As Lydia Ko Turns 18 She Hopes to Celebrate with a Major
Few golfers have had better runs than the one that has swept New Zealander Lydia Ko, 17, to the top of the world rankings. She has entered the women’s first major, the ANA Inspiration…
Blog Archives
Lucy Lawless Brings a Defiant Edge to Salem
Television channel WGN America has upped the ante by recruiting New Zealander Lucy Lawless, “one of television’s most cult-inspiring actresses”, to join the cast of witchy tale Salem. The season premiere introduces a character played…
Hotelier Simon Baeyertz Engineering Stays for the Intrepid
No building in Vieques, Puerto Rico is “more striking” than new 22-room eco-hotel El Blok, according to the New York Times. Co-owner, Simon Baeyertz, “a dashing New Zealander and longtime record industry executive, explained…
Villa Maria One of the World’s Most Admired Brands
Villa Maria has been named one of the top four most-admired brands in the world by influential trade journal Drinks International magazine. Drinks International ranked Villa Maria behind only Torres and Vega Sicilia…
Young NZer of the Year Guy Ryan an Inspiring Story
Wellingtonian Guy Ryan, 29, who was recently named the 2015 Young New Zealander of the Year for his work helping young people realise their entrepreneurial goals and navigate numerous obstacles, is providing inspiration for…
Drive NZ’s Off Road in a Virtual Chevy Colorado
“Chevrolet has developed an immersive virtual reality experience for its Chevy Colorado truck that lets showroom customers experience a drive through the mountains of New Zealand via not just an Oculus Rift headset, but…
Golden Boy of Psych-Pop Connan Mockasin Talks to i-D
Following a residency at Marfa Myths – a festival in Texas curated by record label Mexican Summer and Ballroom Marfa, which Mockasin spent recording with British singer Dev Hynes – he found himself in…
Frenetic Action at Crankworx Rotorua Downhill Race
Photographic highlights from the Crankworx Rotorua Downhill race feature on American cycling magazine Bike’s website. The race “was filled with frenetic action” Brice Minnigh reported. “An international field of racers pinning it down the challenging…
How Great Is It to Live in Wanaka?
In Wanaka, New Zealand, all the locals have a favourite topic of conversation: how great it is to live in Wanaka, New Zealand, the Warrnambool Standard’s Ben Groundwater discovers. “Spending time with Wanaka residents is…
New Zealand Breaks Renewable Energy Record
The share of renewable energy on the grid in New Zealand is the highest it has been in close to 20 years, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges said. The share of electricity generated from…
In iZombie Rose McIver Devours Her Brainiest Role yet
New Zealander Rose McIver, 26, looks awfully alive for someone playing undead, New York Times correspondent Kathryn Shattuck writes. “In iZombie, her new series, she’s a vision of iron deficiency – ghostly pallor,…
Michael Parekowhai’s Strange Resonance with Australia
New Zealander Michael Parekowhai’s exhibition, The Promised Land, has opened at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) and is expected to be a “local blockbuster” to rival the other imported one, David…
Interactive Map Shows Wellington Bathed in Sunshine
Wellington gets more than 2000 hours of sunshine each year and though it is no Los Angeles, which receives more than 3000 hours, according to the Atlantic that’s a substantial amount of sun. This…
Ken Rea’s Students Include Daniel Craig and Ewan McGregor
For 30 years, Rotorua-born Ken Rea has been a tutor in London at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, one of the oldest and most sought-after acting schools in the world. Rea’s students…
Feel the Heat in New Zealand’s Healing Heartland
“Just follow your nose and it will get you faster than any GPS can to Hell’s Gate, the most active geothermal park in Rotorua, which earned its memorable moniker from George Bernard…
Ben Young’s Glass Sculptures Making Waves
Ben Young, a Sydney-based New Zealander, is a self-taught artist who has been making three-dimensional glass sculpture built up of flat coloured panes for over ten years. He is one of a number of…
Research Looks at Preventing Genetically Inherited Cancers
Deadly stomach and breast cancers that are genetically inherited could be treated or even prevented with existing drugs identified by Otago University cancer researchers. The researchers said their research showed that the key genetic mutation…
Now You Shall Know Jennifer Compton’s New Collection
Wellington-born poet and playwright Jennifer Compton’s new collection Now You Shall Know “has an early late-career energy about it – and a focus on what is really important,” the Sydney Morning Herald’s Geoff Page…
Settlements May Be Imperfect but Important Example Says UN
Last year’s $170 million Ngai Tuhoe settlement is one of dozens the New Zealand government has signed with Maori tribes in a comprehensive, multi-billion-dollar process described in a United Nations report as imperfect but…
