Latest news with #Antipodean
Glasgow Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Scotland keeper welcomes move to more direct Andreattaball style
There appears little prospect of the Greek-Australian's fellow Antipodean manager Melissa Andreatta being subjected to the same line of questioning in the seasons ahead on the evidence of her first game in charge of the Scotland women's team. Andreatta, the former Matildas assistant who succeeded Pedro Martinez Losa in April, saw her new side suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat to Austria at Hampden on Friday night and suffer relegation from the top tier of the Nations League as a result. But the hosts' late fightback – they created a number of scoring chances in the closing stages of their penultimate Group A1 fixture and were unfortunate not to net a late equaliser in – was impressive. Read more: The way those late opportunities were created perhaps gave the supporters who were in attendance a taste of what Andreattaball will be like. Glasgow City goalkeeper Lee Gibson, who pulled off a string of important saves during the course of the 90 minutes and was deservedly named Player of the Match following the final whistle, has certainly noticed a definite shift in emphasis since the 46-year-old has come in. Gibson, who is set to win her 62nd cap for her country in the meeting with the Netherlands in Tilburg on Tuesday evening, acknowledged that some fans, who were used to their heroes playing a patient and possession-based game under Losa, might consider going direct to be 'not pretty'. However, the 33-year-old very much approves of the change and is optimistic that it will help Scotland, who are currently on a desperately disappointing six game losing and seven match winless run, to end their slump in form and become more competitive before they launch their bid to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. 'I would say in the first camps we have been in with the new manager we have been a little bit more direct,' she said. 'I think before we played a lot and the build was certainly under pressure. Previously, we tried and keep the ball in the defensive half a lot more than maybe we needed to. 'You can be just as effective being direct. It can take two or three passes and suddenly you're in the other half. We need to try and make sure that when we do build, and we are capable of doing it, we're not putting ourselves into bother and trouble. That is probably something that we've done in the past. (Image: Andrew Milligan) 'We've got players up top that can hold the ball and link. Ultimately, you want to try and get Caroline [Real Madrid playmaker Weir] and Ez [Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert] on the ball. I thought Kathleen [Hibernian striker McGovern] did well holding the ball up on Friday night. As did Kirsty [Rangers forward Howat] and Marth [Spurs striker Thomas] when they came on.' Gibson continued, 'Football's ever-changing. You might have a style of play which means you want to try and keep the ball. But ultimately you need to try and score goals. If that means being direct then so be it. It's easier to get up there. 'We've been working under Pedro for quite a few years. So we have probably tried to play the same way even though there has been a change of manager because it is what you have known. But new coaches will bring fresh ideas and different squad selections and you have to adapt. 'Sometimes being direct is actually the easiest way to get higher up the park. On Friday night we were able to go down the side a couple of times. Within two passes, we were in behind their back line. People might say it's not as pretty, but it's just as effective.' Read more: Andreatta, who admitted she is looking for her charges to be more competitive in their personal duels against the Dutch in midweek, was heartened by Gibson's personal display and envisages the goalkeeper having a key role to play in her Scotland side going forward. 'Lee made some big saves to keep the game competitive,' she said. 'She also activated our vertical game, which is an area we want to improve. We don't want to keep possession for possession's sake, we want to actually break lines more often. She was a part of that as well. 'I saw more of that ability to break lines in the second half against Austria, get into good areas in the final third and create chances from there. That's something we want to keep building on. We will keep reinforcing the position we want from our team in order to get into good areas.'
The National
4 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Scotland keeper welcomes move to more direct Andreattaball style
There appears little prospect of the Greek-Australian's fellow Antipodean manager Melissa Andreatta being subjected to the same line of questioning in the seasons ahead on the evidence of her first game in charge of the Scotland women's team. Andreatta, the former Matildas assistant who succeeded Pedro Martinez Losa in April, saw her new side suffer a narrow 1-0 defeat to Austria at Hampden on Friday night and suffer relegation from the top tier of the Nations League as a result. But the hosts' late fightback – they created a number of scoring chances in the closing stages of their penultimate Group A1 fixture and were unfortunate not to net a late equaliser in – was impressive. Read more: The way those late opportunities were created perhaps gave the supporters who were in attendance a taste of what Andreattaball will be like. Glasgow City goalkeeper Lee Gibson, who pulled off a string of important saves during the course of the 90 minutes and was deservedly named Player of the Match following the final whistle, has certainly noticed a definite shift in emphasis since the 46-year-old has come in. Gibson, who is set to win her 62nd cap for her country in the meeting with the Netherlands in Tilburg on Tuesday evening, acknowledged that some fans, who were used to their heroes playing a patient and possession-based game under Losa, might consider going direct to be 'not pretty'. However, the 33-year-old very much approves of the change and is optimistic that it will help Scotland, who are currently on a desperately disappointing six game losing and seven match winless run, to end their slump in form and become more competitive before they launch their bid to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. 'I would say in the first camps we have been in with the new manager we have been a little bit more direct,' she said. 'I think before we played a lot and the build was certainly under pressure. Previously, we tried and keep the ball in the defensive half a lot more than maybe we needed to. 'You can be just as effective being direct. It can take two or three passes and suddenly you're in the other half. We need to try and make sure that when we do build, and we are capable of doing it, we're not putting ourselves into bother and trouble. That is probably something that we've done in the past. (Image: Andrew Milligan) 'We've got players up top that can hold the ball and link. Ultimately, you want to try and get Caroline [Real Madrid playmaker Weir] and Ez [Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert] on the ball. I thought Kathleen [Hibernian striker McGovern] did well holding the ball up on Friday night. As did Kirsty [Rangers forward Howat] and Marth [Spurs striker Thomas] when they came on.' Gibson continued, 'Football's ever-changing. You might have a style of play which means you want to try and keep the ball. But ultimately you need to try and score goals. If that means being direct then so be it. It's easier to get up there. 