/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.     Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:25:59 Z en /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 /lifestyle/genetic-testing-firm-23andme-files-for-bankruptcy/ /lifestyle/genetic-testing-firm-23andme-files-for-bankruptcy/ 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy and is seeking a buyer after a major data breach.  The company rejected a takeover bid from co-founder Anne Wojcicki, who resigned as CEO.  California’s Attorney General advised customers to delete their data amid privacy concerns.  Pioneering US genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer two years after hackers gained access to millions of profiles.  23andMe, which sells a mail-back saliva test to determine ancestry or certain health-related genetic traits for less than $350, said late on Sunday that it had “filed a voluntary petition for reorganisation” with a state bankruptcy court in Missouri.  The announcement prompted warnings for 23andMe customers to ask the company to delete their data amid privacy fears.  At its height a few years ago, the DNA testing craze saw millions of consumers rushing to discover their ancestry and health information with tests from 23andMe becoming popular holiday gifts.  The Silicon Valley-based company, which went public in 2021, claims 15 million customers and has seen its sales decline in recent months as the testing craze faded and the company suffered a data breach.  23andMe said that it rejected a takeover offer from its co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki, who has resigned from her position but will remain on the company’s board of directors, according to the statement.  On X, Wojcicki posted that “While I am disappointed that we have come to this conclusion and my bid was rejected, I am supportive of the company and I intend to be a bidder”.  She explained that her resignation as CEO was strategic so as to “be in the best position to pursue the company as an independent bidder”.  Wojcicki, who co-founded 23andMe 19 years ago, acknowledged the company’s challenges but emphasised her “unwavering” belief in its future.  The DNA testing craze saw millions send their saliva off for testing. Photo / 123RF  Faced with the difficulties, 23andMe announced the dismissal of 40% of its staff, about 200 people, in November.  It also suspended its research programmes. In a regulatory filing, 23andMe also said that it has agreed to pay approximately $65 million to settle claims related to the 2023 data breach.  The 2023 hacking incident saw 6.9 million accounts affected, of which 5.5 million contained information on genetic matches.  Using customers' old passwords, the hackers compromised data that included names, sex, birth year, location, photos, health information, and genetic ancestry results.  ‘Time to delete’  With the bankruptcy announcement, California Attorney-General Rob Bonta advised customers who have submitted their DNA to delete their genetic information from the website.  “Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company.”  There are few data privacy safeguards in the United States at a national level, but California has its own laws regulating the handling of user data.  Geoffrey Fowler, a tech columnist for the Washington Post warned: “If you’re one of the 15 million people who shared your DNA with 23andMe, it’s time to delete your data.”  He cited the risk “that your data could get sold or transferred to a new company, which might want to use it for new purposes”.  The company’s share price was down by nearly 50% to US92c in Monday trading on Wall Street.  Tue, 25 Mar 2025 22:23:08 Z /lifestyle/travel/what-you-need-to-know-about-travel-insurance-trip-notes/ /lifestyle/travel/what-you-need-to-know-about-travel-insurance-trip-notes/ It’s something that we like to think we’ll never need - and in most cases, probably never will - but Kiwis are still being urged to book travel insurance as soon as they book their holidays. On this week’s episode of Trip Notes, the Herald’s travel podcast, David Wallace, Sales Director at Allianz Partners, joined host Lorna Riley to discuss what you need to know when it comes to this holiday essential. He said that while people may associate travel insurance with things like missing luggage or broken phones, you never know when things could go wrong. “Travel insurance is there for the big times when things go wrong, “[For example], one of our customers was hit in the head by the propeller of a boat whilst snorkelling in Fiji. Whilst the iPhone replacement is important, having critical care both in Fiji [and] bringing them back to New Zealand, having experts there throughout that journey, they’re the moments of truth for us and critical things to think about when considering whether travel insurance is important for you.” There are two main types of travel insurance that people can look to get. " So there’s a comprehensive policy that will cover nearly everything and provide you quite a high level of cover. I suppose it’s almost the Rolls Royce type cover so that if something goes wrong, you know you’re well and truly covered. “And then there’ll be a more essentials or a basic type policy that will cover some of the core things, but maybe not to the same value that it might be with a more comprehensive policy. “As well as that, for those that are regular travellers, you can also get a multi trip policy or a frequent flyer policy, which will cover you for a whole 12 months. So if you’d like to go and visit the family in Australia and see them a few times a year, then it might be worthwhile getting a policy that keeps you covered and saves you having to go in every time you book a new trip.” Wallace said that a third of claims coming in at the moment are coming from people cancelling a trip before they get to the airport, which highlights the need to get this booked early. He cited Cyclone Alfred that hit Australia recently, and how people rushed to get insurance once they saw that it was coming and might disrupt their trip - but no coverage would take place due to the event already taking place. And while you may think that you don’t need to get insurance for your family trip around New Zealand, Wallace said that those same costs can come up here. “People going to their favorite holiday park down in Taupo or catching a ferry across to the South Island, it may seem like it’s reasonably small outlay compared to a big European trip, but all of those costs are costs on a household. “Not being able to take that trip due to cancelling it due to your own medical reasons, weather impacting the ferry sailings, or something else going wrong, would mean that you can at least get that, that money back through a claim and, uh, enjoy that trip sometime later.” The same goes for Australia, even though New Zealand has a reciprocal agreement to cover most healthcare. “So whilst we’re not paying American style medical bills in Australia, just the cost of a few hundred dollars out of pocket for an ambulance might be unplanned. “Similarly, if you’ve got delays and cancellations due to weather, you want to know that you’re not losing that money if it’s something that the airline’s not going to refund you for.” Listen to the full episode for more on what you need to know about travel insurance. 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. This season of Trip Notes is sponsored by AA Travel Insurance. You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 01:25:57 Z /lifestyle/deep-clean-essentials-what-to-wash-beyond-your-clothes/ /lifestyle/deep-clean-essentials-what-to-wash-beyond-your-clothes/ Laundry often isn’t what comes to mind when we think of cleaning, but it should be. Washing machines are deep-cleaning powerhouses that can be used for so much more than just those weekly loads of clothes, sheets and towels. These deep-cleaning tasks needn’t be reserved for springtime — most of these jobs should be performed anywhere from yearly to monthly. Before washing anything, check the care tag for guidelines on water temperature, washer cycles and drying recommendations to prevent costly or irreparable damage. Reusable grocery bags, bags and soft lunch boxes Reusable bags are great for reducing waste — but they can harbour bacteria that will make you sick if they’re not washed regularly. “Keep your reusable bags fresh by tossing them in the wash,” says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-chief executive at AspenClean. “It’s an easy way to remove dirt, spills and lingering odours.” Special instructions: Use the hottest water the item can tolerate, and wash more often than you might think — at least once a month. Pot holders and oven mitts “These kitchen essentials handle grease and heat daily,” Sokolowski says. “Give them a refresh in the washing machine to keep them looking and smelling clean.” Special instructions: Pretreat set-in stains from grease and food spills before laundering. Shower curtains and liners “Toss plastic liners and fabric curtains in the wash to remove soap scum and mildew,” Sokolowski says. “Add a couple of towels for extra scrubbing power.” Special instructions: Avoid washing plastic liners in washers with a centre agitator, as the fins can