Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 97 Dec 2024/Jan 2025 i Good

brianberneman.com sharonstephenson.co.nz Brian Berneman Brian is a beacon in the realm of conscious living, merging his foundational expertise in neuroscience with over 15 years of holistic wellness practice. Seamlessly blending ancient wisdom with modern science, Brian offers a unique perspective on wellbeing that resonates with audiences globally. Brian dedicated two years at the Ratna Ling Retreat Centre, deeply engaging with the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, yoga and meditation practices. Sharon Stephenson Sharon has been rearranging words on a page for longer than she can remember. Six years ago the former BBC journalist escaped the noise of inner-city Wellington and now writes for a range of magazines and newspapers from a Kāpiti lifestyle block. For the past 15 years Sharon has specialised in lifestyle and travel writing and regularly tears herself…

At 59, the working life of multiple award-winning best actress Robyn Malcolm has never been busier. Between winning a slew of best actress gongs and nominations for her portrayal of Penny in the New Zealand television drama series After the Party (which she co-created with writer Dianne Taylor), she’s been back-to-back with work – including a lead role on an Australian television series, details of which are still under wraps. We catch up on Zoom after a night shift filming. Robyn gives me a tour of her accommodation, cuppa in hand, and apologises for yawning. It’s a sweet tiny house in the middle of a vineyard in southwest Australia where, on her morning walks, she’s been stomping her feet noisily and carrying a stick – as advised by the locals…

Aotearoa New Zealand is a culture-rich environment that offers opportunities to interact and connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Every person brings a unique perspective and experience, and the entire community is enriched by it. New Zealand’s embrace of multiculturalism helps us understand and appreciate different ways of life and what drives others. Discover the stories of these 12 remarkable New Zealanders and see how they embrace their cultural identities in their personal and professional lives. Wendy Douglas Occupation: Yoga teacher, events co-ordinator, DJ, MC/host, life coach Location: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Ethnicity: British of Afro-Caribbean descent Wendy Douglas’ London home was richly influenced by the Caribbean when she was growing up. Her parents, originally from Grenada, brought music like Motown, reggae and soul into her life. “This exposure has shaped…

Smooth talk Aleph’s new Smoothing Skin Tint SPF 20, $92, is an innovative 3-in-1 formula, blending skincare, make-up and sun protection. This multitasking tint offers a sheer blurring effect in three self-adjusting shades that instantly smooth and brighten. Infused with active botanicals, it nurtures skin long-term, defending against UVA, UVB and blue light while promoting collagen. alephbeauty.com Scents of balance Blending modern luxury with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, Tulita’s Vikasa Perfume, $335, is crafted using high-vibration botanicals and activated crystals to balance the seven chakras. Each fragrance draws on the ancient remedies of flowers, roots and barks. Proudly plastic negative, offering upcycled elements that protect the ocean and land. theluxeeditonline.com Protect your complexion Protect your skin from the sun with Trilogy’s SPF 50+ Omega-Boost Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, $49.99. Natural, lightweight sunscreen…

MEXICAN FISH TACOS WITH AVOCADO AND JALAPEÑO SAUCE Serves 4-5 Tacos are always a hit at my house and this delicious avocado sauce pulls everything together. Sometimes I make it to serve with taco chips as a fabulous dip. 1 large avocado⅓ cup packed coriander leaves, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve¼ cup sliced jalapeños in brine, drained1 tablespoon jalapeño brine2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice2 cloves garlic, crushedsea salt700 grams fish fillets¼ cup purchased Mexican spice mix (I used Culley’s)olive oil for cooking TO SERVE 10 x 15cm flour tortillas, warmed (I used Farrah’s)250 grams sour cream1 bag purchased coleslawlime wedges Put the avocado flesh, coriander, jalapeños, brine, lime or lemon juice, garlic and a good pinch of salt in a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down the…

I’ve always been one to challenge myself, exploring the different facets of who I am and how I see the world. Life is a big adventure full of peaks and valleys and detours that lead me to a deeper understanding of myself and others. Authenticity has always been a guiding value, and that’s why this “Be You” edition resonates so deeply. It is for this reason I thought I would openly share with you that, this month, I received a life-altering diagnosis, one that has required me to make some big life decisions very quickly. Although I’ve always been health-conscious, this recent experience reminded me of the cost of consistently putting others’ needs above mine. Like all life challenges, they are there to interrupt our behavioural patterns and create change.…

