Ricardo Simich is the New Zealand Herald’s Spy Editor. Based in Auckland he covers all roads that lead to popular culture.
Ricardo has been with the Herald since 2008 where he contributed to The Business Insider. In 2012 he took over Spy at the Herald on Sunday. The brand famous for its gossip and social pages was refocused to celebrate society, entertainment and pop culture. In the worlds of the rich and famous, A-listers of the moment from the stars of movies, television, music, content creators, sport and politics too. Spy celebrates them all. A-list hook-ups and break-ups are still part of the make-up, Ricardo and Spy cover everyone and everything that are creating the headlines of the day. Ricardo is still a Man About Town, although he says he is a lot more chill than in the preceding manic decades and doesn’t quite attend all of the openings of envelopes he once did. He still has his finger on the pulse with an enviable contact book. Ricardo is a self-confessed media junkie and loves the adrenaline of its ever-changing landscape of platforms. When he is not Mr Spy, Ricardo gives advice to anyone who will listen at his Boutique Marketing firm One Agency.
![Johanna Cosgrove reveals work behind 'firecracker' Madam role](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Johanna Cosgrove reveals work behind 'firecracker' Madam role
The ‘entertainment force’ is one to watch.
![Kiwi agency wins big at the Oscars of the advertising world](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwi agency wins big at the Oscars of the advertising world
New Zealand creative agency wins big at an international awards ceremony held in London.
![Who is Renee Stewart’s mystery man?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Who is Renee Stewart’s mystery man?
She and her famous family have been sharing star-studded Euro summer on social media.
![Radio stars’ children stepping into the spotlight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Radio stars’ children stepping into the spotlight
From debating Christopher Luxon to treading the boards in Matilda.
![Spy: Graham Norton, Sarah Jessica Parker spent ‘hours’ tasting NZ wines in NYC](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Graham Norton, Sarah Jessica Parker spent ‘hours’ tasting NZ wines in NYC
The A-listers have ‘a strong interest in visiting New Zealand’ soon.
![MAFS NZ partner swapping and TikTok drama](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
MAFS NZ partner swapping and TikTok drama
Did a social media post upstage the show’s big switcheroo?
![Spy: Kiwi comedy Kid Sister has a new addition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Kiwi comedy Kid Sister has a new addition
‘The show really asks some interesting questions.’
![Spy: The maestros behind NZ’s big names, shows and movies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: The maestros behind NZ’s big names, shows and movies
818’s Chris Henry on the highs, the lows and margaritas with Oprah Winfrey.
![Why Paul Henry has scuttled plans to sell his beloved boat](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Why Paul Henry has scuttled plans to sell his beloved boat
The outspoken broadcaster is poised to become a grandfather to twins.
![Spy: Is Kiwi teen Stranger Things’ new star?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Is Kiwi teen Stranger Things’ new star?
Stranger things have happened - is 12-year-old Kiwi latest actor to join Netflix hit?
![Sir John Kirwan welcomes grandson - Spy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Sir John Kirwan welcomes grandson - Spy
The All Blacks great and mental health campaigner shared the news on Instagram.
![Why a visit to Buckingham Palace was a grounding experience for NZ opera star and model](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Why a visit to Buckingham Palace was a grounding experience for NZ opera star and model
NZ opera star Isabella Moore didn't let rain dampen the big day.
![Spy: Jemaine Clement’s magical new movie](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Jemaine Clement’s magical new movie
Which NZ film is premiering at Tribeca Film Festival?
![Spy shares all the buzz ahead of the Aotearoa Music Awards](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy shares all the buzz ahead of the Aotearoa Music Awards
Ricardo Simich explains what attendees can expect at this year’s event.
![Spy: Meet the crystal-loving MAFS NZ bride](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Meet the crystal-loving MAFS NZ bride
Ricardo Simich reveals why she performed Reiki on a guinea pig.
![Graeme Hart and family celebrate Australian heiress’ graduation in NY](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Graeme Hart and family celebrate Australian heiress’ graduation in NY
Cartier Lee graduated from NYU with an MBA in fashion and luxury.
![Spy: Thomasin McKenzie to work with Hollywood legends](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Thomasin McKenzie to work with Hollywood legends
The Kiwi has landed a plum role in a legendary epic with Oscar-winning stars.
![Spy: Who’s attending the glamorous new art gala?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Who’s attending the glamorous new art gala?
A who’s who is expected at the splashy (and sold-out) event, Ricardo Simich reveals.
![Spy: Karl Urban and Antony Starr have been busy boys](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Karl Urban and Antony Starr have been busy boys
The Kiwi stars have been enjoying Hollywood highs.
