinic,whichwas only8kmfromhishome.

Osbornesaidthetaxiarrivedthree hourslaterat5pmafterhemadefour phonecallstocheckhowfaraway hisridetoShoreCarewas.

“Istartedtoringabout...two hourslater.

“’Where’sthistaxi?’BecauseI’m reasonablypatient,butIwasstarting togetalittlebitanxious,”Osborne said.Heclaimedthephoneoperators saidthetaxiwas10minutesaway eachtimehecalled.

“Istartedtogetratherhighlyp***** off,asyoucanimagine.”

Osbornesaidaftermanagingto speaktoasupervisor,thetaxifinally arrived.

AucklandCo-operativeTaxiapologisedforthedistressthiscausedand saidthedelaywasbecausethere were“noavailablevehiclesinthe vicinity”.

Osbornesaidmedicalcallsshould beapriority.“Ifinditveryhardto understandthattherewerenotaxis inAuckland.Icouldhavedrivento Hamiltoninthattime,”hesaid.

“Thetaxiwascalledat2pm,and hadthetaxileft,itwouldhavebeaten alltheschoolrushat3pm.

“Itonlytakes15minutestopswith thelightsagainstyou,”Osbornesaid.

“Mypersonalthoughtsonthemat-

Ifinditvery hardto understand thatthere werenotaxis inAuckland.

RobertOsborne

terisnotaxidriverwantstocome downfora$30fee...drivefortwo hoursthroughhigh-densitytraffic justtogetalittlebitofmoneyfora fare.

“Whenyou’vegotacontractfrom anemergencyservice,i.e.St.John, thatshouldprioritiseallcallsabove theotherones,”hesaid.

AucklandCo-operativeTaxitold the Herald itwasnevertheintention todisregardOsborne’sneedsorcause

unnecessarystress.

“Atourcompany,wetakepridein operatingwithaGPSdispatchsystem. Wegenuinelystrivetodispatch vehiclespromptly,butregrettably, therewerenoavailablevehiclesin thevicinity.

“Oursupervisormadeeverypossibleefforttosecureavehiclefor Osborne,extendingthebookingtoall Auckland-basedfleets.Despitethese efforts,therequestcouldnotbe fulfilledasquicklyaswewouldhave hoped.”

AucklandCo-operativeTaxi timelineoftheevents:

•3.10pm—Providercalledtoplace astraight-awaytaxibookingonbehalfoftheclient.

•4.02pm—Osbornecalledtocheck onthevehicle.Theoperatorapologisedandexplainedtherewere delaysintheareaandthatataxi mightneedtocomefromtheTakapunaorNorthHarbourarea.Osborne said,“Takapunaisnotfar!Won’ttake morethan10mins”,and

disconnected.

•4.16pm—Osbornecalledagain. Theoperatorsaidtheywerestill lookingforthenextavailablevehicle andthatthejobwasonthehighest priority.Theoperatorrequested Osbornecallbackifataxididnot arriveinthenext7-10minutes.

•4.41pm—Osbornecalledforanotherupdate.Theoperatorplaced himonholdtoconsultthesupervisor, whoadvisedthateffortswere ongoing.Osbornedisconnectedbeforetheoperatorreturned.

•4.45pm—Osbornecalledagain andwasinformedthetaxiwas5-7 minutesaway,asthebookinghadjust beenacceptedbythedriver.Hewas transferredtothesupervisor,who providedthetaxi’slocation.

•4.59pm—Clientwaspickedup fromhome.

HatoHoneStJohnIntegrated OperationsCentremanagerfor secondarytriageJoGallaghersaidit wasfollowingupwiththetaxicompanytodeterminethecauseofthe

delay.

Gallaghersaidmanypeoplecall111 forconditionsthatdonotrequirean ambulanceresponse.

Inthiscase,acliniciancontacted Osborneviavideocall,anditwas determineditwasappropriatefor himtoseekcarefromalocalmedical centre,andtheclinicianarrangedthe referralonhisbehalf.

AgeConcernAucklandsaiditwas awareofthissituationandunderstoodhowdistressingthisexperience wouldhavebeen.“Wearecurrently makinginquiriestobetterunderstandthecircumstances...Wetake anyconcernsaboutdelaysorbarriers toaccessingurgentcareveryseriously,”AgeConcernAucklandsaid.

ThisisnotthefirsttimeOsborne hashaddifficultyreceivingtransportationtomedicaltreatment.

In2024,hesufferedaheartattack beforebeingtoldoverthephonehe onlyhadachestinfectionandwould havetowaittwohoursforanambulance.

Poriruawomanchargedoverpeniscuttingattack

MelissaNightingale

APoriruawomanhasbeencharged afterallegedlypartiallycuttingoffher husband’spenisasheslept.

Thewoman,whohasinterim namesuppression,appearedinthe PoriruaDistrictCourtthisweekona chargeofwoundingwithintentto causegrievousbodilyharm.

Courtdocumentsaccusethe woman,49,ofwoundingthecomplainantinlateOctober.

The Herald understandssheallegedlystartedcuttingofftheman’s peniswhilehewassleepingbecause shebelievedhehadcheatedonher.

Atanearlierappearancein November,thewoman’schildren wereincourttosupporther.Atthe time,herlawyerrequestedshebe giveninterimnamesuppressionuntil amentalhealthreportcouldbedone.

JudgeJohnWalkersaidatthat hearinghewassatisfiednamesuppressionshouldbeinplacefornow

astherewasan“arguablecase”for itunderthegroundsofpotential mentalhealthissues,aswellashardshiptothewoman,herchildrenand thecomplainantifhernamewasto bepublished.

Atthisweek’sappearance,suppressionwasextendeduntilaproper hearingcouldbeheldearlynextyear. The Herald isformallyopposingthe application.

Thewomanwassupportedatthe latesthearingbyhersisteranda

friend.Shehasnotenteredapleayet butisexpectedtodosoatanother appearancelaterthismonth. Shehasbeenremandedonbail untilthen.

Theallegationsechothefamous 1993storyofLorenaBobbitt,an Americanwomanwhocutoffher then-husbandJohnWayneBobbitt’s peniswithakitchenknife. ShelaterdrovearoundVirginia andthrewthepenisoutthecar window.Policewereabletofindthe

appendageanditwassuccessfully reattached.

Thevictimwouldeventuallygoon USTVshow ScandalMadeMeFamous tospeakabouttheincident. “Ilookeddownandtherewas bloodeverywhere...Itwasadevastatingthingtohappentoyousuddenly.Suicideseemedliketheonly answer,”hesaid.

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Weddingringfeud:Woman beatsjewellerintribunalcase

Aucklandmum winspayoutafter longbattleover faultyband

AnAucklandwomanhas beatenMichaelHillJewellerattheDisputesTribunal followingafeudthatbegan inJanuarywhenadiamondfellout ofherweddingring.

Emme*toldthe Herald thelastfew monthshavefeltlikea“Davidand Goliathbattle”—andthejewellery giantevenpresentednational divorcestatisticsinitseffortstoargue thataNZweddingbandwould,on average,bewornforonly12years.

Theworkingmumofprimary school-agedchildrensaidsheisrelievedtohavewonandreceivedher payout,whichshewillusetohave herfaultyringfixed.

“Idorealisethisstoryiscrazyand seemssounbelievable”,Emmesaid.

“IamjustanaverageKiwimum withnolegaltrainingorexperience. IfIcandothis,anybodycan.”

ThedisputebeganwhenadiamondfelloutofthegoldanddiamondweddingringthatEmme,now inher30s,hadbeenwearingsince herwedding12yearsearlier.

“Ithought‘OhI’vegotadudring andthesethingshappen.I’msureit willbefine,I’vepaidforthislifetime careplan’soIwentintothestore— buttheyjustmuckedaround.”

Emmeclaimsstafftoldherthering wasunrepairablebecausethemetal wasfaulty.

Thebusinessgavehertwooptions, shesaid:arefundorastorecredit, bothofwhichwouldallowhertobuy onlyalessexpensivering.

Crucially,shewouldhavehadto surrenderherweddingring—somethingshedidn’twanttodo.

“Itwasmyweddingring—itwas specialtome.OfcourseIwantedto keeptheringIexchangedwithmy husbandonmyweddingday.

“Intheiradvertisingtheysaidit wastobetreasuredforlife.Youcan’t

MichaelHillJewellersubmitteddivorcestatstotheDisputesTribunalinitsfeudwithanAucklandwomanovera faultygoldanddiamondweddingring.

sellsomethingusingthatemotional connection—thenlateractlikeit meansnothing.”

Emmepostedinamums’groupon Facebook,askingifanyoneelsehad hadproblemsgettingMichaelHill Jewellertofulfilitswarranty obligations,andtherewasanoutpouring.“Thirty,fortypeoplewere sayingthingslike‘thishappenedto me’and‘itwassostressful’.”

EmmecontactedtheCommerce CommissionandConsumerProtectionforadvice,andtalkedtoindependentjewellers.

“IwentbacktoMichaelHilland nomatterwhatIaskedfortheywere adamantIwasnotentitledtoit,they hadgivenmemyoptionsandIcould takeitorleaveit,soIfiledincourt andtheycamestraightbacktome,” sheclaimed.

“TheysaidIcouldkeepthering andalso[get]afullrefund,aswellas

thetribunalfilingfeeifIwouldwithdrawmyclaimbutIdidn’twantto signanon-disclosureagreementsoI proceededwiththeclaim.”

TheDisputesTribunalisaquick andinexpensivewaytosettle disputesinNewZealandinvolving $30,000orless.Itshearingsareless formalthancourthearings.

Onabusyday,theTribunalhears asmanyas150civilclaimsacross50 DistrictCourtsthelengthofthe country.Accordingtoitsannualreport,in2024thetribunalresolved 13,550claimsvaluedat$116million.

Emmesaidthedisputereachedits nadirwhenshesubmittedevidence ofMichaelHillJeweller’sadvertising totheTribunal.

“Theadvertisingsaidtheirweddingringsweretobecherishedfor alifetime.”Emmehadalways intendedtoonedaypasstheringto herchildren.

Photo/JasonOxenham

Inresponse,MichaelHillJeweller sentdivorcestatistics.“Theysubmittedthattheaveragelengthofa marriageinNewZealandis14years andconsideringthetwo-yearseparationperiodrequiredbylaw,aweddingringiswornfor12yearson average.

“SoIguessIhadenjoyedenough timewithmyweddingring?”

Emmehadalsopurchasedalifetimecareplanwhensheandher then-fiancehadoriginallyboughtthe ring.

The Herald hasseendocumentsin whichMichaelHillJewellerclaimed “lifetime”canapplytotheproduct’s lifetime,ratherthanthepurchaser’s lifetime.

“Astheitemisnowunrepairable, thelifetimeoftheproducthascome toanendandaccordinglythecare planhasalsocometoanend,”itsaid.

InOctoberEmmewonattheTri-

bunal.“I’vereceivedthemoney. Signed,sealed,delivered,”shesaid.

“Theycouldhavepaidmeoutright atthestart,atinyamount,yetthey wastedallthistimeandresourceon fightingthisridiculousfight.”

TheTribunalfoundthatthering wasnotofanacceptablequality undertheConsumerGuaranteesAct becauseareasonablepersonwould expectaweddingringtoremain durableforatleast20years.

Itfound“morelikelythannot,the mainreasonforthedamageisalack ofdurabilitythatstemsfromthe manufacturingprocess”.

MichaelHillJewellersaidina statementtothe Herald,“Wewould liketoofferourapologies,inthis instancewedidn’tgetitright.Our processeswerenotuptothestandard ourcustomersshouldexpectandwe understandthefrustrationthishas caused.

“Weareapremiumbrand,andwe takeourcommitmenttoqualityand customercareextremelyseriously. Asaresult,wehavereviewedand strengthenedourinternalprocesses toensurewedeliverthelevelof serviceourcustomersdeserveevery time.Customersshouldfeelwelcome tohavetheirissuesresolvedappropriately,andwelookforwardto supportingthiswithourimproved processesmovingforward.”

Emmesaidshehasnothingnew tosaytothecompany,butwantsto shareheradvicetoothersinsimilar disputes.

“Don’tgiveup”,shesaid.“Documenteverything,andseekprofessionalhelpandindependentadvice soyoucanknowyourrights.”

Sheishavingtheoriginalring repairedandrestoredbyanindependentjeweller.

“Remade.Samedesign,same diamonds,whatmetalwecanuse.It’s goingtobemadeexactlyascloseas possibletowhatitshouldhavebeen allthoseyearsago.”

Emme’sfinalwordsareforher husband.“He’samazing,he’sincrediblysupportive.EveryonethoughtI wascrazy—itwasanagainst-theoddsbattleandIwasfortunateto havehimandthefamilybehindme. TheyweregoingtobackmewhateverIchose.”

*Namehasbeenchanged.

Inothernews

CarflipsonCBDstreet Emergencyservicesresponded toamulti-vehiclecrashon NelsonStyesterdaywhereacar flipped.Twofireengines,an ambulance,andacriticalcare vehiclerespondedtothe incidentinCentralAuckland shortlyafter2.50pm.Police confirmedthecrashinvolved threeorfourvehicles.Awhite Toyotaendeduponitsside,and ablackToyotasustained significantreardamage. Witnessesreportedthatan elderlydriverwastrappedin theflippedvehiclebutwas removedsafely.

Papakurashooting

Apersonhasbeencritically injuredafterbeingshotin Auckland.Policewerestill lookingfortheoffender yesterday.Emergencyservices werecalledtoMaadiPlacein theSouthAucklandsuburbof Papakuraafterbeingtold someonehadbeenshotabout 2.30am,apolicespokesman said.“Thepersonwastakento hospitalinacriticalcondition. Thoseinvolvedarebelievedto beknowntoeachotherand policedonotbelievethereisan ongoingrisktothecommunity. “Inquiriestolocatetheoffender areongoing.Asceneguard remainsinplace.”

Fiveinjuredincrash

Fivepeoplehavebeeninjured afteracarandvancollidedin Auckland’sKumeu¯yesterday afternoon.Emergencyservices rushedtothesceneatthe intersectionofOldRailwayand OldNorthRdsabout12.20pm.A HatoHoneStJohn spokeswomansaidfivepeople inthecrashsufferedinjuries, rangingfromminortoserious, andarebeingtreatedbycrews. Theruralroadwasblockedand trafficmanagementwasin place.“TheSeriousCrashUnit hasbeenadvisedandmotorists areadvisedtoexpectsome delayswhileemergency servicesworkatthescene,”a policespokesmansaid.Hato HoneStJohnsenttwo ambulances,onerapid responseunit,andamanagerto thecrash.Onepersonina seriousconditionwastakento NorthShoreHospital.Thefour othershaveminorinjuriesand weretreatedatthecrashsite.

Youngmumbuilds

TheKiwi

Homemakerposts abouthersimplelife tothousands

BridgetJones

TeianaGracemadesevenjars ofapplesaucethisweek. Therearenotmanyother optionswhenyoufind6kg ofless-than-perfectapplesfor$3ata Marlboroughfarmer’smarket.

“Howwillyouusesevenjarsof applesauce?”Onlyoneofhernearly 27,000Instagramfollowersasksthe questionwe’reallthinking.

Ahandfulofothersglossoverthe amountofroastporkneededtomake thismakesense.Theypraiseherfor beingan“inspiringSAHM”instead (heart,pinkflowerandhand-clap emojissprinkledforimpact).

KnowntoherfollowersasThe KiwiHomemaker,Gracehasturned herlifeasastay-at-homemum (SAHM)intoagrowingsocialmedia platformwhereshesharesthemessagethatleadsherInstagrambio: homemakingonabudget,finding beautyinthesimpleandlivingwell withless(leafemoji,pinktulipemoji, coffeeemoji,wovenbasketemoji).

Hercontent—postedon Instagram,TikTokandYouTube— featuresvideosofthe25-year-oldin thekitchen,athersewingmachine, harvestingfromhergardenorthrift shopping(that’swhatherAmerican fanscallit—toyouandmeit’sopshopping).

Almosteveryvideoisaccompaniedbyasoothingvoiceover explaininghowit’spossibletolivea fullandhappylifeonabudget.How cookingfromscratchorturninga bedspreadintoaskirtissomething wecan—andmaybeshould—considerdoing.Imagineyourgrandmain aGenZbody.Itis,simplyput,captivating.

“[WhenIstarted]Ithoughtthissort ofcontentwasmissing,particularly inNewZealand.AndIwantedtoput myselfoutthere,toofferadifferent perspectivetopeople;thatasimple life,andthewaythatI’mliving,isvery fulfilling.Notpushingconsumerism andtheideathatthingswillmakeyou happy,moretheideathatfocusing onfamilyandthemoremundane thingsinlifecanalsomakeyou happy,”shesaysonZoomfromher familyhome,longdarkhairtucked belowabold,blueheadscarf.

“Italkedtomyhusbandaboutit, andweagreedthatIwouldstart [posting]consistentlyandseewhere itwent.”

GraceandherhusbandHamish liveononeincome.Heearnsthe money,whileshemanagesit.It’spart ofwhyshestartedpostingonline aboutherlife;toshowotheryoung womenhowtobefrugalunderthe shadowofthecostoflivingcrisis.But alsowaystheycouldembracealife wherefamilylooksmorelikeitdid whenhergrandmotherwasachild.

Graceisnotthefirsttoturnthis dynamicintoanonlinecommunity. Theterm“tradwife”,ortraditional wife,emergedonlineduringCovid, whendomesticitywasn’tsomucha choiceasafactoflifeforaworldstuck insidetheirhomes.It’ssincecropped upeverywherefromnewsheadlines

platformonthrift

tothecouchof MarriedatFirstSight.

Women(usuallyyoung,pretty andreligious)aroundtheworld (usuallyAmerica)sharetheirrecipes forhomemadepeanutbutter,tipsfor keepingagoodhome,waystolive sustainablyandsomesubtle suggestionsthattheworldwouldbe abetterplaceifmenandwomenstay intheirlanes:boysmakethemoney, whilegirlsmakedinnerandbabies.

Graceknowspeoplewillthinkshe isatradwife,oratleastiscapitalising onthetrend:shedoesn’tworkoutsideofthehome,shecaresforher daughterfulltimeandshehasbuilt anonlinepersonaaroundthejoysof traditionalhomemaking.Neithershe norherhusbandwereraisedinthe

beautystandards—Iwasdoingallthe beautyappointmentsandthingslike that—justtokeepupwithsociety andwhatitfeltlikeitwantedfrom me,especiallyonsocialmedia.”

Untiloneday—shecan’tquite rememberhoworwhen—shehad an“awakening”.Shegaveitallup.

“[Thatlife]wasnevermakingme happy,thesethingswerenevermakingmefeelfulfilled.Ifanything,Iwas feelingsadderbecauseofit.Ihadno savings…ItmademerealiseIhadto stepawayfromsocialmediaand figureoutwhatitisthatIactually valueandwhatIwantfrommylife andthethingsIthinkareimportant andthatIshouldpursue.”

Beforeshechosetoturnherlife

itisahobbyforme,creatinga beautifulvideo.Igetalotof satisfactionfromthat.

TeianaGrace

church,buttogethertheyhave“come toreligion”earlyintheirmarriage.

“I’mdefinitelyencouragingthat familyfocusandafocusoncommunityandbeingathomeanddoingall ofthosethings...AndIthink[other] peoplewouldcallmeatradwife,but Idefinitelydon’tcallmyselfone,”she says.

“Iknowthosearetheconnotations thatwouldcomealongwithme,but I’mjustamum.I’mawife.I’mliving ononeincometryingtogetbysoI canstayathomewithmychild.”

Grace’slifedidn’talwayslookso demure.Shedescribesherselfasan “ordinaryteenager”,just“likeevery othergirl”.Sheentertainedtheidea ofuniversity,butonlybecausethat’s whatherfriendsweredoing.

“Iwasoneofthosepeoplewho wouldkeepupwithtrends.Iwas usingmyAfterpayaccountevery weektohavethelatestclothes,togo shopping,orjusttokeepupwith

backovertosocialmediaagainas TheKiwiHomemaker(“itisahobby forme,creatingabeautifulvideo.I getalotofsatisfactionfromthat”),she chosetolookbackwards.

Sheremembershergreat-grandad asapassionategardener,hergreatgrandmotherapassionatecook.That, shesays,ishowtheyeachserved theirfamily.Dinnerwaseaten togetherasafamily.Communityinvolvementwasagiven.

“Itwastheirfamilies,itwastheir marriages,anditwasjustkeeping productiveinthehomeand stewardingahomeandcreatingan environmentfortheirfamiliesthat broughtthemalotofjoy,”shesays ofhergrandmothers.

“AndasIgrewupandhadmyown family—andseeinghowbrokenthe familyunitisforalotoffamilies— itwasveryinspiringtohavethat experienceinmylifeasayoungkid.”

Withthearrivalofherdaughter,

Dogs mauled womanin frontyard

ShannonPitman OpenJustice

Awomanenjoyingthesunshine endedupbeingflowntohospitalafter fourdogssetuponher,attackingher armsandlegs.

Then,whenaneighbourtriedto intervenethedogsturnedonhim, resultinginhimalsobeingsentto hospitalwithbitemarksacrosshis legs.

But,despitebothvictimssuffering injuries,ajudgehasrecognised StaceyWalker-Haturini’sstruggles andsparedherfromjail.

The39-year-oldwomanappeared intheWhanga¯reiDistrictCourtrecentlyforsentencingonfourcharges ofowningadogthatcausedinjury.

OnMarch15,2025,WalkerHaturiniwasinKaita¯iawhenherexpartnerallegedlyletoneoftheirfour dogsoutoftheirpropertyonSettlementRdinKaiwaka.Themanleftand thedogwasroamingwhenitsawa womanonherfrontlawnwithher owntwodogs,BlueandRoxy. Blueranovertothegateandgot intoafightwithWalker-Haturini’s dog.ThreemoreofWalker-Haturini’s dogscametothefencelineandbegan barkingandjumpingatthevictim.

nowalmosttwoandinthethroesof teething,Graceandherhusbanddecidedshewouldleaveherjobasa councilgardenerandleavehimasthe breadwinner.“IknewIhadto [financiallydependonmyhusband] ifIwantedtobeastay-at-homemum. AndIwantedtobeastay-at-home mummorethanIwantedtobringmy ownincomeintothehousehold.”

Lifelooksdifferenttohowshewas raised.Herfamilyissupportivebut Graceknowsnoteveryonewill.

“Peopledisagreewithmealot whenitcomestothefactIfinancially dependonmyhusbandforourincome.Ithinkthatcanbealittlebit ofatouchysubjectforsomepeople,” shesays.“Theythinkmyhusbandis earningthemoneyandiscontrolling whereitgoes—ifanything,I’mcontrollingwherethemoneygoesbecausethat’swhatworksbestforus.”

Cooking,bakingandgardening camenaturallytoGrace.Sewingand knittingwerehardertolearn.Budgetingwasmaybethemostdifficultskill tomaster.Shewantstosharewhat she’slearnt.Heronlinecommunity gobblesuphertipsformendingand makingdo.

Andsocialmediacanbebigbusiness.Oratleast,itwouldbeifGrace acceptedthemanypaidpartnerships shehasbeenpitchedoverthepast fewyears.Whenyourmessageis “forgetaboutconsumerism”it’shard tosellthattoabrandtothensellto others—withoutlookinglikeabitof ahypocrite.

Oneday,shemightfigureouta waytomakeitwork,butfornowshe simplyhopespeoplecanunderstand thatunder-consumptionandliving withinyourmeansisworththeeffort.

“Wearenotahigh-earningfamily, otherwiseIwouldn’tbesharingfrugal livingtips—butitisachievableifyou arewillingtomakethesacrifices.But Idon’tthinkmanypeopleare,”she says.“You’renotmissingoutifyou’re notkeepingupwiththetrends,keepingupwiththeJoneses.Asimplelife isfulfilling.”

Sheyelledatthedogstogohome andapproachedthegatetoletthe firstoneout,butitbitherontheleft hand.Thethreeotherdogsmanaged togetoutunderthefenceandallfour beganlungingandattackingthe woman.

Thevictimmanagedtogetthe dogsoffbykickingandyellingand eventuallygotthemoutofthegate.

Anotherneighbourrantoassist herbutthedogsturnedonhimand hewasalsoinjured.

Thewoman,whowasinshockand bleedingfromherarmsandlegs,had tobeairliftedbyhelicopterto Whanga¯reiHospitalfortreatment whilethemanwastransportedinan ambulance.

Meanwhile,Walker-Haturini,the registeredownerofthedogs,heard theyhadgotoutandimmediately beganmakingherwaybackfrom Kaita¯ia.ShecalledtheKaiparaDistrict Councilandsaidherdogswereout andaskediftheycouldcometothe propertyandlockthemup.

NathanPilkington,thevictimwho assisted,toldNZMEthedogattackleft himwithseveralscarsandan ongoingligamentinjury.

“Ithasstoppedmefromdoing thingsI’dnormallyenjoy—thegym, jiu-jitsu,andsimpleday-to-day movement.Therewasalsoareal senseofdisappointmentinthelack ofempathyoraccountabilityshown bythedogowners,rightupuntil sentencing,”Pilkingtonsaid.

Kaiparacouncil’slawyerJodi Libbeysaidthecouncilandoneof thecomplainantswerebothtakingan empatheticapproachtoWalkerHaturiniandwereinfavourofalight sentence.

JudgeDaveysaidgivenWalkerHaturiniwasnotattheaddresswhen thedogswereletout,herblameworthinesswasreduced.

Walker-Haturiniwassentencedto 180hours’communitywork.

OpenJustice,anNZMEinitiativefundedwiththehelpofNZon Air.