tear or shred the material. Bath mats and bathroom rugs “Cotton or microfibre mats can usually go in the washer with warm water and a mild detergent,” says Rechelle Balanzat, the founder and chief executive of Juliette. “Rubber-backed mats should be air-dried or tumble-dried on low to avoid cracking.” Bath mitts, loofahs and pouffes When deep cleaning a shower or tub, don’t forget to clean the items that call those places home, such as bath mitts, loofahs and pouffes. “These can harbour bacteria and mildew if not cleaned regularly,” Balanzat says. “Toss them into a lingerie bag and wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent every few weeks. Air dry completely before reusing.” Winter hats, gloves and scarves “Machine wash knit and fleece items in cold water with a mild detergent,” Balanzat says, “using a mesh bag to prevent stretching. Lay flat to dry. For leather or wool gloves, spot clean or dry clean as needed.” Mattress pads and pillows “Wash mattress pads every few months using warm water and a gentle cycle to remove dust mites, sweat and allergens. If machine drying, use low heat to prevent shrinkage and keep the padding intact,” Balanzat says. The same goes for pillows, with the exception of memory foam styles, which should be spot-cleaned instead. “Most synthetic and down pillows can be machine washed using a mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Wash two at a time to balance the machine, and dry thoroughly with dryer balls to prevent clumping.” Curtains Many curtains are washable — check the care tag for cleaning instructions — and, if they can be laundered, Balanzat says to use a cold water delicate cycle, then air dry to prevent shrinking and other damage. Special instructions: Vacuum or shake curtains before laundering to remove the top layer of dust, hair and other build-up. Pet beds Experts recommend washing pet beds every two to four weeks to keep odours at bay. When cleaning any of your pet’s belongings, avoid the use of scented products, including detergents, stain treatments, and odour-eliminating sprays or powders. Special instructions: Vacuum the bed before laundering to remove hair and dander; use unscented detergent and the hottest water the bed can tolerate. Pet clothing and accessories Collars, leashes, sweaters, booties, and other pet clothing and accessories can be machine-washed in cold water with unscented detergent. Use a mesh washing bag for leashes and collars to keep them from winding around other items in the load. Special instructions: Bag small items, and always use unscented laundry products for your pet’s belongings. Hard plastic toys Yes, small plastic toys such as Legos or action figures can be cleaned in the washing machine. It’s important to bag these little guys up in a mesh washing bag and to pad the drum with towels or other bulky items for protection (and soundproofing). Stuffed animals “Most plush toys can handle a gentle cycle,” Sokolowski says. “It’s a quick way to clean away dust and allergens while keeping favourites fresh.” Wash stuffed animals with other lightweight or delicate items, and place them in a wash bag for extra protection. Special instructions: Before washing a stuffed animal, mend any tears or holes to prevent the stuffing from coming out. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 00:19:50 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-wild-about-wellington/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-wild-about-wellington/ One of life’s great pleasures is basking in the sparkling azure splendour of the Wellington waterfront, on a sunny and calm day. On my recent visit to the Capital, the latter was a particularly unexpected pleasure, because the harbour was so flat it looked like a gleaming millpond. Drinking in the spectacle at Chaffers Marina, the thick forest of sails stood sentinel-like, backed by the tall towers of the city’s commercial forest.  It’s the high-density, cheek-by-jowl nature of Wellington’s compact layout that anchors its verve and vitality. I began my leisurely sortie by first heading to Switched on Bikes, just across from Clyde Quay. This locally owned electric bike hire and guided tour company is the go-to for rentals and expertise. All rentals include a helmet, lock and a map. It was on a visit to Welly five years ago that Switched on Bikes introduced me to the revolutionary riding brilliance of e-bikes.   Switched On Bikes. Photo / WellingtonNZ They’re super easy to ride. Flick the power mode to sport or turbo and hey presto - you’ve got a sinfully effortless ride. Whether you’re navigating a head wind, a steep hill, or both – turbo makes very light work of that! Kitted out by Ryan and the team, it was hard to pull myself away from the world-class waterfront, richly embellished with eye-grabbing artworks and sublime vistas. Gazing across the glassy waters to glittery Oriental Bay, it’s that radiant sweep of brightly painted boatsheds that exemplifies Wellington’s perky, playful personality. So do the waterfront artworks.   Yes, there’s the typical stone statues exuding stately formality and tradition, like the majestic Kupe monument, but a few steps on, your inner child is titillated by the whimsy of the Water Whirler sculpture and further down the water’s edge, the striking Solace in the Wind sculpture and the Well_ngton sign. There’s an edgy, playfulness to so much public art. After all, this is city that proudly boasts the Bucket Fountain, that still cheekily drenches the unsuspecting and inattentive in Cuba Street.   Photo / Mike Yardley  What absolutely staggered me is how far you ride in such a short space of time, including an easy summit of Mount Victoria.  Setting off on the Great Harbour Way shared path, which ultimately will encompass 70km of waterfront, I was soon gazing nostalgically at my old flat in Evans Bay. At Miramar, I jaunted down Shelly Bay Road to the delightfully named Chocolate Fish Café, for a well-deserved recharge, with Kiwiana vibes. This casual, quirky outpost serves delicious seafood sandwiches, burgers & salads.   Back in town, after some indulgent downtime at QT Hotel, I took a transfixing escape to the awe-inspiring sanctuary of Zealandia. I’ve previously enjoyed daytime and twilight tours within this soothing valley haven – the world’s first fully fenced urban ecosanctuary. On my latest visit, I joined a night tour, with an astonishing number of international visitors, where the starring attraction is the chance to see foraging kiwi at night. Over 100 little spotted kiwi call the valley home, so your prospects of a close encounter sighting are pretty good.   Aerial view of Zealandia. Photo / WellingtonNZ Zealandia is home to the only wild population of little spotted kiwi, on the mainland. Lady luck was on our side, because our group savoured the sight of five kiwi, up-close. The evening birdsong was headlined by the piercing calls of kiwi, singing out to their partners, while the unmistakable call of the morepork was a thrill to hear. Kaka, who should be tucked up in bed, continued to make a racket at will, cart-wheeling above us and enjoying a night-time raid from the bird feeders. They are such clownish, charismatic birds. It was also a thrill to see so many tuatara, booming in population in the sanctuary.   The glow worms spangling the hillsides turned on a radiant light show to rival the Wellington Cable Car. Our torchlight tour was adeptly led by passionate, authoritative and intuitive volunteer guides, who clearly treasure Zealandia as an extension of their home. Testament to Zealandia’s sterling endeavours is the halo effect, whereby, tui, bellbirds and kaka are now pervasive in many Wellingtonian’s backyards.  Kaka at Zealandia. Photo / WellingtonNZ For an absorbing encounter with more of Wellington’s natural wonders and rugged south coast, make a date with the Seal Coast Safari. This three and half hour guided tour is an eye-opener, travelling in a luxury 4WD Mercedes van. My driver-guide was Blue, who was previously a TVNZ cameraman for many decades, with a deep and infectious passion for the natural environment.   Before heading to the coast, Blue took us to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, the only botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. This sublime sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 100 hectares of native forest and five hectares of plant collections. I felt embarrassed that I had never been here before, despite living in Wellington 30 years ago.   Following European colonisation, some of the large trees were removed for timber and others were burnt off for farmland. One of the early landowners, Job Wilton, had the foresight to preserve seven hectares of the original forest which became a scenic reserve in 1906. Twenty years later, it was complemented by the Ōtari Open Air Native Plant Museum, established by Dr Leonard Cockayne and JG McKenzie. Their vision continues today as Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, with original and regenerating podocarp broadleaf forest. Blue led us to the large conifers such as rimu, totara, miro and matai which can be viewed from the Canopy Walkway or on the Nature Trail.  This place is a revelation in suburban Wellington.  