Woman’s Day’s most magical memories of 2024

Beloved broadcaster Hayley Holt introduced readers to her and partner Josh Tito’s beautiful baby boy Kingston Kawenata, a brother for son Raven, in October. As an older mother, the 43-year-old said, “I just cannot believe how blessed we’ve been… We’re in such a good place. There’s so much love in the house. I can’t quite believe my luck!”

A year on from their romantic wedding, former Newshub presenter Mike McRoberts and his wife Heidi Ettema opened up about married life, with the journalist also revealing he’d been studying full-immersion te reo Māori full-time while also reading the news. “Starting this journey has been so massive for me because I’ve had to be vulnerable and let go of a lot of things,” Mike told us. “I really am a different person now because of it – it’s been life-changing.”

Actress Antonia Prebble and Westside co-star Dan Musgrove married six years after their engagement in a star-studded ceremony at Waiheke’s Goldie Estate. Their toddler sons, Freddie and Gus, served as the cutest page boys. Dan told Woman’s Day, “I’m so pleased we embraced the big wedding with all the bells and whistles.” Antonia added, “We’re still buzzing. It was the most incredible weekend of our lives.”

Paula Stockwell and Zane Nicholl were matched by their mates during a “Two Strangers and a Wedding” promotion for radio station The Edge. The pair fell in love at first sight at the altar and, remarkably, after a quarter of a century, they’re still married – with three kids! “She’s a delight,” Zane told us, while Paula added, “He really is my perfect match. We’re probably more in love now than we were all of those years ago.”

Former Shortland Street star Rebekah Randell and her husband Bevan introduced their daughter Isla to the magazine back in March. After a devastating miscarriage in 2022, the actress was deeply grateful to become a mother. Telling us, “I knew the only thing that would heal my broken heart was finally having our little baby and Isla’s absolutely done that… We’re so in love with her. I can’t imagine life without her.”

Shortland Street star Courtenay Louise and her partner of 10 years, Chris Read, tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Mahurangi’s Tu Ngutu Villa. In her vows, the actress – who looked stunning in a two-piece Trish Peng dress – told her groom, “My most treasured part of our story is that we have grown up together. Not only that, but we get to grow old together. So starting this life – wherever we go, whatever we do – I know in my heart, my home is you.”

Erin Simpson and her Bachelor husband Zac Franich had almost given up their dreams of expanding their family. But then she fell pregnant for a second time. After eight months with no luck, Erin told Woman’s Day, “We were at the point of thinking, ‘Uh-oh, maybe this won’t happen for us.’ But just as we were thinking about giving up, that’s when it happened. We’re so grateful and happy!”

Actress Kimberley Crossman and her cameraman husband Tom Walsh exchanged their vows on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Tom’s best man, his eight-year-old son Louis, had a big role to play. He was looking after the rings the couple had crafted themselves. After the ceremony, the glowing newlyweds and guests enjoyed a “chilled out” reception at Kinloch Wilderness Retreat. “Before Tom, I didn’t really want to get married,” confessed Kim. “It just wasn’t something I saw myself doing. Then I met him – it was like my chemistry changed. I wanted to be his wife. And within three months, Tom had my name tattooed on his chest!”

New Zealand’s most successful Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington, chatted to Woman’s Day in Dubai Airport on her way back from winning three gold medals in Paris. “I’ve loved it, but there’s no place like home,” the athlete said. “I’m planning on at least a week of doing nothing. It’s been a long time to live out of a suitcase.

Edna Swart shared the details of son Astyn’s dramatic birth back in May. The reality star felt excruciating pain before doctors rushed him into an emergency C-section when his heart rate dropped. She said, “Not being the first to hold him broke my heart, but seeing him healthy and hearing his cry was the most beautiful sound.”

Beloved comedian Dai Henwood broke the news of his incurable cancer to his family. Expecting tough questions, he instead heard his son Charlie and daughter Lucy ask, “Can we have McDonald’s?” Dai said, “Cancer might not be what takes me, but it’s crystallised so much. The clock’s ticking, and we have limited time.”

Netball superstar Kelly Jury married the love of her life, Cameron Jackson, in February after organising the Taranaki nuptials in just two weeks! Explaining that they pulled the ceremony together hastily so her beloved grandfather Graeme could attend, Kelly told us, “Honestly, if we’d had two years to plan it instead of two weeks, it couldn’t have been any better.”

