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Newsroom
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsroom
Book of the Week: ‘Ruapehu took possession of my mind'
The main image on this page — above, spread out happily across the screen — is from the constantly fascinating illustrated book Fire & Ice: Secrets, histories, treasures and mysteries of Tongariro National Park by Hazel Phillips and is surely, surely, the best photo ever taken in New Zealand of post-colonial leisure in paradise, at once supremely happy and inevitably troubling, a 1960s ideal of the governing race at play, a portrait of Little Rhodesia, consenting adults without children enjoying themselves tremendously in the bright light of the South Pacific and achieving the seemingly impossible feat of stripping off and wearing sexy patterned bikinis in a sulphuric lake in the freezing show. The only photo I know that comes near its classic depiction of the Good Life for white people is the cover of the 1973 album Shaun at Wairakei Vol 2: the lascivious middle classes lounge poolside in bikinis and psychedelic shirts at the Tourist Hotel Corporation luxury resort in Wairakei. The LP cover carries a heavy suggestion of illicit affairs, of Brut, of what kind of man reads Playboy. The picture from Fire & Ice is less sexualised, from a more innocent and more explicitly apartheid age; it was taken in 1962, at Ruapehu's Crater Lake. Hazel Phillips, the book's author, positions the photo right at very front, and writes in the Introduction, 'I became obsessed with Ruapehu about a decade ago when I [first] saw the photo.' Her book investigates European representations of tourism, and European narratives of approaching the mountain as something to be conquered, but she goes way beyond either of these narrow subjects. 'The volcanic mountains of the central plateau have gripped me and held me tight,' she writes. 'This is the story of how Ruapehu and Tongariro took possession of my mind.' Two members of the Auckland Tramping Club peering into crevasses on the Mangaehuehu Glacier at Easter, 1933. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, 282-0426 There are too few good books and too little good writing about the central plateau. You would not think so. The mountains claim the middle of the North Island, citadels in a white kingdom, beautiful and dangerous. John Mulgan chose the adjacent-ish Kaimanawa Mountains as the setting for the best pages in his 1932 classic novel Man Alone, sending his brooding protagonist to take refuge in its wilderness after killing his farm boss. But no other great work of fiction comes to mind that climbs or goes even anywhere near Ruapehu and Tongariro. Hazel Phillips includes a bibliography of nonfiction books on the plateau in the end pages of Fire & Ice; it's an interesting but rather motley collection which includes a forgotten classic, the appealingly titled 1960 memoir Susan in Springtime. Its author was Susan Graham, a survivor of the famous 1931 Stanton search, when a party of university students were lost in a blizzard on Ruapehu. Phillips devotes a chapter to the search. She writes that survivors were given hot drinks and food, then stripped and rubbed down with whiskey to warm them up: 'I am reliably informed that stripping someone and rubbing their naked body with whiskey is no longer accepted search and rescue practice.' A hole appeared in the ice next to the Crater Lake following the lahar that caused the 1953 Tangiwai disaster. Air Force Museum of New Zealand There are a lot of dead people in Fire & Ice. They include 18-year-old Auckland University law student Warwick Stanton. He did not survive the 1931 search named after him. His body was found on the banks of the upper Makatote River. Phillips' account of that tragedy is deeply felt; her book often reads as a beautiful and moving record of death on the mountain. View from Paretetaitonga of an empty Crater Lake following the 1945 eruption. Bagnall Collection, Massey University Library Even the gorgeous Crater Lake, as immortalised in that amazing 1962 photo at the top of this review and which 'obsessed' Philips, has been the cause of death. At 10:24pm on Christmas Eve 1953, 151 people lost their lives after a flood from the Crater Lake collapsed a railway bridge beneath an express passenger train at Tangiwai. The tragedy has inspired numerous literary responses such as Laurence Fearnley's novel The Hut Builder, and Anthony McCarten's play Cyril Ellis, Where Are You, named after the young man who acted heroically to save the lives of passengers. Phillips only devotes a few paragraphs to the disaster in Fire & Ice; her attention is diverted in the rest of that chapter to other aspects and other, primarily geological stories of the Crater Lake. It's an interesting editorial decision and I think it's a good one. A different kind of writer, eg a hack greedy for content, would have mined it. Phillips is neither a hack nor a content tourist. She writes seriously, scientifically, sometimes jovially, and her book stays close to the mountain at all times, on it and inside it, in a very physical and emotional sense. Chateau Tongariro, the base for the Stanton search. Archives New Zealand, AAQT 6539 W3537 A2117 R21010634 The Chateau! One of the great New Zealand place names, and it looks magnificent in the undated photo