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Jo Randerson's secret art powers revealed!

Jo Randerson's secret art powers revealed!

RNZ Newsa day ago
author interview books about 1 hour ago
Artist Jo Randerson calls them Secret Art Powers. Superpowers that everyone, individually and collectively, has access to. These are the powers that artists use daily, but might help us all navigate complex, changing times. They are to be found in Jo Randerson's just released book Secret Art Powers: How Creative Thinking Can Achieve Radical Change. I's a book for everyone. Indeed - an endorser Bret Mckenzie describes it as a "miraculous book that feels like an escape hatch for humanity." Published by Barbarian, the company Randerson founded back in 2001, Randerson doesn't profess to have all the secrets, but they come with great qualifications to write this. A published poet and playwright, curator, and a performance director and actor, Jo became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit back in 2021, and won the Topp Prize for embodying the wildcard spirit of the Topp Twins in 2023. And that radical wildcard spirit joins Culture 101's Mark Amery to reveal her secret powers.
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Former All Black Keven Mealamu opens up on health and being in arts field
Former All Black Keven Mealamu opens up on health and being in arts field

1News

timean hour ago

  • 1News

Former All Black Keven Mealamu opens up on health and being in arts field

Most people will recognise former All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu for his sporting success, but a decade after retiring, he's now dabbling in the world of art as a board member of Crown entity Creative New Zealand. Born and raised in Tokoroa before moving to Auckland for high school, the Samoan rugby player says art has always been a part of his life, growing up with an artist mother and uncles, helping out at school plays and picking art as one of his favourite subjects. But he never imagined this field would be part of his future. 'I always thought I'd be illustrating a few more children's books, which I've been lucky enough to do. I think even governance, I don't think it's something that many people think about doing. I think I feel really very honoured and blessed and privileged to be able to do it.' While navigating the complex ecosystems of governance, having also joined the board of New Zealand Rugby, Mealamu has been on the mend after finding out he has a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation, which causes an irregular heartbeat. ADVERTISEMENT The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, Mama Hooch rapists appeal, Ukraine's new message to Russia, and Jason Momoa's plans here. (Source: Breakfast) Last year Melamu shared footage on social media showing him collapsing at a gym. He found out he had the condition after two heavy training bouts in preparation for a charity boxing event in 2022. 'Sometimes when I look back, I think to myself, 'what was I thinking?' But it's probably that mentality of coming out of professional sports, just loving the opportunity to challenge yourself,' Mealamu tells RNZ'S Culture 101. Since then, he's undergone medical procedures and been in and out of hospital. 'I had one done before Christmas and it had been in rhythm. But I found out a couple of weeks ago it's gone back into AFib again. 'I don't have the symptoms where some people find it really hard to walk or just comes on really spontaneously. But I'm able to control mine.' Keven Mealamu with his Blues teammate Jerome Kaino and the World Cup at Twickenham in 2015. (Source: Photosport) ADVERTISEMENT Bringing a lens that connects people Mealamu's ultimate dream to be an All Black was always a clear vision in his head. But he knew he couldn't just sit and wait around – someone had to pay the bills, he says. So while chasing a professional rugby career, he took on an apprenticeship opportunity that came via his school coach for sign writing. To get to his workplace, he remembers he would bike from Māngere to Ōtara, which he considered part of his training as well. 'I can't remember how many times I'd get a flatty and have to be shamefully walking my bike all the way home. So when I had the opportunity to go into rugby, it was probably one of the cool things. I was like, 'yes, I don't have to bike to work anymore'.' Now he sees how the two fields – art and sport - align in that they can both have an impact on the community. Keven Mealamu carries the ball during his last Test - the All Blacks World Cup final win against Australia in 2015. (Source: Photosport) ADVERTISEMENT 'You can feel the passion in what both art and sport do. You can feel the passion in who's presenting it,' Mealamu says. 'You look at one of the most influential rugby players around in the world at the moment, Ardie Savea, and just the way he expresses himself and the way he carries himself, there's a strong cultural bit to him as well.' Being at helm is a big part of who he is, he says, having captained the All Blacks three times and remaining a key part of the leadership group for more than a decade. 'I think what I do bring to the [Creative New Zealand] board is an authentic Pacific Island New Zealander leader. So that lens, I think, is really important. A lens that has been through community all the way to the very top of my sport but also work well with other leaders and community.' But if there's something he's wistful about, it's the fact he didn't join earlier. 'I just wish I was on earlier to be able to share that moment with my mum, because as proud as I am being able to have both my parents around as I became an All Black, this one also would have been something that she would have been really proud of as well.'

