/lifestyle/rss 九一星空无限 Read the latest lifestyle news at 九一星空无限talk ZB. We have the latest in reviews, competitions, events, home & garden, motoring and more.     Tue, 06 May 2025 04:44:40 Z en /lifestyle/technology/wiz-smart-flex-strip-bending-light/ /lifestyle/technology/wiz-smart-flex-strip-bending-light/ Of all the smart home devices available today, the various lighting options might just be my favourite. How cool is it to have preset lighting scenes activate automatically when you walk in the room, or at a scheduled time, or at a spoken command? Admittedly, my home is only partially lit by such technology. If I was really serious about it, I'd take the time to train the other members of my household in how all my smart lights work. That's just never going to happen. Mainly because some of those members aren't as excited about it as I am. Anyway... While it's certainly handy to have lights turn on by themselves when you need them to, I've found the smart lights I really like are lighting strips. The standout is the one I have on the back of my TV to project colours on the wall in sync with what I'm watching. But it's also fun to use lighting strips elsewhere - especially under shelves and behind furniture to create an ambient effect in the colour of your choice. And now thanks to WiZ, there's nowhere I can't go... WiZ gets no points for the way it names its light strips. Today I'm reviewing the Smart Flex Strip... although it's just called the Flex Strip 5m on the WiZ website. That's not to be confused with the LED Strip (which comes in various lengths) or the Neon Flex Strip (which looks similar but is shorter). What the Smart Flex Strip gets maximum points for is - as its name suggests - flexibility.  I've mucked around with a few light strips over the years and this one is easily the bendiest. That's because the designers seem to have taken a normal strip and put the lights along its edge, making the whole thing very thin and malleable. If you haven't used them before, light strips come in several forms - some are quite literally just a line of LEDs stuck on a backing strip, often grouped into short sections, each of which may or may not be able to change colour in contrast to the section on each side. Some strips like these treat each LED individually, creating what's known as a "gradient" effect - so dynamic, moving patterns become possible as one colour fades into another. A further step up puts a cover over the LEDs so the whole strip then appears to be one long light, potentially still using its gradient abilities to create dynamic, moving patterns. The WiZ Smart Flex Strip falls into this last category. The non-lit part of the strip is white and it comes with some very slim-line white mounting brackets which can either be screwed in or stuck to the wall with double-sided adhesive pads. It's all very minimalist and subtle when not switched on and five metres is more than enough length to create some pretty cool shapes - in fact, you'll find a pamphlet full of suggested patterns in the box.  However, rather than making a feature of the light strip itself, I decided to accessorise my desk. The generous five metres was more than enough for me to attach the Smart Flex Strip underneath the main work area, the back shelf and even behind my monitors. No screws were required; those 3M guys really know what they're doing when it comes to sticky stuff. I have got a lot of random bits and bobs on my desk - all absolutely necessary of course. Normally, installing the amount of lighting I'm talking here would have involved me taking nearly everything off my desk to get to all the places I needed to go, assuming I had a light strip flexible enough to even be able to twist and turn that way. Clearing my desk just wasn't necessary with the Smart Flex Strip. It's so narrow and bendy I was able to easily thread it through holes and between other devices with a minimum of desk disruption. I was stoked with the final effect, as you'll be able to tell from the video below. The clever abilities of the Smart Flex Strip don't just stop at the ease of installation. You can control the it from the WiZ app, via your preferred voice assistant or perhaps most boringly, using the actual button on the control unit at the beginning of the strip. Although, that button only turns them on and off. In fact, when setting up using the WiZ app, you're supposed to be able to choose a colour or pattern that starts with a single click and a different one with a double click. I've tried this and it doesn't work. Some kind of firmware update will probably fix this eventually but in the meantime, WiZ also sells a remote control which might be handy if you have several WiZ devices to operate. I prefer to use Alexa or Siri to turn my lights on and off - the Smart Flex Strip is Matter-enabled so that works well enough, although you can't access the more complicated themes and dynamic patterns without using the WiZ app. Like other WiZ lights, you can set up automations to kick in at scheduled times and if you have more than one WiZ product in the same room, thanks to SpaceSense, they can also act as motion sensors, turning on when you walk in. One of the weirder features is Music Sync. This lights up the Smart Flex Strip in time with your favourite playlists but there's a catch; there's no microphone built into the controller - it uses the mic in your phone instead, so that'll involve you leaving your handset next to a speaker, which seems like a bit of a faff to me. The WiZ line of smart lighting is owned by Signify, the same outfit that produces Philips Hue devices. Don't be fooled though, there's no real compatibility between the two brands. So you can't control the WiZ Smart Flex Strip with the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box for example. That said, WiZ has just launched its own version of the sync box - it's not as feature-packed but it is much, much cheaper. Regardless, the Smart Flex Strip is perhaps the most versatile light strip I've used yet. Thanks to its super-slim profile and subtle mounting system, there's almost nowhere you can't install it, quickly and easily. Wherever you end up using it, it'll look great and there's no doubt it's created a vibrant, fun atmosphere around my cluttered desk.      Click here for more information on the WiZ Smart Flex Strip. Mon, 05 May 2025 23:52:29 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-history-dripping-budapest-with-trafalgar/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-history-dripping-budapest-with-trafalgar/ Budapest has long been a punching bag for invading powers and battled over by a litany of imperial bullies. But the legacy is a city stacked with historic layer upon layer of intrigue and faded glory, some layers still decaying while others have been ambitiously restored.  I was back in the Hungarian capital with Trafalgar, one of the headline stops on their splendidly curated 10-day Imperial Europe tour.  Necklaced with nine bridges, the mighty Danube bisects the distinct settlements of Buda and Pest, that were only officially united as one city in 1873. Nestled amid the verdant hills and tumbling greenery of Buda, the Castle District is the city’s top draw, which was vividly brought to life by our local specialist guide Andrea’s engaging storytelling. Much of it was obliterated in the second world war.  Chain Bridge and the Danube at twilight. Photo / Supplied This UNESCO-protected treasure chest of historic properties contains churches, mansions, statues, museums, galleries and of course the Royal Palace complex.  In previous times, many of the floridly sculpted fountains gushed with wine. Imagine! The Hapsburg Empress Maria Theresa added a 200-rooms to the complex in the late 18th century, which was heavily bombed in World War II, and has been freshly restored. The Royal Palace’s Riding Hall has been rebuilt, as has the ornate interior of St Stephen’s Hall. The Archduke’s palace is currently closed for refurbishment, with the buildings being reconstructed using surviving architects’ drawings.  Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is overseeing the estimated NZ$3 billion dollar revitalisation of the Castle District, which seeks to replicate the pomp and prestige of the area, when it was at the peak of its imperial powers, under the Hapsburg monarchy. Andrea described it as Orban’s “edifice complex.” This mega-vanity-project is one of Europe’s largest projects of historical reconstruction, with brand new baroque buildings rising up where, for generations, there was nothing. Rococo details and white plasterwork are being liberally slathered on top of reinforced concrete like cake icing. Some of new buildings are so shiny, their freshly folded zinc roofs glint in the sun.  Buda Castle at night. Photo / Supplied Buda Castle was destroyed in the war, and it took 30 years to return it to the state you see it in today, but the reconstruction works continue for another four years. Nearby is the Castle Labyrinth which is a 10km-long network of caves, which was used as a very hardy air-raid shelter during the war. Orban, who is Europe’s longest-serving Prime Minister, has moved his own offices into a former Carmelite monastery in Castle Hill, and other ministries are being transferred. As Andrea remarked, “what Orban says, goes.” He cleared Budapest of beggars.  My favourite stop was Matthias Church (also known as Virgin Mary Church), a ginger-bread stone structure dripping in history. First built in the 13th century, and covered in 150,000 porcelain tiles, it was converted into the Great Mosque by the Ottomans three hundred years later, before reverting to Christianity under the Hapsburgs.   A decade-long restoration of the church was triumphantly completed ten years ago, so it’s looking radiant. What makes this church so striking is the carpet-like design that graces the columns and walls of the church, in memory of its era as a mosque. Directly outside, Fishermen’s Bastion was constructed during the Golden Age of the late 1800’s, when the Hapsburgs agreed to greater autonomy for the city, and a largely decorative building boom ensued. Fishermen’s Bastion features seven turrets, one representing each of the original Hungarian tribes, and the far-reaching views across the river to Pest are celestial.    Across the Danube from Fisherman's Bastion. Photo / Supplied Other stellar Golden Age specimens include the most adored structure spanning the Danube is the Chain Bridge: guarded by finely carved stone lions and spectacularly spangled at night. In fact, Budapest spends a fortune lustily illuminated all Danube bridges and the myriad of architectural landmarks edging the river. It’s a wondrous experience to soak up the twinkling panorama at night, as we did on our Trafalgar tour.  A prestigious competition was held to determine the design of the Hungarian Parliament, in the late 19th century. Inspired by Britain’s Houses of Parliament, the ornately gothic designed building opened in 1903, replete with turrets and domes – and Hungary’s Crown Jewels. One of the most iconic cultural shrines is the Opera House. Built in 1884, the Budapest Opera House has 7kg of gold delivering quite the bling-factor to its interior. The State Opera House crowns the heart of Andrassy Ave, a 2.5 km-long Parisian-style boulevard, and still the glamour strip for socialites, shopping, wining, dining and entertainment. Budapest’s broad, straight boulevards were inspired by the French urban planner, Baron Haussmann’s makeover of Paris. Our gorgeous hotel, Courtyard Budapest City Center, edged by bustling Rákóczi Avenue is another such specimen.  Hungarian Parliament and the Danube. Photo / Supplied The past century has certainly been a turbulent and torturous period for Hungary; first as a Nazi puppet, and subsequently a Communist state, with the Soviet Union pulling its strings. Thirty five years ago, Hungary was at the forefront of world history again, the first domino to tip over, triggering the collapse of the Iron Curtain.  You can still place your finger in the bullet holes of many buildings. A sobering experience is to take in the House of Terror, which was the Nazi headquarters, its basement used for torture and murder. Post-war, the communists took over the building as the base for its fearsome secret police.   Just down from the Hungarian Parliament, on the banks of the Danube, I found myself utterly absorbed by one of the most potent and poignant war memorials I’ve ever encountered. Twenty years old, the Shoe Memorial’s simplicity is profoundly moving. Sixty pairs of bronze shoes, of all shapes and sizes, are scattered along the very edge of the river, to represent the thousands of Hungarian Jews who were forced to remove their shoes before being brutally shot in that place, towards the end of WWII. Their bodies would fall into the cold water and be washed away from the city on the current. The shoes sit at the edge of the water, scattered and abandoned, as though their owners had just stepped out of them and left them there.  Shoe Monument on the blue Danube. Photo / Mike Yardley  Roman emperor Nero was reputedly the first to bathe in the city’s natural hot springs, but the proliferation of Turkish baths was bestowed on the city by the Ottomans, before they were unceremoniously sent packing by the Hapsburgs. (Budapest’s enduring passion for coffee and paprika can also be attributed to the Ottomans.)  My favourite spot for a therapeutic soak is at Gellert Baths. The Art Nouveau designed Gellert Hotel was built during the Golden Age of the late 19th century, housing a palatial complex of highly ornate thermal baths and swimming pools.   Nearby, Gellert Hill pays homage to the city’s patron saint, St. Gellert. In the 9th century, the Venetian missionary was invited to Buda, to help convert the city to Catholicism. A pagan revolt led to Bishop Gellert being placed in a spiky barrel and rolled off the hillside into the Danube. His violent death led to him being canonised, and the eponymously named hill now bears a glittering statue in his honour, which is also a great panoramic perch.  If you want to sample some authentic Budapest tastes, here’s a few tempters. The grand old Central Market, a vast and cavernous emporium built in 1896, teems with merchants and the food stalls sell peasant dishes like goulash soup and langos (fried flatbread with toppings). Grab a high stool and you can enjoy a spicy sausage and a beer for less than NZ$5. The magnificently colourful riot of paprika, sausage and fruit stalls are a photogenic headrush. Budapest loves its cakes and pastries. A cherished institution is the Gerbeaud Pastry Shop on Vorosmarty Square, founded in 1857, and sure to charm you with its elegant old-world ambience and mouth-drooling sweet temptations.   Budapest Central Market. Photo / Supplied Just down from our hotel on Erzsebet Ave, New York Café is a tractor-beam. Since the turn of the 20th century, it’s been billed as the most beautiful and the most beloved coffee house in Budapest. A wildly popular haunt among artists, poets and writers, the most influential newspapers were previously edited upstairs in the café’s gallery. Its eclectic Italian Renaissance-style architecture, with marbled columns, gilded artworks, crystal chandeliers and ceiling frescoes, all dressed in opulent furnishings is guaranteed Instagram-bait. The coffee is pretty average, but the sheer splendour of the interior is irresistible.  Our Trafalgar tour included a Be My Guest experience which aims to offer up an authentic slice-of-life dining occasion. The venue was Schieszl winery, on the outskirts of the city. Established in 1896, our host was Konrad Schieszl who explained that he is the fifth generation to run the winery and restaurant.  His family originally came to Budapest from Germany 300 years ago and his great-grandfather started growing grapes on the site of the winery. I particularly enjoyed their merlot and cabernet sauvignon, while the on-site restaurant served up an array of delightful dishes. The speciality is Mangalica pig, a cholesterol-free pork from a heritage breed of Hungarian pigs, that has become the toast of many gourmet restaurants. Streaks of fatty “marble” infiltrates their muscles, producing a spider web pattern of white lines that resembles Wagyu meat. Even the colour of Mangalica meat is beef-like, noticeably darker than regular pork varieties. These unusual, curly-haired pigs look more like oversized sheep.  Mangalica Pork at Schieszl. Photo / Mike Yardley Konrad’s father conceived the winery’s secret recipes for curing and smoking this famous pork.  As we were feasting on this guilt-free pork, Konrad captivated us with the tale about his grandfather’s best friend, who was Jewish.  During World War II when Jews were being slaughtered, he decided he must save his dear friend. Along with his wife and child, they were concealed inside of one of his giant wine barrels, whenever the SS came calling. They all survived.   When the war ended and the Soviets moved in, anyone with German ties was expelled from Hungary. The Schieszl family were given 24 hours to get out, stripped of all their property and most of their belongings. 12 years later, the Jewish friend’s son, who had become a lawyer with political connections to the Prime Minister, was able to make arrangements for Konrad’s grandfather, to buy back his property and return to Hungary. And the family business has never looked back. What a remarkable story.  Back in town, kert, or "ruin" bars, are a Budapest signature, continuing to make great use of derelict buildings, awaiting restoration. Such a specimen is Taqueria which was formerly the provisioning depot for Hungarian Railways. Now a spacious garden bar, try a "pinky" (grapefruit vodka shot) or plum palinka (fruit brandy) that packs a punch at 40% alcohol, and toast Budapest’s searing history.  Ruin bars in Budapest. Photo / Supplied Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity to the fore. Tour adventurously, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and tour locally with those priceless encounters with the locals like Konrad Schieszl. Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour has a starting price of $4,422 per person, twin share and includes a savings of up to $600 per person. Valid on select travel dates June, July and August 2025. Subject to availability. Call 0800 484 333, visit trafalgar.com or see your local Travel Agent.  Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard on 九一星空无限talk ZB at 11.20am on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.  Sat, 03 May 2025 00:30:38 Z /lifestyle/mother-hears-late-daughter-s-heart-beat-in-transplant-recipient/ /lifestyle/mother-hears-late-daughter-s-heart-beat-in-transplant-recipient/ Lisa Schein’s daughter, Maddy, died at eight and her organs were donated, saving four lives. Mireya Moody, diagnosed with a rare heart condition, received Maddy’s heart through a transplant. The families met, sharing memories, and Lisa listened to Mireya’s heartbeat, expressing gratitude and connection. This is the tear-jerking moment a United States mother listens to her late daughter’s heart – which is now keeping another young girl alive. Lisa Schein’s daughter, Maddy, died at the age of 8 on April 1, 2022, after an ATV accident. Despite their heartbreak, the Schein family of Logan, Ohio, chose to donate her organs. Maddy Schein with her mother Lisa. Their decision saved four lives, including a young girl named Mireya Moody, who received the heart through a transplant operation. Just a few months earlier, Moody had been diagnosed with a rare and serious heart condition called left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy. The disease affects the heart muscle, causing it to appear spongy and impairing its ability to pump blood efficiently. It can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications, especially in children. Moody relied on a mechanical device to circulate her blood for several months while awaiting a transplant. In April 2002, Mireya’s mother Bianca Robinson was notified that a suitable donor heart had been found. Mireya Moody was saved by the transplant. “It’s a conflicting feeling of relief but also guilt,” she said. “I had been praying for this day, but I knew what it meant for another family.” The heart came from Maddy. Following the transplant, Moody gradually regained strength through continued therapy and care at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s. Medical staff noted her positive energy and described her as a “joyful presence during visits”. A year after the surgery, Mireya’s mother contacted Lisa Schein. As the families spoke and shared memories, they found similarities between the two girls. Both displayed strong personalities and showed quiet determination. The Schein family gave Mireya Moody a soft avocado plush toy during their first meeting. She named it “Maddy” and has kept it close ever since, sleeping with it every night. Lisa Schein listens to her daughter's heart beat in another girl's body. Footage released by the Cleveland Clinic shows Lisa Schein listening to the 8-year-old’s heartbeat using a stethoscope. Moody then embraced Schein, expressing gratitude for the donation that gave her a second chance at life. “It was a long embrace that solidified an unbreakable bond,” the Cleveland Clinic said of the moment. The pair shared "a long embrace that solidified an unbreakable bond". Lisa Schein said: “I wanted to run up to Mireya, squeeze her and never let her go because that was all I had left of my girl. Meeting Mireya’s mom, Bianca, talking with her and hearing her story about Mireya’s illness was hard, but it helps to know a piece of Maddy lives on. “I also loved being able to tell them stories about who Maddy was - about her infectious laugh and bubbly personality. I think that’s when my heart began to start healing.” Bianca Robinson and Lisa Schein (seen here with Mireya Moody) were amazed by their daughter's similarities. