AA Directions Autumn 2023

Download this issue as a PDF Read this issue as an e-book

In honour of the AA’s 120th anniversary this May, we talked to Kiwis who are safeguarding our history and heritage. From a Tūhoe healer using traditional Māori practices to a historian making New Zealand’s past accessible, a team preserving the taonga in our archives, a carpenter who has revived an olde-worlde bar, a photographer using 19th Century techniques and a maker of replica 1931 racing cars.

Also in this issue we investigate why New Zealand’s roads are in such a terrible state, take a road trip in a Mustang from Christchurch to Dunedin, look at what’s on the horizon for the future of transportation and meet a family of artisan knife-makers.

Plus, be in in to win a great selection of prizes, including a $4,000 Uniworld Cruise voucher!

Lessons from the past

We meet Kiwis who are finding innovative ways of keeping our heritage and history alive in a modern world.
NEWS: drugged driving setback

The Government has just announced that plans for roadside saliva-based drug testing have been delayed.
Scam alert!

Vanessa Trethewey explains how to protect yourself from cyber scams.
New Zealand’s terrible roads

Why are New Zealand’s highways in such a state of disrepair?
Win great prizes with AA Directions

New Zealand history books, hand-made knives, Wētā Workshop Unleashed passes and a $4,000 Uniworld Cruise voucher are all up for grabs!
Q&A: Anton Matthews, restaurateur and te reo champion

What do fish and chips have to do with te reo Māori? We talk to a man who is passionate about both.
Waiheke Island: home away from home

Kathryn Webster discovers unexpected things to do on Waiheke Island.
What’s best – an EV or a Hybrid?

We explain pros and cons of Electric Vehicles vs. Hybrids.
Road Trip: Christchurch to Dunedin in a Mustang

Jo Percival takes a colour-filled road trip between Christchurch and Dunedin in a hired Mustang – with a teenager.
Wet plate photography

Vanessa Trethewey meets an award-winning photographer working to keep vintage techniques alive.
Cutting Edge: meet a knife-making family

A New Zealand family-owned business making high-quality knives for hunters and chefs.
Wheel Love: a 1971 Ford Falcon

A treasured vintage vehicle that has been in the Baylis family for two generations.
The highlights of Christchurch City

Monica Tischler plays tourist for a day in Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Dealing with the aftermath

We take a look at the critical role insurance plays in dealing with disasters.
Replica Alfa Romeos

Chris van Ryn talks to a talented builder of bespoke Alfa Romeo replica racing cars.
Changi Airport, Singapore

Graham Reid discovers that Singapore’s ultra-modern Changi Airport is a destination in its own right.
Driving with dogs

Top tips for travelling safely with dogs in cars.
Digital archives

Jo Percival speaks to a team who are providing digital access to the past.
Top Spot: Jennifer Ward-Lealand

Actress and former New Zealander of the Year, Jennifer Ward-Lealand shares her favourite place.
The future of transport

What’s on the horizon for innovative transport solutions in Aotearoa?
A Christchurch heritage bar

Monica Tischler meets the founder of a bar helping to preserve Christchurch’s heritage.
A Lake Dunstan and Three Gorges cycling tour

Kathryn Webster joins a cycling tour taking in the highlights of Central Otago.
Olveston historic house, Dunedin

Jo Percival visits Olveston, the historic home in Dunedin that was way ahead of its time.
Traditional Māori medicine

Sue Hoffart meets a healer using traditional rongoā (Māori medicine) for modern-day ailments.
A family escape to Taupō

A family-friendly long weekend, meeting in the middle at Lake Taupō.
Objects from New Zealand’s history

Kathryn Webster interviews Jock Phillips, historian and author of A History of New Zealand in 100 Objects.