Iain's Blog

Be ready for bird flu

If you’re one of the thousands of New Zealanders who own backyard chickens or keep birds as pets, now is a good time to get ready for bird flu in case it arrives here.

How to Make an Adjustable Cookbook Stand

With its sliding base, this stand can snugly hold any recipe card, tablet or cookbook – no matter how chunky or slim. Choose your favourite colours to ensure it is the perfect match for your kitchen or as a great gift idea. Plus, when it’s not in use, you can easily store both parts flat!

Too Good to be True?

We are on the cusp of a once-in-a-decade influx of properties on the market. Nathan Miglani, Director of NZ Mortgages, explains.

The Future of Happiness

Dr Cheryl Doig explores why a holistic approach, when it comes to educating, parenting and governing should be considered.

Easy, Delicious Chinese

Sam Low demystifies modern Chinese cooking with his collection of accessible, simple recipes that can be cooked with ingredients from the supermarket, ensuring you are reaching for the shopping list and not the takeout menu!

Working from Home? Top tips for insuring your set-up

Whatever your work situation, here are some valuable insurance tips to help safeguard your home office.

Do the Swab

New Zealand is nine months into the roll-out of a new cervical screening programme which includes a self-swab as an initial step. Dr Pip Shirley explains how this simple test aims to reduce cervical cancer cases.

Knitting it all Together

In Orbell Street, Sydenham – once a hub for textile manufacturing in Ōtautahi Christchurch – most of the knitwear factories have long since closed. One of the last remaining is Weft Knitting Company. We meet the company’s tenacious founder Hugh Douglas, whose influence and impact extends well beyond the factory walls.

Easy, Affordable and Cute as Pie

Hannah Porter’s relatable personality is connecting with parents with her online children’s store Bear & Moo providing a vibrant line of cloth nappies, clothing and more, with quality and affordability at its heart.

For Everyone and Every Body

Within five minutes of meeting Anna King I am hooked – I feel the need to roll out my mat and get back into Pilates.

Designed and Built, For You

Building a home with character that mirrors the homeowner’s own personality and lifestyle is what David Reid Homes Canterbury is all about.

For the Common Good

When a group of mates wanted a mountain biking clubroom that doubled as a brewery, the vibes were bound to be good. While the original scheme has evolved, the outcome is a charming hub; a place for community to converge in a common place, revelling in tempting food, independent shopping and a welcoming ambiance

Confidence on the Rise – The Property Market in Christchurch

NZ Mortgages Managing Director Nathan Miglani offers an insight into where the property market is heading and why stability is a reason for confidence.

The Gentle Goliath of the Ocean

Capable of diving more than two kilometres beneath the surface, the sperm whale (parāoa) has the largest brain of any creature to have lived on Earth. Though widespread, the waters off Kaikōura remain one of the few places worldwide where these elusive creatures are found close to shore year-round.

Meet our School Leaders 2024

Our annual education special brings you a unique insight into those leading some of our most prestigious schools and the visions they have for their school community in the year ahead.

Family Favourites Recipes with Peter Timbs Meats

Nothing says love more than a delicious hearty dinner, and these mouth-watering dishes from Peter Timbs Meats are the perfect solution for those seeking ideas for what to cook Mum this Mother’s Day – or for those simply looking for something easy and hearty to enjoy on these cooler autumn nights. You can’t go wrong!

A Celebration of Friendship

In the enchanting world of children’s literature, a new book has emerged to captivate young hearts and minds.

A Farming Dream

All you have to do is ask, and someone will teach you a few things about farming. That is the advice of 21-year-old Angus Grant, who grew up in Christchurch and has wanted to be a farmer since he was barely out of nappies.

The Art of Limewashing

Transforming walls into works of art, Resene’s FX Paint Effects – used to create a limewashed finish – offers a timeless and elegant way to add character and depth in any space, with its unique ability to create a soft, mottled texture reminiscent of aged plaster.

Advice for Staying Safe Online with Abbott Insurance

In today’s hyperconnected world, social media is an integral part of our daily lives. Matt Hantler from Abbott Insurance Brokers shares a social media survival guide to keep you, and your loved ones safe.

A loss is a loss, no matter how early

Across both public and private practice, Dr Greg Phillipson treats many women who have to cope with the devastation of recurrent early pregnancy loss. Seeking answers quickly can help to make sense of the emotions.

Heading in the Right Direction – The Property Market in Christchurch

It is time to be positive. NZ Mortgages Managing Director Nathan Miglani offers an insight into where the property market is heading this year.

Education on the Move

Education is ever-changing and 2024 is set to be even more dynamic. There are many colliding signals of change which interact and add to the complexity our young people face today. Dr Cheryl Doig explains.

A Celebration of Longevity And Creativity – Akaroa Art Gallery

Just a stone’s throw from the main street of Akaroa is a powerhouse of a building – the Akaroa Art Gallery . A community-run enterprise that in April this year celebrates a milestone achievement.

Anything but Ordinary – Art Fetiche

While what Ōtautahi company Art Fetiche offer and produce for clients is certainly out of the box, their passion, creativity and big thinking is what sets them apart. Brent Brownlee, wife Raylene and business partner Ben Lakin make a formidable trio, leaving a visual legacy everywhere they turn.

A Passion For Healing – Earth Wellness Sumner

A tumultuous health journey teamed with a passion for wellness has seen Kate Perriam lovingly create Earth Wellness - a haven of tranquillity and healing in Sumner to serve those who are looking for answers outside typical biomedical treatments.