Police slammed over abuse case

Daughter's complaint against father ‘misassigned'

Police are facing questions over their handling of a sexual abuse complaint after a woman alleged her father groomed and assaulted her as a teenager, and says her report was ignored until after his sudden death

Zoe Abraham claims police later told her they could not find her report in the system, and only after she produced screenshots was it discovered to have been misassigned

The case has now been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), with Abraham alleging that not only was the complaint botched but she was also effectively dismissed because her father was dead

Abraham alleges that she was groomed and abused for a prolonged period by her father, Te Anau artist Gordon Kane when she was a teenager She made a complaint to the police on September 23

“I have been living with this heavy secret for many years and am now ready to speak on it,” she wrote

“My youngest sister walked in on a moment of abuse, and I have been

advised she reported that to my school and to the local police station

“At no time was I questioned At no time did anyone reach out to me about the abuse ”

Just two weeks later Kane died suddenly at Lake Manapouri

Abraham said police had not responded to her complaint when Kane died It was only after she went to her local police station and demanded to know what was happening that she says she got any response

Abraham has now made formal complaints to both the police and the

IPCA about the handling of her report

“I put in my complaint, and I didn t hear from them,” she told the Herald

“I logged it online, expecting immediate reach-out Nothing I put in a couple of updates a couple of requests for information I was trying to get in contact [by phone] and I was always on hold and then everything unravelled and he [died] ”

“I thought ‘Oh well, it’s over’ But then a couple of days later I was like no I walked down to the police station and demanded to be seen ” she said “They couldn’t find my 105

complaint in the system It was gone I was wild I showed them the screenshots and said, ‘It’s right here’

“I had to sit for ages, and then finally a senior sergeant or something found it and they advised me it had been misassigned ” She told the IPCA that when police finally located her 105 report, she was allegedly told: “Gordon is dead so it doesn’t matter”

“Yes it very much does very much so,” she said in her complaint

“The detective arranged for me to give my statement to provide

‘closure’ and I was then told he would contact me to advise if he would take it further I have tried to reach out to him and have yet to receive any advice on what to do next or if he will take me seriously ”

Abraham says she has decided to speak publicly about her allegations and complaints to shine a light on how hard the justice process was for some complainants She was “absolutely disgusted” with how her allegations have been handled so far

“Perpetrators are protected, and the abused are taught to be quiet I just want to change that narrative around I have to be quiet’ I didn’t do anything wrong, she said

“It is so important to me that that message gets out there within the whole country and the whole world I m not frightened by anybody knowing my name, knowing my face, or knowing my story I think it s really important that we take this as high and as far and as loud as possible ” Abraham has also made a complaint to Oranga Tamariki formerly Child Youth and Family She believes several siblings mentioned her alleged abuse when she was still living with Kane

She confirmed that she met with OT staff this week to discuss her case and said they were making inquiries about whether any action could or should have been taken by the agency at the time

The agency said Abraham s complaint was “still underway”

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Grief aft cyclist’s crash de

Truck driver who killed 50yo discharged without conviction

Natasha Gordon

The family of a cyclist killed in a collision with a truck in a cycle lane say they are haunted by the thought he knew what was coming

Auckland cyclist Warrick Jones, 50, was killed while cycling in Belmont, on Auckland’s North Shore, when he collided with a truck at the intersection of Lake Rd and Montgomery Ave in March 2021

He was remembered as someone who worked hard as a triathlete but always put his wife and children first Truck driver Simei Mose 34 was discharged without conviction at Manukau District Court on Friday

Mose faced a charge of careless use of a motor vehicle causing death which had a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment or a $4500 fine

While leaving court, Mose told the Herald the decision was in God’s plan” He had previously pleaded guilty to the charge

On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Jones was travelling in the cycle lane just after 1pm when the fatal collision occurred Mose was working as a truck driver at the time and failed to notice Jones as he approached the intersection and turned left on Montgomery Ave at speed

Mose stated he indicated to turn left and checked his rearview mirror twice before turning Jones attempted to avoid the oncoming truck by braking heavily which caused the back wheel of the bicycle to lock up His bike began to skid and as the truck collided with

him, he was thrown off his bike

Jones became partially stuck under the rear wheels of the truck and he died at the scene because of his injuries

A victim statement by Jones’ wife said she was in a relationship with him for 23 years

She said telling her three children of their father’s death was traumatic “It was so traumatic seeing their worlds implode,” her statement read

The statement shared the grief she felt knowing her children would never get to have an adult relationship with their father

She said she never imagined the moment she waved her husband goodbye would be the very last Her statement, read by Judge Clare Bennett said she was working from home on the afternoon of her husband’s death and her colleagues online mentioned hearing about the

crash She said she had a bad gut feeling straight away Her statement said the sound of the police boots at her doorstep still haunted her Family statements said they hoped Mose could move forward from this tragedy and declined reparation

The judge acknowledged the Jones family for their gracious forgiving attitude throughout the entire process

Some of the factors influencing the decision included that he was willing to participate in restorative justice, he accepted responsibility and the delay in sentencing

Judge Bennett said Mose had no previous convictions

Jones was a prominent member of the North Harbour Triathlon Club

Club president Alex Waite previously said he was a lovely guy

“He’s been at the club for the last few years and is just a lovely guy; always has a really positive attitude and a hard worker ” Waite told the Herald in 2021

“He’s fantastic I can t speak any higher of him But his family came first Put it this way a lot of us like to train a lot But he would regularly reschedule his training to spend time with his family ”

Waite said Jones had worked as a cabin crew member for Air New Zealand

He had completed a number of Ironman triathlon competitions, finishing the 2020 Ironman New Zealand in 10 hours and 50 minutes

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Kiwicricketlegend ChrisCairnshas beenthroughitall— fromthehighsof international stardomasone ofthegame’sgreat allrounderstothe lowsofmatch-fixing allegations,aseries oflife-changing illnesseswhichleft himinawheelchair and,morerecently, breakingupwithhis wife,Mel,after13 yearsofmarriage. Inafrankand extensiveinterview, hetalksto Crysell lifeandhishopes forthefuture

Nelson’sVictorySquareis oneoftheoldestcricket groundsinthecountry—a pocketofNewZealand historyhidinginplainsight.Cricket’s beenplayedheresincethe1850s. Backthen,settlersplantedspindly saplingsalongtheboundary;today thosesametreesstandasstately oaks,givingtheplacejustahintof anEnglishvillagegreen...rightup untilyoureyecatchesthevapeshops andtattoostudiosonthefarsideof theroad,whichsnapyouneatlyback to2025.

Butthismorning—bright,crisp, latespring—theplacefeels suspendedintime.Thesun’s warmingup,butthere’sstilldewon theoutfield.Andinthemiddleofit allisoneofNewZealand’sgreatest cricketingall-rounders.

Notrunningin.Rollingin.

ChrisCairnsishome.

“It’sactuallybeengoodforthe soul,”hesays,guidinghiswheelchair towardsthecentrewicketblock,the tyrescuttingtwothintracksthrough thedampgrassbehindhim.

“I’llturnaroundandIseemytyre trackscomingouttothefield,”he says.“IknowthatI’llnevergointo thenetagainandhaveabat...or evendosomethrow-downs.I’llgo pastawindow,seemyreflectionas I’mwheelingmyselfdownthestreet ...anditshuntsyoualittlebit.”

Thereisabefore.Andanafter.

Cairnsknowsthedatebyheart.

“ThelifeIknewbeforeAugust21st isnolonger.”

August21,2021—thedayhe collapsed,aged51,inhisCanberra homewithatornaorta.

Hehasnomemoryofthefrantic helicopterflighttoSydney.Helater learnedthecrewalmostdidn’ttake himbecausetheydidn’tthinkhe’d survivethetrip.

“Ihadmultipleorganfailures,and Iwasondialysis,sepsis,”hesays.“I

Photo/CoreyFleming

‘Theonethingthat nearlybrokeme’

wasextremelyclosetodeath.”

Threeopen-heartsurgeriessaved hislife.Aspinalstrokelefthim paralysedfromthewaistdown. Thenewsdidn’tlandimmediately.

“WhenIwastoldaboutthespinal stroke,itdidn’treallykickin,”hesays. Thenitdid.

“Itdawnedonme:thediagnosis, thesituationIwasin—inawheelchair fortherestofmylife.Becauseyou’re aformerprofessionalathletewho wasonceoneofthebestinthe world...”

Butifbadluckcomesinthrees, ChrisCairnswasabouttogethishattrick.

Afewmonthslater,acolonoscopy deliveredathirdshock:bowelcancer.

“Thedoctorwhotoldmewasmore upsetthanIwas.Hejustwent,‘Oh, God.’Like...really?Anotherthing?”

Moresurgerylefthimwearinga nappyforfivemonths.

“Thatwasprobablytheonething thatnearlybrokemebecauseI couldn’treallygoanywhere.Ididn’t wanttoembarrassothers.”

AspecialistinSydneyoffereda solutionthathelpedhimfeelhuman again:heliftshisshirtandshowshis stoma,asmallsurgicalopeninginhis abdomen.

“Igotmylifeback.Icangoout whenIwant,eatwhatIlike,drink whatIlike,besocialagain.It’sabig partofmylifenow,andI’mhappy totalkaboutit.Becauseit’sgivenme somuchback.”

Cairnshaslivedalifeofextremes.

Thesonofcricketingfolkhero Lance,hejoinedtheBlackCapsasa 19-year-oldin1989—raw,powerful, touchedwiththesameaurahisfather carriedintostadiums.

ChrisCairnssayshisofffieldcricketcontroversies havebecome“insignificant” inlightofhishealthissues.

Photo/ChrisGorman

Oneofthebiggestturningpoints camefouryearslater.Hissister, Louise,waskilledinatraincollision inRollestonin1993.

“Ineverdealtwiththedeathofmy sister.Ijustwentstraightbackinto cricket,andIneverprocessedthat atall.”

Heclashedpubliclywithcoach GlennTurner.Hewassuspendedfor stayingoutuntil4ambeforeatest match.Hespiralled. “Ijustrebelled.Gotonthepiss.And

reallyescaped—ortriedtoescape —whathadactuallyoccurred. BecauseIdidn’tunderstand.So,for thosethreeorfouryearsthroughthe wholeTurneryearsandallthatstuff, man,Iwashardwork.” Hegrewintoamatch-winner— attimes,thebestallrounderinthe world.Foraperiod,heheldtheworld recordfortestsixes.Heplayedlike amantryingtobendthegametohis will.Andheoftendid. Butheknowswhathewaslike.

“Ijustwantedtowin.Ipushed myself.Ipushedothers.Sometimes itwastough.WasIanarsehole?Yeah. Probably.Diditbotherme?No. BecauseIwantedtobethebestin theworld.Iwantedthatteamtowin. Thatwasallthatmattered.” Thebrilliancecamewitha shadow.Thematch-fixingallegations outofIndia—backedbyformerBlack CapsLouVincentandBrendon McCullum—followedhimforyears. TwocourtcasesinLondoncleared

ChrisCairnsseparated fromwifeMelanie Crosertwoyearsago.

ChrisCairns wasaworldclass allrounderin hiscricketing prime,playing fortheBlack Capsfrom1989 to2006.

him.Thestainlingeredanyway.

“Reputationally,I’mburnt,”hetold reportersoutsideSouthwarkCrown Court. Somestillbelievehewasguilty.

“They’reentitledtotheiropinion,” hesaysnow.“Thecourtdecisionsare thefacts.Idon’thavetorespond.

“It’spartofmylife.It’llalwaysbe there.ButsinceAugust21...allthat stuffbeforeisjustinsignificant.”

Butthehardestchaptermaynot havebeenthesurgeries,the

wheelchair,orthecancer.Itwas somethingquieter,moreprivate. “Themainreasonformecoming backtoNewZealandwas...Melanie andIseparated.Thisisthefirsttime I’vetalkedaboutit.”

Hiswife,Australianlawyer MelanieCroser,stoodbyhimthrough allegations,trials,publicscrutiny, neardeath,cancer.Theybuilta familytogether.

“Wewentthroughanenormous amountasacouple.Andtwoyears

Ijustwantedtowin.Ipushed myself.Ipushedothers.Sometimes itwastough.WasIanarsehole? Yeah.Probably.Diditbotherme? No.BecauseIwantedtobethebest intheworld.Iwantedthatteamto win.Thatwasallthatmattered.

ChrisCairns

ago,wemadeamutualdecisionto separate.”

Theirthreechildrenlivewith MelanieinMelbourne.Shehasanew partner.

“She’shappy.Thekidsaregreat.I wishnothingbutthebestforher.”

Histimeisnowsplitbetween AustraliaandNewZealand.

HestayswithhismuminBlenheim andishelpingE’stel,alocalartesian watercompany,expandintoIndia.

“It’sprobablyalittlesafetyblanket tocomebackherebutstillbackto Australiaformyhealthcareandthe kids.I’mrebuilding.”

Aftertheseparationandforthe firsttimeinhislife,Cairnsreached outandaskedforhelp.Hespeaks regularlywithaChristchurch-based griefcounsellorwhoworkswith militaryveterans:mentrainedtobe tough,taughttoendureandthenleft tofigureouthowtoliveagain.

“Myfocusisthatsimpleline:it’s notwhatyouendure,it’showyou endure,”hesays.

It’sbecomeakindofmantra.

“The‘what’—that’sthecancer.The stoma.ThelossofwhatIusedtobe abletodo.Engage.Move.Live. Whatever.The‘how’—that’sgetting outofbed.Makingmybed.Goingto thegym.Seeingmymates.Gettingout ofthehousewhenIcan.”

Hedoesn’tnailiteveryday.

“Sometimesyou’lldeviateand you’llfeelsorryforyourself—and that’sokay.Butifyoucanzeroback inonhowyouendure...that’sthe bitthatmatters.”

Thestubbornnessmatters.It alwayshas.It’swhatgetshimoutof bedeachday.Whatdriveshimtolock inthehigh-techkneebrace,toline everythingupbeforehemoves—the chair,thecrutches—thesmallrituals ofdefiance.

“SohowdoIdoit?”hesays,hauling himselfupright,snappingthe crutchesintoplace.“Ijustmakesure I’vegotwhatIneedaroundme.The chair,thebrace...thesethings.SoI canstillgetwhereIwanttogo.”

Herisestohisfull1.9m.

“It’sactuallyreallynicebecause I’musuallystaringatpeople’snavels thesedays.”

Suddenly,he’smovingwith crutches,fasterthanyouexpect, acrossthecarpark,hoppinggutters andcuttingacrossunevengrass.

“Withthison,”hesays,leaningon thecrutchesandtappingthebrace, “I’vegotoptions.Icangetontosafer groundquicker.I’vegotmoreways tomove.” Hepauses.Thensaysthethinghe mightnothavelethimselfsayonce uponatime.

“Everypatient’sdifferent.The neuralpathways.Theoutcomes. Thetimelines.Thereareguidelines. Andthenthere’shumanspirit.Drive. Stubbornness.WillIwalkagain?I’ll giveiteverythingI’vegot.”

BackatNelson’sVictorySquarein hiswheelchair,Cairnsisatfirstslip. “Hititstraight,youngman!”he bellowsasan8-year-oldboyswings fortheoaksontheboundary.

Afterwatchingkidsstruggleto bowlatjuniorcricket,hecameup withanideastolenfrombaseball— aspring-loadedbowlingmachinethat guaranteesaconsistent,straight deliveryforbeginners.

He’scallingitmachineballcricket. “Theytrytheirbesttobowlbutit’s allwidesandno-ballsandbouncers. Thisgivesthemachancetoenjoy thegame.”

Kidsaged6to9willplayMachine BallCricketinNelsonthissummer. CairnsandhisformerCanterbury coach,GarryMacDonald,have pouredhundredsofhoursintoit. “Wejustwantthegametobe enjoyed.Better.Morefun.Morekids active.Moreparentsengaged.” Hewantsthemtochoosecricket insummer—thewayhedid.Theway cricketchosehim. Hethinksoftenofthegreatshe playedwithandagainst—players whodiedyoung:ShaneWarne. AndrewSymonds.DeanJones. “HavingbeenthroughwhatI’ve beenthrough,IknowhowluckyIam. Thosepeopledidn’tlivethefulllife. Ihavethatopportunity.Sothat’sup tome.AndI’llmakethemostofit.” InVictorySquare,thelate-morning sunhasburnedoffthedew.Kidsrun aroundhim.Parentswatchfromthe sideline.AndChrisCairns—theman whosurvivedarupturedaorta,a spinalstroke,bowelcancer,divorce, publicscrutinyandthecollapseofhis oldlife—rollsintothemiddleone moretime. Stillhere.Stillinthegame.

Joiningtogetherto

Sharingmeals,helpingothers andmaterialsecurityareparts oftherecipeforhappinessin countriesincludingNew Zealand,Australia,Finland, Indonesia,JamaicaandSenegal. TheWorldHappinessReport 2025notesastronglinkbetween sharingmealsandwellbeingin somecountries.That relationshipappearstobe particularlystronginAotearoa, whichsitsatNo12intheworld happinessrankings,writes MahamJavaid

Formorethanadecade, researchersbehindthe WorldHappinessReport havesoughttocodifya comparativescaleforwellbeingand highlighttheplaceswhereit flourishes,withthegoaloforienting globalpublicpolicyaroundhuman happiness.

Keyfactorstheyexamineinclude materialwellbeing,sharingmeals, givingtoothersandhelpingstrangers.

“Weareverysocialcreaturesand actionsthathelpfosterconnections withothersareverylikelytoofferus happiness,”saidLaraAknin,a professorofsocialpsychologyat SimonFraserUniversityandan editorofthisyear’sWorldHappiness Report.

Ontheflipside:poverty,inequality andalackofinterconnectedness oftenappeartohamperhappiness.In theUnitedStates,asfamiliesgathered forThanksgiving,thenational momentoftogethernesswasinstark contrasttoagrowingtrendin everydaylife:morethanoneinfour Americansreportedeatingalltheir mealsaloneonatypicaldayin2023, upfromoneinsixin2003.

Hereiswhathappinesslookslike aroundtheworld.

Lifesatisfaction

Finlandhasreignedsupremeinthe worldhappinesschartsforeight years,includinginthemostrecent report,releasedearlierthisyear.

“Finlandisthelandofquiet satisfaction,”saidFrankMartela,a professorresearchinghuman wellbeingandmotivationat AaltoUniversityinFinland.

“WhenFinnishpeoplestopto thinkabouttheirlives,they realisethatthingsare relativelyokay.”

TheWorld HappinessReportis putoutbythe Wellbeing

ResearchCentreatOxford,theUN SustainableDevelopmentSolutions Networkandanindependent editorialboard,withpollingby Gallup.ThereportusestheCantril Scale,developedbyresearcher HadleyCantril,tosurveypeoplein morethan140countriesontheirselfreportedwellbeing—andtoexamine theconditionsthatgiverisetoit.

Surveyrespondentsareaskedto evaluatetheirhappinessbytherungs ofa10-stepladder,onwhich“10” representstheideallife—a methodologythathasitscritics,some ofwhomfindthatitmissesmore nuancedconceptsofwellbeing.The reportincludesahappinessranking bycountry,basedontheseresponses, whichtendstodrawthemost attention.Butitalsolooksbeyondits mosthigh-profileranking,to othermetricsfor,andvaried sourcesofhappinessaround theglobe.

Finland’srepeatedtop spotintheglobalranking doesnotmeanithas thehighestlevelof positiveemotions, orjoyfulness, Martelasaid.Ina rankingofplaces wherepeople smiledmost often,Finland

wouldnotbeinthetop10.

“Therankingismoredrivenbythe factthere’sveryfewextremely unhappypeopleinFinland,”hesaid.

OtherNordiccountries—suchas Iceland,SwedenandNorway—with highGDPpercapita,lowincome inequalityandlowratesofpoverty havebeenitsconsistentcompanions.

“Nordiccountriesalsooffer universalwelfarebenefitsfortheir citizens,”Martelasaid.“Research showsthatprovidingfreehealthcare, freeeducation,unemployment benefits,maternityandpaternity leavewillresultinhigherlevelsoflife satisfaction.”

Theroleofawell-functioning governmentandpoliticalfreedoms can’tbeunderstated,hesaid.

Still,Finland,theworld’shappiest countryintermsof“lifesatisfaction” bythereport’soverallmeasure,ranks lowerinsomeothercategoriesthe authorsexamine:charity,helping strangersandeatingmealsin community.

Lowerlevelsofindividualgiving andvolunteeringcouldbeexplained bytheFinnishpreferencefor universalovertargetedsocial assistance.Whenresidentsare

askediftheybelieveaneighbour, policeofficerorstrangerwould returnadroppedwallettoitsowner, Finnssaytheybelievepeopleinall threecategorieswouldbeeagerto help.

Donationandvolunteering Indonesia,theworld’sfourth-mostpopulouscountry,topsthereport’s rankingsofcountrieswherethe largestshareofpeoplemadea charitabledonationandvolunteered theirtimeinthepastmonth.

TheIndonesianconceptofgotong royong—meaning“collaboration”or “doingthingstogether”—is ubiquitous,fromorganising weddingstorespondingtodisasters, saidAuliaNastiti,apostdoctoral researchfellowattheInstitutefor AdvancedResearchatMonash UniversityinIndonesia.

“Thisspiritofmutualaidis deeplyembeddedinsociallife” acrossthearchipelago,shesaid. “Peoplegrowupwiththe expectationthatyoudon’tface problemsalone,yourallyaround theirfamily,neighboursorthelocal mosquecommunityiftheyarein trouble.”

Gotongroyongismorethan along-standingcultural value.Inthepopular imagination,ithasbeen politicisedbystate messagingand

eatsparkshappiness

20th-centurynationbuilding, invokedbyIndonesia’sfounding PresidentSukarnoasacoreprinciple ofacountryseekingaunifying postcolonialidentity.Itbecamean expectation,almostacivicobligation, tiedtobeinga“goodcitizen”,Nastiti said. Religiousbeliefplaysapowerful roleinencouragingdonationand

volunteering, Nastitisaid.

Formany adherentsof Islam,the country’s majority religion, obligatoryas wellas voluntary givingisseen asamoral dutyanda spiritualact. Butlevelsof givingare heavilyinfluenced byaconfluenceof factors,includingtax policiesandstate involvementinsocial welfare.

“Peoplefeelgood whentheygive,”Nastiti said.“It’salsoakindof socialinsurancebecauseif theyareinneedtomorrow thestatewon’tbethereto help.”

Communitymemberscreate informalnetworksofcareby poolingmoneywhensomeone issickorinanaccident;they organiseWhatsAppgroupsto sharejobtipsoremotional support,Nastitisaid.These aren’tviewedasmeresocial groups.Theyaresurvival strategies.

“Thestrongbeliefingotong royongreflectsthestrengthof oursocialfabricandthe weaknessofinstitutional support,”shesaid.

Helpingastranger ThepeopleofJamaicawere rankedmostlikelytohelpa stranger,andplacedinthetop 10forvolunteering.

GrowingupinJamaica, MichelleBeadleHolder,a Maryland-basedsocial scientist,remembers constantlybeingtoldtobe gratefulandkind.If someonehelpsstrangers, theyareseenasagood person,shesaid.

“Childrenaretaught proverbsabouthelping everyone,”shesaid, addingthattheculture isnecessitatedbythe lackofasocialsafety netinJamaica.

Watchpeople climbasteep waterfallpathin

Jamaica,andyouwillseetheethos inaction,shesaid.

“Youclimbwaterfallsbyholding handswiththepersonnexttoyou, itdoesn’tmatteriftheyarefamily orastranger,”Holdersaid.“Theidea isthatifsomeonetrips,othersare theretoholdthemup.”

Jamaica,LiberiaandSierraLeone rankhighlyforhelpingstrangers— butnotindonations.Nigeriaand Kenya,alsointhetop10forhelping strangers,followthesamepattern.

Thesefiverankedlowonalistof countriesinwhichsurvey respondentswereaskedifthey wouldtrustapoliceofficertoreturn adroppedwallet,signallinga broaderlackoffaithingovernment institutions.

Incountrieswithweak institutionalstructures,peopleoften viewhelpingstrangersdirectlyas moreeffectivethandonatingto charities,accordingtothereport.

HerbertGayle,asocial anthropologistfromtheUniversity oftheWestIndies,saiditwasn’t surprisingthatJamaicanswould rankasamongthekindestinthe worldtostrangersbythereport’s measures.“Historically,peoplewho havesufferedasagrouptendtotry tosaveothersfromsuffering,”Gayle said.“Jamaicansfeelcompelledto treatstrangerswell.”

CommunitymembersinIndonesiacreateinformalnetworksof carebypoolingmoneyandorganisingWhatsAppgroupstohelp others.left.Finlandisthelandof“quietsatisfaction”.Below, Jamaicanchildrenaretaughttobegratefulandkind.

Photos/AziziahDiahAprilya,NoraSayyad,ThomasSimonetti,TheWashingtonPost

Sharingmeals

InSenegal,peopledonot makelightoflunchtime. Childrenrushhomefrom school.Officeworkershead home,too.Teachersand bossesdon’tmind—they needtobehomeforlunch withtheirfamiliesaswell, saidSambaSow,ateacher andnon-profitworkerfrom Senegal.

Onaverage,peopleeat mealswithfamilyorfriends almost12timesaweek, morethananywhereelse. Gambia,Malaysiaand Paraguayaretiedforsecond place,withpeopleinthese locationseatingtogether11timesa week,accordingtotheWorld HappinessReport. IntheUnitedStates,ontheother hand,Thanksgiving—whenfamilies gather,sometimesfromfarcorners ofthecountry—isanexception.In general,Americansarespending lessandlesstimeeatingmealswith others.

ForAmericans,diningalonehas increasedineveryagegroup,but especiallyamongyoungerpeople.

FamiliesinSenegalsitaround andeattogetherfromonelarge plate. “Eatingfoodtogether,fromthe

sameplatter,isatraditionthatisolder thanSenegalitself,”Sowsaid.“Itisone ofthemostimportantvaluesinour cultureanditmakesusfeelclose togetherandloved.”

Whilecommunaleatingremains common,thenumberofpeoplewho gatherformealshasgonedown,Sow said.“Nowadays,itsmostlysingleunitfamiliesandonesetof grandparentseatingtheirmeals together,”hesaid.“Earlier,multiple familieswhethertheyweresiblings, relativesorneighbours,wouldeat together,sharingalltheirfood.”

Multiplefamilieseatingtogether ensuresthatnoonegoeshungry,

regardlessoftheirfinancial status.

Still,duringculturalor religiousevents—suchas theGrandMagal,anannual religiouspilgrimage,or Mawlid,themarkingof prophetMuhammad’s birthday—millionseat togetherfromthousandsof platters,Sowsaid.

“InSenegal,eatingmeals togetherisaformof socialisation,”saidShigehiro Oishi,apsychology professorattheUniversity ofChicago.“Ifpeopleare eatingmealsandspending timetogether,theywill experiencepositive emotionsmorefrequently.” Thosewhosharemore mealswithothersreport significantlyhigherlevelsof lifesatisfactionacrossages, genders,countries,cultures andregions,accordingto theWorldHappiness Report.

Eatingcollectively togetherisanart,Sowsaid.As children,Senegalesearetaughthow toeatfromtheplatterwithout disturbingthosesittingbesidethem. “Youcanscooptheproteinand vegetablesfromthemiddle,butyou havetobesurenottotakesomeone else’sshare,”hesaid.“It’sawayof showingthatyourespectthefoodas wellasthosesittingbesideyou.” —WashingtonPost

● DatafromGallup’sWorld HappinessReportandthe AjinomotoGroup/Gallup.Rankings arebasedonaggregatedresults from2022to2024.

Wherewillthechildrenplayin high-densityhousingpush?

It’sbeen55yearssinceYusuf/Cat Stevensreleasedhisiconictrack, WhereDotheChildrenPlay? onhis TeafortheTillermanalbum.Back then,thehauntinglyrics—“Well,you’ve crackedthesky,scrapersfilltheair,but willyoukeeponbuildinghigher‘til there’snomoreroomupthere”—didn’t reallyresonateinNewZealand.

In1970,skyscrapersdidn’texistin NewZealand.MostKiwikidshadaccess toastretchoflawntoplayon,orapatch ofbushtobuildafort,atreetoclimb, oranearbyparktheycouldrunorbike to.

Now,55yearslater,timehascaught upwithus.Stevens’words,“Iknowwe’ve comealongway,we’rechangingdayto day,buttellme,wheredothechildren play?”arebecomingincreasingly prophetic.

There’slittledoubtareasofNew Zealandurgentlyneedmorehousing. Risinghomelessness,peoplesleeping roughandlongwaitlistsforsocial housingareevidencesomethingmustbe done.

AucklandCouncil’sproposedchanges totheUnitaryPlan(PC120)area responsetoaGovernmentdirectionto buildmorehousing,allowingfor multistoreyresidentialbuildings(some upto15levels)nearkeytransporthubs, orwithinwalkabledistancesfromcity andmetropolitanareas.

Theideaistofillapartmentblocks,

Letters

Motorway

isthe wrongcall

Iwashorrifiedtoreadaboutthe destructionofgoodfarms,landand housesforthedevelopmentofafour-lane motorwaytoWhanga¯reiinSaturday’s paper. Havewelearntnothingaboutclimate changeandthedevastatingfloodsand firesweareabouttoexperience?The sheercostofthisexerciseisastronomical. Surelythemuchcheaper, environmentallyfriendlyoptionisto spendmoneyontheexistingrailwayto Whanga¯rei,includingaregularrailcar servicetoencouragepeopletoleavetheir carsbehind. PrisTobin,WaihekeIsland.

Magnificentmountain

ThephotoofMtTaranaki(Dec3)fully deservesitsaccoladeasbestpicturein theInternationalLandscape PhotographeroftheYearAward.The foregroundalmostseemsprimalwitha delicatemistrisingaboveatranquillake. Lushnativevegetationsurroundsitwith themountainmajesticallydominatingthe background.Birdsaddmotionandlifeto thescenefillingitwithsubtleenergy.A trulyremarkablescene. BernardWalker,MountMaunganui.

Publicsectorconfidence

terracehousingandtownhouseswith people,ratherthancontinuetheurban sprawloverthegreenbelt.

ThispaperissubjecttotheNewZealand MediaCouncil ● Complaintstobefirstdirectedto: formalcomplaints@nzherald.co.nz

● Ifunsatisfied,thecomplaintmaybe referredtotheNewZealandMedia Council: POBox10-879,TheTerrace, Wellington6143,oremail: info@mediacouncil.org.nz

● Detailsandonlinecomplaintsform at: mediacouncil.org.nz

ButtoechoStevens’lyrics,wherewill thechildrenplay?Inmanysuburbs,the oldstatehouses,withgenerousfrontand backyards,havedisappeared.They’ve beenreplacedwithrowsofthree-storey, terracehousespackedintosmalllanes thatleadtobusyarterialroads.Andthose roads,whereparkedcars,traffic,buses andbikelanesjostleforspace,areno placeforchildrentoplay.