'We've been working under Pedro for quite a few years. So we have probably tried to play the same way even though there has been a change of manager because it is what you have known. But new coaches will bring fresh ideas and different squad selections and you have to adapt. 'Sometimes being direct is actually the easiest way to get higher up the park. On Friday night we were able to go down the side a couple of times. Within two passes, we were in behind their back line. People might say it's not as pretty, but it's just as effective.' Read more: Andreatta, who admitted she is looking for her charges to be more competitive in their personal duels against the Dutch in midweek, was heartened by Gibson's personal display and envisages the goalkeeper having a key role to play in her Scotland side going forward. 'Lee made some big saves to keep the game competitive,' she said. 'She also activated our vertical game, which is an area we want to improve. We don't want to keep possession for possession's sake, we want to actually break lines more often. She was a part of that as well. 'I saw more of that ability to break lines in the second half against Austria, get into good areas in the final third and create chances from there. That's something we want to keep building on. We will keep reinforcing the position we want from our team in order to get into good areas.'
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19-05-2025
- Business
Air New Zealand Just Unveiled Its Retrofitted Fleet—With a New Business Cabin and Upgrades to Economy
As a New Zealander living in New York, I often say that flying home is one of the most emotional parts of the journey. That first breath of clean Antipodean air, the warmth of familiar accents, the landscapes that still take your breath away no matter how many times you've seen them. But for those yet to make the trip, Air New Zealand has long offered more than just transportation. It's a preview of the country's character: welcoming, thoughtful, and quietly world-class. On May 19, Air New Zealand launched its newly retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This isn't merely a fleet upgrade, as it's a bold reimagining of what long-haul travel can look and feel like. More than five years and 170,000 hours in the making, the project is an example of how an airline can embody the spirit of its homeland at 35,000 feet. It also reflects how the carrier is propelling itself—and by extension, the country—on the global stage in a future-focused way. 'Given our geographical location, the majority of our customers travel overnight to reach New Zealand,' Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran told Travel + Leisure . 'With this in mind, we've designed our new cabins to prioritize rest and comfort to help ensure an exceptional inflight experience.' That ethos, he added, has been 'guided by the features premium travelers value most'—and it's reflected in every touchpoint. From the moment travelers step onboard, they're immersed in the essence of New Zealand. Every detail—from the calming natural tones of the cabin, echoing the country's lush native bush and the iridescent plumage of the tui bird, to the tactile finishes—is crafted to evoke the beauty and tranquility of New Zealand. The inflight experience is equally evocative. Amenity kits feature skincare inspired by traditional Māori herbal practices, and the menus are a culinary showcase of indigenous flavors. Think smoked kahawai mousse with confit potato or beef short rib with black truffle, capped with a passionfruit pavlova—an authentic representation of cuisine found on local dinner tables. 'We believe we've created something that customers will love, with an interior design inspired by the uniqueness of Aotearoa New Zealand,' Foran said. 'This new cabin blends comfort and privacy, and when paired with Air New Zealand's world-class Kiwi hospitality, it amounts to a standout offering.' A passenger in the new Economy seats. The retrofitted Dreamliners are as smart as they are stylish. Every cabin features a new inflight entertainment system with larger 4K screens, Bluetooth audio pairing, and the ability to use personal devices as remotes. Sustainability, a rising concern for travelers and the aviation industry alike, has been a significant consideration throughout the project. 'We're focused on minimizing impact as much as possible, and this includes increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and making our fleet as fuel-efficient as possible,' Foran said. The new cabins feature lighter, more sustainable materials—such as fabrics replacing leather—and serviceware that's up to 20 percent lighter, all contributing to reduced emissions. The airline is also exploring ways to repurpose materials removed during the retrofit, underscoring its commitment to a circular economy and a net-zero carbon future by 2050. The Business Premier Luxe seats. At the heart of the retrofit is Air New Zealand's new Business Premier cabin, a product of extensive research and customer insight. As Foran explained, 'It is important to us to develop products that are exactly what our customers want, which is why we have carried out extensive research while developing our new cabin.' The Business Premier seats are designed to bring ease and elegance to even the longest flights: lie-flat beds, enhanced privacy, wireless charging, and 24-inch high-resolution monitors. For those seeking an extra level of exclusivity, the Business Premier Luxe experience delivers just that. Positioned in the front row and limited to four per aircraft, these seats offer additional space, a privacy door, and, for the first time on Air New Zealand, the option to dine with a companion at altitude. The new Premium Economy seats on board. Air New Zealand hasn't limited its innovation to the front of the plane. 'With the rise of ultra-long-haul travel, we are seeing greater demand for premium cabins; however, we've also made sure we cater to a diverse range of customer preferences,' Foran said. The refreshed economy cabin now offers up to five different seating options, including the popular Skycouch and, from 2026, the world's first Skynest, a bunk-bed concept for economy passengers. Premium Economy has also been reimagined, featuring one of the largest seats in the industry at 41 inches, with enhanced privacy, clever storage, and lighting designed for comfort without disturbing neighbors. As the retrofitted Dreamliners prepare for takeoff, Air New Zealand is setting a new benchmark for what it means to fly long-haul. (In my case, 18 hours from JFK-AKL.) As someone who has flown nearly every major international airline, I can say with certainty that Air New Zealand consistently offers one of the most thoughtful and gracious flying experiences in the world—not just in the premium cabins, but across all classes. The airline's blend of cultural authenticity, technological innovation, and sustainability is not only a tribute to its homeland but a compelling invitation for travelers worldwide to experience the magic of New Zealand, starting from the moment they step onboard.
