'Maori-white girl': Bikini-clad AFL WAG Rebecca Judd shocks fans as she reveals her little-known New Zealand indigenous ethnicity
Rebecca Judd has shocked fans by revealing her little-known ethnicity.
On Monday, the wife of retired AFL legend Chris Judd, 42, took to Instagram Stories to share a video of herself flaunting her signature bikini body at the couple's weekender on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
Judd donned the crocheted bikini from Australian swimwear brand It's Now Cool's new collection while proudly strutting around her outdoor spa.
However, it was the mother of four revealing her ethnicity in the caption which really turned fans' heads.
"Winter fit check with @itsnowcool. This little Maori-white girl needs a tan. See you soon, Broome," she wrote.
Judd seldom mentions her New Zealand heritage from her mother Kerry Brown's side.
Her father Hugh Twigly, is of Scottish and Irish descent.
In 2023, the AFL WAG told Stellar magazine her family often travelled to New Zealand in her childhood, influenced by her mother's heritage.
"Mum's side is MÄori, so we did a lot of trips to New Zealand when we were kids," the model said.
"No one ever guesses that I'm MÄori. No-one. Ever."
Judd said her family would all flock to her at her grandfather's farm in New Zealand, where they would enjoy a hÄngÄ«, a traditional MÄori cooking method in which food is cooked in an underground oven.
"My pop has a big farm, and we'd have all the uncles and aunties over to have a hÄngÄ« every time we went over," she said.
Judd's parents Hugh and Kerry relocated from New Zealand to Australia in the late 1970s to take advantage of the West Australian mining boom.
After her parents separated, Judd and her sister Kate split their time between Perth and regional WA.
In her wide-ranging interview with Stellar, Judd mentioned her family struggled to make ends meet growing up.
"We didn't have much growing up, and every dollar counted, so we really respected our food, our home and our belongings," she said.
In 2007, Judd moved to Melbourne with then-boyfriend Chris Judd.
She completed her studies in speech and language pathology at La Trobe University and worked with adults in rehabilitation at the Alfred Hospital.
Judd married Chris in Melbourne's Carousel at Albert Park in 2010, and they have four children: Oscar, 14, Billie, 11, and twin sons Tom and Darcy, nine.
The couple documented their extensively redesigned $7.3 million Spanish Colonial house in Brighton, Melbourne's southeast, in the media.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Expect plenty of support for England's Barmy Army
England fans are ready to back the team's Ashes tilt in Australia, with more than 50,000 tickets already snapped up by eager travelling supporters. COVID-19 restrictions meant limited support on the last tour of Australia in 2021/22 but, with no such barriers in their way this time, there is set to be a major England presence at the five-match series. Cricket Australia sold a massive 311,066 tickets on the first day of their international pre-sale - a record one-day tally - and reported almost one in six of those were purchased from the United Kingdom. Joel Morrison, CA's general manager of events and operations, said: "We have never seen anything like this in Australian cricket history. "A huge thank you to fans for their incredible passion for the game. Their overwhelming response to this pre-sale reaffirms international cricket's standing as a leading live sporting experience. "With demand at record levels, we encourage fans to secure their tickets early so they don't miss out on summer's biggest event." England - led by allrounder Ben Stokes - and Australia, with Pat Cummins at the helm, will battle for the five-Test Ashes series beginning on November 21 in Perth and ending on January 8 in Sydney. England fans are ready to back the team's Ashes tilt in Australia, with more than 50,000 tickets already snapped up by eager travelling supporters. COVID-19 restrictions meant limited support on the last tour of Australia in 2021/22 but, with no such barriers in their way this time, there is set to be a major England presence at the five-match series. Cricket Australia sold a massive 311,066 tickets on the first day of their international pre-sale - a record one-day tally - and reported almost one in six of those were purchased from the United Kingdom. Joel Morrison, CA's general manager of events and operations, said: "We have never seen anything like this in Australian cricket history. "A huge thank you to fans for their incredible passion for the game. Their overwhelming response to this pre-sale reaffirms international cricket's standing as a leading live sporting experience. "With demand at record levels, we encourage fans to secure their tickets early so they don't miss out on summer's biggest event." England - led by allrounder Ben Stokes - and Australia, with Pat Cummins at the helm, will battle for the five-Test Ashes series beginning on November 21 in Perth and ending on January 8 in Sydney. England fans are ready to back the team's Ashes tilt in Australia, with more than 50,000 tickets already snapped up by eager travelling supporters. COVID-19 restrictions meant limited support on the last tour of Australia in 2021/22 but, with no such barriers in their way this time, there is set to be a major England presence at the five-match series. Cricket Australia sold a massive 311,066 tickets on the first day of their international pre-sale - a record one-day tally - and reported almost one in six of those were purchased from the United Kingdom. Joel Morrison, CA's general manager of events and operations, said: "We have never seen anything like this in Australian cricket history. "A huge thank you to fans for their incredible passion for the game. Their overwhelming response to this pre-sale reaffirms international cricket's standing as a leading live sporting experience. "With demand at record levels, we encourage fans to secure their tickets early so they don't miss out on summer's biggest event." England - led by allrounder Ben Stokes - and Australia, with Pat Cummins at the helm, will battle for the five-Test Ashes series beginning on November 21 in Perth and ending on January 8 in Sydney.


