NPC Rugby: Where will the Ranfurly reside this summer?
Photo:
Photosport
Taranaki vs Northland
7.05pm Saturday, 2 August
New Plymouth
Live blog updates on RNZ
It's provincial footy season and while there will be the usual questions of who the breakout stars will be and what former All Blacks can restake their claim, the prevailing interest will inevitably fall on a certain slab of English Oak and sterling silver.
The iconic log o' wood
Perhaps the most prestigious and coveted prize in New Zealand Rugby besides the Web Ellis Trophy. Introduced in 1904, the shield has sat centre stage for some of the greatest matches played on this country's fields. While fanfare surrounding Super Rugby has dwindled badly in the last decade, and the glory days of the NPC are long dead, the passion, pride and parochialism the shield evokes ensures that from Kaitaia to Bluff, the game's heart still beats.
The holders
The Taranaki Bulls brought an end to Tasman's historic inaugural Shield run in Nelson on 6 October, breaking Mako hearts with a 42-29 victory,
They have since defended it twice against heartland opposition, 78-7 over King Country, and 97-0 over Thames Valley. Taranaki will have o see off five more challenges in 2025 in order to lock the shield away for Summer. It's a tough road to securing the shield for the Naki, but not beyond the realms. Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay will no doubt present formidable challenges in New Plymouth.
The scenarios
Okay, so let's assume no side will defend the shield this season, and it changes hands at every opportunity, where does it end up?
All right, so that's a bit extreme, so let's look at a more likely potential outcome.
If Taranaki beat Northland but lost to Waikato in round four, the Mooloos would have a relatively comfortable first defence against Southland and then a slightly tougher assignment against North Harbour before a final round defence against Northland. Waikato will end 2025 with three successful defences with the shield to reside in
Hamilton
.
My pick
Taranaki will see off Northland, and Waikato, but their reign will be ended at the hands of Bay of Plenty. The Steamers will hold it for less than a week though, with Hawke's Bay spoiling the party in Tauranga. The Magpies will prevail in the battle of the bays and would then need just one defence in order to lock away the shield post season, against Auckland, which they will do in dramatic fashion at McLean Park with a try on the siren.
RNZ's predicted summer home for the Ranfurly Shield -
Napier.
Your side's road to Ranfurly glory:
Taranaki -
Reigns - 8; most recent - 2024.
Holders -
Five defences vs Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay and Wellington.
Second chance -
Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Canterbury defend against Tasman in week seven and Otago in week eight, Taranaki challenge Canterbury in week ten.
Third chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, Otago defend against Northland, Taranaki challenge Otago in week seven.
Northland -
Reigns - 4; most recent - 1978.
Challenge -
Taranaki in week one.
Second chance - Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland and North Harbour, Northland challenge Waikato in week 10.
Third chance -
Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland in week five, North Harbour beat Waikato in week seven, Northland challenge North Harbour in week eight.
Waikato -
Reigns - 13; most recent - 2018.
Challenge -
Taranaki in week four
Second chance -
Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week five and Hawke's Bay in week seven, Waikato challenge Bay of Plenty in week nine.
Third chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Manawatu beat Wellington in week four, Waikato challenge Manawatu in week six.
Bay of Plenty -
Reigns- 1; most recent - 2004.
Challenge -
Taranaki in week six
Second chance -
Wellington beat Taranaki in week nine, Bay of Plenty challenge Wellington in week 10
Third chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, lose to Tasman in week three, Tasman defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu beat Auckland in week seven, Bay of Plenty challenge Manawatu in week eight.
Hawke's Bay -
Reigns - 7; most recent - 2024.
Challenge -
Taranaki in week eight
Second chance -
Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay challenge Bay of Plenty in week seven.
Third chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland and Tasman, Hawke's Bay challenge Northland in week five.
Wellington -
Reigns- 11; most recent - 2022.
Challenge -
Taranaki in week nine
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu beat Southland in week three, Wellington challenge Manawatu in week four.
Third chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman and Hawke's Bay, Wellington challenge Northland in week seven.
North Harbour -
Reigns- 1; most recent - 2006.
Best chance -
Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, defend against Southland, North Harbour challenge Waikato in week seven.
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago beat Tasman in week five, defend against Northland and Taranaki, North Harbour challenge Otago in week nine.
Auckland -
Reigns- 16; most recent- 2007.
Best chance -
Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine.
Second chance -
Bay of Plenty beat Taranaki in week six, Hawke's Bay beat Bay of Plenty in week seven, Auckland challenge Hawke's Bay in week nine.
Counties Manukau -
Reigns- 1; most recent- 2013.
Best chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland and Waikato, Counties Manukau challenge Tasman in week ten.
