Bethany Reitsma is a Lifestyle Writer for the New Zealand Herald.
As someone who grew up creating my own magazines filled with stories, made-up celebrity news, fashion tips and recipes, it’s no wonder I’ve ended up in the Lifestyle and Entertainment department at the Herald. I first joined the team fresh out of postgraduate study in 2019. Starting out in my career just as a global pandemic hit came with its challenges, to say the least, but it was also a fascinating time to be part of a newsroom. In my current role as a Lifestyle Writer, I get to help our readers take a break from all the bad news. My goal is to entertain, inspire, help people relax, laugh, or learn something new – and hopefully put a smile on someone’s face. I also love writing about coffee whenever I can.
'Ticking time bomb': Auckland woman shares reality of rare cancer diagnosis
Sarah Cheung was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2021. It recurred 3 years later.
'He'll slowly lose everything': Parents share journey as 2yo battles incurable disorder
Landon Pahl was diagnosed with infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy shortly after he turned 2.
'Denied a fighting chance': Auckland woman's plea to fund life-saving cancer drug
Catherine Cooke petitions Govt to fund Keytruda for early triple negative breast cancer.
Follow your nose: Where to get your truffle fix in Auckland this winter
It’s truffle season in New Zealand, which means flavoursome fungi are gracing menus again.
From Jacinda Ardern to Air NZ: 32 of the best lifestyle and entertainment stories of the year so far
While you enjoy a long weekend break, catch up on some of the best stories of 2025 so far.
'Blown away': Taranaki teen's heartfelt gesture for childhood friends with cancer
Emmett Lawrence is fundraising for Amelia and Bodhi Neil, who both have cancer.
What Kiwis get wrong about wills, according to a family lawyer
Around 50% of Kiwis don't have a will. Here's why you should.
'Life-changing': The Kiwi women finding empowerment in hunting and fishing
Wild Chix offers a safe space for women to learn without judgment or stereotypes.
Legally blind Kiwi writer's journey from archaeologist to bestselling author
Steffanie Holmes has published more than 40 books in the past decade.
Room Check: Quiet luxury at Gibbston Valley Lodge
Relax in your own private villa at Gibbston Valley Lodge on your next trip to Queenstown.
'Full-circle moment': Wallace Sititi on All Blacks rise and giving back
Sititi is one of the faces of the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge this year.
Watch: Melanie Lynskey and Robyn Malcolm in trailer for Pike River feature film
Pike River premieres at the Sydney Film Festival on June 7, in NZ cinemas on October 30.
'Walking alongside whānau through heartbreak': Life in a NICU in NZ
Kiwi parents of premature babies and the nurses who care for them share their experiences.
Nutritionist and cancer survivor: 'What Kiwi parents should know about children's nutrition'
Gina Urlich on how a cancer diagnosis deepened her purpose.
What to watch if you're tired of 'toxic' reality TV
From homegrown reality shows to global Netflix hits.
Why Gypsy Rose Blanchard is protecting her daughter from the spotlight
Gypsy Rose tells the Herald about parenting, protecting her baby and plans after parole.
Met Gala 2025: All you need to know about fashion's biggest night
From the theme, to the co-chairs, to the celebs expected to attend.
'Changed everything': Why Aucklander, 24, is running 12 marathons in 12 months
Thanks to a miracle drug, Ben Prince-Saxon is using his new lease on life to give back.
'Third time lucky': Dream wedding 12 years after life-changing accident
Auckland couple Matt and Kerryn Hoani's wedding day has been a long time coming.
Meet the Taylor Swift tribute act coming to NZ: ‘90% of the time it’s great’
If you couldn't make it to the Eras Tour, Shannon Beresford might be the next best thing.
Seven new places to wine and dine in Queenstown
From a relaxed lakeside lunch to perfect wine pairings, bakery treats and more.
'Shell-shocked': Woman's month-long wait for surgery after missed miscarriage
'I could see how the system was held together with duct tape.'
‘Heartbreaking’: Why Trish Peng is partnering with World Vision
The wedding dress designer says 'it's time to make a difference'.
I tried the Samsung Galaxy Ring – here’s the verdict
What can a smart ring teach you about your health and wellbeing?
Escape the city to this lavender-themed bed and breakfast
Cosy accommodation, award-winning gins and cute alpacas just 30 minutes from Auckland.
Oscars: Anora stuns with Best Picture win; Demi Moore snubbed for Best Actress
It was a night of shocks and surprises at the 97th Academy Awards.
Kiwi selling her home to pay for unfunded breast cancer treatment
'I wouldn’t be able to have treatment otherwise,' says Aucklander Catherine Cooke.
Love Wordle? Try this NZ-made word game
Kiwis Arun and Amy Stephens were inspired by their love of puzzles to create Hang Five.
BBC journalist’s ‘emotional’ journey to finding long-lost Kiwi family
Laura Ancell and her mum promised her dad they would find his Kiwi father. Did they?
‘Cannot do this anymore’: The true cost of having endo in NZ
"You're making calls between a long-term future together versus your health."
Auckland 9yo with rare brain cancer fundraising for $300k treatment
A rural NZ community has rallied around young Ashyr Maffey since his shock diagnosis.
The best way to vacuum, according to a nanotechnologist
Dr Michell Dickinson explains how to get the best results from your vacuum cleaner.
Commendations and controversy: The big winners at the 2025 Grammy Awards
The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony took place on Monday.
Why do people fall for ‘celebrity-endorsed’ scams?
Whether it's crypto or weight loss gummies, celeb-fronted scams are on the rise.
Benson Boone: Beautiful Things and backflips at Spark Arena
REVIEW: Meet the TikTok-famous US artist who sold out Spark Arena.
