Latest news with #RossTaylor
Perth Now
a day ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Family's new devastating blow after three relatives battle cancer
A Sydney family dealt three health blows in recent years is preparing for another cancer fight. Ross Taylor, 35, will start chemotherapy this week after he was diagnosed with stage four Hodgkin lymphoma. His diagnosis comes shortly after his cousin overcame the same rare cancer. It also follows the sad death of his father-in-law to brain cancer five years ago, while his mother-in-law is in remission following her battle with stage four follicular lymphoma. 'All I could think (when I was diagnosed) was about the future, my family, my business,' Ross, a dad to twin toddler boys and the owner of a plumbing operation that he launched, told 'You're always trying to climb and climb, but nothing can prepare you for this. 'I'm lucky to have amazing people around me.' One of his rocks, he says, is his wife Kayla, who was front and centre to the cruelty of cancer while a caregiver to her parents just a few years ago. 'She's been all over everything (in terms of planning),' Ross said. 'She looked into medications, booking appointments, on top of being a great mum and doing her work as well. 'I couldn't do it without her.' Ross Taylor, pictured with wife Kayla and their twin sons, will begin treatment on Tuesday. Credit: Taylor family The active dad first noticed something was wrong after a cross-fit competition six months ago. Credit: Ross Taylor Taylor first noticed something was wrong six months ago after pulling up from a cross-fit competition with a sore back. Scans showed a fracture in his lower spine and two bulging disks, but he was expected to have healed in about six weeks with rest. When he was still in pain and essentially 'stuck', he went back to his doctor. 'It got to the point I couldn't walk,' Taylor said. Further scans identified a 10cm-round tumour on top of his heart, with cancer also in his spine, lungs, stomach and hips. Doctors confirmed he had Hodgkin lymphoma, a disease 800 Australians are diagnosed with every year. The average age at diagnosis is 44. Kayla said it was another cruel blow so soon after other members of their family had fallen sick. 'It's really hard — you think, 'he's too young for this',' she said. 'There's a lot of stress involved, especially with the business. 'I just want him to rest up so he can get better.' Ross will begin chemotherapy — a new treatment called BrECADD — on Tuesday. '(BrECADD) has shown some promising results in clinical trials, being better tolerated and more effective than the eBEACOPP regimen in first-line treatment for adult patients with advanced stage Hodgkin lymphoma,' the Leukaemia Foundation told 'Results suggest some patients on BrECADD had fewer side effects and better progression-free survival rates.' The foundation said that while most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma can be treated, 'some face poor prognoses and long-term side effects from treatment, including secondary malignancies, cardiovascular disease and infertility'. 'Hodgkin lymphoma patients who often experience poorer outcomes are those who don't respond well to treatment or relapse,' the foundation said. 'Current treatments include ABVD and eBEACOPP, with eBEACOPP being more intensive and effective but having higher toxicity. 'It is not yet clear to us if BrECADD compares favourably with ABVD, which can be the preferred treatment over eBEACOPP for many patients. 'The Leukaemia Foundation welcomes research into safer and more effective treatments for blood cancer, including lymphoma.' Ross Taylor, pictured with his two children, will begin treatment this week. Credit: Ross Taylor Each of Ross' six cycles will cost $15,000, a financial burden he thought he would have to shoulder himself because it is not currently covered by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) or Medicare. But loved ones and strangers alike have come together to cover almost all of that $90,000 cost via a GoFundMe. 'We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and generosity shown to our family during the hardest time of our lives,' Ross said. 'Your support has not only eased the financial burden to help pay for my treatment, but it has lifted our spirts in ways words can't fully express. Thank you for standing with us, your kind words mean everything.' The active father, who is used to rising early to hit the gym before heading to work, spending time with his kids and then powering through late night emails, said it would be incredibly hard to take a step back. He said he would be off work for at least six months, and feared for the future of his business. 'I want to keep working through but the specialists basically said, 'nope, you will need some time to rest and recover',' he said. The Leukaemia Foundation said it would support BrECADD being listed on the PBS if the 'clinical data is strong enough'.
