Winetopia Auckland - New Zealand's biggest wine weekend is back, returning to the Viaduct Events Centre on 7 - 8 August 2026.

This year's event will bring together more than 50 wineries and hundreds of wines from across New Zealand, inviting visitors to explore everything from iconic labels to exciting new discoveries in one place.

Visitors are invited to discover the wines, winemakers and regions that have helped establish New Zealand as one of the world's most exciting wine-producing nations.

From Marlborough and Martinborough to Hawke's Bay, Central Otago and beyond, visitors can taste their way through New Zealand's renowned wine regions, meet the winemakers behind the labels and hear the stories that have helped establish New Zealand as one of the world's leading wine-producing nations.

Whether you're looking to discover a new favourite, deepen your wine knowledge or simply enjoy an unforgettable day out with friends, Winetopia offers an immersive celebration of New Zealand wine in the heart of Auckland.

Discover Rare Wines with Winetopia’s Golden Coin Collection.

Among this year's highlights is Winetopia's Golden Coin Collection, showcasing some of New Zealand's most celebrated wines. The line-up includes bottles awarded up to 98 points by respected critics, including Trinity Hill's Homage Syrah 2018 (98 points, James Suckling) and Rockburn's The Barrels Parkburn Pinot Noir (97 points). Many retail for more than $100 a bottle, are released in limited allocations and are rarely available to taste by the glass.

Taste, Learn and Immerse Yourself

Beyond the tastings, Winetopia brings the stories behind every bottle to life through an engaging programme of talks, tastings and live demonstrations featuring leading sommeliers, wine writers, chefs and winemakers.

Comic legend Ben Hurley returns as Main Stage MC, joined by wine writer Sammy Wilkinson, sommeliers Suraj GC and Candice Chow, and The French Café’s Matt Aitchison, recipient of the 2025 Michelin Guide Sommelier Award. Live music from the acclaimed Titus Funk rounds out the festival atmosphere across all three sessions.

Where New Zealand's Best Wines Meet the City's Hottest Chefs

Alongside exceptional wines, visitors can also enjoy Winetopia's culinary programme, bringing together many of Auckland's leading restaurants, including several recognised by the Michelin Guide.

New for 2026, the Chef vs Wine series will see six of Auckland's rising-star chefs from Mr Morris, East, Cazador, Pici, Ragtag and Advieh each create a dish inspired by a mystery wine from one of New Zealand's leading producers. Throughout the weekend, Bistro Saine, Khu Khu Eatery and Loco Bros will also serve their signature dishes through their pop-up restaurants.

The Premium Lounge Experience

Premium ticket holders are welcomed to Winetopia’s Premium Lounge with an arrival tasting of Allan Scott Cecilia Vintage Méthode Traditionnelle, perfectly paired with a fresh Mahurangi Oyster, before enjoying a curated programme of exclusive tastings, including the Meet the Winemaker series, at no additional cost.

Guests will also enjoy access to a dedicated Winetopia Concierge and complimentary coat check throughout their visit.

Building on the success of its milestone 10th Auckland event, Winetopia continues to evolve, offering new experiences and fresh discoveries for returning guests and first-time visitors alike. More than a wine festival, Winetopia is a celebration of New Zealand's wine regions, outstanding producers, vibrant food culture and the stories that bring every glass to life.

WINETOPIA | EVENT INFORMATION

What:               Winetopia Auckland 2026

When:               Friday 7 August 2026 | 5.00pm – 9.00pm
                        Saturday 8 August 2026 | 12.00pm – 3.30pm
                        Saturday 8 August 2026 | 4.30pm – 8.30pm

Venue:              Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland

Tickets:             General Admission from $55 | Premium Ticket from $99 + booking fees.

Tickets include access to more than 50 wineries, Main Stage talks and entertainment, a Spiegelau wine glass and access to the Winetopia App.

Winetopia Auckland is proudly supported by Auckland Council Events and the City Centre Targeted Rate (CCTR).