Fill the Tin Recipes with Vanya Insull

With back-to-work-and-school upon us, what better time to fill the tins with easy and delicious on-the-go baked delights from the wonderful VJ Cooks .

A Spotlight On Harbour Street Jazz & Blues Festival

Ōamaru’s Harbour Street Jazz & Blues Festival has become a centrepiece on the Waitaki District events calendar. So mark it in your diary, Friday 22 – Sunday 24 March, and we will see you there!

The Power Of The Pelvic Floor

Most commonly associated with childbirth and ageing, incontinence can have a major impact on quality of life. But as Dr Geeta Singh explains, there are options for limiting the leakage.

Get on Top of Underinsurance with Abbott Insurance

Underinsurance is a trap for business owners and individuals alike. So, how do you know if you’re underinsured and what can you do about it?

Functional, Beautiful, Sustainable – Mt Nicholas Merino

Mt Nicholas Merino are on a mission to share their ethos for an environmentally responsible way of life well beyond their remote farm gate with the launch of their product range. A collection designed to complement their already highly sought-after yarn.

How to make a Drinks Cabinet with Resene

Transform an old bedside table into a retro-style drinks cabinet using Resene paint to ensure your fav tipple, glassware and cocktail-making tools are displayed in style. Penny Newton from Crafty Girl Life Hacks shows us how!

Snippets – Feb/Mar 2024

Bite-size pieces celebrating local happenings, events and news.

Barbecue Veal Chop with Mustard and Jus

Jack Burgess, head chef at Odeon Restaurant Christchurch has been using Pearl Veal for over a year and says he loves the product, produced by Pearl Pastures. The meat is young beef, out of Synlait dairy herds, reared with a very natural diet and grown to around 300kg before its first birthday.

Akaroa’s Mt Vernon Lodge: Where privacy meets beauty

With views out to the harbour and surrounded by native bush, Mt Vernon is perfectly poised to allow guests the opportunity to host an event, enjoy all that Akaroa has to offer, or to simply sit back and relax.

Poised for Change – The Property Market in Christchurch

With a change of government, NZ Mortgages Managing Director Nathan Miglani reflects on what it means for the property market.

The Veal Deal with Pearl Veal

Where others saw the issue of bobby calves in the dairy industry as a serious concern, Alan McDermott and Julia Galway saw opportunity. To produce world-class pasture-raised veal.

In the detail – LOC Construction

Attention to detail is key in a home build, but for LOC Construction, precise detail down to the exact millimetre is what makes them stand out in the luxury residential architectural building sector in Canterbury..

Gardening in Summer with Flora

As the garden bursts into full bloom, resident expert Flora Brons of Flora Grow offers some guidance around what needs to be done.

Protecting Your Business with Abbott Insurance

Bret McNulty, commercial insurance broker at Abbott Insurance Brokers Christchurch , offers some tips to prevent retail crime and ram raids.

Julie Wightman – design with meaning

Julie Wightman is passionate about design, fashion, sustainability and most importantly colour. For her, it all comes back to colour.

Concrete in the Wash with Resene

Imparting a variety of nature-inspired hues, the Resene ConcreteWash range allows you to achieve semi-transparent colour changes on a wide range of concrete surfaces, both indoors and out. Resene Colour Consultant Brooke Calvert explains.

Re-engaging with Ngai Tahu culturally

Dr Chris Jansen sets out on foot to re-engage with the Ngāi Tahu cultural narrative in Canterbury.

Snippets – Dec/Jan 2024

Bite-size pieces celebrating local happenings, events and news.

Party Plates with Michael Van de Elzen

With the summer entertaining season upon us, Kiwi chef Michael Van de Elzen has us covered with these delectable dishes – the perfect inspiration when it comes to ‘bring a plate’ dining.

Sex: Solving an Uncomfortable Problem

Painful sex is more common than people think; in fact Dr Angela Beard sees patients with this complaint daily. She says the reasons for it can be wide-ranging and will depend on a woman’s age and stage.

Are You Cyber Wise?

Abbott Insurance Brokers’ Russell Power believes anyone in business should consider cyber insurance a standard cost of doing business in a digitally connected world.

Not all Doom and Gloom

There is light at the end of the tunnel for interest rates and opportunities for first-home buyers in need of a deposit. Nathan Miglani, Managing Director and Head of Lending at NZ Mortgages explains.

A Little Bit Naughty

With summer upon us what better time is there to get kitchen-creative and indulge in some brunchy delights from Christchurch’s own viral culinary queen Kitty Williams – known for her viral posting of a ham and cheese scroll recipe during the national lockdown of 2021.

Skillfully Simple – Earl Restaurant

Tom Newfield, founder of Christchurch’s iconic Earl restaurant , is passionate about creating a relaxed vibe for his diners, with an ethos that dining out should be about atmosphere, service and wine, as well as exceptionally good food.

Half-Arsed Stops Here

The thought of your loved one lying in the ditch in the dark, pinned down under a quad bike, drifting in and out of consciousness waiting for help is a common fear of many with family, friends and colleagues working on-farm in New Zealand. A recent campaign to curb the ‘she’ll be right attitude’ has emerged at a crucial time for farmers under pressure.

Snippets – Oct/Nov 2023

Bite-size pieces celebrating local happenings, events and news.