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, defend against Manawatu and Canterbury, Counties Manukau challenge Southland in week seven.
Manawatu -
Reigns - 1; most recent- 1976.
Best chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland beat Northland in week two, Manawatu challenge Southland in week three.
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in round one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman beat Northland in week three, defend against Otago, Auckland beat Tasman in week six, Manawatu challenge Auckland in week seven.
Tasman -
Reigns- 1; most recent- 2024.
Best chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, Tasman challenge Northland in week three.
Second chance -
Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury beat Southland in week six, Tasman challenge Canterbury in week seven.
Canterbury -
Reigns- 16; most recent- 2019.
Best chance -
Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland beat Waikato in week five, Canterbury challenge Southland in week six.
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland, Tasman, Hawke's Bay and Wellington, Canterbury challenge Northland in week nine.
Otago -
Reigns- 7; most recent- 2020.
Best chance -
Hawke's Bay beat Taranaki in week eight, Auckland beat Hawke's Bay in week nine, Otago challenge Auckland in week 10.
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, defend against Southland in week two, lose to Tasman in week three, Otago challenge Tasman week five.
Southland -
Reigns- 7; most recent- 2011.
Best chance -
Waikato beat Taranaki in week four, Southland challenge Waikato in week five.
Second chance -
Northland beat Taranaki in week one, Southland challenge Northland in week two.
Taranaki squad
Scott Barrett**, Beauden Barrett**, Jordie Barrett**, Kaylum Boshier, Logan Crowley, Hemopo Cunningham, Meihana Grindlay, Harry Hansen*, Josh Jacomb, Josh Lord, Perry Lawrence, Adam Lennox, Michael Loft, Brayton Northcott-Hill, Mitch O'Neill, Reuben O'Neill, Jesse Parete, JJ Pokai, Arese Poliko, Jared Proffit, Taniela Rakuro*, Daniel Rona, Willem Ratu, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Leone Nawai, Obey Samate, Fiti Sa, Jayden Sa, Josh Setu, Bradley Slater, Vereniki Tikoisolomone, Tupou Vaa'i**, Sage Walters-Hansen*, Keightley Watson*.
*yet to debut
**All Black
The challengers
Northland
Week one
Saturday, 2 August
7.10pm
Waikato
Week four
Saturday, 23 August
2.05pm
Bay of Plenty
Week six
Sunday, 7 September
2.05pm
Hawke's Bay
Week eight
Friday, 19 September
7.10pm
Wellington
Week nine
Saturday, 27 September
2.05pm
Catch live blog updates of every 2025 Ranfurly Shield match on RNZ
Photo:
Photosport Ltd 2020
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NZ Herald
2 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Society Insider: All Black Damian McKenzie buys $3.5m Waikato home; Jodie Dick and Olivia Carter celebrate milestone birthdays; Auckland FC's new hospitality plans
In April, the Chiefs' player purchased the property south of Hamilton. He is understood to have officially taken ownership in May, with O'Sullivan believed to have moved into the house in June. O'Sullivan's parents, Waikato-based legendary jockey Lance, and wife Bridgette, have already visited with a housewarming gift, with Bridgette also popping over last week to help with gardening. Luckily, McKenzie and O'Sullivan's new home is just a 40-minute drive north from O'Sullivan's parents' sprawling 200ha dairy farm and estate, Rockspring in Piarere, between Cambridge and Matamata. Lance's Wexford Stables is based in Matamata. The home has won numerous awards for its architecture, which draws on Japanese influences. During McKenzie's stint playing for the Tokyo Sungoliath team during the 2022 season, he seems to have formed an affinity with Japanese culture and architecture. Damian McKenzie's new home. Photo / Bayley's website The house is owned in an equal third split between McKenzie and his parents, Moana and Brent. The trio also own two houses in Wānaka with the same investment structure. The first property was purchased in 2018 for $1.1m, and the family paid just under $1m for the second in 2019. Sitting on an expansive section, the property is surrounded by beautiful oak, elm, and ash trees, while boundary hedges offer plenty of privacy for the couple. The home is made up of three interconnected cedar-covered buildings, with an internal courtyard, and has a footprint of about 440sqm. It features open-plan living, spacious dining and living areas, including a 1970s-style sunken lounge, as well as a home office, a children's lounge, and state-of-the-art bathrooms. The main house looks out on a Palm Springs-style pool, which flows onto an elegant outdoor dining area. The sunken lounge at Damian McKenzie's new home. Photo / Bayley's website. And for visitors, there is a 93sqm cabin - described as an architectural retreat – a short walk away. While McKenzie was raised on a more than 400ha dairy farm near Waikaka, close to Gore, O'Sullivan is a Waikato local. She grew up on her parents' estate, which is