Society Insider: Former Real Housewife of Auckland Angela Stone’s move into luxury travel; the royal golf tournament taking Kiwis to Windsor Castle

“I am working across luxury travel, lifestyle, and editorial concepts, connecting high-end brands, destinations and experiences with the right audience,” she tells Society Insider.

Angela Stone is enjoying travelling in style with World.

It comes five months after Stone, 53, parted ways with her former employer, Eye Magazine, in a professional split that made headlines.

Media Insider reported in November that Vanessa Bennett, Eye Magazine’s editor and publisher, had sent an email to customers and associated parties that, as of that week, Stone no longer had any connections as a subcontracted representative to the magazine.

Vanessa Bennett (left) and Angela Stone. Photo / Instagram, @angelastonenz

Stone took issue with Bennett’s email, calling it defamatory. Media Insider reported that the email alleged an integrity issue was at play.

Talking to Society Insider this week, Stone says she and Bennett had been friends for more than 30 years, and that she had always contracted out to other media. She would not comment further on the matter due to legal proceedings.

Bennett did not respond to Society Insider’s request for comment.

Stone says the past five months have been incredibly inspiring and she has travelled to some beautiful destinations, including Fiji and India, with more travel ahead, including a cruise to Japan next week.

Angela Stone in India this year.

She says it’s not only the destinations themselves that she loves, but getting to meet different people and see different cultures, as well as the level of experience that luxury travel offers.

“I’ve had the opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful offerings New Zealand has, from private aviation to world-class lodges, spas and curated luxury experiences.

“World is about showcasing the very best of what we have, both here and internationally.”

Angela Stone at Musket Cove in Fiji.

Don Hope founded World 25 years ago, with biannual magazines covering luxury travel, cruises and style. Hope Publishing also has Rugby and The Cut Golf magazines.

Hope, with former wife Paula Ryan, founded Fashion Quarterly in 1980 and has been in the publishing world locally and internationally ever since.

Stone says she met the couple when she was a teenager modelling in Christchurch.

“As well as Fashion Quarterly, Paula ran a modelling agency with Dame Pieter Stewart, which I joined when I was 14,” says Stone.

“Don and I have always stayed in touch; working alongside him has been the most exciting and aligned opportunity of my career,” says Stone.

“He is incredibly visionary, and World … is truly a premium publication that speaks to a very discerning, global audience.”

Debra and Don Hope at a fashion event. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Outside of her publishing work, Stone also has a successful consulting business, offering fashion styling courses for adults and teenagers, as well as packages including makeup and wardrobe styling, men’s styling and personal shopping.

She started the business aged 28, after running her own agency, Portfolio Modelling, for seven years.

“My classes are designed not just to teach styling, but to teach presence, confidence, and personal brand,” she says. “Whether someone wants to work in fashion or simply elevate themselves, the transformation I see in people is the most rewarding part.”

Angela Stone is embracing a new chapter.

Stone says she is seeing a real mix of people coming through, from younger creatives wanting to enter the industry, to professionals and business owners who understand that how they show up is directly linked to their success.

“There’s also been a beautiful shift towards authenticity,” she says. “People don’t want to be styled into someone else; they want to become the best version of themselves.”

In her personal life, Stone says she has regularly dated over the past decade, but work seems to overshadow the chances of focusing on something long-term.

She has three adult children – Isabella, 28, Eva, 26 and Theo, 24 – all of whom are based in Christchurch.

Angela Stone’s daughter Eva joined her mother for a few days when Angela explored India this year.

“They are doing incredibly well; seeing them step into their own lives and paths has been one of the greatest joys,” Stone says.

Splitting her time between Christchurch and Auckland for many years, Stone made the permanent move to Auckland two years ago.

This year marks 10 years since Real Housewives of Auckland premiered. Stone was cast on the Bravo reality TV show alongside uber-wealthy socialites Louise Wallace, Anne Batley-Burton, Michelle Blanchard, Gilda Kirkpatrick and Julia Lorimer.

The Real Housewives of Auckland before their show’s launch on Bravo in 2016. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Stone says she was cast by the very persistent producers as the token South Islander living in Auckland, and sparks flew between her and the other housewives.

She says a lot of the drama directed at her in the show was really because she did not already know her fellow cast members.

“I did make a great friend for life in Julia, and we catch up regularly,” says Stone. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years.”

Real Housewives’ besties Julia Lorimer and Angela Stone. Photo / Instagram, @angelastonenz

She says she’s glad she did the show and would do it again if asked.

“It was a unique experience and gave people a glimpse into my world at that time,” she says.

“The best part was the opportunity and the exposure. What I found the most challenging was navigating such a public platform, but it also taught me a lot about resilience and staying true to who I am.”

Stone hints that there may be a reunion of sorts later this year. The Bravo show debuted in August 2016, and Stone says the Housewives’ communications have stepped up over the past few weeks, but she wouldn’t elaborate.

“I think all of us would enjoy seeing each other; we have all grown and matured in the last decade.”