How to make a plant stand out of an old chair

Spring has sprung, so there’s no better time to get handy and build some garden furniture to display your favourite blooms, while adding a splash of colour to your outdoor area with Resene paints. Penny from CraftyGirlLifeHacks shows us how using a couple of old drawers and a chair!

A Buzzing Success – The Little Honey Co

A passion for apiculture and a creative drive has seen a family honey business evolve from an entrepreneurial dream to a sweet success in Mid Canterbury.

A Backcountry Voice – Jan Finlayson

Jan Finlayson is an advocate for outdoor access and after years of leadership and advocacy, her contribution has been awarded with an Outdoor Access Champion Award. However, there’s more to Jan that just paper roads!

The Magic of Gardening with Flora

It’s that special time again when everyone gets the gardening bug, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. Labour Weekend is on the horizon and the silly season is fast approaching, and the garden has sprung to life! Flora Brons of Flora Grow provides a helping hand for where to start.

Think you’ve got endometriosis?

Affecting 10–15 per cent of reproductive-age women, endometriosis is a painful disease that commonly causes fertility problems. Gynaecologist Dr Angela Beard breaks down the steps to take if you suspect you may be a sufferer.

Keeping Future Generations in Mind

Dr Cheryl Doig reflects on her recent time with Welsh Commission for Future Generations Sophie Howe and what it could mean for New Zealand … is it time to lower the voting age?

Celebrating & Recording Our History with Blue Plaques NZ

You may have noticed Blue Plaques popping up on buildings and sites across the country. These plaques are a project run by Historic Places Aotearoa to identify historically significant buildings in New Zealand, and display the name of the historic place and a brief history.

Schools in a Buzz

Hayley Guglietta and Lesley Davidson-Hurst boast contagious enthusiasm for bees, leaving those they touch buzzing with inspiration to care for our precious pollinators.

Gregarious Green Trends with Resene

A harmonious shade that is bang on trend, Resene Design Advocate Brooke Calvert provides some expert advice when it comes to this complex, yet surprisingly versatile colour.

On The Shelf – Aug/Sept 2023

Book reviewers Belinda O’Keefe, Norma Geddes and Lucinda Diack have been busy reading up a storm. Here are their top picks of the moment. Which is your favourite? Reviews by Belinda O'Keefe, Norma Geddes & Lucinda Diack

Only One Way From Here

Are we at the bottom of the market? Nathan Miglani, Managing Director and Head of Lending at NZ Mortgages ponders the question at the forefront of many minds.

Unlocking the Talent of Rural women

Agriculture’s glass ceiling appears to be cracking as the number of women entering academic studies at Lincoln University surpasses men, and it’s been trending this way since before the pandemic.

From the Ashes – Thirsty Acres

The Alve family have relished the opportunity to transform a local country tavern into something unique and special – a beautiful local destination with service, hearty honest food and a genuine passion for the local area at the heart of their operation.

The Place to Race – Race Tekapo

The majestic mountains, cosmic night skies and milky blues of the glacial lake have burrowed deep into the soul of Race Director Kerry Uren.

Makeover Brings Smiles

Timaru’s Arvida Strathallan community has plenty to celebrate with the reopening of their renovated hospital-level care household.

Spring Gardening with Flora

Flora Brons of Flora Grow takes us inside her gardening world and guides us through what needs to be done to get our gardens shipshape for spring.

Rural meets Style – Hide and Seek Clothing

Penny Williams’ story began in true, old-fashioned Kiwi spirit: with a bit of innovation, design flair and DIY. Now her business Hide & Seek Clothing has bloomed beyond her wildest dreams.

Your story – Travel Marlborough

With crisp mornings and warm, sunny afternoons, springtime in Marlborough will have you spellbound. We explore where to eat, play and stay.

Gluten-Free Deliciousness with Cherie Lyden

As a coeliac and qualified nutritionist, Cherie Lyden ’s greatest joy is finding ways to create deliciousness without the magic elasticity of gluten.

A Better Way – Managing Painful Periods

Shining the spotlight on heavy and painful periods, gynaecologist Dr Angela Beard wants to empower women of all ages, but especially our young wāhine to know that ‘suffering through’ isn’t the answer.

Beware of the Sound Bites

As we approach the election, sound bites and pithy one-liners are constantly capturing media attention, ramping up debate and attracting click bait. It is the time for all of those interested in education to beware. Dr Cheryl Doig explains..

Are We Nearly There Yet?

The Reserve Bank’s view is that inflation is still ‘too high and persistent’, but how much longer will the interest rate hikes continue? Nathan Miglani, Managing Director and Head of Lending at NZ Mortgages , discusses what lies ahead for the housing market.

Nutrition from the Sea – United Fisheries

Sitting across the table from Kypros Kotzikas it is hard not to get caught up in the passion and vibrancy he has for life. At 79 years of age he is far from slowing down; in fact his retirement projects are bigger than some people’s careers!

From Seascapes to City Escapes – A Long Weekend in Dunedin

From the city to the seaside, Ōtepoti Dunedin is scenic in all seasons no matter the environment you find yourself in. From revived heritage buildings that have been refitted into carefree cafés to expeditions through museums or onto the wild beaches of the peninsula, every inch is worth exploring when you visit, whether it’s for an event or a city break.

Selling Your House in Winter

Winter blues? Maybe not! There are certain market advantages to selling in winter, Real Estate agent and local property expert Keith MacDonald explains.