Podocarp forest at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Photo / Mike Yardley From there, we headed to the South Coast, which entailed a stunning drive through private farmland on the historic Terawhiti Station. Established in 1843, this is one of our nation’s oldest and biggest sheep stations which has seen plenty of changes, including the recent re-introduction of kiwi to the hills surrounding the 4800-hectare property. 850 cows and some 2000 Wiltshire sheep also graze alongside the regenerating bush. The kiwi have been reintroduced to the farm under the Capital Kiwi Project – one hundred years after they last called these hills home.  The farm is also home to West Wind, the world’s third most productive wind farm, according to Meridian. One turbine produces another power for 1000 houses and the hills are studded with over 60 turbines. The funnelling effect of Cook Strait means the site has strong and consistent wind speeds. The weather was at its sparkling best, albeit breezy, as lip-smacking views of the Cook Strait, South Island and Kaikoura Ranges, shuffled into focus. The farm spills out from Sinclair Head onto Red Rocks Reserve, on the gnarly, rocky South Coast, lashed with enormous waves and home to a vast colony of New Zealand fur seals.   West Wind Farm on the South Coast. Photo / Mike Yardley They tend to be bachelor males, either juveniles or elderly seals, who are waiting their time to mate, or are past mating, with the female seals who hang out at Cape Palliser. Blue served afternoon tea as the bachelors kept us enthralled, snoozing, sunbathing and splashing about in the waves. It’s a banger of a trip, blending nature, wildlife, history and some soft adventure. https://sealcoastsafari.nz/   I rocked my way around the Wellington region in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   Treat yourself to a wild, energising autumn getaway in Wellington. Make your first port of call the official website, with constantly updated trip inspiration. www.wellingtonnz.com   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.  Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:14:26 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-gorging-yourself-on-wellington/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-gorging-yourself-on-wellington/ As much as hospitality can be a fluid and fickle industry with a lot of churn, it’s fair to say that Wellington has been buffeted by some tough times lately. Business closures have been tough on the capital’s self-confidence over the past 12 months, particularly when some legendary establishments have also ended up closing their doors.  But I was encouraged to detect a clear upswing in morale amongst a swag of bar and restaurant operators, as I struck out on an urban food safari recently. With over 400 restaurants competing for your affection, the treasury of culinary temptations is phenomenal.  A great starting point is to let someone else curate your grazing list. The Big Foody Food Tours is a cracking introduction to great eats in Wellington, blending culinary insights with a side serving of city history and sightseeing on foot. Over the course of three hours, my ebullient guide Tor passionately shared some of her favourite haunts with our small group, which consisted of a lovely couple from Toronto Janice and Donald, and yours truly. www.thebigfoody.com   Go hungry because we stuffed ourselves stupid on a stomach-stretching odyssey, over the course of five stops. First up, brunch at Karaka Café. This convivial waterfront eatery, complete with lawn and bean bags, is owned and operated by the Retimanu whānau of Māori and Pacifica heritage, with a bilingual menu that accentuates indigenous kai. I happily devoured a Hāngī Hash, topped with pork & watercress sausage and served with a revitalising Taha tonic of Mānuka, kawakawa and ginger.    Mike with Donald and Janice at Karaka Cafe. Photo / Mike Yardley You may have heard that Wellington has an insatiable obsession with cheese scones and a go-to for some of the city’s finest is Pickle & Pie. This perky café does a very good buttermilk scone with a pickle on the side. It’s a strangely stunning mix. We took a wander down Hannahs Laneway, home to the Wellington Chocolate Factory, which pumps out over 6000 bars a week.   Another unmissable in the laneway is Golding’s Free Dive. This whimsical little craft beer bar is largely decorated from recycled materials, with plastic buckets for lampshades and awnings made from old skis. Golding's Free Dive is a free house - meaning they aren’t beholden to any brewery, and they constantly showcase a range of fresh brews.  True to the collaborative spirit of this laneway, you can also order pizza from Pizza Pomodoro (across the courtyard) who will deliver it to your table. Nice!  From there, we stumbled into one of the capital’s hidden gems, which many locals vow and declare serves up the city’s best dumplings. You could be forgiven for ambling right past this non-descript shop on Cuba St, but Rams Crazy Dumplings Restaurant is a revelation. Order up 12 dumplings for $17 and it may well be the best meal you’ve savoured in months. Served in pool of homemade chilli oil, order the pork with chives dumplings, with a sweet vinegary kick that only enhances these hand-folded pockets of deliciousness.  A bowl of dumplings at Rams. Photo / Mike Yardley The climactic closer to our fabulous tour was a few doors down at Scopa Pizzeria. Opened by the Breslin brothers nearly 10 years ago, we feasted on the finest melt-in-your-mouth calamari and classic Italian wood-fired pizza. Best of all, Scopa’s legendary Italian hot chocolate – thick, rich and unctuous like custard. They’re so thick you can eat them with a spoon.  Another Cuba St crowd-favourite to add to your bingo card is Ombra. Styled on an informal back-street Venetian bacaro, the intimate, old-school romanticism instantly impresses, from the period curtained windows to the shelves stacked with Campari bottles. Nearly 50 small dishes are featured on the menu, like Baccala Mantecato (whipped salted cod on crusty bread.) Don’t miss the slow-cooked duck risotto with mascarpone.  For a complete palette switch in the heart of Cuba St, make tracks to Kisa, which proudly champions the best of New Zealand produce through a Middle Eastern menu. The mezze plates are so divine, anchored by lip-smacking kebabs, whether your choice of meat is wapiti, tahr or lamb. Dessert is a triumph. I still dream about their Rosewater muhallebi custard. This almond milk-based pudding is enriched with pomegranate syrup, sour cherries and saffron pashmak.   The mezze platter at Kisa. Photo / Mike Yardley Fun with steamed buns? It’s got to be Mr. Go's! Located in colourful little Eva St, Mr Go’s crafts exquisite Asian hawker-style street food with a Kiwi twist, using seasonal New Zealand ingredients.  With a galaxy of drool-worthy options on the menu, decision-making is formidable, but I highly recommend starting with a twice-cooked pork belly bao, with hoisin, pickled cucumber and spring onions. Complement that with a couple of sides, like cream cheese wontons and mushroom dumplings. It’s a flavour-throbbing street food fiesta.    Sticking with the Asian vibes, Dragonfly is a dreamy little haven for a cheeky nightcap or two, tucked away in an atmospheric bamboo courtyard, off Courtney Place. Their crafted contemporary Asian cocktails draw quite the crowd.  Wine time? I’m a big fan of Noble Rot, an edgy and inventive venue established nearly ten years ago by an incredibly talented group of sommeliers and restaurateurs, eager to imbue the capital with a specialist wine bar. With the wonderful wine regions of Marlborough and Wairarapa sandwiching Wellington, why not?  You’ll find Noble Rot in Swan Lane, jutting off Cuba Street. Firmly focused on using locally sourced seasonal produce, it’s all about shared food and small plates, in addition to raw bar awash with oh-so fresh seafood and charcuterie to pair with every drop. The extensive wine list understandably showcases New Zealand product, with a special selection of European wines.    Noble Rot Wine Bar. Photo / WellingtonNZ Where to stay? Check into the wow-factor property that was ingeniously shifted to clear the way for Te Papa, and continues to sparkle with its art-filled distinctiveness. QT Wellington Hotel continues to capture the world’s imagination for its wondrous collection of artworks, opulent décor, distinctively designed guestrooms, celebrated hospitality and award-winning cuisine at Hippopotamus restaurant, with the most extravagant selection of gins in Wellington. More than just a hotel, QT Wellington is an unabashed cultural playground, underpinned by its eccentric and ever-expansive art collection. The lobby alone boasts New Zealand's largest privately owned art collection, sporting wondrous works by the likes of Dick Frizzell, Seraphine Pick, Liz Maw and BMD.  