The royal golf tournament giving Kiwis the chance to win a night at Windsor Castle

The Royal Wellington Golf Club will host the DoE World Cup NZ qualifiers next month.

More than 100 competitors are expected at the Royal Wellington Golf Club next month for a tournament described as having one of the world’s best prizes available to amateur golfers.

The Duke of Edinburgh Cup was created in 2000 by the late Prince Philip. Amateur golfers pay to play in tournaments in countries around the world, with 100% of net funds raised in each host country disbursed to local charities.

The two top New Zealand qualifiers win a trip to Britain in October for the world finals, including flights, five nights’ accommodation, and a prize-giving gala dinner at Windsor Castle hosted by the DoE Cup’s new patron, Prince Edward, the current Duke of Edinburgh.

Duke of Edinburgh Cup world final winners will get to play at Windsor Castle.

Prince Edward says he is delighted New Zealand will this year be participating in the DoE Cup world final for the first time.

New Zealand tournament director Hayley Law tells Society Insider that having one of the world’s most respected amateur charity golf tournaments arriving on New Zealand soil is a big deal.

“It will bring together sporting excellence, international prestige and purpose-driven philanthropy,” Law says.

The chairman of the DoE Cup world trustees, Nick Pyle, tells Society Insider the tournament has grown from a humble start into an international series of events held in more than 24 countries.

“To date, more than £5.7 million [$13.1m] has been raised for charities and good causes that help children and young people overcome hardship and adversity, enabling them to lead better lives and build brighter futures,” he says.

HRH Prince Edward (left), DoE World Cup chairman Nick Pyle, Kate Rose and her husband, British golfing star Justin Rose.

Pyle believes the tournament offers one of the best prizes available to amateur golfers.

“People tell us that taking part is one of the greatest experiences of their lives,” he says.

The world finals are played at the prestigious Wentworth and Windlesham Golf Clubs, and winners also get the opportunity to play His Majesty The King’s Golf Course in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

“It is a special moment for golfers, as this is by invitation only,” Pyle says.

Hayley Law and Prince Edward at the end of his royal tour in 2023.

Law’s connection to the tournament began when Emma Brown, the CEO of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award NZ, asked her to assist with Prince Edward’s visit to New Zealand for the award’s 60th anniversary in November 2023.

“The occasion required a meticulously crafted programme, spanning multiple cities and audiences, with contingency plans for weather disruptions and the like,” she says.

Law, who runs a boutique strategic consultancy with her husband, Kevin, had a long-standing involvement as both a Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award leader and a Venturer leader with the 1st Devonport Scout Group.

Hayley and Kevin Law after the DoE Award 60th celebrations in 2023.

The Devonport-based couple’s children, Sam, 18, and Sophia, 16, are actively working toward their Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Awards.

Law says the schedule for the Duke’s visit was both exhausting and exhilarating, but helping with the visit counts as one of her career highlights.

On the final day of the visit, Law was invited to meet the Prince.

“Although I was initially hesitant – my place was always behind the curtain – it was a moment I will never forget,” she says.

“HRH was warm, gracious, and genuinely appreciative, thanking me for my contribution both as an award leader and for my work supporting the CEO during the visit.”

Law’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Last August, after hearing about her involvement during the Duke’s royal visit, Pyle contacted her to become programme director for the inaugural golf tournament in New Zealand.

Law says Buckingham Palace has been a delight to work with, approving all sponsors such as Kiwibank, Craggy Range and NZ Golf.

She received permission from the palace for the New Zealand event to raise money for the local youth charity Young Enterprise Scheme (Yes), which helps young people build real-world business leadership and life skills.

Yes co-CEO Abbie McKoy says they are thrilled to join the inaugural DoE Cup NZ and help the next generation of young talent step up.

Pyle says another of the tournament highlights for golfers is attending the black-tie gala dinner at Windsor Castle, attended by Prince Edward, who personally presents prizes to the world’s top qualifiers.

HRH Prince Edward and DoE Cup trustees chairman Nick Pyle welcome Justin Rose to Windsor last year.

Professional British golfer Justin Rose, MBE, who is the ambassador for the DoE Cup and a former golfing world No 1, will also be at the dinner.

“Supporting children in need through golf continues to be a passion of mine,” Rose says, “and I look forward to meeting the winners of the New Zealand qualifying event at Windsor Castle in October.”

One of New Zealand’s most famous amateur golfers, former Prime Minister Sir John Key, will be out of the country on May 8, when the qualifiers are played in Wellington, but he tells Society Insider that qualifying is a fabulous opportunity for two lucky Kiwi golfers.

“I’ve played Wentworth on a number of occasions, and it truly is one of the finest golf courses in the Northern Hemisphere,” says Key.

“Playing on the King’s Course at Windsor is a remarkable and special opportunity. It is full of history, and playing on the exclusive royal course gives you bragging rights for life.”

HRH Prince Edward presents the DoE Cup to Andrew Bell from the Bahamas at Windsor Castle last year.