India Gazette
27-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
From Head's counter-attack to Jamieson's pace masterclass, top moments in World Test Championship finals history
New Delhi [India], May 27 (ANI): The ICC World Test Championship final clash between Australia, the defending champions and South Africa will take place at the 'Home of Cricket', the Lord's from June 11 onwards, marking the end of third cycle of an exciting competition which has given the format a new lease of life and provided each match with plenty of context and meaning. Few events in cricket ignite both passion and prestige quite like the World Test Championship Final, the Ultimate Test for supremacy in the game's purest format. Since its announcement in 2019, followed by a dramatic debut in 2021, the World Test Championship Final has delivered edge-of-the-seat thrillers, career-defining performances, and moments that have reverberated across the cricketing world. As the world inches closer to the 2025 Final, it is only right to look back at some of the magical moments from the previous editions. -Kyle Jamieson's fiery 5/31 v India, 2021 The Kiwi quick was in incredible form at Southampton, exploiting the English conditions masterfully as he struck the first blow to India's batting effort on Day 2, outfoxing Rohit Sharma with a full-length delivery which the India batter nicked to third slip. Jamieson followed this up with the prized wicket of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli, trapping him LBW and denting India's batting effort, as per the ICC. He went on to pick up the wickets of Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as he cleared out the India batting unit, putting New Zealand in a commanding position as India were bowled out for 217 in the first innings. -Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson's stand v India, 2021 After years of heartbreak in global finals, New Zealand's 2021 team stood on the brink of history. The Kiwis were chasing down a modest target of 139, though on a wearing pitch facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and seasoned spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. After losing openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway to Ashwin's spin, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor found themselves at the crease still with 95 runs to get on the final day. Williamson and Taylor played measured innings of 52* (89) and 47* (100), as Taylor's iconic whip through mid-wicket for four sparked emotional celebrations. It was a moment of redemption, resilience, and reward for New Zealand cricket as they were crowned Test champions. -Travis Head's superb century v India, 2023 A complete contrast to the overcast skies at the 2021 Final, the 2023 Final at The Oval witnessed one of the best counter-attacking batting performances from Travis Head. The left-hander walked in at 76/3 as the Aussies had lost David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne relatively quickly. Along with Steve Smith, Head put on a show of aggressive batting as he powered his way through the Indian bowling unit. His knock of 163 off 174 deliveries consisted of 25 fours and a six as he brought his side back into the game and into the ascendancy, putting up 285 runs for the fourth wicket. His century was the first ever in a WTC Final and ultimately proved match-defining, giving Australia a commanding first-innings total that India struggled to recover from. -Composed Rahane leads fightback v Australia, 2023 While Australia held the upper hand, Ajinkya Rahane stood tall amidst the ruins in India's first innings. Rahane entered the fray with India at 50-3, and soon witnessed Virat Kohli's dismissal as India were left stranded at 71-4. Having returned to the India Test side after 18 months out of the team, Rahane displayed immense grit and resilience as he stood tall to Australia's devastating pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. His knock of 89 off 129 deliveries consisted of 11 fours and a solitary six that brought up his half century. His composed knock was filled with classical strokes and steely temperament, and kept India in the contest. It was a reminder of Rahane's big-match temperament and a symbol of resistance in the face of scoreboard pressure and world-class bowling. -Scott Boland's incredible spell of 3/46 v India, 2023 Had Josh Hazlewood been fit, Scott Boland may not have had the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. Boland didn't just take the opportunity, he grabbed it with both of his hands. Boland knocked over Gill in the first innings and followed it up in the second innings as well, as Cameron Green took an absolute blinder to his left to remove the top-order batter. He then claimed Virat Kohli as he fired it in full and wide as an uncertain Kohli edged to Steve Smith at second slip. Boland then had Ravindra Jadeja caught behind by Alex Carey as India found themselves in no man's land at 179/5 in their chase of 444. His wickets with a ball moving enough off the seam proved the turning point. Boland's precision and control underlined the depth in Australia's pace attack and helped seal Australia's victory as Test Champions of the World. (ANI)
