The Buzzy Kiwi

01/09/2022

When in Paris 🇫🇷☕️
It would be RUDE not to 😏

Catching a moment with in front of the Eiffel Tower ✨

03/07/2022

At Rude Health Coffee, we are 100% natural with nothing to hide, and that's why we are stripping everything down to show you what's behind the scenes, literally! 😉

From idea to filming this has taken 9 months due to lockdowns so to celebrate the release of this video I am going to give 5 boxes of coffee away to 5 people who comment 👍🏽
3x entries if you can make me laugh 😂👌🏽
3x entries if you tag a friend 🙌🏽

You can also use the code NAKEDRUDE to get $15 off your next order ☺️

29/05/2022

Win over $500 worth of 🌿 & ☕️

I met Lisa at Spirit festival just before the 🦠 came to NZ in March 2020 and it has been an uphill battle ever since but we have supported each other and are now at events side by side building our own small businesses despite the odds 🙌🏽

So to celebrate Kiwi small business, and are giving you the chance to win
2x boxes of Rude Health Coffee
1x Pure 🌿 Maca
1x 🌿 Renew Tincture
1x 🌿 Face Serum
1x 🌿 Face Mask
1x 🌿 Body Balm

We should be supporting others who are striving for success and supporting local, because it’s f***** hard and there are a lot of times you feel like giving up, so having supportive people around you is key, and that’s why I want to encourage a culture of lifting each other up!🙏🏽

So in the spirit of supporting each other, for your chance to win this $500 gift set…
Tag a friend in the comments and let them know you have their back🙌🏽❤️
and follow & 👍🏽 That simple!

+1 entry for every tagged friend who replies to your comment.
+5 entries for sharing it on your story (tag me so I see it).
Winner will be announced in 7 days.

Also if you just want to support local and purchase product from either of us, you can use the discount code to get 15% off your order ☺️

20/04/2022

Dry herb is now legally sold in New Zealand in selected medical clinics and pharmacies!!
and the healthiest way to consume this is through a vaporiser.

With over 25 years experience, Storz & Bickel are the global leaders in dry herb vaporisers, and the only manufacturer that meets NZ standards.
To celebrate this monumental milestone in New Zealand I am giving one away to you!

If you win you can choose from the Volcano Medic 2, Mighty Medic, and the new Mighty Medic+.
You can also now buy these at MediVape and selected medical clinics, pharmacies, and retailers.

To enter simply comment below and tag a friend.
+1 entry for every tagged friend who replies to your comment.
+5 entries for sharing it on your story (tag me so I see it).
Winner will be announced in 7 days.

To win you must be following The Buzzy Kiwi & MediVape

Good luck and happy 4/20

FYI, this is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram"

18/04/2022

I’m back online after going through an episode of depression.

I want to share with you what I do to get myself out of these hard times, as it might give inspiration and advice to others out there who are also struggling.

Topics I talk about
- Supplements
- Microdosing
- Sleep
- Morning Routine
- Breathwork
- Meditation
- Reading
- Gratitude Journal
- Exercise
- Ice Baths
- Shakti Mats
- Ocean, nature, grounding
- Getting sober
- Blinkist app (book summaries in 20 mins)
- Reduce time on social media
- Reconnect with friends and family
- Letting go of people who don’t show up for you in hard times

All of this information and the links to the breathwork I do, the song I meditate to, motivational videos, apps, articles, supplements etc are in a google doc that you can find in my bio.

If you you got value from this, please comment so I know to create more content like this.
If you know someone who is struggling, share this with them because you never know the butterfly effect one valuable piece of information can have on someones life.

I am here to help so please help me help others 🙏🏽

07/02/2022

I have been stuck in a prison and that’s why you haven’t seen me post in so long.

I have pondered for weeks on how I could perfectly articulate this and I have realised the best thing I can do is just be ruthlessly honest.

So here it goes…

07/11/2021

I have never been so scared in my life to make a video.

It took me weeks to build up the courage to do this.
People kept messaging asking me where the video was,
so despite feeling super anxious, I gave it a nudge and here it is.

