STYLE STATUS

Find what works for your look and lifestyle.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

CUVÉE ROSE COAT, $728, UNREALFUR.COM.AU

MOOD OF THE MOMENT

Plaid just keeps coming from every direction, and there’s a reason for this: its versatility is as fabulous as its timelessness. From outerwear to statement dresses, often crafted from fabric in a heavier weave, it’s a look that leans into the practical as much as the visually pleasing.

Styling has taken a maximalist slant; head-to-toe is the go – an approach New Zealand designers are excelling at. Given our mild winter climate, Bay dwellers have the advantage of being able to dip our toes into cold-weather looks without having to completely ‘winterise’ our wardrobes, and for this, layering is key. Mid-weight pieces topped with a statement coat enables the outerwear to be the entire look. Go for faux fur and shearling or ethically sourced feather, and add new depth to the most basic of outfits.

HEREAFTER DRESS, $440, TWENTYSEVENNAMES.CO.NZ

WELCOME WINTER TO YOUR WARDROBE

Colour features strongly this season, and a great way to banish the gloom is by zhushing up your neutrals with splashes of it. Although florals will always say “spring”, some designers haven’t been able to wait and have turned blooms transeasonal by showing them paired with heavy boots and a coat.

The quarter zip knit is another favourite look, and one that works just as well for men as women; thanks to its minimalist appeal, it’s a top-tier staple.

INTENT JACKET, $470, MOOCHI.CO.NZ

Sweaters take the average turtleneck up a notch, with this season championing ultra-cosy funnel-necks. In fact, the high-collar aesthetic is a huge breakout trend right now, as are balloon pants. Billowy with a tapered hem, for many fashion fans, these pants sartorially divisive, but like it or lump it, they’ve quickly become the silhouette of the season.

TRENDING NOW

Most-wanted this winter.

BEC AND BRIDGE CASSIS DRAPE MAXI DRESS, $469, SUPERETTE.CO.NZ

RECALIBRATE YOUR LOOK EASY ELEVATION Although transeasonal pieces are imperative wardrobe fillers, find me someone who doesn’t love a winter coat or jacket. At this time of year, in some form or other, leather (or faux) can’t be beaten.

Versatility is a star quality that can just as easily read retro or polished and can’t be beaten for longevity. A beautiful long-line piece of tailoring will never date, and if you’re looking for an on-trend jacket, a funnel-neck or bomber should be your pick.

None of this season’s trends feel too set in stone, but a ’20s-style dropped or elongated waist is a highlight, and generally a flattering one. Sheer lace and corsets are as dramatic as they are current, with a gothic vibe simmering away in the background.

ACLER AVISION MAXI DRESS, $809, BELLOVIDA.NZ

EASY ELEVATION

Overall, this winter’s trends couldn’t get more low maintenance, with designers encouraging fashion lovers to selectively add a few main players, then consider ways to creatively rethink what we already own.

For 2026, pay attention to your knitwear and knee-highs. The former has been elevated via woollen dresses, skirts with matching cardigans, and wrap tops and matching pants, all considered high-fashion pieces.

A trend has also emerged in the form of pre-layered knits. Last year, we saw sweaters and coats with scarf details; this year, it’s knits over knits. If that’s not your thing, look to the trending play on texture – silk or satin paired with merino or cashmere shows an appreciation of quality as well as classic style.

ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS

The seeds of world record-holder Sam Ruthe’s success may have exploded into full bloom recently, but they were sown nearly eight decades ago. Jamie Troughton retraces the remarkable story of a family of runners, which could be culminating in the current generation.

WORDS + PHOTOS JAMIE TROUGHTON + SUPPLIED MAKE-UP DESIRÉE OSTERMAN

If you learn nothing else about Sam Ruthe, just know he’s the type of 17-year-old boy who treasures time with his grandparents.

His ‘Poppa’ and ‘Nan’ are Trevor and Rosemary Wright, who moved to Tauranga 44 years ago. They left behind a life in England, as well as extraordinary athletic careers in their own right.

Sam often pops in during study breaks to see his grandparents at their house in Tauranga’s Avenues, or on his way home from Tauranga Boys’ College, where – almost incongruously – he’s a Year 12 student.

These days, into their late 70s, Trevor and Rosemary are still active. And recently, on a warm autumn day for the umpteenth time in their lives, they were perched on a park bench at Welcome Bay’s Waipuna Park watching cross country. On show was Sam’s younger sister Daisy, and she was putting on an absolute clinic. Not only did she demolish her age group to win the Western Bay under-16 girls title but she cleared home ahead of the entire field of boys, who started at the same time.

“I get more nervous watching the kids and grandkids run than when I used to run myself,” says Trevor. “When I was running, it was down to me and I knew what I was doing, but you can’t control how the kids run their race and you don’t want them to be disappointed.”

Disappointment, however, seems a rare commodity in this family these days. In 1971, Trevor set the world record for the fastest debut marathon, and collected podium medals at the European championships, the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon. His best marathon time would have been enough to finish in the top 40 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the former electrician relished the chance to move to New Zealand in 1982, with Rosemary, four-year-old Emma and two-year-old Jess. Now, the girls have five kids of their own and the Wrights are frequently on the sidelines, offering gentle encouragement but a distinct absence of advice. Their once-powerful flame of ambition, which carried them both to achieve worldwide athletic feats, is now just a gentle warm joy for the next generation.

“They really don't talk about their running that much,” says Sam. “Nan's theory is that you don't really need to do too much to be good at running, and she views it as a simple thing you can get good at by doing quality over quantity. She tells me stories about how she used to hide around the corner and eat chocolate while others trained. It might not be a great tip, but it definitely makes running a lot more casual, having that perspective.”

It turns out that Rosemary grew up in Whakatāne – where she spent the first 14 years of her life – next door to the grandmother of one of Sam’s good mates and training partners, Ronin Dickens. That piece of trivia has absolutely no bearing on anything, other than to provide a comforting reminder that, in this country, we live in merely a large village.

Sam’s village is tight and trustworthy and nourishing; his family is his foundation. He may or may not become the greatest runner New Zealand has ever produced, but he will always know where his feet stand, and who has put him on his journey.

“That’s the really cool thing about having a family full of runners – everyone’s been there and done that, and things like records don’t interest them as much,” says Sam. “They understand everything that’s going on, they don’t see you as ‘a runner’, and it helps build your own identity within your family.”

Fifty-six years later, Rosemary can still hear the pulsing roar of 5000 Edinburgh throats, opening as one. Meadowbank Stadium, newly opened for the 1970 Commonwealth Games, shook on its foundations as the women’s 800m field leaned into the final curve.

Time has blurred out most other details for the long time Tauranga teacher, clad that day in the white and St Andrews blue of her adopted Scotland. Intriguingly, she was also something of a prodigy. Then Rosemary Stirling and still just 22, she was at her second Commonwealth Games after a promising debut in Jamaica four years earlier, where she’d picked up a pair of fourths in the 400m and 800m.

Just eight years after moving back to the UK with her British-born parents, and having overcome injury in the lead-up, she was still only rated an outside chance in the 800m on the final day of the Games.

“I remember [England's] Sheila Carey falling over on the first lap and thinking, ‘That’s good’ because she was the favourite to win,” the now 78-year-old recalls of that 1970 final. “And I can just remember crowds. There were huge crowds shouting and bawling and just screaming. It definitely lifted me.”

After two compelling laps, it all came down to the final few desperate strides, when the Kiwi-born Scot lunged at the line to beat England’s Pat Lowe and Australia's Cheryl Peasley. It was the closest finish of the Games, and Scotland’s first-ever female track gold medal at Commonwealth level. It’s given Rosemary an enduring legacy in Scotland. She made the Olympic final in Munich two years later, and her 800m national record stood in Scotland until 2002. She was invited back to help open the 1986 Games and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow in 2014.

These days, Rosemary downplays her own athletic feats to the point of irrelevance. “It’s only running,” she says. Though dismissive, there’s a glimmer of steel in her tone, well known to the thousands of Tauranga Girls’ College students she’s taught over the years. And there’s also a deeper philosophy embedded in that short truth, one that has become something of a family mantra.

It’s only running. You can see that, later that same autumn day, when Sam starts rekindling his deep, abiding love affair with the sport. On Tauranga Domain’s busy synthetic track, he’s taking the first, slightly tentative steps from a fast walk to a light jog, six weeks after suffering a stress fracture in his fibula during a casual game of backyard football. At 17, it was his first major injury, which has since ruled him out of emulating his grandmother’s Commonwealth Games heroics – this year, at least.

Around him, his village takes note and quietly celebrates. Coach Craig Kirkwood sends his burgeoning training squad on their way, pacing out meticulous laps, alongside Tauranga Boys’ College’s gun running posse, coached by Sam’s uncle, Gareth Hyett. All of them have had front-row seats in the past two years, as a young man in their midst – their buddy, protégé, training mate and schoolmate – burst onto the world stage in the most extraordinary manner.

Sam’s most recent piece of history came at the John Thomas Terrier Classic at Boston University in late January. The mile race featured three Olympians, a world champion, a junior world champion, a US champion and a two-time US college champion – and yet, striding past Belgian Olympian Pieter Sisk in the final 200m, came a 16-year-old from Tauranga, jaw clenched in the final straight, clocking a scarcely believable 3:48.88.

Trevor and Rosemary Wright – aka Poppa and Nan – with Sam and Daisy.

Since New Zealand’s John Walker first broke the three minute 50 second barrier in 1975, only 63 men worldwide have managed it. None were under the age of 18.

As well as breaking the under-18 world mile record – and this is one for the stats lovers – it was also the fastest mile run during the month of January. Ever. But the greatest race of Sam Ruthe’s career – so far – was a curious moment for the Tauranga schoolboy.

