Prominent figures from New Zealand’s business, sports, and entertainment sectors have maintained a high public profile through a range of personal and professional activities over the past two years, reflecting both their influence and diverse interests.
Brothers Harry and Nick Mowbray continue their annual Closeburn Classic golf retreat in Queenstown, while Graeme Hart’s grandson Miller Hawkesby is employed in the United States by the Mowbrays’ toy company, Zuru Edge. Property developer John Darby and interior designer Sally Ridge have attracted significant attention since their relationship became public in late 2024. After their initial announcement in October that year, Darby invested in Ridge’s Herne Bay residence and later commissioned Ridge to renovate his own Lake Hayes property. Purchased for $3.7 million, the renovated home was listed for sale at over $5 million this autumn. Ridge also contributed to the interior design for Amisfield restaurant’s winter renovations, coinciding with the departure of executive chef Vaughan Mabee amid staff complaints. The couple have traveled extensively, visiting locations including Mangawhai, Queenstown, Los Angeles, and Fiji.
Director Taika Waititi appears frequently in media reports, notably for launching a fragrance collaboration, MĀNO × MNRL, with Kiwi entrepreneur Josh Mano, which was released exclusively at Harrods in London. Recently, Waititi directed a Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand advertisement encouraging men to perform self-checks, coinciding with the upcoming premiere of his New Zealand-filmed adaptation of "Klara and the Sun." Despite acclaim, Waititi has faced criticism for promoting private MRI scans in both New Zealand and the United States. Alongside wife Rita Ora, he has been active internationally, including attending Ora’s concerts in Europe and the All Blacks tour in South Africa.
All Blacks stars Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett also remain in the spotlight. McKenzie has been publicly linked with Georgia O’Sullivan since 2024 and welcomed their son Louie in February 2025. The couple resides in a $3.5 million home in Waikato and maintains active involvement in family and sporting events. McKenzie also participates in ventures such as the RTD brand Grins. Barrett and his wife, content creator Hannah, have expanded their family with the birth of daughter Harper and launched Beau Jour, a fine wine import business featuring exclusive tasting events. The Barretts have traveled internationally, including visits to French vineyards and luxury accommodations.
Mark Francis, a major property investor and Centuria NZ chief executive, has been instrumental in several large-scale projects, such as the $30 million Faradays luxury department store in Auckland and a $100 million surf park development. He serves on shareholder boards alongside figures like Sir John Kirwan and other notable investors. Francis recently opened Matchbox, a members-only car storage facility, and hosted the Lexus Urban Polo launch event. In June, he and his wife Dominique welcomed their first child via surrogacy.
Formula One driver Liam Lawson garners attention for his sporting prospects and personal life. Supported by backers including Nick Mowbray and Turners Automotive Group executive chairman Grant Baker, Lawson has been publicly linked for over three years to Californian content creator Hannah St John. The couple was last seen together at the Japanese Grand Prix in March 2025.
Political figures have also featured prominently. Current Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and former Prime Minister Sir John Key appear in the most-mentioned lists. Luxon’s family has received attention for international engagements and academic achievements, with his wife Amanda showcasing New Zealand fashion abroad and their son William assisting with the recent election campaign. Key remains active in personal pursuits, including piloting a $6 million Airbus H130 helicopter and supporting National Party candidates in this election year.
Yacht racing remains a focus for Peter Burling, skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand and now part of Italy’s Luna Rossa squad. Burling and his family maintain residences in both New Zealand and Italy, participating in high-profile events such as Wimbledon and elite social gatherings. Burling recently led Luna Rossa to victory at the Naples preliminary regatta, marking continued success in his sailing career.
The collective activities and ventures of these individuals illustrate their sustained prominence and diverse engagements across industries, both domestically and internationally.