Viva Street Style: The Best Looks From Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball, Where Music Fans Followed The Fantasy
Viva Street Style: The Best Looks From Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball, Where Music Fans Followed The Fantasy

NZ Herald

time8 hours ago

  • NZ Herald

Viva Street Style: The Best Looks From Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball, Where Music Fans Followed The Fantasy

Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball turned the city centre of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland into a chimerical and jubilant jamboree. The gentle plucking of an electric harp beckoned guests to a magical, misty realm on Friday night at The Civic's Wintergarden. Anyone descending the stairs found themselves immersed in a crowd of fantastical characters and creatures, staring into crystal balls or having a moment of slumber atop a fluffy, silver-scaled snowy dragon. There was even a setting where Arthurian legend came to life, and attendees could try to pull Excalibur from a stone. The otherworldly occasion marked the return of Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball, themed 'Swords & Sorcery: Fantasy On The Big Screen' (the event also took over the venue on the following Saturday). The gig, which Princess Chelsea headlined, welcomed comedian Tom Sainsbury, techno duo Grecco Romank and 'party noise' band Golden Axe to the stage – the latter playing for the first time in 10 years. Music played beyond the main stage too, with the flute and strings of the 'Bard Rock Cafe' performing a little jig in the velvety entrance way. The other main attraction was the guests arriving in full costume. They used their outfits to travel elsewhere, and to arrive some place merrier. Here, those travellers explain the origins of their outfits and the ambitions of their ensembles. Jasmine Mallinger A peek of lacy frill at the wrist, tidy Maison Margiela oxfords and icy blue eyeshadow – it's the subtle touches that make this ensemble a little more fantastical. They're all found in Jasmine's everyday wardrobe, save for one piece, showcasing an economical approach to costume dressing. 'My flatmate lent me this shirt to wear tonight.' Inura Fernando and Alastair Priestley Inura, pictured above left, shares that the pair are attending as 'Georgian English gentlemen'. 'It's a bit of a regal look,' Inura says, then points to Alastair's necklace. 'This is supposed to be a Maharaja jewel.' Duncan McKenzie, Sharee McKenzie and Finley McKenzie Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Film inspirations reign for the McKenzie clan. The matching swords were carved by blacksmith Duncan. 'Out of some decking,' he says. Eliza Butler and Natasha Munro Hurn Eliza's ensemble, made up of vintage velvet and bookish plaid came together quite last minute. 'I thought I'd dress like a librarian who knows about medieval things. I'm unrolling the tapestries.' Natasha, donning silver tones, looks to draw on a '90s silhouette. 'I reckon it's giving Barbarian warrior princess.' Keiko Iino Dressing to support a friend playing that evening, Keiko wears textural layers, donning a fur vest, lacy corset and a billowing white dress. Jaycee Martinez Jaycee, cloaked in shimmering blue, stands out. The swish of the skirt and the popcorn top make for a rich textural combination. 'I was going for a pirate/bar maiden, because I'm an androgynous character.' Starr Ratapu and Regan Harrison Starr and Regan made tentative first steps into The Civic, before finding reassurance in the festive crowd to pull their pointed ears and flowing cape from their bags. 'I think we were worried about how people would be dressing. We thought these ears, which we already had, would be quite subtle,' Regan says. They turned to textures of the medieval world for their ensembles, choosing leathers and earthy colours. 'Seeing everybody's outfits now, I wish I'd gone harder,' Starr says. Acacia Flewitt, Maia Flewitt and Amethyst Harris This trio relied on Acacia's wardrobe to ensure they were dressing to match the theme, looking for fanciful combinations. 'I think when you put the right pieces together they become closer to the vibe,' explains Acacia. They point to Maia's cape as a costume-y outlier. Koro Sciascia A velvety cape adorns Koro's shoulder, recalling a cinematic scene. 'I was inspired by Princess Bride, Inigo Montoya.' A sword is swapped for a wooden walking stick, drawing out the earthiness of the leather boots. Brendan Appleby Brendan, clutching at a belted sword, cosies into plush fur for the midwinter gig. Courtney O'Connor and Chichi Nyangoni Courtney, cloaked in lace, responds to the 'Bard Rock Cafe' outfit prompt included in event details. 'I'm playing Boulders Gate 3 right now and I'm a gay bard on there, so I thought 'I've got to get a little of her in here'.' Chichi assumes the role of knight-princess hybrid, with metallic embellishments. 'I used what I had already, and made a little crown for my necklace. Lincoln Jackson and Nicola Searle Lincoln and Nicola uncovered treasures from the Waiheke's Artworks Theatre to bring their enchanted outfits to life. 'Apparently they bought all of the Xena [Warrior Princess] costumes.' Rish Shankar, Charlotte Bunce and Cait Johnson Each of the three flatmates giggled over the deep character work they had done in preparation to step into this new realm. Cait: 'I'm a bandit. I go in and raid villages, steal from the rich. A bit of a trickster.' Charlotte: 'I'm from a middle-class family, who has had a bit of a hard time, and I'm looking for a prince to marry - to sort of bring back my family's name.' Rish: 'And I am that prince.' Adriana Bamberger and Peter Bamberger For their father-daughter outing, Adriana and Peter are going big. Adriana's ballgown, which she made, was originally worn to her 21st. It has been updated to suit the grandeur of this event (as well as Armageddon), drawing on the Snow Queen ballet and the Lord Of The Rings. Peter's royal rags were pinched from the Pop-Up Globe theatre. Princess Chelsea's Midwinter Ball will come to Meow Nui in Wellington on July 26. More Viva Street Style Across Aotearoa, what we choose to wear is a reflection of our values. Viva Street Style: At Diwali Festival, Politics, Pride And Fashion Take Centre Stage. 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