Latest news with #Toi
1News
07-07-2025
- Health
- 1News
'I need to fix this' - battling back from mental health rock bottom
When Toi Rankin realised his wellbeing was out of balance, he roped in his mate Pab to help him out. What started as a personal check-in quickly became a kaupapa; a raw, honest, and often confronting exploration of what it really means to be well as young Māori and Pasifika in Aotearoa today. Watch the new series ALLGOODS now on TVNZ+. Content warning: This article discusses mental health. Toi Rankin's rock bottom was isolating himself in his room and disengaging from the world completely. He would order Uber Eats every meal and would sometimes get the delivery driver to pass it through his bedroom window so he didn't risk crossing paths with his flatmates. ADVERTISEMENT He didn't want to be seen by his friends or family, and he avoided even seeing himself in the mirror. Toi Rankin explains what it took getting out of his rock bottom in the new Re: News series ALL GOODS. (Source: Pepe De Hoyos Photography.) Over six months he gained 80kgs and got diabetes and sleep apnoea. He remembers driving past his mum one day and waving to her, but she didn't recognise who he was. "She was worried, like really worried. It was bad," Toi said. "That was really tough and one of those moments where I was like f***, I need to fix this." Introducing ALLGOODS In a desperate attempt to turn his health around, Toi linked up with a trainer called Pab and the Riff Raff run club – which he says quite literally saved his life. ADVERTISEMENT Together, they committed to trying to work out what it means to be well as Māori and Pasifika men today. "The story we wanted to tell was never about weight loss, because that's not the problem," said Toi. "There's so much more to it and I'm not an outlier, I'm actually part of the majority for being unhealthy physically and mentally." Re: News journalist Zoe Madden-Smith sat down with Toi to chat about what it was like taking one for the team and becoming the "stand in" for the audience of Māori and Pasifika men who may have gone through similar battles with their mental and physical health. Zoe: What inspired making ALLGOODS? Toi: Originally, we got funding to do a series about Riff Raff, the run club. But we ran into a few obstacles, so we basically had to pivot the series to make it work. We knew we wanted to tell a story aimed at Māori and Pasifika men, so the team was like to me, 'Why don't we move your story to be front and centre?' ADVERTISEMENT At that point I had done the massive weight loss thing and had lost 50kgs, but I had almost like regressed or stagnated a bit. So, we thought why don't we look at the series through a more holistic point of view and bring in Te Whare Tapa Whā and I'll be the stand in for the audience. Editor's note: Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori framework for health. The four pillars represent the four dimensions of health: taha tinana (physical health), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional health), taha whānau (family and social health), and taha wairua (spiritual health). Zoe: How did you feel about the spotlight being turned on you? Toi: I still feel weird about it. But at the same time, I'm like, it's not really about me. I just need to get out of my head because if this can inspire one person, then that's a win. But it was weird to watch it back, it was a big ego thing. My first TV showing of myself is me at my absolute worst. So that was really difficult, like f*** having to be on camera at your rock bottom. But I just kept telling myself 'This is bigger than you'. ADVERTISEMENT Toi Rankin says his weight gained caused him to develop chronic sleep apnoea. (Source: Pepe De Hoyos Photography.) Zoe: In the series you are really open about putting on 80kgs in six months, giving yourself sleep apnoea and diabetes – things that people usually wouldn't want to talk about. Why did you want to be so open? Toi: I didn't want pity from this. I didn't want it to come across as 'Oh my god, this was so awful'. But more, here's this thing that's that that's happened, and now I'm trying to fix it. This doesn't have to define who I am, so you know, let's get people up to speed and move on. Zoe: How long did your low point last for? Toi: It got worse and worse over time. Overall, it was probably for a year, but that really bad routine was about three or four months. But yeah, I was incrementally building on that shitty masterpiece for a long time. ADVERTISEMENT Zoe: What was the moment that made you realise you needed to change something? Toi: It was when I went to tie up my shoes and I fully got into a huff and started sweating. That's when I was like 'Mmm, this is not good or fun or cool'. I always just thought I could work off the weight, because my weight had spiked after uni but I worked it off. I kept telling myself I'd be able to dig myself out, but I kept going further and further until I realised, I can't do this on my own. So, I called my brother for help because he is a personal trainer. He told me he could write me an exercise and diet plan, or he could tee me up with his mate Pab and said, 'He's a bit wild, but he will take care of you'. Zoe: What was the hardest part about your journey? Toi: The hardest part was showing up. And it still is to be