Amy Prebble
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Articles by Amy Prebble
Jack Tame and Tova O’Brien on toddlers, teamwork and what matters most
When powerhouse journalists Tova O’Brien and Jack Tame lean in for a quiet exchange during their Woman’s Weekly photo shoot, you might imagine they’re swapping political predictions. In reality, they’re discussing foam play tiles. “We were supposed to be smiling for the camera,” laughs Jack. “But I’ve got Tova whispering in my ear, like, ‘Oh, by the way, I’ve cleaned up those tiles. I’ll drop them around next week.’” Outside work, the pair is navigating much of the same territory.
Paddy Gower and Samantha Hayes share their special bond
Paddy Gower has earned a reputation as one of television’s sharpest and most tenacious journalists, but he still remembers being completely in awe when he first met Samantha Hayes. The former newspaperman joined TV3 in 2010 and was suddenly working alongside Nightline presenter Samantha. “I was very, very starstruck,” he insists as the pair catch up with Woman’s Weekly. Laughing, Samantha admits she doesn’t actually recall that encounter, but these days, the admiration is very much mutual.
Dominic Ona-Ariki’s big Hollywood break: ‘I pinch myself’
Kiwi actor Dominic Ona-Ariki had two major reasons to celebrate when he landed a role in hit Hollywood comedy Spa Weekend. Not only was he about to work alongside Leslie Mann, Anna Faris and Michelle Buteau, but it gave Annie, his partner of eight years, fresh material for one of her favourite jokes. “I always get matched up as the husband, lover or boyfriend,” laughs Dominic, 36, who plays Michelle’s onscreen husband. “Annie gives me heaps. She’s like, ‘Here we go.
The Edge’s Ash London and Yas Coe share their special bond
At first glance, The Edge radio stars Ash London and Yasmina “Yas” Coe don’t appear to have much in common. Melbourne-born Ash has interviewed everyone from Taylor Swift to Harry Styles, has written a book and is a devoted mum to nearly five-year-old son Buddy, while Nelson girl Yas lives with eight flatmates, thinks of Auckland as “the Big Smoke” and is still pinching herself about landing her dream gig. However, they’ve quickly become best friends as well as co-workers.
Block battlers Jess and Norm risks it all to bring new show to life
Aussie reality TV stars Jess Eva and Norm Hogan are absolutely fizzing that their renovation show Budget Battlers is being shown in New Zealand. “We’re just so grateful!” exclaims Jess. “When we found out the programme was going to screen here, I said to Normie, ‘We’ve got to come and tell people about the show’, because the cost-of-living crisis in New Zealand is similar to in Australia.
Nigel Latta opens up about the reality of his cancer battle
Renowned broadcaster Nigel Latta says 25 November 2023 was easily one of the best days of his life. It was when he married fellow clinical psychologist Natalie Flynn at Auckland’s Glasshouse venue in a stunning ceremony filled with love and laughter. Smiles Nigel, “To quote SpongeBob SquarePants, it was the best day ever. The truth is, I love Natalie more than anything, but trying to describe that in a bunch of words seems a bit inadequate.
More FM presenter Ash London tells all on her new Kiwi life
Throughout her media career, radio star Ash London has interviewed Taylor Swift five times, hosted her own TV show, made appearances on hit comedy series like Have You Been Paying Attention?, fronted two podcasts and even written a book. With a work schedule as relentless at that, she jokes that she had no choice but to marry a colleague. “Where else was I going to meet anybody?” she laughs.
How Jodie Rimmer took herself from despair to the dating scene
Midway through 2024, Jodie Rimmer was on top of the world – resplendent in a red vinyl jumpsuit and platinum wig, she had audiences in stiches, as well as tears, with her stunning performance in one-woman show Nicola Cheeseman Is Back. Even her rheumatoid arthritis had taken a backseat. “I think my body just knew I was happy,” grins Jodie, who was diagnosed with the extremely painful autoimmune disease in 2021. “It was amazing.
Wilhelmina and Ben share their magical engagement
Broadcaster Wilhelmina Shrimpton wasn’t at all suspicious when her rugby referee beau Ben O’Keeffe set up a tripod to snap perfect shots of the pair at Chapman’s Peak lookout just out of Cape Town – of course he’d want to capture the stunning sunset views of Table Mountain, as well as the vintage AC Chevy Cobra V8 they were touring in. But then he dropped to one knee to propose, holding out a stunning diamond ring. “There were definitely tears,” shares Wilhelmina.