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:46:50 Z /lifestyle/technology/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-one-of-the-best-security-cameras-id-never-buy/ /lifestyle/technology/ring-outdoor-cam-plus-one-of-the-best-security-cameras-id-never-buy/ The rise and rise of subscription services over the last decade or so is lamentable although predictable. Once we consumers demonstrated how willing we were to pay a monthly fee for access to music, TV and movies, it was only a matter of time before there was a subscription on offer for almost any aspect of modern life. These days we ask, why cook when your meal can be delivered? - either as just the ingredients or the finished product, piping hot. Be it petfood, contact lenses or coffee, if it's something we "need" regularly, let's set up a subscription so it'll arrive at our door before it runs out. Fine. We were going to buy those things anyway. But when you purchase a car with electric seat warmers, wouldn't you expect to be able to use them without having to fork out each month for the privilege? Personally, I'd rather pay a higher up-front cost to keep my bum warm than an ongoing fee. That'd be like paying someone else to store your security footage for you. The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus is another in a long line of top-quality home security products. We'll get to all its features and benefits shortly but I'm going to get my usual Ring whinge out of the way first this time. You can't record using the Outdoor Cam Plus unless you sign up to one of Ring's subscriptions. That annoys me. Especially when there are other cameras out there that allow you to store your recordings for free. Perhaps you can insert an SD card into the camera itself or the camera might save recordings to a storage drive of some kind attached to a central hub. In fact, some camera manufacturers let you link to the cloud storage service of your choice. Imagine that. Not Ring. And it's not just storing your videos. Most of the features I'm about to describe are only fully usable for a 30-day trial period and then you'll have to pay. Admittedly, from as little as NZ$49.95 a year, a Ring Home plan probably won't break the bank and maybe I should just get over it like I did when TV streaming services came along. I guess that depends on just what a device like the Outdoor Cam Plus has to offer, and whether it really is the Netflix or Apple TV+ of the home security world. Previously I've discussed how confusing Ring's naming policy is. I mean, can you tell me the difference between the Video Doorbell Elite and the Wired Video Doorbell Pro Plug-in off the top of your head? Me neither. So whatever you do, don't get the Outdoor Cam Plus confused with the Stick Up Cam Elite or the Spotlight Cam Pro. The Outdoor Cam Plus I've been sent to review is the battery version. There's a plug-in model too, which comes with an Indoor/Outdoor power adapter instead of a Quick Release Battery Pack, although you can purchase the power adapter separately and plug it into the battery version if you want. Alternatively, Ring also sells a Solar Panel which can power the Outdoor Cam Plus too. See? Told you it's confusing. So let's stick with what I've got. A camera, a battery and an extremely versatile mount - which can attach at the base to act as a stand or screw in at the rear for wall or even ceiling installations. As usual, Ring has included all the screws you'll need and attaching the Outdoor Cam Plus is very easy, it just slides on and off the mounting plate and can be locked into place with a screw. The advantage of running a camera like this on battery is that you can install it anywhere within Wi-Fi range. No cable means you can position it on a fence or high on a wall, without having to worry if a power outlet is close by. Although the rechargeable Quick Release Battery pack looks the same as all the others I've come across when reviewing Ring doorbells and cameras in the past, it's got a new model number so I'm hoping that means its charge will last longer than the couple of weeks I usually get. The base of the camera just unscrews to access the battery which is nice and easy although disappointingly, it still uses a microUSB to charge. Hardly anything charges via microUSB anymore and sure, there's a cable in the box but it's quite short so isn't necessarily a particularly convenient option. What's really weird is you can remove a waterproof lug from the back of the camera to run it off the aforementioned power adapter or solar panel - both of which connect via the much more common USB-C. In fact, if you leave the battery in the camera you can just plug in a USB-C charger and juice it up that way. More confusion. What's less confusing is the improvement in picture quality. The Outdoor Cam Plus is one of Ring's new range of 2K cameras which is a step up from HD, although not a full jump to 4K as we've seen from other manufacturers. More impressively, the viewing angles have been widened out to 140° horizontal and 80° vertical and Ring has introduced a new feature called Low-Light Sight. This enables the Outdoor Cam Plus to shoot in crystal clear colour, even at night without having to rely on a built-in floodlight, as long as there's enough ambient light - perhaps from nearby streetlights. This works very well indeed and I have to say the nighttime footage I'm getting is quite impressive. As with other Ring devices, you can set up multiple detection zones and adjust the sensitivity so you're only monitoring the exact areas you need to and there's the option of two-way communication via the camera's mic and speaker. You'll also get preview gif notifications on your phone which can be helpful when it comes to deciding whether you need to respond or not. The new feature I'm most excited about is the AI-Powered Smart Video Search. If you've used a home security camera like this before, you'll know how tiresome it can be sifting through recorded footage to find out exactly what time those unexpected visitors arrived or when that package was delivered. Now the Ring App has a browser-like search bar at the top of your saved videos and this is where you can type specific phrases like "red car" or "delivery man" to filter out non-related content. Every time I've used it I've been amazed by the results. This could be one of the only truly useful things I've seen AI do to date. But... As I said at the beginning, all this comes at a cost. An ongoing cost. At NZ$179.00, the Outdoor Cam Plus is not outrageously expensive but after the first month, unless you subscribe, the only thing this camera will do is send you motion notifications and provide a live feed. Because subscriptions are just what we do now.        Click here for more information and pricing on the Ring Outdoor Cam Plus. Wed, 30 Apr 2025 01:02:33 Z /lifestyle/travel/auckland-airport-in-top-50-for-customer-satisfaction-skytrax-2025/ /lifestyle/travel/auckland-airport-in-top-50-for-customer-satisfaction-skytrax-2025/ Auckland Airport is ranked 46th in Skytrax’s 2025 global airport satisfaction awards. It was the third highest in the Australasia-Pacific region, behind Melbourne and Brisbane. Chief customer officer Scott Tasker highlighted improvements like a transport hub and express lane for efficiency. By RNZ Auckland Airport has made the top 50 in a global ranking of airports based on customer satisfaction. The country’s biggest airport has ranked No 46 in the British-based airline and airport review website Skytrax’s 2025 awards. Its annual survey evaluates passenger experience from check-in and security to shopping and boarding. Topping the rankings for the 13th year in a row was Singapore’s Changi Airport. Auckland Airport was the third highest ranked airport in the Australasia-Pacific region behind Melbourne and Brisbane. The airport also came fourth among airports handling 10-20 million passengers annually. Easier, faster Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker said the airport had introduced changes in the past year aimed at making it easier and faster for travellers to get through the airport. “We’ve opened the transport hub at the front entrance to the international terminal and we’ve been upgrading wayfinding signage to make it clear to customers where to go. “MPI [Ministry for Primary Industries] have also enabled an express lane at the international terminal, which has helped create efficient processing while maintaining border security. “This, along with the uptake in the New Zealand traveller declaration has allowed a smoother arrival for customers coming in from international destinations. “Aviation Security have been rolling out CT scanners across both terminals, meaning travellers can leave laptops and items in their carry on at the security checkpoint, which has meant shorter queues for customers.” He said work to integrate the airport’s domestic and international terminals was under way and would include modernised bathroom facilities, new flooring and more seating for the domestic terminal. -RNZ Sun, 27 Apr 2025 03:59:33 Z /lifestyle/on-the-up-auckland-couple-finally-get-their-dream-wedding-12-years-after-motorbike-accident/ /lifestyle/on-the-up-auckland-couple-finally-get-their-dream-wedding-12-years-after-motorbike-accident/ Matt and Kerryn Hoani were planning to get married in 2013 when a motorbike accident left Matt a quadriplegic and put their dream day on pause. Eleven years later, he finally got to pop the question at Eden Park. They’ve been together for 26 years and finally got to tie the knot on April 2. For Matt and Kerryn Hoani, it’s been a long time coming. It took “12 years and third time lucky” for their wedding day to take place, Matt tells the Herald. In 2013, the couple were living on the Gold Coast with their daughters. Matt, now 44, was a truck driver; Kerryn, 43, an insurance broker. But in May that year, Matt was in a motorbike accident that left him a quadriplegic from a spinal cord injury, facing a long recovery and rehabilitation. “So 2013 was the original [year] we were going to get married, but then I had a motorbike accident - so it was on hold,” he says. “[Then] we decided we were going to get married on my 40th - tell everyone to turn up and then we’ll get to celebraten, but that was Covid, 2020, and we went into lockdown.” The following year, they hoped to tie the knot while celebrating Kerryn’s 40th - but Auckland then went into further Covid-19 restrictions, with limits on gatherings. It was thanks to several “amazing people” that Matt got to propose to Kerryn once again in May last year. “My old boss mentioned it to one of the wheelchair suppliers [Permobil NZ]. I’d said, ‘Oh, she doesn’t want to marry me until I propose again.’ So they helped me plan a whole wedding proposal at Eden Park. “It was mean, we got to go down the field, had our names on the billboard and a ring company, Diamonds on Richmond, came on board and donated a ring for us.” With their daughters beside them on the turf, Matt and Kerryn got to share their first standing hug in more than a decade. “I said yes,” Kerryn says with a smile. It came after some “pretty hard” months and years for the couple after the accident. “It was hard because we spent the first year in Australia,” Kerryn says. “I was doing all the caring, and you can’t do both. You can’t be a carer and a partner, it’s just impossible.” The pair decided to move home to New Zealand to be closer to family and their support system. “I could be my own person and he could work on his goals,” Kerryn says, with Matt adding: “I didn’t have to rely on her or the kids. “I could get someone else in my family to come pick me up and go out, you know - we didn’t have to do everything together.” Now, they believe it “totally” strengthened their relationship. “That was a wild roller-coaster ride, that one - lots of emotions,” Karen says. Matt reflects: “Now we’re looking back on it, it’s like, man - I just didn’t realise how much we were struggling until we got back here. Now working at the spinal unit, I can sort of tell them, ‘Hey, look - it does get better, but try to leave your family as family - speaking from personal experience’.” Matt and Kerryn are parents to daughters aged 17 and 23 - “two angels”, according to Kerryn. “It’s three of me,” she jokes. “They were part of the bridal party, so our youngest was bridesmaid and our oldest was my groomswoman,” says Matt. “They were part of my rehab as well. They were in my ‘why’, they were my purpose. They used to come to the spinal unit in Aussie every Friday, every weekend. I was there for nine months, so it was a huge commitment, just that alone.” Matt and Kerryn Hoani tied the knot on April 2, 2025 at Red Beach Surf Club. Photo / Rachel Jordan, Two Little Starfish Photography Now, he says he doesn’t know where he would be without his family. “I know that’s kind of dark to think about, but I see people come through this unit just by themselves and I sort of wonder how would I be able to do that? “I truly don’t think I could.” Drawing on his experience, Matt now works with Spinal Support NZ, based in the Auckland Spinal Rehab Unit at Ōtara, to help others who have had spinal cord injuries. The couple are grateful to Spinal Support NZ as well as wheelchair supplier Permobil, which lent Matt a standing chair for the proposal and the wedding. “It’s a power chair that I’m strapped to and I can stand in it, so I could look her in the eyes and propose to her. They lent it to me for that and the wedding, and that made the world of difference,” he says. Asked how it feels to be married, Kerryn, 43, says it’s “the same, really - except I can say ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my boyfriend’.” Matt agrees, proudly stating, “‘My wife’ instead of ‘my partner’. “Our girls have been asking since they were young, ‘Why hasn’t Mum got the same last name?’” The best part of their wedding day was being surrounded by friends and family, with their photos taken by Rachel Jordan of Two Little Starfish, who also spent time in Auckland’s spinal unit after a 2022 helicopter crash. “There have been so many people that helped us,” Matt says. “Our sister-in-law was amazing, Kerryn’s sister. She missed her calling as a wedding planner. “It was such a cool day, even though it was rainy, it was a wet day. We were meant to have it outside. We ended up having it inside.” Matt and Kerryn come from “two big families”, but could have only 100 guests at the Red Beach Surf Club. “It was hard not inviting them all,” he admits. After 26 years together, what’s their advice for a lasting relationship? “Do what you’re told,” Matt jokes. “What did my dad always say? Never go to bed angry. “When we sent out our invites, we asked [guests] for the best advice. They were the sorts of things we did anyway. It was cool reiterating. We are pretty much on the right path at the moment, even though it doesn’t look like it some days.” Kerryn’s advice? “Marry your best friend.” Her husband agrees. “She knows what I’m thinking. She would see me look at something and she would roll her eyes. We like the same things.” Sat, 26 Apr 2025 22:01:36 Z /lifestyle/missing-dachshund-valerie-found-after-529-days-alone-on-kangaroo-island/ /lifestyle/missing-dachshund-valerie-found-after-529-days-alone-on-kangaroo-island/ A runaway dachshund named Valerie was captured after a 529-day adventure on Kangaroo Island.  Volunteers invested over 1,000 hours and drove more than 5,000 kilometres to find her.  Valerie’s owner, Georgia Gardner, expressed gratitude to the volunteers who helped locate her dog.  A runaway sausage dog named Valerie has been captured after a 529-day adventure, transfixing Australia as she roamed an island teeming with kangaroos, possums, koala bears and penguins.  The miniature dachshund had eluded searchers on Kangaroo Island since November 2023, only rarely appearing in fuzzy glimpses caught by night-time cameras that showed her pink collar.  “Valerie has been safely rescued and is alive and well,” the wildlife group that has been hunting the wily canine on the southern Australian island said late on Friday.  “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply relieved that Valerie is finally safe and able to begin her transition back to her loving parents,” Kangala Wildlife Rescue posted to social media.  Valerie, seen here before she escaped, has finally been recaptured. Photo / Kangala Wildlife Rescue  Valerie made her escape during a camping trip with owners Georgia Gardner and her partner Josh Fishlock, dashing out of a pen and straight into the bush.  Her owners gave up after days of searching the island off the coast of South Australia – more than 4400sq km of farms, nature reserves and craggy cliffs.  The missing mutt was not seen for more than a year, with many holding out little hope for her survival.  Then, video surveillance and locals began spotting her, and volunteers launched a patient hunt for the hound, who seemed to flee from people and cars.  @7newsadelaide BREAKING: Valerie the elusive pet pooch who spent more than 500 days on the run on Kangaroo Island is finally on her way home. The miniature dachshund is 'fit and well' and can be seen eating and winking on camera. Valerie is now in the care of Kangala Wildlife Rescue volunteers who have carefully captured her. #7NEWS ♬ original sound - 7NEWSAdelaide “Valerie seems impossible to trap,” wildlife rescuers posted on social media last month.  Investing more than 1000 hours, volunteer searchers drove more than 5000km and deployed cameras, traps and lures.  Regular online updates to followers gripped by the drama gave hope they were gradually closing in.  Snatches of black-and-white video showed Valerie regularly visiting a trap site, set up with a cage, blankets and toys – though the facilities also attracted local possums.  After finally catching up with the wandering canine, volunteers at Kangala Wildlife Rescue posted that they were taking a “short pause to process this amazing result”.  Despite their modest dimensions, dachshunds are “game for anything”, according to the American Kennel Club.  “Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn,” it says.  Valerie’s owner Gardner said in a social media post she was “incredibly grateful” to the volunteers who helped find her dog.  “For anyone who’s ever lost a pet, your feelings are valid and never give up hope.”  - Agence France-Presse  Sat, 26 Apr 2025 03:41:16 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-sights-and-sounds-of-salzburg/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-sights-and-sounds-of-salzburg/ Few cities in the world enjoy the stature of being a music mecca quite like Salzburg. It’s one of my favourite European destinations and I recently ventured back to this Austrian jewel with Trafalgar, as part of their magnificent 10-day Imperial Europe tour. It’s like a tasting plate of some of Central Europe’s most glittering destinations, steeped in history and spilling with scenic finery. And it’s all spectacularly brought to life with specialist local guides who live and breathe these destinations, with unbridled passion and pride.  Salzburg is a star specimen, the splendidly preserved hometown of one of history's most beloved composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - stamping Salzburg on the tourist map for as long as there's been one. More recently, it's been a pilgrimage site for Sound of Music fans, with most of the film's iconic scenes shot in and near the city. But with its treasure-chest old town, splendid gardens, Baroque churches, and one of Europe's largest intact medieval fortresses, all surrounded by alpine wonder, Salzburg feels made for tourism. Hohensalzburg Fortress, which towers 400 feet above the city’s baroque domes and spires, was built to look so foreboding, nobody attacked the town for a thousand years.  Anna and the Trafalgar group in Salzburg. Photo / Mike Yardley Even without Mozart and the Von Trapps, Salzburg’s blinding beauty and quirky back-story would have no trouble attracting tourist hordes. The city feels like a little world unto itself – partly due to its distinctive geography, with an Old Town that’s wedged between a river on one side and sheer mountain cliffs on the other. As our local specialist guide Anna remarked, Salzburg was also an independent city-state until little more than 200 years ago. 1300 years ago, Salzburg was given to Bishop Rupert by Bavaria with a clear mission to Christianise the area.   Its prosperity was powered by the nearby salt mines, and this city-state of ruling prince-archbishops steadily built fanciful palaces and elegant squares. (Many housed illegitimate children, fathered by these decadent rulers, noted Anna.) Italian Baroque flair became the favoured architectural style, which is what still dominates the fairytale cityscape today. Napoleon put an end to Salzburg’s independence, and after his fall the city became part of Austria.  Atmospheric Old Town Salzburg. Photo / Mike Yardley To get a sense of Salzburg's lingering grandeur we started off by prowling the twisting cobbled lanes of the Old Town, lined with harmonious pastel buildings. Make a beeline for Mozart’s birthplace (Geburtshaus), a still-intact townhouse on the main shopping street of Getreidegasse, that was his home for most of his brief 35-year life. (He died of chronic kidney disease.) It was here that Mozart learned to play piano and violin and composed his first boy-genius works. You’ll see his square piano, childhood viola, and plenty of other memorabilia. The prize piece is an old clavichord on which he supposedly composed his final work – the Requiem, which was played for his own funeral. The city still hums with his precocious energy.  Zig-zagging our way through the medieval maze led us to the grand cathedral, one of the first Baroque buildings north of the Alps. Mozart was baptised here and would later be the cathedral organist for a couple of years. Free organ concerts usually follow Sunday morning mass. Mozart concerts are held every night, at multiple venues, across the city. And be sure to get your fill of his balls. Mozart balls, or Mozartkugel, as Salzburgers say. These delicious chocolate and pistachio marzipan balls are the quintessential Salzburg souvenir, if you haven’t scoffed them all before you get home.  If you’re a fan of old-school coffee houses, pop into Café Tomaselli for a caffeine fix. Mozart would regularly dine and drink almond milk here. And you can see his statue in the square now named Mozartplatz, just adjacent to the cathedral.   