Winter might be all about frosty mornings, early sunsets and layered-up living, but for these Kiwi stars, it’s also a season of comfort, rituals and a little bit of magic. From cosy wardrobe staples and go-to comfort meals to binge-worthy TV and dream tropical escapes, they share the small habits and big moments that help them get through the colder months and even learn to love them.
Toni Street
Coast radio host, 42
What’s your favourite thing about winter?
The fact that it’s winter sports season. I love basketball, rugby and netball – you’ll see me at the courts at least four times a week.
And what do you struggle with?
The dark and cold. I’m a warm-weather person through and through, so the bleak days can be tough to take, but I try to change my mindset to embrace them as much as I can!
What’s your secret to beating the winter blues or flus?
I’ve recently jumped on the electrolyte bandwagon and find it really helps my energy, especially during the early mornings on radio.
What’s your go-to winter comfort meal?
Spaghetti Bolognese or roast chicken with potatoes and gravy.
What’s your dream winter escape?
A tropical break, for sure. Right now, it would probably be Tahiti.
What’s your winter wardrobe essential?
I love a bomber jacket. I’ve bought one from Storm. It’s dark green and so cosy, and I’ll be cranking it all winter.
Got any hacks for staying warm and saving money on energy?
Get a weighted blanket – it’s so cosy and warm, like a big hug, and is super-calming too.
What’s your recommendation for a weekend binge-watch?
Imperfect Women on Prime Video. I love anything with Elisabeth Moss.
What’s your most magical winter memory?
For my mum’s 60th, we went on a bucket-list trip to Lake Louise in Canada. It was the most picturesque thing I’ve ever seen – ice sculptures, horse-drawn sleighs, hot cocoa… It was like a movie.
Nadia Lim
Nadia’s Farm Kitchen presenter, 40
What’s your favourite thing about winter?
The crisp blue sky days, and making the fire every morning and evening. I love reading to the boys by the fire.
And what do you struggle with?
The length of it! Down here in Arrowtown, I count winter as being from May to October!
What’s your secret to beating the winter blues or flus?
I take it a bit easier, eat lots of warming, slow-cooked foods, make a point of getting outside for fresh air and vitamin D, and get to bed a bit earlier.
What’s your go-to winter comfort meal?
You just can’t beat a slow-cooked lamb casserole or curry.
What’s your dream winter escape?
Definitely somewhere tropical – anywhere as long as it’s at least 15 degrees warmer than here!
What’s your winter wardrobe essential?
A big wool coat or jacket, like my vintage red checkered Swanndri, kindly gifted to me by Deidre Read, who was the makeup artist on the MasterChef film set.
Got any hacks for staying warm and saving money on energy?
Have good merino thermals, especially a turtleneck and beanie. I find as long as my neck and head are warm, it’s easy to stay warm. Also, batch-cook big pots of soups and casseroles to portion out for the freezer, so you have instant warming nourishment just minutes away!
What’s your recommendation for a weekend binge watch?
Friday night by the fire is our family movie night. We love the classics, like Back To The Future, Honey I Shrunk The Kids… you get the idea.
What’s your most magical winter memory?
On the 16th of April 2020, during lockdown, we got an early, sudden and unexpected huge snow dump. We woke up to the farm covered in a foot of snow. It was a complete whiteout – it was hard to open the doors because there was so much snow up against them! It was so magical and I’ll never forget it as it was my first time being snowed in.
Ingrid Hipkiss
RNZ’s Morning Report presenter, 53
What’s your favourite thing about winter?
The fact it’s dark when I go to bed! I retire very early because of my early starts – in summer, it’s still light outside, and I’m jealous of people who are still out and about. In winter, I don’t feel so out of step with the rest of the world!
And what do you struggle with?
Fighting the urge to hibernate. Being tucked up inside is my comfort zone, so it’s harder to get motivated to go outside and get moving.
What’s your secret to beating the winter blues or flus?
