Author: Amna .

John Landreth, a Wellington-based actor, was left helpless for three hours when his carer failed to turn up for a scheduled shift. Completely dependent on round-the-clock care since a life-altering accident in 2018, he was forced to call an ambulance after being unable to move or reach his phone. This was not an isolated incident but part of a growing issue with home-care services, raising serious concerns about staffing levels and communication failures among providers. Landreth, now 61, was at a social event when he slipped and hit his neck on a handrail, fracturing his vertebrae and leaving him paralyzed…

Richard Cockburn Maclaurin is best known for his visionary leadership as the President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) from 1909 to 1920. His most remarkable achievement was overseeing the historic relocation of MIT from Boston to Cambridge in 1916, a move that set the stage for its rise as a world-leading institution. His strategic fundraising efforts secured millions from philanthropists like George Eastman, ensuring MIT’s survival and expansion. During World War I, he further shaped education by serving as the Educational Director of the Student Army Training Corps, strengthening the link between academia and national progress.Born in Scotland…

A life-changing Lotto win at 16 gave Dame Therese Walsh’s family financial security—but losing her father just a year later shaped her outlook on life and money. Growing up in a working-class Wellington family, she learned the value of financial stability early. Despite her background in accounting, the experience taught her to balance careful financial planning with living in the moment. Today, as Chair of Air New Zealand and ASB Bank, she advises people to use financial windfalls wisely, ensuring stability while also giving back.Beyond personal finance, Dame Therese has built an extraordinary career. She was Chief Operating Officer for…

John Campbell became a national voice during some of New Zealand’s most defining moments, including his powerful coverage of the Christchurch terror attack. His ability to connect with people and tell their stories with empathy made him one of the country’s most respected broadcasters. From leading investigations on Campbell Live to fronting major national crises, he has shaped New Zealand journalism for decades.Born in Wellington in 1964, Campbell studied English Literature at Victoria University before starting his career in radio. He joined TV3 in 1991 and quickly became a trusted news anchor. In 2005, he launched Campbell Live, a current…

https://youtu.be/TybMLNRgyKADame Fran Wilde is no stranger to controversy or progress. Best known for her groundbreaking Homosexual Law Reform Bill, which passed in 1986, Wilde changed the course of LGBTQ+ rights in New Zealand. As Wellington’s first female mayor, she introduced the iconic Absolutely Positively Wellington slogan and was instrumental in the construction of Westpac Stadium. Over the years, she has taken on bold projects, including advancing trade, infrastructure, and governance, often facing fierce opposition but never backing down.Born in 1948, Fran Wilde started her career as a journalist before entering politics. She became the MP for Wellington Central in 1981,…

Among the many heroes of World War II, few stand out as boldly as Nancy Grace Augusta Wake. A fearless resistance fighter, she played a crucial role in the defeat of Nazi forces in France. One of her greatest achievements was leading a group of 7,000 resistance fighters in guerrilla warfare against the Germans in 1944. Wake’s leadership helped disrupt German supply lines and sabotage key infrastructure. She also killed a German SS officer with her bare hands to prevent him from alerting enemy forces.Born in Wellington, New Zealand, on August 30, 1912, Wake moved to Australia as a child.…

https://youtu.be/iujI54Dlr9s “Would you pay $20 for a coffee if it came with an unforgettable experience or unique flavor?”In an engaging episode of Hotline, host Sean Lush welcomes Ian Carey, the chef and owner of Bond Street Deli, to discuss his exciting venture into the world of kosher cuisine in Wellington, New Zealand. Ian brings over 31 years of culinary experience and a passion for deli food that promises to delight locals and visitors alike.Ian shares his journey, revealing that while many delis model themselves after New York establishments, he sought to add a unique twist, incorporating local and sustainable ingredients.…

https://youtu.be/c_eaLe0847Q Who is Michael Meads? Discover the Heart Behind Compass Coffee!Have you ever wondered what drives the passion behind a thriving café that not only serves delicious coffee but also creates a unique experience for its customers? In our latest interview on Hotline, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Meads, the owner and manager of Compass Coffee, located at Seaview Marina in Wellington, New Zealand.A Snapshot of Michael MeadsMichael Meads is not just a café owner; he is a local entrepreneur dedicated to fostering community connections. With his wife, he established Compass Coffee seven and a half years…

In the competitive world of real estate, what sets one agent apart from the rest? This was the burning question at the center of the latest episode of Hotline, hosted by Sean Rush and co-host Sarah Jane Seddon. Joining them was Chris Yiavasis, a seasoned real estate agent from Lowe & Co, who offered his insights into Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs market and the complexities of the industry.https://youtu.be/7Ejk2Dy1naYA Lighthearted Start with Serious Real Estate ExpertiseBroadcasted from the vibrant setting of San Diablo in Courtney Place, the episode began with casual banter about Chris’s extensive 15-year experience in the real estate market, particularly…

https://youtu.be/cHGR7EWZW4k What makes someone passionate about organizing cultural festivals and serving the community? How does one balance charity, work, and vibrant event planning? These were just a few of the questions that made the latest episode of HOTLINE engaging and insightful. Hosted by Sean Rush and Sara Jane Seddon, the show welcomed Gurpreet Dhillon, a dynamic figure in Wellington’s Indian community, to share his story. What’s so special about Hutt Valley Diwali Festival? Kicking off the interview, Gurpreet spoke with enthusiasm about the upcoming Hutt Valley Diwali Festival. Scheduled for October 20th at the Indian Cultural Centre in Petone, this…