Sommaire pour March 2020 de NEXT

It takes courage to read the paper right now. Every day it seems that catastrophes on a global scale are forming and just as one appears to resolve, another follows hot on its heels. Traditionally a slow news time in New Zealand, the start of 2020 has come roaring in at full pace. If the whole business is making you feel a little chaotic, then it’s a good time to tune in to the things you can control. I’m sorry if I’m sounding like Tony Robbins here, but figuring out what matters most and how we might make that happen is a useful exercise for us all. It doesn’t need to be running a multinational or writing a novel – although if you are channelling the muse, see our story…

To be in to win this Prene Bags duo, plus skincare goodies from Evolu, simply go online to nowtolove.co.nz, click on the ’win’ tab and enter your unique code NXTGIVEAWAY0320, or send an envelope marked ‘Prene/Evolu’ with your name, address and phone number to: Your NEXT Giveaway, Private Bag 92512, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141. All entries must be received by March 31, 2020. TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Information on how to enter forms part of these terms and conditions. Entry into this competition is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions. Entry is open only to New Zealand residents. Employees of Bauer Media Group, all prize suppliers, and their affiliates, agencies and immediate families are ineligible to enter.All entries must be received between February 10 and March 31, 2019.The prize is…

KAIORA TIPENE FUNERAL DIRECTOR The star of hit series The Casketeers shares her favourite music, movies, style icons, and how to get five boys out the door in the morning MY TYPICAL MORNING… I have five boys to organise in the morning – six including my husband. My 11-month-old is often my morning alarm, he wakes before 6am. I like to let him lie there for a bit because I enjoy watching him talk to the ceiling. It also gives me a five-minute window to check my phone for work updates. By then the baby has realised I’m awake and wants my attention so I get him changed, wash his face then put him in the lounge with a box of Lego, playing Anika Moa’s Songs for Bubbas 3. I…

Anxiety is a modern epidemic. Officially it affects around one in four New Zealanders – but talk to anyone who works in our schools and universities and they will tell you the problem is far bigger than that. Young people are suffering and mental health services are struggling to help. Last year, one US study showed the percentage of 18- to 26-year-olds suffering from an anxiety disorder had doubled since 2008. And it seems that women are far more likely to experience psychological distress than men. What if there was a new therapy for anxiety – non-invasive, no side effects, you’d barely even know you were on it except you felt calmer? What if that same treatment could work for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, support the mental health of…

Shahroo Izadi used to weigh 120kg and now that she’s thinner, she says it’s as if she’s gone undercover. “The people who don’t know that I used to be overweight treat me completely differently. They treat me with respect. It’s unsettling. My body might have changed, but I’m seeing through the same eyes.” Shahroo is 35, a not irrelevant age given that so many of her clients are of her generation, with formative experiences to match, she says. They come to her because they want to lose weight. This will seem trivial to some readers. It seemed trivial to me. When I was asked to interview the author of a new book called The Last Diet, I was circumspect. The fact that she sees her clients in a clinic in…

‘I made it my mission to turn myself into a positive-seeking searchlight’ Broke, lonely and overwhelmed by a sense of failure, Catherine Gray hit rock-bottom. But, as she reveals in this extract from her book The Joy of Ordinary, it took a surprisingly simple rethink to bring her back from the brink. “When I was 33 I was suicidal. I had moved back home with my mum, had no savings to my name, no partner and was convinced I was going to end up alone. Left behind by all my happy, successful friends, I was increasingly sinking wine to anaesthetise my despair. However, a year later, I had become a totally different person; one who couldn’t imagine ever wanting to leave this life. How? I decided to do two simple…

Beyoncé once famously said, “As soon as I accomplish one thing, I just set a higher goal. That’s how I’ve gotten to where I am.” It’s an admirable approach and no one could argue about how well it’s worked for her, so should we all be using this method? Setting and achieving goals is part of every aspect of life – how we conduct our relationships, what we want to achieve at work, the way we use our spare time. Without setting objectives, life can become chaotic and feel out of our control. There’s nothing wrong with shooting for the stars, but Beyoncé’s approach isn’t sustainable for everyone. However, setting ‘Smart’ goals is arguably one of the best methods to get to where we want to be. Some psychologists favour…