Changing the Conversation – Harriet Bremner Pinckney

Harriet Bremner Pinckney is making a difference when it comes to changing the conversations about farm health and safety, and wellbeing – one children’s book at a time.

How-to Upcycle a Bedside Table into a Cat Bed

Upcycling furniture is a great way to flex your creativity and salvage a piece of furniture from landfill. Using Resene paints, wallpaper and a few tools, Penny Newton from Crafty Girl Life Hacks has created a comfy bed out of a set of unloved drawers that your moggy will love!

Mighty Flavours – Winter Recipes

Practical, hearty and delicious, these winter-warming recipes will have your family begging for seconds, every time!

The garden never sleeps! Jobs to do in Winter

Flora Brons of Flora Grow is here to guide us through the autumn months in the garden. It is going to be busy!

Designed with Love – Blank Space Fairlie

No longer just a pit stop for the passing tourist, Fairlie has become a destination for the discerning shopper. Ben Dobbs takes us inside his newest space.

What is Your Nutrition Regime?

Who taught you how to eat and drink? And how do you decide now what to consume? Mostly importantly, why does it matter? Registered Nutritionist Stephanie Polson from upstatuss.com shares some informative advice when it comes to understanding what and how we eat.

Is Learning Still a Human Endeavour?

The conversations about artificial intelligence have accelerated recently, especially since ChatGPT came on the scene. Dr Cheryl Doig explains what it means in an educational setting.

Lost and Found – Land Search & Rescue New Zealand

From the archives we have a great read about the role LandSAR plays in our local community, as they celebrate 90 years of helping the lost, the missing and the injured.

Meet our School Leaders 2023

Our annual education special once again is designed to bring you a unique insight into those leading some of our most prestigious schools and the visions they have for their school community in the year ahead.

Predicting the Future in a Changing World

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in recent years, it’s that you never know what’s around the corner – the latest example being the weather events in the North Island. Nathan Miglani, Managing Director and Head of Lending at NZ Mortgages , discusses what lies ahead for the housing market.

Simply the Best – Makikihi Fries

For 40 years, the Bleeker family’s Makikihi Fries has produced its famed golden French fries from potatoes proudly grown locally in South Canterbury. Behind its success is a family-owned business founded on ingenuity, hard work, quality and taste .

Are You Pricing Your House Right?

Real Estate agent and local property expert Keith MacDonald shares an insight into the pricing process to ensure we are getting it right.

Towering Taonga – Christchurch Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush

Despite its urban location, in the heart of Christchurch Pūtaringamotu/Riccarton Bush is a vibrant forest alive with history, flora and fauna. As the last remnant of alluvial podocarp forest on the lower Canterbury Plains, it is filled with magnificent taonga.

Retro Revamp

Lisa and Toby Morse have transformed their 1970s Merivale townhouse into a chic new home, infused with playful personality and style .

Nourished by Nature – Ocean and Green

Ocean & Green founder Daneen Morgan educates us on the natural benefits of marine nutrition, helping us to optimise our health, vitality and radiance.

The Magic of Gardening – Jobs to do in Autumn

Flora Brons of Flora Grow is here to guide us through the autumn months in the garden. It is going to be busy!

A Little Bit of Magic – Mother’s Day Recipes

With Mother’s Day just around the corner we have been inspired to create the perfect afternoon tea picnic to celebrate Mum, another wonderful wāhine in your life, or even just to treat yourself! Happy cooking!

Kid’s Reading Corner Apr/May

Sara Shand from Emma's at Oxford is in the hot seat - sharing her top picks for kids’ and young adult titles. Happy reading!

What’s Hot – Trends with Resene

Resene Canterbury Design Advocate Brooke Calvert guides us through the must-have hues for the year ahead.

On The Shelf – Apr/May 2023

As the cooler months settle in we have some hot new reads to keep you entertained! Reviews by Norma Geddes, Julie McGrath, Belinda O’Keefe and Lucinda Diack. Happy Reading!

Tinder for Employment – Ag Assist

One Canterbury dairy farmer was baffled by local university students not taking up the endless job opportunities around them, and shouted a group of them a beer to find out why. The result was ‘Tinder for farming’ Ag Assist, a platform built for Lincoln University students that is now attracting stay-at-home parents to highschool students with flexible part-time work at the click of a button.

Looking for Light

Expect high interest rates to stay for some months yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel as inflation comes under control,says Mortgage Adviser and Owner of Loan Market Paramount, Nathan Miglani.

Maximum Flavour, Minimum Fuss

Resident latitude chef Samantha Parish knows what it is like to be busy, and in her new cookbook Cook Me she takes 30 dishes and presents each one three ways to create 90 lip-smacking recipes designed to carry you through those days when you need to slap it together, as well as those where you have the time to play the long game. Here is a sneak peek into two of her chapters ... enjoy!!

The Other Side of the Lens – Henry Hargreaves

After backpacking through Southeast Asia and strutting the catwalks of Paris and Milan, Henry Hargreaves found his bliss as a photographer in the Big Apple.

Competition in a Property Sale

Resident real estate expert Keith MacDonald from Harcourts Grenadier Real Estate provides some advice when it comes to navigating competition in a property sale.

A Taste Explosion at Peppers Clearwater Resort

With a menu described as a ‘gourmet tour of the region’ we delight in discovering restaurant Lume, at Peppers Clearwater Resort.