Transforming wool waste Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma’s latest work, First there was a mountain, is a towering three-metre lamb sculpture made from discarded wool, repurposed with a robotic tool called the ‘Wobot’. Unveiled as part of the 2024 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, the piece draws attention to waste in the wool industry and showcases the possibilities of sustainable design. This annual commission at Melbourne’s NGV International celebrates female designers, spotlighting Christien’s innovative approach to circular materials. Supported by MECCA’s M-POWER initiative, the series enhances NGV’s collection and fosters gender equality in design. If you’re in Melbourne over the summer, the exhibition is on until 25 February 2025. AND THAT’S ĀREPA Ārepa, a New Zealand food-tech company, has launched Uplift, a caffeine-free, lightly sparkling, brain-boosting drink. Created by…

The busyness of daily life means we rarely pause to reflect on patterns that shape our behaviours and emotions. But what if some of these patterns aren’t entirely ours? What if pain is passed down through generations, influencing our lives? This concept, known as ancestral or intergenerational trauma, is being studied by researchers and psychologists. Understanding ancestral trauma Intergenerational trauma is trauma that is passed from one generation to the next. This isn’t just a psychological theory; it’s being explored by epigenetic research, which suggests that traumatic experiences can alter the physical makeup of future generations. For instance, descendants of Holocaust survivors often exhibit signs of their ancestors’ trauma despite not having directly experienced those events. Similarly, studies of babies born to mothers affected by the events of 9/11 revealed…

For more paint, colour ideas and inspiration, visit your Resene ColorShop or resene.co.nz. Resene the paint the professionals use Resene FX Faux Rust Effect is a two-pot waterborne paint system that adds a beautiful rust effect to a wide range of paintable surfaces. The depth and intensity of colour can vary depending on the base materials you choose, the paint technique you use, and how many coats are applied – making it ideal for creative projects. Resene FX Faux Rust Effect can be applied to wood, metal, concrete and a range of wall surfaces. For best effects and longevity, it is recommended that a suitable primer is first applied to the paintable surface. For more experimental projects, try applying the paint directly. YOU NEED • Resene FX Faux Rust Effect…

BEETS, CRISPY CHICKPEAS + DUKKAH KALE Feeds 6 / cook time: 35 minutes 3 large beetroot, cut into wedges400 g (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed1 teaspoon ground cumin2 tablespoons cooking oil1 teaspoon sea salt DUKKAH KALE 5 stalks kale, stalks discarded and leaves ripped into pieces3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 tablespoons dukkah½ teaspoon sea salt GARLIC TAHINI ¼ cup hulled tahini4 garlic cloves, crushed and finely chopped2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil¼ teaspoon sea saltwater to loosen, if needed 1 avocado, sliced½ cup walnuts, roasted and chopped1 tablespoon dukkah Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the beetroot, chickpeas, cumin, cooking oil and salt on a baking tray and toss to combine. Roast for 25–30 minutes. For the dukkah kale, add all the ingredients to a bowl.…

Welcome the summer season with a home entertaining line-up of vibrant, refreshing drinks for every taste and preference. From classic cocktails with a Kiwi twist to mocktails that pack a flavourful punch, there’s a bounty of drinks to add a splash of festive cheer to any gathering. New Zealand summers are synonymous with outdoor get-togethers, barbecues and lively catchups with friends and family. This season’s drink trends highlight fresh, fruity flavours, playful ingredients and garnishes that capture the colourful essence of the season. As tastes become more refined, Kiwis are embracing a wider range of drinks – from sophisticated gin-based cocktails to the ever-popular margarita and Apero spritz, as well as inventive mocktails that mimic traditional cocktail profiles. If you’re looking to keep things light, low-alcohol and low-carb options are…

A GREAT IDEA ALL YEAR Furoshiki cloths are a lovely way to wrap birthday presents or gift bottles for celebrations. It’s the same every Christmas: you buy the paper, madly wrap everything on 24 December, and the gifts are ripped open by 9am. You’ve paid $4.99 a roll, and it’s destroyed in less than 24 hours. Even if the paper goes straight into the recycling, it feels a bit wasteful – and that isn’t the goodwill vibe you’re aiming for. Last year, our whānau decided we’d start a new festive tradition: making furoshiki cloths that we could wrap gifts in and reuse over and over. It’s not tricky – my 10-year-old son had never worked a sewing machine before, and he had no trouble making one. We plan to sew…

