As the year draws to a close and we enter 2026, we’re well into festive season and holiday mode. We catch up with some familiar faces who share how they’re spending their summer break, from family traditions and community events, to the ways they plan to relax and enjoy what the Shore has to offer.
Suzy Cato is a Kiwi icon and Shore resident who is preparing for her 'Tunes 4 Tamariki: Christmas with Suzy' concert, playing at the Bruce Mason Centre in December. Suzy joins the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra for Christmas singalong favourites, including ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Jingle Bells’, alongside merry orchestral music, and Suzy’s beloved original songs, ‘Sprinkle a Little Sunshine’ and ‘See Ya, See Ya Later’. The Kiwi entertainer says her schooling in the Far North town of Kaikohe made it very easy to make the North Shore her eventual home; the beautiful beaches lining the coast, the easily accessible bush tracks throughout Birkenhead, the wide stretches of parks, and how quickly you are able to find yourself back in farmland. It’s a beautiful second home, according to Suzy.
Channel Mag: What does celebrating the festive season mean to you?
Suzy Cato: Family, first and foremost, and the treasured time spent together. Love and laughter while making memories. Good food, good music and a good ol' movie or two.
Do you have a summer or Christmas tradition that's unique to you and your family?
We have several. One tradition we make the most of when the weather and tide are right is a trek to our favourite little sheltered bay with a platter of fresh fruit, a bottle of soda water, a selection of our favourite charcuterie board treats, a frisbee and our togs! Some years the bay is packed, other years we have it almost to ourselves. Bliss!
Are you staying local this summer or heading away? Where do you go to take a break?
We’re home this summer. Auckland is amazing in summer, but I’ll also be very busy filming a brand-new project! We’re in the studio on 5 Jan - what a way to start the new year!
What would your ultimate North Shore summer day include?
Family, as well as food, laughs, games, the volume turned up, and the BBQ turned on. A trip to that wee bay with friends to enjoy a refreshing drink and a BBQ feast.
What’s top of your New Year’s resolution list?
I don’t have a New Year's resolution list, to be honest. I don’t have a bucket list either; mine's more of a barrel list! There are so many places to go and things to do within Auckland and New Zealand, that give you the opportunity to live your best life, that we just need to step out the door and start doing them whenever we can.
Do you have something fun, local, or community-focused you’d love to try in 2026?
So much of what I do is community and child-focused, and I love that. I have a regular Bub’s Club event at Shore City, and a monthly Sounds Fun music event for kids and families at The Tuning Fork. I get to do so much with schools across Tāmaki Makaurau with the Auckland Philharmonia, and I have so many invitations to visit schools and preschools across the city. 2026 is about building a community around my new project and touring to support its launch, and I can’t wait!
Tunes 4 Tamariki: Christmas with Suzy
2pm and 3.30pm, Sunday 14 December, Bruce Mason Theatre
10am and 11.30am, Sunday 21 December, Auckland Town Hall
Bookings at aucklandphil.nz
Recommended for ages 6 and under
James Bryant is the owner of Takapuna Beach Café, the busy restaurant at the end of Takapuna Beach that’s always bustling with locals and visitors to the area. The team has recently launched their Fish & Chip Shop offering for the summer months, which is the perfect option for customers who want to enjoy the delicious food at TBC in a casual setting, like the beach or a local park (we also suggest grabbing some of the award-winning gelato while you’re at it!). The café has recently begun offering a selection of expertly chosen wines and beers, which pair perfectly with its dine-in menu. James talks about summer at the café and the other Shore spots he frequents on a rare day off.
Channel Mag: What does celebrating the festive season mean to you?
James Bryant: As Takapuna Beach Café is open through the summer, it means hosting customers and being available for those summer catch-ups and celebrations.
What's your go-to order at TBC over the summer?
Fish & Chip Shop, our summer pop-up at Takapuna Beach Café. It's a great way to have a casual catch-up with friends and family, especially those with kids or visiting from overseas.
Do you have a summer or Christmas tradition that's unique to you and your family?
