Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 45, 2025 i New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Glamour queens Stone cold POWER! Sharon gave a shout-out to the girls While most honourees at the Variety Power of Women event used their moment in the spotlight to highlight an issue close to their heart, Sharon Stone took a different tone at the Los Angeles dinner. As she introduced Sydney Sweeney, 28 – who was celebrated alongside Kate Hudson, 46, Nicole Scherzinger, 47, Wanda Sykes, 61, and Jamie Lee Curtis, 66 – she offered some sage advice to the young actor. “It’s okay to use what your mama gave you,” shared the 67-year-old, who stars alongside Sydney in the upcoming season of Euphoria. “It’s really okay to use every bit of hotness you have – right here, right now.” OCTAVIA SPENCER BRENDA SONG & MALIN ÅKERMAN KATE HUDSON NICOLE…

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are allowed to keep their royal titles and will attempt to carry on with life as usual, but the humiliating demotion of their parents has rocked them to the core, say royal experts. According to royal writer Rebecca English, their formerly close bond with their mother Fergie has collapsed, and Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35, are “even more disappointed in their mother than their father”. A friend says the sisters are deeply concerned about the mental health of both their parents, but are waking up to the disgrace Andrew and Fergie have brought upon the royal family, thanks to their links to Epstein. “It’s fair to say the scales have somewhat fallen from their eyes.” The King is said to be fond of them and will…

They’re so much more than friends! A happily loved-up Jennifer Aniston celebrated her new boyfriend’s 50th birthday with a sweet photo of the couple sharing a hug. “Happy birthday, my love,” the Morning Show star, 56, wrote alongside a black-and-white photo of herself and hypnotherapist Jim Curtis. She then added the word “Cherished” and a red-heart emoji. Twice-married Jen famously keeps her love life under wraps, but a source says she and Jim are “having fun”. The pair were introduced by a mutual friend and were first linked in July, when they were spotted cosying up on a yacht off the coast of Mallorca. “Jen’s very happy and in a great place,” says a source. “She’s been glowing. Everything in her life has come together and she’s excited about it.…

Thailand has been plunged into mourning after the death of the country’s matriarch Queen Mother Sirikit, who died aged 93 – and retailers are struggling to keep up with demand for black clothing. Government workers are expected to wear mourning attire for an entire year, while all other Thais are expected to dress in subdued colours for three months. Reports out of Thailand say many vendors have run out of black clothing. Another retailer says she’s been selling 10,000 black items a day compared to her usual 300. “There’s no time to sleep. I’ve just been packing and shipping,” she tells.…

It’s been 38 years since she arrived in Hollywood as a wide-eyed ingenue and Julia Roberts is the first to admit much has changed for women in that time. But despite the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that rocked the entertainment industry to the core, the Pretty Woman star laughs at the suggestion that all the battles have been won. “It’s still super-male,” Julia laments. “Make no mistake. I often find myself sitting at a table and, maybe, there’s only one other woman there.” The difference between 20-year-old Julia – whose first role was as a character called Babs in a movie that went straight to video – and 58-year-old Julia is that these days, she doesn’t bat an eyelid. “In those environments, I am without fear,” says the Oscar winner.…

For 22 years, Genevieve Bakker was a familiar voice on the phone to hundreds of Accor Hotel members around New Zealand. From her office overlooking the Auckland Harbour, she welcomed new members, renewed old ones and made lifelong friends along the way. And she has only just retired – at the sprightly age of 90. “I never thought I would reach the age I am and still be working,” marvels Genevieve. “It seems like a dream at the moment, wondering, ‘Have I really retired?’ It’s only been a few weeks, so I feel as if I’m just on holiday.” Genevieve found her vocation later in life. She had worked briefly at a bank in her youth before heading abroad on her big OE, eventually settling down and marrying Air Force…

Strawberry fields rise & shine SERVES 6 1 ½ cups plain flour 1 tablespoon caster sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder Pinch salt 1 ¼ cups milk 2 eggs, separated 1 cup fresh ricotta Butter, for cooking Greek yoghurt Big bowlful of strawberries, sliced Maple syrup, to serve 1Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk the milk and egg yolks in a jug. Pour onto the dry ingredients and fold together, then crumble the ricotta and stir into the batter. 2 Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until medium peaks form. Fold into the batter. 3 Melt a teaspoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. 4 Ladle in the batter (depending on the size of your pan – just cook as many as…

