Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 28, 2025 i New Zealand Woman's Weekly

On any given day, the streets of Paris are filled with women on their way to some glamorous event. But the City of Lights received an extra dose of chicness last week when the biggest names in Hollywood and fashion gathered for the opening gala of Haute Couture Week – Le Bal d’Été – at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Marie Antoinette director Sofia Coppola, 54, served as the host and artistic director of the annual event, which raised almost half a million dollars for the museum. The Academy Award winner said of her inspiration, “I hope it feels like a celebration of Paris and an occasion to dress up surrounded by beauty, art de vivre.” Though she has largely kept out of the spotlight in recent years, Kirsten Dunst,…

After years of being Hot N Cold, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom have officially ended their romance. Rumours of their split had been circulating for weeks and were only strengthened when Orlando, 48, attended the lavish Venice wedding of Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos alone. The pair, who share four-year-old daughter Daisy, finally confirmed the news. Their representatives released a statement saying, “They have been shifting their relationship over the past many months to focus on co-parenting. They will continue to be seen together as a family, as their shared priority is – and always will be – raising their daughter with love, stability and mutual respect.” The Pirates of the Caribbean star first caught Katy’s eye when he tried to swipe one of her burgers at a Hollywood party in…

As a child, Dame Fiona Kidman loved to listen in on other people’s conversations. That innate curiosity, she believes, laid the foundations for her remarkable career as one of New Zealand’s most distinguished writers. At 85, she’s still putting pen to paper, but the literary legend admits her eavesdropping skills aren’t quite what they used to be. “I’m deaf!” she laughs. “I have hearing aids but it’s very frustrating because I’m not anywhere near as good at picking up conversations as I used to be.” Fiona’s speaking to the Weekly from her house on the hill in Hataitai, Wellington, where she’s lived for 51 years. With views across Cook Strait, the airport, Hutt Valley and the mountains beyond, her home provides an ever-changing vantage point that she can’t imagine being…

With a little owl nuzzled into her hand for the first time, nibbling on her fingers as she gently hand-fed it, Gloria Harris was smitten. That was some 30 years ago and since then, she has rescued more than 300 ruru nohinohi (little owl), affectionately earning her the title of “Owl Lady” around Invercargill. “They’re just endearing wee guys, especially as chicks – they’re just so cute,” smiles Gloria, 72. Thinking back to where it all started, Gloria explains that she was always fascinated by owls. After talking to a friend who worked at the nearby Queens Park Aviary, where abandoned chicks were sometimes dropped off, she shared she’d love the chance to help rehabilitate them. Within a week, two baby nohinohi owlets were delivered to her doorstep in a…

Mushroom broth with green tea soba PREP + COOK TIME 55 MINUTES SERVES 4 50g whole dried shiitake mushrooms 20g fresh ginger, sliced 20g dried kombu (edible kelp) 4 star anise 2 litres (8 cups) vegetable stock 1/3 cup (80ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup (10g) dried wakame (edible kelp) 4 medium portobello mushrooms 180g green tea soba noodles ½ teaspoon gochugaru (see tip) 1 Place shiitake mushrooms, ginger, kombu, star anise and stock in a large saucepan over medium heat. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. Strain into a large heatproof jug. Return stock to saucepan. Reserve shiitake mushrooms, discard the remaining solids. 2 Pat reserved shiitake mushrooms dry with a paper towel. Reserve 8 shiitake mushrooms to serve and thinly slice…

Winter doesn’t have to mean dull, parched skin from shoulders to soles. With a few tweaks to your routine – and the right products – you can keep your body soft, strong and glowing all season long. That cold air? It’s sneaky. It strips moisture, saps softness, and leaves your skin feeling tight, itchy and flaky. And with indoor heating only making matters worse, it’s no wonder your limbs and extremities need extra care. The good news? A consistent, targeted routine makes all the difference. Care for your extremities Hands and feet often get hit hardest in winter – cracked skin, rough patches, plus constant exposure to cold and moisture swings take their toll. Show them some love daily with a rich, nourishing hand cream and a thick, repairing foot…

1 What feels most satisfying? ❍ A. Finishing something you can actually hold in your hands ❍ B. Finally mastering a new skill ❍ C. Losing track of time while doing something meditative ❍ D. Having a fun fact no one else knows ❍ E. Expressing yourself in a way that feels totally you 2 Pick a quote that speaks to your soul ❍ A. “The world always seems brighter when you’ve just made something that wasn’t there before” ❍ B. “Don’t be afraid to be a beginner” ❍ C. “Grow through what you go through” ❍ D. “We’re all just stories in the end” ❍ E. “Normal is boring – and kind of a myth, anyway” 3 Your ideal shopping trip is ❍ A. A quiet op shop where…

