CONTENTS SUMMER 2025
Kia
ora.
ON THE COVER
Actor Tioreore NgataiMelbourne photographed by David K. Shields.
How would you go about feeding yourself from the land, or reforesting New Zealand in native trees? Any ideas on how to photograph an elusive colossal squid? Clicking directly from this content list will take you to interviews exploring these topics and all the latest AA Directions stories. From our new travel, motoring and home features, it’s easy to find more; there is much, much more to explore on our site. As well as publishing two printed issues of AA Directions each year (in Autumn and Spring), we continue storytelling within our digital issues. I suggest you have a good poke around. Who knows? You might find the answer to one of life’s nagging questions, like: can EVs put power back into the grid? What are the most annoying things on New Zealand’s roads? Where do Icelanders meet to socialise? Read on! –
Kath Webster, Editor
Q&A WITH:
Tioreore Ngati-Melbourne
Actor and storyteller, of Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Tūhoe decent made her debut in Hunt for the Wilderpeople and has a part in Auckland Theatre Company’s Homeland, in March 2026.
MOBILITY
Angela Clifford Farmer, gardener and permaculturist who, with partner NickGill, wrote The Food Farm – A life growing and eating our own food – talks about the family’s selfsufficiency mission
Loki
A conservationist, environmentalist and Gisborne-based local politician. He talks about how his documentary project Think Like A Forest is having an impact.
Road rule refresher
How to safely tow and how to safely overtake a towing vehicle.
EVs giving back
Enabling EVs to send stored power back into the grid during periods of high demand could help ease pressure on New Zealand’s electricity network.
Transport trends
How AA Members get around and what bothers us most on the road are revealed in survey results.
The Curator of Fishes at Te Papa shares his passion for science and how it can reveal nature to us in new, memorable ways. An exhibition at Te Papa, Breathe/ Mauri Ora pushes all his buttons.
Towing tutorial
Learning how to drive with a trailer is best done with the professionals.
Sam the Trap Man
Dr Thom Linley
Biker dog
the service dog rides on the back of his human’s Harley-Davidson.
TRAVELLER
On the road
A road trip from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay on the Thermal Explorer Highway is extra special thanks to the ride – a luxurious Mercedes-AMG.
Nelson Classic Car Museum
More than a collection of carefully restored beauties – it’s also a repository of stories.
HOME & LIVING
Meet the maker of woollen growing kits – from planter pots to mulch blankets made from sheep dags and other woolly left overs. We talk to Sustaina Grow.
Iceland
Iceland is a place of incredible beauty, volcanic drama, unique culture and social lives revolving around hot springs. What’s not to love?
Waitakere Walks
Through the rainforest of Auckland’s western ranges meander walking tracks of varying length. We walk three, to waterfalls.
Home security for summer holidaymakers. How to fool burglars on the prowl for empty nests.
Conservation walk
St James Conservation Area in Canterbury features pastoral land, beech forest and sub-alpine regions. Eleanor Hughes spent five days walking and cycling through the park.
South Africa
Travel to South Africa must include wildlife safaris, photos of elephants and lions, big views, incredible sunsets, memorable meals and campfire stories. Jacqui Gibson confirms.
Buying a home? Is that dodgy do-up an absolute bargain or a disaster in disguise? Experts at AA Insurance offer some advice.
How’s your heart? If you’re an AA Life Insurance policy holder, you have access to a free service that helps you keep track of your heart health.
