Ricardo Simich
Society Insider editor
Ricardo Simich is the New Zealand Herald’s Society Insider editor, celebrating New Zealand's elite with an inside look at how the other half live.
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, which has since evolved into Society Insider. The weekly column gives a glimpse into the worlds of the rich and famous - A-listers and rich-listers of the moment, stars of movies, television, music, sport, politics, and more. Ricardo is still a Man About Town, although he says he is a lot more discerning than in the preceding manic decades and doesn’t quite attend all 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 on the hunt for the latest Society Insider news, Ricardo gives advice to anyone who will listen at his Boutique Marketing firm One Agency.
Check out Ricardo’s latest content
Society Insider: Tenby Powell's cancer bucket list; property mogul Nigel McKenna's big year
A $100m hotel and spa and globe-trotting with rising hospo star partner.
Society Insider: Heir's $500k engagement ring; SPQR sisters on building an empire
Bronwyn and Jess Payne are becoming hospitality and fashion moguls.
Society Insider: Steal Amanda Luxon's look; Mona Dotcom's new man; Paul Henry's rich list party
NZ's first lady stunned in local designers on her trip with her Prime Minister husband.
Society Insider: Mowbrays to bowl $24m home after spooky party; Ridge dating rich lister
What to do with an old mansion? One of NZ’s richest men had a bash for 300 closest mates.
Society Insider: Sailor's new girlfriend; billionaire's Waiheke plans; Taika's health 'elitism'
Blair Tuke is off the market as his rich-list girlfriend joined his Barcelona cheer squad.
Society Insider: Kiwis and their yachts at Am Cup; Mowbray’s empire; the ultimate society 21st
This new weekly column pulls back the curtain to reveal how NZ's other half live.
Spy: PJ Harding wants to slow down the chaos of hustle culture
‘We are all wired differently.’
Spy: Vinnie Bennett set to bring Kiwi skate legend to the screen
NZ production kicking off with backing of Tony Hawk and Steve-O.
Chef Pete Evans and Kiwi wife Nicola Robinson trading in their 'coveted lifestyle'
After months on the market, the Evans' wellness retreat might have secured a buyer.
Inside a billionaire’s wedding: The venue, the dress, the star guest list
Wedding guests included Richie McCaw and Doug Howlett; Dan Carter was absent.
Kiwi star Manu Bennett showcases NZ’s beauty in new US reality show
Seeing the summit, he thought, ‘How is anybody going to do this?’
Spy: Made in Bondi’s Kiwi connections
Ricardo Simich catches up with the stars of Sydney’s glamorous new reality show.
Antony Starr’s dazzling Emmys date revealed as sister of Hollywood superstar
The Boys star presented an award, and walked the carpet with a US TV host.
Spy: Is All Black Damian McKenzie off the market?
The sports star is understood to be dating the daughter of racing royalty.
Two Kiwi sports A-listers both have babies on the way
A Supercars champ and an ice hockey star preparing for parenthood.
Spy: Off-screen bond for Shorty stars
Fictional flatmates and real-life BFFs Courtney, Jane and Peter discuss their friendship.
Spy: The rising stars of Waiata Anthems
Nikau Grace, Mohi, MĀ, Magic Pāora and Dillastrate set to shine at Auckland Museum.
Spy: How naughty will the revived Game of 2 Halves be?
Can its new captains outdo Ridge and Ellis?
Sporting VIPs set to open new Kingsland sports bar
The A-list sports stars expected at kick off.
Luxury NZ fashion brand ‘parked’ a year after glossy launch - without ever selling an item
Actor Jono Kenyon has severed ties with the brand, which is also linked to a fraudster.
'A new lease of life': Hospitality star sisters take over SPQR site
'Rest assured, the copper bar danced upon by so many over the years will remain.'
Spy: Stars forecast for huge Haka challenge
Can Che Fu and the Topp Twins help with the challenge to take on France?
Spy: What's Jason Momoa been up to and when is he coming back?
The Hollywood star revealed his ‘favourite place in Aotearoa’.
NZ’s tallest apartments: Agents head to London to sell ‘paused’ units to wealthy Kiwis
Despite a construction pause, Seascape's luxury apartments are still on the market.
Inside a billionaire’s wedding: The venue, the dress, the star guest list
Wedding guests included Richie McCaw and Doug Howlett; Dan Carter was absent.
Spy: Kiwis land plum roles in The Office Australia
Jackie van Beek and the Kiwi contingent involved in a new spin on the cult series.
Spy: Arrowtown musician makes America’s Got Talent semifinal
How Ciaran McMeeken went from couch surfing to country star.
Champagne production down - what it means for your summer bubbles
You might need to rethink your bubbles of choice this summer.