With art and design at the core of the hotel’s identity, 19 Kiwi artists unleashed their artistic genius across the entire fourth floor, in all 25 guestrooms, with bespoke artwork gracing the walls, balconies and ceilings. The ever-evolving hotel is committed to continuing to grow its own art collection, staying true to the hotel’s history with the accent on eclectic and immersive art. A QT Wellington stay is the chance to luxuriously bask in the lap of creative brilliance, with all the frills and creature comforts the hotel is legendary for. Push the boat out and bag a QT Gallery Harbourview King, with a private balcony facing out to dreamy watery embrace of Wellington Harbour. Another heroic capital canvas! Truly distinctive hotels are what great breaks are all about and QT Wellington is in a class of its own. Make a date with all that art and effervescent hospitality! www.qthotels.com   Eye-catching art at QT Hotel. Photo / Mike Yardley  I rocked my way around the Wellington region in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   To stay up to date with everything hip and happening in the Capital of Cool, head to www.wellingtonnz.com   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.  Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:01:17 Z /lifestyle/technology/samsung-galaxy-a-series-2025-the-most-confusing-time-of-the-year/ /lifestyle/technology/samsung-galaxy-a-series-2025-the-most-confusing-time-of-the-year/ Why bring out one phone when you can launch six? Once again, Samsung is in the process of swamping the market with mid-range Galaxy A-Series phones. Yes, there are half a dozen to choose between this year, starting at just NZ$229.00. If that isn't overwhelming enough, there are still four A-Series handsets from last year listed on Samsung's New Zealand website. If you're wondering how to tell the difference, the 2025 models all end in a "6." Because, of course they do. What's confusing about that? Hopefully, if you're in the market for a sub-$1000 phone, you'll come across a well-trained sales expert who can carefully and precisely explain the differences between all these devices. If you're shopping online, I guess it's up to me. Unfortunately, I'm only going to be able to help you with the Galaxy A36 and Galaxy A56, the two higher-end variants of this year's crop. It's hard enough reviewing two phones simultaneously, let alone six.  Essentially, the main differences between A-Series phones of any given year mostly comes down to build quality, camera performance and above all else, processor power. This last thing can be somewhat wonky to get your head around if you're not the kind of phone-user who cares that much about the latest and greatest in phone tech. In fact, let's face it, this year you might only be buying a new phone out of necessity because they're turning off the 3G network and you need something capable of 4G... or perhaps even 5G? Both the A36 and A56 options Samsung have brought to New Zealand are 5G-capable. They both have large, 5000mAh batteries that'll cruise through a full day (and probably a second) and they both have sumptuous 6.7-inch Super AMOLED displays. Those displays - and the rear panels - are protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus +. This makes them very hard-wearing indeed and I was surprised to see it on phones in this price range. The IP67 water and dust protection is another welcome durability feature. Both phones come in three "Awesome" colourways - Lavender, Lime or Black for the A36 and Pink, Graphite or Lightgrey for the A56. Although they look almost identical, if you hold them both at the same time you'll immediately feel the first difference; the A56 has more durable metal rails around the edge which gives it a much more premium, solid and generally less plasticky feel. The next big difference is also on the outside but you won't be able to spot it by looking at it. Although both handsets have a 50MP three-sensor primary camera module on the back, the Ultra-Wide lens is 12MP on the A56 as opposed to 8MP on the A36. I've taken excellent photos with both devices but for some reason, the A56 seems to result in slightly clearer images and videos with truer colours. That reason probably has a lot to do with why I'd choose the A56 over the A36 every time; processing power. The performance gap is noticeable with just about everything you do with either handset... Scrolling and navigating around the device is smoother on the A56. Opening apps is much slower on the A36 - especially opening the camera app. And changing orientation from portrait to landscape and back again is also laggy and choppy on the A36. Interestingly, the end results are generally quite comparable and the major feature both devices bring to the table in 2026 is Galaxy AI. Or Google Gemini. Or both. Or maybe it's the same thing.  To be honest, this whole AI racket is a real mess. You can obviously add other AI apps to these phones too and if you're subscribed to a whole suite like Microsoft 365, then you're probably introducing Copilot into the equation as well. Even Google can't quite seem to decide if you should be summoning Gemini or Google Assistant. The point is, you don't have to shell out for a $1000+ flagship to access a lot of this stuff. If you want this stuff, that is. One place where Samsung's version of AI really comes to the fore is editing photos. There's a lot you can do to clean up your pics after the fact - things like removing unwanted people and objects in the background for example. Again, this takes a bit longer with the cheaper phone but it can still do it. The A36 starts at NZ$649.00 while the A56 is definitely in the next bracket up at NZ$799.00. In saying that, I can assure you the 256GB A56 is a far superior device and well worth every cent. If it had wireless charging I'd be more than happy to use it as my daily device. And if, like me, you have a relative you need to move off 3G by the end of the year, either of these phones would be a major upgrade and a great replacement.      Click here for more information and pricing on the Samsung Galaxy A-Series. (A36 and A56 devices available from March 28, 2025) Tue, 18 Mar 2025 04:08:54 Z /lifestyle/travel/huka-lodge-reopens-after-25m-renovation-a-stunning-new-era-of-luxury-in-taup%C5%8D/ /lifestyle/travel/huka-lodge-reopens-after-25m-renovation-a-stunning-new-era-of-luxury-in-taup%C5%8D/ Huka Lodge has reopened this month after a $25 million renovation, enhancing its grand spaces and renowned interiors while staying true to its timeless charm For a renovation that spanned nearly a year, the changes at Taupō’s Huka Lodge feel remarkably seamless. Owner Bailie Lodges might be dismayed to hear this after such a significant investment, but it’s meant as the highest compliment – every upgrade is so thoughtfully executed that returning guests will find the essence of the lodge beautifully preserved. Located 300 metres upriver from the mighty Huka Falls, the lodge now enjoys an even stronger connection to its greatest asset: the emerald blue Waikato River flowing past. Originally founded as a fishing camp by Alan Pye in 1924, Huka Lodge transitioned into a luxury retreat in 1984 under legacy owner Alex Van Heeran. Over the years, it has become known as the ‘grande dame of luxury lodges’ in New Zealand, drawing royalty and discerning travellers from around the world. Now under Baillie Lodges – whose portfolio includes elite destinations like Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Canada – it was time for a transformation. Timed to coincide with the lodge’s centenary, the extensive renovation was scheduled from April to December 2024. However, as with many ambitious projects, delays arose, and the reopening was pushed to early March 2025 to allow for meticulous craftsmanship. Huka Lodge is located on the banks of the Waikato River. Photos / George Apostolidis Guests arriving during opening week (March 1-7) were the first to experience the reimagined lodge. Notable upgrades include a new entry, reception, and gift shop; an expanded dining room that has doubled in size; a spacious outdoor terrace; and a redesigned River Room, now even closer to the water, framed by expansive windows that showcase the ever-changing landscape. A brand-new “wellness grounds” has also been introduced, featuring a state-of-the-art gym, sauna, and spa. The redesign was led by Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie in collaboration with Auckland-based Christian Anderson Architects. Renowned interior designer Virginia Fisher, who originally worked on Huka Lodge under Alex Van Heeran in 1984, returned to blend the past with the present. Drawing inspiration from the 1920s and 30s – the era in which the lodge was founded – her approach was both nostalgic and forward-thinking. “Looking back to when I was first commissioned to work on Huka Lodge, it struck me as being small and intimate. It was very simple. And its scale was quite charming. It felt like a home,” says Virginia. “Now, I see Huka Lodge becoming almost truer to its original self. We’re much closer to the water. We’ve still got some strong, intense colours. Again, it still feels very homely.” The River Room with its central double-sided fireplace and abundance of windows. Photos / George Apostolidis If one space encapsulates the lodge’s transformation, it’s the new River Room. Previously a snug living area with dark, low ceilings, it has been reimagined as a grand yet inviting lounge where guests are encouraged to gather, read, relax and enjoy nightly pre-dinner cocktails and canapes. Huka Lodge’s general