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
From Travis Head's Counter-Attack To Kyle Jamieson's Masterclass: Top Moments In World Test Championship Finals
The ICC World Test Championship final clash between Australia, the defending champions and South Africa will take place at the 'Home of Cricket', the Lord's from June 11 onwards, marking the end of third cycle of an exciting competition which has given the format a new lease of life and provided each match with plenty of context and meaning. Few events in cricket ignite both passion and prestige quite like the World Test Championship Final, the Ultimate Test for supremacy in the game's purest format. Since its announcement in 2019, followed by a dramatic debut in 2021, the World Test Championship Final has delivered edge-of-the-seat thrillers, career-defining performances, and moments that have reverberated across the cricketing world. As the world inches closer to the 2025 Final, it is only right to look back at some of the magical moments from the previous editions. Kyle Jamieson's fiery 5/31 v India, 2021 The Kiwi quick was in incredible form at Southampton, exploiting the English conditions masterfully as he struck the first blow to India's batting effort on Day 2, outfoxing Rohit Sharma with a full-length delivery which the India batter nicked to third slip. Jamieson followed this up with the prized wicket of the Indian skipper Virat Kohli, trapping him LBW and denting India's batting effort, as per the ICC. He went on to pick up the wickets of Rishabh Pant, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as he cleared out the India batting unit, putting New Zealand in a commanding position as India were bowled out for 217 in the first innings. Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson 's stand v India, 2021 After years of heartbreak in global finals, New Zealand's 2021 team stood on the brink of history. The Kiwis were chasing down a modest target of 139, though on a wearing pitch facing the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and seasoned spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. After losing openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway to Ashwin's spin, Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor found themselves at the crease still with 95 runs to get on the final day. Williamson and Taylor played measured innings of 52* (89) and 47* (100), as Taylor's iconic whip through mid-wicket for four sparked emotional celebrations. It was a moment of redemption, resilience, and reward for New Zealand cricket as they were crowned Test champions. Travis Head 's superb century v India, 2023 A complete contrast to the overcast skies at the 2021 Final, the 2023 Final at The Oval witnessed one of the best counter-attacking batting performances from Travis Head. The left-hander walked in at 76/3 as the Aussies had lost David Warner, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne relatively quickly. Along with Steve Smith, Head put on a show of aggressive batting as he powered his way through the Indian bowling unit. His knock of 163 off 174 deliveries consisted of 25 fours and a six as he brought his side back into the game and into the ascendancy, putting up 285 runs for the fourth wicket. His century was the first ever in a WTC Final and ultimately proved match-defining, giving Australia a commanding first-innings total that India struggled to recover from. Composed Rahane leads fightback v Australia, 2023 While Australia held the upper hand, Ajinkya Rahane stood tall amidst the ruins in India's first innings. Rahane entered the fray with India at 50-3, and soon witnessed Virat Kohli's dismissal as India were left stranded at 71-4. Having returned to the India Test side after 18 months out of the team, Rahane displayed immense grit and resilience as he stood tall to Australia's devastating pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Scott Boland. His knock of 89 off 129 deliveries consisted of 11 fours and a solitary six that brought up his half century. His composed knock was filled with classical strokes and steely temperament, and kept India in the contest. It was a reminder of Rahane's big-match temperament and a symbol of resistance in the face of scoreboard pressure and world-class bowling. Scott Boland's incredible spell of 3/46 v India, 2023 Had Josh Hazlewood been fit, Scott Boland may not