WOMAN+ spoke with Jemma and Corinne, the amazing women behindMylk Made – a game-changing product launched in 2020. Mylk Made offers shelf-stable mylk bases that can be easily blended with water to create as much or as little mylk as you need, when you need it. The best part? Their products are a sustainable and healthy alternative to other mylks on the market, without any harmful additives. By using Mylk Made, you’re not only doing your body and wallet a favour but also contributing to a better planet.
Since their launch in 2020, Mylk Made has already replaced over 110,000 cartons with their glass-packaged mylk bases, and they recently added a delicious new flavour to their collection – Walnutty mylk. We at WOMAN+ caught up with these inspiring mother-daughter duo to learn more about what it’s like to work with your mum and their advice for women looking to start their own business ventures.
How did Mylk Made begin? What sparked the idea?
Jemma: The idea for Mylk Made was sparked on a trip I took to Indonesia, where a local cafe I visited would make their own plant mylks from scratch every day, simply using the whole nut and seed (skin included) and then adding it to water. Coming back to New Zealand, my Mum and I began developing a way to capture the simplicity of these nut mylks, that was shelf stable and better for the planet.
What is Mylk Made philosophy?
Corinne: Mylk Made is on a mission to create a waste-free alternative to plant-based milk that is better for you, and the planet, whilst still tasting delicious. Liquid paper-board cartons are a huge waste contributor in New Zealand, and are incredibly difficult to recycle. By offering a mylk concentrate, we can create less waste and package in glass jars which can be reused, recycled, or returned to Mylk Made. Since launching in 2020, we are incredibly proud to have replaced over 110,000 cartons which otherwise may have ended up in landfill.
What is the best thing about working with your Mum/ daughter?
Jemma: Being from two different generations we both have different skill sets and life experiences we bring to the table, and are able to learn a lot from each other, whether it be more traditional book-keeping tasks, or the latest trends to keep on top of.
Corinne: Running a business together can have its challenges, but I am incredibly grateful for the journey Jemma and I are on together. It is incredibly rewarding as a parent to see my daughter follow her passions to make a real tangible difference in the world.
Is there a specific part of the business that each of you work on?
Jemma: We generally do a lot of the work together, which helps keep us open and honest to each other’s perspectives and ideas. In the beginning we would do everything together, roping in family and friends to help us keep up on big production days as demand began to grow.
Corinne: Now that we’ve grown our team we tend to lean into our strengths a bit more with Jemma doing more of the content development and marketing, and I focus more on the production of the bases and keeping our factory running smoothly.
Advice for women wanting to start their own business?
Jemma: Follow your own passions and utilise the advice and expertise of the amazing female business women who came before us. My mum’s previous business experience has been a key part to Mylk Made’s growth and success as well as aligning with our own passions.
Corinne: Take the leap and trust your intuition. It can be scary building something from scratch. But the personal satisfaction and sense of achievement in what you can create is huge. Two years ago I could never have imagined the range of products that Mylk Made has today, and we’re only just beginning.
What do a cricket bat, fishing rod, and jandals all have in common? They’ve all been left behind in an Uber trip in the last year – of course! Uber is back with their Lost and Found Index for the 7th year in a row, exposing New Zealand for its forgetful ways.
As Mercury heads into retrograde for the first time this year, which astrologists say can increase forgetfulness, Kiwis across the nation may start to feel the effects. But frazzled Kiwis can find solace in the seventh annual Lost & Found Index, which shows that, no matter how crazy things in orbit may seem, there’s always something crazier to be found in the back of an Uber ride!
If you’re experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary behaviour from Mercury in retrograde, it turns out you’re not the only one, with thousands of Kiwis losing their marbles (literally) and forgetting to take their increasingly wacky items with them as they leave their rides.
From false teeth to a chainsaw, a cat flap door to a tattoo set, it appears Kiwis’ memories really took a backseat this past year. One rider even lost a chicken, chocolates, and five medals in a single trip. So, let’s take a deep dive into some of the unusual items in the Uber lost and found box this year.
“I’d forget my head if it wasn’t screwed on!” Kiwis are always good at remembering to bring their snags to the barbie, or togs to the beach, but not so good when it comes to remembering their most prized possessions. Cricket bats, chilly bins, fishing rods, fish, and (potentially winning) lotto tickets have all been found onUber trips this past year.
Kiwis claim to be die-hard sports fans, but they are quick to lose sight of their sporting merch. Signed Warriors jersey, All Blacks scarves, and cricket caps were all left behind items. One rider even left behind a game day ticket.
For a small country, New Zealand certainly knows how to punch above its weight. The same can be said about the size of the items Kiwis lose. Chainsaws, electric scooters, walking sticks, and longboards were all left behind on an Uber trip.
It’s clear Kiwis are also feeling the pressure of soaring food prices with requests for drivers to return bottles of olive oil, butter, milk, soy sauce, a full bag of cheese, cake, and lemons.
Unsurprisingly, it all turns to custard for New Zealanders when they head out for their weekends, with 4 am being the most forgetful time, and Saturdays being the most forgetful day for Kiwis. Alcohol, vapes, cash and wallets were the most commonly forgotten items at this time.
Uber Lost and Found Index shows New Plymouth reigns as the Most Organised Region, while laid back Tauranga forgets everything but the kitchen sink
New Plymouth deserves a medal this year as Uber data confirmed it is the most organised region in New Zealand, leaving behind the least amount of items. Tauranga, on the other hand, may be too laid back for their own good and was crowned the most forgetful city this year.
The hangover effect from April Fools’ Day was strongly felt last year, with April 2nd being the most forgetful day for Aussies – I guess the joke was on us!
Hoa Nguyen, Head of Rider Operations at Uber ANZ, commented: “Uber’s annual Lost & Found Index is back for its seventh year, and it’s more bizarre than ever. From a chainsaw to a cat flap door, Kiwis have really outdone themselves when it comes to forgetfulness this year! The important thing to remember is that we do have a process if you suddenly realise you’ve left your phone, wallet, or chainsaw in the driver’s car – head to the app for help and follow the prompts to retrieve your items.”
Top weird and wacky items (some iconically Kiwi)
Chainsaw
False teeth
Lotto tickets
Cricket bat
Chilly bin
Jandal
Fishing rod
Fish
Tattoo set
Cat flap door
A chicken, chocolate, and five medals in a single trip
Most “forgetful” regions
(rate of loss in proportion to rides)
Tauranga
Palmerston North
Dunedin
Christchruch
Auckland
Most commonly forgotten items from the Uber Lost and Found Index
Look no further than this help page,, which outlines the simple steps you can take the next time you leave something behind during your Uber ride.
The best way to retrieve a lost item is to call the driver-partner via the app – but if you leave your phone itself in the Uber ride, you can login to your account on a computer. Here’s what to do:
Tap “Your Trips” and select the trip where you left something
Scroll down and tap “Find lost item”
Tap “Contact driver about a lost item”
Scroll down and enter the phone number you would like to be contacted at. Tap submit.
If you lost your personal phone, enter a friend’s phone number instead (you can do this by logging into your account on a computer, or using a friend’s phone).
Your phone will ring and connect you directly with your driver’s mobile number.
If your driver picks up and confirms that your item has been found, coordinate a mutually convenient time and place to meet for its return to you.
In a bid to get through to a cooler audience the new Allbirds Riser has just “widened the aperture” and shown the world what can be done with natural materials.
“It doesn’t have to be all single piece uppers” says Ashley Comeaux, Vice President of Product Design at Allbirds talking to me over zoom. Ashley was previously the Footwear Design Director at Nike and has been in the footwear game for over 14 years so she knows the turf. It took years of researching and tinkering to craft a shoe in a wool fabric made specifically for footwear and the Allbirds ongoing mantra to build better things was one of the main attractions for Ashley. “During the pandemic, like everyone else, I was looking at the state of the world and wanted to do my part towards an industry change and to influence how we made the world a better place””
Like everything that Allbirds make the Riser is designed for all day comfort and uses a mixed material base with details and accentuated heel. It’s a step up and away from the orthopaedic form of the merino wool shoe brand that revolutionised the shoe industry. Cool definitely wasn’t a factor in the soft and pliable slipper foot that took the world by storm but the Riser is definitely competing for sneaker prestige.
“There are so many more lines and levers we can take advantage of now” says Ashley. Understanding the ins and outs of shoe culture and contemplating what she calls the ‘je ne sais quoi’ factor of shoes and what makes them cool is part of her job but it’s the sense of attitude that a shoe gives that is essential to its design.” As women we can wake up one morning and feel quite femme or wake up one day and feel more masculine and you can express that in your shoes”.
Function and fashion is the ongoing tension but when both align it’s a smash hit. The shift to versatile footwear is here to stay and Ashley admits these days more and more people don’t want the outrageously expensive high tech statement sneaker. They want authenticity and values. Her job as a creator has been to bring together the best of the natural materials and show how they can be more expressive and more styleful and still have the core tenets of what Allbirds hold true as a brand.
In a lot of ways she says Allbirds is the underdog in the footwear industry relative to the footwear space but she loves being inside a company and seeing from the inside how it all unfolds. “Getting a sneaker from sketch to retail is about 18 to 24 months give or take.”
The process involves consumer testing, meaning a select group of ‘shoe testers ( who knew that was a job? wear the shoes for about a week and report back before the design is greenlit. Does she get a kick out of seeing her shoe worn out on the street? You bet. Arch support, comfort and the hard core principles of good design that doesn’t kill the planet. What’s not to love?
The feature debut ‘Polite Society’ from British writer-directorNida Manzoor, is fun, endearing and a kick in the pants to mainstream action movie antics.
You don’t need clairvoyance to foretell Everything Everywhere All At Once‘s Oscars sweep means cinemagoers are in for a spate of martial arts comedies. Karate chops and crane kicks are always in style, but, for the past decade, Western kung fu movies have targeted niche crowds in the action genre cul-de-sac, sidestepping mainstream release. EEAAO‘s domination of critics and the box office suggests change is afoot. Polite Society, the debut film by television auteur Nida Manzoor (We Are Lady Parts), is first to the punch bowl.
London high school student Ria (Priya Khansara) and her sister, art school dropout Lena (Ritu Arya), are as close as Jackie Chan and the Chinese Communist Party. Ria and Lena’s dreams of becoming a world-class stuntwoman and a successful painter scrape against their parents’ traditional Pakistani values. Ria will be a doctor, and Lena is to marry into the upper class. But they can always rely on one another to support their ambitions against parental displeasure.
The sisters’ camaraderie is spun on its head when Lena falls for Salim (Akshay Khanna), a pioneering—and wealthy—gene scientist. After one month of dating, she accepts his marriage proposal and prepares to move to Singapore immediately following the wedding. But Ria doesn’t trust Salim’s quick moves or his snooty mother, Raheela (Norma Bucha), so commits herself to break up the engagement before something monstrous happens.
The above synopsis barely touches upon the radiant joy that illuminates Polite Society from start to finish. Nida Manzoor, who also wrote the film, has stuffed every inch of this time-honoured diasporic-drama structure with unexpected action and comedy. Ria’s fantasy to star in a lush, melodramatic action epic bleeds into her mundane surroundings. Kung fu battles and undercover heists splinter the drab routine of science class and family dinner. The film delights in dancing with incredulity, but there’s no sense that this high passion is merely a figment of imagination. When Lena kicks Ria through her bedroom door, their parents will need to phone a carpenter.