When Gwyneth Paltrow recommended a $22,600 24-karat gold dildo on her wellness and lifestyle platform Goop in 2016, described as “perfect for those who understand you can’t put a price on pleasure”, the internet went into a frenzy. Aside from the marvelling at the hefty price tag, people wondered what else might be stashed in her bedside drawer? They were illegal to sell in Texas until 2008 and remain so in Alabama, but the sex toy industry continues to transition from taboo to mainstream. Shows like Sex and the City in the late 1990s were mostly positive for the industry and more recently, erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey led to another phase of growth. By 2023, the global adult toy market is expected to reach $53.5 billion. So…

Tip As autumn approaches it’s time to add a little warmth to our wardrobes but a cute slingback heel will help keep that summery spring in your step. A classic black blazer is a universal staple. Pair it with a black dress and heels for the evening, or wear with a light sweater and jeans for a casual daytime look.…

Q: What is Freedom doing to ensure their rugs are ethically sourced? A: The handmade carpet industry exploits nearly 250,000 children globally. At Freedom we are proud to say that all the handmade rugs we stock carry the GoodWeave standard. GoodWeave is a global organisation directly helping to combat child exploitation and transform the rug industry by certifying child labour-free rugs and by providing education and opportunities to rescue at-risk children. Not only are Freedom’s handmade rugs beautiful, GoodWeave ensures the highest quality and craftsmanship of skilled adult artisans. Q: How do you know if you are buying an ethically made rug? A: Look for the GoodWeave label displaying a unique number, which can be traced back to the producer. This means the manufacturer has met high certification standards and…

“Real, not perfect is one of our core company values.” One of our newer recruits visibly squirmed at this, saying, “That’s going to be quite a shift for me… I’m such a perfectionist”. An impromptu seminar followed on the perils of perfectionism and the importance of self-compassion. Here is the condensed version of that conversation and the signs to look out for. ALL OR NOTHING I can still hear my mother reminding me that “Perfection is the enemy of the good” as I screwed up another sheet of paper trying to write the perfect essay/thank-youletter/job application. She was onto something – and science backs her up. Chasing perfection is injurious to our wellbeing for many reasons – one of which is that it sets us up for ‘all or nothing’…

‘KitKat chunky’ bars MAKES 12 BARS This little delight is modelled on the traditional KitKat’s ‘Chunky’ form – a more recent invention that sees one large, thick finger of crunchy wafer doused in a generous quantity of that same delicious chocolate. 270g (2 cups) coconut flour 375ml (1½ cups) melted coconut oil 3 tbsp maple syrup, coconut nectar or monk fruit syrup 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or powder Pinch of sea salt 300g (2 cups) Luke’s Chocolate (see online), or good quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped 1 Preheat oven to 180°C. Line a 20cm square baking tin and a large plate or tray with baking paper. 2 Add all the ingredients except the chocolate to a bowl and whisk together well. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and…

High-value nutrition foods are being harnessed by a growing number of New Zealand businesses. Here are a few examples: 1. RESTORATIVE BROTH Auckland husband and wife team Anna and Ralph Walker launched the first-of-its-kind Kai Tonic this year. The inspiration behind the brand came from Ralph’s business trips to Beijing, where he was introduced to a professor of Chinese medicine. “We talked about his knowledge of the vast array of perceived ‘potent medicinal’ foods in New Zealand; in particular, our seafood and the herbs used in traditional M¯aori medicine. I learned that in traditional Chinese medicine, food in its more natural state is seen as more absorbable than, say, capsules, where a higher degree of processing has taken place,” he says. Ralph was especially struck by the enduring popularity of…

NOTEBOOK AND PEN When you’ve got a million lists, diary dates and important thoughts whirling around in your head, sometimes the memory needs a little helping hand. Pop a cute notebook and favourite pen in your bag and you’re forearmed for that work meeting or school pick-up. PHONE CHARGER Let’s face it – you’d be lost without your phone, so be prepared for those high-usage moments with a charger cord at the ready. SUNSCREEN With New Zealand’s extreme burn times, you’re dicing with danger every time you step outside. Keep a little tube of sunblock handy so you can replenish throughout the day. HAIR TIES You’re forever picking them up off the car floor, but can you find one when you need it? Whether it’s to rescue your own bad…

Pisces Look forward to steady progress in your finances FEB 20 – MAR 20 RELATIONSHIPS A problem that placed a strain on your closest relationship at the start of this year will now be resolved. Happiness – and a feeling of relief – will start to flow. You’re in the process of laying a foundation that will need to last, so do it well. Easier times are on the way – at home, in the wider family and, importantly, in your love life. Monday the 9th, with the planet Mercury to-ing and fro-ing in Pisces, provides you with an answer to a mystery. MONEY With Jupiter, planet of prosperity, a continuing presence in reliable Capricorn, you can look forward to steady progress in your finances. A renewed sense of stability…

