Australian Women’s Weekly NZ

NEW ZEALAND Editor-at-Large Sarah Henry Chief Sub-Editor Denise Bowden Art Director Mirella Monteiro Designers Anna Pétursdóttir, Béla Trussell-Cullen, Debby Wei, Hayley Pearce Photo & Editorial Coordinator Kellie Blizard ADVERTISING Sales Director Claire Chisholm Senior Account Manager Chloe Jordan Senior Commercial Brand Manager Angela Wei Campaign Manager Georgia van Koningsveld  Directory Sales Manager Kim Chapman  EXECUTIVE  Chief Executive Officer Jane Huxley  General Manager Stuart Dick General enquiries to: The Australian Women’s Weekly, PO Box 52122, Kingsland, Auckland 1352. The Australian Women’s Weekly may have generated content partially using generative AI, which our editors review, edit and revise to their requirements. We take ultimate responsibility for the content of this publication. For delivery enquiries: delivery@magshop.co.nz.Published by Are Media © 2025.. All rights reserved. Printed by Webstar, Auckland. AUSTRALIA  Editor Sophie Tedmanson  Deputy…

My son has recently appointed himself as my personal age tracker, delighting in reminding me – with great theatrical horror – that I’m almost 50. Never mind that I’m only actually 47. Apparently, this is close enough to warrant gasps of disbelief and the occasional, “Mum, you wouldn’t know that you’re really old.” Ah, kids, don’t they say the darndest things?! Of course, to a teen, anyone over 25 is practically prehistoric, so I shouldn’t take it personally. But it does make me wonder why we sometimes treat age like a looming disaster. For years, Hollywood reinforced the idea that women over 40 should quietly retreat into the background, making way for the next wave of fresh-faced ingénues. But lately, something wonderful has been happening. Actresses in their fifties, sixties…

At the OSCARS Celebrating cinema Kiwi actress turned Hollywood star Melanie Lynskey was sparkling at this year’s Academy Awards, rubbing shoulders with Tinseltown’s finest. Best Actress nominee Demi Moore embraced Whoopi Goldberg on the red carpet 34 years after Whoopi won an Oscar for Ghost, which the two starred in. “It’s a moment we all hope for when we are in this business,” said Whoopi. “As you know, oftentimes people don’t get their due.” Demi was pipped by Anora star Mikey Madison in the night’s biggest surprise, while Zoë Saldaña defied the controversy that has dogged Emilia Pérez to pick up the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Star CELEBRATED I’m not done, says Jane Jane Fonda, 87, gave a rousing speech as she accepted the Life Achievement Award at the Screen…

Italy Mt Etna is erupting, drawing tourists who want to witness the lava escaping from a fracture in the active volcano. Authorities have pleaded with tourists not to come closer than 500 metres. BRAZIL Erosion sinks city More than 12,000 people’s homes are under threat from a growing sinkhole in the Amazon city of Buriticupu. Authorities in Brazil say the soil erosion is a natural phenomenon, but human activity intensifies it. FRANCE Europe’s zestiest festival Every year the town of Menton on the French Riviera turns yellow as it celebrates citrus fruit that the region is renowned for. This year, 150 tonnes of citrus have been used in the construction of floats and decorations. The festival dates back to 1934, when Menton was the main lemon producer in Europe. Sri…

There was a period in Renée Zellweger’s life, at the height of her fame, where she lived like she was on the run: out of two suitcases, with her passport always within reach. “I had lots of different places to live, but no home,” she says of that time. “No home where I actually unpacked pictures and put them on the shelf.” Now aged 55, she’s back in the limelight for her fourth turn as beloved British character Bridget Jones. The film has been a hit, superseding all the previous installments and in the UK it has become the most successful rom-com ever. But despite the glory, it won’t be long before Renée disappears back into semi-hibernation again – a pattern she has repeated since the mid 2010s, after stepping…

The fan fervour, big box-office numbers and critical acclaim that has come from Renée’s fourth turn as Bridget puts her in very good company with a wide range of actresses who are currently experiencing a second act post 50. Almost three decades ago, Goldie Hawn summed up the old attitude of Tinseltown with this line from The First Wives Club: “There are only three ages for women in Hollywood: babe, district attorney or Driving Miss Daisy.” But in recent times, there has been something of a sea change. In fact, at the 2025 Golden Globes, all of the nominees for best Female Actor in a Drama were over 45 – for the first time in history. Gone were the days where turning 40 meant an end to the big roles…