I’d like you to meet my duck, Mrs Mallard. That’s her in the photo. She’s been living in a box in the shed for nearly 20 years. But with a little help, she’s just flown into our lounge and we’ve made her a roost on the mantelpiece. Only the best gets to stay in our lounge. Which should indicate that she’s very special to us. What comes to mind when you look at her? She looks like a decoy, maybe – a realistic model duck used by shooters to attract real live ones. And yes, she does – perhaps because she’s made of wood. But she’s no decoy. She’s far more special and now very collectible. Here’s the answer: Mrs Mallard is a designer telephone from the late 1980s. You…

We were recently residents in Los Angeles for a couple of weeks, living in an apartment with the executive wife absent most of the time working, while I stayed home and occasionally ventured out and pretended I was a local. Which worked for maybe a breath, so I gave up and made like a tourist. But it was so hot in the heart of that city, I stayed home quite a lot and took in the view from the balcony. The days whizzed by and even though I liked being there, it wasn’t really that hard to pack up and head home at the end. We’ve learned how to handle that side of travelling. I used to think leaving was the hardest part, but the hardest part really is if,…

Murder most enjoyable A missing groomsman prompts a man hunt The king of the cosy mystery is back with another adventure for the residents of the Coopers Chase retirement village. I reckon this may be the best of the Thursday Murder Club stories so far. The plot is taut, the humour tickles more than ever and the characters have all become so well-loved, it’s like hanging out with old friends. Having watched the Netflix adaptation, starring Dame Helen Mirren and Celia Imrie, I did find myself picturing those two actors as I read (not the men so much for some reason) and it feels rather like the author was doing the same while writing, but that adds to its charm. The story opens with a happy event as Joyce’s daughter…

Just a day after I hit “send” on last week’s issue, the palace announced that Andrew would lose the title of prince. It was a clear message from the royal family that they did not support his actions and that the voices of victims needed to be heard. I have Virginia Giuffre’s book and it makes for harrowing reading. As women who have long advocated for victims of domestic and sexual violence, Queen Camilla and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, may well have had a say in the stripping of Andrew’s title. You can read more from page six. This issue is filled with courageous women, including Miriama Kamo, who recently spent time in Antarctica. Few people will ever have the chance to visit and she embraced the experience with gusto,…

Andrew’s escape plan The disgraced former Duke of York “must be sweating” over fears he could face criminal charges, says royal expert Andrew Lownie. The author of Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, says one of the things Andrew must be worried about is an investigation by British police into claims that he asked his police bodyguard to “dig the dirt” on the late Virginia Giuffre shortly before her allegations that he sexually assaulted her were made public. If this is true, it is a criminal offence. “Misconduct in public office, which carries life imprisonment, could be what they bring against him, quite apart from the sex-trafficking allegations,” says Andrew Lownie. Meanwhile, in the US, the FBI may insist on talking to him, says the author,…

The wrap up... What we’re talking about this week She’s done everything from covering Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral to sheltering from bombs in Gaza. Now Melissa Stokes has a new chapter ahead of her at the helm of 1News. Longtime anchor Simon Dallow, 61, steps down from the flagship TVNZ news show on November 28 and the national broadcaster has announced that weekend news presenter Melissa is Simon’s “natural successor”. Last year, Melissa, 38, opened up to the Weekly about the loss of her beloved mum Gill in 2023, following a seven-year journey with cancer. She shared one of the best lessons she learned from her mum – both in life and in death – is making the most of every opportunity that comes her way. “I want to surround…

The entire contents of the tomb of King Tutankhamun are on display for the first time since it was discovered more than 100 years ago. The tomb of the famous boy king is just one of the exhibits in the new Grand Egyptian Museum, which officially opened in Cairo this month. The museum is packed with 100,000 priceless artefacts spanning seven millennia and a main draw is Tutankhamun’s final resting place. Since the discovery of the 3350-year-old tomb by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922, about 1800 of the 5500 artefacts found inside have been on display in Cairo. “I had the idea of displaying the complete tomb, which means nothing remains in storage, nothing remains in other museums,” says Egyptologist Dr Tarek Tawfik. “You get to have the complete…

For months this winter, busy mum of six Casie Blakelock was feeling unwell with chest pains, shortness of breath and tingly hands. Repeated trips to the doctors saw her prescribed three rounds of antibiotics for chest infections, then she was told it was likely panic attacks and stress. It reached the point she had to quit her job as an executive assistant to three business managers, and even supporting her kids on the sidelines at sport was getting harder and harder. “I like to be really present, but it was having an impact on my ability to show up,” remembers Casie, 37. “I couldn’t even walk from the car to the kids’ training fields without feeling dizzy. “I would get up in the morning to make a coffee and have…