Our walking tour through Salzburg also included some emblematic sites immortalised in the Sound of Music. None more so than Mirabell Gardens and Palace (which also hosts Mozart concerts.) The manicured gardens are best known as the Do-Rei-Me gardens. And we walked by Nonnberg Abbey, where Maria joined the convent. Our guide Anna remarked there are still 27 Benedictine nuns in the abbey. Although it’s not open to the public, you can visit the church where the nuns will sing Gregorian chants every morning at 6:45am.   Mirabell Garden Gates. Photo / Supplied I also took the opportunity to revel in some of Salzburg’s signature dining destinations, at what may well be Europe's oldest restaurant. Stiftskeller St. Peter (cellar of St. Peter's Abbey), is about 1200 years old. Opened in 803AD, its ancient cave-like cloisters is the ultimate in evocative settings. Situated a stone’s throw from Salzburg Cathedral, it’s hard to go past the Weiner Schnitzel with parsley potatoes and homemade cranberry confit. Their spinach dumplings are superb, too. Sweet tooths? Definitely tuck into Salzburger Nockerl. It’s a dessert staple across the city.  This sweet souffle salutes the three peaks that backdrop the city. This cranberry confit and icing sugar-topped mountain of soufflé is so big, you could almost ski-jump off it.   My visit to Salzburg with Trafalgar also included two riveting optional tours which prises up the surrounding alpine grandeur, headlined by the Bavarian Alps that its shares with Germany and the chocolate-box villages of the Lakes District. The hills in these parts will certainly come alive for Sound of Music fans, because the district holds more iconic movie locations, including the alpine meadow in the opening sequence where Julie Andrews twirled her way across, on Mount Untersberg.   The moviest of all movies is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and it’s estimated that 40% of visitors to Salzburg are lured there by the movie ringing in their ears. How’s that for set-jetting! My Trafalgar travel director Kate remarked that despite the movie’s Oscars acclaim, it is still unfamiliar to many European audiences. When it was released in 1965, much of central and eastern Europe did not screen it because its Nazi themes were deemed “too raw, too soon” for movie audiences. Most Austrians will never have heard of the movie.   We visited the dreamy Lakes District, studded with 67 glacial lakes in all their bejewelled beauty. Highlights include St Gilgen, from which steamboats ply Lake St. Wolfgang in summer. Mozart's mother was born here. The there’s Fuschl, that’s proudly home to the management headquarters of Red Bull.  But the top-billing village is Mondsee. Its gorgeous Benedictine church was where the marriage of Maria and the Baron was filmed. Kate mentioned that last summer a Saudi sheik based himself at his palatial Mondsee lakehouse, bringing with him his 23 wives. That would take some wrangling!  St. Wolfgang Lake. Photo / Supplied Another stirring tour, deftly navigated by our Trafalgar coach driver Blajee, zipped us up Germany’s highest mountain road, the Eagle’s Nest Road, which tops out at 1847m above sea level. Just across the border from Salzburg in the Bavarian Alps, the road from Obersalzberg to the Eagle’s Nest is considered a feat of engineering, blasted out of solid rock in only 13 months' time. In the 1930s, after becoming the German chancellor, Adolf Hitler was looking for the perfect spot to establish an official mountain retreat – a Camp David for his regime.   He chose Obersalzberg, which is a dramatically scenic mountainside area, just uphill from the resort town of Berchtesgaden. Obersalzberg became home to an enormous compound of 80 buildings —fenced off from the public after 1936 and connected by massive bunkers— where the major decisions leading up to World War II were hatched. Much of it was bombed by the Royal Air Force in 1945, but the bombers missed hitting the Eagle’s Nest chalet.   Eagle's Nest in Obersalzburg. Photo / Supplied Eagle’s Nest was a 50th birthday present to Adolf Hitler from his inner circle.  Perched alone amid spectacular alpine scenery, the lodge looms like a Bond villain's lair. An ornate brass elevator was built to whisk Hitler and his guests up the last 120 metres to the lodge, from the end of the mountain road. This building, which is now a summer restaurant, is one of the few undamaged monuments of the Hitler era. Today however it still offers a magnificent and unique view of the surrounding countryside, but also an opportunity to reflect on the abject horrors of its previous owner.   Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity at the forefront. Tour adventurously, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and tour locally with those priceless encounters with the locals. Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour has a starting price of $4,422 per person, twin share and includes a savings of up to $600 per person. Valid on select travel dates June, July and August 2025. Subject to availability. Call 0800 484 333, visit trafalgar.com or see your local Travel Agent.  Cathay Pacific is spreading its wings in Europe, launching direct flights to Munich in June and Brussels in August, which will increase its reach into Europe by flying to 11 destinations. Cathay Pacific’s Munich flights will be operated by advanced A350-900s, as they do between Auckland and Hong Kong. The aircraft offer fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy. The cabin air quality is decidedly better on A350s, and you’ll notice how much quieter these big birds are. The seatback entertainment system kept me suitably engaged with a head swirl of premium movie and TV selections, live news channels - all in vivid 4K, plus in-flight WiFi is available. cathaypacific.com   Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard every Saturday with Jack Tame on 九一星空无限talk ZB.  Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:15:26 Z /lifestyle/cat-flavoured-dog-pies-muzza-s-unleashes-controversial-new-menu-item/ /lifestyle/cat-flavoured-dog-pies-muzza-s-unleashes-controversial-new-menu-item/ Muzza’s Pies in Auckland has launched “cat-flavoured” dog pies, using rabbit and fish.  Cat activist Anne Batley-Burton criticised the pies, saying they promote the idea that “cats are for eating”.  A percentage of sales will be donated to Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming to support canine welfare.  “Cat-flavoured” pies for dogs have been unleashed by a TikTok-famous pie shop in Auckland.  But one cat activist has deemed the idea “absolutely disgusting”.  Muzza’s Pies said that since they released their new controversial flavour for four-legged foodies, it has already got tails wagging.  The “gourmet pies are crafted with a unique blend of rabbit and fish to mimic the tempting taste of a forbidden treat”.  The Mt Albert pie shop said the treats contained zero cat, and no felines were harmed in the making of the pies.  Cat activist Anne Batley-Burton is appalled a dog food would use a feline hook, describing it as tasteless. Photo / Michael Craig  Anne Batley-Burton, cat activist and former real housewife of Auckland, told the Herald the marketing promoted the idea that “cats are for eating”.  It was “terrible, and it’s disgusting, this is the last thing we need when we’ve got enough problems for the poor cats”.  Batley-Burton said the idea was “very tasteless, we already have issues where cats are being used as bait for dog fighting”.  Batley-Burton said she would be boycotting the pie shop.  The owner of Muzza’s Pies, John Williams, told the Herald he knew the “fun” idea was potentially going to stir up some controversy.  “I knew it was a little ballsy... just a little bit of fun and tongue-in-cheek.”  The owner said the idea first came up when they began recognising how often customers snuck bites of their pies to their pups.  Muzza’s Pies, a beloved Mt Albert pie shop, is shaking up the menu with a new menu item that’s got tails wagging – ‘Cat Flavoured Dog Pies’. Photo / Muzza's Pies  Williams said: “We’ve always been about bringing people together over great pies, and we’ve seen firsthand how much our customers love sharing a treat with their dogs.  “So we wanted to create something special just for them while also giving back to dogs in need.  “And let’s be honest, the idea of replicating cat flavours in a pie for dogs gave us a good laugh – we just had to do it!”  Williams said 10% of every dog pie sale will be donated to Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming.  The owner said that when developing the idea, they used the help of AI with a few adjustments to create the ideal recipe for dogs.  @wills_world_nz Muzza’s Pie Review Solid 8.2/10 for the chilli bean sour cream pie Sausage roll was delicious too #pie #review #placestovisit #explore #newzealand #nztiktok #fyp #auckland ♬ Food Funk02 - SonicMusic The new dog pies will be sold from a miniature dog-sized replica of the bakery, set up right outside the shop.  Muzza’s Pies, now run by John Williams’ son, John, is known on social media for offering favourites like steak and cheese, Mexicani, and chicken and apricot, alongside this new canine-friendly option.  The new pies will be sold from a miniature dog-sized replica of the bakery, set up right outside the shop. Photo / Muzza's Pies  What is Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming?  Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming is a New Zealand-based dog welfare organisation dedicated to improving the lives of neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs.  Partnering with the SPCA, Auckland Council, and other rescue groups, Chained Dog Rehabilitation and Rehoming provides hands-on intervention, support for dog owners, and rehoming for dogs who can’t stay in their homes.  The organisation also tackles broader issues through community outreach, promoting responsible pet ownership and long-term change.  Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:12:33 Z /lifestyle/travel/woman-on-nz-sydney-flight-charged-after-allegedly-abusing-assaulting-crew-in-the-air/ /lifestyle/travel/woman-on-nz-sydney-flight-charged-after-allegedly-abusing-assaulting-crew-in-the-air/ A 44-year-old Australian woman has been charged with allegedly assaulting crew on a flight to Sydney. She also allegedly resisted and assaulted Australian Federal Police officers at Sydney Airport. The woman faces six charges and is due back in court in June. A passenger on a transtasman flight is facing a raft of charges after allegedly assaulting crew members, scratching police officers and causing significant disruption during the Sydney-bound trip. The passenger, identified as a 44-year-old woman from Western Australia, is accused of abusing airline crew during the flight when they confronted her about alleged inappropriate and antisocial behaviour. She is also accused of allegedly resisting and assaulting Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers as they attempted to remove her from the flight when it landed at Sydney Airport. The flight left New Zealand on Easter Monday and arrived at Sydney Airport that night. An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said the woman was engaging in “inappropriate, disruptive and antisocial behaviour” onboard the flight, prompting crew members to speak to her about her conduct. The woman became verbally and physically abusive towards the crew, causing them to raise the alarm with police, who were waiting for her when the plane landed at Sydney Airport. The woman was removed from the plane when it landed in Australia, said the spokesperson. The April 21 flight was bound for Sydney from an undisclosed New Zealand airport. Photo / Destination NSW However, once they boarded the plane, the woman allegedly refused to follow the officers’ orders, at one point physically assaulting them. Both suffered scratches on their arms and elbows while removing the passenger from the plane. The woman appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court yesterday facing six charges relating to the Sunday incident. The charges included allegedly assaulting airline crew members, engaging in disorderly behaviour during a flight and resisting and harming police officers. In a statement following Tuesday’s court proceedings, AFP acting Sydney Airport police commander Daniel Hunt said AFP had a zero-tolerance policy for passengers exhibiting disruptive or antisocial behaviour on flights and within airports throughout Australia. “All passengers and airline staff have the right to feel safe, and it would be particularly frightening to be trapped in a confined space in the air with someone behaving badly. “AFP officers responding to calls for assistance at our airports should be able to do so without being subjected to such violence and aggression. “Travellers who break the law will be dealt with swiftly.” The woman is expected back in court in June. Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 01:22:39 Z /lifestyle/ponsonby-road-bistro-to-close-in-may-latest-ponsonby-eatery-to-close/ /lifestyle/ponsonby-road-bistro-to-close-in-may-latest-ponsonby-eatery-to-close/ After 18 years in business, Ponsonby Road Bistro is closing its doors, marking another stalwart Ponsonby restaurant shutting up shop.  It comes in the wake of Sid and Chand Sahrawat last month announcing they are closing their Ponsonby restaurant Kol, and the shock closure of SPQR last year after more than 30 years.  Ponsonby Road Bistro’s owner Blair Russell, 51, told the Herald he has loved the more than two decades he has spent providing hospitality on Ponsonby Road.  “We are sad to be closing, Ponsonby has been very good to us,” says Russell. “Yes, the last five years have been hard, but [wife and business partner] Gina and I are closing as we want to take on some new challenges.”  Ponsonby Road Bistro is set to close on May 3. Photo / Brett Phibbs  After working for more than a decade at some of the world’s best restaurants, Russell first opened a Ponsonby Rd restaurant in 2001, launching Rocco with Auckland restaurateur Mark Wallbank.  The pair then opened Magnum, which morphed into Ponsonby Road Bistro in 2007. When Wallbank moved on to other establishments in 2011, Russell’s wife, Gina, gradually came on board.  Wallbank opened The Blue Breeze Inn at Ponsonby Central in 2013.  Russell says he and Gina will be taking time to chill a little this year and are working on some new business ideas outside of hospitality to launch next year. Ponsonby Road Bistro will have its last dinner service on May 3.  In an Instagram post, the Russells thanked all their “wonderful customers and the incredible staff who’ve brought their own magic to our restaurant”.  They said the last dinner service will be on May 3 and they will honour all outstanding vouchers up to this date.  “Come in for one last meal, one last glass, one last memory,” they wrote, saying their time at the restaurant has been “an unforgettable ride”.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ponsonby Road Bistro (@ponsonbyroadbistro) Earlier this month, Sid and Chand Sahrawat announced they were closing their restaurant Kol, citing challenging trading conditions.  “The past few months have been tough,” they said in a statement, “and while we’ve made the decision to close, we’re glad we tried - you never know if an idea will succeed unless you try.”  Kol will host its last dinner service on Mother’s Day. They plan to set up a “hospitality incubator” in the Kol premises to help new ventures test the market before launching out on their own.  Renowned restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat announced in April the imminent closure of their third restaurant, KOL in Ponsonby. Its last dinner service will be on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 11.  In July last year, one of Auckland’s most famous restaurants, SPQR, was placed in liquidation. That same month, Chapel Bar & Bistro, also in Ponsonby, was placed in receivership after it failed to repay a loan to its co-owner worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.  In December, Michael and Annette Dearth announced they were closing fine-dining CBD restaurant The Grove, after 20 years.  “There’s a lot of reasons why we’ve made this decision,” Michael Dearth told the Herald’s Shayne Currie. “It’s definitely been floating around because it’s been such a fight – from the pandemic, to so much uncertainty [with the] global financial crisis and extreme weather events where suddenly vegetables cost more than protein.”  The Grove owners Michael and Annette Dearth. Photo / Cameron Pitney  In February, Britomart’s Bar Non Solo and MoVida announced they were closing, with the owners wanting to explore new opportunities.  In March, popular Auckland eatery Monsoon Poon revealed it is set to close after 20 years in business. It will have its last service on May 3, the same day as Ponsonby Road Bistro will shut its doors for the last time.  Owner Nicola Richards announced the news with “mixed emotions”, and said the closure came in the wake of the building on the corner of Custom St West and Lower Hobson St in downtown Auckland being sold and set for demolition.  Last year, Madame George and Pilkingtons Restaurant and Bar also closed.  SPQR reopened in March under new owners, hospitality business sisters Jessica and Bronwyn Payne, and a new name - Jacuzzi.  Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:39:13 Z /lifestyle/travel/tips-tricks-and-mistakes-to-avoid-when-booking-a-south-pacific-holiday-trip-notes/ /lifestyle/travel/tips-tricks-and-mistakes-to-avoid-when-booking-a-south-pacific-holiday-trip-notes/ School holidays may be underway right now, but if you are thinking of a Pacific Island escape as we get further into winter – you may want to rethink your plans. On this week’s episode of Trip Notes, the NZ Herald’s travel podcast, host Lorna Riley is talking what you need to know about the Pacific Islands with Jo Coolen, the owner-operator of House of Travel Kāpiti Coast. She recommends that people look at seven to 10 days for their holiday, particularly if you want to explore more than one island. And there are some specific times to look at if you want to save money. “For Kiwis, we like to escape our winter. If you go in our summer, it’s the rainy season, which a lot of people thinks ‘meh’, but there’s less people. It might have a big shower and then warm up again straight away, so not too bad at all. Your prices might be a little bit better too. And the busiest season? “Definitely school holidays. School holidays are tricky.” With so many islands on our doorstep to choose from, you might think you can do it without seeing your travel agent, but Coolen said that people can sometimes make mistakes when booking. “Probably one of the biggest mistakes we see people make with the time zone for the Cook Islands, so people have got their flight arriving and they haven’t gotten anywhere to sleep. Or you might book an extra night at the other end not realising, so it is tricky. “We know our places inside out and I think it’s about matching the right island to the right customer. We’re not gonna send somebody that’s looking for Gucci shopping for example to Samoa. Photo / Samoa Tourism Authority “You’ve just got to qualify your customers and understand what it is they’re really after. And sometimes they don’t know themselves ‘cause they dunno the options. They keep going back to the same place, because that’s what they know.” Throughout the podcast, Coolen shared her tips for visiting some of the islands in the South Pacific: Niue: “ If you are wanting a nice golden sandy beach holiday, it’s not the place to go. But if you’re wanting beautiful caves, gin, clear water. You know, lots of seafood, lots of fishing, swimming with whales, swimming with dolphins, all that sort of stuff, it’s your place. Very laid back mindset.” Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel with dolphins, and try fresh island cuisine. Photo / Niue Tourism Samoa: “ I would say it’s probably like the Cook Islands was 20, 50 years ago. The infrastructure’s not quite as good or as busy as perhaps the Cook Islands. “[We’re] sending people out to Savai’i, which is the outer island, which is quite popular and it’s just a step back again in busyness. so you can go and flop and drop. Vanuatu: “They had the big earthquake in December and they’re just sort of rebuilding, but they are welcoming visitors with open arms, so we are really excited to see that back. “ I think like anywhere, just go with the flow, get friendly with the locals. One thing I always say to people, try and learn a little bit of a local saying – try and learn something that’s a little bit more local and you win friends.” Vanuatu is a great spot for Kiwi travellers. Photo / 123rf Fiji: “There’s heaps of adventure stuff starting in Fiji now. Towards the Coral Coast, you’ve got some zip lining, you’ve got jet boating on the Sigatoka River. “I think one of a really lovely thing to do is either a Blue Lagoon cruise. or island hopping around the Yasawas. So they’re about a four-hour ferry ride from the mainland.” Listen to the full episode for more advice and tips for travel in the South Pacific. Trip Notes is an NZ Herald podcast hosted by Lorna Riley, a keen travel writer and enthusiast and host of Coast Days. New episodes are available every Tuesday. Tue, 22 Apr 2025 02:24:20 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-waltzing-vienna-with-trafalgar/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-waltzing-vienna-with-trafalgar/ You could spill vast rivers of blue Danube ink try to encapsulate the enduring brilliance of Vienna and all that it has lavished on the world. It’s the city that vaulted Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Strauss and his waltz into the world’s consciousness. The city that unleashed the genius of Freud, published the world’s first newspaper, conceived the delicious Torte, and was the powerbase for the imperial Hapsburgs. Vienna remains a city of culture, class and beauty; of churches, castles and concert halls.   I recently returned to the Austrian capital as part of Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour, which serves up a superbly curated string of authentic encounters in some seriously decorated destinations. As my Trafalgar travel director Kate remarked, “Vienna elevated coffee onto the highest pedestal.” And as a major caffeine fiend, Vienna’s revered coffee houses pleasingly loomed large on the agenda.   