above, from Fire & Ice, immediately conjuring up visions of Jack Nicholson running amok with an axe in The Shining. Phillips touches on the Chateau now and then — the best Index reference in Fire & Ice is 'Chateau, temporary use as a mental health facility' — but she spends longer, quality time writing about old-timey huts, and tells great stories about the so-called Haunted Whare: 'A small shack near Tawhai Falls below the Chateau was reputedly haunted by the ghost of a woman searching for her lost lover. The whare burned down, twice. Rumours trickled through that a plaque or sign still existed on the overgrown site. Could I find it, and would the ghosts talk to me if I did?' The answers are no and no but she does make a pretty exciting discovery — an old battered sign, completely hidden in a stand of trees, which reads, 'About 1881 a shepherds hut was built on this site. This hut replaced the first hut built in 1880 which was deliberately destroyed by fire after the finding of a dead Maori inside. HUT BECAME KNOWN AS THE HAUNTED WHARE AND WAS FINALLY DESTROYED IN 1943.' It's another fun, detailed, immersive chapter; Phillips take every opportunity to get out and about on the mountain, intensely curious and always respectful, aided and abetted on the page by a stunning collection of historical photos as per the one of two jokers stripped to the waist, below. The crevasses of the Whakapapa Glacier used to be large and distinctive. Now, there's almost nothing left. Harry Keys collection One of the most powerful stories is told in Chapter 1. A man given the nom de plume of Henry first destroys on his own and later, with Phillips, goes to retrieve parts of a memorial on Ruapehu. He wants the 'backcountry kept clear of this shit. Why do we feel the need to mark wherever we've been?' It's a shocking act but Phillips is alert to the nuances. She writes, 'Were Henry and I undoing history by removing the plaque from the summit? Were we carrying out a radical act of decolonisation? Were we committing an offence? Or were we restoring the environment to its natural state? Perhaps we were doing all of those things, somehow, in a big contradictory mix.' The thing is not to rush to judgment without reading the whole story in this chapter. As she comments, 'Assumptions can be dangerous.' It reads like a short story, full of incident and thought, and like any story you have to get to the end. Phillips salvages remains of the plaque and keeps them safe. She tracks down the grandson of the climber who was memorialised in the 1922 plaque. They meet for coffee. 'I told him the whole story of the trip with Henry, Henry's motives, and my desire to ensure the plaque wasn't consigned to rubbish in Ruapehu.' His response? All good. No problem. 'The plaque was a reflection of the time,' he says. 'I mean, do we really want to keep ramming colonialism down the throats of iwi?' For all of the stories of death and tragedy, Fire & Ice searches out, and finds, stronger feelings inspired by the central plateau: understanding, resolution, peace. The broken plaque and valves on Girdlestone Peak, Ruapehu. Back, once again, and finally, to the Crater Lake, that golden pond, in delicate handcoloured pale turquoise in the photo below, taken about 100 years ago, and positioned in the pentultimate and quite transcendent chapter in Fire & Ice. It's about the 2002 discovery of a skull near Dome peak on Ruapehu. What happened to it? Phillips puts in an Official Information Act request to police. They are unable to help. She puts in an OIA to the ESR and is told the skull was probably a pre-European Māori, 18-20, and female. Later, she sits down with Bubs Smith from Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongaririo, who tells her of an old waiata he learned from his mother. 'It speaks of a young girl who was betrothed to someone in Ngāti Rangi, which was something that was done to keep the ties strong between iwi. She didn't want to leave her homeland and went up to the mountain never to be seen again.' Phillips writes, 'That meant that none of our European climbers were the first to get to the top of Ruapehu…Although mountaineering was a European construct, the first ascent of Ruapehu – incredibly – probably belonged to a young Māori woman.' Smith says to her, meaning the skull, 'Chances are these are her remains.' Crater Lake and the Summit Plateau in the 1920s or 1930s, showing many crevasses compared to present day. Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections Fire & Ice is the second excellent book of the great New Zealand outdoors published in 2025, after Naomi Arnold's account of walking the Te Araroa track in Northbound. Both have been patiently, admirably managed by their respective publishers, with Massey University Press pulling out all the stops to gain access to over 100 archive photos of Ruapehu pulled from the Turnbull Library and other repositories. It's a damned good looking book, destined to be among the year's best, appealing to trampers, mountaineers, climbers, ski-ers, Tongaririo crossers, local iwi and other citizens of the plateau, and really anyone who appreciates an intelligently told natural history. Fire & Ice: Secrets, histories, treasures and mysteries of Tongariro National Park by Hazel Phillips (Massey University Press, $49.99) is available in bookstores nationwide.