Jennifer Aniston Who better to launch a haircare line than the woman whose hair defined the ’90s? The Friends star, 56, launched LolaVie in 2021 and quickly branded the (1) Glossing Detangler, $55, as a “Swiss Army knife” for great hair. The line blends high-performance ingredients with everyday ease, including (2) Peptide Volume Spray, $59, which adds lift and body without weighing hair down, and (3) Lightweight Hair Oil, $64, a nourishing treatment that smooths, boosts shine and tames frizz. Selena Gomez Rare Beauty was founded in 2020 and reflects the 33-year-old’s mission to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-acceptance. “I feel like we were challenging the norms and I really wanted to create a brand that was for everyone,” says Selena. Rare Beauty is also designed with accessibility…

Those of us who work both during the day and at night (hello people in hospo, healthcare, transport and also parents!) will know the power of a good nap. I have just recently embraced the little daytime sleep. I was raised to believe naps were only for small children and the very old. My darling mother, who didn’t believe in headaches either, was dismissive of a siesta, regarding it as an indulgence, an indication you might be lazy or didn’t have enough to do. I’d argue now the opposite is true – a cheeky snooze is made for busy people who have a lot on their plate. And I am delighted to find evidence from experts to support this – sleep psychologists and researchers who swear by the efficacy of…

I was a late starter to travelling. While my school friends tripped around Europe and Asia, roughing it in hostels and squats, I was forging a career as a journalist. Kate came along when I’d just turned 24 and after that, I thought I’d missed the opportunity to travel. I hoped that one day, if I was really lucky, I might be able to take a three-week bus tour of the Continent when I retired at 65. As it turned out, I was lucky to be asked to co-host a travel show just before I turned 30. It would take me to London and Rome and I couldn’t say yes quickly enough. It was a dream come true. On the way to London, the crew and I stopped off in…

AN INCONVENIENCE OF PENGUINS by Jamie Lafferty (Hachette, $37.99) When he decided he wanted to understand penguins, award-winning UK travel writer Jamie set off on a series of intrepid journeys to meet all 18 species of the bird in the wild. His voyage took him to some of the world’s most challenging landscapes as he discovers penguins from kings and emperors to rockhoppers. He gets stranded in the Galapagos, marches through African guano fields and relives the experience of early polar explorers – and all for the love of penguins. CATS WITH JOBS by Leanne McGregor (Allen & Unwin, $27.99) Think cats just lie around all day in a comfy spot? Think again! In this charming book, Leanne introduces readers to some of the hardest working cats in New Zealand.…

Sword play! A rise, Sir David! He has made no secret of his desire to receive a knighthood, but even as he kneeled before King Charles at Windsor Castle, the former England football captain couldn’t believe a boy from the East End of London had finally made it. “To receive an honour like this, of a knight, is beyond anything that I ever thought that I would receive,” the 50-year-old shared. “This is, without doubt, my proudest moment.” He was supported by his wife Victoria, now Lady Beckham, 51, three of their kids – Romeo, 23, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 14 – plus his parents David, 77, and Sandra, 76. In an extra-special touch, David’s morning suit was inspired by King Charles, and was the first menswear piece designed and…

WEEKLY STAFF EDITOR Marilynn McLachlan LIFESTYLE & BEAUTY EDITOR Anna Lee WRITER Rebekah Hebenton CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Denise Bowden  SUB-EDITOR Darren Bevan  ART DIRECTOR Mirella Monteiro  DESIGNERS Anna Pétursdóttir, Béla Trussell-Cullen, Hayley Pearce, Shane Kelly  PHOTO EDITOR Kellie Blizard  CONTRIBUTORS Donna Fleming, Elisabeth Easther, Fleur Guthrie, Fiona Hawtin, Kasia De Vydt-Jillings, Megan McChesney, Nicky Pellegrino ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR Claire Chisholm claire.chisholm@aremedia.co.nz  SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS Chloe Jordan, Amy Madden, Jacquie Fraser  SENIOR COMMERCIAL BRAND MANAGER Angela Wei angela.wei@aremedia.co.nz  COMMERCIAL BRAND MANAGER Georgia van Koningsveld  DIRECTORY SALES MANAGER Kim Chapman 021 673133 classifieds@xtra.co.nz ARE MEDIA GROUP MANAGEMENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Jane Huxley  GENERAL MANAGER Stuart Dick  EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Sarah Henry…

Fergie, 66, may also end up shifting abroad after losing her home, title and several sources of income, including a role as a guest on TV panel show Loose Women. Many of the charities she supports also wiped their hands of her after the publication of an email she sent to Epstein, calling him a “supreme friend” and apologising for saying he was a paedophile. “The invitations have dried up and there’s not a lot to keep her here,” says a UK friend. Adds another source, “People don’t want to be associated with her.” In the meantime, she has been consulting a “brand rescue team” for advice on possible ways to earn a living. A source says she is “taking stock” and hoping to “let the dust settle” before moving…

