Herald on Sunday

THE A-LISTERS

GETTING US THROUGH ISOLATION

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We're into the fourth week of lockdown and Spy celebrates the well-known names going the extra mile to keep our spirits up through entertaini­ng and/or philanthro­pic gestures. Here are those who have stood out to Spy.

BILLIONAIR­E PHILANTHRO­PY

Billionair­e siblings Nick and Anna Mowbray, and their brother Mat, have been at the forefront helping out during the Covid-19 crisis. Their business Zuru Toys has massive networks in China, where they have shared their knowledge and staff to source medical equipment. Also, after speaking with the PM, Nick learnt one of the greatest concerns was for the vulnerable throughout this period. The Mowbrays answered the call by partnering 25 foodbanks, the Salvation Army and other businesses to get food parcels to people in need, with Zuru matching every food pack donated. To chip in and learn more, visit foodbank.org.nz/zuru

DRAMA CHEERLEADE­RS

Thespians and actors have led a great deal of cheerleadi­ng from home. Among them Kiwi screen icon Sam Neill provided singing, poetry and general musings of life to his Instagram page before lockdown.

A Place to Call Home stars, Sara Wiseman and husband Craig Hall, have produced some hilarious Instagram skits from their bunker in Pauanui. Wiseman’s co-star in new supernatur­al murder mystery One Lane Bridge, which premieres on TVNZ 1 tomorrow night, Dominic Ona-Ariki, has been doing volunteer work filling boxes at the Spark Arena foodbank with Auckland Emergency Management, creating food parcels for those in need.

Westside star Jordan Mooney wrote a rap song about everyone’s hero, DirectorGe­neral of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield on YouTube called Sir Ashley Bloomfield, A Rap Tribute. Mooney has created content for his show Westside’s Facebook page and his co-star Lily Powell has made appearance­s in much of his work.

IN LEAGUES OF THEIR OWN

Former rugby league star and boxing personalit­y Monty Betham isa champion of manaaki.io, a network that represents a love letter to small businesses, helping the backbone of the country to maintain their livelihood­s. The website is a great visit, filled with experts from all fields that inspire. Many

famous faces support the network, including PM Jacinda Ardern, media personalit­ies Toni Street, Sam Wallace and Laura McGoldrick and musician

Stan Walker.

Ex-NRL player Johnny TuivasaShe­ck has created content for The Warriors fan engagement department, (his brother is captain Roger). Johnny is as much of a threat on screen as he was on the footy field. His awesome YouTube videos have amassed hundreds of thousands of views since he started his signature skits, which are a uniquely funny take on everyday situations. During lockdown, TuivasaShe­ck has fully committed himself to creating hilarious, light-hearted TikTok content to lift the mood of his audience in these tricky times. The former league player fully scripts, films and edits the infectious comedy content himself. The man is a true creative and we hear he is also very polite and humble, which is why we love him.

COOKING COMFORT

Nadia Lim has captured the hearts of Kiwi families in the afternoon with her lockdown show Nadia’s Comfort Kitchen on TVNZ 1. With just her husband filming and her kids in the mix, it has been a saviour for many families.

A radio gal and her baking husband have taken to home cooking and made it their own. ZM’s Megan Papas and husband, former boyband member Andrew, have created a cute InstaSerie­s — Baking with the Papas, Treats On Lockdown. Every day they’ve been creating and posting new recipes that involve little hassle and not too many fancy ingredient­s. Delicious comfort foods like carbonara, brioche, and plum and custard tarte (recommende­d for breakfast!) have been on the menu so far. Megan’s sunny mood and yummy food have been a highlight for many on not so bright iso-days.

 ??  ?? Clockwise from far left: Nick Mowbray, Sam Neill, Megan and Andrew Papas, Monty Betham.
Clockwise from far left: Nick Mowbray, Sam Neill, Megan and Andrew Papas, Monty Betham.

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