It’s ironic that the rampaging Ottoman Turks, who desperately tried to seize strategically important Vienna, inadvertently sowed the seeds for one of its great legacies. Defeated Turkish forces left behind many bags of coffee beans, giving rise to the great cafe society. Although as I discovered in Vienna, the locals who discovered the bags weren’t exactly sure what to do with them. At first, they thought the beans should be added to soup. It was only after they pumped some imprisoned Turkish soldiers for knowledge, that Vienna’s long love affair with coffee was first unleashed.   Four centuries later, the classic coffee houses, resplendent with plush velvet seats, Thonet chairs, and marble tables remain crucial to the city’s soul and social pulse. Add to that, the more than 2000 ‘modern’ cafes in Vienna. During our Trafalgar walkabout, local specialist guide Claudia mentioned the city centre still boasts a whopping 100 coffee houses. And we ventured to Cafe Demel. Located a stone’s throw from the creamy curved splendour of Hofburg Palace and the constant clop-clop-clop of the horse and carriage trade, this Kohlmarkt café is widely considered by Vienna’s coffee and cake connoisseurs as an institution.    Kaiserschmarrn at Cafe Demel. Photo / Supplied The old-school pastry shop and confectioner was established in 1786 and still bears the title of a Purveyor to the Imperial and Royal Court. The café you see today, decorated in Rococo style and complemented by Regency furnishings, was established a century later, shortly after Franz Josef I pulled down the city walls and developed the famous Ring Strasse, which circles the heart of the city, edged by showpiece architecture like the Austrian Parliament, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.   Café Demel is staffed by efficient white-aproned waitresses, order up a Wiener Melange, which is an expresso with steamed milk and foam. Or go full fancy with a Fiaker Coffee – large espresso with cherry schnapps & whipped cream.  A local sweet treat at Demel that I quickly succumbed to was buchtein: fluffy yeast dumplings stuffed with apricot jam and served with hot vanilla sauce. They’re also a go-to for Kaiserschmarrn with stewed plums. Kaiserschmarrn is best described as fluffy shredded pancakes, which takes its name from the Hapsburg emperor Franz Joseph I, who was very fond of them. Claudia mentioned that Vienna's oldest coffee house is Cafe Frauenhuber, which celebrated its 200th birthday last year.   Originally a restaurant from the 18th century, it is claimed that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven performed table music here. Café Central is another venerable establishment, fawned over by poets and philosophers since the 1870s. I also opted for the more contemporary Viennese offering at Café Aida, bedecked in a Barbie pink glow. I ordered up an Einspanner – large espresso with whipped cream in the glass. The counter cabinet titillates with the most dazzling display of tortes, including the famous Sacher Torte (filled with apricot jam), which was conceived in the nearby Sacher Hotel. But I opted to gorge myself on a large bowl of apple strudel bathed in hot vanilla sauce. It was decadently, indecently good.   Cabinet temptations at Cafe Aida. Photo / Mike Yardley More signature bites? The runaway icon is Wiener Schnitzel, which traditionally, is a cutlet of veal pounded thin by a meat tenderiser, then dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, and fried until golden. If a restaurant sells Wiener Schnitzel made from some other meat than veal, then they have to say so. Veal is from young calves, an incredibly tender meat and milder than beef. Given its exorbitant price, the cheaper alternative is pork, beef or chicken schnitzel. Don’t be surprised to get a near pizza-sized piece of Schnitzel deposited on your plate with the only vegetable in sight a sprig of parsley as a garnish.  Most locals will order a side dish of potato salad. Just behind St Stephen’s Cathedral, in the maze of old town lanes, stake out the 120 year old Figlmuller Restaurant, which bills itself as the home of the original Wiener Schnitzel – although they didn’t create it. They also do a pork version, Figlmuller Schniztel, which is so big, it will protrude over your dinner plate. The quintessential street food to wrap your lips around is leberkase, which is kind of like a slice of meatloaf inside a crusty bun. The meat is typically a combination of finely chopped pork, bacon and beef. Wild boar is popular at Christmas. But resembling a pinkish pate, it is remarkably tasty and best served heated.   Wiener Schnitzel at Figlmuller. Photo / Supplied Shopping, noshing and lingering is a most alluring pursuit in Kohlmarkt, which is Vienna’s luxury retail row. A slew of high-end stores flank the pedestrianised cobblestones – and not just the usual suspects like Gucci and Prada, but one-off speciality stores. From Kohlmarkt, head to the golden retail sweep of Karntner Strasse. Heavily pedestrianised, the only notable rivals to the frenetic foot traffic is the clop-clop-clop of the horse and carriage brigade. Vienna’s abiding affection with this romantic form of transport stretches back many centuries, and the fiaker (as the locals call a carriage-rider) is a very prestigious job.   The central terminus for the horse and carriage trade is situated outside Vienna’s august Gothic cathedral, St. Stephen’s. Dating back to the 13th century, the cathedral’s soaring spires dominate the skyline. “The Steffl” as it’s informally called, was severely damaged by bombing raids during World War II, and its rebuilding was a potent symbol of hope as Austria emerged from the ashes of conflict. Claudia also pointed out a sublime perch over the city centre, the Sky Garden which adorns the roof top of Steffl department store. The panoramic glass elevator ride up to the roof is worth the visit alone.  Carriage rides by the Hofburg. Photo / Mike Yardley  At the southern end of Karntner Strasse, the Vienna State Opera House is unquestionably one of the world’s most acclaimed concert halls. The masterworks of Mozart, Beethoven and company continue to be performed every week at the opera house, which also offers daily tours. The Renaissance-style opera house has a busy roster of magical evenings of stirring classical music. The city swells with music but it’s a notable year for Strauss fans because Vienna is lustily celebrating the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, the King of Waltz.   His most famous piece is the Blue Danube and there’s a year-long roster of celebration concerts and events in Vienna. He was the Harry Styles of his day, a wildly idolised popstar, and quite the womaniser. Some historians claim he was engaged 13 times. Alongside the Mozart statue in the Royal Gardens, definitely check-out the freshly spruced-up golden statue of Strauss in Stadtpark, just off the Ring Strasse, where regular open-air concerts will be staged.  John Strauss monument. Photo / Mike Yardley  With a mix of art exhibitions, palatial interiors, striking sculpture and manicured lawns, the Belvedere Palace remains my favourite regal spot in Vienna. Constructed by Prince Eugen to celebrate the defeat of the invading Ottoman Turks in 1683, it is now one of Vienna’s most popular weekend haunts. The locals love flocking here to kick-back. The French-style formal gardens are replete with fountains and topiary, however it’s the classic statuary, complete with Greek mythological figures, that are particularly eye-catching. The Belvedere also houses the world’s largest collection of oil paintings by the renowned Austrian painter, Gustav Klimt, culminating with his most acclaimed work, The Kiss, which is a major crowd-puller.   The former Imperial Palace of the Hapsburgs, the Hofburg, is still home base for the Vienna Boys’ Choir in the Royal Chapel, and the Spanish Riding School. The elegant white Lipizzaner stallions of the Spanish Riding School were regularly used by the Hapsburgs for military equestrian pursuits, imperial celebrations and entertainment. They been a Viennese staple for over 400 years.   Probably most famous boys’ choir in the world, which now also includes girls, the choir has been going strong for over 500 years. On Sundays, the choir performs as part of traditional mass at the Hofburg Chapel, which is the easiest way of experiencing them in Vienna. Although you’ll only hear them during the mass, following the service, they appear in front of the altar to perform a small number of works for the public. An optional tour with Trafalgar gave us preferential access upon opening to Schonbrunn Palace. Inspired by Versailles, this bling-bling behemoth served as the Habsburg emperors' summer residence, with elaborate gardens and a staggering 1400 rooms.   Getting a jump on the queues, particularly at Austria’s most-visited attraction, is an undeniable advantage travelling with Trafalgar delivers. The city is ringed by the Vienna Woods on three sides and another superb optional tour with Trafalgar zips you up to Kahlenberg Mountain in the Vienna Woods, which was the epic site of the Battle of Vienna. The city had been besieged by the Ottoman Empire for two months, but the Hapsburg Empire, aided by many fellow Christian rulers, finally defeated the invading Turks here in 1683, abruptly ending their march across Europe. The wooded hills have been preserved for centuries and are credited for maintaining Vienna’s stature as having Europe’s best urban air quality.   For some cheap thrills to top off your waltz through Vienna, make a date with Prater, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Ever since 1766 when Prater first opened to the public, it has been a nursery for many of the world’s formative carnival rides, including the world’s first ghost train. Its enduring landmark attraction is the Riesenrad (Giant Ferris wheel), which was built in 1897 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Emperor Franz Josef I. Still considered the oldest operating ferris wheel in the world, it was severely damaged in WWII, destroying half of the cabins. Just as James Bond did in The Living Daylights, take a ride in one of the 15 meticulously restored cabins for more enchanting rooftop views and fairground fun. No martinis, included.  The Reisenrad ferris wheel at Prater Park. Photo / Mike Yardley  Another notable feature of my Trafalgar experience was the distinctive accommodation. Vienna was a star specimen, where we stayed at the Imperial Riding School, which is now part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. Magnificently refreshed as a hotel, Emperor Franz Joseph I established the property as his military equestrian school in the 19th century, close to Belvedere Palace. His regal impact can still be felt in the vaulted ceilings and striking archways that pervade the surviving majestic front building. You’ll discover all manner of nods to its heritage, from the stable-inspired floors to the plethora of apple delights, plucked from the orchard that is in the same spot as the apple trees that Franz Joseph I famously loved. It’s a stirring hotel experience.  Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity at the forefront. Tour adventurously, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and tour locally with those priceless encounters with the locals. Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour has a starting price of $4,422 per person, twin share and includes a savings of up to $600 per person. Valid on select travel dates June, July and August 2025. Subject to availability. Call 0800 484 333, visit www.trafalgar.com, or see your local Travel Agent.  Cathay Pacific is spreading its wings in Europe, launching direct flights to Munich in June and Brussels in August, which will increase its reach into Europe by flying to 11 destinations. Cathay Pacific’s Munich flights will be operated by advanced A350-900s, as they do between Auckland and Hong Kong. The aircraft offer fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy. The cabin air quality is decidedly better on A350s, and you’ll notice how much quieter these big birds are. The seatback entertainment system kept me suitably engaged with a head swirl of premium movie and TV selections, live news channels - all in vivid 4K, plus in-flight WiFi is available. www.cathaypacific.com Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard every Saturday with Jack Tame on 九一星空无限talk ZB.  Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:29:36 Z /lifestyle/on-the-up-volare-bakery-celebrates-trilogy-of-achievements-including-hot-cross-bun-award/ /lifestyle/on-the-up-volare-bakery-celebrates-trilogy-of-achievements-including-hot-cross-bun-award/ In the lead-up to Easter, Hamilton’s famed traditional bakery Volare has a trilogy of achievements to celebrate. Four months into its 16th year, the business has opened a new store, moved into a bigger bakery and won the Silver Award in Baking NZ’s Great New Zealand Hot Cross Bun Competition. Maryana Garcia visited the Gallagher Drive premises this week to see what all the fuss was about. Plenty of spice, plenty of fruit, plenty of butter.” That’s what makes the perfect hot cross bun, according to Volare bread department manager Dion Mackwood. The Waikato Herald met Mackwood as he swept the bakery floor at the tail-end of a shift that began at 1am. “Easter is such a hard time in all bakeries,” Mackwood said. “Your normal production doesn’t stop. It actually increases and then you add hot cross buns on top of that.” Volare bread department manager Dion Mackwood (second-left) said the Silver Award for the bakery's hot cross buns recognised a 'massive amount' of teamwork. Photo / Maryana Garcia This “massive amount of work” made winning the Silver Award meaningful. “It was acknowledgement of a lot of hard work from the team.” Volare’s hot cross buns last placed in the competition in 2016 when they were awarded first place. Since then, the recipe hadn’t changed much, Mackwood said. “We may have just added a little bit of fairy dust and that’s about it.” Mackwood said this year’s award proved the quality of Volare’s hot cross buns hadn’t changed over the years. “It’s even better,” Mackwood said. “If we can punch you in the face with a burst of flavour, I’m quite happy.” Volare's award-winning hot cross buns, pictured here just before packaging at the business' new bakery, are ready for Easter. Photo / Maryana Garcia New premises, same recipe The news comes as Volare moved production into a new bakery and opened an attached store this week. Volare marketing manager Holly Phillips described the space at Hamilton’s Gallagher Drive as “lighter and brighter” with more customer parking, a coffee window and more space for customers to sit down. “It’s been really busy,” Phillips said on opening day. “We were a little bit nervous but it’s been sunny and bustling.” Phillips said the old bakery was “bursting at the seams”. “We’re growing. We’re getting this big new bakery but we are still true to what we were.” Volare bread department manager Dion Mackwood at the business' new Gallagher Drive store. Photo / Maryana Garcia Mackwood said it was nice “not to be working on top of people”. “We made it through Covid, made it through three buildings. That’s really cool. The best part of the new arrangement, Mackwood said, was the coffee. “But another thing that I really enjoy is the odd interaction with customers. “When I go around and order my coffee, I usually chat. It’s good to get that direct feedback.” Mackwood said there were three things he wanted customers to experience. “Flavour, quality and consistency. Probably in that order,” Mackwood said. “That’s the trilogy. If you can achieve those three things in any business, you’ll do well.” Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:25:19 Z /lifestyle/why-do-we-love-feijoas-more-than-anyone-else-in-the-world/ /lifestyle/why-do-we-love-feijoas-more-than-anyone-else-in-the-world/ By Simon Wraight of RNZ This time each year, Melbourne based Kiwis make a special mission to find their feijoa hit. Aussies don’t seem to get what all the fuss is about. When it cools down and autumn hits in New Zealand, office kitchens and staff rooms are suddenly abundant with the sweet smell of our widely available little fruit – the feijoa. But spare a thought for Kiwis who have made Australia home – where they don’t seem to understand our feijoa fantasy. Piera Maclean, who has lived in Melbourne for a decade, longs for the taste. Mary's feijoa and orange cake — moist and dangerously delicious. “Normally at this time of year in New Zealand everyone’s having feijoa crumble all the time and making cakes. They’ve got so many. Whereas here it’s like if you find three, you know you’re feeling very lucky and it’s the best day ever.” Fellow Melbourne based New Zealander Bec Lister, who has lived across the Tasman for 13 years, shares Maclean’s yearnings. “I love autumn in Melbourne, it’s probably my favourite time of year in Melbourne, but I also know of all of the feijoas that I’m missing out on.” Both have found ways to source the fruit in Melbourne, which occasionally means paying prices that would make many Kiwis’ eyes water. Maclean has seen them selling on Facebook Marketplace for about AU$15 (about NZ$16.10) a kilo, but when she was hit with a feijoa craving while in a fruit shop, she paid far more. “I picked a few out thinking these will probably cost me but might not be too bad. When I took them over, she said, oh, that’ll be $2.49 (AUD) each. I paid $7.50 (AUD) for three medium-sized feijoas.” Feijoa and apple crumble pie. Photo / Babiche Martens New Zealander Jen Jones, who has called Melbourne home for 13 years, has seen some other novel ways New Zealanders source feijoas. “There’s the Facebook good karma networks and things where people would say, ‘hey, I’m here from New Zealand, I’m craving for feijoas. Does anyone have any?’” But Jones enjoys foraging for the fruit in her local neighbourhood. “We ride our bikes down the laneways and just collect feijoas, and sometimes we even go up to a door and say, ‘hey, we’ve noticed you’ve got all this fruit on the ground, do you mind if we collect them?’” Jones says finding a good tree is a year-round mission. “Through the year, you drive around and feijoa trees are on the radar. You kind of just log it in your mind and know that when autumn comes around, you might just drop by and see how it’s going.” For Lister, a generous workmate has provided her a steady supply this season. She sits with another New Zealander in the staff room at the school where they work spooning out the juicy flesh. “There was a massive bowl of feijoa skins just on our desk … all of our workmates were just like sitting around, being like, ‘what the hell is going on? What are these things?’” Mark O’Connor, an Australian poet and self-proclaimed “feijoa expert”, explains why the feijoa has “not been taken all that seriously as a fruit” outside of New Zealand. “When they were setting up the city of Canberra, which was an artificial city set up as a capital, when you arrived you had a right to get something like six free trees from the government nursery and 40 free shrubs.” Feijoas were counted as a shrub and were recommended due to their ability to tolerate the soil and climate of Canberra. But they were never prioritised for eating. “All over Australia, almost any nursery will have feijoas in it for sale at any time. But they will not be selected for fruit.” O’Connor explains this has led to a low opinion of feijoas as fruit, and many people consider them as similar to a loquat and other trees where the fruit is “not taken seriously” and considered only good for jam. O’Connor grows feijoas in his Canberra backyard and is often giving them away - there are no surprises who his main beneficiaries are. “I certainly give them away in bucket loads, especially to people from New Zealand.” O’Connor is interested in cultivating the fruit, and is in awe of the state of play in New Zealand. “You don’t know how lucky you are in New Zealand that you can go to Bunnings and find half a dozen of the very best varieties on sale for really the price of seedlings.” While Australian-based New Zealanders may be misunderstood for devouring feijoas, Lister describes it as something of a comfort. “You do get homesick. I guess that’s one thing that can kind of comfort you is having that love for feijoas.” Which is something echoed by Jones. “There’s a bit of a homesickness that comes with it, and you end up more keen for them than you probably would if you were back home. It’s more than just eating the fruit, it’s a bit of nostalgia. It’s a taste of home.” Lister also has some advice for Australians. “You can treat Kiwis like shit all year round, but if you bring them feijoas on one day they will love you for life.” -RNZ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:17:28 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-headline-experiences-in-munich/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-headline-experiences-in-munich/ As spring began to bud and bloom in Munich, I embraced the season of renewal by joining Trafalgar on their riveting 10 day Imperial Europe guided coach tour, which strings together a necklace of enchanting destinations. It’s a cracking introduction to the richness of Central Europe – kind of like a glorified greatest hits tour. Introducing our ebullient travel director Kate, who was a seasoned pro at bringing destinations alive with extraordinary story-telling and a wickedly dry, irreverent sense of humour. She rightly suggested we approach the tour like a lavish buffet, with the opportunity to dabble with a variety of treats.   In addition to the excellent included sightseeing, there’s plenty of free time allowing you the flexibility to explore at your own place. It’s a winning balance. Starting and ending in Munich, the irresistible highlights reel includes Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Salzburg. Our convivial band of travellers from the USA, Canda, Australia and Singapore gelled faster than the casing of a bratwurst, as we strolled the sophisticated streets of the Bavarian capital on an introductory walking tour.   