Polite Society‘s combustible funk melodies, cracking whip pans, and scene-setting title cards immediately nod to the caffeinated dude-metatextuality of Quentin Tarantino and Edgar Wright. More notably, Manzoor imbues the film with affection for the early work of Jackie Chan, whose mid-80s Police Story films similarly balance pure comedy, ambitious stunts, and high drama. This delicate equilibrium remains delicious because it is always on the verge of collapse.
The title promises Polite Society will lock horns with class issues, but these themes are slim as the story zig-zags into erratic fantasy. Mulling over the film’s title, I wonder if Polite Society is a near rhyme for Police Story? Maybe Ria’s expensive private education denotes a critique of class aspirations, but in British films, every school seems either History Boys’ fancy or browbeaten by Dickensian squalor.
The sisters’ father (Jeff Mirza, returning to the stiff patrician type he played in What’s Love Got to Do With It?) mentions this pricey school will prepare Ria for her medical career. The scene reads more as a comment on the limited opportunities available to middle-class women, reinforcing the feminist fury flowing throughout.
All this style overload would float without a centre if it weren’t for the sisters’ relationship. Before the action starts, and the story goes left-of-centre, there is a rare non-cloying heart to Ria and Lena’s faith in one another. Lead actors Priya Khansara and Ritu Arya bring natural tenderness to their bond, whether Lena is helping Ria film stunts for YouTube or throwing an impromptu dance party.
As fists and circumstances force the sisters apart, this relationship remains persuasive—the film’s wit springs from the sturdiness of these characters. As the brash cry of punk legend Poly Styrene blasted through the theatre, I felt sure Polite Society will become—at a minimum—a cult classic.
Bri DiMattina‘s newest cook book Nostrana is inspired by her italian grandparents vegetable garden. Bri DiMattina started her own edible pantry in her back garden and discovered the joys of bringing food from seed to table. This week Bri has given us her Spiced Apple Cake recipe, the perfect wholesome winter warmer.
This recipe hails from my mother’s café, Eliza’s Pantry. It’s super simple and uses four apples with their skin on. The apples don’t have to be at their best, it’s a little like a banana bread recipe for apples. They can be rescued because no one is inclined to eat them, and turned into something delicious – but the best part is that it is all just mixed up in a food processor then baked.
Ingredients
4 apples, quartered, cored, but not peeled
2 eggs
2 cups (440g) sugar
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tsp ground allspice
250g butter, at room temperature, chopped
2 cups (300g) plain flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Ice cream and caramel sauce, to serve
Cinnamon Crumble
1/2 cup (110g) brown sugar
1/2 cup (45g) rolled oats
1 tsp ground cinnamon
25g butter
Method for Spiced Apple Cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C fan-forced. Grease a 23cm springform tin and line with baking paper.
To make the crumble, combine the ingredients in a food processor and process until crumbly. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
For the cake, place the apples into the food processor and process until finely chopped. Add the remaining ingredients and process for 1 minute.
Pour into the prepared tin and sprinkle with the topping.
Bake for 1–1. hours, until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rackto cool completely.
Gaia Chinniah is an internationally known healer, medium and spiritual coach. She founded Soul 33 a healing company and the modality of Soul Progression Therapy. Using the energetic cycles and seasons to set your goals, heal and manifest what you want in life is such a powerful tool to help us to navigate life daily without resistance. To use this forecast, review once in its entirety and then at the beginning and end of each week remind yourself what the energy of the week is asking of you.
Week 1 : April 30 – May 7
We are in the thick of Mercury Retrograde, but it is coming to an end next week. Most of us look forward to Mercury going direct; think of it as a phone line or internet connection having static and sometimes, we need to be clear and patient with the delays. Everything has a reason as to why it shows up in our life and why experiences arise. Mercury can work in our favour so use it this week to develop your resilience.
This week you want to give and receive in equal balance, share where you can but also be open to receiving abundance as this abundant energy comes in later this month too. What does abundance mean to you and where do you want it? Don’t give and expect anything in return, give because you want to and allow your pure heart to. A clear message this week is not to have any expectations and simply release and flow with the rhythm of life. This means letting things be as they are. This way you leave space for miracles to happen when you release expectation and instead prepare, plan and fulfil your desires and direct your activity towards what you can control, not what you can’t. Laugh about it in celebration of World Laughter Day on the 7th. You’re not striving for perfection; you’re just wanting to express the joys of life’s ups and downs.
Card of the week: Earth The Earth Card comes up this week for you to be practical and grounded in what and how you do things. There is a sense of practicality this week and more preparation that needs to be done towards achieving and receiving what you are wanting. With the eclipse this week, something may feel like it’s getting in the way but light will shine on it so you know that it needs to go.
Full Moon – May 5(Lunar Eclipse)
Eclipse season is still here, last month we had a solar eclipse and this month a lunar blood moon eclipse. Shadows may come up to release feelings that no longer serve. In relationships, feelings may be aired but see it as clearing the way for honest communication moving forward.
A connection with your spiritual self and how it aligns with your earth mission will start to become clearer. Eclipses are seen to be a mystical phenomenon as the earth comes in between the sun and moon which then blocks the suns light on the moon.
Week 2: May 8– May 14
Mercury Retrograde ends and you may feel lightness as you come back to the surface for breath. There will be breakthroughs and new ideas coming in so try not to stall in your decision making, you started preparing for this last week. We are free of Mercury’s energy and your imagination along with action can move you forward leaps and bounds. Communication is clearer and you will have clarity in the mind and more alignment in the body. Get your body moving!
This week is really about following your dream as there are some parts of you and your life that you have outgrown that need to be released. There is expansive energy and remember you do not need to compete with anyone else or their timelines, this is about you and your definition of success.
From a healing perspective – forgiveness is something to consider this week. Forgiving yourself – things you have said to yourself, forgiveness of past actions – where do you need to forgive yourself? Or forgiveness of others in person or from a distance. Forgiveness is an energy of not holding on to grudges. It is important in your ability to let go of stale energy in the body. It is also Mother’s Day on the 14th and this can bring up different layers of healing or triggers for people. Support your inner child with how you would want to be mothered.
Card of the week: Earth
The Earth Card comes up again this week as you’re being asked to really discover what your earth journey is about. Letting go and moving past what you have outgrown will help you live the life you want. You are being asked to take on having the best possible earth journey you can.
Week 3: May 15 – May 21
There is an ending energy that comes up this week but it will be for the best where you might find doing your own thing or working alone is better than working with others. You may need to channel the inner warrior within you and arise from a situation, while also being gentle on yourself. Your reality is being created by your thoughts. Being a warrior doesn’t mean to be hard or critical of yourself, it’s using your inner power to create abundance in your life without relying on anyone else. New pathways are opening and where your attention goes energy flows. Any suffering you have experienced is being asked to be converted to power. With World Meditation day on the 21st your energy to work alone will be supported by being disciplined with your meditation practice.
Card of the week: Abundance
The Abundance Card comes up for you as you are opening yourself up to be a full expression and the generator of all that comes to you. Finances are something to consider this week as the abundance is also about a new opportunity which could bring you more money to play with.
New Moon: May 19
A turning point happens this New Moon, you will be looking for more security in all ways and your new moon intentions are supported as you see yourself as the master of your destiny. Set intentions you know you can create with your own power and determination.
Week 4: May 22 – 28
There is a death and rebirth energy, and finances are coming up again this week. If you have been in poverty mindset or financial worry, it’s time to become more passionate in what options you do have. This may be working on your passion project to turn it into a financial opportunity or finding what you can be passionate about in your existing situation. If any conflicts arise this week, you are being asked to find unity and common ground in appreciating the diversity that is being presented. Trust yourself and let go of what isn’t working for you, be it an attitude or a situation, allow yourself to grieve it and move forward knowing you are not going backwards but are about to be reborn!
Card of the week: Be Patient No need to rush into things, everything is a gradual process, and these can also be cyclic. Some things need to end before something else begins and this week you will need to exercise patience in that process.
Week 5: May 29 – June 4
Rest where you need it, there might be a sense of burn out asking you to find balance and commit to this balance. Your mind and body need to be in unison. This might seem illogical as how can the mind and body not work together but spiritually your mind can limit your body and its capacity to be in alignment with what you want to achieve and how you want to live. You are being asked to be brave in your discernment. There is prosperity for you to reap from your down time as in this down time you will have the space to receive.
Card of the week:A New Idea New options and ideas are being revealed as everything starts to work in unison. You are being asked to be open to new ways of doing things and be brave in moving past your limitations.
New Zealand Fashion Week 2023has confirmed a star-studded lineup of designers to showcase at this year’s event. Featuring a mix of established names from around Aotearoa, fashion lovers can look forward to a spectacular showcase at the reimagined event taking place at the Viaduct Events Centre from Tuesday, 29th August until Saturday, 2nd September 2023. Kiri Nathan, Kathryn Wilson, Campbell Luke, Juliette Hogan and NOM*d are just some of the iconic designers who have been confirmed to be showing collections on the runway in 2023.
As a whānau owned and operated business, Kiri Nathan’s work connects traditional and contemporary Māori fashion with the world, in a way that reciprocates and respects culture, upholding the values of inclusivity through community and collectiveness with manaaki (care) and tautoko (support) to build success for many. Kiri Nathan is set to open New Zealand Fashion Week 2023 as the first Māori designer to do so. Talking about her participation in New Zealand Fashion Week, Co-Founder Kiri Nathan says, “We are committed to social cohesion and the informed wellbeing of people and planet. Our purpose is for intergenerational benefit. Ka ara ake tētahi, ka ara ake te katoa – one lifts, we all lift.”
Kathryn Wilson, New Zealand’s premiere footwear designer, celebrates 20 years of creating innovative, fashion footwear for her loyal fans. She will return to New Zealand Fashion Week and is excited to celebrate her collections on the Main stage Runway at the Viaduct Events Centre. “New Zealand Fashion Week is considered the pinnacle event for guests who love fashion and want to support local brands, so we’re thrilled to be back again this year bringing our footwear to life with beautiful styling, up-lifting music and diverse models to create memorable experiences for customers.”
Campbell Luke, conceived by Dr. Bobby Luke, will once again be taking to the runway in 2023. Unapologetic about the promotion of Kaupapa Māori led design, Dr. Luke aims to promote a greater understanding of indigenous design culture and to challenge the dominance of Western design paradigms and pedagogy. With his brand Campbell Luke, he traverses practices of moving image and photography, as a means to visually communicate and disseminate his research.
Juliette Hogan, known for striking the perfect balance between luxury and simplicity, creating effortless and elegant collections, will once again take to the runway this year. Each Juliette Hogan collection brings a cohesive and fresh offering of pieces crafted predominantly from natural fabrics in a thoughtful palette of neutral tones balanced with statement signature prints. Juliette Hogan says she is thrilled to be showing at fashion week this year.
Finally, NOMd has created an iconic image on the New Zealand fashion landscape. In every collection, NOMd maintains its credibility as a label unaffected by trends and whims, instead adopting the cool, considered gaze of the fashion outsider. Margi Robertson, Creative Director of NOMd, says, “NOMd has been involved with New Zealand Fashion Week since its inception in one way or another. We believe Fashion Week is an important cultural moment on the calendar.” And so do we!
Fashion Week this year runs from Tuesday, 29th August until Saturday, 2nd September.
What better way to honour your mother and her hard work and dedication than with the gift of a good book from Penguin? A book is not just a source of entertainment, a way to unwind and de-stress, and an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s a chance for our mothers to take some well-deserved time for themselves, whether they prefer a heartwarming novel or a cook book full of inspiration recipes. This list has something for everyones mum.