honest. I'm supposed to go to training this week, but I just haven't. ADVERTISEMENT When you go to training, you get your ass kicked, but you can almost autopilot that. The hardest part is getting there. But I've gotten over the anxiety part of it. I remember when I drove to the first training, I sat in my car and then drove home because I was just way too anxious about it. I thought I'd probably get judged because I'm so unfit. I don't even want to be seen by my family and friends like that, let alone some strangers. But the second attempt I went with my brother and once I met all the boys it was awesome. Zoe: What's your favourite episode of the series? What are you most excited for people to watch? Toi: My favourite one is the 'I love you bro' episode. I really loved the sewing workshop and being able to bring the Riff Raff and experience that with them. Male mental health in New Zealand is f****d and I liked that we were shining a light on that. ADVERTISEMENT And I like that all the boys showed up to support the cause — and the boys are all fired up about it on the chat afterwards. Zoe: Have you sewn since? Toi: No, but I honestly thought about buying a sewing machine. I went on Trade Me and I saw the exact one we were using, and I'm like, 'I'm gonna get you soon'. It's one of my goals. The Riff Raff run club. (Source: Pepe De Hoyos Photography.) Zoe: What did you learn about yourself through making the series? Toi: I learnt heaps but the hīkoi [filming at the 2024 Hīkoi mō te Tiriti] was especially gnarly for me. That was the biggest exposure therapy and that was the second shoot day. In my head I was like 'They can see from a mile away that I am a plastic Māori and that I'm all s***'. ADVERTISEMENT But most of the people were so happy to talk to me. So having that being proven wrong meant that I eventually relaxed into it the day. In that same episode we [the Riff Raff run club] also jump into the water at the end. So, getting undressed in front of the camera was gnarly too. I still feel uncomfortable watching it, but I know that's a me thing. There were a lot of moments where I was hugely pushed out of my comfort zone. But then I would do it and the world wouldn't end, and I was like 'Oh okay, nobody actually cares'. Zoe: What would you say to your past self who was at rock bottom? What would you want him to know that you know now? Toi: Movement is free. You can go for a walk, you can stretch, and you can start small and it's about building on that. And also, don't wait. Don't reserve all your positive energy into your future self because they don't exist. That's what I did, I said 'I am going to go travelling once I am fit and healthy. I'm going to do this, once I am this'. ADVERTISEMENT But by doing that, you're sort of taking all this positive energy away from yourself. And then you get to that date you set for yourself, and you haven't hit those goals and so you feel like s***. So, save some joy for now. Watch ALLGOODS on TVNZ+ now. This interview was edited for clarity and length.
Scoop
24-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Core Service Delivery The Focus Of Bay Of Plenty Regional Council's Annual Plan 2025/26
Key points: 3% increase (including inflation) to general rates (reduced from a forecasted 8.2%). A 2% reduction in the combined total targeted rates (reduced from a forecasted 6.3% increase). Increases and decreases will vary between targeted rate types. $48m dividend from Quayside Holdings, Regional Council's investment arm, reducing rates by an average of $400 per household. Estimated average annual increase per ratepayer of $11 (including GST). Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council has achieved a more moderate rates increase than projected for its Annual Plan 2025/26 through reviewing budgets, considering affordability concerns and adapting to changing economic conditions. The Annual Plan 2025/26, which was adopted yesterday [ SUBS: Tuesday June 24 ], sees a $7.3 million reduction across the budgets, resulting in a 3% general rate increase for ratepayers. The budgets for year two (2025/26) of the Regional Council's Long Term Plan 2024-34 were anticipating an 8.2% increase to general rates and a 6.3% increase to targeted rates. However, with a changing economic climate and shifting direction from Central Government, Regional Council recognised the need to address rates affordability, while still delivering on the essential services required by local communities. Chair Doug Leeder says the focus is to deliver the work programme set with the community through the Long Term Plan 2024-34 in a fiscally responsible way. 'In the current environment, the challenge for councils is to achieve a balance between affordability and continuing to deliver the levels of service agreed upon with our ratepayers. 'We believe that this Annual Plan strikes the right balance between managing debt, keeping rates affordable and continuing to sensibly manage our infrastructure, while delivering the levels of service that the community expect from us.' Through the Annual Plan 2025/26, an operating expenditure of $195 million has been set to ensure continued investment into the Regional Council's core services. This includes: Public transport planning and operations through the bus network Restoration and enhancement of the region's natural resources through land management, biosecurity, climate change adaptation, and freshwater monitoring and management Flood resilience and natural hazards risk management Regulatory compliance and resource consenting. Chair Leeder says while the operating environment is dynamic and ever-changing, the Regional Council remains committed to its critical work that benefits local communities. 