Bright ideas for a Merry christmas

The best memories are made when gathered around a table – and that’s especially true during the holiday season when you can create experiences that last a lifetime.

A ray of light

When a drunk driver struck seven children from one family, killing four, their devastated parents stunned the world by forgiving him. The Abdallahs speak about the joy and strength that family still brings them, and reveal the very special new reason they have to smile.

Hoax or healer?

After the death of their father, Gary Nunn’s sister consulted psychics to help her through the grief. But were they fraudsters, out to exploit the vulnerable, or did they really have a direct line to the afterlife? Gary set out to find the truth.

Julia Child Queen of the kitchen

At the age of 50, she started a revolution that would change both the culinary and television worlds. As a new documentary charts her extraordinary career, we revisit the life and legacy of Julia Child.

How to make your life more organic

The crunchy granola vibe is gone – today, organic options are available everywhere. And if you’re not on board, experts say switching just one or two items will make a difference to your wellbeing and our beautiful planet.

Hope & healing THE QUEEN AT Christmas

After another annus horribilis, Her Majesty is looking forward to a merry, family-filled festive season, writes acclaimed royal author William Langley.

SONGS FROM LIFE

Paul McCartney’s songs are the story of his life. In this extract from his new two-volume tome, The Lyrics, the former Beatle reveals the love and loss behind two of his most iconic ballads.

My passion for Percy Joan Collins

In an explosive extract from her uncensored diaries, Dame Joan Collins reveals the truth about the love match everyone said would never last.

OUT OF AFRICA

In a quest to save wild African lions from extinction, filmmaker Rogue Rubin went undercover, posing as a big game trophy-hunt photographer and putting her own life at risk. She reveals her terrifying journey.

From teen mum to the top Fighting for our children

In her role as Assistant Māori Commissioner for Children, mother-of-seven Glenis Philip-Barbara is tackling racism and inspiring our tamariki.

Dick Smith ‘‘I won the lottery of life"

Dick Smith was the class dork who became a multi millionaire and then risked his life in spine-tingling adventures circumnavigating the world. Fearing she might lose him every step of the way was the love of his life, Pip.

Christmas at Annabel's: It's the little moments of joy and happiness

The Kiwi cooking queen shares with Emma Clifton her recipe for times like these: simple food from the heart, served with love.

Here's to you Mrs Johnson

In the British PM’s inner circle she is both loved and despised, but just how much power does the newlywed and recently pregnant Carrie Johnson wield at Number 10?

Cooking for change SOPHIE'S RECIPE FOR A REVOLUTION

The Destitute Gourmet has a lot on her plate with feeding New Zealand’s hungry.

How to make your own luck

Luck is something that’s not easy to measure or study, but those who have done just that discovered it’s not the work of fate, it’s a skill you can cultivate and improve. So how do you go about it?

Marilyn & me

On her final film, Marilyn Monroe gave a young photographer his big break. Those photos and others Lawrence Schiller captured, plus the story behind them, are revealed in a thrilling new book.

Paula Bennett “I still need a stage...”

From teen solo mum to Deputy Prime Minister to TV host, the former MP tells Emma Clifton why we should all embrace reinvention.

Sarah, Duchess of York I DARED to DREAM

As she embarks on a new career as a novelist, aged 61, Sarah, Duchess of York talks candidly about the traumas and triumphs of her tumultuous life.

The audacious angel of Auschwitz

Magda Hellinger not only survived Nazi tyranny and torture, but with immense courage she risked her own life to save hundreds of women inside the infamous concentration camp. This is her story.

The price of a perfect 10

Before the American gymnastic powerhouse, Simone Biles, came a shy girl called Nadia Comăneci, who became an international sensation at just 14 years old. But now the abuse she suffered to achieve that “perfect 10” has been revealed.

When Maria Callas met Aristotle Onassis

She was queen of the opera, but behind the scenes diva Maria Callas struggled to find happiness. In billionaire Aristotle Onassis she thought she had finally found her soulmate, but a new book reveals the truth about their nine-year tryst.

Toni Street ‘How I learnt to listen to my body'

As she prepares to host TVNZ’s coverage of the Olympic Games, our beloved broadcaster talks to Emma Clifton about the secret weapon she’s found to combat her new health crisis.

Royal insider

Behind Palace gates with Juliet Rieden

Rise and shine

An early wake-up call may be torture for some, but for others, those solitary pre-dawn moments are the closest thing to bliss.

The truth about the ‘Miracle Babies'

Josephine Morrow is Girl One, the first of nine babies conceived without male DNA as part of a scientific experiment in a commune called the Homestead. Years after fleeing the cult, Josie’s mum disappears, forcing her to reconnect with her dark past.

It took me 138 dates to find love

On the outside she had it all, but Rebekah Campbell hadn’t had a boyfriend for 10 years. Lonely and terrified, she embarked on 138 dates in a systematic bid to find “the one”. This is what happened.

KAT STEWART ‘Mum's still always with me.'

They say the darkest hour comes before the dawn. The acclaimed actress opens up about learning to find the silver lining, no matter how tough the times.

Healing Hinemoa ‘I finally appreciate my own company'

The child psychiatrist and bestselling author opens up bout family trauma and how she’s learnt to be kind to herself.

Maggie “Life is all about family, friends and laughter”

Mother, grandmother, trailblazer, model and fashion icon. In her 85th year, Maggie Tabberer is as dynamic and dazzling as ever. Here she shares her memories and musings on what really matters.

Belle Gibson FUGITIVE FROM TRUTH

Six years after she was caught lying to the world, Belle Gibson continues to make headlines and exploit the vulnerable. But will she also now elude justice?