Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 21, 2024 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

As we hit the printer, the first episode of the newly rebooted Married At First Sight New Zealand is yet to air, but I’ve been lucky to sneak a peek at some preview episodes and I’m hooked already! While we were warned the Kiwi contestants wouldn’t be quite as scandalous or feisty as their outrageous Aussie counterparts, there’s still plenty of drama – as you’ll read in our MAFS NZ correspondent Hayley Barnett’s juicy interview with bride Kara Lester on page 18. And when I had lunch with experts John Aiken and Jo Robertson last week, they promised things are going to get even messier. I can’t wait! Meanwhile, elsewhere in the mag, we chat to more reality TV stars… On page 12, Celebrity Treasure Island favourite Edna Swart introduces…

Seven months after he died, a criminal investigation into Matthew Perry’s death has been launched. Drug Enforcement Administration staff are looking into how the Friends star, 54, got hold of the ketamine that was found in his system at the time of his death, interviewing key people in Hollywood in an attempt to prosecute whoever provided him with the toxic drug. Matthew was found dead in the spa of his LA home last October. It was initially reported he had drowned but later confirmed he died from the acute effects of ketamine. His body was found to have the equivalent amount of the general anesthesia given to surgical patients.…

When Woman’s Day catches up with Edna Swart and her delicious new arrival Astyn, it’s four weeks to the day since he made his dramatic entry into the world. Today, as her son snoozes, the reality star and skincare entrepreneur is bubbly and glowing as she shares the joys of being a mum, but it was a different story a month ago. While recounting Astyn’s birth, she admits it’s the first time she’s been able to speak about his traumatic delivery without crying. “I get very emotional talking to my family and friends about what happened,” shares the 34-year-old star of Celebrity Treasure Island and BossBabes. “Talking to them has been my therapy and has helped me find some peace with it. “Midwives probably laugh when they hear expectant mums…

‘I got in a bit of panic and thought he might be missing or drowned’ Maz Quinn has a great view of the surf from his Gisborne home and most days makes the short trek to his local beach to get on his board. It’s a routine he’s had for decades. But following a life-changing incident last year, it’s not one he takes for granted. The 47-year-old Kiwi surfing legend and reality TV star was enjoying a winter surf about 300m off shore at Māhia last June, when a powerful wave picked him up and dropped him onto a rocky ledge, straight onto his back and torso. As soon as it happened, Maz knew he was in trouble. “I hit the bottom instantly and felt a massive bang on my…

At 22, budding cook Lourdes Leschen was as shocked as anyone when she got the call-up to be a contestant on this season of MasterChef Australia. “I was shaking like a leaf,” Lourdes confesses. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen.” The Melbourne marketing coordinator and cookbook collector has been dishing up treats for her friends and family for years, so they were all thrilled to see Lourdes take her culinary skills to the next level on TV. “I don’t think my mum’s ever called me that many times in one day,” Lourdes laughs. “And my yiayia [grandma] – this has made her year. She’s been a huge inspiration for my journey and given me such a deep appreciation of Spanish cooking.” With her Catalonian heritage,…

Cute, cuddly and with plenty of love to give, cats bring a lot of joy into our lives. If you’ve been thinking of adopting a feline fur baby, animal advocate Janelle Bloxsom says there are currently thousands of cats and kittens in shelters who are waiting for their forever homes. “Now is the perfect time to think about adopting, help relieve the pressure of overcrowding in shelters and save a precious life,” she tells. REASONS TO ADOPT Janelle says some people worry about adopting pets from shelters because they’ve been misled to believe they may have behavioural issues. However, she insists this simply isn’t true and rescue cats have everything it takes to make purr-fect pet companions, provided you have room. “The reality is there are thousands of healthy, well-socialised,…

Q I recently landed a support work role – is this long-term or a stepping stone to something else? I was in a toxic job for too long and now feel at peace, but I still have health concerns. Will these disappear? I’d like to retire in the next few years. Grateful MITCHELL SAYS There’s a lovely older lady in the spirit world around you from your mother’s side. She tells me that the support work role is exactly what you’re meant to be doing. I’m told the difficult personalities at your previous job drained your energy, but over the coming months, things will improve, and you’ll start to feel much more on track with your health and wellbeing. I’m picking up the new job has the potential to be…

Beyond Paradise 8.30PM MONDAY, BBC UKTV Love Actually’s Kris Marshall returns to play DI Humphrey Goodman in this hit spin-off of Death In Paradise. This season, Humphrey and his fiancée Martha (Sally Bretton) settle into their new life by the Devon coast and, each week, he and his team unravel a baffling crime – from a death on a steam train to a missing teacher. Last Laughs 8.30PM THURSDAY, THREE Hilarious RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under judge Rhys Nicholson hosts the spectacular, side-splitting finale of the New Zealand International Comedy Festival, showcasing the cream of Kiwi comics, including Rhiannon McCall (above) and Lana Walters (right). Prepare for plenty of laughs as the finalists of the Billy T Award and the Fred Award battle it out one last time. Sexy Beast…

Royal fans hoping for a reconciliation between Prince William and his estranged brother should give up all hope, according to top Windsor biographer Jennie Bond, who says Wills has now cut all ties with Prince Harry. “Dealing with ‘the Harry problem’ is probably just one step too far for William,” says Jennie, a veteran royal reporter. “I believe he has moved on with his life and has, to all intents and purposes, disowned the brother to whom he was once so close… We have to give up hope that the rift between the brothers will be healed at any time in the near future – or indeed ever.” While Harry, 39, had hoped to reunite with his family on his recent visit to the UK, he was snubbed by both…

A new marriage, a new job and an entirely new life! For sports broadcaster Kimberlee Downs, the past few months have been awash with change, but as she settles in for a coffee with Woman’s Day, the talented journalist is pleased to report she’s never been happier. “It’s been an absolute rollercoaster of a time!” she grins. “But change, growth and new challenges are all good, as far as I’m concerned.” Now a year into her marriage with Newshub sports journalist Ollie Ritchie, Kim, 33, has also switched up her career, making the call to leave her job at TVNZ to move to rivals Sky Sport, where she’s now hosting, presenting and reporting on a plethora of sports. It’s a dream come true for sports-mad Kim, but she admits she…

Rest, relaxation and a luxury resort – it’s the classic holiday combination that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. And that inviting image of lush palm trees and a long stretch of sand is what greeted me at Mission Beach in Queensland. Located just a two-hour drive from Cairns, the sleepy holiday haven, which is spread out over 14km and four villages, has a newly reopened resort with incredible wildlife spotting and snorkelling to tick off all the tourist boxes. FIVE-STAR STAY If you prefer your luxe stays with a slice of history, The Elandra Resort (theelandra.com.au) has it in spades. Originally opened in 2008 by legendary model and Slave To The Rythym singer Grace Jones, this resort was left abandoned to the Queensland jungle for years after…

MEDITERRANEAN LAYERED MEATLOAF SERVES 6 PREP 20 MINS COOK 1 HOUR • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1kg lamb mince • 1½ cups fresh breadcrumbs • ½ cup chopped basil leaves • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives • ¼ cup tomato paste • 1 egg, whisked • 285g jar roasted red capsicums, drained, chopped • 270g jar marinated eggplant, drained • 1 zucchini, cut into ribbons • 100g feta, crumbled • 1 tbsp pine nuts • crispy roast potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, mixed salad leaves, to serve 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 12x24cm loaf pan with baking paper, allowing edges to overhang by 5cm. 2 In a large frying pan, heat oil on medium. Sauté onion and garlic…

MOVIE FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA Post-apocalyptic blockbuster Mad Max: Fury Road is widely regarded as one of the greatest action movies of all time and this prequel does it justice. Yes, it’s largely trucks, motorbikes, weapons and explosions, but Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth are exceptional, and the filmmakers have so much fun with the chaos, it’s hard not to go along for the ride. IN CINEMAS NOW BOOK MANIA by Lionel Shriver The bestselling author of We Need To Talk About Kevin is back with a thought-provoking take on cancel culture. This novel envisions a world where the words “stupid” and “smart” are banned, and everyone’s opinions are seen as wise, no matter their IQ, bringing society to the brink of collapse. It’s not an easy read, but…

I’m drier than a desert! CRAZY CANNES EVA LONGORI As Hollywood’s finest descended on the French Riviera for the annual Cannes Film Festival, the Mexican-American Desperate Housewives darling ensured all eyes were on her at the Global Gift Gala event, wearing a sheer Yanina frock and carrying a a bottle of her own Casa Del Sol tequila. HUGH’S HAIR HOPES HUGH BONNEVILLE “Faded but hanging in there,” the actor posted from the Oxfordshire set of the third and final Downton Abbey movie. But was Hugh referring to the patch on his dressing gown or his silver locks?! AND JUST LIKE HAT SARAH JESSICA PARKER Check her out! Spotted on the NYC set of And Just Like That, SJP is clearly winning her war on sun damage with her latest weapon…

SELENA GOMEZ She cried when her film Emilia Perez received a minutes-long standing ovation, but the actress was all smiles the next day, looking stunning in Giambattista Valli. JACKIE MELLOR & BARRY KEOGHAN Peace of cake! Saltburn star Barry and his four-year-old Bird co-star Jackie looked adorable on the red carpet. EVA LONGORIA & ASIHWARYA RAI BACHCHAN The gorgeous actresses and L’Oréal brand ambassadors dazzled with a winning combination of good looks, sparkles and feathers. SIENNA MILLER It was her first red carpet, but Sienna’s daughter Marlowe, 11, was a natural by her mum’s side at the premiere of Sienna’s western epic Horizon: An American Saga.…