have had the opportunity to shine on the biggest stage. Boland didn't just take the opportunity, he grabbed it with both of his hands. Boland knocked over Gill in the first innings and followed it up in the second innings as well, as Cameron Green took an absolute blinder to his left to remove the top-order batter. He then claimed Virat Kohli as he fired it in full and wide as an uncertain Kohli edged to Steve Smith at second slip. Boland then had Ravindra Jadeja caught behind by Alex Carey as India found themselves in no man's land at 179/5 in their chase of 444. His wickets with a ball moving enough off the seam proved the turning point. Boland's precision and control underlined the depth in Australia's pace attack and helped seal Australia's victory as Test Champions of the World.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zayn VIP Key, Anyone? How the Music Star's First Solo Tour Engaged Superfans via Fan3
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Music star Zayn's Stairway to the Sky tour, his first solo tour since leaving One Direction in 2015, launched in the U.S. in October and concluded in March, using innovative approaches to engage superfans, including a 'Zayn VIP Key.' The musician's manager and the team at UTA Music used Fan3 ticketing technology and innovative fan-centric experiences to super-serve Zayn fans rather than online ticket scalpers. More from The Hollywood Reporter Fan3, co-founded by CEO Ross Taylor, is a fan community platform that summarizes its mission as 'Fandom – Data – Anti-Fraud,' describing its focus as creating 'a new entertainment ecosystem rewarding both those that create it, and those that love it.' Zayn and his teams at UTA and ZenKai Management focused on an approach and strategy akin to a fan club experience, leveraging Fan3's next-generation platform to streamline access to presale tickets and elevate superfans' journey leading up to the live shows. With the so-called 'Zayn VIP Key,' superfans were granted exclusive early access, priority perks and a deeper connection with the artist, helping to boost excitement around his comeback. In fact, the technology gave superfans exclusive first access to tickets through mobile wallet passes in what Zayn's team says marks the first time ever this approach has been used for a tour. Fan3 also allowed Zayn's team to collect valuable first-party fan data, giving them opportunities to tailor custom experiences in new ways. Fan3 added an extra layer of security on top of Ticketmaster, AXS and Eventim that prevented scalpers from snatching up tickets for resale on third-party websites. Zayn VIP key The innovative Zayn partnership with Fan3 led to positive results beyond 22 sold-out venues across the U.S., U.K. and Mexico. For example, a total of 78,291 tickets were sold during the VIP Key presale alone, with 343,377 VIP Keys claimed by fans in 211 countries, The Hollywood Reporter can reveal. And only 2.5 percent of tickets sold were reported listed on secondary ticket sites, meaning ticket resale sites. 'Zayn wanted this tour to feel different — more personal, more intentional and closer to the fans,' explains his manager, Nicola Carson of ZenKai Management, to THR. 'We recognized a unique opportunity that aligned with that vision: a way to create a fan club-like experience and build a community without asking fans to pay for access. It was about removing the noise and making space for a deeper, direct connection. Getting the limited tickets we had in the hands of fans was key.' Eddie Clemens, head of tour marketing at UTA, says: 'Zayn x Fan3 really has set a new gold standard for how artists and their teams can use technology to bring fans closer to their favorite artists, while ensuring we're getting them tickets directly — and keeping tickets off of the secondary market.' Taylor lauds Zayn for putting his fans first and his company's 'pioneering technology to tackle a huge music industry problem: getting genuine tickets in the hands of genuine fans.' He describes the results of the partnership as a win-win for fans and the star, concluding that Fan3 allowed Zayn 'to understand and own his data while ensuring his tickets end up in the hands of the people who truly matter: no bots, no scalpers, no fraud.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter Sign up for THR's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
NZ Herald
30-04-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Society Insider: Black Cap Ross Taylor launches wine brand; The Curve's Victoria Harris confirms new relationship; Megan Alatini on homophobic abuse