Indulge in more than 150 simple yet delectable keto-inspired recipes that are sure to brighten up your day. From effortless weeknight meals to delectable appetisers perfect for hosting, this cookbook has something for everyone. With a generous selection of vegetarian options and irresistible desserts, get ready to savour the flavours of real food–based, keto-friendly recipes that are ideal for anyone who wants to be in nutritional ketosis or simply wants to eat healthier.
Laughing at the Dark by Barbara Else
Laughing in the Dark is a memoir that blends personal and professional recollections, from one of the country’s top writers. Written with the knowledge of a terminal prognosis and while experiencing the effects of gruelling bouts of chemotherapy this significant and honest book makes sense of a life and reflects deeply on early memories. Barbara Else is a writer, a feminist and she has written a deeply moving ode to motherhood, love and staying true to who you are. The writing is frank and candid and written with the style that this award winning literary maven is well known for.
Northland is the scene for a compelling novel set during Covid. Strange times call for strange things and this a novel that reminds us of the barmy years we all went into Lockdown. A satirical novel that takes its background from a reality you couldn’t makeup only Stephanie Johnson just has and added some chaos to boot. There is more criminal activity than just breaches of lockdown and staying safe in a pandemic just got even scarier. A brilliant, fun and entertaining read.
Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes
Yep as the title says this is a novel that puts a fresh spin about swapping lives. After her husband announces a divorce and cuts her off, Nisha Cantor finds herself scrambling to maintain her glamorous life as a globetrotting wealthy individual. However, she soon discovers that she doesn’t even have the shoes she was wearing moments ago. Sam Kemp, going through the toughest time in her life, accidentally takes Nisha’s gym bag, which contains her luxurious six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes. Trying them on, Sam feels a sudden boost of confidence that makes her realise she needs to change herself. Jojo Moyes has written a humorous, heartwarming tale about how one small thing can transform everything.
Heart wrenching and beautifully written, Go As A River is a poignant debut story about love, sacrifice and having a deep well of resilience. Go As A River contains all the elements of a captivating book – love, violence, and adventure – but at its heart it is an engrossing love story. Give the gift of pure escapism – the romantic kind. Read has told the story that there is no personal justice outside the courts, and for the idea that you are bound to no one other than the ones who truly love you. Read the full review of Go As River here.
Investing in sex toys can be a great way to improve both physical and mental health, reduce stress, and enhance intimacy. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with yourself or a partner. If you’re new to the world of sex toys, it can be overwhelming to figure out what’s best for you or your partner.
That’s why Bed Bible, a sexual wellness site, has compiled a list of perfect sex toys based on your zodiac sign, taking into account your unique traits and characteristics. Although astrology may not be the first thing that comes to mind when it comes to sexual behaviors, it can play a significant role in what ignites your passion. So, follow the guide below to discover which sex toy is the perfect fit to start or expand your collection.
The Star Signs
Aries – (March 21 – April 19) As Aries are fire signs, they are definitely not shy in the bedroom. They are full of energy, always up for new adventures and seek spontaneity, which is why they are one of the fiercest zodiac signs. Aries are independent and the best at taking charge of their own fantasies. Aries are happy to engage in anything that makes them tick, and are great at self-pleasure. The perfect toy for Aries is a Bit or any type of mouth restraint; these suit an Aries who flourishes through intimate discovery and is happy to go that extra step into the world of sex toys.
Taurus – (April 20 – May 20) A Taurus is known for loving shared experiences but can sometimes struggle to escape their comfort zone, leading to stubbornness and caution when trying new things. Luckily, this can be used to a Taurus’ advantage in the bedroom and through self-exploration by easing into new sex toys. Handcuffs can be a great place to start, as they allow your partner to take control and let you discover the unknown. If you are a Taurus and want to focus more on self-pleasure, try a vibrator that changes speed unexpectedly and takes control.
Gemini – (May 21 – June 20) Thrill and excitement are top priorities for a Gemini, as well as being known for their seductiveness; they will thrive with the right toys. Unplanned, spontaneous and exciting sex is what they desire, so if you’re a Gemini wanting to experiment with toys to use with a partner, you should try something that doesn’t take up a lot of room and is easy to carry around should spontaneity take over. A small rabbit vibrator is a perfect choice as they are lightweight, easy to use and can make quite an impact.
Cancer – (June 21 – July 22) Cancers are emotional, sensitive and sentimental; they love to care for others and are heartfelt lovers, so they are big on partner satisfaction. But it is time for them to focus on themselves, which is why a waterproof massager is a perfect option for relaxation and me-time. Taking a toy into the bathroom is the perfect way to start or finish any self-care routine, and this stress relief route will help any Cancer to put themselves first for a change.
Leo – (July 23 – August 22) Leos are passionate and reliable, they love to get creative and are great performative sexual partners, but they do tend to like to be the star of the show. As a sign that takes pride in doing everything, a dual stimulator toy is a perfect option for a Leo. By taking care of both clitoral stimulation and penetration, these toys allow a Leo to simultaneously hit all the right spots.
Virgo – (August 23 – September 22) Virgos love to tease any sexual partners, and as well as being very sensual beings, they love to take their time in providing their partner (or themselves) with the best performance possible and leave their partner wanting more. Toys such as whips, feathers, tickle-based and any toys that add to playful teasing will allow a Virgo to go wild.
Libra – (September 23 – October 22) Libra are balanced signs that like to stand out from the crowd. Libra energy is contagious, and they tend to uplift those lucky enough to be around them, especially in the bedroom. Libra’s, tend to be extremely sensual and love to reciprocate any pleasures given to them, which is great for any sexual partners they might have; this goes hand in hand with any vibrating toy that can be worn as an accessory which provides easy access for your partner to control, for example, a remote-controlled vibrating necklace or underwear which can be controlled via a phone app.
Scorpio – (October 23 – November 21) Scorpio’s love drama in the best way possible! They are all about intensity and crave affection, especially in the bedroom. They are the ones who want to improve each time, so trying something like roleplay can be perfect for switching it up each time. Temperature-play sex toys will stimulate a Scorpio’s erogenous zones and get hearts racing. If you’re a Scorpio, why not try toys made of glass or metal if you prefer it chillier, or if heat is what you want to experiment with, try using a vibrator that heats up just slightly above body temperature.
Sagittarius – (November 22 – December 21) A Sagittarius loves all things spicy and exciting regarding sex and masturbation. This fire sign loves to show appreciation and love through action, which is why they are fantastic givers. A brave Sagittarius should try to challenge their dominant personality traits by asking their partner to take on a more leadership role to push them out of their comfort zone. The perfect toy would be one that their partner can control; this could be either remote-controlled vibrating underwear or a remote-controlled dildo.
Capricorn – (December 22 – January 19) Capricorns are very generous lovers to their partners and themselves. Dominance is one thing they excel at, and positions where they are in charge is where they thrive. Being able to set the pace is important to a Capricorn, but they also desire to experiment and try new things. Capricorns pride themselves on their work ethic, which can sometimes hinder relaxation and downtime, which is why a Magic Bullet is a great option. A magic Bullet allows for a wide range of vibrations and is entirely controlled by its user, allowing whatever amount of pressure and speed to help climax.
Aquarius – (January 20 – February 18) An Aquarius is very open-minded and an exceptional lover who is great for anyone lucky enough to be with one. They are masters of technique and aim to please every time they get into the bedroom; this can sometimes be seen as negative as they can and allow their emotions to take over, but this isn’t always a bad thing. By investing their all into their partners, Aquarius signs are the best at experimenting and trying new things. So, if you are an Aquarius wanting to provide some new and exciting toys to a lucky sexual partner, why not try a sex swing to allow full freedom for your partner and allow you both to enter a new world of positions to pleasure you both.
Pisces – (February 19 – March 20) A Pisces is a highly romantic sign which loves all things sensual. They are great at lovemaking and want to pleasure their partner just as much as themselves, and as they are such passionate souls, a Pisces always wants to put their all into both sex with a partner and solo sex. They are easy-going, and there isn’t much a Pisces would not like to try in the bedroom, so that any couple toy would be a fun experience for a Pisces and partner. Wearable vibrators are a great option, and they provide pleasure for both parties, which is what a Pisces loves.
As a Pasifika woman growing up on a small island of Tonga. Silva Mcleod knew that pursuing a career as an airline pilot seemed like an unrealistic dream.
Despite the many obstacles (including an instructor that once told her that if flying was for female pilots, then the sky would be pink) the mother-of-two persevered and forged a career as the first Tongan female airline pilot.
Silva Mcleod
Silva McLeod was born and raised on the small island of Vava’u in Tonga, with a population of 200. As a young girl, Silva, 62, would look up at the planes flying above and wondered what it was like to be the person piloting them.
“I always thought about how clever people would need to be to operate a plane. That’s when I had the idea to become a pilot. It wasn’t a dream, it was more like a fantasy,” she explains.
“It’s something that I never disclosed to anyone. I think this will resonate with a lot of Pacific Island children. You’re scared of telling someone something so far beyond your reach, because of the fear that people will mock and tease you and tell you to come down a notch. It truly was unfathomable.”
Silva kept her desires a hidden secret until she was 18 and met the man she would eventually marry. Australian Ken McLeod moved to Tonga, to work in foreign aid and helped build the hospital in Vava’u.
“While we were dating, I had a weak moment and disclosed to him that I have this fantasy to fly and become a pilot. I waited for the mocking laugh, but he didn’t. He said it can be done and told me if I wanted it badly enough that I should go and get it.”
Silva and Ken married in Tonga in a traditional wedding and moved to Ken’s home in Melbourne in 1981 after he finished building the hospital in Vava’u.
Despite her secret aspirations of becoming a pilot, Silva stepped on the plane for the very first time when she flew to her new home – from Tonga to Australia. She was 21.
“The fear of flying was very real. It was a terrible, terrible day. I was petrified and didn’t have a very good experience,” she says.
When the pilot addressed the mainly Tongan passengers in the English language, Silva saw the importance of having more Pasifika men and women in the flying industry.
“When the pilot addressed the passengers in a safety brief, it was in English. I looked around and there was only one English-speaking person on the plane, and that was my husband. It stuck in my head; how cool would it be to be a pilot that was able to give a briefing in our own Tongan language?”
When Silva arrived in Australia, it was a culture shock at first, But Silva settled into her new home. Ken was the main breadwinner and Silva stayed home to care for their two children.
Her life changed after she had been living in Australia for 12 years. Ken was diagnosed with cancer, and he encouraged his wife to finally do something about her dream of flying.
Ken with his daughter
“He realised that our life together was too short. During his first chemo session, Ken put his arm around me and whispered ‘Do you still want to fly?’ He told me that if I wanted it, then I should go and get it.”
Despite having to nurse a sick husband and raise their two children, Silva took Ken’s advice and took flying lessons. Ken had 12 months of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant which prolonged his life.
“Ken had ignited that fire in my belly. This was my chance, and I wanted to do something about it. I chipped away at it. We had a family, we had two kids, and we had other priorities than me flying. It was a challenge, an achievement. You have to take one step at a time because if you look at how high the mountain is, then you might not want to climb it.”
It took four years for Silva to gain her commercial pilot’s licence and find work as a pilot for a major airline. She has flown for Air Rarotonga and Pacific Blue, flying from New Zealand to the Pacific Islands. She also became a flying instructor and eventually joined Virgin Airlines as the first woman of colour to fly the international route from Melbourne to Los Angeles on the giant B777.