On The Shelf – Feb/Mar 2023

Whether you are beachside, poolside or enjoying some screen-free time in the campground, our team of reviewers (Lucinda Diack, Norma Geddes and Belinda O’Keefe) have some great books to keep you busy. Happy reading.

Solving The Cost of Learning Crisis with KidsCan

KidsCan is a frontline charity tackling child poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand. Founder and CEO Julie Chapman, who is guest speaker at this year’s Zonta Ashburton International Women’s Day Breakfast, says more children than ever will need help with food and other essentials so they don’t miss out on learning this year.

Hurunui – Hidden Gems Closer Than You Think

Next time you’re planning a holiday escape, why not enjoy the hidden gems that can be found close to home? You’ll be surprised just how far away somewhere so close can feel.

How to update a tired lampshade with Resene

If you’ve got a tired old lampshade, don’t throw it out – upcycle it in a few easy steps! Resene testpots are great for this project and with a huge range of colours it’s easy to find the perfect colour scheme to suit your house. Penny Newton from Crafty Girl Life Hacks shows us how.

Kid’s Reading Corner Feb/Mar

Sara Shand from Emma's at Oxford is in the hot seat to share her top picks for kids’ and young adult titles. Happy reading!

A Fresh Canvas – Stonehaven at Ruapuna

Transplanting some of the finest plants from a mature garden is never a task for the faint-hearted – lifting the root balls with a 20-tonne digger and transporting them nearly 40 kilometres to a new Canterbury garden takes the process to a whole new level of optimism and determination.

Literacy Matters

Our country used to be celebrated as a leader in the teaching of reading. Our standards of literacy were high, we could write in proper sentences, our handwriting was neat and we could spell. So what went wrong? Cheryl Doig explores.

Transitioning to a Diet Richer in Plants

How to build a better relationship with food, without the stress of restrictive eating. Nutritionist Stephanie Polson explains.

Biodiversity Among the Vines

While agricultural greenhouse gas emissions pricing has the longevity of farming sheep hotly debated in the efforts to meet our carbon targets, one Canterbury vineyard is using the animal New Zealand’s economy was built on to achieve their net carbonzero certification.

Kid’s Reading Corner Dec/Jan

With so many great kids’ and young adult titles out there, it helps to have a recommendation from the experts. Here are this month’s top picks from Telling Tales: Scorpio Children’s Books . Reviewed by Rebecca Jones.

Born in the Hills – Whistle & Pop

Bex Hayman is a whirlwind of vibrancy, creativity and passion. While she laughs that her pre-children singing career is currently on hold, in the last five years she has gone from strength to strength with her business Whistle & Pop.

The Magic of Gardening

Flora Brons of Flora Grow is here to guide us through the summer months in the garden. It is going to be busy!

Ethical, Functional, Beautiful – Jubee & Co

Meet sisters Hannah and Rachel O’Leary of Jubee & Co who are passionately and meticulously designing children’s clothing with an emphasis on quality, durability and timelessness.

Summer Day Recipes wth Ironclad Co.

Designed to do the heavy lifting for you, we put the Ironclad Co. cookware range to the test to inspire and delight your taste buds for the entertaining season ahead!

Loving the Rush – Amber Doig

From the first time she picked up a knife as a kid in New Brighton, Christchurch chef Amber Doig has found happiness creating food others will enjoy .

To Stage or Not to Stage

Home staging is often an under-considered option but can take a sale from good, to exceptional. Local expert Keith MacDonald shares his knowledge about the value of staging your home for sale and creating a strong first impression.

Fall in Love with Samoa

Dreaming of a seaside getaway ﬁlled with crystal-clear turquoise waters, stunning waterholes, lush rainforest trails and pristine reefs abound with marine life? Then look no further than the beautiful island of Samoa.

Giving Voice to Disability

The arrival of your first child is a life-changing moment for any new parent. However, when Fiona McKenzie’s daughter, Claudia, was born 24 years ago, Fiona’s life distorted into something barely recognisable. Thrust into a world of disability, Fiona, together with partner Steve Sutcliffe and later son Jasper Sutcliffe, have fought hard to provide Claudia with an ordinary life.

A New Strategy for Changing Forecast?

Fresh insights from an acclaimed economist demonstrate the need for a fluid strategy, says award-winning Mortgage Adviser and Owner of Loan Market Paramount , Nathan Miglani.

Something Fishy – Chenopodium detestans

With its smelly reputation and equally unimpressive looks, the critically endangered New Zealand fish guts plant will likely never make it on a tourism poster or a commemorative stamp. Still, this curious little plant deserves our attention.

On a Mission with Craig Fairhall

They’ve been part of the international sporting landscape for years. However, sports chaplains are a relatively youthful addition to the New Zealand scene, only arriving on our shores in 2011 when international teams brought their chaplains to the Rugby World Cup. Nonetheless, Sports Chaplaincy is a growing service within New Zealand and Reverend Craig Fairhall, sports-mad minister, is making a holistic difference in Canterbury.

Colour Thy Timber with Resene

As we head outdoors for summer many of us look to freshen up our exterior with a new look, or an update on the current. Resene colour consultant Brooke Calvert shares some expert advice when it comes to what not to forget – your deck!

An Inclusive Society

Described ‘the sharp end of vulnerability’, gender-diverse students are a vital group of young people for whom we need to provide a safe educational system. Dr Chris Jansen and the team at Grow Waitaha are working to support our schools to become more inclusive.