also the home of The Red Barn, one of New Zealand's leading wedding and events venues. Her older sister Caitlin married her long-term partner, Tom Doyle, there earlier this year, and the newlyweds are currently enjoying the best of Italy and Greece on their honeymoon. The month before buying the house at auction, McKenzie re-signed with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and is committed to playing for the All Blacks until 2029, estimated to be earning well over $1m per year outside of sponsorship deals. Damian McKenzie at home. But the versatile player is building a career off the field, too. Society Insider has previously reported on Grins, the RTD business McKenzie owns with former All Black Stephen Donald and current teammate Anton Lienert-Brown. He is also in business with Donald, former All Black Richard Kahui, and two others, as a director and shareholder in Horsham Developments Ltd, which is listed as a residential property operation. And McKenzie will be making O'Sullivan's racing legend dad proud; he has long had an interest in horses and owns a racehorse, My Chablis, with fellow All Black Jordie Barrett as part of a syndicate. The four-year-old is said to be a profitable mare with a 168% return on investment, and reportedly more than $26,000 in winnings to date. O'Sullivan is also putting the couple's new home to work. The house has plenty of space to work from home with her digital marketing and social media management company, 26 Impressions. And it's understood she has already filmed content at the house. 26 Impressions does social media management and marketing for healthy pre-made meal service Clean Eats, as well as for Red Barn. Georgia O'Sullivan's at home content shoot for her marketing agency. Georgia O'Sullivan. McKenzie, 30, and O'Sullivan, 27, are believed to have met more than a decade ago, when McKenzie was doing a Bachelor of Communications in between his rugby, at the University of Waikato. Society Insider first reported the pair were dating last September, and since going public with their relationship, O'Sullivan has cheered McKenzie on from the rugby sidelines, and he has attended a few horse races with her, too. The pair have attended friends' and O'Sullivan's sister's weddings together, played golf in Te Arai, north of Auckland, and enjoyed time at the O'Sullivans' impressive Mount Maunganui beachside retreat. With the latest move, there are engagement rumours swirling, but neither O'Sullivan nor McKenzie would comment. Damian McKenzie and Georgia O'Sullivan. Birthday Belles Shine Two Society Insider regulars celebrated milestone birthdays on Saturday night. Rich Lister Jodie Dick had her 50th birthday at The Northern Club, while Soul Bar and Bistro general manager, Olivia Carter, celebrated turning 40 with a 60-person dinner party - at her restaurant, of course. Jodie Dick in her Oscar De La Renta gown. Dick hosted more than a hundred of her friends and family at the Northern Club's Winter Garden. In May, we reported Dick was in Paris on the Rue de Marignan for the final fitting of her Oscar de la Renta gown that was being specially crafted for the occasion. Highly personalised gowns from de la Renta can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The final result was a stunning, ornately beaded silver gown with floral detailing cascading down into the draping of the silver fabric. The bodice was boned with a winged effect. The owner of Hartfield Jewellers in Parnell, Dick accessorised with pieces from Italian fine jeweller Pasquale Bruni - a diamond necklace with the signature floral design and a matching ring. Dick's husband, CallPlus founder Malcolm, who has an estimated wealth of more than $250m, complemented his wife in a silver dinner jacket and bow tie. Jodie and Malcolm Dick at The Northern Club. 'It was a beautiful evening,' Dick tells Society Insider. Guests adhered to the strict dress code, with men in black tie and women in black gowns. Former Real Housewives of Auckland Gilda Kirkpatrick and Anne Batley Burton were on point with the dress code, as were their other halves. Kirkpatrick was joined by her partner in life and business, James Polhill, who is the director of marketing firm Hello, and Batley Burton by her husband, investment manager Richard Burton. Also looking glamorous were Sofia Ambler and Scarlett Wood, from marketing group The Luxury Network. The Dicks' neighbour, tech multimillionaire titan Carmen Vicelich - who celebrated her own 50th last November in Rio carnival style - chose a black shimmering dress for the Northern Club. Sofia Ambler, Carmen Vicelich and Scarlett Wood at The Northern Club. Guests arrived at the Winter Garden room through draped silks and lighting created by specialists La Lumiere, with fragrant floral arrangements of orchids, roses, and hyacinths, by Michele Coomey Floral. The main room was equally impressive with abundant silk draperies, lighting, and flowers. Guests enjoyed Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne and a range of cocktails, including classic margaritas and mojitos. Canapés were followed