“I didn’t really get any sense of satisfaction. Once I finished that race, I thought, ‘I definitely have more to give’. I was just off the plane and know I can definitely go a lot faster than that. At the time, I also didn't really realise how perfect the race went, how even the splits were, the atmosphere at the track and all the factors that played into it.

“But running’s a sport where you’re never satisfied and I don’t even really have goals, so it wasn’t as if it was even a goal for me to run the New Zealand record or the under-18 world record. I guess I was happy about it, but I wasn't satisfied.”

After all, it’s only running. That Boston race was bittersweet for the other Kiwi in the field, who just happens to be another Tauranga prodigy, until recently also coached by Craig, two-time Olympian Sam Tanner. Of course, the 25-year-old has known for a while that his young training partner is something a little bit special. They notably shared the New Zealand 1500m title last year in an enthralling dead heat, and Tanner paced Ruthe on the way to his historic sub-four-minute mile as a 15-year-old weeks later. Things were actually shaping up perfectly for Tanner in Boston, until disaster struck 400m in, with his young training partner tucked in behind.

“I told Sammy before the race, ‘Just turn your brain off and follow me, bro – you’ll be sweet’, and he turned his brain off and followed me. We got in a perfect position, and then the dude who chopped between us clipped my Achilles and I had to pull out. Sam ended up behind him, but then he just went around because that guy was falling off, and then he just followed Peter Sisk, which was perfect.”

Injured, Tanner watched the rest of the race unfold from the sideline, with mixed emotions. “It's not very often that you get a perfect set-up like that for a 3:48 mile. I’ve been waiting five years and I thought it was my chance; often the races that I’ve been part of have had a 3:45 pace or a 3:46 pace and I’m not quite there. You end up blowing up and run 3:50, or 3:49, like I’ve done a couple of times.”

Tanner’s also wise enough to know that a great running career is a thing to build brick by brick, and he piles credits onto Craig for his craftsmanship in that realm.

“Kirky’s just so good at seeing where an athlete’s at, making the best decision and trying to guide them, rather than just thrashing them. He lets the talent speak for itself and just cultivates that. And for Sammy, it just means that a little bit of work goes a really, really long way.

“Sammy and I just got lucky; we can both punish ourselves and enjoy the punishment for the sake of success. And when you've got parents who are good at goal-setting and you look up to them in that sense, it becomes a perfect storm.”

For his sake, young Sam has been exposed to the likes of Tanner, triathlete Hayden Wilde and top Tauranga runner Julian Oakley from the time he started running seriously at 14.

“It's pretty incredible when you can see someone in the training group and you’re like, ‘Oh, that’s the level I need to get to, to make this my career’,” says Sam. “It’s a cool feeling when you’re running with Tanner. Heading off with Ben on the US tour in January, on which Sam broke numerous records. Sam signed with Nike in March 2025. It’s not like, ‘I’m training with an Olympian’ – it’s the feeling of knowing exactly where you need to be to make it. The coolest thing was seeing how close I could get to him, every time I’d run with him, and that brought me to the level I am today.”

Sam has always been polite, quiet, even shy, says Sam’s father, Ben Ruthe. He has a good yarn about his young son at daycare, when a clown came in to make blow-up balloons. Swords, crowns and sausage dogs were being requested and handed out to the other kids, while Sam sat there quietly, as his parents had instructed.

“It wasn’t until right at the end that he went up and asked for a sword, and the clown had run out of balloons,” recalls Ben, clearly still a little mortified. “I thought it might’ve been quite crippling – we'd taught him to be quiet and patient and polite and never demand or ask things, and he’d missed out. I think we spent the next 10 years trying to encourage him to vocalise what he needed!”

From left: Jess, Daisy, Sam and Ben.

These days, Ben has his own semi-permanent air of bemusement about him. He knows a fair bit about running himself, having won the Auckland Marathon in 2008 and New Zealand titles in the 1500m and 5000m.

Sam’s mum Jess, meanwhile, won the Auckland Marathon in 2009 and New Zealand titles in the 1500m, 3000m, 5000m and the 10,000m (twice). Still, they’re amazed by what Sam has achieved so quickly – it’s been far more life-changing for them than their eldest child. While the sub-four-minute mile was staggering, Ben had an inkling things were about to go up a level late last year.

“There were signs in training in November that Sam was in really good shape,” he says. “He was training with Tanner, who couldn’t have been a better training partner, and all of a sudden, instead of a kid trying to keep up with an Olympian, it was, ‘Sam’s starting to hold on here’, and, ‘Sam’s taking his fair share of reps’.”

Sam’s memory is even clearer. He can pinpoint one typical early-Saturday session along Ōtūmoetai’s Beach Road in particular, when he realised he could genuinely foot it with international-class seniors.

“Tanner always makes us share the reps, and when Craig sets us a pace, sometimes I might push it a little bit faster than that, just to test things a bit. I remember one session when everyone else was dropping off and I was thinking, ‘How hard is Tanner puffing right now?’ and I got the feeling that I was nearing his level because he took over and dropped the pace down again. Little moments like that are really cool to look back on.”

Ben points out that Sam’s recent injury has also had the unintended benefit of encouraging him to ask for help, but it also heaps more pressure on the parents of an athlete, when everyday decisions start carrying increasingly larger ramifications.

“We had a debate about suggesting he didn’t go out and play barefoot soccer with his mates. We weighed it up and decided, ‘Nah, we want him to enjoy the best of Kiwi youth’ – and that’s the day he picked up a fibula stress fracture!

“But if I went back in time, I’d still let him go out and play football, because you learn so much from something like this. His mindset now is around strength and conditioning, stretching, core work, cross training. He was a good runner, but now he’s got a much broader view of all of the ingredients he needs.”

Because of that inbuilt, humble mindset, Ben also has no fear that Sam’s international success will cause him to get cocky.

“We really haven't wrapped him up in cotton wool,” says Ben. “We’ve constantly put him in situations where he could test himself, and that comes with risk. He genuinely just enjoys the process and has never wanted fame. He just wants to work hard and work towards results, and any sort of fame is not a motivator for him.”

ART OF RETREAT

Along with the cold, winter can bring loneliness, low motivation and social withdrawal. Cass Hogan of Fontein Coaching offers advice on how to support yourself through it.

PHOTO CASEY VAN LIEFDE

There’s a particular feeling that settles in around now. The mornings are darker, the harbour is grey, the calendar is suddenly less crowded, and something in us pulls inward. We sleep a little later. We say no to things we'd usually say yes to. The text we meant to send sits idle for three days.

If that’s where you find yourself this winter, I want to start by saying it’s not a failure. The natural world slows down in winter for a reason, and we’re part of the natural world. The pull toward quiet is real, and it can be a beautiful thing if we move with it intentionally, rather than letting it carry us somewhere we didn't choose to go.

In my coaching practice, I see this distinction every winter. There’s intentional retreat, which might mean slower mornings, deeper conversations and early nights. Then there’s unintentional withdrawal, like motivation that disappears, relief sought through cancelled plans, a slow drift away from the people and practices that keep us well. The first restores us; the second costs us. The tricky part is that they can look identical from the outside, and even from the inside for a while.

The question I find most useful during the cooler months is a gentle one: Am I choosing this or am I hiding in it? If the honest answer is the latter, you don’t need a five-step plan or a burst of new-year energy, you need anchors that look like small, consistent points of contact that keep you from drifting.

Here are three I come back to again and again with my clients.

Light, every day. Even 10 minutes of natural light in the morning can help your sleep, your mood and your sense of being awake to your own life. Coffee on the deck counts. A walk to the letterbox counts.

One real conversation a week. Not a “We should catch up” text – an actual coffee, an actual phone call, an actual “How are you, really?”. Connection isn’t a luxury we earn when we feel better; it’s often what helps us feel better.

One small thing that's just yours. A book, a class, a Sunday ritual, a project underway. Winter has a way of shrinking our worlds down to work and obligation. A small claim on your own joy is an act of self-respect. Winter will do what winter does. The grey will come and go, but you get to decide whether this is a season you move through asleep, or one you move through with your eyes open, with purpose.

That’s the difference, and it’s a difference worth choosing.

FONTEINCOACHING.CO.NZ

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT

Registered nurse and director of Cashmore Clinic, Leanne Cashmore, says taking a seasonal approach to caring for your skin can make a significant difference to how it looks and feels year-round.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

If you ask me, winter presents the perfect opportunity to reset and repair your skin. Whereas summer is often focused on protection and maintenance, this time of year is all about nourishment, restoration and correction.

During the cooler months, humidity reduces, and cold air outside combined with indoor heating can leave skin feeling tight, dehydrated, flaky and more sensitive than usual. Many people notice increased redness, irritation or dullness, because the skin barrier – the outer layer responsible for retaining moisture and protecting against environmental stress – has become compromised.

In the skin industry, winter is widely considered to be ‘treatment season’. Reduced sun exposure and heat mean you’re able to recover more comfortably and effectively from advanced treatments, plus many professional treatments increase sun sensitivity, making winter the safest time to achieve optimal results.

Resurfacing treatments are one of the most popular winter options. They work by exfoliating the skin, encouraging cell turnover, and targeting concerns such as pigmentation, congestion, uneven texture, acne and fine lines. Having such treatments in winter reduces the risk of post-inflammatory pigmentation.

For safety and best results, laser treatments targeting pigmentation, redness, acne scarring, rejuvenation and overall skin correction are also best performed when sun exposure is lower. Laser technology works by creating controlled stimulation within the skin to encourage collagen production and improve imperfections.

The less-sweaty season is an effective time for microneedling too. By creating tiny micro-injuries within the skin, it stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve scarring, texture, enlarged pores and signs of ageing.