Emirates Woman
6 days ago
- Health
- Emirates Woman
7 editor-approved facials to book in Dubai
With a myriad of facials including microdermabrasion, laser facial, hydrafacials and more, finding the right facial for you in the most important task. Dubai offers a wide range of facial treatments catering to all skin types and concerns, from luxurious spa experiences to advanced dermatological procedures. Popular options include HydraFacial for deep hydration and cleansing, chemical peels for skin resurfacing, and oxygen facials for instant glow and rejuvenation. Clinics like Facette Facial Bar provide personalised treatments, while high-end resorts such as Atlantis The Royal and One&Only The Palm offer indulgent experiences in stunning settings. Whether you're looking for anti-ageing solutions, acne treatment, or a pre-event glow, Dubai's facials combine innovation with luxury for visibly refreshed skin. To narrow it down, Emirates Woman has created a guide of all must-try facials for glowing skin. Facette Facial Bar Facette Facial Bar has just opened its second branch in Jumeirah Al Wasl. The Fire & Ice Facial clinical treatment and Red Carpet favorite by iS Clinical is designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing, softening, and encouraging overall skin rejuvenation. Excellent for all skin types and ages, this facial results in a complexion that is dramatically refined, with no downtime, peeling, or other negative side effects. It takes place for 60 minutes and is priced at Dhs787.50. For more information visit Skin Laundry Known for their laser facials, Skin Laundry has garnered a name for themselves in Dubai. With just 15 minutes and zero downtime, lasers have been made a thing with Skin Laundry. The Power Fractional Facial is a high-intensity laser for visible results. This 30-minute powerhouse facial uses fractional laser technology to treat deeper skin concerns with faster results. It stimulates collagen, improves texture, and reduces pigmentation with 1–3 days of light downtime. For more information visit Sisters Beauty Lounge Known for extravagant beauty list, experience the ultimate in British skincare with the SISTERS X Elemis Pro-Collagen Facial, a luxury anti-aging treatment designed to deeply hydrate, firm, and restore your skin's youthful glow. Powered by the award-winning Pro-Collagen range, this facial delivers clinically proven results, smoothing fine lines while boosting elasticity and radiance. Whether you choose the 60-minute glow-boosting treatment or indulge in the 90-minute version with deep extraction and a relaxing massage, this is skincare at its most indulgent. Prices for this start at Dhs700. It's available at the various locations in Dubai including Dubai Mall, Mall of The Emirates, The Village Mall, City Center Mirdif, City Walk and JBR. For more information visit Heleo4® Heleo4® is a non-invasive cosmetic and aesthetic procedure aimed at cellular rejuvenation and improvement of the skin's natural resources . The innovative concept is a perfect standalone skin revitalization procedure as well as a preparatory step before any cosmetic treatments for maximum effectiveness and the best long-lasting results . The uniqueness lies in its innovative approach targeting processes that stimulate the division of healthy and young cells. The facial is available at various clinics in Dubai ranging from Evolution Clinic, Milyne Esthetic Clinic and more. For more information visit Blended Wellness View this post on Instagram A post shared by Blended (@blendedwellnessdxb) Experience a revitalising treatment designed to boost lymphatic circulation and support your body's natural detoxification. Using gentle, rhythmic movements and detoxifying essential oils, this massage helps reduce water retention, ease heaviness, and restore a sense of lightness. Perfect for renewing your energy, it leaves you feeling refreshed, balanced, and in harmony with your body. The Detox and Flow facial for 60 minutes is priced at Dhs650 for 60 minutes at Blended Wellness' latest branch in Dubai Marina. For more information visit Orskin Aesthetics As one of the most transformative facials on the market right now – the DMK Enzyme Facial is a must-try. This treatment works by oxygenating the skin through reverse osmosis, detoxifying at a cellular level and leaving the complexion visibly firmer, smoother and more radiant. Designed to restore your skin's natural vitality, it combines advanced enzyme therapy with rejuvenating techniques to deliver visible, long-lasting results. For more information visit – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied Feature Image:
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Book of the day: Fire & Ice - Secrets, Histories, Treasures and Mysteries of Tongariro National Park by Hazel Phillips
Earth, air, fire, water, aether. These may sound like spellcasting elements, but here they are the thematic sections in Hazel Phillips' Fire & Ice, a captivating social history of Tongariro National Park and its two main peaks, Ruapehu and Ngāruhoe. The latter is now internationally famous as the setting of
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Year of the Snake, Paranormal Cirque II and the Righteous Brothers: 7 events this week