I was in a group of would-be counsellors and we were asked to do some ‘goal-setting’ for our health and self-care. The rest of the group didn’t seem to find it hard filling in their workbooks: their goals were to join choirs, set up community compost schemes, read Proust and do Pilates. Meanwhile, I doodled a dinosaur unicorn pillaging a medieval village and made a reservation at a tequila bar. I don’t really do goals. Even the word itself is bothersome. (Sports, ugh.) ONCE THE DESIRE IS OUT THERE, IT LOSES ITS APPEAL. IT’S LIKE IT BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE, NOT ME Goals are for people who save three grains of rice in a Tupperware container, iron their soccer shorts and tell you to set up a retirement fund when…

‘They’re just boobs! Half the population has them’ It’s a question man has grappled with since the dawn of time: if someone said something mean about you, would you want to know? Given this option semi-regularly by the person delivering her pre-opened work mail (“It’s for security reasons – but yes, it makes me feel like the Queen!” she laughs), an innately curious Hilary Barry typically errs on the side of ‘Go on then, hand the letter over.’ This is how Hilary first encountered Barbara. Or more specifically, Barbara’s indignation at being “assailed” one too many times by the Seven Sharp co-host’s cleavage-exposing low-cut tops. Those are Barbara’s words, by the way, not that they aren’t factually correct. Hilary does wear low-cut tops. Hilary does show her cleavage. But Hilary…

Wellington’s Rebekah Senanayake is willing to talk openly about having tried microdosing. She is planning to study for her master’s in the traditional cultural uses of psychedelics and has a part-time job looking after the social media for an organisation called the Chacruna Institute which researches and educates around psychedelic plant medicines. ‘I took a tiny, tiny dose every morning’ Rebekah was travelling in South America when she had her first experiences with ayahuasca. “It helps you think of things in a completely different way,” she says. “Afterwards, I felt a lot clearer in my mind and body, my interactions with other people were better and I could think more deeply.” But ayahuasca is also not without risks. In 2015, New Zealander Matthew Dawson-Carke died while taking it on a…

Exercise 1 Start by writing ‘My Soundtrack’ in the middle of a blank page with a circle around it. Think back to times when you’ve attempted to change your eating and exercise habits, but failed to keep it up. What kinds of things did you say to yourself in those moments when you realised you’d “failed” at keeping up your plan? Write down the messages you give yourself in those moments and draw a circle around each one as you go. Next, move on to the things you say to yourself in general when you’re finding something more difficult than you think you should, or you feel you’ve let yourself down in some way. Finally, write down the things you say about your body specifically when you don’t manage to…

If I had a page of text for every time I’ve heard something along the lines of, “I would totally write a romance novel, if only I had a spare weekend,” I’d have a workable draft by now. It’s not that easy, of course. But like the genre itself, the life of a romance novelist has an aspirational appeal – making a living (hopefully) from sending love and optimism out into a world that sorely needs it. So, if you harbour an ambition to write a romance, here’s a 10-step plan to get you started. 1 UNDERSTAND YOUR GENRE In the book industry, “romance novel” has a specific meaning. For all the dismissive talk that it’s a formulaic genre, there’s only one strict rule: your romance must have a happy…

MY JOB IN ONE SENTENCE: I thrive on empowering people to lead positive environmental change on their farms and in their communities right across New Zealand. CHANGE I’D LIKE TO SEE IN MY INDUSTRY: Pride in dairy restored and for dairy to be seen as a national champion (like the All Blacks). I’d love to see people in cities better connected to where their food comes from. ‘Open Farms’ – a nationwide Open Farm day on Sunday, March 1 – is an exciting new initiative. It’s a platform to connect people to the land where their food is produced and to the people who produce it for them. PERK OF THE JOB: I love my time on the farm, but what I value most is gaining inspiration from amazing people…

Born from her own experience and a desire to bring efficient and effective workouts to women who may not have the time or money to hit the gym, Move it Mama’s Lisa Fong has created HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts to suit all fitness levels. Move it Mama’s workouts use bodyweight only so there’s no equipment needed and they’re also simple, affordable, accessible and achievable exercise plans. The programmes take just 20 minutes, with a few minutes spent on descriptions and instructions to help get you started. The workouts vary in terms of intervals, rest periods, and activities, but they all offer a balance of resistance and cardio-based bodyweight movements. 1. LUNGE, SQUAT, LUNGE With feet hip-width apart and core engaged, step back with one leg into a lunge,…