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Restless Leg Announce Their First Ever New Zealand Tour
Since its inception in 2012, Sydney band Restless Leg has crafted a unique sound by drawing inspiration from iconic indie rock bands from both sides of the Tasman. From The Go-Betweens to The Clean, Twerps to The Bats, Songs to The Brunettes and many more, Restless Leg have established their own place on the continuum of intelligent, jangly, Antipodean guitar pop. The gravitational pull of those influences has led the band to embark upon an inevitable pilgrimage back to the place of their musical provenance… Aotearoa/New Zealand, on their South by South tour 2025. If Restless Leg's Dream Buet album of 2021 was a 'pandemic era album for the ages' (2SER 107.3 FM), then their most recent album Dance Around My Head (Sinister Porpoise Records, 2024) emerged from the introspection of that time to reckon with the daydreams that we all conjured for ourselves, our familial relationships, hopes for the future and the fantastic experience of living in the real world. Dance Around My Head saw the band tour widely in Australia, with shows in Brisbane, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and surrounds, thrilling audiences and converting new fans to the Restless Leg sound – shaped by Velvet Underground-inspired guitars, shambolic Pavement-tinged country and sparky Flying Nun-inspired indie pop.
Business Recorder
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Australian dollar braces for RBA decision, kiwi awaits more fiscal pain
SYDNEY: The Australian dollar was bracing for a central bank policy meeting where a quarter-point cut has been widely expected, while the kiwi awaited a government budget that will include painful cost-cutting measures even as the economy struggles. The Aussie inched up 0.1% to $0.6410 on Monday, after a seesaw week that saw it hit a high of 65 cents, only to end 0.1% lower. It is running into selling pressures at a key chart level of $0.6454 while support is at $0.6360. The kiwi dollar was 0.2% firmer at $0.5891, after finishing last week 0.4% lower. It is well short of last week's top of $0.5969, with major support lying at $0.5845. Data from China - the two Antipodean countries' biggest trading partner - showed industrial output surprised on the upside in April against the backdrop of sky-high US tariffs, although retail sales missed forecasts, pointing to still sluggish consumers. The Reserve Bank of Australia will decide on its monetary policy on Tuesday. Markets are 100% priced for a quarter-point cut in the 4.10% cash rate, while 42 of 43 economists in a Reuters poll expected the same. It is rare for the RBA to go against such high pricing, but as the labour market remained unequivocally strong and global trade volatility settled somewhat, analysts do not expect policymakers to explicitly commit to further easing. Australian dollar perched at five-month top, outlook brightens Swaps imply another two more rate cuts by the end of the year. 'The RBA will definitely cut the policy rate in May… don't expect the Governor to entertain any speculative conjecture in her press conference,' said Stephen Miller, GSFM investment specialist. 'The Governor this time around will wish to give herself and the Board maximum optionality for future RBA Board meetings.' Across the Tasman Sea, the New Zealand government is set to unveil its budget on Thursday. Officials have already said the baseline spending in the 2025 budget would be reduced to NZ$1.3 billion ($777 million) from a forecast of NZ$2.4 billion. Analysts at Westpac said this year's deficit is on track to print slightly below expectations. 'The sustained spending restraint that is likely to be depicted in the Budget will require significant discipline and ongoing tough choices,' Westpac said. Markets also expect the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to cut its 3.5% cash rate by a quarter point when it meets on May 28. The central bank is far ahead of the RBA, having already eased by 200 basis points. Investors suspect it might nearly be done, with rates seen bottoming at 3.0%.