by walk-and-fork bowl food, which included salmon on rocket, beef on potato gratin, and risotto. The birthday girl's speech was set in front of lilac draping and staging by La Lumiere, and Dick spoke of the gratitude she felt for friends and family while she walked the Camino Trail in Europe earlier this year. Eagle-eyed guests had been admiring the stunning cake positioned by the stage all evening and after blowing out her candle, Dick was given a stylish hammer to crack it open, with silver confetti blown into the room from a fan inside the cake. Jodie Dick about to crack open her birthday cake. Wearing that heavily boned bodice was not ideal for dancing, so when the Dicks were ready to hit the dance floor, where singer Phil Madsen and his band had guests dancing until late, Jodie changed into a satin chartreuse pleated Gucci gown. Malcolm and Jodie Dick at The Northern Club. Jodie Dick dancing in her Gucci dress at the Northern Club. And the celebrations aren't over for the Dicks. Next week, the pair will be renewing their marriage vows at the Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas. Down at Viaduct Harbour, Carter's 40th was also a black-tie affair. And it was time for the woman Society Insider crowned the 'hostess with the mostest' in our annual awards last December to enjoy a party of her own. Olivia Carter ahead of her birthday at Soul bar & Bistro. Photo / Jared Donkin The side deck of Soul Bar & Bistro was closed off and transformed into an intimate dining room featuring one long table. Carter called in Atmosphere Events and Total Events to help raise her guests' dining experience to the next level. Curtains were hung along the restaurant windows to create intimacy, with a light installation creating a pink ambience. The tables were decorated with red grapes and dark red anthurium flowers, accentuated by black place settings. Like Dick, Carter stood out from her guests, with everyone but the birthday girl in black and white. Carter chose to wow in a custom pink tulle Trelise Cooper gown, from her good friend designer Julia Leuchars, and Carter's husband Steve wore a classic black suit. Steve Ferguson, Steve Carter and their wives, Olivia and Shelley. Photo / Jared Donkin Among Carter's guests were Rich Listers Natalie and Greg Norman, and Anna Mowbray with her husband Ali Williams, who wore a top hat; restaurateurs Josh and Helen Emett; interior designer Shelley Ferguson and husband, former Olympian Steven; Entain's Pip Eriksen and her husband William, of The Neat Meat Company. Anna Mowbray and Olivia Carter. Photo / Jared Donkin Julia Leuchars, Pip Eriksen and Helen Emett. Photo / Jared Donkin Gavin Pook, Josh Emett and Nathan Bryant-Taukiri. Photo / Jared Donkin Ali Williams. Photo / Jared Donkin Carter's favourite tipple, Champagne Mumm RSRV, was on free pour along both tables, with chicken nuggets topped with caviar to start. A three-course dinner followed, featuring tuna, grilled scallops, scotch fillet, greens, mini fries, and pomme puree. The birthday toast was made with RSRV LaLou Cuvee 2008, followed by a playful group game of paper, scissors, rock. DJs the Sweet Mix Kids kept the dance floor full after dinner to midnight, while a fabulous, large-scale cake made in-house was the cherry on top, as Carter cut and served slices of strawberry and rose water pavlova to guests as they danced the night away. Auckland FC gearing up for bigger and better second season Mike Higgins, Bill Foley, and Nick Becker. After an incredible inaugural year, Auckland FC is getting ready to kick off the new season in style, on and off the pitch. The A-league football club is co-owned by US billionaire Bill Foley, founder of Foley Entertainment Group (FEG), and this season there are plans for 'more synchronicity' between the team and his Foley Hospitality NZ group's offerings. Foley's NZ businesses include Wairarapa luxury lodge Wharekauhau Estate, wine brands including Te Kairanga, Mt Difficulty, Dashwood and Te Tera, and 10 venues, including Andiamo, Soul Bar and Bistro, and The Jervois Steak House. Foley Hospitality NZ CEO Mike Higgins, 49, says Foley, 80, who has an estimated net worth of more than US$2.5b, has challenged him and Auckland FC CEO Nick Becker to bring the wider group closer together. Higgins tells Society Insider Foley wants the pair to 'provide exceptional experiences to those that engage' with its businesses and interests. Shane Green, Nick Becker, Mike Higgins and Rob Foley. Photo / Supplied That will begin later this month, with an Auckland FC fashion show on August 28 at Soul as part of NZ Fashion Week, where the club's new kit will be revealed. 'The show will weave in New Balance's newest footwear and apparel and showcase the cutting-edge Auckland FC Kit Couture collection,' Becker tells Society Insider. 