Kate acquainted us with a swag of intriguing, storied and simply sensational landmarks and attractions, including Marienplatz, the heart of the old town since the city was founded nearly 1000 years ago. Yes, we admired the glockenspiel and its cherished puppetry performance. Additional highlights included one of the world’s most celebrated opera houses, the Bayerische Staatsoper (Bavarian State Opera) - steeped in 350 years of history. In a city teeming with palaces and museums, the Residenz Palace is still a compelling and imposing site, formerly the Bavarian royalty’s seat of power, edged by the lovely, leafy Hofgarten.   Marienplatz and travel director Kate with Traflgar group. Photo / Mike Yardley Kate remarked that Residenz hosts Munich’s best Christmas market, with the adjoining streets garlanded in crystal chandeliers. For a view over the city’s red-tiled rooftops, head to St. Peter's Church, located just behind Marienplatz. I like to get my fill of old churches and Kate implored me to experience a true hidden treasure, Asamkirche on Sendlinger Strasse, where “your jaw will drop to the floor.” She wasn’t wrong. This masterpiece 18th century rococo church is a dazzler, a jewel box of frescoes, sculptures and extravagant stuccowork that was created by two brothers as a private chapel. It was so good they were forced to make it a public church.   Further afield, it was a thrill to see the old Olympic Park and Allianz Stadium, home to Bayern Munich.  The massive stadium’s white outer shell is made of air cushions that are illuminated in splashy red during Bayern home games. Another hot haunt in the warmer months is the Isar River, where the Bavarian birthday suit brigade flocks in their thousands to sunbathe and swim. You have been warned!  We especially loved the old town’s "Platzl" neighbourhood, where the magnificent town houses and cobblestones create a cozy, timeless ambience. Platzl is also home to the world-famous Hofbrauhaus, a powerhouse of Munich's beer tradition since 1589. It’s readily apparent how many Munchners are Bavarians first and Germans second. This rich and powerful state was of course once its own kingdom, only becoming part of Germany a century ago, and it zealously retains an independent state of mind. Within the eye-catching neo-Renaissance building, there were no shortage of locals dressed in traditional Bavarian attire. Hello, lederhosen!   Hofbrauhaus beer hall in Munich. Photo / Supplied Our Trafalgar group also ventured to Zum Franziskaner, for an included dinner, feasting on port knuckle and beef roulade, plus savouring a classic Bavarian lager, Lowenbrau. This is a quintessential Helles lager and Lowenbrau has been brewing since 1383! The Reinbold family transformed a small tavern into this powerhouse traditional venue nearly 60 years ago and it’s a hospitality beacon. This buzzing beer hall pulls a huge crowd of locals – so you know it’s going to be good.   Kate also pointed out a variety of sites, intricately linked to the rise of Adolf Hitler, in the birthplace city of the Nazi Party. Munich was also the headquarters, and command centre of the Third Reich. As she soberly noted, the city’s soul is still troubled by its Nazi legacy and struggles to cleanse itself completely. Hitler’s imprint lingers. Only recently, an eternal flame to the victims of Nazi persecution was established, because of sustained local resistance. Pointedly, the Documentation Centre which focuses on all things related to the Nazi Party and its shameful rise in Munich was deliberately located next to Hitler’s offices, the former “Fuhrer Building.” This is where the infamous Munich Agreement in 1938 was signed by the UK’s Neville Chamberlain.   Fuhrer Building in Munich. Photo / TripAdvisor From the reality-defying decadence of fairy-tale castles to the horror and solemnity of one of Europe’s most notorious concentration camps, there are two stand-out daytrips that should be added on to a Munich stay, if you have time. Just an hour out of Munich by train, Neuschwanstein Castle is a bucket-lister. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, this fairy tale castle overlooks the picturesque Hohenschwangau valley and was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Construction began in 1869, but given the exact tastes of King Ludwig II, progress was painfully slow. For example, it took 14 carpenters four and a half years just to complete the woodwork in Ludwig's bedroom.   The King was an immense devotee of Richard Wagner, even going as far as naming the castle after a character in one of Wagner's operas—the Swan Knight.  Tapestries depicting scenes from Wagner's opera festoon many interiors of this whimsical pleasure palace.  Construction was halted on the castle and Ludwig II was removed by power due to intrigue within his own cabinet. The King himself was rarely concerned with matters of state and was sometimes thought to suffer from hallucinations. However, what frightened the cabinet were the rumours of their possible removal. Under Bavarian law, a King could be removed from power if he were found unfit to rule, so his cabinet deposed him.    Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Photo / Supplied However, Ludwig's mysterious death—ruled a suicide at the time—suggests that the cabinet was not content to merely remove him from power. This jigsaw piece of mystery endures, adding to the atmosphere of intrigue at Neuschwanstein. Only fourteen rooms were finished before Ludwig's death and my absolute favourite is the throne room, the supreme picture of opulence, with intricate frescos of angels decorating the walls. There is no throne, only a raised dais, due to Ludwig II’s removal before a throne could be built. This amazing landmark was bathed in snow on my recent visit, however, whatever time of year you plan a visit, Neuschwanstein is unfailingly spectacular.   For a complete change of scenery, take the short 20 minute train trip from Munich to Dachau, and the poignant memorial site of the Dachau Concentration Camp, the first and longest running Nazi concentration camp. The vast gallery of photographic displays, the spartan cell blocks, bunk beds, crematorium and gas chamber all add to the powerful sense of emotion, when visiting this camp.   Front gate of Dachau Camp. Photo / Supplied More than 41,000 of the 200,000-plus prisoners lost their lives here. The former camp has become more than just a grisly memorial: it's now a place where people of all nations meet to reflect upon the egregious sins of the past and its enduring impact on the world. What I found particularly striking on my last trip to Dachau, was the overwhelming number of young visitors exploring the site of so much horror.  Tour Differently. Travelling with Trafalgar means you won’t just see the world – but you’ll experience it with authenticity at the forefront. Tour adventurously, from the must-sees to hidden secrets, and tour locally with those priceless encounters with the locals. Trafalgar’s 10 day Imperial Europe tour has a starting price of $4,422 per person, twin share and includes a savings of up to $600 per person. Valid on select travel dates June, July and August 2025. Subject to availability. Call 0800 484 333, visit www.trafalgar.com or see your local Travel Agent.  Cathay Pacific is spreading its wings in Europe, launching direct flights to Munich in June and Brussels in August, which will increase its reach into Europe by flying to 11 destinations. Cathay Pacific’s Munich flights will be operated by advanced A350-900s, as they do between Auckland and Hong Kong. The aircraft offer fully flat beds in Business, spacious seats in Premium Economy and comfort in Economy. The cabin air quality is decidedly better on A350s, and you’ll notice how much quieter these big birds are. The seatback entertainment system kept me suitably engaged with a head swirl of premium movie and TV selections, live news channels - all in vivid 4K, plus in-flight WiFi is available. www.cathaypacific.com   Mike Yardley is our resident traveller and can be heard every Saturday with Jack Tame on 九一星空无限talk ZB.  Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:33:04 Z /lifestyle/technology/philips-hue-play-hdmi-sync-box-8k-my-favourite-thing-i-definitely-dont-need/ /lifestyle/technology/philips-hue-play-hdmi-sync-box-8k-my-favourite-thing-i-definitely-dont-need/ The things I review for the 九一星空无限talk ZB website can be loosely categorised under one of two headings; Tools or Toys. Occasionally, if I'm lucky, there's a small intersection in the Venn diagram where the tool is so fun to use, it feels like a toy. I think that's what all tech should aspire to. On the other hand, sometimes there's a gadget that doesn't really serve any purpose at all, but once I get in the habit of using it, I can't imagine life without it.  That's all very well until a) I'm somewhere where I don't have it or b) it doesn't work properly for some reason. Then I have to do life without it. Stop being so oblique, Glenn. Say what you really mean. Okay. I really like having backlighting that syncs with my TV. Is that too much to ask? Of all the gizmos I've ever reviewed, the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box might be the most overpriced - except for one important fact; nothing else works quite as well. In 2021 it cost around NZ$550 and for what? To make your Philips Hue lights glow the same colour as whatever's on your TV. To be clear, the lights are not included. The Philips Hue range features various options that can be paired to the sync box - not just bulbs but bars and flexible light strips too. The latter options can be positioned behind your TV, pointing at the wall, creating a kind of borderless effect to the image on screen. So they cost extra. Oh, and Hue lights need a Hue Bridge to connect to by the way - this keeps the traffic down on your Wi-Fi router but yes, that's extra too. Even after all that. After hundreds and hundreds of dollars spent, what do you get? That's right. Pretty lights on the wall. I could never argue that it's worth it. But I love it. I really love it. And I've been surprised at how many ways it's enhanced my viewing experience - not just providing extra atmosphere for when the cinematography gets artsy - but also extra fire and explosions, bigger skies and landscapes, even extending the size of sports fields way beyond the screen itself. The most optional of optional extras and yet now, as I said before, I wouldn't do without it. But the 4K version of 2021 had its limitations. I mean, it's 4K and my TV is 8K. The HDMI ports are HDMI 2.0 - not 2.1. It doesn't support devices that play at 120Hz refresh rate. And for some reason, when I run my Apple TV box through it, the remote won't turn my TV on like it's supposed to. I know. Boo-hoo sucks to be me, right? Thank god Philips now makes an 8K sync box. First things first. There is no 8K content. Well, virtually none, anyway. However, that doesn't mean a TV like mine doesn't do a pretty decent job of upscaling what's being fed to it. This is also where the HDMI 2.1 ports come in. Just like USB cables, not all HDMI ports and plugs are created equal. The later versions have a dramatically higher data capacity and that ability to exchange more information faster is crucial when it comes to displaying higher definition video at a higher refresh rate. As for that last issue, as far as I can make out, I'm the only person in the world this happens to. I push the home button on my Apple TV remote. My TV turns on like it's supposed to, I get a blank screen followed by the spinning buffer wheel for a bit, then I get a message that the source isn't powered on. Even though it is. For those of you not quite following what I mean - and I don't blame you - the other spinoff benefit of using the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K is that you can plug up to four different devices into it - for example, perhaps your Sky TV box, a gaming console, a Blu-ray player and yes, maybe even an Apple TV. All this takes up only one HDMI port on your TV (which will have to be an HDMI 2.1 port for everything to work properly). Switching between sources happens automatically - pushing the home button on your Sky remote will put that on screen, while the Xbox button on your controller will switch over to your console. You can also use the Philips Hue app to select a source and start syncing manually - which is what I've been doing with my Apple TV. There used to be a separate Hue Sync app to set things up with but that's all been incorporated into one now. Anyway, given most of my issues seemed likely to be solved by upgrading to the 8K version, I reasoned my last, weird, apparently un-Google-able issue might work itself out too, so I decided to give it a try. Boom! Well, first I had to figure out the position of the HDMI ports was different on the new box and I'd plugged some things into the wrong place but eventually... Boom! Improved high-def viewing. I could ramp up the refresh rate on my Xbox. And mysteriously, my Apple TV remote made everything work again. (Who really knows why?) All this for just NZ$799.99! Oh... did I not mention that? The new, 8K sync box costs a bit more. But come on, it's a bit bigger, has faster HDMI ports and four more K's... whatever they are. It also now has a manual reset button if everything goes horribly wrong and you're unable to restore the device via the app. I can't imagine what that would be though because this thing works like a charm. And in all seriousness, that's why Philips can charge a premium. There are other similar systems around but in my experience, none are as bulletproof as what Hue has to offer. You didn't NEED this anyway. You may as well get the best.      Click here for more information and pricing on the Philips Hue Play HDMI sync box 8K. Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:44:27 Z /lifestyle/travel/air-new-zealand-unveils-new-uniform-by-kiwi-designer-emilia-wickstead/ /lifestyle/travel/air-new-zealand-unveils-new-uniform-by-kiwi-designer-emilia-wickstead/ London-based New Zealand fashion designer Emilia Wickstead tells Varsha Anjali what it was like designing the new Air New Zealand uniform, which makes its public debut today.  World-renowned Kiwi fashion designer Emilia Wickstead unveiled her new uniform design for Air New Zealand today – 14 years after the airline’s last uniform update.  Wickstead, known for her sophisticated and empowering designs, was announced as Air NZ’s uniform designer in November 2023. While she has dressed several high-profile clients, including the Princess of Wales, designing for thousands of Air New Zealand cabin crew, pilots, ground staff and managers came with its unique pain points.  “Pleasing everybody has kept me up all night,” the London-based designer, who was in Auckland for the launch, tells the Herald.  World-renowned Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead is based in London.  “I’ve been brought on board to design for 6000 people and to make them feel comfortable and the best versions of themselves,” Wickstead says.  “That is a huge responsibility and I take it very, very seriously ... but I hope that from having listened to everybody, understanding what their likes and their dislikes are... that they’re wearing the uniform as opposed to the uniform wearing them.  “I feel like I’ve ticked those boxes and hopefully it’s gonna be a grand success.”  A blouse and skirt from Air NZ's new uniform collection, designed by Emilia Wickstead.  Remarkably, Wickstead didn’t suffer from much of a creative block during the process. “I had probably too many ideas, and that was a little bit problematic,” she says.  “I had lots of different colours and little tweaks and ideas, and it was hard actually, because you want to represent so many things and ... this is your one moment to shine on a global scale for New Zealand.  A kākā feather print waistcoat replaces the current 'Kiwiana' design.  While working with purple was a non-negotiable, given its status as the national carrier’s signature colour, the designer shared the thoughtful reasoning behind her choice of that particular shade.  “It felt like a shade of purple that I feel passionate about, that I love, that felt strong and impactful, that felt ... almost like quite a responsible purple, very strong.”  Key pieces in the collection include “The Fine Print – Dress", featuring an intricate kōwhai print, and “The Collective Thread – Shirt", adorned with feather patterns. There is a bold pinstripe suit for pilots and Pasifika team members will also trial an Ie Faitaga.  From 2026, the new uniform will be rolled out across the airline’s network.  Each garment showcases intricate patterns rich in stories, designed to empower and reflect New Zealand’s identity. For instance, Matariki stars are stitched on shirt sleeves, and managers have a distinctive huia feather design.  Some features are only visible to the person wearing the garment - the cabin crew jackets, for example, are lined with a detailed print of purple kākā feather, while the ones for pilots are lined with white kiwi feather.  “There was that idea that they were ... putting on their cloak, their role of responsibility and carrying that weight on their shoulder - and it was for them,” an emotional Wickstead explained at an exclusive first-look event on Thursday night.  “As you walk, it’s bringing that mana back to how we dress and how our spiritual kind of self should represent.”  In an Air New Zealand press release, chief executive Greg Foran said the uniform represents the best of Air NZ and Aotearoa.  “For us, this is more than just a uniform. It is a celebration of our people, our culture, and our values. Air NZ has never been about standing still or blending in. We have a tradition of being bold, showcasing what makes us unique, and celebrating our team members.  “Our new uniform encapsulates everything we stand for – a combination of innovation, rich cultural heritage, and a deep sense of pride and belonging.”  A collaboration of two powerhouses: Emilia Wickstead and Te Rangitu Netana.  Collaborating with Wickstead is Bristol-based tā moko artist Te Rangitu Netana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Wai and Te Arawa), whose hand-drawn print designs used in the uniforms are a “reflection of the land, the sea and the connections that bind us all as Kiwi”, he said.  Wickstead describes her collaboration with Netana as a valuable experience, saying she has “learned a lot” from him. She refers to him as a “teacher”, a “great storyteller” and a “talented artist”.  “I’m not Māori. I’m Polynesian, New Zealand, Italian,” she tells the Herald.  Air New Zealand's new pilot uniform.  “So it was really, really important for me to do everything correctly, and it was really important for me as well to collaborate and to learn – and that’s exactly what we did.  On what legacy she hoped the uniform would bring, Wickstead says, “I hope that we stand like loud and proud through those airports and everybody knows it and loves it just as much as we do ... that we are noticed for so many meanings behind this uniform.”  Air NZ said an onboard wearer trial will begin in May, before a period of testing and feedback from staff members. From 2026, the new uniform will be rolled out across the airline’s network.  The airline’s current uniform was designed by Trelise Cooper, who first launched the iconic yet polarising collection in 2011. Before that, from 2005, the staff wore a collection designed by Zambesi.  The collection in a snapshot  The Fine Print – Dress: Includes a tui knot neckline, featuring the iconic kōwhai print, inspired by Māori heritage and the story of Ngatoro-i-Rangi, symbolising protection, responsibility, and belonging.  The Collective Thread – Shirt: A versatile, inclusive design with bold prints and a tui knot neckline, designed to be worn by any crew or ground staff member.  The Wrap Around – Trench: Features a purple pinstripe, offering both craftsmanship and comfort.  The Woven One – Ie Faitaga: A cultural garment to be trialled by Pacific people celebrating the rich heritage of the Pacific community.  The Runway Cut – Waistcoat: A new waistcoat for male crew members and ground staff, cloaking the wearer in mana and authority.  Varsha Anjali is a journalist in the NZ Herald Lifestyle team. Based in Auckland, she covers culture, travel and more.  Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:12:38 Z /lifestyle/technology/samsung-bespoke-jet-ai-ultra-elite-an-appliance-evolution/ /lifestyle/technology/samsung-bespoke-jet-ai-ultra-elite-an-appliance-evolution/ Five years ago Samsung decided to take the world of whiteware and tip it on its head. For starters, it wouldn't necessarily be white anymore. In fact, in many cases, consumers would be able to choose styles and colours to suit their decor, rather than put up with a featureless metal box just sitting there taking up space. Not only did this make for some of the hippest kitchens and laundries in town, the new range also backed up their good looks with high-end performance, even introducing unique, market-leading features. As cool as these devices are, (especially the fridges and air-con... dad joke) to call them "art" rather than appliances is perhaps going a bit far. Mind you, after trying out the new Samsung vacuum, I did get a little emotional... The Bespoke Jet AI Ultra Elite stick vacuum is, ironically, white. Well... Samsung calls it "Satin Greige" so I guess maybe its... off-white? Regardless, it may just be the craziest vacuum I've used yet. And I mean that in a good way. When I initially unboxed it, which takes some time - there are a lot of bits and pieces - I was actually slightly disappointed. At first glance it's very similar to the Samsung's original Bespoke Jet; a bagless stick vacuum that sits in a minimalist Clean Station that both empties and charges. Don't get me wrong, my disappointment was not with the design. I loved the first one. I still use the first one nearly every day. Because it's so compact, the Clean Station and vacuum fit easily into the hall cupboard, conveniently at hand to chase the latest cloud of dog hair away. I was disappointed because I thought Samsung may have changed things up again. Maybe this time the Clean Station would also double as a reading lamp? Or a coat stand? Or... Perhaps next time. It wasn't long before I started noticing the upgrades though. Starting with the handle, which is more ergonomically shaped, has a grippier surface and is more accommodating to those of us with larger hands. This is also where the LCD display is but we'll come to that shortly. The next big improvement literally is bigger. The Telescopic Pipe now extends to three different levels - again catering to taller users who now no longer have to stoop while vacuuming. Sadly, as with the original design, one still has to retract one's Telescopic Pipe when placing one's vacuum back on one's Clean Station. What an inconvenience for one. Because this is the Elite model, there's pretty much every accessory you can imagine; Active Dual Brush, Slim LED Brush+ specifically for hard surfaces, Pet Tool+ for furniture, Combination and Long Reach Crevice Tools - both of which can be used in conjunction with the Flex Tool so you can literally vacuum around corners - and the legendary Spray Spinning sweeper. Well, if it's not legendary yet it should be. This uses the supplied disposable wet pads or reusable antibacterial pads to give your hard surfaces a professional buffing - one of the most effective and mess-free mopping solutions I've come across. But back up the truck... Did I say Slim "LED" Brush+? Yes indeedy. Both the Active Dual Brush and the slimmer, fluffier one now have bright white LED lights to expose the full extent of your filth, whatever dark corner it may be lurking in. This was both a satisfying and disturbing new feature for my Bespoke experience. Before we get to that, we have to turn the darn thing on - or at least pop it on the Clean Station and let it start to charge. It's at this point the AI part of the equation ramps up and you can pair the Bespoke Jet AI Ultra to your phone, using the Samsung SmartThings app. This allows you to monitor a raft of data like how long and when you vacuum, how many times it's been emptied, whether the dust bag in the Clean Station needs emptying and even how much it's costing you to run! (So far, for me, about one cent apparently). You'll also be informed of any maintenance issues and obviously, the level of charge in the battery. There's a couple of other nice little features on the app - you can turn off the LED display and the charging light on the Clean Station if you prefer the room to stay dark while it's charging and you can also set the Bespoke Jet AI Ultra to notify you of any incoming calls or messages while you're vacuuming. Which is handy, because it's easy to miss calls and messages while you're vacuuming. Because you're vacuuming. The AI doesn't stop there. Although there are several different power modes you can select manually, if you set the vacuum to AI, it will sense the type of surface and adjust the suction accordingly. At 400W this is a very powerful beast and yet it instantly recognises if you're vacuuming a rug or mat and dials things down immediately to avoid any clogs and stoppages. This is such a brilliant feature and is one of the first times I've ever thought AI was doing something genuinely helpful. As you'd expect, the LCD display tells you exactly how many minutes of vacuuming you have left before you need to charge. Samsung tries to claim you can clean for up to 100 minutes. The obligatory asterisk then leads you to a footnote explaining that's only on the lowest setting using a non-motorised tool. So no, you won't vacuum for 100 minutes non-stop but guess what? Nobody WANTS to vacuum for 100 minutes non-stop. However long it lasts, it's easily enough for me to do my large, two-storey, four-bedroom home. (That's not a humble brag, by the way. More of a complaint) And what a great job it does. Let's get real. You can have all the good looks and swanky AI features you like but unless that 400W sucker-upper is doing the business, it's all a waste of time. The Bespoke Jet AI Ultra is the opposite of a waste of time. It really gets the greeblies out from deep down in the pile and on my first vacuum I had to empty the half-litre bin twice, it was so chock-a-block with a combination of woman hair, dog hair and whatever detritus falls off me. As I said before, the Clean Station lives up to its name, sucking every last scrap out of the bin without you getting your hands dirty. Then, unlike the original Bespoke Jet, it runs a self-diagnosis to make sure everything is running properly. This closes the door on the bin automatically - something I've often forgotten to do on the more manual original, not realising till I've started vacuuming, dropping dust straight back on the floor again. So it's now idiot-proof. This idiot has proved it.  The problem of long hair wrapping around the mechanical roller head still hasn't been solved, although at least Samsung's design let's you easily take the roller apart to clean it. Best of all, there are very few consumables here; the bin and its multi-stage filtration system is all washable and reusable. The only thing that needs replacing is the large dust bag in the Clean Station. This is also a very easy and fuss free operation and there are a couple more bags included in the box. Sounds great, right? Does it sound NZ$2,099.00 great? Because that's what the Bespoke Jet Ultra AI Elite costs right now. But remember, it's also a mop. And a pet-hair remover. And it can see in the dark. And it empties itself. And it can tell you when someone's on the phone. Oh... And it's a work of art. Totally worth it.      Click here for more information and pricing on the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Ultra Elite. Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:46:07 Z /lifestyle/kmart-cups-recalled-due-to-risk-of-serious-injury/ /lifestyle/kmart-cups-recalled-due-to-risk-of-serious-injury/ Product safety authorities have ordered the immediate recall of a range of cups sold by Kmart, warning that there is a ‘risk of serious injury’.  The ‘Anko Double Walled Coffee Cups with Lids’ have already caused an injury, and anyone who has bought one has been told to return it immediately for a refund.  “When the cup is filled with hot liquid, the lid may rapidly release and pop off as there is no pressure release valve,” Product Safety NZ said.  “[There is] risk of serious injury from hot liquid or steam burns if the cup lid unexpectedly ejects from the cup,” it added, noting that “an injury has occurred”.  Anko Double Walled Coffee Cups with Lids from Kmart, subject to urgent recall. Photo / Supplied  The cups were available in three colours: sunset, sage, and black.  They carried the product SKU codes: 43479030, 43479047, 43479054  The products have also been recalled in Australia.  A Kmart spokesperson said the chain urged customers to “immediately stop using the product” and return it to the store, where they will be issued a full refund, even without a receipt.  “We take the quality and safety of our products very seriously,” the spokesperson said.  “Please contact us if you are unable to return the product or have sold or gifted it to another person.”  Wed, 09 Apr 2025 23:11:36 Z /lifestyle/technology/oppo-reno13-series-serious-value-for-money/ /lifestyle/technology/oppo-reno13-series-serious-value-for-money/ Oppo is a big player global smart phone sales, ranking fourth or fifth in market share depending on which survey you read and which quarter you're referring to. Here in New Zealand, Oppo ranks a clear third and yet time and again, when people ask me which phone I'm using, they claim they've never even heard of Oppo. It's weird. More often than not, the reason they're asking me about my phone is because they've seen the photos I've been taking. Oppo has always taken a camera-first approach to smart phones. And this year's Reno series is no exception... At NZ$699, NZ$999 and NZ$1399, the Reno13 F, Reno13 and Reno13 Pro are all priced to be a very competitive alternative to devices with similar specs from the likes of Samsung and Apple. It's hard to make a like-for-like comparison though, because while one handset may have a superior camera, if it has an inferior chip running it, that doesn't count for much. What I can do is compare the Reno13 Pro with the Reno13 F - because I've been sent both to test. Firstly, let me just say how impressed I was with the sub-$700 device. I was expecting a lot of compromises, especially with photo quality and the performance of the chip. I didn't need to worry. Without getting to bogged down in the nerdy stuff, let's start with the chips; the Pro sports the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 while the F runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 Mobile Platform. Neither of these chips are the flagship product from their respective suppliers but those suppliers are both well regarded and I can't say I experienced any performance issues at all. Admittedly the Reno 13F wasn't quite as snappy as its twice-as-expensive sibling - but it still operated very smoothly, with apps installing and opening quite speedily. This is despite the Pro having 50% more RAM and twice the internal storage. In fact, when it came to using both handsets, if I was judging them on usability alone, I couldn't honestly justify the $700 price difference.  Both are eSIM capable, which is a relief for me because I chucked my physical SIM card away years ago. Likewise, both devices have large, 5,800mAh batteries, although the Pro will charge much faster with the 80W SuperVOOC power brick included in the box. And that's how it is with most features on these two handsets; the Pro just adds that little bit extra. For example, both displays offer refresh rates at up to 120Hz but the screen on the Pro is bigger - 6.83-inches as opposed to 6.67-inches - and can run at a higher resolution, which means side by side the Pro looks clearer and a bit more colourful. The Pro's screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, which adds to its durability - although, because its flexible AMOLED display curves slightly at the edges, I did run into the old simultaneous touch problem; that's where my fat fingers register touches on the edges at the same time as what I'm trying to control in the middle of the screen. This results in nothing happening at all. It's a price I'm willing to pay though, because a curvy phone like this definitely feels more premium in the hand. My review Reno13 Pro is Plume Purple, which reflects light in a very eye-catching way on the back panel. My Reno13 F is a much more subdued, Graphite Gray. Both phones come in both colours but again, the Pro is slimmer and feels less plasticky than the F model. Both handsets carry an IP69 rating against dust and water. I don't think I've ever encountered an IP69-rated device before and I had to look up exactly what it means. Apparently, now you can not only drop your phone in the toilet, you can literally squirt it with a high-pressure hose. Which you might want to do if you've dropped it in the toilet, I guess? I paired the same set of earbuds with both phones and was intrigued to discover how much better they worked with the Reno13 Pro. Turns out this is because the Pro connects using the latest Bluetooth 5.4 protocol which is much stronger and transmits at very low latency compared to the Bluetooth 5.1 on the Reno13 F. You'll need a decent pair of buds to make the most of it though - luckily, Oppo is currently offering its own Enco Air4 Pro buds for free with a Reno13 Pro purchase. I haven't tried the Enco Air4 Pros but I do know they are also Bluetooth 5.4 enabled.  Camera performance is where the Pro really starts to pull ahead. As I said in the intro, I've never met an Oppo phone that didn't take great pics but I'd argue the Reno13 Pro can hold its own with the best of the best. On the back, both Pro and F have 50MP wide and 8MP ultra-wide sensors, although when you really dig down, the Pro's lenses are more well endowed. The third sensor on the F is a 32MP macro lens - so yes, it'll do great close-ups but I'd rather have the 50MP telephoto sensor on the Pro. That means way better zoom shots and quality close-ups too. It's not a level playing field around on the front side either. The F has a 32MP camera which is very respectable - especially for a phone in this price-range. You can shoot lovely bokeh (blurred background) portraits if you like and even create panorama selfies. You can shoot dual-view video (using front and rear cameras simultaneously) and the selfie-cam can film in 1080p@30fps - very good quality video for a forward-facing camera. But not as good as what the Pro can do. 4K@60fps from a selfie-cam? Crazy. You get auto-focus too. Don't get me wrong. The Reno13 F's camera performance is great. It's just that the Pro's is quite a bit greater. Both phones have an underwater mode though. So that whole IP69 thing must be for real, right? Now for my pet peeve. As usual, Oppo has left wireless charging off both devices. I wouldn't expect it from the $699 device but every iPhone charges wirelessly and has done for years. As do Samsung's Galaxy S and Z series devices. Because Oppo's SuperVOOC charging has always worked so well, effectively out-charging the opposition, it's never made wireless a priority but that needs to change. I can't be the only one who finds plugging and unplugging my phone clumsy and annoying - not to mention the fact cables, plugs and USB ports break and wear out a lot more often than wireless charging pads do. Or is that just me? If it is, and if pure camera performance is your priority, you won't find many phones that can out-photo the Reno13 Pro, certainly not at NZ$1399. On the other hand, if you just want a phone that'll take a licking, keep on ticking and is more feature-packed than many others in the below $700 category, the Reno13 F is definitely worth a look. And by the way, it's 5G, so could be the perfect replacement for those of you with older devices that are going to stop working at the end of the year.      Click here for more information and pricing on the Oppo Reno13 Pro. Click here for more information and pricing on the Oppo Reno13 F. Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:01:21 Z /lifestyle/how-to-keep-your-kids-safe-online/ /lifestyle/how-to-keep-your-kids-safe-online/ The “stranger danger” fears of the 20th century can seem quaint compared with the horror stories kids may come across in the digital world. Before the internet, parents feared sexual predators or drug dealers having physical access to their children. Now, they’re just a swipe away. Kids are growing up online, immersed in social media, obsessed with it and, in some cases, addicted to it. More than 95% of teens in the US use social media, with a third saying they are logged on almost constantly. The fabric of their social lives has shifted from classrooms to smartphone apps, video games and chat forums — internet spaces where it can be impossible to know who you’re really talking to. And, as Bloomberg’s new documentary Can’t Look Away demonstrates, these online environments can be dangerous and even deadly. The film, which is streaming on Jolt, follows a group of attorneys fighting to hold social media companies accountable for causing devastating harm to kids: cases where teens were ruthlessly blackmailed by international gangs of cyber-sextortionists or sold deadly counterfeit pills by drug dealers who deliver through their bedroom windows. Many parents feel “frazzled” when trying to navigate the best practices for raising children in the digital world, says David Polgar, founder of the responsible tech nonprofit All Tech Is Human. Every app has its own parental control tools, and the companies encourage parents to master them, he says, but some parents find the tools counter-intuitive and struggle to keep up when their kids are active on dozens of apps. Plus, kids — who are often more digitally savvy than their parents — know how to disable them. “We are going through a digital crisis for our kids. It’s a real public health crisis,” says Laura Ordoñez of Common Sense Media. “We see malaise and exhaustion from parents,” she says. “Everything is falling onto the parents.” Bloomberg connected with experts from online child safety nonprofits Thorn, the Family Online Safety Institute and Common Sense Media to come up with the top five basic things parents can do to protect their children in the digital world. Have an open dialogue Talk to your child about appropriate and inappropriate digital behaviour before they are given access to a smartphone or device. This can be as simple as telling your child that the rules in the real world, around things such as bullying, swear words or talking to strangers, also apply online. Then, leave the door open so your child feels comfortable coming to you directly with any questions or concerns they may have. These conversations don’t have to be formal; the more relaxed you are talking about this subject, the less scary it will be for them. Melissa Stroebel, head of research at the online child safety nonprofit Thorn, says the key is to talk to your child early and often about safety as soon as they start engaging with the digital world. “The age of the child is really a personal decision for every household because the child, the household and the first technology they use will be different,” she says. For parents seeking specific examples, Stroebel pointed towards Thorn’s online discussion guide, which provides talking points tailored for children aged 7 to 17. Teaching your children good digital hygiene can be viewed as a family bonding experience rather than a chore. Photo / 123RF Engage with their digital life When your child first starts using a device, be interested in their digital life: play along with them and let them show you the games they enjoy or the characters they like creating. Teaching your children good digital hygiene, such as managing friend requests from strangers or enjoying screen-free downtime, can be viewed as a family bonding experience rather than a chore. Early encouragement means children will likely continue to share as they get older and start downloading social media apps. Experts say you can also set the expectation that when kids prove they can act responsibly on one game or app, you’ll consider giving them access to more. “Tell them there’s going to be a progression of permission on the internet,” Polgar says. Show them the monsters Risky interactions are happening online far earlier than many parents may expect — children as young as nine are being solicited to send intimate images. Make sure you show your children the monsters before they come through their phone, and don’t be afraid to speak candidly about the dangers of the digital world in an age-appropriate way. For example, when speaking to a 7-year-old, a parent might ask: “Have you ever seen anything online that you knew was for adults and not for kids?” Or when talking to a 12-year-old, they might say: “Has anyone ever made you feel weird or nervous online?” Don’t sugarcoat issues such as sextortion, where teens are lured into sending naked or explicit content and then blackmailed for it. Tell them about the potential risks of sending something inappropriate — a mean comment or a nude photo — and explain how it could be screenshotted and shared around their school. Embrace the awkwardness, create a nonjudgmental zone. Laura Marquez-Garrett, a lawyer with the Social Media Victims Law Centre who represents families whose children have been targeted in sextortion cases, says mistakes and poor choices are regrettable, but they happen, and the way parents or guardians respond is crucial. Parents can read through news articles with their children about digital dangers or watch relevant television shows with them, such as the new Netflix hit series Adolescence, which explores murder in the manosphere, to normalise these conversations. Some families might want to enforce screen-free zones. Photo / 123RF Set ground rules with clear enforcement Before giving your child unrestricted access to the internet, have a device strategy in place and be clear about what’s acceptable and what’s not. Some families might want to enforce screen-free zones, such as bedrooms, or strict no-phone policies until homework and chores are completed. Others may require that children provide the passcodes to their devices so parents can spot-check their phones. And others could adopt free parental-control tools such as Apple’s Screen Time, which allows parents to manage their child’s iPhone or iPad remotely and set time limits on specific apps. Whatever digital parameters you set, keep them. If the rules are broken, enforce appropriate consequences, such as a device ban for a previously agreed-upon period of time. Be a good digital role model Any device rules in your household should be followed by the caregivers, too. For example, if you don’t want your child to use their phone at the dinner table or right before bed, then you should refrain from those behaviours. If your child sees you constantly scrolling or always looking at a screen, they’ll try to mirror that behaviour, so put down your phone to show you’re not addicted to your device. “As a parent, it’s so important to model healthy digital habits and to use technology alongside your child, letting them see when you are making mistakes or having wins,” says Ordoñez. Practising what you preach in the real world will help your children interact better in their digital worlds where, at least until the laws catch up, predators don’t need to lurk in the shadows. Mon, 07 Apr 2025 04:26:05 Z /lifestyle/fiji-airways-destroyed-kiwi-passenger-s-chainsaw-were-the-rules-broken/ /lifestyle/fiji-airways-destroyed-kiwi-passenger-s-chainsaw-were-the-rules-broken/ A passenger claims Fiji Airways destroyed her chainsaw without informing her, but the airline says it followed policies. The airline stated the chainsaw was removed for being a prohibited item, with a notice placed in the bag. The passenger expressed concern over the lack of transparency in handling confiscated items. A Kiwi passenger says Fiji Airways destroyed her chainsaw without telling her – but the airline says it complied with its policies. The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald she packed the power tool as a gift for her uncle, a casual carpenter in Nadi, Fiji. She prepared to fly there from New Zealand, as she does every year, on December 12. She said she purchased additional checked-in luggage allowance and packed the chainsaw she had bought for $159 “securely inside”. “At check-in, I was asked if I was aware of the contents of my luggage, to which I