'There may be more to talk about mid-year, when I hope to have a Central Otago Pinot Noir 2024 to market locally, and a Rosé is in the works too,' Taylor says. 'Perhaps more of a fuss can be made then.' New Zealand cricketing legend Ross Taylor is pursuing a new business venture as a vintner. Photo / Mike Scott Hamilton-based Taylor's first vintages are grapes that proudly have the quality and characteristics found in the Marlborough region. There are two, the 290 Marlborough Pinot Noir 2023 and the 181 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with Taylor's autograph on each label. The 290 for his red wine represents 290 – Taylor's score at the Waca in Perth against Australia in 2015. It is the highest ever score by a visiting test batsman in Australia. The 181 for his white wine represents Taylor's One Day International score of 181, not out, against England at the University Oval in Dunedin in 2018. Ross Taylor's Marlborough wines. Taylor's wines have gone on sale in New Zealand this week, exclusively at WineCraft in Wellington's beachside suburb of Paraparaumu. Society Insider understands there is only a limited run available in New Zealand. Instead, Taylor's focus is on exporting to India, where he has a large fan base with the cricket-mad nation, having previously played Indian Premier League Cricket from 2008 to 2014 for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Daredevils. There is a growing wine industry in India, with high demand for NZ grapes, especially varietals from the Marlborough region. According to global export-import data planner Volza, New Zealand exported 434 shipments of wine to India from October 2023 to September 2024, marking an annual growth rate of 27%. Taylor is excited about his Indian business prospects. His first shipment arrived there last month, and he is currently registering the product, which he explains is processed on its arrival in the country. Such is his fame in India, in March, Taylor co-led Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's 40-strong business delegation there, with Air New Zealand and ASB chair Dame Therese Walsh. During Luxon's State visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was all smiles when he met Taylor. Ross Taylor and NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ross Taylor and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon play street cricket in New Delhi during their Indian delegation. While in India, Taylor played cricket on the streets of New Delhi with Luxon, Sports Minister Mark Mitchell, current Black Cap Ajaz Patel, who was also part of the delegation, and Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev. The limited New Zealand run of Taylor's wines is stocked exclusively at Paraparaumu's WineCraft. Taylor says that WineCraft owner Brendon Nottage, considered to be one of the country's most knowledgeable wine professionals, has been a big part of his wine journey. Taylor has been a customer of Nottage's for more than a decade and says his wine advice has been invaluable. Taylor, wife Victoria and their three children have a holiday home in Raglan, so they have also made sure their favourite local – George's Beach Club – will serve his Marlborough vintages. Former Black Cap Ross Taylor and wife Victoria Brown, pictured at the Halberg Awards in 2018. Photo / Nick Reed As part of this week's official New Zealand launch, Taylor has been in store at WineCraft, meeting, greeting, tasting, and introducing customers to his Marlborough wines. Customers have the chance to win a game of golf with Taylor at the Paraparaumu Golf Club at the end of May, with a signed bat and a signed copy of Taylor's 2023 autobiography Black and White. Taylor isn't the first Kiwi sportsman to have a nose for the wine business. In March, Society Insider revealed All Black Beauden Barrett had gone into business with respected French wine connoisseur Jean-Benoit Auzely to establish the importing business Beau Jour. All Black Beauden Barrett has partnered with respected French wine connoisseur Jean-Benoit Auzely with importing business Beau Jour. Beau Jour has an exclusive mail order wine list and late in March Barrett had three successful wine tasting evenings with an array of Beau Jour's best from Bordeaux at the Wine Room on Auckland's College Hill. Former All Black great and mental health campaigner Sir John Kirwan is also in the wine-importation business, bringing in Italian wines under the brand jk14 Wines. Kiwi power couple in the making George Harper Jnr and Victoria Harris at a recent wedding in England. Society Insider can reveal a new London-based Kiwi power couple in the worlds of sport and finance – Kiwi international golf commentator George Harper Jnr and The Curve's Victoria Harris. Harris, a financial adviser who launched investing advice platform The Curve in 2020, confirmed the pair has been dating since October last year. 'We met in a very traditional way, a casual 4am slide into the DMs,' Harris tells Society Insider. 