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A billionaire's rural luxury estate awaits Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford on their wedding day. And global chart-topper and Grammy Award-winner Lorde is also understood to be on hand to entertain the couple's loved ones and friends. The Herald on Sunday understands the couple … View moreA billionaire's rural luxury estate awaits Jacinda Ardern and partner Clarke Gayford on their wedding day. And global chart-topper and Grammy Award-winner Lorde is also understood to be on hand to entertain the couple's loved ones and friends. The Herald on Sunday understands the couple will be tying the knot at the farm homestead at Nick's Head Station at Muriwai, near Gisborne. The property is owned by hedge fund billionaire John Griffin and his wife Amy, who reportedly also own the most expensive townhouse in New York worth $77.1 million. But not everyone is impressed; with the owner of the original planned wedding venue saying he was set to issue the couple with another invoice for a $5000 cancellation fee. The farm homestead is in the process of being renovated for the second time in a matter of months ahead of the wedding. The work was recently completed by Virginia Fisher, an accomplished interior designer famously known for her work at Huka Lodge, Kinloch Manor, Millbrook, and Wharekauhau. A source who didn't want to be named said the Griffins had "ripped up" the earlier work. "The PM's wedding team came to check everything out and asked if the house would be done in time. It's looking very rough right now. The Griffins came out in February and were stuck here for the first lockdown last year after the house had been finished. They lived in the house for a couple of months, didn't like the design and decided to redo the house," the source said. Fisher had no idea the homestead was being renovated again. The source also understood award-winning singer-songwriter Lorde was performing for the nuptials. Universal Music, who represents Lorde, declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: "This is a private event for the couple and their families. We hope everyone respects that and we won't be commenting on any plans or details." John Griffin, his wife Amy, and their four children, Jack, Gracie, Gigi and Julian spend three months a year at Nick's Head Station. A Gisborne local said the Griffin family fly into Gisborne Airport on their private jet along with an entourage of chefs, nannies, teachers and tennis coaches. He described Griffin's houses as having the "wow" factor with "amazing" interiors and "stand-out" attention to detail. The homestead is an old wooden building that's been renovated and extended a few times with a guest wing. The local says he is confident the second renovation - which is under construction by builders from Queenstown - will be ready for Ardern and Gayford's wedding which is understood to be taking place in late January. Griffin employs full-time staff at Nick's Head Station including groundskeepers, pest control, farmers, orchardists and digger drivers. "That property has been built so it can be rented out to the 'rich and famous'. There are multiple ground keepers, you could walk into that place any day of the year and it would look as though the Griffins are about to arrive - it is immaculate. "They have been generous to the Gisborne community with donations to various causes and helping out wherever they can. "The wildlife they have created out there on Nick's Head is absolutely incredible, tuatara behind a predator-proof enclosure on the peninsula on the head itself. There have been millions of native trees planted and fenced off, it's the sort of stuff every New Zealand landowner would love to be doing more of. This is one of their favourite houses in the world, they like the solitude, the large coastal environment, fishing, diving, and hiking - what the locals get into." Residents in the small rural community of Muriwai had seen a number of helicopters circling around the property recently. It is understood there is a no-fly zone put in place for the wedding. Another source described John Griffin as "very private". Griffin bought the coastal property in 2002. It has 3000 acres (1214ha) of land with sheep and cattle and a citrus orchard. He wasn't surprised the house was being rebuilt. "It was a major project but it doesn't surprise me. It seems John has a 'bottomless' bank account and an attention span of about five seconds. He has a lovely wife and four children and they bring friends out from time to time from the States. The talk is they are going to have high-end accommodation for paying guests a bit like Cape Kidnappers and Kauri Cliffs. I have heard that's where the grand wedding is going to be," he said. John Griffin, 56, founded Blue Ridge Capital in 1996, which reached upwards of $12 billion in assets under management at its peak in 2013. He closed the fund in 2017 citing the hedge fund industry as a "humbling business". Griffin also worked alongside famed investor and founder of Tiger Management Corp, Julian Robertson, and is considered one of the "Tiger Cubs". The billionaire is known for his philanthropic projects. Griffin is particularly focused on inner-city poverty in New York City. He is the founding chair and board member of iMentor, a programme for high-school students in low-income communities, and Blue Ridge Labs at Robin Hood, a programme that supports startup social tech ventures. Amy Griffin was a marketing manager at Sports Illustrated magazine. She has her own companies G9 ventures and Social Studies, a personal party-planning rental business. The powerhouse couple socialise with the Hollywood elite including Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey and Gwyneth Paltrow.