If you’ve enjoyed the feeling of a clean, fuss-free face over the summer months and want to keep your makeup looking natural now that you’re back to your regular routine, try these quick, lightweight and easy approaches. Sheer genius ‘Apply foundation in small dots, only where needed’ Innovative new textures means a touch of colour and coverage for your face is easily achieved without an arsenal of tools, nor complicated colour-matching. In 2020, skin is going to look like skin, with a fresh, healthy glow taking over from anything too matte or powdered. From foundation oils that glide over skin and gels that adjust to match your tone, to tinted moisturisers that feel like wearing nothing, they are all welcome updates. These new arrivals have a number of things in…

“New year, new me” has become something of a battle cry, with many of us charging into the year with all the gusto we can muster after the indulgent festive season. While the idea of wanting to bring about positive change is completely commendable, New Year’s resolutions are often grand in scale and overwhelming in nature, making achieving them an uphill battle. Instead of giving yourself unrealistic goals which can place a lot of pressure on you early on, think about what ‘micro-resolutions’ you could work on instead. Micro-resolutions are simple, concrete actions performed daily that work towards achieving your end goal over time. We’ve looked at some straightforward (micro) steps you can take to guide you to a full and healthy year. 1 END GOAL: To drink more water…

Each of us is typically either a maximiser or satisficer. Answering the following questions (truthfully!) will identify which camp you most commonly fall into: Whenever you are faced with a choice, do you find yourself imagining what all the other possibilities are, even options that aren’t there at the present moment? No matter how satisfied you are with your job, do you believe it’s important to always be on the lookout for better opportunities? When you’re in the car listening to the radio, do you often check other stations to see if there’s something better playing, even if you’re relatively satisfied with what you’re listening to? Do you tend to treat relationships like clothing, expecting to try a lot on before finding the perfect fit? If you found yourself agreeing…

Science is now commonly being called upon to prove there are some foods that stand out in the crowd The word superfood has somewhat lost its shine thanks to being thrown about so much over the past decade or more. It’s easy to feel cynical about each new ‘it’ ingredient, because no one food can cure us of all ills and the prevailing wisdom never changes – the best diet is a varied and balanced one. But the fact is, not all foods are created equal. Just as we can choose to avoid foods we know aren’t going to do us any good, we can also choose to opt for ones that we know are going to do us good. And increasingly, we can make those positive choices not just…

Zucchini flapjacks with creamy mushroom ragù ‘Low in fat, mushrooms are an excellent source of vitamin B and potassium’ SERVES 2 COOK TIME 35 MINUTES FLAPJACKS 1 cup self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 egg 1 cup a2 Milk™ by Anchor™ 2 zucchini, grated and squeezed of excess moisture 1 tbsp oregano, chopped ¹/3 cup oil for shallow frying Fresh herbs to garnish (optional) MUSHROOM RAGÙ 50g butter 2 tbsp olive oil 450g mixed mushrooms, sliced 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 cup dry white wine ½ cup stock, vegetable or chicken 1 cup a2 Milk™ by Anchor™ ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated ¼ cup cream ¼ cup chives, finely chopped 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped Salt and pepper 1 For the mushroom ragù, in a…

TAMAN NEGARA, MALAYSIA NICKY DEWE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF The older I get, the more I find that being in nature is my happy place. With a pace of life that feels permanently hectic, and climate concerns also weighing heavily, there is something so soothing for the soul about being around trees. As a result of my later-in-life passion for the great outdoors, my kids often find themselves on weekend bush walks, and while they sometimes have to be bribed with biscuits, I’m pleased to say that an enjoyment of the wilderness has rubbed off on them too. So much so that when we were planning a family holiday in the middle of last year, we decided to make it a big adventure and visit the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. At 130 million…

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New Zealanders are a self-proclaimed nation of DIY-ers. Like a tendency towards introspection and sulking when we don’t win at sports, it’s in our DNA and there’s nothing we can’t do: painting, pouring concrete, throwing up a tiny home of a Sunday afternoon… No worries, mate. Keeping my wee art deco house (situated next to a state highway that wasn’t there when it was built) from shaking apart has certainly made me a dab-hand with a tube of exterior gap sealant, which I use to Botox the worry lines in the old girl’s forehead. But the truth is, I’ve always been good at DIY, thanks to the men in my life. That’s because, adhering to William Morris’ motto ‘Have nothing in your home that’s not useful or beautiful’, I always…