I collated over 1000 comments from all of you and created a data sheet.
I also dove into other sources of data to have an objective look at the numbers and share those with you.
This is what the numbers say so don’t shoot the messenger.

My goal is to be an unbiased soundboard for both sides in an attempt to bridge the gap,
so we can have more compassion and understanding when having this discussion.

Be kind.
Be compassionate.
Be human.

Don’t spread hate or abuse in the comments.
This is not the place for it.
We are grown adults having a discussion.
Please show a level of maturity when engaging.

People often only watch or read information that aligns with their already existing beliefs,
so if you disagree with any points, do your best to watch the whole video becuase I talk about points from both sides.

If you have something positive to say,
please take the time to comment,
as it really does help lighten up this heavy topic.

All in love

Buzzy

28/09/2021

I have to be honest with you…
I have been suffering chronic anxiety which has kept me off social media.

Being subjected to the ruthless online world undoubtedly exacerbates my condition.
People seem to be more willing than ever to spread negativity.
I have found myself at times even unconsciously feeding this desire of the masses.

It’s become an addiction that many are completely unaware of. 
A way of offloading dissatisfaction for ones life onto others.
A twisted form of therapy that spirals the world into further division,
Disconnecting and isolating us more than lockdowns themselves.
Stuck in echo chambers, dangerously exaggerated by the algorithm.

In our hands, we have a tool arguably more powerful than any tool created in history,
Yet instead of using it to unify the world, we use it to tear others down who think differently.
People love to say social media is evil, but the uncomfortable truth is,
It’s not social media that’s evil, it’s how people use it.

I have tried for so long to battle upstream and fight the current,
Trying to create thought-provoking content that could inspire change,
And for a long time, I thought my ambition to help people was possible,
But slowly my spirit has become exhausted.
I now find myself asking the question,
“Why put myself through the stress?!”

If I don’t pivot my approach I will fall victim to this beast.
I have seen this game destroy countless more powerful people than I.
It’s a war zone that the good crumble and the toxic thrive.
I want to believe in good over evil but my faith has been scarred from years of battle wounds.

From 2008 to 2018 anxiety rates in 18-25 year olds rose from 7% to 15%…
Facebook went international in 2008.
Instagram was created in 2010.
Coincidence?… Maybe.
Causation?… More likely.

1 in 4 Kiwis will be affected by an anxiety disorder at some stage in their lives,
And at any one time, 15% of the population is affected.
If something doesn’t change, this is only going to get worse
So the question is….

Do I continue fighting upstream trying to make a difference or do I walk away?


25/08/2021

I’m sorry to all those who feel like I undermined their struggles caused by lockdown.
I read your comments and I do hear you
I understand peoples hardships are relative to their own lives and experiences

Yes times are hard and I’m not trying to deny that, but for your own mental health, I would encourage you to try to look at any positives you can,
but I see how I have missed the mark for some people.
Thank you to those who disagreed with me through mature comments and discussion.
Those who continued to abuse me constantly, commenting over and over again, sending private messages, trying to call me, commenting hate on my business page…
I hope you find the help you need.

For those struggling with loss of income from lockdown, if you didn’t know, you can apply for a $600 a week benefit from the government,
And there is also resurgent support payments for businesses that have had a 30% decrease in revenue.
And If you need any other support, there is a large list of organisation on the government website.
I will link this in my bio and on my story.

For those who screamed at me over the lizard people and many other things…
Again, I’m not here to say if you are right or wrong…
I actually find your points fascinating and I give most of you the time of day to explain,
but If you want others to listen, you MUST reshape the way you express your message.
No one will listen to you if you are so hostile….

Finally, if you choose to message me hate or abuse anyone on my page, on any side of the argument,
I will block you, plain and simple.
This is a place for mature discussion of opposing viewpoints.