manager of 11 years, Kerry Molloy, says this area used to be “standing room only” when the lodge was full, but now there’s space for everyone. “The new designs offer more reason for guests to spend time enjoying these beautiful spaces; dining, drinking or relaxing with a book and the view,” he says. The River Room’s striking centrepiece is a double-sided fireplace clad in aged brass, with curved leather club fenders inviting guests to linger. The space is arranged into intimate seating areas, including a restored green sofa – a guest favourite – next to a sleek new bar, designed by Virginia with marble countertops, aged brass cabinets and mirrored shelving that can be folded away behind sliding doors. Custom black-stained wood flooring blends seamlessly with the original lacquered flooring, and emerald-green lounge chairs echo the iconic “Huka green” colour palette. Closest to the river, the ceiling has been raised to create an airy banquet seating area with large windows perfectly framing the view. Soft furnishings in shades of green, blue and gold echo the surrounding river and native bush, while clusters of oversized copper and brass pendant lights, reclaimed from ships, add warmth and character. Outside, the terrace has been significantly expanded, extending closer to the river’s edge. Glass pergolas provide shelter, while a double-sided open fire ensures warmth on crisp evenings. Custom-designed furniture by Fisher and brought to life by local furniture maker Devon add a bespoke touch. Huka means foam or white snow in te reo Māori, and the mist created from the river bestows the lodge with an array of moods depending on the time of day. Whether sitting inside or out, these new spaces make the most of the swirling, ever-changing show. The new dining room. Photos / George Apostolidis Impeccable food and wine are key to Huka Lodge’s offering, with the kitchen led by head chef Ryan Ward. His four-course dinner menu changes daily and is included in the rate, designed around local New Zealand produce, where possible. A recent menu included seared scallops with corn, yuzu and marigold; Cambridge duck with bitter leaves, fresh cherry and baby beetroot, and a Hawke’s Bay plum tart with manjari chocolate made by pastry chef Sittha Boonphoapichart. Dinner service is a well-oiled machine and staff (dressed in custom Rodd & Gunn in Huka Lodge emerald blue), work hard to provide a spectacular experience. The main dining room has undergone one of the most dramatic transformations, doubling in both floor size and ceiling height. Gone are the blue tartan carpet and navy walls, replaced with light timber and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the terrace. It’s now bathed in light and warmed by an open fire. The original dining tables and chairs have been recovered in tan fabric and the hardwood floors covered in a Source Mondial rug designed by Fisher. Built-in banquettes and gilt-framed art add to the sense of grandeur. While it’s a lovely space, guests have the option of one “signature dining experience” which sees a table set up in private areas of the grounds, including the River Deck, orchard or the wine cellar. Upstairs, what was once the Trophy Room, complete with taxidermy animals, is now The Loft, a gorgeous space for dining with antiques and artwork curated by Fisher. Lodge Suites have had furnishings updated. Photos / George Apostolidis Post-renovation, the capacity of the lodge remains the same, with 20 two-person Lodge Suites and two ultra-luxury owner’s residences, the Alan Pye Cottage and the Alex Van Heeran cottage. The lodge suites fan out along the river’s edge for optimal privacy and views, and while the floor plans remain the same, updates have been made to the furnishings, which were becoming tired. There are brand new Bailie king beds, made in New Zealand to Bailie Lodge specifications including wool-blend mattresses, draped in custom-made Bemboka throws embellished with Huka Lodge’s trout motif. Enclosing the bed is a new wrought iron canopy draped in a dreamy gauze fabric. A moss-coloured chaise longue piled with pillows is perfectly positioned to take in the view while guests enjoy a beverage from the fully stocked complimentary mini-bar. Plus, there’s no better spot to contemplate than in the full-sized bath beneath a bay window framed with lush ferns. The wellness area, with gardens by Suzanne Turley. Photos / George Apostolidis Tucked away from the main lodge behind a stand of hedges and trees and accessed via pebble-covered steps, the brand-new spa, sauna and gym is a series of neat wooden structures housing state-of-the-art equipment. These tranquil grounds have been visualised by respected landscape gardener Suzanne Turley (who was first appointed to work on Huka Lodge’s gardens in 2000), and are a hit with fantails and tūī. Stone pavers wind their way through a private garden bordered with native tree ferns and flowering Amelanchier trees. At the spa, two spacious treatment rooms painted in calming shades of white and grey offer guests facials, massages and tailored packages using Verite Skincare. Just beyond the spa is a plunge pool set among the trees with cold water bucket showers for immersion therapy. “While everyone is expecting the changes to the main lodge to be dramatic”, says Molloy, and they are, “the addition of the wellness area is a major sea change for Huka Lodge”. Reflecting on the journey, he adds, “We closed the doors on May 1 and reopened them March 1, so it’s been a really exciting time for us. I haven’t met anyone in the past couple of days who hasn’t been completely awestruck by the place.” The writer was hosted at Huka Lodge by Baillie Lodges. Checklist Taupō, New Zealand GETTING THERE Taupō is a three-hour drive from Auckland. DETAILS www.hukalodge.com Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:36:36 Z /lifestyle/katikati-couple-tackle-avocado-market-challenges-with-innovation-and-passionfruit/ /lifestyle/katikati-couple-tackle-avocado-market-challenges-with-innovation-and-passionfruit/ A Katikati couple who have owned an avocado orchard for only five years are “branching out” with clever solutions to survive market downturns. Alistair Niven and Carol Palmer flipped their lives from corporate city dwellers to hands-on orchardists, after an “a-ha” moment while sitting on the deck of their 12th-floor Auckland apartment during Covid. “We were thinking, this really isn’t the ideal place to be,” Niven recalled. It was a conversation about avocados that sparked an idea and before they knew it, they were heading south to Katikati, the heart of avocado country, with no idea what they were getting into. “We didn’t know a good avocado from a bad one,” Niven said. “All we knew was avocado on toast.” Niven’s background in agriculture meant he hit the ground running. For Palmer, though, the change was profound. “I spent my career in corporate leadership roles,” she said. “This is a huge lifestyle change, but I love it. “The fresh air, the sounds of the birds and cicadas – it’s incredibly grounding. “Alistair always asks what podcast I’m listening to, but honestly, I’m just listening to nature.” Realisation Carol Palmer and Alistair Niven with Storm the dog. Photo / Debbie Griffiths The couple soon realised the reality of working in the horticulture sector and running an orchard presented challenges. “When we first started growing avocados, we were getting $37 per export tray,” Niven said. “The following two years, adverse climatic events meant we got down to single figures. “This year we’re expecting around $20. “It’s nerve-racking, not knowing what the market will bring.” The uncertainty of the avocado market led them to get creative. “We hit every market possible,” Niven said. “We’re determined our fruit is the highest quality, so it can be exported.” This year their fruit was exported to Australia, South Korea and Taiwan. “Last year, Costco came to inspect the orchard,” he said. “Now, we’re supplying them with avocados. “We also supply the local markets through Apata. “It’s great to know we’re part of something bigger and that our fruit is going everywhere.” Income and diversity Alistair Niven checks his avocados. Photo / Debbie Griffiths To supplement their orchard income, they decided to plant 100 passionfruit vines alongside the avocados. “Passionfruit love a humid, sheltered area, so the avocado trees are protecting them,” Niven explained. “When we spray, the bugs are different, but the same chemicals kill them and the fertilisers work together. “We use a lot of seaweed, which works really well for them, and copper, so the fruit trees are complementary. “The passionfruit provide a secondary income, but the avocados are helping the passionfruit to grow.” “It’s a test and we’re still learning, but so far it’s working well,” Palmer said. “The vines can turn very quickly, though, so I’m always checking the backs of the leaves to see if there are any bugs on them.” Adaptability Carol Palmer looks in on her passionfruit vines. Photo / Debbie Griffiths The couple have learned to roll with the punches, especially when the weather doesn’t co-operate. “We had a brutal windstorm in December 2023, and it devastated a lot of orchards in the region,” Niven said. “The result was this year, our