Comic James Nokise Digs into NZ Gang Culture
Wellington-born playwright James Nokise – a former gang member – is making his US debut with So-So Gangsta, a blend of theatrical lecture and stand-up comedy, as part of the New Zealand…
Rugby Ref Steve Walsh Hangs up His Whistle
“In the end, the man who controlled the game controlled himself, allowing Steve Walsh to head into retirement as one of the most highly regarded referees in international rugby,” Wayne Smith reports…
For Brian Sutton-Smith Play Nothing Less than Existential Necessity
Wellington-born developmental psychologist Brian Sutton-Smith, who wrote or edited more than 50 books and was among the first academics to treat the study of play as a rigorous discipline, has died in Vermont, in…
Brent Pope’s Shirt Range for Stylish Rugby Types
Though New Zealand-born rugby analyst and RTÉ broadcaster Brent Pope, 53, only launched his range of shirts in October 2014, it is now stocked all over Ireland. Pope wanted shirts in premium quality fabrics that…
Drew Harré’s Fish La Boissonnerie in Parisian Top Wine Bar List
Former West Aucklander Drew Harré has a hand in one of Paris’ top five wine bars. The Wall Street Journal’s wine columnist Will Lyons recommends Fish La Boissonnerie as “Best for a Late Supper”. “
Les Mis Star Hayden Tee a Menacing Javert
New Zealand-born Hayden Tee has “won rave reviews for his commanding, menacing performance” as villain Inspector Javert in the Australian production of Les Misérables on at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre. In early 2013 Tee…
Simone Kessell Fit to Be Queen in Biblical Epic
Actor Simone Kessell is off to Capetown in April to play the first Queen of Egypt in biblical television epic Of Kings and Prophets. Of Kings and Prophets is the pilot for the US ABC…
Brocken Spectre Phenomenon at Girdlestone Peak
A “spooky” Brocken spectre phenomenon, featuring as part of the Guardian’s “Photo Highlights of the Day,” is seen at Girdlestone Peak on Tarn Ridge in the Tararua mountain range. “As dawn breaks, …
Trilogy Gets the Kate Effect with Royal Using Skincare
Sisters Catherine de Groot and Sarah Gibbs may have started small, establishing their business from their father’s Upper Hutt shed in 2002, but they are now experiencing big success after their beauty product brand…
Hobbit Fans in Singapore Gather at Changi’s Middle-earth
Singapore Hobbit fans are being treated to a life-sized piece of Middle-earth in the departure hall of Changi Airport Terminal Three. As well as a hobbit hole, visitors can see a statue of Gandalf…
Rare Glimpse of Cloudless New Zealand from Space
A rare image of New Zealand without a ceiling of cloud has been captured from the International Space Station as it orbits 418km above the South Pacific Ocean. According to NASA, New Zealand is seldom…
Melanie Lynskey Reflects on Realism in Latest Roles
From Peter Jackson’s Heavenly Creatures to HBO’s new television show Togetherness, actor Melanie Lynskey reflects on what 20 years – and Charlie Sheen – have taught her about showbusiness. Jackson’s film introduced not only future…
Contiki Australia’s Katrina Barry Heads Evolving Tour Company
New Zealand-born Katrina Barry, managing director of Contiki Australia, says the tour group has changed greatly since New Zealander John Anderson founded the company in 1962. “Twenty years ago it was just boozing around…
Rugged Aoraki Region a Pinnacle of Adventure
Even with the mist covering the tallest of them, the Southern Alps rising up around the Hooker Valley have a humbling stature, Abu Dhabi’s English-language publication the National reports in a travel feature about…
Costume Designer Tracy Lord Awakens Singapore Corps De Ballet
New Zealand-born Tracy Grant Lord has created the costumes for Singapore Dance Theatre’s (SDT’s) 2015 season of Sleeping Beauty. Lord’s designs are a reminder of just how costumes also make a ballet. “Highlights will be…
Broods’ Georgia Nott Can’t Deny Her Pop Roots
When New Zealander Georgia Nott was young, her parents took her to wedding and church concerts where they performed with her aunt and uncle as an ABBA tribute band. “I couldn’t walk at the…
Bruce Neal’s Anzac Tattoo an Internet Hit
Lower Hutt army veteran Bruce Neal’s Anzac tattoo – a 19cm design of World War I soldiers marching into the distance in a shape of a fern with the words “Lest We Forget” written…
Take a German Folk Music Tour with Hayden Chisholm
Hayden Chisolm’s documentary, Sound of Heimat, which follows the New Zealand-born musician as he traverses Germany exploring the country’s folk music, screened in Rwanda at a recent film, photography and dance festival organised by…
Andrew Reeve’s Craft Beer Business Honest Brew Delivers
A year ago from his small London apartment, New Zealander Andrew Reeve (pictured far left) launched his startup business Honest Brew. Now, he makes and sells his own craft beer and also…