I will finish with this… The human lifestyle we have today has existed for 0.001% of human history...
and New Zealand is among the top 1% of that lifestyle…
Therefore I still stick by my original point that we have a lot to be grateful for.
Like how NZ is 1 of 4 countries in the world who have returned to economic levels pre covid.
Yes times are hard and I’m not trying to deny that, but for your own mental health I would encourage you to try look at any positives you can,
no matter how big or small.

Arohanui, much love

And once again, I am sorry to those who I upset.

19/08/2021

New Zealand is in lockdown…
Whatever you believe I’m not here to tell you that you are right or wrong.
I just want people to think and appreciate their privilege.

The world is in total crisis in many different ways.
These are the objective truths…

- Afghanistan has been taken over by the Taliban
- Yemen is on the brink of total starvation
- Lebanon is having a severe financial crash
- Germany has flooded
- Greece & Turkey are on fire
- Ethiopia is experiencing genocide and a humanitarian crisis
- China (and North Korea) have concentration camps
- Haiti was hit by a severe earthquake
- South Africa is going through a deadly insurrection
- Malaysia government has resigned
- This is all in the space of one month!!!
- Note: I purposely haven’t mentioned any of the epidemic related crises to avoid any disagreement.

And [some] people here in this beautiful, safe country are saying their freedom is being taken from them.

To those people, think about how that would sound to all those suffering in the above countries. Think about the level of privilege you have… freshwater, plentiful food, flushing toilets, safe homes, warm beds…

Of course, there is corruption and secret agendas happening in the world, but if you want people to listen to whatever you believe is the truth, do you think they will listen when you display such ignorance on current affairs and unconscious privilege.

Let me reiterate one last time before anyone loses their mind at me, I’m not telling anyone their beliefs are wrong. Provide me with your viewpoint and I will happily listen. The problem I have is people in the top 1% of world privilege victimising themselves because for the first time in their lives they don’t have the ability to do absolutely anything they desire.

Rant over… for those who are not one of these people, the take home message is to appreciate your privilege and be grateful. There is nothing wrong with having privilege, as long as you can acknowledge it, have gratitude and contribute when you can help those less fortunate 🙏🏽

That's all I have to say.

All in love,
albeit, a little triggered… ❤️

25/07/2021

This video was created as a backhanded compliment, but I don’t care because I walked the walk.

Too often in this country people are torn down for stepping up. The infamous ‘Tall poppy syndrome’ that plagues our country.

People try label it as “I am humbling you” but I don’t need you to humble me.
Life has humbled me,
my upbringing has humbled me,
traveling the world has humbled me,
The Apprentice has humbled me,
my failures, heart ache and trauma have humbled me. 

What I need is support.
That is how people grow and succeed in this world.

Here is the really important part that so many kiwis don’t seem to understand.
The success of one kiwi is a success for us all because if they can do it, so can we!
It paths a way for opportunities that previously didn’t exist.
It proves it is possible and it brings more attention to ALL KIWIS.

Too many people try justify their “humbling” of others by saying “aw I just don’t want you to get upset if you fail”….
B**** please, natural failure is not a problem.
The problem is failing because you have been ripped apart from unhappy people who don’t want you to succeed because it makes them feel better about their own lack of success.

Its time this toxic side of our culture changes, and you mark my words, WE are going to change it, because it has a huge part to play in our countries negative mental health culture.

We are no longer stuck on an island at the bottom of the world so it’s time we as a country lose this engrained mentality that there is only a limited amount of opportunity and success.
THE WORLD LOVES NEW ZEALAND!!!
So lets bind together and show the world who the F*** we are!

It’s time to be confident, and most importantly, supportive.

Thank you .official for creating this video and providing an opportunity to talk about this important topic. Hopefully the person who made it can read this too.

To all those who have sent messages of support, I see you 👁👁

Let’s bind together, because we are here to create change 🙏🏽♥️

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
“Let us keep close together, not far apart”

22/07/2021

What a wild ride!

I don’t know if most people realise that we filmed alternative endings and I found out the result of The Apprentice live with the whole country.

