Pamela Anderson eyes up NZ for holidays
29 Sep 2009
Waiheke Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf could have a new celebrity beach babe with former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson claiming she wants to buy a house there.
Anderson was in Auckland for the 9th annual Air New Zealand Fashion Week to launch her "fun, upbeat" clothing label A*Muse and said she loved the Kiwi culture so much that she plans to buy property in New Zealand.
She was introduced to Waiheke Island, a 30-minute ferry ride from central Auckland, when fashion week staff arranged for her to lunch at Waiheke's Stonyridge vineyard with New York designer and DJ Richie Rich.
Holidays in NZ
Stonyridge Vineyard, renowned for red wines, has been named one of the top 10 must-visit wineries in the world by The Guardian UK.
After her lunch at Stonyridge cafe overlooking the vineyard, Anderson said she had phoned her surfer boyfriend, Jamie Padgett and her children.
"I told them we have to come over here. I told Jamie he would love to dive and surf over here. I could really see us being happy spending holidays in New Zealand.
"Buying a place is something I gotta do. Imagine being able to fly here for my holidays with the kids," she said.
Anderson has two sons, Brandon, 13, and Dylan, 11, to her ex-husband Tommy Lee.
Waiheke first choice
The 42-year-old superstar who played lifeguard CJ Parker on the `90s cult Baywatch series said Waiheke was her "first choice" for a Kiwi holiday home but she would research other parts of New Zealand first.
"I'm keeping my options, I will look anywhere."
Stonyridge general manager David Jackson said Anderson was raving about Waiheke and told staff how her next-door-neighbour had recently visited the island then gone home suggesting she also visited.
Anderson said New Zealand was very popular among her friends. "Everyone I know wants to come to New Zealand. It has certainly lived up to my expectations."
Whirlwind tour
Anderson’s whirlwind tour of Auckland included her first experience of a traditional Maori greeting. A Maori cultural group performed a traditional welcome, an action dance and a haka for the actress. She was also presented with a pounamu (jade) pendant.
As well as showing her own range at NZ Fashion Week, Anderson also took time to check out New Zealand designers and bought several pieces by Lower Hutt designer Adrian Hailwood.
She also attended a press conference wearing nothing but a giant pink scarf from her fashion and swimwear collection, declaring she wanted to "bring the fun back into fashion."
She told Kiwis they needed more colour. "People in New Zealand need to dress more fun," she said.
Anderson was, however, impressed by the calibre of Kiwi blokes.
"So far, so good. I have to say I do like the rugby boys," she said.
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| Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson wants to buy a house on Waiheke Island. |
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| Stonyridge Vineyard where Pamela Anderson had lunch on Waiheke Island. |
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