Sophie Van Soest

3 weeks ago | rova.nz | Monika Barton |Sophie Van Soest

Marlon Williams might’ve been the headliner, but it was te ao Māori that truly took over stage at Melbourne Town Hall last night. From heartfelt waiata and haka to unexpected tears, the night played out beautifully at Rising festival - a show of new art, music, and performance. The atmosphere was electric - humming with a mix of pride and familiarity from the Kiwis and diehard fans alongside the curiosity and wonder emanating from people just discovering Marlon’s talent and love for te ao Māori.

1 month ago | rova.nz | Sophie Van Soest |Monika Barton

An American tourist has gone viral on Reddit after sharing a tattoo that honours his life-changing visit to Aotearoa. The San Diego-based man posted a pic of his freshly inked koru design, explaining that he and his wife spent a couple of weeks travelling around New Zealand just a month after he’d suffered a major heart attack. “I required CPR to bring me back,” he wrote.

Jan 16, 2025 | rova.nz | Sophie Van Soest

‘Love Island All Stars’ contestant Marcel Somerville has spoken about the “shocking” conversation he had to have with his ex-wife ahead of returning to the show. Before heading back to the villa in search of love, Marcel was married and, as revealed in his entrance interview, he’s currently going through the process of divorce. After his breakup with season three girlfriend Gabby Allen, Marcel began dating Rebecca Vieira.

Jan 16, 2025 | rova.nz | Sophie Van Soest

A viral photo of what can only be described as an absolute tarnish to the Kiwi fave saussie sizzle. Shared on a Bluey Facebook fan page, someone took inspo from an episode of the Aussie-made kids' show and wrapped a sausage fairy bread. The combo has divided people online with some loving the idea of the ‘fairy snag’, and others calling it “a crime”. “So after watching the new Minisode ‘Butlers’ I had to try it.

Jan 15, 2025 | rova.nz | Sophie Van Soest

Former ‘Love Island UK’ season three star Olivia Attwood has shared everything she knows about ‘All Stars' Ronnie Vint sliding into the DMs of his co-star Olivia Hawkins. ICYMI: The first episode of ‘Love Island All Stars’ dropped last night. As the first of the cast got mingling it was revealed that Ronnie had been privately messaging Olivia H on Instagram while he was still seeing Harriett Blackmore once season 11 wrapped.