Kiwi chef Michael Van de Elzen has packed a lot into his 50 years. He's worked at some of the best restaurants in the world, as well as opening a few of his own establishments, hosting cooking shows, writing books and even starting a cooking school.
But as he enters his sixth decade, he's ready for a change of pace.
"Turning 50 is a massive milestone, but I don't feel 50," tells Mike, chatting to the Weekly from his home in West Auckland's Muriwai. "I'm looking forward to slowing down. I have worked my butt off since I was 15 and I can count on one hand the number of times I've stopped. So, moving forward, I want to simplify life a bit - stop taking on new things all the time and start saying no."
While some people fret about getting older, Mike says his only concern for most of his life has been how his body would hold up after a lifetime of injuries from pursuing his love of extreme sports.
As a motocross and mountain-biking fanatic, he has suffered at least 30 broken bones. And in 2019, he spent two weeks in hospital after a serious motocross accident left him with torn ligaments in both knees and a broken ankle.
Denne historien er fra November 14, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra November 14, 2022-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK