Table of contents for Issue 98 Feb/Mar 2025 in Good

deanmackenzie.com enoughnessproject.com Nicole Schlichting Nicole is a passionate communicator and freelance writer known for her dedication, tenacity, honesty and immediacy (in no particular order). One of her many skills is converting oxygen to carbon dioxide, a talent she’s been honing since birth. Nicole’s particular expertise lies in the crossover between communications and sustainability, having been the Senior Communications Advisor for the Sustainable Business Council of NZ for a few years – and now, she’s heading off to travel and eat her way through Europe for a few years before returning again to lovely Aotearoa New Zealand. Dean Mackenzie Dean Mackenzie is a multi-award-winning photographer, being named Epson NZ Photographer of the Year and NZ Travel Photographer of the year. He has earned a Fellowship from the NZIPP and is well…

The best views come after the tough climb. Think of adventure, and you might picture scaling mountains or trekking through dense forests. But for Gemma McCaw, who represented New Zealand as an Olympic athlete, adventure has become an extension of her life, particularly in the form of Ladies Who Venture – a business she founded with sports physiotherapist and performance coach Jess Baker – to provide women with the tools and support to take on outdoor adventures. Drawing on her experiences from her sporting career, her qualifications (sport and exercise science and positive psychology and wellbeing) as well as her love for getting outdoors with her friends, Gemma is now working to inspire others, particularly women, to explore the world around them through fitness and adventure. “Adventure is not just…

For most people, canoeing through the Amazon or cycling from India to Nepal seems impossible. But for Erick de Castro Rosa, a man who grew up in downtown São Paulo – one of the most populated cities in South America – the allure lies in the extreme parts of nature: pushing his physical and mental edges through his passions for pedalling, paddling, sailing, climbing or hiking. It’s more about the pleasure of traversing untouched terrain that sparks his spirit of adventure. THE ART OF CALCULATED RISK Erick doesn’t approach his adventures recklessly. While he thrives on the unpredictability of the elements, safety and preparation are paramount when undertaking this type of experience. “I calculate my risks in terms of safety – what gear I need, the physical and mental state…

Kirsty Cardy’s outgoing personality has taken her around the world. Her curiosity and love of tradition have driven her to immerse herself in cultures, sampling some of the best food in boutique locations. Her quests have led to an in-depth exploration of what makes people happy. A JOURNEY ROOTED IN TRADITION Kirsty’s love for exploration began with teenage trips to Bali, where she first discovered the joy of immersing herself in new cultures. Over time, she developed a knack for seeking out the authentic side of destinations, from staying at luxury resorts to diving deep into the heart of communities, often asking locals where they would take their families to eat. Her culinary curiosity found a fitting outlet when she joined the first season of MasterChef New Zealand. Reflecting on…

When it comes to looking and feeling your best, hydration is the ultimate multitasker. Not only does it keep your skin plump and your hair shiny, but it also ensures your body functions like a well-oiled machine. With summer in full swing, hydration becomes even more essential to combat the effects of sun, salt water and drying winds. But hydration isn’t just about drinking water (although that’s a big part of it). To truly thrive, your skin and hair need a combination of TLC from the inside out and outside in. Keep your glow alive with these nourishing habits, natural remedies and products that love the planet as much as they love you. The inside story: Eating and drinking your way to hydration Your skin and hair reflect your overall…

Using fair&good’s online directory, you can access an array of ethical fashion brands right at your fingertips. You’ll be supporting brands that value fair wages, safe workplaces and sustainable materials. These brands also go beyond the fight against modern slavery to empower their makers through education, training and wellbeing support. Here’s our latest laid-back finds from fairandgood.co.nz.…

For more paint, colour ideas and inspiration, visit your Resene ColorShop or resene.co.nz. Resene the paint the profession use A fresh coat of paint will better protect your doorstep from the elements, create a great first impression and give you a lift every time you step out. For a lasting result, apply Resene products formulated specifically for the surface you are painting. Then use professional-grade masking tape to easily create a stunning multi-colour pattern. Choose colours that complement your home’s exterior. In this case, the exterior walls are painted in Resene Joanna, door surrounds in Resene Lemon Grass and door threshold in Resene Pioneer Red. I used a combination of Resene Half Joanna and Resene Double Lemon Grass for a dramatic doorstep effect. YOU NEED • 500ml Resene Sureseal• 1 litre…

Look out for these handy labels in the recipes: GF: Gluten-Free OF: Oil-Free NF: Nut-Free EPIC AVO TOAST WITH CHICKPEAS & MISO Serves 2 - 3 2-3 avocados1 tin organic chickpeas, drained1 small red onion, finely dicedjuice of 1-2 lemons4 slices of seed bread or sourdough or gluten-free bread for toasting, veggie sticks, or crackers1-2 teaspoons miso pastesliced tomatoes (optional)salt and cracked pepper to taste OTHER OPTIONAL TOPPINGS sprinkling of hemp hearts (seeds)dollop of sauerkrauttickle of chilli flakesdrizzle of extra virgin olive oilhandful of salad greens, micro greens or fresh sprouts Smash up the avocado with a fork to your liking – chunky or smooth or anywhere in between. Do the same with your chickpeas – just lay them on a board and use a fork or the bottom of…

In 2020, amidst the chaos of the global pandemic, Stephen Smith experienced a moment of inspiration that would change his life forever. A former professional chef with a love for creativity, Stephen decided to make the plates for his wedding. After hiring a pottery wheel and, with a lounge full of clay, what began as a simple idea would evolve into Author Ceramics, a brand that not only expresses Stephen’s artistic journey but also tells the story of his family, their love for the beach, and their connection to Aotearoa’s natural beauty. The beginning Author Ceramics emerged during a time of personal reflection and re-evaluation. With the pandemic limiting usual activities, Stephen, already skilled in the culinary arts, wanted to make something meaningful for his wedding. “I thought it would…

WATCH MARIA Maria (2025) stars Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, the iconic American Greek soprano. The film follows her retreat to Paris after a glamorous yet tumultuous public life. Jolie delivers a powerful performance, capturing Callas’ unyielding spirit as she faces personal and societal struggles. Director Pablo Larraín’s meticulous approach creates an immersive experience, blending sweeping landscapes with intimate close-ups that emphasise emotional depth. While the script touches on familiar themes of trauma and resilience, Jolie’s portrayal of Maria elevates the story, making it feel fresh and compelling. The film’s stunning cinematography and poignant storytelling offer a stirring exploration of survival, identity and the human will to endure. Ultimately, Maria is a visually striking, thought-provoking film, with Jolie’s remarkable performance at its heart. In cinemas now. LISTEN BOUNTIFULL The Bountifull…

Aleph believes beauty isn’t beautiful if it comes at the expense of people, the planet, or animals. Guided by this ethos, aleph approaches every decision they make with reverence for the interconnectedness of all things. From ethical sourcing to eco-conscious packaging, each product reflects their dedication to sustainability, transparency, and high performance. Aleph sets a new standard in beauty: clean, sustainable, and uncompromising in quality. Every aleph product is meticulously crafted to nourish your skin and enhance your natural radiance while being kind to the environment. THE PERFECT GIFT! Enjoy a little bit of luxury every two months with a subscription to Good magazine. Look forward to an engaging mix of interviews, food and drink, travel, wellness and craft – delivered to your letterbox. We know you like to tread…

ACROSS 1. Drums section 6. Government heads 10. Relentlessly 15. Honey liquor 18. Window-shopped 19. Ill-used (3-4) 20. Perjurer 22. Dexterous 23. Most solemn 24. From that time 25. Naughty child 26. Cut into portions 28. Wear down 30. Obtain 31. Rockies state 32. … & sciences 33. Ballet dress 34. Soft leather 35. Church song 37. Alien ships (1,1,2) 39. A breath of fresh … 40. Yogurt containers 42. Dork 45. Shake 48. Prosecuted 49. Linear measure 50. Ocean phase (3,4) 53. Abdominal muscles 54. Expel 56. Light-splitting glass 59. Competition 61. Anguished cry 62. Rude person 63. Turncoat 64. Weaken 65. Cure 66. Large antlered animal 68. Vulnerable 69. Tiny 70. Least clear 71. Not ever again 72. Ribbon knot 73. Dogmatic 74. Droop 76. Marriage split (5-2)…

ON THE COVER Gemma McCaw Photography by Dean McKenzie Hair and makeup by Pearl Babington Styling by Amanda Macdonald STAY IN TOUCH goodmagazine.co.nz @goodmagazinenz goodmag Thanks to this edition inspiring me, after listening to so many adventurers telling me their stories, I started to get itchy feet and spontaneously booked a wellness retreat called Beyond Biology, nestled in the heart of a blue zone in Costa Rica. I wanted to visit a place renowned for its longevity and explore what environment fosters such healthy humans. My guess? Thriving ecosystems – because, as they say, a healthy ecosystem creates healthy humans, as we are not separate from, but part of nature. Maybe some of their long-life magic will rub off on me. Being four parts Sagittarius, if that means anything to…

Uliai Williams is a curious woman full of wisdom, forever on a journey guided by trust and devotion. Her story is one of discovering home in all places, cultivating a deep relationship with Indigenous cultures and the interconnectedness of all beings. “I was always pulled beyond known boundaries to the road less travelled,” Uliai began, her voice gentle yet imbued with courage and power. Her upbringing – she was born into privilege – painted an idyllic picture: a farmer’s daughter with a holiday home by the lake. Her mother loved art and literature, which inspired Uliai. Yet, despite this, she felt somewhat confined. “I still felt like I was in some kind of bubble. It didn’t represent who I really was. Something was pulling me to a greater place.” That…

Connor Mooney, a Canada-born ex-ice hockey player, has dedicated his life to leading immersive safaris across Africa. A deep connection with nature and wildlife sparked his passion for the continent. Today, he guides travellers on journeys that prioritise respect and understanding of Africa’s landscapes, animals and cultures. “I don’t really sit still long,” Connor admits. “I looked at myself in the mirror during Covid and had an epiphany to start a travel business. I know, crazy, aye?” This realisation led him to design safaris that blend adventure, food and cultural experiences. For Connor, food is as much a part of the journey as the wildlife. “I always want to meet the farmers, the food producers,” he says. “Why are we eating what we are? These foods have fed people for…

For Dave Williams, adventure has always been strong. In 2013, at 28, following what he describes as a “life epiphany”, Dave decided to set about climbing all seven summits of the Earth from sea level, something never before attempted. Slowly but surely, Dave started ticking them off: Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in 2013 (10 days of running, six days of climbing); Mt Kosciuszko, Australia, in 2013 (six days of hiking); Mt Elbrus, Georgia/Russia, in 2014 (eight days running, 11 days climbing) and Mt Aconcagua, Chile/Argentina, in 2016 (seven days running, 19 days climbing). The fire for his cause? Raising awareness for men’s mental health. But since the pandemic, he’s faced a beautiful but challenging new chapter: fatherhood. Now, with two young children, he finds balancing family life with his adventurous spirit…

It’s the first and last thing we do – and every moment in between. Breathing is the most fundamental act of life on Earth. Every breath delivers oxygen to our bloodstream through the lungs’ alveoli and removes carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism. Oxygen powers cellular respiration, producing ATP, the body’s energy currency, while exhaling CO2 maintains homeostasis and prevents toxic buildup. Beyond sustaining life, breathing regulates blood pH, ensuring an optimal balance for cellular function. But breathing goes far beyond physiology – many zen masters or yogis would say it’s our access to infinite consciousness. The subtle power of breath Slow, deep breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation, while rapid breaths stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, preparing us for action. Nasal breathing, often overlooked, is a…

Glow mama glow Biomama’s Healing Oil, $101, is a velvety, non-comedogenic face oil designed to address the root cause of moisture loss. Packed with natural ceramides, fatty acids and antioxidants to deeply nourish and repair your skin. An essential step in pregnancy or postnatal skincare, it delivers unmatched benefits, leaving your skin glowing during pregnancy and early motherhood. biomamaskincare.com.au Root remedy Absolute Essential’s Hair Restorer, $34.95, is an optimum impact formula to improve scalp condition, enhance shine and support healthy growth. Readily absorbed deep into tissue structure for effective repair, rejuvenation and natural bounce. absoluteessential.com Delightful duo Trilogy’s Hyaluronic Acid+ Water Cream, $49.99, combined with the Hyaluronic Acid+ Ultra Serum, $49.99, is the ultimate hydration and plumping duo. The natural, vegan and cruelty free lightweight moisturiser and serum are powered…

February and March are key months for both harvesting summer’s bounty and preparing for cooler days ahead. From planting vibrant flowers to hearty vegetables, these months offer opportunities to keep your garden thriving. Here’s what to plant and the essential jobs to tackle to make the most of this transitional period. FEBRUARY February, one of the hottest months, is a prime time for harvesting summer fruits and vegetables. It’s also the perfect time to plant autumn crops and add a splash of vibrant summer blooms. Keep plants well-fed and hydrated to avoid stress and ensure a healthy, bountiful garden. PLANT NOW Alyssum, basil, beans, beetroot, blueberries, capsicum, courgettes, daffodil, daisy, eggplant, forget-me-not, fuchsia, gerbera, lavender, leeks, lettuce, marigold, mesclun, onions, parsley, parsnip, petunia, potatoes, radish, rhubarb, rocket, spinach and spring…

FAVA BEANS WITH POMEGRANATES ½ red onion, thinly sliced1 teaspoon sumac1 teaspoon red wine vinegar½ teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more to taste2 tablespoons avocado oil2 garlic cloves, chopped700g fresh young fava beans, pods and inner shells removed*¼ teaspoon black pepper1 teaspoon za’atar juice of ½ lemon½ cup chopped fresh parsley¼ cup chopped fresh dill¼ cup fresh mint leaves¼ cup pomegranate arils1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses, for garnish2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, for garnish2 tablespoons Labneh (see recipe below), for garnish *Could be substituted for broad beans or thawed frozen podded broad beans if fresh are unavailable. Place the onion, sumac and red wine vinegar in a bowl, season with salt, and let the mixture sit until the onion turns bright red and becomes slightly pickled. Place the avocado oil in…