best export pack out across the Bay of Plenty was 60%, and some orchards were as low as 20%. “It’s tough, especially when that directly impacts exports and the export return.” “The weather may be unpredictable, but that’s horticulture for you,” Palmer said. “You can’t control everything.” Being active members of discussion groups, workshops and field days run by Apata and NZ Avocado ensures the couple are constantly soaking up the latest research and best practices. “We’ve even hosted field days on our orchard,” Niven said. “We had a number of people show up to our field day and it’s amazing how much you can learn from fresh eyes.” Now, when they’re not in the orchard, Niven works at Apata Grower Services and Palmer was elected to the board of NZ Avocado in 2023. “You’ve got to look outside your square and be adaptable,” Niven said. “If more New Zealanders ate avocados, we wouldn’t have this issue with supply. “If each person ate just one more avocado each year, the entire crop would be consumed in New Zealand. “It’s really that simple.” Sat, 15 Mar 2025 20:10:05 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-destination-dining-in-rotorua/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-destination-dining-in-rotorua/ In a city awash with world-class hiking and biking trails, plus geothermal spectacles, it doesn’t take long to work up an appetite amid the sizzle of Rotorua. There are dining temptations aplenty, but here’s some tried-and-true belly-pleasers that I’d strongly suggest you reserve some stomach room for.  At the southern end of Eat Streat, the Pig and Whistle Historic Pub, which was formerly the city’s police station remains a firm favourite. I ventured there for lunch, which happened to coincide with the NFL Super Bowl, beaming live on the big screen TVs. It was stunning to see so many American diners proudly stand and clasp their chests as the US Anthem rang out. Many devotees passionately claim the Pig and Whistle serves up New Zealand’s best pigtail fries. I pleasingly put that to the test, accompanied with some scrumptious chicken tacos. Bonus points for their Kiwiana cocktails like the Kiwi Bach. Hello, holiday in a glass.   Pig & Whistle Pub exterior. Photo / Mike Yardley  I had the pleasure of savouring the culinary excellence and homely hospitality of Ani’s Gin Bar & Tapas, for the first time. This Amohau Street venue is a charmer – a Māori-owned eatery that exclusively showcases New Zealand-based produce and beverages. Lorisse Vincent-Amor founded the restaurant in honour of her late mother, Annette. The contemporary Aotearoa cuisine is inspired by a touch of nostalgia, with nods to the kai of her childhood, blended with the culinary flair she has cultivated over decades as a chef.   The flavourful tapas-based menu is all-embracing, whether you’re wishing to snack or feast. My picks include Cream Paua and Pancetta Raviolo; and the Smoked Kahawai Croquettes served with wakame seaweed and house-made tartare sauce.  Set aside room for dessert and sink into Ani’s Caramello Mousse, topped with fresh berries and chantilly cream. The cocktail menu is a celebratory hymn to New Zealand craft distillers. Whistle up a Passionfruit Gin Mojito. Ani’s is a masterclass in manaakitanga and lovingly-crafted kai.   Tapas and drinks at Ani's Gin Bar & Tapas. Photo / Mike Yardley  No matter the time of day, a central city mainstay is Capers Café & Store. Sitting pretty in flower-draped Eruera St, the salivating all-day menu bursts into life at 7am, whether you’re after a full cooked breakfast, smashed avocado bagels or grazing on their gourmet salads. Lunch? The pork belly bao buns and fish tacos are hot-sellers, while the store shelves at Capers are also loaded with gourmet take-home goodies. It’s playful dining-hall atmos and perky staff make this is a winning venue.  Ever since Rotorua stamped its mark as the heartland of Māori tourism, a cultural dinner and performance experience has been a staple on the tourist check-list. Raising the bar is Rotorua's Te Pā Tū, which occupies the woodland Pa site, formerly known as the Tamaki Māori Village. Without question, Te Pā Tū is the most absorbing and authentic Māori cultural performance & feasting experience I have ever encountered. Spanning four hours of celebration and kai, this artfully presented and immersive cultural experience may well be the highlight of your holiday. The local, seasonal kai is plentiful and delicious, from the canapes on arrival to the sumptuous three-course dinner. Kai horotai (appetisers) include pork and apple wrapped in kawakawa leaves, abalone, pickled pikopiko (native fern frond), smoked salmon, ceviche, and cold kawakawa tea. Within the forest-formed amphitheatre, story-telling is theatrically shared through haka, music, and drama, before lanterns light the way to the three-course outdoor feast. Hāngi is the hero, alongside lesser known Māori delicacies, prepared fusion style, like watercress chimichurri, taro grain and even kumara ice-cream! It’s a lavish evening of cultural and culinary excellence.  Te Pā Tū dining. Photo / Rotorua NZ Where to stay? My Rotorua basecamp was the Sudima Lake Rotorua, which has all the facilities and features you’d expect from a Qualmark 4-star hotel, including a geothermally-heated pool and kid zone, plus a particularly lavish buffet breakfast. It’s the lakefront location that really impressed me, just east of the Polynesian Spa, so it’s in a quiet lakefront enclave, but still just five minutes’ walk away from the CBD. It’s the best of both worlds. Right across the road, the milky and steamy expanse of Sulphur Bay. I would welcome the new day by stepping out on the boardwalk, following the trail around the lakeshore, where you’ll notice how starkly milky the water becomes.   This unique ecological zone is where plant and bird life has adapted to the harsh sulphur-laden environment. Because of this, there is little food for birds so they leave the area each day to feed, before returning to roost and nest around the bay. Sometimes the acidic water dissolves the webs between birds’ toes! Back in the welcoming embrace of the hotel, the Sudima staff are so outgoing, cheerfully greeting you and always willing to help you with every whim.  Well-appointed with a home-away-from-home vibe and ample off-street parking, guest accommodations come in a variety of configurations, whether you’re travelling alone, as a couple or bringing the whole family – all with ensuites.  Joggers at Sulphur Bay. Photo / RotoruaNZ My spacious Deluxe Suite was luxuriously furnished and generously equipped with a cloud-comfortable bed, separate lounge and dining area, work desk, individually controlled air conditioning & heating, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, free WiFi and fridge. Set yourself up for the day with Ōkāreka Restaurant’s excellent breakfast buffet from 6am. A delectable all-day menu is available from 10am, ahead of the nightly dinner service. Ōkāreka is also a great spot to kick back and drink in the view, with a convivial bar. As the sun sets over Lake Rotorua and Sulphur Bay, it would be rude not to raise your glass!  If you’re looking for a stylish, comfortable, good-value hotel stay and a peaceful night’s sleep, Sudima Lake Rotorua handsomely delivers. www.sudimahotels.com   From geothermal wonders, hot pools and Māori culture to world-beating mountain biking, historic draws and creative dining, Rotorua is power-packed with memorable adventures. For more trip inspiration and destination insights, jump to www.rotoruanz.com  I rocked my way around wonderful Rotorua in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.  Fri, 14 Mar 2025 23:25:31 Z /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-dreamy-steamy-in-rotorua/ /lifestyle/travel/mike-yardley-dreamy-steamy-in-rotorua/ If it has been a while since you last visited Rotorua, particularly around the foreshore, you’re in for a trail of treats. Rotorua’s foreshore developments and lakefront boardwalk have added some stirringly good additions to the city’s arsenal. The boardwalk is a soulful spot for a stroll at daybreak, as the morning mist ethereally dances on the gleaming body of water. The boardwalk’s trove of art installations and evocative design touches are masterstrokes, like the lookalike silica terraces that cascade down to the water’s edge. Your kids will be enchanted with the colossal new playground, too.  Also adorning the lakefront, Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. This iwi-led, luxury spa burst onto the scene less than two years ago, but they’ve fast cemented themselves as a signature Rotorua experience. Built on the legacy of Māori culture and Ngāti Whakaue healing practices, this is quite simply New Zealand’s premium cultural and wellness centre. Rather than just a quick soak in a hot pool, Wai Ariki has developed a far more immersive, multi-sensory approach to its healing waters experience, housed within an architecturally captivating complex.   Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa Pool. Photo / RotoruaNZ Your two hour-long Restorative Journey wellness experience comprises five distinct experiences that complement each other, moving you from the extremities of heat to cool, mud to water, and air to steam – all aimed at maximising the therapeutic geothermal benefits. I passed through the Waterfall Showers, where the soft streams of cold water stimulate the body, before lounging in the Tongariro Fire & Ice Caves. This entails sauna time before throwing ice flakes over your body to improve your vigour. It’s shockingly invigorating. Next up, the gorgeous Geothermal Pools, spanning a range of temperatures from 12C to 41C, with a ringside view across Lake Rotorua.  Once again, it’s all geared at revitalising the body with that stark contrast of soaking in piping hot herbal, hydrotherapy and mineral pools - and then bravely submitting to the bracing, body-tingling plunge pool. Rinse and repeat! From there, I unleashed my inner-child in the Geothermal Mud Lounge, slathering my skin in the runny, nourishing mud. It’s great for your complexion! Your final stop is in the Steam Room, where you recline on heated stones in a misty cave-like room to wash away the mud. It’s a transformative two hours – my body felt rebooted from tip to toe. Wai Ariki has dramatically raised the bar on delivering a luxury wellness experience, steeped in cultural authenticity and a proud sense of place.  www.wai-ariki.co.nz  The following morning, I ventured north of the city centre to ride up the slopes of Mt. Ngongotaha on the Skyline Gondola.  Alighting from my gondola cabin after the 900-metre long ascent, it’s the soul-rinsing views across the city and Lake Rotorua that I sweetly savoured. Bobbing on the horizon, storied Mokoia Island and its long association with Pokarekare Ana. Some versions of the love song refer to Lake Rotorua and the story of Hinemoa swimming across the lake to her forbidden lover, Tūtānekai, on Mokoia Island. Then a touch of forest-bathing, stepping out on the hour-long Skyline nature walk, at the top of the mountain, draped in 15,000 native trees. Information boards are scattered along the path offering cultural and historical information about the region. Local iwi believe fairy-like people live in this forest and on the misty mountain tops of Ngongotaha – not unlike the forest-dwellers of the Ureweras. For some adrenalin-raising frolics, there’s a wealth of attractions including the Skyswing, zipline, mountain biking (on the world-class downhill track recently used for Crankworx) and the gravity-fuelled thrill of the luge. It was quite the place to lose my luge virginity, on the newly designed luge tracks, winding through over 12,000 native trees, LED-lit tunnels and a plethora of twists and turns. Part go-kart/part toboggan, these specially-designed luge carts have a novel braking and steering system, whereby you pull back on the handle bars to slow, and release to accelerate. It really is fast-paced freedom on the 7kms of curvaceous tracks, including the world’s longest. I’m hooked!  Skyline Nature Walk at Mt Ngongotaha. Photo / Mike Yardley For a change of pace, I headed to the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve, a splendid spot for basking in the finery of native forest, slashed by the fast-flowing rapids of the Kaituna River and its sequence of four spectacular falls. From the main lookout platform near Hinemoa's Steps, my jaw repeatedly dropped as I watched whitewater rafters and kayakers plummet over the 7-metre high, Tutea Falls. Tutea lays claim to being the highest commercially-used waterfall in the world, amongst rafters. The first 11km of this section of the Kaituna River is also referred to the Okere River which fittingly means "the place of drifting.” As the name suggests, Kaituna refers to its traditional importance as a food source, namely eels. Before the first road bridge over the river was built in 1872, local Māori operated a ferry across the inlet, connecting travellers connecting Tauranga with Rotorua.  After taking in the gushing waterworks, I joined the enormous conga line of parked cars on SH6, across the road from Lake Rotoiti, to get my fill of the insatiably popular Okere Falls Store. With a charming vintage-rustic vibe and homely atmosphere, there’s a variety of seating areas, although their cranking backyard beer garden is best if the weather’s behaving. It’s a mix of general store, deli, café and beer garden. Alongside their decorated toasties, the burgers, bratwurst and nachos are perennial belly-pleasers. And they do a great all-day breakfast menu. I plumped for the Turkish poached eggs, accompanied with yoghurt & lemon feta dip, harissa relish and charred butter sourdough. Wash it all down with a Sunshine smoothie, consisting of frozen mango, pineapple, lime, coconut and cardamom.  Tutea Falls at Okere Falls Scenic Reserve. Photo / Mike Yardley In a region replete with geothermal glories, settling on what to explore can be like asking to choose your favourite child. On my latest visit, I reacquainted myself with Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. It’s well-named, because the wonders in this geothermal park pulsate with raw power and vivid colour. It’s an enthralling showcase of geothermal eye-candy, including the Lady Knox Geyser, which blows its top every day at 10.15am. Nature’s force gets a helping hand from some detergent, and a constructed ‘blow hole’ that funnels all the steam into an impressive display.  Sculptured out of volcanic activity and thousands of years in the making, headline features at Wai-O-Tapu include New Zealand’s largest mud pool. I gazed in awe at the gloopy, gurgling mass of mud, as if it was a living, burping organism. Artist's Palette lookout provides a panoramic overview of the bizarre landscape, pockmarked with variously coloured rust-red, orange or yellow springs, many of which are boiling at extreme temperatures. If ever there is a place where you need to stick to the boardwalks – this is it! A starring attraction is the Champagne Pool, New Zealand’s largest hot springs, reaching a depth of 62 metres.   Wai-O-Tapu Champagne Pool. Photo / RotoruaNZ The champagne colour denotes the abundance of CO2 in the pool, while other chemical compounds conspire to create the bright orange edges which offset the alluring aquamarine centre. Devil’s Bath is another cracking spectacle, an electric green sulphur lake which looks cartoonish in colour, if not radioactive! Another surreal sight is the collapsed Rua Owhanga Crater where starlings and swallows will happily nest in the walls of the crater which doubles as a useful incubator to heat their eggs before hatching. What a way to be welcomed to the world! Wai-O-Tapu is a gob-stopper.   From geothermal wonders, hot pools and Māori culture to world-beating mountain biking, historic draws and creative dining, Rotorua is power-packed for adventure-seekers. For more trip inspiration and constantly updated destination insights, jump to www.rotoruanz.com   I rocked my way around wonderful Rotorua in a trusty hybrid Ford Puma, courtesy of Ezi Car Rental. I thoroughly enjoyed the Ezi experience, where excellent vehicles, super sharp prices and fast & friendly service are all part of the package. Ezi Car Rental operates an extensive network from 24 locations across the country. They’re everywhere you want to be with vehicles to suit your specific needs. Head to www.ezicarrental.co.nz   Mike Yardley is 九一星空无限talk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every week on Jack Tame Saturday Mornings.  Fri, 14 Mar 2025 01:52:24 Z /lifestyle/technology/hp-omnibook-ultra-laptop-i-need-more-than-just-great-ai/ /lifestyle/technology/hp-omnibook-ultra-laptop-i-need-more-than-just-great-ai/ Today I'm going to do something I never thought I'd do. I'm going to let AI write my review. Don't worry... it hasn't started yet. I'll let you know when. The HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop is all about AI. So much so it comes with two different AI apps installed by default. As one of the new breed of Microsoft Copilot PC's, it has a dedicated Copilot button to launch Microsoft's latest attempt at an all-encompassing AI helper. The OmniBook Ultra also features HP's own AI Companion. With a device-specific shortcut to tweak the settings and performance of the laptop itself, this AI appears to be a natural evolution of the previous HP Support Assistant app. Although, that comes installed too. In fact, there are a lot of pre-installed apps, many of them doubling up on certain tasks. It's confusing and certainly feels like AI overkill. Anyway, I decided to put it all to the test. First, I asked HP AI Companion to write my review. It refused but then went on to summarise all the features pretty well anyway. Microsoft Copilot was much more accommodating - although I couldn't get it to insert photos so the ones below I took myself. Have a read and see what you think... The HP OmniBook Ultra is a sleek and powerful ultraportable laptop that has garnered attention for its impressive performance and design. Here’s a detailed review of this device, covering various aspects such as design, performance, battery life, and more. Design and Build Quality The HP OmniBook Ultra boasts a minimalist design that is both elegant and functional. The laptop features an aluminum chassis with a polished HP logo on the lid, giving it a premium look. The lid is simple and finished in aluminum, while the keyboard deck is