‘I’ve done it, bro': Kiwi man runs twice the length of NZ for men’s mental health
Stefan Ozich ran and hiked from Cape Reinga to Bluff and back in just under four months.
The Casketeers go global as TVNZ announces 2025 lineup
TVNZ has revealed its slate of local and international shows for 2025.
Lorna Jane Clarkson on turning 60: ‘Getting older feels great’
The Lorna Jane founder on what she's learnt after 35 years in business.
The foods Kiwi supermarket shoppers are paying the biggest markups on
Aotearoa's biggest supermarkets all had an increase in price-cost margins in 2023.
Kiwi-born actress wins big at Golden Globes, epic career comebacks on show
Anna Sawai and her Shōgun colleagues reigne supreme at the 82nd Golden Globes.
Which supplements are worth taking? A nutritionist explains
Some supplements are just 'the sprinkles on top of the icing on top of the cake'.
‘A club I don't want to be a part of’: Kiwi fitness founder on infertility 'heartache' and the search for a surrogate
Dominique Francis: 'It takes a little part of you away each time.'
Five things you can't cook in an air fryer
You can cook anything in an air fryer, right? Not quite.
The 10 most shocking celebrity break-ups of 2024
The A-list couples who announced they were splitting up this year.
Five things you can't cook in an air fryer
You can cook anything in an air fryer, right? Not quite.
'A toll on your body': The reality of trying to conceive in your 40s
More women are becoming mothers after the age of 40, according to recent data.
The 10 most shocking celebrity deaths of 2024
The music legends, fashion icons, and film and TV stars we lost in 2024.
The 10 coolest Christmas presents of the 2000s you can still buy in NZ
If you're a '90s or '00s kid, these toys were at the top of your wishlist.
The last-minute gifts to buy for kids and teens this Christmas
The coolest presents for toddlers, tweens and teens.
Locals Only: Casual Healing’s mission to ‘shine joy into the world’
Nikau Te Huki performs as solo act Casual Healing.
Gerard Butler's first-ever Christmas movie and holiday message to Kiwis
'I want to be Santa': Gerard Butler stars in The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland.
Locals Only: Ebony Lamb on bringing art and music together
Ebony Lamb is set to perform at The Others Way festival in Auckland.
Lorna Jane's top 5 health and wellness tips
Lorna Jane Clarkson shares her health and wellbeing non-negotiables.
'Debilitated': Kiwi's battle with topical steroid withdrawal
Te Rima Whakatau has suffered from eczema since childhood.
Heading to Coldplay tonight? Here's everything you need to know
The NZ leg of Coldplay's Music Of The Spheres world tour continues at Eden Park tonight.
Coldplay's Chris Martin: 'The world needs love from NZ right now'
REVIEW: Last night, Eden Park was transformed into a sky full of stars.
WeightWatchers to resume ‘majority’ of in-person workshops in NZ and Australia amid protests from members
The company has reversed its decision to close in-person workshops.
WeightWatchers NZ closing workshops amid rumoured staff cuts
Kiwi members told in-person workshops will cease from November 2.
Indie rockers Wet Denim: From uni halls to touring NZ
The Wellington-based band have just released their second EP On The Line.
'Didn't want to go outside': What childhood grief is really like
'You're dealing with something that society is not equipped to deal with.'
Miss Universe NZ responds to claims she's not Kiwi
Victoria Velasquez Vincent was crowned Miss Universe NZ in September this year.
'Two kids passed away': CTI winner's emotional cause revealed
Actor JP Foliaki took home $100k for ChildFund Water Run on last night's finale.
'Heartbreaking': TVNZ show reveals reality of early-onset dementia
The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes is back for a second season at Ben Bayly's Origine.
Would you quit your job if your work from home days were reduced?
The 2023 Census data shows one in six Kiwis mostly work from home.
‘A club I don't want to be a part of’: Kiwi fitness founder on infertility 'heartache' and the search for a surrogate
Dominique Francis: 'It takes a little part of you away each time.'
Josh Kronfeld opens up about health scare
Former All Black says there's "no shame in discussion" when it comes to prostate health.
Why 29yo Kiwi is running the length of New Zealand - twice
Two tragic losses inspired Stefan Ozich to take on a monumental challenge.
'Driver gave me some of his sandwich': Suzanne Paul's heartbreaking story of child poverty
We know her as the infomercial queen, but life wasn't always luminous for Suzanne Paul.
What is 'mindful play' and how could it benefit your kids?
An Auckland-based psychologist reveals how to teach your kids about mindfulness.
'Took it all for granted': James Rolleston on life before near-death crash
The actor is joining this year's cast of celebrity castaways in the Coromandel.
Radio star on 'surreal' cancer diagnosis
Georgia Burt and ZM hosts are fundraising for the Cancer Society this Daffodil Day.
How often do you really need to shower?
New research reveals Kiwis' surprising shower habits.
Checking in to SkyCity's newest offering, Horizon Hotel
Bethany Haverland tries out the latest high-end hotel to hit Auckland's skyline.
Summer is months away - but Noosa Blue Resort is already hot
A flying visit to Noosa offers a welcome escape from NZ's winter chill.
I tried a walking pad for a month – here's what it did for my fitness
Can a home treadmill replace your gym membership?
'Appalled': Supermarket customer finds bites taken out of grocery order
The Aucklander says there was animal poo on bags, and there have been previous problems.
Five foodie stops to add to your Queensland itinerary
Highlights from the 2024 Eat and Drink festival in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
The Topp Twins on award-winning memoir: 'It's not just our story'
The iconic entertainers' memoir has been a bestseller since it was published last year.