My dad died in 1964. I keep thinking of a conversation we might have if he were to call up to find out what was going on. Obviously, we’d talk about family first, long and hard. Then he’d want to know about life on Earth. I reckon his first question might be: “Can cars fly yet?” (That’s what we all imagined in the ’60s.) I’d have to tell him, “No. Too many planes up there now anyway. Driverless cars, though.” “Driven by robots?” “No, by computers.” “Computers?” “Ummm…stunningly swift machines.” “Anyone on the Moon,” my dad would ask. “Yes, some people got up there shortly after you left.” “Are they building anything up there?” “No, they’re not doing anything up there. Just dust. There won’t be any pressure to live…

Letters to the Editor ON TOP OF THEIR GAME ● Winning letter Thanks for packing our mag so full of good local information and inspiring success stories this week (NZWW, July 14). I had no idea that professional netball in New Zealand was facing such a struggle to survive. It’s not a sport I’ve ever participated in, but a good friend of mine is a real fan, and I know she’d be devastated if it faded away through lack of support and investment. It seems Anna Stanley, Adine Wilson and Jenny Woods are not going to concede defeat any time soon! The next thing for me to read about was Lego Masters NZ champions Emily Fryer and Sarah Mosley. Who knew it was an enduring interest for adults? But we’ll…

We were never an artsy family. Growing up, my brother and I had no talent that needed to be nurtured by our parents. My brother Tony did learn the bagpipes for a hot minute, but it was a merciful release for us and our neighbourhood when he went away to boarding school. I starred in the Waihi College form two production of Cinderella, but there were no stage schools to which I could be sent to foster what little ability I had. I suspect my deeply Catholic father would have had the wrong idea about what it is that thespians were and did, and besides, he wanted my brother and I to go into safe jobs where we’d be guaranteed a wage every month. As a family, we tended to…

POLKINGHORNE by Steve Braunias (Allen & Unwin, $37.99) Somebody was always going to write a book about the murder trial that gripped New Zealand. Last year, eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne stood accused of the murder of his wife Pauline Hanna in their Auckland home. Award-winning journalist and author Steve Braunias was inside the courtroom, and this is his account of the investigation and the extraordinary events and scandals surrounding the case. An engrossing read for anyone who wants to go beyond the headlines of a Kiwi trial. BEYOND HAPPY by Mark Fabian (HarperCollins, $39.99) This is the book for anyone who is feeling a bit “meh” about life right now. UK wellbeing expert Mark Fabian explains that evolution has wired us to keep happiness just out of reach. His mission…

Double serve! While she’s busy taking the West End by storm, Vanessa Williams, 62, took the chance to immerse herself in a classic British pastime – enjoying a glass of Pimm’s at Centre Court at Wimbledon. Picture perfect As if a Tony Award wasn’t enough, Sarah Snook, 37, has now cemented her place as a Broadway icon after having her caricature hung on the hallowed walls of New York restaurant Sardi’s. She joins the likes of Lucille Ball, Robert De Niro and Patti LuPone. Lying low Jennifer Lopez, 55, soaked up one last day of relaxation in Spain before kicking off her Up All Night Tour. It’s the first time the Jenny From the Block singer has toured in six years, after she cancelled last year’s planned concerts as her…

Two become one! Melanie Brown finally has her happily ever after, tying the knot with her hairdresser beau Rory McPhee, 37, in London. The ceremony was held in the OBE Chapel in St Paul’s Cathedral, where only members of the Order of the British Empire or their children are allowed to marry. Mel B, 50, received an MBE in 2022 in recognition of her charitable work supporting survivors of domestic violence. Emma Bunton, 49, was the only Spice Girl on hand to support her bandmate, while Victoria Beckham, 51, and Melanie Chisholm, 51, sent messages of support on social media.…

The royal family was out in force for the three-day visit to the UK by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte. William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, looked spectacular at the state banquet at Windsor Castle, but behind the scenes, they’ve spoken candidly about the difficult journey they face as Kate continues life in remission from cancer, which she revealed in January. She recently shared how challenging the period after treatment can be, saying, “You have to find your new normal and that takes time,” and, “It’s a life-changing experience not only for the patient but for families as well.” Her words have resonated with so many. By speaking openly about the realities of life after cancer, they’ve started an important conversation. From page 50,…