You have much to gain from even just a quick reassessment of your skincare routine. Avoid over-exfoliating and, ideally, use active ingredients under the supervision or guidance of a professional. For home care, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and essential fatty acids that will boost hydration and support a stronger, healthier skin barrier. And remember, SPF is still non-negotiable. UV exposure remains one of the leading causes of premature ageing and pigmentation, whatever the weather.

A thoughtful reset can create long- term improvements that are difficult to achieve during sunnier seasons. Rather than viewing winter as a challenging time for your skin, I say see it as an opportunity. CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

Results achieved from Ultra Veloce. One treatment only in conjunction with medical-grade skincare.

A WEEK IN MY CHAIR

Shelley Pullar of Salon G reveals this season’s top hair trends, as well as the challenges her clients are up against this winter.

PHOTOS KATIE COX + SUPPLIED

Shelley Pullar.

Winter always brings about a change, not just in the weather, but in how people want to feel. Lately, I’ve noticed a real move toward looks that feel intentional yet effortless.

Short hair is having a moment. I’ve had a run of pixie cuts that are soft, textured and full of personality. Think longer layers, feathered edges and movement that doesn’t feel too “done”. It’s a natural fit for winter, when collars come up and scarves go on. These cuts hold their shape but still feel touchable, which is key.

For those keeping their length, I’ve seen a change in styling. Clients with classic straight bobs are asking for a subtle directional flick – something that gives the hair a bit of attitude without committing to a full restyle. It’s the kind of look that works just as well the next day. It’s a little looser and a little more lived-in.

Colour-wise, warmer tones are leading the way. Rich coppers, ambers and deep cherry shades have been especially popular – bold colours that aren’t too overpowering. At the same time, blondes are leaning softer. The focus is on blended, “lived-in” colour, like buttercream, beige and soft gold tones that melt seamlessly from root to end. Nothing harsh or stripy, just beautifully diffused colour that grows out gracefully.

One of the most rewarding parts of my job, though, has been working with first-time curly clients. Many arrive a little hesitant, often after past experiences that didn’t go well. Curl trauma is real, and it usually comes down to misunderstanding how curls behave, especially with shrinkage.

For me, these appointments are about building trust. I take the time to really listen and understand their hair history, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve disliked most. From there, it becomes a collaborative process. Nothing is rushed, and nothing happens without them feeling comfortable.

Education plays a huge part. I talk them through each step as we go, including how much moisture the hair needs, how to encourage a more even curl pattern, and the difference between air drying and diffusing. The goal is for them to leave not just with great hair, but with the confidence to recreate it at home.

When your hair feels right, everything else falls into place. SALONGRANGE.COM

MIND OVER MATTER

One Mount Maunganui clinic is bringing cutting-edge mental healthcare closer to home, with a groundbreaking treatment offering new hope for depression.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

There are few who would argue with the saying “your health is your wealth”, but when UNO sits down to talk to psychiatrist Dr Darren Malone and his wife, psychiatric nurse Kate Malone, of Equilibrium Assessment and Treatment Clinic, Darren zeroes in on this even further, pointing out that in reality, “the cornerstone of your health is your mental health”.

With the World Health Organisation confirming in 2017 that depression had become the leading cause of ill health and disability (statistics showing an 18 percent increase between 2005 and 2015), it’s probably fair to say that it’s an illness that resonates with most of us. To call it ‘common’ feels reductive, because depression is so hugely impactful both to those suffering and to close whānau and friends. When you consider that up to 7 to 10 percent of adults experience depression annually, its prevalence begins to hit home.

Medication and cognitive behavioural therapy are often the first port of call; however, 30 percent of people with depression are treatment resistant. These people include those who have not achieved an adequate response to medical treatment and those who are unable to tolerate medication side effects.

Worldwide research efforts have focused on everyone in this group. One specific treatment option has gained huge ground globally: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. TMS has been internationally approved and FDA-cleared since 2008, and is approximately twice as effective Dr Darren Malone and Kate Malone. as antidepressant medication.

The outpatient procedure is already widely supported in the US, the UK and Australia, where it’s used as a proven plan for treating resistant depression. In Australia, TMS costs are covered by Medicare.

Darren and Kate have practiced in the public and private systems in New Zealand and the UK for more than three decades. Latterly, Darren was clinical director of Mental Health Services for Lakes DHB, before moving to Mount Maunganui and setting up Equilibrium. The clinic is light and bright, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Darren and Kate are warm and welcoming; it’s hard not to feel at ease.

They focus specifically on working within the field of depression and treatment via TMS, which works using magnetic pulses. They’re passionate about and heavily invested in providing a pathway for patients for whom medication simply doesn’t work, or for those who want to explore a treatment hitherto largely unavailable in New Zealand. The fact we have access to this private facility and level of expertise locally – and without heinous waiting lists – is remarkable.

The route to a treatment plan involving TMS is as stringent as you’d expect. Kate says most patients will be referred to Equilibrium by their GP or psychologist, who will likely have extensive notes to share. The next step will then be a comprehensive assessment with Darren. As he says, “the most important thing about TMS is that you have to confirm that the patient has depression. Then it’s about working together to try to help… We don’t want to give people medication or TMS if it’s not going to be the solution.”

Crucially, Darren continues, “you want the patient to engage in a treatment that will help them get better. You’ve got to understand their preferences and goals. If you can establish the way they want to work, you’re going to get the best outcomes, so you’ve got to adapt.”

The patient groups that really benefit are not only people with treatment-resistant depression, but also those who can’t tolerate medication, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and older people who are already on multiple medications. If it’s conclusive that TMS could indeed be positive, a treatment plan is put in place.

Having read about the benefits of TMS, I’m curious as to what the process actually involves. Darren explains, “People will tell us when they’re depressed that their brain doesn’t work properly. It’s been discovered that the primary depression area in your brain is your left side dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which has been shown to be under-functioning in people with depression. We’re able to stimulate this area with the magnetic coil, and the pulse passes through your skull and into the cortex. It’s a kind of non-invasive brain stimulation.”

And the feeling while you’re having the treatment? As the practitioner who gives the treatment, Kate immediately reassures, “It's a very safe, well-tolerated treatment, with minimal or mild side effects, such as mild fatigue and mild scalp discomfort. The delivery of rapid, brief magnetic pulses through the skull into the brain results in a tapping sensation on the skull.”

Although I realise there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ plan, I’m interested in how many sessions are required and how often. Typically, Darren says, “the original TMS protocols consisted of a 20 to 30-minute treatment, once a day, five times a week, for four to six weeks.”

That said, both Darren and Kate are hugely excited by global progress, particularly in the US, where extensive use and research shows that accelerated TMS protocols can be even more effective. What this means is that “we’re able to offer a full course of TMS over two weeks, which is far more feasible for people to fit into their lives”.

Clinical response to TMS is monitored regularly. Ultimately, the joy of the process for Darren and Kate is being able to offer a potential solution to a problem patients may have battled for years.

“Often the people we see will tell us that they’ve tried medication and cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as diet and exercise,” says Darren. “These people are invested in their mental health and have done really well, but over time, those things have become less effective in treating their depression. They get to the stage where they can become quite desperate because they’ve tried everything. We feel quite hopeful with TMS that it’s something people can try. TMS is tolerable, proven and highly effective.”

TMS.NET.NZ

BORN INTO LEGAL LIMBO

New Zealand’s surrogacy laws belong to another era. Decades on from being written, the families caught up in them are paying an enormous price. WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT

Imagine spending years trying to have a child, enduring miscarriages and failed fertility treatments. Maybe biology just isn't on your side and you spend forever searching for someone to carry your baby to full term. When you finally find a surrogate willing to do so, everyone in the room knows exactly who the parents are. Except the law.

Under New Zealand’s current framework, the intended parents – as in the people who created that embryo, who have longed for that child and will take them home and raise them – are legal strangers to their own baby at birth. The surrogate and her partner are the legal parents, and until a lengthy, costly adoption process plays out over months or years, that’s how it stays.

This is the reality for thousands of New Zealanders who build their families through surrogacy, but according to the experts working alongside them, it doesn't have to be this way.

“Nobody gets to surrogacy easily,” says Stewart Dalley, a family lawyer who has spent years working on such cases. He was part of the first same-sex de facto couple in New Zealand to jointly adopt their children.

“For a gay couple, you don’t really have any other option than surrogacy because ordinary adoptions are rare as hen’s teeth. But for a heterosexual couple, you’ve probably gone through multiple years of infertility, unexplained infertility, multiple miscarriages, all of those things, which place a massive emotional drain on you. When you get to the point where surrogacy is your only option, then begins the long, bureaucratic road to becoming the parents.”

Under New Zealand law, the woman who gives birth to a child is automatically recognised as its legal mother, regardless of whether she has any genetic connection to that child. Her partner, whether male or female, is recognised as the other legal parent. Legally, the people who may have created the embryo and will raise it from birth don’t have any such status.

“What the law treats mum and dad as is sperm donor and egg donor,” explains Stewart. “Nobody intended this to be the situation. I think it was just short-sighted. The law hasn't kept pace with technology and reality.”

The practical consequence is that intended parents must go through a formal adoption process to be legally recognised as the parents of their own child. It’s a process that Caren August, a counsellor at Fertility Associates, says typically runs for around two and-a-half years from first appointment to completed adoption. But the absurdities don’t stop there.

Christchurch influencer Rebecca Keil became a surrogate in 2019 for Wellington couple Tess Dunford and Dan Stemp after seeing Tess’s plea for a surrogate on Instagram. Tess had suffered a postpartum haemorrhage during the birth of their first child that required an emergency hysterectomy. Although it was devastating, her ovaries were intact, meaning IVF and surrogacy were possible. For Rebecca, the decision to help was straightforward, however, the legal reality that followed was anything but.

“We don’t have surrogacy laws,” she says. “We have ancient adoption laws, which make the process a whole lot harder.”