I was sitting beside the Queen herself when we both found out the result. I am truly happy for her and her family ♥️
We experienced a wild ride together and I am so grateful it was with such a beautiful soul.

To lose the final in front of a live crowd was a pretty intense experience, so I want to say a special thank you to my tribe who showed up on the night and were there to pick me up off the ground, dust me off and give me a hug.
♥️ I see you

Shout out to for helping me make a real thing. I couldn’t be here without you brother.
♥️ I appreciate you

Lastly, to The Buzzy Crew who support me on these wild rides I keep embarking on, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have helped me strive for more and given me the energy to rise up every time I fall.
Please help me rise one more time 🙏🏽 

I need your support to get RUDE coffee off the ground. 
A way you can contribute for free is to follow
And if you would like to help me get started RUDE coffee is on pre sale now! Simply go to the website 🙏🏽♥️

The more of a success I can make RUDE coffee, the more good I will be able to do in this world.
I am here to create positive change, but I can’t do it alone and I need to learn to ask for help ♥️
I need your help 🙏🏽

Arohanui, much love

21/07/2021

Sit down and join me for a kōrero

Thank you all for your support. It truly means the world to me.
I am sorry I have not replied to anyone yet. I needed some time to process everything.

I have also been working behind the scenes to create the coffee product I pitched on The Apprentice.
I took on the advice and teachings from the experts and re branded from the original NOO coffee to RUDE coffee, which is now on pre-sale so go check it out Rude Health Coffee

Now that I haven’t won the $50k I need your support to get this off the ground, grass roots style.
So if you want to support me, please go check out the website and pre purchase some RUDE coffee so you can be the first to try it.

Thank you TVNZ 1 for the opportunity,
Thank you for teaching me so much and trusting me.
Thank you to The Buzzy Crew for supporting me through thick and thin. I see you!

I have so much to be grateful for and I just need some time to recover and come back even stronger.

Congratulations , I am truly happy for you and your family. I know the money will be greatly appreciated. You are a genuine person and I am proud to call you a friend.

To all the cast, we will be connected forever. Only we know what truly went down on this journey and it is definitely a story for the record books. We will reminisce and laugh about this for years to come.

This is only the beginning.
Please help me out with Rude Health Coffee so we can continue making social change.
Arohanui, much love ♥️

16/07/2021

Representing the South in the top 3 🇳🇿

The only South Island candidate in The Apprentice Aotearoa wants to show to the rest of New Zealand small-town people "have what it takes"....

14/07/2021

Proud southerner, through and through, representing all the small-town kiwis with worldwide dreams 🙏🏽🇳🇿

THE only South Island candidate in The Apprentice wants to show to the rest of New Zealand small-town people “have what it takes”. Invercargill man Stephen McDowell is one of the top three left in the television show and next Tuesday he will find out if he is the winner, after weeks of challenge...

14/07/2021

Pride of the south 🇳🇿🙏🏽

Stephen McDowell believes his humble beginnings in Invercargill have given him an edge as he sits in the final three of The Apprentice Aeotearoa.

12/07/2021

😂😂😂 could be worst things to get roasted for 🤷🏽‍♂️

20/06/2021

The contestants on The Apprentice Aotearoa are getting feisty.

26/05/2021

Let’s play a game…

Look into my eyes and tell me what you see? 👁👁

📷:

16/05/2021

My right hand man ♥️�They say a picture is worth 1000 words…
Well this series of pictures explains our friendship better than any amount of words could 🤣
Thanks for having my back as I got naked and modelled on national television 🙏🏽
I couldn’t have done it without you 😘


Monday, 8.30pm
TVNZ 1 or On Demand
See you there 😉
✨

@ New Zealand

09/05/2021

Tomorrow is the big day!!! 🥳

The debut of 🖥 and you will finally get the chance to meet this truly unique and world class cast 👌🏽
And trust me, we bring the heat for real 🔥😬😂

The journey we have been on together is a once in a life time kind of experience and for that, no matter what happens from here on, we will always be a family of misfits and I love you all ♥️
�It’s time to show New Zealand who we are 👊🏽
Monday, 8.30pm, TVNZ 1 & On Demand
To quote the famous words of Director Jon Wild,
“It’s gonna be a doozy”💥
WE ON!!!