Really just making the effort to move in some way. I’m not one of those people who can’t sit still – I love sitting still, but it’s not good for my physical or mental health. I’ve recently started tennis, so I’ve signed up for winter interclub. I’m also taking the advice for middle-aged women to lift heavy weights a few times a week.
What’s your go-to winter comfort meal?
I don’t enjoy cooking, but there are very few things I don’t enjoy eating. I love my mum’s roast and Yorkshire puddings. Soup with crusty white bread and lots of butter also has great winter vibes.
What’s your winter wardrobe essential?
Dressing gown and slippers within minutes of getting home. You have to prise them off me before I leave the house.
Got any hacks for staying warm and saving money on energy?
I have two small dogs that act as foot warmers. As for energy saving, it’s probably just following my teenagers round the house, turning off lights and telling them to get out of the shower!
What’s your most magical winter memory?
Winter mornings on the sporting sideline watching the kids. Some parents begrudge that, but I always felt virtuous getting out there early with a coffee in hand.
Andrew Mulligan
The Crowd Goes Wild host, 49
What’s your favourite thing about winter?
I love the crisp, clear mornings as I rise before dawn to get to The Rock for our breakfast show. Then when I leave for the day, it’s that bright sunshine.
And what do you struggle with?
The rain. Living on an isthmus like Auckland, you can’t avoid the rain in winter. It’s the damp that gets you!
What’s your secret to beating the winter blues or flus?
Lots of vitamin C and making sure I eat properly. Exercise is super-important and I try to go four or five times a week to the gym.
What’s your go-to winter comfort meal?
I love a slow-cooker in winter and make a mean lamb ragu, as well as a chicken soup that involves a whole chicken and apple cider vinegar.
What’s your dream winter escape?
Take me to the slopes! I love snowboarding with my family, who are much better than me, especially my wife.
What’s your winter wardrobe essential?
My friend Aaron has a great label called Just Another Fisherman and he has these merino T-shirts that I basically haven’t taken off so far!
Got any hacks for staying warm and saving money on energy?
Heat the house, then close the curtains or blinds to keep as much of the heat in. Also make sure there’s fresh air circulating on a daily basis before that, so it’s a healthier environment.
What’s your recommendation for a cosy weekend binge watch?
Sky Sport, of course! There’s so much great sport on and I recommend Sal’s NBL basketball, which I commentate. There are at least six games a round, so there’s plenty to watch, along with lesser-known sports like rugby and league!
What’s your most magical winter memory?
On the slopes with my family. Nothing beats it!
Maria Walker
Shortland Street & Avatar actress, 45
What’s your favourite thing about winter?
Cuddling up with my partner and our two little ones on the couch to watch movies at home with all the trimmings.
And what do you struggle with?
Hay fever has really got me congested already. The cure is an early night with a good book and antihistamines.
What’s your secret to beating the winter blues or flus?
I make a concoction of lemon, honey and ginger with some store-bought “zingy hot honey”. It’s infused with jalapeño chillies!
What’s your go-to winter comfort meal?
I adore a beef rendang with roti, but it must be spicy. It’s so warming, I sleep like a log after.
What’s your dream winter escape?
I’d love a little getaway to Italy, the French Riviera or Türkiye with the fam. Spontaneity is key to a good trip – and deep, deep pockets!
What’s your winter wardrobe essential?
Trench coats, vintage knits and leather loafers. Without fail, I wear these throughout winter.
Got any hacks for staying warm and saving money on energy?
Stay in and learn how to cook something different every week. Splurge at home on ingredients and always serve a good cocktail for starters.
What’s your recommendation for a cosy weekend binge watch?
I’ve just finished watching Apex on Netflix, which is a must-see. Taron Egerton and Charlize Theron are epic. The soundtrack was thrilling too –
my favourite track, Go, is by the Chemical Brothers featuring my absolute fave Q-Tip.
What’s your most magical winter memory?
As winter is also netball season, I relished travelling around New Zealand competing in tournaments. Being independent and away from all my siblings, with other like-minded teens, was so, so cool, though the short little miniskirts are just a poor winter design!
