Alexia Santamaria

Writer

Cultivating gratitude: A mid-life suburban cynic trials keeping a gratitude diary

Amidst the chaos of daily life, the little joys often go unnoticed, like the ducks that appear with the rain, observing my every move through the window. Even in stressful times, moments of serendipity, such as finding a parking spot right outside the hospital during a rushed appointment, emerge from the mundane. Initially, documenting these seemingly trivial incidents felt challenging, yet soon, I found myself effortlessly celebrating the abundance of small wonders that had surrounded me all along.

Why the Tongariro River is even more beautiful when viewed from the water

As I watch my family prepare to embrace the river’s current, the scene shifts from a picturesque tableau to a thrilling challenge when a fellow spectator takes the plunge. Torn between the need to stay composed for my boys and the thrill of joining in, I leap off the rock, the refreshing cold water engulfing me. In that exhilarating moment, I discover the true joy of conquering hesitation and sharing the adventure with my loved ones.

Meet the talented seamstress bringing korowai to the global stage

Hiria was thrilled to receive an unexpected email from British Vogue inviting her to be featured in its esteemed Little Wonders section—an opportunity she initially thought was too good to be true. Sharing the exciting news with her sister, she recognised how significant this was for showcasing their product on an international stage. This moment aligned perfectly with Hiria’s longstanding dream of expanding their reach, highlighting the meaningful impact of their mission.

What Kiwis eat at Passover, Easter and Eid, and why

As Passover, Easter, and Eid overlap, communities of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths come together to celebrate their rich culinary traditions. Sam Lewis from the Kosher Deli highlights the Seder plate used during Passover, symbolising the Jewish Exodus from Egypt, while Ela Polaczuk-Rombel shares insight into Polish Easter meals that celebrate life and renewal. For Muslims like Abdal Moneem Kyassah, Ramadan concludes with Eid, a time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a feast of traditional dishes, embodying themes of goodwill and community.

Maternity leave: everything you need to know

New parents in New Zealand often grapple with the intricacies of maternity leave, balancing financial concerns, cultural norms, and their own well-being. With the government providing 18 weeks of paid parental leave—significantly less than the more generous offerings in places like Norway and the UK—many face tough decisions about returning to work or staying home. Each family’s journey is uniquely personal, highlighting the critical need for tailored support during this pivotal time.

Three Kiwi couples who have had IVF treatment reveal where their families are today

Julie and Rick Fleming, alongside other couples, candidly share their experiences with the emotional and physical challenges of IVF in New Zealand. Their three-decade journey reflects not only the advancements in IVF technology but also the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of infertility. Through stories of hope and hardship, they underscore the vital role of partnership and support on the path to parenthood, ultimately celebrating the joy of family amidst the struggle to conceive.