I don’t know how we did it. Trying to plan a surprise birthday party is tricky enough, but when you’re bringing people together from different friendship groups and from around the country to meet in Queenstown, it’s even harder. Add on the heightened tension of the ever-present possibility of alert level changes and we were all on tenterhooks. It was worth the effort, though.
I’ve known Di since my Wellington days – for more than 30 years now – and it was a significant birthday for her. So significant that Winston Peters sent her a card – a lovely gold one that will give her free trips on the bus and discounted movie passes.
She shares her birthday with my favourite former deputy prime minister, my favourite millionaire, my favourite cricket commentator, my son-in-law and the late great Elizabeth Taylor – and whenever two or more of these are gathered, Liz Taylor excluded, you’re always in for a fabulous night. We’ve certainly had a few of them over the years.
This story is from the March 15, 2021 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 15, 2021 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Mamma's milk bar WENDY'S HERBAL HELPER
When she had trouble breastfeeding, she found a solution that's got mums pumped
IVF egg-swap babies 'IT WAS THE BEST DECISION!'
In a bid for a deeper connection, the loving couple carried each other's baby and sometimes feed the other one's bub too!
Ahoy there, Verity! THE PIRATE OF GARNET STATION
The local legend's making a swashbuckling return to the stage
Take Two & add a farm! HOW DANIELLE FOUND HER BLISS
The Kiwi author's country crush is contagious and has led to some bestsellers
Nobody mention air fryers 'THE GADGET WE CAN'T AGREE ON!'
Parents Andrea and Mark run their busy households in very different ways
Bonnie's next chapter 'QUEEN CAMILLA MADE ME CONFESS!'
The bestselling author's next project is top secret... to everyone but Her Majesty
Davida and the Dames OUR MOTHER'S DAY MAGIC
It's a special celebration for Miranda Harcourt and her daughter - their beloved matriach Kate is back on her feet
NO GOING BACK
Harry's preserving his dignity after having to move out of home
Carole's a real queen! WILLIAM'S GO-TO IN A CRISIS
The heir and his mother-in-law have become firm friends as they care for Kate and the kids
It takes a village HEATHER'S MOTHERHOOD SECRETS
She may have lost herself a little, but the radio star's embracing life with Iggy