For more information and ticket updates, visit www.winetopia.co.nz

As temperatures drop and colds, flu and other winter illnesses do the rounds across the country, short-term respite care can be a valuable option to support elderly loved ones and give exhausted caregivers a much-needed break.

Respite care provides temporary, short-term residential care for older people, typically ranging from a few days to a few weeks. It's designed to give family caregivers time to rest, travel, recover from their own illness, or catch up on daily life, while their loved one stays in a safe, supported environment with access to trained staff.

Why Winter Puts Extra Pressure on Family Caregivers

Winter tends to be one of the busiest times of year for respite care bookings, and there are a few clear reasons why:

Increased health risks for older people. Cold weather, flu season and reduced mobility during wet, icy conditions all increase the risk of falls, infections and hospital admissions among the elderly. Families caring for a parent or partner often find the demands of day-to-day care intensify over winter months.

Caregiver burnout peaks. Looking after an elderly family member is demanding at the best of times. Add shorter days, more time indoors, and the caregiver's own risk of getting sick, and burnout becomes far more likely. Respite care gives caregivers a genuine chance to rest and recover before they reach breaking point.

Post-hospital recovery. Winter's flu and respiratory illness season means more older New Zealanders are hospitalised this time of year. Many families use respite care as a step-down option, a safe place for a loved one to recover with professional support before returning home.

Holiday and travel planning. School holidays and long weekends mean families may want to travel somewhere warm or take a short break. Booking respite care in advance means a loved one is well cared for while family members are away.

What to Look for in Winter Respite Care

If you're considering respite care in New Zealand this winter, it's worth looking for a facility that offers:

• 24/7 access to registered nurses and healthcare assistants
• Warm, comfortable living spaces suited to older residents
• Flexibility on length of stay, from a few days to a few weeks
• A smooth, well-managed admission process, particularly important if the stay follows a hospital discharge
• Genuine family involvement and communication throughout the stay

Planning Reduces Stress

Because winter is a peak season for respite bookings, availability can be limited, particularly at respite care facilities with a strong local reputation. Families are encouraged to enquire early rather than waiting until a crisis point.

Auckland aged care provider Ambridge Rose offers short-term respite care across its East Auckland facilities, supporting families who need a break over the colder months or are planning a getaway. With registered nurses and healthcare assistants available around the clock, families can be confident their loved one is well looked after, whether the stay is planned weeks in advance or arranged at short notice.

For families weighing up their options this winter, taking the time to research respite care now, rather than waiting until things become unmanageable, can make a significant difference to both the caregiver's wellbeing and the quality of care their loved one receives.

Design Builders, New Zealand's award-winning residential building company, has announced the launch of a new region covering Wānaka and Central Otago, led by newly appointed Managing Director Hayley Barbour.

While Design Builders' Canterbury team has completed a handful of builds in the area, Wānaka and Central Otago has not previously had a dedicated regional team. This launch gives clients across Wānaka, Albert Town, Hāwea, Cromwell, Luggate, Tarras, Alexandra and the surrounding area a locally based team for the first time, backed by Design Builders' nationwide systems and support.

Leading the new region is Hayley Barbour, who brings 22 years of experience in residential construction across Wanaka, Queenstown and the wider Central Otago region. Hayley has built a strong understanding of the local market and the high standard of service required to deliver successful builds in the area.

"It's an absolute privilege to help people create homes that are designed around the way they live," said Hayley Barbour, Managing Director of Design Builders Wānaka and Central Otago. "I love working within this industry and take great pride in being part of the growth and development of this region."

Whether clients are building a family home, a holiday retreat or a rural homestead, Hayley and her team are committed to creating homes that reflect each client's vision, make the most of their site and budget, and are ultimately built around them.

The new region continues Design Builders' nationwide growth, which spans locations from Northland to Otago, and reflects continued demand for quality, custom-designed homes in one of New Zealand's most sought-after regions.

