New Zealand Woman’s Weekly Issue 27, 2021

They sealed their place in cinema history when they drove hand-in-hand off the edge of the Grand Canyon 30 years ago – and Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis could barely contain their joy as they reunited to commemorate the milestone anniversary of their movie Thelma & Louise. The 1991 film, which began as a road movie and ended up as an all-or-nothing run from the law, broke new ground with its story of female friendship and empowerment. “It was revolutionary because in most films, if there was more than one woman, they were automatically your enemy,” says Susan, 74. “Very rarely were the two women friends.” Adds Geena, 65, “The reaction from women was so strong and nothing I’d ever seen before. It made me realise how few opportunities we…

I believe that our cover star Melissa Stokes is very brave to open up about the challenges and anxiety she has felt during what has been a very difficult year. Melissa’s candid recount of her journey – which many will be able to relate to – is ultimately one of hope that may inspire you or someone you love to reach out for support if needed. There is also a lot of royal news this week. While the rift between princes William and Harry has been well documented, it now appears the divide is a lot deeper than previously thought. Meanwhile, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has spent a decade learning about the importance of the early years in a child’s life and has put together some groundbreaking plans that will…

They sealed their place in cinema history when they drove hand-in-hand off the edge of the Grand Canyon 30 years ago – and Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis could barely contain their joy as they reunited to commemorate the milestone anniversary of their movie Thelma & Louise. The 1991 film, which began as a road movie and ended up as an all-or-nothing run from the law, broke new ground with its story of female friendship and empowerment. “It was revolutionary because in most films, if there was more than one woman, they were automatically your enemy,” says Susan, 74. “Very rarely were the two women friends.” Adds Geena, 65, “The reaction from women was so strong and nothing I’d ever seen before. It made me realise how few opportunities we have for women to…

I believe that our cover star Melissa Stokes is very brave to open up about the challenges and anxiety she has felt during what has been a very difficult year. Melissa’s candid recount of her journey – which many will be able to relate to – is ultimately one of hope that may inspire you or someone you love to reach out for support if needed. There is also a lot of royal news this week. While the rift between princes William and Harry has been well documented, it now appears the divide is a lot deeper than previously thought. Meanwhile, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has spent a decade learning about the importance of the early years in a child’s life and has put together some groundbreaking plans that will change…

‘I was sick of my brain giving me these worries all the time and needed a break from it’ Cool and calm, Melissa Stokes is often the face presenting the news to hundreds of thousands of people across New Zealand. But over the past year, when the cameras stopped rolling, the TVNZ star has faced some of the biggest hurdles in her life – including battling anxiety, helping her eldest son with his ADHD and being there for her mother who has lung cancer. “When Covid first hit in 2020, I’d only been the weekend newsreader for a year before I had to move to the Breakfast show, as we broke into teams,” recalls Melissa, who turns 43 next month. “I don’t think I handle change very well, so that…

‘I was sick of my brain giving me these worries all the time and needed a break from it’ Cool and calm, Melissa Stokes is often the face presenting the news to hundreds of thousands of people across New Zealand. But over the past year, when the cameras stopped rolling, the TVNZ star has faced some of the biggest hurdles in her life – including battling anxiety, helping her eldest son with his ADHD and being there for her mother who has lung cancer. “When Covid first hit in 2020, I’d only been the weekend newsreader for a year before I had to move to the Breakfast show, as we broke into teams,” recalls Melissa, who turns 43 next month. “I don’t think I handle change very well, so that made me quite…