A mid the lights, the applause and the joy, Jean-Christophe Novelli had to quietly step to the side and compose himself while recording the upcoming final episode of this season’s MasterChef Australia. “It’s the best cooking job on the planet,” he tells Woman’s Day. “Working with all those amazing people is just a privilege... At the final, all the contestants were there, it was tears in the audience, it was spectacular and I went quietly on the side. “I’m supposed to be strong. I am strong. But you know, there’s something you can’t swallow. I was thinking, whatever we achieve in life, we will never have the only thing we want.” For the French-born chef, his greatest wish is for his sevenyear-old son Valentino, whom he shares with wife Michelle…

ISABELLA IN LOVE?! HEADSTRONG JOSEPHINE Arms raised above his head and with a look of pure joy on his face, Prince Christian could’ve been any teenager letting off steam in a nightclub. But the heir to the Danish throne’s fun-loving antics have raised eyebrows in the Copenhagen palace of Amalienborg after pictures were splashed across several Scandinavian magazines and newspapers. The photos come amid a particularly scandalous period for Denmark’s royal family, with King Frederik X and his Australian-born wife Queen Mary going through a rocky patch after former “playboy prince” Fred was reportedly spotted spending the night with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova in Spain shortly before he and Mary ascended the throne. While Mary is said to be happy to brush 18-year-old Christian’s behaviour off as kids being kids,…

Kiwi actor Xavier Horan says he “treasured the opportunity” to work alongside his nineyear-old daughter Peyton on skit series Only In Aotearoa – and it turns out the pair are quite the comedy act off screen. During our photoshoot, Peyton jokes that the best part of working on the show with her dad was “all the snacks I got”. The worst part? “Having him watch me like this,” she says, mimicking his intense stare. “I was like, ‘Can you give me some space please?!’” When asked if his girl takes direction well, Xavier laughs, “Not from me.” The 42-year-old has starred in TV shows like Westside, Shortland Street and Vegas, as well as movies The Dark Horse and Muru, plus both the big-and small-screen versions of The Dead Lands. His…

Imagine being 11 years old and your classmates shunning you because of an incurable skin condition. Kristin Kelly doesn’t have to imagine. “I was born with severe eczema, which I’ve battled my entire life,” shares the 59-year-old. “I’ve had some awful experiences because of it, including kids at school refusing to sit next to me because they didn’t want to catch what I had!” Whangārei-based Kristin has poured her life’s experience into her first children’s book, Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story, which aims to start a conversation about living with inflammatory dermatitis. “One in three New Zealanders suffer from eczema, including around 13-15% of school-age children, but we don’t tend to talk about it,” explains Kristin. “If you have eczema, you try to hide it and get rid of it…

Many of us achieve rosy cheeks with the magic of makeup, but for celebrities such as Cynthia Nixon, Renée Zellweger and Sofía Vergara, or the estimated 10% of New Zealanders who have rosacea, a flushed face often doesn’t feel so glam. “It’s hard because I get really red, so I’ve realised that I’ve had to treat my skin like sensitive skin, where I didn’t before,” tells Sofía, who developed the skin condition as an adult. We spoke to dermal therapist Danielle Joubert, who chats through everything you need to know. WHAT EXACTLY IS ROSACEA? Tricky to treat and sometimes occurring in outbreaks, rosacea is “a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by redness, sensitivity and often acne-like bumps”, says Danielle. While it typically affects the face, symptoms can also show up…

Maple lamb shanks with couscous A hearty dish perfect for a chilly evening SERVES 4 Mix 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika and 1 tsp ground cinnamon in a bowl. Separately, put 3 tbsp olive oil into a casserole dish on medium heat. When oil is hot, add spice mix. Fry for 1-2 mins. Add 4 lamb shanks to the pan, making sure they’re coated with the spices while browning the meat. After shanks are nice and brown, add 1 tin of chopped tomatoes, 1 chopped onion and 4 cloves finely chopped garlic. Cook for 2-3 mins. Add 2 cups chicken stock to pan, making sure lamb shanks are largely covered, and bring to the boil. Add salt and 3 tbsp pure maple syrup to…

Gemini 22 MAY – 21 JUNE As Jupiter settles into your arena, life should become more social – and more colourful too. Beautiful clothes catch your eye and your bold tastes may call for an image overhaul. Why not start by updating your cosmetics? STAR TIP With senses buzzing, concerts and food festivals should hit your sweet spot. KYLIE MINOGUE The Aussie songstress turns 56 on 28 May. Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 Something may be niggling you, but don’t project your frustration on to others. Review emails carefully before firing anything off and debrief with friends, preferably over a delicious meal! Strategies you formulate under these creative conditions could prove to be inspired. STAR TIP Singles, someone who’s not your usual type might make your heart flutter. Leo…

THE LAST BOOK I LOVED The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – I couldn’t put it down! A friend let me borrow this book as she thought I’d enjoy it given my background in journalism. I love a read with lots of twists and turns, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint! MY TOP PODCAST I’m actually not a huge podcast listener as I’m always listening to music. But when I’m after a little bit of something easy to listen to while I’m driving or getting ready, it would have to be Call Her Daddy. Basic, I know, but it’s so good. MY MUSIC OBSESSION It would have to be Lainey Wilson’s Wildflowers And Wild Horses – I’ve got it on repeat. It’s one of those songs…