When it comes to walking, Gillian Anderson isn’t what you’d call a huge fan. In fact, a leisurely trot around the block with her beloved labradoodle Stella is pretty much where she draws the line. So stepping into the sturdy hiking boots of her latest character Raynor Winn – in the biopic The Salt Path – was a surprise move for the Hollywood A-lister. For the role, The X Files star, 56, rambled up hill and down dale, trekked across windswept beaches, teetered on rugged clifftops and sheltered from the elements in forest hollows. And then there was the cumbersome backpack. “It was more challenging than the Thatcher wig,” she laughs, in reference to her previous role as the former British prime minister in The Crown. “It was a thing…

Gliding across the dance floor in a foxtrot or waltz, everything else fades away for 79-year-old Beverley De Bont as she focuses on the music and movement. For the past 60 years, rarely a day has gone by that she hasn’t danced or taught others. “When I walk into the dance studio, I’ve always left everything else behind,” shares Beverley. “It’s another world.” But in 2020, she feared her dancing days were over when, seemingly out of nowhere, she experienced severe pain in her knees while walking to the letterbox. “There was no warning,” she recalls. “I was trying to work out what I’d done and why my knees were so sore.” A trip to the doctor confirmed her worst fears. It was arthritis and would likely require knee replacement…

It’s easy to be tempted by a 30 percent off sales tag on a glittery dress or lose your mind over some half-price shoes. That adrenaline rush of bagging a bargain and having bragging rights over getting something for a fraction of the price is all powerful. But if you keep a clear head and approach sales s scientifically rather than emotionally, you’ll have a much better chance of not getting buyer’s remorse and having a bunch of items languishing at the back of your wardrobe. Because a bargain is never a bargain if it’s never worn. That makes it a costly mistake. THE SUPERSTARS ● Keep an eye out for sales by designers and stores you like but may not be able to afford to buy from regularly. Now…

Life is colourful. I believe your home should be too. I’ve spent the past eight years creating spaces that make people happy – rooms bursting with colour, pattern and soul. I want to show you how to do the same because I believe it will enhance every aspect of your life! MY COLOUR THEORY THE WORLD IS GETTING LESS COLOURFUL When the Science Museum Group analysed photos of everyday objects, they determined that our possessions were becoming less and less colourful over time, and the story went viral – and kept going viral for years as new people shared it. This study confirmed what most of us have already observed: Our world is losing saturation, charm and uniqueness as design becomes more homogenised. I believe the study got so much…

“It is possible,” I said to my husband and anyone else who’d listen over recent weeks, “that I am too old to do jobs that scare me this much.” I said this even as I was wheeling my suitcase out the door, heading to the airport to take an international flight to do that actual job. And I’m writing this on the other side of it, with relief that it is over and pride that – spoiler – I made it work. I am also exhausted. The specifics of the job aren’t important. (For the record, eight days on a cruise ship performing half-a-dozen solo shows I’d never done quite this way before.) But you will get the general nature of this fear. Of committing to something when you’re not…

WEEKLY STAFF EDITOR Marilynn McLachlan LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY EDITOR Anna Lee CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Denise Bowden SUB-EDITOR Darren Bevan ART DIRECTOR Mirella Monteiro DESIGNERS Anna Pétursdóttir, Béla Trussell-Cullen, Debby Wei, Hayley Pearce PHOTO EDITOR Kellie Blizard CONTRIBUTORS Donna Fleming, Fleur Guthrie, Kasia De Vydt-Jillings, Fiona Hawtin, Megan McChesney, Nicky Pellegrino, Rebekah Hebenton, Sophie Neville ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Claire Chisholm claire.chisholm@aremedia.co.nz SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Chloe Jordan, Amy Madden ACCOUNT MANAGER Sara Grace Aldis SENIOR COMMERCIAL BRAND MANAGER Angela Wei angela.wei@aremedia.co.nz COMMERCIAL BRAND MANAGER Georgia van Koningsveld DIRECTORY SALES MANAGER Kim Chapman 021 673133 classifieds@xtra.co.nz ARE MEDIA GROUP MANAGEMENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jane Huxley GENERAL MANAGER Stuart Dick EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sarah Henry PRIVACY NOTICE New Zealand Woman’s Weekly is published by Are Media Limited (Are Media). Are Media may use and disclose your…

