Beaming through the computer screen for a Zoom interview ahead of our exclusive photoshoot, former athlete and current wellness guru Gemma McCaw has that kind of vitality you only get from a whole lot of green food - you know, the healthy aura most of us try to get through vitamins, the odd jog and even the occasional prayer.
Stark white walls frame her as she settles back into a desk chair. There's no make-up, her hair is undone and she's in a plain black t-shirt, having come straight from Pilates. There are no knick-knacks or framed photographs of the family in sight - just Gemma, her big grin and her glow. Oh, and a 36-week baby bump.
She's protective of her privacy, having been thrown into a harsh, sometimes-unforgiving spotlight when her relationship with New Zealand's beloved All Black captain Richie became public almost 10 years ago.
But times have changed. She won't be holding back in this interview. "In the past, I probably wouldn't have said the things I do now or been so upfront," Gemma tells. "But now I'm trying to lean into it more."
In the past few years, she's founded businesses, hung up her hockey shoes, put them back on again, moved cities, got married and had babies - she's mum to Charlotte, four, and Grace, two, with one more on the way.
Her passion these days is health and wellness, particularly her new project, The Sunday Series, where she helps women reset their wellbeing by taking time out to pause, reflect and recharge.
When The Weekly first met Gemma Flynn, as she was then, she was a 22-year-old hockey star preparing for her first Olympic Games. Living in a flat in central Auckland with eight other girls, she was vivacious, lively and even a little wild, as you're supposed to be in your twenties!
This story is from the March 2023 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
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 2023 edition of Australian Women’s Weekly NZ.
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
Spotlight on Vitamin D
Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, but safe sun exposure is still essential.
Coming up roses
Driven by a renewed interest in the flower’s power, a rose renaissance is dawning.
'I was given a 5% chance of survival'
When Caroline Laner Breure was hit by a car in an horrific accident on a Spanish holiday with her boyfriend, her body and her dreams were shattered. Somehow she found the will to go on living.
Time to celebrate our mothers
Author Kathy Lette gives a heartfelt thank you to her magnificent mum, Val - a baker of fairy cakes with the patience of a saint.
"I am lucky to be here" ”
Since the day she walked onto the MasterChef Australia set back in 2009, Julie Goodwin has openly shared her life. But in writing a memoir, she had to examine the demons she'd battled privately... until now.
JAMIE OLIVER at your service
Returning to the set of MasterChef Australia to help steer a path through grief and spread happiness, the celebrity chef is also at a turning point - he opens up about failure, love, second chances and his endless reservoir of joie de vivre.
From one mum to another
Princess Catherine's public announcement struck a chord with mum-of-two Jane Gillard. She shares her story of parenting through cancer- and offers hope for the princess and mums navigating their own health journey while raising primary-aged kids.
The courage of Princess Catherine "You are„, not alone"
It was a rare personal address that she shouldn’t have had to make. But with conspiracy theories swirling and the slimmed-down “Firm” under fire, Princess Catherine silenced critics with searing courage and dignity.
THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE
When Tracy Hall fell for Max Tavita, she fell for a mirage. Max was a false identity created by a con man, and Tracy was the latest in a long line of women whose life savings hed stolen.
Amother's GIFT
In December last year, Australia’s first uterus transplant recipient, Kirsty Bryant, gave birth to Henry, a happy, healthy baby boy. The uterus that had made this little miracle possible had been donated by her mother, Michelle. Five months later, their first Mother’s Day since Henry’s birth feels especially precious.