'Many of the decisions we make now are for today, tomorrow and beyond. The focus of this annual plan is to deliver both immediate and future benefits, ensuring that our services are provided in the most efficient manner possible.' The Annual Plan 2025/26 was developed through a series of councillor workshops over the past six months with no formal community consultation held. Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils are required to consult on the Annual Plan only if there are significant or material differences from the Long Term Plan (according to our Significance and Engagement Policy). While cost savings have been identified, the Annual Plan remains consistent with the overall financial and strategic direction set out in the Long Term Plan 2024-34, so consultation was not required. Some of the key savings identified for this year's Annual Plan 2025/26 include: Public transport: $3.87 million. The government announced a reduced level of funding subsidy from the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi for public transport services, leading to a review and reduction of the public transport programme. Freshwater: $370,000. Delays in planned work following changes to the Resource Management Act in October 2024. Regional Council will continue this work when a new National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management is released. Flood Protection and Control: $280,000. Funding from Central Government (Beyond the Deluge) has reduced interest and loan costs for flood protection and control assets (such as stopbanks and floodwalls). Rotorua Catchments: $800,000 moved to 2026/27 financial year. The funding for the Ohau Wall has been aligned to the timing of the work. This means total funding for the project ($1.6m) is spread over 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years with $800,000 in each year. Corporate: $627,000. Cost savings through better financial management, reducing interest costs and refining IT systems. The budgets in the Annual Plan 2025/26 are used as the basis for setting rates (general and targeted).
The Star
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
'Doing what I love': Malaysian fashion designer Zang Toi is living his best life
One thing that Datuk Zang Toi knows best is living in the moment – and fashion design, of course. The Kelantan-born trailblazer has built an international reputation for his bold, elegant creations. His clients include celebrities and royalty alike. 'I'm just enjoying my life right now,' he says during a video call from New York City, where he lives. 'When I'm not travelling, I stick to a very disciplined schedule. I'm usually up by seven or eight in the morning, and with a cup of black coffee in hand, I'll read the newspaper and reply to emails or text messages.' Despite his global success, he remains grounded. He still finds contentment in simple pleasures and the quiet rhythm of each day. Toi treasures the little moments – an evening run in the nearby park, sketching in the hotel lobby across from his apartment, or cooking a simple dinner to wind down. He never forgets his Malaysian roots, and still sees himself as the young boy from Kuala Krai who dared to dream big. 'My family is in Malaysia, and I have a big group of fans there. I'm still a proud Malaysian,' he says, with his trademark beaming smile. His collections often reflect his heritage, such as the inclusion of a cheongsam design for the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection. 'There's this jade green piece with a hand-beaded silver dragon, inspired by my beloved 97-year-old mother, who has worn a cheongsam every day since she was 18,' he notes. Toi says he is not ready to slow down just yet. Turning 64 this week, he continues to pour his energy into his work, finding joy in every stitch, sketch and show. 'I count my blessings everyday doing what I love.' Zang Toi's Malaysian heritage often surfaces in his collections, like this cheongsam inspired by his mother's dressing. Photo: Aly Kuler How would you describe the current chapter of your career as a designer? I have been truly blessed. This is my 36th year in business. When I first started out in in 1989, one of my dresses was featured in Vogue by Anna Wintour, and three months later, I was selected by her to be among the new young faces of American fashion. That put me on the fashion map. Thirty six years later, my business is still going strong. As a matter of fact, last year was my best year. Even though there is this view of luxury brands not doing so well in terms of sales, my label performed incredibly well. Read more: Gen-Z fashion, streetwear, K-pop: Designer Tom Abang Saufi is still cool at 70 Is there something you are doing differently compared to other luxury brands? I'm operating by special orders only. My designs are no longer stocked in stores. Saks Fifth Avenue, the biggest luxury department store chain in America (which