confirmed, ‘yes’,” she said. “However, upon arriving in Fiji, I discovered that the chainsaw had been removed from my luggage.” According to the passenger, what followed were multiple emails between herself, the airline and the Aviation Security Service (Avsec) – the entity responsible for screening passengers, checked and carry-on baggage in New Zealand – to find out what happened to the chainsaw. In one email sighted by the Herald, Avsec informed the woman that one of its tasks was screening for “improvised explosive devices”, in which they identify items that may be classed as dangerous goods for air travel. “In these circumstances, we will open the bag and if the item is identified as being a dangerous good it is removed from the bag in accordance with Carriage of Dangerous Goods regulations and a ‘Notice of Baggage Inspection’ form will be placed into the bag listing the item taken and information regarding the search.” But ultimately, passengers should contact the airline about a removed item. “Once the item has been removed it is placed into an airline storage cabinet and it becomes the responsibility of the airline,” Avsec told the Herald in a statement. Eventually, Fiji Airways informed the passenger that the chainsaw had been “destroyed”. She wanted proof – through video footage or supporting documentation – but said she was told the airline was “unable to provide it”. “While I understand if restricted items are confiscated, I find it concerning that passengers are not properly informed, nor is there any transparency regarding the handling of such items,” the woman told the Herald. However, Fiji Airways says no rules were broken. In a statement to the Herald, the airline said it adhered strictly to aviation security and dangerous goods regulations. “We can confirm that the recent removal and disposal of a chainsaw from a passenger’s checked baggage was conducted in full compliance with these regulations,” a Fiji Airways spokesperson said. “At check-in, all passengers are informed of restricted items, including power tools, through clear signage and security questions. Chainsaws are also explicitly listed as prohibited on our website. The passenger did not declare the item, and as per standard procedure, it was identified and removed. A Notice of Baggage Inspection (Nobi) was placed in her bag to inform her of this action.” The spokesperson said the safety of its passengers and crew was the “top priority”. “We urge all passengers to review airline policies on dangerous goods before travel to ensure compliance and a smooth journey.” In response, the passenger said her main concern was the lack of transparency regarding how confiscated items were disposed of. “I was asked if I knew the contents of my bag, but at no point was I informed that a chainsaw was prohibited in checked luggage. There was a small poster at the counter, but it did not specifically mention chainsaws,” the woman claimed. “While Fiji Airways states that this information is available on their website, who realistically reads the entire website before every flight ... If such restrictions exist, they should be clearly communicated at check-in rather than buried in online fine print.” In general, chainsaws are restricted on planes because of the potential risk associated with combustion engines, such as exploding or catching fire. However, Fiji Airways’ policy is to forbid the item completely. On its website, the airline states: “Any machinery items such as generators, chainsaws, spare parts should be consigned as cargo as these will not be accepted as checked luggage.” Varsha Anjali is a journalist in the NZ Herald Lifestyle team. Based in Auckland, she covers culture, travel and more. Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:48:15 Z /lifestyle/technology/apple-macbook-air-m4-air-by-name-pro-by-nature/ /lifestyle/technology/apple-macbook-air-m4-air-by-name-pro-by-nature/ Apple seems to be going hard-out in 2025. If the rumours are to be believed, by December Apple will have announced at least 20 devices. From what we've seen so far this can mean anything - from the predictable (yet still pleasing) iPad Air update from M2 to M3 I reviewed last week - to creating a whole new category of iPhone, with the introduction of the more budget-friendly member of the 16-series, the iPhone 16e. This year's shotgun launch approach seems to be partly due to the fact Apple now puts its own chips in things. What's more, those chips seem pretty amazing. So although Apple just launched a fistful of new computers, you may not even have heard about it. For some reason, these devices don't always get the same in-person, Tim Cook-led hype the flagship handsets do. But don't worry. Although I haven't been lucky enough to try the computer to end all computers; the new Mac Studio powered by the brain-bendingly powerful M4 Max, or even the one that runs on the M3 Ultra - which confusingly might be even MORE powerful - I have been sent something else to play with... The Apple MacBook Air (M4) looks exactly like its predecessor from last year. Except it's now available in a new colour, Sky Blue, replacing boring old Space Grey. This is in addition to Silver, Starlight and Midnight. Sky Blue is nice but let me be perfectly clear; it's not as blue as the sky. In fact, when I ask most people what colour the device is, they tell me it's silver. So... silvery-blue then, I guess. Other than that, physically the M4 MacBook Air looks the same as the last two. But it isn't. There are three important tweaks that make this one of the most desirable MacBooks now available and as such, one of the best portable computing devices on the market today. The first and most significant upgrade is of course, the M4 chip. I've used several devices running Apple's in-house M4 now and I can confidently attest to its speed and reliability. On paper, there are technical improvements in things like the number of cores, graphics performance and the various AI abilities of the 16-core Neural Engine. A list of specs is one thing. Real world performance is another. The M4 MacBook Air runs so faultlessly it's hard to imagine how much better it could get before it starts carving chunks from the market share of its more full-featured sibling, the MacBook Pro. Another physical change is, although there are still only two external ports - not counting the MagSafe charging socket of course - these are now both Thunderbolt 4 USB-C slots. This means much higher data transfer speeds and coupled with the M4 chip you can now connect to two external monitors while still using the built-in Liquid Retina display. Like everything else I tried with the MacBook Air, it ran three screens effortlessly. The last improvement Apple has made is adding Desk View to the built-in, 12MP Centre Stage camera. This is a new feature some Mac users have been trying in conjunction with Continuity Camera - the option to use your iPhone's camera as a wireless webcam. Now the MacBook Air can also show viewers a live feed of your physical desktop via your Zoom, Facetime, Webex or other video call. This means you can demonstrate using something in your hands without running a second camera feed. The quality is not as good as the usual Centre Stage video (which is truly excellent) but it's useful to have it as an option. If you're in any doubt how good that camera is, check out my video below. I think this is the best built-in camera/mic/speaker setup I've seen on any laptop I've ever reviewed. Never have I been more relieved to be reviewing a MacBook than last Friday morning. Due to an unfortunate series of unforeseeable events, I didn't have my security card with me when I arrived at work on Friday. That in itself is not an unsurmountable obstacle, even at 3:40AM. (I work in breakfast radio. Sounds fun, right?) Even in the middle of the night, there's a security guard on duty who can be persuaded to let an idiot like me in. (I've got form. He recognises me now) Unfortunately, the key to my personal locker is also attached to my security card. Really unfortunately, I'd locked my work laptop away the day before. Not something I'd normally do. But, like I say; an unfortunate series of unforeseeable events. Luckily, I had figured all this out the night before and even more luckily, I was reviewing this M4 MacBook Air. In just a few minutes I was able to load my work Wi-Fi profile and set up Adobe Audition (my preferred audio editor) so I could hit the ground running the moment I got into the studio the next morning. Thanks to macOS 15 (just upgraded to macOS 15.4 this week, in fact) connecting to the studio printer and even connecting to the network drives at work was simple and fast. Just like everything else about this device. I was able to run my radio show exactly as usual, without a hitch. In fact, the MacBook Air did such a good job I'm thinking of leaving my work laptop permanently locked away. It seems so clunky by comparison. I've covered off most of the latest Apple Intelligence features in other, recent Apple reviews but it's worth pointing out the latest update to macOS 15.4 introduces the option to let AI sort and summarise your emails for you. I've been using this on my iPhone for a while now and it's great to be able to see if there's anything that needs urgent action with a single glance at your inbox. I could spend all afternoon waxing lyrical about the myriad ways this year's MacBook Air has blown my socks off - but that would make for a very long read. I will just make a quick mention of its gaming abilities. Slowly but surely more and more AAA game releases are being ported across to macOS, if not being released on Mac day one. Even if they're not, the powerful M4 chip seems to have no trouble running emulators to play titles from other platforms and the Wi-Fi 6e connectivity has impressed me when streaming games as well. With a screen that looks this good and spatial audio that sounds this convincing, the MacBook Air is a superb multimedia entertainment device, in either the 13.6 or 15.3-inch display options. Intellectually, technically, I know the MacBook Pro is the superior device. And yet, while I type this, edit this and upload this using the MacBook Air, I can't quite remember why.          Click here for more information and pricing on the Apple MacBook Air (M4). Wed, 02 Apr 2025 04:07:49 Z /lifestyle/sid-sahrawat-to-close-ponsonby-restaurant-kol-challenging-trading-conditions-blamed/ /lifestyle/sid-sahrawat-to-close-ponsonby-restaurant-kol-challenging-trading-conditions-blamed/ Yet another restaurant on the famed Ponsonby Rd strip is closing - renowned Auckland restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat are shuttering KOL, citing challenging trading conditions.  The hospitality stalwarts say although the tandoor-inspired restaurant was initially a very busy viable business, circumstances have changed.  “The past few months have been tough, and while we’ve made the decision to close, we’re glad we tried – you never know if an idea will succeed unless you try,” Sid Sahrawat said today.  KOL will host its last dinner service on Mother’s Day.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chand Sahrawat (@hospomum) The couple, who opened the casual bar and eatery in 2022, called the decision to close a ‘tough’ one, but plan to focus on their other businesses - including Cassia which they run in partnership with SkyCity, The French Café, and their Cassia at Home range of curry sauces.  But they aren’t quitting Ponsonby Rd entirely. They plan to set up a hospitality incubator in the KOL premises to help new ventures test the market before launching out on their own.  The Sahrawats are inviting enquiries from hospitality professionals interested in taking over the space - offering a zero lease commitment, use of the fit-out and chattels and mentorship from the couple and Restaurant Association.  Sid Sahrawat: “We feel the space has potential and would suit other concepts”. Photo / 九一星空无限  “We feel the space has potential and would suit other concepts,” Sahrawat explained.  “Rather than try our hand at something unfamiliar, we’d prefer to give an opportunity to someone else to discover if their idea will translate in the real world and be profitable, while helping them learn the ropes of launching and running a hospitality business.”  Explaining how the new incubator will work Chand Sahrawat said: “The new operator will keep 100% of their profits, they just pay rent and cover their staffing and production costs”.  A panel of experts including head of the Restaurant Association Marisa Bidois, restaurateur and media personality Al Brown, and owner and editor of Cuisine magazine Kelli Brett will assess applications alongside the Sahrawats. Applications are open now on the KOL website.  Restaurateurs Sid and Chand Sahrawat started Ponsonby-based fine-dining restaurant Sidart in 2009. Picture / Babiche Martens  In 2018 the Sahrawat’s bought The French Cafe in Eden Terrace, rebranding it to Sid at The French Cafe before last year transitioning the business to Anise, a more casual eatery.  The serial restaurateurs started Ponsonby-based fine-dining restaurant Sidart in 2009, in 2021 they sold the business to Lesley Chandra, who had been the head chef of Sid at The French Cafe.  KOL is the latest in a series of Auckland hospitality businesses falling prey to the weak economy.  In July last year one of Auckland’s most famous restaurants SPQR was placed in liquidation. That same month Chapel Bar & Bistro, also in Ponsonby, was placed in receivership after it failed to repay a loan to its co-owner worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:33:35 Z /lifestyle/what-is-ikea-s-secret-new-zealand-menu-item-and-why-won-t-they-use-nz-beef-in-meatballs/ /lifestyle/what-is-ikea-s-secret-new-zealand-menu-item-and-why-won-t-they-use-nz-beef-in-meatballs/ Ikea’s food offering is soon set to launch in New Zealand with exclusive menu items just for Kiwis. However, their iconic meatballs are set to be imported and not made using NZ beef. Jenni Mortimer heads to Malmo, Sweden, to find out why Ikea won’t play ball with our meat. Kiwis have been eagerly awaiting the opening of our first Ikea store since December 2018, when it was announced the Swedish homeware giant would finally be coming to New Zealand. And while Ikea may be best known for its furniture offering, Kiwi customers can also look forward to some added extras when the store opens later this year. Because in exciting news for foodies and famished shoppers, New Zealand is set to have its own Swedish Restaurant and grab-and-go-style bistro in the Sylvia Park store. Ikea's signature meatballs. Photo / Ikea While the menu is still in production, Ikea revealed to the Herald that the Sylvia Park store’s restaurant menu will feature some exclusive dishes based on some of our most loved food offerings. “I can confirm we will introduce some bespoke dishes just for New Zealand and are developing these with local suppliers soon. We’re considering dishes using NZ lamb and the iconic pie,” a spokesperson told the Herald. But one thing that won’t be locally sourced is the beef for their iconic Swedish-style meatballs, with Ikea opting to import the beef products from our Aussie neighbours. New Zealand is set to have a pie on the Ikea menu. Photo / Sara Winter While a New Zealand-based supplier was originally considered, Ikea revealed that after conversations locally, their decision to source from an existing supplier in Australia was based on “efficiency and affordability”. “We can confirm the Ikea meatballs will be coming to NZ from the Australian supplier, based in Queensland. This is to maximise our efficiency and affordability, as the meatballs are a global recipe that has been perfected by this supplier, as well as the packaging, and import and export regulations,” the spokesperson revealed. “Wherever possible, it is our ambition to choose local suppliers and local ingredients for the menu in our Swedish Restaurant and Bistro in the Sylvia Park store, as well as on the menu for Ikea NZ co-workers,” they added. “We are working with an NZ food distribution company who are sourcing local food manufacturers as well as fresh fruit, vegetable and protein suppliers.” In Australia, the brand also imports some of the frozen food range from Sweden, including cinnamon buns and plant-based items such as plant balls, plant hot dog and the veggie hot dog. Ikea global retail manager, Tolga Oncu. Photos / Ikea and Getty And while Kiwi fans’ tummies are already rumbling at the thought of Swedish meatballs, pies and lamb, they will have to wait a little longer. The status of the furniture retail giant’s opening remains pending and only confirmed to be “within the next 12 months” by the company’s global retail manager, Tolga Oncu, in February. The building, the size of four rugby fields, is near completion, key local roles have been appointed and the Herald’s Anne Gibson recently reported on the company’s unprecedented $407 million spend in New Zealand. So how is it all tracking? Are they ready for an onslaught of Kiwi customers filling their trolleys and famous blue and yellow shopping bags - otherwise known as Fraktas - with colourful cushion covers, storage systems and flatpack furniture? “My message would be we are going to do our utmost to be ready. But please be aware that we are also going to be nervous in the first meeting,” Oncu said, with a laugh. Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and has worked as their lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor. Mon, 31 Mar 2025 03:29:52 Z /lifestyle/karen-walker-s-surprise-return-to-new-look-new-zealand-fashion-week-2025/ /lifestyle/karen-walker-s-surprise-return-to-new-look-new-zealand-fashion-week-2025/ Karen Walker announced her return to New Zealand Fashion Week after nearly a decade away from the runway.  Walker praised the event’s new creative vision and flexible format, allowing diverse presentations.  The 2025 event will focus on inclusivity, relevance, and sustainability, with plans to feature collaborations with hospitality venues and major music labels.  The country’s best-known fashion designer has announced a surprise return to New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria – almost a decade after she quit runway shows here and overseas.  Karen Walker CNZM told an industry gathering last night she said an immediate “yes – we’re in” after hearing plans for the reimagined event, scheduled to take place in Auckland from August 25-30.  “And the reason we’re in, is this vision has creativity at its heart. This vision is not 35 looks trotting up a runway.”  A “30-second elevator pitch standing at the kitchen bench eating chips” was all it took to convince her, Walker said.  The designer, who launched her label in 1987, showed her first runway collection in 1998 – the same year she made headlines with news she was selling into major New York department store, Barneys. She went on to sign partnerships with the likes of United States-based Anthropologie and her clothes have been worn by multiple celebrities, including Björk, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Sienna Miller, Claire Danes and Beth Ditto.  In 2016, Walker announced the runway show at New York Fashion Week would be her last, telling Vogue Australia “there are just way better ways to talk to people now than ten years ago. Today’s marketing tools are totally different and much more effective to what they were when we first started showing - why not use them?”.  Last night, Walker said she was yet to determine what form her 2025 New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria involvement would take, but she shared two challenges her husband and business partner Mikhail Gherman frequently lays down to their own team:  “Make sure your ideas are so good your competitor brands will think ‘***k, why didn’t we think of that?’  “And when you’re doing an event, it has to be so good that people will drive all the way from Hamilton to be there.”  The “elasticity” of the new format was exciting, said Walker, giving designers scope to imagine everything from a large-scale runway show to a table where children might be invited to make clothes for peg dolls.  “Do something huge or intimate ... quiet or loud.”  Scenes from runways past - Kiri Nathan's show at Kahuria: New Zealand Fashion Week 2023. Photo / Getty Images  Walker spoke at a “town hall” style meeting, attended by around 120 media, designers and fashion industry-adjacent leaders, at Josh Emett’s Auckland restaurant Onslow. Guests ate crayfish eclairs and caviar-topped fried chicken, while the “reimagined” event was outlined by Liam Taylor (announced in February as the director of the newly formed New Zealand Fashion Week governing board).  Taylor said that in 2025, New Zealand Fashion Week: Kahuria would focus on inclusivity, relevance, sustainability and format.  Shed 10 would be the main venue, but attendees could expect to go “beyond the runway” with fewer (but bigger) weekday shows, a packed weekend schedule, and more collaborations with hospitality venues (think designer breakfasts, lunches and dinners, off-site pop-ups and shows, and the opportunity for designers to tie in-store events to the week). A speaker series would be aspirational but also practical – offering everything from advice about e-commerce to the logistics of sending product overseas.  “Not every designer wants to do a runway show,” Taylor said.  He said talks were under way to involve major music labels in the week and he confirmed two major sponsors – Auckland Council’s cultural and economic agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and Hotel Indigo.  New Zealand Fashion Week was founded in 2001 by Dame Pieter Stewart. In 2021, the event was acquired by businessman Feroz Ali’s Aligroup. Fashion Week was cancelled last year, with Ali citing the economic downturn and low consumer confidence.  The new governing board that will oversee Fashion Week’s 2025 return comprises Liam Taylor (founder of brand and communications agency Darkhorse), Natalie Xenita, (ex-vice-president and managing director of IMG Fashion Events & Properties Asia Pacific), Dan Ahwa (former creative director of 九一星空无限’s Viva) and Murray Bevan (director and founder of fashion public relations agency Showroom 22).  The full schedule for the 2025 event was expected to be finalised mid-June with tickets on sale from June 30.  