Wilhelmina and her beau Ben tell all on their ‘perfect’ whirlwind romance
For most Kiwi couples, ideas of where to go for a third date include the movies, the beach or even mini golf. But Wilhelmina Shrimpton and Ben O’Keeffe really stepped things up. They went to the Taj Mahal, the world-famous monument to undying love, after a whirlwind start to their romance. When Woman’s Day meets the couple at the cosy home they’ve moved into on Auckland’s North Shore, it’s clear the broadcaster and rugby referee are completely smitten.
Captain Sandy’s beautiful love boat wedding
Below Deck Mediterranean star Captain Sandy Yawn is made of stern stuff. The fan favourite has been chased through the Red Sea by pirates, left for dead after a motorcycle accident in 2015 and survived 14 arrests when she was battling addiction in her youth. But Sandy reveals a softer side when she talks about her wife, gospel singer Leah Shafer. “I just love everything about her,” Sandy, 59, tells Woman’s Day during an interview held, fittingly, on Auckland’s waterfront.
To celebrate her 50th, Jay-Jay Feeney shares her life makeover
Arriving fashionably late to her own white-themed 50th birthday bash, Jay-Jay Feeney slinks into the rooftop bar of an Auckland hotel wearing a cosy white dressing gown, prompting wolf whistles from the 80 close friends and family who have gathered to help her celebrate. They’re also wearing white, as per the instructions on the invitation. But wait… Is Jay-Jay in her PJs? Or has she just given up on dressing up now she’s reached her half-century?
Woman’s Day winners Madelein and Jan renew their vows celebrating life and love
When Madelein Nieuwoudt went shopping for the perfect dress to wear on her Valentine’s Day vow renewal, she had a very specific gown in mind. “I wanted a short, pink dress that had lace around the shoulders to cover up my scars and radiation burns,” says the brave breast cancer survivor. “But I ended up getting the opposite! I decided I was going to show my warrior scars and show what cancer is all about. This vow renewal was about celebrating life and celebrating love.
Woman’s Day winners Madelein and Jan renew their vows celebrating life and love
When Madelein Nieuwoudt went shopping for the perfect dress to wear on her Valentine’s Day vow renewal, she had a very specific gown in mind. “I wanted a short, pink dress that had lace around the shoulders to cover up my scars and radiation burns,” says the brave breast cancer survivor. “But I ended up getting the opposite! I decided I was going to show my warrior scars and show what cancer is all about. This vow renewal was about celebrating life and celebrating love.
Megan Alatini introduces her new fiancée
As they reveal their engagement, the singer and her fiancée Natalie recall how a rekindled friendship blossomed into unexpected romance TrueBliss beauty Megan Alatini definitely rang in 2024 with style! The songstress thought she was going to a sunset picnic at Waiheke's Mudbrick Vineyard on New Year's Day, but when a plane flew past with a banner that read, "Megs, you should marry me 1 day," she realised her partner Natalie McDade had also planned the perfect proposal.
Third time lucky for Westside's Antonia Prebble and Dan Musgrove
After a five-year engagement, the gorgeous couple are looking forward to making things official Double Parked star Antonia Prebble is a master of multitasking. She happily shares the details about her upcoming wedding while simultaneously entertaining her two-year-old son Gus, who is draped across her legs, and having her hair and makeup done for our photoshoot.
Edna Swart's surprise pregnancy
The reality tv star was shocked to discover she's about to be a mum. Edna Swart assumed it would probably take years – and possibly a gruelling IVF journey – for her and husband Reid Stephen to have a baby together.
CTI's James Mustapic brings home the treasure!
The comedian earned over $100K for his charity Gender Minorities Aotearoa. Celebrity Treasure Island star James Mustapic is flat-out shocked he beat the likes of league legend Steve Price or media golden girl Matilda Green to win the show. "It's crazy!" he exclaims, sitting on the grass behind the Auckland villa he shares with a group of flatmates. "I thought I would go home really early. Every single day, I thought I would be going home. I don't know how to put it into words. It's very special.
AM Show presenter Melissa Chan-Green's birthday blessing
Beloved broadcaster Melissa Chan-Green's 40th birthday did not involve a big party, bucketloads of bubbly or a trip abroad. Instead, she spent a low-key day with her husband Caspar, son Busby and her two-week-old bundle of joy Mabel. "It was better than any 40th birthday celebration I could have ever hoped for," the AM presenter grins.
Meet Celebrity Treasure Island star Courtney Dawson
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree for this comedian Comedian Courtney Dawson has charmed Celebrity Treasure Island viewers ever since she arrived on the show with her hilarious one-liners and eight fabulous hats. As it turns out, being charismatic and funny is in Courtney's genes. The rising star of Aotearoa's comedy scene started doing stand-up after watching her dad Heta leave an audience in stitches.
