Jaime Ridge

Early life

Ridge's parents are New Zealand rugby player and former All Black Matthew Ridge, and Sally Ridge. Growing up, Ridge was often in the public eye and appeared in gossip magazines.

Ridge was born in Manly, Australia, in 1993 and the family returned to New Zealand in 1997 so Matthew could captain the Auckland Warriors. Jaime lived at 10 Amiria Street, Saint Marys Bay (in 2013 the most expensive suburb in the city). In 1998 the Ridges built a 794sqm, 3-storey house at the address.

From 2004, Ridge lived at 41 Arthur Street, Freemans Bay, with her mother and her mother's fiance former Black Cap cricket player and businessman Adam Parore. After living in the house for two months, the family discovered numerous problems including rat infestation. The house was eventually demolished and a new house built in 2007.

To celebrate Ridge's 16th birthday in 2009, she and Sally went on a 'trip of a lifetime' to Paris, London, Los Angeles and New York.

Following Sally's split with Parore, she reportedly 'sought refuge' from former underwear model Nicky Watson. Eventually Ridge lived on Crummer Road, Grey Lynn in a 3-bedroom house purchased in 2011. In 2012 the family moved to the 13-bedroom Herne Bay 'boarding house' Sally was seen purchasing in their television show The Ridges. A self-confessed 'clean freak', Ridge found it difficult to adapt to her less privileged circumstances.

Career

In 2012, age 19, Ridge and her mother starred in their own six-part reality television show The Ridges, based around Ridge and mother Sally's everyday life. She was reportedly paid $24,000 for the series.

While the first episode debuted in the top five evening shows, the show quickly fell in the ratings. Despite the finale regaining viewers, in early 2013 TV3 announced the show would not be renewed for a second series.

Ridge did some modelling for the clothing company that Sally and Parore established in 2004 and describes modelling in print media, catwalks and music videos as a temporary side job. Along with Sally, Ridge is represented by agent Sara Tetro.

In October 2013 Ridge starred in her friend, New Zealand rapper PNC's music video When I Fall Asleep.

In February 2014, Ridge and mother Sally spoke out against online bullying following the death of New Zealand celebrity Charlotte Dawson. Previously, Ridge had publicly criticised an opinion article speculating as to the cause of Dawson's death. ONE News reported Ridge as being one of the most followed New Zealanders on social media.

In August 2014, Jaime collaborated on a jewellery line for women and men with local designer Lindi Kingi.

Family

In the first episode of The Ridges, Ridge claimed that while Sally and her were best friends, she hadn't spoken to her father in years. Ridge has expressed sadness at not meeting new half-brother London Ridge, father Matthew's son with current partner Carly Binding, former member of New Zealand girl group TrueBliss and solo artist. Ridge and Matthew had reconciled by early 2014.

Sally describes Ridge as very family-orientated, and having a lot of responsibility for younger brother Boston, and half siblings Astin and Mclane 'Chicky'. Jaime has voiced her intentions to have her own children young, to have a relationship with them like she has with her mother.

Education

After moving to New Zealand, Ridge was educated at Diocesan School for Girls. In 2010, she moved to Diocesan's brother school, King's College.

Ridge has been studying Law and Commerce at The University of Auckland since 2011. In The Ridges, Sally revealed that due to financial pressure following her split with Adam Parore, Ridge chose to go directly to university after Year 12, so Sally could save the over $20,000 annual fees charged to attend King's College.

In contrast to a perceived 'vacuous' personality and lack of intelligence, Ridge is a self-described 'nerd'. On The Ridges, both Ridge and Sally described Ridge as studious, and she is seen studying during a modelling job.

Charity work

During The Ridges, Ridge agreed to participate in a charity boxing match. The show covered Ridge training for 7 weeks with father Matthew's former-Warrior team mate Monty Betham. Already underweight Ridge was pressured to lose 5 kg in one week, dropping to just over 60 kg. The show culminated in Ridge winning the 'KFC Godfather of All Fight Nights' match against fellow TV3 reality television star Rosanna Arkle of The GC.

In November 2013 Ridge acted as the face of Dress for Success Auckland's charitable fundraiser sale The Great Designer Sale.

In August 2014, Ridge produced a piece of art for ANZ Daffodil Day Art Auction charity art auction. The proceeds of the auction went to the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Personal life

In 2011 Jaime dated 20-year-old Whangarei-born former Auckland Grammar School student, 2009 ASB Boys Hockey Young Sportsperson of the Year and Junior Black Stick Dwayne Rowsell. In January 2012 Ridge left Rowsell for rugby player and boxer Sonny Bill Williams. The couple ended their relationship by mid-March.

Josh Bloxham

Jaime's most current ex-boyfriend was New Zealand basketball player Josh Bloxham, who she has been dating since early 2013.

Bloxham was born outside of Christchurch, but Blenheim-raised. He played for Nelson College, and has played for the Nelson Giants from age 15. After twice being a member of the national Under-18 team, he was a member of the 2009 Junior Tall Blacks in Wellington. In 2012 he was named a member of the Tall Blacks. He was one of the youngest ever Tall Blacks at age 17.

The couple met in Auckland while Bloxham was playing for the New Zealand Breakers. Bloxham moved in with Ridge and her mother Sally in mid-late 2013, and accompanied Ridge, Sally, and Fenning to court against Sally's former partner Adam Parore in September 2013.

In 2014 he played for the Nelson Giants. In June 2014, Bloxham trialed for the Tall Blacks for the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain. He has also studied Accounting at Massey University in Auckland.