Kim Knight joined the New Zealand Herald in 2016 and is a senior journalist with the lifestyle desk.  Thu, 27 Mar 2025 23:01:12 Z /lifestyle/technology/apple-ipad-air-m3-the-only-change-is-everything/ /lifestyle/technology/apple-ipad-air-m3-the-only-change-is-everything/ 2025 seems to be a landmark year for Apple already. We’ve seen the launch of a phone, several computers and now a new iPad. And it’s still only March. Some of these have been breakthrough devices; the iPhone 16e effectively creating a whole new product category for Apple. Other 2025 updates seem less significant. After all, if the only difference is a new chip, is it really that different? Let’s find out. Because the 2024 iPad Pro became the first Apple device to ship with Apple's M4 processor, this year’s iPad Air is the first iPad run by the M3. If you think that’s confusing enough, don’t even get me started about the various iterations of the M3 and M4 chips. Rest assured, even if it’s not an Ultra, Pro or Max version of Apple’s in-house CPU, you’ll still be treated to a superbly smooth, efficient and powerful computing experience. The same can definitely be said for the new iPad Air, which, admittedly, looks pretty much identical to the previous model. And I do mean exactly; both 11-inch and 13-inch models are precisely the same size and shape as their predecessors and are a mere gram or two lighter. But Apple (quite reasonably) is under no illusion about how often people upgrade their devices. Which is why the default comparison devices on the website tend to be nothing later than the M1 iPad Air from 2022. A lot has happened since then, not least of which, Apple Intelligence. The M1-powered iPad Air was future-proofed enough to be able to juggle the neural processing required to use Apple Intelligence features like Image Playground, Writing Tools and Clean Up for your photos. However, it goes without saying, the new iPad Air chews through this kind of work even more smoothly. The camera setup on this year’s iPad Air seems to be the same on paper; a 12MP Wide sensor on the back, paired with a 12MP CentreStage selfie-cam. And yet, the photos and videos are just better. They’re certainly better than what you get from just about any other built-in laptop or tablet camera out there - check out the video at the bottom of this review if you need further convincing. But it’s the little things I’ve noticed and appreciated even more. For example, I’m writing this review using the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (backwards compatible with several previous generations). This is the Air version of the Magic Keyboard that has been available for iPad Pro for a while now. I consider the Magic Keyboard to be one of the the best-designed accessories ever produced and I’ve said as much in previous reviews. Not only do you get a surprising amount of travel from what is essentially a flat keyboard but also a wonderfully responsive touchpad and a full row of dedicated function keys, including brightness and media controls. But perhaps the best thing about the Magic Keyboard is it literally adds another USB-C port to your iPad, with a pass-through charging option built into its spine. This means you can keep the iPad Air charging while you work (or play) simultaneously using the USB-C for something else; perhaps transferring files at up to 10Gbps or even connecting to an external display. The Magic Keyboard is damn expensive though; starting from NZ$549.00 - but I’ve used it quite a bit and it really is that good. Especially when paired with the power of M3 in this latest iPad Air. As I type, I’m literally using the new 11-inch iPad Air as a mini laptop and it’s a sublime pleasure. This is always a temptation for those of us who aren’t regular tablet users and are more likely to tap out their work on a laptop or desktop machine. Every time I swear I’m not going to get sucked into the “laptop comparison” and yet, when the Magic Keyboard is so full-featured and the power of M3 means a task like filling in the appropriate fields on the back-end of a website works exactly as it should, I start to wonder if I even need a laptop. Especially since no MacBook yet features a touch display. Meanwhile, iPads were born to be touched. Certainly there aren’t too many laptops out there that can compete with the iPad Air’s legendary ten hours of battery life. This hasn’t changed since the last model but remember, the M3 iPad Air is now doing a lot more. If anything, I’ve found Apple’s ten-hour claim somewhat undersells what this device actually delivers - and that NEVER happens in tech. But seriously… why would you choose the iPad Air over a laptop or even the iPad Pro? For a start, it’s smaller and lighter than a laptop. Even with the addition of the 355gram Magic Keyboard, the 460gram 11-inch iPad Air still weighs substantially less than a MacBook Air at 1.24kg. Of course, price is a major consideration too. iPad Pro starts at NZ$1,999 while the new iPad Air kicks off at NZ$1,199. I’ve used (and reviewed) the M4 iPad Pro and yes, it’s a genuine powerhouse of a machine but given I’m not trying to render 3D movie projects on a regular basis, for a user like me, there’s not a lot the M3 iPad Air can’t do. Take the app Morpholio Board, for example. This is a tool that lets you visualise interior design options by combining real images of your space taken with the iPad Air cameras with images of products, furniture, appliances and art you’ve yet to purchase. You can literally create a 3D walk-through to give you a solid idea of what will work and what won’t. Gaming is another area where I think a lot of users would be surprised by how well the new iPad Air performs. You can pair pretty much any controller and jump into a game like Horizon Chase 2 to waste a few hours racing, upgrading and crashing your car. The laminated Liquid Retina display is nice and bright and also sports an anti-reflective coating, meaning you’ll get all the details, even outside. Meanwhile, the sound provided by the stereo speakers built into the short edges of the device is surprisingly full and powerful. That doesn’t just add to an immersive gaming experience but also makes the iPad Air a fairly passable mobile music machine. Somehow these speakers, although small and hidden, create a genuine illusion of space - the music seems to surround the iPad Air rather than emanate from it. Is it weird they didn’t go straight to a variant of the M4 chip with this device? Presumably that’ll happen next year or soon thereafter. I mean, the M4 exists. I have an M4-powered Mac Mini. And as good as the M3 iPad Air is, I can tell you when it comes to high-demand actions like rendering video, the M4 absolutely creams the M3. (I’m talking about the standard variants of the chips here of course - not Pros, Ultras or Maxes). If the answer is to keep the price down, that’s a pretty good answer. Although I tried not to, because I was sent the Magic Keyboard with my review device, I found it impossible not to compare this iPad with the laptops I’ve used lately. When I’ve done this with other tablets in the past, they generally do an okay job but start to fall down when it comes to browser-based interfaces and editing apps. Not this time. There’s something about the maturity of iPadOS and the streamlined performance of the M3 chip that has ironed out most (if not all) of those compatibility bugs. You’ll have to take my word for it but I really did create this entire review on the iPad Air, not using my Mac Mini as I normally would. That includes all the formatting, adding photos from my cloud storage, then transferring and reformatting it all for the 九一星空无限talk ZB website. The M3 iPad Air never even blinked. What a pleasure. Click here for more information and pricing on the Apple iPad Air (M3). Wed, 26 Mar 2025 23:19:41 Z /lifestyle/kiwi-kate-wilson-on-making-art-at-willie-nelson-s-texas-ranch-and-navigating-nashville/ /lifestyle/kiwi-kate-wilson-on-making-art-at-willie-nelson-s-texas-ranch-and-navigating-nashville/ Spicewood, Texas, is a long way from Mackenzie Country. So how did Kiwi creative Kate Wilson end up creating art backstage at Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion festival? She talks to the Herald’s Mitchell Hageman about her trajectory. After moving to Nashville in 2022, Ōmarama-raised Kiwi visual artist and songwriter Kate Wilson has thrived in every sense of the word, immersing herself in the city’s famed country music scene. She’s worked with some of the biggest names in the country music business, and created artwork that’s even captured the attention of the folks at Willie Nelson’s 202-hectare horse ranch and performance venue in Spicewood, Texas. The eve of the 2025 edition of Willie Nelson’s Luck Reunion festival on March 13 was something to behold, Wilson recalled. She speaks of watching the Texas sunset, and the full moon rising up in a pink sky across the country legend’s famous Luck Ranch. “Spiritual” and “magical” were words she used to describe her festival experience this year, which involved her creating art in front of guests and performers backstage. “You can’t make that s*** up,” she told the Herald. Kate Wilson at the Luck Reunion Festival in Texas. Photo / Kate Wilson The Luck Reunion Festival was started (with Nelson’s blessing) in 2012 by a group of friends with ties to the small Texas town that shared Nelson’s “human first” principles. Nelson himself acts as host and the headline act of the night, which, according to its website, is focused on preserving “traditions in music, food, and craft; and to create a stage for modern-day outliers who are influenced by the legacies before us”. Lukas Nelson (left) and Willie Nelson perform at the Luck Reunion Festival 2025 at Luck Ranch on March 13. Photo / Getty Images The 2025 Luck Reunion festival wasn’t Wilson’s first rodeo; she attended the festival for the first time in 2024 with Silver Scroll-winning, Canadian-born Kiwi country musician Tami Neilson. “I vowed that I would return every year from then on,” Wilson said. “I was in awe of how the festival was run so thoughtfully and uniquely – very special craftsmanship vendors and local brands plus an eclectic mix of artists/musicians – in a very special place – the Texas hill country". Wilson moved to country music capital Nashville in 2022. Photo / Kate Wilson This year was a bit different for Wilson, though. The self-taught artist was invited by organisers to take part in the festival, also contributing a special piece of art during a charity auction event the night before. “I donated a framed print of one of my most-loved art pieces called Motel Utah to the Farm Aid auction that happened during the [pre-festival dinner event] Potluck evening,” she said. The Farm Aid charity is an expansion of Nelson’s Farm Aid festival, which he co-founded in 1985. According to its website, Farm Aid was created with the mission to “build a vibrant, family farm-centred system of agriculture in America”. A view over the crowd of Willie Nelson performing onstage at the debut Farm Aid benefit festival, at Champaign, Illinois on September 22, 1985. Photo / Getty Images “I was very happy to contribute, as I’m naturally passionate about supporting farmers and the work Farm Aid is doing,” Wilson said. “While the auction was happening, I sketched a cowboy in charcoal and chatted to guests as they arrived.” The following day, Wilson was invited by festival organisers to craft art pieces in real-time backstage as artists like Nelson, Shane Smith and Charley Crockett went out to perform. The incredible opportunity is just one of the many the star has had over the past few years after moving to Nashville in 2022. She had originally landed a job with American country music star Caroline Jones, who has a solo career and is also a member of the Zac Brown Band. Kate Wilson has been in Nashville since 2022 and hasn't looked back. Photo / Hannah Ladd Brown As part of her work for Jones, Wilson became heavily involved with the band and their tours, working on tasks like logistical planning, photography, graphic design and fashion projects. Most recently, she art-directed a music video for country duo Maddie & Tae that debuted in Times Square and also sketched cover art for a Dani Rose and Brent Cobb single that was featured on the official Yellowstone playlist. But while she had dabbled in art “her whole life”, Wilson spent most of her early 20s working in agricultural jobs, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Science with First Class Honours. “[I picked art] back up when I took a job at the New Zealand Merino Company in Christchurch – both within my role there and with various side-hustle creative projects, including a children’s book that I wrote and illustrated," she said. “This is the time I also discovered charcoal as a medium and tried my first charcoal portraits, one of which was of Willie Nelson.” She credited her rural Mackenzie Country upbringing as fuel for her separate songwriting passion, recalling growing up listening to the likes of the Zac Brown Band and carefully studying the craft. The fact New Zealand is in the midst of a country music renaissance isn’t lost on Wilson, who cited people like homegrown genre stalwart Kaylee Bell as a catalyst. “International touring, access to music via streaming and most recently, Kaylee Bell, have helped Kiwis find and fall in love with modern country music,” she said. “A lot more tours are making New Zealand a stop now so that might have something to do with it.” Wilson has continued her work in the music industry, co-writing her first song for a label, which is out soon, and says the sky is the limit for those who have the passion to work in America’s country music capital. And naturally, when quizzed about her favourite song, she named the Willie Nelson classic Still Is Still Moving to Me. Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald’s entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke’s Bay Today. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 02:47:13 Z /lifestyle/travel/emirates-business-class-vs-economy-nz-to-dubai-what-does-each-class-offer-and-how-do-they-compare/ /lifestyle/travel/emirates-business-class-vs-economy-nz-to-dubai-what-does-each-class-offer-and-how-do-they-compare/ How does Emirates’ economy compare to its swanky business-class offering? Jenni Mortimer flies Auckland to Dubai return to find out. Flying 16 hours in economy is no easy feat and glancing up at those in business class, green with envy, can leave you wondering if you should have married for money, not love. While your inflatable neck pillow slowly deflates and your flight socks grip tighter than skinny jeans in 2008, those lucky sods ask the cabin crew to make up their lie-flat bed while slipping on bamboo cotton pyjamas in a spacious bathroom. But when push comes to shove, is the upgrade actually worth the extra cash? What does the extra money buy you and does economy hold its own in a cabin-class version of David vs. Goliath? I fly 16 hours from Auckland to Dubai economy on an Emirates A380 and return on the same plane in business to find out exactly how the classes compare. Price For Auckland to Dubai, business class will set you back around three to four times more than economy for the return journey. Economy: Around $2,369 return Business: Around $10,329 return Before you fly Economy: Customers travelling in economy don’t get lounge access or priority boarding and board based on row. I was able to select a standard seat on the app prior to boarding, but selecting a seat in a prime spot or with extra legroom or recline was an additional cost. Customers can also note dietary requirements for special meals at least 24 hours before their flight. Business: Business class customers get access to the Emirates lounge before flying where I was able to relax and enjoy a hot meal and complimentary beverages before takeoff. They also have shower facilities and rooms for those needing to work in peace. As a business passenger, I had priority boarding and was able to board right from the Emirates Lounge in Dubai. Business class customers can pre-select any seat for free as well as make early meal selections online. Food and drink Economy: I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a hot towel shortly after takeoff as well as a menu to make selections from. The food was fresh, healthy, generously portioned and came with stainless steel cutlery. I had a brown rice salad for an entree – mushy but palatable – followed by a delicious main of pan-fried salmon with steamed greens and couscous. Dessert was lemon crumble cake and a small chocolate. It’s worth noting that time between main meals, 12 hours, did feel too long and I was starving by the time breakfast arrived two hours before landing. I wolfed down scrambled eggs with mushrooms and spinach with a side of fruit and coffee. The economy food offering on Emirates Auckland to Dubai. Photo / NZ Herald The menu on my economy journey from Auckland to Dubai. Photo / NZ Herald Business: The food service is where business class really shines and once onboard I was offered a glass of champagne before take-off and a hot towel while I perused their extensive cocktail menu before ordering hot nuts and a martini. For my appetiser I opted for a mezze platter, which came immaculately presented before an entree of king salmon, followed by a prawn and rice dish. For breakfast it was pancakes with blueberries and fresh fruit and a section of pastries. My seat also came with drinks and snacks already stocked in a cubby within easy reach. The business class appetiser on Emirates Auckland to Dubai. Photo / NZ Herald The salmon entree on Emirates business class. Photo / NZ Herald The iconic Emirates Sky Lounge flying bar at the back of the cabin was busy and full of people taking a break from their seats. It felt a bit like a bar in any bustling business district on a Friday afternoon with a great vibe and made the business class experience feel truly special. Comfort/seat and sleep Economy: While I was lucky to get a row to myself, enabling me to lie almost flat for the journey, the seats were pretty roomy and comfortable with a pitch of 81-86cm and 44.45 width. If I didn’t strike the jackpot with an empty row I imagine I wouldn’t have got quite such a good stretch of sleep – seven hours – but the sleep I got was generally pretty comfortable as I stacked up three tiny pillows to make it work. When I woke up I was offered a hot towel to refresh. Business: The lie-flat seats, as expected, were much more luxurious with ample legroom when seated and a cubby for your legs to tuck into. When I was ready for bed a member of the aircrew kindly assisted in making up my bed, complete with mattress topper, duvet and pillow while I slipped into the complimentary bamboo cotton PJs in the bathroom. At 5ft 10 I was basically the exact length of the lie-flat’s capacity. I was able to get about seven to eight hours of sleep during the flight but enjoyed being able to stay in a flat position and watch movies and munch on seat snacks for the rest of the journey. The Bvlgari amenities kit and ample legroom on Emirates business class. Photo / NZ Herald Amenities Economy: In a truly rare economy experience, passengers were given an amenity kit containing toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, an eye mask and socks. The bathroom had White Company hand soap and lotions as well as a communal perfume and cologne. The toilet was huge for economy standards, with a full-length mirror, lovely finishes and a decent-sized sink. Business: Shortly after takeoff I was given a super luxe Bvlgari bag and amenity kit containing Bvlgari face lotion, hand lotion, perfume and lip balm. The kit also contained Rexona deodorant, tissues, a dental kit, a brush/comb, a hair tie, mirror and earplugs. Toilets came stocked with Bvlgari amenities in Emirates signature scent. The toilet was large, though not much more so than economy, with an extensive stock of spare amenities. Within my seat I was also given bamboo cotton PJs, a matching eye mask and slippers. The extensive amenity kit in business class. Photo / NZ Herald Entertainment: Economy: Emirates’ Ice entertainment system was complimentary and came with everything you would need. Basic headphones were provided but I opted for my own noise-cancelling ones. Wifi was available through paid and complimentary options. Business: Business has the same entertainment system with the same decent selection of recent releases and classic movies. My seat came with a 23-inch HD TV alongside noise-cancelling headphones and complimentary Wifi. Service Economy: My trip in economy was made memorable by some of the best service I’ve ever experienced on long-haul. Richard, the flight manager, was a true Kiwi legend and made sure I was well taken care of. The entire cabin crew were friendly and constantly checking in on passengers to ensure their needs were met. Business: Business class crew were also friendly, immaculately presented and offered a few extras like coat check and took their time to familiarise themselves with passengers – a luxury economy staff don’t always have. The service felt worthy of the price of business and passengers were made to feel they were getting what they paid for. Warm nuts and a martini were a great way to start a 16-hour flight. Photo / NZ Herald Verdict Ultimately both experiences left me impressed, with economy class coming with much more than I expected for the price. The small touches like warm towels, amenity kits and menus made me feel like I was getting more than a “cattle class” experience. In business class, everything is of a finer calibre and they don’t miss a beat when it comes to service, comfort and culinary delights. If you’ve got the cash and looking to fly in total comfort it’s well spent on this experience. But for me and my pocket, if I were to do it again, I would be booking myself into economy and hoping I got Richard and his crew as it was their service that made 16 hours in economy an uncharacteristically charming experience. Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and has worked as their lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor. She’s also mum to a 5-year-old son who she loves taking on adventures across the globe. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:28:09 Z