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.
![CHiPs star Erik Estrada's message to Kiwi fans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
CHiPs star Erik Estrada's message to Kiwi fans
If you grew up in the 1980s New Zealand, chances are you watched CHiPs on TV.
![Why you shouldn't try making Nara Smith's sunscreen at home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why you shouldn't try making Nara Smith's sunscreen at home
Can you really make your own sunblock at home? And does it work?
![Six60 star joins Teddy Swims on stage during Auckland show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Six60 star joins Teddy Swims on stage during Auckland show
Teddy Swims performed to a sold-out Spark Arena in Auckland last night.
![Should you get an IUD? Everything you need to know](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Should you get an IUD? Everything you need to know
We've all heard the horror stories, here are the risks and benefits.
!['Horrified': Insurance shock after IUD 'just breaks' during removal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Horrified': Insurance shock after IUD 'just breaks' during removal
'It broke inside my body. Why in the world does it matter why I got it?'
!['We were in this together': Melissa Chan-Green's tribute to AM](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'We were in this together': Melissa Chan-Green's tribute to AM
The morning host has thanked AM viewers, a day before they broadcast their final show.
!['Scared to leave': Paddy Gower's emotional tribute to Newshub](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Scared to leave': Paddy Gower's emotional tribute to Newshub
'That was f***ing Newshub.'
![Indy Yelich on new single and advice from big sister Lorde](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Indy Yelich on new single and advice from big sister Lorde
'She really taught me to advocate for your own voice.'
![Does having PCOS mean you can't get pregnant?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Does having PCOS mean you can't get pregnant?
'My immediate assumption was, 'I am infertile'.'
!['Worse than Covid': Auckland deli owner's plea to customers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Worse than Covid': Auckland deli owner's plea to customers
'If things do not improve, we will have to close our shop in the next few months.'
![Banning TikTok isn't the answer: Kiwi social media expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Banning TikTok isn't the answer: Kiwi social media expert
How can you help your child navigate TikTok and other social media apps safely?
![Young family of 5 lose everything in house fire](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Young family of 5 lose everything in house fire
'You just don't really ever think of something like this happening to you.'
![Locals Only: Meet rising pop star Frankie Venter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Locals Only: Meet rising pop star Frankie Venter
The 17-year-old from Mount Maunganui always knew she wanted to pursue music.
![Kiwi woman's warning after chance melanoma diagnosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi woman's warning after chance melanoma diagnosis
A 24-hour swimming event helped raise money for Sarah Barr's unfunded cancer treatment.
![NZ's Best Homes' Phil Spencer: 'I'm not Kevin McCloud'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
NZ's Best Homes' Phil Spencer: 'I'm not Kevin McCloud'
What's his verdict on New Zealand building quality?
![What is 'silver separation'? More Kiwi couples divorcing later in life](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
What is 'silver separation'? More Kiwi couples divorcing later in life
Kiwis are marrying and divorcing less often, but at an older age. Here's why.
![Kiwi father and son reveal what having Tourette’s is really like](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi father and son reveal what having Tourette’s is really like
Chris Henderson and son Ryder both have Tourette's. Here's what they want you to know.
!['Harrowing': Dunedin mum's shock bowel cancer diagnosis at 42](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Harrowing': Dunedin mum's shock bowel cancer diagnosis at 42
'You just don’t even get a chance to fight when you get a stage 4 diagnosis.'
![Meet the West Auckland indie rock band making waves](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Meet the West Auckland indie rock band making waves
Five former high school mates are set to release their debut album.
![MasterChef Australia returns - what does it look like without Jock Zonfrillo?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MasterChef Australia returns - what does it look like without Jock Zonfrillo?
The new season of MasterChef Australia premiered in NZ tonight.
![Mum of child cancer survivor Quinn Hautapu releases new book](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Mum of child cancer survivor Quinn Hautapu releases new book
Roanne Hautapu says 'it was excruciatingly painful at times, yet healing' to write.