'Our first date was at the Broadway Markets in East London.' George Harper Jnr and Victoria Harris pictured in Matarangi in the summer. It's small wonder their paths didn't cross earlier. Although Harris, 36, was raised in Auckland, she did her double major in economics and finance at the University of Canterbury, in 34-year-old Harper Jnr's hometown of Christchurch. For a decade, Harris worked as a portfolio manager at Milford Asset Management, Pie Funds and Devon, managing millions of dollars for hundreds of clients in New Zealand. In 2020, she partnered with producer Sophie Hallwright to create The Curve, providing information for women on finance and investing. George Harper Jnr with golfer Rory McIlroy. Harper Jnr gained a name for himself working in New Zealand as a content creator and presenter in sport. He co-founded sports commentary platform Short & Wide with Anthony Niterl and Andrew James, and gained a cult following. In 2016, Short & Wide had a season on TVNZ On Demand and Duke, and Harper Jnr went on to become a familiar face in sports broadcasting, primarily in rugby and cricket. After covering the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, Harper Jnr spread his wings for good and has been following sport all over the world ever since. The pair are well on their way to becoming a veritable power couple in London. Harper Jnr is based out of the UK and broadcasts on the biggest golf stage at The Open Championship and the DP World Tour, where he is a roving reporter, commentating and diving deep with the best golfers on the planet. He recently signed with UK-based Modest! Sports Marketing. The company's music division represents UK singer Niall Horan, formerly of One Direction. Victoria Harris and Sophie Hallwright, co-founders of The Curve. Photo / supplied. Last year Harris moved The Curve to the UK and raised $1m from angel investors to grow and scale the business. The Curve community now numbers more than 70,000, and its podcast has had more than 1.2m downloads. Harris and Hallwright recently launched an investing club, and they have ambitions for it to become one of the world's biggest. Harris says the recent market volatility has seen a huge spike in their membership. Working on her start-up, she pretty much lives and breathes her work, which complements Harper Jnr's work ethic. He travels regularly to prestigious golf and cricket tournaments all around the world. 'It's hard, but we put great importance on prioritising each other,' Harris tells Society Insider. Harris says that their romance plays into the adage that opposites attract. While she helps people plan financially, Harper Jnr loves spending and has a horrible credit rating, but a good sports betting rating. While Harper Jnr might be on a first-name basis with global golf stars and many of New Zealand's sporting greats, Harris is great friends with America's Cup winning skipper Peter Burling and his wife Lucinda, and has attended her fair share of Sail GPs around the globe. The pair were able to come home and meet each other's families over the New Zealand summer, including enjoying time at the moneyed Coromandel beach spot Matarangi. Harper Jnr worked on the international cricket coverage with TVNZ and the Blackcaps, as well as appearing on Sky's The ACC Does Game of 2 Halves, while Harris networked The Curve. Megan Alatini shocked by homophobic abuse Megan Alatini and Natalie McDade married in March. Megan Alatini has been in the spotlight for more than 25 years but she can still be shocked by the public's reaction to her personal life. The TrueBliss star was on the cover of Woman's Day recently, celebrating her wedding to her partner, police Sergeant Natalie McDade. The story also appeared on the Herald. Alatini and McDade have known each other for 18 years as friends and in late 2023 they began a relationship. By the following New Year's day, the pair were engaged. Alatini, whose first marriage was to former All Black Pita Alatini, says she was shocked by the homophobic social media abuse she received about the new chapter in her life. Megan Alatini, right, on her recent wedding day, picture with her mother, Barbara. 'Let's be clear, you don't have to understand or accept someone's sexuality, religion, or background, that's your journey,' Alatini tells Society Insider. 'But what you don't have the right to do is demean, insult, or bully someone - especially when you know nothing about them, their struggles, or their story,' she says. Alatini says the anonymity of the internet doesn't give anyone a free pass to be cruel. When she shared the fun of her and McDade's magical day, she did not expect to be told to repent for her sins for being gay, to hide or give up her sexuality. Natalie McDade and Megan Alatini on their honeymoon. 