AA Directions Autumn 2022
While we’re living in challenging times, there are good things to have come out of the uncertainty – such as the chance to learn new skills, simplify our lifestyles and focus on what’s important. We meet some positive New Zealanders who are not just surviving but thriving in this ‘new normal.’ Also in this issue we talk to a summer chef at Scott Base in Antarctica, visit the new Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangārei and take a tour of the incredible Riverstone Castle in Ōamaru. We look at what's needed to win the fight against drunk driving, compare a 2012 Toyota RAV4 with the latest model, and look at the future of EVs. Plus, we're delighted to introduce the AA's new CEO, Nadine Tereora.
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It has been a challenging couple of years for Kiwis but we’ve been collectively strong and some good has come from the experience. We reckon it’s time to accentuate and celebrate those positives and to remember that diamonds are made under pressure.
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How do we win the fight against drunk driving?
New Zealand’s drunk and drugged driving statistics are not looking good. Dylan Thomsen explores what’s needed to turn things around.
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Q&A: Dan Wheway, Antarctica chef
Dan Wheway recently returned from a stint as a chef at Scott Base in Antarctica. He talks to Jo Percival about this unique experience.
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Home tour: Riverstone Castle, Ōamaru
Sue Hoffart visits an extraordinary home filled with colour and quirk near Ōamaru
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Forming a family band during lockdown
Lockdown was the catalyst for an Auckland family to kickstart their music, writes Kathryn Webster.
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Road Trip: the Southern Scenic Route
Jo Percival loops around the Southern Scenic Route from The Catlins Coast to Te Anau and back to Invercargill.
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Ben Whittacker-Cook explains why your next car will be your last internal combustion vehicle.
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Learning self-sufficiency through gardening
Sharon Stephenson meets a family who discovered the benefits of gardening during the pandemic.
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Meet the AA’s new CEO: Nadine Tereora
Nadine Tereora joins the AA with a wealth of senior experience and is recognised as a people-oriented leader who is extremely passionate about all things New Zealand.
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How to create resilience and find calm during stressful times
Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sarb Johal suggests we accept and recalibrate in these challenging times. Jo Percival reports
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Drivers need to take extra care around school zones and be ready for the unexpected.
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Chilling out in Mangōnui, Northland
Sue Hoffart visits Mangōnui for a dose of culture and history and relaxation.
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Lockdown was the perfect time to adopt a pet. Fiona Terry meets a Nelson family who found joy in a new kitten.
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Old vs New: Toyota RAV4 Limited
We investigated how a 2012 Toyota RAV4 Limited stacks up against the latest model.
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How to communicate better with face masks on
Body language expert Steph Holloway talks to Jo Percival about how best to connect while wearing a face mask.
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The new Hundertwasser Art Centre
The brand new Hundertwasser Art Centre and Wairau Māori Art Gallery is now open in Whangārei.
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How to be a safer, kinder driver
10 tips for how to be safer and more courteous on the road
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Hamish Barwick takes a pictorial tour of Whanganui’s vibrant street art.
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Kiwi spotting in Tāwharanui Regional Park
Vanessa Trethewey joins a night tour to find wild kiwi in Tāwharanui Regional Park.
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Who Lived There? A tour of New Zealand’s heritage buildings
Vanessa Trethewey meets an author who has driven the length of New Zealand to discover some of our most fascinating heritage buildings.
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Staff Profile: Mike Noon, GM of AA Motoring Affairs
Mike Noon has been instrumental in many major policy developments for the AA, advocating on behalf of New Zealand motorists.
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Nelson’s Māpua is a creative, coastal destination worth so much more than just a brief stop, as Fiona Terry discovers.
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Are your insurance policies the right fit?
Should you reconsider your insurance cover when you make changes in your life? Hamish Barwick looks at the options.
Top Spot: comedian Janaye Henry
Janaye Henry (Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa) is a comedian and a finalist for this year’s Billy T Award.
Getting creative during lockdown
We meet family of artists who made the most of Auckland’s long lockdown by getting creative.
Wheel Love: a cargo e-bike
A cargo e-bike provides a unique transport solution for a Queenstown charity.
News bites
Top tips from our experts on how to check your tyres and windscreens and be safe around batteries.Read more - Safety tips
Learning to breathe well can help with health and wellbeing.Read more - Do you breathe properly?
We share tips for successfully starting out as an Airbnb host.Read more - How to run an Airbnb
Broadcaster and journalist Duncan Garner aims to get his spending/saving balance right.Read more - Money Matters