'Our lads will be modelling with professional models, and we are hoping players such as Logan Rogerson, Callan Elliot, Hiroki Sakai, and Dan Hall show the same finesse on the runway as they do on the pitch.' Auckland FC player Hiroki Sakai. Photo / Supplied Auckland FC players Dan Hall and Logan Rogerson. Photo / Supplied The idea is reminiscent of past Fashion Week runway shows that saw All Blacks players walk the catwalk in Jockey underwear. The Soul show will come the day after the new eight-part docuseries Forever Auckland FC premieres on a raft of Sky TV platforms, including Sky Open, Sky Go, Neon, and Sky Sport. The 'black and blue themed' VIP screening takes place at Event Cinemas in Newmarket next week, with Becker, his team, and players expected to attend, alongside FC co-owners Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray, and the series executive producer, Dame Julie Christie. The premier season kicks off in two months, so Higgins and Becker are making plans for special hospitality offerings for AFC's loyal fans. They're hoping this will help attract new fans, too. 'AFC members and season ticket holders will have some fantastic Foley wine, bar and restaurant deals, which we will soon reveal to them,' says Becker. This includes making an even better home for The Port (AFC's hardest core fans) at the Foley group's Tyler Street Sports bar at Auckland's Britomart this season. For away games in Wellington, Becker says there will be deals available at Foley venues Shed 5, Crab Shack and The Runholder. Becker shared another secret with Society Insider: they are looking to bring the Soul Bar experience to Go Media Stadium in Penrose this season. 'We have a VIP lounge nicknamed The Black Knight Club, which holds 500 people,' says Becker. 'This season, Soul's Group Executive Chef, Gavin Doyle and his team, will offer up a few surprises, both culinary and beverage.' Sponsors and high-rolling members are known to fork out more than $5000 to be part of the Black Knights, and Soul's infusion of hospitality will take things up a notch from the standard fare. Mowbray and Williams enjoy hosting the room; Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Dame Lisa Carrington, and a number of other sporting greats attended last season. Higgins had a 23-year career at leading advertising group Clemenger and was contemplating his semi-retirement years when Foley came into his sphere, through mutual friends in sport. He and Becker played a pivotal role in launching Auckland FC and getting a blue-chip group of sponsors on board. 'Nick and I were in a privileged position to set up a professional sports team from scratch with enviable support and resources coming from Bill Foley's sporting world in Las Vegas and Bournemouth,' Higgins tells Society Insider. Bill and Carol Foley at Wharekauhau Estate. Photo / Supplied by Wharekauhau Estate The connections between the Las Vegas arm of the business are now even stronger, with Kiwi expat Shane Green taking over as Foley Entertainment Global CEO. He is opening access to Kiwis to all the best of the Foley offerings in the US, with sponsors and suppliers in New Zealand being offered luxury adventures stateside. 'It certainly helps having a Kiwi in charge, looking out for us down here,' says Higgins. Shane Green, the Kiwi CEO of Foley Entertainment Global CEO. Photo / Paul Taylor Green and Higgins are working together to provide opportunities for their hospitality talent in NZ to work across the US portfolio, and vice versa. The group's interests may be expanding even further in NZ - there has been speculation that it is looking to extend its Queenstown offerings, with the establishment of a sister luxury lodge to Wharekauhau Estate. Higgins could not confirm but told Society Insider, 'Watch this space.' Party people of the week Samsung's SPY Bar Revival It was a night of nostalgic throwbacks as Samsung brought Auckland's 2000s nightclub scene back to life with a one-weekend-only revival of SPY Bar. The exclusive preview evening was recently held at 204 Quay St, with the reimagined space - now known as Cellar Bar - transformed into a neon-lit time capsule to celebrate the launch of two new mobile phones. SPY was iconic on the Auckland party scene from the very late 1990s to when it closed in 2016. High-profile guests in its earlier years included Nicola Robinson Evans, Eric Watson, Aja Rock, Lana Cockroft, and a host of sporting names of the time, including Matthew Ridge and Marc Ellis. The night kicked off with a welcome note from Samsung New Zealand's Morgan Bunt, who welcomed guests and got the crowd warmed up for the crescendo of the night: an epic dance battle worthy of the early 2000s. Themed cocktails flowed as media, influencers, and longtime club kids dressed in 2000s-themed outfits danced to nostalgic beats by DJ Grant Marshall on the decks amongst the Y2K-themed décor. Among the revellers were ZM's Clint Roberts, The Hits' Matty Mclean, Remix magazine publisher Tim Phin, Miss World New Zealand, Samantha Poole, actor Vinnie Bennett, make-up artist Kylee De Thier, DJ Arii Jade, and fashion influencer Jess Molina. Clint Roberts and Matty McLean at Samsung's SPY Bar Revival. Gina Henderson, Samantha Poole and Lola Elle Bellamy-Hill. Petra Pocock, Josh Young, and Samantha Poole. Miss Geena and Jess Molina. Adam and Stacy Middleton. Jade Cheah and Louis Ova. Jenny