'It's still happening too much in a country where I thought we were much more enlightened,' she says. The couple's March wedding was a beautiful affair with more than 250 guests at the Glasshouse in Morningside, including Alatini's three children and one grandchild, and McDade's five children. A-list friends in attendance included Alatini's TrueBliss bandmates, Erika Takacs and Joe Cotton; her former Celebrity Treasure Island castmates Miriama Smith, Mary Lambie and Blair Strang; and long-term friend Colin Mathura-Jeffree. Alatini says she is used to putting herself out there and can mostly brush off abusive comments. However, she says she went into defence mode as a parent, a daughter and a partner. 'My children saw the posts, as well as my mother and my wife. 'Imagine my embarrassment seeing my mama jump into a thread defending her daughter's honour,' she says. Having her family read the hate and the casual cruelty very much hurt them. 'It planted seeds of self-doubt, fear, and shame that no child or family member should have to carry.' Alatini wants to remind people that New Zealand's suicide rates are 'heartbreakingly high', especially among LGBTQ+ youth. 'Every thoughtless comment, every joke, every slur adds to a mountain of pain that some people simply can't climb,' she says. Alatini says online bullies and keyboard trolls need to know it's not just words on a screen; the words are real and can destroy people's lives. 'It's disheartening to see comments telling people to ask God for forgiveness. The God I know loves all people without exception.' Alatini says that at the heart of every faith is compassion, acceptance, and love. She has friends who have faced hate at an even deeper level compared to her own experiences of being in a same-sex relationship. 'I've met individuals who, in earlier years, had to pretend to be someone else just to be accepted – at work, in their own families, in their churches, on their sports teams.' She says she thought about sweeping the abuse under the carpet and ignoring the naysayers, but her integrity wouldn't let her. 'How can I expect others to stand up for themselves if I don't lead by example?' Alatini intends to use her profile and her personal experiences to advocate for those who may not have a voice. She hopes that by standing up, she gives people something to think about before they type in discrimination. 'If you can't show kindness, at least show restraint,' she says. Mowbray and Lawson reunite at country music fest Nick Mowbray, Jaimee Lupton, Hannah St John and Liam Lawson in Palm Springs. Last weekend Zuru billionaire Nick Mowbray and his fiancée, Jaimee Lupton, had a reunion with Kiwi racing star Liam Lawson and his girlfriend, Hannah St John, at the Stagecoach Festival in the Coachella Valley. It's the first time Lawson and Mowbray have met up since Red Bull Racing replaced Lawson with Yuki Tsunoda as Max Verstappen's teammate late last March, seeing Lawson now race for Racing Bulls. Liam Lawson and Hannah St John at the Stagecoach festival in Palm Springs. A few weeks before the swap, Lawson drove his first of two international Grand Prix for Red Bull Racing in Melbourne. After surviving a hard day on a wet track at Albert Park, placing 15th, Lawson and St John joined Mowbray and friends for dinner at Nobu at Crown. Mowbray met Lawson at the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November, and the pair have become firm friends since. Earlier in March, Zuru Toys and Lawson announced a new partnership that would see the brand appearing on Lawson's race helmet for the coming season. Attending the Stagecoach festival with Mowbray, Lawson and co, were Lawson's talent agent, Los Angeles-based Mikayla Haycock and her fiancé, NZ Rich List son and robotics engineer Toby Baker, and NZ-based brand manager of Heineken, Jonty Holmes. Jonty Holmes, Toby Baker and Hannah St John at Stagecoach festival. Last month, Haycock told Society Insider they had secured VVIP tickets for the Stagecoach Festival, which featured an array of country stars, including Luke Combs and The Castellows, as well as not-so-country acts, like Paris Hilton. Also spotted at Stagecoach was LA-based Kiwi Rich List daughter Cameo Turner, who arrived at the festival in a stretch limousine. Turner had just come off working in the Bahamas with her friends from LA-based women's clothing label, Show Me Your Mumu. Mowbray and Lupton have been Stateside most of April, with Lupton doing beauty launches and marketing for her brands Monday Haircare and her new product range, Daise Beauty. Jaimee Lupton attended Stagecoach festival, after business meetings in the States. While in the US, Mowbray has spoken out to the media about President Trump's tariffs and the impact they will have on him and his brother Mat's company Zuru. As their products are mainly manufactured in China, they were facing a 145% import tax to the US. In mid-April, Mowbray