About Design Builders

Design Builders is a New Zealand-wide residential building company known for creating custom homes shaped around the way people live. With a network of regional teams, an in-house design team and a strong track record of industry awards, Design Builders supports clients through every stage of the design and construction journey.

Most people spend years waiting. Waiting to feel ready. Waiting for permission. Waiting for someone else to see their value before they allow themselves to claim it. But what actually happens when you stop waiting and finally decide, truly decide, that you are worth more?

According to Paulette Coombes, Certified Life Mastery Consultant and founder of EleVate Beyond, that moment of decision changes everything.

It rarely arrives as a lightning bolt. More often it starts quietly, a growing sense of longing, a discontent that can no longer be ignored, a voice that keeps asking whether this is really as good as it gets. Those feelings, uncomfortable as they are, are not the problem. They are the invitation.

When someone genuinely begins to believe in their own worth, the shifts that follow are profound. The relationships they tolerate start to change. The opportunities they previously dismissed suddenly feel possible. The goals they buried years ago begin to resurface. Self-worth is not vanity. It is not selfishness. It is the foundation every other area of life is built on.

It is a truth Paulette has seen play out time and again through her work with clients. The moment people stop shrinking and start owning their value, their health, relationships, confidence, and sense of purpose all begin to shift in ways they hadn't thought possible.

The work is not always easy. Believing you are worth more means confronting the beliefs that told you otherwise, many of which have been running quietly in the background for decades. But on the other side of that confrontation is a version of your life that actually fits who you are.

You do not have to keep waiting. The decision to believe you are worth more is one you can make today.

To connect with Paulette Coombes and EleVate Beyond, visit elevatebeyond.co.nz.

Contact Paulette Coombes

021 222 9114 

paulette@elevatebeyond.co.nz

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Most of us reach for a coffee or energy drink the moment our energy dips. It is a reflex that has become deeply wired into modern life. But more and more people, and brands like GreenHorn NZ, are realising that what feels like a caffeine deficiency is often something far simpler: dehydration.

Research consistently shows that even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, reduced alertness, and impaired concentration. In other words, before you reach for another hit of caffeine, your body might simply be asking for a decent drink.

The good news is that staying hydrated and energised does not have to mean loading up on stimulants. Here are a few habits worth building:

Start your morning with water before anything else. After hours of sleep, your body is already running low on fluids. Rehydrating first thing sets a better foundation for the day ahead than caffeine ever could.

Sip consistently throughout the day rather than playing catch up. Most people underestimate how quickly small dips in hydration add up. Keeping a drink nearby makes it easy to stay on top of it without even thinking about it.

Choose drinks that actually refresh you. Unlike caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system for a short burst of alertness, natural energy comes from balanced nutrition, movement, hydration, and restorative rest. Reaching for something light, flavourful, and free from artificial additives is a simple way to make hydration feel like less of a chore.

That is exactly where GreenHorn NZ Mango Blast fits in. Caffeine-free and made without artificial sweeteners, it is a refreshing option for anyone who wants real tropical flavour without the jittery spike and inevitable crash that so many energy drinks deliver.

Building better hydration habits does not require an overhaul of your entire routine. Small, consistent choices add up fast, and swapping out a caffeinated drink for something genuinely refreshing is one of the easiest places to start. GreenHorn NZ makes that swap a whole lot tastier.

Contact Green Horn NZ

https://greenhorn.club/pages/contact

+642774 7337

info@dmgroupglobal.com

Contact MediaPA

027 458 7724

phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Finance:.   NZ dollar eased over the week and remains a very weak currency – we have no internal protection against international events!!. The Brent Crude jumped to over $100/barrel but was back to $US96.58 this morning as the war ramps up.

Wool:  The crossbred wool prices OK and there is still growing optimism in the coarse wool markets.

Beef, Sheep & Venison schedules: The meat schedules remain steady across all categories.  All meat schedules remain firm as demand continues to grow for red meats internationally.