Therewillbelocalplaygrounds

somewhereinthehighandmediumdensityneighbourhoods,andthe AucklandCouncilhasabudgettobuild newonesindevelopingareas.Butmany ofthechildrennowgrowingupindense housingdevelopmentswillnothavea safeplaceneartheirhometoplaywith otherlocalkidsorlearntorideabike, childhooddelightstheirgrandparents wouldhavetakenforgranted.

Manynewsubdivisions,builtonthe edgesofurbanareas,facethesame problem.Housesarebuiltclosetogether onminimum-sizedsectionswithno spaceforplay.Gonearethedaysofa backlawn.

Expertsinchilddevelopmenttalk abouttheimportanceofplayandits connectiontolearning,developmentand wellbeing.DrAlexBonham,authorof PlayandtheCity,studiedhowtoachieve child-friendlycitiesaspartofherPhD thesisonplay.Shesaysitisimportant forchildrentolearntoplayandtoplay witheachother.Toachievethat,they needsafespacestobewiththeirfriends andtofeelconnectedtothe neighbourhoodandthepeoplewholive there.

Ideally,Bonhamwantstoseedense housingdevelopmentsdesignedtoopen ontojoined,communalgreenspaces awayfrommainroads.Aucklanders haveuntilDecember19tohavetheirsay aboutPC120.Askingthecouncilwhere thechildrenwillplaywillbeagoodstart.

boatsinwatersnearSouthAmericahave causedmountingconcern. TheleadersoftheSenateandHouse ArmedServicescommitteeshavestarted inquiries. Arecentstrikewasmadeonaboat andsomeofthepeopleonboardwere killed.Asecondstrikewaslaunched,and thetworemainingoccupantswere killed.Concernhasbeenraisedoverthe secondstrikeandithasraisedthe possibilityitmaybeconsideredtobea warcrime.

Someinhighpositionsaredenying anyresponsibilityforthesecondstrike. ThePresidentinthepasthasissued pardonsforpeopleconvictedofcrimes, includingthetransportofdrugs. Bizarreasitmaynowsound,those involvedinorderingthetwomilitary strikesmayjustbefortunateenoughto receiveapardonfromthePresident. JohannNordberg,Paeroa.

1 WhatisthemostrecentBest PictureOscar-winningfilmtoalso winBestActorandBestActress? 2 FortKnoxisinwhichAmerican state?

3 Whatissciophobiathefearof? 4 Whatdecadewasfurniture retailerIkeafounded?

5 FormerPoliceCommissioner AndrewCosterresignedfromhis rolethisweekatwhich governmentdepartment?

6 Thefirstmajorconcertat Christchurch’scoveredstadium willheadlineacollaborationof whichtwoKiwiacts?

7 DeclanMcManusbecamefamous aswho?

8 Howmanyteamswillcompeteat the2027RugbyWorldCup?

9 ThesecondAshescrickettest betweenAustraliaandEnglandis beingplayedinwhichcity?

10 WhichfilmdoesQuentin Tarantinoconsiderhisbestofthe 21stcentury?

dothe immedi With essentiall inconcei unaware Deputy McSkimmi Ifthat’s Idon’t likeanother

thehonourablethingandresign immediately. WithWellingtoncentralbeing essentiallyasmallvillage,itis inconceivablethattheybothwere unawareoftherumoursaboutformer DeputyCommissionerJevon McSkimmingbutchosetoignorethem? that’snotcorruptionoracoverup, don’tknowwhatis?Itsoundssadly anotherorchestratedlitanyoflies?

BruceTubb,NgataringaBayHeights.

Linkwillcutcongestion ofyourrecentcorrespondents, Whangapara¯oaandBotany,have expressedconcernaboutpayingforthe CentralRailLinkservicetheyfeelthey neveruse.

However,Whangapara¯oaiscloseto SilverdaleStationontheNorthern Busway,whiletheEasternBuswaywill openedfromBotanyin2027.Iam therearemanyresidentsinboth suburbswhoarealreadyenjoying,or ngforwardto,aseamless congestion-freecommutetocentral Aucklandand,viatheCRL,ontoallthe stationsservedbythecurrent passengerrailnetwork. Withfewercommutersonthe motorwaysandarterialroads,therewill reductionincongestion,meaning theCRLwillindirectlybenefitmany commuterswhoareunable,or lling,tousethisservice. ErrolAnderson,Ponsonby. Climatechangeandtaxes majorityofletterstotheeditorof HeraldandHeraldonSunday appeartofavourmorestringenttaxes waystoimproveourcurrent climatechangerecord. Sadly,thesamecorrespondents

Bruce Link Twoof fromWhangapara expressed Central willnev However, theSilv Busway, beopened surethere suburbs looking congestion-free Auckland stations passenger With motorways beareduction thatthe commuters unwill Climate Themajori theHeral appear andways climate Sadly,

wouldbethefirsttocomplainiftheir incomeswerereducedwhenhefty climatetaxeswereimposedupontheir households.Thewhiningwouldbe heardbyeverypoliticianinthecountry. BruceWoodley,Birkenhead.

Fifapeacefarce It’safarcicalstateofaffairswhena footballorganisationgetsinvolvedin

awarding“peace”prizes. DavidPickford,Whitianga. Avondalestadium?

Regardingthedecisiononthenext optionaftertheclosingofAvondale RaceCoursenextyear(Dec6).Thetwopagebigarticleignorestheverybest option.SimplycopytheamazingOptus StadiuminPerth,Australia,with60,000

verylargeseats,allundercoverand closetothetoiletswithaverylarge parkingareaforcustomersatevery gameorentertainment. Weurgentlyneedaworld-class stadiuminAucklandwithnorestriction onthenumberofevents,asoperates nowatEdenParktoavoidannoyingthe neighbours.Justdoit,please,in2026. MurrayHunter,Titirangi.

Favouritebeach?

Iwasn’tthebiggestbeachgoeruntilImet oneofmybestfriends,Caitlin,whowould alwaysdragmeoutofthehousetogo foraswimwithherlastsummer.Through Caitlin,I’vebeenabletoexplorethemany beautifulbeachesacrossTa¯maki MakaurauthatIdidn’tknowexisted.My favouritespotforaswimisCheltenham BeachinDevonport.Thesandisalways sosoft,andthepastel-colouredhouses onthesideendofthebeachmakesme feellikeI’minmyEuro-summerinItaly ...(oneday).Mygo-todestinationfora longwalkacrossthesandisdefinitely PihaBeachduringsunsethours.Theview ofthesunsettingisalwaysasclearas day,puttingthegoldenhourintofull effect.ShoutouttoCaitlinforbeingsuch abeachbum,andforalwaysbeingtheone todrive,too.Saranghae!

Favouritebrunchspot?

I’mnotmuchofabrunch-er,butIlove agoodpiefromPieFee.

Favouriterestaurantfordinner withfriends?

ParadeonPonsonbyRd.Goodvibes, lovelyservice.Theirsmashedburgers pairedwithanAsahicureseverything.

Favouriteplacetotakeavisitor to?

KarangahapeRd.Ispentalotoftime theretrainingasanactoratTheActors’ Programme(TAP)intheSamoaHouse Fale,whilstworkingpart-timeatCoco’s Cantina.IloveeverythingaboutKRd,the shops,restaurants,events,andthe inclusiveandempoweringcultureof community.It’salwaysspecialtoshow

myfamilyandfriendsaroundtothe placewheremyjourneytoactingbegan.

Favouritespottofinishanight out?

LittleTurkishCafe—Iloveakebabshop. Duringpre’sbeforegoingout,I’malways thinkingaboutthemixedmeatonchips I’lleventuallybehavingattheendof thenight.It’sreallywhatmotivatesme togoout.

Favouriteplacetogetcoffee?

Idon’tdrinkcoffeetoooften,soIlike togotoJankenonJervoisRd,where theyhaveaselectionofreallygoodnoncoffeeoptions.Myfavouriteistheirblack sesamelatte.

Favouritefish-and-chipshop?

BlueLagoonTakeawaysonTeAtatu¯Rd. It’salwaysmygo-topit-stopontheway toPihaBeach.

Favouritetrailforahike?

I’mnotmuchofahiker,butI’vebeen wantingtoticktheDuderRegionalPark walkoffmylist.

Favouritevenueforagig? BasementTheatre.Igothereoftento watchshowsthatmyfriendsareeither performingin,orhavedirected, produced,orwritten.It’sanawesome andgenerousspaceforlocalartiststo showcasetheirworkandtalent.

Favouriteplacetofinda bargain?

IrecentlywenttotheCentralFlea MarketonBalmoralRdandgotsome reallycoolglassesfor$15.

● SeeJunghwiJoinGenuineand Stable,presentedbyProudlyAsian TheatrewithAuckland Live,onfromDecember 9-13atHeraldTheatre, AoteaCentre.Formore informationandtickets, visit:https://www. aucklandlive.co.nz/ show/genuine-andstable

Realitybitesoncostlyclimatebill

TheFinanceMinisterhasnow saidoutloudwhathasbeen obviousforyears.

NewZealandwillnotbesending $23billionoverseastoplanttreesinsome SoutheastAsiancountryinordertobe abletotelltheworldwe’vemetourParis Agreementclimatetarget.

HeradmissionduringParliament’s ScrutinyWeekseemstohavetruly surprisedsome,whichisinitself surprising.Because,ofcourse,thiswas nevergoingtohappen.

ThereisnowayanyGovernmentof anycolour—blueorred—wouldever send$23btoThailandtoplanttreeson ourbehalf.

NewZealandhasn’tgotthatkindof money.Wecan’tevenaffordtobuild Dunedinthehospitalitwaspromised.

Finance MinisterNicola Willishas acknowledged NewZealandis unlikelyto spendbillions onoverseas carbonoffsets tomeetits 2030climate targets.

Photo/AlexBurton

That$23bisenoughtopayforthe entirepoliceforce,theentireprison system,theDefenceForce,theMinistry ofJusticeandCustoms.Fortwo-anda-halfyears.It’sabout14%ofthemoney theGovernmentspendsinayear.

Buyingtreesinanothercountrywhile Pharmaccan’taffordlife-savingdrugsis politicalsuicide.

Maybethereasonpeopleareso surprisedisthatsuccessivegovernments havedonesuchagoodjobofplaying pretend.EventhisGovernment.

NewZealandhasn’tgotthatkindof money.Wecan’tevenaffordtobuild Dunedinthehospitalitwaspromised.

foranyonewhocarestojointhedots.

watereddownandunwoundclimate policies.

Theymaywanttorethinkthat politicalcalculation.Whenthatnew figurecomesout,itwillsparkanother roundofwill-you-or-won’t-yousendthe moneyoverseas.

TheClimateMinisterisstillbusy settingupdealswithothercountriesto allowittostarttheexpensivetree planting.

Hehasto.Admittingthathewillnever actuallyusethosedealswouldleadto lawsuits.Agroupofclimatelawyersare watchingeverywordcarefully,just itchingtosuetheGovernment.Again.

ButWillishasblownopenthecharade

She’snotsayingthewordsoutloud— forlegalreasons—butnotbuyingtrees meanswewilldefinitelynotmeetthe 2030targetbecauseplantingtrees overseaswastheonlywaythatwasever goingtohappen.Oursystemwasnever designedtocutdomesticemissions enoughtomeetthetarget.

Behindthescenesatofficiallevel,there willalmostcertainlybechatsbetween countriestryingtofigureouthowalmost everynationcangetawaywithmissing thetarget.

It’sworthpointingoutthatthe estimatedbillcouldalreadybemorethan $23b.That’s2023’snumber.We’vegone backwardsinmeetingourclimatetargets sincethen.

Treasury’sconcededitmightbetime torecalculateit.Iftheydothenumbers again,thenewfiguremightbeoutjustin timeforthepre-electionfiscalupdate.

TheGreensareupbeataboutgetting Treasurytodothenumbersagain.They seethisasawin.Presumably,because theythinkitwilldemonstratejusthow muchthecoalitionGovernmenthas

Inthatgame,LabourandtheGreens losetoNational.

Iftheyansweryes,they’llhaveto explaintovoterswherethatmoney comesfromandwhyplantingtreesbeats medicinesfordyingKiwis.

Iftheiranswerisno,they’rethesame kindofclimatevandalstheyaccusethe coalitionGovernmentofbeing.

Perhapspartofthereasonnoone’s comeclosetoadmittingthefarceuntil nowisthatitwaseasierthanfacing reality—2030isnowjustaroundthe cornerand$23bisanawfullotofmoney.

ThetaxproblemNZcan’tseemtosolve

ButwecanlearnfromGermany whenitcomestophoenixcompany debts,writes OliverHartwich

Everyyear,InlandRevenuewrites offhundredsofmillionsintax debt—$694.5millionlastyear alone.

Themoneyvanishesthroughthesame predictableloopholes,exploitedbythe samecastofcharacters:directorswho accumulateGSTandPAYEdebts,then walkawayscot-freebyabandoningtheir companies.

Thisisnotanewproblem.Itisa perennialfeatureofNewZealand’stax collectionsystem,onethatsuccessive governmentshavetriedandfailedtofix. WehavegivenInlandRevenue preferentialaccesstoassetswhen companiesgobust—buttherearerarely anyassetslefttoclaim.Wehavecreated specificanti-phoenixprovisions—but thesearelaughablyeasytocircumvent bysimplychoosingadifferentcompany name.Wehavedirectorliabilityrulesthat looktoughonpaperbutrequireexpensive litigationthatisrarelyworthpursuingin no-assetcases.

Noneofithasworked.Thephoenix companieskeeprising,thetaxdebtskeep mounting,andhonestbusinesseskeep subsidisingtheirdishonestcompetitors. Perhapsitistimetolookbeyondour shoresforaneffectivesolution.

Considerhowthreecountrieshandle thesamebasicscenario:aconstruction companythatfilesitsGSTandPAYE

InlandRevenuecontinuestowriteoff hundredsofmillionsinunpaidtaxeach yearascompanydebtsgounrecovered.

Photo/LauraSmith

returnsbutusesthecashtopaysuppliers insteadofremittingittothetaxauthority.

InNewZealand,InlandRevenuemight eventuallyforcethecompanyinto liquidation.Butbythen,asmentioned before,thecupboardistypicallybare.If thecompanyissimplystruckoffthe registerfornon-compliance,Inland Revenuefacestheexpensiveprocessof restoringitjusttoconfirmthereareno assets.Eitherway,thedirectorswalk away.

InAustralia,thetaxofficeissuesa DirectorPenaltyNoticewithin21days. Directorsmusteitherpaythedebt,place thecompanyintovoluntary administrationorbeginliquidation.Ifthey failtoact,personalliabilityattaches automaticallywithnocourtaction required.Ifthecompanyhasnotfileda returnforthreemonths,thepenalty becomes“lockeddown”.Directors becomepersonallyliableevenifthey subsequentlyliquidatethecompany.

InGermany,ifacompanycannotpay itsdebts,directorshaveaboutthreeweeks tofileforinsolvency.Ifitkeepstrading beyondthatpointwhilenotpayingtax, directorsfacebothpersonalliabilityand potentialcriminalcharges.

Thedifferencesbecomestarkerwhen directorstrymoresophisticatedschemes. Taketheclassicphoenixplay:transferthe plant,equipmentandcustomerlistsfrom OldCotoNewCo,leavingOldCosaddled withtaxdebt.

InNewZealand,InlandRevenuecould theoreticallyusesectionHD15ofthe IncomeTaxActtopursuethedirectors. Butthisrequiresprovingintentto defeattaxliabilities—ahighbar—and fundingaliquidatortobringtheclaim.In practice,itrarelyhappens.Thephoenix risesunscathed.

Germanymakessuchtransfers personallydangerous.Directorswhofail tofileforinsolvencyontimebecome liableforanypaymentsmadeafterthe companybecameinsolvent,including assettransfers.Theinsolvency administratorcanclawbacktransactions atundervalue.Directorswhothought theywerebeingcleverfindthemselves personallyonthehook.

TheGermanapproachisnotdraconian; itispreventive.Itrecognisesasimple truth:oncetaxdebtshaveaccumulated tounrecoverablelevels,enforcement becomespointless.Theonlyeffective solutionistoforcedirectorstoconfront realityearly,whenthereisstillsomething tosaveordistributefairly.

Thisdoesnotpunishbusinessfailure. TheGermansystemincludesclearsafe harboursfordirectorswhoact responsibly.Iftheyareinfinancialtrouble

butfileforinsolvencywithinthe prescribedtimeframe,theyareprotected. Theliabilityonlybitesthosewho ignoretheirduties,whodriftalonghoping somethingwillturnupwhiledebtsmount. NewZealandcouldadaptthis approachtoourcircumstances.Rather thanGermany’sthreeweeks,wemight allow30-90days—enoughtimeto addresstemporarycashflowproblemsor seekadvice,butnotenoughtostripassets anddisappear.Directorswouldknow exactlywhatisexpectedandwhen.No moregreyareas,nomoreexpensive litigation,nomorephoenixes.

Thebroaderprinciplemattersasmuch asthemoney.Whencompaniescanuse unpaidGSTandPAYEasfreeworking capital,theygainanunfairadvantageover honestcompetitors.

Aconstructionfirmthatdivertsitstax obligationstofundoperationscan underbidthefirmthatpaysontime.The marketrewardscheatinginsteadof efficiency.

Mostdirectorsruntheircompanies responsiblyandwouldwelcomealevel playingfield.

Theonlylosersfromreformwouldbe thosewhosebusinessmodeldependson leavingotherstopickuptheirtab—hardly aconstituencyworthprotecting. Sevenhundredmilliondollarsshould concentrateminds.Thatisrealmoney thatcouldfundrealservicesinsteadof subsidisingcorporateirresponsibility. Othercountrieshavesolvedthis problem.Bylearningfromthem,New Zealandcandothesame.

● DrOliverHartwichistheExecutive DirectorofTheNewZealand Initiative(www.nzinitiative.org.nz).

AridgeofhighpressurecoverstheNorthIslandtoday,whilean activefrontmovesontothesouthoftheSouthIsland.FromMonday toWednesday,aweakridgeofhighpressurepersistsovertheNorth Island,whileweakeningfrontsmovenorthwardsovertheSouth Islandthroughouttheforecastperiod.

Morningcloud,clearing tofine.Areasofcloud returningintheevening. Lightwinds,afternoon seabreezes.

Cloudywith isolated morning showers, clearingtofine.N.

Morningcloud,clearing tofine.Areasofcloud returningintheevening. Lightwinds,afternoon seabreezes.

Morningcloud,with areasoffog,clearingto fine.Cloudreturning aboutthecoastlate evening.Wafternoon/evening.

Fine.Northwesterlies developingforatime intheafternoonand evening.

Fine.Northwesterlies developingforatimein theafternoon.

Mainlyfine. Northerlies.

Morningcloud,clearing tofine.Westerlies developinginthe afternoon.

Fine. Northerlies developingin themorning.

Partlycloudy. Ndeveloping foratimeinthe afternoonand evening.

Partlycloudy. Northerlies developingin themorning.

Fine.NW, easinginthe evening.

Mainlyfine,butisolated afternoonandevening showersaboutthe ranges,possiblyheavy. W,turningNEintheafternoon.

Morningcloud, clearingtofine.Cloud returningintheevening. Northwesterlies.

Mostlycloudywith possiblemorning drizzle.Longer afternoonandearly eveningfinespells.StrongNW.

Finewith northwesterly winds.

Partlycloudy. Northerlies, easingatnight.

Nelson cloudy2217

Blenheim mainlyfine2615

Westport rain 1914

Greymouth fewshowers1910

Kaikoura mainlyfine2512

Christchurch clearing2210

Timaru mainlyfine207

Queenstown mainlyfine206

Dunedin clearing2010 Invercargill mainlyfine178

5:58am8:30pm11:07pm7:39am 5:54am8:31pm11:09pm7:33am 5:48am8:32pm11:10pm7:27am 5:46am8:27pm11:07pm7:23am 5:42am8:31pm11:05pm7:24am 5:45am8:37pm11:13pm7:25am 5:50am8:40pm11:19pm7:27am 5:36am8:23pm11:03pm7:12am 5:38am8:29pm11:10pm7:13am 5:39am8:46pm11:24pm7:17am 5:47am8:50pm11:33pm7:21am 5:42am9:01pm11:44pm7:15am 5:49am9:28pm

Fine,butbecomingcloudy intheafternoon.StrongN, easingafternoon.

Liam Dann

WhyaSwedishcentral bankermattersmore thanIkea’smeatballs

TwoSwedeswereinthenewsthisweek,withentrancesatbothendsofthehypescale

Valkommentillvartkonstigalilla land...

It’sbeenahugeweekfor SwedisharrivalsinNew Zealand—possiblythebiggestinour history.

AbbanevermadeittoNewZealand andwecanhardlycountthevisitof1980s SwedishpopiconsRoxettein2015,asthey weresome30yearspasttheirprime.

ASwedishbotanist,DanielSolander, accompaniedCaptainCookonhisfirst voyagetoNewZealandin1768-1771— there’sanislandintheFoveauxStrait namedafterhim.

representsaproblematicstereotypetobe overcome,Idon’tknowwheretobegin withthemaniacalfish-throwingLew Zealand.

TheSwedesalsotaketheirdairy industryveryseriously,eventhoughtheir economyisnolongerbasedon agriculturalproduction.

Oneofthestrongestbusiness connectionsbetweenourtwocountries hasbeentherelationshipwithSwedish dairyagriculturalmachinery manufacturerDeLaval.Aspecialistin milkingtechnology,ithashadafoothold inNewZealandsince1924.

turnedouttocuttheribbonatIkeaand baskinthewarmpopulistglowofthe newscoverage.

I’msureIkeawillcreatesomejobsand makesomeconsumershappy,butits arrivaldoesstrikemeasbadnewsfor manylocalretailers.

AndI’mprettysureitsownerswillbe planningtoaddtothedrainonourcurrent accountbytakingprofitsbackhometo Sweden.

I’msurethePMwasequally enthusiasticaboutwelcomingBremen privatelyinWellington.

toseejustfroma“breakingtheglass ceiling”pointofview.

MuchmoreimportantfortheReserve Bankisthatsheisfromanywherebut here.

Giventhehorroryear(somewould argueseveral)thattheRBNZhashad,it needsacleanbreak.

Bremanisunencumberedbypolitical baggage.Inwhatlittlewe’veseenofher publiclysofar,sheseemstobe considered,articulateandaconsummate professional.

Somaybewehavetogobackmore than300yearstofindaweekofsuch culturalconnectionbetweenourtwo nations.

We’veneverhadaSwedishroyalvisit orevenaprimeministerialone,asfaras Icansee.

Youhavetoheadalongwaydownthe rabbitholetofindconspiracytheorists wackyenoughtomakethecasethatthe Vikingsmadeithere.

ThankstoScandinavia’scolonial successinBritainandFrance’sNormandy, weprobablysharealotofgenetichistory, though.

Anyway,inaweirdcoincidence, furnitureandhomewareIkeaopenedits doorsandshareditsmeatball-flavoured visionforcheapdesignerhomewarethe sameweekthatwevalkommenedour newSwedishReserveBankGovernor.

IsuspectournewGovernor,DrAnna Breman’sfirstcluethatwe’reanoddplace wouldbetheasymmetricmediacoverage aroundthetwodebuts.

Ifyoubasedtheirrelativesignificance onthelocalmedia,you’dassumethe arrivalofIkeawasvastlymoreauspicious.

Wehaveadeep-seatedcultural insecurityinthiscountryaroundtheneed toattractglobalretailchains.

TheSwedishphraseatthetopofthis column,accordingtomybestAI-assisted researchefforts,says:“Welcometoour strangelittlecountry.”

IknowenoughabouttheSwedish(I’ve visitedonceandhaveSwedishfriends)to recognisethattheymightthemselves sharesomeaffinitywithbeingaslightly weirdsmallcountry.

SpeculationabouttheprospectofIkea openinginNewZealanddatesbackto 2004,accordingto NewZealandHerald records.

Nowonderweweresoexcitedthis week.

We’vebeentriumphantly celebratingthearrivalof internationalchainssinceKentucky FriedChickenopenedherein1974.

FinanceMinisterNicolaWillis definitelywaswhensheintroducedher atapressconferenceinSeptember.

Inthegrandscheme,Breman’sarrival isconsiderablymoreimportantinmy clearlybiasedview.

Itissignificantformanyreasons.She isourfirstfemaleReserveBankGovernor.

Thatdoesn’ttellusanythingoneway oranotherabouthowshewillshape monetarypolicyorbankingregulation. But,asWillishasalreadynoted,itisgreat

Itwillbeinterestingtoseetowhat extentthatbuffersherfromtheintense publicscrutinytheReserveBankcanface. Monetarypolicyisfollowedlikeasport inNewZealand,andthat’snotquitethe caseinmanyothercountries,including Sweden.

It’sbignews,ofcourse,butoften confinedtofinancialandeconomicnews. Here,themajornewsorganisations (includingthe Herald)liveblogthe decisions.

Ithinkthathassomethingtodowith thewayKiwisfixtheirmortgagesfora varietyofrelativelyshortterms.

InSwedenandAustralia,mostpeople floatalongatvariablemarketrates.Inthe US,peoplefixfordecades.

Buthere,wetrytopickthebestterm, betweensixmonthsandfiveyears,tolock inandbeatthebank.

Wearebothactuallyquitebig countries,butwithsmallpopulations.

IfyouputNewZealandonamapof Europe,we’dstretchfromLondontoItaly. Swedenisabout70%largerby landmassbuthasdoublethepopulation, at10million.

It’sthelargestoftheScandinavian countries.Wearethelargestofthe Polynesianislandgroups.

I’moldenoughtorememberthe collectivejoyattheopeningof eachnewMcDonald’slocation throughthe1980s.

We’vegotaCostconow—anda TacoBellandaKrispyKreme.

IfonlywecouldconvinceAldito openacut-pricesupermarketchain,we couldfinallyrelaxandtakeourplace intherealmoffullydeveloped economies.

ThePrimeMinister

Thatmakesmonetarypolicyanational obsessionrivallingourpassionforrugby. Thatistosay,wehavealotofarmchair experts.

IhopeBremanhasbeenwarnedthat sheissteppingintoarolethatmightbe theequivalentofbeingthefirst internationalAllBlackscoach.

Nextyear,asthemediahypearound Ikeafades,thefocusoninterestratesand inflationwillgrow.

NewZealandmightbeinrecovery,but itisnotyetrecovered. TheReserveBank’srolenext yearwilllikelybemorenuanced thanithasbeeninthepastfew years.Ihopeitis. Theworldremainsa volatileplace,andthenext monetarypolicychallenge willnotbefaraway.

I’msurewebothliketothinkwepunch aboveourweightontheworldstage. Wealsobothcoppedweirdperipheral charactersin TheMuppets Ifthemeatball-lovingSwedishChef

IwishBremanwellin hereffortstoguidepolicy andinthemoredifficult taskofcommunicating thatpolicytothis strangelittlecountry.

HowtostopChristmas turningyourkidsinto entitledlittlemonsters

LastChristmas,myeldestson happilytoddledabout,enjoying thetwinklylightsandshiny wrappingpaper,obliviousto everythingelse.

Thisyear,he’sarambunctious2-yearoldsoakingeverythingup—whichmakes meexcitedtostartcreatingmagical festivetraditionsforhimandhisbaby brother.

Butindoingso,Idon’twanttoteach themthatmoundsofpresentsaretheonly waytodothat.Idon’twanttocreate rampantconsumerswhotearopen presentafterpresentwithlittleregardfor whatitisorwhoitcamefrom.Idon’twant toteachthemsolelyaboutreceiving,but thejoyofgiving,too.

Inshort,Idon’twanttocreateentitled littlemonsters...I’mjustnotentirelysure HOWyoudothat.I’mfartoonewtothis parentinggigtoprofessanykindof expertise—soIdecidedtoseeksome advice.

Isittoosoon?

It’sclearmy2-year-oldunderstandsfar morethanhecanyetexpress,butisit toosoontoteachhimmorethan“it’sonly oneadventcalendarchocolateperday”?