New Zealand’s English Has a Distinct Linguistic Identity
“New Zealand English is like English, but different. And it’s developing in a direction all of its own,” according to New Zealand copywriter Sam O’Flaherty in a piece for the Guardian. “Tumeke!” “Enough about the…
Writing Struck a Chord for Author Anna Smaill
According to the Independent, New Zealand author Anna Smaill’s debut novel The Chimes is “superb … intriguing, ambitious and strikingly written.” Harper’s Bazaar tips it for “book of the year.” The setting is a dystopian…
Niki Caro’s Latest Feature Hits the Ground Running
New Zealander Niki Caro is the director of McFarland, USA, a Disney film based on the true story of a 1987 cross country team from a predominantly Mexican-American high school starring Kevin Costner. McFarland,…
Lorde and Joel Little Back into the Recording Studio
Teenage global “phenom” Lorde will hit the studio in a matter of weeks to begin work on a follow-up to her acclaimed debut album, Pure Heroine, according to Billboard. The big news didn’t come via…
Teddy Tahu Rhodes Commemorates Gallipoli at Sydney Opera House
Two of the best opera singers from New Zealand and Australia will come together on Anzac Day for a special commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of Gallipoli at the Sydney Opera House…
Composer Annea Lockwood Celebrates Waterway Sounds
Christchurch-born composer Annea Lockwood was one of nine artists represented at a recent audio and visual art exhibition in Manhattan, New York called “Foot Notes: On the Sensations of Tone,” an exhibition which celebrated…
Rainbow Hunters Find Their Violet in New Zealand
One mother and two young boys are on a trip around the world to seven countries to find the origin of seven colours. The Rainbow Hunters, as the trio are called, are…
Cycling an Exceptional Route from the Alps to the Ocean
The 78km Twizel-Omarama section of the South Island’s Alps 2 Ocean cycle trail “is simply exceptional,” writes Andrew Bain for Australian Geographic Outdoor. “Twizel isn’t Queenstown. It’s not Wanaka, and it’s not Nelson. This South…
Geoff Sewell’s Guerilla Opera Singers Hit Exclusive Parties
Former Amici Forever tenor New Zealander Geoff Sewell and his wife Simone Lanham run London-based Incognito Artists, a group of performers who specialise in “guerrilla opera” – available for hire as “chefs,”…
Luke Willis Thompson Exhibits at NY’s New Museum
Walters Prize recipient, Auckland-based Luke Willis Thompson, 27, is one of 51 young artists participating in New York’s New Museum Generational Triennial, a “hotly anticipated” show which will explore the frontiers of digital technology,…
Glenn Martin’s Jetpack Dream Achieves IPO Liftoff
In 1981, a young aviation-obsessed university student, New Zealander Glenn Martin, began working on his dream to invent the world’s first commercial jetpack, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. In late February the company he…
Scott Baigent’s Eight Degrees Brewing Increases Capacity
Four years in and New Zealander Scott Baigent’s Eight Degrees Brewing company, based in Ireland, is increasing production capacity tenfold. Baigent, (pictured right, with head brewer Mike Magee) a former engineer and Australian…
NZ’s Beauty Garners Tongue-in-Cheek Buzzfeed Response
New Zealand, and why travellers should think twice before visiting, features in a tongue-in-check tourism photo essay on Buzzfeed. The image above of Mt Aoraki mirrored on Lake Matheson is just “urgh”. “The second you…
New Zealander James Lucas Wins Oscar for Short Film
Christchurch-raised James Lucas has won an Oscar in the category Best Live Action Short Film, for his “moving” and “well-deserved” The Phone Call, a star-studded film he co-wrote with friend, Briton Mat Kirkby. “Previous nominee…
BBC’s Adrenalin-Fuelled DJ Zane Lowe Looks Ahead to LA
The “faintly tearful” DJ Zane Lowe, BBC Radio 1’s “most enthusiastic music fan, explains why his stomach is churning at the thought of saying goodbye,” bowing out of the network after 12 years for…
Emilia Wickstead on BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund Shortlist
New Zealand designer Emilia Wickstead, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton’s go-to for gowns, has made the British Fashion Council (BFC)/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist. Wickstead also made the shortlist in 2013 and 2014. The…
Martin Crowe Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Cricket’s “most stylish batsman” Martin Crowe, 52, has been inducted into the International Cricket Council (ICC) Hall of Fame on Saturday, the terminally ill former national player describing it as a “great honour” and…
Lydia Ko’s Latest Caddie Lands the Top Gig
Lydia Ko’s search for the right caddie has been an intriguing storyline for the media throughout her short span on the LPGA Tour, but it appears Australian bag man Jason Hamilton, for the foreseeable…
