Society Insider: Matthew Ridge returns to New Zealand for a ‘healing’ journey

Māori healer Dion Freeman is guiding Matthew Ridge on their journey Healing Aotearoa. Photo / Healingaotearoa.co.nz

“I met Dion 20 years ago, and when I met him, for a reason I don’t know, I poured my heart out to him,” Ridge says.

Freeman appeared on Ridge’s podcast The Brink a year ago, which he co-hosts with his Monaco-based friend, fellow Kiwi David Ring. It’s billed as a “boundary-pushing” conversation in which the pair “tackle the tough stuff”.

Matthew Ridge and his The Brink podcast co-host David Ring. Photo / Michael Craig

The chemistry and banter between unlikely friends Ridge and Ring quickly found a loyal audience. It evolved into a show in which the hosts and guests shared honest accounts of their lives, and both Ring and Ridge spoke openly about past addictions and how they got through life.

In Freeman’s appearance, he explained his healing practice, called honohono, which he says was passed down to him through his ancestors and which he has practised since he was a child.

Māori healer Dion Freeman is guiding Matthew Ridge on their journey Healing Aotearoa. Photo / Healingaotearoa.co.nz

He fully committed himself to the practice in 2008, and began guiding others in 2013. Freeman says it involves him tuning into people’s spirits and relaying messages their bodies and souls are trying to convey.

After his podcast appearance, Freeman joined Ridge and his family a few months later on the French Riviera, at a time when Ridge says they were going through a time “of uplift”, spiritually, mentally and physically.

Dion Freeman visiting Matthew Ridge in France. Photo / @Healingaotearoa

Ridge and his French-born wife Chloe moved there in 2022 with their young children, Kenzo and Lola, wanting to immerse themselves in French culture.

Chloe and Matthew Ridge with their son Kenzo in France. Photo / @Healingaotearoa

He says that having Freeman with them was an amazing experience for the whole family, and it ignited a strong desire to return to New Zealand and discover himself and the spirituality of home.

The Healing Aotearoa trip started around Arthur’s Pass, where Ridge and Freeman visited the ancient site Castle Hill/Kura Tāwhiti, followed by the West Coast. Ridge was gifted a taonga at Bonz n Stonz in Hokitika, where you can carve your own pounamu. They then road-tripped through Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park to Queenstown.

Matthew Ridge on the South Island’s West Coast at the start of his journey. Photo / Instagram @Healingaotearoa Matthew Ridge received a taonga from Bonz n Stonz in Hokitika. Photo / Instagram @Healingaotearoa

They met Freeman’s extensive whakapapa, visiting wāhi tapu (sacred sites) and mixing wellness and fitness with other physical techniques, such as jiu-jitsu and Tibetan Rites, a type of ancient, low-impact yoga exercise.

For Freeman’s birthday last week, the pair were joined by Ridges’ son, Boston. They enjoyed a hike in the bush and Coronet Peak, followed by contrast therapy at Dominic Bowden’s new sauna experience, Watershed on Lake Wakatipu.

Matthew Ridge hiking in Queenstown. Photo / Instagram @HealingaotearoaMatthew and Boston Ridge last week at Amisfield near Queenstown. Photo / Instagram @Sallyridge

Ridge’s ex-wife, Sally Ridge, joined the boys for lunch at her partner John Darby’s restaurant, Amisfield, near Queenstown. Their meal took place days before the news broke of executive chef Vaughan Mabee leaving the business after complaints about his behaviour towards some staff.

This week, Ridge and Freeman have been to Stewart Island, before they take their hīkoi of healing to the Far North.

Māori healer Dion Freeman is guiding Matthew Ridge on their journey Healing Aotearoa. Photo / Healingaotearoa.co.nz

Christchurch-based Freeman has been calling on his contacts to help with the journey. Eyrewell Forest Motor Company (EFMC) has loaned a red Range Rover Sport for the road trip, with company director Andrew Farrow telling Society Insider that he has known Freeman for a few years and is a big fan of what he does.

Scenic Hotel Group is providing Freeman and Ridge’s accommodation.

Group head of product and innovation Ali Smith says Healing Aotearoa mirrors Scenic’s vision.

“Dion and Matthew’s healing journey speaks strongly to what we stand for.

“Slowing down, coming home, and reconnecting not only with place, but with self, culture and community.”

Matthew Ridge taking a cold plunge. Photo / @Healingaotearoa

Freeman says he is documenting Ridge’s journey to showcase what healing can look like for men, in the hope of inspiring others to start their own healing processes.

Ridge is expected to head back to rejoin Chloe and their children at the end of the trip in June.

Ridge’s older children – London, from his earlier relationship with former popstar Carly Binding, and Boston, the son he shares with ex‑wife Sally – are both settled in Auckland. Boston’s older sister, Jaime, is based in Los Angeles.

Boston has run his father’s car-washing business, Carfé, since Ridge moved to France.

Matthew and Boston Ridge in front of Carfē

The three children are understood to have visited Ridge in France during his time there, with Ridge also returning to New Zealand when he can. Ridge also visited in 2023 to film the second season of TV series Designing Dreams.

Matthew Ridge on his TV show Designing Dreams

Party People of the Week

Cathay Pacific x The Nightcar

Cathay Pacific hosted an exclusive preview evening of its pop-up Plane Food Dining Experience at Auckland Central bar and restaurant The Nightcar last Tuesday. The four-day pop-up was in honour of the airline’s collaboration with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant, Yat Tung Heen.

Guests were treated to a multicourse menu inspired by the meals on offer in Cathay Pacific’s economy and premium economy cabins, all playfully served on in-flight trays.

Cabin crew Karen Lam and Ring You welcome guests. Photo / Sonna Studios

Among the menu offerings were hot and sour seafood soup, stir-fried seafood, braised beef brisket and Cantonese sugar puff.

Guests included Cathay Pacific Diamond Members and Overland Footwear founders Shane and Louise Anselmi; performer Andrew Papas; art director and content creator Aki Curtis; fashion photographer and stylist Nicole Bunting; and foodie influencers Aleana and AG Fernando from Locavore Eats.

Shane and Louise Anselmi at Cathay Pacific’s food dining experience. Photo / Sonna Studios Tyrell Beck and Andrew Papas. Photo / Sonna Studios Alex and Nicole Bunting, Aki and Andrew Curtis at Cathay Pacific’s Plane Food pop-up. Photo / Sonna Studios Aleana and AG Fernando. Photo / Sonna Studios Sana Patel and Aiyaan Abzal. Photo / Sonna Studios Jade Marie and Rachel Crockett. Photo / Sonna Studios Elizabeth Trevallion and Angela Dominey. Photo / Sonna Studios Emily Maney. Photo / Sonna Studios

Ricardo Simich has been with the Herald since 2008, when 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.