TV SHOW: Mean Mums on ThreeNow. I’m a little biased because I’m in it, but it’s a lovely Kiwi comedy with a lot of heart. FRAGRANCE: Flowerbomb by Viktor & Rolf. STYLE ICON: I love Lupita Nyong’o’s style. She always stands out from the crowd. SKINCARE: Okana. Made in New Zealand with natural ingredients – and it works. GADGET: My Huawei P30. The camera is so good. FLOWER/PLANT: Oh, give me a meadow of wild flowers to run through. PODCAST: Ronan Farrow’s The Catch and Kill. Ronan was the journalist who broke the Harvey Weinstein story. This is a fascinating, often very moving, insight into how he did it and the many people who helped him. ARTIST: A couple of Picassos or Mark Rothkos on the wall would be lovely.…

Our favourite reader letter featured in next month’s issue will win a pamper pack full of beautiful Faith in Nature hair and body care products, valued at $251. Established in 1974, Faith in Nature believes in harnessing the power of nature without harming it in the process.The range is vegan and made using the highest quality, naturally derived, cruelty-free ingredients, with 100% natural fragrance – and they work beautifully. Free from parabens and SLS, welcome to the next generation of natural hair and body care.Available from selected pharmacies and beautygarage.co.nz. RRP from $6.50. To enter the draw to win this great prize, email next@ bauermedia.co.nz and let us know your thoughts and feedback.…

CELESTE BARBER WHERE YOU’VE SEEN HER: An All Saints and Home and Away alum, this Australian actress, comedienne, author and podcast host has more recently featured on Netflix dramedy The Letdown. You may also know her from Instagram, where her ‘Celeste Barber Challenge’ – which sees her recreate contrived portraits of celebrities and models with a healthy dash of realism – has amassed her nearly seven million followers. WHAT’S HER CAUSE: Not exactly the unrealistic standards of beauty perpetuated by the media. At least, this was never the point of the Celeste Barber Challenge. “I never started out for it to be a body positivity thing,” she said of the project’s genesis. “It was always just like, this is how celebrities get out of pools [and conversely], this is how…

It isn’t easy finding Tova O’Brien. First, you have to get past numerous security guards and a metal detector. Then there’s a rabbit-warren of corridors that lead deep into the Beehive which, on this sunny weekday, is a blur of red-eyed, over-caffeinated politicians and staff. It’s a different story in Newshub’s loud, fun and laughter-filled press gallery office. This is girl power at its best – the first time in Three’s history all three political reporters are female. “They’re brilliant women who are incredibly smart but also have a huge brain for politics,” says Newshub political editor Tova of her staff – Jenna Lynch and Anna Bracewell-Worrall. She’s not the only one who thinks so: last year retiring MP Chris Finlayson called the team “young, clever and classy”. While most…

‘I realised my emotions were affecting my thinking and my behaviour’ For most of her life, Sue Johnston describes herself as a woman who was “living small”. The Wairarapa professional and personal development coach had raised five children in a blended family, and formerly worked as a nurse and public service adviser, but she often thought she wasn’t good enough. She held herself back out of fear. The 57-year-old found it difficult to have tough conversations – when she did speak out, she often worried how she might be perceived. Sue’s entire world changed in 2016 when she became hooked on American self-help guru Brené Brown’s bestselling books, which cover the themes of courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. While reading Brené’s book, Daring Greatly, Sue realised she often felt what…

TURNING PASSION INTO POWER Need a boost of career inspiration or a reminder of what’s possible? Create & Cultivate, an online platform geared towards women cultivating their dream careers has released its annual Top 100 list. Themed #FindNewRoads, this year’s list honours women who are walking brave paths and disrupting industries across 10 categories including fashion, small business, entrepreneurship, food, entertainment, health and beauty. The line-up includes writers, educators, singers, chefs, designers, actresses, a florist, a Nascar racer and even Kiwi fitness trail-blazer, Kirsty Godso. createcultivate.com GENUINE ARTICLE Maintaining a positive attitude might sound key to getting ahead at work, but that doesn’t mean masking how you feel – at least according to new research from the University of Arizona. In contrast to ‘surface acting’ – the strategic faking of…