Jan. 30—This year ushers in the Year of the Snake. You can celebrate the Lunar New Year this weekend at the Chinese Cultural Center. Or check out one of these other s-s-s-s-s-sensational options. Got an event we should know about? Reach out to features@ Stranger things Paranormal Cirque II is bringing its big top to Cottonwood Mall at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31; 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1; 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6. The acrobatics continue next week through Feb. 10. Tickets are $20-$65, plus fees, at Due to the show's content, anyone under age 17 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older, and children younger than age 13 will not be permitted. Cottonwood Mall is located at 10000 Coors Bypass NW. Raise the curtain Adobe Theater is bringing Sean Grennan's play "Now & Then" to stage. The curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6. Adobe is also staging performances Feb. 7-9. Tickets run $10-$26, plus fees, at Adobe Theater is located at 9813 Fourth St. NW. Lunar New Year The Chinese Cultural Center is celebrating the Year of the Snake from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The free event will feature dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations and folk dance. The cultural center is located at 427 Adams St. SE. Read more on V6. Songs of 'Fire & Ice' The New Mexico Philharmonic's Power Concerts series is back with "Fire & Ice" at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2. The program pairs works by Charles Ives with Dmitri Shostakovich. Tickets run $2-$35, plus fees, at The Immanuel Presbyterian Church is located at 114 Carlisle Blvd. SE. Unchained melodies The Righteous Brothers are coming to Isleta Resort & Casino at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, with their "Lovin' Feeling' Farewell Tour." Tickets are $45-$65, plus fees, at The Showroom at Isleta Resort & Casino is located at 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE. Read more on V14. Overcoming obstacles The Open Space Visitor Center is hosting a free screening of "Freedom Hair" at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. The film tells the story of a woman's struggle to open a natural hair braiding business in the state of Mississippi. The visitor center is located at 6500 Coors Blvd. NW. Finding their way The Albuquerque Museum is bringing you a free screening of "Which Way Home" at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. "Which Way Home" shows the personal side of immigration through the eyes of children. The museum is located at 2000 Mountain Road NW. ---
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Winter wine and beer tasting events are coming to Watkins Glen and Corning. How to attend.
Experiencing a little cabin fever this winter? Two upcoming events happening in Corning and Watkins Glen will offer a chance to get out of the house and break the winter doldrums. First up is "Fire & Ice" at the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel, which is offering a full weekend of events celebrating the Seneca Lake waterfront destination. The Fire & Ice event will be held 5-9 p.m. Jan. 30 to Feb. 1 at the Harbor Hotel to benefit the Schuyler Health Foundation through three nights of charity, fun and festivities. 'The views of our iconic Pier House during a winter evening are spectacular,' said Nigar Hale, executive director of Watkins Glen Chamber of Commerce. 'We have found that this celebration brings the local community and tourists together to enjoy the best of the winter, cocktails, hot cocoa, a hot fire, music and great food and friendship.' The grounds at the Harbor Hotel will be transformed into an adult playground during Fire & Ice, featuring more than 40,000 pounds of ice carved into sculptures, martini luges, and ice bars. The indoor and outdoor event will be filled with music and dancing, culminating into a spectacular fireworks display Saturday night. For tickets to the event go to Kimberly Sprague, director of the Schuyler Health Foundation, said for the last three years the Harbor Hotel has donated $20,000 to the Schuyler County Health Foundation with money raised from the Fire & Ice event proceeds. 'The funds support the Schuyler County Hospital and the Skilled Nursing Facility at Seneca View,' Sprague said. 'Every dollar counts. It's extremely important for the work that we're doing here at the hospital and the skilled nursing facility.' Sprague said the money donated can purchase small equipment and help Schuyler County Hospital and the Skilled Nursing Facility at Seneca View offer better services to the community. Since 1987, the Schuyler County Health Foundation has provided funds to Schuyler Hospital and its related medical facilities, including the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility, through major gifts and fundraising events. Sprague said the foundation has a strong focus on community integration. 'We are proud to sponsor this event as it benefits Schuyler Health Foundation – really though, it benefits the entire community,' Hale said. Shake off the winter blues at the Corning Gaffer District's Cabin Fever event Friday, Feb. 21. Cabin Fever check-in and a shopping hour will run from 4-5 p.m., with tastings from 5-8 p.m. 'I think people, by the time February comes along, they're ready to be out and do a little enjoying of the downtown area,' said Coleen Fabrizi, president of the Corning Gaffer District. 'Cabin Fever, if you happen to love wine and beer, is a perfect way to do that.' Fabrizi said she often hears about people who go into a business that hosts wine or beer tasting at Cabin Fever, and they had no idea the business was in the Gaffer District. 'It ends up being a win-win all the way around,' Fabrizi said. Tickets are digital-only and must be purchased in advance, Fabrizi said. No cash sales will be available on the day of the event. More: NY State Fair $35M revamp would include new concert venue. Here are the plans Tickets, which include complimentary tasting glass access to all locations, can be purchased at Cabin Fever 2025. This article originally appeared on The Leader: Cabin Fever, Fire & Ice winter events coming to Corning, Watkins Glen