Silva’s time spent with the Royal Flying Doctor Service
But for Silva, one of her most rewarding jobs was the year she spent as a pilot for the Flying Doctor emergency air service, a job made famous by the popular Australian TV series, The Flying Doctors.
“It was meaningful work. I was uplifting sick babies, and people who needed emergency medical care. I was able to combine my passion for medicine and my passion for flying.”
Silva was flying for Virgin Airlines when the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Her job was impacted and she was made redundant. Also, in 2020, her husband Ken, finally lost his battle to cancer and he sadly passed away.
Her first day at work with Royal Tongan Airlines
To help her grieve and survive the pandemic, Silva put pen to paper and started writing her book, about her inspirational journey. Titled Island Girl to Airline Pilot, the book was released in New Zealand this month.
“Writing was my go-to. It was my therapy.”
After the pandemic, Silva changed careers and moved into real estate but hasn’t ruled out returning to flying.
She says she is indebted to her husband for encouraging her to pursue her dream of flying and she has dedicated her book in his honour.
“I wanted to tell the love story that I had with Ken, and it just happened to give birth to my story about flying. How lucky was I to have these opportunities? If a teenage Pasifika girl can pick up my book and see what I have achieved, maybe it will also encourage her to pursue her dreams.
I know what it’s like to be underprivileged, to be told that you’re not good enough, and to have self-doubt. If I can inspire others with my story, then I’ll be the happiest person in the world.”
Ladies, we all know that our hair is our crowning glory. It’s the one thing that can make us feel like a million bucks even on our worst days. And as someone who has worked in the hair industry for over a decade, I can tell you that the secret to achieving that perfect hair day lies in the tool you use. And there’s no tool that I recommend more than the Dyson Airwrap Multi Styler.
Hair damage is single handedly the reason why we have hairdressers. Damage looks different to everyone; it can be frizzy hair, over-processed, bleached, broken, snapped, dry, oily… 99% of these problems are caused and exacerbated by damage due to the heat, sun and wind. Personally, my hair has been through the ringer as I have tried every trend of its time to see what sticks. In fact, the only ‘trend’ that’s stuck with me is my Dyson Airwrap. I have grown my hair longer, seen less breakage and had shiny smooth hair, all due to the technology built into the tool.
The Dyson Airwrap stands out amongst a myriad of other tools, and for a reason you may not even realise. For starters, it’s the only styler that can curl, shape, and hide flyaways using the Coanda effect, all without using extreme heat. I’m going to repeat that so it sinks in. All of the hair dreams and desires you want, without using extreme heat. This is the type of technology that has helped us revolutionise every day.
The Dyson Airwrap achieves these styles using its powerful airflow and controlled heat, which allows you to style and dry your hair simultaneously. This means that you can achieve a sleek and polished look in half the time it would take with traditional hair tools. And as any busy woman can attest, time is a luxury that we simply can’t afford to waste.
But what really sets the Dyson Airwrap apart from other hair tools is its intelligent heat control. This technology measures the air temperature over 40 times a second, preventing extreme heat damage and helping to maintain hair strength. This means that you can use the Dyson Airwrap every day without worrying about causing long-term damage to your strands. By using the Coanda effect and intelligent heat control, the Dyson Airwrap is helping to revolutionise the way we style our hair, and I, for one, am here for it.
A lot of misinformation online will tell you that heat styling your hair and blow drying it every day will cause damage. However, our hair is at its most vulnerable when it’s wet. So, by drying your hair with the Dyson Airwrap, we are preventing damage in its most vulnerable state, and adding shine and volume to it at the same time, all without damage.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking about the perfect gift and the Dyson Airwrap is the perfect tool for a busy mum who loves a blow wave. It’s not just a hair styling tool – it’s a time-saving lifesaver that will help mums everywhere look and feel their best, even when they’re juggling a million things at once. With a range of different colours to choose from, the Dyson Airwrap is the perfect way to show your mum that you care, and that you understand just how hard she works every day. And let’s be honest, when we look good, we feel good, and that’s important when you’re trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between. Pick up your Dyson Airwrap from Farmers.co.nz or in selected stores.
Scarpa, which was founded in 1978, has earned a reputation as one of the finest footwear labels. The company’s legacy was continued by sisters Liz Savage and Pip Larner, who have transformed Scarpa into a contemporary fashion powerhouse after taking over from their parents, who started the business nearly three decades ago. Pictured above (Pip Larner left and Liz Upton right)
WOMAN+ had the opportunity to connect with Liz, who shared insights on her fashion inspiration, favourite foods, and a particular pair of heels that she adores. As part of SCARPA The Label’s recent launch, Liz’s ride-or-die heels are now available for purchase. The new brand’s ethos revolves around enabling women to create a collection of hero. pieces in your wardrobe that are high-quality shoes that will endure for years. The ‘Georgie’ (featured below) would be my favourite pick, and it’s easy to see why.
If I could go back to my younger self, I would tell them…
Wear sunscreen. Never let the thoughts of others affect your peace. Back yourself and your aspirations!
If I could be any woman in the world for a day, I would be…
Stella McCartney. I love her take on fashion, that she’s hugely family orientated and her collections are inspired by them and the world around her.
If I could only eat one meal for the rest of my life, I would eat…
Is chocolate a meal? Anything with fresh seafood. We grew up boating a lot as a family and the beach is my happy place so a perfect meal is straight from the ocean to plates!
If I could make a difference in anyone’s life, it would be…
My beloved dad who has had a sudden health scare which has shaken our family and I wish him back to his full health and beautiful self.
If I could get on a plane, I would go to…
Amalfi Coast. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Italy regularly for designing, buying and sourcing, but have never quite made it to the Amalfi Coast and it’s one of my dreams!
If I could change one thing in my life it would be…
I’m very blessed and don’t have much to complain about, life has taught me that it is precious and to be grateful for what I have.
If I could wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life it would be….
Life would be very boring if I could only wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life! Fashion is part of expressing who you are and my footwear choices reflect that. In saying that, I’m definitely a heels girl regardless of running our business and looking after my two boys. My personal favourite is the Coco pump from our Winter capsule collection.
If I could positively impact one change in the world it would be…
I really want to do all I can to bring up my boys to respect people, accept differences and help others who are less fortunate. It might be a small impact but all good things start out small!
My inspiration for the series‘Women Rise’came about during the pandemic and getting locked down on an off grid island – Aotea. Embracing the time and space the lockdowns created from a usual busy commercial shooting schedule, I experienced a more confronting time alone in nature. Friends around the world would say , wow you are so lucky, stuck in paradise, living the off grid dream we all want.
There are no distractions here, it’s just you and the land and a small community with everyone living quite isolated and very busy with daily basic tasks such as making sure you have enough water in your tanks, firewood and organising your food. It’s amazing how much time all these simple things take that city life provides at a different pace.
With many borders still closed and still being stuck in Aotearoa, the island slowly became our home and over time I met the most incredible strong beautiful women and formed special friendships.
I was in awe of the way they handled living this raw life. The reality of this dream off grid life that city folks post memes about and dream of living is that it’s hard work and not always easy. Of course there is all the magic and beauty as well and that is why people live here.
I was involved in the winter raranga and te reo classes with the aunties and luckily could join the kapa haka group. I spent time with the young women who worked on environmental protection projects on the motu and spent time with mom’s and their tamariki.
Over these two years immersed in the community and having spent all this beautiful quality time with the women and the challenges we are all faced with living here, I felt inspired to gift a session to them all and create a photoshoot that would give the wahine a moment to step away from all the daily tasks, such as chopping the fire wood, pulling weeds and growing food, rat trapping, getting the tamariki to the school by boat in the cold winter storms etc.
I wanted them to feel as beautiful as they are but often don’t have time to even think about or be in touch with that part of themselves. I wanted to create a moment of embracing our bodies and feeling free with no responsibilities and connecting the female spirit in a group photo. I intently chose to do group photos of the wāhine as this would amplify the experience of women empowerment.
I asked the women after the sessions how they felt and all of them had feelings of joy and upliftment along with deeper feelings of connection to themselves and each other.
This series is not limited to only this environment as I feel women experience the same in busy cities, trying to balance careers, motherhood and other demands of living in and breaking down the patriarchy. We who identify as women still struggle with equal rights, equal pay and misogyny. The time I had on the island over the pandemic gave me the space to create this series which is just as healing for me as it is for the women in the photos.
Exploring the female perspective and how different the results are from a female photographer is something I focus on a lot. What camera angle do I use compared to men and how do women interact with a female photographer are points I consider when producing my work. I like to create opportunity for women to take up space, feel confident and take power over their bodies.
In my industry, commercial photographers are still 70% male dominated and I strive to change that one shot at a time by empowering women in my images and other female artists.
Artist Statement by Saskia Koerner:
I endeavour to create an environment for the women I photograph to express themselves in a safe space and get in touch with their own power and beauty. I ask myself “What does it mean to be a woman?” and “How does being part of a group of women uplift the individual and each other?”
In my ongoing series Women Rise, I discover something quite liberating when a group of women get together in a space where they can express themselves freely. In my work I hope to break down societal expectations and create an experience for the women in my images, and myself, that allows healing and empowerment to take place.
As a female photographer I feel I can encourage a totally different response from my female subjects compared to the male gaze because I foster a level of comfort and ease that exists for women, by women.
Originally from Cape Town,SaskiaKoerner has lived and worked across the globe exploring her love of all things photographic. This includes graduating from the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography and assisting industry legends Mary Ellen Mark, Nan Goldin & Kenneth Willard in New York.
Saskia Koerner produces work which is warm and emotive by forging a tangible trust and connection with her subjects. She enjoys exploring different light ambiances and the words beautiful, spirited and honest come to mind when immersing oneself in her photographic world.
Now calling New Zealand home, she’s a passionate adventurer and surfer with a zeal for female empowerment and sustainability. Coupled with her technical acumen and experience behind the camera, she is an ideal choice for the fashion, lifestyle and socially conscious markets.
Another dish from BearLion cook book. We think this is the perfect wholesome winter meal that you can make ahead of time and enjoy day after day.
“This is a dish that has a lot of different combos. I have a bit of a thing for teaming up same-coloured foods, so putting this lot together is a delight and reminds me of a bleak winter scene but in an extra-awesome tasty way. Plus the ol’ cooked-with-raw combo gives it some lightness if serving with a heavy winter braise.“
Side dish for 4-6 people.
Ingredients
2 parsnips, scrubbed
1 tbsp dried or fresh oregano
olive oil
salt and pepper
1 leek
¼ cauliflower
1 cup plain natural yoghurt
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, zest and juice
2 tbsp currants
½ tsp nigella seeds
big handful sorrel or spinach
Method
Preheat oven to 220˚C fan bake.
Cut parsnips into long chunky lengths and give a quick toss with oregano, a splash of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread them out on a roasting tray and into the oven for 20–30 minutes or until golden brown and toasty on the edges.
Chop and wash the leek — use the green part too! Repeat the same process with the olive oil and seasonings and put on a separate tray in the oven. Cook leek for 20–30 minutes as you want it nice and soft. Let cool, once removed from the oven.
Slice the raw cauli as thinly as you can and place in a large bowl. It will break up a bit once dressed and mixed. Place the yoghurt in another bowl, then add the cooled leek with a little more salt and pepper. Mix well.
In the bowl of cauli, gently add the parsnips, extra virgin olive oil, lemon, currants, nigella seeds and give a wee toss. Add three quarters of the greens, with a small stir through. (I used sheep sorrel.)
Place in a serving dish and top with the yoghurty leeks as evenly as you can. Chuck remaining greens on top. This can be served with braised brisket, corned venison or bulghur-wheat stuffed onions.