Because Rebecca was married, her husband Jared was automatically presumed to be the baby’s legal father, despite having no biological connection whatsoever to the child. His name, and his ethnicity, went on the birth certificate.

“He’s a whole-ass fruit salad,” jokes Rebecca. “On this child’s birth certificate, it says his father is Māori and Samoan, and he’s a Pākehā child. It’s so crazy and misogynistic.”

Caren recognises the reaction immediately. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had the partner of a surrogate say, ‘But why? I’m not contributing eggs, I’m not contributing sperm, I’m certainly not carrying the pregnancy.’”

Beyond the bureaucratic frustration is genuine fear. Until the legal process is complete, the surrogate and her partner are the child’s legal parents. The intended parents are not. For everyone involved, that ambiguity can be a source of dread.

“The worry of the surrogate is that the intended parents are going to ditch her and she’s going to be stuck with this baby,” says Stewart. “The worry of the intended parents is, what if the surrogate decides to keep the baby?”

Caren sees this play out throughout her counselling sessions. “Even when you know each other really well and have a deep sense of trust, there can still be that thought that comes up occasionally. What if they change their mind? What if I do something that upsets them and they decide to keep the baby?”

She describes it as “a common undercurrent alongside times of excitement and hope”.

Legally, that fear isn’t entirely unfounded. “Surrogacy is not legally enforceable in New Zealand,” explains Caren. “The surrogate or the intending parents could withdraw from it, even once there's a pregnancy.”

Rebecca says the fear never took hold for her personally, because she trusted Tess and Dan completely, and felt no grief at handing their son Ziggy over, but she understands why others might feel differently. “If I was in a scenario where it had maybe gone south, and I knew there were no legalities and nothing to protect me, that definitely would have felt a bit different.”

What she does remember vividly is the chaos of the immediate aftermath. Ziggy was born on a Sunday in the early hours of the morning. Rebecca, who had complications during the birth, found herself sending emails from her hospital bed at 5am to relinquish legal rights.

“Because it was a Sunday, there were issues around getting things sorted,” she says. “There was a point where they weren’t going to let Tess and Dan leave the hospital with the baby, and that came down to the timing of it. If it had been midweek, it probably would have been way easier.”

When the adoption order is finally granted, which is often months later, in a courtroom, Stewart says it’s often profoundly emotional. “I’ve seen judges crying happy tears. It’s a lovely ceremony, but the parents are crying not only because it’s a lovely moment. It’s also, ‘Thank God it’s finally over’. There’s the exhaustion of the whole process, the cost, the emotional drain. That order being granted at the end is just the final, final step.”

For Rebecca, the court appearance came around six months after Ziggy’s birth. “It was just a wildly insane scenario,” she says. “I give birth to someone’s biological child and they have to adopt it off me.”

New Zealand’s surrogacy laws have been overdue for reform for decades. A Member’s Bill incorporating Law Commission recommendations is now sitting before Parliament awaiting its second and third reading, but progress has been glacial.

“It’s Parliament time, basically,” says Stewart, who was one of the expert legal advisors to the review. “Whether it’s going to happen in this term, or roll over into a new political cycle, I honestly don’t know.”

It was former MP Tāmati Coffey, himself a father through surrogacy, who came closest to making it happen. He drafted the original Member’s Bill alongside Louisa Wall and gathered cross-party support, but it stalled on timetabling and, he believes, the cost of implementation. He left Parliament before seeing it over the line.

“I’m sad that we’re still kicking the can down the road. It shouldn’t have taken this long,” he says.

He also points to a glaring inequity where every professional in the process gets paid, except the surrogate.

“As it stands, women who do this need to do it for the love in their heart. But every other professional is clipping the ticket, and clipping big.”

Rebecca echoes this. Surrogates cannot be paid beyond tightly prescribed medical expenses, and costs like physiotherapy and dietary changes aren’t covered.

“Things like your diet changes, your body changes and legally they’re not allowed to reimburse you for any of it.”

It’s a barrier, she says, that deepens New Zealand’s already scarce surrogate pool.

“The law shouldn’t discriminate against children and impose hurdles and barriers because of the accident of their birth,” says Stewart. “Why push people through a court process just to be recognised as the parents of the child? It seems absurd.”

Tāmati wants the issue on party manifestos before the next election. His vision for what better looks like is simple.

“When you’ve got willing parties, the law just needs to fall into line.”

For Rebecca, her mission is to keep talking.

“I would never talk about surrogacy without telling one more person why it’s so messed up,” she says.

For the people who arrive at surrogacy after years of loss and heartbreak, she says it must be the worst of the worst. “And then you've got this. Just another thing.”

HEALTH WITH HEART

Where weight loss and appearance medicine are concerned, you want your goals to be deeply considered. This time, at these clinics, it’s personal.

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

Brenda Newman (left) and Julia Perry

Towards the end of UNO’s interview with Brenda Newman and Julia Perry, who run the Weight Loss Clinic at Fifth Ave Family Practice, I ask Brenda if there’s anything she says to her clients that really resonates. “I tell them, ‘It’s not your fault – it’s not a lack of willpower.’” Does this strike a chord, I wonder? “It’s a very emotive topic,” she replies.

Weight – and losing it – is a topic very much in the public eye. Excitement around drugs such as Wegovy/ Mounjaro (the GLP-1 drugs available in New Zealand) creeps into conversations, and for those with health-impacting weight issues, their use is being heralded as a game-changer. The great thing is that although the GLP-1s are an option offered at this private clinic, it’s far from the only solution. Expertise and wrap-around support is an important component of the service.

The Weight Loss Clinic was established last year because of the impact obesity has on health. Brenda and Julia are both nurse practitioners with a background in the management of long-term conditions, SCOPE (Strategic Centre for Obesity Professional Education) certified by the World Obesity Federation, unflappable, non-judgemental and reassuring. Their service is built on the understanding that a desire to lose weight should be addressed without shame or stigma.

There are a multitude of factors at play when it comes to weight gain or obesity, whether genetic or circumstantial. Having expert guidance and support on what may be a lifelong journey is invaluable.

Brenda’s quick to point out that weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro have exploded in popularity because they’re a hot topic in the media, but there are criteria and costs attached. There are also several other medications available; some act as appetite suppressants, others are targeted towards reducing cravings.

“A lot of people walk in with preconceived ideas, and that’s when we say, ‘Okay, that’s cool, let’s talk about all the medications that are out there, but let’s also talk about lifestyle.’ There are so many ways to assist,” says Brenda.

“We want to be able to talk about all the options – bariatric surgery, exercise, meal supplements, healthy eating,” adds Julia. “It’s important to be well informed.”

People can self-refer to the clinic whether patients of the practice or not. A thorough questionnaire followed by an appointment then helps to establish an action plan.

What’s essential to recognise, says Julia, is that “obesity is a long-term, complex, chronic condition that’s relapsing”. Ultimately, this sits at the very core of the clinic’s value: because the battle’s not won when the weight is lost, establishing a lifelong shift in mindset is critical. The ability Brenda and Julie have to provide ongoing support as they watch their clients recover their health, improve their self-image and gain confidence is exactly why this clinic was set up.

Dr Sam Mahesh (left) and Dr Kiran Singh.

Contributing to Fifth Ave Family Practice’s holistic approach to health and wellbeing is its Cosmetic Medicine Clinic, run by Dr Kiran Singh and Dr Sam Mahesh. Kiran established the clinic (which he runs alongside his GP work) eight years ago, and Sam joined him last year. Both are heavily invested in the ethical practice around appearance medicine, and we discuss how standards have become less stringent as aesthetic treatments have become more mainstream.

As Kiran points out, “You can potentially be in the hands of someone who has trained through a YouTube video and set up a clinic. Our core business is in medicine. We’re grounded in safe practice and good clinical judgement, as well as cosmetic outcomes.”

Treatments such as Botox are ever more easily accessible, but it’s still important that the practitioner you choose is highly skilled. Says Sam, “Because the substances worked with have become so normalised, people have forgotten how powerful they are.”

As well as their medical qualifications, Kiran holds a Diploma in Cosmetic Medicine from NZSCM, completed, as Kiran puts it “for service excellence, really, and ensuring you’re the best in what you do”. Sam is currently working towards the same diploma.

Sam’s mantra is “enhance, don’t alter”. Kiran asserts that for the very best results, restraint is key. “It’s our job not just to provide the treatment, but to ask, ‘Is this required and reasonable?’.”

Both Kiran and Sam love the symbiotic relationship between the science of medicine and the art of aesthetics. Says Sam, “When you look at the way mental wellbeing can be tied in with physical appearance, it explains why helping improve people’s confidence is a real privilege.” FIFTHAVENUE.CO.NZ

KEEP AN EYE ON IT

Hindsight may be 20/20, but you’d be better off having an accurate picture of your eye health sooner rather than later. Optometrist Mariam Baissy from Bay Eye Care explains why silent eye diseases often go unnoticed.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

As we age and our eyes change, serious conditions can develop long before we notice anything’s wrong. Helpfully, optometrist Mariam Baissy of Bay Eye Care is here to explain why some eye diseases can go unnoticed and how early detection and preventative measures can protect your vision.

UNO: Mariam, why do eye conditions such as these often go unnoticed until it’s too late? Mariam: Many eye conditions develop gradually and often without obvious symptoms. For example, glaucoma slowly damages the optic nerve, and macular degeneration affects central vision subtly at first. Because early changes are painless and vision loss can be gradual, people may not notice anything until the condition is advanced. If you have a family history, your risk is higher, making regular eye checks especially important, as they can detect these conditions early before noticeable vision loss occurs.

What exactly is glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure inside the eye. It’s called the ‘silent thief of sight’ because it often develops slowly with no early symptoms. Peripheral vision is affected first, so many people don’t realise they have glaucoma until significant vision loss has occurred.