![Spy: Rebecca Gibney’s new role is something to smile about](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Rebecca Gibney’s new role is something to smile about
Ricardo Simich reveals a ray of local sunshine screening soon.
![Spy: Robbie Magasiva is making a splash stateside](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Robbie Magasiva is making a splash stateside
The Kiwi star’s new US surf show is a big deal.
![NZFW founder and stylist's charitable connections](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
NZFW founder and stylist's charitable connections
Formerly key names in New Zealand Fashion week, where are they now?
![Spy: Dancing With the Stars’ judge Julz Tocker’s big move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Dancing With the Stars’ judge Julz Tocker’s big move
He tells Ricardo Simich why he’s coming back to New Zealand.
![Spy: Which A-list chefs will be having a snack-off?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Which A-list chefs will be having a snack-off?
Here’s what we know about the hot talent and sizzling stars.
![Kiwi acting talent star in the moving Motherhood Anthology](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwi acting talent star in the moving Motherhood Anthology
Roxie Mohebbi, Miriama Smith and Kura Forrester appear in the special anthology.
![Spy: Stunt star Zoë Bell reveals next move](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Stunt star Zoë Bell reveals next move
Homegrown Hollywood talent set to film in New Zealand.
![Spy: Parris Goebel and Luciane Buchanan honoured alongside Keanu Reeves, Lucy Liu](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Parris Goebel and Luciane Buchanan honoured alongside Keanu Reeves, Lucy Liu
The two powerhouses were picked by the prestigious A100 awards.
![Meet MAFS NZ’s new expert](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Meet MAFS NZ’s new expert
Our local relationship and sex expert is set to be the Yin to John Aiken’s Yang.
![Chris Parker to host this year's Comedy Gala](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Chris Parker to host this year's Comedy Gala
The Kiwi comedian will be 'bringing all the drama' on the night.
![Testify's Craig Hall: From church leader to Neighbours star](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Testify's Craig Hall: From church leader to Neighbours star
The Kiwi actor is set to appear on the long-running Aussie soap.
![New mum Edna Swart on her return to Shortland Street](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
New mum Edna Swart on her return to Shortland Street
Swart and her husband welcomed their first child last week.
![What's next for Lucy Lawless?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
What's next for Lucy Lawless?
Lawless reveals what to expect from new season of My Life is Murder.
![Meet NZ's answer to Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Meet NZ's answer to Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer
New Zealand's own version of Location, Location, Location is on its way.
![Spy: The Casketeers go global](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: The Casketeers go global
The Onehunga-based couple will be back on New Zealand TV screens soon.
![Are Scotty Stevenson and Suzie Bates a sporting match?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Are Scotty Stevenson and Suzie Bates a sporting match?
The commentator and the White Ferns legend are the talk of sporting circles.
![Spy: Disco fever? Auckland Town Hall to transform into Studio 54](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Disco fever? Auckland Town Hall to transform into Studio 54
Dust off your flares and sequins.
![Spy: Red White and Brass to hit the stage with star John-Paul Foliaki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Red White and Brass to hit the stage with star John-Paul Foliaki
Foliaka tells Spy about the “awesome Tongan talent” involved.
![Spy: Action in Auckland for Taika Waititi and his Hollywood stars](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Action in Auckland for Taika Waititi and his Hollywood stars
Jenna Ortega spotted on High St this week, while insiders reveal other filming locations.
![Spy: Israel Adesanya’s new gig - finding the next MMA superstar](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Israel Adesanya’s new gig - finding the next MMA superstar
The series is about more than fighting, says City Kickboxing owner Eugene Bareman.
![Spy: Urzila Carlson nabs a Netflix role](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Urzila Carlson nabs a Netflix role
Ricardo Simich reveals what NZ actors are up to.
![Spy: Jeremy Corbett returns to 7 Days, reflects on The Project](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Jeremy Corbett returns to 7 Days, reflects on The Project
‘It was a real privilege to have been involved.’
![SPY: From Dame Kiri to kiwi: NZ celebrity photographer's new fine art exhibition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
SPY: From Dame Kiri to kiwi: NZ celebrity photographer's new fine art exhibition
Frew's show explores his passion for our natural environment.
![Spy: Kiwi to star in steamy US drama](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Kiwi to star in steamy US drama
Actor George Ferrier joins big Hollywood names such as Dermot Mulroney for new show.
![Spy: Kiwi stars prepare to walk up the aisle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Kiwi stars prepare to walk up the aisle
Who threw a Barbie-themed bachelorette bash?