MORE METALLICS When it comes to choosing a paint finish, today’s luxe isn’t blingy, but subtle and sophisticated. Whether it’s the matte paint finishes like Karen Walker Chalk Colour, or the glossier depths of metallics, look for aged, rather than shiny and bright. Also, opt for warm metallics like Resene FX Rose Gold rather than chromes. See the Resene Metallics & Special Effects colour range for more options. Sweet dreams Many factors affect our body temperature at night and we are all different, so choosing a bed to fit can be difficult. To solve this, Sleepyhead has introduced an innovative and unique heat regulating technology, Kulkote, to its mattresses which senses if you’re getting too hot or cold while you’re asleep. 2020 TRENDS Between 2018 and 2019, searches for ‘Japanese…

GOAL #1 Longer hair Create an environment conducive to growth with length-boosting shampoos and treatments that promote scalp health. Don’t let split ends undo all your hard work. Sacrificing a centimetre or two at the salon every now and then is better than breakage. 3More Inches Pre-wash Treatment, $63 (500ml). GOAL #2 Healthier hair Nourishing and hydrating masks can be a miracle fix for dry, brittle hair. Protein, iron, omega-3s and vitamins A, C and E are all crucial to hair health so make sure you’re getting enough of each. Hi-Pro-Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Intense Protein Treatment, $24 (236ml). GOAL #3 Softer, shinier hair Another sure sign your body isn’t getting everything it needs, dull hair can be addressed with a diet overhaul. In the meantime, reach for a shine…

Simply sensational recipes to pop in the hamper, throw on the barbecue or whip up at the bach from Simon Gault’s new cookbook Prawn and corn gazpacho ‘Gazpacho is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during the hot summers’ SERVES 6 Gazpacho is widely eaten in Spain and Portugal, particularly during the hot summers, as it is refreshing and cool. Another box ticked with this soup is the antioxidant intake with all the extra virgin olive oil. This soup is best eaten the following day and you should always take it out of the fridge an hour before serving. Pop some in a jar and take it to work for your lunch or on a picnic. Of course, as you’d expect, I’ve added a few flourishes to this gazpacho…

When it comes to purchasing raw ingredients, it makes sense to opt for New Zealand-grown, raised or manufactured. New Zealand's comparatively strict regulations mean functional food products grown here are likely to be among the best. If you’re interested in maximising the nutritional content of your shopping trolley, here are a few local ingredients to keep in mind as potential powerhouses. • Blackcurrants • Grass-fed wagyu beef • Native plants including horopito, karengo and mamaku • Kiwifruit – the green, gold and red varieties each have their own particular nutritional strengths • Foods from the sea including greenshell mussels, oysters, seaweed and algae • A2 milk…

SUMMER SIPPER Capturing the essence of sweet and crisp Hawke’s Bay apples with tropical notes of pink guava and refreshing lime, the Zeffer Cider Company has produced its third limited season release Guava & Lime Infused Cider. Apples and cheese are an unbeatable summer combo, so serve this with a soft cheese such as a brie or camembert and sip and nibble your way through a lazy, end-of-summer afternoon. Find it atNew World, PAK’nSAVE and Liquorland; $13. GINGER GEM Happy 90th anniversary to Griffin’s Gingernuts, arguably New Zealand’s favourite cup-of-tea dunker, they’re so iconic they were even included in ration packs for our soldiers during World War II. Still going strong in 2020, more than 120 million Gingernuts are devoured by Kiwis in a year – that’s four biscuits every…

SUMMER VIBES As we edge towards the end of summer, take the opportunity to get out and about and experience the incredible scenery and festivals New Zealand has to offer. Here are some events to get you inspired: Earth Beat Music & Arts Festival: Held at Ātiu Creek Regional Park in Wellsford from March 20 to March 22, this is a uniquely interactive festival where you’ll find yoga spaces, markets with an array of artisan crafts and products, plus over 40 artists and musicians. earthbeatfestival.com Wildfoods Festival: This family-friendly day of adventure on March 7 at Cass Square in Hokitika will host more than 40 stalls offering a variety of wild (and not so wild) morsels to try. If you’ve never chomped down on huhu grubs or electric eel, here’s…

Mr Stable has asked me to pick up his drycleaning, as he’s going to ‘babysit’ at his ex-wife’s apartment, while she attends a tango class. “Maybe she’ll find a new love?” I’m a sucker for happy endings, so I can’t help hoping that his ex-wife will find hot romance in the arms of a Latino rather than brooding over the cooling embers of her marriage. “It’s too soon for that!” Mr Stable looks shocked, not realising the asymmetry i.e. he’s already living with someone else, while his ex remains chastely in their old home and still (astonishingly) allows him to come and go without warning. “Is she really okay with that?” I ask, and am assured she’s ‘totally fine’ with it, leaving me wondering how they’ve managed what 99% of…