How does ageing increase our risk of conditions like this? As we age, the tissues and structures of the eye naturally change, which can increase susceptibility to disease. For glaucoma, the drainage system of the eye may become less efficient, raising eye pressure. In macular degeneration, cumulative damage to the light-sensitive cells in the macula – responsible for sharp, fine-detail vision – affects central vision. Genetics and lifestyle factors such as smoking and high blood pressure also contribute, but ageing remains a major driver.

What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration? Macular degeneration primarily affects central vision, so early signs can include blurry or distorted sight, difficulty reading or straight lines appearing wavy. Glaucoma can advance silently, whereas macular changes, especially central distortion, may stand out more to the person experiencing them.

How much do lifestyle choices really influence the risk of eye disease? Lifestyle habits do matter for eye health. Diets rich in leafy greens, colourful vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids support retinal health. Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for macular degeneration, and high blood pressure and obesity also increase risk. Even though genetics and age still play a major role, protecting eyes from UV light, staying active, and managing overall health can help slow vision- threatening changes.

What can be done for someone who’s diagnosed with glaucoma or macular degeneration? Early diagnosis is key. Glaucoma can be managed with prescription eye drops, laser treatment or surgery to reduce eye pressure and protect vision. For macular degeneration, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements and in some cases injections or laser therapy can slow progression. For those with a strong family history, genetic testing, such as that offered at Bay Eye Care, can help assess risk and guide monitoring. Although these conditions can’t always be fully reversed, treatment can preserve remaining vision and maintain quality of life.

BAYEYECARE.CO.NZ

TRUE TO YOU

Early detection of bowel cancer is a passion project for Dr Clive Price.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Whereas even mentioning bodily functions would have made my grandparents blush, today’s society is far more open and at ease with discussing matters of a personal nature. Which is why, along with general chatter about coffee prices or office politics, talk of the vagaries of bowel movements wouldn’t be unheard of among many friend groups. Rather than just casual chit-chat, these conversations are usually rooted in cause; we are undoubtedly far more aware of our personal well-being (find me someone who hasn’t upped their protein intake), and way more proactive when it comes to safeguarding our health (collagen smoothie anyone?). Despite all these attempts at better diet, fitness and education, the thought of cancer still lurks in the back of many minds.

When Dr Clive Price, a GP at the Pāpāmoa Tara Road Medical Centre, relocated from the UK to New Zealand, he was surprised to find that the age to qualify for the New Zealand government early detection programme is significantly higher here than both the UK and Australia, despite him being under 40, and self-testing annually with a FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test), along with his dermatologist wife. The lack of privately purchased tests available shocked him.

“I’ve been a doctor for 12 years, a GP for the last eight years. Part of my training was in a hospice, and one of the things I noticed was the number of young people coming in with cancer. In a six-month placement, we had five or six under 40s come in for the last days of their life, and about three of those were bowel cancer.”

“It led me to think we’re doing things the wrong way round; we’re spending billions on treating things too late. That got my interest in proactive healthcare and screening.”

With the New Zealand public system favouring the 58-74 age bracket, Clive believes, “There’s a huge proportion of the population who could do with being screened, but it’s not available. Most medical guidelines recommend screening from the age of 45 or younger, if you’ve got risk factors”. With the screening age set at 58 in New Zealand, that’s 13 years where earlier detection could potentially make a meaningful difference.”

Seeing a huge gap in the market, Clive felt he needed to introduce this test privately in New Zealand. His research showed there are bowel cancer tests available here in pharmacies (FOB tests), but they use unreliable, outdated technology.

“They work by detecting microscopic bits of hemoglobin in poo, but they cannot distinguish between human hemoglobin and animal, so basically anyone who eats meat tests positive - a huge number of false positives, so they are really inaccurate.”

Conversely, a FIT does distinguish between animal and human hemoglobin. It’s designed to look for tiny traces of blood in your faeces that are too small to see with the naked eye, and which could be a sign of cancer. Made for ease of use, according to Clive; “They also use a much better analysing method, so rather than doing three separate samples, you need only one little poke (in the faeces). It can also distinguish where the blood is coming from, so the number of false positives is much less, and the sensitivity is much better. The studies I’ve looked at suggest that FIT testing, depending on the threshold, picks up to about 90 percent of tumours.”

In a health system that is not currently geared -or resourced - for the concerns of under 50s, GPs will struggle to offer testing to ‘the low risk but not no risk’. The population that would find the FIT test particularly helpful includes two groups: symptomatic patients,

whom a GP would be keen to rule out from bowel cancer, and asymptomatic individuals, whom a GP might want to screen proactively. While candidates would need to be over 18, growing evidence suggests that many people over the age of 45 would benefit from bowel cancer screening. In those with risk factors, or in certain ethnic groups such as Māori, emerging data indicates screening may need to begin earlier, potentially from around 35.

The decision to create the company TrueScreen was one that Clive and his business partner Richard Porter, both took extremely seriously. Richard was attracted to the venture for not only its core value, but also the “fundamental ease and accessibility” it offers to consumers.

As a doctor, Clive reiterates, “I’m duty bound ethically, morally and professionally to make sure this is an evidence-based test - it’s safe and the gold standard.”

Working in partnership with New Zealand’s biggest laboratory (which also runs the government screening) means absolute reliability, accuracy and professionalism. As for the process, it couldn’t be simpler. Once the test has been ordered, it’s sent to the customer, who will then take their own sample. A return mailer is provided and keeps it safe, before being returned to the lab within a 14-day window. The results are confidentially accessed by Clive, who reviews them and then contacts the person being screened.

Clear evidence shows that bowel cancer is “the fastest growing cancer for under 50’s - it’s disproportionately shooting up”. However, Clive points out, “if bowel cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable and often curable.”

The idea of getting on board with a privately funded, annual screening programme is not one that will be unfamiliar to Kiwis; Mole Map, for example, is rolled out on this premise. And when it comes to something that could be life or death, wiggling a stick in a poo sample, in the comfort of your own home, feels like an incredibly low-level commitment. I, for one, will be signing up.

Truescreen FIT Tests are now available via the website.

TRUESCREEN.CO.NZ

BALANCED BEAUTY

Target what matters and skip what doesn’t. Leanne Cashmore from Cashmore Clinic shows us what to do and where to do it, using subtle, considered treatments for a fresher look.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

When it comes to ageing well, the most effective results come from targeting specific concerns rather than overhauling your entire face. Different areas age in different ways. Repetitive movement creates lines, volume loss causes hollowing, muscles pull downward, and skin quality declines.

A tailored plan focuses on what truly needs attention: softening expression lines, restoring structure where support has diminished, relaxing tension in the lower face, and improving overall texture and firmness. The goal isn’t to look different, but to look less tired, less tense, and more refreshed.

Here are the treatments that target all those areas of concern.

JAW / JAW CLENCHING

Concern: Teeth grinding, tension headaches and bulky jaw muscles. Treatment: Masseter Botox to relax overactive muscles, which reduces discomfort and can slim the lower face over time.

JOWLS

Concern: Sagging or heaviness along the lower face.

Treatment: Strategic dermal filler placement to support and lift. A fullface assessment is essential, as this often requires balancing with Botox.

FOREHEAD

Concern: Horizontal lines, creasing and heaviness.

Treatment: Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) to soften dynamic lines and prevent deeper creases. Strategic placement can also create a subtle brow lift.

FROWN LINES (GLABELLAR LINES)

Concern: “11” lines between the brows, resulting in a tired or angry appearance.

Treatment: Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) to relax strong frown muscles, softening the expression while maintaining natural movement and preventing static lines.

CROW’S FEET

Concern: Fine lines around the eyes when smiling.

Treatment: Anti-wrinkle injections (Botox) to smooth dynamic lines, brightening the eye area and improving make-up application.

EYE HOLLOWS (TEAR TROUGHS) Concern: Hollowing, shadowing and a tired appearance.

Treatment: Dermal fillers to restore lost volume and brighten the under-eye area. This requires advanced anatomical knowledge and careful assessment.

NECK

Concern: Neck bands, laxity, and fine lines.

Treatment: Neck Botox (Nefertiti-style lift) to relax downward-pulling muscles, or injectable skin boosters to improve texture. Often combined with collagen-stimulating treatments.

OVERALL SKIN TEXTURE

Concern: Dullness, enlarged pores and uneven texture.

Treatment: Skin needling (microneedling) or radiofrequency needling to stimulate collagen. Medical-grade skincare and injectable skin boosters (such as Profhilo or Sunekos) are also highly effective for hydration and refinement.

cashmoreclinic.co.nz

POOLSIDE PERFECTION

Salon G’s Shelley Pullar shares her top tips to revive sun-soaked hair, keeping it glossy and effortlessly stylish well into autumn.

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

If you live in the Bay of Plenty, you already know the sun doesn’t pack up at the end of February. We keep swimming and pretending autumn isn’t creeping in. But while the long afternoons and poolside catch-ups feel great, your hair is probably telling a different story.

After months of UV, saltwater and chlorine, most people head into autumn with colour that looks a little tired and ends that feel a little crispier than they’d like to admit. This is the perfect moment to reset your routine so your hair survives the next round of outdoor fun, and looks better than it did in January.

First, let’s talk colour care. If your hair has been living its best sun-drenched life, the fastest way to bring it back is to switch to a sulphate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner. These formulas keep your colour from fading and help your hair hold onto moisture, something it’s usually desperate for at this time of year.

A new standout in this category is Wella’s Ultimate Colour line. It’s vegan, sulphate-free and has a built-in metal purifier. (Yes, metals in your tap water can actually distort your colour, especially blondes and redheads.) There’s also a leave-in mask with UV protection and a spray-in hair shine that will make your colours more luminous.