bought over rivals Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman in December last year), is allowing me to travel to all its branches in the country and put on an three-day trunk show. I would say it's a very lucrative business model – you don't have returns, you don't have markdowns, you don't have discounts. I'm fortunate that even after decades, the ladies still love my clothes. They come from across America too, and they don't buy two or three pieces, they order a whole wardrobe of looks from me. What is your secret to creating beautiful clothes that stand out, yet feel so deeply personal to your clients? You have to combine fashion and functionality. I think when the Zang Toi name is mentioned, people immediately associate it with glamour, but I always strive to make sure that my designs look 'right' on the person wearing them. You cannot have your creations looking too costume-y. Most of those who wear Zang Toi know that they're guaranteed the attention, but at the same time, they are confident of not appearing as too over the top. What is next for you? Lots of veteran designers usually release a memoir to mark their long career. I've been approached by so many people about writing a book, but I told them I have to wait until I'm retired. After several decades in the industry, he is still as exuberant as the young man who first stepped into New York City to pursue his fashion career. This picture shows him with one of his designs in 2020. Photo: Aly Kuler I'm such a perfectionist. If I'm going to take on something like that, I'd want it to be the best of the best. So maybe it'll be wise to wait until I have the time to fully dedicate my attention to it. If I were to release a memoir, I'd want it to serve as an inspiration for younger designers. For all the kids living in a small kampung , I want to show them that they too can achieve their dreams. I was a 'C-student' in school growing up. I just loved drawing. If I can make it, so can they. Is that a subtle hint that you are thinking about stepping back and finally taking a well-earned break? Not yet, but eventually I have to. I've been working for decades. I would like to have spare time to travel further and see more of this world, before I leave it. I think somehow there will come a time when I have to leave the stage gracefully and give space to the next generation. Read more: 'Just do you': How Malaysian designer Bernard Chandran fashioned his success It has been a while since your last show in Malaysia. Can we expect a big runway return sometime soon? I have something in mind for next year, a runway showcase, but it depends on a few things coming together. Maybe I'll move my focus to Malaysia when I'm semi-retired – and if I do, I'd love to work on launching projects that support the next generation of Malaysian designers. Have young Malaysian designers ever reached out to you for advice on navigating the fashion industry? Once in a while, I get students reaching out to me on social media for help and advice, but so far, no young designers. If anyone needs advice, just reach out to me – I'm pretty good at replying to DMs (direct messages). A good friend once told me you should never become too important to return phone calls or messages. We Malaysians are fortunate to have several individuals making their mark internationally, like (Datuk) Jimmy Choo and (Tan Sri) Michelle Yeoh, so the younger generation should always seize any opportunity to learn from them.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Virat Kohli considering Test retirement? Fans in meltdown say, 'He's not Rohit or Dhoni to pull gimmicks'
Days after the sudden retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, the world of cricket was shocked by reports claiming Virat Kohli has told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wants too wants to retire from Test cricket. Well, the last 48 hours have been really tough for the BCCI and Indian cricket, especially amid the ongoing military tensions between India and Pakistan during the Indian Premier League 2025, which was postponed on Friday. In less than 24 hours of the IPL 2025 postponement, the board received another shock out of the blue when King Kohli, India's biggest cricket icon, informed the BCCI about his desire to retire from Test cricket. Virat Kohli expresses his desire to retire from Test cricket Expressing his desire to retire from Test cricket, Kohli had told the board that he wants to move away from the format. On Saturday morning, the news started circulating across the media outlets and left cricket fans across the world shocked. However, as the news started circulating, there was hope when several reports claimed that the BCCI was trying its best to request Kohli to reconsider his decision. Whereas India is set to tour across England for a five-match series starting from June 20 in Headingley, and in the middle of this, players Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin have already retired. BCCI tried to stop Virat Kohli The retirement of these cricketers could leave the Indian team handicapped in the testing conditions of England. However, according to the Toi report, legends such as Brian Lara and the board members made pleas to Virat Kohli, but it seems he has made up his mind and is not ready to change his stance. The Toi