The oregano on the parsnip mixed with leeks is enough for a great side; the cauli and currants with the dressing alone are another great dish. Or serve the yoghurty leeks over other roast vegetables or with poached chicken.
Recipe from Food for Thought: A New Zealand-Grown Cookbook from the BearLion Kitchen. “Food for Thought is a book for anyone who likes to eat tasty food that is easy to make. A book for anyone who cares what they put into their body. A book for anyone who gives a damn about this planet. Be prepared to simplify and improve your attitude to cooking, to food and to the way you live your life”
One of the more effective acts of self-care is also, happily, one of the cheapest – Journaling! Once the domain of teenage girls, it has become a hallmark of the wellbeing movement. And for good reason – for something so simple, it seems to provide almost infinite benefits.
Simply put, Journaling is a written record of our thoughts & feelings. There aren’t any rules, although for most journaling is a daily exercise. Journaling is a way to track everyday life, your thoughts, feelings, goals and ideas.
Lisann Valentin, a Shamanic life coach says “Journaling is mindfulness in motion, It shines a spotlight on the invaluable things in your life that you might not always recognize.”
The benefits of journaling are almost too many to mention, and they vary depending on your approach and needs. So here we’re going to focus on just a few of the widely recognised advantages and a few tips for starting and sustaining your journaling practice.
Six Great Reasons to Start Journaling:
Journaling Reduces Stress
Stress can be damaging to your physical, mental, and emotional health. Writing down your feelings in a journal helps you to externalize your anxieties, frustrations and pains. This can help you to reduce and release accumulated stress. In fact, a study showed that expressive writing (like journaling) for only 15 to 20 minutes a day was enough to lower blood pressure.
Journaling Keeps Memory Sharp
Journaling helps keep your memory in tip-top shape. Your brain will make stronger connections with information after you write it down, making it easier for you to recall in the future. Also, if you record your thoughts, you can easily return to your notes and be reminded of insights and goals that may have otherwise faded from your memory.
Journaling Boosts Mood
Want more sunshine in your life? Try journaling. A unique social and behavioral outcome of journaling is this: it can improve your mood and give you a greater sense of overall emotional well-being and happiness.
Journaling Helps you Set & Achieve Goals
A journal is a good place to write your goals, ambitions, aspirations and new year resolutions. By keeping them in a diary, you can monitor your progress and feel motivated to continue to focus on your next milestone.
Journaling Inspires Creativity
Writing a journal is a great way to unleash your creativity. Everyone has the potential to be creative, most of us just haven’t discovered it yet. Your journal is the best place to start exploring your inner creativity. Write down anything that comes to your mind. Let your imaginations run wild and remember – no one ever has to see it!
Journaling allows you to self-reflect
Journaling is a good way to help us to stop, take a step back and reflect on ourselves. You can self-reflect on gratitude, what you did today and how you felt. Daily reflection can also be done at night before bed. You can look back at your life in a journal and think about how you’ve changed and what you might do to improve yourself.
Tips for Getting Started:
You get it: Journaling is good for you — physically, mentally, and emotionally. But what if, like many of us, you find yourself stuck, staring at a blank page?
Try these tips to help you get started with journaling:
Treat yourself to a nice journal. It can be lined, unlined, structured or blank. The important thing is that you like it – you will be spending time with it every day!
To start, don’t be intimidated. Set yourself a goal of writing one sentence. That’s all it takes.
Make it easy. Keep your journal handy at all times. Then when you want to write down your thoughts, you can.
Try to write every day. Plan and set aside a few minutes every day to write – this will help you to stay consistent.
Write or draw whatever feels right. Remember – a journal is your own private place to express your feelings. Let the words and ideas flow freely. For god’s sake don’t worry about spelling mistakes or grammar.
Sometimes a prompt can be useful to get the words flowing. You can find loads online by googling “Journaling Prompts”. Here’s a few of our favourites to get you started:
What are three things you’re grateful for today?
What made today unique?
How do you show people that you love them?
What country would you like to visit for the first time?
What magic power would you like to have?
So, as you get started or continue your own journaling journey, just remember: The most important rule of all is that there are no rules.
This article was written byHannah Moritz and shared through our submissions portal. If you would like to submit your articles to us for consideration, please send to [email protected]. We welcome engaging, topical and inspiring content to help us elevate the voice of kiwi women.
Our heroine, Sally Milz has long abandoned the search for romance, partly in favour of finding success in her career as a script writer for ‘The Night Owls’, an iconic late-night TV sketch show, and partly because she’s a little heartbreak shy; having once confessed her love to a fellow writer who went on to marry a beautiful pop star.
She’s also noticed that romances between stunning female A-list celebrities and her interesting but distinctly average looking male colleagues, seem to have become a trend. As she points out in a sketch she pens, the reverse of this trend never seems to happen for women. Except then she seems to catch the eye of the latest guest host on The Night Owls, Noah Brewster, a drop-dead gorgeous singer/songwriter, and while we’re caught up in the magic of mutual attraction the novel cleverly dissects the chemistry between them and adeptly explores the complexities of Sally’s character.
Romance is never straightforward these days and the intersections of physical attractiveness, talent, celebrity, and gender in the world are enjoyably examined in a novel that is fun, smart, savvy and a guaranteed good time. No wonder it’s a Reece Witherspoon Book Club pick.
Definitely a good book choice to have the gals around to unpack it all and deconstruct past flings at work. Confessions of the watercooler pash? You bet.
New Kenwood MultiPro GO: The ultra-compact food processor that thinks BIG. Whether you want to lighten the load of food preparation or are passionate about making meals from scratch, the new Kenwood MultiPro GO is here to help. Here are the 5 reasons I think you need the new Kenwood Multi Pro. The Kenwood MultiPro Compact retails for $149.99 and is available at all leading electrical retailers.
The new Kenwood MultiPro is a kitchen appliance designed to cover all the essential cooking tasks, saving you time and effort in meal preparation. Whether you’re chopping vegetables, dough kneading, slicing meat, grating cheese or pureeing sauces, this versatile machine can do it all. This is your all in one solution.
Compact and easy to store
The latest Kenwood Multi Pro appliance is designed to fit perfectly into small cupboards, taking up minimal space in your kitchen. Even when not in use, the attachments, including the knife blade and disc, can be kept in the main bowl, ensuring they are never misplaced and always available when you need them. The EasyStore™ cable is perfect for those with limited kitchen space. The cable can be wrapped and tucked in, making it easy to store in drawers or on worktops.
360 Express Serve Function
The Kenwood Multi Pro Has the 360 Express Serve™ attachment. This attachment allows you to grate and slice ingredients directly onto a serving dish or into a pan, eliminating the need for additional bowls or dishes. This not only saves you time but also keeps the main bowl clean, reducing the amount of washing up needed after meal preparation.
Dishwasher Safe
No Cleaning up after meal preparation can be a hassle, but the Kenwood Pro food processor makes it a thing of the past with its dishwasher-safe parts. Simply place the detachable components in the dishwasher, and they’ll come out sparkling clean and ready to use again. However, it’s important to refer to the instruction manual for detailed information on care and cleaning to ensure the longevity of the appliance. With its easy-to-clean design, the Kenwood Pro food processor allows you to focus on the joys of cooking and entertaining without worrying about the clean-up process.
Time saving
With its powerful motor and high-quality blades, the Kenwood processor can quickly and efficiently process even the toughest ingredients, making meal prep a breeze. By taking the time out of any recipe, this appliance allows you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations with family and friends.
Cappellacci is similar to tortellini, though a little easier. Instead of cutting the pasta sheet into little ‘rounds’ before you fill them, you make little squares of pasta. The little triangle ‘caps’ left on the pasta help me to remember its name. This is a great recipe to make extra of. Freeze the uncooked cappellacci on a tray, then transfer to a bag once frozen. This stops them clumping together. They’ll take about 6 minutes to cook from frozen. I love the browned butter and sage combination with pumpkin and it is seasonally ideal, because the pumpkin and sage are ready in the garden at the same time.
This is a recipe extracted fromNostrana created by ex Chef Bri DiMattina(below), Nostranashares simple, gorgeous and delicious recipes with fresh vegetables and fruits you can easily grow and harvest yourself.
Bri DiMattina, a second-generation Italian-Kiwi, is a home gardener and trained chef who was inspired by her chef mother and Italian nonna’s passion for great food. Following a career in the food industry, Bri relocated to Mangere Bridge with her partner and son, where she began cultivating a ‘food forest’ using permaculture methodologies. She now delights in harvesting and cooking homegrown produce.
Ingredients
500g butternut pumpkin, halved, seeds discarded
2 tsp olive oil
80g finely grated parmesan
2 tbsp fine breadcumbs
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Pasta dough (recipe below)
Browned Butter and Sage Sauce
80g butter
Handful of sage leaves (about 20, or more)
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Method
Preheat the oven to 200°C fan-forced. Brush the cut side of the pumpkin with oil and season with salt and pepper. ‘
Place in roasting pan cut-side down and cook for about 40 minutes, until the pumpkin is tender and the skin is soft. Set aside to cool, then remove the skin. Mash the pumpkin in a bowl with the parmesan, breadcrumbs and nutmeg. Season to taste.
Roll the dough as directed on page 239, finishing at the second last setting. Cut the dough into 7cm squares.
Place a little pumpkin filling into the centre of each square. Moisten the edges with water then fold over to form a triangle.
Press the dough together around the filling and try to avoid any trapped air bubbles. Bring the two furthest corner points together and press together to create a little ring. Place on a floured tray until you are ready.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Cook in batches for 2–3 minutes, until al dente.
While they are cooking, to make the sauce, heat the butter in a large pan, until melted and starting to brown slightly. Add the sage leaves and cook until crisp. Stir in the lemon juice.
Add the cooked cappellacci and gently toss together. Serve immediately.
Pasta
The thing about pasta, in my family at least, is that it is the number oneway to eat less meat. They truly don’t seem to notice when I’ve combinedfresh homemade pasta with garden goodies, such as peas and parmesanor tomato and anchovy, or even something as simple as basil pesto tossedthrough with a little cracked pepper on top.
Serves 6
Ingredients
4 cups (600g) 00 flour
5 eggs
½ tbsp olive oil
Method
Place the flour into a mound on the bench and make a well in the centre. Add the eggs and the olive oil. Using a fork (or by hand) slowly start to mix the eggs and the oil, incorporating the flour on the inside of the mound as you go.
The dough will slowly start to come together. Once the flour has all been incorporated, start kneading the dough with the heel of your hand. If it is sticky, add a little flour to the bench and continue to knead for a good 10 minutes. The dough should be soft, elastic and just a little sticky.
Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Cut the dough into 8 pieces. Shape 1 piece into a rough rectangular shape and dust generously with flour. Starting on the widest setting of the rollers on the pasta machine, feed the dough through.
Fold into thirds and feed it through again the other way (starting at the shortest side). Do this a couple of times, dusting with flour as necessary.
Change to the next setting on the pasta machine, and roll the dough through. Change to the next setting and roll again, without folding. Keep rolling, reducing the setting each time and finishing at your desired thickness (it will depend on how you are going to use the pasta). Repeat with the remaining dough and cut into desired shapes.
On the 25th of April each year, ANZAC Day is observed to honour the contributions and sacrifices of New Zealand and Australian military. As this year’s ANZAC Day falls on a Tuesday this year, this could also be another long weekend (if you take the Monday off). To make the most of this occasion, we have prepared a list of ANZAC-themed events taking place in New Zealand.
