Lisa was born in Auckland at the start of the 1970s, living in a small campsite community on the North Shore called Browns Bay. She spent a significant part of her life with her grandparents, often hanging out at the beaches. Lisa has many happy memories from those days at Browns Bay beach, where fish were plentiful on the point and the ocean was rich in seaweed. She played in the water for hours, going home totally “sun-kissed.” “An adorable time to grow up,” Lisa tells me.

Lisa enjoyed many sports; she was a keen tennis player and netballer, playing in the top teams for her age right up until the family moved to Wellington. Lisa was fifteen years old, which unfortunately marked the end of her sporting career. Local teams were well established in Wellington, and her attention was drawn elsewhere.

As game bird hunting seasons conclude across the country, early indications suggest the 2025 season has been another successful year for New Zealand's hunting community.

With just one month to go until the much-anticipated Manu Samoa v Flying Fijians test match at Rotorua International Stadium, excitement is building - and it’s just been dialled up another level. 

Award-winning hip hop legend King Kapisi MNZM has been announced as the official halftime performer, bringing his powerful Pasifika voice and high-energy stage presence to centre field on Saturday 6 September. 

In recent years, adult colouring books have exploded in popularity, and it's not hard to see why. These beautifully illustrated books offer a creative outlet that's both soothing and stimulating. But beyond their entertainment value, colouring books have some surprising benefits that can positively impact both mental and emotional well-being.

Emerging Global Trends in Fresh Produce: Insights for Aotearoa

As New Zealand settles into the colder months, global insights reveal emerging patterns that are likely to influence what Kiwi shop for, cook with, and think about fresh produce. Here are five key trends to watch for in the second half of 2025.

Entries are now open for Photographer of the Year, New Zealand’s largest and most prestigious photographic event.

AUCKLAND, Tuesday 8 July 2025: Aotearoa's high ranking as one of the world’s most self-sufficient countries is a huge source of pride for our nation’s fruit and vegetable growers who are ramping up our fresh produce supply as global trade tensions escalate. 

Last Sunday, Gem and I travelled up the west coast of the Coromandel Peninsula to the stunning little settlement of Coromandel town..

The drive from Thames to Coromandel took about an hour, but was very picturesque. The road up was a bit dodgy (skinny) with loads of vehicles towing large caravans or Boats along the way. I was happy Roxanne (The Caravan) was resting back in Thames for this trip.

The first day of tour where we are staying one night in Tokaanu then a week in Thames, and a week in Rotorua was very eventful and frightening.