Lotto's Jordan Vandermade on his greatest gift
Lotto presenter and rugby commentator Jordan Vandermade admits it was tough leaving his one-year-old daughter Quincy to join the cast of Celebrity Treasure Island, but his partner Bianca Ikinofo gave him the push he needed. "She was like, 'You asked for this to happen and now it's come along, you can't say no!'" chuckles Jordan. "I'm very fortunate she makes those moments easier.
Libby Robertson's battle with booze
Libby Robertson saw the light about alcohol after throwing herself out of a two-storey window following a drunken argument with her boyfriend. She had fallen on her head on concrete and, because she had a concussion, Wellington hospital staff were trying to keep her awake. "I just remember the nurse shining the light in my eyes and telling me I was lucky to be alive," says Libby.
Antonia Prebble's new challenge
Thrashing around desperately in a pool, trying to avoid being drowned by your lover – who is the mother of one of the people you've murdered – was the perfect climactic exit for Antonia Prebble's Shortland Street character Rebekah. "I realised that in my whole career, I've never done any acting in a pool!" says the actress, who starred in six seasons each of iconic Kiwi shows Outrageous Fortune and Westside. "It was so fun. Now I will only act in a pool.
Rugby Sevens star Niall Williams’ wedding day
Following their beautiful wedding, Stevie Wonder’s classic love song Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) could be the soundtrack for Rugby Sevens star Niall Williams and her husband Tamāli’i Guthrie’s beautiful romance. It turns out sparks first began to fly between the couple 15 years ago, when they both worked as posties. “I actually already knew Tama because we both played touch rugby,” says Niall. “But the last time I saw him, he was playing for the under-21s.
Rugby Sevens star Niall Williams' wedding day
Stevie Wonder's classic love song Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours) could be the soundtrack for Rugby Sevens star Niall Williams and her husband Tamāli'i Guthrie's beautiful romance. It turns out sparks first began to fly between the couple 15 years ago, when they both worked as posties. "I actually already knew Tama because we both played touch rugby," says Niall. "But the last time I saw him, he was playing for the under-21s.
'Mum lived to walk me down the aisle'
When Auckland health coach Sylvia Philcox was asked to attend a hospital meeting about her late mother Ai Sukaesih's cancer treatment, she knew it wasn't going to be good news. She and her partner Lukas Phan-huy had taken Ai into Auckland Hospital on 5 October last year as she was struggling to breathe. Doctors found a tumour in Ai's neck and by the 11th, they had diagnosed her with thyroid cancer.
Cycling golden girl Rebecca 'It was the perfect day'
The Olympian and her husband tied the knot in a beautiful, fun-filled ceremony complete with a dramatic first dance Feb 02, 2023 4:00pm Olympic cyclist Rebecca Petch only managed to snatch four hours of shut-eye the night before her wedding to long-term partner Jarrod Browning. "I was too excited to sleep!" the BMX champion-turned-track cyclist confesses to Woman's Day. "But then when I woke up, I felt pretty relaxed. I was surrounded by my amazing bridesmaids.
Shorty star's unbreakable bond 'We're so grateful for this friendship'
Stunning Shortland Street stars Rebekah Randell and Courtenay Louise spent three weeks apart over the summer break, so even though it's their first day back at work when they chat to Woman's Day, they're absolutely fizzing to be reunited. "We literally just sat down together for an hour and planned our lives," says Courtenay, 28, with a broad smile.
K'Lee's little miracle 'This Christmas is extra special'
Her parents Carol, 60, and Bruce, 64, who live on the Gold Coast, haven't had many opportunities to meet little Honour. "Unfortunately, it took ages before Mum was able to see her," tells K'Lee. "It was during the whole COVID and RSV breakout, and visitors were limited to just parents. Dad hasn't seen her since the first time she went to hospital with RSV.
Zac and Erin share their Christmas plans with baby Harrison
Erin Simpson and Zac Franich have always loved the festive season, but now that they're parents to adorable five-month-old Harrison, it's even more magical. "I just love Christmas," says Erin. "I'm one of those people who thinks about presents all year. I've already got a Harrison-themed Santa sack, decorations and a Harrison Christmas teddy bear!" Luckily, her hubby Zac, 34, is equally enthusiastic. "I'm into it from November onwards," he admits.
Ngahuia's baby blessing 'I was as surprised as everyone else'
Ngahuia gave birth to Niau in level-four lockdown last September, which she describes as "a little bit terrifying". She recalls, "I went to hospital and I was confined to my room, where I had my baby. But I got to go home four hours later.