LISTEN FEEL BETTER, LIVE MORE WITH DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE “Health has become overcomplicated. I aim to simplify it,” says Dr Rangan Chatterjee. In this podcast, we hear stories from leading health experts and exciting personalities who offer easy health life-hacks, expert advice and debunk common health myths, giving you the tools to revolutionise how you eat, sleep, move and relax. Hosted by Dr Chatterjee one of the most influential GPs in the UK with nearly 20 years’ experience, star of BBC One’s Doctor In the House, and author of 5 internationally best-selling books, including The 4 Pillar Plan — Feel Better, Live More aims to inspire, empower and transform the way we feel. When we are healthier, we are happier because when we feel better, we live more. Episode Highlight:…

Mini Crosswords Mind busters ACROSS 1. Organiser 7. Altering position 8. Pilot’s emergency escape (7,4) 12. Enslaved 17. Vein or artery (5,6) 18. Adventure safaris DOWN 1. Laudable 2. Old weight unit 3. Resided 4. At no time 5. On two occasions 6. 90° corners (5,6) 9. Tin container 10. Owned by us 11. Piece of turf 13. Shout for joy 14. Kept us going, … us over 15. Plainly apparent 16. Dance club ACROSS 1. Festivity 7. Imaginary 8. Style pioneer 12. Persuasive 17. Cabbies (4,7) 18. Bedraggled DOWN 1. Tightened 2. Thrust forward 3. Packed in carton 4. Cinema gangway 5. Unskilful 6. Made a citizen 9. Nought 10. Witness (event) 11. Blasting material (1,1,1) 13. Rectifies 14. Excessive (force) 15. Commotion 16. Standard of perfection Mega Crossword…

WRITE & WIN Write to us to be in to win one of 2x essano Happy Skin prize packs worth $120 which includes a Milky Melt Milky Oil Cleanser, a Cocoon Rich Night Cream, Reset and Rescue Booster and S.O.S Pimple Patches. Essano.co.nz Head to WIN online at goodmagazine.co.nz; email letters to letters@good.net.nz, or write to Good letters, SCG Media, PO Box 77027, Mt Wellington, Auckland 1060. goodmag @goodmagazinenz goodmagazine.co.nz An Ode to Good Magazine! Each article a whispered tale, Of courage found where hearts prevail, A tapestry of thought and art, That stirs the soul and sparks the heart. From voices strong to quiet dreams, It captures life in vibrant streams, With every word, a seed is sown, In fertile minds where hope has grown. So I linger, savouring each line,…

Now is a perfect moment to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the future. Take this opportunity to celebrate your growth, examine your experiences, and envision the life you want to create in the coming year. Take a moment by yourself to complete this guided reflection. THIS YEAR 1. Name the top 3 people who impacted your life this year and explain why. 2. What are 3 things you’re most proud of achieving this year? This doesn’t just mean in your career. 3. What lessons did you learn this year? 4. Who were the friends you spent the most time with, and what makes you hang out with them so much? 5. Are you holding onto any lingering conflict or unresolved tension? What is needed to move forward without resentment? 6.…

What sets Absolute Essential apart? They source, harvest and extract only the finest medicinal-grade product with quality active therapeutic compounds. For more information visit absoluteessential.com/pages/about-us It’s that time of year again… when the joy of jingle bells is mixed with a sprinkling of chaos. But did you know that essential oils can be one of your secret weapons for a cosy, harmonious holiday season? Oil blends used correctly may enhance the ambience in your home, and even clear the air – quite literally – during any of those potentially tense family moments. Absolute Essential founder Dr Bo Hendgen recalls how certain scents evoke memories of personal childhood Christmases. “As a child growing up in Europe, Christmas had a certain smell,” she says. “My mother used to fill the house with…

THIS ARTICLE IS A GOOD x RESENE COLLABORATION Artist Catherine Roberts’ revival of a run-down 1910’s Wellington villa was a labour of love, patience and self-expression. She was intent on injecting love and personality back into her house which, as a result of living through different design eras and being a rental for two decades, had lost a lot of its character. Catherine wanted to create a place that not only represented herself and her artwork but also her family – eclectic, warm… and with just a hint of chaos. The palette of Resene colours that adorn every room of the house strikes those chords, creating a space that is bold, yet homely. Together with her partner Galu Letiu, owner of Wellington building company Fair & Square Building Service, they’ve…