Classically Luxurious

Having moved to Christchurch from Seattle in 2012, international photojournalist and well-known fashionista Kia Dirkson jumped headfirst into Kiwi life. Her recent nuptials to Peter Sullivan are the ultimate cherry on the top and were celebrated in style while paying homage to her American heritage and the country she now calls home.

Congratulations to Tenor Oliver Sewell

Ōtautahi Christchurch tenor Oliver Sewell has been awarded the prestigious $50,000 Dame Malvina Major Award , at what he says is a ‘critical junction’ in his singing career .

Bringing Balance to the Land

The Blue House is one of those gardens you reflect on for some time. It is a newly established garden on the outskirts of Amberley that exudes a sense of calm: restful long grasses with colourful peaceful hues, country views, and the gentle sound of a stream babbling nearby.

The Law of Evolution

Twenty-one years ago, Mark Tavendale had a vision to do things differently in the law sector – an ethos that called for fresh, innovative and personalised problem solving, and prioritising the wellbeing of their team.

How to make a Colourful Corkboard with Resene

We know Resene paints are great for transforming our walls, but their testpots are also perfect for craft projects. Penny Newton from Crafty Girl Life Hacks (and latitude’s own digital marketing guru) shows us how to give a corkboard a new lease of life and transform it into a colourful edition to your home.

Accentuate the Positive

Award-winning Mortgage Adviser and Owner of Loan Market Paramount , Nathan Miglani looks at the upsides of the current market.

Toasting Success with Brew Moon

Serving up their first beer (the ever-popular Brew Moon Amberley Pale Ale) in October 2002, Belinda Gould and son Oscar McCauley reflect on 20 years of brewing. A success well worth raising a glass to!

Vampires of the Sea – The Lamprey

Scary reputation aside, the ugly yet noble lamprey has survived for millions of years but is now under threat nationwide. An important taonga species for Māori, it’s hoped new monitoring techniques will be able to shed light on their numbers locally.

Where the World Stands Still

Nestled between Akaroa and the sprawling hills of the Banks Peninsula lies Big Sky, French Farm – a hosted eco-stay offering heart-stopping scenery and sublime gastronomy.

Coming Full Circle – Preloved Clothing

Here’s a riddle and it’s no giggle. What is catastrophic when it’s fast and linear? Good when it’s slow and even better when it goes around in circles? It is the industry that puts clothes on our backs and pockets our cash with the seduction of what’s new, cheap and in fashion. Something has to change.

A Life too Good Not to Share

What can New Zealand farmers learn from Academy award-winner Matthew McConaughey? That ‘nature as a service’ is a billion-dollar industry that both parties can cash in on. We uncover the perfect fit between the aspirations of higher-value, sustainable tourism and the opportunity for Canterbury farmers to leverage agritourism to tell their stories better.

What Makes a Great Agent?

An experienced real estate professional can be invaluable in helping guide you through a property sale. Finding the perfect real estate agent is about finding a balance between knowledge, experience and communication. Local expert Keith MacDonald provides an insight.

A fusion of botanicals

With the long summer days just around the corner, I wanted to give you a little encouraGIN in the kitchen. Inspired by the makrut lime leaf flavours of Twelfth Hour Dry Gin, our resident chef Samantha Parish has developed some deliciously fun recipes with Asian flavours front of mind. Happy cooking.

A Field of Services – Canterbury Feed Assessment and Laboratory

Operating across the wider Canterbury region, Canterbury Feed Assessment and Laboratory has been delivering results to local farmers since 1998. We meet new owners Rory and Michelle Boleyn.

Calming Your Mind

Practising bite-size mindfulness consistently can help you to slow down, calm your mind and body, be more present and be grateful for what you do have in life, not what you don’t have. Health is about mental fitness as well, not just physical fitness. Wellbeing expert Ella Sidey explains.

Watching the Kererū Return

A search on water quality in New Zealand tells a game of two halves with good news stories often lost and landowners left feeling deflated that their efforts regenerating ecosystems, freshwater and biodiversity is falling on deaf ears. We shine a light on what progress a 20-year-old farmer-led organisation has achieved for their community and environment.

Beautifully Useful – Honest Wolf

Finding that balance between rural living and corporate career has been a challenge many of us have encountered and navigated. For Sophie Hurley, it has culminated in a fashion brand that has grown beyond her wildest dreams.

Bringing the Past to Life at Akaroa

Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories/Te Takanga o te Wā – the new history curriculum for school students – is generating an upsurge of interest in Akaroa and the special place it holds in our past. Local guide and ecologist Marie Haley is thrilled to be sharing the peninsula’s unique stories with young people and suggests there is no better place for a New Zealand history tour than Akaroa.

The Magic of Auction with Keith MacDonald Harcourts Grenadier

While there are many facets to successfully selling a property, auction is a sale method sellers should consider, no matter the market. Real estate agent Keith MacDonald explains.

Achieving Greatness Together – Loan Market Paramount

From a hard-working solo maverick to leading the best team in the business, Nathan Miglani of Loan Market Paramount is an award-winning mortgage adviser raising the standard of customer care.

The Joy of Independence – More Mobility

For the last 15 years, the team at More Mobility have been providing mobility and living solutions to Canterbury and beyond, but the dedication to their community goes far beyond selling mobility aids.

Naturally Fabulous – The Grumpy Merino

Just over a year ago we introduced you to Sarah Reed and her innovative brand, The Grumpy Merino . Fast-forward 12 months and this North Canterbury-based business has gone from strength to strength.