What Is On This ANZAC Weekend
The Sky Tower will shine like a big red poppy Every year the Sky Tower shines bright red like a poppy, symbolising remembrance and hope.
Vector Lights for Anzac Day 21-25 April, 2023 6pm-11.59pm Vector Lights will feature an animated light display that will illuminate the Auckland night sky. From the 21st to the 25th of April, the show will be held every half hour between 6 pm and midnight, and additionally from 5 am to 7 am on the 25th.
ANZAC Remembrance Walk at the Commercial Bay Air Bridge Support the RSA and collect your poppy from the Commercial Bay Concierge desk, available until ANZAC Day.
Warbirds over Tāmaki Over both Poppy Day (April 22) and ANZAC Day, the New Zealand Warbirds Association will be doing a flyover across the Tāmaki Makaurau region. This is scheduled to start from 11am on Poppy Day and 12 noon on ANZAC Day and will start with a pass over Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum before heading over the city centre.
ANZAC Service at the Thérèse Angelo Wing at the Air Force Museum. Honouring our airmen at our Anzac Day Service. At 12pm on 25th of April
ANZAC Variety Concert Christchurch Town Hall, 86 Kilmore St, Christchurch 2:00 – 4:00pm. Christchurch’s iconic Woolston Brass will commorate the ANZAC spirit in a musical celebration.
Learn about the history behind ANZAC at the Auckland Museum Auckland Museum will open to the public at its regular time of 7am, offering a diverse range of commemorative events throughout the day. The schedule includes a choral performance by the Carmini choir, poetry readings, a message-writing service dedicated to individuals affected by war, and guided tours that delve into the narratives of both world wars. Admission is free for all visitors.
Te Papa: Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War 18 Apr 2015 – 25 Apr 2025. Free admission for everyone. This revolutionary exhibition recounts the narrative of the Gallipoli campaign during World War I.
Anzac Day parade, Wigram Pipe Band Image from Christchurch city Library
ANAZC Dawn Services
Wellington, Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, 6am
Auckland Domain, 6am at Court of Honour
Waiheke RSA, 5.45am at the Cenotaph outside the Waiheke RSA.
A recipe taken from a beautiful new cook book Nostrana. Nostrana meaning homegrown, ours; growing food with the intent of sharing it.
We love the height of summer, when heirloom tomatoes are rich and sweet, ripened on the vine, and the subtleties of flavour in the varieties are pronounced. This tomato medley salad plays on those flavours with a contrasting whipped feta and a sweet honey-chilli drizzle. Make extra of the whipped feta and the honey-chilli drizzle to reconstruct this later as a dip with other garden goodies. Though, honestly, it is best with fresh tomatoes – an addictive combination.
Ingredients
4 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp chilli seeds
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp capers
500g mixed heirloom tomatoes, sliced (little ones can be left whole)
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
Small handful of Italian parsley,
roughly chopped
Whipped Feta
80g feta
40g sour cream (or yoghurt)
1/2 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp olive oil
Lemon zest
Cracked pepper
Method
To make the whipped feta, blend the feta and sour cream in a food processor until smooth, then stir in the remaining ingredients by hand. Chill until required.
In a small pot, heat honey until runny (no need to simmer or boil) then add chilli seeds and stir thoroughly.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a small pan and fry capers until crispy. Leave to cool
Layer whipped feta on the base of the plate, followed by tomatoes, capers, red onion and parsley.
Drizzle with the honey chilli just before serving, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
The legacy of Nancy Brunning lives on in a stage production of a brilliant drama celebrating the female characters of Witi Ihimaera’s fiction – Witi’s Wāhine.
It’s been three years since the death of actress and playwright Nancy Brunning, a powerhouse in theatre and film who became a household name playing Nurse Jaki Manu as an original cast member on Shortland Street.
Nancy Brunning
Nancy, from Ngāti Raukawa and Tūhoe, loved the craft of acting and telling Māori stories. Her legacy lives on through the latest Auckland Theatre Company play, Witi’s Wāhine, a work written and originally directed by Nancy before her death to cancer. She adapted the work around the powerful wāhine Māori characters created by acclaimed novelist Witi Ihimaera.
Nancy’s good friend and business partner, Tanea Heke, of Hapai Productions, says when she was approached by Auckland Theatre Company to work together to put on Witi’s Wāhine , she turned to a photo of her mate Nancy, and asked her for advice.
“When these opportunities arise, I always look up at Nan, and ask her; ‘what would you do? I said yes to working with Auckland Theatre Company because it was an opportunity to make Nan’s work accessible to a whole different audience. It was the right time,” Tanea explains.
Tanea Heke producer of Witi’s wāhine
Nancy and Tanea formed Hapai Productions in 2013 so they could produce and tell stories from a Māori perspective and support and develop new indigenous voices. Some of the plays that they have produced have been Nancy’s previous work, the award winning play Hikoi, and plays from upcoming Māori talent. Tanea described Nancy’s role in the company as the creative who wrote the work and Tanea was the administrator who paid the bills.
“Nan was an incredible storyteller and for a very long time she was telling other people’s stories. Theatre was always her main love and that’s where she found her voice to tell her own stories. She always kept a diary and would always what she was seeing in writing,” she says.
Nancy was introduced to Witi Ihimaera’s writing as a young woman growing up in Taupo.
“When Nan was at school, the very first story that she read that had Māori characters in it was a Witi story. For the very first time, she saw that Māori existed in literature and that someone was telling our stories. Witi was the one that gave Nan the ability and the vision to step into the creative space,” Tanea tells.
To honour Witi, Nancy was compelled to write a play based on the strong and inspirational wāhine Māori characters that appeared in his stories.
“Witi writes very accessible stories. Nancy has taken those stories and paid tribute to all of the powerful and rich characters. The heart of Witi’s Wāhine is all about the women.”
The first production of Witi’s Wāhine was at the Te Tairawhiti Arts Festival in 2019 in Gisborne. During this time, Nancy was losing her battle to cancer but she was still determined to see her play debut on the stage. She was so fragile, that she was wheeled into rehearsals in a wheelchair. Despite her illness, she was able to attend the play’s premiere
“She looked like this lovely, beautiful, and very fragile little bird. On the opening night of the production, she was sitting in the front row. She was so determined to see the play on the stage and she looked so proud when she saw her mahi.”
Roimata Fox, Ngāti Porou, Rongomaiwahine
Nancy died three weeks after that performance in November 2019.
Tanea, whose iwi are Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Rangi, Te Uri Taniwha, and Ngāti Hineira, says Nancy has been inspirational and has left a lasting impression on many people, including herself.
Tanea never aimed to pursue a career in the arts. In fact, she attended Victoria University and qualified as a teacher. She turned her back on an education career to enrol into Toi Whakaari drama school after she caught the acting bug at university.
“I was in my 30s with three young children when I enrolled into drama school. I graduated in 1997. I was inspired by the Māori women who had also attended drama school and paved the way, like Nancy, Rachel House, Katie Wolfe and Nicola Kawana,” she says.
“They had gone before me and had successful careers. They were all proud of being wāhine Māori and never compromised that in their careers.”
After changing careers, people would tell Tanea that she wasted her time spending four years qualifying as a teacher. But since graduating from acting school, Tanea has worked in many positions to become a leader for Māori in the arts sector.
“Every day when I stand up and speak to a big group of people, it’s not the drama training that gives me confidence, it’s the teaching training. Everything I do is about how I bring other people together.”
In 2019, Tanea was appointed as Tumuaki/Director of Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. As an actor she has had main roles in some of New Zealand’s most powerful films, including Waru and Cousins. In 2022, Tanea was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to the arts and Māori.
Tanea says Nancy supported other Māori coming into the creative arts industry, and she always valued her advice.
She says returning Witi’s Wāhine to the stage is bringing a little bit of Nancy Brunning back to life as well. The new production features an all-wāhine Māori cast, actors Roimata Fox, Awhina Rose Ashby, Pehia King, and Olivia Robinson-Falconer and is directed by Teina and Ngapaki Moetara.
“Nan was a hard worker and very generous. I know Nan has passed, but I don’t think of her leaving. I hope to think that one day she will return.”
Tanea Heke receiving Queens Honours for services to the arts and Māori
Witi’s Wahine is on from 2 – 20 May at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland.
In a country with yawning inequality Liz Greive is impelled to try to shift the dial by donating her superannuation payment and making it real simple for others in a similar position to do the same.
* This is a voiceover created by AI and therefore some of the words or pronunciations may be incorrect. We hope you still enjoy this listening experience
Sitting at her wooden desk at primary school in the freezing Lake District in Northern England, six-year-old Liz Greive can see two little girls who stand out.
“Their father died of tuberculosis. They lived in a tiny, cold house, and they always looked thin and pale. It made a lasting impression on me.”
This is the first time she realises what poverty can look like.
Even now, more than 60 years later, sitting in her waterfront apartment in Auckland at her long wooden table surrounded by striking Kiwi artworks, Liz Greive, lively and thoughtful in her bright pink dress, has never forgotten those two girls.
It’s something that has provided a common thread through what has been an energetic life, latterly a comfortable one.
Where it all started
While Liz was young in the UK and for a stint in New Zealand, she began a career as a social worker, supporting her family as the main breadwinner while her husband studied, at times holding down three jobs with a new baby to care for. Those were tough times, she remembers. “We had not a lot to spare.”
She worked in Māori and Pasifika communities in South Auckland, before moving back to London to set up a consultancy training social workers and working with deeply troubled children.
As her husband Chris moved through to management in the European travel company Top Deck Travel, eventually shifting the family back to New Zealand to build up Flight Centre, Liz took over raising the family and running the household. Flight Centre was listed on the stock market, and the family purchased Barkers, the menswear clothing company, and made other investments.
And now, juggling a daughter and grandchildren living in Perth, a son, grandchildren, and wide circle of friends in Auckland, and a home in Spain where she spends part of every year, Liz has been doing what she really wants for herself.
After a difficult divorce later in life, many women go through a process of exploring their identity as they navigate a new direction that is no longer centered around their relationship with another individual.
“I was known for many years as Chris’s wife, and then as Duncan’s mother because he’s so well known for setting up The Spinoff. Now I’ve been finding out who I am, and what I’m capable of again.”
For Liz Greive, that has meant examining her values and the legacy she wants to leave.
“I think about those two girls, and about all the children I saw as I worked in deeply impoverished communities, and my belief is that everyone who can, needs to help other people’s children.”
“My own children are fine. They have had choices throughout their life, even though we were not at all well off for a good part of their childhood. But many of these other children do not even have shoes or enough good food, and their life choices are limited.”
Her epiphany came when she turned 65 and her Universal Superannuation letter arrived.
“I didn’t need that money, but I knew who did. Children like those two little girls.”
Three years ago, she set up Share My Super, a charity that helps older people who live a comfortable life and who don’t need all their pension, to donate it to vetted organisations helping children in poverty. She is able to fund 100% of the operational expenses so everything donated goes to help children.
Share My Super has now raised more than $1.3 million for 11 of New Zealand’s most impactful and outstanding organisations – Ako Maātātupu: Teach First NZ, Digital Future, Kids Can, First Foundation, Pillars, Wellington City Mission, Te Pā, Womens Refuge, Hillary Outdoors, Variety and Childrens Poverty Action Group.
When superannuation went up this month, by about $100 per couple per fortnight and about $70 for individuals, Liz saw another opportunity.
“Some of the 880,000 people receiving a pension increase won’t need it for themselves. They might be still working, they might have been fortunate enough to accumulate wealth so they have something to spare.”