![Are Kiwis getting married later in life?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are Kiwis getting married later in life?
What does new data show about marriage, civil unions and divorce in New Zealand?
![The skills Kiwi kids should have at ages 1, 5, 13 and 18](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The skills Kiwi kids should have at ages 1, 5, 13 and 18
Is your child ready for school, high school, uni and beyond?
!['A toll on your body': The reality of trying to conceive in your 40s](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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.
![‘Red mist’: What causes road rage and how can we stop it?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
‘Red mist’: What causes road rage and how can we stop it?
Heading out of town on Anzac Day? Here's how to avoid road rage.
![Watch: Where can you find the viral 'crookies' in NZ?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Watch: Where can you find the viral 'crookies' in NZ?
A few NZ bakeries are making the viral 'crookies' - here's the verdict.
![How healthy is your meal kit?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How healthy is your meal kit?
A registered nutritionist reveals how to get more out of your meal kit.
!['Gutting': Auckland couple's rings stolen in brazen burglary days before their wedding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Gutting': Auckland couple's rings stolen in brazen burglary days before their wedding
'It’s just such a shame that someone’s taken that away from us.'
![Iconic radio duo reveal bizarre celeb encounter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Iconic radio duo reveal bizarre celeb encounter
After 20 years together, what's Fletch and Vaughan's secret to making it work?
![Solo dining: why everyone should try eating alone](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Solo dining: why everyone should try eating alone
How to have the optimal solo dining experience, and why chefs are welcoming the trend.
![A year's worth of meals for just $5000? Kiwi mum's cooking challenge goes viral](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
A year's worth of meals for just $5000? Kiwi mum's cooking challenge goes viral
Mum of six reveals why she's challenged herself to avoid the supermarket this year.
![Where to watch all the Oscar-winning films in NZ](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Where to watch all the Oscar-winning films in NZ
Still haven't seen Poor Things, The Holdovers or American Fiction? We've got you covered.
![Oscars 2024: Who will win big at this year’s Academy Awards?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Oscars 2024: Who will win big at this year’s Academy Awards?
The countdown to the 2024 Oscars is on. Here are our picks in the main categories.
![The big name TVNZ presenters whose jobs now hang in the balance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The big name TVNZ presenters whose jobs now hang in the balance
Where do proposed changes at the broadcaster leave high-profile presenters?
!['Take the pill and go home': Kiwi engineer's battle with endometriosis](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Take the pill and go home': Kiwi engineer's battle with endometriosis
Now she wants to help others living with the disease take back control of their lives.
![Cassie Henderson's next chapter: 'You're ready, just jump'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Cassie Henderson's next chapter: 'You're ready, just jump'
Kiwi artist behind hit single Whatever reveals what's next for her blossoming career.
![Meet the 12-year-old Kiwi turning 3](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Meet the 12-year-old Kiwi turning 3
Kiwi leaplings tell the Herald what it's like to have the 'rarest birthday'.
![Kiwi singer Paige takes to the stage with the Jonas Brothers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi singer Paige takes to the stage with the Jonas Brothers
Nick, Joe and Kevin had Spark Arena Burnin' Up for a night of nostalgia.
![Are hybrid workers more likely to socialise with their colleagues?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are hybrid workers more likely to socialise with their colleagues?
Kiwis are reportedly embracing workplace socialising even if they're not in the office.
![Brooke Fraser on the NZ artist who left her 'in tears'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Brooke Fraser on the NZ artist who left her 'in tears'
The Grammy-winner on her upcoming NZ show, favourite Kiwi artists and staying authentic.
![Is low-carb beer really better for you?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is low-carb beer really better for you?
Low-carb beer is more popular than ever - but is it actually a healthier choice?
![Toni Street reveals secret health crisis: 'Didn't know what I had until it was gone'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Toni Street reveals secret health crisis: 'Didn't know what I had until it was gone'
The Coast host wants to inspire others dealing with the same to know they're not alone.