also quoted a source saying that Kohli had informed the selectors two weeks ago about his desire to quit Test matches. They were trying to make him play in the Test series against England. However, he is still firm on his stance. "The final call will come close to the selection meeting next week," the report quoted. When Virat Kohli decided to take retirement from Test- BCCI begged him- Ex cricketers stopped him- Highly influential Indian cricketer asked him to reconsider Meanwhile when Rohit sharma retired, nobody gave a you're big, you're big 👑❤️ Fans react to Virat Kohli's retirement news As soon as the news surfaced on the internet, fans of King Kohli quickly took to social media and shared their reactions on the same. One said, "A highly influential Indian cricketer asked him to reconsider. Meanwhile, when Rohit Sharma retired, nobody gave a damn. When you're big, you're big 👑❤️" "Virat Kohli mark my words, Test cricket will take their last breath, after Virat kohli's retirement. Viewership will decline by minimum 50 percent. broadcasters and bcci's revenue is going to come down by 50 percent if he also left ODI and ipl because of bcci humiliation." #ViratKohli mark my words, Test cricket will take their last breath, after Virat kohli's retirement, Viewership will decline by minimum 50 percent. broadcasters and bcci's revenue is going to come down by 50 percent if he also left ODI and ipl because of bcci humiliation @BCCI "Why so much drama I don't understand. Retirement is a personal decision & BCCI should respect Virat Kohli's decision," another commented. Why so much drama I don't understand. Retirement is a personal decision & BCCI should respect Virat Kohli's decision "Rohit Sharma has already retired from Test cricket. If the news of Virat Kohli's Test retirement also turns out to be true, then the Indian audience will again lose interest in Test cricket and will only watch the highlights like before." Rohit Sharma has already retired from Test cricket, If the news of Virat Kohli's test retirement also turns out to be true, then the Indian audience will again lose interest in Test cricket and will only watch the highlights like before.#ViratKohli𓃵 "Woh retirement ka soch raha hai aur hum yaha Eng me kaise khel sakta woh discuss kar rahe hai 😭😭 I hate him if he retires now" Woh retirement ka soch raha hai aur hum yaha Eng me kaise khel sakta woh discuss kar rahe hai 😭😭I hate him if he retires now 🚨 | CAPTAIN VIRAT OR GILL ...!Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill are two players considered favourites for the role of Indian Test captain following Rohit Sharma's retirement. "If Virat Kohli wants to retire from test cricket then he would've announced till now but don't know from where this news came out that he want to retire. Woh Rohit ya dhoni nahi hai jo Retirement gimmicks karega. All I need is he clarifies that this is true or fake." If Virat Kohli wants to retire from test cricket then he would've announced till now but don't know from where this news came out that he want to retire. Woh Rohit ya dhoni nahi hai jo Retirement gimmicks karega. All I need is he clarifies that this is true or fake@imVkohli Where is my GOAT VIRAT KOHLI has gone?Who was known for-making epic comebacks- didn't give a fck about people's opinions-used to shut mouth of haters-never giving upPlease reconsider your retirement decision. I can't bear this❤️🩹🙏
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Indian Idol 12 winner Pawandeep Rajan suffers serious injuries after major car accident in Ahmedabad; video goes viral
Pawandeep Rajan, the winner of Indian Idol season 12, met with a serious accident in Ahmedabad early on Monday, May 5, 2025. According to Toi, the accident took place at about 3:40 a.m., and the singer has suffered critical injuries. A video of the singer has surfaced on social media, which is now doing the rounds on the internet. In the viral video, doctors are seen attending to the singer while he is lying on a bed. Pawandeep is visibly suffering in the video, with visible injuries on his left foot and right arm. Fans express their concerns on social media As soon as the video surfaced on social media, fans flooded the internet expressing concerns, flooding social media with good wishes for his speedy recovery. However, any official news about the cause of the accident and his current medical condition is still awaited. Just a few days ago, Pawandeep celebrated his birthday on April 27, 2025. One fan said, "Singar Pawan Deep Ka Accident Ho Gaya Ha i Aaj 05/05/2025 Time 3:40 AM" Another said, "Get well soon" "God is always there with him." "Sir pawandeep recovery ke liye try kijiye please sir 🙏🥺" Check the video here: Who is Pawandeep Rajan? Pawandeep Rajan hails from Uttarakhand's Champawat district. His father is Suresh Rajan, and his mother is Saroj Rajan. He has a sister, Joytideep Rajan, who is a Kumaoni folk artist. Earlier, the singer won the title of The Voice India in 2015, where he was in Shaan's team. He lifted the cup with a prize of Rs 50 lakh and a car. Pawandeep was the winner of Indian Idol 12, taking home the winner's trophy, a car, and a cheque of Rs 25 lakh. He competed against five finalists: Arunita Kanjilal, Mohd Danish, Sayli Kamble, Nihal Tauro, and Shanmukha Priya. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
