Bethany Reitsma is a Lifestyle Writer for New Zealand's 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.

MKR NZ winners Vikki and Pascal's secret ingredient to success
The Bay of Plenty couple took out the title and the $100k prize in last night's finale.

Gift Guide: The best gifts for under $50 this Christmas
After Christmas gifts that won't break the bank? Here are some ideas for every budget.

Watch: 'Emotional' moment Kiwi mum breaks world powerlifting record
Top powerlifter and mum of two Ashleigh Hoeta has broken NZ - and now world - records.

Barbies, Bitzees and brain teasers: The toys Kiwi kids want for Christmas
Nostalgia, DIY and Barbiemania are the trends topping this year's most popular toys list.

Are there toxic chemicals in your tampons?
A small NZ study shows supermarket tampons could be affecting your health. Here's how.

Prince Edward surprises young Kiwis on sailing trip amid visit to NZ
The Duke of Edinburgh is in NZ to celebrate the iconic award of the same name.

Kiwi dad's $300k bill for cancer treatment: 'Desperate' need for funding
Myeloma treatment daratumumab, offered in 49 countries, still isn't funded in New Zealand.

Locals Only: How going home helped Erny Belle find her purpose
The artist known as Erny Belle has just released her second album, Not Your Cupid.

Patrick Gower: On The Royals review - royals or republic?
After the Queen's death, are Kiwis ready to have the republic conversation?

'I am not anybody's subject': Why Patrick Gower is taking on the royals
The Paddy Gower Has Issues host thinks it's time New Zealand became a republic.

Taylor Swift sells out Sydney (again), but can Kiwi fans head to Melbourne?
Missed out the first time? Shake it off and try again.

Early bird dining: Are Kiwis flocking to restaurants earlier than ever?
Restaurants seem to be opening up their doors earlier than ever - Kiwi chefs reveal why.

MKR's Colin and Manu reveal why Kiwi version of the show is the best
The pair are back on our screens hosting My Kitchen Rules NZ.

Five things to do in Byron Bay that aren't just surfing
Think Byron Bay is all surf and sand? Wake up and smell the vintage Kombis.

Happy camper: Is glamping all that it's cracked up to be?
These luxury glamping tents are a far cry from your childhood camping experience.

Review: Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon
Lily Gladstone's moving performance will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Kiwi breast cancer survivor's plea: 'Cancer doesn't have to mean the end'
Karen Roscoe was diagnosed with breast cancer after her first ever free mammogram.

Coffees and cash: 5 tips for surviving the cost of living crisis
How you can have joy - and pay your bills as well.

Emma Memma on what NZ gets right about sign language
Emma Memma's shows include sign language - something that Kiwi audiences are embracing.

Haven't visited Byron Bay in a while? It's glowing up
Hotel Marvell is Byron's first 5-star hotel and home to its first rooftop bar.

Are Kiwis ditching this mealtime tradition?
My Food Bag's Nadia Lim reveals how meal planning can save you time and cash.

'Anything is possible': South Auckland mum of five's inspiring message
Noeleen Tuala always dreamed of owning her own business - now she's made it a reality.

Healthy 29yo woman diagnosed with 3 different cancers: 'Wake-up call'
After battling 3 gynaecological cancers, Kate Wightman wants to make a difference.

Kiwi para shooter aims for Paralympic dream
Neelam O'Neill hopes she can inspire other young Kiwis to take a shot.

Teddy Swims on debut album, Six60 and gifts from NZ
Meet Teddy Swims, the rising star who counts Kiwis among his biggest fans.

Celebrity makeup artist reveals five mistakes Kiwis are making
A makeup artist who's worked for big stars reveals that in 2023, less really is more.

CTI star Tāme Iti’s hopes for te reo Māori in NZ
Amid Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, Iti reflects that we've come a long way with te reo.

The state of period poverty in NZ
About 70,000 of us can't access period products each month - but what does this look like?