told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking Breakfast their company would ship about $2 billion worth of goods to the US this year, which would have a tariff of about $3b. Since then, there has been better news with Trump softening his tariff talk, and last week, Mowbray announced on LinkedIn that Zuru has purchased an office building on the Costco HQ campus in Seattle. While in California, Mowbray and Lupton rented a beautiful Los Angeles mansion with views of the Pacific and jetted into Stagecoach for the night. Haycock, Baker, Lawson and St John rented a classic modernist Palm Springs pad to take in the full weekend of Stagecoach. Haycock, Baker, and St John are expected to fly to Miami to support Lawson at the Florida city's Grand Prix next week. A good week for... Anton Lienert-Brown Anton Lienert-Brown and Olivia Roberston. All Black Anton Lienert-Brown celebrated his 30th birthday with a civilised dinner in Hamilton last Saturday night. Fresh off a Chiefs' Super Rugby win against the Force at Blake Park in Mount Maunganui the night before, Lienert-Brown wore his arm in a sling from an on-field injury at his birthday celebration. Although his big day was on April 15, Lienert-Brown's long-term partner, finance manager Olivia Robertson, organised a celebration on April 26 at Lienert-Brown's base in Hamilton. Among the friends in attendance were some of his Chiefs and All Blacks teammates and partners. Anton Lienert-Brown and Beauden Barrett and Lienert-Brown's 30th birthday. Fellow All Black Beauden Barrett and his wife, influencer Hannah Laity, travelled down from Auckland for the celebration. Lienert-Brown's Chiefs and All Blacks teammate, and business partner in the RTD business, Grins – Damian McKenzie – was there too with his girlfriend, digital marketer Georgia O'Sullivan, the daughter of thoroughbred racing royalty Lance and Bridget. After a champagne toast at home, the troop headed into central Hamilton for dinner at Gothenburg Tapas Bar and Restaurant on Grantham St, overlooking the Waikato River. Anton Lienert-Brown and Olivia Roberston. The restaurant created a special 'Dirty Thirty' menu for Lienert-Brown and his guests. On the menu was a selection of bites, including crudo and beef tataki and plates including prawn and scallop tortellini and seared sirloin, followed by a birthday cake. On Monday, Lienert-Brown revealed his injury was a broken collarbone, which will need surgery and may keep him sidelined for up to eight weeks. On the same day, 1News reported that Lienert-Brown will take a sabbatical next year and play for Japanese club Kobe. Party people of the week Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua - Two Worlds The world premiere for Kiwi musician Marlon Williams' new documentary, Ngā Ao E Rua - Two Worlds, took place at The Civic on Tuesday night. The film is released in cinemas nationwide today. Georgia Knight and Marlon Williams at the premiere of Marlon Williams: Nga Ao E Rua - Two Worlds at The Civic. Photo / David St George Directed by Ursula Grace-Williams (Zealandia, Still Here, The King), the film is an intimate four-year portrait of Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) as he writes and records his first te reo Māori language album Te Whare Tīwekaweka. The film shows the personal challenges he faces along the way and weaves Williams' different worlds together, from international tours and recording the album, to life in his hometown of Ōhinehou (Lyttleton). Hot off performing his new album in New York and London, Williams was blown away by The Civic crowd's reception to the film. Broadcaster and fluent te reo Māori speaker, Stacey Morrison, hosted the event, and Williams was joined on the red carpet by his reo mentor and album collaborator, Kommii, director Ursula Grace-Williams and his girlfriend, Georgia Knight, a Melbourne-based musician. A waiata from his Tōrere whānau gave Williams a nice surprise. Stacey Morrison. Photo / David St George Fellow musicians in attendance included Shihad's Jon Toogood, Erny Belle, James Milne (Lawrence Arabia) and Hollie Fullbrook from Tiny Ruins. Other well-known faces who came to support Williams included broadcasters Jess Tyson, Charlotte Ryan and Kerre Woodham, and actors and comedians Harry McNaughton, Tom Sainsbury, Brynley Stent, Kura Forrester, Rhiannon McCall and filmmaker Chelsea Winstanley. Marlon Williams, Kommi and Ursula Grace Williams. Photo / David St George Mike McRoberts and Heidi Ettema. Photo / David St George Mel Homer and Luke Bird. Photo / David St George Brodie Kane. Photo / David St George Jordan Hodgkinson and Jess Tyson. Photo / David St George Chelsea Winstanley and Ursula Grace Williams. Photo / David St George Greta van der Star and Tim Flower. Photo / David St George 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.