Jung, Sophie Chung and Siposetu Duncan. Mouse Varcoe and Claudia Sykes. Discovering the Cellar On Wednesday, The College Hill Wineroom hosted an intimate, invitation-only evening to showcase new, state-of-the-art subterranean storage cellars, available onsite for private collectors and aficionados of fine wine. The evening featured a panel discussion on The Rewards of Cellaring led by The Wine Room's David Nash, Jean-Christophe Poizat of fine wine merchants Maison Vauron, and Paul Brajkovich of Kumeu River – some of the country's most prominent names in wine. Dave Nash in the state-of-the-art subterranean storage cellars at Discovering the Cellar at The College Hill Wine Room. Photo / Hope Patterson Guests were treated to tastings of perfectly cellared wines from Kumeu River as well as prized bottles of Burgundy and Bordeaux, which mixed nicely with jazz from the George Brajkovich Trio. Canapés from executive chef Ryan Moore's kitchen were circulating, and below ground, a raw oyster bar greeted guests in The Residences' Barrel Room, with guided tours through the private cellars. Ryan Moore, David Nash, Milan and Paul Brajkovich at Discovering the Cellar at The College Hill Wine Room. Photo / Hope Patterson The secure cellars are temperature and humidity-controlled and offer members a full concierge service and 24/7 access to their collections, with the ability to drink their own wines in the Wine Room's restaurant with no corkage. Wine aficionados in attendance included Scarborough Group director, Ulrik Olsen, and wife Aisling; Ray White New Zealand CEO Daniel Coulson and wife Maddy of respected Ponsonby advertising firm Magnum; and Centuria NZ head of investor relations and communications, Matthew Butt. Ulrik and Aisling Olsen. Photo / Hope Patterson Daniel and Maddy Coulson. Photo / Hope Patterson Sophie Kember and Kate Lines. Photo / Hope Patterson Mike and Rosemary Simpson. Photo / Hope Patterson Robbie Dunphy and Jean-Christophe Poizat. Photo / Hope Patterson Ricardo Simich has been with the Herald since 2008 where he contributed to The Business Insider. In 2012 he took over Spy at the Herald on Sunday, which has since evolved into Society Insider. The weekly column gives a glimpse into the worlds of the rich and famous.
1News
2 days ago
- 1News
'Tried to follow him' - All Blacks' 'bolter' Parker on his enforcer idol
New All Blacks squad member Simon Parker has spoken about how he "zoned out" when head coach Scott Robertson told him the news of his selection, the haka his Northland teammates gave in celebration, and the loose forward enforcer he has modelled his game on. While four uncapped players were named in Robertson's wider Rugby Championship squad yesterday, Parker is the only one to feature in the main squad, an indication as to how highly regarded he is by the selectors. The others, prop Tevita Mafileo, halfback Kyle Preston and utility back Leroy Carter have been named as injury cover and may be used more in a training capacity in the short term, including in Argentina, although Preston is a possibility to play in Cordoba or Buenos Aires due to the injuries to Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham. Parker, 25, was not named for last month's three-Test series against France, probably because of an ankle injury suffered in the Chiefs' qualifier loss to the Blues in June, but he started at No.8 for Northland in their Ranfurly Shield defeat to Taranaki at the weekend and clearly the selectors have seen enough. It is not difficult to see the appeal. At 1.97m and about 120kg, Parker is a big man and plays like one, with the added advantage of being mobile enough to play in the outside channels. ADVERTISEMENT Robertson has made no secret of wanting big and powerful forwards to combat the giants roaming the fields of South Africa, France, Ireland and England and a peculiarity of his squad is the fact all of those at the front of the queue for the No.6 jersey - Parker, Tupou Vaa'i, Samipeni Finau and to a lesser extent Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson - represent the Chiefs. Robertson will likely see Parker as a medium-to-long-term project who could start to properly deliver during next year's arduous tour of South Africa ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Jerome Kaino goes on the charge against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park in 2017. (Source: Photosport) Parker's physical dimensions make him slightly bigger than former All Blacks legend Jerome Kaino, one of the best blindside flankers to represent New Zealand and a man successive head coaches have failed to replace since he stepped down in 2017. Parker is 1cm taller than Kaino and about 10kg heavier. It is important to remember that the former Blues man was a late developer – more evidence that Parker should be handled carefully and with patience, but Robertson's comment yesterday that the loose forward is "intimidating" is yet another plus and a nod to Kaino. 'I tried in a way to follow in the footsteps of Jerome Kaino because of the physical presence he was,' Parker told 1News today. 