CEOatfinancialeducationcompany Banquer,SimonBrown,saysit’snottoo early.“Weknowthatbyage3,children cangraspbasicmoneyconcepts,andby age7manyoftheirlong-termmoney habitsarealreadyforming”.

But—mercifully—Brownalsosayswe don’thavetobogChristmasdownwith financiallessons.“Youdon’tneedto‘teach money’toteachfinancialvalues.Youjust needtoconnectthoseearlybehaviours tohowtheworldworks”.

JennyHale,seniorparentcoachatthe ParentingPlace,ispragmatic—not everythingneedstobetaughtatonce.

“Preschoolersdon’tneedtoknow aboutcompoundinterestobviously,but they’llbeabsorbingvaluesaroundmoney bywatchingandobservingtheadults.”

Thatmyboysarelearningmostlyfrom whatIdoisbothreassuring,andterrifying —andmakesthisconversationfeeleven moreimportant.

HowcanweavoidChristmasjustbeing about“getting”and“stuff”?

“More,more,more”issomethingIwant toavoidfosteringatChristmas—but “more”isalsooneofmytoddler’s favouritewords!

Growingup,onepersonopenedagift, thenchoseagifttogivetosomeoneelse. WhileIdidn’talwayslovetheslowerpace asakid,Igrewtolovetheritual—it allowedspaceforthereceiverto acknowledgethegiver.Iplantocontinue

this,eventhoughpatienceisnota renownedtoddlervirtue!

Halealsosuggestsshiftingtheday’s focusfromgiftstoexperiences.“Canyou setupatraditionofplayinggameson Christmasday?Dosomething spontaneouslikehavingabreakfast picniconthebeach...Christmascarol karaoke,orspendingalldaymakinga gingerbreadhouse?”

TheteamatBanquerputsitbeautifully.

“Whenthemagiccomesfrom experiencesandconnection,notthe volumeofpresents,entitlementhasfar lessroomtogrow.”

Othersuggestionsincludedadopting the“want,need,wear,read”approachto gifts,whichIlikeasawaytomanage expectations;filming“thankyou”videos forthosewho’vesentgiftsfromafar;and encouragingkidstohelpchooseormake giftsforfriends,familyorcharity.

(Wehavetakenournephewsshopping forgiftstodonateinthepast,butIthink ourboysareafewyearsawayfromthat, givenourtoddlerhasjustlearntthe conceptof“mine”!)

Don’tforgettospreadtheword—“Clear communicationwithwiderwha¯nau aboutavoidinglow-qualityorexcessive giftscanalsohelp,”SimonBrown suggested.

TheSantaconundrum Mysonsdon’tyetknowwhoSantais(and maynotinitiallybebigfanswhenthey gotomeethimforaphoto...)butwhen themagicalguydeliveringthepresents isn’tequallygenerouswitheveryone,it canbeproblematic.

Halesuggestsavoidingthe“naughtyor nice”tropes,“Sothatthekidsdon’thave toworryaboutwhethertheyare deserving[ornot]ofgiftsatChristmas. Focusonthefacteveryfamilydoes Christmasdifferentlyandthisistheway ‘ourfamily’doesit.”

Santadoesn’thavetobethegiverof allgifts—especiallythebigones—or indeedany.Inmysister’sfamily,Santais notatraditiontheydecidedtoembrace.

Fullcredittoher,shehassuccessfully managedtonavigatethatwithher children—withoutspoilinganyoneelse’s

fun—andthedayisnolessmagical(plus herlovelychildrenarenotremotely entitled).

Thingstoavoid

Watchingmysons’eyesopentonew passionsmakesittemptingtofulfilthem allatonce,butI’mwaryofcreatingarod formybackastheyearsgoby(andtheir tastesbecomemoreexpensive).

SimonBrownsaysavoidingblowing thebudgetisapowerfullesson.“Abudget doesn’tlimitChristmas;itprotectsitfrom becomingsomethingitwasnevermeant tobe.”

Halesuggests“Avoidframing Christmasasacompetition;comparing giftswithothersonlyfuelsentitlement, notjoy.Avoidlettingquantityorsize becomethemeasureoflove”.

Ilovemychildrenendlessly,andthe lastthingIwantisforthemtomeasure itbywhatis—orisn’t—underthetree.

So,I’llbethinkinghardabouthowto imbuethefestiveseasonwith experiences,traditionsandourfamily’s values,notmoundsofstuff.

‘Isoldmyplane,nowI’m sellingmydreamhome’

FormerTV

weathermanJim Hickeysaysit’s timetomoveon

FormerTVweathermanJim Hickeyknewitwastimeto sellhishangarhome overlookingNewPlymouth airportwhenhelookedaroundand realisedhedidn’tevenhaveaplane toputinitanymore.

Thepassionateaviatorquithisjob asTVNZ’sweatherman22years agotomovehometoNew Plymouthtolookafterhis elderlyparents.

HickeyandwifeSuesold everythinginAuckland andin2008boughta650sq mleaseholdsiteat192AirportDrive,rightbesideNew PlymouthAirport’srunway.

Theybuiltacustomised commercialhangarwithanadjoiningthree-bedroomunit.Hickeysaid ithadbeenareallyconvenientlocationbecauseheonlyhadtowalk 150mtocatchacommuterplaneto Aucklandforpart-timepresenting gigs.

Hisapartmentwasalsocloseto theNewPlymouthbranchof

Airspresso–an airportcafethe Hickeysco-own withOzoneCoffee Roastersowners KateandCraig MacFarlane.

HickeytoldOneRoofathrowaway commenttoCraig,whowasinthe hospitalityindustry,ledtothem launchingAirspresso.“Ihappenedto saytohimwhatmanypeoplesay, ‘Whyisityoucannevergetadecent coffeeatanairport?’Itwasalmosta cliche.”

JimHickeyandhiswife, Sue,areselling192Airport Drive,inBellBlock,New Plymouth.Hickeyusedto storehisYak52(left)at thehangar,butsince sellingtheplane,herents outthespacetoother pilots.Thecouplebuiltthe uniquepropertyin2008 aftersellingupin Auckland. Photos/Supplied

ThebrandnowhascafesinDunedin,Hawke’sBay,Nelson,QueenstownandNewPlymouth.

Hickeysaidhisyearsbytheairportmeanthecouldidentifywhat planeswerelandingbythesoundof theirengines.

“IcantellwhenanAirNewZealandarriveswithanATRoraDash 8,theQ300with50seats,oroneof theATRswith68seats.Yougetto knowthemall.AndwhentheYaks [Soviet-eraplanes]goup,theysound likelittleV8cars–quitenoisy,rumbly littlethings.Therearetwoorthree ofthosehere.

Formorepropertynews andlistingsgoto: OneRoof.co.nz

“Wegetafewcorporatejets comingin.Therearesomebigengineeringoutfitshere,andtheoilandgas sector.

“Yougettoknowthemall.Igrew uplovingaeroplanes.Myfatherwas aSpitfirepilotinthewar,andI’ve beenflyingformanyyears,soyou justgetattunedtoit.”

Untilrecently,Hickeystoredhis ownYak52atthehangar.Itnowhas anewowner,andHickey,nowinhis 70s,saiditwastimetosellthe couple’s“specialplace”andmove closertothecityintoahousewith fewerstairs.

“I’mgettingabitolder,I’minmy 70snow.Ithink,‘Oh,Ihaven’tgotan aeroplane.Timetomoveon.’” BayleyslistingagentKathy GulliversaidHickey’spropertywas adreamhomeforaviators. Thenorth-facingbuildingwasthe onlythree-bedroompremisessituatedwithinNewPlymouthCityCouncil’sspecialpurposeairportzone.The currentleaserunsthroughto2036, withafurther10-yearrightofrenewal.

Whythebanksfailedtopassonthefullcashratecut

TonyAlexander opinion

Politiciansthispastweekhave beencallingonthebanksto passthelatestcashratecut bytheReserveBankoninfull totheircustomers.Ifwearetalking aboutfloatinginterestratesfor householdsandbusinesses,thenfair enough.Butnotforfixedmortgage rates.

Inverysimpleterms,ifabank lendstoyouatafixedrateforone year,theymatchthatbyborrowing atafixedratealsoforoneyear.To dootherwisemeansrunningahigh riskofgettinghitbyasurprisechange ininterestrates.Forinstance,ifabank fundsatwo-year,fixed-ratemortgage byborrowingatfloatingrates,then itcouldenduppayingmoreforthe fundsthanitreceivesasaresultof anymonetarypolicysurprises.

Thethingaboutfixed borrowinginterestrates isthattheydonotmuch reflectwherethe ReserveBank’sOfficial CashRateisnow,but wherethefinancial marketsexpectitwillbe onaverageoverfixed periodsofone,two,orfive years.

TonyAlexander

Atthemoment,the viewinthemarketsisthatfurther cutsinthecashratearehighly unlikely,givenencouragingsignsof growthinNewZealand’seconomy andgrowingconcernsaboutanearly appearanceofinflationthistime around.

Themarketsseeagoodchanceof thecashrategoingupintwoyears, andthathelpsexplainwhythecost ofborrowingatafixedratefortwo

yearsisnear2.7%for banks,whilethecostof borrowingona floatingrateisnear 2.5%.

Thecostof borrowinginthe wholesalemarketsto lendatafive-yearfixed rateisabout3.25%.

Butanimportantpointto noteisthis:market expectationsofatighteningin monetarypolicyasaresultofgood economicgrowthin2026and2027 havebeenbuildingupformany months.

Thatiswhythetwo-year borrowingratebanksfacehas actuallygoneupby0.15%andthe five-yearratebyaboutthesame amountdespitethecashrate dropping0.75percentagepoints

sinceOctober8.

So,ifyouwanttohaveadigatthe banksfornotpassingonthelatest cashratecutintothefixedratesthey charge,bestholdyourtongue.The ReserveBank’sinfluenceonfixed ratesisslightatbestanddiminishes overthelong-term. Nonetheless,despitetheabsence ofanycutsinfixedmortgagerates sincelastweek’s0.25%cashratecut, canweseeevidencethatthisyear’s ratecutshavehadanimpactonthe residentialrealestatemarket?Yes, accordingtothelatestresultsofmy monthlysurveyofrealestateagents. Amonthago,20%ofagentssaid thatbuyersweredisplayingsome FOMO(fearofmissingout).That readingnowsitsat26%.Thenet proportionsayingthathouseprices appeartoberisingintheirareahas climbedfrom7%to21%.

However,thereisnosignthatthe housingmarketissuddenlytaking off.Onlyanet2%ofagentssaythat theyareseeingmoreinvestors lookingtobuy,and,infact,anet26% saytheyareseeingmoreinvestors lookingtosell.Also,anet27%from 26%amonthagosaidwewerestill inabuyer’smarket. Interestratefallsarehavingan impactonthehousingmarket.But withpeopleworriedabouttheirjobs, investorsworriedaboutmoretax rulechanges,andaplentifulsupply ofnewdwellingshittingthemarket, scopeforpricegrowththiscyclewill bemorelimitedthanwhatwehave seenforquitesometime.

●TonyAlexanderisan independenteconomics commentator.Additional commentaryfromhimcanbe foundatwww.tonyalexander.nz

SocietyInsider Thesummerofsociety

Astringofsummer weddingsisonthe horizon,witha broadcaster,formersports star,motoringRichListsonandPals’ co-founderallgettingreadytotiethe knot,andamulti-billionaire rumouredtofollow.

BroadcasterWilhelmina Shrimptonandstarrugbyreferee BenO’Keeffearefirstofftheranks –thecouplewillgetmarriedin Queenstownnextweekend,with morethan120familyandfriends attending.

ShrimptonandO’Keeffe,whoare basedinAuckland’sbeachside suburbofMilford,havebeen togetherformorethantwoyears. Theyannouncedtheirengagement inOctoberlastyearinSouthAfrica.

Shrimptoncelebratedher bachelorettepartylastweekwith20 girlfriends.

ThetroopstartedwithacocktailmakingclassatStAliceatViaduct Harbourandendedthenightinthe privatediningroomatOttoonKRd fordinnerandadragshow,which thebachelorettestarredin.

“IworetwominidressesbyTrish PengandjewelsfromtheDiamond Shop,whichisanodtowhatI’llbe wearingonthebigday,”Shrimpton toldSocietyInsider.

Thenightbeforethenuptials, weddingguestswillgatheratvarious locationsinArrowtown.

Thebigdaywilltakeplaceatthree locationsatAyrburn,whichhas becomeafavouritehospitality venueforNewZealand’srichand famoussinceitopenedinDecember 2023.ZurubillionaireNickMowbray celebratedhis40thbirthdaytherein MarchandRichListpropertymogul SteveOwen’ssonMattmarried professionalgolferLauraHoskinin ablack-tiebashinMay.

ShrimptonknowsAyrburnwell, havingworkedonPRactivationsfor thehospitalityhaven,andis currentlyassistingwiththe communicationsforAyrburn Residences,luxurynew-build propertiesonfreeholdprivate sections,whicharesellingforupto $40million.

Theweddingwilltakeplace aroundthepicturesqueMillCreek, andinandaroundAyrburn’s restoredfarmbuildings.

Thebrideissettowearthree differentgownsbyTrishPengforthe ceremony,receptionandafterparty. O’Keeffewillwearanensemblefrom Peng’shusband’slabel,T.Begg Tailoring.

PengandBeggwillbeamongthe guests,alongwitharangeof Shrimpton’scolleaguesfromthe broadcastingworld,including BrookeDobson,RachelSmalley, LloydBurrandAzizAlSa’afin.Also expectedareinfluencerSimone AndersonandherhusbandTrent Forsyth,jewellerSeraCruickshank

andherfianceJamieFoster,and beautyentrepreneurEdnaSwartand herhusbandReidStephen.

Afterthewedding,thenewlyweds willspendafewdayswiththeir friendsGeoffandJustineRossat LakeHa¯weaStation.

SocietyInsideristoldsometime willbespentwithO’Keeffe’sfamily inBlenheiminthelead-upto Christmas.

Theiractualhoneymoonkicksoff againfromJanuary6whenthe coupleattendAmericanfolk-rockers TheLumineers’concertatSpark Arena.ThefirstsongO’Keeffeshared withShrimptonwasbytheband.

TheywillthenheadtoFijifor someromantictimeinthetropics.

InearlyJanuary,Mikayla Haycock,thetalentmanagerof motorracingsuperstarLiamLawson, willmarryroboticsengineerand RichListson,TobyBaker.Thecouple gotengagedattheMelbourneGrand Prixin2024.Theweddingwillbean intimateevent,takingplacein Baker’sparents’backyardwithfewer than100guests.

Toby’sparentsaremotoringRich ListersGrantandDonnaBaker.Grant istheexecutivechairmanofTurners AutomotiveGroupandhasa reportedwealthofmorethan$130 million.

Famousforhavingoneofthe biggestcollectionsofsupercarsinthe country,youcanbesureafewwill bepositionedinthegroundsofthe BakerEstate,asprawlingpalmtreelinedoasisinStHeliers,with expansiveviewsoftheWaitemata¯.

Thecouplearecelebratingtheir stagandhens’partiesbefore Christmas,withBakergoinggokartingandHaycockplanninga refinedlunchwithhergirlfriends. LiamLawsonisexpectedto attendthewedding,alongwithhis AmericanpartnerHannahStJohn, whoHaycockrepresentsthrough heragencyTheTalentBakery. FellowmotoringRichLister

party,left.Shrimptonather bacheloretteparty,above;and belowinoneofherTrishPeng bacheloretteparty dresses.

WayneLeach,from WingerGroup,and hiswifeAmandaare alsoexpectedto attend.

Haycock’s business isbasedin Los Angeles, while Baker worksoutof Silicon Valley.

Thepair recently purchasedtheir firsthouse togetherin Scottsdale, Arizonaandhave beentravelling backandforthfor workinCalifornia.

Thebridewill weartwodresseson herbigday,thefirst acustomcouture Vivienne Westwood creationandthe secondaparty dresscustommadeinLos Angeles.Bothofher bridesmaidswill weardressesbyNZ

designerCaitlinCrisp. LaterinJanuary, multimillionaire businessmanandformer BlackCapAdamParore willmarryproperty managementdirector LibbyPrice,ayearafter theywelcomedtheir twinsHeidiandElliott.

Parore’sadult childrenwithhisformer partnerSallyRidge,Astin andMclane,are expectedtoattend.

It’sParore’ssecond marriage–11yearsago, hemarriedMillerRose MacLeod-McGhie,and theirweddinggraced thecoverofawoman’s magazine.Thecouple splitin2016.

PricetellsSociety Insidertheirwedding willbeathree-day celebrationattheir compoundinKoutuin theHokianga.

“Wearesuper excitedabouthaving ourfriendstoseethe Hokiangaand beatour property, it’s very uniqueand special,”she says.

Herrecentbachelorettepartyin aprivatediningroomattheHilton’s FishrestauranthadaWhiteLotus

theme,withguestsdressedintheir mostcolourfuloutfits.It’sexpected theweddingwillalsobearesortthemedaffair.

PricewasinMelbournelast weektopickupherwedding dressbutwouldn’tsharewith SocietyInsiderwhothedesigner is,preferringtokeeptherevealfor thebigday.

Palsco-founderMatCroadand hisfiancee,creativedirector RachelNeedhamarealsosetto marryinJanuary,although Needhamiskeepingtight-lipped abouttheirplans.

“AllI’llsayaboutthewedding isthatit’scomingupsoon,”she

SocietyInsiderwith

Theglamorousparties,theexoticholidays, thehook-ups,thebreak-ups,thescandalsand themultimillion-dollarbusinessdeals—this newcolumnunveilshowtheotherhalflives.

Contact: society-insider@nzme.co.nz

Onsocialmedia: @ricardosimich

weddingsbegins

tellsSocietyInsider.“I’vebeen workingcloselywithTrishPengon customlooksfortheday.Stay tuned.”

SocietyInsiderreportedthe couple,whohavebeendatingfor morethanfouryears,gotengaged inMarch,withCroadturninghis40th birthdayaboardasuperyachtintoa surpriseproposalforNeedham.

Needhamand12ofhergirlfriends lastweektookalargelimousineto anAirbnbtuckedawayonaquiet countrysidepropertyinHunuafor astylishseashellsandweddingbellsthemedbachelorettegardenparty.

“Iworetwolooks,”saysNeedham. “Mydaylookwasasheerlacemaxi dressfromLovers&Friends,paired withawhitebodysuit,AliasMae heels,pearlclusterearringsanda laceJulietcapstyleveil.”

Hernightlookwasasatincorset minidressfromLeauwithaplain tulleminiveilandafive-layerpearl chokernecklace,pairedwithsome operalengthlaceglovesandsling backsatinpumps.

Needham’slittlesisterGrace,who ishermaidofhonour,andhertwo bridesmaids,SarahandLouise, arrangedtheentireeventforheras asurprise.

“Theythoughtofeverydetail,and itcouldn’thavebeenmoreperfect,” Needhamsays.

“Seeingeveryonealldressedup

Left:LibbyPrice, centre,inwhite ather bachelorette partyatFish; below,Priceand AdamParore withtheirtwins HeidiandElliott inBaliearlierthis year.Right:David Seymourand Alexandra VincentMartelli; Below,Harry HartandCartier Lee.

Photos/Instagram @Libby.price1,@Radlab

andlookinggorgeous,gettingto spendqualitytimewitheveryone andofcoursegettingtodressupas abridetobe,wasveryspecial.”

Weddingguestsareexpectedto includeCroads’fellowMount MaunganuifriendsandPalscofoundersNickMarshallandJayand AnnaReeve.OneofCroad’sbest friends,StolenGirlfriend’sClub founderandcreativedirectorMarc Moore,isexpectedtoplayarolein proceedings.Moorewasthering beareratCroad’ssurprise engagement.

FormerVictoria’sSecretmodel, London-basedKiwi,JessicaClarke, theco-founderofwellnessbrand MotherMade,isalsoexpectedto attend.

InSeptember,Clarkeandher long-termpartner,sportsagent DavidGardner,thebestfriendof DavidBeckham,announcedtheir engagement.

FebruarythatSeymourandhis partner,propertydynamo AlexandraVincentMartelli,hadgot engagedinCalifornia.

“We’reaimingfornextsummer,” Seymoursaysoftheirwedding.“We don’tfeelanypressuretomarry quickly,wehaveallthetimeinthe worldtogether.”

Seymour’sLabourleader counterpart,ChrisHipkins,will marryhisfiancee,MBIEpolicy strategistToniGrace,nextsummer too,afternextyear’selection.

Clarkerecentlytoldher Instagramfollowersshewas bringingGardnertoNewZealandfor thefirsttimethissummer.

Despitespeculationhe’llmarry aheadofnextyear’selection,Deputy PrimeMinisterandActPartyLeader DavidSeymoursayshehasno immediateweddingplans. SocietyInsiderrevealedin

Couldamultibillionaire’s weddingroundoffthesummer seasonthisyear?SocietyInsiderhas confirmedNickMowbrayandhis fiancee,businessentrepreneur JaimeeLupton,willnotmarrythis summer.Thatputsthespotlighton billionaireGrahamHart’ssonHarry, whobecameengagedtohis Australianheiresspartnerofmore thansixyears,CartierLee,lastyear ontheFrenchRiviera.

TheHartsarewellsetuptohost anextravagantwedding,withtheir superyachts,thefamilycompounds onWaihekeIslandandTaraItiGolf Club,whereHarryisashareholder, aswellastheHartfamily’s Glendowieclifftopestate,valuedat morethan$50m. Watchthisspace.

Partypeople

TheASB Classic Countdown

Anexclusivegroupofcelebrities,sponsors andmediaguestsgatheredatTheMezzanine atTheCloudonThursdayforFirstServe,a partytokickoffthecountdowntotheASB Classic.

TheeventwashostedbyJordanVandermade, whoisreturningtotheASBClassicason-court MCin2026.SpeechescamefromAuckland MayorWayneBrown,tournamentdirector NicolasLamperinandTennisAucklandCEO RohanWest.

Theeveningfeaturedaseriesofexciting announcements,includingthenewsthat SwissgreatStanWawrinkawillplayinthe men’stournament,andanumberof improvementstothefacilitiesattheStanley Starena.

Photos/TimMarshall

DamianAlexander,LauraHadenandReuben

TwoDudes MochellaParty

Men’sSkincarebrandTwoDudesand activewearlabelLSKDhaveofficiallymade Movemberhistory,celebratingan extraordinarymonthoffundraisingwitha high-energyMO-CHELLApartyinAuckland lastSaturdaynightatKenkoStudiosinEden Terrace.

Thecampaignbroughttogetherthousands ofNewZealanderswhomoved,donated,ran, shaved,orgrewamoinsupportofmental health,suicideprevention,prostatecancer andtesticularcancer.

TwoDudesco-foundersTomasTappinand MichaelMcRaetookthestagetopresenta NewZealandrecord-breaking$125,000 cheque,toMovemberAotearoaIndigenous PartnershipsManager,ChrisGraham.Bythe endofNovembertheirfundraisingwasover $145,000,thebiggestdonationtothecharity inNewZealandhistory.

Photos/TrentHall

Punchhimintheface:Ardern

FormerPrime Ministerdiscusses

rivalonGraham

NortonShow

FormerPrimeMinisterDame JacindaArdernhas discussedonthe Graham NortonShow thetimeshe wantedto“punch”SimonBridgesin theface.

Ardernappearedontheepisode, whichairedintheUnitedKingdom earlyyesterdayafternoon(NZT)as partofapromotionalrunforher documentary PrimeMinister,which drewonhundredsofhoursof footage,includingpersonalhome videostakenbyherpartnerClarke Gayford.

ItwasArdern’sfirstappearanceon Norton’sshow,andhecalledthe documentary—releasedtodayinthe UK—“trulyextraordinary”.

Duringtheepisode,heplayeda clipfromthedocumentarywhere formerNationalPartyleaderBridges yelled“shedoesn’tdotheeconomy” duringQuestionTimeinParliament. TheclipthencuttoArdernsaying “SimonBridgesyelledacrossthe house,‘shedoesn’tdotheeconomy’, Iwantedtopunchhimintheface.”

DameJacindaArdernwasontheGrahamNortonShowalongsideKateWinslet(fromleft),SethMeyers,AlanCarr andmusicalperformerCatBurns.

ArderntoldNortonthecomment hadannoyedherbecauseher governmentwasfocusedonboth protectingpeopleandprotectingthe economy.

“Ishouldadd,I’mnotaviolent person”,sheaddedtolaughter. ReflectingontheCovidimpacted election,shetoldNortonthelandslide winin2020“neverfeltlikevictory. “Ikindofthought,okay,people wantustokeepgoing.Andsowedid, butitgotharder.

“Theelectionthenwasalmostlike anelectioninthemiddleofawar, it’ssortofhowitfeltinsomeways.”

NortonaskedArdernaboutwhy shethoughtherpopularitybeganto decline.

Shesaidwhileshetook responsibilityforhertimeinoffice, globalpoliticshadalsochangedover thatperiod.

“Ithinkwehaveseenpoliticscarry alotmoregrievancefrom individuals,andinsomewaysit’s

becomemoreviolentandaggressive. So,youknow,Idon’tthinkitwasjust anyoneleaderthathasexperienced thatshift.”

Despitetheshiftinthepolitical landscape,Ardernsaidshewouldstill encourageyoungpeopletogetinto politics.

“Whatotherjobifyou’readogooder,likeIcanbesometimes,when youseeaproblemintheworld,and you’vegotthepowertodosomething aboutit,whatotherjobdoyouget thatgift?”

Shemadeapleaforpeopletonot “giveupontheprospectthatpolitics canbebetter”.

Throughoutthelivelyepisode, ArdernsatalongsideactorKate Winslet,talkshowhostSethMeyers andcomedianAlanCarr.

Shealsospokeaboutauditioning manyyearsagotobeanextrainSir PeterJackson’sTheLordoftheRings trilogy—asahobbit.

“HalfofNewZealandauditioned, andhalfofNewZealandstarred, exceptforme.”

Winslet,whosefirstfilmwas Jackson’sHeavenlyCreatures,was fullofpraiseforthewayArdernhad handledherdualrolesofpregnancy andgloballeadership.

Theformerpoliticiansaidshe discoveredshewaspregnantthree daysbeforefindingoutshewouldbe PrimeMinister.

“Ohmygodsheissoamazing.You aresoamazing,”Winsletsaid,to applausefromtheaudience. Ardernsaidontheshowthatshe wouldnotreturntopoliticsbecause, afterfirstenteringParliamentat28 yearsold,itwasnowuptothenext generation.

● TheGrahamNortonShow episodefeaturingKateWinslet, JacindaArdern,AlanCarrand SethMeyerswillaironTVNZ andTVNZ+onFriday,December 12.

9.30

secrets,andbackstage betrayals.

Children’sProgrammes

8.20 YoungRiders 30

8.35 JuniorTaskmaster 30

9.30 TheVoiceUSA 0 10.30 HomeandAway Omnibus PG 30 1.10 DogSquadPuppy School 30 1.40 MKR 30 3.20 M DinosaurTrain: AdventureIsland 30 2021Animation. The Pteranodonfamilyheads toAdventureIsland,a newthemeparkona volcanicisland.

5pm TwoandaHalfMen PGS 30

6pm TheBigBangTheory PG 30 7pm M Avatar PGVC 0 2009 Sci-fi. Aformermarine iscaughtbetweentwo worlds,whenheisthrown intohostilitiesonanalien planetasanAvatar.

10pm TheGrahamNorton Show ML 30

11.05 M TheBlairWitch Project 16LC 30 1999 Thriller.

12.40 M Saw6 18VLC 30 2009 Horror. 2.15 LivingwithaSerial Killer MC 0 3.05 SheMadeMedoit? MVC 0

3.50 Infomercials 5.50 Closedown

6am BeachfrontBargain Hunt 30

6.30 LeadingtheWay 7am CharlesStanley

8am KeyofDavid 8.30 TurningPoint 9am Guy’sRanchKitchen PG 0

9.25 TheHui 0 9.55 IslandLife 3

10.20 JunkyardEmpire PG 30

11.15 CarKings PGLC 30 12.10 Carspotting PGLC 0 1.10 InsideWestCoast Customs PG 0 2.05 MudMadness PGLC 0

3.05 DieselBrothers PGLC 0 4pm GoldRush:Parker’sTrail PGLC 0

6pm ThreeNews 0

6.30 GoldCoastCops PGC 30

7pm TheBlockAustralia PGL 0

8.30 MarriedatFirstSightUK ML 0 Atanemotionally chargedcommitment ceremony,onecouple affirmtheirlove,buta brideistakentotaskfor herbehaviour.