Helping young people in poverty has never been more urgent.
The latest Government figures show progress on reducing poverty has slowed to a standstill in the last couple of years.
Analysis by economist Max Rashbrooke for Share My Super shows one in five Māori children, and one in four Pasifika, are in poverty. Children with disabilities also experience much higher than average rates of poverty.
The number of children in households with less than half the typical income stayed flat, hardly shifting from 13% in 2021 to 12% in 2022.
The number of children in households with less than half the typical 2018 household’s income after housing costs are deducted, again stayed flat – from 15% in 2021, to 15.4% (177,000) in 2022.
And thirdly, the number of children in households struggling to meet everyday costs, who say they can’t afford six or more basic items, such as fresh food or heating their home, has also remained steady at 11% in 2021, compared to 10.3% (119,000) in 2022.
While on all key measures tens of thousands of children have been lifted out of poverty since 2018, it would seem that the cost of living, the pandemic’s impact and other forces are inhibiting progress.
Tens of thousands of families have benefited, since 2018 and in the last year, from rising minimum wages, benefit increases, the Best Start and winter energy payments, and boosts to Working for Families.
These policies will have helped many families lift themselves out of poverty or remain just above the line, but many others remain in the grip of poverty.
“Our patron, Dr Hinemoa Elder, a child and adolescent psychologist in a hospital setting, is telling us of witnessing high levels of mental illness, distress, grief, suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts among young people,” says Liz.
“She’s telling us that what frontline workers are seeing on the ground, at work, in our hospitals, are much more complex situations where increasing poverty is clearly a major factor. What people like her are seeing now is very different compared to pre-COVID and even compared to what was happening during lockdowns.”
In the face of such desperate need, Liz sees her own good fortune as an opportunity to give back and to strengthen society, particularly after striking out on her own.
“Once I had charge of my own wealth, I had the confidence to make my own decisions. I took stock, and the time to ask questions about what that wealth meant to me, what would be its purpose?
“I have taken care of my children, and now, how much of this do I need to carry on with my life, what do I want to achieve before the end and how can I give back?”
Her journey towards self-empowerment and realising her own ambitions has not been without its challenges.
Liz remembers more than a decade ago sitting in a meeting she was been told she could attend “if she wanted to”.
The meeting was discussing shared family money, and she was the only woman in the room. There were male financial advisors, male trustees, and male lawyers.
She remembers she didn’t understand everything that was going on, but she felt reluctant to show her ignorance.
That male domination could be intimidating, but it was normal practice at that time, she says.
“When I was very small, men used to bring home their pay packet and give some to their wife for pocket money or housekeeping. Women never saw the big picture. They never had any input into decisions. Even ten years ago there had been very little evolution.”
With determination, by refusing to accept the status quo, her post-divorce years have been transformative.
She now has her own investments, has become a director, and has been part of a campaign encouraging other women to step up, educate themselves and take charge of their financial affairs.
For Liz Greive, pushing back means making her own decisions without having to consult anyone.
Serendipity has led to her employing a female team of architects to work on her home in Spain and professional women to work on her personal affairs.
And that strong vein of determination has resulted in a spark of an idea flourishing into a community of what she calls Super New Zealanders making hundreds of thousands of dollars of difference to kids in need.
Date Pudding, dessert, cake — whatever you want to call it, this one is here to give you that hug you know you need. It’s a big middle finger to lockdown. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add a teaspoon or two of ground ginger, cinnamon, etc. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan if ya want.
200g almond meal (or leftover cashew pulp from making milk)
100g caster sugar
2 tbsp coconut or olive oil
Method
Preheat oven to 170˚C fan bake.
Place the dates and water in a pot, bring to the boil and reduce on a medium heat until the liquid has almost gone. Add the baking soda. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
Place in food processor, add the other ingredients and blend well for 1–2 minutes. Tip into a cake tin. These can be cooked as individual muffins (six), a 20 x 20-centimetre tin if you please, or a mini bundt or cake tin. Bake for 30–40 minutes for small and 40–60 minutes for larger cake. Skewer should come out clean.
If you’re a coffee fan, do try this recipe, it’s a great way to get a second round out of your coffee grounds with the espresso syrup (recipe below), otherwise the coconut caramel recipe is a winner combo.
Espresso Syrup
Makes 500ml
½ cup coffee grounds
2 cups water
75g caster sugar
Boil these together until reduced by half. Strain and place back in the pot and reduce for a further 5–10 minutes or until it coats the back of a spoon.
Recipe from Food for Thought: A New Zealand-Grown Cookbook from the BearLion Kitchen. “Food for Thought is a book for anyone who likes to eat tasty food that is easy to make. A book for anyone who cares what they put into their body. A book for anyone who gives a damn about this planet. Be prepared to simplify and improve your attitude to cooking, to food and to the way you live your life”
Chitra Shinde is the VP of operations for DHL New Zealand, a woman that is dominating in a usually male filled space. WOMAN+ spoke to her about her experience and what advice she has for women wanting to do the same.
What do you do at DHL New Zealand?
I am Vice President of Operations for DHL Express New Zealand. I lead a team of International Specialists who manage our safety, security, export and import operations, transportation, customs clearance and our last mile pickup and delivery couriers, and service providers. We also design and build infrastructure, train our people, build customer solutions, audit against internal and external compliance requirements and work on continuous improvement to improve our customer experience.
What made you decide to pursue a career in this industry and how hard was it to break in?
I aspired to be a professor teaching poetry and literature at my hometown cCollege. Instead, I ended up pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. I joined DHL Express as one of the first women trainees in Gateway Operations in India. From there I have worked in various roles across Operations and IT in India, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand. Throughout my career in Operations, it was not unusual for me to be the only woman in the room. I also have an extremely supportive husband who has played an active part in raising our four children. My willingness to learn new skills, embrace change and invest time to develop myself and my team has helped me grow.
What challenges have you faced in this career?
Looking back, I think I could have done things better or differently. I should have sought out mentoring much earlier. You can learn so much from the experience of others. I had to shift my focus from myself to my team and transition from being an individual high performer to being able to lead and motivate a team of high performers. Challenges have been mostly on the personal front in balancing my many responsibilities as a daughter, wife, mother, and employee and trying to excel in all of them. Understanding your own self and self-imposed limitations, accepting them, and finding coping mechanisms are a great way to overcome these self-created barriers. I know how to recognise my early warning signs of fatigue and stress and I take immediate measures to address these.
What has been your proudest achievement in this career?
Two things come to mind
When I see the development in individuals with untapped potential or when I have the courage to share the right feedback at the right time to positively align their development.
During the COVID-19 lockdowns, we experienced massive peaks and troughs operating as an essential service. We responded by introducing new routes, new flights, new processes, facilities, and people and innovated as we progressed. It was the most unpredictable and exciting time in my career. Coming out of it has presented a novel challenge –how to create a Wow factor for our employees and our customers every day.
What would you say to other women wanting to pursue a career in this industry?
I have seen the transformation and transition of the operational environment in the last decade, which makes it a great place for women. I am already observing that the younger generation is shifting.
Avoid these seven common mistakes if you can,
Don’t overthink: Generally and more specifically our own capability.
Don’t be a perfectionist: The last 20% takes too much time for very little value it delivers.
Don’t sweat the small stuff: Sooner or later, it will tarnish your Brand.
Don’t hire clones: Seek out people who are different from you or better than you. Lucky if you can find both. Skills can be taught.
Don’t try to do it all yourself: Your growth will come from being able to get things done through influencing and execution.
Introducing Nespresso Vertuo Pop. Discover Nespresso’s newest and most compact Vertuo machine, available in a range of vibrant colours to match your style and elevate your coffee corner.
Take your first step into Nespresso and receive $80 coffee credit*. Transform your coffee ritual by exploring a full range of coffee styles to suit any moment.
RRP: $269 Solo, $389 Bundle (including the Aeroccino3 milk frother). Available from Nespresso and leading electrical retailers.
Coffee is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and complexity to all desserts. Its rich and robust flavour complements a range of sweet treats. Every good dessert deserves some strong good quality Nespresso coffee.
2 cups cooled espresso shot from the Nespresso Vertuo Pop
Cocoa for dusting
Mascarpone filling
½ cup icing sugar
300g mascarpone, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
500ml cream
Method
1. Heat oven to 170°C fan bake. Grease and line two 20cm cake tins.
2. In a small bowl sweeten the cooled Nespresso espresso shot with 2 tablespoons of sugar
3. In the large bowl of a mixer, beat the eggs and salt until creamy. Add the sugar and beat further until thick and pale – this can take 5-7 minutes so be patient. Sift in flour and baking powder and gently fold to combine, adding in the melted butter towards the end. Pour into the lined tins – I weigh them to make sure the mixture is evenly divided.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cakes spring back to the touch. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning out to cool completely.
5.When ready to assemble, make the mascarpone filling by whisking together icing sugar, mascarpone and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add the cream and whisk on low, then gradually increase the speed to medium. Watch it carefully as you want it to be thick enough to hold a stiff peak but not over-whipped or curdled.
6. To assemble, slice each cooled sponge through the middle so you have four layers. Place one layer on a serving plate. Brush over or use a squeeze bottle to drench the layer with about a quarter of the coffee. Top this with a quarter of the mascarpone filling. Repeat for the next three layers. Chill for a few hours or overnight.
7. To serve, liberally dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder
Enjoy your Nespresso-infused sponge cake with mascarpone filling!
This is the perfect little sweet treat – vanilla ice cream drowned in Nespresso coffee from the latest Vertuo Nespresso Machine and topped with toasted crushed hazelnuts.
Ingredients
½ cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
Strong nespresso coffee shot
Good quality vanilla ice cream
Method
Scoop vanilla ice cream into small, pre-chilled glasses or cups.
Pour over the shot of Nespressofrom your favourite flavoured pod over the top.
Top with hazelnuts.
Serve immediately
GIVEAWAY! Visit The Releaseand enter to win amazing prizes!
Promotion ends 31 May 2023. T&Cs apply.
*Terms and conditions apply. Visit nespresso.com for T&Cs.
Julia Atkinson-Dunn is such a delightfully engaging force of nature that you can almost visualise the sap running through her when she talks about gardening. “Flowers are food for the soul,” the design and garden blogger and art seller says when I interrogate her about her passion for beautiful blooms.
*This is a voiceover created by AI and therefore some of the words or pronunciations may be incorrect. We hope you still enjoy this listening experience.
Since immersing herself in the world of all things floral three years ago Julia has been on a mission to recruit more people to the horticultural hobby, posting inspiring images and stories and lively “how to” videos on gardening and flower arranging on her website Studio Home. Her garden also serves as inspiration for her Creatures From My Garden series of overpainted photographs of flowers, which are selling faster than she can paint them.
Julia is emphatic that anyone can become a gardener. “Some people might be born with a green thumb but it’s certainly not a prerequisite to being a gardener,” she says. “You can literally learn anything you want!” She uses herself as a case in point. “I used to feel about gardening the way I felt about accounting – all too hard.” It was moving into her Christchurch villa and planning her backyard wedding ceremony that got the former interior designer started. The previous owners had created a relatively low-maintenance garden with natives, shrubs and a wooden terraced vege garden but Julia wanted flowers for her February wedding.
“‘I really like to nest into my spaces and I wanted the garden to look beautiful. I thought, ‘I’m going to have to plant stuff in there so it looks good!’” Julia bought potted colour from the garden centre and planted the beds up with punnets of Iceland poppies, pink and white cosmos and nemesias. She also planted hanging baskets with white petunias and blue lobelia.