The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- The Advertiser
How Neale Daniher's blue beanie blockbuster is inspiring change, fuelling hope
Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at Motor neurone disease warrior Neale Daniher has a simple but powerful message for young people in 2025: learn how to be resilient. "It's not a matter of if life gets tough, it's when and how often," the 2025 Australian of the Year said. "Character isn't just built in the good times - it's built even more in the tough times. Like a nation, like a football club, like a family, strength is forged through struggle." This long weekend the 64-year-old former Melbourne coach and Essendon player will rally the nation once again around FightMND, the charity he co-founded and which has raised $115 million for research to find a cure for the disease he has battled since 2013. FightMND's 11th annual "Big Freeze at the 'G" fundraiser takes place before the June 9 King's Birthday AFL clash between Collingwood and Melbourne. Big Freeze 11 blue beanies have been on sale at Coles and Bunnings stores in recent weeks and the MCG is expected to be a sea of blue on Monday. Inspired by the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard - "Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards" - Daniher said: "This year we're daring everyone to live it forward. To live in the moment. To take bold steps toward a brighter future for those living with MND and in memory of those we've lost." The theme for this year's sliders is "iconic Australians" - a nod to Daniher's Australian of the Year honour. The 10 celebrities taking the toboggan plunge into a pool of ice costumed as Aussie stage, screen and sporting legends include Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus, actor Matt Nable (who lost his brother to MND), former Australian cricket captain and 1999 Australian of the Year Mark Taylor, Olympian and Sunrise co-host Matt Shirvington, AFL legends Peter Daicos and Aaron Davey, netballer Liz Watson and Aussie cricket captain Alyssa Healy. "Since the first Big Freeze in 2015, this movement has grown into a force of nature, fuelled by the generosity of Australians across the country," Daniher says. "The generosity and unwavering spirit of the community has inspired change and fuelled hope." A year after his diagnosis, Daniher co-founded FightMND with Dr Ian Davis and Pat Cunningham. Sadly, MND has since claimed the lives of Dr Davis and Mr Cunningham's wife Angie, but the legacy they created with Daniher lives on. "Neale is an inspiration to many millions of Australians," AFL CEO Andrew Dillon, a FightMND board member, said. "His achievements on the footy field were remarkable, while his legacy off the field in helping raise awareness and find a cure for MND is legendary. There is no bigger champion than Neale, as he continues to amaze us with his resilience, passion and drive, all while keeping his cheeky Daniher wit." While MND has robbed the West Wyalong-born, Riverina-raised Daniher of the ability to speak, he uses eye-gaze technology to communicate. When he accepted his Australian of the Year Award in Canberra in January, his speech was read by a robotic voice. But the voice now sounds like the real Neale thanks to AI and recordings of his media conferences from his coaching days. "It's much better than the robot voice I had, but I don't sit around listening to myself all day," Daniher told 7News. He recently took his message in person to school students in Perth - his first official interstate trip as Australian of the Year. CLICK HERE TO NOMINATE OUR NEXT AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR With his young, WA-based grandson Cooper watching on, he urged the 200 students to face life's challenges with strength and positivity. "What do you wish for someone you love?" he asked. "Most people would say 'I want them to be happy' or healthy or to find something they're passionate about, or maybe to find love; and all of that is important. "But today, I want to give you an alternative. The one thing I really wish for Cooper - and for you - is to learn how to be resilient. "Resilience is simply the ability to bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change and keep going when things get tough. It doesn't mean you don't feel pain, disappointment or frustration. It means you don't let those feelings define you or stop you from moving forward. "You have to find the courage to take responsibility, not to pass the buck, not to procrastinate, not to make excuses. You have to summon something from within you, from the better side of your character, and let it help you rise up." Who inspires you? Who do you think should be our next Australian of the Year? If you see them or hear about them, nominate them before July 31 for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards at


Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Ed Sheeran at the top of Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez's wedding guest list
Ed Sheeran is at the top of the guest list for Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez's wedding. The couple got engaged in December after over a year of dating and although they haven't yet set a date for their nuptials, the 37-year-old groom-to-be admitted he's already invited his friend and collaborator, who he has previously worked with on the likes of 'Shape of You', 'Castle on the Hill', and Justin Bieber's 'Love Yourself'. Speaking on the Australian TV show 'Today', Benny said: "I just told him, 'I'm going to have a wedding and you're going to come to the wedding. "Eventually Ed will come to our wedding when we do have one, but unfortunately we have not scheduled one yet - but we will!" After Benny and Selena got engaged, they created songs that eventually ended up on their first joint album, 'I Said I Love You First', which was released in March, but they had never deliberately planned to make such a project together. Speaking about how their LP came to fruition, Benny said: "We just started making music in our house as a little fun activity and then all of a sudden we had one song, then two songs, then three songs, then four songs. "She was just a joy to work with and it was better to work with her than anyone else because, at the end of the day, I get to kiss her too.'" During the recording process, a bird caused Benny and Selena to fight. Speaking to Kent 'Smallzy' Small on the latest episode of the 'Smallzy's Surgery' podcast, he said: "The biggest fight we had making the record is we did it at home, and there were birds that would chirp only when she was recording and never any time else. "And I didn't believe her for the first two weeks." Selena recently revealed she does not like to refer to Benny as her fiance. Appearing with her partner on the 'Table Manners' podcast in April, the 32-year-old singer explained: "[Calling him my fiance is] so strange. "I just say, my partner or Benny. But the other day, I caught myself saying 'Well, my boyfriend ...' but that's not quite why we're there." And after he and Selena shared their first kiss, Benny knew he wanted to "have a baby" with his lover. Appearing on Spotify's 'Countdown To' series in March, he said: "I knew right after we kissed, I was like, 'Oh wow. I'm probably going to marry this person'. "Well, I didn't say marry but I was like, 'I'm probably going to have a baby with this person.' "