9.30 PlayingGracieDarling 16LSC 0 Tounearth buriedmemories,Joni andJayconducta seance.

10.30 F Roadies 16LSC 0

11.50 Spent MLC 0 12.25 Infomercials

6am KiriandLou 30

6.10 ExtremeCakeSports 30

6.35 KeaKidsNews 30

7am ReligiousProgrammes

9am Shepherdess PG 30

9.30 RuralDelivery 30

10am PremiereLeague:Goal Rush

Noon LimitlessWinUK 3

1pm Motorsport:Supercars 0 AdelaideGrandFinal WeekendRecap.

2pm L UFC323Prelims Viewerdiscretionis advised.

4pm Basketball:Tauihi (DLY) Semi-finalTwo.

6pm PointlessAustralia 0 7pm Home,LandandSea

7.30 World’sMostScenic RiverJourneys 0 The MoselleisEurope’smost romanticriver,with renownedvineyards, dramaticsteepbanks, andremarkable meanderingloops,before itmergeswiththeRhine.

8.30 The2010s M 0 Reflecting onBarackObama’s Americanpresidency,and examiningtheseismic shiftsthattookplace whileheoccupiedthe OvalOfficeintheWhite House.

9.30 SurvivalMode PGC 0 InDecember2017,a speedingtrainonits inauguralrunderails, thrustingpassengersinto chaosandsurvivalmode.

10.30 BodyCam MVLC 30

11.30 TrafficCops PGVL 30 12.30 Infomercials

6.30 KoriClub 3

6.40 MahiPai 3

6.50 Binnabannas 3

7am DarwinandNewts 3

7.10 IslandofMystery 3

7.20 TeNutube 3

7.30 KiaMau 3

7.40 TePamuKumara 3

7.50 FlyMyPepeha 3

8am MollyofDenali

8.30 NgaKapaHakaKura Tuarua 3

9.30 M MissingLink PG 3 2019Animation.

11am TeaowithMoana 3

11.30 NurturingHope 3

Noon KidsDon’tComewitha Manual PG 3

12.30 MauriReoMauriOra KuraTuatahi 3

1pm EndoftheValley PG 3

1.30 RedEarthUncovered PG 3

2pm HeritageRescue 3

3pm TakaroTribe 3

3.30 MauriReoMauriOra 3

3.40 MauriReoMauriOra KuraTuatahi 3

4.10 NgaKotirooTaranaki 3

4.30 MauriReoMauriOra 3

5.30 MauriReoMauriOra Wharekura 3

6pm HakaRegionals

7pm TeHokingaMai:The Return 3

7.30 LookyLookyHere ComesCooky M 3

8.30 Tukanga Te KahureremoaTiopira Taumata(Ngati Kahungunu,Ngati Tuwharetoa)usestaonga puoroandmoderntools tocreatesoundscapes.

8.45 M WomanatWar PG 3 2018Drama.

10.25 Closedown

6.10 L Golf:PGATour Hero WorldChallenge:Third Round.FromAlbany GolfCourseinNew Providence,theBahamas. 11am Cricket:TheAshes (HLS) AustraliavEngland: SecondTest,DayThree. 11.30 Cricket:IndiavSouth Africa (HLS) ThirdODI Highlights.

Noon Football:A-LeagueMen (HLS) RoundSeven. 2pm Rugby:SVNS (HLS) Cape Town:DayOne.

3.30 Cricket:TheAshes (HLS) AustraliavEngland: SecondTest,DayThree. 4pm L Cricket:TheAshes AustraliavEngland: SecondTest,Day Four.FromtheGabba, Brisbane.

1am Football:A-League Women (HLS) Melbourne CityvWellingtonPhoenix.

1.40 Cricket-WBBL (HLS) SixersvStrikers.

1.55 Rugby–PWR (RPL) GloucestervTrailfinders. FromKingsholmStadium, Gloucester. 4am Cricket:IndiavSouth Africa (HLS) FirstODI. 4.30 Cricket:IndiavSouth Africa (HLS) SecondODI. 5am Cricket:IndiavSouth Africa (HLS) ThirdODI.

5.30 Motorsport:Formula1 (RPL) AbuDhabi:Pre Race.

Putinvows fuellifeline forIndia

ModidefiesUS pressureover Russian crudeimports

BhuvanBAGGA

RussianPresidentVladimir Putinhewasreadytocontinue“uninterruptedshipments”offueltoIndia,as NewDelhifacesheavyUSpressure tostopbuyingoilfromMoscow.

USPresidentDonaldTrump imposedpunishing50%tariffson mostIndianproductsinAugust, citingNewDelhi’scontinuedpurchasesofRussianoil—revenue Washingtonargueshelpsfundthe warinUkraine.

PrimeMinisterNarendraModi, whoishostingPutinatasummitin NewDelhidominatedbyenergy, defenceandtradetalks,thankedthe Russianleaderforhis“unwavering commitmenttowardsIndia”.

Putin,onhisfirstvisittoclose partnerIndiasincetheUkrainewar, wasgivenared-carpetwelcome withanhonourguardand21-gun salute.

“Russiaisareliablesupplierofoil, gas,coal,andeverythingthatis requiredforthedevelopmentof India’senergy,”PutintoldModiafter talks.“Wearereadytocontinue uninterruptedshipmentsoffuelfor thefast-growingIndianeconomy,” headded,accordingtoanofficial translator.

Modisaidthat“energysecurity hasbeenastrongandimportant pillaroftheIndia-Russiapartnership”,andwhilehereferenced nuclearpower,hemadenospecific referencetooil.

Indiaemergedasamajorbuyerof Russianoilafterthestartofthe Ukrainewar,providingMoscowwith acrucialexportmarketasEurope sharplyreducedpurchases.

In2024,Russiasuppliednearly 36%ofIndia’stotalcrudeimports, around1.8millionbarrelsof discountedoilperday.

PutinonFridaysaidhehadshared withModi“agreatdealofdetails abouttheeventstakingplacein Ukraine”andtheeffortsMoscowis taking“togetherwithsomepartners, includingtheUnitedStates,ona possiblepeacefulsettlement”.

Modisaidthat“Indiahasalways advocatedforpeaceinrelationto Ukraine”.

Modiaddressed“myfriend”Putin andpraisedNewDelhiandMoscow’s longstandingties.

“Wehaveagreedonaneconomic cooperationprogramuntil2030,” ModitoldPutin,afterofficials exchangedaraftofagreementsspanningjobs,health,shippingandchemicals.

Bilateraltradereached$68.7 billionin2024-25—almostsixtimes higherthanthepre-pandemiclevels —butIndianexportsaccountedfor only$4.88billion.

“ThisvisitispartofIndia’sdiversificationstrategy,bothintermsof strategicandeconomic,especiallyat atimewhentheUStariffshavehurt India,”AshokMalikofbusiness consultancyTheAsiaGrouptold AFP.

Besidesdiscussionsaround cutting-edgedefencehardware, whichincludesairdefencesystems, fighterjets,andnuclearsubmarines, NewDelhiwillpushforeasieraccess tothewiderRussianmarket.

Defenceministersmetaspartof thetalks,Indianforeignministry officialVikramMisrisaid,butnofinal dealwasstruck.

—AFP

French almond growers holdtheir ground

Thescentofmarzipanwafts throughtheairasconfectioners fromacentury-oldcompanyin southernFrancepreparecalissons, oneofProvence’sfamedsweets madeofcandiedmelonand crushedalmonds.

Frenchproducershaveoverthe pastdecadesoughttorevive almondproduction,andthe traditionalgourmettreatfirst introducedinProvenceunderKing Reneinthe15thcenturyisnow increasinglymadewithlocally grownalmonds.

Provence–wherealmond blossomsfamouslyinspiredartists includingVincentVanGogh–was onceakeyalmond-growingregion.

Butproductiondeclinedinthe mid-20thcentury,withthe overnightfrostof1956devastating orchards.

Whilethevastmajorityof almondsaregrownintheUnited States,Frenchproducershave soughttoholdtheirgroundagainst UScompetitors,aimingtoposition thelocallygrownalmondsina premiumsegmentandpromote environmentalawareness.

“Ibet–evenwithoutbeingPierre Herme,thebestpastrychefinthe world–thatifyoutasteanAmerican almondandthenaProvince-grown almond,you’llnoticethedifference inflavourimmediately,”saidAlexis Bertucat,communicationsdirector forLeRoyRene,aconfectionery company.

cosmeticsandbeautyproducts,it importedAmericanandSpanish almonds,saidBertucat.

LeRoyRene,whichisbasedin thecityofAix-en-Provence,uses about50tonnesoflocallygrown almondsayeartomaketreatssuch ascalissonsandnougat.Whenthe companywasboughtin2014by OlivierBaussan,founderofthe L’OccitaneenProvencechainof

Buttheideatogrowitsown almondsandreviveatraditiongoing backtothe15thcenturyquicklytook hold.“Thereasonwemakecalissons inAix-en-Provenceisbecausethere usedtobealmondproducersallover theplace,”saidBertucat.

Hesaidthatthankstothework offarmersinProvence–“their irrigationmethods,thewaythey treatthetreesverylightly,orrather focusoncreatinglivingsoil”–the

almondstheyusehaveahighfat content.“Whenit’scombinedwith candiedfruitandsugar,itproduces averydistinctiveflavour.”

Thecompanysaysitwasalso drivenbyeconomicand environmentalconcerns.

“Ifweusealmondsthatarecloser tohome,wereduceourcarbon footprint,”saidBertucat.

Francenowhasmorethan 2700haofalmondtrees,according toofficialfigures.

Productionofshelledalmonds standsataround1200tonnesayear,

Trumptakescentrestageandapeacemedalatthe

DannyKemp

Hegotagoldmedal.Hemadeagame show-styleappearancewithforeign leaders.AndhedancedtoYMCA. TheFifa2026WorldCupdrawwas officiallyaboutfootball,butreallyit wasallaboutDonaldTrump.TheUS PresidentandformerrealityTVstar stoletheshowfromthemomenthe strolleddowntheredcarpetofthe KennedyCenterinWashington. Stickingtohissidelikegluewas theglobalsoccerbody’sbossGianni

Infantino,whohasfosteredcloseties withTrumpduringbothhistermsin office,andensuredthatthespotlight wasontheUSPresidentfromstart tofinish.

Trumpishardlyastrangerto bombast,butevenhelookedalittle lostforwordsatonepointas,after aslickvideopronouncedhimthe inauguralwinnerofFifa’snewPeace Prize,Infantinowaxedlyricalabout hisachievements.

“MrPresident,thisisyourprize. Thisisyourpeaceprize,”hesaid,

beforeaddingwithachuckle:“There isalsoabeautifulmedalforyouthat youcanweareverywhereyouwant togo.”

Trumpproceededtoputthegong aroundhisneck.“I’mgoingtowear itrightnow,”hesaid.

Itwasanactofconsummate flatterybyInfantino—whohasfaced criticismforhisclosetiestoanumber ofauthoritarianleaders—playingon Trump’schagrinfornotwinningthe NobelPeacePrizenearlytwomonths earlier.

Trumpfacedmockeryoverthe awardfromtheofficeofGavin Newsom,theDemocraticgovernorof Californiaandlikely2028presidentialcandidate,whichpostedapicture ofachild’smedalwithasmilingstar saying:“Ifyouhadfun,youwon! PARTICIPATION.”ButTrumpwas unfazed.

Evenmoresurrealmomentswere yettocome.

InfantinosummonedTrump, CanadianPrimeMinisterMark CarneyandMexicanPresident

ClaudiaSheinbaumonstagetogether asleadersofthethreeNorthAmericanneighboursco-hostingthe tournament. Theirappearancehadbeenbilled asamomentofsportingdiplomacy amidtensionsoverTrump’stariffs, hisproposaltoannexCanada,andhis suggestionsthatUSforcescould launchmissilestrikesonallegeddrug traffickersinMexico. Theleadersstoodinfrontofcoloureddesksandopenedupballswith thefirstnamesoftheteamsinthe

BasedinAix-en-Provence,LeRoyRene usesabout50tonnesoflocallygrown almondsayeartomaketreatssuchas calissons. Photo/ChristopheSimon,AFP dwarfedbythe50,000tonnesof importednuts.

Oneoftheproducers,Francois Moulias,saidthatthelocalharvest wouldcontinuetoincreasebut wouldstillremainlowinrelationto theglobalmarket.“Wewouldneed 50,000haofalmondtreestocover ourneeds,”hesaid.

In2018,heco-foundedLa CompagniedesAmandeswith formergovernmentministerArnaud Montebourg,whichhelpsfarmersto plantalmondtreesontheirland.

Thecompanynowcultivates

230haofgrovesinsouthernFrance.

“Withourmorevirtuous agriculturalpractices,wecannot achievethesameyieldsasthe Americans,”saidMoulias,pointing outthatFrenchalmondsuse“five timeslesswater”thanthosegrown inCalifornia.

Aprocessingplantwaslaunched inOctober,whichsupplieshigh-end pastrymakerssuchasLadureeand supermarketsaswellasthe cosmeticsindustry.

In2011,cherryproducerFabien Dauphinbegangrowingalmondsto

FifaWorldCupdraw

draw.TheCanadianpremierdrew Canada.Mexico’spresidentdrew Mexico.

Buttherewasonlyonecentreof attention.“IthinkIknowwhatthis isgoingtobenow,”Trumpsaidto laughterinthehall.“Thisisshocking,” hesaidasheheldupastripofpaper sayingUSA.

Thentheyposedforaselfiewith Infantino,whoposteditonInstagram withthecaption:“Footballunitesthe world.” Trumphadbeenduetoleavethe

ceremonyafteranhouryetappeared tobeenjoyinghimselfsomuchthat hestayedintheauditoriumforan hourmorewhilethedrawfinished, sittingandchattingwithCarneyand Sheinbaum.

TheVillagePeoplewereonstage playinghissignaturetune,“Y.M.C.A.”

Ashedidduringmanycampaign ralliesin2024,Trumprosetohisfeet anddancedhissignaturedance. SheinbaumandCarneyremained seated.

Thethreeleaders,however,met

Guggenheim Bilbaoarchitect, Gehry,diesat96

Canada-bornUSarchitectFrank Gehry,whosedaringandwhimsical designsfromtheGuggenheimBilbao totheWaltDisneyConcertHallinLos Angelescaptivatedfansandcritics, diedthisweekend.Hewas96.

Gehrywasperhapsthebiggestof theso-called“starchitects”—anelite groupthatincludesRenzoPiano, RemKoolhaas,NormanFoster,Zaha Hadidandothers—andenjoyedhis fame,butabsolutelyhatedthelabel.

“Therearepeoplewhodesign buildingsthatarenottechnicallyand financiallygood,andtherearethose whodo,”hetoldTheIndependentin 2009.“Twocategories,simple.”

Hisartisticgeniusandboldness shonethroughinhiscomplexdesigns —suchastheglass“sails”ofthe FondationLouisVuittoninParis.

Hepopularisedcontemporary architecture,andbecamesuchasensationthathewasfeaturedon“The Simpsons”—allwhileinsistinghewas asimplemakerofbuildings.

“Iworkwithclientswhorespect theartofarchitecture,”hesaidin 2014,accordingtohisbiographerPaul Goldberger.

Gehry’srepresentativeMeaghan LloydtoldAFPthathediedathis homeinSantaMonicafollowinga briefrespiratoryillness.

CanadianPrimeMinisterMark CarneyhailedGehry’s“unmistakable vision”.

diversifycrops.Heisfollowinginthe footstepsofhisgreat-grandfather, whoownedalmondtreesbeforethe devastatingfrostof1956.Dauphin, whoisthepresidentoftheProvence almondproducers’union,owns22ha ofalmondtreesinthevillageof Cucuron.

Almondproductionaccountsfor halfofhisincome,thanksin particulartoonlineandmarketsales. “It’sstillanichemarket.Our customersareoftenpeoplewithhigh purchasingpower,”hesaid. —AFP

BornFrankOwenGoldbergin TorontoonFebruary28,1929,toa Jewishfamilythatwouldmovetothe UnitedStatesinthelate1940s,helater changedhisnametoGehrytoavoid becomingthetargetofantisemitism.

HestudiedarchitectureattheUniversityofSouthernCaliforniainLos Angeles,graduatingin1954before enlistingintheUSArmyandlater continuinghisstudiesincityplanning atHarvardUniversity,thoughhedid notfinishtheprogram.

GehryeventuallyreturnedtoLos Angelestostarthiscareerworkingfor VictorGruen,apioneerinthedesign ofshoppingmalls.

HewentontoworkinPariswith AndrewRemondetin1961before returningtoLosAngeles,establishing hisownarchitecturalpracticethe followingyear.

behindthescenesafterwardsfortalks aimedatsmoothingouttheirdifferences.

Trumpfinishedoffhisvisitwitha touroftheKennedyCenter,where heinstalledhimselfthisyearaschairmaninwhathecalledawaron “woke”culture.

OnThursday,Trumphadreferred toitasthe“Trump-KennedyCenter,” beforeadding:“Whoops,excuseme.” —AFP

Thepools SportA38-39

The70sand80swouldmarkthe rolloutofalongseriesofhismost audaciousandinnovativearchitecturalachievements,manyofthemin southernCalifornia.

Closetotheavant-garde“funk”art sceneinCalifornia,Gehry’s deconstructionistandexperimental style—sometimesderidedascrude —ishardtocategorise.

Manyofhisbuildings—irregularlyshapedmetalfacadesthatcanlook likecrumpledpaper—couldonlybe realisedwiththehelpofcomputer designtools,whichhefully embraced.

Hisartisticgeniusandboldness shonethroughinhiscomplex designs—suchastheglass“sails” (above)oftheFondationLouis VuittoninParis. Photo/AlainJocard,AFP

Thisismaybebestreflectedinhis seminalreworkingin1978ofhisown homeinSantaMonica,wherehelong resided—itfeaturescorrugatedmetal wrappedaroundtheoriginal1920s building.

Gehryreceivedthehighestarchitecturalhonour,thePritzkerPrize,in 1989.

Almostadecadelater,hewould unveilarguablyhismosticonicdesign:theGuggenheimMuseumin Bilbao,whichearnedhiminternationalacclaimandnotice.

Thelimestoneandglassbuilding withcurvywallscladintitanium scalesisinstantlyrecognisableasa Gehrydesign,andwasoncedescribedbyhisAmericancolleague PhilipJohnsonas“thegreatestbuildingofourtime.”

Thebuildinghelpedrevitalisethe ancientindustrialheartoftheSpanish city,attractingvisitorsfromaround theworldandleadingtothecoining oftheterm“Bilbaoeffect”toexplain howbeautifularchitecturecantransformanarea.

“Wewillbeforevergrateful,and hisspiritandlegacywillalwaysremainconnectedtoBilbao,”the museumsaidonsocialmedia.

Emboldened,Gehrywouldtake evengreaterrisksinhisnextprojects, whichincludedtheWaltDisneyConcertHall(2003),theBeekmanTower inNewYork(2011),andtheFondation LouisVuitton(2014).

ManyofGehry’sdesignsrequire complexcomputations—whichhe pushedtothelimits.

Foraperiod,architectsavoided theuseofroundedorcurvedshapes astheycausedheadachesfor engineersandledtospirallingconstructioncosts.

Gehrypushedback,using3D modellingsoftwaresimilartothat usedbyaerospacefirmstocreate uniquebuildingshapeswhilekeeping costsinlinewithwhatdevelopers wouldpayforamoreconventional buildingofsimilardimensions. “Iloveworking.Iloveworking thingsout,”hetoldTheGuardianin 2019.

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Provencenosesin forthrillingwin

Provenceholdsoff WaitakandLaCrique inTABMufhasa Classicnailbiter

MichaelGuerin

Thequeenofthephotofinishhas doneitagain. ProvencewonthethirdGroup 1ofhercareerafterholdingout WaitakandLaCriqueinthe$400,000 TABMufhasaClassicatTrentham,inthe processmakingheroneofthemost valuableracehorsesinthecountry.

Herwin,courtesyofabeautifulGeorge Rookeride,wasn’tconfirmeduntilfive minutesaftertherace.

Thetriohadhitthelinelocked together.Atfirstviewitlookedthat Provencehadheldonandsoiteventually provedafterofficialsconfirmedshehad keptthetwoswoopingfavouritesatbay. ItcontinuedaseriesofGroup1 nailbitersfortheownersofProvence, headedbybreederandMilanParkowner TonyRider.

Provencestartedthisseasonrated belowourbestmilersbuthasnowwon atthehighestlevelthreetimesinthe ThorndonMile,NZBreedersStakesand nowtheTABMufhasaClassic,today’swin aprizedGroup1weight-for-agevictory. Hermarginsinthosethreemajors:a halfheadintheThorndon,ashorthead intheBreedersStakesandthebarestof nosesthistime.

Withthephotosoclose,Rooke’sride hastobecreditedwithbeingthedifferenceashecoverednoextragroundwhile thoseProvencebeatsonarrowlywere bothinthebackinthesecondhalfofthe field.

Rookemayhavefeltluckytohave evenbeenonProvenceashewas dumpedoffhisridebeforeracetwo, missinghisengagementinracethree.

Thevictoryalsocontinuedaremark-

able2025fortrainerStephenMarshand histeam.

Marshwon17black-typeraceslast seasonandleadstheblack-typepremiershipwith10alreadythiscampaign.

HealsotrainsreigningHorseofthe Year,ElVencedor,andunbeatenNZ1000 GuineaswinnerWellWrittenashisCambridgestablegoesthroughapurplepatch.

“Ithasbeenanamazingcoupleofyears onthetrack,”saidMarsh.

“Iamluckytohavesuchgreatowners andstaffthatmakeitallpossibleandlong mayitcontinue.

“Anytimethismarewinsitmeansa lotbecausesheissuchafighterandher ownerandbreederTonyRiderhasput somuchintoracing.

“Andnowhehassomanyothers involvedassheisalsopart-ownedby

SocialRacing.

“ThatwholeSocialRacingteambring suchawonderfuldynamictowinning andsomanypeopletothetrack.”

NotonlyisProvenceararethree-time Group1winningmare,sheisalsotheolder sisterofDamaskRose,winnerofthe KarakaMillionsandNZBKiwi,soevenif sheneverwinsanotherracesheisworth afortuneasabroodmare.

Waitakwasexcellentinsecondafter hittingabriefflatspotbetweenthe300m and200mmarkbutshouldbebetterfor theZabeelClassic,thenextstopofthe Group1circuitatEllerslieonBoxingDay.

SotoowillbeLaCrique,whowentback tolastandloomedlikeawinneratthe 300mandnearlybrokeherstreakof Group1placingsthatnowstandsatseven straightraces.

Wood’sgoldenruncontinues

ChrisWoodhashadfaithfrom dayonehispromisingyoungster That’sGoldwouldmakeanimpactonthetrack,andthegelding repaidthatyesterdaywhen takingouttheGroup3 BonecrusherStakes(1400m)at Pukekohe.

The3-year-oldsonofLucky Vegahadshownplentyofability forWoodasanearlyjuvenile, placingintwostartsandrunning fourthintheListedCountiesChallengeStakes(1100m),butawin remainedelusive.

Hereturnedasa3-year-oldand placedfirst-upatTeArohain Octoberbeforebreakingthrough forhismaidenwinattheWaikato tracklastmonth,muchtoWood’s delight.

Hewassubsequentlybacked intoa$7.10fifthfavouriteinhis secondtiltatstakeslevelyesterdayandWoodhadeveryfaithof aboldshowingfromhischarge. Fromhisinsidedraw,That’s Goldwasonlyfairawaybutap-

prenticejockeyTaylaMitchell huntedhimupontherailto regainhisearlydeficittosettle intomidfield.

Turningforhome,theyhada wallofhorsesinfrontofthembut Mitchellnavigatedhercharge intoclearrunningroomoutwide, whereThat’sGoldreeledin leaderToCapItAlltowinbyhalf alength.

Woodcutanemotionalfigure post-race,delightedhisgeldingis startingtofulfilthepromisehe hasalwaysshown.

“It’sbeenalittlewhilesinceI wonagrouprace,”hesaid.

“Ireallylikethishorse,Imight haveover-racedhimacoupleof timesasa2-year-old.Iwaskicking myselfasIthoughthewouldwin araceinthattimeframebutwe didn’tgetone.

“Ihavealwayshadalotoffaith inhim,hehasgotplentyofability. “Itwasa10/10ridefromTayla. Isaidtoher,‘ifyoumissit,don’t panicbecausehewillget

trucking,sojustlethimrelaxand findhisfeet’.Icouldn’thaveasked forabetterride.”

WoodsaidThat’sGoldhas maturedalotasa3-year-oldand heisrapthisdecisiontoknock backsizeableoffersforhisgelding asajuvenilehasnowbeen justified.

“Hehasmaturedphysically andmentally,”Woodsaid.“After acoupleofstartsYulong [breeders]rangmetotryandbuy himback,butIwasn’tgoingto passhimup.

“Iknewhehaditinhimtoget towhereheisnow,andtoday washisday.”

WoodishopingThat’sGold cancontinuehiswinning momentumandnowhashis sightssetonfeatureracingat Ellerslieinacoupleofweeks. “Wearelookingforwardtothe bigmeetingonBoxingDay,”he said. —LOVERACING.NZNewsDesk

AucklandFCedge10-manNix

Derbyturnedon threecontroversial second-half momentsthatwent againstWellington

ThiswasthedaytheKiwi A-Leaguederbytruly arrived.Theotherfour chaptershavebeencompelling—todifferentdegrees—butthis wasanabsolutebeauty.

WhileAucklandFCprevailed again—witha3-1victoryonSaturday night—thefinalscorelinedoesn’t reflecttheintensityofthecontest, withthedramabreathtakingattimes inthesecondhalf.

Thematchhadeverything.Ared card,penalties,apenaltysaveand somebrilliantgoals.

WhileAucklandweregoodvalue fortheirvictory,thematchturnedon threecontroversialmomentsinthe secondhalfthatallwentagainstthe WellingtonPhoenix.

DefenderManjrekarJameswas sentoffinthe47thminutebeforetwo questionablepenaltieswereawarded toAuckland,thesecondofwhichled toagoalbyFrancisdeVries.

Butultimatelytheoutcomewas downtoAuckland’sbigmatchtemperamentasyetagaintheymastered theoccasioninfrontofa22,993 crowd.

Theytooktheircustomaryearly lead—throughLachlanBrookinthe seventhminute—beforeAlexRufer’s stunning55thminuteequaliserwith aStevenGerrard-esqueshot.

ButdeVries’goalgotAuckland backinfrontinthe72ndminuteand GuillermoMay’sstrikeendedany resistanceeightminuteslater.

It’sabigresultforSteveCorica’s team,justthelifttheyneedbefore threegamesontheroad.

Thoughtheywereprofligateat times,theirattackwasthebestithas

beenthisseasonwithsweeping movesand16shots(eightontarget) comparedwithfourandtworespectivelyforthePhoenix.

JoshOluwayemiwasoutstanding ingoalforWellington,keepinghis teaminitforlongperiods,while Aucklandwereindustriousacross thepark,withLoganRogerson enjoyinghisreturntothebigtime afterhisdismissalinthecapital,and theirdefencestrong.

Coricamadetwoimportant

changestothestartingXI,withBrook employedatNo10andRogerson backinaction.

Beforethegoal,Wellingtonhad madeabrightstart.Withtheirfans encouraged,CarloArmientoputa shotjustwideofthenearpostbefore anothereffortforcedacorner.

Butmomentsafterthatsetpiece cameanotherdefensivedisasterfor thePhoenixthatledtoBrook’sgoal.

Itwasabeautifulmove,butpreventable.Wellingtonwereguiltyof

pushingtoohighandAuckland broke.

CallanElliottbeatLukasKellyHealdtooeasily,DanEdwards couldn’tstaywithRogersonandthen noonetrackedBrook,whofinished crisply.Itwasapeachofagoalmade byRogerson’svision—andanother gutpunchforthePhoenix.

Theirfansfellsilentforaspell, whiletherestofGoMediastadium erupted.