Shorty's Ava reveals 'my secret suffering'
Not many people will have guessed that British-born beauty Ava Diakhaby has been battling a chronic disease the entire time she has brightened up our screens as the gregarious Jojo on Shortland Street. The actress was beyond excited to start work on the Kiwi soap when the 2020 lockdown threw a spanner in the works, halting production for weeks. It was during this time Ava started feeling extremely unwell. "Once we went into level two of the first-ever lockdown, I was suddenly so sick," she shares.
Shorty star Kura 'Why I left my dream job'
The multi-talented actress talks money, future projects and why she’s glad she had a fake wedding Oct 27, 2022 9:00am Shortland Street star Kura Forrester admits it was agony deciding whether she should leave her dream role playing "annoying but lovable" receptionist Desi on the long-running soap. "It was definitely confronting," she shares. "I talked to so many people about it.
Armchair travel: 3 books that will make you feel like you've gone on a trip
Because we can’t always be on holiday, Amy Prebble shares reads that will help you get away from it all, even when you’re not. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Mega-selling author Kristin Hannah’s latest novel is a moving tale of love, despair and the importance of labour laws, set during the Great Depression in the US. It starts in Texas in 1921, where Elsa Wolcott is ignored and bullied by her wealthy family for being too tall, old and ugly to ever land a husband.
5 things our Scout editors can't get enough of right now
We round up a selection of good stuff, tried and tested by Scout patrollers Sarah-Kate Lynch and Amy Prebble. 1. Nespresso machine No go without joe Sarah-Kate Lynch I only drink decaf, but I like it just the way my Nespresso machine makes it, so when I travel for more than a couple of days, one of the first things that goes into the suitcase – and I’m not kidding – is my Essenza Mini. It doesn’t take up much room, and if I’m not packing 20 pairs of shoes as well, I even throw in the frother.
Exploring the wonders of Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s great walks
Amy Prebble swaps high heels for hiking boots and falls for the wonders of one of New Zealand’s great walks. "You want to walk the Routeburn Track?” my husband exclaims.
Waiheke Island: There's more to this destination than wining and dining
There's more to Waiheke Island than wining and dining, as Amy Prebble finds out (in between wining and dining). Here's the best way to spend a long weekend. Blessed with a grape-friendly microclimate and glorious white-sand beaches, Waiheke Island is well established as the glittering jewel of the Hauraki Gulf.
Entrepreneur Lisa King is helping Kiwis cut back on the booze
With her new venture, entrepreneur Lisa King wants to help Kiwis hit snooze on booze. She discusses Eat My Lunch in lockdown and her new purpose. Lisa King, the founder of Eat My Lunch, has really grabbed 2020 by the horns. Not only did she reorganise her entire business to make sure 2000 kids in need still received nutritious free lunches during lockdown, she is also about to launch a new business – AF Drinks, a non-alcoholic drinks brand.
Why every bird lover needs to visit the beautiful Gulf Island of Tiritiri Matangi
Amy Prebble discovers how conservation efforts on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf have turned it into a bird paradise. When you step off the ferry at Tiritiri Matangi, the first thing that hits you is the birdsong. The three croaky notes of the tui, the trill of the korimako (bellbird) and one call that sounds very much like an old car trying to start up. The cacophony is as arresting as the view.
3 books you should take to read on your next holiday
Paging anyone looking for an unputdownable summer read – Amy Prebble has a trio of treats you can really bury your head in. The Girl in the Mirror Pop Kiwi writer Rose Carlyle’s first novel The Girl in the Mirror in your beach bag and it’ll keep you enthralled on the sand this summer. (Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen – I didn’t stop reading until 3am!) This new thriller is an addictive mix of deadly plots, deception, gorgeous girls and greed.
Why this mum decided to give up drinking during lockdown, for good
After experiencing blackouts, anxiety and, yes, denial about her drinking, Amy Prebble reveals why she finally put a cork in it. I never thought I would stop drinking during a pandemic. But I did. I’m now six months sober and it was being confined to my house during lockdown that helped me finally kiss booze goodbye. It seems I wasn’t the only one who decided to re-evaluate my alcohol intake during that strange time.
Mark Vette’s tips on how to create a life-long bond with your pet
Dog’s can’t fly – right? If you’re Mark Vette, they certainly can! The renowned animal behaviourist, who you’ll probably recognise from the hit series Purina Pound Pups to Dog Stars, has definitely taken dog training to new heights – and that thought was never more real to Mark when he found himself sitting in the back of a Cessna 172M, while his Labrador-German shepherd cross Reggie took the controls.
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