Farming with Power – Power Farming Ashburton

Power Farming Ashburton has been servicing the Mid Canterbury agriculture industry for over 10 years, but their dedication to the community goes a lot deeper than just selling tractors and machinery.

A Literary Legacy – Keri Hulme WORD Christchurch

Award-winning novelist and Kāi Tahu writer, the late Keri Hulme, spoke of how whakapapa defined her. The Bone People, her first novel, won her international acclaim after receiving the Booker Prize in 1985. Weaving together Māori mythology and European tradition with themes of love and violence, it remains one of this country’s most powerfully unique novels. Her literary legacy will be honoured at WORD Christchurch 2022 .

Keep Calm in a Cooling Market

It’s cooling off, and we’re not just talking about the weather, says Mortgage Adviser Nathan Miglani of Loan Market Paramount.

Keeping Canterbury Smiling – Peak Orthodontics

We talk to specialist orthodontist Dr John Perry from Peak Orthodontics about the importance of individualised treatment (be it with braces, clear aligners or a retainer) when it comes to achieving that perfect smile.

Breaking the Rules – The Wardrobe Stories

As owner-operator of clothing store Louis Who and the mastermind behind Waikuku’s Old School Collective , Lisa Willetts is a formidable force, passionate about slow fashion, a good frock and comfort.

Land of Glowing Skies – Rakiura Stewart Island

Rakiura Stewart Island is the ideal place to visit if you’re looking for adventure, scenery and serenity. Just make sure you take time to appreciate the island’s lifestyle and all that it has to offer.

Flying is in Their Blood – Air Safaris

Offering both fixed wing and helicopter flights over the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand, the Raywards’ passion for flying has propelled a successful family business, with three generations bringing Air Safaris to great heights.

More Than Just a Meaty Snack

Biltong is a popular snack to take hiking or tramping but for something different, here we are cooking with it! For the purposes of these recipes, to make it easier to work with, I whizzed my biltong to a fine crumb and from there, the options are endless. Trust me, you want to start thinking about biltong as much more than just a savoury snack on the run!

A Place to Gather and Grow – Phillipstown Community Hub

Not long after Phillipstown School was closed seven years ago as part of the Christchurch schools’ post-earthquakes reorganisation, the school site reopened as a community hub. Today, Te Whare Whānau Whānui/Phillipstown Community Hub is a thriving place that offers a warm welcome and a host of activities and programmes.

Kid’s Reading Corner Aug/Sept

With so many great kids’ and young adult titles out there, it helps to have a recommendation from the experts. Here are this month’s top picks from Telling Tales: Scorpio Children’s Books .

The Wild Man From Borneo – David Fox

David Fox’s career has spanned over half a century covering the wilds of Borneo as well as major residential projects in Canterbury.

Becoming Tangata Tiriti

Dr Chris Jansen opens up about his journey as a Pakeha New Zealander when it comes to understanding his identity as Tangata Tiriti .

On the Ice – Staveley Ice Skating and Curling Rinks

Tucked away snug against beautiful native bush, sits the Staveley Ice Skating and Curling Rinks . Established in 1951 by locals, the ice-skating rink has grown to include a pavilion, extensive parking, toilet block, lighting and music. There are now three rinks: two for skating and one for curling.

Is it the Right Time to Buy?

Rising interest rates might have the market on edge, but there’s plenty of good news for property buyers says Nathan Miglani, Mortgage Adviser with Loan Market Paramount .

Food as Thy Medicine

New Zealand’s history with restrictive legislation of alcohol and cannabis has been both flourishing and failing over successive governments. In the 1970s, both commercial vines and medical cannabis plantings were making great footsteps. Sarah Perriam highlights how one of these industries reached $2 billion in export value by 2020 and the other is racing to catch up.

Bringing Heart to Recruitment – Trinity Employment

You can’t help but feel inspired hearing Cassandra Slumskie speak of bringing heart to the recruitment sector, and the success that’s followed. Driven by a need to serve businesses and candidates with values and ethics, her refreshing approach has not only seen Trinity Employment thrive, but make plenty of waves in the sector.

Life of Luxury in Queenstown – The Carlin

A new high-end hotel in Queenstown is poised to be the go-to for the discerning traveller.

A New Vision in Surveying – Terravision

After 30 years of firmly establishing themselves in the Canterbury region and the South Island, one of Canterbury’s most well-known surveying companies is looking to the future.

We Teach the Future Together

When the world is in a state of constant disruption it is even more important to keep an eye on possible futures, for all businesses and communities as well as schools. Dr Cheryl Doig explains .

Dance Magic, Dance – Corey Baker

Kiwi work ethic and a love of performance has seen Corey Baker’s résumé grow from shovelling horse poo to choreographing the Commonwealth Games.

Timaru’s Young Entrepreneurs

A quiet revolution has been occurring in the South Canterbury town of Timaru. Despite Covid and the challenges of running a business, young entrepreneurs are moving into town and setting up shop.

Heroes are all Around us

Poor mental and emotional wellbeing affects the lives of many New Zealanders. Wellbeing advocate Nadine Hickman is on a mission to create positive change through her not-for-profit organisation, PEPTALK .

Kid’s Reading Corner June/July

With so many great kids’ and young adult titles out there, it helps to have a recommendation from the experts. Here are this month’s top picks from Telling Tales: Scorpio Children’s Books .