Fromthere,Aucklandhadseveral

first-halfchancesbutWellington werelimitedtohopefulballs, sweatingonamistakethatrarely came.Brookbrokefree—withhis effortwellsaved—andasmashed JesseRandallfreekickwastipped overthebar.

Edwardsalmostgotawaybutwas reeledinbyElliott,whileAuckland almostbeatthehighlineagain,with Oluwayemiouttosavetheday. Amajorflashpointcamewith James’dismissal,whichlookedharsh. James,whohadjustswitchedtoa centralposition,fouledSamCosgrove afterhesitationinthedefence.

Thingslookeddirefromthereand chancescametoRandall(twice), RogersonandCosgrove,with Oluwayemiprominent.

Butfromnowhere,Wellington werebackinit.SubstituteCorban Piperforcedapoint-blanksavefrom MichaelWoudbeforeRufer’smagic momentwithapiledriverfromthe edgeoftheareawhenAucklandFC failedtoclearacorner.Thisprompted thepocketofPhoenixfanstoalmost lifttheroofofftheweststand.

Fromtherethegamewentabit nuts.LouisVerstraetehadashot clearedoffthelinebyKelly-Heald— asCoricaragedonthesideline—and thencamethefirstpenalty,aVARinspireddecisionafterEzewrestled Cosgrovetothegroundinthearea. Oluwayemimadeaspectacular save,divingtohisleftinfrontofthe Port. MinuteslaterAucklandhadanotherspotkick,withEdwards adjudgedtohavepushedCosgrove overashehuntedacross. Oluwayemialmostworkedhis magicagain—parryingthewellstruckeffortfromdeVries—butthe AllWhitesdefendertuckedinthe rebound.

ThePhoenixneverstoppedfighting—andRamyNajjarinewentclose fromanEzecross—butthedam finallyburstwiththeexcellentthird goal,asMay,minutesaftercomingon, volleyedhomeatthefarpostafter Cosgrove’sintelligentheader.

● AucklandFC3(LachlanBrook7’, FrancisdeVries72’,Guillermo May80’)

WellingtonPhoenix1(AlexRufer 55’)Halftime1-0

PermutationsaboundastriovieforF1crown

Motorsport

EricThompson

MaxVerstappenwonthemind gamesthisweekbutovertaking LandoNorristoclaimtheFormula Onedrivers’championshipinAbu Dhabitonightisatougherchallenge. Withjustoneraceremaining, Norris(408points),Verstappen(396) andOscarPiastri(392)allhavea chanceofwinningthetitle.

Thereisnosprintracethisweekend,soit’sastraightshootoutinthe grandprix,withthefollowingpoints awardedtothedriversfinishingfirst to10th:25,18,15,12,10,8,6,4,2,1. IfNorrismakesthepodium,he takesthetitle.Evenifhefinishes fourthorfifth,theMcLarendrivercan claimhisfirstF1crownaslongasRed BullrivalVerstappendoesn’twin. IfNorrisfinishesoutsidethepoints, hewouldremaintopofthestandings

MaxVerstappen(left),LandoNorrisandOscarPiastriatthepre-racedrivers’ conference.

ifVerstappenfailstomakethepodiumandPiastriisnohigherthan third. Verstappenmustmakethe

podiumtohaveanychanceof snatchingthetitle.IfhewinstheAbu DhabiGrandPrix,Norrisneedsto finishoffthepodiumforthe

Dutchmantoearnafifthstraight championship.IfVerstappenplaces second,heneedsNorristofinishno higherthanseventh.Ifhe’sthird,he hastohopeNorrisisninthorlower andthatPiastridoesn’twin.

Piastrihasthemostdifficultroute toafirstworldtitle.Ifhewins, teammateNorrisneedstobeP6or lower.IftheAustralianisrunner-up, heneedsNorrisnohigherthanninth andVerstappenoffthepodium.

Theabovescenariosarebasedon theracegoingthefulldistanceand notbeingredflaggedearly.Ifthat happens,Norriswouldbefavoured withreducedpointsallocated.

Ifthereisapointstieatthetop, thetitlewouldbedeterminedon countback.Allthreehavesevenwins thisseasonbutNorriswouldedgeit becausehehaseightsecondplaces comparedwithVerstappen’ssixand Piastri’sfour.

F1canbeasmuchamentalgame

asadriver’sabilitytogetthemost outofthecar.Verstappenisthe masterofmaximisingwhathe’sgiven todriveandisgreatatgettinginside theheadsofhisrivals.

Atthepre-racedrivers’conference,Verstappenspokeabouthow hespentthisweekplayingwithhis daughter,spendingtimeonhisSIM racingteamandfiguringoutsome stuffforhisGT3teamnextyear.

Themessagewas:“Heyguys,I’ve wonfourworldtitlesalready,I’mnot reallybotheredaboutanotherone.”

Verstappendidsay:“Look,Ihadn’t plannedtobeinthetitlefightatthe end,especiallyafterZandvoort,but hereweare.”

Piastriwas104pointsaheadof VerstappenaftertheDutchGrand Prixthreemonthsago,the15thof24 racesthisseason.

Ifthe2025F1titlewasdecided bymindgames,Verstappenwould alreadyhavewon.

Kiwi sports rich list: Ranking top 10 earners

Nathan Limm

Any analysis of New Zealand’s highest-paid sportspeople proves the big bucks are made overseas

All 10 of the country s top earners ascended to the pinnacle of their professions and all ply their trade overseas

Information on their exact earnings is varied and difficult to find across different sports We don’t have a direct window into their bank accounts but best endeavours have been made to source all publicly

Dixon:

available information to ensure accuracy

Thecriteria

● Active Kiwi sportspeople only.

● No coaches or administrators.

● Salary and competition revenue only. No commercial or sponsorship earnings included.

(All money referred to is in NZD.)

Richie Mo’unga:$2.4m

The All Blacks’ struggle for consistency at first five-eighths seems only to have enhanced the appetite for Richie Mo’unga to occupy the No 10

jersey at the 2027 World Cup. The former Crusader may be on his way back, but he has made the most of his stint in Japan, winning back-toback Rugby League One titles with the Toshiba Brave Lupus.

His contract is worth $2.4 million per season, but it is unknown whether Mo’unga would have received a bonus for continuing his championship-winning exploits.

No rugby players featured on our list of top earners last year.

Trent Boult: $3.37m— $3.55m

In 2025, the former Black Cap con-

tinued in his new venture as a hired gun in the T20 arena. This year, Boult competed in the Indian Premier League, Major League Cricket, The Hundred and the Abu Dhabi T10. The IPL is easily his most lucrative venture. He amassed between $2.64m and $2.816m playing for the Mumbai Indians, during which they finished fourth on the ladder before losing to the Punjab Kings in the second qualifying final Boult accumulated a handy $264,000 in the service of the franchise’s sister team, MI New York, who clinched the MLC title by beating

Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips’ Washington Freedom in the final. If signed on a top-tier contract, Boult would have earned $466,000 playing for the Birmingham Phoenix in England’s The Hundred, where they finished fifth on the table. Boult also competed in the Abu Dhabi T10 league, though the earnings from this competition are not public.

Ben Stokes:$4.05m

Love him or hate him, Ben Stokes is a New Zealander, born and raised. The former Christchurch and Wellington local turned England cricket

captain’s current ECB contract is worth between $1.63m and $1.87m, according to CricExec.com.

With the Ashes ongoing, Stokes is set to feature in nine tests in 2025 having missed the final test against India in July with a match fee of $34,000 per test, totalling another $306,000.

Stokes opted out of The Hundred and the IPL this year. However, he did feature for Mumbai Indians Cape Town in the South Africa T20 league in January. According to the Telegraph, his contract is thought to be worth $1.87m. Stokes earns around $1.17m from brand partnerships, including Adidas, Red Bull, and Gunn & Moore. However, this figure has not been included in Stokes’ total as the commercial earnings of the other athletes are unknown.

Ben Campbell:$5.5m; Danny Lee:$3.4m

The Kiwi golfers are enjoying the lavish prize money that comes with the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf circuit. According to Fox Sports, Campbell’s total prize money for the

year was just over $5.5m. Campbell finished 36th in the overall LIV standings, highlighted by a thirdplace finish in Singapore in March. Meanwhile, compatriot Danny Lee took home $3.4 million. Lee finished 43rd overall with a best finish of tying for ninth in Miami.

Steven Alker:$5.66m

According to the PGA Champions Tour website, Alker sits third on the Charles Schwab money list, having earned $5.66m.

Two wins highlighted his 2025 season. He won the Cologuard Classic in March, for which he took home $590,000. Alker also clinched the Simmons Bank Championship in October, pocketing a respectable $652,000.

Scott Dixon: $6.2 $8m

The six-time IndyCar champion is the only Kiwi driver for whom a trace of earnings can be found. According to Front Office Sports, Dixon earns between $6.2-$8m under Chip Ganassi Racing.

The salaries of compatriots Scott

McLaughlin and Marcus Armstrong are also likely to be in the millions. Dixon finished third in the overall championship standings this year, well back from winner Alex Palou.

Ryan Fox:$8.35m

Fox has continued to establish himself not only as a PGA Tour regular but also as a genuine threat in every tournament. Fox has competed in 21 PGA Tour events this year, pocketing $7.12m.

The Kiwi’s stellar year was highlighted with victories at the Myrtle Beach Classic in South Carolina— earning over $1.25m and the RBC Canadian Open in Toronto, for which he pocketed over $3m He’s also competed in eight DP World Tour events, earning $1.22m

Chris Wood:$11m

Easily New Zealand’s greatest ever footballer, Wood’s annual Premier League salary with Nottingham Forest is worth about $11m per year. Forest fell away at the back end of the previous Premier League season in which Wood finished

fourth equal on the goalscorers list with 20 to finish seventh and miss out on European competition. They’ve made a slow start to the current season, floating just above the relegation zone.

Joseph Parker:$19.14m

Parker only fought twice in 2025, with his recent shock TKO defeat by Fabio Wardley sending his chance to challenge Oleksandr Usyk for the unified heavyweight championship down in flames. His wallet, however, is in good nick.

On February 22, he fought against Martin Bakole, who stepped in for Daniel Dubois on a week’s notice. The Kiwi made light work of Bakole, knocking him out in the second round. Parker is estimated to have earned $14m. Parker’s 11th-round loss to Wardley on October 25 is estimated to have earned him $5.14m.

Steven Adams:$23.2m

New Zealand’s NBA basketball icon continues to dominate the country’s rich list. In June, Adams signed a three-year contract extension with

the Houston Rockets worth $69.66m, meaning an income of $23.2m per year.

The 2024-25 NBA season represented a comeback of sorts for Adams, who missed the majority of the 2023-24 season with injury. He was second only to future Hall of Famer Steph Curry in the NBA’s Twyman Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, recognising his leadership and selflessness. The 32-year-old is known for his rebounding and offthe-ball work, allowing others to flourish in the stats.

Honourablementions…

Formula 1 driver Liam Lawson, IndyCar drivers Scott McLaughlin and Marcus Armstrong, sailor Peter Burling and Formula E drivers Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans would also likely feature on this list, if there were credible sources for their earnings. Lydia Ko had a quieter year in comparison with her blockbusting 2024, accumulating $1.97m. Ko’s sole victory came at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, for which she pocketed $643,000.

AllWhitesseelandof

Comment World CupGroupGoffers

NZarealisticpath writes Michael Burgess

Itcouldhavebeenbetter—but itcouldhavebeenalotworse.

That’stheinitialverdictonthe AllWhites’drawatthe2026Fifa WorldCup,whichwasrevealed— afteratensewait—onSaturday morning.WorldNo85NewZealand werethelastcountrypulledoutof potfour,withthe47othernations knowingtheirfatebeforeNHLlegend WayneGretzkyplacedthiscountry intoGroupG,withworldNo8 Belgium,20th-rankedIranandEgypt (34).They’llstartthetournamentwith Iran,followedbyEgyptbefore finishingwiththeRedDevils.

Overall,coachDarrenBazeley,his staffandhisplayerswillbehappy withthatresult.Fromastrategicpoint ofview,theprioritywastoavoid beinggroupedwithtwoEuropean nations,giventheawesomestrength oftheUefaconfederation.Theyhave donethat.

Thesecondpriority—ascoach BazeleyadmittedtotheHeraldlast week—wastododge,ifpossible,a SouthAmericanteam.Notonlyare allthecountriesfromConmebol formidableandstreetwisebutthey areteamsthattheAllWhiteshardly everhaveexposureto.Theyhave donethattoo.

Theobviousotherwishwasto avoida“poolofdeath”,asacannon fodderteam.Thatwasonthecards formanynationsasthepotfour verdictsstarted,especiallyinGroup I,withFrance,SenegalandNorway lurkingominously.Andthatisthe unfortunatefateofCentralAmerican minnowsCuracao,whohavebeen placedwithGermany,Ecuadorand IvoryCoast.

Soinmanyways,theAllWhites werefortunate.Therewasalonglist ofteamstopreferablycircumvent frompottwo—particularlyCroatia, whohavereachedthesemi-finalsat thelasttwoWorldCups,Colombia, Uruguay,EcuadorandJapan,while NorwayandParaguaywerethescary sharksinpotthree.

It’salsoanundoubtedbonustobe basedontheWestCoastoftheUnited States,withGroupGgamestobe playedinLosAngeles(Inglewood), SeattleandVancouver.Thosecities willoffermuchmoretemperate climatesthanmanyeastcoast

GroupA Mexico SouthAfrica SouthKorea

UefaPathDwinner (Czech Republic,Ireland,Denmark, NorthMacedonia)

GroupB Canada Qatar Switzerland

UefaPathAwinner (Wales, BosniaandHerzegovina,Italy andNorthernIreland)

GroupC Brazil

Morocco Scotland

Haiti GroupD USA

Paraguay

Australia

UefaPathCwinner (Slovakia, Kosovo,Turkey,Romania)

GroupE Germany

Curaçao IvoryCoast

Ecuador

GroupF Netherlands

Japan

Tunisia

UefaPathBwinner (Ukraine, Sweden,Poland,Albania)

ChrisWoodissettobetheAll Whites’biggestgoalthreat whentheygototheWorld Cupforthethirdtime.

Photo:JoshuaDevenie/Photosport

venues,wheresometeamssuffered immenselyinbakingheatduringthe FifaClubWorldCupthisyear.They arealsolocationsthatwilloptimise thesupportinthestands,astheyare easieroptionsfortravellingfans.The matchorderisalsoideal,withthe toughestnationlast,ratherthanthe shockoffacingBelgiumfirstupon thebiggeststage.

Ifthereisadisappointment,itis thelackofaheavyweightopponent, inwhatwouldbeatrue“stopthe nation”scenario.Englandwasthe dreamformostfans,whileFrance, BrazilorArgentinawouldhavealso beenspecial.Andintermsofthepot threeoptions,Egypt,withLiverpool’s MoSalahandManchesterCity’sOmar Marmoushareaprettytough

opponent,asSouthAfrica,Panama, QatarandUzbekistanwouldhave beenlessformidableoptionsfrom thatcohort.

Atthestartofthepotfourprocess, endingupinGroupGwasoneofthe moreappealingoptions,alongside probablyGroupB(Canada, SwitzerlandandQatar)andGroupJ (Argentina,AustriaandAlgeria).But

itisstillgoingtobeextremely complicated. Belgiummightappeartobeonthe wane—fromtheir2018peak—but haveplentyofexperienceandhave beenreinvigoratedbyyouth.They willarriveatthetournamentwithless pressurethanthepasttwoeditions andaren’tthekindofcountrytotake NewZealandlightly.

TeenagesensationSamRutheobliteratesNewZealand

Athletics

BenFraser

TeenagerunningsensationSam Ruthehasaddedanotherachievementtohisimpressiveresumeafter shatteringtheNewZealandsecondaryschools1500mrecordyesterday. The16-year-oldstoppedtheclock at3min38.62secinthefirstsemi-final attheNewZealandSecondary SchoolsTrackandFieldChampion-

shipsinHastings,obliteratingthe previousmarkbyeightseconds. Thatrecord,setbyformerCommonwealthGamesrunnerRichard Pottsin1989,hadstoodasoneofthe longest-lastingnationalbenchmarks inNewZealandathletics. Potts,whowas18whenheclaimed therecord,told Hawke’sBayToday lastmonthitwas“onlyamatterof countingthedaysandthehours” beforehisrecordwasbroken. BybreakingPotts’mark,Ruthealso

IwentoutabitfastersoI hadsomeroomjustin caseIwasn’tfeelingso good.

SamRuthe

rewrotetherecordbooksinthe under-20,under-19,under-18and under-17categories. ItwasalsofasterthanJohn

Walker’stimewhenhewongoldto winthegoldmedalatthe1976MontrealOlympics.Speakingtothe Herald yesterday,Ruthesaidhewasthrilled tofinallyclaimtherecord.

“Ihadaplangoingintothisweekendthatiftheweatherandconditions weregood,Iwasgoingtogoforthe record—andfortunatelyenoughit wasabsolutelybeautiful,”Ruthesaid.

“IwentoutabitfastersoIhad someroomjustincaseIwasn’tfeeling sogood,andthenIjustkeptgoing

atthatpaceanditplayedoutwell.” Ruthesaidtheachievementwas morespecialbecauseitwasdoneat oneofhisfavouritevenues.

“Thistrackbecamemyfavourite inNewZealandafterIwonmyfirst openmen’snationaltitlehere,”he said.“Tocomebackandbreakthe schoolboy1500mrecordjustadds anothergreatmemory.”

InMarch,aged15,hebecamethe youngestpersontorunasub-fourminutemile,becomingthe49thNew

opportunity

Iranwillbedesperatetomakea statement—especiallyplayinginthe UnitedStates—butmoreimportantly willseethisasagoldenopportunity toreachtheknockoutstagesforthe firsttime,afterfailingtoadvancefrom theirWorldCupgroupinseven previousappearances.

AndEgypthavebeenwaitingto makeanimpactatFifa’sbiggestevent

GroupG

Belgium

Egypt

Iran

NewZealand

GroupH

Spain

CapeVerde

SaudiArabia

Uruguay

GroupI

France

Senegal

Norway

ICPath2winner (Boliviav SurinamewinnerplaysIraq)

GroupJ

Argentina

Algeria

Austria

Jordan

GroupK

Portugal

Uzbekistan

Colombia

ICPath1winner (New CaledoniavJamaicawinner playsDRCongo)

GroupL

England

Croatia

Ghana

Panama

since1934,whentheybecamethe firstAfricanteamtofeatureinthe tournament.Theyhaveneverwona matchatthisleveldespitethree appearances(1934,1990and2018) andwillrelishthechancetomake history.TheAllWhiteswere competitivelastyear—edged1-0in aFifaSeriesmatchinCairo—butthe Pharaohswillbeaverydifferent

prospectnextJune. Butoverall,thisisdefinitelyNew Zealand’sbestchanceofgetting beyondthefirstphaseinourshort WorldCuphistory.The1982group (Brazil,USSRandScotland)wasa definitivemissionimpossible,while the2010pool(Italy,Slovakiaand Paraguay)wasconsiderablymore difficultthanthisscenario.

schoolboy1500mrecord

Zealandertobreakthemilestone targetinAuckland,in3min58.35sec.

InJuly,Rutheloweredhisown nationalunder-17andunder-18 1500mrecordswithhisperformance duringtheSoundRunningSunset TourinLosAngeles.

The1500mfinalisscheduledto runat2pmtoday.Hehasalsoqualifiedforthe800mfinalat9.52amand, dependingonconditions,plansto targethisownrecordof1min 49.59sec.

SamRuthe shatteredtheNew Zealand1500m recordyesterday. FilePhoto/Photosport

Greaves’gritty doubledenies BlackCaps

Continuedfromp40

umpirereviews,aftershoutsfora catchagainstwicketkeeperTevin Imlachthatcameoffthebatter’sbody offDuffy,andanLBWshoutagainst Roachthatpitchedoutsidelegoff Bracewell.

HadtheBlackCapsbeenableto revieweitherofBracewell’sunsuccessfulappeals,Roachwouldhave beenout,andNewZealandwould havebeenabletobowlatan uninspiringWestIndiantail.

BothsidesbankfourpointstowardstheirWorldTestChampionshipstandings,thefirstforeitherin thenewcycle.Whilethistestwasthe BlackCaps’firstinthe2025-27edition, theWestIndieshadlostallfiveof theirpreviouscompletedtests.

TheBlackCapswillnowregroup andheadtoWellingtonforthe secondtest,startingnextWednesday. WicketkeeperMitchHaywilllikely debutinplaceofBlundell,whilethe teamawaitsmedicalassessmentson HenryandSmith.

AstheWestIndiesresumedat 212-4,NewZealand’shopeswere pinnedonthenewball.With116to hisnameovernight,Hopeshowedhis intentbyslog-sweepingBracewellfor sixintheday’ssecondover,asheand Greavesraisedthepartnership’s150 intheprocess.

Attheotherend,Greaveslived dangerously,andhadoutsideedges offbothBracewellandRavindra evadetheslips.Thearrivalofthenew balldidlittletohalttheWestIndies’ resistance,asthepairpressedonto 266-4atdrinks—andpastthehalfway pointintheirchase.

Butinhisseventhoverofthe morning,Duffybrokethrough.Ashe didinthefirstinnings,abouncerfrom aroundthewicketsawHopeunable toresistapullshot,asLathamtook aone-handedscreameroverhis head,breakingthepartnershipafter 384balls.

Imlachsurvivedthereviewfora catchaftertheballhithisbody,but departedthreeoverslaterwhen FoulkestrappedhimLBWforfourat 277-6.However,whileNewZealand claimedthemorningsession,the WestIndiestooktheafternoon.

Inthefirstoverafterlunch, Greavesmovedtohissecondtest century,taking229deliveries,before acceleratingagainstatiringattackto reach150off293,andfoundavaluableallyinRoachattheotherend.

The37-year-oldwasdroppedby Foulkeson30,and47byTickner, whoalsomissedthechancetorun himouton35.Andwiththoselives, Roachpressedontoamaidenhalfcenturyin110balls,asheandGreaves addedacenturystandtoreachtea at399-6,132runsawayfromvictory asthefinalsessionbegan.

Asthetargetfellunder100,the WestIndieseffectivelydecidednot toriskpushingforvictory,withno batterslefttocomeaftertheseventh wicketpair.Anddespiteenteringthe finalhourat435-6,96runsawayfrom victory,theWestIndiesclaimedthe moralvictory,aswellasthedraw.

wickettotheright-handedHope whoproducedafirstfalseshot on140,edgingahooktoashort delivery.

Anextensivewarm-up catchingpracticewithtrainer ChrisDonaldsonpaidofffor stand-inwicketkeeperLatham. Hesnaredthecatchinhisleft glovewebbingtothejoy—and relief—ofteammates,albeitwith theshineoffthesecondnewball.

Thesecondactoffaithinthe visitors’causecameviaa180-run seventh-wicketGreaves-Roach partnership,anotherrecord betweenthesides.

Initialdefianceledtoquiet confidenceasthescoring acceleratedtoleaveatantalising chasefor132from33oversin thefinalsession.

Greavespresentedstraight batorthodoxyformostofhis knock.Roachrodehisluckmore, butwhowouldn’tat37yearsold, knowingtheselectionclockis ticking.HeofferedacatchtoZak Foulkeson30,divingtohisleft atsquareleg;heescapedarun outon35whenBlairTickner missedfromcloserangeatmidon;andhebisectedTicknerat deepmid-offandGlennPhillips atdeepmid-onwithastraight skyeron45.Phillips’callof “mine”andTickner’shands gettingfirsttothesteepler provedanunfortunate combination.

Toaddaplottwist,three butchereddecisionreviews preventedNewZealand progressingtheirpushfor victory.

Thoseerrorsofjudgment, includingaMichaelBracewell lbwappealagainsttherighthandedRoachwhichpitched outsidelegfromaroundthe wicket,meantasubsequent plumbshoutandacaught behindwereuncontestable.

Severalphantomcatchesand pantomimehowzatsinthe aftermathaddedfurtherdrama toaWestEndlevelnarrative. Regardless,thisseriesnow holdsmoremysterythan originallythought—another endorsementfortheWorldTest Championship.

AllthatwasleftwasforGreaves toraisehisdouble-century,which cameintheday’spenultimateover withanedgetothethirdmanboundary,fromhis384thdelivery.

● ThesecondtestbeginsattheBasin ReserveonWednesday. ● NewZealand231&466-8d WestIndies167&457-6(Greaves202 notout,Hope140;Duffy3/122) Matchdrawn

West Indies fight for famous draw as Black Caps miss injured bowling pair

Alex Powell

Test cricket was the real victor, but the Black Caps will lament one that got away after the West Indies held on for a famous draw in Christchurch

Chasing a world record 531 to claim the first test the West Indies reached stumps on day five at 457-6, having survived 163 3 overs as New Zealand’s exhausted attack ultimately ran out of steam

Down two bowlers, with Matt

Andrew Alderson opinion

Why does the purist love test cricket?

Exhibit A: the last day of the opening match between the West Indies and New Zealand in Christchurch.

Like an Agatha Christie “whodunnit?”, plenty had their reckons when the hosts brought their second innings to a close: “it’ll be over in four days”, “the tourists will fold”, “Tom Latham should’ve

Henry (calf) and Nathan Smith (side) unavailable through injury, Jacob Duffy (3-121) and Zak Foulkes (1-80) got through 43 and 33 overs respec-

ngton beaten on a good day, 35 erb llin again

by dominance

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

A purist’s perfect day

declared earlier”.

To quote late Prime Minister Jim Bolger when the 1993 general election was closer than expected: “Bugger the pollsters”.

No one “dunnit” in the end as both sides eked out a draw, but this occasion defied convention. We witnessed five-day grit rather than two-day nonsense.

The chase built modestly. Who could have predicted a team that had been dismissed for 167 in the first

tively as they attempted to bowl New Zealand to victory in their second test matches

Michael Bracewell (1-138) sent

innings, albeit in grim batting conditions, would come within cooey of hauling in a world record 531 in their second dig? Especially when they had been reduced to 72 for four

Shai Hope, Justin Greaves and Kemar Roach believed.

That occurred first through a 196-run Hope-Greaves stand, the highest for the fifth-wicket between the countries.

The end only came via a pinpoint ploy.

Jacob Duffy came around the

continued on p39

down a further 55 overs while parttimer Rachin Ravindra delivered 21 overs for no wickets

Justin Greaves was the hero of the

West Indies rearguard, scoring a match-saving 202 not out off 388 balls, and having spent the better part of two days at the crease Greaves added stands of 196 with Shai Hope (140) and an unbeaten 180 with Kemar Roach (58 not out), as the Black Caps were made to work for everything on a pitch that had flattened out to be unrecognisable from the green seamer that greeted both sides on day one

Despite an admirable display with bat and the gloves deputising for the injured Tom Blundell Tom Latham will feel the sting of this missed opportunity more than most The Kiwi skipper twice had chances to remove Roach both LBW and caught behind off Michael Bracewell However Latham had earlier burned through two of his three

continued on p39

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Hearty,comfortingfareistheorderofthe dayhere.Thinkmelt-in-your-mouthbeef cheeks,slow-braisedlambshanks,classic fishandchips,andporkbellyroastedto goldenperfection.Andthestickytoffee pudding?Alocallegend.

Everydishiscraftedfromscratchand servedingenerousportions-exactlywhat youcraveafteradayroamingglaciers, rainforesttrails,orboth-andbestenjoyed withaMonteith’sbreworaglassofnative NewZealandwine.Openfrom12:30p.m. to9:00p.m.inthesummerand4:30p.m. to8:30p.m.inthewinter,you’llalways findawarmwelcomewaitingasyouswing throughAliceMay’sdoors.

ThesettingispureWestCoastcharm.Step outintothecourtyardforsweepingviews

BRAISEDLAMBSHANK

Slowcookeduntilltenderwithmash&gravy

BEEFCHEEKS

Slowlybraisedinredwinejus,potatomash &seasonalvegetables

CREAMYCHILLIPRAWNPASTA

Creamyfettucinewithsautéedprawnsin tomoatosauce,andgarlicwithafinishing touchofchilliandcoriander

ARANCINI

Risottoballsfiledwitthpeasandparmesan cheese,servedwithcoleslawandsweet chillimayo.

