TryGOLD- Free

JAMES & SAM 'CRUELTY HAS MADE US STRONGER❜
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand|June 1, 2024
The MAFS NZ sweethearts have bonded over the groom's sad past
- Hayley Barnett, Laura Evans, Sebastian van der Zwan.
JAMES & SAM 'CRUELTY HAS MADE US STRONGER❜

It was clear from the get-go that Married At First Sight New Zealand's James Hunt and Samantha Best were made for each other. Almost immediately after meeting for the first time at their tropical wedding in Vanuatu, they dived deep into the big issues, including personal health matters.

James' sensitivity around his sleep apnoea came up for discussion, before Sam admitted to suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. It certainly wasn't romantic, but it set the tone for what would become a relationship of openness, honesty and empathy - just some of the many values they share.

"Early on, we realised there were so many things that aligned for us both," says James, 31. "We had open conversations both on and off camera about our struggles and how we feel, and it created a really safe environment that just continued to blossom."

In "Confessions Week", the Christchurch schoolteacher admits he's struggled with self-esteem throughout his life, to which Sam, 26, responds with compassion.

James reveals it was a combination of events that led to him eventually being unable to look at himself in the mirror.

"It started when I was young," recalls the Britishborn groom. "I was good at sports, but whatever I did just wasn't good enough. That started a rollercoaster of self-esteem issues."

Over the years, James noticed his friends were getting into long-term relationships, but for him, nothing stuck.

"I've always been the one who gets put to the side by women. I get on with them for a short amount of time, then they just decide, 'Nah, sorry! Some have been very blunt and said, 'You're just not good-looking enough."

Bullied in school because of his weight, James' experiences followed him into adulthood, when he developed a turbulent relationship with his body and the way he looks. When he moved to New Zealand, he weighed 112kg.

This story is from the June 1, 2024 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 1, 2024 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMAN’S DAY MAGAZINE NEW ZEALANDView All
JUDGE JAY-JAY
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

JUDGE JAY-JAY

Radio diva Jay-Jay Feeney delivers her verdict on your biggest dilemmas

time-read
2 mins  |
January 06, 2025
MEGAN'S NEW LIFE - 'I WAS STARVING MYSELF'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

MEGAN'S NEW LIFE - 'I WAS STARVING MYSELF'

After years of negative comments about her weight, the New Plymouth woman is now a plus-size model

time-read
3 mins  |
January 06, 2025
PODCASTS & PARENTHOOD RYAN'S TRUE CALLING
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

PODCASTS & PARENTHOOD RYAN'S TRUE CALLING

Crime investigator Ryan Wolf and wife Ashley welcome baby Dillon to their pack

time-read
3 mins  |
January 06, 2025
CAKE QUEEN KATHERINE - BAKING IS A GOOD WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

CAKE QUEEN KATHERINE - BAKING IS A GOOD WAY TO MAKE FRIENDS!

A former teacher, cookbook author Katherine Sabbath is now a contestant on Dessert Masters

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Celeb chef Amaury's - SWEET SUCCESS
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

Celeb chef Amaury's - SWEET SUCCESS

The MasterChef: Dessert Masters host opens up about his famous fans

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
Paralympic medallist Anna - 'I'VE PUT MY FAMILY THROUGH HELL'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

Paralympic medallist Anna - 'I'VE PUT MY FAMILY THROUGH HELL'

The cycling star says she couldn't have won silver in Paris without the support of her loved ones

time-read
4 mins  |
January 06, 2025
MADDY & CHARLOTTE - 'THEY FLAT-OUT LIED!'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

MADDY & CHARLOTTE - 'THEY FLAT-OUT LIED!'

When a video surfaces of Sydney sisters Maddy and Charlotte Harry showing they'd renovated other houses before their appearance on The Block, their competitors feel betrayed.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
SHAYNNA AT 61 'I WON'T GIVE UP!'
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

SHAYNNA AT 61 'I WON'T GIVE UP!'

At 61, The Block Australia judge Shaynna Blaze is busier than ever.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
PAST BLOCKHEADS SLAM THE SHOW
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

PAST BLOCKHEADS SLAM THE SHOW

After just quitting The Block citing mental health issues, Jesse, 29, and Paige, 27, haven't held back when it comes to criticising producers for a lack of duty of care - and now Paige claims she has been backed up by several former contestants with similar experiences.

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025
BUILDERS BOYCOTTING THE BLOCK!
Woman’s Day Magazine New Zealand

BUILDERS BOYCOTTING THE BLOCK!

Rogue builders have shared their horror stories from The Block - and they aren't just about bills going unpaid!

time-read
1 min  |
January 06, 2025

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more