![Spy: Kiwis stars in the spotlight: Sam Neill, Robyn Malcolm and Jess Hong](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Kiwis stars in the spotlight: Sam Neill, Robyn Malcolm and Jess Hong
Local acting talent going global
!['It catches up with you in the end': Louise Wallace's skin cancer warning](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'It catches up with you in the end': Louise Wallace's skin cancer warning
The broadcaster, director and writer reveals she's undergone surgery.
![Spy: The megachurch (and mega drama) behind TVNZ’s new show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: The megachurch (and mega drama) behind TVNZ’s new show
Scandal, lies and family drama.
![Taika Waititi and Rita Ora are becoming NZ's most important social media influencers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Taika Waititi and Rita Ora are becoming NZ's most important social media influencers
The A-list couple are showing their support for their favourite brands.
![Spy: Pike River movie to star Robyn Malcom and Melanie Lynskey?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Pike River movie to star Robyn Malcom and Melanie Lynskey?
The film will show the impact of the Pike River tragedy on the community.
![Spy: Tom Sainsbury stars in revealing new Kiwi comedy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Tom Sainsbury stars in revealing new Kiwi comedy
Here's what we can expect from Spinal Destination.
![Spy: Meet the Kiwi heading for Broadway stardom](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Meet the Kiwi heading for Broadway stardom
Scarlett Jacques is living her dream in the US.
![Spy: A baby, new business and 'bunker-style structure' after Kiwi couple detained in Iran](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: A baby, new business and 'bunker-style structure' after Kiwi couple detained in Iran
The Expedition Earth couple have big news to share.
![Spy: Ana Scotney - 'I am very proud to be an artist in Aotearoa’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Ana Scotney - 'I am very proud to be an artist in Aotearoa’
The tectonic talent’s solo play is personal, political and rooted in a sense of place.
![Spy: Aussie League concussion series features Kiwi lineup](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Aussie League concussion series features Kiwi lineup
Powerful new show questions the lasting trauma of the sport.
![Spy: Rhys Darby returns to NZ for two major milestones](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Rhys Darby returns to NZ for two major milestones
Why is the Kiwi comedy star back?
![Billionaire bride Anna Mowbray toys with dress designs](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Billionaire bride Anna Mowbray toys with dress designs
The entrepreneur flew to Sydney to prepare for her wedding to Ali Williams.
![Vogue… Parris: Goebel tapped for Vogue World, but will she go to the Met Gala? - Spy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Vogue… Parris: Goebel tapped for Vogue World, but will she go to the Met Gala? - Spy
It's another win for Rihanna's kiwi choreographer.
!['I'm happier': KJ Apa and French girlfriend split after 4 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
'I'm happier': KJ Apa and French girlfriend split after 4 years
It comes after the couple welcomed their first child in 2021.
![Spy: Westside stars reunite for dark new Kiwi show](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Westside stars reunite for dark new Kiwi show
'This is unlike anything I have seen on New Zealand screens.'
![Parnell jeweller Hartfield, favourite of Auckland’s Rich List, moves into a new era](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Parnell jeweller Hartfield, favourite of Auckland’s Rich List, moves into a new era
Jodie Dick takes the reins of the boutique favoured by Auckland's ultra-rich.
![Cibo turns 30: Power lunches and passionate nights](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Cibo turns 30: Power lunches and passionate nights
Parnell’s famous society hotspot, why has Cibo been popular for three decades?
![Spy: Two Kiwi TV stars are getting hitched](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Two Kiwi TV stars are getting hitched
Quinn Ryan and Claudia Hoskins are counting down to their nuptials.
![Greenstone TV’s glittery milestone bash draws big Kiwi names](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Greenstone TV’s glittery milestone bash draws big Kiwi names
CEO Rachel Antony discusses the company’s rich history and the future of Kiwi screens.
![Kiwi actors getting heavy in action-packed roles](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwi actors getting heavy in action-packed roles
It’s lights, camera, and lots of action as two Kiwi stars film new Hollywood projects.
![Spy: Has RuPaul ditched Drag Race Down Under?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Spy: Has RuPaul ditched Drag Race Down Under?
Speculation is rife that the superstar might not make it to New Zealand for filming.
![Universal story: Miles from Nowhere star Arlo Green on his new comedy drama](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Universal story: Miles from Nowhere star Arlo Green on his new comedy drama
The actor explains what makes Mohamed Hassan’s series fresh and kind of like Friends.
![Kiwi director Taika Waititi casts another Hollywood superstar - Spy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=782)
Kiwi director Taika Waititi casts another Hollywood superstar - Spy
Award-winner Amy Adams is set to star in the new NZ production.