AA Directions Winter 2023
Welcome to the first digital-only issue of AA Directions magazine!
From this year we are creating four editions of the magazine. In Autumn and Spring you will continue to receive printed issues, then in Winter and Summer you'll get these extra special online editions via your inbox. We hope you enjoy the content we've picked for you this winter!
For our main feature, we talked to 10 incredible young Kiwis who are achieving great things in their chosen fields. Also in this issue we share tips for driving in the snow, explore the trials and tribulations of building a tiny house, reveal interesting results from an AA road safety survey and travel to Rāwene, Aotea Great Barrier Island and Christchurch City. Plus, we venture overseas to the beautiful Dodecanese Greek Islands and take a family trip to the Cook Islands.
And, as always, we've got some fantastic prizes to be won, including a trip for two to Rarotonga!
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We spoke to some inspiring young Kiwis about their passions, their ambitions and their very bright futures.
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Is the opening of new highways to divert traffic away from small towns a good or a bad thing?
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A family holiday in the Cook Islands
Aitutaki and Rarotonga are an ideal destination for a family-friendly holiday.
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Enter to win classic car books to RNZB tickets, a $500 voucher to spend at the Natural Paint Co or an incredible trip for two to Rarotonga!
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16-year-old Georgia Latu built Pōtiki Poi, the largest poi manufacturer in the world.
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We investigate the history, psychology and safety of different car colours in New Zealand and around the world.
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Top Spot: Mea Motu, champion boxer
World champion boxer Mea Motu shares her favourite things about living in New Zealand.
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Escape to Aotea Great Barrier Island
Spend a long weekend exploring the beauty and tranquility of Aotea Great Barrier Island.
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26-year-old Amber Clyde established Girls Skate NZ, a skateboarding school for young girls.
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Top tips for safe winter driving
Whether its your first time driving in icy conditions or you’re a seasoned veteran, it pays to be prepared.
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20-year-old Ella Ward is a successful artist in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
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From unique art exhibitions to mid-winter Christmas celebrations, a light festival, a deep-dive into ancient Egypt and New Zealand's premier fashion event, we've picked some of the best things to see and do this winter.
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Wheel Love: a classic 1981 Mitsubishi Mirage
John Reisima keeps his retro 1981 Mitsubishi Mirage to drive on special occasions.
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Money Matters: TV presenter Jaquie Brown
Media personality Jaquie Brown has had a varied career which has taught her some valuable financial lessons.
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The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, Nelson
Visit the largest pest-fenced area in the South Island – The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary.
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Ed Malcolm-Tait – dahlia grower
13-year-old Ed Malcolm-Tait is a keen gardener with a passion for growing dahlias.
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Your AA news and Member updates
What's been going on at the AA? We share news from the Association and our Partners.
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Watch this Space: Christchurch Street Art Tour
Discover the famous street art in Christchurch on a city walking tour.
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Elizabeth Werner – environmentalist
22-year-old Elizabeth Werner is an ardent advocate for conservation.
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Road trip: Auckland to Cambridge in an EV – the BYD Atto 3
A cruisy family road trip from Auckland to Cambridge in an EV.
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Tips for managing the cost of living
We share budgeting advice for anyone feeling the sting of rising costs.
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AA research reveals the safety benefits of new roads
How does the creation of new roads improve safety outcomes for Kiwi drivers?
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Radha Patel – humanitarian and sustainability activist
18-year-old Radha Patel is an ambitious campaigner for sustainability and humanitarian causes.
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A short break in Rāwene, Northland
Discover history, sunsets and surprises in the small town of Rāwene in Northland.
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For Matthew Lillis, building a tiny house from scratch, on his own, was an opportunity to learn new skills.
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Interview with Danusia Wypych – CEO of ChargeNet
We talk to ChargeNet CEO Danusia Wypych about the future of our EV charging network.
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A luxurious international holiday exploring the Dodecanese Greek Islands.
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Matthew O’Hagen and Courtney Naismith – Utilize Studios
25-year-olds Matthew O’Hagen and Courtney Naismith founded Utilize Studios, a company turning plastic waste into homewares.
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How to keep your e-bike secure
e-bikes are becoming a common mode of transport in our cities. But how can you best protect your ride?
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Breanna Morris – professional race car driver
19-year-old Breanna Morris is a New Zealand champion race car driver.
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We investigate the changing landscape of smart home tech.
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Q&A: Royal New Zealand Ballet Composer and Choreographer
We talk with Claire Cowan and Loughlan Prior about the new season of Hansel & Gretel.
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Ride the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop cycle trail
Experience one of the newest Ngā Haerenga Great Rides trails – the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop in Rotorua.
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Max Donaldson – GreenKiwi Supplements
19-year-old Max Donaldson created GreenKiwi Supplements using olive leaf extract.
What's on this winter?
From unique art exhibitions to mid-winter Christmas celebrations, a light festival, a deep-dive into ancient Egypt and New Zealand's premier fashion event, we've picked some of the best things to see and do this winter.
Tips for safe winter driving
Are you heading to the ski slopes this winter? Whether its your first time driving in icy conditions or you’re a seasoned veteran, it pays to be prepared.
Q&A: RNZB's creative team
We talk with Claire Cowan, Composer and Loughlan Prior, Choreographer about the new season of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel.
News bites
What happens when small towns are bypassed by new highways?Read more - The impact of new highways
Your AA news and Member updatesRead more - What's on at the AA?
Tips for managing the cost of livingRead more - Budgeting advice
AA research reveals the safety benefits of new roadsRead more - Road safety research