!['Desperate for answers': Kiwi students’ Taylor Swift tickets ‘disappear’ ahead of Melbourne show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Desperate for answers': Kiwi students’ Taylor Swift tickets ‘disappear’ ahead of Melbourne show
The tickets have gone missing ahead of the sold-out show. Has there been a "glitch"?
![Room check: A night at Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Room check: A night at Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport
Jet-setting or not, the precinct's latest hospitality offering is well worth a visit.
![MAFS' John Aiken on Trisha Stratford: 'I miss her a lot'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
MAFS' John Aiken on Trisha Stratford: 'I miss her a lot'
MAFS AU - and now NZ - expert Aiken opens up about the loss of his colleague Stratford.
![Woman's cancer diagnosis 6 weeks after miscarriage: 'It changes who you are'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Woman's cancer diagnosis 6 weeks after miscarriage: 'It changes who you are'
On World Cancer Day, one woman shares her story and urges others to stay vigilant.
![Why are girls as young as 9 asking for Drunk Elephant skincare products?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Why are girls as young as 9 asking for Drunk Elephant skincare products?
Why are preteen girls taking to Mecca and Sephora in search of anti-ageing products?
![The Queen's secret NZ visit: The VIP bar she graced in 1995](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The Queen's secret NZ visit: The VIP bar she graced in 1995
Bartender remembers the day the monarch came to visit.
![Eds Eramiha's latest acting role taking him to new heights](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Eds Eramiha's latest acting role taking him to new heights
The actor on learning to fly and taking charge of your fitness goals in 2024.
![New Grace Millane doco to include unseen CCTV footage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
New Grace Millane doco to include unseen CCTV footage
Five years after her murder, a new doco will explore her killer's trial.
![Is there a shortage of apples in supermarkets?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Is there a shortage of apples in supermarkets?
And why are watermelons so expensive right now?
![Kiwi mum: Shocking cost of childcare means it’s not worth going back to work](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Kiwi mum: Shocking cost of childcare means it’s not worth going back to work
"It makes you think twice about, 'is it really worth it?'"
![Five things you can't cook in an air fryer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Five things you can't cook in an air fryer
You can cook anything in an air fryer, right? Not quite.
![Sir Ian Mune: 'I don't want my kids calling me Sir Dad'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Sir Ian Mune: 'I don't want my kids calling me Sir Dad'
"I wish my wife was here," new knight companion of NZ Order of Merit says.
![Are Kiwis ditching this mealtime tradition?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Are Kiwis ditching this mealtime tradition?
My Food Bag's Nadia Lim reveals how meal planning can save you time and cash.
![How to avoid family feuds at Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
How to avoid family feuds at Christmas
Expert tips to help prevent family Christmas from turning into an episode of reality TV.
![$7 for 7 strawberries: How much prices have gone up before Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
$7 for 7 strawberries: How much prices have gone up before Christmas
How much would you pay for a punnet of strawberries?
![Etiquette expert reveals the one thing you shouldn't do at Christmas](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Etiquette expert reveals the one thing you shouldn't do at Christmas
An etiquette expert reveals what not to do if you don't get what's on your wish list.
![The truth about running and your period](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
The truth about running and your period
The founder of a female-focused running app on how to make your cycle work for you.
![Pre-Christmas burnout: Health coach shares 5 tips for surviving the silly season](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Pre-Christmas burnout: Health coach shares 5 tips for surviving the silly season
Feeling end-of-year burnout? You're not alone - here's how to cope.
!['Unbelievable': Kiwi band's song features on The Kardashians episode](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'Unbelievable': Kiwi band's song features on The Kardashians episode
Foley's Gabe Everett on the "really special" moment they heard their song play.
![Ever wanted to explore inside a hobbit hole? Now you can](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
Ever wanted to explore inside a hobbit hole? Now you can
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours is finally opening two of its hobbit holes to the public.
![MKR NZ winners Vikki and Pascal's secret ingredient to success](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
'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?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=793)
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.