A-listers and an All Blacks cake: Inside Taika Waititi’s Ibiza birthday bash
Who were the Hollywood stars at the high-flying Kiwi’s soiree in Spain’s party isle?
Spy: Bree Tomasel has a new partner in crime on Celebrity Treasure Island
Watch: The surprising Kiwi star who will be sharing hosting duties.
Spy: Kiwi stars on the rise - the actresses shooting US shows
What’s next for Grace Palmer, Rose McIver, Jess Hong and Keisha Castle-Hughes?
Would you sink $7500 a day into a superyacht? Developer rents out boat after taking it off the market
Matthew Horncastle has changed up his lifestyle during the property downturn.
Spy: What’s Sir Sam Neill doing in Vancouver?
Beloved Kiwi actor gets a surprise at a St Vincent gig.
Why Chris Parker and Kura Forrester are doubling up (again)
Chris Parker says ‘Kura Forrester is the funniest person in New Zealand’
Behind the scenes of the Wheel Blacks' Paralympic dreams
Insiders describe the uphill battle for Kiwi athletes.
Spy: Wāhine Māori starring in two of 2024’s biggest blockbusters
Career highs for Kiwis Sasha Lane and Keala Settle.
Spy: Kiwi comedy star set to teach Aussies how to spell
Why is Guy Montgomery crossing the ditch a big deal?
These Kiwi women are mixing with London’s elite
They continue to stamp their name and brands loudly overseas.
Spy: Rising action star heading to New Zealand
Which Hollywood heavyweight is heading for Godzone?
Mona Dotcom and Luke Wainui call it quits
After seven years the pair are now living apart.
Spy: How Matty McLean will celebrate the inaugural Synthony Pride
‘Watch this space to see if I'm brave enough to rock a mesh top.’
Is Florence Pugh filming in New Zealand?
Auckland is buzzing with international filming productions.
Spy: A contingent of Kiwis starring Australia’s ‘hugely ambitious’ version of Yellowstone
‘There’s a few kiwis on this beast,’ insider tells Ricardo Simich.
Spy: Kiwi cinema set to shine at Toronto Film Festival
Canada’s prestigious film festival is a 'a fantastic launchpad' for our New Zealantalent.
Spy: Why the new Taskmaster NZ comedians are the best yet
Ricardo Simich reveals who, why and how they feel about it.
Spy: Which celebrities are embarrassing themselves for charity?
Why are they doing it and how do they hope to help Kiwis?
Spy: Who is the buddy Jason Momoa is bringing to NZ?
The star will have a famous friend in tow when he returns to Aotearoa.
Spy: Major Aussie reality star heading for Auckland
An FBOY Island Australia star is coming to press the flesh.
Spy: Utah is the man to watch on The Traitors
Wrestler Utah Mann explains why he 'decided to play calm'.
Spy: Crack Head series scores $3m in funding
Creators Emmett Skilton and Holly Shervey broke out the champagne.
Spy: Kiwi heartthrob and other stars cast in Spartacus revival
Who’s been cast for the history-bending, erotic roller-coaster? Here’s what we know so far
Spy: Hollywood lookalikes set to strip for Kiwis
Celebrity doppelgangers reveal what fans can expect on NZ tour.
Partying in white: NZ model attends billionaire's star-studded Hampton's bash
Rick Rubin's famous White Party hosted Beyonce and a high-flying Kiwi.
Shortland Street star opens up on friends-to-lovers love story
‘We discovered that our feelings for each other were deeper than just friends.’
Big names are in the mix for in a new entertainment venture
It’s a switched-on move from Kiwi power players.
Spy: Who are the Kiwi actors starring alongside Priyanka Chopra Jonas?
Local actors are mixing it up with the international celebrity on the Gold Coast.
Spy: Sir Graham Henry talks switching codes as the reality show kicks off
‘Tawera was inspirational.’
Spy: Meet Matthew Ridge’s ‘unfiltered’ new broadcasting buddy
His new partner promises banter ‘without boundaries’.
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
New Zealand creative agency wins big at an international awards ceremony held in London.
Renee Stewart’s mystery man revealed as British business owner
She and her famous family have been sharing star-studded Euro summer on social media.
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
The A-listers have ‘a strong interest in visiting New Zealand’ soon.
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
‘The show really asks some interesting questions.’
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
The outspoken broadcaster is poised to become a grandfather to twins.
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
The All Blacks great and mental health campaigner shared the news on Instagram.
NZ model and opera star mingles with Prince Charles' at Buckingham Palace
NZ opera star Isabella Moore didn't let rain dampen the big day.
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
Ricardo Simich explains what attendees can expect at this year’s event.
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
Cartier Lee graduated from NYU with an MBA in fashion and luxury.