Dairy Prices.  The g/DT lifted 1.5% with a large offering.  WMP was up 1.6% to $US3486/tn, SMP lifted 2.8% while Buttermilk Powder was the big mover up 10.5%.  Cheddar dropped 6.5%.  The positive auction was welcomed by all!!!.

The 2025/26 annual accounts are starting to be finalised and it’s an opportune time to undertake some in-depth analysis of the business you are running. The analysis of the different areas of expenditure compared against industry norms is a good place to start.  The cost of feed per kg ms produced, tractor hours against fuel usage and animal health costs per animal are all important pieces of information.  It is essential that you know and understand your business.  Good financial management can add $0,000s to the bottom line!!

Quote:    “You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.”       

Need Help. If at any time you just want to talk & need someone to talk to, just call - Male Support Services (Waikato) 0800-677-289,  or Rural Support Trust 0800-787-245.  Crisis TXT – HELP (4357).  A shared problem can be a problem solved!!

Jims Rant

Occasionally there are weeks like this last one where I could rant for pages about some of the goings-on as portrayed in the media.  It looks as though it will get worse as the election cycle gets underway.  We have had Paul Henry, Stuart Nash, Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the $60 million bail-out of Fletcher Cement together with James Renwick and the Climate Commission report, Bryan Leyland’s paper on Solar and renewables, a new PM in England, the escalation of the war in Iran, and of course Ryan Fox’s magnificent win in the Golf Open, followed up by Jack Tame’s biased interview with Paul Henry last Sunday, or is that just about the left-wing media and the reporting in general.  The ETS is the primary method for the New Zealand Government to achieve its long-term commitment to reduce the countries GHG emissions. 'Emissions trading' is a market-based approach for reducing emissions of GHG. The ETS puts a price on emissions, by charging certain sectors of the economy for the GHG they emit. On an annual basis these sectors must calculate their emissions by submitting an emissions return.  The businesses must then acquire and surrender New Zealand Units (NZUs) or other eligible emission units to account for their direct GHG emissions or the emissions associated with their products. With the post-1989 forestry sector, returns must be submitted at least every five years.  Emission units, (carbon credits) are traded between participants in the Scheme. An emission unit can either represent one metric tonne of carbon dioxide, or the equivalent of any other GHG. The primary unit of trade is the NZU, which are created by the New Zealand Government and allocated to organizations and individuals participating in the Scheme.  The trigger point in the ETS (that is the participant in the scheme) is as far upstream in the supply chain as possible. This means most businesses in New Zealand are not required to be participants in the ETS, yet they do as we all saw this last week.  The Government handed out $60 million to the cement works at Marsden Point to allow them to remain competitive against countries that have no ETS and couldn’t care about the nonsensical Zero-Carbon targets set by the Paris Accord.  The simpler plan would have to just ditched the ETS and the NZ Zero-Carbon targets set for 2050.  New Zealand is one of the few remaining countries worried about Net-Zero and still trying to meet the mythological targets that will serve no purpose what-so-ever.  James Renwick, the Prof of Climate Idiots at Wellington University is calling for more action as NZ falls well behind its Net-Zero targets in spite of PM Luxon’s statements that the country is on target to meet the 2050 targets. With the up-coming election it is an opportunity for everyone to challenge the authorities about the ETS, Net-Zero and the Paris Accord.  New Zealand does not need to be the “last-man-standing” on a failed international philosophy.  Gather your facts together and get ready to fight!!!  The Cement company bail-out was a great example of how the nonsensical system is and how it has failed NZ!!

Choosing the right blinds is about more than finding a style you like. Small mistakes during the buying process can lead to poor fit, reduced privacy, and costly replacements.

From inaccurate measurements to selecting the wrong fabric or overlooking future needs, many common blind-buying mistakes are easy to avoid with the right advice. Taking the time to consider how each room is used and viewing fabric samples in your home can help you make a more confident decision.

Planning ahead for features such as child-safe options, motorisation, and suitable opening directions can also improve the functionality and longevity of your window coverings.