Actor Julia Fox has defended her blood-splattered Jackie Kennedy Halloween costume after being stung by scorching criticism. The Uncut Gems star, 35, arrived at a Halloween party in New York wearing a replica of the double-breasted pink suit the former First Lady was wearing on the day of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Jacqueline, who died in 1994, aged 64, famously refused to change out of the suit after her husband was fatally shot in the head while riding in a motorcade in Texas in 1963, saying, “Let them see what they’ve done.” Following Julia’s arrival at the party, starwatchers condemned the costume as bad taste and JFK’s grandson Jack Schlossberg, 32 – the son of Caroline Kennedy, 67 – blasted it as “disgusting, desperate and dangerous”. Julie, however, defended…

As the chief stew on Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Daisy Kelliher has won over audiences with her strong leadership and Irish charm. But after four years on the reality show, she’s ready to show fans who she is behind the uniform with her new podcast Yacht Mess. “I’m excited for people to see a different side of me,” the 38-year-old tells the Weekly. “I love doing Below Deck, but I don’t have control of the final product and I’m in work mode, so I have to be very PC and managerial. So this allows me to be even more unfiltered.” Daisy met her cohost, presenter Marc MacNamara, when he was a charter guest on Below Deck. The pair hit it off and when he approached her about working together, it…

Miriama Kamo arrived in Antarctica the day before the first sunrise following six months of darkness. Momentarily captivated by the stark beauty surrounding her, she was quickly ushered off the plane and into waiting vehicles. “When we got off, we were immediately struck by how cold it was,” shares Miriama, 52. “You’re told, ‘When the doors open, move quickly to get out of the way.’ It was a whirlwind going from the airstrip to the base, but beautiful.” While stationed at New Zealand’s Scott Base, the veteran broadcaster joined Māori astronomers Dr Rangi Matamua and Mataia Keepa to film a new documentary, funded by Te Māngai Pāho, and set for release next year to mark Matariki. “Rangi and Mataia wanted to understand things like how the moon, stars and sun…

Monique Croon (Ngāti Mutunga) has served two terms as Mayor of Chatham Islands and has been a councillor since 2004. A sixth-generation Chatham Islander, Monique is also a horse trainer, a keen sportswoman and until 2023, she owned and operated the island’s hardware store and petrol station. Monique is a trustee of Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Iwi and has been chair since 2024. ‘Mum decided we should move here to have an adventure’ “We lived in Auckland when I was little. Mum worked nights as a waitress and Dad worked at the Tip Top factory. It was an ordinary suburban childhood, although we did sometimes go to Dad’s work, where we were allowed to eat as much ice cream as we wanted. My grandmother on Mum’s side was Ngāti Mutunga.…

Strawberry Iced Finger Buns MAKES 12 MILK BREAD 150ml full-cream milk 2 teaspoons active dried yeast 30g caster sugar 375g plain flour 75ml water, boiling hot 15g milk powder ¾ teaspoon fine sea salt 1 egg 50g unsalted butter, cut into 1cm pieces, then left to soften Vegetable oil, for greasing ICING 60g strawberries, hulled, roughly chopped 300g icing sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste 20g liquid glucose (optional) 1 To make the milk bread, put milk in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then remove from the heat. Set aside to cool to 38°C – cool enough to touch – then whisk in the yeast and 2 teaspoons of the sugar. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate and froth.…

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 – Dec 22 Your energy is on the rise as you refresh your outlook and clear away old distractions. A goal set earlier in the year deserves a final push. In love, optimism returns. Spend time outdoors to recharge and reconnect with what inspires your adventurous spirit. CAPRICORN Dec 23 – Jan 20 Quiet persistence brings results this week. You’re earning respect for your reliability and focus. A private achievement boosts confidence, while a friend’s praise reminds you how far you’ve come. Finances stabilise as you simplify plans. Rest and reflection will help you stay steady and centred. AQUARIUS Jan 21 – Feb 19 Your social world expands and you’re ready to share your ideas more freely. Networking or group efforts could lead to an exciting offer.…

If there’s one thing the stars know how to do, it’s put on a glamorous gown to score some money for a cultural institution. The 14th annual LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) Art+Film Gala, a, which was co-chaired by Leonardo DiCaprio, 50, raised a record $11 million to support the museum’s work. Perhaps the special performance by Paint the Town Red singer Doja Cat, 30, helped guests dip into their pockets. Fierce and furry!…