If your hair has also been battling frizz, dryness or general moodiness, add a lightweight oil serum into the mix. Wella’s Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil is a great option. It absorbs in about 30 seconds, keeps hair smooth for up to three days, and works as both a heat and UV protector. It’s the kind of product you throw in your bag and end up using for everything.

And because a seasonal reset should feel a little bit luxe, Salon G is running a limited giveaway. The first 20 readers who purchase any two products from the Ultimate Colour range, or book a colour service, will receive a complimentary Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil, worth $88. Consider it your reward for giving your hair the attention it deserves.

Autumn may be arriving, but the outdoor lifestyle isn’t going anywhere. With a refreshed routine, neither is your shine.

SALONGRANGE.COM

DRY SPELL

Bay Eye Care’s Alex Petty on why dry eye is becoming the new norm and how to combat it.

PHOTO KATIE COX

If your eyes feel gritty, irritated or tired by the middle of the afternoon, you’re not alone. One of the most common issues we see in clinic nowadays is dry eye disease, which affects everyone from all walks of life and all ages. What was once a problem of the older population has got a new group of co-conspirators in recent times: our screens, our indoor environments, and, for many women, a change in life chapters.

However, most people don’t know that dry eyes aren’t as simple as not producing enough tears. And, surprisingly, for around 80 percent of people who have this problem, the cause has nothing to do with watery tears. At the edge of your eyelid there is a series of little glands called meibomian glands that secrete healthy oil, similar in consistency and appearance to olive oil, to prevent the tears from evaporating away too quickly.

But modern lifestyles are working against them. When we’re looking at screens, our normal blink rate can drop to as little as one tenth. That means less natural pressure on the glands, poorer oil flow and more rapid tear evaporation. It’s the perfect recipe for stinging, redness, blurry vision and that persistent “sand in the eye” sensation. Hormonal shifts, certain medications, air-conditioning, make-up use and even conditions like rosacea can all further inflame or block these glands.

Left unmanaged, the condition can progress. Using only lubricating drops often provides short-term relief but doesn’t address the root cause. In the last few years, with the help of advanced imaging, we’re seeing more patients whose glands have become permanently atrophied simply from years of untreated dysfunction.

That’s why early care matters. In our clinic, treatment often focuses on restoring natural gland function. In 2017, we pioneered the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for dry eye, a therapy which helps calm inflammation and abnormal blood vessels around the lids. More recently, we are the first Tauranga clinic to offer Lipiflow; a gentle thermal in-clinic procedure, that melts and clears thickened oils to 'reset' the glands. The best chance of long-term improvement for many people is to combine the two. Alongside this, recommendations include environmental tactics, targeted eye drops, lid hygiene and omega-3 supplements.

If you’re noticing dryness, irritation or fluctuating vision, a comprehensive assessment can identify the exact cause, and prevent years of discomfort.

Dry eye might be common, but living with it shouldn’t be.

BAYEYECARE.CO.NZ

CUTTING EDGE

For 30 years, ADO Hair Salon in Tauranga has put the luxe into locks.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS | PHOTOS SALINA GALVAN

Everything about Jason and Penny Davies screams creative. The husband-and-wife team and owners of ADO Hair Salon are lively, animated and above all incredibly knowledgeable about the industry. This year they celebrate 30 years together as both salon owners and in marriage, with 2026 looking to be a year filled with new projects and professional goals.

Achieving this kind of longevity as business owners is no mean feat, yet both Penny and Jason fizz with excitement about the journey so far and the road ahead.

They met, Jason tells me, in 1993. By 1996 they were married and had purchased the business from Jason’s previous boss, when they rebranded to ADO.

Even as young professionals they thrived on the energy of Tauranga. “We’ve always loved Tauranga as a base,” says Penny. Adds Jason, “At the time, our main supplier was L’Oreal Professional and so they were able to offer a lot of opportunities - that connection in Paris was really important. Having the infusion of international trends coming through was vital to our business growth.”

By the early 2000s, L’Oreal Professional strengthened the relationship further by recognising the talent of the team, selecting Jason to go to Paris, which was, he says, “a very humbling experience, but one which really opened our eyes up to the possibilities.”

This dynamic was stepped up further when Jason was chosen as an educator (a position he retained for 11 years), meaning he has been instrumental in bringing innovative styles, techniques and technology from the heart of the industry in Europe back to New Zealand.

Despite both being ridiculously creative, Penny and Jason together drill into the different business aspects of the salon. They then come together, constantly inspiring each other with their love of the craft. They are generous with their talents, sharing them with the community. If you’ve ever been to a local event with mind-blowing hair or props, from dance shows to Tarnished Frocks and Divas, you can be sure this couple is behind the scenes.

But the ability to harness the crazy and streamline their trade has been a big part of their 30 years in the industry. As Jason explains, “There’s a symbiotic nature to it, with the artistry supporting the business, but the business simultaneously supporting the creativity.”

With hair one of the most trend-led aspects of an individual’s experience, it’s exciting to know that the salon is not just following but leading with flair. Along with the consumer accessible styles, Jason says, “we can also turn our hand to the zanier looks.”

Penny and Jason have always prided themselves on their fusion of different methodologies; they bring in the cleaner cuts of Vidal Sassoon, but equally will work to the softer textured styles championed by Toni & Guy. This flexibility is something they acknowledge has served them well.

When I ask what they feel their greatest achievement has been over the years, they are in accord. “Penny and I both feel it’s the way we’ve created a salon with a distinctive vision and a leading-edge team that’s endured within the industry. We’ve cultivated a longstanding clientele that’s supported us, and we’ve done it together.”

As for the ‘where to next’, the excitement is palpable. Penny is the first to let the cat out of the bag. “We’re planning a boutique training programme, where we train up new skilled stylists, taking in ten, keeping a couple and the rest will go to other salons”.

With Jason’s background in education and Penny’s passion to nurture talent, this feels like the perfect next chapter. ADO.NZ

SUMMER LOVING

This season is awash with inspiration.

WORDS NICKY ADAMS

MAEVARII TEACUP SHIRT, $259, GEORGEEDWARD.CO.NZ

ELEVATE YOUR OFF DUTY

If you’ve been thinking a white skirt could be key to your summer wardrobe, then you could be right. Forget concerns about spills and stains, pick a robust, easily washable fabric and you’ll be fine. For a ‘I’ve just stepped off my private yacht’ vibe, nothing beats head-to-toe light shades, while a coastal colour palette (blues, whites, navy) will tie in nicely to the nautical trend. A Breton stripe is always a key look in summer and can be easily incorporated into day-to-day wear. Another staple would be a trusty summer shirt. There’s always plenty of applause for a simple pale coloured cotton or linen shirt — and a well-cut white shirt is worth a thousand cheap imitations. However, don’t pass over a print, if you feel too much colour or pattern close to your face doesn’t work for you, then unbutton further. As luck would have it, the unbuttoned shirt is actually a micro trend of its own, with either a peep of f lesh, a flash of bra or camisole underneath.

COTTON MIDI DRESS, $268, SOPHIESTORE.CO.NZ

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

Pink has become a mainstay — pick your shade or flit between; with the more modern interpretation of this as a power palette the girly connotation has finally lifted. Summer is definitely the season to rock accessories, and finding a hat that suits you, and your needs is crucial. Handbags are being personalised with everything from silk scarves to charms. Often treated as pieces of wearable art, a statement bag really can reflect the personality of its owner, whether through colour, shape or points of difference such as fringing, studs, buckles, tassels or woven leather.

MUSE SKIRT, $309, NZ.KOWTOWCLOTHING.COM

TRENDING NOW

Most wanted this season.

BOYFRIEND SHIRT, $379, BIAS CUT PANTS, $469, SILKLAUNDRY.COM.AU

LOCK IN YOUR LOOK

Breathe a sigh of relief — when it comes to high fashion aficionados have called 2025 ‘a summer without trends’. What this means is, unlike other recent years where everyone has gone crazy for ‘Barbiecore’ (bubblegum pink) or mob wife (bling), there’s no defining trend, and with that, greater fashion flexibility. So, while lots of styles are swirling around, there’s no pressure to buy into a narrowed down specific. Of course there are still predominant looks, one of which would be polka dots, which has come forward as the must-have pattern of the season — big spots, little spots and everything in-between. Translating well to silky fabrics, a polka dot on a slinky slip skirt, paired with a black top and black kitten heels is considered a retro-style classic.

FRILL LAYER DRESS, $269, STORMONLINE.COM

PRETTY BUT PRACTICAL

In a fashion twist, straight from the catwalks to the high street for this season are two pieces that most people would consider basics. None other than the good old tank top, and the no-nonsense (but ultimately elevated) flip flop. The message is loud and clear — it’s quality over bells and whistles. If you prefer a shaped silhouette with definition to the waist, then consider a statement belt. Stealth creeping into the hot looks, belts are only set to get bigger with a revival of the early 2000s’ love of designer brand logo belts. If your budget or conscience won’t stretch to designer, then there’s a great selection of hardware to be found locally. This year you’d need to have been in fashion hinterland — or not laid eyes on a teenager — to notice that ultra-high hemlines are everywhere. So micro they may bring blushes to the cheeks. While this is not a trend that pairs well with varicose veins, a short skirt is certainly not off limits for the more mature. Aesthetically there’s a wonderfully maximalist feel to lots of the looks that we’ll see over summer, like swathes of fabric, reams of tulle, draping, romantic ruffles and blouses with puff shoulders. Bigger feels fun, and that’s what summer is all about.

SMOCKED MINI SKIRT, $229.99, SCOTCH-SODA.CO.NZ

EVENT PLANNING

Match your outfit to your mood board.

Summer is the ultimate event season, from top-tier dress code themes, such as a wedding or the races, to the usual round of barbecues and family gatherings.