“Melt-in-your-mouth beefcheeksandtender lambshanksarelocal favourites.”

oftheSouthernAlps,orstaycosyinside amongtheheirloomsandmemorabiliathat tellAlice’sstorypiece-by-piece.Whether you’realocalregularoratravellerpassing through,thewelcoming,settle-in-andstay-awhileatmosphereisunmistakable.

FlyingintoQueenstown?RentfromSIXT atQueenstownAirportandenjoyoneof theSouthIsland’smostscenicdrives.Five hoursofalpinepasses,rivervalleys,and rainforesthighwayslater,you’llbemore thanreadyforaheartyfeastandadoseof FranzJosefhospitalityatAliceMay.

SCANTOSEEONMAPS

WHAT’S INSIDE 4

TRAVEL

ALERTS

week in Travel, we

The most luxurious way to see Milford Sound RealNZ and Altitude Tours have launched Milford Sound Business Class Guests travel from Queenstown in custom Mercedes before boarding the refurbished MV Sinbad for a small-group cruise and dining experience by award-winning chef Tom Hishon His A Taste of Murihiku menu champions regional ingredients The venture aims to set a new benchmark for premium tourism in Fiordland one that celebrates local provenance while delivering an experience grounded in care detail and manaakitanga realnz.com/en/experiences/day-cruises/ milford-sound-business-class

Summer dining at its finest River House, an elegant waterfront restaurant led by celebrated chef Grant Madgwick has opened on the Gold Coast Set along the Nerang River the venue blends sophisticated cuisine with the airy relaxed feel that defines the summer season Madgwick draws on more than 40 years in some of Australias top kitchens creating a menu that fuses Asian and European flavours with coastal Australian produce Bookings are now open at riverhouse4215.com.au

Slow travel

World Expeditions new Horse Trek Series is a chance to experience adventure and culture at a slower summer pace

Launching six itineraries

across Argentina, Chile Mongolia Nepal and Kyrgyzstan, the series takes travellers into regions shaped by centuries of equestrian tradition Riders

journey alongside herders gauchos and horsemen travelling through alpine pastures, vast steppes and dramatic Patagonian wilderness Designed for beginners and seasoned riders these treks deliver connection immersion and a style of travel built on respect for nature and community worldexpeditions com/Horse-Treks

Opera in Auckland Bluebeard s Castle by Bela Bartok takes to the Auckland stage for two performances only This internationally acclaimed production presented by NZ Opera and Auckland Arts Festival, reimagines Bartok’s haunting psychodrama as a tender portrait of a long-married couple navigating the heartbreak of an ageing mind American baritone Lester Lynch and British soprano Susan Bullock bring their celebrated chemistry to Aotearoa for the last time, while the Auckland Philharmonia performs under the direction of Brad Cohen Bluebeard’s Castle, March 13 and 14, at the Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall Visit nzopera com

Santorini SECRETS OF

Elise Morton used to avoid Santorini but now she’s booking to go back

For most of my life, Santorini represented everything my part-Greek family disdained about modern Greek tourism

Why my relatives would ask would anyone pay €25 ($50) for a Greek salad when you could get an authentic one for €7 elsewhere?

Why fight through cruise ship crowds and Instagram influencers when the country has so many quieter cheaper equally stunning islands (not to mention the mainland)?

I had successfully avoided Santorini for 33 years despite countless family trips and even oneand-a-half-years living in Thessaloniki until a friends wedding invitation made it unavoidable this year My first reaction? Dismay Of all the incredible places in Greece why there?

But heres the thing: I didnt hate it In fact I figured out how to explore Santorini in a way that

Karterados is a quiet village a short walk from Santorinis capital F ra

Photo / El se Morton

actually feels calm and enjoyable And if a committed Santorini sceptic can find peaceful delight on the worlds most Instagrammed island, anyone can

The secret? Stay where Greeks live

The key to my surprisingly pleasant Santorini experience started with accommodation Instead of booking in Fira or Oia the whitewashed villages that dominate every postcard I chose Karterados a quiet village a short walk from the capital (Fira)

This decision changed everything Karterados just felt normal There was a decent-sized Masoutis supermarket where I’d grab groceries coffee shops where I could get a takeaway freddo espresso for a couple of euros instead of six and kids from the local school riding their bikes around the main square It had all the whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets we imagine when we think of Santorini but with actual daily life happening around them

From Karterados I could walk into Fira when I wanted to but I wasnt trapped in the thick of the tourist chaos And crucially a simple guesthouse here cost a fraction of what Id have paid for a caldera view room, a view I could enjoy

for free by taking a stroll

Other villages worth considering: Pyrgos, the islands former capital with panoramic views and peaceful atmosphere; Megalochori, known for its bell towers and tavernas; or if you ’ re visiting in summer when the water’s warm, Kamari or Perissa for beaches and a relaxed vibe

WHAT TO DO IN SANTORINI

Yes Fira and Oia are beautiful

They’re also hellish when packed with cruise passengers The narrow streets feel suffocating and watching people jostle for the same sunset photo spot in Oia borders on absurd

But heres the thing: the iconic view everyone comes for? Its free You dont need to pay €15 for a cocktail at a cliffside bar Instead walk the 10km trail along the caldera rim from Fira to Oia (with a scramble up the iconic Skaros Rock if youre feeling energetic) It takes three to four hours requires decent shoes and offers those dazzling views across the true-blue Aegean without nearly

as many crowds Im already planning to return in early spring when the landscape blooms with wildflowers

Or explore Santorinis surprising depth beyond the postcard views, like its surprisingly unique wine culture Ill admit, before this trip, Greek wine meant retsina to me, a pine resin-infused white that not everyone loves But Santorini is becoming a serious wine destination with 3500 years of winemaking history and volcanic soils that produce wines unlike anywhere else

To learn more, I booked an afternoon wine tour to three wineries; an unexpected highlight that revealed a side of the island I knew nothing about Starting at the beachfront Gaia Winery we learned about the kouloura (circular vine “baskets” that protect grapes from intense sun and wind) and tasted assyrtiko (Santorini’s signature grape) while waves lapped at our feet Then a stop at Anhydrous (a winery on the site of a former openair cinema) to sample a citrusy white aidani and learn about Greeces wine-making regions before

ending the day at Santo Wines with a sunset over the caldera and a glass of vin santo the islands traditional sweet wine made from sun-dried grapes

OTHER WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

Staying in smaller towns and skipping expensive cocktails doesnt just make for a more authentic experience, but a cheaper one in a destination known for astronomical prices Here are some other ways to enjoy Santorini’s authentic side and save some money

Pre-book transport

Yes, I paid around €20 for a 10-minute drive to certain places, but that beats the €200 some travellers were quoted for a 15-minute journey from the ferry port as drivers prey on unsuspecting tourists with luggage

Eat street food

Ask locals to point you to the nearest souvlaki joint A pita gyros with salad chips and tzatziki should be about €5 Erotokritos bakery in

The wh tewashed village of Oia dominates every postcard left from top scramb e up Skaros Rock if youre feeling energetic Three Bells of Fira viewpoint ending the day at Santo Wines with a sunset over the caldera

Photos / Unsplash Elise Morton

Karterados was my go-to for spanakopita (spinach and feta pie) at €2-4 For sit-down meals I loved restaurant To Fagopoti and Meze house Maniemos

Use public buses.

Theyre reliable and affordable, even if they require patience

Visit in shoulder season I went in late spring after earthquake fears earlier in the year had sent prices tumbling Fewer crowds, lower costs, still beautiful weather

Would I rush back to Santorini tomorrow?

Probably not But would I return in early spring to hike among wildflowers and explore more of those volcanic vineyards? Absolutely The key is approaching it on your own terms stay in a real village avoid the peak season crush eat where Greeks eat and remember that the best experiences whether views or wine tastings or beach walks happen when you step away from the crowds

● The writer travelled at their own expense

SUN, VINES AND SEA BREEZE

Just 45 minutes from Adelaide hides the perfect wine region of McLaren Vale, writes Newstalk ZB radio host Roman Travers

South Australia is blessed with a plethora of beautiful destinations and activities

The key simply lies in selecting those that make for fantastic memories and relaxation

I chose to spend my weekend in McLaren Vale Its only a 45-minute drive from Adelaide and like any road trip in unfamiliar territory that 45 minutes can be extended with diversions into other undiscovered delights such as the Onkaparinga River National Park or a paddle off one of the many great beaches within the Gulf of Saint Vincent

Im up early this morning, joining the other early birds staying in the heart of Adelaide at the Sofitel Hotel Treat yourself to breakfast at Garcon Bleu restaurant The staff are excellent and their leader Gogo, greets everyone with a big smile and a hearty “bonjour” along with the rare ability of remembering everyone ’ s names Sara, my waitress, is from Colombia and doubles as a fine exponent for South Australia The food on offer is superb with all you’d expect to have on the breakfast menu of a great hotel

If you ’ re in Adelaide overnight book at Fugazzi just around the corner on Leigh St Fugazzi is a New York-inspired Italo-American bar and restaurant with fabulous ambience and decor along with a mind-blowing wine list and a friendly sommelier to back it up

Leaving the CBD for the farmers market in Willunga was a piece of cake and Im soon embraced by the rolling vineyards of McLaren Vale The whole region isnt unlike what youd see in Hawkes Bay or Wairarapa just on a grandiose scale Even though youre on holiday youll want to hit the Willunga Farmers Market early in the morning This well-established farmers market boasts a rich range of everything from garden produce, honey, charcuterie, and superb breads, to coffee and eggs Theres a good mix of tourists and locals, testament to the ongoing, consistent quality on offer

I get yarning with Jim Casey at Little Acre Foods His toasted sandwiches are causing some serious pedestrian traffic issues as he deftly chats to me takes orders and mans the sandwich press He knocks out about 200 every farmers’ market morning Jim trained as a chef and then got into making fabulous pates 14 years ago Through the years, peoples favourite hasn’t changed (the classic duck liver pate always wins out) but what has changed is how curious people are Jim tells me more of his customers want to know about what’s in the products what additives are there and what do they do They ask where all the

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inputs are outputted from and whos been involved with the process Not only can he answer all those questions, but does so proudly, knowing Little Acre Foods is connected to McLaren Vale in every regard

Ive driven back into Willunga, just a minute up the road from Willunga High School where the Saturday farmers market is held Its a cute wee town with something for everyone From Hither and Yon, a cellar door in Willungas old butcher shop, to Willunga Glass Studio, where you can buy glass works from more than 20 local artists I was happy to wander the main road and take in the sights of the very fine early 1800’s limestone slate and ironstone architecture along with dozens of prolific vibrant and robust rose bushes proudly adorning the front gardens of historic homes and shops If you didnt satiate your desires at the farmers market Willunga has a great selection of cafes

It’s another short drive to Mitolo Wines where Im heading for lunch at one of their two restaurants Little Wolf Osteria Im glad to sit inside as the midday heat is already up to 27 degrees The grounds are stunning and its lovely to watch staff setting up for an afternoon wedding under the gum trees The Italian wine varietals here are unlike any Ive ever seen including perduto pecorino scylla nero davola and trovato fiano Im told theyre not new varietals just new to Australia I take a gamble and let the staff recommend all the tastings and all the food as I know Ill be here for a few hours, and I want to try their best The highlights for me are the Abrolhos Island scallops and their decadent ravioli There were two wines I loved: Jester Rose, soft on the palate with a hint of sun-ripe strawberries, along with Of The Wind Chardonnay, reminding me never to say no to an excellent chard

At one point the head chef, Lino Sauro, comes out for a chat He is a true rock star with a string of accolades in his apron pockets Mitolo Wines is worth the long lunch and they did well in scoring Sauro as their head chef As I drive away past the throng of wedding seating under the gum trees I watch the millions of bright green vine leaves catching the light breeze and nodding their approval

The afternoon is a scorcher and Im eager to take my first swim of spring Local intel points me towards Silver Sands Beach, and since nothing is that far away in McLaren Vale, Im throwing myself into the Gulf Of Saint Vincent at Silver Sands Beach within 15 minutes The waves are gentle and kind, like you ’ re in a giant lake, rather than an ocean Theres plenty of room on the beach too so it’s easy to avoid that feeling of being involved in a constant land acquisition with boundaries defined by towels and beach toys Reluctant for this to end I lean back on my Budget rental car close my eyes and let the warm setting spring sun seep deeply into my winter skin and slowly dry me

McLAREN VALE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Beyond Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the ideal base for exploring Southern California s coastal, desert and mountain gems

Santa Barbara, Central Coast

Two hours north of LA Santa Barbara is ideal for bikes along the waterfront, zoo visits or relaxing at the beach Don’t miss the tacos and ocean views on Stearns Wharf

EXPERIENCE IT ALL, LOS ANGELES

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, sport or the thrill of a new adventure, Los Angeles is yours to experience with Air New Zealand’s non-stop flights from Auckland

Few cities capture the imagination like Los Angeles where sport food film and beach life combine under clear blue skies With Air New Zealands nonstop flights from Auckland, plus seamless domestic connections Los Angeles is perfectly in reach

Air New Zealand operates up to 12 non-stop flights to Los Angeles each week with a journey time of just over 12 hours That means plenty of time to switch into holiday mode before you even touch down Whether stretching out in Economy Stretch cosying up on a Skycouch™, or settling into Business Premier™ passengers can expect Kiwi hospitality fresh New Zealand flavours and on-demand entertainment

In-flight service manager Estelle Pape says theres a certain magic on the Auckland to Los Angeles route For Kiwis it’s the anticipation of sunshine, palm trees and Hollywood sparkle For our American guests it s a farewell to Aotearoa and we have the privilege of sharing a last taste of home at 35,000 feet ”

Pape sees all kinds of guests from families on their way to Disneyland, travellers off to conferences and visitors simply chasing the LA sun ” Regardless of their destination Air New Zealands alliance with United Airlines makes it easy to travel further providing onward connections across America

Buttheresmorethanenoughto experienceinLosAngeles Idealforfamilies sportsfans culture-seekersandfirst-timers LAoffersamixofadventureandexcitement withsomethingnewtouncoverinover30 culturallydiverseneighbourhoods

“Los Angeles is a mosaic of unforgettable offerings and an ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome says Adam Burke president

and CEO of Los Angeles Tourism For newcomers he recommends exploring LA one neighbourhood at a time

Start around Hollywood with the Walk of Fame, Hollywood sign and Griffith Observatory then tick off the city s landmarks with a Bikes and Hikes ‘LA in a Day tour taking in celebrity homes famous boulevards and beaches For culture lovers the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Getty Center and LACMA show the city s artistic side

Families can plan entire days around Disneyland Resort and Universal Studios

Hollywood where a new high-speed roller coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, debuts in 2026 But there are some lesserknown sites like Los Angeles Zoo, the fossilfilled La Brea Tar Pits and the California Science Center in Exposition Park for a mix of learning and wonder

For sports fans, few places match LA’s energy The city is preparing for a run of global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2027 Super Bowl and 2028 Olympic Games In the lead-up, new immersive venues like the Intuit Dome arena and The Bolt are redefining the fan experience Catching a Dodgers or Lakers game might be a rite of passage but LA is home to 11 professional teams that keep the sporting calendar packed year-round

When it s time to slow down head to the coastline for the SoCal lifestyle LA is famous for From Venice Beach’s colourful boardwalk to Hermosas relaxed dining

scene and the family-friendly Redondo Beach Pier Los Angeles beach culture has undergone a significant transformation in recent years says Burke Close to LAX Marina del Rey is ideal for paddle-boarding sailing or sunset cocktails

LA’s diversity shines brightest in its food scene Theres an endless amount of eats to discover from food trucks to Michelinstar restaurants and poolside bars Start at Grand Central Market, a lively downtown hub that distils the citys global flavours Venture through Koreatown Little Tokyo or Thai Town and you ll find everything from sizzling barbecue to next-generation fusion

For off-the-beaten-path experiences head to the San Fernando Valley Take a Warner Bros Studio Tour wander the NoHo Arts District and find good coffee at Romancing the Bean in Burbank There’s great food in the Valley too with classic institutions like Casa Vega and new dining hall Topanga Social

What makes Los Angeles truly memorable is its constant evolution says Burke The feeling that anything is possible Reinvention is part of Los Angeles DNA It s what keeps the city fresh relevant and endlessly inspiring

Whether youre travelling for the family trip of a lifetime or after a city-beach escape LA invites you to discover something new each time you visit With Air New Zealands seamless service world-class comfort and non-stop flights the only question left is: what will you experience first?

Joshua Tree National Park, Inland Empire

About a 2 5-hour drive inland Joshua Tree is ideal for nature lovers Explore the short walking trails, climb over giant rock formations, or stay after dark for stargazing

Laguna Beach, Orange County

Made famous by a certain reality TV show, this coastal town is also known for its artist studios familyfriendly beaches, hillside mansions and turquoise swimming coves

Pasadena, San Gabriel Valley Home to the famous Rose Bowl stadium Pasadena has leafy streets, heritage architectureandtheKidspace Children’s Museum Picnic in the Huntington Gardens or browse the weekend markets

Ojai, Ventura County

About 90 minutes from Los Angeles Ojai is a small valley town surrounded by citrus orchards and mountain trails known for its wellness retreats, farmers’ market and beautiful sunsets

Book your next getaway to Los Angeles now, with non-stop flights from Auckland to LAX with Air New Zealand Visit www airnz co nz/losangeles

8breakfasts,3lunches,2dinners

• StayonaboatinHalongBay TourthroughHueonamotorbike

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STYLE Original GROUPSIZE Max16

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WHAT’S INSIDE 4 7

3 WhatWeLike

4 Coverstory: RoseByrne

6 Feature: Healthiestbreads

OUT-TAKES

FOODSYOUSHOULDAVOID

Expertshavewarnedthatultraprocessedfoods(UPFs)suchas crisps,readymeals,andsugarysnacks areassociatedwithanincreasedriskof obesity,heartdisease,cancer,andearly death.Despitetheserisks,UPFsstill comprisemorethan50%ofourdiet. Hereare10youshouldknowabout.

1.Frozenpizza: Alittle-knownbut commoningredientinprocessedfoods likefrozenpizzasandmicrowave dinnersisomega-6fattyacid,whichis inflammatorytothebrainanddrives chronicinflammation,akeyfactor behindseriousdiseases.

2.Dietsoftdrinks: Artificialsweeteners don’tactuallyhelpwithweightcontrol. Livenupwaterbyaddinglemon,lime orsomecucumber.

3.Icecreamandbiscuits: Foods containinghigh-fructosesyrupsshould beeliminatedfromyourdiet.Whenit comestocookiesandbakedgoods, home-madewillalwaysbebetter.

4.Processedandredmeat: People whoeatmoreprocessedandredmeat aren’ttypicallytheoneswhoeatlotsof vegetables.Thefix:Dialupthevege,dial downtheredandprocessedmeat.

5.Whitebread: Whitebreadisahighly refinedcarbohydratethatcontainslittle nutritionalvalue.Choose100% wholegrainbread.

6.Low-fatflavouredyoghurt: Sweetenedlow-fatyoghurtsarehighinadded

sugarstoreplacetheflavourlostfrom removingmostofthefat.Optfornatural full-fatGreekyoghurt.

7.Orangejuice: Eatinganorangewith itsfibreisabetteroption.

8.Booze: Alcoholislinkedtoawhole rangeofcancersandverymodest drinkingwithinrecommendedlimitsissuggested.

9.Coconutoil: Coconutoil getsalotofpress...it containsaboutathirdmore saturatedfatthanbutter. Useextravirginoliveoil instead.

10.OtherUPFs: A2023 studylinkedhigherUPF consumptiontoincreased cancerrisk.Gradualdietary changes—sneakinginmorefibreand protein,optingforhealthieralternatives andpractisingmoderation—willhelp rebalanceourdiets.

IT’STRICKYTOBEAT THATSTICKYFEELING

reyousufferingfromtheeffects ofhumidity?Thedreadedmuggy feelingoccurswhentheairiswarm enoughtomakeussweatbutcarries enoughwatervapourtointerferewith thesweatingprocess,thereforemakingittrickytogetthatsticky feelingoffourskin. Evenopeningthe windowssometimes won’twork.Sohow canyougetagood night’ssleep,keep yourhousefeeling dryandcool,and stopmouldgrowingin theprocess?

thetemperatureofyourhome.

3.Stayhydrated: It’ssimpleadvice, butyourmumwasright—youneed todrinklotsofwatertoensureyou stayhydrated,especiallywhenit’s humid.Dehydrationmakesithardto regulatebodytemperature andsippingwaterthroughoutthenightcanhelp.

—HattieGarlick,DailyTelegraphUK 20

Peopleaged50-59should beabletodo20crunches. Thisdropsto10forthose aged60-69.

Source:ExercisephysiologistNico SchwandtofStoneLondongyms.

1.Swapsyntheticsfor naturalfibres: Whenit’s muggy,yourbestbetisoptingfor clothingmadefrombreathablefabrics suchaslinenandlightweightcottonand choosingloose-fitting garments.Tightclothes andsyntheticfabrics cantrapheatandmoisture.Forbedding,ditch polyesterblanketsand sheetsandchooselinen andcottoninstead.This willallowyourskinto breathewhileyousleep andallowforairflow.

2.Closeyourcurtains: Around30%ofunwantedheatcomes fromyourwindows,soclosingthem andshuttingthecurtainscanlower

4.Useadehumidifier: Adehumidifierisa greatwaytoreduce thelevelsofhumidity inyourhomeby drawinginmoistair, coolingandcondensingmoistureandreleasingdrierairbackintothe room.Italsohelpstocontrol mouldandstopitfromgrowing.

5.Sleepalone: Sleepingtogether increasesyourbodyheat,whichisn’t funforanyonetryingtogettosleep.

6.Tryacoolshower: Takingacool showerwillhelpbringyourcorebody temperaturedown.

7.Directheatout: Anotherless obvioustipistopointafanoutthe windowinsteadofdirectlyatyou. Thiswillblowthehotairoutandcool theaircomingin.

8.Useyourheatpumpforcooling: Heatpumpscanbereversedintoair conditionersandusedtocooldown thehouseefficiently.Makesurethe filtersarecleanandit’sbeenserviced inthepasttwoyears.

—JenniMortimer

CoastalCalm

Transformtiredoutdoorareasintobreezy,beach-house escapes.Thinkcleanlines,sun-washedhuesandnatural textures.Afreshtimberstainunderfootandanewcoat ofcrisppaintonfurnitureisallittakestocreaterelaxed coastalcharm.Theresult?Aneffortlesslyinvitingspace madeforlounging,dining,andenjoyinggoldenhour.

WHAT WE LIKE

EVERYDAYEASE

Onalazyafternoon,Iwant loungewearthatnotonlylooksgood, butfeelsgoodtowear.Thebrainchild ofAuckland-raisedfounderJess Hill,Nana-Jisaclothinglabelrooted inself-care.Itsethosissimple:soft fabrics,supremecomfort,aslower pace.Nana-Jhaslauncheditsthird collection,SweetEscape:atight capsuleofversatile,everydaypieces, ethicallyproducedinBali.Think cottoncrochets,lived-inshortsand breathabletanks. Nana-JSweetEscapecollection, availableonlineatnana-j.com

WE’VEGOTCOFFEEATHOME

OFFEEATHOME

Ifcoffeeisclosetoareligioninyourhousehold,youcan nowpractisewhatyoupreach.Ninja’slatestlaunch,the LuxeCafe,aimstobringthecafeexperiencetoyour kitchen.DesignedwithKiwicoffeeconnoisseursinmind, thesystemdeliversespresso,coldbrewandfiltercoffee withhands-freefrothing,anassistedtamperandBarista AssistTechnology(thinkautoadjustments,grind-size suggestionsandweight-baseddosing).

NinjaLuxeCafePremierEspressoMachine, $1099,availablevianinjakitchen.co.nz

oninyourhousehold,youcan each.Ninja’slatestlaunch,the hecafeexperiencetoyour iwicoffeeconnoisseursinmind, so,coldbrewandfiltercoffee anassistedtamperandBarista utoadjustments,grind-size aseddosing). EspressoMachine, kitchen.co.nz

SNACKINGMADE

SIMPLE

Ifyouarealsopoweredbya constantsupplyofsnacks,Fruzio’s newSmoothiePopsareagreatbet. Theseconvenientsmoothiesare greatforlunchboxesorasanonthe-gotreat:eitherthawandsip,or enjoystraightfromthefreezer.Plus, they’remadeinNelsonfromreal fruitandflaxseed.It’slikeapopsicle, sansthesweeteners,coloursand preservatives.PickfromStrawberry, MixedBerry,orTropical(Mangoand Passionfruit). FruzioSmoothiePops,$8,available fromNewWorldandPak'nSave.

PASTMEETSFUTURE

PAST

LocalheritagelabelZambesihasopeneditsnewZambesi Store,astylish,design-ledspaceatAuckland’sCommercial Bayprecinct.ShopZambesi’sownNewZealand-madeapparel, orpickfromcuratedpiecesbythelikesofAcne,RickOwens, MaisonMargiela,EntireStudiosandNOM*d.“Thestore reflectsourhistoryanddirection,”saysfounderElisabeth Findlay.“It’sasimple,focusedenvironmentthatisverytrueto whoweare.”

TheZambesiStoreisnowopenonthegroundfloorof CommercialBay,Auckland.

Localhe Store,a Bayprec orpick Maison reflects Findlay. whowe TheZamb Commer

DOGDAYAFTERNOON

Thissummer,thehistoricParnellLawn TennisClubisplayinghosttoClubSilver: HeinekenSilver’snewopen-airbarinthe heartofAuckland.Everyweekend,the sun-soakedcourtswilltransforminto acountry-club-stylespace,perfectfor sippingandsocialising.Thinkstriped parasols,DJsetsandrotatingfood trucks—dropinforacasualdrink,or stayandwatchthesungodown.We can’twaittocheckthisoneout. ClubSilver,ParnellLawnTennis Club,openFridaysandSaturdays, 2pm-8pm,untillateJanuary.

Rose Byrne rose to fame playing uptight women who are actually hot messes Her latest role finds her spiralling into the existential terror of motherhood, writes Jada

Yuan

.

Parents across the land will probably relate to a moment in A24s If I Had Legs Id Kick You when Linda, the harried mother at the centre of the film, played by Rose Byrne, who is definitely having a nervous breakdown, accedes to her young daughters incessant demands and just buys the damn hamster

“I think there’s certain sort of hot-water situations you get into and you try to back-pedal, if you ’ re trying to appease your kid ” Byrne tells me over chamomile tea at a Brooklyn cafe We’re around the corner from where her two sons with fellow actor Bobby Cannavale – Rocco 9 and Rafa 8 – go to school

“You relent and you give in – its a thing that every parent does – then you go ‘Why did I do that? ’ Or maybe it’s just me and I’m a terrible mother! she says her lilting Australian accent sending vowels on twangy tangents and swallowing words whole

The 46-year-old actress whos made her name in hit comedies such as Bridesmaids and Neighbours (and two Insidious horror films) has a real knack for playing pretty uptight women who are hot messes underneath But this role finds her totally unravelling as a therapist with a sick daughter (Delaney Quinn, purposefully kept off camera to centre Lindas POV), an absent husband (Christian Slater, mostly as an annoyed voice criticising her parenting choices on the other end of the phone) a new friend to whom she is an absolute horror (A$AP Rocky) and her own therapist who clearly despises her (Conan OBrien)

Forced to live in a “s****y motel ” as Byrne describes it, after the ceiling of her apartment dramatically caves in, Linda finds herself taking long night-time walks, sneaking around with her wine and a baby monitor “Like thats making her a good mum ” says Byrne laughing

And so somehow she finds herself driving home with a hamster in a box in the back seat scratching away and fraying her every nerve Byrne tells me she absolutely lost it reading director Mary Bronsteins script: when the hamster finally pops out of the box it’s described as “Jack Nicholson in The Shining trying to get through the wall

Its the kind of uncomfortably funny unhinged anti-hero role that most actresses will wait their whole careers for Vanity Fairs Richard Lawson called it the performance of a lifetime

Byrne starred in the 2015 movie Spy as a rival to Melissa McCarthy and honestly shed make a pretty good one Id been watching the door of the cafe when suddenly she was right next to me, saying my name and asking if wed met before We had nine years ago, at a different New York restaurant to talk about Neighbours 2 She cheerily admits that she doesnt remember it at all, which is exactly the correct response

In this cafe, no one seems to recognise her

They recognise Bobby Bobbys hard to miss, she says, adding “I feel like he’s the most identifiable person on the street Him and Robert De Niro ” Theyve been together for 13 years “I say ‘married,” says Byrne “We just haven’t gone to the courthouse yet, but we ’ re married ”

If she weren’t so strikingly pretty shed come across as just a very stylish Brooklyn mum with a flair for pairing earth tones She cuts a cosy silhouette in dark cropped Levi’s jeans “ a brown sweater Bobby gave me ” a beige Rachel Comey wool coat and a mustard knit Madewell cap she never takes off When I tell her how frustrating

FROM BRIDESMAID TO INCENDIARY MUM FROM BRIDESMAID TO INCENDIARY MUM

I found Linda in the film she mock gasps How could you possibly be angry at her? and later, when it comes up again, I know you love her, Jada I know you love her!

