Jo's Blog
What's on: Autumn 2025 highlights
Whether heading to new places or revisiting familiar favourites, L&L Collective members are focused on exploring with purpose. Whether on a girls’ retreat for connection; making memories with family; or taking part in a garden tour, they are travelling with intent. What event is calling you this autumn?
Reviews - Autumn 2025
We are loving the top picks from your reading and listening libraries.
It’s all About the Journey
As a school leaver, Gemma McCaw’s life took an atypical trajectory from that of your average Tauranga teen. While her mates were heading off to uni, Gemma was thrust into the world of international hockey.
Exercise is Medicine
When Meri Gibson received a call in 2024, she laughed and thought it was a prank. Instead, the four-time cancer survivor and impassioned dragon boater discovered she would be honoured as an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM), her mantra that ‘exercise is medicine’ acknowledged at the highest level.
Liquid Legacy
It is the tipple of choice for drowning sorrows, singing serenades and celebrating success, and no region better represents the journey of ‘grape to glass’ than the famed vineyards of Burgundy, France.
Amplifying Women
With a mission to amplify the connection between leadership, women, food and global sustainable goals, Lindy Nelson is leading the way to partnership and purpose, both at home in Eketāhuna, and in the agriculture sector.
Caramelised Onion & Blue Cheese Tart
There’s a lot to love about this tart. The silky-smooth, almost custard-like filling, the unctuous caramelised onions and the sharp, yet sweet blue cheese that finishes it off. Tarts are fantastic. They make great lunch or dinner fare and they travel well, making them perfect for picnics and potluck meals.
An Inside-Out Garden
Gardens are never created to be left, yet that time comes to us all. After half a century in a house they’d built, surrounded by large gardens created from scratch, Robin and Lynn Bublitz took a deep breath, downsized their possessions and waved their plants goodbye.
Driving the Dream
It has been 40 years since Marty McFly stepped inside Doc Brown’s time-travelling DeLorean, but the pop culture allure of the ‘Back to the 1980s’ DMC-12 remains as strong as ever.
From Grain to Glass
Otago farmers John and Susie Elliot have created a family-owned boutique distillery that offers something special – organic whisky and gin produced from their very own grain, fuelled by passion, pride and hard work. Words Belinda O’Keefe, Photos Rachael McKenna.
My Colourful World with Helen Bankers
My biggest inspiration for colour was from my mum’s mum, Josephina Maria – she wore colour, but never in a haphazard way. Blush lips, white blouse, with a beautiful flowing pink/red skirt, perhaps matching shoes. And all from the Salvation Army.
Herby BBQ Chicken with Noodles
The combination of herby green chicken, fresh crunchy vegetables and creamy coconut dressing is irresistible in this salad. My kids loved it so much they went back for thirds! Recipe, styling & photos Emma Boyd.
Nurtured by Nature
Finding a moment of peace and tranquillity can be easier said than done in a busy world – yet Amy Burke is on a mission to share her love of natural minerals and essential oils to allow us all to do just that.
Looking Back to See Ahead
Twenty years ago, founder and former editor Kate Coughlan and her small band launched this great magazine. In celebration of its 20th year of publication, we asked Kate to cast her mind back to its earliest days.
Pork & Fennel Meatballs
These pork and fennel meatballs were inspired by one of our conversations, a much-loved dish which they often cook for friends.
An Autumnal Tipple
While the weather scale is tipping towards cooler days and longer nights, we aren’t quite ready to trade the light, crisp notes of a cool glass of white wine in the sun for the richness of a red by the fire. Instead, Jo Cribb inspires us with her top tipples to carry us into the season ahead.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
This Mexican-inspired hot chocolate is lusciously thick and layered with notes of orange and cinnamon and just the right amount of heat from the chilli powder.
Pumpkin Risotto
The other night as I was preparing this risotto for our dinner, my daughter took off into the garden and returned with a handful of sage leaves which she carefully fried in butter and arranged for us on a plate to garnish our meal. This unfolding love of food is such a gift to witness and one I will naturally continue to foster!
No More Good Girls
Registered Nurse and Midwife Frances Green explains why the language of gynaecology and maternal health is changing for the better.
What’s Going On?
Want to get the best out of your backyard flock? NRM Nutritionist Stacey Cosnett shares some tips for troubleshooting.
Croissant & Dark Chocolate Pudding
Vanilla and spice-scented custard and chunks of dark chocolate are beautifully contrasted with flaky croissants in this delicious pudding.