Meanwhile, Robin Pierson, the owner of Bushmere Arms, says he hasn't been paid the $5000 cancellation fee. Ardern and Gayford booked Pierson's wedding venue two years ago but talks broke down after a stoush over catering by Kiwi celebrity chef Peter Gordon. "I am about to send them another bill. If she goes ahead and has the wedding at John Griffin's she is supporting one of the wealthiest Americans when New Zealand hospitality is on its knees," Pierson said.
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New Zealand Police believe showing a photo of the meal above will encourage those with warrants out for their arrest to pay their local station a visit. A Facebook post by the police has gone viral, with more than 12,000 reactions in just a few hours. In the post, NZ Police warned certain people … View moreNew Zealand Police believe showing a photo of the meal above will encourage those with warrants out for their arrest to pay their local station a visit. A Facebook post by the police has gone viral, with more than 12,000 reactions in just a few hours. In the post, NZ Police warned certain people that if they don't get in touch with authorities before Christmas, this could end up being their meal for the holidays. "Guess who's coming to dinner? Hopefully not you," the post began. "Do you have a warrant for your arrest or think you may have a warrant for your arrest? Come in to your local police station and get it cleared up today," it continues. According to the post, as of "lunch time Friday 24 December, the courts will be closed meaning if you get caught over the festive season you are likely to spend a night or two in police custody". "Spend time with your family this Christmas not with us, cos this is what you'll be eating," police added, hoping the look of the meal, which looked like mashed potato, frozen mixed veges and some sort of non-descript meat, would work as a deterrent for people to leave business unfinished. It appears the post did not work out as expected. Many believed the meal in question looked all right, particularly when compared to the prospect of no Christmas meal at all. "That's better than nothing you have a roof over your head, bed, toilet a meal that's 5 star motel right there only thing missing is wifi," one person said.
"That actually doesn't look too bad and is better than what I eat most nights," another person said. "May I please be considered?" another Facebook user wrote. Judging by the comments, it's possible that rather than encourage people to clear up their warrants, police ended up inviting them over for Christmas.
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Auckland’s famous Singing Cowboy has got his smile back.
Entertainer Jock Hume, 74, was swimming at Tiritiri Matangi Island, off Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, on March 24, when two of his teeth were knocked out by kids who were skipping pebbles.
“It knocked out two of my lovely front … View moreAuckland’s famous Singing Cowboy has got his smile back.
Entertainer Jock Hume, 74, was swimming at Tiritiri Matangi Island, off Auckland’s Whangaparāoa Peninsula, on March 24, when two of his teeth were knocked out by kids who were skipping pebbles.
“It knocked out two of my lovely front teeth. It was such a shock to me, I was stunned,” Hume said at the time.
Hume is a familiar face on the streets of Auckland, where he has performed country and western songs with his acoustic guitar since busking was first permitted in the 1980s.
Following Stuff’s story on the matter, Dr John Wright of Hibiscus Coast Dental rallied a group of dental clinicians and technicians to fix Hume’s teeth, free of charge.
Hume said he was “most grateful and appreciative” of his new smile, which he described as “the best Christmas present ever”.
Click 'read more' for the full story.
Video by Stuff's Abigail Dougherty
Kicking back with a magazine subscription has never been better. Give the gift that keeps on giving this holiday season and save up to 33% off your favourite magazines.
There's no such thing as a one-off with a subscription to New Zealand Gardener, NZ House & Garden, and the TV Guide.
In neighbourhoods across New Zealand, kids are looking forward to a Christmas that may not happen.
Forced to choose between food or bills, hard-working parents like Melody worry whether they’ll be able to provide even the simplest Christmas meal for their children.
“I’ll only eat dinner… View moreIn neighbourhoods across New Zealand, kids are looking forward to a Christmas that may not happen.
Forced to choose between food or bills, hard-working parents like Melody worry whether they’ll be able to provide even the simplest Christmas meal for their children.
“I’ll only eat dinner 2-3 times a week so that the children have enough food. This is very stressful… a lot of crying and minimal sleep.”
Food insecurity is the everyday reality for 98.8% of the families Variety helps.
Please donate today to provide grocery support for families like Melody’s this Christmas.
Nissan Tiida 2004, Odometer: 138XXX Kms.
Using it since 4 years being the first registered owner in NZ. Always parked in the garage.
Salient features:
-- WOF recently done till October 2022
-- Registration expires in April 2022
-- Reverse camera
-- Side blind view camera
-- Steering Wheel Audio … View moreNissan Tiida 2004, Odometer: 138XXX Kms.
Using it since 4 years being the first registered owner in NZ. Always parked in the garage.
Salient features:
-- WOF recently done till October 2022
-- Registration expires in April 2022
-- Reverse camera
-- Side blind view camera
-- Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-- Pet and smoke free
Normal marks/scratches on exterior body. Selling due to not using it frequently as I have another vehicle.