Pairing an outfit to an occasion can be tricky and many will be beset with angst, weighing up the desire to break out the finery with the fear of turning up either overdressed or underdressed.

And this isn’t just a female thing. Most women will be familiar with the last minute yell of ‘Am I ok in shorts?’ or ‘Do I need to wear a shirt? What? You really want me to put on a tie?!’

So, how do you gauge your outfit to hit the bullseye? First and foremost, no matter what the occasion, be guided by your own personal style and level of comfort. Secondly, and most importantly, be confident. An outing is an opportunity to have fun with your wardrobe; there’s sure to be something shoved to the back that you’ve been dying to showcase. This is the season to flex your sartorial muscles among friends.

A-LIST EVENT

Obviously if there’s a dress code then you need to adhere to it. A wedding guest will aim to stick to the usual rules; no head-to toe white/cream/champagne shades and keep cut-outs and cleavage spills to a minimum.

A similar train of thought would apply to a hosted event at the races, with rule of thumb dictating a dress or pants worn below the knee in length and a general level of modesty. While there are a few ‘no’s’, there are lots of ‘yes’s’! Tailored dresses, feather trims, pencil skirts, fit-n-flare styles, jumpsuits — the options are endless.

Men can break out the jackets, linen suits; even ties — or alternatively bring style and savvy with a feature shirt. Banish the sneakers and put the best foot forward by trying dress shoes, boat shoes or open weave loafers.

WORK NIGHT OUT

Now this is your chance to shine, but with parameters. Usually in a workplace there is an unspoken sense of house rules when it comes to staff presentation. The end of-year shebang offers a chance to inject more personality into your outfit.

With that said you are still mixing with colleagues, so while it’s great to get creative, it’s recommended to do this with decorum. No one wants to face their boss on Monday morning knowing she saw your side-boob on Friday night. But you can crack out the sparkles, semi-sheers, slinky dresses, the heels. Keep elegant as your keyword and dress up as much as you want. Even if everyone else turns up in jandals, you can set the precedent for next year.

FAMILY GARDEN PARTY

Whether your preference is bohemian, country cottagecore or minimalist, wide leg pants and a flowing top or a maxi dress will be surefire winners. There’s a relaxed nature to a maxi that translates to any occasion — it tends to be the fabric of the dress and accessories that will be an indication of how dressy the finished look will be. If you opt for a satin then the feel will be smarter, a linen, cotton or crepe give off effortless chic. Prints are another guide to your style inspiration — vintage f lorals say nostalgia, delicate blooms tend to be understated, and a polka dot screams right on trend. A hat is a must; for versatility choose a natural weave, a black boater will elevate or lean into boho with a felt fedora style.

FASHION FORWARD

Keep one eye on what’s to come this autumn.

Louis Vuitton

GO WITH THE FLOW

Lingerie looks continue to be strong to the point where I’ve eyed up my silk nightie and wondered if anyone would really know the difference. The slinky satin slips, lace trim and general boudoir feel may feel flimsy, but are easy to layer up for cooler weather.

Burberry

GIDDY UP

Equestrian influences seem to have cantered onto the catwalks. Polished riding boots, jodhpurs, country-chic checks and knitwear will please lovers of the great outdoors.

Chloe

FACE VALUE

The injectables industry is booming, driven by a desire to take control of ageing. But for many, questions still linger. UNO looks into the world of cosmetic injectables, with three renowned BOP experts.

It wasn’t long ago that cosmetic injectables were whispered about behind closed doors. Today, they’re everywhere, and it’s getting harder to tell if someone is 20 or 65. While the stigma around treatments like Botox and dermal filler is fading, there is still a tonne of confusion and caution about injectables. Does filler really dissolve on its own? And what’s going on with those puffy celebrity cheeks.

To cut through the noise, we spoke with three experts in the Bay of Plenty, including Leanne Cashmore, registered nurse and founder of Cashmore Clinic in Mount Maunganui, Dr Adam Bialostocki, surgeon and founder of Da Vinci Clinic in Tauranga, and Dr AJ Seine, skin specialist at The Skin Centre in Tauranga, to unpack the how, why and what-next of cosmetic injectables.

WHAT ARE INJECTABLES, REALLY?

Cosmetic injectables are medical treatments used to smooth wrinkles, restore facial volume and refine features. The two most common are Botox (and other botulinum toxin brands), which temporarily relax muscles, and dermal f illers, typically made from hyaluronic acid, which restore volume and contour. “People come in thinking Botox and filler are the same thing, but they do completely different things,” says Leanne. “Botox relaxes muscles, so it’s great for dynamic lines, but filler is what you need when volume is lost or lines are etched in.”

AJ explains further: “Think frown lines, forehead and crow’s-feet for anti-wrinkle injections. Dermal fillers restore shape or contour using a soft gel that blends with your natural tissue. Bio-stimulators are newer again; they help your own skin make more collagen over time instead of simply filling space.

WHY ARE THEY SO POPULAR? r Leanne has seen demand grow year after year. “Younger clients are now starting early, often in their 20s or 30s,” she says. “Not to change how they look, but to delay ageing before lines really settle in.” This preventative approach, she explains, is part of a broader shift toward subtle, long-term maintenance rather than quick fixes. Adam agrees that smaller, regular treatments often achieve more natural results than infrequent large-volume corrections. “Smaller top-ups, done regularly, tend to look more subtle,” he says. AJ adds that this shift reflects a cultural change: “People now see injectables less as a makeover and more as maintenance. It’s become a bit like dental care for your face, with small, regular touch-ups rather than big overhauls.” BOTOX OR FILLER? According to Leanne, understanding what each product does is key. “If you’re seeing forehead lines or crow’s feet when you move your face, Botox is the fix,” she explains. “If those lines stay even when your face is relaxed, or your cheeks have hollowed out, that’s when we look at fillers.”

WHAT ABOUT RISKS?

Leanne is quick to remind people that injectables are medical procedures, not beauty treatments. “With Botox, the main risks are mild and temporary,” she says. “If it spreads to the wrong muscle, you might have a droopy eyelid or uneven smile, but it wears off.”

Filler, on the other hand, carries more serious, but still uncommon, risks. Adam points to bruising, swelling, asymmetry, and lumps as possible side effects, with infection or vessel occlusion being rare.

“Blindness is exceedingly rare,” he says, “but this is why experience and technique matter.”

AJ agrees: “Most negative stories come from unqualified injectors or unsafe settings. When performed by trained medical professionals using approved products in a proper clinic, the risks are extremely low.”

AVOIDING THE “PILLOW FACE”

We’ve all seen it. It’s that overfilled look that’s become a meme in itself. So how do skilled injectors avoid this?

“Experience,” says Adam. “It’s about placing product in the correct plane, respecting natural facial proportions, and often doing staged treatments instead of all at once.”

Leanne echoes this with a less-is-more philosophy. “We’re not trying to change your face,” she says. “We’re enhancing what’s already there.”

AJ adds that modern approaches are far more refined than they were a decade ago. “Ten years ago, the focus was on filling lines; now it’s about restoring balance and healthy-looking skin. The goal has shifted from changing to refreshing.”

COMBINING TREATMENTS

Today’s best results often come from combining injectables with skin-improving treatments. Leanne integrates other advanced options like skin boosters.

“We use products like Profhilo, Sunekos and Rejuran for skin quality,” she says. “These aren’t for volume, however. They hydrate and improve texture. Think of them like injectable skincare.”

“We use Botox for lines and to reduce downward pull from muscles, and fillers for shape and volume,” says Adam. “Then energy-based devices like Sofwave or Renuvion help with skin tightening.”

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?

Filler longevity depends on the area, product and individual lifestyle. Adam says lips last around six to nine months, nasolabial folds and tear troughs nine to 12 months, and cheeks, jawline and chin 12 to 24 months.

As for Botox, Leanne notes most people need top-ups every three to four months, though frequency can decrease over time with consistent use.

AJ adds: “Anti-wrinkle injections last around three to four months. Fillers last six to 18 months depending on the product and area treated, and bio-stimulators can last longer again, as they help your skin build its own collagen.”

THINKING OF TRYING IT?

If you’re curious about injectables, every expert agrees on one thing. You need to choose your provider carefully.

“These are medical treatments,” says Leanne. “People think it’s like getting your nails done, but it’s not. You need someone who understands facial anatomy, not just someone who’s watched a YouTube video.”

AJ advises checking qualifications: “Look for a medical doctor or registered nurse working under specialist supervision, ideally with postgraduate training in cosmetic medicine or dermatology.”

Experience and personalisation matter most. “Some clinics use a cookie-cutter approach,” says Leanne. “But every face is different. What works for your friend might not work for you.”

Ultimately, Leanne believes injectables should enhance, not transform. “Start slow,” she advises. “You don’t have to do everything at once. And if you̓re not ready for injectables, start with great skincare and microneedling. That alone can make a huge difference.”

AJ agrees that the benefits extend beyond aesthetics. “When people see a version of themselves that looks less tired or tense, they carry that confidence into every interaction. It’s not about vanity; it’s about alignment between how you feel and how you look.”

Whether it’s a subtle refresh or a more sculpted profile you’re after, one rule applies. Go to someone qualified and honest. Because the best injectables are the ones no one can tell you’ve had.

Leanne Cashmore

INJECTABLE SKINCARE

One way of achieving glowing, plump skin is with a new wave of injectables which are blurring the line between cosmetic treatment and skincare. Products like Profhilo, Sunekos and Rejuran feed the skin, rather than fill or freeze it.

“Think of these treatments as high-performance hydrators that work beneath the surface,” says Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore. “They’re basically moisturisers you inject that deliver hydration, collagen stimulation and improved texture.”