One year without the Queen: Where are the royals now?
The royals are marking a year since the death of their beloved mother and grandmother.

All Blacks, Black Ferns stun in most diverse Jockey show ever
The hotly-anticipated NZFW show saw models of all ages and abilities take to the runway.

Will DoorDash or Uber Eats save you more time and money?
DoorDash has just landed in Auckland - so we decided to put it to the test.

Review: Teddy Swims wears Huffer and wins hearts at Auckland Town Hall show
Teddy Swims says "there's no love out there" like there is in New Zealand.

Father's Day 2023: Why does NZ celebrate on a different date to other countries?
And did you know that Father's Day was invented by a woman?

TV and radio star Bree Tomasel on her private life, tough decisions and Aotearoa's gift
“I’ll be forever grateful.”

Is it okay to snack at the supermarket? Kiwis weigh in
Should you tuck into your treats before you've paid at the checkout?

Birdy on her new album Portraits and 'beautiful' NZ memories
The British singer and songwriter hasn't toured "for years" - but she's making a comeback.

What's behind the rise in country music in NZ?
From major US stars to home-grown acts like Kaylee Bell - why do Kiwis love country music?

Sleep coach: Seven tips for falling asleep fast
Running hot: Is your cosy winter bedtime routine leaving you with insomnia?

Watch: Auckland tradies' version of The Wheels on the Bus goes viral
These Auckland construction workers take their uncle duties very seriously.

From lockdown duet to multi-million dollar deal for Kiwi singer
Tayla Alexander never dreamed the duet could land her a multi-million dollar deal.

'Crazy': Barbie breaks box office record, selling out in NZ
Fans are flocking to theatres in record numbers to see Greta Gerwig's Barbie.

15yo Kiwi chosen for starring World Cup role
"Dream come true": Football-mad Alyssa Chand had a starring role in last night's match.

Kiwi mum's 'scary' diagnosis after dismissing symptoms
Auckland mum shocked to learn common symptom was a sign of something more serious.

Winter blues: How to keep SAD at bay this winter
Here's what to do if you're feeling SAD this winter.

5 things you didn't know you can make with your blender
The trusty household appliance isn't just great for whipping up smoothies.

The toxic issue facing Kiwi homes - and how to fix it
Why does mould grow inside our homes and can we prevent it?

Auckland woman's horror reaction to skincare product
Shena Damian experienced a severe reaction to Neutrogena skincare products.

Eight ways to cut down on your power bill this winter
Household hacks to help you switch to energy saving mode this winter.

Is air fried food really better for you?
They're fast and convenient - but are air fryers really the healthiest cooking option?

Tracked winners revealed: Who beat the Trackers and Vinnie Jones to win $100k?
The winners of Tracked reveal the toughest part of the gruelling challenges.

'Heartbreaking': Kiwi mum's plea for 2yo with rare genetic condition
'The bigger picture is the fight for other children in NZ to be able to access this.'

Not your dad’s whisky: The spirit you should be drinking this winter
Auckland bartender reveals the secret to perfecting whisky cocktails at home.

Five things you can't cook in an air fryer
You can cook anything in an air fryer, right? Not quite.

Kiwi influencer and mum of 5 reveals why she’s stopped sharing grocery shopping hacks
'How do you teach people to reduce costs when they're struggling for the basics?'

Where to find freebies on your birthday in New Zealand
How to treat yourself on your birthday without spending a cent.

Treasure Island pals lace up for breast cancer fundraiser
ZM's Bree Tomasel and Dame Susan Devoy are walking 50k for charity Sweet Louise.

The truth about health star ratings in New Zealand
Why a supermarket frozen pizza and a bag of veggie soup get the same health rating.

Tracked review: Why I wouldn't survive Vinnie Jones' new show
Warner Bros. Discovery ANZ's new hide-and-seek show is addictive viewing.

Five food swaps that are better for you and your wallet
Shopping hacks to help get you through winter without breaking the bank.