Location: Gilfillan Street, Blockhouse Bay
Hi,
I have 7 pots (1.5 litr) of Holy Basil (Tulsi) seedlings left for sale.
Each pot has at least 8-10 seedlings. Used as a herb, in herbal teas and for worship.
Should be ready to transplant into ground in a couple of weeks.
PM me if interested.
Pickup @ New North Road, Mount Albert, near PaknSave
Hi, I have at least 3 x printers ( all working but need some ink cartridges. Plus other computer equipment which I am happy to give away . But I need these gone in the next few days. Message me if interested. Pick up Garnet Road, Westmere
Turn tradition on its head and make a summery Christmas wreath by transforming pine cones into heat-loving zinnias using Resene paint colours.
Find out how to create your own.
Step up with DynaSpeak, (FREE if you are NZ citizens, residents, permanent residents or refugees) Get the language skills you need to live, work and undertake further study in New Zealand.
We are currently taking enrolments for Foundation (beginners) up to level 5 (fluency) over the five … View moreStep up with DynaSpeak, (FREE if you are NZ citizens, residents, permanent residents or refugees) Get the language skills you need to live, work and undertake further study in New Zealand.
We are currently taking enrolments for Foundation (beginners) up to level 5 (fluency) over the five campuses (Queen Street, Albany, Botany, Mangere and New Lynn).
We have classes in the morning, afternoon (3 days per week) and Evening.
The New Zealand Certificate in English Language (NZCEL) Semester A 2022
- 19 weeks , Full Time
- Starting date: Monday, 28 February 2022
- Mid-term break: 19 -22 April 2022
- Finishing date: Friday, 8 July 2022
For more information visit www.dynaspeak.ac.nz or
Email:courses@dynaspeak.ac.nz
See inside for a unique Investment opportunity in Lake Tekapo plus many homes to choose from.
SELLING YOUR HOME?
Contact your preferred Real Estate Agent to get your property featured in the Homed - Central Homes
Distribution & Delivery:
- 56,400 copies delivered free to letterboxes … View moreSee inside for a unique Investment opportunity in Lake Tekapo plus many homes to choose from.
SELLING YOUR HOME?
Contact your preferred Real Estate Agent to get your property featured in the Homed - Central Homes
Distribution & Delivery:
- 56,400 copies delivered free to letterboxes (including those that say "No Junk Mail") and Real Estate offices every Wednesday / Thursday inside select copies of the Central Leader & East & Bays Courier
For more information:
- Please ask your agent to contact Michael Sherwin on 027 296 3305 or michael.sherwin@stuff.co.nz
Not receiving your weekly delivery?
Please phone 0800 339000, choose option 7 or go to www.fixmydelivery.co.nz... or e mail distribution@stuff.co.nz
"This is the start of a new stage of life for many people, and there are lots of changes that go with it. As you embark on this new journey, it's important to create or review your will as your assets change and, more often than not, your will needs to be updated to reflect any … View more"This is the start of a new stage of life for many people, and there are lots of changes that go with it. As you embark on this new journey, it's important to create or review your will as your assets change and, more often than not, your will needs to be updated to reflect any changes." Greg Coyne Principal Trustee in Nelson had a chat with stuff.co.nz recently as part of our Later Life campaign.
Universal Auto Parts are back in business under Level 3 restrictions. We maintain social distancing and wear masks while coming to pick your vehicle for a good value deal.
As a local Wrecker, we are happy to provide you with the best cash offer for your unused Cars, Trucks, Vans and 4WD … View moreUniversal Auto Parts are back in business under Level 3 restrictions. We maintain social distancing and wear masks while coming to pick your vehicle for a good value deal.
As a local Wrecker, we are happy to provide you with the best cash offer for your unused Cars, Trucks, Vans and 4WD vehicles. Nationwide pickup. Call today 0800 33 3317 or Text 021 303 903
Cars / Trucks / Vans / Buses & 4WD - Dead or Alive. Top cash paid for Cars / Trucks and we also sell parts for all makes and models at great price.
We pay upto $25000. Any cars, trucks, vans, buses & 4WD dead or alive. Same day pick up. Support your local business. Call today 0800 33 33 17 or visit our Neighbourly page.
It’s that time of year again!
Our campuses are closed from the 17th of December and reopen again on the 17th of January. You can still email us at hello@vision.ac.nz or leave us a voicemail on 0800 834 834. Our team will be back to answer any calls and enquiries from the 5th of January, and we… View moreIt’s that time of year again!
Our campuses are closed from the 17th of December and reopen again on the 17th of January. You can still email us at hello@vision.ac.nz or leave us a voicemail on 0800 834 834. Our team will be back to answer any calls and enquiries from the 5th of January, and we will be open to visitors again from the 17th.
We can’t wait to see you all again in the new year!
Happy holidays from the team at Vision College 😊
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