Colour, Chaos & Boundless Positivity
Partners in work, life and parenting, Becs Caughey and Nick Brown are the yin to each other’s yang. We sit down with them to talk business, world firsts and life on the go in their beautiful North Shore villa.
Jellyfish & Compost
Lyndsey Fineran, Artistic Director of the Auckland Writers Festival Waituhi o Tāmaki, has the dubious distinction of being the first Life & Leisure interviewee to nominate a thoroughly unremarkable desk chair as her ‘best seat’. She promises she can explain.
Reimagining Fur
Designer Jane Avery is a passionate advocate for slow fashion and the skill and knowledge that surrounds her industry as a furrier. Holding the flame for the tradition in Aotearoa, she encourages us all to embrace wearing fur with confidence and pride.
A Homesteading Haven
Born and bred in Edinburgh, Scotland, Gillian Swinton came to New Zealand on an adventure – and never left. Turning a corner of Central Otago into a homesteading haven where the simple life has become very much the good life, she offers us an insight into where it all began.
My Corner of NZ with Katherine Mitchell
Growing up in Ōtautahi Christchurch before slowly creeping south over the last 20 years, Katherine Mitchell now calls Te Anau home, spending her days sharing adventures with others where the mountains meet the ocean.
A Sunny Life
Bri Woolnough’s 1986 BJ71 Toyota Land Cruiser has led to an abundance of adventures, a crash course in mechanics, and a whole new world of possibilities.
Legacy & Innovation
A capsule wardrobe is the cornerstone of sustainable, effortless dressing that transcends seasons and bucks fleeting trends. But where do you start? We sat down with the team at Untouched World, as they prepare to celebrate the brand’s 30th birthday, and they shared some sage advice.
Beautiful chaos
Helen Riley-Duddin’s story is deeply rooted in creativity and helping others. From her beautiful 120-year-old home in Ōamaru, she shares an insight into her ‘beautifully chaotic’ life.
Life is sweet
Nicci Richards wears many hats. When she’s out on her Taranaki dairy farm, it’s something warm or practical. For her role as a volunteer firefighter in the nearby town of Ōkato, it’s a protective helmet. But when she dons her hot pink top hat – that’s when sweet magic begins.
Handcrafted memories
In 1990 Susie Jamieson created what has become known as ‘the perfect accessory’ for family picnics on the farm and holidays at the lake. Her handcrafted bags became an instant hit with her friends and family and propelled her into a household name – ‘Susie’s’.
The Power of Tea
Whitney Nicholls-Potts laughs that ‘tea has somehow always been central to making things happen’ in her world. We talk to her about her inspiration and journey to establish her own tea brand and dedicated shopfront and studio space in Whanganui.
Confection Perfection
Twenty years ago, Life & Leisure stepped into the chocolatey world of Makana Confections, establishing our much-loved food producer profiles. Twenty years on, we sit down with current owners Brian Devlin and Carole Flowers.
A Love Story Among the Vines
The love story from rural Minnesota to a Martinborough river terrace bore the fruit of elegant award-winning olive oil and wine in the Te Muna Valley. As an evolution from a career in law and business, Margaret and Mike Hanson’s passion for the laws of nature became their next intellectual fascination at Blue Earth.
A Kaleidoscope of Colour
These curly-haired sisters bring a smile to your face with their bold, intricate metal forms made entirely from repurposed 44-gallon drums.
On Track
Sian Noble-Campbell, Kirsten Evans and Mary Mickleson balance their roles on farm, motherhood, teaching and so much more with their ‘side hustle’ – sharing their beautiful Matahuru Valley with visitors. Sian provides an insight into their daily juggle.
Pruning Know-How
Pruning can be a lot of work, so why do we need to do it? Farmlands Technical Advisor Laurence Frost says there are five main reasons why we should regularly prune our plants.
Walnuts and Roses
Over a century in the making, Julia and Dave Malcolm’s lovely home and garden at Swannanoa just 35 km north of Christchurch has developed a relaxed and quintessentially Canterbury vibe. Peaceful and productive, the property quietly reflects the hard work and attention to detail the couple have put into their private landscape since they moved here 24 years ago.
Pickling Delicious
Summer is a time when produce is abundant and is the perfect opportunity to make healthy, nourishing and easy-to-grab home-made ferments. We get some expert advice from Niva and Yotam Kay for safe and delicious fermentation.
My Favourite Things
Much-loved Kiwi author Danielle Hawkins shares her favourite things that make her life in rural Ōtorohanga that little bit easier.
Creative Portal
A deep fascination with the foibles and fancies of human nature keeps Robyn Malcolm in thrall to the make-up chair.