Do you have a broken plate, favourite cup or piece of pottery that has sentimental value and is broken or damaged, but you don’t know what to do with it? Kintsugi is your answer. Called kintsugi or kintsukuroi, literally golden (“kin”) and repair (“tsugi”), this traditional Japanese art form uses a precious metal – liquid gold, liquid silver or lacquer dusted with powdered gold – to bring together the pieces of a broken pottery item and at the same time enhance the breaks. Japanese and Māori folklore have always inspired Kiwi graphic and ceramic artist Ema Frost in her artistic practice. She learned the art of kintsugi when visiting Japan several years ago, and a perfectionist by nature, she enjoyed how it taught her to embrace imperfections. She was passionate…

BOLD, BEAUTIFUL AND BONNIE Bonnie Skin is a skincare brand founded with a mission to simplify routines and deliver exceptional results through high-quality, science-backed products. Combining quality ingredients with cutting-edge technology, Bonnie offers a streamlined approach to skin health, focusing on efficacy and sustainability. Rooted in a commitment to transparency, all products are cruelty-free, dermatologically tested and free from harmful chemicals, with a range that is crafted to empower you to feel confident in your skin. Passionate about environmental responsibility, Bonnie emphasises recyclable packaging and sustainable practices in every step of production. Dedicated to making skincare simple, Bonnie’s focus is on real people and healthy, radiant skin. bonnieskin.com A big sister’s guide to teenhood Written by 22-year-old Sophie Green from Wellington, Love from Soph is a heartfelt, vibrant guide designed…

Welcome to 2025 and a brand-new year of whipping up delicious recipes with dish! We start the year right with issue 119, jam-packed with easy, mouthwatering meals to make at home. From stunning salads to quick and tasty one-pan chicken dishes, to spectacular sweet treats. We have duos covered with our dinners for two, plenty of wonderful recipes for easy flavour-packed entertaining and make the most of the abundance of fresh seasonal produce. We finish off with a whistle-stop tour of South Australia’s wine country and a round-up of our top tipples from 2024. On sale NOW, from bookstores and supermarkets nationwide, or subscribe and have the next issue delivered direct to your mailbox!…

Adventure often begins with a single spark, igniting a passion that guides the course of a lifetime. For Andrea Falletta, that spark was struck on the shores of his home city, Rome, Italy, where a friend handed him a surfboard for the first time. Little did he know, this simple encounter would lead to a life deeply entwined with the rhythms of the ocean. Andrea vividly recalls his first attempt at surfing: “There were very little waves, very windy, but I paddled out and stood up. It felt like the best experience ever in my life. It was so fun and in the moment. I was hooked.” What began as an afternoon of playful experimentation turned into a lifelong obsession. A JOURNEY ACROSS THE WAVES Andrea’s journey unfolded in unexpected…

The idea of an adventure often has us conjuring up international travel ideas or even big road trips. But the healing magic also lies in mini-or even micro-adventures – opportunities to do something new or even the same action differently, break up our norm or change things up a bit. To me, an adventure contains an element of the unknown, whether that be the outcome or part of the journey, and possibly a sprinkling of challenge in there too. A couple of years ago, I was reflecting on two important threads in my life – adventures and being of service, wanting to make a difference. I felt there was a real connection between the two and started to look at the healing powers of adventures. What was it that a)…

It’s amazing what you can find at a second-hand store. The world of pre-loved clothing has expanded in recent years and it’s not just nana’s rainbow knitted cardi or old-school sports jerseys you’ll find lining the racks anymore. Take a look at these wardrobe staples and standout looks we discovered at second-hand stores and pre-loved clothing platforms. While these exact pieces might not be waiting for you, they’re proof that your next favourite outfit is just a thrift shop visit away! Looking for your nearest second-hand store? Visit the Op Shop Directory, opshopdirectory.co.nz, online to see over 600 locations nationwide, including St Johns, Salvation Army and SPCA. Looks and images from Designer Wardrobe, designerwardrobe.co.nz, and REMI, remi.co.nz.…

Good Dirt Charmaine Wilkerson, Penguin, $38 Ebby Freeman, scarred by the tragic deaths of her brother and the abandonment by her fiancé, seeks healing in a quiet French village. However, when her ex-fiancé arrives with a new girlfriend, it’s the worst situation that Ebby can imagine. But might it give her a chance to piece together the fragments of her past – and finally embrace her future? Love From Soph Sophie Green, $28 Love from Soph by 22-year-old Wellingtonian Sophie Green is a fun, supportive guide for teen girls navigating challenges like friendship mishaps and self-doubt. Filled with humour and heartfelt wisdom, it offers advice, encouragement, and personal stories to help readers embrace their mistakes and confidently grow into their best selves. When the Deep, Dark Bush Swallows You Whole Geoff Parkes,…