Opening Takapuna Beach Café on Christmas morning. For some customers, coming to the café has become a Christmas family tradition. We're open for takeaway coffee, pastries and gelato only, so the service is relaxed, everyone's in a good mood, and our team have a great time spreading the Christmas cheer.
What would your ultimate North Shore summer day include?
Our go-to coffee is Allpress, but on a day off, we'd drop into Tob Coffee Roasters in Rosedale. Then we'd take Murphy the Labrador on a walk at a beach or a park - we're spoilt for choice on the North Shore. We'd wind down the day with a wine at Bon Pinard in Birkenhead, one of Sarah and Jordan Macdonald's great hospitality venues along Hinemoa Street.
Do you have something fun, local, or community-focused you’d love to try in 2026?
We'd love to see if there are ways for Takapuna Beach Café to give back to the North Shore community in tangible ways... Watch this space!
takapunabeachcafe.com
22 The Promenade, Takapuna
Dan Bidois is the local Member of Parliament for Northcote and is also a qualified butcher, economist, proud NZ Warriors fan and occasional runner. Dan, who lives in Birkenhead, is currently the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Transport and Infrastructure select committee and a member of the Finance and Expenditure select committee. Dan’s married to Courtney, with their dog Mylo and their son Noah. He’ll be spending the summer break locally and plans to visit Waiheke and enjoy some quality family time.
Channel Mag: What does celebrating the festive season mean to you?
Dan Bidois: The festive season to me is all about spending time with family and putting life in perspective by looking back on the year that has been and looking forward to the year ahead.
Do you have a summer or Christmas tradition that's unique to you and your family?
My wife goes all out on Christmas decorations around the house, which is a nice tradition we are continuing for our son. My traditions over summer are a bit more dull; I choose two books to read to help me frame up the next year, and I always manage to give the house a good water blast.
Are you staying local this summer or heading away? Where do you go to take a break?
Apart from a week's trip to Waiheke Island, we are staying local this year. I am looking forward to disconnecting before a big election year next year, and to giving my backyard a proper clean-up.
What would your ultimate North Shore summer day include?
A morning dog walk along Narrow Neck or Takapuna Beach, followed by brunch in Hinemoa Street, then a midday jog down Onewa Rd and back, followed by family time at home, and then an afternoon ice cream from Gelato Workshop in Birkenhead Village, and finally a home-cooked meal with my family.
What’s top of your New Year’s resolution list?
Win the right to represent the great electorate of Northcote for another three years at the 2026 general election!
Do you have something fun, local, or community-focused you’d love to try in 2026?
I would love to take my wife on a date night to Live Wire in Birkenhead - it looks like a lot of fun!
Paul Ego is a Devonport resident of 25 years and a veteran New Zealand comedian, radio guy, TV guy and the voice of the iconic Pak ’n Save ‘Stickman', which will be very recognisable to most readers! Paul and his family live in the house that his wife grew up in, which their sons have now also grown up in, which he says is pretty special. Paul talks about the festive break, including a Love Actually viewing at Christmas time and preparing for his 2026 comedy tour.
Channel Mag: What does celebrating the festive season mean to you?
Paul Ego: Time with friends, enjoying a slower pace, and just turning off the brain for a bit. The only work I wanna do is working my way through the incredible Christmas cake my mum makes every year.
Do you have a summer or Christmas tradition that's unique to you and your family?
We invite our closest friends round every Christmas Eve to watch Love Actually. It’s more of a lip sync session really, 'cos we’ve all seen it at least 10 times.
Are you staying local this summer or heading away? Where do you go to take a break?
I’m not falling for that, you’ll burgle my house! Maybe I’m going to Pauanui, maybe I’m not. If I have a vicious cat, I’m leaving it here, so you’ve been warned.
What would your ultimate North Shore summer day include?
A licorice ice cream from Takapuna Beach Cafe, then a pie and swim at Narrow Neck.
What’s top of your New Year’s resolution list?
I resolve not to make any changes - I love my life.
Do you have something fun, local, or community-focused you’d love to try in 2026?
Well, I’m embarking on my first-ever solo stand-up comedy tour next year. I’ve been doing comedy for 30 years, so it’s about time. The tour’s called ’STICK’, so keep an eye out for it.