Shed passed on lunch, ordering only a chocolate chip cookie But when my soup arrives, she whispers, This looks good, but it didnt sound that good when she described it She didnt sell it ” She also decides I need salt “Do you need some salt? We’ll get you some salt!” and gets up to grab it: “Im a big fan!” Soon, shes happily munching on half of my grilled cheese sandwich

When we first met in 2016, Byrne had just given birth to Rocco and was swimming laps daily at the 14th Street YMCA which reminded her of the huge pools she used to splash around in growing up in Australia in a suburb outside of Sydney She finds a way to be in water whenever she can including daily morning swims in the rough ocean waters off Montauk where the movie shot

for 27 days

You learn to swim and walk at the same time in Australia, she says

Back then, Byrne had redefined her career by jumping into comedies following five seasons of the ultraserious Damages for which she was twice nominated at both the Emmys and the Golden Globes Shed defied expectations and became a kind of one-of-one archetype as a straight woman with a core of chaos who’s often messier and funnier than her male counterparts which has spilled over from the big screen into the Apple TV shows Physical and Platonic (The latter reunites her with her Neighbours partner-inshenanigans Seth Rogen )

The gear she hits in Legs though feels like a culmination of all those years experimenting with comedy drama horror (the hole in Lindas ceiling takes on supernatural elements) “I believe shes one of the best actors alive period today ” O’Brien

said at a recent New York Q&A, while Byrne tried to hide (“She cannot take a compliment!” he’s also said many times )

Bronstein based Legs on her own experience uprooting her life to live in a San Diego hotel with her 7-year-old daughter who had a chronic illness Her only times to herself were sitting on the bathroom floor with a bottle of wine and fast-food She needed an actress whom the audience already liked and would follow even as Linda was being an objectively horrible mother and person

Together she and Byrne developed the back story of a woman who had lived a wild New Wave youth and probably never thought shed be a mum but was now thrust into a situation where being a mum was all anyone saw

Its a movie that cannot work without Byrnes performance; Bronstein shot on film and much of the movie consists of extreme close-ups of Byrnes face so close the camera would sometimes touch her eyelashes In an age of facelifts so good its hard to tell whos had one Byrne is just exposed Every pore Every wrinkle (Shes gorgeous ) And Linda just keeps hitting lows, and then going even lower

Byrne has only been able to steel herself through a couple of screenings The entire movie “Its really my face,” Byrne says, doing a voice and pronouncing it “ maaaaaaa face”

“It’s allllll me!”

a newborn as “wildly disorienting” and “really challenging” and then watching as her best friend found it completely magical

The movie is purposefully confronting how motherhood can change a woman engulf her save her one man even came up to Byrne after a screening saying he felt attacked (Byrne encouraged him to ask himself why he found it so triggering ) Being in the movie Byrne says made her think about how women dont get the help they need because theres not language around it and theres not health care around it Theres not a bigger conversation

She continues: Its the same thing with perimenopause and menopause You know, the average time it takes for a woman to get diagnosed for endometriosis, I read recently is seven years Seven years of pain Many of my friends had that for years, until they finally got that diagnosis, because people dont listen to them (Actually its 10 years )

Carroll Gardens

Though she mentions “Bobby” all the time getting specifics about their life together isn’t that easy They met through a mutual friend in 2012 just as she was wrapping Damages and had their sons in quick succession in 2016 and 2017 Vanity Fair in 2019 called them a power pairing of talent and if you ask anyone on the internet duplicative hotness all the more tantalising for the privacy in which they shroud their relationship and how yes just like us! they can seem

They try to manage their schedules so that if one of them is working, the other one is on hiatus and can take care of the kids But it doesnt always happen Its, like, yeah, sometimes it sucks, she says

They also constantly work together

Byrne’s long since recovered from those tough early days of motherhood

“Not to be so corny it is the greatest thing that has happened for me ” she says “But Marys ideas are more challenging of like It’s okay to have these thoughts as a mother and still love your child’ She’s like ‘Lets get uncomfortable ’” Byrne several times distinguishes between herself and Linda noticeably slipping into third person as she tells me that she based Linda’s antiauthoritarian streak on people in her life because thats a quality thats not familiar to me Rose

Im a goody-goody she clarifies

No prep was needed though for Lindas bottleof-wine-a-night habit she jokes That I do already Jada! There was no need for any research on that That was a perfectly acceptable behaviour according to me

She credits her dry humour and laid-back attitude with growing up the youngest of four in an Aussie family where everyone was constantly taking the piss out of each other Australians are kind of no-fuss low-key, generally, just get on with it, she says Growing up she actually had a poster of her Legs co-star Slater on the wall

Ever since If I Had Legs I’d Kick You became one of the splashiest premieres at the Sundance Film Festival in January there’s been talk that Byrne could be headed toward her first Oscar nomination (She won best actress at the Berlin Film Festival in March and just got her first acting nod of the Oscars season from the Gotham Awards last Monday )

Byrnes tapping into a specific kind of Gen X and Xennial angst of a forgotten generation who came of age before the 2008 financial crash having tasted the freedom of chasing artistic pursuits but now feel trapped in their circumstances or pushed out of the workplace The challenges of motherhood and of being a woman in a country where the government is rolling back reproductive rights for women and all these things are being taken away as Byrne says, have a way of turning that angst into existential terror

The actress found Bronsteins script wild incendiary , so much so that she had to put it down and take breaks I related to so many aspects of the film being a parent, raising kids, the change after you have a child, and that kind of line in the sand [of before and after],” says Byrne

“I always describe having a baby, it’s like going to Mars or something ” Byrne continues “Like ‘Im on another planet now and wow nobody told me!’ And nobody does tell you I said to a girlfriend ‘Why didn’t you tell me it was going to be like this?’ And she said I couldn’t! Otherwise you never would have done it ”

She describes her first few months of caring for

Photo / Getty Images From left: Byrne with Glenn Close in the 2007 season of Damages with Melissa McCarthy as rival secret agents in 2015s Spy; and as Linda clutching her nightly bottle of wine in If I Had Legs Id Kick You Photos / Suppl ed Logan White/A24

Like every teen girl of the era, she was obsessed with him as an outlaw radio DJ in 1990’s Pump Up the Volume Hearing his voice in the film felt right

because by the end Linda has kind of regressed to a version of being a teenager whos having a tantrum says Byrne

She also had a film poster of Dead Poets Society, starring her good friend Ethan Hawke, whos in the new movie Blue Moon with Cannavale I showed [Ethan] the photo she says of her childhood room Hes surrounded by Kylie Minogue pictures He must be used to it Im sure ”

Cannavale recently had a cameo in a dream sequence on the second season of Platonic (In Vanity Fair, Cannavale volunteered that Byrne is definitively the family breadwinner: “I make half as much as she does Down the middle Half ”) They see a lot of theatre and Cannavale is always encouraging Byrne to get onstage So, in February (right during Oscars season) she’ll be on Broadway for a reprisal of Noel Coward’s 1925

I always describe having a baby, it’s like going to Mars or something.

Rose Byrne

comedy Fallen Angels from acclaimed director Scott Ellis She and Kelli OHara will play two upper-class wives whose old rivalries flare up over their premarital dalliances with the same man

I loved it so much; it really took me by surprise, she says I was like, Oh my gosh, the tightrope of comedy Its pure high-stakes comedy, like how to thread that needle I got bitten well see if I can pull it off

He loves weekly poker nights with Jon Hamm and Paul Rudd; she loves art galleries At home it sounds like they laugh a lot and discuss major issues, such as whether you should dismiss art if the director has done something objectionable (Byrne was in Louis C K ’ s directorial debut which was pulled before it hit theatres, and Cannavale was in two Woody Allen movies )

With this movie especially Byrne says she tried to leave all the intensity on the set “I try to leave work at work and home is home I’m pretty church and state ” she says “I’m not saying there weren’t days that were hard or it was harder to get the adrenaline down ” Not that shes complaining There are plenty of other people with more stressful jobs than pretending to be somebody she says laughing Not to downplay it but you know its like any working parent You figure it out

Shes got to go

She has to pick up the boys from school and take them to jiu-jitsu I notice a baguette in her tote which shes carting around in case the kids get peckish

Shes done all the Aussie things, like going on a walkabout after secondary school She credits Heath Ledger, whom she met on the cult film Two Hands when they were both 18, for helping her get auditions and letting her stay with him in Los Feliz to jump-start her career in the States Shes described him as “the champion” of a whole crew of early-20s Aussie actors who’d go on road trips to Joshua Tree together

Then at 27 Damages brought her to New York full-time She’s now on her fourth neighbourhood:

Up next are months of showing up on podcasts, to Q&As, getting the word out about this little challenging movie

Shes taking strength in the conversations she’s been having with other women and other mums One friend told her after a screening that she finally felt seen “She told me ‘I never feel seen I’m completely ignored Im just the mum ’” says Byrne “Like mothers are both revered and ignored and it’s awesome that she felt so spoken to ”

BREAKING BREAD

Nikki Birrell talks to the experts to find the healthiest supermarket loaves

Wholegrain multigrain high-protein or low-carb? If the bread aisle makes your eyes glaze over youre not alone Between loaves that promise to be stone-ground , high-protein or handcrafted , it can be hard to tell which ones are good for you and which are just good at marketing

One improvement in supermarket prepackaged loaves has happened without most of us noticing reduced salt levels According to the Heart Foundation, which has been working in partnership with bread companies since 2007 to gradually reduce the sodium in our loaves a standard white sliced loaf today contains around 25% less salt than it once did

Dave Monro the Heart Foundations chief adviser food and nutrition and the co-author of a newly published paper in the Nutrients journal said the change has happened gradually meaning consumers haven’t detected any difference

This is consistent with research that demonstrates when sodium levels are reduced gradually by 10-20% consumers dont detect the change and there is good consumer acceptance Monro said

Lower salt intake is a key factor in reducing high blood pressure which is a major risk for heart disease The paper says Kiwis are consuming 70% more than the recommended daily intake of salt with bread being the leading source of salt in many of our diets

But aside from lower sodium levels, what else should we be looking for when buying bread from the supermarket? To help decode the shelves, Reset asked two registered dietitians Julia Sekula and Lily Henderson from Dietitians New Zealand what really matters when choosing a loaf Their answers may surprise you

What makes bread ‘healthy’?

Sekula said it starts with the basics

“If your household adds bread to the trolley each week swapping to a product with more fibre and wholegrains can make a real difference to the quality of your diet ”

She suggested using the nutrition information panel and comparing products by the 100g column rather than the per-slice values

Aim for at least 5g of fibre per 100g more than 7g is excellent and choose an option with less sodium per 100g

Henderson said ingredients matter more than buzzwords Look for wholegrain ingredients first or near the top of the list That shows the bread is mostly made from wholegrains rather than refined white flour

Wholegrain versus multigrain

Despite sounding similar, the two arent interchangeable

Under the Food Standards Code, wholegrain bread must contain the entire grain bran, germ and endosperm or in their original proportions

Henderson said

Wholemeal bread is a type of wholegrain bread made from milled wholegrains, whereas multigrain isn’t defined in the Code A manufacturer can add a small amount of grains to white bread and still call it multigrain ”

In short multigrain may look healthy but check the fibre numbers before you assume it is

Don’t fall for the label

“Marketing terms such as ‘artisan’ ‘stone-ground’ ‘organic’ ‘sourdough or ‘light don’t automatically mean the bread is healthier or higher in wholegrains ” Sekula said

FIVE BREAD STARS

Higher fibre, wholegrain-focused or moderate in sodium all verified using manufacturer nutrition panels

Ploughmans Southern Seeds Lower Carb 12 2g fibre 336mg sodium Very high fibre for a soft loaf and moderate in sodium A strong all-round option

Tip Top Supersoft High Fibre Toast 7 3g fibre, 378mg sodium Looks like classic white bread but delivers wholemeal-level fibre Great for households who prefer softer styles

Ploughmans Farmhouse Wholemeal 7 1g fibre, 375mg sodium A dependable wholemeal loaf with excellent fibre numbers and a familiar taste

Vogel’s Sunflower & Barley Toast 6 5g fibre 350mg sodium A wholegrain staple with solid fibre and slightly lower sodium than many grainy breads

Burgen Mixed Grain Toast 5 1g fibre, 333mg sodium Light and moist with enough wholegrains to meet the 5g fibre guideline and comparatively low sodium

Colour can also mislead Some darker breads turn brown due to ingredients like malt extract or molasses, not from extra wholegrains ”

And those fancy toppings?

“Seed toppings can add nutrients but dont guarantee that the bread underneath is wholegrain it might still be made from refined white flour ”

The truth about sourdough, protein and low-carb

“Sourdough can be easier to digest for some people because the longer fermentation breaks down parts of the gluten and some FODMAPs ”

Henderson said But nutritionally its not automatically higher in fibre or nutrients unless its made with wholegrains

Buying freshly baked sourdough or making your own is the best option for gut health as its not processed unlike most supermarketbought pre-packaged loaves

As for the “high-protein” craze?

Bread is primarily a carbohydrate food she said These loaves often cost more but provide only a modest protein boost around 4-5g per serve Youll get better-quality protein from what you eat with the bread, like eggs, peanut butter or lean meat and salad

Sekula said low-carb options are rarely worth the price tag Its better to focus on fibre, sodium and wholegrain content rather than the carbohydrate number If you want fewer carbs, choose smaller slices or open sandwiches instead of paying more for a label ”

Gluten-free isn’t automatically healthier

Unless you have coeliac disease or a diagnosed gluten intolerance gluten-free bread isnt necessary and often not as nutritious

“Many gluten-free breads aren’t as good as regular wholegrain options although there are more choices now than 10 years ago ”

Henderson said

If you need to eat gluten-free, look for wholegrains in the ingredients list, more fibre and less sodium per 100g But if you dont a wholegrain or wholemeal loaf will generally offer better overall nutrition and value ”

The best bread for families

Getting kids to eat bread with “bits” in it can be a battle but there’s a middle ground

“As parents we all know theres no point buying the healthiest loaf on the shelf if it comes home uneaten ” Sekula said

“The happy middle is often a softer wholemeal or mixed-grain bread where the grains are more finely milled or broken down These still provide a good amount of fibre without the heavy texture of a dense wholegrain loaf

She also suggested mixing it up Variety benefits kids Try wholegrain wraps wholemeal rolls or pita bread its all about finding a balance your family will actually enjoy eating

White vs brown

The old white bad, brown good rule doesnt hold up

Its not that simple, Sekula said We need to move away from seeing foods as good or bad and think about how they fit into an overall balanced diet

She noted that some modern white-style loaves are surprisingly decent

“These days, some white-looking breads are made with clever food science They look and taste like white bread but still provide fibre Its worth checking the label rather than judging by colour ”

If you want one takeaway both Henderson and Sekula agreed keep it simple “Choose a wholegrain bread your family enjoys and that fits your budget The best bread is one you’ll actually eat ideally with a good source of fibre lower sodium and real grains you can see ”

FASHION

LanaAndelane

@lanaandelane

GWENDOLINE CHRISTIE GETTHELOOK

There’snotimelikethesillyseasontoaddpopsofred intoyourrotation.AttheGQMenoftheYearAwardsin November,actorGwendolineChristiedialledupthefestive glamourinanenvelopingcherry-redcoatandstatement necklacefromGivenchy’sSpring-Summer2026collection,which sheteamedwithredtightsandaredlip.WhileChristmasin Aotearoaisalittletoowarmforanankle-lengthcoat,wecantakea leafoutofChristie’slookbookbyincorporatingsplashesofredinto ourwardrobe.Ifyou’renotquitereadytowearfullred,tryopting foroneredaccessory(socksaregreat),oraredtopwithaneutral bottomhalf.Thisisacommandingcolour,soiffire-engineredfeels alittletoobold,deepershadessuchasmaroonorburgundyarea goodentrypoint.Or,swapthecoatforaclassicreddress—perfect forChristmascocktailpartiesandfestiveevents.

GwendolineChristie attendstheGQMen oftheYearAwards lastmonthinLondon. Photo/GettyImages

UNWRAP THE MAGIC

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Forasmallbutthoughtfulgift,localaccessoryand apparellabelSophieoffersaselectionofstylish, personalisedaccoutrements.OptfortheMiniMirror ($48),PlainNotebook($32),LoveYouKeyChainor SuperStarKeyChain(both$28)andhaveyourloved one’sinitialsembossedingoldfoilfor$5. Perfectforstockingstuffers,giftbaskets, orasalittlesomethingextraunderthetree.

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EMMALEWISHAMTHEESSENTIALSGIFTSET,$158

Ifyourlovedonehasn’ttriedEmmaLewisham’spotent,natural,locallymadeskincare, TheEssentialssetisacuratedintroduction.Fortheholidays,thesetalsofeaturesbeautiful packagingdesignedbycelebratedlocalartistJudyMillar.TheEssentialscontainssevenluxury minis,includinganIlluminatingOilCleanser,SkinResetFaceSerumandSupernaturalDay emmalewisham.com minis, including an Illuminating Oil Cleanser, Skin ResetFace Serum and Supernatural Day Creme.

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Forthebeachbumorgymbuff,howaboutgivingthe giftofhydration?Daeliproduceslocallymade,sugarfreeelectrolytes,designedtopromotefocus,energy andrecovery.MadewithpureNZseasalt,thispocketsizedsupplementtransformsyourwaterwiththetaste ofsaltedpineapple,limeade,watermelonandmango. Teamwithabeachtowelordrinkbottleforsweaty daysinthesun. drinkdaeli.com

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Craftedusingagedsingle-maltwhiskyatScapegrace’s CentralOtagodistillery,ThunderDonkisasmallbatch,award-winningflavouredwhiskythatpacksa seriouspunch.Forthediscerningdrinker,theGiftBox ($65)featuresyourchoiceofSpicedMapleorSalted CaramelWhisky,withtwo30mlbrandedshotglasses. Or,revamptheirbarcartbyteamingabottle($55)with tumblersandadecanter. scapegracedistillery.com/thunderdonk.com

WALDORFSALAD

Retroisinandthissimple, stylishsaladjustshowsthat somethingsnevergooutof fashion.We’veleftoutthe mid-centuryabominations (jellyandmarshmallows!)and keptitclassic.Crispapples andceleryareessentialforthe crunchandwalnutsand sultanasaddextraburstsof flavourandtexture.

Serves4

Ingredients

2greenapples(suchasgrannysmith), thinlysliced

1lemon,zestandjuice

1–2celerysticks,thinlysliced

1⁄2 cupwalnuts,roughlychopped

1⁄2 cupsultanas

Dressing

3Tbspmayonnaise

3Tbspnaturalunsweetenedyoghurt

2Tbsplemonjuice

1tspDijonmustard Saltandblackpepper

STYLENEVER SLEEPS

Catchupwiththelatestfashion.

Method Toastthewalnutsinadryfryingpan untilfragrant,thenleavetocool. Zestandjuicethelemon.Setaside2 Tbspoflemonjuiceforthedressingand sprinkletherestovertheslicedapple. Whiskallthedressingingredients togetherinasmallbowl. Combineallthesaladingredientsin alargebowl,addthedressing,andtoss gently.Thisisalightlydressedsalad— youdon’twantthefreshnessobscured bytoomuchdressing.

—fresh.co.nz

ThebestWaldorfsaladkeepsitsimplewithcrisp ingredientsandalight,creamydressing.

PHOTO/FRESHMEDIA

GIANTCROSSWORD

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CRYPTICCROSSWORD

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5. Soundoftinyfeetofpertpet:traitthat needsadjusting(6-6)

6. MisstheItalianversion(9)

7. Cametohearaboutnon-uneutral(5)

8. Humorouswritingmightcauseone tears(6)

11. Indifferentstory-tellingbysomebody inferior(4,8)

15. Oneonthewatchforaweekly(9)

16. Plantneedingair,wasittoflourish(8)

17. Itcanlayaround,subjecttoanalysis (8)

19. AnapMamighttakeinahat(6) 20. Alineofshopstoputonshow(6)

23. Nothingmorethantherecordneeded fordanceentertainment(5)

TARGETWORD

Howmanywordsoffourormoreletters canyoumake?Thereisatleastone nine-letterword.Eachlettermaybeused onlyonceandallwordsmustcontainthe centreletter.Nowordsstartingwitha capital,nopluralsendinginsunlessthe wordisalsoaverb.

Searchthetriangle tofindaten-letter

Youmayonlyentereachofthechambers onceandmayonlyproceedthrough openingsinthewalls.Thefirstlettercan beinanyofthetenchambers.

KAKURO

Fillintheblanksquaresofthegrid,using1to9, withoutrepeatinganynumberinanyrunline.The linesmustbefilledinwithnumberswhichaddupto thetotalintheshadedboxatthetoporbeginningof eachline.

Anumberinthebottomhalfoftheshadedboxgives averticaltotal;inthetophalf,it’sahorizontaltotal. It’susefultolearnnumbercombinations:for instance, a clueof16overtwosquarescanonlybe7and9. Aclueof7over3squarescanonlybe1+2+4. Foraprintablelistofthenumbercombinationsgo to:www.kakuro.com/singlecombos.php

HOROSCOPES

ARIES(Mar21-Apr19): Thingsgethectic. Stepbackandask:“What’sthelarger pattern?What’sthismomenttryingtoshow me?”Fromthemostloving,wiseversionof myself,howwouldIviewthis?”Big-picture thinkingliftsyouabovethedrama.

TAURUS(Apr20-May20): Fateloves conviction.Yourconfidencewillattractallies, followersandpotentialteammembers.Feel likeyou’repretending?That’sagoodsign. Pretendingisforthecreativeandthebold. Pretendingbecomestruth.

GEMINI(May21-Jun21): Youfeelthebuzz ofsomethingyouwanttoshare.Whetherit’s agoodsecretorabadsecret,keepingthe infoinsideyouishard,nottomentionlonely. Weighthecostsandconsequencesofletting itout.

CANCER(Jun22-Jul22): You’vebeenin motionforweeks;nowthestillnesswants tomeetyou.Stop.Breathe.Stretchtoward sunlight.Listenforwhat’sunderneaththe noise.Thequietwillrearrangeyourmolecules. Stillnessisspirittuningitselftoyou.

LEO(Jul23-Aug22): There’snoreasonto lookatanyunwantedbehaviourandsay,“I’m justlikethis,”ordesirablebehaviourandsay, “I’mnotlikethat.”Reachforwhatyouwant. Whatothershavedone,socanyou.

VIRGO(Aug23-Sep22): Todayfollowsa stageofgrowththatisprettymuchuniversal. Theawkwardorintimidating,whenvisited withregularity,startstofeelnatural.Andone day,yourealiseyoumightactuallybegoodat it.Youcouldmasterthis,ifyoukeepgoing.

SIMONSHUKER’SCODE-CRACKER

G IANT ACROSS:

1Ashes,4Figurine,9Jargon,14Abuse,15Moreoftenthannot,17Fetid, 18Hop,19Mystery,20Triggered,21Malady,24Pretender,25Layers,26Script,29 Celebrated,31Tot,32Degree,33Slip,35Hue,37Bare,39NorthPole,40Trafalgar,41 Rogue,42Foreseen,47Globally,51Sonic,55Unsavoury,56Loveliest,58Open,59 Eve,60Tart,61Stupor,62Air,63Barefooted,66Seethe,67Doodle,69Northerly,72 Onrush,73Maintains,75Fanatic,77Rum,80Exile,81Fittowakethedead,82Often, 83Snared,84Speckled,85Atsea. DOWN: 2Storyline,3Event,5Idea,6Uttered,7Inauguration,8Ernie,9Jittery,10Rife, 11Outlay,12Pushy,13Seaport,14Advance,16Forbearance,22Pester,23Frigate, 24Precede,25Lather,27Illegal,28Recall,30Dahl,32Deign,34Party,36Lamb,38 Ado,42Fault,43Reserve,44Save,45Equity,46Anger,48Outofbreath,49Apology, 50Lie,51Symptom,52Cleave,53Overandabove,54Club,57Earthy,64Extricate,65 Sharpen,66Sparrow,68Dwarfed,70Ransack,71Assign,72Omits,74Notes,76Audit, 78Near,79Cede.

LIBRA(Sep23-Oct23): Experienceisn’t whathappenstoyou;it’swhatyoudowith whathappenstoyou.Spendsometime anticipatingwhatcouldgowrong.Dothiswith kindness,notshame.Thinkabouthowyou couldmakeoldmistakeshardertorepeat.

SCORPIO(Oct24-Nov21): Peoplethink theyaregoingthroughsomethingthatis onlyhappeningtothem,butsomanyofour experiencesareuniversal.Letthisinformation helpyoufeellessalone,knowingthatshared painandjoydon’tmakeanyonelessunique.

SAGITTARIUS(Nov22-Dec21): Someone findsyoufascinating.Eventhoughyouresist theurgetotalkaboutyourself,you’llbe studied,laudedandlovedforwhatyou’ve doneandwhoyouare.

CAPRICORN(Dec22-Jan19): Youstarted theendeavourwithlowexpectations,just hopingnottobeawful.Thatcombinationof humilityandgutsisnowpayingoffforyou. Nowyou’recapable,maybeevengifted.Keep going.Masteryisnotfar-fetched.

AQUARIUS(Jan20-Feb18): “Neverseem morelearnedthanthepeopleyouarewith. Wearyourlearninglikeapocketwatchand keepithidden.Donotpullitouttocountthe hours,butgivethetimewhenyouareasked.”

–LordChesterfield

PISCES(Feb19-Mar20): You’llbereading betweenthelinestoday.Whenyoulisten,you dosowithbothearsandintuition.You’llcatch what’sunsaid,especiallysubtlecriticism. Letthisbeasignaltosteertowardmore supportivecompany.

BLACK OUT

Wehaveremovedalltheblacksquaresfromthis crosswordgridandreplacedthemwithletters. Canyoublackoutallthesurplusletterstoreveal thecorrectlyfilledcrosswordgridpattern?

1. Anextinctanimal(8) 6. Notdifferent(4) 7. Getawayfrom(6)

Depart(5)

Footwear(5)

Doingajobwith something(5)

Splitintosmallerparts (6) 18. Somethingthathelps youfindtheanswertoa puzzle(4)

19. Unwillingtoco-operate (8) DOWN 1. Withyourappearance changedsothatpeoplewill notrecogniseyou(9) 2. Labelled(5)

3. Highplayingcards(4)

Howmanywordsofthreeormoreletterscan youmakefromtheseblocks?Youmayuseeach letteronlyonce.PluralsareOKbutnowords startingwithacapitalletterareallowed.Thereis atleastonewordthatusesallfiveletters.

Down: 1.Disguised,2.Named,3.Aces,4.Rockets,5.Hop,8. Evergreen,10.Enemies,14.Igloo,15.Menu,17.Ink. BuildAWord abs,bar,bars,boa,boar,BOARS,boas,bra,bras,bro,bros,oar, oars,orb,orbs,rob,robs,soar,sob.

Across: 1.Dinosaur,6.Same,7.Escape,9.Under,11.Leave,12. Shoes,13.Using,16.Divide,18.Clue,19.Stubborn.

4. Missilesthataresentinto space(7) 5. Jumpononefoot(3) 8. Atreethatdoesn’tshed itsleaves(9) 10. Foes(7) 14. Ahousemadeofhard snow(5) 15. Restaurant’smeallist(4) 17. Liquidinsideapen(3) Crossword