Do you recognise anyone else in the cast?

P.s a few cast members are missing from the photos�
@ New Zealand

02/05/2021

And the news articles begin....

OPINION: The Apprentice casts for talent and success, but that's never what reality TV is about.

02/05/2021

01/05/2021

I told you it wasn’t over 😉
I’m only just getting started,
And I’m back with a vengeance!🔥
�Time to break down some societal stereotypes and show Aotearoa who I am and what I stand for! 🇳🇿

Kia ora my name is Stephen McDowell, aka The Buzzy Kiwi, and I am competing to be the next Apprentice Aotearoa 👊🏽

And I would truly appreciate your support as I embark on this wild journey 🙏🏽

All in Love ✨

First episode 8.30pm, Monday 10th May on TVNZ 1 and OnDemand ✌🏽

@ New Zealand

29/04/2021

Buzzy crew, this is for you 👁👁
We have been on one hell of a ride together!

The Buzzy Kiwi started as a bright-eyed young backpacker bouncing around the world on as little money as possible, because that’s exactly what I was doing.

My social media has always been simply my true life,
and in a world that portrays only the highlight reel version, those who have followed me for a long time can attest that I’ve shown both the highest highs and the soul crushing lows along the way.

From a glance my life may look like rainbows and butterflies, but those on this journey with me know who I am, the struggles I’ve come from, what I’ve sacrificed, how hard I’ve worked and how many times I’ve been knocked down and risen again to be here right now.

Some of you will remember those few months where one of my closest friends passed away, I had issues with my partner so moved in to a garage with my friend, then got robbed two different times and lost 90% of everything I owned, chuck in the numerous times my car was broken into and then finally written off by a motorbike crashing into the side….🙄😂🤦🏽‍♂️

And I shared it all because I wanted to make sure I was always being authentic and honest with you.
Throw in losing my close friend to mental health, covid-19 ending my world travels and committing 150% to the referendum which was also a negative ending…
It’s been a rollercoaster.
�Yes I am privileged in so many ways and forever grateful and aware of that privilege, but the universe has also kicked my ass over and over again my entire life.
It’s been difficult but I believe it’s shaped me to grow in to the person I need to be to fulfil my life purpose, which is to help people.

The deeper you go emotionally within yourself, the more empathy and experience you have to share with others.
You have seen me laugh, cry, scream, shout, breakdown and rise back up…
You know who I am,
You have seen my soul.

So I ask you to please have my back as I take the next giant step on this wild ride,
Because things are about to get a little crazy…�You didn’t truly think it was over, did you?! �I’m only just beginning 😉
So buckle in Buzzy whanau ♥️🙏🏽💫
-
📸:

18/04/2021

I'M BACK!
and I know what you’re thinking,
where the **** have you been??? 😂

To put it simply, I have been sorting out my personal life because committing myself to the referendum financially crippled me.
So I took some time off social media because creating content was a full-time job that consumed my life.
I then directed my time into learning and investing in cryptocurrency so I could create income.
If you haven't researched crypto yet, I would strongly recommend you do 👍🏽

I have also been on a personal journey to reinforce who I truly am at a core fundamental level and what I want to do with my future.
I have had truly life-changing experiences since I have been gone and I finally feel grounded and stable to return to the online world and continue my purpose of having a positive impact on people, community and culture.

I have been in a great daily routine of breathwork, meditation, yoga, gratitudes and manifestation, which partnered with a social media detox, I have been able to get into a flow state I haven't felt in a long time.
The next step is integrating social media back into my life in a healthy way and I am so excited to say, now is the right time.
There are so many things I want to talk to you about but I will leave those for future posts, because I’M BACKKKKK!!!!
I’m finally back!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me all this time
I see you
I appreciate you

Life is good and I am so grateful for you 🙏🏽♥️
All in love Buzzy whanau