Although Key hasn’t played on the King’s course himself, he has fond memories of playing the course at Balmoral when he was a guest of the late Queen Elizabeth in 2013.

Entrance for the New Zealand qualifying tournament at the Royal Wellington Golf Club is $425 per player, which includes a premium gift box and a dinner at the clubhouse after play. Registration is at doecup.nz

The gift box for entrants in the DoE World Cup qualifiers in Wellington.

Party People of the Week

Breast Cancer Cure at Lake Hāwea Station 2026

Lake Hāwea Station’s Geoff and Justine Ross recently opened their gates for two events created by Breast Cancer Cure, the second year the couple have supported the charity.

Justine Ross. Photo / Harriet Carter

Hundreds of people took part in hikes along a summit dubbed “Breast Peak” and a ridgeline dubbed “Breast Hill” – helping to raise funds for life-saving breast cancer research in Aotearoa.

The hikes were followed by Dine for a Cure, bringing guests to the heart of Hāwea station for a multi-course meal from acclaimed chef Dane Archery showcasing locally sourced, foraged, and fermented ingredients.

Hosted by broadcaster Petra Bagust, the evening featured inspiring conversations from fashion designer Karen Walker, Sir Ian Taylor, and Professor Parry Guilford, alongside live music from Josh Leys.

Sir Ian Taylor, Sonja de Mari, Petra Bagust and Karen Walker at Breast Cancer Cure at Lake Hāwea Station. Photo / Harriet Carter Josh Leys playing at Breast Cancer Cure at Lake Hāwea Station. Photo / Harriet Carter

Also there were Bagust’s daughter, Venetia Wilson; former All Black Robin Brooke and his wife, fashion industry stylist Hayley; interior design consultant Claire Kingan-Jones; WellBeings co-founder Esther Cronin and Mountain Club’s Juliana Fullerton-Smith.

Venetia Wilson and Petra Bagust. Photo / Harriet CarterHayley and Robin Brooke. Photo / Harriet Carter Claire Kingan-Jones and Petra Bagust. Photo / Harriet CarterEsther Cronin and Juliana Fullerton-Smith. Photo / Harriet Carter

Inca by Nic Watt’s fourth anniversary

Inca by Nic Watt marked its fourth anniversary last month by collaborating with best-selling cookbook author Amber Rose for a curated five-course menu inspired by the theme of food, flames, and ferments.

Nic Watt and Jess Waddell at the Inca fourth birthday dinner. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Guests were served Ruakākā haku kingfish tiradito, alongside regenerative beef brisket from Kaipara’s Danbri farm, finishing with weave cocoa chocolate and mezcal pudding with mandarin oil. The menu was served alongside Inca’s signature lychee margaritas and local Kemp Road Pakiaka chardonnay, with Radieux duo Christelle Ridon and Gregory Hunter serving up the music.

Guests included the operations manager at Creative Hospitality Group, Katete Banda; Bayley’s Auckland Central agent Eddie Rizarri; Horticulture co-founder Katherine King; Spark Arena events co-ordinator Kayla Anthony and Oceania events co-ordinator Jamie Keiller.

Katherine King, James Birch and Amber Rose. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Eddie Rizarri and Katete Banda. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Kayla Anthony and Jamie Keiller. Photo / Norrie Montgomery Amy Dinniss and Rebecca Surman. Photo / Norrie Montgomery

Hunt for the Wilderpeople turns 10

The cast of Aotearoa’s highest-grossing film, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, reunited for a special night to celebrate its 10th anniversary at a screening held at Reading Cinema New Lynn.

Jaquie Brown, who hosted the original red carpet event 10 years ago, MC’d a cast Q&A with director Taika Waititi and actors Sam Neill, Rachel House, Rima Te Wiata, Oscar Kightley, Rhys Darby, Troy Kingi, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne, Cohen Holloway, Mike Minogue, Hamish Parkinson and Martin Crump.

Mike Minogue and Jaquie Brown. Photo / Hope PattersonTaika Waititi. Photo / Hope Patterson Sir Sam Neill and Rachel House. Photo / Hope Patterson Rima Te Wiata and Sir Sam Neill. Photo / Hope Patterson Oscar Kightley. Photo / Hope PattersonRhys Darby, Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne and Troy Kingi. Photo / Hope Patterson

Missing from the occasion was Julian Dennison, aka Ricky Baker, who is overseas filming How to Train Your Dragon 2, but the night did include a special video message from him, which played at the film’s finale.

Other guests included the film’s producer, Carthew Neal; The Hits’ Ben Boyce, who got Waititi to sign his Rita Ora tattoo; and Boyce’s daughter, content creator Sienna.

Carthew Neal. Photo / Hope Patterson Sienna and Ben Boyce with Taika Waititi at the Hunt for the Wilderpeople 10th anniversary screening. Photo / Hope Patterson Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne. Photo / Hope Patterson

Ricardo Simich 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.x