Whether you're renovating, building, or updating a single room, making informed choices from the start can help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure your blinds perform as expected for years to come.

Read the full article to discover the seven most common blind-buying mistakes and learn how to choose the right blinds the first time.

Tubman Heating has announced a new partnership with KIPI to expand its biomass heating solutions for businesses across New Zealand.

The partnership introduces advanced wood pellet burner technology designed to support industrial, commercial, and agricultural applications where lower-emission heating solutions are being considered.

By combining KIPI's proven biomass technology with Tubman Heating's engineering expertise, businesses have greater opportunities to explore biomass heating and fossil fuel boiler conversion where practical.

As organisations continue to evaluate sustainable heating options, this partnership strengthens Tubman Heating's ability to deliver reliable, efficient, and practical biomass solutions tailored to operational requirements.

Read the full article to learn more about the Tubman Heating and KIPI partnership and how biomass heating can support your business's long-term energy goals.

Calving is now in full swing across New Zealand, and this is the time of year I want to bring some attention to a risk that is largely preventable: the downer cow. Every season, farms across the country deal with cows going down around calving, and while there are several contributing factors, one of the most controllable is often overlooked. It comes down to how nitrogen fertiliser has been managed on the paddocks those cows are grazing in the weeks around calving.

Pasture that is naturally high in potassium, or that has recently received nitrogen, suppresses magnesium absorption in the rumen. That sets up the classic pre-calving trap: low magnesium, or hypomagnesaemia, often develops alongside low blood calcium, or hypocalcaemia. Together, these are among the leading causes of downer cows at this time of year.

A cow’s requirement of potassium is 0.6-1.2%. Generally, dairy pasture contains around 3% and higher so there is excess potassium in their diet.

As the chart shows, subclinical hypomagnesaemia affected around 22 percent of cows at calving in one study of grazing herds, and that figure nearly doubled to almost 49 percent by seven days postpartum, exactly the window when demand on the cow is highest and her reserves are most stretched. Older cows and those in their third or later lactation are particularly vulnerable, since their ability to mobilise skeletal reserves is already declining

There is a second, less visible risk running alongside this, and it plays out later in the season. When nitrogen intake is high relative to dietary energy, blood urea nitrogen climbs. This has a real cost when mating starts. In a controlled feeding trial, first-service conception rate dropped from 48 percent on a normal-protein diet to just 31 percent on a high-protein diet, a seventeen-point swing driven largely by elevated blood urea altering the uterine environment and interfering with early embryo survival. For cows already under metabolic strain around calving, that extra nitrogen load lands at exactly the wrong moment, and the consequences don't show up until the in-calf rate comes back weeks later.

My advice for the next few weeks is straightforward. Hold off on heavy nitrogen applications to paddocks that will be grazed by close-up and freshly calved cows. Keep a close eye on the potassium, calcium and magnesium balance in the diet, and where nitrogen has recently gone on, give the pasture time for potassium levels to settle before grazing.

Proactive magnesium, and calcium supplementation through the risk window makes a measurable difference, and costs far less than treating a down cow.

Article by Dr Gordon Rajendram.

As regional tourism bodies across New Zealand look to smooth out seasonal fluctuations, accommodation leaders in Northland are pointing to a high-value, year-round driver: golf tourism.

With international icon Kauri Cliffs, scenic Waitangi Golf Club, and the accessible Bay of Islands Golf Club all located within a short drive, Kerikeri is quietly cementing itself as the ideal base for domestic and international golfers looking to escape winter conditions further south.

Troy Clarry, National Vice Chair of Hospitality New Zealand and owner of Kerikeri Park Lodge, believes regional golf itineraries represent one of the most underutilised assets for Northland’s shoulder-season economy.

"Golfers aren’t fair-weather tourists,they play year-round, stay longer, and spend significantly across the regional ecosystem, from local vineyards and cafes to car rentals," says Clarry. "The Far North offers a unique microclimate where you can play world-class courses in May or August without the frost or rain experienced in southern regions."