Profhilo uses pure hyaluronic acid to hydrate and stimulate collagen and elastin, improving skin firmness and elasticity. Sunekos combines hyaluronic acid with amino acids to restore volume and smoothness, targeting dullness and fine lines. Meanwhile, Rejuran, made from polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA, focuses on healing and regeneration, which is particularly effective for improving texture, tone and scarring.

“These treatments are perfect for people who don’t necessarily want fillers but do want their skin to look fresher and healthier,” adds Leanne.

Each treatment works differently, but all hydrate skin, to make it look naturally rejuvenated with no filter required.

AGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

Cashmore Clinic’s Leanne Cashmore reveals why more people are choosing steady, regenerative treatments that age well.

PHOTO SALINA GALVAN

As we wrap up 2025, I’ve been aware of how people’s approach to their skin treatments has changed over the years. More clients want a sensible, long-term approach instead of pinning their hopes on a single quick fix. Injectables are still a key part of treatment plans, but they’re no longer only about softening lines or adding volume.

There’s been a real move toward options that encourage the skin to strengthen itself. Treatments like Rejuran, Profhilo and Sunekos that boost collagen and elastin so the skin gradually feels sturdier and more refreshed. There’s also been growing curiosity around regenerative treatments that work deeper down.

Growth factors, exosome-based therapies and polynucleotides made from salmon DNA all support the way skin cells communicate and heal. When that foundation is functioning well, the improvement of the day-to-day look and feel of the skin naturally follows.

Lately, timing is something clients are paying closer attention to as well. Rather than waiting for lines or texture changes to fully settle, many clients are choosing to build and “bank” collagen earlier. To make that effective, we often map out a mix of treatments, like skin boosters, regenerative injectables, needling, LED, laser and targeted skincare, and pace them in a way that suits how the skin works best.

This change in attitude has shaped how I work, too. Good treatment planning has become just as important as technique in understanding what the skin needs now, what it’s likely to need next, and how each treatment supports the one before it. When the sequence is right, the results stay consistent and look true to the person.

Looking ahead, I think people will keep looking for treatments that feel gentle and sustainable. They want to slow the signs of ageing while keeping their skin healthy and comfortable — fresher, without that “done” look.

If I had to summarise the year, I’d say the most satisfying results came from a balanced plan and a bit of patience. When treatments are chosen carefully and given time to do their job, the change looks natural, but simply better.

CASHMORECLINIC.CO.NZ

STRAND AND DELIVER

Shelley Pullar from Salon G presents the ultimate summer hair survival guide.

PHOTOS KATIE COX + SUPPLIED

Let’s be honest. Summer is glorious, but it’s also a minefield for our hair. Our locks can go from glossy to frizzy faster than you can say “beach day.” Here’s your ultimate guide to surviving the season, from a stylist who’s seen every strand scenario.

FRIZZ HAPPENS

Humidity is just moisture in the air, and your hair loves to interact with it. Because hair is hygroscopic, it absorbs and releases water depending on the environment. At around 40–60 percent humidity, your hair feels flexible and manageable. But once it hits 70 percent or more, expect frizz and shape loss. That’s when sealing in moisture is key. Think anti-humidity serums like Wella’s Ultimate Smooth Oil, which gives 96 hours of frizz control and UV protection, or Sebastian’s Taming Elixir with avocado oil for intense smoothness. Finish your style with Sebastian Reshaper for lasting hold that defies damp air.

Shelley Pullar

WHEN THE AIR GETS DRY

Low humidity (under 30 percent) is just as challenging. It zaps hydration, leaving hair static and brittle. Bring back the moisture with nourishing masks or oils, and look for humectants like aloe. Curly girls swear by Clever Curl Leave-In Cream paired with Dry Weather Gel to keep curls soft and defined. Salt, sun and style Heading beachside? Prep before you dip. Dampen your hair and add a leave-in conditioner or System Professional Helio Spray, a UV barrier that prevents dehydration and colour fade. After swimming, rinse with fresh water and follow up with a rich mask. Your future self (and your comb) will thank you.

STYLE SMART

Put down the blow-dryer and embrace the effortless vibe. Braids, buns and twists are your best friends. Try the overnight braid trick for beachy waves or “sock curls” for heatless bounce. For extra texture, mist with salt spray and shake out with your fingers. Scalp and colour care Don’t forget your scalp. Sunburns here in the Bay are no joke. Protect with SPF sprays or a hat, and soothe any burn with aloe gel. For blondes, protect tone and shine with System Professional Lux Blonde Biphase and a weekly purple shampoo to keep brassiness at bay.

So, whether you’re beach-bound or battling humidity, remember that summer hair is meant to move and breathe, just like you.

SALONGRANGE.COM

IT’S ALL IN THE GENES

Romy Kerr from Genetic Insight explains how understanding your DNA can protect your health, and your family’s future.

PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

It was while watching her mum support a young couple going through the heartbreaking decision to terminate a pregnancy due to a serious congenital abnormality that Romy Kerr decided she too wanted to help people through some of life’s biggest and most distressing challenges. She was studying science at university and, in her words, stumbled into a genetics course by chance and quickly fell in love with it. Even still, she knew she didn’t want to work in a lab all day.

“I enjoyed the people side of genetics,” she says. “I wanted to sit with people who are making some of the hardest choices of their lives. They need love and they need kindness.”

This led her to the field of genetic counselling. It’s a relatively small field in New Zealand, but one that is in high demand overseas. Its impact can be profound for those facing potentially life-changing information.

“Genetic counselling is the process of taking a person through genetic testing for a number of different reasons,” Romy explains. “Genetic counsellors provide information about a genetic condition that might be in their family or help someone understand a new diagnosis. We provide information about their options and how a genetic result might impact them and their family. We also help with decisions around managing health after a diagnosis, or making decisions around having children without passing on a genetic condition.”

Romy says that genetic counsellors are an information source, but are also a source of support because many of the people that she sees are having to make increasingly scary decisions. They may be learning they are at risk of a condition that has no cure, or that their children may be at risk of a severe genetic condition.

“The topics are often quite heavy and emotional, and so we’re unpacking what that means for that person,” she says, noting that its impact can be profound in offering preventive options and emotional support for those facing potentially life-changing information.

For people with a known family condition, like breast cancer, for example, a simple swab test can put their mind at ease.

“If someone has been anxious about cancer their whole lives, they can now do something practical to check their risk and then find out early if they have cancer,” Romy says. “People have had genetic testing, decided to proactively take their ovaries out due to high risk, and have found cancer at that time that they just would never have known about. It saved their lives.”

GENETICINSIGHT.CO.NZ

TURNING LIFE INTO ART

Amid the busy chaos of her Pāpāmoa home, talented mum of three Ashley De Grey is creating wearable art made with DNA.

WORDS HAYLEY BARNETT / PHOTOS DEBORAH DE GRAAF

Pāpāmoa local Ashley De Grey is turning everything from breast milk and embryos to ashes and teeth into personal keepsakes and now, her once small home business is being recognised on the international stage. And it’s not nearly as strange as it sounds.

In fact, it’s really rather lovely. Since launching her unique business back in 2018, Ashley has just been awarded the 2025 Memories & Keepsake Product of the Year by the Pet Innovation Awards.

It all began, somewhat unexpectedly, with a spam email. While breastfeeding her daughter one night, Ashley noticed a message about breastmilk jewellery.

“It was an American site but it got me thinking about whether or not there might be a market for it here,” she explains.

It turns out, there was. Coincidentally, Ashley had spent years working in a jewellery store in her hometown of Taranaki and, with a design degree under her belt, she was perfectly placed to start something of her own. Her journey began with just one product.

“I started with beads,” Ashley recalls. “I found a manufacturer to do the welding and taught myself to build a website that was easy to use. I wanted mums to be able to order something quickly and easily, even in the middle of the night while breastfeeding.”

Back then, she would take orders through Instagram, jot them down by hand, print the details and craft each piece herself. Starting with breast milk, she soon realised there was also a deep need to commemorate loved ones who had passed. She began offering jewellery containing ashes, and even dehydrated embryos, for families completing their IVF journeys.

“Many people don’t know what to do with leftover embryos,” Ashley explains. “Some donate them, some destroy them, but others want to keep them close.”

The process involves carefully dehydrating the embryo material from vials of liquid, then embedding it into the jewellery. But embryos are just one of many unusual materials Ashley works with. She’s preserved snow collected from mountaintops, turning it into powder, and has incorporated sand, soil, baby blankets and fabric. One special project involved a grocery list written by a client’s late father.

“We scanned the note and used the letters to spell ‘Dad’ in his handwriting, both in English and Portuguese,” says Ashley. “It meant so much to the family.”

As she branched into pet keepsakes, incorporating fur and ashes, Ashley’s business really took off. “I’ve made jewellery out of baby puppy teeth for the puppy’s godparents before,” laughs Ashley. “People really get creative.”

Winning a prestigious award has been both validation and motivation. “It feels amazing to be recognised,” she says. “It shows that what I’m doing matters beyond just my little corner of the world.”

Since starting, Ashley has created over 3000 pieces for more than 2000 clients, each one telling a story of love or loss. Her advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own business is to just begin.

“Even if it’s cringe and even if it’s not perfect, just do one thing a day. Post something, reply to an email, look up a supplier. And if it feels like you’re not getting anywhere, just keep showing up.”

She credits much of her success to knowing her audience. “At one point, I started adding bracelets and necklaces just to have more products, but they didn’t sell, because that’s not what people came to me for. So I pulled it back to what I do best.”

And what she does best is turn emotion into something tangible. Perhaps most inspiring of all, Ashley has shown her daughters what it looks like to build something from scratch and to believe in your vision, even when it feels impossible.

“They know that Mum works hard,” she says. “And they know that whatever they dream up, they can do it too.”

THESPILTMILKCO.COM