Senior royals rolled out a lavish welcome for French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte for their three-day state visit to the UK last week. While the Princess of Wales had missed the carriage ride at Royal Ascot to put her health first, Catherine and her husband William, Prince of Wales, were the first to greet Emmanuel, 47, and Brigitte, 72, upon their arrival before they travelled to Windsor, where King Charles and Queen Camilla formally welcomed them. The party of six then rode in carriages through the town of Windsor as part of the formalities, which included a guard of honour in the castle’s quadrangle, a performance of the national anthems and lunch. Later that day, The Firm came out in force at a glamorous state banquet, where…

Jo Robertson has built a career on what goes on between the sheets. While growing up, she experienced a number of unsafe sexual encounters. And although challenging, they sparked in her a curiosity about where people got their templates for what sex and relationships should be like. She also saw a therapist for her own sexual pain. The 37-year-old, who appeared on Married at First Sight NZ as an expert, now specialises in relationships, infidelity and trauma. The mum-of-two is also a passionate parenting educator and public speaker. Her research into how accessible porn and illegal content have become available to children online has turned into a crusade to see change, and Jo regularly presents to government agencies. As for Jo’s own relationship, she’s married to Dave, 39, CEO of…

Butter prawns PREPARATION + COOK TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 6 500g raw large king prawns 60g (½ cup) cornflour 1 teaspoon salt Neutral-flavoured cooking oil, for deep-frying 60g garlic, crushed 20g bird’s eye chillies, sliced finely 20g curry leaves 40g caster sugar 2 teaspoons chicken stock powder EGG FLOSS 240g egg yolks (from about 4 eggs), lightly beaten 200g butter or margarine 200ml neutral-flavoured cooking oil 1 First, clean the prawns. Using sharp kitchen scissors, first cut the rostrum (the sharp spine above the prawn head). Then trim off the sharp top of the head, the whiskers and legs. Next, cut off the telson (the sharp point on the tail). Using a toothpick, prick into the middle to devein the prawns. 2 Rinse prawns under cold running water. Drain and…

I’ve never had more interest in a holiday we’ve taken – it seems everyone has Japan on their bucket list! My verdict after 10 days exploring Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with my husband and two teenagers? Japan absolutely lives up to the hype. 1 The culture shock (in the best way) It’s not just the culture – it’s the way things are done. From the ultra-polite etiquette to the meticulous organisation, Japan operates on a level of efficiency that is fascinating to experience. From vending machines on every corner, bidets in all bathrooms, including public loos, 3D digital billboards, quirky cafés with pet-able pigs, cats, owls and capyneko, to the contrast between temples and contemporary cityscapes, you’re left with no doubt that you’re no longer in New Zealand. 2 Public…

LEO Jul 24 – Aug 23 Your season begins and the spotlight’s yours. Let your confidence lead, but remember – humility opens more doors. A project you shelved could be worth revisiting now. Celebrate yourself this week – even in small ways. When you feel good, your energy uplifts everyone. VIRGO Aug 24 – Sep 23 Your quiet strength is your superpower this week. You’re tying up loose ends behind the scenes and preparing for something new. Pay attention to what drains you and make space to recharge. An act of kindness or insight midweek will remind you that you are indeed on the right path. LIBRA Sep 24 – Oct 23 There’s movement on a goal or dream that has felt stuck. Keep saying yes to collaboration. A social…

Just sell your house and buy another one. It’s such a small, simple sentence – a solution to the problem of a shrinking pay packet, increasing age bracket and the expanding cost of living. Just sell your house and buy another one. That’s right, our family is doing the old downsize. Downsize your home, your debt and your worries. And as it turns out, massively increase the stress and anxiety in your life. Last year, over a drink, Megan and I agreed a simple change of home would be a sensible thing to do in terms of our long-term financial future, combined with the highly unlikely chance of TV work drying up. I mean, when has that ever happened? So it was decided. Two simple steps – sell our house…

Giant leap for womenkind The sky’s the limit for the new breed of astronauts Space exploration is the theme of the latest novel by superstar author Taylor Jenkins Reid. It’s not a topic I thought I had much interest in, but this author has the power to fascinate me with whatever she chooses to write about. Her previous book, Carrie Soto is Back, was about tennis and I couldn’t put that one down either, despite really not caring about the sport. Atmosphere gives us nail-biting drama with a race against time and people’s lives on the line. But at heart, this is a love story, and a study of one woman learning who she is and what she truly wants from life. It’s the 1980s and the first female astronauts…