dark gray with a lighter shade of gray for the top function row. The only design embellishment is the pale blue power button, which doubles as a fingerprint reader. The display is covered in glossy glass, which enhances color fidelity but can amplify reflections. The bezels are minimal along the sides, but more sizable at the top and bottom. Display The HP OmniBook Ultra comes with a 14-inch IPS touch screen with a resolution of 2240 by 1400 pixels. While the display offers good color accuracy and brightness, it falls short compared to OLED rivals. The glossy glass covering the display can be a double-edged sword, as it improves color fidelity but also increases reflections. The bezels are minimal along the sides, but more sizable at the top and bottom. Performance Under the hood, the HP OmniBook Ultra is powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 processor, which delivers class-leading performance. The laptop also features AMD Radeon 890M integrated graphics, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD. This combination ensures smooth multitasking and fast performance, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. The OmniBook Ultra proved to be a swift performer in benchmark tests, putting it in contention among the best ultrabooks. Battery Life One of the standout features of the HP OmniBook Ultra is its impressive battery life. The laptop can last up to 21 hours and 28 minutes on a single charge, making it ideal for users who need a reliable device for long workdays or travel. The efficient AMD Ryzen AI chipset plays a significant role in extending the battery life. Connectivity The HP OmniBook Ultra offers a decent range of connectivity options, including Thunderbolt 4 ports, which are a great addition for an AMD-powered device. However, the laptop falls short in terms of connectivity compared to some competitors, as it only has one USB-A port and lacks HDMI and Ethernet ports. This limitation might be a drawback for users who require multiple connectivity options. Keyboard and Touchpad The keyboard on the HP OmniBook Ultra is functional but not exceptional. The keys are well-spaced and offer a decent typing experience, but the overall feel is somewhat disappointing compared to other premium laptops. The touchpad is responsive and accurate, making it easy to navigate through tasks. Software and Security The HP OmniBook Ultra comes with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, offering a smooth and user-friendly experience. Additionally, the laptop features HP’s Wolf Security suite, which provides enhanced security features to protect user data. This makes the OmniBook Ultra a secure choice for both personal and professional use. Pricing and Value The HP OmniBook Ultra is priced competitively, starting at $1,349.99. While it offers excellent performance and battery life, the laptop’s design and display quality might not justify the premium price for some users. However, the inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and HP’s Wolf Security suite adds value to the device. Conclusion In summary, the HP OmniBook Ultra is a solid ultraportable laptop that excels in performance and battery life. Its minimalist design and premium build quality make it an attractive choice for users who prioritize aesthetics and functionality. However, the laptop’s connectivity options and display quality might be a drawback for some users. Overall, the HP OmniBook Ultra is a reliable and powerful device that offers great value for its price. Right, back to me. To be honest, this is a pretty good roundup of the device although, to be really honest, when I formatted it, I took out the links to the source material. And that's the thing with AI... it doesn't have its own opinion, it just "borrows" other people's. Although what it has regurgitated here is largely accurate, my review device only has a 1TB SSD, not 2TB as stated above. It talks about HP's Wolf Security suite but that's nowhere to be found on my device. (To be fair, the New Zealand HP website promises this software too, so I'm confused). The battery life claims are outrageous of course and it's this kind of lack of insight that makes me feel pretty secure as a tech reviewer, if not a human being. Nobody sets a video going on their laptop without being connected to Wi-Fi, with the brightness turned down and with no other apps working in the background. If you did, you might get double-digit battery life. On the other hand, I was playing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on battery the other day and I could literally see the battery level draining before my eyes. Oh, and the price is totally wrong - sorry if I got your hopes up. Here in New Zealand the OmniBook Ultra Laptop starts at NZ$3,439.00 - and that's on special.  If you thought AI was smart enough to figure out what country it's in, I've got bad news for you. Look, obviously what it gave me was a great starting point and I actually totally agree with a lot of the other points; there aren't enough ports, the keyboard and trackpad are fabulous, the display is top notch although is a bit too reflecty and the graphics, neural processing and sheer grunt of this machine are truly awesome. Just don't expect AI to put it quite that way... Unless it's read this review.      Click here for more information and pricing on the HP OmniBook Ultra Laptop. Thu, 13 Mar 2025 23:18:56 Z /lifestyle/new-zealand-beach-holidays-how-to-protect-wildlife-from-your-dog-and-keep-them-safe-too/ /lifestyle/new-zealand-beach-holidays-how-to-protect-wildlife-from-your-dog-and-keep-them-safe-too/ It’s a brisk early morning at Piha’s North Beach in Auckland, and the black labrador in front of me is barking like a steady machine gun at a kororā (little penguin) surrounded by curious beachgoers. The dog was on a leash so it was allowed here. Its owner noticed the kororā and tugged on the leash. He dragged his lab away as it barked louder. Interactions between dogs and wildlife on beaches are common. Sometimes in a negative manner: chasing birds. Disturbing nests. Sniffing or eating washed-up marine creatures. While it can be enjoyable or practical to bring a dog to the beach, it’s critical to keep dogs close to protect both vulnerable wildlife and the pet, a conservation worker says. “In New Zealand, we’ve got a lot of awesome native species that we want to protect, and there is a risk element of taking a dog – kind of like an unpredictable child at times,” said Courtney Scratchard, a community supervisor at the Department of Conservation (DoC). “It’s important to keep them close”. Courtney Scratchard with her two Swedish Vallhunds. “But wildlife on the beach or in certain areas could also be dangerous for the dog. It goes both ways.” The first step is observing the environment around you, making sure the beach, lake or reserve allows dogs, which people can check on the DoC Government website. “Local councils also have regulations around dogs and what areas they can be in, so it’s really good to have a look online with whatever area you’re in,” added Scratchard. The DoC website states: “You can take your dog to public conservation land that DoC has approved for dog access. You may require a permit to do so. Note: a dog permit may take up to five days to process. “It is an offence for dogs to visit any other conservation land area, shore or foreshore even briefly, unless DoC has provided written approval or your dog is a certified disability assist dog aiding you.” Some beaches are “off-leash” beaches, meaning you still need to take your leash with you “in case you need to keep your dog really close to you,” Scratchard said. Scratchard, who is based in Rotorua, said the native dabchick can be particularly vulnerable to dogs. Kororā, the world's smallest penguin, are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks. “They are endemic to New Zealand, and currently the highest population are in Taupō and Rotorua”. In other coastal areas, red-billed gulls, dotterels and fur seals are protected species at risk. The possibility of a protected species getting attacked or killed isn’t the only concern. Certain behaviours of dogs can also affect wildlife habitats. “The presence of dogs in their wildlife can disturb their resting, their feeding and breeding behaviours, and it makes it more difficult for them to survive, especially if they’re disturbed often. What if someone witnesses a dog harassing wildlife on a beach? What can they do? “Safety first,” said Scratchard. “If it looks like an aggressive dog, and you can’t intervene or talk to the person who owns the dog, we recommend that you call 0800 DOC HOT [0800 362 468], and that will take you through to a line of someone who can respond.” For serious incidents, there can be hefty consequences for pet owners. According to the Dog Control Act, a person can be fined up to $20,000 or spend up to three years in jail if their dog causes serious injury to wildlife or breaches the conditions of their dog permit. The dog can also be “destroyed” or put down. “If we can use these measures such as leashes, treats, and toys to distract them and training to have that recall, then that can be completely avoided.” Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:17:40 Z