Born in Auckland in 1979, Emett began his culinary career at the age of 16, working as a kitchen hand in local restaurants before moving to London to train under some of the world's most renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing. After honing his skills in the UK and Europe, Emett returned to New Zealand to open his own restaurants, beginning with the award-winning Rata in Queenstown in 2013.

Since then, Emett has become a household name in New Zealand's food scene, thanks to his innovative approach to cuisine and his passion for using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. He's also a familiar face to television audiences, having appeared as a judge on MasterChef New Zealand and co-hosting the series The Recipe.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a soprano hailing from New Zealand, is widely acclaimed as one of the most exceptional opera singers of her generation. Born in 1944 in Gisborne, she began her musical journey as a mezzo-soprano before transitioning to soprano in the mid-1970s.

Te Kanawa's remarkable voice, along with her natural acting skills and impressive stage presence, has earned her high esteem as one of the most cherished and esteemed opera performers of the 20th century. She has graced numerous prestigious opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and collaborated with some of the world's most notable conductors and musicians.

Te Kanawa's repertoire is broad, encompassing a variety of operas and musical genres, from classical works by Mozart and Verdi to contemporary compositions. Her Mozart opera recordings are particularly esteemed, and she has released numerous albums.

Over her illustrious career, Te Kanawa has been acknowledged for her contributions to the music and arts industry. She was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1982 and was honored with the Order of New Zealand, the nation's most esteemed civil award, in 1995. She has also received various honorary degrees and accolades from institutions worldwide.

Join us as we delve into the life and works of one of the most acclaimed short story writers of the 20th century, Katherine Mansfield. Born in New Zealand in 1888, Mansfield spent much of her adult life in England and Europe, mingling with the literary and artistic circles of the time. Her writing explored themes of modernity, femininity, and the complexities of human relationships, and her experimental approach to form and narrative has influenced generations of writers.

Her most celebrated short stories, such as "The Garden Party," "Bliss," and "The Fly," examining their themes, motifs, and stylistic features.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Katherine Mansfield or a newcomer to her writing, this podcast offers an engaging and illuminating journey into the life and work of a truly remarkable writer. So join us as we explore the world of Katherine Mansfield and discover the enduring power of her stories.

In 2006, he founded Rocket Lab with the goal of providing affordable access to space for small satellites. Under Beck's leadership, Rocket Lab has become a leading provider of commercial small satellite launch services, and the company has launched more than 100 satellites into orbit. In addition to his work at Rocket Lab, Beck has also been recognized for his contributions to the aerospace industry and has received several awards and honors, including the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2017.

In this episode, we delve into the career of Taika Waititi, a New Zealand filmmaker who has made a name for himself with his unique blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. From his early days as a comedian and actor in New Zealand, to his breakout success with the film "Boy" and his work on major Hollywood productions like "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Jojo Rabbit", we explore Waititi's creative process, his influences, and the impact he's had on the film industry.

*Images on the video was a snapshot showing credit to the owners' websites where the source of the images can be found. Please contact the owners if you have issues with them as I have no ownership of these.

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Whina Cooper, an iconic Māori activist who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of indigenous people in New Zealand. Born in 1895, Whina grew up in poverty and experienced firsthand the effects of colonization on her people. She became a prominent voice for Māori rights in the 20th century, leading protests and campaigns for land rights, treaty rights, and social justice.

We explore Whina's early life and upbringing, her experiences during the Māori land wars, and her journey towards becoming a leading figure in the Māori rights movement. Whether you're a history buff, a social justice advocate, or simply interested in learning about the remarkable life of one of New Zealand's most influential figures, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we delve into the life and legacy of Kate Sheppard, the pioneering feminist and political activist who led the campaign for women's suffrage in New Zealand. As the country's most prominent suffragist, Sheppard played a pivotal role in securing the right to vote for women in 1893, making New Zealand the first self-governing country in the world to grant women suffrage.

We also delve into Sheppard's broader impact on New Zealand's political and social landscape, including her advocacy for temperance, peace, and social welfare. Whether you're a history buff, a feminist, or simply interested in learning about the remarkable individuals who shaped our world, this episode is not to be missed.

*Images on the video was a snapshot showing credit to the owners' websites where the images can be found. Please contact the owners if you have issues with them as I have no ownership of these.

From her early years as a princess of the Waikato tribe, to her ascension to the throne in 1966, Dame Te Atairangikaahu was known for her wisdom, grace, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of her people. Through interviews with historians, cultural experts, and members of the Māori community, we gain insight into the many ways in which she inspired and empowered her people, and left an indelible mark on the nation as a whole.

Whether you are a student of history, a lover of culture, or simply someone who appreciates stories of courage and resilience, this episode is not to be missed. So tune in now to learn more about the life and legacy of Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the beloved Māori Queen who will always be remembered as a true leader and champion of her people.