When Wisdom is Beautiful – Rhonda Stove’s 40+ Wise Women Project

On the surface Rhonda Stove’s 40+ Wise Women Project is both a brilliantly emotive marketing campaign and a creative way to attract business, yet it is also an ode to the collective power and beauty of mature womanhood. The project is ‘a celebration of all women aged 40 and above. A chance to tell us your story, share your insights, courage and beauty.’

Make Your Walls Talk with Resene

Colour, design and texture are guaranteed to add instant visual interest and depth to your interior. We chat to Brooke Calvert, Resene Colour Consultant, about where to start.

Ditching the Birds and the Bees

Raising and supporting kids is a minefield and when it comes to talking about sex we often wonder where to begin. Claire Millichamp from Side by Side Therap y offers some advice.

Fast, Fresh, Flavour

With winter upon us, these mouth-watering keto recipes from Belinda MacDonald’s new cookbook Flavourbomb are guaranteed to warm the cockles – and become fast family faves! Happy cooking.

Art in the Fast Lane – Jacob Root

This autumn, street artist Jacob Root (aka ‘ Distranged Design ’) swapped life in Ōtautahi Christchurch for an extended stay in Los Angeles, the city that first inspired his artistic career five years ago. We ask how he’s been making his mark on the City of Angels.

No Longer Lost Forever – The Mohua

Reintroduced over the past 14 years through a series of translocations, Canterbury’s inland valleys are again home to small populations of mohua (yellowhead), the sparrow-sized songsters with bright yellow heads and breasts that grace the $100 banknote, after fears they had been lost forever.

Seeing is Believing – Fiordland

Fiordland is a place where ancient and modern cultures collide. Where rugged pioneers left an indelible mark. Whether you are up for Great Walks, taking a sunset cruise along Lake Te Anau, or enjoying some proper Southern hospitality, Fiordland is truly a place so incredible you have to see it to believe it.

Good for the Planet, People and Profit

As the world goes back to the understanding that food is thy medicine, this pioneering family’s adventure sees them on the cusp of an exciting industry.

Going Neutral with Resene

Neutrals have such a calming style and are super versatile within any space. But going neutral doesn’t have to mean boring. Resene colour consultant Brooke Calvert explains.

Functional Keratin

Powerful, natural supplement keratin protein is essential for the development of healthy skin, hair and nails. Natalie Harrison of Christchurch’s Kiri10 explains what it is, and why we need it.

What’s Next for Housing?

The 2021 property market took the country by storm, surprising even the most seasoned spectators and instigating a raft of changes designed to take the heat off. So is housing still hot property? Loan Market Paramount Mortgage Adviser Nathan Miglani fills us in on what we can expect in 2022.

Meet our School Leaders 2022

Our annual education special once again features a combination of our head student and principal features, to bring you a unique insight into those leading some of our most prestigious schools and the visions they have for their school community in the year ahead.

Pink Deliciousness – Salmon Recipes

Rich, buttery and tender with clear white lines that run through the pink flesh like marble, salmon is a widely versatile produce that we should all embrace with more regularity.

The Plight of the Pohowera

Kaikōura’s Banded Dotterel Study continues to shine a light on the serious plight of New Zealand’s inconspicuous endemic shorebird, pohowera, which is being pushed towards extinction because of severe ongoing decline.

For the Love of Black – The Wardrobe Stories

This is the first installment of The Wardrobe Stories, where photographer Kerri Devine and Lisa Willetts, owner of fashion and homeware store Louis Who , take us beyond the front door and into the wardrobe.

A Magical Way to Travel

Covering 223 kilometres and traversing the width of the South Island from Christchurch to Greymouth, the TranzAlpine is travel like no other.

Not Just About Cars

John Hutchinson is a man with a passion for people, vehicles and giving back to his team and community. The recently opened redevelopment of the Team Hutchinson Ford showroom and workshop in central Christchurch is testament to that.

Living Life to the Full

At 84, Barry Gardiner is the epitome of what it means to live life to the full. With countless sporting achievements under his belt, including becoming a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, he shares his true passion for what he believes is the complete sport – Squash.

A Flax Mill in the Family

An old concrete building near Oxford stands tall like a weathered sentinel in a landscape of fields and quietly grazing sheep. Though built in the early 1940s, this is no former army bunker or military supplies depot. In fact, this old flax mill once served a wartime need for linen fibre. Through the intervening decades, its story has become interwoven with that of a rural Oxford family who have preserved its heritage and opened the building as a wedding and events venue.

Treading Lightly On The Earth

Nothing should get in the way of enjoying our outdoors, least of all uncomfortable shoes! Leading New Zealand family-owned business Nevada Sport are passionate about inspiring others to get into the outdoors, while caring for New Zealand’s great outdoors along the way.

Recipes for Freshly Picked Blueberries

Berry picking is one of my fondest childhood memories. I would spend it filling both my basket and tummy with copious amounts of the summer fruit and jumping into the car for the drive home with a pink schmeared grin that took days to wipe away.

The Allure of Waimate

Glorious days spent lakeside, picnics in the park with family, cocktails in the sun with friends, exploring the great outdoors ... however you like to spend your time, the Waimate District has something to offer everyone.

Is a Short, Sharp Correction on the Property Cards?

New Zealand’s overheated property market has shattered record after record in the past year, with house prices skyrocketing by close to 30 per cent in 12 months alone. But is a short, sharp correction on the property cards? Nathan Miglani, Mortgage Adviser with Loan Market Paramount fills us in.