Back in June, Olympic bronze medallist and Celebrity Treasure Island contestant Dylan Schmidt revealed he was in a relationship with fellow trampolinist Maddie Davidson – and they were taking their love story to the Games in Paris! “It’s great we can be there and support each other when we compete,” said Maddie. “We get nervous for each other.”

Just over a year after welcoming quadruplets, Joanne Wills lost her beloved husband at just 42. Stay-at-home dad Brett – a father to Esther, Jonathan, Lucy and Oliver, plus big brother Peter – had a congenital heart defect from birth. “We’d hoped for another 20 years,” said Joanne. “He gave everything for his children, now all they have is memories.”

Ahead of her new role presenting ThreeNews, Samantha Hayes spoke to Woman’s Day about the heartbreak of Newshub’s closure, which came hot on the heels of her relationship split. “It was a bolt out of the blue,” she said. “But I have learnt that I’m stronger than I realised.”

With a mutual passion for tramping and birdwatching, TVNZ journalist Jenny Suo and her partner, Michael, describe themselves as “nerds”. They say they have survived lengthy stints of long-distance dating. “We’re both very committed to each other and to making it work,” Jenny shared. “Michael is one of the kindest and most considerate people I know.” Her boyfriend added, “And Jenny is very smart, driven and loyal – although I always thought I’d be the funny on!”

After moving to Taranaki, becoming a mum-of-two, turning 40 and ending a relationship. Chelsea Winter told us her life has felt like a rollercoaster recently. “But I feel better now than I ever have before – physically and emotionally. I’ve reached a part of my life where I’ve figured out what makes me happy.”

Broadcaster Wilhelmina Shrimpton wasn’t at all suspicious when her beau Ben O’Keeffe set up a tripod. His plan was to snap shots of the pair at a scenic lookout near Cape Town. Of course he’d want to capture the views, as well as the vintage car they were touring in. But then he dropped to one knee, holding out a stunning diamond ring. “There were definitely tears,” shared Wils. “It was just so perfect and beautiful. I feel incredibly lucky.”

Since winning an Olympic gold medal, entering the LPGA Hall of Fame and taking home the British Open trophy. Sporting superstar Lydia Ko talked to Woman’s Day about how much she enjoyed spending her honeymoon at home in Aotearoa. And how supportive hubby Jun Chung is of her stellar career.

Broadcaster Nadine Higgins, who recently announced she’s expecting baby number two, introduced readers to her and her husband Dan’s beloved son Frankie back in February after years of trying to conceive. Nadine shared, ‘The months since his arrival have been a blur.” “I can’t watch anything emotional – becoming a mum has left me as tender as a gaping wound! I can’t stop kissing his chubby cheeks, and watching Dan with him makes me instantly well up!”

For rugby legend Tyla King (née Nathan-Wong), taking out Olympic gold was the perfect way to end her career with the Black Ferns Sevens. Afterwards, she jetted to Sydney to join the St George Illawarra Dragons. “I was in a slump before giving league a go,” Tyla shared. “Being in a new environment has brought my energy and joy back and has created new memories!”

Beloved Shortland Street actress Ngahuia Piripi and her former co-star Teone Kahu introduced their adorable children, daughter Aewa and son Niau, in the magazine in July. “My family is everything,” Ngahuia told us. “In this industry, you have to make sure you are very intentional and committed to the things that matter, and for me, that’s always whānau.”

Five months after welcoming her sixth child, son Micah. Former popstar and radio legend K’Lee finally married her partner of 11 years, Lama Saga, in Napier. “He looked so handsome, it was like falling in love all over again and creating memories,” she told us.

TrueBliss beauty Megan Alatini revealed her engagement to Natalie McDade after a romantic proposal on Waiheke Island. A nervous Natalie presented Megan with a stunning diamond ring. While a plane flew past carrying a banner that read, “Megs, you should marry me 1 day.” Natalie, a police officer, said, “I knew early on in our relationship that Megan was my person. I’m thrilled I pulled off the best proposal for her and created some amazing memories!”

After a disappointing Games due to injury. Shot-put champ Tom Walsh and his wife Dana announced they were expecting their first child. Tom admitted, “It took me a while to get over being grumpy about the Olympics, but then I realised it’s a good thing in a way. It’s given me time I wouldn’t have had to spend with Dana before the baby’s arrival.”