“To my amazement, as such an amateur, it looked full and romantic on the day,” Julia says. It was enough to get her hooked. “I bought myself a Yates Garden Guide, then every time Mum came over I would drag her into the backyard and ask her questions. It was a big change considering you couldn’t even have paid me to weed as a child!”
Falling down the Instagram rabbithole to the world of dreamy gardens and flower-foraging excursions, Julia encountered florists like Willow Crossley, who created flower arrangements in jam jars and vintage jugs for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s wedding reception, and the iconic and utterly charming British gardening icon Monty Don, presenter of BBC’s Gardeners’ World (Julia has even purchased herself a navy work jacket just like Monty’s!). After discovering plants she’d never seen, she began sourcing plants and seeds from Trade Me and online New Zealand nurseries that offer a wider range than garden centre franchises. Favourites include Puriri Lane, Ashton Glen Perennial Nursery and Susie Ripley Gardening.
Right now she’s most excited about growing ruby-red Cosmos ‘Rubenza’ and pink and white Cosmos ‘Cupcake’ (with fused blooms that resemble a cupcake wrapper!), lacy white Orlaya grandiflora and apricot-coloured ‘Madame Butterfly Bronze’ snapdragons. A favourite plant is tall, purple-flowering Verbena bonariensis, which she affectionately refers to as “VB”.
You’d expect an interior designer to employ some tricks of the trade, such as sticking to certain colour schemes, when it comes to exterior design, but Julia rejects this approach. “I think the garden offers much more forgiving use of colour than many people are comfortable with in their homes. Right now interior trends seem to be skewed to a very monochromatic, clean and textural look. If you tried to do that in the garden you’d end up with all shrubs, which is fine for some but removes you from the beautiful changes in seasons. More is more in a garden and Mother Nature makes it all work.”
Julia’s top tip for gardening novices is to attend garden tours or festivals, such as Garden Marlborough and Grow Ō Tautahi for inspiration. And if you’ve never grown anything before, Julia’s advice is to just get started. “Rig up a bamboo teepee or find a sunny fence line and sow sweet pea seeds. When you pick them and give a simple posy to someone, you’ll feel amazing.”
Heading to the coromandel this Easter? Renowned for its natural beauty and pristine beaches it’s also the home territory of artists making some incredible work.
*This is a voiceover created by AI and therefore some of the words or pronunciations may be incorrect. We hope you still enjoy this listening experience
Artist Caitlin Moloney is Australian-born of Celtic, Iberian and north-west European descent and from her Coromandel home she creates ceramic works that speak of the care of both people and place.
As a middle child of five, Caitlin grew up in West End Brisbane, a part of the Kurilpa Peninsula, originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Yuggera tribes. Her parents had both eschewed their conservative upbringings, meeting in a community house in Fitzroy, Melbourne. They were intent on pursuing social justice and travelled widely, children in tow.
In the 1980s, West End was eclectic and alternative and their character home, “a big old rambling Queenslander”, had a large herb nursery tended by her father. She now sees the gift this was – as a means of understanding the world through nature and finding solace in it. Various people from the community “living their beliefs” often dropped into their open household, including a former inmate, all bringing an awareness of people actively trying to make changes.
Conformity was not a parental expectation in their family and there was “never a mould to fit into, rather to take yourself where you wanted to go.” This philosophy is evidenced in the career choices of their five children, from her eldest sister, Christy, a lawyer, to her youngest sister, Hannah, who actively champions permaculture and climate action. She acknowledges that she and her siblings were given huge freedom by their parents with the challenge, and sometimes burden, to “become that thing for yourself.”
As a highly sensitive child, Caitlin didn’t easily find her pathway, and after schooling went on an adventure fruit picking and exploring many remote and beautiful parts of Australia. In her mid-20s she travelled to Aotearoa, New Zealand, backpacking with her WOOFING [willing workers on organic farms] booklet in hand. Recognising she was intent on getting out of the city, her first Auckland hosts suggested she head to the Coromandel. Caitlin had felt the aggressive undercurrent of Australia’s political and social climate and her feeling of arriving in the Coromandel was one of “great peace, as if the universe had laid this path for me to arrive through a series of events that happened and got me here.”
She soon accidentally discovered Driving Creek Railway [DCR], which had been established in the 1960s by Barry Brickell, one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and original ceramicists. Her learning took a watch and apply approach which added a new dimension to her previous study at Queensland College of Art in Brisbane. For Caitlin, being an artist was always there and once she discovered the medium of clay, she found she could slowly immerse herself into its various dimensions. Her ideas were formed, but she knew instinctively that she had to settle in for the learning with patience.
Over time Caitlin has honed her skills and found that the repetitive, meditative connection she feels through making is integral to her identity. “If I dig deep, I can see that the work I do can do a lot of the work for me and be powerful.”
She and husband, Matt Sephton, a sound engineer, share an enchanting rural setting framed by the Coromandel ranges with Matt’s parents and fox terrier Riley, who happily meanders between their two houses and three studios. Having chosen an alternative path, she has employed considerable resourcefulness and resilience to figure out how to live purposefully.
Ceramics by Caitlin Maloney, Coromandel
In this small community, she has turned both hand and mind to a multitude of roles – journeys which made her feel braver in the world. These include roles as Collections Assistant then Potteries Manager at DCR, co-curating the Coro Summer Fest, amalgamating nature, music and art in an interactive experience outside the gallery walls.
She is now working as a ceramic tutor through Arts Access Aotearoa in a programme bringing creativity to people who would otherwise experience barriers to participation and community connection. She has found raising the mana for other people in an authentic way aligns with her own values and experience and, importantly, grows wellbeing through community.
Caitlin is interested in the different ways that art can be in the world and she has also turned her hand to other mediums, such as street art, with a striking work in Hamilton East, Kirikiriroa, commissioned by Boon Street Art Festival.
Caitlin’s highly refined ceramic pieces and mark making have been intuitively developed. With her characteristic sensitivity and thoughtfulness, Caitlin recognises how the influence of both Australia and New Zealand’s indigenous cultures, as well as her own heritage, has shaped her practice. Her distinctive pattern language takes cues from the natural world, especially in referencing those brilliant hues that often seem unreal.
She is motivated to make works that feel powerful and stem from her core belief in the care of people and connection to place. “Of course, we are inspired by indigenous culture and design because they emulate and exude their connection to the earth and to each other, the health of their community and the connection to the natural world. This is what we crave.”
Postscript; During her time at DCR, Caitlin formed a relationship with ceramicist Anneke Borren. This two-year long collaboration has culminated in an exhibition called Two Birds, showing from Friday 24 March to 9 April at Driving Creek Railway and Potteries Gallery in Coromandel township.
Jacinda Ardern graced the covers of some of the world’s most salubrious and widely read magazines. Time magazine named her one of the most influential people in the world in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Forbes put her on the list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful.
Regardless of her face or even her policies – it’s Jacinda’s word that are her legacy. As George Elliot once said, ‘it is a very hard thing to say the exact truth even when you have no motive to be false,even about your own immediate feelings’. Jacinda Ardern managed it. Saying things in ways that were simple but carried weight and meaning. In the Great Big Book of Immortal Lines from our leaders here are four of hers which we think are winners.
“Some people have asked me whether I am a radical. My answer to that question is very simple: I am from Morrinsville. Where I come from a radical is someone who chooses to drive a Toyota rather than a Holden or a Ford.”
“In New Zealand, we have a simple message for anyone who would consider carrying out such a hateful act on our shores. We are one. They are not us.”
Brussels, Belgium. 25th January 2019.
“If you are not at the table, you are on the menu.”
“I want to build a country where it doesn’t matter what your gender is, what your sexual orientation is, what your ethnicity is, where you come from, what your socioeconomic status is – you are valued, and you have the opportunities that everyone else does.”
Jacinda and her partner Clarke with Neve at this year’s Waitangi Day celebrations. Neve entertained by Jacinda and Northland MP Willow-Jean Prime as they visit Māori wardens at the Bay of Islands Holiday Park before Waitangi Day.
Haere rā Jacinda. Here is our simple message to you. On the world stage you made us proud. As a woman you were the role model our daughters needed. In Aotearoa we are so glad that you are one of us.
In traditional Chinese herbalism, practitioners have been utilising the adaptogenic properties of mushrooms for centuries. Adaptogenic mushrooms have been supporting the body’s day to day functions for years, bringing stability and homeostasis. There are specific types of functional mushrooms that have adaptogenic properties, these are eishi, chaga, turkey tail, lion’s mane, and cordyceps.
Mushrooms belong to the fungus kingdom, they are distinct from plants and animals but still qualify as living beings. There are more than 14,000 varieties of mushrooms known in the world. Please don’t confuse adaptogenic mushrooms with psychedelic mushrooms or ‘magic mushrooms’.
Mushrooms don’t have to be cooked for you to receive the powerful benefits. You can incorporate adaptogenic mushrooms into your daily routine with supplements. These are more effective as you’re able to get your daily dose and benefit from many different types all at once.
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Fatigue is a widespread problem among adults…that’s why so many companies are out there selling us solutions. Have you been tempted by the endless ads in your feed for pills, powders and supplements, all promising to boost energy and mental clarity? Well, it turns out the best solution for fatigue may be totally free…just taking a nap. Naps are one of our most powerful tools for self-care and act as a midday recharge for our hard-working brains and bodies.
Many of us carry a stigma about naps. We think nappers are lazy or depressed. We think we should just push through, have another coffee and get on with it. Research proves this attitude to be dead wrong.
The truth is, in the short-term, naps can improve concentration, alertness and creative problem solving. Long term benefits of regular naps include a stronger immune system and decreased risk of inflammation, stroke and heart disease.
According to a study conducted on NASA astronauts, “The data are absolutely clear, naps are incredibly beneficial for improving mental alertness. Even a short nap could increase performance by 34%” It concludes, “There’s no other motivator, nothing else that pumps up performance that much.”
But you don’t have to be an astronaut to benefit from a nap. Around the world, people of many cultures enjoy an afternoon rest. Napping rates are greater in countries like Greece, Brazil, Mexico and Spain where over 70% of people nap as often as four times a week.
Here’s a few proven tips for getting the most from your naps:
Timing is everything: Napping too early or late can leave you feeling groggy. The ideal time for a nap is either right before lunch or during the “post lunch dip”, around 2pm. Avoid napping after 3pm as it can disrupt your nighttime sleep schedule.
Short & Sweet: The best amount of time to nap is between 10 and 20 minutes. A nap of 30 minutes or longer risks resulting in groggy “sleep inertia”, so you might not experience positive benefits from the nap at all.
Set the Scene: Ideally your napping spot is quiet, cool and free of distractions. Try to leave your phone off or in another room.
Try a “Nappuccino”: Caffeine takes about 25 minutes to enter your bloodstream, so a cup of coffee right before closing your eyes can help you wake up brighter and more energised.
It’s All Good: Don’t worry if you can’t fall asleep during your first naptime. Use the time to close your eyes and rest. You can also meditate to help your body relax. Any break from the chaos of the day has great benefits.
We learned it in kindie: A nice afternoon nap is just that — nice. It makes us less cranky and helps us get back into the fray. It may take a few tries to determine what time, length and location make for your ideal snooze, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Naps are possibly the best way to combat chronic sleep deprivation and stress in today’s world.
Sources: William Anthony, PhD, Mark Rosekind, PhD, sleepfoundation.org.
This article was written byHannah Moritz and shared through our submissions portal.
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