Clarry notes that boutique accommodation operators are adapting their offerings to meet this demand, creating tailored 'Stay & Play' packages that combine spacious, self-contained suites with secured transport for equipment, vehicle parking, and direct access to local courses.

"The challenge for Northland has never been the quality of our assets; it's about accessibility and packaging," Clarry adds. "When local lodges and accommodation providers partner with regional golf clubs, we create a seamless experience that keeps occupancy steady through autumn and winter, benefiting the broader Northland hospitality sector including transport operators, local restaurants, and those attractions still amazing in the winter months."

As tourism preference shifts toward self-catering luxury, tranquil settings, and active holidays, Kerikeri’s central location continues to position the town as the strategic launchpad for exploring the Far North.

Design Builders Taupō has been recognised at the 2026 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, with its Beautè Noir showhome receiving both a Gold Award and the GIB Showhome Category Award for the Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau region.

The annual House of the Year Awards celebrate excellence in residential construction across New Zealand, recognising homes that demonstrate exceptional workmanship, design, functionality and overall build quality. Judged independently by industry experts, the awards are regarded as one of the country’s highest honours for residential builders.

The award-winning Beautè Noir showhome was designed to showcase the possibilities of custom home design, combining bold architectural features with carefully considered interiors and practical living spaces. The home reflects Design Builders Taupō’s approach to creating homes tailored to the way clients live, while demonstrating the quality and craftsmanship delivered across every stage of the build.

Matt Corleison, Franchise Owner at Design Builders Taupō, said the recognition reflects the dedication of the entire team and the strong relationships built throughout the project.

“Winning both a Gold Award and the GIB Showhome Category Award is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Corleison.

“Beautè Noir was designed to inspire people who are thinking about building a home, and this recognition acknowledges the hard work, attention to detail and craftsmanship that our entire team brings to every project.”

The Beautè Noir showhome provides visitors with the opportunity to experience the Design Builders approach firsthand. From its striking exterior to its open-plan living spaces and carefully selected finishes, the home has been designed to demonstrate how thoughtful planning and quality construction can create a home that is both functional and visually distinctive.

Design Builders Taupō says the showhome has become an important resource for clients exploring ideas for their own custom home, allowing them to experience design concepts, materials and layouts in a completed home environment.

The Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards are recognised throughout New Zealand as a benchmark for quality residential building. Homes are assessed across a range of criteria including workmanship, innovation, functionality, aesthetics and construction excellence, with Gold Awards recognising projects that achieve a high standard across all judging categories.

Receiving both a Gold Award and the regional GIB Showhome Category Award further strengthens Design Builders Taupō’s reputation for delivering high-quality custom homes throughout the Central Plateau region.

People considering building a new home are encouraged to visit the award-winning Beautè Noir showhome to experience the design, craftsmanship and attention to detail recognised by the judges.

For more information about Beautè Noir or Design Builders Taupō’s design and build services, contact the local team or visit the showhome.

About Design Builders

Design Builders is a New Zealand design and build company creating custom homes throughout the country. Working with clients from concept through to completion, Design Builders delivers homes designed around the way people want to live, combining architectural design with quality craftsmanship and personalised service.

From ski season and alpine festivals to unforgettable adventures, winter is one of the best times to experience everything Queenstown has to offer.

Our latest guide rounds up some of the top winter events happening throughout the season, including Snow Machine, Ayrburn's Winter Wonderland, the Coronet Peak Dog Derby, and more. You'll also find local tips on where to stay, suggested three-day itineraries, and ideas for making the most of your visit.

No Queenstown winter itinerary is complete without an iconic AJ Hackett adventure. Whether it's a bungy jump, swing, catapult, or Zipride, adding an adrenaline experience is a memorable way to complement your time in the Adventure Capital of the World.

Read our complete guide to Queenstown's winter events and discover how to build the perfect alpine getaway.