DECEMBER December brings the festive spirit to the garden with a bounty of fresh crops and vibrant blooms ready for harvesting. This month is all about enjoying the fruits of your labour from refreshing mint sprigs to new potatoes that will be perfect for Christmas feasts. PLANT NOW Basil, beans, beetroot, blueberries, capsicum, chillies, chrysanthemum, cosmos, courgettes, cucumber, eggplant, kūmara, lavender, lettuce, marigold, mesclun, parsley, passionfruit, petunia, pumpkin/squash, radish, rocket, sage, spinach, spring onions, strawberries, sweetcorn, tomatoes and watermelon. JOBS TO DO • Harvest and use fresh mint, strawberries, raspberries and currants in festive dishes and drinks, adding a burst of flavour to your celebrations. • Pick roses in the morning to ensure they last a week in a vase. • Start watering your garden deeply and consistently, especially during…

Better with Betty A delicious, plant-based option for balanced, all-day energy. Betty bars are packed with 100% natural ingredients, 15.6 grams of protein, probiotics for gut health and all the flavour without the nasties. Available in Caramel Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake and Double Chocolate Fudge, Betty bars are nutritious, gluten-free and keto. At select wellness spaces or goodbetty.co Your Daeli dose of hydration Daeli is a New Zealand-made electrolyte supplement designed to fuel your daily hydration needs – whether you’re working out, recovering from a hangover or simply battling a busy day. Each pocket-sized sachet contains sodium, potassium, magnesium, prebiotic fibre and vitamin C to support hydration, gut health and immunity. drinkdaeli.com Fuel your adventure Single-serve, instant breakfasts designed to fuel your outdoor adventures. This ready-to-eat Bushline Bircher, packed with…

Whether you’re craving a whirlwind trip to a bustling city, a tropical escape from the winter blues, a chance to unplug into nature, or something else entirely, we’ve curated a list of 12 bucket-list destinations and the perfect time of year to visit them to see them at their seasonal best. So, grab your calendar – 2025 is your year to explore! January Soak up the sun in Thailand January in Thailand offers warm, dry weather, ideal for exploring the country’s renowned beaches, such as those in Phuket and Krabi. It’s also the peak season for traditional festivals like the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival and the colourful Chiang Mai Flower Festival, which visitors are bound to enjoy. Thailand’s natural beauty and cultural celebrations make it a perfect destination to start…

A recent Living Planet Report, published by the World Wildlife Fund, revealed a 73 per cent decline in global wildlife population sizes over the past 50 years (1970-2020). Nature is being lost, with huge implications for all of us. Aotearoa is not immune to the human activities that are leading to this loss of species. For example, more than 80 per cent of the country’s native birds are at risk or threatened with extinction. Forest & Bird is dedicated to protecting New Zealand’s unique wildlife. It works to influence key decision-makers to prioritise nature, hold them accountable and deliver on-the-ground projects and initiatives to make a difference. Bring back the seabirds Vast seabird colonies once cloaked New Zealand’s coastlines and even inland areas. The collaborative Bring Back the Seabirds initiative…

We want to show that contemporary art can honour and carry forward the stories and values of our tūpuna while engaging with the modern world. Lissy Cole and Rudi Robinson’s creative practice is deeply rooted in kaupapa Māori values – aroha (love), whanaungatanga (kinship) and manaakitanga (hospitality). For them, work goes beyond art – it reflects the values and teachings of their ancestors while engaging modern audiences. “Our creative practice honours our connections with our tūpuna (ancestors) and explores how we can blend Māori traditions with contemporary art to engage modern audiences,” Lissy and Rudi explain. Both artists grew up surrounded by whānau (family), and their experiences have left them with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for their culture. Lissy fondly remembers her time with her nanny, whose love…

1. All Fours Miranda July, Canongate, $37 I found this a fascinating read, particularly because the protagonist is in her 40s, which resonates with me. It’s refreshing to see a story focused on a woman navigating this decade, grappling with perimenopause while yearning for freedom, adventure, and navigating a complex relationship with a younger man. Her reflections on these hormonal changes will resonate with women aged 45 and older. - Katie 2. A Little Life Hanya Yanagihara, Pan Macmillan, $25 A beautiful and heartbreaking read all at the same time. The author’s writing was poignant yet detailed in showcasing the beauty of relationships and the essence of growing up in a world where we try to be grateful for the life we live. - Bernadette 3. Meet You at the…