Grate Cheese
While there are no set rules when it comes to when to eat cheese or what to pair it with, we have some top picks from cheese royalty, Simon and Annabel Berry, on what to sample this summer. Their biggest piece of advice: ‘Experiment with different tastes, and be creative – this is where the fun begins!’
Predator and Prey
The release of a captive population of the rare Hamilton’s frog into the wild at Wellington’s Zealandia ecosanctuary has marked a significant milestone in the survival of one of the most endangered frogs in the world.
Life on the Road
Growing up in Rotorua, Kirianna Poole always dreamed of seeing the world, and now her whole life is one big adventure on the road.
Pick of the Patch
An innovative Whanganui couple adds a third protein to their farming operation alongside the production of beef and lamb. Bringing pumpkin seeds, pumpkin oil and pumpkin flour to the market is a labour of love.
Takes Two to Triumph
Two great car marques of the 1960s, Triumph and Volkswagen, keep their place in the hearts of this pair of car enthusiasts, though they are far from being the only makes in their garage.
Wild and Wonderful
With her feet in the tussocks, artist Jacqui Gibbs Chamberlain shares a busy farming life with husband Chris at their remote, beautiful Port Levy property on Banks Peninsula. In her studio, Jacqui’s imagination takes flight to places wild and wonderful. Words Kim Newth, Photos Alister Winter.
Honouring the Past
Kate and Levi Slavin have taken a ‘dying art form’ and given it a new lease of life with their cast-iron cookware collection.
The House that William Built
An early colonial home, the country’s finest private museum and a garden of significance attracts visitors to a peaceful inlet in the beautiful North. Words Kate Coughlan, Photos Tessa Crisp.
The Art of Storytelling
As film producer Jane Mahoney reflects on her life, there is one clear theme running through it – the art of storytelling. The visual collection of imagery to cohesively tell a story; to emote a reaction and create connection. Something she has achieved, without doubt, in her most recent and most personal undertaking.
An Unforgettable trail
Glentanner Station has been in the Ivey family for generations, with tourism entering the picture in 1978. Business was booming until Covid hit, when Helen and Ross Ivey were forced to pivot. The result was the development of one of the most magnificent short walks New Zealand has seen. Words & Photos Sarah Horrocks.
Sunshine, Patience & Love
Hawke’s Bay born and bred Perry Cornish is a whirlwind of advice, laughter and determination. It is easy to get caught up in his passion for the Coromandel salt farm he and partner Erin Mone have created, and once you try it, I guarantee salt will never be the same again!
Paradise Awaits in the Philippines
The Philippines is a nation of more than 7,000 tropical islands, a destination for trend-setting travellers from all around the world … but it seems New Zealand has missed the memo!
Oriental Splendour
The street view of Alan Watson’s home in Ashburton is relatively conventional: red roses, green lawn and a trailer in the driveway. However, this arrangement is a kind of teaser, to increase the element of surprise when visitors discover that concealed behind the house is an elaborate Eastern-style garden, complete with teahouse, maple trees, covered walkways, lanterns, arched bridges and a spectacular stone pagoda.
Unexpected joy
The psychology behind the colour yellow portrays it as a symbol of joyfulness, happiness and energy. It is a colour that brings a smile to your face. A colour that in the home environment is often shied away from – but one that can bring joy in the most unexpected places.
Regenerating through Collaboration
Farmer engagement is helping to bring back whio and kiwi to a pocket of the East Coast of the North Island, where local extinction of these species was a very real possibility only a few years ago.
Every Life Fully Lived
One of the country’s most nurturing and happy environments for people with learning disabilities owes its existence to a doting aunt some 80 years ago. Today, Hōhepa Hawke’s Bay, a not-for-profit organisation, continues to support people with intellectual disabilities with opportunities to grow and experience every life fully lived.
Weaving Together Threads of Ancestry and Identity
For Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa chair Paula Rigby (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu ki te Wairoa, Ngāi Tūhoe), leadership is fundamentally about respecting and empowering others and working together to nurture and preserve mātauranga Māori. Words Kim Newth, Photos Kelly Shakespeare.
Merino Memories
With wool at the forefront of so many in the fashion industry today, we reflect on one of New Zealand’s earliest wool fashion brands and delight in its origins.
The Rhythm of Nature
Drawing on their natural surrounds, Ben and Vanessa Dickie have combined enterprise and environmental stewardship to share their slice of heaven with others, creating a lifestyle that is perfectly in tune with their natural backdrop and values.