'I love the contact side of the game and I just try to get involved as much as I can.' One of the more memorable moments of Robertson's squad announcement yesterday was his explaining the conversation with Parker when he broke the news. ADVERTISEMENT Parker told him he didn't know what to say and so the man known as Razor responded with "don't worry, I'll do the talking for you". It was an account confirmed today by Parker at Northland's training base in Whangārei. Parker said he was in a team review meeting when Robertson rang. 'When I saw I missed his call I started shaking and when I called him I started apologising. He said 'no, it's all good news, mate. Congratulations and welcome to the All Blacks'. 'I zoned out for about 10 seconds, to be honest. I went back and said, 'thanks very much, sorry I haven't got much to say, I'm a bit overwhelmed'. Simon Parker is tackled during the Chiefs' loss to the Blues in June - a match in which he injured an ankle. (Source: Photosport) He said after calling his wife and parents to tell them the news he was greeted with a haka by his teammates. ADVERTISEMENT 'I haven't had too many haka done for me and so to see that done by many guys who I grew up with was pretty special,' he said. Parker will travel to Argentina with several other squad members after playing for Northland against Southland in Whangārei on Friday. The first Test is in Cordoba on August 17 and the second is a week later in Buenos Aires. 'I'm probably the one taking the credit but I couldn't have done it without my family,' he said. 'There is a geographical challenge to playing sport up here. I'm thankful to everyone who has put time into me. 'Sitting on the bank at Okara Park and watching the human highlight reel [and former Northland All Black] Rene Ranger going about his business was pretty cool. Hopefully I can inspire others by showing it can be done.' The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including the West Auckland builder sentenced over massive meth haul, fire on a commuter train, and how Bluey could teach kids about resilience. (Source: 1News) All Blacks squad for Rugby Championship ADVERTISEMENT The squad is as follows: (age, Super Rugby club, province, Test caps) * denotes new caps Hookers: Codie Taylor (34, Crusaders / Canterbury, 98), Samisoni Taukei'aho (27, Chiefs / Waikato, 33), Brodie McAlister (28, Chiefs / Canterbury, 1). Props: Ethan de Groot (27, Highlanders / Southland, 32), Tamaiti Williams (24, Crusaders / Canterbury, 18), Ollie Norris (25, Chiefs / Waikato, 2), Tyrel Lomax (29, Hurricanes / Tasman, 45), Fletcher Newell (25, Crusaders / Canterbury, 25), Pasilio Tosi (27, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, 9). Locks: Scott Barrett (31, Crusaders / Taranaki, 81) (Captain), Patrick Tuipulotu (32, Blues / Auckland, 55), Tupou Vaa'i (25, Chiefs / Taranaki, 40), Fabian Holland (22, Highlanders / Otago, 3). Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 11), Simon Parker (25, Chiefs / Northland, *), Ardie Savea (31, Moana Pasifika / Wellington, 97) (Vice-Captain), Du'Plessis Kirifi (28, Hurricanes / Wellington, 3), Wallace Sititi (22, Chiefs / North Harbour, 10), Peter Lakai (22, Hurricanes / Wellington, 3), Luke Jacobson (28, Chiefs / Waikato, 24). Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima (24, Chiefs / Waikato, 14), Cameron Roigard (24, Hurricanes / Counties Manukau, 12), Noah Hotham (22, Crusaders / Tasman, 2). ADVERTISEMENT First-five eighths: Beauden Barrett (34, Blues / Taranaki, 136), Damian McKenzie (30, Chiefs / Waikato, 64). Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown (30, Chiefs / Waikato, 85), Jordie Barrett (28, Hurricanes / Taranaki, 71) (Vice-Captain), Quinn Tupaea (26, Chiefs / Waikato, 16), Billy Proctor (26, Hurricanes / Wellington, 4), Timoci Tavatavanawai (27, Highlanders / Tasman, 2). Outside backs: Rieko Ioane (28, Blues / Auckland, 83), Caleb Clarke (26, Blues / Auckland, 29), Sevu Reece (28, Crusaders / Southland, 34), Emoni Narawa (26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, 3), Will Jordan (27, Crusaders / Tasman, 44), Ruben Love (24, Hurricanes / Wellington, 2). Injury cover George Bower (33, Crusaders / Otago, 23) for Tamaiti Williams, Tevita Mafileo (27, Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty, *) for Tyrel Lomax, Josh Lord (24, Chiefs / Taranaki, 7) for Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie (29, Blues / Tasman, 23) for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham, Kyle Preston (25, Crusaders / Wellington, *) for Cameron Roigard/Noah Hotham, Leroy Carter (26, Chiefs / Bay of Plenty, *) for Caleb Clarke. Unavailable due to injury: Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- RNZ News
Colourful characters go head-to-head for seat on New Plymouth council
