We’ve all been there – on New Year’s Eve, a glass of bubbles in hand as we watch the minutes of the previous year melt away, making some sort of decree that this is the year we’ll follow through on our resolutions.
As we know, hardly any of those well-intentioned resolutions ever come off!
We asked some of New Zealand’s most well-known faces what that one thing they’ve always meant to do is and whether or not this is the year they will do it.
***Aziz Al-Sa’afin
The AM Show journalist***
This is the year I want to truly make a difference. I have never been to Lebanon, where my mother is from, and I really want to go there to experience it with her – and do something with purpose there. My plan is to travel to the Lebanese-Syrian border where the UN has set up its refugee camps and work with children who have been displaced. I’d like to share my experiences with them and allow them to share their stories with me. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. So bring on 2018!
***Lee–Ann Wann
Celebrity trainer***
This year, my focus is going to be mastering the elusive work-life balance. Having my daughter earlier this year has been such a blessing and I want to make sure we have as much time with her as we can. In the same breath, I absolutely love working with my clients to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. It’s incredibly rewarding and something I’m very passionate about. Therein lies the challenge! While I’m lucky to have a job that makes me jump out of bed in the morning, this year I’m going to make an active effort to schedule both family time and me time. Mental health is just as important as physical health!
***Ingrid Hipkiss
Newshub presenter***
I love a good New Year resolution and will be rolling out the same perennial favourites for next year. A new one for me, though: 2018 is going to be my year to start meditating. I’ve had an app on my phone for about two years but have never taken the plunge. To be honest, I’m pretty sceptical about the benefits, but so many people say it’s life-changing, so I’m going to give it a go. Clearing clutter from my home gives me such a boost of happiness and energy, so maybe doing the same for my mind will be just as valuable.
***Jenny-May Clarkson
TVNZ Sports presenter***
Return to the books! I have committed myself to further education by enrolling at Auckland University of Technology to do a post-graduate diploma in psychotherapy. As a working mum, it’s going to take a lot of juggling, which is why I’ll be doing it as a part-time course over two years. I love learning and setting myself challenges.
***Peter Williams
TVNZ News presenter***
Finally meet my newest grandson. He was born in London in December 2015 and our relationship so far is only by FaceTime. I think I’ll be too late to stop the Pommy accent!