Mike Morresey - aka the Flag Man. Photo: Murray McDowell / Taranaki Daily News Two of New Plymouth's most colourful characters are will go head-to-head for a seat at the district council table later this year. Mike Morresey - aka the Flag Man - who's famed for his support of the Taranaki rugby team is standing for a seat in the Kaitake-Ngāmotu ward in the October elections. Among his rivals is former mayoral candidate Murray McDowell who's better known as Mullet Muzz. Morresey admitted might have to tone down his passionate approach to life should he be successful. "Oh, definitely, definitely. I'll have to be a little bit quieter. I won't allowed to use my outside voice and I'll have a microphone, so she could get quite loud in the council chamber if I use my outside voice, but I'm very passionate about my community." The landscaper, who has been off work since falling from the terraces and injuring an ankle when the Bulls secured the NPC title in 2023, said he would be using his trademark flags to advertise his campaign. "Of course I've got a flag, so I asked the Electoral Commission to see if I could make a campaign flag rather than a billboard and what were the restrictions on the size of the wording on my flag were, and there was none." The new "Vote Mike Morresey for Council" flag had its first outing outside Stadium Taranaki ahead of the Bulls' Ranfurly Shield challenge at the weekend. But come game time. he was back flying Bulls colours. "At about 6.20pm I took my council flag off and put my rugby flag on and walked into the stadium with my rugby flag flying and it was all about rugby." Morresey - who was involved with the Hope Walk Charitable Trust promised a practical community-first approach to council should he be elected. Former mayoral hopeful Murray McDowell - or as he's recorded on the official candidates list "Mullet Muzz McDowell" was also standing in the Kaitake-Ngāmotu ward. "That took some doing getting my name recorded like that," he confides. McDowell stood for the mayoralty alone in 2022 and received just under one thousand votes finishing in sixth place and well behind outgoing mayor Neil Holdom who got about 13600 votes. Mullet Muzz hoped standing on for the ward alone was a more realistic approach to getting on council. Former mayoral hopeful Murray McDowell. Photo: Supplied / Muzz McDowell "After some careful consideration and sound information I decided not to run for mayor this year, but councillor only to get in there." The former truck and trailer operator said if successful he would apply his one simple policy "honesty". Kaitake-Ngāmotu would be a hotly contested ward with 19 candidates seeking one of six seats. Other notable candidates include former roughsleeper Lani Mackie-Hunt, who had risen to prominence through his efforts to provide meals to those currently living on the streets, and one-time champion chip cooker Graham Chard, and former owner of the celebrated Chaos Cafe Kerry Vosseler and advocate for people living with disabilities EJ Barrett. The frontrunners for the ward would appear to be incumbent councillors former broadcaster Bryan Vickery and former journalist Gordon Brown. Graham Chard - whose Okato Takeaways business took out the Chip Group's Judges' Supreme Award for best chips in 2019 - was among nine candidates standing for mayor. The president of the New Plymouth RSA would face tough competition from current councillors Max Brough - who trailed Holdom by some 8000 votes in 2019, Sam Bennett, came in fourth in 2022 with 2700 votes and current deputy mayor David Bublitz. Bublitz only came forward once Holdom announced he would not be seeking a fourth term. The New Plymouth Boys' High School director of sport and former Taranaki basketball coach has been on council six years - three as deputy - and champion of the $50 million new being sports hub being constructed in the city. Bublitz believed he was ready to step up the top job. "Over the past six years I've learned how to get things done. How to turn big ideas into action and how to navigate the hard calls. "But more importantly, I've spent over 30 years laying the platform and bringing people together, solving problems, and supporting others to succeed, whether in sport, governance, or the community." Brough, who was back for a second shot at the mayoral chains, would appear to be the darling of the New Plymouth Ratepayers Alliance - a group concerned at the rising rates burden homeowners faced. The owner of an importing, manufacturing and distribution business he said his platform was based on growth and turning the district's economy around. "That's based on my real-world experience in business and knowing how to get things done." Brough said the district could no longer look solely to central government for help, but had to leverage of the businesses and industries already in New Plymouth now. His likely deputy, if elected, would appear to be veteran councillor Murray Chong who had been expected to stand for mayor but was instead seeking a council seat only. Dark horses in the mayoral race include former police officer and bravery award winner John Woodward, who had been in campaign-mode for several weeks, and the only woman among nine candidates, Sarah Lucas, a self-confessed local government nerd who had been a Inglewood Community Member for three years. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
